Seeing, but not observing

Holmes, on more than one occasion, accused Watson of 'seeing, but not observing.' The first example of this is when Holmes asks Watson exactly how many steps are there from the 'ground floor' of 221B to their flat - on the so-called 'first' floor - English terminology - in the States we would say 'first' and 'second' floor. Watson has climbed the stairs many, many times, but he has no idea of how many. The answer, according to Holmes, is 17 steps. This is disputed by experts of Victorian architecture of the structures on Baker Street. But, let's accept it as canon.

Now, to the point. Every day, most of us hold a cardboard cup in our hands. Frequently, we place it on our office desk and stare at it for much of the day. We hold it out in front of us during conversations. And probably stare at it quite a lot. I am describing, of course, a cup of Starbucks coffee.

Now, without using the Internet to look this one up, tell me what the Starbucks logo is.

There are three acceptable answers, but only one is technically correct. A careful observation of the logo will clearly indicate the only really correct answer.

I will offer a tiny hint. It is not a deer or moose, as you might think by the name 'Starbucks'.

OK, one more good hint - it is a mythological creature.

Also, as a really last hint, the correct name of this creature begins with the letter 'M'. But even that hint is misleading, big time.

So, for now, have a nice cup of java, and remember that 'two' is better than 'one', in this context.

Click here for the answer

If you answered, ‘Mermaid’ or ‘Siren’, you deserve a nice cup of Starbucks joe. But, technically, the mythical creature is a ‘Melusie’' or 'Melusia'


Notice that the Melusie has noticeable breasts, a prominent tummy and a cute belly-button. But, most importantly, notice that she has two tails and a bit of a 'space' between the two tails and below the tummy. This drawing was designed to NOT be too explicit. But you get the idea. There was always a problem with the standard depiction of a mermaid, for most 'guys'. The melusie solves that problem.

In terms of the Starbucks logo, well, it has evolved over time, becoming less explicit with each iteration. Here is the current logo ...



Notice, however, the two 'strange looking' objects to the left and right of the mermaids head. Yep, the two tails of the melusie, suitably spread wide apart. Hmm, almost one behind each ear.

For an interesting, and entertaining, representation of this topic, check out the recent tween movie ‘Aquamarine’, featuring Rhinebeck's own Emma Roberts.




So, there you go. Have yourself a nice brew now.

Rich