Starbucks' New Trenta Monstrosity Rolling out Nationwide

It's true! We told you last March about the testing phase of Starbucks' extra-large Trenta size; now word's come out that the 31-oz. beverages will be widely available.

Yes, this represents the further denigration of SBUX into a business catering to the lowest common denominator, but of course going the instant route with Via was really the point of no return in that regard. For anyone overly incredulous about this, let us remind you: Big Gulp, at 32 ounces, is still bigger; naturally, the Double Big Gulp, at 64 ounces, is even more egregious.

It's still being billed as "cold drinks only," but I'll stick with my "The customer is always right/Starbucks is the new 7-11" line of logic in thinking hotter drinks will follow within the year. The Trenta size will be about 50 cents more than a Venti according to reports.

Goodman's Bastard Machine Is Back; We All Win

America's most readable TV critic is relaunching at his new home. Tim Goodman, formerly the best reason to read the San Francisco Chronicle/SFGate Web site, is now the best reason to check out The Hollywood Reporter. His blog, The Bastard Machine, lives again in a slightly flashier form; do yourself a favor and check it out . . . HERE's his first post since relaunch (Jan. 4).

One of the Most Horrific Things In Existence

This 10th anniversary commemorative Sept. 11 coin is more of a slap in the face to those that dealt with 9/11-based hardships than anything else. How tacky.

When the Criticism Outshines What it Critiques

This essay on Savage Critics by Abhay Khosla may be the favorite thing I've read in months. No disrespect intended to Misters Morrison nor Burns; what I've read of the works Khosla dissects are good to very good. But the critique is just great reading, even, I suspect, for people only mildly familiar with the subjects.