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Luwak Civet

Luwak Civet

Who Decides If It’s A Moneymaker?

Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is the world’s most expensive coffee. Ripe coffee beans are ingested by a civet – a catlike animal indigenous to Africa and Asia. Workers go through the civet’s droppings to separate the chalky-looking beans. The beans are then dried, sterilized and processed into civet coffee, which supposedly has intense aroma and flavor. In Europe about 2 pounds of Kopi Luwak costs $700. Considering a civet can produce only an ounce of beans a day, this cat’s got your tongue if you’re a fan.

Hollywood is always looking for new movie ideas to attract fans, but many new ideas aren’t new. Successful movies have sequels and prequels. Books – like “Harry Potter” – and television shows – like “Land of the Lost”- have been made into movies. Video games have been made into movies such as “Hitman” that were too complicated for the general public. Theme park attractions such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” made it to the big screen. So did toys like “Transformers”. In 2009 Monopoly, Battleship and Candy Land are being turned into movies. It seems the movie industry doesn’t think board games will create the problem of “boardom”.

Obese passengers are an increasing problem for airlines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say more than one-third of Americans are obese. In 2003 the Federal Aviation Administration increased the estimated weight per passenger from 180 to 190 pounds including carry-on luggage. Nevertheless, the width of coach seats remains 17-18 inches. The FDA doesn’t regulate seat width. It requires passengers be able to sit belted with both arm rests down. United and Southwest Airlines have specific policies requiring obese passengers to buy second seats. With no U.S. laws protecting obese peoples’ rights, other airlines are weighing the problem.

However, more airlines are welcoming pets. Midwest Airlines allows some dogs to sit in passenger seats, while other airlines like Southwest allow small cats and dogs in approved kennels under the owner’s seat. The Federal Aviation Administration has no restriction on animals in the cabin. Service dogs for the disabled must be allowed on board and most airlines stow rabbits, birds and lizards in the cargo. Although profit-struggling airlines are happy to charge $75-$300 per animal per leg of a trip, pets are entitled to frequent flyer miles. Unfortunately, Midwest Airlines has been unwilling to transfer them to pet owners’ accounts – a pet peeve of customers.

About the Author

Knight Pierce Hirst has written for television, newspapers and greeting cards. Now she writes a 400-word blog three times a week. KNIGHT WATCH, a second look at what makes life interesting, takes only seconds to read at http://knightwatch.typepad.com