“Why Didn’t I Think of That?!?” Department: the Starbucks (Coffee) Stopper

Also Known as “Splash Stick,” “Lid Sip Hole Plug,” & “Green Thing” (Just Don’t Call it a “Swizzle Stick”)

Want to know why you can get one of those “dip sticks” (my term) at Starbucks — but not at Caribou, Dunn Bros., or other coffee chain?

Starbucks has a patent on it.

Or more specifically, one of their customers does.

Adding salt creamer to the wound:  according to at least one Starbucks barista (server), the inventor made a fortune on it.

Invention #2

My other “Why didn’t I think of that??” invention: highway “median strips” — those things that make you think you have a flat tire when you cross the median or veer onto the shoulder.

How many of those do you suppose have been sold to state and federal highway departments?

Coming next:  “smart” median strips, that communicate with driver-less, high-tech cars.  I

See also, “Is That a Rorschach Ink Blot in My Starbucks Marble Cake?“



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