Like last night, I am pressed for time, and therefore cannot opine at the length deserved by the precious coffee bean. Still, I must confirm James Joyner’s statements that it is true, refined coffee culture has not come to Troy, Alabama where I once heard a local radio personality wax poetic over that “fine Beeline coffee” (Beeline is a gas station convenience store). (Montgomery, is another story, which is where I reside).

Yet, due to the twin miracles of internet shopping and the ability to ship good through the US mail, I can honestly say that some of the finest coffee in all of Troy, Alabama, nay, perhaps even in Southern Alabama itself, is brewed in my office. The aroma of a fine Brazilian Santos, Bucaramanga Colombian Supremo or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe regularly wafts through the political science offices at TSU.

For it is certain: coffee powers the academy.

(And yes, Joyner was well known for spilling coffee–ad exclusively in my office).

Note: This post was written “under the influence.” Indeed, look: my cup is empty, be back in a bit…