Hotwire is going through some changes, but not closing

Everybody settle down.
Here's a note I got from Hotwire's owner:

Hotwire is not closing. We will have a name change to Laughing Ladies Cafe on February 1, 2009. Our new website: laughingladiescafe.com will be up and running soon. As of Monday, January 12, 2009, we will be extending our hours until 10:00 pm to see if that help with sales. We have experienced a drop in sales due to the economy and the weather. As usual, we will continue to offer excellent coffee, pastries and food. We are working to improve our music offerings.

I presume this is good news for everyone who was worried that Hotwire was closing? And if you were one of those people, will you now be stopping by more often to help keep the business alive?

Link to all posts about Hotwire Coffee

Presidential election polling via 7-11 coffee cups

Who will be our next president? Only 7-11's totally unscientific coffee cup poll knows for sure! Here's the deal - when you buy a cup of coffee in a certain size to-go cup (can people who use refillable cups vote? I don't know), you can choose between Obama, McCain or Undecided. For some reason they don't seem to be keeping track of how many people choose 'undecided.' I wonder why? Anyway, here are recent photos (and current results) from three 7-11s in Shoreline. Photos were taken this past week.

On 5th Ave, across from the Crest Theater:
Obama 49, McCain 24

On 185th, near the Police Station:
Obama 65%, McCain 35%

On 15th, a block or so south of Safeway:
Obama 99, McCain 31

The official website for this campaign claims that, in 2004, the 7-11 coffee cup poll tracked identically with published national election results! Will that happen again? Only time (and your vote) will tell.

Link to: 7-Election 2008

Hotwire Coffee in North City now serving beer & wine

Hotwire North: 17551 15th Avenue NE, Shoreline

Local coffeehouse, Hotwire, announced in a recent newsletter that they now serve beer and wine, as well as coffee, snacks and WiFi. They have outdoor seating for those nice days we've been having recently; perfect for people-watching on 15th. And inside, you can use their computers to surf online, or watch one of the bands that sometimes perform there. Hotwire even has their own MySpace page.

Hotwire: Now Serving Beer & Wine

Hotwire often has live music on Friday and Saturday evenings

Click here to get a coupon you can use at Hotwire to get a second beer or wine at half price. The coupon is valid through Sunday, 7/27. Tell them you got it from the Ronald Bog Blog!

So, readers, what's your favorite coffee around town? Your favorite watering hole? Do you like the idea of coffee and alcohol both available at the same location? Drop a note in the comments section below (just click where it says "Comments") and share your thoughts.