"spelling bees" news and stories

As you probably know by now, Akeelah and the Bee is in movie theatres nationwide, and it's doing pretty well.

In case you didn't know, this film has been brought to you by Starbucks. Why would you know this? Well, from the annoying "spelling flash card" campaign currently cross-promoted at Starbucks nationwide, of course. Each Starbucks location has a series of hard-to-spell words -- "pteryodactyl," say, or "serendipity" -- taped up around the store.

Is it just me, or is this totally annoying? Media conglomeration is a fight I'm not going to win, but do I really have to see the word "clique" on a green three-by-five when all I want is a cappucino?

Even worse, do I have to look forward to other movies financed and promoted by other chains?

I can only imagine where this will go ...

Cinnabon presents Douglas and the Eleveated Blood Sugar Levels
Coke presents Grace and the Cavity
Applebee's presents Robbie and the Temper Tantrum He Threw Because Mom and Dad Wouldn't Let Him Go To Applebee's

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