News to Note

Starbucks: My Brew Heaven?

If Starbucks is a part of your daily grind, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is giving customers a reason to reconsider. A portion of every cup of coffee helps to fund the corporate assault on marriage, the group says. To bring greater awareness to the company's ultra-liberal ties, NOM is launching an international campaign called "Dump Starbucks," targeting global business partners in particular. "We are today announcing a sustained public campaign calling on Starbucks to stop waging war against marriage, and the views of more than half its worldwide customers. Starbucks should be in the business of offering all its diverse customers a great cup of coffee, not taking sides against the views of its customers, vendors, and employees around the world."
The irony, of course, is CEO Howard Schultz's recent pronouncement that Starbucks is a post-political, post-partisan company. Of course, that turned out to be a grande exaggeration, since the franchise directly and publicly endorsed a bill to redefine marriage for the entire state of Washington. Jonathan Baker, head of NOM's Corporate Fairness Project, flew to Seattle to confront Schultz and asked his board if homosexual "marriage" really is "core to the Starbucks brand," as his vice president put it in January. "Yes," Schultz said. Another shareholder spoke up and asked how it could be in the company's interest to wage a cultural war. Schultz abruptly cut off questions. If you'd like to learn about NOM's "Dump S tarbucks" campaign or sign the pledge, click here.

October Baby Delivers!

Can going to a movie save lives? Producer Jon Erwin is counting on it. He and his brother are the driving forces behind a powerful new film in theaters starting tomorrow called October Baby. Inspired by a true story, October Baby centers on Hannah, a college freshman who makes the startling discovery that she's not only adopted but the survivor of a botched abortion. When Hannah takes a trip to find her birth mom, she ends up on a journey toward forgiveness. "I think it's time that the unborn have a voice," said Erwin, "and I think that's what this movie gives them." So far, critics have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the film, which is a testament to the many years Jon and his brother Andrew have spent in the TV business.
"My job as a filmmaker is just to challenge people to stop and look at something in a new way, to challenge them to think. I hope October Baby brings people to the table who disagree on both sides and raises the value of life past policies or personal opinions..." The goal is changing minds--not just in the audience but in the industry. "This is our chance to say together, we're tired of what Hollywood is force-feeding us, and we're tired of Hollywood not listening to our voice... Every movie ticket is someone's vote." So get yours today! The movie premieres this Friday. Find a theater near you at OctoberBabyMovie.net.