In the Times, a piece about how Steinway street (and other borough high-streets) are turning into Sohos. That is -- overrun by chains and national brands.

It's true, but it's old news. The new news is that Astoria and LIC are becoming more like Manhattan -- richer, more cosmopolitan, less "ethnic", more upwardly and outwardly mobile. And where Manhattan goes, they go.

Welcome Starbucks. (Only 3 so far, and those more in "Astoria" than "LIC".)