I’ve been gleaning the news for everything you ever wanted to know about coffee, and some things you didn’t, so you don’t have to. Let the games begin.

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Starbucks: From Bean to Cup

Starbucks UK tells its tale of the path from the bean to the cup, about trading fair and its progress in Rwanda.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/starbucks-fairtrade/journey-of-the-coffee-bean

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Coffee is Not Just a Drink, It’s a Culture

If you plan to visit Italy, I suggest you read this article lest you suffer the slings and arrows as well as the disapproving annoyed looks of Italian customers and wait staff alike. At the very least you will stand out as a tourist (oh the horror).

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/6246202/Italian-coffee-culture-a-guide.html

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The Pearl Cup Coffee Shop Promotes the Green Life

The Pearl Cup Coffee shop in Dallas not only talks the talk, but walks the walk, without leaving a big carbon foot print. Soy-based insulation and wind-powered electricity are just a few of the perks.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/greenliving/stories/DN-nhm_green_1010gd.ART.State.Edition1.4c3e8c6.html

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Starbucks Coffee Buyer, TransFair USA Founder Takes Questions for Online Broadcast About Fair Trade on Monday

It’s Fair Trade Month, according to an article in the Seattle Times, and TransFair USA is in town. “It's one of 24 members of the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International in Germany,” the article goes on to say.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/coffeecity/2010035094_its_fair_trade_month_also.html

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Free Workplace Coffee Gets Weak Reviews

This article on Reuters has the stats on what most of us already know. Coffee at work could be better but it sure does save us money.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE59768820091008

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Coffee Experts Award Most Innovative Product to Friis Coffee

Another article on Reuters about a new coffee canister that could be the answer to all of our fresh coffee dreams.

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS169321+07-Oct-2009+BW20091007

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High Costs, Liquidity Crunch Give Tough Time to Coffee Firms

The Business Standard reports tough times in coffee world. Tough times all over.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/high-costs-liquidity-crunch-give-tough-time-to-coffee-firms/372664/

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Starbucks Sues Former Executive for Moving to Dunkin’ (Update2)

A defection of major proportions—can you spell blockbuster?

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a_I4ahYl6_nA

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Snoco Coffee Stands Seen as Adult Entertainment--Seattle Times

“County Councilman Mike Cooper attended the meeting and said he plans to introduce legislation to have bikini coffee stands reclassified as adult entertainment.” I say it’s about time someone came to their senses. (Is Your Barista Over Exposed?)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010017666_apwabikinibaristas.html

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Nancy's Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

If you, like me, are always looking for something to go along with your coffee, here’s a recipe from ABC’s website that looks pretty simple, and according to the article, tastes great too.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/recipe?id=8704974

Enjoy!