The Multiple Personalities of Coffee infographic MAY 2013

Ohh, coffee drinkers. It’s amazing what people will go through to get their daily dose of caffeine. I’ve worked as a barista on and off for a few years now, and I couldn’t agree more with today’s infographic on the categorization of coffee consumers.

We had our regulars at the cafe–The fake breasted soccer moms who wanted their no fat, no foam, skinny vanilla lattes with exactly three Equals and one Sweet and Low. Angsty middle school skateboarders, who had nothing to do except order extra-large Caramel Frappuccinos, until they were sick to their stomachs, and trash our coffee shop. Fast-talking business guys, who could barely stop speaking long enough to tell us their drink order, who also winked an uncomfortable amount. Shy, bookish high school students, who didn’t care what was in their coffee, just as long as they could hide out from their parents and school for awhile. And then there was my favorite: a tall, white-haired old man, with a wizard’s beard, named Walt, who always ordered a decaf, no-whip, mocha, and got so absorbed in whatever he brought to read that day, that he’d frequently lose track of time, and exclaim, “You’re closing already?!”

A comic collection of characters pass in and out of coffee shops everyday, and the drink you order may say something about the kind of person you are. But don’t take coffee so seriously! However you order your cup of joe–personally, I like mine black–I think you will find that it goes perfectly with today’s infographic.

What Your Coffee Says About You infographic JULY 2013

The other day I was out with some friends to watch the final game between the Spurs and the Heat.  After the game ended–tragically–I went outside to grab us a table.  That was when a guy came up to talk to me. He asked me if I would get tea with him sometime.  I don’t usually judge people by their brand of pick-me-up, but I did this time.  I simply told him I was more of a coffee drinker myself, and the conversation ended there.  But then I started to think about my dream guy, and I quickly came to the conclusion that my dream guy drinks his coffee black.

While this infographic is really just for fun, I do think that the type of coffee you drink says a lot about your personality.  For example, I was driving to my house this morning, and I passed a drive-thru Starbucks.  Should I stop and get something? Yes, I should.  You could just make coffee at home–yeah, but I don’t know if there is enough time.  And I want something fancy like a cappuccino–a cappuccino is kinda expensive…  I could just get a regular coffee to go.  Then I might as well make coffee at home.  It’s raining today, maybe a chai latte would be nice…  Again, too expensive.  This would be the third day in a row you went to Starbucks; you can’t make a habit out of it.  So on and so forth went my thought process till I had passed the Starbucks.  Now I am drinking a cup of black coffee from my coffee pot at home.

Would You Like a Spot of Tea? [infographic] APRIL 21, 2013

Tea has been an obsession of many for thousands of years. Discovered in Ancient China, the art of making the perfect cup of tea continues to be debated to this day. Even the great George Orwell chimed in with his own tea wisdom, in a detailed essay instructing the masses on how to prepare a proper cup of tea.

The health benefits alone are reason enough to break out the mugs. Increased metabolism rates, cancer fighting antioxidants, and better moods have all been associated with this world-renowned beverage.

Personally, I don’t discriminate when it comes to this drink. Black, green, caffeine-free, every type warms and comforts. But no matter what your preference is, I think you will find that this infographic has a similar effect. It’s got a little of everything. Nutrition facts, history, and those oh-so-important steeping times. I may love all tea equally, but different teas require different types of love.

Who knows, some of the world’s greatest problems might just be solved over nothing more than a decent cup of tea.

17 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Morning Coffee [infographic] NOVEMBER 2011

I take my daily coffee rituals very seriously. And, compared to a few of my co-workers, I am only a moderate addict. We have convinced ourselves that we need (yes, need) coffee to wake us up in the morning, to make the tedious tasks a little more bearable, and to deliver us safely past the after-lunch lull. “Caffeinated” not only describes beverages, but it also fairly describes us after a rough day at work. I’m not judging you, coffee addict, I am bonding with you.

If any of these scenarios could be taken out of your super-secret diary, take a look at the infographic below for some fun facts about everyone’s favorite legal addiction. (And if you scoff in my general direction, preferring tea or diet coke, check out the infographic anyway for some fun dinner party trivia.) Did you know, for example, that coffee is one of the highest traded commodities, second only to oil? Or that coffee addiction was viewed as a vice in the 1700s? [via]