The other coffee phenomenon that is catching on quickly is the cyber caf?. You can grab a latte and then catch up with your email. The conception of the cyber caf? depicts where our fast-paced, techno-culture is taking us: where two addictions (coffee and the Internet) are coupled together in the most sinful of relationships. The marketing concept is brilliant and appeals to those who need to satiate both addictions in one quick fix.

The other fascinating trend that reflects our current culture is the obsession with healthy coffee alternatives. My mother is a prime example. She is very health-conscious and has to watch her dairy intake. Her favorite concoction is a decaffeinated soy latte. Soy? When I was in college, soy wasn?t even invented (well, it was but I think it was used to feed livestock). With the influx of America?s healthy habits, coffee establishments offer milk substitutes such as soymilk. Also organic, chemical-free coffee beans are sold and served in coffeehouses which again reflects America?s health consciousness.

As my caffeine buzz fades and I log on to my computer, I reminisce and try to conjure up the good old days of America?s coffee culture?ah, when a mocha was a mocha and Starbucks was a new concept. It looks like I need to wake up, grab my soy latte, and join America?s coffee culture at the cyber cafes. Welcome to the New Java Millenium.

About the Author

Therese Pope is a non-profiteer fundraiser by day and a freelance writer and poet by night. Her works have been published in various e-zines and literary anthologies. She is a yoga fiend with a penchant for writing with latte in hand. She resides in Sacramento, Calif.