For a Few Lattes More [a short story]

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We explore how simple smiley faces have become powerful communication tools. What do you eat for lunch? Sandwiches are the most popular lunchtime meal in the UK, but why? Catherine and Neil discuss why the police and the legal system are concerned about eyewitness testimony. Catherine and Neil discuss how the pressures of modern living are making us hostile to each other.

Why are so many people obsessed with learning about their family history? Neil and Catherine talk about genealogy. The increased study of extremophile microbes has revealed a lot about what is and is not needed to sustain life on Earth. Why are we so fascinated with the superheroes that populate our cinema screens and comic books? Alice and Neil discuss whether we would miss driving as driverless cars are tested in cities around the world.

Alice and Neil talk about their preferences. Alice and Neil discuss circadian rhythms — the so-called body clock that influences an organism's daily cycle of changes. Why do we fear animals that pose no threat to us? Sophie and Neil discuss the reason why fear of spiders is so common. Neil and Alice talk about the defiant women who fought for their right to choose their representatives.

Call them what you want — trainers, sneakers, tennis shoes — but why does everybody love them so much? Sophie and Neil discuss social networks and why we often use different identities for different social media. Free, digital news is threatening traditional newspapers.

Sophie and Neil discuss the pros and cons of news in print. Why are we attracted to some people and not to others? Sophie and Neil discuss love at first sight. What is loneliness and why do we feel it?

Sophie and Neil discuss how feeling lonely can help us to survive. How do you see yourself and how do others see you? Alice and Neil discuss identity and how appearances can be deceptive. Why is punctuation important? Neil and Alice discuss rhetoric, commas and full stops.

Alice and Neil discuss penicillin, the so-called wonder drug discovered in by Alexander Fleming. What might the world look like if temperatures keep rising? Neil and Alice discuss the need to adapt to the changes ahead. Did you ever own a Walkman or a record player? Alice and Neil discuss old tech and why the US Pentagon still uses floppy disks. Neil and Alice discuss the differences between slang, jargon, and swearing, while teaching you some Cockney Rhyming Slang. Do women clean the house more often than men?

Alice and Neil discuss the topic and teach you a tidy amount of vocabulary. Is food labelling clear enough to help us make healthy choices? Alice and Neil discuss chocolate chip muffins along with some other tasty vocabulary. Who were the Muses and how did they help the creative process? Neil and Alice discuss how to be more creative. Will we still be speaking in an English we recognise in a thousand years' time? Alice and Neil make some educated guesses! Why do some weeks just fly by but sometimes minutes can seem like hours?

Neil and Alice discuss our perception of time. What will the cities of the future look like, and will we enjoy living in them? Alice and Neil discuss Neil's attempt at town planning. Why is the disease diabetes on the rise? Alice and Neil talk about the role that diet has to play in this global health problem. Why do we procrastinate? Rob and Alice discuss why it can be difficult to get on with tasks. Why do we like to impersonate people? Neil tries out his best impression of Elvis while teaching you some related vocabulary.

Alice and Rob consider which study techniques are good and which aren't. Does sleeping with a book under your pillow help? Young entrepreneurs are appearing everywhere. Alice and Rob discuss whether grey hair is best. Why do people often say one thing and do another? Alice and Rob ask how far hypocrisy is actually part of who we are. Do you have what it takes to go to space?

Alice and Rob discuss the challenges of a job thousands of people are keen on. Do you believe men walked on the Moon? Alice and Rob discuss why some people are suspicious about everything.

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You've decluttered and tidied but could you live life free of stuff? Alice and Rob discuss why we give objects emotional value. Are you a teetotaler or a drinker? Rob and Alice discuss what risk to your health regular drinking may have. What does it take to impress the ladies in the 21st century? Neil and Alice discuss knights in shining armour. Is retirement the end of everything or just a door for new opportunities? Alice and Rob talk about aging. Do you always agree with what most people in your group say?

Neil and Sophie discuss staff meetings. Neil and Sophie discuss the health benefits of being able to speak two languages fluently. How often do you check your phone? Neil and Sophie discuss how social media is changing the way we interact. Sophie and Neil discover that soil has some surprising qualities and discuss how growing food can be therapeutic too. Sophie and Neil talk about traditional fairy tales for the adult market and teach you some magical vocabulary. Neil and Sophie discuss the growing industry of team building — from zombie bootcamps to horse training for executives.

Neil and Sophie talk about gene editing, designer babies and how many errors Neil might have in his genetic code. How generous are you? Neil and Sophie discuss Mark Zuckerberg and what it takes to be a modern-day philanthropist. Are the days of paying by cash for a latte or a newspaper nearly gone? Alice and Neil discuss Neil's fondness for loose change Tea comes in different forms — milky, sweet or spicy.

Alice and Neil discuss how this Asian leaf conquered the world. Hundreds of millions of us make the same journey day in day out. Take a hike with Alice and Neil and learn new vocabulary. Are food allergies on the increase and if so, why? Neil and Alice talk about the growing fear of food and teach new words. Are artificial lights and late night TV ruining our sleep? Neil and Alice discuss the issue and teach you related vocabulary.

What does it take to be a good interviewer? Neil and Alice discuss TV chat show hosts and teach you some related vocabulary. How much does appearance really matter? Neil and Alice discuss fitness and New Year's resolutions. Neil and Alice discuss how some charities are helping those in need. Alice and Finn talk about the passion some people have for danger and the unseen threats we face every day. Alice and Neil discuss the psychological pressures of going to university. They also teach some related vocabulary. Neil and Alice discuss the long-lasting appeal of this man with a bow and how he has changed over the centuries.

Do you know how much your partner earns? Is he or she in debt? Would this make you love them less? The BBC broadcasts a season of programmes discussing women's issues around the world. Should we all pay for supermarket plastic bags? Neil and Alice take a look at the environmental impact of plastic and teach you some related words. The bicycle is the most popular form of two-wheeled transport in the world, but could we all soon be using hoverboards? Listen to Neil and Finn's conversation and learn some new words.

If you are sitting at a desk or answering the phone, stop for a moment and ask: Neil and Finn discuss the future of our jobs. Neil and Alice discuss what kind of book people like to be seen reading. Do you like to impress people with a classic book in your hands? Do you dress formally or casually? Do you choose trendy items or old comfortable ones? Rob and Will talk about the meaning of clothes. It's been described as the world's largest and most democratic classical music festival.

What an awful sound - cracking your knuckles! Listen in to Rob and Neil to find out if it's a useful skill or just an annoying habit. Was Charles Darwin the only man with ideas about evolution? Rob and Neil talk about someone else who discovered it first. What are the modern day dilemmas in using a lift? Rob and Neil discuss the awkwardness and irritation of being in one. Should young people be made to vote in elections or should we choose?

We discuss the ideas behind compulsory voting. What do we need our chins for? Rob and Neil discuss how we got them and what our chins say about us. It was October , and Howard Schultz asked a few of us there were only a few partners at the time to ask! Having thought of it previously but never having actually tried it, and being a fan of eggnog personally, I brought some in to the office at First Avenue. My experiment was a hit! I established right away that straight steamed eggnog was too rich even for my indulgent palate, so I cut it with milk, and away we went!

Caught up in the excitement, we forgot to register the name — by the end of that season most of the coffee bars in town were serving it! So, Columbia Center was the first to serve Eggnog Lattes, and it grew from there. In that first year, I had probably had more of that drink than in all the years since, combined. But I still keep to my tradition — every year during the holidays, I order and enjoy an Eggnog Latte.

By the way, if you like Starbucks history lessons, there are a few more of them here. Pour Your Heart Into It also covered that history of Howard Schultz starting his coffee company called Il Giornale, which ultimately was merged into Starbucks when he bought Starbucks in I think it is interesting that the eggnog latte was originally offered in October, but now it is a drink that usually launches in November of each year. Starbucks partners are helping to raise money for a library in Ethiopia.

Lynnwood, WA gets a brand new Starbucks store on th and Highway Thanks for sharing — the Eggnog Latte is one of my favorites even though many of my friends turn up their noses at the concept. Does anyone know if this is true? I am not an eggnog fan but the history lesson is wonderful. Re comments about holidays at SB. I can tell you that my local store needs some new signs. Already what they have looks tired and old.

Would love to see some holiday decorations, but for once not confined to only Xmas decorations. Why oh why do stores always limit themselves to Xmas? Another great history post! At least now we know about the drink, Dave Olson and the famous Espresso Roast a little bit more. Not to mention several early companies too. That was a great post!

I wonder if the story behind that is as good. I guess of the other creations are now being constantly thought up and tested, but this story had a romance to it. This is so interesting. One of my daughters loves the eggnog latte and will appreciate the history. I totally agree about the decorations. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Want to Read saving…. Want to Read Currently Reading Read. Refresh and try again. Open Preview See a Problem?

Thanks for telling us about the problem. Return to Book Page. Eighteen Unusual Stort Stories 3. A young man, Bikash, is delivered a message through paranormal forces while waiting on the railway platform; A doctor snaps a young man back to life by promising to help him commit suicide. A poor boy, Lokesh, dreams of people at a cinema night show perishing in a fire. Will his desperate attempts to save some lives succeed? The stories cover a broad spectrum of people and events and have us turning the pages eagerly for the twist in the end. So shed the mundane, become a fearless traveller and savor a fresh approach towards the enigma called Life.

Paperback , pages. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. Lists with This Book. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Sep 10, Gorab Jain rated it really liked it Shelves: A perfect coffee table book. The stories are well written and full on light headed entertainment. Recommended for contemporary short story lovers. Aug 05, Amrit Sinha rated it really liked it. What does it take to be different? How can you experience the unusual? Short stories are meant to enthrall your senses, to heighten your curiosity, and at the same time, leave you with a feeling of satisfaction towards the end.

A good story is one that is riveting and has the potential to keep your attention engrossed at every moment. The task becomes a What does it take to be different? The task becomes all the more difficult when you have to pour all these ingredients into a concoction of just a few pages, the word limit surely binding you at times. How does one, break these shackles and cook a perfect tale in just a few thousand words? The cover is very well designed, with coffee mugs in the background staying true to the name.

The layout is grayish while the fonts on the title are colored green, pink and white. An unusual color combination indeed, but it does feel interesting to the eyes. However, cover alone doesn't make a good book. The content is what matters the most, and here too, Amit delivers as expected. The stories belong to diverse genres. They tell tales of love and hate, loss and gain, and victory and defeat. They make us smile, and cry, and often, we are forced to gape with amazement at the sheer uniqueness of the plot.

Though all the tales are different, one thing is common between them — the sense of mystery.

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The sixteen stories by Amit track the different facets of human lives, but in a manner we hadn't expected. Be certain to experience goose bumps when you read these stories. Aug 09, Doctor rated it really liked it. Enjoyed reading the short stories; it's both interesting and readable.

Café Latte: Eighteen Unusual Stort Stories

Read the book in installments, chewing every story before beginning the next. Readable, many lovable phrases, some quotable on the writer's understanding of love, life etc. It's subjective; you have your own preferences. But I consider 'Home Sweet Home' as complete in every respect - everyday human proble Enjoyed reading the short stories; it's both interesting and readable. But I consider 'Home Sweet Home' as complete in every respect - everyday human problem, worries, suffering, even loss of the highest order, above them all, humane touch.

And 'True Lies' for its flawless development. In majority of stories there is a twist at the end which does not make them nontraditional. The creativity of the author is in the treatment - novel phrases, unorthodox name-calling ,considered modern. If you thought some of the stories are based on unconventional ideas they happen to be unrealistic too - 'Writer's Block' is unconvincing in the beginning and not unexpected at the end. The descriptions I liked: I award this book four stars.

This book was received through 'giveaway'. Aug 01, Rashi Gaur rated it really liked it. I am not fond of short stories. I am glad that I did. It is unusual for sure; in its construct, selection of stories, the plot, the characters, the pace , the end, the vacuum it creates in you… Edgy to the core, it lefts you wondering about life and your ownself. Such brilliantly has the author explored various facets of life, that I was speechless. Temple of the King made me sob while the Code of Honour made me cry. The I am not fond of short stories. The Jazz Player made my heart ache with restlessness and deep remorse.

He paints a brilliant picture using shades of black and grey only. I have never read such an offering from any Indian author. Very intense and profound. I am sure this kind of stories and this kind of compilation has been launched for the first time. Kudos to the author for trying such brilliant and unusual stuff in this market where only moronic stuff sells. I already reviewed this book once but I didn't really mention anything about the book itself so here it is- Good things about the book-- - The stories are not THAT short - The stories were complete - Some of them will make you say," Holy..

My favourites were many,especially the one about the doctor and suicidal patient, and the one with the person who could forsee th I already reviewed this book once but I didn't really mention anything about the book itself so here it is- Good things about the book-- - The stories are not THAT short - The stories were complete - Some of them will make you say," Holy.. My favourites were many,especially the one about the doctor and suicidal patient, and the one with the person who could forsee things.

Bad points-- I will tell you when I find out for myself! Also,the cover is awesome! Aug 10, Lekha Sinha rated it really liked it.

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Go grab your copy, it is once in a lifetime that you get a compilation like this. Aug 15, Meera rated it liked it Shelves: All the stories were good enough; not all the stories had an unusual end or twist. Each story being different; some of them were predictably unusual. Good effort by the author to compile these stories together.

All in all, the book is an enjoyable read. Thanks to Goodreads and the author for giveaway; appreciate it. Aug 18, Abhilash Ruhela rated it really liked it. I haven't read the 1st book of Amit Shankar but I was surprised to find another author with a big potential after reading Chapter 11 and Love is Vodka. Chapter 11 was a hilarious book which made me laugh and entertained throughout. Love is Vodka was quite sensuous but it was a fine attempt considering the genre in which it was written.

Amit Shankar has just come out with his 4th book that's an anthology named "Cafe Latte". The pages anthology is out by his home publisher- Vitasta and the co I haven't read the 1st book of Amit Shankar but I was surprised to find another author with a big potential after reading Chapter 11 and Love is Vodka. The pages anthology is out by his home publisher- Vitasta and the cover page of the book promises "eighteen unusual short stories". These days, many small publishers are coming out with their respective anthologies back-to-back and hence, when I came to know that Amit Shankar has done the same, I was quite doubtful because reading short love stories aren't something new for Bloggers like me.

But as the book promises, I really got to read some unusual tales and happily, there wasn't a single love story. Do you get it, new and small publishers? This is what an anthology is. Not the shit you are publishing these days. Every story begins as if it's just another tale but as soon as the half of it ends, you realize that the end is not going to be predictable.

By the time you reach the end, you find your mouth open in surprise and shock. This anthology is been attempted seriously without any casual approach. Every story is written in a way that might want you to read more such stories which can leave you with lots of questions, thoughts and interpretations. The kind of messages and outlook these story provides, it assures that you aren't having the same opinion about the discussed topic anymore.

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