I must say, I adore espresso.  The smell, the color, and especially the taste.  However, to get a good espresso is becoming what I feel is an exercise in patience.  I am all for sitting and casually relaxing in a cafe while a Barista crafts my beverage.  However, I have noticed an inverse correlation between cost of goods and service.  I am sad to say that there are very few independent coffee shops around that satisfy my love of adequate service.  To me, a cup of coffee, espresso, whatever is not just about the physical beverage itself.  It is about the entire environment in which it is served and consumed.  All I am asking is that arrogant and rude Baristas start relaxing and warming up, they would make much better tips.  I am hopefully going to begin compiling a list of friendly and unfriendly cafes and baristas in the near future so that this great conquest can eventually end in victory for all.