The phrase ‘Latte art competition’ sounds a trifle esoteric, but those who have tried their hand at creating what is known as a rosetta know how difficult it can be.  A rosetta is the fern or tree shaped design seen atop lattes poured by only the most passionate and skilled baristas. Pouring good latte art is almost like throwing pots. Remember the feeling you had as you watched the potter pull up the sides of the vessel, shape it, trim it?  For me and many others, it was the distinct feeling of somehow naturally possessing the ability to throw a pot.  “OK, now let me do it.”  Flop. Fail.

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The workers inside the North Carolina Association for Plumbing Heating and Cooling Control building at 413 Glenwood Ave. most likely prepared coffee that was barely strong enough to defend itself.  Workers quaffed cup after cup of mediocre coffee and were just fine with it.  Years later, that very same building would house Café Helios, a coffee house on Glenwood South.

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May storm clouds approach downtown Raleigh creating an interesting mix of drearyness and brooding excitement.