espresso

When the new Verismo coffeemaker shows up later this year, java buffs will be able to make Starbucks-quality espresso, cappuccino and latte beverages at home. But will the fancy European coffee drinks it'll crank out really be as good as Starbucks? Starbucks probably hopes so.

Be prepared to pay more for your venti-sized extra-hot half-caff soy caramel macchiato at Starbucks starting soon. As the price of green Arabica coffee greens skyrockets, the company says it will raise prices for some of its more labor-intensive beverages.

Perking for coffee giant Starbucks (SBUX) are its fiscal first quarter 2010 earnings, due to be reported Wednesday after the bell. All eyes are on the company's same-store sales, whose story over the past 12 months has been along the lines of "hey, we're not declining nearly as much as last year at...