After almost a week as proud espresso maker owner, I have now consumed more cups of delicious espresso than I had before my 35th birthday. I'll have to cut down my consumption to 5 cups a day soon, I feel like a hummingbird...
Alec sent me the ultimate link for an espresso newbie: The Home Espresso FAQ. He also gave me some good advice on grinders. So far I've been buying freshly ground coffee, but I understand that to get the best result I need to buy my own grinder.