realskiers
Skis and Gear Discussion => The Neutral Zone -- Open Discussion on anything => Topic started by: Ron on May 05, 2008, 01:32:57 pm
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I figured I would start this based on the emerging banter on the "skis for Viking's wife thread"
Lynn, French presses are the best way to make regular coffee so good on ya'. If you add steamed milk or whatever, that's fine, drink what you like. Just remember to get good quality beans that are fresh. Also, make sure you have a good grinder. I used to grind my beans too coarse but i have started to go more middle of the road, I find I get much more flavor.
Viking, go with the Mazzer mini. It's truly a pro grinder and the results are fantastic. I really like the stepless adjustment and the consistency of the grinds. Very cool. It's a bit tricky and I am still learning. The entire key to great espresso is the grind; it drives the quantity and brew time.
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Ron
I am TOO lazy to grind beans everyday. Used to do it, but no more. I have them grind the beans and I keep it in the freezer or frig. No perceived loss of flavor that I can discern.
You are right, I am mixing apples and oranges. Regular brew coffee and espresso are different styles!
Lynn
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Lynn, it takes literally 2 seconds to grind your own beans, Just keep a small amount in the bean hopper and the rest in an airtight container (not in freezer) not sure about fridge. Grind coffee, Dump 2-3 scoops of medium grind coffee in. boiler water, let stand for a few seconds, pour in water, let stand 1 minute, still and then press in 3 minutes. Can't be easier! Remember, the only difference in coffee and espresso is the grind and the extraction, the coffee can be identical.
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Just noticed that this thread got started, and had just posted the following in my Skis for Viking's Wife thread:
On the subject of coffee, the French Press makes an excellent brew, and is my preferred method if I'm not drinking espresso. It is so much more full-bodied than drip coffee through a paper filter. I've not tried mixing it with frothed milk, but I can imagine it would be good if the brew was strong enough and the milk didn't dilute too much, esp. with a dark roast.
Hey Ron, that cracks me up that you're Finndog. In case you hadn't twigged on, I replied to your espresso thread on Epic under the SGN moniker. Too funny! And a nice coincidence. How do you like the new Anita? Nice machine!
I think the Mazzer is on the top of my list -- top quality, easy to get parts, and the burrs are inexpensive to replace when the time comes. Sweet! May be one in my kitchen soon.
Lynn, if you find grinding a hassle, you've probably been using a blade grinder (Braun, or the like) where you drop a few tablespoons of beans in the machine for every batch...am I right? Those are inconvenient, and give a poor grind (very uneven -- chunks and dust, and everything in between). If you get a good burr grinder, as Ron suggests, then you just load some beans in the hopper (some hold half a pound) and you're set for a week or more. Just turn the dial, and presto! Fresh ground coffee in seconds. Nothing could be easier. If you're interested in getting one for the French Press, then get one with good burrs, like the Capresso Infinity, Breville, or one of the Baratza's.
Cheers,
Svend
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Svend
Hmmm, good guess on the Braun. Okay, how big is the grinder. I live in manhattan and have a manhattan size apartment. Counter space is at a premium. What are we talking about here??? ;D
Or, I should just write down the name and walk to Zabars and check out the machine itself.
This is worse than looking at skis?
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Hi Lynn,
The grinders vary in size. The Capresso Infinity is the smallest of the ones I would recommend, but it is well built, and, above all, has very good burrs. It is about 1/4 to 1/3 the size of your average drip brewer. It's about 10" high, 5" wide and 7" deep. The Breville also has good burrs, and is a little taller and narrower. The Baratza's are the tallest, at about 14" I would guess. My in-laws have the Infinity in a brushed steel finish -- very nice, solid machine. At Amazon, they're $89 for the black, and $139 for brushed steel or chrome.
Don't bother getting one with cheap stamped burrs (Cuisinart, Krups, etc.) as they produce a grind only slightly better than your Braun whirly blade. Pop open the bean hopper and peer down into the guts of an infinity next to a Cuisinart, and look at the burrs. You'll see what I mean.
Good luck!
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Many thanks. Will do some investigating. :)
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Our coffee maker has a grinder on top of it. It sounds like a jet ramping up for take off when it kicks on at 5:45AM.
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he are some very good sites for coffee and espresso makers/grinders
Chris's coffee http://www.chriscoffee.com/products
1st line http://www.1st-line.com/
whole latte love.com http://www.wholelattelove.com/
http://coffeegeek.com/? ?great site for reviews and forums
http://www.home-barista.com/? Home Barista.com? another great info/forum site.
http://www.counterculturecoffee.com/ counter culture cofffee
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Jim, the owner of 1st-Line, is very helpful, and always takes the time to respond to emails, no matter how trivial. I've talked to Chris Coffee too (Mary, I think), and also found them most helpful and patient. They are more of a hard-core espresso machine supplier, whereas 1st-Line sells a wider variety.
Lynn, for your needs (French Press), I think the Capresso Infinity would be a great choice, and the most compact. 1st-Line has it for the same price as Amazon, and they are just down the road from you in Jersey!
Good luck!
Svend
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ist line is actually about an hour from me and that's a good call on the grinder. it's the way to go for sure. One thing I can't stress enough is the actual difference in coffee taste with a good grinder, it's that pronounced. Also, I grind my beans for the FP a little less course, more towards a mid-grade coarseness. Scott gave me this tip and it reall improves the flavor.
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Jim, the owner of 1st-Line, is very helpful, and always takes the time to respond to emails, no matter how trivial.? I've talked to Chris Coffee too (Mary, I think), and also found them most helpful and patient.? They are more of a hard-core espresso machine supplier, whereas 1st-Line sells a wider variety.
Svend
Svend, you clearly confused me with Ron or someone, because I am a confimed Pepsi-holic and not much of a coffee drinker.
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jim R, "jim" is the name of the company called '1st line" coffee see links above.
Maybe we can start you on the magic elixer of life ??? >:D
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Sorry Jim -- should have noted that it was Jim Picinich of 1st-Line, not you.
You should invite yourself over to Ron's place, and get him to make you a shot on his new baby. Once you get a taste of how good espresso can be, you'll be completely obsessed. >:D It's very addictive....you have been warned! A REALLY good shot can taste chocolaty, winey, or fruity, depending on the blend and the machine. You will not need sugar, as it will be sweet on it's own - never bitter or sour. And the aftertaste will linger for half an hour....seriously! Kind of like tasting your first $50 bottle of Bordeaux Grand Cru. Liquid heaven!
Ron, what part of Jersey do you live in? I go down to Thorofare every few years to do some work for a client who has a plant there. I usually stay in Philly, cause I like that town a lot. Boy, have they ever cleaned up the downtown there. Nice one!
Svend
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ah, yes I am just starting to pull decent shots and yes, the difference with good quality beans, the right grind and temp is night and day over the typical stuff you get at any coffee place, I made a killer cappucino this weekend. so flavorful, such great foamed milk..... yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
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Good to hear that Ms. Anita is treating you well! ;) ;) ;) Sounds like you need some TLC given what you've written about your abdominal pain. Good luck with that! Hope it works out, esp. before next winter!!!
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Ms. Anita rocks! I am going to play with the grinder to dial-in the coffee today. Almost there. It's amazing how everything goes off the grind of the beans. Also need to tamp the PF better. With a bottomless PF, I can see where I have some inconsistencies.
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I bought an Espro tamper, which clicks just slightly at 30 pounds. Nice. And gives the element of repeatability, taking one more variable out of the equation. Very well made, too, and priced similar to the Reg Barbers.
http://www.espro.ca/
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I'm drinking a K Cup at work right now. Someone said this was going to "save money". But I have no idea how an indivually packaged "k-cup" that's used to make one cup of coffee is saving us anything. Oh well, we have a ton of flavors vs. the old system.
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Flavors? Oh, NO,,,,, please don't say you drink flavored coffee, that's wrong, evil and vile drool. Drop the cup now! Friends don't let friends drink flavored coffee, please NO, NO,NO hazlenut or rasperry...... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOO ;D
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Quick! Call an ambulance...get a stretcher! Ron just pulled another groin muscle lunging for Glenn's cup of hazelnut flavoured dishwater!
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;D ;D ;DROTFLOL, if Gary's ski's were closeby, I
d be peeing on them. OMG, that's Too Frickin' Funny........ ;D ;D ;D
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I stick the ol' "Breakfast Blend" here at the office. I did the French Vanilla and Hazlenut...but I didn't really like the taste of those. However, when I hit Dunkin' Doughnuts, it's a medium french vanilla, light and sweet. ;D
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hmm, chicks coffee with training wheels. I'm sure that and a new bra would just make my day ;D
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hmm, chicks coffee with training wheels. I'm sure that and a new bra would just make my day? ;D
Ron, I have an idea what your groin pain might be. ;D
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oh you guys are on your game today! How many days out now? We have to do more than one event this season.
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Hey I like Hazelnut, 1/4 cup please, white hot dogs, and training bras....well actually taking pictures of Ron puttting his on or was that a training corset ....hmmm......I do have pictures. ::)
Still....all this hype about coffee.....what about us tea totalers....a nice black or green tea.or an orange peeko...ah....healt hy, soothing....but no real pop like the Triple espresso Ron chugged down at 10:30am at Steamboat last year.....at 10:40 he morphed into a pile of mash potatoes!? ;D
You, you..you...caffeine junkies.? > :P? (gee I'm starting to feeling like a poser on an Epic forum)? >:D
Best,
Garyfullofbeans
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Hey, green tea is sacred and you do drink good stuff, no worries. remember my killer blend of green and red tea? Its the magic elixer of skiing. Too much caffiene is no good, especially in the AM. It spike insulin and causes spikes in blood sugar levels. But, the 10 am cofee break and after lunch break is essential. Even Gary has been known to drink the ol's 1/2 coffee 1/2 hot chocalate blend. BTW- that was 4 shots of espresso and it was at Beaver Creek. Talk about a crash! A hour later I was mush for sure..... So many good times..
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See what that 1/2 hot chocolate and 1/2 coffee did to my brain....and that's the story I'm sticking with!
Yes...your green and red tea blend is a concoction worthy of "Heal thyself to better skiing"? ;D
That stuff is just the best and thank you for introducing it to my innards!
That's right it was a 4 shot espresso.....holy moly talk about crash and burn....I do attest...it was not pretty!
Yep...ya just can't make this stuff up!
G
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Anita and Mazzer at home
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2494142943_3acc6ee2d5_b.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2369/2494962022_9e4e89c57b_b.jpg)
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Holy crapola brew mister....what ya do...buy a Starbucks franchise?
Now....how ya getting that pretty little thing to Steamboat?
Man...that's some serious high tech gear......any gortex?
Congrats,
G
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no charbucks here bud! As we have discussed, it's really worthwhile. The taste is so much better and it's a lot of fun.
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Hear, Hear! Second that motion! It is a lot of fun, and once you have an espresso, cappucino or latte from one of these machines, you realize how bad Starbucks coffee actually is. One of their lattes has almost no coffee flavour to it. Drink one from Ron's machine, though, and all you taste is that incredible coffee...the milk is just a complement, not the main event.
And, hey, nice rig, Ron! You've gone all out...thermometer in the brew head, timer, the works. Sweet!
Here's a pic of my setup (note, new grinder coming soon...probably one like Ron's):
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Sweet dude, which model is that? It looks like a E61 Grouphead? Nice. I'm sure your rig does just as well. Remember this has a lot to do with the pilot (barista). Go for the Mazzer mini, it is really a nice grinder.
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It's an ECM Giotto (now called Rocket Espresso), and yes, it's an E61 group. Very nice results. I've done some basic temp testing (foam cup test), and there is very little drop from the 1st shot to the 4th, with both 30 sec. or 1 min. intervals between. Very stable.
The grinder actually works great, and gives very even, consistent grinds -- with fresh beans, the shots are near perfect...gobs of crema, nice mid-brown colour, tiger flecking...awesome, sweet flavour. But once the beans get a bit older and you have to tweak the grind a bit, it just doesn't have the fine adjustment to get the shots back to perfection. So it's either get a new grinder, or get a roaster, or buy fresh beans every week. I guess the latter two are always preferable...but then I'd be talking myself out of a new toy. :-\ That, and a proper doser would be great.
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Geez...you guys are some serious "bean heads"...or "grind nerds" >:D
But if ya could just figure out a way to slap the thing on your back on the mountain....you could make gazillions selling the stuff to cold sliders and gliders!
Very cool guys....it's nice to you know both take SOMETHING ELSE as seriously as you do great ski gear! KUDOS~
G ;D
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Gee, thanks Gary, for the kind words. If I didn't know you better, I'd think you were schmoozing for some free shots. You're not usually so complimentary in your posts.... :D Just kidding!!!
Actually, the espresso, skis, etc., just fit into an overall rich life (and I don't mean in a monetary sense), and a philosophy that if you're going to do something, then do it well and get good tools to do it with. And along with the good tools, comes learning, inquisitiveness, and becoming knowledgeable on the subject, so that you can do it well. Good food, good wine, sports, art, literature, hobbies, crafts....they all fit into a full life. That, and an unwillingness to compromise and settle for poor quality stuff, whatever that may be.
Holy moly....look at me getting all philosophical here...OK - enough of that...back to being loopy!
BR,
Svend
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well, since both machines weigh around 50 pounds, and the grinders are another 20-25, we'll let you schlep them around!
Some interesting banter on home barista about some folks now saying week old beans are better, Go figure. The anita will push water at around 235-245 after warm-up for 45 minutes, I flush for about 30 seconds the reading at the head is about 212-214, before the flush, then as you drop the lever, the temp spikes, then drops off. You can hear and see the water come from steam to boiling, then it goes to a trickle as it goes bellow 212, (for you coffee heathens) then a smooth trickle, you don't reall need the thermometer but it is helpful and as you prepare the PF (portafilter, the thing that holds the coffee) the Anita will build temps pretty qucikly. the thermometer at the head is very useful at this point, I will wait till it hits about 200 at the head and that's about 195-98 at the PF. If I take too long (I grind while I flush) then I can flush off a few degrees.
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Your welcome ....I think Svend..
And Ron...I grind before I flush....
Such technical jargon to take a simple bean, pulverize it, liquefy it, drink it then flush it! ;D
Never knew one could get so sentimental and philosophical over Java! Still, it's warm, gives you a rush, cost as much as a Vegas Hooker and keeps on giving with no give backs required.....hmmmm. ...sounds like the perfect house mate!
Drink up you Java junkies....pretties t bean gear I've ever seen!
Brew on dudes! ;D
Gary
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Bean-Gear? I love it ;D
vegas hooker, did you just violate the "what happens in vegas" mantra? BTW- how was she?
If you ever get down to my place, I will gladly pull you a shot and even make you a cappi. You will understand, its like that green tea mixture, there's that bagged green tea and then there's that toasty, slightly sweet loose green and red tea that is sweet and citrusy, with an underlayer of vanilla. same thing, just one has a nice kick to it!
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You're not usually so complimentary in your posts.... Just kidding!!!
I was just kidding! Seriously. You're not offended and hurt are you?
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Are you talking to Gary? hurt? ahhhaaahhhhaaahhhhh a omg, My sides hurt , mr. cassara is fine, but he will accept a box of scharfenberger 70% cocoa www.scharfenberger. com I know that would make amends...... ;D
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OK - I should have put a winking smiley behind my query...as in, "this is a sarcastic, rhetorical question". Didn't Gary just finish telling us a woeful tale of lifelong abuse and bullying, and the leather skin he's developed as a result? Of course he can take it. Those who dole it out, shall receive in kind. The Scharfenberger shall be routed to my abode....thanks for the idea - I deserve a treat this week!
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:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Woe is me.....I've been slayed....still, a good man turns the other check and blames the caffeine!
Now that my tears have settled, sigh..... :-\...I think of all the kind acts I can do for my good buddies >:D when we arrive at the Boat...
Hey Viking...you got the treat of the week...your new skis...send the chocolate my way!
Best guys,
Gary
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Yeah, I know I got a major treat this week...the chocolate is to help me celebrate. :P
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? ;D? >:D? ;D? >:D
OK, hopefully this is the epitome of thread drift.? There is just something in my nature, there just HAS to be more ski pictures than coffee machine pictures on a ski forum, even if the thread title is "coffee .... etc".? Therefore, my contributions.? My current "quiver".
Ron/Gary, the bottom is the jacket that I was considering. Better picture than the web.? They are still looking to see if they have my size at one of the other stores.? Said it may be June, I said the price should be really good by then.? Note the colors with the Magnum.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Very nice. Like the two very different "flavors". A minty confection on the bottom pic, with a hint of velvety espresso color. The top, an energetic mix of rich and deep hawaiian type colors with a robust finish. ;)
And the skis ain't bad either! ;D
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My attempt at posting a totally unnecessary ski pic! :D
My friend Irina, took this picture at Vail with 6-8 inches of fresh stuff on the ground.
Jim, you inserting that picture of you trying on the jacket AFTER I posted could have potentially gotten me into a LOT of trouble. Not fair, not fair she cries!
Good thing the gang either ignored or did not notice 1
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Ron! Quick, man the barricades! Heat up the boiling oil! Ready the archers! We're being hijacked!
And, in a desperate attempt to save the thread, Viking describes his latest quest......
Say Ron, I had a delightful cup last night (decaf, of course). A very dark roast (almost black), very pungent in the cup, with burnt toast overtones and caramel undertones. It had a lingering finish, and the aftertaste was there for at least 20 minutes, enough for most of the third period of the Philly-Pittsburgh game. But the trouble with decaf is, that I find it blonds too quickly -- 15 seconds of dark elixir, and then it washes out. Nothing I do can improve it. I know you're an espresso newbie, but do you have any tips on how to improve the shot quality? Perhaps the new grinder will help, but I fear there are just not enough essential oils left in the bean after the decaffeinating process to ever pull a real shot like with regular beans. Or maybe the beans are just too darkly roasted? What's your opinion?
(come on Ron, pull through for me here...save this thread)
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I saw that coffee machine set up and thought: "OK, that's just nuts." Then I remembered I have 3 lawnmowers. Nuttiness comes in a variety of flavors. ;D
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OK - I'm definitely not nuts. Sheesh! A couple of guys get an espresso machine, and proudly post pics of their finely crafted piece of gleaming stainless, and then try to have an earnest discussion of the finer points of the art of the bean, and what do we get? Hijacked! And have our sanity called into question!!! I'm outraged! Outraged, I tell you! >:( >:( >:(
Ron, where are you? Help me out here, bud.... ::)
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I saw that coffee machine set up and thought: "OK, that's just nuts." Then I remembered I have 3 lawnmowers. Nuttiness comes in a variety of flavors.? ;D
Actually, it's just beans, but the behavior is ....
When I saw the pictures, I was reminded of Tim (the Toolman) Taylor and his ongoing quest for "more power".
I guess we can all be a "little bit obsessive" in different areas of our life.
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Ron is out having his ice cofee from Dunkin Donuts right now....
Hey Jim...man you styln' with that jacket....and the skis....why they look so shiny...my, my!
I'm guessing the IM78's are going to get lots of rest this season cause those Mag's will do just about it all!
Bet you too can't wait to get out there and drive those babies!...looking good!
Lynn....awesome counter and are you kidding me...the snow...it looks absolutely perfect!~ ;D
Can't wait to make turns with everyone again!
G
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The iM78's are still my Clorado/Utah ski.? I really like their feel.? I changed from the i.SL chip (66mm waist) to the Magnum (70mm wasit) for local hills and northeast skiing after Peter named it his "skill development ski of the year" and PatProf's comments about it (he was in my group at my first Harb camp).? I'm probably going to take a Harb camp next year as well.
Following you guys around pointed out some skill development needs and better conditioning. Thank YOU for the wake up call.
I even noticed how good the arm position is in Lynn's picture, I had never heard Harald's desire to see daylight under the arms before, as a small example.
By the way, you can feel free to offer your honest opinion of the jacket. I can see that it's not ORANGE. ;D
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I'm back! I was at rehab. OK
1- start your damn thread, coffee and skiing go hand-in-hand. Tough terds!
2- Gary, No, not a drunkin donuts... come on dude, you should know better :)
3- Viking, yes, I thin you got it right on the nose, not enough oils left. I haven't played around with decaf yet but you may want to speak to someone at counter Culture or even Dawg about where to get the best decaf beans, There's no way to keep all the oils with the process. Essentially, you are soaking the beans to draw out the caffienne; Baby out with the bathwater syndrome. Maybe try a blend of regular and decaf?
4- Jim, I love the jacket! Go for it! Get a nice pair of Kjust black pants to go with it. Your rockin' dude!
5- Jim, go for the magnum, I am really intrigued by that ski. that or the Fischer progressor 8. No offense, I don't really care for the 78. a good ski, but too damp for my tastes
6- Lynn, got to love the pow pics baby!
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My wife went to D&D yesterday. They'd only give her one ice coffee because it was only her in the vehicle. She was trying to get another for a co-worker.
Oh and Ron, we have a D&D and gift card that we use and reload exlusively for skiing. It's stashed away in the center consol of my Jeep. When we found the shortcut to Mt. Snow, it bypassed the D&D. McDonald's provides a suiteable alternative. Problem is, it's a bit of a hike from the mountain and I start to get sleepy before we arrive. I'm thinking next season I'll have to take my chances with the "God only knows how long this sh_t has been sitting here" Green Mountain coffe at the 7-11 about 5 minutes from the mountain. I'm just in it for the cafine.
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that's fine, one step at a time...... we'll win you over. >:D
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I can only picture you cringing as you read this. Almost like me reading about someone taking their spanking new Audi RS6 to Jiffy Lube for an oil change. :o
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YES! You are speaking with a 3 BMW family. X5 4.8, X3 and 330 Convertible........
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We don't have an RS6.....but the A6 treats us nice. 8)
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beautiful car
DECAF ESPRESSO- http://www.caffedarte.com/page.aspx I found this on the Epic coffee string.
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Thanks for decaf link. I'll check it out, but will try to find a supplier in Canada for good beans. I think I'm gonna start home roasting soon too, just to see what that has to offer. A good small roaster shouldn't be more than about $300. Green beans are readily available here in Toronto for about $6/lb. Might be worth it just to get a good decaf -- Swiss Water process may work better. That means I can drink twice as much, right?
As for cars, we're a Saab family (what else would you expect from a Viking, but a Swedish car?). We're on our third one -- '85 900 turbo 16V; '99 9-5; and now an '05 9-5. Love 'em -- they're bloody rockets when the turbo kicks in, and they sniff gas on the highway, which is great with the price at the pumps these days.
Friends have an A6 -- sweet ride! And we used to have a Beemer too - a mid-80's 535i. God I loved that car! Solid as a rock. Probably my favourite car that we've owned.
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yes, home roasted beans, That's the next step for me too. I need to get this down first. Good idea. My wifes uncle used to race Saabs with Paul Newman in the 80's. I loved them before they were ruined by GM. Too bad. I hear and read (consumers trashes them) about a lot of problems. A shame, I like the look of them. I saw the 1 series hatchback BMW in Italy, diesel and all, that's the car I would love to own.
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Yeah...I just picked up a new Audi R8 the other day.....a well......you see....I HAD a dream....
Man...THat car just floats my boat....
OK...back to reality...I drive the AWD 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid right now getting 33MPG around town and my wife drives the Toyota Prius getting around 48MPG....and we replace our light bulbs with the fluorescent ones when the incandescent ones burn out....yes we're also big recyclers as well.
Now....Green IS a lovely color...and Jim...that white and green combo is working for you.....
But man....it's all about orange for me! ::)
G
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Now....Green IS a lovely color,...and Jim...that white and green combo is working for you.....
But man....it's all about orange for me!? ::)
G
I have to admit Gary, Orange is a good color for you. In a picture, that is one ugly helmet, in person the helmet doesn't tell half the story. ;D ;D
Seriously, the Orange helmet came to grow on me; it is you. Can't wait to see the orange jacket/helmet combo. 8) 8)
Hope your R8 is the diesel one. Wouldn't want you driving something that was a blast to have but only got 12-15 miles per gallon when driven nicely.
Jim
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Thanks Jim for the happy orange words....really can't wait to turn em with the gang.
Nah...the Audi R8 is one of those imaginary cars for me...and in my dream it would have an electric engine and look like it's capable of 0-60 in 3.8 seconds but who the heck needs to go that fast.....
Hmmm...I rather it take longer and look good while doing it!
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Ohhhh, you got your manufacturers confused. ;D You meant the Tesla, founded and funded by the guy that owned PayPal.
http://www.teslamotors.com/
sports car performance, full electric, 250 mile range, prototypes on the road, based on a Lotus Elise but with an electric motor and 10,000 laptop batteries. Production is imminent. Since electric engines develop max torque at 0 rpm, the acceleration and driving sensation is, from what I read, just amazing.
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Hey Ron, not sure why Consumers trashes the Saabs. They gave the 9-5's pretty good reviews, at least before they changed the look in '06. The dash of the new models now look like a Buick. They took away that awesome wrap-around walnut dash, and now it's bland-ville. No character left. I did hear that the new 9-3 was having some reliability problems. As for our car, it has 70,000 km (about 45,000 miles) on it, and not a single problem...not a one. It's easily the most reliable car we've ever owned. Go figure...
Hey....wasn't this thread about espresso? And here I am talking cars. Thread drift? What thread drift?
Have a great weekend everyone -- it's a long weekend here in Canada. Aaaahh....relaxin' on the patio....dreaming of my new skis.
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Who doesn't like pics?
03 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4.0, 242 t-case: The "Mt Snow-mobile" :D
(http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh302/glennmj99/Jetta%20and%20Audi/CleanJeep3.jpg)
02 Audi A6 quattro:
(http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh302/glennmj99/Jetta%20and%20Audi/CleanAudi2.jpg)
The former 1994 Jetta GL. I had it chipped, a nice SS mandrel bent exaust with a Borla, slighly lowered, Momo steering wheel. What a fun car!
(http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh302/glennmj99/Jetta%20and%20Audi/Jetta5.jpg)
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Hey Jim...thanks for the link....that is some sweet looking ride and green ta boot! Hmmm, I didn't see a price and that always worries me...but what lines and like you said...I'll bet it's very quick!
Svend...well hope you had a relaxing weekend. I hear tell that you fell asleep outdoors in your lounge chair cradling your new skis. When you awoke at dawn, you had frostbite on your appendages...hey... .udaman......way to go!
Glenn, sweet set up on the Jetta...I'll be she really squeals when ya put the peddle to the metal! Handles pretty good too with the lowering kit...nice go to work the long way car!
Best,
Gary
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For a non turbo, 4cyl, 8v, it was a peppy little car. Sold it to high school kid who was going to college in Maine. He needed another car because he wrecked his previous one. I don't even want to know what happened to it. :o
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I'm sure he'll wreck this one too!
Back to coffee! I have been working on my espresso's this weekend. I made a lot of progess with grind level and amounts of coffe to use. Actually made some fantastic espresso! Totally smooth, great flavors. I am getting near perfect extraction with the bottomless portafilter, very cool to watch. I will record for you. I really never loved cappuchino, always found it watery, the cappi's I am making now are just killer, the foamed milk comes out think and dense, almost like whipped cream..... I need one now..
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Good one Ron! And I hear you about the cappucinos. The vast majority of restaurant and cafe ones are watery, thin and bland -- all milk and no coffee. The odd Italian restaurant would do it right. Even with our stove-top Bialetti espresso pot and a milk frother, we could make way better ones at home. Now with the Giotto, every one is a killer. The coffee is front and center, and the milk is a complement, not the main flavour. Micro foam is a cinch with our machine -- tricky to get the hang of, but once you get it, no sweat. All that steam makes it easy. Great to hear you're getting the knack. Keep working it!
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Thanks bud, yes, I am really getting comfortable with the grinding and portioning. once you get past that, everything falls in line. I have to make a video of the bottomless pf.
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I've wanted to try one of those, but never got around to ordering one. It would be good to see if the extraction is even. But did you ever have the java spraying all over your kitchen if you screwed up a dose? I've heard of that happening, and it doesn't sound fun.
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YES! Not a lot though. At first you may get some very fine very finel sprays comng out but not like a big mess or something. If you really screwed it up I can see how it could make a mess but you would really have to mess it up big time. I have adjusted the doser down to reduce the amount coming out into the PF and I keep moving it around to create very small piles of coffee. THen give it few gentle skakes to help distribute it, then one settling tap. I then top it off and scrape off with my finger. Tamp and tap the side to clear off grinds from the side of PF then a finishing twist of the tamper with no real pressure. This seems to work well. I actually was able to reduce the grind size with this method but still pulling shots at around 30 seconds. Do you think this is till too long? I guess I could reduce the amount of coffee in the PF.
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I don't think 30 seconds is too long, but taste should be your guide. As long as you aren't blonding, or are just starting to blond by 30 seconds, I think it should still taste great. Personally I haven't noticed any deterioration or overextraction at a 30 second pull.
I read something on HB that an expert barista who teaches for the SCAA (Heather, I think her name is), uses only a very light tamp, and lets the machine do the rest. This, of course, requires the grind to be very fine, in order to create the required back pressure. I'll see if I can find the thread for you and drop a link in here. The method was super-simple -- nothing fancy or time-consuming.
If I used your method on my machine, I would probably have too much coffee in the PF, and then the shower screen would compress it and the shot would choke the machine. I have to dose so that the tamp leaves the top level of the grounds quite deep into the basket. I have to fill the PF very loosely (no tapping yet), level it, then tap on the counter to settle, and then tamp and polish. I guess your screen sits higher so you can fill your basket higher.
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well, I ifill to the top but there is a distinct notch about 1/4 down the PF, If I fill just to the top and then lightly tampe down (push till there is reisitance) then polish off, that's all I do. My grind is almost powder. I am not packing it in. If you just keep it loose but move the PF around and fill very slowly, you will get a nice even distribution. I learned this from Dawg (Scott) it works very well. He says he slaps the doser about 40 times per fill (doppio) on his machines. I probably hit it about 20 times. Give it a try.
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I really need to get a grinder with a good, adjustable doser. It would make this so much easier. The Proline doesn't have one, so I scoop out the grounds out of the glass bin into the PF. Rather inexact, but it works OK. I just spent my discretionary funds for the next couple of months on the new skis, so a grinder will have to wait a while....sigh.
But hey, here's something we use for traveling, which you might find neat for ski trips -- an electric Bialetti moka pot. It makes 3 espresso cups in about 2 minutes, and fits in your suitcase. http://www.bialettiusa.com/bialetti/products.html We have an older version, and it works great. If we want a latte in the morning, we get some milk in a small carton from a corner store, zap it in the microwave in the hotel room, and Presto! a passable latte. An Anita it's not, but tastes way better than hotel coffee any day.
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I will have to check this out. Very cool. The doser isn't precise, it just drops out small amounts of the grinds, if you tap it, it drops very small amounts, if you pull it all the way, it drops out much larger amounts. It's just much easier to pull very small amounts and distribute as you go. I made a video for you this AM, I don't have an account to post video's from so I am working on that. If you PM me with your e-mail, I can try to send to you. Its a pull using a bottomless PF, very cool!
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PM sent....
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you should have your vid. I also sent to Jim, Lynn and gary. If anyone else wants to see, let me know. Its a 14 meg file.
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Can that thing make Coolatta's? I love Coollatta's! I had two over the long weekend.
Was that "thud" noise Ron passing out as he read another Dunkin' Donuts related post from me in this thread? :D
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yup, my head hurts now! ::) I hit it on the corner of my desk.
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I could donate an old ATV helmet to the cause if needed. ;)
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I think Jim would prefer we use gary's roange helmet????? >:D
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Hey....well Ron....I'VE never had to wear a helmet while drinking cofee!
But if you NEED to....you can borrow my orange helmet so we can find you under the table after your 3rd cup! :D
G
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huh? under the table?????????
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Ron,
I just wanted to let you know that I had two refreshing Coolatas this weekend. My lovely wife ran some errands Saturday AM. I was mid way through mowing the lawn when she rolled up with a tasty Coolata for me. Sunday, she was up and out of the house early. I got a call when she was on her way home: "Would you like a Coolata"? Bless her heart.
And look! I found a way for you to make your own at home Ron! You can use your fancy coffee maker thing....the one that doubles as a small steam engine: http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/513/Dunkin_Donuts_Coffee_Coolata31301.shtml
;D
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glad you enjoyed your super high calorie,sugar-filled, artificially flavored drink :)
I made a killer iced espresso Sunday as a matter of fact. two double-shots with some 1% milk. No sugar necessary. All natural and delicious. Quite delicious! I liked it better than regular iced coffe by far. Sven, if you haven't tried this, you have to. Just pull two doppios and pour right over a pint glass filled with ice, top off with milk. Those great flavors of the expresso really come through.
I looked at the recipe, easy enough! I could improve that a little: Steam the milk first, adding the Scharffenberger dark chocolate powder. Very low in sugar. Steaming the milk makes it much sweeter and the dark chocolate is much better tasting that chocolate syrup (artificially flavored) stuff. Instead of coffee, use the espresso, The flavors are much more pronounced.
PS- Our machines are not coffee machines... (how obnoxious) >:D
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They are actaully not too bad. too much sugar for me. 40grams.
Calories (%DV based on daily intake of 2,000 kcal) 190 kcal 9.5%
Calories from Fat 20 kcal 11.1%
Kilojoules 795 kj
Pts (computed by CalorieLab; italics if fiber unknown) 4
Total Fat (DRI 65 g) 2 g 3.1%
Saturated Fat (DRI 20 g) 1.5 g 7.5%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol (DRI 300 mg) 10 mg 3.3%
Sodium (DRI 2,400 mg) 80 mg 3.3%
Total Carbohydrate (DRI 300 g) 41 g 13.7%
Dietary Fiber (DRI 25 g) 0 g 0%
Sugars (WHO recommended maximum daily intake 50 g) 40 g 80%
Net Carbs (italics if sugar alcohol content unknown) 41 g
Protein (DRI 50 g) 4 g 8%
Vitamin A (DRI 5000 IU) 0 IU 0%
Vitamin C (DRI 60 mg) 2.4 mg 4%
Calcium (DRI 1000 mg) 150 mg 15%
Iron (DRI 18 mg) 0 mg 0%
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It was 90+ and humid as hell Saturday and Sunday. I was outside from 9AM to 5 on Saturday and 9 to 3 Sunday. I think I burned off that sugar and calories when just thinking about sweating. :D
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It's been brutal, why were you outside all day? You are a mad-man.
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I love working in the yard. I mowed the lawn in the AM. In the afternoon, we cleaned up a huge island near our back fence and I played "Ax Men" by cutting down some branches. Sunday...more yard work. We transplanted plants and work on another island. I'm still working on that "ski quiver" thing, but I've got the "gasonline power equipment quiver" down. ;)
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God bless ya' anything over 82 is deemed as excessively hot and I hibernate.
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I should ad that we had a new central air unit put in as well last week. The old one wasn't blowing snow anymore. ;D
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Hmm, do you have living room skiing? How many vertical ft?
Do you have guests? ;D ;D ;D
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we replaced out 25 y/o system a couple of years ago, we saved huge dollars per month and the house heats and cools much better. That and ceiling fans every room but kitchen. What a difference.
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We have about 12 vertical feet of skiing in the house. :D
Our old system was about 18 years old. But it was needing a "charge" every year...and at $200 a pop. Plus, it wasn't designed very well. I could go into a long winded speach about larger returns and adding trunk ducts, but I'll just say the new system is quiter and cools much better. The guys did an awesome job.
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Hmmm, 12 ft. vert.
Okay, will look for sno-blades on SAC! ;D
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We had a guy come in and cut holes in the sides and back of our house at attic level to increase folw through. We almost replaced our AC b/c it wasn't keeping up, but the increased airflow reduced the heat and our electric bill.
It is not dropping below 74 at night now. Makes for sweaty conditioning for skiing.
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I'm thinking of installing some soffit vents myself; to increase the airflow. We have a ridge vent and one gable vent, but the black roof really really heats things up.
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I'm thinking of installing some soffit vents myself; to increase the airflow. We have a ridge vent and one gable vent, but the black roof really really heats things up.
We had ridge vents too. The new vents really make a difference.
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Another summer project!
What kind of soffit vents did he install? Circular or retangular?
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Another summer project!?
What kind of soffit vents did he install? Circular or retangular?
The vents are rectangular and are about 1' by 2'. They were cut out of the side walls of the roof, not in the soffit. 2 on the sides, and one in the back.
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OK, you hava officially pirated m our thread, you obviously have no respect for the bean..... ;D
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OK, you hava officially pirated m our thread, you obviously have no respect for the bean..... ;D
Hey, some of my best friends are beans....has beans. Ba dum bump. ::) I actually have 2 coffee devices on the kitchen counter. A coffee maker with a built-in burr grinder and an espresso machine. I alternate depending on my mood that morning. The best latte I ever had was in a cafe in Venice.
And just so you know, I was drinking an iced latte while watching our handyman install the vents! :P ;D Perhaps I should have mentioned that earlier.........
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OK, please list your cafe' equipment :)
Yes, indicating your consumption of cofee would have then qualified the post.......
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OK, please list your cafe' equipment :)
Yes, indicating your consumption of cofee would have then qualified the post.......
A Nespresso capsule espresso maker. Not bad, limited choice on the espressos though. The Coffee maker is a Capresso with burr grinder attached.
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Okay Brad, you have officially out done Ron on the coffee front.
So, are you serious about RS3?? Maybe a multi bedroom condo?
Will you make the coffee then, please???I'll bring the frother (stainless steel container with a mesh grid that when pumps the hot milk froths it very nicely). Oh, and bring your wife. I need help on the estrogen front. I have held my own so far, but frankly, reinforcements would be appreciated.
Lynn
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Okay Brad, you have officially out done Ron on the coffee front.
So, are you serious about RS3?? Maybe a multi bedroom condo?
Will you make the coffee then, please???I'll bring the frother (stainless steel container with a mesh grid that when pumps the hot milk froths it very nicely). Oh, and bring your wife. I need help on the estrogen front. I have held my own so far, but frankly, reinforcements would be appreciated.
Lynn? ?
I'm sorry, all I hear was pump and hot >:D
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Lynn, Nespresso drool machine out does an Anita Quick mill Heat exchanger with a Mazzer mini?? I am stunned, speachless and deeply offended..... Where's Svend? Please help here bud ;D ??? ???
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Lynn, I'm sorry, I have to agree with Ron on this. Although the Nespresso is step ahead of a $49 Norelco Espresso machine since it is a pump machine as oppossed to a steam driven, it is no match for his machine or my dream machine, the Rancilio Silvia.
Mine is convience personified with a decent espresso but limited choices b/c of the proprietary capsules. And no, I'm not hauling it to Colorado. I will hike to some hole-in-the-wall coffee den flying under the radar that makes a nice cappuccino. (Also, I have a weakness for Starbuck Mochas..shhh....)
And as for my wife, we spend our honeymoon at Aspen but it turns out I was misled. Her interest in skiing dwindled and eventually died. I spend my Spring Breaks with family in Vermont without her. I would be going to RS3 alone if I go. And yes, I am seriousl considering it. I had been contemplating a ski trip through Tampa Bay Snowskiers to go with others out west, but this just sounds like too much fun.
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there are two starbucks at the boat also a place called Adiamo cofee which is excellent.
Hope you can make it. It is a lot of fun but skiing comes first and there really are no friends on a powder day......
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And as for my wife, we spent our honeymoon at Aspen but it turns out I was misled.? Her interest in skiing dwindled and eventually died.?
Skiing isn't mandatory, she is welcome to come for the winter vacation experience, and shopping and the time with you. ;D
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yes, of course she's welcome! There is a lot to do there including snowshoeing, "spa-ing" and lots of great shopping, walking around and stuff. Good people watching from the Sheraton, get a cup of coffee and watch the mountain from the big glass windows. (I strongly recommend the Chicken Cassadeya's) I know I butchered that spelling
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I'm afraid her dislike of the cold would outweight any fun she might have doing anything else. I couldn't get her to move North after living in Fla for a couple years. I will of course invite her but don't hold your breath.
I had a skiing dream last night.
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Good job on the dream. I have the same illness, I am also a compulsive ski-**** addict...... Watched Waiting game out on the deck, takes on a different feel when outside
No worries about the wife, mine doesn't come out till the 20th, she loves it out there but she doesn't ski either.
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Lynn, Nespresso drool machine out does an Anita Quick mill Heat exchanger with a Mazzer mini?? I am stunned, speachless and deeply offended..... Where's Svend? Please help here bud ;D ??? ???
Just my ignorance showing. Didn't realize Nespresso was the prepackaged machine stuff. Sounded hi falutin' at first. :-[ :-[
Back to coffee college (remedial classes anyone?)
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i use my old Nespresso here at work. It's easy and it makes a decent cappi or latte.
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Thank you, Ron , for throwing me that bone.
Saved!!!
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ohhh, had her on the ropes Ron and you let her off... :-[
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Hmm, you do't know her like I know her, I am not getting the "bronx-up" in her ;D besides, she is going to be a better skier than me by this season....... AND I LOVE HER APPLE PIE
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Sold for an apple pie. Sad, but very understandable ;D
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thanks and you have made a wise choice......
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My wife and I just got back from Chicago...awesome city, shitty coffee. ;D Well, not completely "shitty". Only shitty when you can't find a Dunkin' Donuts. We spent over and hour one morning hunting one down....only to find one later that night, a block and a half from the hotel. ;D
One thing that annoys me about large cities is Starbucks. These damn things are on every corner. There was one right next to our hotel..and another a half a block away. If you looked out the window of one, you could see the other one. My wife and I both stated multiple times a day how we do not like the coffee there. We had it a few times "any port in a storm" as the saying goes. You need caffeine, you need caffeine. It seems that you need a judicious amount of sugar and cream to make that coffee taste marginally better than #2 heating oil. And "Mochachinos" ain't no Coolata. While I'm ranting...what is up with the people who "hang out" in Starbucks? In the AM, it?s all business people. But any other time of day, it's odd people with black rimmed pseudo Buddy Holly glasses. And they?re either on a Mac laptop or reading poetry. "It's 70 and sunny out people! GET OUTSIDE!"
One thing that did impress me. One morning I hit one before the conference and wanted a coffee...just a coffee; nothing chino'd latte'd or anything that needed to be ordered in pig Latin. I asked for a medium coffee...and got a medium coffee. Impressive.
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You're right, Dunkin Donuts makes the best coffee, or perhaps, did. I used to drink it all the time and then something changed. It started tasting like cardboard. I haven't had some in years, perhaps they've changed it back or maybe my tastebuds went bad. I'll have to try it again. I too don't like Starbucks coffee. Too bitter and burnt. Their new Pikes Peak (or something like that) is more potable but still Starbucks. I really do like their lattes and mochas.
My favorite mocha and coffee place is in Ybor City next to Tampa. Navarro Bros. coffee is made there among others. But it is an old time coffee roasting factory with a counter. They grind the fresh roasted beans right in front of you to make your drink. Unbelievable how the coffee flavor breaks through the chocolate.
The second best was on a trip to Jamaica and I stopped at a coffee house for their legendary iced mochas. Potent too. I think I was hallucinating. I remember screaming "I am a God!" or something like that.
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what happened? I can tell you what happened; You developed taste budds! Navarro brothers coffee has healed you!!!! AMEn Brotha' >:D
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That's what it is! The Starbucks stuff does taste a bit bitter or burnt.
At least we had options in Chicago. Last year, when the conference was in Vegas, no dice. :'(
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That's what it is! The Starbucks stuff does taste a bit bitter or burnt.
At least we had options in Chicago. Last year, when the conference was in Vegas, no dice.? :'(
nice!
Glenn, do you ever go up on Home BArista.com or cofeegeeks.com? Good resources.
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Do they have coolata recipies? :D
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Sur, i recommend you go there and post your love for dunkin donuts cofee and coolata's. I am sure they would love ot hear from a fellow-cofee lover...... ::)
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Shhhh....I like McDonald's Bold coffee...... :-X
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Their Iced Coffee isn't bad at all. :)
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Just got a good decaf coffee/expsresso, counter culture coffee has a great blend..If anyone wants the info, let me know. This can be ground for any kind of maker, it would be a very good French press coffee. I made a nice double shot, nice flaovrs, low acid, a lot of crema which most decaf's don't have. Spicy, nutty with a nice cocoa (think baking powder) and toast flavors. a little lacking on the body and mouth feeling but hey' it's decaf. It makes great cappi and latte though.
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I just realized I drink D&D every day. It's what we grind in the "grind n' brew o'mattic" at home.
Hey, today is Friday. That means it's almost time for another Coolatta weekend!
Ron, I figured out what I'm getting you for Christmas:
(http://www.aerostar.com/coldair/images/Coffee_Coolatta_Cup_20.jpg)
;D
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NOW THAT"S FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
IF you have a grind and brew, why not buy some good beans to put in there? They're only a couple of dollars more......
CounterCulture.com
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We're diehard D&D. ;D
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oh..... Not open to trying a life-changing expericence of small-batch of hand selected, blended and roasted beans? Don't fear the flavor...... this is like jumping from straigth skis to shaped skis.... Come on'
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I tried that website and it brought me to some anti war blog. ???
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http://www.counterculturecoffee.com/index.php
Here ya' go....
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I will say...some of that stuff is about the same as a bag of D&D.
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yup, granted most are 12 oz bags. They roast, then ship the next day. What you get are amazingly fresh and flavorful beans. D&D is fine coffee, but you really should try some of thier stuff. If you are making espresso, the Tuscano blend is my absolute favorite. Makes incredible FP coffee as well.
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They warned me about your type in school Ron. "Watch out for those pushers!"
(http://appraisalnewsonline.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/04/29/just_say_no.jpg)
:D
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Just checked back into the forum after a too-long absence, and was delighted to find this thread still active. Still need backup on this one, Ron?
Lynn, Nespresso drool machine out does an Anita Quick mill Heat exchanger with a Mazzer mini?? I am stunned, speachless and deeply offended..... Where's Svend? Please help here bud ;D ??? ???
I've got ya covered, bud. Just say the word....
Svend
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Hows that new grinder of yours doing!
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I'm sorry...I'm not sure that's appropriate language for this site...
Moderator please.....we need an inquisition and possible dunking!
G
wait, I'm am a Moderator.... 8)
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Gary, this is a site that is about coffee...... >:D
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Gary, this is a site that is about coffee...... >:D
....and hernias, and ED, and colourblindness (but only Gary's).....
Ron, the grinder is awesome! Love it! Perfect shots, time after time. As long as I don't spazz out and get the tamp all crooked and skewed, it's a dream. I really like the doserless design, too. Just hold the portafilter under the spout, push the button, and fill 'er up. Level it, tap on the counter, tamp 'er down real gentle, and sweet elixir comes out every time. Nice! The Espro clicking tamper really helps...makes it repeatable and consistent. I really like it, as it takes one more variable out of the equation of aiming for perfect shots.
As far as I know, it's a very similar design to your Mazzer, but not stepless. Each step gives about a five to six second increase or decrease in shot volume, which is just fine for me. And I can switch to french press or moka pot grind in no time.
Cheers,
Svend
PS -- I used to have the ability to post pics here, but that privilege seems to have been taken away. Can't find a way to insert an image...clicking Additional Options doesn't show the insert image option....can anyone help with this?
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not sure why? Check you profile but make sure yo are capturing the correct url from the host site and insert between the two picture anchors.
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Ron, I'm trying to post a pic from my hard drive, not from a remote URL. I used to be able to do this a few months ago when The Administrator gave us privileges to do so. I just clicked on Additional Options (I think) and there was a menu item for uploading a pic. Any ideas? How do you do it?
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Maybe Jim can look into this? I am not really that familiar with the funtionality of this site. I can look around tomorrow. I just post the URL.
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Ron, I'm trying to post a pic from my hard drive, not from a remote URL.? I used to be able to do this a few months ago when The Administrator gave us privileges to do so.? I just clicked on Additional Options (I think) and there was a menu item for uploading a pic.? Any ideas? How do you do it?
Svend:
Yes, underneath the text entry area there should be underlined text that says "Additional Options".
You click on that, and you should get a display that lets you browse and find a picture on your local harddrive and upload it.? There is a size limit of 256KB, since the host site only allows 10 mb of pictures total.?
Not a limit on space.? Are you not seeing the file browse option after you click "Additional Options" or is the picture not uploading?? If the latter, then I would crop or change the picture to get it less than 256K.? If you are on Windows, you can right click on the file and select Properties and to see how big the file is.
Svend, maybe your are a victim of the new "content filter".? ?::)? If the picture doesn't have skis or an obvious skier in it, then it won't upload the picture.? Since this is a ski forum, the "content filter" looks at all of the pixels and looks for patterns and colors that have been determined to be part of normal ski pictures (such as lots of white snow, edges like the edge of a ski, and orange parkas) and refuses to download things that aren't related to skiing. I think it is called DIR (Digital Image Recognition).
Jim
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Ahh, I would argue (and I think ED and Svend as well) that Coffee is part of the tradiition and experience of skiing. The morning ritual of gathering together to boast and pontificate about the days plans and revel in the glory of the previous days conquests....
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Svend
Perhaps the filter doesn't recognize that coffee is part of the ski experience. I think you may have to lobby the powers that be to "make it so". :D
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Well, I would be proud to make some nice coffee this December. I am bringing up a expresso maker and some of my Counter culture Tuscano blend.
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Svend
Perhaps the filter doesn't recognize that coffee is part of the ski experience. I think you may have to lobby the powers that be to "make it so". :D
I believe it is because the filter realizes that coffee should not be filtered twice.
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Ah, BF, that response was like a fine wine or a lovely aromatic cup of joe. :D
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Content filter?! Seriously Jim. You mean Ron's hernia looks like a ski run to the DIR gizmo? Mind you, there is a lot of orangey-red stuff in there, so maybe it mistook the hernia for a Cassara wipe out -- limbs a-kimbo...an unrecognizable, shapeless heap, clad in orange. I could see why a pic of a high-end espresso grinder just wouldn't pass, compared to that.
Yes, underneath the text entry area there should be underlined text that says "Additional Options".
You click on that, and you should get a display that lets you browse and find a picture on your local harddrive and upload it. There is a size limit of 256KB, since the host site only allows 10 mb of pictures total.
Not a limit on space. Are you not seeing the file browse option after you click "Additional Options" or is the picture not uploading? If the latter, then I would crop or change the picture to get it less than 256K. If you are on Windows, you can right click on the file and select Properties and to see how big the file is.
Jim, you are correct...I am not seeing the file browse option under Additional Options. As I said, it used to be there, just after Ye Holy Administrator made it so a few months back, but now all I see is "Return to this topic" and "Don't use smileys"...that's all. Perplexing....
And yes, Lynn, coffee is definitely part of the ski experience. We bought a little plug-in Bialetti espresso pot just for ski trips, to get the motor revved and the senses sharpened before hitting the slopes. Nothing like a good strong brew first thing in the morning. As for apres, we use it to concoct a drink called Elephant Nuts (copied shamelessly from the backside lodge at Lake Louise), which contains espresso, Amarula, Frangelico and whipped cream. Let me tell you, it warms your toes and turns your tired muscles to jello....sweet!
Cheers, all!
Svend
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Ron is a recognized skier many places.? Even his innards and groin are known by the DIR program.? ?;D ;D
I'll look around some.? Didn't think anything with pictures had changed. Unless you moved up a category and I didn't make a change there.
Svend: Try your picture now. When you totaled 100 posts you became a full member (no longer a junior member) and I forgot to make the posting configuration change for that user group.
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me and my "innards" are honored....
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As for apres, we use it to concoct a drink called Elephant Nuts (copied shamelessly from the backside lodge at Lake Louise), which contains espresso, Amarula, Frangelico and whipped cream. Let me tell you, it warms your toes and turns your tired muscles to jello....sweet!
Cheers, all!
Svend
Elephant Nuts
YUMMY!!!
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Hey Jim...no change, still don't see it. The only thing I can think of is that I changed my moniker on my profile to "Svend" from "Viking" -- perhaps that messed up the permissions...altho ugh it still shows me as a full member.
Lynn, let me know if you want the recipe -- I know you don't have an espresso maker, but Lake Louise made it with regular coffee and it still tasted great. You'll have to experiment with the proportions, but there's a bit of fun in that too ;D ....by about the fifth batch you should get it right. But remember to write everything down, 'cause when you wake up you'll remember nothing.
BR,
Svend
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Svend:
Try it again now. Also try it on a thread of your choice under another heading other than Open Discussion.
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Yup...it works! Thanks Jim. From your fiddling with this, am I to assume that you are The High Inquisitor and Exalted Administrator himself? This lofty position doesn't seem to afford you much more respect from the members, though, as you seem to get as much abuse as the rest of the lot. ;D The burdens of high office...sigh...
Cheers,
Svend
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Yes, the "powers that be" are ta da da da......Jim Ratliff or his alter ego, Gandalf!! Mild mannered computer geek by day, skiforum superhero at alternate times!! >:D
The abuse continues....... ;D ;D
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Ahhh, I get it...so Jim is Gandalf, as in the powerful and benevolent wizard in Lord of the Rings. So the unwitting reference to the High Inquisitor and Exalted Administrator wasn't far off the mark, eh? Very cool. 8) And obviously more respect is due. Must remember that, and watch my P's and Q's, lest I get struck by a well-aimed spell from his mighty wand. At least he doesn't know where I live...somewhere in Canada is all I will reveal, and it's a BIG country.
Well, thanks Gandalf, for sorting out the picture problem. In the spirit and theme of this forum, more coffee-related pics will be revealed!
Cheers,
Svend
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Yup...it works! Thanks Jim.? From your fiddling with this, am I to assume that you are The High Inquisitor and Exalted Administrator himself? This lofty position doesn't seem to afford you much more respect from the members, though, as you seem to get as much abuse as the rest of the lot.? ?;D? The burdens of high office...sigh...
Cheers,
Svend
Well, respect is something that is earned and not simply given. In this case, if I had rippled the change through all of the user groups instead of only those that actually had members then this would have been a moot point. I also forgot that the Open Discussion forum had an explicit set of permissions while all of the other groups use a shared default set.? Basides, the other moderators have actually seen me ski, and I also have 5/8ths of an inch of space between my heel and my shell.? No wonder I get no respect.
Have to confess that Gandalf (and various permutations) has been my favorite username since I first read Tolkien and "The Hobbit" about 30 years ago.
And yes, post your coffee pictures; all that stuff about a pixel based content filter is just BS.? Things like that exist, but they are mostly in use at 3 letter federal agencies (NSA, CIA, DHS, FBI) doing facial recognition and require more horsepower and a larger database than a small web server has.
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Yes, the "powers that be" are ta da da da......Jim Ratliff or his alter ego, Gandalf!! Mild mannered computer geek by day, skiforum superhero at alternate times!! >:D
The abuse continues....... ;D ;D
Actually, Lynn, I consider the "computer geek" monitor somewhat of an insult (maybe your intent ??? ??? ).? Computer geeks, IMHO, often see computers as an end and a toy in themselves, often forgetting that computers really only exist to help people accomplish their daily tasks.? They sometimes become a bit self absorbed at the expense of the people (the users of the sytems) that ultimately pay the bills.
As an example, what has been your experience with automated systems in hospitals?? Someone as old as you can certainly remember the manual chart systems as they used to exist. Do the computer systems make it easier for you to do your job? They certainly automate the billing and insurance stuff, but often at the expense of the front line people that enter the information into the sytems.
Sorry for the hijack, lets get this ski forum back to coffee and expresso machines.
Jim
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EEWWW, I have been hoisted on my own petard!!!
Yes, Gandalf, I was attempting to insult you, but in the nicest possible way!!
And yes, at my advanced age, I have seen the move from paper trails to computer ones in the hospitals. WITH MIXED RESULTS. I can often do an entire written triage or admission note much faster than by the computer.
I would love to be served by computers, please,please, serve me.
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I would love to be served by computers, please,please, serve me.
Been there, done that, didn't get the T-Shirt. ;D You forget so soon all of the serving and shlepping and ski carrying that I did for you at RealSkiersII last year.
How unappreciated that makes me feel. ??? :'( I am trying to be very nice this year, looking for Gary to be the offender and subsequent lugger of luggage.
Maybe if you took a typing/keyboarding class the computer wouldn't be so challenging? ???
No, seriously, I know of lots of "systems" where computer geeks (aka, in this case, Requirements Management Specialists) tried to design things all over again rather than just looking at the paper forms that had evolved over time and saying "Voila, this looks like a good place to start."
And, thank you very much, it was a very nice insult. The best insults always seem to sound innocent on the surface.
For example, when the woman says "honey, do I look too fat in this dress?" Innocent sounding, nothing but quicksand underneath.
Pretty late post, I assume you are working the night shift??
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Damn, caught again on the internet at work.
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I believe mr. Cassara has already qualified and has earned his "porter for RSIII" status......
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Lynn..I'm wondering if computers can assist in putting one's boots on....I'm sure out there someone is writing that very program complete with sound affects!
Jim...we must work on that 5/8th's....maybe some Botox injections for your heel or better yet...any magical spells to enlarge ones FEET......
Now Ron keeps cursing me with schlepping and portering...I think Ron can carry the burden of any guilt I feign to have and the fact that he's younger and I remedy his skis from all sorts of natural and un-natural disaster, I feel that he could easily handle this minor distraction.
For me....I'm just chugging along counting down the days till the RS meet and really get down and dirty over how to keep your coffee maker race tuned, which filters provide the best consistency, and can a French press more than a German. I think I got it right!
Now let's get back to the bean talk please!
G
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"Can a French Press more than a German"
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Hey I am not one with the "Cat and STP on the pants comments" bud! You have earned your porter-role for this season, or unless you are willing to trade for two tunes on Lyn's boards?????? (stay-tuned for the backlash)
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Ron
Thanks for the support. Ya know, with all those rocks I did not avoid at SB last year, I REALLLY, REALLY could use two tunes this trip. >:D >:D
Hmm, who has the bigger triceps and traps, the french or the german??
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Gotta go with the German's here.. Where's Gary? It's 3pm and It's really slow at work.....
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Lynn..I'm wondering if computers can assist in putting one's boots on....I'm sure out there someone is writing that very program complete with sound affects!
Jim...we must work on that 5/8th's....maybe some Botox injections for your heel or better yet...any magical spells to enlarge ones FEET......
G
Sorry, can't quite resist.? ?;D? ;D Wow, Gary, I have been so naive I completely misunderstood this.? I see those ads all the time for "male enhancement" and absolutely didn't realize they were talking about the feet.? Do you think that approach would be preferable to just getting my next pair of boots shell fitted now that you and Ron have explained how it's done??? Have you had any luck with such drugs and stuff?? ?>:D Is is possible that all appendages are affected at the same time??
Jim
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This has been an interesting thread. It started out as a side bar deserving its own thread, floated into the arena of cars, new ski jackets and dream machines. A few gratuitous pics of a variety of subjects and floating back and forth between lubricants, botox and coffee beans!!
VERY INTERESTING!!! >:D >:D