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gray cells

I worked on the Thursday File late last night to finish it off and schedule it for today’s mailing. The last thing I looked at was my schedule for today. But between leaving the computer and hitting the sack my little tired gray cells missed something – I set my alarm and decided to sleep in until 5:45; giving me a good 45 minutes to get ready for my first call. I came down stairs, put the water on for coffee, turned on the computer, went back made the coffee took it into the studio. Checked me… Continue

Added by Steve MacDowall on August 7, 2008 at 4:19am — No Comments

Program Update: Chajulense Association and STIAP, Guatemala

By Jose Luis Zarate, Coffee Kids Program Director



From July 21-27, Jose Carlos Leon Vargas and I spent nine days visiting Coffee Kids' counterparts, the Chajulense Association and Union of Independent Workers of Alianza Ranch (STIAP) in Guatemala.



The Chajulense Association was formed by a group of coffee growers 20 years ago in the department of El Quiche,… Continue

Added by Coffee Kids on August 6, 2008 at 1:03pm — No Comments

it's going to be a long day. . .

I could not sleep last night so I finally got up at 4am ground up some coffee beans and made myself a strong pot of Sumatra

It’s going to be a long day; I’m looking forward to it I just hope I last through it all.

Added by Steve MacDowall on August 6, 2008 at 1:55am — No Comments

stop making sense Greg

today I was on the BBC interviewed by the Phil the shows host.



Being Australian running a business in England they wanted to know what I thought of Starbucks closing branches in Oz.



Markets mature and simplified mass market approaches don't work forever.

The general economics affects everyone.

For sometime now the chains have been 'grabbing spots almost regardless of skyhigh rents.

The economic reality of these rents against ROI had to come home to roost… Continue

Added by cardinalgogo on August 5, 2008 at 1:45pm — No Comments

Friends at Starbucks

This morning I sent out a few emails to friends to let them know I would be over at Starbucks from 10am until noon. Two dropped over – it was great Bob was first and we had a great chat then Rob and his friend dropped over as Bob was leaving. I must say it was a delightful morning.



A little note on the flies that keep trying to entertain me each morning; they are so annoying. Each one plays hide and seek but I get them in the end. It’s turning into a little ritual. Today was a little… Continue

Added by Steve MacDowall on August 5, 2008 at 11:54am — No Comments

just braggin'

one of my regulars uses a picture of one of my lattes for his Gmail chat profile.

Added by Joe Stormer on August 4, 2008 at 10:00am — 1 Comment

Radiohead = Coffee

It was about 8:30 when they swung long, dangling light bars from their hiding places to fill much of the stage almost like long icicles dangling in a cave. The stage was quicly flooded with dense chemical smoke and just as the sun set over the back of the stage at Verizon Wireless Center I saw a band of dark figures wander on the stage, fueling a frenzy of cheering and applause. I, along with thousands of other adoring fans, had been anticipating this moments for months so much so that we all… Continue

Added by Chris DeMarse on August 4, 2008 at 7:30am — 4 Comments

Solzhenitsyn died on Sunday

Sunday was really good but the lawn did not fair too well with all the cars but the amount of rain we’re having it should bounce back quickly.

I woke up at 5:00 but stayed in bed until 5:30 listening to the rain. It’s rally coming down. I’m off work until 1pm but my afternoon is a packed one going right to 5:30 without a break.



Going to make some breakfast now and take it up to my wife who is still in bed. Then I might go over to Chapters to have a coffee and read a… Continue

Added by Steve MacDowall on August 4, 2008 at 6:15am — No Comments

going out for a bite to eat... (and I really need my coffee)

As you know The Eagles played last night in Moncton just down the road from us and the girls Liz and Jessica decided to earn a little cash; parking cars; this drew in Beverly and since we also had Shannon over well the only boy out there was Anthony and he was a hit. The girls were down at the entrance of the driveway with a sign ‘Parking $10. Beverly was at the other end parking each vehicle so they could get out when the concert was over. They filled every space up we had over 35 cars and… Continue

Added by Steve MacDowall on August 3, 2008 at 5:45am — No Comments

Moving to Denver. Need info.

I am moving to Denver from Kansas City at the end of August. I am unfamiliar with the coffee scene and need suggestions on where to go or possibly... a job. All info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Tisha

Added by Tisha on August 2, 2008 at 2:50pm — 1 Comment

The Eagles are playing tonight just down the road from us

Saturday Morning: woke up late; 5:30am only 3 hours after the party goers (the campers in the fields across the road for tonight’s open air concert: the Eagles) went quite. It was a rough night – I find it had to understand that people visiting a neighborhood, don’t think of others.



As I was on the phone I looked out the window – a smile came to my mind and must have transformed to my face and voice “What’s so funny?” I was asked. “O, it’s just poring out – the rain is really coming… Continue

Added by Steve MacDowall on August 2, 2008 at 8:02am — No Comments

Coming Soon...New Factory Reserve!

Posted by: Steve Hawthorne



On Wednesday, August 6th, we will be debuting our latest Factory Reserve Coffee...Las Mujeres de Guayata Colombia. We're very excited to introduce this very unique coffee that is grown and exported by an all women's coffee coop in the Guayata region of Colombia.



Here's what our Master Roaster, Stephen Bybee, had to say about this coffee:



"Founded in 1998 by 30 female, Colombian coffee farmers, Las Mujeres de Guayata is a women’s'… Continue

Added by Stone Creek Coffee Roasters on August 1, 2008 at 10:00am — No Comments

Westing (by Musket and Sextant) pt. 2

First of all, some may be wondering, "San Diego...coffee?"



It happened.



But, I did not have a ton of coffee in my time there. I got to SD, checked into my hostel. The one I stayed at is called Lucky D's. It was a pretty sweet little hang, although it was no where near the beach. I'm a city boy, I can deal with it. Except San Diego's inner city is a little weird and well...not an awesome downtown. It's kind of barren, but it's not. There's stuff to do, but for who(m), i… Continue

Added by Charlie Biando on July 30, 2008 at 9:30pm — No Comments

Party @ my house.

That's right, Saturday night is the night for me. My roomie, Lizzie and I are having a party at our spot to say "Hell Yeah!" to whatever. We just want all of our amazing friends to meet each other and hang out in our spot. THe event will take place on Saturday 8/2/08 after the Grumpy Barista Music Showcase (Greenpoint 4-8). Please email me for the address. I hope you can ALL make it!

Ed

Added by Ed Kaufmann on July 30, 2008 at 9:18am — No Comments

Sleepless night leads into along day

I could not sleep last night – up at 3:30 a.m. My mind would not turn off; knowing that sleep was past I came downstairs to read which turned into working a touch on the computer.



There is this fly and it keep landing on my screen; making, I’m sure little pad prints all over it; he will not land on anything else. It’s driving me crazy.



Today is the day Beverly works behind the mall over in Dieppe so she will drop me off at Starbucks around 9 and picks me up around… Continue

Added by Steve MacDowall on July 29, 2008 at 1:24am — No Comments

it was like drinking mud

Nathan and Shirley came up for dinner yesterday but I was out of it with a strong headache. I wasn’t so much fun. Just as well as Beverly, Shirley, Nathan, and Liz talked most about the upcoming wedding.



Nathan made coffee after dinner – as you know I drink it black and no sugar – he used my good coffee – but when I took my first sip it was like drinking mud; how much coffee did you use three or four scoops? – I didn’t see the scoop, so I just poured it in. – I got that look from… Continue

Added by Steve MacDowall on July 28, 2008 at 2:25am — 3 Comments

Guess whose coming for dinner?

It looks like it’s going to be a wonderful day out there; not a cloud in the sky.



We worked on our garden yesterday for over four hours. The sun was hot but it’s so addictive once you start it’s had to stop; looking good though.



I’ve got a lot of work to do this morning in my Studio. Liz was in yesterday cleaning up my bookcase that covers one side of the room. She organized and labeled the shelves so I’ll know what’s what. I’ll now have to find the book I want, but it… Continue

Added by Steve MacDowall on July 27, 2008 at 5:54am — No Comments

I've discovered cups

I've never been much of a cup/saucer/spoon/napkin enthusiast. I have seen beautifully unique, rare demitasse and thought, "ooh, cool," but have never been moved to say anything. But tonight- tonight i saw something that changed all that. While scanning a pic of myself nervously holding my breath before my first time competing at wrbc, i noticed a shadow on my minimalist (cheap) white saucers in the corner of the frame. The light in the photo had cast an eerie yet comforting blue-green radiance… Continue

Added by Janelle on July 27, 2008 at 2:18am — 3 Comments

Saturday, lets get going. . .

We are not sure if it's going to rain or just stay overcast but I would like to spend some time in the garden this morning weeding. I finished my work early this morning with three phone calls to Paris.

Just spending some time with Beverly today will be great; cleaning up the studio along with some office work.

Bev has just left to pick up some eggs and milk at the corner store, well I take a shower.

Maybe we’ll grab a light lunch out or take in a movie tonight; if we get all our… Continue

Added by Steve MacDowall on July 26, 2008 at 4:56am — No Comments

SCAA Names Emily Oak to World Barista Championship Board

The Specialty Coffee Association of America

Appoints Emily Oak to World Barista Championship Board





Long Beach, CA. U.S.A. (July 22 2008) —The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) announces the appointment of Emily Oak as the newest member to represent the association's interest on the World Barista Championship (WBC) Board of Directors.



Oak is Director of Training and Development for Australian Independent Roasters, an SCAA member and wholesale… Continue

Added by Mike Ferguson on July 22, 2008 at 5:14pm — 1 Comment

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