The Thread for Those Who Wish to be Digressive

[Ghost of Baron Scarpia]

For the last forty years I've made espresso at home, roasting my own beans as well.  But last year my machine's pump died.  The part costs less than $100 but taking the machine apart an installing it is very complicated and I am certain I will screw it up (there are no espresso service repair shops in Tennessee I'd trust, and I don't want to ship it off to New Jersey).  So, I am thinking of buying a new machine.  I may upgrade my roaster at the same time. 

I've been living without espresso for months.  We will be moving in a couple of months so it may end up becoming a rather expensive house warming gift to myself.  Well, my wife also likes espresso, too - so she may indulge me.

What machine did you have? The automatic machines cost a king's ransom, but the non-automated ones are a more reasonable.

[Ghost of Baron Scarpia]

That, I'd call super-fancy. In the past I used an old Gaggia, which they now call "The "Classic." "The Classic" being a euphemism for "The Old Obsolete One." Of course, true authentic espresso should be pressed out with a hand-activated cylinder. HIP espresso.

[Karl Henning]

I use the Starbucks loyalty program because I can order a coffee using their app and pick it up on the way to work (saving time), and a side benefit is that I accumulate bonus points that allow me to get a free coffee every week or two.

I got an email notice that "exciting updates are coming" to the rewards program. The principal exciting update is that I have to accumulate more points before I can redeem them for a free coffee.

Apparently they think I am an idiot.

That doesn't excite you?!

[Ghost of Baron Scarpia]

That doesn't excite you?!

In a way it does. Not in a good way...

[greg]

Anyone hear about Andrew Yang?

I watched the entire Joe Rogan podcast with him. Interesting stuff, but is there a good argument against his plan of action? I would like to know... and if not, is there a better plan? Because it seems like he's the only one concerned with actually doing something, and also he's a rare candidate that doesn't have this sort of egoistic fakeness to his character. Automation might not affect me much since I'm kind of a part of the industry that would be most involved contributing to it, but living in a country where the employment rate is 50% and all the negative stuff that comes along with it is very undesirable.

But I would like to know if there's convincing evidence that his plan would/wouldn't be a complete disaster...

(thinking this is appropriate for the Digressive thread, meaning "be digressive"/convince me he's wrong)

[Ghost of Baron Scarpia]

My first good machine was that Gaggia Classic.  I used it for a long time before upgrading to the Expobar.  I've also had these stove top makers, like this one:



And one I bought on 8th Avenue for $10 that I'd just seen at MoMA back in the mid-80s

One of your pictures it not coming up for me.  I have this one, the Bialetti
[now I see it, same one as mine.]



It's a concentrated coffee, but I wouldn't call it espresso.

My relatives in the Bronx used to use something that looked like this, which made what they called "black coffee."

[Ken B]

Bully boy Boulez https://www.newstatesman.com/node/150961

[Ghost of Baron Scarpia]

Bully boy Boulez https://www.newstatesman.com/node/150961

How long has he been dead? Brings to mind Trump's obsession with McCain.

[Ken B]

I am discovering that music described as of the period Fin de siècle really appeals to me.

Does the siècle matter, or will and fin do?

[drogulus]

     I need an electric screwdriver.

[NikF4]

     I need an electric screwdriver.

You want one in order to attach one of those adapters that enables quick and easy winding on of guitar strings, don't you?

[NikF4]

I've just bought one year's full membership at the boxing gym (not boxing club) I recently started using. At my age I've no plans to spar again, but the general kind of vibe that goes with the facilities is an increasingly rare pleasure.

[drogulus]

You want one in order to attach one of those adapters that enables quick and easy winding on of guitar strings, don't you?

     No, I want one to take the back panel off my cabs to change speakers.

[Ghost of Baron Scarpia]

     No, I want one to take the back panel off my cabs to change speakers.

You don't have an electric drill? I have one with variable speed and works just fine for driving or removing the occasional screw.

[Karl Henning]

This puréed squash is surprisingly sweet

[NikF4]

     No, I want one to take the back panel off my cabs to change speakers.

Ah, close but no cigar.  And if it's your new Fane speaker - enjoy!

[drogulus]

     I know from deep personal experience that there is such a thing as "horse girl energy". My niece has it.

     

     

[greg]

Last night I dreamed that I was in a cafeteria and happened to be sitting next to Jussie Smollett. Needless to say, I was extremely uncomfortable and wanted to run away. 

[Ghost of Baron Scarpia]

Did he offer to pay you to dump your coke over his head while yelling racial epithets?

[Ken B]

Man, do you ever need better dreams.

Tip: Linda Evangelista.