The Perfect Cup of Coffee

The year was 2003. I was 23 years old, and I had just discovered liquid black gold:

Coffee.

I don’t know what took me so long, but one look at that sparkling pool of pure gorgeous in a blue ceramic cup, and I was hooked. In the last decade, I have come close to perfecting the coffee experience. Read on, and discover how to enjoy the perfect cup of coffee.

Take it Black

I know it might seem bitter at first, but avoid cluttering your coffee with creamers and other additives. The difference in style and quality of coffee comes through much more clearly when it’s not diluted with other ingredients. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the added calories from creamer and sugar. Drink all you want without affecting your waistline!

Find a Partner

No, you don’t need to talk to someone while your drinking coffee, even though coffee and conversation go hand in hand. I’m talking about finding the perfect snack match for your coffee. I prefer something semisweet, like a rich dark chocolate. Stick that dark chocolate in a baked good, like a huge peanut butter chocolate chip cookie, and you’re in business. Chocolate covered nuts and yogurt covered pretzels are also good bets. Even if you’re a loner, this is one partnership you’re sure to enjoy.

Hot Hot Hot

Remember that lady who sued McDonald’s because she spilled hot coffee on herself? Talk about being punished for doing your job. A hot cup of coffee NEEDS TO BE HOT. None of this lukewarm garbage. A few years ago I was at a Starbucks nearby. It was in the afternoon, and I ordered a cup of coffee. (Starbucks is a COFFEE SHOP after all). The coffee was warm, probably because it had been sitting there all day. I asked for another cup, and I kindly added that I didn’t mind waiting while they brewed a fresh pot.

The barrista looked at me like I had asked for a Big Mac and a neck massage: “You want me to make another pot??”

I dunked my hand into the lukewarm cup right before her eyes. “Um, yes please.”

If there’s one thing Starbuck’s should be able to accomplish, it’s a decent cup of coffee. Expect it hot, and accept no substitutes.

Environment

The perfect cup of coffee requires a smooth environment. Find a place that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. Indoors or out; beside a fire or near a pool; in a low-lit room by yourself, or on crowded boulevard—find a spot that gives you a good vibe, and sip that cup of perfection.

Make Sure You’re Awake!

Most people look at coffee as something to wake you up. Sure, coffee will help get you going, but like most amazing things, coffee is best when you’re awake and alert. If it can take a bleary-eyed college student through the pain and hell of final exams, imagine what it can do for you when you’re bright eyed and bushy tailed!

Best of luck to you as you seek your own cup of liquid perfection.

Photo Credit

Kids and Television

Like it or not, television plays a big role in shaping our culture. 

How much TV do you watch?

Via: Online Courses News

REVIEWS! (A few good examples)

Click here to read a review of:

• A place to see a concert
• Ontario Mills
• A Coffee Shop
• A Book

Also, check the post below for a review of our friendly neighborhood winter resort (Mountain High).

Review of Mountain High Ski Resort

If you've never tried snowboarding or skiing, or maybe you're new to the area and looking for a good local mountain, you need to check out Mountain High Ski Resort in Wrightwood. Let me start of by saying that I used to work at this resort as a snowboard instructor, and while that may cause some people to disregard the following review, I'll do my best to give the good and the ugly. And trust me--there's plenty of good, and plenty of ugly at Mountain High.

The best thing about this place is its proximity to the Inland Empire and the Los Angeles areas. Mountain High is in the city of Wrightwood, which is a mere 15 minutes off the 15 freeway. One minute you're driving through desert, and the next you're staring at pine trees in a puny mountain town. There is very little mountain driving, which is a major benefit when the weather is bad. No matter where you are at in Southern California, a day of skiing or snowboarding is always in reach. Save gas, save time, save a place in your heart for Mountain High.

Don't see any snow on the mountain tops? It doesn't mean you can't ride. Mountain High has some of, if not the best, snowmaking in Southern California. As long at the temperature drops to around freezing, Mountain High can make enough snow to cover most of the mountain.

If you're a beginner, Mountain High has packages that include equipment rentals, lessons, and lift tickets. The lessons are a great idea for a first-timer, but they can get expensive. It's best to purchase a package that includes all three (ticket/rental/lesson). Some of the instructors are amazing, some are in the middle, and some are downright awful. Thankfully, most of them do a good job.

Now for the downsides:

• Crowds--this place is easy to get to, and on weekends and holidays, EVERYBODY gets to it. Get there at least half an hour before opening, otherwise you'll end up parking on the side of a road, sitting in traffic for hours, or even turning around and driving home (they do sell out). 
• Jerks--There are a lot of these people up on the mountain. Most of them are 15-25 years old, and lots of them are high or on their way to being drunk. They have an extremely limited vocabulary, they cut the line, they disrespect others around them--they're a miserable excuse for human existence, and they give the sport a bad name.
• Did I say crowds?--On the slopes, too. Keep your eyes open, and watch out for people below you.  Lots of people sliding around on pieces of wood and fiberglass with sharp edges=potential disaster. And wear a helmet. 
• Size--Mountain High isn't a very big resort, and even though they have two hills (East and West), East isn't open all season, because it faces the sun most of the day, and the snow melts more quickly.
• Cost--Skiing/snowboarding is expensive. Save money by checking the website for deals, and purchase discounted tickets at Ralph's supermarket. Borrow equipment when possible, and rent if necessary. Never buy new equipment, unless you know for sure the sport is for you. 

Mountain High gets better every year, but it also gets more pricey. There are definitely a few negatives, but if you're looking for someplace close to try out one of the most amazing sports on the planet, you should give Mountain High a shot.

Photo Credit: Mountain High Resort

Team Peeta or Team Gale?

If you've read The Hunger Games, you have to wonder about some of those names. Peeta? Gale? Katniss? Sounds like a mixture catfish, kiss, and cat. I'll leave Katniss alone for now, but you can read my thoughts on the Peeta vs. Gale name smackdown over at the Wordoid blog.

Check it out, read the book, then see the movie.

Photo Credit: Eckhart Public Library