One More M&M

/ Pete Denison / Leave a comment

One of the first posts written on this site discussed the constant need for validation many of us have in our lives, to the point of constantly seeking and extracting compliments from those around us.

The point being that those accomplishments worthwhile of validation, recognition, and perhaps even reward, are lost in the frenzy of attention seeking nonsense. Part of that post questioned our incessant need for recognition on matters mostly of trivial consumerism, and our perception this acknowledgement in some way increased our value in society:

Do we really need some external validation for every single (mostly consumer driven) decision we make? The answer to that question increasingly seems to be yes. If not for some kind of validation, then it becomes somehow linked to inching up our social standing – I am better or cool because I have this, am doing or reading this, or “like” this.

The sentiment contained in that earlier post is well summarised in the above excerpt.

Upon re-reading the post I should emphasise, I certainly believe there is a very important need for all forms of acknowledgement, recognition and feedback (both positive and negative), none more evident in my day-time role as a manager of people. This is also something all too easy to overlook, particularly (and somewhat ironically) in a talented, hard working team.

However the irony was not lost on the writer as I found my inner voice saying “see I was right”’ and feeling dare I say, ‘validated’ when reading Welcome to Validation Nation by Daniel P. Forrester, a recent Editors Pick on Medium. Though infinitely more elegant in word than myself, Daniel expresses a similar sentiment:

Without a common definition of validation, the concept has been decentralized in a frenzied, subjective set of silos. We have flown past the basics of “see me, hear me, thank me,” to “you must see me, celebrate me, and everything that is great about me.” In getting to this shallow state, we have lost: inhibition, pause, humility, empathy and the critical skill of self-editing.

In my thinking on this subject, the most telling point made above is how we have lost the critical skill of self editing. Time and again it appears we are no longer able to filter our need for recognition from “everything”, or indeed “every little thing”, to areas that do indeed really matter. Furthermore, simple recognition or acknowledgement is no longer enough, we continue on, seeking a king tide of support and full blown celebration. If this is your desire, fine, however please remember the more you ask, the less real value you receive in return.

The article does suggest there is still hope:

There’s also some hope in all of this as the human need for recognition gets redefined. My belief is that the generation after the Millennials, will recoil from all this hyped nonsense. Let us hope for a flight to quality where recognition of real human achievement will be amplified by a few trusted, authoritative and transparent sources; a time when validation for accomplishments becomes tightly re-coupled with excellence.

Perhaps this will be true, however I do not believe this is simply a Millennial generation issue. It is far more widespread and no doubt further fuelled by, but certainly not limited to, today’s social media and the methods we use to seek out this recognition.

There are many more compelling points contained therein, and I would recommend reading Daniel’s insightful article in full.

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What’s Roasting #2 Ethiopian Sidamo

/ Pete Denison / 2 Comments

You can be sure that when a tasting review is posted, another roast will soon follow. Today’s roast origin moves to Africa and is expected to bring back some “fruit” to what ends up in the cup.

This Ethiopian Sidamo, again from Ministry Grounds, is a great value origin, and I am keen to see how this batch turns out.

Ministry Grounds roasting notes as follows:

Expect a few underripes and in general, an uneven roast. But the end result is worth it! Go a little easy on the heat up front, and don’t try and take this one dark. The result will be a bitter disappointment (literally).

Roasted in the afternoon today on quite a cool day, this 500 gram batch ran a little slower than my usual roasts, taking just on 20 minutes to a light to medium roast level. Though not planned, something like a longer than usual roast time presents a good opportunity to assess the effect on flavour profile and other variables come tasting time.

Looking forward to sampling once it has rested a few days.

What’s Brewing #1

/ Pete Denison / 3 Comments

My first What’s roasting post approximately one week ago promised an upcoming review of a South American origin Brazil Toffee Cerrado, from my green bean supplier Ministry Grounds Coffee. It’s now time to make good on that promise. One further note – since this is my first tasting review, please bear in mind the following is my opinion, and the taste will be influenced by my methods of roasting and brewing, as will your own.

My previous post, curiously titled The Whack, describes an outline of my taste testing and assessing system (if you could call it a system), so we can get down to the details straight away here.

The Whack

What – Brazil Toffee Cerrado

  • Origin: Brazil
  • Region: Macaubas, Monte Carmelo, Pirapitinga in the Cerrado (Expocaccer Co-op)
  • Altitude: 900-1100 metres
  • Crop Year: 2011

My Source/Supplier: Ministry Grounds Coffee.

How – Milk based, 160ml latte; Aeropress.

Assessment – Dry aroma – hints of dark chocolate, caramel, brown sugar.
Milk course – dark chocolate and caramel undertones; flavours cut through the milk well; great for the morning latte and works very well as the base for a milk drink.
Aeropress – a definite improvement when cooler, some of the sweeter, caramelised brown sugar flavours in evidence; dare I say “toffee” flavour. Good body, with low acidity. Overall probably a little ‘flat’ when brewed by this method.

Conclusion; Know this – In my opinion this origin is fantastic value for money, as it performs solidly on its own, however I will use it in a blend soon and will write further on the outcome. Really came into its own 4-5 days after roasting. When used as a single origin, it probably works best in a milk drink, however do try in an Aeropress or similar, as when it cools there is a distinct alteration in the flavour profile.

Overall rating 4/5

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The Whack

/ Pete Denison / 4 Comments

Coffee Tasting
When assessing what I have roasted and brewed, we venture into more subjective territory. I have often found my perception of flavours in various origins and blends differs a little from those described “on the label” or in reviews. I’m sure this would not be uncommon for many of us.

What will be written in these reviews is simply my own opinion on the taste and flavour of the beans I have roasted. The reviews will include the different brewing methods I currently use, including an espresso based milk drink (my standard here being a 160ml single shot latte), the Aeropress, and a standard espresso. Every review may not necessarily include each brewing method, and I plan to expand the number of different methods I use as time goes on.

You may note I am referring to “tasting reviews” here. I have purposely not used the term “cupping”, as I feel this is a very specific process that I am not fully qualified to use appropriately in these reviews. You will therefore not see any 100 point cupping assessment scales here. My perspective is derived from the flavours experienced in my day to day usage, which, if I am being totally honest, can sometimes be hard to accurately describe.

I originally wanted to outline a summary of each review in a standardised way, and this led to the development of ‘The Whack’ review summary. The basis for this acronym is as follows:
* What – the name and origin of the bean (or beans if a blend is being reviewed)
* How – a description of the brewing methods used to taste the coffee
* Assessment – my assessment and opinion of the coffee.
* Conclusion; Know this – a brief overall summary of the review, with any specific recommendations.
The end of the review will also have a rating out of 5. Again, there are no specific categories at this time, I will simply make a judgement based on the criteria above.

Much of what I have described above will be clearer once an actual review is written – the first is not far away!

Deeper into iOS 7

/ Pete Denison / 1 Comment

20130613-184011.jpg
Image: Matt Gemmell

After putting in my two cents worth on the day iOS 7 was unveiled at WWDC 2013, I have had the opportunity to read quite a number of articles examining Apple’s overhaul of it’s mobile operating system. Two pieces I felt best captured the essence of the planned transition, over and above the usual nuts and bolts lists, were written by Federico Viticci and Matt Gemmell.

In iOS 7 Thoughts and Questions, Federico provides some very thoughtful and in-depth analysis on both the design and function of iOS 7, indicating how the changes go well beyond a surface only re-design, noting iOS 7 provides a good platform for even further growth and future development of the operating system:

And that is, I believe, why Apple said that iOS 7 isn’t simply change, it’s a new beginning. It’s not an understatement: iOS 7 is not about the icons, labels as buttons, translucency, questionable Lock screen gestures, or a new Spotlight as design choices taken individually – it’s about a single, precise idea: to make iOS simpler and more enjoyable, but at the same time more useful.

and:

But there’s one thing I’m sure of: to paraphrase yesterday’s demo, we should look beyond the icons. iOS 7 will be defined by its overall design language, user features, and developer technologies. In many ways, this is version 1.0 of an OS for the next five years.

While acknowledging iOS 7 is indeed more than just a new look, Matt provides a fantastic side by side comparison of the differences between what we currently use in iOS 6 and what was unveiled a couple of days ago at WWDC. In his usual eloquent way, Matt explains while many of the changes may appear related simply to colour, flatness or borders for example, these are very specific changes that were made to enhance function first, and were achieved through very well thought out changes in form.

iOS 7 is a decluttering of the most exciting, profitable, desirable mobile operating system available. It’s a shift away from artefact, and back to essence. It indicates a clarity of vision, and a continued willingness to pursue simplicity ruthlessly.

Gone are embellishments like gloss and bevelled edges, shadows and borders. Visually dead areas that provoke tension rather than inspiring relaxation. Weight that suffocates, rather than open air to breathe.

On the issue of unfamiliarity, and “alienating” current users (some 600 million at last count):

The thing is, we’ve grown up. We don’t require hand-holding to tell us what to click or tap. Interactivity is a matter of invitation, and physical cues are only one specific type. iOS 7 is an iOS for a more mature consumer, who understands that digital surfaces are interactive, and who doesn’t want anything getting in the way of their content.

Both articles provide insightful and well considered analysis, after the crash and bash of initial opinions that were fired out immediately after the WWDC keynote address two days ago.

iOS 7 : Thoughts and Questions by Federico Viticci
iOS 7 by Matt Gemmell