CoffeeGeek – Presso Non Electric Espresso – Dave Fitzjarrell’s Review
Wow! Espresso without electricity; that goes right on to my Froogle Wish List. I would feel so proud to show up at a camping trip with one of those. 
The Starbucks Barista Digital Italia Espresso Machine is a marvel of coffee technology … when it works. Unfortunately all this technology is easily thwarted when a small plastic tab on the inside of the door breaks. The system then thinks that the door is not closed (when it is) and no coffee is allowed to be made.
Below are the hacks implemented to make the beast function properly. Note though that I did not actually implement the hacks; I merely documented them.
That’s a butter knife stuck inside the door so that the close door sensor knows the door is actually closed.
The end of a broken plastic fork taped (with electrical tape mind you) to the end of the broken door tab.
The things humans will do for coffee.
CoffeeGeek.com presents An Espresso Glossary with very good information and which should keep growing a bit.
My parents gave me a press pot for a belated birthday gift.
It makes a really full flavored (and strong) cup of coffee all without the usual bitterness of brewed coffee; it reminded me a bit of the Greek coffee I had in Greece.
Bonus link: How to Use a Press Pot [coffeegeek.com].
CoffeeGeek.com has a great article on getting the perfect foam for your coffee drink. Aptly titled The Milk Frothing Guide, this really is a must read for any coffee-[ geek | lover | aficionado ]; you’ll really learn a lot about how and why to foam your milk properly.
If nothing else you have to check out the Latte Art Examples section. It is some really amazing stuff:
O.K. I admit it; I am becoming a coffee snob. Well actually I prefer the term connoisseur. I will make my own coffee at home; lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos, and when I’m not at home I prefer to give my money to local coffee shops.
This opinion piece in last Sundays P.D. entitled: Why we love to hate Starbucks is a good formulation of my thoughts on the matter. 
