Linkfest or shall we say, “a bunch of useless information.”

First of all, a neat feature from Alta Vista in the right column, that can translate my blog in 8 different languages! I am not sure how accurate it is in each language, but it reads weird in Chinese, because the translation is almost done word by word. Some parts make sense, and others make me think, “what the hell?!” Also Alta Vista uses the simplified characters which the mainland uses. I grew up in Taiwan, and we use the traditional characters.

Tales of two coffee shops. I think the food part was Michael's downfall. It is labor intense and highly perishable. On the other hand, Ritual Roasters, in SF, is a successful stroy.

The Stock Market's Da Vinci Code. Don’t worry, the sky is not falling. The Fed makes sure that will never happen.

Volkswagen Plans Two Pricey Niche Cars. How cool is that Concept R?!

How to Put Your DVDs on Your Video iPod. Hey, I did not say it is okay for you to do this. (Pssst, just trying to cover my ass, you know what I mean?)

Fed raises rates in Bernanke's first meeting. Those ARM and Interest-Only mortgage borrowers must be feeling the heat! The new Fed boss hints that more hikes are likely. Man, he better stop, because I will need to use my home equity LOC for something cool. I will tell you what that cool thing is when the time is right.

Instant X-Ray. Yeah, I know what you are thinking…But, no! Morningstar’s Instant X-Ray helps you diversify your stock portfolio better.

Why Google Finance Makes Me Sad. Google Finance (beta) is pretty nifty. It is lot better than some well known brands. Here is a little scoop behind the scene.

IPO Central.

Will Tim Hortons Inc be another high flyer like the green mermaid or get stuck in the mud like the moosehead?? Tim Hortons Inc. (NYSE: THI) begins to trade on NYSE tomorrow, 3/23. So far the street seems to warm up to THI, since they have revised the IPO price from $18.00 ~ $20.00 per share to about $22.00 ~ 24.00 per share. Time will tell, and we just have to wait and see.

What kind of coffee are you??

You Are a Soy Latte

At your best, you are: free spirited, down to earth, and relaxed At your worst, you are: dogmatic and picky You drink coffee when: you need a pick me up, and green tea isn't cutting it Your caffeine addiction level: medium

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

What?? Because I am an Asian?! I can't believe this!! : ) Gotta say, they are pretty close about who I am...

Thanks to Teresa from news you can eat for the link.

"ALLEY 24" from t o n x . o r g

t o n x . o r g
Tonx from Victrola gives us an exclusive preview of the new Espresso Vivace. Nice place!

In shape with JavaFit! You dig??

Hmmm, is Javalution trying to cash in the multibillion dollar weight loss business? It claims that its JavaFit “gourmet coffee” can help you burn fat and stay in shape. Because JavaFit is a “proprietary blend”, Javalution commands that you pay twice as much for a 12oz bag of coffee beans than from your favorite local coffee shop. I try not to bash JavaFit too much. You will be the judge for that.

I believe the only way to achieve your fitness goal is through the proper diet and exercise regularly. There is nobody or a magic pill will help you to loose weight, except that you get up with your lazy arse and hit the gym. Be responsible for your own well being. You can do it!

Charlotte or bust...

The “Super Bowl” of the Specialty Coffee industry is around the corner. The conference, the trade show, and its main event – The United States Barista Championship (USBC), will be held in Charlotte, NC between April 7 ~ 10. My good friend Andy C., one of my most favorite baristi, Phuong Tran, two bigwigs from the portafilter.net, and the heavy hitters in the barista community will all be there.

I have been searching for a package deal for a few weeks now, but I am not able to scored a good deal successfully. The hotel and air for this 2-day weekend is about the same as a 4 ~ 5 day package in Europe with the hotel accommodations from the airlines (hmmm, it is not hard to see which is the better deal). So, the chance that I make this Charlotte trip is very slim.

I see the 2006 USBC will once again be dominated by the baristi from the Great Lakes Regional, the Intelly crew (Matt, Amber, and Ellie), and Steve Fritzen from Coffee Hound, whom all I admire and respect tremendously. They will be joined with and/or one perhaps 2 from PNW regional, 1 from Western Regional, and 1 from Midwest for the final 6.

Alonso!

Formula 1, its 2006 season has officially started in Bahrain today. Fernando Alonso (center) comfortably beat Michael Schumacher (left), but with a close call with Michael after Alonso exited his final pitstop, to win the first race of this season. Kimi Räikkönen (right) fought his way from starting last on the grid to finish 3rd! This year looks like it is going to be another great year in F1, fill with great emotions and actions, and I can't hardly wait...

Lifelong fitness with Dr. Bob Delmonteque.

I can't believe an 86 years old can look this great! I work out and spend 4 days a week in the gym, and I don't look as half good as he does.

Dr. Bob Delmonteque sure has found the fountain of youth. I wish I can look as good as he is when I am at his age, only if I can live to his age....

Bicerin (my version)

I don't know the real deal tastes like, but this one is fine by me.

Tifosi!

BMW, Porsche, Land Rover, and other high performance driving schools are all associated with good times, but they are not as cool and authoritative as the Ferrari driving school.

This shifty idiot, Stefan Eriksson, should have taken the class.