This is a cool infographic with facts about coffee: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/coffee

A coworker brought in some home-roasted beans. I'm told they were Esmerelda Gesha beans from Panama. It was quite a revelation for me. It was light and floral, almost like a really really dark tea. I usually put lots of sugar in my coffee, but was able to drink this straight black. I went back to our office coffee from Starbucks afterward and realized that I've been living in the dark ages.

So, I'm looking into getting into home roasting right now. Seems like a worthy venture, considering how much coffee I drink. Weighing the pros and cons of different roasting methods now, but I'll likely start off doing it over the skillet just to get a good idea of my preferences. I'm told that most people think they like a dark roast, but actually prefer a lighter roast when its good, fresh coffee involved. The ones I tried today were a City+ or Full City roast, which was great. I'm going to get a shit load of green beans to play with.

One cool thing I came across is that many people roast coffee using an air popper made for , which I may try out if the first few batches of mine go well. Supposedly those things maintain a nice and even heat for the coffee beans. The gear head in me wants to get a fancy drum roaster, but space is a big consideration in my household right now. I can't justify any more kitchen appliances. It may be too big for my needs anyway considering that I'm the only coffee drinker in my household.

I'm usually get my coffee from Trader Joe's these days. I prefer light to medium roast. Sometimes take home and/or work their Breakfast Blend, Bolivian Blend, and though darker I like their Tarrazu.

I do take espresso, but only in lattes or cappuccinos. I have a stove cappuccino maker by Bialetti (Mukka Express)

However, the construction is all aluminum and it oxidizes. The paint is falling apart to. That said, it does a good cappuccino IMHO.

Before going to work I take a "cafe con leche" using a humble drip coffee maker (Cusinart) which so far has not failed me. At work I use an IKEA french press. I strongly prefer light roast with the french press and drink it black.

Yet to do my own roasting though.

I am sitting at Starbucks (while my wife plays Santa at the mall) enjoying a nice cuppa.

I am no huge fan of the Bux, I prefer brewing myself at home, but in a pinch it works just fine. 

What is of interest today is the protesters outside.  Evidently Starbucks hasn't paid that much in taxes here in the UK.  Now As I understand it they paid what is required, and its the governments policy that lets them off the hook (correct me if I am wrong on that). Soooo, why are the protesters outside of Starbucks, they should go to a government building.

But I am glad they are here, it's made great entertainment for me.

I buy all my beans from oldbisbeeroasters.com

Current favorite is Bali Blue Krishna. Unfortunately they frequently rotate what they have so it's always trying something new. I have an 860XL for espresso, but mostly drink american coffee through an aeropress.

I drink tea.   

Freak!