The History of Boston in Rain

Boston drizzled the day of the unofficial Business of Software photowalk. A few of our company were put out by the weather, but I enjoyed it. Most tourists look more interesting with an umbrella. Buildings and sidewalks show a lot more texture and reflections after a wash of rain. Most importantly, stepping into a pub and enjoying a pint of the local beer feels just right after a misty trek.

The Dessert Project #4

Philosophers, scientists, and theologians have wondered for centuries: "what would happen if pastry chefs were allowed to prepare every course of a meal?" Of course, none of them ever attempted the experiment. It is far too dangerous!

Technology and culture change over time. Perhaps the violence on TV has numbed our senses. What once was dangerous and shocking now seems tamer and more reasonable. These gradual changes have finally created an environment where the experiment was possible, and so the Dessert Project was launched. 

Chefs Steven Cak of Parkside, Backspace, Olive & June; Philip Speer of Uchi Restaurants; Plinio Sandalio of The Carillon; Jodie Elliot of Foreign & Domestic; Callie Speer of Swift’s Attic; and Janina Amezcua of Trace joined forces to create a six course meal. The plates look like gems, don't they? They tasted wonderful too.

Imagine that: the experiment was perfectly delicious. Thanks to the Dessert Project for hosting me!

Coffee with Chemex

Does the Chemex make the best coffee? I'm not sure, but I think the Chemex has a lovely simplicity to it: A funnel-mouthed glass flask held by a wooden collar. Place a filter in the mouth, wet it, and place coffee in the filter. Pour hot water over the grounds.

I saw this demo of the Chemex at the Up & Down Tour -- the part run by Casa Brasil. Thanks again to the Tour folks for letting me participate!

Jute Sacks of Coffee

Jute sacks possess a romantic, adventurous spirit, don't you think? I really like how one sack has an intricate logo on the front, while the others nearby have more plain lettering. I like the design of both, and if a 3-year-old asked me which sack was my favorite, I'd have a hard time deciding. He'd would insist that I pick one over and over until I was forced to flip a coin.

Incidentally, even though it seems coffee still arrives in these beautiful, old-fashioned bags, the beans inside are protected by more modern plastic sacks inside. Hurray for coffee that doesn't taste like socks!*

*I'm just guessing at what flavor the jute, not to mention the elements, might impart to coffee.

The Arteries of San Francisco

Be sure to click on the image to see a big version

From a distance, San Franscisco looks tranquil. Lights gently roll over the hills in pretty patterns, and a mix of buildings from various eras fill the center. If you look closer, you'll see the river of cars entering and leaving, and the ghosts of people out walking.

I shot this photo through my hotel window using my 7D mounted on a Gorilla Pod precariously balanced on a couch and window sill. A hint for photographers emulating my technique: kill every light in the room behind you. If you leave any lights on, you'll spend hours getting rid of annoying reflections in Photoshop.