Trisha wrote:I also teach self-defense (conventional and improvised weapons) on an individual basis.

"improvised weapons"... how would a portafilter do? Actually, I'm guessing that a well-thrown Reg Barber may do the trick!

Firm grip, steady hand and large caliber, does the trick every time.

Boy I miss the Rockies, use to live in Aurora years ago.

Handloading is most rewarding!



I had the fun of playing "espresso sniper" yesterday - one ristretto from the Elektra MCaL and another shocked, astonished look of wonder and pleasure as the cup was set gently down.

"Dear god - I had no idea! Rich, spicy and a dark chocolaty - smooth, too!"

I just smiled.

Trisha

Materials Engineer/Scientist

I work in the development of high-temperature corrosion/oxidation resistant and thermal insulating coatings. Can't apply much of what I do to espresso, but I have a pretty good background in various characterization techniques and building lab equipment (furnaces, vacuum systems, etc.)

I'm currently an E-6 in the Air Force, soon to be E-7. My job used to be working on airplanes. Now I tell people to work on airplanes.

Since forming my own company in 2002 I am a "scrappy", i.e. I scour the planet looking for scrap metal (scrap steel, really) which I then sell to steel plants or other consumers.

Here is some demolished bridges in east central PA - this needs to be cut to smaller sections before it is of use to the steel mills.


Here is some high grade 304 stainless steel scrap (>8.5% Ni) coming directly from the plant where the stampings are made near Pittsburgh. My buyer for this is in Rotterdam. (Yeah, that's me in front.)


Here is heavy melting scrap being loaded into a 20' shipping container at a small yard in Newark on route to India.


Here is some crappy "pit" scrap from a yard in Niles, Ohio.


Here is some re-roll rail from a yard in Ontario for a rolling mill in Chicago.

Here is some heavy melting scrap form a yard in Belgium used a some buyers in Bangladesh.


Here is shredded scrap (the pile on the left) from a big European yard.


Previously, I worked for the same company from 1975 through 2002 in the steel industry where I was International Sales Director from ~1989 through 2002; prior to that contract administration, project manager, purchasing and engineering.

Recently (since April) I also sell cars (!) for a local Ford dealer.

During the 1970's I worked as a cook in some local Pittsburgh restaurants until my business travels mandated that I be away too much for the kitchen. Restaurant work is kind of "ideal" as a second job as most places need you in the evenings and on weekends and this does not interfere with a typical office job.

Len

Almost 24 years as an aircraft mechanic (Crew Chief) in the USAF. Presently an E-9, I tell people to work on airplanes also. I started with helicopters, then B-1s, various C-130s, a stint in test, F-22, C-17, V-22 etc. and finally back to helicopters. I picked up a BS in Finance and a MS in Aeronautical Science along the way.

Right now I have the best job in the world as the Maintenance Chief at an HH-60 Rescue unit on a beautiful sub-tropical island in the Pacific. "That Others May Live"





DP (Rotorhead)

Rapid Coffee: It's a small world. My wife and I took several math/science/language classes at SDSM&T circa 1988-1992.

I was in the E-3 squadron in Okinawa. We loved the island. We miss the food, people, and surf. Have any good typhoons yet?

The coffee shop in the ferris wheel building in Mihama is pretty decent. They have great food also. The Starbucks across the street is alright too. They still had a La Marzocco when we left in 2003. Great for people watching.

Worldman wrote:Since forming my own company in 2002 I am a "scrappy", i.e. I scour the planet looking for scrap metal (scrap steel, really) which I then sell to steel plants or other consumers.

Grab this if it's not too late; it will make a behemoth spring lever

IB:
Starbucks scares me. In the states they have some sort of super auto vending machine thing. Truly the worst shots ever. My wife drinks their super sugar, caramel, chocolate, cherry berry, mint, pumpkin, cinnamon, whipped cream milkshake, latte, cappuccino drinks. I'll stroll into the Mihama outlet and see if they still have the LM. I like the sushi-go-round next door so next time I'm in the hood.....There's a Starbucks in the Rocker and in the North side Airpower cafe now. They're like the Borg, "You will assimilate, resistance is futile." When APO fails me I am forced to buy the year old Starbucks beans at the commissary. Only happened once so far in seven months on the island. I've tried coffee at Jusco and the like, it sucks. A lot of people drink that coffee in a can here. It scares me too, haven't tried it. With the Japanese fondness of coffee you would think there would be a roaster or two around. I can't find one.

We had a Cat 4 typhoon a month or so ago. It was a direct hit, wiped out a hell of a lot of trees. It is amazing how these monster storms hit here and cause little real damage with winds at 150mph. One hits the Gulf Coast with it's trailer parks and stick houses and the death and destruction are devastating. Cement is the answer.

I'm diggin the surf too. I just scored a house on the beach in Onna-Son just south of Maeda Point......amazing!

You must know Jim Cornell? He was in the E-3 Sq around that time also. He was in my class at the SNCO Academy.
DP