January’s Trade Coffee comes from Panther’s Eye Roasting Company aka PERC. Per their origin story, PERC is a much better shorter name. PERC sent a bag of Ethiopian coffee from an area called Dimtu. Unfortunately, I can’t find any other info on the PERC website.
Making my latte, I’m amazed at the smooth and subdued fruity flavors. Normally, I expected Ethiopian beans to be more vibrant and loud with their flavors. But no matter how I make the latte (more milk/less milk, less hot water (more concentrated) / more hot water, longer steep time), the latte always has this subdued fruity flavor.
Last month, the news reported that the DOJ proposed to break up Google by “selling” off Chrome and Android in order to “fix” Google’s monopoly on search.
My initial thoughts were the proposed “fix” would have unintended consequences to the consumer and would not truly “fix” the real issue and reason why DOJ brought its case. To my understanding reading through various news sources, the DOJ is rightly concerned about Google’s practices in maintaining “search dominance.”
But let’s take a step back and look at what makes Google good. Back during the beginnings of the internet, I remember using various search engines like Yahoo, Lycos, Altavista, and even AskJeeves with varied success. In testing against Google, these other search engines never offered the link I wanted or satisfied my curiosity as quickly as Google did. That shows how powerful Google’s search algorithm is. Being able to monetize the best algorithm allowed Google to pretty much dominate search competition. Even now in 2024, if I use competing search engines like Bing or Duck Duck Go, Google’s algorithm still satisfy my curiosity by providing the most relevant link within the first five or so non-paid entries. I honestly believe that people will still end up choosing Google because it is a more superior search engine.
Now, back to the case, selling off Chrome would not fix Google’s dominance in search. I imagine Chrome to be more as a vehicle allows access to Google’s search. What the DOJ should instead be asking Google to do is… 1) remove default access to google search. 2) provide users with a choice of different search tools for use. 3) if the user ends up settling on Google Search, then after every Chrome update, the user should be presented with a choice again for different search tool or continuously confirm Google as the search provider. This sort of solution makes it so that using Google’s search is conscious decision by the user and not some sort of paid default search. Let’s give the users a say in what they really want. With the government not knowing how Technology works, I am VERY pessimistic that they will make a decision that benefits the users.
With Android, to be honest, search is embedded into the OS. As an Android user, it is very convenient to search for things. I think DOJ is on the right track to prevent the auto loading of apps to the OS. Similar to the Chrome solution, Android (if the phone is not a Pixel or Google made/designed phone) should be promoting or letting users choose the various apps for use. They company that is making the phone most likely has their own suite of products that can be promoted. And since Android allows the use of different apps, the user should be given the option on what apps they want to use. Android might need to be fixed such that search is a modular part of the OS and can be interchangeable with different apps.
And finally, to prevent Google from abusing it’s monopoly on search, why can’t a simple rule be implemented that prevents Google from participating or buying its position as the default. Simultaneously there should also be a ban on Google from acquiring any search related technologies or companies. These two restrictions should help small search companies grow and/or at least find some niche market to compete against Google.
I listen to quite a few podcasts during the week. Many of these podcasts are less than 30min. But I also listen to a handful of long-form podcast. One of those is “The Diary of a CEO.” The host (Steven Bartlett) does a magnificent job interviewing the different guests. Guests range from scientists to CEOs to even ex CIA operatives who offer a wide range of opinions and knowledge. Furthermore, the conversations are fascinating and thought provoking. The podcast also has a Youtube channel if one prefers to “watch” the interview.
Recently, Bartlett had Reid Hoffman (wiki) as a guest (watch here on youtube). Who is Hoffman? He is one of the members of the “PayPal Mafia” but might be more commonly recognized as the founder of LinkedIn.
Now why would I be so interested in even writing about this interview? One of the discussed topics centered around “censorship” and Hoffman’s thoughts about Twitter’s banning Trump (NPR).
But before I get to his thoughts, here are my thoughts about deplatforming in general. 1) One of the reasons America is “great” is the fact that everyone has a platform to speak about any issue and there would be very little retribution (i.e. being cancelled, getting doxxed) for speaking one’s mind. As much as I don’t like hate speech or speech that denigrates one tribe over another tribe, the opinions of the speaker are just opinions. I believe that the speakers SHOULD BE ABLE to speak their peace regardless of whether the speech is truthful, full of lies, full of hate, or flat out disrespectful and disparaging. I still believe that deplatforming Trump was the wrong move. 2) I also believe that ALL SPEECH needs to be monitored to be factual or at very minimum if there are opposing sides/stories that both sides are presented. What you say is what you believe but it might not be correct or factual. And this is where I think speech needs to be monitored. The choice should be up to the reader to confirm if what is stated is factual or not. America needs to raise a new generation of thinkers who should be able to decide on their own what is true and what is false. 3) I also beleive that speech with ANY THREAT of violence should NEVER BE TOLERATED. Regardless of if the THREAT of violence is hinted at, considered subversive or just overt declaration, this type of speech should be taken seriously and action to minimize the threat should be swift. 4) There still is a chance for all traditional and social media companies to “MAKE SPEECH GREAT AGAIN.” First to clearly implement speech policies that strictly forbids threats of violence while also implementing fact checking process on controverisal topics. Second to implement ways where fact checking policies allow readers to decide themself.
Back to the podcast, here’s a shortcut (click here) to Hoffman’s opinion about how speech should be handled. His idea represents a solid middle ground. I am happy that there are others who also believe that it is possible to have a society where speech can be balanced, safe, civil, and truthful. Hoffman goes further with the idea of freedom of speech vs freedom of reach and how differentiating between the two benefits society. Even contrarian and/or unpopular opinions should be heard by society, explored and thoroughly investigated by society, and then confirmed or debunked by society.
After thinking about this for the last few days, I pose this question to readers: Would a society that participates in the type of civil discourse (as imagined by Hoffman) become a better society overall?
December’s Atlas Coffee Club comes from Mexico. Although still part of the coffee belt, it’s a little rare to see coffee from Mexico. I think most of the coffee from Central American originates more further south like Nicaragua, Guatemala and Costa Rica. Making my latte, I find the taste to be very balanced. Upon first sip, I dont’ taste anything that skews floral, fruity or earthy. It just has a very balanced profile that doesn’t make it stand out… and maybe that’s what makes these beans special. Compared to the fruit forward flavors of Ethiopian coffee beans, these Mexican beans are much subtle. I think I’m going to enjoy the subtle balance of flavors.
November’s Trade Coffee comes from Kuma Coffee. The bag is a single origin from Ethiopia’s Guji region. Coming from one of the popular coffee regions, these beans did not disappoint. Making my latte, I initially get a big burst of floral aromas followed by a subtle sweet fruity flavors that linger on the tongue. Somedays, I made a second cup immediately after finishing the first because I really enjoyed the subtle fruit flavors that ended with a hint of milk chocolate aftertaste.
November’s Atlas Coffee Club comes from Tanzania. These beans help cement how good the coffee comes from Africa.
Opening the bag, I’m greeted with a subtle fruity chocolaty aroma. Making my latte, I taste this smooth choclate flavor with some floral notes. It’s also very light and mellow leading me to make a 2nd cup sometimes.
It’s been over a week since Trump was projected to be re-elected. I’ve had conversations with friends about this and I thought I’d put my thoughts on paper.
First, I was raised to be respectful, to be honest, to speak the truth, to live a life of integrity and most importantly to strive to be a morally good person. I would never support Trump because Trump INVALIDATES everything on how I was taught and raised.
Supporting Trump and the “Trumpublican” party, you are invalidating these ideals of being respectful, being honest, being truthful, living with integrity and being a morally good person. By supporting Trump and the “Trumpublican” party, you are signaling that you accept the discord and strife that Trump and his echo chamber of Fox News/Tucker Carlson/Steven Miller/Steve Bannon/etc has brought to society. By supporting Trump and the “Trumpublican” party, you are signaling that you admire someone who lies constantly, someone who is seeking to benefit himself and his brand, and someone who is a rich narcissistic convicted pussy grabber.
I cannot support Trump because of his behavior and everything he represents goes against my own moral compass. I want to know the rationale of why someone raised to be honest, to be truthful… would want to vote for Trump. Is this what these 76M AMERICAN voters really want to idolize?! A narcissistic lying self-serving convicted pussy grabbing president?
Second, it’s frustrating to know 76M Americans support a lying toxic bastard… who openly calls to have his opponents shot for opposing him… who openly degrades, disrespects and bullies people… Who only seek to benefit his business/brand… Who isn’t a president I support.
Up until the 2016 election, I had always believed that the President of the United States needed to represent someone who can show the rest of the world how great America is… Someone who after the election isn’t mired in pettiness… Someone who wants to see and lead a freer, safer, richer US. Trump did none of that in his 1st term. And Trump’s 2nd term will be at best more of the same… At worst will be regarded in history as a dark 4 years. If Trump gets his way with Project 2025, Americans will lose… Not immediately but Americans will lose their future. Americans will bear the brunt of his tariffs, leading to increased prices because companies pass on the cost to consumers (us). Americans could very likely lose even more rights over their own bodies. Americans will face an even larger police state all to “keep immigrants out”. The idea of a “blind justice” may be gone with the Trump administration actively pursuing people who oppose Trump. And protecting the environment will probably be an after thought.
Third, here’s a post election observation… 1) where are the claims that there’s “massive voter fraud” ? 2) where are the claims of a “rigged election”?
Here’s a secret…. There never was massive fraud and election rigging to begin. In 2020, Tump and Trumpublicans being the sore petulant losers that they are spread rumors about rigged elections and voting fraud. Yet when they win in 2024, the Trumpublicans magically trust the election system. That just means that the 2020 results never was about “massive voter fraud” or “rigged election” but a sore loser whining. Now that I think about it… Being able to whine and not receive any repercussion….. That’s called privledge.
Here’s a question… after spending YEARS denouncing the government, are Trumpublicans now going to ask the public to “trust the government”? If so, it just means that Trumpublicans cared only about winning at all costs... even going so far as denouncing their own government report as well as breaking govermental norms. I would propose that breaking of norms escalated when McConnell wouldn’t even allow the Senate to entertain any hearings for SCOTUS nominee (Merrick Garland) during the 2016 election year while expediting another SCOTUS nominee (Amy Barrett) was quickly ushered in 2020 election. This winner take all attitude leading to strife and discord only energizes Trump even more.
Fourth, I’m curious how many people voted. As of 13NOV2024, according to CNN… 2024: 76M Trump vs 73M Harris 2020: 81M Biden vs 74M Trump 2016: 62M Trump vs 65M Clinton 2012: 65M Obama vs 61M Romney 2008: 69M Obama vs 59M McCain
Here’s a conspiracy theory of voter repression… where’s the missing 8M Biden Voters?
Fifth, this whole concept of “rigged election” really got me thinking. Listening to various politics podcast, there’s been a lot of discussion around legislative and congressional/electoral maps. I’ve learned that different states implement different methods to draw these maps and the the majority of the maps that are drawn are generally gerrymandered to favor Republicans or Democrats depending on the state. Else the maps are drawn by an independent commission which might also be subject to influence by Democrat or Republican leaning members. I’ve also learned that Republicans have been making pushes to control the state legislature over the past two decades. Looking at the overall US 2020 electoral map by county (below), it’s not hard to see Democrats are populated around major cities and along the coasts. But every where OUTSIDE the cities is predominantly Republican. Thus a majority of the states are Republican strongholds. So by saying it’s a rigged election, Trump is actually right. The Republicans have rigged the electoral maps to win. So if they don’t win, then something broke the rigged system. How’s that for conspiracy theory!?
October’s Trade Coffee comes Oren’s Coffee. I received a single origin bag from Colombia’s Tolima region. Reading the website,
Opening the bag, I’m a little underwhelmed at the lack of aroma compared to the last two bags of coffee. After making my latte though, I am amazed at how fruity and sweet flavors are present with each sip. These flavors become subdued as it rolls down the tongue. What I find pretty amazing is that each sip doesn’t end with a milk chocolate after taste like most coffees I’ve had. The subtle fruit flavor lingers all throughout the tongue giving this a unique flavor to end with… one not so chocolately yet also fruity and sweet.
October’s Atlas Coffee Club comes from Papua New Guinea. It’s rare to receive something in the South Eat Asia region. Similar to the last Atlas Coffee Club coming from India, this one will also be a treat. The paperwork/artwork isn’t as amazing as the tigers though.
Opening the bag, I’m greeted with a fruity, chocoloty aroma. Making my latte, I get this smooth, creamy, vanilla, chocolate flavor. Someitmes the 1st latte just goes down really quick requiring me to make a 2nd one.
September’s Trade Coffee comes from Broadcast Coffee Roaster. September?! Yes… In the past few months, I’ve been gifted by Kauai coffee, and 3 bags of Taiwan Alishan coffee. I paused both subscriptions in order to go finish these gifted coffee.
Broadcast Coffee sent this bag of beans from Columbia. According to the websites, the beans come from small farmers from the Cauca region. Drinking my latte, I taste a sweet, creamy milk chocolate flavor with fruity after taste. If you browse the website more, this roaster breaks down the cost of sourcing, roasting and shipping the beans. Pretty interesting to review the cost breakdown.
A Guy and His Thoughts... 
