So I figured I’d toss another post up before Xanga’s demise in 11 days. Here are some fireworks from this past July 4th, as seen in Sleepy Hollow, NY. I was a bit too lazy to locate and use my tripod, so I just used my camera bag instead.

[5D2 - Canon 70-200/4L@109mm, f/11, 8, ISO 800]

So I posted a review on XDA the other day for the Oppo Find 5. Great device thanks to their developer friendly attitude. Since the review I’ve loaded CyanogenMod 10 on there, and basically made it a better Nexus than my various Nexus phones. It also has a crazy screen (1080p, 441 ppi, hardware calibrated to D6504K as per my measurements) that I consider at least as good as the HTC One, and leagues better than the Galaxy S 4 (1080p, but oversaturated), iPhone 5 (low low res, under 720p), and Nexus 4 (720p but bad calibration)!

But getting back to the photography, I decided to use my espresso cart for the shot foundation rather than creating a lightbox like I usually do. I don’t think it turned out half bad!

[5D2 - Tamron 28-75/2.8@75mm, f/11, 1/20, ISO 3200]

[5D2 - Tamron 28-75/2.8@75mm, f/5.6, 1/80, ISO 1250]

[5D2 - Tamron 28-75/2.8@60mm, f/5.6, 1/25, ISO 3200]

[5D2 - Tamron 28-75/2.8@70mm, f/5.6, 1/50, ISO 3200]

[5D2 - Tamron 28-75/2.8@70mm, f/5.6, 1/80, ISO 2500]

[5D2 - Tamron 28-75/2.8@75mm, f/5.6, 1/50, ISO 3200]

When your processor’s surface irregularities become the limiting factor in your water loop‘s cooling efficiency, a few minutes with some sandpaper buys you about 5-10 C, a couple of pretty pictures, and some insta e-peen.

[5D2 - Tamron 28-75/2.8@70mm, f/2.8, 1/20, ISO 3200]

I had the urge for a mid-morning latte, so I figured I’d take a pic… This time, I tried making the rosetta leaves a bit thinner and not drawing the center line all the way through the bottommost leaves.

Machine: Rancilio Silvia V3 w/ Auber Pre-Infusion PID (23s extraction @ 201F w/ 1.2s infusion for 2.5s, 284F steam)
Grinder: Baratza Preciso (coarseness: 92/440)
Beans: PT’s Coffee Southpaw Espresso

[5D2 - Tamron 28-75/2.8@75mm, f/2.8, 1/60, ISO 500]

So it looks like I jumped the gun a bit on leaving… I thought Xanga was closing its doors on June 15, not July 15. In any case, I’ll keep posting here until THE XANGA WORLD CHANGES AS WE KNOW IT!!!! Could I be more dramatic? Thought not. Anyway, in case you haven’t heard, my new home is on Google+. I encourage all to join me there, especially if you post photography, as there are tons of photo communities (and pretty much communities for everything else)!

Machine: Rancilio Silvia V3 w/ Auber Pre-Infusion PID (23s extraction @ 197F w/ 1.2s infusion for 2.5s, 284F steam)
Grinder: Baratza Preciso (coarseness: 54/440)
Beans: Coffee Labs Roasters Circus Dog Espresso Blend

[5D2 - Tamron 28-75/2.8@75mm, f/2.8, 1/80, ISO 1250]

Now that Rosettas are pretty easy and consistent as long as I don’t screw up and foam too long, what pour style should I learn next?

Kinda.

Machine: Rancilio Silvia V3 w/ Auber Pre-Infusion PID (23s extraction @ 195F w/ 1.2s infusion for 2.5s, 283-284F steam)
Grinder: Baratza Preciso (coarseness: 54/440)
Beans: Coffee Labs Roasters Circus Dog Espresso Blend

[5D2 - Tamron 28-75/2.8@75mm, f/2.8, 1/80, ISO 1000]

PS. Circle me on Google+ if you want to see my pics after Xanga shuts down…

Given the not-so-shocking news that Xanga’s shutting down in two weeks, I am moving to Google+. Actually, I lie. I’ve been there for quite some time, and it’s been my primary blog for about as long. However, Xanga always had a special place in my heart, and that’s why I’ve kept it as my primary photo repository for nearly ten years! I guess my 10th anniversary will never come, but here’s to the good times, Xanga!

So this is what just under $1400 of espresso gear looks like. My espresso station consists of a Rancilio Silvia V3 Espresso Machine (with Auber Pre-Infusion PID electronic controller modification), a Baratza Preciso Conical Burr Grinder, a 58mm Rattleware SS Tamper, and a few other miscellaneous items. The tea gear is mainly a temperature-adjustable electronic water boiler (for different types of tea) and mesh screens of various sizes for different mugs.

[5D2 - Sigmalux 50.4, f/1.4, 1/40, ISO 500]

[5D2 - Sigmalux 50.4, f/4, 1/30, ISO 3200]

[5D2 - Sigmalux 50.4, f/1.4, 1/40, ISO 500]

PS. Here’s a blurrycam pic from my Nexus 4 in horrible lighting of one of my first rosettas on the new machine.

Looking back at my old photo library, I decided to take another pass at processing one of my old favorites that I unfortunately underexposed by about 2 stops. This particular shot was taken a few years ago, back when I was shooting with a little Rebel XT, before my XSi, 20D, and 5D2.

[350D - Canon 70-200/4L@200mm, f/4, 1/125, ISO 200]