by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2025 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
Ratio Six: This coffee maker is a high performing automatic pour over brewer that can make eight 5-ounce cups of pour-over quality cups of coffee.
It is said that the most important meal of the day is breakfast. Many believe the most important drink is coffee. According to The National Coffee Association, 7 in 10 Americans drink coffee every week and 62% drink coffee every day. The average American coffee drinker drinks just over three cups per day.
With prices soaring inside coffee shops, many turn to brewing their coffee at home. Why not have that cup of java be of the same quality as one you purchase away from home? Two coffee makers that hit the mark in different ways are the Ratio Six and the Capresso Coffee TEAM Pro Plus.
First, the Ratio Six is a company founded by Mark Hellweg in 2012, with the goal of creating “a solution that married beauty, simplicity, and quality into a single experience.” The Ratio Six is one such machine which produces pour-over quality cups of coffee. And, it was designed in Portland, Oregon.
In its simplest form, pour-over coffee involves pouring hot water over ground coffee that’s held in some form of filter. The steaming water brews the coffee grounds, and the coffee drips through the filter into a pitcher or directly into a cup.
This takes a bit of time and many morning commuters and parents don’t have the time to devote to this type of quality cup of coffee. The Ratio Six coffee maker is a high performing automatic pour-over brewer that can make eight 5-ounce cups of pour-over quality cups of coffee.
The Ratio Six features quality premium materials and a high-end, sleek look. It performs well with its wide dispersion shower-head and heat shield. At first, it is tough to get used to and can be a little messy. Once you get the hang of it, the process is straight- forward and simple.
The Ratio Six features one button to press when brewing but lacks a programmable timer. If set up with the grounds and water the night before, pressing one button and having pour-over quality coffee ready in less than five minutes is a small price to pay.
“Makes fantastic coffee,” said Andrew Fuqua. “Super easy. Super simple. I’m a minimalist. I wanted a well-made coffee maker that wouldn’t break and be thrown in a landfill in three years. The Ratio Six is that. It brews really quickly. The coffee tastes outstanding. The materials and build are top-notch. It’s got a 5-year warranty.”
Capresso Coffee TEAM Pro Plus: This machine has a built-in conical burr grinder and produces freshly ground cups of coffee.
Overall, the Ratio Six coffee maker is a well designed high performing brewer. From its sleek look and quality premium build, to high end shower-head, heat shield, and blooming functions, the Ratio Six delivers hot and flavorful coffee consistently.
The parts are not dishwasher safe but with a quick rinse and an occasional wash with dishwashing liquid, this machine should last a long time.
The Ratio Six comes in three colors: stainless steel, matte black finish, and white finish. At the time of press, the Ratio Six retails for $285 with free shipping. To learn more or to order, visit www.ratiocoffee.com.
Another coffee maker to consider is the Capresso Coffee TEAM Pro Plus which at the time of press retails for $269.99. This machine freshly grinds whole coffee beans directly into the filter then automatically brews up to 10 cups of coffee in a thermal carafe.
The quality is almost undistinguishable from the Ratio Six but it does take up more real estate on the kitchen counter. It does however have the ability to schedule to brew coffee up to 24 hours in advance.
It features a permanent gold-tone filter which eliminates the use of paper filters. The claim to fame on this machine is the built-in conical burr grinder. It will grind the appropriate amount of beans based on the amount of cups you select prior to brewing.
The grinding size of your grounds can be adjusted. Choose a finer option for light roasts and go coarser for darker or oily roasts. Oily roasts setting ensures you get the proper dose by increasing grinding time. The grinder can also be removed and has an air tight lid.
When you add the all stainless steel exterior, automatic shut off, and the water filter in the tank, this machine will suit most people’s needs who want a quality cup of coffee to wake up to in the morning.
Visit www.capresso.com for more information or to purchase.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2025 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
The Tribit Stormbox 2 features clear sound and simple connectivity. It’s waterproof and priced lower than most high end rivals.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have gained popularity over the last five years and there are many brands to consider when purchasing. One that offers consistently good products at a reasonable price point is Tribit. Their latest, the Stormbox 2, is no exception. It offers quality sound, long battery life, and the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology so you can listen from up to 150 feet away.
At time of press, the Stormbox 2 was priced at $67.99, which makes it a more affordable option as opposed to its rivals. But, it does not sacrifice quality as this approximately 7 inch high and 1.5 pound speaker packs a powerful punch.
It was a breeze to connect devices as well. It has a minimal learning curve and devices such as a cell phone and Amazon’s Alexa connected instantaneously. The Stormbox 2 features dual 48-mm drivers powered by a claimed 17 watts each, providing an extra 10 watts of total power over its predecessor.
The Stormbox 2’s IPX7 certification means it’s waterproof enough for a dunk in the pool but doesn’t offer any dust resistance. Most new speakers offer IP67 certification for “complete protection” against dust but some sacrifices need to be made at this price point.
Tribit’s Stormbox 2 has the ability to pair with a second Stormbox 2 and extended wireless range of up to 150 feet via Bluetooth 5.3, doubling the previous model. Having two speakers playing at once would make for a very nice presentation for a backyard party. There is also a 3.5-mm input and onboard microphone for taking calls which rival brands have eliminated.
The Stormbox 2 performs best at midrange volume or lower. Playing it in the house or backyard patio, it had a clear and well-balanced sound. The Tribit falls further behind its pricier rivals at high volume.
Most consumers do not scrutinize the sound that much. If you are one to pay attention to how a speaker sounds with crisp cymbals, shouty vocals, or specifics such as these, you may want to shop for a more expensive option. Most people will find that the Stormbox 2 will be more than suitable for playing your favorite songs while working in the backyard or sipping a cold beer. Visit www.tribit.com/products/tribit -stormbox-2-portable-speaker for more information or to purchase.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2025 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
January 9, 2025, marked the first Thursday for the Amtrak Winter Park Express to operate under its new regular service schedule. And January 13 marked the first Monday that the train runs regularly.
The new Thursday and Monday runs, which will last until March 31, are in addition to the usual Friday, Saturday, and Sunday service that passengers have come to expect of the ski train.
The new five-days-a-week service, which also comes with lower fares, is a result of increased funding from the Colorado Department of Transportation. The route, which runs from Denver Union Station to the slopes at the Winter Park Resort, also stops at the Fraser-Winter Park station.
“We hope Coloradans and visitors to our state will take advantage of this expanded service,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Folks riding the Winter Park Express can bring their skis, boards, and gear at no additional cost, and there are two more train cars now to carry more people and their stuff.
“With fares more than 40% less than previous years, this is a great deal.”
In addition to being able to purchase food and beverages aboard the Winter Park Express, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies from the Sightseer Lounge car.
The train departs Denver Union Station at 7 a.m. and arrives at Winter Park at 9:11 a.m. The return trip departs from Fraser-Winter Park station at 4:05 p.m., then departs Winter Park Resort station at 4:35 p.m. and arrives in Denver at 7:05 p.m. One-way fares start at $19 or $9.50 for kids. For tickets, go to amtrak.com/winterparkexpress.
by Mark Smiley | Oct 18, 2024 | Uncategorized
Silver & Gold: The Bull & Bush Brewery won gold for Ghoul Fuel – Rum Diaries Edition and silver for Temporary Paradise – Rum Diaries Edition, both in the Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer category at this year’s Great American Beer Festival competition.
Happy Crew: The Launch Pad crew shortly after winning a gold medal for Silver Medal Worthy, a Belgian Golden Strong Golden Ale.
The Great American Beer Festival was held the weekend of October 12, 2024, at the Colorado Convention Center. The Brewers Association once again hosted one of the world’s most prestigious and influential beer competitions. And, two Chamber breweries, Bull & Bush Brewery and Launch Pad Brewery, brought home medals. Colorado breweries and cideries won 41 medals all together, topping last year’s haul of 40 for the centennial state.
The 38th edition of the GABF competition featured 8,836 beers judged among 1,869 breweries and cideries. There were 285 judges blind taste testing these beers and they awarded 326 total medals. The winning beers in more than 100 categories were announced at the Bellco Theatre in Denver on Saturday, October 12.
“The Great American Beer Festival continues its commitment to recognizing exceptional beverages from across the country in the 2024 competition,” said Chris Williams, competition director for the Brewers Association. “With the addition of five new cider categories, we’re pleased to recognize the best of the best in beer and beyond. Congratulations to this year’s winners.”
Among those winners were the Bull & Bush Brewery, who won gold and silver medals in the same category. This is a feat that experts don’t remember ever happening. The Glendale brewery won gold for Ghoul Fuel – Rum Diaries Edition and silver for Temporary Paradise – Rum Diaries Edition, both in the Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer category.
“Brewing can be humbling, said Erik Peterson, owner of the Bull & Bush Brewery. “Aging beer in wood barrels is a singular and humbling exercise in passion, skill, and patience. The Bull & Bush Brewery team of Gabe, Josh, and Nick have each brought all of these skills together as a team. All together we celebrate a silver and GOLD in the Wood Aged Beer category!”
Different Layout: This year’s festival featured different sections which is different from layouts of years past. Photo courtesy of the Brewers Association
Gabe Moline, Head Brewer at the Bull & Bush Brewery adds: “The multi-year G.A.B.F. drought is over for the Bull & Bush crew. Two beers, same category, gold and silver … incredible. Maybe the secret is out after 27 years of brewing at the world famous Bull & Bush?”
Another proud Chamber member, Launch Pad Brewery, also won a gold medal at the competition. Silver Medal Worthy, a Belgian Golden Strong Golden Ale dry-hopped with HBC 586 hops, won a gold medal in the American-Belgo-Style Ale category.
“We always knew Silver Medal Worthy was something special, but to take home the gold at the Great American Beer Festival is an incredible honor,” said Paul Mahoney, Co-Owner/Head Brewer for Launch Pad Brewery. “It just goes to show that sometimes aiming for silver brings home the gold.”
The festival itself had a different layout with separate sections with breweries lined up alphabetically. The sections included Blast Off, Fright, Prost, and others which featured a different theme in each. Attendees were initially confused on how to find their favorite breweries or ones they wanted to try. Once they navigated through the convention entry hall, it became more obvious.
Next year’s festival is set for October 9-11, 2025. For more information, visit www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com.
by Mark Smiley | Aug 23, 2024 | Uncategorized
$2,000 To Be Presented To Deserving Educators For Classroom Expenses Biweekly
by Mark Smiley
Contributions: A snapshot of what local McDonald’s contribute to the state economy.
Rocky Mountain McDonald’s Owner/Operators are once again providing K-12 teachers the opportunity to apply for $2,000 to improve the learning experiences for their students during the 2024-2025 school year. The program is going into its third school year. A class will be selected every other week when school is in session, equating to 16 school presentations per school year and $32,000 going to local teachers to help with classroom expenses. To date, the program has already awarded educators in the Rocky Mountain area $58,000. “
K-12 educators can apply for these funds through a simple application found by logging on to rmoa-one-class.squarespace.com. Those who apply should be prepared to answer the question, “How would you use this money to improve the learning opportunities for your students?”
“It’s a great program and I have been on the team all three years,” said Brian Boselli, McDonald’s Owner/Operator. “I have been part of a of couple presentations myself. It’s fantastic seeing the big smiles on the teachers faces. Our teachers do so much for the kids. Often times they need to spend some of their own hard earned money on school supplies. This is a way we can help them out.”
Local operators like Boselli are supported by The Ronald McDonald House Charities which have three locations in Colorado: Aurora, Denver, and Colorado Springs. “We work closely with local McDonald’s Owner/Operators in the region and are so grateful not only for the monetary donations they and their customers make each year, but also for their volunteer hours,” said Laura Cordes, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Denver. “We often have volunteers from McDonald’s at our Houses helping serve dinner to our families, answer phones for our annual radiothon, and serve on our Board of Directors.”
McDonald’s Owner/Operators are residents who live and work in their communities, sending their kids to local schools and running their businesses just like any other small business. They employ over 13,000 people locally and make over $75 million in local supplier purchases annually, contributing to the local economy.
“Mile Hi Foods is a distributor within the Rocky Mountain Region for the McDonald’s brand and has supplied the local, Denver, owner/operator community for over
One Class At A Time: K-12 teachers have the opportunity to apply for $2,000 to improve the learning experiences for their students during the 2024-2025 school year through McDonald’s One Class a Time program.
100 years,” said Kristy Taddonio, President at Mile Hi Companies. “The company provides three hundred plus job opportunities, purchases goods such as fresh produce from Colorado farms and meats from local companies, and helps to reduce carbon emissions within the city as part of the McDonald’s and Mile Hi sustainability plan. Mile Hi Foods values its great partnership with McDonald’s and its relationship with the Colorado community.”
The local operators donate their time, food, and money regularly to community organizations and schools. McDonald’s Rocky Mountain region includes approximately 45 local franchisees who care about their communities where they do business and that’s how “One Class at a Time” was hatched: the desire to help where it’s needed the most. Overall, there are 200 McDonald’s in the state, employing over 16,300 people. All of them are locally owned and operated.
Local Owner/Operators have supported the Colorado Parent Teacher Association for over 18 years. They also support communities through their 27+ year partnership with the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and their Annual “Academy Awards” and Scholarships Event in Denver and their ongoing support of the Colorado Hispanic Chamber and their support of local schools, just to name a few.
For more information on the Ronal McDonald House Charities Denver, visit rmhc-denver.org.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 26, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Mark Smiley
On June 25, 2024, Styx and Foreigner performed at the Ball Arena for their Denver stop on The Renegades & Juke Box Heroes tour. This was the first time the bands toured together in 10 years. Styx opened with a 13-song set followed by Foreigner’s 10 song set. John Waite started the evening off with an 8-song set that included his solo hit “Missing You” and “When I See You Smile,” the hit from Bad English.
Styx and Foreigner trade headlining on this tour and both bands sounded as good as they ever have. One note, is that none of the original members of Foreigner performed at Ball Arena. They will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this Fall. Styx has been eligible for the Hall of Fame since 1998 but curiously has never been nominated despite having a string of hits and selling over 54 million albums worldwide.
Styx started their set with “Grand Illusion” and ended with “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade” with all of their hits in between including “Lady,” “Blue Collar Man,” and “Come Sail Away.” Foreigner started with “Double Vision” and ened with an encore of “I Want to Know What Love is” and “Hot Blooded.”
Since 1999, Styx has averaged over 100 shows per year and they have no signs of stopping. Foreigner announced this was their farewell tour. All three acts left the audience singing, dancing, and enjoying good rock and roll music for what ended up being a solid show.
For more information visit Foreigneronline.com and StyxWorld.com. To see more dates on the tour, visit livenation.com.
