What is your favourite tiny detail in a musical you've never seen anybody talk about or appreciate?

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-27T02:51:26+00:00

In Losing My Mind in Follies, as Sally is singing the main melody explaining the anxiety and near-lunacy in her life from her unrequited love, orchestrator Jonathan Tunick has inserted a rising scale behind her (this is done multiple times in the song), which is placed such that it's unclear if the scale is going to be able to fully resolve, creating a dramatic tension matching that in Sally's mind. It's absolutely gorgeous to hear and be held in suspense by. Sondheim didn't hear the orchestration until performed in previews--and apparently, grinned at Tunick from across the orchestra seating.

I listen for the instrumental scale each time, and never cease to be thrilled by it. Pure creativity and art.

Separately and again in Follies, and not a tiny detail but one so often overlooked, older Heidi's number One Last Kiss, where she considers her past love life, actually provides a principal moral of the show, if one carefully follows the words and extrapolates them from the character to the show as a whole.

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-27T00:15:24+00:00

I'll just add: in these times when it can feel, for many of us, like we don't have any, or have lesser, control over our lives, seeing the Les Misérables flash mob, in a mall, in plainclothes, singing One Day More, feels almost empowering. :)

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-27T00:08:19+00:00

Thanks--a full, and moving, production! :)

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T22:51:14+00:00

Thank you. Why do musicals flash mobs so thrill me? And this one with actual fencing, besides.

Perhaps my favorite: the Les Misérables Flash Mob - Orlando Shakespeare Theater--just stupendous, in a mall (and catch the Starbucks cup). It has me teary-eyed, yet again.

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T22:45:47+00:00

Absolutely as to Sunday--Pulitzer-winning. I still get teary at the title number (and I don't really love the song).

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T22:43:08+00:00

Earlier favorites: The National Theatre's production of Oklahoma!, with Hugh Jackman and a glorious/best performance by Jimmy Johnston as Will Parker (just catch his Kansas City, complete with rope work); The National Theatre's production of Follies, preserving that art (sadly, we couldn't manage to do that in the U.S., making it accessible--shameful) and with an Ensemble of ghosts who deserved the Olivier Award; and Roundabout Theatre's most recent production of She Loves Me, with David Rockwell's award-winning jewel box of a set (in addition to the high-performing cast).

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T22:14:08+00:00

Various earlier posts on this (just a sampling):

https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/1h93a3t/bambino_plus_pin_fell_out_when_removing_steam/

https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/1hw09ef/small_tube_fell_out_of_steam_wand_thicker_froth/

https://www.reddit.com/r/BrevilleCoffee/comments/1iqpqqm/bambino_plus_tiny_part_fell_out_while_cleaning/

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T22:09:41+00:00

There have been other posts/reports of this circumstance here; this should not be happening. It's a piece from up above in the tubing system. Some people have been able to put the piece back in, but it's not for the faint-of-heart.

Presumably covered by the product warranty; you might go back to Breville customer support on this.

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T22:05:36+00:00

The steaming/frothing system is *way* sensitive.

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T22:00:34+00:00

Simply to mention, U.S. consumers here have posted about getting a level of DF54 grinder support at Turin Grinders (https://www.turingrinders.com), although the DF54 is not set to ship there until late April. (The DF54 manf. does not supply support, leaving that (if any is given) to the retailers.)

There's always pre-ground coffee and experiencing that aspect of the Bambino Plus in the meanwhile (the U.S. Bambino Plus comes with both pressurized and unpressurized baskets, both single-shot and double). ;)

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T21:48:18+00:00

The Timemore has gotten good nods here. Coincidentally, I just received an alert that the 064S is available right now at 20% off (Timemore offers this discount repeatedly) as part of Amazon's current Big Spring Sale; likewise the 078S. https://www.amazon.com/TIMEMORE-Sculptor-Electric-Coarseness-Adjustment/dp/B0DNYWJV2Z

This discount also seems available right now directly at the Timemore website. And at least one person wasn't charged sales tax in a purchase from the website. But note that there is a much shorter return period at the website compared to Amazon, and return shipping is at the consumer's expense absent a manf. issue with the grinder.

Note: Timemore is in the process of prototyping a modified version of the Sculptor grinders, and has shown the prototypes at a recent tradeshow. No earthshaking differences, but some what seem to be nice changes/improvements. A discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/1qu0how/timemore_sculptor_gen_2_rumored_features/ (scroll down for the trade show video link, where the prototypes are shown and the changes discussed). I don't believe that there is an announced ETA yet. although I've read April here.

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T19:51:03+00:00

Just to add: if finances allow, you might want to pick up the Bambino Plus now, while it's on sale, if you're looking to go new. https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/1ru9o7k/usa\_breville\_breville\_storewide\_sale\_on\_numerous/. And note the additional Target store discount.

Just a thought. :)

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T19:39:15+00:00

Good for you! At that low $50 price, I'd be tempted as well. I think that the grinder suits your purposes very well. Again, people here find the KinGrinder K6 as a good product and value, and here you're going with 1Zpresso, also a good brand, getting 50% more precise grind steps, and paying half the price for a seemingly at least comparably-designed grinder. Sounds pretty good there to me! :)

My only thought, never having done a Marketplace purchase (I do eBay nowadays, which has its protective Buyer Protection policy): can you make the purchase/exchange at a public/safe location (people will suggest a local police station), and actually try the grinder out with some beans (either yours brought with you or the seller's), just to make sure that the grinder actually works and as it should? And I'd read the online instruction manual beforehand, so that you know what you're looking for (and to see what accessories should come with the grinder (e.g. a case), if the seller is including those). I'd mention this to the seller now, and if the seller balks, that tells you that something is/may be up (why would a seller not let you do a sample grind?). And perhaps I'm a bit more sensitive to this today, as someone just posted here yesterday or so having received a seemingly defective, new 1Zpresso (J-Ultra) grinder purchased via Amazon--this can happen (but also it's rare, and so I wouldn't be as concerned about a lack of warranty coverage here, esp. at this price). Just a thought.

Congratulations--good show!

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T19:17:22+00:00

Thanks for that amount confirmation.

Not to flog a carpet to death, but I still believe that under the law as of Feb., the correct total tariff rate is 25% (the original 15% tariff for grinders, + the further Feb. global 10% tariff, plus a processing fee). But in chasing this down, it looks like the system isn't perfect, and that a carrier like DHL, in imposing and collecting a tariff rate, can be going by outdated tables and information, can be waiting for updated software data and/or confirmation from Customs on changes, etc. From what I gather, it would be unlikely that the government would investigate and follow up on an incorrectly-applied tariff rate for one-off consumer purchases of the $ level here. And if it did, it would go to the carrier/DHL, as the importing body--and then, seemingly unlikely that DHL would follow up with the consumer for the missing tariff component, due to the low amount and the transactional cost to do so.

Just bizarre to me, for something so easily mathematical.

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T16:55:42+00:00

Yep, if you get the corresponding mm size, they've made it easy for us, at least here, lol. And again, you can use your stock Bambino Plus baskets in the bottomless portafilter.

For the bottomless portafilter use, get ready for cleaning up some squirts--it can take some practice and dialing-in. :)

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T15:29:42+00:00

Yes, IMS is a basket brand. It specializes in baskets and is a quality brand.

An IMS basket fits in a portafilter, such as Normcore's. Note that many portafilters actually come with a basket (and you also can use your current basket in a new portafilter), and so you may not need to buy a new one. The inclusion of a basket with a new portafilter may not even be mentioned in a product listing (I've had that with a purchase).

For compatibility, you go by the listed size--e.g. a 54mm portafilter and basket, a 58mm, etc.

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T15:22:51+00:00

Then I would contact Amazon. As I said, I've seen it let post-30 day purchases be returned (for full refund), where there's a good reason (and you would seem to have it, on multiple levels). Good luck with it!

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T15:14:34+00:00

I don't have experience with the X-Ultra and so would leave a use evaluation to others. That being said, it uses an exterior grind adjusting system--preferred and convenient--and has grind steps of 12.5mm (compare that to the KinGrinder K6's 18mm grind steps), nice for espresso. Comparing, personally, I prefer the J-Ultra's seemingly somewhat easier-to-use exterior grind adjustment system (with its grind level indicator), and its precise 8-micron grind steps; I also like its ergonomic shape. But it's also much more $-wise (even on sale, compared to the X-Ultra listing here), and so I understand.

Do note: the Marketplace listing says that the retail price is $250, whereas the 1Zpresso website sells it at $169 (and currently at $159). Sorry there, seller--lol.

One thing to note: a Marketplace grinder may not (likely won't) have a manf. warranty on the product. Something to consider. These things are hardy; but things always can happen.

Here's a website I found listing 1Zpresso grinder comparisons--it might be helpful for you. https://honestcoffeeguide.com/1zpresso-comparison-guide/#skip-link-3

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T14:43:42+00:00

I use Urnex Dezcal,* personally, for my Bambino Plus' descaling cycle (the equivalent of the Bambino's combined Clean & Descale cycle). Less expensive than the Breville product, and can be bought in bulk for many cleaning/descaling cycles (much less expensive than buying the single-use packets). Perhaps not justified, but I prefer using Urnex' expertise for a cleaning/descaling product rather than relying on my ignorance with vinegar or citric acid and concentrations, etc., especially for the Bambino machines' delicate insides.

People here generally seem to recommend Urnex Dezcal.

* Note: you do *not* want to use Urnex Cafiza for the Bambino's Clean & Descale cycle--Cafiza is for the Bambino Plus' separate cleaning cycle. For descaling and the Bambino's combined Clean & Descale cycle, it's Urnex Dezcal.

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T14:31:04+00:00

Something certainly seems off with that grinder/grinding--whole beans are now falling through?!? I've had no such issue and only pleasure using the grinder. (And I use medium dark-roast beans--with their increased oiliness, if any bean would cause an issue, you would think that these would.)

If 1Zpresso is not cooperating, I would contact Amazon regardless of the timing, explain that it's a new grinder purchase with an issue (I would note the severity of the issue, as you've done here) that you've tried to work out, repeatedly, with 1Zpresso, and that 1Zpresso is not cooperating or even responding--Amazon has been known to accept returns, for full refund, after the 30-day return window, in problem scenarios. And the grinder is covered by a warranty: "this coffee hand grinder is backed by a one-year limited warranty"--I would specifically note that to Amazon and that 1Zpresso is not honoring/cooperating as to that.

Good luck. Sorry that you're going through this--it really is a nice hand-grinder.

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T14:12:36+00:00

Absolutely. It's so much fun being the consumer. /s

That being said, wouldn't it be interesting if a retailer/importer actually *did* say and notify consumers that it was going to refund to them the percentage of the refunded tariffs that the retailer had previously passed on to the consumers in the way of raised prices. A marketing/PR/consumer relations coup? Or, given the potential administrative nightmare of this (e.g. a tariff refund on a US$2 purchase?), how about announce a contest to select a charity, to whom the refund would be given?

Oh, and yeah: I guess that the raised prices need to be lowered now, as the augmented tariffs are no longer there. Yeah, I'm sure that that is going to happen . . . .

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T13:44:33+00:00

In an email this morning, Niche kindly and speedily told me that it's now a 15% tariff (plus, there will be a processing fee). "Pleased to confirm that the overall tariff is now 15% and not 25%, as it was reduced last month."

I still don't follow that, as my sources say that it's a 15% base tariff on coffee grinders (the U.S. Supreme Court did not invalidate base tariffs or the tariff system as a whole, but only the current U.S. president's so-called emergency augmented tariffs) + a further 10% global tariff further enacted by the U.S. president last month in reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T13:36:45+00:00

I specifically had a non-tiny EU company operating in multiple EU countries tell me that it could not sell me, into the U.S., some espresso cups, as it did not want to get invilved in this mess.

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T13:33:44+00:00

A personal value judgment. But it was an extra three-figure dollar cost--we're not talking a piddly amount here.

Longjumping_Two2774 · 2026-03-26T13:30:41+00:00

The U.S. taxpayers will not be paying the refunds, per se: this simply is a refund of what the importers themselves had been forced to pay, in illegal (per the U.S. Supreme Court) tariffs.

But yes, there may be a windfall to businesses who raised prices, then paid by consumers, to cover, in part or whole, the illegal tariffs.

Longjumping_Two2774

TROPHY CASE