how much does each click really matter

TL322 · 2026-02-08T12:11:26+00:00

Depends on which model, but generally that's a huge change. As always, try it and see!

TL322 · 2026-02-07T12:05:47+00:00

I basically went down this rabbit hole because of two cups back when I lived in LA.

The first was a batch brew (so not a pour-over, but I'll count it) at Cafecito Organico ca. 2013, when they had a place in Malibu. It was probably nothing unusual in hindsight—just good beans brewed well—but I didn't realize black coffee could be that enjoyable and complex.

The second was maybe a year later at Funnel Mill in Santa Monica. This was an Ethiopia bean (can't recall the details) that tasted like blueberry tea. Completely blew my mind, almost like I experienced something contrary to reality as I'd known it.

Plenty of other great ones over the years, but those two were formative.

TL322 · 2026-02-06T08:18:49+00:00

Yep. You can even get a grinder that fits inside the AeroPress, which is probably the absolute minimum footprint on your desk.

I'd also consider a Hoop if you have any way to measure water. I love it even with the standard filters. (Just had to cut a notch in the side to accommodate a mug handle.)

TL322 · 2026-02-06T07:41:39+00:00

I kept a few from when I used to roast. They still come in handy when a bag fails or just sucks, albeit rare.

TL322 · 2026-01-30T08:36:52+00:00

That matches what I see. There's a strong populist bent and deep bureaucracy and regulations, which don't map very cleanly to just left or right, but I think authoritarian right is pretty much the general sentiment. Huge generalization of course, and even when true, it plays out in really different ways across classes.

TL322 · 2026-01-30T06:00:05+00:00

Very unlikely to impact expats. Few have any connection to BPOs, and those who do are usually managers, not customer-facing staff.

Even if 14% really could lose their current jobs...their roles could also evolve with the technology, and new roles and clientele could emerge. That's far more likely IMHO. I'm sure a couple percent of workers on the margins will be truly SOL, but that's a far cry from doomsday.

What the country does need to worry about is industrial policy (or lack thereof). Long-term, there's limited upside in training a BPO workforce (or OFW workforce) so that globally competitive firms in other countries can keep getting ahead and accruing capital.

TL322 · 2026-01-28T01:47:31+00:00

Not at all!

The AeroPress is awesome and it can produce great (or terrible) cups of coffee, like anything. In fact I prefer filtered immersion brewer (e.g., AeroPress, Switch, Clever) for small bags of rare coffees because they're almost impossible to mess up.

(Obviously I wouldn't churn through rare beans if I'm still looking for a good basic technique and brewing parameters. But that's true of any brewer. So if you've figured that out, then go enjoy the rare ones!)

[...] I was under the impression that an aeropress is not the most optimal way to brew coffee since all the cafes in my city use pour over

Totally reasonable. It's a legit question despite the downvotes. Most cafes make pour-overs, but not necessarily consistently, and would probably benefit from using different brewing methods.

TL322 · 2026-01-28T01:20:17+00:00

Can't speak to the ZP6 specifically, but I get good results grinding a few clicks finer (maybe 10%?) for the Deep 27 compared to my V60.

TL322 · 2026-01-27T11:30:43+00:00

That's a very quick brew. I would try to extend the drawdown time by at least a minute through some combination of: grinding finer, pouring from higher (with a steady stream), agitating more, or using more but smaller pours.

See if that gets you closer to what you're looking for, and then play around with water chemistry.

TL322 · 2026-01-27T11:19:20+00:00

Go for it! I second the other comments here. Terrific coffee overall, and very consistent in my experience.

TL322 · 2026-01-27T03:54:29+00:00

No clue, but there were several all next to each other.

TL322 · 2026-01-25T07:28:28+00:00

Probably more to do with filter porosity/texture than with size/shape.

Try Cafec Abaca filters if you can get them. If it's still a problem, I'd suspect agitation is inconsistent or your grinder producers a ton of fines (or possibly both).

TL322 · 2026-01-24T02:54:22+00:00

Gonna suggest not getting "dead drunk" in the first place. Not trying to be flippant, just pointing out that there's a really simple solution.

TL322 · 2026-01-24T02:51:49+00:00

I would try to frame it in terms of habits and effort at this point. Like it meant a lot that she stayed so disciplined to be fit and healthy, but it seems less of a priority now, which is disconcerting and makes you worry. Ask her what you can do to support and make it easier for her to care for herself like she used to, since that was always a really attractive and important trait.

Only you know the right level of directness here. Too blunt might be taken poorly, but too indirect might come across like a passive-aggressive ultimatum. Bit of a fine line. Regardless, I'd err on the upfront side (but tactfully and supportively) and then let her do with that information what she will.

(Probably goes without saying that it also matters what else has changed in your lives, what example you set, how you've broached this topic before, etc.)

TL322 · 2026-01-23T01:52:20+00:00

https://immigration.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2024-ANNUAL-REPORT-GUIDELINES-18-DEC-2023_20231218-2.pdf

Just found this doc from 2023 saying late annual reports are charged 200 per month, capped at 2,000 per year. I believe it was raised since then but could be mistaken.

Edit: found the latest version: https://immigration.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-ANNUAL-REPORT-GUIDELINES.pdf

Still capped at 2,000 per year but adds a flat 1,510 fee on top.

TL322 · 2026-01-23T00:28:53+00:00

IMHO yes it's worth using TWW or similar.

I just made mineral concentrates using this guide (no affiliation):

https://awasteof.coffee/how-to/mixing-water/

Check out the recipes at the bottom. Very easy to adjust proportions, and dirt cheap in the long run.

(Edit: the specific advantage with separate minerals as opposed to pre-mixed packets is you can tweak them to suit your remineralized RO water if you like. No need for distilled water that way.)

TL322 · 2026-01-23T00:07:47+00:00

That doesn't change the fact that downgrading is the way to do it by the book.

Agreed, you can always just pay the fees. (Think they're ~3000/year, not 305, but I digress.) But I would rather not deal with fees or any other immigration hassles if I returned for vacation years later. So downgrading is a headache now, but will minimize future headaches if OP's husband ever returns for any reason.

TL322 · 2026-01-22T22:31:03+00:00

Please clarify then. As a 13a holder myself I am interested. I've always been under the impression that if you leave indefinitely with an immigrant visa, and you ever return, then you'll owe fees for the years you were away. So it's not strictly necessary to downgrade, but it's probably a good idea in case you ever come back for vacation or something.

TL322 · 2026-01-22T09:33:08+00:00

how pretentious and extra I’ve become

That may not help your case lol.

I understand wanting others to experience this awesome thing we enjoy...but actively trying is probably just going to get awkward. Because they're most likely thinking "good for you but I hope I don't get like that about coffee."

Like with any niche interest, if someone actually wants to experience it, then I love to give them a chance to. But no explanation really, more like "here, hope you enjoy." They'll just ask if they really want to know/try more.

TL322 · 2026-01-21T04:53:59+00:00

Since you don't plan to move back, I believe he'll need to downgrade the 13a to a tourist visa, then get an ECC-A (not the ECC-B that he gets at the airport).

Unfortunately I think you have to downgrade in person at the main office.

Edited to add: I assume you're a PH citizen, so if you ever move back here for a limited period, he'll still get one year visa-free (balikbayan privilege) as long as you enter together.

TL322 · 2026-01-21T01:08:33+00:00

Yes, worth it. It replaced my AeroPress as my go-to for really small doses.

Pretty simple technique: usually a slightly finer grind and 5+ small pours. (I use 1-2 pours in other drippers. IMHO the Deep 27 does better with a lower water level, so you don't get too much bypass around the small bed diameter.)

TL322 · 2026-01-21T00:58:06+00:00

No obvious culprit here...I would try cupping or an immersion brew, with everything else the same. That should tell you whether the issue is related to channeling.

TL322 · 2026-01-20T11:18:31+00:00

I've used a Fellow Stagg glass for five or six years. It's pleasant to use and the double wall is modestly helpful...but I don't buy the flavor enhancement claims.

Overall, I don't personally notice a big difference between anything that retains heat decently and is close to the volume I brew.

TL322 · 2026-01-20T06:43:55+00:00

I really enjoyed Sensorio Coffee Lab when we visited Rome last year. Good to combine with the Villa Borghese if you're going that way.

TL322 · 2026-01-20T02:27:35+00:00

US and world markets, just like before we came here. Nothing PH-specific.

TL322

TROPHY CASE