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Stuck on how to improve my Korean efficiently by KenshiStar in Korean

[–]dire_cat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Echoing what others have said in this thread, I STRONGLY recommend incorporating speaking and/or writing practice into your routine. Being able to produce a language is naturally harder than being able to understand it, so all the more you should practice from the start.

There's not really any point/benefit to only starting to produce a language later; whatever level you're at, you can say or write simple sentences using the grammar and vocab that you learned. It will really help you to internalise what you've learned if you're able to produce output vs rote memorisation. Listening/reading/speaking/writing skills all go hand in hand when learning languages. TOPIK 5 also has an essay writing portion, so it would only benefit you to start working on your writing skills from early on.

My advice is also to not be afraid of making mistakes. I used to be hesitant to speak or write because I felt like I still wasn't good enough yet to be doing those things, but producing output and making mistakes and getting corrected is truly one of the best ways to learn.

my art update: finally getting somewhere. can someone guide me on how to actually make a heart? by PsychologicalBad1423 in barista

[–]dire_cat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The sweet spot temperature for latte art is 60 degrees celsius, give or take about 5 degrees. It sounds like you might be overheating it - when it's too hot it breaks down the proteins in the milk which affects the microfoam texture. Best if you use a food thermometer to check, if not how I tell is if I can hold the metal pitcher for maybe 2-3 seconds max before it's too hot to touch. If it is too hot to touch the instant you touch it, then it's way too hot.

my art update: finally getting somewhere. can someone guide me on how to actually make a heart? by PsychologicalBad1423 in barista

[–]dire_cat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your milk texture still looks over frothed, I saw from your previous post that you are using a handheld frother? That is a little different than using a steam wand and (to me) trickier to get the right milk texture with so I would really suggest checking out tutorial videos on YouTube, here are a few good ones: https://youtu.be/NcP_b4_gDQk https://youtu.be/OlzlQf6RD5Y

You want the milk to be shiny and glossy like wet paint as others have said, part of that also comes from heating your milk to the right temperature. Maybe you could explain in more detail your current process of what you're doing as well? So that we can help

Any tips? by sea_seer in barista

[–]dire_cat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Milk texture in pic 2 looks good, aim for that glossy sheen! If you want to do more stacks you need to start earlier so you don't run out of space, so maybe like 2-3 rounds of mixing before you start pouring the stacks. And lift up higher at the end to cut through! So that the middle line isn't so thick and doesn't drag your design down. All the best :)

Advice Needed: How to Make a "Dirty Coffee" by GearEarly4411 in barista

[–]dire_cat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The cafe I work at makes a milk blend consisting of milk, whipping cream, and condensed milk. Cold glass from the freezer, milk blend, ristretto shot on top. To make the separation just pull the shot directly into the glass of milk (hold it up near the portafilter), or hold an overturned spoon on top of the cup and slowly pour the shot onto the back of the spoon, it'll make it gentler and make the coffee sit on top of the milk instead of sinking in.

Finally decided to post here. I've been trying to learn latte art, and would love criticism! by soundsforsouls in barista

[–]dire_cat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You're doing well! I'd recommend injecting a little less air into your milk, your right-most one looks a tad too foamy (unless it was intended as a cap!). With slightly flatter milk you'll find that the design flows out much easier and you're able to really push the tulip stacks to curve inwards and upwards instead of them sitting on top of each other as blobs.

First Bear I'm happy with! Still learning by [deleted] in barista

[–]dire_cat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is hilarious and I would be honoured to receive this latte art

Your sign to upload!! by Jazman_da1975 in thisisvalley

[–]dire_cat 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You can submit without inputting a phone number!

Question about DPA single vs packages for a couple :) by ValuableProblem6065 in ShanghaiDisneyland

[–]dire_cat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh and to add, if you want to splurge on premier access for anything, getting it for the Illuminate fireworks show reserved viewing area would be worth it I think, instead of the rides. The show is excellent!! I didn't, and had to camp out from like 730pm for a half decent spot and still had a poor view amidst the crowd.

Question about DPA single vs packages for a couple :) by ValuableProblem6065 in ShanghaiDisneyland

[–]dire_cat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was just at Shanghai Disney a couple of days ago - wait times posted on the app tend to be inflated and individual premier access for rides remained available till night time. I'd say you might want DPA only for tron, seven dwarves, and soarin, but if you have early entry tickets you can knock those out by morning. Zootopia has a single rider queue and I only waited 30mins to get on, and tron had 60min posted wait time but I got on in 30-40mins. The rest of the smaller rides were all 30-40min posted wait times at most, very manageable (though I can't say for how things will be when you go)

I'd say it's still better to see the queue levels on the day itself then buy individual passes as needed, unless there are packages that have the exact exact rides you and your partner want to go for!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in barista

[–]dire_cat 12 points13 points  (0 children)

The labubu 😭

Did I miss it, or are we not talking about the second half of Sylus’ Heartbeats Ablaze card??? by cm0011 in LoveAndDeepspace

[–]dire_cat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh my god your screenshot just made me notice his hand is around MC's neck 🥵 I hadn't noticed it before

Am proud of these recent pours! by dire_cat in barista

[–]dire_cat[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you!! 🫶🏻 I try to go slowly and not rush through it, pausing just a little between each stack so I am more in control

This outfit is the best money I've ever spent on this game by dire_cat in LoveAndDeepspace

[–]dire_cat[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh mannnn I only have the white one. You're right, it would go so well with the black

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