Yeah, it's a long one, but the time will fly by, we promise.Highlights:
- What Is Geoff Watts Thinking About Today?
- Nick and Jay and their travelogues
- Marcus Boni - Master Thespian
- BGA Jam in PA next week
- A run down of new WBC rules changes
- and Jay and Nick make a reservation for two at Ferran Adria's celebrated restaurant in Spain, El Bulli..
2 hours 33 minutes and 7 seconds - MP3 format, 78.8 MB
See the sidebar to the right for more information and how to subscribe or download.
Hey Nick:
ReplyDeleteyou forgot to post your flickr link..
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickcho/sets/72157594493289261/
It was good to hear a podcast again..missed you guys. Jay--Nick will turn your pessimism around eventually. I have to say that it is easier to complain than it is to do something about the problem--I am glad there are folks like Nick who don't give up when they see something that needs help and leadership like the SCAA. It is a conscious decision how we react to what needs to change--maybe Jay could belly up to the bar and fix some of what needs fixin' and interject his knowledge/expertise into the ring for the greater good instead of just being pissed off? I can relate to his frustration though--the same issues exist in our political climate in this country right now. What are we as citizens going to choose to do? Do we sit back and let it all happen then bitch about it or can we take action with our votes and our voices? Just wondering whether it is worth the good fight to correct what is wrong or not--I see Nick's reaction and Jay's--what do folks think?
Alright, I'll bite.
ReplyDeleteSonny, I think you've got a point: be involved. But let me tell you a little more:
I wasn't just some random coffee industry person who heard about the SCAA scandal through the grapevine. I was there in Charlotte, September 2005 when the announcement was made. I sat there in disbelief. I watched as Ted Lingle cried before us.
I don't like to talk about it much, but I've been involved with the SCAA, USBC, WBC and the BGA since January 2004 when I first got into the industry. I was appointed to the BGA Task Force (the body preceeding the Executive Council with the task of establishing the Guild), along with Ellie Matuszak, in July of 2004. I instructed espresso labs during the 2004, 2005 and 2006 SCAA Conferences. In addition, I put together the BGA Booth for the 2005 and 2006 conferences and served as a technical person for the 2005 World Barista Championship.
I mention these because when I speak critically of things SCAA, they're not coming from some punk barista sitting on his ass, pontificating about what should be. I've been in the grind since I started in the industry and this comes from first-hand experience with the people and issues involved.
Something else to bear in mind: I'm not running for office. I'm not concerned about upsetting people that may vote for me. Because of this, I'm going to tell it like it is. I'm not going to pretend something didn't happen. Or spin it so it doesn't look so bad.
Nick will turn my pessimism around by getting elected to the board, and actually doing something for the membership.
In the companies and organizations that I've been involved in, I look for leadership and vision. Does the leaders of these groups provide that for their people? Do they provide strong leadership and a strong vision? The SCAA has lacked that of late and I wonder if this proposed slate has anything to offer. Time will tell. Perhaps in a year I'll be writing a check to cover membership. Perhaps not. It all depends on how this "leadership" performs.
It's ironic that we're at this point today. It wasn't three years ago that Nick and I were in opposite positions with me as the SCAA advocate and Nick as the holdout. Interesting how times change...
To answer your questions Nick and Jay,
ReplyDeleteJohn Matuszak as far as we know is not related to my husband although apparently Matuszak is a very common name in Krakow and evirons where Pete's family is from. Oddly enough, Pete's dad (my pa-in-law for those keeping score) and his brother are both named John. He played for the Raiders in the 70s and is said to be an alumnus of "the university of Mars" because he was so strange and quite a violent personality. He was also in the movie "The Goonies." People out here ask about John Matuszak and whether we are related very often. More info on him here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Matuszak
And, legally my last name is still Hudson although my business cards say Matuszak. I use either and both at times, and all versions are acceptable. It is not important to me as I want to have that special connection that a last name brings with both my and Pete's families so either serves that purpose.
I have followed your reactions and form my opinion based only on what I have heard from 59 podcasts of pf.net :-)
ReplyDeleteI applaud you for your past efforts and for forcefully voicing your concerns for the future with reckless abandon (the way only pf.net can do!).
I have served on committees and been gravely disappointed with the "leadership and vision" in my field as well so you are really preachin' to the choir Jay.
My mere suggestion is, for your own sanity, find a way to channel your frustration, disappointment and pessimism into something more constructive and creative. You are a very intelligent, enterprising and extremely entertaining gentleman if I might say. Why not channel some of that passion into finding solutions to the problems of which you are complaining. Doing something constructive to heal the future just might be the medicine for you to heal from the bitterness which has hurt you and left you feeling cheated and raped by the very folks you were trying to help. I do get that and believe me--I do not mean to trivialize your valid feelings and reactions. At the very least support your good friend Nick for his efforts--he might be in the very same place you are right now in a year or two--who knows? For now it sure seems like your board nominees hold a very bright potential and a reason for optimism. Support them all with your encouragement if you are going to abstain from voting.
All the best to you in all of your endeavors Jay.
With great admiration,
Matt
Matt-
ReplyDeleteI think "feeling cheated and raped" over the SCAA is a bit more poetic than I really feel about the situation. Working within the framework of the SCAA is like working within a corporation or bureaucracy: frustrating and slow-moving, with everyone fighting to protect their governance over whatever sliver of pie they can.
As you can understand, that gets old fast.
Well, I don't want to belabor what's already been discussed. I do support Nick and Ellie in their bid for the SCAA Board of Directors. And should they ascend to those lofty positions, I also expect them to perform as leaders and not fall into the "glorify me" trap that so many fall into when elected. Time will tell.
What I do want to point out is that I'm impressed so far with the activity and emerging vision that the new SCAA Executive Director, Dawn Jantsch, seems to be taking. So far, she's taken a hard look at operations and made some tough decisions - things the SCAA has desperately needed.
All well put Jay--reasons for a potentially brighter future are out there. Hopefully you wont get burned again by the "Lingles" of the world...sorry if I overstated your position although I will stand by cheated :-)..perhaps stolen from could replace raped...
ReplyDeleteLas buenas noticias, ustedes tienen una reservación a cenar con nosotros el sábado pasado por requerimiento.
ReplyDeleteSin embargo, puesto que nadie demostrón para arriba, debemos aplicar una carga de $300 a su tarjeta de crédito.
Si ustedes rechazan pagar, ustedes pronto aprenderán el significado verdadero del "El Bulli".
Cheers,
F.A.
So...
ReplyDeleteWhat's the rock vs. pop bathroom?
Somebody owes El Bulli 300 bucks...
ReplyDelete(those online translators are far from perfect though)
Always a pleasure to hear from Geoff Watts. Nick, way to pull out the Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart comparison...we need an ESPN Here's Looking At You comparison. Jay, a man after my own heart...hope you enjoyed Trotter's and Alinea. Trotter's is a niiice meal. I had thought about attending Chicago Coffeefest with stops at Alinea and Cantu's Moto. Hopefully next time around.
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