Dreamfarm Grindenstein Knock box

Dreamfarm Grindenstein Knock box, “what?” Ok let me explain what a knock box is; basically its used to remove spent pucks from the portafilter, of your espresso machine. If you don’t have an espresso machine you don’t know how much of a pain it is to get the puck out of the portafilter, its not fun, and most methods don’t work. Well why do you need a knock box, Just try swashing it out at the sink or trying to shake it out either way it’s a big mess, a knock box is an easy way to remove it, just give it a good bang and out it comes. The main problem with knock boxes is they just don’t last, they cant take the constant abuse dished out to them, though you would think the designers would know better. Most are made of medal with a rubber coated plastic or medal bar that you bang the portafilter on, sounds ok right? Nope often after a couple of months the rubber tears off leaving only a medal bar which will only destroy the portafilter and the rivets/grommets that hold the bar in place give-up, leaving you having to rig it so you can use it, or in some cases the medal will began to rust, though only if it is not stainless steel. Now there are others that will stand the test but they are pricy like those from Rattleware your looking at 35+ the Grindenstein Knock box is 23 and can be found for 19.99.

How long will it last? Well I have had mine for about 9 months with daily use of 3+ espressos a day. Capacity? About 6 58mm pucks. What about cleaning it? It cleans easily just toss it in the dish washer. Will it slide around my counter? Not if your counter is dry it has non slide ring on the bottom that covers the circumference. Any negatives? Yes. Time for a bullet list:

1. Its kind of small, it does hold 6 58mm pucks but that means I have to empty it once daily
2. Its short, if a puck is wet and if you hit it hard it will splash out
3. It will slide around if your counter is wet.

Over all, its a great tool to have and at a great price.

If you plan to buy one please use one of my links below:

For the Chocolate Brown :Dreamfarm Chocolate Brown Grindenstein

For the Marine Blue :Dreamfarm Marine Blue Grindenstein

For the Ivory White :Dreamfarm Ivory White Grindenstein

For the Fire Truck Red :Dreamfarm Fire Truck Red Grindenstein

For the Steel Wool Silver :Dreamfarm Steel Wool Silver Grindenstein

For the Charcoal Black :Dreamfarm Charcoal Black Grindenstein

To look at all: http://www.astore.amazon.com/proshotreview-20

John Adams HBO Miniseries

John Adams HBO Miniseries

The John Adams Miniseries is a well made account of John Adams’ life. Starting with events of the Boston Massacre and the trial of the solders and their captain, who John Adams was called on to represent by James Forest. The Miniseries concludes with John Adams’ death on July 4 1826.

The role of john Adams is played by Paul Giamatti, who does a spectacular job of re-capturing the feeling of such trying times, with the strife in the Colonies and the unwillingness of the British to hear grievances of her subjects, and the impending chance of a war with the British empire a world superpower and his personal struggles through his life .

The visual quality of the miniseries is outstanding, as well as the audio quality and there are some good bonus features included. The historical accuracy of the miniseries is maintained throughout. If you're interested in a good TV show about the American revolution and john Adams' life you can't go wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this miniseries the hope you will too.

If you plan on buying this DVD set please use this link: John Adams (HBO Miniseries)


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Aerolatte

Aerolatte is a little battery powered milk frothier. It gives the promise of frothed milk like that from the coffee house, well maybe like coffees from “charbux“. You will never get that silky-smooth microfoam as if you were to steam the milk properly. If you don’t have an espresso machine and want something a little nicer than just pouring milk in your cup of java it’s a good choice. I think its best use is for stirring things like hot cocoa which in my opinion is impossible to stir in completely with a spoon . It’s a nice gadget to have. I have the one with Satin Finish, there is also one with a Stainless-Steel finish available . If you plan to buy this Aerolatte please use these links:

This link is for the Satin Finish:Aerolatte Milk Frother, Satin Finish


This link is for the Stainless-Steel finish:Aerolatte Stainless-Steel Deluxe Edition Frother with Stand, Chrome


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Lens pen

I hate to start a review with the words “WOW” I feel like one those high pressure commercials. But, WOW! this is a great little device, that no Photographer should be without. Lens pen will clean your lenses with ease and you will not have to worry about it leaving scratches in its wake. The brush end is fantastic at removing dust and other loose junk on the lens. The little cleaning pad at the tip is better than a cleaning cloth, because, it can get along the very edge of the lens were you cant get a cloth to go. It will get off finger prints, stuck on dirt and any thing that cant be brushed away. You can also use the Lens pen on binoculars, and other optical gear you have. If you’ve ever had a great photo ruined by some lousy dust or dirt, do your self a favor and get one. I have the Hakuba Lens Pen, but you could get the Nikon 7072 Lens Pen its identical to the Hakuba just easer to find. If you plan to buy a Lens Pen please use these links:

This Link is for the Hakuba:Hakuba USA Inc KALP1 Lens Pen

This Link is for the Nikon 7072:Nikon 7072 Lens Pen Cleaning System


Thank you.