Coffee Maker Poses Security Risks

Jura coffeemaker
I never even knew that there is a coffee maker that can be connected to the Internet! Apparently, there is such a product and it poses certain security risks. I read this on CNET:

An Australian man has discovered security vulnerabilities in his Internet-connected coffee maker that could allow a remote attacker to not only take over his Windows XP-based PC but also make his coffee too weak.

Craig Wright, a risk advisory services manager at professional services firm BDO, found several security holes, including a buffer overflow in the Internet Connection software that links his Jura F90 coffee maker to his PC.

I don’t know about you but this is just too funny. I mean, I love coffee but why the heck would I get a coffee maker that I can connect to the Internet, especially one that goes for a hefty USD 2,000? For one, my apartment is small enough that I only need to take 5 steps to go from my bedroom to where my coffee maker is at. More so, I don’t think I have that much money lying around just to spend on something that may not be really necessary.

People say that Internet-connected devices seem to be what’s in store for the future. I love toys and gadgets, there is no doubt about that, but at this point, I cannot understand why I would want to get them. Except for the reputation points, I guess.

Rachael Ray, Kaffiyeh, And Coffee

rachael ray kaffiyeh
Oh my, just when I thought that people were becoming more open minded and rationale! I have never been a fan of Rachael Ray, let me say that outright. This latest uproar over her makes me kind of feel for her though. For those who may not know, she is a spokeswoman for Dunkin’ Donuts. So there she was, doing her job, being her uber perky self as usual, right? She made this Internet commercial about how good Dunkin’ Donuts coffee is (by the way, I do like Dunkin’ Donuts coffee).

Suddenly, out of the blue, she is being accused of symbolically supporting terrorism! Come on now, this irritatingly cheerful person you see on TV several times a day a supporter of violence? As much as her personality and shows grate on my nerves, I just cannot see her trying to promote terrorism by trying to get away with wearing a kaffiyeh look-a-like in a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial.

Perhaps Michelle Malkin, the blogger who put up these suggestions, is mistaken? Or maybe she has got something personal against Rachael Ray? Seriously, the drama of it all! Why can’t a person wear what she wants to when plugging good coffee without being misunderstood? More than this, who says that the kaffiyeh is only used by terrorists?

Anyhow, Dunkin’ Donuts has pulled the plug on this commercial. In the interests of peace, I suppose it was the right thing to do. Now let me go get some of that iced coffee to cool off.

Of Race and Coffee

girl coffee
Before I even begin, I’d like to send out a warning – this post may be bordering on the politically incorrect. So, if you’re sensibilities are easily offended, I suggest that you skip this one. However, if you love coffee and can take a joke, read on and have a laugh with your nth cup of java. ;)

Coffee and humor go together. There is no explanation for it, they just do! Take this post that Clander wrote on Stuff White People Like. It just cracked me up:

There is no doubt that white people love coffee. Yes, it’s true that asians like iced coffee and people of all races enjoy it. But I promise you that the first person at your school to drink coffee was a white person. You could kind of tell they didn’t enjoy it, but they did it anyways until they liked it - like cigarettes.

White people all need Starbucks, Second Cup or Coffee Bean. They are also fond of saying “you do NOT want to see me before I get my morning coffee.” White guys will also call it anything but coffee: “rocket fuel,” “java,” “joe,” “black gold,” and so forth. It’s pretty garbage all around.

If you want to go for extra points - white people really love FAIR TRADE coffee, because paying the extra $2 means they are making a difference.

Gotta run – I have to grab my cup of fair trade java! Ha ha. Clander, you rock!

Unusual Coffee

image-cup.jpgMany coffee lovers love the fact that their coffee is familiar. They get the same brew everyday. They have discovered the one true blend for them and that’s that.

For some people, having so little variety would be boring. It is always a great idea to try some new mixes and recipes. It’s the only way to find out if there is a brew out there that tastes better than the one you already enjoy.

Truth be told it is great to know exactly what you like but it does help you appreciate your favorite cup of joe even more each time if you have something to compare it to that you don’t drink everyday.

Take for example Nogged Coffee. By its very name, a lot of people feel that it is only something to drink in December. Actually this unusual drink can be drunk anytime you feel like it. It is a great beverage for warming the body - and the heart they say.

If you’d like to try it, here’s the recipe:

Ingredients: