Charlottetown Wifi Map

Grok Headline matches for Charlottetown Wifi Map

A few open wifi points in Charlottetown

A few open wifi points in Charlottetown 06/20/2004 02:30 PM
"Our friend Jevon MacDonald has posted a summary of some open wifi access points around Charlottetown: Cedars Eatery (81 University Ave.) The Formosa Tea House (186 Prince St.) Timothy's Coffee Shop (137B Kent St.) Mavors (downstairs, Confederation Center of the Arts) Atlantic Technology..." (41 words - posted by steven) no replies

Northern Lights in Charlottetown last
night

Northern Lights in Charlottetown last
night 12/30/2003 12:09 AM
Did you see the Northern Lights last night between 8:00 and 8:30pm? Amazing. We could clearly see red and green lights throughout the sky, and we were standing under the glow of a nearby streetlight. At one point the eastern sky was so red it looked like there was a huge forest fire off in the distance. I even managed to snag a few pics. They're not perfect but I was pleasantly surprised that they came out at all. Apparently the increased activity is related to the recent solar flares. While trickin' and treatin' tonight, keep an eye on the...

Charlottetown weather for your RSS news
aggregator

Charlottetown weather for your RSS news
aggregator 12/30/2003 12:09 AM
Cool. I'm checking out a RSS feed for Charlottetown weather. It's from RSSWeather.com....

Free open WiFi on Tacoma-Washington
train, courtesy WiFi hacker

Free open WiFi on Tacoma-Washington
train, courtesy WiFi hacker 03/24/2005 08:15 PM
Cory Doctorow: A Seattle wireless hacker rides a commuter train from Tacoma every day with a battery-powered WiFi hotspot in his backpack that's linked up to the Internet with a 14.4 144k wireless modem. Catch his train and get free WiFi on your commute.

The open wireless node can be found in the first car of the last morning train and in Car 403 on the 5:10pm return trip. Use SSID "FreeInternetAccess" or "seattlewireless" to connect - You may have to assign yourself an IP in the range 192.168.0.0/24 and use the Default Gateway 192.168.0.1 as the DHCP is sometimes flakey

Link (via Make)

Hermosa Beach, California Launches Free
Citywide WiFi Service using advanced
WiFi-Plus obstruction penetrating
antennas.

Hermosa Beach, California Launches Free
Citywide WiFi Service using advanced
WiFi-Plus obstruction penetrating
antennas. 08/05/2004 03:39 AM
Los Angeles Beach Community WiFi service made possible by WiFi-Plus antennas. Makes internet available on the beach. [PRWEB Aug 5, 2004]

Review: WiFi Seeker / WiFi Spy

Review: WiFi Seeker / WiFi Spy 07/16/2004 04:50 PM
A few weeks ago I got Chrisalis Developemnt's WiFi Seeker, a convenient keychain-sized wireless network locator. Marware's recently announced WiFi Spy is a rebranded version of the same device, so it should perform identically.

To locate a wireless network simply press the button and watch the LEDs. When the lights stop sweeping back and forth, the number that remain lit will show the strength of the wireless signal. If the lights continue to sweep back and forth, you're not in range for any wireless network. Unlike other devices, the WiFi Seeker isn't fooled by other 2.5 GHz signals like microwave ovens or cordless phones, and it doesn't depend on 802.11 client activity to detect the access point. It detects both 802.11b and 802.11g.

WiFi in the UK

WiFi in the UK 08/09/2004 08:02 AM
According to today's Independent (a UK broadsheet) and Intel, only a 1/3 of people living in the United Kingdom know what WiFi is. WiFi, which stands for Wireless Fidelity, allows mobile users to connect their laptops to the internet and other devices without having to use standard hardwire networks.

The survey, conducted recently, found that many people thought that the phrase WiFi was cockney rhyming slang (e.g. Dog and Bone : Phone) for "Wifey". Other people who participated in the survey answered that they thought Wifi was a Japanese island, or an exotic fruit.

Asides from showing a shocking level of IT ignorance in the UK, the results do highlight Intel's attempts to get Britain wirelessly connected. Combined with a motivation for shifting Centrino packages, Intel is really hoping to raise awareness and get people using the wireless hot spots they've been setting up with BT over the last year. Intel and the Wireless industry would love to see the UK brought up to the same level of wireless proliferation as in the USA.

View: Intel

Read full story...

WiFi 4 U

WiFi 4 U 05/11/2004 12:41 AM

WiFi Against Bush

"Inspired by the web site, Bluetooth Users Against Bush, I decided to do the same thing with WiFi.

Here's what you do. Set the name of your wireless access point to 'WiFi Against Bush'. Now, when anyone in your immediate area, such as in your dorm or apartment complex, checks to see what networks are available, they will see your little 'bumper sticker.' It'll piss off Repubs and let other sane folks out there know that they are not alone." [Daily Kos, via Scripting News]

I point this one out to show how creative you can get with naming your library's wireless network. How about "libraries rule," "we answer questions, too", and "fall to your knees and worship a librarian."

Okay, so I'm kidding with that last one, but you get the point.

New: WiFi Spy

New: WiFi Spy 07/16/2004 09:59 AM
For $29.95 you can get a compact wireless network detector.

Wifi-0.01

Wifi-0.01 01/02/2005 05:55 PM

Wifi-0.01a

Wifi-0.01a 01/02/2005 05:55 PM

Me and My Wifi

Me and My Wifi 04/13/2004 02:24 PM
My access point is in the house and the home office is a seperate building. Because my PowerBook casing and two solid walls interfere with my signal, I'm developing a weird relationship with my technology. I've tried the Pringles can,...

A little WiFi to go with your Big Mac

A little WiFi to go with your Big Mac 03/13/2003 10:20 AM
In a sign of the times I think McDonald's is going to score a home run in offering 1 hour...

Tap into neighbors' WiFi? Why not, some
say

Tap into neighbors' WiFi? Why not, some
say 07/04/2004 05:43 AM
Boston Globe Jul 4 2004 9:27AM GMT

WiFi Becomes A Commodity

WiFi Becomes A Commodity 07/06/2004 09:49 PM
On Tuesday, Conexant Systems Inc. preannounced lower earnings for the cureent quarter, based on an influx of low-cost WiFi chips produced by Taiwan manufacturers. Conexant executives said that the price of 802.11g components is now on the order of 802.11b chips in certain markets.

WiFi Insecurity

WiFi Insecurity 12/14/2002 02:20 AM
To follow-up on my ReFi'd Zaurus post, I managed to dig my Airport out of storage and moved the Compaq...

More on WiFi as the new Bluetooth

More on WiFi as the new Bluetooth 12/12/2003 01:09 AM
Since it's range is shorter and its speed is slower, one of the main advantages that Bluetooth has over WiFi is that it consumes far...

Intravenous WiFi

Intravenous WiFi 07/20/2004 01:16 AM
Now, it's true that I've joked on occasion about how appealing the concept of having an IP-IV system that would pump an internet connection directly into my veins, but I certainly wasn't prepared for the announcement that Aruba Wireless Networks is working with Sharp HealthCare to build a WiFi-enabled IV pump for hospital use. The idea, of course, is not to pump the internet into your veins (darn!) but to connect the IV drip to a central server that has medical profiles. Now, the announcement goes on and on about security, but how many people would actually feel comfortable having their IV drip governed by a server connected over a WiFi connection?

WiFi lab notes

WiFi lab notes 07/19/2004 06:35 AM

Wish-list item: A database that lives on my laptop, constantly updated, with WiFi access points. Doesn't just have to be free access points. This is a project Intel could fund, with contributions from the commercial access providers. It wouldn't be that expensive. I bought a Sprint wireless adapter for my laptop, it works (where Sprint is available), but it's far too expensive.

By the way, the WiFi was down at both Starbucks I went to in Santa Fe. I'd never seen that happen before. And the men's room had been vandalized in one of them. I said to the guy at the counter it's irresponsible to sell iced coffee without a working bathroom. I wasn't joking.

18,000 wifi hotspots in NYC

18,000 wifi hotspots in NYC 07/29/2004 08:45 PM
sure, as soon as i leave, the whole island becomes network nirvana

WiFi Honeypots

WiFi Honeypots 02/17/2004 11:35 AM
While in Texas last time the hotel I was in did not have broadband and the best connection I could...

Censored WiFi - what's up with that?

Censored WiFi - what's up with that? 07/20/2004 06:07 PM

Direct and Related Links for 'Censored WiFi - what’s up with that?'

Censoring internet access is a great way to to alienate customers and tick off anti-censorship activists. According to a post at the “Boing, Boing Weblog”, a guest at the Hotel Tropicana in San Francisco California found out the hard way that his internet usage was being censored. While most of us find the idea of Hotels censoring the internet a bit silly, the Hotel’s owner apparently has different feelings on the matter….

WiFi Hotels

WiFi Hotels 01/24/2004 02:49 PM

The news that every Best Western hotels in the US will have free wireless is great to hear. I don't know if they're doing this based on market research, but personally I will be staying at their hotels as much as possible when I travel now. I searched and searched for Southern California hotels that had free wireless and after giving up on a few places that claimed to but didn't, I accidentally found a Holiday Inn in Orange County with multiple default Linksys base stations in the hotel. I've ended up staying there the last four times I went down to see my family, even though it's a pretty shabby hotel and probably overpriced (it's around $70-80 a night).

It's good to see Best Western recognize this, it's not like I want to just camp out online when I travel, but it's nice to catch up with work and personal email when you get to the hotel at night without having to hassle with dialups and outbound call charges. Knowing that every single Best Western will be equipped will make searching for a simple cheap place to sleep much easier in the future.

WiFi Gone Wild

WiFi Gone Wild 06/10/2004 07:47 AM

WiFi tracking

WiFi tracking 12/29/2003 01:36 PM
Forget RFID. Well, don't, but National Scientific Corporation has a prototype of a WiFi tagging system that, like RFID, lets you track things in real-time...

Here, There, WiFi Anywhere
(washingtonpost.com)

Here, There, WiFi Anywhere
(washingtonpost.com) 04/24/2004 10:26 AM
washingtonpost.com - Peter Kastner moved from the suburbs to an apartment in Boston last summer while his new home was under construction. As soon as he got set up in the temporary digs, Kastner -- chief technology analyst at the research firm Aberdeen Group -- set up his WiFi home network to enjoy some wireless Web surfing.

Is Using WiFi Illegal?

Is Using WiFi Illegal? 05/03/2004 01:45 PM
A few weeks ago we wrote a post wondering if it's illegal to get hacked. Tower Records was fined for having their customer records hacked, with the rationale that they didn't do enough to protect them. While it makes sense to fine a company that has revealed customer records, this becomes a slippery slope. What if you put in place all sorts of protective measures, and hackers still get through? Or, take the argument in a different direction - what if you think it's fine to leave your system open? With that in mind, Mark Rasch takes a look to see whether or not using WiFi may constitute a felony. It seems like a fine line, but if someone felt it was necessary, you could get in an awful lot of legal trouble for using WiFi. On the end user side of things, connecting to an open WiFi access point may run afoul of laws that make it illegal to "knowingly access a computer used in interstate or foreign communication 'without authorization.'" If the response is that the system was open, and thus the authorization was implied, then does that apply to situations where a customer database is left open as well? What if the security is so flimsy as to basically be non-existent. Where's the line? On the other side of things, Rasch points out that just by setting up a WiFi network, you could be in trouble as well. Unless you carefully make sure that no one outside of your home can access the network, you may run into problems with many state laws that make it illegal to "share" an internet connection, the same way it's illegal to share a cable or satellite TV connection.

WiFi In The Chasm

WiFi In The Chasm 02/18/2004 01:01 AM
Business Week is running an article looking at the hurldes that remain for WiFi to go truly mainstream. They point out, accurately, that despite the hype, WiFi has mostly just made it through the early adopter stage, and really hasn't found its place in the mass market. The article, though, focuses way too much on fee-based WiFi. While the fee-based WiFi companies need to get their act together to figure out how to roam across multiple services (and what - if any - value they can add on top of a connection), the bigger issue is simply the complexity of connecting to a WiFi access point for most people. Sure, sometimes it just works - but plenty of times it's not that simple. Folks who use WiFi a lot have learned how to fiddle with settings to get things to work, but that's not the sort of thing most people want to do. The article also admits that security is a concern, but points out this is being addressed. Instead of worrying about roaming and security (both of which are coming), I'd be bugging Microsoft and Apple (anyone using something else probably doesn't mind fiddling with settings) to make sure their operating systems have the most fool-proof connection wizard around that makes the system insanely easy for people to connect to the best access point, and to understand what that means. On the other side, making the process of installing and configuring an access point should also be much easier to make home use much simpler to set up.

WiFi On Two Wheels

WiFi On Two Wheels 05/05/2004 01:16 AM

Beemers Get WiFi

Beemers Get WiFi 05/05/2004 02:14 PM
There have been plenty of stories about techies with a lot of time on their hands adding a WiFi network to their cars, but it looks like BMW (with the help of HP) are going to be the first to rel ease a WiFi-enabled vehicle. The focus is on the incredibly narrow market of those who get chauffeured around, with the idea that those people are important enough that they need to be able to use their laptops in their car. Basically, it's a WiFi access point in the trunk with a GSM or GPRS backhaul connection to the outside world. They eventually expect the price point of such a system to come down so they can offer it for others who may need internet access in the car, such as the traveling salesperson. Of course, you have to wonder what good the WiFi really does? The backhaul is painfully slow GPRS (which, one hopes, HP and BMW will design so it can be upgraded to a 3G platform when necessary). So, why bother with the WiFi at all? Why not just get a GPRS (or 3G) laptop modem and connect directly? Without a compelling application that ties into the vehicle itself (and, as you might imagine, their suggestion that police can beam you a speeding ticket does not qualify), it's hard to see why someone will want to pay extra for this feature. There has been talk of using an in-car WiFi connection to do things like transfer MP3s from your home network while parked in your driveway. Applications like that make a lot more sense than just an internal network to connect your laptop to some slow cellular backhaul.

WiFi Free-For-All

WiFi Free-For-All 02/11/2004 01:23 AM

Here Comes More Free WiFi

Here Comes More Free WiFi 02/10/2004 02:41 AM
We've maintained in the past that there are two situations in which someone can charge for WiFi: (a) there is no reasonable chance of competition in that location, such that you have captive users or (b) you are offering up something special on top of the WiFi that people value (which could be convenience, security, reliability, etc.). When looking at case "a", this pretty much left only some hotels and airports for the time being - since they could cover enough ground to (somewhat) monopolize the WiFi offerings. However, the trend seems to be changing on that as well, as both hotels and airports are realizing there's a lot more benefit in offering WiFi for free than trying to charge for it. The prices were too high, and not too many people were using it. However, when they offer it for free, it attracts more customers to their locations. In other words, once again, it's the publicity factor that makes it worthwhile.

First WiFi MP3 Player

First WiFi MP3 Player 01/22/2004 02:29 AM
TwinCities.com reports on a new MP3 player that adds WiFi (wireless) capabilities, allowing you to transfer songs from your PC via WiFi (802.11)Once a...

WiFi Activism

WiFi Activism 05/12/2004 04:07 PM

WiFi Against Bush: Interesting concept.

Set the name of your wireless access point to "WiFi Against Bush". Now, when anyone in your immediate area, such as in your dorm or apartment complex, checks to see what networks are available, they will see your little "bumper sticker." It'll piss off Repubs and let other sane folks out there know that they are not alone.

I'm a "Repub" and I can't say I much care what you call your network.

Click here to comment on this entry

WiFi in Nepal

WiFi in Nepal 05/27/2004 08:03 PM
Yak farmers in the mountains of Nepal are using WiFi to keep in touch with their families thanks to the Nepal Wireless Networking project. [Via /.]

WiFi hotspots not all that hot

WiFi hotspots not all that hot 05/28/2004 06:14 AM
San Jose Mercury News May 28 2004 10:32AM GMT

WiFi Security

WiFi Security 05/31/2004 02:43 AM

Seems consumers are pulling WiFi devices out of the box plugging them in and surfing with the default systems more times than not. The question I want to ask is why are people that stupid. Would they invite a complete stranger into their house and go to bed while the stranger surfed the net a looked around inside their computers. I don't think so but running WiFi equipment straight out of the box is inviting just this to happen. [Yahoo]

Wifi Ghetto Box

Wifi Ghetto Box 05/21/2004 04:04 AM

Back in 1976 - I lived in a dorm room at school - and I loved my ghetto box.  This is next...

Rhap sody and Linksys Create Wireless Hub.

This is really something. RealNetworks has partnered with wireless networker Linksys to create a Rhapsody-enabled wireless link. This device connects your stereo to the PC over the home’s 802.11b network, with built-in control of the Rhapsody service for subscribers. Awkwardly, it’s called the Linksys Wireless-B Media Link for Music. Geez, why not the Rhapsody Blaster, or the Celestial Wireless Jukebox?

Anyway, this device is excellent news for Rhapsody users wishing for a better way to get the music streaming more fluidly throughout the household. Of course, if you’ve got a wireless laptop you can access Rhapsody directly from any room. But getting the music into the stereo system has always been a problem, which the LWBMLM (for short—I’ve typed the hideous name for the last time) solves neatly. And if the stereo isn’t your goal, snap on the bundled speakers, place anywhere in the house, and rock on.

Now, transport a few years to the future. Bandwidth is unlimited; the distinction between downloading and streaming is meaningless; music is a service not a product; and we all pay for access to the global media river at the ISP level. Service-specific devices such as the LWBMLM become relics. Until then, bring it on, Rhapsody. And thank you, RealNetworks, for occasionally releasing a consumer-friendly product.

[The Digital Music Weblog]

Handheld WiFi?

Handheld WiFi? 05/31/2004 12:36 PM
Agere Systems announced a "mini-module" providing 802.11g (WiFi) for handheld consumer electronic devices.This embedded system-in-package (SiP) delive...
Grok Description matches for Charlottetown Wifi Map
GrokA matches for Charlottetown Wifi Map

Coffee Shop as Office

Coffee Shop as Office 12/17/2003 02:28 PM
Legal Grounds coffee shop in Dallas is the primary office for a number of independent workers: This story is a great peek into the lives of a handful of people who regularly spend most of their work days on their laptops in this coffee shop. TechDirt points out that because these folks are there all the time, they know the workers at the cafe and don't want to get in their way or hurt the coffee shop's business. As such, they share tables or leave when it gets busy. There's no feeling here that these folks hurt business for the shop by camping out all day. Some of the workers who hang out at the shop find that working there is good for business. They make deals with each other and find customers in other visitors to the coffee shop. [via techdirt]...

Having The Coffee Shop As Your Office

Having The Coffee Shop As Your Office 12/16/2003 04:13 PM
Whenever the discussion comes up about coffee shops and restaurants offering free wireless connectivity, someone always says that it's a terrible idea because those people will crowd up the tables and never leave after buying a single cup of coffee. This seems to be a simplistic view of things, and some coffee shops that offer wireless have found that having people who come in and use the place all day as their office has been quite beneficial. The Dallas Morning News has a profile of one coffee shop that seems to host a large number of "regulars" who use it as their office. They tend to buy a lot of product, bring in more customers (for meetings and such), as well as be generally helpful. In the article, one guy who works every day at the coffee shop as a freelance graphic designer helped the shop design their new menus for free. As for the big fear of them hogging up the tables? It's no fun to be working when the place is overcrowded anyway, so most of them have no problem moving on at points when it's really crowded. Instead, they tend to spend the most time there at off-peak hours, when there's plenty of free space.

A Prime Example: WiFi at Timothy?s
Coffee Shop

A Prime Example: WiFi at Timothy?s
Coffee Shop 12/29/2003 11:54 PM
"WiFi is better experienced than explained. Timothy’s coffee shop on Kent Street in Charlottetown is bathed in an open wireless access signal. Come by, enjoy the fine coffee and sandwiches, and browse the web and check your email. We’re sitting there right now. We’re adding..." (71 words - posted by steven) 8 replies

Man Plans Topless Coffee Shop in Maine
(AP)

Man Plans Topless Coffee Shop in Maine
(AP) 02/19/2004 11:22 AM
AP - Tired of the same old Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts? The Madison Planning Board tonight takes up a man's application to open a topless coffee shop on Main Street.

Coffee With Networking for Macmillan's
World's Biggest Coffee Morning

Coffee With Networking for Macmillan's
World's Biggest Coffee Morning 09/13/2004 03:17 AM
Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning Event to auction off lots from original works of art to lunch with IT/telecoms journalists. Great fun for a great cause. [PRWEB Sep 13, 2004]

Paint Shop Pro 9 & Paint Shop Pro Studio
Beta

Paint Shop Pro 9 & Paint Shop Pro Studio
Beta 08/04/2004 04:28 AM

Coffee!

Coffee! 02/15/2003 11:13 AM
Holy crap! I had a cup of Coffee this morning because I got up rather early but was feeling especially sluggish. It's my first cup of the year. It really did the trick. I really understand how some folks quickly...

too much coffee man

too much coffee man 07/09/2004 05:05 PM
Obsessions come in many sizes and flavors - small, tall or veinte. Meet the man who is living the Traveli ng Salesman Problem by attempting to visit every starbucks.

Indie Coffee

Indie Coffee 04/05/2005 11:27 AM
The mission of delocator.net is to assist the public in finding and supporting independently owned cafés. There's a thinly-veiled stance against a certain coffee company, but the site's a great community-driven toolkit for finding yourself a good cup of joe anywhere in the US.

Pro Coffee Roasting

Pro Coffee Roasting 08/20/2004 02:29 PM

My buddy Tonx has what he calls "the second-coolest job in the world." As a barista at Seattle's Victrola Coffee, it's his job to hand-roast the daily coffee blends in the huge Diedrich IR-12 roaster they have on site, and he's written a great walk through (with pictures) of everything involved. And really, how can you go wrong with a machine that uses a infrared gas-powered afterburner to roast up to the 30 pounds of beans at once?

Unless it involves a day care and a drunken misunderstanding, you really can't.

Read - I roast coffee. [Tonx]
Read - Product Page [DiedrichRoasters]

" Coffee Achiever"

" Coffee Achiever" 05/29/2004 08:52 PM

No coffee, but here's another Bagle

No coffee, but here's another Bagle 02/17/2004 03:43 PM
A variant of the mass-mailing Bagle virus seems to have taken off a bit faster than the original--and its intent could be spam-related.

This is why I take my coffee black

This is why I take my coffee black 12/30/2003 01:33 AM
Coffee capital eyes tax on 'designer drinks' Don't you just LOVE designer taxes? Rather than spend time and research dollars on discovering ways to make government more efficient, Seattle's leaders have proposed one of the most creative luxury taxes ever...

Best. Coffee. Table. Ever.

Best. Coffee. Table. Ever. 01/28/2004 10:17 AM
The Drift Table lets you float gently over the British landscape from the comfort of your living room. Other projects from the Equator research group include a tablecloth that glows and a key table that responds to your mood. Hi-tech knick-knacks, or a glimpse of the subtle way we'll interact with the domestic environment of the future?

Coffee on PowerPoint

Coffee on PowerPoint 12/15/2003 08:12 AM
Peter Coffee in eWeek meditates on what PowerPoint is doing to us. He begins with Edward Tufte's piece on how PowerPoint misled the assessment of the risk to the shuttle Columbia. Peter writes: Bad presentations result from people learning to write with a model of "topic sentence, body, conclusion," instead of a journalistic model of "lead (conclusion), significance, supporting details." Peter says that although media "don't just transmit facts; they alter both selection and emphasis, creating different realities in the process," PowerPoint isn't solely to blame for the bad presentations done with it. In fact, he says, PowerPoint helps you...

Cake for Coffee

Cake for Coffee 06/17/2005 04:28 PM

« Sour cream coffee cake with raspberry and cinnamon streusel filling. »

When I think of coffee cake, I think of a dense, slightly sweet cake with cinnamon swirls and nuts in it, but when I say coffee cake in Finland, I get this weird look as if to ask why one would put coffee in a cake. Treats with coffee in Finland, if not some kind of pulla, are some sort of seriously heavy and sweet cream confection. I've also noticed that while berries have an exalted, perhaps even near ubiquitous, place in Finnish desserts, I've not found any local cakes that have the fruit baked inside the cake and instead are always part of the topping or unbaked filling. I don't know if this holds in all parts of Finland, but I couldn't find a single recipe in older, and even some recent, cookbooks that had berries baked in the dough or batter. It's interesting and makes me wonder why not.

So, I decided to torture my familiar test subjects, a.k.a. coworkers, to a sour cream coffee cake with blueberries to see if the concept was too alien or if a real coffee cake might not appeal. A couple commented that it was strange, but few crumbs were left on the serving plate so in spite of the unfamiliar concept, it didn't appear to slow down consumption. :) So, if Finns want to try this cake as a change of pace, I don't think there will be any leftovers.

Coffee cake is another one of those comfort foods that make me think of home. I totted up a list of foods from home that make me feel homesick and, strangely, almost all of them are sugary dessert or breakfast kinds of foods, neither of which I ate very often back home. I'm sure there is a doctoral dissertation on the gastronomic nostalgia of expats in there somewhere.

At long last, too, I finally found the dairy product in Finland that most closely resembles American sour cream, Flora Fraîche with a 20% fat content. It's not créme fraîche, not smetana, not kermaviili, just fraîche. I figured that a country with a dizzying array of dairy products, especially sour ones, that I'd eventually try the right one. It performed perfectly where I had previously been somewhat disappointed with kermaviili.

A sturdy, powerful mixer is highly recommended for the mixing of the butter and sour cream with the dry ingredients as it gets quite stiff and difficult to work with. You could probably also do it with a biscuit dough tool/potato masher [the one that cuts the butter into the flour] but that will take more time and effort. Jarkko was playing World of Warcraft on the computer which is plugged into the step-down transformer my mixer requires so I had to do the first cake the hard way which made my hand mixer very, very hot. Adding in the egg mixture should also be done slowly as it will slop over the sides of the bowl if not added slowly.

Adding the streusel and fruit layers is easy, but I was disappointed when I followed the recipe to the letter with the 2 cups of batter between layers as I found that it wasn't enough and that they melded into one band of goo. I had so much batter left over after the adding the layers that the streusel distribution through the cake was suboptimal. So be more generous with the batter between layers and save a wee bit for yourself as the batter is damned tasty.

Lemon-Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Makes: 1 cake that serves 12 to 16 people
Special tools: A fixed-bottom, 10-inch tube pan (with 10-cup capacity), good mixer, preferably standing
Time: 20 mins prep and 1 hour baking
Source: CI

Berry filling

• 1 cup or 2,5dl frozen blueberries or raspberries
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Streusel

• 3/4 cup or 1,75dl unbleached all-purpose flour (3.75oz or 106g)
• 3/4 cup or 1,75dl granulated sugar (5.25oz or 150g)
• 1/2 cup or 1,25dl packed dark brown sugar (3.5oz or 100g)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons or 30g unsalted butter, cold, cut into 2 pieces
• 1 cup or 2,5dl pecans, chopped

Cake

• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) or 170g unsalted butter, softened but still cool, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons or 30g butter, softened for greasing pan
• 4 large eggs
• 1.5 cups or 3,5dl sour cream [Flora Fraîche is the closest to American sour cream in .fi with 20% fat]
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2.25 cups or 5,25dl unbleached all-purpose flour (11.5oz or 325g)
• 1.25 cups or 3dl granulated sugar (8.75oz or 250g)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt

1. Toss 1 cup frozen blueberries with 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest in small bowl and set aside.
2. For the streusel: In food processor, process flour, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (,75 dl) dark brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined, about 15 seconds. Transfer 1 1/4 cups (3 dl) of flour/sugar mixture to small bowl; stir in remaining 1/4 cup (,75 dl) brown sugar and set aside to use for streusel filling. Add butter and pecans to mixture in food processor; pulse until nuts and butter resemble small pebbly pieces, about ten 1-second pulses. Set aside to use as streusel topping.
3. For the cake: Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 350F/175C degrees. Grease 10-inch tube pan with 2 tablespoons softened butter. Whisk eggs, 1 cup (2,5 dl) sour cream, and vanilla in medium bowl until combined.
4. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in bowl of standing mixer; mix on low speed for 30 seconds to blend. Add butter and remaining 1/2 cup (1 dl) sour cream; mix on low speed until dry ingredients are moistened and mixture resembles wet sand, with few large butter pieces remaining, about 1 1/2 minutes. Increase to medium speed and beat until batter comes together, about 10 seconds; scrape down sides of bowl with rubber spatula. Lower speed to medium-low and gradually add egg mixture in 3 additions, beating for 20 seconds after each and scraping down sides of bowl. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until batter is light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
5. Using rubber spatula, spread 2 cups (5 dl) batter in bottom of prepared pan, smoothing surface. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup (1 dl) blueberries. Sprinkle evenly with 3/4 cup (1,75 dl) streusel filling (without butter or nuts). Repeat with another 2 cups batter, remaining 1/2 cup (1 dl) blueberries, and remaining 3/4 cup (1,75 dl) streusel filling (without butter or nuts). Spread remaining batter over, then sprinkle with streusel topping (with butter and nuts).
6. Bake until cake feels firm to touch and long toothpick or skewer inserted into center comes out clean (bits of sugar from streusel may cling to tester), 50 to 60 minutes. Cool cake in pan on wire rack 30 minutes. Invert cake onto rimmed baking sheet (cake will be streusel-side down); remove tube pan, place wire rack on top of cake, and reinvert cake streusel-side up. Cool to room temperature, about 2 hours. Cut into wedges and serve. (Cake can be wrapped in foil and stored at room temperature for up to 5 days.)

Coffee Stories

Coffee Stories 03/25/2005 04:09 PM
Nicaragua and El Salvador, Tres Santos, Honduras, Peru , that Geoff Watts guy can write about coffee.

Brewing better coffee with DNA

Brewing better coffee with DNA 08/14/2004 11:45 AM

Direct and Related Links for 'Brewing better coffee with DNA'

“Brazil has announced the creation of a coffee DNA data bank, which will help the country improve the quality and size of its coffee crop….”The data bank will help Brazil improve the aroma and flavor of its coffee … to satisfy consumers with a product that has more added value,” the statement said.”…

Adios, Mr. Coffee

Adios, Mr. Coffee 02/19/2004 02:53 AM
On Valentine’s Day, Elise and the boys surprised me with a new coffee maker - the Cuisinart DCC-1200. By the way - have I ever mentioned how much I love my family? :) I suppose I shouldn’t have been completely...

"Coffee with steam"

"Coffee with steam" 03/27/2005 10:28 AM

Self-heating coffee can

Self-heating coffee can 12/22/2004 01:30 AM
Usatoday.com - Mon Dec 20, 08:15 pm GMT

The Chocolate-Coffee Conundrum

The Chocolate-Coffee Conundrum 12/19/2004 03:27 PM
If coffee chains used better chocolate, Lawrence Meyers argues, they'd sell more coffee.

Net more important than morning coffee?

Net more important than morning coffee? 04/28/2004 04:03 PM
Given the choice at work between personal use of the Net or a morning cup o' joe, employees say the joe can go, a survey says. The study also looks at security issues.

Brief Morning Coffee Notes

Brief Morning Coffee Notes 11/18/2003 05:37 PM

Good morning spores fans. Pretty nice day. Drinkin coffee. Thinking about the day ahead.

Coffee, Mountain Dew©, Jolt©...

Coffee, Mountain Dew©, Jolt©... 01/25/2004 08:37 PM
all stimulents that some geeks use to keep it going. Coffee is so big, it ranks second to oil as...

Monday morning, before coffee

Monday morning, before coffee 02/10/2004 02:43 AM
Arrrrrrrgh, my eyes! Janet Jackson's breast exposed to nation Arrrrrrrgh, his eyes! Wesley Clark doesn't blink. Arrrrrrrgh, his thighs! The Superbowl streaker's site. Damn bloggers. Arrrrrrrgh, they fly! Nice-Tits.org. Ok, that's inspired. (via memepool)...

It All Started With a Good Cup of Coffee

It All Started With a Good Cup of Coffee 09/05/2004 11:46 PM
New York Times Sep 6 2004 3:39AM GMT

BOFH and the coffee machine

BOFH and the coffee machine 02/11/2004 12:18 PM
Episode 4 La Bella Machina

Economist.com Coffee-houses

Economist.com Coffee-houses 12/20/2003 05:03 AM
Grave and Wholesome Liquor .. Economist

economist.com/World/europe/displayStory.cfm?story_id=22817 36
track this site | 4 links

Gourmet Coffee To Your Door

Gourmet Coffee To Your Door 04/05/2005 04:08 AM
gourmet coffee .. Coffee

coffee-delivered.com
track this site | 5 links

Charlottetown Wifi Map

The following phrases have been identified by the grok system as matching this entry: pos at timothys coffee shop