Video blog, T2 and Travel envy...

Today we finalized and are in the process of uploading our fifth episode of the transcend coffee video blog.  In all honesty, I sometimes wonder why we are doing these videos, as I assess them in a very self-conscious manner.  The focus is on providing interested viewers with more information about the world of specialty coffee.  Yet as we record them, I have this lingering feeling that I will look back on these in five years and cringe with embarrassment.  Nonetheless, we will continue with them, and all the while, as I second guess my delivery and the veracity of the information provided, I will trust that those who watch actually find some benefit from them.

Yesterday we announced officially that Transcend will be opening a second coffee bar in Edmonton, sometime in January (2010) hopefully - schedule and construction permitting.  The location is prime, and is a part of a historical redevelopment of a building in Edmonton, which is a landmark in the city.  It is close to the university and on a busy road through the center of Edmonton.  At the end of the day, we are really excited about being part of such a historic building project in the city, as Edmonton, is very short on history and character in terms of its remaining buildings.  Now you know what my next year is going to be consumed with.  Tonight we were featured in a small bit on CBC Edmonton, dealing with the preservation of the Garneau community.  On a side note, I can't believe how archaic the CBC's technology is, as it took me an hour to show my family the bit online, and that was after dealing with the loss of live streaming over 25 times, in addition to being required to download a Microsoft media player; seriously, it is time for CBC to get with the times in terms of web technology.

On a lighter note, I have serious travel envy as both Josh and Mel are working their way through Europe right now.  Why is it that my staff all get 3 and 4 week holidays in Europe, and I get to spend 3 days on a house boat on the Shuswap?  Josh will be in London next week hanging with the good folk at Square Mile Coffee Roasters, which is another reason for me to be jealous.  I trust that they are both having a grande time, and we look forward to their return.