My Coffee Odyssey – Classen Coffee Co

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Classen Coffee Co opened recently and this is my first visit. My thought on walking in was, “I like this place.” The décor is eclectic and invites you to sit and hang out for a bit. There is plenty of seating inside as well as some nice patio type seating outside. They sell coffee, tea, and a selection of other drinks. There was no large selection of goodies from which to choose so, yeah, this is definitely a coffee shop. The baristas are friendly and attentive. 

I, naturally, asked for a cup of dark brew. It was, reportedly, an Indonesian mocha Java. My limited palate scores my cup a Good+, maybe closer to Great. I liked it a lot. The price list was reasonable.  

My first impression was correct. I sat in a comfy chair. I checked email. I read some of an ebook on my tablet. I like this place. Would I tell you to meet me here for coffee? Absolutely!! Hit me up. I am pretty available for coffee.

Disclaimer: I am not a coffee connoisseur. I am just a guy who lies to drink coffee in coffee shops. I tend to think of my coffee in terms of Meh – Okay - Good – Great. Most coffee I drink is okay to good. It has to make an effort to get to Great or Meh. These are just my opinions. Take or ignore them as you wish.

My Coffee Odyssey

 

It began with a real conversation. 

Me: “We need to have coffee and catch up.” 

Friend: “Sure. When?” 

Me: “How about….?   (We agreed on a date.) 

Friend: “Where do you want to meet?” 

Me: (Pause) “I’ll get back to you.” 

I paused because I realized I wanted to go to a real coffee shop but I wasn’t sure where to suggest. There are plenty of places to drink coffee and there are coffee shops. They are generally not the same thing. I have launched My Coffee Odyssey to find and visit real coffee shops. I will write about my visits as they occur. When I visit a coffee shop I want a place to sit in peace, drink coffee, and read or perhaps visit with a friend. When I drink coffee, I drink it black and usually dark roast. That is what I am interested in. This is not a tour of muffins, bagels, quiche, cupcakes, or any other munchies that may be available. 

My Coffee Odyssey will evolve as it happens. I expect to learn and develop my notion of what a coffee shop should be. As a starting point, here are some of my thoughts on what I will be looking for. 

Most important, and my first comment in any report, will be the coffee. I will drink it black. It will be dark roast. It should be reasonably priced and may or may not include refills.  

A good coffee shop should be a little unique, someplace one wants to meet a friend to catch up. If it looks and feels like a chain store with a national advertising budget it just doesn’t make the coffee shop cut. 

Coffee shop patrons will generally be grown-ups. They are not after school or evening teen hang outs. They are not places where you expect to see (or hear) small children or infants. 

Coffee shops will almost certainly not have a menu for your table. The more service and food choices you have the less likely you are in a coffee shop no matter how good their coffee might be. It is a place to drink coffee. 

Starbucks is an easy example of a chain store that many people confuse with a coffee shop. On any given day, there is a contingent of teenagers and moms with small children. Every store is pretty much like every other store. They are a place to drink coffee. They are not a coffee shop. 

(Feel free to make suggestions in the comments regarding anything I have overlooked.)

This is a mission I have chosen for myself. I will write about my odyssey because it is what I want to do. If you are interested you can follow along. If you are really interested you can suggest coffee shops I should visit. If you are really really interested, you are welcome to meet me for coffee. When I tweet about my adventure I will use the hashtag #MyCoffeeOdyssey. (If you don’t follow me, @drcamey, on Twitter, you should.) Most of my visits will be around the greater OKC metro area but as I find myself in other areas I will be looking for good local coffee shops.

Motivation: It's All About You

Motivation: It’s All About You

(Something to Consider)

Walter Shaub resigned as director of the Office of Government Ethics earlier this month. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, his resignation came after his very public criticism of the current administration. There is plenty of room for disagreement with this administration; however, one of Mr. Shaub’s public comments caught my attention. In a television interview, he made the statement that, "America should have the right to know what the motivations of its leaders are…” My immediate thought was, “How can I know that? How can anyone know that? How does one assert that 'right'?” 

Motivation is a word that is tossed around as though people know what it means and understand what they are saying. Here is a note from one psychology discussion of the topic.

What is Motivation?

A motive is an impulse that causes a person to act. Motivation is an internal process that makes a person move toward a goal. Motivation, like intelligence, can't be directly observed. (Sparknotes)

As much as I might like, I cannot know with certainty what your motivation is for any action you take or any behavior you exhibit. In many cases, you may well not know yourself. Your motivation can be neither directly observed nor identified. I might draw an inference regarding what your motivation might be, but I cannot know it with certainty.

The upshot of this is that when you make an assertion about the motivation of a public, or any other, person, you are inferring their motivation based on what you believe it might be in the context of your life experiences and how you believe you would be motivated in similar circumstances. Your inferences about THEIR motivation reveals more about YOU than it does about them. Because, after all,

It's ALL about YOU and NOT about THEM!

Submitted for your consideration.

As always, your comments are invited and appreciated.

Child Car Seats: Unintended Consequences

Child Car Seats:

Unintended Consequences

I spent some time on the highway this weekend with an amazing number of poor drivers, most of them younger. After some small reflection on this phenomenon I had an epiphany. I know why there are so many younger poor drivers.

Child Car Seats!!!

Yes. The unintended consequence of child car seats is generation after generation of drivers with poor driving skills. (Work with me here.)

If you are a bit over 30, your first awareness of driving was riding in the front seat next to mom or dad watching them drive. You watched them shift gears, use the turn signals, use the brakes, and all the other activities for which drivers are responsible. On occasion, they would let you sit in their lap as they drove and let you pretend to drive. You watched what they did from infancy. By the time you were an early teenager there was one thought in your mind. “I cannot wait until I can be in the driver’s seat!” When that time came you were aware of what it took to be a driver. All you needed was someone to help you develop hands on skill.

If you are a bit under 30, your experience was very different. You never saw anyone drive a car for the first years of your life. Why? You were strapped into a child car seat looking the wrong way. When you graduated to a forward-facing seat it was no better. You were almost always strapped in the seat directly behind the driver. You could not see what they were doing even if you were interested. "No child under the age of 13 should sit in the front seat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." (Livestrong.com) So, by the time you were a teenager driving, for you (or most of you,) was an activity that someone else did for you. Being the driver was not a priority in your life. You did not really start thinking about all the activities involved in driving until you were closer to 16 and started taking professional driving lessons.

It is generally accepted that much learning takes place as a small child. Child car seats have denied generations of young people the opportunity to become better, safer drivers. We have traded child safety for danger on the streets and highways!

As we learn from Hazlitt in Economics in One Lesson, “The art of economics consists in looking not merely at the immediate but at the longer effects of any act or policy; it consists in tracing the consequences of that policy not merely for one group but for all groups.” (Read Hazlitt here.)

As is frequently the case, failure to apply the lesson when passing legislation and regulations results in, wait for it...

Unintended Consequences.

Betrayed by America?

Roberto Beristain in a provided photo. Photo: Phil Kolliopoulos

Source: The Wall Street Journal, April 5, 2017

A recent article in The Wall Street Journal chronicles the sad tale of the deportation of Roberto Beristain. The headline reads, “After 20 Years in U.S., Indiana Restaurant Owner Is Deported." (Link to the article here.)

It certainly catches your attention when you read, “Mr. Beristain, an undocumented immigrant and business owner living in Indiana with his American wife and children, was deported to Mexico…” One’s immediate reaction is, “Something is seriously wrong here! ICE must have better things to do” At least, that was my reaction.

Then I read the article.

Mr. Beristain entered the country illegally in 1997.

He was ordered deported in 2000. He did not comply and the order was not executed.

In 2012, the Obama administration, ignoring the law and the deportation order, granted him permission to stay.

He was, finally, detained by ICE in February 2017 and returned to Mexico last week.

Mr. Beristain was clearly betrayed.

However, he was NOT betrayed by America or by ICE.

He was betrayed by those in the United States who believe the law should only be enforced if they like the law. Otherwise, they believe the law should be ignored. Unfortunately, for those in Mr. Beristain’s position there is no statute of limitations for his crime. He, and his family, is now paying the price for those who aided and abetted his illegal residency.

Protect the OK State Accrediting Agency

Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency

This is a follow-up to an article I posted last month regarding the Oklahoma State Accrediting agency. The intent of this article is to encourage support for legislation (HB 1992) regarding the governance of Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency (SAA) and to request that you take action regarding conflicting legislation (SB 232) that could be detrimental to Oklahoma’s veterans using educational benefits. 

"The Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency (SAA) is the approval authority in the State of Oklahoma of programs of education and training for those enrolled in school and job training programs under the G.I. Bill."

If you are a legislator, please consider the following when these bills come to the floor for a vote. If you are not a legislator, please share this information with your representatives.

SUPPORT HB 1992

•        YEARS OF SERVICE: SAA has successfully protected GI Bill® Benefits for Oklahoma veterans and beneficiaries since 1953 (64 years). HB 1992 enables SAA to continue operations through sunset legislation. SAA received the highest grade possible for effective contract operations.  

•        FUNDING: SAA is a federally funded state agency (all states have an SAA) that represents Oklahoma’s interests. Funds are allocated by the Education Department of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

•        GOVERNANCE.  Board members include: two governor-appointed honorably discharged Veterans, the Oklahoma Department of Education (K-12), Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology

Education (career postsecondary education), and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (collegiate). 

•        BENEFITS TO OKLAHOMA:  In addition to protecting the GI Bill® for Oklahoma’s veterans - SAA’s actions result in education GI Bill benefit payments of almost $45 million annually.  

SB 232 CONCERNS - SB 232 was introduced to move the SAA to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA). ODVA is responsible for Veteran Nursing Centers. SAA’s work involves federal education GI Bill® Benefits. Combining the two agencies gains no discernable efficiencies or benefits and may result in the following:

•        DISRUPTION:  Removal of SAA from its current education focused governing status could be detrimental and highly disruptive – thus, negatively impacting veterans and beneficiaries, educational institutions and employers.

•        INTERUPTION:  Over 11,000 Veterans use their educational benefits in Oklahoma generating millions of dollars into the Oklahoma economy (again, $45 million). If SAA loses the federal contract, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs will act as Oklahoma’s SAA. 

•        INTERFERANCE: SAA navigates complex regulatory and policy issues at the local, state, federal, and national levels. If unable to function independently with its current board, it cannot function effectively – thus, negatively impacting veterans and beneficiaries by delaying payments.

SB 232 MYTHS AND FACTS - Misleading information about SAA has been circulated regarding cost savings and other factors related to SB 232.  

•        NO COST SAVINGS: There is no cost savings achieved by moving SAA to VA.  

•        GI BILL® FUNDS LOST OR UNUSED: SAA does not control the amount of GI BILL® funds coming to Oklahoma – veterans and beneficiaries do.

•        FUNDS FOR SAA USE ONLY. SAA funds are allocated through a reimbursement contract with the Education Services United States Department of Veterans Affairs and cannot be used for any other state function.

•        CHANGE UNNECESSARY:  SB 232 will have a negative impact on SAA’s ability to function.

Additionally, it is unclear what it accomplishes. It is an unnecessary change for the following reasons. ü There is no discernible benefit for this change, outcomes could be detrimental.  

ü  SAA is already committed to working with ODVA on Veteran’s education issues and does so regularly.

ü  SAA is moving to the Veterans Building when construction is complete and will rent space in the same building as ODVA. Cohabitating together, but functioning independently serves Oklahoma veterans more effectively.

ü  SAA works daily with ODVA in the operations areas (payroll, purchasing, and travel). This does not negatively impact veterans, but serves the state efficiently.

Working together, but operating independently is the best way for SAA and ODVA to serve Oklahoma’s veterans. Please support HB 1992 to reauthorize the agency and governance structure of the Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency (SAA) veterans utilizing GI Bill® benefits and contact your state representative and senator regarding concerns about SB 232.

I served as a veteran representative (retired USCG officer) on the board of the State Accrediting Agency for over 20 years and firmly believe that the interests of our veteran population are best served by an independent State Accrediting Agency. I am available to discuss these issues at your convenience if you have any questions. Additionally, I have visited extensively with the Director of the SAA, Ms. Gina Wekke, about the future of the agency. She is available for additional information at 405-642-4448 or by email at gwekke@odva.state.ou.us.

Important Issue for Veterans' Education Benefits

The Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency

Okay, this is not my normal post. Please take the time to read it and share with anyone who might be interested in veterans' education. Especially share it with your state legislator!

I served as a veteran representative on the board of the State Accrediting Agency for over 20 years. This is a small state agency that is 100% federally funded. The function of the SAA is as follows:

"The Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency (SAA) is the approval authority in the State of Oklahoma of programs of education and training for those enrolled in school and job training programs under the G.I. Bill."

Beyond this, the SAA functions to ensure that the education funding provided to veterans is only available for use at high quality educational entities.

Currently there is, in effect, an attempt at a hostile takeover of the SAA by another state agency. If successful, this takeover has the potential to have a significant negative impact on the delivery of education benefits of our veterans.

Please read the following for a detailed explanation prepared by the Director of the SAA. Please share this link with others.

Thank you,

jcamey

******************************************************************************

To Whom It May Concern:

RE: CONCERNS ABOUT PROPOSED LEGISLATION (SB 232)

The purpose of this message is to ask your support of legislation (HB 1992) regarding the Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency (SAA) and to advise you of conflicting legislation (SB 232) that could be detrimental to Oklahoma's veterans using educational benefits.

For 64 years, through sunset legislation, SAA has served as the state education approving agency for veterans to use their Gl Bill@ Benefits. Last week, the Honorable John Paul Jordan introduced HB 1992 to recreate the SAA until 2021. Please consider the following SAA facts:

• SAA is an education approving agency that has operated independently with an education and veteran member board since 1953.
• SAA's mission is to promote and safeguard quality education and training and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the administration of the education Gl Bill@.
• SAA is 100 percent funded by federal dollars through a reimbursement contract.
• SAA's actions result in education payment benefits of almost $45 million annually to Oklahoma's veterans and beneficiaries institutions through the Gl Bill@.
• SAA has annually received the highest rating by Education VA for successful operations. It has never received less than the highest rating.
• SAA is governed by a five-member board. Three board members are from the education sector including the Oklahoma Department of Education, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and two are honorably discharged veterans.
• SAA oversees almost 300 education and training facilities including public and private higher education, state technology centers, private vocational schools, and on-the-job training and apprenticeships.
• SAA is part of a national organization that includes 55 State Approving Agencies that have oversight of education and training facilities to ensure quality education and training for veterans and beneficiaries.

It is important to note that there is conflicting legislation to HB 1992 that will negatively impact veterans utilizing Gl Bill@ benefits. SB 232 was introduced to move the SAA to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA). While the two agencies serve veterans, SAA is responsible for enforcing federal education laws and approving educational and training facilities in Oklahoma. ODVA has jurisdiction over health benefits and nursing facilities. Concerns are noted below:

• Over 11,000 Veterans use their educational benefits in Oklahoma. If SAA is unable to perform its functions independently and effectively, veterans may be harmed.
• It is uncertain the benefits that would be gained; however, removal from its current education focused governing status could be detrimental and highly disruptive — thus, negatively impacting veterans and beneficiaries.
• SAA currently navigates complex education policy issues at the local, state, federal, and national levels. If unable to function independently, it cannot function effectively — thus, negatively impacting veterans and beneficiaries by delaying payments.

Confusing information about SAA has been circulated regarding cost savings and other factors related to the proposed change. Therefore, information and arguments for keeping the agencies separate, but closely related include the following:

• No cost savings will be realized by consolidating SAA with ODVA. SAA pays its way through a reimbursable contract with the Education Department of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
• SAA is scheduled to move to the Veterans Building when construction is complete and will rent space in the same building as ODVA. Cohabitating together, but functioning independently serves veterans more effectively.
• SAA works daily with ODVA in the operations areas (payroll, purchasing, and travel). This does not negatively impact veterans, but serves the state efficiently.
• SAA funds allocated through the federal contract with the. Education Services United States Department of Veterans Affairs cannot be used for any other state function — only the work negotiated in the contract with Education Services.

SAA is committed to working with ODVA to ensure excellent service to Oklahoma veterans. Working together, but operating independently is the best way to serve Oklahoma's veterans.

Thank you for your consideration. We need your support to reauthorize the SAA (HB 1992) and to eliminate SB 232.

My cell number is (405) 642-4448 and email address is gwekke@odva.state.ok.us if you have questions or need additional information.