Who will answer the cries for help?

Who hears the shouts from another's home?

In my tongue, in their tongue- all cries for help

If I do not answer surely someone will

But if that someone never comes - can I live with the guilt and pain?

I know the guards think they came in vain

I know the police think this was another foreigner's silly game

If they come and ignore - wasn't it all still the same?

Why do they make me feel like somehow I am the one to blame?

Why does "educating" now involve such violence and shame?

Does a wife or child need bruises to prove they have learned?

Does a angry man think that this will really go unpunished?

Raining blows on the helpless will certainly bring its own storm

Why has this behavior now become the norm?

The blacks and blues on her face will eventually heal

But damage to the soul will always have a hue of black and teal

Who will answer the cries for help?

Who will answer the cries for help?

*Note- this is in reference to a neighbor in our building from a few days ago. we tried to help when we heard their cries but we still dont know what happened.

Chicago Coffee Websites Relaunch

Head over to ChicagoCoffee.cn to access our all new coffee portal.

Get to know your local baristas at our Kunming store.

Learn more about how Sumatra Mandheling coffee got its name at our roastery website Chinaroasters.com.

Access our coffee compass via CoffeeChina.net for those that desire good coffee no matter where in China they visit.

Finally stroll through our coffee selection delivered anywhere in China on our taobao store.

Zoe Mei!

More pictures at www.alfordsinchinablog.blogspot.com.

Zoe Mei Alford!

Zoe Mei was born at 9:30 AM Thailand time. She weighs 7.7 lbs.

Zoe meaning life and Mei meaning beautiful in Chinese. We are proud to be welcoming this beautiful life into our family.






- Posted via iPhone

At the hospital

Checked in and getting ready for a new baby in 30 - 60 minutes.





- Posted via iPhone

New Alford Baby Announcement Sun 1-24-2010 9:30PM ET/8:30PM CT

New Alford Baby Announcement Sun 1-24-2010 9:30PM ET/8:30PM CT on cremavita.blogspot.com. Start refreshing your browser now!

The McDonaldsfication of Starbucks

I rely on Starbucks quite a bit when I travel. My blood runs golden brown with a hint of crema. But honestly over the last few years I have seen Starbucks go from the “it” place to the fast food version of coffee. The machines are completely automated. What used to be an art and a science, Starbucks has made into a push-button automated frenzy. There is no love put in that latte anymore. There is no gentle coercing of air into the milk to form that smooth microfoam.

Now 1 Starbuck's barista does not speak for all of them but just this morning I was barked at for asking something a little particular about my latte desires. I am sorry. I will gladly pay $3 for a latte because I know the work and training that goes into getting it just right. But I will not pay $3 to get barked at. Where did that love go?

And when its slow why not let the customer sit down and bring them their drink. This is an luxury item not a Big Mac at Mcdonalds. If I always have to wait at the counter for my drink then whats the difference then me waiting in line at McDonalds. If your not busy what's the rush? The ladies behind me asked if they could sit down and the barista told them no way. They needed to wait a few minutes. There was no one else in the store.

And would it kill Starbucks to try something a little different with the store design. I have been to a million different Starbucks in 5 countries and they are all exactly the same. I expect that from McDonald’s but why Starbucks? Can’t we have a little uniqueness? And the décor and paintings are becoming more and more like advertising. There are more signs and posters creeping in to promote the newest drink or food and they are crowding out the paintings and soothing atmosphere that was once more common.

But yet I like so many others are addicted to coffee and without a suitable alternative I still go in and order. But I will dream of a day when you can travel and have more access to local coffee shops that can put of a solid brew.