A group of bold women in Pakistan are fighting to desegregate public spaces, one cup of chai at a time. Roadside tea stalls or coffee shops in Pakistan—known as “dhabas”—are generally unwelcoming to female patrons. In various parts of Southern Asia, it is culturally unacceptable for women to frequent public spaces or communal spots regularly. In these painfully patriarchal rural and urban communities, women are not encouraged to socialize publicly or move around on their own freely. But Desi feminists are fighting against these sexist standards by claiming typically segregated places like... Read More

September is when Summer ends and the new school year begins, which makes it a less-than-favorable time for many. But now, thanks to the Denver Public Library, we locals have something to look forward to next month: Brew Ha! Ha! is DPL’s month-long celebration of the city’s craft brewery culture. Beer, tea, and coffee lovers will all be able to enjoy a slew of events and resources, including brewing lessons, discounts at local bars and cafés, and informative lectures/discussions about some of your favorite drinks. Here are the upcoming coffee-related happenings that I’m excited about in... Read More

While it can be tough relying on tips for a living, working as a barista also has the potential of being a tolerable, decently paying, and possibly even enjoyable part-time or transitional job. With specialty coffee companies on the rise and major chains still making solid profits, the occupational opportunities and benefits of barista-ing have actually never looked so appealing for those searching for employment. Of course now that I’m not working in a coffee shop, I kind of miss working in one, even though I didn’t adore the scene when I was in it. Maybe “the beans are always fresher... Read More

Last Friday local startup accelerator Boomtown presented their spring 2015 startup class in all their glory at the Boulder Theater. These brand new startups—literally some of them launched just days before Demo Day—showcase how they have spent the last 12 weeks using the $20k in investment, office space in Boulder, CO, mentorship from leaders in their respected fields and a plethora of other benefits provided by Boomtown as part of their accelerator program. The doors opened at 3:30PM on Friday, May 15th and the line of people waiting to get in snaked around the block and then some. Once the... Read More

While not a new concept, carbonated iced cold coffee drinks do seem to be in vogue right now. From espresso tonics to nitro cold brews, expect more cafes to offer bubbles with your coffee. Adding carbonation to drinks is both refreshing on the palate and pleasant for the stomach, since it helps cut the acidity of coffee. A shot of espresso poured over tonic water is an effervescent variation on iced Americanos, which I’m eager to see added to more menus nationwide. I have no doubt that stout-like nitrogen infused iced coffees served on tap will be popular here in Colorado, the beer lovers state. While... Read More

With spring springing and summer just around the corner, the pace in Boulder is picking up quickly as Boulderites prepare for a summer filled with fun activities around every corner. For the tech lovers, entrepreneurs, students and investors of all kinds, the beginning of this summer season promises lots of fun and opportunities with Boulder kicking off its sixth Startup Week. Founded in 2010, Boulder Startup Week is five days dedicated to all things entrepreneurial, business and startup, celebrating the incredible startup scene Boulder has to offer.   The five-day event takes place from May... Read More

Last month, Starbucks began serving flat whites. The espresso based drink originated in Australia and is widely popular there and in New Zealand. Over the past few years flat whites have garnered a decent-size following here in the States, thanks to Australians ordering them at obliging third wave coffee shops. Starbucks adding flat whites to their menu may be an attempt to court a more sophisticated clientele. But flat whites are tricky drinks generally ordered by picky customers. It seems like Starbucks is trying to serve a cup it really can’t handle pouring. So what is a flat white? Well that’s... Read More

  Throughout the ages as human society has developed our planet and conquered new frontiers, people brought with them all sorts of things.  Including other species. Anthropogenic development has allowed other species to inhabit places once not accessible to them by riding on the metaphorical coattails of humanity.  In fact white-nose syndrome, which continues to devastate bat populations across North America, arrived in North America on the actual bottom of someone’s shoe that the person had worn spelunking.  Invasive species can cause no major issue for their new environments but can... Read More

According to a recent article on MSN, Boulder is America’s most educated city. It comes as no surprise, looking at Boulder’s wide diversity in  higher education programs. First, there’s University of Colorado Boulder: An expansive college that’s been in Boulder since 1877. Then, there’s Naropa: a liberal arts college that’s also one of America’s only buddhist universities. There’s also Boulder’s College of Massage Therapy: where people learn the art of relaxation. Finally, there’s Escoffier: School of Culinary Arts, which is a culinary... Read More

The oil and gas industry in the United States is exponentially growing due to the use of a relatively new technology called hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. In fact, the United States is on its way to becoming the number one exporter of oil in the world.  While fracking in the United States has allowed for increased oil and gas production, it is far from benefitting the United States in other important sectors. Fracking is done by injecting a mixture of dangerous chemicals, water and sand into shale deposits at high temperatures.  This mixture is then pulled back to the surface... Read More