Month: August 2023

  • Attempt the Impossible

    You never know until you try:

  • How to Boost Your Metabolism

    How to Boost Your Metabolism

    1. Go out! Go to the mall, indoors or outdoors, where the people are.
    2. Be outside — in the direct sun, direct UV radiation
    3. Coffee — ERIC KIM FINE ROBUSTA
    4. Hit the gym! One rep max lifting, also the hot sauna.
    5. If you’re tired take a nap?
    6. Intermittent fasting during the day
    7. Take the stairs
    8. Eat more beef — beef ribs to power you up at night!
  • Street Photography *IS* Visual Art

    The street photographer as visual artist:

  • Automove

    Automatically being self-motivated? That means by yourself, you move yourself!

    Anything that gets you moving, literally or metaphorically is good.

  • Move

    Is there a link between money and movement?

  • Powered by Passion

    Powered by Passion

    “This is my passion!” – Dr. Dre (COMPTON ALBUM)

    One theory that I’ve had in life ever since I was a kid was this notion of following your passion. Up until now, at the age of 35 (born in 1988) I’ve been quite successful in my endeavors.

    I think the subtle nuance is in regards to your passion, one must not be suckered into invoking some sort of strange moralistic ethical or even social economic or financial ends. That is, the traditional bias in regards to following your passion is that it must have the potential to make a lot of money. Otherwise it is not worth it.

    Based on my personal life journey, following my passion has been fruitful. However at the same time, I was “realistic“ about it;

    My passion was photography, street photography, travel, but I did not think I would realistically be able to make a living from it.

    My personal journey was when I was in high school, I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do when I grew up, but I knew that you UCLA was my dream school. I racked up all of my extracurricular activities, did Boy Scouts, became an Eagle Scout, etc., and even though my SAT and my GPA was relatively low , I think my SAT was 1920 out of 2400, and my GPA was only a weighed 3.9, I was able to get into UCLA.

    My grandfather was a famous doctor back in Korea, and none of his grandchildren became doctors, so I thought I’d take up the torch make my mama proud, and become a doctor.

    I ended up enrolling in UCLA as a biology major, and upon my first quarter I hated it. Also I knew I hated math, so I wanted to stay away as far from it as possible.

    What I ended up doing instead was going to the course registrar, thinking of changing my major, and I saw sociology on the list. I thought to myself, “I like society!” and immediately changed my major.

    At the time, everyone thought I was crazy. Everyone just asked me, “What are you gonna do with that major? Either become a low paying teacher or a social worker”?

    Eventually I discovered that studying sociology was actually really beneficial in studying marketing. Marketing was always something I was interested in, and while the time I was in undergrad, Facebook just released the newsfeed, the original iPhone 3G just came out, and social media seems like the future. And that’s where my journey began; starting my online presence portfolio, blogging and making YouTube videos, traveling the world, becoming “successful”, etc.

    After all the accolades, I started to enter a philosophical pursuit. I wanted to discover more meaning in my life, etc., thoughts which I also propagated on my blog.

    Why passion?

    Another thing that I’ve learned “growing up“, getting married having a kid, etc. is that at the end of the day, money is not the end goal, financial security is not the goal, not even “financial independence“ is the end goal. The end goal, in the ongoing pursuit is in regards to your passion.

    For example, the primary industry that I am in is the photographic one; everyone wants to pursue their passion of photography, make more time to do it, improve and advance or improve their photography etc, yet it seems that basic things like peoples careers, jobs etc. keep them in the way.

    What is it that we humans seek?

    I think ultimately what we desire and seek is to continue to expand, to continue to propagate ourselves in the world, and to take over. Nietzsche quotes Plato saying, “Once upon a time, it was the desire of man to become master of all men“.

    For myself, I have zero interest in becoming master of all men. Why? Too much management. The more time you gotta manage other people, means less time you have for yourself, pursuing your own passions and interests, etc.

    My current passion and interest is in regards to coffee; I truly believe that coffee, insanely great coffee, specifically fine robusta is the key for having you power your potential and achieving your personal maximum in photography life and beyond.

    Not financially that big of a deal?

    A funny thing in regards to coffee, the coffee industry is truth be told, I don’t think it’s that profitable. That is there is a quadrillion coffee brands out there, Starbucks, etc., the profit margins for coffee are slim to meager at best. I think anyone who is in the coffee business (shout out to Colby from VERVE) is because they are actually insanely inspired and passionate about it.

    Can you revolve your life passion around a beverage?

    I personally believe that coffee is a means to an end. That is, my passion for coffee, insanely great coffee is that I see it as a critical part of my creative life. That is, coffee is the most supreme and critical part of my creative life. I want to share this passion with others.

    Therefore my vision for ERIC KIM OMAKASE Coffee was this;

    If I could create my own ideal coffee concept, my own ideal blends, that would stir me into creative genius, what would it look like?

    I think one of the great things lacking in coffee is around this notion of productivity. We all know that coffee makes us more productive, why not center a coffee concept around it?

    Also, coffee as a critical part of our thinking process, philosophical thinking, etc. So why not revolve a coffee concept around thinking?

    The last is in regards to photography. For me, photography and coffee go hand-in-hand; almost all photographers I know also love great coffee. So why not combine the two?

    ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE: Power Your Passion >

    Share your passion

    Ultimately we humans are a social species. All of these trillions of dollars in the global economy is simply an offshoot of call collaborative human activity and human metabolism.

    Thus a simple thought on success:

    Power the metabolism of others!

    ERIC


    To continue powering your thoughts, some more ideas for you:

    The Philosophy of Coffee

    Has any thinker ever wrote a comprehensive treatise on philosophy of coffee?

    Now that I am officially part of the coffee business, I wanted to use this opportunity to think and philosophize on the philosophy of coffee.

    Why coffee?

    Coffee is a weird and beautiful thing. First and foremost, funny enough I made it through all of college without the aid of coffee. I only discovered coffee waaay later after Cindy got me addicted.

    My personal story and journey with coffee is actually really funny; the first time I went backpacking through Europe with Cindy, I remember one of the first phrases I learned in French:

    Un cafe s’il vous plait.

    It was supposed to be the cultured thing to say, do and know. And upon my surprise, I remember the first time they brought out the tiny espresso cup, and it came out in the tiny espresso cup, and I looked at it and yelled aloud:

    “That’s it?? I paid 2 euros for this tiny thing??”

    However moving forward, espresso, and my passion for espresso and minimalism has advanced. Personally speaking, I love the dimensions of espresso, the espresso cup, etc. I love how tiny it is, and how distilled it is. And for the last decade or so, traveling the world, my funny and silly quest to strive to discover perfect espresso.

    Also, there seems to be this interesting synthesis that I get from this combination of coffee, creativity and photography. For example, whenever I teach a photography workshop, having a coffee break is a critical part of the experience. And also, if I need to stir myself into creative action, coffee is a critical part of my ritual.

    Some people drink coffee to wake up, I wake up to drink coffee.

    Taking the power into your own hands

    I think the difficult thing in today’s world is obtaining and procuring great coffee. That is, eventually, sooner or later, you got to get coffee somewhere. Either you could just buy it at your local neighborhood coffee shop, or you could just buy it at Amazon or Whole Foods, and get it delivered to you, etc.

    However, the problem that I’ve personally discovered is that whenever you buy coffee, it is always dissatisfying. At least in the states, I have never been able to find roasted coffee, or roasted coffee beans which I consider insanely great. Enter ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE.

    The substances we consume are critical?

    It is funny, there is all of this trend towards organic food, grass fed meat, etc. Yet it doesn’t seem that we put the same standards on the coffee we consume.

    Let us consider that in America in the states, coffee might be the most consumed beverage we consume. When we first wake up, we take a shower, what is the first thing we do? We hit the kitchen, and we make ourselves some coffee.

    Everyone has a different ritual in regards to their morning coffee. Some of us grind our whole bean coffee, enjoy the fragrance in the air, and pull an espresso. For myself, this is what I do.

    How much coffee is enough?

    I used to be part of this type of Silicon Valley thinking, the quantified self movement, in which I try to limit myself to some sort of arbitrary number of coffee a day. Now, I said fuck it, I have as much coffee as I want. In the morning, I will just keep pulling espressos until I feel hyped up. Sometimes this is five or seven espressos. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I don’t keep count anymore.

    My only constraint is that typically later on in the day, afternoon, I have a pretty strict coffee cut off time. I discovered that whenever I have coffee past noon, or too late in the day, I cannot sleep at night. But beyond this, the more coffee the better.

    Poison is good for us

    First and foremost, coffee is a drug. Also very funny, after water, coffee is the most consumed beverage on the planet.

    How does coffee work? The caffeine inherent in coffee and coffee beans is actually a poison; coffee beans and coffee plants naturally have caffeine in them to ward off predators insects and other pesky things trying to eat it.

    However for us humans, coffee just gives us a great buzz. A philosophical thought;

    It is the poison in coffee which stimulates us, and stirs us into greatness.

    Great men require great stimulants?

    Philosophical question;

    Is life better with coffee, or without?

    Certainly there are lots of downsides of coffee. If you consume it too late in the day, you cannot sleep at night. Also, coffee and caffeine addiction is a real thing. Every once in a while, I abstain from coffee and caffeine for over 24 hours, typically when I get sick, or during long international flights.

    However, from a philosophical perspective, life is better with the poison of coffee.

    To take this analogy further, along with the downsides, annoyances, and sadness is in life is metaphorically present in the notion of poison. Some people try to make it all throughout life without any sadness grief, tragedy, or downsides. Yet, life without tragedy, life without poison and sadness is not a life worth living.

    “The poison in my pen”. – JAY Z

    How to become stronger

    The biological concept of this is “hormesis”; not to be confused with ”homeopathy” (pseudo science). The basic notion of hormesis is this:

    Small doses of poison are good for us, they stimulate us, and make us stronger.

    For example, the natural caffeine in coffee is good for us, as it stimulates us, stimulates our bodies and minds, stimulates the muscles in our legs, getting our metabolism going, etc. However, drinking 1000 cups of coffee in a day is probably not good for us.

    The dosage is the poison.

    Also, the reason why I think coffee is interesting is that I don’t think it’s just the caffeine, there’s probably some other chemical or thing inherent in coffee which we love. I personally predict in the next 30 years or so, we will start discovering all these other additional chemicals or organic compounds and substances in coffee which is good.

    Robusta is the way

    A huge innovation; luxury Robusta, fine Robusta.

    Why? Robusta has a higher caffeine content than typical arabica, in my mind at least 2.2x stronger.

    Also, my personal theory is that robusta coffee may actually be better for us from a health perspective, as the natural sugar content in Robusta is at least 60% less than arabica. Therefore, if you want to maximize your fat loss, become leaner and meaner, robusta may be superior for you than arabica.

    My personal quest with ERIC KIM OMAKASE Coffee is to create a unique coffee portfolio for you, to stimulate you in all aspects of your life.

    For example, to inspire motivate you creatively and artistically, and to give you more joy and happiness in delight in your every day life.

    You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy insanely good coffee.

    ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE: YOUR NEW CREATIVE LUXURY >


    Coffee on spaceships

    For a while I was really into this whole notion of spaceship philosophy; that is, if indeed we do go to Mars, and are forced to stay stuck inside a spaceship for that long, what would our lives and lifestyle look like?

    First and foremost, it does look like we will be drinking coffee on a spaceship. For example the space movie I watched with Chris Pratt, the funny thought that in the future, rich people will be privileged enough to drink really luxury coffee on the spaceship, whereas the poor and lower class people will be restricted to only the low class coffee.

    Also, even watching the Dune movie, the new one, the ritual in which the local people would still make coffee, but using their spit.

    Therefore, it seems that from a pharmaceutical perspective, and even a life perspective, there is something critical in coffee which we love.


    Coffee is a philosophical thing.

    The synthesis and combination of coffee and the planet.

    Coffee shops, culture, the sharing of ideas.

    Caffeine as a great motivator for us.

    Coffee, caffeine being the best natural drug with the maximum amount of upsides, the minimum amount of downsides.

    Moral of the story;

    Drink more insanely great coffee!

    DISCOVER ERIC KIM OMKASE COFFEE >


    Perfect Thoughts?

    Using ERIC KIM COFFEE as a motivator, some thoughts in regards to perfection:

    Going beyond perfect?


    Going Beyond Perfect

    What does this mean?

    What does it mean to go beyond perfect?

    For a long time, I’ve been very interested and passionate about discovering perfect. The perfect lifestyle, the perfect place to live, the perfect devices, the perfect aesthetic, etc.

    However, once you discover perfect, you have to go beyond perfect — that means, to make it ever more perfect.

    Ever more optimal?

    For example, for my whole life I’ve been seeking a perfect camera, and I think I found it in the Ricoh GR III, RICOH GR IIIX even the Ricoh GRII.

    However, my insane frustration with the RICOH GR-series cameras:

    Eventually, they all break.

    Thus the never ending goal and path:

    To seek an even better solution?

    Or,

    To seek more perfect than perfect?

    Lenses Matter

    Ever since my RICOH GR IIIX went kaput, I’ve just been experimenting and shooting with my old LUMIX G9 x Leica Lumix 12mm f1.4 lens and the surprise:

    The lens is actually insanely good.

    Thus the thought:

    Perhaps the lens is critical.

    That means … to make the apex beautiful and great photos, getting and choosing and selecting the best, most supreme, the greatest and most perfect lens is critical?

    For micro 4/3rds, Leica LUMIX Lens as insanely great.

    Also, Leica 35mm f2 Summicron ASPH lens as perfect.

    A thought:

    Perhaps the ideal camera is interchangeable, like a Sigma fP/L with M mount lens?

    Why iPhone perhaps is a poor idea?

    I think the promise of the iPhone, iPhone photography, smartphone photography in general is alluring. Why? From a simplicity and minimalism perspective, it seems that iPhone, iPhone Pro seems ideal. Why? The maximally small device which is always with you, which affords you more photo opportunities.

    However, despite all of my philosophizing about this, and personal experimentation, ultimately the takeaway point:

    You can’t fool physics.

    Ultimately I think what we are trying to do as photographers is to create images which outlast us. My personal ambition is to make photos which last at least 300 years from now.

    Becoming insanely discerning with photos, looking at my iPhone pictures, even photos I’ve shot on iPhone pro, etc., ultimately when you look at the details, iPhone, iPhone Pro, is insanely dissatisfying. For myself, my current setup hits the spot for me, even though it is insanely bulky and unoptimal.

    The body

    First and foremost, the camera body is actually not that important. Not even the sensor. I think what is most important in a camera, camera body is the in camera JPEG processing, the film simulation look. For example, the Lumix G9 camera that I am currently using and the dynamic monochrome mode, adding the grain effect and contrast to the max, the photos are very beautiful and satisfying.

    I suppose then, any Lumix camera or Panasonic camera which has this dynamic black-and-white mode, and the grain effect is a good one.

    And also, any camera or digital camera which has good in camera JPEG processing is good, for example, the film simulation color profiles of the Fujifilm cameras are phenomenal for color.

    The Lens

    The reason why I really like the Panasonic Lumix Leica 12mm F1.4 lens is the fact that it has an insanely close macro mode, which makes it great to shoot portraits, capturing detail and sharpness in the eyes, gestures etc.

    Also from an aesthetics perspective, something about the resolution and the sharpness and overall lens quality of the Leica Lumix 12 mm F1.4 lens produces an insanely beautiful photo, especially with the in camera black and white high contrast monochrome grainy setting.

    Once again, this is a critical thing, because the iPhone, iPhone Pro lacks any sort of good in camera monochrome processing which adds a grain effect.

    Details in the whites?

    Also something that I find truly phenomenal, with my current Lumix G9 and Leica Lumix 12 mm F1.4 lens setup is that there is actually detail in the highlights, the whites, and the grain effect looks aesthetically beautiful and pleasing! As good as typical film, black-and-white film.

    And this is good, because then there’s no more need to shoot real film photography.


    Investing in the new, breaking free from the old

    Probably the biggest benefit that I got traveling abroad, and then coming back home in the states is this;

    Breaking free from the old way of doing things, and re-discovering new ways of doing things.

    For example, new fashions, new approaches, etc.

    To rediscover a life with fresh new eyes. The biggest upside of traveling.

    Therefore, if you want to transform your life, just travel! Jump on a plane, go to Saigon Vietnam, go to Hanoi, go to Seoul South Korea, etc.


    Where in the world is ERIC KIM?

    Currently back in sunny Southern California, with the beautiful bright sun, and new excitement and enthusiasm for life.

    I am still very committed to innovating in photography and life and creativity.

    Some things to be grateful for being back in the states:

    First, ultimately, despite what people may say, having the privilege of living in America is how much cleaner and less polluted it is then all around the world. For example, the biggest downside of being in the other abroad country is pollution.

    For example, I think the hot debate right now is around global warming. I think some thing which is critical to consider is not necessarily “global warming“, but, pollution.

    Pollution is easily noticeable and palpable, especially when you are in Asia. Even apparently in South Korea, the pollution has gotten so bad you can’t even see the sun anymore.

    How is America privileged?

    Let us consider that almost all of our manufacturing is now abroad, which means that countries like China, Vietnam produce all of our products, which causes pollution, and we are able to enjoy our beautiful apple devices back home without the downsides of pollution. Let us consider that all of the Apple products, the iPhones we love are all produced by Foxcon in China.

    Also the benefit of America is that because we are so far away from everyone else, we are not negatively affected by their pollution.

    For example, South Korea, Seoul is relatively clean, but all of the pollution being next-door to China negatively affects Korea.

    Are there for my personal thought is that moving forward, let us not debate about notions of “global warming”, which seems to be a futile political battle, but instead let us talk and discuss more about issues regarding pollution.

    This is where California is intelligent; it seems that California is one of the most desirable places to live in the world. Why does everyone want to move here? I think for the most part the climate and lack of pollution is relatively good. For example in the Bay Area, the air is clean, and the pollution is low. Also in Southern California, pollution is pretty bad, but it has gotten much better.

    I don’t want to live in Las Vegas even if I was a billionaire

    Another trend is it looks like a lot of people are moving to Arizona or Las Vegas, but it seems that the big problem now is record-breaking heat. If you live somewhere that is always over 100°, and the sun is so powerful and scorching that you can’t even leave your house, is it all worth it? Would you want to be a billionaire if you just had to be stuck at home all day?

    Even if you had the worlds best Porsche, Lamborghini, hyper sports car etc.; if you are just simply stuck in a car all day, is it worth it? I say no.


    Where should you travel?

    My friend Timothy Flanagan; the best blog for inspiration and motivation. For example, South Korea.

    Japan and Hiroshima

    There are 1 billion places you can travel to, but some personal places I suggest:

    1. Mexico City, especially if you live closeby, in Southern California, California or the states. I recommend staying in the Roma Norte neighborhood
    2. Seoul South Korea
    3. Hanoi or Saigon, Vietnam
    4. Phnom Penh Cambodia

    Lifestyle thoughts?

    I am still quite certain that the best life is a light outdoors. I like in the direct sun, a life directly in the elements.

    I get more power from the sun, natural light, even though the sun rays may burn me.

    During these scorching summer months, a simple thought is to just cover up. Wear clothing that covers up your skin so you don’t get sunburned. But still try to maximize your time living outdoors.

    Porsche and Lamborghini are lame?

    I suppose the thing that I am grateful for, especially after spending some time abroad and being back in the states, is that a lot of these material things don’t interest me anymore. For example, my personal interest in Porsche cars, and also Lamborghinis has plummeted almost to zero. Instead, I am more interested in coffee, going back to the gym again, and also passionate about this 2010 Prius that I re-inherited. I still think hybrid is insanely great.


    Having more time to review your photos?

    Ever since getting back, being abroad, etc., a tricky thing is that I’m shooting around 1000 photos day, and it doesn’t seem like I have enough hours in a day to review all of them. Perhaps this will be my new pursuit; figuring out a way to more effectively review my photos, quickly, upload, and publish them.

    Also I thought; I think SmugMug runs on Amazon Web services, maybe I should just create the next SmugMug, Flickr, or some sort of free online photo sharing platform? Instagram is bad, Facebook is bad, Flickr is dead, we need better solutions.

    A simple solution you could do right now is just start your own WordPress website and blog on Amazon web services, and just start publishing!

    More fire on ERIC KIM BLOG, START HERE, BOOKS.


    Photo Futures

    ERIC KIM HANOI SLIDES Video

    PDF DROPBOX

    See all the slides here >

    I essentially I think that our next advancement, our next personal evolution is in regards to becoming a visual artist. Becoming more artistic, and seeing ourselves as artists.

    Therefore moving forward, just see everything that you pursue and do as an artistic thing. Then at the end of the day, you can permit yourself to do anything and everything you want!

    ERIC


    ERIC KIM ARTIST >


    Forward the motivation!

    If this sparked even an ounce of inspiration or motivation within yourself, feel free to forward to a friend!

    ERIC

    ERIC KIM NEWS >


    Things on my mind

    1. The best car is just a white Prius?
    2. Hygiene means the art of health
    3. Focusing on more health matters, like even going to the hot sauna at the gym?
    4. Maximal time in the direct sun to give us energy and power
    5. More thoughts on moving the world

    Never stop thinking:

    START HERE >


  • Powered by Passion

    Podcast

    Vlog

    “This is my passion!” – Dr. Dre (COMPTON ALBUM)

    One theory that I’ve had in life ever since I was a kid was this notion of following your passion. Up until now, at the age of 35 I’ve been quite successful in my endeavors.

    I think the subtle nuance is in regards to your passion, one must not be suckered into invoking some sort of strange moralistic ethical or even social economic or financial ends. That is, the traditional bias in regards to following your passion is that it must have the potential to make a lot of money. Otherwise it is not worth it.

    Based on my personal life journey, following my passion has been fruitful. However at the same time, I was “realistic“ about it;

    My passion was photography, street photography, travel, but I did not think I would realistically be able to make a living from it.

    My personal journey was when I was in high school, I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do when I grew up, but I knew that you said it was my dream school. I racked up all of my extracurricular activities, did Boy Scouts, became an Eagle Scout, etc., and even though my SAT and my GPA was relatively low , I think my SAT was 1920 out of 2400, and my GPA was only a weighed 3.9, I was able to get into UCLA.

    My grandfather was a famous doctor back in Korea, and none of his grandchildren became doctors, so I thought I’d take up the torch make my mama proud, and become a doctor.

    I ended up enrolling in UCLA as a biology major, and upon my first quarter I hated it. Also I knew I had met, so I wanted to stay away as far from it as possible.

    What I ended up doing instead was going to the course registrar, thinking of changing my major, and I saw sociology on the list. I thought to myself, “I like society!” and immediately changed my major.

    At the time, everyone thought I was crazy. Everyone just asked me, “What are you gonna do with that major? Either become a low paying teacher or a social worker”?

    Eventually I discovered that studying sociology was actually really beneficial in studying marketing. Marketing was always something I was interested in, and while the time I was in undergrad, Facebook just released the newsfeed, the original iPhone 3G just came out, and social media seems like the future. And that’s my journey begin; starting my online presence portfolio, blogging and making YouTube videos, traveling the world, becoming “successful”, etc.

    After all the accolades, I started to enter a philosophical pursuit. I wanted to discover more meaning in my life, etc., thoughts which I also propagated on my blog.

  • The Philosophy of Coffee and Perfection

    The Philosophy of Coffee and Perfection

    Now that I am officially part of the coffee business, I wanted to use this opportunity to think and philosophize on the philosophy of coffee.

    Why coffee?

    Coffee is a weird and beautiful thing. First and foremost, funny enough I made it through all of college without the aid of coffee. I only discovered coffee way later after Cindy got me addicted.

    My personal story and journey with coffee is actually really funny; the first time I went backpacking through Europe with Cindy, I remember one of the first phrases I learned in French:

    Un cafe s’il vous plait.

    It was supposed to be the cultured thing to say, do and know. And upon my surprise, I remember the first time they brought out the tiny espresso cup, and it came out in the tiny espresso cup, and I looked at it and yelled aloud:

    “That’s it?? I paid 2 euros for this tiny thing??”

    However moving forward, espresso, and my passion for espresso and minimalism has advanced. Personally speaking, I love the dimensions of espresso, the espresso cup, etc. I love how tiny it is, and how distilled it is. And for the last decade or so, traveling the world, my funny and silly quest to strive to discover perfect espresso.

    Also, there seems to be this interesting synthesis that I get from this combination of coffee, creativity and photography. For example, whenever I teach a photography workshop, having a coffee break is a critical part of the experience. And also, if I need to stir myself into creative action, coffee is a critical part of my ritual.

    Some people drink coffee to wake up, I wake up to drink coffee.

    Taking the power into your own hands

    I think the difficult thing in today’s world is obtaining and procuring great coffee. That is, eventually, sooner or later, you got to get coffee somewhere. Either you could just buy it at your local neighborhood coffee shop, or you could just buy it at Amazon or Whole Foods, and get it delivered to you, etc.

    However, the problem that I’ve personally discovered is that whenever you buy coffee, it is always dissatisfying. At least in the states, I have never been able to find roasted coffee, or roasted coffee beans which I consider insanely great. Enter ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE.

    The substances we consume are critical?

    It is funny, there is all of this trend towards organic food, grass fed meat, etc. Yet it doesn’t seem that we put the same standards on the coffee we consume.

    Let us consider that in America in the states, coffee might be the most consumed beverage we consume. When we first wake up, we take a shower, what is the first thing we do? We hit the kitchen, and we make ourselves some coffee.

    Everyone has a different ritual in regards to their morning coffee. Some of us grind our whole bean coffee, enjoy the fragrance in the air, and pull an espresso. For myself, this is what I do.

    How much coffee is enough?

    I used to be part of this type of Silicon Valley thinking, the quantified self movement, in which I try to limit myself to some sort of arbitrary number of coffee a day. Now, I said fuck it, I have as much coffee as I want. In the morning, I will just keep pulling espressos until I feel hyped up. Sometimes this is five or seven espressos. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I don’t keep count anymore.

    My only constraint is that typically later on in the day, afternoon, I have a pretty strict coffee cut off time. I discovered that whenever I have coffee past noon, or too late in the day, I cannot sleep at night. But beyond this, the more coffee the better.

    The philosophy of coffee

    Oh first and foremost, coffee is a drug. Also very funny, after water, coffee is the most consumed beverage on the planet.

    And how does coffee work? The caffeine inherent in coffee and coffee beans is actually a poison; coffee beans and coffee plants naturally have caffeine in them to ward off predators insects and other pesky things trying to eat it.

    However for us humans, coffee just gives us a great buzz. A philosophical thought;

    It is the poison in coffee which stimulates us, and stirs us into greatness.

    Poison is good for us

    Philosophical question;

    Is life better with coffee, or without?

    Certainly there are lots of downsides of coffee. If you consume it too late in the day, you cannot sleep at night. Also, coffee and caffeine addiction is a real thing. Every once in a while, I abstain from coffee and caffeine for over 24 hours, typically when I get sick, or during long international flights.

    However, from a philosophical perspective, life is better with the poison of coffee.

    To take this analogy further, along with the downsides, annoyances, and sadness is in life is metaphorically present in the notion of poison. Some people try to make it all throughout life without any sadness grief, tragedy, or downsides. Yet, life without tragedy, life without poison and sadness is not a life worth living.

    Poison stimulates us

    The biological concept of this is “hormesis”; not to be confused with ”homeopathy” (pseudo science). The basic notion of hormesis is this:

    Small doses of poison are good for us, they stimulate us, and make us stronger.

    For example, the natural caffeine in coffee is good for us, as it stimulates us, stimulates our bodies and minds, stimulates the muscles in our legs, getting our metabolism going, etc. However, drinking 1000 cups of coffee in a day is probably not good for us.

    Also, the reason why I think coffee is interesting is that I don’t think it’s just the caffeine, there’s probably some other chemical or thing inherent in coffee which we love. I personally predict in the next 30 years or so, we will start discovering all these other additional chemicals or organic compounds and substances in coffee which is good.

    Robusta is the way

    A huge innovation; luxury Robusta, fine Robusta.

    Why? Robusta has a higher caffeine content than typical arabica, in my mind at least 2.2x stronger.

    Also, my personal theory is that robusta coffee may actually be better for us from a health perspective, as the natural sugar content in Robusta is at least 60% less than Arabica. Therefore, if you want to maximize your fat loss, become leaner and meaner, robusta may be superior for you than arabica.

    My personal quest with ERIC KIM OMAKASE Coffee is to create a unique coffee portfolio for you, to stimulate you in all aspects of your life.

    For example, to inspire motivate you creatively and artistically, and to give you more joy and happiness in delight in your every day life.

    You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy insanely good coffee.

    ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE: YOUR NEW CREATIVE LUXURY >


    Coffee on spaceships

    For a while I was really into this whole notion of spaceship philosophy; that is, if indeed we do go to Mars, and are forced to stay stuck inside a spaceship for that long, what would our lives and lifestyle look like?

    First and foremost, it does look like we will be drinking coffee on a spaceship. For example the space movie I watched with Chris Pratt, the funny thought that in the future, rich people will be privileged enough to drink really luxury coffee on the spaceship, whereas the poor and lower class people will be restricted to only the low class coffee.

    Also, even watching the Dune movie, the new one, the ritual in which the local people would still make coffee, but using their spit.

    Therefore, it seems that from a pharmaceutical perspective, and even a life perspective, there is something critical in coffee which we love.


    Coffee is a philosophical thing.

    The synthesis and combination of coffee and the planet.

    Coffee shops, culture, the sharing of ideas.

    Caffeine as a great motivator for us.

    Coffee, caffeine being the best natural drug with the maximum amount of upsides, the minimum amount of downsides.

    Moral of the story;

    Drink more insanely great coffee!

    DISCOVER ERIC KIM OMKASE COFFEE >


    Perfect Thoughts?

    Using ERIC KIM COFFEE as a motivator, some thoughts in regards to perfection:

    Going beyond perfect?


    Going Beyond Perfect

    What does this mean?

    What does it mean to go beyond perfect?

    For a long time, I’ve been very interested and passionate about discovering perfect. The perfect lifestyle, the perfect place to live, the perfect devices, the perfect aesthetic, etc.

    However, once you discover perfect, you have to go beyond perfect — that means, to make it ever more perfect.

    Ever more optimal?

    For example, for my whole life I’ve been seeking a perfect camera, and I think I found it in the Ricoh GR III, RICOH GR IIIX even the Ricoh GRII.

    However, my insane frustration with the RICOH GR-series cameras:

    Eventually, they all break.

    Thus the never ending goal and path:

    To seek an even better solution?

    Or,

    To seek more perfect than perfect?

    Lenses Matter

    Ever since my RICOH GR IIIX went kaput, I’ve just been experimenting and shooting with my old LUMIX G9 x Leica Lumix 12mm f1.4 lens and the surprise:

    The lens is actually insanely good.

    Thus the thought:

    Perhaps the lens is critical.

    That means … to make the apex beautiful and great photos, getting and choosing and selecting the best, most supreme, the greatest and most perfect lens is critical?

    For micro 4/3rds, Leica LUMIX Lens as insanely great.

    Also, Leica 35mm f2 Summicron ASPH lens as perfect.

    A thought:

    Perhaps the ideal camera is interchangeable, like a Sigma fP/L with M mount lens?

    Why iPhone perhaps is a poor idea?

    I think the promise of the iPhone, iPhone photography, smartphone photography in general is alluring. Why? From a simplicity and minimalism perspective, it seems that iPhone, iPhone Pro seems ideal. Why? The maximally small device which is always with you, which affords you more photo opportunities.

    However, despite all of my philosophizing about this, and personal experimentation, ultimately the takeaway point:

    You can’t fool physics.

    Ultimately I think what we are trying to do as photographers is to create images which outlast us. My personal ambition is to make photos which last at least 300 years from now.

    Becoming insanely discerning with photos, looking at my iPhone pictures, even photos I’ve shot on iPhone pro, etc., ultimately when you look at the details, iPhone, iPhone Pro, is insanely dissatisfying. For myself, my current setup hits the spot for me, even though it is insanely bulky and unoptimal.

    The body

    First and foremost, the camera body is actually not that important. Not even the sensor. I think what is most important in a camera, camera body is the in camera JPEG processing, the film simulation look. For example, the Lumix G9 camera that I am currently using and the dynamic monochrome mode, adding the grain effect and contrast to the max, the photos are very beautiful and satisfying.

    I suppose then, any Lumix camera or Panasonic camera which has this dynamic black-and-white mode, and the grain effect is a good one.

    And also, any camera or digital camera which has good in camera JPEG processing is good, for example, the film simulation color profiles of the Fujifilm cameras are phenomenal for color.

    The Lens

    The reason why I really like the Panasonic Lumix Leica 12mm F1.4 lens is the fact that it has an insanely close macro mode, which makes it great to shoot portraits, capturing detail and sharpness in the eyes, gestures etc.

    Also from an aesthetics perspective, something about the resolution and the sharpness and overall lens quality of the Leica Lumix 12 mm F1.4 lens produces an insanely beautiful photo, especially with the in camera black and white high contrast monochrome grainy setting.

    Once again, this is a critical thing, because the iPhone, iPhone Pro lacks any sort of good in camera monochrome processing which adds a grain effect.

    Details in the whites?

    Also something that I find truly phenomenal, with my current Lumix G9 and Leica Lumix 12 mm F1.4 lens setup is that there is actually detail in the highlights, the whites, and the grain effect looks aesthetically beautiful and pleasing! As good as typical film, black-and-white film.

    And this is good, because then there’s no more need to shoot real film photography.


    Investing in the new, breaking free from the old

    Probably the biggest benefit that I got traveling abroad, and then coming back home in the states is this;

    Breaking free from the old way of doing things, and re-discovering new ways of doing things.

    For example, new fashions, new approaches, etc.

    To rediscover a life with fresh new eyes. The biggest upside of traveling.


    Where in the world is ERIC KIM?

    Currently back in sunny Southern California, with the beautiful bright sun, and new excitement and enthusiasm for life.

    I am still very committed to innovating in photography and life and creativity.

    Some things to be grateful for being back in the states:

    First, ultimately, despite what people may say, having the privilege of living in America is how much cleaner and less polluted it is then all around the world. For example, the biggest downside of being in the other abroad country is the pollution.

    For example, I think the hot debate right now is around global warming. I think some thing which is critical to consider is not necessarily “global warming“, but, pollution.

    Pollution is easily noticeable in palpable, especially when you are in Asia. Even apparently in South Korea, the pollution has gotten so bad you can’t even see the sun anymore.

    How is America privileged?

    Let us consider that almost all of our manufacturing is now abroad, which means that countries like China, Vietnam produce all of our kids, which causes pollution, and we are able to enjoy our beautiful apple devices back home without the downsides of pollution. Let us consider that all of the Apple products, the iPhones we love are all produced by Foxcon in China.

    Also the benefit of America is that because we are so far away from everyone else, we are not negatively affected by their pollution.

    For example, South Korea, Seoul is relatively clean, but all of the pollution being next-door to China negatively affects Korea.

    Are there for my personal thought is that moving forward, let us not debate about notions of “global warming”, which seems to be a few towel political battle, but instead let us talk and discuss more about issues regarding pollution.

    Lifestyle thoughts?

    I am still quite certain that the best life is a light outdoors. I like in the direct sun, a life directly in the elements.

    I get more power from the sun, natural light, even though the sun rays may burn me.

    Pain is good.


  • The beef index

    The best way to observe true buying power is through the pound price of beef.

  • ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE LIFESTYLE VLOG

    Video

    The Philosophy of Coffee and Perfection

    Now that I am officially part of the coffee business, I wanted to use this opportunity to think and philosophize on the philosophy of coffee.

    Why coffee?

    Coffee is a weird and beautiful thing. First and foremost, funny enough I made it through all of college without the aid of coffee. I only discovered coffee way later after Cindy got me addicted.

    My personal story and journey with coffee is actually really funny; the first time I went backpacking through Europe with Cindy, I remember one of the first phrases I learned in French:

    Un cafe s’il vous plait.

    It was supposed to be the cultured thing to say, do and know. And upon my surprise, I remember the first time they brought out the tiny espresso cup, and it came out in the tiny espresso cup, and I looked at it and yelled aloud:

    “That’s it?? I paid 2 euros for this tiny thing??”

    However moving forward, espresso, and my passion for espresso and minimalism has advanced. Personally speaking, I love the dimensions of espresso, the espresso cup, etc. I love how tiny it is, and how distilled it is. And for the last decade or so, traveling the world, my funny and silly quest to strive to discover perfect espresso.

    Also, there seems to be this interesting synthesis that I get from this combination of coffee, creativity and photography. For example, whenever I teach a photography workshop, having a coffee break is a critical part of the experience. And also, if I need to stir myself into creative action, coffee is a critical part of my ritual.

    Some people drink coffee to wake up, I wake up to drink coffee.

    Taking the power into your own hands

    I think the difficult thing in today’s world is obtaining and procuring great coffee. That is, eventually, sooner or later, you got to get coffee somewhere. Either you could just buy it at your local neighborhood coffee shop, or you could just buy it at Amazon or Whole Foods, and get it delivered to you, etc.

    However, the problem that I’ve personally discovered is that whenever you buy coffee, it is always dissatisfying. At least in the states, I have never been able to find roasted coffee, or roasted coffee beans which I consider insanely great. Enter ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE.

    The substances we consume are critical?

    It is funny, there is all of this trend towards organic food, grass fed meat, etc. Yet it doesn’t seem that we put the same standards on the coffee we consume.

    Let us consider that in America in the states, coffee might be the most consumed beverage we consume. When we first wake up, we take a shower, what is the first thing we do? We hit the kitchen, and we make ourselves some coffee.

    Everyone has a different ritual in regards to their morning coffee. Some of us grind our whole bean coffee, enjoy the fragrance in the air, and pull an espresso. For myself, this is what I do.

    How much coffee is enough?

    I used to be part of this type of Silicon Valley thinking, the quantified self movement, in which I try to limit myself to some sort of arbitrary number of coffee a day. Now, I said fuck it, I have as much coffee as I want. In the morning, I will just keep pulling espressos until I feel hyped up. Sometimes this is five or seven espressos. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I don’t keep count anymore.

    My only constraint is that typically later on in the day, afternoon, I have a pretty strict coffee cut off time. I discovered that whenever I have coffee past noon, or too late in the day, I cannot sleep at night. But beyond this, the more coffee the better.

    The philosophy of coffee

    Oh first and foremost, coffee is a drug. Also very funny, after water, coffee is the most consumed beverage on the planet.

    And how does coffee work? The caffeine inherent in coffee and coffee beans is actually a poison; coffee beans and coffee plants naturally have caffeine in them to ward off predators insects and other pesky things trying to eat it.

    However for us humans, coffee just gives us a great buzz. A philosophical thought;

    It is the poison in coffee which stimulates us, and stirs us into greatness.

    Poison is good for us

    Philosophical question;

    Is life better with coffee, or without?

    Certainly there are lots of downsides of coffee. If you consume it too late in the day, you cannot sleep at night. Also, coffee and caffeine addiction is a real thing. Every once in a while, I abstain from coffee and caffeine for over 24 hours, typically when I get sick, or during long international flights.

    However, from a philosophical perspective, life is better with the poison of coffee.

    To take this analogy further, along with the downsides, annoyances, and sadness is in life is metaphorically present in the notion of poison. Some people try to make it all throughout life without any sadness grief, tragedy, or downsides. Yet, life without tragedy, life without poison and sadness is not a life worth living.

    Poison stimulates us

    The biological concept of this is “hormesis”; not to be confused with ”homeopathy” (pseudo science). The basic notion of hormesis is this:

    Small doses of poison are good for us, they stimulate us, and make us stronger.

    For example, the natural caffeine in coffee is good for us, as it stimulates us, stimulates our bodies and minds, stimulates the muscles in our legs, getting our metabolism going, etc. However, drinking 1000 cups of coffee in a day is probably not good for us.

    Also, the reason why I think coffee is interesting is that I don’t think it’s just the caffeine, there’s probably some other chemical or thing inherent in coffee which we love. I personally predict in the next 30 years or so, we will start discovering all these other additional chemicals or organic compounds and substances in coffee which is good.

    Robusta is the way

    A huge innovation; luxury Robusta, fine Robusta.

    Why? Robusta has a higher caffeine content than typical arabica, in my mind at least 2.2x stronger.

    Also, my personal theory is that robusta coffee may actually be better for us from a health perspective, as the natural sugar content in Robusta is at least 60% less than Arabica. Therefore, if you want to maximize your fat loss, become leaner and meaner, robusta may be superior for you than arabica.

    My personal quest with ERIC KIM OMAKASE Coffee is to create a unique coffee portfolio for you, to stimulate you in all aspects of your life.

    For example, to inspire motivate you creatively and artistically, and to give you more joy and happiness in delight in your every day life.

    You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy insanely good coffee.

    ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE: YOUR NEW CREATIVE LUXURY >


    Coffee on spaceships

    For a while I was really into this whole notion of spaceship philosophy; that is, if indeed we do go to Mars, and are forced to stay stuck inside a spaceship for that long, what would our lives and lifestyle look like?

    First and foremost, it does look like we will be drinking coffee on a spaceship. For example the space movie I watched with Chris Pratt, the funny thought that in the future, rich people will be privileged enough to drink really luxury coffee on the spaceship, whereas the poor and lower class people will be restricted to only the low class coffee.

    Also, even watching the Dune movie, the new one, the ritual in which the local people would still make coffee, but using their spit.

    Therefore, it seems that from a pharmaceutical perspective, and even a life perspective, there is something critical in coffee which we love.


    Coffee is a philosophical thing.

    The synthesis and combination of coffee and the planet.

    Coffee shops, culture, the sharing of ideas.

    Caffeine as a great motivator for us.

    Coffee, caffeine being the best natural drug with the maximum amount of upsides, the minimum amount of downsides.

    Moral of the story;

    Drink more insanely great coffee!

    DISCOVER ERIC KIM OMKASE COFFEE >


    Perfect Thoughts?

    Using ERIC KIM COFFEE as a motivator, some thoughts in regards to perfection:

    Going beyond perfect?


    Going Beyond Perfect

    What does this mean?

    What does it mean to go beyond perfect?

    For a long time, I’ve been very interested and passionate about discovering perfect. The perfect lifestyle, the perfect place to live, the perfect devices, the perfect aesthetic, etc.

    However, once you discover perfect, you have to go beyond perfect — that means, to make it ever more perfect.

    Ever more optimal?

    For example, for my whole life I’ve been seeking a perfect camera, and I think I found it in the Ricoh GR III, RICOH GR IIIX even the Ricoh GRII.

    However, my insane frustration with the RICOH GR-series cameras:

    Eventually, they all break.

    Thus the never ending goal and path:

    To seek an even better solution?

    Or,

    To seek more perfect than perfect?

    Lenses Matter

    Ever since my RICOH GR IIIX went kaput, I’ve just been experimenting and shooting with my old LUMIX G9 x Leica Lumix 12mm f1.4 lens and the surprise:

    The lens is actually insanely good.

    Thus the thought:

    Perhaps the lens is critical.

    That means … to make the apex beautiful and great photos, getting and choosing and selecting the best, most supreme, the greatest and most perfect lens is critical?

    For micro 4/3rds, Leica LUMIX Lens as insanely great.

    Also, Leica 35mm f2 Summicron ASPH lens as perfect.

    A thought:

    Perhaps the ideal camera is interchangeable, like a Sigma fP/L with M mount lens?

    Why iPhone perhaps is a poor idea?

    I think the promise of the iPhone, iPhone photography, smartphone photography in general is alluring. Why? From a simplicity and minimalism perspective, it seems that iPhone, iPhone Pro seems ideal. Why? The maximally small device which is always with you, which affords you more photo opportunities.

    However, despite all of my philosophizing about this, and personal experimentation, ultimately the takeaway point:

    You can’t fool physics.

    Ultimately I think what we are trying to do as photographers is to create images which outlast us. My personal ambition is to make photos which last at least 300 years from now.

    Becoming insanely discerning with photos, looking at my iPhone pictures, even photos I’ve shot on iPhone pro, etc., ultimately when you look at the details, iPhone, iPhone Pro, is insanely dissatisfying. For myself, my current setup hits the spot for me, even though it is insanely bulky and unoptimal.

    The body

    First and foremost, the camera body is actually not that important. Not even the sensor. I think what is most important in a camera, camera body is the in camera JPEG processing, the film simulation look. For example, the Lumix G9 camera that I am currently using and the dynamic monochrome mode, adding the grain effect and contrast to the max, the photos are very beautiful and satisfying.

    I suppose then, any Lumix camera or Panasonic camera which has this dynamic black-and-white mode, and the grain effect is a good one.

    And also, any camera or digital camera which has good in camera JPEG processing is good, for example, the film simulation color profiles of the Fujifilm cameras are phenomenal for color.

    The Lens

    The reason why I really like the Panasonic Lumix Leica 12mm F1.4 lens is the fact that it has an insanely close macro mode, which makes it great to shoot portraits, capturing detail and sharpness in the eyes, gestures etc.

    Also from an aesthetics perspective, something about the resolution and the sharpness and overall lens quality of the Leica Lumix 12 mm F1.4 lens produces an insanely beautiful photo, especially with the in camera black and white high contrast monochrome grainy setting.

    Once again, this is a critical thing, because the iPhone, iPhone Pro lacks any sort of good in camera monochrome processing which adds a grain effect.

    Details in the whites?

    Also something that I find truly phenomenal, with my current Lumix G9 and Leica Lumix 12 mm F1.4 lens setup is that there is actually detail in the highlights, the whites, and the grain effect looks aesthetically beautiful and pleasing! As good as typical film, black-and-white film.

    And this is good, because then there’s no more need to shoot real film photography.


    Investing in the new, breaking free from the old

    Probably the biggest benefit that I got traveling abroad, and then coming back home in the states is this;

    Breaking free from the old way of doing things, and re-discovering new ways of doing things.

    For example, new fashions, new approaches, etc.

    To rediscover a life with fresh new eyes. The biggest upside of traveling.


    Where in the world is ERIC KIM?

    Currently back in sunny Southern California, with the beautiful bright sun, and new excitement and enthusiasm for life.

    I am still very committed to innovating in photography and life and creativity.

    Some things to be grateful for being back in the states:

    First, ultimately, despite what people may say, having the privilege of living in America is how much cleaner and less polluted it is then all around the world. For example, the biggest downside of being in the other abroad country is the pollution.

    For example, I think the hot debate right now is around global warming. I think some thing which is critical to consider is not necessarily “global warming“, but, pollution.

    Pollution is easily noticeable in palpable, especially when you are in Asia. Even apparently in South Korea, the pollution has gotten so bad you can’t even see the sun anymore.

    How is America privileged?

    Let us consider that almost all of our manufacturing is now abroad, which means that countries like China, Vietnam produce all of our kids, which causes pollution, and we are able to enjoy our beautiful apple devices back home without the downsides of pollution. Let us consider that all of the Apple products, the iPhones we love are all produced by Foxcon in China.

    Also the benefit of America is that because we are so far away from everyone else, we are not negatively affected by their pollution.

    For example, South Korea, Seoul is relatively clean, but all of the pollution being next-door to China negatively affects Korea.

    Are there for my personal thought is that moving forward, let us not debate about notions of “global warming”, which seems to be a few towel political battle, but instead let us talk and discuss more about issues regarding pollution.

    Lifestyle thoughts?

    I am still quite certain that the best life is a light outdoors. I like in the direct sun, a life directly in the elements.

    I get more power from the sun, natural light, even though the sun rays may burn me.

    Pain is good.


    How I coffee— EK OMKASE:

  • The Philosophy of Coffee

    The Philosophy of Coffee

    Now that I am officially part of the coffee business, I wanted to use this opportunity to think and philosophize on the philosophy of coffee.

    Why coffee?

    Coffee is a weird and beautiful thing. First and foremost, funny enough I made it through all of college without the aid of coffee. I only discovered coffee way later after Cindy got me addicted.

    My personal story and journey with coffee is actually really funny; the first time I went backpacking through Europe with Cindy, I remember one of the first phrases I learned in French:

    Un cafe s’il vous plait.

    It was supposed to be the cultured thing to say, do and know. And upon my surprise, I remember the first time they brought out the tiny espresso cup, and it came out in the tiny espresso cup, and I looked at it and yelled aloud:

    “That’s it?? I paid 2 euros for this tiny thing??”

    However moving forward, espresso, and my passion for espresso and minimalism has advanced. Personally speaking, I love the dimensions of espresso, the espresso cup, etc. I love how tiny it is, and how distilled it is. And for the last decade or so, traveling the world, my funny and silly quest to strive to discover perfect espresso.

    Also, there seems to be this interesting synthesis that I get from this combination of coffee, creativity and photography. For example, whenever I teach a photography workshop, having a coffee break is a critical part of the experience. And also, if I need to stir myself into creative action, coffee is a critical part of my ritual.

    Some people drink coffee to wake up, I wake up to drink coffee.

    Taking the power into your own hands

    I think the difficult thing in today’s world is obtaining and procuring great coffee. That is, eventually, sooner or later, you got to get coffee somewhere. Either you could just buy it at your local neighborhood coffee shop, or you could just buy it at Amazon or Whole Foods, and get it delivered to you, etc.

    However, the problem that I’ve personally discovered is that whenever you buy coffee, it is always dissatisfying. At least in the states, I have never been able to find roasted coffee, or roasted coffee beans which I consider insanely great. Enter ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE.

    The substances we consume are critical?

    It is funny, there is all of this trend towards organic food, grass fed meat, etc. Yet it doesn’t seem that we put the same standards on the coffee we consume.

    Let us consider that in America in the states, coffee might be the most consumed beverage we consume. When we first wake up, we take a shower, what is the first thing we do? We hit the kitchen, and we make ourselves some coffee.

    Everyone has a different ritual in regards to their morning coffee. Some of us grind our whole bean coffee, enjoy the fragrance in the air, and pull an espresso. For myself, this is what I do.

    How much coffee is enough?

    I used to be part of this type of Silicon Valley thinking, the quantified self movement, in which I try to limit myself to some sort of arbitrary number of coffee a day. Now, I said fuck it, I have as much coffee as I want. In the morning, I will just keep pulling espressos until I feel hyped up. Sometimes this is five or seven espressos. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I don’t keep count anymore.

    My only constraint is that typically later on in the day, afternoon, I have a pretty strict coffee cut off time. I discovered that whenever I have coffee past noon, or too late in the day, I cannot sleep at night. But beyond this, the more coffee the better.

    The philosophy of coffee

    Oh first and foremost, coffee is a drug. Also very funny, after water, coffee is the most consumed beverage on the planet.

    And how does coffee work? The caffeine inherent in coffee and coffee beans is actually a poison; coffee beans and coffee plants naturally have caffeine in them to ward off predators insects and other pesky things trying to eat it.

    However for us humans, coffee just gives us a great buzz. A philosophical thought;

    It is the poison in coffee which stimulates us, and stirs us into greatness.

    Poison is good for us

    Philosophical question;

    Is life better with coffee, or without?

    Certainly there are lots of downsides of coffee. If you consume it too late in the day, you cannot sleep at night. Also, coffee and caffeine addiction is a real thing. Every once in a while, I abstain from coffee and caffeine for over 24 hours, typically when I get sick, or during long international flights.

    However, from a philosophical perspective, life is better with the poison of coffee.

    To take this analogy further, along with the downsides, annoyances, and sadness is in life is metaphorically present in the notion of poison. Some people try to make it all throughout life without any sadness grief, tragedy, or downsides. Yet, life without tragedy, life without poison and sadness is not a life worth living.

    Poison stimulates us

    The biological concept of this is “hormesis”; not to be confused with ”homeopathy” (pseudo science). The basic notion of hormesis is this:

    Small doses of poison are good for us, they stimulate us, and make us stronger.

    For example, the natural caffeine in coffee is good for us, as it stimulates us, stimulates our bodies and minds, stimulates the muscles in our legs, getting our metabolism going, etc. However, drinking 1000 cups of coffee in a day is probably not good for us.

    Also, the reason why I think coffee is interesting is that I don’t think it’s just the caffeine, there’s probably some other chemical or thing inherent in coffee which we love. I personally predict in the next 30 years or so, we will start discovering all these other additional chemicals or organic compounds and substances in coffee which is good.

    Robusta is the way

    A huge innovation; luxury Robusta, fine Robusta.

    Why? Robusta has a higher caffeine content than typical arabica, in my mind at least 2.2x stronger.

    Also, my personal theory is that robusta coffee may actually be better for us from a health perspective, as the natural sugar content in Robusta is at least 60% less than Arabica.

    My personal quest with ERIC KIM OMAKASE Coffee is to create a unique coffee portfolio for you, to stimulate you in all aspects of your life.

    For example, to inspire motivate you creatively and artistically, and to give you more joy and happiness in delight in your every day life.

    You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy insanely good coffee.


  • Going Beyond Perfect?

    A thought this morning:

    Going beyond perfect?

    POWERED BY ERIC KIM COFFEE >


    What does this mean?

    What does it mean to go beyond perfect?

    For a long time, I’ve been very interested and passionate about discovering perfect. The perfect lifestyle, the perfect place to live, the perfect devices, the perfect aesthetic, etc.

    However, once you discover perfect, you have to go beyond perfect — that means, to make it ever more perfect.

    Ever more optimal?

    For example, for my whole life I’ve been seeking a perfect camera, and I think I found it in the Ricoh GR III, RICOH GR IIIX even the Ricoh GRII.

    However, my insane frustration with the RICOH GR-series cameras:

    Eventually, they all break.

    Thus the never ending goal and path:

    To seek an even better solution?

    Or,

    To seek more perfect than perfect?

    Lenses Matter

    Ever since my RICOH GR IIIX went kaput, I’ve just been experimenting and shooting with my old LUMIX G9 x Leica Lumix 12mm f1.4 lens and the surprise:

    The lens is actually insanely good.

    Thus the thought:

    Perhaps the lens is critical.

    That means … to make the apex beautiful and great photos, getting and choosing and selecting the best, most supreme, the greatest and most perfect lens is critical?

    For micro 4/3rds, Leica LUMIX Lens as insanely great.

    Also, Leica 35mm f2 Summicron ASPH lens as perfect.

    A thought:

    Perhaps the ideal camera is interchangeable, like a Sigma fP/L with M mount lens?

    Why iPhone perhaps is a poor idea?

  • The Philosophy of Coffee

    My thoughts on coffee;

  • Leica LUMIX 12mm f1.4 Lens Review

    This lens as perfect:

    1. Great for video, vlogging

    2. Insanely great for still photos

    So beautiful:

  • Lenses Matter

    The Leica LUMIX 12mm f1.4 as insanely good?

  • STANDARD.

    Just use what is standard.

  • ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE

    The best coffee on planet earth?

    EK COFFEE >

  • How it feels like being back in the states

    More indifference and insouciance to everything?

  • A white Prius is the best car?

    I think I actually prefer driving Prius over a Tesla model three, perhaps the only upside of a Tesla is the highway autopilot.

  • The path of least resistance

    What it feels like being back in the states? 

    Function is more critical than Fashion 

  • ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE: Your Personal Coffee Revolution is Here.

    ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE: Your Personal Coffee Revolution is Here.

    Dear friends, family and fellow creative co-collaborators; I am insanely excited to present to you, the first of its kind, ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE. The first coffee of its kind to optimize your productivity, creativity, and photography:

    Unleashing your creative genius

    I don’t know about you, but for myself, coffee is a critical part of my life. In fact, I believe the coffee I consume to be more critical than where I live, my devices, my bank account, etc.

    Why is coffee so critical to me? For myself, having insanely great coffee brings me joy, inspiration and motivation. Truth be told, I think 99.9% of the epic blog posts, books, e-books, and things I’ve created over the last decade plus has been purely powered by caffeine.

    Also like the typical millennial, I have traversed the whole globe in search for the world’s best coffee. And I think I finally discovered it, while in Saigon Vietnam.

    Thus ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE— my personal project concept; creating the world’s best coffee to inspire you to achieve your own personal maximum in life.

    Fine robusta is the missing link

    Why is it that in 2017, while living in Vietnam, I was so insanely creatively productive? I think it has to deal with the fact that I was drinking more robusta coffee; robusta has a higher caffeine content than arabica, and at least for myself, robust gives me a stronger and better creative buzz.

    However when going back to the states, while trying to look for very good robusta, I couldn’t find any. All of the robusta in the states and globally sucks. Why? Robusta has not been processed with the same amount of love and attention as arabica. As a consequence, robusta is seen as inferior to arabica.

    However our new concept; fine robusta, luxury robusta. A new innovation in the world of coffee and yourself.

    You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy great coffee

    Some people drink coffee to wake up, I wake up to drink coffee.

    You can’t buy happiness, but, you could buy great coffee.

    Not only that, but great coffee, insanely great coffee as part of your morning routine will in fact make you happier, more productive, and more motivated. In fact, I believe that great coffee is more critical for us than our devices, our homes and our things etc.

    My personal ambition with ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE is that each and every coffee that you have will inspire you and motivate you to go further, in all aspects of your life. That is creatively, entrepreneurial Lee, as well as artistically.


    The Portfolio

    Very much like the bartender from John Wick, this is your personal coffee portfolio:

    1. THE ENTREPRENEUR
    2. THE THINKER
    3. THE PHOTOGRAPHER

    I call this the full creative stack. Each unique experience is optimized to bring out different skill attributes in yourself.

    For example the first bag, which I call THE ENTREPRENEUR. Maximum caffeine content, designed to inspire you to become more creative, more productive, and to help you think and act further.

    The second bag, THE THINKER. A unique blend of 50% fine robusta and 50% liberica, optimized to bring out your creative genius, to think deeper, more philosophically, and to move your mind.

    The third and final bag, the coffee we’ve been all been waiting for, THE PHOTOGRAPHER. The ultimate aid and stimulus you need in your photography, to stir your metabolism, and put more muscle into your legs, in order for you to hit the streets, and capture more personally meaningful photos.

    Bet on yourself

    You may not always have the opportunity to fly to Japan, or shell out $2000 on a private Omakase testing menu, but, you can invest in great coffee.

    From an economic perspective, this is the ultimate. Why? Even if a single shot of espresso, a cup of coffee, a single pour over can give you that one great thought, or that one great creative moment, it is all worth it.

    Live Better

    As I voice dictate these words into my iPad Pro, Cindy Seneca and I has just arrived after an arduous 30 hour flight from Saigon. Waking up first thing in the morning, and grinding some ERIC KIM coffee is heavenly bliss.

    Why? Upon first grind, the fragrance of fresh and cheerful blueberries in the air. Upon consumption, phenomenal mouth taste, and body. It almost reminds me of when I was a kid, eating blueberry Eggo’s for breakfast.

    After consuming three shots of THE ENTREPRENEUR, suddenly my mind, body and soul felt alert.

    I truly believe that ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE will improve your life.

    Unleash Your Potential

    This first batch of ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE is limited to only 20 sets. Each set is lovingly packed by yours truly, Cindy, here in Southern California. Each coffee set will come with three bags, whole bean, ready for you to grind and enjoy immediately.

    1. The Golden Bag: THE ENTREPRENEUR: designed to unleash your creative and innovative genius.
    2. The White Bag: THE THINKER: child’s mind, zen zone, carte blanche. A blank canvas for your thoughts, to assist you to think beyond.
    3. The Black Bag: THE PHOTOGRAPHER. Think black on black on black, monochromatic vision. Harkening to the spirit of black-and-white photography, the photographer will help boost your photographic motivation. If you need a shot of inspiration, pull this as an espresso, then grab your camera and hit the streets!

    Is there a proper way to consume ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE?

    No. This is a free country, you consume your coffee however you like.

    My personal suggestion is just drink it straight black, no cream or sugar or milk substitute. You can enjoy ERIC KIM COFFEE straight black as a V60 pour over, you can grind it finely for an espresso at home, or just pour it into a clever dripper, also good with aeropress.

    Enjoy your coffee however you like.

    Make it part of your daily ritual

    My vision is that ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE can aid you in any part of your daily routine. If you need more inspiration or motivation for your work or creative projects, or if you need a metabolic boost before hitting the gym or the streets. The hybrid and synthesis of the strong caffeine content in this fine robusta will move you, metaphorically and literally.

    Now what?

    Fuck it. Life is too short. Pick up a set of ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE, I can guarantee it will transform your life. Don’t delay, Eric Kim Omakase coffee is limited to only 20 sets:

    LEARN MORE ABOUT ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE >

    Move the world

    Also, if you’re interested in larger batch orders for your tech start up, your company, yourself, or are even interested in a potential future Omakase coffee subscription, fill out this Google form.

    You can also email hapticindustries@gmail.com


    Now what?

    Use ERIC KIM COFFEE to stimulate your creative and your artistic endeavors.

    First, if you don’t already, start a blog. Start posting and publishing your photos, and also works in progress.

    Second, use ERIC KIM COFFEE as a creative stimulus to jumpstart any creative projects that you have.

    Third, if you need some motivation to hit the gym, have a shot of ERIC KIM COFFEE, and hit the gym!


    Now what?

    As I write these words, back in sunny Southern California. Some life updates:

    1. Coffee startup?

    Truly speaking, this coffee stuff is really interesting to me. Even though technically I’m still jetlagged from my 20+ hour flight, right now I feel insanely great. Is it from the ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE? I wonder if starting a coffee start up or investing in fine robusta and luxury robusta might be a more interesting business path than starting a traditional tech startup.

    Capitalism and the world runs on caffeine. Assuming that the majority of the adult population in the states, and globally drink coffee every single day, often several times a day, isn’t this a good business idea?

    I also like green tea, but it seems that the trend is sooner or later, even hard-core tea drinkers still prefer coffee. For example in Korea, traditionally people only drink green tea. Now everyone drinks coffee.

    Also Vietnam, traditionally everyone drink green tea. Now everyone drinks coffee.

    Also here in the states, all of my friends in Silicon Valley, whether it be Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple, everyone thrives on great coffee.

    ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE — the maximum caffeine content in fine robusta, and the most phenomenal flavor. Shouldn’t this be the most critical part of your tech startup culture portfolio and investment?

    If you’re an entrepreneur, you must pick up a set of ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE. Or, buy it as a gift for a friend or family member!

    2. Fabrics?

    Another entrepreneurial thing that Cindy and I have been doing while abroad in Korea and Vietnam is investigating fabrics. Fine linen, and silk. In fact, I actually designed some truly à la carte tank tops made both in exotic linen and silk. I might also start selling the stuff, stay updated on this newsletter or the HAPTIC SHOP for more updates.

    Why tank tops? For almost my entire adult life I’ve only been wearing T-shirts, but I think tank tops might be superior. Why? Less fabric, superior airflow, and I like it from a minimalism perspective. The only reason you would ever need to wear a T-shirt is when doing insanely heavy squats or atlas lifts at the gym, in which you actually need some protection for your shoulders, to prevent the barbell from digging into your shoulders. Otherwise, there is no need to wear any T-shirts. Tank tops are the future.

    3. Fitness?

    Another reason why I’m so passionate and enthusiastic about ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE is that I think it can disrupt this silly world of “pre-workout powders” for working out. In fact, I find pre-workout powder’s, which is essentially jampacked with insanely high levels of caffeine and other strange powdery stuff to be dangerous and misleading.

    Simple question I often ask guys at the gym who take the stuff is this,

    Why not just have a cup of black coffee?

    No response.


    4. Tough cameras are the way?

    A thought when swimming in the pool with Seneca when we were in Saigon:

    Maybe these “tough” cameras are the way.

    For example RICOH makes some tough camera, I might pick one up to experiment and test with.

    The thought:

    Perhaps the best camera is also the one you can swim with.


    5. Future website platforms?

    Still pioneering and chipping away with doing more stuff with Amazon Web services and WordPress. I think this might be the future of photo hosting.


    Other thoughts on my mind

    I’m actually very excited to be back in the states. Why? Easy access to beef and meat at the Costco Business Center, being able to visit back my local gym, and also Amazon prime, and also entrepreneurship.

    For example, even though I insanely loved my time in Vietnam, some big downsides include pollution, in which I could not enjoy sunlight for almost 2 weeks, because of the pollution. Even though California, Southern California isn’t perfect, at least we have access to direct sun and light! I think this future trend of California banning gasoline cars and going fully electric is a good idea. Why? Until you’ve been in Asia, south east Asia, you have no idea how bad the pollution can be.

    Even Vietnam, I think the reason why the pollution has gotten so bad is that it is rapidly developing, and the petroleum business is huge.

    Also another big upside of being back in the state is cybersecurity. For example, when I was in Vietnam, I could not access my crypto or bitcoin, my account was often blocked or gave me some sort of strange URL errors, I would not feel safe or secure trading or withdrawing any bitcoin or cryptocurrency while abroad or overseas. Therefore from a financial and crypto asset perspective, I am happy to be back in the states.

    Also in terms of electronics and devices, America is still the best place to be. Why? No additional markup on Apple devices, and also any digital camera is an easy Amazon purchase away. Also if you need other superficial things like SD cards or card adapters, Amazon prime in the states is still the best, it is very difficult to find that kind of stuff when in Asia.

    The future?

    Moving forward, I predict that at least during the summers, Cindy and myself and Seneca will still visit Asia. However for the most part, we will be stationed here in the states.

    Some things I am excited to continue to pioneer;

    1. Coffee entrepreneurship: propagating fine robusta to the states and beyond. Once again really, if fine robusta, and my coffee can help unlock the creative spirit and genius of entrepreneurs, isn’t this the worlds best return on investment? If spending $99 on coffee can give you a $1 million idea, or $1 billion idea, isn’t this the ultimate?
    2. Photo, video, creativity stuff; I am still very committed for innovation in photography, life, lifestyle and beyond. For example, recently in Hanoi, I gave a free talk in workshop on street photography and visual artist; PDF LINK HERE. Expect some more incoming free talks, workshops, and information about this.
    3. Fitness stuff; very excited to be back home at my local gym, still very keen on innovating in terms of extremely heavy weight lifting, one rep maxing, and also yoga for mobility stuff.

    Now what?

    Stay posted on ERIC KIM BLOG for more fire, inspiration and motivation!

    Things to become happier today

    1. Buy and drink ERIC KIM OMAKASE COFFEE
    2. Start blogging and vlogging and start publishing to your own blog, website or YouTube channel
    3. Hit the gym. One rep max atlas lift, rack pull, or just go there to do some yoga or mobility stuff
    4. Go to where the fishies are: I think we humans are happiest when we are around other humans. Depending on where you live, just go to the mall, whether indoors or outdoors, go to the local park, go on a walk, or go to the gym! Write down and publish some creative thoughts while out and about, make photos and have fun!

    Philosophical movies?

    After my dreadful flight from Asia back to the states, and being stuck on a plane for so long, and looking through the mediocre movie library on the plane, my ultimate takeaway point is this:

    The only movies worth watching are philosophical.

    For example my cinema suggestions:

    1. Matrix
    2. John Wick
    3. 300

    Also more recently, Foundation on Apple TV+


    Creative goals

    Once again, the reason why I’m so interested in the coffee business because I think at the end of the day, the ultimate goal is for us to be more artistic, or creative, more inspired, and to innovate further.

    Your ultimate Archimedes lever is the Internet; keep propagating yourself on your website and blog, YouTube, podcast, email newsletter or anything that can move the world!

    How to move the world: discover your Archimedes lever >


    Forward the turbo!

    If this sparked even an ounce of interesting creative thoughts within you, feel free to forward to a friend!

    ERIC KIM NEWS

    Also, if you need a shot of motivation,

    START HERE >


  • Strength of Will?

    Veins, blood, blood flow, metabolic.

    Maximum physiological energy and power — my new goal? New types of extreme intermittent fasting? Also, focus on physiology not “strength”?

    Philosophical movies

  • I only take; I never ask.

    Asking is for suckers!