Now For The Lattes

Thanks to our judges, Bob, Gary, and Tasha for their help sussing out the mess, I mean lattes. Due to an odd number of participants, we set up a double-elimination contest, and the above drinks are from the second round except for Cade, who moved to the quarter-finals with that excellent pour. The quarter-finals saw Summer, Cade, and Barbara throwing junk, and Summer moved to the finals leaving Barbara and Cade battling in the semis. When the dust settled on the semis, Cade and Summer entered the Thunder-Dome in a bare-knuckles mach-off. Each barista pulled two macchiatos and submitted their best effort.

The judges stroked beards (Tasha, I never knew), deliberated, and tendered a double-secret vote ballot. Once certified by the accounting firm of the McGrath Group, Summer came out ahead twenty-five (25) to twenty-four (24). Congratulations to the first-lady of Hypno!


Every Queen deserves a crown!

What's Going On In Davis?

Could this have been the first ever latte art throw down in the state of West Virginia? Surely we haven't seen every coffee shop in the state, but I would be amazed if any of the one's we have seen would ever have hosted anything resembling the amazing throw down I was a party to last night! Thanks to the many folks who braved the hazardous road conditions and helped rock the vessel to the fever-pitch that was latte art competition ala Davis, WV!

Barbara really stepped up her game, and made it to the semis.

Cade came into the night as the favorite, and that's a lot of cross to bear.


Summer also surprised the crowd with delicate, beautiful Rosetta.

Cory's always abstract milk work was in full bloom!

Even the cap'n made the scene...briefly...first one (1) in, first one (1) out.

Message In A Blog-tle

Chloe wishes to hi-jack the HypnoBlog in order to say hello to her friend Victoria, "hi". Victoria is a dear old friend of C-lo and she misses her. We are sure Victoria is doing well back at C-lo's old Montessori school, and playing lots of sports just to keep her well rounded. Hi also to Victoria's folks, Kevin and Shelly. We trust everyone is doing well and we look forward to getting together as soon as is allowed.

Road Bikes In The Dirt?

The Hypno-Highland complex was proud and privileged to host the first cyclocross race in Davis over the weekend. Sixty-two (62) racers pedaled around the vessel's side lot, normally used as a Highway 32 debris collection site, the yard turned into a race course. Our local boys and girls brought it to visitors, with Mackie taking second in his division, and Jason taking the gold in the pro-stud category. Welcome to Davis, watch us take the podium and now you may go home! Thanks to J.R. for bringing the event to our town and our doorstep!

Josh kicked with the fray, and as evidenced by the photos, he like all the riders, enjoyed the climb to our volleyball court. Josh, did ye place?

Fine Art

The entire crew from cap'n to yeoman be steppin' up dey game, and the art in your cup is the booty. Check out the latest from first-lady, Summer...

Not to be left out, da Bish, fires back with the following...

Of course, the better we get by pushing one (1) another, the greater your reward. Speaking of your reward... we are in the latter planning phases for a Black Friday Throw-down Party, and you are invited. We plan on kicking things off with a cupping of some of our single-origin coffees, followed by a latte art throw-down; just to show off. The throw-down is open to any coffee slingers who can make it aboard the vessel. Cade and I plan on personally inviting as many baristas from Morgantown as will listen, and of course every barista from HypnoVessel Vienna is invited (neigh, challenged). To assist with whipping the party into a frenzy of smack-talk and jeers whilst your baristas battle in the semi-circle, we will have a keg of HypnoStout on hand (that's right, the amalgam of Mountain State Stout and HypnoEspresso!). The shebang should kick-off around 7:30-ish.

Alden's hazelnut cap, as prepared by the cap'n...

Scary Monsters, Super Freaks

Kim was assaulted later in the night by the League of Front Street Women.

The not-so-great pumpkin.

Hollywood starz abound!


Three (3) Chases.

Our community sure does like to dress up. Any excuse will do, and Halloween is THE excuse. Even the HypnoCaptain and First Lady made it out sans children. The neighbor watching was first class and as always, the Mountain State Pub crew treated us like royalty, thanks! Kim took the cake with her costume, pictured above. Unfortunately, a group of girls (mostly from Front Street) took offense to her outfit and during a drunken fervor pummeled the girl with fists and feet, both drenched in patchouli oil. Not since the first "bush" administration have I seen such carnage.

Flowers, cards, and cash donations can be left at the HypnoVessel, care of Tony Williams. Other than the flourish of violence, the night was a complete success!