Art, Architecture and coffee in Japan.

I follow a wonderful blog called The Urban Times – today I found this on their site. I could not resist after Monday post of awareness, Art In and Out of the Box.  You can’t miss the “art aspect” of this architecture but you can miss the fact that it is “built over the grave of a Japanese deity. The project, therefore, had cultural significance and Kuma** had to be sure as not to unsettle the historically enriching nature of the area.

Arguably, he did this well by using 6cm square blocks to both support the structure itself, and give the impression of a well kept forest. The Starbucks café is meant to feel as though you are within a tree, at one with nature. The entire wooden anatomy of the building is recyclable and if this particular store fails it can be shipped elsewhere.”

inside Cafe
The architect wanted to suggest that Starbucks is nestling in a tree. The blocks intersect obliquely, suggesting branches in a forest. // Image Source: frameweb.com

To see all the amazing images and read the full article click here.

” ** Kengo Kuma and Associates are an architectural practice based in Tokyo (and Paris) and employs a familiar style throughout their work: the combination of locally-sourced, elementary materials with contemporary chicness. The latest project in Fukuoka, Tokyo is a run-of-the-mill local Starbucks… Well, not after Kuma got his hands on it.”  Quoted from  The Urban Times

The Urban times gave credit to Frame Magizine- another very wonderful found! Read it here. All images sourced from frameweb.com.

13 Healing Powers of Lemons – Fun Food Fridays!

Wiz, Bou's cousin
Lemons are so good for you! I love lemons, the look, the smell, the taste and the color! 

These words come to you from a care2 post on Feb 2, 2012.  This may not be the most glamorous list but…..(http://www.care2.com) “If you’re not getting fresh lemons into your diet, you may want to reconsider after reading the many health benefits of lemons, lemon juice, pith (the white part), or zest (skin).

Here are 13 amazing healing powers of lemons

  • Bowel-Cleansing:  The bitter taste of lemon gives these fruit the ability to increase peristalsis–a pumping-motion in the bowels–which helps to eliminate waste from the bowels and improve regularity.  Add the juice of one lemon to warm water and drink first thing in the morning.
  • Cancer:  Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including limonene—a naturally-occurring oil that slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors in animals.  Lemons also contain a substance called flavonol glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells.
  • Colds and Flu:  Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that work in conjunction for a serious punch against infection.
  • Liver:  Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier.
  • Nutrition:  Lemons contain vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber.
  • Balances Body Chemistry:  While lemons are acidic they interact with the body’s metabolism to have an alkalizing effect on the bodily fluids helping to restore balance to the body’s pH.
  • Allergies:  Lemons contain the phytonutrient hesperetin which has been shown in studies to alleviate allergic symptoms.
  • Brain and Nervous System Disorders:  Containing the potent phytonutrient tangeretin in the peel, lemons have been proven to be effective for brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
  • Eye Disorders:  Rutin, found in lemons, has been shown in research to improve the symptoms of eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy.
  • Anti-Viral:  In addition to being effective against cold and flu viruses, terpene limonoids found in lemons have proven anti-viral effects on other types of viruses.
  • Diabetes: In addition to improving eye problems linked with diabetes, lemons contain hesperetin which lowers blood sugar levels (when they are high).
  • Gall and Kidney Stones:  The citric acid found in lemon juice helps to dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits, and kidney stones.
  • Anti-Aging:  The vitamin C found in lemons helps to neutralize free radicals linked to aging and most types of disease.

Cook with Lemons!”

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/13-healing-powers-of-lemons.html#ixzz1mbarrzx3

 

Oh – and don’t forget, Drink that water too!  I like warm lemon water all year round.

See ya all on Monday!  

 

Food in the moment Sadou, “the way of tea”

Ichi-go ichi-e: this is the moment Information from website of Presentation Zen (click).

ichi-go ichi-e“Following up on Benjamin Zander’s inspirational teachings on the art of possibility (and performance), allow me to share a simple idea from the art of tea or Sadou, “the way of tea.” You may think that the traditional art of Sadou (茶道) is a strange place to glean lessons that can be applied to various aspects of our daily lives, but the simple practical lessons from the Zen arts run deep and wide. Ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会) is a concept connected to the way of tea; it expresses the ideal of the way of tea. Roughly translated the phrase means “one time, one meeting” or “one encounter; one opportunity.” In the way of tea we should respect the host and the others in the garden and the tea room and honor the moment as if it were a once-in-a-lifetime gathering. That is, we should cherish every meeting for it will never happen again. Ichi-go ichi-e is a reminder that each tea ceremony is unique even though the elements are familiar.” To read the whole article from Presentation Zen (Garr Reynolds) click here.

* How does this translate into Fun Food Friday?  We should cherish every meal and the (shared) experience of eating a meal, for it will never happen again…Savor the moment- savor the taste. As the saying goes….”be here now,” and respect the present moment you are in. 

BBB3 Note: By the way – I have one of  Garrs Books and it is great. If you are interested in presentations I HIGHLY recommend it, as well as following Garr on his blog, twitter, etc.  I truly enjoy his “take” and learn from him. The book I have  is called  Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery (2nd Edition) (Voices That Matter) (Amazon)

Ten Fun Friday Dragon Foods!

The Year of the Dragon was ushered in on Jan. 23, 2012. I was wondering what the symbolic foods would be? The Chicago Tribune came thru with the answers!
Now I share them with you. To see the article on their site click here.

Year of Dragon 10 Foods
Chicago Tribune , Jan 23, 2012

I think my favorite one is noodles! In case you can’t see the image here are just the words:” #1) Potsticker dumplings – Similar in shape to ancient gold ingots, dumpling symbolize wealth.  #2) Spring rolls – Golden color means good fortune. #3) Noodle dishes – Long noodles equals long life. Eat the longest noodles you can find – don’t cut them!  #4) Stir-fried lettuce – The Cantonese words for lettuce sounds like “growing fortune.” Find recipes here in my Good Eating story, “Good greens, good fortune.”  #5) Whole fish – While any food served whole promises prosperity, the word for fish sounds like “riches.” #6) Oranges – Golden to symbolize wealth, round for unity.
#7) Red-cooked chicken – Red is a lucky color. The dish symbolizes happiness, good fortune  #8) Tea eggs – Fertility  #9) Lion’s head meatballs (pork balls braised in greens) – Lions stand for power and strength.  #10) Barbecued duck – Fidelity.”

Does this mean we all should be having Spring rolls, sesame seed Noodles (one of my all time favorites,) a little salad on the side with lettuce and oranges, a few meatballs, followed by a little Peking Duck for Super Bowl Sunday? Or, are you sticking with the All American, chips, beer, chicken wings and “insert your favorite here”? What’s on your plate this sunday?