SPRING!!!!!! And about gosh darn time, too.
The leaves were already full out in North Carolina before we even had daffodils--but this week spring finally fell in and the leaves are popping out, all new and delicate and that awesome fresh green that's impossible to duplicate, the green that will dullen in a couple weeks into the dark, tired summer green. The flowering trees have leafed out now, but there are still a lot of daffodils, and the TULIPS! I had no idea Pittsburgh was such a tulip city. I guess Pittsburgh's weather might be like Holland--because they're everywhere! Red, pink, yellow, white, multicolored, crazy exploded ones that look like roses, little tight buds that only open up the slightest bit--bursting and waving in borders, bobbing in the breeze. I love tulips! I want to run into a whole field of tulips and fall down and watch them waving above me.
ALSO, last week was Dandelion Week. All abruptly, every dandelion shot up, and every house without a Lawn Valet (i.e. every house not in the posh places of Squirrel Hill and Shadyside) became a field of yellow polka dots. Although they're weeds, they really look pretty nice until they go to seed, and then the lawn looks like a mess of fluff and dying stalks.
A couple days ago it was cold and rainy, and to cheer myself I tried to convince myself it was Londony, as opposed to dreary That worked for awhile until it got REALLY DAMN COLD. But while it was still fairly warm, I noticed how the rain made all the spring greens and pinks and whites pop like crazy mad, like someone had opened the landscape in Photoshop and jacked up the saturation. Lovely! Then it got colder and I stopped noticing the colors. Brrrr!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
CONVERSATION: Mobot races
I got ridiculously sunburned today watching the robots race. It was the ultimate Carnegie Mellon stereotype--tiny robots racing down the sidewalk while a Computer Science professor dressed in a kilt and brandishing a sword revved the crowd up to cheer the robots on. The robots have to be able to recognize a white line curving down the sidewalk to get through fourteen gates. Only one robot got through all the gates, but it took too long to be counted (over four minutes.) Two robots couldn't even get moving, and their creators were working frantically over to the side, laptops covered in coats to be visible in the unexpected sunlight. One robot failed to find the line and kept racing in circles and once straight into the registration booth.
The robot that won was called Plan B (Plan A had failed two weeks earlier) and featured a finger-like "gate sensor" and a sensor shade made of cardboard and egg carton packing foam.
Now I feel like I'm really a Carnegie Mellon student :) I wonder if any of the mobot teams need an English student to write documentation for them?
The robot that won was called Plan B (Plan A had failed two weeks earlier) and featured a finger-like "gate sensor" and a sensor shade made of cardboard and egg carton packing foam.
Now I feel like I'm really a Carnegie Mellon student :) I wonder if any of the mobot teams need an English student to write documentation for them?
TEA: IngenuiTEA pot
I recently got a new teapot that BLEW MY MIND. It's called IngenuiTEA from Adagio, and it's just crazy exciting. The review below explains how it works, and if you go to adagio.com you can see a video of it in action.
Review: the IngenuiTEA microwavable tea pot
Ladies, gentlemen, I am in love. I am head over heels - with the IngenuiTEA microwavable tea pot. Resembling a transparent plastic beer stein, you fill the IngenuiTEA with 500ml of water and then place in the microwave. Heat until boiling. Put in two spoonsful of loose tea and let steep the appropriate time. Then center the IngenuiTEA over your teacup and use your cup's rim to push up the base. Tea is then dispensed from the bottom of the pot straight into your cup, and filtered nicely by a fine (and removable) mesh cone inside the pot. It is amazingly convenient and the tea it makes is pretty good too.
The filter is easily removable and the entire rig is easily cleaned. Sturdy and lightweight enough to carry around with you, and at $16 USD, inexpensive enough that you might want to just leave one at work and not worry overmuch if someone kips it. Made by Adagio, whose ardent hope is to make tea as office-convenient as coffee.
Next week I'll review the triniTEA, their innovative tea machine which times the tea steeping and keeps the tea hot for you. [GT]
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
TEA: Tea cures cancer
Two cups of tea a day cuts risk of some skin cancers
PAT HAGAN
TWO cups of a tea day may slash the risk of skin cancer, according to new research.
Scientists found that tea-drinkers were at least 65 per cent less likely to get certain types of tumour.
The findings, published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, show tea appears to protect the body against squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas.
These types of tumours are not as dangerous as malignant melanomas, which have a high mortality rate, but do affect nearly 70,000 people in Britain every year.
They are usually caused by too much exposure to the sun's rays and grow slowly over a period of months or even years.
Squamous cell carcinomas normally appear on the face and turn into an ulcer-like growth that does not heal.
Basal cell carcinomas normally show up as a painless lump that gradually expands in size.
Although they do not normally spread through the body, they still need to be removed through surgery.
Tea is packed with powerful disease-fighting chemicals and its ability to ward off illness is well known. Studies have found it can protect against heart disease, ovarian cancer and stress.
In the latest study, carried out at Dartmouth Medical School in New Hampshire, scientists analysed more than 1,400 patients aged between 25 and 74 with the types of tumour.
They compared their diet, drinking habits and lifestyle with a similar group who did not have cancer. Regular tea drinkers were 65 per cent less likely to have squamous cell carcinoma and almost 80 per less at risk of a basal cell carcinoma.
PAT HAGAN
TWO cups of a tea day may slash the risk of skin cancer, according to new research.
Scientists found that tea-drinkers were at least 65 per cent less likely to get certain types of tumour.
The findings, published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, show tea appears to protect the body against squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas.
These types of tumours are not as dangerous as malignant melanomas, which have a high mortality rate, but do affect nearly 70,000 people in Britain every year.
They are usually caused by too much exposure to the sun's rays and grow slowly over a period of months or even years.
Squamous cell carcinomas normally appear on the face and turn into an ulcer-like growth that does not heal.
Basal cell carcinomas normally show up as a painless lump that gradually expands in size.
Although they do not normally spread through the body, they still need to be removed through surgery.
Tea is packed with powerful disease-fighting chemicals and its ability to ward off illness is well known. Studies have found it can protect against heart disease, ovarian cancer and stress.
In the latest study, carried out at Dartmouth Medical School in New Hampshire, scientists analysed more than 1,400 patients aged between 25 and 74 with the types of tumour.
They compared their diet, drinking habits and lifestyle with a similar group who did not have cancer. Regular tea drinkers were 65 per cent less likely to have squamous cell carcinoma and almost 80 per less at risk of a basal cell carcinoma.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
TEA: World Tea Expo
Photo Release -- Over Two Hundred New Tea Products to Debut at 2007 World Tea Expo
Healthy, Delicious, Environmentally Conscious and Innovative Products are Leading the Way
LAS VEGAS, April 16, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The World Tea Expo is brimming with excitement to share the news that retailers, cafe and tea salon owners, restaurateurs, and F&B managers have all been waiting for: Exhibitors have just unveiled the new products they will introduce at the 2007 World Tea Expo, taking place in Atlanta, June 9, 10, and 11 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
A REAL energy drink
Photos accompanying this release are available at
http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3603
and
http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3602
For the first time ever, the World Tea Expo will feature a New Products Showcase, where innovation and convenience will sit alongside tradition and quality. Kimberly Frost Jage, VP of Sales & Marketing for the World Tea Expo notes, "The primary growth in consumer demand for tea is higher quality products, like specialty teas and all-natural Ready-to-Drink teas (RTDs). Healthy, delicious, environmentally conscious and innovative products are leading the way, fulfilling the need, and can all be found at this Expo."
Here's a glimpse of what 5,000 expected buyers are coming to see at the 300+ exhibitor booths.
Specialty Teas
Red & Green Company, known for selling some of the very finest teas in the world, introduces its Reserved Ti Kwan Yin, oolong aged 16 years and smoked every two years to achieve a complex fruity taste and smoky palate.
From Rishi Tea comes a new line of direct trade premium Japanese green teas. The line features a variety of classic sencha, matcha infused teas and gourmet blends like ume shiso and yuzu citrus. Teacraft Ltd. presents Antlers D'Amour, a very rare and unusual white tea from Africa handmade using only tender stems. Anyone who breathes in the floral aroma will fall in love with white tea.
Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Teas
Ready-to-Drink teas are one of the fastest-growing categories in the tea market. From DongSuh comes all-natural green tea in a can, brewed with the finest green tea leaves grown in BoSung, Korea. ITO EN remains on the cutting edge of RTD Teas, this time with the introduction of Cafe Sepia in two varieties: Matcha Latte and Tea Latte.
Chocolate and Confections
Quality tea deserves quality honey. Bee-Pure Honey comes direct from the beekeeper and is available in Vanilla -- mixed with real vanilla bean -- or Plain.
Torn Ranch introduces new Tea Infused Chocolate Indulges in both milk and dark chocolate. These dreamy treats combine rich chocolate with teas from around the world. Berkshire Bark is an irresistible new chocolate bar in four varieties that combine a generous bounty of whole roasted nuts, fresh citrus zest, and dried fruits bound together by top quality Belgian chocolate.
Whole Body and Health
New from Androgiennei is Evening Earl Grey Tea Soap, which nourishes the skin with the invigorating combination of black tea and bergamot oil; and Evening Oolong Orange Tea Soap, treating the body to an infusion of fragrant oolong tea and orange essence. An innovation from tea-maven-about-town Tracy Stern is Bathtea -- sachets of homeotherapeutic blends of medicinal herbal teas and organic botanicals.
CHI TEA Organic Green Tea Extract is a super antioxidant. A 30-drop dose of the concentrated extract is equivalent to 12-15 cups of regular green tea. Ener-Chi Tea is a delicious Natural Energy Elixir offering a unique blend of herbs and vitamins to provide a sustained energy boost and increase the metabolism.
Tea-Based Culinary Products
Salt of the Earth, made by Blessed Botanicals, is a versatile and delicious all-purpose salt seasoning blend accented with rooibos. It's a blend of French grey sea salt and organic herbs including nettles, marjoram, basil, tarragon, onion, garlic, and other secret ingredients.
Tzu The brings something fresh to the world of energy bars with its new line of T-Bar Green Tea Nutrition Bars. The all-natural and organic cold-processed whole grain bars each contain 1.5 grams or 3 grams green tea leaves. They are also high in antioxidants, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.
Tea Accessories
The Tea House Times presents CelebriTEA mugs for ChariTEA. Twelve celebrities, including Nicole Kidman, Samuel L. Jackson, and George Clooney, designed mugs with messages of hope for the future. Mug sales raise money for charities tackling key global issues.
Bodum's new temperature-safe borosilicate glass Bistro Iced Tea Maker can be used with both hot and cold brewing methods. Simply add loose leaf tea, fill halfway with hot water and steep, and then remove the infuser, replace the lid, fill with ice and serve. Tzu The introduces the innovative T-Buddy, a portable tea bottle with built-in infuser for full-leaf teas or herbal infusions; hot or cold. It's ideal for home, office or outdoor activities.
The Teapresso LT machine series from KLub Manufacturing Corp. brews loose leaf tea just like an espresso machine, bringing the intensity and immediacy of espresso to tea drinkers. Great for coffee and tea houses, the Teapresso is capable of making both espresso and tea at once, using independent systems. From Riensch & Held comes the easy brew finum Filter Stick, a stylish tea filter holder perfectly sized for one cup of tea. It's simple to handle, reusable, and durable.
The personal Tea HPLC Analysis Kit from ChromaDex will enable tea buyers and shop owners to determine the identify and quality of teas, tisanes, and herbal extracts.
Dee Sharp Jewelry Designs offers beautifully handcrafted tea jewelry, including a new sterling silver Teapot Thimble. Makes a whimsical gift for either the thimble or teapot collector. Casablanca Market brings exquisite teacups and trays handmade by expert artisans in Morocco. Use the set to serve traditional Moroccan tea, or use for coffee, wine, or juice. All products are Fair Trade.
This is just a glimpse of all the new products that buyers will discover first-hand at the show. To see all the new items to be showcased at the World Tea Expo, go to: http://www.worldteaexpo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=139
Healthy, Delicious, Environmentally Conscious and Innovative Products are Leading the Way
LAS VEGAS, April 16, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The World Tea Expo is brimming with excitement to share the news that retailers, cafe and tea salon owners, restaurateurs, and F&B managers have all been waiting for: Exhibitors have just unveiled the new products they will introduce at the 2007 World Tea Expo, taking place in Atlanta, June 9, 10, and 11 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
A REAL energy drink
Photos accompanying this release are available at
http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3603
and
http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3602
For the first time ever, the World Tea Expo will feature a New Products Showcase, where innovation and convenience will sit alongside tradition and quality. Kimberly Frost Jage, VP of Sales & Marketing for the World Tea Expo notes, "The primary growth in consumer demand for tea is higher quality products, like specialty teas and all-natural Ready-to-Drink teas (RTDs). Healthy, delicious, environmentally conscious and innovative products are leading the way, fulfilling the need, and can all be found at this Expo."
Here's a glimpse of what 5,000 expected buyers are coming to see at the 300+ exhibitor booths.
Specialty Teas
Red & Green Company, known for selling some of the very finest teas in the world, introduces its Reserved Ti Kwan Yin, oolong aged 16 years and smoked every two years to achieve a complex fruity taste and smoky palate.
From Rishi Tea comes a new line of direct trade premium Japanese green teas. The line features a variety of classic sencha, matcha infused teas and gourmet blends like ume shiso and yuzu citrus. Teacraft Ltd. presents Antlers D'Amour, a very rare and unusual white tea from Africa handmade using only tender stems. Anyone who breathes in the floral aroma will fall in love with white tea.
Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Teas
Ready-to-Drink teas are one of the fastest-growing categories in the tea market. From DongSuh comes all-natural green tea in a can, brewed with the finest green tea leaves grown in BoSung, Korea. ITO EN remains on the cutting edge of RTD Teas, this time with the introduction of Cafe Sepia in two varieties: Matcha Latte and Tea Latte.
Chocolate and Confections
Quality tea deserves quality honey. Bee-Pure Honey comes direct from the beekeeper and is available in Vanilla -- mixed with real vanilla bean -- or Plain.
Torn Ranch introduces new Tea Infused Chocolate Indulges in both milk and dark chocolate. These dreamy treats combine rich chocolate with teas from around the world. Berkshire Bark is an irresistible new chocolate bar in four varieties that combine a generous bounty of whole roasted nuts, fresh citrus zest, and dried fruits bound together by top quality Belgian chocolate.
Whole Body and Health
New from Androgiennei is Evening Earl Grey Tea Soap, which nourishes the skin with the invigorating combination of black tea and bergamot oil; and Evening Oolong Orange Tea Soap, treating the body to an infusion of fragrant oolong tea and orange essence. An innovation from tea-maven-about-town Tracy Stern is Bathtea -- sachets of homeotherapeutic blends of medicinal herbal teas and organic botanicals.
CHI TEA Organic Green Tea Extract is a super antioxidant. A 30-drop dose of the concentrated extract is equivalent to 12-15 cups of regular green tea. Ener-Chi Tea is a delicious Natural Energy Elixir offering a unique blend of herbs and vitamins to provide a sustained energy boost and increase the metabolism.
Tea-Based Culinary Products
Salt of the Earth, made by Blessed Botanicals, is a versatile and delicious all-purpose salt seasoning blend accented with rooibos. It's a blend of French grey sea salt and organic herbs including nettles, marjoram, basil, tarragon, onion, garlic, and other secret ingredients.
Tzu The brings something fresh to the world of energy bars with its new line of T-Bar Green Tea Nutrition Bars. The all-natural and organic cold-processed whole grain bars each contain 1.5 grams or 3 grams green tea leaves. They are also high in antioxidants, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.
Tea Accessories
The Tea House Times presents CelebriTEA mugs for ChariTEA. Twelve celebrities, including Nicole Kidman, Samuel L. Jackson, and George Clooney, designed mugs with messages of hope for the future. Mug sales raise money for charities tackling key global issues.
Bodum's new temperature-safe borosilicate glass Bistro Iced Tea Maker can be used with both hot and cold brewing methods. Simply add loose leaf tea, fill halfway with hot water and steep, and then remove the infuser, replace the lid, fill with ice and serve. Tzu The introduces the innovative T-Buddy, a portable tea bottle with built-in infuser for full-leaf teas or herbal infusions; hot or cold. It's ideal for home, office or outdoor activities.
The Teapresso LT machine series from KLub Manufacturing Corp. brews loose leaf tea just like an espresso machine, bringing the intensity and immediacy of espresso to tea drinkers. Great for coffee and tea houses, the Teapresso is capable of making both espresso and tea at once, using independent systems. From Riensch & Held comes the easy brew finum Filter Stick, a stylish tea filter holder perfectly sized for one cup of tea. It's simple to handle, reusable, and durable.
The personal Tea HPLC Analysis Kit from ChromaDex will enable tea buyers and shop owners to determine the identify and quality of teas, tisanes, and herbal extracts.
Dee Sharp Jewelry Designs offers beautifully handcrafted tea jewelry, including a new sterling silver Teapot Thimble. Makes a whimsical gift for either the thimble or teapot collector. Casablanca Market brings exquisite teacups and trays handmade by expert artisans in Morocco. Use the set to serve traditional Moroccan tea, or use for coffee, wine, or juice. All products are Fair Trade.
This is just a glimpse of all the new products that buyers will discover first-hand at the show. To see all the new items to be showcased at the World Tea Expo, go to: http://www.worldteaexpo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=139
Sunday, April 15, 2007
TEA: Tea can save your life!
Tea against cancer, dental caries
Sunday, Apr 15, 2007
Did you know that the polyphenols in tea helps to reduce caries in teeth?
Researchers say so and they also say that cell cultures and animal tests have also shown that these phytonutrients may protect against various cancers. A Swedish study published recently says the protection against cancer extends to humans as well.
Researches questioned more than 61,000 women aged between 40 to 76 about how frequently they consumed certain foods and upon revisiting the group 15 years later found an inverse relationship between drinking tea and the risk of ovarian cancer.
Women who drank one cup a day lowered their risk by 24 per cent compared women who never or seldom partook. Those who drank two or more cups a day lowered their by 46 per cent.
Sunday, Apr 15, 2007
Did you know that the polyphenols in tea helps to reduce caries in teeth?
Researchers say so and they also say that cell cultures and animal tests have also shown that these phytonutrients may protect against various cancers. A Swedish study published recently says the protection against cancer extends to humans as well.
Researches questioned more than 61,000 women aged between 40 to 76 about how frequently they consumed certain foods and upon revisiting the group 15 years later found an inverse relationship between drinking tea and the risk of ovarian cancer.
Women who drank one cup a day lowered their risk by 24 per cent compared women who never or seldom partook. Those who drank two or more cups a day lowered their by 46 per cent.
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