tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-223130932024-03-07T15:38:31.731-06:00Absolute TeaReviews, news, and other niche topics on tea.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-9636854762167323722011-09-27T06:42:00.000-05:002011-09-27T06:49:31.419-05:00Supporting an Artist<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_541105232"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Dy58MJ1ctF7vTGN8GmDK0v6zsv0SePXPU2w3SQEaDBTJISDjUcTWTokC3XolIpPJ1e_yk-sEqCR34-HF0iP9pssrlbqvji2OdsXMDAjQ22lcoNTFe8PuJ2L0LRiiK6J21ILZ/s400/1aasev_nodesign.jpg" width="280" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sevdesign.spreadshirt.co.uk/">Sev Design</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">So</span></b> I'm not one for shameless plugs, but I want to recommend you to this artist. In some ways art is a part of my tea blog, just as some people can consider blog writing an art. Tea and art... what a perfect combination.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000;">Really though, I want to support my friend and add a little class to my site. I'm thinking about having her design the art for a tea website I'm working on. I want to get beyond the blog constraints and get a little more freedom with what I do. Coming soon!</span></b><br />
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No, she's not my girlfriend, so it's not one of those kind of deals. I just think she's good and you should check it out. If you need more of a reason to go, or maybe you need something to "class-it-up." Well I've got just the thing. The artist is a native born Icelander. I met her in the USA at a Uni and now she's living in Spain. How cool is that!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Anyways, checkout her site and even if you're not into the stuff there perhaps you'd like her to custom design something for you. She's good. I've seen it first hand. So go on and be a patron of the arts. And yes, it's her logo design. Now go get a cup of tea and click on the picture or link.</b></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0Seoul, South Korea37.566535 126.977969237.365159 126.66211220000001 37.767911000000005 127.2938262tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-2650789190503863082011-04-07T06:15:00.006-05:002011-04-07T07:45:15.357-05:00Korea & Thursday Rain Amidst a Rising Sun<div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>I</strong></span> let the delicate spring rain graze my head and nose as I walked to work on this calm morning. I would normally let this setup float the thought of coziness and comfort in a daydreamer's romanticized vision, like a painting titled Peace in Solitude, but in actuality it only irritated me... slightly. Perhaps it was the piercing presence of my new urban jungle I call home. I was quite heavy with sleep still, so when I got to work I made sure to pour some piping hot Earl Grey into my faithful mug. </div><br /><div align="left">Seoul may not be gentle, but at least I was set. </div><br /><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">M</span></strong>y morning was now officially underway when I finally realized my folly. I should have used my umbrella. Luckily I had a spare in my drawer for times of sudden downpours, being that winter's grip is all but gone. I really didn't like that my hair got a little wet because of the sniffles of a cold I'm trying to get over. If it was still raining after work I would definitely use it. </div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>O</strong></span>f course it is at this moment that I really felt the dawn. It only took seconds of chatting with my Korean coworkers to remember.</div><br /><div align="left">The radiation.</div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>K</strong></span>orea is really close to Japan. Was I just radiated? How much got on me? Will this give me problems in the future? Should I even worry? I researched. I discovered. I learned. <strong>I'm OK.</strong></div><br /><div align="left">This got me thinking. It got me thinking about tea of all things. Specifically, what will happen with the tea culture of Japan? I know it's really small on the list of priorities, but if it's in the rain it will get into the tea, among other things. Tea is very much a way of life as is anything else in Japan. I know the current crop of Japanese tea is most likely safe, but I highly doubt the next batch will be publicly trusted. </div><br /><div align="left">As trivial of a thought this might be, I feel it's important to focus on these details that make us human. It makes us civilized. It defeats the primal urges that often make us animalistic and primal. Primal knows fear. Fear knows danger.</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-62867696570883608732009-10-11T13:20:00.011-05:002009-10-11T14:36:34.432-05:00Asian Influences<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Land of</span> <span style="color:#000099;">Morning Calm</span></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtEa09kO0QirXijJN2XwWw6rMbPCBWyGKghBKljhhOsftyTpIzC8B7pD4v4r381L59CkY6Ey7J86pZ2UO6qFyMLu3eYGr7Te1nzVsECFPrPc71Oyq9BTPbGs9Zf6tCIBPfCde/s1600-h/South+Korea+Flag.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 139px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391411436388086562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtEa09kO0QirXijJN2XwWw6rMbPCBWyGKghBKljhhOsftyTpIzC8B7pD4v4r381L59CkY6Ey7J86pZ2UO6qFyMLu3eYGr7Te1nzVsECFPrPc71Oyq9BTPbGs9Zf6tCIBPfCde/s200/South+Korea+Flag.gif" /></a>I find it quite fitting that the phrase describing the land of my new residence also describes the way I have been enjoying my tea. After a long night of new and dizzy wanderings, I find myself needing a recalibration. I do this with my favorite Starbucks cup filled with a tasty brew of herbal tea. </div><div align="left"></div><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 170px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 123px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391414426334133538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTUW96j_uouHe4amr1r1DAm21o_y4amWNI4G0lXj2F9YeA2ggj2CwEkFaNADxOxmRlChP_18UvyEXmxpM_J559WJzQqdimfjRxSXoRzCiSwoqfjRa514Bgz-OeSQrSvtb-Zpr/s200/IMGP0515.JPG" /><br />I must admit that my recent methods of making tea have been a bit on the crude side. I haven't had the time or money to purchase the proper equipment for fine tea making, but then again I haven't exactly been finding fine tea either. I suppose I'm being a bit snobbish with my desire for perfection, as my kettle is absolutely fine. It's sturdy, it works, and it gets the job done.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjynMZ5RtQBHH87zlLSqOBG4ACl-dbtYwd5raDyihGWrluDaFN8EinDRUyiSfl5kDFs0oU6YidwRYIWb8ZUiowmLDmnYd2MWa8iZ-gBVfXLfOMX-tna1zdOkCIBOGDYcz3Se-x/s1600-h/IMGP0503.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391416880733339490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjynMZ5RtQBHH87zlLSqOBG4ACl-dbtYwd5raDyihGWrluDaFN8EinDRUyiSfl5kDFs0oU6YidwRYIWb8ZUiowmLDmnYd2MWa8iZ-gBVfXLfOMX-tna1zdOkCIBOGDYcz3Se-x/s200/IMGP0503.JPG" /></a>I must admit that there is something I enjoy about the crudeness of my new tea methods. They may not be so "full flavored" anymore, but they have their own unique pleasantness about them. Perhaps it's the fact that my new location in the world is giving my tea an extra spark. Along with these new methods have come some new tools. Such as my new extra large cup. I really like it, as I have an interest in Chinese astrology and it displays the year of the ox in bright red - my favorite color. The yellow is neat on the inside too because you can still see the color of the tea.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOFSaHYKuZETw7L8B9V70CdHjYALou3fcqKOJjYpsNC3lVd7dKVv_flMQEYZ-Q6IMgeDmwpoHslvnPHc7fx19c4pHX5dPcbUw0F54CnbzhdY8Bk9_us65WUACEdSoJXd0_uH4/s1600-h/IMGP0522.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391422881856771154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOFSaHYKuZETw7L8B9V70CdHjYALou3fcqKOJjYpsNC3lVd7dKVv_flMQEYZ-Q6IMgeDmwpoHslvnPHc7fx19c4pHX5dPcbUw0F54CnbzhdY8Bk9_us65WUACEdSoJXd0_uH4/s200/IMGP0522.JPG" /></a>Some other news about tea tools in my world are not what I have aquired, but rather what I have lost. I no longer have a thermometer, timer, teapot, ceramic tea holder, electric kettle, and certainly no crystal sugar. Although, I have found much delight in plain old cane sugar shaped into cubes. It's the first time I've ever though to use a sugar cube only because it was all I could find. A wonderfull discovery.<br /><br />In case you're like me and have only been acustom to broken English, I'll bring in the translator of what my point is. Actually, it's a lot like this article - crudeness. My adventures these days have me traveling and packing light and loose leaf tea is a rare treat to get. I'm learning that even though methods change and availability diminishes, you can still sqeeze out a cup of quality and enjoy that morning calm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-62678260689718683492008-12-15T20:15:00.003-06:002008-12-15T20:22:26.093-06:00PsycholoTeaIt usually comes about that when I'm going to sit down and write a long paper or need to get my creative juices flowing with words I make myself a pot of tea. I find that it stimulates my mind and makes me feel good, as ideas seem to flow together.<br /><br />This has me wondering on a larger level of what effect tea actually has on the mind and if there has been research on this. I'm very intrigued by the notion and will most likely be conducting an investigation on my own. If anyone has information about this specific linking of ideas or topic feel free to add you comment.<br /><br />I love studying psychology and anything with the mind. My fascination with learning is so much that I'm interested in learning how we learn. That knowledge is golden and I would be delighted to find a new aspect of tea in this area.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-14238663514004446242008-10-21T01:44:00.002-05:002008-10-21T01:46:57.679-05:00Reawakening and Tea<ul><li><strong>The <span style="color:#ff6600;">Phoenix</span> rises...</strong></li></ul><p>It is amazing how quickly time passes when we aren't paying attention; all the details that get lost in two years. That is about how old this tea blog is - two years. Wow.<br /><br />During that time many things have risen to their peak and yet those same things have all died and disintegrated. Among them would be my love for tea. Don't get me wrong, I have always loved tea, but my desire for it went away with distractions and the hustle of life. It was a beginning to an ending to a way of life that we all must experience in some form or another.<br /><br />Now I have transcended. No longer am I the amateur I was in all senses. Tea becomes me.<br /><br />It is beyond a love, as tea is now a part of me. I understand; I know; I am awakened.<br /></p><ul><li><strong>Metaphor Recovery</strong></li></ul><p>Okay, so perhaps I get a little carried away with my metaphors, but being a writer makes it hard to resist them. So what I was saying if you couldn't figure it out above is that I have rediscovered my lost passion for tea, and coming back to it now I know so much more than when I started. I don't need to spend as much time proving to myself that tea is worth it. I already know it is worthy and this becomes my base reality so now I can start getting into more advanced topics. You will see what I am talking about in later posts to come.</p><p></p><ul><li><strong>Beating Around the Rooibos Bush</strong></li></ul><p>So let's talk about tea shall we? We can start with the classic that is bringing me back into what I love about tea - rooibos. Not just any rooibos either, but green rooibos. I find irony here that I chose to reawaken myself to tea with a non-caffeinated herbal brew that really isn't a true "tea" at all. We will save that for another discussion under <em>tea crimes</em>. </p><p>Anyways, I ordered some <a href="http://www.dragonwater.com/product_detail.tf/110_green_rooibos_strawberry_peach_tea.html">Green Rooibos Strawberry Peach</a> the other day from Dragonwater.com. Not really what I went looking for, but apparently no one makes Green Rooibos Oasis anymore. I'm saddened by this, but that's what happens in an ever-changing world. This was the closest I could find to my favorite (aka Best Tea in the World). </p><p>It's not the same, but it's pretty darn close. There is more of a lingering taste of strawberry and mellowed orange than anything else, but it isn't too noticable to be overbearing. It still mixes very well. Goes great with chocolate pretzels.</p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-42403344289232603862008-10-14T18:13:00.002-05:002008-10-14T18:34:42.363-05:00Coming SoonI am back again, after another long hiatus.<br /><br />Thank you to all the people who still come to this blog and write me messages. It is always enough to inspire me to continue my writing despite an ever increasingly busy life. My weekends are even booked a month in advance now. I almost cherish the times I would get bored just so I can catch up on my reading. I am not complaining though, as it's getting so good for me these days even when the rest of the world is not. I feel blessed and I am doing all I can to share my fortune with others.<br /><br />So don't fret (I know how you tea drinkers can be) because I have penciled <strong>Tea Blogging</strong> into my schedule once again. There will be many more postings to come with a little more emphasis on the <em><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>niche</strong></span></em> part.<br /><br />Until next time.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-23996706521382884122007-12-06T04:58:00.000-06:002007-12-06T05:36:10.568-06:00Almost A Year<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Wow</span><br /><br />It has been almost a full year since my last posting, and boy what a year it has been. The Chinese called it the Year of the Pig. I guess I wont disagree with that; although, while some may have been living a lavish and gluttonous year I have been living the opposite.<br /><br />I don't want to get into politics because that is not what this weblog is about, but the current state of the economy is making money a scarce thing lately. I haven't been able to find time and relax either to do the things I enjoy, like drinking tea. I shall not whine another word though, because this is a bloody tea blog! So let's talk tea shall we?<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-style: italic;">What I've Been Drinking</span></li></ul>Sadly, I've been limited to the vile and unworthy tea bags that disgrace the very shelves they sit on. In other words... grocery store tea. I must confess though that I do enjoy just about any type of iced tea. It's the warm version that I am so picky about. Therefore, the best teas I have had over the course of this year in their respective categories are:<br /><br /><ul><li>Iced Tea - Raspberry <a href="http://www.nestea.com/productsRefrigerated.jsp">Nestea</a> (in the cartons)</li></ul><br /><ul><li>Hot Tea: <a href="http://www.bigelowtea.com/shop/tea.cfm">Bigelow</a> </li></ul><br />Neither are high class products, but they aren't the bottom-of-the-barrel brands either. I would say that each is a mid-class product that supplements a need for tea without a great sacrifice in taste. Not only that but they are both very convenient products.<br /><br />Anyways, that's all I want to say for tea for now. I am a bit disappointed in myself for not updating this blog and my lack of tea experimentation this past year so I will leave it at that.<br /><br />I have also notice a bunch of changes within Blogger itself that I need to brush up on. It has been so long I have forgotten many of the basic codes to tinker with my template and to organize things. HTML has slipped away from me. Good thing I'm an English major so I can go and read up on the whole subject again... that's sarcasm by the way, as reading about HTML is as dry as skin on a harsh winter day. For all of you Southern folks, that equates to itchy, flaky and painfully annoying.<br /><br />Okay then, that's all from me for now. I wont promise any resurgence in updates, but I think I might be able to squeeze one more in this month.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-49282805939965962652006-12-24T16:50:00.000-06:002006-12-25T18:02:02.505-06:00Red and Green Rooibos ChristmasAfter a two month break I have finally returned. Well, I never really went anywhere, but I was in the process of graduating from college. So now I am official - a Bachelor in Fine Arts, Creative and Professional writing degree holder. Yay for me. Now let's see if my writing gets any better.<br /><br />Okay, enough of that - and onto the tea.<br /><br />I know what you're thinking, "another post about Rooiobs?" Yes, and I'm proud of it. I mean, what not a better way than to spend the holidays with a cup of rooibos. It's the perfect tea. I know this season normally brings the spiced flavors out, and the Chai is pretty big this season as well. I guess I'm just different. I prefer the sweet melow taste any day over the spicy pepper taste.<br /><br />Lately, I've been drinking three types of rooibos teas, and they are all red teas. Mostly because I haven't had the time or money to spend on green tea. Not that it's rare or expensive, it's just that the area I live in only has red teas. I'd have to order online if I want green rooibos tea.<br /><br />Anyway, the types of tea I've been drinking include the straight up - plain red rooibos tea. It may be simple and plain, but boy is it smooth and good. The perfect accompaniment to any cookie combination you might try.<br /><br />The next tea in my cupboard rotation would be Montana Gold. It's a red rooibos tea with a strong flash of cinnamon along with other Christmas like flavors. All the other flavors they added to this tea are basically keeping the cinnamon at bay. A cup of Montana Gold is perfect with any kind of nut, which you may have roasted over an open fire.<br /><br />Lastly in my Christmas cupboard of rooibos teas, there is the Egyptian Licorice. The essence of this teas' flavor is a lot like black licorice, which is a taste that you find more accepted in the Northern parts of our country. In Minnesota it's pretty big. I don't really enjoy this tea all that much, but every once in awhile I find myself in the mood for something different.<br /><br />I'm hoping that I can get some green tea delivered before New Years eve rolls around, as the sweetness of the tea is something I'd like to kick 2007 off with. If I don't get any then I guess I'll be forced to go with coffee, and it better be the best damn coffee I've ever tasted.<br /><br />Thats all from me for now. I can't say when I'll be posting next, but I hope I can get some in soon. If everything goes right I will be moving to Georgia in 3 months so it might put a damper on updates for a good while again. If it isn't one thing it's another right? There is also this new blogger which I've just switched over to. That means now I'll have all my rooibos articles separated into their own catagory and you and me both can see just how much I post about it.<br /><br />Have a Merry Tea Drinking ChristmasMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1159699917788973762006-09-30T17:26:00.000-05:002006-10-01T05:51:57.820-05:00International Tea PartyIt has been awhile and I must admit that I do feel a bit sheepish for not updating this weblog like I said I would. But now I'm back again with some interesting news about my favorite tea.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.specialteas.com/product_detail.aspx?item_no=125+00+00+51+1">Rooibos Tea</a><br /><br />The untea if you will. The reason why is because this is an herbal brew that is made out of a Red Bush in Africa.<br /><br />That's besides the point though. The real news is on how tasty this tea actually is. Ok, so the story is this:<br /><br />I'm currently renting a room in a house from a guy who use to live in Iceland, which would make him an Icelander. Anyway, I meet a lot of foriegners through him, as he is part of an international organization at the University I attend. So at the house tonight we had 1 man from El Salvador named Piero, 1 woman from Hungary named Kata, an Icelander named Jon, and me the American (or North American as they would call us from central America). We were all chatting and having a good time and then Jon asked if I could make some tea. He was refereing to the Rooibos tea that I had made the day before.<br /><br />I said, "sure" with a glee in my eye. I love exposing this wonderful tea (Rooibos) to any new person I meet because I've yet to find someone who drinks tea to think badly of it. And now I have an assembled international group of people to get an opinion from, and guess what? They all thought it was a great tea. In fact, they thought it was an excellent tea. So it's official, <a href="http://www.specialteas.com/product_detail.aspx?item_no=125+00+00+51+1">Green Rooibos Oasis</a> is possibly the best tea in the world. I just thought I'd share that with you all.<br /><br />It's such a forgiving tea to make too. You can follow the steeping directions very loosly and still come out with good tea; although, the way I make it is perfect in achieving optimum taste. We all are experts on our favorite teas.<br /><br />So what I'm getting at here is that if you haven't tried this tea yet you are doing your tastebuds an injustice. You don't have to buy it at the link I've provided, as I believe it is sold elsewhere under a different name, but if you want to get the exact stuff I was drinking then that link is where you want to go.<br /><br />I also mentioned to my international friends (yeah that's right, I'm global) that I have some rare and expensive green tea that I haven't tried. So in a soon to come post I will update you on that. And yes I will try to get the post in before another month goes by, but no promises as I am enormously busy. Yeah, I know, excuses.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1156396196931395302006-08-23T23:57:00.000-05:002006-08-24T00:09:56.956-05:00Some Overdue NewsIt's been awhile, but I finaly have a reason to post, and it's even good news. Imagine that!<br /><br />Anyways, the summer is comming to an end and I am relocating my living quarters. That means I will once again have high speed internet and time to update and post and post some more. So in a week or two you can expect more frequent content.<br /><br />Yippy Skippy! Well maybe you're not that excited, but maybe you should be.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1153117617378291142006-07-17T00:32:00.000-05:002006-07-17T01:26:57.446-05:00Green Tea in your Soda<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP1153.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/400/IMGP1153.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />While browsing the supermarket isles I came across this odd little bottle of soda. Ginger ale to be exact and it caught my eye as it was in a glass bottle with a unique picture on the label. Upon closer inspection I discovered that it was a concoction of Green Tea, Ginger, and carbonation. On top of all this there was the government label of USDA Organic. I had to buy it.<br /><br /><ul><li>Why you might ask?</li></ul><br />Well... it could have been that it was 97 degrees outside and I needed something cold and refreshing, or it could be that the heat made me crazy. Either way I bought, I chugged, and I enjoyed.<br /><br /><ul><li>Wow was I amazed!</li></ul><br />I had a delicious mix of tea in a way I thought could never be possible. You need to try it. Especially for those <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">hot, scorching days</span> when the relentless sun just won't give up. I've always been a fan of iced tea, but now I'm hooked.<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.steaz.com/">The brand is Steaz</a> </li></ul><br />If you check out their website you will find they have a bunch of other flavors. I've only tried the Ginger Ale, but I plan on getting me some more.<br /><br />To give you an idea of its quality here is a list of its ingredients:<br /><br />Sparkling filtered water, organic evaporated cane juice (not corn syrup), natural ginger and lemon flavors, citric acid, sodium citrate, <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">organic Ceylon green tea</span> and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).<br /><br />Look out Lipton, the sodas are fizzing up.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1151807715029355872006-06-30T17:19:00.000-05:002006-07-05T02:37:55.213-05:00A Long Brewed UpdateHello to all of you fans of tea. I realize it has been a good while since I've posted anything. My excuse... life has been busy. I know, it's weak, but at least I'm still drinking tea. That's what's really important here right?<br /><br />Speaking of drinking tea, I've recently tried a green tea mixture with raspberries and hibiscus. I was really impressed with the taste. There wasn't any of that familiar grassy or smoky flavor that I usually get with a pure green tea.<br /><br />I'm always amazed at how well green tea mixes with other flavors and herbs. The green tea becomes like a primer to the paint of flavor that is added by the herbs. I've been drinking this type of brew for the past few days now because I needed something to sooth my sore throat, and it really works well. That curing belief of green tea just got a little stronger with me because of it. So I highly recommend the raspberry and hibiscus flavorings to your green tea. I've actually thought about mixing fruit and herbs into my tea on my own, but the challenge would be finding the right combination. Oh well, I'll save that for another post.<br /><br />So there, you can't say I abandoned this blog in June. I got one in.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1146564292218273312006-05-02T04:24:00.000-05:002006-05-02T05:04:52.230-05:00Posting HiatusAs I'm sure many of you have noticed I haven't posted for a good while. This has been mostly due to...<br /><ol><li>A trip to Las Vegas (<a href="http://www.nabshow.com/">NAB show</a>)<br /></li><li>Final papers due</li><li>Helping the editing of a music video for a band called <a href="http://leftalone.net/lamainiframes.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Left Alone</span></a></li><li>Editing a video for the BFA English department at Bemidji State</li><li>Trying to make time for friends<br /></li></ol>So as you can see I've had my hands full and very little time to explore the world of tea. I do plan on continueing this site, but currently I am too busy to keep a steady flow of updates. Because of this lack in updating, I am going to change how I archive my files. Instead of weekly sections I will go with the monthy logging so all articles will be visable at once.<br /><br />With this new formatting I will not be keeping weekly themes as I will no longer be able to keep up with them in the coming months. My postings will be mostly random and self-contained with about 1 or 2 in a week. In fact, during the summer my access to a high-speed connection will be limited... so expect few pictures.<br /><br />All bad news and nothing about tea... what a great post for a tea blog. I suppose I can leave you with some pictures and maybe a poem... maybe.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0683.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0683.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.charlesbukowski.20m.com/bukowski_poems.html">Look here</a> for your poetry fix. It's some good stuff by our friend Bukowski.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1145122724841395532006-04-11T12:32:00.000-05:002006-04-21T18:32:51.746-05:00The Yerba BuzzThere's a new drink on the market and it's known as Yerba Mate. A respected site, <a href="http://wileng.blogspot.com/2006/04/yerba-mate-mania.html">Tea Guy Speaks</a>, recently announced the rising popularity of this drink and how people are treating it like the next new thing, as they thought green tea was. Even though both have been around for many years, if not centuries, they only exist when American media discover them.<br /><br />Now that I got that out of my system, I'd like to say a few, very brief things about this drink. Actually, this week I'm only going to have two posts because I have many writing projects going on at this time that are taking my time up. This post will have a few things about tea things, and in a day or so I will post some poetry.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Yerba Mate</span><br /><br />If you've been to the Tea Guy Speaks weblog then you probably have a good idea on what the buzz is about with this drink. It's not really a tea, but it tastes like tea and smells like tea so it belongs in the same category.<br /><br />This is a traditional drink of South America that is consumed from a gourd or <span style="font-style: italic;">mate</span> as they call it. They then use a metal straw called a <span style="font-style: italic;">bombilla </span>to drink it. All this information as well as a whole lot more can be found here at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yerba_mate">Wikipedia</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Me and Erva</span><br /><br />I had never had yerba mate (pronounced erva mah-tay) until this month of this year. My reasons for never having it before were mostly because I like to try everything in its original context before I attempt to make the drink and ruin the experience for myself. After hearing many things about this drink, the opportunity to try it presented itself.<br /><br />I was at friends house who just so happened to own a french press. He offered to make some yerba in it that he had just bought from an organic store and I couldn't pass it up. So I tried it.<br /><br />To my delight it had a very sweet taste that went down smooth. The aftertaste also lingered in a very pleasant way too. Needless to say I was impressed. I noticed the effect of this drink as well too. The stimulants inside the drink really give you a good jolt, or a pep in your step.<br /><br />I can't wait to try this drink in its traditional way through the gourd and bombilla straw.<br /><br />Bombilla is such a cool word.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1144659237811662392006-04-08T15:47:00.000-05:002006-04-10T03:53:57.886-05:00Your Weekend PoemI think I have a poem that actually fits the theme of the week for once. I wrote it a long time ago and I recently revised it to an acceptable reading level. I've kept the original rhyme pattern; however, I forgot what I originally wrote it about so it's kind of wierd reading it myself, but maybe you can figure it out.<br /><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma;"></span></u></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Another Attempt</span><br /><br />Distance approaching is hard to hear <br />Waves of noise have been cut <br />Too many fell down in front <br />Amplitude shaped forms a tear <br /><br />Unmistakable to anyone but us <br />What you've done to my heart <br />Can you hear my heart <br />At negative degree Celsius <br /><br />I’m tired of trying this path <br />Someone give me something to do <br />I need importance to finish what’s due <br />Purpose and usefulness, as found in math<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1144656088117432282006-04-06T18:44:00.000-05:002006-04-10T03:14:05.630-05:00Sugar FiendI'll admit, this post is more about tea sweeteners than it is about tools, but in my world sugar is just another tool in the process. I say this because like the Humming bird, I need sugar. If it's not sweet I usually don't enjoy it. I only use straight up sugar - none of that fake stuff.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Crystal Sugar </span><br /><br />Being the cultured tea drinker that I am, I know that putting sugar into your tea will distort its true flavor. So how can you make it sweet without ruining the fine quality of the original drink? Well, you could use the most natural sweetener of them all - honey. As lovely as honey is, it just doesn't get my drink sweet enough. So what I found that does the job for me is crystal sugar. It will sweeten the drink and yet retain the properties of the original flavor. Brilliant!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0296.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0296.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0294.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0294.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0309.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0309.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It looks like some kind of illegal drug, but I assure you, it's just sugar... really.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Sugar Packets</span><br /><br />This would be my guilty pleasure when it comes to sweetening my tea. Some times I just don't feel like waiting for the crystals to dissolve so I tear open a packet - premeasured mind you. It really makes it easy to know just how much sugar you're putting in this way as well. About one packet should do, and I know just how much that is by looking at the nutrition facts on the box.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0328.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0328.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1144654087361890452006-04-05T02:06:00.000-05:002006-04-10T02:43:19.606-05:00Measuring ApparatusToday is the post with gadgets that involve numbers. A very vital part of proper tea making. So let's not waste time and get right on into it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.republicoftea.com/templates/detail.asp?navID=486"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ></span></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.republicoftea.com/templates/detail.asp?navID=486">Thermometer</a> </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0331.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0331.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Not so much important for black tea or rooibos, but essential in order to make green, white, and oolong teas. I use to have a digital one, which was a lot easier to read, but this one works just fine. Just as long as you know it is accurate.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /><a href="http://www.stopwatchcentral.com/">Stopwatch</a><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0274.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0274.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I shouldn't really have to explain this one, but I've listed it just in case you forgot about it. Any old kind of timer will do, but digital is the best and most accurate.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thespooncompany.com/">Teaspoon</a></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0317.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0317.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>You've always thought the name sounded suspicious, now you know why. When you do find that special spoon, make sure it is the only one you use. This way you will have a consistent system for measuring your tea and you can play around with quantities easier without guessing.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1144646841748318212006-04-03T22:55:00.000-05:002006-04-10T01:49:43.013-05:00Tools of the TradeApril is finally here and the spring semester is coming closer to an end. This means that I will be extremely busy with oodles of assignments and large papers to write. Yeah for me. The consequence of these recent events is prompting me to keep this weeks postings short, but as usual I will probably get carried away and end up writing long ones anyway.<br /><br />So then, what I'd like to focus on in the coming days are the tools used to make tea. Mostly they will be the tools that I use, as other tea enthusiasts will most likely have a different preference with their devices. Onward, with lots of pictures...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.waterfiltercomparisons.net/WaterFilter_Comparison.cfm"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Water Filter</span></a><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0324.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0324.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A very integral part of the tea making process. Without fresh, clean water your tea won't taste as it should. In fact, it could ruin your tea if your water has high levels of chlorine or other harsh chemicals.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.bizrate.com/buy/products__att439903--267611-,cat_id--13050820.html">Electric Kettle</a></span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0260.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0260.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I highly recommend getting yourself one of these boilers. Their benefit is that they shut off the moment your water begins to boil, which is ideal for capturing the highest oxygen content. The oxygen is an essential part of the steeping process because the tea oils create a chemical reaction where oxygen is needed to facilitate this. Another nice feature is that is brings the water temp to exactly the boiling point and not over it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://coffeetea.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=coffeetea&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stashtea.com%2Fteatimes.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Storage Containers</span></a><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0279.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0279.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>If you want your tea to last a long time and stay fresh too, then I suggest you get yourself an airtight, porcelain jar. The keys to freshness are keeping sunlight out, keeping air out, and having a jar that won't allow contaminants to seep through or rub off like some plastic and metal ones do. You also want a jar that is going to seal properly and open easily. This is probably the best kind of jar you're going to find, and the latch insures that it will continue to seal for a long time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0280.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0280.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0282.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0282.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0291.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0291.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1144631464788275262006-04-01T17:35:00.000-06:002006-04-09T20:13:57.100-05:00A Tea Poet for your TeapotSo it's that time of the week again when I post a poem. I figure if you've enjoyed this week's teapot theme, then you should enjoy a poem, as both are considered art.<br /><br />The piece I chose is really on the arty side of poetry. It is one poem constructed out of many smaller poems. I call it....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Another Spring Journey</span><br /><br />Lilac<u><o:p></o:p></u> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Violent violet<br />Hums the key of B<br />Sharp and saturated<br />Purple passels<br />Drooping down<br /><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Sais</st1:city></st1:place> la vie</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>******************</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Time<u><br /><o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Has no barrier<br />It just flows<br />Like wine</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>And I am Drunk</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>******************</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">how do you help the poor<br />when they won’t accept a handout</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">help them help themselves,<br />but that takes time<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">time I need for my needs<br />because I want to want too</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">*******************</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lurid Lilac<u><o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pungent and nectareous<br />Delicious in redolence<br />Making mother’s day</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Roy G Biv<br />You chose one color<br />Like grapes</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>A bunch of jealousy</p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1143976889873024922006-03-30T06:18:00.000-06:002006-04-08T03:34:04.256-05:00Scouring for Savory ArticlesI've been searching the web for articles about tea ceremonies involving teapots recently and found <a href="http://www.teapots.net/">this site</a>. It has very little about ceremony practices, but it is a great introduction and history on how teapots came about. What prompted me to go searching in the first place was from looking at a gift I had received a few weeks back. It was a ceremonial teapot set that is used in China. It has the tiniest cups I've ever seen. They look like shot glasses, except for tea.<br /><br />My friend Hui Yi, or Alicia as she is known here comes from Malaysia and I believe she got the gift for me directly from China. So if you're reading this Alicia, thanks again. It's one of the cooler gifts I have gotten.<br /><br />In the pictures below you can see just how tiny everything is. I wouldn't steep the tea in this pot, but instead pour the tea into it when you are ready to serve. The traditional way would be to use a <a href="http://www.yixing.com/teapotinfo.html">Yi-Xing teapot</a> to steep the loose leaves, then drink directly from the spout.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0242.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0242.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0235.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0235.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0210.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0210.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0212.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0212.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0201.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0201.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Ceremony Article</span><br /><br />After many dead ends I found the perfect <a href="http://desires.com/1.4/Food/Docs/tea.html">Chinese Tea Ceremony</a> article that I was looking for. It says everything that I would want to know about what is sacred to China tea culture. The article is well written and details how the Chinese appreciate tea. "A Chinese tea ceremony is more about the tea than the ceremony", as quoted from the article says so much. They believe in fully enjoy tea for all its aesthetic properties, such as smell, taste, sight, and even the meditative feelings you can achieve by focusing your mind on the tea - living the tea. It's quite a beautiful thought to know that you can enjoy something so deeply.<br /><br />I would love to partake in a ceremony led by a true tea master, but I don't think I'm going to find too many up here in the Northwoods of Minnesota.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1143615968495730802006-03-29T01:05:00.000-06:002006-04-08T01:34:49.966-05:00More SpoutingContinuing this weeks theme on teapots I'd like to share a little about what I use. I have two teapots - one for practical use and the other for a more ceremonial purpose. Most professional tea drinkers or serious hobbyists will have more than just two pots. They will have an assortment that ranges from Chinese clay to ceramic Japanese, as well as the famous British teapot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0142.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0142.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm a poor college student so my options are very limited when it comes to choosing what I get to make my tea in. What I did choose is an English style teapot made of lead-free ceramic. Its specific brand name is Chatsford Teapot, which is very British sounding. They make the pot sizes up to 10 cups, but I chose the 6 cup teapot because that is plenty of tea for one person. If you're in the market for buying a teapot I'd recommend going no lower than a 4 cup pot, otherwise there won't be sufficient room for the loose leaves to unfurl as they steep.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0145.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0145.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The infuser (the filter that holds the tea) is a very important aspect to a teapot. Traditionally, the leaves are suppose to be unbound inside the teapot to achieve a maximum infusion, but for practical reasons and to save time cleaning up I prefer to use them. It also helps when you want to kill the steeping process immediately and then to clean up all you have to do is empty the filter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/IMGP0143.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/IMGP0143.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Of course, you want to have a good sized infuser with the finest holes so that only the tea liquor gets through. The larger the filter, the better the tea will be. This is especially true for the more gentle and light teas like white and green. Some teas like High Mountain Oolong, should only be brewed in the largest of filters, such as the 10 cup ones because the leaves are deceptively compact and will expand to a point where it will make the oils difficult to infuse.<br /><br /><br />There are plenty of places you can buy teapots on the web, but if you want to know where I got mine, it was from the site <a href="http://www.specialteas.com/English+Chatsford+Teapots/cid=98_99_103/category.html">Special Teas.</a> I paid somewhere around $30 for it and out of the 5 colors I chose white so I could see the teas color and it is easier to tell when it's clean.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1143527349233962292006-03-27T12:27:00.000-06:002006-04-07T03:37:13.676-05:00Teapot WeekFor this week I thought I'd go ahead and try something different. Something relating more to the niche side of tea. I was thinking something like teapots.<br /><br />They are absolutely essential if you're trying to make that great cup of loose leaf tea. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Teapots are the vessels of the steeping gods who bring forth those heavenly subtleties. There also is the fact that it's kind of hard to make a lot of loose leaf tea without one, but that's a minor detail.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Teapot Aficionados</span><br /></span><br />If you're one of those diehard fans of the handle and spout then you must check out the blogs I have listed below. They are authored by those who breath clay and porcelain, and the content provided would satisfy even the most barmy fanatic.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Blogs</span><br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://teapotsteapotsteapots.blogspot.com/">Teapots Teapots Teapots</a></li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/Teapots%20x3%20blog.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/Teapots%20x3%20blog.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This blog is probably the best you're going to find if you're looking for zany and unique teapots. I also believe that this is the only blog devoted soley to its subject - teapots. There really is no doubt when it comes to the name.<br /><br />Teapots Teapots Teapots is centered around photos, with short posts giving a few good details here and there, but the photos really speak for themselves. There are also a bunch of wonderful links to follow if your need for teapots is insatiable.<br /><br />The focus of this blog appears to be more on style than on functionality or traditions, which is perfectly fine. This doesn't mean that there is nothing to be gained either, as <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/9755892">Andy</a> (the blog creator) has some rather informative posts about the year the teapot was made, as well as putting the puchased price under each pot. This alone is very interesting to see how much value is placed for collectors. There are also details given from <a href="http://teapotsteapotsteapots.blogspot.com/2006/03/celebrity-teapot-auction.html">auctions</a> and festivals that might interest any tea fan who is unable to attend, considering the blog is based in the UK.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" >Absolute Tea Rank: [*] [*] [*] [*] [ ]</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Based on a teapot fan perspective only)</span><br /><br />That's 4 out of 5 for being a one of a kind, quality site. It's updated at a regular pace and is true to its blog name. The pictures are great and fun to look at. The reason this site loses a star is because it doesn't contain anything on the functionality of the pots. This is a minor thing though and perhaps it wouldn't fit anywhere in the blog either. That said, I highly recommend you at least take a peak at the site and scroll through a few photos. There is bound to be one in that massive list that appeals to you.<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://teamasters.blogspot.com/">Tea Masters</a></li></ul><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/Tea%20Masters%20blog.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/Tea%20Masters%20blog.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blog Description -</span> My Tea Blog: Discovering Oolong, Pu Er and the Art of Gong Fu Cha with Taiwan's Tea Masters.<br /><br />As you can probably see from the description, this blog isn't necessarily about teapots, but it has a focus on traditions and ceremonies that involve teapots. More often than not, you will find excellent information here about the functionality that bring out the flavors in tea.<br /><br />Throughout the site there is a high sense of professionalism and you get the feeling that <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/3650190">Stephane</a> (blog creator) knows what he is talking about. The fascinating thing about this blog is that it is written in a few different languages with no apparent pattern. It's as if he is tailoring subjects to different groups or people making it feel more personal and directed at individuals.<br /><br />The focus of this blog seems to be on how to enjoy tea at the expert level. In fact, there is a recent post that describes how to drink tea like a professional tea taster. The post is in English and there are numbered instructions that you can follow.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" >Absolute Tea Rank: [*] [*] [*] [*] [ ]</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Based on a teapot fan perspective only)</span><br /><br />I gave this site 4 out of 5 stars because it is a fantastic source of information regarding high-end teapots. The pictures are well done and the content is quite good for not being devoted to teapots. Tea Masters loses one star mostly because the site doesn't translate all its posts to English and it is not meant to be all about teapots. This really says something though for the quality and variety of the site, considering the information provided is as if the site was devoted to teapots. Another must see blog.<br /><br /><br />In case you lose this post in my archives I have put the sites in my sidebar. If I was rating these sites out of the context of a teapot fan I would definitely rate them at the highest mark. They are essential stops if you enjoy tea blogs.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1143450741503094922006-03-24T15:10:00.000-06:002006-04-01T16:03:48.313-06:00Poetry PostI must admit, for this post I don't have a poem that is based on tea, but I do have a poem none-the-less. This is perhaps the most unusual post I've ever made for this weblog and I rather enjoy it. I'm not quite sure that my poem fits with an oolong tea theme, as it (the poem) is a bit dark in mood opposed to the lightness of oolong tea. In any case I hope you can enjoy the contrast and that it provides you with thoughts of wonder and strangeness just like the name <span style="font-style: italic;">oolong</span> does.<br /><br />So without further ado, I present to you my poem of the week. It was inspired by a Harry Potter movie, which I really wish I wasn't compelled to tell you.<br /><br /><br />(This poem is short and meant to be read slowly, so take your time.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Is Never Fair</span><br /><br />At Midnight<br />Who tolls<br />But the bell<br /><br />Demons and horns<br />Neurotic thorns<br />That which comes from hell<br /><br />Be on guard<br />All those who dare<br />Creep past that gate<br /><br />No cry from heaven<br />Or fellow brethren<br />Will protect your fate<br /><br />So to your knees<br />And say that prayer<br />For the clock...Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1143079506533111822006-03-22T20:04:00.000-06:002006-03-25T21:36:00.226-06:00Oooo La La OolongThe history of Oolong tea is quite complex and very rich, as most all tea types are. Personally, I don't know all that much about oolong tea, but I know of some great places to find information. For this reason I believe that someone else should provide the expertise on oolong. My knowledge of tea will be used to identify the credibility in content of any site I analyze to help you find the best, and most accurate information. So this post is dedicated to all the other sites with info about oolong tea and I will rate their usefulness making your gathering process easier with an oolong portal.<br /><br />Due to time restraints I am only able to analyze 2 sites with any depth. I will however, include a list of unanalyzed sites just to give you a wider variety of info to choose from.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.oolongtea.org/e/"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Oolong Tea</span></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/the%20oolong%20tea.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/the%20oolong%20tea.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><ul><li>Absolute Site Rating: [*][*][*][*][ ]<br /></li></ul>A great first stop on your way to discovering what oolong tea is all about. There are many different topics of discussion within the site giving quality information from respected individuals, such as honorary tea masters. As well, each page is designed for maximum clarity and ease of reading with well placed pictures, graphics, and subtitled sections.<br /><br />Wide spectrums of information are provided to enhance a comprehensive knowledge of oolong tea. On top of this there is also a section devoted to health properties. Together, all of this leads to a very satisfying, yet brief introduction to oolong tea.<br /><br />Some places this site is lacking lies within the detail of individual topics or subtitled info bits. They are great in many respects, but when it comes to getting into a deep and focused discussion of each part there is failing. There is also the fact that quite a few of the statistics are in either Chinese or Japanese characters. This makes it difficult to connect some of the images to what is being said in the text. I'm not exactly clear why there are two different languages on this site but it doesn't distract too much and kind of adds a little spice to the information they give. Now they just need graphics in English along side the other one.<br /><br />On a final note for this site, I would like to mention that the URL address ends with a .org, which in my mind lends more credibility to the site, but it might not necessarily mean that it is. I just thought I would point that out to you since I so highly recommend you visit this site.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.detox-cleanse.com/oolongoz/process.htm">Oolong Oz</a><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/1600/oolong%20oz.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2060/2112/320/oolong%20oz.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><ul><li>Absolute Site Rating: [*][*][*][ ][ ]<br /></li></ul>This site struck me as unique among the countless other tea expert sites who try to get you to buy their products. Although it may only have one short page of general introductory oolong tea information, it is very solid and compact. In other words, there is very good and concise writing within this tea site.<br /><br />Searching further, you discover that there is much more specific information regarding <a href="http://www.detox-cleanse.com/oolongoz/danielReidArticle.htm">High Mountain Oolong Tea</a>. In fact, a lot more with a large article by Daniel Reid that discusses many things I missed when I analyzed that same tea <a href="http://absolutetea.blogspot.com/2006/03/oolong-mystery-tea.html">earlier this week</a>.<br /><br />Other interesting things I found about this site are the brewing instructions for High Mountain Oolong Tea. They are incredibly complex and long making them seem almost like a ceremony process. In all accounts, they are not practical for the average loose leaf brewer.<br /><br />Some things that lowered this sites rating were the limited variety in content, and a lack of anything substantial to lend credibility to the information. They did have a nice place to learn things about <a href="http://www.detox-cleanse.com/oolongoz/aboutUs.htm">what the site is about</a> (such as they are Australians) and who and why they run it, but it just isn't enough for me.<br /><br />A final thing I would like to point out about this site is its <a href="http://www.detox-cleanse.com/oolongoz/teaPoetry.htm">tea poetry section</a>. It was well done and very surprising for me too find. I guess it never occurred to me that there was poetry about tea, which is odd considering I have poetry within this weblog. Just a thought, and maybe I will include some poems about tea in the future... who knows?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:180%;">A Quick Run Through</span><br /></span><br />These are the sites I didn't spend too much time on. I've rated each one, but this is just a first impression rating and should not be mistaken for my absolute approval.<br /><br /><a href="http://fergusmurray.members.beeb.net/oolong.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Oolong (Wu Long) Tea</span></a><br /><br />Absolute Impression Rating: [*][*][*][ ][ ]<br /><br />Cool design - good content.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oolong"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Wikipedia</span></a><br /><br />Absolute Impression Rating: [*][*][*][*][ ]<br /><br />I believe this site speaks for itself.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chineseteaforyou.com/site/1023330/page/531577"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Chinese Tea For You</span></a><br /><br />Absolute Impression Rating: [*][ ][ ][ ][ ]<br /><br />Not much content and looks a little cheesy - has a nice little blurb.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/oolong.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Body Building.com<br /></span></a><br />Absolute Impression Rating: [*][*][ ][ ][ ]<br /><br />Different perspective - too much into marketing its product.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.adagio.com/oolong/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Adagio Teas</span></a><br /><br />Absolute Impression Rating: [*][*][ ][ ][ ]<br /><br />Great pictures with captions and a bit of intro info - all for marketing.<br /><br /><br /><br />This concludes my oolong tea info list. I hope that the links above lead you to everything you ever wanted to know about this particular tea. I do recommend you try a variety of oolong so that you have a reference when you drink black or green tea. It will definitely help expand your taste bud sensitivity.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22313093.post-1142968129326712692006-03-21T12:59:00.000-06:002006-03-21T13:13:43.763-06:00RSS FeedingI've recently added some RSS feeding links to my sidebar incase you want to add my blog. If you're not quite sure how RSS works or you don't know which site is best for you, follow this link to<a href="http://email.about.com/cs/rssfeedreaders/tp/windows_free.htm"> About.com.</a><br /><br />There you will find 10 sites and review on each. They tell the pros and cons of everything, which really helps when deciding on what reader to get. Personally, I chose Newsgator because it looked like a quality reader and the site design is simple, but don't feel you need to get that one as there are many many more that could be better for you.<br /><br />At the moment I only have a few reader links to chose from, but I plan on adding more in the near future. So if you want to know when a new post is available on my blog please add my rss feed url to your reader.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02713102590343723605noreply@blogger.com0