Brucano Net » Living With History

5,000 Year Old Tea Traditions Celebrated in Seattle Shops

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:25:12 +0000

Do you know how long people have been growing and brewing tea? Are you thinking a couple thousand years? If so, you’re off by a long shot. Tea is one of the oldest agricultural products from ancient China, dating back at least five thousand years. Legend says that the emperor Shennong accidentally discovered how to brew tea and he taught his people to cultivate it. Tea went on to become an important medicinal and agricultural product.

Today there are hundreds of tea blends and categories. Many people divide teas into four major groups: white teas, green teas, oolong teas, and black teas. White teas are made from young, not-yet-mature leaves. Green teas are made from mature leaves but they are not processed very much. Oolong teas are partially fermented and black teas are fully fermented. Tradition holds that the finest teas are picked by monkeys.

If you live in the Seattle area or visit there, you may have heard of the various Seattle tea rooms like Xiu Xian Tea. Xiu Xian Tea actually has two locations, neither in Seattle. The older store is located in Kent, WA to the south of Seattle. The newer location is in Bellevue, east of Seattle. Nonetheless, many Seattlites enjoy visiting the Xiu Xian Tea rooms because of the charming decor and friendly atmosphere. Customers may be invited to join in a spontaneous tea demonstration and regaled with stories of tea processing and flavoring.

Although no two teas are alike, many of the tea houses are said to offer their own special blends. Each year customers vote on the best tea houses in the area. Xiu Xian was chosen 4th Best Tea House in Western Washington 2009 and is a nominee for the 2010 award. Voting begins on August 30 and if you have not yet decided who will get your vote you may want to drop by the Kent or Bellevue stores soon to make up your mind.

Tea shops share ancient traditions in a modern setting. Direct tea importers offer customers exotic and flavorful alternatives to the factory blends sold in grocery stores (although some custom tea blends do appear in area grocery stores as well). You may not yet be a tea connoiseur but once you have spent a few hours visiting Seattle area tea houses you may never go back to coffee again.

Encounter the Story of the Castles of England

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:16:25 +0000

In excess of 30 old castles still exist in the southeast section of England as reminders of the days when Great britain was a nation divided by dominating families who constructed solid forts to safeguard their lands from invaders, both international and local. Present-day castle excursions enable visitors to get a sense of how vital these magnificently protected buildings are to the rich history and heritage of Great britain. Discovering the the royal collections of distinctive aristocrats including Mary Queen of Scots during guided trips of the Arundel Castle in West Sussex provide visitors a sense of the grandeur and grace that surrounded the British aristocracy in medieval times. The specialist guides tell tales that bring the past to life as they recount famed struggles and tales that are around this exciting castle. At the majestic Guildford Castle, tourists can safely go up to high on top of the Great Tower to see the breathtaking view that was utilized by the castle’s defenders to see nearing enemy soldiers. Inside are shows that let visitors see models of the castle as it was formerly created in the 1300s. Informative videos explain the function that Guildford Castle played out in British story. Once the magnificent Herstmonceux castle comes into view, tourists are amazed by the moat that emphasizes how sturdy defenses were necessary to dissuade invaders when this castle was built in the turbulent times of 15th century England. Even though once in ruins, the castle has been wonderfully restored and is now house of the Queen’s Bader Institute. Encompassing the castle next to the moat are public gardens that echo the Elizabethan age when lands were exquisite play grounds for the aristocracy. Following the turning forest paths that steer to forest sculptures that are shown in the Shakesphere garden, Rose Garden and the Herb Garden present tourists an idea of how the romance of valiance was once played out amid these dramatic surroundings. High upon the famous white cliffs of Kent, the Dover Castle’s breath-taking views across the English channel make it obvious why this historic site has been put to use for centuries to protect the south eastern shores of Britain. Dover Castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1066 after his triumph at the Battle of Hastings, yet there are ruins encircling the castle that date back much further, and proof of improvements through the years. Viewing the many editions of this strategic site, which includes a hall once referred to as Arthur’s Hall, gives present day visitors an idea of Britain’s rich history. When you get into Hever Castle, the childhood residence of Anne Boylen, the homely ambiance is quite distinct from other southeastern English castles. The exhibits of individual items and copies of the dresses worn by the six wives of Henry the VIII reflects the opulence of 16th century Tudor life style. But the group of weaponry, armour and tools of torture and execution in the Council Chamber speak of a much darker side of life full of high intrigue and real danger that lurked in the medieval courts. Find out more information and facts about some of the many Castles in England

The Legacy of Johns Hopkins

admin — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:12:26 +0000

Johns Hopkins left his family’s Maryland home at the age of 17 to work for an uncle in Baltimore. At the age of 24, he set up his own mercantile house. He invested heavily in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and became its director in 1847. Later on, he served as the company’s Chairman of Finance.

Hopkins was a wealthy entrepreneur who devoted his life to philanthropy and abolitionism. When he died on December 24, 1973, Hopkins left $7 million worth of stocks at Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. As per his request, the money was used to finance the foundation of the Johns Hopkins Colored Children Orphan Asylum. Since Hopkins also specified his desire to establish educational institutions, the Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876. Other Johns Hopkins institutions were set up in the following years, including the Johns Hopkins Press, Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Throughout his life, Johns Hopkins openly expressed his opposition to slavery and his unwavering support for quality education and medicine for the poor, elderly, women, and blacks. The various institutions brought to life by his passionate desire to serve others are among the best resources in the fields of education, medicine, research, patient care, and public service. Johns Hopkins University’s mission epitomizes their founder’s philosophy in life: expanding knowledge and using this knowledge for the good of humanity.

Johns Hopkins’ legacy lives in the institutions he once only dreamed of creating.

Learn more about noted media personality and active philanthropist Dr. Laura Schlessinger on the Faces of Philanthropy site.

Laura Schlessinger recently appeared on a Today show segment and caused considerable controversy with her no-nonsense advice.

Keep yourself up to date with Dr Laura on her personal YouTube channel.