Neil Gaiman has been writing on the topic of tea lately and in his last journal entry he linked to a BBC article on proper tea preparation titled, oddly enough, “.” I certainly am an improper tea maker. My method usually doesn’t involve pre-warming the pot or doing most steps in the suggested order. I’ll give this suggested process a try in the coming days, though.
Now for something not related to tea or coffee whatsoever (Unless you’re counting strips like Too Much Coffee Man). Scott McCloud, author of Reinventing Comics, wrote an excellent comic in 2001 that explores the increasing importance that micropayments will play in the future of art (especially music and comics) and related fields as our world embraces digital experiences more and more. “Coins of the Realm Pt. 2” explores the problems and opportunities that online art distribution holds. I especially appreciated that he pointed out how many people can’t afford access to the quantity and quality of art we would like because of the presense of middlemen and unnecessary cost between us and artists. Piracy is not always (or even mostly) done because people wish to steal or don’t value art, but because of the exact opposite; those of us who truly love art wish to experience it, even when we don’t have the resources to purchase it at the inflated prices of intermediaries and don’t see an appropriate amount of the money we spend going to artists. I certainly hope more artists find ways to deliver their creations more directly to us while increasing their ability to make a living doing the vital work they do.
If you’re ever bored and want to look at some interesting new websites, I’d recommend trying StumbleUpon, a great tool that takes you to sites recommended by other users. Through it I came upon Scott McCloud’s site and several other sites I’ve enjoyed tonight. If you’re using Firefox (and if you aren’t, you really, really should!) you can find the StumbleUpon plugin here. Thanks to Susana for sharing this with me.
I have 4.5 hours of training for my new job to be followed by 12 at my current job tomorrow. I can’t say that’s a welcome prospect to me, but I’ll sleep in on my first day off to balance things out. I’m trying to think of something to do this week with my days off but am drawing a blank. What do the rest of you do with days off when you have no one else to hang out with and are saving every cent for a top secret plan?
13 comments on “Pointing… and Some More Tea”
I make my nightly tea in a little microwave-safe Asian-style pot. With cute little handle-less cups. Since it’s chamomile for my insomnia, I use 3 tea bags and let it steep for 10 minutes. I add a tiny bit of sugar, though I’d prefer honey. And that’s it for tea at my house. Someday I’ll try every tea I can find, though. It’s one of my favorite things. ^_^
That is IT: If either I were to become a Canadian or you an American, we’re opening a coffee/tea joint. Watch out, Starbucks. 😉
On my days off, I sleep, go for a walk, sit online, and drink coffee.
What’s this ‘top secret plan’? Have I been informed of this? (If so, I am drawing a groggy blank.) You are more definitely in my thoughts today. I hope all goes well.
Oh, it’d have to be a Bookworm Cafe, really cozy with book shelves along the walls. Yes, we could tap into the too-quiet for Starbucks crowd. 😉
The plan is so top secret that no one knows about it. I’m not even entirely sure myself.
Thanks for your thoughts. The training went fairly well. Now 12 hours of work remains. Joy.
OMG! Jesus is an icon!
😉
Tracie has already promised me she and Bill will buy me a Bosendorfer if they win the lottery, so at the very least, I might allow it to be rolled in for show. Spiffy. 😉
I want to know about the plan!!!!!!!
I hope they select the right numbers then. 😉 Hey, having piano playing at the coffee and tea place would definitely improve the atmosphere.
I might let you know some of the plan soon.
I swear to improve on my grand “YAHD-AH-BOW-ATHHH” belt and manic pounding of the keys as to not scare potential customers.
And that’s it.
*glues coffee machine to the floor, chairside*
I shall not move until you tell me of this plan.
Damnit, that’s not fair. Can’t a fellow have his secrets?
I suppose I can allow for one, frantically scribbling lyrics making mad dashes as I am.
Will you be sharing these new lyrics?
I had them up in LJ last night/this morning but took them down.
Oh, check your gmail account for music I sent this morning if you have not already.
I’m SO glad you told me to check gmail. Otherwise, I’d’ve not heard the song until next week. I’m listening now. It’s interesting—the guy sounds a little like Adam Duritz from Counting Crows, to me.
Hmm… I can hear the similarity with Adam. I really like the band. I ordered their album after hearing 3 tracks from it.