Copernicus and the Renaissance
De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres) was a book by Nicolaus Copernicus. A book discussing the revolutions of the planets that played a big role in one of the greatest scientific revolution of what we know about history. In this book Copernicus presented his Heliocentric ”theory” with the Sun at the center of the universe. After him Kepler, Galileo Galilei and many other scientists and astronomers followed.
Copernicus theories were very influential even before the publication of his book, and circulating among the intellectuals of his time, many of them being strongly inspired and influenced by his theory.
Actually his calculations were far from being correct, but that doesn’t really matters because it was the inspirations for people who came after him to go ahead in the research.
It is always interesting how some people, geniuses perhaps, develop something that creates a breaking point in the history of some discipline, being art, science or whatever, and from that point a revolution start…most of the time if you look at their work after several years it is full of mistakes, but the point is: they started it. They created the revolution and all those people that starting from his studies developed more advanced studies, they partially owe it to him.
Cool it down with Khao Chae
With all the heat going on in Thailand up to 40 degrees during the day you must experience difficulties in eating out or a severe drop in food appetite, everything is too hot!!
For instance, I have to give up going to eat at my favorite food stalls during lunch break because I find it too much of a self-torturing by eating under the cruel noon sunlight. Well, but on the bright side, during this time of year you can also find the unique food that soothes your dehydration and fills your stomach up good…we call it “Khao Chae” or Soaked Rice.
Khao Chae is mainly consisted of rice in jasmine scented water, accompanied by side dishes which are small fried shrimp paste balls, fried sweet pepper, sweetened fish, salty beef, pork mixed with fish, onion, and a lot of boiled vegetables. Originally, Khao Chae is not Thai dish but comes from Mon people (the ethnic group of people from Burma). Mon people prepare this complicated dish as an offering to the Songkran goddess.
Khao Chae used to be served only in the royal court of King RamaV as it was one of his majesty’s favorite dishes. Then, thanks to M.L. Neung Ninrat, the cook of King RamaV royal court, she is the first person to introduce Khao Chae to the common Thai society. Now you can find Khao Chae in many Thai restaurants or even in the street food stall…that proves the dish’s popularity.
The secret of Khao Chae is in the rice and the scented water. A fair amount of jasmine flowers are used to float in the water to give it a beautiful scent. In the past, we use rain water as it contains the natural coolness and refreshing taste but now, due to the increasing pollution and hygienic reasons, we use cold mineral water instead (at some restaurants they might even add ice cubes in it). The rice that is used in making Khao Chae is not Jasmine rice as it will be too soft in water. The right rice for making Khao Chae is called Khao Ta Haeng as it offers firmer texture. The taste of fried shrimp paste is also considered important. The good cook must know how to prepare his/her shrimp paste to the right taste.
Now, before you rush out to find yourself a good set of Khao Chae, please also note about the proper way to eat it, “Always eat the side dish first then follow with the refreshing jasmine scented rice”. For me, the first bite of Khao Chae is a bit weird but it also leaves an addictive yet refreshing feeling in my mouth…so I don’t mind asking for more!
Have a nice meal.
// You can find traditional “Khao Chae Chao Wang” (Royal Court Soaked Rice) at the following places and many Thai restaurants around Bangkok during summer.
· Lai Ros Restaurant tel. (66) 2 279 2895 (Rama6 Road branch), (66) 2 712 5777 (Sukhumvit 49 branch)
· Benjarong Restaurant at Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel tel. (66) 2 200 9000 ext. 2699
· Celadon Restaurant at The Sukhothai Bangkok Hotel tel. (66) 2 344 8888
*Please note that the last two restaurants are a bit pricey.
Vintage vs. New
Have you ever wondered how many things you purchased in the last 10 years you’re still using?
My mother got this Fuji camera (picture above) about 30 years ago.
It has been used a lot, traveled around the world and it’s still in perfect conditions…it still looks new and gorgeous while most of the cameras you buy now, after 1 year will already looks old and all the new models will have better functions. Then after 2 years you probably can throw it away because most of the time it won’t be working anymore or it will just be too outdated in terms of “pixels” video quality or whatever.
And this works not only for cameras but for everything that is produced nowadays…think about all the products you got in the last 10 years: how many of those things are still working? how many things that you buy in the last 10 years you’re still using? Any phone? Any digital camera? Any desktop or laptop computer? Any television or audio system?
Probably the only things you’re still using are those produced in the old style. Take for example musical instruments: if you buy a Guitar it will still be ok in the next 10 years but if you buy any synthesizer or electronic equipment it will become obsolete in a very short time.
well…just a shopping advice!
Article by Jacopo Gianninoto
Bubble Tea, Anyone?
Have you ever noticed a fair amount of people…mostly women…gathering in front of a tea stall during a lunch break hour on weekdays in Bangkok? No, it’s not that they have 50% off sales there or anything. These people are merely waiting for their tasty beverages called “Bubble Tea” being made.
What’s so special about it? Well, I must say it’s like the chewy feeling you get from bubblegum…or all those gummy snacks we used to eat when we were kids. Here in Bangkok we call it “Pearl Milk Tea” or “Cha-nom-kai-mook”, the first brand that introduces this beverage to Bangkok is Mr.Shake and they really do make a lot of profit out of it.
Just like many trends here in good old BKK that simply just come and go after a certain amount of time passes, the rise of Pearl Milk Tea also taking the same path. Until not long ago this beverage just makes a comeback…under the new tea house brand named “Ochaya”. Mr.Shake’s business also gain advantage of the situation, but only as the second choice when the waiting line of Ochaya begins to be too long to bare.
The round jellies that they refer to as the “Pearls” are made of simple tapioca starch. The beverages are originated in Taichung, Taiwan during the 1980s and are spread all over the world. The recipes are varied but normally will contain tea as the base and then can be mixed with other fruit juices and syrups with or without milk depend on the tea house’s creativity. In Bangkok I see Ochaya now doing a new invention on the jellies as they call it “Collagen Pearl” (obviously not a real collagen in my personal view). Oh well, as long as you don’t over-consume it I guess it won’t do any harm.
From my observation the regular customers of this tea shop are ranged from students to office workers…and most of them are female. I rarely see a guy waiting in line or going around with that kind of beverage in his hand. But anyway, no matter how nonsense this beverage seems to be, you’ll be surprised to find how many people become addicted to these chewy drinks.
Now anyone wants to go get bubble tea? My favorite is jasmine green tea…
Article by Sasikarn Vechprasit
Yarnnakarn Art&Craft Studio
Looking for something special for your room decoration? Gifts on special events?
Maybe Yarnnakarn Art&Craft Studio is what you need!
This week I happened to stumble into a very cute ceramic shop located at Jatujak market or the popular JJ Weekend Market in Bangkok. The shop’s mood&tone reminds you of the attic in some abandoned house full of vintage objects. Karin Phisolyabut, an experienced Thai ceramic design professional, impresses his clients with the ability to create conceptual objects with nostalgic past that blends into modern time. Some of them also inspired by the beauty of nature’s shapes and forms.
Based on the mellow air of contemporary design, Yarnnakarn offers their ceramic products in variety…from a tiny tea cup to large vase and cute bird sculpture. Each product ranges are completed with delicate designs and different type of techniques in order to make each of them unique. And besides from what they have in store, you can also commission them to design a private collection for you, make them even more special!
Ok let’s see…I’ll have to get me a new ceramic tea cup next week…and maybe a new vase for my working table too.
You can visit their website here
Or visit their shop at Jatujak (JJ) Weekend Market, near Khamphaengphet MRT Station
Karin Phisolyabut graduated his BA degree in Ceramic Design from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. He then moved on to finish his MA degree in Fine Art from University College for the Creative Arts in UK. Now he’s working in Bangkok as Creative Director of Yarnnakarn Art&Craft Studio where he looks after product design and brand image.
Article by Sasikarn Vechprasit
Spaghetti Bolognese?
I’m sure that if you walked in an Italian restaurant around the world you noticed one of the most popular dishes in the Menu would be the “Spaghetti (alla) Bolognese” and that literally means “spaghetti in the Bologna style”.
The point is that if you happen to go in Bologna, a city of great cultural heritage where the first University of the world was opened in the year 1088, but also a city with a great culinary tradition, and you ask for a “Spaghetti Bolognese” the reactions might go from surprise and laugh to the understanding that you are just a tourist and you simply have no idea…
Let me explain: what is normally called “bolognese” is a type of meat sauce, that is surely often found in the Bolognese cuisine but it is also part of several other culinary traditions in Italy, and it is normally called Ragù. This sauce is used in several dishes such as Lasagne and different type of pasta especially Tagliatelle, Fettuccine or Gnocchi. In Italy in general is not very common to use Ragù for spaghetti, actually very rare i would say, but in Bologna it would be almost impossible since in that culinary tradition the type of pastas used are mostly the fresh egg-pasta.
We can of course say that there is a typical way of preparing “Ragù alla Bolognese” which might be different from that of other cities in Italy, and if you gather people from other cities in Emilia-Romagna (the region where Bologna is) and other parts of Italy you would surely have a lot of fun in listening to their arguments over culinary matters and who invented what, and how to cook this or that dish and so on.
However the most important thing is this: Spaghetti alla Bolognese? There’s no such thing in Bologna.
In the picture an example of Tagliatelle al Ragù with some Parmigiano Reggiano cheese on top…yeah what’s normally called Parmesan cheese…we’ll talk about it in an another article!
Buon Appetito
Article by Jacopo Gianninoto
A Brighter Shades of Retro
If you are in the central of Bangkok and in need of a place to meet friends before going elsewhere, or just to sit back and relax, Shades of Retro is one of the best choice.
As the name suggests, this cozy bar is swarmed by 1970’s decorative items and furniture, which are happened to be available for purchasing too besides the drinks! For instant, you can try sitting on that cute sofa all night before making a decision…sounds good, eh? And with an easy going vibes, you might think you are hanging out in one of your trendy friend’s place.
This place is often packed with youngster crowds…a mix between young office workers and members of some creative houses, or regulars who love to chill out before going clubbing. For the drinks, they have variety kind of beers including Laos beer which everyone falls in love with. The cocktails here are quite good too; you can try a refreshing Mojito or my personal favorite, Russian Raisin (a good mix of grape juice and vodka…yum). But most of all…the price here is reasonably cheap! with only around 120 Thai baht for the beers and 140-150 Thai baht for the cocktails.
One thing to keep in mind is this place serves no food…but you will get free flow popcorn all night long (yes!)…and for sure you will be surprised how much popcorn can fit in a human belly!
Tel. (66) 81-824-8011
Opening Hours: Daily from early afternoon (around 2pm) until 1am
How to get there: You can get a taxi from Thonglor BTS Station to Soi Thara Rom 2 which located between Soi Thonglor 16 and 18. Walk down Soi Thara Rom 2 about 50 meters then you’ll see Shades of Retro on your right.
Article by Sasikarn Vechprasit
The Iron Lady
Just a couple of days ago we went to see “The Iron Lady”. Once again a biographical movie, and in this case about a living person: Margaret Thatcher.
The movie itself is very boring, insignificant except for the quality of the leading actress Meryll Streep. But what’s interesting to observe once again is this way of presenting the main character as a sort of hero, and good person without mentioning of the negative sides. Now this is ok when we are talking about fictional characters in movies because we can understand the need of the industry to “entertain”, but if we apply this to real people that might be very dangerous.
I’m not going too far in discussing the political life of “Maggie”, but I’m sure you can find a lot of information around the internet and then judge my yourself.
The right approach to this type of film making should be to present all the point of view and not only that of the main character, because movies have the power to influence the perception that new generations might have of historical events, so there is a responsibility by the industry.
…Oh well or maybe as Napoleon Bonaparte says ” What is history but a fable agreed upon?“…(actually there are several versions of this quote but the meaning is always the same!)
Article by Jacopo Gianninoto
Baroque Me Baby #5
If you happen to be in Bangkok on March 4th Make sure you don’t miss Baroque Me Baby #5. This is going to be a very special performance because starting from the concept of taking Baroque music out of the museums and make it alive again, this time there will be an interaction with a contemporary dance group: “Urban Bones Dance Company”. Can you imagine that? Improvising baroque music with some dancers doing a performing action and involving also the baroque musicians? This must be something…come find out by yourself! March 4th at 6pm // Emporium Shopping Mall 6th Floor at the Kiosk Coffee shop in TCDC.
Foot For Thought
Now do me a favor, keep your eyes open while you are out and about in Bangkok…and if you happened to notice a massive amount of similar flip-flops on Bangkok ladies’ feet…that’s what has been going on here. These shoes are spreading around like a disease. Don’t get scared, calm down, it’s not an alien invasion in a form of horrible flip-flops.
Those shoes are imported from UK to Bangkok along with their acclaimed (but not proven) benefits as the “flip-flops with the gym built in”. So how far can you go with the belief of wearing flip-flops to tone and trim your leg instead of having to go through a regular workout? Well, who wouldn’t like it? just walk around in those flip-flops and you will get a tighter buns? I don’t know about you guys but for us girls it sounds like salvation.
The shoes’ patented technology is designed and developed by scientists and researchers in London. It claims to help burn extra calories, reduce cellulite, and tone your thighs. Up until now there is no certified results or comprehensive research study that can back up the claims. But what I know for sure is nothing can get rid of cellulite except regular exercise or strength training that can only help “diminish appearance” of cellulite. And as I’d been through many websites regarding the result of the shoes, I found the shoes really do give “benefits”…but only not what they claim to do. Many people says the shoes is really comfortable and supportive for walking but for other benefits are still varies. Some says they really feel their muscles workout a lot while others says it’s just a temporary soreness causes by the unstable sole design of the shoes that makes your muscles struggle to maintain balance for the body…this soreness will eventually subside as your body adjusts to the shoes.
But above all, I couldn’t make myself to appreciate the design at all…and plus, the price seems to be so overstated for a pair of flip-flops (3,000-4,000 Thai Baht/pair in BKK or around $50 in US) with plastic material. And I don’t know why but I see many ladies who are nicely dressed but wear these flip-flops…which is a great way to down-grade their looks. I mean, it’s ok to wear it on your casual days…at home, at the beach, or somewhere in the suburbs…BUT definitely NOT for going out in the city or anywhere urban (even they try to design it to be casual modern). It doesn’t mean that you pay a lot for it therefore you can pair it with nice outfits and go around anywhere regardless the circumstances…that is a total fashion crime.
Article by Sasikarn Vechprasit
The Romantic Guitar
The romantic guitar was very different from the modern ”Classical Guitar”, it was a smaller instrument with a shorter string length and construction principles.
Som of the most significant guitar makers at that time were René François Lacôte from France, Gianbattista and Gennaro Fabricatore from Italy, Johann Georg Stauffer from Austria (even Franz Schubert was playing one of his guitars), Juan Pagès from Spain and Louis Panormo, Italian-French luthier working in England that was (according to his own label) “making guitars in the Spanish style”. Later in the second part of the XIX Century the Spanish luthier Antonio Torres would further develop the construction techniques and standards to create the instruments that would become the reference model for all guitar makers and that we can define as the “Classical Guitar”.
Historical evidence suggest that among the most relevant guitar composers Aguado, Carcassi, Carulli and Coste used Lacôte guitars, Giuliani was using Fabricatore and probably also Stauffer during his Viennese period; Legnani used to work in close connection with Stauffer to create the famous “Stauffer-Legnani” model; Paganini was using a Fabricatore model while Mertz and Regondi were using Stauffer guitars.
The Spanish virtuoso Fernando Sor was using several different guitars: Lacote, Panormo (later in his career) and other instruments such as Rada and Pagès guitars; Sor used to write: “if I wanted an instrument, I would procure it from M. Joseph Martinez of Malaga, or from M. Lacote […] The guitars to which I have always given the preference are those of Alonzo of Madrid, Pagès and Benediz of Cadiz, Joseph and Manuel Martinez of Malaga, or Rada, successor and scholar of the latter, and those of M. Lacote of Paris. I do not say that others do not exist; but never having tried them, I cannot decide on that which I have no knowledge.”
In the picture a Fabricatore Guitar from the year 1819 (Italian School)
Article by Jacopo Gianninoto
Get Crafty!
Bored with the current fashion trends? Wanna do a style rebel? Then it’s time to craft your fashion enthusiasm to another level!
Whether you are a total dummy or quite experienced, at The Fashion and Craft Training Studio in Bangkok you will get to design and create your dream bag! The bag making courses that they offer require no experience but, of course, you must have passion for fashion. The studio was founded in 2007 and had been pretty successful ever since. And beside bag making, they also offer dress making courses for those who want to match the bag with their costumes. Every course is organized in classes of small groups so expect a very friendly and relaxing atmosphere.
For more information and details you can check
http://www.facebook.com/DearyFlower or http://fastudio.exteen.com/
Seats are limited to 5 persons for each course so be sure to hurry when the courses are available for apply.
Happy crafting!
