Tea Art Blog - Enriching Life

MY SON'S ARTWORK

2012-01-01T05:50:00.001-08:00

HOW TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

2011-11-24T05:26:00.001-08:00

HOW TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS GROWTH

A very warm welcome to this talk.

How many of you have difficulties in sustaining your business? Pause.

Everyone knows how easy it is to start a business. The REAL Challenge is to sustain it and making big profits.

Today I am going to share with you 4 Proven Tips on how to sustain business growth and make real profits.

To proceed further, I like to use this UNIQUE tea port to illustrate the following 4 points.

a) Design
b) Message
c) Trade Mark
d) Something New

Point 1. It is obviously clear that this tea pot was created for far more than its intended functions and features. Because its design is so Amazingly Beautiful, it makes it suitable to be as a decorative item after use.

This illustrates the point that we can't afford to ignore Design should we desire to sustain this business growth.

Again, Apple is using this Proven tip to create an ultra thin and wide screen for its iPhone to get its product noticed. Thus, it has successfully created and added value in the users' perspective.

Point 2. By incorporating a popular quotation at the surface of this pot, the people may connect it with the creator whenever they see the tea pot and hence have a high tendency to form a long lasting memory of the creator in their minds.

Therefore, the purpose of crafting a satisfying narrative is to get the message in sustaining this business.

In this connection, Apple is sending a clear message of simplicity as its identity seen consistently throughout all its products.

Point 3. The trade mark at the bottom of this pot, not only reflects the creator's identity in term of its specialty, uniqueness, and other talents, but also serves as an attractive power for people to unearth its underlying story.

Similar concept also has been employed by all the long successful corporations. Apple for instance, has been successful in creating an Impression of high quality for its products, apart from its simplicity as its identity.

Point 4. With the above smart strategies, its creator has indirectly enhance its new usage. This tea port is also used as a hedging tool against inflation amongst its collectors. Hence, it stays significantly relevant at all times and continuously enjoy long and lasting business growth over many centuries. In short, it is obviously creating not only new demand but remains a significant contributor in the global economy.

Such strategies employed by Apple for the introduction of its new products such as iPad, which is far more superior than iPhone and Laptop. Hence, it delivers SOMETHING that we do NOT EVEN KNOW THAT we ARE MISSING by Combining email, internet browser and social network into something new.

With this, a new product is born by combining 3 devices into 1 device. I repeat, it is not 3 separate devices, but 1 device.

With the above 4 points, I am very sure that you will find them useful when you plan your future business to ensure that it can sustain the business and make REAL profit.

In conclusion, it is critically important to remember that starting business is very easy, the real challenge is how we can sustain the business for the real long term profit.

With my 4 points explained earlier, you can use it wisely and diligently to ensure your success in sustaining any business of your choice. With this, I wish you all the best of luck.

- 562 words

James Oh

http://my.linkedin.com/pub/oh-james/12/a11/29b

http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Oh/706849667

http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Oh/706849667#!/pages/Lift-You-Up-Always-there-for-You/176685462397920

Skype me at james.oh18

TEA C SPECIAL

2011-10-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Very warm welcome to this life enriching blog.

Recently I came across the photo of "Tea C Special", which was so appealing when it was displayed on the table. I do not know why they named it such, despite it being more appropriately called as three layers tea. Dark tea at the bottom of the glass, milk in the middle, whereas the mixture of this two is at the top of the glass.

I tried and drank this tea several times in last couple of weeks whenever I have my lunch there. To me, it tasted well with rice, fried Koay Teow and Koay Teow soup. This may be due to the sweetness of the tea, which they had added sugar in it.

No wonder the poster of the tea comes with the slogan in mandarin as "Tea in mouth and Joy in heart." It describes well the significant joy this tea bring to human beings when you sip in this tea. I am not sure whether it is of western origin, as the way it prepares is more inclined to western style where milk and sugar are added in. Moreover, it was also added with ice cubes after it forms the three layers. To have clearer picture of it, I append a copy of its' photo for your viewing pleasure.

Only one size of the tea is sold and each glass costs RM 2.30. It appears to be reasonably priced. This is may be because the shop is from the outskirt of a Big town and is not very commonly found. If you come to this restaurant Maxis, opposite the Continental Workshop at Pekan Subang Perdana, please try it. If you have tasted, please don't forget to revert to us of your findings. Thanks for your feedback in advance.

If you find this article interesting, kindly direct your circle of friends to this blog.

Have a fruitful weekend.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

WONDERFUL LUNCH AT TEA HOUSE IN PENANG

2011-10-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

WARM WELCOME TO THIS TEA ART BLOG

In my preceding article, you may be aware of my recent fruitful trip back to my home town in Penang. As a result, several articles were written especially on Dr Sun Yet Sen's museum. I had to run up and down taking photos of those interesting places I visited and to blog out at the end of the day. At the same time, I also collected some reading materials on those tourist areas which I have visited to promote my hometown, which was left far behind for the last couple of decades. Now, it is the time for me to pay back to the state I belong to.

With so much activities, yet I did not feel tired. From my face, you may feel that I have lots of energy to carry out other activities I planned much earlier. I even wrote till 4.00 am at several places, like McDonald (Hamilton road) and Papa Rich (EGate) in Penang and follow up with several of my former classmates and some new friends while I was surfing the net at that place.

With such a hectic time, I still managed to steal some time out from my busy schedule for my lunch at my usual Chinese tea house at QingHuan Chinese Tea House. See the photos below and find out what I had for my lunch. The photos taken after I have taken one Tea Egg and one of the little buns out of three in a set that I had ordered. Then only I became aware that I can take the photos for my tea blog.

That's the reason you don't have a chance to see the entire food range I had for my lunch. Before I forget, I must let you know that one thing you should not miss at this tea house is its signature dish of lotus rice, rich in content with mushroom, pork, sausage and etc. Really delicious and this is one of the best lotus rice I have tried. Here, can someone tells me where to get the best lotus rice in PJ, KL or Penang?

Hope you like the above photos. Please record down in your diary and pay the tea house a visit whenever you have opportunity to do so. You can be rest assured that you won't regret it.

You may see that the environment is so pleasant and I can even work through out my lunch because I can't resist with so many inspirations flooding my mind that I do not have enough hands to write down all of them. In fact, all those articles you have read the last few days are the products from there and this one as well.

This is totally unexpected from my initial thought when I began my venture in the blogging sphere. At that time, I must confess that I was so worried that I ran out of ideas to write articles continuously. But today, what you see is totally different.

That's all for this time and seeing you again,

James Oh

http://branchout.com/James.Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

LIFE IS LIKE TEA QUOTATION

2011-09-15T01:25:00.000-07:00

VERY WELCOME TO THIS LIFE ENRICH BLOG,

Firstly let me express my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Parang Desai, one of my Face Book (FB) contacts, for allowing me to use his beautiful quotation, below, on his FB wall, to write the article to its effect:-

"Life is Like Making Tea - Boil Your Ego, Evaporate Your Worries, Dilute Your Sorrows, Filter Your Mistakes and Get a Taste of Happiness."

Before I proceed to give my view on it, may I hear some of your views. Do you think that this statement is true? or is it myth? Let us know your views and your arguments to support your views for both answers. Thanks for your feedback. If you disagree with both the answers, then do let us know your views too. Do not have to worry because there is no right answer to it. You have the liberty to voice out your view here.

To kick start the ball rolling, I write to tell you how it really caught my immediate attention. This is because, the author have expressed its value so precisely, which I can't find anything not to agree with him. As you are well aware, TEA has impacted me so much. It enriches my live so much that it drives me to share with you its value through this blog. The name of this blog was chosen after my long and serious thought so as to suggest its KEY message.

As such, I must say that TEA, in nutshell, removed all my negative feelings and bring out its ultimate goal, Happiness, to me. I believe it can do the same to you, as it did to me. Happiness is all about your choice as life is a choice. It solely depends on its beholder. Here, may I obtain your permission to elaborate the 5 feelings stated above.

1 FEELINGS

1.1 EGO

I rather classify ego as negative feeling because it blocks us from listening and learning from others no matter what. History has well demonstrated this crucial point that caused many MIGHTY persons to fall by their own destructive actions. By drinking tea, it boils your ego which removes all the barriers that enable you to think and listen relatively much better.

1.2 WORRIES

As we used to say worry will not add value to any issue. As such, why worry? If not check properly, your energy will be drained out unnecessarily. Alternatively, you should save this energy to search for its solution. Isn't it more logical for you to look for solutions and not worry about the issues? By drinking tea, it will evaporate your worries - So good as it says. Hope you too have this resultant feeling when you savour tea.

1.3 SORROWS

It is difficult to not feel sorrowful especially when something unfortunates happened. However, let us be mindful that we can't change history. For those, especially who know me long, are aware that I have suffered numerous bad incidents in the past and I made serious mistakes of feeling sorry for substantial long periods. It is very natural to have this feeling.

Let me share with you that it brought some bad experience for me. Not only bad for me, but the people surrounding me were also affected by this adverse impact as well. Now, these have moulded me to be forward looking and I keep moving forward. Therefore, I choose not to dwell with my past sorrows. So, by drinking tea it will dilute your sorrow. Have you experienced such feeling?

1.4 MISTAKES

Let TEA be your mentor to filter your mistakes. It is true that you can learn from your OWN mistakes. But, the question is why not learnt from others and moreover it is always better to realise it before you commit it. By drinking tea, it could keep you cool and calm. As such, you are likely to make better and wiser decisions on the issues because you would have better thoughts.

1.5 GOOD FEELING- HAPPINESS

For those who can get a taste of happiness from tea, please share with us how you achieve it. For me, the pure taste of tea coupled with its right ambience will give me the inner sensation - Happiness, which is far beyond words. Imagine when you have tea with like minded people, you will enjoy the beauty of nature and it will definitely give you the happiness you sought after.

Thanks and trust the above article is helpful to you. Please spread it to your contacts of friends so that they also enjoy its valuable benefits as described in the above quotation.

Look forward to seeing you again and your support is greatly appreciated.

James Oh

TEA IN MANDARIN CHARACTER

2011-09-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

Very warm welcome to this LIFE ENRICHING BLOG,

I hope you too like the lovely photo, which I obtained it from one of persons I engaged with through Facebook. I must thank her so much for her kindness of allowing me to display it in my blog for your viewing pleasure.

Tell me what you could see from the above photo. You may compare the wording from other images at the side bars of my blog. I am sure that the above photo conveys many meanings to you. For those who understand Mandarin, most likely recognise its meaning as it form the word, TEA, in Mandarin character. Now, you know the reason behind why I displayed the lovely photo of 'TEA" in this blog. Some of you may well aware that the conventional Chinese characters are in the form of pictorial form.

In this connection, may someone help me to explain how and why this word was first created in this manner? Then it may help you as to why the creator of the piece of art used two little white flowers at the top of the word? Why the roof, just below the two flowers, is in green? What pink and brown colours mean here?

By now, what I can say for sure that we need some imagination to figure out its true meaning. Please share with us what you see there. Do not worry because there is no right answer to it. Who dare to say you are wrong to interpret it in the way you see it. Just a clue for someone who has not see anything from it, what you need to do is stare at it for long and slowly and surely, the picture will then appear by itself.

To truly enjoy a good brew tea, you must be very patient for it. Just like seeing the above picture. At the end of the day, the tea must give you a pure, bitter and sweet taste. Its pureness must be preserved and you need the skill to brew it. If you have not, don't worry. Practice, practice and proactive will make you perfect. It is just like any trade.

With this lovely piece of art, I am pretty sure it will enrich our lives. Furthermore, how would you feel if you are being served with good quality of tea right now. And you have the time to savour it. If it is really your taste, then may I invite you to join us in this tea blogsphere. Let us work together to bring happiness and enriching life through tea to the people at large, so as to make our lives more meaningful. This is the basic function of having tea together. Only through sharing it, we can make it prospers.

Thanks and seeing you again.

James Oh

To read other related aticles, please click the follwing links

http://teaartblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/hi-folks-recently-i-also-received-email.html

TEA IN MANADARIN CHARACTER

2011-09-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Very warm welcome to this LIFE ENRICHING BLOG,

I hope you too like the lovely photo,which I obtained from one of my Facebook friends. I must thank her so muchfor her kindness in allowing me to display it in my blog for your viewingpleasure.

Tell me what you could see from theabove photo. You may compare the wording from other images at the side bars ofmy blog. I am sure that the above photo conveys many meanings to you. Forthose who understand Mandarin, most likely recognise its meaning as it isfrom the word, TEA, in Mandarin character. Now, you know the reasonbehind why I displayed the lovely photo of 'TEA" in this blog.Some of you may well be aware that the conventional Chinesecharacters are in the pictorial form.

In this connection, may someonehelp me to explain how and why this word was first created in this manner? Thenit may help you to see why the creator of the piece of art usestwo little white flowers at the top of the word? Why the roof, just below thetwo flowers, is in green? What pink and brown colours mean here?

By now, what I can say for sure is thatwe need some imagination to figure out its true meaning. Please share withus what you see there. Do not worry because there is no right answer toit. Who dare to say you are wrong to interpret it in the way you see it. Just aclue for someone who has not see anything from it, what you need to do is stareat it for long and slowly and surely, the picture will then appear by itself.

To truly enjoy good brewed tea,you must be very patient. Just like seeing the above picture. At the end of theday, the tea must give you a pure, bitter and sweet taste. Its purenessmust be preserved and you need the skill to brew it. If you have not,do not worry. Practise, practise and practise will make you perfect. It is justlike any trade.

With this lovely piece of art, I ampretty sure it will enrich our lives. Furthermore, how would you feelif you are being served with good quality tea right now. And you havethe time to savour it. If it really suits your taste, then may I invite you to joinus in this tea blogsphere. Let us work together to bring happiness and enrichlives through tea to the people at large, so as to make ourlives more meaningful. This is the basic function of having tea together. Onlythrough sharing, we can make it prosper.

Thanks and seeing you again.

James Oh

DARJEELING TEA AND ENGLISH BREAKFAST TEA

2011-08-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

Very warm welcome to this life enriching blog,

The Darjeeling tea, seen as photo below, is my wife's gift. Its original pack of three, Twinning pack with Classics English Breakfast Tea and Origins Darjeeling Tea, is very suitable to be used as a lovely gift. She received it from her friend who must had came out with such a gift after deep thought, I believed. It was displayed in one of the cabinets and only caught my attention recently, after looking for something to write for my tea blog.

This tea reminded me of my online tea group of friends and I decided to blog it out to kick start of Darjeeling tea and English tea. I believe some of them will take this opportunity to share this tea or experience before I give them a try.

I urge all parties to make use of this platform to have a meaningful dialog. Perhaps we can also have deeper knowledge of Eastern and Western Tea, their differences in term of taste, aroma, their respective preparation and etc..in respect of these two teas.

I was made to understand that this tea is also known as Black tea among tea connoisseurs and it is increasingly gaining popularity. Raised and cultivated in the healthiest environment of the Himalayas, the young leaves are thought to have excellent health benefits from its rich source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. I will share with you its taste once I have tried out. For those who have tasted this tea, please share with us some of your experience. We definitely love to hear from you.

From my understanding this tea is naturally processed. The fresh leaves are carefully handpicked and immediately left to dry; this gives its taste much like of freshly picked leaves. It contains only a small amount of caffeine making it suitable for people with high blood pressure and heart ailments.

The tea is cultivated in the cold mountains of India; they are basically handpicked, air dried, steamed and rolled tightly almost immediately. Once these leaves are completely air dried, it will then be steamed or fired at around 80 degree Celcuis for 2-3 minutes. The leaves can be steeped 3 times, but each steeping thereafter needs a longer period of time. Be mindful not to let the concoction to boil or overheat because it will cause the taste to turn bitter.

Hope you find this article useful and please do not hesitate to put forward your view in this regard. Thanks and have a fulfilling weekend.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

TEA BLEND WELL WITH COMIC

2011-08-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

Hi, folks,

Hope you guys were not get shock when I blogged on a political cartoonist, Mr. Zunar. You may click at the title of this article to make access to it. I never intend to offend anyone, but if there is any offence taken, I apologise for it.

Today, I like to share with you my purpose of doing so. First, I believe it blends well with tea. It can be used as our conversation topic, just like what is commonly happening in Malaysia's tea and coffee outlets. It is also another way of enhancing lives especially for those who have that passion.

Secondly, it adds humour to our conversation as this artist is great and is able to turn the current issues into a laughing stock and crafting a fortune for him, while defending the country he loves. He is not only brave, but also dare to voice out for the public interest. This is a very healthy attitude and need to be encouraged.

At times, it is a noble act and we need to give him due respect to express his views freely as provided in the constitution in this country, especially those matters that are of great interest to the public.

Another interesting point to note in regard to enjoying this comic while we savor our team is that this book is handy and we can just flick through it. It is so rich in content and you can be assured to grasp its key message without much thinking. I have read through more than one time and find it so lively and entertaining. At least, I can laugh it out, from the portion of taxes I have to bear, if it is really true.

And last but not least I urge the government to reconsider their decision and lift the ban on this comic. To me, it may not be deem as a threat to the nation. In fact, the government should encourage this free flow of expression so as to act a check and balance to the executive arm in any democratic country, so to speak. I strongly believe we are not going to go Myanmar's way of administration of their affairs, which we also joined other nations to condemn their acts.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

GREEN TEA; JAPANESE

2011-08-13T05:29:00.000-07:00

Hello! Folks,

Recently I have just tried out the Japanese Green Tea, in Tea bag form, from the hotel I stayed during my boot-camp. I took 2 of the Tea bags for One-Cup; Net weight of 0.2g; New family teabag as shown in the photo below.

I found the OSK Japanese Green Tea which is slightly less than RM15.00 for 50 bags is fairly good in taste and value for the money spent. I was made to understand that you could get it from the major market chains such as Jusco, Carrefour and Cold Storage.

I then recalled my very first experience of the Japanese Green tea, given as a gift from a the late local Professor Yap Han Heng after his return from Japan. I had worked for him under several renowned institutions such as WHO and Sumitomo Chemical Ltd., though less than a year. I felt indebted to him as he is the person, apart from my sister who encouraged me to pursue my study in Form Six. We kept in touch for a number of years after I graduated with my first professional degree locally in 1987, until he passed away last few years ago. It turned out to be a horribly bitter experience for me at that time. I instantly vomited out immediately after my very first sip. I thereafter poured away the remaining tea, which was nearly almost a full glass of green tea. Such a waste, yet it gave me an unforgettable experience.

Below please find a copy of the testimony he had given to me after I met him at the University during my studying when he was there to give a talk on his area of expertise.

However, this powder teabag form of Japanese green tea today gives me a very pleasant taste and I truly enjoyed it. The smell is just like a sort of 'greenish-fishy'. Tell us more how you find its aroma and taste? What is the best quality of Japanese Green Tea that you had tasted? I must admit I know very little about it? Can someone tell me the difference between Chinese, Korean and Japanese green tea.Thanks and look forward to hearing from you soon,

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

CARTOONIST, MALAYSIA'S BEST POLITICAL(ZUNAR)

2011-08-03T05:26:00.000-07:00

Very happy day to you,

Last night, I read the comic, 'EVEN MY PEN HAS A STAND' - a collection by Zunar, which I rarely did so. I found this comic very much different and it gave me lots of kick and I truly enjoy reading every page of it. In short, it really gives me lots of excitement and enjoyment. Every piece is so cleverly crafted to convey its heavy message, with his own view as a cartoonist and not as an illustrator. The cartoon is so lively and sensible - really can shake a Mighty one, without asserting any physical force. This is a real master piece and I read it over and over again. It is worth more than RM 25, I spent for the book with his personal autography. See the photo below:-

I can sense that he has a great passion for his work and decided to check his background. After reading through his profile, I realised that he is a man who truly knows what he wants, and brave enough to pay for whatsoever costs to achieve his mission. A man with great leadership quality that I really salute, Mr Zunar, you made us very proud of you. Thereafter, I realise that the philosophy he strongly uphold that made him outshine from the rest, so outstanding. I found him so fascinating that "his cartoons are not drawn by brush, but by brain". I said so because he has done his research well and able to portray the true message which is consistent to his conscious mind and soul. He is a man of principle that earns his readers' hearts.

Every piece is from his heart, so lively and touching every heart of his readers. He truly deserves the praise that is the driving force for me to write this post, to show my appreciation to his significant contribution to this art. While writing this article, my heart is gaining momentum and had convinced me to promote this healthy art to enrich our lives, the same I have done for my tea art blog at http://teaartblogspot.com.

Another interesting point about him is that his clear responsible conscience and his desire to be a patriot to his country makes him - A Real National Hero in my eyes, much more than a cartoonist. He may look as one-sided criticising the existing ruling party, but one thing I do agree with him is that in a country that is facing a moral crisis like Malaysia, criticising is not an agenda but a responsibility in line with the saying " The higher level of patriotism is to tell the truth in front of an unjust ruler."

In May 2011, the Cartoonist Rights Network International, announced him as the recipient for the award of 'Courage in Editiorial Cartooning' for the year. Big congratulation and well done. Zunar, we are proud of you for being a true Fighter.

Here, we at this blog also like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the American cartoonists who organised a charity dinner "The 23rd Cartoons and Cocktails" on October 2010 at the National Press Club in Washington for my fellow Malaysian who was lock-up under the Sedition Act 1948. Special thanks to Mr. Mark Fiore, the 2010 Pulitzer Prize winner for editorial cartoons, who promoted Zunar's cartoon books in the event.

As such, we urge more people to step forward to extend your support to promote and cultivate this art. Let this art to be created freely and without much interference from the ruling party of any government. We should not be afraid and bow to any force should we stand right with our conscience. We can't conceal any wrong especially in the today's technological world.

Therefore, we at this blog, urge all artists to forge a united force to create a higher level of success for this industry. Let us be honest to ourselves, who will care if we don't. Let this industry prospers and let us not bow to any unhealthy pressures.

To our greater success,

James Oh

TONGKAT ALI TEA - A BOOSTER WITH LOTS OF BENEFITS

2011-07-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

Hi! Folks,

Tongkat Ali, Eurycoma Longifolia Radix, is found in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. This plant has been used for centuries throughout these countries and is believed to strengthen the immune system, and has powerful anti-oxidative properties. It also has anti-viral and even anti-cancer properties.

This herb has been shown to have some effects against fighting both breast and lung cancer. As a result, it becomes popular and well received from all walks of life. And today it is not surprising that you can find Tongkat Ali Tea easily at normal “teh tarik” outlets.

I was made to understand that the bodybuilding community has taken a very serious interest in this herb, as it is believed to contribute to the building of muscle mass. The result of this study, carried in 2003, was published in The British Journal of Sports Medicine. This study showed that it can truly be a strong testosterone booster. This powerful enhancing herb has attracted lots of bodybuilders, who are looking for a safe, effective and legal edge for increasing muscle size and strength.

Historically, it has been believed that it has a significant effect on overall sexual performance apart from the benefits mentioned above. Its ability to increase sexual performance is directly tied to the herb’s stimulation of the production of testosterone. Recent animals studies also suggested it does indeed increase sexual performance. Animals given this herb did have an overall increased sexual response and performance. It is a powerful testosterone booster, sexual performance is boosted in a variety of ways, as follows:-

-More intense orgasms
-Stronger erections
-Dramatic boost in libido
-Increased semen volume

Another good news of this herb is that it is a safe herb for human consumption and has been substantiated by animal testing with rats. These wide-array of benefits, when combined with the herb’s safety record, make it an excellent choice if you’re looking to boost your testosterone levels naturally.

Because of its properties, today it is very common to find Malaysian drink Tongkat Ali tea. How about your country? Do tell us more if this tea is also available in your country or your experience.

Thanks and look forward to hearing from you,

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

DA HONG PAO

2011-06-25T01:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I have tried "Da Hong Pao" teas several times, but I can't recall which type they belong to. I ONLY begin to realise lately that there are two main types, that is either from Upton or TeaSource. However, there are other couples Wuyi Rock teas from Jing [drums fingers impatiently]. To have a better understanding of the potential of these teas, I'd really like to hear from some of you how you feel in terms of quintessential example of a Big Red Robe or other Wuyi rock tea.

Any other recommendations? I must admit that price is a consideration factor, but I willing to try even fairly pricey teas like the "Exquisite" or "Tribute" DHPs. Thanks in advance!

I have tried one of the rock tea, tasting like wine. I can feel the heat all over my body and my faces too turn into red as well. That was my first experience which my contact had told me that it is a rare tea, which found only in a very old trees at one of moutains in China. May some of you share out your experience on rock tea.

I also made to understand lately that there are 4 famous wuyi teas, namely Si Da Ming Cong, Da Hong Pao, Tie Luo Han, Shui Jin Gui and Bei Ji Guan. Especially Bai Ji Guan, rarest of them and very unique flavor. Whereas Rou Gui and Shui Xian which are reminiscent of Da Hong Pao somehow. Can anyone tells us more.

For your easy reading, append below, please find a short briefing from

Wikipedia

Dà Hóng Páo (大红袍) is an important Wuyi Oolong tea. Legend has it that the mother of a Ming Dynasty emperor was cured of an illness by a certain tea, and that emperor sent great red robes to clothe the four bushes from which that tea originated. Three of these original bushes, growing on a rock on Mount Wuyi and reportedly dates back to the Song Dynasty, still survive today and are highly venerated. At one point, less than one kilogram of tea was harvested from these plants each year, of which a portion was retained by the Chinese government. In 2005, the remainder of this original and real Da Hong Pao was auctioned, with an initial asking price of 4000 RMB/100 g, but often reaching tens of thousands to millions of dollars per kilogram^[1]^[2]

In recent years, a number of companies have invested in preserving the interest in this tea and other so-called "artisan" teas, which typically are of very high quality and have rich histories as is true with Da Hong Pao. These have an initially high cost of production (and typically are only considered authentic when grown in their place of origin), but, as they have quickly become popular in Western countries, prized selections of the tea are available each year, with quality being consistent due to the increased popularity of tea.

Cuttings taken from the original plants have been used to produce similar grades of tea from genetically identical plants. Taste variations produced by processing, differences in the soil, and location of these later generation plants is used to grade the quality of various Da Hong Pao teas. Some online tea shops have marketed Da Hong Pao as an oolong—it is unclear whether their varieties are not fully fermented as traditional Da Hong Pao tea is or they have errors on their sites.

Xiao Hong Pao, or Small Red Robe refers to Da Hong Pao grown from plants of fourth or greater generation, but the term is rarely used. In some cases Xiao Hong Pao is simply sold as Hong Pao, presumably for marketing purposes.

Due to its high quality, Da Hong Pao tea is usually reserved for honored guests in China.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

TEA - SEVEN LAYERS IN A GLASS

2011-06-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

Hi! friend,

I read about the article, One Glass, Seven Layers of Tea, in Wall Street Wall Journal, dated June 7, 2011 with so much delight and excitement. Thereafter I decided to blog it with the hope that you will like it.

No surprise to me that many Bangladeshis travel hours to the sleepy town of Srimongol, in Bangladesh’s northeast, just for a cup of Romesh Ram Gour’s famous tea. I have occassionally done so especially for famous food.

In a country of avid tea drinkers, Mr. Gour is the inventor behind the seven-layer tea which, he claims that no one else has been able to replicate. Copycats in the region have succeeded in creating at the most the five-layer teas, but none have been able to discover Mr. Gour’s rainbow brew secret.

It was reported that Mr. Gour invented his colorful layered teas 10 years ago, when he was selling tea from a bamboo shack. By the time he realized that teas from different leaves have different densities, he then begun to embark on his experiment. After a year of experimenting, he could sell teas with more than two layers. Over the years, he learned to expand to seven.

As such, the kind of layer tea Mr. Gour makes is unique to the Srimongol area. An iced three-layer tea has become popular in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, but those drinks include one type of tea and are typically layered with palm sugar on the bottom, evaporated milk in the middle and tea on the top. What makes Srimongol’s special are the discrete layers of tea blends.

Here, I must admit that this is the first time I heard about it and I have not tried it before. For those who have tried it, Please tell us more about it, its taste and so on. I will definitely give it a try if I have a chance to be there.

Append below please find its inventor and the seven layers tea for your viewing pleasure.

Christopher Shay for The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Gour and his layered tea

ROCK TEA

2011-06-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

Hi! Folks,

ROCK TEA may be for some of you, your favorite tea. As far as I am concern, I still recall my experience in one of those times, that nearly made me feel like tasting wine. However, I cannot recall this rock tea that make me believe that the effect exactly like wine, not only turned my face red, but also warmed my body. Thus enhanced the blood circulation around my body.

Lately, I read about Wuyi Yan Cha (Wuyi Rock Tea) that claimed to have a distinctive taste of sunburned mountain rocks, it was also reported that numerous types of tea are produced around Mount Wuyi, which is the origin of the real Da Hong Pao tea (most expensive tea in China) and Lapsang souchong, further described in Wuyi tea.

Wu Yi Tea also claimed to be the most powerful natural weight loss solution. For those who have used this weight reduction program please come forward to share your experiences. I was told that it is a unique combination of ingredients working synergistically for efficient weight reduction when combined with healthy diet.

This famous tea, also known as a type of "oolong tea" from Fujian province is found in the gaps of rocks on Wuyi Mountain, making its cultivation difficult. As a result, it is also very pricey due to its rarity. The leaves are usually hand-rolled and pan-fired at their aromatic peak. Thereafter they are charcoal-fired in small batches to produce deep green color and rich flavors. When brewed this tea tend to produce a smooth aroma with a deliciously sweet, roasted taste. This tea will continue to taste great even after many infusions.

For those who have not tried it before, I suggest that you give it a try and share with us your experience. Who knows you will love it after your discovery.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

TEA IS EVERYTHING

2011-06-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Folks,

I intend to do it differently and I plan to play a funny game with you on TEA, which I need your kind participation so as to generate the vibration to this blog. I named this game as TEA game, which reflects well the nature of this game. It is simple, just think what tea can do for you and add it to the list, to form a poem of it.

TITLE OF THIS POEM - TEA is everything.

Tea not only quenches your thirst,

Tea also keeps you warm,

Tea nourishes your bodies,

Tea keeps you awake,

Tea gives you energy,

Tea keeps you healthy and fit,

In short, Tea is more than a drink.

Tea gives you a good companion,
Tea glues you with others,
Tea helps you to build bridges,
Tea helps you to tear down walls,
Tea keeps you calm and courageous,
Tea fulfills every need of yours,
In short, Tea is a relationship.

Tea creates lots of economical activities,
Tea is used as hedging tools against inflation,
Tea was used as currency,
Tea fulfills your financial needs,
Tea creates business opportunities,
Tea is gold,
In short, Tea is wealth,

Thank you Tea,
Tea fulfills every parts of our lives,
Tea is health, wealth and relationship,
In short, tea is everything

Please keep adding to the above and make the list going and create a vibration TEA truly deserved.

Thanks and look forward to receiving your feedback.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

TEA EGG - VIDEO ON HOW TO MAKE

2011-05-27T01:18:00.000-07:00

WE LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU

2011-05-25T01:29:00.000-07:00

WE LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU

A very warm welcome to you here.

Lately, I am wondering how I can take my blog further. It struck my mind to revert to you for your honest answers.

As such, I believe that it is appropriate for me to request you to review my blog in these three areas namely its content, quality and frequency. I fully acknowledged and accepted the fact that content is the highlight of the blog. It’s the reason why you visit my blog and why you keep coming back. As such it’s important for me to have consistency in both the quality of my content and the frequency in which I have been posting all this while. In this connection, your honest feedback is solicited on whether some of tips I know and share is attractive enough.

First thing first, please put a rating from 1 to 10 for the following :-

• Did my content create value. Please give the rating 1( very poor) to 10 (excellent)

Perhaps you may just use another fancy way of asking whether my content is amazingly interesting. All of my posts,which have intention to give readers a worthwhile reason for reading. In short, are you getting something back and at the end of day, are you being lifted up as the name suggested. If not, how?

• Frequently posted.

I update my blog on a regular basis to give you reason to come back to my site. The plan is to update my blog at least once or twice a week, having in mind that quality is more important than quantity. This is because I believe that taking a couple of days off between posts can help me write a better post in the long run.

• My content is readable.

I am mindful that writing a blog is much different than writing a book or paper. This is because you, as online readers, have relatively shorter attention spans and more specific needs are preferred. Here, what I am trying to say is that I never pick colors fonts that will strain the visitor’s eyes. If I do, I like to apologise for it.

I also always ensure that my writing is easy to read. I prefer short paragraphs, using lists or bullet points, bolding or underlining important text when it is appropriate for me to do so. Do you agree?

Keeping enough white space in between lines and words is my style. Most of the times, I try to avoid typing up huge walls of text. At times, images and videos are included, where appropriate, to give readers something to look at. Here, I believe prosperity through diversity and always looking at new avenues to improve it further.

At last, but not least, I never felt discouraged when I work hard on a post even though no one pays attention to it. I am aware that growing a blog takes time. No one appreciate it now, does not mean that it will not be appreciated in the future. This is because once I grow, more people will look through my older posts and will see my hard work! Alternatively it will give me a chance to improve it further.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

YIXING TEAPORT DEMONSTRATION PART 1

2011-04-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

TEA POEMS

2011-03-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

This page has quotes about the drink, Tea.

Tea Quotes

"Christopher Robin was home by this time, because it was the afternoon, and he was so glad to see them that they stayed there until very nearly tea-time, and then they had a Very Nearly tea, which is one you forget about afterwards, and hurried on to Pooh Corner, so as to see Eeyore before it was too late to have a Proper Tea with Owl." - A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

A Proper Tea is much nicer than a Very Nearly Tea, which is one you forget about afterwards. - A.A. Milne

"Talk and tea is his specialty," said Giles. "He has about five cups of tea a day. But he works splendidly when we are looking." - Agatha Christie, Sleeping Murder

Tea had come as a deliverer to a land that called for deliverance; a land of beef and ale, of heavy eating and abundant drunkenness; of gray skies and harsh winds; of strong nerved , stout-purposed, slow-thinking men an women. Above all, a land of sheltered homes and warm firesides - firesides that were waiting - waiting, for the bubbling kettle and the fragrant breath of tea. -Agnes Reppiler

Ecstasy is a glass full of tea and a piece of sugar in the mouth. - Alexander Puskin

"'The tea is coming!' ...she may want a martini, but make her drink tea." - Alice Taylor, To School Through the Fields

Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors. - Alice Walker

"...I have never tasted tea like this. It is smooth, pungent, and instantly addicting...This is from Grand Auntie, my mother explains... she told me if I buy the cheap tea, then I am saying that my whole life has not been worth something better...If I buy just a little, then I am saying that my lifetime is almost over, so she bought enough tea for another lifetime." - Amy Tan, The Kitchen God’s Wife

"Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." - Ancient Chinese Proverb

Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary. - Ancient Chinese Proverb

"A true warrior, like tea, shows his strength in hot water." - Ancient Chinese proverb

Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea. - Anonymous Author

Tea is liquid wisdom. - Anonymous Author

Tea is a cup of life. - Anonymous Author

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. -Anonymous Author

Remember the tea kettle - it is always up to its neck in hot water, yet it still sings! - Anonymous Author

The spirit of the tea beverage is one of peace, comfort, and refinement. - Arthur Gray

There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea. - Bernard-Paul Heroux

Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. - Billy Connolly

Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage. - Catherine Douzel

My dear, if you could give me a cup of tea to clear my muddle of a head I should better understand your affairs. - Charles Dickens

Tea should be taken in solitude. - C.S. Lewis

You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me. - C.S. Lewis

Tea does our fancy aid,
Repress those vapours which the head invade
And keeps that palace of the soul serene. - Edmund Waller, "Of Tea"

"The mug from the washstand was used as Becky's tea cup, and the tea was so delicious that it was not necessary to pretend that it was anything but tea." - Frances Hodgson Burnett

In nothing more is the English genius for domesticity more notably declared than in the institution of this festival - almost one may call it - of afternoon tea...The mere chink of cups and saucers tunes the mind to happy repose. - George Gissing

The mere chink of cups and saucers tunes the mind to happy repose. - George Gissing, The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft

"Tea is one of the main stays of civilization in this country." - George Orwell

If you are cold, tea will warm you; If you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you. - Gladstone (1865) Victorian British Prime Minister

"Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea." - Henry Fielding

Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea. - Henry Fielding “Love in Several Masques”

Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea. - Henry Fielding

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea. - Henry James

Is there no Latin word for Tea? Upon my soul, if I had known that I would have let the vulgar stuff alone. - Hilaire Belloc

Great love affairs start with Champagne and end with tisane. - Honoré de Balzac

If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty. - Japanese Proverb

"I hope next time when we meet, we won't be fighting each other. Instead we will be drinking tea together." - Jackie Chan, Rumble in the Bronx

Another novelty is the tea-party, an extraordinary meal in that, being offered to persons that have already dined well, it supposes neither appetite nor thirst, and has no object but distraction, no basis but delicate enjoyment. - Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, The Physiology of Taste

"Tea. Earl Grey. Hot. And whoever this "Earl Grey" fellow is, I'd like to have a word with him... " - Jean-Luc Picard, Star Trek, The Next Generation

It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot think, unless our stomach wills so. It dictates to us our emotions, our passions. After eggs and bacon it says, "Work!" After beefsteak and porter, it says, "Sleep!" After a cup of tea (two spoonfuls for each cup, and don't let it stand for more than three minutes), it says to the brain, "Now rise, and show your strength. Be eloquent, and deep, and tender; see, with a clear eye, into Nature, and into life: spread your white wings of quivering thought, and soar, a god-like spirit, over the whirling world beneath you, up through long lanes of flaming stars to the gates of eternity!" - Jerome K. Jerome, Three Men in a Boat

"Tea with lemon please" - Jerry Seinfeld, Seinfeld

Tea comes before You and after Ess - Carbuncle 2005

"Talk and tea is his specialty," said Giles. "He has Come along inside... We'll see if tea and buns can make the world a better place." - Kenneth Graeme, The Wind in the Willows

"So I must rise at early dawn, as busy as can be, to get my daily labor done, and pluck the leafy tea." - Le Yih, Ballad of the Tea Pickers, Early Ch’ing Dynasty, 1644

The effect of tea is cooling and as a beverage it is most suitable. It is especially fitting for persons of self-restraint and inner worth. - Lu Yu (715-803), Ch'a Ching

"The best quality tea must have creases like the leathern boot of Tartar horsemen, curl like the dewlap of a mighty bullock, unfold like a mist rising out of a ravine, gleam like a lake touched by a zephyr, and be wet and soft like a fine earth newly swept by rain." - Lu Yu (d. 804), Chinese sage, hermit

"I am in no way interested in immortality, but only in the taste of tea." - Lu t’ung

The first cup moistens my lips and throat. The second cup breaks my loneliness. The third cup searches my barren entrail but to find therein some thousand volumes of odd ideographs. The fourth cup raises a slight perspiration - all the wrongs of life pass out through my pores. At the fifth cup I am purified. The sixth cup calls me to the realms of the immortals. The seventh cup - ah, but I could take no more! I only feel the breath of the cool wind that raises in my sleeves. Where is Elysium? Let me ride on this sweet breeze and waft away thither. - Lu Tung, "Tea-Drinking"

Afternoon Tea should be provided, fresh supplies, with thin bread-and-butter, fancy pastries, cakes, etc., being brought in as other guests arrive. - Mrs. Beeton The Book of Household Management

Wouldn’t it be dreadful to live in a country where they didn’t drink tea? - Noel Coward

"The tea ceremony is more than an idealization of the form of drinking—it is a religion of the art of life." - Okakura Kakuzo

The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings. - Okakura Kakuzo

"Meanwhile, let us have a sip of tea. The afternoon glow is brightening the bamboos, the fountains are bubbling with delight, the soughing of the pines is heard in our kettle. Let us dream of evanescence, and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things." - Okakura Kakuzo, Book of Tea (1906)

"A wave of rare incense is wafted from the tea-room; it is the summons which bids the guests to enter. One by one they advance and take their places. In the tokonoma hangs a kakemono—a wonderful writing by an ancient monk dealing with the evanescence of all earthly things. The singing kettle. . . sounds like some cicada pouring forth his woes to departing summer." - Okakura Kakuzo, Book of Tea (1906), Describing the last Cha-no-yu by Rikiu, a great tea master

Tea...is a religion of the art of life. - Okakura Kakuzo

"Kissing is like drinking tea through a tea-strainer; you’re always thirsty afterwards." - Old Chinese saying

"Bring me a cup of tea and the “Times.”" - Queen Victoria on her accession to the British throne

"There is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Thank God for tea! What would the world do without tea? How did it exist? I am glad I was not born before tea." - Rev. Sydney Smith

"Come, oh come, ye tea-thirsty restless ones—the kettle boils, bubbles and sings, musically." - Rabindranath Tagore

Stands the Church clock at ten to three?
And is there honey still for tea? - Rupert Brooke, "The Old Vicarage, Grantchester," 1912

Find yourself a cup of tea; the teapot is behind you. Now tell me about hundreds of things. - Saki

"Coffee isn't my cup of tea." - Samuel Goldwyn

[I am a] hardened and shameless tea drinker, who has for twenty years diluted his meals only with the infusion of this fascinating plant; whose kettle has scarcely time to cool; who with tea amuses the evening, with tea solaces the midnight, and with tea welcomes the evening. - Samuel Johnson

Tea's proper use is to amuse the idle, and relax the studious, and dilute the full meals of those who cannot use exercise, and will not use abstinence. - Samuel Johnson

As long as it is hot, wet and goes down the right way, its fine with me. - Sarah Fergerson, The Dutchess of York, On Tea

"Tea is nought but this:
First you heat the water,
Then you make the tea.
Then you drink it properly.
That is all you need to know." - Sen Rikyu, Zen Tea Master, 1522-1591

"While there's tea there's hope." - Sir Arthur Pinero

"What is the most wonderful thing for people like myself who follow the Way of Tea? My answer: the oneness of host and guest created through ‘meeting heart to heart’ and sharing a bowl of tea." - Soshitsu Sen, Grand Master XIV, Urasenke School of Tea

"In my own hands I hold a bowl of tea; I see all of nature represented in its green color. Closing my eyes I find green mountains and pure water within my own heart. Silently sitting alone and drinking tea, I feel these become a part of me." -Soshitsu Sen, Grand Master XIV, Urasenke School of Tea

"I don't drink coffee; I take tea, my dear." - Sting, An Englishman in New York

I always fear that creation will expire before teatime. - Sydney Smith

If two women should pour from the same pot, one of them will have a baby within a year. - Tea Proverb

The perfect temperature for tea is two degrees hotter than just right. - Terri Guillemets

Tea is wealth itself, because there is nothing that cannot be lost, no problem that will not disappear, no burden that will not float away, between the first sip and the last. - The Minister of Leaves

Enjoy life sip by sip not gulp by gulp. - The Minister of Leaves

Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. - Thich Nat Hahn

...for tea, though ridiculed by those who are naturally coarse in their nervous sensibilites, or are become so from wine-drinking, and are not susceptible of influence from so refined a stimulant, will always be the favored beverage of the intellectual... - Thomas De Quincy

Surely every one is aware of the divine pleasures which attend a wintry fireside; candles at four oclock, warm hearthrugs, tea, a fair tea-maker, shutters closed, curtains flowing in ample draperies to the floor, whist the wind and rain are raging audibly without. - Thomas De Quincey

Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world. - T’ien Yiheng

Tea - the cups that cheer but not inebriate. - William Cowper, Poet

What part of confidante has that poor teapot played ever since the kindly plant was introduced among us. Why myriads of women have cried over it, to be sure! What sickbeds it has smoked by! What fevered lips have received refreshment from it! Nature meant very kindly by women when she made the tea plant; and with a little thought, what a series of pictures and groups the fancy may conjure up and assemble round the the teapot and cup. - William Makepeace Thackery

Tea, a refreshing and enervating drink - Kakuzo.Com is the Home of The Book of Tea

BAK KUT TEH (TEA) ( NON HALA FOOD)

2011-03-23T00:34:00.000-07:00

Hi! folks,

The weather of this morning is cold and wet, it triggers me to have Bak Kut Teh to keep me warm,however, I enjoy this delicious food. Bak Kut Teh, which is basically pork cooked in herbal soup has Klang as its birthplace. It began with cooking meat in herbal soup so as to give strength to the hard working labourers who worked at the port. Later on it evolved into so many varieties, thicker, thin soup and dry type as well.

Now, it is so famous that you can find Bak Kut Teh stalls in most parts of Malaysia and Singapore, with their signboard of “Klang Bak Kut Teh” to attract customers.

Kedai Makanan Seng Huat, popularly known as the Restaurant “Under the Bridge”, is located along the same row of shophouses next to the Port Klang KTM station. The other landmark you can look for would be the Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah Klang.

One obvious thing you will notice, when you walk into this restaurant, is that many kettles are placed strategically around the tables. These kettles are used to boil water for customers to brew their Chinese tea, which customer bring along or select from the basketful of tea leaves in bags by its waiters.

Then you will be given a number of small Chinese tea cups, depending on the number of your group, with one equally small tea pot for you to brew your tea. Here, can someone tell me why tea is chosen as companion of Bak Kut herbal soup?

There are variety of pork, from different parts of pig's body, you can choose from: fatty, lean, half-fat / half-lean, ribs, leg, spare parts such as intestines, stomach. You may eat with either white plain rice or mixed rice with fried shallots for a fragrant taste.

The soup is flavourful, with a reasonably strong hint of herbs though not overwhelming and the meat is really tender, which sort of melts in the mouth as a result of long hours of cooking. To add more excitement, you may add Yau Char Kuey (deep fried rolls). If you prefer it to be slightly crispier, then I suggest that you don't expose it in the herbal soup for too long. Nothing beats eating Yau Char Kuey shortly after it is fried.

The shop is open everyday from 7.00am till about 1.00pm and reopen from 5.00pm till about 11.00pm.

Here, I like to stress that tea is so highly appreciated everywhere and even the herbal soup best goes with Chinese tea, as its name suggested. Tea again is regarded as a good companion, as good contributor, in the Chinese community as it sets good example to its people.

So, next time if you go to Klang, make sure you try this. Otherwise, your trip will not be complete without it.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

FIRST STEP TO CHINESE PUERH TEA

2011-03-22T01:18:00.000-07:00

Hi! folks,

Lately, the above book has been put up at my facebook's wall and I wish the seller can conclude some sales.

I have not read the book yet, but I can agree with the author that you can make an investment return from it, which I can vouch from my experience.

To start uncovering the veil, perhaps this book is a good guide. Even though you may not have heard of Chinese Puerh Tea before, this should not prevent you from appreciating its pleasant and remarkable taste and smell. I strongly believe that this book will lead and open the door to the world of Chinese Puerh Tea by revealing the mysterious side of it. It will show you some classic Puerh Tea collection series. Stay open and read as much as possible, if you have the time to do so. Moreover, this book is easy to understand and perhaps you can use it as a quick reference.

For those who have read it, please share with us your wonderful experience.

Thanks and look forward to hearing from you,

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

To read more about other related article, please click at the link below:-

http://teaartblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/more-about-puer.html

POEMS ON TEA

2011-03-20T04:10:00.000-07:00

****POEMS**** A little cup of friendship
With a bag of tea
When you drink this
Think of love from me.

source unknown
----------------------------------
I wish we could sit down together
And have a cup of tea
But since we can’t
When you have this one
I hope you’ll think of me.

source unknown
--------------------------------------
I cannot sit and chat with you,
the way I'd like to do.
So brew yourself a cup of tea,
I'll think of you, you think of me.

source unknown
---------------------------------------
When you’re feeling sad & blue
And have no clue what to do
Sit down and have a cup of tea
And a hug or two or maybe three
Feel those troubles melt away
And start you on a better day.

by Paulette, 1998~~TLC Creations.
----------------------------
A cup of tea to say thank you
For all the things you've done,
And wishes that the day will bring
You happiness and fun..

Happy Mother's (or whatever) Day
©birdiekity May - 1998

Tea that helps our head and heart.
Tea medicates most every part.
Tea rejuvenates the very old.
Tea warms the hands of those who're cold.

J. Jonker, Amsterdam, circa 1670
------------------------------------------

A cup of tea to say Thank You,
For all the things you've done.
And wishes that the day will bring,
You happiness and fun

If I could take your Troubles,
I would toss them in the Sea.
But since I can't, I'm sending you,
My favorite cup of tea.

Here's a gift for Mother's / Father's Day:
With this gift, I’m trying to say
Thanks for all you do for me,
Relax and have a cup of tea!
YOU DESERVE IT!

DRINKIN' FROM MY SAUCER
I've never made a fortune
And it's prob'ly too late now;
But I don't worry 'bout that much,
I'm happy anyhow!
And as I go along life's way
Reapin' better than I sowed.
I'm drinkin' from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed!
Haven't got a lot of riches,
And sometimes the going's tough;
But I've got loving ones around me,
And that makes me rich enough!
I thank God for His blessings
And the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinkin' from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed!
I 'member times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin;
But all at once the dark clouds broke
And light peeped through again.
So, Lord, help me not to gripe
About tough rows I've hoed.
I'm drinkin' from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed!
If God gives me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough,
I'll not ask for other blessings;
I'm already blessed enough!
May I never be too busy
To help others bear their loads.
I'll keep drinkin' from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed!
Author: © Jimmy Dean

10 WAYS TO REALLY FIND THE PRICE OF TEA IN CHINA

2011-03-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hi! Folks,

Recently I also received an email from a blogger called Jessica Hulett who is so kind to share with me the article that they had just posted on their own blog.

Her kind thoughts and proposal for posting of her article in my blog is well accepted by me to mark a good kick start our co-operation to enrich my blog readers further. Thank her so much for her concerns and action.

As such, I am without any hesitation agree to it and append below is her article. Hope you enjoy it.

10 Ways to Really Find the Price of Tea in China

Posted on March 17, 2011 by admin

If you grew up like I did you may have heard your parents say a few times “What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?” Well, I must confess that I have started using that same saying on my children and guess what? They are now old enough to call me on it and throw it back in my face. So now we have banter back and forth around variations of the “price of tea in China” saying. Before I knew it, the whole thing got a bit out of control and I simply had to find out how I could know the price of tea in China daily. And thus, this list of 10 places to find the price of tea in China online was born:

Chinese Tea Store: This site offers a wide variety of authentic Chinese teas for a reasonable price. You can order as little as 25 grams or as much as 200 grams of tea.
Tea Trader: This tea trader site lists its Chinese teas in Canadian dollars and sell as much as 500 grams per premium tea.
Yixing Teapot Sale: This tea seller has a wide assortment of aged teas and special grade teas for a reasonable price.
Golden Teahouse: Check out Golden Teahouse’s collection of fine Chinese teas and monthly specials you don’t want to miss!
Chinese Tea Wholesales Center: If you’re looking to buy your tea at a good price, you need to check out this wholesale center that offers premium Chinese teas in bulk.
China Tea Mall: China Tea Mall gives you a thorough price guide and detailed tea description to make purchasing even easier.
Grand Tea Company: This Hong Kong-based company offers a wide variety of traditional and specialty teas in several different weights.
The Whole Leaf: The Whole Leaf sells just that – whole leaf tea, not tea bags. This purer form of tea is sold by the ounce or quarter pound.
Chinese Tea: This site offers a wide variety of traditional and aged teas and a dose of tea history for you to enjoy.
Chinese Culture: Check out what this online market has to offer and shop around for their special tea deals.

If you aren’t familiar with the origins of the saying, it’s not particularly complicated and dates back to the 19th century when the price of tea in England was particularly high. It was actually highest when the first ship arrived back from China after their harvest. The ship owners would pay for the crop in China and then race back to England to try to get there first (since the first ship back got the highest payment and each subsequent ship got less).

This became known as the tea clipper races. So basically the saying evolved from those last ships that made it back complaining of the price they were getting in England and the response being what does that (the current price of tea in England) have to do with the price of tea in China?

Please share with us your view/experience. Thanks and stay tuned.

CHINESE TRADITIONAL MUSIC - LAMP OF PICKING TEA

2011-03-09T21:41:00.001-08:00

GREEN TEA LATTE -VIDEO ON HOW TO MAKE

2011-03-09T04:43:00.000-08:00

GREEN TEA; LOW FAT LATTE

2011-03-07T18:35:00.001-08:00

TEA LATTE

Hi! Tea Folks,

The two all-time-favourite beverages from Starbucks, Green Tea Latte and Caramel Macchiato, caught me by surprise as it never strike my mind to have tea and its stuff at the Starbucks.

After further investigation, I found that the above two beverages have a lighter option -- Low Fat Green Tea Latte and Low Fat Caramel Macchiato,

The Low Fat Green Tea Latte is a lightly sweetened blend of high quality green tea powder from Japan with steamed low-fat milk and topped with foam, making it appears smooth and creamy. Please share with us your experience with both, if you have tried them out.

I was also made to understand that its’ Low Fat Caramel Macchiato which is sweet and buttery, is made with freshly steamed low-fat milk too. It is also layered with rich espresso and drizzled with Starbucks's signature caramel sauce.

This healthy and popular espresso beverage takes on a lighter dimension with low-fat milk as its formula, rather than the standard whole milk, specially caters for customers who prefer a less creamy beverage.

In addition to the above two low-fat milk beverages, Starbucks's new full-leaf teas are available in five different flavours -- Mint Blend, Chamomile Blend, Spearmint Green, English Breakfast and Earl Grey. It really pampers its customer with choices, so as to deliver their commitment of the highest quality beverages to support their lifestyle.

With the above introduction, I do hope you don't make the same mistake as I did. Just drop at its nearest outlets and try these new menus. Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks and seeing you again

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

TEA SHAMPOO

2011-03-05T03:32:00.000-08:00

Hi! Everyone,

Big congratulation to you for coming to the blog talk about tea, which is second most HIGHLY consumed after water.

This article I decided to illustrate further how tea has been closely associated with our daily life. It has been widely recognized and accepted as one of the important beverage. Its dried tea also can be used as pillow, fertilizer and etc.

Today, my article is going to touch on tea essence shampoo. No doubt, tea has also been widely accepted as a nutritious product in my country, today it is also used to produce tea essence shampoo and is easily available in Malaysia. Perhaps you may find such products in your country. Please update us in the comment column provided below. Thanks.

This uniquely formulated shampoo, with the antioxidant properties of tea, especially Green and White tea essence is able to revitalize hair. Here, anyone would like to share your thoughts or experiences in this aspect. You are always more than welcome here. No doubts, there have been lots of scientific proofs of such properties found in tea leave. Not surprising that some of you may have read or be aware of it..

Append below please find such a product which are available in my country for your viewing pleasure. Will upload at later date

Thanks and look forward to seeing you again.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

WATER

2011-03-03T05:31:00.000-08:00

WATER

Hi ! Tea folks,

As some of you may be aware that water is the main component of brewing the best possible tea, apart from having good quality tea. As such, we cannot afford to ignore the significant importance of water. It has two great impacts on tea in term of type of water used and at what level the water is boiled.

In today's article, I am going to focus on the latter to ease the understanding. So, the question arises here is to what level the water should boil at. To answer this question, we need to know what type of tea you are brewing. Append below I have listed down some useful guide for the respective type of teas:-

a) about 70-80 degree C for green tea;
b) 85 degree C are good for white or lightly oxidated Oolong teas;

It is interesting to know that the ancient tea masters, prior to invention of thermometer, used visuals or hearing to determine the correct water temperature, for steeping tea, as appended below:-

a) when you see the bubbles like small fish's eyes or crab's eyes, that translate to about 70-80 degree, suitable for green tea.

b) When the bubbles grow bigger and like the size of crystal beads or pearls, indicates to 85 degree C, suitable for white and lightly oxidated Oolong teas.

c) As the billows surge wildly in the kettle, with the size of longans, the water is nearly reaching the boiling point and perfect for for steeping black or Pu'er teas.

That's the main reason for my preference of glass kettle, which I have blogged much earlier. You may read it again at the link below.

http://teaartblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-glass-kettle-stove.html

Before I pen off, I like to take this opportunity to share a useful Chinese poem in this connection which closely associates the sound of water gurgling in the kettle with other natural sounds from the wind or water flow as belows:-

a) "wind blowing through pine leave" which translates to water boiling at 75 degree C.
b) Whereas sounds resembling "spring water spurting out of the stone ' which would be 85 degree C
c) "waves crashing on the shore", translate to 91 degree C.
d) When the water reach the boiling point, there is No sound at all.

Lastly, can you guess which step makes the most noise. Scroll down for the answer.

e) However, half-boiled water makes the most noise. This phrase I believe is the most well known phrase in life and still applicable in today's world. Here, I write to congratulate those who answered it correctly.

Trust you find the above article not only entertaining, but also enriching as the name of this blog suggests. Please feel free to let us know as how to make this more entertaining and enriching should you have any idea/suggestion. Your valuable feedback is greatly appreciated.

Hope to seeing you again,

To your success in enriching life,

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

Chinese Tea ceremony ( video)

2011-03-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

12 things which Tea Master don't tell you

2011-02-28T04:28:00.000-08:00

Hi! Tea friends,

Received from a friend of Mines, Lawrence Loh the useful article on the 12 things about tea that no restaurateur would have told you:

1. Never drink tea on an empty stomach

Always drink tea during or after a meal. Our stomachs are acidic and tea is alkalizing.

Acid and alkaline combined have a bloating effect.

2. Drink white tea if you are a smoker

White tea is really good for the lungs and throat, so it is especially beneficial for smokers.

A cup of white peony tea helps clear all the phlegm in our throats and cures coughs.

3. You won"t be able to tell the quality of white tea by its color

Most restaurants mix white peony tea with black tea to add color and flavor because customers generally prefer tea that tastes richer and looks darker in color.

Pure white tea itself has hardly any flavor or color compared to other teas.

4. Only fine dining Chinese restaurants serve screw shaped green tea

Genuine screw shaped green tea is the highest grade of green tea and the most expensive. At Ying Kee Tea House, it sells at HK$5,067 per kilogram (HK$380 per 75 gram bag). Produced only in Jiangsu Province Dong Ting Mountain, it also the rarest green tea in China, producing only about 1,000 kilograms a year.

It must be consumed fresh, within a year after picking the tea leaves. Screw shaped green tea of higher quality is best consumed within six months even. If it is tasteless, solvent or extremely bitter, that means it has already gone bad.

But while it is certainly expensive, screw shaped green tea has a very particular taste that not everyone may like. Even when it is fresh, it tastes more bitter than other teas.

For all those reasons, screw shaped green tea is only served at fine dining Chinese restaurants, usually at hotels.

5. Treat pu-erh tea like a digestible detergent to flush all the grease away

Always pair oily food with pu-erh tea. Dim sum, no matter steamed or fried, contains lard. When you eat shrimp dumplings, there is always a piece of fatty pork in there to add flavor and fragrance.

Pu-erh tea helps you rinse all the grease from the food out of your system. It aids digestion, blood circulation and lowers cholesterol levels.

If you don't have detergent at home, boil some pu-erh tea and use it to wash your dishes. It's like a digestible detergent.

6. Sweets go best with green tea

Sweet food is best paired with tea that is more bitter. Loong Jing green tea helps moderate the sweetness of desserts.

Like pu-erh tea, drinking green tea helps lower cholesterol levels and break down fat.

But while most teas are best brewed in boiling hot water, green teas like screw shaped green tea and loong Jing only need to be brewed in water that is about 75 to 85 degrees. If the water is too hot, it will be difficult to maintain the same fragrance in the second brew.

7. Tie Guan Yin goes best with spicy food

Spicy foods are best paired with Tie Guan Yin because it has a bittersweet effect. If you ever visit a Chiu Chow restaurant, they always serve Tie Guan Yin tea with their spicy dishes.

Plus, Chiu Chow city borders Shantou city and Fujian province, which is known for harvesting Tie Guan yin leaves.

8. Fried food goes best with white tea

Basically, any type of fried or deep fried food goes well with white tea. In Chinese medicinal terms, fried food is considered a dry hot.

White teas like white hair peony help release body heat.

9. Smell quality

Aside from pu-erh tea which is almost odorless, quality tea should always give off a fragrant smell.

If you can't smell the tea or or see that it is very solvent, then it has probably expired.

10. You won't be able to find good Pu-erh tea at dim sum restaurants

It is simply not cost-efficient. Pu-erh tea is like wine. The longer you store it, the richer it becomes. Storage for at least three to six years is optimal.

Regular pu-erh teas served at restaurants have generally been modified during the fermentation process to reduce storage time. By doing this, they lose whatever fragrance and flavor they originally had.

Good pu-erh tea should look very smooth and deep red in color, not black like regular pu-erh tea.

You can also test the quality of your pu-erh tea by the stain it leaves on your cup after drinking it. If you see a stain surrounding the rim of your cup, that means you are drinking regular or low quality pu-erh tea. If your cup is left with no stain after consumption, you are drinking pu-erh tea of high quality.

11. Tie Guan Yin, Daffodil and Oolong are all the same at dim sum restaurants

No matter which of the three you order, dim sum restaurants will serve you low grade daffodil tea. All three teas come under the same Oolong tea category, yet they are very different in flavor.

Tie Guan Yin tastes more clear and fragrant. Oolong is stronger and more solvent. And daffodil is the purest of them all.

12. The best moments of tea enjoyment are when you have time

Drinking tea is a matter of mood. And when I talk about mood, it mainly has to do with the condition of time.

You've probably heard many rules about tea, from water temperature to color. But at the end of the day, drinking tea is a very personal experience.

Some people like their tea boiling hot while others like theirs lukewarm. Some may like theirs stronger than others. So it's all about time. We need time to brew that perfect cup of tea.

GAIWAN TEA CEREMONY (VIDEO)

2011-02-27T02:20:00.000-08:00

PORCELAIN GAIWAN

2011-02-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Tea folks,

You may have already been aware that the gaiwan is the preferred method for brewing teas especially with delicate flavors and aromas, such as green tea and white tea. The gaiwan consists of a saucer, bowl, and lid. Can anyone tell me about the main function of the lid in the comment column below ?

Please scroll down for the answer.

The lid basically allows the tea to be infused right into the bowl by pouring hot water into the bowl/ boat. It can then either be drank right from the bowl and the lid is traditionally placed at the edge of the bowl to block the leaves for ease of consumption, or decanted into another container.These tea leaves can then be dried under hot sun, before it can be used to make pillow and so on.

The Gaiwan itself is made of a variety of materials, such as clay, porcelain and glass. I also understand that porcelain Gaiwans are particularly prized by collectors of tea paraphernalia. It is more costly due to its manufacturing complexity. Gaiwan is the preferred method for brewing tender tea such as green and white teas as the gaiwan's porcelain absorbs the heat much faster. Hence it reduces the impact of damaging the tea compared to other materials.

It is also worthy to note that Gaiwans are less suitable for black teas as the large lid allows heat to escape too quickly during the steeping process. They are especially common in the north of China for enjoying scented teas like jasmine tea.

The Gaiwan is also important in tea tasting due to its open and glazed surfaces. Now, shall we take a tour to have a quick look at various types of porcelain Gaiwan, as append photos below:-

Glass Gaiwan

Green Jade Gaiwan

Hand painted Porcelain Gaiwan

White Jade Gaiwan

White Porcelain Gaiwan

Now the million dollars question arises as how to select the best quality of porcelain Giawan. Please put forward your answer in the comment column provide below.

Stay tuned and I shall forward mine in the forthcoming article. Seeing you again.

GAIWAN IS NOT A REINVENTED TEA BREWING METHOD

2011-02-22T03:44:00.000-08:00

Hi tea folks,

In my preceding article, I have discussed quite indepth on how this method reinvented tea brewing. To make it more fun, I decided to write an opposing view on today's article so as to enhance the readers' perspective.

In my preceding article, my argument that gaiwan reinvents tea brewing method because it makes the process much simpler and faster. However you should be mindful that this method only applies to tender tea such as green tea. Hence, it has limited scope and application.

Due to the above limited scope and application, it is more appropriate/ accurate that to say that it offers another brewing method to tea drinkers. Hence, it should be viewed as a compliment to other brewing methods rather than replacing them. In short, it adds more color to life, so to speak.

As such, it makes other brewing method relevant and applicable till date. With technological advancement, more varieties and methods are made available. Simply put, you are more pampered with plenty of choices as it evolves through time. Greater challenges and excitement awaits you if you choose to explore further.

By its simplicity and ease of use in nature, one may argue that it lacks kick; glory or fun in term of the activities involved. Be mindful that it has a great adverse impact on the economy as well. Today's world, everyone is more concerned on the sustainable economy rather than anything else.

Alternatively, you may also choose to stay the way you are in. Grab whatever opportunity that comes along. You may turn every situation to your favour so long as you are contented with. To do so, you need to be creative and innovative.

Once, you see the benefits, you should then act upon it, without any delay. Never wait until a right time for you to do so and I can assure you that the right time will not come.

To share with you my initial experience when I begun my blog. I know, for sure that there is so much imperfectness and incompleteness. However, I chose to embark it first and tidy it whenever I have the time to do so.

Hope you enjoy reading it and have a fulfilling day,

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

HOW TO MAKE GONG FU TEA (VIDEO)

2011-02-21T23:21:00.000-08:00

TREASURE OF AGED TEA

2011-02-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

Hi! everyone,

AGED TEA

I had always been approached and asked "What are the differences between aged and new tea?"

In this article, I decided to address this question below in the hope that you have a better understanding.

New tea as opposed to aged tea, is usually harvested, produced and sold in the same season. As for aged tea, it is usually kept for a few years or even decades.

Naturally, the characteristics of new tea are fresh, sweet and astringent with aroma. As a consequence, the new tea is more exciting to your stomach and much easier to refresh your brain. Due to these similar reasons, new tea is not recommended for the elderly to drink.

The next question arises as how to take good care of the aged tea?

You may know that the aged tea is stored for long periods, so the taste is not fresh, and other tastes may be lost as well. Although the aged tea comes with the light flavor, its' taste mellows slowly and consistently. It is worthy to note that high quality aged tea does not taste unpleasantly old or musty.

Append below please find the most common ways to age tea.

a) Sealing tea in the pot and then put in the cellar or
b) Bury into the ground.

In the above manners, tea will change favor slowly and naturally.

Lately, you may find some people prefer roasting out the tea every few years after starting the aged process in order to prevent bad odour. Please inform us more about this newly invented way, which I am sure it is of great assistance to the readers of this blog.

However, no matter which way tea is aged, if you don’t use the high quality tea, do not expect the poor taste tea to change to better ones. Hence, the high quality tea base is the most crucial for aged tea.

Interestingly to note that aged tea will tend to appreciate, similar to wine. Not surprisingly that it has been used as one of the hedging tools against inflation, which has become the current phenomena worldwide. These aged teas have increased in value many folds recently and big congratulations to those who have made a windfall. For those who have not, please spare some time to learn this hobby and you too can make such similar fortune.

Here, I must confess that I am very fortunate that my investment in the aged tea and apparatus had been successful and I can be well rewarded if I were to realize them. However, I still prefer to keep them and continue to learn more of this hobby.

Thank God and those who had assisted me in such a rewarding investment and hobby.

Stay tuned and look forward to hearing from you,

James Oh

GREEN TEA - VIDEO ON HOW TO BREW

2011-02-20T05:25:00.000-08:00

WHAT TYPE OF TEA DRINKER YOU ARE

2011-02-18T20:47:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

I am not sure whether you NOTICED THAT that there are three type of tea drinkers, as follows:-

a) Mono tea drinkers who drink only one type of tea through out the year, that is day in and day out, 365 days of the year.You may find these mono tea drinkers all over the world. I was told that in certain parts of southern Fujian, they only drink the locally produced tea, Anxi’s Tieguanyin. They simply refuse to drink other types of tea – even if it’s a really good tea. Some people are mono tea drinkers due to their preferred type of tea; and always drink it. It becomes part of them permanently and they refuse to adopt any changes. Some may describe these group as the frog living in the well who knows nothing of the vastness beyond the well.

b) Not a tea drinker at all. The other extremists are people who don't drink tea at all. They are actually none tea drinkers. To be a none tea drinker, you must be live a wretched life – knowing of the comforts and pleasures of Tea.

c) the last group of people, called multi tea drinkers. They will drink any kind of tea – red, black, white, yellow, green, compressed, moldy - whatever being served. They are more open to adventure and try new teas and constantly seek for new experiences, in every aspect. We know that there are many varieties of tea. Each tea has different look, taste and smell. Some teas have relatively big leaves; whereas some teas have relatively small, tender leaves. To me, it’s worth trying out different kinds of teas to learn what they are, and understand the differences and similarities amongst them.

I recalled when I was a none tea drinker and later on being transformed to be a multi tea drinker. So, I have gone through these categories and have good experience at each level. Through tea, I have learn a lots of valuable principles in life, which you may read about in my previous articles. You may wish to read again BY CLICKING at THE TITLE OF THIS ARTICLE.

I am blessed to be born in a country, blessed with all sorts of tea; namely Western, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese and our local tea such as Boh tea, Pulled tea, Tongkat Ali Tea. Some of you may have read about my previous articles on our local tea. Here, I write to challenge you to drink each type of tea and share with us your experience. Hope you enjoy your discovery.

For those who are none tea drinkers, please do let us know as why you refuse to drink it. You are always more than welcome to do so in the comment column, provided below.

Thank you in advance and wish you enjoy your discovery journey.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

TEA POEM WRITTEN BY DU XIAOSHAN TANG DAYNASTY

2011-02-17T17:33:00.000-08:00

TEA POEM "WINTER NIGHT" WRITTEN BY DU XIAOSHAN, TANG DYNASTY

FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE

寒夜客來茶當酒，
[hán] [yè] [kè] [lái] [chá] [dang] [jiǔ]，
竹爐湯沸火初紅。
[zhú] [lú] [tāng] [fèi] [huǒ] [chū] [hóng]。
尋常一樣窗前月，
[xún] [cháng] [yī] [yàng] [chuāng] [qián] [yuè]，
纔有梅花便不同
[cái] [ you] [méi] [huā] [biàn] [bù] [tóng]

Visitor came during the cold winter night,
Tea was used instead of wine, to serve our guests.
Water is boiling on the bamboo stove, while the fire has just begun to turn red.
Under the usual moonlight,
Plum blossoms differently from the past.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

TEA - THE WAY I SEE IT

2011-02-14T20:33:00.000-08:00

Dear readers and visitors,

Today, I write to share with you some great benefits, I have learn from Tea art. I never regret taking it up, despite making some mistakes here and there. In short, it has taught me some significant life values.

After an in-dept thought lately, I must admit that it offered me far more exceeding benefits, than I expected initially. As I pursued the journey, I realized that it not only offered me some medicinal value, but also touches me in other parts of my life, which I like to share with you in this article.

As some of you may already know, that it is very closely associated to human daily activities as some claimed that it as "a way of life" or more inclined to a "relationship" than beverage. Its important role cannot be denied and disregarded. No wonder it was widely recognized in Ancient Chinese as one of seven daily necessities, other than firewood, rice, salt, vinegar, soya sauce and oil.

Through tea drinking, we are taught to be very grateful and are constantly reminded to give "thank to others" who serve us. No wonder that the gesture of bending his fingers to tap on the table, is still practiced since its discovery, couple of centuries ago. This gesture was first invented by the servant, who was being served tea by his master, so called Emperor Qianlong, in a restaurant when the emperor was traveling as an ordinary person in his empire with this servant. In order not to disclose the true identity of his master, the servant express this gesture as bending down his knee and bow down to express his highest honor of thank to The Emperor.

This gesture of thank you is still widely practiced amongst its drinkers today, in line with the proverb "action speaks louder than words". Moreover, it also reminded us, occasionally if not daily, to be graceful in whatever condition you are in. Alternatively the wedding tea ceremony is also being widely practiced amongst the Chinese communities to recognize this significant value, where the newly wedded couple kneels down and serve tea to in front of their parents, as a gesture of expressing their gratefulness to their parents for bringing them up.

It also symbolized as a mark of respect to elder persons. In the past, tea was always served by the younger to the older generation as a sign of respect. Through tea drinking, they are usually sit in a circle, as a way to reflect equal status and each and everyone is a contributor regardless of their knowledge or educational background. They gather to enjoy the companions and to share their thoughts, views, skill and experience of each brew of tea and other aspects of life. This good value which, expressed our thanks is still practiced amongst its drinkers.

It also reminded us to respect other persons' views, rather than ours, so as to preserve the peace, flow or order -the centre of drinking atmosphere. The fundamental rule is not to exert one views against others without respect of others. If we do that, the question arises as how we learn from others and constantly strike to make progress. As such, the key to this is to stay open minded. Here, again it stressed the importance of having good relationship between its peers, so to speak.

By knowing each participant's preference and liking, through the feedback gathered through their gathering, it will enhance the understanding and relationship. This can be easy achieved through constantly sharing of their experience, through their collections, drinking preference, views and opinions throughout their conversation during their tea drinking. One may noticed their personal characteristics, well reflected through, the way they carry out themselves, if they really wanted to. Trust can be built from there. That's why it is not surprising to see a huge amount of business transactions done through the tea table, in the past to the present.

Through tea drinking, we were also being constantly reminded of humility. That's why it is always wise to adopt good practice. Serving others first and our selves last, has been entrenched in this healthy practice as a good gesture of humility and give honor to your guests. As such, serving from the left to the right is still preserved as a good practice of ensuring the smooth flow and good habit. You are constantly reminded that what you give will finally come back to you. Now, you can see the logic of the saying of giving is receiving in this sense. So, watch out for what you do as it will eventually come back to you.

Pouring tea to others as gesture of asking forgiveness for serious mistakes is still widely practiced in certain regions till today. Through drinking, it always remind us to ask for forgiveness if you had in some way offended others or aggrieved their rights in the modern contexts. Its' wisdom is well reflected in itself, regardless of whether you say it out or not. You cannot fool the people, for even a fool have eyes to see himself.

Always look forward and be a solution provider. This is always welcome in tea drinking session so as to seek the enjoyment of each other companions and perceived as a contributor to enhance and improve its progression and improvements so as to preserve the harmony, flow, order in this context. As such, we are always reminded to assist another to solve the issues at hand.

You would also agree with me that tea drinkers always believe that prosperity is through diversification. That's the reason you find so many variety of utensils, of various sizes, materials and shapes being used. Method of practicing and school of thoughts are also varied. It evolves in every aspect, from its initial processes to end product. Its sustainability is tested and proven through its long history and significant values in human's lives. Today, you can even find it also evolved and used as one of the ingredients in shampoo as well. No wonder that the ancient scholars, artists and officials placed so much value in it.

To preserve its historical role as currency at once time, you still can find people use it as a hedging tool against inflation as an alternative to gold. I also strongly believe of its appreciation in value will be sustained in view of the prosperity achieved by China. As a result, more people have purchasing power to go after luxury items such as tea because of its medical and other values.

Other good attributes such as patience, perseverance, cooperation and paying attention to details are also cultivated through this culture as a way to sustain its continuous growth and progression. In this context, these good values are acknowledged and recognized as universal ingredients of ensuring and keeping peace throughout the world. Moreover, we have enough suffering from the past expensive world wars.

Order (flow) is the main emphasis in this healthy culture. The law of nature has been entrenched into this culture, directly and indirectly, expressly and impliedly or whatsoever one may think appropriate. Broader view is always preferred and practiced here. Problems seekers/ arm chair critics are always discouraged / curtailed so as not to create any disharmony, so that each participant can make progress and betterment.

James Oh

TEABUCKS

2011-02-11T01:52:00.000-08:00

Life is so wonderful. Why I say so ?

We have not only Starbucks, but also Teabucks as well.

Teabucks in English called Wu Chadao (舞茶道). Its' company is based in Dongguan (东莞) Guangdong (广东). It may not be as popular as Starbucks but do not undermine its popularity. It has more than 70 branches throughout China. You can find its outlets in Hongkong too.

It offers hot and cold tea drinks (bubble tea, etc.), mostly take away. Isn't that great! Unique and classic too.

Append below are the photos taken for your viewing pleasure.

Please share with us your comments, thoughts and views at the comment provided below.

GAIWAN METHOD OF TEA BREWING

2011-02-07T19:47:00.000-08:00

AN OPEN PORCELAIN GAIWAN
Gaiwan Method

The Gaiwan is a traditional teacup from China, with a lid and saucer. By placing the lid at an angle, the lid functions as a strainer and makes drinking pure leaf teas easy. The saucer helps in lifting the cup, especially when the tea is at a high temperature. Originally the Gaiwans were made of clay. Over time many designs have evolved. These days porcelain, stoneware and glass Gaiwans are used to enjoy pure leaf teas.

If you prefer, you may also use the gaiwan method, the oldest method for brewing tea, instead of the gongfu method of making tea. You may click at the link below to refresh your memory of the latter method.

http://teaartblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/gongfu-tea-ceremony.html

In this article, I am very proud to share with you of the latter method. This method involves tea cup, cup lid and saucer. Please allow me to give you a short history of this method.

A porcelain cup with a lid that fits inside the lips was created during the Ming dynasty. You may drink from it directly or serve the tea in individual testing cups. Later, a third element was introduced, the saucer, also called in China "Tea boat". This piece was added to insulate the bottom and enable people to hold the cup more safely. By placing the lid at an angle, the lid functions as a strainer to keep the leaves away from the drinking or pouring edge. As such, it makes drinking pure leaf teas easy. This method is suitable for drinking tea alone as well as sharing with a group of people using a pitcher and small cups.

Due to its functionality and practicability, the Gaiwan has long been recognized as one of the most common tool in China to prepare tea. It is the favorite way of preparing and drinking tea in the Sichuan province. Teahouses there mostly serve tea in gaiwan cups. The gaiwan is used more appropriatly especially when brewing tender tea such as green tea, white tea, and tisanes. Otherwise, it would be easily over brewed when clay teapot is being used. Another great advantage of using this cup is that you could drink it directly. Thus, you are just enjoying tea exactly the way they used to during the Ming dynasty. It evolved over time. These days porcelain, stoneware and glass Gaiwans are used to enjoy pure leaf teas.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

2011-02-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

Well written poem for your reading pleasure and enjoyment.

Share with us your experience of letting the beautiful and

meaningful poem, as below, take you through your while you

sip your tea. - A Real soul relaxing sensation.

"The first cup moistens my lips and throat.

The second shatters my loneliness.

The third causes the wrongs of life to fade gently from my

recollection.

The fourth purifies my soul.

The fifth lifts me to the realms of the unsleeping gods."

~Lu Tung - 8th Century

TEA TALK

2011-01-25T18:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Everyone,

Greetings from Malaysia! Here I have good news for you.

Lately, I received a mail from our local radio station, BFM 89.9- The Business Station I www.bfm.my I 5.01 Wisma BU8, 11 Lebuh Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor 47800, Malaysia I Map tinyurl.com/bfmmap I Join Facebook Group tinyurl.com/bfmradio I Follow on Twitter www.twitter.com/bfmradio, requesting me to participate in their CNY programme. For more information of this station, you may log in their website if you wish to know more.

They came across my blog while looking for someone to do a scoop on tea appreciation for the upcoming Chinese New Year season. In this connection, they wrote to me to inquire whether I could assist them in doing so. Of course, my answer to them is a BIG YES and that I am more than happy to assist in any way I can to promote this healthy art and culture. What is more important is to bring more cheers to their listeners so that they can have more fun and look forward to a more exciting program.

We then proceeded to fix a day to do recording and I do hope you could continue to extend your support by tuning to this channel, as scheduled on 3:00 pm, Feb 3, 2011. To listen the recorded interview, you may click at teh title of this article.

Trust you will enjoy it and hope that it will give you a good kick off for this coming Rabbit Year, we all are awaiting for.

Before I end here, I write to wish you "Gong Xi Fatt Chai" and let Tea be the bridge to help you to cross over your challenges and achieve your goals.

Thanks and have a fulfilling day everyday!

Best regards

James

MY TEA EXPERIENCE

2011-01-21T06:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Day! Readers and Visitors,

Let me tell you a bit of how I got to know about tea.

I began to drink tea in my early twenties when I moved down to Selangor, where I pursued my Accounting degree in the local public university. I must admit that its taste was not to my liking initially. I felt it was much too bitter for me to swallow. I guessed it was due to my frequent drinking of sweet coffee (with sugar) during my childhood days. Secondly, most of the time, I was served with low quality tea and at most times was not prepared according to its prescribed procedures and rules. As a result, it was very bitter, not only in taste, but was also thick dark brown in colour as it was steeped in the water for more than its permitted time frame. Luckily, I chose to change myself so as to accept this nutritious drink.

I recalled that I have begun to realize its benefit especially when I took oily Chinese food at the Chinese Food stalls. It really eased my stomach discomfort if I were to drink it during the meal. I tried numerous times and obtained the same result. Finally, I am convinced with its results. As a result, I began to read more about it and subsequently fell in love with it as I know more about it. I find it so amazing that I even read up some of its history because I was and am so in love with this subject. I do love history subject during my school time and I believe it will help us appreciate things better. As such, I slowly read not only about its history, but its value and hidden treasures that it offered to mankind since the discovery of this product.

I tend to look up this subject whenever there is opportunity and everywhere ; be it in museum, tea shop, library, tea exhibition and internet. I am so grateful that I have learned so much from those who have shared their wonderful experience, knowledge and skills with me. I am really so in-debt to them and it drive me to do the same as what they have done for me.

I even visited the renown Green Tea manufacturer, LongJing, during one of my visits in China. They briefed and took us through the entire process on how they process their Green Tea. I was so amazed and bought quite a number of tins of Green Tea, as I had written in one of the articles upon return. You may view this at http://teaartblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/longjing-green-tea.html

AS I began to realise more of its benefits to mankind, I can't think of any better method than to journalise my experience and my view on it, hoping that I can assist it in spreading its wings to other areas, especially for those who do not know much of its value. At the same time, I write to express my sincere thanks to those who have taken their efforts and time to record it down in the written form so as to preserve the healthy culture for future generations despite they have to go through the painstaking process to record it down.

Here, I hope you can also chip in to do your part to make their wisdom materialise. Choice is yours and I rather chose to be the bridge builder to harmonise the world as its desperate needs. We can't afford to allow third world war to happen. Let me refresh you of those days when they have to craft it on the bamboo slip ( You may click at this site at http://teaartblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/bamboo-slip-preface-to-poems-composed.html to view it yourself), unlike todate.

To make my life more exciting and meaningful, I chose to step forward to promote this art, with the hope that more people will take it up as their hobbies. Do not mis-construe that this hobbies is very costly and so prevent you from indulging yourself in it. However, you too can make handsome profit from it as I do. Through the money I made, I managed to gather some collectible tea items as I articulated in some of my previous articles so as to entertain and enrich you as my readers.

And last but not least, I firmly believe those good things should be shared with others so as not only to enrich society, but to bring betterment to the world as a whole.

Stay tuned and I will broadcast more about it in my forthcoming articles.

When I began to

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

GREEN TEA HEALTH BENEFITS - REDUCE STROKE RISK

2010-11-21T02:23:00.000-08:00

Green, black tea can reduce stroke risk

By Enrique Rivero

Drinking at least three cups of green or black tea a day can significantly reduce the risk of stroke, a new UCLA study has found. And the more you drink, the better your odds of staving off a stroke.

The study results, published in the online edition of Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, were presented Feb. 19 at the American Heart Association's annual International Stroke Conference in San Diego, Calif.

The UCLA researchers conducted an evidence-based review of all human observational studies on stroke and tea consumption found in the PubMed and Web of Science archives. They found nine studies describing 4,378 strokes among nearly 195,000 individuals, according to lead author Lenore Arab, a professor of medicine in the division of general internal medicine and health services research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

"What we saw was that there was a consistency of effect of appreciable magnitude," said Arab, who is also a professor of biological chemistry. "By drinking three cups of tea a day, the risk of a stroke was reduced by 21 percent. It didn't matter if it was green or black tea."

And extrapolating from the data, the effect appears to be linear, Arab said. For instance, if one drinks three cups a day, the risk falls by 21 percent; follow that with another three cups and the risk drops another 21 percent.

This effect was found in tea made from the plant Camellia sinensis, not from herbal teas.

There are very few known ways to reduce the risk of stroke, Arab said. And developing medications for stroke victims is particularly challenging, given that the drug has to get to the stroke-damaged site quickly because damage occurs so fast. Arab said that by the time a stroke victim gets medical care, it's nearly too late to impede the damage.

"That's why these findings are so exciting," she said. "If we can find a way to prevent the stroke, or prevent the damage, that is simple and not toxic, that would be a great advance."

Though no one is certain which compounds in tea are responsible for this effect, researchers have speculated that the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) or the amino acid theanine may be what helps. Antioxidants are believed to help prevent coronary artery disease.

"And we do know that theanine is nearly 100-percent absorbed," Arab said. "It gets across the blood-brain barrier and it looks a lot like a molecule that's very similar to glutamate, and glutamate release is associated with stroke.

"It could be that theanine and glutamate compete for the glutamate receptor in the brain," she added.

Although a randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm this effect, the findings suggest that drinking three cups of green or black tea a day could help prevent an ischemic stroke.

Study co-authors with Arab are Weiqing Liu, a senior statistician in the UCLA Department of Biomathematics, and David Elashoff, associate professor of medicine in the division of general internal medicine and health services search at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

The Unilever Lipton Institute of Tea funded this study.

The General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research Divison in the department of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA provides a unique interactive environment for collaborative efforts between health services researchers and clinical experts with experience in evidence-based work. The division's 100-plus clinicians and researchers are engaged in a wide variety of projects that examine issues related to access to care, quality of care, health measurement, physician education, clinical ethics and doctor-patient communication. Researchers in the division have close working relationships with economists, statisticians, social scientists and other specialists throughout UCLA and frequently collaborate with their counterparts at the RAND Corp. and the Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science.

PS TO READ OTHER RELATED ARTICLE, PLEASE CLICK AT THE TITLE OF THE POST

GREEN TEA WITH GREEN PAPAYA CUBES

2010-06-28T01:01:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

Append below is the article I received from my contacts and I cannot find it more useful than blog it out. For those who have tried this out, please share with your experience. Thank you in advance for your participation.

This is a really effective, just mix green papaya cubes to the ordinary green tea, my cousin brother tried and found it very effective. I have also shared with a friend with gout to try this (his "toe joints" started to deform), after a week of drinking this formula there is significant improvement, after two weeks the toe joints heal and revert to normal state. It is almost three years now, the joint pain is gone, but he maintain the intake between 1-3 times monthly to avoid relapse.

其他的朋友喝了都有解決多年痛風的困擾，沒事也可喝，還不錯。

Other friends suffering from years of gout problem have also recovered. It is good for all, even those without gout.

好方法喔~~趕快告訴需要的人吧!!!!

Good formula! Do share with the people in need!

中國藥學院--- 賴教授改良新方式:

An improved sequence by Professor Lai from the China School of Pharmacy :

將青木瓜切成丁放入水中煮沸後才放入茶葉，泡茶過程和一般茶葉相同。
據實際臨床經驗效果更佳，而且治療尿酸效果更佳(須常期喝)

Cut green papaya into small cubes, place into the water, bring to boil, then add green tea leaves, similar to the tea-making process. Clinical tests show that this brings better effects for treatment of gout, subject to frequent drinking of this formula.

青木瓜泡茶
台南縣仁德鄉後壁村長劉結慶患胃痛多年，把青木瓜當做茶壺泡茶喝，一個月後竟治癒宿疾，家人尿酸過多喝木瓜泡茶也不藥而癒，劉村長因而種了許多木瓜，送給有病的親友鄉親。

Mr Liu Qing, Chief of the Rende Town in Tainan, was suffering for years from severe stomach pain around the posterior wall of stomach. He used green papaya as a tea pot to prepare the family tea daily, after a month his chronic disease condition was much improved. His family members with high uric acid were also healed by the same papaya tea. For this Mr Liu planted a lot of papaya to share with relatives and friends with similar sickness.

劉村長說，青木瓜最好選擇果實肥短，容量比較大，將木瓜頂部切開，挖出木瓜內的種籽，再開一個小缺口方便倒茶水，8 F一邊開個小洞透氣，放入茶葉、倒進沸水後蓋回木瓜頂部，並以牙籤固定，泡茶過程和一般茶葉相同。

According to Mr Liu, in selection of the Green Papaya as tea pot, pick those whose shape are fat and short, with larger capacity. Cut off the top part of the papaya, clear away the seeds, open a small hole at the upper side wall to facilitate pouring of tea. Create a small ventilation hole at top cover, put in the tea leaves, pour in boiling water, place the top cover back to papaya, you may use the toothpicks to secure the top cover. Similar to normal process of preparing tea.

Liu like to use Oolong tea as the taste is good. He was pleasantly surprised that the stomach pains he suffered for many years was healed after a month of drinking tea from the green papaya pot, without taking any other medication. He passed some green papaya leaves to a friend who worked at a Medical Center to test and analyse the content. The tests confirmed that healthy the enzyme present in papaya is beneficial to human health. Now as papaya in Mr Liu's orchard is yeilding suitable size fruit, he would share the fruits with family and friends.

Xu Fuchang, an experienced papaya farmers, the green papaya refers to papaya that is not ripe, where the skin is still green in colour. Generally, the papaya takes about four months to fully mature and ripe, but there healing effect would be lost after it is fully ripe. Green Papaya should be harvested when the papaya is approximately three months old, when the fruit is still firm, and the "papaya milk" contains high papaya enzyme and other healthy ingredients. Not only the green papaya can be used in tea drinking, you may also cut them into cubes, and boil with the ribs, or even slicing the green papaya into fine long pieces and fried with garlic, very tasty, and no adverse effects on the human body.

Thanks for your time reading this article and we look forward to hearing from you,

Your Chief Servant,

James Oh

TO READ MORE, PLEASE CLICK AT THE TITLE OF THE POST

CHINESE TEA EGGS

2010-06-18T01:06:00.000-07:00

Dear friend,

In Malaysia, snacks such as Chinese Tea Eggs are very commonly available in most tea shops or some Chinese conventional medical shops especially in major cities. Now, they are also available in shopping mall especially with high number of Chinese shoppers. The aroma is so strong that you can smell it from far as the seller may keep heating them up.

For lunch, in addition to other light meals such as noodle apart from tea.

Tea eggs, stewed in a black tea/soy sauce/spice blend, are ubiquitous and cheap snacks sold in major cities around Malaysia. They're also easy to make at home. Getting the marbling effect is as simple as cracking the egg once it's partially or well cooked. You can use any black tea, or Pu'er for an earthier taste. (Green tea is too astringent to use for tea eggs.) The eggs can be simmered for 1 to 3 hours; longer simmering means a more intense flavor and color.

Once the eggs are cooked, you can eat them hot or cold as a snack. Alternatively you may serve them as appetizers at a party, cut in half with caviar on top. Or even take them on your next hiking trip.

Simple yet delicious and you may add this item into your meal whenever you like it. Rich in nutrition and yet delicious in taste, try it out and share with us your experience.

Thanks for your precious time to read this article and look forward to hearing from you,

Your Chief Servant,

James Oh

Founder and Group CEO

Skype me at james.oh18

http://liftyouup.blogspot.com

HISTORY OF TEA ART ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA

2010-06-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Friends,

Today,we are going to touch on the history of how the tea shops/house begin in Malaysia. These tea shops/house in Malaysia began in the early seventies. Just about a dozen people from all walks of life, dedicated to the tea culture, began to promote tea culture in Malaysia. They allowed people of all ethnic groups from all over the country to enjoy quality tea by complying to the tea culture, which cultivates good values such as patience, concentration, harmony and a peaceful environment.

The Kuala Lumpur Tea Art Society, Malaysia was finally established and approved by the Registrar of Societies Malaysia in early December 1998. This is the result of more than a year of planning and preparation and since then it started to grow.

Southern Chinese Tea Ceremony 3

The Mission of the Association is to promote the tea culture amongst Malaysians. They also constantly organise activities and programmes such as, tea pot art lectures and tea exchange programs both domestically and in foreign countries especially China to explore the concept of tea culture, tea art training and curriculum.

For those who have the passion to acquire this skills and knowledge are always encouraged to join this association.

For other parts of the world, you may join such association in your own country. They are more than happy to train any foreigners to acquire this skill and knowledge.

Here, we always believe that we can only progress through sharing.

Hope you find this article useful and meaningful.

Your Chief Servant,

James Oh

Founder and Group CEO

Skype me at james.oh18

http://liftyouup.blogspot.com

TEA POT OF YELLOW CLAY

2010-06-07T01:55:00.000-07:00

Hi! My dearest readers,

This article we are going to share with on the above two little lovely yellow clay tea pots. One of these as shown above is of the bigger round shape lid with 4 Mandarin characters as " Round Moon surrounded with Good and lovely Flower" indicates a relaxed life in peaceful and harmonious environment.

Whereas its pot is also with a larger flat bottom compared to the other yellow clay pot which matches well with its lid. The lid sit well at the ledge of the pot which attracted my younger brother's attention, and he brought this good news to me. At that time, I instantly requested him to take me to see the mainland Chinese merchant, who came to my mother's usual market place to sell his handcraft.

Thank God. When I reached there, these two items still available. After serious inspection and scrutiny of these two items, I bargained with him and at last he told these two pieces to me at a good price since he was leaving my country very soon.

The photo above shown these two pieces, with the lid being removed and placed at their sides, which I bought from the mainland Chinese merchant. You can see clearly the differences between these two pieces despite both look alike, but their sprouts are so much different from each other. The left sprout is of italics whereas the right one is of straight and sharper sprout.

As mentioned earlier, the lid of the left pot with a smaller lid compare with the one on the right. Both are of round shape.

No doubt both had been engraved with lotus flowers; one is a big lotus flower whereas the other is smaller with three lotus flowers. One is with a bird, represent peaceful, joyful and harmonious environment. Whereas the other one is a gold fish and lotus flower which well reflect a fish flowing freely in an environment of peace, joy and surrounded by lotus flower.

The Chinese characters on its pots and lids are also different. The meaning of its Chinese characters on the smaller lid well reflects the pots wide spread to every part of the world, without any boundary and limitation.

Look closely at "Mark Chop" at the bottom of both the pots closely. You will realise that both pots are made by different potters, which I initially thought was the same potter. However, I have no regret in buying both of them. I have kept them easily for more than five years and I will keep them in the near future.

We hope by now you will appreciate each and every pot which I have displayed with short description. We find each one has its own meaning and its unique crafting is very pleasing to our eyes and soul.

No wonder, every participant can enjoy every moment of the sip of the tea of his preferences. Together surrounded by the beauty of the pots, cups, bowls, trays and all types of accessories which we have shown you in our preceding articles. Perhaps, you should close your eyes and imagine all these items displayed in front of you and you are surrounded by your loved ones. Each one of you is sipping the tea slowly and you can see through their expression, the real full satisfaction of the tea that you have brewed for them. How wonderful and meaningful you will feel, especially from the snap shot of that particular moment.

Folks, what are you waiting for? Begin with some of these accessories and start to brew the tea. Take, the snap shot of that particular sweet moment become your goal/ end. Keep moving and let us know your experience.

Thank you and look forward to hear your experience both new or existing ones.

Your Chief Servant,

James Oh

Founder and Group CEO

Skype me at james.oh18

http://liftyouup.blogspot.com

THE GREEN TEA POT - LOTUS AND FROG ON TOP

2010-06-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

Dear my friends,

The above teapot is a product of the maker's applied art. It was
made after much thoughts, modifications and hard work before
we see it as it is today. We would say that the design is more
inclined to practical know how and its design serves more than
for its intended purpose - it pours well to tea cups or tea bowls.
You can also see everything in it - the tea must pour out
smoothly from the pot if it is well designed and crafted. To
make it collectible, it must look good and feel good with its
ownership. To achieve these effects, everything counts - be it
the shape, style, type of clay, the skill and experience of the
maker.

This tea pot is of pumpkin shape. Its lid comprise of
lotus flowers with a frog resting on top - indicates peace
and harmony; surrounded by the lotus flowers. Each
flower consists of one tiny stone, which is freely moving
around as you shake the lid. Thus producing such a
chilling natural sound which may add colour to your
environment of having tea with your loved ones.

Its clay is so much different from the normal ones - mixed
with red, yellow clay and others and after firing in the kilns
that produce different colors. Now, you are able to
appreciate how creative is the artist's work, who is so
skillful in engraving the clay till it is so adorable.

Look at its handle, it is not only bigger than the normal
ones with a few rings along its handle so as to give the
user a better grip, at the same time, it supports well the
pot with its weight and content together with hot water
- the art of balance is equally important here. Hence,
you can see that it must be functionable, as it may be
used frequently if not daily.

It comes with a big spout and hole - suitable for Puer
tea which is of bigger tea leaves. The pot is of bigger
capacity and the pu'er tea leaves will expand much
more in hot water when compare with other tea
leaves. Its spout at the very bottom of the pot makes
it much easier to pour out the tea.

No wonder in recent years there has been an increase
in admiration of these unique teapots. Consequently,
its price has increased tremendously from a few
dollars to thousands of dollars for a single pot. And
with this increase in value, more talented artists are
attracted to this trade and quality and the craftmanship
are also enhanced. Hence, more scrutiny and quality
control is imposed on every pot. Those rejected will
then be smashed once they are out from the kiln. The
makers, especially famous ones are very proud of
their products and you can see their maker's mark
("Chop Mark") at the bottom of each pot of their
production. This seal authenticates the work.The seal
is chosen by the maker with great care - sort of self
image for them. Most of the famous potters have
their seal from a well known engraver and the
chosen characters of the seal are cut in stone.

You may agree with us that the pot can reveal most
of the maker's preference and liking. Some potters
prefer a little spout, some go for a heavy handle.
Some reproduce trunks and knotty branches. Others
have exquisite engravings of ratan or leaves. Each artist
usually produces what he or she likes best. Each pot is
represented by their individual thoughts and represented
the best of what he or she thinks at the time of making.

Similarly, each pot has its own beauty and characteristics
depending on its beholders. Here, you may say that its
beauty in green clay is good for the mind and eyes. It will
mould the sentiments, foster temperament, and improve
health of its beholders.

In other words, to be happy and successful you should
drink tea brewed in such a great product such as the above
green clay of teapot.

Your Chief Servant,

James Oh

Founder and Group CEO

Skype me at james.oh18

http://liftyouup.blogspot.com

TEA POT

2010-06-02T01:38:00.000-07:00

Happy day to you,

In our preceding article, we have written about the tea pot and its history.

Today, we are going to brief you about the differences you can find in these tea pots shown in the above photo.

They are made from different types of clay. The clay colours are also different caused by how they have been fired in the kiln in term of heat temperature. Each type of clay has its different porosity and serves well for the different types of tea.

You can see clearly that each pot has its own identity and personality, suits individual preference and liking. Each individual teapot has also its own unique shape and meanings.

If you examine further, you will notice that the thickness of the clay is also different from one tea pot to the other. BY rule of thumb, the thickness should be at least 1/4 inch in thickness, otherwise it could easily crack.

Their spouts are of different lengths and designs. Each one serves its own function. By looking closely, you will also notice the hole in the spout is of different width. Some have bigger holes and they were designed for bigger tea leaves. Otherwise, the spout will easily be blocked by the tea leaves and cause inconvenience to the drinkers. No wonder, each artist is so detailed in his works and constantly use his talent, skills and creativity to fit its spout at the position best fitted for each pot, depending on its size and design. Some are at the very top of the pot and some at the middle.

Similarly, the position of its handle would also not be taken lightly by its creator. You may find some with a couple of inches down from the top and bottom. Some of them of have thin handles, some with much thicker handles despite having different designs.

If you take a closer look at my green clay tea pot, you will notice that its handle have some crafting - distinct from the rest. You can see its handle is also much bigger compare to the rest. By having some crafting, it makes it more appealing.

The shape of the tea pot also varies, and the drawing or words written on it are also different. Thus, you will not find this hobby boring and the tendency of adding new teapots into your collection is very high. I am not an exception to this rule. I can assure you that I will add more into my collection if not for the spaces constraint at my display cabinet. I have another brother who has a much bigger collection than me. He has expressed his interest to me to blog his collections. However, according to him, he just could not find time to do so. Once his blog is ready, we will add his to ours so as you have more variety and reading materials on tea and related stuff. In this connection, we also like to take this opportunity to extend our invitation to other bloggers as well.

Another interesting point to note is its lid. One obvious point is that each has its own size of lid. The shape also varies from pot to pot. The most challenging task to the tea pot manufacturer is how well they can make the lid sit on the inner edge of the hole so that the lid rests on the formed ledge yet fits snugly. As a general guide it is no more than half the size of its top. Here, may anyone tells us why there is a small hole in the lid?

That's all for this time and we look forward to hearing from you; be it an answer or a question.

Hope you are enjoy reading our article. Please stay tuned and we have more exciting article for you, as Valued Readers.

For those who have not tried our elephant pu'er, please contact us so that we could send it to you.

Thank and have a fruitful day.

Your Chief Servant,

James Oh

Founder and Group CEO

Skype me at james.oh18

http://liftyouup.blogspot.com

Your Chief Servant,

James Oh

TEA POTS AND ITS HISTORY

2010-05-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

Hi! Folks,

Today, we are going to show you some of my tea pots collection, as below. You may notice that they are of different colour of clay, yellow, green, purple and brown. Majority of them have not been used. Guess which ones are suitable for pu’er tea.

We are going to go through with you more details of each of the tea pots and its attributes so that you are able to appreciate each of them and their individual function.

In this article, append below is extracted from http://www.teapots.net/ on teapots history for your reading pleasure.

A History of Teapots

The Need for Teapots

The story of teapots begins with their necessity -- the development of tea and its regular consumption required an efficient, and later an aesthetically pleasing, vessel for brewing and drinking.

There are two legends about the invention of tea. Some attribute the discovery of tea to Shen Nung, a Chinese Emperor in the 3rd century BCE, who sat under a tree while boiling his drinking water. When the leaves of Camellia sinensis fell into his bowl, the agreeable taste prompted the genesis of tea drinking. An alternative account gives credit to a Dharuma Buddhist monk who travelled to China from India in the 5th century CE. During his fifth year of a seven year meditiation undertaken to prove his faith, he became sleepy. In an effort to remain focussed he cut off his offending eyelids and threw them onto the ground, whence sprang the tea plant. He decided to make a drink from the leaves and discovered it kept him awake, allowing him to pursue his spiritual studies.

Camellia sinensis, the common tea plant, was first cultivated in the 4th century CE, after wild specimens were brought to China from India. Actually an evergreen tree which may grow up to 50 feet, the domesticated plant is pruned to a bush-like state and kept at a height of five feet. After three to five years of growth, its leaves may be harvested to make tea. Today, women constitute the majority of pickers, and there is no machine that can exceed the 60 to 70 pounds of leaves per day that an experienced worker can collect. These 60 to 70 pounds of fresh leaves produce approximately 20 pounds of dry tea, or 2800 cups of tea. (To find out more about the process of making tea, go to our pageFrom Tree to Teapot.)

Teapots were not used immediately upon the discovery of tea. From the 8th century CE, tea leaves were rolled by hand, dried and then grounded into a powder. At first, this powder was mixed with salt and formed into cakes that would be dropped into bowls of hot water to form a thick mixture. Eventually the powder was left in its loose form, to be mixed in a bowl with boiling water and whipped into a froth. This method of tea-making was introduced into Japan in the early 9th century CE. Tea was considered medicinal in both China and Japan for the next 500 years.

At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in China, leaf infusion as we know it now became popular. The earliest examples of teapots come from this period, made from the zisha, or "purple" clay, of the YiXing region of China. Pottery in the YiXing tradition has been strong since the Sung Dynasty (960-1279); wares are valued for their fine texture, thin walls, and naturally beautiful coloration ranging from light buff to deep maroon tones. The transition from drinking bowls to teapots was a smooth one. YiXing teapots were, and still are, used to brew tea as well as act as the drinking vessel -- one sips directly from the spout of a single-serving pot. YiXing teapots gradually season, the unglazed clay absorbing the flavor of brewed tea, making them a favorite choice for tea lovers. The dissemination of YiXing teapots greatly influenced not only the forms of teapots found throughout the world, but also prompted the invention of hard-paste porcelain in the western world. (Modern YiXing teapots can be found atwww.YiXing.com, along with information about the manufacture and use of these legendary pieces.)

Japanese demand for teapots created a growth in the industry of this new form of pottery. By the 15th century CE, both the Chinese and Japanese were drinking tea for ceremonial purposes, and the beverage was no longer regarded solely for its medicinal properties. Chinese scholars and intellectuals involved themselves in the design of teapots. The "cult of tea" in Japan, led by the artist Sen Rikyu (1522-1591), became an impetus for stylistic and artistic evolution in YiXing teapot designs. Cha-no-yu, the tea ceremony which forms the basis for Japanese Buddhist "Teaism," serves as a natural expression and discipline of zazen meditation and is viewed as an art. (The Japanese tea ceremony is described in detail on our page Chado: Adoration of the Everyday.) Teapots detailed with themes from nature or sutras were desirable adjuncts to this art, and YiXing pots themselves became prized as creative works. The Japanese began making red clay or shudei teapots; they imported Chinese artists to teach them potting methods, and developed new techniques for creating these delicate wares. The old province of Bizen became an increasingly important center for Japanese ceramics. Raku, rough and dark earthenware, emerged.

The emergence and early evolution of teapots spanned several hundred years. Tea drinking had spread South through Asia, and was noticeable in Formosa (Taiwan), Siam (Thailand), Burma/Myanmar and the islands of Sumatra and Java in Indonesia. The next 300 years would see the global spread of tea -- and, of course, the teapot.

By now, we hope you have an indepth understanding of tea pots and its history.

Your Chief Servant,

James Oh

Founder and Group CEO

Skype me at james.oh18

http://liftyouup.blogspot.com

SQUARE ROSEWOOD TISSUE BOX

2010-05-29T04:39:00.000-07:00

Hi! Friends,

Almost everything evolves over time, similarly this rosewood tissue box. This contemporary item was created as a result of convenience. Prior to the invention of tissue papers, people use handkerchiefs instead. As the tissue papers came into the picture, the furniture producer also added this decorative item apart from serving its intended function.

The photos below are taken from 4 different sides of this decorative tissue box. All painting displayed at each side represents one season of the year, i.e .spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Can anyone tells us specifically what season o the year each painting represent ? (see the photos below)

Here, we hope you too are inspired by its craftsmanship, i.e. painting of the colourful Mother of Pearl. This craftsmanship is fine and of high quality, suitable for collection. This box is with me for a couple of years which I bought together with my rosewood display cabinet. It is of approximately of 8 inches of length, width and height.

There is a hole; of approximately 4 inches; at its top, which enable the user to pull out the tissue from the tissue box. The tissues are placed inside this tissue box by pulling out the tray from its bottom and place on top of its tray before pushing the tray back to its original position.(See photo)

I find this tissue box unique and it blends well with conventional and contemporary items which offers its user a new life. Imagine how meaningful your time will be when you display it at the centre of the table while having tea and some snacks with your loved ones. The tissue box plays a role of serving its intended purpose.

At the same time, it also add colours to the tea ceremony especially together with other tea accessories, unique tea cups and tea pots. These items may also become conversation topics amongst its participants.

Before we end our discussion, may I be allowed to throw a question to the readers. What do the balls at the four corners represent or symbolise?

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you,

Your Chief Servant,

James Oh

Founder and Group CEO

Skype me at james.oh18

http://liftyouup.blogspot.com