From the category archives:

All About Bamboo

Everyone enjoys a good summer read so why not make your book a bamboo one?  While you can purchase books carved on bamboo strips including Chinese annals and works of Confucius, those might not be the easiest to tote to the beach.  Instead, take a look at these informative books on bamboo with topics ranging [...]

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Give the delivery guy from your favorite Chinese restaurant a break and make your own version of Egg Rolls, using crunchy bamboo to give them a unique texture.  After this yummy appetizer, treat yourself to a main course of Bamboo Shoots and Szechwan Beef or Bamboo Shoot Vegetable (Killaanchi Bhaji).  Ingredients: 4 egg roll wrappers [...]

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With summer rapidly approaching, now is the time to shed those winter pounds to get beach-ready.  Fad diets abound but most experts will tell you that the secret to successful weight loss is a healthy diet and exercise plan.  In fact, most successful long-term weight loss sticks when the weight loss is an average of [...]

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Bamboo is making another impression in the art world with the creation of “Big Bambu:  You Can’t, You Won’t, and You Don’t Stop.” This combination of sculpture, architecture and performance art created by twin brothers Doug and Mike Starn officially opened in New York on April 27.  Using 5000 bamboo poles ranging in length from [...]

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Kendo meaning “way of the sword” is a modern art of sword fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship (or Kenjutsu).  It is physically and mentally challenging that combines strong martial arts values with sport like physical elements.  The object of the art is to score points by striking your opponent’s head, arms and torso in [...]

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The Oscars brought more than emotional moments and award-winning movies.  Several guests chose to use the venue to make a statement that organic clothing could be gorgeous and red-carpet worthy as well.   Suzy Amis Cameron, wife of director James Cameron, graced the red carpet with a gown designed by Michigan State senior Jillian Ganz.  Ganz, [...]

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Hailing a taxi is bringing out a whole new type of green thumb in the Philippines.  Recently, the municipal mayor of Tabontabon, in the province of Leyte,  commissioned two eco-friendly taxis made almost entirely out of bamboo.  The usual mode of transport in the island country is the motorcycle, referred to as the habal-habal. The [...]

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Having a busy week?  This simple recipe from Thai Table  is the one for you! Soop naw mai is a Northeastern Asian traditional dish known in the west as Bamboo Shoot Yum.  This bamboo salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a quick and easy meal or snack.  When you add the [...]

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If you’re not lucky enough to have bamboo in your yard, here’s a way to bring some luck to your household. Lucky bamboo is a symbol of luck and success because of its rapid growth, strength and fortitude.   Actually a resilient member of the lily family, lucky bamboo plants are found in households and offices [...]

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Rachel McAdams, known for her roles in Mean Girls, The Notebook and The Family Stone, recently put forth a unique call to action to help the environment.   McAdams would like for women around the world to make the switch to bamboo underwear. That’s right – changing your underwear can help change the world. “A sexy green [...]

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As times become more hectic and money to travel is less available, people are choosing to turn their homes into their own sanctuaries.  Many gardens are being designed not only for beauty but also to provide an oasis for the mind and spirit. In particular,  Japanese Garden designs evoke a strong feeling of tranquility and peace of mind.  Japanese [...]

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In today’s modern world, the practice of writing by hand has given way to texting and typing.  However, a practice still exists that celebrates the art of handwriting for its ability to communicate the spiritual world of the artist.  Meaning beautiful writing, the practice of calligraphy is an art form that conveys the emotions, integrity, [...]

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There is a growing demand among consumers for earth-friendly products.  Ranging from organic foods to recycled materials to use of sustainable materials, people are trying more than ever to green their lives and their living spaces.  Natural decorating is a growing trend among interior designers with a focus on using products that will leave a [...]

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A vegetarian meal doesn’t have to be a boring meal! Try this tasty and easy to prepare recipe using bamboo shoots and classic Indian flavors. This is a great dish to serve on its own or as a side dish to complement your menu. Ingredients: 500 grams tender Bamboo Shoots 3/4  c. Split Chick Peas [...]

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The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music.  Bodies never lie.  ~Agnes de Mille For centuries, dance has played an important role in cultures around the world.  Dance is used to celebrate, to worship and to mourn.  Dance provides the opportunity to pass on traditions and stories in many [...]

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In Asian countries, bamboo is used for a multitude of things.  It is shelter and flooring, cookware and food, jewelry and clothing.  With its abundant presence and many uses, it’s no surprise that bamboo figures prominently in the creation myths of their culture. According to Philippine creation myths, the first man and woman emerged from [...]

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So invaluable was the invention of paper and brush (pen) that they were considered two of the Four Treasures of China (along with ink and inkstone).  Previous to these inventions, man recorded their history and thoughts with chiseled cave drawings or knots tied into silk ropes.  So precious was this knowledge that the Chinese guarded [...]

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Can Rayon Really Save Your Life? The FTC would have you believe that “rayon from bamboo” is the same quality fabric as “traditional rayon” due to its similar process. The FTC would also have you believe that companies have been misrepresenting this fabric by calling it bamboo or fiber from bamboo rather than rayon from [...]

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