Katsura Imperial Villa

Katsura Rikyū, also known as the Katsura Imperial villa, is widely regarded as the perfect example of Japanese architecture and garden design. Completed in 1645, the minimal use of decoration and uncomplicated plan is profoundly modern. The reflective pond, the gardens, the pebbled footpaths and the graceful villa rest peacefully in the private estate; a stark conrast to lively, crowded Kyoto which is just beyond the walls. While strolling, I heard a soft splashing; it was a groundskeeper sweeping a handmade broom over coal-black stones in a small stream. I can still hear that delicate swishing sound when I look at my photos.

Located in Kyoto, Japan, the villa can be viewed only on tours arranged by the Imperial Household Agency. Tours are limited to a small group of eight, which assures a tranquil, leisurely visit.

Book smart

La Nuit Remue, 2009

Georgia Russell

Nicholas Jones

Across the Disciplines, 1990

Janet Zweig

The Kindle is described as a wireless reading device or electronic reader. Neither label is very cozy, and while it may represent the future of reading, it feels wrong to call it a book. A book has presence and personality; it has weight, a distinct fragrance, and the occasional library stamp. The finer volumes have marbled end papers, leather bindings and gilt edged pages, and the paperbacks become swollen and dog-eared no matter how carefully read. Kindle technology is practical in so many ways, it makes the sensory experience of reading actual books a delicious luxury.

There are some amazing artists using discarded books as their medium.

War Is Over!

Forty years ago, John Lennon and Yoko Ono launched their campaign for peace, renting billboards in eleven cities (New York, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Toronto, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Athens and Tokyo) proclaiming the message, "WAR IS OVER! IF YOU WANT IT", in giant, headline-worthy letters, with a smaller message below which read, "Happy Christmas, John and Yoko." In addition to the billboards, posters and postcards were also created to spread the message. In 1969, the United States was deeply mired in the war in Vietnam, but stateside, an atmosphere of rebellion and anti-war street protests were gaining momentum.

Now, with the same spirit of peaceful objection, not only for the USA conflicts but wars everywhere, Yoko Ono has recreated the WAR IS OVER! crusade. Presently, the postcards and posters are available in 60 languages (and growing!) that you can download and print from her Flickr page.

The Russian Avant-Garde Book 1910-1934

The catalog for the 2002 exhibition at the Museum of Modern (New York) is a gorgeous anthology of Constructivist design in books ranging from poetry to religion. The English translation of some of the titles read like poetry: Drunken Cherries, Lacquered Tights, Melancholy in a Robe, As Simple as Mooing, A Head Alone is Prone to Moan and Moans Because It Is Alone, and A Little Duck's Nest of Bad Words. Rare and expensive, but worth the investment if you appreciate minimalist design and typography as art.

Not bread alone

A. suggested a balanced diet consists of bread, butter, bacon and beer. As I poked around this idea, I found a staggering number of website devotees of bacon and discovered the salty pork dressed up as dental floss, lip balm, car freshener, room candles and bandages.

Beside the obvious combination of butter on bread, there is Butter Beer, Bacon Beer and for those more hungry than thirsty, Bacon Beer Bread.



Brewed in Bamburg, Germany for 300 years, Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier (”rauchbier” is German for “smokebeer”) is bacon-y lager with a sweet, smoky flavour that comes from roasting the malt over open fire.

Where is love?

Love Letter is a revolutionary public art project by Steve Powers and The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. It is funded by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage through the Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative. In 2009, 50 walls facing the Market elevated train in Philadelphia were painted with unique 'love letter' murals.






When was the last time you received a love note, or wrote one? It's simple to purchase one from Coulson Macleod, for yourself or that special someone that makes your heart go thumpety-thump.