Pop and Thistle

Author's posts

White Tea, Delicacy Personified

White tea is made from the same plant as is green tea, but undergoes a very different process. It begins with the rolled buds of the Camellia Sinensis plant, but suffers no oxidation. That oxidation process, often called fermentation, is what produces the distinctive color and taste of other teas. Though the word is the …

Continue reading

Pet Profile: The Lovable Pug

If you’ve seen Men In Black or Milo and Otis, you probably have fallen in love with the charming Pugs who acted in these movies. While the distinctive appearance of this breed may be the first thing that attracts people to the Pug, it is the Pug’s  personality that wins the lifelong devotion of dog fanciers. The American …

Continue reading

Pet Profile: The Happy Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu originates from China and was originally developed to be a lap dog and companion to Chinese Royalty. The origins of this breed date back to the 1800’s, when it was developed in China during the reign of the Empress Dowager Cixi or Tz’u-shi, which explains the origins of the name. The Shih …

Continue reading

Pet Profile: The Dutiful Doberman Pinscher

On television, Doberman Pinschers are often portrayed as aggressive dogs lunging at people with demonic looking eyes. However, in real life, most Dobermans are actually loyal, intelligent family pets. The American Kennel Club classifies the Doberman Pinscher as a member of its Working Group. These dogs were originally bred to be police dogs. They were …

Continue reading

A Quick DIY Yakisoba Recipe

Looking for something uniquely Japanese to eat and want it fast? Yakisoba is the answer. It’s a traditional Japanese dish that is very easy to prepare. Yakisoba is basically pan fried noodles. It is a commoner’s food, not very fancy, and it’s usually prepared as a snack or as picnic food. The noodles used in …

Continue reading

Lemon Balm Tea (Melissa Officinalis) Health Benefits

Lemon balm tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the plant, Melissa officinalis. Melissa officinalis is one of many herbs which have a natural lemony fragrance without the sourness and acidity caused by citric acid in lemons. This article explores the health benefits and medicinal uses of lemon balm, and the benefits of drinking an …

Continue reading

“Flirtation” by Rita Dove

Flirtation After all, there’s no needto say anything at first. An orange, peeledand quartered, flares like a tulip on a wedgewood plateAnything can happen. Outside the sunhas rolled up her rugs and night strewn saltacross the sky. My heart is humming a tuneI haven’t heard in years! Quiet’s cool flesh—let’s sniff and eat it. There …

Continue reading

The Scoop on Decaf Tea

Decaf tea is a great addition to the tea tin. There are times when you don’t need a pick-me-up, just a great tasting cup of tea. In fact, having tea often means the very opposite – taking a few minutes to relax, clear your mind and let the cares of the day flow away. A …

Continue reading

Pet Profile: The Outgoing Labrador Retriever

If you want a dog that has a bubbly personality and a strong desire to make you happy, you may want to consider buying a Labrador Retriever. Of course, these big, exuberant dogs aren’t for everyone. Before you buy one of these roly-poly little puppies, you may want to consider some of the plusses and …

Continue reading

Pet Profile: The Sweet Maltese

The Maltese is the oldest breed of all the lap dogs. It was a favorite of royal families and was especially popular with the ladies of the royal courts. The women would carry the Maltese on their sleeves as little ornaments to attest to their station in life. It is said that the Greek Philosopher …

Continue reading