Wood-fired bread
I’m visiting Italy. One of the greatest things I’ve been introduced to is wood-fired bread. “Pane, cotto nel forno a legna” is a staple here.
Bread, peppers and eggplant parmesan cooked in a wood-fired oven
The bread is crusty, flatish, and often delightfully salty, with a slight smoky flavor. It’s good. Everything is good baked in the great, wood ovens. Pizza, pasta, veggies. All of it is fantastic.
Vodafone internet key
For travelers who want or need access to the internet, extended vacations can be challenging. At 1 or 2 Euro per hour, internet cafes can be expensive for work applications, and things like streaming video aren’t really practical.
If you’re looking for a way to stay connected on a long trip, without totally breaking the bank, I recommend the Vodafone internet key.
Vodafone internet key
I found thins thing on my last trip to Italy. My local hostesses were using one, so I checked it out. Here’s how it works: you buy the hardware in-country – a flashdrive with SIM and memory cards. Mine cost $69 Euro. Then you pre-purchase a plan. Currently, I pay 1 Eruo for each day I sign on. That’s it. I get unlimited time on the internet and 50M of data. Each day. Much better than 1 Euro/hour.
I Just plug it into your laptop, and I’m off and running. And when my trip’s over, I just pack up my key and save it for the next trip. That’s awesome!
Paestum
The Italian city of Paestum is beautiful. In an eerie, peaceful kind of way. It’s home to an ancient site. The greatest number of Greek temples outside of Greece. It’s stunning.
Temple of Neptune, Paestum, Italy
The ancient city is quiet (mosquitos killed everyone off like a zillion years ago), and really, really beautiful.
Pizzerias, gelato shops and vendor stalls fill the main street, and the museum plays host to an ancient Greek tomb painting. The painting shows a diver, mid leap as he moves from the physical world into the afterlife. Plunging fearlessly and gracefully. Beautiful. Awesome.
The people of Potenza Italy
Yesterday, my aunt and I visited the city of Potenza Italy. We found the people there to be amazingly helpful and kind. Just in asking for directions, we ended up with rides both to and from the train station – which was quite a way from the city center.
The people of Potenza giving us a ride.
Strangers guided us the whole day, making us feel loved and safe.
If you ever find yourself in southern Italy, I recommend visiting Potenza. The people there are awesome.
Windows Into Art
Kathi Rick and Anne John's multimedia installation at the Koplans Building Photo: Cameron Suttles
What do you do with storefronts that are sitting empty? Why not fill them with art? Which is just what Windows Into Art in Vancouver, Washington is doing this month.
19 artists. 18 storefront windows. Fabulous.
Read the Vancouver Voice article and learn more.
TerraCycle
Tom Szaky, CEO of TerraCycle, by Tonic
You can’t get much greener than TerraCycle, a company that recycles collected garbage into products.
Here are some fun facts about the company:
* 2009 revenue: $7.5 million
* 63,347 collection locations worldwide
* 8,866,368 people collecting waste
* $607,295.84 money contributed to charity
* 1,263,589,839 units of waste diverted
Read more about this awesome company on Tonic’s website.
Bacteria that makes you smarter
Here’s a naturally occurring bacteria that seems to be able to make you smarter. Well, it makes mice smarter. Maybe there’s hope for us, too?
Exposure to specific bacteria in the environment, already believed to have antidepressant qualities, could increase learning behavior according to research presented today at the 110th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in San Diego. “Mycobacterium vaccae is a natural soil bacterium which people likely ingest or breath in when they spend time in nature,” says Dorothy Matthews of The Sage Colleges in Troy, New York, who conducted the research with her colleague Susan Jenks.
Awesome. Let’s get outside and boost our brain power!
Liquid Aminos
Bragg Liquid Aminos have long been a staple in my kitchen. Made from soybeans, Liquid Aminos is a perfect replacement for soy sauce. And with 16 essential and non-essential amino acids it’s a great addition to your healthy diet.
I also put a little over my salad. And it’s great for soups, too.
Replenishing Lip Balm by Burt’s Bees
Replenishing Lip Balm
A good lip balm is hard to find. Replenishing Lip Balm with pomegranate oil by Burt’s Bees is one of my favorites.
It actually keeps lips moisturized. Mine sure are a lot less chapped since I’ve been using it. And it smells good. And there’s just a hint of color in it–just a hint.
I like it so much I have some in 4 places: my bathroom, my car, my purse and my office.
Playground for seniors
Senior play area in Dam Head, photo from Mail Online
Just goes to show you–you’re never too old to play. The first playground for senior citizens in Britain (seen here) was in Manchester.
All the equipment is designed kids (at heart) over 60.
So awesome. Every city should have one.
