Footnotes to a Conversation, November 4, 2024

“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” – Harry Truman

Reading in a Seoul Garden

Every Friday and Saturday in September and October, visitors were invited to read and relax in two of Seoul’s gardens. Books (including access to digital books), bean bags, and camping chairs were provided, and there were various events including puppet shows for kids and a book talk. I think it’s a lovely idea to promote reading and nature, which are often neglected amidst sports and music events. [Korea Times]

Particles of Blue

A poetic exploration of the art of a Japanese potter: “Shinichi’s hands travel unscathed over the bits of volcano that remain embedded in the hubris of 400 species of animals and plants. The potter man is not harmed. Touching clay is what calms him. Clay is what excites him. And it also amuses him. Shinichi’s play is the pleasure of creation. His fingers move the shapeless form. He will touch the voice of the clay and hear what it must say. He is happy. He is nourished. All of his senses focus on finding the form of each vessel.” [S. Portico Bowman, Studio Potter]

A Golden Age of Apples

For many years, North Americans had a choice of Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith apples. But then along came Honeycrisp, combining a crisp texture with high acidity and high sugar. “That texture was so distinctive and delightful that it has become the basis for many of our new apple varieties, which is why such a large number of them have the word “crisp” in their name. “’Once you’ve had crisp,’ he says, ‘it’s hard to go back.’” [Scientific American]

Built to Last

Despite hurricanes, a humid tropical climate, and jungle on all sides, a recently discovered Mayan city has stood the test of time. After 1500 years, some of the buildings are still standing. How can that be? Our modern cities would have disintegrated long ago. First of all, the buildings are made of stone. Secondly, the mortar incorporated natural rubber from local trees as an adhesive and volcanic ash for added strength.  [BBC]

Footnotes to a Conversation is a weekly Monday feature covering an assortment of topics that I’ve come across in the preceding week – books, art, travel, food, and whatever else strikes my fancy. I also post occasional articles on other dates, including frequent book reviews and travel tales.

If you share my love of nature, check out EcoFriendly West, an online publication encouraging environmental initiatives in Western Canada, and Nature Companion, a free nature app for Canada’s four western provinces.