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socialbrewcoffee · 2 years ago

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Kona Coffee - A Cup Of Aloha From The Paradise Of The Pacific

Rise and Shine, with your toes in the sand and a coffee in your hand because adventure in life is good, but a jolt from your coffee is always the best! What if that cup of coffee tasted like freshly ground paradise and smells like Aloha? Interesting right!

From the windward and the wet side of the Hawaiian Islands, the aromatic Kona coffee beans arrive. Kona Coffee is solely grown in the Hawaiian area of the United States, and the distinctive flavor of this specialty coffee is attributed to the rich Hawaiian soil and climate. Hold your cup in place! You're just about to take a journey to the richness and evolution of Kona Coffee.

Kona Coffee From The History Textbooks

While coffee has been a predominant beverage of Hawaiian culture for hundreds of years, it is important to remember the story behind its legacy. When Hawaiian King Kamehameha II and Oahu's governor, Chief Boki, traveled to England in 1823, the concept of Kona was conceived. Unfortunately, the king contracted the measles on his voyage and succumbed to it before reaching the Big Island in 1824.

Chief Boki stopped in Brazil on his journey home and bought some coffee plants to Hawaii. Later, Samuel Reverend Ruggles was the first to plant a coffee tree in Hawaii in 1828. However, the islands were unfamiliar with this brewed beverage before it.

Kona's Journey To International Fame

Despite the fact that coffee has already taken its place in farms of the Big Island, Hawaiian coffee was never the most important commercial crop: traditionally, sugar and pineapple were the most important agricultural goods in Hawaii. However, Kona coffee gained its first worldwide plaudits during the 1873 World's Fair in Vienna, Austria, hinting at the coffee's future specialty status.

Kona coffee, and Hawaiian coffee in general, had phases of expansion and contraction in response to key events such as the Klondike Gold Rush, US annexation of Hawaii, and the two World Wars of the twentieth century. During these years, migrant workers cultivated most of the Kona region in tiny family holdings when they weren't contracted to work on the much bigger, more lucrative sugar and pineapple plantations. Throughout it all, though, the Kona coffee varieties continued to develop and improve silently.

Finally, during the early 1980s, Kona coffee and the rest of specialty coffee worldwide began to see its long-awaited revival. Kona restored its former prominence when sugar and other commercial crops plummeted, and coffee connoisseurs shifted to richer tasting and more ethically raised coffees worldwide. It is now one of the most favored originals.

What Is So Special About Kona Coffee?

Authentic Kona Coffee is a renowned product of Hawaii's Big Island, praised worldwide for its full-bodied, delightful flavor and peculiar aroma. Many factors like the type of seed, geography and the methods of growing or harvesting matter in nurturing a specialty coffee like the Kona. Here is a brief insight into a few of the factors.

The Seed Variety

Guatemalan coffee seeds were brought to Hawaii in 1892 to enhance the existing Brazilian supply. The new cultivar is an old classic variety transported to the United States when coffee cultivation began worldwide. Coffee mutates and adapts to its environment everywhere it is planted, and this Guatemalan Typica became so popular in Kona that it is now designated its variety, known as Kona Typica.

The Topography

The terrain and climate of Hawaii also impact the quality of Kona Coffee. Coffees cultivated in Hawaii are grown at a relatively lower elevation than coffees grown elsewhere in the world. Because Hawaii is so far north of the equator than many other coffee locations, slight elevation changes have a greater influence on coffee quality by giving access to cooler air and the essential balance of sunshine and moisture. The Kona area of Hawaii's mineral-rich volcanic soils of Mauna Loa's steep slopes provides ideal circumstances for cultivating some of the world's finest coffees.

Hand-Picked With Love

After carefully hand-picked from the bushes, the coffee seeds are stacked in a basket before processing through a machine to remove the berry pulp and uncover the bean. The beans are fermented for 12 hours at lower elevations on Kona's highlands and around 24 hours at higher altitudes, and they are then air-dried before being roasted.

The Custom Roasting

Kona Coffee is sun-dried and then custom roasted based on the beans' desired characteristics and moisture variances. Many people in the industry consider roasting an "art form" because a perfect roasting technique and a roast master can make all the difference. 'Kona Roast' or 'Kona Style' are a couple of terms frequently used by some coffee merchants, and they are almost synonymous. A Kona Roast may be prepared from any coffee bean and will almost certainly include 0% Kona coffee.

Dark roasts are often referred to as French, Italian or Espresso. Full-City and Vienna are both medium roasts. Further, flavored coffee is sprayed or powdered shortly after roasting to enhance flavor absorption.

While Medium Roast is sweeter and less acidic than its darker counterpart, the aroma is as unique as the flavor, and it will not leave your senses in a hurry.

If you don't want to go hard on your cup of coffee, you can always choose the lightly roasted Kona beans for lesser intensity. Get the goodness of signature fusion with a kick of flavors.

The Layers Of Kona Coffee

Kona coffee has a light and exquisite flavor with a complex aroma. It is a mellow Arabica coffee that's lively on the tongue with a gentle, smooth finish and no harsh aftertaste. A Kona coffee bean is usually dark roasted and brewed with extraordinarily rich tastes of caramel, brown sugar, milk chocolate, and rich dried fruits, all with a lively acidity.

A good Kona coffee frequently displays spicy and buttery characteristics with delicate winey tones, and it is intensely aromatic with a perfect finish.

In the year 1866, the brew had won the heart of none other than the 'father of American Literature -Mark Twain', who happened to quote that, "Kona Coffee has a richer flavor than any other, be it grown where it may and call it by what name you please."

Types Of Kona Beans

Based on the type of seed used to generate the different varieties of Kona coffee, coffee beans are further classed as Type I and Type II beans.

Type 1 - These are considered to be the beans of highest quality. The Type 1 Kona coffee beans end up in generating flavors like Kona Extra Fancy, Kona Prime, and Kona Select.

Type 2 - The type 2 beans are simply known as Peaberry Number 1 or Peaberry Prime. Peaberry is a "double" coffee bean. According to coffee folklore, peaberry beans taste better because of their increased bean density, which increases heat transfer during the roasting process.

A coffee can only be named Kona if it is made from one of these two beans.

Blends To Balance

Due to the limited availability of Kona Coffee, a lot of traders sell "Kona Blends," which are not distinct Kona coffees combined together, but rather a mixture of Kona and Colombian, Brazilian, or other foreign coffees. Typically, they contain just 10% Kona coffee and 90% lower priced imported beans.

Current Hawaiian law mandates blends to specify the proportion of Kona coffee on the label, to identify "the genuine deal" by the phrase "100% Kona Coffee" emblazoned on the label to avoid flavor disappointments.

Is Kona Coffee A Luxury?

Coffee as a crop is undervalued globally owing to weak workforce and an excess of supplies in underdeveloped countries. Kona coffee is unique because it is grown and processed in the United States. Minimum wage laws exist in the United States, and because coffee is a labor-intensive product, costs climb.

Green (raw) Kona coffee costs $20 to $25 per pound, but coffee from other regions, such as Central America or Africa, costs $6 to $9 per pound for the same (or greater) quality.

Not only that, but the entire process of cultivating Kona coffee is entirely natural. Fertilizer is often generated on a farm in the region, using compost made up of seaweed, pruning clippings, cherry skins, coffee husks, and other organic materials. Donkeys, lambs, geese, and chickens wander the property, helping to remove weeds and pests while also providing natural manure.

Bringing You The Best Kona Coffee

A good cup of coffee can take you places, refresh memories and hug you with its beautiful aroma. If you have missed out on an exotic vacation to Hawaiian paradise, don't worry! We at Social Brew have brought the calm of the ocean packed in every roast of our 100% pure Kona coffee beans. To bring all the love from Big Island, we are more than delighted to get you the world's best gourmet and specialty coffees.

Did you know that you could be helping people fight their past just by sipping some heavenly coffee from your cup? Yes! Our e-commerce business is committed to giving a share of what we receive to the victims of human trafficking, who are working on rebuilding their life and wish to see the light at the other end of the tunnel

Come, dive into the universe of coffee through Social Brew to fall in love with unique blends and notes that Hawaii is introducing to the world. Experience the goodness that goes beyond your cup.

#coffee #coffeelover #konacoffee

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trinketprince · 4 years ago

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Meet the Bachelorettes of Coral Island!

Check out the Bachelors! Check out the Townies!

Yuri

When she is not busy keeping the islanders healthy, she can be spotted hanging out or playing chess at the beach shack; She also likes tattoos, pastel hair, and playing pool. Yuri is not your usual MD— she spent her 20s as a doctor who crossed many borders, frequently dispatched to remote areas to practice for little to no pay. Presumably why she has no decent savings and decided to settle in Starlet Town, a boat ride away from her hometown, Tosaka. She is close with her roommate Millie and fellow MD, Charles.

Loves: Fish sandwich, green curry, lobster Hates: Flowers

Lily

Despite having a well-paid remote job, Lily still lives at home with her dad and brother, Theo (a bachelor). Usually, she spends her days working at home and would visit the lake or library on the weekend. Once a week, usually on a Monday, Lily would stay at the Abandoned Villa, as a favor to her good friend, Nina. She watches the Villa while Nina’s away and uses that time to recuperate. Lily loves miniature bonsais.

Loves: Kimchi, onigiri, omurice, bonsais Hates: Diamond

Eva

She is a bachelorette. She is a happy-go-lucky baker who works at the general store. She enjoys talking to the islanders, be it local, new, visitors, everybody! And is good friends with a lot of them. Currently, Eva doesn't have a lot of savings but when she does, has dreams to visit more exotic places. According to the islanders, Eva is always a delight to talk to— a positive ray of sunshine. A fan of red velvet cakes and cookies. Sews most of her clothes herself!

Loves: Cookies, Orchids Hates: Garlic

Leah

She lives her bachelorette life with her father and stepmom in an old massive house that the locals call “The Mansion.” She is a self-hired, yoga instructor at the community center and takes her online presence seriously. She spends her day wandering around the island with a camera on hand. Leah’s mother is an art dealer who travels the world constantly. So when her parents divorced, after long deliberation between the lawyers and what seems like a lifetime worth of legal fees, they decided that it would be best for Leah to stay with her dad. This was to retain some sort of stability in her life. She loves to be surrounded by nature, fine arts and a closet full of designer collections. Dislikes mushrooms and eggs.

Loves: Pearl Hates: All fish

Macy

She grew up on a neighboring island and now lives full time at the Inn. She makes a living by selling images to a visual media company, Pletty inc. Before Coral Island, she went to university for finance in Plotera, tried her luck working a corporate job for 3 years while selling photography as a side gig. At one point, she decided to pursue photography professionally and left her corporate job. Before embarking on a life as an artist, she moved back home for a year, catching up with her family while preparing for her island-hopping career. Though she didn't say how long she would stay in Coral Island, she mentioned that she would eventually move on to another island, unless she has a good reason not to. An only child. She loves simple nights, taking pictures, playing video games and Stephen, her rescued lobster.

Loves: Pizza Hates: Pickles

Nina

This bachelorette technically doesn't live in Coral Island anymore, but still visits her vacation home at the beach, from time to time. Aside from wild rumors around town, she's never talked about her abrupt departure, so it remains a mystery until now. Nina is well educated and enjoys lavish vacations. Close friends with Suki. Hates bananas but loves banana fritters.

Loves: Banana fritter, Flower bouquet Hates: Banana, Tomato soup

Zarah

An eligible bachelorette who is an adventurer at heart. Zarah lives on a boat. She enjoys going around the island and finding treasures, be it gems, old artifacts, or a buried history. Zarah was born and raised on the other side of Coral Island. When her boat is not docked at its usual place, she is presumed to visit her family. But what really is going on in her life, nobody really knows. She can be a bit mysterious at times. Allergic to cats.

Loves: Rambutan, Azurite Hates: Roasted Chesnuts

Alice

Alongside her twin sister Suki, they own, run, and live by the beach in Coral Inn. Running a business is hard, and running it with your sister is harder. Alice spends her days working at the inn and her free time hanging out with friends in town. She is a good friend with Noah, and they are often spotted together grabbing morning coffee—or in-depth discussion about unexplainable phenomenons. Thinks pizza is overrated. Loves minced jackfruit pies.

Loves: Green smoothies Hates: Pizza

Suki

She is recently divorced and, according to her nightstand, currently “finding love from within,” and learning “how to expand love.” Focusing on herself, she drowns herself in work, exercise, and building a healthy co-parenting relationship with her ex. Though she is no longer a Sanchez, she still keeps a close relationship with the whole family. Loves minced jackfruit pies.

Loves: Green smoothies Hates: Pizza, Pineapple upside down-cake

Millie

She owns the house in Garden Lane and rents one of the rooms out to Yuri. She works at the Library and likes to spend her free time bird watching. Not only does she take good care of the books at the Library, her responsibility includes helping the Mayor with arranging festivals, donations, etc. She loves old books restorations. Wears glasses.

Loves: Veggie ramen Hates: Fish

Taken from the Update Tabs on Coral Island’s Kickstarter

These are all of the Bachelorettes so far, I’m not sure if there will be more bachelorettes added in the future!

Check out Coral Island’s Twitter, Kickstarter and Website for more info on the game!

Check out Coral Island’s steam page!

#Coral Island #Farming Simulator #Stardew Valley #Harvest Moon #Story of Seasons #Bachelorettes

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elsewhere-mag · 4 years ago

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Stuff We Like: How we’re finding chill lately

People have been tweeting things along the lines of “I’m at the coup / I’m at the pandemic / I’m at the combination coup-pandemic” recently. It’s not particularly funny, but it’s gesturing half-heartedly towards a joke, which sort of sums up the current moment: we’re all aware of the absurdity of the situation, but even absurdity is kind of boring by this point and we’re just limping along, weakly attempting to make each other laugh when we can.

In truth, humor is just another method of coping with our very unfunny reality. But it has its limits, and sometimes we need to enter other modes – more vulnerable ones, restorative ones. When I’m not making sardonic jokes or yelling into the void of the internet, these days, you can probably find me in the bath. What started as a treat has become somewhat of a daily ritual, wherein I use lots of things that smell good and promise to do good things for my skin. I usually listen to a podcast, or maybe music if I just want to vibe. I’ll often bring a drink or something herbal, and I usually soak for at least an hour. Listen, I was an only child – I benefit from some sustained alone time.

If you’re looking to dose up with some more non-psychoactive means of pursuing chill, allow me to recommend some of the things that have brightened my evenings lately.

Brooklyn Escapist Candle by Brooklyn Candle Studio ($28)

A lovely friend who knows I’m both a sucker for fancy candles, and terribly homesick for New York, sent this to me for Christmas and it’s fantastic. It smells indulgent, a little fruity, warm, and intriguing. It’s meant to allude to late nights at jazzy cocktail bars with culinary cocktails, and indeed, it does.

Paradisio Perfecting Mask by Mizz Bloom ($44)

I love the idea of food as medicine (perhaps naïvely). So when a photog and a chef get together and use mostly organic, all vegan ingredients to create a skincare line...I’m listening. The pineapples and papaya enzymes in this mask promise to resurface skin by chemically exfoliating dead skin cells. Just a tip: avoid the sensitive and often dry corners around your nostrils. Unless you’re into that.

Homemade candles...yes, really.

When it became clear that my bath habit was causing me to burn through my candle supply rapidly, my roommate tried her hand at making some soy wax candles at home. By chance, she had a brief obsession with bespoke fragrances a couple of years ago, so she has a plethora of tiny vials of fascinating and lovely scents. If you feel like getting pre-industrial, you can buy soy wax flakes and wicks online or at most craft shops. If you don’t have your own collection of designer perfumes, you can combine essential oils to your liking.

Glow Body Oil by Mizz Bloom ($50)

Understand that I grew up on the damp East Coast, several of those years spent as an oily teenager. Lately, as an adult living in Los Angeles, the desert heat has been drying my skin out and I sort of haven’t wrapped my head around it yet (ask my roommates how many times I’ve compared myself to that Doctor Who stretched-piece-of-skin woman). Hot tip: sometimes I’ll mix this body oil with a few drops of essential oils in my palm for aromatherapeutic purposes. Mint + lavender + the glow oil’s sweet orange scent, in combination with some good old Dr. Teal’s...heck yeah.

Dr. Teal’s Bath Tea ($7.99)

Speaking of the good doctor. Their epsom salts are a staple for post-Barre baths, but for an extra treat, their bath teabags combine epsom salt, oats, and aromatic herbs in one pouch. They’re sizable and packed full of nice-smelling, skin-soothing ingredients, so they work particularly well for obscenely long baths. No shame in topping up the bath a couple of times.

- Ariana DiValentino

#shopping guide #beauty #skincare #bath #bath time #self care #relaxation #candles #night chill #chill #stress #anxiety #treatyourself

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loveahmedmohamed333 · 5 years ago

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https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?tab=wj1&blogID=5977509448524023390#allposts Step by step instructions to Remove Flat Moles From Your Face By Ahmed Easa Prescribe Article Comments Print ArticleShare this article on FacebookShare this article on TwitterShare this article on LinkedinShare this article on DeliciousShare this article on DiggShare this article on RedditShare Evacuating Flat Moles Naturally In the same way as other people, you may have a mole that is all over or body and you would prefer it not be there. A level mole on the face may be one of the best "imperfection" that numerous individuals might want to change. To begin with, how about we answer a couple of basic inquiries you may have in regards to level moles. ?What Are Flat Moles They are a spot on the skin that is an alternate shading or color than the encompassing skin. It has next to zero fringe and is normally generous if the outskirt is smooth and the size and shape has stayed steady. ?What Causes Flat Moles They happen in situations where the cells delivering shading or pigmentation, structure in a bunch or gathering, instead of spread equitably all through the skin. The cells that produce this pigmentation are alluded to as melanocytes. ?Do Moles Go Away Moles can vanish for reasons unknown. This is typically not a worry but rather malignant moles can likewise vanish. On the off chance that there is malignant growth, it doesn't leave in light of the fact that the mole disappeared. ?In the event that I Remove A Mole, Will It Leave A Scar Most moles that are expelled in a careful design will leave a little scar. Intermittently this can be covered up with a limited quantity of restorative medical procedure. ?Are Moles Safe to Remove From Your Face Yes.they can be expelled securely by an assortment of strategies. They can be evacuated precisely, with the guide of specific creams, or even some home cures. Once more, you may need to initially have your level mole inspected by a specialist. Particularly if there has been any kind of progress in it, for example, size, shading, or shape. ?Are The Home Remedies Effective Numerous individuals have encountered great outcomes with different home cures. Alert ought to be practiced if deciding to expel a level mole from your face. A portion of the home cures, for example, garlic or pineapple can consume or disturb the fragile facial skin. This turns out to be increasingly hazardous in the event that you are in the open eye normally. A few people decide to attempt squashed cashew nuts yet with the present nut sensitivities, even that can be impeding. ?What Do We Recommend To Remove Flat Moles From The Face After much experimentation, alongside the perusing of different tributes, we prescribe a mole Removal Cream. Be careful however, not all creams are powerful and some do actually nothing. We found that with regards to expelling level moles from the face, we like Similarly as with any elective home method, we encourage you to initially check with your clinical supplier. We likewise need you to know about the indications of the chance of precancerous or melanoma related level moles. Ordinarily you would see any progressions yourself, however once in a while a specialist may prescribe a biopsy preceding any treatment directed by the supplier or yourself. On the off chance that you are hesitant about a mole all over and it has been cleared by your doctor, why not dispose of it.

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footstepsofaprairiegirl-blog · 5 years ago

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If anyone knows me, they know that I am a very budget traveller, I have slept many nights at the airport just to save on that final night of accommodations, skipped many meals, and usually take the most inconvenient forms of transportation, if it means saving a buck or two, and I think that’s why my trip to LA was so special, because for once, I did the complete opposite.

We had intentions of having a very slow first night in LA, check into our AIRBNB and then head to the iconic Santa Monica Pier to watch a sunset before turning in early, but those plans quickly changed when we hopped into a share Uber and had the absolute pleasure of meeting a local woman named Veronica. Veronica is aspiring to become a travel guide for the area, so we couldn’t have had better luck, she emailed me a very detailed itinerary of what we should try and see during our 4 night adventure.

Kyle and I hopped out at the pier and excitement took over, I am like a child in such a way that when I am excited I just take off, immediately immersing myself into the chaos of the pier with my eyes glued to the sunset that was unfolding in front of us, we took pictures and splashed around until our toes were cold and the sky was dark. We wanted to take Veronica’s advice and head to Cha Cha Chicken, but decided to hop on a bar stool at Bubba Gump Shrimp first, and man oh man am I glad we did. We started with the idea that we were just going to grab some cocktails, but the smells quickly forced our brains to be distracted by the original plan. We needed shrimp and we needed it now, we ended up ordering a half pound of shrimp, half classic garlic and half cajun spiced - a bit spicy, resulting in extra fast cocktail inhalation and a bit of a buzz after settling our bill.

We made our way just down the road toward Venice and hopped out at Cha Cha Chicken, a menu was posted up on the board, and we ordered through a window, I got vegetarian empanadas based on the workers recommendation, and since Cha Cha Chicken doesn’t serve booze, Kyle ran to the liquor store to take advantage of the BYOB rule. Thank goodness for the tall Heineken he brought back because my empanada was so spicy I was sweating, but the food was so good and the atmosphere was so fun, I felt like I was ocean side in Tulum, Mexico, not in busy Los Angeles.

Next on the list was a 100 year old bar called The Townhouse, it was highly recommended due to the history, so we were a little surprised upon arrival as it was very small, a large bar taking up most the space and just one pool table, there was staircase at the back that led to the basement but security told us we weren’t permitted. We gave the place a chance and ordered up at the bar, Kyle getting himself a nice cocktail and myself a tall can of PBR, and started chatting with the bartender. Turns out, The Townhouse was operated as a grocery store upstairs, but an elevator away was a hidden speakeasy and a brothel, and we were in luck, because that night hosted in the basement, was a Burlesque show that everyone was welcome to attend. The show being later in the evening, we had some time to kill before hand so we drank and played pool, and met a cute local girl who was self celebrating her success.

Midnight struck and we moved to the basement, still dark, but much more spacious, you could see the history in the walls and the decor, it’s a beautiful place, and we were so glad we decided to check it out. The show was a highlight for me as I loved watching Christina Aguilera’s Burlesque movie growing up. The host came out dressed like Jabba The Hut and really set the mood for a comical and fun show to watch, we stuck around until around 2 a.m. but I was so tired from the days travel and adventure it was time to head home.

The next day was very food and drink orientated, in order to fulfill Kyle’s nerdy needs, we started with a trip to the California Science Center so we could see The Endeavor - the fifth and final orbiter build for NASA’s Space Shuttle program. It was interesting to see the detail put into building and designing the space shuttle, each tile has been numbered, and every part serving a purpose on it’s 25 missions through space until it officially retired June 1, 2011. The Center was packed with children and school groups so after a quick and hilariously fun flight simulation that Kyle and I went on, we headed toward downtown LA.

Our first stop was Little Tokyo, the largest of only 3 official Japantowns located throughout the United States, Little Tokyo is a Japanese American district filled with shopping, culture, and best of all, my favorite food, sushi. We enjoyed a California crunch roll, and walked around and checked out the funky shops and unique statues and structures.

Next, we headed to Upstairs at Ace Hotel for very expensive, but delicious cocktails, - this is one complaint I would have against this trip, is that our Canadian Dollar is so bad right now, we were paying up to $20 CAD a drink; I didn’t care though. The hotel and rooftop bar were very spectacular, like something you would see on the show Gossip Girl, we were spoiled with wonderful views, a pool and hot-tub that anyone is welcome to enjoy, and very cozy and comfortable seating scattered around the roof for both group, or more private occasions. If it weren’t for our grumbling stomachs, we could have stayed all night.

We decided to let our guts point our hearts in the direction of our next stop, at Clayton’s Public House, it was just a few blocks from The Ace Hotel, and it was another pub with beautiful decor, amazing cocktails, and an amazing ambiance. We had a few beer and ate an Impossible Burger - America’s popular vegetarian patty, and it was to die for; except nothing died to make it so delicious, so I guess that’s not the right term! Basically, we had came here just to kill time until we went to Clifton’s - another stop recommended by Veronica - but I ended up loving Clayton’s Public house so much and would definitely recommend it for the food, drinks and service!

Our final stop of the night made our jaws drop, a beautiful, huge space filled with fake cedar trees rising up to the 5 floors, taxidermy forest animals such as lions and buffalo, and a casual 250 pound meteorite used as decor at one of the many bars filling Clifton’s Cafeteria. Being that Clifton’s Cafeteria is the largest public cafeteria in the world, there was so much to see, our eyes were trying to look everywhere at once and our smiles beaming as we turned every corner. Our best find of the night, was when we pushed against a mirror, and it opened, revealing a dark staircase, and at the top was a Tiki bar!

In the Tiki bar, most of the seats were taken, but we found an empty table that was close to a party of three, since they looked friendly, we popped down beside them, and as it turned out, we had the best seat in the house. The three strangers, Val, Taylor and Mac, were literally tiki experts, they knew everything about the decor, how to dress, and most importantly - what to drink. We spent the duration of the evening trying their recommendations that included typical things like coconut and pineapple cocktails, and some wild ones that included flaming shot glasses and edible flowers. We could have stayed at Clifton’s Cafeteria with the trio all night, but we needed our beauty sleep for our big day to follow.

We knew as soon as we planned the trip, that we wanted to go to an amusement park, a Disney park was the first, and obvious choice, but we had so many questions, were we too old, was it worth the money, are the rides even fun for an adult? We tried to google the answers but we didn’t have much luck, and felt very unsure about what park to choose, we decided that since all the locals were so helpful, we would ask them; unanimously, Disneyland was the place to be.

We were excited -uncertain, but really childishly excited, I tried to imagine what the park would be like, I pictured roller-coasters, a drop of doom, ferris wheels, - that sort of stuff, so when we got on our very first ride, we were in for a shock; It’s A Small World, the ride I vow to never go on again. The song still rings in my ears sometimes, the creepy dolls that were swaying back and forth are now imbedded in my brain, “what have we gotten ourselves into?” It crushed our spirits a little, we were worried that all the other attractions would be slow and weird too, but faith was quickly restored as we started going on other rides, like Hyperspace Mountain, my favourite ride of the day, a rollercoaster that races through the complete darkness, engulfed with green screen visuals that made it appear we were flying through the solar system. Although not fast and scary, like Hyperspace Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones Adventure were amazing as well, they were interactive and exciting rides, very elaborate and visual, making you feel like you were part of the film, my head was on a swivel the entire time, and Kyle thought we were going to run into a boulder during the Indiana Jones ride, giving us a good laugh. The highlight of Disneyland was the shows they put on once the sun goes down, fireworks and lasers filled the night sky and bounded off buildings as characters danced, acted, and swung off the side of pirate ships, mimicking stories and films, it was beyond our expectations, and I would go back again just to watch the two performances.

Our last day in LA was a bit slower since we were up till 3 am stuffing our faces with pizza and beer after walking 40,000 steps around Disneyland. We went to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Griffith Observatory, and to relax at the beach before heading to Grain Whisky bar to meet up with Taylor, our new friend from the Tiki Bar, we ate a 70 dollar charcuterie board and tried some of Taylor’s delicious cocktail creations, before heading home to pack, and rest up for our flight home.

I cannot emphasize enough how amazing it was visiting Los Angeles, it was exhilarating to have the “screw it” mentality when it came to spending, we did everything we wanted and more without checking our bank accounts once, we ate everything delicious, and tried new and exciting cocktails, and made new friends.

Money comes and goes, but the memories from this trip will last a lifetime.

#losangeles #blogging #travel #love #disney #ocean

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drlaurynlax · 6 years ago

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39 Awesome Foods with Digestive Enzymes to Boost Your Gut Health

Bloating, constipation, skin breakouts or allergies gotcha down? It could be due to lack of natural digestive enzymes.

Your gut is home not only to tons of bacteria (about 100 trillion to be exact—10 times more bacteria than cells in your body), but also home to thousands upon thousands of enzymes (you have approximately 1300 digestive and metabolic enzymes in one human cell alone).

What do digestive enzymes do?

Digestive enzymes help break your food down into nutrients so that your body can absorb them. Different enzymes are found throughout the digestive system—from the saliva in your mouth, to your stomach and pancreas.

The Natural Digestive Enzymes

Enzymes are classified into 3 main types:

Protein specific (protease): Like pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain, papain

Carbohydrate specific (amylase): Including lactase (for milk), sucrase (complex starches), maltase

Fat specific (lipase)

In addition, there are tons of other components that act like enzymes for nutrient absorption and/or help activate enzymes in the body, such as: Betaine HCL (increases stomach acid), bile (helps further break down fat), fructooligosaccharides and other pre-biotic sugars (help support the growth of friendly intestinal microbes, also inhibits the growth of harmful species).

How are digestive enzymes different from gut bacteria?

Food has to be broken down from things like chicken and spinach into its nutrient pieces: amino acids (from proteins), fatty acids and cholesterol (from fats), and glucose or sugars (from carbohydrates), as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This is the role of digestive enzymes.

Gut bacteria also assist in the digestion of our food, but unlike enzymes that specifically play a role in breaking down food into nutrients, your gut bacteria determine how those enzymes work and how your nutrients are used in the body. Gut bacteria also dictate all the metabolic processes of digestion, elimination, immunity, inflammation and detoxification.

What happens if we don’t have enough digestive enzymes?

You can’t break your food down as well and you don’t absorb your nutrients. Without sufficient amounts of digestive enzymes.

How do digestive enzyme deficiencies happen?

A number of triggers may cause digestive enzyme deficiencies such as:

Gut infections (bacterial overgrowth, parasites, etc.)

Chronic stress (without relief, mentally or physically)

Lack of sleep

Lack of water

Poor quality diet and foods

Nutrient deficiencies (eating the same things every day)

Lack of fermentable fibers (fermented foods) and prebiotic foods

Food allergies

Leaky gut

Aging

Autoimmune disease

Low stomach acid

Eating on the go

Not chewing your food enough

Toxic exposure (beauty, cleaning, hygiene, food supplies)

Antibiotic or long term medication use

Poor food hygiene (eating older food, not cleaning your hands properly)

Eating out often (industrial seed oils)

How do I know if I don’t have enough digestive enzymes?

Signs and symptoms are the best measure of your digestive function. However, sometimes you don’t realize how poor your digestion is because low enzyme function or unhealthy bacteria have been part of your health journey for a long time. Nevertheless, common signs of enzyme deficiency include:

Bloating after meals

Constipation

Skin breakouts

Allergies

Low immunity

Abdominal cramps/pain

GERD or heartburn

Needing laxatives, Gas-X or Tums often

IBS

Thyroid dysfunction

Hormone dysfunction

Autoimmune disease

What can I do to restore my digestive enzymes?

You don’t have to be stuck with low digestive enzyme function or other gut issues forever. Here are 6 simple steps you can take now include:

1. Drink Water.

Ensure you are drinking half your bodyweight in ounces of water each day. Add lemon to boost your intake.

2. Get Your Beauty Sleep.

Our gut lining repairs as we sleep—aim for 7-9 hours each night.

3. Ditch Stress.

Chronic stress wreaks havoc on our gut repair and healthy digestive function. Our gut desires to be in “parasympathetic mode’ (rest and digest) for optimal function. Stress goes far beyond mental—it includes circadian rhythm dysfunction (staying up too late; eating at off times; shift work); over screen exposure; sedentary lifestyles; overtraining or under-training; nutrient deficiencies—just to name a few things.

4. Boost Stomach Acid.

Low stomach acid is a top driver of gut dysfunction. Stomach acid is essential for helping break food down from the start so your enzymes can go to work—but don’t have to work on over drive (if you don’t have enough stomach acid, your enzymes have ALOT more work to do). Boost stomach acid by adding 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar to water with meals, and/or consider HCL supplementation (a supplement of hydrochloric acid with pepsin + Betaine mimics the stomach acid found naturally in your gut).

If currently taking a PPI drug, NSAIDs or pregnant, HCL is not advised until these are not the case; consult with your doctor or a practitioner about transitioning to a more natural version of stomach acid support.

5. Supplement Smart.

Take a daily soil based probiotic, prebiotic and digestive enzyme supplements to boost your natural production. These are like the “multivitamins” of supplements—the only essentials you need to absorb your nutrients and other supplements (if you take any) in the first place. Over time, you may find you can ween off digestive enzymes, but to start, taking 1-2 capsules with meals will make a tremendous amount of difference—given you go with a quality brand.

How do I know what digestive enzymes to buy?!

Buying cheap supplements is typically always a waste of money—you’ll almost never going to get the benefits you’re looking for. Look for brands that have multiple strains of enzymes (not just one), along with numbers of how many strains are in each one (you don’t just want a generic “proprietary blend”), and a fair price.

No, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on digestive enzymes, but that $10-$20 bottle at Whole Foods or Costco probably won’t cut it either. A few of my faves from reputable, pharmaceutical grade companies include:

Transformation Enzymes: Digest, CarboG (if you eat starches or fruits often) Designs for Health: Digestzymes Biotics: Intezeyme Forte

Experiment for yourself. You will feel the difference when you find the right enzyme for you.

6. Eat Foods with Natural Digestive Enzymes

Let food be thy medicine. Here are the top natural sources of digestive enzymes you can find in foods. Opt for 1-2 servings of digestive enzyme support foods daily:

Avocado

Sauerkraut

Kefir

Kimchi

Grass-fed Yogurt or Coconut Yogurt

Coconut Aminos

Green-Tipped Bananas

Pickled Cucumbers

Papaya

Mangos

Raw Honey

Pineapple

Figs

Kiwi

Grapes

Onions

Garlic

Ginger

Coconut Oil

Bee Pollen

Cucumber

Cantaloupe

Other digestion-boosting foods that stimulate digestive enzymes include:

Apple Cider Vinegar

Bone Broth

Lemon & Lime

Steamed Beets

Artichokes

Dark Leafy Greens

Cruciferous Veggies: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts (if not sensitive)

Prebiotic Foods: Cooked & Cooled Potatoes, Green Plantains, Onion

Organic Organ Meats

Chia Seeds

Grass-fed Ghee

Wild Caught Fatty Fish & Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil

Oregano

Garlic

Turmeric

Cilantro

Fennel

The post 39 Awesome Foods with Digestive Enzymes to Boost Your Gut Health appeared first on Meet Dr. Lauryn.

Source/Repost=> https://drlauryn.com/gut-health/39-awesome-foods-digestive-enzymes/ ** Dr. Lauryn Lax __Nutrition. Therapy. Functional Medicine ** https://drlauryn.com/

#Holistic #Nutrition #Therapy #Recovery #Functional #Medicine #Dr. Lauryn Lax #Dr.Lauryn

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yierkitchen · 3 years ago

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Why Every Kitchen Needs One Bread Knife . More than one purpose

A bread knife is a specialty knife designed to cut through the bread crust without compressing its soft interior in the process. The key design point is the frequency and width of the serrations. In some cases there is a straight blade section on either end of the bread knife with a longer serrated section in the middle. Serrated bread knives are often ground on only one side – called a single-bevel blade. Low-frequency serrations – lower number and wider spacing of teeth – help the blades glide through bread quickly and cleanly. What is a bread knife good at cutting ? Basically anything with a hard skin or crust.

We understand the bread knife from several aspects

KNIFE BLADE SHAPE

A bread knife is shaped similar to the Santoku knife with 2 differences – it is serrated teeth and is much longer. The idea behind the length of the blade is it allows the cook to cut large surfaces in long, smooth strokes – much like a saw in carpentry. The serrated teeth help the knife grip the bread’s surface, keeping it straight and steady without having to apply downward pressure that might compress the loaf.

The Best Bread Knife: Pointed vs. Scalloped Edges

Ah the bread knife – that one with the long blade that everyone thinks is reserved for, you know, bread. This type of kitchen knife usually comes with saw-like points or notches along the cutting edge of the blade. This design enables the knife to slice, or really saw through, foods with tough exteriors and delicate interiors, like crusty loaves of bread, of course.

Using a bread knife usually involves exerting more force while slicing, which divides the pressure between the serrations on the blade. The number, shape and overall sharpness of the serrations also differ from bread knife to bread knife, offering two different cutting edges: pointed vs. scalloped.

BREAD KNIFE SIZE

Bread knives come in length varying from 6″ to 14″ – the right size depends on what you will be cutting most frequently. For the average home cook an 8″ (20 cm) blade is the right length as it is long enough to cut though most large breads yet short enough to control easily. If the blade is too long it may flex while cutting – making cutting straight difficult for home cooks.

Can Serrated Bread Knives be Sharpened?

Nothing good lasts forever, and like all knives, serrated edges will also wear down and dull over time. Not to fret though, it is in fact possible to restore your serrated bread knife back to working condition.

However, sharpening a serrated bread knife is trickier than sharpening a straight-edged chef’s knife. The serrated edges are usually only sharpened on one side and have to be sharpened at the specific angle specified by the brand, making it a lot more difficult for a home cooking enthusiast to navigate.

Destroying your new knife because you don’t have the necessary skills to properly sharpen it is not very cost effective – and throwing away knives is both scary and wasteful. Your best bet for maintaining the cutting edge of your bread knife is to first invest in a quality bread knife and leave the sharpening process to the professionals.

What is a Bread Knife Used For?

This might be obvious, but you can use a bread knife to slice all kinds of breads, from baguettes and brioche to bagels and biscuits. It’s also the perfect tool for shaping and leveling cakes for decorating, along with cutting delicate slices to serve.

Tougher foods are no match for a bread knife either. Melons and squash, which can trap straight-edged knives and pose a cutting hazard to cooks, are easily sliced with a long bread knife. Prepping other fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes or pineapple, is also a good occasion to break out your bread knife. In a pinch, it can even be used to slice meatloaf and carve roasts!

While you may not use a bread knife as often as the other knives in your set, it’s still a valuable tool to add to your collection. There are countless recipes, snacks and sandwich platters that call for the use of many different types of bread. And although a chef’s knife may work well enough, it falls noticeably short when slicing through crusty loaves and other foods that require a serrated knife.

What I want to tell you is: the bread knife is more than just cutting bread.

Let me tell you other uses of it

For Sweets

If you’re a home cook with a sweet tooth, you’ll definitely want to keep a bread knife on hand. Just as with savory baked goods, there are many reasons to break out the bread knife for sweets, from cakes to pastries. Not only does it easily slice through the delicate sponge of a cake, its blade is also longer than most other kitchen knives, meaning you can slice through the entire layer in just one pass. If you do a lot of cake work, look for a bread knife with a more rounded handle so it’s comfortable to hold horizontally when leveling cakes.

You can also use a bread knife to prepare some of the accompanying ingredients for your sweet treats. It’s especially well-suited for breaking up blocks of baking chocolate, which is brittle and may snap under the pressure of a straight-edged knife. Use a bread knife to easily cut the chocolate into small, manageable pieces suitable for melting or mixing into doughs and batters.

For Fruits and Vegetables

A serrated knife is good at one thing – cutting without downward pressure. That one trait makes the bread knife useful for both squishy, delicate foods and very firm, tough foods. Use it to cut perfect slices from soft fruits and vegetables like tomatoes or citrus without covering your cutting board in juices. It’s also perfect for cutting up a pineapple.

Shun Knife Shun Premier Grey 9″ Bread Knife

Features

VG-MAX steel core, Damascus clad with 34 micro-layers on each side of SUS410/SUS431 stainless steel; full tang

Hammered Tsuchime finish helps release the food from the blade easily when slicing

60-61 Rockwell Hardness; hand-sharpened Japanese double-bevel blade angle 16° on each side

Contoured grey PakkaWood handle accommodates right and left-handed users

Handcrafted in Seki, Japan with a limited lifetime warranty; hand wash with gentle dish soap

Description

The Shun Premier Grey Bread Knife will be one of the most-used knives in your kitchen, if you bake or buy whole loaves of bread. Whether you love wonderfully crusty or delicately tender bread, the Shun Premier Bread Knife will be your loaf’s new best friend, no matter what texture of bread. The key is Shun’s razor-sharp, wide, “low frequency” serrations. Unlike a plain-edged knife, the serrations let you gently saw through the bread without crushing and with much less crumbing. Unlike saw-tooth serrations that are spaced closer together, the Shun Premier Bread Knife’s wide serrations will gently glide through the bread without tearing. This keeps the bread’s texture intact and enhances eating pleasure. Cakes and pastries also benefit from the Shun Premier Bread Knife’s smooth cutting capabilities.

The Shun Premier Grey line calls to mind as the hand-forged knives of ancient Japan. While each knife still takes at least 100 handcrafted steps to complete, the materials Shun uses are among the most advanced in the industry. Each blade has a cutting core of Shun’s proprietary VG-MAX “super steel” to take and hold a precision edge. The layered Damascus cladding supports the core and provides additional stain resistance. Near the edge of the blade where the steels meet, an undulating line is formed, similar to samurai swords using a traditional clay-baking technique. The hammered tsuchime finish acts like a series of hollow-ground cavities to reduce drag. The grey PakkaWood handles nestle comfortably in the hand, while the embossed end cap adds balance and beauty. Handcrafted in Seki, Japan with a limited lifetime warranty.

Why choose YIERCITY

We do professional knife set retail and wholesale business. We hope to be your stable global supporter and partner.

We are an enterprise integrating factory and trade, specializing in the design, manufacture and sales of high-quality knife sets.

We always make every effort to ensure the quality of each set of knives.

Why choose YIER Knives

● The complete knife set contains all kitchen knives.

● Delivery from the local warehouse, within 3 days.

● Manufactured in our own factory, cost-effective.

● Transparent acrylic knife holder, like a work of art

● Excellent materials, safe and durable.

● Free returns

● We listen to customer needs and feedback.

#Yier #Yier knife set #YierCity #Bread knife #Professional knife #Best knife #Kitchen knife

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architectnews · 3 years ago

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Scottish Architecture News: Buildings in Scotland

Scottish Building News 2021, Architecture Photos, Property Scotland Images, Architects, Design Links

Scottish Architecture News

New Architecture Developments + Buildings in Scotland – Built Environment + Architects Updates

post updated 22 June 2021

Scottish Buildings News

This page contains a selection of major Scottish Architecture News, with projects arranged chronologically, latest first. Each architecture news item links to an individual project page. We’ve selected what we feel are the key Scottish Building News stories.

The focus is on contemporary Scottish buildings but we do post on changes to major traditional buildings in Scotland.

Scottish Architecture News 2021

Scottish Architecture Designs – chronological list

22 June 2021 Scottish design project makes AJ Architecture Awards shortlist Calton Hill City Observatory Edinburgh design by HarrisonStevens: Calton Hill City Observatory in Scotland’s capital has been nominated for an AJ Architecture Award this week. The design by HarrisonStevens, the Edinburgh-based Landscape Architects and Urban Designers, Calton Hill City Observatory has been nominated in the Landscape and Public Realm category in the annual awards: Edinburgh Building News 2021

9 Jun 2021 Kincardine, Places for Everyone News A community-led design project in a Fife town has been nominated for a Scottish Design Award. Created by HarrisonStevens, the Edinburgh-based Landscape Architects and Urban Designers, the Kincardine, Places for Everyone project has been nominated in the Future Building or Project category in the annual awards: Kincardine, Places for Everyone Project

28 May 2021 Pleasure Scene Exhibition – The Digital Culture of Contemporary Architectural Drawings

11 June – 25 July 2021 29 Trafalgar Avenue, London, SE15 6NP, England, UK

Pleasure Scene Exhibition

The inaugural exhibition at Trafalgar Avenue marks the culmination of an 18-month collaborative project bringing together nine artists from across the UK to respond to the iconic modernist ruin, St Peter’s Seminary, Scotland.

20 May 2021 European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention 2021

rankinfraser landscape architecture are shortlisted for The Dunbar Battery in East Lothian. It is one of ten works in category B – Exterior Spaces – judged by the architects, Delphine Péters, Olga Felip and Isabel Aguirre, after evaluating 49 participating proposals.

The Dunbar Battery, Dunbar, Scotland, United Kingdom. rankinfraser landscape architecture photo © rankinfraser landscape architecture

The 5th edition of European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention, with a success of participation that coincides with the celebration of its 10th anniversary, publishes the names of those shortlisted in the a and b categories.

European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention 2021

11 May 2021 First Passivhaus Primary School, Perth and Kinross Design: Architype Architects image courtesy of architecture practice North Perth Passivhaus Primary School The school, which will replace both the current North Muirton and Balhousie Primary Schools, is being delivered by Robertson Construction Tayside on behalf of hub East Central with Architype as both Lead Consultant and Passivhaus Designer.

23 Apr 2021

New leisure centre in Ayr

hub South West and contractor, BAM, set to revive Ayr town centre with construction of new leisure facility

Work to develop a new leisure centre in Ayr is progressing following South Ayrshire Council’s appointment of hub South West, the construction and infrastructure-focused partnership which operates alongside local Authorities and private sector enterprises in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway:

Read the news in full at New leisure centre in Ayr

2 Apr 2021

Trust objects to plan for 82 houses and a ‘visitor centre’ adjacent to The Pineapple, Hill of Airth

Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland has lodged a formal objection to a planning application lodged by George Russell Construction for a housing development at Mains Farm, Airth, directly adjacent to The Pineapple and the historic Dunmore Estate. Dating to 1761, The A-Listed Pineapple is one of Scotland’s most exotic and celebrated buildings and was constructed by the Earl of Dunmore amid a purpose-designed landscape. The property has been in the Trust’s care since 1973.

The Pineapple, Dunmore Estate: photo © The Dunmore Pineapple, Falkirk. David Robertson 1999, National Trust for Scotland

An unsolicited proposal for a visitor centre along with 22 houses was made public in 2018 and the Trust entered into correspondence with the developer. Contrary to the impression given in the developer’s Design and Access Statement, the Trust did not endorse the proposals and merely requested assurances on the ecological impact on rare species as well as clarification on the purpose of the visitor centre. No such assurances were forthcoming and the developer eventually withdrew the planning application for this initial scheme.

The new application, which is now under consideration by Falkirk Council, almost quadruples the number of proposed houses to 82. The overall scheme causes the Trust great concern for the integrity and setting of the landscape around the Pineapple, as well as the threat to wildlife. It is also the Trust’s view that a development in this location would set a planning precedent that may mean more of the area being re-zoned for development.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Chief Executive, Phil Long said:

“The Pineapple is one of the most significant buildings in Scotland and its unique ambience is dependent on its setting within Dunmore Park with its woodland and abundant wildlife.

“It is clear to us that this development scheme would have a hugely adverse impact on the site, which is designated within the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland. As we have seen all too often, inappropriately-scaled and sited developments have impaired or overwhelmed many important historic and natural landscapes and it’s our obligation to ensure that this does not happen to The Pineapple.”

2 Mar 2021 Radisson Hotel Objection News

From Architect Alan Dunlop:

As the architect and designer of the Radisson SAS, a project that has garnered many architecture and hotel design awards, nationally and internationally. I write to object in the strongest possible terms to these proposals.

photograph : Andrew Lee

Read Professor Alan Dunlop’s objection in full at Radisson Hotel Glasgow

Readers comments welcome – this is one of gm+ad’s major works, the planning submission pushes the glass volume out into the street, and creates a new entrance at the north west corner. Alan Dunlop’s original design gave back space to Argyle Street, encouraging a generous approach to the public realm in the heart of Scotland’s largest city.

26 Feb 2021 Lower Tullochgrue, Aviemore, northern Scotland Design: Brown & Brown Architects photograph © Gillian Hayes Lower Tullochgrue, Aviemore Lower Tullochgrue is the refurbishment and extension of a traditional house in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. A dilapidated steading has been replaced by a contemporary extension, with a timber and glass upper volume above a stone plinth, with the existing topography of the site maintained at all times.

26 Feb 2021 Strone Cottage, Scottish Highlands Design: Loader Monteith Architects photography : Nigel Rigden and Gillian Hayes Strone Cottage, Scottish Highlands The Strone Cottage is the adaptive restoration and extension of a highland bothy in the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland.

12 Feb 2021 Upper Parkbrae House, Oyne, Aberdeenshire, North East Scotland Design: Brown & Brown Architects photograph © Nigel Rigden Upper Parkbrae House, Aberdeenshire This contemporary Scottish property design is comprised of a timber and glass box, which is cantilevered above the landscape, and sited on a stone wall which runs both inside and outside of the building.

11 Feb 2021 ER Residence, Glasgow Property

10 Feb 2021 Langside Halls Queen’s Park, Glasgow

5 Feb 2021 Scottish Design Awards 2021 Programme

1 Feb 2021 Kingsborough Gardens, Glasgow

Scottish Architecture News 2020

Summer to Winter news items:

18 Dec 2020 Literature House for Scotland, John Knox House, Edinburgh Winning Architects: Witherford Watson Mann ; Groves-Raines Architects Studios ; Studio MB photograph © Daniel Lomholt-Welch Literature House for Scotland Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust has selected Stirling Prize winning architectural firm Witherford Watson Mann to lead the next phase of development at the Literature House in Edinburgh. They will be working in partnership with Groves-Raines Architects Studios and Edinburgh-based Studio MB.

20 Nov 2020 Cloch Lighthouse in Gourock Design: Benjamin Tindall Architects Cloch Lighthouse in Gourock Guiding light. Dougall Baillie Associates to advise on changes to home at the Cloch Lighthouse. The professional services of a Lanarkshire civil and structural specialist have been enlisted to advise on a significant upgrade to accommodation at one of Scotland’s most picturesque and dramatically-situated lighthouses.

19 Nov 2020 Holiday Inn Pacific Quay Hotel Architects: Mosaic Architecture + Design image courtesy of architects Holiday Inn Pacific Quay Hotel Glasgow Mosaic Architecture + Design, one of Scotland’s most experienced practices, has secured Glasgow City Council planning approval to build an £18m Holiday Inn Pacific Quay hotel on the site of the former Glasgow Garden Festival.

10 Nov 2020 Quarry Studios, Deeside, Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Highlands Design: Moxon Architects photo © Timothy Soar Quarry Studios in Cairngorms Quarry Studios is conceptually anchored in the landscape by two main elements; vertical concrete chimneys acting as a counterpoint to the low profile of the roof and a massive timber wall that intersects each volume.

6 Nov 2020 Laurieston Living Award News Design of Phase 2: architects Anderson Bell Christie image courtesy of architects Laurieston Living Glasgow A local Glasgow housing development has been named the best Affordable Housing Development of the Year in Scotland. Laurieston Living, which is being delivered by Scottish home builder Urban Union, scooped the award at this year’s Scottish Home Awards – seeing off competition from across the country.

5 Nov 2020 Chivas Brothers HQ in Glasgow International design studio Graven, has designed new, award-winning offices for Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard, on Blythswood Square in Glasgow’s city centre: Chivas Brothers Glasgow

29 Oct 2020 Science Centre Glasgow Photos We took some photos of this cluster of interesting buildings in a rare window of good weather: photo © Adrian Welch

29 Oct 2020 Canonmills Garden Recognised for Success at the Scottish Homes Awards

Canonmills Garden, Artisan Real Estate’s stylish new homes development in Edinburgh, is in the running for two prestigious accolades in this year’s Scottish Home Awards which takes place on Thursday (October 29):

Canonmills Garden Edinburgh

8 Oct 2020 Langside Halls Queen’s Park, Glasgow

11 Sep 2020 Scottish Design Awards 2020 Winners

11 Sep 2020 The Carpenter’s House, Stenton, East Lothian

10 Sep 2020 Scottish Architecture Conference The programme for the RIAS 2020 convention has been announced. With the Grain will run online from Monday 28 Sept – Friday 2 October: RIAS Convention 2020: With the Grain

7 Sep 2020 Hidden Stories Map: Glasgow Doors Open Day

4 Sep 2020 St Peter’s Seminary Cardross Building

30 July 2020

Planning Application Submitted for New Town Quarter Development

Plans have now been submitted for one of the largest developments to come forward in Edinburgh’s city centre for a generation.

Ediston and Orion Capital Managers have been working together on their shared vision for New Town Quarter, previously known as New Town North, since last year and have carried out what has been one of the largest consultations ever on a city centre development.

New Town Quarter Development

27 July 2020

Maven acquires site in Edinburgh

Maven Capital Partners, a leading UK property and private equity manager, has purchased a site at Murieston Crescent, Edinburgh, for the development of a purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) complex.

Murieston Crescent Edinburgh

21 July 2020 Builders frustrated by poor performance on crucial planning decisions

Responding to official planning performance statistics for 2019/20 published today, trade body Homes for Scotland (HFS) described another overall increase in decision times for housing applications as “hugely frustrating”.

Director of Planning Tammy Swift-Adams said:

“Despite an 11.5 per cent drop in the number of decisions made on local housing applications (defined as being for less than 50 homes), the time taken to make those decisions crept up for the second year running.

“This is concerning given that these small developments are, by nature, the lifeblood of SME home building businesses – a sector supported by Scottish Government loan funding during the crisis, but also needing local government support if it is to thrive”.

“Things are no more positive for major housing applications (those for 50 or more homes), decisions on which were two weeks slower than the previous year at 37.5 weeks – more than double the 16 week statutory timescale.”

“With all of the consultation and discussion time that has gone into improving the planning system, it is extremely frustrating to see this evidence that improvements are just not emerging on the ground.”

“And, of course, we also await the Scottish Government’s decision on whether planning application fees will be increased again. This decision, and the timing of its implementation, must be made in the context of this performance – with home builders currently receiving some of the poorest service across the system whilst already paying the lion’s share of fees.”

Swift-Adams also points to the Scottish Government’s new consultation document proposing changes to Scottish Planning Policy. These include removing the principle that planning applications that will help solve housing shortages should be looked upon favourably by decision-makers. The paper also seems to suggest that planning authorities should focus more singly on allocating their preferred sites and pay less regard to whether or not the homes that are needed are actually going to be built.

She continued:

“Scottish families and communities don’t need housing land. They want real homes to live in, and more of them. That requires a better functioning system and policy that encourages local planning authorities to ensure the sites they choose for housing development can and will be delivered. With the housing market showing encouraging signs post-lockdown, now is the time for local authorities to work closely with home builders to deliver the homes required.”

More Scottish architecture news is welcome on e-architect

Scotland Building Updates Early 2020

Winter to Summer news items:

4 June 2020 Red Tree Magenta, Shawfield, Glasgow Design: NORR, Architects photo © Keith Hunter Photography Red Tree Magenta Building Clyde Gateway embarked on delivering the first commercial building at the 11ha Magenta Business Park site, Shawfield to act as a catalyst to the market, prove it as a business location and to demonstrate the viability of the remediation strategy for the wider site.

27 May 2020 New Homes Quality Board – interim board announcement

First step towards creation of New Homes Ombudsman scheme

The first step towards the creation of a New Homes Ombudsman (NHO) scheme has been announced with the appointment of an interim New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) chaired by “New Homes Quality Champion” Natalie Elphicke MP.

As a new independent body, the NHQB will have responsibility for the quality of new build homes and consumer redress. It will be guided by the principles of independence, transparency and integrity, and will comprise a mix of representatives of consumer bodies, home builders, warranty providers, lenders and independents such that it will not be dominated by any one group.

The interim board has ‘met’ for the first time and will now:

• oversee the composition and appointment of a permanent board; • complete, consult on and adopt a new comprehensive and robust industry code of practice that will place more stringent requirements on all parties involved in the construction, inspection, sale and aftercare of new homes; • agree a process to appoint a New Homes Ombudsman (NHO) service to adjudicate against the new code.

Nicola Barclay, Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland, said:

“While housing is a matter that is devolved to the Scottish Government, consumer protection remains a reserved matter and so comes under the responsibility of Westminster, making a UK-wide solution crucially important. Working closely with colleagues in the Home Builders Federation in England, we are delighted to see this progression which reinforces our determination to ensure a high-quality home for each and every purchaser. We are also pleased that the stringent requirements will see consumers receive the same level of clarity and consistency wherever they live.”

The ambition is that a permanent chair and board will be in place by Autumn with a view to the new code and ombudsman service being in place by the start of 2021. There will then be a transition period for builders to sign up to the new arrangements. It is anticipated Government will ultimately legislate to improve consumer redress as soon as possible and these new proposals aim to complement such reform.

Natalie Elphicke said: “This is a welcome move, and a much needed step in the right direction. I am committed to ensuring that the new arrangements will deliver a step change in the quality of new homes and customer experience. They will be based in the principles of independence, transparency and integrity, values I know Government and the industry are determined to instil. I look forward to working with all parties to finalise and implement these changes as quickly as possible.”

All the new arrangements will be paid for by the industry and once established, the NHO will be free to consumers, with access being through a new portal.

Natalie Elphicke is a qualified barrister and solicitor. In 2015 she was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to housing. Natalie’s background is as a national specialist in complex housing and structured finance law and public policy. A former international law firm partner with over £4billion transactional experience, she had been described as “probably the best in the City” in her specialist area of housing.

She has extensive experience structuring and successfully setting up new organisations in her professional capacities, working with a diverse range of stakeholders. This includes most recently at the Housing & Finance Institute. She has a strong reputation as an independent commentator on housing matters ranging from housing policies to building new homes faster as well as in relation to the quality and safety of new build construction.

Natalie is a member of the Jaywick Sands coastal community team and a member of the NHBC advisory panel. She is a voluntary worker at her local homeless shelter, having previously volunteered at free legal/advice centres over many years. In December 2019, Natalie was elected as a Member of Parliament for Dover & Deal.

21 Apr 2020 Housing delivery can build way out of coronavirus crisis

Responding to today’s publication of the latest UK State of the Economy report, Chief Executive of industry body Homes for Scotland Nicola Barclay said:

“Whilst public health has quite rightly been the government’s top priority up to now, it is clear that the economic fallout could have even further reaching consequences for the country. Today’s report highlights that Scotland’s GDP could fall by 33% during the current period of social distancing, with construction noted as one of the most exposed sectors.

“We share the Economy Secretary’s desire to rebuild the economy as quickly as is safely possible and believe that we can, quite literally, build our way out of this. This is why we are working on a recovery plan which includes the core components necessary to kickstart home building, including putting robust control measures in place to protect workers, home purchasers and tenants, as well as working across the sector to ensure everyone is ready to go as soon as we can.

“Delivering the homes of all types that our country needs brings many significant benefits in terms of protecting vital jobs and skills, improving social wellbeing and contributing more widely to the economy through the extensive supply chain.

“Restarting from a standstill requires considerable planning and co-ordination so it is imperative that the Scottish Government works closely with industry to establish a programme for recommencement so we can provide the homes that so many people desperately need.”

9 Apr 2020 Mark Baines, Glasgow School of Art

Mark Baines, who has been a seminal part of the School for 50 years, has passed away (not Covid-19 related).

Mark was one of the first cohort to study on the full time programme at the Mac, went on to work with Andy and Isi at Gillespie Kidd & Coia, with Ian O Robertson Architect and Ian Bridges Architect before returning to GSA to teach generations of architecture students, most recently as Stage Leader for the DipArch programme.

Below is a tribute from his long-time colleague Johnny Rodger, Professor of Urban Literature at The Glasgow School of Art:

Mark Baines

It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing away of our colleague Mark Baines. As an esteemed and respected teacher, practitioner and critic, Mark Baines played a distinctive and vital role at the heart of architectural culture in Glasgow and Scotland in general. Any comprehensive list of his important achievements and his experiences could never be retailed in the space available here, and his place in Glasgow life was a unique one.

His long connection with the Mackintosh School of Architecture started in the early 70s when he was amongst the first cohort of full time architecture students at his beloved Glasgow School of Art. After going out to work as a practising architect for a few years he returned to teach in the school in 1982 and he taught there right up until 2020.

Generations of students were influenced by his encyclopaedic knowledge of the field and his quiet, patient, insightful and inspirational analyses which opened up a whole new spatial and structural world to them. He was the critical eminence grise behind the student edited annual MacMag, and he guided and oversaw the production of that publication which has refined and exposed the creative spirit of the Mac students since 1974. Public recognition of his position as a towering figure in the pedagogical culture of the Mac came when at the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland’s annual Design Tutor of the Year Awards in 2013 he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award.

After MSA Mark started his professional career at the firm of Gillespie Kidd and Coia. The firm had a long association with teaching in the school going back to the 1920s and arguably longer, and Mark joined them as they were at the cutting edge of the rebuilding of the country after WWII. His experience there under the tutelage of Isi Metzstein and Andy MacMillan, set the standards for his own life as an architect and architectural teacher in terms of the fundamental importance of drawing, the vision of the discipline as a collaborative one through the methodologies of the studio, and the necessity of a discursive critical approach to the work.

Mark went on to work with other firms like Ian O Robertson Architect and Ian Bridges Architect through the eighties and onwards , especially on housing projects, and in 2007 completed the design and construction of the massive Merchant Building –a contemporary response in scale and material to the historical setting of Glasgow Cross – with his firm Gholami Baines.

As a critic Mark Baines played a prominent role as a public intellectual, writing chapters and articles for magazines, books and catalogues, putting on exhibitions and giving talks to innumerable groups and societies. Although his knowledge of architecture and architectural history was inexhaustible, and his moral and ethical discourses on where we live and how we do it drew a broad civic public, he became particularly well known for his critiques in a few specialist areas. After working with GKC and studying their work he became one of the acknowledged world experts in the field, writing extensively on the importance of their work in an international sense.

Among the exhibitions he curated on the GKC work, his 2007 one drew the biggest viewing public that The Lighthouse has ever had for any show. He was also an authority on the great 19th century Glasgow architect, Greek Thomson, wrote extensively on his work, campaigned to save numerous of his buildings, and was Chair Person of the Greek Thomson Society. Although his own tastes and indeed practice were of a contemporary not to say modernist outlook, Mark Baines worked tirelessly to broadcast to the world the genius of Thomson’s work and his importance to architectural history.

Mark was a respected and admired colleague, and was recognised by his fellows for the perspicacity of his vision, the originality and acuity of his judgement and the consistency of his approach. For many people he embodied the successes of the studio system at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, as a humane teaching and learning environment. Generations of students and colleagues from all around the world have been humbled then inspired by the breadth of his culture and his willingness to share it. He will be missed greatly at the Glasgow School of Art to which he was totally committed as a creative and collaborative institution.

Johnny Rodger, Professor of Urban Literature at The Glasgow School of Art

9 Apr 2020 New Town North Development at Former RBS Site image courtesy of architects Edinburgh New Town North Development

10 Mar 2020 Judges line up for 2020 Scottish Design Awards

The judging panels for the 2020 Scottish Design Awards have been confirmed with a mix of figures from industry and academia coming together to celebrate the nation’s best new work:

2020 Scottish Design Awards News

29 Feb 2020 Celebrate Perth’s New Creative Hub – Official Opening and First Exhibition Perth Creative Exchange, a £4.5 million creative hub which will help boost the local Perthshire arts economy, was officially opened at a launch ceremony on Wednesday February 26, by the Provost of Perth and Kinross, Dennis Melloy. photo : Fraser Band Perth’s New Creative Hub

29 Jan 2020 The Watch House, Crail, Crail, Fife, Eastern Scotland Architect: Alan Dunlop drawing © Alan Dunlop The Watch House in Crail, Fife Planning Approval and Listed Building and Conservation Area Consent granted unconditionally for this historic property renovation in Crail. The building is listed and sits within the conservation area in Crail, overlooking the Firth of Forth and The Isle of May.

17 Jan 2020 Paisley Museum Building News, western Scotland Design: AL_A image courtesy of architects office Paisley Museum Renewal Plans to transform Paisley Museum into a world-class visitor destination telling the town’s unique stories, including that of the globally admired Paisley Pattern, have taken a major step forward as The National Lottery Heritage Fund announced £3.8million of support for the project.

25 Feb 2020 The Glasgow School of Art appoints Penny Macbeth as new Director The Glasgow School of Art has appointed Penny Macbeth, currently Dean of Manchester School of Art and Deputy Faculty Pro-Vice Chancellor for Arts and Humanities focusing on external engagement and partnerships, as its new Director following an extensive international search: New Glasgow School of Art Director: Penny Macbeth

25 Jan 2020 New Gorbals Housing Association, Crown Street, Glasgow Design: Page\Park Architects photograph : Keith Hunter New Gorbals Housing Association Glasgow The new home of the New Gorbals Housing Association is a bespoke office and civic piazza forming the centrepiece of the Crown Street redevelopment in Glasgow.

7 Jan 2020 Lesley Samuel joins Halliday Fraser Munro as a landscape architect

A rise in masterplanning project wins across Scotland has seen award-winning architectural design and planning practice Halliday Fraser Munro bring high-level expertise to its team, adding landscape architectural services to its portfolio:

More info on the Edinburgh Architecture News 2020 page

More contemporary Scottish Architecture News on e-architect soon

Scottish Architecture News 2019

27 Nov 2019 Ashtree Road Pollokshaws Award News

Graeme Nicholls Architects along with clients Home Group in Scotland and Merchant Homes Partnerships are celebrating this week after their Ashtree Road development won not one, but two awards at the prestigious 2019 AJ Architecture Awards.

Ashtree Road Buildings

10 Oct 2019 ; 23 May 2019 New Macallan Distillery Building, Speyside – 2019 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award Winner Architect: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners ; Exhibition Design: Atelier Brückner photo © Speirs + Major New Macallan Distillery Building The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience in Speyside reveals the production processes and welcomes visitors while remaining sensitive to the beautiful surrounding countryside.

5 Oct 2019 Scottish Architecture Student Films Two films here, by Edinburgh architecture student Daniel Lomholt-Welch:

Schiehallion:

youtube

Fragmentation:

youtube

1 Oct 2019 Perth Affordable Housing Electric Car Charging Points Perth housing development news: Muirton Living

25 Sep 2019 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award 2019

24 Sep 2019 RIAS respond to Public Enquiry into 2 Scottish Hospitals

The Scottish Government has announced a public inquiry will be held to examine issues at the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) sites.

RIAS President Robin Webster OBE says; “The RIAS welcome the move by Health Minister Jeane Freeman’s to hold an inquiry into the delivery of Scotland’s 2 hospitals. This follows our earlier support for inquiries into failures in Schools across Scotland and our continued involvement in these discussions.

The removal of a co-ordinating overseer with professional independence; a broad and comprehensive understanding of the building design and the procurement process; with the time to apply that understanding and vitally, the executive authority to influence it, has inevitably allowed many gaps in the procurement process to open up; such that responsibilities are clouded, and appropriate resolution of issues fails to occur.”

18 Sep 2019 Fairways – Townhouses, St Andrews, Fife Design: Sutherland Hussey Harris image courtesy of architecture office Fairways Townhouses by St Andrews Old Course The Fairways – Townhouses in St Andrews are laid out so that one taller, tower-like building form addresses the urban setting facing towards the town centre.

6 Sep 2019 Whitehorn Hall Student Accommodation, St Andrews, Fife Whitehorn Hall Student Accommodation

8 Sep 2019 Scottish Design Awards Winners Clydebank Community Sports Hub by Marc-Kilkenny Architects wins: Scottish Design Awards 2019 Winners

6 Sep 2019 Paisley Museum Renewal News Paisley Museum Renewal News Paisley Museum Renewal, Scotland, design by AL_A, transforming the building into a world-class destination showcasing the stories of a Scottish town whose influence reached around the globe.

2 Sep 2019 £200m construction projects signal Glasgow move for architects Halliday Fraser Munro

Barclays Campus, Buchanan Wharf architects Halliday Fraser Munro relocate to larger Glasgow office after winning £200m worth of city construction projects

Halliday Fraser Munro Architects in Glasgow

Scottish Buildings News in 2nd Part of 2019

Scottish Building News 2019 image courtesy of HfS

Scottish property news from earlier in 2019:

Scottish Architecture News 2019

More Scottish Architecture news online soon

Location: Scotland

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Scottish Architecture News 2018

Scottish Architecture News 2017

Scottish Architecture News 2011

Scottish Architecture News 2010

Scottish Building News 2009

Scottish Building News 2007

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Glasgow Architecture News 2020

Scotland Architectural Resource Links

Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland News

RIAS/RIBA Awards 2019 Shortlist news

Scottish Borders Buildings

Best Building in Scotland Award

Scottish Housing

Historic Scottish Architects

Architecture Books Scotland

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Buildings / photos for the Scottish Building News page welcome

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acsversace-news · 7 years ago

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The first thing you need to know about FX’s American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace is that it’s not really about Gianni Versace. While O.J. Simpson—and his fame, his race and his abusive history—were central to Ryan Murphy’s true-crime anthology in its first season, this story focuses on the man who killed Versace and the society that aided in that murder.

The new season is based on Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History, a 450-page tome the journalist Maureen Orth published in 1999. Much of the book is devoted to the life story of Cunanan, the 27-year-old spree killer who shot Versace in 1997. Her reporting is thorough and revealing, but much of her analysis is dated. When Orth explores Cunanan’s demimonde of meth, escorts, sugar daddies and BDSM, it feels as though she’s unaware that this milieu isn’t representative of gay male culture as a whole.

Especially considering that Murphy—who is gay and has created some groundbreaking queer characters—has also been known to perpetuate the occasional homophobic stereotypes, the interplay between the book and the series is bound to give us plenty to discuss. At the very least, Vulgar Favors is handy for determining which parts of the show are confirmed fact and which are purely conjecture. (I’ll also be using Deborah Ball’s House of Versace, a breezy history of Gianni, his family, and the brand from 2010, along with a few other sources.)

I don’t want to call these recaps “fact-checks,” though, because fiction doesn’t have any responsibility to stick to the official record. Instead, I’ll look at how the discrepancies between what Orth dug up and what Murphy depicts reveal the show’s real agenda. These pieces may take a different form from week to week, but since the premiere was mostly a reenactment of the crime and its immediate aftermath, we’ll start with some pretty basic background stuff.

July 15, 1997

Orth’s book ends with the death of Versace and the intensified hunt for Cunanan, who had already killed four men by the time he came to Miami Beach. American Crime Story begins with the murder and goes backward from there. It’s a promising approach, because the real suspense here is in the question of how the smart, charismatic, cultured young man we meet in flashbacks ended up on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.

The show sticks fairly close to the facts in recounting what happened on the day Gianni Versace (Édgar Ramírez) died. He really was returning home from an early-morning excursion to buy magazines when Andrew, played by Darren Criss in a performance that’s already riveting, gunned him down on the steps of his palatial home (more on that later). One bullet also killed a turtle dove—a symbol that initially led authorities to suspect a Mafia hit. While Versace’s longtime partner, Antonio D’Amico (Ricky Martin), stayed at the designer’s side, the couple’s neighbor Lazaro Quintana chased Andrew until Andrew pulled a gun on him. Versace was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead at 9:21 AM.

Cops really did spot someone who matched Andrew’s description on the roof of a parking garage around the same time, but he escaped. (Orth doesn’t mention them tackling the wrong man.) It’s not clear what he was doing later that day, when police found the stolen red truck Andrew had abandoned and he became the suspect. The scenes that show him changing into fresh clothes and watching gleefully as the media descends on Versace’s house aren’t just plausible; they underscore how easily Andrew blended in among the town’s gay beachgoers.

One character to keep an eye on is FBI agent Keith Evans (Jay R. Ferguson). The Bureau was searching for Cunanan long before he killed Versace, and Evans was its man in Miami. Sadly, he was also inexperienced and unfamiliar with the city’s gay community. Sgt. Lori Wieder, the lesbian cop played by Dascha Polanco, wasn’t on the scene that day, but the officers who were there did find boxes of undistributed Wanted flyers in Evans’ trunk. The scene where the pawnshop owner complains to police about the legally mandated transaction form she’d filed a week earlier, which included Cunanan’s full name, is another embarrassing real-life detail. But the emphasis Murphy, who directed the episode, places on Evans’ neglect of his assignment is crucial, because it’s the first suggestion that law enforcement’s homophobia—its literal fear of engaging with gay men—contributed to its failure.

October 1990

Did Versace really know his killer? Well, sort of.

It’s true that Versace designed the costumes for a production of Capriccio at the San Francisco Opera, and stayed in the city during its run in 1990. At the time, Cunanan was living rent-free in Berkeley with his friend Liz Coté (Annaleigh Ashford), who Orth describes as a “rich and spacey debutante,” and her husband, Phil Merrill (Nico Evers-Swindell)—the couple we see in the flashback. A fixture in SF’s gay scene, Andrew met Versace at a club called Colossus. But, Orth reports, it was the designer who approached him: “I know you,” said Versace. “Lago di Como, no?” he asked, referring to his Italian lake house. It was, most likely, a flimsy pickup line. Andrew, who’d never been to Italy but had also never heard a flattering lie he couldn’t get behind, went along with it. On another night, Versace, Andrew, and a local playboy named Harry de Wildt were spotted together in a limo.

That dreamy encounter after the opera, though? It’s pure fantasy, although Andrew was known to lie about his Filipino father knowing Imelda Marcos, owning pineapple plantations and having a boyfriend. What’s important here is the conversation about Andrew’s future. “You are creative?” Versace asks, and his date answers in the affirmative. In fact, the only things Andrew ever created were fictions about himself, passed off as fact. (I won’t get too deep into that, because his lying is sure to come up later in the show.) “I’m sure you’re going to be someone really special one day,” says Versace. The distance between Andrew’s ambitions and the life he ended up with—as well as the reasons why he was such a failure—is going to be important.

The Family Business

The episode’s strangest divergence from the facts comes during the same scene. Versace explains the history of his company’s Medusa logo, recounting that he first spotted the image while playing in ruins as a child in Calabria. In fact, as Ball notes in House of Versace, he borrowed his logo from a door knocker at the Milan palazzo he bought in 1981. Perhaps we’re supposed to suspect Versace is a liar, too, but I’m inclined to believe the line is pure exposition, a hint of the designer’s humble beginnings that will soon become relevant to Andrew’s story.

Meanwhile, Versace’s mourning siblings/business partners, Donatella (Penélope Cruz) and Santo (Giovanni Cirfiera) provide some insight into the company’s status in 1997. Poor Cruz, normally a fantastic actress, has a thankless role (and a distracting accent) in this episode. All she does is sob, scream and provide dry background info that writer Tom Rob Smith doesn’t bother surrounding with believable human dialogue. For the record, it’s true that Santo, the oldest Versace sibling and the company’s most pragmatic voice, wanted to take the business public. And Gianni, after accepting a large dividend to subsidize his lavish lifestyle, agreed to do so. The plan was to make an initial public offering in the summer of 1998. It never happened. Two decades later, Gianni Versace S.p.A. remains a billion-dollar private company. None of this is particularly interesting, so here’s hoping it becomes relevant to the Cunanan story eventually!

Gianni Versace’s Fucking Insane House

There isn’t much art in this workmanlike premiere, but it does begin with a shot of the clouds painted over Versace’s bed that leads to a lovely, nearly wordless sequence contrasting Gianni’s civilized morning with Andrew’s primal scream. If you paid attention to the Renaissance-style art and the stained-glass windows and the gold accents and the massive tiled courtyard, it probably occurred to you that Versace’s home was totally off the wall. (“If Donald Trump had taste,” I said to myself, “this is what Mar-a-Lago would look like.”) Surely it was exaggerated for TV?

Actually, it was not. Built in 1930, Casa Casuarina, as the home was known, was inspired by Christopher Columbus’s son Diego’s residence in the Dominican Republic. In the courtyard of the 20,000-square-foot villa were busts of Columbus, Pocahontas, Mussolini and Confucius (all of which Versace kept). After Versace bought the property in 1992, he spent a million dollars restoring it. An army of artists and artisans filled the place with murals, mosaics and baroque furniture. Versace published a typically bizarre coffee-table book about his many bonkers properties in 1996, and in it you can find photos of the family frolicking poolside at Casa Casuarina alongside busy interiors and shots of naked men ironing. My favorite page shows a close-up of a burger, fries and a milkshake served on gilded Versace china, atop an ornate gold table. America! If you can’t track down a copy, this Google Image search should give you an idea. Look, here’s a bare-assed dude with a lampshade over his head! See you next week!

#acs versace #vice #recap #review #article #2.01 #january 2018

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