Roger's View of the World, Love and Seafood Gumbo!
Seize the Day! Put no trust in the morrow! — Horace
“Second Life” is one of a number of virtual reality sites which attract individuals and businesses. Is this the future of e-commerce ? Karen blogged on “Second Life” a while back… check it out.
osMoz is an incredible perfume internet site which has just launched on “Second Site”.
Roger Freberg
First, I claim no rare expertise … I am just a fan with a long time interest in fragrances. Nevertheless, recently, I was ‘asked’ by my wife to discuss the sense of ‘smell’ in her “Sensation & Perception” class.
The problem — for me — was not in teaching as I have taught university classes before . The challenge was to take a mountain of information and distill (no pun intended) it all into something that the students would find interesting and — possibly — enjoyable.
Taking a subject you love and creating a spark then a flame of interest is always a challenge…. especially among young American males, of which a few were in attendance.
The world of fragrance is one of analogy… and it was with the use of analogy that I put together a brief — at least to me — presentation within 2 hours.
To do it right, I thought we needed a demonstration. I located aromatherapy jars containing various mysteries and paired them with 4 of Guerlain’s wonders and asked the students to discover which came from which. After all, you can’t shove some perfume under someone’s nose and ask them what’s in it… you must provide a reference point. This is where aromatherapy essentials come in.
Which contained Ylang Yang? Sandalwood? Jasmine? I was surprised how well they did. Top marks all around.
It is important to put perfume in context of societal norms of the times. How did fragrances develop through history culminating in the Designer fragrances of today?
Lastly and most importantly, I was able to acquire samples of a few current products for the students to take home… some Armani for men and some Juicy Couture for women … and for the most adventurous and fortunate some of Frederick Malle’s collection to explore.
I enjoyed myself…
Here are a few links for fun!
Karen Freberg’s Links on Perfume!
the American Society of Perfumers
Fifi Award!
Grasse’s Perfume Museum
House of Guerlain
Luca Turin’s Guide!
Roger Freberg
I picked up these Mui Mui’s for Laura on Netporter.com which is featured a lot on Style.com. Mui Mui is Prada’s other line… positioned a bit younger.
She looks fabuluous dah-ling!
Roger Freberg
My daughter Karen is in South Africa and trying to get her arms around the issue of ‘jet lag.’ And although she has not been to this part of the world before, she definitely came prepared: baggage that is virtually indestructable, eye masks & travel pillow for sleeping on planes and a phone that will definitely operate in South Africa. These may sound like simple things, but is amazing how many experienced travelers make their journey that much more difficult by forgetting to plan ahead. I am sure Karen will write something on her blog about all that is going on.
Karen has a lot going on in the months ahead… but she sounds enthusiastic and excited about the new South Africa. Afterall, Cape Town Fashion week is not all that far off!
As for me, I discovered the best phone rate to South Africa is on IDT and all incoming calls to Karen are free… and we had our first 20 minute conversation for $4. Even Dads need to hear from their girls.
Roger Freberg
I think to truly appreciate the human experience requires many understandings, certainly the enjoyment of wine is among them.
Years ago, I joined a fun troup of wine lovers entitled Knights of the Vine. They further introduced me into the lore and rich history of Wine… in particular, California Wine. The founder, the late Norman Gates, brought me into the brotherhood back in 1979. Although I have not been active in the organization for quite some time, I found it educational and enjoyable.
” Water divides world population, wine gather it”
Another way to get started is to try something new now and again, sign up for periodic wine purchases, and possibly buy a book or two on the subject.
Then there is the story of Jean Montidier… aaaah, that’s for another time.
Related link: L’Auberge Edge of Seattle Cooking
“Per Vitem ! Ad Vitam !”
Roger Freberg