Occasionally we wander away from fact into the arms of superstition. Right now, we're fascinated with 'the evil eye'. Folklore has it that certain people can inflict illness and ruin with a malevolent glance. Some even do it unwittingly. Anthropologist Vassos Argyrou says the term comes from the King James Bible which lists 'an evil eye' among the horrors found in 'the hearts of men'. Odd anatomical references aside, there is no doubting the wonder and complexity of the eye, so strong and yet surrounded by the most delicate skin on the body. This month, select Aesop stores display Greek amulets to guard against the evil eye. If this strikes you as nonsense, never fear. The results of clear-eyed science can be found in every Aesop tube, bottle and jar.
ENJOY
Aesop makes three products for the skin around the eyes. Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Eye Cream is a rich hydrating cream while Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Eye Serum is a lighter formulation. Both products contain a blend of beneficial botanicals as well as Vitamins A, B, C and E. Remove is a gentle yet effective makeup remover. The fragility of the skin in the eye region makes this area very sensitive, so treatment and handling should be as delicate as possible.
LISTEN
To the Financial Times' three-part podcast about how connectivity changes the lives of businesses and individuals, or hear Marianne Bertrand, Professor of Economics at Chicago Booth School of Business, riddle why women MBAs earn so much less than their male counterparts. Times' podcasts are geared to managers and business owners, but should you wish to learn about the arcane ways of the commercial world, delivered in small portion by dulcet-toned readers, this is the place to go.
WATCH
Wim Wenders'1987 film Wings of Desire. In this masterly marriage of lyricism and grittiness, Wenders follows two angels as they float around West Berlin. Some believe this is a film about German reunification, others say it is an exploration of love or a musing on the relationship between the material and transcendant. However you read it, this is an exceptional piece of filmmaking. Steer clear of the American remake, City of Angels. American cinema has many shining moments, but this is not among them.
SUPPORT
Designer Yves Behar who worked with the MIT Media Lab on the One Laptop Per Child project. Announced in 2005 and on assembly lines in 2007, the XO laptops were the first computers to bring technology to children in impoverished countries in an inexpensive and relevant way. In addition to being light, colourful and tough, the computers consume significantly less energy than other laptops. Behar and MIT's computer is now in its third version, this time as a tablet. EATDining in Taipei is rarely anything less than remarkable, from the simplicity of perfectly steamed Chinese greens and prawn dumplings at Din Tai Fung to the more unusual offerings that brothers Evan and Calvin extend in their provisions store and restaurant. Evan sources exceptional local produce and presents it with ingenuity. A delicious dessert was recently on offer consisting of homemade tofu and preserved yuzu peel.
DRINK
Should this month's tipple be Lillet Blanc or Lillet Rouge? It depends on your mood, though one need look no further than a generously iced glass of the Blanc with a little citrus to complement. Those who live on the south side of the globe should find some late afternoon sun and a couple of good friends with whom to share it. In the north, forgo the ice. Otherwise, you could opt for Kamosi-Bito-Kuheiji Kanochi 2008, a highly recommended Daiginjo sake.
LEARN
About The Pritzker Architecture Prize. Since 1979, this annual award has cast a spotlight onto living architects who have contributed to 'humanity and the built environment'. Past winners include I.M. Pei, Frank Gehry, Tadao Ando and Glenn Murcutt. We point you to the essay by Philip Ursprung on the Pritzker website in which Ursprung describes the sensory experience of walking through Saint Benedict Chapel, designed by last year's Prize winner Peter Zumthor. HEARSchubert's Impromptu, which has a calming effect on Aesop Head Office staff on a Friday night. This Austrian composer (1797 to 1828, an Aquarian) composed more than 600 Leider, as well as symphonies, operas, chamber music, liturgical music, and piano solos. Many believe that in the years immediately prior to his death, Schubert reached musical maturity and composed his greatest works. One wonders what he might have created had he more time.
VISIT
The exhibition Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones at the Queensland Art Gallery. Jones is a world-renowned English milliner who has brought together pieces from the Victoria and Albert Museum and his own extensive collection. This exhibition contains hats made by Elsa Schiaparelli, Mary Quant, Philip Treacy and Jones, among others. It runs until 27 June. While in Brisbane, visit our Queen Street store to purchase hair care products for those days when a fabulous hat is simply not available.
DISCOVER
Renowned modernist Finnish architect, glassware and furniture maker Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto, born 3 February 1898 (another Aquarian - is there something in this?). Aalto's work is informed by the Finnish landscape, Scandinavian style, and his technical experiments with natural materials. To best appreciate Aalto, pour yourself a glass of Lillet, turn Impromptu to a pleasing volume, and read about the Paimio Sanatorium (1928), one of his most noteworthy buildings.
'There is a road from the eye to heart that does not go through theintellect.' G.K. Chesterton