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Pictorial chronicles [002.026.230]

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Pérille en la demeure

Perilla frutescens 'Britton (bicolor)'
Perilla frutescens 'Red'
Perilla frutescens var. crispa fo. Purpurea
Perilla frutescens var. crispa fo. Purpurea

[ iPhone 17 Pro, Jardin botanique & Domus, 2026/08/14 & 16 ]

Perilla frutescens / Pérille / Perilla / cultivar ‘Britton (bicolor)‘ & ‘Red‘

La Pérille aromatique est une plante condimentaire d’origine asiatique qui a un usage alimentaire, médicinal et ornemental. La variété la plus utilisée est la Perilla frutescens var. crispa fo. Purpurea et est le plus souvent connu sous son nom japonais de shiso (シソ / 紫蘇) — qui dérive lui-même du nom chinois (zǐsū). Son feuillage coloré en a d’abord fait une plante ornementale, mais comme elle est comestible et odorante elle a rapidement été utilisée en cuisine: en salade, dans les marinades (漬物 / Tsukemono), en jus, séché en poudre sur le riz (おにぎり / 御握り/ onigiri), pour faire de l’huile (avec les graines), comme colorant (notamment dans les umeboshi ou beni shōga), comme épice (pour aseptiser la viande entre autres) ou encore comme édulcorant. En herboristerie ou phytothérapie, elle est utilisée comme antiallergique. Son goût, sans être désagréable, ne m’a jamais beaucoup enthousiasmé, mais je dois avouer qu’en été, elle permet de concocter des plats rafraîchissants. Il y en a partout dans notre jardin.

Paululum Rideamus [002.026.227]

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Funny Life Lessons

Cartoons in the newspaper funnies are not just merely entertainment. They are also often exercises in modern philosophy. We like a cartoon not only because it is funny, but because it touches something in us, making us think “That’s so true”. It makes us smile and it makes us reflect on our human condition.

Here are two examples that I found in my readings this week (from June’s newspapers — yes, I know, I’m late in my readings):

© 2026 Mediagraphics, Inc. Dist. by Andrews McMeel Syndication

The “CrankShaft” story (titled “The Good Old Days, Getting Old Days”) reminds me in a funny way that I am getting old and nostalgic. Each day brings new pains and I cannot do as much as I did before, besides just getting older each day. And it’s only now that we realize how good we had it when we were young, without ever being conscious of how lucky we were. Carpe Diem ! Live in the present and enjoy every moment of it !

©2026 Mark Parisi Dist by Andrews McMeel

The “Off The Mark” story reminds us that the best cure to feeling down is to go out and exercise, surrounded by the beauty of nature. However, if we want to keep being able to make those regenerative walks, we have to take good care of our natural environment (Please Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — also keep the park clean!). Sitting inside and staring at your phone is the worse thing you can do for your health. Believe me, there is nothing like a good walk in the park, looking at greenery, flowers, birds and other creatures!

Keep reading (even cartoons!) and keep learning. That’s the only way to constantly improve yourself. Ja ne !