Author Archives: Shan Tung Hsu

About Shan Tung Hsu

Dr. Hsu's teaching unifies his training in western science, ancient Chinese philosophy, Taoist and Buddhist meditation, and the energy work of Chi-gong/Qigong and Tai Chi Chuan, along with decades of experience in Feng Shui.

A Feng Shui’s Perspective of Microsoft’s New Logo

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A logo is a graphical element, together with its logotype, forms a trade mark or commercial brand for recognition. One of the most important parts of a company’s branding strategy is choosing the right logo. From a feng shui point of view, a logo is beyond just a trademark or brand. It encapsulates the
energy of the company in the image. It represents the very essence, the totality of the company.

All successful companies have good logos; all failing companies have bad logos. There are no exceptions. A good logo should be simple, visually balanced, and resonate with the company or organization’s service or product. In creating a logo, one should incorporate the yang principle for momentum, encode a hidden message, use a friendly visual image and provide an emotional or mental association. A logo, good or bad, reflects whether a company will either be successful or a failure. If one studies the history of a logo of any company, one can clearly see the co-relationship between the ups and downs of that company.

For the past 25 years, Microsoft has used a logotype instead of a graphic image. Not by any conscious consideration, the use of a plain typeface name actually served Microsoft very well. It was responsible for Microsoft’s long term success until now.

A graphic image commands more attention than does a simple typeface. It presents a stronger focus and defines the company stronger. But the definition also comes with limitations of its flexibility and potential. For the last few decades, the ever evolving field of the computer industry has not been a
defined industry. As a software company, Microsoft’s main asset is intelligent property.

In the classical Five-Element or Wu-Xing Theory, intelligence is associated with the Water element. Water does not like to be defined; water resonates with flow and flexibility. Not surprisingly, Microsoft also resonates with the Water element by strategically forgoing perfection with its flooding the market
first and fixing it later approach. The simple typeface of Microsoft, not to be defined, resonates with Microsoft’s philosophy and has been serving it very well.

As Microsoft continues to diversify its product lines, it moves out from the purity of the Water element. Thus, the Physical level has to change to reflect the energy and information attributed in a logo. This is the underlying reason why Microsoft changes its logo. It is how energy naturally plays out,
not through surface reasons or by conscious efforts.

The new logo is composed of a multicolored Windows symbol in front of the “Microsoft” name in a lighter type. Jeff Hansen, Microsoft’s general manager of brand strategy said it is intended to signal the heritage but also signal the future – a newness and freshness.

The new logo’s form is wholesome, and it also reflects stability. However, seeing it from a feng shui perspective, from the matter, chi energy, and information perspective, the logo is a very ordinary design, it reflects that Microsoft will not continue enjoying its phenomenal success it has for
over the past decades.

In the first place, there is no energy connection between the four colored tiled image and the Microsoft word. These two look like separate entities that just happen to be placed next to each other. Both serve itself, not to one another . They are not in love nor do they go hand in hand.

In the second place, the colorful tiled image on the right hand side, the yin side, signifies the past. The light type face of Microsoft on the left hand side , the yang side, signifies the future. Respectively, they reflect the colorful and glory past and the not the colorful future. We cannot expect Microsoft to have
much excitement to show in years to come. However, since the logo is still basically wholesome and stable in form, Microsoft will maintain to be a viable company.

Shan-Tung Hsu. Ph.D.
Director, Blue Mountain Feng Shui Institute
www.bluemountainfengshui.com
206-523-3946 or shantunghsu@gmail.com

What is Your Cup of Tea? (4)

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Pu-erh tea grows in China’s Yunnan province. Its history can be traced back to the Han dynasty (206 B.C. – A.D. 220) but it became popular outside China only at the end of 20th century. Pu-erh tea is made from a large-leafed variety of tea. The buds and tender leaves are first converted to raw material called mao-cha (毛茶) by a process involving wilting, kneading, and drying in the sun. The mao-cha is then steamed and pressed into a compressed disk or brick form, then put in storage to allow a natural aging process to “mature” the tea.

Traditionally, tea from Yunnan was sold to Tibet and Southeast Asia regions. The tea was transported by tea-horse caravans or by tea porters over the treacherous Tea Horse Road, often in bad weather. During transportation, the tea went through a second phase of fermentation by microorganisms. This is why it has been classified as “post-fermented” tea. Slow oxidation and post-fermentation created a unique earthy, sweet taste and aroma, and a beautiful ruby red color. This traditional pu-erh tea is now called “green” or “raw” pu-erh. It ranges from the initial green state to partially fermented, and post fermented tea. In other words, it cut across all categories of the fermentation process.

In 1973, a tea manufacturer in Yunnan invented a way to simulate the traditional process for aging mao-cha by using prolonged bacterial and fungal fermentation in a warm and humid environment under controlled conditions for 30-40 days. The tea is then dried and compressed into a cake or brick form. This cake is then stored for a few months to allow cooked smell to dissipate before sending it to market. Pu-erh tea produced through this process is called “cooked” or “ripened “ pu-erh.

While green pu-erh takes years to reach a rich and mellow state, the cooked pu-erh takes only six months. People who first encounter pu-erh tea prefer cooked pu-erh, since it is mellow and sweet. However, experienced connoisseur may prefer aged green pu-erh, as it more alive and has more depth.

Unlike green tea, which ideally should be consumed soon after production, green pu-erh can be stored for many years. Pu-erh tea is often classified by years and region of production, much the way wine is classified.

If black tea can be compared with a vigorous, assertive gentleman, then the mellowness of pu-erh tea is rather like earthy, affectionate old grandparents. Good pu-erh can be steeped many times. It is very dependable and can be counted on, just like grandparents, who, seasoned by life’s lessons, can be relied upon for support and guidance.

While green tea is sharp and refreshing, pu-erh is sweet and soothing, with a hint of earthiness. Also with its beautiful ruby color, pu-erh has been described as “drinking a warm campfire”.

With green tea as an innocent teenager, oolong tea as a mature and sophisticated lady, black tea as a vigorous and assertive gentleman, and pu-erh tea as mellow and affectionate grandparents; all these makes up a nice and wholesome tea family. All has their uniqueness. Tea lovers embrace all teas; drinking green tea in the morning, Pu-erh in evening and oolong and black tea the whole day long.

Enjoy Tea, Enjoy life!

What is Your Cup of Tea? (3)

With green tea as an innocent, energetic teenager, and oolong tea as a sophisticated, mature lady, there must be a father figure in the tea family; it is an assertive gentleman– Black Tea.

Black tea, which the Chinese call “red tea” because of its rich red color when properly brewed, is a fully fermented tea. With a strong full-bodied flavor and taste, black tea is the most consumed tea in the world. It accounts for some 70% of all production and consumption.

The process of making black tea is similar to that of making oolong tea, except that the tea is fully “fermented” by allowing the oxidation process to continue until complete. Originally, black tea was made only in China. But after 1830, the British successfully grew Assam tea in India, which became the world’s largest tea producer of black tea. Black tea cultivation has since spread to Africa, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and other parts of the world.

The most famous black in China are Lapsong Souchong , Keemun, and Dian Hong. All Chinese black teas are enjoyed without adding milk or sugar, though many Westerners often do add them. Others enjoy their black tea with honey and lemon.

Full-bodied black tea is assertive, like a successful, vigorous gentleman. To brew it well, the water should be near boiling point. Relating to a vigorous, assertive gentleman is very different from relating to a teenager. It’s not just that gentlemen are unafraid of challenges; they prefer challenges. In the someway, black tea prefers water near the boiling point. If the water is not hot enough, many qualities of the tea do not develop. Like a vigorous, successful gentleman, black tea is straightforward and forthcoming. Unlike oolong, which can be steeped several times with increasing subtle difference, black tea does not gradually reveal different aspects with successive steepings. Every steeping remains the same (though it may become weaker). It is what it is, and presents itself fully from the beginning.

While a youngster can quickly lose the energy of youth, a mature person has endurance. In the same way, green tea may lose its freshness quickly, but black tea retains its flavor for years.

In the West, most black tea is sold in the form of tea blends, a combination of teas from different areas. This allows tailoring the blend to many different customer tastes and creates a more uniform quality. However, blending teas creates a loss of distinctiveness of teas produced at particular time in particular areas.

In a traditional family, in addition to parent and children, to have mellow and affectionate grandparents are an added blessing. In the tea family, there is this added blessing –- Pu-erh Tea. To be continued…..

What is Your Cup of Tea? (2)

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Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea. The process of making oolong tea is consider being the most exquisite and refined tea-making technique. Oolong tea combines the mellow sweetness of black tea and the fresh fragrance of green tea. From the point of the Yin-Yang theory, green tea is more yin, black tea is more yang. Oolong tea being in-between, is the most balance variety of tea, harmonizing both yin and yang qualities.

The oolong tea making process includes withering, fermenting, kill-green, kneading, and roasting. This complicated process allows for the creation of a range of subtle, deep flavors and aromas. The aromas can range from flowery to fruity, from nutty to woody, and even a honey quality. It is possible to produce complex blends of bitterness, sweetness, and astringency, allowing for the creation of a great variety of tea. The most distinctive feature of oolong tea is the lingering aftertaste, which is less noticeable in either green tea or black tea. Thus, oolong tea is the favor of a true tea connoisseur.

Most oolong is produced in Taiwan, and the Fujian province in China. Da Hong Pao and Tie Guan Yinare the most well-known tea from Fujian province. The best oolong tea is produced in the high mountains of Taiwan. It includes: Day Yu Ling, Li Shan, Ali Shan, Shan Lin Xi, Dong Ding, and Bai Hao Oolong.

Oolong tea is like a sophisticated, mature lady: knowledgeable and strong, able to endure hardships and challenges. In contrast to green tea, oolong tea can be brewed at temperature at 90-100 C (195-212 F) without making the tea too bitter. The first steeping reveals the light aroma and sweet taste. With subsequent steeping, the aroma changes and the taste has more bite; the initial floral taste may become fruity or even nutty. Good oolong tea can be steeped 5 to10 times or more, with subtle differences in each steeping. This discovery process is a distinctive aspect of good oolong tea; as with a sophisticated lady, every encounter reveals new discoveries and increasing depth.

With a teenager and a sophisticated and mature lady in a family, let’s get ready to introduce the father figure, the assertive gentleman—Black Tea. To be continued…

What is Your Cup of Tea? (1)

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There are over a couple hundred varieties of tea in China and there are many ways to classify them: by locality, by harvest season, by processing method, and by the form of the finished product. The varying characteristics of tea –color, aroma, taste, and form –are largely the result of enzymatic oxidation. This process is traditionally called “fermentation,” even though it is not actually caused by yeast or other organisms.

The simplest and most rational way to classify tea is according to the degree of fermentation. With this method, there are four types of tea:

Unfermented : green tea
Partially fermented: oolong tea, white tea, and yellow tea.
Fully fermented: black tea
Post-fermented: pu-erh tea

In this tea family classification green tea is like the innocent teenager: lively and full of energy, yet still a bit timid. It retains the green color and natural fragrance of fresh tea leaves. Without the interference of the fermentation process, green tea has a hint of the grassy taste of the fresh leaves, with a subtle sweetness. This results in a very delicate flavor.

Good green tea is handpicked, and consists of only the new shoots and tender leaves. Storing green tea in an airtight container is important because when it comes into contact with the air, the freshness of its color and taste can be easily lost –just as a teenagers’ enthusiasm is fragile and can change on the instant. The freshness of green tea is very important. Green tea should be consumed within a year.

Making green tea is like dealing with a teenager: one must be gentle. Green tea should be brewed at 80 C or 175F, lower temperature than other kinds of tea and steeped for only about two minutes. If the temperature is too high, or if it is brewed too long, the tea will be bitter and astringent –just as treating a teenager too harshly or with too much pressure will lead to rebellion.

While other teas that can be steeped many times, even the highest quality green tea can only be steeped at most two or three times. It is like talking with a teenager, who may be clever and interesting, but after an hour or so you know them well. However, even a short moment of connection with that youthful energy can be very delightful.

Over the last few decades, the heath benefit of green tea has become the subject of many scientific and medical studies. Green tea is rich in catechins, a group of powerful antioxidants, and there is evidence that green tea can help lower the risk of developing certain types of cancers. This has created a great interest in drinking green tea in the health-conscious community.

Green tea, the younger teenager in the family member will eventually grow up to become a mature and sophisticated lady—Oolong Tea.

Shan-Tung Hsu
Author of “The Essence of Tea”

Chi and the Higgs Boson-God Particle

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On July 4th, while America celebrated their national Independence Day, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) physicists celebrated the discovery of a new particle, Higgs boson, also known as the God particle; the long sought elementary particle that gives mass to the universe, the possible missing piece of the Standard Model of physics. CERN physicists hailed this discovery as the biggest advance in knowledge about the cosmos of over 30 years. From the point of view of future physics, this may be the end of an era, yet this historic milestone may be just the beginning of future discovery.

In the West, in the 5^th century BC, the Greek philosophers Democritus and Leucippus proposed that matter was made up of tiny, indivisible particles they called atoms. Around 1803, John Dalton (1766-1844) developed the first useful atomic theory of matter. Then in 1897, Thompson discovered the first component part of the atom: the electron, a particle with a negative electric charge. The research continues the discovery of quarks, leptons in modern physics. Western scientist continues to look for the smallest “particle” to make sense of how the universe works.

Over five thousand years ago, the Chinese have actually “discovered” the smallest “thing”, the very essence that constitutes the universe, and called it chi (qi). Instead of analysis from a physical level, the Chinese use this assumption that chi exists. They developed this theory into a useful working model applying it to all aspects of human living. So much so, that chi has permeated all Chinese culture; everything is related and expressed in terms of chi.

Here are a few examples of how chi is used in Chinese culture. Chi has been the theoretical basis of Chinese medicine, as health is related to the flow and balance of chi in the human body. Feng shui, the knowledge of living environmental design, is based on the chi of the space. An ideal living environment is a place with abundant chi. In the old days, assessing warfare was through the chi of the people and military.

Chi is also naturally integrated into daily living for Chinese. If we take away the word chi, many Chinese phrases will not exist. For example, complexion is called chi-se (chi color); a person’s disposition or quality is called chi-zhi (chi quality); atmosphere of a place called chi-fen (chi place); energy of a place is called chi chuan (chi field); a person’s tolerance is called chidu (chi capacity). Even though people do not know what chi is, they are all aware of its existence; with awareness, comes an energy or information component that associates with a physical manifestation.

Although people from many different cultures also associate “chi” with other terms such as “life force”, “breath of life”,” living energy”,” ki”,” prana”, the term “chi” is actually beyond these expressions. Ancient Chinese metaphysics regards chi as the very essence of the universe, and this essence is a unified matter and spirit. These two are inseparable. Thus, physicists will never succeed in finding the smallest particle, as there is no such a thing. One day, scientists will explore into the deepest of micro fields and they will most likely find the converging of matter and spirit.

Curiosity and wonder give life and living added meaning, the drive for new discovery, enriching human life. While we may admire the spirit of physicists continuing the search for the smallest particle, we also wonder what is its significance in our life.

As people look for the invisible, they may be blind from the visible. If ultimately matter and spirit are one, could we then see everything as a living thing? We all learn to take care of living things; our body, people, and animals. What if we see everything as a living thing? Maybe then we would be more likely to take care of the things we live with, such as the clothes we wear, the chair and desk we use, the room and house we live in, the garden, car, roads…They are all composed of chi.

It will be great if we pay as much attention and interest in the concept of chi as to the Higgs boson. Remember, we are composed of chi. Thus, for good health and happy feelings —practice chi exercise, and for success and prosperity—live in a place with good chi.

Bring abundant chi to your life!

More on Fasting

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On my birthday, I began my routine fasting, following the method I posted on my previous blog “The Secret of Successful Fasting”. After a couple days, I did not have any hungry feeling what-so-ever. However, eating is an important part of living. Without food you are missing a lot of fun in life. Though not hungry, I felt bored. So, I decided to ask for help. Right before I slept, I lay in bed and talked to my body: “fasting should not be boring, please help”. And magically, the following day I felt happy and lively, the boredom and any desire for food had simply gone. I was able do my writing throughout most of the whole day as well as fit in a one and half hour walk.

If we see a human being as a Taiji, based on the holographic theory, the external features, internal organs, and single cells are the same Taiji but are on different levels. From a Taoist perspective, by communicating to micro levels; there is a more intimate connection. In mobilizing the support of the WHOLE body, the resonance brings forth empowerment to manifest what you are asking for.

Try to talk to your body on all levels. You might be surprised to find out that indeed, it listens and works.

The Secret of Successful Fasting

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Two years ago, I used fasting to cleanse my body as a way to celebrate my birthday. The fasting resulted in more energy, better mental clarity, and boosted spirits—as well as weight loss. I felt so good during the fast and hoped to continue as long as I could. However an important consulting mission in the Ukraine ended the fasting on the 24^th day. Today, I still maintain the weight I achieved at the end of fasting.

Most people find that one day without food is their limit. People who are able to fast for 1-2 weeks often find that days 3 and 4 of the fast are the most difficult period to overcome. However, in my case, I did not experience any physical or emotional uneasiness from the first day onwards. My fasting experience was simple, easy, and even enjoyable. Yes, there is a secret! The secret to fasting is to bring the full body on board.

When the president of a country wants to implement a policy for the good of country, not only will he need the support of all of his cabinet members, he will also need the support of all the citizens. He needs to clearly explain to the citizens the necessity and benefit of implementing a particular policy. With the majority of citizens voting in support, the policy could then be successfully implemented. This is the same way with fasting. Deciding to fast with only your head, the president, is not good enough; we must lobby for and obtain support from all of the body’s cabinet members—the 12 major organs—and all of the citizens, or cells.

Here is how to do it: the night before fasting, lie on the bed with your body relaxed and your mind clear. Then visualize all of your organs and talk to each one, explaining the necessity and benefits of fasting. These benefits could include cleansing the body, rejuvenating the metabolism, removing a block for better energy flow, and/or your own personal reasons. Once you have explained these benefits, feel all of your organs happily agreeing and move on to the cells. Visualize all of your body’s cells, from toe to head, and talk to each of them. Explain to the millions of cells how this fast will benefit the whole body. As your cells agree, you will feel the body relax and warm a bit. Give thanks to your organs and cells, and then use abdominal breathing to go to sleep.

When you wake up the following day, follow the fasting routine you have chosen. You will not experience any hunger or emotional disturbance. I base my fast loosely on the lemon-juice method, and I also drink tea. You do not need to make life too complicated by strictly following any one system to fine detail. As long as you have the support of your whole body, you will find the fasting is simple and easy.

Remember, the natural way is the simple and easy way. Fasting should not require “suffering”. Simply follow the method above for a good surprise.

Happy fasting!

Natural Law Perspectives on Vegetarianism as a Spiritual Path

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Vegetarianism has been a popular topic among nutritionists and spiritual seekers, as well as in political circles. About 400 million people, roughly 6% of the world population, claim to be vegetarian. Their reasons are varied, from seeking better health to adhering to cultural and religious codes, to respecting sentient life. One question I often hear is, “How important is vegetarianism on the spiritual path?”

There is no shortage of arguments on this question. It has been split between vegetarianism vs. non-vegetarianism for those on a spiritual path. Both sides of the issue have solid logic, but neither side’s arguments are all-encompassing. To blur the matter even more, among vegetarianism there are several categories, including ovo-vegetarian, lacto vegetarian; ovo-lacto vegetarian, vegan vegetarian, fruitarian, etc.

How do we view this from a natural principle perspective? Natural principle is universally applicable; it should be simple, easy and economical without effort. Any rule that is not universal or is overly complicated, is not in alignment with natural principles. Therefore, neither argument on the matter aligns with natural principles. To address this issue, we must expand the scope of the argument. We need to move to a higher dimension, to see things from different perspective.

Nature does not force things to happen in a particular way. Vegetarianism, even with its good supporting reasons, does not apply to all. To force someone to be one way is not proper on any path. So to answer this question, I would say: It is important to be a vegetarian only if it is one’s path. To adopt a value or another person’s belief because it seem beneficial to that person, does not mean that it will be beneficial to you.

There are those for whom vegetarianism represents respect for life, which shows a sensitive understanding of nature and a beautiful balance. However, there are others for whom the service they need to offer to this planet and the work they need to do requires healthy nourishment and for this reason, they are able to eat meat. Both paths are spiritual, depending on the person who would walk them.

There are many vegetarians who live with hatred in their hearts, making them apart even from their own brother. Though they do not kill for food, living with hatred in their hearts is, in its own way, a kind of killing. Conversely, there are highly spiritual people who because of climate, have literally no access to fruits and vegetables, and subsist only on meat they kill. So vegetarianism on its own does not constitute a spiritual path, nor does eating meat exclude one from a spiritual life. When an individual is true to the practices of his own heart and follows nature, that determines what is the right path for him. Neither eating meat nor not eating meat is spiritual in and of itself; yet both can be spiritual depending on the person. Rules should be made to guide people, not to limit people.

Above all, follow natural law to determine what diet you need. If you are in a climate that is warm, you may not need meat. However, if you are living in a very cold region, where more strength is required just to subsist, eat whatever and all that is there. Look for natural food. If there is a bird, or a fish, or an animal that is plentiful in the region and is easy for you to obtain and you feel the need for this meat, then eat it.

Yet you must always take whatever it is that nourishes you—whether that is fruit, vegetable, animal or grain—with great respect for the life that was given up to sustain your own. For we are all here to support each other and it is right that they should be your food. All you need to do in order to replenish and to restore this, is to be thankful and grateful. You must be conscious of what you are partaking and to know that another plant or another animal has given their life for you, in order to sustain you so that you may, in turn, give life to others. This is a natural cycle. It is love and as it should be. In this way, no killing is taking place.

For if there is respect for all life then there is the understanding that it does not need to be in any particular form so it cannot be ended, not with killing, not with the taking. Life, or energy, is never lost; all energy transforms from one state to another. In accord with this way of being, we can walk in balance with the earth. And in this way we are true to our path, which can be spiritual no matter what we would label it.

Indeed, many find it beneficial to be a vegetarian on their spiritual path. However, the spiritual path does not exclude those who chose to eat meat.
Enjoy living and be thankful; you are on a spiritual path.

The Feng Shui Prospective of 9-11 Memorial Park

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Ten years in the making, the National September 11 Memorial was completed and opened to the public on September 12, 2011. The eight-acre park was designed by Israeli- American, Michael Arad of Handle Architects, a New York and San Francisco firm. The Memorial is composed of a forest of swamp white oak trees with two square pools, one on each of the original foot prints of the North and South Towers. The core of the design is a 30-foot man-made wall of water that hugs the sides of the one-acre reflecting pools. The downward-streaming water is meant to symbolize falling tears.

The purpose of the memorial was to commemorate those who died in the September 11 terrorist attack, and those involved in the rescue work, and to provide a place for the families of the victims to be reminded of the loss they suffered and for continue grieving. It is also intended as a reminder that we should remain vigilant against the threat of another attack, and also to show the world the American spirit: that we may be destroyed, but we can rebuild.

People with a basic understanding of how energy works know very well that to hang onto past tragedy serves only to perpetuate the negative energy, and continue to be consumed by it. A memorial park should be more than merely a place of remembrance: it should lead in a positive direction. It should inspire, by conjuring up a positive image, like the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. Even the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery inspires people by commemorating heroic acts and sacrifices for good causes.

Most who died on 9-11 were just victims, caught up in an event they did not choose. In this, they were not much different than millions of innocent civilians who have died in wars all over the world. Although it may be appropriate to have a reminder of tragedy and grief, the reminder should also lead to a symbol of hope for peace and celebration of life.

A wrong concept always leads to wrong manifestation. Not surprisingly, from a feng shui point of view, the design of the 9-11 Memorial fails badly on all three levels: informational, chi energy and physical manifestation.

Instead of creating a Yang, upward and positive energy, the design reflects a Yin, downward and negative energy. If we wish to show an American spirit that can rise up after being destroyed, we should build something that moves upward, above the ground, rather than something that sinks 30 feet below ground. In fact, when the “Reflecting Absence” design was first selected from among the 8 finalists, relatives of the victims gathered with other concerned citizens to protest the choice. They too thought that the memorial should be built above the ground. Despite this, many politicians hailed the creativity and thoughtfulness of the design, and the chosen design prevailed. From a feng shui perspective, both the designer and the decision panel had either lost touch with common sense, or had somehow developed a much disoriented mind set.

The most significant feature of the design is the waterfall. From a feng shui perspective, a body of water metaphorically represents money and wealth. The 52,000 gallons of water per minute, rushes into the center dark pit, symbolizes that money is continuously going down to the drain. This is especially so since it is in the center of New York City, the financial center of USA, at the site of the World Trade Center buildings that were a major part of that financial nexus. On both the information and energy levels, this reflects not only the current state of affairs, but also the days to come. Even more, the treasured survival tree is a non-fruit bearing pear tree that was rescued from the World Trade Center grounds — a further suggestion of the infertility of hopes for economic recovery in the years to come.

As a tourist attraction, what can it offer tourists? What can a tourist expect to take away from this? Only sad memories of the event, and the tears of the victims’ families? It literally is a depressed place and a depressing place. What incentive would tourists have to visit?

An additional irony is that, in the midst of the financial crisis, the US government spent 500 million for the project. And, coincidentally or not, within a week after the National September 11 Memorial opened to the public, the Occupy Wall Street movement began.