Mouth Feel

In most cultures, people ingest a variety of astringent foods and beverages during meals, but the reasons for this practice are unclear. Many popular beliefs and heuristics exist, such as high tannin wines should be balanced with fatty foods, for example “red wine with red meat”.

Finally, science tells us why.  This week, a look at the principle underlying the international practice of palate cleansing.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "A good conscience is a continual Christmas." - Benjamin Franklin (US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer, 1706 - 1790)

Mouth Feel

Parched in the West but Shipping Water to China

In 2012, the drought-stricken Western United States will ship more than 50 billion gallons of water to China. This water will leave the country embedded in alfalfa – most of it grown in California – and is destined to feed Chinese cows. The strange situation illustrates what is wrong about how we think, or rather don't think, about water policy in the U.S.

This week, a look at shipping water to China in the form of alfalfa.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: " 'Maybe Christmas', he thought, 'doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!' " - Theodor Seuss Geisel (American writer and cartoonist most widely known for his children's books written under the pen names Dr. Seuss, 1904 - 1991)

Parched in the West but Shipping Water to China