All Good Things...

My friends -

Just over four years ago, "Anything Can Happen Wednesday" was introduced to my beloved staff during my tenure at Amy's Kitchen. The goal then and now has been to educate, to inform, to entertain. I sincerely hope that goal was met across just over 200 assorted, varied and wide-ranging posts. I have loved every minute of it and I can only hope you enjoyed it as well.

Twenty-seven years after completing college, I have decided to take on an MBA program. With that comes a need for more time than I have available on a weekly basis. ACHW will never really go away, as when I come across something interesting I will be sure to post it. I can't guarantee the frequency, but it is a part of me I will not "go gentle into that good night."

Until then, live brave.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week:

Could a Pill Take Away the Tempting Aroma of Food?

Of the three chemical senses, smell is the main determinant of a food item's flavor. While the taste of food is limited to sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and savory – the basic tastes – the smells of a food are potentially limitless. A food's flavor, therefore, can be easily altered by changing its smell while keeping its taste similar.

Smell does to discover and enjoy food as much as taste. The aroma reaches the nose before the food reaches the mouth and we can taste it. The sense of smell explores our food before we eat it. Block the aroma and you may not want to eat the food.

This week, a look at better living through chemistry part 149: a pill that takes away the tempting aroma of food.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week:

Could a Pill Take Away the Tempting Aroma of Food

Chicken feathers into biodegradable plastic

Feathers are one of the epidermal growths that form the distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on birds. Although feathers cover most parts of the body of birds, they arise only from certain well-defined tracts on the skin. They aid in flight, thermal insulation, waterproofing and coloration that helps in communication and protection.

At the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, a number of institutions presented their research into possible new sources of eco-friendly bioplastic, including everything from fruit fiber to bone meal. On the final day of the event, one other idea was put forward – bioplastic made from waste chicken feathers.

While this particular source material has been tried only semi-successfully in the past, the researchers claim that this time, the chicken plastic should take flight.

This week, a look at how chicken feathers may be turned into biodegradable plastic.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate." - Charles Dickens (the most popular English novelist of the Victorian era, 1812 – 1870)

Chicken Feathers Into Biodegradable Plastic

A Short History of the Fork

Before the fork was introduced, Westerners were reliant on the spoon and knife as the only eating utensils. Thus, people would largely eat food with their hands, calling for a common spoon when required. Members of the aristocracy would sometimes be accustomed to manners considered more proper and hold two knives at meals and use them both to cut and transfer food to the mouth, using the spoon for soups and broth.

Whether you use it American style with the tines curving up or continental style with the tines curving down, it's a great addition to the spoon and knife.

This week, a short history of the fork.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery." - H. G. Wells, (English author, best known for his work in the science fiction genre, 1866 - 1946)

A Short History of the Fork

See Something, Say Something

After September 11, 2001, the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority coined the slogan, “If you see something, say something,” and put it on posters encouraging subway and bus riders to call a police counterterrorism hot line if they encountered anything suspicious.

To improve suspicious activity awareness and reporting within the Food and Agriculture Sector, a one-page document highlighting indicators of suspicious activities and recommended protective measures was developed.

This week, we're reminded to it can be a dangerous world. It is not always easy, but please speak up when you see something.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "Experience is by far the best teacher. You know, ever since I was a little girl I knew that if you look both ways when you cross the street, you'll see a lot more than traffic." - Mae West (American actress, playwright, screenwriter and sex symbol, 1893 - 1980)

See Something Say Something

Young Generation of Farmers

The average age of the American farmer is 57, and getting older. Farms used to be kept in the family and passed from generation to generation. In this age of large–scale industrialized farming do we need family farms anymore? What type of young person gets into farming these days?

This week, we look at an emerging young generation of farmers.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." - Carlos Castaneda (American author, 1925 - 1998)

Young Generation of Farmers

VTT to study one of world’s oldest beers

We've talked about beer and it's mineral content, as well as how beer was one of the six drinks that shaped the world. Feel free to insert your favorite quote on beer from Homer Simpson or Norm from Cheers here.

This week, a look at some really old beer and a geography lesson.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "Life will bring you pain all by itself. Your responsibility is to create joy." - Milton Erickson (American psychiatrist specializing in medical hypnosis and family therapy, 1901 - 1980)

VTT to study one of world’s oldest beers