Curio Cabinet / Daily Curio
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FREEStrength Training Daily CurioFree1 CQ
Here’s a man who lifted weights to new heights. This week in 1891, Edward Levy of Birmingham, England, became the first champion of the first ever international weightlifting competition. Strongmen who performed feats of unbelievable strength were popular performers in early circuses, but weightlifting as a sport was in its infancy in the 1800s. Before 1891, there had been several competitions, but there were no governing bodies for the sport and it was largely unregulated and unstandardized. Even when Levy competed at the first World Championships, there were far fewer rules than there are today. For example, competitors weren’t divided by weight classes, making it a lifting free-for-all. By today’s standards, the weights might seem underwhelming too. Levy was only pressing weights up to 86 pounds per hand, and only three competitors that year managed to lift 180 pounds on a single barbell over their heads. Compare that to modern athletes who routinely press over twice that. But that’s not to say that Levy and his contemporaries weren’t impressive in their time. Back then, few people could dedicate to full-time training, nor did they have the advanced understanding of nutrition and human physiology that modern athletes enjoy today. Though it was considered more of a hobby than a career, Levy worked as an athletic teacher when he wasn’t competing. Clearly he liked to break a mental sweat too!
[Image description: An out-of-focus person lifts a dumbell] Credit & copyright: jarmoluk, Pixabay
Here’s a man who lifted weights to new heights. This week in 1891, Edward Levy of Birmingham, England, became the first champion of the first ever international weightlifting competition. Strongmen who performed feats of unbelievable strength were popular performers in early circuses, but weightlifting as a sport was in its infancy in the 1800s. Before 1891, there had been several competitions, but there were no governing bodies for the sport and it was largely unregulated and unstandardized. Even when Levy competed at the first World Championships, there were far fewer rules than there are today. For example, competitors weren’t divided by weight classes, making it a lifting free-for-all. By today’s standards, the weights might seem underwhelming too. Levy was only pressing weights up to 86 pounds per hand, and only three competitors that year managed to lift 180 pounds on a single barbell over their heads. Compare that to modern athletes who routinely press over twice that. But that’s not to say that Levy and his contemporaries weren’t impressive in their time. Back then, few people could dedicate to full-time training, nor did they have the advanced understanding of nutrition and human physiology that modern athletes enjoy today. Though it was considered more of a hobby than a career, Levy worked as an athletic teacher when he wasn’t competing. Clearly he liked to break a mental sweat too!
[Image description: An out-of-focus person lifts a dumbell] Credit & copyright: jarmoluk, Pixabay
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FREEBaking Daily CurioFree1 CQ
You won’t win any brownie points for confusing this sweet treat with brownies! While Texas sheet cake may look similar to brownies, it is bigger, fluffier, and has a strange history that centers around—of all things—funerals. In fact, in some parts of the U.S., it is still referred to as “funeral cake.”
Texas sheet cake is, quite simply, a thin layer of chocolate cake made in a shallow pan and topped with poured chocolate icing and sometimes pecans. Unlike brownies, which are made without leavening agents (which gives them a chewy, cookie-like texture) Texas sheet cake is a true cake, with a light, fluffy texture. Although former first lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson is sometimes credited as the cake’s inventor, the truth is that no one actually knows who baked the first Texas sheet cake. Even its name points to its mysterious origins, as it’s believed that the “sheet” in “sheet cake” may have evolved from the word “sheath”, since pouring frosting over a cake is sometimes referred to as “sheathing” the cake. The “Texas” part of the cake’s name is equally puzzling, since chocolate sheet cakes had been popular in the U.S., especially in the south, for at least a decade by the time Texas sheet cake got its name. Some believe that the large, flat pan the cake is baked in has something to do with the name, since “everything’s bigger in Texas.” However, it’s likely that the name came about because one of the first official recipes for sheet cake was printed in a Texas newspaper.
Before then, the cake had gone by many names, including “buttermilk brownies”, since early recipes usually called for buttermilk. But its most common nickname was “funeral cake.” Because sheet cake is so easy to make on short notice and can serve many people at once, it was a natural fit for funeral receptions and gained a reputation as the go-to dish to feed mourners. Some also called it by the more cheerful nickname of “church lady cake.” Whatever you call it, there’s no doubt that Texas sheet cake is as easy to eat as it is to make.
[Image description: Square pieces of Texas sheet cake stacked on a plate.] Credit & copyright: RitaE, PixabayYou won’t win any brownie points for confusing this sweet treat with brownies! While Texas sheet cake may look similar to brownies, it is bigger, fluffier, and has a strange history that centers around—of all things—funerals. In fact, in some parts of the U.S., it is still referred to as “funeral cake.”
Texas sheet cake is, quite simply, a thin layer of chocolate cake made in a shallow pan and topped with poured chocolate icing and sometimes pecans. Unlike brownies, which are made without leavening agents (which gives them a chewy, cookie-like texture) Texas sheet cake is a true cake, with a light, fluffy texture. Although former first lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson is sometimes credited as the cake’s inventor, the truth is that no one actually knows who baked the first Texas sheet cake. Even its name points to its mysterious origins, as it’s believed that the “sheet” in “sheet cake” may have evolved from the word “sheath”, since pouring frosting over a cake is sometimes referred to as “sheathing” the cake. The “Texas” part of the cake’s name is equally puzzling, since chocolate sheet cakes had been popular in the U.S., especially in the south, for at least a decade by the time Texas sheet cake got its name. Some believe that the large, flat pan the cake is baked in has something to do with the name, since “everything’s bigger in Texas.” However, it’s likely that the name came about because one of the first official recipes for sheet cake was printed in a Texas newspaper.
Before then, the cake had gone by many names, including “buttermilk brownies”, since early recipes usually called for buttermilk. But its most common nickname was “funeral cake.” Because sheet cake is so easy to make on short notice and can serve many people at once, it was a natural fit for funeral receptions and gained a reputation as the go-to dish to feed mourners. Some also called it by the more cheerful nickname of “church lady cake.” Whatever you call it, there’s no doubt that Texas sheet cake is as easy to eat as it is to make.
[Image description: Square pieces of Texas sheet cake stacked on a plate.] Credit & copyright: RitaE, Pixabay -
FREEBiology Daily Curio #2628Free1 CQ
Take a shot at botany. After a recent study revealed that there are thousands of unphotographed native plants in Australia, scientists are urging anyone with a camera to snap pictures of them before they go extinct. The study’s lead author, Thomas Mesaglio at the UNSW Sydney and the Australian Institute of Botanical Science, stated in a UNSW press release that many of the plant species in the country only have illustrations or line drawings as visual documentations. Worse yet, many don’t have any visual media to document their appearance. That’s a tragedy, considering that Australia is home to an incredibly diverse array of flora, many of which are unique to the continent. The co-author of the study, Dr. Hervé Sauquet from the Australian Institute of Botanical Science, emphasized the urgent need to fill in the gaps in photographic records. He stated, “All species of plants ultimately rely on specimens in herbarium collections for their identification. Yet, even in this digital age where most herbarium specimens have been scanned and are accessible on the web, photos of live plants in the wild remain in critical need.” Why are so many plant species missing from the record in the first place? The simple answer is that they just didn’t have the right appeal. Mesaglio explained that most of the plants that remain unphotographed are just visually uninteresting. Meanwhile, trees and other flowering plants or species that have interesting foliage are photographed frequently. For instance, wildflowers in the genus Banksia, which are known for their beautiful displays, are one of only two genera to have a complete photographic record. But there is hope for the more modest plants that have yet to be recorded. With cameras so ubiquitous now, scientists’ call to action has been fairly effective. In the past year alone, around 10 percent of the missing plants have been photographed by citizens doing their part through apps and social media. Mesaglio and others have also recommended the creation of a standardized system for uploading photos to make it even easier and more consistent. Time to go snap some branches.
[Image description: An Australian billabong, or swamp.] Credit & copyright: Clovis3, PixabayTake a shot at botany. After a recent study revealed that there are thousands of unphotographed native plants in Australia, scientists are urging anyone with a camera to snap pictures of them before they go extinct. The study’s lead author, Thomas Mesaglio at the UNSW Sydney and the Australian Institute of Botanical Science, stated in a UNSW press release that many of the plant species in the country only have illustrations or line drawings as visual documentations. Worse yet, many don’t have any visual media to document their appearance. That’s a tragedy, considering that Australia is home to an incredibly diverse array of flora, many of which are unique to the continent. The co-author of the study, Dr. Hervé Sauquet from the Australian Institute of Botanical Science, emphasized the urgent need to fill in the gaps in photographic records. He stated, “All species of plants ultimately rely on specimens in herbarium collections for their identification. Yet, even in this digital age where most herbarium specimens have been scanned and are accessible on the web, photos of live plants in the wild remain in critical need.” Why are so many plant species missing from the record in the first place? The simple answer is that they just didn’t have the right appeal. Mesaglio explained that most of the plants that remain unphotographed are just visually uninteresting. Meanwhile, trees and other flowering plants or species that have interesting foliage are photographed frequently. For instance, wildflowers in the genus Banksia, which are known for their beautiful displays, are one of only two genera to have a complete photographic record. But there is hope for the more modest plants that have yet to be recorded. With cameras so ubiquitous now, scientists’ call to action has been fairly effective. In the past year alone, around 10 percent of the missing plants have been photographed by citizens doing their part through apps and social media. Mesaglio and others have also recommended the creation of a standardized system for uploading photos to make it even easier and more consistent. Time to go snap some branches.
[Image description: An Australian billabong, or swamp.] Credit & copyright: Clovis3, Pixabay -
FREEHumanities Daily Curio #2627Free1 CQ
They might be terra-cotta, but don’t accuse them of having feet of clay—they’ve been loyally guarding their Emperor for over two thousand years. On this day in 1974, Chineses farmers in the Shaanxi province in northwest China discovered the long lost tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, the self-proclaimed first emperor of China. It’s one of the most significant archaeological finds in modern history, and it was completely by accident. The farmers only happened upon it while desperately digging a well during a drought. Emperor Qin probably didn’t want his tomb to be found, and who can blame him? He was buried alongside hoards of treasure in a vast underground complex guarded by his faithful army of clay soldiers. The most famous artifacts within the tomb were the terra-cotta warriors. This army of eight thousand soldiers is sculpted in lifelike detail. No two are completely alike, and each is adorned in a wide array of hairstyles and facial features. They were once painted in vibrant colors, though the pigments broke down long ago. Each soldier is so intricately sculpted that it’s possible to deduce each man’s rank by their uniform. The soldiers are also accompanied by horses, just in case they get tired of marching. This army has spent a lot of time on the move, recently. Since their discovery, they’ve been displayed in museums around the world (not all at once, of course), and even after nearly five decades, there are still unexplored sections of the vast tomb they emerged from. Archaeologists have excavated around 600 pits in the tomb, but much of the 22-square-mile complex remains untouched. There may be hidden dangers that lie in wait for them, should they dig too much. Legends about the emperor that rose after his death state that his tomb is filled with rivers of mercury to mimic the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, and soil analysis has revealed that there is a dangerously high level of the heavy metal. Something else that has archaeologists hesitating is that after two millennia underground, suddenly exposing the buried artifacts to light and air will damage them. Progress on the site remains slow, but hey, it’s not like the army’s going to march off.
[Image description: A close-up photo of rows of terracotta warriors.] Credit & copyright: Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.They might be terra-cotta, but don’t accuse them of having feet of clay—they’ve been loyally guarding their Emperor for over two thousand years. On this day in 1974, Chineses farmers in the Shaanxi province in northwest China discovered the long lost tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, the self-proclaimed first emperor of China. It’s one of the most significant archaeological finds in modern history, and it was completely by accident. The farmers only happened upon it while desperately digging a well during a drought. Emperor Qin probably didn’t want his tomb to be found, and who can blame him? He was buried alongside hoards of treasure in a vast underground complex guarded by his faithful army of clay soldiers. The most famous artifacts within the tomb were the terra-cotta warriors. This army of eight thousand soldiers is sculpted in lifelike detail. No two are completely alike, and each is adorned in a wide array of hairstyles and facial features. They were once painted in vibrant colors, though the pigments broke down long ago. Each soldier is so intricately sculpted that it’s possible to deduce each man’s rank by their uniform. The soldiers are also accompanied by horses, just in case they get tired of marching. This army has spent a lot of time on the move, recently. Since their discovery, they’ve been displayed in museums around the world (not all at once, of course), and even after nearly five decades, there are still unexplored sections of the vast tomb they emerged from. Archaeologists have excavated around 600 pits in the tomb, but much of the 22-square-mile complex remains untouched. There may be hidden dangers that lie in wait for them, should they dig too much. Legends about the emperor that rose after his death state that his tomb is filled with rivers of mercury to mimic the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, and soil analysis has revealed that there is a dangerously high level of the heavy metal. Something else that has archaeologists hesitating is that after two millennia underground, suddenly exposing the buried artifacts to light and air will damage them. Progress on the site remains slow, but hey, it’s not like the army’s going to march off.
[Image description: A close-up photo of rows of terracotta warriors.] Credit & copyright: Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. -
FREEMind + Body Daily Curio #2626Free1 CQ
When you think of drinks made with yeast, you might think wine, beer or whiskey. Now, you can add milk to the list. Commercial enterprises based around producing milk proteins with yeast may soon be bringing their products to a store near you. While yeast-made dairy has been in the works for years, a California-based company named Perfect Day is now courting large food manufacturers like General Mills. And it’s not just liquid milk they’re bringing to the table, but milk products like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Other companies are planning to release similar products, signaling that there may be a creamy gold rush for the technology.
Why would anyone choose milk made from yeast over good-old-fashioned cow milk? There are a lot of reasons. Environmentalists and animal rights groups have long criticized the conventional dairy industry for its greenhouse gas emissions and its treatment of dairy cows. Because this new technology uses single-celled fungi to produce milk proteins, cows are completely taken out of the equation. Those who have sensitive dietary needs regarding milk can look forward to milk that is lactose and cholesterol-free, and therefore easier to digest. The process for making the milk is fairly simple too. In fact, it’s similar to how many alcoholic beverages are made. The process is called precision fermentation. A specific yeast that has been made to create dairy proteins is first fed sugar in a warm, wet environment that is computer-monitored. The yeast ferments in sugar, then the dairy proteins it produces are separated and washed. Precision fermentation is also used to produce insulin and rennet, so it’s been around for quite a while. The result is identical to what is found in cow’s milk but without the aforementioned downsides, and it’s a much more convincing replacement than plant-based milk substitutes. Dairy we say more?
[Image description: A decanter and glass of milk against a black background] Credit & copyright: congerdesign, Pixabay, image not associated with Perfect Day or any other company.When you think of drinks made with yeast, you might think wine, beer or whiskey. Now, you can add milk to the list. Commercial enterprises based around producing milk proteins with yeast may soon be bringing their products to a store near you. While yeast-made dairy has been in the works for years, a California-based company named Perfect Day is now courting large food manufacturers like General Mills. And it’s not just liquid milk they’re bringing to the table, but milk products like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Other companies are planning to release similar products, signaling that there may be a creamy gold rush for the technology.
Why would anyone choose milk made from yeast over good-old-fashioned cow milk? There are a lot of reasons. Environmentalists and animal rights groups have long criticized the conventional dairy industry for its greenhouse gas emissions and its treatment of dairy cows. Because this new technology uses single-celled fungi to produce milk proteins, cows are completely taken out of the equation. Those who have sensitive dietary needs regarding milk can look forward to milk that is lactose and cholesterol-free, and therefore easier to digest. The process for making the milk is fairly simple too. In fact, it’s similar to how many alcoholic beverages are made. The process is called precision fermentation. A specific yeast that has been made to create dairy proteins is first fed sugar in a warm, wet environment that is computer-monitored. The yeast ferments in sugar, then the dairy proteins it produces are separated and washed. Precision fermentation is also used to produce insulin and rennet, so it’s been around for quite a while. The result is identical to what is found in cow’s milk but without the aforementioned downsides, and it’s a much more convincing replacement than plant-based milk substitutes. Dairy we say more?
[Image description: A decanter and glass of milk against a black background] Credit & copyright: congerdesign, Pixabay, image not associated with Perfect Day or any other company. -
FREEMind + Body Daily Curio #2625Free1 CQ
Bears, oh my! A pair of college wrestlers made the news recently for their harrowing encounter with a grizzly bear. They were able to fend off the creature thanks to their quick thinking, but what is the average person supposed to do in a similar situation when they don’t have the benefit of collegiate athleticism? The National Park Service (NPS) in the U.S. actually offers pretty detailed advice on what unlucky hikers should do if they encounter one of these apex predators.
One of the main things to keep in mind is that hikers should avoid triggering a bear’s chase instinct. When threatened, some bears will perform a bluff charge. As the name implies, a bear charging at a person isn’t necessarily committing to attacking them. When a bear appears to be preparing to charge, the best thing to do is start talking to the bear in a calm voice while backing away. If the bear does a bluff charge anyway, it’s best to stand one’s ground. Running will often cause a bear to chase, making the situation much more dangerous.
If a bear charges and commits to the attack, advice changes depending on the type of bear. With black bears—which are smaller and less aggressive—the NPS recommends, “FIGHT BACK WITH EVERYTHING YOU HAVE! Do not play dead.” If it’s a brown bear or a grizzly, it’s best to play dead. That’s exactly what Brady Lowry did when he and his friend, Kendell Cummings, ran across a female grizzly. Lowry didn’t have time to run before being struck by the bear, while Cummings got about 30 yards away before turning back to help his friend. But even two college wrestlers in peak condition are no match for an angry grizzly, and the two barely escaped with their lives. Cummings’s decision to help his friend diverted the bear’s attention, but left him with ghastly injuries along his skull, face, arms and legs. Based on his account, it appears that the bear lost interest after he was too wounded and exhausted to run or fight back. His actions may well have saved his friend’s life. Maybe the best defense in a bear attack is a friend who has your back.
[Image description: A grizzly bear walking in the woods.] Credit & copyright: ArthurTopham, PixabayBears, oh my! A pair of college wrestlers made the news recently for their harrowing encounter with a grizzly bear. They were able to fend off the creature thanks to their quick thinking, but what is the average person supposed to do in a similar situation when they don’t have the benefit of collegiate athleticism? The National Park Service (NPS) in the U.S. actually offers pretty detailed advice on what unlucky hikers should do if they encounter one of these apex predators.
One of the main things to keep in mind is that hikers should avoid triggering a bear’s chase instinct. When threatened, some bears will perform a bluff charge. As the name implies, a bear charging at a person isn’t necessarily committing to attacking them. When a bear appears to be preparing to charge, the best thing to do is start talking to the bear in a calm voice while backing away. If the bear does a bluff charge anyway, it’s best to stand one’s ground. Running will often cause a bear to chase, making the situation much more dangerous.
If a bear charges and commits to the attack, advice changes depending on the type of bear. With black bears—which are smaller and less aggressive—the NPS recommends, “FIGHT BACK WITH EVERYTHING YOU HAVE! Do not play dead.” If it’s a brown bear or a grizzly, it’s best to play dead. That’s exactly what Brady Lowry did when he and his friend, Kendell Cummings, ran across a female grizzly. Lowry didn’t have time to run before being struck by the bear, while Cummings got about 30 yards away before turning back to help his friend. But even two college wrestlers in peak condition are no match for an angry grizzly, and the two barely escaped with their lives. Cummings’s decision to help his friend diverted the bear’s attention, but left him with ghastly injuries along his skull, face, arms and legs. Based on his account, it appears that the bear lost interest after he was too wounded and exhausted to run or fight back. His actions may well have saved his friend’s life. Maybe the best defense in a bear attack is a friend who has your back.
[Image description: A grizzly bear walking in the woods.] Credit & copyright: ArthurTopham, Pixabay -
FREESports Daily CurioFree1 CQ
Is he safe? Is he out? He’s a bit of both. A member of the Cuban national team defected to the United States after they were eliminated from the World Baseball Classic earlier this week, having disappeared shortly before the players boarded their flight home. Iván Prieto, a bullpen catcher for the Cuban team, managed to evade the team’s management and staff as the players were being gathered together just hours after their 14-2 loss against the U.S. in the semifinals. His defection was confirmed by the Center for a Free Cuba, an advocacy organization that supports Cuban democracy. How he managed to escape from the Cuban officials is unclear, but Prieto is said to have met up with his brother who was already in the country, along with other members of his family. Unfortunately, Prieto is leaving behind other family members back in Cuba, including an infant daughter. Prieto’s defection was preceded by protests from Cuban-American activists outside LoanDepot park in Miami, Florida. Even inside the stadium, Cuban-American fans packed the seats and chanted “Freedom,” “Down with communism,” and “Patria y Vida” while the Cuban team played. The last phrase is a reference to the rallying cry used during island-wide anti-government protests in Cuba in 2021. Meanwhile, back in Cuba, where baseball is being promoted as the national sport, the returning team was greeted by crowds of cheering fans. The Cuban government didn’t immediately acknowledge the defection. With several Cuban athletes defecting in recent years to escape their country’s current authoritarian regime, Prieto’s actions couldn’t have come entirely out of left field.
[Image description: A red and black baseball bat lies in the grass.] Credit & copyright: Marisa_Sias, Pixabay
Is he safe? Is he out? He’s a bit of both. A member of the Cuban national team defected to the United States after they were eliminated from the World Baseball Classic earlier this week, having disappeared shortly before the players boarded their flight home. Iván Prieto, a bullpen catcher for the Cuban team, managed to evade the team’s management and staff as the players were being gathered together just hours after their 14-2 loss against the U.S. in the semifinals. His defection was confirmed by the Center for a Free Cuba, an advocacy organization that supports Cuban democracy. How he managed to escape from the Cuban officials is unclear, but Prieto is said to have met up with his brother who was already in the country, along with other members of his family. Unfortunately, Prieto is leaving behind other family members back in Cuba, including an infant daughter. Prieto’s defection was preceded by protests from Cuban-American activists outside LoanDepot park in Miami, Florida. Even inside the stadium, Cuban-American fans packed the seats and chanted “Freedom,” “Down with communism,” and “Patria y Vida” while the Cuban team played. The last phrase is a reference to the rallying cry used during island-wide anti-government protests in Cuba in 2021. Meanwhile, back in Cuba, where baseball is being promoted as the national sport, the returning team was greeted by crowds of cheering fans. The Cuban government didn’t immediately acknowledge the defection. With several Cuban athletes defecting in recent years to escape their country’s current authoritarian regime, Prieto’s actions couldn’t have come entirely out of left field.
[Image description: A red and black baseball bat lies in the grass.] Credit & copyright: Marisa_Sias, Pixabay
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FREEMind + Body Daily CurioFree1 CQ
Oh, fudge! The origins of this creamy confection are as disputed as its best flavor (is it chocolate? Peanut butter? One of the countless other varieties?) but there are several theories about how fudge came to be. What is known for certain is that the term “fudge”, meaning to flub or mess something up, is older than the food itself. The word dates back to the 17th-Century word “fadge”, meaning to put something together in a clumsy way. This has led some historians to believe that, since fudge didn’t appear as a confection until the 19th Century, it may have been invented by accident or through clumsy experimentation. After all, it is a pretty simple food. Many early fudge recipes called for just three ingredients: sugar, butter, and milk.
We may never know exactly who invented fudge or how, but we do know that it was invented in the U.S., and that it owed its explosion in popularity in the late 19th Century to women’s colleges. These institutions were home to young, unmarried women who were allowed to pursue degrees for the first time in American history, after centuries of women being barred from higher education. In their free time, students would socialize and cook together, and since fudge was simple and inexpensive to make, it naturally became popular. At Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, fudge became a campus-wide phenomenon, with various school organizations selling boxes of it and recipe books detailing how to make it. 1895’s Fudges at Vassar described how to make a few varieties of fudge, which the book referred to as “Vassar chocolates.” Before long, fudge took a leap into the non-academic world, becoming famous as a sort of “in-between” treat—not as expensive as traditional chocolates, but much better quality than readily-available corner store candy.
Today, fudge is eaten all over the world and comes in an eye-popping array of flavors. Modern recipes often call for vanilla extract in addition to flavoring agents like cocoa powder or peanut butter. Despite all the variety, chocolate remains America’s most popular fudge flavor. You just can’t beat a classic.
[Image description: A stack of chocolate fudge with coconut flakes on top.] Credit & copyright: 5671698, PixabayOh, fudge! The origins of this creamy confection are as disputed as its best flavor (is it chocolate? Peanut butter? One of the countless other varieties?) but there are several theories about how fudge came to be. What is known for certain is that the term “fudge”, meaning to flub or mess something up, is older than the food itself. The word dates back to the 17th-Century word “fadge”, meaning to put something together in a clumsy way. This has led some historians to believe that, since fudge didn’t appear as a confection until the 19th Century, it may have been invented by accident or through clumsy experimentation. After all, it is a pretty simple food. Many early fudge recipes called for just three ingredients: sugar, butter, and milk.
We may never know exactly who invented fudge or how, but we do know that it was invented in the U.S., and that it owed its explosion in popularity in the late 19th Century to women’s colleges. These institutions were home to young, unmarried women who were allowed to pursue degrees for the first time in American history, after centuries of women being barred from higher education. In their free time, students would socialize and cook together, and since fudge was simple and inexpensive to make, it naturally became popular. At Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, fudge became a campus-wide phenomenon, with various school organizations selling boxes of it and recipe books detailing how to make it. 1895’s Fudges at Vassar described how to make a few varieties of fudge, which the book referred to as “Vassar chocolates.” Before long, fudge took a leap into the non-academic world, becoming famous as a sort of “in-between” treat—not as expensive as traditional chocolates, but much better quality than readily-available corner store candy.
Today, fudge is eaten all over the world and comes in an eye-popping array of flavors. Modern recipes often call for vanilla extract in addition to flavoring agents like cocoa powder or peanut butter. Despite all the variety, chocolate remains America’s most popular fudge flavor. You just can’t beat a classic.
[Image description: A stack of chocolate fudge with coconut flakes on top.] Credit & copyright: 5671698, Pixabay -
FREEWorld History Daily Curio #2624Free1 CQ
Pirates weren’t the only seafaring raiders to leave behind buried treasure. In 2018, archaeologists began excavating the remains of a viking ship near the Oslo Fjord, in Norway. After years of salvaging and cataloging, they’re finally announcing what they’ve found. It may seem surprising, but historians and archaeologists don’t actually have a lot of accurate information about viking culture. Despite their fearsome reputation and their persistence in popular imaginations for centuries, vikings left very little record of their existence. Even their portrayal in paintings, books, and recent media like the TV show Vikings contradicts what little is known about them—they weren’t even known to wear horned helmets or fashionable leather armor. That’s why finds like the Gjellestad Ship are so important, and it’s proving to be a treasure trove of information. It’s the first viking ship excavation since 1904, and it’s yielded around 8,000 fragments of different artifacts in various states of decay.
The ship as a whole couldn’t be raised, but the wood in the keel dates to around the 8th Century and reveals that the ship saw action sometime in the following centuries before it was buried. There’s also evidence that the ship’s contents were picked over by grave robbers. And yes, the ship likely did serve as a grave. Important figures were buried in ships filled with valuables as a sign of power and wealth. Among the buried hoard was a large amber bead that may have once been attached to jewelry or even a weapon. Then there are items that might have been added for the deceased to make use of in the afterlife, like a comb and a whetstone for sharpening their weapons. The variety of items is important because it helps historians understand the vikings’ customs. It also gives them an idea of what their trade network might have been like in its heyday. While vikings are best known as raiders who terrorized the coasts, they were, in fact, big players in the commerce of early medieval Europe. These mysterious people did it all: they were raiders, waders and traders.
[Image description: A viking-style boat sails between mountains.] Credit & copyright: WFlore, PixabayPirates weren’t the only seafaring raiders to leave behind buried treasure. In 2018, archaeologists began excavating the remains of a viking ship near the Oslo Fjord, in Norway. After years of salvaging and cataloging, they’re finally announcing what they’ve found. It may seem surprising, but historians and archaeologists don’t actually have a lot of accurate information about viking culture. Despite their fearsome reputation and their persistence in popular imaginations for centuries, vikings left very little record of their existence. Even their portrayal in paintings, books, and recent media like the TV show Vikings contradicts what little is known about them—they weren’t even known to wear horned helmets or fashionable leather armor. That’s why finds like the Gjellestad Ship are so important, and it’s proving to be a treasure trove of information. It’s the first viking ship excavation since 1904, and it’s yielded around 8,000 fragments of different artifacts in various states of decay.
The ship as a whole couldn’t be raised, but the wood in the keel dates to around the 8th Century and reveals that the ship saw action sometime in the following centuries before it was buried. There’s also evidence that the ship’s contents were picked over by grave robbers. And yes, the ship likely did serve as a grave. Important figures were buried in ships filled with valuables as a sign of power and wealth. Among the buried hoard was a large amber bead that may have once been attached to jewelry or even a weapon. Then there are items that might have been added for the deceased to make use of in the afterlife, like a comb and a whetstone for sharpening their weapons. The variety of items is important because it helps historians understand the vikings’ customs. It also gives them an idea of what their trade network might have been like in its heyday. While vikings are best known as raiders who terrorized the coasts, they were, in fact, big players in the commerce of early medieval Europe. These mysterious people did it all: they were raiders, waders and traders.
[Image description: A viking-style boat sails between mountains.] Credit & copyright: WFlore, Pixabay -
FREEEngineering Daily Curio #2623Free1 CQ
Let there be (less) light! Around the world, there's an overabundance of artificial light at night. Known as light pollution, it's a serious environmental concern, yet few places take much care to mitigate it. Now, one building will serve as the testing ground for a new lighting system that may help decrease light pollution. Camilla Rathsach, a graduate student at Aalborg University in Denmark, was inspired to design a new lighting system for a church on Anholt Island after seeing how bright a moonlit night could be. Far from any major city, the island has very little light pollution, and Rathsach thought it would be a perfect place to test out something called “adaptive lighting.” While conventional lighting helps people see everything at night except the night sky, too much can block out the stars. Light pollution is increasing at a rate of 10 percent a year, and it’s not just the stargazers who suffer. At night, artificial light can disrupt people’s sleeping patterns and confuse wildlife. Some insects, like fireflies, are particularly vulnerable since they use bioluminescence to communicate and perform courtship rituals, and they are easily overwhelmed by artificial lights. On Anholt Island, even with as rural as the area is, there was still enough light to potentially disorient the island’s population of seabirds that hunt in nearby waters. To mitigate this problem, Rathsach devised a lighting system that adjusts to the amount of available light on any given night. She started in complete darkness and only added enough light around the church building to allow visitors to safely find their way around. The lights are located under eaves to prevent light from shining up, and depending on how much moonlight is detected, the lights on the building and the walkways dim, sometimes even turning off if there is enough ambient light. Rathsach is still working on perfecting the design, which hasn’t been implemented yet, but it could be an important step forward. Here’s hoping the future isn’t too bright.
[Image description: A cityscape at night, with a sky glowing from light pollution.] Credit & copyright: wimkantona, PixabayLet there be (less) light! Around the world, there's an overabundance of artificial light at night. Known as light pollution, it's a serious environmental concern, yet few places take much care to mitigate it. Now, one building will serve as the testing ground for a new lighting system that may help decrease light pollution. Camilla Rathsach, a graduate student at Aalborg University in Denmark, was inspired to design a new lighting system for a church on Anholt Island after seeing how bright a moonlit night could be. Far from any major city, the island has very little light pollution, and Rathsach thought it would be a perfect place to test out something called “adaptive lighting.” While conventional lighting helps people see everything at night except the night sky, too much can block out the stars. Light pollution is increasing at a rate of 10 percent a year, and it’s not just the stargazers who suffer. At night, artificial light can disrupt people’s sleeping patterns and confuse wildlife. Some insects, like fireflies, are particularly vulnerable since they use bioluminescence to communicate and perform courtship rituals, and they are easily overwhelmed by artificial lights. On Anholt Island, even with as rural as the area is, there was still enough light to potentially disorient the island’s population of seabirds that hunt in nearby waters. To mitigate this problem, Rathsach devised a lighting system that adjusts to the amount of available light on any given night. She started in complete darkness and only added enough light around the church building to allow visitors to safely find their way around. The lights are located under eaves to prevent light from shining up, and depending on how much moonlight is detected, the lights on the building and the walkways dim, sometimes even turning off if there is enough ambient light. Rathsach is still working on perfecting the design, which hasn’t been implemented yet, but it could be an important step forward. Here’s hoping the future isn’t too bright.
[Image description: A cityscape at night, with a sky glowing from light pollution.] Credit & copyright: wimkantona, Pixabay -
FREEUS History Daily Curio #2622Free1 CQ
Not everything you see on TV is real, but this man was. Fans of the show Yellowstone might have heard that there will be a new spin-off featuring Bass Reeves, a historical figure who helped shape the American West. Born into slavery in 1838, Reeves grew up in Texas before escaping north to the Indian Territories. There, he became acquainted with various tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole. During the Civil War, his knowledge of the region made him a valuable asset as a soldier to the Union Indian Home Guard Regiments, and after the war, he assisted peace officers searching for outlaws. Indeed, many outlaws were known to flee into the Indian Territories to evade officers of the law, few of whom knew how to navigate the area effectively. While Reeves had settled down as a farmer in Arkansas, he used his experience to serve as a scout and tracker for U.S. Marshals before being sworn in as a deputy himself in 1875.
Reeves became one of the first Black deputy Marshals in the West, and he soon gained a reputation as a capable lawman. During his 32 years with the U.S. Marshals, he was the most feared lawman in the Indian Territories, which was known for being dangerous. Reeves survived several attempts on his life by disgruntled outlaws, and was known to have killed at least 14 in the line of duty, though some sources claim that number is even higher.
Being a peace officer in the Wild West took more than just guts and guns. Despite being illiterate, Reeves had a sharp mind that allowed him to memorize writs and warrants. He often wore disguises to get information from criminals, allowing him to capture those who had evaded other lawmen. Some, like the notorious Belle Starr, turned themselves in willingly when they learned that their warrant had been assigned to Reeves. The lawman was known for his integrity. When his own son committed murder, Reeves brought him in to be tried and convicted for the crime. The legend of Bass Reeves fell into obscurity for a time, but has seen a resurgence in interest in recent years. Hopefully, the new show will do him justice.
[Image description: A black and white photo of Bass Reeves.] Credit & copyright: NPS, Wikimedia Commons, Work of the U.S. federal government, Public DomainNot everything you see on TV is real, but this man was. Fans of the show Yellowstone might have heard that there will be a new spin-off featuring Bass Reeves, a historical figure who helped shape the American West. Born into slavery in 1838, Reeves grew up in Texas before escaping north to the Indian Territories. There, he became acquainted with various tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole. During the Civil War, his knowledge of the region made him a valuable asset as a soldier to the Union Indian Home Guard Regiments, and after the war, he assisted peace officers searching for outlaws. Indeed, many outlaws were known to flee into the Indian Territories to evade officers of the law, few of whom knew how to navigate the area effectively. While Reeves had settled down as a farmer in Arkansas, he used his experience to serve as a scout and tracker for U.S. Marshals before being sworn in as a deputy himself in 1875.
Reeves became one of the first Black deputy Marshals in the West, and he soon gained a reputation as a capable lawman. During his 32 years with the U.S. Marshals, he was the most feared lawman in the Indian Territories, which was known for being dangerous. Reeves survived several attempts on his life by disgruntled outlaws, and was known to have killed at least 14 in the line of duty, though some sources claim that number is even higher.
Being a peace officer in the Wild West took more than just guts and guns. Despite being illiterate, Reeves had a sharp mind that allowed him to memorize writs and warrants. He often wore disguises to get information from criminals, allowing him to capture those who had evaded other lawmen. Some, like the notorious Belle Starr, turned themselves in willingly when they learned that their warrant had been assigned to Reeves. The lawman was known for his integrity. When his own son committed murder, Reeves brought him in to be tried and convicted for the crime. The legend of Bass Reeves fell into obscurity for a time, but has seen a resurgence in interest in recent years. Hopefully, the new show will do him justice.
[Image description: A black and white photo of Bass Reeves.] Credit & copyright: NPS, Wikimedia Commons, Work of the U.S. federal government, Public Domain -
FREEActing Daily Curio #2621Free1 CQ
Lights, camera...but not too much action. The 2023 Academy Awards saw some changes that set it apart from years past, though it’s uncertain whether all of the modifications will be permanent. The first, most obvious change was the color of the carpet that welcomed the star-studded crowd. While the term “red carpet” has become synonymous with exclusive, ostentatious event, organizers decided to go with a “champagne” carpet this year. Supposedly, the color was meant to better fit this year’s design elements, which included a lot of vintage fashion. The light color did cause some problems, though, when foot traffic made it visibly dirty early in the night.
Speaking of fashion, the Academy set forth dress guidelines this year with the aim of being more sustainable. Attendees were encouraged to rent existing outfits from fashion houses or wear something that had already been worn to another event. Otherwise, they were encouraged to wear clothing made of natural, more sustainable fabrics like linen or wool. To guide them in their wardrobe choices, the Academy partnered with Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD), who sent out a Sustainable Style Guide, so that attendees could make informed but fashionable decisions.
Lastly, following the incident from last year’s ceremony in which a certain actor slapped a presenter on stage, the Academy had a newly-formed crisis team ready to handle any similar outbursts. Academy CEO Bill Kramer told Time, “Because of last year, we’ve opened our minds to the many things that can happen at the Oscars. We have a whole crisis team, something we’ve never had before, and many plans in place.” According to Kramer, the team was meant to deal with unscripted mishaps during the live broadcast, as well as handling public relations after the fact. No more off-script shenanigans for this awards show.
[Image description: A digital illustration showing an Oscar trophy being handed from one person to another. The background is split between red and pink.] Credit & copyright: mohamed_hassan, PixabayLights, camera...but not too much action. The 2023 Academy Awards saw some changes that set it apart from years past, though it’s uncertain whether all of the modifications will be permanent. The first, most obvious change was the color of the carpet that welcomed the star-studded crowd. While the term “red carpet” has become synonymous with exclusive, ostentatious event, organizers decided to go with a “champagne” carpet this year. Supposedly, the color was meant to better fit this year’s design elements, which included a lot of vintage fashion. The light color did cause some problems, though, when foot traffic made it visibly dirty early in the night.
Speaking of fashion, the Academy set forth dress guidelines this year with the aim of being more sustainable. Attendees were encouraged to rent existing outfits from fashion houses or wear something that had already been worn to another event. Otherwise, they were encouraged to wear clothing made of natural, more sustainable fabrics like linen or wool. To guide them in their wardrobe choices, the Academy partnered with Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD), who sent out a Sustainable Style Guide, so that attendees could make informed but fashionable decisions.
Lastly, following the incident from last year’s ceremony in which a certain actor slapped a presenter on stage, the Academy had a newly-formed crisis team ready to handle any similar outbursts. Academy CEO Bill Kramer told Time, “Because of last year, we’ve opened our minds to the many things that can happen at the Oscars. We have a whole crisis team, something we’ve never had before, and many plans in place.” According to Kramer, the team was meant to deal with unscripted mishaps during the live broadcast, as well as handling public relations after the fact. No more off-script shenanigans for this awards show.
[Image description: A digital illustration showing an Oscar trophy being handed from one person to another. The background is split between red and pink.] Credit & copyright: mohamed_hassan, Pixabay -
FREESports Daily CurioFree1 CQ
It’s not always a bad thing to be remembered for a flop. High jump pioneer Dick Fosbury passed away on Monday at the age of 76, but his legacy remains in the groundbreaking technique named after him, the “Fosbury flop.” Before Fosbury won the gold medal in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, athletes competing in the high jump primarily used the Western roll or the straddle technique. Both of these methods were straight jumps forward that turned the athlete to their side in midair, with them ending up face down and parallel to the crossbar. The Fosbury flop, on the other hand, has the athlete turning backward as they jump, leaping over the bar facing upward with the bar passing under their arched back. Fosbury came up with the technique while competing in high school and honed his skills in college before qualifying for the Olympics. Although the technique had its skeptics early on, Fosbury’s gold-winning jump in Mexico City made the flop the standard. There were some holdouts, however. At the next Summer Olympics in Munich in 1972, most competitors used the flop, but the gold went to the Soviet Union’s Jüri Tarmak, who used the straddle technique. Still, the newer method caught on, and since 1976, every world record holder and Olympic medalist has used the flop. You could say that the sport changed by leaps and bounds.
[Image description: An athlete performing the Fosbury flop during a high jump.] Credit & copyright: domeckopol, Pixabay
It’s not always a bad thing to be remembered for a flop. High jump pioneer Dick Fosbury passed away on Monday at the age of 76, but his legacy remains in the groundbreaking technique named after him, the “Fosbury flop.” Before Fosbury won the gold medal in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, athletes competing in the high jump primarily used the Western roll or the straddle technique. Both of these methods were straight jumps forward that turned the athlete to their side in midair, with them ending up face down and parallel to the crossbar. The Fosbury flop, on the other hand, has the athlete turning backward as they jump, leaping over the bar facing upward with the bar passing under their arched back. Fosbury came up with the technique while competing in high school and honed his skills in college before qualifying for the Olympics. Although the technique had its skeptics early on, Fosbury’s gold-winning jump in Mexico City made the flop the standard. There were some holdouts, however. At the next Summer Olympics in Munich in 1972, most competitors used the flop, but the gold went to the Soviet Union’s Jüri Tarmak, who used the straddle technique. Still, the newer method caught on, and since 1976, every world record holder and Olympic medalist has used the flop. You could say that the sport changed by leaps and bounds.
[Image description: An athlete performing the Fosbury flop during a high jump.] Credit & copyright: domeckopol, Pixabay
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FREEMind + Body Daily CurioFree1 CQ
Welcome to Foodie Friday, a new weekly tradition in which we’ll explore the histories of foods from all over the world. Don’t let it make you too hungry!
Imagine you’ve sat down for dinner in 1860s England. Your host places an elaborate, porcelain pie mold on the table and lifts the lid to reveal a raised, golden-brown crust. You’re then told that the pie is filled with a mix of pigeon and hare—as well as fruits and spices, of course. Believe it or not, you'd probably be very pleased. After all, this dish, known as game pie, is at the height of its popularity.
Game is a term for meat from non-domesticated animals. Game meat was acquired by hunting, which in Victorian England was a means of survival for the poor and a popular hobby for the rich. Game pies, consisting of hotwater crust (a savory crust made from flour, salt, fat, and water) have been around since the days of ancient Rome, when they were only eaten by the very wealthy. In medieval Europe, game pies were consumed by rich and poor alike, though peasants had to work with inferior cuts of meat and smaller portions. Since pie tins and baking molds were difficult to produce in medieval times, the pastry of the pie itself functioned as the “tin” and was constructed to have high sides and even a thick “lid”. This raised pastry, sometimes called a “coffin”, was often so thick that it couldn’t even be eaten. It wasn’t until the Victorian Era (from 1837 to 1901) that game pies became elaborate works of culinary art.
By the Victorian Era, the industrial revolution had changed the lives of many British people. New types of jobs gave workers the opportunity to improve their economic class. At the same time, mass production of things like pots, pans, and baking molds began in earnest. Suddenly, everyday people could create elaborate meals that had previously been reserved for the rich. Thus, game pies became centerpieces at many an English table. Victorian game pies were often made using mass produced, high-sided molds. These molds were often elaborate, imprinting pie crusts with all sorts of hunting-themed designs. Along with the meats, dried fruits and spices like nutmeg, coriander, and cloves were often found inside, as mixing fruits and meat was common practice in England at the time. Victorian dinner hosts would sometimes even place taxidermied birds atop their pie tins as decoration, and to show off what type of meat was featured in the pie. You can’t get much more Victorian than that.
[Image description: Description ] Credit & copyright: Minton Pottery and Porcelain Factory, Bequest of Dr. Paul J. Vignos, Jr., Cleveland Museum of Art, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain DedicationWelcome to Foodie Friday, a new weekly tradition in which we’ll explore the histories of foods from all over the world. Don’t let it make you too hungry!
Imagine you’ve sat down for dinner in 1860s England. Your host places an elaborate, porcelain pie mold on the table and lifts the lid to reveal a raised, golden-brown crust. You’re then told that the pie is filled with a mix of pigeon and hare—as well as fruits and spices, of course. Believe it or not, you'd probably be very pleased. After all, this dish, known as game pie, is at the height of its popularity.
Game is a term for meat from non-domesticated animals. Game meat was acquired by hunting, which in Victorian England was a means of survival for the poor and a popular hobby for the rich. Game pies, consisting of hotwater crust (a savory crust made from flour, salt, fat, and water) have been around since the days of ancient Rome, when they were only eaten by the very wealthy. In medieval Europe, game pies were consumed by rich and poor alike, though peasants had to work with inferior cuts of meat and smaller portions. Since pie tins and baking molds were difficult to produce in medieval times, the pastry of the pie itself functioned as the “tin” and was constructed to have high sides and even a thick “lid”. This raised pastry, sometimes called a “coffin”, was often so thick that it couldn’t even be eaten. It wasn’t until the Victorian Era (from 1837 to 1901) that game pies became elaborate works of culinary art.
By the Victorian Era, the industrial revolution had changed the lives of many British people. New types of jobs gave workers the opportunity to improve their economic class. At the same time, mass production of things like pots, pans, and baking molds began in earnest. Suddenly, everyday people could create elaborate meals that had previously been reserved for the rich. Thus, game pies became centerpieces at many an English table. Victorian game pies were often made using mass produced, high-sided molds. These molds were often elaborate, imprinting pie crusts with all sorts of hunting-themed designs. Along with the meats, dried fruits and spices like nutmeg, coriander, and cloves were often found inside, as mixing fruits and meat was common practice in England at the time. Victorian dinner hosts would sometimes even place taxidermied birds atop their pie tins as decoration, and to show off what type of meat was featured in the pie. You can’t get much more Victorian than that.
[Image description: Description ] Credit & copyright: Minton Pottery and Porcelain Factory, Bequest of Dr. Paul J. Vignos, Jr., Cleveland Museum of Art, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication -
FREEPolitical Science Daily Curio #2620Free1 CQ
The tides are turning in favor of conservation. After 17 years of negotiations, UN members have finally agreed on a treaty that will allow them to protect around 30 percent of the world’s seas. Although the treaty has been in the works for nearly two decades with little to show for it, negotiations picked up after the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) last year in Montreal, Canada. During the summit, the UK, the US, China, the EU and others set a goal to protect a third of the world’s waters and land by 2030 in what is called the 30x30 pledge. Once the treaty is ratified by at least 60 members of the UN, it will become international law, and will provide a legal framework for participating parties to create marine protected areas (MPAs) in the high seas.
Before, nations could only enforce law in their own territorial waters. This treaty will allow them to legally enforce conservation measures even in international waters. It’s a victory for conservationists who have been campaigning for the treaty, like Veronica Frank, a political adviser for Greenpeace. Frank said in a statement, “We are really happy. The world is so divided and to see multilateralism supported is so important. What’s really important is now to use this tool to develop this 30x30 target into force really quickly.”
Getting the various parties to agree to the treaty was no easy task. In the weeks preceding the agreement, delegates worked without rest, and in the last two days, some even stayed overnight in the conference room to complete the deal. Despite differing interests, all parties involved were likely motivated by the looming challenges presented by climate change. The oceans produce over half of all oxygen, but they also act as the world’s largest carbon sink. Disruptions to the world’s oceans and its ecosystems therefore have the potential to affect everyone on the planet, which means that everyone has a vested interest in protecting them. It’s about time we all sea eye to eye!
[Image description: A shipping vessel sails into a sunset on the ocean.] Credit & copyright: vschoenpos, PixabayThe tides are turning in favor of conservation. After 17 years of negotiations, UN members have finally agreed on a treaty that will allow them to protect around 30 percent of the world’s seas. Although the treaty has been in the works for nearly two decades with little to show for it, negotiations picked up after the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) last year in Montreal, Canada. During the summit, the UK, the US, China, the EU and others set a goal to protect a third of the world’s waters and land by 2030 in what is called the 30x30 pledge. Once the treaty is ratified by at least 60 members of the UN, it will become international law, and will provide a legal framework for participating parties to create marine protected areas (MPAs) in the high seas.
Before, nations could only enforce law in their own territorial waters. This treaty will allow them to legally enforce conservation measures even in international waters. It’s a victory for conservationists who have been campaigning for the treaty, like Veronica Frank, a political adviser for Greenpeace. Frank said in a statement, “We are really happy. The world is so divided and to see multilateralism supported is so important. What’s really important is now to use this tool to develop this 30x30 target into force really quickly.”
Getting the various parties to agree to the treaty was no easy task. In the weeks preceding the agreement, delegates worked without rest, and in the last two days, some even stayed overnight in the conference room to complete the deal. Despite differing interests, all parties involved were likely motivated by the looming challenges presented by climate change. The oceans produce over half of all oxygen, but they also act as the world’s largest carbon sink. Disruptions to the world’s oceans and its ecosystems therefore have the potential to affect everyone on the planet, which means that everyone has a vested interest in protecting them. It’s about time we all sea eye to eye!
[Image description: A shipping vessel sails into a sunset on the ocean.] Credit & copyright: vschoenpos, Pixabay -
FREEActing Daily Curio #2619Free1 CQ
It was an offer that they almost had to refuse. The Godfather, the ultimate gangster movie and cinematic masterpiece, was released this day in 1972. Based on the 1969 novel of the same name by Mario Puzo, The Godfather was directed by Francis Ford Coppola with a screenplay written by Coppola and Puzo himself. Since the book had already been a best-seller, making a film adaptation was a no-brainer, but Puzo’s novel attracted some unexpected controversy. Puzo himself was allegedly accosted by Frank Sinatra because of the character Johnny Fontane, which Sinatra considered an unflattering parody of himself. However, when the time came to cast the movie, Marlon Brando is said to have agreed to work for scale specifically because it would upset the crooner. Apparently, the two had hated each other after working on a movie together, and without this existing enmity between the two (and pettiness on Brando’s part), the movie’s modest budget of $6 million wouldn’t have allowed for Brando’s hiring.
Even before Brando had been cast for the role of Vito Corleone, the movie was almost abandoned due to protests by Italian-American groups. Notably, mob boss and founder of the Italian-American Civil Rights League, Joe Colombo, spearheaded a campaign to cancel the project. However, he was won over by the movie’s producer Al Ruddy, who allowed Colombo to read a draft of the script and make any changes to it that he saw fit. Colombo’s concerns about potentially damaging portrayals of Italian-Americans were assuaged after editing the script, and he even allowed members of his mob to act as extras in the production. Both a commercial and critical success upon release, the film garnered three Academy Awards in 1973 for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay, shared between Coppola and Puzo. After winning an Oscar for his very first screenplay (and another for The Godfather II in 1975), Puzo decided to read up on the craft and bought himself a book on screenwriting. Imagine his disappointment when he opened the book, and the first chapter instructed its readers to study the script for The Godfather!
[Image description: A black-and-white photo of Francis Ford Coppola on the set of TV program "Tomorrow" on NBC.] Credit & copyright: RMY Auctions, NBC, Wikimedia Commons, Public DomainIt was an offer that they almost had to refuse. The Godfather, the ultimate gangster movie and cinematic masterpiece, was released this day in 1972. Based on the 1969 novel of the same name by Mario Puzo, The Godfather was directed by Francis Ford Coppola with a screenplay written by Coppola and Puzo himself. Since the book had already been a best-seller, making a film adaptation was a no-brainer, but Puzo’s novel attracted some unexpected controversy. Puzo himself was allegedly accosted by Frank Sinatra because of the character Johnny Fontane, which Sinatra considered an unflattering parody of himself. However, when the time came to cast the movie, Marlon Brando is said to have agreed to work for scale specifically because it would upset the crooner. Apparently, the two had hated each other after working on a movie together, and without this existing enmity between the two (and pettiness on Brando’s part), the movie’s modest budget of $6 million wouldn’t have allowed for Brando’s hiring.
Even before Brando had been cast for the role of Vito Corleone, the movie was almost abandoned due to protests by Italian-American groups. Notably, mob boss and founder of the Italian-American Civil Rights League, Joe Colombo, spearheaded a campaign to cancel the project. However, he was won over by the movie’s producer Al Ruddy, who allowed Colombo to read a draft of the script and make any changes to it that he saw fit. Colombo’s concerns about potentially damaging portrayals of Italian-Americans were assuaged after editing the script, and he even allowed members of his mob to act as extras in the production. Both a commercial and critical success upon release, the film garnered three Academy Awards in 1973 for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay, shared between Coppola and Puzo. After winning an Oscar for his very first screenplay (and another for The Godfather II in 1975), Puzo decided to read up on the craft and bought himself a book on screenwriting. Imagine his disappointment when he opened the book, and the first chapter instructed its readers to study the script for The Godfather!
[Image description: A black-and-white photo of Francis Ford Coppola on the set of TV program "Tomorrow" on NBC.] Credit & copyright: RMY Auctions, NBC, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain -
FREEVegan Cooking Daily Curio #2618Free1 CQ
Move over tofu, there’s a new meat substitute in town. Mycelium, groups of branching filaments that function as the “roots” of many mushroom species, have made headlines recently as a potential new vegetarian “meat” option. Even before now, though, mycelium has proved to be a useful ingredient in many things, including biodegradable plastics and even fabrics. Although many U.S. consumers have stated that they’re still interested in alternatives to traditional meat, the last few years have seen veggie meat companies plummet in popularity. Even Impossible Meats, whose patties are featured at restaurants like Burger King and Cheesecake Factory, was forced to lay off six percent of its workforce in 2022. As appealing as plant-based meats may be to the environmentally-conscious, many meat-eaters have been reluctant to jump on board. This may be because some still see plant-based meat as “fake” meat, or simply because plant-based meats don’t taste the same as beef. On that last point, mycelium may have a lot going for it. Mushrooms have a naturally savory flavor that is similar to that of meat (which is why they’re often paired with steak). They’re also higher in protein and fiber than many other vegetable-based meat-substitutes are, which will appeal to health-conscious consumers. One Colorado-based company, Meati, was able to secure investors for its mycelium-based cutlets and steaks despite the downward current hardships that other plant-based meats are facing. The secret, according to company founder Thomas Huggins, is in mycelium’s unique taste. “It wasn’t exactly enthusiastic,” he said of investor’s initial reactions to his idea, in an interview with Fast Company. “But then they took their first bites, looked at each other, and grabbed another cut. In an instant it became: “Who else are you talking to? Can we be first?” Whether or not mycelium takes over grocery store meat sections in the near future remains to be seen. But seeing as how it’s already being used to create shoes and even medical scaffolding, there’s no doubt this mushroomy material is amazing.
[Image description: A cluster of brown mushrooms growing in grass.] Credit & copyright: marmaladelane, PixabayMove over tofu, there’s a new meat substitute in town. Mycelium, groups of branching filaments that function as the “roots” of many mushroom species, have made headlines recently as a potential new vegetarian “meat” option. Even before now, though, mycelium has proved to be a useful ingredient in many things, including biodegradable plastics and even fabrics. Although many U.S. consumers have stated that they’re still interested in alternatives to traditional meat, the last few years have seen veggie meat companies plummet in popularity. Even Impossible Meats, whose patties are featured at restaurants like Burger King and Cheesecake Factory, was forced to lay off six percent of its workforce in 2022. As appealing as plant-based meats may be to the environmentally-conscious, many meat-eaters have been reluctant to jump on board. This may be because some still see plant-based meat as “fake” meat, or simply because plant-based meats don’t taste the same as beef. On that last point, mycelium may have a lot going for it. Mushrooms have a naturally savory flavor that is similar to that of meat (which is why they’re often paired with steak). They’re also higher in protein and fiber than many other vegetable-based meat-substitutes are, which will appeal to health-conscious consumers. One Colorado-based company, Meati, was able to secure investors for its mycelium-based cutlets and steaks despite the downward current hardships that other plant-based meats are facing. The secret, according to company founder Thomas Huggins, is in mycelium’s unique taste. “It wasn’t exactly enthusiastic,” he said of investor’s initial reactions to his idea, in an interview with Fast Company. “But then they took their first bites, looked at each other, and grabbed another cut. In an instant it became: “Who else are you talking to? Can we be first?” Whether or not mycelium takes over grocery store meat sections in the near future remains to be seen. But seeing as how it’s already being used to create shoes and even medical scaffolding, there’s no doubt this mushroomy material is amazing.
[Image description: A cluster of brown mushrooms growing in grass.] Credit & copyright: marmaladelane, Pixabay -
FREEWorld History Daily Curio #2617Free1 CQ
This wonder of the world just keeps on giving! In what is arguably one of the most significant historical discoveries in recent years, archaeologists have found a hidden corridor in the Great Pyramid of Giza. It’s a wonder that there is anything left to find in such a well-known landmark, but a surprising amount of the pyramid's internal structure has yet to be explored. It was built around 4,500 years ago by King Khufu of the 4th dynasty of Egypt as a tomb for himself and his wife. Not much is known about King Khufu, and the few accounts that remain of his reign are largely considered unreliable. What is known is that the pyramid he built has been an iconic fixture in Egypt since antiquity, and throughout the centuries it has been through quite a bit. Over the years, graverobbers have looted the more easily-accessible areas of the interior and the once glistening limestone shell that lined the exterior was removed to be used in other construction projects. Still, much of the nearly 450-foot-tall pyramid remains unreachable. That’s why scientists from Scan Pyramids turned to using muography to find previously undiscovered passages inside. Muography makes use of muons, which are subatomic particles that can penetrate stone. By looking at the areas in the pyramid that didn’t absorb any muons, the scientists were able to find an empty space. Of course, the corridor in question was inaccessible by people, but they were able to use an endoscope to explore the newly discovered corridor. The corridor hasn’t yet been fully mapped out, but further study may reveal crucial information about the pyramid and how it was built. So far, archaeologists involved in the exploration believe that the corridor may serve some structural purpose, perhaps by spreading out the weight of the stone blocks above it. It might be ancient history, but it’s certainly new to us.
[Image description: The Great Pyramid of Giza against a blue sky.] Credit & copyright: Simon, PixabayThis wonder of the world just keeps on giving! In what is arguably one of the most significant historical discoveries in recent years, archaeologists have found a hidden corridor in the Great Pyramid of Giza. It’s a wonder that there is anything left to find in such a well-known landmark, but a surprising amount of the pyramid's internal structure has yet to be explored. It was built around 4,500 years ago by King Khufu of the 4th dynasty of Egypt as a tomb for himself and his wife. Not much is known about King Khufu, and the few accounts that remain of his reign are largely considered unreliable. What is known is that the pyramid he built has been an iconic fixture in Egypt since antiquity, and throughout the centuries it has been through quite a bit. Over the years, graverobbers have looted the more easily-accessible areas of the interior and the once glistening limestone shell that lined the exterior was removed to be used in other construction projects. Still, much of the nearly 450-foot-tall pyramid remains unreachable. That’s why scientists from Scan Pyramids turned to using muography to find previously undiscovered passages inside. Muography makes use of muons, which are subatomic particles that can penetrate stone. By looking at the areas in the pyramid that didn’t absorb any muons, the scientists were able to find an empty space. Of course, the corridor in question was inaccessible by people, but they were able to use an endoscope to explore the newly discovered corridor. The corridor hasn’t yet been fully mapped out, but further study may reveal crucial information about the pyramid and how it was built. So far, archaeologists involved in the exploration believe that the corridor may serve some structural purpose, perhaps by spreading out the weight of the stone blocks above it. It might be ancient history, but it’s certainly new to us.
[Image description: The Great Pyramid of Giza against a blue sky.] Credit & copyright: Simon, Pixabay -
FREESoccer Daily CurioFree1 CQ
This is one FIFA match that’s going to play out in a court, not on a pitch. An antitrust lawsuit aimed at the US Soccer Federation (USSF) and its parent organization FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) has been allowed to proceed after it was initially dismissed by a lower court. Behind the lawsuit is Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, who controls sports media company Relevent Sports. Ross tried to organize a sanctioned league match in Miami, Florida, between Ecuadorian teams Guayaquil City FC and Barcelona SC. However, Relevent Sports was denied permission from the USSF because, according to a FIFA policy dating back to 2018, “Official league matches must be played within the territory of the respective member association.” Relevent Sports sued the USSF and FIFA, claiming that they had created a monopoly, preventing other promoters from organizing matches. But the case was thrown out of court due to lack of evidence.
However, a three-judge panel in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled otherwise. Circuit Judge Raymond Lohier wrote regarding the decision, “Adoption of the policy, combined with the member leagues’ prior agreement, by joining FIFA, to adhere to its policies, constitutes an agreement on the part of all–whether they voted in favor of the policy or not–to adhere to the announced restriction on competition.” In other words, the USSF acting on the instructions of FIFA could be seen as a monopoly. In an attempt to have the case dismissed again, FIFA argued that they could not be subject to a lawsuit in New York where the trial would take place, but the argument was rejected on the grounds that the USSF is an agent of FIFA in New York who conducts significant amounts of business on their behalf. That’s quite the call from the ref![Image description: A soccer player, shown from the waist down, approaches a ball on the field.] Credit & copyright: phillipkofler, Pixabay
This is one FIFA match that’s going to play out in a court, not on a pitch. An antitrust lawsuit aimed at the US Soccer Federation (USSF) and its parent organization FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) has been allowed to proceed after it was initially dismissed by a lower court. Behind the lawsuit is Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, who controls sports media company Relevent Sports. Ross tried to organize a sanctioned league match in Miami, Florida, between Ecuadorian teams Guayaquil City FC and Barcelona SC. However, Relevent Sports was denied permission from the USSF because, according to a FIFA policy dating back to 2018, “Official league matches must be played within the territory of the respective member association.” Relevent Sports sued the USSF and FIFA, claiming that they had created a monopoly, preventing other promoters from organizing matches. But the case was thrown out of court due to lack of evidence.
However, a three-judge panel in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled otherwise. Circuit Judge Raymond Lohier wrote regarding the decision, “Adoption of the policy, combined with the member leagues’ prior agreement, by joining FIFA, to adhere to its policies, constitutes an agreement on the part of all–whether they voted in favor of the policy or not–to adhere to the announced restriction on competition.” In other words, the USSF acting on the instructions of FIFA could be seen as a monopoly. In an attempt to have the case dismissed again, FIFA argued that they could not be subject to a lawsuit in New York where the trial would take place, but the argument was rejected on the grounds that the USSF is an agent of FIFA in New York who conducts significant amounts of business on their behalf. That’s quite the call from the ref![Image description: A soccer player, shown from the waist down, approaches a ball on the field.] Credit & copyright: phillipkofler, Pixabay
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FREECats Daily CurioFree1 CQ
It's Flashback Friday, and the anniversary of the first successful telephone call back in 1876. Enjoy these curios all about phones and communication!
Ring, ring. Since the 1980s, a French town nestled on the Iroise Coast in Brittany has been battling a bizarre problem. Bright orange plastic telephones shaped like the cartoon cat Garfield have been washing up on their beaches for thirty years. The phones have become a symbol of the plastic ocean pollution problem which plagues the Finistère region, with volunteer beach cleaners collecting orange plastic fragments of the mysterious phones for years. Last year, an anti-litter group calling itself Ar Vilantsou began running advertising campaigns featuring the orange Garfield phones—whose eyes open when the receiver is removed from the cradle. It was the ad campaign which finally solved the mystery. A local farmer, who didn't know the problem still persisted, remembered that the first Garfield phone had washed up in the 1980s after a particularly nasty storm, when he was a teenager. He guessed that a container had fallen off of a barge, and knew where to look: a secluded sea cave that is only accessible at low tide. Sure enough, when he led officials there, they found a shipping container wedged in a fissure of the cave still half full of vintage plastic Garfield phones. As yet, unfortunately, they have not figured out how to remove the container or its contents. Whoever can solve that problem will not only rid the beautiful coastline of its orange plastic plague, but they will also find an eager audience for the vintage phones. They are currently selling for upwards of $200 on eBay!
Image credit & copyright: krzysztofniewolny, Pixabay
It's Flashback Friday, and the anniversary of the first successful telephone call back in 1876. Enjoy these curios all about phones and communication!
Ring, ring. Since the 1980s, a French town nestled on the Iroise Coast in Brittany has been battling a bizarre problem. Bright orange plastic telephones shaped like the cartoon cat Garfield have been washing up on their beaches for thirty years. The phones have become a symbol of the plastic ocean pollution problem which plagues the Finistère region, with volunteer beach cleaners collecting orange plastic fragments of the mysterious phones for years. Last year, an anti-litter group calling itself Ar Vilantsou began running advertising campaigns featuring the orange Garfield phones—whose eyes open when the receiver is removed from the cradle. It was the ad campaign which finally solved the mystery. A local farmer, who didn't know the problem still persisted, remembered that the first Garfield phone had washed up in the 1980s after a particularly nasty storm, when he was a teenager. He guessed that a container had fallen off of a barge, and knew where to look: a secluded sea cave that is only accessible at low tide. Sure enough, when he led officials there, they found a shipping container wedged in a fissure of the cave still half full of vintage plastic Garfield phones. As yet, unfortunately, they have not figured out how to remove the container or its contents. Whoever can solve that problem will not only rid the beautiful coastline of its orange plastic plague, but they will also find an eager audience for the vintage phones. They are currently selling for upwards of $200 on eBay!
Image credit & copyright: krzysztofniewolny, Pixabay