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The Shoutbox

Jamal October 22, 2015 at 16:27 126825 views 61561 comments
This could function as a shoutbox I reckon.

Comments (61561)

Noble Dust February 02, 2023 at 23:28 #778254
Reply to Moliere

Nah, the typo at the end was for effect.
Moliere February 02, 2023 at 23:29 #778255
Reply to Noble Dust heh, I meant of chess! :D
Baden February 02, 2023 at 23:49 #778257
Reply to Noble Dust

I poured out the sauce that was in the jar, so I could make new sauce and put it in the now empty jar. That seemed the simplest way to approach things.

Quoting Noble Dust
new iPhone


Phones are horrible, horrible things. Beeping, buzzing gremlins constantly needing to be fed attention and tying us inextricably to their empty electronic souls. I wish I could smash every phone in the world into tiny pieces, gather up the debris and scrawl "Free at last! Free at last!" across the moon with it.

Enjoy!

BC February 02, 2023 at 23:58 #778260
Reply to Noble Dust I'm surprised somebody hadn't stolen it by the short time it took you to get downstairs to claim it. God is real and being an equal opportunity deity, he doesn't stand in the way of atheistic thieves working the streets.

What model of iPhone did you get?
BC February 03, 2023 at 00:03 #778261
Reply to Baden A closer examination of the label raises suspicions. What right does Poland have to get involved in Jamaican culinary affairs?

User image

Or is this just more fauxity?
Hanover February 03, 2023 at 03:07 #778295
Speaking of jerked ganja:
Noble Dust February 03, 2023 at 03:25 #778297
Quoting Baden
I poured out the sauce that was in the jar, so I could make new sauce and put it in the now empty jar. That seemed the simplest way to approach things.


As long as Hanover knows you make your own jerk sauce, it works for me.

Reply to BC

I buzzed it in and had it in hand in 30 seconds, but atheists are small and hard to to catch, sort of like gremlins. Vishnu was on my side today.

iPhone SE, the cheapest one possible, just still absurdly overpriced.

BC February 03, 2023 at 04:53 #778310
Quoting Noble Dust
absurdly overpriced


There are reasons why Apple is rich.

T Clark February 03, 2023 at 05:03 #778313
Normally, I would post this in the Feature Requests thread, but I decided these suggestions are important enough that they should be posted in the Shoutbox, where they will be given, as all posts here are, a respectful reading, as long as they don't involve jerk-related cuisine.

My proposals for new forum features:
  • Replace moderators with ChatGPT.
  • Provide a feature that will correct words such as "colour," "metre," and "humour" to their proper spelling when read by members in the United States.
  • Related to that, require all posts using measurements in metre/newton/gazillion units also include those same measurements in foot/pound/bazillion units.
  • Place all forum banning decisions under the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice at the Hague.
  • Make Donald Trump Jr. a moderator.
javi2541997 February 03, 2023 at 05:27 #778320
Quoting T Clark
My proposals for new forum features:


User image

Quoting T Clark
Provide a feature that will correct words such as "colour," "metre," and "humour" to their proper spelling when read by members in the United States.


This feature is interesting because when I type "color" in my keyboard it changes the word to "colour" (like I have to "proofread" my spelling)
I am aware that there is a debate on how to spell colour/color and is one of the most thrilling aspects of English language.
Hanover February 03, 2023 at 11:15 #778355
I am so American, I don't even know what colour means, but I have to look it up in a dictionary each time. You might as well be speaking Australian or something.

Fekin bawbags, the lot of ya
Shawn February 03, 2023 at 11:20 #778357
So, T-Clark advocates speaking American? Hmm...

Do any of you Americans call French Fries as Freedom Fries?
Michael February 03, 2023 at 11:20 #778358
Quoting Hanover
I am so American, I don't even know what colour means, but I have to look it up in a dictionary each time.


I guess because in America you don't actually learn anything in class, you just run shooter drills and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jamal February 03, 2023 at 11:24 #778361
When I take a few moments out of my day for wondering, I use them to wonder if this website seems noticeably less American to Americans than was the old forum, which had more American moderators, and an American owner. As a sensitive and empathetic person I worry that the notably parochial Americans will feel lost on such an unbounded and eclectic international platform.
Hanover February 03, 2023 at 11:34 #778363
Quoting Michael
I guess because in America you don't actually learn anything in class, you just run shooter drills and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.


The only way you'd know this would be if you were actually an American in Queen Mum's clothing.

Just who exactly are you?


Metaphysician Undercover February 03, 2023 at 11:37 #778364
Quoting T Clark
Provide a feature that will correct words such as "colour," "metre," and "humour" to their proper spelling when read by members in the United States.


Don't you mean "...when red by members..."? If the past participle of lead is spelled as "led", then the past participle of read ought to be spelled as "red". But then why is the metallic element spelled "lead" instead of "led"? Shouldn't we also be spelling the colo[u]r red as "read"?
Metaphysician Undercover February 03, 2023 at 11:40 #778365
Hey that's cool. I wrote colo(u)r using the correct form of brackets, and it underlined instead.
Hanover February 03, 2023 at 11:41 #778366
Reply to Metaphysician Undercover Proper actually is "it had done bout read."
Shawn February 03, 2023 at 12:25 #778373
Reply to Jamal

Nothing about that bothers me. I hope to see more actual philosophers speaking up more (the ones with actual degrees).
Metaphysician Undercover February 03, 2023 at 12:29 #778377
I've decided on a new policy. I'm going to use "colour" when the op uses "colour", and "color" when the op uses "color". This way no one will ever misunderstand me.
Shawn February 03, 2023 at 13:15 #778379
User image
universeness February 03, 2023 at 13:22 #778380
Quoting Baden
That special sauce.


Is Hanover actually Levi Roots? (or Keith)
Is he now signing bottles of Reggae Reggae sauce as Hanover?

Hanover February 03, 2023 at 13:53 #778383
As with each morning, I rose the flag and sang the national anthem. I'd appreciate if you'd do the same.

Shawn February 03, 2023 at 14:05 #778386
Can @unenlightened become a moderator?
Jamal February 03, 2023 at 14:07 #778387
Reply to Shawn He used to be a moderator, but left the job a few years ago.
Shawn February 03, 2023 at 14:19 #778391
Reply to Jamal Would he be interested in returning? I think everyone enjoys what he has to say and especially discuss about.

Anyway, I feel like with the additional staff you could open up registrations again, what do you think?
Jamal February 03, 2023 at 14:27 #778394
Quoting Shawn
what do you think?


I'm not sure that would make it more likely we'd get more academically trained philosophers. It's certain we'd get a bigger problem with quality, and hundreds more spam accounts.

I currently receive two or three or four requests for invitations each week. A recent one came from someone who had "studied under Searle and Grice", but they turned out to be incredibly obnoxious and got banned.
Shawn February 03, 2023 at 14:33 #778395
Quoting Jamal
I'm not sure that would make it more likely we'd get more academically trained philosophers.


Is that something that you are interested in doing? I don't have the time to reach out to Guest Speakers; but, it may be of interest to you or others as a way of getting some quality material...
Jamal February 03, 2023 at 14:37 #778396
Reply to Shawn I’d like to see more members trained in philosophy but the Guest Speaker thing is hit and miss, mostly miss as far as I can recall. I’m certainly happy for people to reach out to pro philosophers if they want.
T Clark February 03, 2023 at 17:04 #778409
Quoting javi2541997
I am aware that there is a debate on how to spell colour/color and is one of the most thrilling aspects of English language.


Thanks for the thumbs up. There isn't any controversy. It is well known that people in the UK and their colonies spell certain words wrong. [lie] It is a little known fact that King Henry VIII changed the spelling of these words in the 1530s at the same time he kicked out the Catholics. In US history classes, it is taught that the people who came to the English colonies in the New World came for religious freedom. In reality, most came for linguistic freedom to speak and write the English language correctly. [/lie]
T Clark February 03, 2023 at 17:08 #778410
Quoting Jamal
As a sensitive and empathetic person I worry that the notably parochial Americans will feel lost on such an unbounded and eclectic international platform.


I am a proud member of The Philosophy Forum. I stand by the principle that bad philosophy recognizes no national borders.
T Clark February 03, 2023 at 17:10 #778411
Quoting Metaphysician Undercover
Don't you mean "...when red by members..."? If the past participle of lead is spelled as "led", then the past participle of read ought to be spelled as "red". But then why is the metallic element spelled "lead" instead of "led"? Shouldn't we also be spelling the color red as "read"?


Hey, don't complain to me. Talk to Henry VIII. (See my previous post.) Something else beyond Harry and slavery you can blame on the monarchy.
T Clark February 03, 2023 at 17:15 #778412
Quoting Metaphysician Undercover
This way no one will ever misunderstand me.


The correct, pre-House of Tudor spelling is "misunderstound."

javi2541997 February 03, 2023 at 17:23 #778413
Quoting T Clark
I am a proud member of The Philosophy Forum.


¡Yo también lo soy! :grin:
BC February 03, 2023 at 18:54 #778432
Quoting Metaphysician Undercover
But then why is the metallic element spelled "lead" instead of "led"?


As in, "Get the led owt of yor as"? Ar we redy tu swich tu simplifyd speleen? NAUGHT!

Quoting javi2541997
I am aware that there is a debate on how to spell colour/color and is one of the most thrilling aspects of English language.


The irregular spelling of English preserves some of the thrilling history of the language, just as the totally stupid spelling system of French preserves the tortured history of that language.

Three things influenced the way English spelling works.

1. England, small island that it was/is, had numerous dialects employing different spelling systems.
2. When printing began in England (after Gutenberg, 1450) printers committed to paper local spelling systems, which contributed to the irregular spelling system.
3. English dictionaries didn't exist at the time.

Another factor is that the language of the Anglo-Saxons (who ran England between the Romans and William the Bastard, 1066) was mixed in with the Old Norse of the Vikings (Danes), the Frisian of the Lowlands across the channel, Norman French, a little Celtic, and more--all before any efforts were made to compose dictionaries (1755, Samuel Johnson) which helped standardize the language.

Hey, here's a link to Johnson's dictionary.

Another factor in English is that, during the 16th/17th centuries, writers like Shakespeare or Milton were creating many new English words based on Latin (and sometimes Greek) roots.

Finally, there is the business of the Americans leaving the Empire in 1776, and how that affected spelling (color vs. colour, etc.)

There's more, but that's enough (enuf) for now.
javi2541997 February 03, 2023 at 19:31 #778442
Reply to BC interesting information! :up:

In Hispanic world we also have divergences related to spelling or grammar. It is the cause of the beauty of the language! Among all Spanish countries we can highlight the following differences:

1. In Spain we pronounce so drastically the letters Z and C, while in South America and Mexico they pronounce them as S. Even they make fun of us because we speak "rude" according to them
2. In Uruguay and Argentina they use "vos" instead of "tú" (you). It is interesting because the noun "vos" comes from the empire era and they still conserve the word.
3. Mexicans tend to speak with a lot of diminutive words such as ahorita, prontito, mijo, etc... we don't use those words in Spain!

Another factor is the heavy regionalism in Spain. If you go to Valencia they would use the Spanish mixed with Valencian words. The same goes for Basque, Catalan etc...

By the way, the last year, a Catalan separatist proposed to Netflix manager to dub squid game in Catalan because he didn't like it in Spanish and many VOX folks got mad with such proposal :rofl:
BC February 03, 2023 at 20:11 #778445
Reply to javi2541997 Thanks for that, Javi. The Spanish I hear most often is that of recent arrivals (frequently undocumented) from Mexico and Central America, more often than not (it seems) working class. Working class Spanish often has a roughness analogous to working class English -- probably working class any-language.

I should have paid more attention to aprendiendo a hablar Español when I was younger. I took it in high school, but that was before I got serious about anything. Bi-lingual ability would have been beneficial in several jobs, and it is the dominant language in this hemisphere. There is a substantial broadcasting presence in the US, too -- not so much in some parts of the country, but certainly on the west coast and the SW part of the country (which we swiped from Mexico), and the northeast metro regions.

When I was in college, my advisor dismissed Spanish as a trivial language! "After El Cid, what is there?" she said, sneeringly. (That was back in 1964. Have we gotten less parochial since then?) I hope so.

javi2541997 February 03, 2023 at 20:45 #778449
Quoting BC
When I was in college, my advisor dismissed Spanish as a trivial language! "After El Cid, what is there?" she said, sneeringly. (That was back in 1964. Have we gotten less parochial since then?) I hope so.


I understand the words of your advisor and despite the fact he shouldn't act sneeringly, it is true that Spanish doesn't have the same importance as English, Chinese, Japanese in a labour/professional opportunities. Most of the people who study Spanish they just do it for vocation and we respect so heartly all of those who take the effort to speak Spanish here.
If one day you go to Spain for vacation, don't be shy of speaking a poor Spanish, we will respect you anyway.
BC February 03, 2023 at 21:52 #778454
Quoting javi2541997
your advisor


Quoting BC
El Cid


On closer inspection of the dusty sub-basement archived memory banks, I now remember it was "After Don Quixote" what is there?" By the way, it seems like ¡! + ¿? at the beginning and end of strong statements or questions would be useful in English, especially in long sentences where one doesn't know what kind of sentence it is until the end.

Why do you think it was that Spain did not develop a larger body of world-class literature than it did? ¿In the 15th century, maybe England was a more prosperous society with a growing class of people who could consume literature? Was it the early founding of universities (Cambridge, Oxford)? Was it the peculiar history of the language and the influence of the French (perish the thought)?
Metaphysician Undercover February 04, 2023 at 00:53 #778470
Quoting BC
The irregular spelling of English preserves some of the thrilling history of the language, just as the totally stupid spelling system of French preserves the tortured history of that language.


But the French speakers, at least in Québec, pass laws in a further (vain) attempt to preserve that tortured history. Consequently, you can't buy a hot dog in Montreal, it'll be a steamé, or a toasté. It used to be that you could buy un hot dog, but the French language preservationist laws insisted that it be advertised as un chien chaud. That didn't seem to go too well so now there's a choice, steamed or toasted, depending on which of the two expert preparation techniques you prefer. I like my dogs boiled until they swell and split, so I think they should offer a boilé.
BC February 04, 2023 at 02:20 #778483
Reply to Metaphysician Undercover Does steamé refer to the heating of the bun or the wiener (I suppose they didn't want to use the German word)? Toasted bun? Yes, some deviants do that. "Grilled" I would think instead of "toasté". But 'toasté' and 'Gril' are at least French words. Steam is from Anglo-Saxon.

The Quebecois Police Langue need closer supervision by sensible people.
L'éléphant February 04, 2023 at 02:50 #778489
Quoting Metaphysician Undercover
un chien chaud

Sandwich au hot-dog will do.
L'éléphant February 04, 2023 at 03:06 #778498
Quoting T Clark
I am a proud member of The Philosophy Forum. I stand by the principle that bad philosophy recognizes no national borders.

Surely you haven't read much lesser known philosophers' published works to say that.

The forum is abundant with great exegetical posts :up:
I enjoy the exegetes' own take on various subjects.
.

Shawn February 04, 2023 at 03:52 #778518
javi2541997 February 04, 2023 at 08:05 #778543
Quoting BC
Why do you think it was that Spain did not develop a larger body of world-class literature than it did? ¿In the 15th century, maybe England was a more prosperous society with a growing class of people who could consume literature?


Despite 16th and 17th centuries was one of the best time lapses for Spanish literature and culture, our society never made a big effort in terms of culture as Englad did. Instead of making Spanish a language of theatre and novels, it was used by landlords, bourgeois and the clergy. The popular classes had no access and the books were only written by intellectuals, who used their works to attack the powerful classes.
If you read one book lf that period of time such Don Quijote and El Buscón, you will see the same pattern: Picaresque and social critique.
Jamal February 04, 2023 at 08:34 #778553
Quoting BC
When I was in college, my advisor dismissed Spanish as a trivial language!


Quoting BC
"After Don Quixote" what is there?"


Quoting BC
Why do you think it was that Spain did not develop a larger body of world-class literature than it did?


Perhaps your advisor was speaking before Spanish-language literature became world famous, notably for magic realism. But between Don Quixote and the second half of the twentieth century, there isn’t much that I’m aware of. I suppose that’s a combination of my ignorance and where I’m from, and an actual lack of literary production in Spanish compared to English, French, and Russian, over that period.

But it only takes one great literary work in Spanish to refute your advisor’s claim that Spanish is a trivial language. To go from a relatively small number of great works to an intrinsic deficiency in the language is a suspect logic.
Hanover February 04, 2023 at 11:04 #778561
Quoting BC
Does steamé refer to the heating of the bun or the wiener (I suppose they didn't want to use the German word)? Toasted bun? Yes, some deviants do that. "Grilled" I would think instead of "toasté". But 'toasté' and 'Gril' are at least French words. Steam is from Anglo-Saxon.


If you go to the convenience store and buy a roller dog, it'll come with a steamed drawer bun.

I like the dogs that have rolled the longest. They're sort of like jerky dogs.

They go good with a bag of chips and Gatorade. I'd recommend blue flavor and maybe treat yourself to a dessert of Snickers. Why not? You deserve it!
Jamal February 04, 2023 at 11:11 #778563
I like Germanic sausages, white bread, onions, and mustard, and they all seem like natural partners—but I’ve never had a satisfying hot dog. What’s that about?
Hanover February 04, 2023 at 11:29 #778565
Reply to Jamal Pumpernickel is better than white, or pseudo-pumpernickel which I think is just swirled rye. You don't see real pumpernickel here, but I know such things being a bread guy.

Hot dogs are cheap fast food that you can make quick or carry around at a ball game or a backyard cookout where I'll make small talk and act like you're fascinating.

What I really enjoy is a thick dripping German sausage tightly in the bun. But who doesn't?

Jamal February 04, 2023 at 11:40 #778568
Reply to Hanover Yes, I think the problem was the bread. The buns I’ve had have been too soft and airy, like eating clouds.

I like pumpernickel pickled herring sandwiches.
Hanover February 04, 2023 at 12:22 #778578
Quoting Jamal
like pumpernickel pickled herring sandwiches.


Was it real Pumpernickel or American brown bread?

https://www.196flavors.com/pumpernickel/

Being a bread guy, I was thinking of making some real Pumpernickel, but the ingredients are hard to find, but being a bread guy I might be able to find some.

I like pastrami on rye, which is much better than the goyishe whitebread variety.
Jamal February 04, 2023 at 12:41 #778583
Reply to Hanover 100% real authentic pumpernickel as far as I know. I doubt it was American. In Europe, American food items other than M&Ms, Pringles, and French’s mustard are found only in the darkest corners of speciality Mexican shops in the darkest corners of the big cities.

Pastrami on rye is great, some would say even better than pickled herring on rye. But rye bread of various kinds is hard to avoid in Russia and I need a change. Even their favourite fizzy soft drink, kvass, is made from rye bread.
Mikie February 04, 2023 at 14:16 #778599
I have this recurring dream where I’m looking for a small Italian pizza place in Boston. I never find it but I know the menu: pizza by the slice, calzone, homemade bread, pastries.

Anyway, I realized today that it’s an amalgam of two small North End shops: Galleria Umbertos and Parziales. Anyone been to either? Fantastic.






Jamal February 04, 2023 at 14:46 #778605
Thought about reading We Had to Remove This Post by Hanna Bervoets, published last year.

Examining the toxic world of content moderation, the novel forces us to ask: what is right? What is real? What is normal? And who gets to decide?


It’s gruelling work. Kayleigh and her colleagues spend all day watching horrors and hate on their screens … Yet Kayleigh is good at her job, and in her colleagues she finds a group of friends, even a new girlfriend — and for the first time in her life, Kayleigh’s future seems bright.

But soon the job seems to change them all, shifting their worlds in alarming ways. How long before the moderators’ own morals bend and flex under the weight of what they see?


Maybe too close to home, except the bit about finding a new girlfriend among the moderators.
T Clark February 04, 2023 at 16:35 #778632
Quoting L'éléphant
The forum is abundant with great exegetical posts


Yes. The opportunity to tune up my intellect is the most important thing about the forum for me.
Noble Dust February 04, 2023 at 17:00 #778638
Quoting Hanover
If you go to the convenience store and buy a roller dog, it'll come with a steamed drawer bun.

I like the dogs that have rolled the longest. They're sort of like jerky dogs.

They go good with a bag of chips and Gatorade. I'd recommend blue flavor and maybe treat yourself to a dessert of Snickers. Why not? You deserve it!


This morning I groggily read this as coming from @T Clark. It seemed slightly out of character.

Quoting Jamal
I like pumpernickel pickled herring sandwiches.


Sounds delightful. Anything else on them?

Pumpernickel, German sausage, hot dogs, Pastrami on Rye, these are all things I love to see discussed. A deep cut at Jewish delis here is Pastrami smoked salmon.
Jamal February 04, 2023 at 17:07 #778639
Quoting Noble Dust
Anything else on them?


Truth be told it’s not really sandwiches. Just pile the herring on top of some kind of dark rye bread—I like it toasted but sometimes it’s fried in garlic—with sour cream and slices of onion, served with potatoes.
Noble Dust February 04, 2023 at 17:18 #778646
Reply to Jamal

Interesting. Still sounds great.

By the way, as to hot dogs, I'm not sure what the experience would be like to a foreigner, but to @Hanover's point, the ideal way to enjoy one is arguably in the nose bleeds of a Major League Baseball stadium in the blazing heat, at risk of getting heat stroke, but tempering it all with a 24oz of some shitty beer such as Modelo Especial. Keep the beers flowing and the hot dogs will keep flowing too.
T Clark February 04, 2023 at 17:25 #778650
Quoting Noble Dust
By the way, as to hot dogs, I'm not sure what the experience would be like to a foreigner, but to Hanover's point, the ideal way to enjoy one is arguably in the nose bleeds of a Major League Baseball stadium in the blazing heat, at risk of getting heat stroke, but tempering it all with a 24oz of some shitty beer such as Modelo Especial. Keep the beers flowing and the hot dogs will keep flowing too.


If you drink enough beer, the quality of the hot dogs doesn't matter. If you eat enough hot dogs, the quality of the beer doesn't matter.

Since we're talking hot dogs - Maple Leafs when I eat them on buns. Love the crunch of the casing. Hebrew Nationals for beans and franks. Denser and meatier.
Hanover February 04, 2023 at 17:26 #778651
Quoting Jamal
100% real authentic pumpernickel as far as I know. I doubt it was American. In Europe, American food items other than M&Ms, Pringles, and French’s mustard are found only in the darkest corners of speciality Mexican shops in the darkest corners of the big cities.


Is your reference to the darkest corners a slight on American products or are you guys just in need of light bulbs? If the latter, I can send you some. If the former, come at me bruh.
Hanover February 04, 2023 at 17:32 #778653
Quoting T Clark
Since we're talking hot dogs - Maple Leafs when I eat them on buns. Love the crunch of the casing. Hebrew Nationals for beans and franks. Denser and meatier.


When in NYC, I like to go to the Sabrett's hotdog stand and order a bowl of month old hot dog broth. The taste of old dogs, the aluminum liner, and the vendor's hands is perfection. I typically finish it off with a pack of Winston's menthols that I pinch the filters off of.

Hanover February 04, 2023 at 17:36 #778655
Reply to Noble Dust What I like about watching a baseball game is that you have to keep looking at the scoreboard to remember the score and who's playing.
Jamal February 04, 2023 at 17:45 #778657
Quoting Hanover
Is your reference to the darkest corners a slight on American products or are you guys just in need of light bulbs? If the latter, I can send you some. If the former, come at me bruh.


Neither. It’s a sad fact that trade in American goods is an illicit underground activity carried out in dark corners where shady individuals deal out Reese’s peanut butter cups and Yankee candles for outrageously inflated prices.
Jamal February 04, 2023 at 17:49 #778659
Quoting Noble Dust
By the way, as to hot dogs, I'm not sure what the experience would be like to a foreigner, but to Hanover's point, the ideal way to enjoy one is arguably in the nose bleeds of a Major League Baseball stadium in the blazing heat, at risk of getting heat stroke, but tempering it all with a 24oz of some shitty beer such as Modelo Especial. Keep the beers flowing and the hot dogs will keep flowing too.


Hm, must be a cultural thing. The traditional fare at British football matches is a meat pie and a mug of beef tea.
Noble Dust February 04, 2023 at 17:51 #778660
Reply to Hanover

Yes, we’ve all heard the same old baseball jokes before. I love the game; I grew up playing in leagues and umpiring. Once you know the ins and outs it’s addictive.
BC February 04, 2023 at 17:55 #778662
Reply to Jamal Limburger cheese (soft, very earthy), braunschweiger (liverwurst), raw onion, on rye.

Even in Germanish Minnesota, actual pumpernickel is all but non-existent. The stuff sold in stores as pumpernickel is just indifferent dark-colored bread.

Pumpernickel bread is usually made with a high proportion of rye flour and a small amount of wheat flour. It's the rye flour however that's of particular interest. Traditional Old World black pumpernickel bread uses coarse rye flour that's ground from the entire rye berry. This flour is sometimes referred to as 'meal'. Rye meal can also be ground fine or medium. Coarse rye meal is commonly called "pumpernickel" flour, a German name that humorously refers to its occasional effect on the digestive system. "Pumpern" is the German word for "intestinal wind" and "nickel" is a word for demon or sprite.

In contrast to the flour used for pumpernickel, regular rye flour is ground from the endosperm of the rye berry after the outer layers of bran and the germ have been removed. If we were talking about wheat instead of rye, this would be the equivalent of "white" flour. The darker color of rye flour is due its ash content, which varies according to how each particular brand is milled.

Old recipes for pumpernickel bread call for baking in steam at a low heat for 2 hours or more. During this time, unparalleled flavors develop as long slow cooking causes the natural sugar in rye flour to darken and sweeten the bread. Chocolate, spices, orange peel and beer may be added and potatoes are often included as they help keep the bread moist. Rather than using very coarse rye meal and lengthy cooking to develop flavor, many of today's versions of pumpernickel contain a mixture of rye and wheat flour and are darkened to look like the original version, with cocoa or caramel coloring!
Jamal February 04, 2023 at 18:01 #778663
Reply to BC The good thing about the success of the German supermarket chains Lidl and Aldi across Europe is that while they do adapt the stock to suit the diverse locales, they also sneak in the best German stuff like pumpernickel and Nuremberg sausages.
BC February 04, 2023 at 18:02 #778664
Reply to Jamal A great hotdog should be grilled outdoors. The charred surface adds the perfect amount of carcinogens, which with the nitrates already there, is toxic perfection.
BC February 04, 2023 at 18:03 #778666
Quoting Jamal
Nuremberg sausages


Didn't Wagner write an opera about those?
Jamal February 04, 2023 at 18:06 #778667
Reply to BC He should’ve done. They’re epic.
T Clark February 04, 2023 at 18:23 #778669
Quoting Noble Dust
Yes, we’ve all heard the same old baseball jokes before. I love the game; I grew up playing in leagues and umpiring. Once you know the ins and outs it’s addictive.


I like the idea of baseball. It's philosophical - the rules are so arbitrary and arcane that it teaches us viscerally about the structure of human thought and values. I also like it because it is one of those things, like fishing and hunting, that are traditional and draw families together. The thing I like best about professional baseball is walking up the ramp and into the stadium and seeing the brightly lit green field for a night game. That said, please don't make me watch. I wish I liked it but I don't have enough patience. My elder son does love it. One of the reasons he gets along with his girlfriend so well is that she does too.
Hanover February 04, 2023 at 18:53 #778678
I went to a game once and an English guy was behind me and he was asking his friends, "this is bizarre, do some players never even get to touch the ball?" I'm sure they have stats on the longest stretch where a fielder didn't make a play and could have just as well been in the locker room taking a shower.
Noble Dust February 04, 2023 at 19:04 #778679
Quoting T Clark
the rules are so arbitrary and arcane that it teaches us viscerally about the structure of human thought and values.


Yeah, I suppose the way points (runs) are scored is pretty weird. But the depth of strategy and the variables of gameplay that stem from that system are exponential. I would argue baseball is the most complex of the major professional sports. Yes, walking out of the tunnel and seeing the field never gets old.
unenlightened February 05, 2023 at 10:28 #778832
Does anyone else suffer from the following synchronicity? I'm perusing the newish topics, and come across one that deserves a pearl of my great wisdom. I polish said pearl and put it neatly on display, and resume browsing, only to find that the next thread is even more urgently in need of the self-same pearl.
Some folks like to link to their own posts, others are merely repetitive, but I cannot find an entirely satisfying solution.

But more importantly, are you lot all cribbing each other's ideas, or is this the collective unconscious exposing itself?

Hanover February 05, 2023 at 17:24 #778868
Quoting Noble Dust
. I would argue baseball is the most complex of the major professional sports.


Yes and no.

As to complexity, when I coached the six and under Cardinals, I can attest you could never get the kids to run the right way, to throw the ball to the right person, to remember the cap and glove when they ran out to the field, or to know when they were to stop climbing the fence and go up and bat. Soccer was easy. You just yelled "run" and "kick." So, yes, baseball's got some complicated rules.

But, as to strategy, it doesn't have the military play concepts of American Football. I would think once you've got the best players, how much coaching matters in baseball is limited, as opposed to football where a coach truly matters.



T Clark February 05, 2023 at 17:49 #778875
Quoting unenlightened
But more importantly, are you lot all cribbing each other's ideas, or is this the collective unconscious exposing itself?


There are plenty of interesting philosophical subjects to cover. Unfortunately, there are a few that seem to get discussed and re-discussed to the point of saturation. Such subjects include:

  • Consciousness
  • Free will
  • Why is @t clark so much funnier than @Hanover
  • The definition of metaphysics
  • Existence of God
  • Quantum mechanics - What's up with that
  • Truth and belief
  • The nature of good and evil


Once I counted four threads related to free will on the front page of the forum at one time.
unenlightened February 05, 2023 at 18:25 #778878
Quoting T Clark
Why is t clark so much funnier than @Hanover


Yes I have noticed the ongoing competition between the two of you in the game of "How wrong can I be?" And the answer in this case is "completely wrong". Well done.

The true answer of course is that my pearls are so lustrous as to shine in any thread.
And there always needs to be a choice of free will threads, and one determinism thread.
Hanover February 05, 2023 at 18:40 #778882
Reply to T Clark I wonder if they could make an AI program that could create humor, finally eliminating the need for my very limited contribution to the world.

I think they'd just need to tell random stories and throw in the words vagina, penis, and diarrhea cupcakes and that would create some really good material. A little edgy I know, but that's how I roll.

I'll ask @Michael to do build that program. He just needs to write himself a Post-it note and he'll get right to it.
T Clark February 05, 2023 at 18:44 #778883
Quoting unenlightened
Well done.


Thank you. Thank you very much.
T Clark February 05, 2023 at 18:45 #778884
praxis February 05, 2023 at 19:02 #778888
Quoting T Clark
Once I counted four threads related to free will on the front page of the forum at one time.


People just can't help themselves.
T Clark February 05, 2023 at 20:01 #778905
Quoting praxis
People just can't help themselves.


That's why we need whips, chains, and moderators.
Tom Storm February 05, 2023 at 20:04 #778908
Jamal February 05, 2023 at 20:18 #778912
Noble Dust February 05, 2023 at 20:59 #778927
Reply to Hanover

I reckon American Football has the most complex and structured play format. For baseball, it’s more about the mind games between the pitcher and batter. That’s basically the game, which I suppose is why people find it so boring. The complexity comes from all the variables; the pitch arsenal of the pitcher, the strengths and weaknesses of the batter, the circumstances of the at bat. I’m probably wrong, but I’ll stick by it.
T Clark February 05, 2023 at 21:22 #778935
Quoting Noble Dust
For baseball, it’s more about the mind games between the pitcher and batter. That’s basically the game, which I suppose is why people find it so boring.


As I said, I'm not a fan, but I've always found defense more interesting and exciting than pitching and hitting. A home run is a home run, but a throw from center field into the catcher's mitt in exactly the right position to tag the runner out is beautiful.
unenlightened February 06, 2023 at 00:24 #778964
@The world Americans are even more antsy than the British about sport, which is ridiculous, as we invented them all including athletics, which we generously donated to the ancient Greeks because they had fuck all else going for them apart from philosophy, and no one gives a stuff about philosophy.
Hanover February 06, 2023 at 01:54 #778980
Quoting T Clark
As I said, I'm not a fan, but I've always found defense more interesting and exciting than pitching and hitting. A home run is a home run, but a throw from center field into the catcher's mitt in exactly the right position to tag the runner out is beautiful.


I like a routine ground out to the second baseman and a lob to first as the runner lazily trots to the bag knowing he will soon be turning toward the dugout to grab his glove in anticipation of the next inning. It's soothing to me, like the steady ticking of a clock.

My second favorite play is the same thing, but instead of the first baseman stepping on the bag, he waits and tags the runner in the face with the ball. That one always wakes up the crowd.
Metaphysician Undercover February 06, 2023 at 02:34 #778990
You can't beat hockey, developed from the activity of chasing a frozen horse turd around on a frozen pond with a stick, all the while trying to find a way to force a member of the other team to eat it.
unenlightened February 06, 2023 at 13:50 #779043
Thoughts and prayers time for Turkey and Syria after a pair of quakes. "Gaia is angry."
praxis February 06, 2023 at 20:35 #779111
On a lighter note, red onion & kimchi tuna salad is surprisingly good.

User image
BC February 07, 2023 at 02:03 #779164
Quoting unenlightened
"Gaia is angry."


Whose fault is it when continents collide if not Gaia's?
javi2541997 February 07, 2023 at 05:50 #779197
Good morning/ Buenos días/ ?????

Please, do not miss the full moons of 2023. There will be 13 full moons!

If someone is interested in full moons, here is the main page where you will see the specific time zone and more details: Full Moon Calendar 2023.

universeness February 07, 2023 at 10:29 #779225
Quoting unenlightened
Thoughts and prayers time for Turkey and Syria after a pair of quakes.

If there is ever an event that should make us all understand, that we are one planet and we need to unite as one species, its a natural disaster. It's non-discriminatory, being a theist, atheist, scientist, rich plutocrat, aristocrat, celebrity, innocent baby, etc, wont protect you, if by happenstance, you are in the Earthquake zone. Prayer is utterly useless, better to demand that the Turkish authorities try to develop better early warning systems, well practice fast evacuation techniques and ways to build structures that are as earthquake proof as possible.
unenlightened February 07, 2023 at 10:45 #779226
Quoting universeness
Prayer is utterly useless


As useless as tears.
universeness February 07, 2023 at 11:36 #779231
Quoting unenlightened
As useless as tears.


I understand what you mean, but I fully encourage the tears anyway, lest folks implode with the grief of the loss of those they loved. I even understand the need for the useless prayer, for similar reasons.
Desperate people make desperate appeals to any notion they harbour of supernatural justice against what they will perceive as a 'natural injustice' visited upon them.
Natural disaster was always associated with 'angry gods' in the past. That's why humans invented the desperate 'blood sacrifice' concept to sate those angry gods. The Christians are still quite dependent on the notion. Unfortunately, old tribal human sacrifices did not have the Jesus advantage of being able to be sacrificed to yourself and then pop back up again, suggesting that it was no sacrifice at all.
An immortal cannot die, so cannot be offered in sacrifice.
unenlightened February 07, 2023 at 11:50 #779235
Reply to universeness Of course, you have to find a use for tears, to justify them:Quoting universeness
lest folks implode


There's no educating a fanatic. :roll: More cross-bracing and movement dampers, I say, and let people implode.
universeness February 07, 2023 at 12:24 #779238
Reply to unenlightened
Even a fanatic can learn to stop being a fanatic.

Quoting unenlightened
let people implode.

Only in protest against the Turkish and Syrian Authorities who left people completely unprepared, rather than 'as prepared as they could be,' considering they live near tectonic fault lines.
Corrupt governance always means more people dying of causes other than old age.
Such circumstances will not stop until WE can prevent corrupt governance.
unenlightened February 07, 2023 at 14:11 #779246
There is hope, even for mechanicals.

frank February 07, 2023 at 15:32 #779256
Quoting unenlightened
let people implode.


They don't, though. It becomes a stable part of their identities. They'll just rage until they die.
T Clark February 07, 2023 at 16:52 #779271
Quoting universeness
Prayer is utterly useless,


Just like a good atheist... When an international disaster comes along and many people have died or are in danger, that's a good time to pick a fight with theists.
universeness February 07, 2023 at 18:20 #779288
Reply to T Clark
How do you know I am a good atheist? But I appreciate your faith in me anyway.
How would you help the people of Turkey and Syria after such a natural disaster?
Will you pray for them? or suggest they organise and fight for changes to the sociopolitical system they live under?
T Clark February 07, 2023 at 20:07 #779311
Quoting universeness
Will you pray for them? or suggest they organise and fight for changes to the sociopolitical system they live under?


Probably neither, but I think a gesture of goodwill is probably worth more than a suggestion for self-improvement at a time like this.
unenlightened February 07, 2023 at 20:46 #779315
Quoting universeness
How would you help the people of Turkey and Syria after such a natural disaster?


Money, bottled water, shelters, clothes, generators, road repair teams etc.

Prayers and tears are not ways of helping, but expressions of empathy.


Quoting universeness
or suggest they organise and fight for changes to the sociopolitical system they live under?


This on the other hand is a fucking heartless ignorant insult to people who have been fighting a civil war against a bloody tyrant for the last 12 years.
universeness February 07, 2023 at 21:40 #779319
Reply to T Clark
I agree with your 'not at a time like this,' but many many thousands of people have died in places like Turkey and Syria due to Earthquakes, for many centuries now. I think they should spend more money on early warning systems and survival tech for their people than the many billions they spend on Islam.
T Clark February 07, 2023 at 21:52 #779321
Quoting universeness
I agree with your 'not at a time like this,' but many many thousands of people have died in places like Turkey and Syria due to Earthquakes, for many centuries now. I think they should spend more money on early warning systems and survival tech


I'm ready to leave it at that.
universeness February 07, 2023 at 21:56 #779322
Quoting unenlightened
Money, bottled water, shelters, clothes, generators, road repair teams etc.
Prayers and tears are not ways of helping, but expressions of empathy.

How do you suggest they prepare for the next one, considering the Earthquake history of Turkey and Syria?

Quoting unenlightened
This on the other hand is a fucking heartless ignorant insult to people who have been fighting a civil war against a bloody tyrant for the last 12 years.


Which tyrant are you referring to? Erdogan, Assad, Putin et al?
Who are the real tyrants in the history of such countries? The latest 'tyrant of the month' or tyrannical systems such as past theistic monarchies, embedded plutocratic power bases that use religion to opiate the population. Dynastic family structures that control the means of production, distribution and exchange and refuse to allow the majority of the population to become educated, etc, etc.
Try to direct your irrational, knee jerk style ire towards those who deny their people all the protection against Earthquakes which our current global tech can offer. If you do so, then one day you might earn a better handle than unenlightened.
universeness February 07, 2023 at 21:57 #779323
BC February 07, 2023 at 23:03 #779331
Quoting universeness
Prayer is utterly useless


"Nothing fails like prayer" is a snappier phrase.
BC February 07, 2023 at 23:58 #779340
Quoting universeness
Who are the real tyrants in the history of such countries?


Of the three - Erdogan, Assad, Putin - Assad has the worst tyranny score (# of atrocities per square km times years). Putin's score is lower because Russia and Ukraine are much larger than Syria. If we extend the formulae to include the predations of Bashar Assad's father, the Assad score is even worse. I'm not happy with Erdogan or Orbán either, but they haven't achieved nearly as much on the fields of infamy as Assad has.

Not in the same class as the others, Putin is risking far more than the rest. [probably] Nobody is going to start a nuclear war over adding or subtracting a few hundred km2 of state control in Syria. Nobody is going to nuke Damascus unless Assad maybe tries to seize Israel.

Turkey has a population of 85 million, gdp per capita of $9,660. Syria's population is 21.3 million and a per capita income of $533.39. Syria's GDP peaked at about $10,000 in 2010, and took a nosedive thereafter. Turkey isn't rich and Syria is (now) definitely poor. Building earthquake resistant housing and infrastructure for 100 million people in developing economies is a long shot. Their usual building materials -- unreinforced concrete, brick, and block -- are what they could afford. Unfortunately, they fall apart when stressed.

Every significant problem we face on earth should have been addressed starting 50 years ago, whether we're talking about global warming, antibiotic resistance, or earthquake-sturdy buildings. Today is always way too late.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated the long-term price tag for the war in Iraq at around $2.4 trillion. Another 2 trillion was spent on the war in Afghanistan. $4 Trillion, or $4,000,000,000,000 to achieve nothing of even short-lasting value.

Had we effectively spent just one (1) Trillion dollars on quake-resistant structures in the Middle East quake zone over the last 50 years, we could at least say we did what was reasonably possible.
unenlightened February 08, 2023 at 00:01 #779341
Quoting universeness
Try to direct your irrational, knee jerk style ire towards those who deny their people all the protection against Earthquakes which our current global tech can offer. If you do so, then one day you might earn a better handle than unenlightened.


Hey, someone's made a funny joke about my name, as if names had to be justified, like everything else in the universe. I direct my ire at bad philosophy on this site, because that is what I can do here. Your high horse is lame, and it would be a kindness to it to dismount.
BC February 08, 2023 at 01:40 #779348
Contrary to fact...



User image

User image

TheNewYorker.com
T Clark February 08, 2023 at 02:32 #779354
Quoting BC
Contrary to fact...


Amusing I suppose, but it is only fundamentalist Christians and perhaps Muslims who believe prehistoric humans ever encountered dinosaurs. Atheists should know better. Perhaps sabretooth tigers would make more sense.
BC February 08, 2023 at 04:00 #779366
Reply to T Clark Oh no, signs early onset literalism.
T Clark February 08, 2023 at 04:04 #779367
Quoting BC
Oh no, signs early onset literalism.


I knew you would enjoy it.
universeness February 08, 2023 at 09:04 #779394
Quoting BC
"Nothing fails like prayer" is a snappier phrase.


You Win! :grin:
universeness February 08, 2023 at 09:42 #779396
Quoting BC
Building earthquake resistant housing and infrastructure for 100 million people in developing economies is a long shot.


Yes, because money dictates! It's nurturing personal profit/wealth/status/power over nurturing people.
The tech is available for better 'earthquake resistant buildings.' Better 'early warning,' systems and fast evacuation plans, are also available. In some very rich houses in earthquake zones, they even have 'survival pods' which can survive the building collapsing on top of you, if you are inside the pod. The money trick and the chains of backwards religious dogma are used by the nefarious few to control a mass of people, with promises of a better life AFTER THEY ARE DEAD! These are the base problems that should have been dealt with, centuries ago.
As a socialist yourself, you will know, our struggle continues because WE have so far failed to deal wih these problems. We have improved the situation for millions imo but it's still not enough.
The Assad's are just another nefarious dynastic family, who are currently, mere Putin puppets.
I lay any current or recent (past few years) deaths/murders caused by Assad's forces (which are mainly Russian forces,) at Putin's door.
The Western leaders have a lot to answer for as well, for what is happening in that area of the world.
Saddam Hussain and Muammar Gaddafi would not have reached the heights of power they did or have been able to kill so many with impunity, without the support of the West. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, is a highly problematic approach, despite the truth that in a world war scenario, it can be the better choice between two evils, (eg Stalin/Hitler).

Quoting BC
Every significant problem we face on earth should have been addressed starting 50 years ago, whether we're talking about global warming, antibiotic resistance, or earthquake-sturdy buildings. Today is always way too late.


Some problems should have been dealt with 300,000 years ago. The first tough guy who wanted to be King/Chief etc of any 'tribe' should have been killed by the tribe. Money should have been dismissed as a terrible idea, when it was first suggested.

Quoting BC
Had we effectively spent just one (1) Trillion dollars on quake-resistant structures in the Middle East quake zone over the last 50 years, we could at least say we did what was reasonably possible

:clap: :clap:
unenlightened February 08, 2023 at 09:51 #779399
Reply to BC On the basis that that is clearly a saw cut, the hatchet holding boy is innocent despite his confession.
universeness February 08, 2023 at 09:52 #779400
Quoting unenlightened
Hey, someone's made a funny joke about my name, as if names had to be justified, like everything else in the universe. I direct my ire at bad philosophy on this site, because that is what I can do here. Your high horse is lame, and it would be a kindness to it to dismount.


:lol: Again, you leave yourself wide open! Unenlightened is YOUR NAME?? You must have had very interesting (and rather cruel) parents. You must try to employ more clarity, in what you type, so that you might stop shooting your own feet.
As I suggested to you earlier, try directing your ire at the nefarious characters that continue to f*** up our world, instead of what YOUR knee jerking, interprets as 'bad philosophy,' on this or any other site.
I don't envisage the imaginary 'high horses' that you do, when I consider what you type. I just consider what you type, and I consider it an attempt to be kind to you, when I try to assist you, to see the shortfalls in what you type. Yeah, I know that sounds a bit arrogant on my part, but you are a cheeky wee interlocuter, so YOU DESERVE IT!
unenlightened February 08, 2023 at 09:55 #779401
Reply to universeness I'll pray for you.
universeness February 08, 2023 at 09:58 #779403
Reply to unenlightened
Quoting BC
"Nothing fails like prayer"


Sometimes, another says it better than I.
If you remain unenlightened, I suppose you need rational ideas repeated to you regularly.
See, I can be a cheeky interlocuter to! :grin:
unenlightened February 08, 2023 at 10:22 #779405
Quoting unenlightened
Your high horse is lame, and it would be a kindness to it to dismount.


Quoting universeness
Yeah, I know that sounds a bit arrogant on my part,


Quoting unenlightened
I'll pray for you.


Quoting universeness
Sometimes, another says it better than I.


And there, ladies and gentlemen, is a straightforward demonstration of the power of prayer. Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition.
universeness February 08, 2023 at 10:28 #779407
Reply to unenlightened
:roll: Yeah, just you keep shooting your own feet. A clear demonstration of your ability to use a Trump style approach of selective copying and pasting to produce fake news. I suppose that does demonstrate the power of prayer at its deceptive best, and yes, seeing that, in what you typed, is quite 'straightforward.'
unenlightened February 08, 2023 at 10:30 #779408
Reply to universeness

Now I'm crying.
universeness February 08, 2023 at 10:32 #779409
Reply to unenlightened
Do you like this song? I think it's one of Trump's fav's:
universeness February 08, 2023 at 10:38 #779410
unenlightened February 08, 2023 at 14:16 #779435
Good grief! I think I feel a thread coming on. I love you, @universeness, but not in that way, I'm sorry.
universeness February 08, 2023 at 14:37 #779440
Reply to unenlightened
:lol: That's ok mate! I was never confused! I think you concentrated too much, on the storyline of 'dry your eyes,' rather than the underlying message it delivered, of being enlightened enough, to know when you should quit trying to come back, in an exchange, you lost a few posts ago.
unenlightened February 08, 2023 at 14:54 #779443
Quoting universeness
an exchange, you lost a few posts ago.


Ah! Now I understand; thanks for explaining. You were having a competition in which you were both competing and judging. I'm so glad you won.
T Clark February 08, 2023 at 16:51 #779464
Quoting unenlightened
Ah! Now I understand; thanks for explaining. You were having a competition in which you were both competing and judging. I'm so glad you won.


Your attempts at irony don't seem to be making any headway.
Noble Dust February 08, 2023 at 17:19 #779473
I’m not sure you guys understand @unenlightened.
universeness February 08, 2023 at 20:33 #779519
Quoting unenlightened
Ah! Now I understand .......

Quoting Noble Dust
I’m not sure you guys understand unenlightened.

Might be better focussing on the situation in Turkey and Syria, than poor wee unenlightened's wounded pride. No house fell on his or his families head, so he and his are fine.

Thousands died unnecessarily, due to corrupt companies, not complying with the building standards for building in an Earthquake zone. The number of buildings which have collapsed pancake style is utterly disgusting, and the fact that building standards were not adhered to, is down to the level of corruption in Erdogan's regime.

You are an engineer @T Clark, what do you think of the fact that whole area's of buildings collapsed like pancakes? Surely they were not erected under strict Earthquake zone standards!

Most of the poor sod's who died and are still dying under the rubble in Syria, had no chance, considering how they have been abused by the West, the East and their own home grown f***wits, since the West invaded and then abandoned the place and left it utterly devastated.

They are still shouting 'god is great,' every time they pull a survivor from the rubble.
I don't blame those who are shouting 'god is great' in those circumstances.
I just despise the corrupt people who have caused many more deaths that would have happened, if they had worked hard to protect the people from such threats, instead of only being interested in their own wealth, status and power, and looking after their own nearest and dearest. These nefarious people, use religion as a weapon, to keep the people down and keep them quiet, afraid and compliant.
Let's talk about that and not unenlightened's wounded bird act.
T Clark February 08, 2023 at 20:39 #779521
Quoting universeness
You are an engineer T Clark, what do you think of the fact that whole area's of buildings collapsed like pancakes. Surely they were not erected under strict Earthquake standards!


According to the web, Turkey passed a new seismic building code in 2007 but it is not enforced diligently. Turkey has a recent history of earthquakes with large losses of life.
universeness February 08, 2023 at 20:45 #779524
Reply to T Clark
I was just watching the news from the disaster zone and a few 'experts,' in and outside of Syria and Turkey are beginning to voice their opinions of how surprised and shocked they are, at the number of buildings that collapsed in the way they did. If the new codes you mention had been followed. The people who have lost so much, surely have the right to know about those who died, due to the corruption they live under.
BC February 09, 2023 at 03:17 #779596
Reply to universeness On the public radio program [i]The World[/I] A Turkish commentator noted the improved building codes, and then surmised that endemic corruption in building and inspections undermined the potential benefit.
javi2541997 February 09, 2023 at 05:43 #779629
It's blood analysis time! I have to check how is going my Calcium.
BC February 09, 2023 at 05:48 #779631
Reply to javi2541997 Best wishes for a good result!
javi2541997 February 09, 2023 at 05:54 #779635
Reply to BC Thanks BC! I hope a good result, because the pills of calcium and vitamins taste so bad... I no longer want them!
universeness February 09, 2023 at 10:26 #779682
Reply to BC
People will keep dying unnecessarily, as long as corrupt officials/leaders are not successfully held to account by the people they represent. That's just a general fact and the horrific consequences of the Earthquake that's happened in Turkey and Syria, demonstrates the obvious truth of my first sentence above.

17,000 died in the 1999 Izmit Earthquake in Turkey. It looks like this one is going to surpass that death toll. It seems the level of corruption in the building industry in Turkey, hand in hand with the corrupt people in authority, needed to allow the rich owners of the construction industry to get away with the shortcut methods they use and their continued use of cheap, shoddy materials which contravene the legislated rules for construction in an Earthquake zone is allowed to continue and that is heinous, to put it mildly. All just so the rich can become richer. It's as vile as any notion of rape or murder of innocent people, innocent women, children, men. The fact that this corruption remains, despite the death toll of the 1999 Izmit Earthquake and the so called 'lessons learned,' is utterly unacceptable. Global pressure must be brought on the Turkish authorities to prosecute those responsible and the global community must take responsibility for what's going on in Syria. The Syrian victims are getting almost no help in comparison with the Turkish victims. This is ultimately Erdogan's responsibility, who probably earns money for himself from such corrupt activities.

If I had lost family members due to such corruption, I would initially be in f****** 'bloody revolution' mode, and later, I would realise that the best I could do, is to dedicate the rest of my life, to trying to organise as many people as possible, to change things for the better in Turkey and Syria.
I would certainly consider Allah's lack of help, and prevention, and demonstration of personal corruption, as bad as Erdogan's. I would then reject my disdain towards Allah, as it's silly to hate a non-existent.
I would then see that it's the rich and corrupt people who use religion to manipulate the people, that's the problem, rather than any individual issue about whether or not gods exist.
I would then fight hard for a future socialist, secular humanist, Turkey and Syria, so that the next time a major Earthquake hits, less people will die.
Jamal February 09, 2023 at 10:29 #779685
Quoting universeness
wounded bird act


Better than the pub bore act.
universeness February 09, 2023 at 10:36 #779688
Reply to Jamal
If people in pubs, who talk about the injustices in the world, bore you, then you should not join their company. Do you prefer the alternate boring facilitators, who throw their hands up in the air in defeatist acceptance, with such exclamations as, 'well, what can one do?' As they sip their Pina Colada's!
Give me the angry pub bore anytime over the 'part of the problem,' people.
Hanover February 09, 2023 at 14:51 #779720
Quoting universeness
If people in pubs, who talk about the injustices in the world, bore you, then you should not join their company. Do you prefer the alternate boring facilitators, who throw their hands up in the air in defeatist acceptance, with such exclamations as, 'well, what can one do?' As they sip their Pina Colada's!
Give me the angry pub bore anytime over the 'part of the problem,' people.


I'm sure the suffering gain great comfort in knowing you are working hard for them into the wee hours of the night from your barstool wagging your finger.

Bless you for your good deeds.

You are so much different from the happy drunk who wasted his night throwing darts.
universeness February 09, 2023 at 16:13 #779734
Quoting Hanover
I'm sure the suffering gain great comfort in knowing you are working hard for them into the wee hours of the night from your barstool wagging your finger.
Bless you for your good deeds.
You are so much different from the happy drunk who wasted his night throwing darts.


Who you comparing my efforts with? Yours?
Perhaps you can send them some of your kitchen concoctions or you can pray for them or even send them a signed bottle of your reggae reggae sauce.
Try to focus on the injustice of what happening, rather than trying to find ways to stroke your little ego.
Whatever effort I am making on the behalf of those suffering injustice in places like Turkey and Syria, is probably far more than you. I don't return your blessing for YOUR good deeds. I could also trounce you at darts, drunk or sober.
T Clark February 09, 2023 at 16:20 #779740
Quoting universeness
If people in pubs, who talk about the injustices in the world, bore you, then you should not join their company.


In this case, you joined @Jamal's company. He owns this pub.
universeness February 09, 2023 at 16:25 #779741
Reply to T Clark
Sure, pub owners can decide who they want in their pubs just like customers can choose which pubs they visit. What's your point?
Hanover February 09, 2023 at 16:41 #779742
Quoting universeness
Who you comparing my efforts with? Yours?
Perhaps you can send them some of your kitchen concoctions or you can pray for them or even send them a signed bottle of your reggae reggae sauce.
Try to focus on the injustice of what happening, rather that trying to find ways to stroke your little ego.
Whatever effort I am making on the behalf of those suffering injustice in places like Turkey and Syria, is probably far more than you. I don't return your blessing for YOUR good deeds. I could also trounce you at darts, drunk or sober.


I don't pretend to be doing anything. I'm just not trying to convince myself or others that carrying on about injustice with those within earshot actually counts for something. The only thing you're accomplishing is having people like me tell you that you're not doing anything. That's not much of an accomplishment after a hard day's work.

You might beat me at darts, but I fully expect that I will be beat you in the upcoming Philosophy Forum Dance Off. Last year's reigning champ, T Clark dazzled us with a seductive two hour Charleston. See you on the ballroom floor mon frere.

universeness February 09, 2023 at 16:54 #779745
Quoting Hanover
I don't pretend to be doing anything. I'm just not trying to convince myself or others that carrying on about injustice with those within earshot actually counts for something. The only thing you're accomplishing is having people like me tell you that you're not doing anything. That's not much of an accomplishment after a hard day's work.


Your ridiculous assumption, is you presume to know what I am doing about anything.
Don't judge others by your standards.
People like you telling me that I am not doing anything, means nothing to people like me, as again, you know nothing about what I do.

Mr Clark USED to make good shoes! Clark shoes had a good rep, all over the world, BUT dancin shoes? Nah, never. The Hanoverians cant dance either, never could! Too much time spent in restrictive lederhosen costumes, inside auld bierkellers, listening to OOmpah bands!
Now an old Glesga Savvoy Boy like me. Hah! Make some room sonny!
unenlightened February 09, 2023 at 17:26 #779748
Back in the bad old days, the UK had lots of building inspectors and public health officers, and these interfering officious busybodies spent their time enforcing 'British Standards'. The Conservatives called this 'red tape' after the tape that was used to tie up government documents. After a generation or so of cutting the red tape, aka deregulation, we had the Grenfell fire, and since then, there has been less of that sort of talk, although the government still finds the European Rights Act tiresome.

One berates a government for its restriction of freedom, and then another for failing to enforce those restrictions.

Quoting T Clark
In this case, you joined Jamal's company. He owns this pub.


Pub? I thought it was a seminary. So many righteous brothers.
javi2541997 February 09, 2023 at 18:09 #779755
Quoting unenlightened
Back in the bad old days, the UK had lots of building inspectors and public health officers, and these interfering officious busybodies spent their time enforcing 'British Standards'.


You are talking like those public workers no longer exist… maybe I would sound boring as a seaweed but having public servants - like building inspectors - are necessary to preserve and keep a control over the town. Right? :eyes:
ArguingWAristotleTiff February 09, 2023 at 18:59 #779761
I have decided that football fans are a rowdy group but that is about it.
Golf fans on the other hand are the most entitled group of people with atrocious outfits.

Got bumper stickers we need to bring back:
Welcome to Arizona :flower:
Now GO home!
unenlightened February 09, 2023 at 19:47 #779766
Quoting javi2541997
You are talking like those public workers no longer exist


Public health inspectors have been drastically cut back over the years, pest control has been privatised, cladding fire testing was handed over to the manufacturers. I'm talking about trends.

Quoting javi2541997
having public servants - like building inspectors - are necessary to preserve and keep a control over the town. Right? :eyes:


Absolutely. I'm making a connection between the scandal of Grenfell and the scandal of Turkish buildings, related exactly to those public services being neglected and undervalued.
praxis February 09, 2023 at 20:16 #779767
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javi2541997 February 09, 2023 at 20:58 #779772
Quoting unenlightened
Absolutely. I'm making a connection between the scandal of Grenfell and the scandal of Turkish buildings, related exactly to those public services being neglected and undervalued.


:up: I see your point now mate!
BC February 09, 2023 at 21:18 #779777
Reply to javi2541997 A general term which covers privatization, cuts in public services, and the like is "neoliberalism". It is perhaps most popular among conservatives, but some centrists like it too. Low taxes on the wealthy; privatized public services; wage cuts for the working classes; rugged individualism for those who need help (in other words, you are on your own). It's anti-government and pro-unfettered capitalism.

universeness February 10, 2023 at 10:12 #779850
Quoting BC
It's anti-government and pro-unfettered capitalism.


:up: As is being confirmed, more and more, in the news from Turkey and Syria. Such 'unfettered capitalism,' international political intrigue, combined with pernicious theism, has again caused the unnecessary deaths of thousands of people.

I watched an interview with a Turkish civil engineer, who was involved in the construction of 17 mutlistorey residential properties. They were built in accordance with the earthquake guidelines, and not one of them collapsed. His mother was killed, as she lived in a building which did collapse, as it was not upgraded. He made the statement 'Bad buildings are killing more of us than the Earthquake.'

It matter's that this is said loudly, in pubs, clubs, bingo halls, cheese and wine parties, houses of commons, lords, senates etc, etc. Things might change then. If most people just let it fade away, and go back to making scones in their kitchen and focussing on ego sparring, then the chance for change will be lost again and we will simply wait for the next atrocity cause by 'unfettered capitalism.'
In the UK, if you don't already know, you can donate to the Turkey/Syria appeal at dec.org.uk
BC February 10, 2023 at 17:26 #779894
Quoting universeness
making scones in their kitchen


Well there it is. Scones are the root of the problem. I've never seen any justification for scones' existence. They aren't much better than what in the US is called a baking powder biscuit.
Hanover February 10, 2023 at 20:41 #779926
Quoting universeness
Things might change then. If most people just let it fade away, and go back to making scones in their kitchen and focussing on ego sparring, then the chance for change will be lost again and we will simply wait for the next atrocity cause by 'unfettered capitalism.'


The key to a quality scone is using very cold ingredients. You will want to freeze your butter and then use a cheese shredder to grate it. Use cold water for your dough, then mix in the frozen butter, but don't knead it too long or you'll melt it. Put it back in the freezer even after you've formed the ball for a while and then press it down to the proper shape and cut and bake it.

By leaving the small shreds of frozen butter within the dough, the final result is flakier and buttier as opposed to having melted butter throoughout.

Another key to this is to use dehydrated fruit (like cranberry or blueberry) or you can use nuts, but you don't want to use something with too much moisture or it will make the area surrounding the fruit soggy.
frank February 10, 2023 at 21:21 #779930
Quoting Hanover
The key to a quality scone is using very cold ingredients. You will want to freeze your butter and then use a cheese shredder to grate it. Use cold water for your dough, then mix in the frozen butter, but don't knead it too long or you'll melt it. Put it back in the freezer even after you've formed the ball for a while and then press it down to the proper shape and cut and bake it.



Are you that blonde lady from the food channel?
BC February 10, 2023 at 21:39 #779931
Reply to unenlightened Reply to T Clark Reply to Noble Dust Reply to universeness Reply to Hanover

As representative examples of TPF members, we would like to know how many pieces of kitsch you own. Just in case you don't know, kitsch = a low-brow style of mass-produced art or design using popular or cultural icons. There's nothing wrong with being low-brow; there's nothing wrong with kitsch. Every society has kitsch -- even the Neanderthals had low-brow stuff sitting around their caves.

I admit to kitsch.

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If you possess now, or have ever possessed, a black velvet portrait of Elvis [or something like it] or a little Manneken Pis (pissing boy) statue from Brussels, you are qualified to participate in this discussion. The gates of kitsch are wide -- they have to be in order to accommodate the extra large loads of things that will fascinate you -- being delivered to a store near you--RIGHT NOW.
T Clark February 10, 2023 at 21:58 #779936
Quoting BC
As representative examples of TPF members, we would like to know how many pieces of kitsch you own.


I have a lot of stuff around my house. I tend not to throw things away that might possibly be of use in the future. But nothing I would classify as kitsch. We don't have classy stuff, but what we do have us useful and comfortable. Maybe the closest I come is haphazard ad hoc collections of silver and silverplate flatware, glassware, and china. I showed some of them in the old "Beautiful Things" thread.

I just thought of something you might consider kitsch - I have quite a few aloha shirts that I've bought or been given over the years. Some of them are really beautiful. I love the way rayon feels when it drapes over my shoulders. I rarely wear them any more. I don't consider them kitsch at all, but you might.
Noble Dust February 10, 2023 at 22:00 #779937
Reply to BC

My brow is so high I sometimes have trouble seeing over it, BC.
BC February 10, 2023 at 22:40 #779944
Quoting T Clark
...aloha shirts... rayon


Good god!

Quoting T Clark
rarely wear them any more


Mercifully.

Kitsch. But you don't have to throw them away. Once upon a time it cost a to of money to go to Hawaii and few proles ever did. Once upon a time, Hawaiian shirts were a piece of conspicuous consumption proving one could fly to Honolulu. These days all kinds of riff raff fly there, and you don't have to even leave town to obtain alohaha shirts.

BTW, the Germans suffered from Rayon during WWII. They didn't like it. You do, because of its high tensile modulus, dimensional stability, toughness, and adhesion. That's what engineers think about when they shop for aloha shirts.

Quoting Noble Dust
My brow is so high I sometimes have trouble seeing over it


Maybe you could do an in-service on style for T. Clark.

universeness February 10, 2023 at 22:54 #779946
Kitsch was utterly destroyed in a recent earthquake, caused by a pub bore, throwing one of Hanover's freshly made scones on the pub floor, after licking it once. Thousand of complacents, all over the world, have been severely injured. Some even spilled their pina colada's
Moliere February 10, 2023 at 23:26 #779948
My mentor's philosophical area was Kitsch. Super interesting philosophical field, but I gravited elsewise.
T Clark February 10, 2023 at 23:42 #779949
Quoting BC
...aloha shirts... rayon
— T Clark

Good god!


As I noted, I don't consider Aloha shirts kitsch. And Rayon is wonderful.

unenlightened February 11, 2023 at 00:19 #779952
Quoting BC
As representative examples of TPF members, we would like to know how many pieces of kitsch you own.


None, obviously. I am the epitome of downward mobility, and thus cannot afford kitsch. Why are all guilty pleasures of German origin? Kitsch, schadenfreude etc? I do have a wedding present of my parents A John Skeaping Wedgwood faun

But I don't think it qualifies. Otherwise, we have to make our own decorations, which makes them more folksy than kitschy. You know, patchwork curtains, and macrame plant holders. they might be kitsch if one bought them, but home made, aspire merely to "naff".
Baden February 11, 2023 at 03:20 #779995
Hanover February 11, 2023 at 11:45 #780069
Quoting frank
Are you that blonde lady from the food channel?


INo, I'm the fiery redhead from the porn channel. Easy mistake to make.
T Clark February 11, 2023 at 16:32 #780108
Quoting Hanover
INo, I'm the fiery redhead from the porn channel. Easy mistake to make.


I always assumed you are really Troy McClure. I remember you from such food posts as "Dried out anadama bread" and "White bread, ketchup, American cheese - Pizza!"
Hanover February 11, 2023 at 16:54 #780112
Reply to BC A small smattering of Hanoverian kitsch:

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While T Clark describes his home as an embarrassing clutter of mismatched dishes and cracked coffee mugs, mine is an eclectic mix of curiosity and quirk.
javi2541997 February 11, 2023 at 17:11 #780115
Quoting Hanover
mine is an eclectic mix of curiosity and quirk.


I am at my grandmother's house. More curiosity and quirk:

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T Clark February 11, 2023 at 18:16 #780125
@BC

Here's my favorite Aloha shirt. I don't wear it anymore because it's probably insensitive to indigenous people.

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And while we're at it, here's a photo of some of my favorite flatware.

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The larger spoon and fork are Rogers Brothers Oval Thread silverplate. The smaller spoon is sterling silver. It is the spoon which was in my mouth when I was born.
BC February 11, 2023 at 21:59 #780174
Reply to T Clark

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The piece on the right is Rogers, Wm. A.
.

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The "DofH" caption references the Degree of Honor, a fraternal organization dating back to a post Civil War group, Ancient Order of United Workmen (AOUW). They were the first organization to offer insurance for workingmen. The "D of H" was the women's auxiliary of the AOUW. My parents belonged to the D of H. It was a social lodge organization, sort of like Eastern Star, Royal Neighbors, Masons, and a batch of other groups. They held dinners and dances--and had this flatware. The set was pretty beat up from long use before it came my way after my folks died.

The piece on the left is Target, 2019. I bought a few place settings of this, in case I had company for lunch; this hasn't happened yet. I can manage cooking for 1 or 2. Cooking for 3 would be too stressful.

Below is a piece of coal I picked up near Cumberland Falls, KY. Coal is hard to come by these days, especially polished coal. It has a very nice glossy texture.

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BC February 11, 2023 at 22:08 #780182
Reply to Hanover I especially like the dog reading on its back. The literary cat is good too. If somebody breaks into your house and steals these two items, you'll know where to go for them.

Here's a poem which mentions the literary preferences of dogs and cats"

The Revenant by Billy Collins

I am the dog you put to sleep,
as you like to call the needle of oblivion,
come back to tell you this simple thing:
I never liked you – not one bit.

When I licked your face,
I thought of biting off your nose.
When I watched you toweling yourself dry,
I wanted to leap and unman you with a snap.

I resented the way you moved,
your lack of animal grace,
the way you would sit in a chair and eat,
a napkin on your lap, knife in your hand.

I would have run away,
but I was too weak, a trick you taught me
while I was learning to sit and heel,
and – greatest of insults – shake hands without a hand.

I admit the sight of the leash
would excite me
but only because it meant I was about
to smell things you had never touched.

You do not want to believe this,
but I have no reason to lie.
I hated the car, the rubber toys,
disliked your friends and, worse, your relatives.

The jingling of my tags drove me mad.
You always scratched me in the wrong place.
All I ever wanted from you
was food and fresh water in my metal bowls.

While you slept, I watched you breathe
as the moon rose in the sky.
It took all my strength
not to raise my head and howl.

Now I am free of the collar,
the yellow raincoat, monogrammed sweater,
the absurdity of your lawn,
and that is all you need to know about this place

except what you already supposed
and are glad it did not happen sooner –
that everyone here can read and write,
the dogs in poetry, the cats and the others in prose.
Hanover February 11, 2023 at 22:21 #780185
The coal might come in handy should the heat fail. Use it just before you start pulling floorboards to burn.

My aunt left me the silverware. It was engraved with the first letter of her last name, which was the same letter as mine. She chose me over my other siblings because she said I looked most like my mom, her favorite. That decision didn't divide our profound brotherly love, but instead just put me in charge of losing most of it.

My grandmother had many nick nacks on a shelf, which my brother destroyed when he ducked from the pillow I threw at his head. We were playing the throw grandma's pillows game. She let us play outside the next few hours while she glued everything back together.

I have about 20 clocks in my house, many antique. They gong on the hour and click loudly. Like heartbeats, there are a finite number of ticks. I like that constant reminder so that I will always remember to diligently post here, and not waste my ticks.

Did I mention it's raining here? Pitter patter pitter patter.

Noble Dust February 11, 2023 at 22:25 #780187
Quoting Hanover
That decision didn't divide our profound brotherly love, but instead just put me in charge of losing most of it.


Did you lose your brothers love or the silverware?
Hanover February 11, 2023 at 22:31 #780188
Quoting Noble Dust
Did you lose your brothers love or the silverware?


Nice ambiguity, but worry not, the Hanover clan remains tightly bound, despite the efforts of my spinster aunt to metaphorically cut and splice us with the treasured silverware.

Nothing little boys love more than heirloom silverware, but we persevered.
Banno February 11, 2023 at 23:05 #780193
So is shooting down Unidentified Flying Objects such a good idea?

Cue theme from Close Encounters...
T Clark February 12, 2023 at 00:14 #780199
Quoting BC
The piece on the right is Rogers, Wm. A.


I like the spoon on the right a lot. It looks like it would feel good in my hand.
Noble Dust February 12, 2023 at 00:28 #780200
I'm considering becoming a subscriber solely so I can join in on posting pictures of cutlery.
T Clark February 12, 2023 at 01:12 #780209
Reply to BC

I really like the poem. It will be an inspiration for pet owners everywhere.
T Clark February 12, 2023 at 01:14 #780210
Quoting Noble Dust
I'm considering becoming a subscriber solely so I can join in on posting pictures of cutlery.


I'm skeptical. I always picture you eating food directly out of take out boxes with your fingers, chopsticks, or, for formal occasions, plastic forks and knives.
Hanover February 12, 2023 at 02:23 #780222
My son told me he wanted to be a vet until he learned it wasn't just about putting animals to sleep.
Noble Dust February 12, 2023 at 03:22 #780229
Reply to T Clark

Ironically I had visions of posting this weird looking biodegradable fork that was included in a recent food delivery I received.
BC February 12, 2023 at 03:22 #780230
Reply to Noble Dust Reply to T Clark Being an urban sophisticate, he probably doen't eat cold Chef Boyardee out of a can. The only person I knew who did that was an urban oof from Brooklyn.

Sadly (or happily) Ettore Boiardi and his Conagra successors no longer make Beefogetti, Chili Cheese Dog Twistaroni, Sealife Forkables, or numerous other abominations.

BTW, nobody knows exactly how long it takes for biodegradable forks to turn into dirt.
Noble Dust February 12, 2023 at 03:26 #780232
Reply to BC

Growing up my brother did enjoy Chef Boyardee (ravioli I think?) but being the insufferable sophisticate I've always been, I much preferred the mac n' cheese option. The microwavable cups, mind you. No clammy tin cans for us.
T Clark February 12, 2023 at 04:29 #780239
Quoting BC
eat cold Chef Boyardee out of a can.


This brings to mind a song by Dan Reeder, an odd folkoid singer. American but lives in Norway - "Angels May:"

Angels may come and stand around you
And if you don't chase them away
You're sure to go home with the feeling
That this is your lucky day

And they may laugh and they may tease you
And they may take you by the hand
And on a good day they may feed you ravioli
Right out of the can
Noble Dust February 12, 2023 at 04:46 #780244
Quoting T Clark
And on a good day they may feed you ravioli
Right out of the can


Similarly to oysters, raviolii (plural) are generally considered to be at peak when the transit time between source and destination is as short as possible.
T Clark February 12, 2023 at 04:53 #780247
Quoting Noble Dust
Similarly to oysters, raviolii (plural) are generally considered to be at peak when the transit time between source and destination is as short as possible.


It is my understanding that canned ravioli sell by dates are always less than a year from canning. Or maybe that was two years.
BC February 12, 2023 at 06:32 #780268
Reply to T Clark Don't believe it! Shelf-stable foods (like canned ravioli) remain wholesome (if it was in the first place) for a long time provided the can itself is in pristine condition.

Quoting Noble Dust
raviolii (plural)


Wouldn't it be 1 raviolo and 2 ravioli? Double ii looks great, though. Have two martinii before the single grande raviolo.
Noble Dust February 12, 2023 at 07:26 #780283
Quoting BC
Wouldn't it be 1 raviolo and 2 ravioli?


One would think so, but the use of the double "i" is simply a nod to how high the brow is set when it comes to pasta.

Reply to T Clark

Try "eternal".
Jamal February 12, 2023 at 10:07 #780308
I just made and very much enjoyed pasta and fried turkey hearts in a sauce made from left-over vegetable soup.
Metaphysician Undercover February 12, 2023 at 11:58 #780314
Quoting BC
BTW, nobody knows exactly how long it takes for biodegradable forks to turn into dirt.


First, they get filled with micro-organism, which probably happens during the time between when they get produced and when they get used. Silver on the other hand is a very effective antibacterial. Just sayin.
T Clark February 12, 2023 at 15:32 #780346
Quoting BC
Don't believe it! Shelf-stable foods (like canned ravioli) remain wholesome (if it was in the first place) for a long time provided the can itself is in pristine condition.


And, after all, they're angels. They wouldn't feed me something bad.
T Clark February 12, 2023 at 15:33 #780347
Quoting Noble Dust
Try "eternal".


I guess that's why angels like them.
Hanover February 12, 2023 at 16:16 #780353
I made chicken quarters baked in BBQ sauce last night. I learned this recipe from the office cafeteria where I used to work. It was Wednesday"s offering.

The lady who ran the place was Ukrainian, and she said I looked Ukrainian, so when I told her my ancestry was Ukrainian, she spoke to me in Russian, and she couldn't be convinced I didn't also inherit the ability to speak Russian from over 100 years ago when great great grandpa's boat landed on Ellis Island.

What I did do as a compromise was to say da and nyet to the various offerings she would point her slop spoon at. She'd give me extra large portions as well, as I was a fellow countryman after all.


Hanover February 12, 2023 at 16:28 #780355
Quoting T Clark
Here's my favorite Aloha shirt. I don't wear it anymore because it's probably insensitive to indigenous people.


What would go well with that shirt is chili cheese fries and bowling shoes.
T Clark February 12, 2023 at 16:36 #780356
Quoting Hanover
What would go well with that shirt is chili cheese fries and bowling shoes.


I don't necessarily disagree, but cleaning rayon is a pain in the ass. But bowling shoes? Definitely. No, I don't own any bowling shoes.
Hanover February 12, 2023 at 16:50 #780361
Quoting T Clark
Definitely. No, I don't own any bowling shoes.


Just tell them your size and hand them yours as collateral and the nice lady will lend you a recently defumigated pair.
T Clark February 12, 2023 at 17:12 #780368
Quoting Hanover
Just tell them your size and hand them yours as collateral and the nice lady will lend you a recently defumigated pair.


Yes, I have bowled. Speaking of bowling... Growing up, bowling meant 10 pin. Big balls with holes. Bowling pins shaped like.... well, bowling pins. Where I grew up, there was also duck pin bowling - smaller pins with a similar shape and balls small enough to hold in your hand. You get three balls in each frame rather than two. Knock them all down with one ball - strike. Knock them down with two balls - spare. Knock them down with three balls - 10 points.

Up here in New England they have candle pin bowling. Cylindrical pins. The rules are the same as duck pins, except they leave the pins on the alley between rolls. I think it must be a Pilgrim thing.
Hanover February 12, 2023 at 21:22 #780405
Quoting T Clark
here in New England they have candle pin bowling. Cylindrical pins. The rules are the same as duck pins, except they leave the pins on the alley between rolls. I think it must be a Pilgrim thing.


Bowling is bigger in the northeast and Midwest because you need indoor activities when it's cold. Down here we go outside, or at least we used to. Now we just stare at our phones.
T Clark February 12, 2023 at 21:31 #780407
Quoting Hanover
Now we just stare at our phones.


I'm sure there's a bowling app you can download. Here you go:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bowling-king/id769737983

Here's one for candlepins:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/strike-esports-candlepin/id1446256403

Those are for iPhones.
T Clark February 12, 2023 at 22:24 #780417
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This is Kalles brand creamed smoked cod roe. That kid really seems to like it. Made by Abba Seafood. Those Swedish kids. Whata you gonna do?
Hanover February 12, 2023 at 22:38 #780420
Quoting T Clark
This is Kalles brand creamed smoked cod roe. That kid really seems to like it. Made by Abba Seafood. Those Swedish kids. Whata you gonna do?


Are you sure that's not hemorrhoid cream?
BC February 12, 2023 at 23:56 #780430
Quoting T Clark
That kid really seems to like it.


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A picture of an allegedly smiling Swedish boy eagerly relishing smoked fish eggs on hardtack is not the same thing as an actual Swedish boy exercising free will in the dietary department. He hasn't ruined his day by actually biting into this Scandahuvian concoction, you will notice.
Noble Dust February 13, 2023 at 00:14 #780435
Reply to T Clark

Is that a Super Bowl snack tradition in the Clark household?
Tom Storm February 13, 2023 at 00:52 #780446
Quoting T Clark
This is Kalles brand creamed smoked cod roe. That kid really seems to like it. Made by Abba Seafood. Those Swedish kids. Whata you gonna do?


I find eating a real drag so that stuff might suit me. I eat 5 to 6 times a week and in the meantime consume a tube of condensed milk each day, which is rich in calcium and sugar and keeps me going without the need for solids and all that pointless and boring chewing. I tired hemorrhoid cream once but it tasted funny and it paralyzed my lips.
Noble Dust February 13, 2023 at 01:01 #780452
Reply to Tom Storm

You should just buy a food processor. Buy a full case of Chef Boyardee, blend it in batches, freeze half, put the rest in Tupperware in the fridge, and you’ve got a months worth of meal prep out of the way. Better yet, bring it with you on the go in a thermos.
Tom Storm February 13, 2023 at 01:18 #780463
Reply to Noble Dust I like your thinking. Innovation.
Hanover February 13, 2023 at 02:17 #780472
Instead of watching the superbowl, I found this radio station that is playing the Casey Kasem top 40 hits from a random week in 1979. The station has a broadcast range of about 12 miles (90 watts). I have to keep the radio on my face or a Mexican format station over-rides it.

That week had really lame hits, most of which I don't know.

I will survive just cranked up, so I've got a head bop going with the radio bouncing about on my cheek.

A thick dollop of ass cream would hit the spot about now.
Hanover February 13, 2023 at 02:27 #780476
This is the #5 hit from sometime in February 1979. Rock on party people.

T Clark February 13, 2023 at 02:30 #780477
Quoting Hanover
Are you sure that's not hemorrhoid cream?


For all I know, creamed smoked cod roe is hemorrhoid cream.
T Clark February 13, 2023 at 02:33 #780478
Quoting Tom Storm
I find eating a real drag so that stuff might suit me. I eat 5 to 6 times a week and in the meantime consume a tube of condensed milk each day, which is rich in calcium and sugar and keeps me going without the need for solids and all that pointless and boring chewing.


Geez, you are one dour SoB.
T Clark February 13, 2023 at 02:36 #780480
Quoting Noble Dust
Is that a Super Bowl snack tradition in the Clark household?


Not in this Clark house. I just ate some traditional pigs-in-blankets my wife made. How she got the pigs to hold still while she wrapped them in dough I'll never know.

That's really more of a @Hanover joke than one of mine.
Hanover February 13, 2023 at 02:38 #780481
Wow. Disco sucks worse than I remembered.
Hanover February 13, 2023 at 02:39 #780483
Quoting T Clark
How she got the pigs to hold still while she wrapped them in dough I'll never know.


I thought you said they were in blankets.
T Clark February 13, 2023 at 02:50 #780486
Quoting Hanover
I thought you said they were in blankets.


Hey, don't ask me. It's your joke.
Noble Dust February 13, 2023 at 03:51 #780499
Quoting T Clark
How she got the pigs to hold still while she wrapped them in dough I'll never know.


Similarly to how @Tom Storm eats his Chef Boyardee, you just put the pigs in a blender to create a hot dog-esque consistency. This causes them to hold still, so to speak. They're now much easier to wrap in the blankets, which, when baked, turn into a sort of cooked dough texture.

Speaking of @Hanover jokes.
javi2541997 February 13, 2023 at 05:25 #780514
If there is someone around, good morning! :flower:
BC February 13, 2023 at 06:00 #780522
Reply to javi2541997 Good morning! I'm just heading for bed -- it's midnight in Minnesota. Have a good day.
javi2541997 February 13, 2023 at 06:25 #780524
Reply to BC Good night BC! Have good dreams, not nightmares! Today I have a law exam and that's why I woke up so early (at 06:00 AM)
Jamal February 13, 2023 at 06:38 #780525
Reply to javi2541997 Good morning and good luck!
javi2541997 February 13, 2023 at 06:59 #780530
Quoting Jamal
Good morning and good luck!


Thank you friend! and good day to you too! :up:
universeness February 13, 2023 at 11:43 #780563
Hanover February 13, 2023 at 15:16 #780604
Top of the morning to one and to all!
Hanover February 13, 2023 at 15:18 #780605
jorndoe February 13, 2023 at 15:33 #780608
New Exascale Supercomputer Can Do a Quintillion Calculations a Second
[sup]— Sarah Scoles · Scientific American · Feb 9, 2023[/sup]

[sup]• the equipment runs 1.1 exaflops, flops = floating point operations per second, exa ? quintillion
• 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 = 10[sup]18[/sup] = a quintillion
• (floating point numbers are an approximation to decimal numbers used in computers)[/sup]

Be nice to have one in the basement. Could make my own weather forecasts.

T Clark February 13, 2023 at 15:49 #780610
Quoting Noble Dust
you just put the pigs in a blender to create a hot dog-esque consistency.


Alas, when I bought my blender I forgot to get the super king-sized model. Mine will handle cats and small dogs, but not pigs.
T Clark February 13, 2023 at 16:57 #780614
Reply to Tom Storm

Quoting T Clark
I find eating a real drag so that stuff might suit me. I eat 5 to 6 times a week and in the meantime consume a tube of condensed milk each day, which is rich in calcium and sugar and keeps me going without the need for solids and all that pointless and boring chewing.
— Tom Storm

Geez, you are one dour SoB.


I felt like a dick after writing this. Then I came across this while reading. I thought it might add a different perspective.

Tao Te Ching, Verse 12, Lin Yutang translation

[i]The five colors blind the eyes of man;
The five musical notes deafen the ears of man; The five flavors dull the taste of man;
Horse-racing, hunting and chasing madden the minds of man;
Rare, valuable goods keep their owners awake at night.

Therefore the Sage:
Provides for the belly and not for the eye.
Hence, he rejects the one and accepts the other.[/i]

Chuang Tzu, Chapter 12, Lin Yutang translation

THE FIVE SENSES DETRACT FROM OUR NATURE. There are five ways in which we lose our original nature. First, the five colors confuse the eye and obstruct our vision. Second, the five notes confuse the ear and obstruct our hearing. Third, the five smells assail our nostrils and block up our forehead. Fourth, the five tastes foul the mouth and hurt our taste. Fifth, desires and occupations confuse our mind and cause agitation of our spirit. All these do injury to our life, and yet Yang Chu and Motse regard them as (means toward) fulfillment. That is not what I would regard as fulfillment. For if fulfillment means enslavement, how can it be regarded as fulfillment? If so, then the pigeon and the owl in a cage may regard them- selves as having fulfilled themselves. Besides, if a man's mind is cluttered with desires and occupations and his body is enclosed in a fur cap, or a kingfisher hat, and belts and ceremonial tablets, his mind a mass of stuffed confusion inside and his body a bundle of entanglements outside, and he still claims self-fulfillment from behind that bundle of entanglements, then the convict whose hands are tied behind his back and whose fingers are in a squeezer, and the tigers and leopards behind the bars, may also claim fulfillment of their nature.
Tom Storm February 13, 2023 at 18:54 #780648
Quoting T Clark
I felt like a dick after writing this. Then I came across this while reading. I thought it might add a different perspective.


:up: No worries - didn't take it personally.

Quoting T Clark
Chuang Tzu, Chapter 12, Lin Yutang translation


Interesting perspective.



frank February 13, 2023 at 19:25 #780668
Paul was actually Elmo:

Metaphysician Undercover February 14, 2023 at 00:14 #780791
Quoting T Clark
Alas, when I bought my blender I forgot to get the super king-sized model.


Should have got the one that does a quintillion cuts per second, instantaneous blending.
T Clark February 14, 2023 at 01:46 #780810
Quoting Metaphysician Undercover
Should have got the one that does a quintillion cuts per second, instantaneous blending.
an hour ago


Yes. I read about that today. It's one of those exascale parallel superblenders.
jorndoe February 15, 2023 at 02:34 #781131
Quantum Entanglement Isn’t All That Spooky After All
[sup]— Chris Ferrie · Scientific American · Feb 13, 2023[/sup]

Hossenfelder comments further ...
[tweet]https://twitter.com/skdh/status/1625138943405568000[/tweet]

T Clark February 15, 2023 at 03:33 #781139
Quoting Tom Storm
No worries - didn't take it personally.


Even if you didn't take it personally, it doesn't mean I wasn't a dick for saying it.
Noble Dust February 15, 2023 at 06:18 #781163
Reply to T Clark

Even if you were a dick for saying it, it doesn't mean he wasn't not taking it seriously.
universeness February 15, 2023 at 14:35 #781243
Reply to jorndoe
Thanks for positing those links. Reading the scientific american article, was very interesting.
The 'algebra' involved in the Alice and Bob example using 'quantum information,' would have been interesting to see and I tried the 'setting up your own entangled Qbits,' link, but when I tried to return to the scientific american article, it only showed me a part of it, unless I subscribed to them.
It's also always very interesting and useful to get opinion from Sabine Hossenfelder.
T Clark February 15, 2023 at 16:19 #781258
Quoting Noble Dust
Even if you were a dick for saying it, it doesn't mean he wasn't not taking it seriously.


Even if he would have been a dick for taking it personally, I shouldn't have said it.
Tom Storm February 15, 2023 at 19:02 #781288
Reply to T Clark To be honest I thought it we were just shooting the shit in the shoutbox. It didn't occur to me to take your comment seriously, just as my original comment was just a bit of nonsense.
T Clark February 15, 2023 at 19:26 #781293
Quoting Tom Storm
To be honest I thought it we were just shooting the shit in the shoutbox. It didn't occur to me to take your comment seriously, just as my original comment was just a bit of nonsense.


Sometimes I think I'm funnier than I actually am. Don't tell @Hanover I said that. And sometimes I step over a line that means something to me even if it doesn't to you. And yes, I was just goofing around. I haven't met anyone like you before.
Hanover February 15, 2023 at 20:38 #781308
Quoting T Clark
I haven't met anyone like you before.


Is this like some weird sexual tension developing here?
Tom Storm February 15, 2023 at 21:37 #781330
T Clark February 16, 2023 at 17:22 #781587
I was looking for an old post and went looking through @StreetlightX's list of discussions. Here are some of them:

  • Carlo Rovelli against Mathematical Platonism
  • TPF Quote Cabinet
  • What Capitalism is Not (specifically, it is not markets)
  • GameStop and the Means of Prediction
  • On the Value of Wikipedia
  • Spanishly, Englishly, Japanesely
  • Eleven Theses on Civility
  • Joy against Happiness
  • Testimony of Abbie Hoffman (Chicago 7)
  • God and Religion Arguments [Mega-Thread, Ver2]
  • David Graeber - Introduction to Mutual Aid
  • God and Religion Arguments [Mega-Thread]
  • The Value of Emotions
  • The Brothers Karamazov Discussion
  • A Theory of Information
  • The ABCs of Socialism
  • Thought Experiments = Bad Philosophy
  • Hannah Arendt's 2nd Year Course on Thinking…
  • Thinking-of, Thinking-for, Thinking-with.
  • Emotions Are Concepts
  • Giorgio Agamben on the Frontispiece of Hobbes' Leviathan
  • What It Is Like To Experience X
  • Pronouns and Gender
  • Two Questions on Stoicism
  • Collective Subjectivity
  • Ethical Principles
  • Why Things Are Awful: A Debt Perspective
  • If Not Identity Politics, Then What?
  • We are responsible ONLY for what we do NOT control
  • Concepts and Correctness
  • Simply Can't Function Without My Blanket!
  • Haddocks' Eyes
  • The Material and the Medial
  • Augmented > Virtual Reality (also, Microbots)
  • Concepts and Apparatus
  • Subjectivities
  • Gesture, Language, Math
  • Philosophical Cartography
  • The Deception and the Lie


He had three pages of them. This is a listing of just the first page. I was reminded of what a cool guy he was and how much he contributed to the forum.

Please don't think this post is intended as criticism for what happened or what decisions were made. That's not my point at all. I was just reminded of how grateful I was for having his voice here on the forum.
jorndoe February 16, 2023 at 18:25 #781593
Well then ... :D

With Russia’s Viagra supply cut off, authorities look to generics as backup
[sup]— Francesca Ebel · The Washington Post · Feb 15, 2023[/sup]

36 Russian companies scramble?

Sir2u February 16, 2023 at 23:09 #781633
Reply to jorndoe That should cut down on future generations of Russians trying to take over the world then.
BC February 17, 2023 at 02:24 #781693
Reply to Sir2u At the rate billions of people are not reproducing, we could be back to 3 billion people like we were in 1960 in a pleasantly short period of time (hmm maybe 60 years?) Oh happy day!
Outlander February 17, 2023 at 05:52 #781740
Quoting T Clark
I was just reminded of how grateful I was for having his voice here on the forum.


Well what have you learned from him? People no longer around either live or die through those they have known or spoken to. Each of us as individuals are, in a way, much like a kingdom. There is a royal court (the conscious), there are knights, squires, and peasants (ideals and virtue, memories, and desires, respectively). There is a courtyard or garden (the mind). Much else. In speaking or teaching another we manifest our kingdom within others and make new alliances with their own.

What has he manifested in you?
javi2541997 February 17, 2023 at 06:34 #781752
Reply to Outlander I think @T Clark is experiencing nostalgia or melancholy for someone who is no longer in the forum. It is not about if he had learned something from him but the interaction between them. I think I would have felt the same if some users decide to leave the forum or get banned when they used to interact a lot with me. I had this feeling when @Prishon got banned because I remember interacting a lot with him.
You just miss their presence here. :sparkle:
T Clark February 17, 2023 at 12:22 #781803
Quoting Outlander
What has he manifested in you?


An odd question and an odd post. I am drawn to competence, subtlety, intelligence. There are a few people on the forum who have meant a lot to me. At the top of the list are Timeline, Apokrisis, and StreetlightX. What more reason do I need.
T Clark February 17, 2023 at 12:22 #781804
Quoting javi2541997
You just miss their presence here.


Thanks Javi.
T Clark February 17, 2023 at 12:38 #781807
@Hanover

Thought you might be interested:

Quoting Some guy at Stanford
The average erect penis length has increased by 24% over the past three decades across the world. From an average of 4.8 inches to 6 inches. Given the significant implications, attention to potential causes should be investigated.
Hanover February 17, 2023 at 12:41 #781809
Reply to T Clark I had actually noticed an increase in my own penis length and girth, although it seems situational, but, in any event, this study appears correct from my own experience.

Thank you for keeping me informed of these recent scientific discoveries.
unenlightened February 17, 2023 at 16:42 #781845
the therapist has problems getting past the defence mechanisms of AI, and establishing a close rapport.



praxis February 17, 2023 at 17:37 #781852
Reply to T Clark

We looked at flaccid, stretched and erect length and created one large database of measurements.


Imagine stretching, erecting, and measuring dicks across the globe for thirty years. That’s either an incredible dedication to science or a true love of dick.
javi2541997 February 17, 2023 at 17:39 #781853
Quoting praxis
Imagine stretching, erecting, and measuring dicks across the globe for thirty years. That’s either an incredible dedication to science or a true love of dick.


:rofl:
BC February 17, 2023 at 19:16 #781882
Reply to T Clark 1942 to 2021 is a respectable time frame to study reproductive issues; however the article also reports that erect penile length got longer, from an average of 4.8 inches to 6 inches, over the past 29 years! Given our interest in penises and promiscuity, it seems like gay men would have noticed that much change over this short a length of time. There have been no rumors, unsubstantiated or otherwise, to the happy effect that dicks are getting longer.

The "average dick" (referring here to phalli, and not to T. Clark's apologies for being or not being a dick) has long been between 5 and 6 inches. Asian dicks tend to be shorter, African dicks tend to be longer. European dicks are between the two,

Who cares? Condom manufacturers care.

You could ask Karex Berhad, a Malaysian manufacturer which produces about 5 billion condoms a year. Or Reckitt Benckiser Group- UK, Life Styles Healthcare - Australia, Caution Wear Corp - US - makes the Iron Grip condom, Church & Dwight Co. - US - makes Trojan, Cupid Limited - India, CPR - Germany - makes Siko brand which doesn't work in English, ONE Condoms US, Sagami Rubber Industries Co. and Okamoto Industries - Japan.
Hanover February 17, 2023 at 19:37 #781887
Quoting BC
Given our interest in penises and promiscuity, it seems like gay men would have noticed that much change over this short a length of time.


The problem is, and I could be wrong here, is that people tend to visit penises of those within a certain age range of their own. That is, I assume the penises you visited in your 20s were also more or less 20 years old, with the penile age of others who you visited aging with you. What this means is that you've not personally experienced the recent societal penis blossoming because it has occurred in those many years your youth.

What I would suggest therefore is that you experimentally for the purposes of scientific research visit upon the youth (>18 of course) and see if there has been this prospering mushrooming of peni or whether the data we've been provided is felatious.
BC February 17, 2023 at 21:01 #781896
Quoting Hanover
felatious


Your excellent pun did not go unnoticed!

Quoting Hanover
That is, I assume the penises you visited in your 20s were also more or less 20 years old, with the penile age of others who you visited aging with you.


It has not been proved that time passes for the penis at the same rate it does for the rest of the body. A given penis might retire at 40 years age, much to the regret of its otherwise vigorous owner/operator. Another penises might still be vigorous as its owner/operator approaches his grave.

A "visit upon the youth" would provide cross-sectional data on penis size at a particular age. It may be that the Stanford data on penis length was longitudinal (a slice vs. the whole kielbasa). Maybe the data suggest that penises grew in length as their age increased. So, at age 18, 4.8"; at age 38, 6.0". You yourself noticed that your penis enlarges when stimulated (a helpful sign of having a pulse). I read in the Atlanta Constitution that 30 years ago your penis's performance was anemic in comparison to present performance.

Is it a case of use stimulating growth? A penis length study should be made of the several dozen actually successfully celibate priests compared to several dozen sexually prolific celibate priests. What was their dick length in seminary compared to how long was it when they made Monsignor or were defrocked for screwing the entire congregation?

Outlander February 17, 2023 at 21:46 #781906
Quoting T Clark
An odd question and an odd post. I am drawn to competence, subtlety, intelligence. There are a few people on the forum who have meant a lot to me. At the top of the list are Timeline, Apokrisis, and StreetlightX. What more reason do I need.


Oh. You made him seem interesting and the majority of his posts were a bit before my time. Just wondering what the guy was about and perhaps taught you throughout the length of his travels is all. Sorry.
Hanover February 18, 2023 at 01:45 #781956
The spirit got aholt a me.
Jamal February 18, 2023 at 13:27 #782049
User image

I happened upon a plum pie. Gonna have a piece.
T Clark February 18, 2023 at 14:07 #782059
Quoting Outlander
You made him seem interesting and the majority of his posts were a bit before my time.


Here are links to a couple of my favorite of Streetlight's threads. As you can tell from the list I provided, his interests were eclectic. I especially appreciated his understanding of science.

https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/2235/networks-evolution-and-the-question-of-life

https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/3116/more-is-different
jorndoe February 18, 2023 at 18:20 #782098
:D

Comedy in the works they say:

Keeping Up With The Kremlin

(first read it as "Keeping Up With The Gremlin", but figure there isn't much difference)

Jamal February 18, 2023 at 18:33 #782101
Quoting Jamal
I happened upon a plum pie. Gonna have a piece.


It was disappointing. Underneath the pie- or tart-like visible exterior, it turned out to be more of a spongecake than a pie, with nothing identifiable as a piece of plum except those thinly deceptive upper fragments visible in the photograph, and little that I would call actual pastry. I said what the hell, and my wife said that’s what we call a pie here and it’s delicious, stop complaining. Being for some reason very grumpy today, I vehemently disagreed and ranted about how Russians can’t make pies. Later I came to realize that I had been a whining bore and said so, but the damage was done.
BC February 18, 2023 at 19:56 #782115
Reply to Jamal

Picky Jamal sat down near a well
Partook of purported prune pie.
He stuck in his thumb
But found not even one plum
And damned Slavic pies to hell.

More Than You Want to Know Department:

The rhyme [Little Jack Horner sat in a Corner ... ] references Henry VIII's liquidation of Catholic monasteries. One Thomas Horner was involved. His name was changed to Jack for rhythmic reasons. The Horner family occupied formerly Catholic property granted to them by Henry until the 20th century.

https://www.npr.org/2006/01/08/5135080/reason-behind-the-rhyme-little-jack-horner
Jamal February 18, 2023 at 19:58 #782116
Quoting BC
Picky Jamal sat down near a well
Partook of purported prune pie.
He stuck in his thumb
But found not even one plum
And damned Slavic pies to hell.


:lol: :clap:
Sir2u February 18, 2023 at 21:08 #782127
Reply to BC Well with the developments in medicine continuing to advance at the rate it is now, we might still be alive.
the problem is that there will be no one to support us financially.
jorndoe February 18, 2023 at 21:33 #782138
BC February 18, 2023 at 23:36 #782189
Quoting Sir2u
the problem is that there will be no one to support us financially.


That is the problem. A smaller workforce (and then a smaller population) means (perhaps a much) smaller economy, with fewer surpluses to support people who are past their sell-by dates. This isn't a distant future problem; Japan has been there for a while. Southern Italy is there. Quite a few places are.

One factor in maintaining population numbers is longevity.
Banno February 19, 2023 at 04:05 #782270
Hanover February 19, 2023 at 04:05 #782271
Quoting Jamal
happened upon a plum pie. Gonna have a piece.


Stargazey Pie is my favorite.

User image
Hanover February 19, 2023 at 04:08 #782272
In other news, I was at the deli, yet they were out of bread, but I remembered that my arm were made of bread, so I was able to make do with what I had.

User image
Banno February 19, 2023 at 04:16 #782273
Noble Dust February 19, 2023 at 04:35 #782274
Quoting Hanover
I remembered that my arm were made of bread


Ah ye a Lundena aferall mate?
Noble Dust February 19, 2023 at 04:38 #782275
I just accidentally spent the last hour listening to and recording short wave radio bands. I'm basically addicted. Hopefully bits and pieces will appear as loops/effects/sounds in future songs. This process is tapping into some corner of my brain I didn't know about.
Hanover February 19, 2023 at 04:44 #782276
Quoting Noble Dust
just accidentally spent the last hour listening to and recording short wave radio bands. I'm basically addicted. Hopefully bits and pieces will appear as loops/effects/sounds in future songs. This process is tapping into some corner of my brain I didn't know about.


I was at the park not long ago and they were having a shortwave meet up, filled with middle aged men with pocket protectors and their super model groupies (that part a joke), stringing antenna wire all around in an effort perhaps to contact Mars. I joked at the nerdome to my wife, only to be told I was likely staring into my not too distant future.

You apparently arrived already. Save me a seat.
Noble Dust February 19, 2023 at 04:57 #782277
Quoting Hanover
You apparently arrived already.


And I'm not even middle aged. I'm not sure what that says about my future.
Hanover February 19, 2023 at 05:14 #782279
Quoting Noble Dust
I'm not sure what that says about my future.


Probably just means you should have an enlarged prostate by your early thirties.
Noble Dust February 19, 2023 at 05:20 #782280
Quoting Hanover
early thirties.


Already there. Is that middle aged? Fuck me if so. I just take my sudden shortwave radio fascination to be a natural extension of my incredibly sensitive and empathetic listening skills, as evidenced by my many model groupies who have told me as much over the years.
javi2541997 February 19, 2023 at 05:43 #782285
Someone knows if @Amity is doing well? I checked the profile and it says that the last time active was one month ago. It is weird when some users are not around and you were used to interact with them.
Noble Dust February 19, 2023 at 05:48 #782287
Reply to javi2541997

I think she tends to dip in and out. I trust she's doing well, and that we'll see her again soon enough.
javi2541997 February 19, 2023 at 06:32 #782295
Quoting Noble Dust
I think she tends to dip in and out. I trust she's doing well, and that we'll see her again soon enough.


Thanks for cleaning up my doubts!
BC February 19, 2023 at 06:37 #782297
Quoting Noble Dust
accidentally


I'm sure it was fascinating, but how did it happen 'accidentally'?

Reply to javi2541997 It's always a surprising discovery but people have lives apart from TPF. Perhaps she found someone new and exciting. Like any of us guys, only in the flesh. Shawn has been absent for 8 days.

Or perhaps there was a dreadful accident, a case of flesh-eating streptococci, a radical philosophical conversion, dysfunctional equipment, or an unpaid ISP bill.

Quoting Noble Dust
Is that middle aged?


You think you'll make it to 80? Then middle age starts at 40. Middle age was the best of time; it was the worst of time. But youth was not so great either. So far, old age has been the tops.
javi2541997 February 19, 2023 at 07:00 #782300
Reply to BC I often make some breaks from internet to when life is getting busy. Yet, I don't remember staying out for more than one month. That's why I got worried, I remember Amity as someone who interacts a lot in the forum and she wrote big analyses in Short Story competion of December.
On the other hand, yes I miss @Shawn's photos of pigs too.

Quoting BC
It's always a surprising discovery but people have lives apart from TPF


It is interesting because if we calculate with percentages the use of my hours, I guess I interact more with TPF members than persons of "real life". 60 or even 70 % of my life presence is flowing around here.
BC February 19, 2023 at 07:25 #782302
Reply to javi2541997 Amity is very sharp. So is Shawn. Yes, miss them both - and others besides. Don't go away -- we would all miss you!
javi2541997 February 19, 2023 at 07:46 #782304
Quoting BC
Don't go away -- we would all miss you!


So you too! We would all miss your presence!
Hanover February 19, 2023 at 12:52 #782344
I miss you guys every time I blink, worried you won't reappear, but each time you do, calming my hyperventilating anxiety.

Other than the blink issue, I'm super chill.
Hanover February 19, 2023 at 13:00 #782347
The other thing that stresses me is that the burden increasingly rests on me to nonsense post, with the rest of you slackers doing as you will, knowing that I'll relieve you of that responsibility by working a double shift.

I mean I even posted an arm sammich, and what do I get in return?

Jamal February 19, 2023 at 13:16 #782352
Quoting Hanover
I mean I even posted an arm sammich, and what do I get in return?


User image

Finger muffin.
unenlightened February 19, 2023 at 13:59 #782363
Quoting Hanover
an arm sammich


The Earl of Sandwich repudiates in the strongest possible terms any attempt to associate his name with French so-called bread.
jorndoe February 19, 2023 at 16:56 #782387
Plot Twist: Wormholes May Have Already Been Discovered
[sup]— Rishabh Nakra, Shreejaya Karantha, Jeffrey Smith · The Secrets of the Universe · Dec 23, 2022 · 7m:29s[/sup]

The hypothesis is that wormholes (relativity) ? entanglement (quantum mechanics).
A connection between relativity and quantum mechanics.
I suppose it does make entanglement less "spooky". :)
Hard to imagine full implications; we'll see what comes of it.



Mikie February 19, 2023 at 18:17 #782411
Reply to Jamal

This looks amazing. I have yet to try plum pie. I’ll add it to my list. Damn.
Tom Storm February 19, 2023 at 19:51 #782436
Quoting Noble Dust
Already there. Is that middle aged? Fuck me if so.


I went straight from high school into middle age. I never liked being young - I hated the experience of inexperience and the music and the culture were a turn off. So I got a Harris tweed jacket, started listening to Mahler and never looked back. I hope to slip into old age momentarily...
L'éléphant February 19, 2023 at 19:56 #782437
Here's jambon-beurre sandwich. I don't eat it. But if you like a simple sandwich, this will surprise you.

User image
L'éléphant February 19, 2023 at 19:56 #782438
Quoting Tom Storm
I went straight from high school into middle age. I never liked being young - I hated the experience of inexperience and the music and the culture were a turn off. So I got a Harris tweed jacket, started listening to Mahler and never looked back. I hope to slip into old age momentarily...

hahaha! :up:
Jamal February 19, 2023 at 20:02 #782440
Quoting Tom Storm
So I got a Harris tweed jacket


With elbow patches, I hope.
BC February 19, 2023 at 20:24 #782444
Reply to Tom Storm I had a Harris tweed jacket before our dog chewed off a sleeve.
Hanover February 19, 2023 at 21:14 #782458
Quoting Tom Storm
I went straight from high school into middle age


I know what you mean. I've always been much more mature than my friends. Prolly cuz my crazy huge schlong.

.
Tom Storm February 19, 2023 at 21:35 #782462
Reply to Hanover Having an immense member is also obligatory for wisdom.
frank February 20, 2023 at 00:23 #782504
The real devil is a November wind who lifts the black arms of the sinner without craving or aversion.

He'd join the mourners in celebration of the slain if he had eyes to see the pain or ears to hear the cries.
Hanover February 20, 2023 at 01:18 #782509
I just watched "The Third Man" after learning it was supposedly one of the top movies of all time.

Meh.
Tom Storm February 20, 2023 at 01:58 #782514
Quoting Hanover
I just watched "The Third Man" after learning it was supposedly one of the top movies of all time.


It's probably in my top ten - but I tend to prefer older flicks.
Noble Dust February 20, 2023 at 02:44 #782530
Reply to Tom Storm

Were you that annoying freshman in college who asked incessant questions in every class? While wearing a newsboy?
Tom Storm February 20, 2023 at 03:07 #782535
Reply to Noble Dust Never owned any hats, but I did mispronounce allegorical and didacticism, whilst sitting on the floor having cheese and wine.
Hanover February 20, 2023 at 03:34 #782536
I made some Ethiopian food tonight. The butternut squash stew was better than the beef stew. I made the injera bread from some teff I bought online. Overall it was all good, but the spices and injera were off enough that it didn't taste fully authentic.

If I had it to do over again, I'd go to an African market and be more precise. I need to figure out how to get the texture and sourness of the njera right. It wasn't spongy enough and was a little too pancakey.

For dessert I had a finger muffin. The finger went straight up my nose when I bit in, satisfying my nose picking session for the evening and allowing me to turn in earlier for bed.
BC February 20, 2023 at 03:53 #782540
Quoting Hanover
it didn't taste fully authentic


I admire your enthusiasm for cooking food from around the world, but what makes you think there is a single 'fully authentic' Ethiopian food flavor? And really, what is "authentic taste" in any cuisine? Is there really only one, and exactly one, 'correct' flavor for any given food?

'Inauthentic versions' of specific cuisines might be uncommonly delicious and in other cases 'authentic' might be another word for disgusting.

Noble Dust February 20, 2023 at 04:22 #782544
Quoting Hanover
I made some Ethiopian food tonight.


With no sarcasm I salute you. I’m not at that level yet. You appear to have suddenly eclipsed both @Jamal and myself, the two resident cosmopolitans, in the home cooking game. I will now be forever bitter and butt hurt.

Reply to BC

Isn’t authenticity arrived at through consensus?
Jamal February 20, 2023 at 04:25 #782545
Quoting Noble Dust
Isn’t authenticity arrived at through consensus?


Title for new discussion.
Noble Dust February 20, 2023 at 04:42 #782549
T Clark February 20, 2023 at 05:24 #782561
Quoting Hanover
I just watched "The Third Man" after learning it was supposedly one of the top movies of all time.

Meh.


Yeah, it's often the case that sequels get worse the more there are. I really liked "The First Man." "The Second Man" was ok. They should have quit while they were ahead.
Mikie February 20, 2023 at 05:27 #782562
Quoting Hanover
Meh


Are you nuts? That movie was fantastic.
javi2541997 February 20, 2023 at 05:38 #782566
Quoting Hanover
The butternut squash...


Oh here we go again... :lol: different types of squashes. "Calabaza moscada", yes I - more or less - can imagine your dish.

Anyway, African gastronomy is delicious and fantastic. When I attended to college, I had two colleagues from Angola and Equatorial Guinea. They invited me to eat antelope and Yuca (Cassava) and it was so tasty.
Jamal February 20, 2023 at 05:53 #782570
I'm inspired to go out and try Ethiopian food. I see there's a restaurant in Moscow. Four stars on tripadvisor :chin:
BC February 20, 2023 at 06:24 #782575
Reply to javi2541997 Reply to Noble Dust Reply to Jamal

Regardless of where food is from, my policy is that 'good food is better than bad food'.
Noble Dust February 20, 2023 at 06:31 #782577
Reply to BC

Good food is what you like. In that sense, it's not about taste. What is taste? "Taste" seems to suggest some understanding of authenticity, which, as I mentioned, seems to be a consensus thing. To have "good taste" seems to mean you have an understanding of the consensus about authenticity. That doesn't mean I don't like Taco Bell. I do like Taco Bell. But we can still differentiate between "good and bad" food. Health, of course, plays a roll. Authentic food tends to be fairly healthy. If I want to eat "good" food, I'll probably search out "authentic" cuisine. If I don't care, I might make a trip to Taco Bell, and not feel guilty. But I know I'm eating "bad" food, but I'm still enjoying it.
Noble Dust February 20, 2023 at 06:42 #782579
Reply to Jamal

Do it. I too am shamefully behind on African cuisine. Perhaps you'll motivate me to try the Senegalese Joloff Rice place four blocks from my job.
Jamal February 20, 2023 at 06:46 #782580
Quoting Noble Dust
Joloff Rice


Now that’s something I’ve had. I used to know a guy from the Gambia and he made it one time. It was great.
Noble Dust February 20, 2023 at 06:56 #782581
Reply to Jamal

Ok, I think you've motivated me to try the Senegalese spot by my work this Wednesday. Please check in with me to make sure I follow through.
Noble Dust February 20, 2023 at 06:57 #782582
Reply to Jamal

I was going to mention, everyone I've spoken to about joloff rice has been effusive.
Jamal February 20, 2023 at 06:58 #782583
Quoting Noble Dust
Please check in with me to make sure I follow through.


Have you been to that Senegalese spot yet?
Noble Dust February 20, 2023 at 07:01 #782584
Reply to Jamal

Yes, I just ubered there, ate a take out container, and threw up. Really good stuff.
Jamal February 20, 2023 at 07:08 #782587
Reply to Noble Dust :cool:

Did you know that the Gambia is entirely surrounded by Senegal, except for its coastline, and that from 1982 to 1989 the countries were combined into Senegambia?
Noble Dust February 20, 2023 at 07:17 #782591
Reply to Jamal

I didn't, but I just read part of the Gambia wiki and now I do know that.
Jamal February 20, 2023 at 07:37 #782599
Reply to Noble Dust Did you also know that Jolof rice is named after the Jolof Empire 1350–1549 and the Jolof Kingdom 1549–1875? I didn’t. There’s a lot of shit to know.
BC February 20, 2023 at 07:50 #782601
Reply to Noble Dust Because good food is better than bad food, I have never eaten at Taco Bell and never will. White Castle is was low as I will go, and I haven't gone that far down for ... decades.

If 'taste' were only a matter of consensus, then representatives of the masses would be featured in the tastemaker columns of the New York Times and New Yorker rather than the narrow demographic that presently occupies their stables. And reviews would be written about a much different list of restaurants than presently are reviewed.
Baden February 20, 2023 at 11:00 #782633
Was in Thailand for a couple of weeks. They have Taco Bell there too. :yum:
Baden February 20, 2023 at 11:02 #782634
Sarcasm. I would rather dip my head in boiling lava than eat that in a country where you can get a supremely great bowl of noodles for a dollar on the street.
Baden February 20, 2023 at 11:08 #782635
Also beach food.User image

Hanover February 20, 2023 at 11:10 #782636
In Niger-Congo languages, the word for okra is ngombo or quingombo, which explains why gumbo is made from okra, although some forms of gumbo don't have okra, which makes them, per the laws of etymology, inauthentic.

My cat's name is also Gumbo, as she enjoys okra in all its varied forms: pickled, stewed, and fried, although she lives in fear of the cucumber.
Hanover February 20, 2023 at 11:13 #782637
Quoting Baden
Also beach food.


Nothing like hauling a clay pot down to the beach.
Baden February 20, 2023 at 11:15 #782638
Reply to Hanover

Silly. I made that down there with sand. water, and a blowtorch.
Baden February 20, 2023 at 12:55 #782656
https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64702224

These changes are stupid and unnecessary.
unenlightened February 20, 2023 at 13:01 #782658
Reply to Baden

The way we call the shit house a toilet or a lavatory or a cloakroom, instead of cleaning it.
Baden February 20, 2023 at 13:02 #782659
Western kids are not allowed to read the word "fat" because they might get upset. Meanwhile, the child slave labourers in the developing world who are too busy providing us with food to be fat don't really exist because we are good people. Perfectly rational world we live in.

Reply to unenlightened

Yep.
Jamal February 20, 2023 at 13:04 #782660
Quoting Baden
Western kids are not allowed to read the word "fat"


[quote=Max Horkheimer, Eclipse of Reason]As in the days of magic, each word is regarded as a dangerous force that might destroy society and for which the speaker must be held responsible. […] The difference between thinking and acting is held void. Thus every thought is regarded as an act; every reflection is a thesis, and every thesis is a watchword. Everyone is called on the carpet for what he says or does not say. Everything and everybody is classified and labeled.[/quote]
Baden February 20, 2023 at 13:05 #782661
Reply to Jamal

So you did read that stuff. Thought you were just frontin'. :nerd:
Jamal February 20, 2023 at 13:06 #782662
Reply to Baden :lol:

Yes, and I’ll be quoting it wherever possible.
Baden February 20, 2023 at 13:07 #782663
Reply to Jamal

:party:
Baden February 20, 2023 at 13:10 #782664
I met a Swiss commodities trader who recently visited a supplier of a major banana brand in Haiti. He told me he inspected the place and not one of the workers was over 12 or had even a pair of shoes. But don't upset the kids! Give them a banana!
Hanover February 20, 2023 at 13:29 #782669
Quoting Jamal
Did you also know that Jolof rice is named after the Jolof Empire 1350–1549 and the Jolof Kingdom 1549–1875?


Little known fact is that Basmati rice was named after Joe "Riceface" Basmati, a notorious gangster who controlled the rice trade and would bust heads down at the pier, who was eventually sent away for killing Uncle Ben for moving in on his wife Jasmine and making her sticky rice.
Jamal February 20, 2023 at 13:45 #782672
Reply to Hanover That’s some really remarkable riffing on rice.
Baden February 20, 2023 at 13:54 #782674
Reply to Hanover

I suspect some inaccuracies and request references.
Hanover February 20, 2023 at 14:45 #782682
Quoting Baden
I met a Swiss commodities trader who recently visited a supplier of a major banana brand in Haiti. He told me he inspected the place and not one of the workers was over 12 or had even a pair of shoes. But don't upset the kids! Give them a banana!


But if we take the banana business away from the kids, they kids won't even have bananas.
T Clark February 20, 2023 at 16:20 #782707
Quoting Jamal
Did you know that the Gambia is entirely surrounded by Senegal


If you look at it on a map, the Gambia has a really funny border. It looks like it is defined as about 6 miles from the Gambia River, so the border meanders the same way the river does. I assume it was set up by negotiation between interests during colonial times. Africa has other odd borders e.g. the Caprivi Strip, a long thin panhandle in the northeast corner of Namibia which the Germans grabbed to give access to the Zambesi River. Europeans and their progeny ruin everything.
T Clark February 20, 2023 at 16:23 #782708
Quoting Noble Dust
threw up


Quoting Noble Dust
everyone I've spoken to about joloff rice has been effusive.


Definition of effusive -
  • Unrestrained or excessive in emotional expression; gushy.
  • Profuse; overflowing.
  • Pouring out; pouring forth freely.


So now you're effusive too.
T Clark February 20, 2023 at 16:31 #782715
Quoting Hanover
she lives in fear of the cucumber.


Just like @Noble Dust.

T Clark February 20, 2023 at 16:43 #782717
Quoting unenlightened
The way we call the shit house a toilet or a lavatory or a cloakroom, instead of cleaning it.


In the UK, they call it a boot or a lorry or something like that. Oh, wait. No. It's WC, which stands for wooly candle.
T Clark February 20, 2023 at 16:45 #782719
Quoting Baden
So you did read that stuff. Thought you were just frontin'.


I've always assumed @Jamal makes up all his quotes just like I do.
T Clark February 20, 2023 at 17:47 #782737
Given my strong interest in metaphysics I'm thinking about starting a thread about a new ontological approach I call "metawiki," which includes the presupposition that if something isn't listed in Wikipedia, it doesn't exist.
T Clark February 20, 2023 at 18:20 #782746
More penis-related news for @Hanover

Quoting Some guy at Newcastle University
2,000 year-old artefact — the first known example of a disembodied wooden phallus recovered anywhere in the Roman world

BC February 20, 2023 at 18:55 #782758
Reply to T Clark Fact: Woody phalli are the source of the expression "knock on wood" for good luck.
T Clark February 20, 2023 at 19:05 #782762
Quoting BC
Woody phalli are the source of the expression "knock on wood" for good luck.


I hope you'll pardon me if I remain skeptical.
Hanover February 20, 2023 at 19:06 #782764
Quoting BC
Are wooden phalli the source of the expression "knock on wood" for good luck?


No, what you have been exposed to here provides the origin of the expression "woody," describing an untiring erection, which is not only represented by this recent find, but also by various other dildi in this same geographic region, generally descibed as Upper Phallactia.
T Clark February 20, 2023 at 19:24 #782771
Quoting Hanover
No, what you have been exposed to here provides the origin of the expression "woody," describing an untiring erection, which is not only represented by this recent find, but also by various other dildi in this same geographic region, generally descibed as Upper Phallactia.


Can it be a coincidence that Dido was the legendary queen and founder of Carthage, Rome's primary military opponent in the Mediterranean.
BC February 20, 2023 at 20:02 #782783
Reply to T Clark Oleo idaho dido dildo diedio.
Hanover February 20, 2023 at 20:53 #782792
Quoting T Clark
Can it be a coincidence that Dido was the legendary queen and founder of Carthage, Rome's primary military opponent in the Mediterranean.


Dido is some pretty boring stuff:



Now, Devo, on the other hand, are some top quality flower pot wearing singers:


Hanover February 20, 2023 at 20:56 #782793
@Jamal

Max Horkheimer, Eclipse of Reason:As in the days of magic, each word is regarded as a dangerous force that might destroy society and for which the speaker must be held responsible. […] The difference between thinking and acting is held void. Thus every thought is regarded as an act; every reflection is a thesis, and every thesis is a watchword. Everyone is called on the carpet for what he says or does not say. Everything and everybody is classified and labeled.


If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. Tracht gut vet zein gut.
Noble Dust February 20, 2023 at 22:36 #782818
Quoting Hanover
Devo


They're from Akron Ohio, 10 minutes from my hometown.
Banno February 21, 2023 at 00:48 #782850
Quoting T Clark
if something isn't listed in Wikipedia, it doesn't exist.


There's a problem there...

Quoting wikipedia
The page "Philosophy forums" does not exist. You can create a draft and submit it for review, or you may create the page "Philosophy forums" directly, but consider checking the search results below to see whether the topic is already covered.
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 01:07 #782855
Quoting Noble Dust
They're from Akron Ohio, 10 minutes from my hometown.


Wherever you roam New Wave is nearby.

T Clark February 21, 2023 at 03:36 #782881
Quoting Banno
There's a problem there...


In recent weeks, members have claimed that nothing exists but me, quantum mechanics proves that nothing exists, substance does not exist, and so on and so on. My formulation is no odder than those. A little-known alternative version of Occam's Razor states - "Other things being equal, there is no reason to choose between equally goofy explanations."
Banno February 21, 2023 at 03:39 #782882
Reply to T Clark Oh, sure. It's just that if you take as your criteria for a thing's existing that it's listed in wikipedia, and if this forum is not listed on wikipedia, then you will be starting a thread on a non-existent forum.

Quoting T Clark
I'm thinking about starting a thread...


T Clark February 21, 2023 at 03:40 #782884
Quoting Banno
It's just that if you take as your criteria for a thing's existing that it's listed in wikipedia, and if this forum is not listed on wikipedia, then you will be starting a thread on a non-existent forum.


And that's still not as goofy as solipsism, but people talk about that as if were worth discussing.
Noble Dust February 21, 2023 at 03:50 #782887
Reply to Banno @T Clark

Seems like the time is ripe to make the TPF wiki page a reality. All sources would be primary. Each regular member could even have their own dedicated page, also backed by our robust primary source while retaining individual anonymity.
T Clark February 21, 2023 at 04:19 #782890
Quoting Noble Dust
Seems like the time is ripe to make the TPF wiki page a reality.


I'm not going to do it. Although it may seem as if I am to @Banno and other less sophisticated members, I am not in fact a philosopher, as much as I may appear to be. But, in line with my hypothetical profession, I talk about everything, but actually do nothing.
Banno February 21, 2023 at 04:36 #782894
Reply to Noble Dust
Good luck with meeting the notability criteria.

Reply to T Clark Rude.

I'd never mistake you for a philosopher. - i've read some of your posts.
Noble Dust February 21, 2023 at 04:42 #782895
Reply to Banno

Dreamers will always dream, while pedants pedant.
Banno February 21, 2023 at 04:58 #782897
Reply to Noble Dust Your first problem would be finding secondary sources.

The best thing about TPF is, nobody cares. We have brought forth wind, and that the offspring of our brains are not worth bringing up.
Noble Dust February 21, 2023 at 05:05 #782898
Reply to Banno

Your first problem is picking up on social cues.
javi2541997 February 21, 2023 at 05:26 #782899
I recommend you to taste Costa Rica's coffee. It is tasty, strong, creamy and toasted :up: It is awesome to start the morning with.
Banno February 21, 2023 at 05:31 #782900
Quoting Noble Dust
Your first problem is picking up on social cues.


I'm perfecting the art of denigrating them obliquely.
Noble Dust February 21, 2023 at 05:45 #782902
Reply to javi2541997

I'm intrigued. I know I've had Costa Rican coffee before, but I can't place it's terroir off the top of my head. What you describe sounds like what I like. I'll have to find a boujee roastery in Brooklyn that purveys the stuff.

Reply to Banno

Good job, Timmy. You'll be banno'd in no time.
Banno February 21, 2023 at 05:59 #782903
Reply to Noble Dust My preference;
User image

It used to be labeled "Product of Palestine", but no longer.

The catchline on the back is "Negrita - The Coffee for Thinkers", but I drink it anyway.

And the buxom serving girl is sometimes replaced by Rodan's contemplative colossus.
Noble Dust February 21, 2023 at 06:05 #782904
Reply to Banno

Looks like pre-ground. I'm disgusted.
Banno February 21, 2023 at 06:06 #782905
Quoting Noble Dust
I'm disgusted.


Then I am content.
Noble Dust February 21, 2023 at 06:08 #782906
Reply to Banno

And I'm more sure than I ever have been.
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 06:14 #782907
Quoting javi2541997
I recommend you to taste Costa Rica's coffee


Isn’t this like saying “I recommend you to taste France’s cheese”?
BC February 21, 2023 at 06:18 #782908
Reply to javi2541997 I much prefer freshly roasted and ground coffee for breakfast - a darker roast, preferably, with frothed milk, sourced from Costa Rica, Sumatra, wherever.

Unfortunately, that involves a bit too much cash and effort. I generally settle for Aldi's German Roast. It is an adequate source of caffeine; it's brown, wet, and hot.

Exquisite coffee can not be made from rubbish beans, but given at least very good beans, I think a lot of the goodness is added -- or ruined -- by the roaster. That said, some coffees (same roaster) just have more and better fragrance, flavor, body, mouth feel... magic.
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 06:20 #782909
Costa Rica is one of the countries I have almost moved to. I was going to be living in a beach house surrounded by howler monkeys. Fell through. I told myself I wouldn’t have liked it anyway, because of the howler monkeys and the biggest spiders in the world.

The other country was Papua New Guinea.
javi2541997 February 21, 2023 at 06:21 #782910
Reply to Noble Dust Give it another chance, trust me!

Quoting Jamal
Isn’t this like saying “I recommend you to taste France’s cheese”?


Or Scotland's whisky! :lol: (sorry I feel so motivated and nervous for drinking coffee in the morning)
javi2541997 February 21, 2023 at 06:26 #782912
Reply to BC Exactly. That's what I intended to explain. Costa Rican coffee has flavor, body, mouth feel, etc... it is different from Shanghai coffee or Darkhan. These two are hard and the taste is more solid.
I have different coffees around the world and it is crazy how the taste variates depending on the country. African coffees are in the top too: Kenya, Ivory Coast and Madagascar. This three are so good.
BC February 21, 2023 at 06:26 #782913
Reply to Jamal France has too many varieties of cheese to be governed, but what makes Costa Rican coffee so good? They say:

REASON #1: BAD COFFEE IS LITERALLY AGAINST THE LAW. (as well it should be)

Costa Rica has not one, not two, but eight distinct regions that produce their own unique flavor of coffee. The country’s diverse climate leads to a huge variety of microclimates and humidity, all perfect for growing different varieties of beans.

One of the most famous regions is Tarrazú, renowned for its acidic taste and heavy havy aromas. Brunca produces moderate flavors, while Valle Occidental is recognized for the subtle hint of peaches and apricots in its beans. The diversity of climates and changes in humidity give each region distinct flavors, so you can enjoy Costa Rican coffee eight different ways.

Our diverse tropical climate allows us to produce a diverse array of coffee flavors to suit all tastes. The eight growing regions each have has special characteristics and are famous for different aspects of their flavor, so you can enjoy Costa Rican coffee eight different ways.
javi2541997 February 21, 2023 at 06:26 #782914
Quoting Jamal
The other country was Papua New Guinea.


:up: :100:
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 06:43 #782916
Quoting Hanover
If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. Tracht gut vet zein gut.


The internet told me this means “Think good, it will be good,” which I can add to my growing arsenal of handy Yiddish sayings. On the other hand, it reminds me too much of my ex-girlfriend, who didn’t speak Yiddish but was into the Law of Attraction, which expresses the same thought, though in a more annoying way.
BC February 21, 2023 at 06:44 #782917
A bald eagle laid an egg in Minnesota last week. The eagle(s) at this nest have been on DNR cameras for about 10 years.

User image

Jamal February 21, 2023 at 06:46 #782918
Quoting javi2541997
Or Scotland's whisky! :lol: (sorry I feel so motivated and nervous for drinking coffee in the morning)


Don’t worry. When you’re drinking whisky in the morning is when you have to start worrying.
BC February 21, 2023 at 06:49 #782920
Reply to Banno He was an anthropologist -- apparently worth something. Had he been a philosophy professor, they'd have left him alone, such having no ransom value whatsoever.
BC February 21, 2023 at 06:52 #782921
Quoting javi2541997
sorry I feel so motivated and nervous for drinking coffee in the morning


God made coffee expressly for the purpose of us drinking it in the morning. Before the Beginning, God knew what a drag mornings would be for us.
javi2541997 February 21, 2023 at 07:05 #782922
Quoting Jamal
Don’t worry. When you’re drinking whisky in the morning is when you have to start worrying.


We have a specific name in Spanish for such act: "carajillo", when you drink both coffee and whisky in the morning. The soldiers who fought against USA back in 1898 with the aim of keeping Puerto Rico and Cuba, drank such "potion" to fight against American soldiers.
It wasn't effective...
javi2541997 February 21, 2023 at 07:06 #782923
Quoting BC
God made coffee expressly for the purpose of us drinking it in the morning.


I drink coffee all along the day, not just in the morning. It is one of my favourites drinks :up:
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 07:10 #782924
Quoting javi2541997
It wasn't effective


Interesting. I imagine it gave them courage, but not military effectiveness.
javi2541997 February 21, 2023 at 07:30 #782925
Reply to Jamal Exactly! That is the reason for the nature of the word. Courage in Spanish is said "coraje" and its diminutive: "carajillo",
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 07:43 #782927
Reply to javi2541997 Ah, it’s all making sense.

We use the term “Dutch courage”, which apparently goes back to the Anglo–Dutch war of 1665. The idea was that the Dutch had to be drunk to be brave in battle, which in my experience is still true today.
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 08:00 #782928
User image
javi2541997 February 21, 2023 at 08:13 #782929
Reply to Jamal Quoting Jamal
We use the term “Dutch courage"...

Another interesting fact I learned today!

Quoting Jamal
The idea was that the Dutch had to be drunk to be brave in battle, which in my experience is still true today.


I guess @Benkei knows a lot of this practice, Netherlands fought against both Spain and England, the Dutch are warrior folks :eyes:
Benkei February 21, 2023 at 08:21 #782931
Quoting javi2541997
Dutch are warrior folks


Nope, just renowned drunks. :razz:
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 08:23 #782932
Reply to javi2541997 True, they even wage wars against the sea.
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 11:10 #782953
Quoting Jamal
We use the term “Dutch courage”, which apparently goes back to the Anglo–Dutch war of 1665.


Little known fact. On August 8, 1666, war wearied Dutch soldier Johannes Van der Cleek and British soldier Charles Turnipseed met in the DMZ separating The Netherlands and England (go with me here) and shared a meal at the Happy Family Cafe. When the check came an argument ensued over payment, with a final resolution that they'd split the bill. This charming agreement ended the war, and that arrangement was hencetoforthforward forever referred to as "going Dutch." The French donated a statue of Johannes and Henry in a grinding embrace to mark the occasion and it still stands erect in Windmill Square in Dutchland just where the dike blocks the sea.

Jamal February 21, 2023 at 11:24 #782958
Reply to Hanover Good story. This is my favourite bit:

Quoting Hanover
grinding embrace
Benkei February 21, 2023 at 13:16 #782978
Reply to HanoverReply to Jamal In reality the English were a bunch of whiny bitches that couldn't win from a country about 1/20th its size so they came up with a bunch of pejoratives so they could at least still feel superior.

Instead of replying in kind we came up with "you ain't much, if you ain't Dutch".
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 14:31 #782990
Reply to Jamal My favorite part of the story upon a re-read is that I changed the name of the British soldier from Charles to Henry, unable to remember the names for even a paragraph. That might be a new literary device I've just discovered, where the story teller is so incompetent you can't be sure anything you're reading makes sense.
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 14:35 #782992
Reply to Hanover Here was I thinking that was your M-O all along.
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 14:37 #782993
Quoting Benkei
Instead of replying in kind we came up with "you ain't much, if you ain't Dutch".


But there is no comparison to being American. That's the best rhyme I could come up with.
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 14:41 #782994
If you are from the United States you probably enjoy delighted skates.

That's a pretty good one too. Not sure why I didn't think of that one first.

Obviously by skates, I don't mean the shoes with wheels, but the sting ray.
Benkei February 21, 2023 at 15:30 #783002
Reply to Hanover This is true. Unless you're a sumo wrestler in which case you can make a comparison.
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 15:36 #783005
Quoting Benkei
In reality the English were a bunch of whiny bitches that couldn't win from a country about 1/20th its size so they came up with a bunch of pejoratives so they could at least still feel superior.


True. They did the same with Scotland.

But today, the English are without exception a bunch of decent chaps and chapesses.
universeness February 21, 2023 at 16:04 #783008
Quoting Jamal
But today, the English are without exception a bunch of decent chaps and chapesses.

So would you invite Boris Johnson, his daddy and Jacob Rees-Mog around to your house for some afternoon tiffin?
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 16:10 #783009
Reply to universeness Not all together, no.

Fantasy dinner party:

Boris Johnson (likes a swally, talks shite, sense of humour)
Karl Marx (likes a swally, strong opinions, philosophically interesting)
Engels (he can buy all the booze)

I’ve lost the will to finish this post.
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 16:44 #783017
My fantasy dinner party:

Jesus Christ and his brother Joseph Christ.
Moses and his sister Miriam and the evil Pharoah
Benjamin Button when he was really old but instead really young
Jack Sprat and his wife of ryhme.
The smell of victory
Herculeus and his brother Corky
@Baden and Porat
That girl in my high school math class who I secretely admired my freshman year who I don't remember her name, but I want her version back then and not so much whatever she looks like 40+ years later, but it would be weird now that I'm older and she would be too young for me now, but this is a fantasy, so I can say whatever I want, but I feel like this description is going on too long and you guys are tired of all this blah blah blah.
James K. Polk, former President of the US.
Debbie Gibson, that singer who used to sing in malls.
Ice Cream, not the name of a fictional rapper, but the actual food, but not to eat, but to dine with.
Three strippers way past their prime who really just needed the pay.
Bertrand Russell
Billy the Kid and the Sundance Kid and Kidd Rock (the whole Kid(d) family)
Bing Crosby

I've lost the will to finish this post.

Baden February 21, 2023 at 16:56 #783022
Reply to Hanover

Ok, but I don't recommend inviting Bertrand and strippers. The dude is notorious.
T Clark February 21, 2023 at 17:01 #783024
Quoting Banno
Rude.


Can it be rude if it's true?
T Clark February 21, 2023 at 17:23 #783031
Quoting Jamal
The other country was Papua New Guinea.


I've always been intrigued by Papua New Guinea. It shares half it's landmass with Indonesia. It was one of the last places where they still found people that had never seen modern outsiders before up till the 1940s. The land of cannibals. Which, I'm sure, just shows my ignorance. On the eastern side it has lots of smaller islands - New Britain, New Ireland - and it was in the center of fighting in World War 2. The battle of the Coral Sea, the first major sea battle between the Allies and Japan, took place in it's waters in 1942, just five months after Pearl Harbor.
T Clark February 21, 2023 at 17:39 #783038
Quoting Benkei
In reality the English were a bunch of whiny bitches that couldn't win from a country about 1/20th its size so they came up with a bunch of pejoratives so they could at least still feel superior.


I've visited Europe twice and I loved the Netherlands both times. First off, they named it "The Netherlands," "Pais Bas." It's a nation of engineers and, as an engineer, I felt at home there. On the other hand, I didn't like the North Sea oysters we got in Noordwijk aan Zee. Very strong flavor. Here's a picture taken in an outside restaurant on the beach in October.

User image

That's my brother.
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 17:45 #783042
Quoting T Clark
The land of cannibals. Which, I'm sure, just shows my ignorance


Pretty sure there was some people-eating going on there not long ago.

Otherwise, you know more than I do. Except I also know that its dense tropical forests contain birds of paradise and tree kangaroos, and I also know that there are 839 languages spoken in the country.
Benkei February 21, 2023 at 18:10 #783048
Reply to T Clark Hmmm... We have local mussels but not oysters. I actually live 10 minutes from Noordwijk aan Zee. I go there if I go to the beach.
Noble Dust February 21, 2023 at 18:11 #783049
Reply to Jamal

That’s a lot of shit to know.
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 18:39 #783053
My oyster story is there was this guy and he said he was going to eat two dozen oysters, so I ordered 25 so that I could win the contest he didn't know we were playing, and so they brought me out the 25th oyster, which was the size of a chicken breast, and so I draped it over a cracker and chewed as quickly as a could to try to gulp it down, and then I felt like maybe I'd vomit, but I was able to chew and gag it down and then I was ok and I won that contest.

The guy's response to the whole thing was that he told me he was 62 years old and he didn't care about my challenges. I told him that was what losers say.
T Clark February 21, 2023 at 18:39 #783054
Quoting Benkei
Hmmm... We have local mussels but not oysters. I actually live 10 minutes from Noordwijk aan Zee. I go there if I go to the beach.


I just assumed they were local. It's more interesting if they were, so I'm sticking with it. I'm a believer in Hanoverian epistemology - the truth is what makes the best story.

[Edit to clarify] I wrote this post before I read @Hanover's most recent one.
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 19:23 #783064
Another oyster story was when I was at the beach and I ate a bunch of oysters and drank a bunch of beer from this stand they had right there on the beach. As I walked in the hot sand and stumbled around, I thought I was once again going to vomit, but I held it down, but did note to myself that there were better breakfasts out there for next time.

To the extent oysters or vomits have hands, they typically do go hand in hand.
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 19:30 #783065
In my opinion, the icy waters of the North Sea are ideal for producing firm-fleshed and refined oysters, and the huge tidal flats along the Dutch, German, and Danish coasts make ideal habitat for both wild and farmed. This has been a refuge for European Flat oysters for centuries, and it still holds some of the finest remaining wild and cultivated beds, but warming temperatures have caused a massive invasion of Pacific oysters along North Sea coasts. While most people have focused on the environmental concerns from this invasion, few have considered the culinary opportunities: Unlimited quantities of one of world’s tastiest critters growing in perfect conditions, free for the taking. Get going, oyster entrepreneurs!

Copied that from Oysterater.com. With Oysterater, you can quickly look up every oyster in existence and see what others have to say about it
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 19:37 #783067
I found a pearl in an oyster once. It was oblong and grayish, possibly not of the highest quality. I kept it with the thought that one day I would string together a necklace and would adorn my lady's neck with it, but I lost both the pearl and the lady and was left with just the memory of the briny taste from both the oyster and my tears.

I almost vomited, but was able to hold it down.
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 19:40 #783068
Quoting T Clark
That's my brother.


Holy shit. That's my brother too.
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 19:45 #783070
What I would like to think is that with each ridiculous story I tell, a readership of 4 or 5 people from around the globe chuckle to themselves. That's all I really need.
Jamal February 21, 2023 at 19:47 #783071
Reply to Hanover I guffawed. Does that count?

I’m waiting for the next one.
Noble Dust February 21, 2023 at 20:45 #783082
I do love oysters, but I think mussels might be my favorite bivalve.
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 21:48 #783095
My least favorite bivalve is the clam. They are really chewy and you don't know when to swallow them, but you eventually just do because you feel you''ve chewed long enough.

Once we were eating at a restaraunt and my kid was in a child's chair and the lady behind him was seated in a plastic chair, but due to her heft, the chair finally threw in the towel and its legs parted about and she went flailing onto the floor. She knocked my kid's chair forward toward the table, making him ask why the table came closer to him.

She was wrestled from the ground to her feet where she then left, her food still uneaten.

I had the fried crab platter that day.
Noble Dust February 21, 2023 at 22:18 #783099
What’s the consensus on scallops? I’m on the fence; I find them to have an odd after taste. On the other hand, I haven’t had them in years and am overdue on a retry.
Hanover February 21, 2023 at 23:54 #783111
Reply to Noble Dust I'm a huge fan of the scallop. The problem is it's usually too expensive of a menu item and you leave hungry because you don't get many.
T Clark February 22, 2023 at 00:01 #783113
Quoting Noble Dust
What’s the consensus on scallops? I’m on the fence; I find them to have an odd after taste. On the other hand, I haven’t had them in years and am overdue on a retry.


Scallops are my favorite bivalve, my favorite seafood. Eating fried or seared fresh bay scallops feels like eating steak. I like oysters raw; clams raw if young and small or in chowder if old and big; and muscles steamed.

I was in Annapolis MD over the weekend. The Chesapeake Bay is known for it's seafood, especially crabs and oysters. We ordered oysters on the half-shell and they only had them available from Massachusetts and PEI. The bay has been polluted and overfished for decades.
Sir2u February 22, 2023 at 00:13 #783114
Personally, I will stick to conch, shrimp and red fish.
You guys can keep the clams, oysters, scallops and mussels. :wink:
Jamal February 22, 2023 at 00:25 #783115
Quoting Sir2u
Personally, I will stick to conch, shrimp and red fish


Off-topic. The conversation is about bivalves only.

Scallops, cockles (a kind of clam), mussels, you name it I’ll eat it.
BC February 22, 2023 at 00:53 #783119
Reply to Noble Dust Scallops that were at home a matter of hours before they met a hot pan should not have an odd fore- or -after taste unless home was downstream from Consolidated Chemical's drain pipe. I have tasted some horrible seafood in Minneapolis that seems to have had an unfortunate encounter with embalming fluid.

You are eating in New York, which ought to be able to command truckloads of recently fished scallops. Might be worth your time investigating who is poisoning your food.
BC February 22, 2023 at 01:02 #783122
The time before the last I had scallops some of you had't been born yet; it was at Legal Seafood in Boston. They were heavenly. The next time (15 years ago) was in Corbin, Kentucky -- not a recognized scallop producing area. They were from the local Kroger Supermarket and eminently satisfactory.
T Clark February 22, 2023 at 01:05 #783125
Quoting Jamal
Scallops, cockles (a kind of clam), mussels, you name it I’ll eat it.


I always thought "cockles" meant scallops, since coquilles St. Jacque is made using them. Turns out I was wrong.
Hanover February 22, 2023 at 01:10 #783127
I looked up types of bivalves and saw that cockles were a type. I felt like that wasn't real, but just a set up for a joke about eating or sucking cockles, so I refuse to go there.

I'm bigger than that.

T Clark February 22, 2023 at 01:10 #783128
Quoting BC
Legal Seafood in Boston.


I lived in Cambridge MA in the 1970s and went to the original Legal Seafood in Inman Square. We sat at shared picnic tables and were served by gruff Boston waitresses. Legal branched out to many more restaurants, including some in other states, but was always a pretty good place to get seafood. I've stopped going recently. It's always been a bit expensive, but the original owners recently sold to a conglomerate and they decided to cut down the menu. They got rid of their fish chowder, which is my favorite food in the world. It was wonderful.
Hanover February 22, 2023 at 01:18 #783130
Reply to T ClarkMaybe there's a Captain D's that can fill the void from your special place going bad.

The only captain I trust more than D is Crunch, but he's more for breakfast than whatever chowder is for.
BC February 22, 2023 at 01:25 #783131
Quoting T Clark
They got rid of their fish chowder


The bastards!
Noble Dust February 22, 2023 at 02:22 #783143
Quoting Jamal
cockles


I’ve never had them. What can you tell me? What shit do you know?
Noble Dust February 22, 2023 at 02:25 #783145
Quoting T Clark
Scallops are my favorite bivalve,


You’re not the first person I’ve met to tell me this, which is partly why I feel the need to grab a bag and cook them up in some butter and lemon. There’s an excellent fishery down the street from my job. Are they seasonal at all? What sides do you pair them with?
BC February 22, 2023 at 04:50 #783171
Quoting Noble Dust
Are they seasonal at all?


Now is the best time to grab some scallops.

Quoting Noble Dust
What sides do you pair them with?


Your insides?

Quoting Noble Dust
I feel the need to grab a bag and cook them up in some butter and lemon.


If you are going to eat the whole bag at once, you probably don't need a side.

T Clark February 22, 2023 at 05:11 #783172
Quoting Noble Dust
You’re not the first person I’ve met to tell me this, which is partly why I feel the need to grab a bag and cook them up in some butter and lemon. There’s an excellent fishery down the street from my job. Are they seasonal at all? What sides do you pair them with?


I eat them in summer, but I don't know if season matters. Oysters like cooler water, but I don't know about scallops. I love them fried with a light batter. At hoity-toityer restaurants they sear them. Use large bay scallops. Put them in a hot pan with a little butter and let them cook till they brown and crisp on one side, then flip them over. They need very little cooking. The center will be warm and will just have lost its translucence.

As for sides, this will sound weird. I really like them with sweet potatoes mashed with butter and a little brown sugar. I don't know why, but they really go together for me. It also works for cod and other whitefish. If I wasn't going to eat that, I think I'd have spinach. What do you normally eat with fish?
T Clark February 22, 2023 at 05:17 #783175
Quoting Hanover
Maybe there's a Captain D's that can fill the void from your special place going bad.


Boston doesn't have a lot of national chain seafood restaurants, what with the sea and all. I think the closest Red Lobster is in Philadelphia. There are lots of little clam shacks and small local restaurants.

My replacement is a pretty good local Chinese restaurant. Peking raviolis, chicken wings, two Bud Lites and I'll all set.
Jamal February 22, 2023 at 05:27 #783176
Quoting Noble Dust
I’ve never had them. What can you tell me? What shit do you know?


Plump, soft, and succulent. Spaghetti alle vongole in the UK is usually made with them, because they’re the famous local clams.

The common cockle, (Cerastoderma edule), is widely distributed around the coastlines of Northern Europe, with a range extending west to Ireland, the Barents Sea in the north, Norway in the east, and as far south as Senegal.


Senegal came out of nowhere at the end there. It all comes back to Senegal.
BC February 22, 2023 at 05:52 #783180
Quoting T Clark
What do you normally eat with fish


I definitely would NOT do this to scallops, but cod fish, especially left-overs, goes well with stewed tomatoes which are generally slightly sweetened.

As for scallops, nothing very intensely flavored, else it will swamp the scallop flavor. That's the problems of Manhattan clam chowder -- the clam flavor is lost in the sauce.
Jamal February 22, 2023 at 05:55 #783181
Quoting T Clark
What do you normally eat with fish?


White fish is good with grilled or roasted sweet red bell peppers.
BC February 22, 2023 at 06:06 #783184
Big snow coming to the upper midwest -- maybe 20 to 24 inches by Thursday night -- wind too.
T Clark February 22, 2023 at 06:08 #783185
Quoting BC
That's the problems of Manhattan clam chowder -- the clam flavor is lost in the sauce.


Yes. I never got the point of Manhattan chowder. It's just tomato soup. In Maryland they do the same thing with crab, which has a more delicate flavor than clam. I've had a few milk or cream soups with crab, and even with them the crab flavor is lost.
Noble Dust February 22, 2023 at 06:09 #783186
Quoting BC
Now is the best time to grab some scallops.


Oh?

Quoting BC
Your insides?


What?

Quoting BC
If you are going to eat the whole bag at once, you probably don't need a side.


As a single man, the bag would contain a single serving.
T Clark February 22, 2023 at 06:14 #783189
Quoting Jamal
White fish is good with grilled or roasted sweet red bell peppers.


Sounds good. A simple salad would also be good. I like a bit of acid with fish.
Noble Dust February 22, 2023 at 06:16 #783191
Reply to T Clark

Thanks, Clarky. Despite being a dumpster compressor when it comes to food, I don't much care for sweet potatoes. As to what I normally eat with fish, I guess it skews on the fresh salad side. Maybe a starch as in some rice, but it's pretty malleable.
Noble Dust February 22, 2023 at 06:18 #783193
Reply to Jamal

It does all come back to Senegal. Not sure if I can get cockles in the US, but good to know. I'll keep an eye out.
Jamal February 22, 2023 at 06:22 #783194
Fish and chips, of course, is the classic combination for me.
Noble Dust February 22, 2023 at 06:25 #783195
Reply to Jamal

Yes, I've loved the American versions I've tried. Any pointers as to what makes a real version authentic?
Jamal February 22, 2023 at 06:30 #783198
Reply to Noble Dust For me it should be haddock and the chips should be soggy. I don’t know the precise composition of a good batter but I know it when I eat it, fondle it, masticate it.

Most fish suppers I’ve had have been bad (too oily or the batter too thick or the fish overcooked) but when it’s good it’s really good.
Hanover February 22, 2023 at 10:54 #783216
Fish is blackened and served over rice with a side of spicy collards. That's how I'd make it. If you're more Midwest and prefer blander flavors, you grill but don't blacken and you substitute steamed broccoli and carrots for the collards.

An important fish ingredient is salt, but that doesn't apply to crustaceans, where the key is butter, with shrimp going either way, but I prefer the salty spicy of blackened there too.
T Clark February 22, 2023 at 15:52 #783237
Quoting Noble Dust
I don't much care for sweet potatoes.


Yeah, I don't either, but they do something with fish and scallops.
T Clark February 22, 2023 at 15:54 #783238
This showed up as the wallpaper on my computer and knocked my socks off. Martin Rico - On the Seine from 1869.

User image
Hanover February 22, 2023 at 16:14 #783242
Reply to T Clark That's where I grew up. My brother and I used to fish right off that clearing on the left of the picture. We'd drag large nets across the water and dredge up the mud, killing most of the grass and weeds from the bottom and causing all sorts of black sediment to cake up on the shores. We'd get only a few mussels from that, which we'd skip across the water for fun. The dragging would kill a bunch of fish that the buzzards would circle around and finally pick at until they decayed, the feral cats finishing off the remains.

Those were good times, but we moved away after pops burned the family home for the insurance money.

Thanks for sharing that pic. Knocked my socks off as well.
T Clark February 22, 2023 at 16:29 #783245
Over the weekend I went to a restaurant in Annapolis with my family. I tried rockfish, striped bass, for the first time. It was great. It's the Maryland state fish.

It's my understanding that the state fish of Georgia is those little cardboard fish sticks we used to get on Fridays in elementary school.
Hanover February 22, 2023 at 16:31 #783246
Quoting T Clark
It's my understanding that the state fish of Georgia is those little cardboard fish sticks we used to get on Fridays in elementary school.


The Georgia state fish is the 2022 and 2023 National Championship Bulldawgs. They are our state everything.
T Clark February 22, 2023 at 16:33 #783247
Quoting Hanover
My brother and I used to fish right off that clearing on the left of the picture.


It is my understanding that the men in the picture were not fishing. They were searching for one of Jack the Ripper's victims. When asked why they were looking in France instead of London, the detective in charge said "The light was better there."
Metaphysician Undercover February 22, 2023 at 22:45 #783338
Quoting Hanover
Those were good times, but we moved away after pops burned the family home for the insurance money.


That story knocked my socks off. Hey, I've never heard that saying like that ...but I like it. What I'm more used to is something like "knocked me clean out of my socks".
jorndoe February 22, 2023 at 23:59 #783361
Stanislav Zak's cat(s) :D

[tweet]https://twitter.com/JimMFelton/status/1247631838211985409/photo/1[/tweet]

Moliere February 23, 2023 at 00:06 #783365
Reply to T Clark :nerd: That's because the "fishy" smell is produced by amines, which have a free pair of electrons, and acid (as a proton donor) binds to them so you can neither smell nor taste the amines! (also, acid just makes food taste good... but there's your tidbit of science of the day)
BC February 23, 2023 at 02:01 #783402
Reply to jorndoe The Cat Came Back is not a long song, it just seems to go on for hours.



It's still snowing. Much more to come.
Metaphysician Undercover February 23, 2023 at 02:28 #783417
Quoting Moliere
also, acid just makes food taste good...


That's why tomatoes enhance everything, especially cheese and beef. Isn't there something about acid and fat together?
Hanover February 23, 2023 at 02:48 #783430
Quoting BC
It's still snowing. Much more to come.


It's been in the 70s here. I appreciate y'all absorbing the cold before it made its way down here.
Moliere February 23, 2023 at 03:40 #783438
Reply to Metaphysician Undercover Oh, probably.

Though you mentioning tomatoes reminds me that sugar tones down acid. (cooking-flavor wise -- idk otherwise!)

I always add one spoonful of sugar to my marinara, at least.
T Clark February 23, 2023 at 03:40 #783439
Quoting Moliere
That's because the "fishy" smell is produced by amines, which have a free pair of electrons, and acid (as a proton donor) binds to them so you can neither smell nor taste the amines!


Thank you for the science/cooking lesson for today.
T Clark February 23, 2023 at 03:43 #783440
Quoting BC
The Cat Came Back is not a long song, it just seems to go on for hours.


"The Muppet Show" is on my list of my 10 favorite TV shows. Of course my top 10 list includes more than 10 shows. That's kind of like when motivational speakers and football coaches tell people to give 110% effort.
javi2541997 February 23, 2023 at 06:56 #783460
It's my anniversary: I joined TPF two years ago :grin:
Jamal February 23, 2023 at 07:18 #783467
Reply to javi2541997 Congratulations. It’s been a wild ride.
javi2541997 February 23, 2023 at 08:22 #783473
Reply to Jamal I enjoy my presence around here and it helps me to improve my English skills!
Noble Dust February 23, 2023 at 09:02 #783481
Quoting javi2541997
I enjoy my presence around here


I should think this way more often.
T Clark February 23, 2023 at 16:57 #783536
Quoting AP
MLB curtails infield shift, hopes for more singles, speed


This is for @Noble Dust and other baseball lovers. Here's a link to an article from the AP on changes in infielder placement I would characterize as goofy. I don't mean that as a bad thing. As I've said before, I don't enjoy watching baseball, but I like the idea of it. I'm glad it exists as one of our most philosophical sports. All the odd rules make it a good metaphor for something... I'm not sure what.

frank February 23, 2023 at 17:48 #783552
Fried catfish with fries, hush puppies, and cole slaw.

Mmmmm
BC February 23, 2023 at 19:22 #783572
Reply to javi2541997 Ad in the New York Times (digital edition)

User image
javi2541997 February 23, 2023 at 19:33 #783575
Reply to BC :up: I know where that Ad comes from. The organization is "alimentos de España" as you can see bottom right.

There is a "motivational" ad that usually appears in our channels. It shows up a chef saying: "I am from the richest country of the world" and then it shows images of products and agriculture of Spain. The spot ends saying: Alimentos de España, the richest country of the world.

They use a trick with the words because "rico" (rich) means "tasty" too.

The dish that appears in the image is called "indurain" and is typical of Basque Country.
javi2541997 February 23, 2023 at 19:36 #783576
Baden February 23, 2023 at 20:22 #783588
Food again, eh?

I'm eating dried white spicy and sour Thai salad flavor sardines because of the adjectives and all else I got is Pot Noodle. Mmmm or whatever.


Baden February 23, 2023 at 20:29 #783592
Made from REAL fish.

User image
Noble Dust February 23, 2023 at 20:39 #783596
Reply to Baden

I’ve had those, actually. They carry them at the Thai grocery store in Chinatown here. I tried to buy the larb flavor as I love that dish, but the woman behind the counter made me buy the plain and Tom yum flavors instead. They were both…intense.
Noble Dust February 23, 2023 at 20:45 #783597
Reply to T Clark

What’s actually goofy is the defensive trend that lead to that rule change. Teams were doing ridiculous infield shifts where the second basement was in right field. It was based on statistically generated percentages of where a specific batter usually hits the ball. The shifts were sucking a lot of the fun out of the game. 10-20 years ago, the best hitter in the game would finish the season with a batting average of like .350-.360. Last year the leader had something like .310. The shifts had a lot to do with that, so eliminating them should make the game more exciting. Baseball had always been a statistics driven game, but it’s gotten out of hand recently.
Baden February 23, 2023 at 20:49 #783599
Reply to Noble Dust

Ah, nice. And I definitely recommend the larb flavour. I don't know where mine came from though. Snacks like that just appear in my kitchen on a fairly regular basis. One of the more amusing is "Giant Sheet" seaweed :snicker:
T Clark February 24, 2023 at 01:15 #783671
Quoting Noble Dust
What’s actually goofy is the defensive trend that lead to that rule change. Teams were doing ridiculous infield shifts where the second basement was in right field. It was based on statistically generated percentages of where a specific batter usually hits the ball. The shifts were sucking a lot of the fun out of the game. 10-20 years ago, the best hitter in the game would finish the season with a batting average of like .350-.360. Last year the leader had something like .310. The shifts had a lot to do with that, so eliminating them should make the game more exciting. Baseball had always been a statistics driven game, but it’s gotten out of hand recently.


You're right. This explanation takes a lot of the goofiness out of the new rule. On the other hand, it significantly increases the meta-goofiness of baseball overall.
T Clark February 24, 2023 at 01:31 #783674
The end of the world:

Some guy:...This is the way the world ends. This is the way the world ends. This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang but a whimper.


Some other guy:Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
...From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.


A different guy:...now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?


Several other guys:...It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it,
and I feel fine...


Some female guy:...Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
It ended when you said "Goodbye"


Hanover February 24, 2023 at 02:41 #783681
When I was a kid, there were trees in the baseball field, so you had to figure out how to play off the tree. A lot of times you forgot to clarify if it hit certain branches whether it was a home run or not, so a lot of time was spent arguing. And even when we did clarify before hand, David would remember it different and we'd be back to arguing.

I think a tree would be better than new shift rules, but no matter what you do, there'll be a David and they'll say the rule was not like you agreed.

I know in real baseball, they maybe write it down and can point to it, but I'll bet a David will somehow come up with another book where he wrote it and it'll be back to arguing which book is the right one.

Then it gets dark and the ball about knocks you in the head because how can you see it coming in the dark?

Hanover February 24, 2023 at 02:45 #783683
I like that story I just wrote. The narrator teeters between small child and stroke victim.
T Clark February 24, 2023 at 02:54 #783687
Quoting Hanover
A lot of times you forgot to clarify if it hit certain branches whether it was a home run or not, so a lot of time was spent arguing.


On the field I played on as a kid, the poison ivy was a homerun.
Banno February 24, 2023 at 06:22 #783710
Farnarkeling
Mr John Clarke: is a sport which began in Mesopotamia, which literally means ‘between the rivers’. This would put it somewhere in Victoria or New South Wales between the Murray and the Darling. The word Farnarkeling is Icelandic in structure, Urdu in metre and Celtic in the intimacy of its relationship between meaning and tone.

Farnarkeling is engaged in by two teams whose purpose is to arkle, and to prevent the other team from arkeling, using a flukem to propel a gonad through sets of posts situated at random around the periphery of a grommet. Arkeling is not permissible, however, from any position adjacent to the phlange (or leiderkrantz) or from within 15 yards of the wiffenwacker at the point where the shifting tube abuts the centre-line on either side of the 34 metre mark, measured from the valve at the back of the defending side’s transom-housing.


Tom Storm February 24, 2023 at 08:22 #783714
T Clark February 24, 2023 at 16:09 #783775
Reply to Banno Reply to Tom Storm

Yes, well. I never did get that southern hemisphere humor.
Jamal February 24, 2023 at 16:16 #783777
Reply to T Clark Out of respect I’ve decided to assume that this John Clarke fellow was actually very funny, and that what is presented above is entirely unrepresentative.
Jamal February 24, 2023 at 16:17 #783778
I like Barry Humphries, but he’s still alive.
Hanover February 24, 2023 at 16:18 #783780
Quoting T Clark
On the field I played on as a kid, the poison ivy was a homerun.


That's a ground rule double.

"Two bases can also be awarded per home park ground rules—rules created to provide for unique playing conditions of a specific ballpark. For example, ground rules govern the situation when a batted ball is lodged in the ivy at Wrigley Field, or the walkways near the ceiling of Tropicana Field, a domed stadium."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_rule_double

To the extent you've awarded home runs in that situation, I am going to go ahead and enter my protest and ask that you reconvene those contests at the point of the erroneous ruling on the field. After you have completed those games properly, please notify me of the outcomes so that I can modify the official record and give credit where it is due.

If you have problems locating some of the players, please let me know and I will decide how to issue forfeits as necessary.
T Clark February 24, 2023 at 16:19 #783781
Quoting Jamal
Out of respect I’ve decided to assume that this John Clarke fellow was actually very funny, and that what is presented above is entirely unrepresentative.


You know, I never thought of that. I should have been more sensitive.
Jamal February 24, 2023 at 16:20 #783782
Reply to T Clark It’s ok, you’re a hard-headed American engineer. We value you for your practical skills and ability to get things done.
T Clark February 24, 2023 at 16:28 #783783
Quoting Hanover
That's a ground rule double.


As you should know, the rules of Little Kid Baseball (LKB) require that all rule arguments be settled without reference to facts or actual rules of any kind. Consistent with that, in 1983 the Supreme Court ruled in LKB vs. Roxanne Royal et. al. that Title IX, which prohibits sexual discrimination in sports, does not apply to letting girls play.
Jamal February 24, 2023 at 16:29 #783784
Today my wife was charged by an aggressive Shetland pony with a outsize schlong. At the time I was fondling a goat’s ears so I couldn’t do anything to help, but she escaped unhurt anyway.
T Clark February 24, 2023 at 16:30 #783785
Quoting Jamal
Today my wife was charged by an aggressive Shetland pony with a outsize schlong. At the time I was fondling a goats ears so I couldn’t do anything to help, but she escaped unhurt anyway.


Someone should warn Jamal that @Hanover has stolen his Philosophy Forum password.
Jamal February 24, 2023 at 16:31 #783786
Reply to T Clark Was it the schlong that gave it away?
Hanover February 24, 2023 at 16:32 #783787
Quoting T Clark
As you should know, the rules of Little Kid Baseball (LKB) require that all rule arguments be settled without reference to facts or actual rules of any kind. Consistent with that, in 1983 the Supreme Court ruled in LKB vs. Roxanne Royal et. al. that Title IX, which prohibits sexual discrimination in sports, does not apply to letting girls play in LKB games.


I'll show you the way a protest is properly handled textbook style by the Atlanta Braves.

https://youtu.be/X-6ujbLknUc

You complain, throw shit all over the field, and then declare your protest. If you want to see an umpire writing a "P" in the sky to indicate the protest, look at beginning at 3:20 on the video. Just so you know the procedure, but make sure to throw shit on the field first.
Hanover February 24, 2023 at 16:33 #783788
Quoting Jamal
Today my wife was charged by an aggressive Shetland pony with a outsize schlong. At the time I was fondling a goats ears so I couldn’t do anything to help, but she escaped unhurt anyway.


My wife is constantly trying to escape an outsized schlong, but to no avail.

I really wish the mailman would just deliver the mail.
T Clark February 24, 2023 at 16:37 #783789
Quoting Hanover
I'll show you the way a protest is properly handled textbook style by the Atlanta Braves.


Let's let our goofy baseball rule expert have a say in this. - Hey, @Noble Dust, I thought the infield fly rule applied in the...well...infield.
Baden February 24, 2023 at 16:42 #783790
Quoting T Clark
Someone should warn Jamal that Hanover has stolen his Philosophy Forum password.


:lol:
Hanover February 24, 2023 at 17:06 #783794
Quoting T Clark
Let's let our goofy baseball rule expert have a say in this. - Hey, Noble Dust, I thought the infield fly rule applied in the...well...infield.


Exactly. Which explains the throwing shit on the field.

It was a playoff game, so the protest might have delayed the next game, so the commissioner, who was at the game, overruled the appeal from the stands.

Robbed!

T Clark February 24, 2023 at 17:11 #783796
Quoting Jamal
Was it the schlong that gave it away?


It was the goat/schlong conjunction. I did a quick calculation and determined that the odds against monkeys, or anyone other than @Hanover for that matter, typing "schlong" and "goat" together were, as statisticians like to say, unpossible.
Jamal February 24, 2023 at 17:13 #783798
Reply to T Clark I can't deny he's been a big influence in my life.
Hanover February 24, 2023 at 17:25 #783802
Schlong has a nice Yiddish ring to it.

For the ladies, my favorite term is cooter. It has a nice trailer park ring to it

The trailer park and the synagogue, two terms never before appearing in the same sentence, have been a major influence in my life, and it warms my cockles to hear my influence has spread.

Triple extendere for those keeping score. Cockles: our favorite bivalve, my innermost feelings, and my schling schlong.

Feel free to use that variation just introduced at your discretion
Noble Dust February 24, 2023 at 21:30 #783862
Reply to T Clark

Yeah that was a terrible call. Protesting the game is extremely rare. Pretty crazy.
Banno February 24, 2023 at 22:00 #783872
Reply to Tom Storm The resemblance between Farnarkling and baseball seems to have been lost on our 'merkin cousins.
Tom Storm February 24, 2023 at 22:15 #783878
Reply to Banno Remember most Americans don't really have a sense of humour (unless they are Jewish) that's why they need a laugh track for their dreadful sitcoms. :wink:
T Clark February 24, 2023 at 22:21 #783881
Quoting Banno
The resemblance between Farnarkling and baseball seems to have been lost on our 'merkin cousins.


Don't get me wrong, I think those Farnarkling sketches are almost as funny as baseball. Let's watch this instead:



That's from "That Mitchell and Webb Look," another of the 25 TV shows on my top ten list.
T Clark February 24, 2023 at 22:29 #783884
Quoting Tom Storm
Remember Americans don't really have a sense of humour (unless they are Jewish) that's why they need a laugh track for their dreadful sitcoms. :wink:


American comedy shows never use laugh tracks. They are only added to shows being shipped off to the southern hemisphere. They asked us not to tell you so you wouldn't feel bad.
Tom Storm February 24, 2023 at 22:31 #783886
Reply to T Clark Nice. I'll pay that.
T Clark February 24, 2023 at 22:34 #783887
Quoting Tom Storm
I'll pay that.


Quoting Some web page
I'll pay that - Used by Australians to positively affirm a statement/opinion someone makes/has. The saying originates from Australian Rules Football, Australia's national sport, where an umpire "pays" a free kick, a mark (catch from a kick), etc.


I learned something new.
Tom Storm February 24, 2023 at 23:08 #783904
Reply to T Clark That's bonzer, Cobber.
Hanover February 24, 2023 at 23:11 #783906
Quoting Tom Storm
Remember most Americans don't really have a sense of humour (unless they are Jewish) that's why they need a laugh track for their dreadful sitcoms. :wink:


I'm so glad to be your monkey grinder clown to entertain you. 5000 years if oppression, struggle, and perseverance just to see you smile at my antics makes it all worth while.
Tom Storm February 24, 2023 at 23:15 #783909
Reply to Hanover It's true, by and large your people have made the entertainment industry worth something. It's a small price to pay for the smiles on all those Calvinist faces. Thanks for your persecution. :pray:
Hanover February 24, 2023 at 23:21 #783911
Quoting Tom Storm
It's true, by and large your people have made the entertainment industry worth something. It's a small price to pay for the smiles on all those Calvinist faces. Thanks for your persecution.


Happy to serve.

A better touch would have been to say "you people" instead of "your people." Little things like that matter in the humor bidness, but an understandable goyishe mistake.
Tom Storm February 24, 2023 at 23:27 #783914
Reply to Hanover That's why you people are the experts.
Paine February 25, 2023 at 00:18 #783918
Reply to Tom Storm
What about the Brits and their laugh tracks? Watch Keeping Up Appearances for instance.
Tom Storm February 25, 2023 at 00:30 #783920
Reply to Paine It was a joke. :wink:

But it interesting to note that the laugh-track was an American invention to help audiences know when something was funny. This is either because they had no sense of humour, or the jokes were bad. Or both. Eventually all things US spread elsewhere in the great coca-colonization of Earth.
Paine February 25, 2023 at 00:37 #783923
Reply to Tom Storm
I realize it was a joke. I cannot expiate the sins of Americans, but the makers of Bennie Hill have their own cross to bear.

I theorize that the laugh track was introduced in order to draw attention away from being a lonely stumblefuck with the illusion you were sharing this moment with others.
frank February 25, 2023 at 00:48 #783925
Quoting Tom Storm
true, by and large your people have made the entertainment industry worth something. It's a small price to pay for the smiles on all those Calvinist faces. Thanks for your persecution


So you turned off the tv when a black comedian was performing?
Tom Storm February 25, 2023 at 00:50 #783926
They have black performers?
frank February 25, 2023 at 01:02 #783928
Reply to Tom Storm
Yes. They come in black.
Sir2u February 25, 2023 at 02:11 #783940
Reply to Jamal Does that really mean that you cannot afford them, or that you don't know what they are, or that you never never tried them, or that you cannot find them where you live, or did I miss something?
Jamal February 25, 2023 at 02:34 #783950
Reply to Sir2u :chin:

No, it means none of the things you mentioned is a bivalve.
javi2541997 February 25, 2023 at 07:07 #783998
Breakfast: two toast with Andalusia olive oil and tomato. Drink: soy milk mixed with coffee.

Ready to walk 8 km in the morning... cheers! and happy saturday to all!
Hanover February 25, 2023 at 17:35 #784068
Visited upon my local bivlavery yestreen and partook upon the varied mussel and scallop pickings. . Generally satisfied, I departed without typical gripe, and upon arriving at my dwelling, laid myself upon my bedding and fell into a near deathsleep, only to be aroused by the burning laser of sunlight in the morn.

I call this style formal anachronistic neverspeak. It's the way that people used to not talk while clothed in clothes never worn, like steampunk.


Hanover February 25, 2023 at 17:40 #784069
Made onion, thyme, dried Mexican pepper, garlic, and diced red potato omelets for breakfast. Added some salt and paprika seasoning as well, with farm fresh eggs just emerged from the bird's love canal.

praxis February 25, 2023 at 21:49 #784106
Avian Love Canal Breakfast. Sounds nice if you don't overthink it.
praxis February 25, 2023 at 21:54 #784107
Green Smoothy for breakfast, consisting of several kinds of lettuce, spinach, yogurt, one apple, one avocado, some pineapple, some banana, kombucha, and some ice.
Banno February 25, 2023 at 23:29 #784130
Reply to Tom Storm



Should we start a thread on the Voice? Thinkin' yes. Lookin' for a good way to set it up for them as is from foreign parts.
Tom Storm February 25, 2023 at 23:39 #784133
Reply to Banno Why not? At the very least it fits into political philosophy and the intersection between dominant culture, colonisation, inclusion and reconciliation.



Noble Dust February 26, 2023 at 02:32 #784156
Reply to Hanover

Sounds like some down south cookin'.

Dinner for the week is chicken shawarma, Mediterranean white bean salad, hummus, and pita. Waiting for the shawarma to finish.
BC February 26, 2023 at 07:21 #784203
Nothing to do with food.

User image
Noble Dust February 26, 2023 at 18:29 #784301
Inspired by @javi2541997 and my increasing efforts to reduce food waste, breakfast included a piece of rye toast topped with salted roma tomato and cheap extra virgin olive oil. I'm sure it was a sad American caricature of the real thing, but for using up ingredients that would otherwise go bad, it hit the spot. Accompanied by my normal light breakfast of skyr yogurt and coffee. I'll be repeating the next few days as long as the bread and tomato stay good.
T Clark February 26, 2023 at 18:48 #784305
Quoting Noble Dust
Inspired by javi2541997


Now you just have to walk 8 km. In English units, that's 145 miles.
frank February 26, 2023 at 19:20 #784308
Finnish first!
javi2541997 February 26, 2023 at 19:51 #784310
Reply to Noble Dust That's what I take for breakfast everyday, I wasn't referring to a special meal :lol:

Quoting Noble Dust
I'll be repeating the next few days as long as the bread and tomato stay good.


You will not believe it but in my college era I ate that two times per day, oftenly. Just 1 € in my local coffee shop, it was so awesome.
(I think I am trying to cover up the fact that we the Spaniards are just obsessed with eating a slice of bread with oil and tomato :rofl: )
javi2541997 February 26, 2023 at 19:55 #784311
Quoting T Clark
Now you just have to walk 8 km. In English units, that's 145 miles.


User image

0 thru 9 February 26, 2023 at 19:58 #784313
As you probably heard, the creator of the comic strip Dilbert has declared Black people in general a hate group (if I’m understanding correctly).

https://www.npr.org/2023/02/26/1159580425/newspapers-have-dropped-the-dilbert-comic-strip-after-a-racist-rant-by-its-creat

Do members here outside of the USA know the cartoon? I guess Mr Adams was tired of making money and entertaining people.

Banno February 26, 2023 at 20:21 #784320
Quoting 0 thru 9
Do members here outside of the USA know the cartoon?


Yep. Wally was a role model for me. The comic hasn't been funny since 1998.
Baden February 26, 2023 at 20:44 #784323
Reply to 0 thru 9

Cartoon is OK. Pity its creator is a brain-dead racist (currently on Twitter defending his remarks in a way that will appeal to fellow brain-dead racists).
Hanover February 26, 2023 at 20:56 #784324
Quoting Noble Dust
Accompanied by my normal light breakfast of skyr yogurt and coffee. I'll be repeating the next few days as long as the bread and tomato stay good.


I eat Chobani, which is Greek, as opposed to your Icelandic version, as if each nation has its own special way of making yogurt.
Noble Dust February 26, 2023 at 21:07 #784328
Quoting javi2541997
That's what I take for breakfast everyday, I wasn't referring to a special meal


Oh I know; like I said, I'm just trying to use up leftovers that will otherwise go bad. Not exactly special. Very tasty, however! I look forward to trying it in American tomato season (around August through October), and with good olive oil and good bread.

Reply to Hanover

I mean, I assume there are differences. I've had Greek, Icelandic, Syrian, Indian, all different from one another. Full fat skyr with fruit added is thick and essentially tastes like frozen yogurt ice cream but not as sweet. I get the health benefits and the simulated experience of eating ice cream at the same time.
javi2541997 February 26, 2023 at 21:14 #784335
Quoting Noble Dust
Very tasty, however! I look forward to trying it in American tomato season (around August through October), and with good olive oil and good bread.


:up: :yum:
L'éléphant February 26, 2023 at 21:15 #784336
Quoting Noble Dust
Waiting for the shawarma to finish.

Well, ' have cardamom, will cook shawarma.
Baden February 26, 2023 at 21:44 #784354
I ate this. You have my food knowledge respect if you can tell me its name (Hint: Thai Dish).

User image
Hanover February 26, 2023 at 21:52 #784362
Reply to Baden Basil, egg, looks like broccoli or bok choy, and beef.

L'éléphant February 26, 2023 at 21:53 #784363
Reply to Baden That is Pad See Ew.
Baden February 26, 2023 at 21:56 #784367
Quoting L'éléphant
That is Pad See Ew.


:100: :up:
Baden February 26, 2023 at 22:00 #784370
Quoting Hanover
Basil, egg, looks like broccoli or bok choy, and beef.


This is like if someone asked me what your name was and I said: "Bald, short, fat, and ugly". It's an apt description but misses the point.
BC February 26, 2023 at 22:01 #784373
Reply to javi2541997 Fried green tomatoes have not been discussed. I'm surprised Hanover hasn't mentioned them. We had fried green tomatoes in the fall after everyone was tired of juicy, ripe red tomatoes and it was too late in the season for the green ones to ripen.

Slice several green tomatoes.
Dip each slice in beaten egg and then
Roll the slice in saltine cracker crumbs. [@Hanover another silent 'b', influenced by "crumble". Dumb, on the other hand, seems to have derived its spelling from Old Norse dumbr and Gothic dumbs ‘mute’. I knew you wanted to be informed.]
Fry in oil, turn when lightly browned. Salt, pepper
Serve hot.

The green tomatoes should be reasonably large, and on the verge of turning pink.

Sometimes served as a side with a main of barbecued Frank Bennett (see the movie, Fried Green Tomatoes).

Here's a picture of fried green tomatoes.

User image
Noble Dust February 26, 2023 at 22:01 #784376
Reply to Baden

Pad See Ew.
Noble Dust February 26, 2023 at 22:03 #784378
I see I'm late to the respect trophy.
Baden February 26, 2023 at 22:03 #784379
Reply to Noble Dust

@L'éléphant beat you to it (see above) though I trust you knew it anyway. :up:
Noble Dust February 26, 2023 at 22:05 #784383
Reply to L'éléphant

Hmmm, is that usually used in legit shawarma? The recipe I use has cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, cloves, and turmeric.
L'éléphant February 26, 2023 at 22:07 #784384
Quoting Noble Dust
Hmmm, is that usually used in legit shawarma? The recipe I use has cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, cloves, and turmeric.

That is the only legit ingredient in shawarma -- if we're gonna be ruthless.
0 thru 9 February 26, 2023 at 22:13 #784390
Quoting Baden
Cartoon is OK. Pity its creator is a brain-dead racist (currently on Twitter defending his remarks in a way that will appeal to fellow brain-dead racists).


Sad to see him (and many others) have a meltdown brought on by the toxic kool-aid they’ve been drinking. Maybe he’s aiming for a cabinet-level position in another Chump presidency. At which point, I sail the Great Lakes, seeking asylum in Canada... or Sweden, which is next to Canada as I remember from my one geography class.
Noble Dust February 26, 2023 at 22:16 #784393
Reply to L'éléphant

Good to know. I have some and will try it out next time. I assume a very small amount?
L'éléphant February 26, 2023 at 22:31 #784396
Quoting Noble Dust
I assume a very small amount?

A tablespoon for 2 lbs chicken.
Get the pods, then ground them -- ready-made ground cardamom does not have lasting flavor in the jar.
Hanover February 26, 2023 at 22:31 #784397
Quoting Baden
This is like if someone asked me what your name was and I said: "Bald, short, fat, and ugly". It's an apt description but misses the point.


But that actually is my name. Thanks for blowing my anonymity.
Noble Dust February 26, 2023 at 22:33 #784399
Reply to Hanover

Is your short story author nom de plume B.S.F. Ugly?
Hanover February 26, 2023 at 22:36 #784402
Reply to BC Fried green tomatoes are usually available as a side in southern restaurants, but I've never actually made them. Green tomatoes aren't generally available at the supermarket, so you'd have to grow your own and pick them before ripe, which seems a waste of the better dripping red ones.

One thing you may not know, and that is tomatoes are eaten like apples, where you just bite right into them and have them drip down your chin, like a spent lover.
Hanover February 26, 2023 at 22:38 #784404
Like a spent lover. That's a good one.
Hanover February 26, 2023 at 22:44 #784409
Quoting L'éléphant
Get the pods, then ground them -- ready-made ground cardamom does not have lasting flavor in the jar.


I just got a mortar and pestle today. I can do all sorts of pharmaceutical preparations now.
L'éléphant February 26, 2023 at 22:53 #784415
Quoting Hanover
I just got a mortar and pestle today. I can do all sorts of pharmaceutical preparations now.

The good and the bad -- all good. Rubs and drugs, as they say.


Banno February 26, 2023 at 22:54 #784417
Yesterday I made a salad of charred zucchini slices, sheep's feta, Grampians garlic-infused olive oil and fresh basil leaves - all the veggies fresh from my garden. Breakfast was that same on toast with fried tomatoes fresh from the vine.
L'éléphant February 26, 2023 at 23:00 #784419
Reply to Banno Now that's legit.
Hanover February 26, 2023 at 23:04 #784421
The Scots and English fry their tomatoes on the griddle. I remember that, and then there's that strange baked beans and toast thing,. I'm thinking a hundred years ago someone was out of food, so they convinced their kids that the lonely can of beans in the cupboard made a great breakfast food, and it sort of stuck.
T Clark February 26, 2023 at 23:20 #784425
For lunch today, I had a bowl of Rice Krispies with milk and a package of Mike & Ikes.

User image

No cardamom.
Banno February 26, 2023 at 23:31 #784428
Reply to Hanover My recent preference is to use a flat pan at very high heat to induce a Maillard reaction in the skin while keeping the middle of the tomatoes at relatively low temperature, preserving their aromatics. I usually throw in some oregano, which burns to a crisp but in the process releases a very pleasant anticipatory smell.

The remainder of lunch - an impromptu event for unexpected guests - was fresh whole cherry tomatoes prepared in this way, focaccia, warmed; falafels, humus, cucumber shaved with lemon juice and zest, and a few pickles.

And black tea.
BC February 26, 2023 at 23:45 #784433
Reply to 0 thru 9 Reply to Banno Reply to Baden I watched several of Scott Adams' YouTube blogs after I heard about Dilbert being cancelled and that he had called black people a hate group. [The relevant video is in Episode 2027 of Scott Adams vlog, starting at 13:28]

He began with the results of a Rasmusson poll in which 1000 Americans were asked subjects if it was OK to be white. 26% of blacks said 'no', and 21% were not sure. So "47% of black respondents were not willing to say it was OK to be white." Adams says that that makes blacks a hate group. "The best advice I can give for white people is to stay the hell away from black people." "There's no fixing this; this can't be fixed."

I don't know whether most, many, or hardly any white people agree with Scott Adams that blacks are a hate group. Probably not. I don't think black people are a hate group. It does seems clear enough that a majority of white people prefer communities where black people are NOT in close proximity or do NOT exceed a minimum.

So, 2 points:

The statement that black people are a hate group was connected to this Rasmusson Poll, which is behind a pay wall. He takes up the poll and makes comments on what the poll meant, or seems to mean.

The other thing is that what he was suggesting white people should do is what white people have been doing for a long time -- putting distance between themselves and black people (and other minorities). The suburbs began their expansive growth after WWII as segregated communities. To a large extent, the suburbs still are segregated.

In the context of the vlog discussion, I don't think Dilbert (and Scott Adams) deserve to be canceled.
BC February 26, 2023 at 23:59 #784435
Reply to Hanover I was shocked at seeing run of the mill canned baked beans on the "full English breakfast' plate. I ate them anyway.

The F.E.B. goes back to the 14th/15th century, but was standardized by the Edwardians. So the Internet says. I thought that the beans arrived as part of American war relief during WWII, and they developed a taste for them, in much the way dogs develop a taste for cleaning rags and such.
Hanover February 27, 2023 at 01:17 #784455
Reply to BC Some history behind the it's OK to be white movement (IOTBW). https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/It's_okay_to_be_white
0 thru 9 February 27, 2023 at 01:42 #784459
Reply to BC Reply to Hanover Thanks for your input on the “Dilbert question”.
0 thru 9 February 27, 2023 at 01:47 #784461
Quoting Banno
Yep. Wally was a role model for me. The comic hasn't been funny since 1998.
:snicker:
BC February 27, 2023 at 04:17 #784473
Reply to Hanover This is all very interesting. Curious and curiouser.

I had not heard of Scott Adams, and wasn't much interested in the Dilbert comic strip. I don't recollect having seen much about the Rasmusson Poll either. Their polling methods (according to Wikipedia) involve automated phone and internet surveys. I've heard about 4Chan (and 8Chan?). I had not heard about an "It's OK To Be White" 'campaign'.

Automated surveying isn't a problem -- I've taken some poll-initiated surveys on both the phone and on line, and some of them ask the sort of questions one would expect a legit survey to ask. Others are clearly not. So, rhetorical question: if one surveyed a random 1000 people, how likely is it that a large percent would be familiar with IOTBW? I suspect that right wingers and their left wing adversaries are the only subsets of the general population who would be 'in' on IOTBW. According to one ranking, Rasmusson was 24 out of 28. Not highly respected.

As for Dilbert... I assume there is no explicit right-wing slant to Dilbert that would have caused editors to suspect him of being a liability?

javi2541997 February 27, 2023 at 05:36 #784478
Quoting T Clark
No cardamom.


Clarky, the next time I recommend you not miss cardamom, at least in a drink. You have to taste kombucha with cardamom; is strong, aromatic, stimulus and healthy.

User image
Jamal February 27, 2023 at 05:42 #784480
Reply to javi2541997 In the Middle East and Turkey they sometimes put cardamom in coffee. Sounds bad to me but I haven’t tried it. Millions of people can’t be wrong! :chin:
javi2541997 February 27, 2023 at 06:21 #784483
Reply to Jamal Interesting! We should give a try, maybe it surprises us!
Jamal February 27, 2023 at 06:42 #784484
Quoting Noble Dust
The recipe I use has cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, cloves, and turmeric.


I had a chicken shawarma for lunch yesterday in a shop called Knaker (both Ks are pronounced). They apparently forgot to put any spices in it. In fact, they forgot to include any flavour at all. But that’s Russian shawarma for you. I intend to try doner here to see if it’s more authentic owing to the Turkic influence—I’m under the impression that shawarma and doner are basically the same, but that doner is more specifically Turkish, whereas shawarma, though also originally Turkish, is now more associated with Arabic countries.
Noble Dust February 27, 2023 at 07:04 #784491
Reply to Jamal

What a bummer. I haven't had doner; there's not much of it here, but I know there's a few spots. I associate that more with Germany; I was under the impression Turkish immigrants brought it and it became a thing there. I could be wrong. There are definitely plenty of Lebanese and some Syrian and Yemeni spots here that do shawarma.

Fun fact: Mexican Al Pastor originates from Middle Eastern immigrants bringing marinated slow spit-roasted meats to Mexico in I think the 1800's.
Jamal February 27, 2023 at 07:10 #784492
Quoting Noble Dust
I was under the impression Turkish immigrants brought it and it became a thing there


Yes, but not just Germany. It’s big in the UK too, probably all over Europe in fact.

I’d never heard of Al Pastor. Having now seen a picture, yeah, that all checks out.
Banno February 27, 2023 at 10:24 #784537
Quoting Jamal
cardamom in coffee


It's brilliant. Occasionally.
Baden February 27, 2023 at 10:41 #784544
Reply to BC

I already know the context. And in that context, he's a scummy racist using and abusing the results of one poll that suits his purposes to justify a call for segregation from and hatred against blacks (who wouldn't hate a hate group?). Nothing that you said makes anything he said less racist, stupid, or unjustified. Whether or not his comic should be banned due to this is a different matter. As it happens, market forces dictate racism is bad for business and that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.
Baden February 27, 2023 at 10:44 #784546
(Anyone who thinks it's literally not OK to be white is also a racist but I very much doubt that's 26% of blacks and has more to do with @Hanover's reference).
universeness February 27, 2023 at 16:02 #784619
T Clark February 27, 2023 at 16:27 #784626
Quoting javi2541997
next time I recommend you not miss cardamom


I didn't mean to denigrate cardamom, only to point out that there was none in the Rice Krispies, milk, and Mike & Ike's I ate. I just checked the ingredients list to verify. No cardamom.
T Clark February 27, 2023 at 16:35 #784628
Quoting Hanover
it's OK to be white


I thought that was a song by Muppet character Albino Kermit.
T Clark February 27, 2023 at 16:37 #784630
Quoting Jamal
Millions of people can’t be wrong!


Someone should tell Jamal that Rudy Giuliani has stolen his forum password. It's possible @Hanover sent it to him.
0 thru 9 February 27, 2023 at 16:58 #784640
Quoting javi2541997
Clarky, the next time I recommend you not miss cardamom, at least in a drink. You have to taste kombucha with cardamom; is strong, aromatic, stimulus and healthy.


About kombucha... I highly recommend it. For those unfamiliar, the active ingredient is a probiotic that is a symbiotic organism that’s part yeast, part bacteria. Our intestinal flora in modern times is very often very weak and compromised. Antibiotics, as necessary as they are, can kill much of the “good” microbes within us as you well know.

Article about the human microbiome here.
Noble Dust February 27, 2023 at 17:04 #784642
Quoting Jamal
I’d never heard of Al Pastor.


:gasp: I suppose it hasn't made it's way to Europe, let alone Russia. It's great. They put pineapple on it which I don't need, but it's nice. Not to be that guy, but there's a much rarer version called Tacos Arabes that I like better. It uses flour tortillas instead of corn (hence the name). I've only found two places that serve it here, one of which is gone. The one still around is the better of the two, and simply tops the pork meat taco with an avocado salsa and a chipotle salsa. Perfect.
T Clark February 27, 2023 at 17:12 #784649
Quoting Noble Dust
Not to be that guy


Too late. I suggest a new user name for you - @That Guy.
Jamal February 27, 2023 at 17:12 #784650
Quoting Noble Dust
I suppose it hasn't made it's way to Europe, let alone Russia


Mexican food in general has not caught on much in Europe, no doubt because of a severe lack of Mexicans. That said, I do have a Mexican friend in Spain, but she’s a terrible cook.
javi2541997 February 27, 2023 at 17:22 #784652
Quoting 0 thru 9
About kombucha... I highly recommend it. For those unfamiliar, the active ingredient is a probiotic that is a symbiotic organism that’s part yeast, part bacteria. Our intestinal flora in modern times is very often very weak and compromised. Antibiotics, as necessary as they are, can kill much of the “good” microbes within us as you well know.

Article about the human microbiome here.


:up:

I highly recommend this beverage too. I drink “Komvida ”, which is made by two girls in the south of Spain in their garage. They have nine different types of Kombucha. My favorites are green tea and “Gingervida”
T Clark February 27, 2023 at 17:54 #784660
Quoting Jamal
Mexican food in general has not caught on much in Europe


My brother and I went to a really bad Mexican restaurant in Frieberg, Germany when we were over there. I wonder what made us think that was a good idea.
BC February 27, 2023 at 18:22 #784667
Reply to javi2541997 Reply to 0 thru 9 I've tried several kombuchas and thought they were all pretty tasty. However... the gut contains thousands of different bacteria and yeast species. kombuchas, yogurts, raw sauerkrauts, and similar foods are fermented with a handful of specific fermenting species. Eating these foods does give you a good amount of the particular microorganisms, but nothing like a broad spectrum of species.

The article that @0 thru 9 referenced is good information.

Children that grow up in excessively cleaned environments may have a poorer microbiome than children who are allowed to play in dirt outdoors, and have a pet.

Most infections we get don't require the sort of 'scorched earth' antibiotic treatments that are required for antibiotic-resistant life-threatening infections, which leave a practically sterile gut. In some cases, patients benefit from a "fecal transplant" which replaces the whole microbiome spectrum.
0 thru 9 February 27, 2023 at 18:34 #784675
Reply to BC :up: :100:
Personally, I think that avoiding the need for a turd transplant to be motivation enough lol. :joke:
Jamal February 27, 2023 at 18:34 #784676
Quoting T Clark
I wonder what made us think that was a good idea


I would have been curious about those Freiberg tacos.
javi2541997 February 27, 2023 at 19:05 #784687
Quoting BC
Children that grow up in excessively cleaned environments may have a poorer microbiome than children who are allowed to play in dirt outdoors, and have a pet.


:up: :100:
Hanover February 27, 2023 at 19:05 #784689
I live in the southern US, so we get a lot of Mexican food. I hear that the people in the Dakotas and in Montana have a bunch of Canadian restaurants that they eat at. The Canadians cook up some really good bland, and they put it on bland, and they eat it with bland. That's what I imagine at least. I've never been up there.
0 thru 9 February 27, 2023 at 19:06 #784690
Quoting javi2541997
I highly recommend this beverage too. I drink “Komvida ”, which is made by two girls in the south of Spain in their garage. They have nine different types of Kombucha. My favorites are green tea and “Gingervida”


Something about ginger really enhances the taste of kombucha, imho. I also make home brew kombucha especially red wine flavor, from grape juice. Very tasty.
Hanover February 27, 2023 at 19:11 #784693
Quoting BC
Children that grow up in excessively cleaned environments may have a poorer microbiome than children who are allowed to play in dirt outdoors, and have a pet.


I read that ulcerative colitis rates were highest in industrialized countries and regions and it was theorized that countries with the poorest hygiene were the most protected against it due to the prevalence of the bacteria. This could be the result of the suppression of hyperactive immune systems caused by increased bacteria.

Quoting BC
In some cases, patients benefit from a "fecal transplant" which replaces the whole microbiome spectrum.


When I was a kid, I never had another kid's shit shot up my asshole, but what I did do once was stand on the other side of the bathroom and successfully arc my urine stream to find its way to the urinal, none missing its mark, well, for the most part, give or take, but who's measuring?
Noble Dust February 27, 2023 at 19:18 #784695
Reply to T Clark

I'm considering it. I'd be in that rarified air of members with usernames with spaces in them, making them hard to tag. It would be an honor. Edit: Oh wait, I already am. Am I hard to tag?

Quoting Jamal
Mexican food in general has not caught on much in Europe, no doubt because of a severe lack of Mexicans.


Makes perfect sense. It's pretty ubiquitous in America, I think (@Hanover). In the suburban midwest where I grew up, I think there were probably as many Mexican restaurants in any given town as there were generic American restaurants. They all taste the same (the Mexican ones; probably the American ones too). I only had real Mexican food when I moved to New York, and it's only been in the past few years that some really legit places have opened here. Definitely something to try if you ever visit.
praxis February 27, 2023 at 19:42 #784699
There are a lot of Mexican places in my neck of the woods but few that make a good chili verde or tacos al pastor. To be fair though, al pastor is not a dish that's easily whipped up.
universeness February 27, 2023 at 19:56 #784703
Quoting T Clark
I thought that was a song by Muppet character Albino Kermit.


That's the only white people I have ever encountered (albino's).
This is also the opinion of commander Shran in Star Trek Enterprise. :grin:


T Clark February 27, 2023 at 19:58 #784704
Quoting Jamal
I would have been curious about those Freiberg tacos.


One of the things I like best about Europe is the amount of good food around, including ethnic and local food. There were plenty of other choices. Anyway, it gives me a good story - the only really bad food I ate on the trip, not counting the airports.
T Clark February 27, 2023 at 20:00 #784706
Quoting Noble Dust
Am I hard to tag?


No.

T Clark February 27, 2023 at 20:04 #784708
Quoting universeness
That's the only white people I have ever encountered (albino's).


Sure, but you haven't encountered any black people either.
Hanover February 27, 2023 at 21:21 #784724
Quoting T Clark
One of the things I like best about Europe is the amount of good food around, including ethnic and local food.


In the county where I live, we have an 80.9% diversity score, which means that if you picked two random people off the street, there's an 80.9% chance they'd be of a different race or ethnicity (Mexican, Korean, Indian, Vietnamese, El Salvadorian, Chinese, Jamaican, and it seems like a fairly large Bosnian population), making it the most diverse county in the southeast.

I found the diversity in Europe to be from traveling country to country, but more homogeneity per country, although that is changing, but nothing like what exists here. I think people overlook the whole melting pot thing we have going here in the US, even among those living in the US that have communities that haven't seen the population growths like exists where I live.

What this means is that we have really good food. Not just chowder.
BC February 27, 2023 at 21:35 #784728
Quoting Hanover
I read that ulcerative colitis rates were highest in industrialized countries and regions and it was theorized that countries with the poorest hygiene were the most protected against it due to the prevalence of the bacteria. This could be the result of the suppression of hyperactive immune systems caused by increased bacteria.


Related to that... the presence of tape worms in the gut can bring allergy relief because the worms suppress the immune response (which would be aimed at them in particular). Medical recommendation: Try Benadryl first.
Mikie February 28, 2023 at 03:05 #784797


Just because it’s hilarious.
Metaphysician Undercover February 28, 2023 at 03:30 #784801
Quoting 0 thru 9
About kombucha... I highly recommend it. For those unfamiliar, the active ingredient is a probiotic that is a symbiotic organism that’s part yeast, part bacteria.


I prefer unfiltered open fermented beer, similar yeast content, and similar bacteria (yuck, but force it down, it builds tolerance), along with pleasant after effects.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 03:32 #784802
Quoting Hanover
I found the diversity in Europe to be from traveling country to country, but more homogeneity per country, although that is changing, but nothing like what exists here.


I visited France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium with my family in the late 1980s. My brother and I visited France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany in 2014. My brother lived in France for 3 years in the late 1980s and has visited there and other countries in Europe many times. I have not visited Spain or Italy, but I hear the food is wonderful.

In my, and my brother's, experience, the attitude about food is what makes Europe different from the US. Just about every town has at least one small cafe in the town square or other, often with outside seating. Restaurants and cafes tend to be locally owned rather than chain. The food is better in quality and better prepared. The waiters are great. You are not expected to tip, although small tips for good service are common.

Local markets are also great. In an outdoor market in Paris, I bought strawberries that were red all the way through. The only times I have those elsewhere were from my garden. There were lots of small specialty food stores in each town - bakeries, charcuteries (cold cuts), butchers, vegetable markets...

Sure, there are plenty of good restaurants in the US. But not as common as in Europe. I lived in Cambridge in the 1970s. One of the best things about it was all the cheap ethnic restaurants. In the US, you have to look for good food. In Europe it's hard to avoid, as long as you stay away from Mexican restaurants in Germany.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 04:02 #784807
Quoting T Clark
One of the things I like best about Europe is the amount of good food around, including ethnic and local food


Local, sure. But ethnic? Assuming you mean non-European, it’s very patchy.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 04:06 #784809
Quoting Noble Dust
I'm considering it. I'd be in that rarified air of members with usernames with spaces in them, making them hard to tag. It would be an honor. Edit: Oh wait, I already am. Am I hard to tag?


The problem with @T Clark’s name is that there’s a space right after the initial letter. The mention box doesn’t start searching till after the second character typed in, and if that’s a space, it gets very confused.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 04:21 #784811
Quoting Jamal
Local, sure. But ethnic? Assuming you mean non-European, it’s very patchy


In the cities we visited, there were Turkish, Northern African, and Middle Eastern restaurants. And then, again, that Mexican one. Does French food count as ethnic if I eat it in Belgium?

Quoting Jamal
The problem with T Clark’s name is that there’s a space right after the initial letter.


My name won't autofill, but if you type it in it works fine.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 04:32 #784815
Quoting T Clark
My name won't autofill, but if you type it in it works fine


Yep.
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 04:46 #784818
Quoting T Clark
In the US, you have to look for good food.


I think this is also a mantra in America, at least in middle America. Outside of cities, most of the food is kind of the same, but folks still insist upon some places being better than others. Clans form. The sentiment of "hunting" for the best food is felt. That's not to say there aren't hidden gems.

Quoting T Clark
My name won't autofill, but if you type it in it works fine.


One of the forum's more recent significant findings.
L'éléphant February 28, 2023 at 04:58 #784822
Quoting T Clark
My name won't autofill,

Good lawrd.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 05:13 #784824
Quoting Noble Dust
I think this is also a mantra in America, at least in middle America. Outside of cities, most of the food is kind of the same, but folks still insist upon some places being better than others.


It's true, there are a lot more choices in the city. When I lived in Cambridge, MA in the 1970s, there were decent inexpensive Indian, Thai, Chinese, Greek, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Italian, and seafood restaurants as well as diners, bars, and quirky local places - none of them chains. That's not even counting pizza places. When I lived there, we usually ate out three days a week and got pizza once a week and that was back when we were relatively poor.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 05:28 #784827
Popular ethnic foods in Moscow are Georgian, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Uzbek, Thai, Japanese, Ukrainian Jewish, Italian, and American. Indian food is making inroads. French food, as in every other country except France, is regarded as posh and fancy.

I don’t know why there are no Kazakh restaurants. I have to assume their food is terrible, or maybe it’s just been absorbed into the Uzbek-dominated Central Asian culinary universe.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 05:36 #784831
As for Mexican, there’s one Mexican guy who sells tamales on Facebook.
javi2541997 February 28, 2023 at 05:48 #784832
Quoting T Clark
I have not visited Spain


:worry: ... I promise that I always thought you visited Spain.
javi2541997 February 28, 2023 at 05:52 #784833
By the way, we Spanish folks don't like Mexican food because it is spicy and greasy. It is true that in Madrid or Barcelona you would be able to find a Mexican restaurant, but they are not as famous as the locals or others that have similar gastronomy, like Italians and Greeks.

I mean, the average person here will always choose a paella or tapas rather than a taco...
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 05:54 #784834
I discovered ceviche when I was in Spain, and it’s become a favourite of mine. One of the best was in a Peruvian restaurant in Madrid.

But it’s surprising how easy it is for restaurants to get it wrong. It seems so simple.
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 05:56 #784835
Quoting Jamal
I don’t know why there are no Kazakh restaurants.


It's a big place. Could it be political? I know Uyghur cuisine has only recently hit NYC, and the narrative is rightfully about the persecution of the Uyghur people by the Chinese government.
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 06:01 #784836
Reply to javi2541997

I guess it makes sense because Spain colonized South America, but ironically South American cuisine is a fusion of indigenous food and Spanish food. Seems like yet another example of colonization falling short, if the colonized food doesn't sit well with the colonizers. Of course, I'm saying that as an American, so I don't have much ground to stand on.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 06:03 #784837
Reply to Noble Dust There are many Kazakh people here and the countries have been friendly and tied together by trade and culture for a long time, so there’s no political issue. Uyghurs make up 1.5% of the population of Kazakhstan, according to Wikipedia. I’m not familiar with their cuisine.

My wife has a few Uyghur genes. It’s the elusive Kazakh cooks who remain a mystery.
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 06:07 #784838
Quoting Jamal
It’s the elusive Kazakh cooks who remain a mystery.


:chin: given their location, maybe the food is a combination of everything around them. Nothing bad, nothing notable, just a lukewarm combo? I have no idea. I'm literally looking at google maps, which is embarrassing, but it looks like a flatland. That makes me think crops and livestock are probably very limited.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 06:12 #784840
Reply to Noble Dust I’m thinking the problem is sheep testicle stew or something. In my ignorance, that’s what I associate with Mongolia, and I associate Kazakhstan with Mongolia.

Uzbekistan seems to have more going for it. It was on the silk route and their produce is famously good.
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 06:24 #784842
Reply to Jamal

What is Uzbek cuisine?

As to Uyghur cuisine, I'm sad to report I still haven't tried it, despite being a 45 minute subway ride away. A Chinese-American youtube food blog I follow considers it technically Chinese, but it seems like a true fusion; a result of it's place and circumstance. This guide is helpful, and done by one of NYC's leading street food writers.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 06:26 #784843
Quoting Noble Dust
What is Uzbek cuisine?


Delicious!
javi2541997 February 28, 2023 at 06:32 #784844
Reply to Noble Dust I see... but don't miss bread with virgin olive oil and tomato every morning ever again!
I believe this breakfast is going to sit well with you.
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 06:32 #784845
Reply to Jamal

That's what my mom said when I asked her what the tofu stir fry was.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 06:35 #784848
I have a title for a discussion, taken from Nietzsche, but I’m not sure what to do with it:

“The brain diseases of morbid cobweb-spinners”

He was referring to theologians, but I could apply it to speculative metaphysics more generally.

Favourite current discussion title:

“Welcome Robot Overlords”
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 06:36 #784849
Quoting Noble Dust
That's what my mom said when I asked her what the tofu stir fry was


Did she speak the truth?
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 06:40 #784853
Quoting javi2541997
don't miss bread with virgin olive oil and tomato every morning ever again!


I will do my best, but the supplies are running out. I appreciate your faith in me. I had it again this morning and I grew more in love.

Quoting Jamal
Did she speak the truth?


No.
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 06:45 #784854
Reply to Jamal

I see what you did there.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 06:47 #784855
Question for any South Americans: do Argentines eat steak every day, and do they ever eat vegetables? Maybe they regard chicken as a vegetable?
javi2541997 February 28, 2023 at 06:52 #784857
Quoting Noble Dust
I will do my best, but the supplies are running out. I appreciate your faith in me. I had it again this morning and I grew more in love.


:up: :sparkle: I have a big faith on you, It is better to wait for the harvest rather than buy them at Mercadona. You, as an American, are lucky that Mercadona supermarkets do not exist in the USA.
javi2541997 February 28, 2023 at 06:56 #784858
Quoting Jamal
do Argentines eat steak every day, and do they ever eat vegetables?


Good question.  As far as I know, they have a weird mania for always showing off their tremendous and exotic meat around the world. They only drink mate, it is rare to see an Argentinean to drink just water.
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 06:57 #784859
Reply to javi2541997

Ok, I'll bite. What is Mercadona?
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 06:58 #784861
Reply to javi2541997 I always thought Mercadona was good. Good quality but not too fancy. Also, they seem to pay and treat their workers pretty well, comparatively speaking. As a result, a visit to Mercadona is a pleasant experience.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 07:09 #784863
Quoting javi2541997
Good question.  As far as I know, they have a weird mania for always showing off their tremendous and exotic meat around the world. They only drink mate, it is rare to see an Argentinean to drink just water.


My comment was bait to catch anti-Argentine prejudice. You have revealed yourself.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 07:16 #784864
Quoting Noble Dust
What is Mercadona?


A large Spanish supermarket chain. As far as I can tell, the name means something like “Market Woman” or “Mrs Merchandise”. I guess my translation skills are lacking.
javi2541997 February 28, 2023 at 07:26 #784866
Quoting Jamal
Also, they seem to pay and treat their workers pretty well, comparatively speaking.


This is true. Mercadona workers are happy to work there because their work conditions are some of the best in the country and the salaries are pretty good. I am angry with Mercadona because of inflation (probably they are not guilty at all) and their lack of empathy with the consumers... I see that the prices are higher than ever, and it is bad because "Hacendado" should be the cheapest brand for food...
javi2541997 February 28, 2023 at 07:35 #784867
Reply to Noble Dust As Jamal perfectly explained, it is a big chain of supermarkets that are operational along the Spanish territory. The fact that it differs from the rest of the supermarkets is the brand called "Hacendado," which is manufactured and produced with Spanish products. This makes them cheaper than French and German supermarkets. 

Yet many people are angry with them because of the rise in prices of basic products such as meat and bread.

Whenever you enter in the market there is a female voice who sings: Mercadona, Mercadona, Mercadooooonaaaaa. The song is catchy.


User image
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 07:36 #784868
Quoting javi2541997
This is true. Mercadona workers are happy to work there because their work conditions are some of the best in the country and the salaries are pretty good. I am angry with Mercadona because of inflation (probably they are not guilty at all) and their lack of empathy with the consumers... I see that the prices are higher than ever, and it is bad because "Hacendado" should be the cheapest brand for food


Interesting. The irrationality of capitalism requires that if we want low prices, we must demand that supermarket employees get low wages.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 07:46 #784872
@javi2541997 I’m not blaming you for this but I have to confess I was a bit disappointed in the Spanish tomatoes. Russian tomatoes are better. Actually they’re from Uzbekistan (of course).
javi2541997 February 28, 2023 at 08:00 #784875
Reply to Jamal Understable, and I have to assume part of the responsibility. Spain no longer invests in developing good tomatoes because most of them are industrialized.
Can Russian tomatoes be applied to pan con tumaca? If it is possible, that would be perfect.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 08:03 #784876
Quoting javi2541997
Can Russian tomatoes be applied to pan con tumaca? If it is possible, that would be perfect.


Yes, with grated Uzbek tomatoes, Armenian bread, and Spanish/Italian/Greek extra virgin olive oil, I have enjoyed this several times.

@Noble Dust How was the Senegalese jolof rice?
universeness February 28, 2023 at 13:00 #784919
Quoting T Clark
Sure, but you haven't encountered any black people either.


I am happy to go with, humans are not coloured, we are all 'shades.' Black and white themselves, are not colours, they are shades.
We are also ALL MONGRALS, no such thing as pure bloods.
Hanover February 28, 2023 at 13:34 #784932
Quoting Jamal
The irrationality of capitalism requires that if we want low prices, we must demand that supermarket employees get low wages.


The worker is a commodity, just as is the tomato, both of which the purchaser (whether that be the employer who purchases the employee or the customer who purchases the tomato) tries to obtain at the lowest price.

Since the employer's profits are being driven down by the competition from those customers finding cheaper prices, food prices and profits are all being reduced by market forces, providing you with an endless array of food choice on a philosopher's salary. If you wish to increase your salary, you'll need to provide a unique service as an employee, and if you wish to increase food profits, you'll need to offer something in the tomato buying experience no one else does as well as you.

Just defending capitalism, both on its own inherent merits and the fact that there is no better alternative.

Now back to food. Mongolian beef here is a mixture of scallions, beef, probably some sugar, and cellophane noodles. I doubt any Mongolians have ever eaten it.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 13:41 #784935
Quoting Hanover
Just defending capitalism, both on its own inherent merits and the fact that there is no better alternative.


I wouldn’t expect anything less.

But I don’t think you did a very good job. You told me how it worked, which I knew already, but the only thing you gave as a defence or justification aside from cheap food was TINA (there is no alternative), or capitalist realism. On that I agree, insofar as there is in fact no alternative and it is in fact easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism.

Quoting Hanover
Now back to food. Mongolian beef here is a mixture of scallions, beef, probably some sugar, and cellophane noodles. I doubt any Mongolians have ever eaten it.


There was a so-called Mongolian restaurant in Edinburgh that served alligator, ostrich, and kangaroo. I am also doubting the authenticity.
frank February 28, 2023 at 14:45 #784949
Thanks to the internets, I've discovered that some british people say "haich" instead of "aich" for the letter "h"

It's kind of charming.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 14:51 #784950
Reply to frank I used to live in the North of England and they all said it like that.

In Scotland a lot of people pronounce the name of the letter J as jai (like the first syllable of giant).
frank February 28, 2023 at 14:57 #784952
Reply to Jamal Then where does "aich" come from as a pronunciation?
Hanover February 28, 2023 at 15:00 #784954
Quoting Jamal
But I don’t think you did a very good job.


I hear that often, so you're probably right.

Quoting Jamal
You told me how it worked, which I knew already, but the only thing you gave as a defence or justification aside from cheap food was TINA (there is no alternative), or capitalist realism. On that I agree, insofar as there is in fact no alternative and it is in fact easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism.


My best defense is that it works, unlike most that don't. If we could achieve delicious, varied, and affordable food and a life generally free from oppression under a Marxist regime, I might change my tune. I just read that North Korea is worrying about mass starvation issues due to problems in their collectivized system, so they are going to embark on a whole new plan of some sort. That sounds more concerning than some underpaid grocery workers.

Quoting Jamal
There was a so-called Mongolian restaurant in Edinburgh that served alligator, ostrich, and kangaroo. I am also doubting the authenticity.


Do gators and roos live side by side in Mongolia? Sounds like a strange swamp.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 15:00 #784955
Reply to frank Authorities on the issue can’t agree:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/H#Name_in_English
Hanover February 28, 2023 at 15:02 #784957
Quoting frank
Then where does "aich" come from as a pronunciation?


Edinburgh was orginally settled by a sub-Saharan click speaking tribe and that pronunciation remains as a relic. That's why they say Edinblthuuu as well instead of Edinberg.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 15:04 #784958
Quoting Hanover
That sounds more concerning than some underpaid grocery workers.


“It’s much better than North Korea” isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement.
Hanover February 28, 2023 at 15:05 #784959
Quoting Jamal
“It’s much better than North Korea” isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement.


It's much better than Russia.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 15:08 #784961
Reply to Hanover

There are better Uzbek restaurants here, so, swings and roundabouts.

Swings and roundabouts is a British phrase that you can Google if you’re interested.
0 thru 9 February 28, 2023 at 16:11 #784984
Quoting Metaphysician Undercover
I prefer unfiltered open fermented beer, similar yeast content, and similar bacteria (yuck, but force it down, it builds tolerance), along with pleasant after effects.

:blush:
That sounds fascinating! Thanks. I’ll look into that. I mistakenly thought that unpasteurized beer (except maybe kegs?) had gone the way of the Dodo. (hey... where’s the beer mug emoji? lol)
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 16:57 #784990
Quoting javi2541997
I always thought you visited Spain.


I haven't, but everyone I know who's been there loved it. Lots of good food - which is what I care most about places I go. TV shows always show people out for the evening going to tapas bars. Here in the US, the idea of tapas has taken off in the past 20 years, although they usually call them "small plates." It makes eating more interesting.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 17:16 #784995
Quoting universeness
I am happy to go with, humans are not coloured, we are all 'shades.'


Agreed, but, like it or not, racial differences make a difference - politically and socially. It's low-rent irony to argue that none of us are black or white. I grew up in the late 1960s and went to high school in southern Virginia, a southern state. Our high school integrated during my senior year.

Back then, black people were still called "negroes" and "colored" by most people. I was not very socially aware, but I remember trying to figure out how to refer to them. "Negro" and "colored" sounded condescending but "black" sounded contentious. "Afro-American" was available but, even then, seemed politically correct, namby-pamby. I saw, and still see, usage of "black" as respectful and matter of fact.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 17:56 #785002
Quoting Jamal
I’m thinking the problem is sheep testicle stew or something. In my ignorance, that’s what I associate with Mongolia, and I associate Kazakhstan with Mongolia.


A lot of those people in central Asia are Turkic - Kazakhstanis, Kyrgyzstanis, Uzbekistanis, Turkmen, and Uyghurs. There are significant Turkic populations in Iran and Azerbaijan. And then, of course, Turkey. This is the only thing I could find on the web for Kazak cuisine.

User image

It is a little known fact that "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" was filmed in Kazakhstan and depicted common Kazakh cuisine. As with most of my little-known facts, they are little-known because I made them up.
universeness February 28, 2023 at 17:59 #785004
Quoting T Clark
usage of "black" as respectful and matter of fact.

I use black as well, mainly, if I am trying to point someone out in a group of people who are not black.
I don't know, if that IS problematic. Perhaps folks should just use other references such as what someone is wearing, or their height, hair style etc to refer to an individual in a group, but perhaps that's just too woke.
I never use brown, red, yellow however. I would always say 'the Asian person.' Dunno why??
I admit, I have led a sentence with something like 'as a black person, you must have .......... or as a person from Pakistan you ....... but I do find that more awkward than as an American you ...... Which is ridiculous on my part that I should still feel that discomfort sometimes.
I remain rather confused about whether or not my current methods of referring to a person DOES cause them offense at times. Perhaps the main good about that is at least I am thinking about it rather than not giving a shit, in the way I didn't in my younger days.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 18:02 #785005
Quoting Jamal
Swings and roundabouts


Good phrase. Almost self-explanatory.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 18:03 #785006
Quoting T Clark
There are significant Turkic populations in Iran and Azerbaijan


Saying there’s a significant Turkic population in Azerbaijan is putting it mildly. Azerbaijanis are Turkic; their language and Turkish are mutually intelligible.

Tajiks are the odd ones out in ex-Soviet Central Asia. They’re an Iranian people.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 18:05 #785007
Quoting universeness
I remain rather confused about whether or not my current methods of referring to a person DOES cause them offense at times. Perhaps the main good about that is at least I am thinking about it rather than not giving a shit, in the way I didn't in my younger days.


My guess is that most people of color, as they are often now referred to, don't want to hear much about us white folk's struggles with what to call them.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 18:14 #785010
Quoting Jamal
Azerbaijanis are Turkic


I didn't know that.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 18:15 #785011
Reply to T Clark Here’s a fact you might not know. I certainly didn’t know it till quite recently. There are ten autonomous Turkic republics within Russia itself:

Tatarstan
Bashkiria
Yakutia
Chuvashia
Altai Krai
Khakassia
Tuva
Karachay-Cherkessia

And Kabardino-Balkaria is part Turkic, part Circassian.

Edit: that’s not 10 is it?
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 18:19 #785013
Quoting Jamal
The irrationality of capitalism requires that if we want low prices, we must demand that supermarket employees get low wages.


There is a regional grocery chain in New England, Market Basket, that treats their workers well. You can see the difference when you go there. They are enthusiastic and helpful. The workers went on strike when there was a family squabble and some family members tried to take over and kick out the CEO, who was very popular. Their only demand - rehire him. He runs the place now.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 18:23 #785015
Quoting T Clark
There is a regional grocery chain in New England, Market Basket, that treats their workers well. You can see the difference when you go there. They are enthusiastic and helpful. The workers went on strike when there was a family squabble and some family members tried to take over and kick out the CEO, who was very popular. He runs the place now.


This gives me warm feeling.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 18:35 #785021
Reply to Jamal

Yes. I was surprised to find out that much of what is now Russia was run by central Asian Khanates - both Mongolian and Turkic - up until the 1300s.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 18:41 #785023
Quoting Jamal
This gives me warm feeling.


It was great. Inspiring. I'm surprised they haven't made a movie yet with Tom Hanks as Arthur T. Demoulas. Arthur T was the good guy. His cousin Arthur S was the bad guy. They can get Malcolm McDowell to play Arthur S.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 18:42 #785024
Reply to T Clark Yeah I’ve tried getting my head around that history. It’s rather complicated.

I went to Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan. I give it and its people 5/5.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 18:44 #785025
Reply to T Clark I’d definitely watch Hanks vs McDowell.
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 19:02 #785032
Quoting Jamal
How was the Senegalese jolof rice?


Damn it. Didn't happen. I actually was planning to last Wednesday, but a complication at work meant I couldn't really leave for lunch, so I got delivery from somewhere else. Maybe if you remind me tomorrow morning I'll get it for lunch then.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 19:07 #785033
Reply to Noble Dust Ok, but no more excuses next time. Do or not do.

I’m badgering you because you asked me to, and I will continue until you die (or get the jolof rice, of course).
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 19:16 #785036
Reply to javi2541997

I somehow get the sense I would be happy to shop there. Contrary to what you might think, grocery stores are notoriously inconsistent in NYC. Often, you find a spot that you like, but then they end up not having something basic. For instance, the store near me I like the most doesn't have ground cumin. They stock a lot of Goya products, a company that makes cheap but reliable canned goods as well as dried grains and beans, but they don't stock Goya's cheap quinoa, so I have to buy the fancy expensive stuff when I go there.
universeness February 28, 2023 at 19:23 #785037
Quoting T Clark
My guess is that most people of color, as they are often now referred to, don't want to hear much about us white folk's struggles with what to call them.


Many black folks would probably agree with you and I suspect just as many would not, and do care.
I was not solely referring to black people, but to all people who want to be identified in the way they choose.
I accept that, and will comply, as long as they don't insist on being identified as King, Lord, God, funniest poster on TPF, etc.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 19:28 #785038
Quoting Jamal
Yeah I’ve tried getting my head around that history. It’s rather complicated.


Given my education, it's hard to remember that stuff happened before the past 2,000 years and outside of Europe. East, central, and south Asia had empires coming out their ying-yangs. Pre-Columbian Americas were amazing. We hear some about Incas, Aztecs, and Mayans, but nothing about the continental US, eg. Mississippian culture and Hopewell cultures. Not much about First Nations people in Canada either.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 19:30 #785040
Quoting universeness
funniest poster on TPF


That shouldn't be a problem. I happen to know for a fact that the funniest poster here is white, or as we like to be called "Amurican-American."
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 19:33 #785041
Reply to T Clark

I am white, yes.
Jamal February 28, 2023 at 19:35 #785043
Reply to T Clark It’s just one damned thing after another after all.
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 19:40 #785046
Reply to Jamal

Hopefully you'll be able to stop after tomorrow, rather than continue for the next (hopefully?) ~50 years. (?)
javi2541997 February 28, 2023 at 19:40 #785047
Reply to Noble Dust I see. Well, if one day you come here I promise I going to show you Mercadona. There are different sizes and types of architecture in their buildings.
I bought some products at Mercadona this afternoon again. My mom asked me to please go to the store to buy cod and stuff. I end up shopping at Mercadona. It is weird because this morning I insulted its dignity and then I paid some euros for food. I think Mercadona has caught me so hard that it is impossible for me to go to a different marketplace.
T Clark February 28, 2023 at 20:39 #785057
Quoting Noble Dust
I am white, yes.


There is no doubt that you are the somethingist poster here. We're just not sure of what something right now.
Noble Dust February 28, 2023 at 21:09 #785059
Quoting T Clark
We're just not sure


Who are the members of this secret committee?
Sir2u February 28, 2023 at 23:24 #785100
Quoting T Clark
Agreed, but, like it or not, racial differences make a difference - politically and socially. It's low-rent irony to argue that none of us are black or white. I grew up in the late 1960s and went to high school in southern Virginia, a southern state. Our high school integrated during my senior year.


I was in New Orleans at that time, but they only just started integrating the school buses before I left. They did some of the stupidest things I have ever seen. In the area where I lived, just outside the city, there were no colored people, so they sent the bus on a 30 minute detour to pick up about 20 students, And obviously they had to send the bus that no longer piked those kids up to go and spend 30 minutes going to pick up some white kids.

I have never been in any way racist, the only people I dislike are stupid people of the chronic variety. But I remember still the scary way the colored students looked at the white kids on the first day as if we had no right to be on their buses. Most of the white kids just ignored them which seemed to upset them even more and they started making comments about how white folk sometimes went into their neighborhood but never came out. They were not happy when the driver decided to go through the white area first.
Thing improved over the next couple of weeks and they worked out the way to stop anyone prevent others from getting off the bus by sitting whites on one side and the colored kids on the other side, that way no one could block the aisle.
BC February 28, 2023 at 23:28 #785102
Quoting Jamal
Swings and roundabouts is a British phrase


A midwestern equivalent is "a horse apiece" which means six of one, a half dozen of the other. Same thing, only different.
Hanover March 01, 2023 at 00:01 #785112
Quoting Sir2u
They did some of the stupidest things I have ever seen. In the area where I lived, just outside the city, there were no colored people


"People of color" is in vogue, but "colored people" speaks of a very different time.
frank March 01, 2023 at 01:13 #785126
Quoting BC
six of one, a half dozen of the other.


I always say "half of one, a dozen of the other.".
Hanover March 01, 2023 at 02:34 #785137
Speaking of food and Brits, there are a series of Tik Tok videos of Brits tasting American foods for the first time. They found pecan pie, chick-fil-a sandwiches, and sweet ice tea delicious.

If you're a Brit reading this, you should give those American staples a try. They sustain our great nation and keep it holy.
T Clark March 01, 2023 at 03:01 #785141
Quoting Noble Dust
Who are the members of this secret committee?


I speak in my capacity as the Voice of the Spirit of Philosophy. I appointed myself to that position by my authority as the Voice of the Spirit of Philosophy. Also, it's an a priority truth. And self-evident. Sui generis. Ipso facto. E Pluribus Unum. Also, I was appointed by Donald J. Trump, Jr.
Hanover March 01, 2023 at 03:22 #785145
My cat is the leader of the Illuminati. So, there's that. Let me know if you need something done. She's got a few free minutes right now it looks like.
Noble Dust March 01, 2023 at 05:55 #785158
Reply to T Clark

I will never understand engineer humor.

Quoting Hanover
My cat is the leader of the Illuminati. So, there's that. Let me know if you need something done.


I just need to know which somethingest poster here I am.
BC March 01, 2023 at 06:19 #785159
Reply to Noble Dust Don't ask. If you find out which somethingest you are, that something will evaporate, and then where will you be?
Noble Dust March 01, 2023 at 06:28 #785161
Reply to BC

I'll be back to square one, which is where I always am, so it doesn't matter.
T Clark March 01, 2023 at 06:35 #785162
Quoting Noble Dust
I will never understand engineer humor.


That's not engineer humor, it's pseudo-philosopher humor. High quality pseudo-philosopher humor.

Quoting Noble Dust
I just need to know which somethingest poster here I am.


Somethingism is a quantized property, which means the uncertainty principle applies. That means you can't accurately know both which somethingist poster you are and who you are at the same time. Which makes the whole process more difficult. It's possible you are many different somethingist posters on the Philosophy Forum in the multiverse.

There. Take that Mr. "My cat is the leader of the Illuminati."
unenlightened March 01, 2023 at 10:44 #785181
Quoting Noble Dust
I just need to know which somethingest poster here I am.


Quoting Noble Dust
I'll be back to square one, which is where I always am


Answered your own question - the squarest one.
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 11:42 #785186
Quoting Noble Dust
I just need to know which somethingest poster here I am.


How about this: most artistically and spiritually enlightened?
Hanover March 01, 2023 at 14:47 #785214
Quoting T Clark
There. Take that Mr. "My cat is the leader of the Illuminati."


You just pissed her off. I have no idea what happens next.
Noble Dust March 01, 2023 at 17:36 #785246
Reply to Jamal

:groan: I’ll leave the spiritual enlightenment to @Wayfarer.
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 17:38 #785247
Reply to Noble Dust Then foodiest it shall be.
Noble Dust March 01, 2023 at 18:25 #785263
Reply to Jamal

Expect a Senegalese Joloff Rice review in the next few hours.
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 18:45 #785268
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 19:32 #785275
As a Scotchm’n, I’ve always had trouble with a word that crops up often in political philosophy: polis. It refers to a Greek city-state or more generally to a political community, but in Scotland, the polis (as with the Greek word, with the first syllable stressed) is somewhat abusive slang for the police. As a result, I can’t read the word without thinking of delinquent Scotch law-breakers.
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 19:38 #785276
Saying “Scotch” in reference to anything except whisky, pies, eggs, broth, and bonnets is a big no-no around Scotch people, but I’m trying to normalize it.
T Clark March 01, 2023 at 20:27 #785285
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 20:29 #785287
Reply to T Clark We call that sellotape.
Tom Storm March 01, 2023 at 20:52 #785292
Quoting Jamal
Saying “Scotch” in reference to anything except whisky, pies, eggs, broth, and bonnets is a big no-no around Scotch people,


Hey, I took offence to that and I'm Dutch...
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 21:00 #785295
Reply to Tom Storm I have the utmost respect for Netherlandians.
Noble Dust March 01, 2023 at 21:23 #785297
Reply to Jamal

Alright, the verdict is in. Senegalese food is very tasty. I ordered Teibou Jeun because the menu said it was their National dish. It consisted of baked fish, steamed cabbage, carrot and I think yuca, with Joloff Rice. The fish was absolutely delicious, although it was bone in, and I don’t really know how to debone a cooked fish, so I had to carefully pick around it. I was expecting bigger flavor from the Joloff Rice, but it was solid. The veg was fine. I was expecting it to be spicy but there was only a hint of spice. Definitely recommend, will return.
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 21:38 #785303
Reply to Noble Dust Nice. I am happy for you and also for the Senegalese people.

Quoting Noble Dust
The fish was absolutely delicious, although it was bone in, and I don’t really know how to debone a cooked fish, so I had to carefully pick around it


That is a skill that I made sure to learn, because when I’m eating fish I like big chunks. Big boneless chunks are what you don’t get when your skills are not up to scratch. But I’m glad it didn’t spoil your enjoyment too much.

Here in Russia they don’t give a shit about bones. Sometimes even packs of thin slices of smoked salmon have bones. “It’s a fish, it has bones” is the common response to my comments about it.

How do you feel about prawns (shrimp)? I cannot be bothered with a dish with prawns that I have to peel myself. Spoils the whole experience.
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 21:46 #785306
Reply to Noble Dust But yeah, I remember expecting more spice when I had jolof rice. I seem to recall it was a soft, warm kind of spiciness.
Noble Dust March 01, 2023 at 21:53 #785308
Quoting Jamal
That is a skill that I made sure to learn


It’s on my priority list now.

Quoting Jamal
How do you feel about prawns (shrimp)?


Love them. No need to peel, just eat the whole thing. Eating the shell is very common in Asian countries I believe; one of my favorite shrimp dishes I’ve ever had is a simple salt and pepper fried shrimp dish from a spot in Chinatown. They’re deep fried (but not battered) with the shell on. Big pepper flavor and delicious.
T Clark March 01, 2023 at 21:54 #785309
Quoting Jamal
We call that sellotape.


In the US, Scotch Tape is a band name that's become a generic name like kleenex, xerox, saltines, and donald j trump jr.
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 21:55 #785310
Quoting Noble Dust
No need to peel, just eat the whole thing


Oh really? I knew the tails were comfortably edible, but not the whole shell and legs.
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 21:59 #785311
Reply to T Clark Yes. Vacuum cleaners are “Hoovers” where I’m from.
T Clark March 01, 2023 at 22:02 #785313
Quoting Jamal
I cannot be bothered with a dish with prawns that I have to peel myself.


I love good Chesapeake Bay crab, but I have no patience breaking the shells and picking out the meat. Voila! Crab cakes. Lump crab cakes with no filler. Just crab and a little mayo to hold it together.

As for shrimp, I do like peeling and eating steamed shrimp. Eating them warm is different than eating them cold and the shells hold in the spices. But eating shrimp shells and all - no thanks. Sounds like something they'd do in Ohio where the seafood all comes from Long John Silvers.
jorndoe March 01, 2023 at 22:03 #785314
Russia’s St. Petersburg suspends, then restarts flights due to ‘unknown object’
[sup]— Arab News · Feb 28, 2023[/sup]

Chinese balloons, spy drones, aliens, ...? :)

Moliere March 01, 2023 at 22:03 #785315
Reply to Jamal I'd say that's one of those happy accidents where you learned to avoid both the police and the polis ;)
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 22:10 #785319
Reply to Moliere Comin’ straight from the underground. :cool:
Baden March 01, 2023 at 22:11 #785320
Satay sauce is really good with chips (french fries for you semi-literate yanks).
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 22:15 #785323
Quoting T Clark
I love good Chesapeake Bay crab


I have heard of these exotic creatures. Probably from you.

I got a huge crab one Christmas Eve at the Boqueria market in Barcelona, ate it for Christmas Dinner. The ratio of effort to pleasure wasn’t large enough.

Edit: got that the wrong way round.
Noble Dust March 01, 2023 at 22:19 #785325
Reply to Jamal

Not sure about the legs. I didn’t know about the tails being edible haha. It seems like as long as it’s deveined the whole thing is edible. I’ve still never had shrimp heads but really want to.

Quoting T Clark
But eating shrimp shells and all - no thanks. Sounds like something they'd do in Ohio where the seafood all comes from Long John Silvers.


Lol they do it in Asia ya dork. You’re missing out.
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 22:20 #785326
Reply to Noble Dust I’m sceptical.
Baden March 01, 2023 at 22:24 #785328
Getting too bourgeois around here. Have some chips.
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 22:25 #785329
Quoting Baden
Satay sauce is really good with chips (french fries for you semi-literate yanks)


Like these?

User image
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 22:26 #785331
Quoting Baden
Getting too bourgeois around here. Have some chips


Prawns are bourgeois now? :roll:
Noble Dust March 01, 2023 at 22:27 #785332
Reply to Baden

I do love Doritos.
Baden March 01, 2023 at 22:30 #785333
Quoting Jamal
Like these?


Nice. Can't beat the Boat Noodle Flavour though. :cool:

User image

Quoting Jamal
Prawns are bourgeois now?


:chin: Depends on what books they've read.



Moliere March 01, 2023 at 22:32 #785335
Reply to Baden
I ate French Fries, which I'm told come from France, and hence had to be renamed Freedom Fries, to commemorate the freedom to invade Iraq on false pretenses. Does that count?
T Clark March 01, 2023 at 22:35 #785338
Quoting Noble Dust
Lol they do it in Asia ya dork. You’re missing out.


Quoting Jamal
I’m sceptical.


Ok, ND. Send us a picture, better, a video, of you eating a shrimp with shell on.
0 thru 9 March 01, 2023 at 22:36 #785339
Looking at that bag of Lay’s chips... it says “iconic local flavors”. Is it me or is the word “iconic” reaching its expiration date? Everything is frickin iconic. Either that or it is a stunning game-changer. This all makes me need a diaper-changer.

Also, I think paying 150 grand for a bag of chips is gouging... even with inflation.
Jamal March 01, 2023 at 22:39 #785341
Reply to 0 thru 9 I want to see iconoclastic flavours, like cat and coriander or something.
Noble Dust March 01, 2023 at 22:43 #785343
Reply to T Clark

That would reveal my identity.
0 thru 9 March 01, 2023 at 23:48 #785358
Quoting Jamal
I want to see iconoclastic flavours, like cat and coriander or something.


:lol: Exactly!

Maybe Mongolian Monkey Meatball? :monkey:
Or a beef jerky flavor. Call them Cow Chips.
Sir2u March 02, 2023 at 00:09 #785362
Quoting Hanover
"People of color" is in vogue, but "colored people" speaks of a very different time.


Yep, of a time when I was 15 and living in a strange land. And I am not really in vogue most of the time. :wink:
Sir2u March 02, 2023 at 00:15 #785366
Quoting Hanover
They sustain our great nation and keep it holy.


:lol: :rofl: And we have all seen the photos of how Whole they are. :wink:
Jamal March 02, 2023 at 00:50 #785375
Quoting 0 thru 9
Maybe Mongolian Monkey Meatball?


:yum: I’d try them, no matter the nature of balls.

Quoting 0 thru 9
Or a beef jerky flavor. Call them Cow Chips.


I googled “cow chips” because I had a vague suspicion that Americans use this term to refer to deposits of cow dung. I was right, but when I discovered it was true it was too late for me to find the comment amusing. The moment had passed. Sorry.

I also found that Cow Chips are a Canadian brand of chocolate covered potato chips.
Hanover March 02, 2023 at 02:20 #785399
Name that dish:

User image
BC March 02, 2023 at 02:28 #785402
Reply to Hanover white gravy w/green flecks on chicken fried steak
BC March 02, 2023 at 02:30 #785403
Reply to Jamal I've never heard of cow chips. Cow pies, certainly.
T Clark March 02, 2023 at 03:51 #785416
Quoting BC
white gravy w/green flecks on chicken fried steak


I would agree with you except that no one in the history of the world would ever serve chicken fried steak with brussels sprouts.
T Clark March 02, 2023 at 03:56 #785417
Quoting BC
I've never heard of cow chips. Cow pies, certainly.


Quoting Lyle Lovett - Give Back My Heart
But the road was long and home was far
So I stopped off at this little cowboy-looking bar
I walked on through the door and she just smiled
In a long pony tail and a pretty white dress
She said hi bull riders do it best
I said oh my God what's your name
My name's Lyle

And I said ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
Take your boots and walk out of my life
Ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
I can't be no cowgirl paradise
BC March 02, 2023 at 04:06 #785419
Reply to T Clark hmmm yes, the brussels sprouts are an uncharacteristically classy addition. White gravy is probably not accustomed to decorative green flecks, either. But Hanover is trying to climb the social ladder one forkful at a time. He probably had the White Trash Cookbook and the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook open at the same time and got confused.

User image

T Clark March 02, 2023 at 04:14 #785421
Quoting BC
He probably had the White Trash Cookbook and the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook open at the same time and got confused.


At the very least he should have put gravy on the brussels sprouts too.
praxis March 02, 2023 at 04:32 #785423
Reply to BC

I don't think you need a cookbook to learn the artless steps to grilling hot dogs on the rusty exhaust pipe of your 74' AMC Gremlin. I imagine the only tricky part is in keeping the engine running, and not passing out from the fumes.
BC March 02, 2023 at 04:52 #785424
Reply to praxis If the guy next door invites you to join him and his kin for an exhaust pipe weenie roast, must you accept the invitation? If you accept, what are you expected to contribute? Should you open carry a loaded gun, or not? If drugs are served, can you decline? If you don't decline, how much can you politely snort (shoot, smoke, whatever)? If you have better drugs, should you share them?

I mean, I just don't know how to act in society, ya know?
praxis March 02, 2023 at 04:57 #785426
Quoting BC
I mean, I just don't know how to act in society, ya know?


You and me both, bro.
javi2541997 March 02, 2023 at 05:13 #785428
Quoting Hanover
Name that dish:


Arroz con cosas.

Valencian folks name everything with such a word when they see something different from paella.
Jamal March 02, 2023 at 07:34 #785439
Quoting BC
I've never heard of cow chips. Cow pies, certainly.


Now I feel foolish. I should never have gone down that cow dung rabbit hole.

We call them cow pats.
Jamal March 02, 2023 at 08:00 #785440
Reply to BC Actually though, Google's dictionary, provided by Oxford Languages, gives me the following as an example:

"he hurled a dried cow chip further than any other contestant at a rodeo"

Maybe you just don't visit the rodeo enough.
Hanover March 02, 2023 at 15:01 #785506
When I was growing up in Bakhakistikan, our only source of fuel was cow shit, which we would wrap in hair shavings from the local barber and then douse with vodka. Most children would sell their hair clippings for fuel in order to purchase quick huffs of spray paint fumes from the hardware store.

The local keeper of the flame, who had a small candle that if extinguished would literally force the village deeper into the dark ages, would come by and ignite the hair and shit and the heat would usually be sufficient to preserve the life of most of the family through the night, but we typically did have to take out the discards each morning upon the crow of the dying rooster.

I do remember one time we were blessed with a particuarly warm heat, but it got too warm and so the icicles melted from the rafters, impaling the unknown muttering man who mindlessly wandered about our home sweeping the permafrost floors. Once Summer came and the stalactite melted from his crushing forehead wound, he staggered to his feet, no longer sweeping floors, but now suddenly able to multiply and divide any set of numbers with incredible speed. He would have been more useful but for the snail trail of spinal fluid that would mark his path as he meandered, resulting in slipping and sliding by all who approached him.

Jamal March 02, 2023 at 15:27 #785509
My favourite part:

Quoting Hanover
the crow of the dying rooster


Otherwise I greatly objected to the cultural stereotypes but still smiled a couple of times, until the end, when I frowned in light disgust.
Hanover March 02, 2023 at 15:37 #785511
Quoting Jamal
Otherwise I greatly objected to the cultural stereotypes but still smiled a couple of times


I had imagined this fictional town to have been located not far from Kissimmee, Florida, a suburb of Orlando, not far from the Magic Kingdom. Not sure where your mind went, but apparently somewhere darker.

Quoting Jamal
My favourite part:


I actually write my stories trying to insert something that will be your favorite part. Nailed it.
Jamal March 02, 2023 at 15:38 #785513
Quoting Hanover
I actually write my stories trying to insert something that will be your favorite part. Nailed it.


I feel manipulated.
0 thru 9 March 02, 2023 at 15:43 #785515
Quoting Jamal
I also found that Cow Chips are a Canadian brand of chocolate covered potato chips.


Hahaha! Yes, I meant “cow chips” to refer to manure. Cow pies, cookies, and flop are also acceptable. Moon pies are totally different, and only slightly less nutritious than cow pies. Selling food that’s made to resemble excrement is a cottage industry, catering mostly to scatological 9 year old boys. (See Taiwan’s ice cream parlors that serve deserts in a bowl shaped like a toilet. Or better yet, don’t see it cuz then you can’t unsee it).


Jamal March 02, 2023 at 15:47 #785516
Quoting 0 thru 9
Selling food that’s made to resemble excrement is a cottage industry, catering mostly to scatological 9 year old boys


It hadn’t occurred to me to exploit this market until now.
0 thru 9 March 02, 2023 at 15:52 #785518
Quoting Hanover
When I was growing up in Bakhakistikan, our only source of fuel was cow shit

Nice story! Edit it to 200 words and it’s ready for the microfiction festival. :nerd:

I think Big Oil and related energy industries have been sabotaging the practice of cow dung as fuel. Dung is natural and renewable and keeps people from visiting your house, which is liberating. Goat dung can also be used, though it’s a little more pungent and may contain scrap metal.
0 thru 9 March 02, 2023 at 16:03 #785522
Quoting Jamal
It hadn’t occurred to me to exploit this market until now.


Everybody poops! Ashes to ashes, dung to dung. The sweetest flower loves the fertilizer. :flower:

There’s a scatological 9 year old boy inside of each of us, trying to get out and be free! And make fart noises during church services. Business opportunities await. I’m thinking something that includes cannabis, because potty humor is funnier with pot.
Jamal March 02, 2023 at 16:09 #785525
Quoting 0 thru 9
Everybody poops!


Highlight of my day!
0 thru 9 March 02, 2023 at 16:25 #785534


All of the songs on the Bad Lip Reading youtube channel are catchy. Love the Star Wars songs.

(If I’m bringing down the level of discourse in the Shoutbox, please let me know. Or maybe it makes everything else look brilliant by comparison? :blush: )
Hanover March 02, 2023 at 16:32 #785537
Quoting 0 thru 9
Goat dung can also be used, though it’s a little more pungent and may contain scrap metal.


You are clearly not a goat farmer. Goat dung comes in small pellets, like rabbit pellets and it's very dry and has little smell. If it forms in clumps or is wet, you have a sick goat.
Hanover March 02, 2023 at 16:38 #785539
Quoting 0 thru 9
Everybody poops!


I read that if you take too many opiates, your muscles in your bowels will relax and your feces will no longer be pushed down to the anus. The result can be your vomiting feces out your mouth, which would mean that subclass of individuals doesn't actually poop, but they instead shit vomit.

Hanover March 02, 2023 at 16:40 #785541
I do like the double noun descriptive term, as in shit vomit. It's sort of a country way of talking, like saying I have a goat truck, a work shirt, or a breakfast chair.
Jamal March 02, 2023 at 16:42 #785543
Quoting 0 thru 9
If I’m bringing down the level of discourse in the Shoutbox, please let me know


No no, you are like a breath of fresh air, with your fecal chat.
T Clark March 02, 2023 at 16:42 #785544
I predict this will be the winner for best short subject at the Oscars this year. The magpie is a shoe-in for best supporting avian. Admittedly, the cinematography does not match up to usual Oscar standards.



This makes @Hanover's "Cats vs. Cucumbers" video look like "Biodome" with Pauly Shore.
Jamal March 02, 2023 at 16:44 #785545
Reply to T Clark Not a magpie though. It’s a hooded crow. I’m the bird boy.
0 thru 9 March 02, 2023 at 16:44 #785546
Quoting Hanover
You are clearly not a goat farmer. Goat dung comes in small pellets, like rabbit pellets and it's very dry and has little smell. If it forms in clumps or is wet, you have a sick goat.


Yes, very true. We have had goats in the house, but more as guests than livestock.

More research needs to be done on manure as a source of energy. Though using it to fuel a cooking fire may impart a “gamey” or pungent taste to the food. The sacred Egyptian scarab is a dung beetle doing cosplay. Not sure how that’s relevant. I will now depart to make an offering now to holy dung god! :monkey:
T Clark March 02, 2023 at 16:58 #785550
Quoting Jamal
Not a magpie though. It’s a hooded crow. I’m the bird boy.


Thanks for the correction. The title said "magpie" but I wasn't sure. I looked on the web to verify. I guess I didn't verify very well. I wonder if all the magpies on the web are really crows. Magpies/crows vs. cats seems to be a genre on YouTube.

I didn't know you were a bird hugger.
T Clark March 02, 2023 at 17:01 #785551
And speaking of cucumbers -

Quoting Here’s why it’s so hard to buy vegetables in the UK
People in the U.K. have had to ration salad staples like tomatoes and cucumbers for the past two weeks amid a shortage of fresh vegetables. Shelves of fresh produce in many stores have been bare, and most major supermarkets have imposed limits on how many salad bags or bell peppers customers are allowed to buy.


I didn't know people in the UK even ate vegetables. I thought it was all bangers and mash and blancmange.
0 thru 9 March 02, 2023 at 17:14 #785558
Quoting Jamal
If I’m bringing down the level of discourse in the Shoutbox, please let me know
— 0 thru 9

No no, you are like a breath of fresh air, with your fecal chat.


Many sincere thanks! :pray: :grin:

By the way, your message is the first time anyone has ever written those words... barring of course the new discovery of an ancient cave with writing and drawings of poop.
0 thru 9 March 02, 2023 at 17:19 #785561
Reply to T Clark Hilarious bird! :rofl: Crows and magpies are more intelligent than humans. They just don’t tell us because they don’t want to be bothered. No wonder Poe was freaked out by the crow-cousin raven!
Hanover March 02, 2023 at 22:07 #785627
I'm writing a movie in my head right now, and this is what I've got so far:

It's a very serious movie about a guy who's dealing with death, estrangement from his family, divorce, loss of work, illness, all sorts of serious stuff, but the main point is that he is blind, and he has a seeing eye cat. So he walks about with his white cane and black glasses and he constantly jumps on countertops and darts under tables, swats at cockroaches and such, wherever his cat directs him.

What do you guys think? Would you be inclined to sit through a few hours (with a brief intermission) of this, or would the seeing eye cat joke lose its impact after the first hour? Maybe a twist to keep you interested, would it help if the cat lost its vision after about an hour of the movie, so he had to hire a seeing eye squirrel that would assist him, and by the end of the movie, we'd have a long train of various blind animals leading one another, perhaps resulting in a circle where the man now is in the lead, with the blind leading the blind?

I don't know, just a thought. I'm thinking of naming this movie Bootilicious 3, Return of the Budunkadunk, but I'm open to other names, but this one captures the essence of what I'm trying to get at and it pays respect to my grandmother who inspired me to be a playwrite with her calm voice and gentle hand.




Hanover March 02, 2023 at 22:08 #785629
Seeing eye cat. That's a good one.
Hanover March 02, 2023 at 22:09 #785630
You might notice what I do is that I write a post, then in the next post, I offer a quick review of it just to comment upon myself.
fdrake March 02, 2023 at 23:08 #785647
Reply to T Clark

We still have all the frozen vegetables we usually do. So far. Been making a lot of stews.
0 thru 9 March 02, 2023 at 23:21 #785648
Reply to Hanover Very interesting beginnings of a story. There’s stuff to build on... But I’ll play movie studio guy hearing a pitch. How about... turning the cat into a goat. I mean at the start of the story lol. So guy has seeing-eye goat, and he follows goat everywhere. But... the little farm goat secretly wants to be a mountain goat and explore distant lands. So off he trots to the Himilayas. With the blind man following, of course. Not sure what happens then. I’m counting on you for the ironic twists and sappy love story (possibly involving the man and goat) and inspirational message etc. (Bonus points if you can avoid mentioning the “multiverse”. Title is good though.)

Quoting Hanover
You might notice what I do is that I write a post, then in the next post, I offer a quick review of it just to comment upon myself.


Yes. It helps to have a post highlighting the laffs. I still recall and enjoy the “spent lover” joke. :sweat:
T Clark March 02, 2023 at 23:35 #785650
Quoting Hanover
pays respect to my grandmother who inspired me to be a playwrite with her calm voice and gentle hand.


I'm sure your grandmother would be heartbroken to find that, not only didn't you become a playwright, you can't even spell it correctly.
T Clark March 02, 2023 at 23:59 #785654
There is currently a thread about a convenience store clerk and an alcoholic customer. It's a serious discussion, so I don't want to distract or interfere, so I'll just post this here.

Jamal March 03, 2023 at 06:20 #785683
Quoting T Clark
I didn't know you were a bird hugger


I’ve been feeding some of those hoodies over the winter, leaving food on the window ledge for them. Within a week they got used to it, and now when I forget to put food out, they fly past and “caw” to remind me.

The apartment is too high for other passerines, and the pigeons never come near this building, so the hoodies have all the food to themselves.

One day I’d like to befriend a raven, but other things keep getting in the way.
T Clark March 03, 2023 at 06:38 #785685
Quoting Jamal
One day I’d like to befriend a raven, but other things keep getting in the way.


As you can see from my icon, I am partial to crows. Loud, raucous, troublesome. I like all loud, raucous, and troublesome animals - crows, mockingbirds, blue jays, red squirrels. That's why I like that video so much. I find myself attracted to loud, raucous, troublesome people too.

We have a bunch in our back yard. Crows, not people. They sit up in top of one of the trees in our yard. They are so social and noisy. I always smile when I hear them.
Noble Dust March 03, 2023 at 06:54 #785686
Are we doing birds again?
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 06:57 #785687
Reply to T Clark Crows vs cats, a war as old as time. I wonder if those back-yard crows of yours keep out wandering cats.

Reply to Noble Dust Your monstrous bird-ape chimera is a insult to bird-lovers.
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 07:07 #785688
Quoting 0 thru 9
Not sure what happens then


I like the goat angle. I think what should happen is that they climb Everest without the guy even knowing he's done it, and he becomes famous cos some mountaineers see him and the goat. It would give the audience much to ponder regarding life, ambition, and so on.

The technical plot issues are, why would the goat go up to the top of Everest? Goats don't go up that high and as far as I know they're generally unconcerned with attaining summits, although they do like mountains. And how could the man survive without mountaineering gear and oxygen?
Noble Dust March 03, 2023 at 07:07 #785689
Reply to Jamal

I was actually a bit of a birder in my youth. Proof: Some rare American species I've seen include the Osprey, Bald Eagle, and various migrating warblers that I can't remember off the top of my head.
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 07:12 #785690
Reply to Noble Dust Cool. I've seen ospreys and bald eagles too. Ospreys in Scotland and Canada, and bald eagles in Canada.

Warblers, I can take them or leave them. Too many species that look almost identical.

Last year I saw a bird I hadn't seen before but I can't remember what it was. I don't take the interest seriously enough, otherwise I'd have a logbook.
Noble Dust March 03, 2023 at 07:20 #785691
Quoting Jamal
I don't take the interest seriously enough, otherwise I'd have a logbook.


Same. I always tell myself I'll get back into it, but living in a big city doesn't help. Perhaps in old age. I had budgerigars growing up, but now I couldn't do it in good conscience now that I know how much attention they require, which I certainly can't give.
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 07:22 #785692
Reply to Noble Dust I wonder what's happened with that owl that escaped from the zoo in Central Park. I could Google it but I'll wait to get your insider knowledge.
Noble Dust March 03, 2023 at 07:27 #785693
Reply to Jamal

All I know about strange animals in NYC recently is the alligator found in the lake in Prospect Park.
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 07:33 #785695
Reply to Noble Dust Ah yes, I saw that in the news.

About the owl, let me enlighten you from the other side of the world. A Eurasian eagle owl--a most impressive bird--escaped from Central Park Zoo a few weeks ago and has been living free in the park, eating rats and squirrels. Last I heard, the zoo folks had given up trying to capture it again, because it was doing all right.

The owl that became a New Yorker

I believe you can find updates on Twitter.
Noble Dust March 03, 2023 at 07:39 #785696
Reply to Jamal

Now I know.
Baden March 03, 2023 at 10:59 #785712
Quoting Noble Dust
Are we doing birds again?


I don't know. Are we?
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 11:31 #785718
Reply to Baden Suits you.

I saw a dodo skeleton last weekend. I lamented their extinction and silently berated humanity.
Baden March 03, 2023 at 11:37 #785719
Reply to Jamal

We're still around. Humanity just drove us underground. :wink:
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 11:40 #785720
Reply to Baden Biding your time I assume.
javi2541997 March 03, 2023 at 12:19 #785721
Lunch: meatballs in tomato sauce, white wine, ground cumin and curry powder. Accompanied by basmati rice.
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 12:22 #785722
Reply to javi2541997 Albondigas! :yum:
Baden March 03, 2023 at 12:22 #785723
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 12:27 #785724
Reply to Baden Everyone wins :up:
javi2541997 March 03, 2023 at 12:29 #785725
Reply to Jamal Albondigas con tomate, yeah! :up: :yum:
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 12:36 #785727
Well, a meatball is a meatball, as my Uncle Peter used to say. “It can be good or it can be bad, but it’s a meatball all the same”. Or “meatballs are all meatballs laddie, you remember that.”
0 thru 9 March 03, 2023 at 13:04 #785730
Quoting Jamal
Well, a meatball is a meatball, as my Uncle Peter used to say. “It can be good or it can be bad, but it’s a meatball all the same”. Or “meatballs are all meatballs laddie, you remember that.”


When I was a child, I awaited the arrival of the ice cream truck during the hot summer days. Asking my parents for money, instead of some crisp green bills I was gifted with a frozen meatball on a stick. Mom said that this was a gourmet dessert that they served in her distant homeland. She was born in Dayton.

Sooooo... I took my precious gift outside to gnaw on in privacy. Kids will notice everything and joke about anything out of the ordinary for hours, maybe days. This was our main form of entertainment, and it was a feast. But you didn’t want to be the main course for this roast. Anyway, I’d make some weak excuse while the other kids had frozen sugar bombs with psychedelic colors in their lucky and sticky hands. Us being poor may have been the reason for the meatball popsicle. But the tradition lives on for my children, furtively chomping frozen meatballs on a stick, wondering what bizarre alien land their dad came from.
Hanover March 03, 2023 at 13:08 #785731
Reply to Jamal My father didn't offer me any direct words of wisdom, but a couple of things I do remember him telling me were: (1) when I was looking to buy a mattress for the guestroom, he told me not to buy one too comfortable, and (2) that I should put all the objects on my desk at right angles so that it would look organized and I wouldn't have to further clean it off.

With that I've made it through life, and now with the addition of Uncle Pete's meatball saying, I feel like the world is my oyster, one of the finest of the bivalves.
0 thru 9 March 03, 2023 at 13:09 #785732
Quoting Noble Dust
Are we doing birds again?


OMG... great avatar. Monstrously funny. What does a flying gorilla eat?

Anything he wants. :grin: :monkey:
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 13:12 #785733
Reply to Hanover Another one of his you might find useful is "wipe backward from the perineum, toward and past the anus."
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 13:13 #785734
Reply to 0 thru 9

User image

Looks good.
0 thru 9 March 03, 2023 at 13:14 #785735
Quoting Jamal
I like the goat angle. I think what should happen is that they climb Everest without the guy even knowing he's done it, and he becomes famous cos some mountaineers see him and the goat. It would give the audience much to ponder regarding life, ambition, and so on.

The technical plot issues are, why would the goat go up to the top of Everest? Goats don't go up that high and as far as I know they're generally unconcerned with attaining summits, although they do like mountains. And how could the man survive without mountaineering gear and oxygen?


Thanks! Good ideas for Hanover to use in his story. There are many fascinating possibilities. We await the finished product in the microfiction gala. Or at least as a series on Netflix.
Hanover March 03, 2023 at 13:17 #785736
Quoting 0 thru 9
Anyway, I’d make some weak excuse while the other kids had frozen sugar bombs with psychedelic colors in their lucky and sticky hands. Us being poor may have been the reason for the meatball popsicle.


When I was a kid, I would eat my deluxe ice cream treats that I bought from the ice cream man and laugh at the meatball stick eating kids. Uncle Pete used to tell me "Bubalah, meatballs are all meatballs, but eating them on a stick, what is this meshugas?"
0 thru 9 March 03, 2023 at 13:19 #785737
Quoting Jamal
Looks good.

Yes, most delicious! Now deep-freeze those balls overnight and voila... A tasty treat for embarrassed children everywhere. :yum:
Hanover March 03, 2023 at 13:22 #785740
Quoting Jamal
Another one of his you might find useful is "wipe backward from the perineum, toward and past the anus."


That is a good one that I will take note of. I had been doing it backwards apparently, which explains my embarrassing skid marks that began just under my testicles, up toward my navel, and then finally fading around mid chest.
Baden March 03, 2023 at 13:27 #785743
Reply to Hanover

You told me those were tattoos. :angry:
0 thru 9 March 03, 2023 at 13:30 #785746
Quoting Hanover
When I was a kid, I would eat my deluxe ice cream treats that I bought from the ice cream man and laugh at the meatball stick eating kids. Uncle Pete used to tell me "Bubelah, meatballs are all meatballs, but eating them on a stick, what is this meshugas?"


Haha! :lol: Well, I’d have laughed too... if it weren’t me as the meatball clown. I must say that there was pork mixed in the meatball. And poultry. And possibly venison. Sometimes there was even some beef.
0 thru 9 March 03, 2023 at 13:33 #785749
Quoting Baden
We're still around. Humanity just drove us underground. :wink:


We await the Second Coming...

( ...of the dodos )
0 thru 9 March 03, 2023 at 13:40 #785750


Is poop still in the conversation? Well anyway... until someone starts a “Funny Videos” thread in The Lounge...
javi2541997 March 03, 2023 at 14:13 #785753
Reply to 0 thru 9 I cannot watch the video, it is "blocked" in my country. I feel excluded! :lol:

By the way, the meatballs were fantastic and now it is time to drink a dark, warm and delicious coffee.
0 thru 9 March 03, 2023 at 14:23 #785755
Quoting javi2541997
I cannot watch the video, it is "blocked" in my country. I feel excluded! :lol:

Oh noes! Those meanies! Does this different link from NBC.com work?

Colo-guard SNL
0 thru 9 March 03, 2023 at 14:28 #785756
Quoting 0 thru 9
Is poop still in the conversation? Well anyway... until someone starts a “Funny Videos” thread in The Lounge...


Well sir or Madam... I’m beginning to think that you have your head up your rear, talking about poop and such constantly. You are a proctologist maybe?

Butt... that is an ok idea about a Lounge thread for mildly amusing videos and songs.
javi2541997 March 03, 2023 at 15:00 #785761
Quoting 0 thru 9
Oh noes! Those meanies! Does this different link from NBC.com work?


Now, it works! :up:
0 thru 9 March 03, 2023 at 15:09 #785763
Quoting javi2541997
Now, it works! :up:

:grin: :up:

Hanover March 03, 2023 at 15:48 #785769
Reply to Jamal Another idea along these lines is of a man who sees a marathon runner drop a dollar from his pocket at the starting line, so he chases the man in order to return the dollar, but loses sight of him toward the finish line, passes him, and wins the race.

It's the accidental success story, much like the goat that accidentally leads the man to summit Mt. Everest.

But then there's the misguided trust angle that I started with, where a guy is forced to dart about like a cat because he's made perhaps a mistake in purchasing a seeing eye cat as opposed to the traditional dog.

Then there's the potpourri angle, a smorgasbord of sorts, a mish mash, a throwing together, sort of like last night's indulgence of ravioli, cheap bourbon, and chicken wings now all over the floor. That would be the regurgitation model, as in a seeing eye cats leads one up a mountain summit while chasing a goat to return to him his corn chip that he dropped.

I think our collaborative approach is the best, bringing together all of our creative strengths. With this pooling together of resources maybe we can one day emerge from this generational cycle of failure that has plagued us all here.
Hanover March 03, 2023 at 15:50 #785770
My favourite part: "generational cycle of failure that has plagued us all here."
T Clark March 03, 2023 at 16:37 #785779
Quoting Jamal
I lamented their extinction and silently berated humanity.


Let's be honest, every morning you lament something and silently berate humanity.
T Clark March 03, 2023 at 16:42 #785781
Quoting Noble Dust
Are we doing birds again?


Let's be clear, I'm a crow and always have been a crow. None of these waxwing-come-latelys.
T Clark March 03, 2023 at 16:45 #785782
Quoting Jamal
Crows vs cats, a war as old as time.


I've never seen a crow against cat conflict, but I have seen both blue jays and mockingbirds taunt cats with very authentic meows. They had that same look on their faces that the crow in the video did.
T Clark March 03, 2023 at 16:54 #785785
Quoting 0 thru 9
poop


Grown ups don't use the word "poop" unless they are talking to someone under the age of seven. Acceptable alternatives - feces, shit, crap, shite, human waste, merde, bowel movement, turd, scheise - depending on the context. I'm sure the Brits, Aussies, and Scots have more to offer. "Me mum just took a whangle in the boot of me lorry."
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 17:22 #785792
Quoting T Clark
feces, shit, crap, shite, human waste, merde, bowel movement, turd, scheise


:up:
T Clark March 03, 2023 at 18:06 #785805
This is the response a new member got for his first post. The post itself was well-written and serious. It included references to Christian beliefs held by the poster.

Quoting Darkneos
If you don't have anything intelligent to say please don't bother commenting. I stopped taking it seriously once Jesus and God factored into it.

You obviously don't get it.


Just more evidence of religious bigotry here on the forum.
Baden March 03, 2023 at 18:54 #785827
Reply to T Clark

No one is required to take religion seriously here but there's no need to be a dick about it either. Anyhow, the Shoutbox is not really the place for this.
praxis March 03, 2023 at 19:28 #785836
Reply to T Clark

To be fair, the guy spends an awful lot of time in the pool which doesn’t leave a lot of time to ‘get’ anything besides.
BC March 03, 2023 at 19:30 #785837
Quoting Baden
No one is required to take religion seriously here


I would say, "No one is required to have religious beliefs here". Not taking religion seriously, however, seems ill-advised, at best. Religion is part of the core operating system of at least a few billion people, and has been part of human mind for a long time. We can't understand ourselves if we dismiss religion as a defect, something irrelevant, and beneath philosophy's concern.

Reply to T Clark Totally agree. 'Poo' and 'poop' are kiddy terms which have vanquished feces, bowel contents, etc., even by doctors.

Quoting Baden
Anyhow, the Shoutbox is not really the place for this.


?
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 19:34 #785838
Quoting Hanover
ravioli


This was my favourite bit, because it reminded me of the ravioli I had yesterday for lunch. Each raviolo was packed with mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes. You should've been there.
Baden March 03, 2023 at 19:59 #785846
Quoting BC
Not taking religion seriously, however, seems ill-advised, at best. Religion is part of the core operating system of at least a few billion people, and has been part of human mind for a long time. We can't understand ourselves if we dismiss religion as a defect, something irrelevant, and beneath philosophy's concern.


I agree but it's not a requirement. You're not going to be banned for being dismissive of religion.
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 20:15 #785851
Quoting Baden
You're not going to be banned for being dismissive of religion


Phew
Hanover March 03, 2023 at 20:22 #785852
Quoting Jamal
You should've been there.


I was there. I was the guy with the pepper grinder who held the pepper grinder out in front of you and said "pepper?"

How long have ever let the guy go on grinding your pepper? I've always wanted to have him empty the entire thing and then have to get a second one while the pepper piled up on my plate. Then I'd do the same for the mozzarella cheese guy, and then I'd have them fill my drink all over the floor. That's what I'd do.

I went to a restaurant once, and the old guy I was with asked to swap his white napkin for a dark one, and they went and got him a maroon one, and he asked if I too wanted a maroon one. I didn't, but being the shybird I was stuck with white, but, next time, may God be my witness, I'm going to insist upon a navy blue one.

So, next time, mound of pepper and cheese on my plate, water all over the floor, and a blue napkin in my lap, and one shit eating grin from the happiest diner of all time, enjoying the living shit out of life as it's meant to be lived.

Feel me?
Hanover March 03, 2023 at 20:25 #785855
I'm killing it with the nonsense today. Killing it!
Hanover March 03, 2023 at 20:26 #785857
Oh, and by mozzarella, I mean parmesan.
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 20:31 #785861
Quoting Hanover
How long have ever let the guy go on grinding your pepper?


3 to 4 seconds max.

Quoting Hanover
I've always wanted to have him empty the entire thing and then have to get a second one while the pepper piled up on my plate. Then I'd do the same for the mozzarella cheese guy, and then I'd have them fill my drink all over the floor. That's what I'd do.


An excess of cheese I can handle. An excess of pepper is another matter.

Quoting Hanover
I went to a restaurant once, and the old guy I was with asked to swap his white napkin for a dark one, and they went and got him a maroon one, and he asked if I too wanted a maroon one. I didn't, but being the shybird I was stuck with white, but, next time, may God be my witness, I'm going to insist upon a navy blue one.


I don’t like restaurants that don’t provide me with a large white cloth napkin, preferably the size of a bath towel. Maroon or navy are ok, it’s the size and durability that count.

Quoting Hanover
enjoying the living shit out of life as it's meant to be lived.


Hard to argue with this.

Quoting Hanover
I'm killing it with the nonsense today. Killing it!


You have some healthy competition.
Noble Dust March 03, 2023 at 20:42 #785866
Reply to Baden

Excellent.
0 thru 9 March 03, 2023 at 20:46 #785870
Quoting Hanover
I think our collaborative approach is the best, bringing together all of our creative strengths. With this pooling together of resources maybe we can one day emerge from this generational cycle of failure that has plagued us all here.


Hear! Hear! (or Here! Here!) Good show. Well said! A round of drinks for everyone! :blush:

(Though I’d only maybe change “creative strengths” to... I don’t know... “collective psychosis”?)
Baden March 03, 2023 at 20:50 #785875
Quoting Jamal
Phew


Clarky's not going to like that. *Runs and ducks*
Jamal March 03, 2023 at 20:53 #785876
Manuel March 03, 2023 at 21:00 #785881
I have not seen a pig picture in like, 2 thread pages. Is Shawn alive? :yikes:
0 thru 9 March 03, 2023 at 21:03 #785882
Quoting BC
I would say, "No one is required to have religious beliefs here". Not taking religion seriously, however, seems ill-advised, at best. Religion is part of the core operating system of at least a few billion people, and has been part of human mind for a long time. We can't understand ourselves if we dismiss religion as a defect, something irrelevant, and beneath philosophy's concern.


Amen! :pray: (and for those who might object to the word “amen”... A-women!!! :flower:
Baden March 03, 2023 at 21:18 #785888
Reply to Hanover

You're on a roll. I haven't read anything except the bit about your shit tattoo but I commend you on the word count. :up:
Noble Dust March 03, 2023 at 21:40 #785904
Reply to Baden

Quantity over quality, as they always say. :pray:
praxis March 03, 2023 at 22:06 #785917
@T Clark

Looks like our new champion swimmer friend has an evangelistic bend. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, besides the creepiness.
T Clark March 03, 2023 at 22:11 #785920
Quoting BC
even by doctors.


Even by scientists.

T Clark March 03, 2023 at 22:22 #785924
Quoting Baden
No one is required to take religion seriously


Agreed.

BC March 03, 2023 at 22:36 #785930
Reply to T Clark One is as not required to take religion seriously as one is not required to take @Baden seriously.
Baden March 03, 2023 at 22:49 #785937
Reply to BC

:100:

Baden March 03, 2023 at 23:22 #785957
Um, wait, unless I'm modding, of course. :victory:
T Clark March 04, 2023 at 03:04 #786011
You can now live on a cruise ship for $30,000 per year

That's per person double occupancy, an inside cabin. So, about $180,000/year. I can afford that, but when I get back I'll have to move in with @Hanover's goats. Here's a link:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/3-year-cruise-mv-gemini/index.html
jorndoe March 04, 2023 at 04:53 #786033
China has a 'stunning lead' over the US in the research of 37 out of 44 critical and emerging technologies, new study finds
[sup]— Huileng Tan · Business Insider · Mar 3, 2023[/sup]

Quoting Jan 27, 2023
elected officials like the Frump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, Wendy Rogers, Ted Cruz, ..., look a bit like societal decline


Am I being too critical?

T Clark March 04, 2023 at 05:39 #786043
Quoting jorndoe
China has a 'stunning lead' over the US in the research of 37 out of 44 critical and emerging technologies, new study finds
— Huileng Tan · Business Insider · Mar 3, 2023


Jorndoe always brings bad news. I saw that article previously and I don't buy it. I remember in the 1980s when Japan was ahead of us in just the same kinds of ways. They were taking the lead and would manufacture us into irrelevance. Of course that never happened. Japan's economy has been pretty stagnant since the 1990s. There having all sorts of social problems. High among them is their birth rate, which is far below the replacement level.

It's hard to get excited about this. Those types of studies are performed by institutions that have vested, often financial, interests in focusing attention and urgency on the specific issues they are interested in.
javi2541997 March 04, 2023 at 07:22 #786061
Breakfast: Rye bread with tomato, salt and Cornicabra virgin oil, accompanied by soy milk mixed with toasted coffee.
Jamal March 04, 2023 at 07:41 #786063
Breakfast: fried egg sandwich and instant coffee. I don’t really have to justify the instant coffee. Just know that there are reasons.
Hanover March 04, 2023 at 12:19 #786096
Name this freshly baked treat:

User image

Hanover March 04, 2023 at 12:23 #786097
My cat finagled an additional can of food from me, not advising me that my wife had already fed her. I see my day will be spent trying to match wits with a worthy competitor.
frank March 04, 2023 at 14:42 #786125
Quoting Hanover
Name this freshly baked treat:


Peach Bodyparts
Hanover March 04, 2023 at 16:17 #786141
Reply to frank You know nothing of Purim.
frank March 04, 2023 at 20:28 #786180
Reply to Hanover
It's a Jewish pastry? I used to have a book of Jewish recipes from all over the world. It was fascinating. There was a whole chapter on chicken soup.
Noble Dust March 04, 2023 at 20:47 #786183
Reply to Jamal Any cheese or condiments on the sando?
Hanover March 04, 2023 at 23:11 #786225
Reply to frank Hamantaschen
T Clark March 05, 2023 at 00:14 #786248
Quoting Hanover
Hamantaschen


No, no. That's a city in Michigan.
Jamal March 05, 2023 at 00:16 #786249
Reply to Noble Dust As a matter of fact I did have some cheese on it and a splash of adjika.
BC March 05, 2023 at 05:02 #786325
And now for something completely different - not about food!

I wasn't aware of the use of siege guns during the civil war. Here's a picture:

User image

Moving the siege guns on the military RR:

User image
T Clark March 05, 2023 at 05:18 #786335
Quoting BC
I wasn't aware of the use of siege guns during the civil war.


From my reading of the Forster's Hornblower books, or maybe it was O'Brian's Master and Commander books, I learned that mortars, which is what is shown in the top picture, were used during the Napoleonic wars, which ended in 1815. I think you were correct in calling mortars "siege guns."

BC March 05, 2023 at 06:34 #786354
User image
BC March 05, 2023 at 06:34 #786355
User image
BC March 05, 2023 at 06:40 #786356
Quoting T Clark
1815


It's surprising how early everything happened.

Lincoln, for instance, sent instructions to his generals and received reports by telegraph and received reports, almost in real time (there were relay stations along the way). Morse's telegraph was introduced only in 1844.

javi2541997 March 05, 2023 at 12:12 #786367
Lunch: spanish omelette accompanied by "pisto" (a sauce made with tomatoes, peppers and onion)
unenlightened March 05, 2023 at 12:31 #786369
[quote=Dr Seuss]At the fork of a roadIn the Vale of Va-Vode
Five foot-weary salesmen have laid down their load.
All day they’ve raced round in the heat, at top speeds,
Unsuccessfully trying to sell Zizzer-Zoof Seeds
Which nobody wants because nobody needs.
Tomorrow will come. They’ll go back to their chore.
They’ll start on the road, Zizzer-Zoofing once more
But tonight they’ve forgotten their feet are so sore,
And that’s what the wonderful night time is for.[/quote]

Notes on the Labour Value of Sleep.
Hanover March 05, 2023 at 14:57 #786396
Reply to unenlightened I was immediately reminded of the Zizzer Zazzer Zud when I read this.

User image
0 thru 9 March 05, 2023 at 15:39 #786404
[i]I am the Lorax

I speak for the Trees!

I speak for the Trees because...

... The Trees

erm... The Trees...

?

Hey!

Where the F*** are all the trees??? It’s like a giant parking lot here![/i]

— Dr. Sausse
jorndoe March 05, 2023 at 15:43 #786405
Rhino Runs Through the Streets of Nepal

We just have squirrels.
praxis March 05, 2023 at 15:59 #786408
Quoting T Clark
From my reading of the Forster's Hornblower books, or maybe it was O'Brian's Master and Commander books, I learned that mortars, which is what is shown in the top picture, were used during the Napoleonic wars, which ended in 1815. I think you were correct in calling mortars "siege guns."


I recently learned more than I ever wanted to know about the early development of weapons and their tactical applications in the Destiny's Crucible series by Olan Thorensen.
T Clark March 05, 2023 at 16:04 #786409
Reply to BC

I rarely laugh out loud except for my own posts, but I did for this one.
T Clark March 05, 2023 at 16:08 #786411
Quoting unenlightened
Notes on the Labour Value of Sleep.


It is a wonderful fact of modern information access that I could identify your quote immediately on the web.
T Clark March 05, 2023 at 16:25 #786413
Quoting praxis
early development of weapons and their tactical applications


One of the things I love about the Hornblower and Master and Commander books is that they show how technologically sophisticated sailors were in the early 1800s. We're not smarter or better than they were, we've just got 200 more years of scientific and technological history.
unenlightened March 05, 2023 at 16:26 #786414
Reply to T Clark But making the correct connection with the target audience here would be more difficult. "It's the economy, stupid" but I'm not sure exactly what the Marxist translation of Zizzer-Zoof Seeds, is - probably the out put of the previous five year plan or some such.
T Clark March 05, 2023 at 16:28 #786415
Quoting unenlightened
But making the correct connection with the target audience here would be more difficult. "It's the economy, stupid" but I'm not sure exactly what the Marxist translation of Zizzer-Zoof Seeds, is - probably the out put of the previous five year plan or some such.


Yes, well... Being from the US I didn't understand the political subtext.
Jamal March 05, 2023 at 22:56 #786473
Breakfast: cabbage pie and coffee

Lunch: nothing, because I was at the dentist

Dinner: rigatoni with lamb and eggplant, some Austrian Riesling, and half of a small substandard pizza, which did however have some nice artichokes, black olives, and capers on top
Hanover March 05, 2023 at 23:32 #786477
Quoting Jamal
Lunch: nothing, because I was at the dentist


Do you trust Russian dentistry?

Noble Dust March 05, 2023 at 23:33 #786478
Quoting Jamal
Austrian Riesling


Some of my favorite wine in the world, particularly from the Wachau.

Lunch: super salad of kale, cherry tomatoes, orange bell pepper, shallot, feta cheese, quinoa and green lentils, dressed with French vinaigrette.
Jamal March 05, 2023 at 23:35 #786480
Reply to Hanover I have no complaints, and the same number of teeth I went in with.
Noble Dust March 05, 2023 at 23:37 #786482
Reply to Hanover

I went to the dentist for the first time in about 7 years a few weeks ago. Contrary to stereotypes, the hygienist was the gentlest old Russian woman. She said something along the lines of “you have a long, good life ahead of you”. I have no idea what she was talking about. Anyway, I don’t have any cavities.
jorndoe March 05, 2023 at 23:45 #786483
Quoting ???? · @ungnyeodongji · Mar 27, 2022
Individualism is rubbish. The individual is an entirely powerless unit; it could not give birth to itself, cannot raise itself, educate itself, or change the world itself. It is entirely a product of the people and environment around it. To emphasize the individual is an error.

Its a hard pill to swallow for westerners brought up in an individualistic mindset, but the reality is that you have never really done anything by yourself. Your actions and very nature are defined by your relations with outside people, the land, and material things.


L'éléphant March 06, 2023 at 01:10 #786503
Reply to BC I laughed at that strip.

Why my quoting is messing up? I quoted BC and Hanover's got quoted as well.
Also, in another thread, I quoted T Clark and Art48 got quoted.
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 01:20 #786506
Quoting ???? · @ungnyeodongji · Mar 27, 2022
Its a hard pill to swallow for westerners brought up in an individualistic mindset, but the reality is that you have never really done anything by yourself.


It's a matter of degree, with certain cultures being more collectivist and others more individualistic. The sociological distinction is real, but no one realistically argues that pure individualism (or pure collectivism) exists.

That is to say, the argument that "no man is a island" is obvious and arguments against it are strawmen.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 01:54 #786513
Quoting Noble Dust
Some of my favorite wine in the world


I’m not surprised, because you have unpeckable taste.

Except for cucumbers and prawns.
Metaphysician Undercover March 06, 2023 at 02:03 #786515
Reply to Jamal Only chickens with clipped beaks have unpeckable taste.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 02:05 #786516
Metaphysician Undercover March 06, 2023 at 02:08 #786518
Reply to Jamal
Let me go to the barnyard and test my theory. I'll get back to you if I discover decisive evidence.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 02:09 #786519
T Clark March 06, 2023 at 02:13 #786521
Quoting Metaphysician Undercover
Let me go to the barnyard and test my theory. I'll get back to you if I discover decisive evidence.


We don't normally accept the results of actual observations here on the forum. All our truths have to be deduced from a priori knowledge.
Metaphysician Undercover March 06, 2023 at 02:20 #786523
Reply to T Clark
No correspondence allowed?
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 02:32 #786527
Reply to Metaphysician Undercover Whether or not you write letters to your chickens is your own business.
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 02:34 #786528
Reply to Metaphysician Undercover

I’ve noticed that some British people pronounce vineyard as “Vine Yard” as opposed to the obvious “VINyrd”. I’m now wondering if those same brits pronounce barnyard as “BRNyrd”.
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 02:39 #786531
Quoting Noble Dust
went to the dentist for the first time in about 7 years a few weeks ago. Contrary to stereotypes, the hygienist was the gentlest old Russian woman. She said something along the lines of “you have a long, good life ahead of you”. I have no idea what she was talking about. Anyway, I don’t have any cavities.


Do you have any teeth? If not, that's why no cavities.
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 02:42 #786532
Quoting Jamal
have no complaints, and the same number of teeth I went in with.


How do you know? Did you count before and after?

My guess is that you have no idea right now what your total tooth count is.

You also didn't clarify if you were counting the teeth in your pocket.
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 02:45 #786533
Quoting Hanover
Do you have any teeth?


She didn’t say, although now I’m beginning to wonder.

Speaking of not having cavities, the first time I went to the dentist in NYC the actual dentist looked like a soap opera actor and acted like one too. He literally looked in my mouth for 5 seconds and said “well, you don’t have any cavities” and left. It was like a scene from The Room.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 02:49 #786535
Reply to Hanover I don’t appreciate this dental badgering.

One difference I found is that Russian dentists are not called dentists, but stomatologists. Also different is that I can see an X-ray of my mouth on a wide screen TV from the chair, but maybe they have that in Scotland now too—before seeing this dentist the last one was 12 years ago.
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 03:01 #786537
Quoting Jamal
don’t appreciate this dental badgering


I've not even gotten started.

Quoting Jamal
One difference I found is that Russian dentists are not called dentists, but stomatologists.


Do they call their doctors barbers? That's sometimes a thing.

Quoting Jamal
Also different is that I can see an X-ray of my mouth on a wide screen TV from the chair, but maybe they have that in Scotland now too—before seeing this dentist the last one was 12 years ago.


Sounds like you got a heaping mouthful of radiation. Do your teeth now glow in the dark?

Hanover March 06, 2023 at 03:03 #786538
Man, I just read what I wrote, and I was a total dick the way I treated the Russian dentistry community.

Sorry you guys saw that side of me.
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 03:08 #786540
Quoting Hanover
Sounds like you got a heaping mouthful of radiation.


On my recent trip I enjoyed watching the little red light come on on the computer screen that said "radiation detected!" While the tooth nurse (?) conveniently ducked out of the room 20 times in a row.
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 03:23 #786543
I had my dentist install hollowed out fangs in my mouth so I could Dracula suck blood straight through the teeth. Women found me crazy attractive and they'd submit their necks to me, and I'd suck them prune faced dry. They'd lie dead on the floor and their parents would freak the fuck out, ruining the whole sexual vibe we had going pre-prune face.

After like the third one, I had to hide in the woods and survive off dumpster food, eventually being forgotten after the next news cycle and the Capitol attack. I've since returned to anonymity, accepting a job with the county bureau of gutter inspections, blending in without notice.

My fangs still saber tooth tiger protrude, but I explain it away as that my mother ate bath salts throughout her pregnancy and that fucked up my face. Most people believe that, except for one guy who totally figured me out, but I've got a temporary reprieve from arrest because he burned his tongue on some over microwaved popcorn and he can't speak clearly. He keeps telling the detective I'm Dlacula and the cop can't understand what that means.

My guess is that I'll be arrested on Wednesday because that's "anything can happen" day. Usually just ping pong balls fall from the sky on that day, but maybe with all the shit going down, I'll get my ass locked up.

Who's to say?
BC March 06, 2023 at 03:42 #786546
Reply to Noble Dust And every dentist will tell you that the dose of radiation from dental x-rays is really low, even after they've done 100 x-rays to get 5 really great pictures. "Well, the end of the root didn't show up." "It was slightly blurry." More likely, "We haven't met our billing quota for today." If it's really that low, why do they leave the room? They should stay and keep me company -- it's lonely I there, covered up with a lead blanket, and the death ray turning off and on.

BC March 06, 2023 at 03:47 #786547
Reply to Hanover Half of my crowns are made out of lithium disilicate, and they are very even tempered. None of them have had a bipolar episode. Lithium disilicate crystals are used to power the starship Enterprise.
javi2541997 March 06, 2023 at 05:48 #786571
Buenos días. First monday of March. I had a weird breakfast because I was confident that I had whole-wheat bread but there wasn't. So, I had to take white bread. Better than nothing, right?
Where would I put my precious tomato and virgin oil otherwise?
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 06:03 #786573
Reply to javi2541997

Tough one. White bread has its merits and its demerits. An Amish white loaf is hard to beat, smeared with fresh butter. Eat your heart out, you French baguette freaks.
javi2541997 March 06, 2023 at 06:21 #786574
Quoting Noble Dust
White bread has its merits and its demerits.


Do you know what is the main fact of my white bread? It doesn't have crust.It looks like a white marble tile! :eyes:
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 12:05 #786612
Reply to javi2541997 That’s bread for babies and English princesses.

Edit: do babies even eat bread? When does that begin? Are toddlers babies? I may have seen a toddler with a sandwich once.
javi2541997 March 06, 2023 at 12:19 #786615
Quoting Jamal
That’s bread for babies and English princesses.


Do you mean that such bread is royal and exclusive? :yum: :lol:

Quoting Jamal
Edit: do babies even eat bread?


Babies eat bread with hot milk or porridge. At least, that's how I used to eat it!
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 12:23 #786616
Reply to javi2541997 I see. I do not remember my baby meals.
javi2541997 March 06, 2023 at 12:35 #786619
Reply to Jamal Do you know why I remember them? Simple, it was the only dish I liked, apparently. My parents were frustrated by my attitude toward food. I don't know why I recall this familiar moment.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 12:40 #786621
Reply to javi2541997 I am already getting some deep insights into your personality.
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 13:43 #786632
Quoting BC
Half of my crowns are made out of lithium disilicate, and they are very even tempered.


They now make crowns out of cubic zirconium, which my dentist tells me is as strong as diamond.

With that, I took my bride to be to the county fair, where we enjoyed the typical carny rides and then on to the taffy, which I chewed and it removed my crown, which I then set into a ring, which I then dropped to a knee, which I then took her hand, which I then placed upon it a still taffy coated diamond looking ring, which she then accepted, and which she now wears proudly. I am reminded of my love for her with every cold drink as it coats my exposed nub.
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 13:45 #786633
When I was a baby, my parents fed me marbles and chicken bones.
TheMadMan March 06, 2023 at 15:03 #786641
Can anyone direct me to sources that deal with the issue of "If God is omnipotent then why is there evil?"
universeness March 06, 2023 at 15:35 #786644
Quoting Jamal
Also different is that I can see an X-ray of my mouth on a wide screen TV from the chair, but maybe they have that in Scotland now too

My local dentist doesn't, but he will show you your Xray on his wee laptop screen.
T Clark March 06, 2023 at 16:34 #786654
Quoting TheMadMan
Can anyone direct me to sources that deal with the issue of "If God is omnipotent then why is there evil?"


Google "the problem of evil." That's what they call it.
0 thru 9 March 06, 2023 at 16:43 #786657
Quoting T Clark
Can anyone direct me to sources that deal with the issue of "If God is omnipotent then why is there evil?"
— TheMadMan

Google "the problem of evil." That's what they call it.


For material deeper than the usual search:
Google Scholar link to “problem of evil” here.

Some sites ask for a friendly donation. In other words, you gotta pay to read lol.
But many are free.
T Clark March 06, 2023 at 16:43 #786658
Quoting Jamal
do babies even eat bread?


I remember when you were a baby. You ate mostly Gerber Pureed Haggis and had a splash of scotch in your formula.
T Clark March 06, 2023 at 16:47 #786661
Quoting Hanover
When I was a baby, my parents fed me marbles and chicken bones.


I was just reading that many babies who grew up to be attorneys were fed that. It was one of the recommendations in Dr. Spock's "Baby and Child Care." It said "Never feed your baby marbles and chicken bones."
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 17:32 #786677
Reply to TheMadMan Theodicy is the word you're looking for.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 18:34 #786686
Quoting universeness
My local dentist doesn't, but he will show you your Xray on his wee laptop screen


A pathetic laptop screen would no longer be adequate for my requirements. I’m now used to my stomatologist with her giant wall-mounted screen that she points at with a pointer while saying things in Russian, of which my wife translates only the bare minimum, which I can’t complain about because I’d get the reasonable response of “learn Russian then.” Once again, somehow this post ended up being about my domestic disputes and failures.

Breakfast: fried eggs and tofu, banana, coffee
Lunch: sautéed chicken livers and bell peppers
Dinner: spinach, tomato, and burrata salad

I use “sautéed” instead of “fried” to dignify my elementary cooking techniques.
javi2541997 March 06, 2023 at 18:57 #786687
Quoting Jamal
fried eggs and tofu, banana, coffee


That’s a good combo, indeed. I never take fruit for breakfast and I think I am committing a mistake.

Quoting Jamal
bell peppers


Pimiento morrón :up:

Quoting Jamal
Dinner: spinach, tomato, and burrata salad


Russian tomatoes! :up:
javi2541997 March 06, 2023 at 19:05 #786688
Dinner: chard with mushrooms and rye bread.

To be honest, I think that rye bread is underrated among culinary experts. 
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 19:19 #786691
Quoting javi2541997
Russian tomatoes


Bought in Russia, grown in Uzbekistan :yum:
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 19:32 #786693
Reply to javi2541997

Rye is probably my go-to bread of choice. Although I eat plenty of whole wheat for the health benefits...come to think of it, does rye count as a whole grain?
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 19:35 #786694
Reply to Noble Dust I imagine rye can be whole or refined, as wheat can be.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 19:37 #786695
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 19:40 #786696
Reply to Jamal

According to a cursory but always 100% accurate google search, what you say is true, although it's probably most often refined. However, even refined rye bread still has many of the same health benefits of whole grain wheat bread.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 19:48 #786697
Quoting Noble Dust
it's probably most often refined


Probably depends which country you’re in.

Quoting Noble Dust
However, even refined rye bread still has many of the same health benefits of whole grain wheat bread.


I did not know that.

I eat plenty of dark brown rye bread, because that’s the go-to Russian bread. I guess it’s whole grain.

But my favourite is the totally not whole-grain Caucasian and Central Asian bread:

User image

User image

User image
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 19:50 #786698
Reply to Jamal The bottom one looks like a bialy.
javi2541997 March 06, 2023 at 19:51 #786699
Quoting Noble Dust
does rye count as a whole grain?
, et Reply to Jamal


It is true that rye bread can be both whole and refined. Nonetheless, I think it is naturally consider as a whole bread because: Rye bread contains a large amount of fiber, a wide variety of bioactive compounds, and a small amount of fat. Compared to some breads such as white bread, rye bread has a lower glycemic index, which means it causes a slower increase in blood sugar than white bread after being eaten. whole grain rye
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 19:52 #786700
Quoting javi2541997
: Rye bread contains a large amount of fiber, a wide variety of bioactive compounds, and a small amount of fat. Compared to some breads such as white bread, rye bread has a lower glycemic index, which means it causes a slower increase in blood sugar than white bread after being eaten.


Glycemic index is most important if you have diabetes or if you have reactive hypoglycemia.

There's a lot of shit you need to know if you work in the Shoutbox.

Jamal March 06, 2023 at 19:53 #786701
Quoting Hanover
The bottom one looks like a bialy


That’s a new bread for me to seek out and munch appreciatively.
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 19:54 #786702
Quoting Jamal
That’s a new bread for me to seek out and munch appreciatively.


I'm a bread guy, so I know such things.
javi2541997 March 06, 2023 at 19:56 #786703
Quoting Hanover
Glycemic index is most important if you have diabetes or if you have reactive hypoglycemia.


That's why the scientific paper that I shared recommends rye bread to people with diabetes :smile:
unenlightened March 06, 2023 at 19:58 #786704
Quoting Hanover
I'm a bread guy, so I know such things.


Cool! the only other bread guy I've met is The Gingerbread man. Gingerbread is recommended for long distance runners because as the man himself says, "Run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread man."

And he should know.
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 19:59 #786705
Quoting javi2541997
That's why the scientific paper that I shared recommends rye bread to people with diabetes


White bread actually has a higher glycemic index score (100) than straight sucrose (65). A 100 is the highest you can have, equal to straight glucose.

I don't have diabetes, but I will get a sugar crash if I eat foods with high glycemic index scores because my body apparently reacts with too much insulin.
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 20:01 #786706
Quoting Hanover
There's a lot of shit you need to know if you work in the Shoutbox.


Arguably you need to know a lot more shit to work in the shoutbox than in other threads. We used to hold interviews, but things have gotten slack. There should probably be a section on @Jamal's "why do you want to join TPF" survey that he sends to potential members.
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 20:03 #786707
Quoting unenlightened
Gingerbread is recommended for long distance runners because as the man himself says, "Run, run as fast as you can


Shouldn't it be recommended to sprinters?
T Clark March 06, 2023 at 20:06 #786708
Quoting Noble Dust
Rye is probably my go-to bread of choice.


All the rye bread I ever get has fennel seeds in it. I don't know if I would recognize the difference between wheat and rye bread without that.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 20:09 #786709
Quoting Hanover
There's a lot of shit you need to know if you work in the Shoutbox


Quoting Noble Dust
Arguably you need to know a lot more shit to work in the shoutbox than in other threads


The Shoutbox is a perpetual knowledge machine: the more you work here, the more you gain the knowledge and skills required to work here.

My knowledge of bread and Napoleonic siege artillery is higher than it was just a couple of days ago.
unenlightened March 06, 2023 at 20:09 #786710
Quoting Noble Dust
Shouldn't it be recommended to sprinters?


Your dehumanising language is deplorable! You wouldn't dare refer to @Hanover as "it". But anyway, if you read the biography, it's clearly a marathon, not a sprint.
Baden March 06, 2023 at 20:12 #786712
I stick these in a coffee grinder and then sniff them to cure blocked sinuses.

User image

[Enter disclaimer here]
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 20:13 #786713
Reply to T Clark

I'm pretty sure those are rye seeds...I'm working on knowing a lot more shit.

Reply to unenlightened

I'm ashamed.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 20:16 #786714
Reply to Baden I’ve enjoyed those hotly pungent moreish snacklets a few times.
Baden March 06, 2023 at 20:18 #786715
Reply to Jamal

:cool: :up: Going the nose route takes the flavor straight to the brain though it may also be fatal so I cannot fully recommend it to be fair.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 20:19 #786716
Reply to Baden I’ll see how it goes.
T Clark March 06, 2023 at 20:20 #786717
Quoting Noble Dust
I'm pretty sure those are rye seeds...I'm working on knowing a lot more shit.


Your response made me go back and check. Most rye bread has caraway seeds, which I misidentified as fennel. Caraway adds an anisey, licoricey flavor to the bread. That's the flavor I usually associate with rye bread.
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 20:24 #786718
Reply to T Clark

Damn. Now we both know more shit.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 20:25 #786719
Reply to Noble Dust I don’t, cos I already knew it.
T Clark March 06, 2023 at 20:27 #786720
Quoting Jamal
The Shoutbox is a perpetual knowledge machine


Keeping in mind that in order to be knowledge, it has to be justified true belief. A lot of what's in the Shoutbox isn't true and lot of what is true is not justified. And, to be honest, a lot of what I write I don't actually believe.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 20:28 #786721
Reply to T Clark I’m sensing a lack of serious Shoutbox commitment here TC.
T Clark March 06, 2023 at 20:29 #786722
Quoting Jamal
I don’t, cos I already knew it.


Then do you know the difference between rye bread without caraway seeds and wheat bread?
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 20:30 #786723
Reply to T Clark Aside from the obvious?
T Clark March 06, 2023 at 20:32 #786725
Quoting Baden
Going the nose route takes the flavor straight to the brain though it may also be fatal so I cannot fully recommend it to be fair.


If I want to burn out my sinuses, I just eat a small spoonful of Chinese mustard. I usually do it unintentionally while eating Chinese food.
T Clark March 06, 2023 at 20:32 #786726
Quoting Jamal
Aside from the obvious?


I mean in terms of flavor or texture.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 20:33 #786727
Reply to T Clark In a blind taste test I think I’d do okay.
T Clark March 06, 2023 at 20:35 #786728
Quoting Jamal
I’m sensing a lack of serious Shoutbox commitment here TC.


I take my responsibility to the Shoutbox very seriously. I have one rule - If no one has posted within 24 hours, post something, no matter how stupid, pointless, untrue, or trivial.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 20:35 #786729
White bread tastes like springtime in the Swiss Alps, rye bread is like a sunny autumn evening in Galway.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 20:37 #786730
Quoting T Clark
I take my responsibility to the Shoutbox very seriously. I have one rule - If no one has posted within 24 hours, post something, no matter how stupid, pointless, untrue, or trivial.


Admirable. Do want an official title for your role?
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 20:38 #786731
Reply to Jamal

Not true. You now know that we now know what you already knew.
Jamal March 06, 2023 at 20:39 #786732
Quoting Noble Dust
Not true. You now know that we now know what you already knew


:chin:
Baden March 06, 2023 at 20:41 #786733
.Quoting Noble Dust
You now know that we now know what you already knew.


Actually, following Clarky's radical Shoutbox scepticism, he now knows he's not sure that we know we're not sure of what he may or may not have known.

BC March 06, 2023 at 20:47 #786734
The important question is WHEN he knew he was not sure that we knew we were not sure of what he may or may not have known.
T Clark March 06, 2023 at 20:49 #786735
Quoting Jamal
Admirable. Do want an official title for your role?


As I have noted previously, I have already been appointed The Voice of the Spirit of Philosophy here on the forum. Perhaps you missed that. Keeping the Shoutbox rolling is one of the TVSP's responsibilities.
Baden March 06, 2023 at 20:50 #786736
Reply to BC

Dunno, I may have to sniff a peanut on that one.
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 20:51 #786737
Reply to Baden

Do you know that Jamal shares Clarky's radical skepticism? If you don't know, you also would be unsure whether he knows he's unsure that we know we're unsure of what we may or may not have known. Consequently, if you do know that Jamal is radically skeptical, does that mean you do know he knows he's unsure that we know we're unsure of what we may or may not have known?
Baden March 06, 2023 at 20:54 #786739
Reply to Noble Dust

Just give me a sec. My blood Wasabi level still too low.


Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 20:55 #786740
Reply to Baden

Huff away, there's no rush in the shoutbox.
BC March 06, 2023 at 20:56 #786741
Quoting T Clark
no matter how stupid, pointless, untrue, or trivial


But that characterizes posts that are made every 5 minutes, never mind the first one in a vacant 24 hour period.

Quoting Jamal
In a blind taste test I think I’d do okay.


I'm surprised the blind have a particular flavor.
Hanover March 06, 2023 at 20:56 #786742
Quoting T Clark
If I want to burn out my sinuses, I just eat a small spoonful of Chinese mustard. I usually do it unintentionally while eating Chinese food.


When I was 15 (and you were like 50), I worked at a Chinese restaruant as a busboy, and the funniest joke dads used to ask me was what part of China I was from.

But more to the point, I'd mix the mustard from the powder and it would burn my eyes, so I'd go in the back to where everyone chain smoked and there were these mollasses coated fly strips hanging from the ceiling that would slap you in the face. That's how I'd get my relief.

I miss that job. They'd try to get me to eat really hot foods so they could laugh, but I'd throw it out the back door, and they thought that was funny too.
BC March 06, 2023 at 20:59 #786743
Reply to Hanover Licking the molassas off the fly strips is thought to be unhealthy, even if you spit the flies out.
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 21:00 #786744
Reply to BC

Flies are a good source of protein.
universeness March 06, 2023 at 21:03 #786746
Quoting Jamal
A pathetic laptop screen would no longer be adequate for my requirements. I’m now used to my stomatologist with her giant wall-mounted screen that she points at with a pointer while saying things in Russian, of which my wife translates only the bare minimum, which I can’t complain about because I’d get the reasonable response of “learn Russian then.” Once again, somehow this post ended up being about my domestic disputes and failures.


I will tell my dentist that his capitalist, profit driven, surgery/private enterprise, has a poorer screen for showing his patients their Xray's, compared to that of a dentist in a communist/oligarchy with an autocratic gangsta man as the supremo! You probably get faster appointments than we get in Scotland at the moment, as well.
BC March 06, 2023 at 21:03 #786747
Reply to Noble Dust But they taste terrible and the portions are so small!
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 21:06 #786748
Reply to BC

Small plates are in, BC.
BC March 06, 2023 at 21:07 #786749
Reply to Noble Dust How many flies is considered a serving these days?
Baden March 06, 2023 at 21:08 #786750
Reply to Hanover

I once worked at a Chinese restaurant in West Cork. They didn't have any Chinese food but no one seemed to notice. I only realized myself years later that Pot Noodle was invented in Bristol.
Noble Dust March 06, 2023 at 21:11 #786751
Reply to BC

Last I had 'em it was three per baguette slice, three slices per small plate.
Paine March 06, 2023 at 21:12 #786752
Reply to Hanover Rugulah.
I see I have been corrected.
Now I have a hankering for one.
BC March 06, 2023 at 21:13 #786753
Reply to Noble Dust Mort à la nouvelle cuisine!