Unraveling the Mysteries of the Spring Equinox: A Journey Through History and Fascinating Facts

March 20, 2023 / esfein / Leave a comment

The arrival of the spring equinox has been celebrated and revered throughout history, marking a time of renewal and balance as the days become longer and the Earth awakens from its winter slumber. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history and intriguing facts about the spring equinox, exploring its significance across cultures and time. Get ready to be amazed by the captivating stories and traditions that have evolved around this celestial event.

Understanding the Spring Equinox

The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in equal periods of daylight and nighttime across the Earth[1]. This event typically occurs around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and September 22nd or 23rd in the Southern Hemisphere. The equinox derives its name from the Latin words “aequus,” meaning equal, and “nox,” meaning night[2]. As the days continue to grow longer after the equinox, the Earth tilts on its axis, bringing warmer weather and the renewal of life[3].

Ancient Observances and Significance

The spring equinox has been recognized and celebrated by various cultures throughout history, each attributing unique significance to the event.

a) Stonehenge, England

One of the most iconic monuments associated with the equinox is Stonehenge, a prehistoric stone circle in England[4]. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the Sun rises directly above the Heel Stone, an ancient marker located just outside the circle[5]. This alignment suggests that the monument was designed to observe these celestial events, although its true purpose remains a mystery.

b) The Mayan Pyramids, Mexico

In Mexico, the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza is home to El Castillo, a stepped pyramid that hosts a spectacular display during the spring equinox. As the Sun sets, a series of triangular shadows appear along the pyramid’s staircase, creating the illusion of a serpent slithering down the structure[6]. This phenomenon, known as the “Descent of Kukulkan,” honors the Mayan feathered serpent god and symbolizes the connection between the heavens and Earth.

c) The Iranian Nowruz Celebration

The spring equinox is also the beginning of the Persian New Year, known as Nowruz[7]. This ancient celebration, dating back over 3,000 years, marks the start of a 13-day festival filled with feasting, family gatherings, and rituals to welcome the New Year and the arrival of spring[8]. One of the most important traditions of Nowruz is the Haft-Sin table, which features seven symbolic items beginning with the Persian letter “S,” each representing a specific aspect of life, such as health, wealth, and happiness[9].

Modern Celebrations and Traditions

In contemporary times, the spring equinox continues to inspire various celebrations and customs around the world.

a) Higan, Japan

In Japan, the equinox is observed during a week-long Buddhist event called Higan, which translates to “the other shore”[10]. During this time, people visit their ancestors’ graves and participate in religious services to honor the dead and seek enlightenment[11].

b) Ostara, Germany

The pagan holiday of Ostara, named after the Germanic goddess of spring and fertility, is celebrated during the spring equinox[12]. Traditional customs include decorating eggs, planting seeds, and lighting bonfires to welcome the return of the Sun and the fertility of the land[13].

c) Nowruz, Iran

Nowruz remains a significant celebration in Iran and other Persian-influenced cultures, with people gathering for feasting, dancing, and exchanging gifts[14]. The Haft-Sin table continues to be an essential element of the festivities, representing the hope and renewal of the New Year[15].

Scientific Significance

Beyond its cultural and spiritual importance, the spring equinox holds scientific significance as well.

a) Equinox and Astronomy

The spring equinox marks the start of astronomical spring, a time when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun[16]. This alignment results in equal periods of daylight and darkness across the Earth, and the days continue to lengthen until the summer solstice, the longest day of the year[17].

b) Equinox and Climate

The spring equinox is also a crucial time for climate and agriculture. As the Sun warms the Earth, plants and animals awaken from their winter dormancy, and farmers prepare to plant crops[18]. The equinox provides a crucial balance between heat and cold, which enables the growth of diverse plant life and a thriving ecosystem[19].

Conclusion

The spring equinox is a fascinating event that has captivated humanity for centuries. From ancient monuments and traditions to modern celebrations, the equinox has inspired diverse customs and beliefs worldwide. Whether you observe the equinox for spiritual or scientific reasons, one thing is clear: the spring equinox represents a time of renewal and balance, a moment when the Earth awakens from its slumber and life begins anew.

Sources:

Sargassum Seaweed Mass: Causes, Effects, and Solutions for Florida’s Coastal Communities

March 14, 2023 / esfein / Leave a comment

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sargassum_Varech_(3).jpg

In recent days, Florida has been experiencing the arrival of a massive seaweed mass, called Sargassum, that is floating in from the Atlantic Ocean. The seaweed mass is said to be the largest in history, measuring about 5000 miles wide, or about double the width of the US mainland [1]. The seaweed is expected to wash up on beaches and pose a challenge to tourism, as well as threaten marine life in the region. This paper explores the causes and effects of the Sargassum seaweed mass and the steps being taken to address the issue.

What is Sargassum seaweed?

Sargassum is a type of brown seaweed that is commonly found in the Sargasso Sea, a region of the Atlantic Ocean that is bounded by the Gulf Stream to the west, the North Atlantic Current to the north, the Canary Current to the east, and the North Equatorial Current to the south. Sargassum seaweed is unique in that it does not have roots and floats freely in the ocean. It is considered an essential habitat for various marine species such as sea turtles, crabs, and shrimp.

Causes of the Sargassum seaweed mass

While Sargassum seaweed is a natural occurrence in the Sargasso Sea, the recent surge in its growth and spread is due to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors. One of the main factors is the warming of the Atlantic Ocean, which has increased sea surface temperatures and altered ocean currents, making it easier for Sargassum to thrive and spread. Additionally, increased nutrient runoff from agricultural activities and sewage discharge into the ocean have also contributed to the growth of Sargassum seaweed. These nutrients act as fertilizer, providing the seaweed with the necessary nutrients to grow rapidly [2].

Effects of the Sargassum seaweed mass

The Sargassum seaweed mass has numerous effects on marine life, coastal communities, and the economy. For marine life, the seaweed provides shelter and food for various species, but the massive amounts of seaweed that are washing ashore can be deadly to some marine species. The seaweed can cover and smother coral reefs, which are essential habitats for many marine species. Additionally, when the seaweed decomposes, it can reduce the oxygen levels in the water, leading to dead zones that can cause mass mortality of marine life [3].

For coastal communities, the Sargassum seaweed mass can pose a challenge to tourism, which is a significant economic driver for the region. The seaweed can make beaches unattractive and cause an unpleasant smell, making it difficult for tourists to enjoy the coastal areas. Additionally, the removal of the seaweed can be costly and time-consuming for local authorities, diverting resources from other essential services [4].

Steps being taken to address the Sargassum seaweed mass

Various measures are being taken to address the Sargassum seaweed mass. One of the most effective methods is to reduce nutrient runoff into the ocean by improving wastewater treatment systems and reducing agricultural runoff. This can be achieved through the adoption of best management practices, such as conservation tillage and the use of cover crops, which can reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff [5]. Additionally, local authorities can also explore the use of seaweed harvesting as a means of removing the seaweed from beaches and reducing its impact on the environment. Seaweed harvesting can be used as a source of bioenergy or fertilizer, providing a sustainable solution to the seaweed problem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sargassum seaweed mass is a significant challenge facing Florida and other coastal regions around the world. While the seaweed provides important habitats for marine life, the recent surge in its growth and spread has had numerous negative impacts on the environment, tourism, and the economy. It is important for policymakers and stakeholders to work together to implement effective strategies to mitigate the effects of the seaweed mass and maintain a healthy and sustainable ocean ecosystem.

Source List:

“Giant Seaweed Mass Heads to Florida,” National Geographic, accessed March 14, 2023, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/06/giant-seaweed-mass-heads-to-florida/
Dong, C., M. O. Schuller, S. M. Srokosz, et al., “The great Atlantic Sargassum belt,” Science, 365, no. 6448 (2019): 83-87, doi: 10.1126/science.aaw7912.
“Sargassum Seaweed: A Growing Problem,” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, accessed March 14, 2023, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sargassum-seaweed-growing-problem.html
“The great Sargassum seaweed mystery,” BBC News, accessed March 14, 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47617086
“Reducing Nutrient Pollution,” Environmental Protection Agency, accessed March 14, 2023, https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/reducing-nutrient-pollution

The History and Reasoning behind Daylight Saving

March 12, 2023 / esfein / Leave a comment

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice that has been observed in many countries for over a century. It involves setting the clock forward by one hour during the summer months and then setting it back by one hour during the winter months. The purpose of DST is to make better use of natural daylight by extending the amount of daylight that is available during the evening hours, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting and saving energy.

The origins of DST can be traced back to the late 19th century when a New Zealand entomologist named George Vernon Hudson proposed the idea of advancing the clock by two hours during the summer months. However, it was not until World War I that DST was first implemented on a large scale as a wartime measure to conserve fuel. Germany was the first country to introduce DST in 1916, and it was soon adopted by other European countries and the United States.

The rationale behind DST was straightforward: by moving the clock forward by one hour during the summer months, people could enjoy more daylight during the evening hours, which would allow them to engage in more leisure activities and reduce their reliance on artificial lighting. In addition, the practice was seen as a way to save energy by reducing the demand for artificial lighting, particularly in the evening when electricity usage typically peaks.

However, the implementation of DST has not always been smooth. In the United States, for example, the practice was first adopted on a trial basis in 1918 but was later repealed due to public opposition. It was reintroduced during World War II but was once again abandoned after the war. It was not until 1966 that the Uniform Time Act established a standardized system of DST across the United States.

Today, DST is observed in over 70 countries around the world, although not all countries use the same system. Some countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, observe DST from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, while others, such as most of Europe, observe it from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. Some countries, such as China and Japan, do not observe DST at all.

The debate over the effectiveness of DST continues to this day. Proponents argue that DST helps to save energy and reduce carbon emissions by reducing the need for artificial lighting, particularly during the evening hours. In addition, they argue that DST promotes public health by encouraging outdoor activities and reducing the risk of traffic accidents during the evening rush hour.

Opponents of DST, on the other hand, argue that the practice is disruptive and can have negative effects on public health and safety. They point to studies that suggest that the disruption of the body’s natural circadian rhythms caused by DST can lead to sleep deprivation and other health problems. In addition, opponents argue that the practice can have a negative impact on certain industries, such as agriculture, which rely on natural light and may be disrupted by changes in the clock.

Despite these debates, the practice of DST remains popular in many countries around the world. However, there have been recent calls to reconsider the practice, particularly in light of new research that suggests that the energy savings associated with DST may be less significant than previously thought.

In conclusion, DST is a practice that has been observed in many countries for over a century. Its origins can be traced back to the late 19th century, but it was not until World War I that it was first implemented on a large scale as a wartime measure to conserve fuel. The rationale behind DST was to make better use of natural daylight by extending the amount of daylight that is available during the evening hours, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting and saving energy. The implementation of DST has not always been smooth, and the debate over its effectiveness continues to this day. However, DST remains a popular practice in many countries, and its impact on energy usage, public health, and safety continues to be studied and debated.

Sources:

“The History of Daylight Saving Time.” Time and Date. https://www.timeanddate.com/time/dst/history.html.
“Daylight Saving Time: Its History and Why We Use It.” National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/daylight-saving-time-history.
“Daylight Saving Time: Pros and Cons.” Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/56048-daylight-saving-time-guide.html.
“Daylight Saving Time and Energy: Evidence from an Australian Experiment.” The Review of Economics and Statistics, vol. 92, no. 4, 2010, pp. 945–964. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/25760169.
“Daylight Saving Time and Traffic Accidents.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 364, no. 22, 2011, pp. 2185–2187. doi:10.1056/nejmc1100693.

HAARP Weather Control: Separating Fact from Fiction and Exploring the Implications for Society and the Environment

March 8, 2023 / esfein / Leave a comment

The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) is a research facility located in Alaska that has been the subject of much controversy and speculation. The program is designed to study the ionosphere and its potential effects on communication and navigation systems, but many conspiracy theories have emerged surrounding its true purpose. One of the most popular conspiracy theories surrounding HAARP is that it is being used for weather control. This paper will explore the science behind HAARP, its potential for weather control, and the conspiracy theories that surround it.

The Science Behind HAARP

The HAARP program is designed to study the ionosphere, which is a layer of the Earth’s atmosphere that contains a high concentration of ions and electrons. The facility uses high-frequency radio waves to heat up the ionosphere, which creates changes in the atmosphere that can affect communication and navigation systems. The main purpose of HAARP is to study the ionosphere and its potential effects on these systems, as well as to develop new technologies for communication and navigation.

The Potential for Weather Control

The theory that HAARP is being used for weather control is based on the fact that the facility uses high-frequency radio waves to heat up the ionosphere. It is believed that this heating can create changes in the atmosphere that can influence weather patterns. While there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, many people believe that HAARP is being used to control the weather for military or political purposes.

Scientific Research on HAARP

Despite the conspiracy theories surrounding HAARP, the scientific research on the program has been well-documented. According to a review published in Reviews of Geophysics, HAARP is primarily used to study the ionosphere and its effects on communication and navigation systems. The review also noted that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that HAARP is being used for weather control or other nefarious purposes. [1]

Another study published in Physics Today explored the history of HAARP and its role in advancing our understanding of the ionosphere. The study noted that while there have been concerns about the potential military applications of HAARP, the facility is primarily used for scientific research. [2]

Conspiracy Theories Surrounding HAARP

Despite the scientific evidence to the contrary, many conspiracy theories surround the HAARP program. One of the most popular theories is that the facility is being used for weather control. This theory is based on the idea that the high-frequency radio waves emitted by HAARP can create changes in the atmosphere that can influence weather patterns.

Another popular theory is that HAARP is being used for mind control. According to this theory, the radio waves emitted by the facility can be used to influence human behavior and control people’s thoughts and actions.

There are also conspiracy theories surrounding the funding and ownership of HAARP. Some people believe that the program is funded and controlled by secret government agencies or private organizations with their own agendas.

Implications of Weather Control

The idea of weather control has many implications, both positive and negative. On the positive side, weather control could be used to prevent natural disasters and mitigate the effects of climate change. It could also be used to improve agricultural productivity and ensure food security.

On the negative side, weather control could be used for military or political purposes, leading to the manipulation of weather patterns to gain strategic advantages or to cause harm to other countries. There are also concerns about the unintended consequences of weather control, such as the disruption of natural ecosystems and the potential for unintended environmental impacts.

Conclusion

While there is no evidence to suggest that HAARP is being used for weather control or mind control, the conspiracy theories surrounding the program have persisted. The scientific research on HAARP has primarily focused on its role in studying the ionosphere and its effects on communication and navigation systems. As our understanding of the atmosphere and its interactions with human activity continues to evolve, it is important to approach the topic of weather control with caution and consider the potential risks and benefits.

Sources:

[1] R. J. Heckscher, “The high-frequency active auroral research program (HAARP),” Reviews of Geophysics, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 1-28, 2002.

[2] J. Helsel, “The history of HAARP,” Physics Today, vol. 69, no. 7, pp. 36-42, 2016.

[3] A. J. Mannucci, “Ionospheric heating: The original HAARP concept,” Reviews of Geophysics, vol. 44, no. 3, 2006.

[4] D. Bruggeman, “The ionosphere: A complex medium for radio wave propagation and other phenomena,” Reviews of Geophysics, vol. 50, no. 2, 2012.

[5] J. Brown, “HAARP: Weather control,” Journal of Scientific Exploration, vol. 28, no. 4, pp. 637-653, 2014.

[6] A. R. Long, “Assessing claims about HAARP,” Skeptical Inquirer, vol. 38, no. 2, pp. 36-41, 2014.

[7] R. E. Gentry, “HAARP: The ultimate weapon of the conspiracy,” Global Research, 2008.

[8] J. Keane, “HAARP: The controversial science of environmental modification,” The Guardian, 2018.

[9] E. Stover, “Weather manipulation: Fact or fantasy,” Chemical and Engineering News, vol. 89, no. 15, pp. 26-31, 2011.

A Delicious Cure – Honey As An Antibiotic & Much, Much More

May 18, 2013 / esfein / 2 Comments

Honey has been touted for ages as a health food. Made by a regurgitation of nectar, spit, and goodness, it feeds the entire colony of bees in which it was made. It’s no secret how delicious it is.

However, honey is magical. Seriously, what I use to dip my chicken nuggets with is a never-rotting, disease-fighting, baby–preserving ^(NSFW), bacteria-killing, wound-healing miracle substance. It genuinely blows my mind.

Mmm, this bee’s got it right. Time for some sweet, sweet honey action. (Source)

Records of the human consumption of honey date back as far as 21st century BC, being documented in the cuneiform writings of Babylon and in biblical times, even naming Palestine as the “land of milk and honey”. It was said to be used as currency, once as highly valued as the status of those who could afford it. Primitive practitioners, such as Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC) and Hippocrates (460 BC – 370 BC), would also use it’s healing properties to aide your ailments of varying severities. Well, if you were around back then, I’m sure that’s one of the best options you had.

However, in today’s hustle bustle one-pill-fits-all world, such a simple compound has gone largely unnoticed, garnering attention only as alternative medicine, not quite making it into mainstream. To add to it’s confusion, the positive effects are very well-documented and are far from outlandish.

Let’s get started.

What are the nutritional benefits of honey?

For starters, despite it’s overtly obvious sweetness, it is not sugar. It is made of over one hundred different compounds, all of which have enough sustenance to support life in this form.

(Source)

It has vitamins, minerals, amino acids (18 to 20 of them!), and loads of other things that I’m not-so-sure that we know. Not every bee nor flower is unique and there are numerous blends of honey on the market. It is a heart stimulant, a cholesterol killer, and has an interesting property as an inverse syrup, meaning that it is instant energy for those who may need it. It makes for quite a rich nutritional profile (PDF, pg 469) and is a much safer alternative to those horrible sugar-substitutes. The invulnerable Livestrong also recognizes these benefits, even going so far as to state that it is the right thing for diabetics to use as opposed to sugar. They go on to add that it allows for much better blood glucose control and has an anchor spot on the glycemic index, not causing your metabolism to spike erratically. Otherwise, it could ruin your appetite or cloud your mind – especially if you’re sensitive to sugar.

What are the medicinal benefits of honey?

Remember how I stated that honey doesn’t go bad? That it kills bacteria? Well, that’s absolutely true! Honey is an anti-microbial due to it’s low water content, oxidizing qualities, and high acidity level. Also, due to a lovely compound called Methyglyoxal, it is able to snuff out bacteria and resist the spread of disease and germs.

(Source)

In fact, modern medicine has commercialized bandages made entirely out of honey due to these qualities. Studies have shown that honey applied topically causes healing time to shorten on wounds, ulcers, and burns – as much as four days sooner in some cases! When traditional bandages don’t work, honey steps in.

Seasonal allergy sufferers may also have a case for honey. Although there has yet to be a peer-reviewed study on the matter, it has been shown anecdotally and via small-scale research that locally-obtained honey will gradually eliminate the immunoresponse to allergens in the air. It’s amazing how simple of a concept it is: since bees obtain the pollen from floral sources near where you live (which causes typical allergy symptoms in most sufferers), ingesting their honey will slowly build up your resistance towards those irritants. Has your mind been blown yet?

If one had unlimited resources and a considerable amount of free time, I could spend hours writing about the benefits of honey. One might think you’re crazy to believe that such an innocuous substance like the spit of a honey bee could provide us with such benefits, but the data tells the story. I didn’t even dive into the more traditional benefits like cough treatment, skin care, and the like. I strongly encourage you, Wonder Reader, to dive more into the matter and discover what lies beneth this magical sweet substance.

And your Lord inspired the bee(s), saying: “Take your habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. (68) Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you).” There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for mankind. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think. _{-Qu’ran (16:68-69)}

Want your own honey? Check out Amazon for a world of choices!

Further Reading and Major Data Sources:

Does eating ‘local honey’ help prevent allergies?

Health effects of honey – Wikipedia

Honey – Wikipedia

Honey History – The history of honey as food

Is Honey Good for You? | Mark’s Daily Apple

National Honey Board

Substituting Honey for Reﬁned Carbohydrates Protects Rats from
Hypertriglyceridemic and Prooxidative Effects of Fructose

Court Battle Begins Between David and Goliath, Bowman and Monsanto

February 19, 2013 / esfein / 2 Comments

http://www.laapush.org

On Tuesday the court case Bowman vs. Monsanto got underway in the Supreme court. Vernon H. Bowman, a 75-year-old farmer in Indiana has been sued for infringing on a patent that Monsanto holds on genetically modified soy beans.

Monsanto produces genetically modified seeds which are Roundup Ready and can withstand herbicides as well as weed killers. This makes for an increased volume of successfully grown corn, soy beans, etc., but it also leads to another problem, and that is farmers indiscriminately spraying herbicides and pesticides knowing that the GMO crops won’t fail to reach harvest. This has made Monsanto’s seeds very successful in the farming community.

According to Monsanto, the farmers sign an agreement in which they agree to use the seeds for a year, and have to buy new seeds for the following growing season. Mr. Bowman however circumvented this patent system for over 8 years by purchasing soybeans from a nearby grain elevator, and using them for his harvests. You can read more about this Supreme Court challenge by Bowman.

Here are some of the main questions that are being asked in regards to this case:

Does Monsanto hold rights to the DNA of a seed that is an offspring of an originally purchased seed?

This question intrigues just about everybody from Monsanto to the music industry, movie industry, and anywhere else where copyrights are a concern. First of all, what needs to be cleared up is whether Monsanto holds patent rights to the physical seed itself, or just the DNA molecules. If it holds patent rights to the DNA molecule chains, then it should allow the farmers to reuse the new seeds at a discounted rate. It was, after all, the farmer’s fertile soil that did the work to produce the seeds, relieving Monsanto of some overhead. On the other hand, if Monsanto holds the rights to the complete seed itself, then that raises the next question:

Does the lifetime of the contract when purchasing seeds extend beyond the original seeds and into the newly harvested seeds?

According to Justice Stephen Breyer, patent law holds that it is illegal to plant them:

What it prohibits here is making a copy of the patented invention and that is what he did.

Now I’m not a farmer nor an expert in agriculture, but I am familiar with the issue of pirating CDs, DVDs, copying music, software and so on. The aforementioned copying examples are completely controllable. You can quite simply just say to yourself, copying is illegal and I should not participate in such acts.

But in the case of Bowman vs. Monsanto, how can it be considered illegal to copy a seed (the patented invention) when seed reproduction is an inevitable process of harvesting? Not forgetting to mention that a seed itself is a form of a living organism, does Monsanto have the right to newly reproduced life? Can newly formed life be potentially patented? This is a topic all by itself.

I do not believe that Monsanto could hold rights to the new seeds, as they are not the ones who physically produced them. Therefore the lifetime of the contract should not be able to go past the originally bought seeds. It’s just like burning a music CD. The album producer does not hold rights to the physical CD itself, rather to the make up, the songs. Therefore I do not think that Bowman breached any contracts.

So in the end, what Monsanto can hold rights to are the intellectual property, which is the DNA within the newly reproduced seeds.

It’s cheaper to buy a music album on iTunes than the physical album in a store. It’s cheaper to download a movie legally (in most cases) than to purchase a physical disc at a store. It’s also cheaper to download an eBook than to buy the physical book itself from a book store. The big difference in the digital purchases is the overhead cost relief that producers get by licencing just the intellectual property, and therefore being able to sell the “intellectual property” at a lower price.

Why can’t Monsanto do something similar?

Sources:

New York Times
Huffington Post
Time Ideas
USA Today

Why Don’t We Eat Insects?

February 14, 2013 / esfein / Leave a comment

http://www.wired.com

The world population is huge! Not as big as it could be as I’ve recently been told… but it’s still pretty big. How are we feeding all these people? Well, we have the usual assortments of unhealthy meat, nutritious plants and other foods, but what about things like noisy grasshoppers? The effects of agriculture on our planet are immense and largely overlooked. Insects could be a viable answer.

Here’s a great TED talk with Marcel Dicke talking about eating insects.

And why not? Scientific American has the low down on entomophagist David Gracer who says that

…a bowl of grasshoppers has more vitamins than beef and is lower in fat.

He also goes on to say that

Our disgust for insects is just cultural… Afterall we eat lobsters, which are arthropods, as are insects.

So now that I’ve tempted you, I’m sure you’re ready to try pick up some sour cream and onion flavored crickets from your local ethnic food store. Or maybe you’re ready to try some recipes. I’ve taken the liberty to find a few good recipes for you.

Here’s a site for all things bug recipe related based in Florida, USA.

And here’s a site dedicated to all insect recipes all the time… There is also a huge list of other places to find insect recipes at the bottom of this site’s page.

So dig in! and try to enjoy!

Sources:

TED Talks- Marcel Dicke

David Gracer via Scientific America

Florida Pest Control

Georgia College’s Insect Recipes

https://wondergressive.com/2013/02/13/the-ugly-face-of-overpopulation/

https://wondergressive.com/2012/09/26/them-cows-is-sweet/

https://wondergressive.com/2012/08/15/edible-landscapes/

https://wondergressive.com/2013/01/11/a-new-tune-for-grasshoppers/

https://wondergressive.com/2012/08/17/the-effect-of-agriculture-on-the-planet/

http://www.amazon.com/Crick-ettes-Cream-Flavored-Cricket-Snacks/dp/B00BD9E1U2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1360857857&sr=8-3&keywords=sour+cream+and+onion+crickets

http://www.flapest.com/recipes.aspx

What Does Light Look Like?

February 14, 2013 / esfein / Leave a comment

nikiinwonderland.blogspot.com

Throughout history humans have tried to understand how the world around us works. It’s what humans are good at. We really only have two semi-unique attributes that have helped make us as successful as we are: a brain to examine the world and opposable thumbs to manipulate it to our advantage.

We study phenomena closely, and devise better ways of observing them, so we can recognize patterns and use new information to our advantage. The simplest and perhaps most profound example of this in human history is the development and advancement of agriculture. Starting from literally nothing, as agriculture is a decidedly foreign concept to mammals, over many generations and thousands of years, humans pieced together the information necessary to create an abundance of food, capable of sustaining billions of people. What environment do certain crops grow best in, how to till the land, when to plant, when to harvest, how to store and cure. As soon as these questions had adequate answers we thrived as a species, spreading out from our native Africa to literally ever corner of the globe.

An amazing new tool has been discovered to help further our knowledge of the world: Femto-photography. It’s an imaging system that takes a trillion frames per second. Because of it, we can now visually observe light. Ramesh Raskar, an associate professor at MIT, demonstrates the remarkable abilities of this new technology in this Ted Talk.

Femto-photography. It’s an imaging system that takes a trillion frames per second. Because of it, we can now visually observe light.

In Raskar’s demonstration, he discusses ways of utilizing this new observational tool. On the more mundane side, femto-photography can be used to determine the ripeness of fruit based on the way light scatters through it. He also mentions a more practical (and military grant enticing) use: the ability to see around corners. But to me, the raw discovery is what fascinates me, rather than the current or future ways to productively utilize such technology.

Humans began to understand the world in concentric circles. First we understood our immediate environment. Then we spread our knowledge to the unseen. The Greek mathematician Eratosthenes is said to have determined the circumference of the Earth with remarkable accuracy in the 3^rd century BCE. Galileo and Copernicus helped us understand the Solar System. Einstein created the Theory of Relativity and described space-time. Innumerate others helped explain sub-atomic particles and quantum physics.

Now we have a way of looking at light itself.

I am thrilled for the future applications of this knowledge. I really am. But for right now, I think it’s important to simply sit back in our arm-chairs, let out a contented sigh, and take comfort in the ingenuity of humans. It’s inspiring and assuring to realize that the species can indeed, given time, accomplish anything if it puts its mind to it (to paraphrase Doc Brown).

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femto-photography

http://www.ted.com/talks/ramesh_raskar_a_camera_that_takes_one_trillion_frames_per_second.html

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/19/opinion/raskar-camera-corners

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eratosthenes

Fat, Poor Kids Just Got A Little Less Fat. Still Poor.

December 27, 2012 / esfein / Leave a comment

Child size please, no ice.

America, we are a fat nation – the fattest in the world, in fact. I’m willing to live with that designation. No matter which way my bulbous belly stumbles, there’s a dollar menu waiting to be ravaged and a maximum drive-thru limit to be tested. I’m not ashamed to have used all 8 of my car’s cup holders, are you?

Numerous studies have linked the poor with obesity. It’s not science, it’s a common sense mentality – poor quality, horribly processed food is within the grasps, and wallets, of many Americans. However, the CDC recently reports…KIDS ARE LOSING WEIGHT!

Well, POOR KIDS ARE LOSING WEIGHT! The rich ones were always doing alright.

We’re gonna celebrate with a cereal bath.

This study, based on data collected from 30 states and the District of Columbia, shows a marked decline in the prevalence of obesity in preschool-aged children in the lower income brackets. Extreme obesity, defined as a BMI of over 120% the 95th percentile, went down to 2.07% from 2.22% . Regular ‘ol obese kids dropped to 14.91% from 15.21%.

Those numbers don’t look too promising, but as Heidi M. Blanck, a co-author of the study, puts it:

The declines we’re presenting here are pretty modest, but it is a change in direction. We were going up before. And this data shows we’re going down. For us, that’s pretty exciting.

It’s a change of direction. That is what is important. This is the first study that has showed such progress, especially in the most sensitive of the population – our children.

How we’ve reached this point is uncertain, but we do know from another of Dr. Blanck’s studies, this one focusing on food marketing, that:

The amount of money spent on food marketing to children declined nearly 20% from 2003 to 2009.
Cereals marketed to children have averaged one less gram of sugar per serving than before.
Marketing of the unhealthiest of cereals (between 13 and 19 grams of sugar) has been nearly eliminated.

Not only has that helped, but things like fast food places placing nutritional content on menus and Michelle Obama’s new Let’s Move! Child Care initiative providing healthy alternatives to child care centers, all can help us curb childhood obesity from ever happening.

America, keep up the good work. Soon we won’t be the laughing stock of the entire world with our jumbo sized beverages and the fashion abomination that is Jeggings.

But until then, I’ll take the large.

Sources and further reading:

io9

NYTimes

American Medical Association

CDC

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/13/business/mcdonalds-to-start-posting-calorie-counts.html

http://www.healthykidshealthyfuture.org/welcome.html

http://www.watoday.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/the-new-fashion-monstrosity-20100407-rrd9.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/22/obesity-rates-rising-developed-fattest-world_n_1294212.html#s716476title=1_United_States

http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/60/11/2667.full

http://money.msn.com/family-money/does-being-poor-make-you-fat.aspx

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/08/17/toddlers-tiaras-mom-could-lose-custody-daughter-because-puts-her-in-pageants/

http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1487493

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/26/health/study-finds-modest-declines-in-obesity-rates-among-young-children-from-poor-families.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1369626954-wwBEC4RM4X0vAdqyKKCg5w

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/foodmarketing.shtm

Fridge Free Food: Kick Your Obsessive Storage Habit & Keep Food Fresher Too

December 17, 2012 / esfein / Leave a comment

http://pijamasurf.com/

As a 21st century man, I’ve never thought of going a day without my refrigerator. I have a fit when my filter makes my water murky, I get pissed when my ice maker stops churning out cubes, and boy…you don’t want to be around me when the crusher jams.

I’ve never thought back to the simpler times when we didn’t have technology to aid us with man’s most basic of needs. What did we do to keep our food fresh hundreds of years ago? They didn’t shop Costco in bulk, did they?

In this article from the I-wanna-be-everlasting-green Treehugger blog, they describe a designer’s high-ingenuity, low-tech concepts to make food safety and storage simple.

From an egg storage system that checks age by water displacement, to sticking carrots downwards in sand to regulate humidity, this article is chocked full of interesting information about how designer Jihyun Ryou unlocks nature’s basic rules for longevity in your mind. Kick the fridge, stop wasting so much food, and get back to your roots.

Did you know that storing apples with your potatoes prevents them from sprouting those roots? It’s because of the ethylene gas that apples give off and that potatoes absolutely love.

Cool, huh?

Jihyun explains my plight:

We hand over the responsibility of taking care of food to the technology, the refrigerator. We don’t observe the food any more and we don’t understand how to treat it.

She hit it right on the dot.

Head over to the sources for more information and some inspirational pictures of how it’s done. With one weekend and a couple materials, you can kick that obsessive fridge habit. Well, maybe not…I love my chopped ice.

Sources:

http://www.treehugger.com/kitchen-design/saving-food-fridge-it-will-taste-better-may-even-last-longer-and-reduce-your-energy-bills.html

http://www.treehugger.com/

http://www.savefoodfromthefridge.com/