Category: Food

  • solar cells from powdered donuts and starbucks passion tea

    I am not a chemist, so it would take me at least an hour to verify that the following has some basis in actual science, and even then I wouldn’t be able to really tell you for sure that this is kosher. But anyone who has access to a rudimentary lab setup should be able to reproduce the experiment.

    I don’t think they were serious about the “lightning setting” on the multimeter, though.

  • twinkie of doom

    On my trip to San Francisco last weekend ((btw, I went to San Francisco this past weekend)) I encountered one of these for the first time:

    img_0727-large

    That’s a fried twinkie, purchased at the Santa Cruz boardwalk. And I confess I couldn’t take more than two bites of it before admitting defeat. I still need to try fried Oreos at some point, though…

  • a theory of consciousness

    Moot! I’ve got your theory of consciousness right here: consciousness is an emergent property of increasingly complex thought.

    Corollary: computation is not, and never will be, a substitute for thought, no matter how bayesian you wanna get.

    Corollary 2: thought need not be intelligent.

    Now, define thought, and we can call it a day. Chipotle, anyone?

  • burrito fanboi

    food with integrity

    Fast Company has a brief little profile on Chipotle, focusing on the company founder’s strict policy of serving only humane and naturally-raised meat. The article notes that Chipotle has some trouble meeting its supply needs due to its strict requirements. However, it seems that Chipotle is a vector for change within the industry:

    “We want to influence the supply chain in the United States,” he says — comes at a cost. It’s difficult to buy 52 million pounds of the good stuff. Humane providers tend to be small and are already at capacity. Ells recently began retaining small suppliers in Canada, increasing his shipping costs. Chipotle has to pay a premium for Ells’s passion, and so do his customers (the average burrito is now $6 to $7). “In an economic environment where the consumer is cautious about spending money,” analyst Haskell says, “we’re cautious about higher-cost concepts like this.”

    Surprisingly, Chipotle’s answer may lie in the competition. Burger King and Wendy’s, the No. 2 and No. 5 U.S. chains, respectively, recently began to explore humane-pork options. Their needs will likely create more supply options. “Chipotle is a major vector of change in its industry,” says professor Rollin. Adds Wolf, the industry expert: “Restaurants at every level better hurry up and make sure there isn’t poison in their food.” He continues, “Chipotle makes great food and serves it. Genius!” Make better burritos, open more restaurants — what a concept.

  • free Starbucks coffee today 11am

    in the mood for an afternoon cup of caffeine, gratis? get thee to a Starbucks between 11 and 1130am today.

  • My Chipotle

    chipotle

    Nutrition Facts
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 813 Cal from Fat 267
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 31g 48%
    Saturated Fat 6g 28%
    Trans Fat 0g  

    Cholesterol 65mg 22%
    Sodium 2153mg 90%
    Total Carbs 90g 30%
    Dietary Fiber 13g 52%
    Sugars 5g  

    Protein 42g  

    Vitamin A 0% • Vitamin C 0%
    Calcium 0% • Iron 0%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
    INGREDIENTS: 13″ Tortilla,Rice,Steak (4oz),Red (Hot) Salsa,Lettuce,Guacamole (4oz)

    There aren’t any in casual driving distance from Marshfield, alas. Moving to Madison in June though 🙂

  • caffeine protects your brain

    good for my brain in more ways than oneSeems that caffeine has neuroprotective effects beyond just keeping the lights switched on upstairs:

    Coffee may cut the risk of dementia by blocking the damage cholesterol can inflict on the body, research suggests.

    The drink has already been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, and a study by a US team for the Journal of Neuroinflammation may explain why.

    A vital barrier between the brain and the main blood supply of rabbits fed a fat-rich diet was protected in those given a caffeine supplement.
    […]
    “Caffeine appears to block several of the disruptive effects of cholesterol that make the blood-brain barrier leaky,” said Dr Jonathan Geiger, who led the study.

    “High levels of cholesterol are a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, perhaps by compromising the protective nature of the blood brain barrier.

    “Caffeine is a safe and readily available drug and its ability to stabilise the blood brain barrier means it could have an important part to play in therapies against neurological disorders.”

  • hepped up on goofballs

    I find this sort of thing fascinating.

    With candy sales banned on school campuses, sugar pushers are the latest trend at local schools. Backpacks are filled with Snickers and Twinkees for all sweet tooths willing to pay the price.

    “It’s created a little underground economy, with businessmen selling everything from a pack of skittles to an energy drink,” said Jim Nason, principal at Hook Junior High School in Victorville.

    This has become a lucrative business, Nason said, and those kids are walking around campus with upwards of $40 in their pockets and disrupting class to make a sale.

    the candy black market thrives!

    via Freakonomics blog, naturally.

  • The treachery of coffee

    Ceci, n’est pas un paper cup((No, I’m not even trying to be subtle in my allusions.)):

    i am not a paper cup

    It’s actually made of porcelain and the lid is silicone. I must have one.

  • how to make Chai

    1. Do not go to Starbucks.

    2. Read this Ask Metafilter thread. Lots of great recipies in there. Glad to see my own method compares favorably.