Usually I post about wonderful edibles. Today, we have an inedible.
Kathy's blog warns that this is the season in Northern California for the aptly named Death Cap mushrooms, Amanita Phalloides. Not just a worry for people, keep an eye out for them in your yard, lest the dogs take a bite. It smells like honey and looks like a snack. Three recent dog deaths were reported in Oakland.
More: Wikipedia (also the source for the photo).
Foodgal reports that a new Beard papa is opening in Menlo Park.
Beard what??
I wrote about them before. Once you get past the goofy name, it's creampuff heaven. Foodgal says they now have five Bay Area locations.
Do you find business travel a nuisance?
I used to dislike business travel but I like it now. The biggest change for me is to give up on the quest for efficiency. Efficiency means flying back after the end of the work day, scheduling to minimize the stay, driving past a pretzel vendor's cart, rushing to the airport, sitting down in a seat sweaty and out of breath. Inefficiency means staying an extra night, scheduling fewer appointments, allowing more time to get to the airport or train.
The truth is, travel is inefficient and unpredictable. I was happier once I accepted that. Five hours on a plane, an hour at the airport, waiting for a table or a taxi. Don't fight it. Factor in the inefficiency and you begin to enjoy and use the extra time instead of being anxious about it.
I've posted before about the vastly superior spices and herbs available on-line. Here's a great gift idea for friends who are foodies (or need your help to turn into a foodie!).
Penzey's has a great gift set. A deal at its normal $12 price, more of a deal ($7.95) until December 31, 2009. It contains four of my favorites: Their must-have cinnamon; Mural of Flavor, a wonderful salt-free blend; their fresh ground pepper; and their granulated garlic. All four are way better than you'll ever find at the grocery store.
As a science-minded boy growing up on a farm, I depended on mail-order for scientific tools and toys. The most coveted source was Edmund Scientific (or as they now call themselves, "Scientifics Online"). Even as an adult, I order from them still. I have been their customer for more than 45 years.
I was surprised to read a thread on Facebook, posted by Skeptical Inquirer, in which John S. Duckering, another customer, objected to their inclusion of a Ghost Meter in their present offerings. He said, "A reputable scientific products company selling Ghost Meters?! What in
hell are you doing? With the pandemic of misinformation promulgated by
paranormalists, spiritualists, Creationists, seers, and other quacks
and con-artists, Edmund Scientifics is also jumping on the lunatic band
wagon?! ... You thoroughly
disappoint me!"
To the company's credit, Tim Burns, a brand manager at Edmund, replied, openly explaining that customer objections are leading him to rethink their policy. He later agreed to Mr. Duckering's request for permission to share the thread. He sais, "...I realize now that this is offensive to some the Edmund Scientific customers, people with very strong scientific sensibilities who look to Edmund for products that promote critical, empirical thinking, and real science as a hobby. I am currently rethinking my decision on this product line. I apologize for the offense."
Impressive. I am writing Mr. Burns to express my disappointment as well, and to support his willingness to rethink the policy, in public. I haven't found a direct e-mail address, so I used snail mail — letters (on paper) are a great way to be noticed in the electronic messaging era.
If you would like to write one, here's the address:
Tim Burns
Brand Manager
Edmund Scientific and X-treme Geek
60 Pearce Ave.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
Now! Squeez Bacon!Bacon in a tube!
Really.
And it's good for you, ya?
"Each serving is as healthy as real bacon, and equivalent to 4 premium slices of bacon! "
Thanks for the hot lead, Mike!
From ThinkGeek, via Mike Weston.