I've been noticing a great deal of discussion — or likely because I am constantly on the lookout — on the subject of zombie outbreaks; hypothetical as it may be, the subject is becoming less factitious and increasingly indubitable.
This research paper specifies a model that encompasses topics from the preliminary stages of infection to a possible doomsday scenario, if extreme caution is not taken by all. This idea may seem far-fetched, but the thesis and supporting data does look promising; definitely worth a read. It's amusing seeing this topic presented in this manner, minus those equilibrium equations/models and all of that quantitative gibberish (matrices=> dry heave), but it could be a regrettable mistake questioning its viability.
Unless you want to delve into the world of academia, here's a concise summary from wired.com.
So in order to evade this grave scenario, we need to brush up on our tactics; that is, pure, relentless, combative means. Let's drill this in our head: "impulsive eradication." As the paper claims: "Only sufficiently frequent attacks, with increasing force, will result in eradication, assuming the available resources can be mustered in time." So don't succumb to the zombie fever, or at least stay far, far away from me.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Marylanders know Crabs
Having grown up in Maryland since the age of 4, blue crabs have always been a staple meal, per say, in the summertime, whether it's in the form of cakes or just good ol' crackin' fun; I prefer the latter. Aside from revealing and adding cuts to your saturated hands, crab feasts are perfect for family and friendly gatherings. It is important to know the basics of how to eat crabs so no one is excluded.
Here's my strategy. First, pull/twist all the legs off the crabs, including the claw. I try to twist it off as close to the body as possible in hopes to drag along a chunk of meat. Great for dipping. All the legs can be broke in 1-2 other joints revealing more gamey but delicious meat. Next, turn the crab over and lift the tab thing as it leads to the top shell. You want to dig your finger under the tab and pull off the top shell; it should come off fairly easy. Clear away all the gills. And the "mustard" if you wish. Personally, I love the "mustard." And the roe (the orange mini cube-like stuff), but that's only in the females of course. Break open the rest of the shells covering the meat inside and dig away. Here's where your fingers may get cut up if you revert to atavistic methods. Really though, it's the only way to eat crabs. I save the claws for last. You can either crack them with the various tools or risk chipping a tooth and lightly bite into it. Voila, now you're addicted and will be at the table for hours. The best dipping sauce is vinegar mixed with Old Bay seasoning.
As scrumptious crustaceans may be, it is important to remind ourselves of animal ethics when cooking. Recent studies have shown to the contrary that crustaceans may in fact feel pain. The goal of the studies was to determine if crabs can sense pain. Hermit crabs were shocked while in their shell. It is known that hermit crabs change shells when they are uncomfortable with the shell they have. The hermit crabs that were shocked were much more likely to change shells than those that were not. And not only were they negatively affected by the shock, they remembered the stimuli from being in the old shell. Before changing shells, the crab would inspect it very carefully as to not fall in a similar situation. This behavior is linked closely with the pain threshold of animals. Not convinced? Skip the rest of this paragraph if you have a weak stomach. Another study revealed that when the leg of a crab was broken off, they died within seconds from the shock of losing a limb. Another study shows crustaceans rubbing their antenna after being burned by a small dose of acid-- similar to mammalian behavior when encountering painful stimuli.
Whether these studies provide enough proof that it is likely crustaceans feel pain, it is better to err on the safe side and take simple precautions during preparation. While employed at a seafood restaurant for an agonizing two months, I learned a few tips. A trick to calm--sometimes inducing them to sleep--lobsters: gently stroke the micro-hairs in between their eyes. You'll see their limbs flop down instantly as they drift off into a comatose-like state. When cutting them open, you want to dig the knife in between their hind legs and immediately slice towards and through the head. For crabs, you want to plunge something sharp--an icepick or a sharp knife--right under the mouth and above the little flap you pull when opening up the body. This goes straight through the head. Of course, from what I remember, none of this was practiced in the kitchen. We stroke the lobsters' "heads" to keep them calming whilst giving them one last tour of the restaurant riddled with curious, carnivorous kids.
Sorry if I'm a Debbie Downer, but overfishing is a serious problem. Let's remind ourselves to consume seafood in moderation and try to keep it seasonal. Each and every cog in a wheel is as important as the next. Not for the overpopulated deer. Unlucky for them, hunting season is approaching! (Not as exciting when you've never been..) Venison recipes will be welcomed!
Here's my strategy. First, pull/twist all the legs off the crabs, including the claw. I try to twist it off as close to the body as possible in hopes to drag along a chunk of meat. Great for dipping. All the legs can be broke in 1-2 other joints revealing more gamey but delicious meat. Next, turn the crab over and lift the tab thing as it leads to the top shell. You want to dig your finger under the tab and pull off the top shell; it should come off fairly easy. Clear away all the gills. And the "mustard" if you wish. Personally, I love the "mustard." And the roe (the orange mini cube-like stuff), but that's only in the females of course. Break open the rest of the shells covering the meat inside and dig away. Here's where your fingers may get cut up if you revert to atavistic methods. Really though, it's the only way to eat crabs. I save the claws for last. You can either crack them with the various tools or risk chipping a tooth and lightly bite into it. Voila, now you're addicted and will be at the table for hours. The best dipping sauce is vinegar mixed with Old Bay seasoning.
As scrumptious crustaceans may be, it is important to remind ourselves of animal ethics when cooking. Recent studies have shown to the contrary that crustaceans may in fact feel pain. The goal of the studies was to determine if crabs can sense pain. Hermit crabs were shocked while in their shell. It is known that hermit crabs change shells when they are uncomfortable with the shell they have. The hermit crabs that were shocked were much more likely to change shells than those that were not. And not only were they negatively affected by the shock, they remembered the stimuli from being in the old shell. Before changing shells, the crab would inspect it very carefully as to not fall in a similar situation. This behavior is linked closely with the pain threshold of animals. Not convinced? Skip the rest of this paragraph if you have a weak stomach. Another study revealed that when the leg of a crab was broken off, they died within seconds from the shock of losing a limb. Another study shows crustaceans rubbing their antenna after being burned by a small dose of acid-- similar to mammalian behavior when encountering painful stimuli.
Whether these studies provide enough proof that it is likely crustaceans feel pain, it is better to err on the safe side and take simple precautions during preparation. While employed at a seafood restaurant for an agonizing two months, I learned a few tips. A trick to calm--sometimes inducing them to sleep--lobsters: gently stroke the micro-hairs in between their eyes. You'll see their limbs flop down instantly as they drift off into a comatose-like state. When cutting them open, you want to dig the knife in between their hind legs and immediately slice towards and through the head. For crabs, you want to plunge something sharp--an icepick or a sharp knife--right under the mouth and above the little flap you pull when opening up the body. This goes straight through the head. Of course, from what I remember, none of this was practiced in the kitchen. We stroke the lobsters' "heads" to keep them calming whilst giving them one last tour of the restaurant riddled with curious, carnivorous kids.
Sorry if I'm a Debbie Downer, but overfishing is a serious problem. Let's remind ourselves to consume seafood in moderation and try to keep it seasonal. Each and every cog in a wheel is as important as the next. Not for the overpopulated deer. Unlucky for them, hunting season is approaching! (Not as exciting when you've never been..) Venison recipes will be welcomed!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Happy Birthday, Barack!
Today, Obama turns 48-- the second youngest U.S. president; first one goes to JFK. I hope the media can, today, put aside the BS on the inane claims that he was not actually born in Hawaii. Instead, let's discuss how he has the energy to accomplish so much at his age, though to some of you it may be the opposite.
An article I read--I believe in the NY Times--outlined his entire week. Since I cannot locate the article, here's what I remember reading. Almost every morning before work, he squeezes in a workout of at least an hour. This is during the hours most of us are struggling to crawl out of bed. After committing to his paternal duties, he starts his workday. Again, if you're like me, you're bumbling around the house still trying to get ready. He sits down with the national security bureaus every morning to discuss topics of vital importance. (Note: Bush refused to be briefed on weekends, no matter how important.) Aside from a few breaks and a sit-down dinner with the family, he works continuously throughout the day to the point one must brief him while walking with him to the next destination. He finally ends the day late at night, around 9-11pm.
Next time you see him visiting Five Guys or out with Michelle on date night, remember, his extraordinary ways warrants these outings. We should praise him on his strong work ethic and let it inspire us to be more productive citizens.
Word is he's not having a bash this year--he deserves one. Instead, he humbly passes the torch to Helen Thomas, the Hearst columnist who never lets her age hinder her performance at the White House briefings. After singing Thomas Happy Birthday--she turns 89--he gives her cupcakes and tells her, "I will leave it up to you, Helen, how you want to distribute the cupcakes." I'm guessing Gibbs did not get one.
An article I read--I believe in the NY Times--outlined his entire week. Since I cannot locate the article, here's what I remember reading. Almost every morning before work, he squeezes in a workout of at least an hour. This is during the hours most of us are struggling to crawl out of bed. After committing to his paternal duties, he starts his workday. Again, if you're like me, you're bumbling around the house still trying to get ready. He sits down with the national security bureaus every morning to discuss topics of vital importance. (Note: Bush refused to be briefed on weekends, no matter how important.) Aside from a few breaks and a sit-down dinner with the family, he works continuously throughout the day to the point one must brief him while walking with him to the next destination. He finally ends the day late at night, around 9-11pm.
Next time you see him visiting Five Guys or out with Michelle on date night, remember, his extraordinary ways warrants these outings. We should praise him on his strong work ethic and let it inspire us to be more productive citizens.
Word is he's not having a bash this year--he deserves one. Instead, he humbly passes the torch to Helen Thomas, the Hearst columnist who never lets her age hinder her performance at the White House briefings. After singing Thomas Happy Birthday--she turns 89--he gives her cupcakes and tells her, "I will leave it up to you, Helen, how you want to distribute the cupcakes." I'm guessing Gibbs did not get one.
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