Good morning, diners. Bacon, eggs, and black coffee, please.
More packing and planning today. Preparing for a long trip beginning next week. Each country seems to have different Covid regulations, and different forms of vaccination proof to carry.
In addition, there are some other obligations today. I've complained before, but that won't stop me from complaining again. Lately, I'm as busy in retirement as I was when I was working. I need a vacation from retirement.
My county is a rectange, about 20 miles by 30 miles, but it is the 8th largest corn producing county in the U.S.
In defense of corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup and regular granulated sugar are almost exactly the same thing. High fructose corn syrup is 55% fructose and 42% glucose, with water. Regular granulated sugar is 50% fructose and 50% glucose. A human body treats corn syrup and sugar both exactly the same.
When we lived in Lousiana, there were huge sugar cane fields west and northwest of New Orleans. While they didn't raise as much as Florida, it was still an important crop.
Before the Civil War, after a process was invented to granulate sugar, sugar cane became such an important product that over half of all the millionaires in the U.S. lived in a 50-mile stretch of land along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. There are a lot of great old plantations in that area.
Well, I've talked a lot more than most would prefer. I have to get busy.
I hope everyone has a great day.
Edit -- Top of the Page!
Since I don't like anything sweet other than Nutty Buddies and Ice Cream, I just offer a breakfast of salty things: Bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, and grits.
York1 John
I asked my doctor if I gave up delicious food and all alcohol, would I live longer? He said, "No, but it will seem longer."
doctorwayne gmpullman I don't know if he ships up north or maybe there's somewhere you can order them? Oh yeah, Don definitely ships up-north, even all the way to the Great White North here in Canada. Wayne
gmpullman I don't know if he ships up north or maybe there's somewhere you can order them?
Oh yeah, Don definitely ships up-north, even all the way to the Great White North here in Canada.
Wayne
https://youtu.be/XSb_VHmfgVk
Always found it fascinating how many people have made boatloads of money off of nonsense.
TF
York1When we lived in Lousiana, there were huge sugar cane fields west and northwest of New Orleans. While they didn't raise as much as Florida, it was still an important crop.
Louisiana produces about 13 million tons of sugar cane per year on about half a million acres.
They have Lake Pontchartrain, we have Lake Okeechobee. It requires a lot of water to grow sugar cane.
The muddy fields in Louisiana were the first to use the Australian made Austoft mechanical cane harvester. Florida soon followed suit, and mechanical cane harvesting became the norm in the early 1990s.
Maintaining mechanical harvesting equipment became an important pillar in my early career.
-Photographs by Kevin Parson
Austoft opened their United States headquarters in Fort Myers, Florida, and I became a satellite technician for product support.
Cameco also sold a lot of harvesters in Florida. I think Case makes most of the cane harvesters used now.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Good afternoon
York1 My county is a rectange, about 20 miles by 30 miles, but it is the 8th largest corn producing county in the U.S. In defense of corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup and regular granulated sugar are almost exactly the same thing. High fructose corn syrup is 55% fructose and 42% glucose, with water. Regular granulated sugar is 50% fructose and 50% glucose. A human body treats corn syrup and sugar both exactly the same. When we lived in Lousiana, there were huge sugar cane fields west and northwest of New Orleans. While they didn't raise as much as Florida, it was still an important crop.
Hi John. Have enjoyed seeing the progress you've been making on your bridges as they sure have turned out well.
You are exactly correct on your percentage data of cane sugar versus corn syrup sweeteners. Have read many articles of documented fact on both sides of the controversy. From what was gathered, there is no solid conclusions on the subject like many others. Only opinions of what researchers or inquiring individuals decide to believe is true. Certainly respect your opinion and would never try to sway it.
For the most part, Judy and I are a couple of health nuts and mainly eat organic and natural foods, drinks, fruits, vegetables, etc with the occasional garbage treat as we call them. Yes, we buy some products with the funky hard to pronounce words but the ones that are minimal. Can't get away from it all.
We basically stay away from all GMO's (corn syrup included) for one simple fact. If a natural source is available in lieu of genetically modified organisms as a choice, we tend to stay away from the laboratory even though the natural stuff cost a bit more. Choice of the corn field versus the sugar cane field for sweeteners, I'll take the one on the right.
Judy asked me a few years ago, ("If high fructose corn syrup is so much cheaper than sugar, why don't we just buy a bucket of it and use it in the kitchen"?) She caught me off guard for a moment while looking at her like this Then she smiled
Now in my defense, as we seem to have some new found fructose/glucose controversy in the Diner. It was the Bear with his question, ("What is it with the American love affair with sugar"?) that started it.
IT WAS THE BEAR!!! ...
Only another week to go in Italy.
Monte Cassino.
Here in the U.K. during WW2 mining familes were exempt from call up to the Forces and had to work down the mines. Even families who had left mining were also enlisted back to the mines. My eldest uncle wanted to be in the Royal Navy, but had to work in the mines. (He hated it.)
My father was due to be called to the mines, but he left home and enlisted to the Army. He lied about his age and was a 'boy soldier'. At 15 years of age he was shipped out to North Africa and was at El Alamein. Grandma was furious when she found out.
Anyway, after North Africa 'Italian sunshine' was next for a then 16 years old. For some reason he went 'sightseeing' to Monte Cassino before he went to Anzio and north to Venice.
Monte Cassino in 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1AXNQezcgw&ab_channel=TravelMemories
Tonight it is Corned Beef Hash. I have made a lot, so bring your favourite drink and join in.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
There has been a strange thumping sound as someone or something is trying to open the hatch from the crawlspace. Stephen King eat your heart out. I told them they have to wait at least another week.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Good news for those of you who are already tired of winter.
Presicce, a small town in Italy, is offering $30,000 American to anyone who will move there, buy one of the pre-1991 homes, and live there. The average price of the homes is around $25,000.
After some of you were digging out from several feet of snow, this might sound pretty good.
I got almost that far south in Italy on my first European vacation in my 20s, so many girlfriends ago. I think that was the "goat on the train" ride I described earlier. We got to Brindisi, and hopped a ferry boat to Athens. As I recall, topless sunbathing was acceptable for all on the deck of the ferry.
That trip was an awakening for a young guy who thought the old homes in Massachusetts were truly ancient. The antiquities of Greece put those to shame, but the next stop was Austria. The museum in Salzburg, named for the prehistoric salt mines, brought us back to cave man times.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Huh! Things change on a dime. The numbers are down at the hotel and she can have Friday, Saturday off as well. So we can go to Wisconsin.
Just wonder what we're going to do with that bird and a third rib roast. Maybe have two Thanksgivings One this week, one next week
York1 Good news for those of you who are already tired of winter. Presicce, a small town in Italy, is offering $30,000 American to anyone who will move there, buy one of the pre-1991 homes, and live there. The average price of the homes is around $25,000. After some of you were digging out from several feet of snow, this might sound pretty good.
Hi Everyone,
Brunhilda, coffee with cream, please.
The town in Italy looks interesting especially its location. The picture looks a bit like some places in Mexico.
Hamms beer: I remember the Hamms beer commercials from when I was a kid. Then there were the commercials where it shows the beer glasses dancing back and forth with the lake and island in the background. Well, that island exists And I've been on it. If memory serves it is on Moose Lake near the Bill Rom Outfitters base East of Ely, MN. The island kind of hides the narrows that goes into the next lake. Anyway, resourceful scout that I was, I rummaged around and found a Hamms beer bottle in a trash pile. I brought it home and asked my Mom to wash it up for me. I still have it. That was a long time ago.
Might as well do winter trains next month because we'll all be sick of winter by February.
Hawaii used to grow a lot of sugar cane. I can remember them on Oahu on both Ewa and North Shore. The cane fields now are all gone. From what I understand, the Hawaiians were very generous in sharing their knowledge Of growing sugar cane. The other countries took that knowledge, applied it, undercut Hawaiians in price, and eventually drove them out of business. I'm sure it's not quite that simple, but that's the prevailing story.
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
Good evening
I'm familiar with Moose Lake Jim. Ely was only about an hour south from where I went to school in Orr Mn. Those commercials must have been before the ones I'm familiar with.
One of the Sasha the Bear Hamm's commercials was filmed on Lake Namakan, where Rainy Lake flows into Kettle Falls, conecting to Lake Kabetogama, the lake we lived on. Namakan's a strong two hours plus, north and a bit east of Ely as the crow flies.
Huh. The controversy of Hamm's beer commercials directed to children. Now why would a Kid want a Hamm's beer bottle? The advertising must have been working
That's cool you've held on to that Hamm's bottle all these years.
BATMAN
Track fiddlerIt was the Bear with his question, ("What is it with the American love affair with sugar"?) that started it. IT WAS THE BEAR!!!
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Good morning Diners. A glass of white wine, some meats, cheeses and breads please, Brunhilda.
York1John mentions Presicce. Presicce is in the Puglia Region of Italy.
Benvenuti in Puglia - Welcome to Puglia.
It was in 1973 when I visited here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAnsNOqUOuY&ab_channel=TRACKS
Presicce the land of sea and sunshine. Well not always ----
Still beautiful imo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvWMbBc-6Bo&ab_channel=quiSalentoRedazione
Trains in Bari Centrale Station
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6DngNHNHd0&ab_channel=jazzcool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x6Z7zOkd1Q&ab_channel=DanFlyingSolo
Good Morning Diners. Flo, a large coffee in a New York Central mug please.
Spent the whole day yesterday bending over tables inspecting various bits that require an annual inspection. My back sure is sore today! Going to have to have a good soak in the hot tub tonight.
In regards to corn syrup, I feel especially bad for my mother. Not only does it seem to be found in 90% of the food products sold in the U.S., in her mid 60's my mom developed a horrible allergy to corn in any form. Even small amounts of it as an ingredient in something else causes her throat to close up. She was always healthy, ate well, exercised, and then her body had a medical meltdown about 10 years ago. She cannot eat anything with corn or yeast. She has to read every label of every product they buy at the stores as she has found the hard way, a product that did not have corn syrup in it one time had it the next, and vice versa. I feel so bad for her.
North Brit David, I have to say you have been an exceptional host for Italy! I especially enjoyed the Italian model railroad video you recently posted a link to. Thanks!
Ciao everyone!
Mike
Good morning, diners. Bacon, eggs, and coffee, Chloe.
I also did not mean to cause any upset with the sugar discussion! Enough said.
Bear, when I was in college, one of the bars we frequented, Dominics, was run by an Italian immigrant. Each Thursday evening was Spaghetti Night. He made everything from scratch. I believe it was the first time I had eaten homemade spaghetti noodles. They were thicker than any I had eaten before. That spaghetti was the best!
The only issue with his bar was that he served Hamm's Beer on tap. That stuff was hard to take after drinking other beer on our way to his place.
When I think of Sicily, I don't normally think of trains. But they have a good network of train routes. These are near Mt. Etna:
Have a great day, everyone!
York1 The only issue with his bar was that he served Hamm's Beer on tap. That stuff was hard to take after drinking other beer on our way to his place.
Was that a shot John?
Guess it was taken that way. Would find it rather ironic, singling out that brand after a few references to Hamm's commercials
Could be you're upset about that Blue Bunny, Dairy Queen humor thing. If so, that was nothing more than a buddy poking fun with another buddy to share an agreeable humor to laugh about it together....That's all
Never liked Hamm's beer but loved their commercials. Also don't like Budweiser, Miller, Michelob or most any other domestic beer. In my opinion, they taste watered down and quite bland lacking enough flavor. Now a fine, full bodied Craft beer or tasteful lmport is a way different story
Another thing I'm confused about is this emoji.
Have a great rest of your day gentlemen
Track fiddlerAnother thing I'm confused about is this emoji,
Someone on their soapbox?
maxman Someone on their soapbox?
Track fiddlerGood afternoon York1 The only issue with his bar was that he served Hamm's Beer on tap. That stuff was hard to take after drinking other beer on our way to his place. Was that a shot John? Guess it was taken that way. Would find it rather ironic singling out that brand after a few references to Hamm's commercials Could be you're upset about that Blue Bunny, Dairy Queen humor thing. If so, that was nothing more than a buddy poking fun with another buddy to share an agreeable humor to laugh about it together....That's all
TF, I'm not sure what I said? I didn't take anything said about ice cream or anything else as bad. After drinking other beers on our way to the bar serving spaghetti, Hamms beer did not taste good. That's all I meant.
Honestly, after being married for 44 years and also being a school principal those years, it is almost impossible to upset me.
I think it might be good for me to turn off the computer a while and work on the layout.
Have a good rest of the day, everyone.
Good evening all.
It says a 'Trip Around the World', actually 'A Trip Around U.S.A. and Europe'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUZ0jTU1o5s&ab_channel=VINTAGESTORIES
Tyneside Model Railway Exhibition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti2Q_V6YpxA&ab_channel=CattonparkJunction
Enjoy
I went out today to pick up beer for an open house the GF is having tomorrow, the day before Thanksgiving. I had the task of selecting a couple of beers that were not IPAs or craft beers, but not Budweiser clones we'd pour down the sink the next day if they weren't finished. I got Labatts Blue and Moosehead. But, while I was there I noticed they actually had some Hamms beer for sale. And I'm in Delaware.
York1 TF, I'm not sure what I said? I didn't take anything said about ice cream or anything else as bad. After drinking other beers on our way to the bar serving spaghetti, Hamms beer did not taste good. That's all I meant. Honestly, after being married for 44 years and also being a school principal those years, it is almost impossible to upset me.
My misunderstanding then, as I guess I put my foot in my mouth. Sometimes when I see something that seems too ironic to be coincidental, I tend to read into things.
I'm man enough to admit if I was wrong though, so I need to apologize then. Sorry man.
We're all good here on my end John. Always enjoy your posts, so hope your all good as well.
My Bad
The World Is A Beautiful Place
-Photograph by Kevin Parson
That is all I have to say tonight. Time for bed.
Good morning Diners. A large Cappuccino please, Zoe.
Mike. Thank you for the kind words. It is my pleasure. People know the 'main sites' to visit. I like to look beyond the main tourist trail.
Benvenuti in Basilicata - Welcome to Basilicata.
"I didn't believe it existed." Francis Ford Coppola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pilwqLpPCJg&ab_channel=DreamofItaly
007 James Bond - Matera and Gravina
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO_zNxAgUjI&ab_channel=Onthetracksof007
Great Railway Journey to Puglia and Basilicata
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KqIT4FQwEo&ab_channel=DreamofItaly
Good morning
Well, Had a rather horrible evening last night. Woke up feeling nervous yesterday morning and didn't know why as I have nothing to worry about. It got worse through the day. Judy said I didn't seem like my normal self and asked what was wrong when I picked her up from work. Told her what was going on but l wasn't that concerned about it yet.
Long story short I ended up at Fairview late last night with the worst panic attack of my life. The Doc said it was a side effect of my new stomach medication that causes anxiety, paranoia and in the worst cases, delusions and hallucinations. I asked why I wasn't told that when it was prescribed and he said it's a more rare side effect. I hate drugs but sometimes you need them I guess. Isn't getting old just a blast?
I was given some sort of sedative and something to counteract things and kept for observation till the wee hours of the morning. Tired today. Have a prescription to continue counteracting the anxiety but still feeling a bit Wanky.
It's only a little over a 3-hour drive to my Brother-in-law's in Wisconsin but we should probably decide by noon if we're still going or not.
Ailment Rant over. Thanks for listening.
Have a great Thanksgiving gentlemen
The ex-wife used to get panic attacks from steroids. At one point she was admitted to a hospital where they gave her anti-anxiety meds that made her worse.
I always read up on meds they give me, but I find they don't cover side effects very well. With me, fortunately, it's more like dirty underwear effects, nothing psychological.
Hope you feel better, TF!
I'm waiting for another funeral to begin. I'll check back into the diner a little later.
Good morning all.
Our family Thanksgiving was cancelled this year because so many people have the flu. That makes me sad. I guess I will spend Thanksgiving working on the irrigation system since it has finally stopped raining.