Why Menu Translations Go Terribly Wrong, Historical Home Cooking, The Fruitcake Games and more

Filed under FYI

Deciphering Dinner
Laughable menu translations aren’t just the result of restaurant managers and chefs making mistakes. Even for fluent experts, food and menus are uniquely challenging to translate.

Historical Home Cooking
Even when ancient recipes have survived, their instructions can be maddeningly vague or difficult to source. Recreating them takes time, tinkering, translation, and ample creativity.

The Fruitcake Games
In 1996, a group of locals in Manitou Springs, Colorado, gathered in a park to toss their unloved fruitcakes. The annual celebration now features a fruitcake slingshot and target practice.

Falling for Vodka
Until the 1930s, gin was the clear spirit du jour in America. Then, Smirnoff realized that vodka’s lack of flavor could be a selling point.

Suspended Sweets
An initial glimpse at Churchkhela suggests candlesticks, not an energy-rich, hanging mass of nuts nicknamed the “Georgian Snickers bar.”

Read more: Why Menu Translations Go Terribly Wrong, Historical Home Cooking, The Fruitcake Games and more

Gastro Obscura

Alaska News Nightly: Friday, November 22, 2024 November 23, 2024
Alaska's U.S. senators differed on confirming judges recently. And scientists look at how a beached whale in Anchorage lived and died.
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
A fish plant fueled King Cove’s economy. Without it, can the community survive? November 23, 2024
In rural Alaska, the barriers to participating in the electoral process can be much greater than in urban areas.
Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media - Juneau

chicago—the movie--11/22/24 November 22, 2024
Today's selection-- from Colored Lights by John Kander and Fred Ebb. It was twenty-five years after its successful run on Broadway that Chicago, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, was made into a smash-hit movie: “The screen version of Chicago waited more than twenty-five years to be made. Directed by Rob […]
francis bacon and the scientific method -- 11/21/24 November 21, 2024
Today's encore selection -- from The Story of Western Science by Susan Wise Bauer. Francis Bacon was an English philosopher and statesman who served under King James I. Known for the advancement of the scientific method and as the father of empiricism, he argued for scientific knowledge based upon careful observation and inductive reasoning: “In […]

Alaska News Nightly: Friday, November 22, 2024 November 23, 2024
Alaska's U.S. senators differed on confirming judges recently. And scientists look at how a beached whale in Anchorage lived and died.
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
A fish plant fueled King Cove’s economy. Without it, can the community survive? November 23, 2024
In rural Alaska, the barriers to participating in the electoral process can be much greater than in urban areas.
Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media - Juneau

Recent Research Spreadsheets
Our students have compiled research in three topic areas. Below are the links to their research tables that can be downloaded for searching and viewing. For a state-by-state review of Mandatory Reporter laws, click here. For a state-by-state review of Background Check laws, click...
feigleycommunications
Legislative Drafting Students
Our students spend the summer working on the research project of the LDICP. Through their extensive research, massive databases of information on state statutes regarding the abuse of children have been created and will be posted here as their work is finalized. Here are...
feigleycommunications

Sunny Ann Starling, July 2, 1943 - January 6, 2023 January 10, 2023
All-American patriot, artist, designer, entrepreneur, flower arranger, chef, and joyful servant, Sunny Lou Starling, was carried on the wings of angels to the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, January 6, 2023. She once said her mission was to “Gather and feed all you can, as often as you can, because you never know if […]
Unknown
WASP Final Flight February 28, 2022
WASP Deanie Bishop Parrish, 44-W-4"Failure isn't failure unless you let it be. It's simply a change in direction. Just count your many blessings move on. With God's help, anything is possible!"Deanie Bishop Parrish passed away peacefully in her home in Waco, Texas, on February 24, 2022, just one day shy of her 100th birthday. She met every challenge […]
Unknown

Four Fun Kodachrome Car Image Series No. 519 October 30, 2024
Editors Note: After posting over five thousand features and twenty five thousand images over the last thirteen years, the time has come to end posting weekly features here on The Old Motor. At this point, the site’s future hasn’t been decided, although it will remain online for the foreseeable future. There may be future updates...
David Greenlees
Four Fun Kodachrome Car Image Series No. 518 October 23, 2024
In this weekly series, we ask our readers to tell us the year, make, and model of all of these vehicles along with the location where the image was taken and anything else you find of interest in the photos. You can look back on all the earlier parts of this series here. The photos are via Americar....
David Greenlees

Point of view November 24, 2024
In reply to Caboose Pinups: 1943: I'm don't think that's the right angle for a caboose pinup.
archfan
Mack Trackless Trolley November 24, 2024
In reply to PCC Trolley: 1943: On the far left there is an electric trolley bus, number 2011. This is a 1938 Mack and is likely in the same shop for electrical work. There is a website with more photos of Baltimore's trolley buses and PCC streetcars. When the trolleybus system closed in 1959, some […]
Angus J

Hungarian Wax Peppers October 18, 2024
Here’s an old Italian recipe for canning peppers, one of my husband’s favorites. Searching the internet, you’ll come across many variations — all probably good — but here’s a basic recipe to start you on your course. The kids and I canned these using the boiling method, though pressure canners might make the process easier. Not sure how, […]
gardenfrisk
Easy Microgreens June 13, 2023
Microgreens seem to be all the rage these days and for good reason: they are packed with nutrients and easy to grow! The USDA and University of Maryland found that leaves from microgreens had more nutrients than the mature leaves of the same plants. And great flavor. Plus, you don’t need a lot of space […]
gardenfrisk

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Enchiladas November 23, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Best way to use up your leftover holiday turkey (or chicken!). A crowd-pleaser for kids + grown ups! We all love a leftover turkey slider. But have we had leftover Thanksgiving turkey enchiladas stuffed with melted cheddar cheese both inside and on […]
Chungah @ Damn Delicious
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup November 9, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. An easy one pot soup using rotisserie chicken and quick-cooking tortellini, made in 40 min start to finish! Cozy, comforting, rich with an oh-so-creamy chicken broth…what more do you need here? Oh that’s right, cheesy tortellini. Yes, please! Not to mention, this […]
Chungah @ Damn Delicious

DIY Sweetgrass Basket Craft Inspired by Gullah Tradition by Josie Riviera May 22, 2024
Welcome back to Daufuskie Island, where every corner tells a story. This island is off the coast of South Carolina and is a 1 hour ferry ride from Hilton Head Island. Today I’m sharing how to make a sweetgrass basket: Materials: Coiled rope or raffia Colored yarn or embroidery thread Large-eye needle Scissors Instructions: Start […]
Josie Riviera
Daufuskie Delights: A Culinary Journey Through Gullah Flavors by Josie Riviera April 22, 2024
Welcome to Daufuskie Island, where time slows down and the rhythms of Gullah culture come to life. This inviting getaway off the South Carolina coast is more than an island; it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Gullah people, descendants of West African slaves. These people were brought to work on the […]
Donna Fasano

Watchdog finds high rate of serious accidents, lack of oversight, in special operations training November 23, 2024
Special operations forces deploy around the world in high-risk missions. And the troops that fall under Special Operations Command experience a high rate of serious and sometimes deadly accidents outside of combat, often in training. A lack of oversight and a culture of complacency are the major contributors to these mishaps, the Government Accountability Office […]
Nicholas Slayton
Navy fires commander of E-2 Hawkeye squadron for “loss of confidence” November 23, 2024
The Navy fired the commander of a California-based squadron of E-2 Hawkeye airborne command and control planes Friday, officials announced. Cmdr. Charles Diehl was relieved as the commander of Airborne Command & Control Squadron 115, or VAW-115, for “a loss of confidence in his ability to command.” That phrasing is typical in Navy announcements of […]
Matt White

Tepees and Buckley's Golf Balls November 14, 2024
Tuesday, November 12A pretty mellow day for Martha and I, this day marks the 29th Anniversary of her putting up with me as a husband. I say it often, the woman should be sainted!No festivities planned for or wanted by either of us, there'll be trips to foreign lands in our future we'd rather save […]
redlegsrides
Post-Snow Storm Views of Mount Blue Sky November 10, 2024
Record-breaking snow falls, this past three days. We approached two feet of snow accumulation I think here in our cul-de-sac in the SE portion of the mess which is Metro Denver!Lets just say I spent quite a bit of time running the snow-blower and doing some shoveling along with my loving wife Martha.I elected not […]
redlegsrides

Hey Democrats: It’s Not the Volume, It’s the Frequency November 9, 2024
The reference might be a bit antiquated in our online age, but frequency means the radio station you’re dialed in to. Volume, of course, is how loudly the radio is turned up.I’m sure there are some exceptions, but the overwhelming majority of explanations I’ve seen from Democrats following their crushing loss in what they constantly […]
Barry Eisler
Some Post-Election Thoughts November 6, 2024
Obviously there’s a lot to discuss about the 2024 election results. I’ll offer just the following.None of this is about the merits of either candidate; it’s about the broad dynamics that shaped the outcome. You don’t have to like those dynamics any more than you like any other aspect of reality. But as the saying […]
Barry Eisler

Kashevaroff Mountain April 6, 2019
Long before we were a sailing family, Alisa and I were a young couple in love with adventuring in Alaska. The opportunity to introduce Eric and Elias to the delights of outdoor living in the Great Land was one of the big bright sides of our return to Alaska. Earlier this winter, the boys and […]
Letting go March 20, 2019
So...this beautiful island is our home. See the barky? The boys just had their spring break. A week off from school and nothing to keep us from buggering off in Galactic. The weather was generally poor - nothing like the pics above for the most part - so we just snuck off to the west […]

PDS on PBS II Cross post from "Frozen Grin" April 5, 2024
Here is a link to a story about my struggle to draw with Parkinson's Disease. the story is from "The Daily Cartoonist" a Web journal concerning the world of professional cartooning. It was occasioned by the release of the documentary "Matters of Mind, My Parkinson's" which follows three families and their efforts to cope […]
Peter Dunlap-Shohl
Matter of Mind, My Parkinson's, PBS Looks at PD and PD-S March 4, 2024
Here is a short trailer for the PBS documentary "Matter of Mind, My Parkinson's. It follows the attempts of three people and their families to cope with the progressive, disabling and incurable neurological condition. The film won the Audience Choice Award for documentaries at the recent San Francisco Film Festival, possibly due to a scenery-chewing […]
Peter Dunlap-Shohl

Identifying Devil’s Club Plant August 10, 2023
Devil’s Club is a common wild plant in Alaska that’s large & covered in hidden sharp thorns, growing everywhere from remote forests to even well-groomed Anchorage city trails. Just because you’re “in town” doesn’t mean you won’t run into devil’s club. It’s smart to stay on the trails, particularly if you’re not confident spotting it. […]
Ashley
Pumpkin BOO-berry Muffins (Fun Halloween Toddler Snacktivity!) October 21, 2022
Here’s a delicious fall-time spin on classic blueberry muffins. If you’re a solo adult who likes good food, this recipe is for you. Or if you’ve got extra kitchen “helpers” around (read: kids who need entertainment), turn baking these Halloween muffins into a fun toddler snacktivity. Pumpkin BOO-berry Muffin Recipe Ingredients: 2 boxes Jiffy brand […]
Ashley

"Home" vs. "Away" May 20, 2022
I’m home now. I’m looking at the flea market couch I brought up from California; I had cushions made three times over the years till I got it just right. Now it’s just right. It’s been in my life 42 years. Tim has been in my life 34 years, but he had to be out of […]
CloudyinAK
Goodbye, Toronto May 10, 2022
I’m saying my goodbyes to Toronto. I’ve seen my last Hot Docs Festival film, and I’m just back from my last author program. I’ve probably had my last roti, checked out my last book at my local branch library, gone to my last art workshop. Horror of horrors, I’ve even watched my last play. The thing […]
CloudyinAK

Malnourished launches today January 21, 2020
It’s here. The big day. My memoir, the one I spent 15 years struggling over, launches today from Raised Voice Press. I’m feeling very exposed, very vulnerable. This is not at all similar to when Dolls Behaving Badly launched from Hachette Book Group. That was a novel, and while some of it was based on… […]
cinthiaritchie
Book review: Secondhand Summer by Dan Walker December 1, 2019
I had had Alaska writer Dan Walker’s YA novel SECONDHAND SUMMER on my list for a long time, and two weeks ago finally had the chance to dive in. I wasn’t disappointed. Walker’s book, geared for middle school readers (but still immensely enjoyable for adults), follows 14-year-old Sam’s move to Anchorage from the small fishing… […]
cinthiaritchie

Sitka Nature Show #318 – Kari Sagel and Brooke Schafer June 30, 2024
Download Radio Show The June 30th show featured a conversation with Kari Sagel and Brooke Schafer in our semi-regular cross-over between the Sitka Library Show and the Sitka Nature Show. If you have questions or observations you want to share, please feel free to leave a comment here or on the page I’ve set up […]
matt goff
Sitka Nature Show #317 – Daniel Graham and Zach LaPerriere June 16, 2024
Download Radio Show The June 16th show featured a conversation with Daniel Graham and Zach LaPerriere. Daniel was the artist who crafted the Sitka violin commissioned for the Sitka Summer Music Festival by Marcel and Connie LaPerriere, it was the made out of wood sourced in Sitka by Zach LaPerriere. We discussed the of the […]
matt goff

Sandra’s Overnight Artisan 10" Cast Iron Soft Bread-No Knead March 2, 2024
INGREDIENTS3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon active yeast (not rapid or instant)1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt1-1/2 cups slightly warm water (tepid)--2 teaspoons canola oil (For top and bottom of dough ball so it doesn't stick or form crust while rising)-2 TB butter melted in ramekin, with brush (set aside)--10” Seasoned Cast Iron SkilletMETHODAdd flour to bowl. Add yeast […]
sandra
Sandra's Fresh Apple Pecan Cake (9x13") September 18, 2023
My husband loves this cakeso much he had two pieces 'after' eating lunch...Ingredients2 Eggs1 ½ cup Canola Oil2 cups Granulated Sugar3 cups A-P Flour2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg½ teaspoon Kosher Salt1 ½ teaspoons Baking Soda4 cups Chopped Apples (peeled and cored): measure after chopping1 cup chopped Pecans: measure after chopping1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract⅔ […]
sandra