Do you mean Hellen Keller? Anne Frank was the girl living in the attic during nazi occupation in World War II. Helen Keller was blind and deaf and, to my recollection, wasn’t able to communicate until adulthood when a teacher came along to teacher sign language.

I would add that you can swallow air to create the need to burp.

Cool stuff. Article below:

KMC just launched two new versions of its potato-based gelling agent “Gelamyl” as a plant-based alternative to gelatin, each with its own unique properties and benefits.

KMC says that Gelamyl 625 is the first-ever gelling agent based on potato starch that can be dried at 25°C (compared to a typical 55°C) while retaining stability and a soft, chewy bite. Producers can use this variety as the sole gelling agent or a partial replacement for gelatin.

Meanwhile, Gelamyl 805 is for any “confectionery makers looking for new, innovative textures in entirely plant-based gummies.” It offers a consistently elastic, semi-firm texture.

KMC notes that the unique Gelamyl 805 makes it possible to produce anything from soft Haribo-like gummies to firm English “wine gums” and hard-surfaced fruit pastilles. (Due to E1414, a variety of modified starch not yet approved by the FDA, this variety is currently unavailable in the US.)

KMC published a white paper alongside the announcement explaining the benefits of using potato-based gelling agents over animal-derived ones. In this paper, the Danish ingredient manufacturer describes the three main benefits of choosing Gelamyl over competitors’ animal-derived or plant-based alternatives as sustainability, versatility, and inclusivity.

Locally sourced potatoes like those used by KMC are among the lowest-impact vegetables in the world, particularly when compared to “environmentally burdensome” gelatin.

In terms of versatility, KMC’s Gelamyl range is extensive, and each variety has its own binding and textural unique benefits. Speaking to the inclusivity of its product, KMC explains that opting for plant-based, allergen-friendly potato starch in place of animal-derived ingredients “offers inclusivity to all demographics,” regardless of diet and lifestyle.

In June, the company launched an Innovation Center to boost its production of plant-based ingredients. The company reported record-breaking sales of DKK 3.4 billion in 2023, and owners – all potato growers themselves – wanted to invest in the sector.

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It’s strange to me they tested mice. My understanding is that Porcine (pigs) models are usually utilized to evaluate potential GI/intestinal effects on humans. As human and Porcine GI tracts are similar (why you really need to cook pork or you can get diseases or worms from the meat).

The article mentioned cats, so the current list of know susceptible species seems to be bird, cow, mice, and cats. Not a great sign.

Same with golfing, bowling, darts, etc. I think part of the enjoyment of these types of sports/games/competitions is to see how close to perfection you can get.

Relevant section of the article where it lays out what has been changing and what still needs to change:

… graft has been all but exterminated in some of the worst affected areas - for instance, government services such as issuing passports, permits and licences.

He also tells the BBC that significant progress had been made in reforming education and police.

Problem areas

Mr Kalmykov admits, however, that the government has been less successful in eradicating corruption in using natural resources (e.g. in mining and forestry), regulating monopolies and in large infrastructure projects.

“Progress has been slowest where big interests and big players meet,” he says.

According to him, “in the next five-ten years the government should focus on cleansing the judiciary, which will make the general system of public administration healthier”.

I really like your idea. It would be great insight to have.

Good news we are increasing the percent from renewables. The pace leaves something to be desired though:

• 23 years to increase 12% (2000 to 2023, 18% to 30%)

• 12 years to increase 10% (2011 to 2023, 20% to 30%)

• 6 years to increase 5% (2017 to 2023, 25% to 30%)

Based on the charts and write up, it seems like China is the main driver of us even making significant progress.

I’d like to be optimistic but 6 years to go 5% will have us totally renewable in 84 years (2023+[6x14]=2107).