There is something fishy about today’s feature, but first a little background. Like way back to when Eli Whitney developed the cotton gin machine that mechanically separated cotton fibers from the seeds—the first of several automated iterations that revolutionized the production of cotton. Many more inventions such as refrigeration, printing presses, steam engines and cars  followed during the machine age paving the way for technology and production as we know it today, including the onset of 3D printing initially used to make prototypes in the early 1980s.

Today the merits of 3D printing are vast with successful applications in a considerable number of industries from housing construction to medical technology. Many homers have been hit with this new knowhow, but I’m not sure about 3D printing of pastries and pizza which could be a stretch for my picky tastebuds. As for the idea of 3D printed fish fillets, I’m calling it a ‘foul ball.’

There are two companies that are very excited to bring their new fish fillets to market–Steakholder Foods in Israel and Umami Meats in Singapore. According to a CNN report about this latest techno phenom, their “secret sauce” info claims that actual grouper fish cells are lab cultivated and then “fed” to the 3D printer to create fish fillets that look and taste just like real fish and are said to also be “clean and antibiotics-free.” That’s quite a mouthful which for some could be just a bit hard to digest.

Regarding the business side of this fishing expedition, the fish fillets are more costly to produce compared to plant-based chicken and beef products, and there are also regulatory requirements that need to be met. Yet both companies are optimistically reporting a 2024 launch date in Singapore; it will be a few years before the fish fillets are available in the U.S.

The idea of 3D printing fascinates me, and I love learning about the latest applications of this technology. Still, it’s hard to picture a house or a bone made with 3D printed materials. I’d love to actually be on site and watch the process in person although I don’t feel the same about manufactured food since I prefer mine “au natural.” Facts are one thing, but personal preferences are something different. When it comes to food, just like some may call raisins fruit while others might call them candy, for now I’m sticking with the real thing—that my fish is marinated and grilled. However, just like the automation of cotton picking, I could be eating 3D printed fish someday.

Published by Orange County Register, September 8, 2023

Weather wise, August can be a very hot month which makes this story a perfect way to vicariously cool off. Visualize what it would be like to board a plane or boat from the UK and land at Port Lockroy scientific base on Goudier Island that is still buried in four meters of snow from last December. That’s what four women who were selected from a group of 4,000 applicants faced when they arrived in Antarctica to manage the world’s most remote post office during summertime in the southern hemisphere.

To get an idea of the setting, in addition to the post office, there’s a gift shop and a museum that is frequented by visitors from 200 expedition ships that annually stop at the busiest place on this frozen continent.  About 16,000 visitors are expected for the 2022/23 season along with explorers and scientists. It’s also home to a thousand Gentoo penguins, the fastest swimming penguins in the world with speeds up to 22 miles per hour. What a sight that must be!

Clare Ballantyne is the 23-year-old postmaster who is joined by base leader Lucy Bruzzone, wildlife monitor Mairi Hilton and shop manager Natalie Corbett. It certainly wasn’t the housing accommodations that attracted the ladies since they share a room with no running water or internet, take advantage of showers when ships are in port and have limited access to fresh food. Collectively they claim the motivation was to live and work in a place that is so vast and ‘unlike anywhere else on earth.’ That and being responsible for keeping scientific tabs on the whereabouts of the penguins.

Cheeriness goes a long way to solving problems quickly and making the most of the unique experience. For their bi-weekly day off, catching up on sleep is a priority followed by slow walks to enjoy the island’s pristine clear air and vast environment teaming with limpets, moss, starfish and krill. Photography is big along with reading and reflection.

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators manages the tourism. There are codes to monitor waste and water, biosecurity and the worthiness of ships traveling in the polar region to protect tourists. Yet, so much of the Antarctic plains that are larger than the UK remain untouched.

For me, Antarctica sounds exciting to visit but not to live. I’m grateful my mom came to California from Nebraska when she was 18 years old. Her first time back was 50 years later when we went for a family reunion—I loved meeting relatives and am happy SoCal is my home.

Published by Orange County Register, August 10, 2023

It was a perfect morning to enjoy a trail walk to Barbara Lake, the only natural lake in Orange County. Soon after I headed out, I realized I’d left my phone in the car. Did I really need it? After a bit of mental back and forth about not having a camera or the step tracking app, I decided to keep going and appreciate an outing free of distractions to observe everything around me as well as underfoot which really paid off in the end.

First up were two delightfully different critters—a small blackish bug trying to carry the equivalent of what looked like half of a miniature acorn. I applauded its perseverance and made a mental note to remember that little guy in tough times. Next was a fun-to-watch, one-inch version of a moving bottle brush—picture a bristly-looking worm slowly plugging along. Feathered friends also showed up, in particular a taller, thinner version of an orange-throated house finch. At the lake there were the usual mallards and cormorants along with happy hummers hovering in the trees.

As I meandered south down the Lake Trail, a first-time surprise treat was waiting for me. Just past the three tree canopies and off to the right in one of what I call see-through trees, there has always been a huge empty nest. Doing a double take, I could hardly contain my excitement seeing what looked like two Copper’s Hawks standing guard. Such a thrill.

Next a purple flowered plant caught my attention because it looked similar to comfrey which is grown in Europe, Asia and parts of North America.  Also known as symphytum, it’s great for bone health among many of its herbal benefits. As I approached an offshoot of the lake, I heard what sounded like a mooing cow. Listening more intently, I recognized the sound of a deep baritone bullfrog and grinned knowing how funny they looked all puffed up.

When I was approaching the canyon road underpass, I quickly realized that I was about to step on a snake. Dodging it, I nearly landed on a much smaller one and if someone had had their phone handy, I’m sure they would have captured a hilarious TikTok video. I laughed at the thought and moved on.

What was my takeaway? Photos are indeed lovely treasures and I do cherish mine, however, there’s no question that I had captured pictures of another kind—the ones forever etched in my mind’s eye. Could that be another aspect of being a minimalist, the theme of last month’s column?

Published by Orange County Register, June 8, 2023

In 1981, I had just come home from traveling around the world with me, myself and I. My one and only backpack for the journey weighed 23 pounds at the onset.

So imagine what it was like in 1980 to plan such a travel adventure when there were no ATMs, cell phones and other kinds of digital assistance to make such a journey easier. I’m talking about cutting up multiple resources to create a customized guidebook, choosing a lightweight 35 mm camera, figuring out versatile clothing for all four seasons, finding safe places for travelers checks, and including a small container with a few of my favorite things to remind me of home—some sand, a seashell, a suncatcher, a ceramic turtle.

My journey took me to the East Coast first to explore my own country’s roots and government. My budget was $20 a day which was tough in NYC. Staying at the President’s Hotel, I thought that no president EVER slept there. Then it was off to Europe, Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, Japan and down under to Australia and New Zealand. During a train ride from Munich to Salzburg, my decision to become a travel consultant when I returned became a reality for 10 great years before the internet made it easy for people to plan their own travels.

My first residence post world travels was a 200-square foot studio overlooking the ocean in Manhattan Beach. Compared to my previous lifestyle, I lived in a palace that I relished for 12 years. Since then I’ve lived in a 150-square-foot space with kitchen access and up to 1500-square-foot residences.

People often tell me I’m a minimalist regardless of the space I live in. For me, my home reflects what I learned traveling—that I get so much more out of life with less stuff. Of course over time, I have acquired the basic furniture, but the essentials and accessories are carefully chosen. I like empty drawers, cupboards and shelves. From what I’ve read about the importance of decluttering and keeping it simple, the underlying benefit is the feeling of peace and tranquility.  Isn’t that what we all want? To feel there is a serene place to relax, rest and recharge. For some reason, this story came to mind. Maybe it’ll speak to you.

Published by Orange County Register, May 11, 2023