GammaGlobulin

Feynman on....THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD!

My Dear Fellows, Here is a rare opportunity for you to watch an informal discussion with the Late GREAT Richard Feynman. I have watched his lectures on UTUBE, and Feynman was not only a great theoretical physicist, but he was also a glorious human, too, one who knew how to teach like no other. I would be somewhat taken aback if you had never heard of Richard before this moment, but just in case you have been hiding under a rock, please refer to this short Wikipedia blurb: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Feynman And, now that you know who he is, you will find this UTUBE video highly enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. I was so happy when I found this video on UTUBE, just this evening. It is a well known fact that ALL scientists are atheists; they just dislike publicly admitting the fact. Keep in mind that Feynman was a very happy guy who even enjoyed playing the bongos, I am told. So, what are your thoughts about Feynman’s point of view? And, how do we KNOW that true scientists are…INVARIABLY…..ATHEISTS? Best regards, And always thinking of you all….. Ablooming Gull

I will try the brands you suggest, while keeping in mind that, according to the King Arthur bread-machine site I linked, I should use "instant yeast" for bread-machine baking.

Reading what others have written about the Swan brand of flour, it seems that this brand is still as good as it ever was...which is QUITE GOOD, and it is offered at a good price, as well. I have used this brand, exclusively, for 10 years, and have always been pleased with the results. Here is the link to the Swan Bread Flour product, and here you can see that the gluten content is very good for bread baking: 13.5% to 14.5% https://ufm.co.th/product/แป้งหงส์ขาว-สำหรับทำขนม/ As to where the wheat is sourced, I don't think this information is listed. Just how much (or if) the price of Swan flour has been affected by the problem in Ukraine is also not stated. However, "even in the 2022-23 season — the first full year under Russia's invasion — Ukraine has held as the sixth-largest wheat shipper and third for corn. As the season came to a close at the end of June, Ukraine's grain exports were more than 48 million tons , about steady with the 2021-22 season."(https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-19/what-end-of-ukraine-grain-export-deal-means-for-the-world#xj4y7vzkg) All that I do know is that I once purchased 1 Kg of Swan for Bt35 during a period of at least five years, and up until about February of this year. And then, last time I purchased 20Kgs of Swan, the price rose to Bt42 per Kg. (I am not that price sensitive, and I do not care about a 7 baht increase per Kg.) After reading the helpful comments here, it seems that the bread-machine's recipe is calling for what has been referred to in a comment above as a "TON of sugar", and this seems to be the culprit. Interestingly as well, some here have stated that adding sugar to the recipe is just not necessary when baking bread using a conventional oven. But is this true when using a bread machine? Apparently, yes, it is true, as I found when referring to this website's discussion of bread-machine baking and sugar: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/guides/bread-machines#:~:text=Although yeast makes its own,'t brown as well). King Arthur states: "If you need to avoid sugar, just leave it out; your bread will be just fine, although you may find it doesn’t brown as well." Well, I will see tomorrow when I try again, but this time with ZERO sugar added to the recipe. But then, why does this recipe call for a TON of sugar? My only thinking is that this bread machine was made in China. And, I wonder if this recipe might be more suited to places in China (especially Taiwan) where people prefer bread which tastes like cheap cake. If you have ever been to Taiwan, then you know. The bread there is almost inedible if you are used to the taste of bread in some western countries. I still have a full uncut 1.5Kg loaf of bread that I baked this afternoon. I will NOT eat it myself because it is really that disagreeable. It's for the birds, in my opinion. And, therefore, I now have 1.5Kgs of bread which I will feed to my bird friends here, especially the Thai Myna birds, but not the pigeons. As for the "low sugar yeast", I might search for that, too, if it's easily available where I live, and if necessary. And, I will try the other suggestions made here for brands of yeast. I am sure that what I have read is true that bread flavor can be easily altered by choice of yeast, and hopefully enhanced in my case. Thank you for the advice!

a. Actually, as you can see from the attached "basic bread" recipe that came with the machine, it calls for only 1 Tsp of yeast (for a 1.5 Kg loaf)...However, as I posted in the OP, I decided to use 2.5 Tsp, since the old machine's recipe called for 2 Tsp of yeast for a 1 Kg loaf. I did this because I thought that I was using the wrong type of yeast, actually. b. I will certainly try your recipe when I am able to by the spelt and also the whole-wheat flour. I don't care what happens, anyway, and success will depend on the timing and the temperature of the machine. c. If the machine fails, then I will try your recipe in my convection oven. d. I am VERY interested to know what kind of, and what brand of, yeast you are using for this. (This is the question that ALWAYS puzzles me. The packaging of yeast here in Thailand is not always crystal clear! NEW BREAD MACHINE_13 recipes.pdf

Thank you....! Any suggestion about brand of yeast? (Also, for those who are not using a "bread machine", there are probably a thousand proven recipes for bread on the internet. However, since I happen to be using this particular bread machine...I had been under the impression that I should use one of the recommended recipes that came with the machine.) Note: While I do not have a true baking oven, similar to what is installed in most kitchens in the US, I do happen to have the largest Electrolux convection oven sold here in Thailand, which might be adequate for baking bread dough produced in the bread machine.. And then, I could use your suggestion of using no sugar, and 'low-sugar yeast'.

I have, at least once, added one tablespoon too much oil, and it did not seem to appreciably affect the results. My problem is that I am getting this somewhat sweet taste to the bread. Very little "wheat" flavor. I like bread that has practically zero sweetness. (Naturally, I am aware that once bread is chewed, there will be conversion of the starch into maltose. But that is not the sweetness that I am talking about.)(And, of course, rye bread is usually not sweet. Likewise, why should white bread be sweet, unless too much sugar is added?)

Just for purposes of full disclosure, attached to this comment is a PDF copy of the 13 possible recipes from which to choose on the new bread machine I am using. I am baking 1.5 Kg loaves using: Recipe Number One on page 13. However, I do not add milk powder. So... Any suggestions about a different recipe to try on this machine that might yield better results??? Tks. (Maybe an important note: Instead of using 1 Tsp of PERFECT yeast... I am using 2.5 Tsp of PERFECT yeast.) NEW BREAD MACHINE_13 recipes.pdf

Oh, yes. That must be the reason.

So, in other words, just to clarify for myself: 400 grams of Swan Bread Flour 50 grams of whole wheat flour 50 grams of spelt flour (adding the spelt will give it a richer "bread" flavor (I assume)) And, I know nothing about proofing the yeast for Bread-Machine baking. And, with the yeast that I use, PERFECT brand, this probably should not be done, anyway...IF my understanding is correct. As to not using sugar, the bread machine recipe calls for it. And, without the sugar, the yeast might not have time to do it's thing, I had thought.

Yes. You guessed it. And...I have always LIKED this brand. But then... If you check the bottom of the package, you might see the words, "Contains Gluten. May contain Soybean." So, why the "soybean" statement? The package also states, "Wheat flour 100%". Seems a bit confusing, at least to me. (And, I will definitely try the suggestion of using the old machine with the new supply of flour to rule out that possibility.)

I have been baking bread for decades. And, during the past ten years, I have had pretty good luck with a Thai brand of bread flour. The exact gluten content of this flour is not listed on the packaging. The packaging states only that this flour contains gluten. And then it states that the contents “may contain soybean”. About six weeks ago, I purchased another 20 kilograms of the same brand of flour I have always used in Thailand. But this time, my bread tastes sort of like CHEAP cake, and it has that disagreeable persistent “cakey” aftertaste. Here are a few important changes I have made in the baking process: I switched from using a 1-Kg-loaf bread-making machine to a new machine which bakes 1.5 Kg loaves. I now use the same brand of bread flour as always, (but a new recent purchase). I do not know the gluten content. There is very little information on the packaging, but the supplier is a large company here in Thailand. (And, I have had good luck with this brand in the past.) I use the same recipe, except I have increased the relative amounts of ingredients as follows: 840 grams of flour. 520 cc of water. 2.5 teaspoons of instant yeast (same brand). 4 or 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar. 4 tablespoons of sunflower oil. 2 teaspoons of salt. I always select the “dark” setting on both machines. Both machines turn out loaves that look OK. I use PERFECT brand yeast which has not expired. I do not proof the yeast. So, anyway, does anyone have any suggestions? I do not bake bread to save money, but because it’s more convenient than traveling to the store. Also, I do not like the bread being sold here. What I would really like is to duplicate the taste of the best bread I have ever eaten, which was bread available in Dalian and in Hairbin, China. Must be the wheat up there, but it was amazing, and you could taste the wheat flavor. I can’t think of what else to add here, except that I was paying about Bt35.00 per kilogram for the flour (for over five years), which now goes for Bt42.00 per kilo when I buy a case of 10 kilograms of 1-kilo packages of flour. I would prefer not to dump the 20 kilos I bought six weeks ago IF I can solve the baking issue, if it is only a baking/recipe problem. However, I doubt I can continue eating bread that tastes like cheap cake. (Of course, I would not “dump it” and instead would just give it to someone that might like it.) Thank you. Please note: I do not want to pay an exorbitant amount just for bread flour. In the US and in China, bread flour is not expensive, and it seems quite satisfactory in flavor. However, I do prefer a loaf of bread where one can really taste the wheat.

"Cordless string trimmers are powered with a lithium ion battery and typically run for between 15 to 60 minutes of continuous use. Once discharged, the battery will need to be recharged – depending on whether or not you have a fast charger (often an upsell), recharging will take from 30 minutes to about 2 hours." (https://gardeningproductsreview.com/best-cordless-battery-powered-string-trimmers-reviews/#:~:text=Cordless string trimmers are powered,minutes to about 2 hours.) Therefore, a battery powered wacker seems impractical for roadside work along our highways and byways. This is why something like hydrogen might work better...(or maybe not?)... Hydrogen can store a LOT of energy... But, the hydrogen tank might be to heavy for the average lawn guy, or highway worker.

Please don't forget... ทุกสิ่งทุกอย่าง

Do you recall that Mr. Mao, or one of his minions, suggested that it was better for The Chinese People to use SPOONS to dig canals and dikes and dams? So, you are saying that using scissors to cut grass in Thailand might solve any possible employment problems for the foreseeable future? Scissors are truly the quietest solution, as you imply.

Now you are talking about SLITS.

In this Universe, there is no single "reality", and NOTHING is "either or". I would have thought that this is the single most important concept you learned in your undergrad days, studying the elementary and fundamental concepts common to all of SCIENCE.

If they only would... There must be millions of them. If each contributed just one Baht, I would have a latex mattress today before the sun goes down.

Maybe, if I had a mattress of latex, I would spend more time sleeping, rather than composing.

Latex mattresses? YES, I certainly am aware of this important use. Unfortunately, I am sort of a penny-pincher... And a latex mattress is too rich for my blood. Maybe in the next life.. As for this life, time is too short to spend time sleeping.

Dear Folks, Early this morning, I was sitting outside my abode with my black-butterfly friends sipping iced green Chinese tea, lazily enjoying this new El-Nino weather and the Hawaiian-like Sky above Chiang Mai, marveling at all that vast blue clarity above me broken only by the puffy cirrocumulous drifting past so slowly, and so high, up there. I was at peace. And then, not far away, I could hear the sound of somebody yanking, and yanking, and yanking on the pull-cord of one of those weed wackers. I had hoped beyond hope that the weed wacker had died, but no. Alas, all that yanking bore fruit and the entire neighborhood was soon filled with the horrendous din we have all come to know and endure. Some weed wackers are loud, and others are louder, and still others are way off the decibel chart. This morning’s wacker was extremely loud, and I began to wonder what country might have the loudest wackers on Earth. I also considered the question of how to make a wacker almost silent while whacking. I am no engineer, but I am sure a quieter whack is fully achievable. What about making a wacker powered by electricity which is cordless and can rely on a power source that is lightweight and portable? Plutonium-238 has been used in some of the spacecraft we send up into space to power electric generators. Also, hydrogen is used to power small generators and even cell phones, and all you get is water vapor or water on your desk. And even propane can be used in forklift trucks, which are as silent as can be. Of course, I could go on for pages and pages sharing my suggestions and thoughts, except I would rather hear yours. Thank you, Folks! This is Gamblin Goblin…. Signing off…. For now…. (Thank you.) Please Note: This morning, I searched on Google for the loudest wacker on Earth. I first searched in the Deep South of the USA, because I know those red-necks down there love ANYTHING that makes a LOT of NOISE. Those American Red-necks below in places like Tennessee and Alabama are a scream a minute. Here is just one example (and, yes, I DO love these guys!): Too much NOISY WHACKING going on here....Driving me crazy… In Addition and a Word of Advice, Too: Anytime I feel this craziness coming upon me, due to all the loud whacking, I don my AUDIO TECHNICA headphones and listen to Steven Tyler’s great song….CRAZY… Wow, his daughter is just so beautiful and nice. After I don my AUDIO TECHNICAs and begin listening to this amazing tune at full blast, I stop thinking so much about the wackers, and more about the whacking, instead. Such a solace, both these headphones and this wonderful tune, which is my favorite weedwacker music…. Yes, Folks, “wacker” is the NOUN form, and “whacking” is the VERB! PROTECT YOUR EARS!, all you whackers out there!

One is never too old to learn LaTeX (for fun), and one also need not be a touch typist to do so. LaTeX can easily produce BEAUTIFUL copy, printer-ready. LaTeX is a very complex and versatile piece of software. One can either download LaTeX for Windows and Linux, or LaTeX is available in a browser version, I am told. You really ought to try using LaTeX next time you become bored, rather than doing a crossword puzzle. One can even use LaTeX while having a pedicure. So, as you say, Lacessit,..you may never have heard of LaTeX until my recent post, however this does not mean that you cannot still reap some enjoyment from learning a smattering of LaTeX, both between and during pedicures. I wish we could use LaTeX here, for chemical formulae, etc, but I don't know how.

Following the principle that one should try to never put off until tomorrow what one can do today, I will attach a sampling of two more MOJO_Chinese resources....from the great BOYA series that is used for instruction inside China, and which are not easily found outside China. I did a high-resolution scan of all of the Boya stuff when I was last in ChengDu, about a decade ago. These resources are copy-left, and available in China for just the printing cost. So...no problem. I will first post two MOJO books for you. In China, at the better language schools, like SiChuan University, instruction begins with character-learning, which is the way it should be. I do not have too many elementary books because I was trying to prepare for HSK_LEVEL_SIX exam. Level Six is the highest level exam offered in China for foreigners, and also for ethnic minorities in western China, for example. I would really like to post more, somewhere, if I knew where, and providing I can still find the high-quality book scans I did long ago, but which still (hopefully) remain on one of my several Google Drive accounts (I have over 15 TBytes in the sky up there on Google Drive). So...here are two...ONLY for reference purposes to demonstrate what kinds of learning materials are used inside China. By the way: The HSK Level Six Chinese language exam is....HARD, Baby!!! (And, as I mentioned, it is only through HARD WORK that we can regain and preserve our MOJO...for sure! Boya Chinese Elementary Starter I.pdf boyahanyu gao1.pdf BOYA-INTER-CHINESE-TWO.pdf BOYA-ADVAN-ONE.pdf

I used to teach a few uni students first year Mandarin, 1-to-1, and for free. Teaching helps protect one from getting rusty due to non-use of Chinese when outside of China and living in Thailand. But now, I have the chance to use Chinese spoken/written almost daily through working with Chinese students in China via the Great Internet using a VPN to pass through the Great Firewall. Teaching is the only way I know to help me stay fluent... And to preserve both my MOJO and my essence. Sellers was the greatest Mandrake of all time! I will definitely upload some Boya stuff in another comment....someday soon. YOU KNOW: Due to the inevitable existential thoughts that we sometimes have as a result of what is happening in our world, these days, just try to gain a bit of solace through listening to the following classic song, which is, after all about losing one's MOJO, and everything else:

OK...Man! Here is what I promised you. You will truly ENJOY these great resources...but I have PLENTY more, even all the BOYA resources. Truly wish you good luck (ChokDi) with your Chinese language learning. I love the Chinese language, both the logograms, and the fact that I can read oracle bones when I visit a museum. Someday, soon, maybe I will upload some BOYA stuff for you.... I love languages, and who does not.... CHINESE characters MOJO BK_ONE.pdf CHINESE pinyinANDcharacter MOJO BK_TWO.pdf CHINESE characterworkbook MOJO BK_THREE.pdf