flavor

The 404 Podcast 470: Where we play Streetball

Justin is sick today, so Demetrius Wren and Christina Ghubril join the show to talk about their new film "Streetball." It's the story of a group of homeless South African kids who try to break out of the cycle of poverty by competing in the Homeless World Cup. After some calls about "1984" and convergence, we talk a bit about some unusual uses of bacon flavor.

The most amazing part of "Streetball" was that it was entirely written, shot, edited, directed, and produced by two people! It's a full-length transcontinental movie made possible with only a couple of laptops and some prosumer cameras that have really leaped toward professional film cameras. Demetrius points out that it would not have been possible to shoot their film with a huge camera crew and big pieces of equipment.

The movie is a really fascinating look at how South Africa has changed and not changed since the end of apartheid. The pair says the film is on track for a June-July 2010 release, so be sure to check it out. (Side note: "Streetball" is sponsored by the From Us with Love charity. Be sure to donate!)

After the break, we get to some voice mails about how George Orwell's dystopian future may already be here. That means it may be a normal thing this time next year for Big Brother to know exactly what you purchased at Wal-Mart and that you spend way too much time at the bar down the street.

Last story of the day is about bacon--oh, that delicious food of the gods! Jeff the Hypochondriac thinks bacon-flavored envelopes just might be enough to get him to lick his envelopes closed again. Meanwhile, an intrepid live listener of the show shows us some bacon-flavored chapstick along with some bacon-flavored...personal...lubricant. Yeah, the show ends on that note today.

Side note: We changed the way we're naming our shows in the blog. This is probably going to result in some confusion and backlash. It was done to please the Internet gods.

EPISODE 470 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

We all scream for (our favorite flavor) ice cream

Ice cream is a selfish treat. After all, when it comes down to it, other than dogs, babies, and very significant others, nobody wants to share that cone with you anyway. Even if one were so inclined, the issue of flavor would most certainly come up. This is why we have stores dedicated to giving us picky consumers dozens of flavor options. But what of homemade ice cream? If you enjoy making ice cream at home, somebody has to decide what flavor to make. Most ice cream machines can only handle one flavor at a time, so somebody has to … Read more

She blinded my tastebuds with science

Although most of my posts are about products for everyday users, you should really only consider this next product if you're a chemistry teacher, a molecular gastronomist, or a food texture-obsessed professional chef.

No, this kooky contraption isn't the newest version of that chemistry set you got for your 12th birthday: it's the Heidolph VV Micro Evaporator by Brinkmann, a tabletop distiller that allows you to turn your favorite foods into concentrated flavor syrups.

The Micro Evaporator is made to be used in several types of applications, including chemical and pharmaceutical research and determination of fat and … Read more

Stand the heat and stay in the fire with heatless pepper flavorings

Ever wondered what it would be like to bite into a habanero pepper? A big bite that is--seeds, membrane, ribs, and all. Come on, it's a small pepper, it'll be OK. Too scared? Well, I don't blame you. After all, the habanero is one of the hottest peppers in the world rating in at about 100,000 units on the Scoville scale.

Kalsec, which produces spice, herb, hop, and vegetable extracts for use in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications, has come up with a pepper portfolio that includes all the flavor, but removes all the heat. Dubbed … Read more

Move over scratch 'n' sniff, here's Peel 'n Taste

First Flavor Inc. has developed a new way to entice potential customers into trying new products: with Peel 'n Taste flavored advertising. Soon you'll be able to stroll down the aisle of your local supermarket and try before you buy.

This updated version of the scratch 'n' sniff sticker being created by First Flavor is a new way to market and advertise products. According to the company: "Using the latest in taste-matching technology, we replicate the flavor of your product and deliver it to consumers in a compact, dissolving edible film." The actual flavor strip can then … Read more

This mouse is way overqualified

Some companies know how to put their R&D money to good use, actually coming up with some innovative and practical technologies. And then there's Elecom.

The Japanese company seems to have a knack for coming up with products of little practical value, such as mice that can be folded or used by the ambidextrous. Its latest offering proves true to form as well--a mouse that can be programmed for 31 functions.

Why would one possibly need a mouse to do so much? Elecom's wireless "Prumie" (nice name) does have a practical feature of stowing … Read more