Wordology, Canuck

The term "Canuck" originated in 1869 from Johnny Canuck, a nationalistic symbol billed as a younger, simpler cousin to America's Uncle Sam or Britain's John Bull. During World War II, Johnny Canuck was used as a mascot in pro-Canadian propaganda as Canada's personal defender against the Axis Powers.

A Canuck is also a small or medium-sized hardy horse, common in Canada. In addition, it is the name of the NHL hockey team in Vancouver, Canada.

Hamburger Culture

A researcher recently announced that his lab will have a hamburger fit for human consumption this fall, 2012. Growing meat without raising livestock has long been a goal and now it seems it is finally practical.

He made the announcement at the annual meeting for the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Vancouver. He said by the fall they will have enough tissue to make a hamburger.

Cultured meat begins with muscle cells taken from the rear of a cow for sirloin steak or from the area surrounding a pig’s spine for growing pork chops, etc. The cells are then placed in a nutrient mixture that helps them to proliferate. A biodegradable scaffold guides the cells as they grow together to eventually form tissue. I withheld the pics, because it does not look pretty at this stage. Hey, maybe they should grow the pork and beef together in the dish and make bacon burgers.