Kopi luwak

Kopi luwak, also known as civet coffee, is a coffee

that consists of partially digested coffee cherries,

which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian

palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus). The

cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet's

intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal

matter, they are collected.[1] Asian palm civets are

increasingly caught in the wild and traded for this

purpose.[2]

Kopi luwak is produced mainly on the Indonesian

islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Sulawesi, and in East

Timor. It is also widely gathered in the forest or

produced in farms in the islands of the Philippines,

[3]

where the product is called kape motit in the Cordillera

region, kapé alamíd in Tagalog areas, kapé melô or

kapé musang in Mindanao, and kahawa kubing in the

Sulu Archipelago.

Kopi luwak is also produced in Palawan's Langogan

Valley. The beans from droppings of the Asian palm civet and

Palawan binturong (Arctictis binturong whitei) are collected from

the forest floor and cleaned.[4][5]

Producers of the coffee beans argue that the process may improve

coffee through two mechanisms: selection, where civets choose to

eat only certain cherries; and digestion, where biological or

chemical mechanisms in the animals' digestive tracts alter the

composition of the coffee cherries.

The traditional method of collecting feces from wild Asian palm

civets has given way to an intensive farming method, in which the

palm civets are kept in battery cages and are force-fed the cherries. This method of production has raised

ethical concerns about the treatment of civets and the conditions they are made to live in, which include

isolation, poor diet, small cages, and a high mortality rate.[6][7][8]

Although kopi luwak is a form of processing rather than a variety of coffee, it has been called one of the

most expensive coffees in the world, with retail prices reaching US$100 per kilogram for farmed beans

and US$1,300 per kilogram for wild-collected beans.[9] Another epithet given to it is that it is the "Holy

Grail of coffees."[10]

An Asian palm civet

Defecated luwak coffee

berries in East Java

The origin of kopi luwak is closely connected to the history of coffee production in Indonesia; Dutch

colonialists established coffee plantations in Indonesia and imported beans from Yemen. In the 19th

century, farmers in central Java started to brew and drink coffee from excreted beans collected at their

plantations.[11]

Kopi luwak is brewed from coffee beans that traversed the

gastrointestinal tract of an Asian palm civet, and were thus

subjected to a combination of acidic, enzymatic, and fermentation

treatment. During digestion, digestive enzymes and gastric juices

permeate through the endocarp of coffee cherries and break down

storage proteins, yielding shorter peptides. This alters the

composition of amino acids and impacts the aroma of the coffee.

In the roasting process, the proteins undergo a non-enzymatic

Maillard reaction.

[12] The palm civet is thought to select the most

ripe and flawless coffee cherries. This selection influences the

flavour of the coffee, as does the digestive process. The beans begin to

germinate by malting, which reduces their bitterness.[13] When performed

in nature, or in the wild, these two mechanisms achieve the same goal as

selective picking and the wet or washed process of coffee milling: 1)

harvesting optimally ripe cherries and 2) mechanically and chemically

removing the pulp and skin from the cherry, leaving mainly the seed.[14]

Traditionally, excreted coffee beans were collected directly in plantations

and forests. As the international demand for kopi luwak increased, some

producers turned to caged production methods to increase yields. In 2014,

the annual kopi luwak production was grossly estimated at less than

127 kg (280 lb). It is produced in Indonesia, East Timor, the Philippines,

Thailand, Vietnam and Ethiopia.

[15]

The taste of kopi luwak varies with the type and origin of excreted beans, processing, roasting, aging, and

brewing. The ability of the civet to select its berries, and other aspects of the civet's diet and health, like

stress levels, may also influence the processing and hence taste.[16]

Within the coffee industry, kopi luwak is widely regarded as a gimmick or novelty item. The Specialty

Coffee Association of America (SCAA) states that there is a "general consensus within the industry...it

just tastes bad". A coffee professional compared the same beans with and without the kopi luwak process

using a rigorous coffee cupping evaluation. He concluded: "it was apparent that luwak coffee sold for the

story, not superior quality...Using the SCAA cupping scale, the luwak scored two points below the lowest

History

Production

Taste

A cup of kopi luwak from Gayo,

Takengon, Aceh

Asian palm civet in a cage

of the other three coffees. It would appear that the luwak

processing diminishes good acidity and flavor and adds

smoothness to the body, which is what many people seem to note

as a positive to the coffee.”[17] Professional coffee tasters were

able to distinguish kopi luwak from other coffee samples, but

remarked that it tasted "thin".[18] Some critics claim more

generally that kopi luwak is simply bad coffee, purchased for

novelty rather than taste.[17][19][20] A food writer reviewed kopi

luwak available to American consumers and concluded "It tasted

just like...Folgers. Stale. Lifeless. Petrified dinosaur droppings

steeped in bathtub water. I couldn't finish it."[21]

Several commercial processes attempt to replicate the digestive process of the civets without animal

involvement. Researchers with the University of Florida have been issued with a patent for one such

process.[22][23] Brooklyn-based food startup Afineur has also developed a patented fermentation

technology that reproduces some of the taste aspects of Kopi Luwak while improving coffee bean taste

and nutritional profile.[24][25][26]

Vietnamese companies sell an imitation kopi luwak, made using an enzyme soak which they claim

replicates the civet's digestive process.[27]

Imitation has several motivations. The high price of kopi luwak drives the search for a way to produce

kopi luwak in large quantities. Kopi luwak production involves a great deal of labour, whether farmed or

wild-gathered. The small production quantity and the labor involved in production contribute to the

coffee's high cost.[28]

 Imitation may be a response to the decrease in the civet population.[29]

Growing numbers of intensive civet "farms" have been established

and are operated in Southeast Asia, confining tens of thousands of

animals to live in battery cages and be force-fed.[30][31][32] "The

conditions are awful, much like battery chickens", said Chris

Shepherd, deputy regional director of TRAFFIC in Southeast Asia.

"The civets are taken from the wild and have to endure horrific

conditions. They fight to stay together but they are separated and

have to bear a very poor diet in very small cages. There is a high

mortality rate and for some species of civet, there's a real

conservation risk. It is spiraling out of control".[6] The trade in

palm civets for the production of kopi luwak may constitute a

significant threat to wild populations.[2]

Imitation

Animal welfare

A window display in an

upscale coffee shop

showing kopi luwak in forms

of defecated clumps

(bottom), unroasted beans

(left) and roasted beans

(right)

In 2013, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) investigators found wild-caught civets on

farms in Indonesia and the Philippines. They were deprived of exercise, proper diet, and space. Video

footage from the investigation shows abnormal behaviours such as repeated pacing, circling, or biting the

bars of their cages. The animals often lose their fur.

[33] A BBC investigation revealed similar conditions.

Farmers using caged palm civets in north Sumatra confirmed that they supplied kopi luwak beans to

exporters whose produce ends up in Europe and Asia.[8] Tony Wild, the coffee executive responsible for

bringing kopi luwak to the Western world, has stated he no longer supports using kopi luwak due to

animal cruelty and launched a campaign called "Cut the Crap" to halt the use of kopi luwak.[34]

Kopi luwak is one of the most expensive coffees in the world, selling for

between $220 and $1,100 per kilogram ($100 and $500/lb) in 2010. The

price paid to collectors in the Philippines is closer to US$20 per

kilogram.[16] The specialty Vietnamese weasel coffee, which is made by

collecting coffee beans eaten by wild civets, is sold at US$500 per

kilogram.[35] Most customers are Asian, especially those originating from

Japan, China, and South Korea.[36]

Some specialty coffee shops sell cups of brewed kopi luwak for US$35–

80.[37][38][39]

Investigations by PETA and the BBC found fraud to be rife in the kopi

luwak industry, with producers willing to label coffee from caged civets

with a "wild sourced" or similar label.[33][8]

Genuine kopi luwak from wild civets is difficult to purchase in Indonesia

and proving it is not fake is very difficult – there is little enforcement

regarding use of the name "kopi luwak", and there's even a local cheap coffee brand named "Luwak",

which costs under US$3 per kilogram but is occasionally sold online under the guise of real kopi luwak.

Coffee beans can be "seeded" with the same microbes as in civet gut to produce the same coffee flavor

without having to deal with civet excrement.[10]

The binturong is also sometimes kept captive for production of kopi luwak.[40][41]

There are reports of a kopi luwak type process occurring naturally with muntjac and birds. Bat coffee is

another variation that is in demand. Bats feed on the ripest coffee and fruits and spit out the seeds. These

seeds are dried and processed to make coffee with a slight fruity flavor.

[42][43]

Price and availability

Authenticity and fraud

Variations

In the movie The Bucket List, billionaire health care magnate Edward Cole (played by Jack Nicholson)

brings kopi luwak with him on all of his travels, but is unaware of how the drink is produced.[44] Carter

Chambers (Morgan Freeman) explains how civets defecate kopi luwak coffee beans, and that the gastric

juices of the defecated beans give kopi luwak its unique aroma.

The Japanese manga series Beastars features an anthropomorphic civet character named Deshico that

produces kopi luwak

 The rise of the homebody

The rise of the homebody lifestyle is indeed a fascinating cultural shift. Several factors seem to be contributing to this trend. The pandemic played a huge role, as it forced people to rethink how they use their living spaces and led to a greater appreciation for comfort and functionality at home. Advances in technology have also made staying home more appealing—with on-demand streaming, online shopping, and remote work, people can fulfill many of their needs without leaving the house. Additionally, the increasing cost of living and urban congestion might be encouraging folks to seek refuge in their personal spaces rather than spending time out and about.

As for how this might change urban life, the implications could be profound. Cities might see less demand for traditional retail spaces or large-scale office buildings, while neighborhoods with a strong community feel and access to parks might gain popularity. There could be a rise in “15-minute cities,” where everything people need is within a short walk or bike ride. On the flip side, public transportation and nightlife might experience reduced usage, which could shift urban planning priorities.

What’s your take—are you drawn to the homebody lifestyle, or do you see this trend reshaping your own routines?

Should I tell my story? Here is a bit

I am a person who has faced and continues to face many challenges in my life, but I never let them defeat me. Approximately 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with a metabolic bone disorder, which has caused 11 compression fractures in my spine. This disorder has greatly impacted my life, but I have never let it hold me back. I have always been determined to live a full and meaningful life despite my physical limitations. More recently, I underwent cancer surgery, but my determination and positive attitude remain unchanged.

An interesting fact about me is that in 1993, I was struck by lightning while visiting Disney World. It was definitely not part of the plan but it ended up being a funny story. Despite this event, I have never let it defeat me and it has become one of the many obstacles that I have overcome.

I like to think I am a kind and caring person who always puts others before myself. I have a contagious smile and a positive attitude that inspires those around me. I always tell folks I am "just happy to be here". I am known for my unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity. I am someone who always looks for the silver lining in any situation and that has helped me to maintain a positive attitude throughout my life.

Despite my physical challenges, my passion for life is evident in everything I do. I have a strong interest in reading and enjoy immersing myself in different worlds and perspectives. Reading has been my escape from reality and it has helped me to gain a new perspective on life. It has also given me the opportunity to learn new things and expand my knowledge. I also love spending time with my family and friends and cherish the memories made with them. They have been my rock and have been by my side throughout my journey.

My recent cancer surgery was a setback, but I still continue to fight and overcome my challenges. I am an inspiration to those who know me and my legacy continues to live on through my determination and positive attitude. I have been through a lot, but I have never given up and that is something that I am proud of.

Now, some ten years later, I am reviving my blog as a journey of updates on stories and events. I have many hurdles yet to conquer and I want to share my journey with others, in the hope to inspire them to never give up on their own dreams and aspirations. My blog will be a place where I can share my experiences and where others can relate to my struggles and triumphs.

My blog will be a journey of progress and not perfection. I believe that sharing my journey, will help others to see that despite the obstacles that come our way, it is possible to overcome them.

I hope that my blog will be a source of inspiration and encouragement to those who are going through similar struggles. My journey is not over yet, I still have many hurdles to conquer, but I am determined to never give up.

As with everyone, the pandemic has drastically changed my life. The isolation has been awful for me as for many others. Where we go from here is up to us all...

I guess i will leave it there for now and add more in future posts...cheers

"It's probably me"

If the night turned cold and the stars looked down

And you hug yourself on the cold cold ground

You wake the morning in a stranger's coat

No one would you see

You ask yourself, who'd watch for me?

My only friend, who could it be?

It's hard to say it, I hate to say it, but it's probably me

When your belly's empty and the hunger's so real

And you're too proud to beg and too dumb to steal

You search the city for your only friend

No one would you see

You ask yourself, who'd watch for me?

A solitary voice to speak out and set me free

I hate to say it, I hate to say it, but it's probably me

You're not the easiest person I ever got to know

And it's hard for us both to let our feelings show

Some would say I should let you go your way

You'll only make me cry

But if there's one guy, just one guy

Who'd lay down his life for you and die

I hate to say it, I hate to say it, but it's probably me

When the world's gone crazy and it makes no sense

And there's only one voice that comes to your defense

The jury's out and your eyes search the room

And one friendly face is all you need to see

Personal Safety devices and you. What to know and what to use. Begin this year by protecting yourself and your loved ones.

What are personal saftey devices? 

 Personal safety devices are devices or tools that are designed to help keep people safe in potentially dangerous or hazardous situations. They can be used to protect against physical threats, such as attacks or accidents, or against environmental threats, such as extreme temperatures or natural disasters. Examples of personal safety devices include safety alarms, personal alarms, pepper spray, and self-defense tools such as stun guns or Tasers. 

Personal safety devices can be carried on a person's person or kept in a nearby location for easy access in an emergency. Different countries have different laws and regulations regarding the use and possession of personal safety devices. Some countries may ban certain types of personal safety devices, while others may have restrictions on their use or possession. 

For example: In the United States, some states have laws regulating the use or possession of certain personal safety devices, such as pepper spray or stun guns. In some cases, these devices may only be legal to use or possess if the user has a valid permit. 

 In Canada, pepper spray is classified as a restricted weapon and is regulated under the country's firearms laws. Possession of pepper spray is generally only allowed for individuals who have a valid reason for needing it, such as law enforcement officers or individuals working in a high-risk occupation. 

 In the United Kingdom, possession of a personal safety device such as pepper spray or a stun gun is illegal. It is also illegal to carry any object that could be used as a weapon, such as a baseball bat or a hammer, with the intention of using it to defend oneself. 

 It is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding personal safety devices in your country or location. 

 With that said,lets take a look at some types... 

 1. Personal Safety Alarm 

 There are many different types of personal safety alarms on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some things to consider when choosing a personal safety alarm include:

• Type of alarm: Personal safety alarms can take the form of a loud, handheld device that can be activated manually, or they can be integrated into other personal safety devices such as a bracelet or keychain. Some alarms also have a panic button that can be pressed to quickly call for help. Volume: Make sure the personal safety alarm you choose is loud enough to be heard by others in the area. The louder the alarm, the more likely it is to attract attention and help. 
• Battery life: Consider the battery life of the personal safety alarm you choose. If you plan on using it frequently or in emergency situations, you'll want a device with a long battery life. 
• Ease of use: Choose a personal safety alarm that is easy to activate and use in an emergency situation. You want something that can be activated quickly and without confusion. 
• Size and portability: Consider the size and portability of the personal safety alarm. If you plan on carrying it with you at all times, you'll want something that is small and easy to carry. 
• Price: Determine your budget and look for a personal safety alarm that fits within it.

Considering these suggestions the best suggestion available on Amazon worldwide seems to be the 

KOSIN 3 Pack 145DB Personal Security Alarm Keychain.

2. Pepper Spray

There are many different brands and types of pepper spray available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some things to consider when choosing pepper spray include:

• Strength: Pepper spray is rated in terms of its concentration of capsaicin, the active ingredient that causes the burning sensation. Higher concentrations are generally more effective, but they may also be more painful and potentially harmful. Consider the level of protection you need and choose a pepper spray with an appropriate concentration.
• Spray pattern: Pepper spray can be dispersed in a number of different patterns, including a stream, a cone, or a mist. Consider the type of spray pattern that will be most effective for your needs.
• Size and portability: Consider the size and portability of the pepper spray. If you plan on carrying it with you at all times, you'll want something that is small and easy to carry.
• Price: Determine your budget and look for pepper spray that fits within it.
• Legal restrictions: Be aware of any legal restrictions on the possession and use of pepper spray in your country or location. In some places, pepper spray may be illegal or may only be legal to use or possess with a valid permit.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the proper use and handling of pepper spray before using it. You may also find that if normal security pepper spray is unavailable in your area a quick search for a spray deterrant directed at an animal may be easier to find. Something like...

3. Self defence tools (physical)

There are many different types of self-defense tools that are portable and can be easily carried with you. Some examples of portable self-defense tools include:

• Stun gun: A stun gun is a handheld device that delivers an electrical shock to an attacker, causing temporary paralysis and incapacitation. Stun guns are small and portable, and can be carried in a purse, pocket, or on a keychain.
• Tactical pen: A tactical pen is a writing instrument that can also be used as a self-defense tool. It can be used to strike an attacker or to defend against an attack with its pointed end. Tactical pens are small and portable, and can be carried in a purse, pocket, or on a keychain.
• Keychain self-defense tools: There are also a number of self-defense tools that can be attached to a keychain, such as kubotans or self-defense keychains. These tools are small and portable, and can be easily carried on a keychain.
• Tatical Safety (Police) batons: An expandable baton (also referred to variously as a collapsible baton, telescopic baton, tactical baton, spring cosh, ASP, or extendable) is typically composed of a cylindrical outer shaft containing telescoping inner shafts (typically 2 or 3, depending on the design) that lock into each other when expanded. The shafts are usually made of steel, but lightweight baton models may have their shafts made from other materials such as aluminium alloy.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the proper use and handling of any self-defense tool before using it as well as the legality in your country.

STUN GUNS AND TASERS ARE NOT COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE. PLEASE REFER TO THE LAWS AND PRODUCT AVAILABILITY IN YOUR AREA. 😀

Origins of New year's celebrations!

New Year's Day, which is celebrated on January 1st, has a long and varied history that stretches back thousands of years. The origins of New Year's Day can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as the Romans and the Babylonians, who celebrated the start of a new year as a way to mark the passing of time and to honor their gods. 

The Romans, for example, celebrated the New Year on March 1st and marked the occasion with sacrifices to Janus, the god of beginnings and endings. The Babylonians, on the other hand, celebrated the New Year in the spring, around the time of the vernal equinox, and marked the occasion with a festival honoring their goddess Ishtar. 

Over time, the date of New Year's Day has changed and the celebrations have evolved, but the tradition of marking the start of a new year has remained a constant in many cultures around the world. Today, New Year's Day is celebrated in a variety of ways, including with fireworks, parades, and parties, and is a time for people to reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead.

History of Christmas

Have you ever wondered about Christmas?

Christmas, the holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, has been celebrated for over two thousand years. The exact date of Jesus' birth is not recorded in the Bible, so the celebration of Christmas was not initially tied to any specific date. The early Christians likely celebrated the life and teachings of Jesus, but it was not until much later that the celebration of Christmas became more widespread and became associated with the 25th of December. The origins of Christmas can be traced back to the ancient Roman holiday of Saturnalia, which was a festival in honor of the agricultural god Saturn. During this time, people would engage in gift-giving and feasting, and there were also elements of role-reversal, where slaves were treated as masters and masters were treated as slaves. The celebration of Christmas as we know it today began to take shape in the 4th century, when the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and made it the official religion of the Roman Empire. Around this time, the church began to celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th, probably in an effort to Christianize the pagan festival of Saturnalia. Over time, the celebration of Christmas spread throughout the Western world and became a widely-observed holiday. Today, Christmas is celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike in many countries around the world, and it is a time for people to come together, exchange gifts, and celebrate the season of love and generosity.