Innovation: Robotics in food industry

Use of robotics as a replacement of the skilled labor in food manufacturing is being developed to help reduce food production cost while maintain hygiene and quality. I can’t imagine it since I am used to a full labor force production in the manufacturing sector. Like the shrimp processing plant in 1990s where in cleaning, sorting, sizing and packing of shrimps were done manually. Even in the canning of pork and beans, many areas involved human beings. The floor was always busy, it created a fiesta environment even during the graveyard shift.

However, the cost impact of the manual process creates a stumbling block to the growth of the business. Also, HR problems have become too bothersome in the operation. Because of these, gradually, the shrimp processing in the country couldn’t compete in the world market. In contrast, because of high value (cost parameters followed that of pharmaceutical industry), manufacturing of savory flavors afforded mechanization of processes that involved only one person until packaging. It is a very lonely way to do it.

With the desire to improve production, many companies continue to work on development of robotics. One interesting new application of robotics in the food industry is the advancement of grippers wherein it can handle gently food like bread in slicing area. Interestingly, in Netherlands, where the system handles final coating of Edam cheese paraffin wax in the packing section, it recorded a 10% productivity improvement and manpower cost saving equivalent to 500 hours. Another is the development of an automated butcher where the system can optimize cutting of meat. http://www.foodprocessing-technology.com/features/feature91016/

Costs of robotics are exorbitant at this stage, but long term effects in savings and productivity will make management decide to make use of the innovation. Very interesting. But what will happen to the many who lost their jobs to robots?

Spices

Burning fats naturally is the safest way, no matter what they advertise. But the slimming effect is normally slower than undergoing cosmetic surgery. There are economical alternatives to maintain a sexy figure that are likewise effective and enjoyable as well. Exercise and diet are two ways. Found this article in Yahoo, http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/5-spices-that-can-help-you-lose-weight-2392858/;_ylt=Ak1StLbMDBq9JFt2jBIhuitqbqU5, wherein products from the garden can not only spice up food but burn calories, too. For those who love to eat like me, this is good news!

One is cayenne pepper or “sili” which I discovered to have a good impact in building up flavor in cooking. It started when I tried doing putanesca pasta sauce using local ingredients, since then I put some sili in all dishes I cook.

The article mentioned also mentioned black pepper, cinnamon and mustard seeds which perk up tastes of dishes, too.

Learning to love these ingredients will surely do the trick without ill effects on us. It doesn’t hurt, too. And hopefully effective.

The Joy of Home Cooking

Ever since I decided to lay low from my career in the food industry (did I do the right thing? LOL) and took care of my sick father, my passion to cook begun to emerge. Surprisingly, I found it to be enjoyable! It provided me the opportunity to rediscover things which I didn't care for when I was busy with work. In a way, circumstances led me to wake up at sunrise to go to the market and prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner in the kitchen. I had to prepare food for my father during his final days so I was obliged to learn how his favorite dishes were done. We gave in to all of his requests (type of dish) because it was anticipated that his appetite would diminish soon, so even dishes that I found complicated were prepared. Now I recall that I wasn’t able to make a pasta dish that I promised him because he wouldn’t eat anymore. The experience gave me the chance to be with him and serve his favorite dishes, which I had never done before. It, also, made me realize that I prefer home cooking because of the fresh ingredients used sans flavor enhancers like MSG, used a lot in work. No wonder that numerous culinary schools had mushroomed in the country. I realized, too, that business wise, value adding could be done if fresher materials were used in food products. Importantly, numerous health benefits could be attained. I became very picky in what I eat now.

When I was in the food industry, I was thrown into the laboratory doing new products/flavors/variants of existing food product using processed ingredients for the retail and food service markets, all for convenience. So, I considerl home cooking as going back to the basics like what our grandmothers did. However tedious it is, home cooking has awakened my sleepy brain to appreciate the fresh produce, considering the intensity of the flavors in the fresh version compared to its processed counterpart. I thought I can try to achieve a twist in flavor of ordinary dishes. I particularly was curious about yellow ginger or turmeric Curcuma longa (luyang dilaw) and lemon grass Andropogon citratus DC. (tanglad) which were abundant in the area where we lived. Adding both to "laswa" and "tinolang isda" produced a very flavorful lunch for the family.

Values and foundation

Watching the drama online today, made me very, very sad. This is a manifestation of the rotten system in the local police force, worth mentioning is the armed forces, too. Gone are the days when being valiant and patriotic were pictured in men in uniform. Now, they drive SUVs and live in posh villages, smiling dubiously. Are there still honest and honorable men in uniform who do not have these “amenities” in life? They are still there, overshadowed by superiors and comrades who are playing politics. VALUES? What values?

In the hostage drama by a disgruntled police officer, it fully proves that only cases concerning small amount go to jail so make it big time. Where are the big ones? They are always acquitted or elected in many government positions. I empathized with Mr. Mendoza, working hard in the service and just kicked out sans his retirement benefits. Whereas his superiors are still in office even with many “obvious” evidences, amounting to millions of pesos. Where is justice here? Or obviously justice is a stranger here, in the Philippines. Corruption? As you may see it, there are many, but I still believe that there are more honest and honorable men in uniform who do their best for the country quietly and sincerely. This has become a deep seeded burden of the society, lack of values. No one can help the country, each one of us can by going back to basics in life, to the true meaning of VALUES that our grandparents have taught us. Solving corruption, as what the President promised, isn’t the solution. How sad it is to wake up each day knowing that you will be entering a lion’s den, that is life in the Philippines, both in the government and private sectors.

Love Work

Love Work

http://www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk/
You always have a choice but you forget that you have it. Do you remember the energy and enthusiasm you had on the first day of your first job? You consciously chose to do the work you had gladly accepted to do. But then you gradually fell asleep to the choice you made, and the day became "I have to" go to work, instead of "I want to" go to work. You forgot to see all the opportunities which come with work - opportunities like learning, nourishing and being nourished by others, developing new relationships, expanding your personal capacity. Instead you decided it was just something that you had to do to 'get the money'. This is why most people are sleep-walking through their lives, and they don't know it. The solution, choose your work every day, put the energy of love into your relationships...every day, even if you don't particularly like your job or the people around you. And you'll be amazed at how your life transforms. When you choose to put love into what you do, the universe will move heaven and hell to let you do what you love.

I am really fascinated with the inspirations that this website shares, its very practical and it always says the truth, ouch. This is part of the teaching of Brahma Kumaris who practices Raja Yoga.

25 Days Challenge

25 Day Challenge http://www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk/

Day 1: No Worry

When we worry, we make problems bigger than what they really are. Instead of worrying, accept whatever you have no control over, prepare wherever you can and choose happiness instead of worry!

Day 2: Slow Down, Relax
Stress may appear to get things done in the short-term but in the long term it leads to burnout. When you learn to slow down, you discover how easy it is to be relaxed whilst on the go!

Day 3: The Solution Focus Making things positive doesn’t mean a sunny outlook; it means making the choice to see problems as opportunities. Every problem and difficult situation is embedded with a solution - the adventure lies in finding the solution.

Day 4: From Expectations to Acceptance
Getting on with people is tough, especially when they don’t fulfill your expectations! Instead, if you accept people the way they are without expecting them to be something they’re not, you end up less disappointed and frustrated.

Day 5: Fear Nothing
You already have the courage to “Face, Explore, Accept and Respond” to fear. All you have to do is move beyond inertia and discover your true potential. Then, courage will enable you take action in spite of fear.

Day 6: Time Management
Whilst time cant be controlled, you can manage yourself. When you begin to work smarter, not harder, and do the right things better, you'll begin to make the most and get the best out of your time.

Day 7: Pack Up Your Thoughts
What are you choosing to hold onto in your mind? You can always pack-up all the unnecessary and negative thoughts and feelings in your mind. Pack away and put it out of your mind. You then have space to create something new and positive.

Day 8: Go with the Flow
Sometimes we just have to be wise enough to go with the flow. We have to put our trust in life and let the current carry us. That doesn’t mean we should take our focus off where we’re going.

Day 9: Finding Clarity
Clarity is more than knowing whether you should choose (a) over (b). Clarity happens when you turn your mind within and allow it to be still. In stillness, there’s clarity - you know exactly what it is that you have to do.

Day 10: No Complaining Zone
If you approach life complaining about what’s missing then you’ll be dissatisfied. Satisfaction comes from knowing that things can always be improved but at the same time appreciating what is right in your life, right now.

Day 11: Concentration Ability
When you want to do something sincerely and are decisive about it; the power of concentration becomes available to you. Concentration allows you to achieve more in less time and respond to situations in a more effective way.

Day 12: Overcoming Anger
Anger can be a by-product of our way of thinking, rather than it being caused by a person or an event. You can either hold on to your anger or, you can calm down and let go. Choose to be calm and you’ll find it easier to forgive and move on.

Day13: Add fun to your life Waking up energised and excited about tackling challenges is a sign that you have the ‘fun factor’ in your life. When you’re having ‘fun’, you’re curious enough to actively explore life. And then, nothing is impossible or off limits.

Day 14: Will Power
If you believe ‘you can’ and have the strong desire to do so, then despite setbacks, it’s your will power that makes you ‘try, try, try again’. Both ‘will’ and ‘power’ are released when you go from ‘will do’ to ‘doing things willingly’.

Day 15: Patience Patience is your willingness to let time and life move forward at their own pace, without losing sight of your destination. When there’s no rush, no hurry, out goes anxiety, in comes peace of mind.

Day 16: Co-operation
To be co-operative means to have a quiet eye for what is needed and contribute accordingly. To be a support at the right time, in the right place.

Day 17: Positive Self Talk
Your self-esteem comes down to the way you talk to yourself. Your inner critic is that little voice that nags you and sabotages your efforts. Change your inner critic to an inner coach and encourage yourself to keep trying even when you’re not 100% successful!

Day 18: Beat Tiredness
Being tired isn’t just about doing too much; it’s also about being devoid of motivation. Beat tiredness and work up your motivation to get things done and make things happen with spirit and gusto.

Day 19: Knowing When Not To
Action is important but so is inaction. To act appropriately and with consideration, you have to use your power of discernment. Knowing when to and when not to: say something; dig your heels in; hold your ground; or make a decision!

Day 20: Resilience
Resilience is your personal power, your inner strength that allows you to rise above difficult circumstances, and bounce back stronger than before the challenge! With such vitality, nothing can bring you down, or de-stabilise you.

Day 21: With or Without Ego
With ego, you lash out when someone insults, disagrees or criticises you. Without ego, you’re able to accept your flaws without compromising your self worth.

Day 22: On Making Mistakes
Mistakes matter. How you recover from them matters even more. The best way to handle a mistake is to learn from the mistake. Then you’ll not repeat it nor ever be paralysed by the fear of making another mistake.

Day 23: Abundance
Abundance is to see that there are endless possibilities before us. And at the same time, still see an incredibly rich existence right where we are. It is a feeling of gratitude for everything and everyone we have in our life.

Day 24: Yes / No – Be Assertive
Assertiveness is the ability to express your thoughts and feelings honestly and respectfully without undue anxiety. Communicating confidently does not happen magically but when you do it, it gives you the freedom to be yourself.

Day 25: Being Peace
You don’t need to search for peace; you are a being of peace. Any time, any place, you can step back from your thoughts and emotions. Just withdraw into your inner being, a place of total peace and just be.

Water (Tubig)

Saksak diwai

Water, they say will be worth like gold later on, is one resource that luckily our country is rich with. In the birth town of my father, Sibulan (south of Dumaguete) in Negros Oriental, there are several springs in one of the sitios – Tubtubon (means water flowing). The area is blest with several springs where the town folks get their water. I didn’t know of these until when we have to get help from women who are locals when my father had gotten sick. Since then, we get our drinking water from one of the springs, for free.

What I admire most in the sitio is the respect of the residents for the natural resource. It is situated in a mangrove area which is full of saksak trees, a member of family nipa (Nypa fruticans).

The land, where the springs are sited, are privately owned but the owners are generous to share the resource to everyone. Rules have been made by local authorities, and these are followed diligently by the citizens. Amazingly, people come in using 2 or 4 wheel vehicles or carriers to haul carboys, gallons of drinking water and they patiently form a queue, it is first come - first get basis, to get water. But a local ordinance dictates that nobody is allowed to get water for commercial use, i.e., to resell as mineral water.

Admiringly, they are aware that they will lose this natural resource if they develop and destroy the area, like removing the mangrove trees, etc. This trait is not common nowadays. I remember that in early 1990s, when shrimp export was at its peak, hectares of mangrove in Calatrava, Negros Occidental were bulldozed to pave way for shrimp ponds. But eventually, the shrimp industry lost the export market to neighboring Thailand and Indonesia. And in Bacolod City, swamp areas were developed into residential neighborhoods. Naturally, water is scarce and the city is easily flooded.

Water, let us preserve and conserve whatever resources we still have right now before it is very late. It really depends on the people’s conscience whether they become too greedy for today or become better citizens by doing what is morally right.

welcome

This is my first time to blog. Had no time to do this before, I am excited to try it. It sure will be a good exercise, writing and sharing essentials in life.

Wish me luck!