Here at the Ralph's ranch we're always looking for new and improved foods that we can blend in to our feed that we give  our herd. Recently, while reading a horticulturist magazine I came across some interesting, if not down right, bizarre facts.

Here are some interesting little factoids you may find of interest. 

All watermelons have an even number of stripes on their outer rinds.  Its true check it out. 

Each ear of corn always has an even number of rows of kernels. 

All stalks of wheat have an even number of grains.

Every orange has an even number of segments when you cut it in half.

Now here is the kicker - "every bunch of bananas" - has on its lowest row an even number of bananas.  Its amazing as bananas grown the number of bananas on each row decreases "by one" on each succeeding row. So as you look at every bunch of bananas hanging in a tree there is an even row and an odd row with every bunch of bananas.

If you find information of this nature interesting let us know and we will post more for you. Likewise, if you do not find this kind of trivia of interest let us know as well and we will stop. 

Thanks 

Ralph

For many Americans condiments are a necessity on the foods they eat. Studies show that 98% of American households have much more than just salt and pepper in their kitchens. Though there are many condiments available the three most popular are: Ketchup, Mayonnaise and Mustard.

Surprisingly one of these three is lapped up more everyday by Americans than the other two combined. Plus, its consumption soars through the roof during warm summer days. People put this one condiment on their burgers, fries, sandwiches, pastas, hot dogs, scrambled eggs, meatloaf as well as dozens of other foods and snacks.

For years there was a big controversy as to what this condiment should be called? Some referred to it as Ketchup while others called it Catsup. This article will provide some insights on what these two terms mean and how they actually came about. You might be surprised at what you learn – so read on. 

First off, there is no technical or culinary difference between Catsup and Ketchup both terms refer to a tomato based condiment? The words 'Ketchup' and ‘Catsup’ both stem from the Asian word ‘Kecap’ from ancient China. The Chinese word - 'kecap' - refers to a sauce generally put on fish.

British sailors who harbored in Chinese ports during the late 17th were introduced to Kecap and fell in love with it. Many brought it back to England and shared it with their families and friends who also enjoyed its unique flavor.

Ironically, the Kecap sauce the British sailors brought back it in the 17th century was not at all like the Ketchup or Catsup we have today. Kecap back then was a simple mixture of fish brine, herbs, vinegar and local Asian spices. Some local varities of were infused with walnuts or mushrooms or beans but never did Asians put tomatoes or tomato sauce in Kecap. The original Kecap would have had a taste similar to modern day Worcestershire sauce.

Over time European cooks and housewives began to experiment made alterations to both the taste and texture of Kecap. Once the sweet mild flavors of tomatoes and tomato sauce were added to Kecap its use and consumption exploded throughout Europe. Kecap was thus transformed into the condiment we know and love today way back in early 18th century.

Kecap officially entered the English vernacular in 1690 as 'Catsup'. As the condiment spread throughout northern, central and southern Europe the word Catsup somehow morphed into the word 'Ketchup'. The word Ketchup however did not officially enter the English language until 1711. 

Surprisingly many Americans believe Henry John Heinz invented ketchup or that he was the first individual to put ketchup in a glass bottle – neither of those thoughts are true though. Henry Heinz, was the owner of the H. J. Heinz Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and he was the first person to commercially market ‘Heinz Catsup’ nationwide in 1876. Because Heinz sold Catsup nationally he is credited for making Catsup a very popular condiment in the US.

After 10 years of selling “Heinz Tomato Catsup,” Heinz decided to change the name of his product to Heinz Ketchup. His reason for the change was to distinguish his product from all his other rival food manufacturers who were now selling Catsup. With the name change Heinz gained more sales and enjoyed even greater profits. Amazingly other food manufacturers still continued to sell their product as Catsup. Soon Ketchup and Catsup became synonymous and that’s where the confusing stems from!

Though Heinz Ketchup dominates the US condiment market there are still local and regional food manufactures who sell their product as ‘Catsup’. Hunts and Del Monte are two examples you might be familiar with. 

Now get ready - here is some trivia you might find of interest. The world’s largest bottle of ‘Catsup’ is located in Brownsville, Illinois (southern Illinois – 47 miles east of Evansville, Indiana. The giant Catsup bottle was constructed as a water tower for a food processing plant back in 1949 by the Brooks Catsup company. It stands 170 feet tall and is made out of steel and painted to depict an actual Catsup bottle. In 2002 the Brooks Catsup bottle was placed on the Historical Register of Places because according to many Illinois natives its a part of American History and represents the true American spirit.

Weed eater Logic

Two middle aged guys, Joe and Jim are sitting at their favorite bar having a beer.

Joe turns to Jim and says, "You know, I'm tired of going through  life without nothing to look forward to - and its all because I don't have a decent education. I think tomorrow I am going over to that community college and sign up for some colleges classes."

Jim says "Well I thinks that's a good idea Joe". They finish their beers and leave.

The next day, Joe goes out to the community college on his lunch hour and talks to an Admissions Counselor.  After interviewing Joe the Counselor recommends Joe sign up for two upcoming classes he thinks might be fun for Joe. The Counselor recommends Joe take History and Logic.

"Logic?" Joe asks "What's the heck kind of course is that?"

The Admissions Counselor says, "Its a really fun course that teaches you how to think.  Let me give you an example.

Do you own a weed eater?"

"Yes I do" Joe replies.

"Well then logically speaking I can only presume since you own a weed eater you have a yard."

"That's true" Joe says  "I do have a yard."

"I'm not done," says the counselor. "Now because you have a yard, its only logical you have a house."  "Well yes, I do have a house" says Joe.

"See how this Logic works?"  the counselor says.

Now because you have a house its only logical you would have a family."

"Yes, I do have a family" says Joe.

"Since you have a family, then logically you must have a wife"  "Yes I do have a wife" says Joe.

"Now because you have a wife, then logic dictates that you must be a heterosexual male."

"That's true, I am a heterosexual" says Joe. 

"WOW! That's amazing you were able to find out all of that stuff about me all from just knowing I own a weed eater."

Joe is now really excited about taking this Logic class and shakes the Counselor's hand.  Joe can't wait for his classes to begin.

Later that evening Joe meets his good buddy Jim and their favorite bar and Jim asks "Well Joe, did you go out to the community college today and sign up for any classes?  "I sure did" Says Joe. 

"Well what did you sign up for" Jim asks.

"Two classes, History and Logic" Joe responds.

"Logic?" asks Jim, "What the heck is Logic about?"

"Well, let me give you a good an example" Joe says.

"Do you own a weed eater Jim?"

"Nope." said Jim.

"Well logic tells me you must be gay".

Let's Talk About the Blarney Stone

Most people who celebrate St Patrick's Day either know of, or have heard of, the Blarney Stone but few actually know anything about the stone itself or why so many people want to kiss the Blarney Stone. So let's answer all these questions now.

The Blarney Stone is a large block of blue limestone that currently sits in an outer wall of Blarney Castle not far from the city of Cork in Ireland. The Legend of the Blarney Stone started in the 12th Century; however it was never written down until 1584. My guess though, is the legend is about 95% accurate. So take a moment, sit back and read this informative article. Its fun trivia and you will learn something new. 

Scholars tell us the Blarney Stone originally came from the middle east - near the Holy Lands. It was brought to Europe by the knights returning from the crusaders. Now there are two theories regarding why the Blarney Stones was brought to Europe. Some say it is the “Stone of Ezel”; the stone described in the Hebrew Bible as the stone young David hid behind to escape from King Saul. Others say it was the stone Moses struck with his staff in the middle of the dessert to cause water to gush forth so the Israelites could quench their thirst during their exodus from Egypt.

Whichever theory is correct - we know the stone made its way to Scotland where the Scots called it their 'Stone of Destiny'. Then, in an offer of good will the Stone of Destiny was split in half. Half was sent to King Munster in Ireland. King Munster, ruled Ireland from Blarney Castle. King Munster hated the English so he sent five thousand men to Scotland to help the Scots defeat the English at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. 

Now this is really cool. Have you watched the Mel Gibson movie – Braveheart? Well the 5,000 men King Munster sent to Scotland were sent to reenforce the army of Sir Robert the Bruce - the man who betrayed Braveheart in the movie. Anyway with the help of Munster's men Robert the Bruce was able to defeat the English.

To show his gratitude Robert cut the 'Stone of Destiny' in half and sent half to King Munster. Robert then had the stone placed in the walls of Castle Blarney – and it is there in Ireland we can go kiss the Blarney Stone.

Now, legend has it – those who kiss the Blarney Stone are blessed / endowed / or given the gift of Eloquence. Unfortunately kissing the Blarney Stone is no easy task. First a person must climb up 125 irregularly shaped steps to reach the parapet of the castle wall – which is over 100 feet above the ground. Then, once on the parapet the person must lie on his or her back, then twist their spine and extend their neck so their lips can press against the stone. 

So what exactly is Blarney and why do people want it? The young Irish say Blarney is a form of flattery, however; old timer Irish say it is the art of speaking. Blarney they say is much more then flattery; it is flattery sweetened with humor and flavored with spicy wit. 

For almost three hundred years, millions of people have traveled to Castle Blarney in Ireland just to kiss the Blarney Stone. People - rich and poor, young and old, male and female, famous and not-so-famous all - people who want the gift of blarney so they can live their lives to the fullest. 

Unfortunately, thousands of would be kissers fell to their deaths while trying to kiss the Stone because of it location; so in 1928 iron railings were installed to prevent further tragedies. Trained assistants now sit atop the castle's parapet to help hopeful kissers contort their bodies and get in the proper position to kiss the Blarney Stone.

Every summer over a thousand people a day visit Castle Blarney. They stand in line, make the arduous trek up the narrow stairway, lay down on the stone walkway, contort their bodies, stretch their necks and then pucker up – just to kiss the mysterious blue slab of limestone known as the Blarney Stone. 

Amazingly those who have kissed the Blarney Stone say the trip to Ireland was well worth it; all would gladly go through this ordeal again. Each one swears their lives were incredibly transformed after they received the gift of Blarney. 

Drinks For Everyone except the Jerk

A guy pulls up in front of a bar driving a car plastered with VOTE BERNIE stickers all over it.  When we he walks in the bar he can't help but notice a guy a few bar stools down wearing a red Make America Great ball cap and a red T-shirt that boldly states "We Love you President Trump". In addition, the guy has two beers sitting in front of him.

Now you don't have to be an Einstein to know what this Bernie Sanders supporter thinks.  He thinks the guy down the bar is a big conservative.  So as loudly as he can he shouts out - "Bartender Give Drinks to Everyone in the bar except that conservative jerk with the hat sitting at the bar".

The bartender quickly pours out everyone a drink as directed and the conservative guy down the bar turns to the man who ordered the drinks and gives him a great big smile and says "Thank You Very Much Sir".

Now this infuriates the guy who ordered the drinks - so once again he loudly orders "Drinks for Everyone Bartender except that conservative jerk sitting down there". 

Again the drinks does as directed and gives everyone except the conservative guy as a drink.  As before the conservative guy turns to the man who ordered all the drinks and politely says "Thank You Again Sir".

The guy who ordered the two rounds of  drinks is now fuming.  So for a third time he yells "Bartender Drinks for Everyone again except that conservation asshole down the bar". The conservative guy just continues to sip on his beer until all the drinks are served then once again her turns to guy who ordered them - smiles and says very loudly "Thank You Again my Friend".

The guy ordering the drinks quietly motions for the bartender to come over then asks  What the hell is the matter with idiot down there. I have orders three rounds of drinks for everyone in this bar except him and all that silly ass does is smile and thank me.  Is he nuts or something?

 Oh no replied the bartender - He owns this place. 

Pop Quiz # 4 from Ralph's Rabbit Ranch Quiz

1. When is Twilight?

a) Only in the morning?

b) Only in the evening?

c) It occurs twice a day both in the morning and at night?  

2. Why do Ballet Dancers dance on their toes?

a) because its easier to dance for long periods on your toes then it is on the souls of your feet?

b) because it makes them look taller?

c) because that is the way they were taught to dance ballet?

Pop Quiz # 3 from Ralph's Rabbit Ranch

The last Czar (or as some people like to say 'Tsar') of Russia was Nicolai Romanov. Do to growing unrest and high unemployment he was forced to abdicate his throne on May 15, 1917 which then - as most of us know - ushered in the start of communism revolution in Russia and the beginning of the Soviet Union. 
  
Nicolai, who was called Nicolai II, began his reign as Czar in 1894.  He was an avid rabbit lover and raised rabbits all his life.  It is said that once he became Czar he had the palace Chef serve rabbit meals twice a week and all main entrees for official Russian state dinners were to include rabbit meat selected from those rabbits which he personally raised. 

1) How long did the Romanov dynasty actually rule over the Russia people - from its start to the end of Czar Nicolai II's abdication in 1917? (approximately?)

a) 100 years?

b) 200 years?

c) 300 years?

2. Which is the most popular Russian in the world?  (ask a bartender if you need help)

a) a White Russian?

b) a Black Russian?

c) a Blind Russian?

Ralph's Rabbit Ranch Trivia - Humming Birds

Humming Birds are the only birds in the world that can fly in all directions. They can fly forwards, backwards, up, down, left and right. When they do hover at a blossom they always flap their wings in a figure eight pattern.

My favorite song from the Classic Movie Casablanca