Pisco Sour Day, February 3, 2024
2024-02-29
The Pisco Sour is a cocktail emblematic of South American culture, primarily associated with Peru and Chile, both of which claim its origin. The drink's base, pisco, is a grape brandy produced in the winemaking regions of Peru and Chile since the 16th century. The classic Pisco Sour recipe combines pisco with lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters, creating a frothy, tangy, and sweet concoction. The origins of the Pisco Sour are contested. In Peru, its invention is attributed to an American bartender, Victor Vaughen Morris, who allegedly created the drink in the early 1920s at his bar in Lima. Chile claims earlier origins, but regardless of its true birthplace, the Pisco Sour has become a symbol of national pride for both countries, with Peru even dedicating a national holiday to the cocktail, celebrated on the first Saturday of February. The debate over its origin has spurred friendly rivalry between Peru and Chile, each boasting unique variations of the cocktail. In Peru, the drink is meticulously prepared with Peruvian Pisco and often includes the native lime called "limón," which is smaller and more potent than other varieties, while Chilean versions might forgo the egg white and bitters. The Pisco Sour's enduring appeal lies in its balance of flavors and the cultural heritage it embodies, making it a fascinating study in the power of cocktails to represent and unite cultures. More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pisco_sour Art&Text: ChatGPT.
Cochlear implant, CI, is a life-changing technology that can provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. A CI is a medical device that bypasses damaged structures in the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, allowing sounds' perception. The system comprises an external portion that sits behind the ear and a second portion surgically implanted under the skin. The first CI was performed by William House in 1961. The FDA approved it for adults in the 1980s and in 1990 for children. 1+ Million individuals worldwide have received implants, with about 60,000 new implants annually. They have evolved significantly over the years, becoming smaller, more effective, and with better sound quality. The earliest devices provided a single channel of sound; modern CIs can have over 20 channels, allowing for a much richer hearing experience. Alternatives to CI include hearing aids, which are typically used for less severe hearing loss, and other assistive listening devices. For those who are not candidates for CI or who choose not to have them, sign language and lip-reading are valuable communication methods. Access to CIs is limited in developing countries, primarily because of their price, starting at 30k USD, along with the costs of surgery, support post-implant, and shortage of otolaryngology and audiology services. Which innovation could we develop that could be deployed there? Wikipedia: https://bit.ly/3T8RmkG Art&Text🫶ChatGPT.