IMPROPER VARIETIES OF CULINARY HERBS FOUND WITHIN THE WORLD SPICE MARKET

In the recent course of events, I came across to an advertisement online, showcasing a new crop laurel leaves, accompanied by a captivating photograph. Swiftly discerning, however, that the offered product was not the true laurel leaves renowned for their culinary employment.  To be precise, the accurate nomenclature is "Laurus Nobilis L." in the realm of Latin botanical classification, and it is rigorously harvested within the Mediterranean costal areas. This botanical treasure is mostly encountered in Turkey and we are the principal purveyor to the world market.

Journeying back in time, I reminisce about an occasion when I was strolling amidst the alleys of the AL RAS trade market in Dubai. This sparkling area is now hosting to a big assemblage of global merchants, each displaying their merchandise upon shelves, close to a veritable but much more vibrant international exposition and trade centre.

As expected, the majority of these traders are from the Indian subcontinent, having an important knowledge in the art of commerce.

But when it comes to the products beyond their trading knowledge there may be a problem. I saw rather bothered the very very low grades of Turkish dried fruits on the shelves.

And l came across, within a commodious sack resided verdant leaves labelled as laurel (Bay) leaves, though distinctly different in essence from the genuine laurel plant that we supply. Engaging a discourse with the vendor, I endeavoured to elucidate the mistake but I have been defeated by  the lack of knowledge before me. My endeavours proved futile against his strong conviction in the authenticity of what he was offering.

In a separate juncture, an inquiry for thyme arised from a country from an Eastern Europe. Turkey handle an array of wild thyme variations, particularly flourishing in close proximity to its seashores. Having an accumulated legacy of 43 years in the industry, our quality department staff and our workers know them very precisely and can distinguish them easily all. Our prospective buyer requested a sample for Thymus Vulgaris -which is very common in Turkey-. The exportation reaches over 1500 tons every year.

To our surprise, our sample was rejected because of DNA discrepancy and  tests results done by TLC /HPLC.

Another experience that we had in the past was in cistus leaves. Cistus are extensively used as herbal tea in the world. There are also some minor pharmaceutical usage . The laboratory who tested our lot found %20 marjoram leaves mixed in it. We couldn’t convince our buyer informing that there is no any marjoram farming in Turkey. Moreover the price of marjoram is at least two times more expensive if not three. Luckily we succeeded to sell the lot to another buyer nearby and get rid of the trouble.

Some importers may not have broad knowledge on botanical varieties of the plants they are handling. At this point the expertise of the supplier, the producer and the exporters become crucial.

Avram Aji

30.08.2023

HUMAN RIGHTS

 From the moment of our birth, we're taught the principle of human equality. We're told that both women and men hold equal status and possess the right to live with dignity. We're also reminded of the rights of animals and the importance of conserving nature.

Ironically, the reality of our lives often contradicts these principles. The survival of larger fish hinges on the existence of smaller ones, as illustrated in Lafontaine's well-known fable, which imparts the message that "might is right."

Presently, the sustenance of the global population, numbering eight billion, relies on a staggering 34 billion livestock. This sustenance necessitates the use of billions of tons of chemical compounds like fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides, and involves excessive irrigation that disrupts the natural water cycle.

It's a fact that humans are inherently unequal, and the preservation of animals and plants is equally vital. Even before humanity's emergence on Earth, there was a constant struggle amongst various animal species. Human beings aren't solely responsible for the extinction of creatures such as mammoths, bisons, dinosaurs, and countless other species.

Disparities among students are glaringly evident in university entrance exams. I personally knew a considerate classmate who excelled in these exams through rote memorization of textbooks.

In my secondary school, only 50% of students graduated, and in high school, the percentage dropped to 30%, leading to the expulsion of many students.

In summary, the reality remains that human equality is an ideal rarely achieved. Despite the eloquent phrasing of documents like the "Human Rights Declaration," which extol principles of honor, equality, and inalienable rights, and despite attempts to curb the power of monarchs through documents like the "Magna Carta Libertatum" and events like the French Revolution, the outcomes have often fallen short.

AVRAM AJI

26.08.2023

EVOLUTION AND SOCIAL LEARNING

Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins has stated in one of his recent speeches that it is obvious that evolution will continue for all species that continue to reproduce. There will be more mutations, and the fittest will continue to survive.

However, we know that the world's chicken population is 33 billion, while the populations of pork and cattle are close to 1 billion each. These figures show us that these animals, in total, are four times more populous than humankind is. Despite this, none of them is on an evolutionary track. We only select the more productive breeds.

The saying "big fish eats the small fish" implies that the goal of the small fish should be to become a big fish as soon as possible and before becoming prey.

There is a slight conflict between Dawkins' argument on reproductive activity and the feeding habits that we have.

Some monotheistic religions encourage, and even sanctify, having as many children as possible. We may believe to this as a support to the divine evolution process.

Currently, the top 10% of the world's population holds 85% of the world's total wealth.

What's worse is that this imbalance continues to deteriorate in contrast to the poorer counterparts, with the top 10% becoming even wealthier.

How can we secure a place within the top 10%? Are these top 10% of people more evolved than the remaining 90%? We know that the size of our brain is very similar among all individuals.

At this stage, I would like to introduce you to evolutionary biologist Kevin Laland, who emphasizes the importance of social learning abilities in living creatures. If we are not innately very talented, our struggle will rely solely on social learning.

AVRAM AJI

25.08.2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL BATTLE AND THE POWER OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

 I AM READING the very knowledgable book of Neil deGrasse Tyson "STARRY MESSANGER" where this scholar emphasize the power of the upcoming quantum computers and advanced programs . 

Human losses in traffic accidents  every year reaches 1,3 million already. This is cathastrophic number. When the new generation of self driving cars and trucks will replace human drivers, this cathastrophy will be eliminated in a large extent.

Which countries and companies in the world are investing on a self driving vehicles? Amazon - Jeff Bezos , Alpabet Google -Lary Page ,Sergei Brin , Sundar Pichai and Apple -Tim Cook are on the top along with Toyota.

Isn't it very strange that the gigantic automotive sector falls behind of the IT companies? These companies are very rich and can spare large amount of money to researchs on various sectors. Moreover the industry needs more advanced sensing technology and elaborate the big data recieved by them and  take action much faster in new vehicles.

THE NAVIGATION system that we are using nowadays is created two dimensional incorporating lively the traffic population and suggesting us instantly the fastest route we need to take. But still is not working very accurate . On the road a new congestion appear and the estimated journey timeline may fall well behind. Computerized traffic lights does not solve either the congestions on rush hours in big cities.The commuting time is getting bigger and bigger even with public transportation wasting our precious time.

Needless to say the three dimensional information data and instant information flow which the autonomous vehicles needs must be millions fold bigger. 

Avram Aji

08.07.2023

HOUSING AND HEALTH CARE - THE TWO MAJOR DEAD END SOCIAL WORK

TO SUPPORT CITIZENS OF LOW INCOME all governments are putting their utmost efforts to keep interest rates of morgages at the lowest level possible and longer matırity. In Turkey we hardly got 10 years of maturity in some banks. But we know in USA is as long as 30 years. Housing is an activity which promotes the construction industry. Also reduce the unemployment rates. Those who are in a dire situation need more care from the government.

I WAS AMAZED to hear that in Singapore the government give a house to the young citizens for free according to their needs. For instance if you are married have children you get a bigger house with more rokms while a single will acquire a smaller house. But how this all-important support be evenly distributed among citizens in the need? You may be a children of a very rich family. 

Finland has implemented a number of programs aimed at improving the housing situation for its poor citizens. These include subsidizing rents, providing grants for renovation and maintenance of housing, and providing free housing for those in need. The government has also made a commitment to build more affordable housing and provide incentives for developers to build affordable housing.

South Korea has implemented several policies to improve the housing situation for its citizens. These include providing low-interest loans for housing renovation and construction, expanding rental assistance programs, and providing tax breaks for homebuyers.

THE INCENTIVES GIVEN to citizens for housing are very important but its location and floor space is also very difficult to consider ,acknowledge the need and satisfy the people. 

ONCE YOU OWN one room cosy flat you start thinking a for spacious one , closer to your work, or other family members, or a tiny house with a small garden in front, When you marry and have babies one room flat is no more sufficient.. This is an endless series of needs and expectations. 

HEALTHCARE IS ALSO is now considered as a human right. But who will pay it expenses? At what extent the tests, CT scans, MR scans any many other investigations will be done? What will be the frequency and the coverage of routine check ups? This has no end , moreover very costly day by day?

Mostly from the very first day that you start working , an automatic - so called all inclusive-  healthcare system come into force legally in most worldwide countries. Everyboday has to pay a percentage of his salary to this general healthcare system... But than why and how private health insurance system works? Why  the public healthcare is unable to cover all the immediate needs. The sad outcome is that riches have more chance to get a better healthcare and live more.

Avram Aji

27.01.2023