Say What?!

PHENAKISTOSCOPE

Literally a "decptive viewer" from Greek, this toy consisted of patterns painted on a thin oval piece of wood and spun before a mirror to produce an animated sequence.  It was marketed in 1832 by its inventor, Joseph Plateau, whose research proved important in the creation of motion pictures.  A mon more than two millennia Plateau's senior with a remarkably similar name, the Greek philosopher Plato, created what may be the earliest recorded cinema in his allegory of the cave, from "The Republic" in which chained prisoners watch a moving shadow show created by their captors in lieu of real actions.

Forgotten English Knowledge Cards by Jeffrey Kacirk, Pomegranate, CA

Why Don't They Eat Cake?

Summer has finally arrived!  What better time to make and eat ice cream!  Following is a receipt for 18th Century Parmesan Ice Cream from the Two Fat Ladies - Full Throttle cookbook, J.Paterson & CD Wright, Pressclan, 1998

55g Sugar

300mL water

6 beaten eggs
600mL double cream
85g Parmesan cheese

Dissolve sugar in water and boil rapidly until it reduces to 1 cup.  Add eggs and cream and heat gently until it thickens and comes to a boil.  Add cheese and pass through a seive.  Chill, then freeze.