Leave it to humans to be the only species to defeat 400 million years of evolution

"We have one type of receptor devoted to sweet, one for salt, one for sour, and one for savory -- but, at the latest count, there are 25 different receptors for bitterness. Scientists believe this variety of bitter receptors capable of detecting thousands of different compounds helps to protect us since poisons and toxins found in nature tend to be bitter tasting." (Devin Powell, Inside Science News Service)
 
Now a company named Givaudan Flavors Corp. has invented a synthetic compound that will block our bitter receptors. The compound is called GIV3727, which makes you wonder if (like WD-40), it is the 3,727th compound that they tried. Why would anyone want to undo our bodies' natural deterrent mechanism for poisons? Because it makes your food taste good. GIV3727 will be coming soon to a diet soda near you. It has also been suggested that GIV3727 will make Brussels sprouts palatable...I guess not everything that tastes bitter is bad for you.

Isn't it strange how your name can influence who you become?

It's called nominative determinism, and here are a few I've come across lately:

• Dr. Peters is a urologist.
• Christopher Coke is a recently-arrested drug kingpin.
• Math professor Barbara Rademacher was named after St. Barbara, the patron saint of mathematicians.
• Dr. Federico Doctor specializes in Family Practice.

Here are some names for which I hope nominative determinism does not apply:

• Unfortunate surname: Slutsky
• Surname that makes you feel like a nobody: Noone
• A hurried surname: Hastie
• This surname might be hard to live up to: Slim

Isn't it strange how a recession can actually provide new job opportunities?

The bad economy has been "taking its toll on romance," and divorces are up in Japan. So an enterprising man named Hiroki Terai found a new calling in life: divorce ceremony planner. He organizes divorce ceremonies where couples can publicly end their relationship by smashing their wedding ring in front of family and friends before officially filing for divorce. Mr. Terai says, "I started this ceremony in April last year thinking that there should be a positive way to end a marriage and move on by making a vow to restart their lives in front of loved ones."

The sentiment is apparently not limited to Japan. Divorce cakes have become popular in the U.S. See this link for some pictures of divorce cakes.

I happen to have attended an "Unwedding Party" recently for a friend who was celebrating the day that her divorce was final. It was complete with cake, food, flowers and a special dress.

Question: What does it mean if you catch the bouquet at a divorce party?