u/Cheever-Loophole

I am already a product minimalist, but I recently came across an interesting article in The Guardian from a few years back about a doctor who doesn't really use soap or body wash anymore, and thought if this sub. I'm sure a lot of folks here will see this as outrageous, but there are a lot of interesting points this guy makes. Everything from the idea that BO was first stigmatized culturally in the 1920's as an advertising strategy by a soap company, which then quadrupled their sales, to the dangers to our microbiome from the overuse of antibiotics and over washing in general. It also mentions the benefits of coming in contact with natural bacteria found in soil and on animals. The Amish community has been found to have some of the most diverse microbiomes because of this.

We are now in the interesting position where most people scrub and exfoliate all the natural oils and protection off their skin daily, then proceed to slather on more products to basically replace what they just removed. Which of course equals more sales for the companies making all this stuff. It seems that the more products we use, the more products we need.

On the personal antidote side of things, when I was 19, I spent a summer tenting on Cape Cod, and didn't shower for about 3-4 weeks. I went in the ocean almost daily, rinsed off the salt, then usually swam in one of the many clear freshwater kettle ponds. I got around mosty on a bike, so I definitely sweated a lot, but my skin and hair were excellent that summer. Currently, I only use soap on my butt, man parts, and armpits, although lately I am experimenting with only water on the pits. I do of course use soap on my hands throughout the day. For years, I have been using only water on my face and hair. My face is clear and health and my hair is thick and full. I am a dude in my late 40s, with almost no hair loss.

Your thoughts and experiences are welcome.

For some reason I've been thinking about tiramisu lately. Does anyone have any tips about the best place to get it? The best I've ever had was at a wedding reception at Waterworks, but I don't think it's a regular item for them. A close second is what I made myself, with homemade lady fingers. I tried Rogue Rabbit recently and was somewhat underwhelmed. I've tried hannaford's frozen one and it was surprisingly okay. The one from their fresh bakery is not bad either, but not to the quality I'm looking for. Any great tips?

I have been cooking kale for decades. Usually steamed, sometimes sauteed, occasionally massaged for a salad. Usually it's delicious and tender. But every once in a while, it just doesn't get tender. I cook it and cook it, but it takes way longer than usual, loses it's color, and is still kinda tough. This happens with both kinds of kale, curly and lacinato. And just looking at the kale, it doesn't seem to be any way to predict this. Has anyone else experienced this? Have you found a way to tell beforehand if a bunch is going to be a problem?