top of page

Current Most Read

What This Means for Video Games
Nuclear Tensions Today: Understanding the Risks and Diplomatic Efforts
The Naked Truth About Britain’s Most Exposed Toilet

Food Fables: Unraveling the Quirky Origins of Our Favorite Eats!

  • Writer: Paul Francis
    Paul Francis
  • Mar 26, 2024
  • 3 min read

Classic Cheeseburger in an old dinner

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Have you ever stopped mid-bite of your favourite snack and thought, "Hmm, I wonder how on earth someone came up with this?" Well, get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey through time as we uncover the bizarre beginnings of some of the foods we can't live without.


Soup: A Culinary Concoction Born from Laziness

Ai generated Mushroom soup

Let's start with everyone's favourite comfort concoction: soup. Picture this: ancient humans huddled around a fire, scratching their heads and pondering what to do with those random ingredients they scavenged. Lo and behold, someone decides to toss a mishmash of veggies, meats, and grains into a pot of boiling water. And voila! Soup is born. Who knew that laziness and hunger could lead to such culinary greatness?


Cheese: The Dairy Delight Discovered by Accident

AI generated blue cheese on a board

Now, let's talk about cheese, the dairy delight that's been delighting taste buds for centuries. Legend has it that our ancestors stumbled upon this cheesy goodness while trying to find a way to store milk without it going all funky. So, they did what any curious cave-dweller would do: they stuffed milk into animal stomachs and hoped for the best. Fast forward a few weeks, and presto! Cheese magically appears. It's like the universe's way of saying, "Hey, you've got milk? Let me help you with that!"


Yoghurt: From Nomadic Necessity to Creamy Creation

Yogurt on a table top

Ah, yoghurt. The creamy, tangy treat that's perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. But did you know that yoghurt owes its existence to ancient nomads and their innovative milk storage methods? Picture this: a group of wandering herders, tired of drinking plain old milk, decides to leave some out in the sun in a makeshift container. Little did they know, those sneaky bacteria lurking around would turn that milk into something magical. And thus, yoghurt was born. It's like milk, but with a zesty attitude.


Chocolate: A Bitter Bean's Transformation into Sweet Bliss

AI generated chocolate.

Let's not forget about chocolate, the sweet nectar of the gods that has captured our hearts (and our waistlines) for centuries. Believe it or not, chocolate's journey began with the ancient Mesoamericans sipping on a bitter, spicy concoction made from roasted cacao beans. Can you imagine their faces when they took that first sip? "Hmm, needs more sugar," they probably said. And so, the quest for the perfect chocolate recipe began. Thank goodness for sugar, am I right?


Bread: Rise of the Doughy Food stuff

Ai generated bread

Ah, bread, the staff of life! This humble staple has sustained civilizations for millennia. Picture ancient bakers tinkering with grains, trying to figure out how to make them more palatable. After countless experiments and accidental discoveries, someone decided to mix flour with water, let it sit, and then apply heat. Lo and behold, bread was born! From simple flatbreads to fluffy loaves, bread has evolved into countless varieties, each with its own unique flavour and texture.


Sauerkraut: A Funky Fermentation for Cabbage Connoisseurs

AI generated Sauerkraut in a bowl.

Last but not least, we have sauerkraut, the tangy cabbage dish that's the unsung hero of German cuisine. Legend has it that sauerkraut came to be when our ancestors needed a way to keep their cabbage fresh during those long, cold winters. So, they did what any resourceful bunch would do: they packed it in salt and let it ferment. Little did they know, they were creating a flavour bomb that would stand the test of time. It's like cabbage, but with a funky twist.


So there you have it, folks! The strange, wacky, and downright hilarious origins of some of our favourite foods. Who knew that laziness, curiosity, and a dash of luck could lead to culinary greatness? So, the next time you dig into a bowl of soup, savour a square of chocolate or bite into a crusty loaf of bread, remember to thank our ancient ancestors for their culinary creativity. After all, where would we be without their quirky kitchen experiments? Bon appétit!

What This Means for Video Games

What This Means for Video Games

24 June 2025

Reece Harrison

Want your article or story on our site? Contact us here

After over 10 months, a deal has been struck with voice actors. This agreement includes a pay raise and introduces "secondary performance payments," ensuring actors are compensated if AI uses their voice.

A silver microphone is in focus against a blurred soundboard background, suggesting a recording studio setting. Soft lighting enhances the calm mood.

The strike happened primarily because voice actors feared being replaced by AI, leading to less work and lower income. The core concern was AI's ability to replicate their voices.


This deal means AI voice replication might become more common in games. Studios can now potentially use it with less backlash from actors, as compensation is guaranteed. However, it also means actors have less control over what their replicated voices say. AI could be used to make them say anything.


This technology could enable dynamic NPCs whose dialogue changes for every player, responding in real-time and making each interaction unique. But it's not all positive. A significant problem with the deal is that actors retain the right to refuse permission for AI use of their digital replica at any time, especially during a strike. This means studios must halt any AI voice usage if an actor withdraws consent, particularly during labour actions.


Furthermore, while actors will get paid more for AI usage, this increased cost must come from somewhere. This could lead to either:


Decreased budgets elsewhere in the game (e.g., graphics, level design, gameplay features).


Increased game prices, which many consumers already find too expensive.


Silhouetted game controller on reflective surface, bathed in blue light, creating a futuristic and calm atmosphere. No visible text.

Long-Term Implications for Video Games and Actors

One potential downside of the strike is that it may have inadvertently highlighted exactly why studios want to use AI: it's faster, cheaper, and doesn't require scheduling actors or waiting for them to come into work. By striking, actors made themselves more expensive and potentially seemed less reliable. Paradoxically, this could increase studios' motivation to replace them with AI in the long run, making the strike potentially shortsighted.


The strike's long-term effect might actually harm the very people it was meant to help by emphasising the advantages AI offers producers. Only time will tell if this deal proves beneficial, as future negotiations, new laws, or technological shifts might change the landscape.


We could also see increased public acceptance of AI voices as consumers experience (and continue to feel) the effects of the strike on game and movie releases. While this deal specifically covers video game actors, its structure and outcomes could influence how film and television actors approach their own negotiations regarding AI.


What Does This Mean for You (the Gamer)?

For you, this could lead to:

  • Increased game prices.

  • More of a game's budget being allocated to voice acting, potentially meaning less for other areas (like gameplay depth or visual polish).


On the positive side:

  • Actors, more confident they won't be replaced by AI without compensation, might deliver better performances.


The end of the strike means fewer delays in game releases, so you get to play highly anticipated titles sooner.

bottom of page