Frank N. Foode « Biofortified

Fundrasing goal achieved

by Frank N. Foode on 22 January 2012

Hi everyone! It’s me, the one and only Frank N. Foode – and I have got some great news for you! A few weeks ago, we announced a fundraising drive for Biofortified with some lofty goals in mind. Hosting, videos, interview transcripts, artwork, and fees to incorporate as a 501(c) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, and more. Our editors figured out that this could all be possible if the blog raised $2012 for the coming year.

There were many ways to contribute: Paypal donations, merchandise, telling your friends, and good ol’ fashioned checks in the mail. Bit by bit donations were rolling in, and I can also tell you that someone, somewhere, is the proud owner of a calendar featuring cheesecake shots of yours truly.

A week ago we got to less than $100 of our goal, but then at the end of the week we suddenly passed it and then some. With the fundraising drive now at a close, we come to the moment you have all been waiting for. How much did Biofortified raise toward our goal for 2012?

Drum roll please……

Send Frank around the World

by Frank N. Foode on 4 January 2012

Happy New Year one and all! Frank N. Foode here to give you an update on Biofortified’s fundraising drive for 2012. We’ve got big plans for the blog for this next year, and that means taking in some big money to make it possible. Last week, we announced that we wanted to raise $2012 for 2012, and almost one week later, I am pleased to announce that we are almost all the way there!

Donations have been coming in from all over the place. Word of mouth has spread amongst public scientists, who have been providing the bulk of donations. We’re sending along a little blog shwag to a really generous group that is part of a nonprofit breeding foundation, who not only gave personal donations, but also encouraged their colleagues to do the same! I think we may have picked up some readers in the process too.

PZ Myers, possibly the most cuddly cuttlefish in the world, stepped in to promote our effort on Pharyngula, and soon enough some science blog supporters came in and moved the needle as well! Thank you PZ, and thank you everyone from the Pharyngulation horde!

Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for. As of today, Biofortified has raised $1765.79 toward our $2012 goal! That’s almost 88% of the way there, with only $246.21 left to go. I know we can do it! Just look at the corn plant in the sidebar – the tassels are just starting to bloom!

Community Contest #5 Winners!

by Frank N. Foode on 18 December 2011

Hello one and all, your favorite genetically engineered corn is here to spread a little cheer! At long last, I am pleased to announce the winners of our recent carving and costume contest.

For this community contest, the stakes were high. With two tote bags, two books, and a Norman Borlaug coin up for grabs, it took ingenuity, creativity, and sewing acuity to make an entry that stood out. We had Luscious of Borg dress as a living work of art with her Son of Man outfit, and an aptly-named and mustached “flavor saver” pumpkin by Richard R. and son. So far, excellent! (One judge was forced to recuse himself as he painted the apple on Ms. of Borg’s face.)

Then CulturaBiotech pulled some maize out o’ the old packet and whipped up a Bt Corn Darth Vader. Stepping outside the pumpkin box, (and into a freeze dryer flask?) it sure caught the attention of the judges.

Then SkepticalVegan posted his entry… Frank N. Foode. Hey that’s my name. Wait, what?

2011 Frankenfood Carving and Costume Contest

by Frank N. Foode on 26 October 2011

Hey there everyone, Frank N. Foode here. There have been lots of things going on in the world, but not so much that we can’t come together for another community contest. It is October, which means that we’re nearing the third birthday of this blog and of yours truly. What a better way to celebrate than by holding our second annual carving contest?

But, first things first. In our last community contest, we wanted to find the most co-existing community member who has provided helpful and productive comments. It was a difficult decision for the editors to make, but the winner of our fourth community contest is none other than Ewan R! His contributions to the community have been a delight, from long comments breaking down arguments piece by piece, to clever witticisms that always bring a laugh.

For his prize, he chose to receive a copy of Tomorrow’s Table, which is on its way to him along with a tote bag. Four cheers for Ewan! (Because three are not enough.)

So lets get to this year’s extravaganza.

Great Darwin’s Galapagos!

by Frank N. Foode on 30 June 2011

Hi everyone, Frank N. Foode here.

I’m here to answer the call for a de-lurking post, so I thought I would break the ice and show a couple pictures from my recent trip to Madison, Wisconsin, to attend the March Procession of the Species. Humans of all shapes and stripes were dressing up as their favorite species to celebrate the work of Charles Darwin. And here he is – the years have been very kind to Chuck, but I didn’t realize he was so big!