This is a big one. I tried to keep the lines close together, and I think there may only be one way through this one. (Sometimes, I leave 2 or 3 ways through.)
I write to you today with something that has had me perplexed for quite a while. It was recently suggested to me that you would be the the ones with the most knowledge and best skill set to deal with my query. I of course, thought that this was a splendid idea… which is why I’m (obviously I guess) writing to you now.
Do you like “blue flavored” drinks and Popsicles? I do. I enjoy them quite a lot, actually. Whether it’s the seemingly fictional blue raspberry, some sort of punch, Faygo’s Jazzin’ Blues Berry, or “Bug Juice”… I just seem to gravitate to blue colored drinks. As of late, I’ve noticed an interesting side-effect of said blue flavored drink consumption: For some reason, it tends to turn my feces a quite disturbing shade of green.
First, I wrote to Gallagher’s and my missive went unanswered. Perhaps they did not find the humor in my inquiry. Perhaps they were upset that I mentioned rival dairy, Turner’s, as having a better Iced Tea. Perhaps they were offended that I offered to provide photos as evidence of my brightly-hued chartreuse bowel movement upon request.
Second, I posted a question to the Yahoo! Answers community, and wasn’t exactly satisfied with the answer. I understand the general concept that what you eat determines the contents of your waste, but want a deeper explanation. Why does the blue dye turn out so green? Why doesn’t it come out blue? What is going on in there? What exactly isn’t digesting? Does that much blue dye really need to be there? Are my insides dyed blue or green after it comes out? Is it harmful? Are my intestines playing some sort of practical joke on my eyes?
In a tertiary attempt to unravel the mystery at hand, I contacted the good people at Turner Dairy Farms, and was met with a couple of responses, each unfortunately unable to answer my original question… but courteous and accommodating nonetheless. It was a Mr. Yon & his Quality Control Manager at Turner’s who directed my attention to your esteemed department as the group that would successfully be able to provide a satisfactory explanation of the process behind the green from my behind.
I would really appreciate any insight that you may have on the situation. Have studies been done about this phenomenon? Has anyone ever asked you about such things before? I have so many questions, and you’re the education experts! I really appreciate your taking the time to read my email, and thank you in advance for your assistance!
The Emerald Excreter,
-ERiC AiXeLsyD
Perhaps it was too goofy for all the other stuffy scientists? Maybe they’re scared of the Emerald Excreter!
At any rate, I got an amusing an informative answer (finally):
from: EDWARD MILLS <ewm3@psu.edu>
to: ERiC AiXeLsyD <world.and.lunar.domination@gmail.com>
date: Wed, Aug 18, 2010 at 2:07 PM
subject: Re: Blue + Brown = …Green?
mailed-by: psu.edu
Eric,
Interesting question with possibly a very simple explanation. The human eye sees green when blue and yellow light are reflected simultaneously from a surface. Blue food dye reflects blue light. Find a yellow dye to go with it and you could account for the observed green.
I would speculate that the blue food dye is passing through your GIT largely unchanged and is not absorbed across the gut wall. One of the more common pigments of normal stool in biliruben a yellow pigment (derived from hemoglobin or myoglobin breakdown). Put the two together and the resulting stool might appear green.
Have a great day!
Ed Mills
814-865-2394
Win! I did have a great day Mr. Mills, thanks to your easy to understand explanation. Finally, the great mystery is solved!
from Nicholas Yon <Nicholas@turnerdairy.net> to ERiC AiXeLsyD <world.and.lunar.domination@gmail.com> date Wed, Aug 11, 2010 subject RE: Galliker’s vs. Turner’s?
Eric-
Unfortunately, our Quality Control Director has no prior knowledge of your coloration situation and could not find any further information beyond if the body cannot digest or absorb something it will pass through the body possibly causing a color change. He indicated that you may want to contact the Penn State Food Science Department. Thanks again, sorry I could not be of more assistance.
P.S. Yes I get to drive the TeaBird from time to time. I haven’t had it out this summer yet though.
Nicholas
I think I have to write to Penn State Food Science Department now. I wonder if they have a sense of humor?
from ERiC AiXeLsyD <world.and.lunar.domination@gmail.com> to Nicholas@turnerdairy.net date Wed, Aug 4, 2010 subject Galliker’s vs. Turner’s? mailed-by gmail.com
hide details Aug 4 (2 days ago)
Hello Titans of Tea!
Recently I wrote to Galliker’s about their Blue Raspberry Drink, and I happened to mention Turner’s Dairy. They as of yet have not written me back. Perhaps they were upset that I mentioned that your tea is superior and that you have a cool Tea-bird while they do not? You can see the full email below.
At any rate, I’ve decided to stop consuming any Galliker’s products… even though I usually have to go out of my way to get Turner’s products. (I wish more Giant Eagle stores would carry your stuff!)
The only foreseeable problem is that I like their Blue Raspberry flavored drink. Do you guys have anything comparable? If so, know where I can get it in Bridgeville, Heidelberg, or anywhere in the South Hills?
Also… the main point of the email below is the odd coloration after the blue dye consumption. Do you have anything that’s a color that may balance it out? Science is fun! Do you guys have food scientists in your employ? Perhaps this would be something for them to tackle.
Thank you for your time, and have a great day!
Make mine Turner’s,
-Eric
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: ERiC AiXeLsyD <world.and.lunar.domination@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Jul 26, 2010
Subject: Blue Raspberry Drink & interesting side-effects?
To: info@gallikers.com
Cc: stangeletti@gallikers.com
Hello Mighty Milk Moguls,
I’m writing today to tell you how much I enjoy your Blue Raspberry drink. Man, it’s flavorful and gives me quite the sugar rush! I do enjoy Galliker’s milk and juices, although your iced tea isn’t quite as good as Turner’s. Your lime drink is also stellar… but typically we go for the blue. I was wondering why you don’t have them all pictured/listed somewhere on the website when I looked to find a way to contact you. It’s good to show everyone what you’ve got! Turner Dairy has a photo of all of their products on their website, along with nutritional information. I do enjoy the allergen information on the “Learn More” section of your site though… it’s something I take quite seriously as a person who suffers from a severe shellfish allergy.
The main reason that I’m writing to you today is to ask… why does your Blue Raspberry drink turn my poop into an odd shade of green? It’s quite a disturbing site until I realize that I drank some of your juice in the last 24 hours or so. Perhaps you ought to put a warning on the label? I’d love to know the science behind it. If you need photos, I can send them upon request.
Thank you for your time, and thanks in advance for the reply. I can’t wait to hear from you!
It’s not easy being green,
-Eric
P.S. – Turner’s has a Tea-Bird, do you guys have the Galliker’s Gremlin or something cool like that?
Ridiculous, but after getting nothing from Galliker’s and pretty much a “you’re goofy” from the Yahoo! Answers community… Why not? Well, it paid off. Nicholas form Turner’s wrote back!
from Nicholas Yon <Nicholas@turnerdairy.net> to ERiC AiXeLsyD <world.and.lunar.domination@gmail.com> date Wed, Aug 4, 2010 subject RE: Galliker’s vs. Turner’s?
Eric-
Thank you for the email and kind words. I hope the Brentwood Giant Eagle is still providing you with a viable (albeit it a somewhat far drive) option for procuring our Charlie’s Old Fashioned Buttermilk. We do produce a “Blue Bug Juice” product which is a blue raspberry flavored beverage (picture attached). Listed below is a location in Bridgeville that regularly carries said product as well as a number of additional Turner’s products. As far as the blue coloration, I’ve forwarded your email to our Quality Control Director for his insight. He’s on vacation this week and part of next so an answer will be forthcoming but may not be for a few weeks. He may need to discuss this with some colleagues. Thank you again for the email and for making our higher standard yours! Have a great afternoon.
7-11 Bridgeville
850 Boyce Road
Bridgeville, PA
Nicholas Yon
Marketing Director
Turner Dairy Farms, Inc.
From Local Farms to Local Families!
The attached picture:
Tuner's | Blue Bug Juice
I’m easily wowed by shiny things like pictures. Pretty neat! I’m going to have to pick up some of this bug juice. I hope it’s made from real bugs! (I’d love to… but can’t bring myself to write & ask that at this point.)
And… it’s awesome that this guy remembered me form before… because I totally sent the other email from my “real” email address… not this W(aL)D one. Granted, it’s a thinly veiled alias, but dude had to be paying attention. Kudos for that! Ha ha ha.
I wrote back to them, of course…
from ERiC AiXeLsyD <world.and.lunar.domination@gmail.com> to Nicholas Yon <Nicholas@turnerdairy.net> date Fri, Aug 6, 2010 subject Re: Galliker’s vs. Turner’s? mailed-by gmail.com
hide details 3:05 PM (54 minutes ago)
Thank you, Nicholas, for your quick and informative reply!
I will definitely be on the lookout for Blue Bug Juice! when I was young and went to camp, we always called the drink “bug juice”. Good times! I like the product by name alone. Ha ha ha. I can swing through Bridgeville on my way home from work. Thanks for the attached picture!
The Brentwood Giant Eagle is a great place for me to get Charlie’s Old Fasioned Buttermilk when the craving hits. Plus, I can use going down that way as an excuse to eat at the Brentwood Express Rowdy BBQ stand. Ever been there? It’s ridiculously awesome barbecue.
I really look forward to hearing from your Quality Control Director. I mean, I can make a guess as to the reason for my query, but I’d like an expert opinion. An answer from a committee of his peers would even be better!
I find it hilarious that your “esteemed” competition obviously has no sense of humor as a company. It must be boring to go through life with no appreciation for anything amusing.
I just need to make it a point to stop at Rite Aid more often to get my Turner’s iced tea fix… although I wish they’d carry a larger selection of products like the juices & lime tea.
Have a pleasant weekend!
-Eric
P.S. – Do you ever get to drive the Tea-Bird? That would make for an exciting weekend!
Hopefully I’ll hear something from this mysterious Quality Control Director and his esteemed panel of colleagues.
I wrote to Galliker’s to ask a silly question about their Blue Raspberry drink. Apparently they weren’t amused. Maybe it was all the Turner’s references. Maybe it was the offer of photos? I guess I’ll never know exactly where the line was crossed.
I couldn’t let the email go unseen or unanswered, so I turned to the Yahoo! Answers community.
Here’s the original email:
From: ERiC AiXeLsyD world.and.lunar.domination@gmail.com Date: Mon, Jul 26, 2010 Subject: Blue Raspberry Drink & interesting side-effects? To: info@gallikers.com Cc: stangeletti@gallikers.com
Hello Mighty Milk Moguls,
I’m writing today to tell you how much I enjoy your Blue Raspberry drink. Man, it’s flavorful and gives me quite the sugar rush! I do enjoy Galliker’s milk and juices, although your iced tea isn’t quite as good as Turner’s. Your lime drink is also stellar… but typically we go for the blue. I was wondering why you don’t have them all pictured/listed somewhere on the website when I looked to find a way to contact you. It’s good to show everyone what you’ve got! Turner Dairy has a photo of all of their products on their website, along with nutritional information. I do enjoy the allergen information on the “Learn More” section of your site though… it’s something I take quite seriously as a person who suffers from a severe shellfish allergy.
The main reason that I’m writing to you today is to ask… why does your Blue Raspberry drink turn my poop into an odd shade of green? It’s quite a disturbing site until I realize that I drank some of your juice in the last 24 hours or so. Perhaps you ought to put a warning on the label? I’d love to know the science behind it. If you need photos, I can send them upon request.
Thank you for your time, and thanks in advance for the reply. I can’t wait to hear from you!
It’s not easy being green,
-Eric
P.S. – Turner’s has a Tea-Bird, do you guys have the Galliker’s Gremlin or something cool like that?
Some people sure are wound tightly. I did get an honest genuine answer though, thanks to a Salt and Peppy. Of course, Dave was also there to encourage.
I’m told that means “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” or more accurately “Blessings of St. Patrick’s Day upon ye!”. I hope that’s right. Today, we celebrate Irish heritage. How the holiday’s become that, I have no idea. I’d like to share with you some Irish toasts, blessing, song, & food. If you’re not of Irish descent, well… we’ll forgive for just one day. As long as you forgive me for skipping the Guinness and sticking to the Smithwick’s.
Irish toasts & blessings…
A family of Irish birth will argue and fight,
But let a shout come from without and see them all unite.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
An Irishman is never drunk
as long as he can hold on to
one blade of grass and not
fall off the face of the earth.
As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction!
Bless your little Irish heart — and every other Irish part.
From the great Gales of Ireland
Are the men that God made mad,
For all their wars are merry
And all their songs are sad.
Grant me a sense of humor, Lord,
the saving grace to see a joke,
To win some happiness from life,
And pass it on to other folks.
Here’s a toasting to his health.
But not too many toastings
Lest you lose yourself and then
Forget the good Saint Patrick
And see all those snakes again.
Here’s to a sweetheart, a bottle, and a friend.
The first beautiful, the second full, the last ever faithful.
Here’s to you and yours,
And to mine and ours,
And if mine and ours ever come
Across you and yours,
I hope you and yours will do
As much for mine and ours,
As mine and ours have done
For you and yours!
Here’s to a long life and a merry one.
A quick death and an easy one.
A pretty girl and an honest one.
A cold pint– and another one!
Here’s to the land of the shamrock so green,
Here’s to each lad and his darlin colleen,
Here’s to the ones we love dearest and most.
May God bless old Ireland, that’s this Irishman’s toast!
Here’s to women’s kisses,
and to whiskey, amber clear;
Not as sweet as a woman’s kiss,
but a darn sight more sincere!
Here’s to women’s kisses,
and to whiskey, amber clear;
Not as sweet as a woman’s kiss,
but a darn sight more sincere!
I drink to your health when I’m with you,
I drink to your health when I’m alone,
I drink to your health so often,
I’m starting to worry about my own!
I have known many,
and liked not a few,
but loved only one
and this toast is to you.
May God grant you always…
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.
May good luck be your friend
In whatever you do
And may trouble be always
A stranger to you.
May joy and peace surround you,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now
And bless you evermore.
May misfortune follow you the rest of your life, and never catch up.
May neighbours respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.
May the face of every good news and the back of every bad news be towards us.
May the good saints protect you
And bless you today
And may troubles ignore you
Each step of the way
May the grass grow long on the road to hell for want of use.
May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.
May the leprechauns be near you,
To spread luck along your way.
And may all the Irish angels,
Smile upon you on St. Patrick’s Day.
May the lilt of Irish laughter Lighten every load,
May the mist of Irish magic Shorten every road,
May you taste the sweetest pleasures That fortune ere bestowed,
And may all your friends remember all the favors you are owed.
May the luck of the Irish
Lead to happiest heights
And the highway you travel
Be lined with green lights.
May the lilt of Irish laughter lighten every load.
May the mist of Irish magic Shorten every road…
And may all your friends remember
All the favours you are owed!
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
May the rocks in your field turn to gold.
May the roof above you never fall in,
And those gathered beneath it never fall out.
May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
May the winds of fortune sail you,
May you sail a gentle sea.
May it always be the other guy
who says, “this drink’s on me.”
May you be in heaven a full half hour before the devil knows your dead.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings,
slow to make enemies and quick to make friends.
And may you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.
May you get all your wishes but one, so that you will always have something to strive for!
May you have food and raiment,
a soft pillow for your head.
May you be forty years in heaven
before the devil knows you’re dead.
May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been,
The foresight to know where you are going,
And the insight to know when you have gone too far.
May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been,
the foresight to know where you’re going,
and the insight to know when you’ve gone too far.
May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door.
May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.
May you live to be 100 years, with one extra year to repent.
May you never find trouble
All crowdin’ and shovin’
But always good fortune
All smilin’ and lovin’
May you taste the sweetest pleasures that fortune ere bestowed,
And may all your friends remember all the favors you are owed.
May your heart be light and happy,
May your smile be big and wide,
And may your pockets always have
a coin or two inside!
May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.
May your home be filled with laughter
May your pockets be filled with gold
And may you have all the happiness
Your Irish heart can hold.
May your mornings bring joy
and your evenings bring peace…
May your troubles grow less
as your blessings increase!
May your pockets be heavy—
Your heart be light,
And may good luck pursue you
Each morning and night.
May your pockets be heavy—
Your heart be light,
And may good luck pursue you
Each morning and night.
May your right hand always be stretched out in friendship and never in want.
May your troubles be less
And your blessing be more
And nothing but happiness
Come through your door
My friends are the best friends
Loyal, willing and able.
Now let’s get to drinking!
All glasses off the table!
Saint Patrick was a gentleman,
Who through strategy and stealth,
Drove all the snakes from Ireland,
That the tap may be open when it rusts!
There are good ships,
and there are wood ships,
The ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships, are friendships,
And may they always be.
We drink to your coffin. May it be built from the wood of a hundred year old oak tree that I shall plant tomorrow.
When we drink, we get drunk.
When we get drunk, we fall asleep.
When we fall asleep, we commit no sin.
When we commit no sin, we go to heaven.
So, let’s all get drunk, and go to heaven!
Wherever you go and whatever you do, May the luck of the Irish be there with you.
Here’s to cheating, stealing, fighting, and drinking!
If you cheat, may you cheat death.
If you steal, may you steal a woman’s heart.
If you fight, may you fight for a brother.
And if you drink, may you drink with me. … Slainte!
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings, slow to make enemies, quick to make friends. But rich or poor, quick or slow, may you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.
May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.
May the strength of three be in your journey.
May the sound of happy music, And the lilt of Irish laughter, fill your heart with gladness, that stays forever after.
Here’s to me, and here’s to you,
And here’s to love and laughter-
I’ll be true as long as you,
And not one moment after.
There are many good reasons for drinking,
One has just entered my head-
If a man doesn’t drink when he’s living,
How the hell can he drink when he’s dead?
May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.
May you have love that never ends,
lots of money, and lots of friends.
Health be yours, whatever you do,
and may God send many blessings to you!
May the sun shine, all day long,
everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
and may all the wishes you wish come true!
May you have:
A world of wishes at your command.
God and his angels close to hand.
Friends and family their love impart,
and Irish blessings in your heart!
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
a full moon on a dark night,
and the road downhill all the way to your door.
For each petal on the shamrock.
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
May the embers from the open hearth warm your hands,
May the sun’s rays from the Irish sky warm your face,
May the children’s bright smiles warm your heart,
May the everlasting love I give you warm your soul.
May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as a song,
May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
That stay with you all the year long.
May joy and peace surround you,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now,
And bless you evermore.
May the saint protect ye-
An’ sorrow neglect ye,
An’ bad luck to the one
That doesn’t respect ye
t’ all that belong to ye,
An long life t’ yer honor-
That’s the end of my song t’ ye!
May good luck be your friend
In whatever you do.
And may trouble be always
A stranger to you.
May your blessings outnumber
The Shamrocks that grow.
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
May your troubles be less,
And your blessing be more.
And nothing but happiness,
Come through your door.
And some Irish song…
This one’s from Seamus Kennedy, you need to check him out if he’s ever on tour in a pub or a festival near you!
Saint Patrick was a gentleman,
Who through strategy and stealth,
Drove all the snakes from Ireland,
Here’s a toasting to his health.
But not too many toastings
Lest you lose yourself and then
Forget the good Saint Patrick
And see all those snakes again.
World (and Lunar) Domination 