Another MSG reaction

Well, I’ve had another classic MSG reaction. I always seem to react by swelling around my mouth and my right eye.
This time I had a difficult time identifying the source as manufacturers are very clever in hiding MSG in “safe sounding” ingredients like proteins. (see here for a list)
But I think I traced it to a Zone protein bar where the primary ingredient is Soy protein isolate, which is listed as a likely source.
List of hidden sources of MSG.
I also found an interesting article linking MSG to obesity in America. If this is true, then it is ironic that the Zone diet people would be using MSG in the ingredients of their products.

Sunburst Studios

I have literally been waiting most of my life to have a chance to have my own music studio at home. Well, thanks to Moore’s law and the Labor Day say at Guitar center I now have all of the pieces to make it happen.
Besides using my computer, of course, I got the Digidesign MBox2 and the M-Audio Axiom 49 USB/MIDI controller.
I was up and running in a suprisingly short amount of time, making a few quick recordings and testing out the midi controller with Reason, I as I suspected I have now entered a very time consuming world of tech manuals, lots of experimentation, and trial and error.
One of the reasons I got the gear, was also to be able to easily capture vignettes or short riffs that come and go quickly. As soon as I get my act together, I’ll start posting here for people to comment on.

Eye to Eye

Almost exactly one month ago I went under the laser for vision correction surgery, or LASIK. I talked to quite a few people about it before I decided to go ahead, and everyone I spoke (except one) said “it’s great, it totally no big deal – you should do it.”
Well, I’m here to tell you it is great, but I wouldn’t say it’s no big deal. While the proceedure itself was relatively pain free, and only consisted of about 10 min of discomfort, the psychological stuff you go through to willingly allow someone to cut your eyes open for the 98% chance you’ll no longer need glasses is significant.
So my suggestion for people who have decided to get it done, is to do your research on your doctor, and make sure you feel completely comfortable with them, because at some point you will totally give yourself over to them and trust that they won’t screw up.
Another interesting thing I learned is that getting the all-laser surgery, where they actually cut the flap using lasers, isn’t usually the best choice becuase the edges of the cut don’t tend to be as clean due to the fact that they laser is burning to make the cut. Most of the top surgeons I found are still using the mechanical blade – that should tell you something. Aparently, the main reason you would want to use the laser is if your cornea if thin, in which case the laser can more precisely cut a thinner flap.
All that said, I had my one month follow-up exam today and am seeing 20/15 in both eyes, and the flaps have totally healed. They gave me a video of the procedure, but I haven’t been able to bring myself to watch it. Perhaps I’ll post it here. Warner, however, I understand there is blood involved.

No more glasses

It’s only been about 20 hours since my Lasik eye surgery, and the change is dramatic. The proceedure was pain free, and I only felt some mild discomfort through the proceedure. Since then the only mild side effect is some increased sensitivity to light. Otherwise, I went in for my post-op appointment this morning just 17 hours after the surgery and I was seeing 20/20.

Food warning

Recently I had an allergic reaction to something, my lips and eye swelled up pretty bad, and I generally felt terrible. I had experienced similar symptoms before, and suspected I had eaten something with MSG – I believe I am allergic, but have had a hard time proving it without inflicting it on myself.

The night before the reaction my wife brought home left-overs from California Pizza Kitchen – some asian noodle dish. Since most of my reaction have been post asian food, I suspected this was it. But I discounted it at first because I had always seen CPK as using natural ingredients. Well, it’s not so. I went again yesterday (this time I got a salad), but my wife got the same noodle dish again, and when I asked they admitted there was MSG in the dish. I suspect that is not the only dish they apply this chemical to.

If you are not aware, MSG is used as a flavor enhancer, but unlike regular salt, it doesn’t actually flavor the food. Instead, it effects your tastebuds and how you percieve the taste of the food. Essentially, it’s a drug, not a seasoning. Also, while laws state the the use of MSG as to be disclosed, it only pertains to when MSG is directly used. There are many other ingredients that can mask or hide MSG. So if you have a similar drug reaction like I had, or simply don’t want chemicals added to your food, it’s best to start asking.

I’m feeling a little wiggy today, and my lip swelled up again, so I suspect they put MSG in the sauce/dressing used in the salad I ate.