This year’s contest saw a record number of entries.

It is not hard to imagine a consumer reaching past a bloated yogurt package with a look of disgust. Now imagine him or her reaching past that yeast-spoiled cup for a pristine package of the adjacent yogurt brand, turning it over and then exclaiming, in equal disgust, "Sorbate, I’m not eating that!" The yogurt goes back on the shelf, and the consumer walks away from the cultured dairy aisle.

I am in a reflective state of mind as I wrap up my last regular contribution to “Culturally Speaking.” While I do not advocate living in the past, there is much to be learned from what has come before us so we move smartly into the future.