These Robotic Fish Could Soon Be Doing Your Laundry

The white worms we occasionally spot in salmon fillets are parasites called roundworms. Though these worms are more noticeable in salmon due to the contrast in color, they can be found in many white fish too — they’re just camouflaged.

But we shouldn’t be freaking out.

Despite the fact that our knee-jerk reaction is to panic and consider things contaminated, roundworms are as natural to fish as insects are to fruits and veggies. A teeny white worm in your salmon is the equivalent to an aphid, thrip, or mite in your recently harvested greens. Yes, it’s still yucky AF, but totally natural.

The good news is that roundworms don’t pose health risks when fish is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the FDA’s recommendation. When it comes to lightly preserved or raw fish — like sushi, sashimi, ceviche, or gravlax — as long as the product was commercially frozen to an internal temperature of -4 degrees Fahrenheit for at least seven days prior to preparation, parasites are terminated. (High five, fellow sushi lovers!)

Just be sure to avoid sketchy sushi joints; when you hear about people getting sick from eating at low-profile all-you-can-eat sushi spot, it’s because they aren’t handling their fish properly.

It is believed by some that wild-caught fish are more susceptible to roundworms due to the fact that they interact with an external ecosystem, while farmed fish are segregated from the wild and are fed pellets treated for parasites. This isn’t something *we* can confirm, but it’s food for thought nonetheless.

If you really want to feast on fish but paranoia has now gotten the best of you, there is an at-home method you can try: fish candling. This method has you place a bright light beneath a fillet of fish so you can see the shadows of any worms present. You can then grab some tweezers and remove, then discard of the worms yourself. (This method obviously isn’t for the faint of heart.)

We say, thoroughly cook your fish and pretend worms never happened!

1. How is it running a business as a wife-and-husband team, with five children no less!

We capitalize on each other's strengths, and we help each other grow in our respective areas. I try to get comfortable with the things that he's good at and he tries to get comfortable with the paperwork – and the things that I'm a little bit more good at, and being aware of those responsibilities. So as long as we do that, things work out well.

2. What’s a recent small win for you and your business?

My husband recently learned how to repair a lot of different things. He paid attention to what the repairmen we hired to do the work were doing. Our top loaders, our most popular washing machine, takes a lot of wear and tear. They're not the easiest to maintain. My husband has learned how to fix them. That's a small win.

The second one, because I said I capitalize on his strengths and my strengths, is I've been much better about working with accounting software. I used Verizon Small Business resources to learn how to make our books easier.

3. Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

My husband and I both agree that the women who contract with us for our wash/dry/fold – who we were able to springboard with support from the Verizon grant program – have inspired us because they were homeless coming out of the pandemic. They were able to come into our establishment and start their own small business, and that's something that we are super proud of these women for, for taking the steps that they did to start their own small business.

4. What's a book, podcast, or resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

Before 2018, my husband bought this DVD set by Danny D'Angelo, the KING of Laundry, and we were able to learn about the business just from sitting down and listening to him. A few years later, my husband was on his podcast! He was really, really inspirational to us.

5. How has the Verizon Small Business program helped propel your business forward?

The free resources are always a benefit because you're not obligated to do anything other than taking the time to seek out information. We're just real people and I feel like Verizon is a partnership with us in small business, supporting us, and believing in us. We've been able to expand our business because Verizon gave us a shot to do that. And that's amazing.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Team J&S.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces.

Wallpaper Ideas

BelArte Studio Artistic Lines White

For a more graphic maximalist look, this abstract wall mural does the trick in four different colors.

BelArte Studio Sky Wild Forest Ivy Green

Go bold on the ceiling with this hand painted forest wallpaper that climbs from the ceiling and down the wall for a stunning conversation piece.

Hygge & West Daydream Wallpaper

Kids rooms are a great place to play with pattern and spark kids imaginations as they drift off to sleep. This design by @addisonswonderland uses Hygge & West's soaring birds and floating clouds overhead.

Hygge & West Daydream Wallpaper

In another colorway for a completely different look, @oakandpillar used this Daydream Wallpaper in gold to pair with the gorgeous dark cabinetry here.

Hygge & West Forest Floor

This ceiling installation by Cass Smith of @cassmakeshome is a dramatic statement in atop a neutral space.

Graham & Brown Tramonto Amber Wallpaper

Get creative with wallpaper on the ceiling and then a faux headboard to match!

Graham & Brown Midnight Tropic Wallpaper

Powder rooms are perfect for a playful wallpapered ceiling aesthetic.

Photowall Silhouettes in Flight

Using wallpaper to accentuate a beautiful molding is an easy yet impactful way to upgrade your decor.

Wallpaper Tips

York Wall Coverings Evening Star Geometric

Try two complementary wallpapers, like a floral and a graphic, for an eclectic look.

Wallpaper Tips:

• Work with a buddy: Hanging wallpaper on a ceiling can be tricky, so having an extra set of hands can make it much easier.
• Use a temporary support: For longer strips, you might need to support the wallpaper temporarily with painter's tape until it's actually secured.
• Consider your lighting situation: When choosing wallpaper, keep in mind how ceiling lighting will affect the wallpaper color and pattern. Make sure to test a swatch by taping it to the ceiling and observing the day and night light.

Paint Ideas

These circus stripes from design retailer Maison Deux are so on trend right now and just so fun!

Farrow & Ball Broccoli Brown

Color drench your rooms from floor to ceiling with this dark stone color that feels natural and elegant and totally on trend.

Farrow & Ball Sulking Room Pink

Pair complementary tones like this muted rose in Farrow & Ball Calamine and richer pink for a color blocked aesthetic.

Clare Paint Good Jeans Paint

Here's another cozy color-drenched look by @kyrosedesign.

Dulux Paint Pressed Petal

Try a statement stripe that creates a dining moment for two.

Painting Tips

Painting Tips

• Paint in natural light: If possible, paint during the day when natural light is brightest. This helps you catch any missed spots or uneven coverage more easily.
• Start with the edges: Use a brush to “cut in” around the edges of the ceiling, creating a border. This makes it easier to roll paint up to the edges without bumping into walls or light fixtures.
• Use a pole extension: An extension pole gives you better control, minimizes neck strain, and helps you achieve an even coat.
• Roll in one direction, then cross-roll: Apply the first coat by rolling in one direction, usually parallel to the longest wall. Then, cross-roll by going perpendicular to the first direction to avoid streaks.
• Let each coat dry. This is the kind of project you don't want to rush, so let your layers dry before applying another coat. The paint can should say drying times for the best finish!

Mouldings + Wood

Anthropologie Delphine Rattan Chandelier

If your ceiling needs a little love, add a ceiling ring and a statement chandelier and you have a refreshing new look. Medallions are also surprisingly affordable for an elegant look.

Ashford Smooth Panel Moulding Kit

This highly rated moulding looks great on the wall or the fifth wall.

Wood Ceiling Beams

Wood beams create a rustic look and give cozy cabin vibes!