Birdfeeding
Apr. 19th, 2025 12:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithToday is cloudy, rainy, and cool. It started raining yesterday evening and is still going.
I fed the birds. Not much activity today.
EDIT 4/19/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
It is not currently raining.
EDIT 4/19/25 -- I took out one of the big self-watering pots from Family Dollar. I filled the bottom half with American Countryside composted manure and the top half with American Countryside potting soil. Then I planted a 'Mr. Stripey' heirloom tomato. I put the pot on the new picnic table.
.
I fed the birds. Not much activity today.
EDIT 4/19/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
It is not currently raining.
EDIT 4/19/25 -- I took out one of the big self-watering pots from Family Dollar. I filled the bottom half with American Countryside composted manure and the top half with American Countryside potting soil. Then I planted a 'Mr. Stripey' heirloom tomato. I put the pot on the new picnic table.
.
Philosophical Questions: Immigrants
Apr. 19th, 2025 01:01 amysabetwordsmithPeople have expressed interest in deep topics, so this list focuses on philosophical questions.
Is it just and right to deny entry to a country when doing so probably means death for the immigrant and their family?
No. People should have freedom of movement, and not need the permission of one owner to leave the cage they were born in and another owner's permission to enter a different cage. Safety is also a human right.
And this is going to kill a lot of people, because climate refugees aren't even recognized as real refugees with rights, but humans are creating millions of them.
Is it just and right to deny entry to a country when doing so probably means death for the immigrant and their family?
No. People should have freedom of movement, and not need the permission of one owner to leave the cage they were born in and another owner's permission to enter a different cage. Safety is also a human right.
And this is going to kill a lot of people, because climate refugees aren't even recognized as real refugees with rights, but humans are creating millions of them.
Creative Jam
Apr. 19th, 2025 12:49 amysabetwordsmithThe April ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
crowdfunding Creative Jam is now open with a theme of "Empowerment." Com give us prompts, or claim some for your own inspiration!
What I Have Written
From My Prompts
crowdfunding Creative Jam is now open with a theme of "Empowerment." Com give us prompts, or claim some for your own inspiration! What I Have Written
From My Prompts
Tags:
Vocabulary: Ladramhaiola
Apr. 18th, 2025 10:22 pmysabetwordsmithFrom 1word1day
Friday word: Ladramhaiola
Ladramhaiola (Irish Gaelic): a day that was frittered away, despite one's planning to get a lot done.
We call this "day eaten by locusts."
1word1dayFriday word: Ladramhaiola
Ladramhaiola (Irish Gaelic): a day that was frittered away, despite one's planning to get a lot done.
We call this "day eaten by locusts."
Join the Fictionfolk Webring
Apr. 18th, 2025 09:09 pmysabetwordsmithAre you fictionfolk? Do you have a personal website? We'd love to have you join our webring! We've have yet to see anyone make fictionfolk webring, so we're filling the gap ourselves.
Safety
Apr. 18th, 2025 08:46 pmysabetwordsmithWHAT MAKES A HOME FEEL SAFE FOR AUTISTIC PEOPLE?
Autistic children and adults often lack access to spaces that make them feel safe, or allow them to decompress and be themselves without interference or unwelcome scrutiny. Sometimes a lack of safe spaces is no one’s fault, as when living quarters have limited size or privacy. But too often, autistic safety, comfort, and ease are not considered due to a lack of autism understanding, or rejected outright due to insistence on complying with non-autistic lifestyle approaches.
While ideally all non-autistic people and professionals would understand what makes spaces feel safe for autistic people, the baseline should be that autistic people have at least one space to retreat to: their homes. We talked to autistic people from a variety of backgrounds—including autistic parents of autistic and neurodivergent kids—about strategies for making homes feel safe for the autistic people who live in them.
( Read more... )
Autistic children and adults often lack access to spaces that make them feel safe, or allow them to decompress and be themselves without interference or unwelcome scrutiny. Sometimes a lack of safe spaces is no one’s fault, as when living quarters have limited size or privacy. But too often, autistic safety, comfort, and ease are not considered due to a lack of autism understanding, or rejected outright due to insistence on complying with non-autistic lifestyle approaches.
While ideally all non-autistic people and professionals would understand what makes spaces feel safe for autistic people, the baseline should be that autistic people have at least one space to retreat to: their homes. We talked to autistic people from a variety of backgrounds—including autistic parents of autistic and neurodivergent kids—about strategies for making homes feel safe for the autistic people who live in them.
( Read more... )
Birdfeeding
Apr. 18th, 2025 04:18 pmysabetwordsmithToday is cloudy, windy, and warm.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, several grackles, and a robin.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/18/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 4/18/25 -- I planted one spearmint in the cistern garden and two bleeding hearts in the log garden.
EDIT 4/18/25 -- I planted a 'Festival Maxima' white peony and 3 lilies of the valley in the white garden.
EDIT 4/18/25 -- I watered the recently planted things.
EDIT 4/18/25 -- I filled a trolley with dead weed stems and dumped it in the firepit. I think that's about it for weed stems in the way of that particular spot. There's still a pile of dead brush that needs picking up though.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, several grackles, and a robin.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/18/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 4/18/25 -- I planted one spearmint in the cistern garden and two bleeding hearts in the log garden.
EDIT 4/18/25 -- I planted a 'Festival Maxima' white peony and 3 lilies of the valley in the white garden.
EDIT 4/18/25 -- I watered the recently planted things.
EDIT 4/18/25 -- I filled a trolley with dead weed stems and dumped it in the firepit. I think that's about it for weed stems in the way of that particular spot. There's still a pile of dead brush that needs picking up though.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
Safety
Apr. 18th, 2025 01:17 pmysabetwordsmithSurvivor of notorious New Orleans child sex abuser priest speaks out for first time
Neil Duhon blames archdiocese for allowing his rapist to prey on children throughout his career.
The clergy abuse survivor who helped prosecutors secure the only conviction against a notorious child rapist and retired Roman Catholic priest in New Orleans is still hoping that authorities file criminal charges against his former high school principal and everyone else who enabled the clergyman.
“Everybody that had any part … needs to be held accountable. Period – period,” Neil Duhon, whose rapist was Lawrence Hecker, said in an interview with WWL Louisiana and the Guardian, the first and only time he’s ever revealed his identity to the public.
"Priests are fuckers."
-- Shiv
Neil Duhon blames archdiocese for allowing his rapist to prey on children throughout his career.
The clergy abuse survivor who helped prosecutors secure the only conviction against a notorious child rapist and retired Roman Catholic priest in New Orleans is still hoping that authorities file criminal charges against his former high school principal and everyone else who enabled the clergyman.
“Everybody that had any part … needs to be held accountable. Period – period,” Neil Duhon, whose rapist was Lawrence Hecker, said in an interview with WWL Louisiana and the Guardian, the first and only time he’s ever revealed his identity to the public.
"Priests are fuckers."
-- Shiv
Food
Apr. 18th, 2025 01:15 pmysabetwordsmithFDA to suspend quality-control program for food testing due to staff cuts
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is suspending a quality-control program for its food-testing laboratories as a result of staff cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), according to an internal email seen by Reuters.
The proficiency testing program of the FDA’s Food Emergency Response Network is designed to ensure consistency and accuracy across the agency’s network of about 170 labs that test food for pathogens and contaminants to prevent food-borne illness.
The firing and departure of as many as 20,000 HHS employees has upended public health research and disrupted the agency’s work on areas like bird flu and drug reviews. Donald Trump hopes to slash as much as $40bn from HHS.
Disturbing, but hardly a surprise.
Do you have a yard, or access to a community garden? You might want to plant edibles so you'll know where they've been.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is suspending a quality-control program for its food-testing laboratories as a result of staff cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), according to an internal email seen by Reuters.
The proficiency testing program of the FDA’s Food Emergency Response Network is designed to ensure consistency and accuracy across the agency’s network of about 170 labs that test food for pathogens and contaminants to prevent food-borne illness.
The firing and departure of as many as 20,000 HHS employees has upended public health research and disrupted the agency’s work on areas like bird flu and drug reviews. Donald Trump hopes to slash as much as $40bn from HHS.
Disturbing, but hardly a surprise.
Do you have a yard, or access to a community garden? You might want to plant edibles so you'll know where they've been.
Where are the trans people toilets?
Apr. 18th, 2025 01:08 pmysabetwordsmithCopied from jayblanc for brilliant activism:
Here's a sample letter you might consider sending to your local authority if you live in the UK.
"To Whom it may concern,
I'm making a freedom of information request for information regarding your provision of toilets and changing rooms in Cherwell council operated buildings. As the new legal ruling requires the rights of Trans people not to be discriminated agains, can you please identify the Trans persons bathroom and changing facilities in all [LOCAL AUTHORITY] operated buildings, and certifications that they are of equal amenity to any other present bathroom and changing facilities. I advise that shared spaces currently dedicated to Disabled persons would not count towards such amenity, as it would be dilution of the provision for Disabled people.
Yours - Name and address"
And perhaps we can start a campaign of going into public authority buildings and asking where "The Trans person toilets" are, then explaining they now have a legal obligation to provide one.
jayblanc for brilliant activism:Here's a sample letter you might consider sending to your local authority if you live in the UK.
"To Whom it may concern,
I'm making a freedom of information request for information regarding your provision of toilets and changing rooms in Cherwell council operated buildings. As the new legal ruling requires the rights of Trans people not to be discriminated agains, can you please identify the Trans persons bathroom and changing facilities in all [LOCAL AUTHORITY] operated buildings, and certifications that they are of equal amenity to any other present bathroom and changing facilities. I advise that shared spaces currently dedicated to Disabled persons would not count towards such amenity, as it would be dilution of the provision for Disabled people.
Yours - Name and address"
And perhaps we can start a campaign of going into public authority buildings and asking where "The Trans person toilets" are, then explaining they now have a legal obligation to provide one.
Jug Crafts for Gardening
Apr. 18th, 2025 12:38 pmysabetwordsmithThis is one of the comments I made over on Frugal Friday.
A translucent plastic jug (e.g. milk jug, water jug) can be used to make various garden crafts. I prefer the gallon size, but half-gallon will work for some purposes.
( Read more... )
A translucent plastic jug (e.g. milk jug, water jug) can be used to make various garden crafts. I prefer the gallon size, but half-gallon will work for some purposes.
( Read more... )
Frugal Friday
Apr. 18th, 2025 12:09 pmysabetwordsmithecosophia has posted Frugal Friday where everyone is welcome to share money-aaving tips. \o/ This is a recurring post so watch for it weekly.Sinners
Apr. 18th, 2025 07:31 pmscaramoucheI just watched Sinners! I was waffling about checking it out today because time was a bit tight for me, but I'm glad I did. No spoilers, just music.👍
I did get jumpscared by a song I knew later in the movie, that was fun.
I did get jumpscared by a song I knew later in the movie, that was fun.
Never Forget
Apr. 18th, 2025 12:45 amysabetwordsmithThe survivors of the Shoah remember, because they have seen this before.
Never forget. Never again.
And in case you need a reminder of why.
Never forget. Never again.
And in case you need a reminder of why.
Reality Imitating Art
Apr. 17th, 2025 08:18 pmysabetwordsmithExclusive: Musk's SpaceX is frontrunner to build Trump's Golden Dome missile shield
SpaceX is leading a bid to build Golden Dome with startups Anduril and Palantir, six people said
The SpaceX-led group is pitching the Pentagon on a 'subscription model' for missile defense, sources said
SpaceX proposes a constellation of 400 to more than 1,000 missile defense satellites, sources said
The stupid, it burns like hydrogen.
Today In “I Literally F*cking Wrote This” by John Scalzi
You know who thought up a subscription-based defense model in his book Starter Villain? FUCKING ME THAT’S WHO. That smug fascist owes me a percentage. I won’t get it, of course and if I did get it I would donate that shit to all the “woke” things he hates so fast it would make his brain swim.
*sigh* Those who don't read science fiction are doomed to repeat it.
SpaceX is leading a bid to build Golden Dome with startups Anduril and Palantir, six people said
The SpaceX-led group is pitching the Pentagon on a 'subscription model' for missile defense, sources said
SpaceX proposes a constellation of 400 to more than 1,000 missile defense satellites, sources said
The stupid, it burns like hydrogen.
Today In “I Literally F*cking Wrote This” by John Scalzi
You know who thought up a subscription-based defense model in his book Starter Villain? FUCKING ME THAT’S WHO. That smug fascist owes me a percentage. I won’t get it, of course and if I did get it I would donate that shit to all the “woke” things he hates so fast it would make his brain swim.
*sigh* Those who don't read science fiction are doomed to repeat it.
Navajo Peaches
Apr. 17th, 2025 04:54 pmysabetwordsmithHow a Navajo Scientist Is Helping to Restore Traditional Peach Horticulture
People have grown peach trees in the vast desert landscape of the southwestern United States for hundreds of years. Peach orchards in Canyon de Chelly National Monument were first sown by predecessors of the Hopi people and in the 1700s by the Navajos. They were part of a local economy of shepherding, small-scale farming, hunting, and gathering. Of the orchard fruits adopted by the Navajo people, the peach became the most culturally significant. It was a versatile food, trade good, and feature of traditional ceremonies. The peaches are now predominantly modern varieties, but young Navajo horticulturist Reagan Wytsalucy, who is collaborating with the National Park Service at Canyon de Chelly, understands there’s great interest in returning to the centuries-old, traditional peaches. Her groundbreaking research shows why.
Wytsalucy is working with Indigenous communities to increase the availability of traditional crops for original uses. She hopes this will counter food insecurity, increase resiliency, and perpetuate traditional cultural knowledge.
This is a great cultural accomplishment. It's also valuable in the face of climate change, which is causing droughts in many more places. You can help by growing a climate-resilient garden with drought-resistant crops.
People have grown peach trees in the vast desert landscape of the southwestern United States for hundreds of years. Peach orchards in Canyon de Chelly National Monument were first sown by predecessors of the Hopi people and in the 1700s by the Navajos. They were part of a local economy of shepherding, small-scale farming, hunting, and gathering. Of the orchard fruits adopted by the Navajo people, the peach became the most culturally significant. It was a versatile food, trade good, and feature of traditional ceremonies. The peaches are now predominantly modern varieties, but young Navajo horticulturist Reagan Wytsalucy, who is collaborating with the National Park Service at Canyon de Chelly, understands there’s great interest in returning to the centuries-old, traditional peaches. Her groundbreaking research shows why.
Wytsalucy is working with Indigenous communities to increase the availability of traditional crops for original uses. She hopes this will counter food insecurity, increase resiliency, and perpetuate traditional cultural knowledge.
This is a great cultural accomplishment. It's also valuable in the face of climate change, which is causing droughts in many more places. You can help by growing a climate-resilient garden with drought-resistant crops.
Birdfeeding
Apr. 17th, 2025 01:59 pmysabetwordsmithToday is cloudy, breezy, and chilly. Rain is forecasted but not yet falling.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I planted 2 Queen of the Prairie in the prairie garden.
I saw a brown thrasher.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I mulched around the Queen of the Prairie.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I planted 3 red plum seeds in pots.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I spread a bag of Better Earth Premium Organic Compost over the telephone pole garden.
I've seen Nipple Squirrel at the hopper feeder.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I covered the telephone pole garden with a plastic mesh fence.
I planted a cinnamon fern in the forest garden.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I watered the newly planted things.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I watered plants on the two picnic tables, plus the pansies on the patio and some other stuff.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I filled two trolleys with dead weeds from the south side of the house, and dumped them in the firepit.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I planted 2 Queen of the Prairie in the prairie garden.
I saw a brown thrasher.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I mulched around the Queen of the Prairie.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I planted 3 red plum seeds in pots.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I spread a bag of Better Earth Premium Organic Compost over the telephone pole garden.
I've seen Nipple Squirrel at the hopper feeder.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I covered the telephone pole garden with a plastic mesh fence.
I planted a cinnamon fern in the forest garden.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I watered the newly planted things.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I watered plants on the two picnic tables, plus the pansies on the patio and some other stuff.
EDIT 4/17/25 -- I filled two trolleys with dead weeds from the south side of the house, and dumped them in the firepit.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.