#LARGEST WHEAT PLANT

[flowerishness]

Poaceae The grass family including Cortaderia selloana (Pampas grass) and Miscanthus sinensis (Zebra grass)

I don't really think of members of the grass family as flowering plants, but of course they are. The grass family is huge with 780 genera divided into over 12,000 known species, making Poaceae the fifth largest plant family in the world. The grass family doesn't have pretty flowers because it doesn't need to attract insects. All grasses are wind-pollinated.

The grass family is ancient. Seeds from Poaceae species related to modern rice and bamboo have been found in fossilized dinosaur dung from the late Cretaceous period but the grass family really got going about five million years ago. New mountain chains (like the Rockies) created much larger dry habitats, ideal for the vast grasslands to develop. Today, just three species (rice, corn and wheat) provide half of humanity's daily calories.

I've never grown ornamental grass but one one of my neighbors has thoughtfully planted these two common species in the front garden. I know all about that combination of grass species we call a lawn and I've struggled with mine for thirty-five years. Incidentally, I'm giving away my rechargeable lawn mower next week because I've sold my house. The mower works just fine but I won't need it to mow my balcony. I'm moving at the end of the month to a fourth-floor condo.

It has come to this.

[plant-taxonomy-showdown]

Class Final Round!! Eudicots vs Monocots!

Grass (slang) vs Grass (literal)

Eudicots (“true dicots”): This is a ginormous class, containing almost all leafy trees, quite a lot of plants that humans get food from (including potatoes and all of the legumes), and the plants we get tea, coffee, and chocolate from. It also contains carnivorous plants, parasitic plants, and some very poisonous plants, as well as tobacco and cannabis.

Monocots: The second largest taxon in Magnoliophyta, with 70,000 species. Narrow leaves with parallel veins are a good sign you’re looking at a monocot, as are plants that grow from bulbs, like onions, garlic, and tulips. Do you need to touch grass? Monocot. Do you want to bake a cake? Wheat, sugar cane, and the orchids that produce vanilla extract are all monocots.

[gemsofgreece]

8 rare local dishes from the Greek islands

Post inspired by this Greek article. I picked half of the dishes in order to create an island and local exclusive list, then translated and summarized the info. The pictures have links and in most of the respective websites you can find the recipes in Greek.

Makarunes with Sitaka, Kasos island

Makarunes is thick penne-like handmade pasta which is served with caramelised onions and the special Sitaka cheese of Kasos island. Sitaka is so rare, it is sometimes hard to find even in Athens but some restaurants do have this dish in their menu.

Atherinópita (Smelt pie), Syros island

It is not truly a pie, but it is a dish produced from frying various small fish like sand smelts and bogues as well as onions all close together until they create a crust holding them together.

Photography: Χριστίνα Γεωργιάδου

Stuffed Hachles, Lesvos island

These are small baskets made of sun- and air-dried wheat kneaded with sour tarhana. They are usually stuffed with cheese, fresh tomato, herbs and spices but the filling is up to anyone's appetite really.

Sweet sefuklotí pie, Naxos and Tinos islands

Sefukloti or fesklopita is a rare pie that is actually a dessert, which is surprising (in Greek cuisine) because it looks exactly like a spinach pie. Sefukloti is a traditional recipe of these islands, particularly of the Catholics celebrating Christmas Eve (The Cyclades islands have the largest presence of Catholic Christians in Greece.) The pie is made of swiss chard, rice, sugar, molasses, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon and clove. The crust is kneaded with orange juice. Some also add onions and leeks, which also do not prevent this pie from working perfectly as a dessert. Before the serving, sefukloti is dressed with sesame seeds and honey.

Anthógalo with eggs, Réthymnon, Crete island

Anthogalo or Staka is produced exclusively in Crete island. It is made of the salted fats of sheep milk. In this recipe, eggs are fried with anthogalo which works here like butter. The eggs are buttered by the anthogalo, while parts of it curdle and form cheese pieces during the frying.

Aliaða & Vakalaópita, Cephalonia island

Aliaða is the local version of the Greek garlic dip "skorðaliá". Aliada is made of garlic, potatoes and the juices of boiled cod or octopus. The latter turns the dip a burgundy colour. Besides the famous fried cod that is enjoyed everywhere in Greece, in Cephalonia cod is also used to make "Vakalaópita”, a cod fish pie, in which the crust and the filling are kneaded with wine and vinegar.

Rhodian pungiá, Rhodes island

These are wild greens pies baked in special local traditional pans. The wild greens are not boiled before they are added to the pie but they are salt dried. The juice that is produced by this process is mixed with olive oil and is used as a dressing for the pie when it's served.

Anthos, Andros island

Anthos means flower. In Andros island it is also the name of the local spoon sweet, made of lemon flowers as well as the flowers of other citrus plants. It is fragrant, chewy and is considered an aristocratic dessert with limited production. It is a pretty hard recipe, because the flowers must be picked at the right time of the season and the cooking must be very careful so that the sweet won't get bitter and dark.

[eveningcranesociety]

Metaphor: ReFantazio has a cast of wonderful characters and in looking up the origins of some of their names I noticed that most of them are named of plants or animals. So I had a category 2 autism moment and compiled a list of them and where their names came from because I love details like this. Tell me if I missed any!

Under the cut for some spoilers

Plants:

Gallica: (Rosa Gallica, also known as the french rose)

Eiselin Burchelli Meijal Hulkenberg (Burchellia bubalina, or wild pomegranates)

Juani "Junah" Cygnus (Ajwain, known by other names such as bishop's weed and carom)

Basilio Magnus (Basilio is equivalent to the name "Basil")

Catherina Grann (Catherina is a variety of white tulips)

Cercis Klinger (Cercis is a genus of plants in the pea family known as "redbuds")

Cirsium Zorba (Cirsium is a genus of thistles)

Joanna Calendula (Calendula is a genus of the daisy family. its members are commonly called marigolds)

Aestivum Forden (Triticum Aestivum, common wheat)

Idaeus Glodell (Rubus Idaeus is the European Red Raspberry)

Milo Adriano Narcissus Maurizio - (Aside from the obvious, Narcissus is a genus of flowers commonly known as daffodils)

Roger Arctium Ward (burdock is from the Arctium family)

Julian Ruta Castillion (Ruta is rue)

Loveless Muscar O'Shea (Muscar comes from Muscat, a variety of grapes used to make moscato wine)

Lina Kayden (The name "Lina" has a different meanings depending on the language. Some possible meanings include: "palm tree", "olive crown" or "flax")

Animals

Leon Strohl da Haliaetus (the osprey, Pandion haliaetus)

Arvid "Grius" Alces (The moose is Alces alces, the only animal in the genus Alces)

Heismay Noctule (Nyctalus, a genus of insectivorous bats are commonly called "noctule bats")

Euphausia "Eupha" Etoreika (Euphausia is the largest genus of krill)

Neueirus "Neuras" Corax (Corvus corax, the common raven)

Alonzo Crotalus (Rattlesnakes belong to the genus Crotalus)

Elphas Maxim Bardon (His name is derived from Elephas maximus, the asian elephant)

Brigitta Lycaon (Lycaon is a genus of canines of which the African wild dog, Lycaon pictus, is the only extant member of)

Fabienne Vulpes (Vulpes is the genus of "true foxes")

Rella Melancoryphus Cygnus (Reversed, Cygnus melancoryphus is the black-necked swan)

Gruidae (The crane family is Gruidae)

Ovis Gideaux (Ovis are sheep)

Rudolf Krause (Rudolf means "glory-wolf")

Goddard Gunnel (Gunnels are a group of fish in the family Pholidae)

Louis Guiabern Charadrius (Charadrius is a genus of wading plovers)

[metamorphesque]

Not the anon who asked about the typical lunch but it's very interesting! I live in an area in America that has the largest population of Armenians outside of Armenia so now I'm A) hungry and B) looking forward to trying some things!

Well, my friend, in that case, let me recommend a couple of gems:

I’m sure you’ve already heard of Armenian barbecue (khorovats) and kebab. However, I’m still going to mention them because, vegetarian or not, I’m Armenian hehe.

Dolma – Meat, spices and other ingredients rolled into cabbage or grape leaves. Do yourself a favor and dip this in matsun (sour yogurt) with garlic. Not to toot my own horn, but I’ve been told I make some good dolma.

Pasuc dolma – The vegetable-filled version of traditional meat-filled rolls. Since its recipe is entirely plant-based, it’s a very convenient dish to serve during the fasting period. It is made of 7 different boiled grains, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, cracked wheat, rice and maize peas (though the recipe can vary). All of the grains mentioned above are then wrapped in pickled cabbage or grape leaves. Pasuc tolma can be served hot or cold. My grandma used to make the best pasuc dolma.

Harissa – A “porridge” made from ground wheat and pulled meat (it can be chicken, lamb, etc.), usually served with butter. It’s especially good in cold weather and pairs well with vodka.

Khash – Now, khash is not your ordinary soup – it’s a whole tradition and a half. Even the toasts are well-defined and announced in a specific order. It even has its own season. Khash season in Armenia begins in late autumn, during the first cold days, and continues until the beginning of spring. The process of preparing khash is quite long and tiring, but the result is worth it. It’s made by boiling bovine shanks for hours until the tendons fall off the bones and the broth becomes thick. Sometimes, cooked stomach pieces are added. No salt is used during cooking, but it is seasoned with salt and crushed garlic once served. Cold vodka, mineral water, radish, pickles, peppers and dry lavash are all served alongside khash. Crushed garlic, greens, cheese, and, of course, salt must also be on the table.

Khashlama – Usually made with lamb and vegetables, the meat is so tender it falls off the bone.

Ghapama – A dish so mouthwatering that there’s a song dedicated to it. Ghapama is prepared by removing the insides of a pumpkin. The top of the pumpkin is cut off, and the ingredients (boiled rice, nuts, and dried fruits) are added inside. The pumpkin is closed on top with the cut lid, wrapped in foil and placed in the oven. Cooking times vary, usually taking from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours. The pumpkin is baked until soft, then served. Before serving, the pumpkin is cut from top to bottom into slices.

Jengyalov hats (Armenian bread with jengyal – greens) - a flatbread filled with about 25 types of greens. The recipe and the variety of greens used differ depending on the region.

բարի ախորժակ!

[puzzledcretin]

Mystic Mojo

(written for @tmnt-write-fight for @eyesoftheholder)

Fandom: Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Prompt: (Post ROTMNT movie) An exploration into Mikey’s mystic powers and the possibilities that come with it. Word Count: 2,376

Read On AO3

The sun was still high up in the sky, though it was angled toward the west. In an hour or two, it would be beyond the horizon and out of reach. For now, the golden glow cascaded among the blades of grass. 

It was warm here. Wherever here was. 

Among the tall blades of grass, some just as tall as the young turtle as he sat amongst them, were flowers. Sprinkled in clusters, wild flowers blotted the green all around him. An array of reds that faded into purples that faded into blues. Spread out as far as the eye could see. The flowers stood out, ranging from the smallest buds to the largest petals. None of them seemed to be particularly the same species, all unique, all different. 

Fox tail ferns disrupted the usual monotony around him, along with bushes and clusters of wheat. 

Despite the warmth radiating down on him, it smelled like rain. It smelled fresh, like life itself was bursting forth from the buried roots of the Earth. It flourished through the plants, dancing around in the wind. The wind itself sang a song, calling out to everything that was graced with its presence. Brushing against every surface as a reminder of  “I am here, I am here,”

So was he, wasn’t he? Here in this field. Away from everything that ever bothered him. 

He sucked a deep breath in, taking the wind into his heart. Nothing more than a brief detour, bringing life in just to breathe out a part of himself. It joins the wind, flying away into the sky and melding with the dust and leaves that tumbled along the breeze.

His gaze turns downwards, away from the unyielding rays of the sun. 

Stones and pebbles, clusters of dirt, maybe some bugs that were on their way home from a long day of.. Being bugs. But instead of your usual ground activity, there were glowing orange cracks in the Earth. They shined, almost as bright as the sun itself. And it wasn’t stagnant. It shimmered, it shifted. Much like the wind, it danced along to its own song.

His hands came down to touch it, but as he did, those glowing orange cracks suddenly burst up along his arms. They flared, angry and dangerous. The deep lines buried themselves deep into his flesh. Pain followed, sharp pains as his skin was ripped apart before his very eyes. Flakes broke off from the edges, burning up into ashes as they rose up into the air around him. 

The particles floated around him, they almost looked beautiful. Like thousands of fireflies, they circled his head. His eyes widened. With some effort, the turtle tried to pull his arms away from the ground. The urge to touch these small particles- pieces of himself- was just too much to ignore. But, his hands were gone. Merged into the same energy that burned the ground. 

The embers around him grew brighter and brighter, heat searing his skin. Then, before he could gather his bearings and figure out what was happening, the embers shot out in every direction. Their range was impressive, falling down into the blades of grass to hide from view.

Like sparks among dry brush, there was no way to stop the eruption of flames that occurred in that beautiful field. And the flames weren’t small, they towered up amongst the grass. It tore apart every blade, every petal, every leaf and threw them all up into the air to mix their ashes with the cascade of debris. Thick, dark gray clouds covered the sky. The warmth of the sun was blocked out, replacing everything with the cruel heat of the flames. Smoke filled his lungs in an instant, suffocated him with unrelenting plumes as the flames consumed the wildlife around him. 

“Wait- Wait, stop! Stop it!” 

His words echoed back to him, bouncing around his fiery chamber. They loomed over him, repeating over and over.

Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!

The cracks along his arms crawled higher and higher. He looked down, watching the trenches engulf more and more of his skin. It ate him, throwing up embers. The embers flew through the flames. He didn’t know where they were going. But beyond these walls, he wondered how much of the field survived. 

Tears streamed down his cheeks. Trails tracked along his face, innocent expressions of fear and remorse that stood contrast to the world around him. He choked on the smoke, his body bending forward as the golden glow attacked his shoulders. He coughed, trying to force it back out. 

Slowly, heat built up in his throat. A wretched burn worked its way up to his mouth, it settled on his tongue and ate away at the saliva that accumulated there. 

His lip trembled, the last barrier between him and whatever lies beneath. 

For the first time since he entered this hell, he wished he could go home. He craved the soft, pillowy feeling of being surrounded by his family. Lines ran deep into his body, searing him from the inside out. But he grit his teeth, clamps down.

Silently, he begged for forgiveness. 

The world wouldn’t know, and he believes they would never know, that this was his fault. He was going to burn up and disappear, destroying everything in his wake. 

And yet, and yet. All he could imagine was his brothers. His sister. His fathers. He hoped they were safe, far away from all of this. He could imagine them now, laughing in the lair. They were oblivious, they were having fun. He could imagine what they’d say. 

“I wonder where he is.”

“I wonder if he’s coming home soon.”“I wonder if he’ll bring home pizza.”

A grin cracked at his lips. The stretch of his lips split the flesh. Beneath it, the same orange glow that corrupted the rest of his body. He clamped down with his jaw, breathing through his nose as the cracks started to spread across his face. 

He couldn’t hold on, he wasn’t strong enough.

“I’m sorry..”

The cracks exploded across his body as he finally let go. Flames rushed along the dry grass in order to join their origin once again. He screamed as he gave in, his body pulling apart at the seams. 

Mikey woke up with a choked gasp. He coughed, rolling onto his side in his hammock in an attempt to clear his throat from the spit that attacked him. 

He pushed himself up. Trembles raked through his body, the aftershocks of the earthquake that rocked his very core. His hand moved up to lay against his plastron. With the hard plate between him and his heart, he couldn’t feel his heart racing with his hand. But he could hear the pounding in his ears. 

That dream felt too realistic, phantoms of all the burns prickled around his body. His eyes flickered down to his hands, expecting to see the eerie orange glow. But all he saw were the light colored scars that still haunted him. But that was it, he was safe. 

Mikey fell back into his hammock, looking up at the ceiling of his room. He tracked the bright colors that formed circles and spirals. He let out a slow breath, his lungs deflating in his body. 

He laid there for an hour. His mind was slowly reeling with the memories of a dream that were burned in. Usually, dreams would fade away. No shackles to hold you in a single place, no trap to keep you stuck in bed. But this was fresh and powerful. 

Eventually, Mikey pulled himself up to his feet. 

The young turtle had a lot he wanted to get done today, especially after Leo came back with some new canvases. They were unused, but not completely clean. Spatters and stains along the bright white fabric. It was imperfect, but Mikey could see the inspiration.

So, the teen was set about getting all his other tasks done. He buried himself in what he had to do. He had originally planned on making something small like cereal for breakfast, but it felt too fast. A full meal was in order then, pancakes and bacon and juice and toast and scrambled eggs. 

Then, he took his focus onto the dishes. Donnie had built a dishwasher, he could be using it, but instead he took to hand washing them. And well, it would be rude to just leave them drying on the counter, so he dried them too. Then, since the job was already two thirds of the way done, he put the dishes away too. 

Mikey was on his way back to his room when Raph pulled him aside and asked if he were interested in sparring at all. How could he say no to that? Clearly, he couldn’t. He focused on the fight intently, filling his head on which strike or duck he was going to do next. It was almost a blur, what happened. 

In fact, a lot of it was a blur. 

Yes, Mikey knew he did things. He knew he made breakfast, he knew he had washed and put away all the dishes, he knew he had sparred with Raph. 

And yet, if you had asked him any specifics, he would draw blanks. His mind was busy. 

So, despite his brother's calls to join him in the living room to play games, Mikey found himself walking to the small corridor where he kept most of his art supplies. It used to all be in his room, but when they were cleaning up the lair after the Kraang’s failed invasion, Mikey had moved a lot of it to what he called his studio. 

He had outgrown the space, he had claimed. He was a blossoming artist who needed to spread his wings. 

As he walked into his space, the familiar scent of disinfectant and paint filled his nostrils. The walls had been cleaned recently and his paints were all scattered about. His acrylics, his pastels, and his oils. Mikey moved to sit in the center of the room. He gathered up some nearby supplies and stared down at his blank canvas. 

With a deep breath, he got to work. Recently, he has been working with a lot of abstract concepts. Colors in broad strokes across a canvas, pushing expression into nothing and everything all at the same time. One of his last paintings was a real whirlwind of color. He chose greens, blues, reds, purples, and oranges. All sharp lines, all bouncing along the surface, but aimed down towards the cluster of pink and gray at the bottom. 

Mikey proudly hung that one up on the wall, he had named it To Rise Above. 

This painting, however, was proving to be rather difficult. Mikey let his heart guide his hands, reds and oranges and yellows force themselves onto the page. Sharp angles that erupt from soft curves, contradictions in forms. There was chaos erupting on this canvas, all surrounding a little black blob in the middle with two glowing orange eyes. 

Mikey paused as he took a step back to process what he saw. 

Just like his dream, he was surrounded by fire. 

His hearing tunneled, his eyes unfocused. He dropped his brush to the floor, the orange paint splattered lazily against the concrete. 

“I see,”

Mikey jerked himself back to reality, turning his gaze up behind him to catch Draxum standing behind him. The goat man had his hands tucked into the sleeves of his robe, eyebrows drawn tight together but his focus was on the canvas. 

“Tell me, Michelangelo, what does this depict.” Draxum asked, using his foot to lightly push Mikey’s paint palette out of the way before slowly sinking to sit criss cross beside him. 

“It..” Mikey’s expression tightened for a moment. His dream  had been a vision of terror, it felt too real to be just a dream. It almost felt like a calling, a promise of what was in store for him. 

A purple clawed hand came to rest on his shoulder, his thumb brushing against the tension that laid beneath the surface. 

“I had a dream last night.. That I did this..” Mikey spoke softly, letting the canvas drop to the ground. His head fell into his hands, smearing colors against his face. “I guess it’s just sticking with me… I remember how it felt and it.. That energy felt a lot like when I used my mystic mojo to open up that portal,”

He shook his head, laughing softly, “But that’s stupid, why would I feel like that? I can make portals, portals shouldn’t make fires like that,”

Draxum hummed in response, “No, they shouldn’t,” He responded, pulling his hands into his lap, “Meditate with me, Michelangelo,”

Mikey looked up at Draxum for a moment, watched as the elder closed his eyes and straightened his posture. The young turtle followed suit, folding his hands over his lap as he felt his eyes close. 

“You have very powerful abilities, Michelangelo. Very unpredictable abilities. I’m sure they scare you, do they not?” Draxum questioned. 

Mikey stayed silent for a long moment, before nodding stiffly, “It hurt.. A lot. Making that portal.” Mikey’s fingers brushed against one of the old scars, “I don’t want to hurt anyone else, not like that. But I don’t know how..” 

Silence grows between them. Mikey wonders if he’s said something wrong. Is there a chance he said something wrong? Surely so. He was a monster for even considering that he would have the ability to hurt someone. He was going to destroy the world-

“I know. Strong abilities are a blessing, but they can only become that with extensive training. With exercises that hone your energy into something productive, not destructive. You have nothing to fear, Michelangelo. You just need a helping hand.” Draxum responded, “I know, I had fears of my own once.”

Draxum’s hand fell back onto Mikey’s shoulder, lightly tugging the turtle to face him. Mikey opened his eyes to find his more recent father figure offering a reassuring smile that looked just.. So out of place. Mikey managed a smile of his own in response.

“You’re going to be extraordinary, Michelangelo. Just have confidence,”

[oddclan-askblog]

Creatures of the bamboo forest:

Peaceful:

Dwarf Elum> Smaller greener colored Elum that can be picked up and held. Pig size. True Elum> Regular from the games, can be many different colors thanks to Maokon breeding. Shram> Mushroom with ram horns and goat features. Longhorn Yoxen> Water buffalo esc bull cows co-owned by Corvokon and Maokon.

Hostile:

Sleeg> Sleg Fleech cross that primarily feeds on the sligs bellow ground. When it rains they come to the surface where they are a terrifying threat to a mud. Slog> Not native but captured and bred by sligs to have new variants. Blython> Colorful hooded cobras that live in the trees. Messa has a purple one as a pet. They're big enough to hunt mudokons and yoxen at their largest. Giant Frolimite> Mama jumper spider that's a fluffier looking bolimite.

Neutral:

Keye Fish> A dolphin sized koi fish that comes in many colors. They are hunted for food and bred for new scale patterns. Grog> Three eyed tree frog, edible delicacy to the Corvokon. Its cousin the Dart Grog is pretty but poisonous. Brahana> Piranha/ gabit esc fish that feeds on anything that falls in the water. Can also climb onto land to swarm animals too close to the shore. Dwarf Frolimite> Jumping spider parallel that's the same size as a bolimite. Winnow> Small golden colored minnow fish that make up the backbone of the freshwater food chain.

Plant guide:

Beanpole Tree- Bamboo Greenco Leef- Ginkgo Leaves Phink Sakuro Oak- Pink Sakura Tree Grale- Wheat / Kale cross plant Grapez- Grapes Grazons- Raisons Wyne- Wine Ryce- Rice Kalp- Kelp Flornge- Orange

[probablyasocialecologist]

Farmers and gardeners are often pleased to see earthworms slithering through their soil. But how much do they actually help plants grow? According to the first worldwide estimate of the invertebrates’ contribution to crop yields, earthworms add more than 140 million tons of food each year. For wheat harvests alone, that’s roughly equivalent to one slice in every loaf of bread. “It is a very important and interesting finding,” says Helen Phillips, an ecologist at Saint Mary’s University who was not involved in the study, published today in Nature Communications. “It really highlights the importance of earthworms, alongside other soil organisms, as providers of ecosystem functions and services.” Earthworms do many things to make soil more fertile. By feeding on dead plant matter, they release nutrients much faster than soil microbes would by themselves. They also improve the physical structure of soil. As worms digest plant matter, they excrete tiny, stable clumps of particles. Together with the earthworm burrows, these aggregates make soil more porous. This allows rainwater to soak in and enables roots to grow more easily.

[magickkate]

Witches! Today, let's dive into the mystical world of correspondences associated with the days of the week. Each day holds its own unique energy and significance, making them powerful tools in your magical practice. Here's a quick guide to help you harness the magic of each day:

🌞 Sunday: Sunday is the first day of the week, perfect for new beginnings. This day rules the conscious element of the human mind, the ego, the "real self." It is your confidence, your strength, your resilience, your personal power. The sun is life giving, it’s energetic, it inspires growth and accomplishment. 

Planet: Sun Color: Yellow, Gold Plants: Sunflower + Marigold Stones: Diamond, Amber, Tiger's Eye, Carnelian, Sunstone, Topaz, Gold Herbs: Cedar, Frankincense, Lemon, St. Johns Wort Foods: Orange God(s)/Goddess(es): Brigid, Helios, Apollo, Lugh, and Beli or Bel

🥈Monday: Mondays are ruled by the moon and the divine feminine energy that this celestial body is associated with. The cycle of the moon has long been associated with the menstrual cycle. Therefor it is an excellent planet to work with for fertility, transformation, and change. 

Color: white, silver, blue Plants: bluebells, jasmine, gardenias, or white roses Stones: moonstone, pearl Herbs: Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, and Wormwood Foods: Melon God(s)/Goddess(es): Selene, Luna, Diana, Artemis, and Toth

🏮Tuesday: Tuesday is ruled by the planet mars who is associated with the roman god of war Ares. This day of the week is perfect for any areas of your life that requires strength, courage and speed. 

Planet: Mars Color: scarlet, red, black, and orange Plants: snapdragon, thistle, and holly Stones: garnet, bloodstone Herbs: Basil, Ginger, Black Pepper, Dragon's blood and patchouli Foods: carrots, peppers, and garlic God(s)/Goddess(es): Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, and Tyr

🔶Wednesday: Wednesday is ruled by the planet Mercury, making this the perfect day for communication. If there’s a conflict that needs addressing, a big decision to discuss, a promotion you want to ask your boss for, or any other situation where communication will be your sword, this is the day to harness that magic. 

Planet: Mercury Color: purple, orange Plants: fern, lavender, lily of the valley, aspen Stones: citrine, agate, aventurine, mica, pumice, quicksilver, zinc Herbs: lavender, eucalyptus, jasmine, sweet-pea Foods: unknown. God(s)/Goddess(es): Odin, Athena, Hermes

🍏Thursday: Thursdays are ruled by the planet Jupiter. It is also associated with the Norse god Thor and the Roman God Jupiter. Jupiter is the largest planet and therefor the most powerful. Thursday is the best day to perform manifesting magic. Prepare that money magic, ask for that raise, have fun with friends and loved ones. 

Planet: Jupiter Color: blue, purple, green Plants: oak, wheat Stones: amethyst, lepidolite, sugilite, tin Herbs: Clove, Oakmoss, Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg, and Sage Foods: unknown. God(s): Thor, Jupiter, Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.

📘Friday: Fridays are ruled by the feel good planet Venus. This day is usually associated with reward and relaxation due to the end of the work week, but the influence is also due to the celestial body that governs it. Fridays are for indulging. It’s date night. It’s a luxurious bath with a glass of wine. It’s celebrating your free time. 

Planet: Venus Color: pink and aqua Plants: rose Stones: rose quartz, jade, lapis lazuli, coral, emerald, malachite, copper Herbs: Rose, Yarrow, Cardamon, Strawberry, Sandalwood, Saffron, and Vanilla, Thyme Foods: strawberries God(s)/Goddess(es): Eros, Venus, Aphrodite, Freya

✒️ Saturday: Ruled by Saturn, Saturday is ideal for grounding, protection, and banishing negativity. It's a great day for spells related to structure, discipline, and long-term goals.

Planet: Saturn Color: black and deep purple Plants: pansy, morning glory , cypress  Stones: obsidian, hematite, or jet, Coral, Hematite, Salt, Lead, Serpentine, Pewter Herbs: Cypress, Myrrh, Patchouli, Black Poppy seeds, Mullein Foods: unknown. God(s)/Goddess(es): Hecate, Saetere, Saturn, Cronos, the Norns, Loki.

As always, while these correspondences can serve as a helpful guide, feel free to adapt them to suit your own intuition and magical practice. Experiment with different spells and rituals on each day to discover what resonates best for you. Embrace the magic of each day and let it guide you on your witchy journey! 🌟✨

[cosmicangsts]

✩ — 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐒.

▸ is your muse tall / short / average? : the fifth doctor is six - foot, so he's fairly tall. ▸ are they okay with their height? : the doctor tends to be an average height when he regenerates ( aside from two, who honestly isn't even as short as he seems. troughton was five - eight lol & for reference i am five - four ) ; four was six - three, so five is pretty used to being up there. it annoys tegan when she has to look up to address him, though, so he's been conditioned to lean down or have a seat when speaking to those shorter to him . . . maybe tegan just likes to assert dominance? that, & feeling tall. she likes to feel tall. ▸ what's their hair like? : wheat blonde, blinding in direct sunlight. soft & luscious, he often flips it out of his face. ▸ do they spend a lot of time on their hair / grooming? : considering he makes his own shampoos & soaps in an effort to be as eco - friendly as possible, he inadvertently does. ▸ does your muse care about their appearance / what others think? : of course. cleanliness is next to godliness. if you feel good & look good, the day is already off to a good start yes?

✩ — 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒.

▸ indoors or outdoors? : outdoors. that's where the flora & fauna are, it inspires poetry, fresh air is good for the mind & body, & more importantly, it's how the TARDIS compendium expands its data on the lifeforms and locations found throughout the universe. he may not be the TARDIS's favorite iteration of the doctor ( putting it lightly ) , but it's quite likely his love of the outdoors & documenting things in his journals to be later entered into her databanks ranks him the largest contributor to the encyclopedic layout of knowledge that later regenerations have access to. thanks, fivey! ▸ rain or sunshine? : both have their benefits. sunlight helps things grow & supplies energy to many different civilizations ( yes, solar power was in use by other planets & civilizations long before humanity discovered it ) , while rain means that plants don't have to be manually watered, & the doctor can work moderately undisturbed because everyone else on board is asleep. the TARDIS garden has its own internalized ecosystem & weather cycling for the benefit of the plants. & there's nothing quite like walking in a downpour to gather one's thoughts. . . . just be sure to change into dry clothes once the rain stops. ▸ forest or beach? : forest. the doctor hates the beach. sand gets in his shoes & slows him down, & playing in saltwater just isn't his steez. ▸ precious metals or gems? : metals are neat, & have many other properties aside from looking appealing. they can be utilized in repairs for various components found in the TARDIS, & are quite easy to work with. ▸ flowers or perfumes? : flowers, easily. when untampered with in nature, most have a subtle scent that is just right. the fifth doctor has an acute sense of smell, & there's nothing quite like an overwhelming perfume to give him an unbearable headache. why faff about with something that's already perfect as is? ▸ personality or appearance? : given that he isn't ever actually looking for romantic companionship ( or otherwise ) , as long as you've got a good personality & can follow instructions, you're welcome aboard the TARDIS!

✩ — 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒. ( cont'd. )

▸ being alone or being in a crowd? : this seems like an easy answer, but it's hard to say. he isn't as well - socialized as he would like ( despite being much more so than his prior selves ) , & playing cricket like a regular person on a sunday is quite fun for him! despite the frequency with which he is kidnapped, being out & about is usually a good experience & he can still see the best in people! that being said, there is a time & place for everything. he values his time alone while valuing his time with others, as well. he would never actively turn down someone's request to spend time together because he'd ' rather be alone ' . there really isn't a social battery to recharge or anything, either. ▸ order or anarchy? : he will have order. ▸ painful truths or white lies? : despite being one of the more honest iterations, he is still the doctor. a fugitive from gallifrey whose existence in the lives of others is built on misdirection & deceit, even if it's prettied up & packaged nicely. but the fifth doctor isn't the type to blatantly lie, preferring to just . . . omit. much easier to just avoid addressing things fully. ▸ science or magic? : science. witches almost ate him alive, once ( no, i'm not kidding ) . he doesn't hold a grudge against practitioners, it's quite interesting stuff, really! but science is something he understands, & magic is not. ▸ peace or conflict? : major peacekeeper. the desire for maintaining it leads to him being a bit of a pushover, with nobody who breaks terms of service facing any real consequences. it's literally why his companions tend to walk all over him & people don't tend to take him seriously. ▸ night or day? : well it's always night or day somewhere, isn't it? you truly have no concept of such things when space is your home. ▸ dusk or dawn? : dawn. it may be a bit trite, but nothing inspires poetry & rouses the spirit like sweet birdsong. ▸ warmth or cold? : no preference whatsoever, usually. time lords maintain an average body temperate of around fifty degrees fahrenheit. as long as nothing is too extreme in either direction, he is fine. but if he had to choose, he wouldn't want to be in the direct sunlight for hours & hours on end, of course. ▸ many acquaintances or a few close friends? : . . . the life of a time lord on the run means nothing but many acquaintances. he never stays in one place for a long period of time, how could anyone get to really know him? he always encourages others to forge lasting friendships with others however, & to never take them for granted. ▸ reading or playing a game? : reading. adric suggested game night in the TARDIS once upon a time, & it was a disaster.

✩ — 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐄.

▸ what are some of your muse's bad habits? : quick to trust, although is conditioned to be warier later in life. is known to be somewhat moody, & can get snappy at times. can talk for extended periods of time about nothing, just to keep a conversation going, even when the other person may just want some silence. gets kidnapped A LOT, although this isn't really something he can help. ▸ has your muse lost anyone close to them? how has it affected them? : many times. however in this lifetime, adric is his biggest regret. the guilt over what happened never left him. not a day goes by where he doesn't think about him, & what he could have done different. could he have bent the laws of time a bit to save him? SHOULD he have? adric was the last person on his mind before he regenerated. ▸ what are some fond memories your muse has? : with this face? . . . teaching adric how to fly the TARDIS ( and almost dying along with everyone else, adric was NOT A GOOD PILOT ) , preparing a candlelit dinner for tegan & nyssa, having a weekly book club with turlough ( the ginger did NOT want to be there. ) , being in the TARDIS garden with peri, sitting together & talking for hours on end about anything & everything while looking at the flowers . . . comes to mind. ▸ is it easy for your muse to kill? : when the situation calls for it & there is great evil at hand— when it's between the imminent threat or his companions & the lives of the innocent . . . how could he not? remember, he's great with a gun. ▸ what's it like when your muse breaks down? : he doesn't. no time for that! too many people depend on him, he's careful to never idle, & the fifth doctor is quite good at processing & dealing with his emotions in private ( so he thinks ) . his outlets include gardening, researching flora & fauna on foreign planets to fill the TARDIS databank, playing cricket & composing poetry. he doesn't cry, either, but if he's close enough with someone, having a conversation about the things that trouble him can be quite therapeutic. ▸ is your muse capable of trusting someone with their life? : . . . yes. ( delay intended. ) ▸ what's your muse like when they're in love? : when the fifth doctor does fall in love, the person he loves is likely already his best friend, as well. he's not as guarded when it comes to love as some of his other regenerations, & if it happens, he'll accept it pretty easily. not much will change, honestly, & he'll be fine not ever confessing. if a romantic relationship happens, he'll give them poems he's written for them & rare / hard to cultivate pressed flowers, take them around the universe to show them the places he thinks are the most beautiful & amazing, hold hands, learn how to go on dates ( does he looks like He Knows ) , partake in their hobbies alongside them & spend as much time with them as possible.

tagged by: i stole it, lmao. i can't remember from who :( i just yoinked to my drafts tagging: @bleachbrainrotbro , @solarisgod , @riiese , @therapardalis , @isbrilliant , @agedrot , @tenfoldrage , @curamorte , @theresastargirl you, pizza slice

[tastesoftamriel]

You’ve probably gone over this before but tumblr’s search engine sucks butt. So, what would each culture’s staple crops and livestock (for both meat and byproducts) be? How much would globalization come into play, like how irl potatoes are originally from South America but have become one of the most important staple foods across the world?

Staple crops and livestock vary throughout the Provinces due to climate and geography, though trade over the centuries has meant that ingredients like saltrice from Morrowind and honey from Skyrim are in constant circulation around the continent. Nonetheless, here are some uniquely local ingredients you'll find across Tamriel.

Altmer

Summerset's temperate climate makes it the ideal place to grow all sorts of exotic fruit, especially stone fruit. From peaches to lychees, nectarines to cherries, Summerset produces the largest quantities of these fruits (with the trade embargo around the Great War and Dragon Crisis making them an extremely sought-after prize). And don't forget the wine! Summerset is also famed for its gorgeous vineyards and even more gorgeous wines. However, juicy and flavourful grapes are beloved by almost anybody, making them a valuable staple crop too.

Livestock in Summerset is nothing particularly exciting. Merino sheep are farmed for their wool, which is a luxury export beloved by northern Provinces, while meat comes in the form of cattle and chickens. However, High Elves particularly love their wild-caught fish and herons, which are populous on their home island.

Argonians

Once again, fruit is a major export from Black Marsh, but the fertile (if hostile) region is home to some of Tamriel's best agricultural soil. From cocoa and coffee beans, saltrice and coconuts, to padan and banana leaves and more, you'll find all sorts of wonderful plant-based ingredients in Black Marsh. However, something that has gained in popularity following the Argonian diaspora has been palm wine, a potent alcoholic beverage.

As for livestock, you'll find bantam guar, guar lizards, various poultry, goats, and even farmed frogs and lizards to be popular. Sheep and cattle are far less popular due to the upkeep required for them to stay healthy in the swampy environment, making beef and mutton less popular and more expensive than in other Provinces.

Bosmer

The Bosmer are famed for their meat and animal byproducts, particularly from timber mammoths and sugar mammoths. Whether it's meat, pelts, or milk, these beasts are much beloved by the Wood Elves who take great care in rearing them.

Other popular exports from Valenwood include alcoholic beverages like rotmeth and jagga, as well as kopi luwak- a luxurious type of coffee made from beans found in civet cat excrement, thus making them Green Pact-friendly. And of course, Valenwood produces some of Tamriel's finest cocoa beans, mostly used for export. However, have you truly lived until you've tried salted sugar mammoth caramelised milk chocolate from Woodhearth?

Bretons

In High Rock, sheep and cattle are the most popular livestock to farm due to their versatility, with a constant demand for their meat, horns, skins, and milk. While it's nothing exciting, the animals in the region are usually grass-fed and free range, spanning acres of farmland (which can sometimes result in cultists and the like infringing upon the livelihood of livestock). Chickens, geese, turkeys, and ducks are also popular for their meat, down, and eggs, with High Rock producing some of Tamriel's best duck meat.

With regards to staple crops, wheat is a major export and features heavily in Breton cuisine, especially in bread.

Dunmer

The volcanic ash of Morrowind is key to its success in growing all manner of weird and wonderful crops. Market stalls across Vvardenfell and Blacklight bustle with sellers touting mushrooms of all kinds, saltrice, comberry, marshmerrow, hackle-lo, canis root, and much more, all of which are consumed locally as well as across Tamriel.

Regarding livestock, it should come as no surprise that the big money is in bug farming. Kwama mines produce cuttle, scuttle, scrib jelly, and kwama eggs, making them the backbone of Morrowind's mages and chefs alike. Nix-hounds and guar are raised both by town Dunmer and Ashlanders, while wild nix-ox is also popular for those who can afford it.

Imperials

Cyrodiil spans terrain from the snowy Jerall Mountains to the swamps of Blackwood. As a result, the Province is relatively self-sufficient in that it produces the bulk of its own consumption, from livestock to greens. Speaking of greens, battaglir, a type of weed, is a staple in the Imperial diet, making wild-foraged and farmed battaglir a key crop in the region. Like Summerset, Cyrodiil is also famed for itswines, and is proud of its unique grapes of every size, flavour, and colour (including ones that taste like cotton candy).

Livestock in Cyrodiil is about as generic as can be: cows, sheep, goats, poultry, and horses. While meat is a staple part of the Imperial diet, milk is also important as it is used to make the cream and cheeses so prized by the Province.

Khajiit

What don't the Khajiit grow or rear? From Southern Elsweyr's rich moon sugar and rice paddies to the North's edible cacti and tea, the Province is full of exotic and scrumptious delights that are highly prized across Tamriel. Ingredients are valuable both raw and processed, and form the backbone of the Khajiiti economy. Samar Pekoe tea, for example, is wild-harvested from caves and is beloved by tea aficionados across the continent, and fetches a hefty price for its rarity. Pellitine cacao and coffee beans are also a staple in any self-respecting chef's kitchen.

In terms of livestock, you'll find guar, poultry, beef, and goat to be popular, as well as wild game like jerboas, terror birds, antelope, and addaxes. Game meat can often be purchased from Bandaari nomads, who hunt the animals themselves. Whether fresh or dried into jerky, who doesn't want some moon sugar-cured addax jerky for the road?

Nords

Foreigners in Skyrim are often shocked by the range of produce we're capable of producing in our cold and often inhospitable lands. Fish and horker are consumed in great amounts locally, as well as being one of the Province's major exports. Goat from the Reach, cattle from Whiterun, and honey from the Rift are always in high demand.

Apples and jazbay grapes are probably the most valuable crops in Skyrim, followed by wheat and other fruits and vegetables. The former two are used in cider and wine, both of which are valued across the Provinces.

Orcs

Wrothgarian Orcs differ from Betnikh Orcs who differ from Wood Orcs and so on... so in this case, it really varies. For Wrothgarian Orsimer, echatere is the main source of meat and milk, while in Betnikh it's fish, and in Valenwood, timber mammoth. All these groups also enjoy game, from rabbit and wolf to pheasant and venison, which features heavily in regional Orcish cuisine. Wild honey from Betnikh is also another notable animal product that bears mention here.

In terms of crops, there aren't many of note aside from valuable herbs and spices. Frost mirriam, which is also loved by alchemists, and wrathberries, known for their violently bitter taste unless prepared correctly, are two of the most important plants you'll find for sale at any stronghold.

Redguards

I've said it before and I'll say it again: goat, goat, and more goat. Unless you're a coastal Redguard with access to seafood, it's likely that your main source of meat and milk will come from goats. Whether it's feta or kebabs, it's almost always goat meat, as they wander all through Hammerfell like they own the place. However, Redguards are also renowned for breeding horses, and the uh... faulty ones are generally turned into food. Spiced horse blood sausage and spreadable horse 'nduja are a staple in households across Hammerfell.

With staple crops, you'll find that corn, coconuts, palm fruit and oil, bananas, coffee, cinnamon and other spices, and cocoa are plentiful. These are all consumed in great amounts within the Province, but are also highly prized across Tamriel.

[plant-taxonomy-showdown]

Class Round 2: Monocots vs Nymphaeales

The World's Largest Commodities By Tonnage vs A Good Sign The Water is Safe To Drink

Monocots: The second largest taxon in Magnoliophyta, with 70,000 species. Narrow leaves with parallel veins are a good sign you’re looking at a monocot, as are plants that grow from bulbs, like onions, garlic, and tulips. Do you need to touch grass? Monocot. Do you want to bake a cake? Wheat, sugar cane, and the orchids that produce vanilla extract are all monocots.

Nymphaeales: A basal clade of Magnoliophyta that contains the water lily family, and other aquatic plants with prominent flowers. Water lilies with larger flowers and more complex parts are pollinated by beetles -- they were initially believed to be plants that evolved earlier, but while Nymphaeales as a whole did diverge early, the ones with more flower parts did not diverge earlier than the ones with fewer flower parts. Water lilies were used as an indicator of water cleanliness in the Maya civilization, were a symbol of the Maya elite, and were likely used in a religious context to induce altered states of consciousness.

[mariacallous]

Farmers in Greece and Romania are protesting, joining a wave of unrest in the farming community that has affected several countries in Europe.

In Karditsa, Evros, Patras, Peloponnese, and in Serres, northern Greece, farmers took to the streets on Wednesday with tractors. They have also threatened to close highways, media reported.

A bigger demonstration is planned for Friday in Thessaloniki on the occasion of the 30th Agrotica, the largest exhibition of the agro-economic sector in the country. Farmers warn that if the government does nothing by next Monday, roads will be closed.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said things should not go to such extremes. “No matter how serious the demands of a professional group are, they must not lead to the punishment of all citizens and violate the rights of society. This government has proven that it is trying, without leading to extreme tension, to solve problems,” Marinakis told the public broadcaster ERT.

Farmers, among others, demand compensation for those who haven’t received it for the damage caused by Storm Daniel, which destroyed houses, businesses, animal and plant production and roads in Thessaly region in September.

They want the construction of infrastructure projects to protect against weather phenomena, reductions in production costs and a change in the Agricultural Insurance Organisation’s regulation so that the production and capital are compensated 100 per cent for all such risks.

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has already granted 33.9 million euros to 16,400 agricultural holdings and livestock units that applied for “first aid,” with payments to be completed in the next period. PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis said there will be a second cycle of aid worth 5,000 to 10,000 euros for farmers affected by the extreme flooding of September 2023 in Thessaly and other areas.

Farmers in Romania meanwhile continue to protest and demand relief from high fuel and insurance prices and better selling prices for their products. The government has devised some solutions to the demands, but many are unconvinced and continue to protest.

Large-scale protests took place on Tuesday in Brasov and Sibiu, central Romania, whwre farmers took 50 agricultural machines to the streets and staged a march. An authorized protest was also organised by farmers from Sibiu, who started in a column with tractors, trucks and cars across the municipality.

Such protests are taking place in all major cities in Romania, including on the ring road of Bucharest, where farmers have been protesting for weeks and hindering traffic. They were not allowed to enter Bucharest to protest in front of the government building to avoid disrupting the already heavy traffic in the capital.

Farmers in France, Belgium and Germany have been holding demonstrations blocking highways, with Reuters reporting that Spanish and Italian farmers will now join the movement.

They are complaining about EU measures to create “solidarity corridors” in order to provide Ukraine with income from agricultural exports, especially wheat. These products have flooded neighbouring countries and caused local production prices to fall.

The protesters also demand the cancellation of measures to limit agricultural production due to its carbon footprint and affect on climate change. They want the restoration of fuel tax exemptions. Far-right parties in Germany and in France have expressed vocal support for farmers’ demands.

[tidebreaker]

moonglade/moonscales:

moonglade is the largest of a chain of islands called the moonscales. this is where the members of house silversea reside and would be considered their 'seat'.

the climate is compariable to countries located in the mediterranean. pre-climate change, of course.

moonglade palace, house silversea's main residence, is quite large and is located at the northern most tip of the island. the architecture is reminiscent of the greco-roman in style in real life, featuring arches, columns and domes.

a curious feature (at least to outsiders unaware of their true nature), are the stairs that lead directly into the water.

The throne room of Moonglade Keep is truly remarkable in terms of design and architecture. A large circle portion of the floor is made of glass that can see through to the waters below, sort of like a wild aquarium. It can be opened to allow merlings from their undersea kingdom in whenever they hold court.

underneath moonglade is a network of caves and caverns. there is a "stables" found within that houses hippocamps.

cereals, fruits and vegetables found on all islands: apples, apricots, artichokes, arugula, asparagus, barley, blackberries, broad beans cabbages, carrots, cherries, chickpeas, crabapples, cucumbers, figs, grapes, lemons, lentils, mulberries, nectarines, olives, oranges, peaches, peas, pears, plums, pomegranates, spinach, squash, watermelon, wheat, wild strawberries.

wildlife: anchovies, bats, blind-mole rats, blue crabs, cranes, crows, cuttlefish, deer, dolphins, doves, ducks, flamingos, foxes, frogs, geese, goats, grouse, hares, hawks, herons, ibis, jays, jellyfish, kingfishers, kites, lizards, lobster, lynxes, mackerel, magpies, mertens, mice, minnows, mussels, nightjars, octopus, osprey, orca, owls, oysters, pelicans, pigeons, pigs, pheasants, polecats, ring-necked parakeets, ravens, salamanders, sandpipers, sardines, seagulls, sea urchins, seals, sharks, sheep, shrews, shrikes, snakes, sperm whales, squid, sturgeon, swallows, swifts, tortoises, tuna, turtles, woodpeckers, wrens.

flowers, trees, plants, etc.: almond, althaea, amaryllis, anemone, aster, basil, bay laurel, beech, bellflower, cardamom, cassia, centaurea, chamomile, chestnut, cinnamon, cistus, chrysanthemum, clove, coriander, crocus, cumin, cypress, daphne, dianthus, dill, evergreen, fennel, fir, ginger, heliotrope, hellebore, hyacinth, iris, larkspur, lemon balm, licorice, lilac, lily, lotus, mandrake, marjoram, mastic tree, mint, myrtle, myrrh, narcissus, nutmeg, oak, oleander, oregano, orchid, palm tree, parsley, peony, pepper, pine, poplar, protea, rose, rosemary, saffron, sage, savory, sunflower, thyme, violet, walnut, wolf's bane, yarrow, yellow pheasant's eye, yew.

main trades include pearls, seafood, fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, fish sauce, olive oil, as well as a specialized fabric dubbed seasilk.

several fishing villages can be found throughout the moonscales. fishing and farming are how a large number of the population makes a living.

do humans live there? yes. but the humans who live there are beholden to the silversea's in one way or another and are sworn to secrecy, lest a terrible fate befalls them. there are other merfolk populating the area as well.

[master-john-uk]

The new Sustainable Farming Initiative (SFI) is good in it's intention to protect and enhance the environment, but does little to help farmers recoup recent losses, or encourage future food production.

The scheme is very complex, and I am currently paying legal experts to scrutinise the details. But, as I understand it... if we plant trees across our largest wheat field I could claim £848 per hectare. If we continue with growing grain, we can only claim £20 per hectare. Where is the sense in this? How does this support British farmers, and home grown food production?

My farm is ahead of most in regard to environmental issues. We started planting wild flower borders around fields five years ago. We have also planted around 200 new trees in the last two years, and protected the existing woodland on our land. (We can claim money for all of these from the SFI.)

Most at risk from this crazy new scheme are tenant farmers. As I understand it, payments from the SFI are made to land owners... not to the struggling farmer who is trying to run the business. If I were a remote land owner who had nothing to do with the running of the farm... then I would probably go for the higher paid option of intense tree planting.

PM Rishi Sunak met with farmers in Devon today. I do not think they were very impressed with his answers!

[myremnantarmy]

𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest

Gospel Mt 13:31-35

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds.

"The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed

that a person took and sowed in a field.

It is the smallest of all the seeds,

yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants.

It becomes a large bush,

and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches."

He spoke to them another parable.

"The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast

that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour

until the whole batch was leavened."

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables.

He spoke to them only in parables,

to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:

I will open my mouth in parables,

I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.