#like corn based fuels and such

[whereisthedamndaddymanual]

You look great on a slender all White.

But there is nothing compared to you with a dirty cork

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - January 8-14

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles!

1. In Chicago, all city buildings now use 100 percent clean power

“As of January 1, every single one of [Chicago’s municipal buildings] — including 98 fire stations, two international airports, and two of the largest water treatment plants on the planet — is running on renewable energy, thanks largely to Illinois’ newest and largest solar farm.”

2. California Rice Fields Offer Threatened Migratory Waterbirds a Lifeline

“Cranes need nighttime roosting sites flooded to a depth of about 3 to 9 inches, so they can easily hear or feel predators moving through the water. [... Bird Returns pays] farmers to flood their fields during critical migration periods [... and] provide foraging sites by leaving harvested rice or corn fields untilled, so cranes can access the leftover grain.”

3. New York Climate Superfund Becomes Law

“[Funds recovered “from major oil and gas companies” will be used to pay for] the restoration of stormwater drainage and sewage treatment systems, upgrades to transit systems, roads and bridges, the installation of green spaces to mitigate city heat islands and even medical coverage and preventative health programs for illnesses and injuries induced by climate change.”

4. Austin says retooled process for opening overnight cold-weather shelters is paying off

“[... T]he city's moves to lower the temperature threshold to open shelters and announce their activation at least a day in advance were the result of community feedback. [Shelter operators also passed out hot food.]”

5. Helping Communities Find Funding for Nature-Based Solutions

““From coastal oyster reefs to urban stormwater greenways, nature-based solutions are becoming the new normal.” That’s because these types of projects are often less expensive to build and have additional community benefits, such as improving water quality or creating parkland.”

6. Saving the Iberian lynx: How humans rescued this rare feline from extinction

“Back in the early 2000s, fewer than 100 individuals roamed the wild, including only 25 reproductive females. [...] Conservation staff [...] shape these cats into resourceful hunters and get them ready for life outside the center. [...] They’re fine-tuning captive-breeding routines, improving veterinary procedures, and pushing for more wildlife corridors.”

7. Biden cancels student loans for 150,000 more borrowers

“The 150,000 new beneficiaries announced Monday include more than 80,000 borrowers who were cheated or defrauded by their schools, over 60,000 borrowers with total and permanent disabilities and more than 6,000 public service workers[...] bringing the number whose student debt has been canceled during [Biden’s] administration to over 5 million[....]”

8. PosiGen wins another $200M for lower-income rooftop solar

“PosiGen offers a ​“no credit check” [solar panel installation to] those with a higher percentage of their income going to power and fuel bills[....] “somewhere between 25 and 75 percent” of the consumer’s monthly energy savings could come from efficiency measures such as sealing heating and cooling leaks, replacing thermostats, and installing LED lights[....]”

9. Indigenous communities come together to protect the Colombian Amazon

“At this year’s COP, Indigenous peoples celebrated the [protection of] traditional knowledge, innovations and practices[... and] the Cali Fund, which ensures that communities, including Indigenous peoples, receive benefits from the commercial use of [...] genetic data derived from the biological resources that they have long stewarded.”

10. How the heartland of Poland’s coal industry is ditching fossil fuels - without sacrificing jobs

“[Katowice, a former coal city] committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 40 per cent compared to 1990, prioritising investments in green infrastructure, and promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. [...”]The gradual departure from heavy industry did not bring high social costs in our city,” says Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice City.”

January 1-7 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Smithsonian Magazine:

In the Upper Midwest, it’s the time of year when corn is getting high in the field and the days feel languid. As a heat wave moves out of the region and residents start to cool off from the oppressive temperatures and humidity that broke records on Tuesday, the internet is abuzz with talk of a phenomenon that might be making things even stickier: so-called “corn sweat.”

“Using the term ‘corn sweat’ is kind of funny,” Illinois State Climatologist Trenton Ford tells AGDAILY’s Braeden Coon. “It’s not perfect as with most metaphors. Humans and a few other animals will perspire when we get hot, and sweat is evaporated off our skin. What corn does is a bit of a different process.”

The technical term for that biological process is evapotranspiration, and all plants—not just corn crops—do it. As part of evapotranspiration, plants take in water via their roots, transport it through their tissues and then release water vapor into the air. The process is critical for the plant’s metabolic health and for shuttling nutrients in the water from root to leaf.

But with the nation’s largest corn-producing states concentrated in the Midwest, that moisture can add up. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a single acre of corn can add 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water into the atmosphere each day during the growing season, and high temperatures increase transpiration rates.

For context, farmers planted 91.5 million acres of corn in 2024, of which only about 20 percent is grown for human consumption. Of that fraction, most goes to producing high fructose corn syrup and other processed foods. The majority of the country’s corn is used in animal feed and ethanol-based fuels.

The natural prairie ecosystems that covered the drier expanses of the Great Plains before the onset of industrial agriculture appear to have contributed far less moisture to the atmosphere, compared to the corn fields of today. Prairie contributions to humidity also peak earlier in the summer, when temperatures are likely to be lower.

[temyteabag]

The Smiling Critters are small, colorful, anthropomorphic animals, each appearing as a plush toy with a zipper on the front chest, large gaping smiles, and black eyes with white pupils. Each toy has a unique pendant representing the core aspect of each of their personalities.

In addition to this, each Smiling Critter comes with the ability to emit their own unique scent via a hole in their mouths by pulling on their tails, all of which are traditionally used to aid with sleep or relaxation, being based on a specific type of fruit, herb or flower.

Picky Piggy - SCENT: Citrus - What's more important than play and learning? PickyPiggy knows the answer. A playful body and keen mind are fueled by what's put into them, which is why she encourages her friends to eat a well-balanced diet. Secretly, PB&J's are her favorite food.

Bobby BearHug - SCENT: Rose - A kind, caring soul, Bobby BearHug shows compassion for everyone, and for everything. People and places and things, large or small, are all receivers of her love. Each is enriched by this attention and affection, and in turn, so is she.

DogDay - SCENT: Vanilla - This is DogDay, the sunny, strong, and determined leader of our critters! Each trusts him to find the bright side in any situation, and to have a friendly word of encouragement should they feel down. He'll always keep his friends going, no matter what.

Kickin Chicken - SCENT: Ylang-ylang - This is KickinChicken, the cool kid of the crew, and he maintains that sense of cool through anything, even in the most tense of situations. Knock him down, and he'll pick himself up, brush himself off, and ask: "What's next?"

Hoppy Hopscotch - SCENT: Peppermint - Unafraid to hop where others might sit, Hoppy is the friend everyone needs to maintain their energy and enthusiasm. While sometimes loud or impatient, she'll always hop besides her friends, even if it means slowing up once in a while to keep their pace.

Crafty Corn - SCENT: Jasmine - A conscious observer of both color and creativity in the world. CraftyCorn understands the importance of art, and sharing it with others. Crayons, pencils, paint, or words on the page, CraftyCorn can see beauty in anything imagined given shape.

Bubba Bubbaphant - SCENT: Lemongrass - Bubba Bubbaphant is the brains of the critters. Bright and attentive, he keeps his friends steady and always steers them to make smart choices, that way they all might grow up to be bright and brilliant, each in their own right.

CatNap - SCENT: Lavander - CatNap is a calming presence for the critters and ensures he and his friends always have the right amount of sleep to jumpstart the morning's play! End of the day, there's nothing CatNap enjoys more than watching his friends sleep soundly.

Well hello there!, been a while hasn't it? Anyway, happy fathers day!!

I'm on the last week of exams, just two more and I'm done, hurray! I bring you the smiling critters, I like the story of the critters and Poppy Playtime, it's funny, and it can be shady if one wish to see ir like that. Curios thing, my favorite of the bunch is CatNap yet I think the best of the drawing os CraftyCorn.

In another note, have you seen the new Inky Mistery chapter?! 'cause boy was it really something! I loved it!! Go & check it out if ya have the time.

See ya all, hopefully we'll see each other soon!

P.D. all the info here came from the Poppy Playtime wiki, link below:

[solarpunkbusiness]

Treetop Biopak: Compostable packages

Treetop Biopak, a UK-based company, produces compostable bioplastic packages. Their bags and films are durable, food grade, water- and puncture-resistant, and printable, making them suitable as packaging for bakery products, fresh produce, retailing, e-commerce, food service, electronics, clothes, etc. 

The biopolymers Treetop Biopak uses in manufacturing are made from renewable resources, such as high-sugar plants like corn, sugar, and beetroot, and from a chemically engineered compostable fossil-based resin. 

Unlike fossil-fuel-based plastics, bioplastic is compostable and breaks down under certain conditions and time frames to give compost, carbon dioxide, and water. According to Treetop Biopak:

Home compostable food-grade bags and cling film can be composted in gardens. 

Tubular nets, adhesives, and shrink films need industrial composting facilities that use higher than ambient temperatures of 55 to 60°C to break down the bioplastic. 

No microplastics are formed during this composting process, so Treetop Biopak helps to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste.

[liamgallaghermpreg]

route 70 blues

When I was little, Dad taught us how the highways go: evens from east to west and odds from north to south. Starting up in Boston there's Route 90, all the way to Seattle. And then the 5 from the border at Blaine, through Seattle and down to the border at Chula Vista. Route 80 from New York, Route 70 from Maryland. And so on and so forth.

Route 70 was my favorite. There's an exit in Breezewood, Pennsylvania, and it looks like every exit on the east coast, but it was special to me because it had a McDonalds that Dad was always willing to stop at. Those were the days that you’d get the little slip that would tell you how much to pay based on which exit you were taking and there was a toll booth at Breezewood. I used to get a kick out of telling Dad how much he owed. Dean would never let me put one of those EZ-passes on Baby’s windshield, and now I just keep a couple $20s in the glovebox or pay the bills when they come in the mail. The car’s registered to a real address now.

We spent a lot of time on Route 70. Straight through a couple flyover states and ending in Utah. When Dean and I would play the alphabet game, we’d race to see who could spot the Zanesville, Ohio water tower first to get the Z and win it all. We would bet stupid shit on winning that game: who would have to clean Dad’s Colt next, who would have to cast iron bullets next. Who would have to make the beds at the next motel that would be home. That sort of thing.

But the main thing I remember about Route 70 was the way the sun would shine through the windows of the Impala once we’d get out of the green of the Kansas City suburbs and before we’d get into the Rockies. There was this little stretch where the fields turned tan with dead corn and wheat, and we’d stopped in a town called Burlington to sleep for the night on our way to a case in Moab.

It's a postage stamp town. There was a truck stop called Love’s and a motel named for the town, which was where we’d fueled up and then bedded down. I must’ve been about newly 16, Dean 20 and full of false-bravado. Dad was letting him go off on solo hunts more and more often by then, but he and I were together in the car at the time. I had been a steady passenger in the front seat by that point. And I remember – the sun was shining, and there were no trees to dapple it, and it hit Dean’s face just right. His freckles were finally coming back out in the May warmth and his eyes looked almost clear. He had a little grin on his face, the right side of his mouth pulled up as he nodded along to CCR’s Cosmo’s Factory cassette. Ramble Tamble was the opening track on the B-side. I always bitched about Dean’s music taste, but I didn’t mind the swamp rock so much. And I liked Ramble Tamble, because it reminded me of us. Drifting. A big long guitar solo that made Dean smile and made me think about moving from town to town.

Back then, I hated the way we lived, but I liked that the way we lived was something just Dean and I understood. Something just for us. No matter how many kids I couldn’t make friends with in school, eventually I'd get back in the car with Dean. And down the road we’d go.

In Burlington, Colorado, I knew I was in love with Dean. I knew it in that moment with the sun shining, with Dean's hands tapping on the steering wheel and John Fogerty crooning along in the background. I knew it in the way we’d share the motel bed since Dad only ever got rooms with two queens, and I knew it in the way that Dean would clean the guns next even though he’d spotted the Zanesville water tower first.

I'd wanted to lean over and kiss him. Instead, I'd said, “This is the tape with Up Around the Bend on it, right? I like this one.”

And he'd said: “Sammy, you might have some good music taste after all!” It'd made my chest bloom, and I loved him. I’d hold that inside for another decade before I said anything, and by that point, we were both doomed.

— for @wincestwednesdays "americana"

[tonguetyd]

literally annoyed that all coastal states (including my dumb glove shaped state) aren't 90% hydro/wind

i might not be an engineer but i am with you there

*drags soapbox out and jumps on top*

DO YOU KNOW HOW INFURIATING IT IS TO HAVE EVERYONE SAY “ELECTRIFY EVERYTHING” KNOWING FULL GODDAMN WELL THAT THE GRID 1) CANNOT SUPPORT IT AND 2) IS DRASTICALLY NOT BASED ON RENEWABLE ENERGY?!?!?!

Don’t get me wrong I love electric cars, I love heat pump systems, I love buildings and homes that can say they are fossil fuel free! Really! I do!

But it means FUCK ALL when you have!!!! Said electricity!!!! Sourced by fossil fuels!!!! I said this in my tags on the other post but New York City! Was operating on *COAL*!!!!! Up until like 5 years ago.

WE ARE SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF A RIVER.

Not to mention the ocean which like. You ever been to the beach?! You know what there’s a whole hell of a lot of at the beach? Wind!!!!!!!! And yet we have literal campaigns saying “save our oceans! Say no to wind power!”

Idk bruh I feel like the fish are gonna be less happy in a boiling ocean than needing to swim around a giant turbine but. I’m not a fuckin fish so.

NOT TO MENTION (I am fully waving my hands around like a crazy person because this is the main thing that gets me going)

THE ELECTRICAL GRID OF THE UNITED STATES HAS NOT BEEN UPDATED ON LARGE SCALE LEVELS SINCE IT WAS BUILT IN THE 1950s AND 60s.

It is not DESIGNED to handle every building in the city of [random map location] Chicago being off of gas and completely electrified. It’s not!!! The plants cannot handle it as now!

So not only do we not have renewable sources because somebody in Iowa doesn’t want to replace their corn field with a solar field/a rich Long Islander doesn’t want to replace their ocean view with a wind turbine! We also are actively encouraging people to put MORE of a strain on the grid with NO FUCKING SOLUTION TO MEET THAT DEMAND!

I used to deal with this *all* the time in my old job when I was working with smaller building - they ALWAYS needed an electrical upgrade from the street and like. The utility only has so many wires going to that building. And it’s not planning on bringing in more for the most part!

(I am now vibrating with rage) and THEN you have the fuckin AI bros! Who have their data centers in the middle of nowhere because that’s a great place to have a lot of servers that you need right? Yeah sure, you know what those places don’t have? ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT THE STUPID AMOUNT OF POWER AI NEEDS!!!!!!!

Now the obvious solution is that the AI bros of Google and Microsoft and whoever the fuck just use their BILLIONS OF FUCKING DOLLARS IN PROFIT to be good neighbors and upgrade the fucking systems because truly what is the downside to that everybody fucking wins!

But what do I know. I’m just friendly neighborhood engineer.

*hops down from soapbox*

[afhenvs3000f24]

Unit 9

I remember how, when I was still in high school, I just wanted to come home and unwind, seeing whatever was on the TV after a really exhausting day. My ritual of half-watching the news as I scrolled through my phone was suddenly disrupted by a segment that had all the hallmarks of joining the long list of forgotten stories in marine science. Then, I heard, "The green sludge that could power our future," and I paused. I looked up, curious. What followed altered the world for me and put me on my path to where I am today, studying Environmental Management.

These words by the news anchor were animated with that very rare tone of genuine excitement. The camera cut to a sprawling, bright-green pond, bubbling under the sun. What I think most amazed me then was the realization that what I was looking at wasn't just any body of water, but an algae farm. It wasn't just about the algae clinging to rocks and ruining beach days; it was about a world of potential I'd never considered. The segment dove into the basics: how algae grow at incredible speeds, don't require fresh water or fertile soil, and can store up to 50% of their body weight in oil that can be turned into biofuel. My jaw dropped.

A lightbulb just went off in my head. Here was this slimy, green organism-so unassuming, so oft-rejected by the public which was quietly capable of making fossil fuels obsolete. The notion seemed the stuff of a science fiction movie, but there it was, on a 6 pm news slot.

The more I listened, the more it resonated with me. What if the algae could capture not only carbon dioxide from the air but also grow in aggressive media, such as seawater or even wastewater? I remembered the scientist being interviewed and saying, "Algae don't compete with traditional crops for arable land. They're nature's ultimate recyclers, turning sunlight and CO2 into liquid energy." I sat up a little straighter; my heart was pounding. That line stuck with me, humming in the back of my mind long after the segment had moved on. This was bigger than a fun fact to whip out during science class.

At the time, I was struggling with what to do after high school. I'd always cared about the environment, but I'd never quite known how to turn that concern into action. That segment was like a jigsaw piece clicking into place: I could work in a field where nature wasn't just something to be protected; it was a partner in creating solutions for some of the world's biggest challenges. That algae, oftentimes an overlooked part of our ecosystem, actually could serve in a way as groundbreaking as sustainable energy was what truly inspired me. It sealed my decision to study Environmental Management, hoping someday I would be part of the team to make innovations like algae-based biofuel mainstream.

Let me take you back to what made algae so cool. During that segment, the narrator just listed out a string of facts that got me wide-eyed. Did you know that algae can double their biomass in as little as 24 hours? Or that they can thrive in briny seawater where other crops wither and die? This is not all about speed and adaptability, though. The most astonishing fact was that algae could produce oils rich enough to be directly converted into biodiesel. Unlike corn or soybeans used for traditional biofuels, algae don't hog valuable agricultural land or guzzle fresh water. It is a zero-compromise way of producing energy, the sort of thing which I'd always assumed would exist only in the distant future.

I was practically giddy over how the algae could power vehicles, homes, and whole communities while sopping up CO2. The algae weren't cool; they're game-changers. More than an ivory tower curiosity, the possibility of clean renewable energy that wouldn't compete with the world for food or water is something the world most desperately needs.

Fast forward to today, I am a third-year Environmental Management student, and the spark that ignited after that news segment burns bright. Every time I read about advances in algae biofuel research, I know exactly why I chose this path. I want to be a part of a world where innovations like these aren't just talked about on evening news shows but are implemented into how we live and interact with our environment.

The algae taught me that even the most minute and insignificant parts of our world can make all the difference. They are the underdog of nature, and they just go to prove that true power isn't flashy or grand; it's usually hidden in spaces so small, just waiting to be noticed.

But if you take away anything from my story, let it be this: pay attention to the "green sludge" moments. Maybe they just might be the start of something that would change your life and maybe even change the world

[self-indulgent-paw-patrol]

Would Rocky and/or Zuma be VSCO pups? Also also, are the pups' and Ryder's vehicles green vehicles(eco-friendly vehicles)?

I never heard about VSCO before in my life. Had to look it up. I'm guessing you mean an app where the users take photos, edit and publish them? Where I live, the popular app for this was Instagram and for a short while, Snapshot.

I'm guessing maybe Zuma might be into taking photographs, he's got plenty free time to do whatever he wants and he's one of the few pups who's shown to go out on their own, to mind their own business pretty often, like how he goes windsurfing regularly without necessarily bringing anyone else with him. I can see him seeing something, taking a picture, publishing it. He would like to share his world as he sees it, he's the type who loves nature and wants to share his experiences.

As for their vehicles, sad to disappoint but they're almost all fuel-driven. It's clear none of them is electric or whatever just by their engine noise. The most I can say for that is that maybe they use alternative fuel, like maybe corn-based or soy-based fuel. Maybe diesel, Idk. Ryder and Rocky may have adapted a bunch of filters and stuff to make sure they'd pollute less, but it doesn't change the fact they're run by regular fuel.

I'm putting the rest under the cut, first because this post got long AGAIN, secondly because I have a dear friend who didn't watch the Mighty Movie yet and I'll talk a bit about something from the movie with screenshots too soooooo I don't wanna spoil their fun 💜

The exceptions are the Mighty Vehicles. Those are fueled by the pups' own energy once they're powered up with the Meteor energy. I imagine this would maybe drain the pup's strength at some point if they spend their energy to drive those vehicles for too long, but neither the show nor the Mighty Movie had anything about that.

Also it's important to note: In the show, their Mighty vehicles won't work once they run out of power. They stop glowing, they stop hovering, they just stop working altogether, meaning they don't have an alternative engine/fuel to work without the Meteor power up. You can see it happening in the episode when the Copycat steals the Meteor from their tower while they're out on a rescue mission.

In the Mighty Movie, however, Ryder apparently accounted for the possibility of that being an issue and had engines installed with emergency fuel from beginning, so they can still be driven normally even when not powered up - they only lose ability to use the weapons/tools that are to be energized by their powers. The best way to notice that is if you look at Zuma's hovercraft: It doesn't have propellers! Instead, it's the Meteor's power swirling where the propellers would have been that gives the Hovercraft the impulse it needs to move. Once the power is out, though, you can clearly spot a motherfucking turbine just between them-- Ryder, my man, that's ONE WAY to make a Hovercraft move for sure XD

The good news is that Zuma's hovercrafts in general are literally NEARLY 100% green and the most eco-friendly a vehicle could ever be and that's simply because it's a hovercraft! These vehicles have little to no friction against surfaces when moving, barely any contact at all, be it over water, over grass, over a road, over a swamp, whatever. No friction against surfaces means that the engine doesn't need to produce much strength/power to make the vehicle move in the first place, which in turn means way less consumption of fuel and energy. A full tank will make those orange bad boys go daily for months, while the others will need to refill their gas every other week XD

[nonegenderleftpain]

Had someone see my post about being starved as a kid and asking for tips on how to survive eating that little, and I am highly suspicious it was an ed blog looking for tips. I'm not going to give advice on how not to eat, but in case it WAS a serious ask, I'll give my advice on surviving when you're dirt poor.

You want cheap, calorie-dense foods. Your concern is not to eat healthily - healthy isn't an option when you have ten dollars a week and no means of cooking. If you're in a situation like I was - homeless with no money - dollar meals are your friend. You want to take every penny you can find, put it in a bag, and take it with you to McDonald's. Don't go buy vegetables at the store, because there are not enough calories per dollar in peppers and carrots. Take those pennies to McDonald's and get meat. The calories and protein in a burger patty will take you farther than the pure starch of fries, so you're gonna want burgers. You can get a McDonald's burger for a dollar, and that is what you're gonna want.

The most important advice I have is to make sure you eat every day, even if you're eating less than if you saved and bought a whole meal. You need the energy to get you from one day to the next, and the risk of an insulin flood knocking you on your ass isn't something you can afford if you have to keep moving. Get a burger, eat it, and hold those dollars for the next day. Keep doing this until you're able to land work that can pay you enough to feed you more, and even then, do not get a meal that is veggie based until you know where your next week of meals are coming from. Get veggies in your food if you can, but you are not going to survive homelessness on salads. If you can't get protein in a meal, you need starch, and if you can't get either, then save your money to guarantee your next meal will have both. Those sugars, fats and proteins are what your body needs to keep from completely breaking down, and eating is more important than eating healthy food.

Track down where your closest food pantry is. If you're unhoused, you're gonna move where you're sleeping closer to that pantry. If you're sheltered, you're going to figure out what the closest shelter is to that pantry and move there. Then you're going to skip a meal and spend that money on a can opener. That can opener is now your most prizes possession. Most foods that get donated to pantries are canned or boxed, and if you don't have access to a stove, those dry foods are useless to you. You're going to load up with the cans you can carry, and here is where you can get some veggies. You still need to prioritize meat, fat, and starch, but canned green beans and starchy veggies like corn are going to give you back some of your vitamins that your body is lacking. Rebuild your strength, and slowly work up to two meals a day instead of one. If you've been going without much food and you try to chow down the minute you have access to more, you're going to get sick. Prioritize small cans so you can eat everything in it at once, and carry more full meals that way.

Then, you're going to track down your closest library. When you're there, you're going to ask them to help you contact the closest social services to you. Tell them your situation - if you have a warrant out for something like petty theft, tell them that. They will help you find services that will not turn you in, and will help you start to find more permanent shelter. There are not a lot of safe places for unhoused people, but your library is. The people that work there are safe, and you can stay there as long as they're open and not have to spend a dime. I cannot stress this enough - librarians will *help* you.

This isn't infinitely sustainable. Your body cannot survive forever on this. But this is your best bet for keeping fueled while you get to a more stable situation. Take advantage of cheap calories. Stay hydrated. Focus on calorie dense foods and space out your meals. Don't wait until you're passing out to eat, because it's already too late, and you leave yourself vulnerable and unsafe. And ask for help. Libraries are a social safety net. You have computer access to make a resume, save it on Google docs. Apply to local jobs. Ask them to point you to the closest publicly available shower, like certain truck stops. Spend as much time there as possible, out of the elements, and let them know your situation. You'd be amazed the resources they have for you.

Good luck and stay safe.

[urists]

One of the things that makes me a little insane sometimes is modern agriculture. And not in the monoculture, etc, sense, but in the way that modern agriculture is really just a massively scaled up process for turning fossil fuels into food.

This is a good thing, to be clear - every calorie of food we don’t derive from fuel is a calorie that is either: a) non-existent, b) less nutritious, or c) derived from back-breaking manual labor, and sometimes some combo of the three. Fossil fuel based ag is a good thing! It’s also just operating at a scale that is truly ludicrous. Like - every single person needs to eat about 2000 calories a day, more or less. That’s about 5e15 calories a year. Even if we derive every single one of those from corn and potatoes, crops which are BANANAS efficient (like 10+ million calories per acre), that’s still half a billion acres you need to farm. At ~200 pounds N per acre, that’s 50 million tons of N per year. A ton of pure urea has about half a ton of N and takes about a half a ton of ammonia to make. Haber says you can’t get better than about 70% mass efficient for ammonia from methane, which means that the 50 million tons of N need at least ~70 million tons of methane, or about 80 billion cubic meters of natural gas. We only make about 4 trillion a year! It’s insane to think that in the absolute best case, 2% of the world’s natural gas production goes solely into making just one type of fertilizer!

Until, ofc, you remember that prior to modern agriculture, approximately 100% of the world’s energy went into making crops - which means that even though modern agriculture operates at a scale that makes me kind of insane, the fraction of our energy we spend on crops is currently at the lowest it has ever been. Thanks, fossil fuels!

[readmedia777]

Cannabis to Jet Fuel: The High-Flying Future of Sustainable Energy

Introduction

The world stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with the dual challenges of increasing energy demands and climate change. With industries like aviation heavily reliant on fossil fuels, finding sustainable alternatives is no longer optional—it’s imperative. Amid this urgency, a surprising contender is emerging: cannabis, specifically industrial hemp, as a potential source of renewable jet fuel.

From its fast growth cycle to its ability to thrive in diverse conditions, hemp offers remarkable ecological and economic advantages. As researchers explore innovative ways to harness its energy potential, we may be on the cusp of a green revolution in aviation. Let’s delve into how cannabis could transform the skies, making jet fuel not just sustainable but revolutionary.

The Growing Need for Sustainable Energy in Aviation

The aviation industry accounts for nearly 2.5% of global carbon emissions. This might seem like a small percentage, but when you consider the cumulative environmental impact of millions of flights annually, the numbers become alarming. Traditional jet fuel, derived from fossil fuels, is one of the largest contributors to these emissions.

Efforts to transition to greener aviation fuels, such as biofuels from algae and waste materials, have shown promise. However, these alternatives often face scalability issues, high production costs, or supply limitations. A more sustainable and abundant resource is needed to meet the growing energy demands of global air travel. This is where hemp enters the picture, offering a renewable and viable solution to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation.

Cannabis: An Overview of Its Industrial Potential

Cannabis, often associated with recreational or medicinal use, is also a highly versatile crop with industrial applications. Hemp, a strain of cannabis with negligible psychoactive properties, has been cultivated for centuries for its fiber, seeds, and oil.

What makes hemp stand out is its adaptability and efficiency. It grows quickly, requires minimal water, and can thrive in a variety of climates. Its seeds are rich in oil, which can be processed into biodiesel, while its cellulose-rich stalks are ideal for ethanol production. These properties make hemp a promising candidate for the renewable energy sector, including aviation fuel.

Discover how Cannabis Waste to Jet Fuel is driving the next wave of sustainable energy for aviation.

How Cannabis Can Be Transformed into Jet Fuel

The process of converting hemp into biofuel involves several scientific steps, primarily focused on extracting usable energy components from the plant.

Oil Extraction: Hemp seeds are pressed to extract oil, which can be refined into biodiesel.

Cellulose Processing: The stalks are rich in cellulose, a key ingredient for ethanol and other biofuels.

Catalytic Refinement: Advanced technologies can further refine hemp oil and ethanol into aviation-grade fuel.

When compared to other biofuel sources like corn or soybeans, hemp offers higher yields and requires less intensive agricultural inputs. This makes it not only an environmentally friendly option but also a potentially cost-effective one.

Environmental Benefits of Hemp-Derived Jet Fuel

Hemp’s ability to combat climate change extends beyond its use as biofuel. Here’s how:

Carbon Sequestration: Hemp absorbs significant amounts of CO2 during its growth, effectively offsetting emissions from its fuel production and use.

Low Input Farming: It requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers compared to traditional crops, reducing the environmental impact of its cultivation.

Biodegradability: Any waste generated during hemp biofuel production is biodegradable, contributing to a circular economy.

The transition to hemp-based aviation fuel could lead to a substantial reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, bringing us closer to carbon-neutral air travel.

Economic Opportunities from Cannabis-Based Aviation Fuel

The hemp-to-jet-fuel pathway isn’t just about sustainability—it’s a potential economic powerhouse. Hemp cultivation can create jobs, especially in rural and agricultural communities. Transitioning to hemp-based fuels provides farmers with a lucrative alternative to conventional crops, especially in regions facing agricultural challenges.

Additionally, scaling hemp biofuel production could drive down costs, making it competitive with traditional jet fuels. This economic potential makes hemp a win-win solution for the environment and the economy.

Overcoming Challenges in Adoption

While the potential of hemp-derived jet fuel is immense, realizing its full benefits requires addressing significant challenges:

Regulatory Hurdles: Many countries still have restrictive laws surrounding cannabis cultivation, even for industrial purposes. Easing these regulations is critical to enabling large-scale hemp farming and its use in energy production.

Technological Limitations: Developing cost-efficient and scalable methods to extract and refine hemp-based biofuels is a priority. Research in this area is ongoing but requires substantial investment.

Public Perception: Hemp often suffers from its association with marijuana, leading to public misunderstandings. Education and awareness campaigns can help demystify hemp’s role in sustainable energy.

Overcoming these obstacles demands coordinated efforts from policymakers, scientists, and industries. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the barriers to hemp-based aviation fuel adoption can be systematically dismantled.

Global Potential for Hemp Aviation Fuel

Hemp is an incredibly adaptable crop, capable of thriving in various climates, from temperate regions to semi-arid zones. This makes it a viable option for countries across the globe, including those with challenging agricultural conditions.

Developing Countries: Hemp cultivation can provide economic opportunities for developing nations, offering a sustainable crop with high market value.

Energy Independence: By producing their own biofuels, nations can reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, bolstering energy security.

Global Supply Chain: Establishing international networks for hemp farming and biofuel production could transform the global energy landscape, making green aviation fuel accessible to all.

The global potential for hemp-based aviation fuel lies not just in its environmental benefits but also in its ability to create equitable economic opportunities.

Cannabis vs. Other Biofuel Sources

Hemp isn’t the only crop being considered for biofuel, but it has distinct advantages over many alternatives:CriteriaHempSoybeansAlgaeCornGrowth Cycle3-4 months4-5 monthsContinuous4-6 monthsWater RequirementsLowHighModerateHighLand Use EfficiencyHighModerateVery HighModerateEnvironmental ImpactPositive (CO2 sequestration)NeutralNeutralNegative (high pesticide use)Yield per Acre (Fuel)HighModerateHighLow

Hemp’s balance of high yield, low environmental impact, and versatility makes it a standout choice among biofuel crops, particularly for aviation.

The Role of Innovation in Expanding Hemp’s Potential

Innovation is the linchpin for maximizing hemp’s potential in the energy sector. Recent advancements in agricultural technology, such as precision farming and genetic improvements, have enhanced hemp yields and reduced production costs.

Farming Techniques: Modern irrigation methods and soil management practices can optimize hemp growth, even in challenging environments.

Biofuel Refinement: Emerging technologies in biofuel conversion, like enzymatic processing and catalytic cracking, are making hemp fuel production more efficient.

Integrated Systems: Hemp biofuel production can be coupled with other sustainable initiatives, like carbon capture technology and renewable power generation, to create a holistic green energy system.

By continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation, we can unlock even greater possibilities for hemp-derived energy solutions.

Cannabis and the Future of Green Aviation

Imagine a world where airplanes soar across the skies, powered by a fuel that’s not only renewable but also environmentally restorative. This vision isn’t as far-fetched as it seems. Hemp-based aviation fuel has the potential to:

Decarbonize Air Travel: By drastically reducing emissions, hemp biofuel could make aviation one of the greenest modes of transportation.

Inspire Industry Change: The adoption of sustainable fuels in aviation could set a precedent for other industries to follow.

Enhance Public Perception: Passengers and airlines alike would benefit from the positive environmental impact, creating a ripple effect of sustainability consciousness.

The future of aviation is undoubtedly tied to innovative energy solutions, and hemp is poised to play a starring role in this transformation.

Building a Hemp-Based Energy Ecosystem

To fully realize the potential of hemp-based aviation fuel, it’s essential to integrate it into a broader ecosystem of sustainability. This means:

Circular Economy Practices: Utilizing every part of the hemp plant ensures minimal waste and maximized utility. For example, while the seeds are used for oil, the stalks can be processed into materials like bioplastics.

Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships between energy companies, agricultural sectors, and governments are vital to creating a seamless supply chain.

Infrastructure Development: From farming facilities to biofuel refineries, building the necessary infrastructure is critical for scaling production.

This holistic approach not only amplifies the benefits of hemp fuel but also lays the groundwork for a more sustainable future across multiple industries.

Public Awareness and Policy Advocacy

For hemp aviation fuel to succeed, the public must be aware of its benefits, and policymakers must pave the way for its adoption. Key steps include:

Educational Campaigns: Informing the public about the environmental and economic advantages of hemp biofuel can help dispel misconceptions.

Policy Support: Governments need to incentivize hemp cultivation and biofuel production through subsidies, tax breaks, and research funding.

International Collaboration: Coordinated global efforts can accelerate the development and adoption of hemp-based fuels, ensuring widespread benefits.

Through awareness and advocacy, we can create the conditions necessary for hemp-derived jet fuel to take off—both literally and figuratively.

Conclusion

Hemp represents a beacon of hope in the quest for sustainable energy, particularly in the aviation sector. Its rapid growth, low environmental footprint, and high biofuel yield make it an unparalleled resource for addressing the twin challenges of climate change and energy demand.

By embracing cannabis-derived jet fuel, we can transform the skies into a cleaner, greener space, inspiring future generations to dream bigger and think sustainably. The journey from cannabis to jet fuel isn’t just about energy—it’s about redefining what’s possible in our fight for a better planet.

[praxcrown5]

Cars Headcanon: Doc's Grandfather

I'm Fleshing out the characters for a Cars fanfic. Gonna revisit Doc's grandfather now that I have a more solid idea of how he fits into the story.

Doc's grandfather was Otis James Glenrunner (factory designation: O50E1927185CU05121905 Cycle 9, Rotation 183, Batch 12B). He was the youngest of three children sired by Samson Glenrunner and Aiofe Maeve Glenrunner nee O'Brien…though his siblings wouldn't survive the Desert Days, a mega-drought that followed the Factory Wars, crippling the world economy between 1876 and 1897. He was modeled in the likeness of an Old World, 1927 Oldsmobile model 50E coupe, and was manufactured on 05/12/1905 at the Oldsmobile Factory in Detroit, Michigan.

Otis' parents survived the Desert Days by partnering with another, prominent, family in the area--the Longhaulers--fixing 'em up in exchange for a portion of their corn and lumber. Otis' father was able to turn the crops and wood into an ethanol-based fuel, that wasn't near as good as gasoline, but it was better than a lot of other "poor fuels" being cooked up at the time. They'd turn the leftover corn into moonshine to extend its shelf-life…and sell it to make additional cash.

Otis learned the family trades, and was an expert mechanic by the time he was eight. When prohibition started in '15, he helped his father run moonshine to Atlanta, and took a more active role in maintaining the still. Two years later, the ATF raided the garage and destroyed the still. His father was shot trying to protect it, and would succumb to his wounds a week later.

Following his passing, Otis took over running the garage, and immediately started work on a new still, but this time around, he was gonna make it much harder to find. His friend, Skids Longhauler, gave him a map of the old underground anthracite mines, and while exploring one day, he happened to find a ventilation tunnel that ran under his property. He shored up the walls, extended the tunnel to a nearby creek and with some help from Skids and his brother, Spinney, they were able to divert half of the creek's flow through the tunnel and used it to make an industrial-grade still.

By '19, he had made enough money selling moonshine that he was able to add a convenience store to the garage, rebranding the business Glenrunner's All-in-One. He married Elizabeth Marie Owen in '20, and the pair would sire twin boys, Carl and James, that same year. The Great Depression of '21 would hit the town hard, and many of the Glenrunner's, including Otis' mother and step-father, would give up on the town and head north. Otis and his wife decided to stay, with Otis managing the garage and Elizabeth running the store.

Once Carl and James were four, Elizabeth began training them to run the store seeing as neither wanted to become a mechanic. Otis and Elizabeth would sire a daughter, Annette, in '25. Three months later, while closing up the shop, Elizabeth began complaining of intense pain near her coupling panel. As there wasn't an actual hospital in town, Otis asked Skids' if he could help transport her to Atlanta, but she collapsed just as they were getting ready to leave…and died an hour later. Her cause of death was ruled to be "complications from siring," though Otis had a strong suspicion that the technician who serviced her at the Cadillac factory was somehow complicit. James and Carl, despite only being five, stepped up to help him run the shop…and when Annette turned five, Otis began teaching her mechanical engineering.

About that time, Skids was injured in a freak logging accident. Spinney called Otis to the line, but the injuries to Skid's cabin were too severe, and Otis could only watch as his best friend died in front of him. Spinney was devastated. He blamed Otis for Skid's death, and the once amicable relationship between the Longhaulers and the Glenrunners began to wane.

His daughter, Annette, married Spinney's son (and Skid's nephew), Samuel Longhauler, in '36, much to his surprise. Everything seemed good for a time. However, Annette and Sam were unable to sire children together. Diagnostic scans of Annette's reproductive hardware revealed nothing out of sorts, and Otis began to suspect that Spinney knew his son was sterile and wanted him to marry Annette as a way of getting back at Otis.

In '38, Annette had an affair with the wanted outlaw, Diesel O'Twill, whom was badly injured in the collision that actually stopped his daughter from killing herself. Otis recognized the tripper right away, and did everything in his power to speed along "Ghost's" repairs...not wanting to attract the wrong sort of attention to his garage...and the still hidden underneath it. Despite being angry with Annette for doing something so rash...he accompanied her to Detroit to pick up his grandson.

Otis, James and Carl were arrested in '47 when the ATF raided the garage looking for Annette's son, Hudson. Upon being released in '53, he was horrified to discover that Annette had worked herself near to death trying to keep the business running with only Sam to help her. He took on some of her work at the garage, hoping that the lighter workload would help her recover, but Hud's crash in '54 combined with Sam's untimely passing in '58 was too much, and Otis would lose his beloved daughter in '59 due to cabin fatigue.

He and his sons kept running Glenrunner's until '89, when Carl passed due to natural causes. He and James would retire soon after that, selling the business and moving to Buffalo, New York. There they would open the Hidden Still Distillery, selling various types of whiskey as a way to keep busy and make a bit of cash.

Like most everyone else in the country, they were watching the tie-breaker race between Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks and Strip Weathers…and were shocked and surprised to see that Hud was alive and well…and, once again, involved in racing. It wouldn't be until '08 that they'd be reunited, flying out to Radiator Springs to spend a few weeks with Hud, catching up and otherwise enjoying his company. James would pass in '13, and Otis would pass in '15, having outlived all of his children and grandchildren.

Personality wise, Otis was intelligent, shrewd and innovative. He was also a loving and devoted father and husband who would do anything to protect his kids. But he was also a rule breaker, willing to straddle the grey area between morally justified and questionable if it would ensure his family's safety and/or security.

Interesting Facts: He and Elizabeth's marriage was arranged. He was a good brawler, and held his own against Spinney, a pickup truck, when the two of them got into a physical altercation over the whole Annette/Sam infertility debacle. He was an excellent singer, specializing in Old World music. He had hidden compartments all over his body from his time as a whiskey tripper.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Corn on the Cob Day

Nothing says summer quite like a perfectly grilled (or boiled) corn  on the cob, doused with butter, salt, pepper, or perhaps a more creative  seasoning profile.

In the height of summer, under a cornflower blue sky filled with  cotton-ball clouds, the smell of grilled meat fills the air. Children  are laughing and playing in the creek, and the adults are setting up the  picnic tables with checkered table cloths, red solo cups and paper  plates.

In the middle of the table sits a giant bowl covered with a layer of  aluminum foil, with steam gently escaping from around the edges, rich  with the smell of fabulous, buttery corn on the cob.

Corn on the Cob Day celebrates events like these, whether held  outdoors or indoors. It reminisces about the gathering of family around  one of the sweetest healthy cookout treats that is available throughout  the summer.

It’s Corn on the Cob Day!

History of Corn On The Cob Day

The history of Corn On The Cob Day goes back to a time even before  European settlers actually first came to the Americas. Corn is a new  world plant, native to the American lands, that was originally enjoyed  by the Native Americans who were there before the westerners  “discovered” the land.

Since then, corn has made various appearances in dishes all over the  world, and the by-products of this plant have been used in quite  literally millions of different products. For instance, in the United  States, high fructose corn syrup is found in almost every candy, and  certainly, in almost every carbonated beverage that can be found. Other  corn products that are used en masse include oil, cereals, snacks,  breads and even fuel.

Corn on the cob comes in more varieties than a person might think!  Sure there’s the traditional yellow corn, but there are also white and  mixed colored corn that can be eaten on the cob.

In any case, almost every type of corn can be prepared into corn on  the cob through various methods of preparation, and each brings its own  combination of tastes and flavors. There is no limit to the delicious  meals and fantastic flavors when a little corn on the cob is added to  the table.

Corn On The Cob Day is the opportunity to try different flavors, grab the butter, and enjoy delicious corn on the cob!

How To Celebrate Corn On The Cob Day

Celebrating Corn On The Cob Day is simple and fun! Try these ideas for celebrating or create new ideas:

Try Different Ways of Cooking Corn on the Cob

Start by cooking up some corn on the cob in the traditional  way–boiling. It only takes a few minutes in the water (don’t salt it  first!). Then enjoy eating it with a generous heap of butter and salt!

Now that opens the doorway to a whole variety of options to be  considered. Another way to prepare the dish is to wrap corn on the cob  in aluminum foil and let it roast in the coals of a campfire (or in the  same way on a gas or charcoal barbecue grill) until it’s positively  bursting with deliciousness.

Explore Seasoning Options

Anyone knows that corn on the cob needs butter and can be delicious  just on its own. But don’t stop there because other options are worth a  try as well! Start by adding butter as a base, and then dust the corn on  the cob with a choice of seasonings. Simple salt can work just fine, or  get more creative with seasoning salt, pepper, or any of a variety of  spices that suit your palette.

Try these varieties:

Cajun Corn on the Cob. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper, paprika and oregano, then sprinkle lightly.

Corn on the Cob Citrus Seasoned Salt.  Add sea salt, hot smoked paprika, black pepper, smoked salt, and finely  grated orange zest, then rub on (while cooking on the grill, if  preferred).

Italian Corn on the Cob. Go  Italian by sprinkling buttered corn on the cob with parmesan cheese,  powdered garlic and italian seasonings (basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme  and marjoram).

Learn More About Corn  

While it is in most people’s kitchens at one time or another, many  people don’t know some of these fun facts about corn. For instance,  although the most common corn color is yellow, it can also be cultivated  to be purple, green, blue-gray, red, white and even black. Here are  some other fun facts about corn:

The word ‘maiz’ or ‘maize’ has Native American/Spanish language  origins and that is what this grain is called in many languages.

Most cobs of corn have an average of 800 kernels, arranged in 16 rows around the cob.

Corn is produced on all of the inhabited continents on the planet (but it cannot grow in Antarctica).

The United States is the largest single producer of corn on the planet, providing at least 40% of the world’s corn harvest.

Celebrate Corn on the Cob All Summer Long  

While corn on the cob day comes at the beginning of June, anyone from  the corn growing belt in the US knows that the best time to get fresh  corn on the cob is at the end of the summer. The great news is that it  isn’t necessary to choose between the two–just go ahead and celebrate at  both times. In fact, corn on the cob can be celebrated all throughout  the summer!

Source

[musicblogwales]

Chroma - 'Bombs Away' Single Review (Estelle Trowill)

Pontypridd based bilingual alt-rock trio CHROMA are excited to announce the release of their new single, "Bombs Away," released on 2nd October 2024 through Alcopop! Records. 

The track is from the band's debut album ‘Ask For Angela’, which was released in October 2023 and has recently been shortlisted for the 2024 Welsh Music Prize.

Commenting on the single, vocalist Katie Hall said: “Since I saw My Chemical Romance in Cardiff CIA as a 14 year old kid, I’ve always wanted to write a song for teenage girls to mosh to. Bombs Away is that song. I love going to gigs and I feel like my time getting pushed around in the pit made me fall in love with heavier music.”

“Bombs away at its core is a breakup song. It’s about that moment you begin to see the wood for the trees, with someone you’re seeing. It’s that moment you realise someone’s taken advantage of your kindness and you’re just fuming. Bombs Away is that anger and then moving on.”

The track delivers a powerful buildup, fueled by hard-hitting drums and Katie’s commanding vocals, creating an intense energy throughout. The infectious, repetitive chorus adds an extra layer of impact, making it irresistibly catchy and perfect for a high-energy mosh pit. Its anthemic quality and driving rhythm make it an ideal soundtrack for letting loose and getting lost in the moment. 

‘Ask For Angela’ was recorded at Giant Wafer Studios in Llanbadarn Fynydd, during lockdown. CHROMA’s acclaimed, now Welsh Music Prize-shortlisted debut album was produced and mixed by Steffan Pringle (Adwaith, Future of the Left, Boy Azooga) and mastered by Tom Langrish at E1 Mastering in London (IDLES, Fontaines D.C, DITZ).

CHROMA have had an exciting year, recently being named one of the newest patrons of the Music Venue Trust. After a thrilling support slot with the Foo Fighters earlier this year, plus standout sets at SXSW Festival, FOCUS Wales, and shows with Bob Vylan, The Mysterines, and more, CHROMA are now gearing up to support Goldie Lookin Chain.

2024 UK Live Dates:

SOLD OUT - NORWICH - Epic Studios *

SOLD OUT - BIRMINGHAM - Hare & Hounds *

08 Oct - CARDIFF - Wales Millennium Centre (Welsh Music Prize 2024)

11 Oct - MANCHESTER - Castle Hotel, Beyond The Music

12 Oct - ABERYSTWYTH - Harleys

SOLD OUT - NOTTINGHAM - Metronome *

SOLD OUT - NEWCASTLE - The Cluny *

SOLD OUT - GLOUCESTER - Guildhall *

SOLD OUT - BRISTOL - SWX *

SOLD OUT - NARBERTH - Queens Hall *

SOLD OUT - BIRMINGHAM - Hare & Hounds *

SOLD OUT - NARBERTH - Queens Hall *

SOLD OUT - SWANSEA - Sin City *

16 Nov - LONDON - Electric Ballroom *

SOLD OUT - BIRKENHEAD - Future Yard *

SOLD OUT - NEWPORT - Corn Exchange *

SOLD OUT - NEWPORT - Corn Exchange *

* with Goldie Lookin Chain

CHROMA are Katie Hall on vocals and guitar, Liam Bevan on bass, and Zac Mather on drums.

Discover:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chromabanduk/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHROMAbanduk/?_rdr

Twitter: https://x.com/chromabanduk

Website: https://www.chroma.band/home

Words: Estelle Trowill

[steve69690]

Grass is a plant with narrow leaves growing from the base. A common kind of grass is used to cover the ground in a lawn and other places. Grass gets water from the roots in the ground. Grass is usually pigmented with the colour ‘green’. Grasses are monocotyledon, herbaceous plants.

The grasses include the "grass", of the family Poaceae (also called Gramineae). Also sometimes it is used to include the sedges (Cyperaceae) and the rushes (Juncaceae). These three families are not closely related but belong to different clades in the order Poales. They are similar adaptations to a common life-style.

The true grasses include cereals, bamboo and the grasses of lawns (turf) and grassland. Uses for graminoids include food (as grain, sprouted grain, shoots or rhizomes), drink (beer, whisky), pasture for livestock, thatching thatch, paper, fuel, clothing, insulation, construction, sports turf, basket weaving and many others.

Many grasses are short, but some grasses, like bamboo can grow very tall. Plants from the grass family can grow in many places, even if they are very cold or very dry. Several other plants that look similar but are not members of the grass family are also sometimes called grass; these include rushes, reeds, papyrus, and water chestnut.

Grasses are an important food for many animals, like deer, buffalo, cattle, mice, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and many other grazers. Unlike other plants, grasses grow from the bottom, so when animals eat grass they usually do not destroy the part that grows. Without grass, dirt can wash away into rivers (erosion). Graminoids include some of the most versatile plant life-forms. They became widespread toward the end of the Cretaceous. Fossilized dinosaur dung (coprolites) have been found containing grass phytoliths (silica stones inside grass leaves). Grasses have adapted to conditions in lush rain forests, dry deserts, cold mountains and even intertidal habitats, and are now the most widespread plant type. Grass is a valuable source of food and energy for many animals.Lawn grass is often planted on sports fields and in the area around a building. Sometimes chemicals and water is used to help lawns to grow.

People have used grasses for a long time. People eat parts of grasses. Corn, wheat, barley, oats, rice and millet are cereals, common grains whose seeds are used for food and to make alcohol such as beer.

Sugar comes from sugar cane, which is also a plant in the grass family. People have grown grasses as food for farm animals for about 4,000 years. People use bamboo to build houses, fences, furniture and other things. Grass plants can also be used as fuel, to cover roofs, and to weave baskets. n English, the word "grass" appears in several phrases. For example: "The grass is always greener on the other side" means "people are never happy with what they have and want something else." "Don't let the grass grow under your feet" means "Do something". "A snake in the grass" is about a person that will not be honest and will trick others.

Grass is sometimes used as a slang term for cannabis (also called pot, weed, or marijuana) The Grass type (Japanese: くさタイプ Grass type) is one of the eighteen types. Prior to changes in Generation IV, all damaging Grass-type moves were special, but they may now also be physical depending on the attack. Grass-type Pokémon are immune to Leech Seed. Grass-type Pokémon are immune to Leech Seed Starting in Generation VI, Grass-type Pokémon are immune to powder and spore moves and Effect Spore.Grass types are tied with Rock in having the most weaknesses out of all types with five. Since Generation I, a particular asset of Grass types is being the only type that is immune to Leech Seed. As of Generation VI, Grass-type Pokémon are also immune to powder and spore moves, such as Sleep Powder and Stun Spore. Additionally, Grass Pokémon are the only ones affected by Rototiller and Flower Shield. Those moves raise both attack stats or the physical Defense stat, respectively, when used. Forest's Curse adds the Grass type to the target's types. Grass-type attacks are resisted by seven types, so they're tied with Bug as the most resisted type. Those resistant types are best covered by Rock and Ground. As of Generation VI, Dark and Ghost have neutral matchups against every type that resists Grass. When Grassy Terrain is in the effect, the power of Grass-type moves is increased by 30% (50% prior to Generation VIII) if the user is on the ground.

Contest properties In contests, Grass-type moves are typically Clever moves, but can also be any of the other four contest conditions. As of Generation VIII, there are 112 Grass-type Pokémon or 12.27% of all Pokémon (counting those that are Grass-type in at least one of their forms), making it the third most common type after Normal and before Flying.

A Pokémon with Protean or Libero will become a Grass-type Pokémon if it uses a Grass-type move. A Pokémon with Color Change, Imposter, Mimicry, RKS System, or Multitype will become a Grass-type Pokémon if (respectively) it is hit with a Grass-type move, is sent out against a Grass-type opponent, if the terrain is grassy, if it is holding a Grass Memory, or if it is holding a Meadow Plate or Grassium Z. Since Generation VI, Grass-type Pokémon are also immune to Effect Spore; Only Grass-type Pokémon can have these Abilities. This does not include signature Abilities.Due to the decreased amount of types in the TCG, Grass generally adopts all Bug-type Pokémon under its typing. It also adopted Poison-type Pokémon prior to the Diamond & Pearl set, after which they were moved to Psychic. Similar to the games, Grass-type Pokémon in the TCG are generally weak to Fire and resist Water.

Grass-type Pokémon are strong against Fighting and Water Pokémon, whilst Metal Pokémon resisted it until the EX Power Keepers expansion set. Generation V introduced the most Grass-type Pokémon of any generation, with 21 (including Rotom's Mow form), and Generation VI introduced the fewest Grass-type Pokémon, with nine. Generation I introduced the most Grass-type moves of any generation, with 10, and Generation II introduced the fewest Grass-type moves, with three.

The Grass type and/or Pokémon of the type have been referred to using the term "plant" instead on some occasions: In the English Generation I games, the Gym guide in Cerulean Gym refers to Pokémon of the Grass type as "plant Pokémon". In the English versions of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, he instead mentions "Grass-type Pokémon". In the Japanese versions of the Generation I games and FireRed and LeafGreen, he mentions the Grass type itself, calling it the "Plant type" (Japanese: しょくぶつタイプ). Another reference to "plant Pokémon" (Japanese: しょくぶつポケモン) is made by Professor Oak in the Japanese Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue, and international Pokémon Red and Blue, classifying Bulbasaur as such when the player is about to choose it as their starter. This is also the case in the Japanese versions of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen; in contrast, he calls it the "grass Pokémon" in the English versions. This same reference is also used in the first episode of Pokémon Origins.

In multiple languages, such as French and German, the Grass type is translated as the Plant type. The Turkish dub of the anime occasionally refers to "Grass type" as "Plant type". The Grass type has the most Pokémon that evolve by Evolution stones, with a total of 11. It is also the type that can utilize the most stones, having at least one Pokémon that can evolve via the Leaf Stone, Sun Stone, Water Stone, and Shiny Stone.The Grass type is the only type to have more than one HP-draining move, having five of them. Grass-type attacks deal doubly super-effective damage to the most Pokémon of all types. Grass-type attacks are super effective against the three types that Fire types are weak to. Fire is the only type that hasn't been paired with Grass. In Tree's a Crowd, Brock states that Grass-type Pokémon resist Electric-type moves due to being able to diffuse the electricity into trees and the ground. He also explains that if Grass types are in the air, they cannot diffuse the electricity from Electric attacks, thereby dealing normally effective damage.

Now that you have read this much about grass, maybe you should go and touch some...