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Crafts
Aug. 30th, 2026 12:56 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithCompany Aims for ‘Moonshot’ Replacement for Trees in Paper Products with Humble Desert Plant
From the Wall Street Journal comes the story of a goldilocks discovery: a potential replacement for wood fiber that goes into making tissues, toilet paper, and paper towels. It’s called hesperaloe, and like the namesake of its last 4 letters, presents as a long-leaved succulent that grows in arid environments.
Kimberly-Clark, the American firm which made the R&D breakthrough, produces brand names like Scott paper towels, Huggies diapers, and Cottonelle toilet paper—all of which use wood fiber from trees. Speaking to the Journal, Craig Slavtcheff, the company’s top research-and-development officer described it as a “Goldilocks discovery” and alternatively as a “moonshot,” but had also to warn that commercial-scale testing was still underway.
We do have alternatives already, including bamboo and hemp, which have been used in the past. Recycled clothing used to be another option for paper, such as linen and cotton, but now most fabric is blended. :/
A big disadvantage of desert plants is that they tend to grow very slowly compared to those in wetter environments. However, there is much to be said for cultivating any useful dryland plant, given how climate change is increasing droughts in many areas. Cotton and bamboo in particular are water hogs.
From the Wall Street Journal comes the story of a goldilocks discovery: a potential replacement for wood fiber that goes into making tissues, toilet paper, and paper towels. It’s called hesperaloe, and like the namesake of its last 4 letters, presents as a long-leaved succulent that grows in arid environments.
Kimberly-Clark, the American firm which made the R&D breakthrough, produces brand names like Scott paper towels, Huggies diapers, and Cottonelle toilet paper—all of which use wood fiber from trees. Speaking to the Journal, Craig Slavtcheff, the company’s top research-and-development officer described it as a “Goldilocks discovery” and alternatively as a “moonshot,” but had also to warn that commercial-scale testing was still underway.
We do have alternatives already, including bamboo and hemp, which have been used in the past. Recycled clothing used to be another option for paper, such as linen and cotton, but now most fabric is blended. :/
A big disadvantage of desert plants is that they tend to grow very slowly compared to those in wetter environments. However, there is much to be said for cultivating any useful dryland plant, given how climate change is increasing droughts in many areas. Cotton and bamboo in particular are water hogs.
Vocabulary: Self-centered vs. Narcissist
Aug. 29th, 2026 03:39 pmysabetwordsmithFrom Carolyn Hax's chat:
How do you know if someone is a narcissist versus someone who is just self-centered?
Carolyn Hax:
Self-centered will walk by you like you're furniture.
Narcissist will see you as furniture, put you in their room, have you reupholstered in a color that's more flattering with their skin tone, then break you and dump you in an alley and blame the upholsterer for doing it wrong even though you came out exactly as ordered.
How do you know if someone is a narcissist versus someone who is just self-centered?
Carolyn Hax:
Self-centered will walk by you like you're furniture.
Narcissist will see you as furniture, put you in their room, have you reupholstered in a color that's more flattering with their skin tone, then break you and dump you in an alley and blame the upholsterer for doing it wrong even though you came out exactly as ordered.
Vocabulary: Chronic Drop
Aug. 29th, 2026 03:34 pmysabetwordsmithChronic Drop
Anxiety disorder in which drop symptoms are reoccurring and do not have a direct cause.
This post was created for alpha/beta/omega fanwork. However, I first thought of it in the context of con drop, sub drop, and other forms of emotional drop extant in local-Earth. It seems like a very useful term regarding droplike symptoms that linger.
Anxiety disorder in which drop symptoms are reoccurring and do not have a direct cause.
This post was created for alpha/beta/omega fanwork. However, I first thought of it in the context of con drop, sub drop, and other forms of emotional drop extant in local-Earth. It seems like a very useful term regarding droplike symptoms that linger.
Cyberspace Theory
Aug. 29th, 2026 01:53 pmysabetwordsmithThe Rise of Collective Stupidity (End of Critical Thinking)
Critical thinking isn't being banned. It's being abandoned — and for the first time in a century, the data shows it. In this video, we open the black box on the quiet collapse of the modern mind: the reverse Flynn effect revealing that IQ scores have been falling since 1975, the neuroscience of a brain physically remodeled by the scroll, B.F. Skinner's variable reward schedule hidden inside your phone, Neil Postman's warning about a culture amusing itself to death, and the MIT study proving that lies travel faster than truth — carried not by bots, but by us.
This is the dark psychology of collective stupidity: how the attention economy turned billions of intelligent individuals into one fast, loyal, unthinking swarm — why the smartest people are often the least protected — and the single deliberate act that still works as a rudder.
( Read more... )
Critical thinking isn't being banned. It's being abandoned — and for the first time in a century, the data shows it. In this video, we open the black box on the quiet collapse of the modern mind: the reverse Flynn effect revealing that IQ scores have been falling since 1975, the neuroscience of a brain physically remodeled by the scroll, B.F. Skinner's variable reward schedule hidden inside your phone, Neil Postman's warning about a culture amusing itself to death, and the MIT study proving that lies travel faster than truth — carried not by bots, but by us.
This is the dark psychology of collective stupidity: how the attention economy turned billions of intelligent individuals into one fast, loyal, unthinking swarm — why the smartest people are often the least protected — and the single deliberate act that still works as a rudder.
( Read more... )
Saw some rain, didn't get very wet
Aug. 29th, 2026 07:17 pmqueen_ypolitaJust like the forecast was suggesting, it was raining quite heavily when I woke up, but by the time I was heading out for some parkrun tourism it had stopped. There was a bit of drizzle and a few drops of rain at the start, but otherwise dry with the occasional peek of the sun for parkrun itself. It did start raining lightly when I was heading back and rained quite heavily when I was showering and getting dressed and ready to go out. But once again, it eased up soon and a little rain on my way to The Box didn't bother me. With the forecast suggesting temperatures between 18 and 21 I didn't even bring a coat for this trip, so I was out in a t-shirt, although a lot of other people out seemed to have dug out their coats already.
I really liked the art exhibitions at The Box. Echoes of Us was particularly awesome. In the other displays, there was lots of really interesting stuff about the port and the dockyards. After The Box, I did some aimless wandering around in shops, and spent some time browsing in Waterstones. I thought I'd buy something but in the end I emerged with five novels. Not sure when I'll have time to actually read them. There were some more showers in the afternoon, but I managed to escape the worst.
I really liked the art exhibitions at The Box. Echoes of Us was particularly awesome. In the other displays, there was lots of really interesting stuff about the port and the dockyards. After The Box, I did some aimless wandering around in shops, and spent some time browsing in Waterstones. I thought I'd buy something but in the end I emerged with five novels. Not sure when I'll have time to actually read them. There were some more showers in the afternoon, but I managed to escape the worst.
Birdfeeding
Aug. 29th, 2026 01:00 pmysabetwordsmithToday is partly sunny and warm.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I gathered sunflower seeds for my developing 'Summer of Love' landrace. Yesterday I noticed that one head was ripe and being pecked by birds. Today I rescued what was left of that one, a good handful of fairly large striped seeds. Below the ripe head is a smaller one starting to bloom. I suspect this is a cross between large-headed single-flowering and small-headed multiflowering types. I checked others, but the dry heads were already picked clean or had not set seed. There are a couple that have set seed but are not yet dry enough to harvest.
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I started gathering Shithouse Marigold seeds from the old picnic table (finished) and the new picnic table (one side done). A bumblebee busied herself in the currently blooming flowers as I picked the dry seedheads. We worked quite companionably side by side, a few inches apart, each unbothered by the other, sharing the small bounties of the garden. :D
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I gathered seeds from the short red and yellow marigolds in the new picnic garden, and managed to finish both sides.
Small butterflies are visiting the flowers blooming in the grass, mostly white clover and some yellow.
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I finished gathering Shithouse Marigold seeds from the south side of the new picnic table, so that's done for now.
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I watered all the gardens.
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
Cicadas and crickets are singing.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I gathered sunflower seeds for my developing 'Summer of Love' landrace. Yesterday I noticed that one head was ripe and being pecked by birds. Today I rescued what was left of that one, a good handful of fairly large striped seeds. Below the ripe head is a smaller one starting to bloom. I suspect this is a cross between large-headed single-flowering and small-headed multiflowering types. I checked others, but the dry heads were already picked clean or had not set seed. There are a couple that have set seed but are not yet dry enough to harvest.
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I started gathering Shithouse Marigold seeds from the old picnic table (finished) and the new picnic table (one side done). A bumblebee busied herself in the currently blooming flowers as I picked the dry seedheads. We worked quite companionably side by side, a few inches apart, each unbothered by the other, sharing the small bounties of the garden. :D
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I gathered seeds from the short red and yellow marigolds in the new picnic garden, and managed to finish both sides.
Small butterflies are visiting the flowers blooming in the grass, mostly white clover and some yellow.
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I finished gathering Shithouse Marigold seeds from the south side of the new picnic table, so that's done for now.
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I watered all the gardens.
EDIT 8/29/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
Cicadas and crickets are singing.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
Music
Aug. 29th, 2026 02:10 amysabetwordsmithA Real Rockin’ Horse: Music Tames a Rescue Foal Who Learns to ‘Play’ Instruments for Album Debut
The video starts normal enough, but a surprise is waiting somewhere near the chorus.
Mikayla Khramov is strumming guitar strings on Instagram and singing the lyrics to the famous Dolly Parton song 9-to-5. Then, a moment later, a horse jumps in, lightly chomping on the guitar strings to change the chords.
The really fascinating thing is that this wasn't human-prompted activity. Nobody trained this horse to play music. He just decided to do it himself.
Horses have prehensile lips and enough dexterity that some of them can untie knots or open latches. He'd probably have an easier time with an instrument designed for him, but he clearly enjoys making sounds.
The video starts normal enough, but a surprise is waiting somewhere near the chorus.
Mikayla Khramov is strumming guitar strings on Instagram and singing the lyrics to the famous Dolly Parton song 9-to-5. Then, a moment later, a horse jumps in, lightly chomping on the guitar strings to change the chords.
The really fascinating thing is that this wasn't human-prompted activity. Nobody trained this horse to play music. He just decided to do it himself.
Horses have prehensile lips and enough dexterity that some of them can untie knots or open latches. He'd probably have an easier time with an instrument designed for him, but he clearly enjoys making sounds.
Philosophical Questions: Technology
Aug. 29th, 2026 12:48 amysabetwordsmithPeople have expressed interest in deep topics, so this list focuses on philosophical questions.
Why did technology progress more slowly in the past than it does now?
( Read more... )
Why did technology progress more slowly in the past than it does now?
( Read more... )
History
Aug. 28th, 2026 10:45 pmysabetwordsmithCheck out some examples of historic climate changes, then consider how stupid it is to ignore one that we have warning of. 0_o
10 Prehistoric Catastrophes That Threw Humanity Back to Zero
This video explores real disasters that reshaped human history: supervolcanoes, megadroughts, floods, volcanic winters, lost lands, collapsing climates, and events that forced early humans and ancient societies to survive, migrate, rebuild, or disappear.
( Read more... )
10 Prehistoric Catastrophes That Threw Humanity Back to Zero
This video explores real disasters that reshaped human history: supervolcanoes, megadroughts, floods, volcanic winters, lost lands, collapsing climates, and events that forced early humans and ancient societies to survive, migrate, rebuild, or disappear.
( Read more... )
Climate Change
Aug. 28th, 2026 04:15 pmysabetwordsmithRecently a large piece of glacier broke off and triggered a landslide that turned into a tsunami-like debris flow which scoured mountain valleys, wiping away villages, roads, bridges, people -- everything in its path.
This video shows footage of the event and its aftermath.
Disturbing footage shows moment deadly flash floods hit Nepal
At least 160 people are dead, and more than 400 are missing after devastating flash floods in Nepal. These videos capture the moment a mudslide struck near the Nepal-China border, the destruction caused by the floods and rescue efforts.
( Read more... )
This video shows footage of the event and its aftermath.
Disturbing footage shows moment deadly flash floods hit Nepal
At least 160 people are dead, and more than 400 are missing after devastating flash floods in Nepal. These videos capture the moment a mudslide struck near the Nepal-China border, the destruction caused by the floods and rescue efforts.
( Read more... )
A weekend away has begun
Aug. 28th, 2026 08:59 pmqueen_ypolitaI finished work at 4pm today and headed out towards the station soon after to catch a train. There had been a heavy rain shower earlier, but as it was dry when I left I walked. I didn't entirely escape the rain, as another shower caught me when I was nearly there, but it was OK. And I was well on time, with the train being a few minutes delayed as well.
With the unsettled forecast, the train passed through some showers further west. I hadn't really thought about the route trains take to Plymouth, so it took me by surprise how close to the rivers Exe and Teign the railway passes and how close the sea is at the stretch around Dawlish between the rivers—I'd only experienced it in pictures before.
Very dark clouds on approach, but it didn't rain when I walked from the station to my hotel.
Looks like there are more showers expected over the weekend so I'll probably end up wet many times before the weekend is over.
With the unsettled forecast, the train passed through some showers further west. I hadn't really thought about the route trains take to Plymouth, so it took me by surprise how close to the rivers Exe and Teign the railway passes and how close the sea is at the stretch around Dawlish between the rivers—I'd only experienced it in pictures before.
Very dark clouds on approach, but it didn't rain when I walked from the station to my hotel.
Looks like there are more showers expected over the weekend so I'll probably end up wet many times before the weekend is over.
Conservation
Aug. 28th, 2026 01:04 pmysabetwordsmithCalifornia Creek Restoration Helps Young Salmon Grow Twice as Fast—And Doubles Their Survival Rate
Prairie Creek is one of the last refuges for three threatened species of salmon: California Coastal Chinook, Northern California steelhead, and coho salmon (whose numbers declined by 90% in the last century).
The major US restoration project, led by NOAA Fisheries and a broad coalition of partners, has transformed a former lumber mill into wetlands and a thriving floodplain ecosystem where young salmon can find food and grow before making the difficult journey to the Pacific Ocean.
In some cases, restoration doesn't require large spaces and lots of money. Sure it goes faster if you have those. But creek restoration is something that can easily be done with a handful of local nature nerds working on a small stretch at a time. Those stretches can have a huge impact for a fish the size of your finger.
( Read more... )
Prairie Creek is one of the last refuges for three threatened species of salmon: California Coastal Chinook, Northern California steelhead, and coho salmon (whose numbers declined by 90% in the last century).
The major US restoration project, led by NOAA Fisheries and a broad coalition of partners, has transformed a former lumber mill into wetlands and a thriving floodplain ecosystem where young salmon can find food and grow before making the difficult journey to the Pacific Ocean.
In some cases, restoration doesn't require large spaces and lots of money. Sure it goes faster if you have those. But creek restoration is something that can easily be done with a handful of local nature nerds working on a small stretch at a time. Those stretches can have a huge impact for a fish the size of your finger.
( Read more... )
Birdfeeding
Aug. 28th, 2026 12:45 pmysabetwordsmithToday is mostly sunny and warm.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 8/28/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 8/28/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 8/28/26 -- I watered the new picnic table garden.
EDIT 8/28/26 -- I watered the purple-and-white garden, old picnic table, and telephone pole garden.
EDIT 8/28/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I watered the patio plants.
Cicadas and crickets are singing.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 8/28/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 8/28/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 8/28/26 -- I watered the new picnic table garden.
EDIT 8/28/26 -- I watered the purple-and-white garden, old picnic table, and telephone pole garden.
EDIT 8/28/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I watered the patio plants.
Cicadas and crickets are singing.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
Wildlife
Aug. 28th, 2026 11:59 amysabetwordsmithThe First Record of American Tadpole Shrimp (Triops longicaudatus) in Illinois
American tadpole shrimp was traditionally considered to be a species of the Western U.S. but seems to have been on an eastward range expansion for several years (Taylor et al. 1987, Tindall et al 2009). Tindall et al. (2009) described the all documented specimens in Missouri. First reported in 1979 and 1983, specimens were collected near Jackass Bend on the Missouri River in Jackson County near the Kansas line. Single specimens were found in east central Missouri in St. Charles County on the Missouri River and in the bootheel in Pemiscot County on a rice field near the Mississippi River in 2007. Rice fields in the counties of Stoddard and New Madrid were reported to be infested with the species in 2008. In 2009, rice field infestations were reported in the bootheel counties of Dunklin and Mississippi. This species is considered to be a pest of rice throughout its range.
( Read more... )
American tadpole shrimp was traditionally considered to be a species of the Western U.S. but seems to have been on an eastward range expansion for several years (Taylor et al. 1987, Tindall et al 2009). Tindall et al. (2009) described the all documented specimens in Missouri. First reported in 1979 and 1983, specimens were collected near Jackass Bend on the Missouri River in Jackson County near the Kansas line. Single specimens were found in east central Missouri in St. Charles County on the Missouri River and in the bootheel in Pemiscot County on a rice field near the Mississippi River in 2007. Rice fields in the counties of Stoddard and New Madrid were reported to be infested with the species in 2008. In 2009, rice field infestations were reported in the bootheel counties of Dunklin and Mississippi. This species is considered to be a pest of rice throughout its range.
( Read more... )
Follow Friday 8-21-26: Active Communities on Dreamwidth Summer 2026 J-Z
Aug. 28th, 2026 12:53 amysabetwordsmithThese are active communities in Dreamwidth from Summer 2026. They include things I've posted, but only the active ones; the thematic posts also list dormant communities of interest. This list includes some communities that I've found and saved but haven't made it into thematic posts yet. This post covers J-Z.
See my Follow Friday Master Post for more topics.
( Read more... )
See my Follow Friday Master Post for more topics.
( Read more... )
Eclipse
Aug. 27th, 2026 10:03 pmysabetwordsmithThe partial lunar eclipse is visible from the road by my house. :D It looks like a big white cookie with a bite out of it tonight.
EDIT 8/27/26 -- I went back out and looked at the moon again. A crescent of light is left.
EDIT 8/27/26 -- Only a tiny bit of light remains on the moon. Most is black or dark red. I took a dime out to charge with lunar eclipse energy, and a bottle of water to become moon water.
EDIT 8/27/26 -- I went back out and looked at the moon again. A crescent of light is left.
EDIT 8/27/26 -- Only a tiny bit of light remains on the moon. Most is black or dark red. I took a dime out to charge with lunar eclipse energy, and a bottle of water to become moon water.
(no subject)
Aug. 27th, 2026 06:57 pmglitteringstarsFriends and I decided we wanted to go to a local game convention this winter just after getting out of a different con! I legitimately think I'll become insanely unbearable when it happens.
The con we had recently was for general games, and we had an absolute blast! A lot of my time was taken up by looking at the games, buying MTG cards, and finding a vendor that was selling their zines! I picked up three new games Bonds Between, Terminus, and Tispy Whispers. Will probably play them sometime soon once things slow down.
I also played Pathfinder for the first time! At first blush, I do like a number of the combat mechanics here than what I've played in 5e. I played a pre-gen dwarf ranger named Harsk, who I might just continue using for other things. I gave him a lot of funny little characterizations that I thought were fun.
The time since the convention has been insanely busy--people want to get together, usual weekly D&D, got a bit sick (yay, con crude). The last thing I have coming up that needs a lot of attention is a friendly get-together with family friends who I see once or twice a year and play MTG. I'm realistically going to get my ass kicked because I'm not super great at playing or deck building. XD; I for shits and giggles put together a deck I'm jokingly calling Lets Go Gambling. I'll probably proxy it in the future since I don't really have enough time to test it.
(Tbh, I just build my decks and hope for the best. I've learned Magic ass backwards, I might as well test them ass backwards as well.)
Writing has been rough the last few weeks. Been either busy or deeply unsatisfied with what I'm writing. I might just be a bit burned out in general. I've been understandably tired, but it's still frustrating as hell since I just want to write but getting my ass to sit and focus has been hard. I'll keep cracking at it, so I'll eventually break through. Just got to keep adding a bit of reading here and there to help.
The con we had recently was for general games, and we had an absolute blast! A lot of my time was taken up by looking at the games, buying MTG cards, and finding a vendor that was selling their zines! I picked up three new games Bonds Between, Terminus, and Tispy Whispers. Will probably play them sometime soon once things slow down.
I also played Pathfinder for the first time! At first blush, I do like a number of the combat mechanics here than what I've played in 5e. I played a pre-gen dwarf ranger named Harsk, who I might just continue using for other things. I gave him a lot of funny little characterizations that I thought were fun.
The time since the convention has been insanely busy--people want to get together, usual weekly D&D, got a bit sick (yay, con crude). The last thing I have coming up that needs a lot of attention is a friendly get-together with family friends who I see once or twice a year and play MTG. I'm realistically going to get my ass kicked because I'm not super great at playing or deck building. XD; I for shits and giggles put together a deck I'm jokingly calling Lets Go Gambling. I'll probably proxy it in the future since I don't really have enough time to test it.
(Tbh, I just build my decks and hope for the best. I've learned Magic ass backwards, I might as well test them ass backwards as well.)
Writing has been rough the last few weeks. Been either busy or deeply unsatisfied with what I'm writing. I might just be a bit burned out in general. I've been understandably tired, but it's still frustrating as hell since I just want to write but getting my ass to sit and focus has been hard. I'll keep cracking at it, so I'll eventually break through. Just got to keep adding a bit of reading here and there to help.
Climate Change
Aug. 27th, 2026 05:41 pmysabetwordsmithMountain trees are moving in opposite directions as the climate warms
Some mountain trees are moving uphill as the climate warms, while others are spreading downhill.
Species whose wood moves water quickly tend to be shifting uphill, while species better equipped to withstand drought are expanding downslope.
More information would help, but what we already have from this is usable for reforestation projects in mountainous areas. It means check your local species to see what you currently have that seems to be doing well, then compare their traits. Plant your new seedlings with drought-tolerant species lower and those with faster water movement in their wood higher. When gathering and sowing seeds to assist natural dispersal and regeneration, look for the leading edge of tree travel where the seedlings get progressively shorter. Sow additional seeds a little farther in that direction to help the species get where it is going sooner.
Also regarding habitat fragmentation, do your best to restore connectivity from the base to the peak of a slope. This will support vertical movement of species, whereas a horizontal swath of habitat does not. Prioritize restoration efforts where you can link even two areas of higher and lower habitat.
Some mountain trees are moving uphill as the climate warms, while others are spreading downhill.
Species whose wood moves water quickly tend to be shifting uphill, while species better equipped to withstand drought are expanding downslope.
More information would help, but what we already have from this is usable for reforestation projects in mountainous areas. It means check your local species to see what you currently have that seems to be doing well, then compare their traits. Plant your new seedlings with drought-tolerant species lower and those with faster water movement in their wood higher. When gathering and sowing seeds to assist natural dispersal and regeneration, look for the leading edge of tree travel where the seedlings get progressively shorter. Sow additional seeds a little farther in that direction to help the species get where it is going sooner.
Also regarding habitat fragmentation, do your best to restore connectivity from the base to the peak of a slope. This will support vertical movement of species, whereas a horizontal swath of habitat does not. Prioritize restoration efforts where you can link even two areas of higher and lower habitat.