Friends, Interests, and Other Inane Things

Today's theme is Photography.

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Birds are more afraid of women than men. Scientists have no idea why

Scientists have uncovered a strange pattern in urban bird behavior: Across five European countries and 37 species, birds consistently fled sooner when approached by women than men. Researchers have no clear explanation for the difference, raising intriguing questions about how birds recognize and respond to humans.


I instantly want to test this with queer people, crossdressers, other genders, etc.

Today we made this. :D


"Sausage with Bell Peppers and Onions"

Ingredients:

Sauce:
1 teaspoon Bragg's coconut aminos
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon mirin
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
about 1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon tapioca starch

Stir-fry:
1 thumb ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, bite-sized pieces
2 hotdog-sized smoked sausages, sliced
2 tablespoons light olive oil

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Climate change is costing California billions, and the worst is yet to come

A new statewide assessment reveals the mounting economic costs of climate change in California, from deadly heat and wildfires to drought and rising seas.


No shit. This is true everywhere; just the details vary.

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Today is sunny and mild.

I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.

I put out water for the birds.

EDIT 10/22/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.

I've heard bluejays screaming but haven't seen any.

EDIT 10/22/26 -- I did more work around the patio.

EDIT 10/22/26 -- I did more work around the patio.

EDIT 10/22/26 -- I wrapped marking tape around two trees near the house, where we need to have tree guys clear some space, so they'll know not to damage those trees.

EDIT 10/22/26 -- I started planting my Breck's order. I planted 10 Orange Monarch Snow Crocus in the goddess garden. Then I watered them.

EDIT 10/22/26 -- I raked leaves off the tulip bed.

I saw two squirrels chasing each other in a walnut tree.

EDIT 10/22/26 -- I planted 12 Parrot Tulip Mixture in the tulip bed.

I did more work around the patio.

I am done for the night.

Have The Economists Considered Other Numbers?

Recently I saw yet another piece along the "Kids these days have better financial numbers than any previous generation; how can they feel like the economy is terrible?" lines.

The numbers are good! Which numbers? I see a lot of "median income", usually inflation-adjusted. I see some "Average real net worth", which includes student debt, so that's a start.

What I don't see are the numbers that make me personally think the economy is shit.


This is a very cogent discussion of what economic security does and does not mean.

Here are the location notes for "Formidable Tasks of Adaptation."

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This poem is spillover from the April 7, 2026 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by prompts from mama_kestrel, see_also_friend, and wyld_dandelyon. It also fills the "backpack" square in my 4-1-24 card for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Bingo fest. This poem has been sponsored by janetmiles. It belongs to the series Polychrome Heroics.

Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics that may disturb some readers. Highlight to read the more detailed warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes misery, dysfunctional family dynamics, overcontrolling and abusive parents, temporary clipping of superpowers via experimental drugs, graphic emotional violence, labor theft, rude language, Developmental Trauma Disorder, rebellion, abrupt departure from an abusive home, and other mayhem. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.

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Bobwhite quail reveal new clues about how birds survive winter

Wild animals are generally expected to choose habitats that give them the best chance of survival, and wildlife managers often work from that assumption.

Bobwhite quail in Indiana only half lived up to it. The birds bedded down in grasslands and recently cleared ground, and those choices made no measurable difference to their survival. The ones that slept beside thick brush came through the winter in far greater numbers.


We have bobwhite quail here. I'd been hearing them for years but thought it was some other bird with a similar call, because I didn't think the habitat was attractive to quail. One day I actually saw one. Since then, I've been exploring what the attraction factors could be. One is food. They eat insects, seeds, and fruits -- all of which I have -- and hackberry is a favorite, one of my dominant canopy trees. Apparently another is shelter, because my yard has wooded and brushy areas along with mowed lawn and the prairie garden. It is surrounded by monocrop fields. So yeah, I have a remnant population of bobwhite quail that I often hear but have only seen once.

These are are the character notes for "The Basis of Social Life."

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