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The belief in talking to plants has existed for centuries. Ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and indigenous cultures, believed that plants responded to energy, emotion, and sound. In the 1840s, German professor Gustav Fechner suggested that plants might have feelings, laying the foundation for a more spiritual relationship between humans and nature. By the 1970s, the book The Secret Life of Plants popularized the idea that plants could react to music, emotions, and verbal communication. Although some claims were controversial, they triggered scientific curiosity that continues today.

'I think it's becoming very, very common,' Amy Bach, Executive Director at consumer advocacy group United Policyholders, told the outlet. 'People are getting dropped on basis of, "We see mold on your roof," or "We see damaged roof tiles," or "There's trees touching your house," risk factors that insurance companies are increasingly on the lookout for.' Schueler found company to remove the branches in time, and so was able to keep her coverage. 'It ended up costing $1,200. I had no choice,' she told CBS. Her policy was renewed for another year, but having her home monitored without her being...

LONDON—For the first time, populist or far-right parties are leading the polls in Europe’s three biggest countries of the U.K., France, and Germany, the latest sign of growing voter discontent in much of the continent following years of high immigration and inflation. Far-right and anti-immigration parties have already entered government in countries such as Italy, Finland and the Netherlands. But this year marks the first time that they have been ahead in Europe’s biggest economies at the same time. That could provoke a period of political turbulence in all three countries, even if national elections are likely still a few...

The MONTHLY Gardening Thread is a gathering of folks that love soil, seeds and plants of all kinds. From complete newbies that are looking to start that first potted plant, to gardeners with some acreage, to Master Gardener level and beyond, we would love to hear from you. If you have specific question about a plant/problem you are having, please remember to state the Growing Zone where you are located. This thread is a non-political respite. No matter what, you won’t be flamed, and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked. It is impossible to hijack the...

NATIONAL CHOP SUEY DAY Get your chopsticks ready! August 29 is National Chop Suey Day ane we are recognizing an American Chinese culinary cuisine each year on August 29. #NationalChopSueyDay Chop suey, which means assorted pieces, is a dish in American Chinese cuisine. The main ingredients include meat (chicken, fish, beef, prawns or pork) and eggs. As the meat cooks over high heat, add vegetables (usually bean sprouts, cabbage, and celery). The dish is bound in a starch-thickened sauce. Typically, rice accompanies the flavorful dish, too. According to food historian Alan Davidson, chop suey is "A prime example of culinary...

A large package set for delivery has caused quite a stink for one courier company, causing it to dial in the help of the police. After the box was dropped off at New Zealand Couriers in New Plymouth, an employee noticed it was emitting the “distinctive odour” of cannabis. But the police didn’t have to look far to figure out who was behind the package, with the source having provided his name and contact details on the package receipt. Today, Anthony Ellison, 40, appeared in the New Plymouth District Court charged with possession of cannabis and cultivation of cannabis, to...

WASHINGTON – Louisiana is now urging the U.S. Supreme Court to rule a key section of the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional, which would throw out the state's congressional map that has two minority-majority districts. “The Constitution forbids sorting voters by race. And telling legislators drawing maps to think about race, but not think too much about race, is an untenable standard,” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said after releasing Wednesday afternoon a 58-page brief filed with the Supreme Court. Louisiana had previously defended the maps, saying they had created them under protest when a federal judge ruled a previous map...

In A Nutshell * Cloves contain eugenol, a plant compound with anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen, making them a promising natural pain reliever. * Strongest evidence comes from dentistry: clove oil and gels ease toothache, reduce pain from injections, and even outperform some conventional anesthetics in children. * Beyond dental use, studies suggest clove oil may boost the effectiveness of lidocaine during childbirth, fight bacteria, support liver function, and aid blood sugar control. * Safety matters: culinary use is safe, but concentrated clove oil or extracts can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or serious side effects at high doses—especially...

Despite a very high popularity and, according to many, among the greatest 8 months in Presidential History, ABC & NBC FAKE NEWS, two of the worst and most biased networks in history, give me 97% BAD STORIES. IF THAT IS THE CASE, THEY ARE SIMPLY AN ARM OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY AND SHOULD, ACCORDING TO MANY, HAVE THEIR LICENSES REVOKED BY THE FCC. I would be totally in favor of that because they are so biased and untruthful, an actual threat to our Democracy!!! MAGA

He had a massive drinking and outburst problem. So much so that when a reporter once asked him about it - he completely lost his composure. 👀

TWO people have died and two children are recovering in hospital after several people were poisoned by a toxic batch of guacamole. The fatally contaminated avocado dip was served up to unsuspecting customers at a food festival before they showed signs of botulism. School cook Valeria Sollai, 62, is said to have eaten the guacamole and then was rushed to hospital. But she died on Monday after spending weeks on life support. Roberta Pitzalis, 38, also ate the same batch of guacamole at the festival in Sardinia - before dying on August 8. An autopsy confirmed Roberta died from a...

======================================================================= NATIONAL AVIATION DAY National Aviation Day on August 19 recognizes the pioneers of human flight. #NationalAviationDay For centuries, humans have been fascinated by flight. In ancient China, kites few to investigate the weather. Inventors such as Leonardo da Vinci developed many ideas about flight, too. Gliders and balloons lifted humans into the sky, but none of the inventions gave a person control of where they flew. Before Powered Flight The physics of flight and propulsion play key roles in who became pioneers. George Cayley used aerodynamics while designing fixed-wing aircraft. His designs would later inspire Orville and Wilbur Wright....

The South can be a strange and exciting place. Paulina Mejia was getting ready to go to work on Friday when she spotted something that unfortunately wasn’t unfamiliar.Her 2-year-old playful German Shepherd mix, Chicarin, dragged home human remains.Read more: https://t.co/K5AfDlGmEV pic.twitter.com/ow1wLQj7Gh— AL.com (@aldotcom) August 12, 2025Yep, a family in Birmingham, Alabama, found their dog bringing home human remains — for the fourth time in less than a year. As reported by PEOPLE: Deputies responded on Aug. 9 after a homeowner in the Center Point area reported that their 2-year-old German Shepherd mix, Chicarin, had once again brought home what appeared...

* Upcoming research funded by the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) will investigate the secrets of longevity in honeybee queens. * Queens eat royal jelly, which has antioxidants and less sugar than the honey tkhat workers eat. * This is thought to be part of the reasons queens outlive worker bees. * The gut bacteria of queen bees are thought to be connected to their much longer lifespans as well. ================================================================================= If you ever bought a bottle of vitamins, you’ve probably seen supplements touting the benefits of royal jelly—a substance worker bees secrete from their glands—on the shelf...

Perry recalled traveling to Tijuana, Mexico in September 2023 and spending 12 hours hallucinating that he was flying through space, seeing hieroglyphics and escaping the devil. 'I woke up very clearheaded, with this very warm feeling in my body,' Perry told the paper. 'I was as calm and as happy as I'd been in memory.' During his time serving as Texas governor, Perry knew that many veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars were in trouble, but he first heard about ibogaine through a Navy SEAL he had hired in 2017 during his time running the Energy Department. The

You don’t need to eat a big slab of meat every day to meet your protein needs. In fact, loading up on animal-based protein, especially from factory-farmed sources, can do more harm than good. Studies show that an excessive amount of red meat can lead to increased inflammation, accelerated aging, and increased risk of chronic disease. One major culprit? A sugar molecule called “Neu5Gc,” commonly found in red meat. Your body sees it as a foreign invader, triggering an immune response that can lead to long-term inflammation. Of course, you should always consult with your doctor before making any drastic...

Undercover police officers have started a new campaign to crack down on men catcalling female runners - by posing as joggers themselves. Surrey Police sent two officers out running at rush hour to show the scale of harassment that women are facing. 'These behaviours may not be criminal offences in themselves, but they need to be addressed,' a spokesman for the force said about the patrols. The campaign, however, has been criticised by free speech activists who said the police should be focusing on enforcing existing laws. It comes as reporters from the news outlet LBC joined officers on patrol...

Hey @AOC , @BernieSanders , @SenSchumer , @SenWarren , every Dem should be thanking @potus for doing what the Dems have dreamed of doing, but have NEVER been able to do, creating a sales tax on 2 of the biggest semi companies in the country ! This opens the door for Sales Tax for export licenses on EVERYTHING! He is going to generate corporate tax revenue that you guys only wish you could pass. You should be thanking him all day, every day for this brilliant move you guys couldn't ever pull off ! In the future, don't call it...

In A Nutshell * Instant noodles are cheap, convenient, and culturally meaningful — offering quick comfort, especially for students, busy workers, and migrants craving familiar flavors. * Nutritional drawbacks: Most packets are high in sodium, low in fiber, low in protein, and lack key vitamins and minerals, which can contribute to long-term health risks if eaten daily. * Potential health concerns: Regular consumption has been linked in studies to higher risk of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and poor gut health. * Healthier hacks: Add vegetables and protein, cut back on the flavor sachet, and try whole grain or air-dried...