I was cleaning out my inbox this morning and found a paypal alert about a potential fraudulent charge from October? I can't even remember when i quit using Paypal it's been so long. I've actually been meaning to cancel my account for awhile now, but checking the site now, it doesn't even work on my computer. I tried 3 different web-browsers and i can't log in, and the noreply email just tells me to download the app(which i can't on my phone). Anyway, it appears other people also don't like paypal these days: One Star!(bad reviews!) One Star!(bad reviews!)
Apparently people on reddit don't like them either: It's funny that forbes and pcmag both give them 4 stars. what is the deal with that? Turns out venmo is a subsidiary of paypal(no thanks!):
So, i'm left over with a few buckets of willow cuttings from my coppice planting project this November. It's the first time i'm doing this, and i am using black willow cuttings from around the farm. It looks like my dad has given me permission to plant one more site, so we will see how much i have left over. i guess the leftovers will make good kindling.
here are some relevant notes and links: https://extension.psu.edu/live-staking-for-stream-restoration "...In Pennsylvania, live stakes can be harvested and planted from November to April, depending on the year..." https://mellowmarshfarm.com/bare-root-and-live-stakes/live-stakes/ "...Live stakes and whips are ideal for restoration projects and erosion control. They are dormant cuttings of native woody species. We cut and sell them January through mid-March..." https://thejamesriver.org/jrbp-the-magic-of-live-staking/ "...Live stakes are dormant stem cuttings from live trees and shrubs that can be inserted directly into the streambank. They eventually grow into trees and shrubs whose roots stabilize the banks and protect water quality. Common Virginia native plants with this adaptation include black willow, pussy willow, red-osier dogwood, gray dogwood, silky dogwood, sycamore, elderberry, hazel/smooth alder, ninebark, and buttonbush..." apparently you can also live-stake locust. i might try this next year for some uphill sites(i'm talking about black locust here): https://permies.com/t/122897/permaculture/Livestaking-Sticking-sticks-ground-watching
It looks like zoro added a "Submit feedback" to their error page. Sadly it still fails on all all my browsers(firefox, pale moon, basilisk, seamonkey), but now i have notified them. Do you think they will fix it?
Well, SciencDirect.com got back to me about my complaint about poor browser support, and since then i have gotten a chance to test out SeaMonkey on mac, and have actually had some success browsing some journals, though search is still broken, and i can't seem to find a way to view pdfs for specific articles i found from google search. To save me time here is a little clip I annotated from their answer page, with a blurb(TLDR, why the poor browser support?): https://service.elsevier.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9831/supporthub/sciencedirect/p/10959/track/2vOwywr_Dv8E~RheGgka~yCWRrAqQS75Mv9d~zj~PP_U/ """ Recommended browsers: Google Chrome (last 3 versions)*(blink/webkit) Mozilla Firefox (last 3 versions)*(gecko/webkit) Edge (last 2 versions)*(blink/webkit) Safari (last 2 versions)*(webkit) """ *i based my annotations from wikipedia(which is a site with very good backwards compatibility btw). wikipedia can have some inaccuracies, however in this case they are correct in their listing of respective browser engines. note however the limited selection of supported browser-engines ScienceDirect supports: 2 of the listed browsers, are basically identical under the hood(edge & chrome), and it is worth noting, the most distinct in the list(firefox) publishes a webkit version(not to mention blink is a fork of webkit). i think it is worth noting I have been able to get partial functionality of your website, using a fully gecko browser(SeaMonkey), though some features appear broken on individual article pages, however journal pages appear to work better. Anyway, i think it is worth mentioning that there are other modern(and open-source) browsers being actively developed today. You should make an effort to support more of them. My personal suggestions would be to start with Goanna based browsers(Pale Moon, Basilisk...), and then go down the list from there. I can't think of a good reason why a site who's product is mainly serving pdf files can't run on more browsers? i guess there is something cutting-edge about text and static graphics that i don't know about? Anyway, here is a list to get you started: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_browser_engines Best Wishes, Trygve
I decided i needed to do some more reading up on potential solutions for our current pest problem here related to (semi-hydro)houseplants.
https://www.lecaaddict.com/leca-information/common-misconceptions-about-growing-in-semi-hydroponics
Leca Adict: Common Misconceptions about Growing in Semi-Hydroponics
"..most treatment options that works on soil-grown plants will work on LECA and Pon grown plants with a few exceptions. You can use foliar sprays like normal. However, if you want to use systemics or anything that would typically be sprinkled onto the soil, you will want to avoid those products and use a product specifically made for hydroponics. My go-to is General Hydroponics Azamax, it can be used as a systemic and foliar spray. Read mixing instructions carefully to get the right dosage for the right treatment method. My favorite bug-zapping arsenal also include Captain Jack’s and Safer brand Pyrethrin + Insecticidal Soap. Between these three products, I can effectively treat mites, thrips, mealie bugs, and scale bugs..."
General Hydroponics GH2021 Azamax Antifeedant and Insect Growth Regulator
https://www.amazon.com/General-Hydroponics-GH2021-Antifeedant-Regulator/dp/B002EBBKAW
"It contains Azadirachtin A & B as active ingredients and more than 100 limonoids "
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azadirachtin#Mechanism_of_action
"Azadirachtin, a chemical compound belonging to the limonoid group, is a secondary metabolite present in neem seeds"
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3841499/
Neem oil poisoning: Case report of an adult with toxic encephalopathy
"...Treatment is primarily symptomatic and recovery is usually complete."
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-577/neem#sideeffects
Neem - Uses, Side Effects, and More
"Neem is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in large doses or for long periods of time. It might harm the kidneys and liver."
Bonide Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew
https://www.amazon.com/Bonide-252-Captain-Jacks-Concentrate/dp/B001VJBYMC
"Spinosad"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinosad#Safety_and_ecotoxicology
"...Spinosad has high efficacy, a broad insect pest spectrum, low mammalian toxicity, and a good environmental profile... ...Chronic exposure studies failed to induce tumor formation in rats and mice..."
https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/spinosadgen.html
"...Spinosad is practically non-toxic to moderately toxic to fish depending on the species. It is slightly to moderately toxic to aquatic invertebrates. However, spinosad is very highly toxic to eastern oysters. Spinosad is practically non-toxic to slightly toxic to birds, based on studies with bobwhite quail and mallard ducks. It is moderately toxic to earthworms. Spinosad is very highly toxic to bees. However, evidence suggests that spinosad has little or no effect on honey bees and other beneficial insects after sprays have dried...."
Safer Brand Insecticidal Soap & Pyrethrin Concentrate
https://www.amazon.com/Safer-Brand-Insecticidal-Pyrethrin-Concentrate/dp/B00BIDYQCG
"Pyrethrin"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrethrin#Toxicity
"The pyrethrins are a class of organic compounds normally derived from Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium that have potent insecticidal activity by targeting the nervous systems of insects. Pyrethrin naturally occurs in chrysanthemum flowers and is often considered an organic insecticide... ...Pyrethrins are among the safest insecticides on the market due to their rapid degradation in the environment... ...Chronic toxicity in humans occurs most quickly through respiration into the lungs, or more slowly through absorption through the skin.[29] Allergic reactions may occur after exposure, leading to itching and irritated skin as well as burning sensations.[30] These types of reactions are rare because the allergenic component of pyrethrin in semi-synthetic pyrethroids has been removed.[31] The metabolite compounds of pyrethrin are less toxic to mammals than their originators, and compounds are either broken down in the liver or gastrointestinal tract, or excreted through feces; no evidence of storage in tissues has been found... ...Exposure to pyrethrum, the crude form of pyrethrin,[31] causes harmful health effects for mammals. Pyrethrum also has an allergenic effect that commercial pyrethroids don't have.[31] In mammals, toxic exposure to pyrethrum can lead to tongue and lip numbness, drooling, lethargy, muscle tremors, respiratory failure, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, paralysis, and death.[29] Exposure to pyrethrum in high levels in humans may cause symptoms such as asthmatic breathing, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, headache, nausea, loss of coordination, tremors, convulsions, facial flushing, and swelling.[32][unreliable source?] A possibility of damage to the immune system exists that leads to a worsening of allergies following toxicity.[29] Infants are unable to resourcefully break down pyrethrum due to the ease of skin penetration, causing similar symptoms as adults, but with an increased risk of death.[33]... ...high toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates... ...pyrethrin has the ability to be persistent in the fields that it is sprayed on... ...Pyrethrins are applied broadly as nonspecific insecticides. Bees have been shown to be particularly sensitive to pyrethrin..."
Also, i found this product(systemic insecticide)
bonide systemic houseplant insect control ingredients
(top google houseplant insecticide)
https://files.plytix.com/api/v1.1/file/public_files/pim/private/assets/43/37/8d/5e/5e8d3743202d9eba64d3af60/texts/9d/6a/49/60/60496a9d9b7bcf537ce00ca0/sds951.pdf
"Imidacloprid"
https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/spinosadgen.html
"Imidacloprid"
Richgro Bug Killa ingredients(top google)
https://commercial.richgro.com.au/app/uploads/2021/11/Bug-Killa-SDS.pdf
"Imidacloprid"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imidacloprid
"Imidacloprid is a systemic insecticide belonging to a class of chemicals called the neonicotinoids which act on the central nervous system of insects... ...Based on laboratory rat studies, imidacloprid is rated as "moderately toxic" on an acute oral basis to mammals and low toxicity on a dermal basis by the World Health Organization and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (class II or III, requiring a "Warning" or "Caution" label). It is rated as an "unlikely" carcinogen and as weakly mutagenic by the U.S. EPA (group E). It is not listed for reproductive or developmental toxicity, but is listed on EPA's Tier 1 Screening Order for chemicals to be tested under the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP).[23][32] Tolerances for imidacloprid residues in food range from 0.02 mg/kg in eggs to 3.0 mg/kg in hops.[1]..."
a product like this is toxic to bees, and must only be used on indoor plants!
Here are some notes(good little article and i followed up on each insecticide listed plus one other):
I managed to do some fitness stuff this afternoon(among other things). Hopefully i can get back on the bandwagon. Here is a little coppice/hedge design i was thinking about for my garden sites(made in GIMP):
I tested walmart.com again today, and i'm sad to say it crashed Basilisk and gave the same old error page under SeaMonkey(still the same error on Firefox-esr and Pale Moon). I guess i will continue to not shop on walmart.com:
I'm still trying to figure out my afternoon, perhaps i will plant more willow canes, however I need to address my growing lack of health&fitness routine. Yesterday's planting session left me feeling not-so-good. ...so many balls to juggle. can i do it!?
So it looks like gnu.org is still down today(and has been for months): - Sep/26/2025 "Savannah is under heavy attack, likely from one or more organizations using a massive botnet to build a dataset for training large language models (LLMs). Since January 2025, a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack has been underway..." on side note does ScienceDirect never have the full article?
After some trouble with the bank online today(supposedly there was a problem with Cloudflare), i decided to spend some time looking for any new developments with alternative web-browsers. I found a few interesting options, notably Basilisk which now seems to support my old mac - also SeaMonkey surprise! Still, it is discouraging how consolidated the browser market is these days, but i guess i shouldn't be surprised since users don't buy web-browsers, and whole browser ecosystem is designed around harvesting data from users to sell to third parties. here are some notes i made. i tried to keep it focused on what is useful to me as far as finding developers who build binaries for all machines as apposed to just the newest and shiniest. I mostly just went down the list on wikipedia, however i did confirm findings by reading official web-pages, and in a few cases actually installing and testing. Actually i was pleasantly surprised; two new browsers ran on my mac since last time i tested them out. There are a couple more i hope to get to test on windows and linux soon, however, sadly aside from a few other niche options, the list sort of tails off quickly from there. i feel like there is a tentatively encouraging trend happening though. tested working on old Mac: goanna win 7, mac 10.7, linux/bsd gtk2 https://www.palemoon.org/ goanna win 7, linux gtk2, mac 10.11(beta) https://basilisk-browser.org/ gecko mac_10.11+/windows_7+/linux(GTK+ 3.22.30, glibc 2.28) https://www.seamonkey-project.org/ potential worth testing on diff comp: goanna windows(XP+) only http://kmeleonbrowser.org/ webkitgtk linux(and unix-like?) https://apps.gnome.org//Epiphany/ interesting https://webkitgtk.org/ there are aspects of webkit which i like potential niche projects: text-based unix-like and windows https://lynx.invisible-island.net/ plan9 amiga riscos haiku https://www.netsurf-browser.org/ mac classic http://www.floodgap.com/software/classilla/ less than ideal: blink(chromium) macos 12, windows 10, linux? https://vivaldi.com/ old vivaldi really kills my laptop https://vivaldi.com/download/archive/ gecko macos 10.12+(esr), windows 10+, linux? https://www.firefox.com gecko requires macos 10.15+ win 10+ https://www.torproject.org/ rejects: "Please install Rosetta"(old ppc mac stuff) qtweb(chromium) https://textbrowser.github.io/dooble/ qtweb(chromium) https://www.falkon.org/ no sourcecode(who are these people) http://icab.de/ sourcecode? is it there? http://links.twibright.com/ macos 11+ windows 10+ ubuntu 20+ https://astian.org/midori-browser/ qtweb(chromium) sysreqs? https://otter-browser.org/ qtweb(chromium) sysreq?(python 3.9 qt 6.2 and qt.io makes fans spin!) https://qutebrowser.org/index.html gecko win 10+ mac 11+ linux glibc 2.17+ https://www.waterfox.net KHTML(blink webkit qtweb) sys-req? kde? https://apps.kde.org/konqueror/ i think i found the roach harbor https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KHTML "Engines forked from KHTML are used by most of the browsers that are widely used today, including WebKit (Safari) and Blink (Google Chrome, Chromium, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Vivaldi, Opera GX, Opera Mini, Opera Mobile, Yandex Browser, Orion, Arc (On iOS), Epiphany, Midori, Konqueror, Otter Browser, Dooble, Epic Privacy Browser, Slimjet, Comodo Dragon, SRWare Iron, Cốc Cốc, Torch Browser, Orbitum, UC Browser, Kiwi Browser, Samsung Internet, Bromite, Blisk, Colibri Browser, Min Browser, Ungoogled Chromium, Iridium Browser, Avast Secure Browser, AVG Secure Browser and Brave)." - all pretty sorry in my book ...notes continue unsorted...: gnu.org seems to be down today? where do i put icecat? https://www.gnu.org/software/gnuzilla/ LibWeb(SerenityOS) https://ladybird.org/ it looks like it's source only https://github.com/LadybirdBrowser/ladybird/ ...anyway, here are the wikipedia pages i was working from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_web_browser https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Timeline_of_web_browsers.svg https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/BrowserUsageShare.png https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_web_browsers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_web_browsers https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ea/StatCounter-browser-ww-monthly-202011-202011-bar.png https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_web_browsers https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/StatCounter-browser-ww-yearly-2009-2025.png
The temps dropped into the 20s last week, and so i decided it was time to add foam inserts
to my top covers. I put some jars of slightly foamy honey on them while i was at it.
hopefully they find it and it agrees with them. There wasn't much activity, and a tap test
was somewhat faint on 2 of the hives, however when i popped the cover to slip in the
insulation i could see healthy looking bees humming around the mouth of the inner cover on
all 3 hives. no pics, sorry.
west
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[n] | |
s | | | | n
o |_| |_| o
u _ _ r
t | | | | t
h | | | | h
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[i] | |
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east
i = italian
? = ?
n = native(my local breed)
i also took the opportunity to harvest some willow canes and work a little on developing some willow hedges i have been daydreaming about for some garden sites. it was pretty slow going with the hammer and rebar, however i feel pretty confident i should get many survivors(at least in the wet spots). I also had a very close call and almost cut down my mom's foxglove tree(Paulownia tomentosa), but at the last moment was convinced it might be smart to identify it first.
btw, Liftmaster doors are the most frustrating doors ever. Anyway, i guess it is working again now so maybe i shouldn't complain. It's just kind of a mystery how i solved it. then again, it's also a mystery how it got messed up in the first place - was it stinkbugs? the unit was jam-packed-full of them when i opened the service cover. Anyway, who needs wifi for a garage door?!
Clear skies bode well for Team Blue today in Virginia. Hopefully the future will get brighter from here. I've got so much unfinished stuff i'm still working on around here, however it would be nice to know if this country will still be the kind of place you want to live in going forward, or maybe i need to start making other plans. I've been somewhat preoccupied recently with all sorts of farm crisises and haven't even had much time to even start working on the big clean up job with the barns - not to mention the developing cockroach problem in the main house(i suspect my sisters LECA-plants play a role here[delicate subject]). I did manage to make some good progress with some kudzu infestations at the end of October, and i've already scattered this year's pumpkin seeds in one of my garden sites - hopefully we will have a small patch next year. I'm still in the process of scattering some seeds on some brushy clearings i'm trying to convert to various forest types, as well as potting various nuts and seeds i saved from this season. hopefully I'll get this done soon, and then be able to catch up on all my various other jobs(like fixing up this blog more, and all the unfinished work in/on the barns). Anyway, wish me luck. p.s. i punted a little on this years pumpkin carving. here is my family of 8 i made for this year's trunk-or-treat. It's perhaps worth mentioning, attendance seemed a bit low this year - i'm not sure if a recent federal phoneme i won't name now had anything to do with this???
