Saturday Gardening Thread: Hippo Gnu Bear [Y-not and KT]

Y-not: Greeetings gardeners!

No bear in this story, but here's a hippo and a gnu.

Storms and accompanying floods continue to wreak havoc throughout much of the U.S.

The Aqueduct Global Flood Analyzer maps the susceptibility of regions across the world to flooding:

The map above shows the "flood protection level" within a 10-year window.

Flood protection level describes how well protected any given area is against flood damage. There are different kinds of flood protection systems, including dams, levees, and so on, and each system can have different protection standards or capacities. For example, a 500-year flood protection system protects an area against anything equal to or smaller than a 500-year flood. A 500-year system is more robust, and therefore provides better protection, than a 100-year flood protection system.

Here's the same analysis from a 100-year window:

In case you've forgotten your second-grade geography, this map might help you glean the major contributor to flooding:

River basins dominate the South and Midwest, particularly the Mighty Mississippi. Periodic river flooding can make for fertile soil, but also causes devastating floods. "Generally the larger the river, the longer it takes for the flooding cycle to run its course."

I'm not sure how you protect your community against this:

Flooding in the US midwest typically occurs in the spring as snowmelt swells rivers. Freezing weather in the region has added to the challenges as the waters have slowly started to recede from the St Louis area.
Most of the deaths from the rare winter floods have been caused by people driving into flooded areas after days of downpours.

Let's all say extra prayers tonight for the millions affected by these record floods.

Now, here's KT:

Dang. Tornadoes last week, big time flooding this week. Hope everyone is OK. Makes me think about staying safe and cozy, maybe with a homemade cookie.

Kookie for Cookies?

Although Christmas is over, I have been thinking about how to work cookies into the Saturday Gardening Thread. Maybe I could also include a savory winter dish with garden produce, or some booze in recognition of the Moron Lifestyle. By the way, CBD has posted some enticing content in the Food Thread lately. There have been some great ideas in the comments, too.

THE COOKIE TREE

Did you make a resolution yesterday to give up sweets? Perhaps you could just sniff the fall and winter blossoms of the Daisy Tree, Montanoa grandiflora, when that craving hits. It will grow in the mildest climates in California, Sunset zones 16, 17 and 20 - 24. Its flowers smell like freshly-baked cookies, or like cupcakes, depending on whom you ask. It is native to Southern Mexico and El Salvador and grows 12 feet tall. Some sources do not consider it to be particularly striking when out of bloom. It prefers rich soil and water.

Take a sniff

Four related species are grown in the Mesoamerican Cloud Forest at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. One has flowers that smell like cherries. I do not know if M. grandiflora can take the combined heat and humidity of the southeast coast, but some related species live there. Sometimes people get these species confused. People also confuse the seed heads of some species with flowers - "those white petal-like things are actually the seed heads with white bracts - not petals."

Puffy seed heads. Happy New Year!

M. hibiscifolia has become a noxious weed in Hawaii. Dang. If you are going to have an alien invader, why not the one that smells like cookies?

ANISE

Has anybody been stuck with just a TV to help time pass because of flooding or other weather events? If so, have you ever wondered what the alien called Anise, from Stargate, would look like with bangs and a bottle of something alcoholic? Here ya go, Morons.

Now on to the garden plant: Anise, featured in many holiday treats from around the world, is rated by Sunset for gardens in all continental western climates in the USA, and for Hawaii. It should do well in much of the East, too. It is a Mediterranean native that grows quickly in warm weather, preferring light soil and regular water.

The plant first produces a clump of basal leaves that look sort of like cilantro leaves. Then feathery leaves and umbrella-shaped flower heads rise above the basal clump. The flowers produce seeds (actually 10-ribbed fruits) after about 4 months of warm weather. You can see the two leaf forms in the drawing below.

Anise is thought by some to protect against the evil eye. I do not think it protects against certain evil-eyed people I can think of. But you never know when you might need some protection from another kind of evil eye. You might want to keep some anise on hand, just in case:

Evil-eyed kitties can appear without warning.

Sunset advises starting anise plants indoors in cold climates, outdoors in early spring in mild-winter climates and in fall for spring harvest in hot-summer areas. "Plants are fairly wispy and look best in groups. They are taprooted and do not transplant easily once they begin to put on size".

Young anise leaves can be used in salads. Outside Pride recommends coriander (cilantro) as a companion plant. Anise leaves might be a surprise in salsa if mistaken for cilantro, however. You can also use anise leaves to make a refreshing, naturally sweet tea, either fresh or dried.

Wind protection is recommended. Other sites recommend a little support for young plants. The picket fence in the photo below is about the right height to offer season-long support.

Anise in a garden

Many Christmas cookies and other bakery treats are made with anise extract or even anisette. But if you grow your own anise, you will probably want to choose a recipe that includes seeds, like Anise Seed Borracho Cookies, from the Rio Grande region of Texas. The seeds are soaked in rum overnight.

Star anise, the spice used in many Asian dishes, is a truly tropical small tree. Its seeds have a flavor almost identical to that of anise. It is not grown in the USA, but some of its relatives are. There are garden cultivars of Florida Anise, a shrub with aromatic foliage. The flowers have a scent that some describe as resembling freshly-caught fish. It is hardier than it sounds. The foliage is toxic and therefore deer-resistant.

Florida Anise

CARAWAY

Caraway is native to Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa. Like anise, the "seeds" we eat are actually fruits, but with 5 ridges instead of 10. It is used in a very wide variety of foods: starchy, savory or sweet.

A guy named Caraway has been in the news lately. Has anybody ever watched him fight?

Bryan "Kid Lightning" Caraway

Speaking of fighters, the Roman Meal Bread Company was built on the legend that Roman soldiers conquered Europe while eating large rations of wheat or rye. Seems out of step with the widespread emphasis on reducing gluten intake these days. But caraway may have played a surprising part in the diet of Roman soldiers, too.

Caraway roots (like parsnips, but smaller) are edible and may have been the base of the Julius Caesar's "Chara". At one point, during the war with Pompey when Pompey thought he had Caesar in a tight spot because his men could not be supplied with food, Caesar had his men mix Caraway root with milk to make a form of bread. Caesar had his men throw loaves at Pompey's men, to show them that instead of starving, they had food to throw away. (In Weinmann, Johann Georg, 1769.)

Anise is an annual, but caraway is a biennial. It can be planted in the fall or in the spring, depending on your climate. Fresh seed sprouts best. If you need to store seed, refrigeration or freezing is probably a good idea. The first year it forms a rosette of leaves 1 or 2 feet tall, resembling a carrot plant. The second year flowering stems shoot up above the plant to form seed heads. " . . easy to work into a border; I have mine growing among Astrantia Major "Roma" and Centaurea montana. When all three are in flower, it gives a lovely appearance of meadow."

Caraway, Perfume Ingredient

The roots are sweet like parsnips with a different flavor. In Norway, where caraway grows wild, work has been done to select caraway for larger roots. The slightly bitter leaves are also eaten in a traditional Norwegian soup and in salads.

Caraway is used in certain alcoholic spirits, traditional at holiday celebrations in some countries. "On the surface, aquavit, a spirit whose dominant flavor is caraway seeds -- the nutty seed in rye bread -- seems a little peculiar. But is a caraway seed-based spirit really all that different from gin, a spirit whose dominant flavor is juniper berries?" You could make your own aquavit with caraway seeds you grow yourself. Kummel includes caraway, cumin and fennel.

Most Americans probably think of caraway as a flavoring for bread, savory dishes or cheese. The only fresh sauerkraut I ever made included some grated carrots and caraway seeds along with the cabbage. I liked it a lot. Here is a recipe for Savoy cabbage with caraway seeds if you would like a hearty winter side dish.

But what if you want an interesting cookie instead? Caraway and similar seeds were used in some of the first "Christmas Cookeys" in America. Yankee magazine features an updated lemon-glazed caraway Christmas cookie.

Caraway folklore often relates to the ability of the seeds to keep animals, people and things from straying - possessions targeted by thieves, for example. That would be one reason to grow caraway yourself. If you try this, I hope the seeds keep your pigeons, your lover or your favorite possessions where you want them.

Have a great New Year!

Y-not: Thanks, KT!

Speaking of Mississippi, how about a (silly) song?

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 My yard on the Gulf Coast has had 12 inches of rain since Christmas.

Posted by: Grump928(C) says Free Soothie!, with purchase of commenter of equal or greater value at January 02, 2016 01:49 PM (rwI+c)

2 Growing anise intrigues me as I love the flavor. Does it smell good? (I mean the living plants/flowers themselves, not once processed for use.)

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 01:50 PM (t5zYU)

3 1 My yard on the Gulf Coast has had 12 inches of rain since Christmas.
---

We've had some really heavy rains here, including some wind-storms with the rain, but the soil drains really well. I can't quite figure it because the dirt around here seems to be all red clay, but puddles don't last long.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 01:51 PM (t5zYU)

4 Ummm, how come there are no gardening threads that feature banana trees?

You people have all these unconscious bigotries. You need someone like me to correct you. I come from outside of you vile, oppressive "human privilege" power structure.

Posted by: Koko at January 02, 2016 01:57 PM (7EHW6)

5 I'm with Y-not, anise is a favorite for me. I would think it would smell like my basil or dill does.

Posted by: skip at January 02, 2016 01:59 PM (C1Suc)

6 Y-not, I think sweet anise smells like licorice. Black licorice. I don't like it.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 01:59 PM (egOGm)

7 **Caraway roots (like parsnips, but smaller) are edible and may have been the base of the Julius Caesar's "Chara". At one point, during the war with Pompey when Pompey thought he had Caesar in a tight spot because his men could not be supplied with food, Caesar had his men mix Caraway root with milk to make a form of bread. Caesar had his men throw loaves at Pompey's men, to show them that instead of starving, they had food to throw away. (In Weinmann, Johann Georg, 1769.)**

Come to the Garden Thread for education. Learn gardening tips and Roman history. This is why I lurk on the garden thread.

Thanks Y-not and KT!

Posted by: tbodie at January 02, 2016 02:01 PM (RRfF8)

8 That bear is cute. If Katy Perry could discover something new about her sexuality, is it so wrong for me to have a new found appreciation for bearish delights?

Posted by: Leonardo DiCaprio at January 02, 2016 02:01 PM (7EHW6)

9 Y-not, I think sweet anise smells like licorice. Black licorice. I don't like it.
--

Yes, it does.

I know some people really don't like it. I'm curious, do you like caraway seeds or cilantro? I wonder if there's a genetic predisposition to like/dislike some of these very strong aromatics.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 02:01 PM (t5zYU)

10 And having had tine to check some links I find some fine elbows.

Posted by: tbodie at January 02, 2016 02:04 PM (RRfF8)

11 I, for one, LOVE cilantro and cannot stand caraway. My brother is the opposite, so who knows?

Posted by: kalneva at January 02, 2016 02:05 PM (qSzM9)

12 Y-not, cilantro and caraway seeds are fine. The licorice smell makes me nauseous. I will eat fennel if it's cooked with other things. The farmers used to grow fennel here. Walking through acres of the stuff made me ill. I can walk in a field of cilantro no problem.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 02:05 PM (egOGm)

13 Tine = thyme.

Massive garden thread fail. Thanks auto cucumber.

Back to lurking mode.....

Posted by: tbodie at January 02, 2016 02:07 PM (RRfF8)

14 Interesting, CaliGirl.

So much for that theory!

I love anise/liquorice, fennel seeds, dill, cilantro... a lot of the flavors some find objectionable.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 02:07 PM (t5zYU)

15 The one thing I sometimes don't like is tarragon, oddly enough. My husband loves it, but I have to be in the mood for it.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 02:08 PM (t5zYU)

16 I, for one, LOVE cilantro and cannot stand caraway. My brother is the opposite, so who knows?

What? No love?

Posted by: Fennel at January 02, 2016 02:08 PM (1xUj/)

17 #15

I know, I know! TWSS!

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 02:08 PM (t5zYU)

18 It's the smell. I like lavender, but strongly scented lotion makes me nauseous too. That overly sweet smell I can't handle. The cilantro smell second hand bothers me. If my husband is in a field of cilantro I wash his coat. Cut broccoli is a bad smell too.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 02:11 PM (egOGm)

19 I know what anise seed smells like, I'm saying is can smell my basil and dill just being in my garden but not having to be on top of the plants. I love that.

Posted by: skip at January 02, 2016 02:12 PM (C1Suc)

20 15
I like tarragon. I planted a basil plant (thai?) that I didn't like the smell.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 02:12 PM (egOGm)

21 I planted a basil plant (thai?) that I didn't like the smell.
--

LOL, I prefer Thai basil over the Italian type! We seem to be taste opposites!

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 02:13 PM (t5zYU)

22 I'd love to bang Ki-Moon, but I wouldn't mind being able to put a liitle cream in my Kofi.

Posted by: Koko at January 02, 2016 02:15 PM (7EHW6)

23 Y-not, I also think the dose makes the poison. A little is fine, in a whole field bothers me. Rows of the stuff on your shoes and jeans.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 02:16 PM (egOGm)

24 I let my garden sit idle till March.....then begin to plot my next planting adventure for the spring.

Drudge says only 24 more days until Algore's end of the world prediction for GW takes place. If we are still here, can I sue Algore for damages, fear mongering and generally just being a douchebag?

And does anyone know if you can eat a Gnu? It looks tasty.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at January 02, 2016 02:17 PM (ej1L0)

25 I like Anise, as it smells and tastes like black licorice, a favorite of mine. I refuse to eat anything with caraway seeds in it. BLECH. Some Swedish Rye bread recipes call for caraway seeds. They should all die in a fire.

Posted by: grammie winger, sign of The Time at January 02, 2016 02:17 PM (dFi94)

26 Y-not, we may be opposites. I love italian basil. I planted a purple one this year that was really pretty.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 02:18 PM (egOGm)

27 Same old stuff. What's gnu with you?

Posted by: Hank at January 02, 2016 02:18 PM (AqfcR)

28 Basil is Fawlty.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at January 02, 2016 02:21 PM (FkBIv)

29 January is going to be huge garden month here. This week I'm starting broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. At the end of the month I'll start tomatoes and peppers in the indoor hydroponic. Before I put anything outside I have risk redo the fence around my garden so it's all over 6ft, the chickens will fly over 4ft and they can over 6, but they don't.

I'd bet anise would be a good pasture plant if it started from a wild plant. I'll look into it.

Posted by: traye at January 02, 2016 02:21 PM (192H/)

30 A weekend full of bowl games and yet no elbows.

*le sigh*

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at January 02, 2016 02:21 PM (LUgeY)

31 #floodedblackliberallivesmatter

Posted by: The Man from Athens at January 02, 2016 02:23 PM (lQqij)

32 My in-laws have an anise-like volunteer (weed) in their front flower bed. I'm not sure which specific type it is though (even took it to the local herb-specific greenhouse and couldn't get an answer) since there are several similar. The licorice smell fades *a lot* once the plant gets larger or the seeds are dried so I don't think it os actual anise.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at January 02, 2016 02:24 PM (GDulk)

33 Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 02:07 PM (t5zYU)

Whereas I love licorice and anise, am not fond of caraway, and acres of cilantro would make me sick. It was a reasonable theory though.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at January 02, 2016 02:27 PM (GDulk)

34 Biscochitos are New Mexican Christmas cookies made with lard or butter and flavored with brandy, anise and cinnamon and they are freakin' awesome. I don't care for black licorice but the occasional little bite of anise is very nice. Lard makes the better cookie. It is the official state cookie of New Mexico.

Posted by: huerfano at January 02, 2016 02:28 PM (NSb9d)

35 I don't mind fennel or anise (never tried fresh fennel, thought). I hate licorice - as kids, we would save all our black jelly beans and make Mom mail them to grandma! But cilantro in moderation only. I'm one that too much & a dish tastes soapy.
Cumin is another that I just don't like too much of.

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 02:30 PM (UICf+)

36 When I first tried cilantro I hated it and thought it was soap like. But now I like it so who knows.
Pruning back roses today and setting out a ton of California poppy and nasturtium seeds as it looks like we are going to have 5 days of El Ni�o rain coming up on Monday!

Posted by: keena at January 02, 2016 02:34 PM (RiTnx)

37
One of the insidious rivers to flood is the Red River (of the North), which forms the border between North Dakota and Minnesota. Because it flows northward and empties into Lake Winnipeg, I believe, during the spring melting season, its waters wind up being impeded by ice still on the river as it flows north.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at January 02, 2016 02:36 PM (YIHHg)

38 (never tried fresh fennel, thought)

It's fairly mild. My Italian gf would make a salad of fresh fennel that was like an aromatic cole slaw.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at January 02, 2016 02:36 PM (1xUj/)

39 On the subject of flooding, there has been enormous flooding in the UK over the last few weeks, causing billions of dollars in damage, as historic city centers such as that of York are now completely under water.

This is of course being described by the authorities as climate change showing its hand. The solution? Moar windmills! Higher carbon taxes!

The reality is that the British Isles have been wet places essentially forever, and from the earliest human habitation, humans labored mightily to assure channeling and drainage of storm water. Having topsoil wash downriver is a financial hit to a subsidized and insured modern farmer, but to a medieval peasant farmer, it was a lifethreatening catastrophe.

And the systems which slowly evolved for flood control worked well. Up until recently. What happened? Big Government and "green" mandates from the EUrocrats in Brussels. They decreed that dredging rivers and reinforcing banks thereof was unnatural, doubleplusungreen, and must stop. It did stop. So did effective drainage.

The deep backstory of the deepening waters:

http://tinyurl.com/h7c5zmk

Posted by: torquewrench at January 02, 2016 02:39 PM (noWW6)

40 Thyme gets to tasting mostly of dust rather than herb, its really only very good fresh. Thankfully it grows like a weed around here. So does Rosemary.

I hate that black licorice taste, and almost everything in England is flavored with it. The only exception is that licorice fern that grows on oak trees. That's good stuff. In small doses.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 02, 2016 02:39 PM (39g3+)

41 Posted by: huerfano at January 02, 2016 02:28 PM (NSb9d)

I'm surprised the lard ones are better. The only other lard-based cookies I've had were snickerdoodles that were *nasty* compared to their butter counterparts.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at January 02, 2016 02:40 PM (GDulk)

42 How rude of me - hello, garden people. And thanks to Y-not & KT for all the work you two do here every week.

Bandersnatch - I've wanted to try it for years. That and celeriac (I watch a lot of cooking shows). But my local Food Lion is pathetic. Especially when it comes to produce.
I live in a food desert!

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 02:42 PM (UICf+)

43 Somehow it does not surprise me that the flooding problems in England are being exacerbated by well meaning but idiotic eco-nut efforts. Almost every single thing they touch turns to disaster.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 02, 2016 02:45 PM (39g3+)

44 Who let Koko the climate change propagandist in here?

tinyurl.com/zdt728o

Posted by: Fritz at January 02, 2016 02:46 PM (BngQR)

45 Northern and central California valley regions generally only flood when warm Hawaiian storms sweep up and dump rain on deep snow pack in the Sierra/Cascade mountains. I think it's been 15+ years since the last major flood here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapple_Express

Posted by: 13times at January 02, 2016 02:46 PM (WHVu+)

46 �Basil is Fawlty.�Posted by:�Bertram Cabot

And Caraway's looking a tad seedy. Too femme for my taste. Michelle Tyson? She is teh hawt.

Posted by: Koko at January 02, 2016 02:46 PM (7EHW6)

47 Another educational and entertaining garden thread. Thanks to Y-not, KT, and all the commenters. Happy new year to all.

After my question about cabbage last week and the suggestions, I did some research. Looks like I can try cabbage as a very early crop or a very late one. As long as I avoid the worst of the heat and humidity, it has a chance and is worth a try. Certainly the locally grown cabbage we get at the farmers market is better than anything at the grocery store. And the Territorial Seed catalog (always a temptation) arrived last week which has the biggest selection of cabbage seeds.

Posted by: JTB at January 02, 2016 02:47 PM (FvdPb)

48 Koko the gorilla will repeat whatever she's taught to by her owners. So if they fill her with nonsense about global warming, she's going to puke it right back up.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 02, 2016 02:51 PM (39g3+)

49 Mrs. JTB swears my ancestry influences my food preferences. Some distant Vikings might explain my taste for caraway and other northern European foods. Three hundred years of farming ancestors in Quebec explain my taste for male syrup, buckwheat and fresh shell fish. Then there is the Lebanese side that covers the Mediterranean cuisine. No wonder I'm so heavy.

Once you eliminate okra and hot spicy food, there isn't much I don't like.

Posted by: JTB at January 02, 2016 02:58 PM (FvdPb)

50 I'm not sure how you protect your community against this:

E'rryone lives in boats.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at January 02, 2016 03:00 PM (9YDUz)

51 JTB, I think auto cucumber screwed you over.

Posted by: Ronster at January 02, 2016 03:00 PM (mUa7N)

52 ...explain my taste for male syrup...
-------------------
OK, then.

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 03:01 PM (UICf+)

53 Koko: Look, enough with the friggin fruit. Get me a pizza and some cold ones. And what happened to my Orang videos?

Human translator: I'm ready for Hillary!

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 03:06 PM (MQEz6)

54 Do you put that on waffles?

Posted by: traye at January 02, 2016 03:06 PM (192H/)

55 Anise grows wild everywhere here in southern Ca.

El Nino is getting ready to unleash on California. Our first rainy week in years should kick off on Monday. Let's hope it keeps up. The jetstream looks to be making a big change and should bring a parade of storms.

Posted by: The Jackhole somewhere on Ventura Highway at January 02, 2016 03:07 PM (dULJN)

56 Wow. every emergency vehicle in the station just blasted down the street, and resulted in an accident.

Jeebus

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 03:09 PM (MQEz6)

57 Oh and stay away from the male syrup JTB

Posted by: The Jackhole somewhere on Ventura Highway at January 02, 2016 03:09 PM (dULJN)

58 "I am gorilla, I am flowers, animals. I am Nature. Koko love man. Earth Koko love."

Shit on a plantain. I see I was a bit fucking vague there, so I need to clarify things for all you numbnuts in flyover country.

"I am gorilla"

Yeah, I forgot the indefinite article. It's the day after New Years. I was a little shit faced. Sue me, assholes.

"I am flowers, animals"

Strictly speaking, this is logically true. Like 'Together, Marco Rubio and Adolf Hitler killed 6 million Jews.'

"I am nature"

I was smoking weed and listening to Lovin Spoonful. Cut me some slack.

"Koko love man"

Ask Leo. That wasn't a bear.

"Earth Koko love"

I initially said, "I hate this stinking planet". Some right wing fascist said, Love it or Leave it. I thought he was serious. What do I know? I'm a low information ape. I panicked, but I really hate this stinking planet. I'm a big Isaac Asimov fan. So don't hold me to that statement.

Posted by: Koko at January 02, 2016 03:12 PM (7EHW6)

59 Koko/Gore 2016
4 da Erf

Posted by: The Great White Snark at January 02, 2016 03:13 PM (LMIwZ)

60 Are we not men? We are Koko.

Posted by: Koko Krispies at January 02, 2016 03:16 PM (FkBIv)

61
I've been practicing Survival of the Fittest gardening. But with rain coming to CA they've got a chance. Start the greenhouse up in February maybe.

Posted by: wth at January 02, 2016 03:17 PM (HgMAr)

62 I know some people really don't like it. I'm curious, do you like caraway seeds or cilantro? I wonder if there's a genetic predisposition to like/dislike some of these very strong aromatics.
Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 02:01 PM (t5zYU)

The SMELL of anise (black licorice) isn't bad. The taste, however, is one of my least favorite of all time. Same with cilantro. I like the smell of it, but it tastes like dishwater.

Posted by: antisocialist at January 02, 2016 03:17 PM (cDs+4)

63 I am not being brainwashed or misinterpreted. I just vote my interests.

So STOP slandering me jerkwads! If you want to protect against me, don't try to educate me or pander to me.

That's a lost cause. I'm a fucking ape. It's hopeless.

Instead, recall there is the principle of unalienable rights, which stands against that of mob, or majority rule. That is all. Y'all are bananas. Apeshit insane.

Posted by: Koko at January 02, 2016 03:21 PM (7EHW6)

64 Chocolate-dipped anise biscotti are friggin' tits with a dark roast coffee.

Posted by: Fritz at January 02, 2016 03:23 PM (BngQR)

65 If you want to talk about floods, how about Ice age floods ?

Posted by: Mike K at January 02, 2016 03:24 PM (5namt)

66 24 >> And does anyone know if you can eat a Gnu? It looks tasty.

Eat moar chiken.

Posted by: GnuBreed at January 02, 2016 03:24 PM (gyKtp)

67 Who will do the photoshop of Michael Moore holding a sign that says "I love Koko crispy"?

Posted by: Satan observing Shabbos at January 02, 2016 03:24 PM (qSIlh)

68 re 66: moo gnu gai pan, anyone?

Posted by: Satan observing Shabbos at January 02, 2016 03:26 PM (qSIlh)

69 Berlandiera lyrata flowers smell exactly like chocolate. Easy to grow, drought tolerant, and I have had luck with them here in the Ozarks, even though they are not fond of humidity.

Anise and black licorice are slightly different flavors to me; I hate black licorice, but love black jelly beans. I think anise is in the jelly beans. Anise is sweeter and, to my nose and taste buds, has a minty component.

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at January 02, 2016 03:26 PM (ZAhzb)

70 >>>And does anyone know if you can eat a Gnu? It looks tasty.<<<

I dunno about gnu, but I'm thinking hippo might be good.

mentalfloss.com/article/54988/what-11-popular-zoo-animals-taste

Posted by: Fritz at January 02, 2016 03:27 PM (BngQR)

71 I can send my attack-Pom against that kitty if need be. Just let me know.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at January 02, 2016 03:28 PM (YpGhE)

72 I also have a Greek oregano that while it dies off to the ground every winter it comes back bigger in the spring. I suppose I should half it if anyone knows

Posted by: skip at January 02, 2016 03:29 PM (C1Suc)

73 The arkansas river near me mostly floods into the bike paths/parks/etc. except for a few giant homes somebody built around two rivers which are now flooded like crazy.

Posted by: Lea at January 02, 2016 03:30 PM (vmMMi)

74 Seriously, if you want a good laugh, read the Wikipedia article on me and note all the misgivings that cognitive scientists have about my language comprehension abilities. It's like those racist assholes think I'm less than human or something.

Posted by: Koko at January 02, 2016 03:30 PM (7EHW6)

75
65 If you want to talk about floods, how about Ice age floods ?
Posted by: Mike K at January 02, 2016 03:24 PM (5namt)

The Scablands?

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 03:30 PM (MQEz6)

76 Koko posts are cracking me up

Posted by: The Jackhole somewhere on Ventura Highway at January 02, 2016 03:31 PM (dULJN)

77 "I'm not an animal. I'm a human being"

Boo-hoo, fuck you, sux 2 B U, elephant boy. Join the club.

Posted by: Koko at January 02, 2016 03:33 PM (7EHW6)

78 If you think you don't like the taste of black licorice, you should try the crap the Swedes eat. It's hard core. Tastes like black licorice with ammonia in it. And they have salt on the outside. That and surstromming are the two,worst things to eat in Sweden!

Posted by: keena at January 02, 2016 03:34 PM (RiTnx)

79 Why don't they set it up so that their smartest chimp talks to their smartest gorilla?

Then we can see if they are really talking.

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 03:35 PM (MQEz6)

80 Smell my finger

Posted by: The bonobo at January 02, 2016 03:37 PM (dULJN)

81 I think Koko told all ya'll to fuck off.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at January 02, 2016 03:41 PM (kV07b)

82 Just got back from a memorial service. Have to leave again. Will have to read the comments later.

Posted by: KT at January 02, 2016 03:41 PM (qahv/)

83 80 Smell my finger
Posted by: The bonobo at January 02, 2016 03:37 PM (dULJN)

Smells like ... anise?

Posted by: Jay Guevara at January 02, 2016 03:41 PM (oKE6c)

84 >>>And does anyone know if you can eat a Gnu? It looks tasty.<<<

They're good to eat? Who gnu?

Posted by: Jay Guevara at January 02, 2016 03:42 PM (oKE6c)

85 Koko: What's an ape got to do to get a drink around here?!

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 03:42 PM (MQEz6)

86 I wish all the bowl games weren't on ESPN!!! I'm going to have to find some cable.

Posted by: Lea at January 02, 2016 03:43 PM (vmMMi)

87 Caraway and cilantro are fine with me. Cannot stand black licorice, anise, or any of the anise-based liquers.

Do pomegranate trees have thorns? Or is there a ringer intermingled with my pomegranate tree?

Seems everything here in Arizona has thorns or prickles.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 02, 2016 03:44 PM (cKwwS)

88 Gnu again?!!!

We had gnu yesterday and the day before that!!

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 03:44 PM (MQEz6)

89 Sorry, KT.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at January 02, 2016 03:44 PM (kV07b)

90 >>>I think Koko told all ya'll to fuck off.<<<

44 year old bush meat is probably tough as shoe leather, but with a proper marinade, I'd bet it would make an acceptable fajita.

Posted by: Fritz at January 02, 2016 03:45 PM (BngQR)

91 74 Seriously, if you want a good laugh, read the Wikipedia article on me and note all the misgivings that cognitive scientists have about my language comprehension abilities. It's like those racist assholes think I'm less than human or something.
Posted by: Koko at January 02, 2016 03:30 PM (7EHW6)

You just need programs to close the academic achievement gap. And if they don't work, we just need to spend more. Smaller class sizes, iPads, waiving graduation requirements, free tuition to university, etc. We'll knock this problem on the head in no time.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at January 02, 2016 03:46 PM (oKE6c)

92 "We had gnu yesterday and the day before that!!"

You'll have it again and you'll like it.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at January 02, 2016 03:46 PM (kV07b)

93 Koko- Are you know cookoo for Koko puffs?

Posted by: skip at January 02, 2016 03:47 PM (C1Suc)

94 Public Service Announcement:

All gnu puns are old puns.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 02, 2016 03:49 PM (cKwwS)

95 We need common sense gnu control.

Posted by: League of Dyslexic Activists at January 02, 2016 03:50 PM (oVJmc)

96 If you think you don't like the taste of black licorice, you should try the crap the Swedes eat. It's hard core. Tastes like black licorice with ammonia in it. And they have salt on the outside. That and surstromming are the two,worst things to eat in Sweden!
Posted by: keena at January 02, 2016 03:34 PM (RiTnx)

Don't the scandi's eat fish that's been rubbed in lye and left to rot for months? I don't think that's Sweden, maybe Norway, but it simply CAN NOT BE GOOD.

Posted by: antisocialist at January 02, 2016 03:51 PM (cDs+4)

97 Everything old is gnu again.

Posted by: antisocialist at January 02, 2016 03:51 PM (cDs+4)

98 If you think you don't like the taste of black licorice, you should try the crap the Swedes eat.

Salmiakki. Salt licorice.

Posted by: League of Dyslexic Activists at January 02, 2016 03:53 PM (oVJmc)

99 44 year old bush meat is probably tough as shoe leather
Posted by: Fritz at January 02, 2016 03:45 PM (BngQR)

Leave Rosie O'Donnell out of this.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at January 02, 2016 03:53 PM (oKE6c)

100 Sock.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at January 02, 2016 03:53 PM (oVJmc)

101 No gnus is good gnus.

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 03:53 PM (UICf+)

102 Looking at gardener porn, AKA seed catalogues now. Does anyone have experience with stuff from Territorial seed company?

Posted by: keena at January 02, 2016 03:54 PM (RiTnx)

103 Happy Gnu Year!!

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 03:54 PM (MQEz6)

104 If Sweden were populated with Charleton Hestons, and I were Muslim, I'd emigrate there.

He was a jerk. He could just have smiled at me and said, "No thanks, not interested".

Posted by: Koko at January 02, 2016 03:54 PM (7EHW6)

105 "Seems everything here in Arizona has thorns or prickles."

The senior Senator from AZ certainly is a complete prick.

Posted by: torquewrench at January 02, 2016 03:56 PM (noWW6)

106 Cannot stand black licorice, anise, or any of the anise-based liquers.
-------------------
So I guess you don't want a shot of Jaegermeister, AOP?

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 03:58 PM (UICf+)

107 Anybody know if you can have the flu more than once in a season?

Posted by: antisocialist at January 02, 2016 03:59 PM (cDs+4)

108 All this black licorice hate?!

#BlackLicoriceMatters

Posted by: BLM at January 02, 2016 03:59 PM (H9MG5)

109 "He was a jerk. He could just have smiled at me and
said, "No thanks, not interested".'

You call Chuck Heston a jerk?

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at January 02, 2016 04:01 PM (kuDDB)

110 No gnus is good gnus.
Posted by: Chi

Eff you buddy. I won a genius award for inventing a text editor and rewriting some utilities for free. And there's a video of me peeling skin off my feet and eating it while I answer questions about the GPL. I'm, like, really important in the CS pantheon.

Posted by: Richard M. Stallman at January 02, 2016 04:02 PM (7EHW6)

111 Oh c'mon, 100 comments and this hasn't been posted yet?

https://youtu.be/mAwVIZDAUF0

Posted by: chemjeff at January 02, 2016 04:05 PM (uZNvH)

112 OT: My wife has been mean to me these last few days, I mean more than usual. This morning the truth came out. Our daughter and the grandkids had been visiting and our three year old grandson wanted to hang with me, watch TV with me, and sit on my lap and she is jealous. Maybe if she'd take the trouble to become conversant in monster truck these things wouldn't happen.

Posted by: The Great White Snark at January 02, 2016 04:06 PM (MYRZx)

113 "Anybody know if you can have the flu more than once in a season?"

Your body builds anti-bodies to the virus. Maybe you're having repetiive colds as opposed to the flu virus. So many basic cold virii.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at January 02, 2016 04:07 PM (LJCfD)

114 You call Chuck Heston a jerk?
Posted by: Ricardo Kill

I was joking. It was meant to be a hurt response from a gorilla who made amorous advances to Heston and was rebuffed with his immortal line:

"Get your filthy paws off of me, you damn, dirty ape!"

Posted by: Koko at January 02, 2016 04:07 PM (7EHW6)

115 Holy Cow! When AOS dives headfirst into unix-like puns on a gardening thread, we are thru the looking glass, folks. Happy New Year!

Posted by: Fritz at January 02, 2016 04:10 PM (BngQR)

116 Don't Bogart that joint, my friend.

- Koko

Posted by: The Great White Snark at January 02, 2016 04:13 PM (MYRZx)

117 From the song, "Louisiana 1927," by Randy Newman

"President Coolidge came down in a railroad train
With a little fat man with a notepad in his hand
The President say, "Little fat man, isn't it a shame
What the river has done to this poor cracker's land?""

The 1927 flood was the most destructive in our nation's history.

What would Obama do?

Posted by: the littl shyning man at January 02, 2016 04:13 PM (U6f54)

118 Unix like? No. Gnu's Not Unix. Stallman is a smelly turd like Alan Moore who lives parasitically off other people's ideas.

Posted by: Koko at January 02, 2016 04:14 PM (7EHW6)

119 Well I don't know who plagiarized whom, but personally I am a big fan of GNU Emacs

Posted by: chemjeff at January 02, 2016 04:15 PM (uZNvH)

120
117 From the song, "Louisiana 1927," by Randy Newman

"President Coolidge came down in a railroad train
With a little fat man with a notepad in his hand
The President say, "Little fat man, isn't it a shame
What the river has done to this poor cracker's land?""

The 1927 flood was the most destructive in our nation's history.

What would Obama do?
Posted by: the littl shyning man at January 02, 2016 04:13 PM (U6f54)

Ban guns.

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 04:15 PM (MQEz6)

121 " It was meant to be a hurt response from a gorilla who made amorous advances to Heston and was rebuffed with his immortal line: "

Oh, okay. You tell the ape to watch their ass.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at January 02, 2016 04:16 PM (jtd4P)

122 There was a boy
A very STRANGE ENCHANTED boy.
They say he wandered very far, very far,
Over land and sea.
A little SHY
And SAD of eye,
But very wise, VERY WISE was he...

- Koko Sings Nat King Cole!

Posted by: The Great White Snark at January 02, 2016 04:18 PM (MYRZx)

123
Gnu life for old things.

Posted by: wth at January 02, 2016 04:19 PM (HgMAr)

124 In Texas there is a lot of "society garlic" which is beautiful but very strong smelling.

I have Plumeria plants just for the smell...divine.
The flowers that all my citrus produce is also lovely....and still blooming.

Those "Matt's Sweet Cherry" tomato plants I have in my garden are STILL producing. The plants are huge and lush. That might change this week if there is a freeze.

Posted by: lindafell de spair at January 02, 2016 04:21 PM (xVgrA)

125 Cats remember how I smell. But I would think they'd only remember how other cats smell and wouldn't be capable of distinguishing between individual human body odors.

So, my question is, is there some univeral mammalian scent marker? You know what I mean. Why can they remember human smells?

Posted by: Joe Biden at January 02, 2016 04:22 PM (7EHW6)

126
Seed Catalogues this week: Johnny's Selected Seeds, John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds, Burpee (of course), Territorial Seed Company, Gurney's Seed (ampersand) Nursery Co., R.H.Shumway's 2016 Illustrated Garden Guide (New one!), and Michigan Bulb Co. (Not seeds, but...).

Lots of knowledge and gardening tips in those...

And purty pitchers!

Posted by: Spun and Murky at January 02, 2016 04:22 PM (4DCSq)

127 What is a baby gnu called?

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 04:22 PM (UICf+)

128 Just kicking Koko in the nuts. Respond anytime.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at January 02, 2016 04:22 PM (jtd4P)

129 So, my question is, is there some univeral mammalian scent marker? You know what I mean. Why can they remember human smells?
Posted by: Joe Biden
-------------------
Male syrup?

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 04:23 PM (UICf+)

130 I thought Koko was a she?

Posted by: Ricardo Montalbaum at January 02, 2016 04:23 PM (GdFQh)

131 The soapy taste of cilantro for some people is indeed because of genes. cilantro and soap have a common chemical and people with a certain olfactory gene can pick up the taste of that chemical.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 02, 2016 04:24 PM (MNgU2)

132 A gnuborn?

Posted by: Clarney at January 02, 2016 04:26 PM (dgO4h)

133 So I guess you don't want a shot of Jaegermeister, AOP?

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 03:58 PM (UICf+)

Roger on that. Nasty, nasty stuff. Nor sambuca. Why drink that, when you have Drambuie, and Kahlua, and orange liquer?

Slow process here. Fill a trash bag with pointy-sharp tree leavings and trimmings, tie it off, come inside for a slug of beer, and another trash bag, go outside to fill it. Life's a bitch right now.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 02, 2016 04:27 PM (cKwwS)

134 Gnubile ?

Posted by: The Jackhole somewhere on Ventura Highway at January 02, 2016 04:28 PM (dULJN)

135 I don't have a garden or yard too take care of. Can I turn this into a gun thread?

Posted by: Blano at January 02, 2016 04:29 PM (uiVGU)

136 117
The 1927 flood was the most destructive in our nation's history.

Posted by: the littl shyning man at January 02, 2016 04:13 PM (U6f54)

The original version of "When the Levee Breaks" (later made famous by Led Zeppelin) was about the 1927 Mississippi flood. Lots of photos at the link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swhEa8vuP6U

Posted by: rickl at January 02, 2016 04:29 PM (sdi6R)

137 What is a baby gnu called?

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 04:22 PM (UICf+)

A gnubie?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 02, 2016 04:30 PM (cKwwS)

138 Episode IV: A Gnu Hope

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 04:30 PM (MQEz6)

139 The ultimate editor is vi.

And like Dave Barry, Steve Tyler and Bruce Jenner, I too suufer from "dude-who-looks-like-an-aging-lesbian" syndrome.

Posted by: Bill Joy at January 02, 2016 04:31 PM (7EHW6)

140 "Thought Koko was a she?

*ponders*

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at January 02, 2016 04:31 PM (o0PZ2)

141 Gnuling.

When looking for mom they are mewling gnuling.

Posted by: fluffy at January 02, 2016 04:32 PM (AfsKp)

142 Can I turn this into a gun thread?
Posted by: Blano

Don't you do that all the time? Why are you asking now?

BTW: since open carry started in Texas yesterday, have you seen the stories all over the news of people having shoot-outs and the blood running in the streets??? {sarc}

Posted by: lindafell de spair at January 02, 2016 04:33 PM (xVgrA)

143 Stiill a big fcukin' gorillla.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at January 02, 2016 04:33 PM (o0PZ2)

144 I think this song is also about that 1927 flood, Backwater Blues, by Bessie Smith:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gXShOJVwaM

Some fine piano playing by James P. Johnson, too.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 02, 2016 04:34 PM (cKwwS)

145
135 I don't have a garden or yard too take care of. Can I turn this into a gun thread?

I could list the gum catalogs I got this week, too...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at January 02, 2016 04:34 PM (4DCSq)

146 A new gnu.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at January 02, 2016 04:35 PM (LUgeY)

147 "When looking for mom they are mewling gnuling."

What are you tring to say, fluffy?

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at January 02, 2016 04:36 PM (MunKi)

148 Yup, garden pron time here at Chateau D'Eez as we peruse the seed catalogs. Post-it notes everywhere ! If we bought everything that sounds like good fun at this point, we'd need to garden about a square mile.
Someone upthread was asking about Territorial; we've never had a problem with them that I can recall.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at January 02, 2016 04:40 PM (H1SMJ)

149 135- if you got a Gnu gun for Christmas you can

Posted by: skip at January 02, 2016 04:41 PM (C1Suc)

150 AOP @ 133
I hear ya. I have out of control hollies lining my driveway that I despise. The little thorns stay in you for a while.
I've been trying to tame them slowly, but they grow back so aggressively. They're pretty when full of berries, provide a little screen, and the birds love them, but a hate holly with a passion.

And Jaeger? I have had enough of that crap to last us both a lifetime. Dated some chick half my age a few years back that drank it like it was ambrosia. Ugh.

If I can ever find an decent amount of vanilla beans that I won't have to sell a kidney for, I want to make some Kahlua here at home. I hear it's easy, but not necessarily cheap. White russian is my winter go-to drink.

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 04:41 PM (UICf+)

151 "Anybody know if you can have the flu more than once in a season?"

Some of the nastier modern flu variants seem to be multiply relapsing types.

In recent years, I've seen people get sick early on in the cold and flu season, get better for a few days, then get worse again, then get better, then get worse. For months.

This seems to be a light flu year round these parts. Some years, everyone is sick, and really steamrollered sick. Thank goodness, not this time.

Posted by: torquewrench at January 02, 2016 04:43 PM (noWW6)

152 OK... I'm baaaack. Mister and I are finally tackling the second-tier moving in stuff. You know, the pile of pictures that still aren't hung, moving furniture around now that we kind of know how a room will be used, measuring for drapes, putting away crap that needs a home. I hate this process, but Mister was in the mood to get organized and we've accomplished a lot.

Sorry to hear of KT's bereavement.

And I just GNU this thread would turn punny.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 04:45 PM (t5zYU)

153 Ricardo, life on the veldt is grueling.

Posted by: fluffy at January 02, 2016 04:45 PM (AfsKp)

154 Hang in there, KT.

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 04:47 PM (MQEz6)

155 In terms of gardening, everything is on hold until the fence. We've finally gotten a decent quote and submitted our plan for approval. No one around here does that, apparently, but one of our neighbors seems a little territorial about things, so best to have it approved.

Assuming the plan is approved, we're going to have a nice arbor over the back gate, so that'll be fun for deciding a vine to train on it.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 04:47 PM (t5zYU)

156 I thought Koko was a she?
Posted by: Ricardo Montalbaum

I'm bi-fluid. Or whatever you humans say to describe it. Whatever turns me on at the moment, I grab onto that.

Posted by: Koko at January 02, 2016 04:49 PM (7EHW6)

157
Arkansas RB down after apparent targeting hit in the Liberty Bowl.

Doesn't look good...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at January 02, 2016 04:49 PM (4DCSq)

158 Male syrup? Oh, shit! Of all the typos to make, especially with this group. Well, better to start the new year with a slightly red face and unintended humor..

I HATE computer keyboards!!! Honest to God, I do better on my 1939 Royal KMM typewriter.

Posted by: JTB at January 02, 2016 04:49 PM (FvdPb)

159 That was the best typo ever, JTB!

>>Arkansas RB down after apparent targeting hit in the Liberty Bowl.

Oh no! Man, there have been quite a few targeting calls this bowl season. I'm not a fan of the rule myself b/c the enforcement of it is so subjective, but you'd think the coaches would have the players trained correctly on how to tackle.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 04:51 PM (t5zYU)

160 Koko I thought you were good in that movie FAME in 1980

Posted by: skip at January 02, 2016 04:52 PM (C1Suc)

161 What's happening in YOUR gardens this week?
------------

Frost, followed by blooming, followed by frost.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at January 02, 2016 04:54 PM (n22zQ)

162 Dinner menu is set. Roast Gnu with new potatoes. I'd start off with New England Clam Chowder, but I don't like chowder.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at January 02, 2016 04:55 PM (kTF2Z)

163 Incidentally, despite hating black licorice, I do like caraway seeds, but cilantro is only good mixed with other stuff, and only the right stuff. I can eat parsley on its own but cilantro is nasty on its own.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 02, 2016 04:55 PM (39g3+)

164 Michigan bulb offers a clematis with my daughter's name, Corinne. Guess you have to find a spot for another.

Posted by: Clarney at January 02, 2016 04:55 PM (dgO4h)

165 Jackhole,
Boy are you right about the rain. I just checked, rain for a week.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 04:56 PM (egOGm)

166 Besides, its spelled Maple Syrple.

Posted by: Roger Miller at January 02, 2016 04:57 PM (39g3+)

167 Oh no! Man, there have been quite a few targeting calls this bowl season. I'm not a fan of the rule myself b/c the enforcement of it is so subjective, but you'd think the coaches would have the players trained correctly on how to tackle.

You'd think the coaches would say, "How would you like to be paralyzed? If you wouldn't like it done to you, then don't do it your opponents."

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at January 02, 2016 04:58 PM (LUgeY)

168 Are you Californians still on water restrictions? How much rain would it take for them to end?

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 04:58 PM (t5zYU)

169 I love clam chowder, but Manhattan style is not nearly as good as New England. There's a little restaurant called "Mo's" out here in Oregon that had the best chowder ever but they got bought out and not its just ordinary.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 02, 2016 04:58 PM (39g3+)

170 So did they throw a flag or not, Backwardsboy? On twitter it seems like they didn't.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 04:58 PM (t5zYU)

171 If your garden refuses to grow, I heard that male syrup is the best fertilizer.

Posted by: Fritz at January 02, 2016 04:59 PM (BngQR)

172 >>Arkansas RB down after apparent targeting hit in the Liberty Bowl.

Oh no! Missing the game but keeping up with the score. Maybe should check Facebook for news...

Posted by: Lea at January 02, 2016 04:59 PM (vmMMi)

173 GNU's Not Useful.

Posted by: Richard M. Stallman at January 02, 2016 05:00 PM (7EHW6)

174 I wouldn't be surprised if California under Moonbeam just keeps the restrictions in place (except for the rich and powerful) forever, now that they've tasted that sweet power and control over people's lives. To save the marbled gnat beetle or some such nonsense.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 02, 2016 05:00 PM (39g3+)

175 Years ago when I was in the Corps, a friend of mine got a nasty case of male syrup while at Subic Bay. Shot at the BAS cleared it right up.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at January 02, 2016 05:01 PM (kTF2Z)

176 Caraway root is pleasant enough, a bit bland, tastes nothing like its seeds. Cilantro root is stronger than the leaf and the smell even permeates the soil it grows in. On the subject of carrot family roots, if you can find it, skirret (Sium sisarum) is very worthwhile. It tastes a little like parsnip, but cooks down softer, like potato. The plants grow a bundle of white finger-like roots which you harvest, and distinct offshoots above them which you can divide and replant.

Posted by: Botec at January 02, 2016 05:03 PM (YDPv5)

177 Oh no! Man, there have been quite a few targeting
calls this bowl season. I'm not a fan of the rule myself b/c the
enforcement of it is so subjective, but you'd think the coaches would
have the players trained correctly on how to tackle.

You'd think the coaches would say, "How would you like to be
paralyzed? If you wouldn't like it done to you, then don't do it your
opponents."

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at January 02, 2016 04:58 PM (LUgeY)

My belief is, the equipment (and the drugs) make it harder for the hitters to FEEL the impact of their hits, so they keep doing it.

Pain has a way of changing behavior. Without enough pain, there's not going to be enough change.

Posted by: BurtTC at January 02, 2016 05:03 PM (TOk1P)

178 The leftist government in California I'm sure are all global warming fanatics

Posted by: skip at January 02, 2016 05:03 PM (C1Suc)

179 Y-not, I have a well. Some of the wells are dry. To get a well drilled takes 6 months on a waiting list if the county approves it.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 05:05 PM (egOGm)

180 How awful, CaliGirl!

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 05:05 PM (t5zYU)

181 While on safari once I saw the wild life burst into song and dance. The guide told me it was a local group call The Gnu Kids on the Block.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at January 02, 2016 05:05 PM (kTF2Z)

182 I watched the Sherlock episode on Masterpiece, it was... not Sherlock Holmes. I did appreciate the thought that went into the excessively complex plot, and I did think the acting was quite good. It was visually interesting and kept my attention.

But despite dropping many lines from Sherlock Holmes mythos over the years and various trappings... it was just another story by that writer/director where he puts his main characters into impossible situations, then figures a way out.

He's lost the way after that first year, and he was barely there to begin with. Sherlock Holmes stories have to have some basic themes to work and actually be his stories.

1) He is a detective, that seeks out information to help solve puzzles and crimes to assist justice.
2) He is driven by logic and deduction, and the stories focus around that, each being a deductive puzzle that demonstrates the art.
3) Holmes and Watson are modern day knights, men who love honor and virtue above all and fight for justice, particularly for the downtrodden and helpless.

If you don't comprehend those basic truths, you end up with... well, most of what we've seen in the last decade or so. Elementary, Sherlock, the Downey jr films. Entertaining, but not Sherlock Holmes.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 02, 2016 05:06 PM (39g3+)

183 I bet they keep the water restrictions. My husband says we need 15 inches to have water in the dry wells.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 05:07 PM (egOGm)

184 Mr. Taylor,
There is a restaurant here in Va Beach (featured once on the Guy Fieri network) that makes what they call "Hatteras style" clam chowder that is to die for. More of a broth, and VERY baconny (if that isn't a word, it should be).
I'm with you - I prefer the Gnu England chowdah to the Manhattan stuff. But this stuff from Beach Pub is crazy good.

Y-not, what kind of fence are you building? A basic PT wood fence? Vinyl privacy fence? I fashioned mine out of the bamboo that grows like, well, bamboo out in the back forty, and it really looks cool.
I've posted pics before...

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 05:07 PM (UICf+)

185 My belief is, the equipment (and the drugs) make it harder for the hitters to FEEL the impact of their hits, so they keep doing it.
---

Kind of related, I think they get an adrenaline rush from the SOUND made by big hits.

I don't understand mechanics well enough to know if this would work, but I wonder if applying a layer of nerf-like material on the exterior of the pads and helmets would help.

Or not.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 05:07 PM (t5zYU)

186
https://twitter.com/SmashedStudents

My favorite:

https://goo.gl/3S1VMw

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at January 02, 2016 05:09 PM (iQIUe)

187 Y-not. It depends where you live for water restrictions. I think you can water your yard 2 times a week. People are tearing out their lawns. I have water for now.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 05:09 PM (egOGm)

188 So did they throw a flag or not, Backwardsboy? On twitter it seems like they didn't.

Not that I saw. They showed the hit, didn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary, as far as hits go. Helmet-to-helmet and the guy just collapsed in a heap, lost the ball on the way down. I'm pretty sure he was out for a little while.

They brought out all the equipment to move him with, but I didn't see where he gave a thumbs up or anything. Didn't see him move any limbs, either. I hope and pray he's not paralyzed.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at January 02, 2016 05:09 PM (LUgeY)

189 Kind of related, I think they get an adrenaline rush from the SOUND made by big hits.

Let's not kid ourselves. Offensive coaches teach them to hit like a freight train and attempt to kill the other player. Literally. Its not just part of the game, but with all the pads, the size of the players, etc, they are taught to hit hard as possible.

This is why all those jokes about Rugby being tougher and those pansies wearing all those pads are funny, but really misguided. Just one game of Australian Rules Football or Rugby hitting that hard would result in deaths.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 02, 2016 05:10 PM (39g3+)

190 Y-not, what kind of fence are you building? A basic PT wood fence? Vinyl privacy fence? I fashioned mine out of the bamboo
---

I would love to do something cool like that, but I suspect it wouldn't fit with this yard. We have the golf course behind us, which has a white three-rail fence, so we kind of need to have it fit with that. We're going with a four foot (can't really go higher) solid vinyl -- but we're doing a two-tone one -- center panels will be a light tan and the posts and rails (edges) will be white. There's some light tan stonework at the back of the house and lots of white trim, so we're trying to make a nod to that.

But the bamboo thing sounds lovely. I suppose we could do something like that closer to the house around the patio area. Make a secret garden type of thing.

It'll be a while before we get there. Love this house, but it's at the age where it'll need HVAC and roofing in the next few years, so we have to be pretty thoughtful about what projects we tackle.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 05:11 PM (t5zYU)

191 Those crashing hits and all the grunts are kind of the music of football, that's how the game sounds. Taking that away would ruin the game, really. I don't even care for football but even I know that.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 02, 2016 05:11 PM (39g3+)

192 Anise is also used in various liquors, Raki, Sambuca and Aguardiente come to mind.
Sambuca is an apertif and has extra sugar in it, but Raki and Aguardiente are at 80 proof. Both of them show the tendency to turn milky when you add cold water to them, and that has something to do with the anise.

I don't have much experience with Raki, but I do have an odd taste for Colombian aguardiente. Originally made by fermenting and distilling sugarcane bagasse (what is left of the cane after sucking all the molasses out, and I suspect the anise was to hide the taste) it is now just white rum with anise added to it.

I do macerate anise in cheap rum. It can be rough.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 02, 2016 05:12 PM (q2o38)

193 Kind of related, I think they get an adrenaline rush from the SOUND made by big hits.

I don't understand mechanics well enough to know if this would work,
but I wonder if applying a layer of nerf-like material on the exterior
of the pads and helmets would help.

Or not.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at January 02, 2016 05:07 PM (t5zYU)

Good idea. Not just nerf material, but add squeaky toy type sounds, and the guys who get off on it will lose interest.

Posted by: BurtTC at January 02, 2016 05:14 PM (TOk1P)

194 Those crashing hits and all the grunts are kind of
the music of football, that's how the game sounds. Taking that away
would ruin the game, really. I don't even care for football but even I
know that.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 02, 2016 05:11 PM (39g3+)

Eh, that sounds kinda ghey.

Posted by: BurtTC at January 02, 2016 05:15 PM (TOk1P)

195 170 So did they throw a flag or not, Backwardsboy? On twitter it seems like they didn't.

Y-not, flag was not thrown. After watching a half dozen replays, it looked like it should have been. Helmet to base of helmet.

Player was on ground for five to ten minutes with no motion to his feet or legs (all you could see).

Coach said he was moving his fingers!

Prayers...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at January 02, 2016 05:15 PM (4DCSq)

196 Good idea. Not just nerf material, but add squeaky toy type sounds, and the guys who get off on it will lose interest.

And there goes a perfectly good mouthful of water. All over the screen.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at January 02, 2016 05:16 PM (LUgeY)

197 Ouzo is made with anise. Ouzo makes me dance on tables. Don't serve me ouzo.

Posted by: grammie winger, sign of The Time at January 02, 2016 05:17 PM (dFi94)

198 Chi,
If you or someone you know has a Costco membership, they usually have a ten pack, in two sealed glass tubes, of vanilla beans for around $16, can't remember exactly, but under $20 for sure. I stock up on them when I see them. The brand is Rodelle and are an in store only item.

Posted by: lindafell de spair at January 02, 2016 05:19 PM (xVgrA)

199 >>Coach said he was moving his fingers!

Scary! Players name is reed I think.

Posted by: Lea at January 02, 2016 05:19 PM (vmMMi)

200 Growing up in Texas I played a ton of organized football. My Dad played college ball and was drafted, but never played in the NFL. He was my main teacher. He pounded my shoulder pads and said, "you hit with these." He then grabbed my face mask and said,"this is your face. You do not hit with this."

Posted by: Duke Lowell at January 02, 2016 05:19 PM (kTF2Z)

201 Y-not, let's see if this works:

http://tinypic.com/r/2jfkepl/9

That was when I finished the gate. Everything weathers to match eventually. I've also been covering the neighbor's 42" chain link fence to make it match this one. At least what I can see from my sitting area.

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 05:21 PM (UICf+)

202 197 Ouzo is made with anise. Ouzo makes me dance on tables. Don't serve me ouzo.
Posted by: grammie winger, sign of The Time at January 02, 2016 05:17 PM (dFi94)
---
They served ouzo at your wedding, didn't they?

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Literate Savage at January 02, 2016 05:22 PM (jR7Wy)

203 O/T

Another "Good Kid", only one arrest for robbery, gets killed. When are they going to stop killing the good kids and start killing the bad ones?

Rest in peace dear Jihad.

http://tinyurl.com/z7zu5nx

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 02, 2016 05:24 PM (jJRIy)

204 Ah, Gnu wines in old...

[sputter, spit, gag]

That ain't WINE

Posted by: Aphorism Fail at January 02, 2016 05:24 PM (q2o38)

205 Thanks, linda! I gave up my Costco membership a few years back, so I didn't even think of that.
My local grocery store has $12 bottle with either 1 bean folded in half, or 2 really short beans - stacked with the spices, that size jar. No, thanks, Food Lion.

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 05:25 PM (UICf+)

206
Looking at gardener porn, AKA seed catalogues now. Does anyone have experience with stuff from Territorial seed company?
Posted by: keena at January 02, 2016 03:54 PM (RiTnx)

Territorial is a good company with a very good reputation.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 02, 2016 05:26 PM (q2o38)

207 Chi, that's a cool fence. I like your dog.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 05:26 PM (egOGm)

208 I've heard Aquavit has a real anise flavor to it, but never tried it. Booze Traveler didn't seem real fond of the stuff but he kind of liked Ouzo.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 02, 2016 05:28 PM (39g3+)

209 What is a baby gnu called?
Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 04:22 PM (UICf+)

Gnawn

Posted by: Kindltot at January 02, 2016 05:28 PM (q2o38)

210 *note to self: bring XL bottle of Ouzo to next year's AOS HQ Christmas party. Find Grammie first thing.

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 05:30 PM (UICf+)

211 Keena, Territorial is one of my favorites.

Posted by: Emmie at January 02, 2016 05:33 PM (ffVbD)

212 197 Ouzo is made with anise. Ouzo makes me dance on tables. Don't serve me ouzo.
Posted by: grammie winger, sign of The Time at January 02, 2016 05:17 PM (dFi94)
***
Howzabout raki?

Posted by: Your Decidedly Devious Uncle Palpatine, Still Accepting Harem Applicants at January 02, 2016 05:35 PM (lutOX)

213 >>> That ain't WINE

They got you with the old 'male syrup in a wine skin' gag.

Posted by: fluffy at January 02, 2016 05:36 PM (AfsKp)

214 They served ouzo at your wedding, didn't they?

There's just nothing like having a crowd cheering on your consummation, is there?

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at January 02, 2016 05:36 PM (LUgeY)

215
B O/T (Back on topic?) How long does it take to recharge an aquafer?

The water table here in my part of LA (Cajuns not Movie Stars!) has been lowering for several years due to drought years. I had contemplated driving a shallow well for emergency water supply.

We are WAY over annual rainfall this year.

Time to rethink a drive point well?...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at January 02, 2016 05:36 PM (4DCSq)

216 Our New Years greens, onions, and sweet potatoes came from our garden. And some peppers. That's about the size of it. After all the globular worming rain of 2015 we will have to start over from scratch.

Posted by: Eromero at January 02, 2016 05:36 PM (b+df9)

217 I love clam chowder, but Manhattan style is not nearly as good as New England. There's a little restaurant called "Mo's" out here in Oregon that had the best chowder ever but they got bought out and not its just ordinary.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 02, 2016 04:58 PM (39g3+)

I love both kinds of clam chowder, but Manhattan-style should not be called a "chowder". After all, you have corn chowder, with kernel corn in a white creamy broth with potatoes, right? A chowder, based upon texture and flavor, but nary a clam innit.

And Manhattan-style is more like a boullibase, with a savory tomato-based broth, and potato chunks, but with only clams, and no other seafood.

They are both good, but very different dishes.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 02, 2016 05:37 PM (cKwwS)

218 Grammie, I have some Ouzo right here. Put your glass under the USB. Oh, and make sure your webcam is on.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at January 02, 2016 05:37 PM (kTF2Z)

219 Spun and Murky at January 02, 2016 05:36 PM (4DCSq)
I would do it. Here in California the farmers drill wells and cap them. At some point they won't let us drill them anymore. Be prepared.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 05:40 PM (egOGm)

220 Well, I got the back yard, and utility right-of-way out back all raked and picked up, and filled in big holes made by some burrowing critter (cottontails?) under the roots of two palo verde trees. And filled one bag with trash from the side yard. Now my back is sore.

Now it's time to drive the 'burb over to the car wash, and hose off the salt before it makes the body fester. Running boards are white with it.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 02, 2016 05:41 PM (cKwwS)

221 In naan-gnu news, the Saudis may have made a boo-boo executing a certain beloved Shiite dude.

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 05:41 PM (MQEz6)

222 Oldest son was home on leave for Christmas. As he was leaving for his first deployment I gave him what I consider well earned wisdom. Son, nothing good happens after the Jaeger comes out. Nothing.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at January 02, 2016 05:44 PM (kTF2Z)

223 OLCC finder will have what stores you can buy aguardiente in (in Oregon), it is not in all the stores. I drink the Aguardiente Cristal when I can get my head around the price, but there is another one, I think it is Brazilian, but it had a crayfish on the label, and I was concerned that was indicative of the flavor.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 02, 2016 05:44 PM (q2o38)

224 The water table here in my part of LA (Cajuns not Movie Stars!) has been lowering for several years due to drought years. I had contemplated driving a shallow well for emergency water supply.

We are WAY over annual rainfall this year.

Time to rethink a drive point well?...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at January 02, 2016 05:36 PM (4DCSq)

How close are you to the coast? The fresh water table may be floating on a sea of salt water. Pump too hard on the fresh water, and salt water can "cone up" into the well. Look up "Ghyben-Hertzberg lens" in your search engine.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 02, 2016 05:44 PM (cKwwS)

225 222 Oldest son was home on leave for Christmas. As he was leaving for his first deployment I gave him what I consider well earned wisdom. Son, nothing good happens after the Jaeger comes out. Nothing.
Posted by: Duke Lowell at January 02, 2016 05:44 PM (kTF2Z)
***
Goddamned cold medicine, innit?
Honestly, why people get hammered on liqueurs is more than I know.

Posted by: Your Decidedly Devious Uncle Palpatine, Still Accepting Harem Applicants at January 02, 2016 05:45 PM (lutOX)

226 In naan-gnu news, the Saudis may have made a boo-boo executing a certain beloved Shiite dude.

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 05:41 PM (MQEz6)

"Fan hits Shiite, shit hits fan."

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 02, 2016 05:46 PM (cKwwS)

227 California needs about a month of steady rain to end the drought.

It needs something else to become a decent State.

They might lift the water restrictions and then add on a new water-use fee to "pay for it."

Posted by: eman at January 02, 2016 05:46 PM (MQEz6)

228 >>>222 Oldest son was home on leave for Christmas. As he was leaving for his first deployment I gave him what I consider well earned wisdom. Son, nothing good happens after the Jaeger comes out. Nothing.
Posted by: Duke Lowell at January 02, 2016 05:44 PM (kTF2Z)

I had a friend in college who always had the stuff in her freezer. Don't think I've had any since though.

Posted by: Lea at January 02, 2016 05:46 PM (vmMMi)

229 Son, nothing good happens after the Jaeger comes out. Nothing.
Posted by: Duke Lowell at January 02, 2016 05:44 PM (kTF2Z)
---
The Jaegermonsters come out, is what happens.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Literate Savage at January 02, 2016 05:47 PM (jR7Wy)

230 21
I planted a basil plant (thai?) that I didn't like the smell.

LOL, I prefer Thai basil over the Italian type! We seem to be taste opposites!

Note: It may depend which Thai basil you get. There is a "Holy Basil" that is used for incense rather than cooking.

Posted by: KT at January 02, 2016 05:47 PM (qahv/)

231
Thanks, CaliGirl! I will. I already have everything I need, but the pipe and hand pumps. I hope to be able to drive a shallow well.

My grandparents drove wells back in the 40's in the Big Valley ivo Visalia...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at January 02, 2016 05:47 PM (4DCSq)

232 Goddamned cold medicine, innit?

--------------

No kidding. Worst hangover I ever had was after that stuff. Threw up so hard I wouldn't have been surprised to see my shoe laces come out of my mouth.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at January 02, 2016 05:48 PM (kTF2Z)

233 Not sure what yer anise smells like,but my pooch would like a snifter on the porch.

Posted by: saf at January 02, 2016 05:49 PM (qKiBT)

234 Thanks, Cali.
I think it might've been you I was talking to last time I posted a pic of the bamboo fence?

And yeah, Tucker is kinda cool too. Spoiled rotten, as it should be.

Posted by: Chi at January 02, 2016 05:49 PM (UICf+)

235 B O/T (Back on topic?) How long does it take to recharge an aquafer?

The water table here in my part of LA (Cajuns not Movie Stars!) has
been lowering for several years due to drought years. I had contemplated
driving a shallow well for emergency water supply.

We are WAY over annual rainfall this year.

Time to rethink a drive point well?...
Posted by: Spun and Murky at January 02, 2016 05:36 PM (4DCSq)

The local county seat depends on an aquifer for most of its water in the summer. A couple of years ago, they found it was depleting, and because of various local geological features, it was pretty isolated and not expandable.
Around here you can't drill too deep or you hit basalt and then salt water, for example.

So the city water district decided that in the winter when they have a lot of run-off from the surface wells, they would treat extra water and pump it back into the the deeper aquifer to tap during the summer.

It is working so far.

Posted by: Kindltot at January 02, 2016 05:49 PM (q2o38)

236 Really nice, chi!

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at January 02, 2016 05:50 PM (t5zYU)

237 My sons gave me a jagger machine. Takes SIX bottles to fill it.

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 02, 2016 05:50 PM (jJRIy)

238 My sons gave me a jagger machine. Takes SIX bottles to fill it.

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 02, 2016 05:50 PM (jJRIy)

"Yeah, Jagger was a machine, filled me right well, he did," said Margaret Trudeau, dreamily.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at January 02, 2016 05:53 PM (cKwwS)

239 >>>I planted a basil plant (thai?) that I didn't like the smell.

LOL, I prefer Thai basil over the Italian type! We seem to be taste opposites!

Note: It may depend which Thai basil you get. There is a "Holy Basil" that is used for incense rather than cooking.

Posted by: KT at January 02, 2016 05:47 PM (qahv/)<<<

Hmm, are you sure it was even basil? Those Thais can be pretty tricky.

Posted by: Ghost of ONTs Past at January 02, 2016 05:55 PM (H9MG5)

240 @238

And now her son is the PM. First one with a tattoo?

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 02, 2016 05:55 PM (jJRIy)

241 237 My sons gave me a jagger machine. Takes SIX bottles to fill it.
Posted by: Nip Sip
----------------------
Not to mention how much coke the dude can consume!

Posted by: David Bowie at January 02, 2016 05:56 PM (UICf+)

242 Thanks for thinking or me. But the memorial service was for someone I didn't know. She had a friend who attends our church. I played the piano.

Sad and disconcerting to be doing a memorial service for someone almost 20 years younger than me who died of natural causes.

Next exit was partly for a cigarette run for my 94 year old neighbor. She is a colon cancer survivor. She was a gardener until a few years ago. Think it helped?

Posted by: KT at January 02, 2016 05:56 PM (qahv/)

243 Gnude thread

Posted by: Ghost of ONTs Past at January 02, 2016 05:57 PM (H9MG5)

244
How close are you to the coast?

AOP, I'm closer to Dallas than New Orleans, so no salt water worries.

But, shallow wells I've been acquainted with here are highly tainted with a gawdawful sulfur, rotten egg smell! There are a bazillion natural gas wells here.

Pro-tip if you have sulfur water... Let a pitcher set for many hours to let the gas escape!

Showering...hold your breath!

Posted by: Spun and Murky at January 02, 2016 06:03 PM (4DCSq)

245 The map above shows the "flood protection level"
-------------

Note the complete absence of 'flood protection' along the southern border.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at January 02, 2016 06:03 PM (n22zQ)

246 KT,
I hope the gardening helps! Thank you for the content.

Posted by: CaliGirl at January 02, 2016 06:04 PM (egOGm)

247 Just to clarify, the "anise" that grows wild in Southern California and along the coast further north is actually fennel. Even though the Anise Swallowtail got its name from its adoption of fennel as a host plant in California.

I like Florence Fennel (the veggie) and also fennel leaves in moderation. I think I like anise seed better than fennel seed. I also like black licorice, which is generally flavored with a little licorice plus anise. Sometimes Europeans make it with reallly strong molasses in addition to the ammonium chloride that can make it taste salty. I don't like that kind of licorice.

I don't like cilantro much, but I like the seeds, coriander.

My mother loves caraway seeds. I like them in savory dishes. I prefer ground caraway to whole caraway in rye bread.

Posted by: KT at January 02, 2016 06:06 PM (qahv/)

248 Son, nothing good happens after the Jaeger comes out. Nothing.
Posted by: Duke Lowell
---------------

*recalls a night in a tavern at Elkhart Lake, WI.*

I was in the company of a well-known Can-Am driver. He started pouring the shots of out-of-the-freezer Jaeger. I vaguely recall that there was an Oom-Pah band playing in the background.

I think it was about 3:00 a.m. when I got to bed.

I was scheduled to ride Road America the next morning, which I *did*, but the results were 'poor'. It's really, really hard to pick off braking points when you are distracted by the very real possibility that you might throw up in your helmet.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at January 02, 2016 06:11 PM (n22zQ)

249 208 ... Christopher, I think aquavit gets it flavor from caraway seeds. No joke. I vaguely recall a youthful experiment adding caraway seeds to vodka and leaving it in the freezer for several months. Can't say it was a success but it didn't kill me.

Phew! No typos.

Posted by: JTB at January 02, 2016 06:31 PM (FvdPb)

250 176
Caraway root is pleasant enough, a bit bland, tastes nothing like its
seeds. Cilantro root is stronger than the leaf and the smell even
permeates the soil it grows in. On the subject of carrot family roots,
if you can find it, skirret (Sium sisarum) is very worthwhile. It tastes
a little like parsnip, but cooks down softer, like potato. The plants
grow a bundle of white finger-like roots which you harvest, and distinct
offshoots above them which you can divide and replant.

Thanks, Botec

If I still lived in the North, I would be interested in growing caraway roots. I might even try to locate seeds for the larger-rooted Norwegian kind. Have you ever tried Hamburg Parsley root?

Skirret sounds interesting, too.

Posted by: KT at January 02, 2016 06:32 PM (qahv/)

251 Hope the next storms help with your dry well situation, CaliGirl.

Some households in Porterville, in the foothills near here, were without water this summer when wells went dry.

What a contrast to the flood info. Y-not got together.

Posted by: KT at January 02, 2016 06:34 PM (qahv/)

252 87
Do pomegranate trees have thorns? Or is there a ringer intermingled with my pomegranate tree?

Pomegranate trees have thorns.

Posted by: KT at January 02, 2016 06:40 PM (qahv/)

253 124 Lindafell,

Glad to hear about the plumaria and other wonderful stuff in your garden.

I didn't know there was a Matt's Sweet Cherry tomato. Different from Matt's Wild Cherry?

Posted by: KT at January 02, 2016 06:46 PM (qahv/)

254 For all you garden pron readers out there, watch for quality issues with the Michigan Bulb Company.

Check "The Scoop" at Dave's Garden.

http://davesgarden.com/products/gwd/c/186/

Posted by: KT at January 02, 2016 06:49 PM (qahv/)

255 That's a new Gnu.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger 1.0 and All That at January 02, 2016 09:00 PM (Xo1Rt)

256 Belatedly (stupid time zones), I have tried growing Hamburg parsley without much success - seeds are slow to germinate and plants never really got started. I've also bought it from a farmer's market in Germany to see what I was missing. Someone there obviously knows how to grow it because the roots are the size of large parsnips. They look a lot like daikon radishes, actually. The taste is mild and recognisable as parsley. I like it at first, then it becomes a little unpleasant. As a root amongst others in a winter stew, I think it would work well.

Posted by: Botec at January 03, 2016 05:07 AM (YDPv5)

257 Jaeger machine....................!! does it do THAT.then it's GOLDEN

Posted by: saf at January 03, 2016 08:25 AM (qKiBT)

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