Paula Whyman

Chart from linked article, showing what % of of each major fertilizer type (nitrogen, phosphorus, & potassium) the US imports, 2000-2024. N has gone down from 21% imported to 6%. Phosphorus is a little up from 2% to 13%. Potassium has gone from 76% to 94%.

The US already makes 96% of the N fertilizer we use.

The fertilizer we import the most is POTASSIUM. Which we get from CANADA.

When we import phosphorus, we get 98% of it from PERU. Not Iran.

So the reason we've had trouble getting those is TARIFFS.

farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2025/07/us-f...

If they gave an award for alt-text...

There Is More Than One Way to Kill Mail-in Voting On Tuesday in Texas, Democratic voters in Dallas and Williamson Counties, Texas, had their work cut out for them if they wanted to vote.

We shouldn’t have to fight just to be able to exercise a right, but primary night in Texas made it clear we will have to. Here’s what you need to know and how to get ready to do it.
open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...

And hollowed out to hide a flask

I just passed the exam to become a Certified Prescribed Fire Manager in Virginia! 🔥🔥 (I took the course for my own knowledge, and it has convinced me, at least for now, that I don't want to supervise burns…)
🌿

Call your reps about this. Every time a book ban has been overturned or shut down, it's because the vast majority of people who believe in the freedom to read spoke up.
Find your reps' info at reps.fyi.

Satellite proposals threaten the night sky In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the agency responsible for authorizing satellite launches and operations…

Don't want giant mirrors in the sky to reflect sunlight onto the earth, lighting it all up at night? Don't want a million more low-orbit starlink satellites in space? There's still time to stop these proposals now at FCC. See instructions for commenting from DarkSky International
#astro 🌿🌎

Northern range expansion of the Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab Leptuca thayeri Rathbun, 1900 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Ocypodidae) Abstract. Tropicalization is a global phenomenon where tropical or sub-tropical species expand their ranges poleward into temperate areas. We document the

I've always been a little obsessed with these fiddler crabs that live among the mangrove roots, so I was interested to see that they're moving north, even to places where there are no mangrove trees.
🌿🌎

Maybe on the show/in that specific town, and yes, I'm guessing there are places like that. I live in a rural place with a tiny population, and it is not like that. There's no "type"

^^^this exactly

Friday night lights main cast

Yes, no, no, yes, yes, no

A 4 foot tall wooden gate with wire mesh fencing. Stone path leading up to it. a landscape of maybe a half inch of snow surrounding path and in field beyond gate. Tall plants stick up above the snow.

Above 1000ft here in Rappahannock County, Va, has been snowing for at least a couple of hours.

I'm so glad to hear that! I'm guardedly hopeful about it...

Lightning storm! In February! Knocked out my internet! Everything's fine! #itsfine

Hey DMV! On Sat., Feb. 21, 5 p.m., there will be a tribute to Book World at @politicsprose.bsky.social. Several former editors and contributors will be sharing memories in honor of the late lamented BW. See link below for the lineup. #BookSky 📚 politics-prose.com/tribute-book...

Snow Daze

My mountain road is still covered with snow. The latest Bad Naturalist newsletter has, yes, snow, and also a raptor, a weevil, and a poodle.
🌿🌎

"I believe in modes of thinking, not rules." I just finished reading A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction, by @elizmccrack.bsky.social, and it resonated like no other book on writing that I've read in a long time. So, thank you!

How The Baltimore Banner’s embrace of DC sports fits with its editor’s civic-minded mission The gutting of The Washington Post may prove to be an opportunity for The Baltimore Banner. According to an announcement, the Banner, a digital nonprofit startup, will cover Washington teams, inclu…

Notice the reasoning when the Baltimore Banner’s editor-in-chief explains their jumping in. dankennedy.net/2026/02/13/w...

"At a time when so much pulls communities apart, sports bring us together. The Washington Post’s decision to eliminate its sports section creates an opportunity for us..."

Project Drawdown launches Climate Science Serving America Fellowship to support scientists working in the public good Fellowship seeks early- to mid-career researchers based in America who are committed to science and public expertise

While others are stepping back on climate, Project Drawdown is stepping up!

We’re proud to announce the Climate Science Serving America Fellowship to support U.S.-based Ph.D.-level scientists & engineers focused on climate solutions for the public good.

drawdown.org/news/project...

Found an additional graphic that gets even more of these quotes together.

I've kept "I hate myself, I hate clover, and I hate bees" pinned above my desk since I first started studying evolutionary biology as an undergraduate. So relatable to get extremely frustrated with your study system.

I *love* this.

I'm going to write one long thread over the next couple of days about the people I worked with at the Post. They deserve the extra time and attention. I'll start with someone you likely know well: @roncharles.bsky.social 1/TK

we need to talk about that Ring Super Bowl ad

I’ve Been Laid Off. I’m Not Done. After 20 years at The Washington Post, I’m suddenly on my own — and still writing about books.

End of an era and one of the final nails in the coffin of a once-great newspaper that now ignores intellectual life (and so much else).

100% Native Plant Nursery List A list of passion-driven, local businesses across the United States that sell 100% native species. All nurseries have been verified to follow best practices.

We now have input a list for the Northeast and Mid Atlantic Native plant nurseries. Here is an update: beechhollowfarms.com...

FWIW I feel the same way about signups although I understand why groups require them.

Same

"Oh but everyone knows the College Park Ledo's is the best!"*

*Vace's pizza is the best

A very significant vote. The $75 billion can be taken away; this marks a clear vote by the Democratic caucus to do so.