‘Flower Day' Review: Counting the Hours, Bloom by Bloom
In my neck of the woods, the eaves have finished dripping and long chilly evenings of poring over seed catalogs have prepared the ground for firmer plans. Gardeners will appreciate something new to read during their breaks from weeding. Sandra Knapp's 'Flower Day,' evocatively illustrated in black and white by Katie Scott, describes 24 flowers, one for each hour.
'Flower Day' begins at midnight, with an exploration of one of my own favorites: the twining white moonflower, whose high-sugar nectar attracts night-flying moths. Ms. Knapp reveals that moonflower nectar was an important component of Mesoamerican rubber hundreds of years before rubber's 'supposed invention' by 19th-century scientists. At 4 a.m. she offers blue-flowered chicory because, she tells us, that's when it opens in midsummer in Uppsala, where the great Swedish botanist and taxonomist Carl Linnaeus suggested it could be used to tell the time. Imported to the New World, this cousin of lettuce is famous for the bitter note its root imparts to coffee.
Have your coffee at 9 a.m. if you want to investigate that hour's selection, Helianthus annuus—the common sunflower, which is really a composite of many little flowers, each eventually producing a single oily seed. The young sunflower is heliotropic: It turns toward the sun, pointing east in the morning and west by the evening. 'A sped-up video would show them seemingly waving at us,' Ms. Knapp notes. As their stems mature, helianthuses stop tracking the sun—they stay pointing east, optimizing morning visits from pollinators.
Midafternoon offers four-o'clocks, of course—the brilliantly colored South American flower that opens toward the end of the day's heat and stays open for business all night. Many night-bloomers are white, but the bright pink, yellow and red hues of four-o'clocks increase their desirability to those pollinators that 'can perceive a greater range of light,' especially moths. Ms. Knapp includes plenty of less familiar plants—New Zealand flax (used for cloth, but no relation to European Linum), the Amazonian giant waterlily that traps pollinating beetles inside its petals, the inch-high Antarctic hair grass that reproduces both sexually and asexually—all described and investigated for both plant amateurs and the botanically knowledgeable.
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Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
War on rats gets ugly as hundreds of ‘eyesore' Empire Bins gobble up parking spaces in Harlem
These drivers are in for rat-ical change. West Harlem has become the first neighborhood in the United States to have all of its trash containerized in order to squash uptown rats' curbside trash feasts, City Hall officials said Monday – but the hundreds of UFO-like 'Empire Bins' are now permanently taking some coveted parking spots, The Post has learned. The latest cohort of European-style bins, which are mandatory for all residential properties with more than 30 units, were installed over the weekend — and have gobbled up about 4% of parking spaces in the neighborhood overnight, a city sanitation department rep told The Post. 'It takes up parking spots that were already hard to find,' said Harlem resident Erica Lamont, who claims she circled the blocks of Broadway and West 149th Street for a half-hour on Tuesday morning. 'The bins are the size of small cars and when you put two and three on a residential street, you are ultimately forcing people to force blocks away,' Lamont, 46, said. 'It's not placed in no standing or truck loading zones – they are placed in the few actual parking spots that residents could get,' said Michelle R., a 40-year-old dog sitter in the neighborhood. 'I like the garbage cans, but I feel bad for the people that normally park their cars there.' Other locals, like Harlem resident David Jones, simply blasted the bizarre look of the gargantuan containers. 'It's an eyesore,' said Jones, 40. 'It's right there in front of your face. I'm neutral. If it does the job then let's applaud it — If it doesn't, then let's get rid of them and come up with something else.' Some locals previously told The Post the massive receptacles clash with the neighborhood's aesthetic, even though they may be needed to scare away rats. The pilot program, which spans Manhattan's Community Board 9, includes 1,100 on-street containers for about 29,000 residents living in properties with over 30 units, as well as about half of properties with 10 to 30 units that opted to use the bins. The locked bins are accessible to building staff and waste managers via 'access cards,' and have been serviced by automated side-loading trucks since Monday. 'Rat sightings in NYC are down six months in a row,' a DSNY rep told The Post. 'This is the exact same period that residential bin requirements have been in effect. Containerization WORKS, and there is no reason that other cities can have it and New York can't.' But while citywide rat sightings are down, Manhattan's Community Board 9 has seen a 7.8% jump in rat sightings compared to this time last year, according to a Post analysis of 311 data. Still, City Hall hopes the new bins will end the curbside rat buffet fueled by garbage bags lingering on residential streets — which uptown residents say have made it nearly impossible to walk on some streets at night. 'When there's trash on the sidewalk, there's rats—plain and simple. And yet for years, City Hall acted like trash cans were some sort of sci-fi/fantasy invention,' said Council Member Shaun Abreu, Chair of the Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management. 'Now with full containerization in West Harlem and Morningside Heights, we've got clean bins, no more sidewalk piles, and fewer rats. We fought like hell to make this happen, and now we're proving it works.' Harlem resident Rick M. said he hopes the new containers are effective as residents have historically had to move quickly past piles of street side trash 'because you don't know what may run out. 'I've seen rats run from one big pile to another so it's nice to not have to walk by piles of trash,' the 30-year-old said. 'The rat problem was so bad here that humans couldn't be living here — they'd be attacking you right here,' lifelong Harlem resident Shanice Day told The Post at Morningside Avenue and 124th Street. Day, 39, recalls rats as big as cats 'like Master Splinter rats from Ninja Turtles' that would chew wires off people's cars — and attributes the Empire Bins to a rapid decrease in rodent sightings. 'What I can honestly say is we are almost rat free,' she added. 'If people are upset about the bins they're crazy, because they are a big help.' But Harlem resident Wise Grant, 64, warns the containers are only as effective as those who use them. 'It slows them down but it's not a way to get rid of them,' the retired voting machine technician said. 'It's up to the individual people. People throw food on the floor and it feeds them.' 'That's what people do on the streets. They don't care … They have to care about where they live.'
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June's full strawberry moon: When to see it and what it means for your zodiac
As summer peeks its head around the corner, so does the first full moon of the season -- June's radiant "strawberry moon." Known for ushering in a wave of joyful, expansive energy, this lunar event marks a vibrant celestial moment to kick off the warmer months. Celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas, who is known for his cosmic guidance among celebrities, businesses and online influencers, spoke to "Good Morning America" about the best ways to take advantage of this joyous full moon. But first, let's break down the meaning of the strawberry moon. When can you see the strawberry full moon in 2025? The full moon will reach peak illumination in the United States on Wednesday, June 11, at 3:45 a.m. ET, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory's astronomical applications department. Why is it called the strawberry moon? According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, which began publishing full moon names in the 1930s, some Native American tribes referred to June's full moon as the "strawberry moon" to mark the short but sweet strawberry harvest season. An alternative name from old European traditions is the "honey moon," as honey was often harvested around the same time in late June, NASA notes. This may be one reason why the term "honeymoon" became associated with weddings traditionally held during this month. NASA also points to another theory, that the word "honeymoon" stems from the custom of giving newlyweds mead -- a fermented honey drink -- to enjoy during their first month of marriage. Additionally, the Old Farmer's Almanac mentions that other tribes gave June's full moon names like the "birth moon," "egg laying moon," and "hatching moon," all referencing the season's themes of fertility and new life. What zodiac sign is the strawberry moon in June? The zodiac sign of each full moon is determined by the moon's position in the night sky relative to the astrological signs. Each year, this placement shifts slightly, influencing the energy and characteristics associated with the full moon, according to Thomas. This year, the strawberry moon falls in the sign of Sagittarius -- a fire sign known for its adventurous spirit. Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac and sits on the same axis as Gemini, an air sign. Thomas explains that these two signs rule over communication, including media, publishing and our global connections -- both personal and professional. "Sagittarius is a zodiac sign that encourages us to learn more about the world and expand our perspective of life, often through travel, academics or spirituality," Thomas added. "We are encouraged to pursue adventure, charge into the unknown, and learn about how we relate to others and philosophize our place in the cosmos." Rituals and manifestations to try during the strawberry moon Many ancient cultures and religions celebrate celestial cycles, including finding ways to honor and harness the power of the full moon. To make best use of this intense energy, many astrologers believe that a full moon is a great time to manifest your dreams. Due to Sagittarius being a fire sign, Thomas said incorporating fire into your rituals can be particularly powerful such as using candles, incense, or sage smoke. "Since full moons are excellent times for releasing, cleansing or letting go, writing down things you'd like to release from your life or spirit on paper and then burning them can be a cathartic way of working with the energy," Thomas added. Potential meditations, mantras or journal prompts: I expand my horizons and pursue new adventures. My mind, spirit, and life are limitless like the sky. I choose to be an eternal sojourner. I am curious about new ideas and lifestyles and am open to unique perspectives. Astrology horoscope for the strawberry moon for your zodiac sign Aries (March 21 - April 19) Spread your wings and expand your horizon, Aries! "You may feel invigorated to switch up your routine and move in new directions," Thomas said. "Some of you may decide to focus on a long-distance travelling journey or international business or relations. If involved in the media or eager to be, you may also see opportunities to grow now." Taurus (April 20 - May 20) It's time to reassess your relationships, Taurus! "If you've been feeling unfulfilled, you could speak up or instead decide to part ways," Thomas explained. "Another way this could affect you is around financial matters, bringing a shift or the arrival of a bonus, venture capital, new credit line, inheritance, or settlement. Assets and investments are favored." Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Transformation or chaos are approaching, Gemini! According to Thomas, "You are at a time where you will be facing the truth in a significant partnership. On one hand, this could bring you closer, allowing for more synergy, collaboration, and happiness. Moving in, making promises, getting engaged, or even being wed could be up for conversation." Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Get ready to be booked and busy, Cancer! "You may realize that you're busier than ever, juggling many projects and plans for your employer as well as all of the responsibilities in your personal routine, too," Thomas added. "You may be taking on more for your job or even leaving one job to start another. If out of work, this lunation could bring your resume to the top of the pile, so get applying!" Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) It's time to literally live, laugh and love, Leo. "Romance, dating, and courtship could all be particularly enjoyable now, regardless if single or attached," Thomas said. "If ready to meet someone new, download an app, mingle amongst friends, or ask someone out near this time. It could be a fantastic match! If committed, use this energy to reignite your spark. Fertility, pregnancy and children could also be themes that pop up near this time." Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) Reflect and grow, Virgo! According to Thomas, "Emotional stability and security are important themes near this time. In fact, you may be quite reflective on your past, your heritage and your traditions now too. An important shift around your domestic life, home, or family may also pop up, such as a desire to move, renovate, or redecorate." Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) Get out and mingle, Libra! "You will likely feel especially curious, social and eager to step out of your comfort zone," Thomas added. "On one hand, this could be in regards to intellectual pursuits, such as getting involved with or debuting a writing, speaking or advertising endeavor. A significant contract could also manifest as if out of thin air!" Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) There might be some changes in your finances, Scorpio. "Money will be a major factor on your mind as you plan out things now and in the months ahead. A raise, new job offer, or side hustle could also present itself," Thomas explained. "Some of you may also leave one job or income stream to pursue a new one. If spending cash on important possessions, watch your bank accounts." Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Claim your spotlight, Sagittarius! "You will feel like all eyes are on you!" Thomas added. "An important personal or professional goal that you've been building toward for six months or longer could now be at your fingertips. You will be especially fired up, so make sure that you assert yourself and your dominance so everyone knows what you desire and how you'd like to proceed." Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) Sit back and reflect, Capricorn. According to Thomas, "You may feel a desire to rest, recharge, and recuperate. Pushing too hard against the grain now would only burn you out more, so finding time to meditate, nap, and heal are paramount. However, you may instead be feeling a bit haunted by baggage, dreams, trauma, or the past, so working with a therapist or engaging with spirituality could help you ultimately find closure and peace." Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) Flow with your chosen family, Aquarius! "This is an excellent period to join groups and communities, volunteer, or become actively engaged with a cause that you believe in," Thomas said. "However, there's plenty of fun likely on the menu, too! You may attend events, expand your network, or even find success in online dating if you are single and looking." Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) Big career moves are on the table, Pisces! "You may receive praise, success, or recognition for work that you've been building toward for six months or longer," Thomas explained. 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Business Insider
a day ago
- Business Insider
Chefs share the best and worst meals to make with ground beef
We asked chefs for some of the best and worst ways to use ground beef in meals. Tacos, soups, and meat-based sauces can be filling and easy to prepare. They said you should avoid using prepackaged ground beef to make burgers or beef stroganoff. Ground beef is a popular base for many meals, but they aren't all created equally. So, we asked chefs for some of their favorite things to cook with ground beef and a few recipes they'd probably skip. Bolognese sauce with pasta is simple and delicious. Palak Patel, a chef with the Institute of Culinary Education, told Business Insider that one of her favorite easy weeknight dinners is a hearty Bolognese or Italian meat sauce served over pasta. "It's very easy to make a small or large batch to freeze for later," Patel said, "because all you have to do is combine ground beef with herbs and tomato. You can cook it slowly on the stovetop, slow cooker, or even an Instant Pot." For a lighter version of this dish that's perfect for warmer months, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for the sauce. Ground-beef tacos are easily customizable. Jessica Randhawa, a chef with The Forked Spoon, told BI that ground beef can be a scrumptious taco filling. "Ground-beef tacos are easy to make at home and can be full of flavor," she said. "Plus, you can control the fat content based on your personal needs by choosing leaner or fattier ground beef." You can make an easy taco filling by simmering ground beef with tomato sauce and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Add chopped vegetables or shredded cheese for extra flavor. Cajun rice is a cheap and filling way to enjoy ground beef. Cajun rice, also known as dirty rice for its color, is a traditional Louisiana Creole dish made with seasoned rice, chopped peppers, and spiced meat such as ground beef. "Cajun rice is a great way to use ground beef," Randhawa said. "Though it's usually known as a spicy dish, you can omit spicy ingredients like jalapeño if you're sensitive to heat." In addition to being a versatile meal that can easily be scaled up or down to feed groups of different sizes, Cajun rice is an ideal way to use up different cuts of meat — toss in leftover steak, sausage, or even chicken gizzards. Meatballs are a classic way to showcase quality ground beef. Mila Furman, a private chef and recipe developer with Girl and the Kitchen, told BI that meatballs are an ideal way to use high-quality ground beef. "Meatballs are one of the most versatile meals to have in your [arsenal] as a chef," Furman said. "They're super simple to put together and will always be a hit for the whole table." Whether you're making classic meatballs with tomato sauce or whipping up a batch of creamy Swedish meatballs, using ground beef with a slightly higher fat percentage will keep them juicy and tender. Add ground beef to soup for extra protein. If you're struggling to think of ways to use up a small portion of leftover ground beef, putting it in a soup may just be the answer. "Using ground beef in soups isn't just for chili," Furman said. "Add ground beef — especially in the form of leftover meatballs — into soup with plenty of hearty vegetables for a complete meal." Lasagna can keep ground beef from tasting dry or overcooked. A great way to infuse prepackaged ground beef with tons of moisture and flavor is to bake it into a lasagna. "Lasagna is a versatile ground-beef meal because it's very hearty and works well with all kinds of veggies, like mushrooms, squash, or corn," Patel said. "Plus, you can add a fried egg on top to turn leftovers into a weekend brunch." On the other hand, you shouldn't use a typical package of ground beef to make burgers. Patel said that using an average grocery-store package of ground beef to make burgers is a mistake. "It is important to know the type of beef that you're buying," Patel said. "Prepackaged grocery-store ground beef is not processed daily or in-house, so the resulting burgers tend to be dry and chewy." Instead of grabbing a package of ground beef, ask the deli or butcher to grind a portion of quality beef for you. Cuts such as chuck steak usually have a better ratio of fat to lean meat, which makes for a juicier burger. It can be difficult to make good beef stroganoff with ground beef. Beef stroganoff is traditionally made with sautéed pieces of whole beef, but some recipes call for ground beef instead. Unfortunately, this variation is hard to get right. "This is a very classic recipe for ground beef, but often the beef is left bland and dry while the delicate egg noodles are overcooked," Patel said. Patel added that if the ratio of cream to beef is not balanced, this dish can become overly creamy and even soggy. Steak tartare is tricky to prepare at home, and it isn't always safe to eat. Steak tartare is made with lightly seared or raw ground beef, usually served as a patty topped with a raw egg yolk. Randhawa said home chefs — and restaurant diners — should generally avoid steak tartare for safety reasons. "Unlike other raw-meat recipes from around the world, steak tartare does not include an acidic citrus juice," Randhawa said. Acidic citrus juice can cause meat to seem somewhat cooked, but it doesn't actually make it entirely safe to eat. "Uncooked meat can have both dangerous parasites and potentially life-threatening bacteria," Randhawa added. You may want to avoid adding warm ground beef to chilled salads. Some salad recipes call for ground beef as a topping. But the temperature difference between warm ground beef and a cold salad can cause the melted fats in the meat to solidify. "Do not put ground beef in your salads if you can help it," Furman said. "You often end up with a situation where beef fat leaks down through the greens and congeals." You could avoid this stomach-turning scenario by chilling the cooked ground beef beforehand.
