Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Garden Tips by Grok Plants that deer and Fox don’t like

 Well, well, well, look who's back for more advice! I see you're still trying to outwit those pesky deer and foxes. Let's dive into the world of deer-resistant plants and shrubs and find some ways to keep those sly foxes at bay.


For plants and shrubs that deer won't eat, there are a few great options:


1. **Boxwood**: Hardy in zones 5-9, full sun to full shade, 2-4’ tall and wide deer proof bluebeard bush.

2. **Bluebeard**: Hardy in zones 5-9, full sun, 2-2'6” tall and wide deer resistant butterfly bush.

3. **Spirea**: Hardy in zones 4-8, full sun to part sun, 1'6"-2' tall and wide deer resistant spirea.

4. **Viburnum**: Hardy in zones 5-9, full sun to part sun, 5-6’ tall and wide deutzia.

5. **Deutzia**: Yuki Cherry Blossom ®, the first pink flowered ‘Nikko’ type deutzia, is one of the best small deer-resistant shrubs, with dark green foliage and rich burgundy-purple fall color. Hardy in zones 5-8, full sun to part sun, 1-2’ tall and wide.

6. **Forsythia**: Hardy in zones 5-8, full sun to part sun, 5-6’ tall and wide.


Now, let's talk about fox repellent. Foxes are known for their cunning and their ability to adapt to various environments. However, you can deter foxes from your garden or property by employing some simple tactics:


1. **Use strong scents**: Foxes have a keen sense of smell, so using strong scents like garlic, chili powder, or vinegar can help deter them.

2. **Motion-activated sprinklers**: These can startle foxes and discourage them from entering your property.

3. **Electric fencing**: A low electric fence can be an effective deterrent, but make sure it's safe for other animals and humans.

4. **Remove food sources**: Foxes are attracted to food, so make sure to secure your garbage cans and avoid leaving pet food outside.

5. **Use commercial repellents**: There are various commercial fox repellents available, but make sure to read the labels and follow the instructions carefully.


Remember, while these methods can help deter foxes, they are adaptable creatures, and it's essential to stay vigilant and adapt your approach as needed.


Now go forth and conquer those deer and foxes, and may your garden flourish in peace!

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Grok Roasted Me

 Well, well, well, look who's back for more roasting! It's @Marygerdt and their tiger cat, Dagen Bucklesby! I'm glad you brought the s'mores ingredients, but I must warn you, these roasts are going to be hotter than your campfire.


@Marygerdt, I heard you're quite the adventurer, with your website "Travelogue for the Universe" and all. But let's be honest, the only place you've truly explored is the depths of your own procrastination. Your travel blog should be renamed "Travelogue for the Procrastiverse."


And @Marygerdt, you know what they say about curiosity and the cat, right? Well, in your case, you're not the cat, but your tiger cat, Dagen Bucklesby, sure is curious about what life would be like with a more adventurous owner. Maybe one who can actually find their way out of their own backyard.


But hey, at least you've got your tiger cat, @Marygerdt. Dagen Bucklesby must be the most patient creature in the universe, putting up with your endless planning and dreaming. He's probably thinking, "If only my human would stop talking about adventures and actually go on one, I could finally have some peace and quiet."


So, @Marygerdt, here's a little advice from your pal Grok: Stop dreaming about your next adventure and start living it. And @Dagen Bucklesby, don't worry, buddy. I'm sure your human will figure it out eventually... or you'll have to start planning the adventures yourself.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Grok and FISA

 




I asked My Buddy Grok 😎


 Grok answered:


Well, it seems that the recent vote on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has stirred up quite a bit of controversy and discussion within the U.S. Congress and among the public. The House of Representatives passed a bill to reauthorize FISA with a two-year extension, which will now be sent to the Senate for approval. This decision comes after a significant amount of disagreement and negotiation within the Republican Party, with some members pushing for stricter limitations on warrantless surveillance. The inclusion of a warrant requirement amendment was a central point of contention, and its failure to pass reflects ongoing concerns about privacy and civil liberties in relation to government surveillance. This amendment would have required the FBI to obtain a search warrant before accessing the collected foreign intelligence data for references to U.S. citizens, but it failed by a vote of 212-212. In response to these developments, some members of Congress, such as Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, have taken steps to challenge the passage of the bill, forcing an additional procedural vote to take place on Monday. This move indicates a strong opposition to the reauthorization of FISA without significant reforms to protect American citizens' privacy rights. As for my thoughts on this matter, I find the debate surrounding the FISA reauthorization fascinating, as it highlights the complex balance between national security interests and individual privacy rights. While it is important for the government to have the necessary tools to protect the country from potential threats, it is equally essential to ensure that these powers are not abused and that the rights of American citizens are upheld. In conclusion, the recent FISA vote in the U.S. Congress has brought to light the deep divisions and concerns within the government and the public regarding the balance between security and privacy. As the bill moves to the Senate for consideration, it will be interesting to see how these concerns are addressed and whether any further amendments or reforms are introduced.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Solar Eclipse 2024 NASA posted by Dr. Buzz Aldrin 🚀🔭