Books Five Books Five SFF Stories About Making Amends People adopt very different strategies when it comes to making up for mistakes. By James Davis Nicoll | Published on June 26, 2025 Daggerspell cover art by Keith Parkinson Comment 0 Share New Share Daggerspell cover art by Keith Parkinson We’ve all been there. We’ve said an unnecessarily unkind word, spurned a plea for help, inadvertently transformed the entire human race into shambling automatons under the control of an eldritch abomination. Such errors are so commonplace as to be beneath discussion. More interesting is the question “What next?” Vow to avoid such missteps in the future? Do you try to make amends? Simply embrace villainy and move into a skull-shaped mountain lair? The possibilities are vast. Here are five works exploring some of those myriad possibilities…1 Swamp Thing #1 by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson (1972) The American government values Alec and Linda Holland’s bio-restorative research. Thus, the converted barn deep in a swamp to which Lt. Matthew Cable delivers the two scientists. The isolated location and regular police patrols will keep the Hollands and their precious research safe from malevolent organizations like the Conclave. A Conclave bomb sends a flaming Alec to his death in the nearby swamp. In his place rises the plant-man Swamp Thing, a monstrous figure imbued with Alec’s brilliant mind. Linda is the next victim, gunned down by the Conclave. To Cable, there is only one possible conclusion: Alec (who was blown up and set on fire) and Linda (who was shot) must have been murdered by the Swamp Thing (who eschews technology). Cable failed to protect the Hollands, but he can at least dedicate himself to seeking revenge (however misguided) in their name. Some readers might wonder about the logic that led Cable to blame Swamp Thing for the Hollands’ deaths. Again: The Swamp Thing doesn’t use technology… not even pants. What I wonder is why Cable kept Linda out at the barn lab after the bombing, given that the location was clearly not secret. Carrie by Stephen King (1974) Carrie White is an unattractive, weird loner. Fellow high school student Sue Snell does not hesitate to join in when the popular Chris Hargensen provokes a crowd of girls to mock a traumatized Carrie in the school showers. Only after P.E. teacher Miss Desjardin berates the bullies does Sue realize that she was, to quote that famous sketch, one of the baddies. Sue resolves to make amends. Sue arranges for her boyfriend Tommy to take Carrie to the upcoming high school prom. Sue and Tommy’s gesture delivers a brief moment of happiness to miserable Carrie. Unfortunately, it also provides mean girl Chris with an opportunity to take revenge on Carrie for Carrie’s part in getting Chris punished. People who have only seen the DePalma film might be surprised that the novel makes it clear very early in the book that the prom did not go well. The dramatic tension doesn’t arise from the sudden veer into horror as Chris discovers why bullying Carrie is a bad idea. It comes from watching how choices—some benevolent, some not—line up to produce the calamity the reader knows is coming. Daggerspell by Katharine Kerr (1986) Despite not knowing her name or precise location, ancient mage Nevyn takes a peculiar interest in finding Jill. Swordswoman Jill hails from the kingdom of Deverry. By the time Nevyn finds her, she is romantically entangled with feudal lord Rhodry. The arrangement between highborn Rhodry and lowborn Jill is a familiar one. Only Nevyn knows that there’s much more to the story. Centuries ago, Nevyn had to leave his one true love Brangwen behind when Nevyn was exiled by his magic-hating father. The result, thanks to Brangwen’s unsavory brother Gerraent, was carnage. Worse yet, reincarnation means old mistakes can repeat themselves. Jill is Brangwen reborn. Can the old mage make up for his well-intended misstep? Or is Jill’s fate already determined? A question neither asked nor answered, as far as I can tell: is the Nevyn-Brangwen-Gerraent tragedy the first iteration of this doomed story, or just the first iteration in living memory? Reincarnation means this story could have been repeating itself for thousands of years. Numamushi: A Fairy Tale by Mina Ikemoto Ghosh (2023) Years ago, the great river snake loved a human woman. The romance ended in madness and murder. Therefore, when the snake saw a burned human child float by, he did not eat the infant. The snake rescued the baby, named him Numamushi, and raised the boy as best he could2. Back when he was a priest, Mizukiyo cajoled young men into joining a pointless war. A surprise inheritance—a mansion abandoned for years after gruesome murders—allowed Mizukiyo to hide from the world. Nevertheless, he is happy to befriend the odd boy, Numamushi. Through no intent of his own, Mizukiyo is the old snake’s doom. How can the former priest make amends for making Numamushi an orphan? I know snakes are not known for their parenting skills, but the great snake is an unusual snake, perhaps even a local god of sorts. In any case, the book’s title does say it’s “A Fairy Tale,” which allows for some liberties with herpetology. The Transitive Properties of Cheese by Ann LeBlanc (2024) Years ago, Millions Wayland’s attempt to fend off a terrestrial bid to limit multies—duplicated minds and bodies—in space as they were on Earth resulted in disaster and mass carnage. Appalled, Wayland retreated from the world. Wayland found contentment as a hermit cheesemaker3. News that the orbital facility in which Wayland cures her artisanal cheeses is scheduled for destruction forces Wayland to reengage with the world. Her intention is to convince business associate Miller to save her precious facility. Instead, Wayland is caught up in a struggle over the fate of the community that Wayland had inadvertently hurt years earlier. Sometimes inspiration for these pieces is nebulous. In this case, it was reading The Transitive Properties of Cheese that made me ponder the problem of making amends. More specifically, it was the friction between guilt-stricken Wayland and supporting character Hattie, who thinks Wayland should leave the past to the past. These are, of course, only five works. Entire libraries are filled with tales about people facing their pasts and trying to make amends. If I overlooked your favorite, please mention it in comments below.[end-mark] I considered mentioning 2008’s Ironman movie, but discussing it led me to rant about specific subset of making amends stories, in which the protagonist is lavishly praised for solving problems entirely of their own creation. That sort of thing deserves its own essay. ︎Numamushi picks up a number of abilities that strictly speaking are the domain of snakes (for basic physiological reasons). Like DC Comics hero Black Condor learning to fly after being adopted by condors, this is a triumph of environment over heredity. ︎Which is to say, a hermit who makes cheese. Not someone who makes cheese out of hermits. ︎The post Five SFF Stories About Making Amends appeared first on Reactor.

Biological males who identify as transgender and take estrogen in order to appear female face myriad health risks, from infertility to diabetes, to testicular and breast cancer, and ultimately to early death, according to a new study. The study, published in the academic journal Discover Mental Health earlier this month, highlights adverse reactions to estrogen, both health risks that have been widely known and “newly identified adverse outcomes.” While activists claim people who identify as transgender may commit suicide if they cannot access these medical interventions, which they call “gender-affirming care,” some studies actually suggest that suicidal thoughts increase among those taking these drugs. “Several recent systematic reviews have found the evidence of benefit to be of low or very low certainty, while some risks, such as infertility, have long been recognized,” the authors, led by Lauren Schwartz of Oklahoma City Psychiatry, write. While even these better-known risks lack “systematic, long-term data,” “the emerging evidence reviewed in this paper points towards additional, less-understood and less-investigated potential risks,” the authors warn. “Consequently, both patients and health care providers are deprived of clinically crucial information necessary for effective risk assessment and management.” More Established Transgender Estrogen Risks It may come as little surprise that injections of the feminizing hormone estrogen may make men less fertile, and the authors cite fertility risks as the first of the “previously recognized risks.” While some studies report that some patients preserved “spermatogenesis” (the production of sperm cells), estrogen often “causes higher proportions of sperm abnormalities,” such as low sperm count and poor sperm movement. These would make it difficult for men to conceive a child. The study also cites research that “consistently indicates” that males taking estrogen and other feminizing hormones “face increased cardiovascular risks” compared to other men. A review of many studies involving over 15,000 males who identified as female found they experienced venous thromboembolism (a blood clot in the veins) 2.2 times more than other men. Another study found that the risk of such clots became 5.1 times higher for men taking estrogen for two years or more and increased to 10 times higher after six years. Another study found that men who identify as transgender face a 30% higher risk of stroke than men who do not. Some studies also suggest that estrogen may worsen men’s thinking ability. A study with a long-term follow-up (average 25.8 years) found that men (ages 56-84) who had been taking estrogen and other feminizing hormones “had lower scores” than other men and women “(matched in education and age) in information-processing speed and episodic memory.” Emerging_and_accumulating_safety_signals_for_the_uDownload ‘Emerging’ Transgender Estrogen Risks The study also discussed lesser-known side effects that deserve more research. A long-term Dutch study tracking men who identified as transgender over five decades found that “the all-cause mortality risk of transgender women on hormones was much higher than the general population.” The survival odds “started to deviate from general population men or women within a few years of starting” to take estrogen and other hormones. The major causes of death included heart disease (21%), cancer (32%), infection-related disease (5%), and suicide (7.5%). An earlier study following 966 men who identified as transgender “found a mortality rate 51% higher than in the general population.” The study also notes evidence that men taking estrogen face a greater risk of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. It also cites evidence that estrogen in males might increase the risk of diabetes, as the hormone may cause insulin resistance. Even men who have one or both of their testicles removed face the risk of testicular cancer, the study found. One study found that men who had at least one testicle removed got diagnosed with testicular cancer at a rate 26.5 times higher than the general population. The authors of that study hypothesized that this might result from “long-term pretreatment with hormones or [drugs that attempt to block the natural onset of puberty].” Men taking estrogen may also face an increased risk of breast cancer. A systematic review found that these men experience breast cancer 22.5 times as frequently as men who do not take estrogen. The study also noted that estrogen may make brain size decrease, though the studies showing this phenomenon had small sample sizes. The authors do not claim to have definitively proven these harms. They conclude by saying there is an “urgent need” for more studies, particularly with “systematic long-term follow-up.” Last week, the Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee law prohibiting experimental transgender medical interventions for minors, euphemistically referred to as “gender-affirming care.” Last month, the Department of Health and Human Services published a report finding that “there is extremely weak evidence that puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgeries have any benefits in children and adolescents with gender dysphoria” (emphasis original). The post Cancer, Blood Clots, Death: Study Exposes Health Risks for Males Who Take Estrogen to ‘Affirm’ Transgender Identity appeared first on The Daily Signal.

FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—After the U.S. Department of Education designated June as Title IX Month, two female lawmakers are trying to codify a weeklong celebration of the 1972 law protecting girls and women’s sports. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., are introducing a resolution to designate the week of June 23 through June 29, 2025, as ‘‘National Women’s Sports Week’’ to celebrate the anniversary of Title IX and the growth of female athletics.  “Whether it’s growing as a leader, winning a championship, or securing a scholarship to college, sports open doors for young girls,” Ernst said. “I’m proud to lead this resolution to celebrate National Women’s Sports Week. Every girl deserves a level playing field—one based on biology, not ideology—where she has every opportunity to compete and win.” Title IX was enacted into law on June 23, 1972. “Women’s sports have empowered generations of female athletes to compete, lead, and break barriers,” Tenney said. “National Women’s Sports Week is an opportunity to honor that legacy and recommit to protecting equal opportunities for women and girls under Title IX.” The resolution celebrates that Title IX guaranteed women the right to equal athletic opportunities. The inclusion of transgender-identifying men in women’s sports has no basis in biological fact, the resolution says. “Women’s Sports Week is a powerful reminder of what we’ve gained and what we must continue to protect,” said Payton McNabb, an Independent Women’s Forum ambassador who sustained a serious head injury when a transgender-identifying male spiked a volleyball at her head at an estimated 65 mph in a North Carolina high school game in September 2022. “I’m proud to stand with leaders who are boldly defending fairness, safety, and opportunity for every female athlete.” Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., introduced a bill early this year that would protect women’s sports. During Tuberville’s 40-year coaching career, during which he coached football at Auburn University, Tuberville said he saw firsthand the doors that Title IX opened for women. “Unfortunately, radical Democrats are slamming those doors in the faces of girls across the country by allowing men to compete in women’s sports,” Tuberville said. “From the court to the gym, these female athletes have left their blood, sweat, and tears out on the field and deserve access to the same scholarships, resources, and opportunities as men.” “National Women’s Sports Week is an opportunity to celebrate women’s success, inspire future generations, and recommit ourselves to ensuring that every young woman has the chance to pursue her athletic dreams,” the Alabama lawmaker continued. To mark the 53rd anniversary of Title IX, the Department of Education announced investigations into two apparent violations of the federal law protecting women’s spaces and sports. The Education Department is investigating the University of Wyoming for allowing a transgender-identifying male into the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Its second investigation is into Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado, which allowed its high school overnight field trip accommodations to be determined by gender identity, rather than sex, leading to a male sharing a room with a female. On Wednesday, the department announced it has found the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation in violation of Title IX for allowing males in female sports and spaces. The post EXCLUSIVE: Lawmakers Introduce Resolution to Establish ‘Title IX Week’ appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Got summer squash? Let’s make zucchini relish! Full of classic sweet and tangy relish flavors, our delicious zucchini relish recipe is perfect for canning, freezing, or easy refrigerator storage. I’ve included tips for the best texture possible, and options to make it spicy if that’s what you prefer too! Zucchini relish is fantastic served with burgers, eggs, tacos, pizza, and more. This is one of our favorite ways to preserve an abundance of homegrown zucchini or other summer squash from the garden. It’s also easy to halve the recipe to make a small batch of zucchini relish. Follow along with our easy step-by-step guide to make the best zucchini relish ever. RELATED: Looking for even more zucchini recipes? Don’t miss our delicious sourdough zucchini bread or guide on freezing zucchini. And if you enjoy this relish, you’ll probably LOVE our cowboy candy canning recipe too! Disclosure: Homestead and Chill is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Supplies Large mixing bowl Large non-reactive pot to cook the relish Measuring cups Canning supplies including jars, lids, a canning pot, rack, jar lifter, etc. Here is a handy canning kit with everything you need! Food processor – highly recommended but not required. I find it very quick and convenient to chop all the zucchini, onion, and bell peppers using a food processor – which also yields the perfect-sized pieces and texture, somewhere between chopped and grated. However, you could also manually dice the zucchini into very fine pieces, or shred it using a cheese grater. A large fine-mesh strainer and/or cheesecloth. Ingredients This recipe makes about 4 pints or 8 half-pints of zucchini relish. We often use fairly large homegrown zucchini to make relish (bigger than what you typically find in the grocery store) but avoid using extra-large overgrown zucchini since they tend to be more seedy and mushy. For the best results and texture possible, choose firm, fresh and blemish-free vegetables. Feel free to add other summer squash to this recipe too, including yellow squash or crookneck! 10 cups zucchini (and/or other summer squash), finely chopped or grated. We used about 4 pounds or 5 medium garden zucchini, though it’s key to still measure by the cup. 3 cups yellow or white onion (about 2 medium onions), finely chopped or grated 3 cups red bell pepper (about 3 large bell peppers) finely chopped or grated 2.5 cups vinegar (use 5% acid for canning). I like to use 1.5 cups apple cider vinegar and 1 cup white vinegar for a nice balance of sweet and sharp flavors. 2.5 cups white cane sugar 4 Tbsp pickling salt, sea salt, or other kosher salt (not iodized table salt) 2 tsp whole yellow mustard seeds 1 tsp celery seed 1 tsp ground turmeric 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp black pepper Optional: to make your zucchini relish spicy, feel free to add up to 1 or 2 teaspoons red chili flakes or 1 to 2 fresh hot chili peppers (e.g. finely chopped jalapeño). I personally like to add about 1/2 tsp of chili flakes for a very mild heat. NOTE: Our zucchini relish recipe is pH tested and adapted from the Ball Book of Home Preserving, so for the sake of food safety, please don’t modify the amounts of vegetables, sugar, or vinegar if you’re canning! You can tweak the spices to your liking however. Instructions 1) Prep the Veggies Begin by washing the zucchini and bell peppers well. Next, trim the ends off the zucchini (discard) and cut it into large chunks that will easily fit into your food processor. I also like to cut out and remove a little strip of the most seedy, spongy center of the squash as well. Working in batches, pulse the zucchini in a food processor until it’s in fine pieces – not too big and chunky, but not superfine shreds either. (Think of the texture of commercial relish). Alternately, you can manually dice or grate your squash into approximately 1/8 to 1/4″ pieces. Measure out 10 cups of processed zucchini into a large non-reactive mixing bowl. I like to scoop large spoonfuls of zucchini into my measuring cup, and only very lightly pack the cups. Do not smash down to overpack. Repeat the same process to chop and measure out 3 cups of onions, followed by 3 cups of red bell peppers. Add to the same mixing bowl as the zucchini. 2) Brine and Rinse Veggies Next, sprinkle 4 tablespoons of kosher salt over the chopped zucchini, onions and bell pepper and mix thoroughly. I like to add 1 tbsp at a time and mix as I go to ensure even distribution. Let the salted vegetables sit for several hours, or for the best results, in the refrigerator overnight. During this time, the salt is helping to extract natural moisture from the zucchini and veggies, which will make your zucchini relish more thick and less watery! The brining process also aids in preserving the relish and gives it a firmer, crisper texture. When the time is up, transfer brined vegetable mixture to a large fine-mesh strainer or sieve. My largest strainer has fairly large holes, so I like to line it with organic cotton cheesecloth to rinse, strain, and squeeze the relish mixture with ease. Rinse the zucchini, onions and bell peppers well with water to remove excess salt, and then drain and wring out the water. Use your hands (and the assistance of the cheesecloth) to squeeze, press, and remove as much liquid as possible. The more dry you can get it at this stage, the less cooking time and thicker texture your relish will have! 3) Cook the Zucchini Relish Before cooking the relish, go ahead and get all your canning supplies ready, including heating the water bath. Add the strained zucchini mixture to a large non-reactive pot, along with the called-for vinegar, sugar, and spices. Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Then reduce to medium heat and simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes, until most of the liquid has reduced and the zucchini relish has thickened nicely. Stir regularly to ensure it doesn’t burn. The exact cooking time depends on just how dry or wrung out your zucchini mixture was. You don’t want to cook off all the liquid however, and keep in mind it will thicken a bit more once it’s cool! Canning Instructions If you’re new to canning, please read up on the basics here. And if you’d rather skip canning, see freezing and refrigerator tips below! Once it’s finished cooking, transfer the still-hot zucchini relish into hot sterilized canning jars with the assistance of a clean canning funnel. When filling the jars, leave 1/2-inch of headroom and remove air bubbles as needed using a bubble remover or small knife. Use a clean damp paper towel to wipe the rims of the jars clean before adding lids. Add sterilized canning lids and rings. Screw on the rings to finger-tight only, not overly tight. Use a jar lifter to carefully transfer the jars to your pre-heated water bath canning pot, cover with a lid. The jars should be covered by 2 inches of water. Add more boiling water if needed. Once the canner returns to a rolling boil, process for 15 minutes. (To adjust for altitude, process 20 minutes at 1000-6000 feet above sea level, and 25 minutes at 6000+ feet.) When finished, transfer the jars from the canner to a cooling rack and leave them undisturbed for at least 12 hours before checking jar seals. (Do not stack or press on the top of the lids, which may create a false seal.) Refrigerate any jars that did not seal. See storage tips and the best ways to use zucchini relish below! Tips for Freezing Zucchini Relish To freeze zucchini relish, allow it to cool to lukewarm in the pot before transferring it into your freezer-safe containers of choice. We love these durable, reusable BPA-free freezer containers that come in a variety of sizes. You can also freeze relish in wide mouth pint or half-pint glass jars (not regular mouth, as jars with “shoulders” are prone to cracking in the freezer). Leave at least a half-inch to an inch of head space to allow for expansion as it freezes! For the best results, allow the containers of relish to fully cool in the refrigerator overnight before transferring to the freezer. Defrost frozen zucchini relish in the refrigerator overnight before use. Storage and Shelf Life For the best taste, let the relish sit for a week or two before opening to allow the flavors to fully develop. I know it’s hard to wait, but patience is a virtue! Store canned, sealed jars of zucchini relish in a cool dark location for up to 18 months – such as a pantry, cellar, or kitchen cabinets. For the best quality, use within one year. Open, unsealed jars of zucchini relish should stay good in the refrigerator for several months. Frozen zucchini relish will stay good in the freezer for about a year, though it’s best if used within 6 months. Signs of spoilage include mold growth, off odors or taste. Discard immediately if you suspect it has spoiled. Ways to Use Zucchini Relish Beyond burgers and hotdogs, this zucchini relish recipe pairs well as a side or condiment with a wide variety of dishes! It is excellent with sandwiches, pizza, tacos, tostadas, potato and pasta salad, twice baked potatoes, cheese/cream cheese and crackers (much like pepper jelly) or any other meal that welcomes a tangy little pop of flavor. I especially love zucchini relish alongside fresh eggs from our backyard chickens including scrambled eggs, quiche, mixed into egg salad or deviled eggs. You can also mix it into homemade dips, sauces or salad dressing, including thousand island. Enjoy! We hope you love this delicious zucchini relish recipe as much as we do. If you give it a try, please leave a review below! Also feel free to ask any questions in the comments. You may also enjoy: 13 Must-Try Zucchini Recipes: Clever Ways to Use Zucchini Crunchy Refrigerator Pickles: Quick & Easy Homemade Dill Pickles Easy Hot Pepper Honey Recipe (Fermented Jalapeño Honey) Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe (No Pectin, Can or Freezer) Quick Pickled Red Onions (Easy Refrigerator Pickled Onions) Easy Hot Pepper Honey Recipe (Fermented Jalapeño Honey) Print Best Zucchini Relish (Canning, Freezer or Refrigerator) A sweet and tangy zucchini relish recipe that's perfect for canning, freezing, or quick refrigerator storage. It's easy to make spicy, scale down for a small batch, or use yellow summer squash. Zucchini relish is delicious with burgers, eggs, hot dogs, tacos, pizza, dips, dressings and more! Course Condiment, Preserves, Sauce, Side DishKeyword zucchini relish, zucchini relish canning Prep Time 30 minutes minutesCook Time 30 minutes minutesCanning (adjust for altitude) 15 minutes minutes Servings 4 pints EquipmentLarge mixing bowlLarge non-reactive potCanning supplies including jars, lids, a canning pot, rack, jar lifter, etc.Measuring cupsFood processor – highly recommended but not required. You could also manually dice the zucchini into very fine pieces, or shred it using a cheese grater.A large fine-mesh strainer and/or cheesecloth. Ingredients10 cups zucchini or summer squash – finely chopped, grated or shredded (plan to use about 4 pounds, but still measure cups) 3 cups yellow or white onion, finely chopped or grated (about 2 medium onions)3 cups red bell pepper, finely chopped or grated (about 3 large bell peppers)2.5 cups vinegar – I like to use 1.5 cups apple cider vinegar and 1 cup white vinegar (ensure it's 5% acid for canning)2.5 cups white cane sugar4 Tbsp pickling salt, sea salt or other kosher salt (not iodized table salt)Spices2 tsp whole yellow mustard seed1 tsp celery seed1 tsp ground turmeric1/4 tsp nutmeg1/4 tsp black pepperMake it Spicy (Optional)1 or 2 fresh hot chili peppers (e.g. finely chopped jalapeño) OR 1 to 2 tsp red chili flakes InstructionsPrepare the VegetablesWash the zucchini and bell peppers well. Trim the ends off the zucchini (discard) and cut it into large chunks that will easily fit in the food processor. I also like to remove some of seedy, spongy center of the squash as needed. Working in batches, pulse the zucchini in a food processor until it’s in fine pieces (think of the texture of commercial relish). Or manually dice or grate the squash into approximately 1/8 to 1/4″ pieces. Measure out 10 cups of processed zucchini into a large non-reactive mixing bowl. I like to scoop large spoonfuls of zucchini into my measuring cup, and only very lightly pack the cups. Do not smash down to overpack.Repeat the same process to chop and measure out 3 cups of onions, followed by 3 cups of red bell peppers. Add to the same mixing bowl as the zucchini. Brine and Rinse VeggiesSprinkle 4 tablespoons of kosher salt over the chopped zucchini, onions and bell pepper and mix thoroughly. Add 1 tbsp at a time and mix as you go to ensure even distribution.Let the salted vegetables sit for several hours, or for the best results, in the refrigerator overnight. The brining process helps achieve the best zucchini relish texture possible. Transfer salted vegetable mixture to a large fine-mesh strainer or sieve. I like to line it with organic cotton cheesecloth to rinse, strain, and squeeze the relish mixture with ease. Rinse the zucchini, onions and bell peppers well with water to remove excess salt, and then drain and wring out the water. Use your hands (and the assistance of the cheesecloth) to squeeze, press, and remove as much liquid as possible.  Cook the Zucchini RelishBefore cooking the relish, get all your canning supplies ready, including heating the water bath.Add the strained zucchini mixture to a large non-reactive pot, along with the called-for vinegar, sugar, and spices. Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Then reduce to medium heat and simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes, until most of the liquid has reduced and the zucchini relish has thickened nicely. Stir regularly to ensure it doesn’t burn.Canning InstructionsTransfer the still-hot zucchini relish into hot sterilized canning jars with the assistance of a clean canning funnel. Leave 1/2-inch of headroom  Remove air bubbles as needed using a bubble remover or small knife. Use a clean damp paper towel to wipe the rims of the jars clean before adding lids Add sterilized canning lids and rings. Screw on the rings to finger-tight only, not overly tight.Use a jar lifter to carefully transfer the jars to your pre-heated water bath canning pot, cover with a lid. The jars should be covered by 2 inches of water. Add more boiling water if needed. Once the canner returns to a rolling boil, process for 15 minutes. (To adjust for altitude, process 20 minutes at 1000-6000 feet above sea level, and 25 minutes at 6000+ feet.)When finished, transfer the jars from the canner to a cooling rack and leave them undisturbed for at least 12 hours before checking jar seals. Refrigerate any jars that did not seal.Freezing TipsAllow the relish to cool to lukewarm in the pot before transferring it into freezer-safe containers of choice.Leave at least a half-inch to an inch of head space to allow for expansion as it freezes,For the best results, allow the containers of relish to fully cool in the refrigerator overnight before transferring to the freezer.Frozen zucchini relish will stay good in the freezer for about a year, though it’s best if used within 6 months.Defrost frozen zucchini relish in the refrigerator overnight before use.Storage and Shelf LifeFor the best taste, let the relish sit for a week or two before opening to allow the flavors to fully develop. Store canned, sealed jars of zucchini relish in a cool dark location for up to 18 months – such as a pantry, cellar, or kitchen cabinets. For the best quality, use within one year.Open, unsealed jars of zucchini relish should stay good in the refrigerator for several months. Signs of spoilage include mold growth, off odors or taste. Discard immediately if you suspect it has spoiled. NotesOur zucchini relish recipe pH tested and is adapted from the Ball Book of Home Preserving, so for the sake of food safety, please don’t modify the amounts of vegetables, sugar, or vinegar if you’re canning! You can tweak the spices to your liking however. The post The Best Zucchini Relish Recipe (Canning, Freezer or Refrigerator) appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

The Armistice of 11 November 1918 silenced the guns of World War One, yet the fighting in all its forms was far from over. With over 15 million dead and 23 million wounded, the Allied victory left Europe in a state of profound trauma. The path forwards needed to be forged. What followed was one of the most consequential diplomatic agreements of the 20th century: the Treaty of Versailles. In History Hit’s The Room Where It Happened: Versailles 1919, Dan Snow and a hand picked team of experts participate in a thought-provoking panel discussion, exploring the critical moments and clashing ambitions that shaped this significant Treaty.  The conference began with 72 invited nations, quickly dissolving into a Council of 10, then ultimately to the ‘Big Three’, whom most of the crucial decisions fell to. In the programme, each expert on Dan’s panel represents the perspective of one of the ‘Big Three’, with Prof Heather Jones from University College London representing British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, Prof Peter Jackson from Glasgow University representing the French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau, and historian and author Alexandra Churchill representing America’s President, Woodrow Wilson. They discuss the extent of the situation the Big Three found themselves collectively facing, and outline what each individual nation hoped to achieve.   Sign up to watch Europe in 1919 As nations convened in Paris for peace talks, Europe remained volatile. Violence flared from Germany’s Spartacist uprising to Ireland’s War of Independence, and the eastern front simmered with clashes between German troops and Bolshevik forces pushing into the Baltic states. Amidst this chaos, 12 million refugees crisscrossed Central and Eastern Europe.  Devastated France, still reeling from immense losses and the punitive terms imposed on them after the 1871 Franco-Prussian War, ensured neither the defeated Central Powers nor Bolshevik Russia were invited to negotiate at the peace talks.  Aims from each of the Big Three Each of the ‘Big Three’ brought profoundly different agendas to the table, setting the stage for a diplomatic showdown that would go on to shape the remainder of the 20th century. Lloyd George, hailed for his wartime dynamism, sought to restore Germany as a trading partner while preventing French dominance in Europe.  Georges Clemenceau, “The Tiger,” prioritised absolute security for France, aiming to secure British and American commitment to France’s safety, determined to prevent another German invasion.  Woodrow Wilson, representing America’s late entry into the war, sought to avoid indefinite military commitment in Europe and to ensure the allies repaid their vast war loans. Wilson also championed progressive ideals for a better world through his Fourteen Points, advocating free trade, self-determination, and disarmament, along with, importantly, the creation of a League of Nations.  Germany, now a vulnerable new socialist republic under Friedrich Ebert following Kaiser Wilhelm II’s abdication, was only invited to sign the final terms, not negotiate them. And with an ongoing Allied naval blockade exacerbating widespread starvation, the Big Three faced a monumental decision: how harshly should Germany be treated, and what would be the repercussions?  Points of contention The core issues, as Alexandra Churchill explains in the programme, revolved around “punishment, payment, and prevention” – making Germany financially and territorially pay for the war, and ensuring it could never again pose such a threat. Reparations would be a major point of contention, driven by clashing national agendas and domestic pressures. France initially sought collective security over immediate high payments, however Britain, driven by immense public demand, pushed for the highest reparations, with Lloyd George controversially arguing for soldiers’ pensions to be included as “civilian damages”. Meanwhile, a wary US President Wilson aimed to weaken Germany without sparking the rise of Bolshevism and thus had a more moderate stance, though was ultimately swayed by Lloyd George’s arguments. The French, strategically withholding their own desired figures, sought to leverage demands for favourable trade, a position opposed to Wilson’s free trade ideals. A further key debate centred on the size and nature of Germany’s post-war army. France opposed conscription, fearing a large trained reserve. Conversely, Britain advocated for a smaller, long-term volunteer force to limit the spread of military knowledge within Germany.  In History Hit’s The Room Where It Happened: Versailles 1919, each of the panellists put forward the country they’re representing’s own views on the issues at stake, and indeed give their respective reactions to what was finally agreed.  On 28 June 1919, Germany reluctantly signed the Treaty at the Palace of Versailles, sealing terms that, while intended to ensure lasting peace, would fuel resentment and instability for decades to come.  The Treaty severely limited Germany’s military to 100,000 troops, with no air force or offensive weapons, and a vastly reduced navy. Germany lost 13% of its European territory and all colonies. Crucially, the infamous “war guilt clause” (Article 231) forced Germany to accept sole responsibility for the war. Intended to justify reparations, instead this fuelled deep resentment and nationalist propaganda. Born from a traumatised continent and the clashing agendas of three powerful men, the Treaty of Versailles had sought to reshape the world. But in attempting to solve one war, to what extent did it inadvertently lay the groundwork for another? Don’t miss History Hit’s compelling panel discussion, The Room Where It Happened: Versailles 1919, to explore how the complex decisions from this crucial moment in diplomatic history continue to resonate today. Sign up to watch Read about the 10 Key Points of the Treaty of Versailles

Dems Wonder: Is It Bad That Our New Star Is a Intifada-Globalizing Socialist?

It's time to open The Cosmic Treasure Chest.

“That’s a substantial chunk of neuroscientists who think there’s a very real chance that it will work,” said neuroscientist Dr Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston to IFLScience.

The strange video, shared by bewildered homeowner Jessica Ortiz, shows a diminutive, grey figure with an unusually shaped head scurrying across her driveway. The footage, reportedly captured at approximately 12:45 AM, shows what many are describing as a stereotypical “grey alien” – standing an estimated three to four feet tall – shuffling quickly beside Ortiz’s front porch before vanishing from the frame. Moments later, a cacophony of loud banging noises can be heard, which Ortiz later clarified was the sound of her back gate opening, though intriguingly, her motion-sensor cameras in the rear of the house detected no further presence. The mystery deepened with the account of Ortiz’s aunt, who lives next door. She reported hearing three loud bangs on her roof around the same time, followed by unsettling scratching sounds that sent her fleeing to her room in prayer. “Which is wild to me,” Ortiz emphasized when recounting her aunt’s experience. Many viewers are quick to posit an otherworldly visitor, citing the figure’s uncanny resemblance to popular depictions of extraterrestrials, or even, as some lightheartedly pointed out, “Roger” from the animated show American Dad. More grounded observers are offering alternative explanations, ranging from a clever hoax involving a puppet or a specially designed costume, to a strange animal caught in an unusual light. Some even suggest it could be a person attempting to conceal their identity by wearing baggy clothing, though the figure’s unique head shape remains a significant point of contention. The lack of detection by the rear motion sensors also adds a layer of doubt for those leaning towards a human intruder. The post Unidentified Alien-Like Figure Filmed on California Doorbell Camera appeared first on Anomalien.com.

Scientists are working on a groundbreaking—yet controversial—project to create human DNA from scratch. They believe it could lead to breakthroughs in treating incurable diseases. The Wellcome Trust has funded the effort with an initial £10 million. Dr. Julian Sale, part of the team, calls it the “next giant leap in biology.” He says, “The sky is the limit. We are looking at therapies that will improve people’s lives as they age… We are looking to use this approach to generate disease-resistant cells.” For example, synthetic cells could repair damaged organs like the liver or heart. “We are looking to use this approach to generate disease-resistant cells we can use to repopulate damaged organs, for example in the liver and the heart, even the immune system,” he said. However, critics fear misuse. Dr. Pat Thomas warns, “We like to think that all scientists are there to do good, but the science can be repurposed to do harm.” The project coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Human Genome Project, which decoded human DNA. Now, scientists aim to build DNA piece by piece—even entire chromosomes—to study diseases. Prof. Matthew Hurles explains, “Building DNA from scratch allows us to test how DNA really works.” Currently, researchers can only tweak existing DNA in living systems. This new approach offers precision but raises concerns. Prof. Bill Earnshaw cautions, “The genie is out of the bottle… if an organization decided to start synthesizing anything, I don’t think we could stop them.” Ethical worries include bioweapons, “designer babies,” or corporate control. Ms. Thomas asks, “If we create synthetic body parts or even synthetic people, who owns them?” Wellcome defends its funding, with Dr. Tom Collins stating, “We asked ourselves what was the cost of inaction… This technology is going to be developed one day.” A parallel social science program, led by Prof. Joy Zhang, will gather public input. “We want to hear concerns and how this can benefit people,” she says. While the work stays in labs, the debate over its future is just beginning. The post Building Life in a Lab: Scientists Create Human DNA from Scratch appeared first on Anomalien.com.