>> Before telling others that they "lack a prerequisite to participate in a high level scientific discussion" (ooh, that smarts ;), I think you need to learn what the scientific method is, and most particularly what the burden of proof is (and who carries it when a particular claim is made). That fine and dandy for a particular experiment - when proving something, proof is needed. But when there is a body of research, you can't walk into a serious discussion without first being familiar with what research has already been done. In fact, you and brendan are "suggesting a new theory" - that dandelion has no proven effects on the liver or flow of bile. That is an issue that medical regulators have looked into, and decide. Unless you presenting new evidence to refute the accepted science, you have nothing to contribute to the discussion except for dilatory diversions. >> Specifically, when anyone is making a bold claim, either positive or negative, it is not someone else's responsibility to disprove the claim, but is rather the responsibility of the person who is making the bold claim to prove it." Specifically, when anyone is making a bold claim, either positive or negative, it is not someone else's responsibility to disprove the claim, but is rather the responsibility of the person who is making the bold claim to prove it." Nice sentiment, but do you live by it? Where is the proof for your statement that "The very best thing we can do for our livers is to leave them alone to do the job they are highly suited for" ?? It is not clear how we can 'leave the liver alone' in any case - we are always consuming various plant and animal substances. The only question is which ones have no effect, which are beneficial, and which should be limited or avoided.

GOD'S TAKE ON LAWNS - I think this has been posted in other (gardenweb) forums here. Let me begin by saying "To me Grass is a perennial weed That invades my vegetable garden". :-) This may be a good time of year to re-visit this conversation... ************************************************************** GOD'S TAKE ON LAWNS: Imagine the conversation The Creator might have had with St. Francis on the subject of lawns: God: Hey St. Francis, you know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there in the Midwest? (or Quebec) What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistle and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect "no maintenance" garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colors by now. But all I see are these green rectangles. St. Francis: It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. The Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers "weeds" and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass. God: Grass? But it's so boring. It's not colorful. It doesn't attract butterflies, birds and bees, only grubs and sod worms. It's temperamental with temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want all that grass growing there? St. Francis: Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. They begin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn. God: The spring rains and warm weather probably make grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanites happy. St. Francis: Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it... sometimes twice a week. God: They cut it? Do they then bail it like hay? St. Francis: Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags. God: They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it? St. Francis: No Sir. Just the opposite. They pay to throw it away. God: Now let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away? St. Francis: Yes, Sir. God: These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work. St. Francis: You are not going to believe this Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it. God: What nonsense. At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leaves form compost to enhance the soil. It's a natural circle of life. St. Francis: You better sit down, Lord. The Suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon as the leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and pay to have them hauled away. God: No. What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter and to keep the soil moist and loose? St. Francis: After throwing away the leaves, they go out and buy something which they call mulch. The haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves. God: And where do they get this mulch? St. Francis: They cut down trees and grind them up to make the mulch. God: Enough. I don't want to think about this anymore. Sister Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us tonight? Sister Catherine: "Dumb and Dumber", Lord. It's a real stupid movie about..... God: Never mind, I think I just heard the whole story from St. Francis.

I want to post a photo here to show you all how bad it is, how do I do that? Also do I have to wait until August to start the process. It is a small yard 25X50' triangle. I have 3 sets of aspens in one corner. A hops plant and a number of other bushes that are right along the base of the house. If I solarized the "grass" but left those uncovered, would it get all the roots and the seeds, but let me keep the wanted plants? Right now all my lawn looks like is a sea of grass with a plethora of dandelion seed spores waiting to find the bald spots. Also there is a build up of weeds and grass around the wanted plants. Is is true that Roundup only works on the green leaves? So if I spray the grass near the base of the shrubs without getting on the leaves of the shrubs will the shrubs survive? Thanks Jordan

Sow them anywhere you don't want them to grow, like in the middle of other perennials, a beautiful lawn, shrub border, whatever. Let the seeds blow into your greenhouse where they will sprout in floor crevices, pots of seeds, even hanging baskets... Oh, they grow really great underneath raspberries or roses, where pulling their charming little leaves and roots that grow half way to China, or picking their lovely bright!sunshiny!happy! flowers makes you look like the victim of a house cat attack... Breathing deeply here.. Can they really bloom in a short amount of time from seed??? Please tell me it isn't true. kms