Plant Talks    

   Researchers in Germany say that plants communicate with each other, and also make decisions, competing for light.

   They conclude that plants "decide" which behavior provides the best opportunity to grow.

   Groups simulating short, dense neighbors grew taller, shading their opponents. When light conditions simulated neighbors tall and dense, the same plants developed shade tolerance.

   When conditions simulated tall but sparse competitors, the plants increased lateral growth. Scientists said, "We have demonstrated a decision-making ability in plants." 

Nature Communications

   Julie Borg, clinical psychologist and writer in Dayton, Ohio, said, "The scientists didn't explain how a mindless plant could 'make decisions,' but it would seem God encoded plants with the ability to adapt to their surroundings."

Pitting One Bad Guy Against Another  
   This week's missile alert boo-boo in Hawaii reminds us how easily nuclear-armed nations could mistake a drill for the real deal. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster warns the potential for war with North Korea is "increasing every day." 

   The man we're counting on to make the North Koreans stand down, China's Xi Jinping, has solidified his own power. He takes a hard line on civil society and dissidents. 

   Among his moves: more control, increased crackdown on human rights, the closure of leading underground churches (one very large church was dynamited), fines for Christian activity, and the death in August of jailed Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo. 

WORLD magazine

   He's not Mao, but he's the closest thing to it since those days.

     Jimmy