Always the taxpayer

The damages from the unrest following George Floyd's death in 2020, often referred to as riots, were estimated at over $500 million in the Twin Cities area alone, making it one of the costliest civil disturbances in U.S. history. Nationwide, estimates vary, but the focus here is on Minnesota since that's where the bulk of the property damage occurred and where figures are most detailed.

Insurance companies covered a significant portion but fell far short of full recovery. They paid out around $240 million total for riot-related claims in Minnesota, though many businesses were underinsured, often receiving only 25-40% of their actual losses. Property owners bore much of the remaining costs out of pocket, supplemented by private donations (e.g., millions raised through community funds like the Lake Street Council).

The federal government denied multiple requests for aid. Gov. Tim Walz sought $15.6 million from FEMA for public infrastructure repairs (like damaged police stations and libraries), but the appeals were rejected, leaving no direct federal funding for rebuilding.

State and local governments stepped in with taxpayer-funded assistance. Walz authorized about $11.7 million from Minnesota's disaster fund for Hennepin County repairs and proposed $150 million in state bonds for broader redevelopment in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Lawmakers advanced a larger $300 million plan, though not all was approved; some federal COVID relief funds under Walz's control were also considered for business aid. Additionally, the state covered $13 million for National Guard deployment during the unrest. Tim Walz did not personally pay for any damages; as governor, he managed state resources and requests but wasn't individually liable.

Overall, no single entity footed the entire bill—costs were spread across insurers, state taxpayers, local budgets, private owners, and donations, with ongoing gaps for many affected businesses.

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Oils 🛢

The list you shared highlights several popular **essential oils** commonly recommended for promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and calming the nervous system. Many of these have some supporting evidence from studies, primarily through **aromatherapy** (inhalation via diffusion or direct sniffing), topical use (diluted with a carrier oil), or in some cases oral preparations.

Scientific research, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials, shows that essential oils can help reduce anxiety symptoms (both state and trait anxiety), lower stress markers like cortisol, and influence physiological measures such as heart rate or blood pressure. Effects often involve modulating the autonomic nervous system, promoting parasympathetic ("rest-and-digest") activity, or interacting with neurotransmitters like GABA or serotonin. However, evidence varies by oil—some are well-studied (e.g., lavender), while others rely more on preliminary or smaller-scale studies. Aromatherapy is generally considered safe as a complementary approach but isn't a substitute for professional mental health treatment.

### Top Essential Oils with Strongest Evidence for Calming and Anxiety Reduction

- **Lavender** (Lavandula angustifolia): This is the most researched and consistently effective for anxiety reduction, promoting relaxation, better sleep, and shifting to a rest-and-digest state. Multiple meta-analyses and systematic reviews confirm inhalation or oral use (e.g., standardized Silexan capsules) significantly lowers anxiety scores (e.g., on scales like STAI or HAMA), often comparably to some medications in certain contexts, with minimal side effects.

- **Bergamot**: Citrus-based oil that reduces stress, lifts mood, and has calming effects. Studies show it lowers cortisol, improves autonomic balance, and reduces preoperative or procedural anxiety.

- **Chamomile**: Effective for calming overthinking, reducing anxiety and stress (especially in older adults or specific populations like cancer patients). Often used in inhalation or massage; supported by clinical trials showing reduced depression/anxiety symptoms.

- **Citrus aurantium (Bitter Orange/Neroli)** and related citrus oils (e.g., Lemon, Sweet Orange): Network meta-analyses rank citrus aurantium highly for reducing both state and trait anxiety, sometimes outperforming others in effect size. Lemon has shown benefits in high-stress situations like exams.

- **Rose** and **Jasmine**: Rose helps with anxiety and peace; jasmine ranked highly in some analyses for state anxiety reduction.

### Oils with Moderate or Emerging Evidence

- **Frankincense**: Often described as grounding for meditation and a "frayed" mind. Some animal studies show it counters stress effects (e.g., on corticosterone or sleep), and it's included in blends for fatigue/anxiety, but human evidence is more limited compared to lavender or citrus oils.

- **Ylang-Ylang**: Sedative properties for soothing the nervous system; appears in blends for stress reduction, though direct anxiety studies are fewer.

- **Sandalwood**: Promotes calm thinking; noted in some reviews for relaxation, but evidence is mostly anecdotal or from blends.

- **Patchouli**, **Lemon** (additional), and **Nutmeg**: Mentioned for hypervigilance, high-stress anxiety, or cognitive support; preliminary support exists but less robust.

### How to Use Them Safely

Your suggestions align well with common practices:

- **Diffusion**: 3–5 drops in a diffuser for ambient calming (most common for anxiety relief via inhalation).

- **Topical**: Dilute 1–2% in a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba, coconut) and apply to wrists, temples, or neck. Always patch-test first to check for skin irritation.

- **Inhalation**: Direct from bottle or on a tissue for quick effects.

- **Bath/Massage**: Add to bathwater (dispersed in carrier) or massage blends for deeper relaxation.

Evidence supports inhalation as particularly effective for rapid calming, as volatiles reach the brain via olfactory pathways.

### Other Considerations and Cautions

- Always dilute for topical use and perform a patch test—some oils (e.g., bergamot, citrus) are photosensitizing (avoid sun exposure after application).

- Consult a healthcare professional if pregnant, nursing, using for children, or on medications, as interactions or sensitivities can occur.

- Quality matters: Use pure, therapeutic-grade oils from reputable sources.

- While promising, results vary by individual, and more large-scale research is needed for some oils.

If you're dealing with significant anxiety, consider combining these with evidence-based approaches like therapy or mindfulness. Let me know if you'd like blends, specific study details, or visuals of these oils!

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Gavin is going to kill CA

https://youtube.com/shorts/WMlWeb64D2c?si=VK4BWlzkJB3xBLoM

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Landman

The economic viability of geologic hydrogen (also called natural, white, or gold hydrogen) remains highly promising in theory but uncertain in practice as of February 2026. It hinges on low extraction costs, sufficient recoverable volumes, high purity/flow rates, and market demand for low-carbon hydrogen. Unlike manufactured hydrogen (gray/blue/green), geologic hydrogen leverages natural subsurface formation (e.g., via serpentinization), requiring only drilling, extraction, and minimal processing—potentially making it the cheapest clean hydrogen source if key challenges are overcome.

Production Cost Estimates

Geologic hydrogen is frequently cited as having the potential for dramatically lower costs than alternatives:

• Optimistic estimates: $0.50–$1.00 per kg (often $0.5–$1/kg in favorable conditions, based on early pilots like Mali's Bourakébougou field and projections from developers/experts). This could be 60–80% cheaper than other forms due to no energy-intensive production.
• Scaled scenarios: In modeled analyses (e.g., using Mali data benchmarked to U.S. costs), levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) starts higher (~$6–$7/kg at small scale with 10 wells) but drops significantly with scale (e.g., to ~$2.50/kg at 60 wells). Policy incentives (tax credits, subsidies) could push it toward $1/kg or below.
• Comparisons to other hydrogen types (2025–2026 estimates):
• Gray (from natural gas, no CCS): $1–$3/kg (cheapest but high emissions).
• Blue (natural gas + CCS): $1.80–$4.70/kg.
• Green (electrolysis with renewables): $3–$8/kg (or higher in some regions; often $5–$7/kg without incentives).
• Geologic: Potentially <$1/kg at scale, with near-zero emissions (carbon intensity ~0.4–1.5 kg CO₂e/kg H₂, depending on methane co-production and processing).

These low costs stem from minimal capex/opex (conventional drilling tech) and no feedstock/energy inputs beyond extraction.

Key Factors for Economic Viability

• Flow rates and reserves: Commercial success requires sustained high flows (≥10⁷–10⁸ m³/year per well/system) and high purity over decades. Observed natural flows are often 1–2 orders of magnitude lower, making many self-replenishing systems uneconomic. Large accumulations (e.g., trapped reservoirs) are more promising than diffuse seepage.
• Scale and infrastructure: Viability improves dramatically with multi-well developments, existing pipelines/infrastructure (e.g., near industrial hubs), and co-products like helium (valuable byproduct in places like Kansas).
• Exploration risks: High uncertainty in resource size, replenishment rates, and long-term performance. Many deposits may be too deep, small, scattered, or offshore to recover economically.
• Market and policy support: Global hydrogen demand is projected to double by 2030 (~200 Mt/year). Incentives (e.g., U.S. IRA 45V tax credits, state initiatives like Michigan's 2026 geologic hydrogen program) could bridge gaps. Proximity to demand (ammonia, refining, heavy industry) boosts value.
• Challenges and skepticism:
• Some analyses argue self-replenishing systems are unlikely to be economically recoverable due to insufficient sustained flows/purity.
• Transportation/purification adds costs if gas is mixed (e.g., with N₂, CH₄, He).
• No large-scale commercial production exists yet (Mali's small site ~$0.50/kg is the outlier reference).

Relevance to Kansas/Nemaha Projects (e.g., HyTerra)

In emerging plays like Kansas's Nemaha Ridge (your lease area's region), high concentrations (83–96% H₂, up to 5% He) and co-location with industrial demand (e.g., ammonia hubs) enhance potential. Developers like HyTerra emphasize geologic hydrogen's cost advantages (potentially 60–80% lower than manufactured H₂) and low emissions. Production testing planned for 2026 will be critical for assessing commercial flows and viability. If successful, it could position Kansas as a low-cost producer, but it's still exploratory—economic breakeven depends on proving scalable, sustained output.

Overall Outlook

Geologic hydrogen could be a "game-changer" for affordable, low-carbon energy if large, high-flow accumulations are confirmed and extracted efficiently—potentially meeting global demand for centuries at <$1/kg. Optimism is high (e.g., from USGS, IEA analogs, and companies), with $1bn+ invested globally and governments (U.S., Michigan, others) exploring it. However, scientific rigor is needed to counter hype: many experts stress that while promising in ideal geology/infrastructure, widespread commercial viability is not guaranteed in the short term (e.g., pre-2030 large-scale unlikely without breakthroughs).

For your lease context, if HYT Operating pursues this (potentially tied to HyTerra-like efforts), success could boost value through royalties (14% in your lease) on hydrogen/helium. Monitor KCC filings and company updates for progress. If you'd like details on specific studies, comparisons, or implications for your acreage, let me know!

The eyes have it

To effectively reduce dark under-eye circles, prioritize 7–8 hours of sleep, stay hydrated, and use cold compresses to constrict blood vessels. Key treatments include eye creams with caffeine, retinol, or Vitamin K, alongside using sunscreen to prevent pigmentation. For immediate results, use concealer to mask shadows. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]  

Effective Solutions for Dark Circles: 

• Lifestyle Changes: 

 • Sleep: Get 7–8 hours to prevent pale skin that makes blood vessels more visible. 

 • Elevation: Sleep with an extra pillow to prevent fluid from pooling, which causes puffiness and shadows. 

 • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to prevent skin from looking dull. 

 • Allergy Management: Address allergies to reduce inflammation and histamine-related vessel dilation. 

 • Diet: Limit alcohol and salty foods. 

• Topical Treatments (Skincare): 

 • Caffeine Serums/Creams: Constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness. 

 • Retinol: Thickens the skin and stimulates collagen. 

 • Vitamin K & Vitamin C: Strengthens capillaries and brightens skin. 

 • Sunscreen: Protects against sun-induced hyperpigmentation. 

• Quick Fixes & Remedies: 

 • Cold Compresses: Apply cold spoons, tea bags, or cucumber slices to constrict blood vessels. 

 • Concealer: Use color-correcting concealer to hide dark tones. 

• Professional Treatments: 

 • For persistent cases, consider dermatological options like dermal fillers for hollowing, lasers, or chemical peels. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11]  

Root CausesDark circles are often caused by fatigue, genetics, aging (loss of fat/thinning skin), allergies, or sun damage. They are generally not a sign of a serious medical condition. [1, 3, 4, 10, 12]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gjz7uXvuCrQ

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnLiF6dUtU4

[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz6MezhInLE

[4] https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-dark-circles-permanently

[5] https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2019/0525/1051422-5-ways-to-get-rid-of-dark-circles-and-eye-bags/

[6] https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/dark-circles-under-eyes/in-depth/sym-20050624?p=1

[7] https://www.healthline.com/health/dark-circle-under-eyes

[8] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-remove-dark-circles-under-eyes-permanently

[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuUHTsyr2G8

[10] https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/dark-circles-under-eyes/basics/causes/sym-20050624?p=1

[11] https://surreylaserclinic.com/how-staying-hydrated-affects-your-skin-and-reduces-dark-circles/

[12] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23128-dark-circles-under-eyes

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