Giant Hogweed and the 5th Ave

Cherish here!

I've had a tab open on my computer for a week now and I haven't gotten around to telling you all about it just yet. I apologize because it could save you! Especially if you live in Washington! There's this weed. It's called giant hogweed ( or heracleum mantegzzaianum if you feel up to the task of saying it) and it's on the Washington State Noxious Weed lists as a Class A, meaning you are legally required to destroy it on sight. Scary right?
Right! And it's on that list for a very good reason. If you get the plant's sap on your skin it sensitizes it to UV rays so the next time you're out in the sun the skin can no longer protect itself and is likely to get third degree burns and blisters easily. Especially if you already are more susceptible to sunburn. Does it end there? Oh no, this plant from hell also causes blindness if the sap gets in your eyes.
It has been documented in King County, among other Washington counties, if you're curious all the information is listed at the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board website. There are also reports of it spreading through New York, as well as several other states. Terrible.
    In other news, the 5th Avenue Awards were in early June and once upon a time they sent out their notes before the school year ended, but not this year. I'm quite curious. You see, I was the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz at my school this year. I know, I was adorable. And I'd like to see what they were thinking with their nomination. A certain cast member received an honorable mention. And well, I will keep my thoughts on him to myself, but I want to know what they have to say. Although at this rate I worry that we will never find out.
Regardless of what they say, the show went much better than our all out destruction of the Sound of Music the year before. We're getting better. One of these days we may even win an award. But I doubt it. If you get the chance to see the 5th Ave Awards you'll understand why. They have much bigger budgets I think than we do. And bigger stages. And talented people auditioning. Not that we don't have talent. We just don't have enough to win. Really though. Aren't I an adorable lion?
Cherish out!