Reading the corn leaves: More corn than expected may have survived this summer's terrible drought, so there's slightly less chance of a global food crisis. Hoorah! More corn syrup for everybody! Oh, except maybe you, New York City. Reuters
Freezy Freakies: There's less sea ice in the Arctic right now than at any time ever recorded, and that could screw up weather patterns around the globe. "It's like having a new energy source in the atmosphere," says one scientist. As ice refreezes, it will affect the jet stream, possibly in a way that will make this winter's weather totally weird and unpredictable. Hmm, maybe the Lower 48 will actually have a winter this year? Climate Central
Big money in Big Sun: Here's a list of the country's top 20 corporations for diversifying their energy portfolios with solar power, with Walmart leading the pack. All together, the companies generate about 12 percent of American solar power capacity. Mother Jones
New monkey: Two conservation biologists have identified a new species of monkey in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cercopithecus lomamiensis (known locally as "the lesula") is only the second new monkey species to be found in Africa in 28 years. It's hard to believe something this cute took so long to be discovered by science. The Guardian
Seedy business?: Slate republishes an old gem about whether pick-your-own-apple businesses are a terrible scam. Are you really enjoying the pastoral life as you bite into apples straight off the tree? Or are you just overpaying for more apples than you'll ever know what to do with? Slate
Sweet dreams: A dessert made without processed sugar? Nah thanks. Wait ... it involves an avocado and chocolate? Ok, we'll try it. Grist
Mouthwash: Portland voted yesterday to add fluoride to its water for the first time ever. Turns out vegan baked goods aren't as effective as chemical water additives at preventing cavities: The city's tooth-decay problems are among the worst in the country. New York Times
Tips: @OnEarthMag (tag it #greenreads)
Image: Ames Lai
