theheartysoul--2020-09-16--Innovative Renovations of Old Hotels Make Perfect Affordable Housing –Including Great Amenities

In 2016 , Harvard researchers found that nearly half of renters nationwide were cost-burdened .
That means that they were spending thirty percent or more of their income on rent .
In 2018 , the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that a renter who worked forty hours per week making minimum wage could not afford a typical two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the country without being cost-burdened [ 1 ] .
Every year , Americans are facing widening inequality .
Wage growth is stagnating , housing costs are continuing to increase , and more and more people are unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer to this problem is to simply build more housing .
Unfortunately , thanks to market forces , policy decisions , and demographic changes , building affordable housing has become a difficult and politically-charged discussion .
One company is changing all that by turning old hotels into affordable housing .
Read : Finland Ends Homelessness and Provides Shelter For All in Need .
AdvertisementIn Branson , Missouri , there is an old Days Inn Motel that has been sitting vacant for eight years .
A construction company based out of Los Angeles has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it into affordable housing [ 2 ] .
Richard Rubin is the founder of Repvblik .
He started doing these types of renovations back in his home country of South Africa .
With his company , he believes that these kinds of efficient fixes can help solve the low-income housing shortage in America .
At the old Days Inn in Branson , they were able to create studio and one-bedroom apartments by breaking through some walls .
These apartments will cost between 495 and 695 dollars per month to rent .
Rubin believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who do not make enough money for normal housing , but who aren ’ t quite poor enough to qualify for low-income housing .
The term “ affordable housing ” doesn ’ t often inspire images of spacious , beautiful apartments .
The Day ’ s Inn Project , however , known as Plato ’ s Cave , is not barren or unkempt in any way .
Each apartment comes with freshly painted walls and utilities .
They also have amenities like a gym , basketball court , onsite laundry , smart TVs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditioning .
The company has also purchased several other hotels , with the mission of turning many unused commercial spaces into affordable homes [ 2 ] .
Critics of this model have said that it can not be done without federal funding .
Ruben is trying to push each project through without government assistance to address the urgent need for affordable housing across the country.Advertisement It costs a sizable amount of money to buy old commercial properties .
Selling them as cheap rental properties to high-risk renters , then , seems like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ruben initially had difficulty finding investors for his project .
Today he has ten properties with a total of two thousand units .
Of course , Ruben is not resting on his initial success .
He hopes that number will grow to twenty thousand units over the next couple of years .
Providing affordable housing to those who need it does not just improve their lives .
It also improves the communities in which they live .
Affordable housing provides household stability and economic security .
It creates a stable environment for children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school .
When people are spending less on housing , they have more to spend on food and health care .
They also have access to amenities in quality neighborhoods .
All of these things improve their health .
When people are spending a lower percentage of their income on housing , they are able to allocate that money elsewhere .
This increases local purchasing power and creates new jobs and tax revenues .
This , in turn , has a positive effect on the property values within a community [ 3 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rise , the need for spaces like Plato ’ s Cave will also increase .
Solutions like this are efficient , effective , and maybe the best way to ensure everyone has a comfortable place to live .
Keep Reading : Affordable Solar Homes Produce as Much Energy as They Use

In 2016, Harvard researchers found that nearly half of renters nationwide were cost-burdened. That means that they were spending thirty percent or more of their income on rent.
In 2018, the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that a renter who worked forty hours per week making minimum wage could not afford a typical two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the country without being cost-burdened [1].
Every year, Americans are facing widening inequality. Wage growth is stagnating, housing costs are continuing to increase, and more and more people are unable to comfortably pay for housing.
The easy answer to this problem is to simply build more housing. Unfortunately, thanks to market forces, policy decisions, and demographic changes, building affordable housing has become a difficult and politically-charged discussion.
One company is changing all that by turning old hotels into affordable housing.
Read: Finland Ends Homelessness and Provides Shelter For All in Need.
Old Hotels, New Purpose
In Branson, Missouri, there is an old Days Inn Motel that has been sitting vacant for eight years. A construction company based out of Los Angeles has now purchased the property and is turning it into affordable housing [2].
Richard Rubin is the founder of Repvblik. He started doing these types of renovations back in his home country of South Africa. With his company, he believes that these kinds of efficient fixes can help solve the low-income housing shortage in America.
At the old Days Inn in Branson, they were able to create studio and one-bedroom apartments by breaking through some walls. These apartments will cost between 495 and 695 dollars per month to rent.
Rubin believes that this price is perfect for people who do not make enough money for normal housing, but who aren’t quite poor enough to qualify for low-income housing.
Affordable Doesn’t Mean Barren
The term “affordable housing” doesn’t often inspire images of spacious, beautiful apartments. The Day’s Inn Project, however, known as Plato’s Cave, is not barren or unkempt in any way. Each apartment comes with freshly painted walls and utilities. They also have amenities like a gym, basketball court, onsite laundry, smart TVs, laminated wood floors, and air conditioning.
The company has also purchased several other hotels, with the mission of turning many unused commercial spaces into affordable homes [2].
No Federal Funding Necessary
Critics of this model have said that it cannot be done without federal funding. Ruben is trying to push each project through without government assistance to address the urgent need for affordable housing across the country.
“We were told with this market that it couldn’t be done,” says Rubin. “Everyone said, ‘You can’t do it without low-income housing tax credits,’ which is completely incorrect. You absolutely can.” [1]
It costs a sizable amount of money to buy old commercial properties. Selling them as cheap rental properties to high-risk renters, then, seems like a precarious decision. For this reason, Ruben initially had difficulty finding investors for his project. Today he has ten properties with a total of two thousand units.
Of course, Ruben is not resting on his initial success. He hopes that number will grow to twenty thousand units over the next couple of years.
Affordable Housing Helps us All
Providing affordable housing to those who need it does not just improve their lives. It also improves the communities in which they live.
Affordable housing provides household stability and economic security. It creates a stable environment for children, which helps them do better in school. When people are spending less on housing, they have more to spend on food and health care. They also have access to amenities in quality neighborhoods. All of these things improve their health.
When people are spending a lower percentage of their income on housing, they are able to allocate that money elsewhere. This increases local purchasing power and creates new jobs and tax revenues. This, in turn, has a positive effect on the property values within a community [3].
As the cost of housing continues to rise, the need for spaces like Plato’s Cave will also increase. Solutions like this are efficient, effective, and maybe the best way to ensure everyone has a comfortable place to live.
Keep Reading: Affordable Solar Homes Produce as Much Energy as They Use


theheartysoul--2020-09-16--Wild Mouse Goes Through “Rehab” After Eating Cannabis Plant

Rodents and ‘ creepy crawlies ’ are always a concern for farmers .
The unwanted visitors tend to eat the produce and potentially leave disease behind .
Yet a field of cannabis fought back against a little intruder .
In New Brunswick , Canada , where cannabis is legal , a mouse was found among the plants .
It was laying on its back , “ stoned ” and passed out .
[ 1 ] Colin Sullivan said he noticed the little rodent stealing leaves from his produce for two days in a row .
Pictures caught the mouse nibbling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it felt the effects .
The rodent was captured lying on his leaf heap , completely knocked out .
Sullivan placed the mouse in a cage to “ detox ” until the mouse was back to its usual self .
Six days later , the mouse ran back into the wild .
The owner posted about the funny experience on Facebook : “ For two days in a row I ’ ve caught this little pothead taking leaves off of my plant and eating them until he passes out .
The Mouse Goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followers a few days later , when the mouse was still in his Perspex cage .
Three days after that , the mouse was released from “ rehab ” .
Sullivan shared the good news of the mouse ’ s sobriety with many appropriate puns : Read : After Noticing Lack of Good Sticks At Park , Dad Turns Old Tree Branches into ‘ Stick Library ’ for Neighborhood Dogs The first post garnered over 461 thousand shares , and the last post gained over 6.4 thousand shares and 1.5 thousand comments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jokes .
Cody Myshrall said : “ I ’ m happy to hear about his recovery.
” Rhyll O ’ Keefe said : “ I can just hear Cheech the mouse going … “ ’ that was some trip maan … don ’ t know where I was… but I ended up in jail.
’ ” Wendy Chaplin said : “ Withdrawal is hard !
Thanks for caring for the little stoner !
” Sullivan himself is no stranger to substance detox .
Between the mouse saga , he posted a beautiful homage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added that she “ literally saved my life and she is the main reason I ’ ve stayed sober this long… ” Many comments on the post explained that they “ came for the stoner mouse ” but they loved the beautiful message and congratulated Sullivan on his sobriety .
Cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2018 , although each province and territory take difference approaches to the drug .
The government of New Brunswick writes on their official website : “ With our decisions , actions and legislation , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , legal , responsible and limited to adults .
We are prioritizing public health education and awareness , while taking advantage of the economic opportunity this new industry presents.
” [ 2 ] In this province , a person has to be 19 to consume cannabis , and it can only be sold by licensed retailers .
An individual can possess a maximum of 30 grams at a time .
It will also be prohibited to consume cannabis in public or while in a vehicle .
Landlords are able to restrict tenants from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they permit the smoking of tobacco , they can not prohibit the smoking of cannabis .
[ 3 ] “ It is important that New Brunswickers understand the risks in order to make informed decisions on their personal cannabis use , ” they conclude .
Keep Reading : The Different Colors of Emoji Hearts Actually Have Different Meanings

Rodents and ‘creepy crawlies’ are always a concern for farmers. The unwanted visitors tend to eat the produce and potentially leave disease behind. Yet a field of cannabis fought back against a little intruder. In New Brunswick, Canada, where cannabis is legal, a mouse was found among the plants. It was laying on its back, “stoned” and passed out. [1]
Finding a “Stoned” Mouse on a Stack of Cannabis Leaves
Colin Sullivan said he noticed the little rodent stealing leaves from his produce for two days in a row. Pictures caught the mouse nibbling at its mini “harvest” before it felt the effects. The rodent was captured lying on his leaf heap, completely knocked out.
Sullivan placed the mouse in a cage to “detox” until the mouse was back to its usual self. Six days later, the mouse ran back into the wild.
The owner posted about the funny experience on Facebook: “For two days in a row I’ve caught this little pothead taking leaves off of my plant and eating them until he passes out.
“He’s missing an ear so it may be self-medication for his PTSD but I still think it’s time for an intervention. I’ll let him sleep this one off but when he wakes up, he’s getting a real stern talking to.”
On The Rodent To Redemption !!! After a long and desperate battle with addiction this little mouse has grinded up his… Posted by Colin Sullivan on Sunday, September 6, 2020
The Mouse Goes to “Rehab”
Sullivan updated his followers a few days later, when the mouse was still in his Perspex cage.
He said: “So it’s been a couple of rough days for our little baked buddy here and despite a belly ache and a wicked bad case of the munchies I think he’ll make a full recovery.
“He’s been weaned to one medium leaf per day and seems to be adjusting well. One day at a time my friend, one day at a time.”
Three days after that, the mouse was released from “rehab”. Sullivan shared the good news of the mouse’s sobriety with many appropriate puns:
“On The Rodent To Redemption.
“After a long and desperate battle with addiction, this little mouse has grinded up his struggle, picked out the seeds and stems and is ready to roll out. Weed all benefit from joining together to help the smoke clear in any addict’s life. He did his very cannibest and was awarded his first Twelve Step chip.
“I may have been the one to open his cage but he was the one who set himself free. So long my friend, till we meet again.”
The “Stoner Mouse” Goes Viral
The first post garnered over 461 thousand shares, and the last post gained over 6.4 thousand shares and 1.5 thousand comments, which were filled with appreciative laughs and jokes.
Cody Myshrall said: “I’m happy to hear about his recovery.”
Rhyll O’Keefe said: “I can just hear Cheech the mouse going … “’that was some trip maan … don’t know where I was… but I ended up in jail.’”
Wendy Chaplin said: “Withdrawal is hard! Thanks for caring for the little stoner!”
Sullivan himself is no stranger to substance detox. Between the mouse saga, he posted a beautiful homage to his wife, Robyn Sullivan. He added that she “literally saved my life and she is the main reason I’ve stayed sober this long…”
Many comments on the post explained that they “came for the stoner mouse” but they loved the beautiful message and congratulated Sullivan on his sobriety.
Cannabis’s Legal Status in New Brunswick.
Cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2018, although each province and territory take different approaches to the drug.
The government of New Brunswick writes on their official website: “With our decisions, actions, and legislation, we are building a culture that is safe, legal, responsible and limited to adults. We are prioritizing public health education and awareness while taking advantage of the economic opportunity this new industry presents.” [2]
In this province, a person has to be 19 to consume cannabis, and it can only be sold by licensed retailers. An individual can possess a maximum of 30 grams at a time. It will also be prohibited to consume cannabis in public or while in a vehicle. Landlords are able to restrict tenants from smoking or growing cannabis. However, if they permit the smoking of tobacco, they cannot prohibit the smoking of cannabis. [3]
“It is important that New Brunswickers understand the risks in order to make informed decisions on their personal cannabis use,” they conclude.
Keep Reading: Bees Absolutely Love Cannabis and It Could Help Restore Their Populations
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-09-16--Canada is Home to World’s Longest Hiking Trail Stretching From Coast to Coast

If you love hiking , paddling , and being out in nature no matter the season , then look no further than the Great White North for your next adventure destination .
Canada is home to the world ’ s longest hiking trail that traverses the entire country , and that trail is open for use .
With almost 10 million square kilometers of varying terrain , ecosystems , and wilderness to explore , it is no surprise that the world ’ s longest hiking trail can be found in Canada .
This trail is an incredible 16,777 miles ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though calling The Great Trail one giant hiking trail is a bit of a misnomer .
( 2 ) The Great Trail is actually a collection of small trails that have been linked together to make one long network of 400 trails that wind their way through each of the 10 provinces and two of the three territories and each trail is maintained by their local jurisdiction .
( 2 ) The project to connect all of these trails to connect Canada from its easternmost province all the way out to the west @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada Trail has been the primary overseers , however , it really has been the coming-together of volunteers and stakeholders from several jurisdictions to get this done .
These include local conservation groups , provincial governments , and municipalities As the largest volunteer project in Canadian history , the Trans Canada Trail organization is calling it “ A gift from Canadians to Canadians ” .
( 2 ) Read : Canada Will Let Terminally Ill Patients Use Psychedelic Mushrooms For End-Of-Life Care AdvertisementAdvertisementBeyond just the sheer length of the trail , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Promoted largely as a biking trail , it is also open to hikers , runners , cross-country skiers , and horses – not to mention the sections in which the only way to cross them is to paddle .
( 2 ) About 26 % of The Great Trai requires a kayak or canoe , such as the Lake Superior Water Trail and the Mackenzie River Trail , not to mention the portion through most of the Yukon .
Of course , certain parts are also open to snowmobiles , though all other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the trail .
( 2 ) The Best Canada Has to Offer The Great Trail truly shows you every type of scenery and landscape the country has to offer .
Some parts are more urban , passing through some of Canada ’ s major cities , including ( 2 ) : Being Canada , of course , it also offers you vast plains , stunning lakes , coastal islands , awe-inspiring mountains , and depending on which route you take , arctic tundra .
Despite the remoteness of parts of the trail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is estimated that four out of five Canadians live within 30 minutes of a section of the trail .
( 2 ) Read : Dick Proenneke : 30 Years Alone in the Alaskan Wilderness Traveling from east to west , the trail diverges when you reach Edmonton .
From there , there are two options ( 2 ) : • Go south towards Calgary , pass through the Rocky Mountains straight to Vancouver Island , or , • Go north through Alberta and B.C.
, up through the Yukon to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arctic Ocean before looping back down .
The map uses three colours to represent what type of trail it is ( 2 ) : • Red indicates where the gaps used to be that are now connected • Blue indicates water trails , where you will have to paddle The subarctic branch of the trail is one of the most paddle-intensive sections of the entire thing .
It is formed by the Athabasca River , Slave River , and Mackenzie River trails and goes all the way up to the town of Inuvik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far the most challenging and remote section of The Great Trail , as it is highly physically demanding and offers little in the way of available services and resources for travelers .
( 2 ) Twenty-five years in the making , The Great Trail has been open since 2017 , but still requires work and effort from several groups and many volunteers .
( 2 ) If you wish to donate to the Trans Canada Trail organization , you can do so here .
Keep Reading : How to Make a Stove Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hiking

If you love hiking, paddling, and being out in nature no matter the season, then look no further than the Great White North for your next adventure destination. Canada is home to the world’s longest hiking trail that traverses the entire country, and that trail is open for use.
The World’s Longest Hiking Trail
With almost 10 million square kilometers of varying terrain, ecosystems, and wilderness to explore, it is no surprise that the world’s longest hiking trail can be found in Canada. This trail is an incredible 16,777 miles (2,000 km), though calling The Great Trail one giant hiking trail is a bit of a misnomer. (1)(2)
The Great Trail is actually a collection of small trails that have been linked together to make one long network of 400 trails that wind their way through each of the 10 provinces and two of the three territories and each trail is maintained by their local jurisdiction. (2)
The project to connect all of these trails to connect Canada from its easternmost province all the way out to the west began in 1992. Montreal-based non-profit Trans Canada Trail has been the primary overseers, however, it really has been the coming-together of volunteers and stakeholders from several jurisdictions to get this done. These include local conservation groups, provincial governments, and municipalities
As the largest volunteer project in Canadian history, the Trans Canada Trail organization is calling it “A gift from Canadians to Canadians”. (2)
Not Your Average Hike
Beyond just the sheer length of the trail, this is no simple walk in the woods. Promoted largely as a biking trail, it is also open to hikers, runners, cross-country skiers, and horses – not to mention the sections in which the only way to cross them is to paddle. (2)
About 26% of The Great Trai requires a kayak or canoe, such as the Lake Superior Water Trail and the Mackenzie River Trail, not to mention the portion through most of the Yukon. Of course, certain parts are also open to snowmobiles, though all other types of motorized transportation are not allowed on the trail. (2)
Read: How to survive a mountain lion encounter
The Best Canada Has to Offer
The Great Trail truly shows you every type of scenery and landscape the country has to offer. Some parts are more urban, passing through some of Canada’s major cities, including (2):
Halifax
Montreal
Ottawa
Toronto
Winnipeg
Edmonton
Calgary
Victoria
Being Canada, of course, it also offers you vast plains, stunning lakes, coastal islands, awe-inspiring mountains, and depending on which route you take, arctic tundra. Despite the remoteness of parts of the trail, particularly those in the northern territories, it is estimated that four out of five Canadians live within 30 minutes of a section of the trail. (2)
Read: Dick Proenneke: 30 Years Alone in the Alaskan Wilderness
Two Route Options
Traveling from east to west, the trail diverges when you reach Edmonton. From there, there are two options (2):
Go south towards Calgary, pass through the Rocky Mountains straight to Vancouver Island, or, Go north through Alberta and B.C., up through the Yukon to the Northwest Territories where you will reach the Arctic Ocean before looping back down.
The map uses three colours to represent what type of trail it is (2):
Red indicates where the gaps used to be that are now connected
Green indicates land trails
Blue indicates water trails, where you will have to paddle
The subarctic branch of the trail is one of the most paddle-intensive sections of the entire thing. It is formed by the Athabasca River, Slave River, and Mackenzie River trails and goes all the way up to the town of Inuvik. (2)
This is by far the most challenging and remote section of The Great Trail, as it is highly physically demanding and offers little in the way of available services and resources for travelers. (2)
Twenty-five years in the making, The Great Trail has been open since 2017, but still requires work and effort from several groups and many volunteers. (2) If you wish to donate to the Trans Canada Trail organization, you can do so here.
Happy hiking!
Keep Reading: How to Make a Stove Out of a Coke Can for Camping and Hiking


theheartysoul--2020-09-18--The ‘My Body, My Choice’ Philosophy Includes Ear Piercing

Kimberly Zapata has fourteen body piercings and more tattoos than she can count .
She has a half-shaven head and wild-colored hair .
She got her first tattoo on her eighteenth birthday just because she knew her mom wouldn ’ t like it .
From an outside perspective , Kimberly is pretty hardcore .
When she had her own daughter , many friends , family , and even strangers assumed that she would have her daughter ’ s ears pierced right away .
Much to their surprise , Kimberly has decided not to pierce her daughter ’ s ears .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in “ my body , my choice ” .
In her opinion , that extends to ear piercings as well .
No matter how many piercings or tattoos she gets , Kimberly will not be piercing her toddler ’ s ears .
Countless friends and family members asked her when she was going to have her daughter ’ s ears pierced , even before she could sit or crawl .
They were shocked when she said she wasn ’ t going to.Advertisement Most of them simply assumed that because she herself had so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be eager to start the process for her child .
They also wanted to know what her stance was as a parent on other things like tattoos and hair color .
In fact , she says the reason they assumed she would have her daughter ’ s ears pierced- because of her own body modifications- is the exact reason why she won ’ t be .
Kimberly firmly believes that what her daughter does with her body should be her choice , and hers alone .
Read : Girl With Down Syndrome Models @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s what a few people have said to Kimberly after learning her opinion on the matter .
In her opinion , there is no benefit to piercing her daughter ’ s ears before she can make the choice for herself .
Piercing her ears before she decides she wants them pierced could actually create a problem .
The biggest of these being the issue of consent .
AdvertisementKimberly points out that all of her body modifications were her choice .
Not all of them were necessarily good choices , but they were hers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kimberly will not force piercing on her daughter nor will she decide for her .
To do that , she says , would be for the sake of her own vanity .
She will also not do it because she ’ s trying to save her daughter from pain .
She argues that the discomfort associated with a piercing is no worse than a bee sting .
If , when her daughter is older , she tells her that she wants her ears pierced , she will gladly take her .
Until then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain piercing-free .
Keep Reading : Toddlers , Meltdowns and Brain Development : Why Parents Need To Ditch Traditional Discipline

Kimberly Zapata has fourteen body piercings and more tattoos than she can count. She has a half-shaven head and wild-colored hair. She got her first tattoo on her eighteenth birthday just because she knew her mom wouldn’t like it.
From an outside perspective, Kimberly is pretty hardcore. When she had her own daughter, many friends, family, and even strangers assumed that she would have her daughter’s ears pierced right away.
Much to their surprise, Kimberly has decided not to pierce her daughter’s ears. Why? She is a firm believer in “my body, my choice”. In her opinion, that extends to ear piercings as well.
My Body, My Choice
No matter how many piercings or tattoos she gets, Kimberly will not be piercing her toddler’s ears. Countless friends and family members asked her when she was going to have her daughter’s ears pierced, even before she could sit or crawl. They were shocked when she said she wasn’t going to.
Most of them simply assumed that because she herself had so many body modifications, she’d be eager to start the process for her child. They also wanted to know what her stance was as a parent on other things like tattoos and hair color.
“While I could have answered snarkily, told them it was none of their goddamn business, or told them I was planning to take my toddler for an Elmo tat on her 3rd birthday, I informed them that piercing my daughter’s ears was not on my radar, at all, and it wasn’t something I planned to do,” she wrote for the website Scary Mommy [1].
In fact, she says the reason they assumed she would have her daughter’s ears pierced- because of her own body modifications- is the exact reason why she won’t be. Kimberly firmly believes that what her daughter does with her body should be her choice, and hers alone.
Read: Girl With Down Syndrome Models for New Kids Clothing Campaign
But They’re ‘Just Ears‘
That’s what a few people have said to Kimberly after learning her opinion on the matter.
“While the piercing in question is “just my daughter’s ears,” they are her ears, and hers alone,” says Kimberly [1].
In her opinion, there is no benefit to piercing her daughter’s ears before she can make the choice for herself. Piercing her ears before she decides she wants them pierced could actually create a problem. The biggest of these being the issue of consent.
Kimberly points out that all of her body modifications were her choice. Not all of them were necessarily good choices, but they were hers.
Who is the Piercing For?
Kimberly will not force piercing on her daughter nor will she decide for her. To do that, she says, would be for the sake of her own vanity.
“I will not permanently modify her for my own vanity because — let’s face it — piercing her ears would be self-serving, since it is neither a cultural consideration (for me) nor medically beneficial.” [1]
She will also not do it because she’s trying to save her daughter from pain. She argues that the discomfort associated with a piercing is no worse than a bee sting. If, when her daughter is older, she tells her that she wants her ears pierced, she will gladly take her. Until then, her daughter’s ears will remain piercing-free.


theheartysoul--2020-09-18--Man Puts Poster In Window Asking For Friends After Wife Dies

After the death of his wife , 75-year-old Tony Williams found himself very alone .
Desperate for someone to talk to , he put up a poster asking for friends his window as a last-ditch effort .
This is his story .
Tony ’ s wife Joe , also 75 years old , passed away in May after a very brief battle with pancreatic cancer .
The couple were unable to have any children and had just moved to a new town .
With his best friend gone , Tony found himself very much alone .
( 1 ) A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company of people during the day and his loving wife the rest of the time , he has now spent days in complete silence .
One year prior they moved from Kempley , Gloucestershire in the UK to East Hampshire so Joe could be closer to her sister .
It was then that she was diagnosed with cancer , and she passed away just nine days later .
( 1 ) Read : The Medical Value Of Hugs As Perfect as a Marriage Can Get Tony describes his marriage to Joe as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years prior in a bar , the two were the perfect pair .
( 1 ) They spent nearly all of their spare time together : Cooking , cleaning , gardening , and listening to music together .
They genuinely enjoyed just being in each other ’ s company .
( 1 ) AdvertisementWith no family or friends around him , Tony has felt the crushing weight of loneliness .
Since Joe ’ s passing , he has spent £120 ( $ 155 ) on two advertisements in the local paper looking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made business cards to hand out while out walking or at the grocery store .
So far , he has had no response .
( 1 ) In a final effort to find a friend or two , he put up a sign in his window that reads this : All he wants is for someone to call him so he no longer has to sit in silence all day long .
He insists he is not looking for someone to vent or cry to , he just wants someone to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbors have offered to help Tony , he is hoping to find someone closer to his own age who can actually be a friend to him , not just someone trying to take care of him .
( 1 ) If you wish to help , share this article to spread the word and help Tony find a friend .
Keep Reading : Supermarket Introduces Unique Initiatives To Help Fight Loneliness

After the death of his wife, 75-year-old Tony Williams found himself very alone. Desperate for someone to talk to, he put up a poster asking for friends his window as a last-ditch effort. This is his story.
Unbearable Silence
Tony’s wife Joe, also 75 years old, passed away in May after a very brief battle with pancreatic cancer. The couple were unable to have any children and had just moved to a new town. With his best friend gone, Tony found himself very much alone. (1)
A retired physicist who spent years in the company of people during the day and his loving wife the rest of the time, he has now spent days in complete silence. One year prior they moved from Kempley, Gloucestershire in the UK to East Hampshire so Joe could be closer to her sister. It was then that she was diagnosed with cancer, and she passed away just nine days later. (1)
As Perfect as a Marriage Can Get
Tony describes his marriage to Joe as “perfect harmony”. Having met 35 years prior in a bar, the two were the perfect pair. (1)
“It was just incredible. It was like I’d known her all my life. She was just so lovely. Our relationship was always so natural. We had no secrets and we could be totally open with each other – we really were soul mates,” he describes. (1)
They spent nearly all of their spare time together: Cooking, cleaning, gardening, and listening to music together. They genuinely enjoyed just being in each other’s company. (1)
A Poster Asking for Friends
With no family or friends around him, Tony has felt the crushing weight of loneliness. Since Joe’s passing, he has spent £120 ($155) on two advertisements in the local paper looking for a friend to chat with and even made business cards to hand out while out walking or at the grocery store. So far, he has had no response. (1)
In a final effort to find a friend or two, he put up a sign in his window that reads this:
“I have lost Jo, my lovely wife and soul mate. I have no friends and nobody to talk to. I find the unremitting silence 24-hours-a-day unbearable torture. Can nobody help me?” (1)
All he wants is for someone to call him so he no longer has to sit in silence all day long. He insists he is not looking for someone to vent or cry to, he just wants someone to have a conversation with. (1)
“I just want a normal person who I can chat to… I can talk to anybody about anything. I spend most days just sat in the house in silence, just waiting for the phone to ring… but it never does.” he says. (1)
His neighbors have offered to help Tony, he is hoping to find someone closer to his own age who can actually be a friend to him, not just someone trying to take care of him. (1)
If you wish to help, share this article to spread the word and help Tony find a friend.
Keep Reading: Supermarket Introduces Unique Initiatives To Help Fight Loneliness


theheartysoul--2020-09-17--32 Comedy Wildlife Photos That Will Brighten Up Your 2020

Nature is an awe-inspiring force , as are the creatures in it .
Many photography competitions work to capture these stunning moments and show how magnificent our world really is .
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards take another approach .
Instead of focusing on how breath-taking , fearsome , or unreal nature is , they find the humanity in it .
The competition selects finalists that are photographers from all over the world , and their photos are just as diverse .
The awards were founded by Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam and supported by wildlife conservation nonprofit The Born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s animals is a byproduct ; the main event is ridiculousness .
This is truly a new and hilariously improved way of raising awareness for conservation These photos are often anthropomorphic , relating very human emotions or interactions .
Don ’ t forget to read the title for each piece ; some of these are really laugh-out-loud funny !
The winners of the competition will be announced on October 22 .
If you have a favorite from the ones we ’ ve chosen , you can vote for it on their website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mommy , look what I got for you !
’ by Kunal Gupta The sheer and utter delight on these elephants ’ faces are absolutely priceless .
And the baby holding the blossoms in its trunk is just too cute to handle .
This majestic gorilla has very a real emotion on its face : boredom , as so named .
Extremely relatable .
3 .
‘ Terry the Turtle flipping the bird ’ by Mark Fitzpatrick Here we see another celebrity annoyed by the paparazzi .
We ’ ll forgive the attitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magnificent .
4 .
‘ I am the champion ’ by the Ramesh Letchmanan The very picture of triumph is in this cute little guy .
5 .
‘ I ’ ve got you this time !
’ by Olin Rogers Sneak attack !
This might be just me , but I see Baby Simba trying to tackle Baby Nala .
6 .
‘ Fun for all ages ’ by Thomas Vijayan AdvertisementMonkey tails are usually used to help keep balance and hang from branches .
In this case , they also make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to stay late at work ’ by Luis Burgue Once you read the title , a hilarious conversation comes to mind between these two animals .
The thug life chose this little guy .
The water looks beautiful .
No wonder these guys look so happy !
He thought no one would notice , but the photographer was right behind him !
Advertisement “ Mo-ooom !
Are we there yet ?
” Tigers are such stunning creatures , but at heart , they are just large kittens .
This seal has such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ I think this tire ’ s gon na be flat ’ by Kat Kotzian I think these baby bears are committing a heist… With those cute faces , I ’ ll allow it .
Some people , or monkeys , are just born models .
This is definitely one of them !
“ I know this position looks awkward , but trust me , it ’ s super comfortable/ ” “ I don ’ t need a haircut .
You need a haircut !
” This is such a sweet photo !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s .
20 .
‘ It ’ s the last day of school holidays ’ by Max Teo This precious otter represents every child going back to school this past September .
21 .
‘ Almost time to get up ’ by Charlie Davidson 22 .
‘ Seriously , would you share some ?
’ by Krisztina Scheeff This looks like another case of lockdown hair-dos .
25 .
‘ Crashing into the picture ’ by Brigittee Alcalay-Marcon This photo-bomber is always welcome in my pics !
No comment on this one… I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a librarian anyday .
“ …And would you believe that mane ?
” I ’ d watch this version of Little Rascals !
The race scene would be even more adorable with this little cuties .
30 .
‘ We all have that friend ’ by Yarin Klein If you don ’ t have that friend , then you are that friend .
Also , both bears are just so precious !
“ Six feet away !
This branch is my quarantine now .
Go find your own !
” This fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finalists and winners from previous years on the Comedy Wildlife Awards website !
If you would like to donate to The Born Free Foundation , click here !

32 Comedy Wildlife Photos That Will Brighten Up Your 2020
Nature is an awe-inspiring force, as are the creatures in it. Many photography competitions work to capture these stunning moments and show how magnificent our world really is. The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards take another approach. Instead of focusing on how breath-taking, fearsome, or unreal nature is, they find the humanity in it.
The competition selects finalists that are photographers from all over the world, and their photos are just as diverse. The awards were founded by Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam and supported by wildlife conservation nonprofit The Born Free Foundation. The beauty of nature’s animals is a byproduct; the main event is ridiculousness. This is truly a new and hilariously improved way of raising awareness for conservation
These photos are often anthropomorphic, relating very human emotions or interactions. Don’t forget to read the title for each piece; some of these are really laugh-out-loud funny!
The winners of the competition will be announced on October 22. If you have a favorite from the ones we’ve chosen, you can vote for it on their website.
32 Hilarious Photos from the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
1. ‘Wait up Mommy, look what I got for you!’ by Kunal Gupta
The sheer and utter delight on these elephants’ faces are absolutely priceless. And the baby holding the blossoms in its trunk is just too cute to handle.
2. ‘Boredom’ by Marcus Westberg
This majestic gorilla has very a real emotion on its face: boredom, as so named. Extremely relatable.
3. ‘Terry the Turtle flipping the bird’ by Mark Fitzpatrick
Here we see another celebrity annoyed by the paparazzi. We’ll forgive the attitude though because that sea turtle is just magnificent.
4. ‘I am the champion’ by the Ramesh Letchmanan
The very picture of triumph is in this cute little guy.
5. ‘I’ve got you this time!’ by Olin Rogers
Sneak attack! This might be just me, but I see Baby Simba trying to tackle Baby Nala.
6. ‘Fun for all ages’ by Thomas Vijayan
Monkey tails are usually used to help keep balance and hang from branches. In this case, they also make awesome swings!
7. ‘I had to stay late at work’ by Luis Burgue
Once you read the title, a hilarious conversation comes to mind between these two animals.
8. ‘No penguins under here!” by Pearl Kasparian
The thug life chose this little guy.
9. ‘Laughing hippo’ by Manoj Shah
The water looks beautiful. No wonder these guys look so happy!
10. ‘Socially uninhibited’ by Martin Grace Kendal
He thought no one would notice, but the photographer was right behind him!
11. ‘Faceplant’ by Tim Hearn
“Mo-ooom! Are we there yet?”
12. ‘Peekaboo’ by Jagdeep Rajput
Tigers are such stunning creatures, but at heart, they are just large kittens.
13. ‘Having a laugh’ by Ken Crossan
This seal has such an adorably contagious smile!
14. ‘I think this tire’s gonna be flat’ by Kat Kotzian
I think these baby bears are committing a heist… With those cute faces, I’ll allow it.
15. ‘Macaque striking a pose’ by Luis Marti
Some people, or monkeys, are just born models. This is definitely one of them!
16. ‘Just chillin’ by Jill Neff
“I know this position looks awkward, but trust me, it’s super comfortable/”
17. ‘Covid hair!” by Gail Bisson
“I don’t need a haircut. You need a haircut!”
18. ‘Like mother like daughter’ by Jagdeep Rajput
This is such a sweet photo! Bring on all the ‘aw’s.
19. ‘It’s a mocking bird!’ by Sally Lloyd-Jones
He’s a rebel just for kick’s sake.
20. ‘It’s the last day of school holidays’ by Max Teo
This precious otter represents every child going back to school this past September.
21. ‘Almost time to get up’ by Charlie Davidson
“Five more minutes!”
22. ‘Seriously, would you share some?’ by Krisztina Scheeff
“Quit hogging all the fish, bud!”
23. ‘The inside joke’ by Femke Van Willigen
This looks like another case of lockdown hair-dos.
24. ‘Sun salutation’ by Sue Hollis
Mentally, I am here.
25. ‘Crashing into the picture’ by Brigittee Alcalay-Marcon
This photo-bomber is always welcome in my pics!
26. ‘Monkey business’ by Megan Lorenz
No comment on this one…
27. ‘Quiet, please…’ by Mike Lessel
I’d hire this stunning bird to be a librarian anyday.
28. ‘Spreading the wildlife gossip’ by Bernhard Esterer
“…And would you believe that mane?”
29. ‘That race’ by Yevhen Samuchenko
I’d watch this version of Little Rascals! The race scene would be even more adorable with this little cuties.
30. ‘We all have that friend’ by Yarin Klein
If you don’t have that friend, then you are that friend. Also, both bears are just so precious!
31. ‘Social distance, please!’ Petr Sochman
“Six feet away! This branch is my quarantine now. Go find your own!”
32. ‘Smiley’ by Arthur Telle
This fish looks so friendly!
You can see finalists and winners from previous years on the Comedy Wildlife Awards website! If you would like to donate to The Born Free Foundation, click here!


theheartysoul--2020-09-18--Doctors Made A 3D Print Of An Ultrasound For A Blind Expecting Mama

One of the most precious bonding moments for expecting mothers is when they get to see an ultrasound of their unborn child for the first time .
Many sight-impaired mothers are unable to experience this , until relatively recently .
With 3D ultrasound technology , blind mothers can finally have a “ look ” at their unborn children .
3D Ultrasound Allows Blind Mother to See Her Unborn Child In 2015 , an emotional video posted by Huggies Brazil on YouTube shows the moment when a blind mother gets to “ see ” her unborn son for the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultrasound printing technology .
( 1 ) The video shows 30-year-old Tatiana Guerra , who has been blind since she was 17 , arriving for her ultrasound appointment .
The ultrasound technician begins by describing what he sees on the screen of her 20-week old fetus .
The 3D ultrasound then prints a relief sculpture of her son Murilo ’ s face .
Tatiana traces her fingers over the child ’ s face , crying tears of joy at “ seeing ” her baby for the first time .
( 1 ) A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the joy of seeing her baby ’ s ultrasound thanks to 3D ultrasound technology .
( 4 ) Advertisement Born with glaucoma , Taylor Ellis had little vision her whole life .
Her sight was strong enough to see her first two children ’ s ultrasound images , but this time was different .
When she went in for her 20-week ultrasound , she was devastated to discover that she no longer had enough sight to see her child ’ s photo .
( 4 ) Her doctors knew how upset she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3D ultrasound that printed her unborn baby ’ s face .
This gift wasn ’ t just for her , either .
Taylor ’ s husband Jeremy is also visually impaired , so he , too , was able to “ see ” their child for the first time .
( 4 ) Usually , John Hopkins Hospital uses this technology to print 3D models of babies with spina bifida , so that the surgeons can learn whether or not they need to do in-utero surgery .
( 4 ) For both Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a dream come true .
( 4 ) 3D ultrasound technology first made an appearance in 2012 in Japan .
It was as a way for expectant parents to have a keepsake figure of their unborn fetus .
It quickly spread to the U.S. , South Korea , and Estonia , where parents could pay up to $ 1,300 for one of these figurines .
( 2 ) Dubbed “ weird fetus dolls ” by much of the internet , these 3D ultrasounds weren ’ t really viewed positively until the video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Huggies Brazil video was viewed over 1.6 million times and has certainly opened people ’ s eyes to the benefits of 3D ultrasound technology .
( 2 ) Today there are many options for ultrasounds , including ( 3 ) : It can be confusing learning the differences between them all and most importantly when you should be having them .
Here is a quick breakdown for you .
( 3 ) This is the exam that most women are used to having to see their baby for the first time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed either over the belly or into the vagina to send sound waves throughout the body .
The waves bounce off of the internal organs and fluids , and their “ echoes ” are translated by a computer into the image of the fetus that you see on the screen .
( 3 ) Advertisement Read : My Husband ’ s Reaction to Finding Out Our Baby Girl Has No Arms or Hands Put the Doctors to Shame In this ultrasound , the technician uses a hand-held ultrasound device and a special jelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amplify the sound of the fetal heartbeat .
( 3 ) To achieve these , technicians take multiple 2D images from a variety of angles which are then put together to form a 3D rendering of the fetus .
( 3 ) Similar to the 3D except it is more like a video and shows movement .
4D ultrasounds allow parents to see their babies moving in real-time .
( 3 ) Usually , 3D and 4D ultrasounds are used to examine abnormalities and to monitor specific conditions , such as cleft lip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are beginning to be promoted novel services where parents can have keepsake portraits of their children , however , the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG ) and the FDA warns against expecting mothers having them done .
( 3 ) The ACOG and FDA agree that while there are no risks from ultrasounds for pregnant women , they should still be used carefully and only for medical purposes by a qualified professional when deemed medically necessary .
( 3 ) The current recommendation by the ACOG is that every expecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultrasound between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy .
( 3 ) They discourage using all other forms , including 3D ultrasounds , for the purpose of a memento because ( 3 ) : • You potentially put your baby ’ s health at risk • Commercial ultrasound technicians likely do not have the knowledge and expertise to answer questions or spot developmental abnormalities • The sessions are long ( up to 45 minutes ) which is intrusive and disruptive for a growing fetus As always , ask your doctor before you take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties .
The health of you and your baby is the most important thing during pregnancy – there will be plenty of times to take pictures of your baby after they are born .
Keep Reading : After being told to ‘ soldier on ’ through postpartum breast changes , mom is dying of breast cancer

One of the most precious bonding moments for expecting mothers is when they get to see an ultrasound of their unborn child for the first time. Many sight-impaired mothers are unable to experience this, until relatively recently. With 3D ultrasound technology, blind mothers can finally have a “look” at their unborn children.
3D Ultrasound Allows Blind Mother to See Her Unborn Child
In 2015, an emotional video posted by Huggies Brazil on YouTube shows the moment when a blind mother gets to “see” her unborn son for the first time. This was all thanks to 3D ultrasound printing technology. (1)
The video shows 30-year-old Tatiana Guerra, who has been blind since she was 17, arriving for her ultrasound appointment. The ultrasound technician begins by describing what he sees on the screen of her 20-week old fetus. The 3D ultrasound then prints a relief sculpture of her son Murilo’s face. Tatiana traces her fingers over the child’s face, crying tears of joy at “seeing” her baby for the first time. (1)
Another Happy Story
A mother from Baltimore also got to experience the joy of seeing her baby’s ultrasound thanks to 3D ultrasound technology. (4)
Born with glaucoma, Taylor Ellis had little vision her whole life. Her sight was strong enough to see her first two children’s ultrasound images, but this time was different. When she went in for her 20-week ultrasound, she was devastated to discover that she no longer had enough sight to see her child’s photo. (4)
Credit: SWNS
Her doctors knew how upset she was, so they gave her a special 3D ultrasound that printed her unborn baby’s face. This gift wasn’t just for her, either. Taylor’s husband Jeremy is also visually impaired, so he, too, was able to “see” their child for the first time. (4)
Usually, John Hopkins Hospital uses this technology to print 3D models of babies with spina bifida, so that the surgeons can learn whether or not they need to do in-utero surgery. (4)
For both Taylor and Jeremy, 3D ultrasound technology has been a dream come true. (4)
A Bumpy Start of 3D Ultrasound Tech
3D ultrasound technology first made an appearance in 2012 in Japan. It was as a way for expectant parents to have a keepsake figure of their unborn fetus. It quickly spread to the U.S., South Korea, and Estonia, where parents could pay up to $1,300 for one of these figurines. (2)
Dubbed “weird fetus dolls” by much of the internet, these 3D ultrasounds weren’t really viewed positively until the video of Tatiana appeared. (2)
The Huggies Brazil video was viewed over 1.6 million times and has certainly opened people’s eyes to the benefits of 3D ultrasound technology. (2)
Different Types of Ultrasounds
Today there are many options for ultrasounds, including (3):
2D
3D
4D
Doppler
It can be confusing learning the differences between them all and most importantly when you should be having them. Here is a quick breakdown for you. (3)
Traditional 2D Ultrasound
This is the exam that most women are used to having to see their baby for the first time. In this ultrasound, a wand is passed either over the belly or into the vagina to send sound waves throughout the body. The waves bounce off of the internal organs and fluids, and their “echoes” are translated by a computer into the image of the fetus that you see on the screen. (3)
Read: My Husband’s Reaction to Finding Out Our Baby Girl Has No Arms or Hands Put the Doctors to Shame
Doppler Ultrasound
In this ultrasound, the technician uses a hand-held ultrasound device and a special jelly on the mother’s belly to amplify the sound of the fetal heartbeat. (3)
3D Ultrasound
To achieve these, technicians take multiple 2D images from a variety of angles which are then put together to form a 3D rendering of the fetus. (3)
4D Ultrasound
Similar to the 3D except it is more like a video and shows movement. 4D ultrasounds allow parents to see their babies moving in real-time. (3)
Usually, 3D and 4D ultrasounds are used to examine abnormalities and to monitor specific conditions, such as cleft lip or spinal cord issues. As they are beginning to be promoted novel services where parents can have keepsake portraits of their children, however, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the FDA warns against expecting mothers having them done. (3)
The ACOG and FDA agree that while there are no risks from ultrasounds for pregnant women, they should still be used carefully and only for medical purposes by a qualified professional when deemed medically necessary. (3)
Current Recommendations
The current recommendation by the ACOG is that every expecting mother should have at least one 2D ultrasound between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. (3) They discourage using all other forms, including 3D ultrasounds, for the purpose of a memento because (3):
You potentially put your baby’s health at risk
Commercial ultrasound technicians likely do not have the knowledge and expertise to answer questions or spot developmental abnormalities
The sessions are long (up to 45 minutes) which is intrusive and disruptive for a growing fetus
As always, ask your doctor before you take any medical advice or otherwise from third parties. The health of you and your baby is the most important thing during pregnancy – there will be plenty of times to take pictures of your baby after they are born.


theheartysoul--2020-09-18--More Women Embrace Facial Hair To Show Beards Aren’t Just Men’s Affairs

Throughout history , body and facial hair has been largely regarded as a male trait .
Female beauty standards , however , have been decidedly different .
Society instead has dictated that the ideal female body be smooth and hairless , but there are some that want this changed , some of whom are women with beards .
Women with visible facial hair have often been treated like sideshow attractions .
Some were even put on display at nineteenth-century carnivals .
Female body hair , however , is much more common than society and the media leads us to believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all women grow facial hair [ 1 ] .
Unfortunately , the stigma surrounding female facial hair is damaging .
According to a survey of one thousand women , thirty percent of women with unwanted facial hair suffer from clinical depression .
25 percent of them believe it has held them back from a promotion , and more than forty percent of them say it has affected their ability to form relationships [ 1 ] .
A growing number of women are now pushing back against the stigma surrounding female facial hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards and embracing the hair that grows naturally on their bodies .
Harnaam Kaur is a model , Instagram celebrity , and life coach .
The 27-year-old suffers from polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS ) , which affects millions of women around the world .
One of her symptoms is known as hirsutism , which is characterized by excessive facial hair growth .
Other kids bullied Harnaam in school because of her appearance .
Today , however , she is a successful young woman .
She became the first bearded woman to walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and was also featured in the Guinness Book of Records for being the youngest woman to have a full-grown beard .
Harnaame is very open and proud about her life as a “ bearded lady ” .
She is now a spokesperson and representative for the “ Eff Your Beauty Standards ” campaign , launched by plus-sized model Tess Holliday .
The campaign advocates and pushes for greater acceptance of diverse body types .
All women have facial and body hair , but it is usually very fine and light in colour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by contrast , is coarse and dark .
This hair also grows in a male-like pattern , typically on the face , chest , and back [ 3 ] .
In some cases , hirsutism is caused by a process called virilization .
Women with this condition have characteristics that we commonly associate with male hormones .
Other signs of virilization might include : Hirsutism affects between five and ten percent of women .
According to a paper published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology , the main cause of hirsutism is hyperandrogenism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excessive levels of the male sex hormone , testosterone [ 4 ] .
Disease of the ovaries , the adrenal gland , or the pituitary gland , can cause hyperandrogenism .
Obesity and metabolic syndrome may also cause the condition , as well as certain medications [ 5 ] .
Hirsutism also tends to run in families .
If a woman ’ s mother , sister , or other female relative has the condition , she has a greater likelihood of having it as well .
Women from Meditteranean regions , South Asia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely to develop hirsutism [ 4 ] .
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome ( PCOS ) accounts for three out of every four cases of hirsutism [ 6 ] .
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age .
It may cause women to have prolonged menstrual periods or excess levels of male hormones .
The ovaries may also develop a number of small follicles that fail to regularly release eggs .
Health experts still do not know exactly what causes PCOS .
Early diagnosis and treatment , however , can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type 2 diabetes and heart disease [ 7 ] .
Other Causes of Hirsutism While PCOS is the most common cause of hirsutism , there are other reasons it could develop .
They include : Cushing Syndrome : when medications ( for example , prednisone ) cause your adrenal glands to make too much of the hormone cortisol .
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia : when your adrenal glands produce abnormal amounts of steroid hormones including cortisol and androgen .
This is an inherited condition .
Tumors : on very rare occasions , an androgen-secreting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can cause hirsutism .
Medications : medications such as minoxidil , danazol , testosterone , dehydroepiandrosterone ( DHEA ) can cause the condition .
If your partner uses topical products that contain androgens , you can be affected as well through skin-on-skin contact [ 3 ] .
Read : Scotland becomes the first country in the world to add LGBTQI history to school curriculum The Rise of the Bearded Ladies Harnaam is not the only woman who is speaking out and challenging female body hair expectations .
Sophia Hadjipanteli and Scarlett Costello are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other women like Nova Galaxia , Shelly Riner , Little Bear Schwarz , J.D .
Samson , and Femina Flower are also sporting their facial and body hair proudly for all to see .
There is no one ‘ normal ’ Harnaam feels that the media industry , advertising , and porn influences the stigma around female facial hair .
She argues that what we continuously see is what we will see as being correct .
The more we see an image that does not look like us , the more we want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Over the last few years she has seen a shift in the way women are choosing to live .
As much as she advocates for women embracing their natural bodies , Harnaam is adamant she will not shame one body against another .
She believes that everyone should feel included and at home in society .
Harnaam believes it takes a mentally strong person to stand up and be their authentic self .
She understands that living with facial hair can be extremely difficult for some because of the beauty standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An alarming number of women are mistreated while giving birth , says study

Throughout history, body and facial hair has been largely regarded as a male trait. Female beauty standards, however, have been decidedly different. Society instead has dictated that the ideal female body be smooth and hairless, but there are some that want this changed, some of whom are women with beards.
Women with visible facial hair have often been treated like sideshow attractions. Some were even put on display at nineteenth-century carnivals.
Female body hair, however, is much more common than society and the media leads us to believe. In fact, approximately forty percent of all women grow facial hair [1]. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding female facial hair is damaging.
According to a survey of one thousand women, thirty percent of women with unwanted facial hair suffer from clinical depression. 25 percent of them believe it has held them back from a promotion, and more than forty percent of them say it has affected their ability to form relationships [1].
A growing number of women are now pushing back against the stigma surrounding female facial hair. They are rejecting traditional female beauty standards and embracing the hair that grows naturally on their bodies.
Harnaam Kaur: The Bearded Lady
Harnaam Kaur is a model, Instagram celebrity, and life coach. The 27-year-old suffers from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which affects millions of women around the world. One of her symptoms is known as hirsutism, which is characterized by excessive facial hair growth.
Other kids bullied Harnaam in school because of her appearance. Today, however, she is a successful young woman. She became the first bearded woman to walk in London Fashion Week in March 2016, and was also featured in the Guinness Book of Records for being the youngest woman to have a full-grown beard.
Harnaame is very open and proud about her life as a “bearded lady”. She is now a spokesperson and representative for the “Eff Your Beauty Standards” campaign, launched by plus-sized model Tess Holliday. The campaign advocates and pushes for greater acceptance of diverse body types.
“My diverse body has shaped me as a person. Most importantly, with or without my beard, I am still powerful,” Harnaam said in an interview. “I love my body and the way that she has formed, now I am here to help show others that they can love and cherish their bodies too.” [2]
Women With Beards
All women have facial and body hair, but it is usually very fine and light in colour. Hair growth caused by hirsutism, by contrast, is coarse and dark. This hair also grows in a male-like pattern, typically on the face, chest, and back [3].
In some cases, hirsutism is caused by a process called virilization. Women with this condition have characteristics that we commonly associate with male hormones. Other signs of virilization might include:
Deepening voice
Balding
Acne
Decreased breast size
Increased muscle mass
Enlargement of the clitoris [3]
Hirsutism affects between five and ten percent of women. According to a paper published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, the main cause of hirsutism is hyperandrogenism, which is when a woman has excessive levels of the male sex hormone, testosterone [4].
Disease of the ovaries, the adrenal gland, or the pituitary gland, can cause hyperandrogenism. Obesity and metabolic syndrome may also cause the condition, as well as certain medications [5].
Hirsutism also tends to run in families. If a woman’s mother, sister, or other female relative has the condition, she has a greater likelihood of having it as well. Women from Meditteranean regions ,South Asia, and the Middle East are also more likely to develop hirsutism [4].
PCOS and Hirsutism
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) accounts for three out of every four cases of hirsutism [6].
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. It may cause women to have prolonged menstrual periods or excess levels of male hormones. The ovaries may also develop a number of small follicles that fail to regularly release eggs.
Health experts still do not know exactly what causes PCOS. Early diagnosis and treatment, however, can reduce the risk of long-term complications like type 2 diabetes and heart disease [7].
Other Causes of Hirsutism
While PCOS is the most common cause of hirsutism, there are other reasons it could develop. They include:
Cushing Syndrome: when medications (for example, prednisone) cause your adrenal glands to make too much of the hormone cortisol.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: when your adrenal glands produce abnormal amounts of steroid hormones including cortisol and androgen. This is an inherited condition.
Tumors: on very rare occasions, an androgen-secreting tumor in the ovaries or adrenal glands can cause hirsutism.
Medications: medications such as minoxidil, danazol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can cause the condition. If your partner uses topical products that contain androgens, you can be affected as well through skin-on-skin contact [3].
The Rise of the Bearded Ladies
Harnaam is not the only woman who is speaking out and challenging female body hair expectations.
Sophia Hadjipanteli and Scarlett Costello are both advocates for the #unibrowmovement. Other women like Nova Galaxia, Shelly Riner, Little Bear Schwarz, J.D. Samson, and Femina Flower are also sporting their facial and body hair proudly for all to see.
“Women shouldn’t have to shave if they choose not to, but what about those of us who have way more hair than what is considered socially acceptable?” Nova Galaxia wrote in a blog post. “What about us women with dark, thick tummy and chest hair? What about us women who are fully capable of growing a big, bushy beard?” [8]
There is no one ‘normal’
Harnaam feels that the media industry, advertising, and porn influences the stigma around female facial hair. She argues that what we continuously see is what we will see as being correct. The more we see an image that does not look like us, the more we want to change ourselves to be more like it.
Over the last few years, she has seen a shift in the way women are choosing to live.
“I believe that more and more women are beginning to realise and understand their worth,” she says. “There has been such a great development within the body confidence movement which is allowing woman to become more and more confident and comfortable within their own body; and so they should.” [2]
As much as she advocates for women embracing their natural bodies, Harnaam is adamant she will not shame one body against another. She believes that everyone should feel included and at home in society.
“I am pro choice. The issue comes when one body shape and size is being put on a pedestal and is being portrayed as the norm.” [2]
Harnaam believes it takes a mentally strong person to stand up and be their authentic self. She understands that living with facial hair can be extremely difficult for some because of the beauty standards set for women.
“I would personally never force anyone to keep or remove anything in their body. I live by one rule ‘my body my rules’ and I hope everyone does too.” [2]
Keep Reading: Lesbian couple who wanted ‘one more baby’ welcome all-girl QUINTUPLETS
Sources:


theheartysoul--2020-09-18--Mom Goes Viral After Son Convinces Her To Put Her Worldly Wisdom On Signs

Our moms have a lot of wisdom they share with us over the years .
This son had the brilliant idea to team up with his mom to help spread hers with the world using ‘ wisdom signs ’ .
Their Instagram account , Mother With Sign , is heartwarming and powerful .
2020 has been a tough year for basically everyone .
This is partly what inspired Pranav Sapra ’ s idea , with the help of his mom Poonam , to start their Mother With Sign Instagram page .
On the account , they post photos of Poonam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are meant to share Poonam ’ s motherly advice that ’ s hilarious , relatable , and touching .
( 1 ) Poonam was a bit uncertain about the idea at first , but Pranav assured her it would be well received .
This , of course , is an understatement .
( 1 ) In just eight months the account has gained 108 thousand followers and even has caught the attention of the popular account Humans of Bombay , which has over 1.1 million followers .
( 1 ) Advertisement Read : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an adorable 60th anniversary photoshoot Poonam is 64 and describes herself as having a “ childlike enthusiasm to learn more in life.
” She sings , paints , and writes poetry every day .
Pranav is a 33-year-old marketing manager at Zoomato .
( 1 ) The mother-son duo are very close , and they enjoy cooking , conversations , and board games together .
This Instagram account is another way for the pair to bond .
( 1 ) “ This page just adds to the list and gives us another reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collectively make more people happy .
You could say continuing to have fun in the process of making others smile is the mission for both of us .
And we have a long long way to go.
” Poonam explains .
( 1 ) The best part about the wisdom signs is that everything Poonam writes in genuine and from the heart .
They ’ re all things that she has and continues to tell her son all the time .
( 1 ) Pranav explained how he put his mother through many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young kid , and he knows all of it could have been avoided if he had just listened to his mother ’ s advice the first time around .
( 1 ) Read : Fed-Up Mother Writes ‘ Tough Love ’ Letter To Her 13-Year-Old Son – Parents Everywhere Applaud Her Inspired by the Dude With Sign Instagram account , he wanted to do something similar but instead spread the advice that can only come from a mother .
Poonam , who enjoys keeping up with millennial culture , decided to go along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the positive feedback they have received .
( 1 ) As it turns out , none of us are ever too cool , too successful , or too old for some good old wholesome mom wisdom .
Keep Reading : Bride Visits Grandmother in Isolation on her Wedding Day

Mom Goes Viral After Son Convinces Her To Put Her Worldly Wisdom On Signs
Our moms have a lot of wisdom they share with us over the years. This son had the brilliant idea to team up with his mom to help spread hers with the world using ‘wisdom signs’. Their Instagram account, Mother With Sign, is heartwarming and powerful.
Wisdom Signs
2020 has been a tough year for basically everyone. This is partly what inspired Pranav Sapra’s idea, with the help of his mom Poonam, to start their Mother With Sign Instagram page. On the account, they post photos of Poonam holding up wisdom signs. These signs are meant to share Poonam’s motherly advice that’s hilarious, relatable, and touching. (1)
Poonam was a bit uncertain about the idea at first, but Pranav assured her it would be well received. This, of course, is an understatement. (1)
“I guess it touches a chord because it comes straight from the heart,” Poonam said about their content. “My son and I try our best to keep the content simple, relatable and light—as it is 2020 is tough on everyone. I am keen on making the youngsters see things from the parents’ perspective and vice versa.” (1)
In just eight months the account has gained 108 thousand followers and even has caught the attention of the popular account Humans of Bombay, which has over 1.1 million followers. (1)
Read: Couple wears their original wedding attire for an adorable 60th anniversary photoshoot
Pranav and Poonam
Poonam is 64 and describes herself as having a “childlike enthusiasm to learn more in life.” She sings, paints, and writes poetry every day. Pranav is a 33-year-old marketing manager at Zoomato. (1)
The mother-son duo are very close, and they enjoy cooking, conversations, and board games together. This Instagram account is another way for the pair to bond. (1)
“This page just adds to the list and gives us another reason to spend time with each other and collectively make more people happy. You could say continuing to have fun in the process of making others smile is the mission for both of us. And we have a long long way to go.” Poonam explains. (1)
The Content
The best part about the wisdom signs is that everything Poonam writes in genuine and from the heart. They’re all things that she has and continues to tell her son all the time. (1)
“I’m just being who I am. I used to talk like this with my son, so now he helps me put all that on Instagram and all the kids there listen too.” she says. (1)
Pranav explained how he put his mother through many difficult situations when he was a mischievous young kid, and he knows all of it could have been avoided if he had just listened to his mother’s advice the first time around. (1)
Read: Fed-Up Mother Writes ‘Tough Love’ Letter To Her 13-Year-Old Son – Parents Everywhere Applaud Her
Inspired by the Dude With Sign Instagram account, he wanted to do something similar but instead spread the advice that can only come from a mother. Poonam, who enjoys keeping up with millennial culture, decided to go along with it and has been overwhelmed with all of the positive feedback they have received. (1)
As it turns out, none of us are ever too cool, too successful, or too old for some good old wholesome mom wisdom.


theheartysoul--2020-09-18--Warning: A ‘Robust’ Explosion Of Stink Bugs Could Be Headed Your Way

Every year as the temperatures begin to drop , we start to take many of our activities indoors .
Unfortunately , humans are not the only ones who prefer the warmth of central heating .
Bugs , too , find their way into our homes in search of warmer conditions – including stink bugs .
This year , scientists are expecting the “ great bug migration ” to be even worse .
Experts are expecting one bug in particular to invade our homes in “ robust ” numbers : the marmorated stink bug .
The brown marmorated stink bug ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asian stink bug ) was introduced to the United States from Eastern Asia in the mid-1990s .
Scientists found the first bug in Allentown , Pennsylvania .
Today , the bugs are most prevalent in the mid-Atlanta region , but also exist in 44 states and the District of Columbia .
When you crush a stink bug it releases an unpleasant odor , hence the name .
The smell can linger for hours and is meant to protect the bugs from predators .
These bugs can be fairly large , and adults can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ length.Advertisement Stink bugs are unlikely to bite , because their mouths are not capable of getting through human skin [ 1 ] .
Read : If the Mosquitos Always go Straight for You , Here ’ s What You Need to Know A recent study from Penn State entomologist Greg Krawczyk has reported that there will be a significantly larger population of stink bugs this fall .
This means that there will also be a large number of these bugs invading our homes .
In his report , Krawczyk said that they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marmorated stink bug adults and nymphs collecting in the monitoring traps they placed around commercial orchards .
Jim Fredericks is the chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association .
He says the increase in numbers is due to warmer spring and summer temperatures , and the very mild winter .
These temperatures allow the bugs to complete more than one population cycle in a year .
This means more bugs in people ’ s homes [ 3 ] .
Because they are not a native species , they do not have any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this reason , they are able to spread very rapidly and pose a particular threat to agriculture as they destroy crops [ 1 ] .
Rachael Baihn is a writer for LawnStarter.com , a lawn care and pest control service in Pennsylvania and 100 other U.S. markets .
She says stink bugs are invading more states across the country .
She also explained that the bugs prefer to move in large groups .
If you see one bug in your home , you ’ re likely to find more .
Fredericks says that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bugs , only the brown marmorated stink bug tends to be a pest inside homes and other buildings .
As the weather cools , they will begin to look for shelter in the cracks and crevices of homes and buildings .
They ’ ll even creep behind siding to find shelter in wall voids .
What to Do About Them The best way to deal with these bugs in your home is to prevent them altogether .
To stop them from entering your house , seal the cracks and crevices that could provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enlisting the help of a pest control professional .
You also want to avoid picking them up or crushing them , since that will cause them to emit their stench .
That smell contains pheromones that attract more of these bugs , making the problem even worse .
Instead , if you see them in your home , try sucking them up with a vacuum cleaner .
While they do cause problems for farmers , Krawczyk emphasised that people have nothing to fear .
Keep Reading : Birds Mysteriously Dropping Dead Across Southwestern @ @

Every year as the temperatures begin to drop, we start to take many of our activities indoors. Unfortunately, humans are not the only ones who prefer the warmth of central heating. Bugs, too, find their way into our homes in search of warmer conditions – including stink bugs.
This year, scientists are expecting the “great bug migration” to be even worse. Experts are expecting one bug in particular to invade our homes in “robust” numbers: the marmorated stink bug.
What Are Stink Bugs?
The brown marmorated stink bug (also known as the yellow-brown or East Asian stink bug) was introduced to the United States from Eastern Asia in the mid-1990s. Scientists found the first bug in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Today, the bugs are most prevalent in the mid-Atlanta region, but also exist in 44 states and the District of Columbia.
When you crush a stink bug it releases an unpleasant odor, hence the name. The smell can linger for hours and is meant to protect the bugs from predators. These bugs can be fairly large, and adults can reach sizes of nearly two centimeters in length.
Stink bugs are unlikely to bite, because their mouths are not capable of getting through human skin [1].
The Stink Bug Invasion
A recent study from Penn State entomologist Greg Krawczyk has reported that there will be a significantly larger population of stink bugs this fall. This means that there will also be a large number of these bugs invading our homes.
In his report, Krawczyk said that they have begun to observe high numbers of brown marmorated stink bug adults and nymphs collecting in the monitoring traps they placed around commercial orchards.
“Traps placed on or under the trees located on the border of woods as well as traps placed in the first row of orchards, which rarely collected stink bugs for most of this season, now are collecting many more (stink bug) nymphs and adults,” he said [2].
Jim Fredericks is the chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association. He says the increase in numbers is due to warmer spring and summer temperatures, and the very mild winter. These temperatures allow the bugs to complete more than one population cycle in a year. This means more bugs in people’s homes [3].
“In regions of Pennsylvania where temperatures were especially warm from May to August, residents may encounter greater numbers of stink bugs in the fall,” he said [2].
Because they are not a native species, they do not have any natural predators in North America. For this reason, they are able to spread very rapidly and pose a particular threat to agriculture as they destroy crops [1].
Invading more states
Rachael Baihn is a writer for LawnStarter.com, a lawn care and pest control service in Pennsylvania and 100 other U.S. markets. She says stink bugs are invading more states across the country.
“This little bug has cost farmers millions in crop losses.” [2]
She also explained that the bugs prefer to move in large groups. If you see one bug in your home, you’re likely to find more.
Fredericks says that while there are different species of these bugs, only the brown marmorated stink bug tends to be a pest inside homes and other buildings. As the weather cools, they will begin to look for shelter in the cracks and crevices of homes and buildings. They’ll even creep behind siding to find shelter in wall voids.
“Often hundreds (or thousands) can congregate in the same area, seeking a warm place to spend the winter months,” he said. “On warm days during the winter, some bugs will become active and find their way indoors.” [2]
What to Do About Them
The best way to deal with these bugs in your home is to prevent them altogether. To stop them from entering your house, seal the cracks and crevices that could provide shelter for the bugs. Fredericks suggests enlisting the help of a pest control professional.
You also want to avoid picking them up or crushing them, since that will cause them to emit their stench. That smell contains pheromones that attract more of these bugs, making the problem even worse. Instead, if you see them in your home, try sucking them up with a vacuum cleaner.
While they do cause problems for farmers, Krawczyk emphasised that people have nothing to fear.
“They still do not cause any harm. They still do not bite. They still do not spread any disease or anything like this. They’re a nuisance,” he said [3].
Keep Reading: Birds Mysteriously Dropping Dead Across Southwestern U.S.


theheartysoul--2020-09-18--Hikers discover bear eating man at Great Smoky Mountains campsite

On the second weekend of September , a group of hikers set out on the North Carolina arm of the Hazel Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park .
None of them were prepared , however for what they found on the trail : Human remains , being scavenged by a bear .
This is what we know so far .
While out on the trail , a group of hikers passed by what they thought was an abandoned campsite .
Upon closer look , there were human body parts scattered around the area alongside a tent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black bear that was scavenging the area .
Horrified , the hikers made their way to an area with cell reception as quickly as possible to notify park rangers .
The rangers received the call shortly after 7 pm on Friday , September 11 .
( 1 ) Not long after midnight the park staff arrived at the campsite , site number 82 , and confirmed that these were the remains of a human male .
The bear was still there actively scavenging the area .
( 1 ) Advertisement The man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Elgin , Illinois .
He had a multi-night backcountry reservation for only himself , beginning on the night of September 8 , three days prior .
( 2 ) Currently , it is unclear as to whether he was killed by the bear or if he died of other causes and the bear found him afterward .
An autopsy was scheduled for this past Tuesday , September 15 , however , the results are still unknown .
( 2 ) The bear in question is a black bear .
This species is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rangers arrived on the scene , they , unfortunately , had to euthanize the bear on-site .
Though it is still unknown if the bear actually attacked Madura , now that he has eaten human remains he is too high-risk .
( 2 ) That section of the Hazel Creek Trail is temporarily closed , which falls on the North Carolina size .
( 2 ) There are somewhere in the neighborhood of 1600 black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains .
Though bear attacks are rare , there have been five known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatality .
Unfortunately for the bears , an attack means immediate euthanization .
( 2 ) The four previous attacks are as follows : • 2015 : Site 84 , a 16-year-old boy was pulled out of his hammock by his scalp while sleeping by a bear .
He was rescued by his father who managed to scare away the bear .
The boy barely avoided a serious injury .
( 2 ) • 2018 : Rangers discovered a bear scavenging human remains at a site in Townsend .
They later confirmed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not a bear attack .
( 2 ) • 2000 : A bear attacked and killed a 50-year-old woman in the Elkmont area .
( 3 ) • 2008 : A bear pounced on an 8-year-old boy for unknown reasons while playing in a creek .
He scared it off , however , it returned .
His father scared the bear away , however , both required hospitalization for their injuries .
( 4 ) As is with park protocol , all the bears involved had to be euthanized by park officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongly against approaching bears or allowing them to approach you .
Willingly coming within 150 feet or any distance that is clearly disturbing the bear is illegal .
It is imperative that all visitors to the park check the “ Bear Closures ” and “ Bear Warnings ” sections in the temporary closures section of the website before their trip .
( 5 ) The website states the following protocols if you do encounter a bear during your visit : If you see a bear • Do not approach it • Do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior ( stops feeding , changes its travel direction , watches you , etc . )
you are too close .
• Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you , making loud noises , or swatting the ground .
The bear is demanding more space .
Don ’ t run , but slowly back away , watching the bear .
Increase the distance between you and the bear .
The bear will probably do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bear persistently follows or approaches you , without vocalizing , or paw swatting • If the bear continues to follow you , stand your ground .
• If the bear gets closer , talk loudly or shout at it .
• Act together as a group if you have companions .
Make yourselves look as large as possible ( for example , move to higher ground ) .
• Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear .
• Use a deterrent such as a stout stick .
• Don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the bear .
• Don ’ t leave food for the bear ; this encourages further problems .
( 5 ) If the bear ’ s behavior indicates that it is after your food and you are physically attacked • Separate yourself from the food .
If the bear shows no interest in your food and you are physically attacked , the bear may consider you as prey • Fight back aggressively with any available object !
Most importantly , it is every park-goers responsibility to properly store their food and dispose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or garbage at a campsite or on a trail can lead to human-bear encounters and not only endangers your own life but also that of the bear .
( 5 ) Before visiting Great Smoky Mountain National Park or any other area with an active bear population , learn and follow the proper protocols so that both humans and bears can continue to enjoy the incredible nature the world has to offer.Advertisement Please note that best practices when encounterings bears can differ by type ( i.e .
black bear or grizzly bear ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Park Service Website Keep Reading : Caught On Camera : Rare Footage of Grizzly Bears Fighting On Northern Canadian Highway

On the second weekend of September, a group of hikers set out on the North Carolina arm of the Hazel Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. None of them were prepared, however for what they found on the trail: Human remains, being scavenged by a bear. This is what we know so far.
Bear Eats Man at Great Smoky National Park
While out on the trail, a group of hikers passed by what they thought was an abandoned campsite. Upon closer look, there were human body parts scattered around the area alongside a tent and sleeping bag. Nearby they then spotted a black bear that was scavenging the area.
Horrified, the hikers made their way to an area with cell reception as quickly as possible to notify park rangers. The rangers received the call shortly after 7 pm on Friday, September 11. (1)
Not long after midnight the park staff arrived at the campsite, site number 82, and confirmed that these were the remains of a human male. The bear was still there actively scavenging the area. (1)
The Victim
The man has been identified as 43-year-old Patrick Madura of Elgin, Illinois. He had a multi-night backcountry reservation for only himself, beginning on the night of September 8, three days prior. (2)
Currently, it is unclear as to whether he was killed by the bear or if he died of other causes and the bear found him afterward. An autopsy was scheduled for this past Tuesday, September 15, however, the results are still unknown. (2)
The Bear
The bear in question is a black bear. This species is native to the region. When the rangers arrived on the scene, they, unfortunately, had to euthanize the bear on-site. Though it is still unknown if the bear actually attacked Madura, now that he has eaten human remains he is too high-risk. (2)
“Our wildlife biologists who are experts in dealing with bear-human conflict believe that once a bear has scavenged on human remains, there is a high potential that they’re going to continue that behavior,” said park spokeswoman Jamie Sanders. “And so we believe that they may pose a serious threat to visitor safety.” (2)
That section of the Hazel Creek Trail is temporarily closed, which falls on the North Carolina size. (2)
Black Bears in Great Smoky National Park
There are somewhere in the neighborhood of 1600 black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains. Though bear attacks are rare, there have been five known bear attacks in park history with one fatality. Unfortunately for the bears, an attack means immediate euthanization. (2)
The four previous attacks are as follows:
2015: Site 84, a 16-year-old boy was pulled out of his hammock by his scalp while sleeping by a bear. He was rescued by his father who managed to scare away the bear. The boy barely avoided a serious injury. (2)
Site 84, a 16-year-old boy was pulled out of his hammock by his scalp while sleeping by a bear. He was rescued by his father who managed to scare away the bear. The boy barely avoided a serious injury. (2) 2018: Rangers discovered a bear scavenging human remains at a site in Townsend. They later confirmed that the man died of a meth overdose, not a bear attack. (2)
Rangers discovered a bear scavenging human remains at a site in Townsend. They later confirmed that the man died of a meth overdose, not a bear attack. (2) 2000: A bear attacked and killed a 50-year-old woman in the Elkmont area. (3)
A bear attacked and killed a 50-year-old woman in the Elkmont area. (3) 2008: A bear pounced on an 8-year-old boy for unknown reasons while playing in a creek. He scared it off, however, it returned. His father scared the bear away, however, both required hospitalization for their injuries. (4)
As is with park protocol, all the bears involved had to be euthanized by park officials.
Black Bear Safety
Great Smoky Mountain National Park warns strongly against approaching bears or allowing them to approach you. Willingly coming within 150 feet or any distance that is clearly disturbing the bear is illegal. It is imperative that all visitors to the park check the “Bear Closures” and “Bear Warnings” sections in the temporary closures section of the website before their trip. (5)
The website states the following protocols if you do encounter a bear during your visit:
If you see a bear
Remain watchful.
Do not approach it
Do not allow the bear to approach you.
If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) you are too close.
Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don’t run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same. (5)
If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting
Change your direction.
If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground.
If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it.
Act aggressively to intimidate the bear.
Act together as a group if you have companions. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground).
Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear.
Use a deterrent such as a stout stick.
Don’t run and don’t turn away from the bear.
Don’t leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. (5)
If the bear’s behavior indicates that it is after your food and you are physically attacked
Separate yourself from the food.
Slowly back away. (5)
If the bear shows no interest in your food and you are physically attacked, the bear may consider you as prey
Fight back aggressively with any available object!
Do not play dead!
Most importantly, it is every park-goers responsibility to properly store their food and dispose of their garbage. Leaving unattended food or garbage at a campsite or on a trail can lead to human-bear encounters and not only endangers your own life but also that of the bear. (5)
Before visiting Great Smoky Mountain National Park or any other area with an active bear population, learn and follow the proper protocols so that both humans and bears can continue to enjoy the incredible nature the world has to offer.
Please note that best practices when encounterings bears can differ by type (i.e. black bear or grizzly bear). For more info check out the National Park Service Website