theheartysoul--2020-05-04--Dogs are Born with Ears and Tails. They Should Get to Keep Them.

There are several breeds of dogs that are recognizable by two distinct features : their erect , pointed ears , and their stubby , almost non-existent tails .
Most of us might assume that these dogs were just born that way , however this is sadly not the case .
Dobermans and miniature Schnauzers are two examples of breeds for which it has become customary that these dogs undergo two procedures known as ear-cropping and tail-docking shortly after birth .
Tail docking involves the surgical removal of a puppy ’ s tail , usually when the animal is between two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is usually cut off using a pair of scissors , or a rubber band is wrapped around the tail to cut off the blood supply so that it will die and fall off on its own [ 1 ] .
This procedure is typically performed with anesthesia because many veterinarians or breeders who do it say the puppy is not yet fully alert and will not remember the pain [ 2 ] .
Ear cropping is a procedure in which the floppy part of a dog ’ s ear is cut off , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several weeks while they heal in order to stay upright .
This surgery is usually performed under anesthesia when the puppy is between six and twelve weeks old .
Both of these procedures are classified as medically unnecessary , and the primary purpose of them is cosmetic [ 3 ] .
Read : World ’ s Loneliest Dolphin Dies After Two Years In Tiny Pool Why are these Procedures Done ?
Both ear cropping and tail docking are traditional procedures for over seventy dog breeds , for the sole reason that this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those breeds .
Advocates for both procedures claim that a puppy ’ s nervous system isn ’ t fully developed , so the procedure isn ’ t painful for them .
This , however , has been disproven , and evidence indicates that puppies have a similar pain tolerance to grown dogs .
Some owners and breeders argue that farm dogs and hunting dogs risk injuring their tails while herding or chasing , so removing the tail altogether is necessary .
Others believe that removing the tails of energetic breeds , like boxers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tails when they hit them against walls and crates , and some believe ear cropping lowers the risk of infection [ 2 ] .
Proponents of the procedures will sometimes argue that dogs with heavy coats should have their tails removed for hygienic purposes as well [ 1 ] .
Read : This Is Why Tourists Should Stop Riding Elephants In Thailand The Argument Against Tail-Docking and Ear-Cropping There are a number of reasons why these procedures are inhumane and unnecessary .
The procedure is very painful , and the repeated shrieking heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are indicative of the level of pain they are experiencing .
As with any surgery , there is also the risk of infection or other complications , and many dogs experience chronic , long-term pain as a result [ 1 ] .
Cutting off a dog ’ s tail also severely inhibits their ability to communicate , since the tail plays an important role in canine social behavior .
Andy Roark , a veterinarian at Cleveland Park Animal Hospital in Greenville , S.C. , says a missing tail could interfere with the dog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dogs [ 2 ] .
A dog uses its tail position to indicate its friendliness or desire to play , to show submission , or as a warning signal .
It acts as a protective mechanism because the dog uses it to establish boundaries and prevent aggressive confrontations with other dogs [ 1 ] .
Human ’ s can also use the action of a dog ’ s tail to determine how they should interact with it .
When the tail is removed , the dog is at risk of being misunderstood by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a social disadvantage [ 1 ] .
A study conducted in 2016 determined that surgically altered dogs were , in general , perceived as more aggressive , while natural dogs were seen as more playful and attractive [ 4 ] .
Research has also shown that intact tails are unlikely to get injured , and even when they do , the injuries are usually minor and will heal quickly .
Research also indicates that eighty percent of dogs will not get ear infections , and breeds that are more prone to them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , don ’ t not typically have their ears cropped [ 5 ] .
Tail-docking and ear-cropping has been banned in a number of countries , including Sweden , Norway , the Netherlands , Finland , Germany , Denmark , Cyprus , Greece , Luxembourg , Switzerland , Austria , Australia , and the UK [ 1 ] .
These procedures are not banned or controlled , however , they are highly controversial .
New York and Vermont have considered banning the practice , however , neither state has put any legislation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AKC ) argues that these practices are “ integral to defining and preserving breed character ” for some dogs , however , the American Veterinary Medical Association ( AVMA ) is against it [ 2 ] .
You Can Make the Choice Many potential dog owners are unaware that they have the choice of whether or not they want their dog to undergo surgery .
If you are getting a dog from a breeder , you should ensure that he or she knows before the puppy is born if you do not want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or tail docked .
An even better option is to avoid the breeder altogether and adopt an animal at your local shelter .
There are thousands of dogs across the country in need of loving homes , and when you adopt , you can avoid the question altogether .

This article was originally published on March 29, 2021, and has since been updated.
There are several breeds of dogs that are recognizable by two distinct features: their erect, pointed ears, and their stubby, almost non-existent tails. Most of us might assume that these dogs were just born that way, however this is sadly not the case. Dobermans and miniature Schnauzers are two examples of breeds for which it has become customary that these dogs undergo two procedures known as ear-cropping and tail-docking shortly after birth.
A Painful and Inhumane Procedure
Tail docking involves the surgical removal of a puppy’s tail, usually when the animal is between two and five days old. The tail is usually cut off using a pair of scissors, or a rubber band is wrapped around the tail to cut off the blood supply so that it will die and fall off on its own [1].
This procedure is typically performed with anesthesia because many veterinarians or breeders who do it say the puppy is not yet fully alert and will not remember the pain [2].
Ear cropping is a procedure in which the floppy part of a dog’s ear is cut off, then taped to a hard surface for several weeks while they heal in order to stay upright. This surgery is usually performed under anesthesia when the puppy is between six and twelve weeks old.
Both of these procedures are classified as medically unnecessary, and the primary purpose of them is cosmetic [3].
Why are these Procedures Done?
Both ear cropping and tail docking are traditional procedures for over seventy dog breeds, for the sole reason that this is the fashion that has been set for those breeds. Advocates for both procedures claim that a puppy’s nervous system isn’t fully developed, so the procedure isn’t painful for them.
This, however, has been disproven, and evidence indicates that puppies have a similar pain tolerance to grown dogs.
Some owners and breeders argue that farm dogs and hunting dogs risk injuring their tails while herding or chasing, so removing the tail altogether is necessary. Others believe that removing the tails of energetic breeds, like boxers, will prevent them from hurting their tails when they hit them against walls and crates, and some believe ear cropping lowers the risk of infection [2].
Proponents of the procedures will sometimes argue that dogs with heavy coats should have their tails removed for hygienic purposes as well [1].
The Argument Against Docking and Cropping
There are a number of reasons why these procedures are inhumane and unnecessary. The procedure is very painful, and the repeated shrieking heard by puppies during and after the surgery are indicative of the level of pain they are experiencing.
As with any surgery, there is also the risk of infection or other complications, and many dogs experience chronic, long-term pain as a result [1].
Cutting off a dog’s tail also severely inhibits their ability to communicate, since the tail plays an important role in canine social behavior. Andy Roark, a veterinarian at Cleveland Park Animal Hospital in Greenville, S.C., says a missing tail could interfere with the dog’s ability to communicate with other dogs [2].
A dog uses its tail position to indicate its friendliness or desire to play, to show submission, or as a warning signal. It acts as a protective mechanism because the dog uses it to establish boundaries and prevent aggressive confrontations with other dogs [1].
Human’s can also use the action of a dog’s tail to determine how they should interact with it. When the tail is removed, the dog is at risk of being misunderstood by both humans and dogs, putting them at a social disadvantage [1].
A study conducted in 2016 determined that surgically altered dogs were, in general, perceived as more aggressive, while natural dogs were seen as more playful and attractive [4].
Research has also shown that intact tails are unlikely to get injured, and even when they do, the injuries are usually minor and will heal quickly. Research also indicates that eighty percent of dogs will not get ear infections, and breeds that are more prone to them, such as cocker spaniels and poodles, don’t not typically have their ears cropped [5].
Are these Procedures Legal?
Tail-docking and ear-cropping has been banned in a number of countries, including Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Cyprus, Greece, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Australia, and the UK [1].
These procedures are not banned or controlled, however, they are highly controversial. New York and Vermont have considered banning the practice, however, neither state has put any legislation in place.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) argues that these practices are “integral to defining and preserving breed character” for some dogs, however, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is against it [2].
Docking and Cropping: You Can Make the Right Choice
Many potential dog owners are unaware that they have the choice of whether or not they want their dog to undergo surgery. If you are getting a dog from a breeder, you should ensure that he or she knows before the puppy is born if you do not want your dog to have its ears cropped or tail docked.
An even better option is to avoid the breeder altogether and adopt an animal at your local shelter. There are thousands of dogs across the country in need of loving homes, and when you adopt, you can avoid the question altogether.
Keep Reading: Man Found Five Starving Lions In Sudan Park Then Started A Campaign To Save Them
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-05-04--China is Turning the Rainforest into Cheap Furniture for the US

Having healthy , thriving rainforests are crucial to the survival of our planet .
Considered to be the oldest biomes on earth , tropical rainforests contribute significantly to the world ’ s biodiversity , and are home to fifty percent of the world ’ s plants and animals , despite only taking up six percent of the earth ’ s surface area [ 1 ] .
They also play a key role in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere , which is the main contributor to global climate change .
All of the world ’ s tropical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world ’ s carbon dioxide emissions every year [ 2 ] .
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest in the world , and its destruction has received the majority of the media coverage , however , it is not the only crucial rainforest ecosystem that we have .
There are also rainforests in Southeast Asia and Africa .
Deforestation in Southeast Asia is predominantly caused by the palm oil industry , and in South America , much of the Amazon is chopped down to make way for beef and soy production .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the second-largest rainforest on the planet , is primarily due to industrial logging , small-scale farming , and a demand for wood [ 3 ] .
Studies over the last couple of years have determined that it is our demand for cheap furniture that has both encouraged and proliferated the extraction of resources out of this immensely important ecosystem .
Read : Himalayas Visible for First Time in 30 Years as Lockdown Sees Stunning Drop in Pollution China and the U.S. are the Number One Culprits A 2018 report from the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China and the United States has been the primary driver of deforestation in the Congo Basin [ 4 ] .
The study found that wood exports from countries in the Congo Basin to China doubled between 2001 and 2015 .
The authors of the study also found that there was a strong correlation between the amount of Chinese logging and the loss of tree cover in the Congo Basin , and that U.S. demand for inexpensive Chinese-made furniture was the main reason for the increase in Chinese timber imports from the Congo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timber is feeding another growing problem : the illegal lumber trade .
The Environmental Investigation Agency ( EIA ) has determined that China is the top importer of illegal timber , a trade that is worth about four billion dollars per year .
The global value of the illegal timber trade is estimated at about thirty billion dollars [ 5 ] .
The lead author of the study , Trevon Fuller , says that for a long time , there has been a high demand from US consumers for inexpensive Chinese flooring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws banning illegal timber imports in the US , EU , and Australia , China has managed to find loopholes and ways around them , and has continued its aggressive behavior .
Chinese loggers also only want round logs ( aka raw timber ) , which provides minimal opportunity for local sawmilling or woodworking within those countries , which would support the local economies .
This keeps the profits in the hands of the Chinese companies , while the countries that contain the forests remain poor [ 6 ] .
Deforestation is Destroying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Groups Destroying the world ’ s rainforests would release more than three trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the earth ’ s atmosphere- a contribution greater than that of oil , coal , and gas .
Scientists are now warning that halting deforestation is equally as important for mitigating climate change as eliminating the use of fossil fuels [ 7 ] .
A group of forty scientists from five different countries released a statement saying that the world could achieve eighteen percent of the emissions mitigation needed by 2030 to avoid irreversible climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also displacing native groups who have lived in these areas for generations .
Lucien Maka , who lives in the Congo Basin with his fellow Bayaka “ pygmies ” , says that the forest has always provided everything they need .
His people , who have lived in that area for millennia as hunters and gatherers , are now being forced to go deeper and deeper into the jungle as their land is being stripped away .
Logging , farmland , and wildlife reserves have shrunk the size of the land on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has taken away a portion of their food supply and forced them into small areas next to settled villages .
In these areas , they are often exposed to disease or are exploited for cheap labor by more dominant groups who are higher up in the Central African social hierarchy .
Since they lack the paperwork that would prove their claim on that territory , Maka ’ s people are left to be squatters on their own land [ 3 ] .
Read : Desert Farm Grows 17,000 Tons of Food without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Groundwater What is the Solution ?
There have been a few different solutions that have been proposed or implemented , with varying degrees of success .
Some areas have been designated as protected wildlife areas , which prohibits any and all human activity .
This , however , includes indigenous communities , which forces them into smaller and smaller areas and affects their ability to survive [ 3 ] .
New regulations from African governments could also be somewhat effective at curbing the illegal timber trade .
An example of this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gabon was the number one source of hardwoods .
The country then put laws in place that banned the export of uncut logs , which forced companies to purchase wood that had already been cut at local mills .
This made it harder for illegally forested wood to be taken , however , the timber industry simply shifted to other nations .
Stopping logging altogether is also not a viable option , because timber is the largest industry in some areas of the Basin , and stopping it completely would destroy livelihoods [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea of creating “ community forests ” , in which indigenous peoples living in those areas would work with industries and other local populations to manage remote , rural areas .
This approach was used in the Amazon and was given partial credit when deforestation in Brazil dropped by seventy percent between 2004 and 2012 [ 3 ] .
What Can You Do ?
If you are purchasing flooring and furniture with that ubiquitous “ Made in China ” sticker on it , you are contributing to the deforestation of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be your intention , it is the insatiable appetite in the United States for cheap lumber that has been the main driving force behind the illegal timber trade in China .
The best thing you can do to combat this is buying products that are made from sustainable sources and to avoid buying products made in China .
If buying more sustainably-produced products is not financially possible for you , another alternative is to buy used products .
This way , you are not contributing to the demand for cheap timber .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as individuals , have little influence over the major problems facing our planet , our collective power as consumers can have a profound impact on the way large corporations operate .
If we boycott products that are being made at the detriment of the planet and demand transparency from these massive companies , we can prevent our rainforests from being destroyed .
Keep Reading : Almonds are out .
Dairy is a disaster .
So what milk should we drink ?

Having healthy, thriving rainforests are crucial to the survival of our planet. Considered to be the oldest biomes on earth, tropical rainforests contribute significantly to the world’s biodiversity, and are home to fifty percent of the world’s plants and animals, despite only taking up six percent of the earth’s surface area [1].
They also play a key role in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, which is the main contributor to global climate change. All of the world’s tropical rainforests combined absorb about 25 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions every year [2].
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest in the world, and its destruction has received the majority of the media coverage, however, it is not the only crucial rainforest ecosystem that we have. There are also rainforests in Southeast Asia and Africa.
Deforestation in Southeast Asia is predominantly caused by the palm oil industry, and in South America, much of the Amazon is chopped down to make way for beef and soy production. Deforestation of the Congo Basin, which is the second-largest rainforest on the planet, is primarily due to industrial logging, small-scale farming, and a demand for wood [3].
Studies over the last couple of years have determined that it is our demand for cheap furniture that has both encouraged and proliferated the extraction of resources out of this immensely important ecosystem.
China and the U.S. are the Number One Culprits
A 2018 report from the University of California has determined that consumer demand in China and the United States has been the primary driver of deforestation in the Congo Basin [4].
The study found that wood exports from countries in the Congo Basin to China doubled between 2001 and 2015. The authors of the study also found that there was a strong correlation between the amount of Chinese logging and the loss of tree cover in the Congo Basin, and that U.S. demand for inexpensive Chinese-made furniture was the main reason for the increase in Chinese timber imports from the Congo [4].
This demand for timber is feeding another growing problem: the illegal lumber trade. The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has determined that China is the top importer of illegal timber, a trade that is worth about four billion dollars per year. The global value of the illegal timber trade is estimated at about thirty billion dollars [5].
“China has built a vast wood-processing industry, reliant on imports for most of its raw materials supply. It is in effect exporting deforestation,” the group said in a report [5].
The lead author of the study, Trevon Fuller, says that for a long time, there has been a high demand from US consumers for inexpensive Chinese flooring, furniture, and plywood. Despite new laws banning illegal timber imports in the US, EU, and Australia, China has managed to find loopholes and ways around them, and has continued its aggressive behavior.
Chinese loggers also only want round logs (aka raw timber), which provides minimal opportunity for local sawmilling or woodworking within those countries, which would support the local economies. This keeps the profits in the hands of the Chinese companies, while the countries that contain the forests remain poor [6].
Deforestation is Destroying the Environment and the Livelihood of Native Groups
Destroying the world’s rainforests would release more than three trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the earth’s atmosphere- a contribution greater than that of oil, coal, and gas. Scientists are now warning that halting deforestation is equally as important for mitigating climate change as eliminating the use of fossil fuels [7].
A group of forty scientists from five different countries released a statement saying that the world could achieve eighteen percent of the emissions mitigation needed by 2030 to avoid irreversible climate change by protecting global rainforests.
“We must protect and maintain healthy forests to avoid dangerous climate change and to ensure the world’s forests continue to provide services critical for the well-being of the planet and ourselves,” the statement read [7].
Deforestation is also displacing native groups who have lived in these areas for generations. Lucien Maka, who lives in the Congo Basin with his fellow Bayaka “pygmies”, says that the forest has always provided everything they need. His people, who have lived in that area for millennia as hunters and gatherers, are now being forced to go deeper and deeper into the jungle as their land is being stripped away.
Logging, farmland, and wildlife reserves have shrunk the size of the land on which the Bayaka can hunt and gather, has taken away a portion of their food supply and forced them into small areas next to settled villages. In these areas, they are often exposed to disease or are exploited for cheap labor by more dominant groups who are higher up in the Central African social hierarchy.
“We feel totally abandoned by the government,” Mr. Maka said [3].
Since they lack the paperwork that would prove their claim on that territory, Maka’s people are left to be squatters on their own land [3].
Read: Desert Farm Grows 17,000 Tons of Food without Soil, Pesticides, Fossil Fuels or Groundwater
What is the Solution?
There have been a few different solutions that have been proposed or implemented, with varying degrees of success. Some areas have been designated as protected wildlife areas, which prohibits any and all human activity. This, however, includes indigenous communities, which forces them into smaller and smaller areas and affects their ability to survive [3].
New regulations from African governments could also be somewhat effective at curbing the illegal timber trade. An example of this is the African nation Gabon.
Until 2010, Gabon was the number one source of hardwoods. The country then put laws in place that banned the export of uncut logs, which forced companies to purchase wood that had already been cut at local mills. This made it harder for illegally forested wood to be taken, however, the timber industry simply shifted to other nations.
Stopping logging altogether is also not a viable option, because timber is the largest industry in some areas of the Basin, and stopping it completely would destroy livelihoods [8].
Some environmentalists have proposed the idea of creating “community forests”, in which indigenous peoples living in those areas would work with industries and other local populations to manage remote, rural areas. This approach was used in the Amazon and was given partial credit when deforestation in Brazil dropped by seventy percent between 2004 and 2012 [3].
“There’s so much evidence now that Indigenous peoples manage their environment better than anyone else,” said Stephen Corry, director of Survival International, a global Indigenous rights group [3].
What Can You Do?
If you are purchasing flooring and furniture with that ubiquitous “Made in China” sticker on it, you are contributing to the deforestation of the world’s rainforests. While this may not be your intention, it is the insatiable appetite in the United States for cheap lumber that has been the main driving force behind the illegal timber trade in China.
The best thing you can do to combat this is buying products that are made from sustainable sources and to avoid buying products made in China.
“Consumers in the U.S. are buying a lot of cheap furniture that’s made in Asia,” Fuller says. “They could instead buy sustainable alternatives like bamboo furniture or sustainable wood” [8].
If buying more sustainably-produced products is not financially possible for you, another alternative is to buy used products. This way, you are not contributing to the demand for cheap timber.
While it often feels as though we, as individuals, have little influence over the major problems facing our planet, our collective power as consumers can have a profound impact on the way large corporations operate. If we boycott products that are being made at the detriment of the planet and demand transparency from these massive companies, we can prevent our rainforests from being destroyed.
Keep Reading: Almonds are out. Dairy is a disaster. So what milk should we drink?


theheartysoul--2020-05-04--Female Genital Mutilation Outlawed in Sudan

A victory for women ’ s rights has been made in Sudan , where female genital mutilation has finally become outlawed .
This dangerous surgery has been widespread , but many believe that it will take more than this new legislation to stop the practice .
According to estimates from the United Nations , almost nine out of ten Sudanese women have been subjected to partial or total removal of external female genitalia , a procedure that leads to potential health and sex issues , and sometimes even death .
Because of the new criminal code by Sudan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , anyone who performs the mutilation can face three years in prison and a fine .
“ This is a massive step for Sudan and its new government , ” said Nimco Ali of the Five Foundation , an organization that works to end genital mutilation all around the world .
“ Africa can not prosper unless it takes care of girls and women .
They are showing this government has teeth.
” Female genital mutilation ( FGM ) is done in at least 27 African countries , parts of Asia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is most prevalent in Sudan , Egypt , Kenya , Ethiopia , Senegal , Burkina Faso , Djibouti , and Nigeria .
“ The law will help protect girls from this barbaric practice and enable them to live in dignity , ” said Salma Ismail , a spokeswoman for the United Nations Children ’ s Fund in Khartoum .
“ And it will help mothers who didn ’ t want to cut their girls , but felt they had no choice , to say ‘ no.
’ ” Read : A 1970 Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Women .
That History Still Matters There ’ s Still Work to be Done However , one law won ’ t completely solve the problem , experts warn , especially in countries where FGM is a part of the people ’ s cultural and religious beliefs .
It ’ s believed to be a foundation of marriage and a tradition supported by men and women .
“ This is not just about legal reforms , ” Ms. Ismail said .
“ There ’ s a lot of work to be done to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Egypt had banned FGM in 2008 but the practice continued and the law was amended in 2016 .
These changes criminalized parents and doctors who conducted and approved the procedure .
They could be imprisoned up to seven years for conducting the operation and up to 15 if it resulted in the patient ’ s disability or death .
While this does sound like a step in the right direction , prosecutions occur rarely and the practice has continued more quietly than before .
According to the United Nations , 70 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 49 have been mutilated ( usually before age 12 ) .
[ 2 ] This year , a 12-year-old girl from Egypt died while under the knife of a retired doctor , who was performing the mutilation without giving her any anesthetic .
In February , the authorities announced the doctor and the girl ’ s parents to be prosecuted .
Campaigns to end these procedures have been gaining traction worldwide .
Communities have been evolving to turn against FGM and come up with different initiation ceremonies .
One campaign in Kenya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming victims of the practice , where , keep in mind , cutting has been illegal since 2011 [ 1 ] .
The World Health Organization defines FGM as a ‘ Type III circumcision.
’ It involves some form of removing the inner and outer labia , and often the clitoris .
The wound is then sewn shut in a procedure known as re-infibulation , which can lead to cysts , painful intercourse , and the inability to orgasm .
Read : The Year Women Became Eligible to Vote in Each Country According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is “ internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
” This includes the rights to health , security , and physical integrity , the right to be free from torture and inhuman treatment , and in some cases , the right to life .
There are no health benefits for FGM , and its health risks are severe .
However , it continues being performed for the following reasons : • In many areas where its performed , it ’ s considered a social norm and therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a necessary step to raise a girl and to help her get ready for adulthood and marriage .
• It ’ s intended to restrict women ’ s sexuality by ensuring premarital virginity and marital fidelity .
FGM is meant to lower a woman ’ s libido and help her resist extramarital sexual acts .
• In some places , FGM is believed to increase a woman ’ s marriageability .
• It ’ s associated with ideals of modesty and femininity , by removing body parts that are thought to be ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious scripts institute the practice , it ’ s believed to have religious support .
• Some societies uphold it as a cultural tradition .
[ 3 ] Read : These Six Moms Didn ’ t Circumcise Their Sons And Here Are Their Reasons .
Unfortunately , the new law may take some time to permeate in Sudan due to the severe lockdown to prevent the spread of the current pandemic .
“ The timing has been unfortunate , ” said Ms. Ismail from the United Nations .
“ Everyone was preoccupied with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 of Sudan ’ s states have created laws to restrict or ban FGM , but these rulings created limited success and no prosecutions , according to campaign group 28 Too Many .
In 2016 , Omar al-Bashir , the countries ’ ruler for the past three decades , has tried to create a law banning FGM , but religious conservatives stifled it .
Since then Mr. al-Bashir has been replaced by a transitional government that is composed of a balance of power between civilian and military leaders , and its planning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also made strides for women ’ s rights .
Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok , the new leader of this government , has women ministers leading five ministries , and the council of ministers has repealed previous laws that determined what women can study , wear , and where they could meet in public .
However , this new government may not be a good long-term solution .
Tension between the civilian and military leaders are causing turbulence , and many people fear a military coup .
That ’ s not to say the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start in the right direction .
Nasr al-Din Mufreh , the Sudanese minister for religious affairs , has recently attended a celebration for International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation .
“ It is a practice that time , place , history and science have shown to be outdated , ” he said , explaining that FGM had no justification in Islam .
He has stated to support the campaigners ’ goal of ending the procedures in Sudan for good by 2030 .
“ Sudanese women along with the Egyptians and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FGM , ” said Nimco Ali , an anti-FGM activist who heads the Five Foundation , a global partnership to end the practice .
“ Sudanese women have always wanted to end FGM .
Sudan took the same path as Egypt politically — and that means women can also lead and be part of the transitional government.
” [ 4 ] Keep Reading : 23-Year-Old Commits Suicide Following Complications from His Circumcision

A victory for women’s rights has been made in Sudan, where female genital mutilation has finally become outlawed. This dangerous surgery has been widespread, but many believe that it will take more than this new legislation to stop the practice.
According to estimates from the United Nations, almost nine out of ten Sudanese women have been subjected to partial or total removal of external female genitalia, a procedure that leads to potential health and sex issues, and sometimes even death.
Because of the new criminal code by Sudan’s transitional government that rose to power last year, anyone who performs the mutilation can face three years in prison and a fine.
“This is a massive step for Sudan and its new government,” said Nimco Ali of the Five Foundation, an organization that works to end genital mutilation all around the world. “Africa cannot prosper unless it takes care of girls and women. They are showing this government has teeth.”
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is done in at least 27 African countries, parts of Asia, and in the Middle East. It is most prevalent in Sudan, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Djibouti, and Nigeria.
“The law will help protect girls from this barbaric practice and enable them to live in dignity,” said Salma Ismail, a spokeswoman for the United Nations Children’s Fund in Khartoum. “And it will help mothers who didn’t want to cut their girls, but felt they had no choice, to say ‘no.’”
“Now,” she added, “there are consequences.” [1]
Read: A 1970 Law Led to the Mass Sterilization of Native American Women. That History Still Matters
There’s Still Work to be Done
However, one law won’t completely solve the problem, experts warn, especially in countries where FGM is a part of the people’s cultural and religious beliefs. It’s believed to be a foundation of marriage and a tradition supported by men and women.
“This is not just about legal reforms,” Ms. Ismail said. “There’s a lot of work to be done to ensure that society will accept this.”
Egypt had banned FGM in 2008 but the practice continued and the law was amended in 2016. These changes criminalized parents and doctors who conducted and approved the procedure. They could be imprisoned up to seven years for conducting the operation and up to 15 if it resulted in the patient’s disability or death.
While this does sound like a step in the right direction, prosecutions occur rarely and the practice has continued more quietly than before. According to the United Nations, 70% of Egyptian women between the ages of 15 and 49 have been mutilated (usually before age 12). [2]
This year, a 12-year-old girl from Egypt died while under the knife of a retired doctor, who was performing the mutilation without giving her any anesthetic. In February, the authorities announced the doctor and the girl’s parents to be prosecuted.
Campaigns to end these procedures have been gaining traction worldwide. Communities have been evolving to turn against FGM and come up with different initiation ceremonies.
One campaign in Kenya has prevented at least 15,000 girls from becoming victims of the practice, where, keep in mind, cutting has been illegal since 2011 [1].
The World Health Organization defines FGM as a ‘Type III circumcision.’ It involves some form of removing the inner and outer labia, and often the clitoris. The wound is then sewn shut in a procedure known as re-infibulation, which can lead to cysts, painful intercourse, and the inability to orgasm.
Read: The Year Women Became Eligible to Vote in Each Country
The Reason Behind Female Genital Mutilation
According to the World Health Organization, FGM is “internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.” This includes the rights to health, security, and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and inhuman treatment, and in some cases, the right to life.
There are no health benefits for FGM, and its health risks are severe. However, it continues being performed for the following reasons:
In many areas where its performed, it’s considered a social norm and therefore unquestioned.
It’s considered a necessary step to raise a girl and to help her get ready for adulthood and marriage.
It’s intended to restrict women’s sexuality by ensuring premarital virginity and marital fidelity. FGM is meant to lower a woman’s libido and help her resist extramarital sexual acts.
In some places, FGM is believed to increase a woman’s marriageability.
It’s associated with ideals of modesty and femininity, by removing body parts that are thought to be ‘unclean and unfeminine.’
Although no religious scripts institute the practice, it’s believed to have religious support.
Some societies uphold it as a cultural tradition. [3]
Bad Timing
Unfortunately, the new law may take some time to permeate in Sudan due to the severe lockdown to prevent the spread of the current pandemic.
“The timing has been unfortunate,” said Ms. Ismail from the United Nations. “Everyone was preoccupied with Covid-19.”
Fortunately, six of the 18 of Sudan’s states have created laws to restrict or ban FGM, but these rulings created limited success and no prosecutions, according to campaign group 28 Too Many.
In 2016, Omar al-Bashir, the countries’ ruler for the past three decades, has tried to create a law banning FGM, but religious conservatives stifled it. Since then Mr. al-Bashir has been replaced by a transitional government that is composed of a balance of power between civilian and military leaders, and its planning to arrange elections in 2022. It has also made strides for women’s rights.
Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, the new leader of this government, has women ministers leading five ministries, and the council of ministers has repealed previous laws that determined what women can study, wear, and where they could meet in public.
However, this new government may not be a good long-term solution. Tension between the civilian and military leaders are causing turbulence, and many people fear a military coup. That’s not to say the strides being made aren’t a start in the right direction.
A Better Future for Women’s Rights
Nasr al-Din Mufreh, the Sudanese minister for religious affairs, has recently attended a celebration for International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. “It is a practice that time, place, history and science have shown to be outdated,” he said, explaining that FGM had no justification in Islam. He has stated to support the campaigners’ goal of ending the procedures in Sudan for good by 2030.
“Sudanese women along with the Egyptians and Somalis have been leading the fight against FGM,” said Nimco Ali, an anti-FGM activist who heads the Five Foundation, a global partnership to end the practice. “Sudanese women have always wanted to end FGM. Sudan took the same path as Egypt politically — and that means women can also lead and be part of the transitional government.” [4]


theheartysoul--2020-05-05--Man who became a millionaire after living on $200 a month says these are the downsides of a windfall

“ Everybody loves a rags to riches story , ” says Loren Krytzer , a man who went from surviving on disability checks to become a millionaire in a matter of minutes .
Krytzer worked as a freelance carpenter until a car accident and a leg amputation took his livelihood from him .
He was barely scraping by until he realized an old family heirloom was actually a Navajo blanket from the 1800s was worth $ 1.5 million .
Selling the blanket “ gave me a new lease on life , ” Krytzer told CNBC .
“ It truly did.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luck He inherited the blanket from his grandmother , who didn ’ t know its value either .
When she passed away , he went to her house to get the books she had promised him .
“ Everything was already pillaged through by my sister and my mother , ” he describes .
There was a bag with two blankets in it .
One was a soft Hudson ’ s Bay blanket and the other was the Navajo blanket that his grandmother had once spread over the porch when her cat was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the Hudson ’ s Bay blanket but the other fell out .
“ I said , ‘ What are you going to do with that ?
’ She said , ‘ I don ’ t want that , that dirty old thing ?
’ I picked it up… put it in my closet and there it sat for seven years , ” he says .
Those seven years included the downward spiral of Kryzer ’ s luck , the end of his carpentry career , and the loss of his leg .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ best I could , and finally it got so bad they said , ‘ Now we have to cut your foot off , ’ ” he recalls .
He struggled to get disability payments , which forced him to send his kids to their grandparents in Louisiana .
“ I mean , what do you do ?
I had kids to take care of , no money , you know ?
Nothing saved up or nothing like that , ” Krytzer says .
When he was able to get disability , it provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s shack in Leona Valley , which he managed to negotiate rent to $ 700 , leaving $ 200 to live on , not including whatever income came from Lisa , his then-girlfriend , now-wife .
Read : Dentistry Student Shares Touching Story of Being Raised by Father with Down Syndrome The Auction That Changed His Life In 2011 , Krytzer watched an episode of “ Antiques Roadshow ” where an elderly man was surprised to learn that his First Phase Navajo blanket was worth about $ 500,000 .
Not a strange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognized the blanket on TV as being similar to the one in his closet .
“ I paused it and I went and got the blanket and I ’ m sitting there holding it .
…I ’ m lining up the lines on the TV with the blanket , seeing if they match , ” Krytzer says .
“ This guy is on TV , the appraiser says $ 300,000 to $ 500,000 .
So I ’ m thinking maybe this one is worth $ 5 to $ 10 grand.
” [ 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one who thought the blanket was worth anything .
His grandmother thought no one would give him 10 bucks for it , and several antique dealers turned him away or dismissed it as an average Mexican blanket .
One directed him to John Moran Auctioneers , a local family-run auction company that specializes in Native American artifacts .
“ I looked them up online and they had an ad for bringing in items , like an open [ appraisal ] day , ” he says .
He drove half an hour to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most expensive item Moran ’ s company has ever sold .
It helped that Krytzer knew the history of the blanket , which began with his great-great-grandfather John Chantland , a Dakota tradesman from the 1800s .
The textile was found to be one of the rarest and finest of the Navajo chief ’ s blankets , according to the appraiser and specialist Joshua Baer .
“ This has only happened maybe three or four times with an unknown blanket where you see something and you know right away , ” Bauer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room [ and ] you can tell that you ’ re looking at something that is not just uncommonly beautiful , but that is still very much part of the time in which it was made.
” On Tuesday , June 12 , 2012 , the auction happened .
Krytzer was praying he ’ d be able to fix his car a bit or buy a house afterward .
What resulted was an intense bidding war for 77 seconds and the final payment of $ 1.5 million .
“ They had to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wipe sweat off my head , ” Krytzer says .
“ I started hyperventilating because I couldn ’ t believe it .
Everything just went limp and I couldn ’ t catch my breath.
” [ 3 ] Read : Cancer Took 27-Year-Old Holly Butcher ’ s Life – This Is Her Touching Life Advice Although Jeff Moran took Krytzer aside to warn him about the reality of a sudden windfall , Krytzer was still surprised at how fast money can dwindle .
Krytzer used much of his fortune to buy two homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 a year in insurance and property taxes .
He has no income since he is no longer on disability .
“ We ’ re getting taxed to death here , I can ’ t afford it , ” he says .
“ I ’ m from California , I grew up here , but without working it ’ s just hard to survive.
” He and his wife are now researching homes in Idaho where life and taxes are less expensive .
Another issue has occurred when people heard about his new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking for cut , to the point that Krytzer began suffering from frequent anxiety attacks .
His sister even threatened to sue him for some of the blanket ’ s profit .
“ I had people calling me and bugging me and stuff , ” Krytzer says .
“ People you haven ’ t seen in years , family members that don ’ t talk to you… You get some money and they ’ re like , ‘ Where ’ s mine ?
’ ” It ’ s been especially difficult explaining this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first got the money , I helped them out , ” Krytzer says .
“ But now it ’ s like I can ’ t do it , I don ’ t have it , and they are like , ‘ You have millions of dollars , you ’ re being selfish.
’ ” Despite these hardships , Krytzer declares that they are worth it .
He has mostly spent the money wisely on stocks and bonds , real estate , and the occasional splurges that were impossible when he had only $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took Lisa and his three daughters on a cruise to Mexico and bought a 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 .
“ I never had nothing like that , so I wanted a nice car and I did , I bought one , ” he says .
He doesn ’ t believe that the money has changed him ; actually , he thinks it saved his life .
“ I firmly believe I ’ m here because years ago I turned my life around , ” he says .
“ The things I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a strong faith and a strong mind .
Without those things you ’ re not going to make it.
” [ 4 ] Keep Reading : After Overcoming 11 Years of Addiction to Heroin , This Man Is Touching Millions of Lives

Man who became a millionaire after living on $200 a month says these are the downsides of a windfall
“Everybody loves a rags to riches story,” says Loren Krytzer, a man who went from surviving on disability checks to become a millionaire in a matter of minutes.
Krytzer worked as a freelance carpenter until a car accident and a leg amputation took his livelihood from him. He was barely scraping by until he realized an old family heirloom was actually a Navajo blanket from the 1800s was worth $1.5 million.
Selling the blanket “gave me a new lease on life,” Krytzer told CNBC. “It truly did.” [1]
Down on His Luck
He inherited the blanket from his grandmother, who didn’t know its value either. When she passed away, he went to her house to get the books she had promised him. “Everything was already pillaged through by my sister and my mother,” he describes.
There was a bag with two blankets in it. One was a soft Hudson’s Bay blanket and the other was the Navajo blanket that his grandmother had once spread over the porch when her cat was giving birth. Krytzer’s sister took the Hudson’s Bay blanket but the other fell out.
“I said, ‘What are you going to do with that?’ She said, ‘I don’t want that, that dirty old thing?’ I picked it up… put it in my closet and there it sat for seven years,” he says.
Those seven years included the downward spiral of Kryzer’s luck, the end of his carpentry career, and the loss of his leg.
“I kept trying to do the best I could, and finally it got so bad they said, ‘Now we have to cut your foot off,’” he recalls.
He struggled to get disability payments, which forced him to send his kids to their grandparents in Louisiana.
“I mean, what do you do? I had kids to take care of, no money, you know? Nothing saved up or nothing like that,” Krytzer says.
When he was able to get disability, it provided enough money to move into a friend’s shack in Leona Valley, which he managed to negotiate rent to $700, leaving $200 to live on, not including whatever income came from Lisa, his then-girlfriend, now-wife.
Read: Dentistry Student Shares Touching Story of Being Raised by Father with Down Syndrome
The Auction That Changed His Life
In 2011, Krytzer watched an episode of “Antiques Roadshow” where an elderly man was surprised to learn that his First Phase Navajo blanket was worth about $500,000. Not a strange episode for anyone besides for Krytzer who recognized the blanket on TV as being similar to the one in his closet.
“I paused it and I went and got the blanket and I’m sitting there holding it. …I’m lining up the lines on the TV with the blanket, seeing if they match,” Krytzer says. “This guy is on TV, the appraiser says $300,000 to $500,000. So I’m thinking maybe this one is worth $5 to $10 grand.” [2]
Krytzer seemed to be the only one who thought the blanket was worth anything. His grandmother thought no one would give him 10 bucks for it, and several antique dealers turned him away or dismissed it as an average Mexican blanket. One directed him to John Moran Auctioneers, a local family-run auction company that specializes in Native American artifacts.
“I looked them up online and they had an ad for bringing in items, like an open [appraisal] day,” he says.
He drove half an hour to the auction and brought the blanket that became the most expensive item Moran’s company has ever sold. It helped that Krytzer knew the history of the blanket, which began with his great-great-grandfather John Chantland, a Dakota tradesman from the 1800s. The textile was found to be one of the rarest and finest of the Navajo chief’s blankets, according to the appraiser and specialist Joshua Baer.
“This has only happened maybe three or four times with an unknown blanket where you see something and you know right away,” Bauer says. “You walk into the room [and] you can tell that you’re looking at something that is not just uncommonly beautiful, but that is still very much part of the time in which it was made.”
On Tuesday, June 12, 2012, the auction happened. Krytzer was praying he’d be able to fix his car a bit or buy a house afterward.
What resulted was an intense bidding war for 77 seconds and the final payment of $1.5 million.
“They had to bring over water and stuff to me and wipe sweat off my head,” Krytzer says. “I started hyperventilating because I couldn’t believe it. Everything just went limp and I couldn’t catch my breath.” [3]
New Life, New Problems
Although Jeff Moran took Krytzer aside to warn him about the reality of a sudden windfall, Krytzer was still surprised at how fast money can dwindle.
Krytzer used much of his fortune to buy two homes in Central California but began losing $10,000 a year in insurance and property taxes. He has no income since he is no longer on disability.
“We’re getting taxed to death here, I can’t afford it,” he says. “I’m from California, I grew up here, but without working it’s just hard to survive.”
He and his wife are now researching homes in Idaho where life and taxes are less expensive.
Another issue has occurred when people heard about his new fortune. Distant family members call him asking for cut, to the point that Krytzer began suffering from frequent anxiety attacks. His sister even threatened to sue him for some of the blanket’s profit.
“I had people calling me and bugging me and stuff,” Krytzer says. “People you haven’t seen in years, family members that don’t talk to you… You get some money and they’re like, ‘Where’s mine?’”
It’s been especially difficult explaining this to his children.
“When I first got the money, I helped them out,” Krytzer says. “But now it’s like I can’t do it, I don’t have it, and they are like, ‘You have millions of dollars, you’re being selfish.’”
A Good Life
Despite these hardships, Krytzer declares that they are worth it. He has mostly spent the money wisely on stocks and bonds, real estate, and the occasional splurges that were impossible when he had only $200 to spend a month.
He took Lisa and his three daughters on a cruise to Mexico and bought a 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8.
“I never had nothing like that, so I wanted a nice car and I did, I bought one,” he says.
He doesn’t believe that the money has changed him; actually, he thinks it saved his life.
“I firmly believe I’m here because years ago I turned my life around,” he says. “The things I’ve been through, I tell people it’s a strong faith and a strong mind. Without those things you’re not going to make it.” [4]
References:


theheartysoul--2020-05-05--California Man Living Off-Grid Since 1968 (Home Now Valued At $4-6 Million)

Have you ever gone camping or spent a night in a national park and thought “ I wish I could wake up here every day ” ?
Charles Bello and his late wife Vanna Rae had that dream too – and they ran with it .
Now more than 50 years later , Charles is still living that dream .
Back in the 1960s , Charles and Vanna Rae wanted to live a simpler life .
Charles had begun building homes and office buildings in high school served as a cartographer in the Vietnam War and worked as a civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an apprentice to architect Richard Neutra in Los Angeles .
( 2 ) He married Vanna Rae in 1965 .
For a time , they lived in New Zealand where Charles built and designed spec houses .
They loved nature , and upon returning to America Charles decided he would rather spend his days outside , gardening and building in the sunshine , then sitting at a desk drawing .
This pushed the couple to use their entire savings , as well as some help from their parents , to purchase 240 acres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1968 .
( 1 , 2 ) That original plot of land cost them $ 45,000 , which is now supposedly worth 4-6 million dollars ( 1 ) .
For decades , the land had been used by the logging industry , so much of the old-growth trees had been cut down .
There were no roads or bridges into what is now known as The Bello Ranch , and certainly no homes or buildings .
With the help of a few family members , they built their first A-frame cabin for $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 1 , 2 ) They lived in and raised their two sons in that house for 15 years .
They attached more rooms to the left-hand side of the house and planted grapevine leaves that acted as blinds for temperature control in the warm summer months .
On the property , the family raised goats and chickens , grew fruits and vegetables , and ran a Christmas tree farm .
The income from that allowed them to purchase another 150 in 1978 for $ 30,000 .
( 1 , 2 ) Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City of The Future ’ Tucked Away in The Arizona Desert Roughly 300 feet from their original home , Charles and Vanna Rae built their second home , known as The Grove House .
They lived in this one for around 10 years , however , they knew it was time to pick another location on the ranch when the trees grew enough to block their view of the sky .
( 1 , 2 ) Charles and Vanna Rae wanted their house to make them feel as though they were a part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is the driving force behind the open and interesting design of the home that Charles still lives in today .
( 1 , 2 ) “ I wanted to see the sky , so I came up here one day , and I sat on a box , and I looked up , and there ’ s a line that I scribed in my mind ’ s eye , and within 20 seconds , I had the whole house designed .
This was to be a living sculpture—it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every decision made in this house was not convenience or comfort , it was all to create the atmosphere of an artistic expression .
Ninety percent of what makes this house is not the house itself but what you ’ re seeing outside , so it gives you a place to enjoy nature in a very intimate and very close way.
” ( 2 ) The house itself is stunning with panoramic views that most of us only ever dream of .
There is a walk-out greenhouse that allows them to grow fresh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are almost entirely made of glass , so you almost get a 360 view of the ranch .
Though some visitors are put off by the lack of window coverings , for Charles it ’ s pure paradise .
( 1 , 2 ) All the buildings on the now 400-acre property are constructed to some degree from the wood found right there on the land .
Everything is designed to work with the land and have as small a carbon footprint as possible .
( 1 , 2 ) Charles is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gallery on the property where he displays his sculptures .
Between that , building new guest houses , taking on occasional furniture making contracts , and looking for others to take over the ranch when he is gone , he is one of the busiest and most energetic 87-year olds you will ever meet .
( 1 , 2 ) When they first arrived , much of the old redwood had been cut down .
Over the past five decades , the couple has worked tirelessly to restore the forest and preserve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy , but also for the benefit of the planet .
( 1 , 2 ) In 1997 , he and Vanna Rae founded The Redwood Forest Institute .
The purpose of the non-profit is to protect and restore giant redwood forests by ( 2 ) : • Educating the public about the importance of Redwood forests • Designate trees to one day be considered old-growth The Future of the Farm With their sons grown and gone and Vanna Rae having passed away in 2010 , Charles now lives on the property alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and guests who come stay as well , which helps to fund the non-profit .
Slowing down in his advanced age , Charles is looking for people to move in and take over .
( 1 , 2 ) Challenges include finding the right people for the job and maintaining board membership for The Redwood Forest Institute .
Ideally , it will be the board that makes the decisions as to who is the right fit to take over the property .
So far they ’ ve tried 15 to 20 people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranch life isn ’ t the life for them .
( 1 , 2 ) Finding people who want to do the work that the property requires is a tough job .
His sons , who grew up in the space until they were 15 , have established lives in the “ normal ” world , wanting a life of more adventure and travel .
For many people , it seems like an idyllic life , because they have no idea the amount of work that must be done daily .
( 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know are interested in learning more about becoming a caretaker and resident of The Bello Ranch , click this link .
Keep Reading : A community of ‘ voluntary anarchists ’ is taking off-the-grid living to the next level

Have you ever gone camping or spent a night in a national park and thought “I wish I could wake up here every day”?
Charles Bello and his late wife Vanna Rae had that dream too – and they ran with it. Now more than 50 years later, Charles is still living that dream.
A Nature Lovers Dream
Back in the 1960s, Charles and Vanna Rae wanted to live a simpler life. Charles had begun building homes and office buildings in high school served as a cartographer in the Vietnam War and worked as a civil engineer at Berkley, all before becoming an apprentice to architect Richard Neutra in Los Angeles. (2)
He married Vanna Rae in 1965. For a time, they lived in New Zealand where Charles built and designed spec houses. They loved nature, and upon returning to America Charles decided he would rather spend his days outside, gardening and building in the sunshine, then sitting at a desk drawing. This pushed the couple to use their entire savings, as well as some help from their parents, to purchase 240 acres of redwood forest in Northern California in 1968. (1, 2)
A Cabin in the Woods
That original plot of land cost them $45,000, which is now supposedly worth 4-6 million dollars (1). For decades, the land had been used by the logging industry, so much of the old-growth trees had been cut down. There were no roads or bridges into what is now known as The Bello Ranch, and certainly no homes or buildings.
With the help of a few family members, they built their first A-frame cabin for $2,800 and in just five days. (1, 2)
They lived in and raised their two sons in that house for 15 years. They attached more rooms to the left-hand side of the house and planted grapevine leaves that acted as blinds for temperature control in the warm summer months. On the property, the family raised goats and chickens, grew fruits and vegetables, and ran a Christmas tree farm. The income from that allowed them to purchase another 150 in 1978 for $30,000. (1, 2)
The Grove House
Roughly 300 feet from their original home, Charles and Vanna Rae built their second home, known as The Grove House. They lived in this one for around 10 years, however, they knew it was time to pick another location on the ranch when the trees grew enough to block their view of the sky. (1, 2)
The Glass House
Charles and Vanna Rae wanted their house to make them feel as though they were a part of the nature they were surrounded by. This is the driving force behind the open and interesting design of the home that Charles still lives in today. (1, 2)
“I wanted to see the sky, so I came up here one day, and I sat on a box, and I looked up, and there’s a line that I scribed in my mind’s eye, and within 20 seconds, I had the whole house designed. This was to be a living sculpture—it’s a piece of sculpture we live in—and so every decision made in this house was not convenience or comfort, it was all to create the atmosphere of an artistic expression. Ninety percent of what makes this house is not the house itself but what you’re seeing outside, so it gives you a place to enjoy nature in a very intimate and very close way.” (2)
The house itself is stunning with panoramic views that most of us only ever dream of. There is a walk-out greenhouse that allows them to grow fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. The walls are almost entirely made of glass, so you almost get a 360 view of the ranch. Though some visitors are put off by the lack of window coverings, for Charles it’s pure paradise. (1, 2)
The Art of Restoration
All the buildings on the now 400-acre property are constructed to some degree from the wood found right there on the land. Everything is designed to work with the land and have as small a carbon footprint as possible. (1, 2)
Charles is an avid woodworker and has a beautiful little gallery on the property where he displays his sculptures. Between that, building new guest houses, taking on occasional furniture making contracts, and looking for others to take over the ranch when he is gone, he is one of the busiest and most energetic 87-year olds you will ever meet. (1, 2)
The Redwood Forest Institute
When they first arrived, much of the old redwood had been cut down. Over the past five decades, the couple has worked tirelessly to restore the forest and preserve the woods not just for future generations to enjoy, but also for the benefit of the planet. (1, 2)
In 1997, he and Vanna Rae founded The Redwood Forest Institute. The purpose of the non-profit is to protect and restore giant redwood forests by (2):
Purchasing and managing forest lands
Preserving existing forests
Educating the public about the importance of Redwood forests
Providing recreation opportunities in the forests
Designate trees to one day be considered old-growth
“I’ve selected 1,000 trees that can never be cut for 2,000 years,” he says. “So let’s not just look short-term, let’s look at what’s gonna happen in the long run.” (2)
Read: Family of 7 Living Completely Off-Grid in Northern Canada!
The Future of the Farm
With their sons grown and gone and Vanna Rae having passed away in 2010, Charles now lives on the property alone. He has help, however, and guests who come stay as well, which helps to fund the non-profit. Slowing down in his advanced age, Charles is looking for people to move in and take over. (1, 2)
“What I would like to see for the future of the farm is to find three highly motivated, middle-aged couples who are interested in settling down on this land as their permanent home, seeking to live the alternative lifestyle that this place has to offer: off-the-grid isolation, self-sustaining in food production, power, and finances,” (2)
Challenges include finding the right people for the job and maintaining board membership for The Redwood Forest Institute. Ideally, it will be the board that makes the decisions as to who is the right fit to take over the property. So far they’ve tried 15 to 20 people, all of whom have decided that the ranch life isn’t the life for them. (1, 2)
Finding people who want to do the work that the property requires is a tough job. His sons, who grew up in the space until they were 15, have established lives in the “normal” world, wanting a life of more adventure and travel. For many people, it seems like an idyllic life, because they have no idea the amount of work that must be done daily. (1, 2)
“I really hurt not having, right at this moment, a solution for the future of this property,” he says. “That is the most important thing to me, is hoping that I could put together some plan that could carry forward some semblance of what I have done here so that there’s a continuation of this.” (2)
If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about becoming a caretaker and resident of The Bello Ranch, click this link.
Keep Reading: A community of ‘voluntary anarchists’ is taking off-the-grid living to the next level


theheartysoul--2020-05-07--Crochet Egg Apron Helps You Carry Tons Of Eggs, Perfect For Chicken Owners

While most of us buy our eggs in cartons at the grocery store , there are some lucky individuals among us who have their own chicken coops , and get to enjoy farm-fresh eggs every day .
Of course , this does come with a trade-off , as taking care of your own flock of chickens is a lot of work .
For those who do own chickens , collecting eggs out of the chicken coop is a daily task .
One constant problem that many chicken-owners face , however , is how to carry all of the eggs they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wherever there is a problem , somewhere on the internet you will find a solution , and this time is no different .
Some particularly crafty chicken-owners have come up with a creative way to safely store your eggs until you can get them into your kitchen .
Heart Hook Homes , an online shop that specializes in custom crochet patterns , has created a crocheted apron that can hold up to nineteen eggs at once .
It conveniently ties around your waist , freeing up your hands for more egg-snatching [ 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make one of your own , the pattern is available for purchase on the shop ’ s Etsy website .
All you will need to get started is a size J crochet hook , a needle for sewing , bobby pins , and 725 yards of cotton blend [ 1 ] .
While you ’ re on the site , you can browse many of their other patterns for jackets , blankets , slippers , and more .
If crocheting isn ’ t your strong suit , you can still own one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different ready-made egg aprons in a range of styles , sizes , and prices , available on Etsy or Amazon to satisfy your egg-carrying needs .
What You Should Know Before Raising Chickens Perhaps you are reading this because you or someone you know already owns chickens , or maybe this apron caught your eye because you are considering getting a few birds yourself .
If you ’ ve been debating on whether or not you should try raising chickens , there are a few things you will want to keep in mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are some important things to keep in mind .
Check your local bylaws , and understand what is and isn ’ t allowed .
Every town and municipality has its own rules regarding how many chickens you ’ re allowed to keep , if you ’ re allowed to have roosters , and whether or not you need a permit .
If eggs are the only thing you ’ re after , then you actually do not need a rooster .
Hens will lay eggs regardless , so if the laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep a rooster , you may still be able to raise chickens .
When building or purchasing a coop , consider how much space you have available .
A coop should provide three to five square feet of floor space per chicken , so how much space you have available may dictate how many chickens you can keep .
When properly cared for , a chicken can live for up to ten years .
Most hens , however , will only lay eggs regularly for two or three years , after which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by about twenty percent per year .
Chickens also do not lay eggs all year round .
In the winter , when they begin molting and get less sunlight , egg production will slow considerably , if not stop altogether .
One benefit to farm fresh eggs is that they do not need to be washed or refrigerated .
Every egg has a protective coating called the “ bloom ” , that prevents air and bacteria from entering the egg through the pores in the shell .
For this reason , eggs can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Washing is best done immediately before use , with a gentle rinse under warm water , and if you ’ re not planning on eating your eggs fairly soon , popping them in the fridge will help them to last longer .
Chickens lay a lot of eggs , and if you ’ re planning on selling your excess eggs , you should check your egg bylaws first .
Each state has different laws regarding how eggs must be handled , labeled , and sold .
Finally , keep in mind that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chickens are extremely vulnerable to all kinds of predators , including foxes , hawks , coyotes , raccoons , and even the family dog .
For their safety , it is important that they have a securely enclosed pen during the day , or a dedicated guard-animal if they are going to roam freely [ 2 ] .
Read : 15 Medicinal Plants That Can Easily Be Grown In Your Yard Aside from laying eggs , there are many other benefits to raising chickens .
They create excellent fertilizer for your garden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they ’ ll eat all your leftover food scraps from salads , vegetable peelings , rice , fruits , nuts , and seeds , and they ’ re a natural way to help control bugs and weeds .
Chickens also make great pets .
They each have their own personalities , and can actually be very affectionate toward humans .
They can be sweet , shy , grouchy , or playful , and you can have a tonne of fun playing with your pet birds [ 3 ] .
Keep Reading : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farm Fresh , Antibiotic-Free Eggs By Raising Your Own Chickens

While most of us buy our eggs in cartons at the grocery store, there are some lucky individuals among us who have their own chicken coops, and get to enjoy farm-fresh eggs every day. Of course, this does come with a trade-off, as taking care of your own flock of chickens is a lot of work. But that’s where this cute egg apron comes into play.
For those who do own chickens, collecting eggs out of the chicken coop is a daily task. One constant problem that many chicken-owners face, however, is how to carry all of the eggs they’ve collected without breaking them.
Wherever there is a problem, somewhere on the internet you will find a solution, and this time is no different. Some particularly crafty chicken-owners have come up with a creative way to safely store your eggs until you can get them into your kitchen.
Read more: How To Raise Quail For Eggs, Meat, And More
An Egg-Celent Apron
Heart Hook Homes, an online shop that specializes in custom crochet patterns, has created a crocheted apron that can hold up to nineteen eggs at once. It conveniently ties around your waist, freeing up your hands for more egg-snatching.
If you would like to make one of your own, the pattern is available for purchase on the shop’s Etsy website. All you will need to get started is a size J crochet hook, a needle for sewing, bobby pins, and 725 yards of cotton blend.
While you’re on the site, you can browse many of their other patterns for jackets, blankets, slippers, and more.
If crocheting isn’t your strong suit, you can still own one of these handy aprons. There are many different ready-made egg aprons in a range of styles, sizes, and prices, available on Etsy or Amazon to satisfy your egg-carrying needs.
Read more: How To Raise Ducks For Eggs In Your Backyard
What You Should Know Before Raising Chickens
Perhaps you are reading this because you or someone you know already owns chickens, or maybe this apron caught your eye because you are considering getting a few birds yourself. If you’ve been debating on whether or not you should try raising chickens, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind.
Before you purchase and raise chickens, there are some important things to keep in mind. Check your local bylaws, and understand what is and isn’t allowed. Every town and municipality has its own rules regarding how many chickens you’re allowed to keep, if you’re allowed to have roosters, and whether or not you need a permit.
If eggs are the only thing you’re after, then you actually do not need a rooster. Hens will lay eggs regardless, so if the laws in your area do not allow you to keep a rooster, you may still be able to raise chickens.
Read more: Eggshells in the Garden: 5 Ways They’ll Help You Grow Food
When building or purchasing a coop, consider how much space you have available. A coop should provide three to five square feet of floor space per chicken, so how much space you have available may dictate how many chickens you can keep.
When properly cared for, a chicken can live for up to ten years. Most hens, however, will only lay eggs regularly for two or three years, after which her egg production will begin to decrease by about twenty percent per year. Chickens also do not lay eggs all year round. In the winter, when they begin molting and get less sunlight, egg production will slow considerably, if not stop altogether.
One benefit to farm fresh eggs is that they do not need to be washed or refrigerated. Every egg has a protective coating called the “bloom”, that prevents air and bacteria from entering the egg through the pores in the shell. For this reason, eggs can sit out at room temperature for weeks. Washing is best done immediately before use, with a gentle rinse under warm water, and if you’re not planning on eating your eggs fairly soon, popping them in the fridge will help them to last longer.
Chickens lay a lot of eggs, and if you’re planning on selling your excess eggs, you should check your egg bylaws first. Each state has different laws regarding how eggs must be handled, labeled, and sold.
Finally, keep in mind that since they can’t fly, chickens are extremely vulnerable to all kinds of predators, including foxes, hawks, coyotes, raccoons, and even the family dog. For their safety, it is important that they have a securely enclosed pen during the day, or a dedicated guard-animal if they are going to roam freely.
Keep reading: How To Keep Chickens Out Of The Garden
The Benefits of Raising Chickens
Aside from laying eggs, there are many other benefits to raising chickens. They create excellent fertilizer for your garden, they can help you clean your yard, they’ll eat all your leftover food scraps from salads, vegetable peelings, rice, fruits, nuts, and seeds, and they’re a natural way to help control bugs and weeds.
Chickens also make great pets. They each have their own personalities, and can actually be very affectionate toward humans. They can be sweet, shy, grouchy, or playful, and you can have a tonne of fun playing with your pet birds.
Read next: Duck Eggs vs Chicken Eggs: Which Is Better?


theheartysoul--2020-05-05--California Man Living Off-Grid Since 1968 (Property Now Valued At $4-6 Million)


theheartysoul--2020-05-07--Jellyfish Succulents Will Transform Your Garden Into An Otherworldly ‘Aquarium’

Do you dream of an ethereal backyard garden , a fairy-like front porch , or a balcony oasis that ’ s not just gorgeous , but easy to take care of ?
There ’ s a new gardening trend that is just the thing you need : Jellyfish Succulents .
A Jellyfish Succulent is when you plant a variety of succulents in a hanging basket included with vine-like plants that grow down whimsically towards the ground .
This is what gives these baskets their jellyfish-like appearance .
The benefit of growing these plants is because they are made primarily of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take care of .
These incredible little plants require very little water or attention , in fact , they grow best when you leave them alone , watering them only when the soil is dry to the touch .
These are the perfect plant to try this spring – green thumb or not .
Read : 15 Medicinal Plants That Can Easily Be Grown In Your Yard To make these planters , you first have to select your succulents for the “ body ” of the jellyfish and your plant that will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there , you can follow these steps to create your jellyfish : To make a jellyfish succulent , you will need : • Your two types of plants There are a few different ways you can do this , however to achieve the true rounded shape of the body , you will want to choose a moss basket that you can fill with soil and turn over , planting the succulents around the top .
You will need four to six of the tendril plants and anywhere from 10 to 25 succulents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the size of your succulents .
You want enough that it will fill out the entire basket once they ’ ve grown .
Take your moss basket and pack it with high-quality potting soil .
You can add fertilizer if you wish .
From there , plant your tentacle plants a couple of inches in from the outside of the basket .
Really , where you plant your tentacles depends on what look you are going for with your jellyfish .
Next , you need to cover the bottom of the hanger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plants .
This is necessary because you will be turning the basket over , so it needs to be so the soil doesn ’ t fall out onto the ground , especially when it is heavier after you ’ ve watered it !
Using the needle , thread the wire around , across , and in all directions to secure the felt strongly to the basket .
Read : 20 easy plants that you almost never have to water Once that is secured , turn the basket over , being careful not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succulents , first remove them from their pots and clear most of the soil off of their roots as well as any dead leaves .
Next , pick a spot on your plant to put your succulent .
Stick it into the moss , then use your sewing staple to secure the succulent .
Make sure it is facing outward and that the bottom of the plant is in contact with the planter so that the plant will be able to root into the basket .
You want to leave some space between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you are unsure how wide in diameter they will grow , ask your florist .
Hang and water your basket , checking the bottom carefully .
Are there any bulges in the fabric covering the bottom ?
If so , get more wire and thread it through a few more times in that area .
The last thing you want is to come outside and find all of your soil and tentacles in a pile on the ground !
At first , you want to ensure you keep the basket moist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give the plants a chance to establish themselves .
After a few weeks they should be all okay .
After that time , if any of the succulents don ’ t make it , or there are visible gaps , you can replace them .
For an extra touch , weave solar-powered fairy lights through the basket and down with the tendrils and watch your jellyfish glow and sparkle each night .
Though actually putting one of these together is quite a time commitment , the results are so beautiful that it makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into it worth it .
Keep Reading : Rose Succulents : The Rare Plants That Could Have Come Straight Out Of a Fairytale

Beautifying your back yard, or your front porch, has never been so much fun! Jellyfish succulents are magical looking planters that really add a touch of deep sea wonder to any property. And they’re not the only succulents around to inspire thoughts of the sea: check out these mermaid tail succulents. They look just like a mermaid’s tail waving out of the water.
You probably haven’t heard of jellyfish succulents before, and that’s okay. After all, there are so many creative ways to enhance your natural surroundings, your ideas on Pinterest are likely overloading your brain.
There is a new trend in gardening and as much as we usually ignore trendy things, we are ready to jump on this bandwagon right this very second. Once you see them, you will too.
Read More: How To Propagate Succulents
Caring for jellyfish succulents
Some people (right here) have an uncanny ability to end every plant they touch, before they even have a chance to grow. In other words, when someone needs a person to watch their plants and water them, they know not to ask you.
But, good news here, succulents don’t require much attention, water, or anything else really. They tend to take care of themselves with little to no involvement from us silly human species. And they come in the most beautiful shapes and sizes.
Some people have gone the extra mile and found creative ways to incorporate multiple types of plants or succulents to create ‘jellyfish succulent planters.”
The great thing about this, is that you can make it exactly your own, to fit your unique style or aesthetic.
As you can see, there are an endless number of possibilities. Mix and match however your heart desires!
We are going to show you how to make one of these hanging planters using two types of basic succulents, which you should be able to find at any garden center. Then, you can re-create the following steps and change the plants to anything you’d like. The possibilities are endless.
First, you need your hanging basket, soil, and two types of plants you’d like to use: one for the top of the ‘jellyfish,’ and one for the ‘tentacles.’
Take enough soil to fill your hanging basket nearly to the top. Then, plant five of your hanging succulents around the outside, near the rim of the planter. For this example, we’re going to be using Donkey’s Tail (Sedum morganianum).
Next, take five to six of your chosen flowering succulents and plant them in the inside of your hanging planter. Give each one enough space to fully grow and create that ‘bulbous’ look for the jellyfish. For this example we are using Echeveria, the rose type succulent. (One of the benefits of using this type of succulent is the many varieties of colours they come in)
After a few weeks, you will start to notice the lengthening of the tail, and the blossoming of the top.
Eventually, you will have something like this:
And the best part is that you can incorporate any number of different plants to suit your liking. Happy gardening!


theheartysoul--2020-05-06--Photographer ‘Accidentally’ Captures Incredible Photos of a Brilliant Green Meteor

The best pictures are often the unplanned ones that happen simply by a stroke of luck .
Some of the hardest things to capture are celestial events .
These occurrences often have a timing of their own and would barely last long enough for anyone to get the perfect shots .
Even more annoying , your side of the planet might be just the worst angle .
Well , this lucky Indian photographer got to capture one of the trickiest celestial bodies that hurtle across to earth year-round .
Over 25 million meteors streak past our skyline but they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracked , most of which are impossible to see in daylight .
A meteor ( not to be confused with meteorite ) is a small body of matter from space that drops into the earth ’ s atmosphere at an incredibly high speed , becomes incandescent due to high friction , and would ultimately zoom past the sky as a streak of bright light .
Essentially , that thing we all know as a shooting star is actually a meteor , and they often burn up into tiny particles of heated dust or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read : 11 natural phenomenons caught on camera that you won ’ t believe aren ’ t photoshopped Make a Wish – if you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse Alluded to earlier , the famous photographer , Prasanjeet Yadav , is one of the few people who have ever captured real , high-resolution images of a meteor [ 1 ] .
The molecular biologist turned photographer had captured the incredible shot in the municipal town of Mettupalayam in Coimbatore , South India .
In October 2015 , Yadav had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campsite when a bright green , dazzling meteor shot downward from outer space toward the earth .
He wouldn ’ t have ever captured it on time , but his time-lapse rig had been at the ready .
The Nikon D600 had been programmed to take 15-second exposures every 10 seconds , and it was a dumb stroke of luck that the meteor had passed during one of the exposures .
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity , and Yadav seized it , by accident .
He wasn ’ t on a mountain top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even know one would hurtle across the sky that night .
Yadav had just won a National Geographic Young Explorers grant to document “ sky islands ” in the Western Ghats , a documentary about isolated mountains surrounded by utterly different lowland environments .
He wanted to capture the terrain at different stages of the night , highlighted by lights coming from people ’ s homes to showcase urbanization against nature .
The meteor had only just been a souvenir , and he ’ d discovered it as he was combing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had captured overnight .
Yadav , presently an explorer for National Geographic , had been a molecular biologist with a specialty in big cats before photography became more of a purpose than a hobby .
He explains that he felt the inclination to give others a visual into the scientific world since not many people would ever attempt to read an academic paper .
He integrates science deeply into his photos and “ chooses ignored subjects , landscapes , and species and find ways to develop engaging and accessible photos , ” according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Man Keeps Rock For Years , Hoping It ’ s Gold .
It Turned Out to Be Far More Valuable

The best pictures are often the unplanned ones that happen simply by a stroke of luck. One photographer had a heck of a stroke of good luck when he captured a green meteor streaking across the sky.
Some of the hardest things to capture are celestial events. These occurrences often have a timing of their own and would barely last long enough for anyone to get the perfect shots. Even more annoying, your side of the planet might be just the worst angle.
Well, this lucky Indian photographer got to capture one of the trickiest celestial bodies that hurtle across to earth year-round. Over 25 million meteors streak past our skyline but they are often too tiny to be seen or tracked, most of which are impossible to see in daylight. A meteor (not to be confused with meteorite) is a small body of matter from space that drops into the earth’s atmosphere at an incredibly high speed, becomes incandescent due to high friction, and would ultimately zoom past the sky as a streak of bright light.
Essentially, that thing we all know as a shooting star is actually a meteor, and they often burn up into tiny particles of heated dust or rocks before they can reach the ground.
Make a Wish – if you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a green meteor
Alluded to earlier, the famous photographer, Prasanjeet Yadav, is one of the few people who have ever captured real, high-resolution images of a meteor [1]. The molecular biologist turned photographer had captured the incredible shot in the municipal town of Mettupalayam in Coimbatore, South India.
In October 2015, Yadav had been peacefully asleep on the mountains in his campsite when a bright green, dazzling meteor shot downward from outer space toward the earth. He wouldn’t have ever captured it on time, but his time-lapse rig had been at the ready. The Nikon D600 had been programmed to take 15-second exposures every 10 seconds, and it was a dumb stroke of luck that the meteor had passed during one of the exposures.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Yadav seized it, by accident. He wasn’t on a mountain top to photograph a meteor – he didn’t even know one would hurtle across the sky that night. Yadav had just won a National Geographic Young Explorers grant to document “sky islands” in the Western Ghats, a documentary about isolated mountains surrounded by utterly different lowland environments. He wanted to capture the terrain at different stages of the night, highlighted by lights coming from people’s homes to showcase urbanization against nature.
The meteor had only just been a souvenir, and he’d discovered it as he was combing through the thousands of shots his rig had captured overnight.
“I was there, and that’s what photography is all about—being there in the right place at the right time,” Yadav told Wired [2].
“This is definitely one of the most memorable shots I have ever taken and also the first image that National Geographic published back in 2016,” Yadav writes. “The green Meteor’s greenish color comes from a combination of the heating of oxygen around the meteor and the mix of minerals ignited as the rock enters Earth’s atmosphere.”
Yadav, presently an explorer for National Geographic, had been a molecular biologist with a specialty in big cats before photography became more of a purpose than a hobby. He explains that he felt the inclination to give others a visual into the scientific world since not many people would ever attempt to read an academic paper. He integrates science deeply into his photos and “chooses ignored subjects, landscapes, and species and find ways to develop engaging and accessible photos,” according to his website.
Images: Prasenjeet Yadav
Keep Reading: Man Keeps Rock For Years, Hoping It’s Gold. It Turned Out to Be Far More Valuable


theheartysoul--2020-05-06--Moms, Here’s A Reminder You’ll Always Be ‘Home Base’ For Your Boys

“ A mother is her son ’ s home base .
You are home to him , ” Tabitha of Team Studer wrote in 2011 .
Rachal Boley , a writer at Three Boys and a Mom , reposted her message onto her Instagram and brought these words back into the public eye .
This beautiful post describes the deep connection between a mother and her son .
Although boys tend to separate from their moms as they develop , they still need to feel emotionally connected with their mothers .
Sons want their efforts and successes to be acknowledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phases when they fear the stigma of being too clingy and fond of their mothers , aka a ‘ mama ’ s boy.
’ That ’ s why teenage boys ’ behaviors can seem so fickle ; they want mama ’ s approval but are very embarrassed to show that .
No matter the age , they still want their mothers to be impressed with them , and that ’ s why they turn to mom when they are going through a hard time .
[ 1 ] “ When he learns to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet away from you and then come back , then wobble a little farther and then come back , ” wrote Tabitha .
“ When he tries something new , he will look for your proud smile .
When he learns to read , he will repeat the same book to you 20 times in a row , because you ’ re the only one who will listen that many times .
When he plays a sport , he will search for your face in the stands .
When he is sick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really messes up , he will call you .
“ When he is grown and strong and tough and big and he feels like crying , he will come to you ; because a man can cry in front of his mother without feeling self-conscious.
” “ There ’ s Nothing Like the Bond Between Mother and Son ” There ’ s something very different raising a boy compared to raising a girl .
Little boys may be rambunctious , but they put just as much fierceness and energy into their love for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and affection never quite goes away , even when the boys grow up .
Annie Reneau described her experiences raising a son after two daughters on Scary Mommy .
As a sort of “ girl mom , ” she was worried about how she would raise her first boy “ I really didn ’ t expect there to be this much of a difference , ” she wrote .
“ I ’ m not generally one to assign specific behaviors or qualities to gender , and always thought it sounded a little sexist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their sons are different from what they have with their daughters .
But in my experience , it ’ s true .
Boys simply adore their mamas .
And the feeling is mutual.
” [ 2 ] Read : Dad , What I ’ d give if I could say , “ Hello Dad ” in the same old way .
The Effects of the Mother-Son Bond There have been many studies researching this relationship .
An analysis by Dr. Pascso Fearson from the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences examined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 years old or younger .
According to Bowlby and Ainsworth ’ s attachment theory , children with secure attachments are able to expect support and comfort from their caretakers who will deliver them consistently .
However , kids with insecure attachments have these requests rejected , discouraged , or receive inconsistent responses .
This is believed to make these kids susceptible to behavioral problems .
Researchers set out to see how the relationship between sons and mothers , in particular , affect the boys ’ later development of behavioral problems .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including , assessing the children ’ s behavior , parent and teacher questionnaires , and observations .
“ The central question we posed was whether attachment insecurity was associated with behavior problems across all the studies conducted to date .
The results showed quite clearly that the answer to this question is a firm yes , ” said Dr. Fearson .
“ More specifically , our analysis showed that children with insecure attachments to their mothers , particularly boys , had significantly more behavioral problems , even when the behavioral problems were measured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just shows the importance of the mother and son connection for the child ’ s development and behavior later in life .
Mothers are the foundation in a growing boy ’ s life , even if he wouldn ’ t like to admit it .
Deep down , it seems that every son is secretly — or not so secretly — a mama ’ s boy .

“A mother is her son’s home base. You are home to him,” Tabitha of Team Studer wrote in 2011. Rachal Boley, a writer at Three Boys and a Mom, reposted her message onto her Instagram and brought these words back into the public eye.
This beautiful post describes the deep connection between a mother and her son. Although boys tend to separate from their moms as they develop, they still need to feel emotionally connected with their mothers. Sons want their efforts and successes to be acknowledged and praised, even through their rebellious phases when they fear the stigma of being too clingy and fond of their mothers, aka a ‘mama’s boy.’ That’s why teenage boys’ behaviors can seem so fickle; they want mama’s approval but are very embarrassed to show that.
Mom will always be home base
No matter the age, they still want their mothers to be impressed with them, and that’s why they turn to mom when they are going through a hard time. [1]
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVuOEiWgNXL/
“When he learns to walk, he will wobble a few feet away from you and then come back, then wobble a little farther and then come back,” wrote Tabitha. “When he tries something new, he will look for your proud smile. When he learns to read, he will repeat the same book to you 20 times in a row, because you’re the only one who will listen that many times. When he plays a sport, he will search for your face in the stands. When he is sick, he will call you. When he really messes up, he will call you. “When he is grown and strong and tough and big and he feels like crying, he will come to you; because a man can cry in front of his mother without feeling self-conscious.” “There’s Nothing Like the Bond Between Mother and Son”
There’s something very different raising a boy compared to raising a girl. Little boys may be rambunctious, but they put just as much fierceness and energy into their love for their mothers. This bond of adoration and affection never quite goes away, even when the boys grow up.
Annie Reneau described her experiences raising a son after two daughters on Scary Mommy. As a sort of “girl mom,” she was worried about how she would raise her first boy
“I really didn’t expect there to be this much of a difference,” she wrote. “I’m not generally one to assign specific behaviors or qualities to gender, and always thought it sounded a little sexist for moms to say that their relationships with their sons are different from what they have with their daughters. But in my experience, it’s true. Boys simply adore their mamas. And the feeling is mutual.” [2]
The Effects of the Mother-Son Bond
There have been many studies researching this relationship. An analysis by Dr. Pascso Fearson from the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences examined 69 such studies featuring about 6,000 children 12 years old or younger.
According to Bowlby and Ainsworth’s attachment theory, children with secure attachments are able to expect support and comfort from their caretakers who will deliver them consistently. However, kids with insecure attachments have these requests rejected, discouraged, or receive inconsistent responses. This is believed to make these kids susceptible to behavioral problems.
Researchers set out to see how the relationship between sons and mothers, in particular, affect the boys’ later development of behavioral problems. This analysis used a wide range of methods including, assessing the children’s behavior, parent and teacher questionnaires, and observations.
“The central question we posed was whether attachment insecurity was associated with behavior problems across all the studies conducted to date. The results showed quite clearly that the answer to this question is a firm yes,” said Dr. Fearson.
“More specifically, our analysis showed that children with insecure attachments to their mothers, particularly boys, had significantly more behavioral problems, even when the behavioral problems were measured years later.” [3]
This just shows the importance of the mother and son connection for the child’s development and behavior later in life. Mothers are the foundation in a growing boy’s life, even if he wouldn’t like to admit it. Deep down, it seems that every son is secretly — or not so secretly — a mama’s boy.
“Even when he grows up and has a new woman in his life and gets a new home you are still his mother,” concludes Tabitha’s heart-warming post, “home base, the ever constant, like the sun. Know that in your heart and everything else will fall into place.”
Keep Reading: Dying 4-Year-Old Boy Tells His Mom That He’ll Wait For Her In Heaven Before Passing Away
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