18 h. ago Our lives depend on seeds. Trump’s cuts put our vast reserves at risk | Thor Hanson

Maintaining seed diversity and abundance is essential – and requires constant work. It’s time for Congress to return to the seed businessFrom 1862 until 1923, US senators and members of Congress provided vast numbers of seeds to constituents. At its peak, the congressional seed distribution program delivered over 60m seed packets directly to farmers and market gardeners every year, helping introduce new varieties of everything from wheat and corn to oats, soybeans, flowers and vegetables. A century later, far fewer Americans till the soil for a living, but seeds remain central to our lives.To understand the importance of seeds, try to imagine a morning without them. It would begin naked on a bare mattress, with no cozy sheets or pajamas, and there would be no fluffy towel to wrap up in after your shower. All of those things come from the seeds of the cotton plant. Stumbling wet into the kitchen, you would find no coffee, and no toast or bagel to go with it. There would be no eggs, n...

Politics

19 h. ago Imagine living in this hidden woodland cottage in a picture perfect location

It's got all you need to lead a peaceful and secluded life but with popular towns and a stunning coastline nearby too

Politics

1 week ago My adult daughter wants to turn herself back into a teenager

Distorted external referencing can keep her paralysed, because she’s trying to live up to an imagined idealThe question My daughter is now 34 years old, but she wants to be a teenager again, because she feels that she missed out on the fun she should have had back then. She hates the way she looks, because she thinks she looks older than 16. She wants cosmetic surgery and orthodontics to look younger.She wants to experience university life as a fresher again and have young fun, but she also doesn’t want to as she feels too old. She wants to earn and have independence, but also fears it. She relies on her mother and me and is not interested in getting a job. She never goes out and has no friends. She has no interests and spends most of her time comparing herself with teenage social-media idols. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago My adult daughter wants to turn herself back into a teenager | Ask Philippa

Distorted external referencing can keep her paralysed, because she’s trying to live up to an imagined idealThe question My daughter is now 34 years old, but she wants to be a teenager again, because she feels that she missed out on the fun she should have had back then. She hates the way she looks, because she thinks she looks older than 16. She wants cosmetic surgery and orthodontics to look younger.She wants to experience university life as a fresher again and have young fun, but she also doesn’t want to as she feels too old. She wants to earn and have independence, but also fears it. She relies on her mother and me and is not interested in getting a job. She never goes out and has no friends. She has no interests and spends most of her time comparing herself with teenage social-media idols. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago 'I can't imagine I'll ever live through a madder, more difficult year'

Writing exclusively for the Manchester Evening News, Andy Burnham reflects on a tumultuous year that put him at the forefront of an almighty showdown with the government

Politics

3 w. ago Life's a beach for anyone who has £3.15million to snap up this gorgeous Cornish cottage that has the Atlantic on its doorstep

A stunning coastal cottage with the Atlantic Ocean on its doorstep on the picturesque Porthcothan Bay in Cornwall is up for sale for £3.15million.

Economics

3 w. ago Our tiny village has been dubbed the next Chipping Norton... but that's the last thing we want!

Fittleworth has been dubbed the next Chipping Norton, but with excellent views and picturesque cottages, residents say their village is better than the Cotswold tourist magnet.

Politics

3 w. ago Inside quarryman’s cottage with amazing rural views and a 'perfect location'

It was a labour of love to bring this property back to life in a location that's pretty perfect

Politics

3 w. ago In pictures: Demolition begins at Jimmy Savile's Glen Coe cottage after it was gutted by fire

Demolition work begins on the Highland retreat once owned by Jimmy Savile

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