SHORTLY AFTER 2020’s presidential election, I was struck by a squirrel image while scrolling through the hubbub of my social feed. It’s important to note that my feed is usually filled with members of the Rodentia order, so a squirrel itself was not surprising. What caught my eye was that this furball seemed striped in wide swaths of alternating red and blue. After watching endless hours of election graphics carving the United States up into categories of these two colors, I thought the resemblance was uncanny. I wanted to know more about this zany-looking critter.
Malabar Giant Squirrels, also known as Indian Giant Squirrels, have a stunning multicolored body and can grow up to three feet in length. Their underbody and front legs are tan and their head brown or beige. Between their ears a white spot often appears, giving them the hint of a third eye. The color of the rest of their fur varies by subspecies.
Admittedly, without Instagram filters the Malabar Giant Squirrel is more maroon-reddish and blackish than red and blue, but light sometimes seems to illuminate just what you need to see.
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Self-Care Tips from Slow Animals and Helpful Droids
Meditate with (rev) Sarah Bowen and her favorite creatures at sacredsendoffs.com/ meditations.
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The Summer 2002 issue of S&H included this still-timely article
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Seeing Is Empathy
Mixed-media artist Morgan Harper Nichols explores how art can lead to empathy.
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The pineal gland, which is about the size of a grain of rice, is located in the center of the brain (although technically it is not part of the brain). Its main function is to receive signals from the environment about the amount and quality of light so that it knows how much melatonin to produce to help us wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night. Melatonin is involved in much more than sleep, however. It plays a role in sexual development and is a strong antioxidant, among other functions.
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Why We Are Not Responsible Toward the Environment
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Annadata Suraksha Abhiyaan
A tailor-made insurance initiative to financially secure farmers and growers against farming risks.
The FORCE Behind the FORCE
How George Lucas created Hollywood's most beloved franchise
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET STARTED IN MAGNET FISHING
In addition to treasure hunting, magnet fishing has an environmental aspect-it helps to clean up our waterways.
A Place to Escape
This former Jo'burger loves sharing her Little Karoo haven with all who appreciate its peace and quiet.
Sorry, iPhone 6 Plus users, your phone probably can't be repaired anymore
Apple moves two older devices to 'vintage' status.
Self-Nurturing Through Nature
Secrets from a self-care sanctuary to help you find balance.
The Healthy Habit of Sauca
How cultivating cleanliness inside and out-can bring you peace of mind.
We're With Her: Bella Heathcote
The Australian star of Netflix's highly bingeable Pieces of Her is handling Covid just fine, but would really prefer not to endure your lame Aussie accent.