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  In a January 2025 executive order, U.S. President Donald Trump inadvertently defined all humans as female. Rating: False About this rating Claims spread that definitions of "male" and "female" included in a January 2025 executive order that asserted sex is established at conception accidentally classified all Americans as women. The claims were based on the common belief that all human zygotes and embryos begin as female.  The current scientific understanding of sexual differentiation no longer holds that female is the "default" sex for embryos. Rather, as is the case for male embryos, evidence suggests the development of normal female sexual characteristics in mammals depends on certain conditions.  That said, because the executive order did not explain what was meant by "belonging" to a sex, it's possible to interpret its definitions of male and female as either excluding all humans from both sexes or, alternatively, including all humans ...

  A guide on how to befriend the woods. You will not regret it Do not sleep in the woods. Not yet. For now, just walk, smile, breathe in the air. You may play music if it makes you feel safer. Bring food. If you find a very smooth stone, a large old stump, or the mossy ruins of what used to be manmade, those are all good places to leave a taste, a drink. Do not leave anything that will not decompose. If you do, come back to pick it back up, or don’t come back at all. Pay no attention to her hair. She has been here longer than you, and she prefers you keep your hands to yourself. You may play music if it makes you feel safer, she doesn’t mind the noise. You are safe. You may continue or leave. There is patience here. Come alone, or as alone as you can manage. Friends are welcome, but big groups simply pass through. Too many boots. Drink plenty of water, and always bring a first-aid kit. A portable charger never hurts. Stay on the paths, they are there for a reason. You won’t se...

  Lancer Writer’s Winter Challenge January 2025 Winter Memories By Christine   The view from the window behind his desk. It’s been so many years since I’ve seen snow come down like this. Large, even fluffy, flakes; some wind but not a blizzard. A little smile played on his lips as he thought of the snowstorms of his childhood.    The Highlands knew a thing or two about storms of winter.        The cold air near the window curled down his back, too cold to work at the desk.    Murdoch took the ledgers and moved closer to the fireplace.    The ledgers didn’t hold his attention, the thoughts of winter storms of long ago lingered.    The elders would foretell a storm from the aches in elbows and knees or the tea leaves at the bottom of a cup.    Da would have everyone busy, getting feed into the pasture, firewood, and peat for the fireplace and stove, and herding the barnyard animals to the barn. Ma would get to...