Ok, first of all...

Did you guys ever consider that Shais_mom might've wanted the link to check out more information from the author? Possibly even to write the author with her thoughts?

Second of all, the author (whomever it may be) has not done his/her research. Bettas come from the muddy, shallow rice patties in Asia. No, that is not ideal for our pets but this is where and how they became the hardy fish we have today. Bettas breath from the surface of the water which is different from most other fish. Taking in oxygen from the surface allows them to survive in those small petstore cups (which I do not approve of by the way).
Do you need proof? Here check out the International Betta Congress (IBC) it's one of the best info sites out there.

I have to say I agree and disagree with your pictures.
I agree in that I, personally, would never use a "vase/plant" set up. My reason is two-fold: 1. The fish can become trapped in the roots; 2. While beautiful, this set up requires more care/cleaning than a tank set up.
I agree you should not use something like the first vase/plant picture. Why? Again, bettas are surface breathers - in this set-up, the water is all the way to the top of the bowl -- no room for the fish to breathe.
I do like the second vase/plant pic tho. Plenty of surface area for the fish to breathe.

I very much disagree with the pic of your 'happy' betta. He is in fighting/breeding stance. The second pic shows a relaxed (though possibly ill -- hard to tell due to the poor quality of the picture) betta.

from wolfsoul: OMG never ever did i think that i would see a post on PT, of all places, where ppl laugh and make fun of someone else!
Wolfsoul, you don't make it to the General section very often do you?

u should all be ashamed...tikeyas_mom was only trying to help and display information on a PET site where she was giving PET advice
Point taken. But if giving advice, it should be more substantial than "this is a picture of a happy betta -- this is a picture of an unhappy betta." How do you know he's unhappy? Did he ask you for prozac?

I'm not picking on tikeya's mom, her intentions were well. However I do find 'holes' in her advice. Learn some more about the fish, their physiology, and natural habitat *then* start giving advice.