All posts by nedhamson

Activist, writer, researcher, addicted to sharing information and facts.

Sharks Were Officially Decreed as Protected Wildlife in Costa Rica

A few days ago, it was learned that the Hammerhead, Silky and Fox Shark were officially included as protected species by the Costa Rican Wildlife Conservation Law. The environment ministry has sanctioned this decree. Previously they were fished like any commercial species, with practically no restrictions. It turns out, now the landing, commercialization or export of sharks in danger of extinction will not be allowed. A great achievement as part of a long struggle of several Non-Governmental Ecological Organizations in Costa Rica.

Source: Sharks Were Officially Decreed as Protected Wildlife in Costa Rica

Armadale remembered: a Jamaican tragedy

Petchary's Blog

When something like the Armadale fire happens, where seven young women were burned to death, there is always the anxiety that a similar incident could happen again in the future. The issue is always whether the organisation responsible has learned from the terrible experience and put in place everything that they possibly can to stop it happening again. In this case this was the State, in whose care and protection the girls – aged between fifteen and seventeen – found themselves at Armadale.

In May 2013, on the 4th anniversary of the disaster, Eve for Life and UNICEF partnered with ASHE – performing in this photo – for a session to cheer up the girl survivors of the Armadale fire. It was an emotional day. (My photo)

The Armadale fire, which took place exactly twelve years ago, was not so much a disaster as a series of agonizing failures, actions…

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The “Bird-zine” competition: a creative challenge for Caribbean residents

Petchary's Blog

BirdsCaribbean has been coming up with a whole range of online activities and learning opportunities for young (and older) bird enthusiasts – or just for people of any age who want to know more about the remarkable and unique birds that call our region home. By the way, the regional non-governmental organization focuses on island birds – not the peripheral Caribbean countries that are part of mainland ecosystems such as Belize, Guyana and Suriname (although they have amazing birds, also). So, from Dutch-speaking Aruba in the south to the Bahamas in the north, BirdsCaribbean works with partners – local community-based organisations, government departments, and conservationists – right across our scattered islands.

The Black-billed Parrot is endemic to Jamaica. It lives only in the Cockpit Country, Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, Mt. Diablo – and if you are lucky you might see one or two in Hope Gardens, in…

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TREATY PEOPLE GATHERING – Jane Fonda

For years, Indigenous women have been leading the fight to stop Line 3. As tensions have risen and construction has begun, I visited Line 3, Mark Ruffalo went on social media to get word out and Bonnie Raitt recorded a song to amplify the fight and to support the frontline water protectors.

In early June, thousands will join them to lay their bodies on the line at the Mississippi River and call on the President to stop construction. We need your help to get them there and to ensure that people across the nation and the world see what is happening.

Source: TREATY PEOPLE GATHERING – Jane Fonda

‘Smart Toilet’ takes pictures of poop as it’s flushed to warn doctors of health problems – Study Finds

Scientists at Duke University say the device, dubbed “Smart Toilet,” could help treat millions of people who live with potentially deadly bowel diseases. It can be fitted within the pipes of an existing toilet and snaps a picture of a person’s poop when they flush. An algorithm then determines whether the movement is loose, normal or constipated, and whether it contains any blood.

The data could help doctors keep track of their patients’ bowel movements and provide better treatment to those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Anywhere from 25 million to 45 million Americans suffer from IBS, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. An estimated 3 million people in the U.S. have IBD, either in the form of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Source: ‘Smart Toilet’ takes pictures of poop as it’s flushed to warn doctors of health problems – Study Finds

‘People feel safer’: some Americans still masking up despite CDC guidance | US news | The Guardian

when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask in most indoor or outdoor settings, the news was met with enthusiasm, a sign that the Covid-19 pandemic was coming to an end.

But, despite an official green light for many to go maskless, amid confusion surrounding mask mandates, some Americans are choosing to mask up for the foreseeable future.

“I will be wearing my mask indoors, unless I’m eating in a well-ventilated restaurant, but if I’m going shopping or whatever, I will be wearing my mask,” said Laur Kim, 21, who is currently a student.

Source: ‘People feel safer’: some Americans still masking up despite CDC guidance | US news | The Guardian

Thousands of Jews and Arabs march in Tel Aviv for peace, coexistence – The Jerusalem Post

Thousands of Jews and Arabs march in Tel Aviv for peace and coexistence, Saturday, May 22, 2021. (photo credit: STANDING TOGETHER) Thousands of Israelis marched in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening in a show of support for peace and coexistence between Jews and Arabs amid two long weeks of intense violent riots waging across the country.

Protesters also voiced support for the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that came into effect early Friday, calling on the government to take immediate action to end Israeli occupation in the West Bank and to reach peace with the Palestinians.    Source: Thousands of Jews and Arabs march in Tel Aviv for peace, coexistence – The Jerusalem Post