All posts by nedhamson

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

What happens when the pursuits of “skinny” and “strong” collide?

Fit and Feminist

By now I’m sure most of you are familiar with the saying “Strong is the new skinny.”  It shows up fairly regularly on fitspo images and in fitness circles as a way of promoting a new standard of female beauty, one that is focused on strength and physical power instead of weight loss and restriction.  The words are often accompanied by photos of women showing off glistening muscles while they pose with weights or perform feats of bodyweight strength.  If you have spent any time at all in the fit-o-sphere, you’ve seen what I’m talking about.

Now, I support the general idea behind the phrase.  I would prefer that women – and men, really – work to cultivate their bodies’ abilities rather than fight against them in an attempt to meet our culture’s incredibly fickle beauty standards.  But I also have some issues with the execution, which, as I…

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SlutWalk Brazil takes Brazilian cities · Global Voices

SlutWalk Brazil (@MarchaVadias) protests on the streets of Brazilian federal state capitals such as São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Recife, Florianópolis, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Belém, Rio de Janeiro and Vitória, and the Federal District, this weekend. They demand an end to violence against women and will be echoing slogans like “my body my rule” and “neither saint, nor whore: a woman.” Information on the social movement website.

via SlutWalk Brazil takes Brazilian cities · Global Voices.

Peoples’ Bench | Flickr – Photo Sharing!

Today from about 11am-12n a bunch of us were out protesting the removal of six of sixteen benches from downtown Northampton.

It was a gross and rainy day, so there weren’t as many people as expected but still a good crowd for a gross, very rain day in the 40°s, a few news outlets turned out.

AND, we’ll be out next Saturday at 11am as well. Hope the weather is better.

via Peoples’ Bench | Flickr – Photo Sharing!.

The Abuse of “Takbir” from Ballot Boxes To Woolwich

Must read to understand

Nervana

For many non-Muslims, “Allahu Akbar,” or God is Great has become synonymous with radicalism, brutal murders, rape, and even cannibalism committed in the name of Islam. It is hardly surprising, as the Islamic slogan has been repeatedly used and abused by anyone who wants to justify his or her crimes by adding the wrap of Islamic religiosity. A recent example of such glaring abuse in the name of God was the appalling crime in Woolwich, in which two criminals brutally attacked a soldier, beheading him and mutilating his body. Eyewitnesses reported how the perpetrators chanted, “Allahu Akbar” while committing their sick murder.

The crime in Woolwich, like many previous terrorist acts, ignited debate about Islam and extremism. Of particular interest has been whether radicalism is linked to the exploitation of Muslims’ grievances or ideological and theological interpretations of Islam. In fact, it has nothing to…

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Immigration Talk with a Mexican American: Arpaio’s Nemesis Rebecca Jimenez Elected Mayor of Guadalupe!

Arpaio’s Nemesis Rebecca Jimenez has been elected Mayor of Guadalupe. She was the Voter’s Clear Choice.

Congratulations Rebecca! Keep Standing Strong against Arpaio and his Masked Goon Squad.

via Immigration Talk with a Mexican American: Arpaio’s Nemesis Rebecca Jimenez Elected Mayor of Guadalupe!.

NC Holiday Inn Salmonella Outbreak Grows to 86 | Food Safety News

At least 86 people fell ill after eating at one of two restaurants within the Holiday Inn Bordeaux in Fayetteville, N.C., as of Friday, according to Cumberland County Department of Public Health Director Buck Wilson. That number is up from 70 cases counted on Monday.

Seven of the patients have tested positive for Salmonella in laboratory cultures, Wilson told Food Safety News.

The hotel has two restaurants inside, the All American Sports Bar and Grill and the Café Bordeaux, both of which appear to be connected to the outbreak.

State and county health investigators are still working with the Holiday Inn to investigate the source of the outbreak. The county health department anticipates releasing a report on their findings shortly.

via NC Holiday Inn Salmonella Outbreak Grows to 86 | Food Safety News.

Amazon CARES: A New Beginning for Jack

A New Beginning for Jack

By Shannon Sullivan

Jack is a very affectionate dog who was brought to the Amazon CARES clinic in April. The young man who brought Jack in was concerned because the dog was injured, and he claimed that the dog’s owner (the young man’s neighbor) did not have the resources to seek medical care for him. After assessing Jack’s injury, it was determined that his left hind limb had to be amputated.

A very happy Jack after surgery.

 

When Jack was coming out of the operating room, it was realized that the young man had disappeared. Whether the story the young man originally told about Jack belonging to his neighbor is true or not, we’ll never know. Jack was abandoned at our clinic and is now being cared for by Amazon CARES. Since his surgery last month, Jack has become the clinic’s mascot; he is always with the staff, receiving love and attention from the team and clients. We hope to find him a permanent, loving home soon!

Jack will make a wonderful addition to any family!

via Amazon CARES: A New Beginning for Jack.

The Day in Gun Violence – NYTimes.com

Julian Dawkins, 22, was shot in Alexandria, Va., early Wednesday morning, and authorities say a 17-year veteran of the Arlington County Sheriff’s office may be responsible. Dawkins left a family gathering after 9 p.m. and walked down the street, where he got into an argument with Craig Patterson, who was off-duty. The Commonwealth’s Attorney said the fact that Patterson is a law enforcement officer doesn’t influence whether he is charged in the shooting. Dawkins worked at the PBS NewsHour as a driver.

via The Day in Gun Violence – NYTimes.com.