Facebook breastfeeding drama nurses real world protest

By Jacqui Cheng | Published: December 29, 2008 - 07:45PM CT

If there's any one thing that social networks consistently facilitate, it's Internet drama. This time, the social network in question is Facebook, and the Internet drama involves boobies. Nursing boobies. Moderators at Facebook made the grave mistake of upsetting a handful of new mothers by removing images of breastfeeding babies from the site, sparking outrage across the Internet and even an in-person protest.
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The hubbub got started when Facebook user Heather Farley uploaded photos in late October of herself breastfeeding her child. The photos were removed not long thereafter, with Farley receiving a warning from the site that her account could be closed if she did not remove another photo that she had uploaded. Irritated at the site's apparent no-breastfeeding policy, Farley joined a Facebook group called "Hey Facebook breastfeeding is not obscene" and eventually organized a protest that occurred over the weekend in front of Facebook's Palo Alto headquarters.

"I don't want future moms to feel that breast-feeding is shameful," Farley told the San Jose Mercury News. "It might keep them from breast-feeding."

The protest was organized in conjunction with the Mothers International Lactation Campaign, a group that fights for mothers' rights to breastfeed in public, among other things. At the protest on Saturday, the group apparently sang songs and breastfed their children while marching outside of Facebook's headquarters. According to the Mercury News, the protest didn't exactly draw crowds, but the message got out to at least a few passers-by.

As per site policy, Facebook does not allow images depicting female nipples or areolas anywhere on the social network, though this does not include breastfeeding photos. Facebook does, however, remove photos that are reported by users as obscene, which is apparently what happened in Farley's (and other mothers') cases. Farley says that the baby covered the nipple and areola in her photos, but that apparently didn't stop other members from reporting the pictures to Facebook.

Of course, there are multiple views on this topic, with some arguing that Facebook is merely doing mothers a favor by protecting them from online predators. After all, someone could see a photo of a child breastfeeding and do... something. Others argue back, saying that Facebook allows far more outrageous photos to stay on the site, such as those hosted by numerous Facebook groups about young girls and women flashing, binge drinking, and everything in between and beyond.

Either way, we hope that the dispute over breastfeeding on Facebook gets nipped in the bud before more photos get unfairly cleaved from the site.

For More Info On Breast Feeding Here Is A Great Resource Site for All New Mothers:
www.wisewomanresource.com

Zimbabwe in Crisis

Health Crisis Sweeps Zimbabwe as Violence and Economic Collapse Spread

-SHOP AND GIVE TO DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS-

The first months of 2008 marked a period of further economic meltdown and political violence throughout Zimbabwe. While the country has been in crisis for years, the situation deteriorated to ever more alarming levels, with inflation of 231 million percent, shortages of essential goods, repression of opposition supporters, and additional restrictions on humanitarian organizations in the lead up to contested elections in June.

The crisis was especially troubling for the country’s estimated two million people living with HIV/AIDS. According to the United Nations, life expectancy in Zimbabwe has plummeted to just 34 years of age because of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. As a result of the crisis, many people undergoing treatment were forced to skip meals, unable to afford bus fares to clinics, or were simply too afraid to leave their homes. MSF has 40,000 people with HIV/AIDS under its care in Zimbabwe, half of them on antiretroviral therapy. As patients missed appointments, some were feared to have fled the country. Unplanned treatment interruptions can have severe health consequences, including treatment failure due to the development of drug resistance.


-SHOP AND GIVE TO DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS-

Throughout the year, Zimbabweans continued to flee the country in alarming numbers. The flight of much needed medical staff placed an even greater strain on the country’s deteriorating health-care system. About 3 million Zimbabweans have fled to neighboring South Africa; an unprecedented figure for a country not at war. Every day, thousands of people crossed the Limpopo River to reach the South African border town of Musina, risking beatings, rape, or robbery by bandits. MSF launched a project in the border town of Beitbridge to assist migrants on their way to South Africa and ran mobile clinics for new arrivals at sites along the Limpopo River and in Musina itself. Many who reached South Africa were forced to live underground to avoid arrest and deportation and in May, Zimbabweans, along with other foreign nationals, were targeted with violent xenophobic attacks, which displaced more than 100,000 people throughout South Africa. MSF provided emergency assistance to victims of the xenophobic violence.

The worst outbreak of cholera in years began in August and quickly spread as a result of the country’s collapsed infrastructure. The outbreak, which has been centered in Harare, was declared a national emergency in early December, by which time MSF had treated more than 11,000 patients. MSF’s medical teams set up more than a dozen cholera treatment centers and units, helped chlorinate water sources, disinfected homes, and sent teams throughout the countryside to treat outbreaks in rural areas. Significant new outbreaks were found in mid-December, particularly worrying as the rainy season had not yet started in many areas. Cholera spreads more easily in the rainy season, November to March, when contaminated sewage is more likely to be flushed into unprotected wells. MSF expects to be caring for cholera patients in Zimbabwe into 2009.

-SHOP AND GIVE TO DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS-

NAP Africa mission trip funding:

I am going to Zimbabwe in July to work on the health clinic and community garden. To get my team out there I will need lots of help. Please chip in to this cause and learn more about what NAP Africa is up to at www.napafrica.org.

Shoes for Tomorrow Today!

The goal of TOMS SHOES for this holiday season is to sell 30,000 pairs of shoes -- WHY? So they can match that number, and in turn, give 30,000 pairs of shoes to boys and girls in Ethiopia suffering from Podoconiosis, a soil-transmitted infection that attacks the lymph system and results in swelling and ulceration of the feet and lower legs. While more than 1,000,000 men, women and children suffer from the disease; the good news is that it’s 100% preventable simply by wearing shoes!



For every pair of shoes purchased by people like you and me, TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need somewhere else in the world. Since their start in May 2006, TOMS has given over 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina and 50,000 pairs in South Africa. By the end of this year, TOMS hopes to have given another 200,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world. It’s through caring customers like you that all this good stuff can continue to happen. TOMS calls it the One for One campaign – we call it shop-anthropy – armchair philanthropy for today and tomorrow!!

Nonprofitshoppingmall.com is happy to welcome www.tomsshoes.com to its retail line-up! Not only do we love their business model, we love their shoes. If you’ve been stumped as to what to get your punk rock/vegan nephew, your 10 year old, your grandma, your husband or your boss this holiday season… your search is over! EVERYONE loves TOMS! This shopping blog will highlight just a sampling of their mighty One for One line of shoes, tees and accessories -- but you’ll get the picture -- their simple design and simple concept packs a mighty philanthropic PUNCH!

We love everything TOMS but we’re especially enamored by the mini TOMS that are sure to please all the wee ones on your shopping list. Whether they’re pink camos or hand painted by artist Tyler Ramsey, there’s no doubt about it… kids look cute in TOMS! Tiny TOMS come in many colors and patterns and are perfect for pre-walkers or run-all-overs! Here are some action shots that will REALLY make you want to adorn your little pumpkin in a cute and durable shoe. Knowing that every purchase puts shoes on someone else’s little pumpkin will take the chill out of even the coldest of winter days.



TOMS has a variety in women’s shoes ranging from cozy slippers to sexy boots. Corduroy on the outside, fleece on the inside… that’s the winning combo for this pair of TOMS. Once worn you’ll find ‘em hard to take off. East Coast to West Coast and all parts in between -- knee-high boots are always in style and TOMS Rust Wrap Boots are no exception. They’re not only good-looking and well designed, they’re vegan to boot ☺ -- the perfect gift for both people and animal lovers! Gotta say tho -- my personal favorite is the Gandhi quipped "you must be the change you wish to see in the world" canvas slip-on -- the best bit of wisdom right there on your shoe -- just in case you forget.




The corduroy slip-on is a no-brainer for any guy. If it feels like a slipper but can also be worn to dinner…what’s not to love? If your guy is feelin’ really fancy, he can sport the always classic -- plaid and chocolate brown slip-on. These shoes are so versatile -- they can be worn on the beach, in the bush, on the street, in Manhattan, Milan, Melbourne or Malibu. Wherever you call home and whatever you may be do, it’s always cool to help others -- and wearing TOMS combines both compassion and style.




Good job! Now your family and a family in need are all shod. But why stop there? TOMS has a few extras that will help you cross every last name off your gift list. The “Drop TOMS Not Bombs” vintage-feel Tee is simple, cool and sends a very timely message. While the “be the change” onesie will make a guru out of your enlightened little one, the FEEDbag is designed to raise awareness and funds for hungry children. Each FEEDbag sold will provide a school year’s worth of meals for one child in need while at the same time providing an educational opportunity for that same child. Whether you tote your FEEDbag to school, work, play, or around town to shop, remember that your bag is helping to FEED and EDUCATE one child for one academic school year! Which simply said means HOPE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW TODAY!!!

Teenage Riot Part 2

Okay... I'm just going to have to stick with the young people/teenage theme here because I keep finding the coolest stuff. I know that either you or your kids will want some of these great products. Why, because
I want them!!! One thing that really stands out for me about nonprofitshoppingmall.com and their list of retailers, is the broad range of demographics it covers. This is great because now EVERYONE has the opportunity to find something perfect for them at the 'mall' AND be a philanthropist while they define their style! With that said I am so happy to have discovered KARMALOOP.com. I wish I had found them months ago when I was desperately shopping for warm and affordable clothing for my upcoming New York trip. The street culture clothing that the site is known for has a lot of great cuts, fresh styles and recycled fashions...all with a junior market price tag. So with winter here I thought I would focus on some warm street clothing perfect for any major city. I am loving the OBEY line this season. Found a few things that are certainly must-haves! Check em out...



The Obey Peace Bomber Scarf in Red + Blue $22.00


The Obey Cape Town Hooded Cape $128.00


The Warren Down Jacket in Purple $158.00


The Obey No Direction M65 Jacket $132.00
PU coated fleece, m65 military style fleece jacket with a zip out hood.
Vox Humana Sir Frenchy Card Holder + King Shake Card Holder $15.00

I also thought I'd give all the parent's of teenagers a hint for which is the hottest new computer game . I've consulted with my teenage pals and Mirror's Edge got the approval! I think it looks amazing too, but what do I know... $59.99

'Innovation is risk, and Mirror's Edge puts everything on the line. In the opening cinematic, lithe protagonist Faith tells us of the Flow, the way that Runners -- information couriers in the game's sterile, totalitarian metropolis -- see the city. "Rooftops become pathways and conduits, possibility, and routes of escape. The Flow is what keeps us running, keeps us alive." While narrative in its delivery, her sentiment echoes the design aspirations of Mirror's Edge, a first-person adventure like no other where the world is viewed as more than a shooting gallery or a tactile means to an end.

It gets things very right very early, distilling its first-person platformer ambitions into a very manageable control scheme. One button stands in for all "up" actions -- jumping, hurtling over obstacles, scuttling up vertical surfaces, and pulling Faith onto ledges -- while another is for all "down" actions: sliding under pipes, ducking into vents, and tucking and rolling out of dangerously high jumps. It's a sublimely simple setup and allows for the level design to take center stage. Once you're familiar with Faith's abilities and their limitations -- imparted through a much-needed tutorial -- it's easy to see potential routes through the world.

As the setting and story establish themselves, you receive plenty of reasons to run. And Mirror's Edge is simply at its best when you're doing so -- the game subtly funnels you through its environments, and the visceral momentum of running communicates a need to keep going. Seeing Faith's hands and feet in her field of vision (when appropriate) and the physicality of her animations -- like throwing her weight into opening doors and picking up speed as she runs -- goes a long way toward conveying that same urgency.'

Nick Suttner

Teenage Riot...

Today's blog is all about the teens... Here are two retailers who have really great fashion at very affordable prices. Your teen or college student will be happy to open these presents and with clothes so stylish they won't even blink an eye that MOM picked them out.

So Download the www.nonprofitshoppingmall.com WIDGET and shop for your teenagers today!



I had never heard of Alloy before but I will definitely be stopping by more often now that I've found it! Sure it's marketed to a younger crowd but this stuff is so cute and the prices...they're even cuter! Jackets for $100. Dresses for $30. That is amazing! Especially if you are shopping for a teen. They grow out of everything so fast and have to keep up with the trends. Alloy.com is square one when looking for well fitted, stylish fashion for younger women.





Teengage boys are the hardest to keep up with because if you turn around for even a second it seems they've grown 2 inches. Not to mention the fact that they've been given the odd ability of destroying clothing at great speed. Since boys/men will always baffle me, I've found it best to not ask too many questions and just shop for them (but make it look like it was their idea). At PACSUN you can find the best looking, most durable AND best priced pants, jackets and shirts for your bean stalk. And since jean buying for boys is a revolving door, 2 for 1 deals are much appreciated!

Christmas Countdown... Unique retailers and gift giving on feedback!

With my new found love of shopping through www.nonprofitshoppingmall.com I am shopping like a champ for holiday gifts this year and being a philanthropist while I do it. I've been so excited by some retailers I haven't actually dug very deep to expose other unique and interesting retailers that are also hosted on the nonprofitshoppingmall.com site. In fact I have played favorites concerning which websites I shop through and which websites I've highlighted in my blogs. So for the days leading up to Christmas I would like to highlight the retailers that haven't been in the spotlight. Some which you may not have heard of before and others that I just didn't realize were a part of the nonprofitshoppingmall.com retailer list. Before you read about my new favorite site (Singer22.com) make sure to click the link below and download the www.nonprofitshoppingmall.com widget this way you don't even have to remember the URL to be able to Shop+Give!


Shop For Miracles! Download the
EASY SHOPPER WIDGET.





Singer22.com is a really great find if you love designer clothes that fit well, are made well, look good AND you don't want to pay a fortune on them. I'm not saying that they are cheap but if you have been watching Tim Gunn's Guide to Style and you feel like you are ready to upgrade your wardrobe with classic pieces that will last. Then this is a good place to start your search for the perfect YOU look. They are offering a -Cyber Tuesday 20% OFF- deal today and if you downloaded the nonprofitshoppingmall.com widget 3.5% of your sale will go to Children's Miracle Network!!! So I wanted to tempt you with a few pictures just to get you in the mood to splurge a little on yourself or for someone special. These are a few items that caught my eye...

Aren't these just to-die-for!
As pretty as they are to look at you can tell they would wear even better. Can't you just imagine the way these would feel on your skin? You couldn't help but feel sexy wearing all those little bangles on your chest. I love the balance between simplicity and detail. These are just stunning and hint hint...would make a great gift for that beautiful woman in your life. These are the kind of accessories that solve those last minute problems that arise when trying to figure out how to tie together and 'finish' an outfit.

Now this little number certainly sums up the essential holiday party dress especially here in Southern California where it's not snowing outside. I know you're thinking... if it's good enough for Reese then it's probably way out of my pocket book's league. But the best part is that this Rory Beca, 100% silk dress is on sale for only $141.00 OMG!!! That's actually affordable!

Speaking of celebrity couture... the other cool aspect of this site is that you can search for outfits by celebrity. This way not unlike flipping through the pages of a People mag you get to see some of the leading designers on some of the most popular trend setters. The genius twist is that you actually get to purchase those looks right then and there! When you get to the site take your time and look at some of the fun things they offer. My personal favorite was the LookBook option. It's like having your very own little runway show.

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Here's a retailer I often look over but now that my boyfriend and I have downloaded the www.nonprofitshoppingmall.com widget we don't even have to remember that it's a part of nonprofitshoppingmall's list of retailers. We love live shows so this is a no brainer. It's just a matter of time before we buy tickets at ticketmaster again. Ooh and what accompanies a cute new outfit better then tickets to the theatre or a concert? Now on sale... I was amused to find out that Britney Spears will be on tour again after 5 years off the road. I guess she has a sense of humour because she named her show The Circus Tour. Though the costuming is pretty it's not terribly unique (tho I'm personally a sucker for all things cabaret) but the mere fact that she has been such a tasty bit of gossip for the past 5 years just makes it absolutely irresistible . She cleans up pretty well too so we'll see. The Chemically imbalanced Queen of Pop may rise again. Tis the season for the comeback tour... Metallica is doing it too and not unlike Britney and yet very unlike Britney they're bringing it back Old School style. Most people thought they would suck if they ever got chemically balanced but their sobriety and band therapy hasn't completely taken all the bite out of these dogs.

Black Friday - Cyber Monday deals & steals...

Economic downturn may be in your favor this holiday season... Retailers are cutting costs and offering some of their best deals in years.

"This is a very different year for shoppers than they are used to," says Marshal Cohen, the chief industry analyst for NPD Group, a research firm. "The retailers are playing very aggressive, very early."

So for all you early birds here's a quick guide to this year's killer Black Friday-Cyber Monday sales!

First and foremost begin your holiday shopping by downloading this widget, simply click the link below and follow the easy directions:



This will only take a few minutes but the impact is huge.
Follow the simple directions and download the NAP Africa/ nonprofitshoppingmall.com widget. Once downloaded this widget will automatically direct a percent of your online holiday sales to the nonprofit group NAPAfrica.org. Ndebele Art Project Africa is a small dedicated group working for a brighter future for Zimbabwean villagers. Help raise much needed funding JUST by doing the Christmas and Holiday shopping you normally do!

Now onto the sales!














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Hot Topic is having a one day only Rock Tee BOGO 50% off on November 28th. Customers can start buying tees early on the 28th!



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After Thanksgiving Sale will launch Thanksgiving day and last through Sunday, 11/30. On November 27th, customers will be able to shop Old Navy's big weekend sale and find great $15 deals. $10 Must Have Gifts will launch on Cyber Monday, 12/1. Must-have gifts starting at $10 will be available for all customers through 12/4.
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Holiday Sweaters: BUY ONE GET ONE 50% OFF* will launch Thanksgiving day. On November 27th, shoppers will be able to get great deals on soft sweaters for the whole family; they can combine any two adult sweaters or any 2 kids/baby sweaters to receive the offer (*Applies to regularly priced sweaters only.). This offer is online only and will last only through December 1st.

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Thursday – Saturday Only: $100 - $250 off select Dell laptops at BestBuy.com. Valid 11/27-11/29

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Thursday – Saturday Only: $80 off Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 software at BestBuy.com. Valid 11/27-11/29


Thursday – Saturday only: 5% - 25% off select digital cameras, plus free shipping at BestBuy.com. Valid 11/27-11/29


Thursday – Saturday Only: Free $25 gift card with the 8GB iPod touch, plus free shipping at BestBuy.com. Valid 11/27-11/29
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At midnight tonight, adidas will change their 20% Off '12 Days of Gifting' promotion to 25% Off - good until the 12/6 expiration. Just in time for the true start of the holiday shopping season!

1) 25% OFF with '12 Days of Gifting' (expires 12/6)

Get 25% off select items through 12/6. The featured items will change every day so keep checking back for the newest offers!

Also, don't forget our Free Shipping Offer:

2) Free Shipping on orders $49+
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