Fat Tax In Alabama, Indiana

Something that we haven’t talked about yet—but which others have, of course—is the proposed increase in health insurance costs in Alabama, directed at the overweight. That is, you have one year to get “healthy” and if you fail, you have to pay an extra $25 per month in health insurance. From Wallet Pop:
So, what’s [...]

Best Links Ever

I read blogs daily, and bookmark a lot of links for you guys, but don’t always manage to write about everything. So this week I’m going to try a little links roundup… in case you missed it.
First up, Fatly Yours, about the idea that size-acceptance blogs are just “fat people sitting around making excuses”:
I [...]

Word Usements

Language is power. Which is why this Utne Reader story is so fascinating.
[T]he language we use to describe fat people smacks of race, class, and gender stereotypes. More euphemistic words for fat are used to describe those in higher-paying professions… [A] Google search for “portly” resulted in descriptions of doctors, lawyers, and professors, but rarely [...]

Hyacinth Hippo

hyacinth hippo Originally uploaded by mo pie
Those of you out there who have seen Fantasia and who fondly remember the hippo ballet sequence might appreciate this rare glimpse into the history of Disney animation: photos of actress Hattie Noel, who was the live action reference [...]

Bobaraba Means “Big Bottom”

It’s a hit song and dance on the Ivory Coast, and it’s all about shaking… well, your bobaraba.
While the dance has been embraced by both sexes, DJ Mix says it was inspired by women. “We made it as a tribute to women, because African women are defined by the shape of their bottoms,” he [...]

The Fat Lady Detective

I read a book recently that is both wildly popular and fat positive: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. I wrote about it in my book blog:
The heroine (Mma Ramotswe I think is the spelling) is one of the best characters ever, seriously. How much do I love her? And sure, I’m biased because [...]

NPR, Black Women, And Sluts

When NPR comes on, as it does every morning in our house (because Ian is one of those people who I previously thought were mythical beings who actually listen to NPR by choice, and I don’t understand because it is so boring with its little musical interludes and sound effects, who are you people) I [...]