Living Without Meat

In case you don’t have an awesome coworker that periodically sends you vegetarian and animal rights articles: Last Sunday’s Washington Post featured an equally cute and educational article entitled “I Love Moo: Tales From A N.Y. Animal Sanctuary.”

With that, the Sanctuary’s tour season is now in full bloom - head to the Finger Lakes to get your fill of animal love. The Bed and Breakfast on the farm fills up quickly, but don’t be bummed if you can’t get a room - Corning, NY is just down the road and is an fun, crafty town. Be sure to meet Sally the pig if you go: not only does she have the best name ever, but she has an awesome personality, too!

People voted, and although it seems enough of us did not vote for Kristen Bell, two celebs have won PETA’s Sexiest Vegetarian title for their first times. “Bleeding Love” singer Leona Lewis and Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis have won.

Congrats, Leona and Anthony. And Kristen and Milo … don’t worry. You two are the sexiest in my book!

It’s World Vegetarian Week this week … and I have no clue what that means, who deemed it that, or whatnot. But, hey, Happy World Vegetarian Week!

To celebrate: eat vegetarian.

Other options include making other people eat vegetarian, wearing a sign that says “I’m a vegetarian,” singing “She’s a vegetarian … oh oh and she don’t eat meat” all day everyday, or signing other people up to receive free vegetarian starter kits in the mail (because I know that you already have all of them, right?).

Appreciate the vegetarians in your life and thank them on behalf of the animals!

UPDATE: Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) says this about the history:

“World Vegetarian Week was launched in 1992 by the Vegetarian Society as National Vegetarian Week in the UK. It has since caught on worldwide…”

And now you know.

After a weekend in New York City volunteering at the Farm Sanctuary Gala, I have lots to share.

Friday evening I got a chance to meet and eat with several Farm Sanctuary staff members. I had an amazing dinner out with the communications team at Caravan of Dreams, a phenomenal vegan, kosher, and raw food restaurant in the city.

Saturday night was the gala itself. Here’s what stick out in my mind about the event:

1. Zora Andrich, who is known for her appearance on the reality series Joe Millionaire and has since become a spokesperson for Slim-Fast, worked as a volunteer. With the number of people whispering about her presence, she easily could have made a red carpet appearance but chose to volunteer instead.

2. Bones star Emily Deschanel has a deeper voice in person, and is super mellow and friendly. She was one of the few top names in attendance that perused the silent auction section (where I was stationed). She bid on several fashion items including purses and clothing, winning a set of organic shirts. She also bid $3,000 at the live auction for an autographed, box set of Skinny Bitch and Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, including a lunch with co-author Rory Freedman.

3. Speaking of author Rory Freedman … her outfit. Wow. Shown here, is Rory wearing an ’80s homecoming dress: silver metallic fabric, off the shoulders with a ruffle around the neckline, and gathered just below the buttocks.

4. Comedic actor Kevin Nealon bumped into me, as did Russell Simmons who was by far my favorite speaker of the evening. As he was introducing award-winning yogis, he brought up the Biblical subject of man having “dominion over animals.” I was in awe of his smooth voice, and eloquently delivered message that God asked us to take care of and look out for his creatures - not to torture, abuse, and control them.

5. Emcee Melissa Rivers and hostess Heather Mills pleasantly surprised me with their speaking skills, stage presence, and likability.

6. The Piraros made quiet a showing. Bizarro comic artist Dan donated two auction pieces, one was a hilarious restaurant scene: a hippie mom saying “Do you have to do that in public?” to a woman feeding her baby chicken breast meat. Dan also bid on several objects, including a statue title “Pig-Headed” which was a blind-folded person form the waist up, a pig on his head, and situated on a grill. Dan will swear to you that he has no idea who attempted to close this silent auction early, right after his bid. His wife Ashley Lou - who was one of the PETA members who showered in Times Square - showed up with pink hair. Love it!

7. House’s Lisa Edelstein was announced as Linda. Last year her last name was said wrong.

8. Susie Essman of Curb Your Enthusiasm looked nervous before going on stage to host the live auction. So I, not knowing who she was at the moment, chatted her up.

9. Hal Sparks was hard to recognize because he now has girl hair: long, luxurious locks.

10. True Whitaker, shown here arriving with her mom Keisha Whitaker, was dressed adorably. Yes it’s over the top, but chances are she felt like a princess.

11. One of the most popular silent auction items was an autographed, complete set of The Golden Girls, including a signed photo of Rue “Blanche” McClanahan. The many gorgeous paintings of farm animals were popular, too, as well as all the vegan handbags, wallets, and purses.

12. The ice sculpture was dropped. It shattered.

13. I spied one guest with a leather Louis Vuitton bag, and another one wearing Christian Louboutin leather shoes. Don’t think I didn’t notice.

And the most important … Kristen Bell couldn’t make it. I cried.

Stay tuned and find out about the goody bag contents, auction items, and donations (including one for $1 million!).

It’s not just rare, it’s probably the first time ever that the two media networks that I keep up with - animal issues and fashion - are in agreement.

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 is currently up for discussion - commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, or the $300 billion Farm Bill. It was passed in the House yesterday and received more than two-thirds pro votes, which is what they will need to maintain the bill if President Bush were to veto it.

Now, I’m not up on legal or farm speak, but both fashionistas and animal/vegan advocates are showng support for this act that sets to defend farmers and the environment.

For the fashion side: Women’s Wear Daily says that this “could potentially help retailers and apparel brands save millions of dollars.”

For the veggie side: There are food safety and labeling issues addressed, with country of origin becoming a mandatory label. Nutritional programs would get more funding and support. There would be tax deductions for farmers using renewable energy sources. There are positive implications for organic food, rural preservation, and general conservation of resources, too.

To read more, the House Committee on Agriculture has put together a one-page factsheet about the bill as a whole. Plus, there is a page dedicated to the bill where you can read a factsheet on each section, follow the legislative proceedings, and read statements from involved people.

Buy one get one free Boca Burgers at Johnny Rockets for the rest of May!

Click on the picture to get your coupon for a free Johnny Rockets Boca Burger.

Tomorrow, May 15, is a special day for Dunkin’ Donuts. It is the day when the company is going to realize that soy milk is in high demand with their customers.

Animal- and vegan-devotees over at Compassion Over Killing (COK) have been successful in getting two local (to them, in Washington, D.C.) Dunkin’ Donuts to start carrying soy milk. There is also one New York City branch that carries the healthier, vegan option to creamer and cow’s milk.

But now COK wants DD to know that people all over want soy milk. So they have deemed May 15 as “Ask for Soy Milk Day” at Dunkin’ Donuts.

Head on over tomorrow - or any and every day - to your local DD and ask: “Do you have soy milk?” This will let them start to see that there is market for soy milk at coffee shops.

Visit COK’s site for more on how to convince your branch to carry vegan options. Click on the picture to read Super Vegan’s announcement of the D.C. soy milk gain.

What if you couldn’t afford to feed your family? What if your parents were out of work and couldn’t provide you with a hot dinner every night? What if you still wanted to eat good, vegetarian food?

This Saturday, May 10, is the 16th annual largest single-day food drive in America. It’s time for Campbell Soup Company and the National Association of Letter Carriers to team up once again in their efforts to Stamp Out Hunger!

All that you have to do is put non-perishables such as boxed and canned goods in a sturdy bag, and set it next to your mailbox before your mailman arrives this Saturday.

Food drives like this are a tremendous help, but they collect a lot of chicken broth, meat-flavored rice mixes, Spam (canned ham), and meaty soups. What if we provide vegetarian goodness for those who need help filling their plate? Just because someone is in need, does not mean that they can’t be smart enough to choose a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Let’s help them!

This weekend, put out some or all of these items:

*Canned vegetables, beans, fruits, and potatoes (2 for $1 at the Dollar Tree)

* Box of tofu and soy milk that don’t need refrigeration until open

* Peanut butter

* Sealed container of nuts and trail mix

* Vegetarian soup … better yet, try to find some vegan ones

* Rice and bean box mix

* Healthy grains such as granola cereal, whole wheat/veggie/semolina pasta, crackers, and brown rice

* Tea bags, in a box

* Dried beans, lentils, and other legumes

* Ener-G egg replacer, TVP, and other vegan staples

* Jars of pickles, asparagus, beans, beets, fruit salad, salad dressing, jelly, baby foods, and more

Social networking site (a.k.a. the best way to stalk your crush, reconnect with high school friends, and figure out who the cute guy that works at that place is) Facebook is quickly becoming swarmed with annoying, pointless applications such as paying $1 to send a “gift” that’s just a picture of something more expensive.

But here’s a cool new one that you should go for … unless you are over 40, because then you shouldn’t be on Facebook because that’s kind of creepy:

The “I Am…” feature allows you to declare something that you are proud to be, while connecting with people who hold the same beliefs. Obviously, the “I Am” statement that I actually added, and am here to tell you about, is the “I Am Vegan” group.

You can choose from a variety of “actions” (ex.: “I do not eat any animal products”) to describe your personal vegan lifestyle, read news articles about vegan and vegetarianism, find other like-minded vegans, and answer/ask questions about being a vegan.

If you are on Facebook get to it, and add the “I Am Vegan” application to show your friends what you stand for.

If you have ever watched an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show, then you probably know that she has several dogs whom she absolutely adores. Oprah has been emotionally touched by her loss of one of her babies, Gracie, last May in a freak choking accident, and then another, Sophie, to a long battle with illness last week.

Between losing two dogs in one year, and hearing news stories like the recent case where 800 dogs were found living in below poor conditions under the “care” of a breeder, Oprah has decided to do a show on the truth behind puppy mills - and it airs today!

Here is the desciption for today’s Oprah Winfrey Show:

Today’s Show: Lisa Ling Investigates the Hidden World of Puppy Mills

Animal lovers—it’s time to unite. With hidden cameras, Lisa Ling exposes the sickening world of puppy mills. Once you see this for yourself, you will be changed forever.

Don’t miss it! Tape it, TIVO it, listen to it on the radio … do whatever you have to do support Oprah as she supports the animal rights movement today!

Thanks, Oprah: you rock!

UPDATE: I just read on his blog that Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle will be a featured guest on the show!

Farm Sanctuary co-founder and president Gene Baur kicked off his book tour last weekend with a New York event.

Don’t miss out on meeting this amazing man, listening to his presentation, and having a great opportunity to mingle with other like-minded folk! Check out the list of stops that Mr. Baur will be making as he works his way across the west coast the rest of March, then back around the east coast in April.

If you can’t make it to any of the signings, visit his Web site to find out more about his new book: Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food.

I may even visit two stops on his tour!

After attending a Hugs for Puppies No Foie Gras event in Philadelphia in December, Farm Sanctuary President Gene Baur wrote a guest post for Living Without Meat that spoke on the subject matter.

If you haven’t read what he wrote, I recommend that you check it out. He is a very passionate, knowledgeable man, and it was very generous of him to take the time to write it. Plus, you may remember - or now see - that at the end of his letter to LWM, I mentioned that he had an upcoming book release. Well, the time is here for his book to debut!

Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food by Gene Baur can be found in stores next month, March 2008!
Amazon.com has the book available for pre-order already.

Additionally, he will be going on tour to promote the release of the book, and is scheduled to visit several cities, starting with the city closest to Farm Sanctuary - New York, NY.

In an effort to go strong in every way possible with their war against the fur industry (especially the designers that are lying about it), the Humane Society has teamed up with top-labels-only, used clothing store Buffalo Exchange to collect any and all amounts of fur trim, lining, and coats from any animals, in any condition.

Coats for Cubs, the two green organizations’ collaborative campaign, sends your donated fur to wildlife rehabilitators to keep orphaned and injured baby animals warm, safe, comforted, and alive.

Don’t believe that a little fox, raccoon, opossum, bobcat, or other cuddly creature could find safe haven in a dead skin? Watch this video from the HSUS:

My energy level has been down lately. I was preparing to find some motivation for myself, for you, and for everyone trying to make healthy change in their life. Instead, I have some sad Hollywood news. I have many issues with fame, celebrity, and what we are doing to people who live in the spotlight. Within the past two weeks, two young, male actors have passed away.

At 3:30 p.m. this afternoon (Tuesday, January 22) Australian-born actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment. A housekeeper and masseuse entered and found him naked, lying on his bed, with unidentified pills nearby. The 28-year-old, award-winning Brokeback Mountain star had just completed filming as The Joker for the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight. Ledger and actress Michelle Williams, with whom he was once engaged, had a 2-year-old daughter, Matilda Rose. His work included his break-out role in 10 Thing I Hate About You, A Knight’s Tale, The Brothers Grimm, and more.

This sad news of Heath Ledger’s death comes exactly one week after the death of 25-year-old actor Brad Renfro. On Tuesday, January 15, Renfro was found dead in his Los Angeles apartment, after reportedly spending the previous night drinking with friends. Renfro starred in The Client at age 11, and had since acted in many movies including Apt Pupil, Sleepers, Ghost World, and The Informers which he has just finished filming. Like Ledger, Renfro also had a child, a 4-year-old son, Y. Renfro. Brad had been struggling with substance abuse, having served jail time for a DUI and heroin possesion. Cause of death is not yet determined.

Two fathers; two attractive actors with films releasing this year; two unnecessary, untimely, sad deaths.

Bull fighting is not a pleasant event. But India can top the inhumane torture and death incurred by bulls in that Spanish tradition. India has jallikattu.

Until today, I hadn’t heard of jallikattu. It has been brought to brighter light in the animal rights world lately with the Indian Supreme Court’s decision to legalize it.

But what is it? In short, men rub hot chili peppers in the bull’s eyes, get him drunk, then taunt him in front a cheering, laughing crowd. The bull is terrified, confused, and agitated, and released into a public free-for-all.

Even more spotlights have hit this ridiculous display of wiener size since PETA President Ingrid Newkirk was arrested January 17 for protesting on behalf of the bulls.

Ms. Newkirk was visiting India on a book tour. Arguing that the blood sport was in direct opposition of Gandhi’s beliefs and principles, Ingrid blindfolded a statue of Gandhi as a demonstration.

After being detained for an unknown number of hours, she was released and has continued on with her tour.

ingrid newkirk arrested, peta president arrested, animal rights protest, jalikkattu, jallikattu, bull fighting