Champions On Ice Star Champions Seals March 30, 2007
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For the most part I'm not much of a sports kinda girl, although I do love hockey. And of course there are certain Olympic events that I like to watch—and not just for crashes and injuries although they do heighten the excitement—like ice skating for example. I was super into it when I was a kid. I think most little girls go through that phase but I'm not sure why. Anyway, I loved watching Surya Bonaly skate because she was always such a badass and rightly so, she's actually the only figure skater to land a back flip on one skate. So I was super stoked to find out that the French "Champions On Ice" star was anti-fur and doing not one, but two anti-seal hunt ads for us. Check 'em out.
Pretty cool—no pun intended. And just so you know, Surya hasn't lost her spitfire attitude, during the photo shoot she was asked by a young fan, "But isn't fur so pretty?" to which she replied, "Yes, my dear, you have pretty hair, too—but does that mean we should cut your head off and wear it?" Oh, that Surya! Right now you have the chance to voice your opinions about the Canadian seal hunt. Please sign our petition asking for an immediate end to this barbaric slaughter once and for all.
XOX
Patricia
Posted by Patricia 
Another Ted Leo Contest! March 30, 2007
Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Music
Ted Leo is everywhere these days. In the last week, I saw him mentioned in Rolling Stone, Blender, Spin, CMJ, and Brooklyn Vegan. Oh, and peta2 too! So yeah, he's been busy.
He has also been generous-as he and his pharmacist crew are sponsoring yet another contest on the Touch and Go/Quarterstick Records site. To win two tickets to a Ted Leo and the Pharmacists show, a lovely Ted Leo scarf, an autographed copy of Living With the Living, some Ted Leo prescription pads, and a peta2 'I Am Not A Nugget' Messenger Bag, all you have to do is come up with the best caption for the photo below.
There will be ten winners-so get clever and enter!
xoxo- lara
Currently listening to:
Posted by Lara 
Check Out peta2’s Spring Break On mtvU March 29, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack
Many of you on college campuses will see peta2 activists on mtvU's piece about alternative spring break plans. However, our buddies at mtvU know you're impatient so hurry up and go check it out here.
I know Marta's blog from a couple weeks back gave you a sneak peak into peta2's spring break visit to Panama City Beach, but I wanted to brag some more. It was an amazing experience thanks to college activists from George Mason University and University of Florida, as well as local street teamers who helped lead our takeover. We were able to get two stories on the evening news including this one plus full color photos on the front of the local section of the newspaper with our KFC protest.
We even made front page headlines one day because some dude tackled our beloved activist (who was dressed like a chicken) and then tried to run away. Alas, when the cops brought him back to us in cuffs we were too nice to see this fellow land a night in the slammer, so we cut a deal: He had to dress up in the chicken costume, hold the "I Am Not A Nugget" sign, and dance. And let me tell you, he did take the deal and the cops were practically rolling on the ground laughing at him!
So without further stalling here is a hilarious bonus video clip and photo for your viewing pleasure. Hope you enjoy. And remember: there ain't no party like the peta2 party cuz the peta2 party don't stop...
:)
Posted by Marta 
Burger King Victory! March 28, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 12 ) | TrackBack
You may still be melting from the extremely adorable pig videos I blogged about on Friday (I know I am!), and this next bit of news goes along quite nicely with that if you're a fan of pigs, chickens, and not treating animals like crap. When we won our "Murder King" campaign against Burger King in 2001, one of the stipulations was that Burger King would continue to work with PETA on its animal welfare policies. As of today, the company will be requiring 2 percent of its eggs to come from hens who are not confined to battery cages, buying 10 percent of its pork from farms that don't use gestation crates, and rewarding suppliers that use "controlled atmosphere killing" (the least cruel form of poultry slaughter available) instead of killing chickens by slitting their throats and dragging them through scalding tanks. This is a very exciting victory for farmed animals!
The New York Times even published an article about Burger King's new policy and mentioned that, "While Burger King's initial goals may be modest, food marketing experts and animal welfare advocates said yesterday that the shift would put pressure on other restaurant and food companies to adopt similar practices."
KFC...are you paying attention?
After watching all those pig videos, it's hard to believe that some people still confine pregnant pigs to stalls for their entire adult lives. That's why it's amazing that Burger King has taken this huge step of purchasing pig meat from suppliers that don't use gestation crates. I know, I know. You're probably thinking, "but the animals are still being killed!" This is true, but we have to take things one step at a time, and we know that the entire world isn't going to go vegetarian overnight, so if we can make changes that allow factory-farmed animals to be treated better, we know we're headed in the right direction.
Yay for animals!
♥Marta
Posted by Marta
Cutest Vegetarian Alive Finalists! March 27, 2007
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Yup, it's that time of year again--voting for peta2's Cutest Vegetarian Alive is upon us once again. After tirelessly poring through the more than 3,000 nominations we received, our eyes started to cross from staring at so many adorable faces for hours on end. But somehow we've managed to narrow down the list to 10 boys and 10 girls. It was no easy task--there are a ton of cute vegetarians out there, and there were more than a few disputes here in the office over our personal favorites (though no fist fights broke out, luckily). So we need your help to determine who really is the "Cutest Vegetarian Alive." You can vote for one boy and one girl, but be warned--peta2 cannot be held accountable for any crushes suffered or heartbeats skipped.
Click on the picture below to vote!
Okay, so that's actually a picture of me, and I wasn't even nominated (**sob**), but you can still click on the picture to see the real finalists. I think you'll agree with me that they are all totally adorable. It's possible that a few of us here at peta2 have developed a crush or two (I'm keeping my mouth shut to protect the guilty parties.).
I'm glad I don't have to pick the winners. Go vote!
♥ Marta
Posted by Marta
Win The Dollyrots New Album! March 26, 2007
Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Music
The Dollyrots new album, Because I'm Awesome, is so… well….awesome, that I decided to do a lil more digging on the band. I started with a source I deemed closest to The Dollyrots, their rat Sniffy.
What is it like touring with The Dollyrots?
It's the BEST! I get to meet tons of AWESOME people and critters, listen
to music, ride in the car all day, and eat lots of good food.
What kind of food do you like to eat on the road?
Well, it's tough to find fresh food, so some days are good and others are... well... fast food. Lucky for me we always have an emergency supply of dried fruit, nuts, and granola!
What do you like to do in between gigs?
Usually I snooze during the day, which the band does too, so it works out well.
Sometimes, I'll read a book or help Kelly crochet or something. I really
like massages (especially around my ears and mouth). At night, I take naps
between sets and mingle with the band before it gets too loud!
Who is your favorite member of The Dollyrots? Be honest!
That's pretty easy. Sorry guys, but it's gotta be Kelly. She gives
the best petting and gives me baby baths! And she makes a mean strawberry cake!
What do you think about animal testing?
What do you think?!? I have feelings. I think humans are creative and intelligent enough to find ways to do everything without causing animals to suffer. I am hopeful.
What is your favorite band?
The Dollyrots!
Sniffy has convinced me that The Dollyrots definitely live up to their album's name. If you're also convinced, or if you are just curious, fill out the form below for a chance to win a copy of their new album!
Contest Rules
xoxo-lara
Currently listening to:
Posted by Lara
Adventures at SXSW Part Dos March 23, 2007
Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Music
So I am back from good ole Texas, and I have the sore feet and cold to prove it. SXSW may be over, but I can still reminisce right? So here is a little recap of my adventures in Austin.
One of the best things about my trip to Austin was that I got to see one of my favorite bands, Matt and Kim, play not once, but twice! They are so cute and full of energy, that it makes me want to move to Brooklyn and become their best friends.
I also got to see an amazing set from Tilly and the Wall, who tap danced their way into everyone's hearts.
Another highlight was the surprise performance from Pete Townshend during The Fratellis set at the Spin Magazine party. I was so excited that I called my Dad right after the show to tell him about it.
Austin not only had some good music, they also had a plethora of good eats. For instance, I had some awesome fake meat dish and bubble tea from Veggie Heaven.
And for dessert, I had some sort of traditional Mexican pastry made vegan at Mr. Natural. Believe me-it was even better than it looks.
So now I’m back in Norfolk suffering from the effects of all-day shows and late, late nights. But it definitely was worth it.
xoxo-lara
Currently listening to:
Ted Leo's Living with the Living
Posted by Lara
Vote for the Cutest Pig Video! March 23, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 20 ) | TrackBack
So I'm not sure if you're all in the know like I am (okay, usually I'm oblivious--whatever), but here's a news flash for you: pigs are totally amazing. They are smarter than dogs (and the average 3-year-old human child!), very social and affectionate, and of course, completely adorable.
That being said, we've seen a bunch of videos of pigs lately that make us break out in squeals of "OMG--so cute!" We just cannot possibly decide which one is the cutest, and thought it'd be rad if you lovely people told us which video kept a smile on your faces the longest.
Here are your options:
1. Piggies are Friends Not Food:
2. J.D. Piglet:
3. Pot-Bellied Pig and Dog:
4. Mona, the Piano-Playin' Pig:
Comment with your favorite!
After watching all those videos, who could possibly still want to eat pigs? Click here to take the peta2 veg pledge and leave the piggies off your plate for good.
Okay, I'm going to go sink into a food coma now--we had a potluck here at the office today and I'm about to explode from all the vegan deliciousness I consumed. I know, I know, poor me.
♥ Marta
Posted by Marta
Pet Food Recall and Iams Cruelty March 22, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack
We need you to sign this letter to help to pressure Iams to stop hurting animals. If you've been listening to the news you'll know that dogs and cats have been dying of kidney failure after eating tainted pet food! Menu Foods, a contract manufacturer for Proctor & Gamble's Iams and Eukanuba brands, recalled 60 million cans of pet food from stores nationwide. Not only are animals dying because they're eating contaminated food, but they're also being abused and killed in animal testing laboratories—in tests which, ironically, are supposed to show that Iams' food is safe! How many animals will have to suffer and die while companies mislead kind people with their cruel tests?
PETA has written a letter to Proctor & Gamble about this issue, and we're calling on prosecutors to investigate whether cruelty charges should be filed against Menu Foods for alleged failure to warn consumers about the tainted food more than a month ago, and —just as disturbingly— apparently feeding the food to cats and dogs in order to test it! If you had any doubts about how much animal experimentation sucks, you need to watch this video then click on Anna Nicole Smith’s (R.I.P.) image below to let Iams know that you are against their animal testing!
These are true matters of life and death where everyone’s support can help save animals. Thanks to everyone for your concern.
Posted by Marta
Rake Some Noise for Ten New Messages! March 21, 2007
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Music
As a special treat, here's a guest blog from the lovely Violet at peta2 UK! Take it away, Violet...
The Rakes, The Rakes! They're back! Our lovely peta2 UK supporters are back with their long awaited "difficult second album" (we think they bloody well came up trumps!) album—Ten New Messages—and the first thing they did was offer us five signed copies to give to you. If you want one then just e-mail Info@peta.org.uk with "The Rakes" in the subject line by March 31st and you'll be in with a chance to win a signed copy! Better than a poke in the eye, eh? By entering you'll be governed by these terms and conditions.
Rumor has it (that is he told me) that vegan Burberry hater Donohoe, was asked to wear Burberry clothes in their new video...Dear Rakes Video Stylist, do your research love! Honestly, whatever next? Alan, your lunch has arrived, its KFC!!! Noooooooooooooo!
Alan <3's peta2 UK—order your own Nugget stickers here and emulate the Rakish look! (That's vegan Turkish delight!)
Good Luck! Byyyyyeeeeeeeeeee!
*Violet with peta2 UK
P.S. Gold star to anyone who spotted the Peter Singer reference in their new single We Danced Together—"Singer save our secular souls." Nice one, Alan.
Posted by Patricia
Design Students Learn About Cruelty-Free Fashions March 20, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack
Last week PETA's Director of Media Relations, Michael McGraw, and Senior Vice President Dan Mathews gave a presentation to the entire student body at Parsons about fur, leather, and wool. Parsons The New School for Design is an elite school and the setting for the Bravo reality TV show Project Runway. Tim Gunn, former dean of the school, helped initiate this groundbreaking awareness effort a few years back since he is big into making sure students know exactly how animals are mistreated before they end up as coats, hand bags, and shoes. We're excited with how it all went!
Some fancy pants designer Max Azria and his company, AZ3, Inc. (often sold under the name BCBG and To The Max), continue to sell fur and fur-trimmed clothing despite our pleas to use compassionate fur-free alternatives! Apparently some people don't quite understand that it's disgusting and disgraceful to wear skins of
With so many fur-free fashions out there from Marc Bouwer to Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren to J. Crew, it's easier than ever before to look good while keeping the blood off your hands
Do the animals a favor and sign the pledge to be fur free and drop us a line at College@peta2.com if you want to help pass around a petition at your university encouraging fashion students to go fur-free!
Posted by Marta
Carrie Underwood: A Vegetarian Success Story March 19, 2007
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XOX
Posted by Patricia
Spring Break Fun! March 16, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack
My good friend (and peta2's College Campaign Coordinator), Pulin, is out working hard right now. That's right - he's in Panama City Beach, Florida, this week for Spring Break. Yup, I did say working hard.
Anyway, Pulin's out spreading the message to the wild-n-crazy college kids that KFC is just plain bad news: No one wants to support a company that slits birds' throats while they're still fully conscious, scalds many alive, and pumps them full of hormones that causes them to grow so large, so fast that their limbs literally break beneath them.
That being said, check out "Animal Rights Spring Break!"
Add to My Profile | More Videos
I do feel the need to point out that I'm currently in rain-drenched Norfolk, Virginia. Okay, yeah, I'm a bit jealous. Thanks a lot, Pulin.
♥ Marta
Posted by Marta
SXSW! March 15, 2007
Posted by Nicole | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Music
So here I am at SXSW (i.e. the biggest music fest to hit Texas/me ever). The streets are packed, music is coming from every direction, and I have already had several sightings of the allusive "fashion mustache". Today I got the pleasure of interviewing Greta from The Hush Sound. Here are the two of us sharing a moment. *Note the wonky expression on my face.
After the interview, I watched The Hush Sound play an amazing set to a very appreciative audience. I have never seen them play live, so needless to say I was pretty excited.
After the set, I roved the streets for the next big show, accumulated an impressive array of stamps and wristbands, and consumed three delicious veggie tacos. All in all it was a great first day. Stay tuned for more of my adventures at SXSW, and keep a lookout for my Hush Sound interview on peta2 soon.
xoxo-lara
currently listening to:
Nothing! (resting my ears for a few minutes)
Posted by Nicole 
BREAKING NEWS: Tommy Hilfiger Sheds Fur March 14, 2007
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TAGGED:
fur Tommy Hilfiger fur-free
Yep, you read it right: After months of discussions with PETA, Tommy Hilfiger has pledged to ban fur from its collections. "Starting immediately, the company will cease development of any product containing fur, and any fur garment already in production will be phased out of sales channels by the delivery of the spring 2008 collection," Tommy Hilfiger Corp. announced in a statement. Are you as excited as I am about this?!
"Tommy's anti-fur policy will spare countless animals from becoming fashion victims," says PETA Senior Vice President Dan Mathews, who has had ongoing discussions with Hilfiger since last summer.
The conditions that exist on fur farms in China—where more than half of the fur products sold in the United States originate—are the worst imaginable. Cats and dogs on fur farms in China are crammed into wire cages, slammed on the ground, and skinned alive for their fur, which is often deliberately mislabeled as fur from other species. Tommy Hilfiger joins other companies like Forever 21, J.Crew, Wet Seal, and Polo Ralph Lauren in pledging never to sell fur again. Follow their compassionate example and sign the fur-free pledge today at peta2.com/iamfurfree.
This is another amazing victory for animals. Looks like the big-wigs are taking notice that no one wants to support an industry that skins animals alive!
♥Marta
"Girls Next Door" Star, Holly Madison, for peta2! March 14, 2007
Posted by Ryan | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBackYou might see Playboy model Holly Madison, star of The Girls Next Door, wearing bunny ears, but one thing you’ll never see her in is bunny fur (or any animal's fur, for that matter). Hugh Hefner's number one honey bunny—who shares both Hef and his home with fellow Girls Next Door stars Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson in the popular E! channel reality show—is so passionate about saving animals killed for their fur that she posed naked for one of peta2's anti-fur ads!
It’s no wonder that this "mistress of the Mansion pooches"—who adores all animals, especially the nine lucky pups currently bunking with the trio of buxom beauties—was outraged when we told her that animals, including cats and dogs, are kept in tiny cages and strangled, beaten, electrocuted, and often skinned alive for their fur.
Holly's philosophy? "You don't need fur. And if you want the look of fur … there's faux fur," she says. "There is just no reason for it."
As Holly knows, nice girls—and guys, too!—always fake it. With so many beautiful and warm faux furs available, there’s no reason—or excuse—to kill animals for their fur.
Posted by Ryan 
Vegan Shout-Out from Jason Myers of Icarus Witch March 13, 2007
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TAGGED:
Music
It makes me all warm and tingly inside when I hear that yet another band has taken advantage of their "stardom" to help quash the pathetic excuse that it's just "too hard" to be vegetarian or vegan—pardon me while I wipe away the tears. Kudos to Jason Myers, bass player of the metal band, Icarus Witch, for doing just that. When interviewed by Living For Metal recently, Jason was asked about the difficulty of finding vegan restaurants in his hometown of Pittsburgh vs. the luxurious L.A. and this is what he had to say...
L.A. is one of the best places to find restaurants of every kind. Being vegan when I lived there was simpler due to the overall health conscious mentality of California. Pittsburgh is a much smaller city obviously & more of a blue collar place in general, so there aren't places that cater to the non flesh consumers. There seems to be an increasing amount of eateries & healthy stores here that are offering cruelty free faire. But I don't go out as much when we're not on the road because I've surrounded myself with all of the creature comforts at home.
Check out the entire interview.
Posted by Nicole
?uestlove's Been Talking About Us March 9, 2007
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It's always nice to hear that someone's been talking about you, unless they're talking smack, then it's a different story altogether. But ?uestlove is way too cool for that, and he really just doesn't have the time to be bothered with such nonsense, what with winning NAACP Awards and touring all over the globe. His time is precious and he's got important things to say, like why he and the rest of The Roots members support PETA. He recently gave us a shout out in Australia's X-Press Magazine saying, "It's just nice to be able to put something back into the environment and this is our way of doing it. We also feel very passionate about this group and what it represents." Check out the rest of his interview here. If they're hitting your town you must go and show the Philly crew some love. Ah, Philly...my old stomping grounds...OK, I'm a Maryland girl but I spent a great deal of time going to shows and hockey games and shopping (I miss South Street and Gianna's Grille!) and just hanging out in Philly so I can say that.
XOX
Posted by Patricia