Josh Reporting From Silverstein's Tour Bus June 29, 2007

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Hey everyone! I wasn't much in the mood for writing, however, I made a video on our tour bus. A couple of the peta2 summer staffers think the video is funny, so I hope you enjoy it too!

The new song "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" from our CD that comes out next week is on my mind lately since we're on the road, so give it a listen on July 3 when it hits stores. Then come to a show and let me know what you think of it.


That's all for today. I'm pretty sure Neil and Shane will have more for you early next week.

I'm gonna go hide backstage before Billy takes his bike and rides over my face for eating some of his hummus. See Ya!

-Josh / Silverstein

Billy Checking In With You June 28, 2007

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Hey, this is Billy from Silverstein. Yesterday we were in New York City, playing at the Nokia Theater in Times Square at a sold out show.

The day before yesterday we had a day off, so after a few quick interviews in the morning, I had the entire afternoon to hang out in the city. I met up with my friend Aileen, who was getting ready to leave to work for Shirts for a Cure on the Warped Tour. I was real excited to get to see her before she left for the entire summer. I took a cab to her place, where our band's entire crew had already headed to hang out and take showers. Right away Aileen, Cheapie (our guitar tech) and I headed to Red Bamboo (one of NYC's finest, and my favourite vegan restaurant in the entire country). I ordered my favourite meal, the Soul Chicken Parmesan Hero sandwich (with vegan cheese)! The sandwich was HUGE, and I ended up taking some to go to eat later.

Most of us stayed at Aileen's apartment so we didn't have to travel back to our bus which was parked up in New Jersey. We all met up at the venue yesterday at noon for a photo shoot, and when that was done, I headed back to my friend's to pick up my bike. I've been really excited to have my bike out on this tour, as it has been my means of getting good vegan food every day, not to mention some exercise!

I got on my bike and headed back to Red Bamboo to meet up with my friend Pulin for lunch! This time I had the Bamboo Tofu Club sandwich, which is another favourite of mine. It was nice to hang out with Pulin and his friend Joe. Afterwards, Pulin and I took the subway back up to the venue, which let me avoid the fifty block bike ride, especially since it appeared to have started raining. I almost got my bike caught in the subway gate, but I ended up just having to pay an extra $2 to get it unstuck. (Long story)



Also, my arm is still pretty swollen from getting tattooed in Philly, but it looks great, and my mom even likes it! I'm really excited for the rest of this tour, and our new CD that comes out on Tuesday. It's called Arrivals & Departures, be sure to go check it out next week! Keep checking back for more blog updates from this awesome tour!

<3 billy // silverstein.

PS - Here's another video of me eating some vegan pizza.

Silverstein's Exclusive Tour Blog! June 27, 2007

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More Blogs From Silverstein

Part 2 - Billy

Part 3 - Josh

Part 4 - Neil

Part 5 - Shane

Yo kids. I'm out with Silverstein right now and they are super stoked to update you on the tour and whatnot. So I've got them writing blogs for the rest of this week and part of the next. There will be some hilarious videos and pics, too. Keep your peepers (that's your eyes) open and check in for more, ok? Now heeeeeeerrrrreeeee's Paul from Silverstein...

-Pulin


Hey everyone—Paul from Silverstein here. We're hanging out with the peta2 crew on our tour with Rise Against, Comeback Kid, and Only Crime, and we wanted to check in to let you know how it's all going. Almost two weeks into this tour, everything has been phenomenal. It's great to see every one of you who have been singing along to old songs and checking out some new songs from our upcoming release, Arrivals and Departures. Definitely a lot of familiar faces, too.




The show at the Electric Factory in Philly a couple nights back was awesome, and just as incredible was the food beforehand. We had vegan Philly cheesesteaks! I would've taken some pics from the restaurant, but sorry I was way too busy shoving that food down my throat. Mmmm. I did take a minute to record this for you though:



Silverstein wants to give you a peek into the shows and check in over the next few days before the new record comes out, so check back for even more exclusive stuff from us. We've worked really hard on our new release that comes out on July 3rd, so please pick it up. We have some brand new tracks on our MySpace, too so have a listen.

This tour goes all summer long (with peta2 along for the ride, too!) so I hope you can make it out and scream along with us!

-Paul / Silverstein

peta2 on MTV Canada, Eh?! June 27, 2007

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If you happen to live in Canada (you know that huge bit of land to the north), you might have had a pleasant surprise during your regular MTV viewing experience. Dan Shannon, peta2's leader-in-chief, was on MTV Live discussing, what else…peta2! Pretty sweet, eh? Check out the video here, but first enjoy this pic of Dan with a puppy. Awwww.

xoxo-Lara

Andy Hurley's Chocolate Shake Madness! June 26, 2007

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Check out this pic of Fall Out Boy's Andy Hurley sharing his favorite recipe for a vegan chocolate shake with Rolling Stone.

To make the shake, Andy says, "About this much vanilla soy milk, up to here with chocolate soy milk, then a scoop of peanut butter, some liquid amino acids to complete the protein."

I don't really know how liquid amino acids taste, but the rest sounds yum! For more yummy vegan recipes, check out What to Eat on peta2. I highly recommend trying 'Chocolate Chip Paradise'.

xoxo-Lara

peta2 Is On Tour, Come Hang Out With Us June 26, 2007

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The summer is officially here and that means peta2 is on tons of summer tours. We're going to be at Warped Tour, Sounds of the Underground, Pitchfork and Rock the Bells festivals, and we're currently on tours with Rise Against and Silverstein, as well as First Blood. There will no doubt be others thrown in there too, so basically the moral of the story is that if you plan on leaving your house this summer, please look for peta2.

It's possible that you've already run into some of our crew over the last month or so at shows or festivals. It's been an amazing time from what I hear and they have been oozing with sappy stories about how they really love meeting you all. Please check out our dates listed on peta2's MySpace page and find us at the shows. We'd love to give you a high five, some stickers, and most importantly have your help spreading the word about animal rights at the event. So find us, help animals, and then report all that back for Street Team points, ok? We've got some amazing new stickers and other stuff to play with too!

And just to make this all a bit more friendly, we've put up some photos and brief bios of the summer staffers you'll see around the US and Canada so click here to read about them.

To all you non-US and Canadian people, be patient...we're working on getting to you soon! We do love you though. Promise.

So can we expect to see you soon?

-Pulin

Announcing Winners for the peta2 Scholarship June 25, 2007

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Hello ladies and gentlemen. After reading more than 1,500 entries submitted to the first ever peta2 scholarship contest, we've finally chosen winners.

If you recall, the deal was that one high school student and one university student would each win $500 towards their education, plus a nice certificate. The call for submissions asked for students to "tell us how you plan to use the skills you learn in college to help animals." We left it pretty open to students to express themselves, received a terrific response, and are pleased to congratulate Elizabeth Smith from Maryland and Cherie Leader from Kansas as the winners!

Since you’re probably dying to see what the winners wrote, here is Elizabeth’s essay:


"In college I want to be a business major. Anyone who knows me might stare in wonder, after all, business is the last thing I'm interested in. But that's what an animal shelter is, a business, and having an animal shelter is what I want to do. What better way is there to help animals than taking them in when they're lost and caring for them until they find a new loving home? And when is a better time to reach people about the issues of animal rights? When is a heart more open than when it is cooing over a beloved new friend?

People who come to animal shelters looking to adopt often come with open hearts and open ears; they are willing to learn about the plights of animals used for fur, meat, leather, entertainment, and testing. Like the waiting room in a doctor's office, an animal shelter can be covered in informative posters, scattered with pamphlets, and play that video that you're not quite sure you want to watch, but can't look away from all the same (Meet Your Meat, anyone?). Of course, running an animal shelter isn't all fuzzy bunnies and happy endings. There's lots of hard work involved, not the least of which are fundraising and organization. It takes a strong and confident businesswoman to handle it all. And to be a strong businesswoman, I need college to prepare me. I'll need skills in management, accounting, marketing, and leadership among other things.

To fulfill my dream and to help animals, I will go to college and work hard. I will work hard, but I will also have fun, and in having fun I will spread the word of animal rights even farther. There will be ample opportunities, at concerts, conventions, and clubs, to hand out pamphlets or talk to people. Every time that I dine, people will learn a little bit more about veganism. When a girl asks about my funky makeup or cute boots she'll learn a little bit more about testing or leather. Knowledge is the path to action and freedom for the animals and since a little bit more always leads to a little bit more, the knowledge will grow, and the movement will spread. Animal rights is my cause, my inspiration, my motivation. Wherever I go, whatever I do, I'll be spreading the word. College is just another step taking me higher so I can shout a little louder and reach a few more ears."

And here is Cherie’s essay:


"You cannot make a difference if you refuse to pay attention to the problem. That is my personal mission statement. I formed this statement 3 years ago after I stumbled across a peta2 booth at Warped Tour 2004. I had not known any of the problems that were going on because I ignored the problem. Not only had I ignored the problem, but the media around me seemed to be ignoring the problem.

I realized that the information I received from PETA is a form of journalism and graphic design and decided that this was my purpose in life. I want to help give people information so that they can help me make the world a better place for all living creatures. More specifically, I want to become a photojournalist and use my talents to help expose the truth. The pictures are what first grab the reader's attention in a news article and I want my pictures to entice potential readers to dive into the articles.

I want people to look at my pictures and realize that there are things going on in this world that they are not aware of, or that they are ignoring. My pictures will make it hard for readers to ignore the harsh cruelty that is happening not only to animals, but to all living creatures. If we all would pay attention to the world's problems and make a stand the world would be a better place, and this is what I intend to do."



Thanks to all who wrote in and keep an eye on peta2.com for more great contests and ways to help animals.

-Pulin

The World's Largest peta2 Human Pyramid! June 22, 2007

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I'm stoked to announce that this week, the peta2 Street Team hit more than 250,000 members! It's absolutely amazing to think that there are more than a quarter of a million people out there actively helping animals and spreading the peta2 message—that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment. Thank you so much from all of us here at peta2.

To celebrate, we had our very first peta2 picnic today outside in PETA's dog park. Check out the deliciousness:

We devoured vegan mac n cheese, pasta salad, veggie pigs in a blanket, broccoli salad, veggie chili dogs, fruit salad, veggie burgers, faux fried chicken, veggies and dip, and star-shaped cupcakes. I can't personally pick a favorite because it was all delicious, however, just from the looks of things, I'm curious to know which dish you wish you could have eaten.

Some notable picnic moments:


Nicole and Lara chowin' down.


Paul stuffing his face with a veggie burger.


My cupcake eyes.
While we all ate a ton of food, I personally had to take a little, uh, breather, to get enough energy to come back in here and write this blog.



And now, for your viewing pleasure—to show you how much we all love each other here at peta2, I present you with the world's largest (and to our knowledge, the only) peta2 human pyramid!



Thanks again for everything you do to help animals. We really are showing the world that the animal rights movement is only getting stronger. Keep up the awesome work!

♥ Marta

PS - If you get FUSE, tune in tomorrow, June 23, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. to see some footage of our very own Jason Bayless in Wake Up Screaming.

Running Away to Join the Circus! June 21, 2007

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As good ol' Willie Nelson said, 'On the Road Again'—I am preparing and packing to hit the road running. This time I will be on the road until December. It seems I am not the only one ready to take off running. According to the Associated Press in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 'Four zebras and three horses from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus took an unscheduled run on a road just outside World Arena, where the circus was performing this weekend. About 15 animal handlers chased them for about half an hour.' 'The zebras ran onto a road alongside the interstate, and the horses followed.' (News source: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=bizarre&id=5397915)

I guess the only difference is that I am running towards Ringling Bros. to document the abuse and the horses and zebras are running away from the abuse.

This is not the first time animals have tried to escape the captive and abusive environment of Ringling Bros.

Not only do I get to travel the country but I get to meet some amazing people. (You should come out when I hit your town.) I am also lucky enough to have PETA pimp my ride. Check this out, yo!





Come out to have some vegan food with me and take a photo of yourself with this rad ride. If I am not coming to your city, don't worry because you can read daily updates by clicking here—it's going to be awesome!

Check out my travel dates and drop me an email to let me know you are coming out.

Phoenix, AZ
Jun 27 - Jul 01
Bakersfield, CA
Jul 05 - Jul 08
Fresno, CA
Jul 11 - Jul 15
Los Angeles, CA
Jul 18 - Jul 22
Anaheim, CA
Jul 25 - Aug 05
San Diego, CA
Aug 08 - Aug 12
Oakland, CA
Aug 16 - Aug 19
San Jose, CA
Aug 22 - Aug 26
Portland, OR
Aug 30 - Sep 02
Everett, WA
Sep 06 - Sep 09
Stockton, CA
Sep 13 – Sep 16
Sacramento, CA
Sep 20 - Sep 23
Salt Lake City, UT
Sep 26 - Sep 30
Denver, CO
Oct 04 - Oct 14
Cleveland, OH
Oct 19 - Oct 28
Rosemont, IL
Nov 01 - Nov 11
Chicago, IL
Nov 13 - Nov 25
Huntsville, AL
Nov 28 - Dec 02

Don't forget to visit circuses.com and peta2 to get your Street Team points for coming out with me.

-Jason

Milk Gives You Spots June 21, 2007

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Yet another study—this time by dermatologist Bill Danby—has concluded...wait for it...Milk gives you spots (whoa, there's a big surprise!).

It was reported in the Independent that Danby and Dr Walter Willett studied more than 47,000 women to try and demonstrate their theory. The study found no link between food such as chocolate and chips and acne (which are widely blamed for the acne epidemic) but found one between women who had acne and those who had drunk a lot of milk. I'm sorry but duh?!

Dairy is a disaster—what sicko's idea was it to start drinking the stuff!!?? It makes you fat, gives you big puss filled spots, it's contaminated with cow's blood and pus and is linked to allergies, constipation, obesity, cancer, and other diseases. It doesn't take a genius to work out why—we are the only species on earth that think it's appropriate to consume the fluid that comes from another mammal's teat, and we're certainly the only species that drinks milk into adulthood. Milk is for babies, and what's more, cow's milk is for baby cows! It turns a 90 pound baby calf into a 2,000 pound cow in the course of 2 years—you do the math. It's no surprise that this unnatural substance is wreaking havoc in our bodies.

From another point of view, ladies, how would you feel about being forced to be constantly pregnant for your whole life only to have your babies taken away from you repeatedly and shoved into tiny crates or slaughtered for handbags? Not so nice huh?

Speaking from personal experience, I went vegan about 2 ½ years ago and if you'd have seen a picture of me before that then you'd be forgiven for thinking that you were looking at a picture of a cluster of craters—spots, zits, whatever you want to call them, they're gross. As soon as I ditched the dairy, lo and behold—smooth as a baby's bum! Even if I do say so myself (mind you, I have fat knees so it swings and roundabouts, eh?!) Editor's note: I have no idea what Violet means by this either, in case you're wondering.

So the next time you reach for a pint of milk in your Sainsbury's, divert your hand 3 inches to the left and grab the soya—your body, face, taste buds and the animals will thank you!

To sum up:

Bad = Good =

*Violet xxx

PS - If you haven't read "Skinny Bitch" then you ought to—it's practically my bible now!

This is a guest blog from Violet with peta2 UK.

Coming Back From America June 20, 2007

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Well I have been in the good old US of A over the last few weeks (four to be precise) and although I'm really happy to be back home, I loved it over there.

It was a kind of work/holiday split thing and I really got to see a lot of the country. It started with the holiday—Disneyworld. I've got to admit that I was pretty worried before I went out that I would basically starve, but Walt proved me so wrong. Every restaurant and snack stop had vegan food. They had biscuits (or cookies, for all you people who don't know better), pasta, cake, noodles, tofu, pretzels and loads more. I was in awe and stuffing my face for the week and I got to go on the Tower of Terror like 6 times.


Then the fun work started. I joined up with US summer staffers Cody, Dylan and Susan and we went out with electro pop band hellogoodbye. I've got to say a crazy time was had by all. The guys in all the bands on tour were wicked and I had a lot of fun. I got to tour the south of the USA and go to so many great food places and meet so many great people.


After all that craziness I still had a couple of weeks left, so it was off to the peta2 US office in Norfolk, VA. This is the first time I have met the peta2 USA team face to face and it was super great to see them all; they are some of the best people I have met and so dedicated to helping animals. Even though Kelly does have an unusual fascination with Llamas!

Much love,

Martin

This blog is from Martin with peta2 UK.

Have You Told Burton to Stop Selling Fur Yet? June 19, 2007

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We need your help to convince Burton Snowboards to stop selling fur! The company used fur on its MKII jacket and has refused to meet with PETA to discuss adopting a fur-free policy despite PETA's repeated requests for a meeting over the past several months. The fur industry kills millions of animals each year—including rabbits, minks, and foxes—in horribly cruel ways.

Seriously, who would want to wear dead animals' fur to snowboard? Fur is completely ridiculous, and there's absolutely no reason for a snowboard company to sell it.

Let Burton know that you won't support them until they stop supporting an industry that vaginally and anally electrocutes animals for their fur. Please click here to send Burton a message if you haven't already.

Oh, and in case you still haven't seen what happens to animals on fur farms, click on the image below to check it out for yourself.

Thanks!

♥ Marta

Girl In A Coma Interview and CD Giveaway June 18, 2007

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Girl In A Coma is made up of three ladies: Jenn Alva, Phanie Diaz, and Nina Diaz, who grew up self-proclaimed Smith fanatics...as if you needed me to tell you that! (And for those of you who don't know what I'm talking about and aren't familiar with "Girlfriend In A Coma"--yours truly's favorite Smith's song EVER, I suggest you go buy Strangeways, Here We Come immediately.) Girl In A Coma's debut album, Both Before I'm Gone, is in stores now and the girls have been oh so lovely enough to donate five copies of their cd for you guys and gals to win. And if you're not lucky enough to win, well you're already making a trip to that nearest and dearest independently owned record store for the Smith's album, so while you're there, make sure you pick up Both Before I'm Gone, too.

Check out peta2’s interview with Jenn and Phanie…

So, what’s new and exciting for Girl In A Coma?
Jenn--Currently we’re touring parts of the U.S. supporting our new cd, Both Before I‘m Gone. We recently signed to a label called Blackheart Records, with the fabulous Joan Jett. We also just released two videos for “Clumsy Sky� and “Road to Home�.

We’re currently campaigning against KFC. What do you think about KFC and its policies?

Jenn--Honestly, I’ve seen the videos and it deeply saddens me. My opinion is that it is hard to change the minds of a corporation such as KFC. Dollar signs blind them and it will take a lot of work to have them change their work and moral ethics. I hope one day they will open their eyes, BUT, if they never do, I am sure when they pass they will be reincarnated into chickens themselves and finally understand.

What are some veg snacks that you absolutely can’t live without while on tour?

Jenn--Peanut butter and jelly, tofurky slices, and cracker jacks are some of our favorites.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about going vegetarian but is afraid there won’t be anything to eat?
Jenn--Man, I would simply invite them to a vegetarian potluck and have them try everything and answer any questions. I make a mean vegan meatloaf and have had no complaints from my meat eater friends. One of my pet peeves is when my buddies say, �I couldn’t live without my beef.� The fact of the matter is that you can. Actually they will not live healthy if my crazy friends continue to eat their meat products.

What do you think about dissection? Should schools always give students alternatives to dissection? Why?

Jenn--Schools should definitely give an alternative to dissection…it’s possible to learn about animals and their bodies without having to physically open them up. When students learn about the human anatomy, do they dissect human bodies? No, but they still learn it!

What other animal rights issues are important to you?
Jenn--Not wearing animals for fashion is another big thing with us. That is just completely disgusting and not necessary at all. You’re walking around with a carcass on your body and you think you look hot?! Animals are not meant to be worn, plain and simple. Someone needs to teach Jennifer Lopez that.

Do you have any advice for kids who want to get involved with animal rights but don’t know how to get started?
Jenn--It’s extremely easy to go veg now because there are so many choices available in stores, which is a great thing. Everything you can think of can be replaced. There’re Boca burgers…boca grounds to make meatloaf. You can even have Thanksgiving with tofurkey! There is also the internet to help teach you how to get started... what foods to eat and recipes. You just have to make the effort and really want it...it’s all possible...and worth it.

Do you have any last words of wisdom that you’d like to pass on to your fans?
Phanie--Just try going veg for a week. You never know, you might like it. Or when you see Jenn…kidnap her and force her to be your personal vegan chef.

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Hope all is lovely.
nicole

Currently listening to:
The Killers' Hot Fuss

peta2 has a new comic! June 18, 2007

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DeFlocked has arrived! Jeff Corriveau, former writer for SNL, Jay Leno, and my personal fav-Talk Soup, has a new comic strip called Deflocked that you can now check out on peta2. The strip stars Mamet the sheep and his friends Cobb, Tucker, and Rupert. DeFlocked will be a reoccurring feature on the peta2 blog, so make sure you keep checking back for more!

Click image to enlarge

Props To SCAD Students June 15, 2007

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All you college kids are pretty much done for the summer, right? We've been in touch with students in the Student Vegetarian Association (SVA) at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) throughout the year and were excited to hear that the school awarded them the honor of Outstanding New Student Organization.

It's great to know that college activists are speaking out for a healthy, humane way to live.

You know, peta2 will always send you free stickers, leaflets, posters or whatever we can to help you and your friends get a group started at your school. So think of some ideas, drop us a line and let's save some animals, shall we?

Congrats to all the SVA students for working so hard!

-Pulin

Giant Chicken Visits UCLA June 14, 2007

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We recently sent a "visitor" to the UCLA campus where we gave out thousands of stickers, leaflets, and took lots of photos! Here are some for your viewing pleasure.

Remember to sign up (it's free) for the peta2 Street Team to stay in the loop on ways to help animals.

And now I will conclude with an original poem which my friend Paul describes as "absolutely awful."

Save the chickens they need you now,
Just visit peta2 to learn how,
There are missions and even contests too.
Animals need your help (yes it's true!)

-Pulin

The Olsen Twins Turn 21...Who Cares! June 13, 2007

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So today is the Olsen twins' 21st birthday. I predict that tonight the twins have a 95% chance of passing out. Not from too much alcohol mind you, but due to the heat stroke they are likely to get from wearing one of their hideous furs out in the summer. Seriously though, the Olsen twins really have not improved with age. Don't believe me? Just look at this adorable pic of little Michelle Tanner in all her cuteness (notice the lack of animal skins):

debbiebroeders/creative commons
Now compare it to this recent pic of Ashley looking rather haggard:



So yeah, as you can see they look much more busted now. If only they would take Uncle Jesse's advice and "have mercy," they would look so much better. But it is their birthday so I can't be too mean. So Happy Birthday betches! Don’t eat too much birthday cake! Oh wait….never mind.

PETA Vice President Writes to Paris in Jail June 13, 2007

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ChinaDaly/Creative Commons

PETA Vice President Dan Mathews recently sent a letter to Paris Hilton in the slammer. Random? Not quite. They do both share the common bond of having spent time in jail (Dan for taking over furry fashion runways, and Paris for well…I won't get into that; I'm sure you've heard enough about it—I know I have.). But anyway, I digress.

Dan wrote to Paris in the hopes that she'll take her time spent behind bars to think about the horrible treatment that the chickens who are raised for KFC's buckets go through. Chickens are crammed by the tens of thousands into filthy sheds where they don't even have the space to move one wing for their entire lives. Their throats are slit and many are scalded alive in feather-removal tanks while still fully conscious. Dan's asked Paris to narrate a brief video for PETA detailing KFC's abuse of birds. That would be amazing, right?

It's worked before—Dan also wrote to Martha Stewart when she was in the big house explaining what animals go through to become fur coats, and she was inspired to go fur-free and even narrated an anti-fur video for PETA.

Let's hope Dan's influence has the same effect on Paris as it did on Martha.

Anyway, I wanted to share with you that one of our awesome Street Teamers, Michael DiMartino, whom you might remember as a recent Star Street Teamer, actually wrote a story for a teen news publication and posted a bulletin about this that caught a news reporter's eye. Lo-and-behold, the story got picked up by a Miami news station, making it possible for tons of other people to hear about PETA writing to Paris!

It just goes to show how important it is to spread the word about things we're doing here at peta2. Since we don't have the type of budget other companies do to spread the word about what we're doing, we need all the help we can get to get animal rights stuff out there. Repost our bulletins, add a banner or video to your MySpace or Facebook, or even pass out leaflets in your community. We'll think you're pretty awesome, and you'll save some animals in the process. Everyone wins, right?

♥ Marta

It's True...Fish are Friends... June 12, 2007

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In case you didn't know, one of our favorite things is hearing feedback on how our Street Team missions are doing. You will hopefully remember our recent Fishin' Mission, where we asked you to download and print off this handy tear-off flier and post it where a lot of people would see it (with permission, of course).

Many of you wrote to us saying you checked on your fliers and saw that a bunch of people had taken the tabs to get more information about saving animals, which makes us very happy. Want to know what makes us even happier? We love getting pictures of you guys participating in our missions. It's just, like, the best thing ever.

Here are a few of the pictures we've received:

So why haven't you sent us your animal-rights photos yet?

♥ Marta

PS - And remember:

Last Try Talks with peta2 June 11, 2007

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Last Try is a band that hails from Jersey and is influenced by two of my all-time, personal favorites: Taking Back Sunday and Brand New...sounds good to me! Recently the band took a break from working on songs for their first album to chat with peta2. Read up and then be sure to check out the band's MySpace to see when and where the guys are playing next.

Do any of you guys have animal companions?
Vic--I have a cat named Tiffany. We live in Ocean City, New Jersey and during the winter time there is a horse and buggy that goes around the block. Last year when they were giving rides, the horse came trotting down the street and my cat was going nuts...her hair rose up on end and she was hissing so viciously at it. I didn't know cats could scream that loud! Jay also has three dogs. The one is a lot older than the rest and we call her "The Vet." She keeps the order throughout the house. Whenever the other dogs are barking, she's just lying there calm as can be. She's seen it all.

How long have you been vegetarian and what was it that made you want to make the switch?
Justin--I made the switch the beginning of April of 2006. It was like a sign...my teacher was discussing health and how meat can affect everything in the body and how it's bad for you in a way, and it started buggin' me out, ya know! During band class my friend was always saying stuff about what is done to animals...just so we can get fed we have to kill an innocent animal that is living. Imagine if that was you being killed to feed someone else, minding your own business then being tortured. That's what made me go vegetarian.

What do you guys think of dissection?
Justin--Our singer said he did a frog and a worm before and it was pointless. There are enough diagrams and videos of opened up animals, explaining their body systems, why do we have to keep on doing it first-hand? Students who don't wish to participate shouldn't have to. It's their right and their choice!

What other animal rights issues are important to you?
Vic--I saw a video on a website of a kitten getting injected with LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) for scientific testing. To put this into an animal of any type is just plain wrong. I couldn't honestly believe what I was watching. The kitten's balance was distorted and it couldn't walk properly...I'm sure it was never the same after that. Not worth it to me! It's sick what goes on in the "scientific" world as far as testing on animals.

Do you have any advice for kids who want to get involved with animal rights, but don't know how to get started?
Vic--Honestly the best place to go is right here at peta2.com. Nothing is more important than knowing what's going on in the rest of the world, yet it's hard when the evidence isn't presented to you. Here at peta2 you can watch the videos and read about and fully understand what's going on with the animals of our planet. peta2 is the perfect place to get started. Also try to find a group of people who believe in the same things you believe in and get together and spread the word. Express yourself.

On a lighter note, if you guys had to choose one animal that you each most closely identify with, what animal would it be and why?
Phil--a monkey. My GrandPop always used to call me "Monkey."
Vic--a seagull. I'm always the hungriest one in the band and I'm always taking people's food!
Jay--a horse...because they don't eat meat. They're raw, tough, and quick.
Ryan--a cat. He's always curious.
Frank--Most definitely a little puppy dog. He's the most clumsy in the band...breaks everything! haha

Too cute!
Hope all is lovely.
nicole

Currently listening to:
Taking Back Sunday's Where You Want To Be

Casey Affleck's Vegan PSA Softened for TV June 8, 2007

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Casey Affleck's been making the rounds this week in support of his new flick, the soon-to-be-summer blockbuster Ocean's 13. Everyone's talking about it and I'm thrilled that Casey is part of such a highly anticipated movie because he's such a great actor—he was without a doubt the best part of The Last Kiss as far as I'm concerned—and a die hard activist too. You may recall that Casey recorded a vegan PSA for peta2 a few months ago that was banned by all of the networks—including cable! Casey was determined to get his message about the way animals are treated by the factory farming industry to as many people as possible so we created a less graphic version of the PSA in hopes that the networks would air it. We're happy to report that it is being picked up by stations around the country. Yay! It's nice that every once in a while the powers that be will actually let the public see and hear the truth for themselves, ain't it? Check out the toned down version of Casey's "Go Vegan" PSA and support this marvelous vegan's hard work by seeing Ocean's 13. It opens today and the lines are sure to be long for this one so plan ahead...Fandango anyone?

xox

Patricia

Skeletons and Human Glue Traps? June 7, 2007

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I sometimes get very jealous when I see all the various PETA demonstration pictures from all over the world. The protests are always eye-catching and thought-provoking, and I wish I were there protesting right alongside everyone else. I've participated in my fair share of protests when I interned, but since I'm lucky enough to work with quite a creative group of people, we always have new demonstrations to make people stop and take notice.

Check out a few photos that appeared in a Hong Kong newspaper a few weeks ago after an "I'd Rather Be Dead Than Eat Kentucky Fried Cruelty" protest:

And here's a couple of photos from another demonstration a few weeks ago in Atlanta to put pressure on The Home Depot to stop selling glue traps—which can cause mice, birds, and other animals to suffer for days before they're killed:





Wish you could get in on the fun and maybe change a few minds along the way? You most certainly can! Check out this page to find out how to organize your own Kentucky Fried Cruelty demo. Don't forget to send us your demo pictures, so I can be jealous of you, too.

♥ Marta

In Memory of Ben and Cayce June 6, 2007

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Last week we lost our friends Ben and Cayce in a tragic accident. Both of these Virginia Commonwealth University students were vegan, animal rights activists, and even volunteered at PETA's office sometimes. Ben and Cayce loved to listen to music, hang out with friends, and spoke out for social change whenever and wherever they saw injustice.

Many staffers, interns, and local activists have fond memories of Ben and Cayce including their efforts to pre-screen Wake Up Screaming for local students and their help at our 'work parties' where local volunteers come in to help with various projects.

PETA President Ingrid Newkirk stated, "Ben and Cayce's boundless compassion was an inspiration to everyone who knew them. The world has lost two of its brightest stars, but their spirits live on in the many people they touched and the animals' lives they saved."

In memory of their short, but inspiring lives we are going to commemorate their dedication to animal rights (and a better world for everyone!) by engraving a brass leaf on our 'Tree of Life' for them. If you want to help honor their commitment to a better tomorrow please click here to learn about the benefits of going vegan from a health, environmental, and animal rights perspective.

Also, we are big fans of Ben's great solo music project, Mancub, and urge you all to check it out here. And here's a video too:



Thank you, Ben and Cayce, for all you have done to make the world a kinder place.

-Pulin

Brody, Gosling, & Heigl Among Celebs Backing Cali Spay/Neuter Bill June 5, 2007

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Some stars really do have big hearts and use their spare time to draw attention to issues that are truly important. Adam Brody, CSI's Jorja Fox, Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling, Taryn Manning, and the lovely Katherine Heigl are among the stars who have signed PETA's petition supporting California's Healthy Pets Act. (Katherine Heigl is just so adorable, and her new movie Knocked Up is causing quite a buzz, looks like I'll be hitting the Cineplex this weekend.) Other celebs lending their support to the bill, which mandates spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats, include Bradley Whitford, Alicia Silverstone, director Richard Linklater, Alyssa Milano, and William Shatner. Click the image below to see who else signed PETA's petition.

Some celebs are getting in on the act with PSA's, like Bill Maher who created a "New Rule" to voice his support. And PETA just released this PSA starring Kevin Nealon and Miami Ink's Ami James (Sigh. I've always known he was really a big-hearted softie.) among others.

xox

Patricia

What Did You Put on Your Head Today? June 5, 2007

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What? You didn't put anything that made people take notice up there? And no, I'm not talking about my good friend Ian's umbrellas-in-the-fro'd-out-ponytails-faux-hawk look (Yes, he did go out in public like that—I know you were wondering).

I'm talking more along the lines of awesome former Street Teamer turned PETA intern turned PETA employee Dani rockin' this on her graduation cap:



We absolutely love seeing things like this, so if you'd like to forgo the more typical fraternity/sorority shout-out or the drab graduation year scrawled across your mortarboard (Yeah, that's what those graduation caps are actually called—totally weird), we recommend going the Dani route and putting something like *ahem* peta2.com on your cap. If you were thinking of skipping the big event, remember that your graduation ceremony can be a great place to spread the animal rights message.

If you do something like this or another equally sweet thing for animals at your graduation, be sure to take a picture and send it our way—you may just pop up in the blog yourself!

♥ Marta

More Updates From hellogoodbye Tour June 4, 2007

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Everything seems to be going smoothly on the hellogoodbye tour with tonight wrapping up the tour. We love the bands. They love us more than a fat kid loves cake (50 Cent reference, anyone?). And it's pretty spectacular making friends left and right in only the way peta2 can do it. I mean, how could you possibly not talk to people who look like this:

I really love the work our summer staffers have been doing. For instance, do you see the picture of Susan below? Not only is she standing up (please, please never sit down when you're tabling!), but her table looks clean, has this video playing, and she's got a sign advertising the "FREE DVDs" that she will trade you for a signature on a petition. And she's even smooth enough to be holding the pen out to a nice girl at the table. It's quite proactive and it makes me all tingly inside.


If you too would like to make me all tingly inside just check out our activism tips here and tell us how you did using the street team form.

Oh and in case you're wondering, my weekend soccer game was pure brilliance. Come visit us sometime and I'll get you in on a game, cool? Hope you had a nice weekend.

-Pulin

Star Street Teamer: Shakira Croce June 1, 2007

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The name Shakira Croce is familiar to us at peta2 headquarters because she's been a dedicated animal rights activist for years. Shakira is continuing her great work with the student group at her school, Sarah Lawrence College, located just outside New York City. We've been dying to tell you about her work, so check out our interview with Shakira below. When you're done reading it, you'll be motivated to get even more active on your own campus—so drop us a line and we'll help you get started.

How long have you been active for animal rights?
I have been active for animal rights since becoming a vegetarian at age 12 (seven years).

When was your high school group started?
I started Students Promoting Awareness of Animal Rights (SPAAR) my freshman year of high school in Gainesville, Georgia (the poultry capital of the world).

What advice can your group offer other student organizations looking to organize around animal rights at their schools?
There are many ways to reach your peers and many ways to make a difference. A mass movement may begin with one central person who stimulates others to initiate and perpetuate positive change. Being an activist for the animals has been one of the most rewarding activities in my life. Be confident with what you say or write and have plenty of evidence to back up your position. SPAAR is also here for you, if you need any help or ideas.

How are the dining options on campus for vegetarians and vegans?
One of the three dining facilities on campus, the Health Food Bar, only serves vegetarian and vegan dishes. In the other two dining halls, at least half the options are vegan/vegetarian. Like all college food, it can't compare to home meals, but the options are definitely there.

Your school is one of the few that offers a clear dissection alternatives policy. Can you tell us more about that?
I am very proud of Sarah Lawrence for being one of the first and only schools to have a written alternative to dissection policy. Sarah Lawrence prides itself in individualized study, emphasizing the importance of fostering an inherent desire to "approach learning with a sense of meaning and urgency." This fundamental philosophy of the college should be applied to all educational institutions, which must recognize that a student's right to choose whether or not to dissect is integral in the pursuit of knowledge.

What are your favorite resources from peta2?
peta2 has compiled an amazing amount of information, which is accessible online through a variety of multimedia resources (ranging from factsheets to videos to photos). Researching factory farming on peta2's Web site was one of the components that led to my decision to become a vegetarian. I have also experienced outstandingly efficient and compassionate individuals who work for peta2 and who help make peta2's resources accessible and effective.

Which do you like better: Facebook or MySpace?
I'm a member of Facebook, because as an out-of-state student, it's easy to keep in touch with my friends from back home who are also members, but I can't say I really feel strongly either way.

Do you have a favorite musician or celebrity who has worked with peta2?
I really love how peta2 encourages fresh and successful artists/celebrities to speak out for the animals! Some of my favorites are Pink, Paul McCartney, Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla, David Beckham, Sugarcult's Marko, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and of course Joaquin Phoenix.

If you were standing face-to-face with the president of KFC, what would you say to him?
The great philosopher Plato once said, "False words are not only evil in themselves, but they inflict the soul with evil." I would then like to confront the KFC president with the facts versus his public lies as outlined on PETA's Web site KentuckyFriedCruelty.com.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
For more info about SPAAR, visit our Web site at www.geocities.com/animalrightspaar/spaar.html, and I am always happy to offer advice or suggestions regarding any student-activism questions you may have: scroce@slc.edu.


Want to be our next featured group? Sign up for the Street Team now, and tell us what you've done to help animals at your school.

Star Street Teamer: Nicole Barrera June 1, 2007

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Oh, wow—do we have a treat for you! Are you ready to meet one of the cutest, most motivated and inspirational young activists on Earth? Instead of the usual Star Street Teamer interview, which we have you read, we've got a video interview for you this time around. When Star Street Teamer Nicole Barrera—who also happens to be one of our favorite local activists—isn't busy protesting or stopping by our office to volunteer, she enjoys helping her mom make some amazing vegan food. See what's on her mind, and then show this to your parents and friends so they can be inspired to make a difference.

Want to get more active for animals? Sign up for the peta2 Street Team and start participating in some missions.

We ♥ Street Teamers June 1, 2007

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With peta2's 5th birthday upon us, we've started to receive birthday wishes from people, but this is definitely our fave so far:

Thanks so much to Katie in the UK for making it for us! And check out what else she sent us:



Super cute—and oh so true.

I'm 97.3% sure that 94.5% of you reading this blog right now are far more talented than I am and are itchin' to send us your awesome pictures, artwork, and videos. So what are you waiting for? Show us your stuff!

♥ Marta

Last Weekend in Detroit June 1, 2007

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In case you haven't noticed, tour and festival season is picking up, and last weekend a bunch of our summer staffers went to Detroit to do some outreach for the animals. Here's an example of what went down.

First up, the peeps drove from Virginia to Michigan (in one day). One of their food stops was Web of Life which is like a wonderland of vegan soft serve ice cream, fake meats, and tons more! Why did Paige choose to have a photo of her holding salad dressing despite the incredible non-salad related goodness behind her? I have absolutely no idea at all.

Next up, take a look at peta2 powerhouse Loyd getting some people to sign our petition against KFC. Just between you and me, he could most likely beat me at arm wrestling... in case you were wondering.



And finally, since this was all at an event called Movement '07 (Detroit's Electronic Music Festival), you have to expect some people to be pretty creatively dressed. And well, that's where this photo of Robyn comes in.


Our peta2 team was out there for three glorious days, got thousands of people to take info and sign the petition, and then had the pleasure of doing the drive back to our peta2 HQ all over again. I can't wait to see what they'll be up to next!

Oh and by the way, Happy June and Happy Friday! I'm going to play soccer tomorrow, so excited!

-Pulin