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

Posted by Marta

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.

Posted by Marta

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

Posted by Marta

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

Posted by 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

Posted by 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

Posted by Marta

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

Posted by 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.

Posted by Marta

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

Posted by 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.

Posted by Marta

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.

Posted by Marta

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

Posted by 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

Posted by Nicole

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

Posted by Lara

Props To SCAD Students June 15, 2007

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 4 ) | TrackBack

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

Posted by 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

Posted by Pulin

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

Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 18 ) | TrackBack

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.

Posted by Lara