Calling All Fashionable Guys and Girls! August 31, 2007

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack

With school starting back up and Fall just around the corner, you've probably already blown a lot of the money you saved up from dealing with screaming kids at camp on some sweet new clothes, right? If so, that's good news for us!

We want to see you in your most stylish, cruelty-free outfits! What does that mean? Send us pictures of you in your most fashionable outfits free of fur, leather, and wool. With so many options out there these days that don't require an animal to suffer for clothing, there's no reason to support an industry that profits off of animals' skins.

We'll feature the best submissions here in the peta2 blog and have you vote for your favorite! Need a little inspiration? Check out Lara in her cruelty-free shot below and then send your most stylin' picture to StreetTeam@peta2.com. And here's the best part: The person who submits the photo with the highest number of votes will win a $50 gift certificate from Alternative Outfitters!

Go bust out your clothes and get photo-happy!

♥ Marta

PS - Just so you know, by sending us your photos, we're taking that as acknowledgment that you've read and agreed to our terms of submission and terms and conditions. Thanks, lovelies!

We Have A "Not A Nugget" Costume!!! August 30, 2007

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 7 ) | TrackBack

We are happy to announce that our very own "Nugget" (who is, coincidentally, not a nugget) has his very own costume. That's right, now he joins the ranks of comic superheroes, movie characters, and even the Teletubbies in having a costume in his likeness! Here's a photo from the trial run around our office and the quite amusing instructions that the costume shop sent over for its use.

You should for sure expect some more hilarious photos in the coming months!

Oh geez and speaking of absolutely funny stuff, did anyone else see Superbad? I loved it! Not exactly a family fun kind of film, but I sure did laugh a lot and it reminded me of high school all over again.

-Pulin

Chicken in a Hummer Follows Al Gore Around August 29, 2007

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBack

Seriously, what's the deal with Al Gore? He makes this hit documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth", focused entirely on global warming and how we can each do our part to stop it. Yet, when we inform him that eating animals is the #1 cause of global warming, he ignores all the facts. It's not like he couldn't stand to lose a few pounds anyways. Perhaps it's just too inconvenient of a truth for him?

That's why we're here to remind him. We'll be following Gore around the country, stopping at several environmental group headquarters along the way, with a giant Hummer driven by a person in a chicken costume. Across the side, it will proudly state that meat is the top cause of global warming. Not to mention, this amazing billboard will be going up shortly in cities across America. Getting the message yet, Al?

The New York Times heard about the whole situation and printed an amazing article in the paper today, basically confirming that if he really cared about the environment, he'd stop supporting the cruelest and most destructive industry on Earth.

If you haven't taken the Veg Pledge yet, trust me, there's no better time to give it a try.

-Ryan

Vegan Calzones, A 26-Hour Drive, and Going Home August 28, 2007

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

As you may have noticed, many of us here in the office have been taking turns spending time out on Warped Tour, getting people around the country to sign our petition asking the government to protect chickens under the Humane Slaughter Act—so chickens don't have their throats slit while they're still fully conscious and other horrible things like that.

It's been great for all of us, and I got to table at the Kansas City, Boise, Seattle, and Portland dates. Some notable mentions: 115 degree heat in KC, having tons of people tell us they went vegetarian after seeing peta2 at Warped Tour last year, a 26-hour drive from Kansas City to Boise, The Gorge Amphitheatre outside of Seattle (gorgeous!), vegan calzones, meeting Street Teamers, vegan French toast, going home for a night to see my parents and kitties, and me being so out of it I accidentally woke up three hours before I needed to (at 4:30 a.m.) and showered before I realized it was still dark out (yeah I'm still being made fun of for that).

On the loooooooong drive between Kansas City and Boise we spotted this awesomeness in Ogden, Utah, and Susan took this picture of Cody and me from like, 3 million miles away:

Delicious, delicious vegan calzone with veggie sausage, pineapple, grilled onions, and rice cheese (and a side of garlic sauce!) from Pizza Pi in Seattle:


Nugget hangin' with a bear at The Gorge:


Hope you enjoyed that little glimpse into my life on the road. That's all for now!

♥ Marta

The Latest Cool Stuff From peta2 August 27, 2007

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Check out all the cool stuff below!

Fall Out Boy and Cobra Starship Gabe from Cobra Starship picks the brain of Fall Out Boy's Andy in a brand-new peta2 video interview. Check it out, and enter to win the actual camera from the shoot and unseen footage!

Play the New Super Chick Sisters Game! Colonel Sanders has kidnapped Princess Pamela Anderson! Fight your way through five action-packed levels of Kentucky-fried madness to rescue her in this free game spoofing Super Mario Bros.

Take Action Against Dogfighting NFL quarterback Michael Vick has accepted a deal to plead guilty to federal conspiracy charges involving illegal dogfighting. Tell the NFL that animal abusers deserve suspension.

Lamb of God: The New Animal Control These guys have some strong words for David Novak (the CEO of KFC's parent company, Yum! Brands)—and a harsh warning for all animal abusers.

DIY Chick! Have any of your DIY projects starred the Nugget? Show off your reconstructed tees, totes, armbands, and anything else you crafty folks have come up with here!

Shawn Harris of The Matches Meet The Matches' Shawn Harris backstage at The Bamboozle, and find out why he became the vegan he is today.

Calling All MySpace Bloggers Here's your chance to earn a bunch of Street Team points and educate your friends—all for writing about the top 8 reasons that peta2 is in your MySpace Top 8!

See What's Up!

Win Brand-New, Signed Aiden Gear!

Charlie Thomas Skateboard Giveaway!

Improper Clothing Contest

FREE stuff over here!

♥ Marta

Yes, Fish Are Animals, Too! August 27, 2007

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

Check out our latest video.

To learn more about this issue, please read this and to take the 'Veg Pledge' sign up here.

-Pulin

Huge Elephant Takes Over Warped Tour August 25, 2007

Posted by Nicole | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack

Today was a great day on Warped. First of all, my friend Jason took some time out of his busy schedule of following Ringling Bros. Circus around the country protesting their abuse of elephants. Anyone who knows Jason knows that when he is around-something crazy is bound to go down. And today was no exception-a little bit after Jason arrived, an elephant riding a bike appeared cruising around the venue.

The elephant turned out to be none other than Warped Tour head-in-chief, Kevin Lyman!



Apparently, the elephant costume was borrowed from Jason's array of arsenal to battle Ringling on the road. To join Jason in his quest to get Ringling Bros. to stop using animal acts, check out his tour schedule here and join him!



xoxo-Lara

P.S. Tell Denny's what you think of its Ringling promos here.

NFL Has Sacked Vick August 24, 2007

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Great news! The NFL has finally suspended Michael Vick indefinitely. This is following his own admission of guilt when he entered his plea today. Now urge the NFL to add cruelty to animals—in all its forms—to its personal conduct policy. We need them to hear from as many people as possible!

-Pulin

Six Japanese Girls + Ska = Amazing August 24, 2007

Posted by Nicole | Permalink | Comments ( 12 ) | TrackBack

So I am back on Warped Tour. Right now I'm relaxing on our day off in a nicely air-conditioned tour bus somewhere in California. Yesterday in Portland I had the great pleasure of running across a band that made me dance like a madman and say the word "cute" about a million times.

Who is this band that inspires such wonderfulness? They are the upcoming fresh out of high school all girl Japanese sextet—ORESKABAND.

Not only does the band feature a purple saxophone, they also have a song called Monkey Man (Monkey monkey Man). Wait, it gets better...they love the Nugget!

Not only did they model our "I Am Not a Nugget" tee, they also signed one for you to win just by commenting below!



xoxo-Lara

P.S. If you haven't already, check out ORESKABAND now—they rocked SXSW, Warped Tour, and will be coming to a town near you soon. And it goes without saying, if you haven't yet checked out our Nugget summer campaign—do so now!

Round 3: Vote For The Cutest Food August 23, 2007

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack

Ok this is the third and final round we're doing of these 'Cutest Food' blogs. The winner from this one will face off with the first round winner, teddy bear, and the second round winner, penguin, to see which is the overall best bento box. Look for that blog to be posted sometime next week.

For now, however, check out these new vegan creations from the talented Asia, and comment back to vote for your favorite!

I mean, I'm a bit biased towards 'PETA,' but who can really compare the world's largest animal rights organization to a cute sheep or the fun-filled sport of bowling?! It's all so different— so overwhelming— so incredible!

Vote now. Comment and let's hear what you have to say.

-Pulin

It's DeFlocked Time Again! August 23, 2007

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

So you don't have to read me rambling on, I'll leave you with Jeff Corriveau's DeFlocked to enjoy. Though I can't stop typing without first telling you to check out Circuses.com.

Click for a larger version

To check out past installments, click here.



♥ Marta

Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency Goes Fur Free August 22, 2007

Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack

Janice Dickinson is all that is great about reality TV. Admit it, you know you loved watching her tear those wannabes apart on ANTM just as much as I did. I watched The Surreal Life every week praying she would clock that Omarosa. And things are just as fierce on her show The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, thank goodness! She's outrageous and fabulous and a true diva, but when you're the world's first Supermodel you've earned that right. Janice never lets me down, always saying exactly what's on her mind not concerned about whose feathers she's going to ruffle, kinda like...well, kinda like PETA.

Hmmm...It just so happens that Janice met with PETA VP Dan Mathews last week and after watching this video about the fur industry she immediately instituted a "no fur" policy for her agency. Then Janice and her models took their message to the streets with an anti-fur demo on Hollywood Boulevard. Holding signs that read, "We'd rather go naked than wear fur," several did, while the others as you'll see in the photos below, stripped down to their skivvies including Janice herself—that's her atop that sunglass-clad stud's shoulders holding two signs and chanting. Everyone seemed to have fun while spreading the message that anyway you look at it, fur is dead. I'm just glad Janice is on our side.

Photo courtesy of Barry King


Photo courtesy of Barry King

xox

Patricia

P. S. The fab folks who work on FurIsDead.com have worked with some pretty cool retailers to offer discounts for a limited time only. Check out the deets and get shopping!

Amazing peta2 Game Featuring Super Chick Sisters August 22, 2007

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I remember coming home from a soccer game one fine Fall day about twenty years ago to find my brother upstairs playing Nintendo! Of course, since it was brand new we only really had Super Mario Bros, but that game has left a legacy for anyone who is even remotely interested in any sort of video game these days. Every now and again, games are fun and exciting and give you a semi-legitimate excuse to fight with your siblings and friends.

With some inspiration from the Bros, we decided to come up with the Super Chick Sisters game which has provided me more hours of enjoyment than I care to admit. Ok it's less than one hundred hours, but more than just one. That's all I'm saying!

I'm not a huge fan of video games, but one crack at this and we think you'll be hooked. And who wouldn't want to defeat the Evil Col. Sanders and save Pamela Anderson out of the goodness of their hearts anyway?

Ok, time for me to shut up. Time for you to get to playing. Click here and get ready for a fun time!

-Pulin

<a title="Super Chick Sisters" href=" http://www.peta2.com/superchicksisters/index.asp?c=11"><img src="http://www.peta2.com/superchicksisters/images/super_chick_sisters_banP2.gif" alt="Super Chick Sisters" height="167" width="483" border="0"></a>

Aiden's Conviction August 21, 2007

Posted by Nicole | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack

Together Nick and Jake D. of Aiden, save over 200 animals every year because of their fantabulous vegetarian ways. I'll be honest, I love Aiden anyway, but how can you NOT love them even more knowing that...seriously!

Photo Credit: Lisa Johnson


So I'm downright giddy to say that these peta2 friends—and again savers of over 200 animals per year, don't forget—and the rest of the Aiden crew have released their brand spankin' new album, Conviction, today. Trust me when I say, you need this CD and Victory Records and peta2 are here to help you accomplish that very feat—fancy that you little trend-setting hipsters!




Enter the form below for your chance to win one of six copies of Conviction, the Seattle based band's fourth full-length album. After entering, make sure you check out Aiden's tour dates. Although the boys are across the pond at the moment, you know damn well they'll be coming to a town near you so very soon in support of the new album!

First Name
Last Name
E-Mail
	Sign me up for peta2 E-News and special announcements from PETA.

Just so you lovelies know...by giving us your details here, we're taking that as acknowledgment that you've read and agreed to our privacy policy.

Also by filling out this form, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions.


Cheers, m'dears!
nicole

Vick To Plead Guilty August 20, 2007

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Vick has finally admitted his guilt! Michael Vick has reportedly accepted a plea deal—and a likely prison sentence—to avoid additional federal charges related to a professional dogfighting operation, one of his attorneys had told The Virginia-Pilot newspaper.

We're still waiting on the details, but we're happy knowing that if a celebrity with Vick's amount of money and his team of lawyers can't get out of legal trouble (and hopefully can't get out of serving jail time) then anyone else who fights dogs had better head for the hills.

On a more somber note, when Vicks co-defendants entered their plea agreements on Friday some details came out about the dogs being hung. It is pretty chilling stuff, so I give kudos to the media outlets who covered it.

This article by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, for instance, is very good in a tough to read kinda way. Here's a powerful excerpt:

They were hung from trees in the woods behind Michael Vick's house, eight dogs left there to die, kicking and screaming.

The pit bulls had made the mistake of failing the test. They weren't mean enough, quick enough, strong enough in the ring, so they were of no more use to Vick's Bad Newz dogfighting operation.

Imagine, killing a dog because it's just too nice.

Five of the dogs finally kicked their last breaths away as the ropes cut deeper and deeper into their throats. Three somehow clung to life.

Vick and two of his henchmen, growing impatient, cut those three down and one by one shoved their heads into five-gallon buckets filled with water, drowning them to finish them off.

Try keeping your breakfast down after hearing that report on ESPN.

The inhumanity, the callousness, the abuse of these innocent, helpless animals is almost beyond comprehension.

There is something you can do though. PETA is again calling on the NFL to add cruelty to animals— in all its forms— to its "Personal Conduct Policy." This case has clearly shown that NFL fans are just as outraged by cruelty to animals as any of the other antisocial behaviors outlined in the policy. Click here to contact the NFL now!

<a title="dog fighting" href=" http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/p2_nfl_animal_abuse?c=p22487"><img src="http://www.peta.org/actioncenter/images/webbanners/200-dogfighter-peta2.gif" alt="Dog Fighting" height="200" width="200" border="0"></a>

-Pulin

Hotlanta HipHop Film Fest! August 20, 2007

Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack


If you happen to be heading down South (well down South of where I am anyway) this weekend, you should definitely check out the Atlanta HipHop Film Fest.

The fest will include panels/workshops, hiphop theater performance, film screenings, and a house party (no, not the 1990 movie starring Kid N Play-an actual party).

One of the films showing is WU: The Story of The Wu-Tang Clan, which I bet is good, because what isn't good when Masta Killa is involved?

Also, if you go, keep a lookout for some of our 'I Am Not a Nugget' literature!

xoxo-Lara

Photo Fun In New Jersey August 17, 2007

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

It's a bit late, but here are some pictures from when I was hanging out at Warped Tour in New Jersey. I had lots of fun watching Alkaline Trio, The Matches, and some other bands. But most exciting of all was talking to people about the petition we've got going on to protect chickens from some of the worst abuses animals face in the slaughterhouse!

I grew up in New Jersey, too, working with groups like the New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance, so it was great to see some high school friends and raise awareness in the same place I grew up! It didn't hurt that I got to hang out with my parents and talk about the work I'm doing on the peta2 Street Team these days.

-Pulin

PS- This video is fun.

Put the Nugget on MySpace! August 16, 2007

Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

Youth Noise, a great social networking site for a variety of causes (including animal rights!), has created a new "I Am Not a Nugget" widget to help us get the word out about our summer campaign to save chicks!

We have collected almost 150,000 signatures for the Nugget petition already this summer, but there is still more work to be done! You can help by posting the Nugget widget on MySpace, Facebook, and/or your personal blog to let all your friends know about the campaign.

Did I mention the widgets are pretty darn cute too? Click here to get em!

xoxo-Lara

Round 2: Vote For The Cutest Food August 15, 2007

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 15 ) | TrackBack

A couple weeks ago, we asked you to vote for your favorite food and got tons of feedback which put the vegan teddy bear slightly above the pirate in the quest for victory. The cook/creator, Asia, put a lot of work into these, and we've got Round 2 now where three new bento boxes are just as amazing and cute and make it nearly impossible to decide which is best. So comment back and let us know which your favorite is, ok?

Pretty cool stuff! And yes, it's all vegan and totally yummy! Look for Round 3 coming next week and visit VegCooking.com for tips on great vegan meals!

-Pulin

Tell Denny's What You Think of Its Ringling Promos August 14, 2007

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You know that restaurant chain Denny's, right? Well, clearly they're not hardcore animal rights activists, but you would think the company would have the decency to at least not support one of the most obviously exploitive companies on the face of the earth.

Turns out that Denny's recently announced a partnership with notorious animal abusers Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to promote Ringling at its restaurants in each of the towns where the circus performs. Why would Denny's want to partner with a company which uses dangerous bullhooks, forces injured animals to perform, and has paid tens of thousands of dollars in fines for failing to meet minimal Animal Welfare Act standards?! I have no freaking idea! Why don't you ask them?

Here's a video from a little while back that is pretty informative.

Please contact Denny's CEO Nelson Marchioli and let him know what you think about Denny's new partnership with Ringling. Remind him that after learning of the abuse inherent in animal circuses, major corporations like General Mills, Burger King, Liz Claiborne, MasterCard, Visa, and Sears, Roebuck and Co. ended their sponsorships of circuses like Ringling and UniverSoul.

Click below

Those of you on the Street Team will get 250 points for doing this. Just be patient and give us a couple weeks to actually credit them, though, ok?

Thank you so much!

-Pulin

Veggie Dogs, Vegan Pizza, and Veggie Chili Fries! August 14, 2007

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack

So I know it seems like we eat a whole lot of food here in the peta2 office (and I'm in no way denying this—we shovel food down like nobody's business), but we keep showing you the pictures not because we're trying to rub it in that we're eating a ton of yummy food, but because we want to make sure you lovely people know that there are a whole lot of options out there available to vegans. There are vegan alternatives to almost any meat, dairy, or egg-based product, so keep an eye out for them!

A couple of weeks ago we had several soy cheese pizzas (some plain, some piled with veggies), and this afternoon we had an array of veggie goodness: Tofurky Beer Brats, Kielbasa, and Sweet Italian Sausages—not to mention a whole lot of veggie chili fries. I'm stuffed, so I'll let you browse a few of the photos I took.

Soy Cheese Pizza from Bella Pizzeria (in Norfolk)


Nicole enjoying the aforementioned pizza


Veggie Chili Fries from Dogville (in Norfolk)


Tofurky Sweet Italian Sausage from Dogville
We do more than just eat, though—really. Like help animals. Click here to see what more you can do to help animals.

♥ Marta

PS - Restaurants carry delicious foods like veggie dogs because of consumer demand, so be sure to request vegetarian food at your local eateries!

Our New Van And Some Links August 13, 2007

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I'm going to keep it simple on this one. Here is a photo of our sweet peta2 tour van. And then we have some links to stuff we wanted to bring to your attention if you don't know about these things yet!

Video interview and contest with Andy from Fall Out Boy and Gabe from Cobra Starship!

Your Mission Is To Save Hot Dogs!

Join peta2 on Facebook

The official peta2 message boards!

I Am Not A Nugget shirts in black and heather grey!

Take care!

-Pulin

Pop Culture Shock Therapy August 10, 2007

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Doug Bratton is a nice vegetarian dude and creator of a daily comic panel, Pop Culture Shock Therapy. The comic has grown to be one of the most popular in college newspapers around the country, appearing on dozens of campuses from New York to Hawaii! Doug's comics also appear in Nickelodeon and MAD Magazine, as well as three books which collect his Pop Culture Shock Therapy comics.

After meeting Doug and his partner Pam at a conference a few months ago, we knew we had to share his work with you. As you can see, he definitely ties in some of the animal rights themes to his work! Check it out and let us know what you think because we'll be sure to share some more in the future if you enjoy this stuff!

For those of you in college or working with any student newspaper, drop Doug and Pam a line to feature the work in your campus publications.

Hunting is ridiculous

Col. Sanders is pretty douchey

-Pulin

Absolutely Amazingly Delicious Vegan Pizza! August 9, 2007

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack

So I apologize in advance if this blog makes you really hungry (okay, I don't really feel bad—the following pictures made my stomach start a-rumblin', too!). Philly-area people, I am totally jealous of you—just FYI. Why, you may be asking yourself?

Philadelphia is lucky enough to be the home of Gianna's Grille—the birthplace of only some of the best freaking vegan food I've ever had! The good people at Gianna's were nice enough to do a free vegan pizza giveaway at the peta2 booth at the Philly Warped Tour stop, and you just have to check out the deliciousness for yourself:

Vegan Balboa - Tofurky Italian Sausages, Green Peppers & Onions


Vegan BBQ Chikun Pizza


Three In One Vegan Deliciousness Pizza


Vegan Chikun & Spinach Pizza, More Vegan BBQ Chikun Pizza


Vegan "Meat" Lovers, With Vegan Bacon, Vegan Chikun & Vegan Ground "Beef"
I've eaten at Gianna's a few times, and let me tell you, they have an amazing selection of vegan desserts! If this Vanilla Cream & Chocolate Chip Bomb doesn't get your mouth watering, I don't know what will!


Check out their other vegetarian specialties, and if you don't live in the greater Philly area, plan a road trip and pay Gianna's a visit:

Gianna's Grille
507 South 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147-1408
215-829-GG4U

And you better believe I'm planning a road trip of my own to get a GG Special (Vegan Philly Cheesesteak).

♥ Marta

More Antics on Warped August 8, 2007

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I just got off my short stint on Warped Tour, and I have the dirty clothes to prove it. So sit back and relax and let me take you on a lil photo journey of my time at Warped...

I met lots of interesting folks at the peta2 booth including:

A smoking banana



Winnie the Pooh



A half man half bear



And a half cow half man



I also spotted 'Nugget' checking out a show.



After a long day at the tent, I was very pleased to eat at Cleveland's own Web of Life



And later on in the tour, Brooklyn's destination of choice Foodswings.



All and all it was a good time had by all (especially me).

xoxo-Lara

Vacation, Bald Eagles, and Vegan Police Officers August 7, 2007

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You may have noticed a mysterious lack of blogs from me over the past week (and if you haven't—I see how it is!). Well, I was off on vacation back home in California, and it was oh-so-relaxing. A quick recap of some things I did: Hung out with my family and some of my best friends; ate at the absolutely delicious Tofoo Com Chay; took a ferry to Catalina Island; saw a bunch of cool seals, fish, and even the endangered-no-more Bald Eagle; played with my nieces and nephew; found my autographed photo of Richard Karn (heck yeah I stood in line to get his autograph in elementary school!); played some board games; and generally ate, slept, and relaxed. Good times.

But anyway, now that that's out of my system, check out this sweet article about an Austin police officer, Scott Cary, who went vegan a few years ago and is whipping the police force into shape.

When it was suggested that Cary cut meat out of his diet:

'At first, Cary practically choked. He'd grown up in Nebraska. His grandfather and uncle were butchers. He ate red meat at nearly every meal. "To me, (giving up meat) would be impossible," he says. Still, he aimed for a single meat-free month. It wasn't easy, especially at restaurants and parties. At first, he craved meat. But at the end of a month he'd lost 10 pounds and felt, he says, 100 percent better. In October 2005, he dropped dairy products from his diet and became vegan. His cholesterol has dropped from more than 200 then to 117.

He compares giving up meat to quitting cigarettes, which he did in 1976, or cutting out alcohol, which he did in 1981. "You give it up one meal at a time," he says. "I didn't quit meat for animal rights, I did it for my own health. And I can't ever see going back to my old eating habits."

It doesn't matter to me if people don't give up eating animals for animal rights reasons. If they do it for their health, for the environment, or any of the other countless reasons—the fact of the matter is that by going vegetarian, each person saves more than 100 animals' lives per year. So while I, of course, hope that people who become vegetarian and vegan do eventually start caring about animal rights, it's just great to know that no matter what someone's reason is for going vegetarian, animals' lives are being saved.

And it's pretty rad to think that there are police officers out there showing off just how amazing eating vegan can make you look and feel.

Anyway, I leave you with this cuteness. Feel free to say, "OMG—she's so cute!" I definitely did.

♥ Marta

Summer Festival Madness In The UK August 6, 2007

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

Martin from peta2 UK wanted me to pass this message along. Oh and if you're in the UK, check out http://www.peta2.com/uk/.

We are right in the middle of that time of year when we all get out our water proofs and tents and head off to the great outdoors to escape from it all with the placid tones of the world's biggest and best bands and artists screaming in your ear at volume 11. Who can resist the attraction of 4 days in a muddy field with toilet facilities that make a hole in the ground seem like a tempting alternative and wet wipes the only viable option for cleanliness? Well, not us at peta2 UK that's for sure. We are going to be out and about all summer lapping up the greatness that is the European festival season and with that comes responsibility. If you are at any festival this year click here for tips and hints to collect signatures on some important petitions. You can also drop me an email and let me know what you are up to so I can send you a festival demo pack to get the word out about animal rights.
-Martin

But, of course, if you're in the US or Canada (or anywhere other than the UK) and want to help out this summer, drop us a line here letting us know what festivals you'll be at this summer and we can work with you to figure out the best way to help out. If you're just not sure what to do, you can always look for smiling people wearing stickers and the huge peta2.com tent at the next event you're at, aight?

-Pulin

"Britney Spears" and "Paris Hilton" at PETA Demo August 3, 2007

Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 7 ) | TrackBack

I'm sure you've heard that Britney Spears and Paris Hilton just expanded their "hoarder empires" with new puppies. Yeah, because that's what they both need, someone new who is totally dependent on them that they'll have to take care of. I mean Brit and Paris are doing such great jobs taking care of themselves, staying out of trouble and avoiding controversy, and apparently Britney's a stellar mom so this isn't troubling at all, y'all. I wonder how long these pooches will last before they disappear like all the other dogs these two have ditched. Well, no biggie. Before you know it they'll be buying someone else soon, that's how it is when you have more money than sense. You don't stop to think that because you decided to buy a puppy at a pet store on a whim, one will die at a shelter. To help get that point across to people like them who can't see past their next shopping spree we held a little demo on the Sunset Strip yesterday. Wearing Britney and Paris masks, activists held signs that read, "Shelter Dogs Are Dying and I Don't Care," and I have to say that the "Britney" was flawless. Check out this short clip from the demo.

xox

Patricia

KFC Protesting = Love August 3, 2007

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You may remember that Lindsay was on the road doing tons of KFC protests. Well, now that she's done, there are some more photos to share with you. Check these out!

Lindsay spreading the word at Mt. Rushmore!

Ashley standing up for the chicks!

I have a feeling this doesn't happen every day in Lincoln, Nebraska!

Oh and I was scoping out the scene on YouTube last week and came across this amazing video from Jay and his buddies. It's amazing, so check it out and be inspired. Activism is fun, so make sure you are on the Street Team to get updates on what you can do to help!

What's wrong with KFC you may wonder? Well, they refuse to put standards in place to make sure birds don't get scalded alive and suffer from broken legs and wings. So that stuff is common. So show your disgust for them by making an anti-KFC sign and posting it on your page. There's a fancy way to do it here.

-Pulin

Who Else Hates Ringling Bros Circus? August 2, 2007

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I like my friend Jason and his whole Psychosomatic Rants thing. I do not like Ringling Bros circus and their history of cruelty to animals. Only a complete moron would support the idea of keeping wild elephants, lions, and other animals in chains and behind bars while beating them into submission, then expose these same wild animals to thousands of young kids! Ummm, can you say "lawsuit waiting to happen?"

In fact, there have been many instances of circus animals attacking "handlers" and members of the public because believe it or not, wild animals do not like being beaten up! Go figure! Now you see why I used the word "moron" to describe anyone who supports torturing animals used in the circus? Of course, this only applies to people who know what's going on and still support the abuses, not the average person who may not even realize that these animals are wild, suffer from isolation and depression, and are kept shackled in chains or trapped in cages for much of their lives!

With that rant out of the way, I wanted to get back to my buddy Jason. He's on the road right now 'til the end of the year at least, giving Ringling Bros what it deserves. He's helping to organize protests, keeping people aware of the issues by leafleting, and talking to local media outlets about the truth of how Ringling Beats Elephants!

He's got some great photos from the time so far with tons of people coming to support. If you're anywhere near the dates he has around the country I'm sure Jason would love some help leafleting and protesting and getting people at your school to sign a petition

Oh and did you ever hear about all the sex crimes and stuff lots of creepy circus workers have been charged with over the years? Seriously, watch out for those weirdos and tell your friends, too. We care about people and animals, but it seems like maybe some of these circus workers like to abuse both.

-Pulin

You Guessed It - DeFlocked Time! August 2, 2007

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Thursday has rolled around and that means another installment of DeFlocked. Enjoy!

Click for a larger version

To check out the archives of past strips, click here.

-Pulin

Shadows Fall's Road to Redemption Video Game August 1, 2007

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My very favorite dreadlock wielding/vegetarian/metal singer-extraordinaire, Brian Fair and the rest of Shadows Fall have been busy, busy boys. Not only did their latest album, Threads of Life, drop earlier this year, but they've been touring machines in support of it. The guys are currently out on this year's Sounds of the Underground, which wraps up in mid-August. But have no fear—they're not done there. Be sure to check out their fall tour dates to find out when they'll be in a town near you.

To highlight the fact that they're road warriors, the band has created a Road to Redemption game on their website, with the person earning the most points by the end of the summer, winning a free copy of Guitar Hero II. In case any of you are totally out of the loop...Shadows Fall's The Light that Blinds is featured in the coveted "bonus section" of the game.

So hop on the Shadows Fall tour bus, travel the roads, and help the guys pick up the tour essentials, like gear and merch. But watch out and do your best to stay clear of certain somethings that are out to get you, ala the band's management team and the creepy "rootman". Don't know what I'm talking about, well I guess you'll have to check out the game to find out, now won't you?!

Hope all is lovely.

nicole

**currently listening to: The Movielife's Forty Hour Train Back To Penn**

Star Street Teamer: Jason Levy August 1, 2007

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From organizing KFC demonstrations to getting his school to try out humane mouse traps to having his friends and family members eat delicious vegan food, Jason does it all. Read on to see why we think he's so amazing.

Name: Jason Levy
Age: 18
Hometown: Elgin, Illinois

Tell us about the animal rights group that you started.
During my junior year at Elgin High School (I graduated this past May), I formed an animal rights group at my school called Students for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Like peta2, we believe that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment. I formed SETA because animals need us to stand up for them and to bring the world one step closer to animal liberation. This upcoming fall, I'll be starting another SETA at my college.

You've done a lot with peta2 before, like tabling, leafleting, and doing demos—what's your favorite way to help animals?
I would have to say tabling; I love being able to talk one on one with people about animal rights. But then again, dressing up in a chicken suit with crutches to protest KFC is pretty great too!

What made you decide to become active for animals?
I have always believed strongly in nonviolence, and veganism was the next logical step. I did some research online, found peta2.com, watched all the videos, and read just about everything on the site. I went vegan that same day, and I have been for over two years now. Once I found out how much animals suffer for the most frivolous reasons, I had to do something about it. I ordered a bunch of stickers and leaflets from peta2.com and started handing them out around where I live. Soon after, I started organizing demonstrations, tabling at concerts, and formed an animal rights group at my school. The animals cannot speak for themselves, so they really do need us to stand up for them.

Do you have any companion animals?
I have two dogs and two cats that live with me. The cats' names are Lily and Bella, and the dogs' names are Poochie and Dottie. All of them are rescues from local shelters.

Is your family supportive of your animal rights beliefs?
My family, especially my mom, is very supportive of my animal rights beliefs. Shortly after I became vegan, my mom also became vegan. In addition, my mom has participated in all my KFC demonstrations.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Besides organizing demos, passing out leaflets, and generally annoying the heck out of anyone who abuses animals, I enjoy hanging out with my girlfriend, Nicole, and playing/writing music.

peta2 sent you some humane mouse traps for your school. How did that come about, and what happened?
I wrote for the school newspaper, and while I was in class one day, the teacher mentioned how he caught a mouse in a cruel snap mouse trap. Of course I couldn't just sit there, so I explained to him how mice suffer just as we do, and I asked him if I provided him with a humane mouse trap if he would use it, and he agreed. I called PETA and told them about the situation, and they told me that they could help me out by sending me some of the humane mouse traps.

Now, there is a humane mouse trap in nearly every department at Elgin High School, where teachers can go to borrow one if they need to. SETA, with the help of peta2, is now working on getting the school to implement a humane policy when dealing with mice. This would include the live mouse traps as well as "mouse-proofing" the school.

You recently had a vegan graduation party. How was that?
It was great! We had pastas, salads, and an amazing chocolate fudge cake. Best of all, it was totally vegan! After the party, I handed out copies of the DVD "Chew on This" and explained why we were not serving animal products.

How many Oreos do you think you could eat in one sitting?
Do you mean cookies or boxes? :)

What's your message to the rest of the peta2 Street Team?
Get out there and get active—the animals need you to be their voice! And if you haven't already ... go vegan!

Want to be peta2's next Star Street Teamer? Sign up now and tell us why we should feature you!