Happy Hug A Vegetarian Day! September 28, 2007

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

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and compassionate people of all ages,

HAPPY HUG A VEGETARIAN DAY

Here are 5 steps you should take immediately.
1- Give yourself a hug. (Don't worry it’s not weird, plus no one is looking)
2- Send your friends an e-hug
3- Print off some exclusive Hug A Vegetarian Day signs
4- Take a photo of yourself and friends and family having fun with the signs (there are speech bubbles and thought bubbles, too).
5- Use the form here to send us your photos!

Hugging may not be an Olympic sport, but we sure do want you to give it a competitive try and do your best to hug as many vegetarians and vegans as superhumanly possible. Word?

-Pulin

Dita Von Teese...Meeeeowww! September 27, 2007

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What's hotter than hot? The new ad that burlesque queen Dita Von Teese shot for us, that's what. Have you seen it yet? Holy cow, that woman is flawless. It's unbelievable. It should be a crime to look that good. I just knew that under all that glorious glamour was a heart of gold and sure enough I was right.

Dita, who's also a spokesperson for MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam campaign (in case you've been living under a rock or something and weren't aware), posed in a sexy pink and black negligee and fishnets for our new ABC campaign.

Like us, Dita believes that no one should buy animals from breeders or pet stores when millions of unwanted animals die every year in shelters because there aren't enough good homes for them. I could go on about this all day but instead, I'll let Dita school you on the rest.

Here are a few photos from the launch of Dita's new ad which took place at PETA's LA office this week.



xox

Patricia

P.S. Hug a Vegetarian Day is tomorrow! Check out our new "Hug a Vegetarian" merch on our brand new Cafepress store.

What's All This About The British Hugging? September 27, 2007

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Martin from peta2 UK wanted to share his excitement about this Friday's International 'Hug A Vegetarian Day' so we're posting this for him. Here's what he had to say about this worldwide day of fun, excitement, and compassion.
-Pulin

Now I like to think of myself as a true British citizen. I overdose on tea on a daily basis, watch football, and almost constantly complain about the weather. But I am excited to put the great British fear of human contact aside and sign up for International 'Hug A Vegetarian Day.'

I can't think of a better way to spread the word of veganism and vegetarianism to your friends than to spread the love in a purely hugging sense. We at PETA Europe are starting to warm up for the great day.

Violet from peta2 UK

I know how we Brits are a little more reserved than our American cousins. Let me throw this idea out. Earlier this year I was out on the road with the US tabling crew and Cody and I met a girl somewhere in the deepest darkest South who introduced us to a whole new concept, the hand hug. It's kind of a cross between a high five and a hand shake and I really think it's the way forward for those of us that like to have our own space.

So armed with my downloaded sign I thought I would get my hug on and get out on the street and beg for love (don't try this at home as street hugging should not be encouraged for safety reasons, especially in South London).

Remember it's not to late to sign up for International 'Hug A Vegetarian Day' (unless of course you are reading this on Saturday—then it is).

Peace,
-Martin

Milo Ventimiglia: Hot Vegetarian Hero September 26, 2007

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Season two of Heroes started this week and I've got two words for you...Milo Ventimiglia. I so loved him as Jess on Gilmore Girls and as Chris on American Dreams (man, was I bummed when that was cancelled). He was so dark and brooding and bad on both of those shows, leading good girls Rory and Meg astray. I tend to like those types myself.

He looks mighty good in Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry" video too (again with the dark and brooding)...Oh, Milo. Sigh. Wait, what was I talking about? Oh, Heroes, right, anyway, I was glued to the TV as I'm guessing many of you were as well but just in case you're downloading the episode later I won't give anything away.

Instead, let's talk about the recent interview Milo did with Men's Fitness magazine in which he talks about getting in shape and being a lifelong vegetarian, among other things.

He also mentions a date he had with an acquaintance who became "increasingly uncomfortable" as she learned more about him throughout the evening prompting her to say, "So you're polite, you don't drink, you don't smoke, you're a vegetarian, you keep yourself fit, and you're successful. What's wrong with you?" Um, nothing.

xox

Patricia

Win Nellie McKay's Obligatory Villagers! September 26, 2007

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Lovely songstress and even lovelier animal activisit, Nellie McKay just released her latest album, Obligatory Villagers. Nellie never misses an opportunity to talk about her love of animals and what people can do to make the world a better place for them.

Case in point—in this month's Rolling Stone, Nellie is quoted as saying that her two fashion rules are: "Never buy fur and always shop secondhand." Nellie then goes on to talk about her dog, Charo, who she recently rescued from a shelter. What an absolute sweetheart Nellie is! Here are a few questions I tossed at Nellie and what she had to say.

Tell us about the new album, Obligatory Villagers.
It's a rumbus opus, a ragtime sonata. It's about the times we live in.

What animal rights issues are you most passionate about?
Every outrage deserves attention. In terms of scope, ending factory farming & our relationship to animals as food is key because from there, victory in other areas is inevitable.

Photo credit: Amy T. Zielinski

Do you think schools should be required to offer students alternatives to dissection? Why?
Schools should not only offer students alternatives, they should completely remove dissection & vivisection from their curriculum. Knowledge without compassion is useless.

Do you have any dissection horror stories from your school days that you'd like to share?
In fourth grade we campaigned to remove formaldehyde jars entombing small animals from the science room. We circulated petitions & met w/the principal & made the teachers really nervous. The jars were removed.

Why did you choose to become a vegetarian?
I was fortunate enough to go vegetarian w/my parents. The sight of caged & suffering animals in animal rights literature elicited an instant response of sadness & anger. Kids have a natural empathy w/animals.

What's your favorite vegetarian dish?
My Mother's vegan fish & chips w/ brown beans is always on the top of the list.

Any advice for people who want to get involved in animal rights but don't know how to get started?
The biggest thing you can do for the animals, the earth, & humankind (including yourself) is to switch to an animal-free diet. It may not be easy, it may not be instant, but start & watch the world change for the better.

What's up next for you?
I'm working with the Coalition to Preserve Community to prevent Columbia University from demolishing eighteen acres of Harlem to construct a new campus. Among their development plans is a level-3 biotech lab, which would almost certainly include animal research. And of course, I mention www.ColumbiaCruelty.com wherever I go.

See, I told you how lovely and compassionate Nellie was! You guys are going to fall even more in love when you hear that she's giving away a copy of her new CD, Obligatory Villagers, to one of you lucky, lucky folks. Just comment below for your chance to win. The contest ends October 16th 2007, and the winner will be notified by October 19th.

Just so you know...by commenting here, we're taking that as acknowledgment that you've read and agreed to our privacy policy.

Also by commenting, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions.

Best of luck, my lovelies!
nicole

Currently listening to:
Nightmare of You's Bang

Cool Video From Our Friends At Compassion Over Killing September 26, 2007

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

One of my favorite animal rights groups in the entire world is Compassion Over Killing (COK). If they lived closer, I'd hug them all on International Hug A Vegetarian Day this Friday. The group's VegDC.com, VegAustin.com, and VegPortland.com sites are amazing resources for where to get incredible vegan/vegetarian meals, their staff is friendly as can be, and they come out with some powerful investigations.

COK recently launched a new video that I think is pretty cool, so I wanted to show you all. They're having it hit MTV soon, so keep an eye out for it. But in the meantime, take a look and keep up the great work.

-Pulin

Vick Indicted by State Grand Jury September 25, 2007

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I live in Virginia, and my apartment and office are not far from where the horrifying acts of cruelty occurred at the hands of Michael Vick and his friends.

Prosecutors announced today that a Virginia grand jury indicted Michael Vick and three co-defendants on state dogfighting charges. The Atlanta Falcons' former star quarterback is charged with one count of unlawfully torturing and killing dogs and one count of promoting dogfights.

These charges come in the wake of a federal indictment and Vick's plea agreement with federal prosecutors, agreeing to plead guilty to federal conspiracy charges involving illegal dogfighting.

With the football season underway, it's crucial that those concerned with animal protection keep this issue in the spotlight and pressure the NFL to include cruelty to animals in its personal conduct policy. Please click here to contact NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Americans sure do love football, but we love dogs even more!

-Pulin

Mars: Killing Animals For Candy - Seriously. September 25, 2007

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I think you know by now that we try to bring really eye-opening information to the public because industries which exploit animals want people to remain ignorant. We have found that when people learn the truth, they're horrified by cruelty to animals and want to help stop it!

So with that said, we recently uncovered evidence that chocolate-maker Mars Inc.— creator of M&M's, Snickers, and other candies—continues to fund deadly animal tests!

Mars has funded cruel experiments in which mice were fed a candy ingredient and forced to swim in a pool of paint. The mice had to find a platform to try to avoid drowning, only to be later killed and dissected. In another gruesome experiment supported by Mars, rats were fed cocoa and then sedated with carbon dioxide so that blood could be collected through a needle that punctured their hearts!

How messed up is that? And you want proof? Just check out these studies:

*Elizabeth Paisley et al., "Temporal-Regulation of Serum Lipids and Stearoyl CoA Desaturase and Lipoprotein Lipase mRNA in BALB/cHnn Mice," Journal of Nutrition (1996) 126.11: 2730-2737.

*Timothy Orozco et al., "Chronic consumption of a flavanol- and procyanindin-rich diet is associated with reduced levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in rat testes," Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry (2003) 14: 104-10.

*Francene Steinberg et al., "Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Improves Growth and Reproductive Performance in Mice Fed Chemically Defined Diets," Experimental Biology and Medicine (2003) 228: 160-66.

*Henriette van Praag I et al., "Plant-derived flavanol (-)epicatechin enhances angiogenesis and retention of spatial memory in mice." Journal of Neuroscience (2007) 27: 5869-5878.

I will be the first to admit that testing on animals for candy is one of the most moronic things imaginable. But then again, consider that beverage companies including Coca-Cola and PepsiCo were sponsoring animal tests not too long ago (that is before we all pressured them to stop this insanity).

Mars' top competitor, Hershey's, has pledged to PETA that it will not fund or conduct experiments on animals, yet Mars has not adopted this same, humane stance despite our polite letters which you can read here and here. Please send a letter to urge Mars to follow Hershey's lead and immediately end all support for animal tests! Click on the image below to help animals.

-Pulin

Ingrid Has...Have You? September 24, 2007

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Ingrid Newkirk, President of PETA, has signed up to hug her fellow vegetarians this Friday, September 28th, for Hug-a-Vegetarian Day. Have you signed up yet? If not, get to it! And don't forget to add a banner to your page, too.

Have a great week!

♥ Marta

Cutest Contest Ever! September 21, 2007

Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 27 ) | TrackBack

Soychick has changed my life. I never thought anyone could be cuter than our own peta2 "Nugget", but Soychick definitely gives him some good competition. Check out the Soychick characters to the right, and you will see what I mean.

Soychick's motto is, "Making a difference—one vegan at a time", and we agree that providing the masses with unbelievably adorable tees, totes, and buttons is one of the best ways to promote the cause!

Not only have I provided you with this life-altering info, but I am also going to let you in on a secret…we are giving away a Soychick Soy Wonder tee and tote to the person that leaves the best comment below!

Contest ends October 11, 2007, and winners will be notified by October 18, 2007.

Just so you 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 commenting, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions.

Good luck (I am jealous)!

xoxo-Lara

"Nugget" Hits New York! September 20, 2007

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It's always important to balance out the serious issues animals face these days with some upbeat and fun activities as well.

Case in point: my recent visit to Hofstra University in NY. We were originally there to display our brand new "Liberation Project" exhibit, which shows the similarities between previous human oppression, such as slavery and child labor, with the current exploitations of animals. Important stuff for sure, but not exactly a mood lifter...

Of course, we can only go so long talking about something so serious before we break out the costumes and have a little fun! Armed with our oversized chicken costume and a limitless supply of free stickers, I give you, the "Nugget" on campus!





Want to start a buzz on your campus? Check out our new college section for some ideas, or just email me to get started!

Later, alligators!

- Ryan

Tortured Birds At Vassar College? September 19, 2007

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I graduated from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY several years back. It's a great school with some nice vegan options, pretty campus, smart students, and lots of other great stuff going for it. But I certainly do remember researching many completely ridiculous and cruel animal experiments which have been taking place on my alma mater's campus under the banner of 'science.' When will people realize that animal testing is a sick scam?

Recently, a whistleblower issued a sworn declaration that birds are being denied veterinary care and dying—even before they are experimented on. Vassar animal experimenter Jeffrey Cynx studies the impact of various mutilations on the songs produced by finches. He has cut into birds' backs to surgically implant testosterone-filled tubes, castrated male birds by suctioning testicular tissue, burned lesions into their brains, and ripped out the birds' tracheal nerves. What the fuck is wrong with him? His last name shouldn't be Cynx, it should be Sux.

Now, thanks to PETA's work with the whistleblower, the National Institutes of Health's Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) has launched an investigation into a laboratory at Vassar College, where finches and other birds are reportedly packed into cages in a basement before being surgically mutilated in experiments. PETA has fired off a letter to Vassar College President Catharine Bond Hill urging her to conduct an internal investigation. Vassar may also be in violation of the state's anti-cruelty statute, and PETA is calling on Dutchess County District Attorney William V. Grady to investigate.

While we pursue this case, the best thing you can do is pledge to stand against animal testing and spread the word about the reality of what goes on behind closed doors of institutions like Vassar.

-Pulin

Where My Manly Men At? September 19, 2007

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

My definition of a real man is someone who is kind to animals. Someone who knows that it's not right to eat animals, so he never eats any, period. Compassion is sexy; it's true. There's nothing less attractive to me than a guy tearing flesh off of bones with his teeth and then licking his fingers after—gross. So needless to say, I'm really excited that Gardenburger is having a contest to find "America's Real Man."

The great part is that you don't even have to be a vegetarian to enter—you just need to love eating Gardenburgers (and who doesn't, honestly?). It just goes to show how mainstream veggie burgers—and vegetarian food in general—have become, which makes me oh-so-happy.

Anyway, do you have any real men in your life? Someone who works hard all day and doesn't think twice about helping out his family/friends? Maybe a guy who knows nothing about vegetarianism in general, but will gobble down a Gardenburger with glee? Someone who could benchpress you with ease? Whatever your idea of a real man is, go here to nominate your dad, brother, best friend, cousin, boyfriend, or that dude you see smothering his veggie burger in BBQ sauce everyday at lunch. You say the real man you know is, well, you? That's totally fine—nominate yourself.

Check out the prize here. Get to it, cause the deadline to enter is October 17th. And I'm just throwing this out there—I wouldn't be offended if I was invited to the winner's ultimate tailgate party. *hint, hint*

I would like to leave you with pictures of two of the manly men I work with. I mean, they must be real men since they're lifting weights, right?! That's what they tried to tell me...

Pulin:

When I asked Pulin for his definition of a real man, he told me "No comment necessary, just show my picture."

Paul:


And what did Paul say when I asked for his definition of a real man? "Look my name up in the dictionary."

Is it just me, or do I work with some fairly cocky guys?

♥ Marta

PS - Hug A Vegetarian Day is coming! 9.28.07.

BTBAM CD Giveaway September 18, 2007

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Three vegans in one band...what more could a person ask for? Well how about if that aforementioned band, named Between the Buried and Me, was releasing a new album and peta2 and Victory Records were giving you ten chances to nab a copy? Agreed that most certainly does sweeten the pot.

So the three vegan boys I mentioned above go by the names of Tommy Rogers, Dan Briggs, and Paul Waggoner, all of who posed for an adorable peta2 vegetarian ad, which you folks can check out here. Our friends Tommy, Dan, Paul, and the rest of BTBAM, are releasing their fifth album, Colors, and did I mention that you guys have ten chances to win a copy...holy hell, yes, I said ten!

Whenever I talk of these hardcore North Carolinians—and I can't forget to highlight that Dan helps to represent my home state of PA—I feel the need to share that BTBAM succeeded at one of the most difficult tasks in music—covering a Queen song. In BTBAM's 2006 release, The Anatomy Of, the guys covered "Bicycle Race". Tommy succeeded at the unthinkable by following in the footsteps of arguably the best voice of all-time, the late-great Freddie Mercury. I must admit that I was skeptical at first, but when I heard it, I was literally blown away! That is my story about BTBAM. Did everyone enjoy?


Photo credit: C. Johnson

Okay, now back to the present. Just comment below for your chance to win one of ten copies of BTBAM's just released album, Colors. Contest ends October 9, 2007, and winners will be notified by October 16, 2007.

Just so you 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 commenting, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions.

Best of luck, my lovelies!
nicole

**Currently listening to:
BTBAM's The Anatomy Of

You're All So Creative! September 17, 2007

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We received many cool entries from our "DIY Chick!" mission last month, so I'd like you to check out some of the awesomeness that Street Teamers sent our way.

Katie's 'Nugget' Earrings!


Victoria's 'Nugget' Mobile!


Beth's 'Nugget' Folder!


Alyssa's 'Nugget' Trash Can!

Remember: Chickens are our friends, so please don't eat them!

♥ Marta

Eve Drops Mink, Picks Up Rumor September 14, 2007

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Photo courtesy of Star Max Inc

Eve is a Grammy-winning rapper, a VMA-nominated choreographer, and a respected name in the fashion industry. This week she added to her long list of accomplishments when she announced she's over donning dead minks. Here's what she had to say about it:

"I once blew £3,000 on a mink coat. Back in the 'hood the fly girls always had mink coats...That coat made me feel special but I don't wear it now. It's nothing to do with animal rights—it's just that I have moved on. I think people should be able to wear what they want and I hate that the PETA people throw blood or paint over people wearing fur."

Alright, so it's not like Eve's gonna join the peta2 Street Team any time soon but it's great that she doesn't see suffering as a status symbol anymore. We dropped Ruff Ryder's first lady a letter paying her propers for her new enlightened outlook. We also sent her our video about fur hoping she'll see that when "people wear what they want" animals are caged, beaten, electrocuted, and skinned alive.

I have a feeling that once she has all the facts, Eve will follow in the fashion-forward footsteps of other world-class designers—including Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, Guess, Ralph Lauren, Marc Bouwer, and Eve's pal Gwen Stefani—who all know that faux is the only way to go.

And before I move on, I've gotta clear the air on this one: PETA has never ever EVER thrown paint on anyone wearing fur. I mean, come on—there are more effective ways to help animals than hiding in an alley with a bucket of paint, just hoping you'll cross paths someone who actually still wears fur.

Wanna leave fur in the past, where it belongs? Just sign the fur-free pledge at peta2.com/iamfurfree.

Peace—
Cassandra

Nugget on Campus! September 14, 2007

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Well, the fall semester is in full swing, and we're as excited as you are!

Ok, so many of you probably aren't thrilled that you have to wake up for those annoying morning classes, and the fact that it's getting colder by the day (unless you live in southern California) probably doesn't help. But there is hope!

To kick things off here locally, we visited my alma mater (that's "where I went to school" in smarty pants language), Old Dominion University, to start a buzz about animal rights and remind people that chickens aren't nuggets, they're animals!

Here are a few pics from the event, and make sure to check out the video of "Nugget" breakin' a leg (in a totally non-KFC kind of way) on the dance stage.

Fun, right?!

If you're in college, or know somebody who is, tell them to check our NEW college section of peta2, so that they can have fun at school for once too!

-Ryan

'Nugget' in Line for Veggie Dogs?! September 13, 2007

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Oh yes, you read that right. The absolutely delish Dogville, located here in lovely Norfolk, VA, decided to set up their hot dog cart in our parking lot recently, and the only dogs I saw on the grill were the yum-yum-yum vegan Tofurky sausages. Check it out for yourself:

So naturally we thought, "Hey, 'Nugget' would sure like one of these!" And the next thing I know, look who is standing in line:


Who would ever, ever eat an animal in a bun when the alternatives are tastier, healthier, and well, not someone else's flesh? Beats me.

Anyway, this next photo is long overdue, but I'd like to give a big "THANKS!" from all of us here at peta2 to two amazing former interns, Cassandra and Shivani, who made us the melt-in-your-mouth vegan Snickerdoodles and Chocolate Chip Cookies in the photo below. We miss you both! Come back (and please make us more cookies)!


Okay, that's all from me for now, but I gotta ask: Who's stoked for Hug-A-Vegetarian Day on September 28th?! Ryan and I are!


Hope your Thursday is going great!

♥ Marta

Joaquin Phoenix: Defender of Sheep September 13, 2007

Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 4 ) | TrackBack

Photo courtesy of Star Max Inc

There are two things you can count on in life...paying taxes and Joaquin Phoenix. (OK, there are actually many more things you can count on, I know, but I'm making a point.) And you can always count on Joaquin to: A. give a stellar performance—they don't just nominate any schmuck from the local community theater for Oscars and Golden Globes—B. look totally adorable C. speak up for animals.

His latest good deed comes in the form of a letter he penned to Australia's Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran about the cruel treatment of sheep by the Australian wool industry. See, contrary to popular belief, sheep don't just spend their days hanging out, grazing without a care in the world, waiting to be sheared or shaved. It is a pretty picture, but not at all accurate.

Each year, millions of sheep raised for their wool in Australia are mutilated without receiving veterinary care or painkillers. Many sheep and lambs die from disease, neglect, starvation, and exposure, just so someone can buy a crummy sweater or coat. The Aussie wool industry say they'll phase out the hideous practice of mulesing, which is cutting huge chunks of flesh from lambs' (lambs!!!) backsides to prevent maggot infestation by 2010, but they could ban the practice right now and switch to humane methods that other farmers are currently using.

That's where our hero Joaquin comes in. He's asking McGauran to "step in and push the wool industry to do the right thing" and to "put an end to the two worst abuses of sheep who are raised for their wool by banning both mulesing and the export of live sheep to the Middle East."

And here's where you come in, let Australia's Prime Minister hear from you. We've done all the work for you, you just need to fill in a few spaces and click send. Come on, it's for the sheep and the lambs...think of the lambs the next time you're shopping and boycott wool.

Our good friend Pink was also completely outraged when she found out what was happening to sheep so check out her expose of the Australian wool industry.




xox

Patricia

Mink says, "F*ck Fur"! September 12, 2007

Posted by Nicole

If you haven't heard of the band Mink yet, you will very, very soon—mark my words! This weekend, I had the great pleasure of meeting up with the band, and a great time was had by all! The band played the NorVA opening for the, yes THE, Jane's Addiction hero, Perry Ferrell and his Satellite Party.

Mink, who recently opened for another great, Tom DeLonge and Angels And Airwaves during their Australian tour, are not only set to take the music scene by storm, but they're ready to raise awareness about issues that are important to them. Neil, Stella, Nick, Louis, and Grant said they always take the opportunity to use their name to educate people on the fact that animals should not be slaughtered for their fur. And as the band so eloquently states, "THE ONLY MINK YOU SHOULD OWN, SHOULD BE ON YOUR IPOD!"

I brought along some of our "Mean People Wear Fur" tees for everyone and it was time to par-tae...

I was absolutely giddy to see that Neil even decided to wear his spiffy new tee on stage that night when Mink rocked their hearts' out at the NorVA...




Check out the band's MySpace for tour dates, and to catch a ton of behind the scenes footage from the tour. The band is documenting their travels along the way for your viewing pleasure, and may I ask that you pay extra close attention to the F*** Fur blog and Day #33 video . Yours truly makes a special appearance.

Cheers, m'dears!

nicole

WTF KFC September 11, 2007

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

By now, I think pretty much everyone knows about KFC and the cruelty the company supports.

It seems like only a completely heartless bunch of individuals would choose not to take steps to stop the suffering of chickens (who are pretty cool animals if you care to read about them).

Make your own KFC sign at peta2.com

Recently I read about KFC's newest promotional plan, If I Had $25,000 To Right A Wrong I Would..., and could only shake my head in disappointment. I mean, how sick does an advertising executive have to be to pretend to care about the problems of the world while promoting some of its worst?

Hey KFC, if you really wanted to help right some wrongs, maybe you could start with your own company and adopt basic welfare standards to make sure birds don't get scalded alive or suffer from broken bones. Ever think about that? Or have you ever considered what the difference is in the way a dog or cat would suffer at the hands of your suppliers and slaughterhouses?

Well, I guess the bottom line for KFC is money, and that's why all the people boycotting such a scummy place around the world should click here to get the phone number and address for your local KFC executive. Be polite and tell them you are boycotting their restaurants, and maybe these money hungry droids will come alive with a sincere respect for all the important issues facing the world.

If I had $25K to right a wrong, I'd give the money to peta2 to help with the campaign to stop cruelty to animals and put KFC in its place.

-Pulin

The Final Face-Off: Vote For The Cutest Food September 10, 2007

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You've all been in awe of Asia's bento boxes, and we're now down to the toughest choice yet! Each of these three amazing meals has been voted your favorite in a previous week's blog, but it's time to pick your overall favorite.

Which will it be? Bear? Penguins? Sheep?

It's clear that you all really do side with the animals every time, but your votes will choose the winner. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty torn on which one to pick!

Vote now and help crown your favorite as the best ever!

Oh and for those of you wondering why anyone would choose to make all vegan meals, check out peta2.com and get active with the Street Team.

-Pulin

Take Action! New Investigation: "Bambi Butchers" September 7, 2007

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While the horrifying abuse of animals in factory farms and slaughterhouses is one of the most atrocious displays of cruelty these days, I just about lost it when I saw this new video that some PETA investigators passed along. You can actually see deer being pulled around by the ears, suffering as the door is slammed on their head, and slowly bleeding to death. Honestly, it's sickening.

Venison (a.k.a. deer flesh) that is served up in fancy restaurants often comes from deer "farms" where animals are raised and later slaughtered in a pretty ugly process! Videos like this make me glad that I don't eat any animals' flesh.

The message is pretty simple. If you buy venison, you are supporting cruelty to animals. It's really that simple. Put any label (kosher, free range, organic, etc) you want on it, but at the end of the day, how could any compassionate person eat the body of a tortured animal for no good reason?

Act now by sending a letter to the owner of Musicon Farm, where this video was taken, and demand that he immediately enact welfare changes! Better yet, tell him to shut down this operation all together!

Click here to send your letter today!

-Pulin

Vegetarians: At School and On YouTube September 6, 2007

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBack

I was sent a couple of cool news articles today that I just had to share with you lovelies.

First up is the Fox River Grove, Illinois, teacher who got kicked out of his classroom for sharing with his students why he's a vegan. Dave Warwak, a favorite teacher at Fox River Grove Middle School wanted to share with students just why he chose a vegan lifestyle ('cause animals on factory farms and in slaughterhouses are treated horribly) and was ordered to leave his classroom. Sound the alarm! I can't believe a teacher was ordered to leave his classroom for providing students with the truth. I was under the impression that students go to school to get educated...

Anyway, Warwak says, "It was never said that you have to take this and be like this. It was nothing like that. It was just hey here's some information if you're interested." Click here to read the full article for yourself.

Next up is the article about 14-year-old Amy Bareijan who wanted to learn more about a vegetarian lifestyle (after seeing a PETA video on YouTube), so she decided to post a video on YouTube asking for people's advice/experiences. She didn't expect much response, but received nearly 5,000 video views and had tons of people offering advice.

This is the type of thing I love to hear—it's amazing to know the kind of support that exists for people wanting to go vegetarian. The peta2 message boards are a great place for that kind of support. You have to be a member to post on them though, so go ahead and sign up at peta2.com/StreetTeam. You'll be addicted, I swear (and I can say that because I used to spend hours on the boards as a peta2 Street Teamer!).

To read the full article about Amy's experience, click here. And for those of you dying to know—yup, Amy is still a vegetarian, and going strong!

Hope your Thursday is going well!

♥ Marta

PS - Our new Nugget costume is popping up all over the place. Can you imagine seeing this cuteness in person?

Fashion Week Party! September 6, 2007

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

Need an excuse to play dress up and party all night long? I sure don't, but if you do, look no further than New York Fashion Week's not-to-miss New York Couture show!

What I like best about New York Couture (aside from their amazing design and super rad model Audrey Kitching) is that they are 100% fur free! It doesn’t get any better than that…

So if you are in NYC September 12th, here is the place to be:

New York Couture Official Fashion Week Show & Party

Date: September 12th, 2007
Location: Element @ 225 E. Houston Street (at Essex Street & Avenue A)
Time: Doors open at 9 pm; fashion show starts at 11 pm
Cost: FREE!
Live performance: Innerpartysystem
RSVP: nycoutureguestlist@yahoo.com

xoxo-Lara

P.S. Did I mention they have the best gift bags ever for the first 100 guests? They include goodies from Bust Magazine, We Love Colors Tights, The Fashion Journal, Venus Magazine, BlueQ, and peta2!

The Reformation of Moss? September 5, 2007

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

Photo courtesy of Star Max Inc

Today's blog features guest blogger, peta2 UK's Violet.

In this time that we live you can't open any magazine or newspaper without Kate Moss's troubled love life splashed all over the pages (she can't even sneeze without being papped these days) and while that's something that isn't going to change anytime soon, her attitude towards animals (with any luck) just might! Because, though Moss's past choice in men leaves much to be desired, she's started seeing lovely Jamie Hince from London band The Kills who just happens to be a vegan!!! According to The Sun, Hince and Moss were spotted canoodling in a pub in Notting Hill on Saturday. London duo, The Kills (including the unbelievably beautiful Alison Mosshart) are both vegan and proud of it, and we're hoping that his animal friendly demeanour might rub off on Kate.

It's pretty well known that Moss must have about 2,000 dead animals worth of fur coats in her wardrobe so here's hoping that Jamie will have a positive influence on Ms. Moss and try to educate her on how there is no kind way to rip the skin off an animal's back...Have a heart, Kate, and ditch those nasty pelts for good! We're rooting for the new you...

P.S. Despite Jamie's good looks and charm, I'm not holding my breath!

*Violet
xx

Anyone See Halloween? September 4, 2007

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBack

If you joined the millions of people who went out to see Halloween this Labor Day weekend, you may have noticed a serious animal rights message in the background story.

What am I talking about? Well, did you catch how the Michael Myers character started out by killing and torturing animals before moving on to human victims?! In fact, it's pretty common knowledge by everyone from the FBI to those working with victims of domestic violence, that cruelty to animals is a warning sign for serial killers and other psychopaths who torture people.

Sure it's nice to enjoy a scary movie every once in a while, but let's not forget to keep an eye out for the real life horrors which we all have the power to stop. Be thankful that you can help both people and animals, and make sure everyone you know is aware of how all suffering is linked! The animals, our families and friends, and the whole world will be a better place as a result!

-Pulin