It's Not Too Late! Go Veg in 2008! December 30, 2007
Posted by Ryan | Permalink | Comments ( 7 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Vegan peta2 vegetarian animal rights New Years resolution
2008? Already? Where does the time go?
New Years is particularly exciting for me because Jan. 1st was actually the day I decided to go vegan (3 years ago now). I had already been a vegetarian for about 6 months at that point, and I couldn't think of a single reason not to give veganism a whirl. To me, it just made sense.
Trust me, if the lazy and shaggy slacker I was in 2004 could do it, anybody can. :)
Of course, it's our job at peta2 to make your transitions as easy as vegan pie. That's why we've set up a whole New Years resolution page to get you started. Whether you're hoping to go vegetarian, vegan, only buy cruelty-free products, or simply want to spend more time with your companion animals, we're here to help you every step of the way!
So click HERE (or on the image below) to confirm your New Years resolution before time runs out!
- Ryan!
P.S. - For those of you who are curious what my New Years resolution will be this year, I am going to spending more time with my adopted bunny, Bambi (Yup, even my bunny is on MySpace. The future is now, folks.)
Is The West Coast The Best Coast? December 28, 2007
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Last of the Believers factory farms Californians for Humane Farms Ben Kenney Incubus animal protection
I've lived on the east coast my entire life. But I have to admit that it seems like the other side of the country is pretty damn cool too. For instance, the group Californians for Humane Farms has launched a groundbreaking ballot initiative campaign to place the California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act on the November 2008 ballot. I know all this legislative stuff sounds a bit boring, but it's really important to reduce suffering for all the veal calves, pigs suffering in gestation crates, and egg-laying hens packed into tiny, filthy cages. If this law is put into place, it will really deal a blow to huge factory farms while supporting family farmers and improving conditions for animals!
If you are up for getting involved in this historic step to help animals, please check this out. Tell your parents, teachers, friends, and anyone who is a registered California voter. You need to get registered California voters to sign their support for this important piece of legislation. If you have any questions just look here for the answers. Seriously. It's important to take a long-lasting step in the animal protection movement by getting involved in this campaign. If you're in California help them out... solidarity and all that good stuff, right?
I mean, anyone who has seen the new investigation we did into a pig farm or can imagine the suffering of these poor hens in cages for their entire lives knows that animals on factory farms need your help now. California is a huge state with a lot of influence on agriculture so please work to support the California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act.
In other news about how the west coast is so freaking lucky, I wanted to explain my jealousy towards people in California, Oregon, Washington, and even Nevada. You get to see Last of The Believers (featuring Chris formerly of Rise Against on their tour with legendary hardcore punk band the Circle Jerks. I wish I could go, but since I can't I'd love for you to check out a show in January and let me know how it went. Dates are on the Last of the Believers MySpace page.
And then another reason I'm envious of west coasters is that my favorite musician, Ben Kenney (you might know him better as the vegetarian bass player for an incredible band called Incubus) is playing shows out there! If you have never heard him yet, you're missing out. Dates are on Ben Kenney's MySpace page. And his new video is so amazing that I'm including it here for you to enjoy!
What do you think of humane farms, Last of the Believers, and/or Ben Kenney? I know that I wouldn't mind spending some time in California in January, ya know what I'm saying? Good music and amazing activism are really all that I need to be content. Umm, that and some vegan ice cream.
Brooklyn Bunny Contest! December 27, 2007
Posted by Ashleigh | Permalink | Comments ( 54 ) | TrackBackHave you heard of the Brooklyn Bunny? If not, have you been living under a rock?!?! Just Kidding! For all of you out there who are new to the phenomenon of the Brooklyn Bunny: meet Roebling.
Roebling is a Dwarf Hotot rabbit who was rescued by Kevin Dresser and Kate Johnson after his family decided to put him to sleep. Roebling entered the lives of Kevin and Kate after a former bunny companion passed away. The lonely pair was in the middle of opening a bunny sitting service (complete with webcams), but when Roebling entered their loft, they put the sitting service on hold because Roebling commanded the cameras!
So get to know Roebling, the tried and true Brooklyn Bunny. Not only does he live in a swanky 1,000 square foot loft in Brooklyn, feast on flown-in bunny meals, and have his own website, he is also named after the designer of the Brooklyn Bridge!
After you fall in love with Roebling, enter here to represent your favorite Brooklyn Bunny with a free shirt (your choice of short or long sleeves), some buttons, and a jumbo fridge magnet!
All you have to do for a chance to win is comment below about your favorite bunny (that is, your favorite before you met Roebling, cuz we know Roebling is your new favorite)!
The contest ends on January 3, 2008, and winners will be chosen and notified by January 10, 2008.
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.
- Ashleigh
Also- if you like Brooklyn Bunny's fashion, check out Nicole's fashion picks for wintry weather!
We Are Not Making This Stuff Up December 26, 2007
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 7 ) | TrackBackIn case you missed some recent news.
- An 18 year old boy was shot and died while he was out trying to shoot and kill geese.
- The president and CEO of the largest processor of chickens' carcasses in the United States, Pilgrim's Pride, recently suffered a stroke while on a trip out hunting animals and he later died. (Here's one example of how his company made a profit off of cruelty to animals.)
- Some hunter in North Carolina slipped on a ladder and shot himself and died.
- He is going to have some trouble walking since he shot himself in the foot while hunting in Ohio.
- You know that line "You’ll shoot your eye out!" from A Christmas Story? Yea. This guy must too after he got a pellet to the eye while trying to slaughter geese.
The point of all this is that when your intention is to go out and kill things, you're bound to get into a heap of trouble. Know what I'm sayin' dudes and dudettes?
Speaking of hunting accidents, did you see the Dick Cheney e-card?
-Pulin
P.S.- I consulted with some deer before posting this blog and they were super excited. They also wanted me to tell you about the reindeer campaign against Santa since it's around Christmas and all.
Happy Holidays from peta2! December 24, 2007
Posted by Ryan | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBackHey everybody! With the peta2 HQ being closed tomorrow for Christmas, we wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Holidays. Yes, it's time to break out the Silk Nog, convince our parents to have a vegan holiday meal, and sing funnier versions of traditional Christmas carols (Ok, "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" one more time, from the top).
As a reminder though, it's still not too late to send along all of peta2's amazing holiday e-cards to your friends and family that still eat or wear animals. There's, of course, last year's classic "Santa Got Run Over by His Reindeer", as well as this year's instant classic, the peta2 Holiday Snow Globe.
Yes, it's exciting enough to make even the toughest "hardcore kids" get into the spirit.
Dance, hardcore kid. Dance like the wind.
- Ryan!
Former Ringling Bros. Circus Employee Speaks Out December 21, 2007
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 4 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Ringling Circus Elephants Street Team
Archele Hundley, a former Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus employee, has recently teamed up with us to make a moving plea to potential circusgoers.
Check it out here and make sure you show your parents and teachers, too.
Watch more videos at peta2.com.
Among the horrors Archele witnessed were:
- An elephant was beaten with bullhooks so severely in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2006 that she bled profusely and cried out in pain.
- A trainer viciously whipped a camel and punched a miniature horse in the face.
- Trainers jabbed horses with pitchforks and gave them extremely painful "lip twists" to force the animals to obey commands.
Please get involved with the peta2 Street Team and the circus campaign.
Spread the word!
Just In Time For Christmas, Good News For Hens December 21, 2007
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBackDo you remember our Mepkin Abbey (a Christian monastery) egg farm investigation which shows hens crammed into cages, suffering with broken bones, and other hideous cruelty? The good news of the day is that the monks there have finally made the compassionate decision to stop enslaving birds. Yep! They're phasing out their entire egg operation and specifically stated that PETA's campaign (thanks to all of you) was a major factor in this move! You can read more about it here. Hooray!
In a time so close to Christmas, it's good to know that Christians in a position of power can use their lives to reduce suffering for others.
As my favorite author and animal advocate, Matthew Scully writes:
Animals cruelly dealt with are not just things, not just an irrelevant detail in some self-centered moral drama of our own. They matter in their own right, as they matter to their Creator, and the wrongs of cruelty are wrongs done to them.
If you haven't already read the book Dominion, I definitely recommend it—especially to anyone who has an interest in making the case that Christians and/or political conservatives should care about animals rights issues. It's a perfect Christmas present for that not-so-receptive relative who thinks you are crazy (you're not, by the way).
Again, especially in this holiday time it's essential to remember that kindness towards animals is one thing that transcends all boundaries of religion, race, gender, political party, sexual orientation and so on. Really, who purposely wants to be mean? No one (except the Grinch and probably Col. Sanders)! Let's stop making excuses and start acting with compassion.
Missing Person: Leah Hickman December 21, 2007
Posted by Ryan | Permalink | Comments ( 8 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
peta2 vegetarian PETA animal rights Leah Hickman
Yesterday, peta2 became aware of a missing student situation in Huntington, WV which has the entire campus of Marshall University on the look-out. While Leah Hickman had planned to go home for the holidays to spend time with her family in nearby Point Pleasant, WV, she has now been missing for nearly a week and counting.
This situation was brought to our attention because a local news story reported that she had just recently been inspired to be a vegetarian after watching videos on PETA's website. As the article states:
"[Her friend] described the missing woman as "the sweetest girl you could ever imagine," adding that "when she first started at Marshall, all she talked about was wanted [sic] to find a job where she could help people. "A couple of weeks ago she called me out of the blue crying hysterically because she had watched some videos on the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals,) website. She was like, 'I'm going to become a vegetarian.' [it's like eating meat] broke her heart.""
Image from Leah's Rescue MySpace page
If anybody has any information that could be helpful for Leah's safe return, please contact the Huntington Police Department (304-696-4420).
A MySpace page has been set up in an effort to raise awareness about this situation, which can be found here.
- Ryan!
More about Mars December 20, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBackYou may or may not have heard about our campaign against candy-maker Mars yet, so if you haven't, let me warn you that when you do your Christmas candy shopping, Mars is not a company you should support. Why not? They fund cruel tests on animals.
Yep, that's right. Mars has funded unnecessary and deadly studies on mice, rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, and yet the company continues to deceive consumers about its animal-testing policy. Testing on animals for candy is absolutely ridiculous! Please urge the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Mars' deceitful claims.
Help us get the word out about boycotting Mars candy by putting the below banner on your page. Just copy the code below and paste it onto your MySpace or other Web page—it's really easy!
Thanks so much!
♥ Marta
PS - Have you been sweet to animals yet?
OMG, Anti-Flag did what? December 20, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Anti-Flag
Like how my title got your attention? The peta2 road crew has been hanging out with Anti-Flag, The Code, and Bomb the Music Industry the past few days and it's been amazing and such an inspiration to be with so many positive people. All the guys in those bands are completely awesome, they know you can make a positive change in the world and still have an effing good time doing it. The main reason the peta2 road crew do these blogs is to show you how exciting life can be while making a positive change in the world at the same time. A great way to start is by interning for peta2 or joining our Street Team (that's how we all started).
Before we met up with Anti-Flag we drove all the way from the West coast to the East. We figured this would be a great opportunity to do a few Sexy Santa demos to show people you can still be fashionable without wearing fur, leather, or wool. Paige was awesome and toughed out the freezing cold weather while Cody, who wore like a million layers of clothing, complained about being cold.
Just a random note: To spice up our lives a little more, we added a holiday-festive-non-denominational-tree and candy canes to our table. Marta would be proud!
-Paul, Cody and Paige
Kim Cattrall Donates Furs to PETA December 19, 2007
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack |
I've been reading all the stories about it, spoilers and all, and I watch the reruns even if I've seen the episode six times, I can't help it. Like the one where Carrie's (Sarah Jessica Parker, who wears only fake fur in real life, by the way) building goes co-op and she realizes she's spent $40,000 on shoes but has nowhere to live...well, you know me and shoes.
Anyway, a while back a bunch of pix from a scene in which Samantha's fur coat is splashed with red paint were circulating on the Web. Now there's no word on what really happens in the scene but it appears that it could have been the work of some angry animal lovers, we'll just have to wait and see.
The good news is, after the film wraps those coats will be on their way to PETA H.Q. courtesy of Ms. Cattrall. Yep, Kim Cattrall is a reformed fur wearer! After learning the dirty secrets of the fur industry the sexiest Sex gal had a change of heart and stopped wearing fur.
Not only that, but she feels so strongly about her new anti-fur stance that she doesn't want to appear to endorse real fur at all and decided to have the furs shipped to us so that we could use them in our program to donate furs to the homeless.
This just goes to show you that when educated, people can change, so keep spreading the word. And don't forget to pledge to be fur free!
xox
Patricia
Super Secret FREE Stuff! December 19, 2007
Posted by Ryan | Permalink | Comments ( 7 ) | TrackBackAhhhh, do you smell that? What is that? I can't quite place it. Marta, is it you? No, but close! Yes, it's the holiday spirit!!
With Marta, Pulin, and most of the peta2 crew getting ready to leave for the holidays, I've decided to take advantage of this freedom by giving stuff away before they get back! Shhh, it'll be our little secret, ok?
That's right. I'm giving away FREE Dorm Door Packs for all college students! Inside, you'll find:
Not bad, eh?? All you have to do is order yours HERE before Dec. 31st (that way I don't get busted by the others in the office for offering you this awesome deal). And sorry, but this offer is only valid for students in the U.S. and Canada (sorry to all Street Teamers in Madagascar).
Uh oh, gotta run! The boss is coming! Go! Order the packs, and then hide before we get caught!
"Hi boss! Nope, nothing to see here..."
:)
- Ryan!
American Gangster Copy Cats December 18, 2007
Posted by Cassandra | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBackHas anyone NOT seen American Gangster yet? It's such a good movie and I've noticed lots of people are imitating the character based on New York crime boss Frank Lucas (as played by Denzel Washington). Have you noticed? Doesn't it seem like ever since the movie came out everyone's using Lucas's catch phrase "My man," all the time?
I like that one, but there are a few Lucas-style moves people are copying that I'm definitely not happy about. For instance, how many rappers did dead turkey giveaways over Thanksgiving? Just off the top of my head, there was Ludacris, TI, Rick Ross, and the cats at Cash Money Records.
And then what about abominable footballer, Takeo Spikes wearing this head-to-toe chinchilla burial ground:
Now, think about it: in the movie, when Frank Lucas's character hesitantly wore the chinchilla coat and hat his wife gave him, what happened? He got singled out for being outrageously tacky and it led to his arrest. And when he handed out turkeys on Thanksgiving, he was copying what his old boss used to do.
Though what Lucas did was illegal, it was his ability to think big and WAY outside the box that made him so successful. That's why people respected him. If someone wanted to imitate the things that were unique and admirable about this guy, you'd think they'd want to be original, sensible, thoughtful, and clever. You'd think they'd creep quietly, all the way out on a limb, take a leap, and make a splash. Instead you've got people who are already made, acting like copy-cats and killing an ass-load of animals while they're at it.
To all of them I say: Yo, my man, if you can't think of a way to make your own mark in this world, at least find another way, instead of getting blood all over your hands.
Peace!
Cassandra
Win Vegan Baking Mixes from Cherrybrook Kitchen! December 17, 2007
Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 23 ) | TrackBack
Tis the season for cookies, brownies, and cakes (oh my)! If you saw our Christmas Cookie Showdown on the blog a bit ago (of which I was obviously robbed out of the win), you should know by now that the folks at peta2 love to bake.
If you love to bake too, here is a helpful hint: you don't need to spend hours slaving away at the oven. All you have to do is get some Cherrybrook Kitchen mixes!
Their mixes are all vegan and all too delicious. They include everything from chocolate chip muffins to sugar cookies to fudge brownies. Yum!
Now is your chance to sample a little of each, because we're giving away two Cherrybrook Kitchen variety packs!
Two lucky winners will each receive a variety pack loaded with chocolate chip cookie mix, sugar cookie mix, yellow cake mix, fudge brownie mix, and original pancake mix. All you have to do to win is comment below with your favorite vegan holiday treat!
The contest ends on January 2, 2008, and winners will be chosen and notified by January 4, 2008.
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.
xoxo-Lara
P.S. For more baking tips check this out!
What is Cyber Giving Week?! December 14, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Cyber Giving Week Yahoo! inspiration
That's exactly what I said to myself when I first heard about Cyber Giving Week, but it's a pretty great thing that my friend Jack showed me (he hoped I would call him 'handsome'—but he can just go on hoping now, can't he?). We know you're doing amazing things to help animals and support PETA (and we know this because we receive countless messages from all of you letting us know just that!), so we want you to share those stories with the world. What if simply sharing that story could help bring $50,000 to PETA to help save more animals? That would be unbelievably great, right?
Cyber Giving Week is a project Yahoo! is running, so here's how the company explains everything:
Until December 19th, we invite you to share a story about someone's good deeds related to a nonprofit for a chance to be featured on Yahoo! and receive up to $50,000 in matching funds for the nonprofit. Submit your story to Bix, where the community will vote to choose the five most inspiring stories. During the week of December 25, the five finalists will be featured on Yahoo! to inspire others to give to a good cause too. The featured nonprofit that gets the greatest number of unique donations that week on Yahoo! will get a matching donation of up to $50,000 from Yahoo!.Pretty sweet! If you have a story about someone who has been inspirational in their efforts on behalf of PETA to help animals, please do share it with everyone by using the user-friendly interface they have over at Bix to record your story and then submit it.
You can learn more about the program here. Thanks!
♥ Marta
PS - Remember the deadline to enter is December 19th!
peta2 Goes Bowling! December 14, 2007
Posted by Ryan | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Vegan peta2 vegetarian animal rights bowling
Let's face facts. Life can't be all about vegan potlucks and making human pyramids. Sometimes, you just have to cut loose and leave all that serious business behind. I present to you: "peta2 Goes Bowling"!
All of your favorites were there. Among those in attendance were Marta "OMG Pulin, Don't Take a Picture of Me" Holmberg, Pulin "OMG, Somebody Take a Picture of Me" Modi, Nicole "Bowling is gross. Where is my hand sanitizer?" Nuss, and yours truly. Yes, like musical chairs with too many chairs, everybody was a winner! Gutterballs were thrown, laughter was had, and surprisingly-entertaining air vents were played with.
So if you're ever in town (say, interning), we'll bring you with us next time. That is, if you think you can handle us...
- Ryan!
* This may not be true. Winning is overrated anyways.
Party Like A Vegan December 13, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBackThe last week has shown us, the road crew, the true definition of a vegan party. By the end of the week, we realized that there are five steps to party like a rockstar vegan.
Step 1: Eat like a champ. We had the opportunity to chow down on some amazing treats in Los Angeles. What we were most stoked on was the vegan ding-dongs!
As usual, we got some amazing 'real' food as well. We were told to go to the restaurant Cafe Flore and the place ruled...
Step 2: Hang out with sweet bands like Between the Buried and Me.
Step 3: Visit tourist traps. We get to see all the awesome places like behind the scenes of Universal Studios.
Step 4: Participate in a demo against dirty fur hags like the Trollsen twins. We had the chance to help with the campaign launch against the Trollsen twins in Hollywood on Tuesday and quite a few people expressed why wearing animal skin isn't attractive.
Finally, Step 5: Don't run out of gas!
-Cody (The Hammer) & Paul
Got Pus? Milk Does! December 12, 2007
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 16 ) | TrackBackGot Pus? Milk Does!
You must know that in addition to being disgusting to think about or look at, you would never want to drink a cup filled with pus-containing liquid, right?
Well guess what? If you are drinking cow's milk, chances are you are drinking pus cells! Sick! Cows' udders often get so sore and infected that they start leaking pus cells into milk! Imagine how painful that is for each cow? I bet pus swimming around in your belly doesn't sound so appetizing, either.
So why am I bringing this up now, you might be wondering? Well, it's not just so you spare Santa and the cows the suffering which comes from dunking some cookies into glasses of milk that may contain pus.
I'm bringing this up because PETA recently got a really not-so-friendly letter from some lawyers who get paid by the California Milk Producers Board. You can read it here, but basically it says that they don't like us using the Got Pus? campaign. Boo hoo! Apparently our GotPus.com site makes them sad. Again, boo hoo for the big companies who are upset that people will be informed about the cruelty their products support.
Anyway, our response, which you can read here, basically tells them that we're fully within our rights to speak the truth about the gross stuff that is in dairy (like pus) and the terrible things cows' milk does to human beings (Got Zits?, Got Cancer?). Of course, we also want people to learn about what's wrong with dairy in the way it's responsible for cruelty to animals in the form of veal calves, sad mother cows who miss their babies and often live in filthy conditions, and all kinds of terrible things like that.
If you're as excited as I am that this dairy group is pissed off at PETA, you might want to check out the merchandise which has made them especially irritated. Feel free to buy some stuff to spite them. We also have a peta2 Cafe Press store which features lots more fun shirts and other merch.
So while the dairy group tries to think of another way to harass kind-hearted people, I hope you'll all take a minute to laugh at them and read a bit about how you can help cows.
P.S.- Feel free to copy and post this web banner to your page!
Trollsen Twins Take Over Hollywood! December 12, 2007
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 8 ) | TrackBackSo I'm super bummed I wasn't in LA yesterday to take part in the launch of what I have to say is one of my all time fave campaigns, The Trollsen Twins. I love it, love it, love it!
Those two deserve to be bashed in the press for wearing fur, selling fur and for just plain looking horrible in the ridiculous outfits they wear. Seriously. I wish I could dress them in real life (just imagine shopping with all of that cash!), I think that's one of the reasons I like playing the dress up game so much.
It's fun and gory and disgusting, and even though it totally creeps me out, I do love the way their eyes just follow you around on the page. Gross. If you haven't already played it, you must do it right now. (After you've finished reading my blog, of course.)
Tons of press showed up to cover the official launch yesterday, which took place on their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Yeah, I can't believe they have a star either.) Protestors carried signs with pix of the Trollsens and the tagline, "Fur is worn by beautiful animals and ugly people," which you can check out below.
It looks like a good time was had by all except for the Trollsens of course because I'm sure the terrible twosome and their crew were none too happy about all of the goings on. Oh, well, that's what happens when you get your kicks wearing and selling the fur of tortured animals, peta2 calls you out on it.
xox
Patricia
P.S. Don't forget to head over to Café Press to order your Trollsens tee. I've got mine!
Have You Ever Heard A Pig Scream? December 12, 2007
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBackIf you've never heard a pig scream just picture one of the most horrifying and desperate cries for help that you can possibly imagine. Watch the video and share it with everyone you know. As a warning, this video is hard to watch, but it's important to witness this cruelty and be inspired to take action to stop this insanity—especially so close to the Christmas holidays when people are talking about their ham (a.k.a. pigs' flesh) dinner!
We just released video footage from an undercover investigation at a North Carolina factory farm, Murphy Family Ventures, that supplies pigs to Smithfield Foods, the largest pig-flesh company in the world. Our investigation shows workers cutting off a piglet's tail and pulling out piglets' testicles, all without any pain relief, and dragging injured pigs by their sensitive ears, snouts, and legs as the animals scream in pain and terror.
It's all totally sick, but among the most disgusting documentation uncovered:
- Some of the pigs had "KILL" spray-painted on their backs.
- A farm supervisor admitted that he violently beat pigs, saying of one that he "cut the sh** out of his God damn nose with a f***ing gate rod."
- A worker gouged the eyes of four pigs with his fingers.
Please take action to urge Smithfield Foods to demand that Murphy Family Ventures fire the workers responsible for this cruelty and work with PETA to enact meaningful animal welfare reforms. Click here to see the shocking video and to find out how you can help these abused pigs. And if you're inspired to go vegetarian after seeing how these animals suffer, please learn more about What They Never Told You...
Thank you.
Vegan Mac Danzig IS The Ultimate Fighter December 11, 2007
Posted by Cassandra | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Vegan Mac Danzig Ultimate Fighter cage fighter UFC mixed martial arts welterweight lightweight
That's it! Vegans always win and are tougher than anyone else. It's true, and I said it.
This weekend, Mac Danzig beat Tommy Speer during the second minute of the first round of their fight, becoming champion of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), and landing himself a spot in the UFC . Not only was the fight exciting to watch but it was all the cooler for us here at peta2 because we (unlike SOME bandwagon-jumping bloggers) go way back with our friend Mac.
As TUF audiences discovered in episode 1, Mac is vegan. He did a q&a with peta2 all about his decision to be cruelty free which you can check out here. Mac is no nonsense when it comes to standing up for animals. He believes that with power comes great responsibility; the strong are obligated to protect the vulnerable.
Photo Credit: Kevin Lynch
Not only has going vegan helped Mac to sleep better at night,(knowing that each year, there are 100 fewer animals suffering because he simply chooses not to eat them) he says that the health benefits associated with a vegan diet have made him a meaner, leaner fighter. He said that without losing any muscle, he felt lighter and faster. Many people report being able to think more clearly after going vegan, too. If you watched Saturday's finale, you know what I'm talking about—Mac was on POINT!
So, congratulations, Mac Danzig! We look forward to seeing you fight in the UFC. And we're also looking forward to seeing how many of your fans go vegan, knowing how much ass you kick.
Peace!
Cassandra
P.S. - In the spirit of "vegan competition" I've updated this blog with a video I jacked from Jack's YouTube profile which features highlights from some of Mac Danzig's fights. Enjoy!
Video Credit: Keep It Reel Productions
Hairy-Kate and Trashley: Meet the Trollsen Twins December 11, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 21 ) | TrackBackI am unbelievably excited to announce peta2's brand-new campaign. You remember cute little Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen from Full House, right? Well, maybe you've noticed that they're all grown-up now and have somehow morphed into fur hags. It's truly sickening, considering that millions of animals are skinned alive, have their necks broken, or are even anally or vaginally electrocuted for someone's misguided attempt to look 'fashionable.'
Anyway, we're tired of seeing Hairy-Kate and Trashley show up at events sporting some once-living animals' skins, and we bet you are, too—so let them know that you won't buy any of their products until they agree to go fur-free!
Now for the fun stuff:
Check out what Futureman had to say to the Full House crew in "Full House of Horrors". Who knew how much those sweet little girls would change?
I cannot get enough of this game. It's seriously amazing. Dress up the Trollsen Twins yourself. Check out how I dressed up Hairy-Kate. Fugly, anyone?
We even have Web banners and exclusive merch! What more could you ask for?
Wanna know what the Trollsen Twins are doing? Then you better add them on MySpace. I even put them in my top friends!
So now, I have to ask—are you as excited as I am about this campaign?!
♥ Marta
Shake Up "Naughty" Celebs in Our Holiday Snow Globe! December 10, 2007
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
fur Michael Vick Kate Moss celebs Holiday Anna Wintour Vogue Dick Cheney Hairy-Kate and Trashley Trollsen Col. Sanders chicken
Tis the season for celebrating, that is, if you've been good. I know I have, so I'm pretty sure Santa's going to be dropping off some major loot for me. Lots of shoes, shoes, and more shoes!!! Yay for me!
But I can think of a few folks who've been downright rotten, especially where our animal friends are concerned. So we've taken a few names off of Old St. Nick's naughty list and had a little fun with them in the form of peta2's 2007 holiday snow globe e-card!
That's right, here's your chance to give a few of the nastiest people around a good shaking—we're sure you'd like to do more but this is the best we could do. Your choices are: Chicken killer Col. Sanders, Vogue's editor in death, I mean chief, Anna Wintour, fur hags Kate Moss or Hairy-Kate and Trashley Trollsen, Dick Cheney, or the newly sentenced Michael Vick.
Don't worry, you can do it more than once, so choose your celeb and watch the flakes fly!
xox
Patricia
P.S. Who else would you like to see in peta2's holiday snow globe?
Launching MarsCandyKills.com December 10, 2007
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Mars Snickers Animal Testing Street Team Mars Candy Kills M&M's Twix Dove Three Musketeers Starburst Skittles
Many of you have heard about our campaign to pressure Mars to stop sponsoring animal tests. We've just launched a site specifically for the campaign so please check it out at MarsCandyKills.com.
Please think twice before picking up a Mars candy bar! You should know that candymaker Mars, Inc.—creator of M&M's, Snickers, Twix, Dove, Three Musketeers, Starburst, Skittles, and other candies—funds deadly animal tests, even though there are more reliable human studies and not one of the tests is required by law.
Mars is currently funding a deadly experiment on rats to determine the effects of chocolate ingredients on their blood vessels. Experimenters force-feed the rats by shoving plastic tubes down their throats and then cut open the rats' legs to expose an artery, which is clamped shut to block blood flow. After the experiment, the animals are killed. Mars has also funded cruel experiments in which mice were fed a candy ingredient and forced to swim in a pool of a water mixed with white paint. The mice had to find a hidden platform to avoid drowning, only to be killed and dissected later on. In yet another experiment supported by Mars, rats were fed cocoa and anesthetized with carbon dioxide so that their blood could be collected by injecting a needle directly into their hearts, which can lead to internal bleeding and other deadly complications.
Please visit MarsCandyKills.com and take action to stop these deadly animal tests.
Michael Vick Finally Gets Sentenced December 10, 2007
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 24 ) | TrackBackMichael Vick was finally sentenced on federal charges, and we are pleased with the strong punishment handed down in this dogfighting case. It's good to know that this cruelty is seen as a serious crime! Michael Vick has been sentenced to 23 months in prison for financing a dogfighting ring and for his part in the killing of pit bulls who did not fight aggressively. He also received three years' probation. Thousands of others involved in this underground world of violence and callousness need to learn a lesson from this very public case.
Other than the federal punishment, though, the state level trial is still pending so we want to really demand vigorous state prosecution now!
Respectfully remind The Honorable Gerald G. Poindexter, Commonwealth Attorney, that a vigorous prosecution of this and any cruelty case—and the pursuit of serious penalties against animal abusers upon conviction—is in the best interests of the county's human and animal residents and sends the message that the defenseless must be safeguarded and that cruelty will not be tolerated. Call on Mr. Poindexter to ensure that dogfighters receive the maximum penalties, including incarceration; a permanent prohibition on having ownership, custody, or control of animals (as is allowed by state law); and any necessary psychiatric intervention. Take action by sending a letter here.
Thank you for all you've helped to accomplish so far, and we look forward to working with everyone to further call out all the cowards who think they look tough by fighting animals!
International Human Rights Day December 9, 2007
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBackInternational Human Rights Day is Monday December 10th according to the United Nations. When I was in college I designed my own major to study the connections between all forms of exploitation so I'm glad I have your attention for a couple minutes.
To help observe this day, I hope you will check out some of the info below to learn about the connections between violence towards people and that inflicted upon billions of animals worldwide. Remember that no one wants to be victimized. No one deserves to suffer for others' greed. Everyone should be given an opportunity to enjoy life without oppressing others. It's pathetic that there are actually people who make a living off selling the products of misery. I don't know how they can wake up every morning and look in the mirror knowing their pockets are padded with blood money.
Study: vegan diets healthier for planet, people than meat diets from The University of Chicago
Blood, Sweat, and Fear: Workers' Rights in U.S. Meat and Poultry Plants from Human Rights Watch
Hungry world 'must eat less meat' from the BBC
Why vegans were right all along: Famine can only be avoided if the rich give up meat, fish and dairy from The Guardian
Of course, research has also shown that vegetarians are 50 percent less likely to develop heart disease, and they have 40 percent of the cancer rate of meat-eaters. Studies have actually shown that vegetarian kids grow taller and have higher IQs than their classmates, too! That's why stupid people are called "meat heads." You've never heard anyone insult someone's intelligence by calling them "veggie burger head," have you?! Ha!
The beauty of helping animals is that you're also helping yourself and your family and the environment (seriously, just ask the United Nations), too!
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.-Gandhi
Happy (early) International Human Rights Day to everyone! Special thanks to all the Street Team members for doing such a great job with everything.
Cookie Competition Winner and Recipes! December 7, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 14 ) | TrackBackThe votes are in from peta2's Christmas Cookie Cooking Competition, and while the competition was certainly close, Megan has taken the top honors with her Holiday Chocolate Mint Cookies. Congratulations, Megan!
We received tons of messages from people practically getting their drool on our keyboards in the hopes of getting all the vegan cookie recipes—and the holidays are all about giving, so as a special gift from all the cookie bakers to all of you, here are our recipes. Just do one thing for me: Make a batch or two for all those people in your life who like to assume vegan food is all about granola and bean sprouts—show them what's up!
Enjoy!
AntiSean's Pinwheels
Ingredients:
1 cup vegan butter or margarine
1 cup granulated sugar
Substitute for 2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups flour
2 Tbs cocoa
Extra flour and confectioner's sugar for dusting the dough
Colored sprinkles (optional)
Wax paper for rolling the dough
In large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together; add egg replacer and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour. Divide dough into 2 equal portions; blend cocoa into one portion. Form each portion into ball. Chill the dough in your refrigerator for 30-45 minutes for the next step!
Place each ball between two sheets of waxed paper lightly dusted with powdered sugar or flour and roll each into a rectangle—the thinner you roll the dough, the smaller the spirals in your pinwheels will be. Put a light coat of sprinkles on both layers if you so desire.
Carefully layer one color on the other. Starting at long edge, roll into a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate dough for at least 4 hours, until very firm (I might even give it a short run in the freezer, depending on how good your knife is). Cut in 1/4-inch slices and place on a greased baking sheet about an inch apart. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
Lara's Christmas Cut-Out Cookies
Ingredients:
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup vegan margarine
Ener-G equivalent to 1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/4 cups flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
A lil shredded lemon peel
Cream sugar, margarine, egg replacer & vanilla together, stir in all dry ingredients until well combined. roll, cut out, sprinkle, etc. Bake 8-10 minutes @ 375 degrees.
Marta's Snickerdoodle Stacks
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 Tbs baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar + extra sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tbs vanilla extract
1/4 cup vanilla or plain soymilk
Cinnamon to taste
Duncan Hines Whipped Vanilla Frosting
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix oil, both sugars, vanilla, and soymilk, then mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine extra sugar and desired level of cinnamon-y goodness. Roll dough into small-to-medium sized balls and roll in the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Flatten cookies on a greased cookie sheet (I used vegetable oil) and space them out accordingly (For square shaped cookies, the dough can be placed close together. For circular cookies, space them further apart.). Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes.
Once cookies have cooled a bit, take sets of two cookies and frost the top of one with desired amount of frosting, then place another cookie on top. Voila! Yummy Christmas goodness. Makes about 10 Snickerdoodle Stacks or about 20 individual cookies.
Megan's Holiday Chocolate Mint Cookies
Ingredients:
8 oz vegan semi-sweet chocolate
1 tsp peppermint extract
3/4 cup vegan margarine, softened
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
Egg replacer equivalent of 1 egg
1 1/4 cup flour
Vegan chocolate frosting
Red and green peppermint hard candy
Place chocolate in a microwavable bowl. Microwave until melted (in 30 second intervals stirring between each). Mix in peppermint extract.
Mix margarine, sugar, and egg replacer. Add chocolate/peppermint mixture and flour.
Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
When cool, drizzle with chocolate frosting (soften by microwaving a few seconds) and sprinkle with chopped peppermint hard candy.
Mylie's Fancy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup vegan margarine, softened
1 tsp vanilla
Ener-G-Egg replacer equal to 1 egg (egg replacer is widely available in stores, check for a store near you here)
2 1/3 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
For decorating the cookies:
Vanilla Frosting (I used Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Vanilla
Vegan decorating icing (I used some from Betty Crocker, but check ingredients) and sprinkles
*Wait until cookies are completely cool before decorating them with frosting or frosting will melt.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In large bowl, beat sugar and margarine together on low speed using a mixer (or spoon) until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla and egg replacer. Next stir in flour and baking soda. Shape dough by teaspoonfuls into balls, then using the bottom of a glass or mug, flatten the balls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet (they should be fairly symetrical and look like round cookies). Place them approx 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet. Bake for about 9 or 10 min, checking them to make sure they don't burn. The bottoms will start to brown slightly, so checking on them a couple of times is good. When they are done, remove them gently using a spatula and place them on a cooling rack (if you have one). This will help them to cool quickly so you can decorate them.
I hope you enjoy the recipes as much as we do. Now get out there and get baking!
♥ Marta
Get a Job! December 7, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBackWe always love when people yell at us to 'Get a Job!' The funny thing is we LOVE our jobs and we have tons of fun while we work. We travel the country, gobble all the great food, go to awesome shows, and help animals. Check out some of these pictures to see what we do.
I mean, how many jobs can you say you get to balance a table on your hand and not get yelled at by your supervisor? Sorry, Caleb.
If you would like to join us make sure you check out this page and find out how.
Well, the holidays are coming up soon, so make sure you send an e-mail to all your family and friends and let them know they can find some great animal-free foods to cook here. I know I sent it to my family and it worked—they said they would make some vegan food for me when I go home. Yyeeaaaaaahhh!
- Paul & Cody (The Hammer)
The Casey Calvert Day Of Action Is This Saturday December 6, 2007
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBackHello friends. I just wanted to remind everyone that this Saturday, December 8th, is the day of action in memory of animal rights activist and musician Casey Calvert. When he wasn't tearing up the stage with Hawthorne Heights, Casey spent a good amount of time helping animals by volunteering at his local animal shelter and working with peta2 on campaigns. We're sad to say goodbye, but we want his spirit to be an inspiration for everyone to stop waiting around and start taking action to help make the world a more positive place.
This Saturday, please spend some time volunteering at your local shelter to help all those animals who could use an extra pat on the head, walk, or scratch behind the ear.
While some people are sadly still buying and breeding animals, it's important to be proactive and really use the passion in our daily lives to do some good. It's essential to educate everyone about the importance of spaying and neutering animals and adopting from shelters.
If you can't make it out to the shelter for some reason, please consider our alternative action of taking the Veg Pledge in Casey's memory. Isn't it empowering to know that we can all leave a legacy of compassion as Casey did with his life?
While looking at all our photos of good times with Casey, we came across these ones. Check out the awesome stencil which Casey helped to spray on shirts at Warped Tour.
We have a handful of these rare stencils left and want you to get one to spread the word about animal rights. So as a reward to those of you who report back to us that you took action in Casey's memory, we'll give people with the best fifteen reports each one of these stencils for free. From there, you can make as many shirts, posters, or other stuff that you want with the "peta2 is for Animal Lovers" stencil. Just make sure you are on the Street Team and submit a report through the form or email StreetTeam@peta2.com with what you did.
Be sure to get your reports to us by December 15, and I'll notify the lucky winners by December 22. We assume you read and agreed to our privacy policy and the following terms and conditions.
Thank you all for the amazing support you've been showing in such tragic times.
The Turkey Stick-on Mission for the UK December 6, 2007
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 10 ) | TrackBackWe're sorry this offer has expired.
Britney Spears' Birthday Massacre December 6, 2007
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 27 ) | TrackBack |
All Britney's best pals were there, Paris, cousin Alli Sims, and that Sam guy who's in all the pix of her lately. And of course Britney, clad in her usual street-walkeresque attire, and Alli arrived to walk the red carpet in style, trimmed in dead animals. Nothing says party like fur, y'all.
And what celebrity party wouldn't be complete without super pricey presents?! Don't worry, Britney's "friends" didn't let her down, they loaded her up with lots of gifts including diamonds, leather, and fur—allegedly $30,000 worth of pelts. Nothing says, "Yay, we're glad you're around to celebrate another year of your life," quite like the skin and fur of dead animals.
Instead of giving her garments made from tortured animals her "friends" should have given her things she could really use, like parenting manuals, a driver, a new stylist, a few full length mirrors, and the number of a good life counselor/shrink. That girl needs help, not death wrapped in a brightly colored package.
xox
Patricia
P.S. Got some suggestions for things that would have made better gifts for poor, misguided Britney? Let me know by posting them below, then pledge to be fur-free because with friends like Britney's around, animals need all the help they can get.
Meet peta2's very first Cutest Vegetarian! December 6, 2007
Posted by Nicole | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBackSo peta2's very first "Cutest Vegetarian Alive," Breezy Rondilone, has been a busy girl since getting her crown last year. She and her band, A Romance Thesis, have just put out their first CD, Prosodia, and are poised and ready to tour like mad in support of it. Check out this lovely little Q&A with our lovely little cutest vegetarian, and then be sure to check out A Romance Thesis' tour dates to find out when they'll be coming to a town near you.
Tell us about winning peta2's cutest vegetarian award? What kind of attention did you get from your family, friends, hometown, etc?
It was amazing winning the Cutest Vegetarian Award. All my friends and family were really proud of me and peta2 sent me a sweater that I wear almost everyday. People always ask me about it since the back says "Change Everything" so it always gives me a chance to tell people about my beliefs with vegetarianism.
Why do you think vegetarianism is so important?
I believe that vegetarianism is important because I very strongly believe that all beings are equal. I mean, I'm the one in the house that everyone calls when there's a spider on the wall because I'm the one that will catch it and set it free outside. I just don't think that other creatures need to suffer for our satisfaction or taste buds when there are plenty of other things that can keep us healthy and alive.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about going vegetarian but is afraid there won't be anything to eat?
I would tell them to go stock up on Morning Star products and some fruits and veggies. People always think it's so hard to be vegetarian, when it's really quite simple. There are plenty of vegetarian things at stores, and almost every restaurant I know of has some sort of vegetarian meal. Yes, eating at fast food places may be a little difficult, but that's not very healthy anyways. So go to the store and make yourself some tasty food!
What is your favorite vegetarian dish?
There are so many I don't know what my favorite is, but I must say that I am VERY fond of vegetarian lasagna.
Do you have companion animals? If so, what are their names? Do you have any stories you'd like to tell about them?
I have 3 dogs—Zoey, Bob, and Baby Dog. They are the most incredible animals with the greatest personalities. Everyone that meets Bob falls madly in love with him. He makes people hold his hand all the time—it's quite adorable. Baby Dog just runs in circles all the time. She's more than entertaining. Zoey just barks and licks a lot. And I also have a cat named Rafiki. She's probably the coolest cat alive. She's all black with bright orange eyes and she only has half a tail, so she appears really tough.
What do you think about dissection?
I am completely against dissection. All schools should have alternatives to it. I got my teacher to offer the alternative to me and a few other girls in my class when our biology class did it.
What other animal rights issues are important to you?
Most all of them are important to me. I did the petitioning against KFC and I never let my friends eat it when I'm around, and I make them all flip it off anytime we drive past one. I did a whole research project on animal testing which actually got a few kids in my class very interested in it, which was amazing. I often wear my "Mean people wear Fur" shirt, which often draws dirty looks, but also gives people the incentive to ask me questions.
Do you have any advice for kids who want to get involved with animal rights but don't know how to get started?
Yes, they should go to peta2.com and just get involved with the street team. You can do so much, and it's so easy!
What was the best thing that came out of being named peta2's 2006 Cutest Vegetarian?
Being named Cutest Vegetarian gave my band amazing promotion with all the vegetarians out there, which is awesome for me because I love talking to people about vegetarianism.
What's up next for Breezy?
I'll just be playing a lot of shows and working hard with the guys!
Oh isn't she cute!! Oh come on, you had to see that one coming!
Hope all is well, my lovelies!
nicole
What Do You Want for Christmas? December 5, 2007
Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBack
I already have my Christmas list set. For anyone who wants to know (hint hint), it includes:
1. Membership to Vegan Honey's Holiday Dessert of the Month Club.
2. Isa Chandra Moskowitz's new cookbook Veganomicon.
3. And these purple boots!
If you haven't already sent off your list to Santa, here are two lovely suggestions:
1. The peta2 gift set. This pack offers the best peta2 merch we have to offer including: the new peta2 Nugget tee; a peta2.com black T-shirt; two new peta2 bumper stickers; and a set of mini-buttons.
2. The Stay Vocal peta2 tote. This organic cotton shopping bag features the amazing winning design by Rachel Caldwell, which you can see to your left. $3 from every bag gets donated to peta2, so get to shopping!
Comment below with what cruelty-free goodies are on your holiday wish list (yes—the iPhone counts as being cruelty-free).
Happy Holidays!
xoxo-Lara
peta2 Celebrates the Most Vegetarian-Friendly Colleges! December 5, 2007
Posted by Ryan | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Vegan vegetarian college northwestern U of T
Hooray! Cellllllebrate good times, come on!
So what is the cause of the celebration this time? Why, it's the winners of our "Most Vegetarian-Friendly Colleges" contest of course!
After over 10,000 people came to our website to vote for the schools they felt had gone above and beyond to meet the needs of students looking for delicious vegetarian and vegan options, the winners have finally been announced!
Coming in at #1 in the U.S. was Northwestern University in Chicago, and #1 in Canada was the University of Toronto. Make sure to check out the complete list of the Top 10 schools HERE!
As the winners, both schools earned an on-campus celebration, hosted by yours truly, to present them with their certificates and allow students to sample some of the delicious cuisine (we're talkin' veggie BBQ "riblets", vegan pancakes...you know, the good stuff)!
Here are some pics from the event. Enjoy!
Mmmm...smells like victory.
- Ryan
Dropdead's "Meat Sucks" Is Back!! December 4, 2007
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBackAs a special treat, here's a guest blog from Violet over in peta2 UK...
Question: Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and The Spice Girls—what do these all have in common?
Answer: They've all made (pretty shambloic) so-called "comebacks" over the last few months.
Frankly, we were happy to see the back of this lot then, and nothing's changed. But let's not tar all "comebacks" with the same brush—in my opinion (however much this will damage my "cred") Take That's comeback was nicely done! But, if there's one comeback that everyone is very, very excited about it's Dropdead's highly sought after limited edition "Meat Sucks" shirt!!!
peta2 US ran a contest with friends Oli Sykes of Bring Me The Horizon and Dropdead clothing where Oli designed the acclaimed shirt, all proceeds from the shirt were donated to benefit animals! There were only 300 shirts made at the time and they sold out in a flash. Now they're back with a vengeance and would you believe it, just in time for Christmas!
Click on the image to get your hands on one!
I've got mine!!!
Happy shopping!
*Violet xx
P.S. Apparently Ricky and Bianca are coming back to EastEnders—result!!
P.P.S. Dear Mr. Pret A Manger Man, please bring back those delicious red pepper sandwiches. They're delicious.
peta2 Christmas Cookie Cooking Competition! December 4, 2007
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 23 ) | TrackBackAnyone who knows me knows that I'm a fan of Christmas. Okay, so maybe obsessed is a better word to use when describing how I feel about Christmas. And no, I'm not talking about the greedy aspect of Christmas, I'm talking about spending time with your friends and family, listening to cheesy Christmas songs and singing along loudly, watching holiday movies (A Christmas Story, anyone?), the friendly spirit in the air, and of course, vegan Christmas cookies!
Are you harboring a secret grudge against your family because you think you can't partake in the cookie baking deliciousness since you went vegan? Let me be the first to tell you that vegan Christmas cookies are just about one of the best things in life. And to prove that very point to you, I decided to hold the first-ever peta2 Christmas Cookie Cooking Competition.
So there were a few people who didn't compete (I like to refer to them lovingly as "the suckers"), but check out all of the scrumptious options below, and let me know which batch of cookies you'd most like to pull a Santa on (you know, eat a few and wash 'em down with soymilk before stuffing your happy belly back up the chimney) by leaving a comment with your favorite. Pick wisely because the batch of cookies with the most votes will give someone here in peta2 land major bragging rights—and oh yeah, I'll post the winning recipe here on the blog for you to make for all those hungry little elves in your lives.
AntiSean's Pinwheels
Lara's Christmas Cut-Out Cookies
Marta's Snickerdoodle Stacks
Megan's Holiday Chocolate Mint Cookies
Mylie's Fancy Sugar Cookies
I tried many of the cookies, and trust me, they're as good as they look. Leave a comment with your favorite!
♥ Marta
Welcome to the Punk Show! December 3, 2007
Posted by Nicole | Permalink | Comments ( 17 ) | TrackBackHere's a check-in from Paul (a.k.a. Paulie to me) who's out and about busting his ass getting sign-ups for our "I Am Not A Nugget" campaign. Tell us what's new on the road, Paulie...
The Agonist tour is over for us and we would like to thank them greatly for letting us come out on tour with them. We got over 1000 people to sign our petition to help animals in slaughterhouses.
On our way to San Francisco to table Winter Fresh Fest, we stopped by Salt Lake City to see MXPX play at the University of Utah. We also talked to hundreds of students and got them to sign our petition, too.
After the show we got the chance to talk to MXPX and they were more then happy to sign our petition to help out chickens. They even signed a copy of their new CD, Secret Weapon, for one of you luckies. So to win this CD, all you gotta do is leave a comment with your favorite animal and the first one to pick the same animal as me, wins the signed CD. Good luck!
I know you all are like, "we just want to see pictures of the amazing vegan food you ate." I wish I could add all the pictures, but I'll have to just tell you about a few of them. We ate some Buffalo wings, spicy chicken sandwiches, waffles, and last but not least, blueberry cheesecake. Yes, this was all vegan. Amazing right?
-Paul
PS - I can't take a picture of myself without a completely ridiculous face.
Okay people—be sure to get your comments to us by December 17, and I'll notify the lucky winner by December 21.
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.
Star Street Teamer: Jennifer Thornburg December 1, 2007
Posted by Rachel-O | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
star street teamer
Jennifer's a great role model for her fellow Street Teamers—she has organized demonstrations against KFC, hasn't eaten animals in years, and has even single-handedly gotten a dissection choice policy passed at her high school. Read on to learn why we think she's so cool.
Name: Jennifer Thornburg
Age: 18
Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina
What made you decide to become active for animals?
Oddly enough, I dissected a chicken in seventh grade and couldn't get that picture out of my head. For many students who dissect, dissection makes them "harden up" to animal rights, as dissection teaches disrespect for life and treats animals as if they were objects. Thankfully, dissection taught me the opposite: Animals are similar to humans in many ways and can feel pain just like us. These realizations led me to become vegetarian and eventually vegan, which led me into animal rights.
How long have you been vegetarian/vegan?
I've been vegan for about 3½ years, and I was vegetarian for a few months before going vegan.
Is your family supportive of your animal rights beliefs?
My father is proud of me for standing up for what I believe in and encourages me to continue to do so. My mother is less supportive, but tolerant, of what I believe in.
Do you live with any companion animals?
I live with a bipolar cat named Foo Bear, who will be cuddling with me one minute and attacking me the next. My companion dog, Bosco, currently lives with my sister.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy hanging out with friends (getting coffee, shopping, and talking), baking, and reading in my spare time; though most of my spare time is dedicated to animals. I spend a lot of time planning protests, talking to science teachers about alternatives to dissection, and communicating with local animal rights activists. I attend monthly vegan potlucks, hosted by the Asheville Vegetarian Society, and do a lot of tabling with Carolina Animal Action.
You got a dissection choice policy passed at your school. Can you tell us how you did that?
I started to work on my high school's policy last October, since October is "Cut Out Dissection" Month. At first, there was one science teacher who was against having a dissection choice policy at the high school, but she eventually came around to agreeing that a policy would benefit the school. After presenting the policy at a couple of committee meetings, getting all the science teachers to approve of the policy, and gaining a lot of petition signatures, the policy finally passed on the second-to-last day of school. I consider the policy to be my baby: After nine months of carrying around copies of the policy and preparing for it to take effect, I finally gave birth to it in June.
Why do you think it's important for students to have the choice not to dissect?
For many students, dissection goes against their religious and ethical beliefs. No student should ever be forced to choose between ethics and passing a class, and yet, for many students, this is an unfortunate choice that they are forced to make. Many of the cats and dogs who are dissected are stolen from their families and homes, and animals such as frogs are caught from the wild, which is bad for both the animal and the environment. Many of the fetal pigs who are dissected come from factory-farmed pigs, who are killed and used for meat. These animals are treated horribly in life, and they die painful, violent deaths. In addition to helping animals and the environment, dissection alternatives are cheaper (many alternatives are even available via the Internet for free) and, according to more than 20 studies, are equally or more educational then real animal dissection. With so many reasons not to dissect, a student should never be forced into dissecting against his/her will.
How many Oreos do you think you could eat in one sitting?
On my last try, I only managed to stuff down eight Oreos, but I know that I could have eaten a whole pint of the So Delicious Cookies and Cream ice cream.
What's your message to the rest of the peta2 Street Team?
Get out there and make a difference! You can do a lot for animals: Write a letter to the editor, do a quick one-hour protest, talk to your science teachers about dissection alternatives, have a weekly animal rights club meeting, bring vegan cookies to school for your friends (and let them know that they are animal-friendly!), wear a T-shirt with an animal-friendly message … there are so many ways to help animals—just be creative. You can find a lot of ways to help animals; you just have to get started, and don't quit! You'll be surprised at the rate that new projects, protests, and ideas come to you when you put in a little effort.
Want to be peta2's next Star Street Teamer? Sign up now and tell us why we should feature you!
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