To Mother With Love February 29, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Mothering Sunday ecards Mother's Day
Martin in the UK is excited about the British version of Mother's Day. So here's his message for you...
-Pulin
It's Mothering Sunday coming up in the UK, and I think that gives us a good opportunity to let our mothers know how much they mean to us. I think I was lucky that I had a really supportive mum and even though I decided to go vegetarian when I was 8, she was there helping me with the choices I made. I know that not all you guys have that luxury, so peta2 has got a few different e-cards for you to send out for this British holiday.
Here are some examples:
Peace!
Free Stuff Friday: peta2 Guitar Picks! February 29, 2008
Posted by Ashleigh | Permalink | Comments ( 66 ) | TrackBack
How many of you out there play guitar? And I mean real guitar, not Guitar Hero. I can't play guitar at all, but I can rock some Sex Pistols like nobody’s business on Xbox.
Anyways, I have these sweet new peta2 guitar picks to give away!
We have them in two widths. This means nothing to me, but hopefully guitar players everywhere will be excited! To win, comment below with your favorite Animal Rights song! Mine is definitely Propagandhi's “Nailing Descartes to the Wall�.
Three of you will win two guitar picks and some of our new Fur Is Dead leaflets to pass out to all your friends. Spend some time exploring our new Fur Is Dead site, it is really amazing. Plus you can find out which Skelanimal you are. I'm Jack the rabbit!
Are you like Pulin and don't have a guitar to play? You can win one of those too!
This contest ends March 14, 2008 and the winners will be chosen and notified by March 21, 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.
Have fun!
-Ashleigh
Imagine If Your Name Were FishingHurts February 28, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBackMy friend, formerly known as Rachel, actually changed her name to FishingHurts. You know, as in the website FishingHurts.com and the pretty simple concept that the practice of fishing hurts these aquatic animals. Seriously, it's true that this Flagstaff, Arizona resident legally changed her name.
I thought you might be interested in meeting her, so here's a quick interview with 21 year old FishingHurts.
What is your background with animal rights?
I went vegetarian when I was 13, vegan at 19. I did various animal rights demonstrations throughout my teen years such as the circus and KFC. At 20, I got an internship with PETA.
What do you think of the internship program at PETA?
My internship with PETA was the best learning experience I could ask for. I learned how to effectively discuss animal rights as well as the important steps for organizing a demonstration—many of which I hadn't been doing. My internship made me a better advocate for animals.
Why did you want to change your name to FishingHurts compared to all the other industries which also abuse animals?
Of all the industries where animals are abused, I chose fishing because I feel that people tend to forget about fish because we can't relate to them. People see them as "sea vegetables," and I want to remind people that they are living beings that are capable of fear and pain.
Where can people learn more about the cruelty involved in the fishing industry?
People can learn more about the cruelty involved in the fishing industry, as well as the health risks and environmental concerns, by visiting FishingHurts.com.
What's your recommendation for people looking to get involved in animal rights?
Anyone who is looking to get involved in animal rights, I would highly recommend to reading PETA's websites as well as watching videos such as Earthlings. Knowledge is power. I also recommend PETA's internship program as a great introduction to activism.
What do you do for fun?
I love to sled. While everyone here is into snowboarding or skiing, it's all about sleds for me. I also spend a lot of time drinking espresso in locally-owned coffeeshops.
What's on your music playlist these days?
Right now, I've got Common on repeat. Other favorites right now are Fort Minor, Outkast, Citizen Cope, Gnarles Barkley, and Talib Kweli.
Thanks to FishingHurts for the interview and being so dedicated. If you're looking for ways to get involved in the fight for animal rights, join the peta2 Street Team!
Deflocked! February 28, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBackCheck out this week's Deflocked about foie gras.
Click for a larger version
To check out past installments, click here.
♥ Marta
Breaking News: Skelanimals and peta2 Launch "Fur Is Dead" Campaign! February 27, 2008
Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
fur furisdead Skelanimals quiz
Yay! I am so happy to announce that our new "Fur Is Dead" site has officially launched! Thanks to the help from Skelanimals, we have an amazing new site up to get the word out about fur!
You most likely have already seen Skelanimals' cuter than cute characters before at stores like Hot Topic and specialty boutiques, but here's some more background on the company that was the 2007 Libby Award winner for "Best Animal-Friendly Clothing Company," and helped make this all possible...
Skelanimals are the brain children of artist and designer Mitchell Bernal. Skelanimals are looking for a home with that special someone to care for and love them, but not just anyone. They like people who have a warm heart; after all they're just bones. They need you to keep them warm and cozy. Snuggling is their favorite thing to do, especially when you watch a scary movie. One thing Skelanimals don't like (even though they don't have any) is fur! That's why they are so happy to take part in peta2's "Fur Is Dead" campaign.
On our "Fur Is Dead" site, you can become one of the 100,000 Strong Against Fur, take the "Which Skelanimal Are You?" quiz, post pics of yourself in bunny ears, and purchase the absolutely adorable new peta2/Skelanimals "Fur Is Dead" tee!
Comment below letting me know what you think of the new site!
xoxo- Lara
A Chicken Is Sort Of Like A T-Rex February 26, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 7 ) | TrackBack
That one made me smile. And again, thanks to Doug and his Pop Culture Shock Therapy Comics. You can check out their online store here.
Oh and dudes and dudettes, check out some of our iron on designs for you to make your own shirts. And also remember to please show us what you got whether it's photos, videos, or art, or anything else you have done to creatively spread the word about animal rights.
PHILLY: Support 7-Eleven's New Vegan Options! February 25, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
food 7-Eleven sandwiches Philadelphia Philly
Okay, so I already wish I lived in Philly for two main reasons:
1) Gianna's. 'Nuff said.
2) It's PHILLY. C'mon. It's a sweet city!
Anyway, I now have a third reason to be ridiculously jealous of people living in Philly: 7-Eleven is doing a test-run of a bunch of delicious vegetarian sandwiches at several of their Philadelphia locations. Some of the options offered: faux chicken, seitan steak, falafel, and tofu egg-salad. My stomach is calling out just typing this.
Of course PETA's Lettuce Ladies were out promoting the new sandwiches at 7-Eleven. Check it out:
Can you imagine if these delicious sandwiches were available at all 7-Eleven stores? It would be amazing if vegetarian options were readily available to anyone and everyone. If these products sell well in Philly, the company's executives will take notice and may start selling this food in 7-Eleven stores nationwide, which is why it's so important that people go out and support these options. Here are the locations you can find the sandwiches:
16th Street and JFK Boulevard
34th Street and Lancaster Avenue
Ridge Avenue and Walnut Lane
Temple University
Willow Grove Avenue in Glenside
19th and JFK Boulevard
Basically, if you are in the Philly area, go out and buy one of these sandwiches right now! Buy some for your family, friends, teachers, and classmates. Okay, I realize you probably aren't made of money, but you get the idea. Support the soy outta these sandwiches. And you better believe we'll give you Street Team points for buying a sandwich! Drop us an e-mail at StreetTeam@peta2.com after your 7-Eleven run, and we'll give you 500 points for chowing down on one of the sandwiches.
Now go make my stomach jealous!
♥ Marta
This Giant Vegetarian Will Devour Us All! February 24, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBackSo did y'all see Cloverfield? With the giant squid monster thing that knocked down half of Manhattan? As a little guy, that's kind of how I've always felt about dudes like Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers:
As in, he's the squid monster, I'm the 4-story apartment building that gets turned to rubble. You know what else Prince Fielder is, though? A vegetarian. Check it, from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:
That 6-foot, 260-pound build is powered by wheatgrass, soy and tofu nowadays. No meat. Not even fish.
It wasn't always this way. Fielder used to enjoy a stacked burger or a juicy steak as much as any carnivore, but a few weeks ago he received a book from his wife, Chanel, that changed his outlook on what he puts in his massive frame. The book described how certain animals are treated and slaughtered for food. ...
"After reading that, (meat) just didn't sound good to me anymore," Fielder said. "It grossed me out a little bit. It's not a diet thing or anything like that. I don't miss it at all."
Just in case you aren't obsessed with sports like I am, the 23-year-old Fielder is the youngest player in history to hit 50 home runs in a season, and is one of the most talented, exciting young players in the game. Not a bad spokesperson for vegetarianism!
The cool thing is, Prince isn't the only pro athlete going all not-a-nugget on us these days. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez is calling himself a vegan lately, as is Salim Stoudamire of the Atlanta Hawks. Raja Bell of the Phoenix Suns, Ricky Williams of the Miami Dolphins... the list goes on. And that's without even mentioning Carl Lewis—only, oh, the greatest American athlete of all time, who won 9 Olympic gold medals and said that his best year of competition was the year he went vegan. Powered by tofu, indeed.
I gotta tell you, I've been following sports for a long time, and I've never seen so many vegetarian athletes coming out of the woodwork like I have in the past year or two. And it makes sense if you think about it. Pro athletes are, for the most part, young people—and young people, as we all know, get the deal about animals not being food.
Between the Patriots choking so bad in the Super Bowl that they needed the Heimlich, and my fave athlete of all time, Pedro Martinez, turning out to be a friggin' cockfighter, I've been needing a nice, posi sports story lately—and I think a 260-pound vegetarian who hits home runs like he's on the Xbox with a cheat code is just what the doctor ordered. Thank you, Prince Fielder. Now bring on spring training!
So who's the best veg athlete on the planet? Hit me with some comments.
-Dan
The peta2 Week In Review February 22, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBackGood day! I wanted to do a little review of what's been going on this week so check it out.
- Grocery chain Harris Teeter announced groundbreaking improvements to its corporate animal welfare standards.
In collaboration with PETA UK, Topshop unveiled a huge store display window condemning the exotic skins trade on London's busiest shopping street!
Our tour crew continues to rock out and educate people on tour with Cobra Starship.
Consumers around the world are still shocked to know that 143 million pounds of beef were recalled including at least 37 million pounds which were used for school lunches and other federal nutrition programs. And the government is admitting that they really don't know how common this problem may be! Seems like a good time to get your school to add healthy, humane vegetarian and vegan options, so do it! We're always here to help! (This funny video about this whole case is amazing, by the way.)
More hot anti-fur ads exclusively on our MySpace.
H&M decided to take a stand against "mulesing" of sheep for the wool industry. They even posted a statement on their website. Email them at info@hm.com to say thanks for speaking up for the sheep (H&M refuses to sell fur, too, by the way!).
Enjoy the weekend!
My Confession February 22, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 4 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Contest cute Cutest Vegetarian Alive
I have a weakness. You know how a lot us have a weakness for cute boys (or girls)? Well, I have a weakness for cute vegetarians. It's true; I admit it. Don't judge me! I practically melt into a puddle of cute-induced ooze when I see Milo "No Meat for Me" Ventimiglia's face grace my computer screen. And Miley Cyrus can't help but make me happy by being a huge star who doesn't eat anyone with a face. And don't even get me started on all the vegetarians I know in real life!
There is nothing more adorable than someone who wears his compassion on his sleeve by leaving animals off of his plate. So you can imagine that peta2's Cutest Vegetarian Alive contest makes me oh-so-happy each year! It's time for our third annual contest, and I can't wait for the entries to start pouring in! I can only imagine how many times I'm going to say "OMG!" and "She's totally cute" and "He's adorable!" over the next few weeks...
Alas, I won't be choosing the ultimate winner, as all of you will have to vote on who the winners should be. Cute vegetarians are everywhere, so this should be simple! Now's the time for you to nominate your best friend who always orders the veggie sandwich when you're out, or your boyfriend the Boca burger buff, or even you, the Riblet fanatic of the century (don't deny it!). For inspiration, check out this crop of cute vegetarians:
Okay, okay, so that's really a bunch of my friends and me, but you do think we're all cute vegetarians, right? Right?!
Anyway, get to nominating, so we can get to oohing and ahhing. For real.
♥ Marta
PS - Ryan, you better not try to nominate yourself. We're so on to you!
TOPSHOP LOVES PETA UK February 22, 2008
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBackToday's blog features guest blogger, peta2 UK's Violet...
PETA UK seem to be taking over the high street recently! Topshop have just this morning unveiled their latest animal friendly window display in their flagship store in Oxford Circus, London's busiest shopping street! The window gives a clear message on their stance on exotic skins and reads, "Exotic skins make our blood run cold. Join Topshop and leave wildlife out of your wardrobe."
So what's all the fuss about exotic skins?? Well, every year millions of snakes, lizards, alligators, and crocodiles are killed for so-called fashion. Farmed alligators are kept in tiny structures that reek of rancid meat, alligator waste and stagnant water. They are sometimes beaten to death with hammers. Snakes are often skinned alive, and larger animals like pythons have hoses inserted into their mouths to force vast amounts of water into their bodies, which loosens their skin and makes skinning easier. Their peeled, writhing bodies are then discarded, and they die slowly.
Topshop, we salute you! I for one will be there on Saturday spending my 100 pound gift voucher that my (imaginative) boyfriend got me for Christmas. Thanks Alan!
Happy Shopping!
*Violet
x
Free Stuff Friday: Amazing Meatless Jerky! February 22, 2008
Posted by Ashleigh | Permalink | Comments ( 177 ) | TrackBack
If you're like me, you're constantly in a rush in the morning. Breakfast is something that never happens before I leave the house. I have lived on granola bars and water in the mornings for years, but sometimes I need more protein to get my day started. Enter Meatless Primal Sticks.
This meatless jerky fills you up AND has the power to turn even the most skeptical of meat eaters into vegetarians!
Don't believe me? Want to try it out? Want an entire month's worth of breakfast for free? We have three boxes of Meatless Primal Sticks smoked flavor to give away!
To be one of the three to walk away with a huge box of vegan jerky, comment below and tell me who you would like to see eating these Meatless Primal Sticks. I want Al Gore to eat them, see how good they are, and become a true environmentalist by going veg.
This contest ends March 7, 2008 and the winner will be chosen and notified by March 14, 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.
Good Luck!
-Ashleigh
Harris Teeter Victory February 21, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 4 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
meat vegetarian chickens turkeys eggs Harris Teeter
You may remember that Safeway recently announced some pretty significant improvements to its animal welfare standards. Well, Harris Teeter, a subsidiary of Charlotte-based Ruddick Corporation, which has nearly 200 stores in seven states—has announced groundbreaking plans to improve conditions for some of the animals who are killed for its stores. According to the company's new plan, which places it at the forefront of the grocery industry regarding animal welfare, Harris Teeter will do the following:
- Give purchasing preference to suppliers that use or switch to controlled-atmosphere systems—the least-cruel method of bird slaughter, begin purchasing 2 percent of its turkeys by the fall of 2008 from suppliers that use this method, and increase its purchase of chickens killed by controlled-atmosphere slaughter systems by 5 percent over each of the next three years (for a total of 26 percent).
- Give purchasing preference to suppliers that are phasing out gestation crates—restrictive metal enclosures that confine pregnant pigs—and increasing the amount of pig meat that it purchases from suppliers that are phasing out gestation crates by 10 percent in 2009, 15 percent in 2010, and 20 percent in 2011.
- Introduce a new line of Harris Teeter-branded cage-free eggs, give purchasing preference to producers of cage-free eggs, increase the amount of cage-free eggs that it sells from 6 percent to 9 percent by 2009, and work toward increasing that amount to 12 percent in 2010.
What does this all mean? Basically, as an individual and as an organization, it's without a doubt best to not eat any flesh or eggs. Animals don't have "meat" on their bones for us to consume—it's a part of their bodies! And they don't lay eggs for people to steal and eat—it's actually part of their menstrual cycle. However, it's by far better to have Harris Teeter make these changes at the corporate level as standards for farmed animals become gradually better than to make no improvements at all. So we commend Harris Teeter for taking a step in the right direction.
To Adopt or Not to Adopt? That is the Question! February 20, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
UK cats dogs adopt Life in Cold Blood
Here's a special guest blog from Martin with peta2 UK.
Looking at the news today I find it alarming that there has been a sudden increase in the sales of reptiles due to the David Attenborough program on BBC1, Life in Cold Blood. Now don't get me wrong, I have watched most of the series and it is amazing, but I can't see how and why after seeing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat you would then want to confine them to a shortened, miserable life in captivity.
On a different note, with the current release against the AKC I thought I should mention the UK. Millions of animals go through shelters in this country and by buying from a breeder you are putting a dog that would otherwise have had a chance of being the perfect companion to death. Both me and Violet in the PETA UK office have rescued animals. So I though we should introduce you to them.
Check out Delilah. Basically she rocks. She's a 2 year old American Bulldog who we rescued from this shelter. After searching for ages and waiting till my home life was right to commit to 2 hours walking a day and the inevitable expense of food and vet bills we went to meet her and she is a crazy.
This is Dorian (aka Mr. Cuddles). According to Violet, he smells like cherries, he's very handsome and he's gay.
Peace
Martin
The Really, Really Ridiculously Good Looking Tour, Part 2! February 20, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBackWe are still out on tour with Cobra Starship on the Really, Really Ridiculously Good Looking tour talking about the Chinese fur trade and what we can do to help stop it. This tour has been one of my favorite tours for many reasons. The main reason is because of how awesome all the kids are who have come out to the show. I also love all the flashy fur-free clothing everyone is wearing. If you came out to one of the shows already, thank you so much for being so awesome.
Speaking of Really, Really Ridiculously Good Looking, we were at the peta2 SG Party in Hollywood. If you haven't yet make sure you check out our pictures and look at all the awesome ads they did for us.
I want to throw a big shout out to Video Matt from Synthesis Magazine for doing an awesome interview with John and me about our fur campaign. You should make sure you check out the video here.
Man, I love my job, and I bet you would love it too. You all should apply for one; you would get to do awesome stuff like this.
- Paul & John
VICTORY: H&M Shuns Cruelty to Animals! February 19, 2008
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 21 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
wool sheep Australian wool industry mulesing H&M
Today's blog features guest blogger peta2 UK's Violet
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For those unfamiliar with mulesing: Australian farmers breed sheep to grow extremely wrinkly skin so they produce more wool, these folds of excess skin collect urine and moisture in the hot weather and attracted to the moisture, flies lay eggs in the folds of the skin. To prevent the hatched maggots from eating the sheep alive, many Australian ranchers use gardening shears to cut huge chunks of skin and flesh from lamb's backsides (without any painkillers) in this cruel practice. If that wasn't enough, after all that, when the sheep are no longer producing enough wool, they are crammed onto export ships to be sent to the Middle East, where they'll be cruelly slaughtered.
H&M even posted a kick ass mulesing info section in their corporate responsibility section on their Website stating, "H&M does not accept mulesing, the surgical procedure carried out on merino sheep in Australia in order to prevent flystrike. The company has decided to direct its buying towards other countries of origin and other suppliers in Australia that can guarantee mulesing-free merino wool."
We love H&M! Now we've got just one more reason to go shopping!
*Violet
X
Vegetarianism is for Lovers! February 19, 2008
Posted by Ryan | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
food cupcakes valentines WWU hearts
Everybody knows that vegetarianism is the ultimate turn-on. That is, except maybe for vegan cupcakes!
What better way to resolve this debate though, than to highlight the sexiness of vegetarianism... with cupcakes! That's what led the Western Animal Rights Network (WARN) at Western Washington University to hold their official "Vegetarianism is for Lovers" event on campus this Valentines Day!
The event drew over 150 students, causing the entire campus to hear about how sexy vegetarianism is! You can read all about how they did it by checking out their "Student Spotlight" entry HERE (or by clicking on the AMAZING vegan cupcakes below).
Want to hold a similar event on your campus? Just contact me, and I'll hook you up with everything you need*!
- Ryan!
* Legal Note: Ryan does not have any pink vegan cupcakes to send out to students. However, he will happily accept any donations at the following address:
peta2
c/o Ryan Hearts Cupcakes
501 Front Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
Start A Group At Your School February 17, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBackOne person can make a huge difference when it comes to animals rights. In fact, there are a lot of DIY resources that we have to offer. But let's not forget that if you have a student group at your school, there is definitely power in numbers!
Whether you're trying to get better vegetarian food at school, introduce alternatives to dissection, or hand out leaflets, you're always going to have more success with even one or two extra people to help out.
So that's why we've got these downloadable packs to help you start a group. Check this college pack or this one for high school students.
We even have special a special student fundraising pack so you can order pins and stickers for cheap, then resell for a dollar or more and keep the profit for your group. Cool deal? What's better than taking in some money to help animals while also spreading the word by encouraging people to slap stickers on their cars or buttons on their bag?! Nothing, that's what!
Ok so that's my motivational post for the day. I hope you enjoyed it. We're, of course, always here if you need help getting a group started and will gladly send you free stickers and info, tips on campaigns you can win, and all that.
So the school year still has plenty of time to go. Get to it, will ya?! And if you need some inspiration, check out what our current Star Street Teamer is up to in New York. Meet Elijah Sharma!
Take care!
Free Stuff Friday: Chocolate Time! February 15, 2008
Posted by Ashleigh | Permalink | Comments ( 37 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Contest win candy Free Stuff Friday chocolate
So it's the day after Valentine's Day, and if you're like me, you didn't exactly get what you wanted. But it's okay, because I have something even better!
I have been searching for a good chocolate peanut butter cup for ages. Luckily for me, Lara took a page out of How it All Vegan and made the best vegan peanut butter cups EVER. Seriously.
Don't dilly dally, this contest ends February 29, 2008 and the winner will be chosen and notified by March 7, 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.
Have fun!
-Ashleigh
The Really, Really Ridiculously Good Looking Tour! February 15, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
fur Cobra Starship concerts
Everyone knows vegetarians are sexy people, but no one proves that point better then Gabe from Cobra Starship. We just joined up with him on tour to talk to kids about how animals are raised and killed for fur.
Everyone we talked to at our first show to was amazing and really, really ridiculously good looking. We showed up to the show way too early and there were already kids hanging out in line 6 hours before the show started. We had so much fun hanging out with everyone and even played Twister. I never knew I could bend like I did, but after a few pulled muscles I did win.
If you guys haven't noticed, we have a new touring buddy we like to call "Tall John" only because he is 7 feet tall. Hey Tall John, show us your fangs!!!
If you get a chance make sure you come out to one of the Cobra Starship shows. We would love to hang out.
-Paul and Tall John
If You Don't Have a Valentine - Read This! February 14, 2008
Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 21 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
dogs Contest win free Valentines Day House of Dog
It's Valentine's Day! If you don't have a sweetheart on this day of love, maybe you aren't looking hard enough! Just lower your gaze a bit, and you will see someone looking up at you ready to cover you in sloppy kisses.
Who says your dog can't be your Valentine? In fact, it might even be preferable! You don't have to take them out to an expensive dinner, they have no use for flowers, and chocolate is definitely OUT! All you have to do is smother them with love. Sounds good to me!
Since your doggy companion offers you unconditional love throughout the entire year, give something back to them this Valentine's Day! One thing you can do is enter to win a doggy prize pack from House of Dog! The prize pack includes Heart Toys, a Red Bones and Sprinkles leash, and a White Paw Bowl.
All you have to do for a chance to win is leave a comment below with the reason why your dog is your Valentine. The best answer wins! *One winner will be picked by 2/21 and notified by 2/28.
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. On a personal note, since my boyfriend is out of town and I don't have a dog, my Valentine is...Frank!
peta2 + SG + Valentine's Day = 45 Anti-Fur Ads! February 14, 2008
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBackI cannot begin to tell you guys just how excited I am for this day to finally be here. Since the fall, I've been working on what is quite possibly the biggest campaign ever to hit peta2. I approached the SG about their interest in teaming up with peta2 for an anti-fur ad and the response from the girls was amazing. So many of the girls, from all corners of the world, wanted to get involved to help make everyone well aware that killing animals for their fur is reprehensible, outdated, and utterly unnecessary.
The madness all began in October when 14 SG made their way to LA for a huge photo shoot (Luckily for you, we had the day documented, so head over to our MySpace page to watch the video!). And for those that couldn't make the shoot, they submitted pictures for the campaign from all corners of the globe.
After months of hard work from so many, including our wonderful production dept. (Thanks, Matt and Cholly!) and SG co-founder, Missy Suicide, who says, "I'm very anti-fur...I think that it's just a crime to kill an innocent animal so that you can wear a pelt on your back!" the launch is finally here!
Tonight we'll be unveiling many of the "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" and "Ink, Not Mink" ads at The Roxy in LA. I can't think of a better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by everyone getting together and showing their undying love for animals...AWWW!
We'll be launching the new ads for you all to see each and every weekday on our MySpace page, so you'll want to make sure you check back daily to see the new ads. Each day you'll also get to read special guest blogs from the girls, talking about why they wanted to get involved in the campaign. Head over now and you'll be able to see and hear from Missy, Rigel, Fractal, Taye, and Bettina.
Happy Valentine's Day, M'dears!
nicole
Pamela Anderson and Brigitte Bardot Unite: "Love Seals, Don't Club Them!" February 13, 2008
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Seal Hunt fur Pamela Anderson Paris furisdead Brigitte Bardot Canadian seal hunt blond bombshells
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This afternoon while visiting the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in Paris, Pamela filled in for Mme Bardot (who is ill and can't travel at the moment) and held a press conference publicly condeming the seal hunt and everyone who wears or designs fur.
The famous blondes want everyone to help stop the annual hunt in which hundreds of thousands of baby harp seals are bludgeoned to death with clubs and "hakapiks" (clubs with a metal hook on the end), for their skins. BABY SEALS!!!
I just can't understand how anyone could ever witness this and still think it's OK to wear seal fur or any fur for that matter. It's hideous and disgusting and evil.
Please sign our petition asking the Canadian government to permanently end this cruel practice.
xox
Patricia
P.S. Lots of other folks have spoken out against the seal hunt. Check out the ads that Peaches and Surya Bonaly starred in to show their disgust of this repulsive tradition.
And They Call This Kosher? February 13, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 8 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
vegetarian Investigation slaughterhouse kosher
During a 2007 undercover investigation inside a South American slaughterhouse, PETA's investigators discovered that shocking abuse was taking place during the kosher slaughter of cattle. The slaughterhouse is located in Uruguay, a leading exporter of kosher meat to both the United States and Israel.
Click here to watch the video and sign the petition.
Thanks!
Matthew Lush's Top 10 February 13, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBackIf you don't know Matthew Lush (a.k.a. Gay God), you probably haven't spent all that much time on MySpace or YouTube. He's one of the most popular users on both sites with hundreds of thousands of people checking out his pages every month. And the best part is that Matthew is vegan and dedicated to animal rights.
Check out this fun video he made about the "Top Ten Reasons I Won't Date A Meat-Eater," just in time for Valentine's Day.
It just went up over the weekend, but over 200,000 people have already checked it out! We'd love to see your own videos so do it up and send us a link!
P.S.- Matthew also talks about peta2 and animal rights every Tuesday night on his Stickam show. So check it out.
Why Are You Committed? February 12, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 101 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Contest Committed Dan Mathews
One of my favorite things ever in life is hearing about what it is that got people involved in animal rights in the first place. Besides the fact that it's so inspiring, what is really amazing is that everyone has a different story to tell.
Nobody can argue that Dan Mathews, PETA's Senior Vice President, is committed to animal rights. If you've read his hilarious book, Committed, you know that there's nothing he won't do to help animals! Dying to read about all of his crazy escapades? This mission is for you.
We've come up with an easy opportunity for you to get Committed just by sharing your story with us (and your friends!). Here's the deal:
- Write a blog on your MySpace (or wherever it is you blog) about why you're committed to animal rights. It can be as short or as long as you want it to be.
- E-mail us at StreetTeam@peta2.com with the link to your blog.
- Relax.
The five best entries we receive will each get a copy of Committed (autographed by Dan Mathews himself!), and everyone else will receive 1,000 Street Team points.
Need some inspiration? Check out my story, see what Rachel has to say, then get typing!
Can't wait to get your hands on a copy of Committed? It's now available in paperback, so go ahead and buy a copy today! Seriously, check out this picture of Dan that's on the back of the book—why wouldn't you want to read it?!
Have fun! And don't dilly-dally too much—all entries need to be received by Tuesday, March 4, for a chance to win. Winners will be notified by March 11.
♥ Marta
PS - This is technically a contest, so by e-mailing us, we're taking that as acknowledgment that you've read and agreed to the following terms and conditions.
Also by e-mailing, you are agreeing to our privacy policy.
peta2 Hearts Texas! February 12, 2008
Posted by Ryan | Permalink | Comments ( 10 ) | TrackBackWell, we're back! The peta2 crew flew in last night from Austin, Texas, following an amazing peta2 Take Action Conference over the weekend! Here are some pics from the event!
Pulin and Me Speaking During the "Student Activism" Discussion
Local Street Teamer, Ryan Thomas, Speaking About Why He Went Vegan
peta2's Dan Shannon Leading a KFC Protest with Some of the 75 Attendees!
Another Successful KFC Protest at the End of the Day!
- Ryan!
P.S. - For those of you who attended this past weekend (or those who hope to attend the next one), make sure to introduce yourself on our "Take Action Conference" message boards HERE.
Safeway Adopts New Industry-Leading Animal Welfare Policies February 11, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 10 ) | TrackBackThis is big news because companies obviously have a lot of power over factory farms and slaughterhouses which exploit animals. While peta2 and the Street Team work to educate individuals on how vegetarianism and veganism are the best ways to help animals, it's important to stay realistic on how we can pressure the corporate world to reduce and eventually eliminate some of the worst cruelties out there. Straight from our press release, check it out.
Following six years of discussions with PETA about the abuse of animals in factory farms and slaughterhouses, supermarket giant Safeway has announced groundbreaking plans to improve the living and dying conditions for some of the animals who are killed for its stores. Safeway is North America's second-largest grocery chain, with 1,750 stores located throughout the U.S. and Canada. According to the company's new plan, which places it at the forefront of the grocery industry with regard to animal welfare, Safeway will do the following:
- Increase its purchase of chickens and turkeys killed by controlled-atmosphere killing (CAK)—the least cruel method of bird slaughter—and give purchasing preference to suppliers that use or switch to CAK
- Increase the amount of pig meat it purchases from suppliers that don't use gestation crates—restrictive metal enclosures that confine pregnant pigs—by 5 percent over each of the next three years and give purchasing preference to suppliers that don't use gestation crates
- Double the amount of cage-free eggs it sells to more than 6 percent by 2010 and give purchasing preference to producers of cage-free eggs
Safeway's new plan also follows PETA's submission of a shareholder resolution—which PETA has now withdrawn—and independent discussions with The Humane Society of the United States on the issue of cage-free eggs.
"While we wish that shoppers would stick to the delicious vegetarian options that Safeway has available, the company should be commended for at least improving the lives and deaths of some of the animals who are killed for its stores," says PETA Vice President Bruce Friedrich.
Since 2000, PETA has used high-profile campaigns and negotiations to reduce the suffering of animals who are raised and killed for food. In 2007, Burger King, Carl's Jr., Hardee's, Wendy's, and other companies made improvements similar to those that Safeway is now making.
To all the kind folks out there who help pressure companies to take animal welfare seriously, we thank you.
Rachel Bilson Loves Pigs February 11, 2008
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 4 ) | TrackBack |
I already knew she practiced her ABC's by rescuing dogs, like her adorable little Thurman, instead of buying them. And that she had a great sense of style (of course! Stella is one of her faves), loves shoes like moi, and dates of some of the cutest actors in Tinseltown—Adam Brody and Hayden Christensen...nice.
But one thing I didn't know—and is my fave new thing about her—she loves pigs so much she won't eat them. Rachel says, "They're my favorite animals. I don't eat them because I love them!" Now where have I heard that concept before...Oh, yeah...
Oh, Rachel. I've missed my fave "OC" gal. That little double-episode guest spot she did on my fave new show "Chuck" was just a tease. Thank goodness Jumper starts this week.
xox
Patricia
If you're still not convinced that pigs are friends, not food, check out the top 10 reasons not to eat them.
Burn, Colonel, Burn February 11, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 7 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
KFC Col. Sanders Effigy Burning
Some of our campaign folks were protesting KFC out in Pittsburgh the other day. I love the video, but I do have to encourage you to not try this at home!
If you're looking to get active with the KFC campaign check out this page.
What Do the AKC and the KKK Have in Common? February 8, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 8 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
dogs AKC American Kennel Club KKK
When someone mentions a group focused on the purity of bloodlines, it's hard to know which group is being referred to—the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the KKK. Sad (and disturbing), right?
In the group's own words, the AKC promotes "the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function." It's so important for people to understand that each time a dog is bought from a breeder, a shelter dog dies (from a lack of homes)—and the AKC is all about breeding dogs.
Not only that, the AKC also encourages people with specific dog breeds to dock their dogs' tails and crop their ears. That sounds mighty similar to the practices that workers on factory farms inflict on animals raised for food, doesn't it?
Anyway, check out this thought-provoking new peta2 video (just in time for upcoming AKC-sponsored Westminster Dog Show):
Favoring one race over another is racism, so favoring one breed over another is breedism. Fight breedism.
Adopt, don't buy. For real, yo.
♥ Marta
Free Stuff Friday: V-Day Candy Giveaway! February 8, 2008
Posted by Ashleigh | Permalink | Comments ( 52 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
win free Mars Animal Testing candy Valentine's Day TGIF Free Stuff
TGIF my friends! I have a super sweet giveaway today . . .
Hopefully by now you have all told Mars Inc. to drop deadly animal tests. If not, then get to it! Everyone deserves a sweet Valentine's Day, especially the poor animals that are forced to undergo Mars' cruel tests.
Check out the new web banner we made for Mars and Valentine's Day and put it on your page:
Now, what to do about Valentine's Day treats? Snickers, Twix, Mars Bars, M&Ms, Skittles, and Starburst are all OUT (because they are made by Mars), so what should you get your human honey? Well, a lot of companies have pledged not to fund or conduct experiments on animals (like Hershey's). Look here for a list of vegan candy. Yum!
Looking for something a little more . . .free? I have you covered. We've teamed up with Pangea to give you an AMAZING gift-basket filled with cruelty-free vegan treats!
Looks delicious! I want my Valentine to give me one of these (hint hint).
What do you have to do to win, you ask? Comment below with how you are going to celebrate your V-day cruelty-free! And get going, this contest ends in exactly one week (February 15, 2008) and winners will be chosen and notified by February 22, 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.
Good Luck!
-Ashleigh
The Ronson Family Values February 8, 2008
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBackToday's blog features guest blogger, peta2 UK's Violet...
Mr. and Mrs. Ronson must have been downing the rock 'n' roll smoothies when they started family planning because those guys are riddled with twinkly star making genes! Mark, Charlotte, and Samantha Ronson are the new Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal (at least they would be if Jake and Maggie had another famous sister), which is good news for our furry friends because fashion designer Charlotte is anti fur. "I don't support cruelty to animals; anyway, faux fur can be just as chic," Charlotte says.
At Charlotte's latest New York fashion show they were giving out the cutest heart shaped anti-fur buttons and guess who was in support of the campaign sporting the rather fetching pin? Charlotte's producer extraordinaire (and devilishly handsome) brother, Mark!
Mark's also in our good books for looking after Amy Winehouse in the UK recently.
Who wouldn't want to be a Ronson? I mean my brother's quite good, but he's no Mark Ronson! All we can say is keep up the good work Ronson family!
peta2's other favourite famous siblings include:
Ben and Casey Affleck
Summer and Joaquin Phoenix
Kelly and Jack Osbourne
Liam and Noel Gallagher
The Cheeky Girls
Making lists is good fun.
Violet
x
Gung Hay Fat Choy! February 7, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBackOn the Western calendar, today marks the first day of Chinese New Year, and guess what? It's the Year of the Rat!
Each year, countless rats are experimented on in cruel, ridiculous experiments, like for Mars candy. So to honor all of our little friends, please watch "Testing...One, Two, Three" below, and then pledge to buy only cruelty-free products.
So, Gung Hay Fat Choy (that's "may prosperity be with you" in Cantonese, FYI)!
♥ Marta
PS - If you haven't yet, enter to win some sweet cruelty-free lip balm!
Katherine Heigl Spotted in What??? February 7, 2008
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBackBet you thought this was going to be about the "Grey's Anatomy" beauty being seen somewhere in a hideous fur monstrosity, huh? Fooled ya! Not Katherine Heigl, no sir. She's too classy and beautiful, and good-hearted to wear fur.
Nope, it turns out that when she and her new husband Josh Kelley moved into their new home last week Katherine was sporting her "Have a PETA Day" T-shirt! Of course the paps were there and took millions of photos of the big event, you know, in case the newlyweds want some for their scrap book. Look how cute!
It must be so odd to have people following you around snapping pix while you're doing something as gross and commonplace as moving. But in our weird universe people want to see celebs like Katherine unloading U-Hauls and lugging pillows and carpets around.
I so love that they were doing it themselves though, some celebs really are just like us. However, I must say I am a bit disgusted at how amazing she looks. Not one bad photo in the bunch! You're not supposed to look that good when you're moving! Who looks that good when they're moving?! I'm sure it was the tee shirt—wink wink, nudge nudge.
The limited edition shirts were made for PETA by Spiders & Caviar who make some of the coolest tees around. The peta2 version will be available for order soon, but if you just can't wait or want both, you can order your very own here.
xox
Patricia
P.S. This just makes me want to rent Knocked Up again, that movie is so funny. I think you should rent it too, but not before you tell Donna Karan to stop selling fur.
W00t Canada! February 7, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBackWe're about (pronounced 'a-boat') to wrap up our small tour with Silverstein in Canada already. Our first two dates were in the frozen city of Edmonton, but the incredible food of Cafe Mosaics kept us warm—until we went back outside, that is.
Next stop was the world's largest mall, West Edmonton Mall. I'm not too thrilled on malls, but when I saw a fake whale in the middle of it, I knew I had to throw Paige and Susan in it.
We then headed a little more south to Saskatoon, Calgary, and Winnipeg. We LOVE Winnipeg! We had some amazing food, as usual, AND awesome Street Teamers (sign up here) hung out with us!
That about sums everything up! Come join in on the fun in Toronto or Quebec City! Join the masses in signing our petition to help the poor 625 million chickens in Canada that are being tortured each year (who are definitely not nuggets!).
Hearts and farts,
Cody, Paige, and Susan
We Want To Meet YOU This Weekend! February 6, 2008
Posted by Ryan | Permalink | Comments ( 8 ) | TrackBackThis Sunday is the first peta2 Take Action Conference in the South! Our whole crew will be flying down to Texas for a day full of discussion panels about animal rights and "how to answer the tough questions", with a HUGE protest at KFC afterwards! If you've ever been in an argument with friends or family about vegetarianism, fur, or any other topic, we'll give you the answers you need to win that argument! :)
IF YOU ARE ATTENDING, we have a special offer for this conference!! If you have already registered, you can BRING UP TO TWO FRIENDS WITH YOU FOR FREE!! That's right, we want to encourage you to bring friends who have not bought tickets for the event as well, and at no cost!
All you have to do is email me to let me know who you will be bringing, and I'll book them the spaces (and lunch)!
IF YOU HAVEN'T RESERVED YOUR SPACE YET, there's still time! Click HERE or on the adorable picture of us to book your space now!
See you soon!!
- Ryan!
P.S. - If you live anywhere within driving distance of Austin, TX (I'm talking to you Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana!), you DEFINITELY won't want to miss this event. It will be a while before we return to the area, so make sure to get some friends or your parents to drive you to this conference if you can! Road trip!!
P.P.S - IF FOR SOME REASON you cannot register online (or if you're broke), just contact me so that we can find a way for you to go!
Wanted: Chicken Killers February 6, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack
It's easy to go with the always terrible Col. Sanders. But Perdue wasn't exactly a saint as you can see here. And then General Tzo is just funny. However, I will have you know that it's not all that difficult to make a vegan version of that infamous dish.
So it's a tough decision isn't it? I guess I'll go with Col. Sanders because he's just representative of such a terrible company.
Get Your Eat On February 5, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBackHungry? Looking for something to eat at school? Want dessert? If you said "yes" to any of the aforementioned questions, check out the video below starring yours truly.
It's nothing fancy, but we wanted to provide you with a few easy ideas of what to eat when you go vegetarian/vegan. And yes, by watching this, you'll probably come to realize how weird I truly am—hey, it wasn't scripted, so I just said whatever popped into my head!
When I was in school, I used to bring hummus and pita to school with me all the time. I was addicted (okay, so I'm still addicted and bring hummus to the office with me all the time, too). Can you blame me? Hummus is amazing! I also bought lunch at school fairly often, since I was pretty lucky and had several vegetarian options at my school. Not so lucky? Maybe your school doesn't even realize there's a demand for animal-free food. Show them there most definitely is a demand by veganizing your cafeteria. You'll be our hero, for real.
If you bring your lunch to school with you, comment below with the grub you gorge on between classes. It's always pleasant to share vegan food ideas with others, right?
♥ Marta
I <3 Pancake Day! February 5, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
UK food pancakes Pancake Day crepes
So when Martin (from peta2 UK) first sent me this blog, being that I'm American, I thought he was actually referencing what people over here refer to as pancakes. Turns out those crazy Brits are referring to crepes when they say pancakes. You learn something new every day, right? Either way, pancakes are delicious! Anyway, take it away, Martin.
-Marta
Ever since I was a kid I have always looked forward to Pancake Day. I guess it's just part of my obsession with food that makes it one of my favourite yearly celebrations. If any of you guys remember my sandwich blog from a while ago you will know about some of my more kooky food combinations and now it's your chance to show me what you've got. I will start you with a basic pancake recipe and let's see how it goes for you. Let me know the creations you come up with.
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup soy milk
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Mix in the soymilk and oil and, with an electric mixer or wire whisk, beat just until the batter is smooth.
- Measure 1/2 cup batter onto a hot, oiled griddle. When bubbles appear on the upper surface of the pancake (in about 2 minutes), lift with a spatula and flip the pancake. Cook the pancake for another 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and keep it warm while you make the remaining pancakes.
I have a personal favourite of chocolate spread, sugar, banana and syrup. What's your favourite?
Rock on!
Martin
P.S. Join the Street Team!
Lindsay Lohan: Incapable of Changing Her Fur-Wearing Ways? February 4, 2008
Posted by Patricia | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBack |
And this whole working in the morgue episode, if that doesn't cause her to shape up, what will?! Listen, working in the morgue changes people, OK? It usually does...sometimes...alright it sometimes changes some people...the ones with souls...Anyway, you'd think being around all of those corpses she would have had enough of death, but you'd be wrong.
She's been spotted wearing a whole mess of dead animals—four different coats in a month's time! (You can see two of the wretched things here.)
I know she's trying to reinvent herself but into what? Lindsay, take a look around at who's actually wearing fur these days—old ladies, hideous little trolls, washed-up has-beens, and street walkers. Which one are you aspiring to be?
xox
Patricia
Queen GodIs Interview February 4, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
vegetarian Hip hop Queen GodIs spoken word health
Back when I was causing a ruckus in college, I became friends with a passionate, inspiring, and very talented artist by the name of Queen GodIs. She has an amazing voice, brilliant sense of creativity, and I especially enjoy her work within the hip-hop and spoken word communities. She's vegetarian and really into many social justice issues, so I wanted to introduce you to her and see what you think...
Image courtesy of: www.akintoye.com
What's your name and where are you from?
My name is Queen GodIs (pron: kwen-god-iz).
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY but I have Cherokee and African roots.
What is your background in music and performance?
I am a full time performance artist whose work combines elements of Hip Hop, Spoken Word Poetry, Theater and Soul/Alternative Music. I also focus on youth empowerment and community building. My parents always encouraged creativity and critical thinking and exposed me to a wide range of culture, music and art since a very young age. I have been writing and performing for over 20 years, but professionally for about 11.
What do you feel the role is for artists when it comes to educating people about social issues?
I believe that everyone (including artists) should strive to educate themselves first and foremost about as much as possible. This way, we can be confident and inspired to share what we know and feel with the world. Artists tend to have a larger platform with which to share and promote their knowledge and opinions. Many of us help offer a new perspective or call people to action on different issues. I believe that this exchange can be helpful and in some ways crucial. It is a privilege to have a following or simply just people who value your voice. For this reason, everyone (not just artists) should take this power seriously and use their platform/role to do some good on the planet in whatever way possible.
What's your favorite part of being an artist?
Being an artist often challenges me to be an entrepreneur out of both necessity and curiosity. This is an important challenge, and meeting it offers me balance. It also inspires me to read as much as I can, travel, check facts and want to learn many different languages. Broadening my horizons, opening my heart and really using my mind is key to having my work grow and reach new people and places. I am grateful that my art helps do this for me.
I know you've been vegetarian for a long time. Any favorite places to eat you want to plug?
Yes, I was basically raised vegetarian. Back then there weren't many options outside of the home. I used to have to tell some people I was allergic to meats so they wouldn't disregard my request for a meatless or vegetarian option. A lot people didn't take it seriously.
These days it seems like new eateries are popping up all the time. Perhaps health food is trendy now. Whatever the case, I am happy about it because we have all seen worse trends. I love the vegetarian options at quite a few places...even if they serve other things. I am listing the following places because they either have my favorite dish or a cool atmosphere to be in.
NYC: Birdies, Wild Ginger, Gobo, Caravan of Dreams...
Brooklyn: Bombay Masala, Thai Tai...
Manchester, England: Cachumba...
What would you recommend to anyone out there interested in trying vegetarianism?
Find new ways to enjoy your grocery shopping, food preparation and eating experience. It can be VERY expensive and tedious having a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle depending on where you live. Eating healthy is only one part, but I am convinced that the more we enjoy our food experiences, the healthier, happier and more vibrant we become. Who needs healthy grumpy people?
Image courtesy of: www.akintoye.com
Do you see connections between animal rights and other social issues?
I do believe that on some level, all living things are connected. How we regard living beings from the smallest to the biggest, reflects our heart, character and society. I am not a saint. I have killed far to many insects to be a saint or expert on this topic, but I absolutely think that it is important to appreciate and respect life...so I challenge myself.
I believe that we live in a world where many human beings are 'treated like animals' as the saying goes. This is unacceptable. Perhaps if more people reexamined animal rights, we could begin to figure out how the heck to improve civil rights and society as a whole.
One of our undercover investigators recently caught a worker at a Tyson Foods facility pissing on the conveyor belt which leads chickens to be hung for slaughter. Any thoughts on why companies like KFC continue to buy from these types of places?
Unfortunately, we probably don't need video proof to know that this type of thing happens somewhere almost everyday. The issue however, is a much larger conversation than just food industry. Too many people are so money and material-obsessed, that each day they care less about life...including their own. Some people just don't know any better, but the only way someone can deliberately harm, contaminate or disregard the well being of another, is if they have really been reduced to their most inhumane and barbaric state. I feel sympathy for any person or company that has gotten to that point. It means that they are sick and need help. Unfortunately the situation you cited is something that happens almost everyday at ALL kinds of companies. Putting lives in harms way in order to gain or save money is never worth it...no matter how much. The crazy thing is that being clean and healthy is not that hard or expensive. Some businesses are just lazy and poorly run.
Since you reach out to a lot of young people with your work, you're a role model to them. Are there particular lessons you want them to take away as they get older?
If there is anything that I say or do that helps improve a life, particularly a young mind, I just want people to be inspired to pay it forward. Paying it forward reflects a spirit of gratitude and growth...two things that are crucial to the maturation process.
Where can people learn more about your music and other projects?
Please check out and my music and events at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/queengodis and www.myspace.com/queengodisbiz. I appreciate your time, listening and support.
Any closing thoughts or questions you wish I had asked?
Whatever your convictions, personal and or global politics are, I think we all should constantly ask ourselves are we more passionate about being 'right' or being effective in the communities that we serve. If our goal is simply to be 'right' or prove others wrong then maybe we aren't truly 'serving' our communities. In this day and age, the world needs a lot of change—change that we don't actually see occur often enough.
It is important to remember that we all come from different walks of life. One person's simple truth may be rocket science to another. For example, some of the communities that I have worked and lived in have no concept of 'going green,' healthy diets or animal rights because each day they find themselves struggling to meet basic human needs like clean water, physical safety, affordable food and housing, or having anything to eat at all. I am mindful of this, and realize that perhaps the best way to share my views isn't standing on a comfortable soap box and yelling it at them...or humiliating someone if they do something that I think is morally wrong. From the poorest to the richest amongst us, people not only need to be educated and exposed to other possibilities, but we all need to make sure that people are in a healthy environment and mind-state to even process the information being shared. This is very hard work, but crucial if we ever want to manifest the changes that we need.
Like I said, Queen GodIs is pretty amazing. Check out her work and if you're ready to take the Veg Pledge, do it up.
It's FREE STUFF Friday!!! February 1, 2008
Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 90 ) | TrackBackDoes anyone remember TGIF? Well, it was just about the coolest thing you could do on a Friday night in the early 90's. I mean, Full House and Family Matters! It really doesn't get any better than that!
Before you stop reading this blog because you think I'm old (the 90's wasn't that long ago!), I want to introduce to you a brand new meaning to the phrase TGIF. You can now "Thank God It's Friday" because peta2 has dubbed this day of the week as FREE STUFF Friday!
That's right, every Friday peta2 will be giving something away to you lucky ducks. It could be a t-shirt, vegan treats, or a sweet cookbook...you'll just have to wait to find out what it will be!
This week, Couch Straps has teamed up with peta2 to give two winners a vegan Guitar Hero/Rock Band Strap!
All you have to do to win is comment below with one reason why you shouldn't wear leather. This contest ends on February 8, 2008, and winners will be chosen and notified by February 15, 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. Did anyone see that Alloy.com mentioned Pink's campaign to ban horse drawn carriages in NYC?!
Hit Up Mars Candy Before Valentine's Day February 1, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBackWe have some leaflets and stickers to help educate consumers about the horrors of animal testing and the ways in which Mars has funded this cruelty to animals.
In case you don't remember, the candy company 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.
- Supported an experiment where rats were fed cocoa and then sedated with carbon dioxide so that blood could be collected through a needle that punctured their hearts!
- Funded a test in which experimenters forced rabbits to eat a high-cholesterol diet with varying amounts of cocoa, then cut out and examined tissue from the rabbits' primary blood vessel to the heart to determine the effect of cocoa on rabbits' muscle tissue.
- Supported a test in which experimenters attached plastic tubes to arteries in guinea pigs' necks and injected cocoa ingredients into their jugular veins to examine the effect of cocoa ingredients on their blood pressure.
As the candy company which is behind Snickers, Twix, Mars Bars, M&Ms, Skittles, Starburst and more, they are responsible for the pain and suffering animals in laboratories have suffered through. Contact Mars and tell them to sign a pledge to use only non-animal testing methods for their ingredients and products.
And with Valentine's Day quickly approaching, we'd love your help spreading the word about the Mars Candy Kills campaign. Email us at peta2@peta2.com to request a pack of free stickers and leaflets to hand out to your friends, family, and store managers! Be sure to include your full name and mailing address (no PO boxes, please). We'll get that out to you ASAP.
Thanks so much!
Learn more at MarsCandyKills.com.
Star Street Teamer: Elijah Sharma February 1, 2008
Posted by Rachel-O | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
star street teamer
When he's not modeling, texting friends, or watching movies, Elijah Sharma, a peta2 Street Teamer, is out there fighting for animal rights. He's hard-working and innovative, and he has a pretty fun sense of style. He sends us these incredible campaign updates about all the stuff he does in New York, so let's see what he's got to say.
Where do you go to school?
I go to Guilderland High School (GHS) in the capital region of New York state.
Are you vegetarian or vegan, and why?
I am proud to say I'm vegan! I am vegan simply because I do not understand why it is acceptable to exploit other animals like ourselves for our own luxury.
What animal rights issue or issues do you feel most passionate about?
I feel most passionate about animals raised for food because it enables systematic animal abuse and killing to be a part of everyday life. I also feel very passionate about dissection in public schools; it upsets me that animal abuse and exploitation exists under the guise of education.
How did you hear about peta2.com?
I heard about peta2.com after watching "Meet Your Meat" on PETA.org.
What are your favorite resources from peta2?
My favorite resource on peta2.com is all the interviews with celebrities, singers, band members, and other interesting people. My group, Last Chance for Animals GHS, often uses these great people as examples of how easy and beneficial cruelty-free lives can be.
What do your parents and friends think of all your activism?
At first my parents were not interested in my animal rights ideas, but that was years ago. Since then my mother has become a vegan and my father a vegetarian. My parents are generally very supportive and are glad that they have learned so much from my persistence.
How did your group at school get started?
In my freshmen year of high school, I was learning more and more about animal abuse and exploitation from peta2.com, and I really thought that our high school needed a group to bring concerned students together to fight for animals. I thought a high school group would be a great way to make a huge impact on the lives of countless individuals. Last Chance for Animals GHS was started in my freshmen year. I am now in my junior year, and the group is stronger and more exciting than ever.
What are some campaigns you're working on, and have you seen any success?
Last Chance for Animals GHS has worked on many campaigns. On a school level, we have added vegetarian burgers to the daily lunch menu and are currently working on adding soy milk. We have also had an intense dissection/vivisection campaign and have increased the number of students opting out. We've done video screenings, tabling, petitions, and letter writing. We have met with the superintendent, the school board, the high school principal, and the head of math and science as well as being featured in local papers and television news media.
Our demonstrations and activism have also caused the school district to provide written statements of students' right to abstain from dissection/vivisection to students and parents. We have also had fur and foie gras campaigns and are just launching our new and exciting fashion-based campaign, in which we are asking people not to wear or support Uggs. Last Chance for Animals GHS has had many other campaigns, and our Web site, http://www.lastchanceghs.com, has everything anyone wants to know on it! However, I'd have to add that the biggest successes we experience are every time somebody stops us to tell us how they are going vegetarian or won't be buying any more fur trim.
What do you do for fun when not doing activism?
For fun, I really like to spend time with my friends. Shopping and seeing movies is something I love to do, as well, and going out to eat, of course. I really like to spend time talking and texting on the phone and watching a lot of movies. Lately, I and my friend and co-president of Last Chance for Animals GHS, Corrina Goutos, have been working on some clothing designs. I am also very interested in becoming a model.
Do you think Colonel Sanders was dropped on his head as a child?
Maybe, or maybe nobody told him that chickens feel pain and emotion just as he does. I bet if he were alive today, he would be more receptive to peta2.com than KFC currently is.
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What Do Frozen Nostril Hair and Food Have in Common? February 1, 2008
Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 4 ) | TrackBack
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food Canada NYC The Cool Kids
This last week we wrapped up our journey with The Cool Kids in New York City and Toronto. NYC is a little intimidating with all of the traffic and crazy stores, but I think the food intimidates me more. Vegetarian's Paradise 2 slightly beat Red Bamboo simply because they had a sandwich that was wider than my face.
So, New York was sweet to us but Toronto gave us kisses that won us over. The kiss was in the form of Ethiopian cuisine thanks to M&B Yummy Cakes and Desserts Cafe.
We ordered the 'beef' stew—of course it was vegan friendly—and WOWZERS, no bowl!
Since we're no longer with The Cool Kids, we are joining our friends in Silverstein for a little bit to let Canada know that chickens aren't nuggets!
Now, what do frozen nostril hair and food have in common you ask? Hopefully nothing. Come say hello and let it be known that you're not a nugget!
-Cody, Paige, and Susan
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