Sex and the City Starts Today!!! May 30, 2008

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

The day that I and millions of fans around the globe have been waiting for has finally arrived... Sex and the City starts today!!! I can't contain my excitement, I just can't. After four oh-so-long years the fabulous foursome are finally hitting the big screen. (Insert girly squeal and clapping here.)

I am desperate to see what really happens because as we all know movie trailers can be very deceiving. Does Carrie finally marry Big? Is Charlotte really pregnant? Will Steve and Miranda break up? Is Samantha being faithful to Smith?

Photo Credit: AT1/Xposure/starmaxinc.com
And speaking of Samantha, remember a few months back when I let you know that the fabulous and fierce Ms. Kim Cattrall is actually anti-fur and would never wear it in her personal life? Oh, and that she was donating the fur coats she wore in the movie to PETA? Well, they've arrived. Now I'm really on the edge of my seat to see how the "bloody coat" storyline pans out.

And that leads me to the final main character...the wardrobe! All that gorgeous couture. That being said, I really wish they didn't try to make wearing dead animals seem glamorous because as you and I know, there is nothing glamorous about the fur industry. I'm just glad that Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker don't wear real fur in real life. They always look amazing and show their fellow celebs that looking gorgeous doesn't involve wearing corpses.

I've already Fandangoed my ticket, darlings. Maybe I'll see you there!

xox
Patricia

P.S. Check out our racy "Sex and the Kitty" spay-and-neuter PSA. I'm sure the ladies of SATC would approve, but several networks haven't, including MTV! Makes you want to watch it even more, doesn't it?

Mates of State Want Re-Arranged! May 30, 2008

Posted by Nicole | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack

The husband-wife duo of Mates of State released their fifth album, Re-Arrange Us, last week on Barsuk Records. People here in the peta2 office are lovin' every minute of the new disc and you are strongly encouraged to check it out for yourselves!

But before you do that, we want you to check out the group's oh-so-naked peta2 anti-fur ad. Kori and Jason declare, "We'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur". We would too, guys!

Such a pretty, pretty ad, don't you agree?

If you want to learn more about our current 'Fur Is Dead' campaign, check it out here and be one of the over 100,000 strong against fur!

Cheers, M'dears!
nicole

Free Stuff Friday: Yummy Vegan Lip Balm! May 30, 2008

Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 288 ) | TrackBack

My name is Lara and I am addicted to lip balm (and lip gloss, lip stick, etc...). I admit it—I might have a problem. I use it about 10 times a day. I feel like my lips are about to dry up and fall off if I am caught somewhere without it.

That's why I'm so excited that PETA now has its own brand of lip balms! My Lip Stuff created 5 amazing flavors for PETA—each with super cute names including: "'Go Faux'-Fabulous" Fruit Smoothie, "Animals Out of the Act" Tangerine, "Viva Las Vegans" Vanilla Bean, "Cut Out Animal Experi-mints" Peppermint, and "PETA Compassion" Fruit. The best part about them is that each lip balm contains no animal-products and is not tested on animals!

I'm partial to "Viva Las Vegans" Vanilla Bean, because I'm partial to anything vanilla. I've been using it for about a month now, and my lips have never felt better.

Here's your chance to win the whole set of 5 PETA lip balms! All you have to do for a chance to win is comment below on why you're against animal testing for cosmetics.

The contest ends June 13, and the winner will be notified by June 20.

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. Boys, don't think this contest is just for the ladies. Everyone appreciates soft lips!

peta2 in Egypt! May 28, 2008

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

Here at peta2, we work hard, and we play hard.

For me, that means using my precious vacation time wisely, and really clearing my head for a bit.

That's why I decided to take 2 weeks this spring, and travel to Egypt. I have always wanted to go, and with the semester wrapping up for most college students that I work with, the timing was perfect!

It's worth noting that I don't speak a word of Arabic (the national language), but even still, being vegan in Egypt was easier than you might think! In fact, many of the traditional dishes, such as ta'amiya (known elsewhere as "falafel"), are already animal-free!

One dish I was particularly fond of was called kushari, which is a delicious snack made up of lentils, chickpeas, macaroni, fried onions, garlic, and tomato sauce, served with warm pita bread. Scrum-diddilly-umptious!


Yes indeed, it was a thoroughly enjoyable break. Needless to say though, even when I'm half-way around the world, I'm still not a douche. :)



- Ryan!

Death Cab's Cutie Vegetarian! May 28, 2008

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

Everyone who doesn't live in a cave knows that Death Cab for Cutie's new album, Narrow Stairs, dropped recently. And to no surprise at all, like all Death Cab albums before it, I give Narrow Stairs 4 gigantic stars! How does that Chris Walla do it time and time again?! It's scary!

The new album got me to thinking about the wonderfulness of Chris Walla. He's guitarist and producer for DCFC, he's a producer for one of my favorite bands, The Decemberists, among many others, and he just released his first solo album, Field Manual, back in January.

All of this is grand, but what Chris does for animals is even grander. Chris saves over 100 of our dear friends every year, just by choosing not to eat them. Check out Chris' peta2 ad, where he says: "Add some color to your life—try vegetarianism."

What better time to try adding that color, but right now? Go vegetarian and then go buy Narrow Stairs. I promise you won't regret either decision.

Cheers, M'dears!
nicole

As Seen on Ellen, Skinny Bitch coauthor Rory Freedman for peta2! May 27, 2008

Posted by Ryan | Permalink | Comments ( 84 ) | TrackBack

I love Ellen, and I'm not ashamed to say so. She's just so gosh-darned spunky, isn't she?

That's why we were all so thrilled to see that she hosted Skinny Bitch authors Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin on the show last Friday, talking all about the benefits of a vegan diet!

Thankfully, peta2 is always ahead of the trends. That's why we hosted a peta2 event at the University of California - Los Angeles a few weeks ago, featuring Rory herself! The event was standing-room-only, and she even took the time to record this fun interview for all you blog-readers!

Pretty awesome, eh??

In fact, it's gotten me so excited about vegan food, I think it's time to give away a copy of the best-selling Skinny Bitch in the Kitch cookbook to one of you lucky readers!



To win it, we'll play a game! I'm thinking of MY FAVORITE vegan snack food on Earth. It can be found in every major grocery store, is on our Accidentally Vegan list, and is deeeeelish! If you are the first to guess it by commenting below, you'll win a free copy of the book!

Ready...set...go!

- Ryan!

P.S. - 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.

In First Person - Interview May 27, 2008

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

My friend Thomas Schlatter has been playing music for over fourteen years (including one of my current favorite bands called In First Person), and it's always been some of the most intense stuff you could ever imagine. His previous bands including You and I and The Assistant were a huge influence on artists like Thursday and countless others in the hardcore and emo/screamo scenes. Tom's still playing some of the craziest music I've heard, so I wanted to plug his hard work and his commitment to over a decade of veganism and many other great social issues.

What got you interested in animal rights?
I worked at a restaurant starting when I was 14. I had to cook, slice and handle meat all day. I went vegetarian a little over a year after starting there. Much of the hardcore music I was listening to at the time had an animal rights message and some of my friends were already vegetarian, so the transition was easy due to all the support, experience and education. After that I would just pick up as much literature as possible at shows.

Are there any issues that you are particularly passionate about when it comes to animal rights?
Veganism has become second nature to me, like breathing. I think all these aspects are important of course.

Do you think there's a relationship between music and social change (human rights, environmentalism, animal rights)?
I think it's possible and I would say I'm proof of that. One person changing their behavior is a step in the right direction, no matter how small. If someone hears a song and it makes them think twice about their actions, and even leads them to change their actions, then that's a success.

What bands have you been in?
You and I, The Assistant, This Ship Will Sink and a few others over the years. I am currently playing guitar for In First Person and Black Kites.

What are your favorite restaurants from years of touring?
Soul Vegetarian in Atlanta, Watercourse in Denver, Herbivore in San Francisco.

Good stuff! When Tom's not busy cooking up vegetable casseroles or listening to his current favorite bands including 108, Have Heart, and Zegota, he's hard at work on his music. Check out In First Person and Black Kites when you get a chance!

-Pulin

Vegan Pizza For Your Tummy May 24, 2008

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

Hey, how's World Vegetarian Week going for you? I've been vegan for over ten years and was vegetarian for another ten years before that. It's great to know that my body is not a graveyard for tortured animals. Know what I mean?

I don't eat animals because they are my friends. I'd much rather feed grapes to chickens and turkeys than eat their lifeless bodies. I could get into more detail about how being vegan has also helped me reduce my cholesterol and become a better athlete and protect the environment. But honestly, even if those benefits didn't exist, I'd still go vegan for the animal rights reasons.

Having said that, here's a recipe for a vegan soy cheese, spinach, sausage pizza. It's super easy, but you get the point and can mix it up any way you'd like. Other than the ingredients, all you need is an oven, a pan, and preferably a small kitchen shredder. I tend not to really make elaborate meals, and believe me this will take less than 30 min to make including the time in the oven.

Ingredients:

• Soy cheese (I prefer Follow Your Heart brand cheddar or mozzarella, but whatever brand and variety you like)
• Pizza crust (I prefer Rustic Crust, but anything works)
• Tomato sauce
• Gimme Lean Sausage (or any other variety)
• Spinach (frozen or fresh)
• Olive Oil

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
• Break the sausage into small pieces, put into a pan with a tablespoon of oil, and heat on medium for about 3 minutes.
• Add spinach to the pan and cook for 2 more minutes then turn off the heat and set aside.
• Coat the top of the crust with a very thin layer of oil.
• Put a layer of sauce on the crust.
• Then spread the mixture of spinach and sausage on top.
• Now shred a layer of soy cheese on top of that.
• Put in the oven for 15 minutes.
• Take out of the oven and email me a photo of your masterpiece.
• Ok, now you can eat it.
• Now set that pizza photo as your default on Facebook or MySpace so your friends can be jealous.

When you're not eating, make sure you check out ways to help animals with our campaigns.

-Pulin

Hi. I'm Indy. May 23, 2008

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 10 ) | TrackBack

Hi. My name is Indy, and I'm peta2's new Cute Campaign Coordinator. I enjoy making ladies' hearts skip a beat, peeing in the PETA dog park, and scaring the crap out of squirrels. I also enjoy naps, but really who doesn't love an afternoon snooze? My favorite food is vegetarian deli slices and my favorite band currently has got to be The Dillinger Escape Plan.

It's always fun to come into the office with my buddy Wheels since I get to hang out with a bunch of other dogs here. Here are some pics of me.

I've been in the office for the last few weeks as you can see here, but will soon make my way to West Virginia. I'll be working hard to raise awareness about the plight of all cute and non-cute animals who are suffering due to the greed of pet stores and breeders, and other industries that exploit animals.

Unfortunately, not every animal is as cute as me, so that's why it's up to me to get out there and be a representative for my friends in the animal world. I'm confident that you humans will realize how horribly animals suffer for stupid stuff like those fur coats, buckets of flesh, and all that.

I was hoping you can do me a favor. The issue of adopting animals is really close to my heart. After all, I was adopted and know that for every animal bred or sold at a pet store, another one just like me is going to be killed.

So please never buy an animal, only adopt. Please! The folks in peta2 need your help.

I'm going to go for a walk now and then it's back to work. But take care and maybe I'll check in another time with you humans.

In cuteness,
-Indy

Free Stuff Friday: DVD Music Zine! May 23, 2008

Posted by Ashleigh | Permalink | Comments ( 105 ) | TrackBack

The Chemical X DVD zine is full of live footage and music videos from some of the rockingest bands around! Bands like Negativland, Bobot Adrenaline, The Copyrights, Peelander-Z, The Unlovables, and Japanther are all featured. See the full list here.

What makes this even cooler is that peta2 is a sponsor, and our stickers come with every DVD ordered! Check out my good friend Shan with the DVDs!

Want one before your friends get it? Win one before it's released! Comment below to be one of the two lucky winners!

This contest ends June 6, 2008 and the winners will be chosen and notified by June 13, 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

10% Wool! May 22, 2008

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack

Look what Jeff Corriveau has in store for you this week:

Click for a larger version
To check out past installments of the strips, click here.

In related horse racing news, check out peta2's own Rachel protesting the Preakness in Baltimore last weekend.


And if you haven't yet, join PETA in demanding that the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority institute sweeping reforms that would stop needless, preventable suffering and cruelty in the racing industry.

♥ Marta

Why I Went Veg or A Tale of a College Potluck May 22, 2008

Posted by Lara Sanders | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack

Sometimes I suffer from vegetarian longevity envy. I wish I could compete with Marta, who went veg at age 4, but that was just not the case with me. I decided to go vegetarian in college. A bit late in the game, but better late than never!

Now I used to be one of those obnoxious people who always made fun of vegetarians. I would mock the lone vegetarian in my high school by eating meat in front of him and saying how good it tasted. Lame right?

Flash forward to my freshman year at American University (AU). My next door neighbor, Tara, invited me to a potluck being thrown by AU's animal rights group AUARE. I didn't go because I was interested in learning about animal rights; I went because I was just plain hungry.

There was one catch though. Before we could eat, we had to watch a video. Can you guess what video it was? It was 'Meet Your Meat'. I had never seen anything like 'Meet Your Meat' before. I had no idea that what I saw was what went on in factory farms. I was appalled, grossed out, and lost my appetite.

I didn't go vegetarian right then and there. It happened about a week later when I was in the dining hall about to get a chicken sandwich. I then thought back to the horrific images I saw in the video, and decided to stop eating animals.

I went vegan a few months later. I am not going to say that the transition from meat eater to vegan has been the easiest for me (before I went vegetarian I hated most vegetables). It was slightly hard for the first few months, but as time went on, it became like second nature to me. It actually became easy to be vegan!

So here are two words of advice if you are trying out vegetarianism for the first time:

1. Don't get discouraged! For some people (like me) it takes some time. Don't give up! It really does get easier.

2. Try out my patented recipe for "Vegan Pigs in a Blanket" below. It will prove to you that being vegan is delicious!

Vegan Pigs in a Blanket!

Ingredients:

8 veggie hot dogs (try my fav Tofu Pups)
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375 F
2. Separate dough into triangles. Wrap dough triangle around each hot dog. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake at 375 F. for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

*For a cheesy take on the old standard, try wrapping a slice of Tofutti American Soy-Cheese Slices on the veggie dog before wrapping in the dough.

xoxo-Lara

P.S. Happy World Vegetarian Week!

Do You Play Any Sports? May 22, 2008

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 20 ) | TrackBack

Do any of you play sports? Other than soccer (the best sport in the world), I used to do track in middle school and high school. Now I don't want to brag, but I definitely ran a mile in under 4:50 when I was in my best shape. I wasn't breaking school records or anything, but I was leaving most of my teammates in the dust for the 1600m. Of course, I was a recent vegan at the time and that definitely helped to give me that healthy edge.

So last weekend I went to run a 5k in Maryland and had lots of fun hanging out with friends and eating great vegan food around DC. I ran a pretty decent race and a bunch of co-workers and I got second place for PETA! I figured I'd share this human pyramid photo since I'm totally obsessed with them.

I've also been curious what sports you blog readers are into. Like I said, I like soccer the best, but maybe you like something else like...oh I don't know...sumo wrestling or badminton or tennis (no, Wii sports don't really count). So let me know. What's your favorite sport?

Oh and hey, check this entry into the video contest. This one is about animal testing, but yours can be about any animal rights issue. Keep those entries comin'.

-Pulin

Oprah is Going Vegan for 21 Days! May 21, 2008

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

Photo Credit: NPX/starmaxinc.com

You read that right, Oprah Winfrey is going vegan as part of a 21 day cleanse! She announced on her show yesterday that she is thinking about going vegetarian. She read Quantum Wellness by Kathy Freston, and has decided to eliminate all animal products from her diet as part of an "inner makeover", i.e.: a vegan cleanse for three weeks!

I love me some Oprah. I was an Oprah fan long before most of the country even knew who she was. I grew up watching Oprah when she did double-time as an anchor and as a co-host of a chat show on WJZ-TV channel 13 in Baltimore and have been enamored of her ever since.

Of course now that she's Oprah Winfrey: Media Mogul and World-wide Mega Star, she has the power to influence millions and save countless animals. She's already started blogging about the experience stating, "Wow, wow, wow! I never imagined meatless meals could be so satisfying. I had been focused on what I had to give up—sugar, gluten, alcohol, meat, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese. "What's left?" I thought. Apparently a lot. I can honestly say every meal was a surprise and a delight, beginning with breakfast—strawberry rhubarb wheat-free crepes."

Yum, crepes. Sounds delightful to me! Here's hoping she sticks to her vegan diet, and that her legions of fans follow in her footsteps.

xox
Patricia

P.S. If you're considering eliminating animals from your diet but aren't sure where to start, we can help. Start by taking the seven day veg pledge!

Midwest: Meet PETA VP Dan Mathews Near You! May 21, 2008

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

Oh you lucky Midwesterners, it's true: PETA VP Dan Mathews is kicking off the spring leg of his book tour today in Missouri! And he'll definitely be making stops in Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio before winding up in Wisconsin. Check out the dates and locations on his MySpace page.

In case you don't remember, Dan is out and about promoting his PETA memoir, Committed. He'll be signing books and answering questions about animal rights issues and PETA's campaigns and tactics. Let me tell you, this is definitely something you don't want want to miss.

I could barely put the book down when I was reading it—it's definitely a book that reminds activists that we're doing the right thing, but it's also good for people just learning about the issues. And Dan is without a doubt hilarious—I was laughing by myself in my room as I read the book (I'm sure my roommate thought I was crazy—oh well, what's new?).

My mom even went to one of Dan's book signings in San Jose and absolutely loved it, so definitely bring your family and friends along with you.

Why wouldn't you want to meet someone who has crashed fashion shows around the world (to expose the cruelties of the fur industry), is friends with Pam Anderson (an amazing activist), and loves thrift store shopping?

♥ Marta

Happy World Vegetarian Week! May 21, 2008

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

The world looks so much happier during World Vegetarian Week, doesn't it? So in keeping with the theme of going vegetarian, here's my story:

I'm a huge fan of traveling. During college, I went on a road trip across the country by myself (one of those "find yourself" kinds of trips). Notice how I set the timer on my camera for this "soul-searching" photo of me at the Grand Canyon:

What I didn't expect to find though, was a stretch of the highway in northern Texas nicknamed "Slaughterhouse Row". I was unfortunate enough to have a convertible at the time, so all of the sights and smells of the meat industry hit me... hard.




The rest is history. I made the connection that the animals I was eating were violently killed in bleak surroundings like this one, and I stopped supporting it. I went vegetarian, and a few months later, I went vegan.

NOW FOR THE FUN PART. Here's my favorite vegetarian meal (can be consumed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner):

Blueberry Pancakes

These fluffy pancakes are packed full of delicious blueberries, and are the perfect start (or end) to your day.

2 cups flour
3 Tbsp. sugar
3 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 cups vanilla soy milk
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup fresh blueberries

• Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and sift together. Add the soy milk and oil and mix until the batter is smooth.
• Ladle the batter onto a hot pancake griddle. Add frozen blueberries. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
• Serve with fresh blueberries.

Makes 4 to 6 servings

If done properly, they should look like this:



Mmmm mmmm good.

- Ryan!

P.S. - A final word of advice to those who want to venture across the country on a road trip: Don't camp next to the Grand Canyon. The wind coming out of the canyon will knock you (and your tent) over in the middle of the night. Don't be a fool; sleeping upside-down isn't cool.

Positive Changes in Yourself May 20, 2008

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 17 ) | TrackBack

At peta2, we obviously like to talk about all the animal suffering you spare by going vegetarian and vegan, but we also love to hear about all the positive changes you see in yourself by making changes to the way you eat.

For example, before I went vegan, I had absolutely no idea that I was lactose intolerant. I would make myself hot chocolate almost every single night during the winter (complete with cow's milk and cream), and every single night I had hot chocolate I would get absolutely horrendous stomach cramps within an hour and would feel nauseous. This didn't only happen when I'd have hot chocolate either—it happened when I'd have cheese pizza, Fettuccini Alfredo, ice cream, etc.

It is beyond me why I thought it was normal to feel like this after eating, but I always thought it was something everyone just dealt with, so I never really thought much of it. Then I went vegan. A few weeks into my veganism, I realized that I never felt disgusting after eating anymore. The stomach cramps and nauseous feelings disappeared completely; I felt ten times better. Now I have all of those same foods but with a non-dairy alternative, like rice milk or soy cheese. Yum!

I always tell people about this, explaining that dairy products made me feel so completely weighed down. One of my best friends had similar problems after eating dairy, and when she went vegan, her symptoms also disappeared and she lost weight to boot.

So let's turn the tables. I want to know all the amazing things you guys have experienced since going vegetarian or vegan. More energy? Hardly ever get sick? Increased confidence? I want to hear about it all.

Comment away!

♥ Marta

Mission Accomplished: Fur Is Dead May 20, 2008

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 14 ) | TrackBack

Greetings friends. As you know, we've been pushing hard for a few months now to reach our goal of 100,000 Strong Against Fur. Good news. We did it! Thanks so much to everyone who came together to send a loud and clear message: Fur Is Dead!

Now that we reached our goal, we'll be in an even stronger position than ever before to approach companies to stop selling fur and push for fur-free fashions around the world! We're still keeping all the stuff up at peta2.com/furisdead, though, so keep up the great work. We're now more than 100,000 strong and we want the number to keep growing!

Other than all the awesome Street Team members and peta2 friends on MySpace and Facebook, we want to give a special thanks to Skelanimals.

The staff over at Skelanimals has been absolutely amazing to work with and they've helped with all the artwork you've seen on leaflets and shirts. Plus, they were even kind enough to help set up all the models you've seen featured in the photos of the shirts. E-hugs for them!

Ok so that's where we're at right now. The fur industry's future is not looking good.

So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

-Pulin

Scary Kid Goes Veg for the Week! May 19, 2008

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

As previously mentioned by the lovely Marta, today begins "World Vegetarian Week." We thought it would be a great idea to ask one of my absolute favorite non-vegetarian people to try dropping meat from his plate in celebration of this joyous occasion. So who is that I turned to, you ask? Well the one and only Pouyan from peta2's Libby Award winning Scary Kids Scaring Kids, but of course! Read on to see what the dear boy has to say about the upcoming week and don't forget to check back early next week to see how it all turned out for Pouyan!

Never have I ever been a vegetarian or even challenged myself to try even for a day, but I've always assumed it wouldn't be that difficult. So when peta2 came to me when we played at the Norva, and asked if I wanted to try I said hell yeah. My problem is I love good food, more than most things, a great meal at a nice restaurant is my idea of a good time. So that might be the only challenge I have unless I can find great alternatives. I am currently a carnivore, but obviously since we're affiliated with PETA, I am against animal cruelty which for a meat eater means a few things. I avoid all fast food and companies who are known to have unnecessarily poor treatment of animals, I attempt to purchase farm-raised meats, and I try to frequent restaurants that offer great vegetarian options on their menu like the ridiculously killer meals they serve at Chinese Buddha in Georgia where they have an entire menu of great Chinese food dedicated to vegetarians. Also small things like take from the Vegetarian options from the warped tour line even though it is marked "VEGETARIAN ONLY!!" in big angry letters. Obviously most of these are small steps in order to provide good conditions for animals until their death, and the best way to support animal cruelty is by not killing them to eat them, haha. My ultimate restraint from transitioning is flavor, and my love for food. So since during this week I'll be rapping up the headliner we're on, I'll be checking out a few vegetarian restaurants in the mid-west and west and see if they are solid alternatives to what I currently eat. I'll also find out if I can jump start this diet and still feel healthy. Word up gangsters, let's see if it sticks! Wish me luck!

Pouyan.

Thanks, Pouyan! Why not try vegetarianism out yourself this week? If it's something you've always wanted to do, this is the perfect time to try it out.

Why not help Pouyan out? Comment below to let him know what vegetarian snacks you think he should keep by his side this week, in case he gets the munchies!

Good luck, Pouyan!
nicole

World Vegetarian Week is Here! May 19, 2008

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack

World Vegetarian Week has officially descended upon us, so throughout the week, peta2 staffers will be sharing stories of why we went vegetarian and, of course sharing delicious recipes with you all. Exciting stuff!

I can hardly remember a time when I wasn't a vegetarian. I was four when I decided to stop eating meat because I saw a pig roasted over a fire at a luau in Hawaii. People always ask me how I could have made a decision like that at such a young age (no one else in my family was vegetarian). Thinking back, I understand why I was able to make that decision: Kids don't realize that the "chicken" they're eating is the same farm animal they read about in books. I was absolutely horrified when I saw the entire pig being cooked and was even more horrified that everyone else seemed to be okay with eating the pig.

Pigs are friends, not food, people. I was pretty lucky, since my family has always been completely supportive of my vegetarianism (and yes, that's nerdy, devious me around the time I went vegetarian). Thanks, family.

Now that you've seen my true nerdy roots, I feel compelled to talk about an obsession of mine: Hummus. Seriously, nothing could make me happier than that creamy concoction. Try my recipe for yourself (most hummus has tahini in it, but I choose to leave that out).

Marta's Delectable Hummus

• 1 can chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans), drained
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1½ Tablespoons Olive oil
• Salt to taste

In a blender or food processor, add the beans, garlic, oil, and salt. Blend until creamy (add some water or more oil if you need more liquid to blend the mixture). Transfer mixture to a bowl. I then like to mix in chopped green onions or chopped black olives. Yum, yum. Refrigerate for an hour. Devour with chips, crackers, veggies, or spread on a sandwich. The possibilities are endless!

How's your day going? Delicious? I hope so!

♥ Marta

Free Stuff Friday: 'Friend, Not Food' Tee May 16, 2008

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 1383 ) | TrackBack

One of my favorite slogans that we use here at peta2 is "(insert animal here) are friends, not food." It's just so cute and catchy. So you can imagine how unbelievably excited I was when I found out that vegetarian snowboarder and artist TJ Schneider designed a 'Friend, Not Food' tee exclusively for peta2.

Check out peta2's Cutest Vegetarian Alive winners, Kelly Anderson and Leonard Sun, modeling the tee:

And we wanted to spread the love, of course, so we're giving two of you lucky readers the chance to score one of these adorable shirts. All you have to do to win is comment with your shirt size and why you think that animals are friends, not food. I think that animals are friends, not food because I love to hug all animals (cats, chickens, and crazy humans alike)—and I certainly wouldn't spend my time hugging potatoes and parsnips.

This contest ends June 6, 2008 and the winner will be chosen and notified by June 13, 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!

♥ Marta

PS - I'm a huge nerd and am actually wearing the tee as I write this blog.

Want to Try Something New for a Week? May 15, 2008

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Next week (May 19th - 25th) is World Vegetarian Week, and if you've ever considered giving vegetarianism a try, there's no better time than now to give it a shot. Take our Seven Day Pledge to Be Veg. I mean seriously, seven days is hardly a commitment, but it is enough time to give you a good idea of how easy it is to be vegetarian.

If you want to give it a shot, but you're worried about what you'll eat, rest easy: If you take the pledge, I'll send you an e-mail each day next week with recipes, suggestions, and encouragement.

And guess what? Pouyan from Scary Kids Scaring Kids is taking the Seven Day Pledge to Be Veg, too! He'll be doing a couple guest blogs for peta2 about the experience next week, so keep an eye out.

This'll be fun!

♥ Marta

Mary Kate Olsen: Still a Cruel Mess May 14, 2008

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Photo credit: X17online

Warmer weather typically means a lack of brainless celebs traipsing around in dead animals, right? Somebody should alert the Olsen twins to that. Just look at this hideous thing...and the huge horrible chinchilla bag she's lugging around.

Oh, Mary Kate...What is with these little harbingers of death?! Will nothing stop their greedy blood-lust?! What is wrong with them that they insist on wearing and carrying as many dead animals around with them as possible?! Was growing up on the Full House set really that traumatic??? (Well, probably, but still that's no excuse.)

And let's dissect the rest of the outfit, shall we? Um, green suede coat with a furry collar over what appears to be a black sack of some sort and...I don't even know what is on her feet but it's no better than those wretched witch boots they were both obsessed with last year.

Oh, and it's May. May, May, MAY!!! Who in their right mind wears fur ever but especially in May?! Why would anyone carry even a faux fur bag in May, let alone wear a suede jacket with a furry collar. Now I know when you're nothing but skin and bones you tend to get cold easily but even for an Olsen this is ridiculous. I can't look at her anymore.

xox
Patricia

ROAD TRIP!!! May 14, 2008

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Yes, it's the classic summer adventure. What could be more liberating than venturing out into the great unknown (also known as Nebraska), to find yourself? How about doing it all while eating incredible vegan food along the way?!

Me driving down Pacific Coast Highway on my first (but far from last) cross-country trip

Need help getting started? Here are some tips:

• Visit HappyCow.net for a full listing of vegetarian—and vegan—friendly restaurants in cities ALL over the world!



• Do you enjoy eating the same thing in every city? If so, check out our guide to eating vegan at chain restaurants. Now you can zigzag from Johnny Rockets to Johnny Rockets across the map (using our coupons at every stop, of course).



• A little short on cash? Why not stick with buying snacks at grocery stores and 7-11? Check out our "Accidentally Vegan" list for some tips!*

* Note: peta2 not responsible for any indecent acts conducted while on an Airheads taffy sugar high.


• Want to play a game to pass the road time? While driving across the country, I try to flick off as many KFC's as is humanly possible. My personal record is 36 in a month. Go ahead, try to beat me. I dare you.

Pretty exciting, eh?

It's a big world out there, folks. Go flick off some parts of it.

- Ryan!

DMX Arrested. What A Loser. May 13, 2008

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Where my dogs at? That's something rapper DMX shouldn't worry about considering this convicted animal abuser has recently been indicted on felony drug possession and animal cruelty charges, reportedly associated with dogfighting.

There are reports that dogs were being abused on his property, and that led authorities to search his home, where they seized 12 pit bulls and found the bodies of three others buried on his property. Sick!

With an album cover for DMX looking like this,
is it any wonder that he's suspected of animal abuse?

If DMX is convicted, we want to make sure he gets the maximum jail sentence, a ban on owning animals, and mandatory psychiatric counseling (because anyone who abuses animals must have at least one or two loose screws in the head). People need to realize that all oppression is connected.

For details on what you can do to help, click here. And check back on the blog for updates as the case develops.

-Pulin

Keep the Art Coming! May 13, 2008

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Remember how I've been asking you to send your animal rights artwork our way? Well, we've definitely been sent some awesome pieces lately, and I wanted to share some with you. Both of these are from Lia Shaw, an amazing Street Teamer from Canada.

Lia created this first piece 'If Not Us, Why Them?' for her Grade 12 art class. The project was supposed to be an abstract self portrait. Lia says, "I chose to do one of my main morals and this is where it took me. I created two chickens and one person out of wire and then built a metal cage that was just big enough for all three to fit in as tightly as possible to show the cramped living conditions that there birds have to withstand. This piece was up in an art show at my local library."

Her second piece, 'Shop Cruelty Free' was for a pop art project for the same class and she chose to do her project on animal testing. She says, "I painted the background red and then filled in the silhouettes of the animals with magazine clippings of products from companies that test on animals. The rabbit has a growth on his side to show the growths that these animals get quite often from different procedures."


Got some thought-provoking art you'd like to show us, too? Send it our way! We just might feature it in the blog.

Which one of Lia's pieces do you like better? I really can't decide!

♥ Marta

Why Is the Colonel at a Crack House? May 12, 2008

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Chances are that you hate KFC just about as much as your final exams (actually, probably more).

Well, we have some brilliant new anti-KFC ads that we wanted to show everyone. They're amazing. What do you think of them?

Take a look at all three and comment back with which you think is the best of them all.

-Pulin

P.S.- Remember to check out the video contest!

Fur-Free Formal 2008! May 12, 2008

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Yes, the end of the semester is upon us, and you know what that means... Spring dances!

Regardless of whether it's high school prom or a college formal, end-of-the-school-year dances are the place to see and be seen in your finest outfit.

So of course it doesn't make sense to allow a cruel and effin' ugly product like fur at one of these classy events, now does it? That's why the Zeta Xi chapter of the Alpha Phi sorority at Elmhurst College took a stand, by placing a "fur-free" policy on their spring formal!

As if that weren't enough, we also sent the sorority a "Compassionate Chapter" award from peta2, and enough anti-fur buttons for everyone in attendance! Being kind sure has its rewards, eh?


I think peta2's Dan Shannon said it best when he said "Every woman wants to look her best for the spring formal, but no one will come close to the sisters of Alpha Phi, whose compassion makes their beauty radiate even more. By declaring their biggest social affair of the year to be fur-free, these women are proving that you can have the 'look that kills' without killing animals."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

- Ryan!

Free Stuff Friday: Vegan Marshmallow Maker! May 9, 2008

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I was at a bonfire the other day and I was thinking about how I much I missed roasting marshmallows. Most marshmallows contain gelatin (aka - crushed up animal bones), which is disgusting!

Then I came to work and found out that we have a vegan marshmallow making kit to give away! I know there are others like me out there who are jonesing for some summertime marshmallow roasting action, and today is your lucky day!

Amy, who writes PETA's VegCooking Blog, tested the kit out and gave it rave reviews. She says the instructions are pretty simple, but you do need some special tools, namely a candy thermometer and a standing mixer. Check out the chocolate-marshmallow sandwich she made:


Want to make your own? One lucky person with a sweet tooth will win this kit from Angel Foods. Comment below with what you will do with the vegan marshmallows if you win!

This contest ends May 23, 2008 and the winner will be chosen and notified by May 30, 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

10% Wool May 8, 2008

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Jeff Corriveau, the genius behind DeFlocked, has created a brand-new strip for all you lovely blog readers, called 10% Wool. So instead of DeFlocked on the blog, get ready for lots of 10% Wool! Excited? Yep, so am I!

DeFlocked is now running in the comic pages of newspapers across North America, so be sure to e-mail the editor of your local paper to ask him/her to start printing it.

And now, I leave you with the very first 10% Wool:

Click for a larger version
♥ Marta

Give It A Name May 8, 2008

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Here's a special guest blog from Martin with peta2 UK!

I am really excited about this news. peta2 UK will be at Give It a Name 08 at Earls Court this weekend! How could I not be jumping round the office? It means I get to see some of the best bands on the planet (who all support peta2) like Silverstein, Plain White T's, Billy Talent, Cobra Starship, Set Your Goals, Strike Anywhere, Anti-Flag, Mayday Parade and Meg and Dia. Check out the full line up:

If any of you guys are going then make sure you come by the peta2 UK table and say hi to me. If you're not going—why the hell not!!!

Peace

Martin

PS - To get a chance to table festivals and shows like this in the future, join the Street Team!

peta2 in South Africa! May 7, 2008

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We love our jobs. We in peta2 have the distinct honor of corresponding with student groups every day to help them raise awareness about animal rights locally. As such, it takes a lot to impress us... but it happened today.

That's because we received an incredible report from the Rhodes Organisation for Animal Rights (ROAR), in SOUTH AFRICA (yes, that's how they spell "organization" in Africa).

Clearly somebody took the time to watch our "Tabling On Campus" video, since these students really know how to get people talking about animal rights!

And talk about being resourceful. We're always happy to send out free materials, like stickers, DVDs, and such, but given the costs to ship halfway around the world, this group was creative enough to download our stencils and make their own bags to give out!



The results speak for themselves:

• Their student group now consists of over 170 students!


• They see their "I Am Not a Nugget" bags being carried ALL over campus!


• They've held film screenings, and various other events on campus.
  
• They have started a clinic in their town to help animals who are forced to carry heavy loads around for their whole lives.

If they can do it halfway around the world, then YOU CAN DO IT HERE! Want to get started? Hit me up.

- Ryan!

Something To Think About ... May 7, 2008

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We love creativity just as much as we love kind people. Combine that and you get rad results. For instance, check out this comic that Erb sent us.

And while we're discussing the amazing work of the peta2 Street Team, check out this video and this one, too.

Those are just some of the many awesome entries we've received for the video contest. You still have plenty of time to make your own video, so do it and enter to win. Remember that Moby will be helping to pick the winner, and the prize at stake is a chicken costume (among some other things).

-Pulin

Cool Mother's Day Card! May 6, 2008

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Mother's Day is coming up this Sunday, and we've got the coolest, cutest card for you to print out and give to your mom. We are all about helping you get involved, but we realize that it's sometimes difficult unless your parents are supportive of your beliefs.

click to download

Drop us a line to StreetTeam@peta2.com with a photo of you and your mom holding the card and we'll give you 1000 Street Team points. If you don't have a camera to take a photo, just email the same address with what your mom thought of the card and we'll give you 500 Street Team points. Cool?

Go to it!

-Pulin

New Investigation Reveals Egg Industry Abuse May 6, 2008

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I have to say, I've watched a lot of horrifying undercover investigations, but there's something about all of the egg industry footage that's just so unbelievably twisted.

Maybe it's because most people have trouble believing that egg-laying hens are treated cruelly. People think, well, hens lay eggs anyway, so what's wrong with buying eggs?

A new investigation by our friends at Mercy for Animals shows everyone just why the egg industry is so terrible. Workers at a supplier of NuCal—one of the largest egg companies in the U.S.—were documented ripping weakened birds out of tiny metal battery cages and throwing them violently into a "kill cart." Sick and injured birds were denied veterinary care and were left to die in filthy, crowded cages. Undercover investigators caught one worker twisting a sick bird's neck, throwing her on the ground, and leaving her to die. It's absolutely sickening. Watch the video for yourself.

You can help stop abuse like this. Please urge Triarc—the major restaurant company that owns Arby's and that will soon own Wendy's—to lessen the abuse of animals in the egg industry by only buying from farms that sell cage-free eggs. We know that Triarc purchases a vast majority of their eggs from factory farms and choosing the least cruel farms possible will eliminate some needless suffering.

Want to go one step further to help? Stop eating eggs altogether. If this investigation didn't convince you that hens in egg factory farms are treated bad enough, just know that egg-laying hens are still killed for food, too. Once their egg production drops, they are considered to be "spent" and are shipped off to slaughter to have their flesh made into things like chicken noodle soup.

And really, there are many amazing alternatives to eggs, so give it a shot. Try using banana or applesauce instead of eggs when you bake, or scramble up some tofu and veggies for your first meal of the day.

Let's help these hens!

♥ Marta

Who Went To The Bamboozle? May 6, 2008

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Whoa! The Bamboozle over the weekend was so incredible and tiring (in a good way) that I had to take yesterday off to recover. I was totally exhausted. If you went, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Our tent was the place to be with thousands of people signing our petition, bands stopping in to say hello, and lots of free stuff for everyone.

What was your favorite part if you went to The Bamboozle? And if you didn't go, how was your weekend?

Here are some of my favorite photos from the weekend.

You all really love Matthew Lush, don't you?

We met so many amazing Street Teamers. It was bonkers.

My friend put on the head from our rabbit costume, took off his shirt, and ran on stage.

Thanks to everyone on the Street Team for stopping by, and make sure you check out the Fur Is Dead campaign page to keep up the campaign to get 100,000 Strong Against Fur!

-Pulin

Kentucky Derby Horse Races to Death May 5, 2008

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Did you guys hear about the death of Eight Belles, one of the horses raced in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday? After breaking both of her front ankles just after crossing the finish line, Eight Belles was euthanized on the track in front of thousands of onlookers. It's hard to believe that not everybody agrees that horse racing is a cruel and outdated form of "entertainment."

Betting on exploitation sure doesn't sound like entertainment to me. It sounds a lot like dog fighting, actually. And for those people who think all race horses end up in green pastures when they retire, think again. Many of them end up in a slaughterhouse.

PETA is calling on the racing industry to suspend the jockey and trainer; bar the owner from racing at the track; stop racing horses on hard tracks and switch to softer, synthetic surfaces to spare horses' bones and joints; permanently ban the use of whips; and, at the very least, stop using young horses who are so susceptible to these types of horrific injuries.

Want to help make racing horses' lives a little better? Join PETA in demanding that the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority institute sweeping reforms that would stop needless, preventable suffering and cruelty in the racing industry.

♥ Marta

peta2 <3's SoCal May 5, 2008

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Ohh, southern California, you never disappoint.

Last Tuesday, peta2 held its first on-campus speaking event (co-hosted by the student group Bruins for Animals), featuring Skinny Bitch author Rory Freedman. As has been the trend at peta2 events recently, it was standing room only. We crammed over 200 students into a UCLA lecture hall fit for 160, where they chowed down on vegan "chicken" salad wraps, straight out of the best-seller Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, and enjoyed a talk about the health and ethical benefits of veganism. Check it out!

Pretty awesome, right?!?

As if that weren't enough, we used our spare hours here and there to work with the AMAZING student groups at Cal State - Long Beach and the University of California - Irvine, to help them promote vegetarianism on campus.

Meat-eaters don't stand a chance. :)


Want to get people talking on your campus? Contact me to get started!

- Ryan!

Free Stuff Friday: My Sweet Vegan Cookbook! May 2, 2008

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Hannah Kaminsky is a girl I would have loved to have gone to high school with. Why? Because during her senior year she created seventy-seven original recipes, tested them all, and photographed the finished product to make one amazing cookbook: My Sweet Vegan.

Not only would I have been honored to call such an ambitious girl a friend, but I would have loved trying out all the amazing recipes that made it into the book!

I want to share a Q&A with Hannah so you can learn more about this sweet vegan . . .

When did you start baking?

I would occasionally help my mom in the kitchen when I was much younger... she would measure everything out and work the oven, while I handled the mixing duties. However, my solo baking adventures began around the age of fourteen, when I became vegan.

What was it that made you decide to go vegan?

I began experimenting with vegetarianism when I was a freshman in high school, but before I knew it, I was enmeshed in the issues of animal rights. I decided that no matter how hard it might be to make the transition, I wanted to do all I could to help the cause. To my great surprise, I had no trouble at all going vegan! Not once have I ever regretted that decision, either.

What is your favorite recipe?

While it's really hard to pick favorites, one that I find myself making over and over again is the Root Beer Float Cupcakes. Most people are just curious about how they will taste, but once they trial a bite they get hooked on the flavor and can't get enough of them! Beyond these cupcakes, the Green Tea Tiramisu is one of my personal favorite indulgences.

Chocolate or vanilla?

Oh man, tough one... When manipulated properly, both can be incredible flavors that go well with just about everything else. Seriously, don't make me choose! Can't we all just be friends and bake a marble cake instead?

Pies or cakes?

Cake, definitely. I love pie just as much as any other baked goods, but the extra step of making a crust can sometimes be a real pain. But . . . if we're talking about a graham cracker crust, then that's a different story altogether.

Cupcakes or cookies?

Honestly, after making so many thousands (probably millions, even) of cupcakes, I am starting to get a bit tired of them. Cookies take my vote right now, but of course that could change with little persuasion.

Any advice for the novice vegan baker?

I know that this has been said countless times before, but the best advice I can give is to be unafraid and try things out. Don't know how to replace the eggs? Who cares! Look around your kitchen, find things of similar textures, nutritional profiles, chemical properties, anything, and just give it a shot. No one has a definite answer as to what makes great vegan baking, just like regular baking, so never close your mind to the many possibilities that exist in terms of ingredients and methods. Most importantly though, make note of your mistakes so that you can improve upon them and start cranking out awesome baked goods!

What's next for you?

I just started attending UMass Amherst, so a few more years of school lie ahead. However, whenever I'm lucky enough to get a ride home for the weekend, I go straight into the kitchen to work on my second dessert cookbook! There are so many exciting things brewing right now, I just can't wait to see where it all leads.

Wouldn't you want her to go to high school with you too? I want her to work for PETA and be my friend and teach me how to use my oven! But until that happens I am going to devour My Sweet Vegan and start baking! One lucky boy or girl will win this beautiful cookbook and join me in the adventures of vegan baking! To win, comment below with whether you like cake or pie better. I ALWAYS choose cake. What's better than frosting?

This contest ends May 16, 2008 and the winner will be chosen and notified by May 23, 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

Glue Traps At Target and Do It Best May 2, 2008

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack

Many major companies (like CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Safeway) have stopped selling glue traps because of the suffering that they cause to animals. Sadly, other corporations insist on stocking glue traps despite repeated letters and phone calls from PETA staff trying to convince them otherwise. Now we need your help!

Click here to take action.

Also, please contact Do It Best by calling them at 260-748-5300, and tell them to stop selling glue traps. Let us know how it goes, ok?

Thanks for your help with this.

-Pulin

P.S.- mystery link

Are You Artsy? May 1, 2008

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I am the worst artist ever. Ever. Seriously—my stick figures barely even resemble stick figures. My best friend growing up was an amazing artist, and seeing her artwork always made me wish that I had even an ounce of artistic talent. Anyway, I'm getting off track.

I know for a fact that tons of you have more talent than you even know what to do with. That puts you in a very lucky position, since you're able to combine your talent with your passion for helping animals!

We absolutely love seeing all of the amazing pieces you guys come up with, so please, please always send your artwork our way, so we can ooh and ahh over it and then share it on our deviantART page for everyone else to ooh and ahh over, too. Check out the page if you haven't already—there's some great, thought-provoking pieces on there.

And look what Street Teamer Alli-Beth Mason sent our way recently:

Cool, right? Now go on and make me jealous!

♥ Marta

PS - Happy May Day!