MEAT'S NOT GREEN!! August 29, 2008

Posted by Ryan | Permalink | Comments ( 10 ) | TrackBack

Oh boy, have I got a fun update for you today...

That's right, we're hitting the ground running this fall by launching our exciting new campaign, called "Meat's Not Green"!

All of the politicians and people on TV talk about "going green", but are you as tired as we are of so-called "environmentalists" who say they care about protecting the planet while they chomp on pieces of animals' flesh? Did they not hear that meat is the #1 cause of global warming? Well, it's time to clear things up for them!

Click here to sign our petition to add a warning label to meat packaging, so that people know that when they are buying meat, they are not only contributing to the torture of animals, but the destruction of the environment too!

After signing the petition, make sure to create your own fun label! And there are all kinds of other fun things on the site too, such as as a calculator to find out how green your diet is and a badge for posting on your MySpace or Facebook, so go wild!



Pretty awesome, right? Mine's going to say "Warning: Meat is murder for animals and the planet!"

So what is your warning label going to say?

- Ryan!

Free Stuff Friday: I Hate Meat Eaters! August 29, 2008

Posted by Ashleigh | Permalink | Comments ( 166 ) | TrackBack

The title of this Free Stuff Friday is a bit misleading. I do not, in fact, hate meat eaters. I believe that all meat eaters have the ability to become vegetarians with the right guidance. I mean, I used to eat meat too!

I can, however, understand why a chicken would hate meat eaters. Wouldn't you hate someone who wanted to kill you and eat you? To show the world what chickens hate, enter to win this adorable canvas tote bag:

This bag (complete with mini coin purse and secret side pocket) is made by Angry Little Girls and comes from the best online boutique: Micio Mambo. Micio Mambo is based in Oakland (but anyone can shop the online store!) and sells leather-free, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly shoes, accessories, jewelry, and cosmetics.

To be the lucky winner, comment below!

This contest ends September 12, 2008 and the winner will be chosen and notified by September 19, 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

Shopping Cruelty-Free Made Even Easier! August 28, 2008

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

It really bothers me when people buy products that are tested on animals when there are SO many cruelty-free options available these days. Seriously, buying cruelty-free products is ridiculously easy. An animal should never be tested on for a person's vanity. It's just plain wrong.

Luckily, everywhere you shop these days, cruelty-free products are popping up more and more, and we want to make it even easier for you to find cruelty-free products. Cue our brand-new Cruelty-Free Companies database! Use our search engine to find everything from shaving gel and makeup remover to shampoo and mouthwash. Seriously, check it out! You'll love it. Pulin loves it, too! He was finally able to find something to treat that gross thing on his head. Oh wait...that's just his face (Oooooh MAJOR BURN).

All joking aside, if you haven't already, take our cruelty-free quiz, and have all of your friends take it, too. Then you can pass the database along to them as a helpful way to find cruelty-free products from now on. You're so thoughtful!

Have you gotten friends and family to start shopping cruelty-free? What did you do? I like to give people cruelty-free products so they get addicted to them and buy those products instead of animal-tested crap. Give it a try!

♥ Marta

Truth on Earth August 27, 2008

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I absolutely love to see young people changing the world for the better, which is one of the many reasons I love working for peta2. Seeing everything you all are doing never ceases to amaze me. Young people are most definitely making a huge effort to change the world around us. It's awesome!

I wanted to tell you all about an all-girl band made up of three sisters, called Truth on Earth. Serena, Kiley, and Tess are all vegan and do all they can to help animals. Check out what their band Web site says:

We write original songs about major issues in the world that need attention and sustainable solutions brought to them. We try to make great sounding songs that pull you in and make you want to hear more in the hopes that our lyrics inspire you to take action as you learn that there is a lot that can be done. We believe in the power that music has to reach and connect people around the world.

Sweet, right? Their song, "Factory Farm" is all about—you guessed it—animals on factory farms. Here's a portion of the lyrics:

Is it normal I wonder - to live in fear and pain? Never loved for a minute - just tormenting my brain. What kind of a person - slaughters helpless all day long? If a child kills animals - then humans, is it wrong?

Have a look inside my jail - You eat my suffering. I'll stand in one place all my life while you're - digesting my misery. And when your end is near - you'll feel our agony. Our lives are a holocaust - not just the cow you eat.

When you were a child - you knew the difference. You loved my petting zoo cousin - in the safe little four wall fence. That burger's disguised - you're blinded by apathy. You forget as you eat - the bad karma is me?

Come join my nightmare now You'll be sad you did. Hope you like my body parts, after they slice me into bits. Welcome to our death camp here on the factory farm. The Nazis would be proud - Where the hell's our mom?

Go here to check out the music video for yourself.

Music is definitely a great way to spread a message, so keep doing what you're doing, Truth on Earth!

♥ Marta

Cute Animal Videos! August 27, 2008

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

Have you seen our new videos featuring the cutest animals ever? Check them out:

I really don't understand how people can use these animals for clothing and/or food. Subscribe to us on YouTube to stay on top of all our new videos!

Comment below with which one you like better! (I can't decide!)

-Ashleigh

Vote for Your Favorite Dumb Comment! August 26, 2008

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 60 ) | TrackBack

As someone who cares about animal rights, I'm sure you're very used to people making absolutely ridiculous comments to you. With that in mind, you might guess that we get quite a few ridiculous comments on a daily basis here at peta2. It's even better when people say things to us as if they are so original and clever.

"Hey—I'm a member of PETA! People Eating Tasty Animals!"

I hate to break it to you, buddy, but whatever it is you're gonna say to us, trust us, we've heard it before. You aren't unique. And the comments meant to hurt our feelings? They just make us laugh.

I wanted to share a little bit of the ridiculousness we receive, so vote for your favorite dumb comment below, and be glad that you're smarter than these people. Seriously, people actually did write this stuff to us (Note: Names removed to protect the idiotic parties, and I'm using asterisks since some of the comments are fairly inappropriate).

1) haha you are all stupid. i worked at a FOOD place to make REAL FOOD. that has REAL ANIMALS that DIED. because THEY TASTE GOOD and i ATE LIKE 2 BURGERS. and CHICKEN NUGGETS. Hahahahhaha i bet you are all like omgz. FOOD IS GOOD YOU ARE ALL JUST douches AND SHOULD ALL DIE PETA IS F***ING HOMO AND SHOULD DIE. WOO KILLING ANIMALS! especially the endangered ones. so i can eat and wear their skin. haha

2) hi my name is yo mama i added yall so i could annoy yall but i figured yall approve yalls commonts befor putting them on ur myspace profile could yall just deleat me because i cant figure out how to do it thank you. GO MEAT

3) i just wanted to let you know that i am in the FFA organization and to earn my geenhand degree, i get to raise a pig. After i grow it i will sell it at the count fair, to go off to a slaughter house. i just wanted to let you know, that peta2 does not affect the world at all. you will never stop people from eating meat, and you are dumb for trying.

4) i just ran over a baby deer and pissed on a kitten blaaat what now

5) hey b**** your a gay and i have a question if u eat more vegeatables to save cows arent you eating their food and therfore their are hunger which makes them taste like s*** when i eat them? answer the question B****

So which comment is your favorite? Vote by commenting below!

♥ Marta

Human Life v. Animal Life August 26, 2008

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

When it comes to the suffering of humans and non-human animals, we all deserve to live out our lives in peace. It's all connected, so when any individual or group is oppressed, we all are. Animals in slaughterhouses, laboratories, and elsewhere around the world need your voice to defend their lives. Will you take action?

PETA's President, Ingrid Newkirk, explains this all a bit more in this video, so take a look.

-Pulin

Nugget: Boy or Girl? August 25, 2008

Posted by Shannon Phillips | Permalink | Comments ( 38 ) | TrackBack

Nugget has been popping up in just about every place imaginable. Remember when Nugget lost an e-mail about Warped Tour, leaving Lara and Marta to deal with it? Well, now I can say that I've officially had my own encounter with Nugget.

So imagine this scenario: You're in the bathroom at PETA's headquarters, and you think you're alone. You then emerge from your stall only to find Nugget in the women's bathroom attempting to squeeze her (his?!) large self into the stall next to you.

Your first thought is, "Wait, why is Nugget even attempting this?"
Your second thought is "Wait, is nugget a girl?"
Your third thought is "Wait, is nugget a boy?"

With these three thoughts going through my head simultaneously, it's really no wonder that I had such a confused look on my face.



So we can point Nugget to the appropriate bathroom in the future, what do you think? Is Nugget male or female?

<3,
shan

It's Taco Time! August 25, 2008

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

By now, I'm sure you're well aware that those of us here in peta2 love to eat. A few of us got together to have Taco Night recently, and I thought I'd let you guys in on the deliciousness.

For a Taco Night of your own, you'll need:

• Taco shells (we used both hard and soft)
• Vegetarian refried beans
• Burger crumble (we used Boca)
• Taco seasoning
• Spanish or Mexican rice
• Olive oil
• Jalapenos
• Tomatoes
• Vegan chicken strips (we used Morningstar Farms)
• Vegan cheese (we used Follow Your Heart)
• Lettuce
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Chopped black olives

Prepare all ingredients and put on the table in separate dishes. You'll need to heat the fake meat on the stove with the olive oil and taco seasoning, and cook the rice according to directions. And you'll definitely need to warm up the beans. Shan and Rachel were lovely enough to show all the ingredients you'll need:


Now of course Taco Night wouldn't be complete without friends—so make sure you have some of those on hand, too. At this point, everyone can assemble the tacos to their heart's content, and devour them with glee, as pictured below:


Me, Sarah, and Ashleigh, stuffing our faces


Rachel and Shan, also stuffing their faces
Let me tell you, dinner was delicious! I highly recommend having a night like this with your friends. It's a great way to show your non-veg friends how fun, easy, and delicious vegan food can be.

Have any of you had an all-vegan dinner like this before?

♥ Marta

PS - We also played Guitar Hero and Shan kicked everyone's butt!

Free Stuff Friday: Tofu the Vegan Zombie! August 22, 2008

Posted by Ashleigh | Permalink | Comments ( 165 ) | TrackBack

Tofu the Vegan Zombie is a friendly zombie created from one of Professor Vost's botched laboratory experiments. One of the lab animals, Monkey #5, accidentally lost the zombie's brain — so he stuffed a block of tofu into the zombie boy's open skull! Because of his tofu brain, "Tofu" has no taste for human flesh and only eats veggies and grains. BUT if he ever loses his tofu brain, he turns into a dangerous human flesh-craving zombie!

Professor Vost is trying to find a cure for the zombie epidemic. He thinks it is caused by the genetic manipulation of meat products. His research is in jeopardy of being shut down by Mallestros, owner of the largest meat packing company in the world because meat sales are beginning to suffer as a result of Professor Vost's research. Professor Vost believes that "Tofu" is the key to solving this epidemic, but will Mallestros succeed in shutting him down before he finds a cure? Let's hope not!

(You can read more about the history and story of Tofu the Vegan Zombie here.)

What's not to love about a zombie who wants to eat grains (and not brains)?!? At peta2 we know that flesh is for zombies and we all are huge fans of the Vegan Zombie Tofu!

Comment below with why flesh is for zombies to win one of four Tofu the Vegan Zombie vinyl toys! You read that right, four of you will win!

This contest ends September 5, 2008 and the winner will be chosen and notified by September 12, 2008!

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

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

-Ashleigh

The Canadians: Killing Seals Tour 2008 August 21, 2008

Posted by Shannon Phillips | Permalink | Comments ( 16 ) | TrackBack

So how absolutely badass are our friends over at peta2.de? (That's Germany, folks!) Answer? Completely badass. peta2.de have an amazing campaign that I want to show everyone - It's called "The Canadians" and it depicts a skeletal Canadian hunter that looks... well, strangely like a popular heavy metal icon. I'll give out awesome points to anyone who can name the icon I'm referring to!

So what's this Canada stuff all about? Well, every year in Canada, thousands of baby seals are killed by a method called "clubbing" (It's as awful as it sounds) for their fur. During the hunt, some seals are clubbed and skinned alive, even in front of their families. Even worse? The Canadian government approves of the hunt. Is this really necessary for vanity?

We don't think so, and neither do these guys:

Here's Pat and Chris of Anti-Flag modeling their Canadians shirts.

Rise Against were down as usual to support animal rights!

Roger Miret of Agnostic Front and The Disasters knows that killing seals for their fur is wrong.
So how can you help? You can help out by signing the petition against the brutal seal hunt in Canada, adding the MySpace page, wearing the shirt (they look just like band shirts!), and telling all your friends!

xoxo,
Shan

The peta2 Advice Blog! August 21, 2008

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

Got some friends who like to give you a hard time? Check this out!

My friends make fun of me ALL THE TIME for being a vegetarian. Usually I can deal with it just fine, but it really gets to me sometimes! What can I do to get them to back off (at least a little) without alienating myself? - Feeling Helpless

I used to have friends like this—that is, until they became vegetarians too. :) Anybody who would make fun of a friend for speaking out against cruelty to animals clearly doesn't understand what happens behind closed doors. Next time you go to your friend's house, pull Meat.org up on the computer screen. Even if they don't go vegetarian immediately (though, of course, that'd be swell), they will at least be more informed and begin to understand that vegetarianism is a statement against cruelty, and something you can be proud of! - Ryan

When I first went vegetarian, I had no idea how many people around me would feel offended. Before you knew it, I was badgering them all and making myself look crazy. It wasn't until I calmed down and just acted like my compassionate and calm self, that people around me started to open up. Slowly, every single one of my good friends went vegetarian, and are now mostly vegan—just because they knew I was, and started to ask questions. The sad fact is, most people never think about why they shouldn't eat corpses. Inform them, but make sure you stay positive and confident. You know you're doing the right thing but some people will want you to question your decision—don't! You don't have to do anything other than stay positive, and answer their questions politely, and you'll see a huge difference, I promise! - Rachel

I know exactly what you're going through—I dealt with this too, and still do! Tell them that if they want to harass you about it, then they should get their facts straight first—once you show them a video or a leaflet, then they might better understand where you're coming from. Sometimes, people come around later, even if they don't seem interested right away. That's why it's important to be patient with your friends and try to answer any questions they may have. Just remember not to force anyone to see things your way—you'll end up pushing them further away! Trust me, the older you get, the less other peoples' opinions will matter. If you're feeling alone, you can always join the peta2 boards and connect with other people that feel the same way you do! Don't forget that here at peta2, we're always here to help and support you; no matter how many times you get teased, we will always think you're rad for caring about animals! Love, Liz <3

Have a relationship question (that relates to animal rights, of course!) that you're dying for us to answer? E-mail peta2@peta2.com with the subject line "Help me peta2! I need advice!" and your question just may be answered by us in our next advice blog!

Comment with your own advice for Feeling Helpless! And to read past installments of the advice blog, click here.

Top 10 Ways to Start a Buzz About Animal Rights (and a FUN Video!) August 20, 2008

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We've all been in that situation. You look around and see hundreds of people walking by you in the school hallway. You remember that out of 100 of them, the majority are probably meat-eaters, many of whom are completely ignorant about what animals face when killed for food, clothing, or other industries. What a downer!

Well, it's time to change things! Why not make it so that EVERYWHERE students look around the school or college campus, they get "hit" by animal rights messages! A "Boycott KFC" stencil on your binder (pow!). An "I'm Not a Nugget" t-shirt in math class (bam!). A "Vegetarian Starter Kit" in the library (zing!). All those small "hits" add up, so even just walking between classes, people will immediately think "Wow, a lot of people here must be vegetarians. I wonder why somebody would want to stop eating meat?" That's the first step. :)

Ready to get people talking at your school? Check out this video to get started!



Pretty cool, right? Drop us a line to get started educating people at your school!

- Ryan!

P.S. - Don't forget to comment below, complimenting Rachel on her spectacular job acting in this video!

Totally Michael Dropped In To Say... August 19, 2008

Posted by Shannon Phillips | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

Hi everyone! Totally Michael dropped by again to talk about his new car, his new album (make sure you preorder!), and even better? Delicious vegan food! Check it out! - Shan

Yooooo!

Holy moley. So I've been in L.A. for a week partying hard and playing shows. It's been amazing. The weather is awesome. The people are awesome. The food is awesome. I'm sad to be leaving. I just ordered some sweet food from an amazing vegan restaurant here called Green Leaves. It's by far my favorite restaurant in the area. It's competely random, but they have a TV set up with Guitar Hero running. So while waiting on your food you can totally rock out. It's awesome. I got what seems to be a weird combo, but is actually the best thing EVER. Chicken & Pancakes. It's perfect! I had planned on taking a picture of it, but my friend's camera like just now broke. It looks and tastes delicious and you'll just have to believe me.

Good news! I got a car! Well, in a couple days I'll have it. It's a 91 Nissan Stanza. And get this. It has AC!! Holy crap. I've honestly never owned a car with AC and I'm almost more pumped about that than the fact that I'm going to be able to drive now. It has a bumpin' sound system which I've also never had in a car. I'm really excited to finally get off my ass and start touring. Here's what my car probably looks like.

We've got the promos for my new album! They look sweet. Check it out.


It's so crazy awesome that all of this is finally coming together. I feel like it's been forever. I'm really excited and nervous at the same time. The release date is October 14th. Preorders actually just went up if you're interested! You can get it here.

So I might be coming back to L.A. in a couple weeks to play the F Yeah Fest. There are a lot of amazing bands playing it. Everybody should go. It'll be amazing. But as always I'll keep you updated on my myspace. And I guess I'll close this with a photo of some sweet people I've been hanging out with. This was from Travis' birthday party.


See ya!

Michael

Texas Officer's Poor Behavior Contributes To Dog's Death August 19, 2008

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

I'm usually pretty good at keeping myself from getting really worked up over situations, but I was filled with sadness and anger when I saw this video. A San Marcos, Texas, police officer stopped a man who was driving nearly 100 miles per hour down the interstate with his girlfriend because their teacup poodle, Missy, was choking. Michael Gonzalez was trying to get Missy to the emergency vet, but Officer Paul Stephens detained them for at least 15 minutes, and as this ABC News story states, 3-year-old Missy died as Gonzalez waited for the officer to issue a citation.

The video of the incident is absolutely unbelievable. Stephens seemed to show no sympathy for the situation—he even said, "It's a dog. It's OK. You can get another one. Relax."

A dog is a member of the family. I think anyone would be outraged to see how Stephens acted in this situation. I can't believe someone could be so callous when Gonzalez and his girlfriend were clearly in a state of panic to get Missy to the vet. If I were in Gonzalez's situation, I would have been flipping out, too. Wouldn't you?

Please write to San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams, asking him to ensure that his officers are trained, and that departmental policies are amended or enacted, so that the community and its animals are afforded the very best quality of consideration in the future.

Seriously—I can't believe some people are this insensitive.

♥ Marta

Well, Well. Look What We Have Here. August 19, 2008

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 4 ) | TrackBack

Here are some things that have come across my computer screen this week which I am thrilled to share with you:

• A slaughterhouse worker suffered "moderate but not life-threatening injuries..." when a cow fell on him. Unfortunately, the cow did sustain a life-threatening injury from that dim-wit.
• This letter to the editor against the rodeo by Cassandra. (You should all write more letters to the editor).
• The Pop Sensation's song against animal testing.
• Californians For Humane Farms website. If you're in Cali, check it out please and add them on MySpace, too!

Click some links and see what you're interested in. As always, take charge of your world and make it a better place in whatever way you feel is most effective whether it's DIY or with a group.
-Pulin

Meat Spaghetti? August 18, 2008

Posted by Marta | Permalink | Comments ( 31 ) | TrackBack

You know how some parents resort to tricking their kids into eating certain foods when they're little? Try not to gag: "Meat scientists" have come up with a way to make meat into spaghetti to trick kids into eating meat. I thought seeing this picture was gross enough, but the video is definitely more disgusting.

Since many kids don't like eating meat, this product is being thought of as a "convenient yet healthy" food for families. Are you kidding me? This sounds like a product from that crazy Atkins diet craze a few years back. And wouldn't you love to know your parents tricked you into eating spaghetti made of cows and/or sheep?

We're all for "fake" products here at peta2—fakin' bacon and veggie burgers, for example. These products save animals' lives. Meat spaghetti, on the other hand, will not only cost more animals' lives—it's just downright revolting. Seriously, if you didn't check out the video yet, do so now.

Here's a radical concept: Why don't parents find other sources to give their kids protein? Hummus, bean burritos, and peanut butter sandwiches are all nutritious, delicious, and kid-friendly, so there's no need to sneak dead animals into kids' food.

Do you agree that "meat spaghetti" is disgusting?

♥ Marta

Ingrid Wants You To Work Here August 18, 2008

Posted by Pulin Modi | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBack