Natalie Portman Turns Up the Heat on 'Top Chef' October 29, 2009

Posted by Patricia at October 29, 2009 4:51 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBack

JFL / CC
Did y'all catch last night's episode of Top Chef? I admit, I do watch from time to time but their dishes are usually pretty, well, flesh-filled, and I can only take so much of that before I start yelling at the screen.

So last night, the always lovely and newly twenty-year vegetarian turned vegan activist Natalie Portman was the guest judge ... you can see where this is going, can't you? (Warning: If you haven't watched it yet, there are a few spoilers ahead.)

The "Quickfire Challenge" was about creating TV dinners that were inspired by iconic TV shows, and were of course, all meat-based. Then they announced that the "Elimination Challenge" would be at judge Tom Colicchio's Vegas steakhouse, Craftsteak ... yay, more dead animals, right? Wrong!

Enter Ms. Portman who quickly told the anxious chefs, "I love food. I love eating. I'm pretty adventurous with flavors and different cuisines and the one thing is, I'm a vegetarian." Yes!

Now I won't give everything away in case some of you haven't watched the episode (you must though, it's a good one!) but let's just say, she taught the chefs a thing or two. And score one for the animals!



P.S. Natalie says that it was an advance copy of Jonathan Safran Foer's new book Eating Animals that made her go vegan. For me it was all about the cruelty to animals that I learned about by watching videos like Meet Your Meat. What made you decide to stop eating animals or to make the switch from vegetarian to vegan?

Travis Barker is Veg Again October 28, 2009

Posted by Megan Rondeau at October 28, 2009 2:58 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBack
hollywoodismyhood / CC

We try to stay on our toes with the all the latest Blink 182 news, and today I'm happy to report that in a recent interview Travis Barker stated that he's back to being vegetarian and is "almost full blown vegan"! A longtime vegetarian, Travis fell off the proverbial wagon after sustaining serious injuries in a plane crash last year.

Fresh off Blink 182's sold out reunion tour, he's healthy as can be and back to being meat-free! He's even kicking it up a notch by ditching the dairy, saying that "once you find out all the crazy stuff with dairy, you'd probably second-guess it too." I'd say so!

Glad to have you back on the team Travis!

Win Heidi Minx's 'Home Rockanomics'! October 27, 2009

Posted by Patricia at October 27, 2009 4:24 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 31 ) | TrackBack

The fabulous Heidi Minx is at it again. Our good friend has penned herself a fab new book, Home Rockanomics, for all you DIY types out there whose style is a bit edgier than what you might find on one of those oh-so-popular design or home-makeover shows.

The talented mastermind behind Franky & Minx, Built On Respect, and Punk Rock Domestics, Heidi has often been labeled a "poster child for DIY," so who better to write this guide, right? I'm just happy she's sharing her crafty works with the rest of us!

Home Rockanomics is packed full of decorating tips, ideas for revamping your wardrobe, and yummy vegan and vegetarian recipes from Heidi herself, as well as some of her friends like Theo Kogan from Lunachicks/TATS, Sick of It All, Bif Naked, and Flogging Molly to name but a few.

Want to get your hands on your very own copy? Just comment below with your favorite DIY decorating or style tip and 10 lucky winners will be chosen at random by November 17, 2009. Winners will be notified by November 20, 2009.

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

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

Good luck!

Win The Summer Set's New Album! October 14, 2009

Posted by Cody Ammerman at October 14, 2009 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 63 ) | TrackBack

With so many great albums being released already this fall, it's starting to get tough to decide which album will be the one you blare in your school parking lot or at the mall to get people's attention. Will it be the new jam by The Swellers? How about the incredible new Paramore album? Hmm, tough decisions! Yesterday I picked up the new full length from The Summer Set, came home to make my BLATMmm, and caught myself wiggling a little bit, followed by some loud mumbles going along with the new music that I didn't know the lyrics to yet, and we all do it! Anyways, Brian Dales, lead singer of The Summer Set, was down to participate in this installment of the infamous "5 Questions" blog. Enjoy!

creative commons/victoria morse

1. What prompted you to become vegetarian/vegan? Were there any bands or books that influenced your decision?
I honestly became a vegetarian a year ago for health and dietary purposes, but last spring when we brought out our new vegan merch guy Dylan on tour with us I started really thinking and learning about the unethical treatment of animals and what I can do to get myself involved.

2. What are some of your favorite vegetarian foods?
I just eat a ridiculous amount of Mexican food on tour. Substituting anything with beans is really easy. When I'm home I really like making pastas and salads with Morning Star Grilled Chicken Strips.

3. Of all of the major animal rights issues, are there any issues that are particularly close to your heart?
Right now I feel really strong about cosmetic/personal care product testing on animals. The stuff I've been reading is awful and the tests that they run on animals are disgusting and unnecessary. I really hope this can be put an end to. Most of the companies don't even need to test their products on animals according to regulations.

4. If a fan were to approach you with questions about how to get involved with animal rights, what advice would you give him or her?
If a fan approached me with questions on how to get involved, I would tell them to reach out and get in contact with someone who works for an animal rights organization and to do their homework. It's very important to know just what's going on and the more knowledgeable and learned you are, the more suited you will be to help bring this to an end.

5. What does The Summer Set have coming up this year that we can be looking forward to?
Well we have our debut full-length album titled Love Like This coming out on October 13th! Right after that we are going out on tour with Cartel and This Providence for the remainder of the year and then you can probably expect us to tour throughout most of 2010 too. Come out to a show!

For your chance to win The Summer Set's new album, Love Like This, please leave a comment below with your favorite song that you like to groove to while cooking a tasty vegetarian/vegan meal. Two winners will be chosen at random. Entries must be received by October 28, and the winners will be notified by November 4.

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

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

Michigan Bans Crates and Cages! October 13, 2009

Posted by Rachel-O at October 13, 2009 1:54 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 6 ) | TrackBack

commons.wikipedia / CC

Mother pigs don't want to be confined in crates so small they can't turn around or lie down comfortably, and chickens don't want to be forced into cages so tiny that they can never spread a single wing—and now in Michigan, they won't be. Governor Jennifer Granholm has just signed a bill into law that phases out veal crates, battery cages, and gestation crates on farms across the state!

Of course, we all know that animals aren't here to be abused, slaughtered and eaten. They have feelings, have families, and feel fear before they feel the blade, and we all know that no animal should be born only to be killed at all—so why are we celebrating this victory for animals?

I was born and raised in the city limits of Detroit, Michigan, one of the coldest, harshest cities in the country, where both compassion for animals and people can sometimes be hard to find. It is truly amazing to see these laws for animals spreading in all parts of the country, from California to Michigan. I am vegan, and I believe in animal rights, and I also believe that if the fight for animal rights is all or nothing, it will simply be nothing.

There are millions of animals in cages right now, and in crates or chains, waiting for freedom. We cannot only answer to those who we want to never suffer, but those who are suffering right now. Eliminating veal crates—the crates that baby cows are chained to by the neck for most of their lives before slaughter, and battery cages—the tiny cages chickens are crammed into that are too small for them to even spread a wing, will not be the end of the fight, nor is it the beginning of the fight—it is progress in the fight.

We are making a difference, but as much as we'd like it to, the whole world won't go vegan overnight, it's going to take time. For the millions of animals who are suffering in these devices of torture right now, the elimination of these cages and crates means less pain, and less suffering—how can anyone who cares about animals not support that?

Congratulations on helping to show people—including lawmakers—everywhere that animals matter. Keep up the good fight!

Update on Beastie Boy Adam Yauch October 9, 2009

Posted by Megan Rondeau at October 9, 2009 5:20 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBack

In July of this year, legendary hip-hop pioneers, Beastie Boys, surprised fans with some really upsetting news. Via a video posted on their website, MCA and Ad Rock (a.k.a. Adam Yauch and Adam Horovitz) announced that the Beasties would have to cancel their upcoming scheduled performances and postpone the release of their album, Hot Sauce Committee Part 1. Adam Yauch was diagnosed with cancer after a tumor was discovered in the left parotid gland in his throat. Immediately, get-well wishes and messages of support starting pouring in for the singer, who has done so much for music, culture, and the betterment of humanity for so many years.

creative commons / michael morel

I'm pleased to announce that upon his return from India, Adam is feeling "healthy, strong, and hopeful" that he's beaten cancer. During his stay in India, Adam attended teachings by the Dalai Lama and was treated by Tibetan doctors who recommended he adhere to a "vegan/organic" diet.

Glad to hear you're feeling better MCA! peta2 wishes you a speedy recovery!



P.S. Changing what you eat can change your life. A vegan diet has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.

NHL's Georges Laraque Stars in New peta2 PSA! October 9, 2009

Posted by Patricia at October 9, 2009 5:04 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack

I'm not a big sports fan but I do love me some hockey. So how excited was I to find out that Georges Laraque is vegan because he doesn't want to contribute to the suffering of animals?! Um, very.

I was even more excited when the Montreal Canadiens enforcer agreed to star in a veggie testimonial video for peta2. Check it out.

Georges also took the time to answer some questions for us, so check out his interview to find out what first convinced him to go vegan and how he feels about animals in general.



As it turns out, Georges is a force to be reckeoned with on the ice and off the ice—if you're cruel to animals that is. It's nice that such a big tough guy is really a sweetheart when it comes to animals. Georges also donated a signed hockey puck and a glossy photo which you can win.

For a chance to win, comment below by October 22, 2009 telling us who your favorite vegetarian athlete is, and why. The most fanatical comment will take home the prize. The winner will be notified by October 26, 2009.

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

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

Good luck!

A Metal Band's Pro-Vegan Rant October 9, 2009

Posted by Shannon Phillips at October 9, 2009 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack

I like my metal like I like my food ... vegan. So you can imagine how stoked I was when I recently came across a pro-vegan blog from the drummer of the Lifeforce Records metal band, Name.

Name's drummer, Bobby Gibbs, wrote the blog debunking the myths of a meat-free diet from a vegan perspective—touching on topics like protein deficiency and canine teeth, and responding to comments like "you shouldn't talk, cause you kill plants." If you like your pro-veg arguements on the crude, albeit humorous side, look no further than this blog.

Here's one of my favorite exerpts from the section on protein deficiency:

"There is no such thing. Look into it. And look at me. You can tell I work out. You wouldn't be able to tell if I wasn't getting enough protein. Cause I'd be hella skinny and wouldn't be able to flex my boobs at people like a total douche. But let's get into the science of shit ..."

See what I mean? Aside from being funny, Bobby makes some good points, so check out the rest of the blog here and visit their MySpace for music and tour dates. If you're interested in seeing how we would answer some of the same questions Bobby addresses in his blog, check this out.



Disclaimer: The opinions of Bobby Gibbs do not necessarily reflect the opinions of peta2. However, we did laugh ... a lot.

peta2's Sandwich of the Week: Veggie Dogs October 8, 2009

Posted by Pulin Modi at October 8, 2009 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 10 ) | TrackBack

Listen, I know that veggie dogs aren't really considered "sandwiches," but it's something in between bread, so I think it fits the definition closely enough to make this a sandwich of the week!

So anyway, if you're wondering what to eat and interested in a simple, protein-packed meal why not bring some veggie dogs for lunch?

You probably don't need a recipe or instructions, but to humor you I'll include some anyway ...

Step 1. Buy veggie dogs and bread.
Step 2. The morning before you go to school, cook the veggie dogs according to the instructions on the package. I'm lazy so I microwave them. You might care to boil them or use a fancy pan or indoor grill. Whatever makes you happy, you know?
Step 3. Put the veggie dogs in the buns.
Step 4. Wrap the veggie dogs and buns in aluminum foil. They'll stay warm and fit perfectly in your lunch bag.
Step 5. Go to school and eat! Remember to recycle the foil!

As I mentioned, I can get pretty lazy, so I just swiped some bbq sauce, mustard, and ketchup from the fridge at work for lunch today, but you can mix it up with Chili 'Dogs' or whatever else makes you happy.

It's seriously such a great alternative to the old standard of PB&J, so give it a try for lunch sometime soon. And bring an extra for a friend to try, will ya?

Does that sound easy enough? What's your favorite topping for veggie dogs?

Bridge 9 + peta2 = Awesome! October 6, 2009

Posted by Shannon Phillips at October 6, 2009 4:20 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

We started with a DIY approach, our names are followed by numbers, and we both have longtime vegetarians, vegans, hardcore kids, and animal activists as employees. So what the heck am I talking about? Bridge 9 Records and peta2, of course!

Victoria Morse / CC

Aside from being a friend to peta2, Bridge 9 is also home to legendary hardcore bands like Strike Anywhere, Death Before Dishonor, H2O—and newcomers like Defeater and Dead Swans. Aside from great music, Bridge 9 can also promise you several things:

• No neon (Check out B9's Warped Tour shirt here. It won Absolute Punk's best shirt of 2009!)
• No auto-tune.
• Higher stage dives (... or so I hear).
• Excellent customer service.
• The most ridiculous/addictive messageboard ever, the B9.
• No animals were harmed in the making of their products.

AND ... a sheet of peta2 stickers with your order. Yep, you heard me right! When you place an order from Bridge 9 Records, you'll find a peta2 sticker sheet among your hardcore goodies. On the flipside, when you put in an order for peta2 Street Team goods after getting active for animals, you'll find a Bridge 9 sampler CD in your package. This sampler has 14 tracks from bands like Crime in Stereo, Have Heart, Paint it Black, and Ruiner. Trust me, it rules. So if you want a copy, make sure you join our street team and get active for animals!

Bridge 9 and peta2—together, we are an unstoppable force.



P.S. Support DIY labels, record stores, venues, and bands—and continue getting active for animals!