Students Protest "Call of Duty" Promotion of Cruelty March 24, 2009

Posted by Ryan at March 24, 2009 1:41 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 12 ) | TrackBack

Nobody likes video games more than us at peta2. So as you can imagine, we—along with gamers worldwide—were thrilled to see the release of the latest installment in the Call of Duty series last winter.

That is, until we actually sat down to play the game, which requires players to shoot dogs, and even offers the opportunity to unlock the "reward" of releasing a pack of attack dogs on enemies. I don't know about you, but in a world that already has so much cruelty to dogs and other animals, this is not exactly the way I'd prefer to spend my evenings.

Thankfully, we aren't alone. As the Lowell Sun is reporting, students at the Academy of Notre Dame high school are so outraged by the promotion of cruelty to animals in the game that they launched a petition to the Call of Duty publishers, Activision, which already has more than 100 signatures on it.

When asked why she wanted to make this issue public, the student animal rights group president, Breanna, told the paper (via GamePolitics.com):

"Killing dogs as a form of entertainment ... over and over again. That's one of the objects of the game," says Lucci, 19, a senior at NDA. "Parents need to know what they are buying their kids. Killing animals should not be a form of entertainment."

...

"My little 12-pound Pomeranian, Winnie the Pooh, is sitting next to [Lucci's brother as he plays the game], and I'm thinking, 'This looks horrible!'" Lucci says.

Lucci then adds, "My brother is a sweetheart. He won't be killing dogs after playing. But some people might."

We couldn't agree more.

What do you think? Post your comments below!

Start Off Your Week with Cuteness March 2, 2009

Posted by Marta at March 2, 2009 12:05 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBack

Check this out and be amused by the adorableness:

So cute! Have you ever been surprised by an animal in your yard? I used to always see raccoons and opossums in my parents' yard back home—and even saw some deer once or twice.

Wanna Be in a Pretenders Video? January 9, 2009

Posted by Patricia at January 9, 2009 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack

One of the animals' greatest friends (and one of my heroes), Chrissie Hynde wants you to be in a new Pretenders video.

Ever the activist, Chrissie has found a way to promote animal rights issues—specifically, what happens to animals killed for leather—and promote her new song at the same time. The Pretenders are looking for one lucky fan who also happens to also be an animal lover to appear in the official fan video for their new single "Boots of Chinese Plastic."

To enter, all you have to do is make a YouTube video for the song and show them your "boots of plastic" while you sing your little heart out. Pretty easy, huh? Click here to get all of the details from the woman, the myth, the legend herself.

How cool is that? Being flown to L.A. to appear in a video, just for spreading the word about animals who are killed for fashion—something most of you are doing anyway, right? Not a bad deal. And it's not every day that you get the chance to be in a video with an icon. My only problem with this is that I can't enter. But I'm not bitter...honest. Good luck!

Inspirational Video from American University! December 12, 2008

Posted by Ryan at December 12, 2008 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

As you may have heard last month, American University was named peta2's "Most Vegetarian-Friendly College" in the U.S. Of course, this victory didn't just happen out the blue. It was the result of a very dedicated dining staff (can we say "vegan Korean barbecue"?), and an exceptionally motivated student population. The victory was particularly surprising, considering that AU hadn't even placed in the Top 10 last year!

The contest created so much buzz around campus that a group of students decided to compile a video for their class project, talking about the competition! Check it out!

Inspirational story, right? It's like the Mighty Ducks of 2008, in my opinion.

Quack, quack, quack...

Chris P. Carrot and Nugget: A New Hope October 15, 2008

Posted by Lara Sanders at October 15, 2008 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack

The last presidential debate is on tonight, and I'm greatly disappointed that presidential hopeful Chris P. Carrot will not be taking part. I want to hear from Mr. Carrot on the issue most dear to his heart and mine—getting America to go vegetarian! To me, Chris P. Carrot stands for all the things that make America great.

Check out this important message from Chris P. Carrot, and you'll see my point:



Inspiring...I felt goose bumps of hope while watching it. Did you?

What makes Chris P. Carrot even better is his fantastic choice in running mate: Nugget!



Check out peta2's YouTube channel for more amazing videos!

xoxo-Lara

P.S. As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, we can't and don't endorse or oppose any candidate running for election or any political party. We also can't and won't approve comments about the actual election or the candidates running—so don't do it!

Sean Starkey and Jessica Louise - Fur Is Dead! March 28, 2008

Posted by Lara Sanders at March 28, 2008 1:24 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack

There is nothing better than fashion—especially fur-free fashion! That's why I am so very pleased to introduce you to our next two Fur Is Dead supporters: Jessica Louise and Sean Starkey!

Jessica runs an amazing custom clothing line, called Jessica Louise, which has been seen everywhere from the pages of AP Magazine to the back of Avril Lavigne. Jessica Louise Clothing can be described, much like the artist herself, as equal parts punk rock power and fairy-tale girliness. I love it!

Check out out Q&A with Jessica below:

What do you define as your personal style?
When I am going out for an event, my style is classic girly pencil skirt or dress with a ruffle stripe top custom jewelry by Natalia Fabia heels socks and sock garters.
If I am working, 100% all about comfort cotton t, jeans, hoodie, and Chuck Taylor's.

Do you have any fashion "do's" and "don'ts"?
Fashion do's: lots of bright cottons in soft textiles, be comfortable in your own skin what ever makes you feel beautiful (unless it involves the harm of another creature) is a fashion do.
Don'ts: super cut off jeans shorts where your ass hangs out with a cropped shirt and neon visor, spandex with sweat & head bands, gloves or any other object that is not actually a hat as a hat. And obviously any fur or pelt of any nature.

Why do you choose not to wear real fur?
Because my vanity is not more important than the life (or lives) of other creatures. There is no need to wear fur. There are so many beautiful alternatives. People who wear fur are under the false assumption that it makes them seem more sleek or expensive, when in reality it just makes them less appealing and trashy.

What is your favorite animal? Why?
Beaver - The waffle tail is appealing, excellent swimming skills, one of my favorite animals to draw and discuss.
Shark- Powerful magnificent and very scary.
Black Bear- Just beautiful I love bears I draw them all the time. My main logo is a bear head.
Sea Turtle- Sea turtles esp but all turtles for some reason make me smile. I see a photo of a sea turtle and it makes me happy.
Also Chihuahua, Red eared slider turtles, and adopted stray cats. We have a 2.1.1 ratio of those in our family.

Do you have a favorite vegetarian dish? If so, what is it?
Certainly: Amy's Soy Mac & Cheese. Who doesn't love mac & cheese, and this one is the best I've ever eaten- and I've tried a lot of different kinds.

Sean works for the absolutely amazing photography icon and PETA friend David LaChapelle, building and designing sets. He has also fronted two bands you might be familiar with: KarmaHitlist and ShotBlue!

Get to know Sean a lil better with our Q&A with him below!

What do you define as your personal style?
Civilized Disobedience in tight black Wrangler stay press.

Do you have any fashion "do's" and "don'ts"?
Dont's: Socks and sandals, cut off socks for wristbands, baggy Dickies, and squirts.
Do's: Tight jeans, slim fit t-shirts, corsets, way too many necklaces, and grandma sunglasses—looks jazzy!

Why do you choose not to wear real fur?
Because my dad was a hunter and used to kill animals. It grossed me out hardcore. It's traumatic. Only lame rich upscale wannabes would wear real fur. We're not bloody cavemen trekking across the Arctic. Use your brain. Clothing has evolved, and so should you.

What is your favorite animal? Why?
Meerkat. Meerkat Manor, need I say more? Top notch!

Do you have a favorite vegetarian dish? If so, what is it?
I like Soyriso...the Mexican dish, instead of chorizo. It's good in a tortilla with hot sauce. Boogie down now! (jazz hands)

Thanks guys!

xoxo-Lara

P.S. I just saw the Buzznet video from the Skelanimals' Fur Is Dead photo shoot, and it's amazing!

Check it out by clicking on it!

Get Your Eat On February 5, 2008

Posted by Marta at February 5, 2008 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBack

Hungry? Looking for something to eat at school? Want dessert? If you said "yes" to any of the aforementioned questions, check out the video below starring yours truly.

It's nothing fancy, but we wanted to provide you with a few easy ideas of what to eat when you go vegetarian/vegan. And yes, by watching this, you'll probably come to realize how weird I truly am—hey, it wasn't scripted, so I just said whatever popped into my head!

When I was in school, I used to bring hummus and pita to school with me all the time. I was addicted (okay, so I'm still addicted and bring hummus to the office with me all the time, too). Can you blame me? Hummus is amazing! I also bought lunch at school fairly often, since I was pretty lucky and had several vegetarian options at my school. Not so lucky? Maybe your school doesn't even realize there's a demand for animal-free food. Show them there most definitely is a demand by veganizing your cafeteria. You'll be our hero, for real.

If you bring your lunch to school with you, comment below with the grub you gorge on between classes. It's always pleasant to share vegan food ideas with others, right?

♥ Marta

Mary, Mary, Why So Hairy? November 2, 2007

Posted by Cassandra at November 2, 2007 6:08 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 8 ) | TrackBack

Have you heard Mary J's new joint, "Just Fine?" Positive, uplifting, soulful. I was listening to it through my headphones at work today, shoulders jumpin', I couldn't wait to get my weekend on! But then I checked out the video and it broke my heart - fur everywhere!!! That coat at the beginning is so big and hairy, I thought she'd been attacked by a coyote. I'm sitting there going "No Mary, behind you! Look out!" Sadly though, it's the animals who need to look out for Mary.

Photo credit: Flickr/Creative Commons.
Here's what I don't get: As a former victim of abuse, a big part of Mary's message focuses on standing up for what's right. Why would she turn around and participate in the cruelest, most abusive industry on the planet? I'm surprised she hasn't made the connection that, whether the victim is a woman, a child, or a chinchilla, it's abusive to make someone suffer just because you're more powerful than they are. I think once she gets that, THEN she'll be "just fine." Until then, I'll save my cash til Erykah Badu's new jank drops November 9th. She's fur free AND vegetarian. Vote with your dollar, y'all!

If you want to be a compassionate fashionista, take the Fur Free Pledge, and let people know that nobody's gotta die just so you can look fly.

Peace, y'all-
Cassandra