Merry Saturlina

Hi everyone

Hope you are having a wonderful holiday. I have a break from work for a few weeks and have not posted in a while, so decided to today. I have faced many iffy situations over the past few weeks which are indeed bloggable, however, i just could not be bothered and have been far too busy buying into consumerism!

I recently watched FOOD MATTERS, an interesting documentary about the medical industry and nutritional therapy. Here is a synopsis; "Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine, And Thy Medicine Be Thy Food." - Hippocrates That is the message from the founding father of modern medicine echoed in this brave new documentary film brought to you by Producer-Directors James Colquhoun and Laurentine ten Bosch. 'Food Matters' is a hard hitting, fast paced look at our current state of health. Despite the billions of dollars of funding and research into new so-called cures we continue to suffer from a raft of chronic ills and every day maladies. Patching up an over-toxic and over-indulgent population with a host of toxic therapies and nutrient sparse foods is definitely not helping the situation. In a personal quest of discovery James & Laurentine together with a film crew and the editorial and production expertise of Enzo Tedeschi have set out on an independent mission to uncover the wholesome truth. The filmmakers have interviewed several world leaders in nutrition and natural healing who claim that not only are we harming our bodies with improper nutrition, but that the right kind of foods, supplements and detoxification can be used to treat chronic illnesses as fatal as terminally diagnosed cancer. 'Food Matters' seeks to uncover the business of disease and at the same time explore the safe, cheap and effective use of nutrition and supplementation for preventing and often reversing the underlying causative aspects of the illness. With the premise of the film being: access to solid information helps people invariably make better choices for their health. The 'Food Matters' duo have independently funded the film from start to finish in order to remain as unbiased as possible, delivering a clear and concise message to the world. Food Matters."

However, I hear that FOOD INC. is better. I have not got my hands on that DVD as yet. Food Matters has got me eating far more nutrients and raw foods in my everyday diet :)

(Edit: FOOD INC. I did not like. It is very pro happy meat which I found unsettling).

I read this great post by Gary Francione on his website ABOLITIONIST APPROACH...I felt it was very appropriate;


"Speciesism occurs when we accord a different weight to a similar interest on the basis of species.
An example of speciesism is vegan bashing. We all agree that human slavery—however “humane”—is morally unjustifiable. But animal slavery—if “humane”—is defended by some so-called animal advocates who characterize veganism as “absolutist” or “purist” or “fundamentalist.” This is speciesist. Nonhuman animals have an interest in not being treated as human resources just as humans have an interest in not being treated as the resources of other humans.
I am an absolutist about human slavery. Humane slavery—however “humane”—is not morally justifiable. I am absolutist about racism, sexism, and heterosexism: I think that all of these forms of discrimination are unacceptable and that we should not promote “humane” versions of discrimination. I am an absolutist about animal exploitation, which cannot be justified even if “humane” (which it is not in any event because of the property status of animals). To be vegan is not to be “absolutist” in any way that is different from being an “absolutist” with respect to the fundamental rights of humans.To maintain otherwise—to engage in vegan bashing—is merely an example of speciesism."

I am an absolutist about fundamental human rights. Torture, rape, child molestation, etc.—however “humane”—are not morally justifiable.

And in signing off...here's a hilarious little comic;

Pets

Friends

My current stance seems to be wavering. On one hand, I think that though we are indeed aiming to abolish the cycle of breeding more animals as 'pets', we have a moral obligation to assist those already in this system (e.g dogs in pounds etc). But also, part of me thinks that we should be able to co-exist - why do we say animals cannot be part of our society? isn't THAT speciesism? 

Other individuals who disagree with me state that it is hypocritical having this stance because in owning a pet I am displaying that I am supporting the system and perpetuating the idea of animals as property. And, in supporting this idea, I may also support the notion of dumpster meat eating (by vegans) as it is the same concept.

I have been toiling over this. My ideas in relation to that argument are;

1) Everything we do can be hypocritical. The only way to be a true vegan is commit suicide. In eating a Vegie Burger on the side of the street it can, to a passer by, perpetuate the idea that burgers are good and go eat a beef burger - not knowing the reasons behind that very burger. Similarly, a passerby may not understand my reasons for homing a rescued animal and assume it the norm and do their daily business. This leads me into point two...

2) It is worthwhile in weighing up the benefit you can have in abolishing the system whilst being amongst it and educating the public as opposed to displaying no compassion and remaining out of the system. In being 'in it', not only do i maintain the opportunity to help lives, but I also maintain myself in a position to teach others about it and begin the snowball effect of rejection of a) breeders/pet shops and b) bringing more into existence (desexing).

From this thread I quite liked Silverfire's response and sums things up nicely:

"We could act like perfect beings in a perfect world.

Instead, I believe we must act like compassionate beings in an imperfect world.

We must of necessity 'pick up' after those who don't feel the need to. The world will remain this way until a critical mass is reached.

I don't believe this critical mass will be reached by point blank refusing to care for lost, abused and abandoned animals. I'm quite certain that the abuse will continue. It will be 'hid' by less compassionate means.

I think we need to work toward a more compassionate world on all fronts, and by demonstrating leadership.

Leadership and wisdom are not demonstrated by the widescale abandonment of either children or animals. "

3) I see a big difference between a vegan homing a rescued animal and eating the flesh of a dead animal. Yes, both perpetuate the idea of animals as property - but the key difference is that the pet issue is an exceptional case as through participating in the system, we can indeed work together to slowly abolish it whilst at the same time working together to assist the 'slaves'.

In homing a rescued animal and taking up every opportunity to talk about it you're a) starting to mainstream rejection of the continuation of the system (long term) and b) helping a life (short term).

4) It is EXACTLY like open rescue. Though our desired end result is abolition - in the short term we help as many as we can now, try to protect the ones trapped in the objectifying system whilst working slowly to change it.

5) It's our nature to nurture and care. We should not reject this. We nurture children, same as how we nurture our non human friends - what we need to do now is discontinue classing them as beneath us or 'ours'. So, let's try to work together compassionately. Threads like this are a great read: http://www.vegsoc.org.au/forum_messages.asp?Thread_ID=4082&Topic_ID=8

And they get me to wonder whether co-existing is possible? But if we did choose this path would we be able to remove the property status of non humans?

x

A

Calling for the divinity to prevail!!

Hi everyone

My friend Tom sent me an article about how South Africa are wanting to slaughter ten cows to 'bless' the ten stadiums for the World Cup.

Mkiva states, "We must have a cultural ceremony of some sort, where we are going to slaughter a beast. We sacrifice the cow for this great achievement and we call on our ancestors to bless, to grace, to ensure that all goes well. It's all about calling for the divinity to prevail for a fantastic atmosphere,”

The whole thing baffles me. How can humans consider the slaughter of an innocent animal be a method to call upon the divine? How can we be so void of rational thought or compassion that we fail to see what we are really doing?

I say these South African officials need to go buy some FRY's Chicken Schnitzels or Sanitarium Hot Dogs and have a BBQ! I am sure that would generate more delusional blessings than their cow slaughter ;)

This is what we need more of...

I found this article entitled; Turn Over a New Leaf, Vegan Diets are Moving More Solidly into Mainstream.

This article had an almost orgasmic reaction from me. This is what we should ALL be aiming for.

Here's a snippet of the article; "But forget the things you've heard about this type of cooking being boring and tasteless. Vegan gourmet is in, and that's no tofu baloney.

Vegan cookbooks, complete with glossy, gastro-glam pictures and sassy attitude, are sprouting like wheatgrass.

BabyCakes, a high-profile Manhattan vegan bakery, and other upscale vegan confection shops have propelled the vegan baking movement into the mainstream."

"As recently as five years ago, a vegan diet was considered alternative and radical," says Mary Lawrence, owner of Well On Wheels, a Connecticut-based personal-chef service that provides vegan meals prepared in clients' homes. "Now, with the new emphasis on healthy lifestyles, people are more open and interested."

Lawrence, who also teaches vegan cooking classes, says the availability of ingredients and meat alternatives has made vegan eating an easier choice."

This is what we need to be aiming for in our community - mainstreaming veganism into the norm! By doing so, we will encourage others to adopt it and learn the reasoning behind it. In sending death threats or putting slaughterhouses on fire, we create the image that we are indeed extreme, radical and violent. People like Pip with her delicious food blog...or Tart n Round cafe on High St, they do more for our cause than that PeTA donation or violent behaviour. I know I have said this over a million times, but some people just don't get it!

:)

x

A

Un-Australian To Not Eat A Non Human

Friends,

My freakishly annoying friends are back at it again! It seems that now they are offering to pay the Police Department in Vallego to drive with PETA signage on their cars. What signage you ask? Well, it wouldn't be Peta if it were not scantily clad women on the cars. The signage doesn't look as bad as some of their campaigns, but it is not helpful, either. The only response Peta will get from this is 'Fuck Vegans'. My tolerance level of this ridiculous organisation is at an all time low. With SO much money, why can they not do something useful for the AR movement as opposed to making a mockery of it?

On another note, does anyone remember those Australia day ads from 2005 which basically said if you do not eat lambs on Australia day, you are Un-Australian? I heard on the radio today they are thinking of bringing those ads back. It is media like this which perpetuates the idea that veganism is extreme and/or weird. It is media like this which provide all the more reason for us to mainstream our ways and promote a positive image.

For those of you who have forgotten the ad...

--------------

Script in English
SFX: Advance Australia Fair

Sam: There’s nothing worse than being un-Australian. I should know, I’ve been Australian all my life. And I’m sickened by the creeping tide of un-Australianism eroding our great traditions, like our custom of eating Lamb on Australia Day. Un-Australianism is everywhere. For example, people wearing those plastic, brightly-coloured flip-flop shoes with flowers on them. What’s wrong with rubber thongs in simple primary colours? If I hear another person say “thong”, when they mean those swimming costumes poncey Brazilian blokes wear up their bums, I’ll do my block. Sadly, the scourge of un-Australianism has even infected our national day. A balanced Australia Day diet should consist of a few nice, juicy lamb chops and beer. (And perhaps a bit of pavlova for those with a sweet tooth). Yet your long-haired, dole-bludging types are indulging their pierced tastebuds in all manner of exotic, foreign, often vegetarian cuisine: chicken burger value meals, pizzas, a number 42 with rice… It’s an absolute disgrace. And people ask why we need capital punishment. Do you think the diggers in the trenches were fighting for tofu sausages? No, they were thinking of grabbing a lamb chop off the barbie with their bare fingers, sustaining third degree burns, then sticking their hands into a relieving esky to fish out a cold one. Look at our national song, Waltzing Matilda. It’s about a bloke trying to get a nice bit of lamb into his tuckerbag, not spicy chicken wings. The soap-avoiding, pot-smoking, hippy vegetarians may disagree with me, but they can get stuffed. They know the way to the airport, and if they don’t I’ll show them. So the message is clear – even for you backpackers: roll out the barbie, ensure the gas bottle’s filled, stack the fridge full of lamb, and prepare the invitation list. So don’t be un-Australian - serve lamb on Australia Day. You know it makes sense. I’m Sam Kekovich.

Brief Explanation
In a spoof of a party political broadcast, we give Australians a funny reminder that it would be un-Australian to celebrate our national day without eating lamb.

Personally, I find this highly offensive because I refuse to be labelled Un-Aussie because I do not support violence. In fact, I think it is fair to say as a vegan i am more Aussie since I truly believe in giving EVERYONE a 'fair go' ;)

Favourite Movie Junk Food!

It is an unwritten Universal law that all beings must have a junky snack at the movies. Below are my favourites in order of preference!

#1: Coke and Popcorn. A must. Generally popcorn is vegan as to cut costs they use salt/oil flavouring or nature identical butter flavouring which means the flavour is chemically synthethised as opposed to derived from the original source. Personally, I prefer the salt/oil combo and like to steer clear of the nature identical flavouring but I am not too pedantic about it. Hoyts/Greater Union/Grand Cinemas are safe from when I last checked.

#2: Either Bacon Pringles or Texas BBQ rock my socks if I cannot have popcorn. Or maybe I can have popcorn and I will have these as well. Whoa. They even have a little checkbox at the back assuring the buyer they are indeed vegan. Some vegans argue that the company who make this are evil thus supporting them is not morally acceptable. I disagree, I think, consumers need to support any vegan product - no matter who makes it, because it is increasing demand for vegan products as opposed to doing nothing.

#3: Hard Jubes. I love them really hard and chewy. And that is what you get for AU$1 at KMART.

#4: FRYS Peppermint Cream Chocolate Bars. They also come in orange and plain cream. Simply delicious - but one is never enough. Usually find these at random petrol stations, SUPA IGA's & Woolies.

#5: Arnotts Choc Ripple. These are too delicious and a great Ninja Vegan product! I can demolish this packet in under 1 second. True story.

#6: Chupa Chups. Its between these and Skittles. I choose these because they last for ages and the flavours are so intense! I love orange and cola the most.

ZOMG! Soyshorts

Thanks to Phil, I am now a proud owner of 3 pairs of SOYSHORTS! They come in an adorable Hessian bag!

Cheesecake, Skins & iPhones

Hi all

Been a while since I posted. I don't really have anything to say. I have had a busy few weeks!

On a bad note, I have gained weight. I am eating too much dessert. But I just cannot help myself. Food is too delicious.

I made this Dark Chocolate Tart;


The tart I did quite like - but not as much as I would have if it were white chocolate, instead. I will try that next time, i think. The texture/consistency was spot on, though. And the raspberries added a nice touch.

So, what's new?

I recently ordered a cheesecake for Phil from a place called 'From Earth and Water' in Miami, Queensland. They are an organic, raw food dessert company. As much as I feel inclined to support vegan companies as there are just so few of us - let alone raw foodists - what do you do when the business owners are rude and childish? I found them so frustrating and unprofessional, I never want to deal with them again! Such a shame. The owner Nicki was indeed one of the most childish women I have ever met! Why? Well, as an exmaple, it states on their website they do deliveries...so I order a cheesecake (after trying to call over 30 times!!) and request delivery at exactly 9.09am. They deliver the cake 3 hours late, did not call me to notify or pick up any of my calls or return my messages. Once I finally get hold of her she claims 'I am not a delivery service and I made an exception!'. Hmmmm....you would think, a proper business owner would, in an event of being late a) call the customer, explaining the problem; b) offer compensation for the inconvenience e.g $x off the price c) not absolve responsibility by saying something silly like 'I am not a delivery service'....especially when on their website they claim to be! Not recommended at all!

H20 have launched a new Vegan Skincare Range. This is very exciting. Body cream, body oil, body mud! Mmmm, yes please!

For those who are fortunate to own an iPhone, I imagine the cost of it has left you going without food for months. If you are like me, you want to guard your iPhone with your life, so here is a cheap solution...'iPhone Recession Case'. Haw haw. I want one.

On a more serious note, I want to pose the question; how would you feel, as a vegan, going to the Royal Show? Would you even go? If you are not from Australia you may not be familiar with what it is - essentially, it is a carnival-like Agriculture show with rides, showbags, displays and amusements. Unfortunately, the animals ARE the amusements.

Actually, I will stop myself right there. Do you think that by referring to a non human as an animal, it perpetuates the idea that they are beneath us (in this given society)? Does referring to them as animal segregate us? Because quite frankly, we do not consider ourselves animals - we are (apparently) civilised human beings.

Having animal status is feral/stupid/uncivilised/dirty/beneath human status. I think it is similar to referring to non humans as mass such as pork, steak, veal etc, as it otherises them. E.g a common term used to describe someone in a negative way 'Omg you are SO feral', 'You dirty dog!', 'You are such an animal!'...

Anyway I am now off, thanks for reading my dribble.

x

A

Pole dancing, fun for the whole family

A pole dancing doll for kids -- click to see!

!

Chocolate Coffee Cream Deliciousness

I made this today....

Design went a bit haywire as should not have unnecessarily used the white icing - but i wanted to try it. Its nicer than the black icing as it isnt shiny, but matte.

Above: My dinner

Above: Cake before I iced it. Looks lovely like that, I reckon.

Fucking and Punching

Hi all

Carole Pateman writes, "The patriarchal construction of the difference between masculinity and femininity is the political difference between freedom and subjection."

My friend Sarah linked me to this article: Men, Woman Divided Over Sex Bill...."The bill, which is designed to outlaw marital rape, was tabled in the House of Assembly last month." ....."Coralee Clarke told the Journal that although she is not married, she believes that a man is entitled to sex from his wifewhenever he feels like it.

"If a man wants to have sex with his wife he is supposed to [have sex with her] regardless of what the circumstances [are]. I don’t see why he should be charged with raping his own wife, she is never supposed to say no," said Ms. Clarke."

This article is from the Bahamas but don't be fooled this mindset also still exists in the US and Europe. It was not until the late 1970's that most states in the US did not consider spousal rape a crime. And up until 1993, North Carolina Law stated; "A person may not be prosectuted under this article if the victim is the persons legal spouse at the time of the commission of the alleged rapeor sexual offense unless the parties are living seperate or apart". Currently in 7 states in the US, if spousal rape were to occur, the punishment is now 2 to 10 years imprisonment whereas rape - not within marriage is 10 - 35 years imprisonment! Non spousal rape also has a shorter reporting timeframe. Furthermore, for example, in Tennesse, it is only considered spousal rape if it is committed with a weapon, causes bodily injury to the other person or if the other person has filed for divorce/living seperate.

So incredibly backward! I think it is good that we have (are) making progress in eliminating the law saying intermarriage rape is ok - but the fact that there are clear distinctions between non spousal/spousal rape is bewildering. All rape is rape. No means no by either party!

Though, I find it amusing and saddeing how some believe she (the wife) is never supposed to say no. She should want her pussy to be fucked as it is her mans right.

What I find very interesting about this article is how hyped up and amazed people get over it, yet we fail to realise that such exploitative mindset exists, interwoven into our current society whether we realise it, or not. I have been beginning to question such things like - why DO women feel incomplete without makeup, why DO women need heels in order to feel sexy? Why is our culture designed in such a way that the commodification of our bodies is so entrenched as being normal that it is never questioned? Why do we commodify ourselves and consider it empowering? Do we consider when we commodify ourselves that we are perhaps disempowering other women?

And it all comes down to this Patriarchal bullshit society of ours.

Pretty object (animal/female) vs. Woman of substance at equal level as man

Very good excerpt from 'Feminists for Animal Rights'

In patriarchal society women and animals are….

raped, beaten, hated, enslaved as pets
exploited as wives, sold for money, used
for entertainment, cheap labor, sex experiments...

In patriarchal society women and animals are
considered…
inferior, "cute," childish, uncontrollable,
emotional, impulsive, instinctive, irrational,
evil, property, objects...

In patriarchal society women and animals are
referred to as…
chicks, bitches, pussies, foxes, dogs,
cows, beavers, birds, bunnies, kittens
sows, lambs, shrews, geese, fillies,
bats, crows, heifers, vixens...

Every year in the United States alone…
Billions of animals are enslaved, tortured and murdered in
"animal agriculture," vivisection laboratories, the
entertainment industry, by hunters and fishers,
in traps and on fur farms, and by other modes of
human exploitation

*Our use of the term "animals" is a concession to common usage and is not intended to suggest the idea that humans are not also animals.

Sweet Activism

On Saturday, I attended a VEGAN BAKE OFF at the Anarchist Bookstore in Northcote, Melbourne. My cake won Best Dressed (oooer!) and came second in Best Tasting! WOO! I do not see why, though....EVERYONES cake was incredible. This is what I call activism, if only more non vegans knew of this (a future note!) :)

Check out the pics below!

^^ A few cakes from the bake off! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

^^ Amazing Rainbow Cake! I was so amazed at the perfection of colours....and the taste was divine. Perfect consistency and the icing reminded me of kids parties.

^^ Good cake, sweet presentation and good flavour all round!

^^ This won best tasting - and well deserved! I was mighty impressed by presentation and taste.

^^ I liked these. But I tried them after I had heaps of cake so i liked them less than I normally would have. Cheryl, however loved them.

^^ OMG PIRATE SHIP! I didn't actually eat this...I am unsure as to who did.

^^ This one was put on fire!

^^ The cake at the back is the cashew/chocolate cream pie which was ridiculously nommy! Teeny bit bitter but nothing a bit of agave or less intense dark choc couldn't solve - I think it should have won a prize.

^^ Mine is the black and white one.

^^ Me with my prize! (yes, i realise I am exceeding the lame-ness factor)

Answer to Global Warming: Eat Camels!

Hi all

I read this article in regards to the growing camel population issue in Australia. Naturally, our response is violence. After all, civilised behaviour is beyond us.

Read some interesting excerpts from the article:

"The animals, which now number more than one million, are destroying fragile ecosystems and trampling all over indigenous sacred sites. They foul ancient water holes and chomp through the boughs of endangered native trees.

Travelling in large, aggressive packs, they prevent Aboriginal women from venturing into the countryside, for fear of being attacked or trampled.

The situation is expected to get worse, with the camel population predicted to double every eight to 10 years unless action is taken.

The problem has grown so large that the Australian government recently pledged £10 million towards developing a camel control plan, which is expected to involve shooting them from helicopters.

His viewpoint is supported by environmentalists, who say that lean camel meat is not only healthier than beef and lamb but that by eating a beast known as "the ship of the desert" Australians would be doing their bit for climate change and conservation."

This article compells me to go buy a camel hump right now for dinner. After all, I would love to do my bit for climate change!

But in all seriousness, this article reminds me of just one thing - our species. Our species are the most destructive. We destroy natural ecosystems, trample over indigenous sacred sites, foul ancient water holes, destroy endangered native trees - and so much more!

Really, it would be morally consistent for those supporting this culling - or any culling of any species - to also support the culling of our own, given how destructive and damaging we are. Unwanted babies, vegetables and useless old folk should - by the culling logic, go.

This whole thing reminds me of a previous post regarding selective speciesism. Remember the puppy who was killed by two thugs? He was poured with love and affection by the masses. He even got surgery and thugs fined $75,000!

Or Michael Vick's dog fighting - the mass opposition and jail sentence he faced for his actions displayed the disapproval from everyone for his 'bad' deeds.

But, why is it that puppies and cats are given such high regard if they are hurt, whereas camels, kangaroos, chickens, cows, pigs, foxes is ok?

Logically it makes no sense. It is merely a nonsensical decision humans have made and over time it has manifested into the norm.

In my opinion, if you can justify culling a species because it is being destructive - you should be comfortable with the killing of ANY species, be it cute puppies or kittens as well as your own kind.

I am growing mighty tired of this ridiculous violent species that I am a part of. It is disheartening that we cannot stop and think of sterilisation of our first option or relocation rather than to kill and furthermore commodify the beings by wishing to create a 'sustainable agribusiness' from them. What's even more enraging is the final line of this article;

"Camels were imported into Australia from the Canary Islands in 1840."

We started this. We introduced them - now THEY have to pay for our actions. Typical.

Double standards adopted by the masses

Hi all

I recently stumbled across an article 'Murder of an Innocent Puppy: Help Stop Cruelty Towards Animals'.

"Innocent Puppy"..."Murder"

What interests me here, is that it is considered murder when one canine has been killed - but it is not murder if millions of chickens or cows were killed? What makes this even more of a joke is the use of the word innocent. Does this mean cows and chickens are not innocent - is this why killing them is not murder?

The only reason killing them is not murder is because of sociatel conditioning, we have grown to regard dogs and cats as being a superior species to say pigs, chickens and cows. Dogs and cats, in the western world, are 'great companions' not 'burgers'. The whole idea is ridiculously illogical, I don't even know where to begin. With what basis do we assume one species is 'better' than the other that we can strip it of its life for no real necessary reason and the other gets to sleep on ones bed?

"But for the sake of some little mouthful of flesh we deprive a soul of the sun and light, and of that proportion of life and time it had been born into the world to enjoy." - Plutarch

"Animal rights experts have called this the "most horrific [case of animal cruelty] in Australian history." The video revealed that the two men used garden shears and a pocket knife to cut at the puppy, torturing it before they finally killed it. They first stole the puppy from a house in Railway Parade, Moranbah. Then, they cut off the limbs of the puppy, including its right leg and rear left leg. Then decapitated it. Then cut open its stomach from head to tail. Then cut off it's nose. And then they dumped it on the side of the road. Throughout the torture, the yelps and barks of the puppy are scattered throughout the video, while it was still alive." Yes, this sounds absolutely horrific - barbaric - murderous! As much as my heart yelps in pain for what this dog experienced, I can't help but think of the millions of others who's pain is disregarded in the name of meat and dairy.

Somebody made a comment on the article, stating the following; "This is sad. It is so good to know that no one actually gets away with a crime. It is all seen and registered. There is an accounting."

I am sorry, what? These thugs were charged with $75,000 for the murder of the puppy - yet the murder of millions of animals is legal and accepted. A deathly crime is committed every second of every day - and they get away with it. They will continue getting away with it unless you take a stand.

The only reason meat and dairy exist is because of you, the consumer - demand drives supply, as we are all well aware. Don't buy speciesism - support locally produced wholesome food and clothing.

Oh, the irony!

I hate to say it, but I was wrong. This is a rare occurance, so enjoy it whilst you can ;)

Do you all remember Oprah's 21 day Vegan Cleanse? I do. I thought it was fantastic. Her turn to veganism was for the wrong reasons, though - it would seem. All the vegan bloggers and radio hosts who got so excited about this groundbreaking occurance can now sit with their soy lattes and just laugh at the irony.

This is an excerpt from her blog; "...What I'm only now realizing, though, is that while I think about food so much and have used and abused it as a substitute for contentment, I've never been a conscious eater....Oh, I've flirted with the idea of conscious eating—which for me, until recently, meant taking smaller portions, putting down the fork after every bite, not eating to fill emotional voids. But that is just one level of consciousness. Kathy Freston, in her book Quantum Wellness, struck a nerve for me by speaking of a higher level of awareness, what she calls "spiritual integrity."....I learned a lot about how animals are treated and mistreated before they get to our tables. It is appalling and beneath our humanity to allow the torture of animals for the sake of our gluttony. We've neglected basic human decency on such a large scale, and it really does bleed over into every other aspect of life...." Read more here: http://www.oprah.com/article/omagazine/200810_omag_from_oprah

I would have thought she would take the Welfareist path after this cleanse and start eating Happy Meat...maybe even go vegetarian....or God forbid, vegan!

But no.

Another interesting article I read this morning was entited "Fox hunting ban 'harms animal welfare"

...here is an excerpt; "HUNTERS say a new report has "vindicated" their arguments against a ban after it concluded the activity is the most effective way of controlling foxes, and that all arguments of cruelty are "invalid".

The publication states hunting with hounds is "demonstrably the natural and most humane method of control", and there was "never any scientific evidence" to support a ban.

The all-party parliamentary Middle Way Group worked with the Veterinary Association for Wildlife Management to produce the document, which concluded the hunting ban of 2004 is "unscientific, unenforceable, socially divisive, and harms, rather than improves, animal welfare".

So, killing foxes is the natural and most humane method? Clearly sterilisation or relocation is barbaric in comparison. It is a wild claim to suggest that death is the most 'effective' way of control. What should we do about all the overpopulation of our species in certain countries? Kill the babies and elderly? It is the most effective way, after all...

I Ate A Dead Bird

Hi all

The title reads correctly. Yesterday I ate a dead bird. Obviously, I did not choose to do so - but rather, did so in blind innocence and the kicker is that it tasted so much like Mock Meat, I did not even notice the difference. My friend and I ordered two Vegan Chicken Burgers at East Brunswick Club (Herein EBC) on Lygon Street in Melbourne. For those who are unaware, EBC are a very laid back, casual pub who serve delicious vegan pub food dishes. Yesterday, however, they slipped up.

As Cheryl and I waited for our burgers we eyed off the possible vegans sitting around the venue and checked to see if there were any good looking men. There weren't. We were, however, greeted by a lovely chap emitting a strong waft of alcohol and rather unpleasant bodily odour who tried to offer us coke from his half empty 600ml bottle. Anyone who calls me Senorita and does not pronounce it properly, offers me coke from their half drunk bottle and does not wash - is out of the game.

Anyway back on track, Cheryl got her burger first and started to eat. Ten or more minutes later I recieved mine. The waitress stated "Here is your Vegan Chicken Burger". Naturally, I would assume it is indeed a Vegan Chicken Burger. Quarter way through the burger I noticed a difference in the colour of mine as opposed to Cheryl's. We studied, taste tested again and concluded mine was indeed a dead bird. So, we called the waitress, she confirmed it was and apologised.

So, what compensation did EBC provide us with for this huge mistake causing immense pain and suffering for my fragile brain? They gave us free Peanut Butter Choc Chip Cheesecake. Enough? I suppose.

But this made me feel funny. I have rambled on before about where you draw the line when you consume something and how I treat it as a case by case basis. Well, in this case, I was more than happy for them to throw it away and give me a new one. I felt sick. I felt disgusting. I felt unnatural.

Though, mind you, the funny thing is - now that I have tasted both I can confidently say that yes, the vegan version tastes much better. Its texture/contents was just so much tastier than the 'real' thing.

Moral of the story? Meat eaters really cannot use the 'meat is tasty' excuse and free cheesecake is delicious.

Above: Peanut Butter & Choc Chip Cheesecake that Cheryl and I got. I did rather like it, reminded me of Snickers.

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Why I dislike PETA

PETA bother me for two main reasons:

a) They promote 'happy' meat and a welfareist approach. I disagree with the notion of 'humane' exploitation. Exploitation on any level is unacceptable. It is like being against Pedophilia by only touching the child in less intimate places so it emotionally damages them less.

b) Turning a serious subject into a peep show is useless. It generates the wrong kind of attention. Meat & dairy production are at the highest rates that they have ever been, and numbers are growing in the US. Clearly PETA's campigns are not working. (Sure, some may have become vego from PETAs efforts...but im talking on a grand scale). PETA needs to learn to first show respect for humans. Carol J Adams mentions in her book "Pornography of Meat" how animal rights movements are corrodded by the attitudes of people who do not truly respect human beings. This is true, how do we expect to respect other species, when we dont even respect our own and portray them as meat itself? Campaigns embodying sexism cannot and do not lead to a shift in consciousness about speciesism. Subconsciously in ones mind the women being presented as meat in fact perpetuate the exploitation of animals. Many vegans and vegetarians i know say "oh yes but PETA do so much for the animals!! theyre not perfect and their campaigns get attention at least!". Sure, their ads get attention. But the wrong kind. Facts speak for themselves.

I am all about female empowerment through our sexulality, dont get me wrong - but the women in PETA ads are for the most part portrayed as vulnerable pieces of meat. The 'I'd Rather Go Naked than Wear Fur' campaign is the best example...

I felt like blogging this now as i had been thinking about it today.

Anyway, it is 2.30am...bed time, I think!