BlondeInTheBleachers

Berlin Trip

2009-09-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been in Berlin now for the past five days, and while I can say that I am enjoying myself, it would be untrue for me to say that I am having as much fun as I did in Paris. It isn´t that Berlin is bad, or anything like that...It just is not as exciting as Paris was. Interestingly it is true that the majority of people that we have run into do, in fact, speak very good English...and also, most people here are quite friendly. Finding vegan food has been challenging...mostly hit or miss, because some of the information on Happy Cow.net has not always been the most up-to-date, but for the most part I´ve had no trouble eating. We went to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe a couple days ago, and I am not ashamed to admit that I had to compose myself because I could not help but cry. Today, we went to the Sachsenhousen Concentration Camp, which also was quite shocking...It´s just so hard for me to believe that people could actually be CAPABLE of that type of savagery and that much evil. But of course it did happen. I couldn´t help but think of my two Jewish friends Kim and Virgil, and how much different the world might have been for them if Hitler had won the war, instead of losing it. I´m so glad that he did not win it. In any event, we´ve seen several other sites around Berlin so far, and as I said, it´s been an enjoyable trip, but I did like Paris more. One thing I can´t get over here is all the graffiti all over everything! There is graffiti on SO MANY buildings here, all over the place! It´s not like it´s just in one place, either...It is everywhere! So that took some getting used to. I do miss my fur babies though, and I´m ready to get back to them...But we´ve still got quite a bit to see!

Life Changes

2009-09-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how we hate for things to change in our lives, and when they do, how we react so strongly to them? I recently went through such a change, one that really hurt me. I had been spending lots of time and energy (and invested quite a bit of my emotions), with a group of people that are helping to change the world...At least, helping to change the world for animals. It was a great source of comfort, accomplishment, and solidarity for me, at least in the beginning. But it's really sad when one becomes disillusioned with people, after seeing what they are truly like on the inside. That's sort-of what happened with me...I became involved "on the inside," and I realized that quite a few of the people were not everything I made them out to be in my mind. So now, I find myself adrift again, wanting to help animals but not sure at this point how to do so, because I can't allow myself to be involved again with people who have no integrity in their personal relationships, or even in how they view the world. I truly don't know what to do. I know that I'll be taking a break, and that my upcoming trip to Germany will be a welcome relief from the stress, drama, and upheavals of the last three months or so...But what about when I return? What direction will my advocacy and activism take then? What will I do with myself? These are the things I do not know. I have found myself quite sad lately over all these negative changes (at least, in my view), and I don't know how long it will take me to bounce back from it. One thing is for certain: I will never give up on my dream of a world where non-human animals will no longer be exploited, tortured, abused, or misused by us human animals. I can't let go of that wish and desire. But this whole experience does leave me wondering (once again) about the integrity, honesty and trustworthiness of the people I meet, both within and without the AR movement.

Yet MORE Baltimore Police Harassment and Illegal Arrests!

2009-04-03T07:36:00.002-07:00

The following was posted by one of my fellow activists on Indy Media last night, after the illegal arrest of one of our other activists....

Another activist arrested in Baltimore while leafleting at Ringling Brothers Circus

An animal rights activist was arrested tonight, April 2, 2009, in Baltimore. He was legally and peacefully protesting the treatment of animals at Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, which is showing at the 1st Mariner Arena.

Adam Ortberg arrived to join other leafleters in front of the arena, and was met by a plain-clothed police officer who is always seen at Baltimore Ringling shows. The officer told Adam that he was a "marked man" and that if he stepped over an imaginary line that they designated as a "no leaflet zone" (on public sidewalk), that he was going to jail for 18 months. It was obvious Adam was singled out amongst the rest of the activists by these police, as they hadn't said anything at all to any other activist present tonight.

Preparing for the usual infringement upon Baltimore activists' rights, another activist took out her camera phone and began videotaping the scene. One of the plain-clothed cops saw her filming, walked over, and put his camera phone approximately 3 inches in front of her face. This is an obvious violation of police conduct. In an effort to protect the activist, Adam put a leaflet between the activist's face and the cop's camera. At that point, the cop told Adam he had assaulted him. Luckily, the whole incident was filmed, and what the cop claimed was obviously false, as it clearly shows in the footage.

The activist who was filming told the police that there would be yet another lawsuit filed against them for false arrest and harassment. She was then told that if she "kept talking" that she'd be "locked up" as well.

Several activists politely asked the cops for their badge numbers, and all were either completely ignored or rudely declined. All were caught on film.

The video of the incident will be uploaded after clearance from Adam's lawyer, as there will be a false arrest civil suit filed against the officer.

Last Wednesday, another activist, Aaron Ross, was arrested in front of the 1st Mariner Arena, for leafleting at the Ringling Brothers show. He was told he crossed the imaginary line into the "no leafleting zone" (on public sidewalk). As with all of the approximately 20 arrests of Baltimore animal rights activists in the past year, he was released with no charges.

This is what the Baltimore City Police Department likes to refer to as a "walk through," when a person is arrested, taken to booking, processed, and released with no charges. Police succeed in getting protesters away from the scene by giving unlawful orders and then arresting, but then they are not held accountable for the false arrests, as they personally do not have to pay the settlements to the falsely arrested activists.

This is a disgrace to the people of Baltimore. Our tax dollars are paying police to harass and falsely arrest peaceful activists, while the crime rate in Baltimore is outrageous! The murder rate in Baltimore is 5 1/2 times the national average, yet police are wasting time hassling people who are merely handing out leaflets and holding signs for abused circus animals.

Another Undercover Investigation Into an Egg "Farm."

2009-04-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

Well of course I've been saying it for a long time, but here is yet again FURTHER proof that factory farmed animals are being abused...Right here on video. This is exactly why people should not be eating eggs....And this is exactly the sickening, depraved stuff that egg-laying hens go through every single day.

Abortion VS. Animal Rights

2009-03-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've been wanting to talk about this for a long time, but finally felt that today was the day...Many times when AR activists are out leafletting, protesting an animal abuser, or talking to people about veganism/animal rights, we invariably get the one idiot (or sometimes two or three), who tries to shut us up by saying, "But I bet you're pro-choice, aren't you?" Of course, this is merely a tactic that they use to, as I said before, shut us up. But I finally felt like it was time to talk about why the two really have very little (if anything) to do with one another, and why just because one exists (abortion), doesn't mean that is an excuse for the other to exist (animal abuse/exploitation).
It all started because last night (LATE), I posted a comment to an article that someone sent me about a disgusting "sport" (I use that term VERY loosely) in which people use hounds to chase fox or coyotes sometimes to their deaths (and sometimes not to their deaths). Oftentimes, the fox or coyotes are ripped apart, literally. Now in fairness, yes the properties are usually quite large, but they are also fenced, leaving an ultimate limit upon how far the fox can run. These types of places are really quite similar to canned hunting "ranches"(If you don't know what canned hunting is, look it up. If it doesn't sicken you, get psychiatric help). And yes, there are so-called "hiding spots," but when you're one fox or coyote being chased by numerous dogs, the chances are more than likely that you're going to be caught.
Now in my mind, any rational, feeling person with a normal set of emotional responses to the world around them, as well as a normal brain chemistry, would think such an event distasteful at the absolute best and downright disgusting at worst. In my opinion, it's simply barbaric and savage. But, I digress...onto the abortion issue....
Of course there was someone who defended their love of these disgusting displays of savagery by pointing out that we shameful animal rights people usually support abortion, and how could we? Well of course I would be lying if I said that there aren't animal rights people who support abortion...However I personally know some that do not. Abortion is a very complicated, emotionally-driven, hot-button issue in this country (and in most others, I imagine), and in my mind it is not always as cut-and-dried as activists (on either side) would like it to be.
However, AR and abortion are mutually exclusive in my mind, and have nothing, really, to do with one another. Here's why, in my opinion: 1) Animal Rights (at least as far as I understand it) concerns the well-being of someone who is already here (the animal/animals in question). Abortion concerns the well-being of something that is not even here yet. Why do I use "something" for the abortion statement? Simple....A fetus is a something, not a someone (up until a certain point, that is, in my opinion, which I will go into in a moment). 2)A living, breathing animal (or a living, breathing human, whether baby, toddler, juvenile, or adult) cannot be frozen for use at a later date. Embryos most certainly can be frozen or used at a later date. Try this with a baby, which clearly is a life, and I think you'll see how horrific the results will be. 3)An animal that has already been born can survive out of its mother's womb, as can a baby. Of course I make this statement with the understanding that the afore-mentioned animal or baby has no underlying health issues that would prevent him/her from surviving and living in a normal manner. An embryo or fetus cannot, at least not before a certain stage of development. 4)Whether you agree with abortion or not (and as I said, I know people who are both vegan and AR activists who do and do not support abortion), that does not make animal abuse excuseable. In fact, if you value life so much that you are anti-abortion, it seems that you would also value an innocent animals' life as well. 5)Whether some of us in the world like to admit it or not, animals do, in fact, suffer. They scream, wail, squeal, struggle, moan, and try their damndest to escape whatever torture is being inflicted upon them. They want to live as much as you or I do, and you can see in them as well as in a child that if you hurt them, they do suffer. I know lots of people out there want to make themselves feel better by saying this isn't true, but you and I both know you're lying to yourself in order to make your animal-abusing ways okay in your own mind.
I am sure I could go on and on, but I think you are all seeing where I'm going with this. A few further things I want to say as far as my own personal opinion (call them my own personal "caveats" or "qualifiers" if you wish).....I do personally believe that once a baby is capable of surviving outside the womb, that yes it is a life. I also personally believe that abortion under that circumstance (what I understand to be called "late term" abortion) should be severely restricted. I think that if the mother's life is in danger or if the child would be born so developmentally disabled that it would cause a severe hardship on the child, then abortion would be a viable option. I always believe that the life of the mother is the first concern. And I could certainly see why no parent would choose to have a child that would be extremely deformed or disabled. Some parents still choose to do so, however, and I think they should be allowed this decision. Some people call us hypocrites if we support abortion yet fight for the rights of animals. What I find fascinating about this is that they are also hypocrites, because many of these same people have never even set foot in an adoption agency, much less thought of adopting/fostering an unwanted child. But yet they preach about being so concerned for the lives of babies/children. They are also many of the same people who preach about not wanting to take care of other people's children & familes (I.E. welfare, etc.), but yet they want to force people who probably wouldn't be great parents to begin with to have a child they probably don't want and may very well be unable of taking care of. And you have churches who are so socially irresponsible that they go to countries where people can barely afford to feed themselves and tell them that birth control is a sin, but while they are watching their children starve to death they should pray and God will take care of it...all the while, their kids are still starving to death. How many of them, when they are sitting in their churches listening to their pastors talk about the evil sin of abortion, hear that same pastor also talk about their responsibility to help the children who are unwanted and unloved in our foster-care system? I wager a guess that there are very few of them. Having gone to evangelical churches as a child and as a young adult, I never remember once hearing any anti-abortion pastors encouraging adoption. They're all concerned with the fetuses lives before they get here, but once they're born that seems to be secondary. Also, many of these pro-lifers (although I know not all of them) feel that abortion should be illegal under ANY circumstance. What does that mean? Simple: If a woman is raped, she should be forced to have the baby. If a woman is the victim of incest, and gets pregnant, she should still be forced to have the baby (I know this sounds extreme, but folks, there are many pro-lifers who believe this..although again I say I know not all of them do). Do you want YOUR mother or sister being raped by a family member and then being forced to have that baby? Do you think that is right? Seriously? There are those who even believe that if a woman's life is in danger, she should still have the child and take her chances and that "God will take care of it." I know all of us can probably remember seeing news stories about women who forego cancer treatments so that their babies can be born, and then these mothers die of cancer. So sure, they had the baby, but now the baby has to grow up without a mother! BUT these same people will tell you how wrong it is not to have a "mother and father" household, b/c they are against single parents and (God forbid) gays raising kids. So, they'll let the many thousands of kids languish in foster care while they encourage more to be born to people who don't want them, all the while telling gay men and lesbians and single men/women that they shouldn't be adopting kids and giving them love. After all the only kind of love that is real and valid is the love of two evangelical opposite-sex Christian parents (of course I say this with complete sarcasm, as I believe love is a good thing all the way around).
I guess where I'm going with this is as follows.....If you are a vegan, have adopted children who would have otherwise languished in the foster care system unwanted for years, and have at least some basic concern for the rights of women to make their own choices regarding their OWN bodies and health (and this includes my very own mother, thank you very much), then you have a right to question me on abortion. But don't you dare preach to me about the sanctity of life when you condemn innocent animals to the most horrible, unimaginable lives possible each and every day through the choices you make at the supermarket. Don't you dare.

Corrupt Cops

2009-03-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

Well once again the police in Baltimore, Maryland have proven what corrupt and evil BASTARDS they are, by ILLEGALLY arresting peaceful protesters. As if this is anything new. I was at a protest this evening against a restaurant that serves foie gras, and before we were there five minutes, we were swarmed upon by the crooked ass Bmore police. This has happened several times, first at Brighton's restaurant, and now at Corks, which is the restaurant we were protesting this evening. The cops have a much longer history of harassing activists of course, particularly the group of activists that I am involved with, but the incidents and Brighton's and at Corks are the ones I have seen with my own two eyes. I'm utterly amazed and shocked that they are allowed to legally get away with it. Actually, strike that...it's not LEGAL, they just think they're getting away with it. As if we are going to roll over and play dead. The protests are completely legal, because we are using public sidewalks, and not impeding anyone's progress along the sidewalk...plus, as long as we don't have more than 25 people we are not required to have a permit. The police continually tell us that we 1)Have to have a permit, and 2)That we are being "disorderly." Well anyone familiar with police harassment tactics knows that disorderly conduct is one of those blanket charges that cops come up with in order to intimidate people into stopping whatever it is that they are doing.

Just so I am clear, let me reiterate, that we ARE NOT doing anything illegal. We are not harming anyone, we are not preventing them from going into the restaurant or moving along the sidewalk, and we are not violating any of the protest-related laws of the city of Baltimore. Further evidence of the fact that we are not violating the low is how, after each and every single arrest that I have personally seen, the people arrested are NOT charged with ANYTHING. I have seen at LEAST five arrests of this kind myself, with my own two eyes. It's appalling to me that the police are allowed to continually harass and arrest people without charging them with anything, only as a method to "shut them up."

Interestingly enough, not only were the arrests illegal on free-speech grounds, but ALSO, one particular cop that always seems to appear at our protests and harass us (often-times by swinging his night-stick as he is walking up--CLEAR intimidation and harassment), also keeps arresting people who ask for his name and badge number...By the way folks, this is information that he is LEGALLY REQUIRED TO GIVE! Let me repeat...When an officer is asked for their name and badge number, they are LEGALLY REQUIRED TO GIVE IT! He arrested an activist tonight simply for asking for his name and badge number, which we have on video. This man was arrested for nothing more than requesting to know who this officer was. OBVIOUSLY if these officers were on the up-and-up, they wouldn't refuse so blatantly to give their information. Another glaring indictment of their true intentions. This is also the second time I have personally seen this same officer do that very thing: Arrest an activist merely for requesting this jerk's name and badge number. The first time was a few weeks ago at Brighton's. That particular time, after the activist asked for the name/badge number, he was thrown into a wall and arrested. We still do not have his name and badge number; however we do CLEARLY have his face on camera, committing this illegal offense. Also, we have him clearly on camera as he is tearing up some of our protesting posters and signs, and flatly refusing to give them to someone else in our group who was not placed under arrest. It's CLEAR that these officers care nothing about the law...they are merely trying to intimidate people whom they don't agree with.

Whether you care about foie gras, or animal issues in general (which I freely admit that I think you should), you still need to WAKE UP PEOPLE AND REALIZE that cops are out there abusing their power, and they will do it to ANY activists that they don't agree with. This is, first and foremost, a FREE SPEECH issue...and don't think that it will stop with us, because it won't. Activists have the legal right to peacefully protest, and this is why lawsuits are often won against police who continually insist on falsely arresting people. If it happens to us, don't even think that it couldn't just as easily happen to someone else. Shame on the cops in Baltimore for abusing their power this way, and shame on them for not enforcing the laws fairly. Just because they don't like us or what we stand for, it does NOT give them the right to illegally arrest us, over and over again, nor does it give them the right to wantonly mistreat us. If anyone wants further details about what we were doing/why we were there, or further details about exactly what happened at the arrest, please contact me directly and I will let you know.

2009-03-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

Dogs Need Help!!!

2009-03-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

These very adorable puppies, moms w/pups and dogs are scheduled to die THIS Thurs., 3/26 at the high-kill Murray County Shelter (just north of Atlanta and just south of Chattanooga, TN)! Please say you can help them live!!

NOTE: The pups must have a rescue lined up ASAP, but can stay at the shelter a couple days longer if needed. Also, free transport to Atlanta is available. + transport to the NE and Midwest available

We're very adoptable!

032209 014 Sweetie 11-mo-old lab mix boy is calm and nice. He enjoys being with people and w/ other dogs. He will make a nice family pet.

031809 005 i - Friendly 1 1/2-yr-old rottweiler mix boy is nice and sweet. He does nicely with people and w/ other dogs.

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032209 006 PUPPY Cutie 16-wk-old pit mix is friendly and nice. He is great with people and w/ other dogs.

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031809 001 i - Beautiful, little 5-mo-old aussie mix puppies were born to a purebred aussie mommy. They are fun and friendly. They get along great w/people and w/ other dogs.

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031509 - NEUTERED – Sweet 1 ½-yr-old neutered mix male is very friendly. He enjoys people and other dogs. He will make a nice pet.

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032209 017 Cutie 1 1/2-yr-old lab mix girl is fun and friendly. She does great w/ people and w/ other dogs. She will make a nice family pet.

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031509 023 MED-SIZE DOGS, PUREBRED?, BONDED PAIR - Cutie 11-mo-old shepherd mix girl is calm and gentle. She does fine w/ people and w/ other dogs. She weighs just 35 lbs. Her companion also is a 11-mo-old lab mix girl. She also is good w/ people and w/ other dogs. The two are very close friends.

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032209 016 Fluffy 1 1/2-yr-old girl is nice and friendly. She enjoys people and other dogs.
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013009 006 SMALL DOG - Adorable little jack mix boy is sweet. He does great w/ people and w/ other dogs. He weighs just 35 lbs.

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031809 006 ii - Friendly 1 1/2-yr-old plott hound girl is sweet and nice. She enjoys being w/ people and w/ other dogs of all sizes.

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032209 013 TINY DOG - Precious little 1 1/2-yr-old jack mix girl is very sweet. She does well w/ people and w/ other dogs. She weighs just 15 lbs.

Please e-mail or call ASAP (e-mail usually quickest way to reach us)! We will respond in the evening. Your rescue help is appreciated!

Lisa Hester

lisakhester@bellsouth.net

770-441-0329

Pauline: 706-463-2194

Joanie: rescue_angel_7@yahoo.com

Winter Vegetable Medley Wrap

2009-01-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest weekly recipe from Meatout Mondays.....ENJOY!

Winter Vegetable Medley Wrap

Vegetables are nutritious super foods. High in fiber, they offer a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other important nutrients that help protect the body against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Here’s an easy, colorful wrap for lunch at school or work, or even a quick satisfying dinner. Feel free to add your favorite veggies and garnish with lettuce.

Ingredients:

1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup chopped carrots
1 Tbs. lemon juice
¼ - ½ tsp. salt
dairy-free tortilla wraps
hummus (to taste)
sunflower seeds (to taste)

Directions:

In a food processor, roughly chop broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots into a slaw; sprinkle with lemon juice and salt and mix.
Lay out a tortilla, spread with hummus, place desired amount of slaw over hummus, and top with sunflower seeds; wrap it up, eat, and enjoy.

For this and other great recipes visit www.VegWeb.com!

Jury Duty Identity Theft Scam

2009-01-16T13:30:00.001-08:00

Well I just found out about this today, and just in case I thought I'd post it as my blog entry for the day...You never do know when something like this could happen to you, so here's the information in case anyone is interested....

This has been verified by the FBI (their link is also included below). Please pass this on to everyone in your e-mail address book. It is spreading fast so be prepared should you get this call. Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but there are enough people skipping out on their civic duty that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced.

The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security Number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo---your identity was just stolen.

The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma, Illinois and Colorado . This is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud.

Check it out here:

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm=20

And here: http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/juryduty.asp=20

Please make sure to pass this on!

Hooray For Students In Vermont

2009-01-07T11:18:00.000-08:00

It's so great when government actually does something good...ESPECIALLY when they do something that helps the animals. Vermont has passed legislation allowing the students there to choose not to dissect animals, which is a wonderful step in the right direction. Now, students won't have to take part in this gruesome spectacle, which came about in order to teach kids "Life Science." Of course, most animals used for dissections are provided by biological supply companies, which are quite well-known for getting their animals in less-than-honorable ways. In fact, many dogs & cats that are used for dissection have been bought from "Class B" dealers, who oftentimes get PETS who have either wandered off or been downright stolen from their yards (I know some of you will find this hard to believe, but it is, in fact, the reality.). The animals involved have been reduced to nothing more than a commodity, with a price affixed to their heads, which these people are paid for providing them to the biological supply companies. And of course the ways in which these animals are killed are quite a bit less than humane. Many of the companies gas the animals, which is certainly not pleasant for the animals, and usually occurs in front of other animals awaiting the same fate. Here you have a crate of cats, dogs, or whatever, and they see another crate full of animals go into a box, and then after a time they come out all dead. Need I really say more?
So, KUDOS to Vermont...yet another state to at least respect their students' rights by allowing them to choose not to take part in cutting up a dead, mistreated animal to learn about "life."

My Awesome Friend Lisa

2009-01-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

Well of course as I thought the party went off without a hitch on New Year's Eve, and as far as I could tell everyone had a great time. There was lots of vegan snack food to be had all around, including my delicious hummus, which Lisa thought was great and of course which I liked. But, Kim thought it had too much garlic (Sorry Kim!). Anyway, Jack & I spent the night at Lisa's of course, since it's 2 hours and 15 minutes from my house, and the next morning she made us an awesome, delicious breakfast of pancakes, tofu scramble, and seasoned potatoes. But what I really wanted to write about today was just about how awesome Lisa really is as an activist and as a person. No matter where we are or what we are doing, she never forgets the animals: She is always thinking about them. And, she never misses an opportunity to educate others, or to put herself in a situation that may not necessarily be comfortable for her. And I truly love her for that. Watching her in action, I find myself jealous and wishing that I were the kind of activist that she is. When we were in the Whole Food Market yesterday, there was actually a lady there in a full-length, neck-to-ankle, mink coat. Anytime Lisa sees someone in a fur coat, or with fur trim on his/her collar, she will immediately make a beeline for that person and ask them if they are aware of the immense suffering that the animals go through in order to provide them with that fur. And yesterday was no exception: She walked right up to the woman, who I'm sure in her mind she knew was not going to be overly receptive to her message, and confronted her about the cruelty involved in the making of said coat. She made the woman aware of what happens to the animals, to which the woman replied: "Yes, I'm aware of what happens to them, and I'm entitled to it (the coat) if I choose to wear it." Of course Lisa then replied, "No, you're not entitled to it at all." I was so proud of her. She marched right in, thinking only of the animals, and never once worrying about herself. I've also seen her do this to women who are with their boyfriends, men who are bigger and much stronger than Lisa is herself. It doesn't matter to her: She really and truly thinks of the animals first and of alleviating their suffering in any way that she can. I only pray that I can continue to be more and more like her, and to let my passion for saving the animals' lives override my fear of the unknown, as she does. She is truly a model activist.
On a side note, it is absolutely insane to me that there are people in this world who have the attitude that the fur-wearing woman had: That they are "entitled" to things, no matter what the cost, just because they are walking around on the planet. Who in the hell "entitled" anyone to anything? That's exactly what's wrong with a lot of people today: They believe that they should be able to get anything they want, no matter what it does to someone else. It's so disgusting that there are people who think that they are entitled to wear skins on their backs that were stolen from their rightful owners by torture. And as a person who used to walk around wearing leather, let me just say folks that when you really think about it, it's quite gross: Fur and leather are SKIN that has been peeled off of an animal that in many cases was still alive when it was peeled off! You're wearing SKIN! Wake up and smell the coffee people! It really is time to stop this madness. Anyway that's enough of my soapbox for today.

2008-12-31T12:50:00.000-08:00

WELL....Here is another year gone by again...And I'm gearing up for a New Year's Eve party at my awesome friend Lisa's house...Yes folks, a vegan party, and I'm excited! There will be games played, laughter and fun all around, and of COURSE....drinks! This year, I'm bringing one of my favorite drinks, which I haven't had in years....Captain Morgan spiced rum and Dr. Pepper! I know it sounds crazy, but boy oh boy is it delicious! The last time I went to a party at Lisa's house, we played what I like to affectionately call "drunken Catch Phrase." Catch Phrase is an awesome game on its own, but when you're doing it with a buzz, it's hilarious! Lisa and I always make each other laugh anyway, and our good friend Kim is going to be there too, so it is sure to be a night of fun. They both make me laugh at myself, and at everything else too, so I can't wait! And I'm thrilled that our party will be a cruelty-free party, which is always a good thing. I hope that all my friends and family enjoy a very Happy New Year's Eve and New Year's Day....And I hope that all of your parties, as well as your new year to come, are cruelty-free and vegan. If you haven't done it yet, now is definitely the time. You won't regret it. As for myself, it's one of the best and most rewarding decisions I've made in my life.

Thanksgiving Cruelty

2008-11-20T10:30:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving looms upon us again this year, I just wanted to take this opportunity to inform any of you out there that may read this, of the intense cruelty that is involved in your "Turkey Dinner." I urge you to watch the following video, with this statement: If you can't bear to watch the way that animals are treated in order to bring them to your dinner table, then you ought to know that you have no right to eat them. I am urging anyone out there who reads this to choose compassion this Thanksgiving and to not eat any dead, tortured animals. Trust me, there is nothing on this entire earth more tortured than a bird raised for food. Chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys are treated so badly that it's like something out of the worst horror movie you could imagine. Only, it's real. See for yourself:

http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/turkey_investigation

Prop. 8 in California

2008-11-14T09:12:00.001-08:00

Well suffice it to say that I am super bummed about this...It's sad to know that people actually are in favor of taking someone else's rights away...And that I am that someone who is perceived as not being an equal human being, worthy of the equal protection of the law that the Constitution is supposed to guarantee to all of the citizens of this country. The following video sums it up quite nicely...a commentary, by Keith Olbermann. I saw it on another friend's blog and decided to share it on my blogs as well. It's a bit long (six-and-a-half minutes), but well-worth listening to. I think it sums up the whole argument quite nicely.

Yummy Recipes!

2008-11-11T09:49:00.001-08:00

Okay so again, as I've done in the past, I'm going to post recipes to my blog today...I think from time to time I will continue to do this, because who knows maybe someone will read this and see that the recipes truly sound delicious and try veg. food for the first time. Changes often start in small increments, and why not use my blog to get some good food out there! Even if only one person reads this (which is probably true), if they use the recipe that's a start. So anyway, occasionally, dear reader (LOL) you will see recipes here again.......

Easy Veggie Loaf
(Courtesy MeatoutMondays.Org)

4 cups veggie burger crumbles (2 packs; try Yves "Ground Round")
1 cup raw rolled oats or quick oats
1 1/3 cups potato, peeled & grated
2 medium onions, finely minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic granules
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. savory
1/2 tsp. dry basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. sage
1/2 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Mix all ingredients together well in a large bowl with your hands.
Press the mixture into an oiled or nonstick 9x5" loaf pan. Cover with a thin layer of ketchup, barbecue sauce, or tomato sauce, if you like.
Bake for 1 hour, covering the pan with foil for the first 1/2 hour.
Let the loaf stand 15 minutes; turn out on a plate.

Poached Pears With Raspberry Coulis
(Courtesy VegCooking.Com)

Makes 4 servings

2 1/2 cups white wine
2 1/2 cups water
1 1/4 cups sugar
Peel of 1/2 orange
Juice of 1 orange
4 firm pears
2 cups fresh raspberries
Juice of 1/2 lemon
• In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the wine, water, sugar, orange peel, and orange juice.
• Leaving the stems intact, carefully core and peel the pears, using the small end of a melon baller to remove the core from the bottom. Cut a thin strip off the bottom so that they will stand up. Gently place into the pan.
• Simmer, uncovered, for 10 to 20 minutes, rotating frequently to assure even cooking. When soft but still firm, remove from the liquid and chill in the refrigerator.
• In a blender, purée the raspberries with the lemon juice until smooth. Press through a fine sieve to remove the seeds. Serve with the poached pears.

Pumpkin-Ginger Parfaits

1 (15 oz.) can pure pumpkin
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. ground coriander
1/8 tsp. salt
3.5 oz. tofu, pureed
1 tsp. corn starch
2 Tbs. water
1 1/2 cups soy yogurt
2 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbs. powdered sugar
12 gingersnaps, broken into pieces
4 parfait glasses

Mix pumpkin puree in a pot with cinnamon, brown sugar, spices; warm over low heat.
Add the pureed tofu to the pumpkin mixture, and mix well.
Dissolve the corn starch in the water and add to the pureed pumpkin mixture.
Raise the temperature and stir pumpkin mixture until it becomes thick; remove from the heat and let it cool (Note: place in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow it fully set).
Drain liquid from soy yogurt and thoroughly combine with powdered sugar and vanilla.
In parfait glasses, layer the pumpkin mixture, crumbled gingersnaps, and soy yogurt mixture; repeat the layers and top with a dollop of soy yogurt and a few cookie crumbs.

2008-11-04T03:07:00.000-08:00

Well, It's a little after six a.m. on Election Day, and I'm waiting for the polls to open here in Maryland at seven so that I can go vote! Anyone who knows me of course knows that I NEVER get up this early, unless it's something important. And boy oh boy is this election important! I've had so many emotions and thoughts over the past few months as I have watched the campaign...Both good ones and bad ones! But now the moment is here, and I can say honestly that I am excited about this election in a way that I have never been about any previous one. I remember I turned 18 in July 0f 1994 and I was so excited to be able to vote that year...There was no Presidential race of course, but it felt so amazing to be able to vote even in the local races that were going on. I wasn't an overly informed voter...I remember thinking that I definitely didn't want any Republicans to win, so I simply voted for all the Democrats! Now of course, I'm much more informed about the issues and I pay closer attention to what's going on. But, I still want the Democrats to win! Not only for President, but also for the election in my district for our next U.S. Representative to Congress. The election is between Andy Harris and Frank Kratovil, and from what I understand the race is going to be pretty tight. Andy Harris is a right-wing nut, BIG TIME...He's used very ugly anti-immigrant sentiment in his campaign, and of course he's extremely conservative on social issues. He's completely anti-choice and he's against any rights for gay couples, and in fact he has tried at every turn to paint Frank Kratovil as the most liberal person to ever run for office. Some of his ads even say how Frank Kratovil is "Just Too Liberal." What a laugh! Frank Kratovil is a Democrat, to be sure, but all through the campaign he has definitely not struck me as this great, flaming liberal that Andy Harris's camp is making him out to be. In any event, it is going to be a pleasure for me to go and vote today, and I'm hoping like crazy that the Dems get into the White House, take a majority in Congress, and win in my local district! It is definitely time for a change! One thing is for sure...this is a historical election, and I have to admit that I never thought I would see such a historical election in my lifetime. I find myself wondering if my friends and family, and people I knew back in high school, are even aware that we are living through a historical moment in the history of our country, and even the world. Not only will Barack Obama be the first African-American President if he wins, but to my knowledge, he'll also be the first black person elected to be the leader of any of the Industrialized Western Nations with a majority white population. So this is definitely a historical moment in the world. I'm so thrilled that I'm alive to see it.

VP Debate

2008-10-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I'll be the first to admit that Sarah Palin was not a total trainwreck. However, does that really mean that she did such a bang-up job of the debate...Not quite. First of all, she seems to have a problem getting her subject-verb agreement correct, which is a basic form of grammar we all learn in school rather early. Also, she isn't very good at answering questions, as on more than one occasion she completely avoided answering the questions put to her. So I certainly wouldn't say she was a shining example of a great political debater.
Interestingly enough, of course the die-hard Republicans are claiming that she did such an awesome job because, quite frankly, they needed her to not make a total ass of herself. The fact remains that no one really CARED about McCain's candidacy until he nominated her (conveniently waiting of course to make sure the Dems wouldn't put Hillary on the ticket, thereby making sure he had the only female), and then as soon as she was chosen there was a ton of interest in his campaign. Good ole Sarah made a total fool of herself in her interview with Katie Couric (big surprise), and so off to debate camp. They have spent weeks prepping her for this debate, so of course she was going to repeat the things she was told to say. On that score, she did okay. She certainly wasn't a total mess in the debates last night for sure, but let's not fool ourselves: The bar was already set so low that all she had to do was get through it without any major mistakes in order to claim it as a victory. But, as the polls seem to be showing this morning, she did nothing to change the minds of people who were undecided. In fact, it seems that for the most part, all she did was further shore up the people who were going to vote Republican no matter who was in her spot. AND PLEASE GOD do we have to have ANOTHER politician who can't say the word "nuclear" correctly? CAN SOMEONE tell the Republicans that there is only ONE "U" in that word? Sarah Palin, much like her buddy Bushy Boy, mispronounced the word numerous times last night.
Isn't it sad that our expectations of our politicians are so low that all Sarah Palin had to do was not be a total trainwreck in order to be successful? Shouldn't we have somewhat higher expectations of them? I mean sure it's nice when you have politicians who can appeal to the "average Joe," but personally I do like to feel that the people running my country are a little bit smarter than me (or hell, at least a little more knowledgeable about the world). As someone else said to me, "She may be a hockey mom, but is that truly who I want in the Situation Room if the President is unavailable?"

Pig "Farms" Caught Abusing Pigs AGAIN

2008-09-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well once again, another pig supplier has been caught abusing pigs. BIG SHOCKER THERE (DUH)! As if this wasn't a given. I mean after all, this is an industry that specializes in taking living, breathing creatures who feel pain, suffering and emotions (whether it makes us comfortable to admit it or not), and treats them as if they are nothing more than machines. And what happens when you foster this type of environment? Well naturally, abuse happens. After all, when you treat them as if they are nothing more than machines, you create a culture in which their suffering, squeals, moans, groans and struggles don't matter or mean anything.

This time it wasn't suppliers of Smithfield Hams (honestly refreshing news, since Smithfield has a bad history of having suppliers who routinely abuse the hell out of pigs), but rather a supplier of Hormel who was caught abusing pigs. Kicking and beating of the poor animals was just the start of what they were doing to them. One worker was even caught sexually abusing them by shoving rods up their vaginas and anuses, and then bragging about it to the undercover investigator.

In all honesty, I am not surprised to learn that animals are once again being abused on factory farms: Whether the industry, or meat eaters in general, like to admit it or not, the fact is that this stuff is commonplace and rampant. In fact, on yahoo this morning I even read that it's considered "Standard Industry Practice" to castrate and cut off the tails of piglets without anesthesia. Now what Standard Industry Practice means, is that it's considered okay to do it because the whole industry does it. And thereby, they get away with being inhumane because the law allows "Standard Industry Practice" to be considered humane. How many of us out there would want to lose a part of our bodies without anesthesia? Especially our testicles, guys? Any takers? So then why would we think that the pigs enjoy it? It's no big surprise really that the industry is allowed to call this practice "humane," or "standard," Haven't those with enough money, including big business, always bought their way through Washington?

So, if you consume pork products, then in my opinion you have a moral responsibility to inform yourself about the abuse you are partaking in. After all, don't we all wish to be more informed consumers? Yes, the video is disturbing, shocking and upsetting. However, the larger question posed here is this: If you can't bring yourself to watch it, why would you then go out and consume the products that are produced because of it?

http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/iowa_pigfarm_abuse2

Palin/McCain Vs. Obama/Biden

2008-09-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

I was forwarded this in my email a couple days ago, and I just couldn't resist posting it here to my blog, as it makes everything quite clear (as if it weren't already?). Of course I personally think that anyone who could elect McCain/Palin must be something quite close to a moron, but this little email certainly puts it all into perspective.....

Clear differences?

Let me see if I have this straight.....
>
> * If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're
> "exotic, different."
> * Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, a quintessential American
> story.
>
> * If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.
> * Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.
>
> * Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.
> * Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well
> grounded.
>
> * If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become
> the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter
> registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12
> years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State
> Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people , become
> chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee,
> spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a
> state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving
> on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's
> Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.
> * If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city
> council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000
> people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000
> people, then you're qualified to become the country's second
> highest ranking executive.
>
> * If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while
> raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches,
> you're not a real Christian.
> * If you cheated on yo ur first wife with a rich heiress, and left
> your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're
> a Christian.
>
> * If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education,
> including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the
> fiber of society.
> * If , while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with
> no other option in sex education in your state's school system
> while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant , you're very
> responsible.
>
> * If your wife is a Harvard graduate laywer who gave up a position
> in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner
> city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's
> values don't represent America's.
> * If you're husband is nicknamed "First Dude", with at least one
> DWI con viction and no college education, who didn't register to
> vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated
> the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely
> admirable.
>
>
> OK, much clearer now.

Another Life Lost In Iraq

2008-04-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

Well I was looking at the news on aol this morning and couldn't help but notice the story of Michael Monsoor, a young man of only 25 and a Navy SEAL, who died while protecting his comrades from a grenade. From the description of the event, it is clear that this young man was full of bravery, and love for his fellow soldiers, because he threw himself over the grenade in order to keep anyone else from being injured. I saw the video of Bush presenting Michael's parents with a medal for his bravery, and all I could think as Bush was talking was, "And it's your fault because you sent him there to die." Maybe some think that is an oversimplification of the issue, and I'm sure there are some out there who are going to support this meaningless war until the very end, but every time something like this happens all I can think about is the fact that so many of the soldiers dying in Iraq are so young....They haven't even had time to live their lives yet. Bush is well into middle-age, he is nice and secure and well-protected by the Secret Service in the White House, but he keeps sending all of these young men--some of them really no more than boys--to their deaths. It always seems so unfair to me that so many soldiers who don't even have a chance to really live are cut down, all because of the decisions of a bunch of old guys in a room, who've all lived their lives to the fullest. At some point we just have to say, "Enough is Enough

Our school lunch program

2008-01-30T15:25:00.000-08:00

Wonders never cease....It just never ceases to amaze me the lengths that companies will go to in order to make a damned dollar. Now they are taking downer cattle and feeding them to our children in the school lunch program. Downer cattle are cattle who are unable to walk into the slaughterhouse--these cattle have been deemed by the U.S. government as unfit for human consumption, and in fact it is ILLEGAL to use them for such. However, slaughterhouses are found from time to time doing it anyway, and now one of the suppliers of the school lunch program has been caught doing it. NOT ONLY THAT, but they were abusing the downed cattle in order to get them into the slaughterhouse, by dragging them with chains, picking them up with forklifts, and hitting and kicking them in the face. Really civilized behavior. Human beings really have the capacity to be nothing more than monsters sometimes. See for yourself....

https://community.hsus.org/campaign/CA_2008_investigation/wke66bk4r77etn6t

I finally did it today!

2008-01-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally did something I've been wanting to do for years...I finally sat down and wrote my father and stepmother a letter telling them exactly how I felt about them and why I haven't talked to them for so many years. I outlined to my father (and to her as well), the things that they had done to me, and gave them my reasons for not going around them. It took me over two hours to write the letter, which stretched to over 13 pages long! BUT, now that I've finally done it, after all these years (over two decades), I feel a huge sense of relief and like my mind is clear of it. At least I've said my piece....I have no idea how they will react or even if they'll read it all, but at least it's out there. I'm sure they'll be pissed, because the language in quite a few places was pretty harsh! But you know, they've done a lot, and have a lot to apologize and make up for, so they'll just have to excuse the harshness...OR they don't have to. It's up to them...LOL. At least I feel better.

Recipes! YUM YUM!!!

2008-01-23T08:53:00.000-08:00

Roasted Tomato & Red Bell Pepper Soup
(Courtesy Vegetarian Times)
Serves 4
2 1/4 lb. ripe tomatoes, halved lengthwise
2 large red bell peppers, quartered, seeded
1 onion, cut into thin wedges
4 large cloves garlic, peeled
4 large cloves garlic, peeled
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
2 cups vegetable stock or water

Preheat oven to 450F.
Arrange tomatoes, cut side up, bell peppers, onion and garlic on large baking sheet. Drizzle oil over; sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast until brown and tender, turning peppers and onion occasionally, about 40 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool.
Transfer vegetables and any juices to food processor. Add basil and thyme leaves. Purée soup in food processor or blender, gradually adding enough stock to thin soup to desired consistency.
Return soup to pan, and heat through, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.

Mac & “Cheese” Casserole
(Courtesy Vegan Outreach.Org)

3 ½ cup (dry) elbow macaroni, cooked½ cup vegan margarine½ cup flour3 ½ cups boiling water2 Tbsp. soy sauce or Bragg’s liquid aminos1 ½ tsp. salt1 ½ tsp. garlic powder (or crushed fresh garlic)pinch of turmeric¼ cup vegetable oil1 cup nutritional yeast flakesPaprika (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a saucepan, melt margarine over low heat. Beat in flour with a wire whisk and continue to beat over a medium heat until mixture is smooth and bubbly.2. Whip in boiling water, soy sauce, salt, garlic powder, and turmeric, beating well.3. Cook the sauce until it thickens and bubbles; then whip in the oil and nutritional yeast flakes.4. Mix part of the sauce with the noodles and put in a casserole dish. Then pour a generous amount of sauce on top.5. Sprinkle the top with paprika, and bake for 15 minutes. Then put under broiler for a few minutes until the top is crisp.Variations: Serve sauce over steamed veggies, baked potatoes--anything you like!

Chuckwagon Stew
(Courtesy Vegan Outreach.Org)
3 cups water or vegetable broth
1 (8 oz.) package tempeh, cut into ½-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
2 medium onions, cut into wedges
1 ½ cup ketchup
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. garlic granules
1 tsp. dried tarragon leaves
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/3 cup cold water
1-2 Tbsp. minced parsley

1. Place the first 11 ingredients in a 4 ½ quart saucepan or Dutch oven. Bring stew to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, and cover the pan. Simmer until the vegetables are tender (about 30 minutes), stirring occasionally.
2. Place flour in a small bowl or measuring cup. Gradually stir in the water, beating vigorously with a fork until the mixture is smooth.
3. Stir the flour-water mixture into the stew. Cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy is thickened and bubbly.
4. Ladle into soup bowls to serve. Garnish each serving with the parsley, if desired.

Chocolate Pudding
(Courtesy Vegan Outreach.Org)
1 (10 ½ oz.) pkg. firm silken tofu, crumbled
2/3 cup unbleached cane sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Place all ingredients in a food processor fitted with a metal blade, and process until smooth, creamy, and thick. Chill in refrigerator until serving time.
Variation: For pudding pie, double the recipe and chill pudding in a baked pie shell.

Chocolate Cake
(Courtesy Vegan Outreach.Org)
1 ½ cups flour
1 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. cocoa or carob powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1 cup cold water

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In an adequate mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
2. Create three holes in the mixture. Put oil in the first hole, vanilla in the second, and vinegar in the third. Cover with water and mix thoroughly.
3. Transfer to oiled or nonstick 9-inch cake pan or equivalent. Bake for 35 minutes.
Variation: Batter can be used for cupcakes; bake for 25 minutes

STOP OHSU LIVE ANIMAL LABS!!!

2008-01-19T17:45:00.001-08:00

http://ga0.org/campaign/ohsulabs/xndg56rodkktj8?

The above link is to a site where you may sign a petition to ask OHSU medical school to stop using live animals in their labs. The school anesthetizes pigs and then does medical procedures on them, after which they are killed. Please follow the link in order to take action on this issue. Thanks! Rick

STOP HORSE SLAUGHTER NOW

2008-01-15T22:25:00.000-08:00

Horse slaughter is just about one of the most disgusting things that up until recently was taking place in the United States. Luckily, through much effort by the Humane Society of the United States and several other groups, it was stopped here in the US. However, some unscrupulous bastards are still sending their horses over the border into Canada and Mexico where they can legally be slaughtered for horsemeat. Slaughterhouses aren't exactly humane places for the animals, but the horses going to Mexico are treated particularly heinously, considering that there are no animal welfare standards in Mexico that the slaughterhouse employees have to follow. Having said that...

Follow the link below to find out what you can do to help end the slaughter of American horses on January 22nd! This is EXTREMELY important, as horses are still being shipped over the border into Mexico and Canada, and slaughtered for meat. Many of these horses were once someone's pet. Please take action today! Rick

http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/horse/Horse-Flier.pdf

Black Slave Owners In The United States

2007-10-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

Well I learned something quite new today....something I had heard about before, but never realized was so prevalent in the Civil War....The extent of free blacks who owned slaves in the south! Some of them owned LOTS! I was quite surprised to say the least. It certainly puts a new spin on the entire thing for me, and brings up a point I've made many times...that while the white community certainly perpetuated and contributed the most to the institution of slavery, the black community has never really acknowledged the role of blacks in this institution. RARELY do you hear of the Africans who sold other Africans into slavery, and you certainly don't hear of black slave owners.....Nor do you hear of the actual numbers of whites (and blacks) who owned slaves, which was actually quite small compared to the overall population...But, here it is....I've included a link to the article of course, and the author of said article references several books and other articles. Very interesting. Seems that this should be talked about more often, in my opinion. Ever since slavery ended, it has been talked about many times about the horrors of this terrible institution, and the subsequent legacy of racism in America of whites towards blacks, which is a completely fair statement and observation. It is undeniable to any thinking person just exactly what slavery did (and indirectly, still does) to this country. However, I think it is time that the black community as a whole acknowledges the role of blacks in the subjugation of other blacks, instead of trying to paint this as a purely whites-against-blacks thing. Read the article, I bet you'll find it will shock you, or at the very least, surprise you. It certainly did me.
http://americancivilwar.com/authors/black_slaveowners.htm

2007-08-31T06:09:00.001-07:00

I just found out today that every single time GoodSearch.com is used to search for something on the internet, that they give money to the ASPCA! It's only a couple cents each time, but just imagine how much money that would be if everyone used it! I'm so happy, I'm going to try and make sure I use it from now on.

What To Do If You Witness Animal Abuse

2007-08-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

I received this email recently and figured that I would share it...It tells of what to do in case one witnesses animal abuse. I think this is very valuable information for anyone to remember and post somewhere handy just in case one ever needs it!

The horrifying allegations of animal abuse at Michael Vick's property in Virginia have shocked everyone, but just as heartbreaking are the many similar stories that don't make the news. PETA receives thousands of calls and e-mails every year from people who have witnessed animal abuse or neglect. They are desperate to help but don't know what to do. Here are some steps you can take if you observe cruelty to animals: Find out which agency is responsible for investigating and enforcing anti-cruelty laws in your state, county, or town. This may be a local humane society or a taxpayer-funded animal shelter. In areas without such organizations, citizens should call the police or sheriff's department.If an animal is in a life-threatening situation, call authorities immediately. Follow up with them in a timely manner to determine their findings and their planned course of action. If they do not respond right away, call PETA at 757-622-7382. After you contact authorities, prepare a short written statement detailing the key points of what you observed. Give dates, approximate times, and locations. Timely fact-gathering is crucial—the more time that passes, the greater the risk that evidence will disappear, injuries will heal, or you'll forget specific details. Written statements from other witnesses will help back up your observations, and if possible, take pictures and date them—photos or videos will strengthen your case.Always keep a dated record of everyone you've contacted, along with the content and outcome of your discussions. Never forward a letter, photograph, or other documentation to anyone without first making a copy for your own files. Make it clear to authorities that you wish to pursue the case and that you are willing to lend your assistance if necessary. Be sure to follow up! If you stay involved, authorities are more likely to do the same. If the first contact doesn't produce results, go straight to a supervisor. If that doesn't work, appeal to local government officials, such as the mayor, the district attorney, or city council members. A call to the media in your area (television and print) can move mountains. Above all, don't give up—you may be an animal's only hope!Helping abused or neglected animals can be difficult and heart-wrenching, but they are depending on you to take action. Please contact PETA if officials fail to respond quickly to your complaint or if you need guidance or support. Together, we can save even more lives. Thank you for everything you do for animals.Very truly yours,Ingrid E. NewkirkPresident

My Family Tree Odyssey

2007-08-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

Well here I am getting all revved up and excited because next month I am going to Massachusetts and Maine to do some research on my mother's father's side of the family. I'm going to meet with two of his sisters (my great aunts, in case any of you out there in cyberland didn't realize that), and one of them supposedly has all this information that I'm looking for. Of course I have to wait until I meet her to find out exactly how much she has. I can't believe what an obsession my family tree has become....It is SO VERY addictive! Once you get started on it you literally cannot stop. And it takes a lot of work, especially if you go very deeply into it. For example, I am doing not only my direct ancestry but also the other branches of my family tree...such as cousins, etc. Right now I am doing all the descendants of an ancestor I have from the early 1400's! I have over 230 pages of notes on her in my computer already, and I am still not done with all of the people that descend from her. This of course does not include my line...but all the other lines that come through her. AND, I've been doing this section of my family tree for several months now! AND, it's only one side of my maternal grandfather's ancestry. AND, I haven't done most of the rest of his side, nor have I done my maternal grandmother's yet....NOR have I done my FATHER'S SIDE!!! WHEW! Tired yet? I am! But it's so much fun!

The Death Of Veal Crates

2007-08-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well today I finally read that the American Veal Assocation is finally agreeing to end the use of veal crates...which of course is long overdue, and such a small change. But, at least it's something right? Well of course they aren't going to phase them out until 2017, which is ridiculous, since it gives them ten more years to torture and abuse millions more veal calves. But, in a small way, at least, thank GOD that they now have a definite date by which they will stop torturing these poor animals. It's a start I guess, but we still have a long way to go.

Amazon.Com and their cruelty to animals

2007-07-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well over this past weekend I discovered at the Taking Action For Animals conference that Amazon.com sells magazines that promote dog and cock fighting, which are some of the most disgusting, brutal and inhumane things out there....as well as selling foie gras on their site. Dog fighting and cock fighting are illegal in all fifty states, and felonies in almost every single one of those states, except for one or two exceptions (www.hsus.org can tell you more). The magazines that Amazon.com sells, not only promote these activities, which are illegal, BUT the magazines show people how to raise & breed the fighting animals, as well as having fighting paraphernalia...AND they have actual advertisements and bulletins about upcoming fights! Now this is clearly promoting illegal activity. For two years the Humane Society of the United States has been asking Amazon.com to stop selling these articles, and they have basically been ignored. They have insisted that they have a first amendment right to sell them. However, the US Supreme Court has said that Free Speech does not cover that speech which promotes or encourages illegal activity that is actually occurring. So, Amazon is an accessory to breaking the law. HSUS has sued them, and I hope they win. Of course in the meantime I have written to Amazon to cancel my membership with them, and I've been encouraging everyone I know to do the same. Also, in case any of you don't know what foie gras is, it's a product obtained by shoving metal pipes down geese and ducks' throats and forcing them to eat much more than they are supposed to eat, up to four times a day. What this does is cause the birds' livers to become inflamed and diseased, swelling up to TEN TIMES their normal size. Then, the birds are slaughtered, all for these diseased livers, which are made into a paste and put onto crackers or toast as a delicacy. Usually, when you see the word pate, this is referring to foie gras pate. Amazon.com sells these items, so therefore this is simply another reason to boycott them, which I have done and urge everyone else I know to do as well.

Taking Action For Animals 2007

2007-07-30T21:13:00.001-07:00

Well I just returned from the Taking Action For Animals 2007 conference in Washington, DC, and it was AWESOME! It was all about the abuses and cruelties inflicted upon animals by factory farmers, who are pretty much some of the most immoral people that exist. I have the distinct pleasure (Note: Strong Sarcasm) of driving by factory chicken farms every single time I go grocery shopping or go to volunteer at the animal shelter each Friday. THAT is loads of fun, knowing that each one of the sheds at these factory chicken farms has up to as many as a hundred thousand birds in it, suffering in unimaginable pain and torment. So great to know that. I wonder how those people can live with themselves...of course I realize that they are pursuing the almighty dollar, so why should I be shocked? Luckily I have decided to take the information that I have learned and try and do something with it....so I'm hoping I can help to make a difference. I just have to try.

The Fate of Wolves in Alaska

2007-05-18T21:19:00.001-07:00

Well it looks like the good people of Alaska (At least some anyway) think it's cool to chase wolves down in helicopters and shoot them from above. Boy, what a sport! How fun is that? Seems more barbaric and cruel to me. What a big man it takes to do something like that (Note the obvious hint of sarcasm). Just disgusting the way that people hurt animals and think nothing of it...as if they are an inanimate object instead of something that feels pain and knows fear and suffer
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Animal Cruelty

2007-03-29T09:22:00.000-07:00
13.5 million dogs and cats are euthanized EACH and every year. That's almost THIRTY FOUR THOUSAND A DAY! Thirty four thousand a day, folks. All Because people won't take care of their pets, and they won't have them spayed or neutered. 50 million animals, including seals, fox, mink, rabbit, wolves, and DOGS and CATS (Betcha didn't know that did you?), are killed each and every year for the fur industry. Many of them are SKINNED ALIVE. They are also killed by stabbing, clubbing, or having their throats slit. Some pregnant female sheep are killed by having their throats slit, and then the babies are cut right out of their stomachs, so that the fur from these unborn babies can be used for fur liners and sweaters. Betcha didn't know that, either. Well let me tell you, I've seen the videos, so I saw it while it was actually happening, and I'll never forget it as long as I live. It is the most horrifying thing a person can witness, next to witnessing an actual human being being harmed....THIS HAS TO STOP. We, as a society, have got to stop doing this to animals. They feel pain, just like we do. They feel every single thing that is happening to them. People who wear fur, I don't care who they are, are disgusting and pathetic excuses for human beings, PERIOD. "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."--Gandhi

Naomi Campbell The Thug

2007-03-26T16:26:00.000-07:00
Can someone PLEASE tell me why Naomi Campbell was smiling and laughing on her way out as she was leaving from her last day of community service today? It's such a sad, pathetic society that we live in today, when a person can assault someone else (Which she pleaded GUILTY to, ladies and gentlemen), and because they are a celebrity, get only five days community service. And what adds insult to injury is that she has the nerve to strut her stuff on her way in and out, all five days, in outfits that the majority of the American public can't even afford...ESPECIALLY the EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLAR couture dress that she decided to leave in on her last day. Doesn't it just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside to know that she made a mockery of the justice system in this way? And of course we Americans are partly to blame, since we can't stop ourselves apparently from being such a celebrity-obssessed and celebrity-worshipping society. I haven't really heard any outcry from anyone about her behavior...in fact most of what I've heard is people who are treating her as some sort of hero, including Terrance Howard, who today had glowing things to say about her on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Personally I think anyone who throws a tantrum and hits someone hard enough with a CELL PHONE to make them bleed, is a thug. It's about time we make these people accountable for their behavior. Celebrities are not any more special than anyone else, and they are certainly not above the law. It's about time we show them so when they break the law, and give them the same sentence anyone else would get.

Hunting, a sport?

2007-03-22T18:54:00.000-07:00
Okay here's one that really riles me up....How in the hell is hunting a sport? Can someone please explain this to me? Basketball, baseball, football, hockey, soccer, tennis, golf...these are all sports. These are competitions where the people competing have roughly the same skills, with the same type of tools to compete with. How is it a sport to hunt an animal with a high-powered rifle, shotgun, bow & arrow, etc., when the animal doesn't also have the same type of weapon, and can't fight back or even have a real "Sporting" chance of competing against it? And what's even worse, is when people use dogs to track down animals and "tree" them, then they simply walk up to the animal and blow it away while it's sitting there terrified in the tree. Yeah, that's a real sport, and a real man for you. Using a pack of dogs to chase down some terrified animal, trap it somewhere that it can't run away, and then simply pick it off at close range with a gun. Some sport. Mountain Lions are killed in this manner. Can someone please explain to me why this is considered a sport? Basically it just sounds to me like an excuse to use a weapon to kill something. People who "enjoy" killing anything are disgusting. Killing something because you have to eat is one thing, but since there are few people who really HAVE to do that anymore, that is a small portion of hunters. Sport hunting should be made illegal, period.

Corruption In Government

2007-03-11T06:27:00.000-07:00
Well now here's a good one....Seems that the Sheriff of Cheatham County, Tennessee, a certain Mr. John Holder, is not exactly on the up and up. He has been seen on numerous occasions driving around town in his taxpayer-funded police car, when he's off duty. His wife has been spotted inside the car with him several times, which is also against regulations. They've been spotted driving around to dinner, and various locales around Ashland City in this police car, which is of course supposed to be for police-use only. Also, word is that Mr. Holder turns a blind eye to the cock fighters and dog fighters in the county, even though it is illegal to fight animals in Tennessee. Apparently he doesn't take animal abuse too seriously. It's too bad that someone can't take the people who attend or sponsor animal fighting events, put them in a ring, and make them fight it out to the death. It's no more than what they deserve for doing that to those animals. What's REALLY too bad is that the sheriff obviously doesn't think it's important to enforce those particular laws....I wonder why?

Ted Haggard the LIAR

2007-02-07T07:32:00.000-08:00
Okay so now Ted Haggard's so-called "Therapists" have said that he is convinced that he is "Completely Heterosexual," and that he was "Acting Out" when he was sleeping with the male escort? Hate to tell you folks, but don't you believe it! Now that he's disgraced and exposed as a hypocrite, he's going to tell his gullible religious followers that he's straight, because these people are stupid enough to believe that he can "Change in the name of Jesus." PLEASE! What a crock! I don't know about anyone else, but I certainly don't know any straight men who sleep with other men when they feel like "acting out." The sad thing is that this society we live in will probably be more than glad to believe it since so many people are so anti-gay. Ignorance is bliss, so they say, and I am sure most people will love to pretend that he's been cured, so that it will make them feel better. When are these nutty Fundamentalists going to wake up and realize that their vision of the way the world should be, and the way that everyone should live, is a big fat lie and just not accurate? How many of their so-called leaders have to be exposed in their hypocrisy for them to realize it's all a great big lie?

Ehren Watada the coward

2007-02-05T09:36:00.000-08:00
Okay I was signing into AOL today and what do I discover but a story about a man named Ehren Watada who is an officer in the Army and who refused to go to Iraq with the other men and women in the military. Now he's on trial and could face jail time, which HE DESERVES. I am not a fan at ALL of the Iraq war, and am CERTAINLY no fan of Bush's lying ass, and the lies that were told to get our troops there, BUT I do support the troops. They knew when they joined the military that they might have to do something they didn't want to...That's what following orders is all about folks! If he was so averse to the possibility of following an order he didn't like, then I guess he shouldn't have joined. I hope he gets convicted. He is a coward, plain and simple.

2007-02-04T13:26:00.000-08:00
Okay now that I got the first preliminary things out of the way...here's my first real thought on here...Isn't Natalie Cole just an amazing singer? If you don't know who she is or haven't listened to her lately, you should! She is awesome. I own several CD's by her myself: 1) Anthology; 2) Greatest Hits, Volume 1; 3) Leavin' (Her newest one, all remakes of older songs by other artists--interesting); 4) Everlasting; 5) Unforgettable With Love; 6) I've Got Love On My Mind (A collection of some of her earlier works); 7) Take a Look; 8) Stardust; 9) Snowfall On The Sahara (This album was not as big a hit as it should have been--it's great); 10) Ask A Woman Who Knows. So far these are the only ones I own, and I like them all. I once was lucky enough to see her in concert in Nashville, TN (My hometown), when she came there. It was spectacular! She came out looking just gorgeous in a tight red dress and she sang her ass off....She gave a terrific live performance that night. It was one of the best Valentine's Day Gifts I've ever received...Thanks Jack!

My New Blog

2007-02-04T13:22:00.000-08:00
Well I've been wanting to do this forever and now I've done it...I have a new blog! I'm going to post my opinions and random thoughts, books/CD's/Movies I think are interesting or important, etc. Just whatever is on my mind at any given moment. I'm sure I'm bound to piss SOMEONE off, but more importantly I hope I make someone think, or feel...Or at the very least, maybe I'll provide some entertainment to those who choose to read this, if anyone does! In any event, here goes...let's see what happens.