tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9409759715894024282024-03-06T23:37:24.330-08:00The Politics of FoodIts time to clear the fog around the reality of our everyday choices around food. Americans spend the least amount of their income on food than any other country in the world (9%.) Is it any wonder that 16% of our income is spend on healthcare? The secret to breaking the cycle? Spend more, eat less.Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-13704077361067534962012-02-06T17:22:00.000-08:002012-02-06T17:55:38.345-08:00Coffee in New Jersey? TERRIBLE! Hellllooooo Teavana<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4QENi_YgeTqtNYXZPO0Pxj9jhF5qIE348qDio_K7jO9uUcnlGox560LiKufvk9XxelaFHm852zY-DS0zBBkhDva8jzBa6jtAjpYgXY2kuxkFBi4CAyAet3z5HxHQAADcxpjABsC-YoSm/s1600/morning+mate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4QENi_YgeTqtNYXZPO0Pxj9jhF5qIE348qDio_K7jO9uUcnlGox560LiKufvk9XxelaFHm852zY-DS0zBBkhDva8jzBa6jtAjpYgXY2kuxkFBi4CAyAet3z5HxHQAADcxpjABsC-YoSm/s400/morning+mate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706206430979771954" /></a><br /><br />Typical of someone moving from San Francisco to South Orange, New Jersey, I am disgusted by the coffee here. Options are Starbucks or cafes serving shit water in a mug. San Franciscans are seriously spoiled and now I am forever ruined living here with no coffee options. We basically stick to making coffee at home, there is one company here in New York called Irving Farm and they make some delicious coffee but it ain't cheap. <br />Low and behold, a small wonder lurks inside the Short Hills mall (try not to gag.) Teavana. I was "teaducated" by my good friend Rebeca who is a tea genius. We ordered a hot tea there last week - it was just the jasmine green tea with a bit of sweetener (some fancy german sugar) and since then I have been back three times! My second visit I had green tea mixed with a citrus flavored tea and it was delicious. <br />I have never been a fan of MATE teas. Talk about gross. BUT, today I tried Morning Mate tea with a bit of sweetener and it was unique in its chocolatey nutty flavor that I bought some to bring home. Tea is not cheap, but it is so much better for you than coffee. The amount of teas to choose from is overwhelming but the woman who works there is super knowledgable and always comes up with some unusually tasty blends. Just tell them how much caffeine, hot or cold, sweet or not and they will give you whiffs of various teas until you fall in love with one or two. The other bonus of this new discovery is that I don't have to worry about the milk debacle. I don't need milk in my tea so its a non-issue.<br />Today I had to read a story to my daughters class and I just ingested a huge cup of tea with 100% caffeine. I was a little nervous I was gonna sweat and freak out because of the anxiety caffeine can bring about but I was totally fine and I even feel a little snoozy, not all high. Needless to say, I am a tealiever.Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-85445645152926222212008-02-06T20:45:00.001-08:002008-11-13T00:38:52.452-08:00Cinnamon YUMMIESSuddenly I have 2 items to report that are both hosting lil' miss cinnamon. I am on a waffle-a-thon for breakfast because they make such delicious, easy waffles with lots of great ingredients like Omega 3 fatty acids and fiber. (Think Dr. Oz on Oprah)<br />Both of these can be found at your local Whole Foods, although the yogurt is fairly new so you may need to request it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigk5A1QPysD4wKZdKAcfAUgjFrDQwfV4U6HMYG9w9xUcMXd0Q5lL_VhxkB6cutoqRUSK-Sx1ojsNYOw_5XUZJAmPqviw5KVKtJ0_uSy00JCLaj9JPnIvKtMF6PtGO6akHGiKJWxYvOkLR1/s1600-h/yogurt_cinnamonbun.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigk5A1QPysD4wKZdKAcfAUgjFrDQwfV4U6HMYG9w9xUcMXd0Q5lL_VhxkB6cutoqRUSK-Sx1ojsNYOw_5XUZJAmPqviw5KVKtJ0_uSy00JCLaj9JPnIvKtMF6PtGO6akHGiKJWxYvOkLR1/s400/yogurt_cinnamonbun.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164096730304026114" /></a><br />1. <a href="http://www.turtlemountain.com/products/yogurt.html">TURTLE MOUNTAIN SO DELICIOUS Cinnamon Bun Yogurt</a> - complete with B12, CRUCIAL for vegans!!! This smooth and creamy number really is decadent, so dreamy and SO good for you! It has 3 grams of fiber, 6 grams protein and 30% of your daily b12. Not bad!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1nVpOjUBzNjo5yNd4LqfDUe9wGhifrKeCTbJqDGq5NBcVAPvVWEbzsjHnbpoGrCLaFgT986Lclg8xGHO-CdOaW59rK6PHd0H6zyM2rYyPW5gn3TUCELlfn-jlSU7qMetyPpFCJDx2G7w/s1600-h/organic_maple_cinn_waffles_productlarge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1nVpOjUBzNjo5yNd4LqfDUe9wGhifrKeCTbJqDGq5NBcVAPvVWEbzsjHnbpoGrCLaFgT986Lclg8xGHO-CdOaW59rK6PHd0H6zyM2rYyPW5gn3TUCELlfn-jlSU7qMetyPpFCJDx2G7w/s400/organic_maple_cinn_waffles_productlarge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164099955824465426" /></a><br />2. <a href="http://www.naturespath.com/products/waffles">MAPLE CINNAMON Waffles by Lifestream/ Nature's Path</a> - Like cinnamon toast, these yummy treats provide 4 grams of protein and fiber. (2 waffles in a serving) Add some soy butter and YUM!Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-50362838699951034872008-01-17T08:24:00.001-08:002008-11-13T00:38:52.610-08:00How much pesticide are you eating?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt3UChVe4U5RfqAlFlROpmEL8eOmGoAupFcHRw6OP8Bp109LmSW4FZ-RJObL7yfq_P5Jm1cSf0Pjb4yXacOqKdRJTMx-QPlNsB4y75Dvsyn38N52Pc7Le_7Jk76_icv48j3ibnZWvGbZV/s1600-h/peaches.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt3UChVe4U5RfqAlFlROpmEL8eOmGoAupFcHRw6OP8Bp109LmSW4FZ-RJObL7yfq_P5Jm1cSf0Pjb4yXacOqKdRJTMx-QPlNsB4y75Dvsyn38N52Pc7Le_7Jk76_icv48j3ibnZWvGbZV/s400/peaches.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156484622491068434" border="0" /></a><br />I am not so great about washing every fruit and vegetable I eat. I somehow assume that I can handle a few germs or ickies that are lurking. <a href="http://www.foodnews.org/">Foodnews.org</a> makes it easy on us by charting the highest to lowest pesticide loads for each fruit and vegetable. Peaches are number 1 (the worst for pesticides) while onions are the best and close to pesticide free. This chart will determine which items might need special produce wash beyond the plain water rinse. OR, just be sure to buy organic (almost always a better option.)<br /><h3 class="greentext" style="padding-bottom: 0px;"> The Full List: 43 Fruits & Veggies </h3> <table style="padding-top: 0px;" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="95%"><tbody><tr> <td width="85"> <p class="toprow"> <b> RANK</b> </p> </td> <td width="200"> <p class="toprow"> <b> FRUIT OR VEGGIE<b> </b></b></p> <b><b> </b></b></td> <td> <p class="toprow"> <b> SCORE</b> </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 1 (worst) </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Peaches </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 100 (highest pesticide load) </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 2 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Apples </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 96 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 3 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Sweet Bell Peppers </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 86 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 4 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Celery </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 85 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 5 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Nectarines </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 84 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 6 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Strawberries </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 83 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 7 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Cherries </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 75 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 8 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Lettuce </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 69 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 9 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Grapes - Imported </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 68 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 10 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Pears </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 65 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 11 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Spinach </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 60 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 12 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Potatoes </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 58 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 13 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Carrots </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 57 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 14 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Green Beans </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 55 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 15 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Hot Peppers </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 53 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 16 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Cucumbers </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 52 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 17 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Raspberries </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 47 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 18 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Plums </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 46 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 19 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Oranges </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 46 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 20 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Grapes-Domestic </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 46 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 21 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Cauliflower </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 39 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 22 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Tangerine </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 38 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 23 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Mushrooms </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 37 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 24 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Cantaloupe </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 34 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 25 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Lemon </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 31 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 26 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Honeydew Melon </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 31 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 27 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Grapefruit </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 31 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 28 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Winter Squash </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 31 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 29 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Tomatoes </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 30 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 30 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Sweet Potatoes </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 30 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 31 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Watermelon </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 25 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 32 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Blueberries </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 24 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 33 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Papaya </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 21 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 34 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Eggplant </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 19 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 35 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Broccoli </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 18 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 36 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Cabbage </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 17 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 37 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Bananas </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 16 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 38 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Kiwi </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 14 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 39 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Asparagus </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 11 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 40 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Sweet Peas-Frozen </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 11 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 41 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Mango </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 9 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 42 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Pineapples </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 7 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 43 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Sweet Corn-Frozen </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 2 </p> </td> </tr> <tr class="orangeback"> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 44 </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Avocado </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 1 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 45 (best) </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> Onions </p> </td> <td> <p class="tabletext"> 1 (lowest pesticide load) </p></td></tr></tbody></table>Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-16450682015252716632008-01-13T19:45:00.000-08:002008-01-19T06:19:22.794-08:00Fish RanchGrowing up in the East Bay (in relation to San Francisco) I was always so confused by this exit off the freeway in Berkeley called "Fish Ranch Road." Now I know that Berkeley in its activist ways was just warning us of the trouble to come. 60 minutes featured the grim future of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Blue fin</span> Tuna. The fattier the better, these big blues have become a commodity and is featured in your local GROSS-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ery</span> stores. Sushi is big business. Even the Mitsubishi's are in the sushi biz, buying up boatloads of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">blue fins</span> as they come into shore.<br />Basically, fish are even falling victim to factory farming. The insatiable need for this fish at sushi restaurants has created a demand that can no longer be met. Now, "fish ranches" have been developed to keep the fish fattened up with sardines, then reeled in to be flash frozen in -75 degree <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fahrenheit, sawed up into chunks and served up for $.50 at some crap sushi restaurants.<br />Just wait friends, soon enough meat and fish and animal products will come at a premium, not .5o cents for 2 slices of a fish's body on vinegar/sugar rice. I will keep hoping for that day to come....I suppose I should write it down in light of THE SECRET.<br /></span>Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-53158373795267825202008-01-03T13:04:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:38:52.720-08:00The joy of Chocolate Chips<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhuDXLLRBhiuNg7pAzaRi9n8RNDxiBMgwlkG3sL-p7Zkm4bgX4ycpFvqll17jjsjSdMR7Ajy03WqXutWuUizBTBBfVk2FDlxzpfg0BJCBkdDYbm-53VUotq5s9WagibQQjz-zUYg62GCD/s1600-h/chocchip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhuDXLLRBhiuNg7pAzaRi9n8RNDxiBMgwlkG3sL-p7Zkm4bgX4ycpFvqll17jjsjSdMR7Ajy03WqXutWuUizBTBBfVk2FDlxzpfg0BJCBkdDYbm-53VUotq5s9WagibQQjz-zUYg62GCD/s400/chocchip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151360958435174306" border="0" /></a><br />I cannot tell you how addicted I have become to the chocolate chip. I pretty much can't settle on a dessert that doesn't incorporate my little brown friend. My husband and I have discovered a ridiculous recipe for "chewy granola bars" in Vegetarian Times Magazine. There are a few details I have added just in case you are allergic to nuts or cannot find some ingredients on the list. So FAR from healthy, these granola bars will grab and run away FAST with your willpower. You have been warned, but please ignore it.<br /><br />CHEWY GRANOLA BARS<br /><br /><br />Vegetarian Times Issue: July 1, 2007 p.78 — Member Rating: 1111<br />These treats will be just as tender and chewy at the end of the vacation as they were at the start (if they last that long).<br />Ingredient List<br /><br />Makes 25 squares<br /><br /> * 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats<br /> * 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour<br /> * 1/2 tsp. baking soda<br /> * 1/2 tsp. salt, divided<br /> * 2/3 cup chopped dried apricots (I like dried cherries better)<br /> * 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips (if you can't find mini just use regular)<br /> * 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (eew, I don't add these, I am not fond of walnuts)<br /> * 1 cup packed light brown sugar<br /> * 1/2 cup maple syrup<br /> * 1/2 cup almond butter (if you are allergic to nuts, use soynut butter)<br /> * 1/4 cup vegetable oil<br /> * 2 large egg whites (USE EGG REPLACER, you will NEVER know the difference)<br /><br />Directions<br /><br /> 1. Preheat oven to 350F. Coat 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.<br /> 2. Combine oats, flour, baking soda and 1/4 tsp. salt in bowl. Stir in apricots, chocolate chips and walnuts.<br /> 3. Beat brown sugar, maple syrup, almond butter, oil and egg whites with electric beater until smooth. Stir in oat mixture.<br /> 4. Spread mixture in prepared baking dish, and pat down firmly. Sprinkle top with remaining salt. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until firm. Cool 20 minutes before slicing into bars. Unmold, and store in airtight container.<br /><br />Nutritional Information<br /><br />Per SQUARE: Calories: 202, Protein: 4g, Total fat: 8.5g, Carbs: 29g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 97mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 14gKeri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-146236210105350112007-12-30T19:52:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:38:52.833-08:00Know the ICKY from A-Z for FREE!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifVU5GUENUL_2UNVLG9ifeBzapBKF3BesGLFORNb-7cqOOg0uEkOM8WR7SmOcIkylwfCLWS7SrAV6oz1wXekxxHKQZRmSbnn_Pl8hOOCSDO9rxTS4zRMnnjevFTJ5a4ZRLijQfJlTdnei/s1600-h/ipod.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifVU5GUENUL_2UNVLG9ifeBzapBKF3BesGLFORNb-7cqOOg0uEkOM8WR7SmOcIkylwfCLWS7SrAV6oz1wXekxxHKQZRmSbnn_Pl8hOOCSDO9rxTS4zRMnnjevFTJ5a4ZRLijQfJlTdnei/s400/ipod.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149981380579960690" /></a><br />GOOD NEWS for youz VEGANS! I am sure you have an Ipod already OR you were given one for Christmas or Hanukkah, so go ahead and download a list of animal derived ingredients for FREE. All you do is go <a href="http://www.thirty5.org/ipod/">HERE</a> and copy it to your Ipod. Now you can be in the know AND rock out at the grocery store.Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-31347158850811408882007-12-05T20:17:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:38:52.911-08:00Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnG65zJ3RV_R2xrLZDk0dYIaZvZLptw6LT7A9dB5nnlx-2y3GhsnF8f-3BoPi6LU357qe5p-bT4uL-k0PvBkfnUNHtrfhwZg3tGWfJwJ8i4x3uX10J8WUK0lGrXIawJ6l4GPwvGYW952U6/s1600-h/epl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnG65zJ3RV_R2xrLZDk0dYIaZvZLptw6LT7A9dB5nnlx-2y3GhsnF8f-3BoPi6LU357qe5p-bT4uL-k0PvBkfnUNHtrfhwZg3tGWfJwJ8i4x3uX10J8WUK0lGrXIawJ6l4GPwvGYW952U6/s320/epl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140716184496310546" /></a><br />After hearing about this book and feeling like the last person on earth to read it, I tracked down a copy from one of my fellow Moms. Ready for my spiritual journey to begin all snuggled in my bed, I found myself understanding her words which resulted in my having great respect for her easy-going attitude towards views on "God" and other controversial topics. She wasn't trying to be politically correct or overly dramatic to make a point. I found her tone refreshing. UNTIL, I got to the page about her desire to eat VEAL in Italy. <br />I had a really hard time accepting Ms. Gilbert's story about a spiritual journey with much introspection after reading her desire to eat veal on the way. EVERYONE knows the cruelty involved in raising veal. Whether you want to acknowledge it or not, is another story. <br />Having respect for animals is an important part in creating harmony in your life. If you believe that God is me, you, everyone....doesn't that include the chicken you are eating and your pet dog? Studies on violent offenders frequently reveal abuse of animals earlier in life. Learning to love all of Earth's creatures is the first step to having love for yourself.<br />I couldn't go on after reading that sentence. Ms. Gilbert's credibility is lost in a simple four letter word starting with a V.<br />To read more on the sadness of raising veal read <a href="http://www.noveal.org/">this</a>.Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-77842047676847810242007-11-25T19:42:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:38:53.090-08:00Cravings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FW91rew9l_3G2-OeFvEFhLqtXrqqTCs_wExG_kRbS2OpvgzUNerncs3LPAYfuuARaVh57PG1O4JKIx48ioVFFA7_UrHKD-S4y3bmD6hpp0eqvkk4MQQPZttWIAuHREYvG5vXIEYMLyYg/s1600-h/dinokale.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FW91rew9l_3G2-OeFvEFhLqtXrqqTCs_wExG_kRbS2OpvgzUNerncs3LPAYfuuARaVh57PG1O4JKIx48ioVFFA7_UrHKD-S4y3bmD6hpp0eqvkk4MQQPZttWIAuHREYvG5vXIEYMLyYg/s400/dinokale.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136998147170990242" /></a><br />I might be an odd specimen. I tend to go through stages when I have really strong cravings for foods that are not exactly high on people's lists of desirables. From about June to August I desperately needed spinach in my lunch and/or dinner. The last couple of months I have been SO obsessed with Dinosaur Kale. I suppose I am needed iron or something, but I find it funny that something green and leafy can make me so happy!<br />Vegetarians tend to share their bouts with gas. I find gas to be funny, and my husband and I get a good laugh when discussing or hearing it. I noticed when I was pregnant, I rarely had gas. I don't have any idea why that is. Even now, 6 months after having my baby girl, I still don't get gas as often as I used to. I remember EVERYTHING giving me gas to the point of thinking I had a real problem. Even Gas X didn't solve the problem. I am shocked that I can eat onions and garlic in dishes that I make and not have an issue afterward! Garlic is another craving I have been experiencing lately. YUM!<br />My best friend on the other hand (who is vegan) was extremely ill for about a week with pain in her lungs and overall just feeling horribly. The last straw was her arm going numb. Thinking she needed to boost her immunity, she was downing ridiculous amounts of garlic. After rushing herself to the ER, the doctor discovered that she had an allergy. She is allergic to GARLIC! No more Wildwood Aioli for poor Michelle.Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-72289161068041318032007-11-18T11:20:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:38:53.217-08:00Yay Natalie Portman!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pVxU_cbjIxwnCM6pIaN5ree3cEt2HIC_zCa_rTxjkNKe5mSql4v5GqXatfBAn4lXm7qGSPiCGCHyreKQHKjqlQ3YuMaHoc-H-qJ1EGDU4XixNMT2Fwcv19QHL7tzXOKhvDTW-cIk_fYh/s1600-h/Natalie_Portman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pVxU_cbjIxwnCM6pIaN5ree3cEt2HIC_zCa_rTxjkNKe5mSql4v5GqXatfBAn4lXm7qGSPiCGCHyreKQHKjqlQ3YuMaHoc-H-qJ1EGDU4XixNMT2Fwcv19QHL7tzXOKhvDTW-cIk_fYh/s400/Natalie_Portman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134595185983322210" /></a><br />As I crawled into bed last night, I decided to read my latest issue of Teen Vogue that arrived in my mailbox earlier that day. I will NOT renew my subscription when it runs out, however, because it makes me sick how they go about advertising to teens. Is it just me or were we targeted to buy $1000+ purses in 1988? Scary.<br />Fortunately, something good comes of this over the top rag this month because Natalie Portman is on the cover. The editor explains how NP will not wear fur or leather, so they had plenty of some vegan brand of shoes on hand. I LOVE reading that in a magazine that girls pull their beliefs and behaviors from. <br />I know, I am 32 and shouldn't be reading a teen magazine to begin with. I DO read other periodicals of quality such as the NY Times. Sunday's paper featured various vegetarian restaurant reviews centered in San Francisco. Even though I live in SF, I do like to check out where veg out of towner's come to eat when they are visiting. The article covers the sad fact that 1 in 100 restaurants in San Francisco are vegetarian. I always feel that SF is undermining their cruelty-free residents by no offering more options when eating out. Its interesting that someone visiting makes that point! Anyway, the usual suspects are patronized. Millennium, Greens (which has always been just OKAY in my opinion), Herbivore and Cafe Gratitude. Reading about their meals made me hungry. Check it out if you want to visit San Francisco and you are veg curious!<br /><a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/travel/18Choice.html">EXPANDING THE FRONTIERS OF THE VEGETARIAN PLATE</a>Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-72381379360815328072007-11-17T19:16:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:38:53.329-08:00Absurdity at its finest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pyc7HbjeCPZy4as_mPvz8iFGxq3xAtzvx8S6pLY04-kc8t-234Rx2RX0v0hm5_a3yMrsARypIASxh47hGP6Xis9vpVVBJGZi-QL3DKi9j1cUiTKQbAnQfeckkWf22SDWoPNCCrWh2F4v/s1600-h/prunes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pyc7HbjeCPZy4as_mPvz8iFGxq3xAtzvx8S6pLY04-kc8t-234Rx2RX0v0hm5_a3yMrsARypIASxh47hGP6Xis9vpVVBJGZi-QL3DKi9j1cUiTKQbAnQfeckkWf22SDWoPNCCrWh2F4v/s400/prunes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134014502109935698" /></a><br /><br />I don't know if you have seen the commercial for this incredibly wasteful and odd new product ironically called "One's" (I think TWO'S would be more appropriate considering they are prunes) but there is one spectacularly ridiculous quote by a "hip teen" which is: OH, THAT IS SOOOOO COOOL!<br /><br />I am not quite sure that ANYONE would call an individually wrapped laxative snack SO COOL. The commercial features a representative passing out samples and of course getting nothing but extraordinary reviews.<br /><br />As with many products on the market these days, I wonder where this idea came from. Who, in the right mind during this time of eco-awareness, decided to create more waste than the prunes do in the toilet by wrapping each one individually in plastic? I am sure whoever it was is going to be wondering where their job went in a couple months.Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-73052813381087734722007-10-29T17:45:00.000-07:002007-10-30T16:13:19.294-07:00Strange DaysI still feel outnumbered when it comes to living a vegan lifestyle. I ask myself every day why there are not more people in my camp. I am nobody special. I don't use some magic powers to avoid animal products. I easily shop for clothing and shoes without cruelty. I enjoy my soy latte just like the dairy slurpers do. I can go to most restaurants and order a decent meal even if it consists of tidbits of sides.<br />I do feel hopeful though, as this weekend I stumbled upon a story about a MEGATREND of vegan children. Apparently Moms N Dads are frightened of animal products and the junk that rides sidesaddle with them. Some delightful examples are pesticides, e-coli, and additives that plump up the meat. Jim Cramer of CNBC is responsible for noting this trend. 3 million children don't eat meat in America? I guess I am not alone after all! Read more <a href="http://www.checkthemarkets.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=375&Itemid=96">here</a>.<br />There was also an interesting article about the importance of buying organic I read this morning. This specific study proves that organics have better impact on your health than conventionally grown items. Read more <a href="http://www.enviroblog.org/2007/10/organic-healthier.htm">here</a>.<br />Lastly, how great is a good old pb&j sometimes? Damn it hits the spot when feeling lazy and wanting a sweet treat. I love creamy pb from Whole Foods (organic of course) and some mixed berry jelly without the stupid seeds on some yummy 5 grain sourdough. MMMMM!Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-27780637431525068242007-09-11T13:44:00.000-07:002008-11-13T00:38:53.439-08:00Lets Go Halfsies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAP5fhlF857IuVXcXzRN1uruRxGZrIMc4MPg5Oo85d_qyuNnOnf8L_piWtnBEMfe3zlsllOXp9S9CWOmiuPnNn6_rq0I0NWkGmILOhw-BkuZQN3B7azgubnvSIek7D9-inWriuAiP76Xs/s1600-h/bread.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAP5fhlF857IuVXcXzRN1uruRxGZrIMc4MPg5Oo85d_qyuNnOnf8L_piWtnBEMfe3zlsllOXp9S9CWOmiuPnNn6_rq0I0NWkGmILOhw-BkuZQN3B7azgubnvSIek7D9-inWriuAiP76Xs/s400/bread.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109052828622422354" /></a><br />Almost every week, I end up throwing out food that goes bad as a result of my cooking for two. I find it frustrating that stores cannot figure out that a number of their customers are single folks or families of 2. I end up buying a huge bushel of parsley instead of the 2 teaspoons the recipe calls for. Same with cilantro and celery. DAMN that celery, it drives me nuts how much I have to toss out. I contemplated composting, but I am not sure what to use it for. What do I do with compost when its done doing its thing? I know I could just look it up on the internet, I will have to do that today after this post. Please, Whole Foods, could you consider selling smaller loaves of bread, smaller bunches of herbs, half containers of liquids like soy milk (which goes bad after 1 week of being opened, I never end up using it all) and smaller boxes of cereal. I guarantee this would revolutionize the supermarket business. People would shop more often if they buy smaller quantities of food items and I would even be willing to pay more for the extra effort it takes to produce/ design the new containers. Mark my words, this is the next big thing like how magazines and newspapers have followed this trend of smaller sizes to be more eco-conscious. Good stuff comes in small packages after all!!!Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-25018862379284887472007-09-04T17:49:00.000-07:002007-09-04T21:40:32.099-07:00Sebastopol, Berkeley, etc.This weekend we spent time in Occidental at our "country house" as my New York City originating husband likes to call it. After a delicious meal at a restaurant in Sebastopol called SLICE OF LIFE, I pondered the following: How do veg conscious towns and cities come to be? My smarty pants B.F.F. Michelle said that its usually a college town thing. I agreed, but its not always the case. Obviously a location like Berkeley falls into that category. What about the towns that are unique for no apparent reason, not housing a college or sporting a city vibe? Some country towns are seriously lacking restaurants in general except for maybe a Denny's or Applebee's but others are very thoughtful in their choices of what is acceptable to grace their land. Sebastopol fought to keep McDonalds out, sadly unsuccessfully. <br />I want to know why certain towns are so diverse and down to earth. Why is Healdsburg a meat haven with so few choices for vegans, when Sebastopol is a goldmine for those wanting a meal that never mooed or clucked? If anyone knows why this is, please fill me in. Recommend a book or something because it is so interesting to me!Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-82209833252146004412007-08-27T13:46:00.000-07:002008-11-13T00:38:53.675-08:00Vegan Consultant Reporting For Duty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_CS8TlSJmVuyNK2xaGpsuTq5kRG8pv5T5hG3rEhK08KVDvGeewy_wHiqwtugoUAUO-pbl-2-R7Uf72U0lHJ1dwOFUGJyXo0HRaI60UUgZ2MnePhStevLcUScV8qtgLyzxCRy-pmtqRxs/s1600-h/m_vegan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_CS8TlSJmVuyNK2xaGpsuTq5kRG8pv5T5hG3rEhK08KVDvGeewy_wHiqwtugoUAUO-pbl-2-R7Uf72U0lHJ1dwOFUGJyXo0HRaI60UUgZ2MnePhStevLcUScV8qtgLyzxCRy-pmtqRxs/s400/m_vegan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103489441519796466" /></a><br />I suppose I have been at the right place at the right time lately. I LOVE assisting new vegans with choices on a variety of items. It can be overwhelming to scan the faux food aisle. Between the soy meats, cheeses, non-dairy sour creams and milks, desserts, it can be tough to choose. The other day I clicked on a link to a blog by a man who was ready to give up on veganism because he was training for a sport and finding that he was NOT getting enough of certain nutrients. I commented on his blog, basically directing him to my blog entries about protein and how best to obtain it. He wrote back still a bit discouraged because of his special situation. I remembered the vegan triathlete Brendan Brazier who is a role model to many athletes vegan or not. He came out with a line of products for vegans including bars and drink mixes that do not have soy or any scary ingredients that you wouldn't recognize. My new friend read his website after my direction toward it and was so grateful. I was so happy to help, it really made my day to keep someone on the vegan track.<br />Yesterday, I sat and had a chat with a neighbor I barely know and happened to mention I am vegan probably because we were discussing pregnancy, etc. Strangely enough she and her husband were just discussing how they wanted to move in that direction with their diet. She suggested I give her some easy recipes to start with and I suggested I cook for she and her family someday because I LOVE to show off some of the best recipes I have. Of course, I went overboard and gave her about 8 GREAT recipes ranging from CANDLE CAFE'S CAESAR SALAD, VEGETARIAN TIMES CHEWY GRANOLA BARS & PICASSO'S PAELLA from the BLOSSOMING LOTUS restaurant cookbook. I also included the VEGAN LUNCHBOX book as my daughter is far from being in school yet and I can get myself another copy easily. I also baked a batch of my favorite vegan cookies adapted from the MOOSEWOOD CLASSICS cookbook. I hope she enjoys all of the things I gave her, I would just love to see another vegan family a couple doors down!<br />At Whole Foods yesterday I encountered a couple struggling to pick out a cheese, notably a vegan one. I could tell that they were picking up items with "vegan" on the label. I asked them if they needed help picking out vegan cheeses. Being quite the connoisseur I suggested the FOLLOW YOUR HEART brand cheddar and mozzarella. I also let them in on the cheese to die for (SHEESE) but let them down easy when explaining you have to order it online from Portland!<br />There is nothing better than having meaningful run-in's with strangers. I don't know these people at all, but because we are on a similar path they are friends of mine instantly! I hope to meet more vegans or vegan hopefuls around town, this world will be a better place if so.Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-37183149770383009992007-05-16T09:04:00.000-07:002007-05-16T09:53:44.217-07:00Protein WoesFor all vegans (and vegetarians) the subject of protein intake is a popular one. Dr. John McDougall released a newsletter in April of this year that covers this subject at length. He admits that sadly our policy makers and educators remain "ignorant about our nutritional needs." The American Heart Association incorrectly states that plant proteins are "deficient in 1 or more amino acids and therefore regarded as incomplete proteins." <br /><br />John explains that "proteins are made from chains of 20 different amino acids that connect together in varying sequences - similar to how all words in a dictionary are made up of the same 26 letters...plants are made up of structurally sound cells with enzymes and hormones, they are by nature rich sources of proteins. Plants are so nutrient equipped, that they satisfy protein needs of some of the largest animals like elephants, hippos, giraffes, and cows.<br /><br />More, Dr. McDougall states that the WHO (world health organization) recommends that men and women obtain 5% of their calories as protein. <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">38 grams for men, burning 3000 calories per day<br />29 grams for women, burning 2300 calories per day</span><br />The above totals are easily met by unrefined starches and veggies. "Rice alone would provide 71 grams of highly usable protein and white potatoes would provide 64 grams of protein." For a child, in the first 2 years of life, the best option is human milk which is 5% protein. Millions of laboring folk in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America survive on half the protein we do here in the states, without deficiency, obviously the popular understanding of protein needs are flawed.<br /><br />Page 4 of the newsletter includes a chart of amino acid requirements provided by Dr. William Rose, check it out, you will be shocked by how simple it is to obtain all amino acids in a veggie diet.<br /><br />Another surprising fact I read is that potatoes alone will do if you are looking to proper nutrients in your diet. "The potato is such a great source of nutrition that it can supply all of the essential protein and amino acids for young children i times of food shortage. Researchers found that this simple potato diet provided all the protein and essential amino acids to meet the needs of small children."<br /><br />EXCESS PROTEIN (unlike fat) cannot be stored. McDougall explains, "Proteins are made of amino acids, and are, therefore acidic by nature. ANIMAL proteins are abundant in sulfur-containing amino acids which break down into very powerful sulfuric acid. These amino acids are abundant in hard cheese, red meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs, and their acids must be neutralized by buffers found in the bones. The bones dissolve to release the buffering materials; eventually resulting in a condition of weakened bones (osteoporosis). Released bone materials often settle and coalesce i the kidney system, causing kidney stones. Fruits and vegetables are largely alkaline, preserving bone health and preventing kidney stones. <br /><br />Let's also remember the environmental impact! Livestock produces 18% of the greenhouse gases, says the doc, and these food animals occupy 26% of the ice free surface of the earth and 33% of the total arable land is used to produce their food. <br /><br />High protein foods are usually high profit foods. The protein myth must live on because of ego's and money.<br /><br />Please check out the entire newsletter here: <a href="http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/apr/dairy.htm">THE MCDOUGALL NEWSLETTER</a>Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-40188483815377328772007-05-08T09:45:00.000-07:002007-05-08T12:12:30.577-07:00For laughs & more....Even though there is nothing funny about how wrong these food items are for consumption, I think this experiment is notably hilarious because of the primary point it makes. Basically, its a photo journalistic journey of <a href="http://www.thewvsr.com/adsvsreality.htm">fast food ads versus reality</a>. I especially like the reference to "pump cheese." <br />To add to the fun, I clicked onto the link on the same page for "<a href="http://www.thewvsr.com/fastfood.htm">fast food reviews</a>" and just about peed my pants. Read the one for KFC, which consequently received a FAT "D" on its report card:<br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><b style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">KFC</b> - If there's anything more disgusting than biting into a piece of "fried" chicken and having half a quart of hot water (or something) roll down your chin, I don't know what it is. KFC is fuckin' grotesque. Hard, deep-fried grease shells, "water," snapping veins, people sucking marrow out of shiny bones, great sheets of animal skin hanging from the corner of glistening mouths... it's like something out of a Dean Koontz novel. This is a place for people not fully evolved to exercise their basic animal instincts, and indulge in a bloody feeding frenzy. It gives me the creeps just thinking about it. Oh sure, I'm a proud carnivore and everything, but I'm not a fucking dingo! I just experienced a full-body shiver. Shit! <b> D</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span>Apparently, this guy is named Jeff Kay, he lives in Pennsylvania and he is my new source of entertainment. <br /><br />Google has been alerting me of postings in response to the Science Daily Article on <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070501115010.htm">SOY and weight loss</a>. As an individual wary of the whole subsidized farming mess discussed by Michael Pollan in the Omnivores Dilemma, I worry that all of this reporting is just promotional junk supporting more soy farming and cheap filler ingredients in our food. As a vegan, I do eat the occasional soy product, but honestly not so often and I always choose organic.<br />An excerpt from the article in Science Daily:<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">"Injections were given three times a week for two weeks; during that time, the animals had unlimited access to food and water. Food intake was measured 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after injection, and the rats were weighed 24 and 48 hours after injection. All rats received the same amount of exercise, and all rats lost weight.</span><br /><p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">But, after the third injection, de Mejia and Vaughn noticed a significant weight loss in the group of animals that had received one of the soy hydrolysates, even though the animals hadn't changed their eating habits. In this instance, soy protein appeared to have caused weight loss not by reducing food intake but by altering the rats' metabolism."</p><p>Heck, sounds like some good results to me (sad for the rats being tested on of course), but I also investigated the companies funding this study. First, <a href="http://www.seiberling.com/aboutus.htm">SAI</a> Company. Check out <a href="http://www.seiberling.com/aboutus.htm">Seiberling Associates, Inc.</a> website for yourself and judge whether or not you think something is fishy about the fact that they work with endless dairy clientele, but they are claiming that soy (a dairy alternative) can help you lose weight. I seem to recall a recent campaign by the dairy council claiming that <a href="http://www.amonline.com/article/article.jsp?id=14172&siteSection=1">milk everyday can help you to lose weight</a>. I wandered to Dale Seiberling's personal website (he is the self proclaimed CIP EVANGELIST) whatever that means. The info on the site is like another language, that of farming, etc. <br /></p>The other source of funds for this research is the <a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/">Illinois Soybean Association</a>. I read through some of their site, and they are obviously ALL business! I read about a new and exciting product for the soy industry, which is a <a href="http://www.ilsoy.org/soy-news/article/?sort=5&id=69">chew toy made of soy for the piglets</a> that are being weaned...basically its supposed to provide nutrition and lessen the the stress of weaning thus "minimizing fighting." This makes me sad. <br />Of course, they mention the word biodiesel endlessly to act like they care about environmental issues. I am surprised to see that Disney is running its trains on biodiesel at their parks! Pretty neat.<br /><br />Its sad that I feel that most research is always born of ulterior motives. I suppose being an adult, you learn what to trust and what to turn your nose up at. Just in, <a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-08-2007/0004583423&EDATE=">I read a report about the supposedly untrustworthy and sneaky Humane Society and Farm Sanctuary</a>. The report is basically trying to accuse these groups of eliminating ALL animal products from our diets. Uh, AND.......The article makes them sound SOOO awful for demanding that people cut out animal products from their diet and that <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">EVEN IF "Congress," Martosko continued, "could require U.S. farmers to supply</span><span style="font-family: monospace; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">every pig, chicken, duck, and cow with private rooms, daily rubdowns, video</span><span style="font-family: monospace; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">iPods, and organic meals catered by Wolfgang Puck. But even this wouldn't</span><span style="font-family: monospace; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">satisfy activists who actually believe farm animals have the 'right' not to</span><span style="font-family: monospace; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">be eaten."</span><br /><br />I love how killing animals for food and supporting factory farming is OK, but standing up for animals and insisting that we take a look at how we abuse them is ridiculous! Really nice touch, labeling the Humane Society as "dishonest" about their goals.<br /><br />I guess I am making up for lost time today.....Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-40700021733650034462007-04-19T07:09:00.000-07:002008-11-13T00:38:54.207-08:00I find that "feeling guilty" is a ridiculous reason NOT to eat meat. Its so subjective. The New York Times put out an article this week in the DINING IN section called <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/18/dining/18veal.html?_r=1&oref=slogin">VEAL TO LOVE, WITHOUT THE GUILT</a>. This guilt angle is so self-absorbed. First, let me share with you the definition of "guilt."<br />According to my computer dictionary, here is the definition.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">guilt |gilt| noun the fact of having committed a specified or implied offense or crime : it is the duty of the prosecution to prove the prisoner's guilt. • a feeling of having done wrong or failed in an obligation : he remembered with sudden guilt the letter from his mother that he had not yet read.</span><br />If you eat animal products, you do not have the sense that its wrong, or you would not do it. There is no guilt associated with something you do that you do not see as wrong. The veal industry has been tarnished for many years, even though factory farming harms ALL animals that end up on the dinner table. Its not enough to eat steak, chicken or fish, most Americans feel entitled to "gourmet" foods that are completely unnecessary like veal, foie gras or sweetbreads. Let me remind you that each of these are named some fancy word instead of seeing on the menu the following.<br />WELCOME TO OUR RESTAURANT, here are our specials today!<br />TENDER BABY COW<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnMmeA4PKSngG3A5_sYyWZVjM9RAw2E3MC3y4JAqwLKaQQKV3xiKOJowzW0h4k07aoPTV3HBKV1c7EUiexem52POCD4qJ0-j-hKq16TKHVI1gt5KQJQayKT0SWcdv7xeMqW7AilpNrosc/s1600-h/Baby+Cow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnMmeA4PKSngG3A5_sYyWZVjM9RAw2E3MC3y4JAqwLKaQQKV3xiKOJowzW0h4k07aoPTV3HBKV1c7EUiexem52POCD4qJ0-j-hKq16TKHVI1gt5KQJQayKT0SWcdv7xeMqW7AilpNrosc/s400/Baby+Cow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055144832604339554" border="0" /></a><br />or<br />FORCE FED DUCKS FATTY LIVER<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvIaEoNLBZYY6PZ4ibK7V0gkK6ZNLyucBsOfK6lrkdkGlSzJ_Q1qsiBmRPfspukxxeYQOhrJlrrh0VWrdiCvTa0OAswJbv-xR2wWu7PIe8mHvNYtR-Aw_1_VNu_lIFmr9MdsLAvz0Es4h/s1600-h/foiegras.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvIaEoNLBZYY6PZ4ibK7V0gkK6ZNLyucBsOfK6lrkdkGlSzJ_Q1qsiBmRPfspukxxeYQOhrJlrrh0VWrdiCvTa0OAswJbv-xR2wWu7PIe8mHvNYtR-Aw_1_VNu_lIFmr9MdsLAvz0Es4h/s400/foiegras.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055145270691003762" border="0" /></a><br />or<br />PANCREAS FROM LAMBS<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPfssU-0aPgjPLB32qs-pJwiRAXvqc2jiUpkENNkflvhiMyfMG7z9EMT7JjUUN5HS7ySqOgPJVywTh0zFKS1jKc0EB3kFbLf9yrcW6uCIxhbJh80Z5E3FQibCIl6ZFGJJMy6_P5iECPYM/s1600-h/lamb.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPfssU-0aPgjPLB32qs-pJwiRAXvqc2jiUpkENNkflvhiMyfMG7z9EMT7JjUUN5HS7ySqOgPJVywTh0zFKS1jKc0EB3kFbLf9yrcW6uCIxhbJh80Z5E3FQibCIl6ZFGJJMy6_P5iECPYM/s400/lamb.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055145704482700674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />An understanding between humans and their actions needs to happen. With all of the talk on climate change and other environmental warnings, maybe some will realize that they cannot just frivolously have everything they want because its there and available. Guilt does not enter my thoughts when I decide whether or not I should partake in something i know is not right. UNDERSTANDING and ACTING is the process I go through in every inch of my day. Go on, continue living with your head in the clouds. I know I am not living fully unless I am present in my actions as much as I can be. Its as simple as that. Too bad simplicity is totally uncool in most of my fellow humans eyes.<br /><br />Don't be fooled by so called alleviated guilt when it comes to eating something like veal. Just because the calf gets some grass time and some visits with mom doesn't mean its okay to kill him for food.Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-41456457991555718672007-04-16T19:49:00.000-07:002007-04-16T19:58:40.040-07:00Gettin' Old....Who CARES?I spotted some wrinkles on my forehead and between my eyes last week. I suppose I don't really pay much attention when it comes to detecting "aging" on my face. Immediately my brain shifted into "what cream now!?" mode. The more I thought about it, the more I smelled bullpoop. I am definitely not one to buy into the creams and masks, etc. I don't even like facials so much. They just make me break out and look like crap. I can pick my own zits just as well. This is why I am proud to present this article on cosmetics called <a href="http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/a_fresh_face.html">A FRESH FACE OR JUST A WASTE</a>, by Tom Glaister.<br />"You have to think of cosmetics as decorative and hygienic, not as things that are going to change your skin. A $200 cream may have better perfume or packaging, but as far as it moisturizing your skin better than a $10 cream, it probably won't."<br />That is exactly what I suspected. Tom also covers the sad state of affairs of an unregulated cosmetic industry in the U.S. and the reality of animal testing.Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-89091125027919920522007-04-16T19:01:00.000-07:002008-11-13T00:38:54.308-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtqgMPGYs3C13ZPL55heFobZWuzG7AqdoufG9RCy19NwRfpOHTL50xJc0lpX6Dy6JXL0uPNLvkl2OCibTgC33xXgjIRJnCk9ADeHSH2SE8Av25nxpK8MoBRAUTD84uBXpxxAiiUKC6HRJ/s1600-h/cake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtqgMPGYs3C13ZPL55heFobZWuzG7AqdoufG9RCy19NwRfpOHTL50xJc0lpX6Dy6JXL0uPNLvkl2OCibTgC33xXgjIRJnCk9ADeHSH2SE8Av25nxpK8MoBRAUTD84uBXpxxAiiUKC6HRJ/s400/cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054215647181214898" border="0" /></a><br />We enjoyed a fully vegan baby shower with our closest friends yesterday. My best friend Michelle manufactured a huge amount of lasagne, garlic bread, salad and appetizers like a professional while my sis and brother in law brought cakes from a bakery in Berkeley called <a href="http://www.veganlust.com/index.html">LUST</a>, a vegan bakery. We had a lemon frosted spiced poppy seed cake of sorts that was unbelievably delicious. The other cake was chocolate with peanut butter laced in between each layer. The cakes looked as amazing as they tasted, so vegans and non-vegans, go to Micky to bake your cakes for any occasion.<br />I feel unbelievably lucky to have such a creative and thoughtful group of friends and family. I notice when the plan is to throw a vegan party, many complement the menu and want to know more about the ingredients and recipes. There is a curiosity that comes along with trying new things, especially delicious food! My friend Melissa is so excited about this blog and about veganism in general. She left our party and bought 5 books on the subject and contacted me with additional questions. I cannot tell you how great this makes me feel. I don't need to do anything extra, its just another day for me, but people notice whether I realize it or not!<br />I know you have heard enough of this <a href="http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1607483,00.html">pet food recall</a> already, but I thought I would direct you to a great article on the <a href="http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/sample/food.html">WHOLE DOG JOURNAL</a> website that tells you how to choose a food for your dog. I just read that another food was recalled, <a href="http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/">Natural Balance Venison and Rice dry dog food.</a><br />Another random tidbit, do you ride motorcycles? Well, check this out! <a href="http://www.bikernewsonline.com/2007/04/vegan-bikers-ride-among-us.htm">Vegan motorcycle gear</a>!Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-8848069400415789122007-04-09T21:30:00.001-07:002008-11-13T00:38:54.407-08:00Vegan "Fashion"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBLxGZN3hWcR0Nqj4Zk758QMExpK4NPDpmA_0rItCuS5PjvoQ2KwE-M0QTWyllNJJ8a83nrJFC7XehJdygpb_V8S96fEEz7Qgf3aHfLOfBAeWi37avdZGIaQhwmiwI4y6nnNBSQ4Lij6s/s1600-h/alicia03.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBLxGZN3hWcR0Nqj4Zk758QMExpK4NPDpmA_0rItCuS5PjvoQ2KwE-M0QTWyllNJJ8a83nrJFC7XehJdygpb_V8S96fEEz7Qgf3aHfLOfBAeWi37avdZGIaQhwmiwI4y6nnNBSQ4Lij6s/s400/alicia03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051659596179248290" border="0" /></a><br />Excuse me for not standing up for my kind, but I can't help but be suspicious of all of this press on vegan fashion. Often you will see the words, "oxymoron" or "crunchy" or "impossible." I suppose I am misinterpreting these articles for advice when they are really just giving soft hints that vegans have absolutely no fashion sense. Let me guess, yeah, she is a chubby tie died chick who wears hemp sandals and her best friend is her dog. WHAT? Okay, I am sure there are a couple vegans who fit this description but I am here to let you know that there is variety in the vegan community.<br />Lest I remind you that "dressing vegan" is easy. Go to any store, cross leather, wool and fur off yer list. A recent interview I read was with a vegan image consultant. READ: Vegan Bullshit Consultant. Honestly, it just goes against the whole idea of being vegan. I think most of us are aware of what we buy and consume less than the average American. I am not sure people need help in the clothing department when it comes to creating JUST the perfect vegan image.<br />I must admit, some stores are better than others when it comes to shopping for vegan goods. Where to look is more important that what to look for. I wouldn't recommend shopping on vegan websites for clothing. Catalogs like Delia's or affordable stores like Payless feature some pretty fashionable items! American Apparel has some great items for comfy clothing that is made locally without the guilt of sweatshop action. I love Forever 21, but I am frightened to find out how and where their clothing is manufactured. Ebay is a GREAT resource for vegan shoes and vintage and recycled clothing.<br />Sorry for being so skeptical of my fellow vegan friends, but its just so American to focus on fashion instead of the bigger issue(s). Factory farming, addiction to cheap food, pollution, etc.Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-9372569924036155962007-04-06T13:25:00.000-07:002008-11-13T00:38:54.765-08:00What can I do?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCphGcCj4ivEmv54m5GDSUU5yFM-P1a1gxRemdzmf59KIv-_9mfj8F_EDZWb6lmL2-MaQaDrH2m7a75KVFFtdQUciUa8eEglTDhfY2LJrQpbdixOnZdYCjZu66pkYLR8yolpZTizhglOE/s1600-h/hb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCphGcCj4ivEmv54m5GDSUU5yFM-P1a1gxRemdzmf59KIv-_9mfj8F_EDZWb6lmL2-MaQaDrH2m7a75KVFFtdQUciUa8eEglTDhfY2LJrQpbdixOnZdYCjZu66pkYLR8yolpZTizhglOE/s400/hb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050420951066220562" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Recently there is a flood of envirospeak by various politicians. Obviously they are responding to reports proving that news around climate change is anything but good by organizations like the <a href="http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L05387840.htm">UN Climate Panel</a>.<br />I am having a really hard time with this. Politicians like John Kerry or Al Gore just rub me the wrong way because their job title has the word POLITICIAN in it. Something like the environment (that word is even making me nauseous because of the abuse it is receiving lately) getting mixed up with people who tend to tell whatever they think might sound good to the public for votes or money from their up and coming best seller. Yesterday I almost lost my lunch listening to Teresa Heinz and John Kerry spew the same old shit about a greener world and the subject of <span style="font-style: italic;">environment</span>. I want to share this photo to put more puke in this paragraph.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmGqPqi1Rz-92CMXOUnFeD_9z_c7bjWTrHxp9KE2mK0OKtftS2VqGi0Qh0z99lvFFK-NGY8IxkKhcvc4zSFZqVekJdQ0Ws1z4TBEW1qh_q5wd7jKWW7j_N64348hswVNhB-Xd5Dkj0-u0/s1600-h/kerrys.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmGqPqi1Rz-92CMXOUnFeD_9z_c7bjWTrHxp9KE2mK0OKtftS2VqGi0Qh0z99lvFFK-NGY8IxkKhcvc4zSFZqVekJdQ0Ws1z4TBEW1qh_q5wd7jKWW7j_N64348hswVNhB-Xd5Dkj0-u0/s400/kerrys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050416918091929602" border="0" /></a><br />I apologize for my negative attitude, but when politicians pretend to represent causes near and dear to our hearts, I start to worry. I am sick of hearing the same rhetoric over and over followed by larger than life solutions. Cut carbon emissions, buy a hybrid. How about following a vegan diet? That is something you can take charge of THREE times a day. How about CONSUMING LESS junk? How about NOT taking a bag at the store when you buy one item? How about spending 10 minutes at the coffee shop to relax and drink your latte out of a mug instead of wasting a paper cup, sleeve, and plastic top every day (maybe 2 or 3 times per day!?) How about shopping for recycled clothing, not buying junk on sale just because its on sale? How about a <a href="http://www.livingincomfort.com/siswmewabo.html">reusable water bottle</a> instead of plastic ones?<br />Okay, so today I can claim these activities as MY contribution to consuming LESS.<br />1. Vegan meal for breakfast, lunch (consumed at home, on a plate, no waste)<br />2. Unplugged items around the house that do not need to be running today (computer, television/cable box, toaster, cell phone/computer chargers, heater off)<br />3. Donated clothing, side table and pillows to the local thrift store to be reused by someone else.<br />4. Walked the dogs on a local trail to avoid driving to dog park. <br />5. Shopping at whole foods for as many LOCAL foods I can for a party tomorrow.<br />6. Didn't run the water while brushing teeth (this is a bad habit of mine)<br />What are you doing daily to prove that your choices are of conscious mind?<br /><br />Give me some EVERYDAY solutions that I can put to use please!!!!Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-89789539171916634272007-03-30T08:47:00.001-07:002007-03-30T08:59:55.408-07:00Friday factsThis week drummed up quite a selection of topics for a food studier like myself. First, Burger King and their noble decision to try to include as much as they can of cage free eggs onto their breakfast sandwiches in addition to purchasing a small amount pork from sows that are allowed to move around instead of being chained and caged up. They admit that the amount they would need to fulfill demand is high, so they are starting with what can be supplied in hopes that more farmers will stand up to the challenge and change their ways. YAY for the King! Its crazy how these HUGE companies have the power to change the state of our farms and lives of animals everywhere. WHY NOT choose the noble way? They also mention that this NOT a marketing ploy, they just wanted to try to be ahead of the curve when it comes to what their customers want. Hey, whatever, keep up the good work.<br />AGAIN, Milk is getting a bad rap. Read this from the FREE MARKET NEWS website:<br />"MILK CARRIES INFECTIOUS DISEASES<br />Thursday, March 29, 2007 - FreeMarketNews.com<br /><br />Got milk? Don't drink it until you have read this article.<br /><br />First of all. Milk doesn't taste like it did in grandma's day. It is homogenized and pasteurized. That has been assumed to make milk one of our safest foods. Not so, according to a new study in Vegan Outreach.<br />Food borne diseases are found in milk. The CDC estimates that 97% of food borne diseases come from animal foods. Thousands die each year from these diseases.<br />One result of food borne disease is arthritis. Another feared complication of food borne disease is Guillain-Barre syndrome where paralysis and-or death occurs.<br />Crohn's Disease affects a half million Americans with severe symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fevers. This disease lasts a lifetime. Crohn's Disease comes from bacteria in milk.<br />Patricia Doyle of the International Society for Infectious Diseases recommends rice milk as substitute for cow's milk. Ultra High Temperature processed milk is available in most supermarkets.<br /><br />Get a good laugh at this Lindy West article from a newspaper called "The Stranger" which is circulated in Seattle. Its a hilarious account of a trip to the Vegetarian Fair called <a href="http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=184899">EVERYTHING GONE GREEN</a>.<br />Here is my favorite part of the article, the very end.<br />"A lot of people like to hate on vegetarians because, obviously, a lot of vegetarians are annoying. Wearing a T-shirt that says "LICK ME, I'M VEGAN!" is annoying. Soy cheese is annoying. Giving a person a stinky, judgy eyeball because maybe they tried a McGriddle once as a joke and it turned out to be totally good and they like to secretly eat one on the way to work once in a while, but this time they forgot to dispose of the evidence before you got in the car, is annoying. (And if you object to my meat mobile so much, maybe next time you can hitch a ride on the tofu truck, Judgy "Judge Reinhold" Judge-face.)<br />But guess what? Most of every segment of the population is annoying, including the carnivorous ones. Rush Limbaugh (way more annoying than homeopathic medicine) eats at least 17 steaks a day. Mosquitoes (did you know that "mosquito" means "annoying" in Latin?) regularly gorge themselves on the blood of innocent human babies. And it's a widely accepted fact that Hilary Duff literally devoured her own sister, Haylie Duff, mistaking her for a smoky glazed ham, and replaced her with a less argumentative animatronic robot. Annoying! So until you haters can prove to me that vegetarians are statistically more annoying than the rest of us, I'm staying staunchly on their side. What can I say? I've got a soft spot for the veggie little bastards. At least as long as they keep giving me free cookies."<br />Hilarious.Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-86751028569834101602007-03-30T08:16:00.000-07:002007-03-30T08:47:12.587-07:00Mad, Not gonna take it anymoreAs I was going about my business yesterday, I pondered the fact that vegans are frequently receivers of some nasty verbiage. I tried to think up all of the vegan cut downs used by confused eaters of meat who just try so damn hard to prove that our way of life is wrong. The usual suspects in way of arguments are usually that: animals do not have souls, plants are alive so how can you eat them, nature wants you to eat a mix of available foods, animals wouldn't be on this earth if we weren't supposed to eat them, and so on. My reasoning for cutting animal products from my diet is simply because I LOVE ANIMALS. I owe that realization to my husband as he helped me to come to this conclusion many years ago. You can argue your tongue off with all of the passion and facts but when it comes down to it, there is nothing anyone can say that proves otherwise when it comes to my love for animals. YES, I do make many sacrifices to live the way I do, but I cannot tell you how amazing it is to live in such harmony, knowing there is not leather on my feet or skin/blood on my plate. Lets examine the differences between name calling when it comes to vegans/vegetarians versus meat eaters.<br />VEG: Tree Hugger, Granola, Hippie, veganity (i guess this is the animal free insanity), self-righteous morons, twig eaters, "like the Taliban", oh and my favorite and most offensive VAYGUN.<br />MEAT: murderer, cannibal, butcher, etc.<br />If given a choice, I would rather be a tree hugger or twig eater than a murderer. I have never gone to the extreme of calling anyone who eats animals as such. I am a rare specimen, an educator, not a whiner. I think the name calling is an interesting tidbit that comes up often on my google searches when researching the word VEGAN. When I think about how much peace my lifestyle brings me because of the ability to separate myself from any animal suffering is something you cannot buy. Yeah, I know it feels good to go out to dinner and buy yourself a nice steak to savor for dinner. But, try to buy the sense of calm and love I feel when I choose NOT to. I am the lucky one!<br />I would like to dedicate this post to my vegan friend Michelle, who is an amazing person in general but I do owe this peaceful life I live, to her. Thanks M!Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-86984154331474911432007-03-24T18:34:00.000-07:002008-11-13T00:38:55.123-08:00Mish Mash of GOOD NEWS<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Its a lazy Saturday here in Marin County, the fog bank is trying its best to creep over the bay. We are protected by Mr. Mount Tamalpais, so the fog stays out of our 'hood and spends most of its time over in San Francisco and the water towns of the county. I decided to check up on my e-mails and Google searches on a variety of issues. After sifting through the pile, I am seeing the sunny side of the bay, out of the gray yucky fog.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >First, I would like to share with you a sweet report from the Farm Sanctuary. Below is a movie featuring J.D. Piglet, who was rescued by a New York woman. The details read: "</span><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >He was found by a kind woman, abandoned, sopping wet and shivering in a western New York yard. A recent thaw had apparently washed J.D. downstream and onto the woman's property. A phone call to Farm Sanctuary swept the little piglet away again, delivering him into a new life, full of love, caring and health at our </span><i><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >New York Shelter."</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Watch him in action, its quite possibly the cutest thing I have seen in awhile.</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CokuPpedz8A"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CokuPpedz8A" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /></i></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >The CALGARY HERALD, a Canadian newspaper, featured an interesting article on Soy this week. I am including the entire article below, because its FULL of information on this controversial lil' bean called Soy.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5kgnlGqm5jiSOvnBCmZp5EmoruJ5SaW8wHS62RMoWAUofmmZOF9ye-juxNLJureSiPwJ8JqHYu_Au0jgeUTjS1XlD1amRiLUMMsmOn6dVi7z6DGPV39-rryxkhoGN0SdnXFoIEaNPmeC/s1600-h/soybeans.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5kgnlGqm5jiSOvnBCmZp5EmoruJ5SaW8wHS62RMoWAUofmmZOF9ye-juxNLJureSiPwJ8JqHYu_Au0jgeUTjS1XlD1amRiLUMMsmOn6dVi7z6DGPV39-rryxkhoGN0SdnXFoIEaNPmeC/s400/soybeans.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045676341654451298" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"There's so much confusion about soy," says Mark Messina, who holds a PhD in nutrition and is president of Port Townsend, Wash.-based Nutrition Matters, a consulting company.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >He has studied the health effects of soy for almost 20 years and says there is so much information floating around that it's no wonder confusion reigns. As far as he's concerned, soy is just fine."</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"Soy foods are low in saturated fat, they contain a lot of dietary fibre and they're an excellent source of protein," says Carole Dobson, a registered dietitian with Calgary-based Health Stand Nutrition Consulting.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >So what's the worry? The controversy stems from a bioactive compound found in soybeans, called isoflavones. Some people are concerned about isoflavones because they're a hormone-like compound.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"They have some estrogen-like effects," says Messina. "But they are much different than the hormone estrogen and probably are very selective on what tissues they affect."</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >This should be good news to the reader who wrote a letter to the editor saying he would not buy soy products anymore because "a man doesn't need estrogen and the effects of it became quickly obvious."</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >We're not sure exactly what he was referring to, but Messina says men have no reason to worry.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"There's just absolutely no effect of soy on testosterone levels," he says. "The few studies that have looked at semen quality in men have not found any adverse effects, as well."</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >The same reader claimed soy can cause accelerated puberty in girls, reproductive problems and increased difficulty getting pregnant.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >While there are studies examining a link, there has been no conclusive scientific research to prove this.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"There's no actual study that links soy intake in men or women with specific negative health results," says Dobson.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >If anything, eating soy may help slow the onset of puberty because it is low in saturated fat.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"Saturated fat is the fat that increases our bad cholesterol. It's been related to our population becoming more obese," she says.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >And as we get fatter, puberty comes earlier.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"Especially in girls, puberty gets triggered by a certain amount of fat on the body," Dobson says.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Misconceptions about adverse effects are common, says Messina, considering thousands of papers are published every year about soy. With enough study and speculation, you can say almost anything about the topic.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"But you have to look at the totality of the evidence," he says. "When you look at all the data, it's pretty convincing that soy is safe."</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >What often happens is soy gets a bad rap because people are comparing recent study results with high expectations generated by studies from 10 years ago. Take cholesterol as an example.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"What you've seen more recently is that the effects are very modest," he says. "Even if soy protein lowers bad cholesterol by three or four per cent, over a period of many years, that alone would result in a reduced heart disease risk by probably about 10 per cent."</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >And that's just from the soy protein. If you're replacing foods that are higher in saturated fat with soy foods, you'll lower your cholesterol even more.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Women with breast cancer often question the benefits or dangers of soy.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"I'm definitely comfortable with breast cancer patients consuming soy foods," says Messina.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >The only caveat is for women using the drug tamoxifen to treat breast cancer. There have been animal studies showing soy both enhances and inhibits the efficacy of the medication.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"I think we'll actually see that it's safe, but you have to err on the side of safety," he says.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >There are many other ongoing studies looking at potential benefits for women, such as how consuming soy may lessen the severity of hot flashes or prevent bone loss after menopause. There's even a study examining how consuming soy as a young girl may reduce the risk of breast cancer later in life.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Messina says the outcomes look encouraging, but definitive results from the long-term studies are needed before confirming the benefits.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"I'm optimistic, but it's still speculative," he says.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Messina recommends consuming two to three servings of soy foods per day. One cup (250 mL) of soy milk or a half cup (125 mL) of tofu equals one serving.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >If you don't eat that much soy food, he says isoflavone supplements can act as a backup. Supplements do not contain soy protein, but Messina says isoflavones are the key behind most of the purported benefits of soy. The only exception is when it comes to cholesterol reduction, because it looks as if the protein -- not the isoflavones -- is responsible. In that case, supplements may not help much.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Health Canada, for its part, maintains soy foods can be included as part of a balanced and healthy diet for both children and adults. Fortified soy beverages were added to the food guide because Health Canada deems them "a nutritionally adequate alternative to milk," and a good option for people who do not consume milk products.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >But the endorsement stops there.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"Health Canada does not consider any claimed human health benefits of soy consumption such as the reduction of cancer risk, the prevention of osteoporosis and the relief of menopausal symptoms to be sufficiently supported by the scientific evidence," writes Paul Duchesne, media relations officer with Health Canada, in an e-mail.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >What everyone agrees on is that soy is low in saturated fat and is a great source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. For now, it seems soy foods should be eaten like any other food -- in moderation.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >"I just look at it as one other healthy food you would want to include in your diet like a fruit or vegetable. If we confirm the hypotheses that it has some of these other benefits, that's fantastic," says Messina. "If it doesn't, it still deserves a place at the table."</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsnRPj5w8PPyiT3oVVDqLktzzMBPo6GlOvecbYrFtAGi5grNQDgL_Nk3Ff1d4Wp4czK5cqFVWIKUCeQCpah9SgxMgF4QT6mCHX8ECMjTu-SXMp_9ex8_dfT6xokeZABW2KUxaxsCrWOJV/s1600-h/wolfpuck.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsnRPj5w8PPyiT3oVVDqLktzzMBPo6GlOvecbYrFtAGi5grNQDgL_Nk3Ff1d4Wp4czK5cqFVWIKUCeQCpah9SgxMgF4QT6mCHX8ECMjTu-SXMp_9ex8_dfT6xokeZABW2KUxaxsCrWOJV/s400/wolfpuck.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045675950812427346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Now lets have a round of applause for WOLFGANG PUCK who, after hearing from the FARM SACTUARY folks, decided to take Fois Gras & Veal off the menu while adding more VEGGIE OPTIONS! Read more about the campaign on the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.wolfgangpuckcruelty.org/alert_3-21.htm">FARM SANCTUARY</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> website.</span></span>Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940975971589402428.post-90259098710572536592007-03-19T18:01:00.000-07:002008-11-13T00:38:55.398-08:00Unmotivated<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2AyAyAQYOB_sY9ds81e3B_kA7XY0bjDL_34tZ-rNB0imaHZwQruylDzY1U1gqFmjgPRrw_W7Fltt6bv36fHCxl5LgPEwR_tsuOae6lqVC_GfV4pGaC_WSOX8PGrumr-7c6UgU8PyNBrm/s1600-h/tiger.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2AyAyAQYOB_sY9ds81e3B_kA7XY0bjDL_34tZ-rNB0imaHZwQruylDzY1U1gqFmjgPRrw_W7Fltt6bv36fHCxl5LgPEwR_tsuOae6lqVC_GfV4pGaC_WSOX8PGrumr-7c6UgU8PyNBrm/s400/tiger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043816311577637938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Lately I have struggled to put together a worthwhile post. In two months I will be having a baby girl and my energy level is uh, lets say, missing temporarily. I spoke to my best buddy Michelle (and featured reader of this months VEG News) today about how finding a job can be tricky when you have strong beliefs in certain departments. As concerned vegans, we both yearn to spread the gospel in a fun, engaging and exciting way. A career can take over your life. For this reason, its important that you are not working for a cause/product that contradicts your beliefs. My husband is experiencing a refreshing surge of energy as a result of his new job. He works for a company called Tesla Motors, a company taking the lead in teaching America that our presence in the middle east and our reliance on oil for our vehicles is unnecessary. Electric cars are one answer to cleaning up our environment and promising our kids a safe future.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7_JIO1JWN6QbuKQ8KQ_19T5CddtCSWLAHTmskkqSqjFL-3H53Rh0_0cH1nPiKuGr0hpqqCOIP-gEkUqPP0zaX2ITjt9A6BBT9Y-clq7SIuHvl7Zc02oco9k0ZEXeSWdSo695BuEuvYhF/s1600-h/Rich_Cizik.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7_JIO1JWN6QbuKQ8KQ_19T5CddtCSWLAHTmskkqSqjFL-3H53Rh0_0cH1nPiKuGr0hpqqCOIP-gEkUqPP0zaX2ITjt9A6BBT9Y-clq7SIuHvl7Zc02oco9k0ZEXeSWdSo695BuEuvYhF/s400/Rich_Cizik.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043816861333451842" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Someone else of note is a man called Rich Cizik. Rich is a guy who is willing to speak up about environmentalism even though he is looked down upon by his Evangelical cohorts. The Evangelicals call him a democratic sympathizer because "green issues" are NOT something of a priority to them. Rich responds with this:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">"It's time we return to being people known for our love and care of the earth and our fellow human beings."</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Its sad that a sect of people who believe in God do not want to protect something that He created. What is the point of spreading Gods word if it is not taken seriously? Oh go ahead, just pick and choose what you think applies and live by it. We all know how effective inconsistency is. Referring to my religious vegan blog posting back in December would be proper right about now. There are descriptions for each religion as to why veganism or vegetarianism goes along with the Bible and other religious texts.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">As Michelle and I discussed earlier today, why do humans want to be violent towards animals? In China, tigers are raised in factory farm conditions for meat and wine (what?)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">"Tigers are naturally solitary creatures that roam over dozens of square miles, so it's hardly surprising that life in the cages drives them insane. I saw numerous examples of stress-related repetitive behaviour.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The mature animals paced back and forth across their cages for hours on end - three steps forward, three steps back. Some hurled themselves at the bars of their prison cells, while others simply stared into space.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Over-crowding drives the creatures to attack each other, often resulting in death. Officially it is only the tigers killed in such fights that can be eaten or turned into wine. But it is clear that many of them die as a result of a bullet to the head.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">They are not the only animals killed. For entertainment, visitors to the animal park can watch the 'live killing exhibition', a sick spectacle in which animals are 'hunted' and torn to pieces by tigers while onlookers cheer.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">I watched in horror as a young cow was stalked and caught by a tiger. Its screams filled the air as it struggled.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Virtually all the tigers from the Guilin farm end up at a winery 100 miles to the north, their carcasses dumped in huge vats of rice wine and left to rot for up to nine years.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The Chinese believe that the tiger's strength passes into the wine as its body decomposes. They also believe that it is a powerful medicine that wards off arthritis, strengthens bones and acts as a general tonic.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Smelling like a mixture of methylated spirits, antiseptic and congealed meat, it is difficult to believe that anyone would willingly drink it, and yet people pay up to £100 a pint for it."</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Read more about this shitty practice at:</span> <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=441632&in_page_id=1770">The Daily Mail</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Read about a </span><a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);" href="http://www.gairrhydd.com/news/838/humane-nature/">couple of badasses</a><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"> who are working to try to eliminate animal suffering in the UK. We love you Drs. Stephens and Hadwen!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">"A CARDIFF University researcher has joined forces with the UK’s leading non-animal medical research charity to find humane replacements for animal testing.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Dr Phil Stephens and the Dr Hadwen Trust have teamed up to replace wound experiments in animals in order to prevent pain and suffering.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Wounds are particularly common among the elderly, affecting 30% of over 60-year-olds and costing the NHS over £1 billion a year.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Effective treatments are desperately needed, but current animal ‘models’ used in research not only cause suffering but are unreliable because they cannot accurately reproduce the characteristics found in human wounds."</span><br />Hopefully this posting will remind me how motivated some people are to make this world a better place. I need to continue to share my insights with you lucky people who stumble upon this page in order to balance out the sad state of affairs going on all over the world (i.e. tiger farms).Keri Jean Siryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065674482282775626noreply@blogger.com0