Update, 9/2/09: Carol Adams is soliciting videos for the upcoming 20th anniversary of The Sexual Politics of Meat; check out her Twitter account for more info and examples.

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The Discerning Brute: EAT LIKE A MAN.

The Discerning Brute weighs in on the conflation of “meat” consumption with masculinity:

How do rabbits eat? They carefully chew Vegetation. Strangely, no man scoffs at being compared to a rabbit when it comes to sex. “Doing it like rabbits” flatters a man’s virility, yet eating a diet that supports that same rabbit’s virility is lampooned. Instead, we consume entire animals with superstitious hopes of appropriating their strengths. The cover of September 2009’s Esquire Magazine proclaims “Eat Like A Man” and leads to a sixteen-page cover-story entitled “How Men Eat”. It is a total meat-fest. A cheesy, eggy, frat party wrapped in bacon and bathed in blood.

The offending article doesn’t seem to be available on Esquire’s website, though you can read about famous chefs’ favorite fast food joints, with much love for In & Out Burger. Gag.

Er, on second thought, no gag; that’s probably the womanly reaction the meat-eating manly men at Esquire are hoping for.

Carol J. Adams: The Sexual Politics of Meat Slide Show

Carol Adams has revamped her website since last I visited. The new setup includes a blog, interviews and – best of all – a Sexual Politics of Meat slideshow.

Apparently a 20th anniversary edition of The Sexual Politics of Meat is due out this fall; since I have the 1999 edition, I’m contemplating whether I should upgrade. It’s been awhile since I’ve read them, but I preferred The Pornography of Meat, Adams’s follow-up to The Sexual Politics of Meat – it’s more visual, less theoretical/academic. Then again, I read each in my college/vegetarian days, so wtf did I know? Perhaps an ‘09 edition, with some new material, will provide an excuse to revisit Sexual Politics in my adulthood.

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LGBT Compassion

One of the newest additions to the “Intersections” category on my blogroll, LGBT Compassion is a

coalition of San Francisco Bay Area gay animal advocates (and some non-gay friends) working to promote awareness of animal welfare, health, environmental, and civil rights issues within our community – along with any other important social issues that we feel strongly about.

We feel that the LGBT community, having experienced discrimination, oppression and suffering ourselves, having special health issues, and often having unique bonds with companion animals, should be open to learning and helping others who may not be able to speak up for themselves – whether human or non-human.

Their motto: Fighting oppression and discrimination for all. Love it.

I first learned of the group through its investigation into San Francisco’s live animal markets, where chickens are kept and displayed for sale in plastic bags (!). If you haven’t yet, definitely go check ‘em out.

PETA Asia-Pacific: Urge Egypt’s Prime Minister to Stop Cruel Pig Cull

When I saw that PETA was campaigning against the pig culls in Egypt, I was excited. Last I checked, the WSPA had reached a standstill with the Egyptian government, which was insisting that the culls had ceased, despite evidence to the contrary. Writing about the issue at change.org, I wanted desperately to offers readers an opportunity to take action. But nada – until now.

When I actually read the sample letter provided by PETA, though, my heart sank. Rather than calling for an end to the culls, PETA asks the government to “Please place a moratorium on the pig cull until guidelines can be put in place to ensure that the killing is as humane as possible.” This despite the fact that the culls are wholly unnecessary – an inefficient way to guard against swine flu. And this comes not from animal advocacy groups, but government experts (such as those at the UN) – who, on the whole, aren’t really known for their animal-friendly views.

Add to the mix the possibility that the culls might have as much to do with religious discrimination as swine flu paranoia, and PETA really dropped the ball here. Not only has the group failed to defend the pigs from slaughter – it also failed to take the majority Muslim government to task for oppressing the minority Christian farmers. PETA even reinforces the government’s bigotry by pleading for a “humane” pig cull at a later date!

Oh, with friends like these…

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Farm Sanctuary – info [at] farmsanctuary.org
Date: Sep 13, 2007 4:06 PM
Subject: Farm Sanctuary’s E-News & Action Alert 09/13/07

Tell the Rabbinical Council of America That Tradition is no Excuse for Cruelty

Farm Sanctuary is joining with other animal protection organizations in urging the Rabbinical Council of America to take a position against killing chickens during the “kapparot” ritual, scheduled this year for Sept. 17-21. Humane groups are urging the hens’ lives be spared by substituting other items in place of live animals. Read more.

Farm Animal of the Month: Meghan

As a lady of certain years, Meghan the sheep counts herself a member of an esteemed group found in Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter sheep barn. It’s called the Bridge Club, its members are a stately collection of elderly sheep who enjoy their golden years to the fullest, gathering together to while away the days snoozing in the sun or the warm comfort of the barn. Meghan’s life is now one of pure leisure—but don’t ever doubt that she’s paid her dues. Read more.

Blog for a Cause

Everyone else is writing them. Why shouldn’t you? Make an impact on the Web by creating your very own engaging and enlightening veggie-themed blog. Focus on topics like animal-free food, fashion with compassion, kind crafts, thought-provoking news, or anything else your big vegan heart desires. Captivate hundreds or even thousands of readers with your unique perspective on what it means to live cruelty-free. Check out these hip, entertaining and educational examples for inspiration:

vegforlife.org/resources_blogs.htm.

Product Body and Farm Sanctuary

Help support Farm Sanctuary while helping yourself to luscious, fresh, handmade body products. Product Body is donating 10 percent of the proceeds from all September sales on productbodyshop.com to Farm Sanctuary. So drop by and grab some Crush On You (a product Bust magazine called “quite possibly the best exfoliant known to women”) or any of our other fabulous scrubs, balms or butters. Offering a selection of vegan, all natural and CRUELTY FREE products: productbody.com

IN THE NEWS

Manure causes stink for lawmakers and farmers
Reuters, September 6, 2007

The omnivore’s dilemma: a natural history of four meals
Atlantic Monthly, August 28, 2007

Farm Sanctuary Gala
Product Body Blog, September 10, 2007

SHOP AT FARM SANCTUARY

The Way We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter

MAKE A DONATION TO FARM SANCTUARY

secure.vegsource.com/farmsanc/join/donate_alert.htm

About Farm Sanctuary

Photo via texwurld

Farm Sanctuary is the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, we have worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the “food animal” industry through research and investigations, legal and legislative actions, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Our shelters in Watkins Glen, NY and Orland, CA provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. For more information about Farm Sanctuary or our programs, please visit www.farmsanctuary.org or call 607-583-2225. To become a Farm Sanctuary member or to make a donation today using our secure online form, please visit: secure.vegsource.com/farmsanc/join/donate_alert.htm. For updates on previous action alerts, please visit: www.farmsanctuary.org/actionalerts/update.htm

Please forward and distribute widely! Thank you.
Farm Sanctuary, P.O. Box 150 Watkins Glen, NY 14891

To subscribe: www.farmsanctuary.org/signup.htm

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts farm sanctuary religion judaism Rabbinical Council of America kapparot chickens poultry sheep blog blogging Product Body flickr news in the news newsletter

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Sep 11, 2007 7:35 PM
Subject: LETTER/ Conscious When Cut: Horror On Deer Kill Floor

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY
PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST AS WRITTEN

Kinship Circle posted 3 letter-writing campaigns today:

1. 9/11/07: Conscious When Cut: Horror On Deer Kill Floor
2. 9/11/07: Deliver Tina And Jewel From Lifelong Abuse
3. 9/11/07: Target: HLS Shareholder Wachovia

If your email provider blocked any of our alerts, request them again at: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net

9/11/07: Conscious When Cut: Horror On Deer Kill Floor
KINSHIP CIRCLE ACTION CAMPAIGN

www.KinshipCircle.org

SOURCE OF INFORMATION:

‘Bambi Butchers’ Horror

getactive.peta.org/campaign/musicon_investigation

UNDERCOVER VIDEO (at PETA link above):

I watched it. I feel it is my responsibility to “bear witness” in any Kinship Circle letter-writing campaign. But, it is truly horrible…and I’ve seen a lot. The video is the truth — but only watch it if you’re able to view extreme animal torture. Brenda Shoss, Kinship Circle

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Action Alerts

Center for Biological Diversity: Save Panama Biosphere Reserve From Dams
Please join the growing international movement to protect this ecological jewel and voice your opposition to the proposed Hydroelectric Projects.

DawnWatch: UK media on meat and global warming 9/9/07
“Activists take Gore to task on his diet”

Defenders of Wildlife: Protect Utah Prairie Dogs and Other Wildlife
Fill out the form below to urge your Representative and Senators to support the Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2007 (H.R. 1422 and S. 700), important legislation that would help private landowners protect Utah prairie dogs and other imperiled wildlife that live on their property.

Earthjustice: Say No to the Blowing Up of Appalachia
Tell the administration to stop trying to diminish the buffer zone rule and start enforcing it!

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Tell the U.S. Navy to Stop Killing Whales!
Ear-splitting military sonar is needlessly killing whales and other marine mammals throughout the world’s oceans. Yet the Navy has refused to put effective safeguards in place during testing and training.

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Action Alerts

American Freedom Campaign: Encourage the presidential candidates to sign the American Freedom Pledge
I pledge to fight to protect and defend the Constitution from assault by any President.

Animal Welfare Institute (AWI): Pro-Animal Bills Pending in U.S. Congress: Please Visit Your Legislators
Pet Safety Protection Act, American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act & Dog Fighting Prohibition Act

Consumer’s Union: Don’t lick Elmo!
Urge your members of Congress to ensure that the products and food that end up on our shelves are safe.

Earthjustice: Stop the Owl Extinction Plan: Political Interference Puts Birds, Forests, and Science At Risk
Please take action to tell the Fish and Wildlife Service by August 24 not to bow to the timber industry while our nation’s forests, rivers, and wildlife pay the price.

Ecological Internet / Climate Ark: Jet-Setting Leonardo DiCaprio the Convenient Environmentalist
Growth in aviation threatens the Planet, celebrities flying in private jets are no friend to the environment, and shared climate sacrifice means the super-rich must swear off jet-setting ways.

(more…)

Action Alerts

Amnesty International: Demand safety for environmental activists in Ecuador

DawnWatch: Outstanding veggie coverage on DC NBC affiliate 7/31/07

National Wildlife Federation: Pass a Wildlife-Friendly “Energy Independence Package”

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Urge Your Representative to Vote YES on a Stronger Energy Bill!

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): Who will your representative listen to? You or corporate interests? [Talking points]

United Poultry Concerns (UPC): Protest Orthodox Union Event

Newsletters

VegCooking.com: Recipe of the Week: Crepes With ‘Cream’ Filling and Tart Cherry Sauce

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – info [at] kinshipcircle.org
Date: Jun 26, 2007 7:47 PM
Subject: LETTER/ Bears Killed In Religious Rite

Kinship Circle Primary – PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST AS WRITTEN
(Please do not delete identity/disclaimer information)

6/26/07: Bears Killed In Sadistic Religious Rite
KINSHIP CIRCLE ACTION CAMPAIGN

www.KinshipCircle.org

SOURCE OF INFORMATION:

Forwarded Alert From: meriem, sb299871 [at] skynet.be

Original Message: akiko [at] akiko.f9.co.uk

Hokkaido retracts ban on Ainu people’s traditional ceremony
(this press article is no longer live)

www.japonia.org.pl/aggregator?from=640

5/2/07: SAPPORO — The Hokkaido Prefectural Government has retracted a ban on the Ainu indigenous people’s traditional ceremony “Iyomante,” which the governor placed in a 1955 directive, officials said… Source: Mainichi Shimbun

Iyomante_bear about to be killed.jpg

======================

SAMPLE LETTER & CONTACT INFO

Sample letters are prepared to give you ample background on an issue.

Try to change some words, pare down letters, and make them your own.

**DELETE ALL REFERENCES TO KINSHIP CIRCLE BEFORE SENDING**

======================

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Here’s the TOC from IDA’s 4-25-07 newsletter.

Click on the links to take action, or read the whole newsletter online.

IDA Action Alerts

Help Protect the Heber Wild Horses; Urge officials to ensure that the Forest Service creates a humane management plan

Urge Congress to Support Tax Deductions for Animal Companions; Amended tax law would help guardians provide better care for non-human dependents

Prevent Poisoning of Prairie Dogs; Tell National Forest Service to promote native wildlife, not welfare ranching

Campaign News & Updates

IDA Unveils New Animal Research Reallocation Initiative for WWAIL; Participate in exciting events taking place this week in cities around the world!

IDA India Creates Compassion for Cows; Advocates urge temple visitors to be kinder to bovines

Canadian Seal Killers Trapped in Ice; At least 100 boats caught in between frozen Newfoundland floes

An archive of past IDA eNews newsletters is available here.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts ida in defense of animals pets companion animals dogs canines cats felines taxes tax deductions Heber Wild Horses horses wild horses wildlife conservation Prairie Dogs WWAIL World Week for Animals in Laboratories animal research animal testing vivisection events holidays observances india cows bovines seals seal hunting hunting karma

Via Oceana:

Ask the Pope Not to Lent Sea Turtles Onto the Menu

Easter marked the close of this year’s Lenten season, and a day of celebration with family and friends was observed by millions. Spring has officially sprung, and with it a unique opportunity to protect threatened and endangered sea turtles. Due to a common misconception, an estimated 10,000 sea turtles were eaten in observance of the “no fish on Fridays” Lenten tradition and as part of Holy Week celebrations.

Oceana has partnered with Grupo Tortuguero to educate the public about sea turtles, whose already endangered status is made worse by this misunderstanding. Though they live in the ocean, sea turtles are not fish; they’re reptiles in the same way that lizards and snakes are reptiles, more closely related to dinosaurs than fish. Sea turtles are slow-growing and long-lived. Each individual creature impacts in the future of the species.

Sea turtles are indicators of our ocean’s health, which we depend on for our own survival. And, unfortunately, all six sea turtles species found in U.S. waters are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

That’s why Oceana is working across the world to encourage governments and others to pass policies that treat turtles like the ancient, threatened and endangered creatures they are. In February 2003, we scored a major victory when the U.S. government passed new rules to require larger turtle excluder devices (TEDs) on shrimp trawl nets in the Gulf of Mexico — saving more than 60,000 sea turtles a year.

In order to protect these gentle giants from this latest threat, we’re asking his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to intervene. Send your letter to the Holy See today, and ask the Pope to officially announce that sea turtles should not be eaten by Roman Catholics on Fridays during Lent.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts oceana Lent turtles sea turtles fish Catholic Catholicism the Pope Pope Benedict XVI Holy See ESA endangered species act endangered species wildlife conservation people suck