Photo | Kenneth Marty

The more than two dozen monkeys in NASA's crude experiment will be zapped with a massive dose of radiation at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Long Island, New York, and then spend the rest of their lives condemned to a laboratory at Harvard's McLean Hospital where they'll be enlisted in a never-ending series of experiments to assess how the radiation devastates their brains and bodies. NASA has admitted that the radiation is "going to cause some cellular damage." What they really mean is that the monkeys may likely suffer from brain damage, cancer and premature aging.

It goes without saying that you should urge NASA to abandon these abhorrent experiments ASAP.

Posted by Logan Scherer

It's official: Oprah will end her show in 2011. Feel that collective surge of sadness? We sure do. Oprah's groundbreaking program has transcended the talk-show format and has paved the way for social and political change. In honor of PETA's 2008 Person of the Year and her show's long run, we're revisiting Oprah's best animal-friendly episodes:

• Oprah's week-long move from Chicago to Amarillo was the move followed 'round the world. She captivated millions with her court appearance to defend her 1995 episode that revealed the horrors of a beef industry rampant with mad cow disease.
• Inspired by guest Kathy Freston's book Quantum Wellness, Oprah went vegan for three weeks and marveled, "I never imagined meatless meals could be so satisfying."
• Oprah dedicated an entire episode to exposing the stifling, crippling conditions of chickens, cows, and pigs on factory farms as Californians prepared to vote on Proposition 2. The measure passed by a large majority—in part thanks to her revealing show.
• After Oprah saw a billboard off the Kennedy Expressway that read, "Oprah: Do a show on puppy mills. The dogs need you," she immediately jumped at the opportunity to save lives. Just a few minutes of her horrifying exposé were enough to convince viewers that adopting from an animal shelter is the only way to go.
• My food envy was raging when Chef Tal Ronnen cooked his "Chicken" Scallopini and other delectable vegan meals on a recent episode of the show.
• When Charla Nash decided to show her face to the public for the first time earlier this month, it's no surprise that she chose to do it on Oprah's show.

The media mogul may be bidding farewell to her legendary talk show, but with the upcoming launch of her new cable network, we're sure that we'll be seeing a lot more of her for a long time to come.

Posted by Logan Scherer

In 2000, PETA was alerted by a caring police officer to terrible suffering and appalling conditions at several "animal shelters" in North Carolina, some of which were nothing more than outdoor shacks, like the one in Windsor. Dogs and cats left inside these outdoor "coops" suffered without heat in the winter and air conditioning, or even fans, in the scorching summer. As a result, some animals literally drowned or froze to death at some town facilities. When no homes could be found for them, many were killed by gas poisoning or gunshots.

Today, we are thrilled to announce that this week, PETA representatives were joined by Windsor's mayor, Robert Spivey, and several other county officials to celebrate the town's new animal shelter, funded entirely by PETA, to ensure that homeless animals in Windsor are housed comfortably and humanely from here on out. Get ready for a pretty amazing reveal:

As for the old shack, we're planning a very special demolition party that will take place soon.

Since receiving that initial complaint nearly a decade ago, PETA has become a lifesaving presence in many impoverished areas near our headquarters in Southern Virginia. We have provided hundreds of doghouses, free and low-cost spay/neuter services, food, toys, no-spill water receptacles, and more to local citizens and their animal companions, and we regularly work with local law-enforcement officials to prosecute those who harm animals. Every dollar PETA spends helps to ensure that a needy animal receives warmth during winter, shade during summer, fresh food, and clean water. Considering the difficult economic situation and winter's frigid temperatures, we—and animals—need your help now more than ever. Visit HelpingAnimals.com to learn how you can help neglected and homeless animals in your own neighborhood and beyond.

Posted by Karin Bennett

Unfortunately, it took proposed litigation against the city of Edmonton for zoo officials to make a pathetic attempt to improve Lucy's sad state and announce their "plan" to improve her life by putting her on a diet, giving her some sand to stand on—and possibly providing her with a treadmill.* We responded to this craziness with a full-page ad, which ran yesterday in the Edmonton Journal.

The zoo's policy of locking Lucy inside during the long, bitterly cold winters means that Lucy spends most of her time in a small barn. When she is allowed outside, she's primarily restricted to an enclosure that is less than an acre in size. It's no surprise that Lucy exhibits signs of mental distress, and her medical records reveal that she has been suffering from arthritis as well as chronic foot and respiratory problems.

It's time that Edmonton Zoo officials made the decent decision to help Lucy by retiring her to a sanctuary where she can enjoy warmer temperatures, acres of space to roam, and the company of other elephants. Please help by sending your polite comments to Edmonton's mayor and city councilmembers.

Stay tuned for updates.

Posted by Karin Bennett

*I think if Edmonton zoo officials were serious about enriching Lucy's life and improving her health, they'd sign her up for some Jazzercize classes. I'm obviously joking, but building a jumbo-sized treadmill for the overweight elephant is just as ludicrous. (Am I right—or am I right?)

Plus, he’s adorable, right?

How long have you been vegan?

Since 1993. Old school. My recollection is that it may have been before the world was in color.

Are you vegan for health, environmental, animal rights reasons, human rights reasons, or a combination?

I wish I could say it was because in Carl Sagan’s novel Contact, our species’ first communication with non-Earthlings was with a civilization near Vega, but it’s really because it reduces animal cruelty and environmental degradation. [Ed., AHH! Jonas wrote about that too! Dorks unite!]

What is your favorite animal?

My late dog, George. Late as in passed away four years ago; he was generally very punctual. You can watch a seven-minute slide show of his life if you’d like. (Give it a few seconds to start and turn your speakers on.)

Do you have any super cute photos of animals to share with us? I just ask because this is something we’re super into. Elephants, piglets, and pit bulls are a plus.

George was a pit bull-shar pei mix, so I hope that slide show counts. Or you can see my two cats at facebook.com/paulshapiro.

Favorite vegan food to make?

Really anything that can be put inside a tortilla/wrap. It’s a very fast and clean way to eat.

Favorite vegan cook book or website for recipes?

I’m partial to humanesociety.org/recipes

Favorite vegan dish at a restaurant/fave vegan restaurant?

Currently, the vegan “chicken” burrito that’s being tested at a DC Chipotle is rocking my world. Since you’re in SF, I tip my hat to Herbivore’s shawarma, too. (Note that both of these are in a wrap.)

You travel a lot for work. Based on food options alone, which is your favorite city to travel to?

NYC is pretty hard to beat. That said, I was at Araya’s in Seattle recently and loved it. All-vegan, all-you-can-eat buffet for $8. Respect.

Any eating tips for traveling vegans?

Get the Veg Out app for your iPhone. [Ed.: we’ve got it! it is awesome!]

You started an all-vegan band in high school? Please elaborate.

I didn’t start the band, but I was the singer of the DC hardcore band Crime Against Humanity. We put out a demo tape and played about half a dozen shows in 1994 before breaking up. We were this close to making it big. And by “this close,” I mean not close at all.

We recently met Jonathan Safran Foer (we call him “JSF” around here) who mentioned that he went to high school with you? Were you guys friends? What was he like then? Was he in the band!?

Jonathan is an awesome guy and his success with Eating Animals makes me so happy. I regret to say he was never in Crime Against Humanity. We did go to high school together and knew each other back then, but we didn’t become friends until long after that.

If you weren’t working for HSUS, what would you be doing?

Begging Vegansaurus for a blogging job. [Ed., Great, now we have to get you fired! WHY DID YOU TELL US THAT!?]

Who are the movers and shakers in the animal protection world who people might not know about, who to keep an eye on to do great things?

It always surprises me how few people in the movement are familiar with the late Henry Spira’s work. If you haven’t read his biography, you should. In terms of living activists, I’m always amazed at how groups like Mercy for Animals, Vegan Outreach, and Compassion Over Killing get so much done with so few resources. Of course, I love VegNews too, and think they provide a great resource for the movement. Finally, if you don’t follow Jason Matheny’s work on in vitro meat, check it out; it’s something I think has a lot of promise for animals.

How do you think new technologies, like Facebook and Twitter, are changing the game?

They allow me to share photos of my cats and find out who’s dating who. They also enable folks to reach a lot of people fast, which is helpful for people who want to help animals. BTW, you can follow me at twitter.com/pshapiro (Ed., FOLLOW HIM. Best breaking AR news and also, he’s funny. Bonus points.)

What advice would you give people with a budding interest in animal protection?

The reality of how deplorable the scope and nature of our abuse of animals is can be depressing. Don’t let that sorrow consume you. I’m not the first to say that if you’re upset by a societal problem, don’t agonize—organize!

Animals can’t organize and advocate for their interests, so they’re dependent on us to speak up for them. It’s an immense privilege to be able to work full-time on their behalf, and it’s inspiring to see the progress that’s now being made, especially for farm animals. That said, you don’t need to be an employee of the movement to make a difference. Go at your own pace – pass out leaflets, write letters to the editor, support your favorite animal charities, get your local restaurants to add vegan options to their menus, call your legislators, be a positive example for your friends and family, and so on.

Are you a good cook?

Compared to Tal Ronnen? No. Compared to Josh Balk? Yes.

Are you willing to have Vegansaurus over and cook us a vegan feast? If so, what day?

Any time we’re both in DC, consider the red carpet rolled out. [Ed., BOOKING TICKETS!]

A finalist for Miss Universe Ireland in 2008, McCabe has beauty and brains—she has degree in psychology from University College Dublin and a master's in business, and she recently joined ARAN's campaign against Canada's annual slaughter of baby seals for their fur. She's educating herself about how animals who are raised on fur farms are electrocuted, poisoned, and gassed for their skin, and she's making caring choices.

Who wouldn't want to look like this compassionate stunner? Follow McCabe's luscious lead and take our pledge to go fur-free.

Posted by Logan Scherer

It irks me to no end that I can’t get a decent picture now that it gets dark so early. Please forgive the photos and the insufficient lighting. Please know that, pictures aside, this is really a great dish. So satisfying and delicious. Everything I like about a Thai style soup; coconut, lime, lemongrass and ginger thrown together with crisp stir-fried vegetables and thick udon noodles. And the best part? It’s meant to be slurped up out a big bowl. If you upped the amount of coconut milk and lime, it could be a soup, but I wanted it to be a saucy noodle dish. So, so good. 

Curried Udon Noodles

1. 1 tbsp peanut oil
2. 12 ounces fresh udon noodles (or 2 single serving packages)
3. 1/2 package extra firm tofu, cut into cubes
4. 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks
5. 1 red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
6. 2 baby bok choy, ends trimmed off and discarded, cut lengthwise into ribbons
7. 1/2 cup snow peas
8. 1/3 cup frozen shelled edamame
9. 1/3 cup fresh mushrooms (I used oyster mushrooms) coarsely chopped
10. 4 green onions, chopped diagonally

For the Curry Sauce -

1. 1 cup coconut milk
2. 3 stalks lemongrass
3. 2 tbsp vegetarian fish sauce (available at places like Layonna’s OR MAKE YOUR OWN!)
4. 3 limes
5. 1 tbsp sugar
6. 1 tsp curry powder
7. salt to taste

Trim the stalks of the lemongrass and bruise to release the oils. Remove the outer stalks from the inner core. Mince the core and set aside (should provide about 1 tsp). Cut the stalks in half and place in a saucepan with the veg fish sauce, juice of 2 limes and the lime rinds. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add the coconut milk, curry, minced lemongrass core, and sugar. Continue to cook while stirring until the mixture is yellow. Remove from heat and salt to taste, set aside.

Heat the peanut oil in a saute pan over medium heat, and bring a pot of water to boil. Add the tofu and stir fry until slightly browned. Add the carrots and mushrooms, stir for a minute more. Next, add bell pepper, edamame and snow peas. Saute until the vegetables are tender and then add bok choy and green onions. Turn off the heat and stir until the bok choy is wilted.

While stir-frying vegetable, cook the udon noodles for about 3 minutes (or according to package directions). Toss noodles in a large bowl with the vegetables, tofu and curried coconut sauce. Salt to taste and serve while warm.

This recipe is perfect for the colder weather we’re starting to get in San Francisco. It’s courtesy of Elissa at The Painted Peach. She’s got a tons of recipes, they’re not all veg, but she promises more veggie ones soon! Also, check out her alcoholic beverages. Very nice. Plus, who could say no to this bowl of deliciousness?? Not me. In fact, see you fools later!

BABY OTTERS!!!!!!!!!! It’s Otterdorable! I bet they grow up to be just like Alvin and the Chipmunks. But Otters. And one extra one, that one will probably grow up to be the creepy guy who lives with them.

(via dailyotter)

Eating Animals is on sale at Costco (!?) for $14.99. Holiday gifts, people! Your family in West Virginia is gonna love you!

And while you’re there, pick up cheap beer (Sierra Nevada Holiday Ale) & 2-for-1 Sabras “I AM THE BEST HUMMUS AVAILABLE COMMERCIALLY IN THE UNITED STATES” Hummus!

America, fuck yeah!

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Flip & Tumble Bags 2

One of the vendors told Kim that there’s some kind of appeal meeting tomorrow. Trying to find out where it is because I’ve been quite enjoying that market, 3rd World feel and all.

Many of us are thankful for animals every day and choose not to include them on our plates each day of the year. Around the holidays, however, we are given the extra opportunity to let our compassion shine through via tasty vegan recipes that inspire our loved ones to extend their circle of compassion too.

Green Bean Casserole

One of the nicest (and sneakiest) ways that you can show others how fantastic vegan food is, is to offer to prepare the Thanksgiving meal—or at least some of it. The following are the top five recipe cheats that help to veganize many a traditional holiday dish:

1) Vegetable broth. If your family tends to use chicken stock for everything, vegetable broth is a simple substitution that costs about the same and comes in boxes or cubes and can act just like chicken broth.

2) Vegan margarine is the perfect substitute for cholesterol-laden butter. Just use it exactly the same as you would butter in all your cooking.

3) Plain soy milk. For recipes that call for milk, you can just use the exact same amount of soy milk to replace the milk.

4) Silken tofu. You might not expect your Uncle Bill to enjoy tofu, but hidden inside a pumpkin pie, it just might not seem so scary after all.

5) Just make a vegan green bean casserole. This isn't an ingredient per se, but it is a secret weapon that helps to ensure a magical Thanksgiving dining experience for all. Woo them with this veganized recipe for the classic holiday dish.

For even more ideas on creating your compassionate holiday feast, check out these recipes and also this list of items of more instant versions (like premade gravy) at your local grocery store. Don't forget to include a yummy faux turkey to complete your masterpiece!

Posted by Mylie from PETA Living ]]>