How Would You Choose?

Last night, I went to see the 1988 film, Gorillas in the Mist; it is part of an eco film festival they have at the movie theatre several times a year.

I have seen Gorillas in the Mist many times before; I own it on DVD, but I went to the theatre to see it on the big screen, to support the cause, and to hear an animal rights lawyer speak at the end of the film.

The AR lawyer is animal welfare, meaning although he may be for all animal rights, he focuses on specific animals to actively fight for. Most animal welfarists choose to specifically fight for mammals--especially large mammals, and he is no exception. His particular fight right now is for elephants.

I'm for all types of animal rights people working to end animal suffering and exploitation, but with animal welfarists, my question to them is:

How do you choose which animal to actively fight for?

For example, it would be like for children's rights; instead of fighting for the rights of all children, you just fight for the rights of girls, or children of a certain age, or fight for the rights of children with green eyes....This sounds absurd.

How  would you choose?

This is why I'm an animal rights activist who actively fights for all animals; I would never want to pick a certain animal to fight for--I wouldn't know how to choose which animal to fight for anyway. I tend to promote animal rights by way of veganism: simply educating and encouraging people to not eat or use animal products in any way, as well as not supporting the exploitation of animals, like not going to places where animals are used for entertainment.

In this way, I can effectively help ALL animals.

V-EGANISM Updates

I've had this blog for quite some time here, but in the past, I had not been posting much news--until recently.

I now want to focus more on this blog, keeping you up-to-date on any big news going on in the vegan/animal rights world.

Years ago, when I would post information on a more regular basis, things were different. People didn't know a lot about veganism/animal rights. There were many people on Tweeter or other social media asking, "How do you become vegan?" and asking for simple cruelty-free recipes.This this current time, I notice there are far less people asking about how to become vegan and wanting more information about cruelty-free recipes because there is so much information in the world now, especially on the Internet.

So my blog will mostly focus on veganism/animal rights in the news. I will also provide links to interviews I think are interesting.

As many animal rights people seem to be fading out of social media, I want to be one of the people still providing news in the vegan/animal rights community and world.

I will also be adding more vegan links on this blog in the "Links We Love" section. I have already weeded out the "dead" links and added a few new ones.

Finally, if you have any questions about veganism, animal rights in relation to animals, people, or the world, please contact me for more information. 

The Official Animal Rights March Is Back For 2019

"In 2018, the annual vegan march, founded by the animal rights organization Surge, had over 28,000 global participants from four different countries."

The Official Animal Rights March Is Back For 2019

I'm an Animal Rights Activist

I like the name, "Vegan", I really do, and often in the past I have usually identified myself in the animal movement as a vegan, but the term is vague when it comes down to defining what this social justice movement is all about. Some people still look at me with a blank look on their face when I say I'm vegan. Therefore, from now on, I will rarely call myself vegan but instead, identify myself in a more straightforward way by saying I'm an...

Animal Rights Activist

It's a no-nonsense, well defined label. Plus, that name alone will cause people to think about how they treat animals. For instance, let's say I'm having brunch with someone for the first time. They order a meat sandwich and I order the only vegan sandwich on the menu. The person I'm having brunch with says to me, "Why didn't you order a meat sandwich? It's a bit too heavy to have so early in the morning?" I answer by saying, "No. I don't eat meat because I'm an animal rights activist."

So now they could think, 'Hmmm. I love animals too. Defending animals sounds like the right thing to do. But by eating meat that means I'm not being an activist for animals?'

See what I mean? If I had said, 'No. I do't eat meat because I'm a vegan,' they probably would not equate veganism with animal rights activism which both do mean the same thing, regardless of what some people believe. Veganism and animal rights activism may mean the same but the word vegan has become so bastardized and watered down to the point of tasting like water that most people when they hear the term vegan they think it as some sort of insignificant cult or club.

About a month ago, at work someone offered me some milk chocolate. I said to him, "No thanks. I'm a vegan." He said to me, "Oh, OK. Well, if you change your mind, the chocolate will be in the front in the lunchroom area."

Here I am, a staunch animal rights activist of 36 years and he has it in his mind that I will all of a sudden "change my mind" and stop being a vegan after 36 years! I told that to a meat-eating ex-boyfriend and even he was surprised at that co-worker's ignorance. People simply don't take the word vegan seriously.

Had I said to him, "No thanks. I'm an animal rights activist", do you think he would have thought I would immediately change my mind? I don't think so.

When choosing a term to represent yourself, choose wisely, as words speak volumes.

Vegan Fashion and Accessories, Vegan Bodycare and House Products

Since I have talked mostly about animal rights veganism here, I now want to also do blogposts on the often forgotten other cruelty-free items (products besides vegan food and vegan cosmetics).

Sadly, I rarely hear podcasts and bloggers post about vegan fashion and accessories, vegan bodycare and vegan household products; so look for more blogposts about these items.

Simply Vegans Come in All Healthy Shapes and Sizes!

Before I go any further, I want to say that before taking on any change in diet, please consult your doctor first, preferably a vegan doctor or one that is vegan-friendly and knowledgeable.
The American Dietitian Association has said that a vegan diet is safe for all stages of the life cycle. I have met many vegans, but I now see more and more people who want to go further than having a vegan diet and are restricting all processed and cooked foods, becoming raw food vegans.

There has not been enough research to prove if a 100% raw food diet is safe, whereas simply having a vegan diet has been scientifically proven as safe.

What I have personally seen is that raw food vegans are very thin, and many look sickly thin, and that is not good for them or for the animal rights cause. People see these raw food vegans and think they are anorexic--I think that too sometimes. It does raw food vegans no good to look sick and therefore are sick/malnourished. In fact, some foods are better nutritionally and need to be cooked for it to be digested better for the body, including some antioxidants that fights cancer. So at least one should have some cooked foods in their meals along with some oils.

This obsession vegans have with being super-thin is ridiculous! Don't get me wrong; I am anti-severely overweight fat/not being healthy. But what I like about being simply a vegan, unlike a raw food vegan, is that we come in all healthy shapes and sizes, but what I find disturbing are some vegans who feel embarrassed because they are not pencil thin--I've met these vegans.

Regarding image--especially if looking for a romantic partner: Not every guy or girl wants a lollipop body looking person as a mate. Many people love a person with some meat on their bones--and muscle. I very rarely see any muscle on raw food vegans. They look weak and feeble--not attractive at all, in my opinion. This is not what many people want and that's why some people may not be interested in being a vegan because they think they will look like a skeleton.

A good example of size is the singer Beyonce. She is reportedly a strict vegetarian--eating no animal products--and many, many guys (and women) love the way she looks. She has said she will never be thin and she loves her curves, and so do millions of people. That is just one example of how we can be of any shape, so that's one good thing Beyonce is doing is showing the world you can have a great curvy body and be a strict vegetarian (meaning the diet part only of veganism). I've yet to see a raw food vegan be anywhere near her weight and looks (btw, I've seen Beyonce with no make-up at all and she still looks great--doesn't need make-up).

So vegans, of all shapes and sizes, be proud of your body, as long as you are not dangerously overweight (and your doctor can determine a healthy weight for you). Being simply a vegan is perfect for your health, for the animals, and for the planet, so there's no need to restrict yourself of any more food.

Eat well!

Disturbing Hate and Ignorance

I read some very disturbing news today within the animal rights community and I commented on them on my Twitter account. I want to elaborate on the subject more here in my blog. The following in quotes were my Tweets:


"You don't win people over with hate. Yourofsky is going about it the wrong way."

Gary Yourofsky that is. He's been a long-time animal activist that talks a lot of hate, but now, he appears to be shouting more than ever that he is a misanthropist. Yourofsky doesn't even know what misanthropy means. By definition, being misanthropic means:

"A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society."

If he really was a misanthropist, he would not be in the public eye. He certainly would not be a part of social media, but he's on Twitter, Facebook, etc. networking with other vegans...A real contradiction.

"(Any and all vegans promoting eating a huge amount of bananas) needs education on healthy vegan nutrition..(They are) going about it the wrong way."

I put in parenthesis because on Twitter I addressed a specific person's website, but I found out at least one other vegan believes in eating a lot of bananas, which is, nutritionally speaking, extremely ill-advised and dangerous.

"Sad and ignorant animal activist Gary Yourofsky spouts hate toward ALL humans because we--deliberate or not--cause harm--SO DO ALL ANIMALS."

Yes. Apparently Yourofsky doesn't know a lot about animals.


"Even vegetarian animals kill by stepping on ants. ALL BEINGS KILL in one way or another."

Also, I wonder does Yourofsky realize that some animals also torture and kill for fun. He (and his worshipers) needs to do more animal behavior research.

"Yourofsky makes no sense. He's fighting for beings he should hate according to his statements."

As I have stated above. But I do have this scary thought; I hope his anger toward all humans, which includes himself, and why he is suddenly publicizing this so much about his hatred, doesn't turn into some mass suicide a la Jim Jones as some twisted ultimate sacrifice for the "love" of animals. He does have very loyal, obsequious followers....

"This world is not perfect, so we love and fight for animal rights and human rights because we are compassionate, common sense beings."

People are not perfect gods. Animals are not perfect gods. Both species far from it. Some animal rights people should stop treating animals like they do no wrong and realize animals are guilty of committing heinous murder like humans. But the answer isn't to hate all beings--or be specieist and just hate humans. It's not even in our nature to be that way as human beings. Since this world and its beings are not perfect, and we are all in this world together, the best and sensible thing to do is the above.

"Hate gets us nowhere. Love gets us everywhere."

News flash Yourofsky: You get nowhere hating everyone. Let's see:

'HEY YOU! I HATE YOUR GUTS, YOU DISGUSTING HUMAN! Oh, and let me tell you about living cruelty-free.'

Yeah, talk like that will really fly well in helping the animals. NOT! It doesn't work that way. I'm sure it will help Yourofsky in getting a crapload of publicity in hating everyone (maybe that's his only agenda, afterall), but he sure won't change people to become cruelty-free with that attitude.



"______ bananas (fill in the large amount of bananas to eat) a day diet type vegans: hope they get nutritionist checkups, as they may have diabetes."

And I hope Gary Yourofsky gets a physcian's checkup as with spouting off all that hate toward all humans and himself, he may have severe high blood pressure.


"Interesting how telling truth, common sense and speaking in love gets some people so upset. That's scary and sad. #BrainWashedByOthers"

Sigh. It is.

The Problem with Vegan/Animal Rights Forums

I have been a regular poster on many online vegan/animal rights forums and I have yet to find one where I would like to stay there.

After thinking about it, I've come to the conclusion that what they all have in common is the people on these forums have a huge chip on their shoulder, eagerly looking to be defensive and ready to attack you if you say just one thing they don't like, and less likely to be politely informative and cordial.

I believe the reason is based on the much egotism and jealously within the vegan/animal rights community/forums, and this really brings out the worst in people. I can even "feel" the negative energy if I stay their long enough--and a few hours is long enough!

There's nothing wrong with disagreeing with others, stating why and encouraging others to see your side if it helps the animals in a positive way, but it should be done in a mature, polite manner instead of putting people down, hurling insults to the point where the moderators (sometimes) have to delete comments because they are so vile. This does not make for a friendly, healthy place to fellowship with others!

I will not name names of these vegan/animal rights forums but chances are, all the ones you know about are like this. I have a feeling if there is a website filled with mature animal rights people in the forum, such a site is probably small and difficult to find online. Why? Because I think many people enjoy the meanness, rudeness, and bloodthirsty arguments in forums; I guess to them it makes for good entertainment. But whether the reason for such horrible forums is because of egotism, jealously or looking for some bloodthirsty entertainment, we need to stop this ridiculousness as an animal rights movement and instead discuss, educate, and  encourage people in a mature, kind, responsible manner. Non-vegans are watching and it's no wonder many refuse to be a part of the animal rights cause.

While I think vegans definitely need to talk more to non-vegans instead of wasting much time discussing veganism with other vegans (aka preaching to the choir), we do need some time to discuss with other vegans on how to approach non-vegans in an effective way so they become vegan/animal rights activists, and well, sometimes animal activism can be very emotionally draining and it's sometimes good and healthy to be with fellow vegans for encouragement and to regroup.

Also, I've noticed most vegan/animal rights people aren't that spiritual. I think lack of a spiritual foundation causes mean-spiritedness, negative energy and anger. Vegans should take time out to deal with that side of them. It's imperative to be healthy in all parts of one's life: Body, Mind and Spirit. This makes for a better, more mature person.

We vegans/animal rights people must be a  good representative of the movement. The animals depend on it.

Be Your Own Animal Rights Group!

Instead of writing out a check and giving it to multi-million dollar groups like PETA or places where you really don't know how they are using your money when you give it to them, you can buy food, toys, and/or bedding and give them to your local animal shelters and while there if you can, spend some time with these animals by petting them and just showing them love as they are often times in shelters for so long they become anti-social thus harder to adopt. Try and help to keep them friendly and approachable. If someone is ill in the hospital and has a companion animal at home with no one to care for the animal, volunteer to take care of the companion animal, either by stopping by the house to care for them or taking the animal in until the person is released from the hospital (if you have that kind of trusting relationship with the person). Also, times are still tough for many people financially so if you know someone who is struggling to pay vet bills or struggling to feed their companion animals, you can help them pay for these needed things. 

I have always stated the best way to be an animal activist is by being your own animal rights group--instead of paying other animal people/groups to directly take care of animals (do you really know how they are using your money?), start doing it yourself, and in this way you know where your money is going and you are really a part of seeing it help the animals. 

L.A.'s National Museum of Animals & Society Focuses on Animal Rights

The National Museum of Animals & Society, is a new museum in Los Angeles, featuring an active roster of exhibits and events focused on representing the animal rights movement.

There are many other social justice movements, like women's suffrage, civil rights, etc., and various labor movements have museums--or sections of museums--dedicated to those causes, but there has never been any museum that focuses on animals and animal rights. 

Beyond animal rights, the museum focuses on events where animals and society intersect through the arts, humanities, science, and humane education.

Current Exhibits at Animals & Society

Light in Dark Places was their first exhibit this summer. (The exhibit is open one final weekend, closing on August 3.) The show, curated by writer and animal advocate Julia Orr, traces the history of the Anti-Vivisection movement from Victorian England to modern day. The Anti-Vivisection Society was originally created to end various types of medical testing on animals. Experimenting on animals has been done through the ages, and pre-dated any type of anesthesia for humans or animals. The extent of inhumane treatment knew no bounds. Today Anti-Vivisection Societies still exist in this country and worldwide to fight to end animal testing done by medical and cosmetic groups.

The exhibit documented the involvement of notables such as Mark Twain and George Bernard Shaw, both of whom used their influence to stand up for this cause. Caroline Earle White (1833-1916) is among the many women who are highlighted. Ms. White was the founder of the first animal shelter in the United States.

The next exhibit is Dog, Cat, Mouse, which features work by three California artists showing the art they have produced featuring dogs, cats, and a rodent. A percentage of the proceeds of any art sold will be donated to the SPCA of Los Angeles. The opening reception will be on August 9 at 7 p.m.

Other Exhibits of Interest

The museum sends representatives into schools and they host field trips on site for parents, teachers, and educators. Be Kind: A Visual History of Humane Education 1880-1945 is a popular program; there is also a pop-up exhibit on this subject that can be sent out on loan.

My Dog is my Home was among the early exhibits at the Museum of Animals and Society and also exists as a traveling show. It tells the story of homeless people and their animal companions and the very important bond between them.

There was another exhibit titled Uncooped. This exhibit explored the origins of and the cultural attitudes towards one of the most common--yet most often overlooked--of all domesticated animals: the chicken. For this exhibit, the museum hosted a chicken adoption event and found homes for 93 rescue hens.

Enriching the Lives of Both Animals and People

The goals of the museum also include enriching lives of animals and people. A year ago they coordinated the largest service fair on Skid Row for people and their companion animals. The animals received free grooming, veterinary care, food, and supplies. Food and supplies were donated and made available for the people as well. 

The museum is located at 4302 Melrose, Los Angeles, but for those not in the Southern California area, there is a website. Visit the National Museum of Animals and Society and My Dog is My Home.

Vegan Kitchen Takeover

Once a month, The Vegan Kitchen Takeover team of Chef JR and Chef Justin creates a full vegan menu at local Michigan Restaurants with a percentage of the proceeds going to animal rights/sanctuaries/organizations.

Here is a video and sample of their menu: Experience a Vegan Kitchen Takeover

Singapore Film Promotes Animal Rights/Adoption

A Taiwanese documentary “Twelve Nights,” a film produced by bestselling author Giddens Ko, was screened in Singapore last week to raise awareness of animal rights in the city state.

The screening of the film focused on the fate of dogs in shelters was attended by over 1,000 people--many accompanied by their dogs--at the outdoor Marina Barrage Green Roof. Director Raye and Taiwanese actress Sonia Sui, a sponsor of the film, were also present at the event.

Raye hopes that by showing “Twelve Nights” in Singapore, she can promote the adoption of stray animals and discourage the abandonment of pets.

The charity screening in Singapore was sponsored by home appliances brand Beko.

“Twelve Nights” records the lives of stray dogs at an animal shelter in Changhua County's Yuanlin Township. The title refers to the number of days the dogs have to be adopted before euthanasia to make more space.

The documentary grossed over NT$60 million (US$2 million) at the Taiwan box office during its run from November last year through February. The proceeds of NT$20.91 million--after deducting taxes and the share paid to cinemas--have been given to animal protection groups, including Taipei-based Stray Cats TNR (Trap Neuter Return) Association.

(Source: The China Post)

Vegan/Animal Rights: A Failing Movement

I mentioned this briefly in my Tweets on Twitter but I want to elaborate my thoughts here.

Since listening to Steven Best's lecture, and dwelling on it regarding my own personal experience, I have now come to realize the world going vegan will most likely never, ever happen--not only in my lifetime-but never (unless God/dess force everyone to be vegan) because of the movement itself.

Steve Best gave his reasons why the Vegan/Animal Rights movement is failing--mainly due to the movement as a whole in not wanting to join forces with other social justice causes of various movements world-wide to make the planet a place of freedom and justice for all: People and Animals and thus the Environment. Please listen to Steve's lecture if you have not already. It is the most profound speech I have ever heard!

Here are my personal experiences and also reasons why the Vegan/Animal Rights movement is failing and will continue to do so:

The movement is full of egos--people wanting to be a celebrity in some way so chooses the Vegan/Animal Rights movement to do it in (mind you, people like these are in any kind of movement--not just animal rights--in wanting the spotlight to be some sort of celebrity). These people do not want to listen to others; they just want to do their own thing in hopes of being a famous vegan celebrity.

For instance:

I have contacted well-known animal rights people/groups in the movement like Our Hen House, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, Erin Red: Red Radio, Go Vegan Radio and Gary Francione. I have mentioned thoughts of my own and thoughts of other animal activists to make progress in the Vegan/Animal Rights movement and they have not responded to me. These ideas (mine and others--like Steven Best and Gary Yourofsky) are well thought-out, intelligent and ideas no one in the movement has said, but yet there is silence with these people and groups that could help make a difference in the movement since they all have a fairly large following. But no response, be it for or against these ideas. They just have their own beliefs and do not care about what others are thinking. What respect I had for these people are now gone, as to me, they don't really care about animals; all they care about is becoming some famous celebrity vegan. Some of these people's/group's podcasts actually sound like entertainment shows!

How sad and pathetic, but as I said, these types of people are in all kinds of movements.

So why do I continue in the Vegan/Animal Rights movement, knowing it's a lost cause?

Because I care about freedom and justice for all beings and it is my own personal moral responsibility to continue to help others and the environment. I'm happy I will have a clear conscience when I pass on, knowing what I did for animals, people and planet was ethically and morally right and I was not in the movement to try to become a famous vegan celebrity.

My hope is that vegans/animal rights people in the movement will come to their senses and realize to truly save the world, we must not have huge self-centered egos and start listening to each other, learning from each other, and come together as a whole to make a peaceful, loving world.

All beings--people and animals--want a free and just life, so let's start making it happen--NOW.

The New Abolitionism: Animal Liberation and Social Revolution

This is truly the best speech ever so far! Human Rights and Animal Rights! Brilliant and strong! Very well said Steven Best.

Vegan One-Stop Stores Only Buying from Vegan Companies/Manufacturers

There are A LOT of vegan shops around online--hundreds--and there are 100% vegan one-stop grocery stores like Pangea, Food Fight! Grocery, and Viva La Vegan and that's AWESOME! But I have been looking for a vegan one-stop shop that only buys the vegan products they carry from vegan company manufacturers. I checked the one-stop stores I just mentioned and while they sell a ton of products from 100% vegan manufacturers, not ALL the products these stores sell comes from vegan owned companies/manufacturers.

I'm not sure if such a one-stop vegan shop like that exists. There are just many vegan owned small companies/manufacturers.

You'd think one would exist since such a store could buy their merchandise from all of these small vegan owned manufacturers that are around online and offline. As I can see, vegan places such as Food Fight! Grocery, Pangea, and Viva La Vegan would still have a lot of items in stock if they just stuck with buying from the many vegan owned manufacturers they already do business with. 

I think this is the next step in being more pro-active for animal rights as much as possible for vegan owner entrepreneurs.

We vegans should go beyond just using only vegan products by always striving in choosing to make as ones first choice by buying from vegan owned and operated companies first, and if one can't find the vegan product they are looking for but still really want that item, then go to a non-vegan owned company to buy that vegan product (like I will no longer buy Tom's products because their parent company tests on animals). After doing some research, I have discovered some great vegan owned and operated companies online at terrific prices that I will now buy from instead of buying the vegan items from non-vegan companies. Many vegan-owned companies sell their items at Amazon with great prices for instance.

My future next step I want to make will be buying directly from these vegan owned companies, even though buying direct I may have to pay more, but as long as I can afford it, I want to do that, as I start to make more money in my vocation.... I strive to shop less and less at non-vegan owned businesses. Also, since I am extremely blessed in living in a city with many vegan owned food establishments (vegan fast food restaurants, vegan cafes, vegan bakeries, vegan Italian restaurants all in Portland), I have decided when dining out to only eat at these places.

Obviously to be vegan, all one has to do is just use vegan products in and of themselves, but I believe it's vital to not be a complacent vegan and always look for ways to raise one's personal level in being pro-active as a vegan. We are all imperfect vegans, so there is always room to grow.

Fellow Vegans: Get Your Facts Straight

I have talked with healthcare professionals and have done independent research regarding animal rights/exploitation and have realized many vegans, when discussing animal exploitation have their facts wrong and to make it worse, other vegans parrot the ones in error in their activism instead of doing their own research to find out what is truth.

And when I say research, I mean going to sites that are not vegan websites, but sites just giving unbiased facts; you will know those by seeing they are clearly not "animal rights" sites but still give positive information regarding veganism/plant-based eating. We don't need to lie or stretch the truth about animal exploitation/animal abuse. There is enough real hard facts to show clearly that being vegan is the only decent, ethical way to be.

With human nature, it's tempting to bend the truth to make one's cause look that much more inviting so others will agree with it (and not just the vegan cause, but any cause). As activists, we need to not be tempted to lie but just state the truth.

Do your own independent homework. Be well-informed.

The truth is all we need to set animals free.

The True Meaning of Veganism

The definition of "Vegan" is effed-up and vegans are the main reason it is! 

There is no such thing as vegan food, vegan clothing, etc. Veganism is an ethical, world view idea. Veganism is a social justice. Non-animal food is just that--plant/vegetarian food. Non-animal clothing is man-made/cruelty-free clothing. The food/clothing is NOT an ethical, social justice; the food/clothing isn't political: it's simply food/clothes that a social justice person--a vegan--would only eat/wear.

The only thing that is vegan is the person who believes in the social justice of animal rights; one who believes in veganism.

I too, am very guilty at erroneously calling foods, clothing and other items "vegan". I will no longer do so and instead say, plant food, man-made, cruelty-free... when describing items used by vegans.

Someone once on Facebook brought this up and said how there is no such thing as a vegan restaurant as one is only mentioning food. The busy group pretty much ignored her thoughts and went on discussing other things. I was like, 'Wow! This is definitely food for thought and one reason why vegan is made to look as a joke in this day and age, and her statement gave one of the reasons why and it just went over everyone's heads!'

F.A.A.R.M.'s First Year Anniversary!

Today is the first year anniversary of my animal rights blog, Faith and Animal Reverence Ministry.

I'm very proud of this blog and how far it has come in development. Although I don't get many comments directly on the blog, I do get tons via my email box and there's many more people who don't contact me, but are faithful readers.

To you all:

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

I would not be doing this blog if it weren't for all of you emailing me and reading my blog. Of course, F.A.A.R.M. goes beyond this blog, and reaches many others via social media networks, educating people on the streets, and helping people to pay for education and/or treatment for their companion animals. So, again, thanks so much for the financial and readership support!

Last, I like to mention above, I just got this bracelet from Cafe Press yesterday. I will wear it every time I go out, to help bring awareness to Veganism, and to educate others about Animal Rights. I deliberately wanted to get something bold and beautiful to stand out as I want people to know I'm vegan before they even meet me! That's one way to be "loud" without being verbal. ;-)

For the Animals!

Cancel Notice

I decided to cancel my Twitter account. In order for it to work for me in the way I wanted it to, Twitter would have taken too much time out of my life and my life is a bit more precious than that so, Bye Twitterverse. 

I've also noticed people tend to find my blog via Googling related words or from my visits to forums and other blogs. Very rarely are people coming via Twitter.

I'll keep my Facebook account, as I have new plans there and promoting animal rights, but I LOATHE navigating there....



***Update: 9/8/2013: I've decided to reactivate my Twitter page! I'm looking at it in a different way now...focusing on that so it's all good now--Hey! FOLLOW ME! I always follow back!

Jains Connecting Traditional and Contemporary Living

The ancient Indian religion of Jainism, a close relative of Buddhism, has an adherence to nonviolence that forbids eating meat, encourages days of fasting and places value on the smallest of insects.

Now younger Jains, who resist the elaborate rituals of their parents, which include meditating 48 minutes a day and presenting statues of idols with flowers, rice and a saffron-and-sandalwood paste, are trying to reinterpret the traditions of their religion for 21st-century American life. They are expanding the definition of nonviolence to encompass environmentalism, animal rights and corporate business ethics, volunteering alongside other faiths, learning to lobby through political internships and youth groups, and veganism. 

Veganism--a step beyond the vegetarianism that the faith requires--is on the rise among young U.S.-born Jains, but younger Jains find it otherwise difficult to follow traditional rituals, with modern life and its excesses. 

Jains believe, for example, that even microbes in the air and water are sacred life and any action that impacts other living things--such as driving or using electricity--can add to bad karma. Yet many Jains are top doctors, lawyers and businesspeople, who use computers, cellphones and drive cars — and so they are increasingly seeking a compromise between their faith and practicality.

For the most part, elder Jains support the modified approach to 21st-century American life, but some worry their children will miss a deeper understanding without completing rituals that are so detailed that some Jains carry a small booklet with illustrated instructions. For instance, worshippers must shower, remove their shoes and change into loose-fitting, clean garments before approaching statues of 24 idols and must don a white mask to avoid breathing or spitting on the marble figures.

The faith’s Western evolution is being talked about openly and with greater urgency now that the small expatriate community that arrived in the 1960s has established itself by having a national umbrella organization, youth groups and more than 100 temples, including an enormous one south of Los Angeles.