Howdy!  Welcome to the 60th edition of the Mac Cowboy Newsletter.

After a brief hiatus, we're back with lotsa information, several videos,
some new digital Howard, and some recipes from a great vegan cookbook as
well as a unique vegan "e-cookbook."

In this issue you'll get the mandatory round-up of Mad Cow Disease and
Avian Flu-related articles, information about new studies about cancer
and consumption of flaxseed, meat, general diet recommendations, and
soft drinks relationship to heart disease.  You'll be able to enjoy the
interview with the self-proclaimed "Joyous Vegan," learn about 10 steps
for Vegan Culinary Activism, a new book by Andrew Kimbrell (he's also in
the "Mad Cowboy Documentary") and a comprehensive article about Capt.
Paul Watson and "Neptune's Navy."

Further down, you'll be able to see "earthrise" from the moon, a trailer
for "King Corn," view the must-see video by PCRM about the upcoming Farm
Bill, marvel at a Vegetable Alien, ponder the future evolution of the
Big Mac, learn who won a contest for the most artistic "Salt Lick," and
know about new hardcore evidence that organic produce IS more
nutritious, heart healthy, and has higher yields.

... and, as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all can
read past issues of the newsletter at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Best wishes to all for the holidaze season (and watch those calories!)

Mark, MC Editor/Webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: Some Digital Howard
02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03: Three New Vegan Cookbooks of Note & Recipes
04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
05: Bird Flu News
06: Cancer: Flaxseed, Meat, & Diet, Soft Drinks=Heart Disease
07: Joyous Vegan, 10 Steps, What's In Food, Neptune's Navy
08: Veg Video Theater
09: Veg Alien, Future Big Mac, 25lbs Fat, Salt Lick Contest
10: Organic:  Better, Heart Healthy, High Yields
11: Howard's Schedule
12: Quick Bytes
13: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"We can't allow ourselves to simply bemoan the media that have been
bought and co-opted by special interests; we must harness the media for
ourselves, and create whatever outlets we can.  If we truly believe what
we say about the damage to our collective health and our shared
environment that results from the animal-based diet, then we have a
positive duty to make our case in as dramatic a fashion as possible.  No
statistic makes as powerful a case as the image of the slaughterhouse.
We need to find ways to bring the reality of the salughterhouse to the
airwaves and the Internet.  The Internet in particular offers a low-cost
means of exposing people, especially younger people, to the harshe
realities of "food" production in America.  All Americans, including
school-age children, should see what a slaughterhouse looks like so that
they can know what they are eating.  If they want to to continue eating
meat, let them make an informed choice."

   --- Howard Lyman, in "No More Bull!" p. 84

[To order "No More Bull!" online:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VVFprods.002.html


************************************************
*01: Some Digital Howard
************************************************
[Howard in Vancover 2002, audio:
http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/3014759/

[Video of 1st 16 minutes of Howard speaking at AR2007:
http://www.youtube.com//watch?v=qt6vYpILydk


************************************************
*02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"What's the yearly estimate for number of tons of polyethylene
terephthalate bottles (formerly containing water) thrown into USA
landfills?"

(a) 2 million tons    (b) 10 million tons    (c)   20 million tons
(d) this question makes my head hurt

The correct answer is:  (a) 2 million tons and in some cases, (d)

Congratulations to Ellie Wallace of Houston, Texas, for being correct
and winning the luck of the draw.


["Each year, about 2 million tons of PET bottles end up in landfills in
the United States:"
http://www.commondreams.org/news2007/0510-07.htm


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

"The average life span of an American in 2004 was 42nd compared to the
rest of the world.  Twenty years ago, US life span was ranked what, when
compared to the rest of the world?"

(a)  2nd    (b)  5th    (c)  11th    (d)  23rd


Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT Dec. 15th, 2007.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the
correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and
you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call
1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*03: Two New Vegan Cookbooks of Note & Recipes
************************************************
INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS:  RECIPES FOR A NEW PARADIGM

"Incredibly Delicious is the right name for this cookbook.  It is our
most dog-eared living guide.  Buy it, try it, and you will love it.  Our
lives have improved because of this book."  --- Howard Lyman

[Two sample recipes:

Western Omelette
(yields 1 large skillet)

2 lbs. (4 C.) tofu, rinsed & drained
1/8 C. nutritional yeast
1 1/2 T. tamari or substitute
1/2 t. black pepper (optional)
1 t. sea salt
1/4 C. scallions, chopped
1 t. tumeric

Saute:
1 C. onion, diced
3 C. red pepper, sliced
1 C. mushrooms, diced
1 T. tamari or substitute
1/8 C. nutritional yeast

1.  In a bowl, mash tofu.  Mix with seasonings and scallions.  Set aside
in a cool place.

2.  Saute onion in a little oil and/or water.  Add red pepper then
mushrooms and saute until soft.  Season with tamari and nutritional
yeast.  Add to tofu batter and mix well.

3.  Pan-fry in an oiled or non-stick skillet.  Flip when browned on one
side.

*Variation - Baking the batter uses less oil and it will solidify the
omelette as well.  Place batter in a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet or
on a baking sheet.  Pat the batter firmly into shape and bake in a
pre-heated oven for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.  (p. 21)


ALMOND "MAYO"
(yields 1 1/4 cups)

1 C. almonds (soaked 1 - 6 hours)
3/4 C. water
1 T. onion powder
1 t. sea salt
2-3 dates, pitted
1 lemon, juiced
raw apple cider vinegar, a dash
1/8 C. cold-pressed oil (optional)

1.  In a food processor using the "S" shaped blade (or with a strong
blender), thoroughly blend almonds with water.  Add the remaining
ingredients, except the oil.  Process.

2.  Slowly add oil or extra water, while processing, and mixture will
become thick and smooth.  Chill.  [use in Carrot Salad!]  p. 198

[You can read more about this cookbook and purchase it online at:
http://www.gentleworld.org/incredibly.html



VEGAN DONE LIGHT:  (an e-cookbook available as a PDF) by Zen Pawn

"Appealing and inspiring recipes full of new combinations with the added
benefit of NO added oil or salt."   -Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., M.D.,
author: "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease."

[You can get a free recipe here:
http://www.vegandonelight.com/subscribe.html

[You can learn more about the recipes, buy the PDF and receive it
electronically, here:
http://www.vegandonelight.com

[And check out the newly available low-fat Holiday recipes:
http://www.rawdonelight.com/thanksgiving.html



************************************************
*04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
UNITED FOOD GROUP EXPANDS RECALL:  (06/09/07):  "United Food Group
expanded the recall of ground beef to include 5.7 million pounds of
fresh and frozen meat potentially contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  At
least 14 cases of E. coli infection may be linked to a multi-state
recall of ground beef produced by the company. People in five different
states reportedly have developed illnesses related to their consumption
of ground beef, including individuals in California, Arizona, Colorado,
Wyoming and Utah."

[Edited from:
http://ecoli.vanosteen.com/ground-beef.asp


ALZHEIMER'S CASES AROUND THE WORLD TO QUADRUPLE BY 2050:  (06/11/07):
"A "global epidemic" of Alzheimer's disease could take hold by 2050 with
the number affected set to quadruple, experts predicted yesterday.  The
number of people living with the condition, which is estimated at 26
million worldwide, will grow to more than 106 million by 2050, with
about half of them needing high-level care, the researchers said. The
Alzheimer's Society said that about 1.7 million people will be living
with the condition in the UK by 2050... the biggest rise in the number
of cases would occur in Asia where currently 48 per cent of sufferers
live. Prevalence there will grow from 12.65 million in 2006 to 62.85
million in 2050, accounting for 59 per cent of all cases, the study
said."

[Very edited from:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article1913178.ece


WHY IS THE PET FOOD INDUSTRY KILLING OUR PETS?:  (06/16/07):  "The
commercial pet foods industry rakes in billions of dollars annually. In
exchange for our dollars, we trust the companies to provide our pets
with quality nutrition. The recent pet food recall demonstrated that our
trust has been misplaced. But while many were shocked by the tragic
deaths of beloved pets, many more would be shocked to know that the pet
food industry has a long history of mistreating our pets... the pet food
industry is virtually self-regulated. The only requirement that the
industry must meet is to adhere to the Labeling Act, which states that
food must contain the name and address of the producing company, whether
the product is intended for dogs or cats, the weight of the food, and
the guaranteed analysis. The source of the protein included in the
analysis can be anything: condemned material from slaughterhouses,
road-kill, zoo animals and even euthanized companion animals.""

[Very edited from the long and detailed article by the author of "Food
Pets Die For" at:
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/54236/


QUEBEC MAD COW LAWSUIT TO SET PRECEDENCE FOR CANADIAN CATTLE FARMERS:
(06/17/07):  "A Quebec Superior Court ruling has given the go-ahead to a
multi-billion dollar class-action lawsuit targeting the federal
government's actions during the mad cow crisis.  The lawsuit was filed
on behalf of 20,000 Quebec farmers in 2005 who say Ottawa's
mismanagement of the BSE file led to billions of dollars in losses for
the country's cattle industry.  The claims in the lawsuit have yet to be
proven in court... The lawsuit seeks compensation for losses it says
reach more than $9-billion across Canada since 2003. "

[Edited from:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070617.wmadcow0617/BNStory/\
National/home


EATING FOIE GRAS MAY CAUSE MAD COW-LIKE DISEASE:  (06/19/07):
"Consumption of foie gras can transmit amyloidosis, a disease which is
sometimes manifested as mad cow or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD),
reports a new study in early online edition of the journal Proceedings
of the National Academy of Sciences.  The researchers say their results
provide the first evidence that a food product can hasten the
development of amyloids.  "It is not known if there is an increase of
Alzheimer's disease, diabetes or other amyloid-related disease in people
who have eaten foie gras," said Dr. Alan, director of the Human
Immunology and Cancer/Alzheimer's Disease and Amyloid-Related Disorders
Research Program at University of Tennessee at Knoxville and lead author
of the study."

[Edited from:
http://news.mongabay.com/2007/0619-foie_gras.html


E. COLI FOUND IN CANADIAN BEEF, WARNS HEALTH AGENCY:  (07/07/07):  "Five
people have fallen ill from bad beef, and consumers should avoid
purchasing or consuming specific brands of ground beef sold in Canada,
said a health hazard alert Saturday morning.  The Canadian Food
Inspection Agency said in a news release that some ground beef and
ground beef patties sold in Safeway and Independent grocery stores could
be contaminated with E. coli bacteria."

[Edited from:
 
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=98727515-c026-4f0b-a957\
-4318f9f4d1fd&k=5526


DESPITE BOTULISM RECALL, POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED PRODUCTS STILL BEING
SOLD ACROSS U.S.:  (07/27/07):  "Stores across the United States are
continuing to sell recalled canned chili, stew, hash and other foods
potentially contaminated with poisonous bacteria even after repeated
warnings that the products could kill.  Thousands of cans are being
removed from store shelves as quickly as investigators find them, more
than a week after Castleberry's Food Co. began recalling more than 90
potentially contaminated products over fears of botulism contamination.
The recall now covers two years' production at the company's Augusta,
Georgia, plant - a tally that spirals into the tens of millions of
cans... "Frankly, the fact we have had only four illnesses in this
situation has people saying, 'Well, what is the big deal?' The deal is
this is something that can land you in the ICU, not being able to
breathe, for weeks," said Dr. David Acheson, the FDA's lead food safety
expert... "The longer this stuff stays in the can, the worse it gets,"
Acheson said..."

[Very edited from:
  http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/27/america/NA-GEN-US-FDA-Botulism.php


CHINA DEFENDS HANDLING OF DISEASE OUTBREAK IN PIGS:  (08/20/07):  "China
rejected criticism that it had downplayed an outbreak of a disease in
pigs, saying Monday it had been "open and transparent" with the
international community.  As of Sunday, blue ear pig disease had spread
to 26 Chinese provinces, killing 68,000 pigs and prompting officials to
destroy an additional 175,000 pigs, said Jia Youling, chief veterinary
officer with the Ministry of Agriculture.  China has so far vaccinated
100 million pigs against the disease, which is also known as highly
pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, he said. The
disease does not affect people but can be fatal for pigs."

[Edited from:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/20/asia/AS-GEN-China-Pig-Disease.php


E. COLI FEARS TRIGGER LARGE RECALL OF GROUND BEEF:  (09/30/07):  "Topps
Meat Co. said Saturday it expanded a recall announced last week to
include 21.7 million pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with
a potentially fatal strain of E. coli bacteria..."

[Edited from:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/e-coli-fears-trigger-large/story.aspx?guid\
=D5A160E8-3B02-4D45-8FDD-16E8CF1246A3&dist=SecMostMailed


AS TAINTED MEAT RECALLED, SO ARE INSPECTORS:  (10/03/07):  "The United
States is currently in the middle of the fifth-largest food recall in
our history: 21.7 million tons of ground beef that may contain e. coli,
the same bacteria behind last year's spinach recall.  We're also in the
middle of approving a massive farm bill. And in the middle of that is
fine print that would actually exempt meat products from federal
inspection.  The measure, reports the Chicago Tribune, was put there by
Representative Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota). It was supposed to help
small meat processors: unlike larger processors, they don't have a
federal inspector on-site, and therefore have to apply for a visit -- a
troublesome bureaucratic hurdle..."

[Edited from:
  http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2007/10/as-tainted-meat.htm

[see also:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/services/newspaper/printedition/tuesday/chi-meat_0\
2oct02,0,7565723.story?coll=chi_home_top


BRITAIN 'FACES CJD EPIDEMIC' FROM INFECTED BEEF:  (10/11/07):  "The
nation faces the possibility of a major epidemic of lethal brain disease
as a result of the consumption years ago of beef contaminated with mad
cow disease, BSE, according to Britain's leading expert on vCJD, or
"human BSE".  Prof John Collinge of University College London, a
Government advisor, made the comments yesterday when unveiling a new
theory of what causes bovine spongiform encephalopathy,
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other "neurodegenerative" diseases...
Collinge believes that only people who are genetically susceptible have
succumbed to the devastating illness so far. "I continue to be worried,"
he told The Daily Telegraph... Given that kuru can incubate in a person
for four decades, he would expect even longer incubation periods of the
cattle disease BSE in infected people, depending on a person's genetic
makeup. "I am afraid there are a lot more cases in the pipeline," said
Prof Collinge..."

[Edited from:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/earth/2007/1\
1/10/scicjd110.xml


CONAGRA REFUSES TO RECALL POTPIES:  (10/11/07):  "ConAgra Foods Inc. is
refusing to recall Banquet-brand and other potpies tied to a national
salmonella outbreak, rejecting direct pleas by Oregon and Minnesota
health officials.  The state officials say the company needs to recall
all of its potpies because the source of the salmonella has not been
identified. Doing anything less, they say, allows potentially dangerous
food to remain on the market and confuses consumers.  The company says a
recall is unnecessary. It contends that contamination is limited to its
poultry potpies. Risks can be eliminated, the company says, by
instructing consumers to cook the pies thoroughly enough to kill
salmonella bacteria.  The dispute highlights a long-standing limitation
in America's system for safeguarding the food supply: State officials
who most frequently unearth the cause of foodborne illness have no
regulatory authority over food makers. Federal officials can ask
companies to recall food, but that process can take days or weeks..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1192073114\
67680.xml&coll=7


IS OUR FOOD ANY SAFER SINCE THE LAST E. COLI OUTBREAK?:  (10/18/07):
"Late in August 2006, the federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta began investigating cases of severe food
poisoning reported by health officials in 26 states and one Canadian
province. Over the next six weeks, a rare and particularly virulent
strain of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 sickened more than 200 people,
hospitalizing half of them, some with severe kidney damage, and killing
two elderly women and a child. For epidemiologists, the outbreak
presented a breakthrough because a DNA-fingerprinting system enabled CDC
investigators to trace back the source of the infections from clusters
of cases nationwide... The science of how E. coli gets into produce is
still in its infancy. According to Linda Harris, a U.C. Davis food
safety researcher, "It's less than a decade old." She believes that "we
will never eliminate food-borne illness entirely." Meanwhile, the
conflict between food safety and environmental protection has left
Central Coast growers twisting in the wind."

[Very edited from the well-researched, detailed, and notable article at:
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/65067/?page=entire


LAWSUIT: CATTLE RULE PUTS CONSUMERS AT RISK:  (10/26/07):  "New federal
guidelines will expose U.S. consumers to a fatal disease from eating
cattle contaminated by mad cow disease, a group of South Dakota ranchers
and national cattle groups maintain in a new federal lawsuit... At issue
is a Sept. 18 decision relaxing restrictions on imports of live cattle
and edible bovine products from Canada and other regions... If the rule
is not blocked, it will "expose U.S. consumers to increased risk of an
invariably fatal disease associated with consumption of BSE-contaminated
meat, will increase the risk of invariably fatal BSE infection in cattle
in the United States, and will expose U.S. cattle producers to severe
economic hardship," the lawsuit states.

[Edited from:
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071026/NEWS/71026030/100\
1


414,000 PIZZA CASES WITH POSSIBLE E. COLI:  (11/03/07):  "As there is a
raised risk of E. coli O157:H7 contamination of 414,000 cases of pizza
products with pepperoni toppings, the makers, General Mills, has
announced a voluntary recall of said pizzas. As these are freezable
products, the company is asking consumers to check in their freezers as
well. The pizzas were produced in General Mills' Ohio factory and
distributed throughout the USA... "

[Edited from:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87574.php


BSE FOUND IN COUNTY DONEGAL:  (11/05/07):  "The Minister for Agriculture
Mary Coughlan says the infected five-year-old cow was discovered in
south Donegal last week... This particular case has raised fears amongst
farmers as it was born six years after tight controls were introduced to
eradicate the brain disease - which can lead to variant CJD in humans.
There have been three previous cases of BSE in cattle born in 2001 but
this is the latest case ever seen in Ireland."

[From:
http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/BSE-found-in-County-Donegal.3444546.jp


OFFICIALS TO CULL CATTLE IN BOVINE TB SCARE:  (11/11/07):  "The
discovery of bovine tuberculosis in a bull will force the slaughter of
470 cattle and has resulted in the quarantine of almost 30 farms in B.C.
and Alberta... Canadian trade partners will continue to recognize Canada
as tuberculosis free. "This has no implication for U.S. trade for meat,
for dairy products, for live animals - we'll still continue to export as
we did before."

[Very edited from:
  http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5j9tJfXXx03PewZjPj6Ws6DH0huHw


GET E. COLI OFF THE MENU:  (11/14/07):  "...  Just recently, E. coli
infection jockeyed for headlines with MRSA, the superbug that migrated
from hospitals to schools and gyms. An E. coli outbreak forced Topps
Meat Co. out of business this year after it voluntarily recalled 21.7
million pounds of frozen hamburger patties, the second-largest meat
recall ever. Sam's Club and its supplier, Cargill, then recalled 1.8
million pounds of tainted beef. Besides meat, E. coli was responsible
for recalls of spinach, salad mixes and frozen pizzas.  Now federal meat
inspectors have disclosed a little-known fact: A U.S. Agriculture
Department regulation allows processing plants to sell meat that tests
positive for E. coli. The only stipulation is such meat carry a ''cook
only'' label, a practice that allows companies to profit from millions
of pounds of bad meat. The USDA defended the rule, saying commercial
cooking kills the bacteria and renders it safe to eat. This type of meat
is usually sold as precooked hamburger, meatloaf and taco filling..."

[Edited from:
  http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/648846,CST-EDT-edit14a.article


98,000 LBS. FROZEN SAUSAGE ROLLS RECALLED OVER LISTERIA WORRIES:
(11/16/07):  "Sausage rolls made by Double B  Foods have been recalled
over concerns that they may be contaminated with listeria bacteria.  No
illnesses have been reported in relation to the Double B Sausage recall,
which involves 98,000 pounds of the frozen products... The  Double B
Sausage rolls where sold in Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia,
Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma and
Pennsylvania... "

[Edited from:
http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/2042


BORDER OPENS TO OLDER CANADIAN CATTLE:  (11/20/07):  "American borders
opened Monday to Canadian cattle older than 30 months, but the Montana
Department of Livestock is requiring a special permit to bring older
breeding stock into this state.  Meanwhile, R-CALF United Stockgrowers
of America asked a U.S. District Court judge in South Dakota for a
temporary restraining order to stop the rule change. The organization is
also suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture over the matter."


[Very edited from:
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071120/NEWS01/7112\
00303


************************************************
*05: Bird Flu News
************************************************
FRENCH SWANS HAVE DEADLY BIRD FLU:  (07/05/07): "Three swans found dead
in eastern France were victims of the H5N1 bird flu virus that can be
fatal to humans, tests have confirmed.  French officials raised the bird
flu threat to high from moderate after the tests near the German border.
  This is only the second outbreak of H5N1 in France. Early last year, 62
wild birds died of the virus in the centre of the country... "

[Edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6272574.stm


GERMANS CULL 1,000 DOMESTIC FOWL AFTER H5N1 DETECTED IN GOOSE:
(07/07/07):  "German authorities ordered about 1,000 domestic fowl
slaughtered after the bird flu virus was detected in a goose in the
eastern state of Thuringia, officials there said Saturday... Officials
at Germany's Friedrich-Loeffler Institute determined Friday that a goose
in the town of Wickersdorf had died of the H5N1 virus... "

[Edited from:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/t2007/07/07/europe/EU-GEN-Germany-Bird-Flu.php


CZECHS TO CULL HEALTHY POULTRY FLOCKS TO STOP BIRD FLU:  (07/12/07):
"Czech authorities decided Thursday to slaughter 68,000 healthy poultry
in three commercial farms near the latest two H5N1 occurrences in an
attempt to halt the spread of the bird flu in the area, said Josef
Duben, a spokesman for the state veterinarians. The three broiler
chicken and turkey farms lie within three kilometres of the farms, in
eastern Bohemia, where the H5N1 bird flu strain, known to be deadly to
humans, was confirmed Wednesday... Scientists fear the virus could
mutate into a form easily transmissible between humans, which could
touch off a global pandemic that would kill millions of people."

[Edited from:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/82174.html


10,000 MORE BIRDS TO BE CULLED IN GUANGZHOU:  (09/18/07):  "Chinese
authorities plan to cull another 10,000 domestic birds in the city of
Guangzhou, capital of southern Guangdong Province, in a further attempt
to contain the latest bird flu outbreak.  According to China's central
media agency, Xinhua, at least 36,130 ducks have been culled since a
strain of H5N1 bird flu killed 9,830 ducks in the Sixian Village of
Panyu District in Guangzhou City... Ranking first in farm output, where
over 300 million farm workers work on mostly small plots of land, China
is the world's largest producer of poultry and other livestock... "

[Edited from:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/82753.php


BIRD FLU MUTATION SETS STAGE FOR FLU PANDEMIC:  (10/05/07):  "The deadly
bird flu virus has mutated and may infect people more easily if it
begins spreading from human to human, according to a new study.
Scientist Dr. Yoshihiro Kawaoka, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison,
said the H5N1 virus, commonly referred to as the bird flu, has mutated
and can now develop in the upper respiratory systems of humans, which
may increase the chances of the virus spreading from one person to
another.  Recent virus samples taken from birds in Africa and Europe
show mutations that resemble human viruses, Kawaoka stated in a report
published in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Pathogens... "

[Edited from:
  http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,299561,00.html


DEADLY H5N1 BIRD FLU HITS SECOND TURKEY FARM:  (11/19/07):  "A second
case of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has been found in turkeys at
a farm near last week's initial outbreak, the Department for the
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed today.  All 9,000 turkeys
have already been slaughtered at the new infected premises, Hill Meadow
Farm in Knettishall, on the Norfolk-Suffolk border.  Deadly bird flu
hits second farm About 6,000 birds were slaughtered after last week's
initial outbreak in Redgrave..."

[Edited from:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/11/19/nbird119.xml


HOW BIRD FLU HAS SPREAD (INTERACTIVE MAP):
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/world/05/bird_flu_map/html/1.stm


************************************************
*06: Cancer: Flaxseed, Meat, & Diet, Soft Drinks=Heart Disease
************************************************
MEAT, DAIRY NUTRIENT MAY RAISE CANCER RISK, SAYS STUDY:  (08/13/07):
"Choline, a nutrient found in meat, eggs and dairy products, has been
linked to a possible increase in the risk of colorectal cancer in women,
reveals a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer
Institute... the study, published online in the August 8 2007 issue of
JNCI, is the first to examine the link between choline and colorectal
polyps, and the researchers cautioned that more studies need to be
conducted as other components of diets high in choline may be
responsible for the association.  Choline has until now been considered
an essential nutrient that plays a role in normal cell function and
transportation of nutrients through the body. Dietary sources include
eggs, beef liver, chicken liver and wheat germ... the researchers sent
food-frequency questionnaires to [39,246] women enrolled in the Nurses'
Health Study every two to four years from 1984 to 2002..."

[Edited from:
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=78993&m=1FNU813&c=bxxjrzazfjatrzo


SOFT DRINKS LINKED TO HEART DISEASE VIA METABOLIC SYNDROME:  (07/24/07):
  "A new US study has found that drinking more than one soft drink a day,
whether regular or diet, may be linked to an increased risk of
developing heart disease, via an increase in metabolic syndrome, a group
of characteristics like excess girth, high blood pressure, and other
factors that increase the chances of getting diabetes and cardiovascular
problems.  The findings are published in the early online edition of
Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association... The study
included 9,000 "person observations" taken at three different times over
a four year period ... [among the findings]:

* 31 per cent greater risk of developing new-onset obesity (defined as a
body mass index or BMI of 30 kilograms per meter squared or higher). *
30 per cent higher risk of developing an increased waist circumference.
* 25 per cent increased risk of developing high blood triglycerides or
high fasting blood glucose. * 32 per cent increased risk of having low
HDL ("good" cholesterol). * A trend towards an increased risk of
developing high blood pressure, but this was not statistically
significant... "

[Very edited from:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/77616.php

[See also:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/07/24/diet.sodas/


FLAXSEED MAY SLOW PROSTATE CANCER GROWTH:  (06/03/07):  "Flaxseed
supplementation significantly reduced cancer cell proliferation rates in
men with prostate cancer, investigators in a multicenter study found.
Flaxseed, alone or combined with a low-fat diet, slowed cell growth
rates compared with diet alone or a control group, said Wendy
Demark-Wahnefried, Ph.D., of Duke University. ... Flaxseed is one of the
richest known sources of lignans, which affect androgen metabolism and
have antimitotic, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, and estrogenic effects,
said Dr. Demark-Wahnefried.  Flaxseed also is the richest known source
of plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids, which influence cell membrane
synthesis, circulating levels of protein kinase C and tyrosine kinases,
and levels of natural killer cells, she said... "

[Edited from:
http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ASCOMeeting/tb/5831


SIX GOOD EATING HABITS THAT WILL HELP PREVENT CANCER:  (11/01/07):
"Excess body weight, even just a little, increases your risk of cancer,
according to a study released this week by the American Institute for
Cancer Research. But staying active and following six rules for good
eating can turn the odds back in your favor, researchers say.
Researchers analyzed more than 7,000 large-scale studies over five years
and are now convinced... that excess body fat increases risks for cancer
of the colon, kidney, pancreas, esophagus and uterus, as well as breast
cancer in post-menopausal women... Among the eight steps the 517-page
report recommends are six that relate directly to diet. Top of that
list: two-thirds of every meal should be made up of plant-based foods,
such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans.... The panel
specifically advocated abstinence from all processed meats, such as
bacon, ham and other lunchmeats....

1. Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight 2. Be
physically active as part of everyday life 3. Limit consumption of
"energy-dense foods," foods that are high in calories, fat and sugar.
Avoid sugary drinks. 4. Eat mostly foods of plant origin, including
fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans 5. Limit intake of red meat
and avoid processed meat 6. Limit alcoholic drinks to one per day for
women, two per day for men 7. Limit consumption of salt. Avoid moldy
grains or legumes 8. Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone,
without dietary supplement."

[Edited from:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2007/nov/01/health


************************************************
*07: Joyous Vegan, 10 Steps, What's In Food, Neptune's Navy
************************************************
10 QUESTIONS FOR ACTIVIST JULIA BUTTERFLY HILL:  (11/2007):  "At age 33,
activist Julia Butterfly Hill is already an icon of the environmental
movement... Luna, a movie by Participant Productions, based on Hill's
book, The Legacy of Luna, is in the works...

"Are you a vegetarian? Why or why not?"

I am a JOYOUS Vegan! I never say I am Vegan without adding the word
"Joyous" to it because when some people hear "vegan," they think things
like rigid, boring, bland, angry, and judgmental. I LOVE life. I love
celebrating my connection with Creation through the mindfulness of what
I eat. Ultimately, I want people to eat with awareness and mindfulness,
which means that first and foremost, eat local, local, local. People who
say they are vegetarian because of animal rights but then have their
food shipped from hundreds to thousands of miles away are not
recognizing the enormous impact on animals (including human animals)
from energy consumption...."

[Edited from from the excellent interview at:
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3914&src=QSA143


VEGAN CULINARY ACTIVISM IN 10 YUMMY STEPS:  (06/2007): "... Of course,
we can't all invent a good tasting soy cheese (but can someone?
Please?), so I humbly offer 10 steps even the most activist-phobic among
us can use to help create a vegan world. While these things may seem
obvious, maybe even insignificant in light of what animals are going
through every day, look at it as a chipping away at our meat and dairy
based culture.  Also, dealing with issues of animal abuse can take a
toll on a person's psyche, make us cynical, depressed and, worst of all,
make us lose hope. It's important that we keep our spirits up, and
sometimes seeing the words "Vegan Muffin!" in a bakery's display case
can feel like reading a newspaper headline declaring "Bush Impeached!"

To that end, here are 10 yummy ways to do your part in creating the
vegan world we all want to live in..."

[Edited from:
http://www.satyamag.com/jun07/isa.html


THERE'S A LOT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT WHAT'S IN YOUR FOOD:  (07/03/07):
"... Nearly three quarters of all processed foods contain genetically
engineered ingredients... Rather than being relegated to its own
supermarket section, this food sits unlabeled on grocery store shelves,
allowing a handful of transnational biotech companies to profit
handsomely as consumers shop blindly.  In his new book, Your Right to
Know: Genetic Engineering and the Secret Changes in Your Food, Andrew
Kimbrell explores the risks of this technology and what genetic
engineering means to our health, the environment and the future of
agriculture.... an activist for more than 20 years, Kimbrell has been at
the forefront of legal and grassroots efforts to protect the environment
and promote sustainable agricultural production methods. His written
work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Harper's.
He has testified at numerous congressional and regulatory hearings, [is
in the Mad Cowboy Documentary] and in 1994, Utne Reader named Kimbrell
as one of the world's leading 100 visionaries.

... Petrovic: Why did you choose to write this book now?

Kimbrell: Actually, I didn't choose to write this book right now. I wish
I could have stopped my fingers three years ago... As a matter of fact,
as we've seen in corn and soy, we have seen actual yield decreases
because of genetic engineering. Not an increase, no more vitamins. We've
seen, actually, FDA studies that show that it actually decreases vitamin
content in food. So, why is it popular? Why do farmers use it? Because
it's very convenient. You don't have to spot spray your herbicide just
on the weed, you can, for the first time, aerial spray your herbicides
over your entire crop and it won't kill your crop, it'll just kill the
weeds.  Although, those weeds are becoming more and more resistant and
now we're having to use more and more..."

[Very edited from from the great interview at:
http://www.alternet.org/story/55847/


NEPTUNE'S NAVY - PAUL WATSON'S WILD CRUSADE TO SAVE THE OCEANS:
(11/05/07): "Watson, the founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation
Society, a vigilante organization that was founded thirty years ago,
with one of its ships, the Farley Mowat, a trawler that has nearly sunk
three times...

"People say, 'You're incredibly arrogant,' " Watson told me. "I say,
when you're dealing with a species that's as arrogant as the human race
you've got to be arrogant to believe that you can actually change it."
He regards civilization's greatest artistic and cultural
achievements-from architecture to music and film-as expressions of human
vanity, "worthless to the earth." He sometimes asks people to imagine
the outrage that would occur if someone were to destroy, say, the
Vatican or the "Mona Lisa," and he compares that with the indifference
that people exhibit toward the mass extinction of plants and animals.
"In anthropocentric society, a harsh judgment is given to those that
destroy or seek to destroy the creations of humanity," he has written.
"Monkey-wrench a bulldozer and they will call you a vandal. Spike a tree
and they will call you a terrorist. Liberate a coyote from a trap and
they will call you a thief. Yet if a human destroys the wonders of
creation, the beauty of the natural world, then anthropocentric society
calls such people loggers, miners, developers, engineers, and
businessmen."

[Very edited from the long, fascinating, extremely well-researched, and
reasonably fair article at:
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/11/05/071105fa_fact_khatchadourian?print\
able=true


************************************************
*08: Veg Video Theater
************************************************
KING CORN: "A year out of Yale, best pals Curt Ellis and Ian Cheney
returned to their Midwestern roots to grow an acre of corn on a farm
just across the Minnesota border in Iowa.  Out of the venture grew a
documentary film linking America's abundance of major, subsidized crops
to its obesity epidemic. The national weight problem is fed, in some
part, by the prevalence of grain-fed beef, corn-sweetened soft drinks,
and soybean-based cooking oils, they say.  Any other year, the film by
Ellis and Cheney might have found a rapt audience among fringe public
health advocates and then been promptly forgotten.  But this year,
obesity has become a national obsession just as Congress is embarking on
one of its periodic overhauls of the nation's farm policy...."

[Very edited from from an interesting article discussing many aspects of
the Farm Bill at:
http://www.startribune.com/10223/story/1516460.html

[Faster YouTube Video than the trailer on the doc's website:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiCRwMMh9k8

[King Corn website:
http://www.kingcorn.net


PCRM'S HILARIOUS, YET EFFECTIVE, ACTIVIST FARM BILL VIDEO: "It may
surprise you to learn that the federal government buys up millions of
dollars worth of bacon, burgers, and fatty meat and dairy products and
dumps them in our schools and food assistance programs. This practice
persists, in part, because companies making these unhealthy products
give millions of dollars to members of Congress through political action
committees. Until these practices end, stopping childhood obesity will
remain a difficult challenge... Please CALL your senators today and ask
them to vote YES on the FRESH Amendment. Then, SEND a follow-up
e-mail...

[The website with many useful resources and activist assistance:
  http://www.pcrm.org/childhoodobesity/

[The video...:
http://www.youtube.com/v/FurT0Vc1Xpw


KUCINICH'S OPENING DURING GLOBAL WARMING DEBATE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbkZo5YOCNM


SATELLITE CAPTURES EARTH 'RISING' AND 'SETTING': "A Japanese satellite
has captured the first high definition images of the Earth from the
moon... Footage taken from 62 miles above the lunar surface shows the
most-detailed yet pictures of an "Earth-rise" and "Earth-set" above the
moon's horizon. Series of five images of the Earth setting as seen from
the Moon

[From:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2007/11/14/scimoon114.xml\
&CMP=ILC-mostviewedbox

[Better source:
http://www.selene.jaxa.jp/en/communication/com_information_e.htm#NEW_20071114A


************************************************
*09: Veg Alien, Future Big Mac, 25lbs Fat, Salt Lick Contest
************************************************
[The amazing "vegetable" alien:
http://www.framebox.de/creations/3d/salad/

[Extrapolating the future evolution of the Big Mac:
http://calorielab.com/news/2007/01/16/from-big-mac-to-chici-mac-the-future-of-fa\
st-food/

[Satirical activist "Learn how to manage a McDonald's" interactive game:
http://www.mcvideogame.com

[Bizarro accurate description of a deli sandwhich:
http://www.bizarro.com/vegan/vegan_cartoon13.htm

[Just how big is 25 lbs. of rendered pig fat?:
http://ruralvegan.com/2007/10/03/who-eats-this/

[Cow art at its finest:  Results of the recent Salt Lick Contest:
http://www.saltlickcity.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/


************************************************
*10: Organic:  Better, Heart Healthy, High Yields ---  US Food Declines
************************************************
OFFICIAL: ORGANIC REALLY IS BETTER:  (10/28/07): "The biggest study into
organic food has found that it is more nutritious than ordinary produce
and may help to lengthen people's lives.  The evidence from the £12m
four-year project will end years of debate and is likely to overturn
government advice that eating organic food is no more than a lifestyle
choice.  The study found that organic fruit and vegetables contained as
much as 40% more antioxidants, which scientists believe can cut the risk
of cancer and heart disease, Britain's biggest killers. They also had
higher levels of beneficial minerals such as iron and zinc....
Researchers grew fruit and vegetables and reared cattle on adjacent
organic and nonorganic sites on a 725-acre farm attached to Newcastle
University, and at other sites in Europe... they also found that organic
tomatoes from Greece had significantly higher levels of antioxidants,
including flavo-noids thought to reduce coronary heart disease.... "

[Edited from:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article2753446.ece


ORGANIC FOOD 'BETTER' FOR HEART:  (07/05/07): "A ten-year study
comparing organic tomatoes with standard produce found almost double the
level of flavonoids - a type of antioxidant.   Flavonoids have been
shown to reduce high blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart disease
and stroke.  Writing in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,
the team said nitrogen in the soil may be the key.  Dr Alyson Mitchell,
a food chemist at the University of California, and colleagues measured
the amount of two flavonoids - quercetin and kaempferol - in dried
tomato samples that had been collected as part of a long-term study on
agricultural methods.  These findings also confirm recent European
research, which showed that organic tomatoes, peaches and processed
apples all have higher nutritional quality than non-organic. They found
that on average they were 79% and 97% higher respectively in the organic
tomatoes than in the conventionally grown fruit... Flavonoids have also
been linked with reduced rates of some types of cancer and dementia....
"

[Very edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/6272634.stm


ORGANIC FARMS PROVIDE JOBS, HIGH YIELDS:  (07/03/07):  "A study released
in May by Britain's Soil Association concludes that organic farming
provides 32 percent more jobs per farm in the United Kingdom than
conventional agriculture does. According to the study, 93,000 new jobs
could be created if all of Britain's farms were to switch to organic
practices, which include avoiding the use of toxic chemical inputs and
genetically altered seeds. Such job creation could not be replicated in
non-organic farming, the report notes, because "it is the system of
organic farming itself that demands more labour and creates more jobs."
...  Even in industrialized countries, studies suggest that organic
farms generate nearly as high yields (80-97 percent) as conventional
farms, while some crops show no yield difference at all.  According to
Catherine Badgley, a research scientist at the University of Michigan, a
global shift to organic farming could produce enough calories to feed
the entire human population and potentially 75 percent more calories
than are produced now..."

[Edited from:
http://www.bluemoonfund.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=379942


STILL NO FREE LUNCH: NUTRIENT LEVELS IN U.S. FOOD SUPPLY ERODED BY
PURSUIT OF HIGH YIELDS:  (09/2007):  "Steady progress in increasing crop
yields and animal production levels has often been achieved at the
expense of food nutrional quality, the environment, and in some cases,
food safety and animal health.  This "Critical Issue Report" documents
the extent of nutrient decline, reviews ways that farmers and breeders
can increase nutrient density, and explains the importance of doing so
in order to improve public health.  The full report 44-page report is
available in pdf format below, as well as the five-page Foreword and
Executive Summary, and the press release announcing the report's
availability."

[From:
http://www.organic-center.org/science.latest.php?action=view&report_id=115


************************************************
*11: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
MAR 20-21 > Toronto
APR 12-13  > NYC
APR 18-19-20  > Ohio
APR 25-26-27  > Central IL
MAY 17-18  > Chicago, IL
JUN 26-29  > Johnstown, PA

[More information/embedded links for contact information at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*12: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

[Compassionate Cooking Podcast:
http://www.compassionatecooks.com

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Awardwinning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

VEGAN

[Nana's Vegan Cookies online!:
http://www.healthycrowd.com/


************************************************
*13: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"The bottom line is that to be a conservationist and an
environmentalist, you must practise and promote vegetarianism or better
yet veganism.

It is the lifestyle that leaves the shallowest ecological footprint,
uses fewer resources and produces less greenhouse gas emissions, it's
healthier and it means you're not a hypocrite.

In fact a vegan driving a hummer would be contributing less greenhouse
gas carbon emissions than a meat eater riding a bicycle."

       --- Capt. Paul Watson, in the thought-provoking essay at:


http://www.permaworld.org/members/permaworld/weblog/a_very_inconvenient_truth_-.\
html


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to:
Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Welcome to the 61st Edition of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter!

We've a special holiday message from Howard as well as a significant
change to the Vegan Mind-Poser Contest.  There's also two great recipes
from Robin Robertson's fine new vegan cookbook, "Quick-Fix Vegetarian,"
new studies about the impact of grains and beans on heart disease, the
issues regarding too much sodium in the average diet, and a clear
relationship between food additives and hyperactivity in children.

Further down, there's research linking red meat and dairy to a specific
cancers, beans lowering cholesterol, and a new report about McDonalds
and children's dietary habits.  You can also peruse our "Mad Cow
Round-up" and "Bird Flu News" collections, read an excellent essay by
Bruce Friedrich on Veganism and the Environment, learn just what's under
your feet, why it's getting difficult to seperate other species from us,
about a "Compassion Over Killing" winning campaign, and then take a
break in our "Vegan Digital Theater Showcase."

... and, as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all can
read past issues of the newsletter at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Best Wishes to All for a Happy New Year!

Mark, MC editor/webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: A Holiday Letter from Howard
02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03: Recipes from a New Vegan Cookbook
04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
05: Bird Flu News
06: Too Much Salt, Americans Fatter, Kids/Additives & McMktg.
07: Grains & Beans vs. Heart Disease, Dairy/Red Meat=Cancer
08: Vegan Digital Theater Showcase
09: Under Feet, Bird Declines, Gulf Dead Zone, Toxicity Hypocrisy
10: Censored Stories, Hummers/Nuggets, Activist Win, Chimp Wits
11: Howard's Schedule
12: Quick Bytes
13: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"Let me be clear:  there are plenty of lousy vegetarian and vegan diets
out there.  Any diet high in refined sugar, salt, or oil, is a lousy
diet, whether vegan or not...  Too many vegetarians and vegans pat
themselves on the back for what they're not eating, and pay too little
attention to what they do eat."

   --- Howard Lyman, in "No More Bull!" p. 81

[To order "No More Bull!" online:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VVFprods.002.html


************************************************
*01: A Holiday Message from Howard
************************************************
12/31/07

"Season greetings to all of my friends as we come to the end of another
year.  We have seen the destruction of planet earth reach new levels,
which is being ignored by many politicians at the highest circles in our
government.

I'm convinced that the solution to our problem starts with our diet and
we are winning on that front ever so slowly.  It is not "will we change
our bad habits?" but "will we change them before it is too late to save
our environment?"

I continue to travel and spread the word, and this allows me to see and
spend time with many of my friends.  I'm amazed at all the great work
being done at the grassroots and it is starting to be reflected in the
awareness of the press, and our food establishments.

When I reflect on the changes in our country in the last ten years I
realize just how affective your contributions have been. There is no
doubt I have the pleasure of working with the best group of folks that
have ever graced our world.

My new years message to my friends is to keep doing what you are doing
and do it with joy in your soul, knowing the future of our children and
grandchildren are hanging in the balance."

Your humble friend,   Howard


************************************************
*02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"The average life span of an American in 2004 was 42nd compared to the
rest of the world.  Twenty years ago, US life span was ranked what, when
compared to the rest of the world?"

(a)  2nd    (b)  5th    (c)  11th    (d)  23rd

Congratulations to Susan Eakins of New Dawn Montana Sanctuary,
Stevensville, Montana, for guessing the correct answer (c) and winning
the luck of the draw!

["A baby born in the United States in 2004 will live an average of 77.9
years. That life expectancy ranks 42nd, down from 11th two decades
earlier...":
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070811/life-expectancy/

********* SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT **********

We're just so pleased to announce a new gift that will be given to the
two winners of our Vegan Mind-Bender Contest!  Fran Horvath, of Ethical
Planet, is offering to send a FREE shopping bag to the "2nd place"
winner each issue. "The shopping bag is made from 100% organic cotton
with a long handle. It is a natural color and measures roughly 15" x
16." It has the Ethical Planet logo in color on it. They are
manufactured in an environmentally and socially conscious manner."

Our deep thanks to Fran.  Be sure to visit her website at:
http://www.ethicalplanet.com


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"What is the percentage lifetime risk of developing high blood pressure
or hypertension for an individual in the Western World?"

(a)  30%   (b)  50%   (c)  75%   (d)  90%


Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT Jan. 22nd, 2008, and include your
complete address (note: VegNews cannot offer free subscriptions to
non-U.S. locations).

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the
correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and
you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call
1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*03: Recipes from a New Vegan Cookbook
************************************************
"Quick-Fix Vegetarian" by Robin Robertson:
http://www.robinrobertson.com/

BARLEY PILAF WITH WHITE BEANS AND BROCCOLI
(serves 4)

"Barley is a delicious, nutty, and often overlooked grain.  Be sure to
get quick-cooking pearl barley for this recipe, since regular barley
takes much longer to cook.

2 T extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 C. chopped onions
1 1/2 C. vegetable broth (or water)
3/4 C quick-cooking pearl barley
Salt.
2 C. small broccoli florets
1 (16-ounce) can Great Northern beans or other white beans, drained and
rinsed

Heat the oil [or a little water] in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onions, cover, and cook until softened, about 5 miknutes.  Add
the broth and barley and bring to a boil.  Decrease the heat to low and
add salt to taste.  (You will need more salt if using water instead of
broth.)  Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.  Add the broccoli, cover, and
continue cooking until the broccoli is cooked and the barley is tender,
about 5 minutes more.  Stir in the beans and heat until hot.  Variation:
  Chopped tomato and dill make good additions.  p. 105


BLACK BEAN SAUCE WITH SHERRY
(makes about 1 1/2 cups)

"This quick and easy sauce adds flavor to grain dishes and is great as a
topping for vegetables.

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (16-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 T. tamari
2 T. dry sherry
2 T. water, plus additional as needed
1 T. freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 t. hot pepper sauce (optional)
2 T. chopped fresh cilantro

Heat the olive oil [or a little water] in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Stir in the
beans, cumin, tamari, sherry, and water and simmer for about 5 minutes
to blend the flavors.  Transfer the mixture to a blender or food
processor, add the lemon juice, and blend until smooth.  Return to the
saucepan and season to taste with salt and pepper and the hot sauce.
Stir in the cilantro and add more water if the sauce is too thick.
Simmer, stirring, until hot.  p. 180


************************************************
*04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
CATTLEMEN WELCOME NEWS OF U.S. BORDER REOPENING:  (11/30/07):  "After
more than four years of restricted trade following a mad-cow disease
scare and an estimated loss of more than $1.7 billion, Canadian
producers are welcoming this month's reopening of the U.S. border to
older live Canadian cattle and their meat products.  The move comes
after the U.S. Department of Agriculture ruled that the risk of bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canadian cattle is "negligible.""

[Edited from:
http://www.businessedge.ca/article.cfm/newsID/16802.cfm


CANADA FINDS 11TH BSE CASE:  (12/18/07):  "Canada confirmed a new case
of mad cow disease on Tuesday, its 11th since 2003, and said the animal
in question was a 13-year-old beef cow from Alberta born before a feed
ban designed to prevent the disease.  The Canadian Food Inspection
Agency said no part of the animal's carcass had entered the human or
animal food supply.  Canada has now also banned the risk material from
all types of livestock feed in an effort to eliminate BSE from Canada's
herd within 10 years. Until then, the CFIA said it expected to find a
few cases of BSE.... Montana-based activist rancher group R-CALF United
Stockgrowers of America pointed to the latest finding as supporting its
argument that the U.S. Agriculture Department should continue to ban
imports of older Canadian cattle.  "It is exposing the U.S. to an
unnecessary and avoidable risk of mad cow disease," said Bill Bullard of
R-CALF, which has asked a federal judge to block the imports".

[Edited from:
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSN1849172620071218


TAIWAN SUSPENDS GREELEY BEEF SHIPMENTS:  (11/30/07):  "Beef shipments
from the JBS-Swift plant in Greeley have been suspended by the
government in Taiwan.  The ban, said Cheryl Kamenski, spokeswoman for
the U.S. Meat Export Federation in Denver, was effective Nov. 27 and
will remain in effect while the USDA works with Taiwan to iron out the
problem.  Taiwan reported it found bone chips in a beef shipment from
the Greeley plant Nov. 25 and officially notified the USDA about the
imposed the ban two days later. About a week earlier, the Taiwanese
health department also banned shipments from a Cargill Meat Solutions
plant in Schulyer, Neb. for the same reason."

[Edited from:
http://www.greeleytrib.com/article/20071130/NEWS/71130007


FROM MAD COW TO CASH COW:  (12/03/07):  "Russia's appetite for beef
products has grown substantially and gone sharply upscale since it
banned U.S. exports four years ago.  Before Russia banned U.S. beef in
reaction to the discovery of a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy,
or mad-cow disease, it was the fifth-largest market for U.S. exports.
But where citizens bought mostly cheaper meat products like livers,
hearts and kidneys, they are now moving up the food chain to cuts like
tenderloin.  Now the U.S. and Russia have nearly finished a new deal
that domestic producers are counting on to generate millions of dollars
in sales..."

[Edited from:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119663850296011107.html?mod=googlenews_wsj


QATAR BAN ON IMPORT OF US BEEF IS LIFTED:  (12/07/07):  "Qatar has
lifted a ban on import of US beef, a senior US embassy official in Doha
said yesterday. "We received an official notice from the National Health
Authority (NHA) today that cleared the US beef or beef variety meat
(BVM) of any harmful content," the official of the Commercial Service
Office at the US embassy told Gulf Times. The ban has been in effect
since the first outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or
mad cow disease in December 2003... with more hypermarkets and US food
franchises being set up in the Gulf, demand for US beef has been
increasing."

[Edited from:
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=188783&version\
=1&template_id=57&parent_id=56


28TH CZECH BSE CASE:  (12/20/07):  "The 28th Czech BSE case is a nearly
10-year-old dead cow that originally came from Karlovarsky region in the
west of Bohemia.  Experts say that foreign meat and bone meal is
probably the source of the infection dating back to a time when animals
were not examined for BSE and strict veterinary measures were not in
force in the country, said Duben... The first BSE-infected cow in the
Czech Republic was detected in 2001. SVS then ordered tests on all
slaughtered animals older than 30 months. Since the start of 2001 until
the end of November this year 1,194,743 heads of cattle had been
examined, 27 of them being found positive.  Last year, there were 3 BSE
cases confirmed in the country, and 8 cases were detected in 2005, the
highest amount."

[Edited from:
http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/index_view.php?id=287817


BEEF'S WAKE-UP RECALL:  (12/21/07):  "For beef lovers, 2007 will go down
as another year of eating dangerously.  Since the spring, meat suppliers
have recalled more than 30 million pounds of ground beef contaminated
with the potentially lethal bacteria E. coli O157:H7, including the 21.7
million pounds recalled by New Jersey-based Topps Meat in September...
Topps Meat's 21.7 million-pound recall led some safety advocates to
question the USDA inspection system, which relies heavily on industry
reporting.  After three relatively quiet years, the 20 recalls this year
have raised new doubts about whether the beef industry's attempts to
keep the pathogen out of ground beef, and the government's oversight of
those efforts, are working... In several instances this year, however,
USDA officials missed red flags and were slow to correct longstanding
deficiencies in the way they monitor beef processors' efforts to contain
the pathogen...  By the time Americans fired up their grills for the
Fourth of July, cases of human illness had prompted five beef recalls.
"We began to believe we may have a problem, but we weren't sure,"
Richard Raymond, undersecretary of agriculture for food safety, said in
an interview last week. At that point, however, the agency "wasn't ready
to make sweeping changes."

[Very edited from:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/20/AR2007122002409.\
html


************************************************
*05: Bird Flu News
************************************************
CHINA REPORTS 17TH BIRD FLU DEATH:  (12/04/07):  "A 24-year-old man in
China has died from bird flu, bringing that country's death toll from
the H5N1 avian influenza virus to 17, the World Health Organization
reported Tuesday... China has reported 26 confirmed cases of bird flu
since 2003, when the disease re-emerged. Worldwide, there have been 336
cases, 207 of which have been fatal. The majority of cases reported -
113 - have been in Indonesia, where 91 people have died."

[Edited from:
http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3545


BIRD FLU PANDEMIC COST COULD REACH $2 TRILLION:  (12/04/07):  ""...the
possible bird flu pandemic could cost countries around the world some $2
trillion... acting Vice President of the World Bank... Harrold made the
statement during an international conference on the bird flu virus in
New Delhi, which was attended by some 600 delegate in 105 countries.  He
added that some $2.3-billion have been pledged by international donors
to aid countries in the campaign against avian flu, and another $1
billion more to groups helping in fighting the threat... Margaret Chan,
director general of the World Health Organization, said, "About 20
percent of the global population will be affected during the next
pandemic."

[Edited from:
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009356022


H5N1 MUTATION TOWARDS A PANDEMIC STRAIN GATHERS PACE:  (12/06/07):
"H5N1 mutation towards a pandemic strain gathers pace.  American
researchers have discovered that a key step has been reached in the
mutation of the H5N1 virus which could allow it to transform into a
human flu virus, thus opening the door to a pandemic.  Dr Yoshihiro
Kawaoka of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains that mutation
on one of the H5N1 viral proteins has been identified in samples taken
from sick birds from Europe and Africa. This transformation could allow
the avian virus to tolerate our 37°C body temperature (the body
temperature of birds is about 41°C) and therefore to develop in our
upper respiratory tract..."

[Edited from:
http://www.afriquechos.ch/spip.php?article2719


RUSSIA CUTS DOWN ON POLISH POULTRY DUE TO BIRD FLU REPORTS:  (12/07/07):
  "Russia slapped additional limits on imports of live poultry, eggs and
other products from Poland following reports of a bird flu outbreak in
the country, Russia's veterinary control service said... The highly
pathogenic avian strain H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, was detected
on two turkey farms in central Poland on Dec 1. Bird flu was found last
year in the country, but in wild birds."

[Edited from:
http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2007/12/07/afx4415331.html


CHINA BIRD FLU PATIENT RECOVERING:   (12/09/07):  "China bird flu
patient recovering: report A 52-year-old Chinese man whose son died
recently from bird flu and who himself has been infected with the highly
dangerous virus is gradually recovering, state media reported Sunday...
His son died last Sunday from the H5N1 avian flu strain, which has
killed more than 200 people worldwide since 2003... The new case brings
to at least 27 the number of infections in China, where 17 people have
died from bird flu."

[Edited from:
http://www.physorg.com/news116401522.html


POLAND UNCOVERS FOURTH CASE OF BIRD FLU:  (12/10/07):  "Poland has
uncovered a fourth case of the most virulent strain of bird flu, known
as H5N1, at a poultry farm in central Poland, the ministry of
agriculture said today.  ll four cases reported since the first outbreak
at the start of December have related to the same area of the country,
which is well-known for poultry production... Poland has reported the
highly pathogenic avian strain H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, in wild
birds in recent years, but this year's are the first cases of commercial
farms being hit."

[Edited from:
http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2007/12/10/afx4421933.html


INDONESIA REPORTS 115TH HUMAN H5N1 CASE:  (12/12/07):  "Indonesia has
reported its 115th human case of H5N1 avian influenza, in a 47-year-old
man from Tangerang, according to news services.  The man is in critical
condition in a Jakarta hospital, according to a Xinhua report today...
Ninety-two of Indonesia's 115 H5N1 cases have been fatal. The WHO's
global H5N1 count, which does not yet include the Tangerang man, stands
at 338 cases with 208 deaths."

[Edited from:
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/avianflu/news/dec1207indo.htm\
l


BIRD FLU KILLS 35,000 POULTRY IN SOUTHERN RUSSIA:   (12/12/07):  "Some
35,000 birds have died from bird flu since the epidemic broke out at a
poultry farm in southern Russia's Rostov region late November, a
spokesperson for the local emergencies ministry has said.  "We have
received the preliminary results of analysis," spokesperson Marina
Abramchenko was quoted by Ria Novosti news agency, adding that the
results showed traces of the H5N1 virus..."

[Edited from:
http://mathaba.net/news/?x=574298


61,000 BIRDS INFECTED WITH H5N1 BIRD FLU STRAIN SLAUGHTERED:
(12/13/07):  "61,000 birds were slaughtered at Gulyai-Borisovo battery
farm (Zernogradsky District, Rostov Region, southern Russia), where the
H5N1 bird flu strain was registered. 54,800 of them were burnt...
Overall, 450,000 birds are to be annihilated because of the avian flu
outbreak in the area..."

[Edited from:
http://www.regnum.ru/english/931679.html


HONG KONG CLOSES NATURE RESERVE AFTER FLU VIRUS FOUND IN HERON:
(12/14/07):  "A Hong Kong nature reserve was on Friday closed to the
public after a sick wild bird tested positive for the deadly avian flu
virus. Government officials said the Mai Po Reserve in the New
Territories would be closed for 21 days from Friday as a precautionary
measure to curb any outbreak of the H5N1 virus... Hong Kong has stayed
free of any human cases of H5N1 since 1997 when the virus jumped the
species barrier and infected 18 people, killing six."

[Edited from:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/158591.htm


AVIAN INFLUENZA CONTINUES SPREADING, BUT GLOBAL RESPONSE IMPROVES:
(12/15/07):  "Europe could join Asia and Africa as a continent where
highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza is endemic, warns the United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.  Earlier this year, though,
the FAO and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) stated that
global response to H5N1 avian influenza has improved and that countries
reported fewer outbreaks in early 2007 than in early 2006-when the virus
reached many European countries in wild birds.  The recent FAO warning
followed Germany's detection of H5N1 avian influenza in young domestic
ducks that did not have clinical signs of infection..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/dec07/071215m.asp


WHO ANNOUNCES FIRST HUMAN CASE OF BIRD FLU IN BURMA:  (12/15/07):  "The
World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday the first case of
human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus in Burma. The case
is a seven year-old girl from Burma's northeastern state of Shan, who
was hospitalized on Nov. 27 and now has recovered, WHO said in a
statement... Since 2003, 13 countries have reported 340 human cases of
H5N1 avian influenza, with 208 deaths, according to latest WHO figures."

[Edited from:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/15/content_7252710.htm


SAUDI CULLS 13,500 OSTRICHES AMID NEW BIRD FLU OUTBREAK:  (12/15/07):
"Saudi Arabia's agriculture ministry has ordered 13,500 ostriches to be
destroyed following a new outbreak of bird flu in the kingdom, the
Al-Watan newspaper reported on Saturday.  The outbreak of the H5N1
strain of the disease that is dangerous to humans was reported on
Thursday evening at a farm in the Al-Kharj region, 80 kilometres (50
miles) south of Riyadh, the Arabic language daily said.  Last month, the
Saudi authorities ordered nearly four million birds culled in the face
of at least 14 separate outbreaks of avian influenza...

Pakistan on Saturday confirmed its first death from the bird flu virus.

[Edited from:
  http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jMlFqVTTAs9vmz0cL2CmBCXkOk7A


NEW CASE OF BIRD FLU IN GERMANY CONFIRMED:  (12/16/07):  "Two local
chickens in a farm in the Oberhavel region, northwest of Berlin tested
positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus, German
authorities confirmed Saturday... he remaining birds were slaughtered to
prevent the bird flu from spreading... In August, a bird flu outbreak
affected the German state of Bavaria, prompting authorities to order the
slaughter more than 160,000 birds.  Several cases have resurfaced this
year due to the influx of migratory birds.  The epidemic even infected
three cats and a marten in Germany in 2006.'

[Edited from:
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009469729


BIRD FLU FLARES FURTHER IN ASIA:  (12/16/07):  "Bird flu has resurfaced
in different parts of Asia, with human deaths reported in Indonesia,
Burma, Pakistan and China and fresh outbreaks plaguing other countries
during the winter months when the virus typically flares, officials and
scientists say.  Pakistan confirmed the country's first death from the
bird flu virus on Saturday, the health ministry says in a press
statement... Indonesia, the nation hardest hit by the H5N1 virus,
announced its 93rd death on Friday..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009468554


H5N1 BIRD FLU HITS BENIN, HOME OF VOODOO:  (12/17/07):  "Benin, the home
of ritual Voodoo sacrifice, became the latest in a string of West
African states to report cases of H5N1 bird flu after laboratory tests
confirmed the deadly virus on two poultry farms... Benin's immediate
neighbours, Nigeria, Togo, Niger and Burkina Faso, have all reported
H5N1 cases. Other regional states hit include Ghana, Ivory Coast and
Cameroon.  Eastern neighbour Nigeria is one of the regional nations
worst affected by bird flu. It reported sub-Saharan Africa's first
confirmed human death from the disease early this year.  Health experts
have said they fear Benin's Voodoo priests could be particularly at risk
because of their practice of tearing out the throats of live chickens in
ritual sacrifices... epidemiologists fear the continent's widespread
poverty, lack of proper veterinary and medical facilities and huge
informal farming sector could allow outbreaks to go unnoticed for
longer, increasing the risk of the virus mutating."

[Edited from:
http://africa.reuters.com/top/news/usnBAN739840.html


US STILL UNPREPARED FOR DISASTER:  (12/18/07):  "The United States
remains unprepared for disasters ranging from biological attacks to a
flu pandemic, and funding for preparedness is falling, according to a
report released on Tuesday.  Many states still lack a stockpile of
drugs, masks, gloves and other equipment needed to battle a pandemic of
diseases, despite five years of constant and detailed warning, the Trust
for America's Health said in its report...  World Health Organization
experts are now investigating a cluster of human H5N1 cases in Pakistan
where it is possible there has been human to human transmission of the
virus, usually passed rarely from birds to people. It has infected 340
people and killed 209 globally since 2003..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN18512918


NEW SWINE FLU VIRUS SUPPORTS 'MIXING VESSEL' THEORY:  (12/20/07):  "A
new influenza virus discovered in Missouri pigs has a combination of
genes from avian and swine flu viruses, supporting the theory that pigs
can serve as a mixing vessel for flu viruses and a potential source for
a human pandemic strain, according to a report published yesterday...
"Our results provide further evidence for the potential of swine to
promote reassortment between different influenza viruses, and the
genetic and biologic properties of the H2N3 viruses described suggest
that it would be prudent to establish vigilant surveillance in pigs and
in workers who have occupational exposure," states the PNAS report..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/avianflu/news/dec2007swine.ht\
ml


BIRD FLU OUTBREAK IN SOUTH RUSSIA SPREADS:  (12/25/07):  "A fifth case
of bird flu has been confirmed at a farm in the Rostov Region, south
Russia, close to the site of previous outbreaks, the regional
emergencies ministry said... The Rostov Region is particularly
vulnerable to bird flu as part of the Krasnodar Territory, which is on a
route taken by migrating birds in winter. In September, the region was
hit by the H5N1 strain and 230,000 birds were culled... Although the
virus has been restricted to birds, many scientists fear that it could
mutate into a form transmissible between humans, unleashing a
catastrophic global pandemic similar to the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918
that killed millions around the world.

[Edited from:
ttp://en.rian.ru/russia/20071225/94041552.html


BIRD FLU REAPPEARS IN GERMAN:  (12/26/07):  "A third outbreak of the
H5N1 strain of avian flu, which is potentially lethal to humans, was
confirmed this month in Germany's Brandenburg region outside Berlin, a
veterinarian official said Wednesday.  Fifteen chickens kept in a coop
in Heiligengrabe-Blumenthal tested positive and were slaughtered,
Matthias Rott said..."

[Edited from:
http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2007/12/26/afx4473887.html


HOW BIRD FLU HAS SPREAD (INTERACTIVE MAP):
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/world/05/bird_flu_map/html/1.stm


************************************************
*06: Too Much Salt, Americans Fatter, Kids/Additives & McMktg.
************************************************
FOOD MAKERS ARE PRESSURED TO CUT SODIUM:  (11/19/07):  "Americans eat
nearly two teaspoons of salt daily, more than double what they need for
good health - and it's not because of the table salt-shaker... "This is
truly urgent," adds Dr. Stephen Havas of the American Medical
Association. "We need to act."  The AMA says cutting in half the sodium
in processed and restaurant foods within 10 years could wind up saving
150,000 lives annually...  One in three U.S. adults has high blood
pressure, and almost 1 billion people worldwide. Hypertension in turn is
a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. And while
being overweight and inactive raises blood pressure, too much salt is a
big culprit as well...  Finland places a "high-salt" label on foods that
are, and has seen sodium intake decrease by 40 percent in three decades
- along with a big drop in strokes."

[Very edited from:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/mochila.php?articleId=10522666&channelId=76&buyerId\
=talkingpointsmemo_com400732&buid=866

[See also:  "[Global] Blood pressure cases 'to top 1bn'":
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/6949526.stm


WHY AMERICANS KEEP GETTING FATTER:  (06/22/07):  "For the 30 years that
the U.S. Department of Agriculture has been issuing dietary guidelines,
there has been a stark inconsistency between the federal government's
advice and its food funding... most funding supports just a few crops,
and those lay the foundation of the standard American diet: high in
sugars and empty-calorie, refined grains; high in fats; low in whole
grains and fiber; and low in fruits and vegetables.  Take corn, the most
highly subsidized crop, which received $9.4 billion in 2005 -- nearly as
much as all other crops combined. Corn production has more than doubled
since the 1970s, and all this artificially cheapened corn is unloaded on
the public, largely in the form of tasty but empty-calorie junk foods.
Refined corn is the chief source of carbohydrates and calories in most
processed foods, particularly snack foods. High-fructose corn syrup is
the most widely used caloric sweetener in the United States. And corn
meal is widely used as cheap animal feed to fatten factory-raised
livestock.

... At its peak, the "Five-a-day" campaign budget was just $3 million
annually -- compared with the $11 billion spent yearly in the United
States for fast food and junk food advertising. McDonald's spent $500
million just promoting its "We Love To See You Smile" campaign...."

[Very edited from:
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/53792/

[See also:  "75 percent of Americans overweight by 2015:"
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19845784/

[Also, note: over 168,000 people evaluated:  "Obesity 'epidemic' turns
global:"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7057951.stm


MCDONALD'S MARKETING FOCUSED ON CHILDREN, NEW REPORT STATES:
(12/07/07):  "A new report released by Corporations and Health Watch,
earlier this month, exposes the marketing tactics of McDonald's...
entitled "McDonald's and Children's Health: The Production of New
Customers..."  Some highlights:

- ... low income 3 to 5 year old children preferred the taste of
hamburgers, chicken, French fries, carrots or low fat milk if they
thought the products were from McDonald's, whether or not they actually
were.

- According to its 2006 Annual Report, McDonald's is the leading global
food service retailer with more than 30,000 local restaurants serving 52
million people in more than 100 countries each day. Its 2006 revenues
were $21.6 billion, up 16% from 2004. In 2006, McDonald's spent almost
$2.5 million a day on traditional advertising in the United States.
About 40% of McDonald's total advertising budget is directed at
children.

- In 2003, 20% of McDonald's meals sold were Happy Meals and they
accounted for $3.5 billion in revenues. The fast food giant stands as
one of the United State's largest distributors of toys.

- McDonald's operates more than 8,000 playgrounds around the United
States, more than any other private American corporation and far more
than any municipality.

[Very edited from the disturbing and comprehensive article/report at:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_8876.cfm


FOOD ADDITIVES MAY CAUSE HYPERACTIVITY: STUDY:  (12/06/07):  "A study of
almost 300 children in England found that artificial food additives such
as colorings and preservatives -- which are common in candies and soft
drinks consumed by kids -- increase their energy levels, which increases
their hyperactivity and diminishes their learning ability.  The
children,... were given purple drinks, however, some either contained or
didn't contain one of two types of food coloring, along with sodium
benzoate (which is a general food preservative)....  The results found
that of the children that completed the study the ones that drank the
artificial-coloring-laced purple drink had elevated hyperactivity scores
on only those weeks in which they drank the concoction. On the weeks
they drink the purple drink without artificial coloring they had normal
scores. Also, the children that drink the purple drink without the
artificial coloring also had normal scores."

[Results of the study are in Lancet (Volume 370, Issue 9598, Pages
1560-1567)."

[Edited from:
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/15683/1075/


************************************************
*07: Grains & Beans vs. Heart Disease, Dairy/Red Meat=Cancer
************************************************
WHOLE GRAINS MAY CUT HEART FAILURE RISK STUDY SHOWS:  (10/22/087):  "A
new study shows men who eat whole-grain breakfast cereal regularly are
less likely to develop heart failure than those who eat it rarely or
never... Other studies have suggested that a diet rich in whole grains,
such as nonrefined breakfast cereals, can provide a variety of health
benefits. But researchers say it's the first study to look at the
relationship between breakfast cereal and the risk of heart failure in a
large group... The study compared cereal intake and the risk of heart
failure among more than 21,000 doctors... The results appear in the
Archives of Internal Medicine...  results showed that the risk of heart
failure decreased as cereal consumption increased. For example, the risk
of heart failure among those who ate breakfast cereal at least seven
times a week was 29 percent lower than that the risk among those who
never ate cereal, after adjusting for other heart disease risk factors.
When researchers further analyzed the results they found this healthy
effect was associated with whole-grain cereals only, not with refined
breakfast cereals...."

[Edited from:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/22/health/webmd/main3394212.shtml


EATING BEANS HELPS LOWER CHOLESTEROL:  (11/28/07):  "Consuming as little
as one-half cup of cooked dry beans every day helped volunteers lower
their total cholesterol levels in an Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
study in North Dakota. These results, published in the November issue of
the Journal of Nutrition by the ARS scientists and their colleagues, add
to a growing-and convincing-body of evidence that beans are a heart
healthy food choice..."

[Edited from:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2007/071128.htm


RED MEAT LINKED TO SPECIFIC CANCERS:  (12/11/07):  "... a new warning
that has been issued by the National Cancer Institute that states that
those that consume a large mount of red meat have a high likelihood of
receiving colon and lung cancer. This is stated to be of a huge
breakthrough, as there are now medical doctors as well as scientists
that have come to believe that they may be able to help save their
patients curb the possibility of receiving these cancers by cutting back
on their red meat intake.  The study lasted from 12 years, from 1995 to
this year. There were over 500,000 men and women that had their diets
studied, and were also frequently checked for any cancers that may arise
from the large consumption of the meat... It was found that those that
ate large quantities of red meat had a 25 percent advantage of receiving
cancer over those that do not eat nearly as much red meat. It is also
known now that scientists are stating that those that eat such a large
amount of red meat have a 1 in 10 chance of receiving the cancers
through these means..."

[Edited from:
http://www.dbtechno.com/health/2007/12/11/red-meat-linked-to-specific-cancers/


HIGH-DAIRY IN CHILDHOOD LINKED WITH CANCER RISK :  (12/19/07):
"Children who consume high levels of diary products may have a greater
risk of developing colorectal cancer in adulthood, study findings
suggest.  Among nearly 5,000 individuals followed for an average of 65
years, those who grew up in families reporting the highest levels of
dairy consumption -- nearly 2 cups per day -- had close to three-times
the risk of colorectal cancer compared with those from families
reporting the lowest intake, Dr. Jolieke C. van der Pols and colleagues
report... Links between colorectal cancer risk and childhood exposure to
dairy products have not been previously evaluated, the researchers
said...."

SOURCE: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2007.

[Very edited from:
http://www.caring4cancer.com/go/cancer/news?NewsItemId=20071219elin004.xml


************************************************
*08: Vegan Digital Theater Showcase
************************************************
FLASH:  SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM MOOPHEUS
http://www.sustainabletable.org/holiday/

VIDEO: "CHEW ON THIS!" 30 REASONS TO BE VEGAN"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMhRkZha4LU&

AUDIO:  ERIC MARCUS INTERVIEWING  DR. T. COLIN CAMPBELL, AUTHOR OF, "THE
CHINA STUDY:"
http://www.vegan.com/diner/2007/diner-2007-11-29.mp3

CARTOON:  ALIEN PERSPECTIVE:
http://www.happycow.net/humor_images/species.jpg

INTERACTIVE MAP:  FACTORY FARMING IN THE USA:
http://www.factoryfarmmap.org/


************************************************
*09: Under Feet, Bird Declines, Gulf Dead Zone, Toxicity Hypocrisy
************************************************
THE CIRCLE OF LIFE, SQUARELY UNDERFOOT:  (12/20/07):  "[James B.] Nardi,
a scientist at the University of Illinois, writes in his newly published
book, "Life in the Soil," that a square meter [actually, a cubic meter]
of healthy garden soil is home to 10 trillion bacteria, 10 billion
protozoa, 5 million nematodes, 100,000 mites, 50,000 springtails, 10,000
creatures called rotifers and tardigrades, 5,000 insects and arachnids,
3,000 worms and 100 snails and slugs. .."

[Very edited from:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/19/AR2007121900556.\
html


COMMON BIRD SPECIES IN DRAMATIC DECLINE:  (06/15/07):  "New data show
the populations of some of America's well-known birds in a tailspin,
thanks to the one-two punch of habitat fragmentation and, increasingly,
global warming.  From the heartland's whippoorwills and meadowlarks to
the Northern bobwhite and common terns of the nation's coasts, 20 common
bird species tracked by the National Audubon Society have seen their
numbers fall 54 percent overall since 1967, with some down about 80
percent, the group reported Thursday... "Habitat loss is still the major
concern," says Greg Butcher, Audubon's bird conservation director in an
interview. "But we're also seeing increasing impact from large-scale
problems like global warming..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0615/p02s03-usgn.htm


GULF DEAD ZONE TO BE BIGGEST EVER:  (07/18/07):  "This year could see
the biggest "dead zone" since records began form in the waters of the
Gulf of Mexico.  Scientists say conditions are right for the zone to
exceed last summer's 6,662 sq miles (17,255 sq km).  The dead zone is an
area of water virtually devoid of oxygen which cannot support marine
life.  It is caused by nutrients such as fertilisers flowing into the
Gulf, stimulating the growth of algae which absorbs the available
oxygen.  The volume of nutrients flowing down rivers such as the
Mississippi into the Gulf has tripled over the last 50 years...  The
nitrate load is so high that the dead zone may attain a size of 8,500 sq
miles (22,015 sq km), almost double the average since 1990."

[Edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6904249.stm


THE TOXIC CHEMISTRY OF EVERYDAY PRODUCTS:  (08/15/07):  "Investigative
journalist Mark Schapiro discusses why companies that manufacture
hazard-free products for the European Union often produce toxin-filled
versions of the same items for America and developing countries....
American industry would have you believe that taking potentially
hazardous and toxic chemicals out of everyday consumer products --
removing phthalates from children's toys and cancer-causing coal tar
from hair dye -- would damage our economy and result in a loss of
American jobs. In his latest book, Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of
Everyday Products, Mark Schapiro busts this myth and reveals the grim
fact that some companies, whether American or international, often have
two production lines: one that manufactures hazard-free products for the
European Union and another that produces toxin-filled versions of the
same items for America and developing countries..."

[Very edited from the interesting interview at:
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/59714/


************************************************
*10: Censored Stories, Hummers/Nuggets, Activist Win, Chimp Wits
************************************************
TOP 25 CENSORED STORIES OF 2008:  [Here's two of note edited from the
excellent and well-documented/written list]:

(15) Toxic Exposure Can Be Transmitted to Future Generations on a
"Second Genetic Code":...Research suggests that, contrary to previous
belief, our behavior and our environmental conditions may program
sections of our children's DNA...

(22) Terror Act Against Animal Activists:... The term "terrorism" has
been dangerously expanded to include acts that interfere, or promote
interference, with the operations of animal enterprises. The Animal
Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), signed into law on November 27, 2006,
broadens punishment present under the Animal Enterprises Protection Act
(AEPA) of 1992... The broad definition of an "animal enterprise," for
example, may encompass most US businesses..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.projectcensored.org/censored_2008/index.htm


NUGGETS AND HUMMERS AND FISH STICKS, OH MY!:  (09/22/07):  "... Think
about the extra stages of production that are required to get dead
chickens, pigs, or other animals from the farm to the table:

1. Grow more than 10 times as much corn, grain, and soy (with all the
required tilling, irrigation, crop dusters, and so on), as would be
required if we ate the plants directly. 2. Transport - in gas-guzzling,
pollution-spewing 18-wheelers - all that grain and soy to feed
manufacturers. 3. Operate the feed mill (again, using massive amounts of
resources). 4. Truck the feed to the factory farms. 5. Operate the
factory farms. 6. Truck the animals many miles to slaughterhouses. 7.
Operate the slaughterhouses. 8. Truck the meat to processing plants. 9.
Operate the meat processing plants. 10. Truck the meat to grocery stores
(in refrigerated trucks). 11. Keep the meat in refrigerators or freezers
at the stores...

[Very edited from the excellent and comprehensive essay by Bruce
Friedrich at:
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/09/22/4022/


MORNINGSTAR FARMS RESPONDS TO DEMAND FOR EGG-FREE FOODS:  (12/12/07):
"Morningstar Farms, a Kellogg subsidiary that has been making vegetarian
products for more than 25 years, has stated it will use one million
fewer eggs in 2008 while also offering more egg-free products.
According to company spokeswoman Kathleen Eckler, in 2008 "Kellogg is
reducing the amount of eggs we use in our Morningstar products by a
minimum of one million eggs. We are committed to announcing even more
new vegan products for our customers."

After months of discussion on the topic with the Michigan-based company,
Compassion Over Killing (COK) and Vegan Outreach, two nonprofit animal
protection organizations, wholeheartedly applaud Morningstar Farms for
implementing this policy. By reducing Kellogg's egg usage by more than a
million eggs per year, nearly 4,000 fewer laying hens will suffer in
factory farms each year..."

[Edited from:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,241040.shtml


ANIMALS DO THE CLEVEREST THINGS:  (12/08/07):  "The chimp who outwits
humans; the dolphin who says it with seaweed; the existential dog -- the
more we learn about other animals the harder it is to say we're the
smartest species. An elephant that never forgets its extended family, a
chimp that can outperform humans in a sophisticated test of visual
memory and an amorous male dolphin that likes to say it with flowers --
well, a clump of river weeds to be more precise. These are just some of
the recent observations from the field of animal behaviour. They appear
to show that there is no limit to the intelligence of animals, but what
do we really know about the true cognitive powers of the non-human
brain?... The latest studies into the unusual behaviour of a range of
species suggest that we should no longer assume that animals are just
the dumb creatures that we've been led to believe ..."

[Very edited from the very long, well-documented, thought-proving, and
comprehensive article at:
http://www.alternet.org/environment/69933/


************************************************
*11: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
JAN 10 > Quincy, WA - noon

MAR 20-21  > Toronto

APR 12-13  > NYC
APR 18-19-20  > Ohio
APR 25-26-27  > Central, IL

MAY 17-18  > Chicago, IL

JUN 26-29  > Johnstown, PA

AUG 14- 17th  > Washington DC  - AR 2008

[More information/embedded links for contact information at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*12: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

[Compassionate Cooking Podcast:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/VegetarianFoodForThought

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

["South Florida Vegans:"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoFlaVegans/

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Awardwinning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

VEGAN
[Nana's Vegan Cookies online!:
http://www.healthycrowd.com/


************************************************
*13: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"Vegetarians and vegans are not morally superior to everyone else.
We're simply healthier, and a h*** of a lot better for the environment
around us.

Of course, just because we're not morally superior doesn't mean we're
not on the side of the angels.  I believe we are.  After all, we're
practitioner's of a diet that's better for people, better for animals,
and better for the environment."

--- Howard (in "No More Bull!"  p. 78)


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to:
Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  Welcome to the 62nd issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

We're proud as peacocks to announce a new DVD from Howard:  "A Mad
Cowboy Lecture: 2007."  More details below!

Due to all the material about the HSUS investigation/video and meat
recall in "Mad Cow Info Round-Up", we've suspended the "Avian Flu
News" section for this edition.  But, as you read further, you'll
learn about Peak Soil!, Edible Estates, more studies on the disease
preventative effects of veggies and fruits, and newly deceased Earl
Butz's legacy to our country's food production "system."

Continuing: PETA's announced this year's "Proggy Awards," Bob Barker
has made an amazing gift to further studies of animal issues, there's
a neat post about recession-proofing your diet, news about Michael
Pollen's latest book, and don't miss the recipes from the excellent
"Vegan Fire & Spice" as well as the videos of the vegetarian 2007
Nobel Prize winner's speech, Doreen the Downer Cow, the Vegetable
Orchestra, and Wayne Pacelle (Pres., HSUS) being interviewed.

... as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all can
read past issues of the newsletter at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Happy Spring and get those gardens growing!

Mark, MC editor/webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: New DVD from Howard! Trailers OnLine!
02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03: Recipes from a New Vegan Cookbook:  "Fire & Spice"
04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
05: Veggies: Reducing 2 Cancers, Heart Disease, Blood Pressure
06: Peak Soil!, Edible Estates, Butz Legacy, Farm Emission Rules
07: Vegan Digital Theater Showcase
08: PETA Awards, Bob's Gift, Recession-proof Diet, Mostly Plants
09: Howard's Schedule
10: Quick Bytes
11: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"Every great event that has ever happened in the world always started
in one mind.  This movement we have today of changing the way people
eat is nothing compared to abolishing slavery, or giving women the
right to vote.  You look at all of those movements, the civil rights
movement, how difficult they were --- and we want to say "this is too
tough for us?"  I don't think so.  I think it's all about saying "I
can't do everything, but I can do something.  I can start today."  And
I understand that the fork is the most dangerous weapon in the arsenal
of the Homo Sapien --- we're digging more graves with our fork than
any other tool.  So join with me.  Let's go change the world --- one
bite at a time, and let's start today."

   --- Howard Lyman, in "The Mad Cowboy Lecture: 2007" DVD


************************************************
*01: New DVD from Howard! Trailers OnLine!
************************************************
"Filmed up close and personal with 3 cameras in 2007, this is The Mad
Cowboy at his dynamic best in front of a live audience.
Thought-provoking, challenging, informative, amusing, and passionate,
4th generation cattle rancher and vegan Howard Lyman speaks out about
his life, current events, diet, health, nutrition, the landmark trial,
Mad Cow disease, activism, and our environment."

--- from the DVD's back cover

[You can read more about the DVD and see the first six minutes of the
DVD's main video as two 3 minute YouTube Trailers now available at:
http://www.madcowboy.com


************************************************
*02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST WEEK'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
What is the percentage lifetime risk of developing high blood pressure
or hypertension for an individual in the Western World?"

(a) 30% (b) 50% (c) 75% (d) 90%

Congratulations to Rita Rovner, of Baltimore, MD, (winning the VegNews
subscription), and Lucila Reis, of Norwalk, CA (winning the Ethical
Planet organic cotton shopping bag)!  Both supplied the correct answer
(d) 90% and won the luck of the draw.

["Currently, a person in the Western world has a greater than 90%
lifetime risk of developing high blood pressure or hypertension.":
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6949526.stm


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Wheat, corn, and other grains represent what percentage of what is
consumed by farmed animals in the United States?

(a) 60%   (b) 70%    (c)  80%    (d) 90%    (e) way too much

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT May. 20th, 2008.  Please include
your name and address (U.S. domestic only).  It will not be sold nor
given out to anyone but VegNews and Ethical Planet for the freebies only.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting
the correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to
Joe, and you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call
1.415.665.6397]

[Many thanks, also, to Fran Horvath, of Ethical Planet for offering a
FREE organic cotton shopping bag to the 2nd place winner.  You can
learn more about her online (and offline) stores at:

http://www.ethicalplanet.com


************************************************
*03: Recipes from a New Vegan Cookbook:  "Fire & Spice"
************************************************
""Vegan Fire & Spice"  is like a trip around the world without leaving
home. This culinary travel guide belongs in every kitchen and you
don't have to stand in line to clear security."

– Howard Lyman


LIME-MARINATED WHITE BEAN SALAD  (serves 4)

"Known as seviche or ceviche, this lime-marinated salad from Peru is
traditionally made with raw fish or scallops, but cannellini or other
white beans are also well suited to the zesty marinade."

1 1/2 cups cooked or 1 (15.5-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 large ripe tomato, chopped
2 teaspoons minced parsley
1 scallion, minced
2 teaspoons chopped capers
2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup olive oil (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon sugar, or natural sweetener
4 cups torn salad greens

Place the beans in a shallow bowl with 2 tablespoons of the lime
juice, the salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of the cayenne, and toss gently to
coat.  Refrigerate, covered, for 1 hour.

In a bowl, combine the tomato, parsley, scallion, capers, olive oil,
the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice, sugar, and the remaining
1/8 teaspoon cayenne and stir until well blended.  Arrange the salad
greens on small salad plates.  Place the bean mixture on top of the
lettuce and drizzle with the dressing."


WEST AFRICAN SPINACH WITH SPICY PEANUT SAUCE (serves 4)

"Dishes flavored with peanuts and spiced with chiles are found
throughout West Africa.  This spinach dish is typical and delicious
served over rice or couscous..." [edited]

1 pound fresh spinach, stemmed
1 tablespoon cold-pressed canola oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 fresh hot chiles, seeded and minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Salt

Steam the spinach over boiling water, until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool.  Chop the sinach and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add the onion, garlic,
and chiles.  Cover and cook until softened, about 7 minutes.  Stir in
the tomatoes and peanut butter and cook for 5 minutes, stirring to
make a sauce.  Add a little water if the mixture is too dry.  Add the
reserved spinach and cook, stirring, until hot.  Season with salt to
taste."

[More info about and recipes from "Fire & Spice: 200 Sultry and Savory
Global Recipes:"
http://www.robinrobertson.com/vegan_fire_and_spice2.htm

[Robin's blog:
http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/

[Recent digital audio interview with Eric Marcus:
http://www.vegan.com/vegtalk/2008/vegtalk-2008-03-27.mp3


************************************************
*04: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
"NEW VCJD CASE RAISES FEAR OF MAD COW DISEASE RESURGE IN THE UK:"
(01/03/08): "Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) has killed a 39
year old woman in the UK and triggered renewed fears that a new surge
of mad cow disease is on the way. However, experts are saying there is
no need to panic and there is no evidence of a new wave of BSE or mad
cow disease... The 160 people who died of vCJD carried the MM version
of a gene that codes for a type of protein known as a prion... But the
woman who recently died carried the VV version of the gene, raising
the fear that a new type of vCJD could be emerging... This latest case
has opened speculation that for some people there might be a longer
incubation period, perhaps because they have a different genetic make
up, and there could be a second wave of a new form of CJD on the way.
There appears to be some confusion about the incubation period for
CJD, with one study even suggesting it could be as long as 60 years."

[Very very edited from:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/92913.php


"SEOUL TO LIFT BAN AGAINST U.S. BEEF IMPORTS:"  (01/21/08):  "The
South Korean government may gradually lift all of its restrictions on
U.S. beef imports despite continuing safety concerns among the public,
the Korea Herald reported on Monday. The move is aimed at winning
approval from the Democratic-led U.S. Congress for the S Korea-U.S.
free trade agreement waiting to be ratified by the legislators of both
countries, the daily said.  Full reopening of South Korea's beef
market has been cited as the key to persuading U.S legislators to pass
the pact, which studies show would bolster trade between the two major
trading partners..."

[Edited from:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/21/content_7463994.htm


"INDONESIA TO LIFT IMPORT BAN ON U.S. BEEF:"  (01/29/08):  "Indonesian
government would lift the import ban on U.S. beef later this month, a
senior agriculture ministry official said Tuesday.  The move follows
recent audits at two slaughter houses in Minnesota, Minneapolis and
Nebraska, Omaha, said director general of veterinary Tjeppy Soedjana.
  "We have concluded audits at the two (slaughter houses) and what left
to be done is the health and halal certification," the official was
quoted by leading news website Detikcom as saying. At the meantime,
only the two slaughter houses will be allowed to sell products to
Indonesia, he said.  The government banned beef import from the United
States in 2004 for fears of mad cow disease and has since allowed only
New Zealand and Australia to supply beef.

[From:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/29/content_7521239.htm


"UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION REVEALS ANIMAL CRUELTY AT SLAUGHTER PLANT –
A MAJOR BEEF SUPPLIER TO AMERICA'S SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM:"  (01/30/08):
  "A shocking undercover investigation by The Humane Society of the
United States reveals widespread mistreatment of "downed" dairy
cows—those who are too sick or injured to walk—at a Southern
California slaughter plant.  The investigation at the Hallmark Meat
Packing Co., of Chino... by an HSUS investigator shows slaughter plant
workers displaying complete disregard for the pain and misery they
inflicted as they repeatedly attempted to force "downed" animals onto
their feet and into the human food chain.

... In releasing footage from the investigation, The HSUS demands that
the USDA move swiftly to tighten its confusing regulations on the
slaughter of downed cattle. Downer cows must not be used for
food—plain and simple... The practice of slaughtering downed cows is
especially troubling now that the link between downed cattle and
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease,
has been firmly established. Of the 15 known cases of BSE-infected
animals discovered in North America, at least 12 involved downed
animals...

[Very very edited from:
http://www.hsus.org/farm/news/ournews/undercover_investigation.html


"MINNESOTA SCHOOLS PULL TONS OF GROUND BEEF:"  (01/31/08):  "Some
Minnesota schools have set aside tons of ground beef, after state
officials told them not to serve meat from a California company that
allegedly allowed sick cows into its supply chain... The USDA sent 20
tons of beef from the company to St. Paul last fall. Students, staff
and other members of the community may have eaten as much as eight and
a half tons of the beef since then, according to district spokesman
Howie Padilla... "We urge state officials to follow the examples
already set by Minnesota, Oregon and Utah to order state school
districts to stop using beef delivered from this company," the
society's president and CEO, Wayne Pacelle, said in a letter to state
school officials in the 36 states that received the beef.

[Edited from:
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/01/31/meat_recall/


"AGRICULTURAL SECRETARY: TRADE NEGOTIATIONS SET BACK DUE TO BEEF
RECALL:"  (02/22/08):  "U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said
Friday the nation's largest beef recall has set back negotiations to
ship U.S. beef to Japan and South Korea.  Those markets closed to the
U.S. cattle industry in 2003 after a scare over mad cow disease.
Schafer said at a convention of meat packers and processors that he is
hopeful trade talks will continue, but that the Westland/Hallmark Meat
Co. recall has diplomats asking why the U.S. can't ship safe meat...
Schafer also said Friday he is not in favor of making any immediate
changes to meat inspection regulations in the wake of the recall... He
said that one individual had an incentive to break the rules, but that
the USDA meat inspection system is not broken. He said he would wait
for an investigation into the recall to be completed before make any
policy change recommendations."

[Edited from:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/22/america/Slaughterhouse-Abuse-Trade.php


"MORE THAN 100 NJ SCHOOLS MAY HAVE RECEIVED TAINTED BEEF:"
(02/22/08):  "More than 100 New Jersey schools participating in
federal lunch programs are believed to have received tainted meat from
a California meatpacker shut down after the nation's largest beef
recall.  State agriculture officials today said they are in the
process of notifying schools -- a task complicated by the snow and
this week's mid-winter vacations that have closed many school
districts.  Lynne Richmond, a spokeswoman for the department, said the
schools from across the state received products -- including beef
tacos, hamburger patties and meatballs -- from three processors in
Pennsylvania and Ohio. Those companies, which received at least
126,000 pounds of coarse ground beef from Hallmark/Westland Meat
Packing Co., of Chino, Ca., between February 2006 and February 2008,
were suppliers to New Jersey schools through the National School Lunch
Program.  The list of schools, based on information provided by the
processors, will not be released until all the districts have been
notified to determine if they had actually received tainted products..."

[Edited from:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/02/more_than_100_nj_schools_may_h.html


"HUMANE SOCIETY INVESTIGATOR WHO SPURRED THE BIGGEST BEEF RECALL IN
U.S. HISTORY SPEAKS TO SALON ABOUT HIS ALARMING UNDERCOVER VIDEO:"
(02/22/08):  "... In industry parlance, a cow too sick or weak to get
to its feet and walk to its slaughter is a "downer." Wrangler, who
guards his real name to protect his anonymity, says some trucks
delivering old dairy cows for slaughter would arrive with feeble
animals lying on top of each other in the back of the truck. "A lot of
the animals weren't able to get up on their own," Wrangler recalls.
"They're too sick or too old for whatever reason. You go and tell the
manager, 'Hey, we've got three down on the back of the truck, what are
we doing to do?' And his response always was, 'Get 'em up.' That was
his mantra."  Despite the USDA rule, Wrangler says, the mind-set at
the plant was, "'We're not going to lose this cow.' They're not going
to get the inspector..."

... James O. Reagan, chairman of the Beef Industry Food Safety
Council, said in a statement. "We support USDA's recall as a
precautionary measure. At the same time, we can say with confidence
that the beef supply is safe."  But Wayne Pacelle, president of the
Humane Society, has his doubts. The Humane Society, he attests, had
not been tipped off to abuses at the plant. "This plant was selected
at random," he says. "There are 6,200 facilities across the country
that USDA inspects. We chose this one and found egregious abuses.
There is no way that these groups can say that everything is safe...."

[Very edited from from the excellent, if not graphic in a few places,
article at:
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/02/22/animal_cruelty/print.html


"IMPACT OF BEEF RECALL WIDENS; SOUPS, SAUCES AFFECTED:"  (02/24/08):
"The nation's largest meat recall could grow into its largest food
recall as companies destroy products with any amount of the 143
million pounds of beef recalled last week.  The recall's scope is
unprecedented, says the Grocery Manufacturers of America. The value of
foods affected — including soups, sauces, burritos and bouillon cubes
— could run into the hundreds of millions of dollars, a senior GMA
official says... Much of the meat has likely been eaten, the USDA
says. But canned products may be consumed years after they're made...
The Westland recall will test the ability of companies to track
ingredients. Beef used by a soup maker may pass through numerous
companies that grind, season and blend it with other products, Henry
says. The best way for consumers to find out if their products contain
Westland beef is to call the producer, he says.  The USDA requires the
beef products be incinerated, put in a landfill or cooked down to make
meal not allowed in human or pet food, according to Westland."

[Edited from:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2008-02-24-beef-recall-impact-wide\
ns_N.htm


"143 MILLION POUNDS OF BEEF RECALLED -- WILL THE INDUSTRY FINALLY
CHANGE?:"  (02/24/08):  "Maybe you're one of the more than 200,000
people [at that date] who have seen this disturbing video revealing
the animal cruelty caught on tape by a Humane Society investigation at
a California slaughterhouse... let's be clear. This incident --
including the abuse and questionable food safety of the meat from this
slaughterhouse -- is not just a case of a few bad apples. It's the
inevitable outcome of a system in which animal abuse and health
concerns are predictable by-products of following the prime directive
-- maximizing profit -- in a context of inadequate oversight... With
pressure to keep lines moving fast, for example, workers often fail to
completely stun animals, so that cows can be conscious during
slaughter. And those production levels? They're soaring. Tyson, the
largest processor in the country, slaughters 222,000 head of cattle a
week, the equivalent of 1,321 an hour, seven days a week.

... How has the beef industry gotten away with such disregard for
animal welfare, human health, and the environment?  Part of the answer
lies in the growing concentration of power within the industry. Just
four companies -- Tyson, Cargill's Excel, Swift & Co., and National
Beef -- now control 71 percent of the beef market.  This tightening of
control is felt throughout our political system. In the 2006 election
cycle, the livestock industry funded lobbyists to the tune of $4.5
million. That same year, PAC and individual contributions from the
livestock industry topped $5 million, with the National Cattlemen's
Beef Association PAC alone spending almost half a million dollars...

[Very edited from:
http://www.alternet.org/story/77659/

[NOTE: "A line of 7,500 trucks stretching 85 miles.  That's what it
would take to haul the nearly 300 million pounds of meat and poultry
products that were recalled between January 1, 1994, and November 30,
2007, in 773 separate incidents."
http://www.ethicurean.com/2008/02/04/usda-recall-authority/


"SALMONELLA, E. COLI AND NOW 144 MILLION POUNDS OF UNFIT-TO-EAT BEEF,
SPARK ANGER ON CAPITOL HILL:"  (02/26/08):  "The House Subcommittee on
Oversight and Investigations, trying to find an answer to the growing
reports of tainted and deadly food, found themselves dealing with a
full plate of potentially lethal problems today.

- E. coli in bagged spinach sickened 204 people and killed three.
- Salmonella found in tomatoes sickened 183 people.
- Lettuce contaminated with E. coli at Taco Bell and Taco John
restaurants sickened 152 people.
- Peter Pan peanut butter contaminated with Salmonella sickened 425
people.
- 100 brands of tainted pet food were recalled after sickening and
killing thousands of pets.
- A nationwide recall of fresh spinach occurred following discovery of
salmonella in a test batch.
- Frozen pot pies carrying salmonella were recalled after illnesses
were reported in 31 States.

... the GAO has warned in the past that our food sampling and
inspection is so scattered and infrequent that there is little chance
of detecting microscopic E. coli or any other pathogen for that
matter... turf wars and split responsibilities are gutting the
effectiveness of the nation's food safety system and the three federal
agencies responsible - CDC, FDA and USDA – should have the food safety
mandates merged and properly staffed and funded.

[Very edited from:
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/secretingredients/archives/132787.asp


"CANADA'S LATEST MAD COW RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT FEED BAN:"
(02/27/08):  "A six-year-old dairy cow from Alberta was confirmed
Tuesday to have mad cow disease, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
said... No part of the animal's carcass entered the human food or
animal feed systems, but the 12th case of BSE in Canada raises
questions about the efficacy of the feed ban established in 1997. This
cow was born several years after the introduction of a ban on feed
containing cattle or other ruminant parts... The Canadian Cattlemen's
Association says the discovery proves the testing and monitoring
program works. "It's not welcome, but it does prove the system is
working and the producers are on board with the program," spokeswoman
Theresa Keddy said."

[Very edited from:
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=3f869ea6-45f4-4a2e-9d54\
-a6774aa9d1fd&k=84653


"USDA REJECTS 'DOWNER' COW BAN:"  (02/29/08):  "Agriculture Secretary
Ed Schafer told Congress yesterday that he would not endorse an
outright ban on "downer" cows entering the food supply or back stiffer
penalties for regulatory violations by meat-processing plants in the
wake of the largest beef recall in the nation's history... The
penalties are strong and swift, as we have shown," Schafer said.
"Financially, I don't see how this company can survive. People need to
be responsible and, from USDA's standpoint, they will be held
responsible. . . . They broke the rules. That does not mean the rules
are wrong. I believe the rules are adequate..."  The Humane Society,
which believes all downers should be banned, sued the USDA this week
over that policy, calling it a "dangerous loophole..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/28/AR2008022804117.\
html?hpid=moreheadlines


"WHO'S TO BLAME FOR THE BIGGEST MEAT RECALL IN U.S. HISTORY?:"
(03/03/08):  "... Conspicuously absent [from the hearings] were
representatives from the dairy industry even though the infirm cows in
the video -- "spent and barely able to stand due to calcium depletion
from being milked intensively" says the Chicago Tribune -- are a dairy
phenomenon.  In fact, the dairy industry's reduction of cows into
metabolically collapsed downers in a few short years -- facilitated by
its continued use of Monsanto's rBST -- is even condemned by the beef
industry..... as the nation has serious doubts about meat safety,
Secretary Schafer, the American Meat Institute Foundation and the New
York Farm Bureau have a warped notion of who is to blame for the
scandal: The Humane Society for not calling the attention of USDA
inspectors to the job they weren't doing."

[Very edited from:
ttp://www.alternet.org/story/78543/


"BEEF RECALL COSTS REACH $67.2 MILLION AND RISING:"  (04/09/08):  "The
federal government is billing a Chino slaughterhouse $67.2 million for
costs associated with the largest beef recall in U.S. history,
officials said Wednesday.  That dollar amount is expected to increase
significantly as California and other states compile expenses
associated with destroying meat that had been sent to school districts
across the country as part of the National School Lunch Program.  All
told, Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. could be held liable for as much as
$117 million...  If the Chino company can't pay -- which appears
likely -- taxpayers will bear the cost...

About 50.3 million pounds of the Westland/Hallmark beef destined for
schools and other programs was first processed into taco meat, steak
fingers or other foods in various states, and at state expense.
Roughly 33 million pounds of that meat had been consumed by the time
the recall was announced in February...
[Very edited from:
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=3f869ea6-45f4-4a2e-9d54\
-a6774aa9d1fd&k=84653


"BEEF RECALL CASE: CATTLE ABUSE WASN'T A RARE OCCURRENCE:"
(03/24/08):  "The abuse of non-ambulatory cattle at a California
slaughterhouse has renewed calls for a ban on the slaughter of such
animals, and newly released government records show such mishandling
in past years was more than a rare occurrence.  More than 10% of the
humane-slaughter violations issued by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture for the 18 months ended March 2004 detailed improper
treatment of animals that couldn't walk — mostly cattle, says the
Animal Welfare Institute, an animal-protection group... the USDA
records obtained by the Animal Welfare Institute describe 501
humane-handling or slaughter violations that occurred at other
slaughter plants..."

[Very very edited from the article at:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2008-03-24-meat-recall-slaughter-b\
an_N.htm


"MAN DIED OF RARE BRAIN DISEASE:"  (03/28/08):  "A Kansas man who died
in January had Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare disease that turns
brain tissue spongy, his brother said Thursday.  Frank Rebarchek of
Scott City said the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance
Center had confirmed that Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease caused the death
of Milton Eugene Rebarchek. He was from Monument, about 20 miles south
of Colby.  "They don't know where he got it, but they're trying to
figure it out," he said.  The disease's incubation period is years or
even decades. It can't be confirmed until brain tissue is tested. It
is always fatal..."

[Edited from:
http://www.kansas.com/news/story/354683.html


"SPANISH GOV'T URGES CALM AFTER DEATHS FROM MAD-COW DISEASE:"
(04/07/08): "Spain's agriculture minister on Monday sent a message of
"categorical calm and guarantees" to the public regarding the
consumption of beef after confirmation of the deaths of two people
from mad-cow disease... Espinosa transmitted to the public her full
guarantee of food safety for Spanish beef.."

[From:
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1321244/


"WHITE HOUSE SITTING ON MAD COW RULE:"  (04/16/08):  "The Bush
administration continues to delay a rule that could protect the public
from being exposed to mad cow disease. The Food and Drug
Administration rule would prohibit farms from using certain animal
by-products as feed for cattle. (FDA rules already prohibit some
similar kinds of feed. The current FDA proposal would strengthen
existing regulations.) ... Even though FDA believes the benefits to be
"potentially large," the White House is likely more concerned about
the potential costs to the agriculture industry... While reviewing the
rule, OIRA and FDA have met with industry representatives on two
occasions. A January 17 meeting included representatives from the
American Meat Institute and the National Cattleman's Beef Association
which opposes the rule as it is currently written..."

[Edited from:
http://www.ombwatch.org/article/blogs/entry/4866/38


"THE FDA REVISES ITS BEEF REGULATIONS:"  (04/23/08):  "The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration has issued a final regulation barring certain
cattle materials from all animal feed, including pet food... The
materials that can no longer be used in animal feed are the tissues
that have the highest risk for carrying the agent thought to cause
BSE. Such high risk cattle materials are the brains and spinal cords
from cattle 30 months of age and older. In addition, the rule also
prohibits use of the entire carcass of cattle not inspected and passed
for human consumption unless the cattle are less than 30 months of age
or their brains and spinal cords have been removed.  The risk of BSE
in cattle less than 30 months of age is considered to be exceedingly
low, officials said... The FDA said the new rule is effective April
23, 2009, in order to give the livestock, meat, rendering, and feed
industries time to adapt their practices to comply with the regulation."

[Edited from:
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Science/2008/04/23/the_fda_revises_its_beef_regulat\
ions/2599/


"JAPAN SAYS BANNED PART FOUND IN U.S. BEEF:"  (04/23/08):  "Japanese
officials said Wednesday that a spinal column was found in a U.S. beef
shipment in violation of a trade accord that prohibits parts believed
to pose a risk of mad cow disease.  A statement from two government
ministries said that Japan has informed the U.S. Embassy of the
findings and that shipments have been temporarily halted from the
California plant involved.  David Marks, a spokesman for the U.S.
Embassy in Tokyo, confirmed that U.S. officials were aware of the
incident and will conduct a "full investigation to find out how it
happened."  He added, however, that there was nothing inherently wrong
with the product in question.  "While we recognize that this is a
product that doesn't meet Japanese standards, the product is perfectly
safe, and the international animal health organization has determined
that all meat, all cuts, all ages of American beef are safe," Marks
said..."

[Edited from:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-04-23-us-beef_N.htm


************************************************
*05:  Veggies: Reducing 2 Cancers, Heart Disease, Blood Pressure
************************************************
"PREVENT PROSTATE CANCER BY EATING MORE VEGETABLES, LESS MEAT:"
(02/26/08):  "The risk factors for prostate cancer mortality have
already been identified and published (Grant, 2002, in Journal of
Nutritional and Environmental Medicine)... the consumption of
vegetable protein was found to be an important risk-reduction factor.
The high inverse relation between prostate cancer mortality and the
consumption of vegetable protein is probably due to the high
isoflavonoids and lignan content in foods such as pulses (beans) and
whole grains... It is also known that a high consumption of vegetable
products in general, as a fraction of total energy (not only protein
rich vegetables), is inversely related with prostate cancer mortality.
  In contrast, a high consumption of animal products as a fraction of
total energy, animal fat, the non-fat portion of milk, and added
sugar, was found to be a risk factor for prostate cancer mortality
(Grant 2002). As a result of these findings, the recommendations are
simple: to eat less fatty meat and avoid processed meat products (due
to their high content of animal fat and preservatives)..."

[Edited from:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_10599.cfm


"DIET RICH IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AND LOW IN FAT CAN CUT RATES OF
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE:"  (04/14/08):  A healthy diet rich in fruits
and vegetables and low in fat has long been touted as heart smart.
Now, increasing evidence suggests that a similar diet reduces blood
pressure and decreases a woman's risk for heart attack and stroke.
Scientists reporting in the April 14 issue of Archives of Internal
Medicine have found that healthy, middle-aged women who closely
followed the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet have
lower rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than women who do not
follow such diets.  "Our study provides, to our knowledge, the
strongest evidence to date on the long-term benefits of the DASH diet
in the primary prevention of CVD among healthy subjects," writes
Teresa T. Fung, ScD, of Simmons College, Boston... Fung and colleagues
studied the eating patterns of 88, 517 female nurses aged 34 to 59 to
determine if sticking to a DASH diet affected a woman's risk of such
diseases. The women did not have CVD or diabetes when the trial
started...."

[Very edited from:
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20080414/dash-diet-improves-womens-heart\
-healthDASH



"SALADS, GARDENING LINKED TO LOWER LUNG CANCER RISK:"  (03/17/08):
"By simply eating four or more servings of green salad a week and
working in the garden once or twice a week, smokers and nonsmokers
alike may be able to substantially reduce the risk of developing lung
cancer, say researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson
Cancer Center. "This is the first risk prediction model to examine the
effects of diet and physical activity on the possibility of developing
lung cancer," says Michele Forman, Ph.D., lead author of the study and
a professor in M. D. The data are from an ongoing M. D. Anderson
case-control lung cancer study involving more than 3,800 participants.
Separate risk assessment models were developed for current and former
smokers as well as for those who have never smoked.  Forman's study
looked at salad consumption and gardening because, she said, "Salad is
a marker for the consumption of many vegetables and gardening is an
activity in which smokers and nonsmokers can participate... "

[Edited from:
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2008/2008-03-17-096.asp


"BEETROOT 'MAY CUT BLOOD PRESSURE':"  (02/06/08):  "Drinking 500ml of
beetroot juice a day can significantly reduce blood pressure, UK
research suggests.  The key beneficial ingredient appears to be
nitrate, which is also found in green, leafy vegetables.  The
researchers found that in healthy volunteers blood pressure was
reduced within an hour of drinking the juice.  The study, by Barts and
the London School of Medicine and the Peninsula Medical School, could
suggest a low-cost way to treat hypertension.  Drinking beetroot
juice, or consuming other nitrate-rich vegetables [dill, beet, roots
and leaves, turnip, parsley, radish, spinach, and leaf lettuce, are
examples], might be a simple way to maintain a healthy cardiovascular
system.  Previously the protective effects of vegetable-rich diets
have been attributed to their antioxidant vitamin content..."

[Edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7228420.stm


************************************************
*06:  Peak Soil!, Edible Estates, Butz Legacy, Farm Emission Rules
************************************************
"PEAK OIL? PEAK SOIL!:"  (03/06/08):  "Reasonable people can disagree
on the causes and the implications of rising oil prices, but there
seems to be a gathering consensus that the era of easy and cheap oil
is over. If you don't want to take my word on that, then take it from
an oil executive.  What few people grasp is the connection between oil
and the food supply. Put simply, the food and farm economies of
industrialized countries run on the stuff. Oil and its derivatives are
used to power farm equipment, to create synthetic fertilizers and
pesticides, to run food processing equipment, and to transport food
from field to fork, a journey of 1500 miles for the average forkful.

It has been estimated that our highly-industrialized food system in
the US requires 10 calories of fossil fuel energy to create 1 calorie
of food energy. Needless to say, that equation just doesn't compute in
the long run... So, what's the solution? The answer to peak oil is
peak soil. The more people who have their hands in it and have a
little of it under their fingernails, the better placed we will be to
feed our communities and, indeed, the world.  There are different
things you can do to be part of the solution. If you are a gardener
already, keep up the good work this spring and try to scale up your
growing, if your time and space allow. More importantly, try to bring
some non-gardeners into the fold this year, perhaps by organizing a
backyard or community gathering on Kitchen Garden Day. If you're not a
gardener, this is the year to start...

[Edited from:
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/03/06/7521/

[See also:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/


"GO FOR AN 'EDIBLE ESTATE': THE CASE AGAINST LAWNS:"  (04/04/08):
"...By the end of World War II, over 80 percent of American households
were growing some of their own food. Within months after Victory Day
this activity quickly subsided... in the United States, the
introduction of the leisure weekend, the abundance of fresh water, the
production of industrial pesticides, the availability of the lawn
mower and cheap gas... all set the stage for the unfurling of the
great American lawn as we know it today....

...we plant more grass than any other crop: currently lawns cover more
than thirty million acres. Given the way we lavish precious resources
on it and put it everywhere that humans go, aliens landing in any
American city today would assume that grass must be the most precious
earthly substance of all... Hydrocarbons from mowers react with
nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to produce ozone. To
eradicate invading plants the lawn is drugged with pesticides and
herbicides, which are then washed into our water supply with
sprinklers and hoses, dumping our increasingly rare fresh drinking
resource down the gutter.

... The Edible Estates project proposes the replacement of the
domestic front lawn with a highly productive edible landscape... A
small garden of very modest means, humble materials, and a little
effort can have a radical effect on the life of a family, how they
spend their time and relate to their environment, whom they see, and
how they eat...

[Very very edited from the long, detailed, and informative book
excerpt at:
http://www.alternet.org/story/80531/


"A REFLECTION ON THE LASTING LEGACY OF 1970S USDA SECRETARY EARL
BUTZ:"  (02/07/08):  "... Butz... plunged a pitchfork into New Deal
agricultural policies that sought to protect farmers from the big
agribusiness companies whose interests he openly pushed.  He
envisioned a hyper-efficient, centralized food system, one that could
profitably and cheaply "feed the world" by manipulating (or "adding
value to") mountains of Midwestern corn and soy... in 1971 as now,
what agribusiness wanted was for farmers to plant lots and lots of
corn and soy. In order to profitably mass-produce convenience fare for
a growing middle class, the food industry needed unchecked access to
cheap inputs... By killing the "supply management" program, Butz would
open a floodgate of cheap inputs from farms to food factories... urged
on by Butz and buoyed by high grain prices, millions of Midwestern
farmers spent the 1970s taking on debt to buy more land, bigger and
more complicated machines, new seed varieties, more fertilizers and
pesticides, and generally producing as much as they possibly could.

... While farmers scrambled to "get big or get out," Butz's beloved
agribusiness giants cheered. Regaled with mountains of cut-rate corn,
Archer Daniels Midland used its political muscle to rig up lucrative
markets for high-fructose syrup and ethanol. In Iowa, bin-busting
harvests gave rise to an explosion of massive concentrated-animal
feedlot operations (CAFOs). An increasingly consolidated meat industry
learned to transform cheap grain into cheap -- but highly profitable
-- burgers, chops, and chicken nuggets...

[Very edited from the detailed and historically accurate article at:
http://www.grist.org/comments/food/2008/02/07/?source=daily


"FARMS MAY BE EXEMPTED FROM EMISSION RULES:"  (02/26/08):  "Under
pressure from agriculture industry lobbyists and lawmakers from
agricultural states, the EPA wants to drop requirements that factory
farms report their emissions of toxic gases, despite findings by the
agency's scientists that the gases pose a health threat.  The EPA
acknowledges that the emissions can pose a threat to people living and
working nearby, but it says local emergency responders don't use the
reports, making them unnecessary. But local air-quality agencies,
environmental groups and lawmakers who oppose the rule change say the
reports are one of the few tools rural communities have for holding
large livestock operations accountable for the pollution they produce...

"Every major air pollution regulation that affects the agriculture
industry has been weakened or delayed by this administration," said S.
William Becker, executive director of the National Association of
Clean Air Agencies, which represents local and state air-quality
agencies. "These are not inconsequential pollutants. In large
concentrations, they kill people..."

...The rule change would eliminate ammonia emissions reporting for big
animal-feeding operations such as Threemile Canyon Farms in Boardman,
Ore., where waste from tens of thousands of dairy cows releases more
than 15,000 pounds of ammonia into the atmosphere each day, according
to the EPA..."

[Very edited from from the comprehensive and disturbing article at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/25/AR2008022502472.\
html


************************************************
*07: Vegan Digital Theater Showcase
************************************************
"NOBEL PEACE PRICE 2007: VIDEO OF PACHAURI'S ENTIRE SPEECH [mentioning
the importance to the planet of going vegetarian]:"
http://nobelprize.org/cgi-bin/asxgen.asx?id=795&type=award&year=2007

[See also: "Lifestyle changes can curb climate change: IPCC chief:"
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iIVBkZpOUA9Hz3Xc2u-61mDlrw0Q

"WAYNE PACELLE, PRES. OF HSUS, ON HSUS'S DOWNER FOOTAGE:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OftBZJ8w2g4

"MEAT COMPANY PRESIDENT ADMITS ILLEGAL SLAUGHTER OF CATTLE:" [from MSNBC]
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/03/12/meat-company-president-admits-illegal-s\
laughter-of-cattle/

"DOREEN THE DOWNER COW:" Flash cartoon by Mark Fiore:
http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/fiore/2008/02/doreen-the-downer.html

"THE ALL VEGETABLE ORCHESTRA:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpfYt7vRHuY
[see also: http://www.vegetableorchestra.org


************************************************
*08: PETA Awards, Bob's Gift, Recession-proof Diet, Mostly Plants
************************************************
"PETA'S 5TH ANNUAL PROGGY AWARDS:"  (2008):  "PETA's panel of judges
has cast their votes for the fifth annual Proggy Awards, which
recognize animal-friendly achievement in 21st century culture and
commerce...

BEST NEW COOKBOOK:  "Quick-Fix Vegetarian:"  Finding that perfect
vegetarian recipe for busy people—quick and effortless to prepare,
healthy, and tasty - got easier this year with Robin Robertson's
"Quick-Fix Vegetarian." The new cookbook - by the author of "Vegan
Planet," "Fresh From the Vegetarian Slow Cooker," and the "Vegetarian
Meat & Potatoes Cookbook" - will free you from your microwave and
fast-food boredom with quick-fix treats like spinach and sun-dried
tomato quesadillas, oyster mushroom po' boys, and five-minute
slow-cooker chili. Top off your vegan meal with a few no-bake
oatmeal-almond cookies, and you'll see why "Quick-Fix Vegetarian" is a
winner..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.peta.org/feat/proggy/2008/index.asp

[See also:
http://www.peta.org/MC/NewsItem.asp?id=10751


"ALUMNUS BOB BARKER TO PRESENT DRURY WITH $1 MILLION GIFT:"
(02/07/08):  "... to establish the Bob Barker Endowment Fund for the
Study of Animal Rights.   "I have established endowment funds at seven
of the finest law schools in the U.S. for the study of Animal Rights
Law. And now, with this endowment fund at Drury University, I hope to
create a model program that other undergraduate schools will
enthusiastically emulate," says Barker, who will be at Drury in person
on Monday.  The initial course at Drury titled "Animal Ethics" will
educate students about issues that directly affect the lives of
animals.   As a multidisciplinary class, the course will be
team-taught with professors with expertise from the fields of biology,
law, sustainability, psychology, criminology, philosophy, religion and
anthropology.   The Animal Ethics course will be offered for the first
time in the spring of 2010.   Several law schools, including Harvard
and Stanford, have received gifts from Barker to help fund the study
of Animal Rights, but this is the first time Barker has funded an
undergraduate program in Animal Rights..."

[Edited from:
http://www.drury.edu/multinl/story.cfm?ID=21705&NLID=246


"RECESSION-PROOF YOUR DIET: GO VEGAN:"  (03/25/08):  "... If you don't
want to spend your retirement fund on food, consider investing in a
vegan diet.  Some of the most versatile vegan foods-including beans,
rice, vegetables, soy products and pasta-cost relatively little
compared to animal products. According to a 2007 MSN MoneyCentral
article, the cheapest cuts of beef, such as ground round, average $3
per pound; boneless chicken breasts cost $3.40 a pound; and canned
tuna costs around $2 per pound. In comparison, dried beans and lentils
cost less than $1 a pound, and rice is cheaper than $1 a pound. Tofu
usually costs less than $2 per pound. Even vegans who buy costlier
products like soy sausage and nondairy ice cream can still spend less
than people who load up on beef, chicken and fish... A 2002 E Magazine
article estimated that the amount of feed needed to produce just one
8-ounce steak would fill 45 to 50 bowls with cooked cereal grains...
If you factor in all the money you'll save on hospital bills,
medications and weight-loss plans by avoiding unhealthy,
artery-clogging animal products, a vegan diet is downright economical..."

[Edited from a great post with other useful stats at:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977293259


"THE AUTHOR OF 'THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA' ADVISES US TO ESCAPE THE
WESTERN DIET:"  (12/31/07):  "...[Pollan's] optimism fueled two of his
earlier books: "The Botany of Desire," about our relationship with
food, and "The Omnivore's Dilemma," which urged variety in our diet.
It's most evident in the last of the trilogy, "In Defense of Food,"
whose simple message is "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."
...Pollan subtitles his new book "An Eater's Manifesto..." "[W]hat
other animal needs professional help in deciding what it should eat?"
he asks. Once, we had culture ("just a fancy word for your mother"),
but culture has been replaced by "scientists and food marketers (often
an unhealthy alliance of the two)." Americans are "increasingly sick
and fat. Four of the top ten causes of death today are chronic
diseases with well-established links to diet: coronary heart disease,
diabetes, stroke, and cancer"... he writes: "The food industry needs
theories so it can better redesign specific processed foods; a new
theory means a new line of products, allowing the industry to go on
tweaking the Western diet instead of making any more radical change to
its business model." The medical community also benefits; Pollan notes
that as Americans spend less on food, they spend more on healthcare."

[Very edited from:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_9394.cfm


************************************************
*09: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
APR 30: Kansas City, MO > 7 pm.

MAY 9: Portland, OR > Portland VegFest, Benson High School, 7pm

JUN 18 - 22: Johnstown, PA > Summerfest:
http://vegetariansummerfest.org

JUN 23: Wheeling, WV
JUN 28: Bend, OR

JUL 03: Weimar, CA
JUL 05: Sacramentio, CA

AUG 14 - 17: Wash. DC > AR2008
http://www.arconference.org

AUG 23: Niverville, NY

[More information/embedded links for contact information at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*10: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[Useful resource and for networking:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Award-winning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

VEGAN

[Nana's Vegan Cookies online!:
http://www.healthycrowd.com/


************************************************
*11: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"This book is dedicated to compassionate people throughout the world
who help each other, the animals, and the environment by eating a
healthful plant-based diet."

- Robert Robertson, "Dedication" in her vegan "Fire & Spice" cookbook


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  Welcome to the 63rd issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

In this issue you'll be treated to some recipes from the new cookbook by
the esteemed Nava Atlas, "Vegan Express."  There's also mention of a
great blog post on "missing oil" that does a fine job of summarizing
issues/research on a no-added fat plant-base diet, a study about Western
Diet and Heart Disease, how eating less may help prevent Altzheimer's
disease, and why eating is a political act.

Reading further, you can find out how to calculate your "water
footprint," learn about Cuba's agricultural Mmiracle, 10 reasons to eat
local food, 10 reasons to go veg, how many veg'ns there are in the US (a
new survey), how diet affects aging, and a fascinating interview with
the ultra-marathoner legend who just happens to be vegan.

...and don't miss the interviews of Drs. Caldwell Esselstyn and Dean
Ornish in "Vegan Digital Theater Showcase," as well as the touching
audio interview of the human companion to the amazing parrot:  Alex.

... as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers.  Y'all can read
past issues of the newsletter at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Here's hoping everyone had a wonderful Vegan Thanksgiving!  Stay warm...

Mark, MC editor/webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
02: Recipes from a New Cookbook:  "Vegan Express," by Nava Atlas
03: Mad Cow Info Round-up
04: Missing Oil/Esselstyn/Western Diet & HD/Prevent Alz.>Eat Less
05: Your H2O Footprint/Cuba Ag./Eat Politics/10 Reasons Local Food
06: Vegan Digital Theater Showcase
07: 10 Veg Reasons/? Many Veg'ns/Aging & Diet/The Ultra Veg
08: Howard's Schedule
09: Quick Bytes
10: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"If you walk into a room and there are ten groups of people, and nine
out of the ten groups are angry and shouting at each other, and one of
them is over in the corner laughing and having a good time, which one do
you want to join? We too, as a movement, need to get away from being
angry, but we cannot share it with people if we cannot get them to ask,
"Are you one of those "V" people?" Until they ask, no amount of talking
will do any good. I will give you an example.

My wife and I have been married 29 years, and I will also say that for
29 years her mother has lived with us. 29 years of my mother-in-law has
been a test. When I decided to become a vegetarian, I lost over 100
pounds, my blood pressure came down, my cholesterol came down, I knew I
had the answer to my health problems. I could hardly wait to share that
with my friends and family. I was even considering sharing it with my
mother-in-law. I invited her for Thanksgiving dinner. I said to her that
turkey would be available for her. My mother-in-law came into the house,
went to the oven and to the refrigerator: no turkey. She felt I had let
her down. I took her to the back yard where I had a live turkey. I told
her that if she wanted turkey for dinner she would have to kill it
herself. That turkey survived. Even on that occasion I learned not to be
angry."

--- Howard Lyman, addressing the "European Vegetarian Congress" in 1997:
http://www.ivu.org/congress/euro97/my-name.html


************************************************
*01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Wheat, corn, and other grains represent what percentage of what is
consumed by farmed animals in the United States?

(a) 60%   (b) 70%    (c)  80%    (d) 90%    (e) way too much

Congratulations to djzedzian, (winning the VegNews subscription), and
Amy Komonchak, of Montclair, NJ (winning the Ethical Planet organic
cotton shopping bag)!  Both supplied the correct answer (b) 70% or (e)
"way too much" and won the luck of the draw.

["Cows, chickens, pigs and other farmed animals are fed more than 70
percent of the grains grown in the U.S... A 2002 E Magazine article
estimated that the amount of feed needed to produce just one 8-ounce
steak would fill 45 to 50 bowls with cooked cereal grains.":
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977293259


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Recent estimates are that producing 1 pound of beef uses up
approximately how many gallons of water?"

(a) 500  (b) 1500  (c) 2000  (d) 4000

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT December. 15th, 2008.  PLEASE
INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS (U.S. domestic only).  It will not be sold
nor given out to anyone but VegNews and Ethical Planet for the freebies
only.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the
correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and
you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call
1.415.665.6397]

[Many thanks, also, to Fran Horvath, of Ethical Planet for offering a
FREE organic cotton shopping bag to the 2nd place winner.  You can learn
more about her online (and offline) stores at:

http://www.ethicalplanet.com


************************************************
*02: Recipes from a New Cookbook:  "Vegan Express," by Nava Atlas
*********************************************

"Vegan Express is the perfect answer to great food preparation.  It's
the only cookbook you need in your kitchen."
--- Howard Lyman


BBQ TEMPEH BACON WITH BLACK-EYE PEAS AND GREENS

"In this tasty "down home" dish, bits of tart apple add a delightful
flvor twist.  If you have the time, make pan of your favorite vegan corn
bread."

2 T olive oil [or use water, broth, beer, etc.]
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
One 6-ounce package Fakin' Bacon tempeh strips, finely chopped
One 15- to 16-ounce can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 medium Granny Smith apple, diced
2/3 cup natural barbecue sauce (try smoke-flavored)
10 to 12 ounces Swiss chard or spinach, well washed, stemmed, and
chopped

1.  Heat the oil in a wide skillet.  Add the onion and saute over
medium-low heat until translucent.
2.  Add the garlic ad tempeh bacon and saute, stirring frequently, until
everything is golden and just beginning to brown lightly.
3.  Stir in the black-eyed peas, apple, and barbecue sauce.  Cook over
medium-high heat for 10 minutes or until the sauce is reduced.
4.  Add the greens and cover unt
il wilted.  Stir the greens, then cook for another 2 minutes or so for
the spinach, or 4 minutes for the chard, until tender but still bright
green.  Serve at once.

Variation:  This is also wonderful with kale, but it needs more cooking
time than chard or spinach.  Start steaming it seperately just before
starting the dish; once cooked to your liking, stir it in at the end.

4 to 6 servings


GREAT GRATED VEGGIES WITH TAHINI DRESSING

"Here's another good way to utilize root vegetables raw; the dressing
adds a rich, delicious flavor."

Dressing

1 1/2 T tahini (sesame paste)
2 to 3 T lemon juice, to taste
1 T agave nectar [or other sweetner]
2 T vegan mayonnaise
1 T minced fresh dill or 1/4 t dried

4 cups grated raw vegetables (use a combination of trimmed and peeled
broccoli stems, carrots, turnip, jicama, golden beets, and daikon radish
--- choose 2 or 3)

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1.  Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and stir together.
2.  Place the grated vegetables and dressing in a serving bowl, toss
until completely combined.  Season with salt and pepper and toss again.
Serve at once."

6 Servings


DENSE AND FRUITY BANANA BREAD

"Wholesome and seductive all at once, this dark bread can be made in a
flash.  It's wonderful with tea as a dessert or as a breakfast bread."

Oil for pan
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/3 c natural granulated sugar
3 T unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of ground nutmeg
2 medium very ripe bananas, well mashed
1/2 cup applesauce or apple butter
2 T safflower oil  [optional]
1/3 cup rice milk or soymilk, or as needed
3/4 cup finely chopped dates or dried apricots
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts, optional

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Lightly oil a 9" by 5" by 3-inch
loaf pan.
2.  Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, cocoa, and
nutmeg in a mixing bowl and stir together.
3.  Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the bananas,
applesauce, oil, and enough rice milk to make a smooth, slightly stiff
batter.  Stir until thoroughly mixed, then stir in the dates and
optional walnuts.
4.  Pour the batter into the prepared pan.  Bake for 40 to 45 minutes,
or until the top is firm and a knife inserted into the center tests
clean.  When cool enough to handle, carefully remove the bread from the
pan, place it on a rack or platter, and allow it to cool until just warm
before slicing.

Makes one 9-inch loaf


Nava's Website:  "In a Vegetarian Kitchen:"
http://vegkitchen.com/

"Vegan Express:  Featuring 160 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, and Healthy
Meals,"  2008: Broadway Books: ISBN: 978-0-7679-2617-1


************************************************
*03: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
"OUTRAGE AT EU MOVES TO FEED ANIMAL REMAINS TO CHICKENS:"  (05/04/08):
"The European Union is preparing plans to allow pig remains to be used
to feed poultry. The practice - banned in Europe after the BSE crisis 10
years ago - would save farmers millions of pounds as prices of cereal
feed for chickens soar, say officials in Brussels. But the proposal has
outraged animal rights campaigners, Muslim organisations and other
groups. They claim the move would put families at risk, offend religious
sensibilities and lead to a major consumer backlash... In 1994, at the
height of the BSE crisis, the EU banned the use of animal remains for
farm feedstuffs but under its transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
(TSE) road map, published in 2005, outlined proposals that in future
some bans might be relaxed... The proposal was backed by Philip Comer,
of DNV Consulting, a former risk assessment adviser for the Food
Standards Agency. 'The by-products of slaughter are a very valuable
source of protein,' he said. 'We should not be wasting it."

[From:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/may/04/foodtech.food


"NEW NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE INFECTING PIG PROCESSING PLANT WORKERS:"
(05/25/08):  "We now have a new horrible disease brought by the same
insane meat-raising industry that brought Mad Cow Disease and
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, both implicated from the brains of sheep and
cattle. It's known by two terms, Progressive Inflammatory Neuropathy and
Immune Polyradiculoneuropathy (IPR). Neither is really a name, but more
of a description. They indicate that the disease involves inflammation
of the spinal cord, has multiple neurological symptoms, gets worse, and
affects the immune system.  Symptoms are remarkably similar to multiple
sclerosis and arachnoiditis. They include pain, especially in the legs,
weakness, fatigue, and sensory disturbances. All of the victims are
employees in pork slaughtering plants. They harvest pig brains by
blowing them out of the heads with compressed-air guns. Yes, harvest is
the term used. It's believed that aerosolized pig brains, which are
breathed in by the workers, are the cause.  At this point, there is no
explanation of what it is in pig's brains that cause such symptoms..."

[From the well-referenced and footnotes article at:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12352.cfm


"REPORT COMPARES COSTS OF ANIMAL DISEASE OUTBREAK:"  (06/21/08):
"According to a report released Friday, June 20, 2008, by the Department
of Homeland Security the economic risk of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth
disease could surpass $4 billion if the current U.S. research lab on
Plum Island, N.Y., was moved to the U.S. mainland, near livestock herds
in Kansas or Texas, two options the Bush administration is
considering... The government acknowledged that an outbreak of one of
the most contagious animal diseases from any of five locations being
considered for a new high-security laboratory — an event it
considered highly unlikely — would be more devastating to the U.S.
economy than an outbreak from the isolated island lab where such
research is now conducted... The five locations the U.S. is considering
are Athens, Ga.; Manhattan, Kan.; Butner, N.C.; San Antonio; and Flora,
Miss. ...A simulated outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease — part of an
earlier U.S. government exercise called "Crimson Sky" — ended with
fictional riots in the streets after the simulation's National Guardsmen
were ordered to kill tens of millions of farm animals, so many that
troops ran out of bullets. In the exercise, the government said it would
have been forced to dig a ditch in Kansas 25 miles long to bury
carcasses..."

[From:
http://wire.jacksonville.com/pstories/20080621/293463099.shtml


"DISEASE-CAUSING PROTEINS CAN EVADE SEWAGE TREATMENT PROCEDURES:"
(07/01/08):  "Prions, the infective particles behind diseases such as
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), can breach standard sewage
treatment methods, new research shows.  The discovery raises the
possibility that the rogue proteins, which are infamously hard to
detect, can jump one of the most important barriers that safeguard human
health."

[From the "pay only" article at:
http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080701/full/news.2008.926.html


"$7B MAD COW DISEASE LAWSUIT CAN PROCEED: CANADA'S TOP COURT:"
(07/17/08):  "The Supreme Court of Canada cleared the way Thursday for a
proposed multibillion-dollar class action lawsuit on behalf of some
100,000 cattle farmers hurt by the 2003 mad cow disease scare. The
country's top court has refused to hear an appeal by the federal
government and Winnipeg-based feed company Ridley Canada, which both
sought to derail the lawsuit... At issue is whether farmers who suffered
economic losses as a result of the 2003 border closure over
BSE-contaminated cattle could sue for what they argue was negligent
regulatory policy... There have been at least eight cases of mad cow
disease in Canadian cattle since 2003, resulting in beef export bans and
the slaughter of thousands of cattle..."

[From:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/07/17/supcourt-madcow.html


"FARMERS PLEASED MONSANTO IS GETTING OUT OF COW HORMONE BUSINESS:"
(08/22/08):  "A group of Ontario farmers is claiming victory after
Monsanto Co. agreed to sell its Posilac brand of synthetic cow hormones
to drug maker Eli Lilly and Co. for $300 million... Monsanto, an
agricultural chemical company, announced the sale on Wednesday. It said
the Posilac brand will become part of Lilly's Elanco animal health unit.
Posilac is the trade name of recombinant bovine somatotropin, or rBST, a
hormone that increases milk production in cows. Monsanto has called it
the leading dairy animal supplement in the U.S., with more than half a
billion units used by dairy farmers since the product was approved for
use in the U.S. in 1994..."

[From:
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/08/22/monsanto-sale.html


"COW BRAINS, SPINAL CORDS TO BE BANNED FROM PET FOOD IN 2009:"
(10/15/08):  "Effective April 23, 2009, the FDA has banned a series of
cattle products from all animal feed and pet food in attempt to prevent
the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad
cow disease... Federal regulations already prohibit using ruminant
protein as part of the feed given to other ruminants. These measures
were instituted in the United States and Canada in 1997, after a mad cow
outbreak in the United Kingdom... Ruminants are animals that chew their
cud, such as cows, sheep and goats.  Other U.S. protections against mad
cow disease include a partial ban on slaughtering cattle that cannot
stand, which are more likely to be infected with BSE, and a requirement
that meatpackers remove the spine and brain from all slaughtered
animals. These are the body parts most likely to carry mad-cow-causing
prions..."

[From:
http://www.naturalnews.com/024489.html


"ETHICAL DILEMMA AS VCJD TEST 'COULD BE AVAILABLE IN 18 MONTHS':"
(10/20/08):  "Dilemma: vCJD is currently untreatable and patients may
not even develop symptoms in their lifetime... A test to identify
carriers of the human form of mad cow disease could be available within
18 months, scientists claim.  The test would have to be available
through GPs' surgeries to those who suspected they might be at higher
risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.  However, it raises the
ethical dilemma of offering patients a test for a condition that is
currently untreatable and may not lead to full-blown symptoms during
their lifetime.  It might also be used to screen patients to protect NHS
staff carrying out invasive procedures such as surgery... The BSE
outbreak in the 1980s led to mass slaughter of cattle to stop it from
spreading.  However, it is feared thousands more could be harbouring the
infection, which experts believe was transmitted from cattle infected
with BSE via food in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Depending in the
incubation period and an individual's genetic susceptibility, it could
be years before the disease progresses..."

[From:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1079182/Ethical-dilemma-scient\
ists-reveal-vCJD-test-available-18-months.html


"14 CASES OF 'MAD COW DISEASE' FOUND IN NI HERDS:"  (11/04/08):
"Fourteen cases of `mad cow disease' were picked up in Northern
Ireland cattle last year through government surveillance programmes.
Another three cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy — or BSE
— have since been confirmed in fallen cattle in Northern Ireland
this year.  All cases were found in cattle over 48 months of age, the
Department of Agriculture said..."

[From:
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/environment/14-cases-of-mad-cow-d\
isease-found-in-ni-herds-14032346.html


"UNDENIABLE PROOF THE FDA ALLOWS PET FOOD TO BREAK THE LAW:"
(11/06/08):  "The FDA website, on a page regarding pet foods, proudly
cites the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). With reading just a
few of the FD&C Act laws, and a little reading on the FDA website, there
is absolute proof that the FDA ignores Federal Law. It´s time for pet
owners to take this proof to the FDA´s boss – Congress... Quoting
the FDA webpage titled ´Pet Food´: "The Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requires that pet foods, like human foods, be pure
and wholesome, safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain
no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled." Federal law requires
it, but the FDA ignores it; choosing to protect the interests of
business and industry instead of abiding by the law and protecting our
pets... Federal law does NOT allow into ANY food, a diseased animal or
animal that has died other than by slaughter – regardless if the
food or food ingredient is processed or not..."

[Taking Action for Pets:
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/pages/We-are-Changing-Pet-Food.html

[From the very long and well-referenced artlcle at:
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/80288


"MAD-COW CROPS UP IN CANADIAN DAIRY HERD, 15TH CASE:"  (11/17/08):
"Canada confirmed the 15th case of mad-cow disease discovered in the
country since May 2003, this time in a dairy cow from British Columbia.
No part of the seven-year-old cow got into systems that produce food for
consumption by either people or animals, the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency said today in a statement. The agency has identified where the
animal was born and is looking for the source of its disease, the
statement said..."

[From:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=aG0KdKYmyEuE&refer=c\
anada#


"NEW MAD-COW RULE POSES HEALTH DANGERS OF ITS OWN:"  (11/21/08):  "A
federal regulation aimed at preventing mad cow disease from getting into
the food supply could create health risks of its own: many thousands of
cattle carcasses rotting on farms, spreading germs, attracting vermin
and polluting the water.  At issue is a Food and Drug Administration
rule, set to take effect in April, that will prohibit the use of the
brains and spinal cords of older cattle as ingredients in livestock feed
and pet food.  Some of the rendering plants that grind up carcasses for
use in feed have already announced they will stop accepting dead cattle
from farms because it would be too costly to remove the banned organs.
Other renderers are likely to raise the prices they charge farmers.  As
a result, many farmers - especially now, with the economy in crisis -
may simply bury dead cattle on their property or let them rot in the
open, industry officials and regulators say... Farmers already routinely
bury, abandon or compost millions of cattle carcasses each year without
serious environmental problems, according to the FDA...  For decades,
farmers have sent their dead cows to rendering plants to be turned into
pet food, soaps, cosmetics, toothpaste, lubricants and other products.
The carcasses are ground to a uniform particle size, heated under
pressure to separate fat, protein and bone, and then refined..."

[From:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008420494_aprottingca\
ttle.html


************************************************
*04:  Missing Oil/Esselstyn/Western Diet & HD/Prevent Alz.>Eat Less
************************************************
"ESSELSTYN ESPOUSES A NONINVASIVE CURE FOR HEART DISEASE:"  (06/09/08):
"Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn Jr. has no qualms about stepping inside the
nation's No. 1 heart hospital and dishing on angioplasty.  Invasive
treatment is a mainstay of cardiac care, and it pays the bills. It's
also what's wrong with medicine, says the retired Cleveland Clinic
surgeon who has been affiliated with the hospital for 40 years.
Esselstyn has turned his life's work to demonstrating that heart disease
doesn't need to exist in the first place. And if it does, it can be
reversed. The remedy is a plant-based diet, he says.  Learn to live with
no meat, no fish, no dairy or oils of any kind, and make yourself
"heart-attack proof..."

[From the excellent article and long interview at:
http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2008/06/exsurgeon_caldwell_\
esselstyn_e.html


"I'M GOING TO MISS MY OLIVE OIL - WHO KNEW IT WASN'T SO HEALTHY AFTER
ALL? DRS. ESSELSTYN, ORNISH, VOGEL & RUDEL DID:"  (07/04/08):  "...Back
in 2000 Vogel based his study on the Lyon Heart Study, which is the
big-time study that got us all to eat the Mediterranean Diet.  He wanted
to see how olive oil, salmon (fish oil) and canola oil actually affect
the  blood vessels.  Using the brachial artery tourniquet test he had 10
healthy volunteers with normal cholesterol ingest 50 grams of fat, in
the form of olive oil & bread, canola oil & bread, and salmon... the
olive oil constricted blood flow by a whopping 31% after the meal; the
canola oil constricted it by 10%; and the salmon reduced it by only 2%.
Why should we care?  Because when the arteries constrict, the
endothelium (the vessel's lining) is injured,  triggering plaque
build-up, or atherosclerosis..."

[From the well-written, summarized, and documented with links, blog post
at:
http://www.happyhealthylonglife.com/happy_healthy_long_life/2008/07/im-g\
oing-to-miss-my-olive-oil---who-knew-it-wasnt-so-healthy-after-all-drs-e\
sselstyn-ornish-vogel-rudel-did.html


"WESTERN DIET 'RAISES HEART RISK:"  (10/21/08):  "Swapping fried and
salty foods for salads could cut the global incidence of heart attacks
by a third, a study of eating habits suggests.  Researchers analysed the
diet of 16,000 people in 52 countries and identified three global eating
patterns, Circulation journal reports.  The typical Western diet, high
in fat, salt and meat, accounted for about 30% of heart attack risk in
any population.  A "prudent" diet high in fruit and veg lowered heart
risk by a third..."

[From:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7680283.stm


"WANT TO PREVENT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE? EAT LESS!:"  (10/15/08):  "...
A review published in the Nov 2008 issue of Current Opinion in Clinical
Nutrition and Metabolic Care suggests,.. that by restricting your intake
of calories, a practice known as caloric restriction, you may not have
to contract Alzheimer's disease in the first place.  The authors say in
their report that "it has been proven that caloric restriction prevents
age-related neuronal damage."  The only thing that remians uncertain
is how caloric restriction affects brain functions.  They predict there
might be a possibility in the future that this dietary practice will be
proposed to prevent or even to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as
Alzheimer's disease...  Alzheimer's disease affects an estimated 4.5
million Americans, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
About 5 percent of people ages 65 to 74 and almost half of those ages 85
suffer the disease."

[From:
http://foodconsumer.org/7777/8888/G_eneral_H_ealth_34/101506092008_Want_\
to_prevent_Alzheimer_s_disease_Eat_less.shtml


************************************************
*05: Your H2O Footprint/Cuba Ag./Eat Politics/10 Reasons Local Food
************************************************
"CALCULATE YOUR WATER FOOTPRINT:"  (2008):  "People use lots of water
for drinking, cooking and washing, but even more for producing things
such as food, paper, cotton clothes, etc. The water footprint is an
indicator of water use that looks at both direct and indirect water use
of a consumer or producer. The water footprint of an individual,
community or business is defined as the total volume of freshwater that
is used to produce the goods and services consumed by the individual or
community or produced by the business... The interest in the water
footprint is rooted in the recognition that human impacts on freshwater
systems can ultimately be linked to human consumption, and that issues
like water shortages and pollution can be better understood and
addressed by considering production and supply chains as a whole..."

[Check out the interactive quick and detailed calculators, explanations
at:
http://www.waterfootprint.org/index.php?page=files/WaterFootprintCalcula\
tor


"CUBA'S URBAN-AG MIRACLE:"  (06/10/08):  "The story is legendary in
peak-oil circles: Twenty years ago, the Soviet Union pulled the plug on
Cuba's cheap-energy, cheap-food era. No longer would the fading
superpower accept the tiny island nation's sugar as payment for crude
oil. From then on, only hard currency would do. It also halted food aid.
In short order, gas and food prices spiked and people's living standards
tumbled. Next, a widespread shift from cars to bikes, and an explosion
in community gardening. Cuba's urban farming program has been a
stunning, and surprising, success. The farms, many of them on tiny plots
... now supply much of Cuba's vegetables. They also provide 350,000 jobs
nationwide with relatively high pay and have transformed eating habits
in a nation accustomed to a less-than-ideal diet of rice and beans and
canned goods from Eastern Europe.  Note that what's happening here is
something I'm always talking about: small-scale agriculture as not only
producer of a diverse food supply, but also as economic engine... CBS
reports that of Cuba's 11 million people, 300,000 directly work in
organic farming. That's 2.7 percent. In the United States, fewer than 2
percent work in farming at all, and only a tiny fraction are organic..."

[From the interesting article with some good links at:
http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2008/6/10/81342/7941?source=daily

[And check out this related Project with video and other resources about
Cuba's success:
http://www.powerofcommunity.org/cm/index.php


"EATING IS A POLITICAL ACT:"  (11/12/08):  "Michael Pollan has got
people talking. His recent books, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural
History of Four Meals and In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto, have
captured the public imagination, setting off countless coffee shop
discussions, dinnertime arguments, and oh-so-many blog posts...  Pollan
has taken Wendell Berry's memorable phrase "eating is an agricultural
act" one step further. "It's a political act as well," Pollan advises.
A lot of people agree. The alternative food movement -- organic farming,
local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and more -- is burgeoning
today because, one family at a time, consumers are backing away from the
global food network. Instead, they patronize farmers' markets, buy food
shares from CSA (community-supported agriculture) farms, and favor
grocers who sell local meat and produce...

Michael Pollan: "If people could see how their food is produced, they
would change how they eat...I visited an industrialized potato farm in
Idaho and saw how freely pesticides were used. The farmers had little
patches of potatoes by their houses that were organic. They couldn't eat
their field potatoes out of the ground because they had so many systemic
pesticides. They had to be stored for six months to off-gas the
toxins... One of the powerful things about the food issue is that people
feel empowered by it. There are so many areas of our life where we feel
powerless to change things, but your eating issues are really primal.
You decide every day what you're going to put in your body -- and what
you refuse to put in your body. That's politics at its most basic."

[From very long and interesting interview at:
http://www.truthabouttrade.org/content/view/12729/54/


"TEN REASONS TO BUY LOCAL FOOD:"  (10/14/08):  "1. Locally grown food
tastes better...   2. Local produce is better for you... 3. Local food
preserves genetic diversity... 4. Local food is GMO-free... 5. Local
food supports local farm families... 6. Local food builds a stronger
community... 7. Local food preserves open space... 8. Local food helps
to keep your taxes in check... 9. Local food supports a clean
environment and benefits wildlife... 10. Local food is about the future.
By supporting local farmers today, you can help ensure that there will
be farms in your community tomorrow so that future generations will have
access to nourishing, flavorful, and abundant food."

[From the Full List with much more explanation at:
http://www.greenrightnow.com/kvue/2008/10/14/ten-reasons-to-buy-local-fo\
od/


************************************************
*06: Vegan Digital Theater Showcase
************************************************
["Welcome to Veggie Vision! The internet TV station showing play on
demand mini programmes 24/7 - channels available include cookery,
celebs, information - with much more on its way. "
http://www.veggievision.co.uk/


[Amazing audio interview with owner Prof. Irene Pepperberg, from Fresh
Air, 11/1208:  "Although his brain was no bigger than a walnut, Alex the
African gray parrot could do more than speak and understand — he
could also count, identify colors and, according to his owner... develop
an emotional relationship. When Alex died in September 2007, his last
words to Pepperberg were "You be good. I love you."
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96897162


[An 8 minute video showing Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn lecturing about how 90
percent of heart attacks are caused (endothelium compromised via added
dietary fat).  Very compelling in describing the mechanism:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNeWCvLZaFM


[A superb audio interview/discussion (around 50 minutes) with Dr.
Esselstyn.  He covers "moderation," the olive oil issue, Omegas,
genetics, the cause of 90% of heart attacks (plaque), how they can occur
unexpectedly, dairy, phytonutrients, and more.  Some of the callers
report their results from following Essy's recommendations:
http://www.wcpn.org/index.php/WCPN/soi/12423/


[Video of Charlie Rose interviewing Dr. Dean Ornish (25 minutes, 1st
half):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Dh0EzaI94I


[Indoor gardening tips from a man very scared of plants:
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/googly-eyes-gardener/\
237389/


[The Vegan Zombie T-Shirt:
http://www.threadless.com/submission/170537/Vegan_Zombie


[Veg4Earth Petitions:
http://veg4earth.org/


************************************************
*07: 10 Veg Reasons/? Many Veg'ns/Aging & Diet/The Ultra Veg
************************************************
"7.3 MILLION AMERICANS ARE VEGETARIANS:"  (2008):  "The just-released
"Vegetarianism in America" study, published by Vegetarian
Times...  shows that 3.2 percent of U.S. adults, or 7.3 million people,
follow a vegetarian-based diet. Approximately 0.5 percent, or 1 million,
of those are vegans, who consume no animal products at all. In addition,
10 percent of U.S., adults, or 22.8 million people, say they largely
follow a vegetarian-inclined diet.  Data for this survey were collected
by the Harris Interactive Service Bureau on behalf of Vegetarian Times.
The poll surveyed 5,050 respondents, a statistically representative
sample of the total U.S. population. Vegetarian Times commissioned RRC
Associates, a research firm in Boulder, Colo., to perform the data
analysis.  The 2008 study also indicates that of the non-vegetarians
surveyed 5.2 percent, or 11.9 million people, are "definitely
interested" in following a vegetarian-based diet in the future...
The 2008 study also indicated that over half (53 percent) of current
vegetarians eat a vegetarian diet to improve their overall health.
Environmental concerns were cited by 47 percent ; 39 percent cited "
natural approaches to wellness" ; 31 percent cited food-safety
concerns; 54 percent cited animal welfare; 25 percent cited weight loss;
and 24 percent weight maintenance..."

[From the article with more stats from the survey at:
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/features/archive_of_editorial/667


"TOP TEN REASONS TO GO VEGETARIAN:"  (05/17/08):  "...PETA's picks
for the top 10 reasons to give vegetarian eating a try... 1. Helping
Animals Also Helps the Global Poor... 2. Eating Meat Supports Cruelty to
Animals... 3. Eating Meat Is Bad for the Environment... 4. Avoid Bird
Flu... 5. If You Wouldn't Eat a Dog, You Shouldn't Eat a
Chicken... 6. Heart Disease: Our Number One Killer... 7. Cancer: Our
Number Two Killer... 8. Fitting Into That Itty-Bitty Bikini... 9. Global
Peace... 10. The Joy of Veggies...

As the growing range of vegetarian cookbooks and restaurants shows,
vegetarian foods rock. People report that when they adopt a vegetarian
diet, their range of foods explodes from a center-of-the-plate meat item
to a range of grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables that they
didn't even know existed..."

[From the great list with more explanation and some good statistics at:
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/05/17/9018/


"PLANT-BASED DIET HELPS REDUCE PREMATURE AGING AND DISEASE RISK:"
(09/16/08):  "In a study released today by The Lancet Oncology, Dean
Ornish, M.D., and colleagues found that comprehensive lifestyle changes,
including a low-fat vegan diet, increase the body's ability to fight
premature aging, cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
Twenty-four men participating in a prostate cancer study switched to a
plant-based diet and added daily exercise and relaxation techniques.
Among other beneficial effects that were previously reported, the
intervention led to increased levels of telomerase, an enzyme that
protects and repairs DNA. Blood levels of telomerase increased by an
average of 29 percent during the study..."

[From:
http://www.pcrm.org/news/archive080916.html

[Here's a link to a summary of the study where it's noted: "...Telomere
shortness in human beings is emerging as a prognostic marker of disease
risk, progression, and premature mortality in many types of cancer,
including breast, prostate, colorectal, bladder, head and neck, lung,
and renal cell...:"
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470204508702341/ab\
stract?isEOP=true


"THE ULTRA VEGAN: SCOTT JUREK INTERVIEWED: "  (2008):  "... He told me
he had been in California competing in a race.  "Oh, and how did it
go?" I replied off-handedly. "I won," he said matter of
factly. `Wow," I said with surprise, "that's
great"... "What kind of race was it?"... "It's an
ultra marathon" he clarified. "So that's like 50 miles
right?" I asked slightly incredulously. "... this race was 100
miles," he explained.  "100 miles…and you won?" I gasped
dumbfounded..."

"... Not only was the Western States 100 considered the most prestigious
ultra marathon in the world, but it's also the oldest and most
difficult. It starts in Lake Tahoe and goes west over the Sierra
Mountain Range ending outside Sacramento via 100 miles of mostly rugged
trails through high elevations and soaring temperatures... the real
shocker... Scott Jurek has won the race every year for the last five
years in a row! At the age of 29 Scott is already a legend in the world
of ultra marathons..."

"[Scott:]... The turning point came when some friends lent me the book
Mad Cowboy, by Howard F. Lyman. This book really opened my eyes to the
factory farming nightmare and how unhealthy it was for me, the animals,
and the environment. I was so inspired after reading this book that I
committed to cutting out all animal products from my diet from that
point on..."

[From the long and excellent interview at:
http://www.samadhi-yoga.com/jai/yoglif.htm#1


************************************************
*08: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
March 13-15 Green Lifestyle Festival Los Angles, CA
www.rawlifestylefilmfestival.com  310-928-2078

June 7th Institute for Integrative Nutrition  New York City, NY
646-633-4065

July 8-12 Summerfest Johnstown PA

August 21-23 5th Annual Vibrant Living Expo
Fort Bragg, CA
info@...
707-964-2420

[More information/embedded links for contact information at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*10: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[Useful resource and for networking:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

[Vegan Planet (Robin Robertson) - cooking and vegan recipes:
http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Award-winning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

VEGAN

[Nana's Vegan Cookies online!:
http://www.healthycrowd.com/

[New Book! "Metamorphosis:  Poems to Inspire Transformation:"
http://www.veganpoet.com/


************************************************
*11: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"...genes load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger..."

[Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, June 25, 2008 in Audio Interview at:
http://www.wcpn.org/index.php/WCPN/soi/12423/


"Let me be clear:  there are plenty of lousy vegetarian and vegan diets
out there.  Any diet high in refined sugar, salt, or oil is a lousy
diet, whether vegan or not.  White flour products may be vegan, but they
are nutritionally vacant.  Hydrogenated margarine is an artery-clogging
alternative to artery-clogging butter, and ought to be avoided with
vigilance.  Too many vegetarians and vegans pat themselves on the back
for what they're not eating, and pay too little attention to what they
do eat."

---  Howard Lyman ("No More Bull!"  p. 81)



******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to:
Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  Welcome to the 64th issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

We've a special treat in this edition:  a personal letter from the Big
Guy himself:  Enjoy!

Reading further, there's the usual Mad Cow Info Round-Up, new studies
tying the consumption of eggs to diabetes and meat to pancreatic
cancer, a new analysis of the prevalence of corn in our food, and a
fine essay by Dr. McDougall about answering the question:  "Why do you
avoid adding additional oil/fat in your diet?

There's also a disturbing breakdown of what's really in Downy Fabric
Softner (hint: it ain't vegan), the debate over elephant's health in
zoos, and an range of interesting facts about animals.  Moving
forward, you'll have access to links to some very interesting (and
funny) video and audio, as well as read about a body spray with a
rather unique odor.

We also have a very cool article about issues of "soil not oil,"
cutting greenhouse gases through less meat consumption globally, how
Coca-Cola is stoking the 'water wars' with propaganda, and some
thoughts about the new USDA Secretary Nomineee, Vilsack.  Plus:  don't
miss the Vegan Recipe from a new fat-free vegan cookbook (Pudgy-Free
Holidays) that's available as a PDF via the Internet.

As always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers:  y'all can browse
past issues at the Mad Cowboy Newsletter Archives:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

...and best wishes for a Happy Vegan Holidaze, keeping warm with
family and friends, and a Great New Year!

Mark, MC editor/webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
02: Vegan Recipe from Online Cookbook:  "Pudgy-Free Holidays"
03: Mad Cow Info Round-up
04: Eggs/Diabetes, Meat/Cancer, Corn in Fast Food, Avoid Fats?
05: Fabric Softener Fat, Elephant Debate, AR Spies, Animal Facts
06: Vegan Digital Theater Showcase
07: Soil Not Oil, Cut Meat/Emissions, Cola Scam, USDA Nominee Vilsack
08: Howard's Schedule
09: Quick Bytes
10: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Letter from Howard
************************************************

Best Wishes!

It is the best of times, it is the worst of times.  We have tremendous
opportunities and we have tremendous problems facing us today.  Which
side of the issue are we going to spend our limited resources on?

I believe how we attack the issues will determine weather our children
and grandchildren survive to live on planet earth.  I plan to embrace
these problems as great opportunities and I view the future as
unlimited, if we make the correct choices.

The citizens of United States have spoken in a very loud and plain
voice about the future. I hope the politicians are able to remove
themselves from the position of self comfort to a place were great
opportunities await the bold.

Issues like global warming are accepted by the majority of thinking
folks and we shall see if acceptance is linked to true solution when
it comes to reforming their eating habits.  My father told be long ago
the first thing to do to get out of a hole was to quit digging.  Today
we are digging the grave of humans on planet earth with our forks.

Our addiction to fossil fuels for our energy needs when we have the
opportunity to supply most of our needs from conservation, wind,
solar, and renewable sources should cause every thinking person in the
world to shutter with total disbelief.

The difference between the have's and have-not is growing at light
speed.  Wondering why our status in the world is falling like a rock
off a cliff  should be as clear as our face in a mirror when we review
our national behavior.  This problem did not happen overnight.  It
won't be solved overnight but we can start down the correct path by
our personal choices, starting today.

In my travels I'm encouraged by the great folks I meet that are
already leading by example.  I have no doubt we can solve the human
assaults on our environment.  The question is, can we do it before it
is too late?  I'm optimistic and will do everything I can, every day,
for the rest of my life, so when I die they may say he was a crazy old
coot but he lived his life as he belived.  I would love to include you
in my crowd of true belivers and we can always look the future
generations in the eye and say we worked for a solution for them.

Your friend, Howard


************************************************
*01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************

LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Recent estimates are that producing 1 pound of beef uses up
approximately how many gallons of water?"

(a) 500  (b) 1500  (c) 2000  (d) 4000

Congratulations to BeBe Daeffler (of Daytona Beach, FL), (winning the
VegNews subscription), and Vicki Flatter (of NY, NY) (winning the
Ethical Planet organic cotton shopping bag)!  Both supplied the
correct answer (c) 2000 and won the luck of the draw.

["Water Footprint"  [convert 16,000 litres per 1 kilogram of beef and
you get around 2,000 gallons of water for 1 lb. of beef]:
http://www.waterfootprint.org/index.php?page=files/home


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Over the course of a lifetime, the average domestic cat will spend
how many hours purring?"

(a) 5,000 hrs.   (b)  10,000 hrs.   (c) 15,000 hrs.   (d) too much
(e) not enough

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT January. 20th, 2009.  PLEASE
INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS (U.S. domestic only).  It will not be
sold nor given out to anyone but VegNews and Ethical Planet for the
freebies only.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting
the correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to
Joe, and you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call
1.415.665.6397]

[Many thanks, also, to Fran Horvath, of Ethical Planet for offering a
FREE organic cotton shopping bag to the 2nd place winner.  You can
learn more about her online (and offline) stores at:

http://www.ethicalplanet.com


************************************************
*02: Vegan Recipe from Online Cookbook:  "Pudgy-Free Holidays"
************************************************

"PUDGE-FREE HOLIDAYS, a fat free, whole foods vegan cookbook filled
with 20 new recipes, 7 blog favorites and with all the variations…
over 45 dishes! This e-cookbook is filled with healthy, vegan versions
of your holiday favorites plus meals inspired by the bounty of the
fall harvest. With this e-cookbook by your side, you'll have plenty of
healthy and delicious meals to  choose from for all of your holidays
meals and menus! (I've even included fat free desserts!) One more
thing, I've included the nutritional information on each dish! Enjoy!"

[From the write-up, list of recipes in the vegan cookbook, and link to
order an online PDF copy at:
http://happyherbivore.com/2008/11/pudge-free-holidays/

BAKED VEGAN MAC & CHEESE  (serves 2)

1/2 lb whole wheat macaroni
1/2 pkg lite silken tofu, drained
2 tbsp water
1 1/4cup fat free cup soy milk or other non-dairy
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp onion flakes
2 tbsp yellow miso
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4tsp turmeric
2 tsp tahini - optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Whole wheat bread crumbs
Vegan parmesan

DIRECTIONS:
  1. Cook pasta al dente in a large pot according to directions.
  2. Meanwhile, puree tofu and 2 tbsp water until smooth and creamy,
set aside.
      (Use blender or food processor)
  3. Once pasta is cooked, drain and rinse with cold water.
  4. In a small saucepan whisk remaining ingredients together (not tofu)
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, immediately remove from heat.
  7. Return pasta to the pot it was cooked in.
  8. Combine pasta and tofu, stirring so its evenly coated.
  9. Then add soymilk mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
  10. Transfer mac-n-cheeze to an oven safe glass casserole dish
  11. Top with breadcrumbs and vegan parmesan if desired.
  12. Bake 20-25 minutes or until top is slightly crusty.

In the cookbook, there are also 3 'variations' to this, including
broccoli cheese bake, tex mex chili mac and cheeseburger mac and
cheese - all fat-free and vegan."

http://happyherbivore.com/2008/11/pudge-free-holidays/


************************************************
*03: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
"STAY AWAY FROM CHICKEN TRUCKS! THEY MAY SPREAD POULTRY PATHOGENS:"
(11/28/08):  "A surprising finding by a team of researchers at The
John Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore
suggests that chicken trucks carrying live chickens from farms to
slaughterhouses can be a source for disease-causing bacteria for the
cars traveling behind them. Drivers and motorists stuck behind such a
truck should "pass them quickly," study authors say.... Researchers
found increased concentration of bacteria that have the potential to
threaten human health, including antibiotic-resistant strains, in air
samples collected from inside the car and on surfaces in the car such
as the door handle. Antibiotic resistance to the antibiotics
tetracycline, erythromycin and dalfopristin was noted in three strains
of bacteria from the chicken trucks... The study authors conclude that
transporting chickens in open truck to slaughter could influence human
and environmental health..."

[CITE:
Food animal transport: A potential source of community exposures to
health hazards from industrial farming (CAFOs). Ana M. Rule, Sean L.
Evans, Ellen K. Silbergeld, Journal of Infection and Public Health,
2008 Vol. 1, Pages 33-39, DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2008.08.001

[FROM:
http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_Stay_Away_from_Chicken_Trucks_They_May_Spread_Pou\
ltry_Pathogens_30156.html


"PILGRIM'S PRIDE SEEKS BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION:"  (12/02/08):  "The
chicken producer Pilgrim's Pride said Monday that it had filed for
Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it tried to resolve temporary
operational and liquidity issues... The company has been saddled by
debt because of the acquisition of its rival, Gold Kist, and has had
to extend its temporary credit line three times since September. It is
also hurting because of volatile feed prices and an oversupply of meat
on the market, which keeps prices down... Pilgrim's Pride has about
48,000 employees and operates 35 chicken processing plants and 11
prepared-foods operations. The company said that it expected to
continue operating during the reorganization. Plants in Mexico and
some operations in the United States were not included in the filing..."

[FROM:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/business/02pilgrim.html?ref=business


"AVOID IRISH PORK, FOOD BODY SAYS:"  (12/07/08):  "Pork from the Irish
Republic and Northern Ireland should not be eaten because of fears of
contamination, the UK's Food Standards Agency has said.  The advice
follows the recall of pork products after tests on slaughtered Irish
pigs showed some pork products contained potentially harmful dioxins.
  The FSA stressed consumers are unlikely to be at any "significant
risk". The Irish Republic's chief vet said contaminated pork products
may have been exported to up to 25 countries...

[From the long article at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/7770164.stm


"'SECOND WAVE' OF MAD COW DISEASE COULD HIT BRITAIN, SCIENTISTS WARN:"
  (12/07/08):  "A "second wave" of the incurable human form of mad cow
disease could hit Britain causing greater numbers of deaths, a new
study has warned.  The full extent of the outbreak of the deadly
variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) has not yet been realised,
scientists believe.  The next wave could take the form of a "tidal
wave or an imperceptible ripple", they warn... scientists warn that
thousands of people could still go on to develop the disease because
of the length of time it can remain in the body with no symptoms.
Earlier this year scientists warned that up to one in 4,000 people in
Britain could carry the infection, although the vast majority of them
would never go on to develop the full blown disease.  The results of
the new study show that the disease is affected by genetic factors in
patients...  The research, the findings of which are published in the
journal Lancet Neurology, analysed DNA samples from all the British
patients who have died from the disease and compared them with samples
from healthy blood donors..."

[FROM:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/3658886/Second-wave-of-mad-cow-dise\
ase-could-hit-Britain-scientists-warn.html


"MANILA REPORTS EBOLA VIRUS IN PIGS:"  (12/11/08):  "Philippine
officials tucked into servings of lechon, the popular dish of roasted
whole pig, in front of television cameras on Thursday to reassure the
public of the safety of the national staple meat after the discovery
among hogs near Manila of a strain of the Ebola virus.  Arthur Yap,
agriculture secretary, and Francisco Duque, health secretary, said the
Ebola Reston virus, which had never been found in pigs before,
presented a low health risk for humans and was different from the
deadly African variety. The World Health Organisation was reported to
be looking into whether there was any chance humans could have become
infected..."

[FROM:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/93df0f52-c7c0-11dd-b611-000077b07658.html


"CONSUMER GROUPS CALL FOR ACTION ON FOOD SAFETY DURING FIRST 100
DAYS:"  (12/13/08):  "The Institute of Medicine today stated that the
Food and Drug Administration's food safety system remains ill-equipped
to meet emerging challenges, and the legal authority underlying all
government inspection programs should be updated to emphasize
prevention of foodborne illness. The IOM further suggested there would
be benefits to creating a new focused food safety entity within the
Department of Health and Human Services rather than continuing at FDA.
Consumer Federation of America and the Center for Science in the
Public Interest endorsed that action and today are urging
President-Elect Barack Obama to act quickly to advance it... "The
safety of America's food supply has suffered from malign neglect under
the Bush Administration," said Michael F. Jacobson, executive director
of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. "Comprehensive food
safety reform is the kind of change we need. The status quo, after
all, is killing about 5,000 and sickening tens of million Americans a
year..."

[From the article with detailed recommendations at:
http://yubanet.com/usa/Consumer-Groups-Call-on-Obama-Administration-to-Take-Acti\
on-on-Food-Safety-During-First-100-Days.php


"AFTER 15-YEAR FIGHT, PORK PLANT WORKERS VOTE TO UNIONIZE:"
(12/13/08):  "After an expensive and emotional 15-year organizing
battle, workers at the world's largest hog-killing plant, the
Smithfield Packing slaughterhouse in Tar Heel, N.C., voted this week
to unionize. The United Food and Commercial Workers, which had lost
unionization elections at the 5,000-worker plant in 1994 and 1997,
announced late Thursday that it had finally won. The victory was
significant in a region known for hostility toward organized labor.
The vote was one of the biggest private-sector union successes in
years, and officials from the United Food and Commercial Workers said
it was the largest in that union's history..."

[FROM:
http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/dec/13/after-15-year-fight-pork-plant-wo\
rkers-vote-unioni/


"MAJOR KOREAN RETAILERS RESUME US BEEF SALES:"  (12/15/08):  "South
Korea's three major discount retailers resumed sales of U.S. beef in
late November. Korea was once the third-largest market for U.S. beef,
but the nation embargoed U.S. beef imports in late December 2003
following a discovery of mad cow disease in Washington state. Exports
of beef and beef variety meats to Korea totaled $816 million in 2003,
about 21 percent of total beef exports. The retail chains — E-Mart,
Home Plus and Lotte Mart — issued a joint press release announcing the
decision and explained that it partly resulted from the slow economy
and daily financial difficulties facing Koreans. The companies said
sales of U.S. beef will provide value and convenience, as well as help
stabilize consumer prices..."

[FROM:
http://www.shippingdigest.com/news/article.asp?sid=5720<ype=special


************************************************
*04:  Eggs/Diabetes, Meat/Cancer, Corn in Fast Food, Avoid Fats?
************************************************
"WHEN FRIENDS ASK:  WHY DO YOU AVOID ADDING  VEGETABLE OILS? :"
(08/2007):  "Begin by telling them, "The fat you eat is the fat you
wear," and remind them that there is nothing attractive about wearing
olive, flaxseed, or corn fat.*  For this reason alone, most of your
friends and family should steer clear of so-called "healthy oils"
derived from plant-foods.  Gaining weight can be expected from
consuming high-fat whole foods, such as nuts, seeds, avocados and
olives, as well as "free oils," which are usually purchased in
bottles... Chemically speaking, free oils are chains of carbon found
in a purified state.  Extraction processes have removed all of the
other ingredients of the whole food.  Thus, free oils are no longer
intermixed with the naturally-designed and balanced environment of
proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and ten thousand other
chemicals found originally in the plants.  Free-oils are not food...

...One of the most important clotting factors predicting the risk of a
heart attack is an elevated factor VII.  All five fats tested—rapeseed
oil (canola), olive oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, and butter—showed
similar increases in triglycerides and clotting factor VII.

[FROM: the detailed and superbly referenced essay/article by Dr.
McDougall at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/aug/oils.htm

[See also:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/med_hot_vegetableoils.html


"EGG CONSUMPTION LINKED TO RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES:"  (11/19/08):  "In
a new study including about 57,000 men and women from two large,
completed randomized trials, researchers found that daily consumption
of eggs increased the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Daily
egg intake was associated with a 77 and 58 percent increased risk for
women and men, respectively.

[FROM:
http://www.pcrm.org/news/archive081119.html

[ABSTRACT:
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/dc08-1271v1


"MEAT AND FAT INTAKE RELATED TO SMALL INTESTINAL CANCER:"  (11/13/08):
  "Findings published in the journal Cancer Research, a journal of the
American Association for Cancer Research, identify dietary intake of
saturated fats as a possible risk factor for cancer of the small
intestine, advancing the understanding of cancer development in this
and other areas of the digestive tract.  While relatively rare, rates
of cancer of the small intestine have been increasing since the 1970s.
Individuals with this cancer are at increased risk of developing a
second primary malignancy, particularly colorectal cancer... Diets
high in red and processed meats are associated with cancer of the
large intestine. However, this is the first prospective study to
examine meat and fat intake in relation to cancer of the small
intestine..."

[FROM:
http://www.aacr.org/home/public--media/news.aspx?d=1185

[ABSTRACT:
http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/68/22/9274


"FAST FOOD: JUST ANOTHER NAME FOR CORN:"  (11/11/08):  "That the
$100-billion fast food industry rests on a foundation of corn has been
known more through inference and observation than hard scientific fact
- until now.  Chemical analysis from restaurants across the United
States shows that nearly every cow or chicken used in fast food is
raised on a diet of corn, prompting fresh criticism of the
government's role in subsidizing poor eating habits...  Corn is
central to agriculture in the United States, where it is grown in
greater volumes and receives more government subsidies han any other
crop. Between 1995 and 2006 corn growers received $56 billion in
federal subsidies, and the annual figure may soon hit $10 billion.
But in recent years, environmentalists have branded corn as an icon of
unsustainable agriculture. It requires large amounts of fertilizer and
pesticides, both of which require large amounts of fossil fuel to
manufacture.

..."We're seeing that corn is the number-one reason that fast food is
so cheap and available," said Meredith Niles, a food policy analyst at
the Center for Food Safety who was not involved in the study. "U.S.
programs are subsidizing obesity in this country..."

[FROM the interesting article at:
http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/11/fast-food-anoth.html

[ABSTRACT of study:
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2008/11/10/0809870105


************************************************
*05: Fabric Softener Fat, Elephant Debate, AR Spies, Animal Facts
************************************************
"WHAT'S INSIDE -- DOWNY COATS BRIEFS WITH HORSE FAT:"  (11/24/08):
"Dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride:  A derivative of
rendered fat from cattle, sheep, and horses. Just boil it down and mix
with ammonium (NH4). After a series of chemical pit stops, out comes a
quaternary ammonium compound, or quat—a positive ion in which the
hydrogen is replaced by long-chain organic molecules. Quats
effectively coat your clothing with lipids, making the fibers soft to
the touch. These fats also make fabric a bit less absorbent—don't use
on towels or cloth diapers—and the positive charge neutralizes static
electricity. There are a few other quats in Downy, with easily
pronounceable names like 1-methyl-1-tallowamidoethyl-2
-tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate...

...Kathon CG:  Also known by the catchy moniker
5-chloro-2-methyl-3-isothiazolone. So much animal fat in one place
serves as a perfect medium for microbes. Without powerful
antimicrobials like isothiazolones, April Fresh would quickly turn
into August Rancid...

[Full disturbing analysis and explanation of all ingredients with
links at:
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/magazine/16-12/st_whatsinside


"CRITICAL REPORT ON HEALTH OF ZOO ELEPHANTS IS DEBATED:"  (12/12/08):
  "Living in a zoo drastically shortens the lives of Asian and African
elephants, possibly because of the effects of stress and obesity,
researchers are reporting... The researchers said it had long been
known that zoo-raised elephants were at risk of becoming overweight or
falling prey to behavioral disturbances, infanticide, foot trouble and
diseases like herpes and tuberculosis. Activist groups, citing these
issues, have urged that elephant conservation efforts be limited to
maintaining elephant populations in the wild.  The new analysis, based
on data on more than 4,500 elephants, most of them female, shows that
"bringing elephants into zoos profoundly impairs their viability," the
researchers said..."

[FROM the long article at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/12/science/12zoo.html?ref=us


"KEY VOICES CONCERN ON USE OF SPIES:" (12/16/08):  "Prime Minister
John Key has raised concerns around police using paid informants to
infiltrate protest groups, but his Government will not intervene...
Police have reportedly been paying informants to spy on groups such as
Greenpeace, animal rights and climate change campaigners and Iraq war
protesters.  The Government said police needed to remain independent
and it has ruled out holding an inquiry..."

[FROM:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10548241


'AMAZING ANIMAL FACTS:

"Baboons are very family-oriented and have conducted "sit-ins,"
blocked traffic, and thrown rocks at cars after their youngsters were
struck and killed by vehicles."

"Alaskan buffalo have been observed charging down hills and sliding
across icy ponds, bellowing with delight, and then climbing back up
the hill to do it again."

"Octopuses collect bottle caps, attractive stones and other finds from
the ocean floor and decorate their dens with them, repositioning an
object if it doesn't seem to suit the design."

"Chickens have 24 distinct cries to communicate to one another,
including separate alarm calls depending on what kind of predator is
threatening them."

[The above but a few from the following 9 web pages of summarized
animal facts at:
http://www.peta.org/mc/amazing.asp


************************************************
*06: Vegan Digital Theater Showcase
************************************************
VIDEO OF OBAMA'S VEGAN EXPERIENCE:  [From the vegan outreach gal who
questioned Obama at a political rally:  "His response included an
admission that our infrastructure needs fixing, and that subsidies
need to be taken away from large scale animal ag, helping small family
farms. He acknowledged that our health care crises needs to
incorporate preventative measures, including more fresh vegetables and
fruit. He also said schools need more of these items versus
pre-packaged food and meat products. And of course, he pointed the
finger at China and India and that their new diet [which is mimicking
ours] needs to be changed."

[Excerpts of her report about this event from vegan.com:
http://www.vegan.com/blog/2008/08/01/obamas-vegan-moment/

[Webpage where video was posted:
"http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7iiew_barack-obama-responds-to-vegan-ques_new\
s


VIDEO/COMMENTARY OF "CLEAN COAL FOR CHRISTMAS:"  (12/11/08):  "... the
"Clean coal carolers" video shown here... was just released by the
American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE), a front group
for the coal industry. This latest PR ploy features animated lumps of
coal singing Christmas carols with the wording changed to deliver
pro-coal propaganda.  The "Clean coal carolers" video appears on the
ACCCE website, which lets you adorn each lump of coal with a festive
holiday cap or scarf, and then have them sing a song of your choosing,
from options that include "Clean Coal Night," "Abundant, Affordable,"
"O' Technology" and "Deck the Halls..."

[To see a version of the "singing coal" and a lot more commentary on
this absurdity:
http://www.prwatch.org/node/8060

[See Also the long and interesting article, "Coal Campaign Pulled
After heavy Criticism" at:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/JustOneThing/story?id=6444773&page=1


VIDEO/INTERVIEWS: "FOOD FIGHT" is a fascinating look at how American
agricultural policy and food culture developed in the 20th century,
and how the California food movement has created a counter-revolution
against big agribusiness."

[Above text from the website at:
http://www.foodfightthedoc.com

[Video Trailer and Interview with Director:
http://revver.com/video/1290307/food-fight-movie-trailer-and-interview-chris-tay\
lor-afi/


AUDIO INTERVIEW ABOUT SEA VEGETABLES & SEA VEGETABLES RECIPES"
http://herbmentor.podbean.com/2008/06/30/sea-vegetables-seaweed-recipes-with-jam\
es-jungwirth/


AUDIO INTERVIEWS (7 SEGMENTS) WITH DR. T. COLIN CAMPBELL ("The China
Study"):
[Covers a wide range of issues, provides a text summary of topics in
order for each segment, and a full text transcript:
http://www.climatehealth.net/Interviews.html


"FLAME" THE BODY SPRAY WITH A HINT OF FLAME-BROILED MEAT:
http://www.firemeetsdesire.com/

[See also:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28284679?GT1=43001


CARTOONS & BLOG BY DAN PIRARO, "Please Enjoy Responsibly:"
http://bizarrocomic.blogspot.com/


************************************************
*07: Soil Not Oil, Cut Meat/Emissions, Cola Scam, USDA Nominee Vilsack
************************************************
"SOIL NOT OIL: WHY WE NEED TO KICK PETROLEUM OUT OF OUR FARMS:"
(12/03/08):  "The industrialized, globalized food system is based on
oil. It is under threat because of the inevitability of "peak oil." It
is also under threat because it is more vulnerable than traditional
agriculture to climate change, to which it has contributed. Industrial
agriculture is based on monocultures. Monocultures are highly
vulnerable to changes in climate, and to diseases and pests....
Industrial agriculture is dependent on chemical fertilizers.
Chemically fertilized soils are low in organic matter. Organic matter
helps conserve the soil and soil moisture, providing insurance against
drought. Soils lacking organic matter are more vulnerable to drought
and to climate change. Industrial agriculture is also more dependent
on intensive irrigation. Since climate change is leading to the
melting of glaciers that feed rivers, and in many regions of the world
to the decline in precipitation and increased intensity of drought,
the vulnerability of industrial agriculture will only increase.
Finally, since the globalized food system is based on long-distance
supply chains, it is vulnerable to breakdown in the context of extreme
events of flooding, cyclones, and hurricanes. While aggravating
climate change, fossil fuel-dependent industrialized, globalized
agriculture is least able to adapt to the change.

We need an alternative. Biodiverse, organic farms and localized food
systems offer us security in times of climate insecurity, while
producing more food, producing better food, and creating more
livelihoods. The industrialized, globalized food system is based on
oil; biodiverse, organic, and local food systems are based on living
soil. The industrialized system is based on creating waste and
pollution; a living agriculture is based on no waste. The
industrialized system is based on monocultures; sustainable systems
are based on diversity..."

[The preceding an excerpt from" Soil Not Oil: Environmental Justice in
an Age of Climate Crisis," by Vandana Shiva (South End Press, 2008).
For the excellent and significantly longer excerpt:
http://www.alternet.org/story/109576/


"AS MORE EAT MEAT, A BID TO CUT EMISSIONS:"  (12/04/08):  "... What to
do about farm emissions is one of the main issues being discussed this
week and next, as the environment ministers from 187 nations gather in
Poznan, Poland, for talks on a new treaty to combat global warming. In
releasing its latest figure on emissions last month, United Nations
climate officials cited agriculture and transportation as the two
sectors that remained most "problematic." "It's an area that's been
largely overlooked," said Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, head of the Nobel
Prize-winning United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change. He says people should eat less meat to control their carbon
footprints. "We haven't come to grips with agricultural emissions."
The trillions of farm animals around the world generate 18 percent of
the emissions that are raising global temperatures, according to
United Nations estimates, more even than from cars, buses and
airplanes..."

[From the long and very interesting article at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/science/earth/04meat.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper


"COCA-COLA'S LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL SCAM:"  (12/06/08):  "The Coca-Cola
Co. is up to its old tricks again. The company, which is under fire
for its mismanagement of water resources in India, has gone all out to
manufacture an image of itself as a global leader in water
conservation. Sections of Coca-Cola's Web site, for example, read like
a proposal that a nongovernmental organization working on water issues
might write... In a concept paper on water neutrality developed in
November 2007 by the Coca-Cola Co., the World Business Council on
Sustainable Development, World Wildlife Fund and others,  it reads:
"In a strict sense, the term 'water neutral' is troublesome and even
may be misleading. It is often possible to reduce a water footprint,
but it is generally impossible to bring it down to zero." ... In other
words, becoming water neutral is impossible.

...The International Campaign to Hold Coca-Cola Accountable for its
abuses in India has been frustrated with Coca-Cola's increased public
relations, under the guise of corporate social responsibility, to
respond to the crisis that Coca-Cola has created in India. Communities
living around some of Coca-Cola's bottling plants in India are
experiencing severe water shortages -- due to Coca-Cola's extraction
of water from the groundwater resource, as well as pollution by the
company's plants..."

[FROM the comprehensive article on the issues of Coca-Cola and water
in India at:
http://www.alternet.org/water/110365/coca-cola%27s_latest_environmental_scam/


"U.S. AGRICULTURE NOMINEE ATTRACTS CONTROVERSY:"  (12/19/08):
"President-elect Barack Obama nominated the former governor of Iowa,
Tom Vilsack, to serve as his secretary of agriculture earlier this
week. If approved, Vilsack will oversee the world's most productive
farmlands, and therefore, some of the world's most daunting
environmental challenges. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will
influence decisions of ethanol production and global food shortages,
growing meat demand and livestock-related greenhouse gases,
genetically modified organisms and organic agriculture, rural poverty
and agribusiness consolidation.

Vilsack critics say he supported larger farms more than local, organic
food production during his two decades in government.... "Vilsack's
nomination sends the message that dangerous, untested, unlabeled
genetically engineered crops will be the norm in the Obama
Administration," said Ronnie Cummins, executive director of the
Organic Consumers Association, in a press release.... But the Humane
Society of the United States supports his nomination, citing his
responsive record on various animal rights measures. Michael
Markarian, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, said he
was not "extremely familiar" with Vilsack's record on factory farming,
but Vilsack was the Humane Society's top choice, nonetheless..."

[FROM the more detailed discussion of policy issues surrounding
Vilsack at:
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5970


************************************************
*08: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
March 13-15 Green Lifestyle Festival Los Angles, CA
www.rawlifestylefilmfestival.com  310-928-2078

June 7th Institute for Integrative Nutrition  New York City, NY
646-633-4065

July 8-12 Summerfest Johnstown PA

August 21-23 5th Annual Vibrant Living Expo
Fort Bragg, CA
info@...
707-964-2420

[More information/embedded links for contact information at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*10: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[Useful resource and for networking:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

[Robin Robertston's "Vegan Planet:"
http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[The FatFree Vegan Yahoo Group List:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fatfree_vegan/

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Award-winning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

[Some stunning recipes:
http://vegandad.blogspot.com

VEGAN

[Nana's Vegan Cookies online!:
http://www.healthycrowd.com/

[New Book! "Metamorphosis:  Poems to Inspire Transformation:"
http://www.veganpoet.com/


************************************************
*11: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"Every great event that has ever happened in the world always started
in one mind. This movement we have today of changing the way people
eat is nothing compared to abolishing slavery, or giving women the
right to vote. You look at all of those movements, the civil rights
movement, how difficult they were --- and we want to say "this is too
tough for us?" I don't think so. I think it's all about saying "I
can't do everything, but I can do something. I can start today." And I
understand that the fork is the most dangerous weapon in the arsenal
of the Homo Sapien --- we're digging more graves with our fork than
any other tool. So join with me. Let's go change the world --- one
bite at a time, and let's start today."

--- Howard Lyman, in "The Mad Cowboy Lecture: 2007" DVD
(http://www.madcowboy.com/)


"All truth goes through three stages.
First it is ridiculed.
Then it is violently opposed.
Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."

--- Schopenhauer


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  Welcome to the 65th issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

In this issue we're proud to showcase a recipe from a new cookbook
(and fine blog) available online:  "The Vegan Dad Cookbook."

There's also information on how fruit can help you fight the flu, 20
anti-aging herbs and spices, news about mercury in high fructose corn
syrup (HFCS), and "Food Matters."  Reading further, you'll learn about
the world's "largest vegan," how bees help plants by "being" scary,
why a well-known circus has been taken to court, that Rome's greatest
athletes were vegans, and be able to watch several videos listed in
our "Vegan Digital Theater Showcase" ranging from an introduction to
animal rights (Dr. Tom Regan), an elephant and best friend, Dr. T.
Colin Campbell, "Flow: The Water Crisis," and five top films about food.

... and as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers:  y'all can
browse past issues at the Mad Cowboy Newsletter Archives:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Best wishes to all for a good 2009, stay warm, and start planning
those Spring Vegetable Gardens!

Mark, MC editor/webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
02: A Recipe from "The Vegan Dad Cookbook"
03: Mad Cow Info Round-up
04: Fruit & Flu, Herbs & Spices, Mercury & HFCS, Eggs & Diabetes
05: Largest Vegan, Scary Bees, Circus on Trial, Lobster Goes Free
06: Vegan Digital Theater Showcase
07: Vegans Best Roman Athletes, The Veg Internet, Food Matters
08: Howard's Schedule
09: Quick Bytes
10: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote from Howard
************************************************
"There's a pink elephant in the overcrowded, ever-expanding hospital
room known as the American "health care" industry, and they call it
Alzheimer's disease...I call Alzheimer's a pink elephant not because
nobody acknowledges that it is there, but rather because almost nobody
acknowledges that it ws never there before.  By historical standards,
Alzheimer's is virtually a brand-new disease.  Like CJD, Alzheimer's
disease (AD) is a mere hundred years old, a significant fact that
tends to be ignored... in 1906 it was... an extremely rare phenomenon.
  Today, the disease has reached epidemic proportions, as it affects
roughly 10 percent of Americans over sixty-five years of age, and
estimates are that an astounding 50 percent of our compatriots over
eighty-five suffer from this affliction!

...Dementia is not a natural condition that we should expect to 'grow
into" at any age.  Like heart disease, dementia has acquired a patina
of normalcy only because so many of those around us succumb to it.
But I believe that, like heart disease, it is a distinctly abnormal
condition brought about by an abnormal diet... And I firmly believe
that it [is from] the exact same cause:  meat... in the past... meat
was not produced in the same way it's produced today... cows [have]
been turned into... cannibals."

--- Howard Lyman ("No More Bull!" pp. 55-56)
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VVFprods.002.html


************************************************
*01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Over the course of a lifetime, the average domestic cat will spend
how many hours purring?"

(a) 5,000 hrs.   (b)  10,000 hrs.   (c) 15,000 hrs.   (d) too much
(e) not enough

["A typical cat spends over 10,000 hours of his or her life purring:"
http://www.peta.org/mc/amazing.asp?page=3

Congratulations to Bill Lawton for correctly guessing "(b)" and
winning the luck of the draw.  He'll receive a year's subscription to
"VegNews."  Congratulations, also, to Twila Hoyle, of New Orleans, LA,
who was among those answering "(e)."  She'll receive the Organic
Cotton Shopping Bag.


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Americans get most of their calories from which of the following top
five sources?"

(a) soda   (b) potato chips  (c) pizza  (d) pastries  (e) hamburgers


Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word
"contest" in your subject line by NLT February. 20th, 2009.  PLEASE
INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS (U.S. domestic only).  It will not be
sold nor given out to anyone but VegNews and Ethical Planet for the
freebies only.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE
one-year subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting
the correct answer to each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to
Joe, and you can learn more about VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call
1.415.665.6397]

[Many thanks, also, to Fran Horvath, of Ethical Planet for offering a
FREE organic cotton shopping bag to the 2nd place winner.  You can
learn more about her online (and offline) stores at:

http://www.ethicalplanet.com


************************************************
*02: A Recipe from "The Vegan Dad Cookbook"
************************************************
  "Looking at Vegan Dad's food makes me want to be adopted."
--- Howard Lyman (aka "The Mad ")

THE VEGAN DAD COOKBOOK:  "Making vegan food the whole family can enjoy
seems like a daunting task. No more! The Vegan Dad Cookbook contains
over 120 recipes that take kids' food beyond the veggie dog. From
brunch to dinner, Vegan Dad has you covered with dishes from around
the world as well as good ol' fashioned comfort food. This book
provides the answer to that daily question, "what's for dinner?"

[Available as a downloadable PDF or black'n'white book at:
http://stores.lulu.com/VeganDad

[Vegan Dad's Marvelous Blog:
http://vegandad.blogspot.com/

VEGAN SAUSAGES
(makes six sausage)

INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 cup pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cold vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 1/4 cups vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seed, crushed
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Several dashes fresh black pepper

METHOD:
1. Before mixing your ingredients, get your steaming apparatus ready,
bring water to a full boil. The rest of the recipe comes together very
quickly.

2. Have ready 6 sheets of tin foil. In a large bowl, mash the pinto beans
until no whole ones are left. Throw all the other ingredients together
in the
order listed and mix with a fork. Divide dough into 6 even parts.
Place one
part of dough into tin foil and mold into about a 5 inch log. Wrap
dough in
tin foil, like a tootsie roll. Don't worry too much about shaping it,
it will snap
into shape while it's steaming because this recipe is awesome.

3. Place wrapped sausages in steamer and steam for 40 minutes.

(from "The Vegan Dad Cookbook," p. 43)
http://stores.lulu.com/VeganDad


************************************************
*03: Mad Cow Info Round-up
************************************************
"DEAD ANIMALS FOUND IN CHILDREN'S CRAYONS:" (12/19/08): "The 2004
report to Congress is found in the library of Congressional Research
Service. http://digital.library.unt.edu/govdocs/... It is the most
recent information reported to Congress on the Rendering Industry
(according to documents within the Congressional Research Service
library). The 'Introduction' paragraph explains the little discussed
industry. "Renderers convert dead animals and animal parts that
otherwise would require disposal into a variety of materials,
including edible and inedible tallow and lard and proteins such as
meat and bone meal (MBM). These materials in turn are exported or sold
to domestic manufacturers of a wide range of industrial and consumer
goods such as livestock feed and pet food, soaps, pharmaceuticals,
lubricants, plastics, personal care products, and even crayons."
...The Rendering Industry claims to be the 'first recyclers'. Their
task of removing waste material is disgusting to ponder; however, it
is a necessary evil. "Renderers annually convert 47 billion pounds or
more of raw animal materials into approximately 18 billion pounds of
products." Besides the leftovers from processing human foods in the
U.S., 'renderers collect and process about half of all livestock and
poultry that die from diseases...'"

[From:
http://www.naturalnews.com/025130.html

[See also:
http://www.TruthAboutPetFood.com


"LIST OF TAINTED PEANUT BUTTER ITEMS POINTS TO COMPLEXITY OF FOOD
PRODUCTION:"  (01/23/09):  "For the nation's grocery shoppers, the
list of foods that might contain salmonella-tainted peanut butter has
grown so quickly that keeping up seems daunting.  There are boxes of
Valentine's candy, frozen cookie dough and dog biscuits, chicken
satay, peanut butter cups and stuffed celery.  Many of the products
are sold as supermarket brands or under lesser-known national labels,
but the list also has some of the more popular snacks on the shelf,
like Little Debbie sandwich crackers, Famous Amos cookies and energy
snacks from Clif Bar and NutriSystems.

The Food and Drug Administration has listed almost 130 products [882
as of 02/02/09]  that have been recalled, but federal officials say
the list is likely to grow as the investigation continues... The large
and varied list of products points up the many layers involved in
producing packaged foods....Out of 486 cases of salmonella illness
reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 people
have died and 107 have been hospitalized. The most recent person
sickened fell ill on Jan 8. Since it takes up to three weeks for cases
to be reported to the disease agency, more are expected...
Investigators tracked the salmonella outbreak to the Peanut
Corporation of America, a factory in Blakely, Ga., that makes peanut
butter and peanut paste. It sells to institutions like schools and
nursing homes and to other companies, like Kellogg's, which turns the
butter or paste into products like peanut-butter-filled crackers...
The plant, which is closed, packed peanut butter in bulk ranging from
5 to 1,700 pounds, much of which was shipped to institutions. Many
school districts have pulled peanut butter from menus, with some
substituting more commonly recognized supermarket brands. New York
City school officials said they had not bought any peanut butter or
products with ingredients that originated at the Georgia plant.

... "The piece that hasn't come out yet is that peanut butter isn't
like spinach or ground beef because it has a really long shelf life,"
said Caroline Smith DeWaal, food safety director for the Center for
Science in the Public Interest.  Ms. DeWaal and other critics of the
federal food safety system said that because peanut butter was
considered a low risk for contamination, plants could sometimes go
without inspection for a decade..."

[From:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/health/23scare.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

[For a current list of recalled products (887 products as of 02/02/09):
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm


"SALMONELLA' COMPANY RAN UNINSPECTED PLANT IN TEXAS:"  (02/03/09):
"The Associated Press has learned a processing plant in Texas run by
the same company blamed for a national salmonella outbreak operated
uninspected and unlicensed for years.  Texas health records show the
Peanut Corporation of America plant in Plainview had never been
inspected until after the company recently fell under investigation by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  FDA inspectors went through
the plant two-weeks-ago. No sign of salmonella has been found there,
but the fact it's existed for so long is raising more questions about
the government's efforts to keep the food supply safe..."

[From:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,487288,00.html


"STIMULUS MAY BOLSTER DAIRY INDUSTRY:"  (01/15/09):  "A stimulus
package may be a lifeline for the nation's economy, but it could be a
death sentence for a lot of cows.  Lawmakers are looking for ways to
use the forthcoming stimulus bill to help dairy farmers, and the
number one priority is to dampen milk supplies and prop up prices.
Translation: reduce the nation's dairy herd.  Exactly how Congress
will accomplish that remains uncertain... Taking milk cows out of
production as a way to control milk prices is a controversial
approach. The federal government tried that in the 1980s through the
whole herd buyout program, and while the policy worked for a time,
milk production eventually bounced back and farmers were once again
grappling with low milk prices.  The buyout also sent beef prices
crashing, as slaughtered cows entered the meat supply..."

[From:
http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090115/NEWS02/301159967/0/FRONTPAGE


"USMEF SPREADS NUTRITIONAL MESSAGE TO MEXICO:"  (01/09/09):  "A very
targeted message on the health benefits of including beef and pork
protein in a balanced diet hit the mark last year as the US Meat
Export Federation (USMEF) Mexico office delivered nutritional and
educational seminars for healthcare professionals in a country with an
extremely high rate of obesity and weight-related health issues.
USMEF conducted 119 seminars in 2008 that provided nearly 5,000 health
professionals with nutritional information on US beef and pork. These
one-hour seminars included a 30-minute presentation from a physician
or cardiologist, a 20-minute presentation from a dietician and a
10-minute presentation from a chef in conjunction with a tasting
session of US beef and pork. The target audiences were health
professionals, including physicians, nurses, dieticians, nutritionists
and college students in the health field, and housewives with
children.  From a total population in Mexico of 110 million people,
24.4 per cent are obese and another35 percent are overweight. In
addition, 6.5 million people have diabetes while between 35 and 37
million people are at risk to get diabetes type 2, which can be
regulated with a healthy diet and exercise...."

[From:
http://www.thepigsite.com/swinenews/20091/usmef-spreads-nutritional-message-to-m\
exico


"BSE COST [U.S.]  $11 BILLION:"  (01/22/09):  "A government report
released in Washington on Tuesday, claims that ranchers and farmers
lost $11 billion, between 2004 and 2008, after Japan and South Korea,
along with other countries banned the import of US beef.  The ban was
imposed, after the discovery of BSE or mad-cow-disease was discovered
at a meat plant in a downer cow during December 2003.Beef exports came
to a virtual standstill as a result of the find, the markets of Japan
and South Korea, have still not fully recovered.  Max Baucus, Senator
for from Montana, who heads the Senate Finance Committee, said "While
I am pleased Korea is now accepting some US beef, it is clear that the
USDA must redouble their efforts to fully open the markets of Japan,
China and the rest of the world to safe delicious US beef..."

[From:
http://www.farminguk.com/news/United-States-BSE-cost-country-$11-Billion.10417.a\
sp


"NEW BIRD FLU CASES REVIVE FEARS OF HUMAN PANDEMIC:" (01/04/09):  Just
when you thought you could scratch bird flu off your list of things to
worry about in 2009, the deadly H5N1 virus has resurfaced in poultry
in Hong Kong for the first time in six years, reinforcing warnings
that the threat of a human pandemic isn't over.  India, Bangladesh,
Vietnam and mainland China also experienced new outbreaks in December.
During the same period, four new human cases -- in Egypt, Cambodia and
Indonesia -- were reported to the World Health Organization. A
16-year-old girl in Egypt and a 2-year-old girl in Indonesia have
died... H5N1 already has been a disaster for poultry farmers in Asia.
Public health officials estimate that as many as half a billion fowl
have been killed by the virus or culled to contain its spread, causing
enormous economic strain and food shortages. But the bigger fear has
always been that H5N1 would give rise to a human pandemic like the
so-called Spanish flu of 1918, which killed an estimated 50 million
people worldwide.

It was in Hong Kong in 1997 that the H5N1 virus was first observed to
jump from chickens to humans, infecting 18 people and killing six of
them, raising fears of a worldwide catastrophe. Hong Kong ordered its
entire poultry population, estimated at 1.6 million birds, destroyed
within three days.  A more recent chain of poultry outbreaks began in
South Korea in 2003 and spread over the years to 61 countries in Asia,
Africa and Europe... The total number of verified human cases since
the 2003 outbreak began is 391, of whom 247 died. After peaking in
2006 at 115 human cases with 79 deaths, human infections dropped to 40
in 2008, with 30 deaths, according to a World Health Organization
update in mid-December..."

[From:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-birdflu4-2009jan04,0,3010223\
.story


"IS CHINA COVERING UP A NEW BIRD FLU EPIDEMIC?:"  (02/03/09):  "While
the WHO has recently said they do not believe China is experiencing a
bird flu epidemic, an article in Business Week argues that the
government may not be entirely forthcoming about the current
situation:  There have already been eight reported cases of humans
contracting the potential deadly H5N1 virus, from which five people
have died this year. And despite the fact that Hong Kong officials
have been finding dead birds infected with the virus washing up onto
its shores in recent days from the mainland, China has not made any
official statement concerning an outbreak among birds. At least one
Hong Kong health advisor to the government, Lo Wing-lok, says the
government "just isn't admitting" to the problem.  If this is true,
both Chinese health officials and the state media must share the
blame. Surely after so many human infections people must be asking
questions of how the caught the virus, as human to human transmission
is highly unlikely. But China has a horrible track record of
squelching bad news at the cost of public safety, usually with the
complicity of the local media. Back in 2003 Guangdong provincials
covered up the SARS epidemic for 22 weeks before informing neighboring
Hong Kong. By that time it was too late, and nearly 300 people died of
SARS in Hong Kong, as did hundreds more worldwide. You would have
thought that China had learned its lesson back then."

[From:
http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2009/02/is-china-covering-up-a-new-bird-flu-epidemi\
c/


************************************************
*04: Fruit & Flu, Herbs & Spices, Mercury & HFCS, Eggs & Diabetes
************************************************
"FRUIT FIGHTS THE FLU:"  (2009):  "Fruit fights the germs we're
exposed to in the winter. "The vitamin load keeps your immune level
high, allowing you to fend off colds and flu," says Amy Howell, Ph.D.,
a research scientist at Rutgers University. Fruits also reduce the
risk of heart disease and cancer. Try the five below to give your
immune system a boost.

Apples:  The most popular source of antioxidants in our diet...
Papayas: ...250 percent of the RDA of vitamin C...  Cranberries:
...more antioxidants than other common fruits and veggies... five
times the amount in broccoli... Grapefruit:  Loaded with vitamin C,
grapefruit also contains natural compounds called limonoids, which can
lower cholesterol. The red varieties are a potent source of the
cancer-fighting substance lycopene.  Bananas:  One of the top food
sources of vitamin B6, bananas help reduce fatigue, depression,
stress, and insomnia. Bananas are high in magnesium, which keeps bones
strong, and potassium, which helps prevent heart disease and high
blood pressure.

[From the more detailed article at:
http://www.menshealth.com/spotlight/coldandflu/flu-fighting-fruits.html


"20 ANTI-AGING HERBS AND SPICES TO ADD TO YOUR DIET NOW:"  (12/24/08):
* Spices and herbs maximize nutrient density. Herbs and spices contain
antioxidants, minerals and multivitamins...
* You can eliminate salt. When you flavor your foods with spices
instead of salt you'll immediately see health and physical benefits...
* Spices and herbs have real medicinal properties. Study after study
shows the benefits of distinct herbs and spices...
... if you have the following health concerns:
* rosemary and basil for their anti-inflammatory power
* cumin and sage for their dementia-fighting power
* cayenne and cinnamon for their obesity-fighting power
* coriander and cinnamon for their sugar regulating powers
* lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron for their calming
effects on your mood
* turmeric for its cancer fighting power
* oregano for its fungus-beating power
* garlic, mustard seed and chicory for their heart-pumping power
* basil and thyme for their skin-saving power
* turmeric, basil, cinnamon, thyme, saffron, and ginger for their
immune-boosting power
* coriander, rosemary, cayenne, allspice and black pepper for their
depression-busting power

[Very edited from:
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/114694/20_anti-aging_herbs_and_spices_to_\
add_to_your_diet_now/


"MERCURY IN HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, FDA HAS KNOWN FOR YEARS:"
(01/27/09):  "... the HFCS industry has been hiding some major
skeletons in its closet -- according to the IATP study (pdf), over 30%
of products containing the substance tested positive for mercury.
What makes this news truly shocking is not just that the manufacturers
of high fructose corn syrup would put consumers' health at risk, but
that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) knew about the mercury
in the syrup, and has been sitting on this information since 2005...
nearly 50 percent of commercial HFCS samples tested positive for the
heavy metal...  In making HFCS -- that "natural" sweetener, as the
Corn Refiners Association likes to call it -- caustic soda is one
ingredient used to separate corn starch from the corn kernel.
Apparently most caustic soda for years has been produced in industrial
chlorine (chlor-alkali) plants, where it can be contaminated with
mercury that it passes on to the HFCS, and then to consumers.

..."Mercury is toxic in all its forms," said IATP's David Wallinga,
M.D., and a co-author in both studies. "Given how much high fructose
corn syrup is consumed by children, it could be a significant
additional source of mercury never before considered. We are calling
for immediate changes by industry and the FDA to help stop this
avoidable mercury contamination of the food supply..."

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-hatfield/our-melamine-theres-mercu_b_161334\
.html

[For another long article with links to the study and more:
http://www.naturalnews.com/025442.html

[See also:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/still-spooked-by-high-fructose-corn-syr\
up/?ei=5070&emc=eta1


"EGG INTAKE LINKED TO DIABETES RISK:"  (02/02/09):  "People who sit
down to a daily breakfast of eggs may have an increased risk of
developing type 2 diabetes, new research suggests.  In a long-term
study of 57,000 U.S. adults, researchers found that those who ate an
egg a day were 58 percent to 77 percent more likely than
non-egg-eaters to develop type 2 diabetes... The study does not
explain exactly why eggs are linked to diabetes, but cholesterol may
play a role. The study participants' daily cholesterol intake was also
related to diabetes risk, and when the researchers factored this in,
the relationship between egg intake and diabetes weakened... it's
important for people at risk of type 2 diabetes -- due to factors like
family history and obesity -- to pay attention to their overall
cholesterol intake, and not just cholesterol from eggs.

[Study Source:
Diabetes Care, February 2009.

[Above edited from:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKTRE51162D20090202?pageNumber=2&virt\
ualBrandChannel=0&sp=true


************************************************
*05: Largest Vegan, Scary Bees, Circus on Trial, Lobster Goes Free
************************************************
"BEES GET PLANTS' PESTS IN A FLAP:"  (12/22/08):  "Bees can be good
for plants in more ways than one, scientists have found.  Researchers
in Germany discovered that the flapping of bees' wings scared off
caterpillars, reducing leaf damage.  Many wasp species lay their eggs
in caterpillars, and so caterpillars have evolved to avoid them. The
sounds of bees' and wasps' wings are similar.  Writing in the journal
Current Biology, the scientists suggest this is an added bonus of
having bees around, as well as the pollination they provide.  "Our
findings indicate for the first time that visiting honeybees provide
plants with a totally unexpected advantage," they write.  "They not
only transport pollen from flower to flower, but in addition also
reduce plant destruction by herbivores.... the researchers believe the
caterpillars were sensing the bees' presence through the tiny hairs on
their bodies, which enable them to detect vibrations in the air.
"These sensory hairs are not fine-tuned," said lead researcher Jurgen
Tautz from the Biozentrum at Wurzburg University..."

[From:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7796138.stm


"NY EATERY FREES ANCIENT LOBSTER:"  (01/10/09):  "A lobster believed
to be some 140 years old is to be freed from the confines of a tank at
a New York restaurant.  George the giant lobster, weighing 9kg (20lb),
will be returned to the ocean, from where he was caught two weeks ago.
  The crustacean was bought for $100 (£66) by the City Crab and Seafood
and quickly adopted as its mascot, posing for pictures with restaurant
patrons.  But animal rights group Peta sought the lobster's release,
and will now put it back into the waters off Maine.  It will enter the
ocean in the waters around Kennebunkport, where lobster trapping is
banned.  George was originally caught off Newfoundland, Canada, and
has spent about 10 days in the tank at City Crab and Seafood... The
approximate age of a lobster can be deduced from its weight..."

[From:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/7821645.stm


"VEGAN SAID TO BE LARGEST ON EARTH:"  (01/30/09):  "Americans have
long equated animal protein (e.g. chicken, milk, and eggs) with
growth, strength, and good health, and they assume that without animal
protein, we would fast become sickly and weak.  To most, a vegetarian
or vegan diet seems odd and incomplete. But, consider this fact in
support of how nutritious, strength-supporting, and satisfying this
lifestyle is:   The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the
largest land animal in the world.  A full-grown female can weigh
between 7,000 and 10,000 pounds (three to five tons), reaching heights
of 10 feet from the toe to the shoulder while a full-grown male can
weigh between 9,000 and 14,000 pounds (four to seven tons) and stand
as tall as 14 feet. Elephants are herbivores, which means that they
only eat plant material.

When confronted with research that supports that animal foods create
disease, people are most confused about protein and where their daily
source will come from. They also worry about getting enough protein
from a plant-based diet. The fact is that if  the diet is sufficient
in calories, it will also be sufficient in protein.

After all, if an elephant can grow big and strong eating a plant-based
diet, and remain big and strong eating a plant-based diet, can't you?"

[From:
http://www.examiner.com/x-672-Disease-Prevention-Examiner~y2009m1d30-Vegan-said-\
to-be-largest-on-earth


"CIRCUS FACES ELEPHANT CRUELTY CASE:"  (02/03/09):  "When the Ringling
Brothers' circus comes to New York next month, the city's grown-up
kids will be able to watch the elephants make their way through the
streets of Manhattan to Madison Square Garden. But if animal rights'
groups – pitted against the circus owners in a trial that begins in
Washington tomorrow morning – have their way, this year's parade,
which began in 1919, might be the last.  Several groups, including the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the
Animal Welfare Institute, filed a suit against the owners of the
Ringling, Feld Entertainment, in 2000, charging that the elephants
were mistreated. It has taken almost a decade of legal wrangling to
bring the case before a judge.

The plaintiffs will tell the court that circus trainers regularly
wound the animals with sharp bullhooks to nudge them around, confine
them in overcrowded and poorly ventilated shelters and regularly chain
their legs – all practices that allegedly violate provisions of the
federal Endangered Species Act. According to court papers, the
elephants are sometimes chained up in railwaywagons for up to 70 hours
at a time.  But, according to the defence, the goal of the plaintiffs
is more radical than an improvement of the elephants' surroundings,
that they "are hoping to put an end to circus elephants". Not true,
counters Tracy Silverman, a lawyer for Animal Welfare. "We simply want
the elephants to be treated humanely and in accordance with the law,"
she told The New York Times. The case is expected to last about three
weeks.

[From:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/circus-faces-elephant-cruelty-c\
ase-1544655.html


************************************************
*06: Vegan Digital Theater Showcase
************************************************
VIDEO: DR. T. COLIN CAMPBELL  (EXCERPTED FROM:  A DELICATE BALANCE):
http://www.plantbasednutrition.org/plant-based-nutrition/interviews/a-delicate-b\
alance/

"Delicate Balance documents the latest discoveries of some of the most
prominent experts on nutrition in the world. Over 50 years of research
... unravelling the mysteries behind the disease epidemic[s] which has
struck affluent countries with a vengeance...:"
http://www.adelicatebalance.com.au/


VIDEO:  "Tarra the 8,700 pound Asian elephant. And Bella, her best
friend, the dog:"
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/02/assignment_america/main4696340.shtml


VIDEO:  "AN INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL RIGHTS (DR. TOM REGAN, MAY 2006):"
Part 1:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTNNJspZXA4
Part 2:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDO-QIJCwJ0
Part 3:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jk9EnqE4H0
Part 4:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx_V0BdxRno
Part 5:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1LjVn5FMjc

[Mad Cowboy Interview with Dr. Tom Regan (interactive transcripts):
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_MCIview03.000.html


VIDEO:  "FLOW: Irena Salina's award-winning documentary investigation
into: The World Water Crisis:"
[TRAILER:
http://www.flowthefilm.com/trailer

[ARTICLE about "FLOW:  Who Owns the World's Water?:"
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/01/05-4


VIDEOS:  "5 Food Films That Deserved an Oscar Nomination:"
Trailers and information/reviews of "The World According to Monsanto,
Our Daily Bread, King Corn, Food Fight, and The Power of Community:
How Cuba Survived Peak Oil:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/01/5-food-films-deserved-oscar-nomination.p\
hp


************************************************
*07: Vegans Best Roman Athletes, The Veg Internet, Food Matters
************************************************
"THE BEST ATHLETES IN ANCIENT ROME WERE VEGETARIAN!:"  "The figure of
gladiators recalls the ideas of strength, hard training, endurance,
and deadly efficiency: a perfect fighting machine. Historically, a
gladiator was a sort of sport hero, and gladiator's medicine probably
one of the first forms of organised sports medicine... Considering the
modern diets of strength athletes, we should expect that gladiators
had a high protein diet. However, analysis of their bones has put
forward the hypothesis that gladiators were vegetarian athletes: in
his accounts of Rome, the ancient historian Plinius refers to
gladiators as "hordearii" (barley-eaters) (Eichholz et al., 1938).
Plants contain higher levels of strontium than animal tissues. People
who consume more plants and less meat will build up measurably higher
levels of strontium in their bones. Levels of strontium in the
gladiators' bones were two times as high than the bones of
contemporary Ephesians (Kanz and Grossschmidt, 2007).

...The legionnaire's daily ration consisted of 78% carbohydrates,
mainly from wheat or barley. This diet has the advantages to provide
slowly absorbed carbohydrates, to be provide high energy, and to be
easily digestible. It provided good intestinal ballast, and was able
to restore the energy reserves of the organism (Fornaris and Aubert,
1998; Lemon et al., 1992). The best fighters in the ancient world were
essentially vegetarian..."
[From:
http://jssm.org/vol7/n4/24/v7n4-24text.php

[Cite:
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2008) 7, 565


"VEGETARIAN INTERNET CONNECTION:"  (01/29/09): "What could make
367,000 young people across America turn away from their long-held
beliefs about food and embark on a brand new lifestyle? Let me tell
you: The internet!  Instead of dealing with the normal stressors of
young adulthood by pigging out on burgers and milkshakes, a new study
says that teenagers and young adults are turning their backs on beef
and going to fruits and veggies to allay their fears and calm their
minds.  You can blame the World Wide Web, if you're looking to someone
to blame. The proliferation of the internet is largely thought of as
the number one reason for this lifestyle change among the youth of
America. Whether your viewpoint is that the internet has helped, or
hindered is sort of irrelevant because either way, the popularity of
vegetarianism is rapidly growing.

YouTube's status and the ability to search with ease have both made
people more aware about what goes on inside slaughterhouses and farms.
Because of this, many young people have changed their minds when it
comes to meat.  The newest statistic from the Centers of Disease
Control, based on data gathered in 2007, is that 1 in 200 young people
now identify with the vegetarian lifestyle... Outlined in the research
are reasons why someone would choose to become veg. Some who took part
in the research said it was because they felt like their ethics
conflicted with their lifestyle and love of animals. Some said it was
mainly for health reasons. Some said it was a mixture of the two...

[From:
http://media.www.ecollegetimes.com/media/storage/paper991/news/2009/01/29/News/V\
egetarian.Internet.Connection-3604691.shtml


"BRING AWARENESS, MODERATION TO DIET, AUTHOR SAYS:"  (02/04/09):  "Our
carnivorous ways imperil the planet, food writer Mark Bittman says,
especially as the rest of the world begins to eat more meat.  Most
people in the world eat much less meat than do we in the
industrialized nations, where the daily average is a half-pound per
person, but rates are rising. To meet that demand, Bittman writes in
his new book, "Food Matters, a Guide to Conscious Eating," livestock
production would have to double in the next 20 or 30 years. We'd run
out of land and other resources before then, and the 60 billion
livestock animals now raised every year already account for 20 percent
of greenhouse gases -- more than is generated by transportation.

... New York Times columnist Bittman is known for demystifying cooking
with such best-selling books as "How to Cook Everything." In "Food
Matters" he tells you how to follow that deceptively simple suggestion
to "eat food" by providing meal plans, recipes and shopping and
cooking strategies that help nudge your diet from American industrial
to one rich in whole grains and vegetables.  "If I told you that the
same lifestyle change could help you lose weight," he writes, "reduce
your risk of many long-term or chronic diseases and help stop global
warming, I imagine you'd be intrigued."  Bittman can vouch for all of
the above, because looming health issues were among the reasons he
began thinking about the "Food Matters" diet. He suffered from sleep
apnea, high blood sugar, elevated cholesterol and had gained extra
pounds over the years. When I met him recently during a swing through
Portland, he had said goodbye to all that; he'd lost 35 pounds and
looked a slim and healthy 58..."

[From:
http://www.oregonlive.com/health/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1233611710182830\
.xml&coll=7


************************************************
*08: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
March 13-15 Green Lifestyle Festival Los Angles, CA
www.rawlifestylefilmfestival.com  310-928-2078

June 7th Institute for Integrative Nutrition  New York City, NY
646-633-4065

July 8-12 Summerfest Johnstown PA

August 21-23 5th Annual Vibrant Living Expo
Fort Bragg, CA
info@...
707-964-2420

[More information/embedded links for contact information at:
http://www.madcowboy.com/01_SchedCA.000.html


************************************************
*10: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[Useful resource and for networking:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

[Robin Robertston's "Vegan Planet:"
http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[The FatFree Vegan Yahoo Group List:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fatfree_vegan/

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Award-winning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/


************************************************
*11: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"Consider, for example, a twenty-seven-year study of nearly nine
thousand Californians published in the journal Neurology in January
2005.  The study demonstrated that those with high cholesterol were 42
percent more likely to develop dementia.  But it also demonstrated
that those with high blood pressure increase their risk of dementia by
24 percent, and those with diabetes in middle age increase their risk
of developing dementia in later years by 46 percent.

Now, as we know, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes
are all direct results of a flesh-based diet.  Increase your intake of
meat [or dairy or added fat], and you will increase your risk of all
three--- and of developing Alzheimer's."

--- Howard Lyman ("No More Bull!" p. 58)


******************************************************************
Mark Sutton, Webmaster@...  http://www.madcowboy.com
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: Mad_Cowboy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
******************************************************************

Howdy!  Welcome to the 66th issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

In this issue we're delighted to provide a preview of our upcoming interview
with the amazing vegan firefighter/author, Rip Esselstyn, in the form of two of
his favorite recipes.  Rip's the son of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and has built
upon his father's remarkable research via some very practical and easy-to-do
ways in his diet/exercise/lifestyle book, "The Engine 2 Diet."

Moving on further, we'll note a study indicating that fish oil doesn't help your
heart via Omega-3, some new finds about the benefits of broccoli, results of the
largest study of red meat eaters in history, and more indications that high-fat
food inflames your circulatory system.  You'll learn about the "Ask a Vegan"
booth in New York, some vegan survival tips, resources for learning about animal
rights/issues, and the consequences off going veg for just one day.

Continuing in this edition, we've got some gourmet viewing experiences in our
Vegan Digital Theater, some details stats and studies showing that our
industry-produced produce is definitely less nutritious than it used to be, some
great links about the White House Garden (including remarks by Michelle last
week during the first major harvest), and a list of 8 ways to eat locally... 
some new resource links have been added to "Quick Bytes" and don't miss some of
the articles during the "Mad Cow Info Round-Up."

... as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers:  y'all can browse past
issues at the Mad Cowboy Newsletter Archives:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Best wishes for this start of a new summer and may your gardens be bountiful,
healthy, and inspiring!

Mark, MC editor/webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: A Mad Cowboy Invite to AR2009
02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
03: Recipes from "The Engine 2 Diet" by Rip Esselstyn
04: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
05: Fish Oil No Help, Brocc Talk, Largest Meat Study, Fat Inflames
06: Ask a Vegan, Vegan Survival Tips, Learning AR, 1 Day Veg
07: Vegan Digital Theater
08: Food Less Healthy, White House Veggies,  8 Ways to go Local
09: Quick Bytes
10: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************

"When your health is a five alarm disaster the Engine 2 diet could turn you into
a survivor. Fire fighter Rip Esselstyn is a real hero when it comes to learning
how to eat a healthy diet. Read Engine 2 before it's too late to postpone a date
with the undertaker."

---- Howard Lyman, and author of:  "No More Bull!" and "The Mad Cowboy"


************************************************
*01: A Mad Cowboy Invite to AR2009
************************************************
[Animal Rights 2009 is the largest animal issues conference of the year.  Always
a fun, informative, great networking, and memorable experience.  This year, it
will be held in Los Angeles, CA.

Howard is issuing a special invite:  mention "The Mad Cowboy" when ordering your
ticket, and you'll immediately get $20 discount on your registration.

You can learn more about AR2009 at the following website:
http://www.arconference.org/


************************************************
*02: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Americans get most of their calories from which of the following top five
sources?"

(a) soda   (b) potato chips  (c) pizza  (d) pastries  (e) hamburgers

["A list of the top five sources of calories that Americans consume begins with
soda -- 7 percent of the total -- and includes pastries, hamburgers, pizza and
potato chips." from:
http://www.oregonlive.com/living/index.ssf/2009/02/a_better_diet_eat_less_meat_w\
r.html

Congratulations to  Mary Meyer of Chino Hills, CA for correctly guessing "(a)"
and winning the luck of the draw.  She'll receive a year's subscription to
"VegNews."  Congratulations, also, to Joanne Mitchell, of Rochester,NY, who was
also among those answering "(a)."  She'll receive the Organic Cotton Shopping
Bag.


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Each year, the United States suffers from diet-related health issues (heart
disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure) that end up costing roughing
how much?"

(a) around $90 billion     (b) more than $120 billion    (c) near $200 billion
(d) just under $300 billion

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT July. 20th, 2009.  PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS
(U.S. domestic only).  It will not be sold nor given out to anyone but VegNews
and Ethical Planet for the freebies only.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]

[Many thanks, also, to Fran Horvath, of Ethical Planet for offering a FREE
organic cotton shopping bag to the 2nd place winner.  You can learn more about
her online (and offline) stores at:

http://www.ethicalplanet.com


************************************************
*03: Recipes from "The Engine 2 Diet" by Rip Esselstyn
************************************************
[In the next issue of "The Mad Cowboy Newsletter" we'll be featuring excerpts
from and links to a special Mad Cowboy interview with none other than vegan
Texas firefighter Rip Esselstyn (and son of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn) about his
life, unique diet/lifestye book, "The Engine 2 Diet," and more.  As a preview,
here's two of Rip's fine recipes:

MIGHTY MUFFINS

(Makes 6 large muffin or 1 enormous loaf)

3 cups oat bran
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons sweetener
Juice of 1 lemon
1 large apple, grated
6 brown bananas, lightly mashed (leave some chunks)
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped or halved
1/4 cup raisins
3/4 cup water

1. Preheat oven to 375º.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Squeeze the juice of the lemon onto the combined apple and bananas.
4. Add walnuts, raisins, and water.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients into one bowl.
6. Pour into sprayed muffin tins and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown
on top.

Variations:

Bake the batter in a loaf pan, and enjoy hearty slices instead of muffins.

Add three thinly sliced pears or 1 cup of 70 percent pure cocoa chips.


E2 BASIC DRESSING  (Rip's favorite)

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon tamari
1 tablespoon mustard
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Juice of 1 orange, lime, or lemon
1 tablespoon agave nectar, honey, or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon wheat germ
Water to desired consistency

1. Whisk the ingredients together in a bowl.

[A neat video of Ripp Esselstyn on CBS's morning news show:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/04/26/sunday/main4969460.shtml
[Rip's Website:
http://www.theengine2diet.com/


************************************************
*04: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
************************************************
"SPAIN REPORTS FIFTH HUMAN DEATH FROM MAD COW DISEASE:"  (03/06/06):  "The
Spanish government late Friday confirmed the country's fifth fatality from the
human variant of mad cow disease, a woman who died in the northern city of
Santander in January.  The health ministry said laboratory tests confirmed that
the woman had Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) as the human variant of bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, is known..."

[Edited from:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.4551d686e92aef7d469e52855803872b.511\
&show_article=1


"LINK FOUND BETWEEN ALZHEIMER'S, MAD COW PROTEIN:"  (02/26/09):  "The latest in
a recent flurry of clues on the workings of Alzheimer's disease comes from Yale
University researchers who found a link between the disorder and the prion
protein, which can cause mad cow disease and other maladies.   The Yale team
found that the prion protein, whose normal function is to maintain brain health,
may contribute to nerve damage if it becomes entangled with a protein fragment
that scientists consider a chief suspect as a cause for Alzheimer's disease...

[Very edited from:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/26/MNC7164VHL.DTL


"CHINA ADOPTS FOOD-SAFETY LAW, CREATES CABINET BODY:"  (02/28/09):  "China's top
legislative body passed the country's first food-safety law, establishing a
cabinet-level commission to direct regulations after a series of scandals
undermined consumer confidence... The law reflects efforts by the Chinese
government to reassure domestic consumers and international importers that its
food and products are safe after a series of scandals, including chemical
tainted milk that sickened 300,000 children last year. The law is meant to cut
down on regulatory overlaps and conflict and boost the legal liability of
producers...  China has about 500,000 food makers, including 2,600 large
companies that account for about 72 percent of the market... Milk formula
tainted with melamine, a chemical used to produce plastics, killed at least six
children in China last year and sickened hundreds of thousands. China has
responded by sentencing two dairy executives to death and organizing
compensation for families of injured children.

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aLl6L18VKc5I&refer=asia


"FDA CHART: SIMPLIFIED PEANUT PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION PATTERN:"  (03/05/09):  "The
FDA recently released this "simplified" chart that illustrates the journey of
peanut butter products — and salmonella — from the Peanut Butter Corporation of
America to the consumer. (You can also download the PDF.)  The distribution
chain, starting with a raw product, is so multi-layered that the we can only be
impressed by the enormity of the FDA's job of tracking down sources of
contamination and then issuing the necessary recalls. As an FYI: As of February
9, 2009, over 1,800 products have been recalled and more than 250 brands
affected.  Frighteningly, the chart says, "Actual distribution patterns may be
more extensive and complex than what is illustrated here."

[From:
http://www.eatmedaily.com/2009/03/fda-chart-simplified-peanut-product-distributi\
on-pattern/


"U.S. FOOD SAFETY NO LONGER IMPROVING:"  (04/10/09):  "After decades of steady
progress, the safety of the nation's food supply has not improved over the past
three years, the government reported Thursday. And, it said, in the case of
salmonella, the dangerous bacteria recently found in peanuts and pistachios,
infections may be creeping upward.  The report, from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, demonstrates that the nation's food safety system,
created when most foods were grown, prepared and consumed locally, needs a
thorough overhaul to regulate an increasingly global food industry, top
government health officials said Thursday...  The report is likely to deepen
tensions between the F.D.A. and the Department of Agriculture, which have long
been rivals in overseeing food safety...

... Roughly 76 million people in the United States suffer foodborne illnesses
each year, 300,000 are hospitalized, and 5,000 die, according to C.D.C.
estimates. Children younger than 4 are sickened by food more than those in any
other age group, but adults over age 50 suffer more hospitalizations and death
as a result of food-related infections...

[Very edited from:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/10/health/policy/10food.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc\
=rss


"FARMED FISH MAY POSE RISK FOR MAD COW DISEASE:"  (06/15/09):  University of
Louisville neurologist Robert P. Friedland, M.D., questions the safety of eating
farmed fish in today's Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, adding a new worry to
concerns about the nation's food supply. Friedland and his co-authors suggest
farmed fish could transmit Creutzfeldt Jakob disease--commonly known as mad cow
disease--if they are fed byproducts rendered from cows. The scientists urge
government regulators to ban feeding cow meat or bone meal to fish until the
safety of this common practice can be confirmed.. Friedland said. "Fish do very
well in the seas without eating cows," he added...

[Edited from:
http://www.kypost.com/news/local/story/Farmed-Fish-May-Pose-Risk-For-Mad-Cow-Dis\
ease/kKXNAOM6YEmY4CT43-Ei4Q.cspx


"MBC STAFFERS [SOUTH KOREA] INDICTED OVER MAD COW REPORT:"  (06/18/09): 
"Prosecutors indicted four MBC program directors and a scriptwriter of a current
affairs program, Thursday, for distorting facts with the intention to exaggerate
the risk of mad cow disease associated with American beef.  The five, working on
for PD Notebook, were indicted without physical detention on charges of
defamation and interference with business.  They responded by saying the
indictment was a serious infringement of freedom of the press.  The indictment
came a year after the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
asked the prosecution to investigate the program for defamation on June 20. The
program about U.S. beef and the risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE),
or mad cow disease, was aired on April 29. The program was crucial in triggering
the months-long candlelit vigil against a decision to import American
beef..."[Edited from:
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/06/113_47079.html


"BSE-INFECTED CANADIAN CATTLE STILL A RISK:"  (06/16/09):  "Canada is still
finding cattle infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Its mid-May
announcement is the 10th case of BSE or mad cow disease since the U.S. ban on
Canadian cattle was lifted.  The finding reinforces the strong objection of
Ranchers, Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America. Last
week, R-CALF USA once again appealed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to
reconsider import restrictions on Canadian cattle. R-CALF USA contends that
USDA's key assumptions about allowing the importation of cattle over 30 months
of age were wrong, and that USDA grossly underestimated the prevalence of BSE in
Canada..."


[Edited from:
http://americanagriculturist.com/story.aspx?s=24230&c=9


************************************************
*05: Fish Oil No Help, Brocc Talk, Largest Meat Study, Fat Inflames
************************************************
"PAYING A PRICE FOR LOVING RED MEAT:"  (04/28/09):  "... a new study of more
than 500,000 Americans has provided the best evidence yet that our affinity for
red meat has exacted a hefty price on our health and limited our longevity.  The
study found that, other things being equal, the men and women who consumed the
most red and processed meat were likely to die sooner, especially from one of
our two leading killers, heart disease and cancer, than people who consumed much
smaller amounts of these foods.

Results of the decade-long study were published in the March 23 issue of The
Archives of Internal Medicine. The study, directed by Rashmi Sinha, a
nutritional epidemiologist at the National Cancer Institute, involved 322,263
men and 223,390 women ages 50 to 71 who participated in the National Institutes
of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study... The increase in mortality risk tied to
the higher levels of meat consumption was described as "modest," ranging from
about 20 percent to nearly 40 percent. But the number of excess deaths that
could be attributed to high meat consumption is quite large given the size of
the American population.

Extrapolated to all Americans in the age group studied, the new findings suggest
that over the course of a decade, the deaths of one million men and perhaps half
a million women could be prevented just by eating less red and processed meats,
according to estimates prepared by Dr. Barry Popkin, who wrote an editorial
accompanying the report..."

[Very edited from from the superb article which mentions other significant
dietary studies at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/28/health/28brod.html?em

[Original 500,000 person study cited:
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/169/6/562?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&h\
its=10&RESULTFORMAT=1&author1=sinha&andorexacttitle=and&andorexacttitleabs=and&a\
ndorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&fdate=3/1/2009&\
resourcetype=HWCIT


"FISH OIL DOESN'T HELP HEART ATTACK PATIENTS IN BIGGEST STUDY:"  (03/30/09): 
"Omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in the organs of oily fish including salmon and
sardines, didn't help heart attack patients prevent another cardiac event, a
study found.  The report, presented today at the American College of Cardiology
in Orlando, Florida, contradicts previous smaller studies that suggested a daily
supplement may help ward off repeat heart attacks, strokes and death. After
taking a gram of purified fatty-acid supplements each day for a year, patients
in the latest research, the biggest of its kind, fared no better than those who
were given olive oil..."

[Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=aB4C9HPuuLaA&refer=home#


"HIGH-FAT DIETS INFLAME FAT TISSUE AROUND BLOOD VESSELS, CONTRIBUTE TO HEART
DISEASE:"  (02/28/09):  "A study by researchers at the University of Cincinnati
shows that high-fat diets, even if consumed for a short amount of time, can
inflame fat tissue surrounding blood vessels, possibly contributing to
cardiovascular disease.  These findings will be published in the Feb. 20 edition
of the American Heart Association journal Circulation Research.  Neal Weintraub,
MD, and colleagues examined adipose tissue—or fat—surrounding the coronary
arteries of humans.  The researchers found these fat cells to be highly
inflamed, suggesting that they could trigger inflammation of the blood vessels,
an important component of atherosclerosis...  "This is independent of weight
gain or blood lipids—cholesterol levels," says Weintraub, senior author of the
study and chair of the cardiovascular diseases division at UC.  Weintraub says
that high fat diets contribute to atherosclerosis—or the hardening of
arteries—in a number of ways.  "Elevated blood lipids—or cholesterol levels—can
worsen with the intake of high fat diets, and this is known to contribute to
atherosclerosis," he says.  "However, many patients who consume high fat diets
do not exhibit abnormal lipid profiles but still develop atherosclerosis
nonetheless..."

[Edited from:
http://healthnews.uc.edu/news/?/8163/


"BROCCOLI MAY WARD OFF SERIOUS STOMACH AILMENTS:"  (04/05/09):  "Eating 2.5
ounces a day of broccoli sprouts appeared to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers
and probably stomach cancer in a Japanese trial.  Gastric cancer thus joins a
long list of malignancies for which studies have shown a reduced risk associated
with a diet that contains broccoli -- including cancer of the esophagus,
bladder, skin and lung, among others... "H. pylori is a known carcinogen," Fahey
said. "The fact that we were able to reduce the effects of an infectious agent
that is also a carcinogen gives us hope that if someone were to eat broccoli
sprouts or broccoli regularly, it would reduce levels of H. pylori and, over a
period of many years, reduce the chance that they would get that cancer. It is
not proven, but the results are highly suggestive."

... Zeisel said. "People who eat more broccoli tune up their liver and other
cells to destroy cancer-causing agents," he said... Just two or three ounces a
day of cooked broccoli would have a protective effect, he [Fahy] said.  Zeisel
added that people who try the pill-taking shortcut might well lose any benefit. 
"It's probably a combination of ingredients in the plant that is responsible,"
he said. "When you try to extract them out to make a pill, it usually doesn't
work."

[Edited from:
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/hscout/2009/04/06/hscout625758.html


************************************************
*06: Ask a Vegan, Vegan Survival Tips, Learning AR, 1 Day Veg
************************************************
"ASK A VEGAN:"  (06/17/09):  "You know the booth Lucy sits behind in the Peanuts
strip, doling out advice? Well, one of the wacky geniuses up at Woodstock Farm
Animal Sanctuary thought, Why not do the same thing, but instead of advertising
that the doctor is in, invite people to ask a vegan?  So a couple of months ago,
Joy Askew and I headed to Union Square Park and set up a booth with the words
"Ask a Vegan" emblazoned across the top. We covered the table with animal rights
& veg literature and Woodstock FAS brochures, and we waited. Finally people came
over and started to, well, ask us questions (one of the most popular being, "So
what should I ask you?"). And we've been at it ever since, every other Saturday,
weather permitting...  Joy and I are usually in the park for about four hours
from 12:30 on. Look for us this Saturday (if the rain holds off) on the 14th
Street side of Union Square Park, across from Whole Foods and inland from the
green market and street vendors. And bring your burning questions!

[Great post from the always interesting "SuperVegan" Blog:
http://supervegan.com/blog/entry.php?id=1297


"SURVIVAL TIPS FOR NEW VEGANS:"  (06/19/09):  "If you're thinking of adopting a
vegan diet, or maybe incorporating a few vegan meals into your routine each
week, congratulations! This change can result in many personal benefits, but can
also seem a little daunting. You might wonder how hard the change will be, or
how to deal with dining out. Here are a few things I've learned about becoming
vegan that might help you with a smooth transition.

Explore vegan recipes...  Make a plan for how to deal with food rituals... 
Learn more about your main reason for becoming vegan...  Educate yourself about
vegan nutrition...  Be prepared with snacks...  Stock a few quick meals for
those harried weeknights...  Identify Vegan-Friendly Restaurants... Have fun!.."

[Edited from a pleasant post with many more useful ideas and several good
resource links of note:
http://thevitalvoice.com/node/3694


'WHERE DO I TURN TO LEARN ABOUT ANIMAL RIGHTS?':"  (06/22/09):  "A few readers
have asked me who they should trust when it comes to learning about veganism,
donating their money, or whatever may be their current step towards animal
rights.  All animal rights people and organizations are not the same and we
shouldn't support any individual entity based solely on their presence on Google
or how many resources they have.  The differences between animal rights
ideologies are considerably great; sometimes so great as to delineate life and
death, freedom and oppression.  The point is: be a skeptic.  Who should I trust?
What does animal rights mean?  At the end of this article, I will provide a few
recommendations to individuals and organizations who offer an alternative, more
thorough approach to animal rights.  This term, "animal rights," however, is
often misused as a methodology of animal welfare..."

[Very edited from the excellent article with fine resource links:
http://www.examiner.com/x-4198-Vegan-Examiner~y2009m6d22-Where-do-I-turn-to-lear\
n-about-animal-rights


"THE STARTLING EFFECTS OF GOING VEGETARIAN FOR JUST ONE DAY:"  (04/02/09): 
"I've written extensively on the consequences of eating meat -- on our health,
our sense of "right living", and on the environment. It is one of those daily
practices that has such a broad and deep effect that I think it merits looking
at over and over again, from all the different perspectives. Sometimes,
solutions to the world's biggest problems are right in front of us. The
following statistics are eye-opening, to say the least.

If everyone went vegetarian just for one day, the U.S. would save:

- 100 billion gallons of water, enough to supply all the homes in New England
for almost 4 months;

- 1.5 billion pounds of crops otherwise fed to livestock, enough to feed the
state of New Mexico for more than a year;

- 70 million gallons of gas -- enough to fuel all the cars of Canada and Mexico
combined with plenty to spare;

- 3 million acres of land, an area more than twice the size of Delaware;

- 33 tons of antibiotics.

If everyone went vegetarian just for one day, the U.S. would prevent...

  ...My favorite statistic is this: According to Environmental Defense, if every
American skipped one meal of chicken per week and substituted vegetarian foods
instead, the carbon dioxide savings would be the same as taking more than half a
million cars off of U.S. roads. See how easy it is to make an impact?

[Very edited from the statistic-packed essay at:
http://www.alternet.org/water/134650/the_startling_effects_of_going_vegetarian_f\
or_just_one_day/


************************************************
*07: Vegan Digital Theater
************************************************
VIDEO/AUDIO:  VEGAN WORLD RADIO:  "Our show has been on the air for six and a
half years in the middle of cattle country, Houston, Texas.  We hope to go into
national syndication in 2009.  Vegan World Radio airs Mondays from 10-11am CT
and can be heard live or later in archive at:

http://www.kpft.org/

and on the Internet at:
http://veganworldradio.org/


VIDEO:  VIRTUAL CHICKEN BATTERY BOX:  "Battery Box:  a device used to
intensively confine egg-laying hens on factory egg farms to reduce the cost of
housing, feeding, and collecting eggs from chickens, causing them great misery."

[Check out the incredible 3D animation in this ground-breaking approach to
activism (with stats) at:
http://www.animalvisuals.org/empathy/virtualbatterycage/

TRAILER:  FOOD FIGHT DOCUMENTARY:
"Food Fight is a fascinating look at how American agricultural policy and food
culture developed in the 20th century, and how the California food movement has
created a counter-revolution against big agribusiness."

[Filled with lotsa info, too:
http://www.foodfightthedoc.com/foodfight.html

[Food Fight "clip" reel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkAALmty650

GRAPHIC:  STICKERS FOR THE ORGANIC GARDENER:
http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/MoreBugsGarden


TRAILER:  FOOD, INC., DOCUMENTARY:In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts
the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized
underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of
our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is
now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of
consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers
and our own environment...

Featuring interviews with such experts as Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation),
Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma, In Defense of Food: An Eater's
Manifesto) along with forward thinking social entrepreneurs like Stonyfield's
Gary Hirshberg and Polyface Farms' Joel Salatin, Food, Inc. reveals
surprising—and often shocking truths—about what we eat, how it's produced, who
we have become as a nation and where we are going from here."

[Some good resource, activist suggestion, blog, and more at:
http://www.foodincmovie.com/


************************************************
*08: Food Less Healthy, White House Veggies,  8 Ways to go Local
************************************************
"INDUSTRIAL FARMING IS GIVING US LESS NUTRITIOUS FOOD:"  (06-07/09):  "The
commercially grown vegetables, fruits and grains that we are eating today are
significantly less nutritious than these foods were 100 years ago, or even just
30 years ago.  We now have solid, scientific evidence of this troubling trend.  
According to a new report from the Center for American Progress...

-1938 and 1990.

-Likewise, a study of 45 corn varieties developed from 1920 to 2001, grown side
by side, found that the concentrations of protein, oil and three amino acids
have all declined in the newer varieties.

  -Six minerals have declined by 22 to 39 percent in 14 widely grown wheat
varieties developed over the past 100 years.

  -Official U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient data shows that the
calcium content of broccoli averaged 12.9 milligrams per gram of dry weight in
1950, but only 4.4 mg/g dry weight in 2003.

... What can we do? Vegetables and fruits are our richest sources of many
vitamins and minerals. It seems likely that those of us who grow food gardens
(or shop at farmers markets) will get more nutrient-dense foods if we grow (or
pay a premium for) older, lower-yielding heirloom varieties. Odds are good that
heirloom varieties may be more nutritious than current supermarket fare. Plus,
using organic methods such as moderate amounts of slow-release fertilizers
should help us get maximum nutrition from our homegrown produce. And most
important of all, Davis points out that the nutrient declines in processed foods
are much deeper and broader than the declines in fresh, whole foods.

You can review the full study by requesting "Declining Fruit and Vegetable
Nutrient Composition," HortScience, 2009; 44:15, at your local library.

[Very edited from the disturbing article with a lot more statistics than
presented above at:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/Nutrient-Decline-Industrial-F\
arming.aspx


"OBAMA, OBAMA, HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?:"  (04/09/09):  "Well, if all goes
well, it will be producing fresh herbs and vegetables by next month -- and
cheaply, said First Lady Michelle Obama, on day one of planting in the new,
1100-square-foot White House Kitchen Garden.  "It hasn't cost us more than $200
to plant this," Mrs. Obama told about 20 fifth and sixth graders from Bancroft
Elementary School -- some of whom guessed it would cost upward of $5,000.  These
were the same kids who helped launch the garden last month and today their job
was to help Mrs. Obama, about a dozen kitchen staff and others to plant some of
the approximately 55 items the garden will eventually contain.

"In a few months, hopefully right around the time you get out of school, you can
come and help us harvest the fruits and vegetables, and come into the White
House with all of our chefs and start doing a little cooking," the First Lady
promised the kids...

[For a neat PDF diagram of the White House Vegetable Garden:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/files/wh_kitchen_garden_diagram_04.09.09\
.pdf

[Edited from the blog entry with more descriptive info on the Garden at:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/04/obama-obama-how.html

[See also:  "Don't Let Pesticide Lobby Scare You:"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/06/AR2009050601105.\
htm


"REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY AT THE WHITE HOUSE GARDEN HARVEST PARTY:" 
(06/16/09): ... I want to just welcome everybody here in the First Lady's Garden
at the White House, and I just wanted to say a few words to make sure that we
all really understand why we're here and what we've accomplished, because today
is really the culmination of a lot of hard work.  I mean, we -- I'm really proud
of you all, you kids, all the Bancroft kids, for sticking with this process and
for joining us here today at the harvest party.  This is our reward for all that
hard work, and we -- and I want the media here to give these kids a round of
applause.  Put your pens down!  (Applause.)  We're really proud of you guys for
sticking with us.

The planting of this garden was one of the first things I wanted to do as First
Lady here at the White House.  It was something I had talked about a long time
ago.  And with the help of you guys, you helped to make this dream a reality. 
And as you could see when we went down to the garden, can you imagine how
thriving that garden is, just how much food grew from a few little seeds and
some plantings?  So this was a big dream of mine for a while, and it's been so
much fun working with you all.

But I also thought that this would be a fun and interesting way to talk to kids
about healthy eating and nutrition.  The President and Congress are going to
begin to address health care reform, and these issues of nutrition and wellness
and preventative care is going to be the focus of a lot of conversation coming
up in the weeks and months to come.  And these are issues that I care deeply
about, especially when they affect America's children..."

[Very very edited from the marvelous and insightful remarks (and interactions
with kids) at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-First-Lady-at-the-Whit\
e-House-Garden-Harvest-Party/


"8 WAYS TO JOIN THE LOCAL FOOD MOVEMENT:"  (04/01/09):  "...1. From Lawn to
Lunch... 2. Eat Your Vegetables... 3. Party with Your Preserves... 4. Glean
Those Fields Clean... 5. Shop Outside of Supermarkets... 6. Start a Community
Garden... 7. Plant a Row for the Hungry... 8. Share Your Table...

[Very edited from the useful article with embedded resource links and expanded
ideas for each suggestion at:
http://www.alternet.org/environment/134329/8_ways_to_join_the_local_food_movemen\
t/?page=entire


************************************************
*09: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
July 8-12 Summerfest Johnstown PA

August 21-23 5th annual Vibrant Living Expo
Fort Bragg, CA
info@...
707-964-2420

Oct 2:  Veg Society of SF, San Francisco, CA

Oct 9-10:  Buffalo, NY


************************************************
*10: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[Useful resource and for networking:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Vegan Daily Blog:"
http://www.yourdailyvegan.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

[Robin Robertston's "Vegan Planet:"
http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[The FatFree Vegan Yahoo Group List:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fatfree_vegan/

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[VegMichigan's PlantPeaceDaily Newsletter:
http://www.plantpeacedaily.org/newsletter.html

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Award-winning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

[Some stunning recipes:
http://vegandad.blogspot.com

VEGAN

[Nana's Vegan Cookies online!:
http://www.healthycrowd.com/


************************************************
*11: Closing Thoughts
************************************************

"...the proper amount of animal products in your diet is …zero."

--- Howard Lyman

[You can read a recent article about Howard here:
http://www.examiner.com/x-6753-Philadelphia-Nutrition-Examiner~y2009m6d22-Vegan-\
cowboy-Howard-Lyman-takes-on-agribusiness

Howdy! Welcome to the 67th issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

In this issue we're proud to present a Mad Cowboy Interview with the amazing
vegan firefighter/author, Rip Esselstyn, in the form of two of his favorite
recipes. Rip's the son of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and has built upon his father's
remarkable research via some very practical and easy-to-do ways in his
diet/exercise/lifestyle book, "The Engine 2 Diet."  There's also three of his
recipes for you to try!

Moving on further, there's articles about Mutant Milk, how saturated fat enables
Altzheimer's, some surprising statistics on what we eat, Brainfood at the White
House, a great new position paper by the ADA on the Vegetarian Diet, and more
about that same diet reducing cancer risk.

Continuing in this edition, there's the intriguing proposal for a 50 year Farm
Bill, 70 pages of solutions to our agricultural woes, the real cost of food, the
new composting mandate in San Francisco, how animal abusers are losing, AETA is
winning, new math contrasting a vegan diet with a carnivore's, and the Amazing
SpiderVeg!

Also, here's a "sneak peak" at the 2009 VegNews Awards:
http://www.ecorazzi.com/2009/10/16/2009-vegnews-veggie-awards-we-steal-a-sneak-p\
eek-at-12-winners/

... as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers: y'all can browse past
issues at the Mad Cowboy Newsletter Archives:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cow\
boy/

Here's hoping everyone is warm, and to quote Rip: "plant strong" this Winter!

Mark, MC editor/webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
<http://www.soulveggie.com>http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: A Mad Cowboy Interview with Rip Esselstyn
02: Three Recipes from "The Engine 2 Diet"
03: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
04: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
05: Mutant Milk, Fat & Altzheimer's, US Fatter, What We're Eating
06: Brainfood, Veg Diet Reduces Cancer & Chronic Disease Risks
07: The Digital Vegan
08: 50 yr Farm Bill, Ag Solutions, Real Food Cost, Composting SF
09: Animal Abusers Lose, AETA Wins, Veg Math, Spider Veg!
10: Howard's Schedule
11: Quick Bytes
12: Closing Thoughts

************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"When your health is a five alarm disaster the Engine 2 diet could turn you into
a survivor. Fire fighter Rip Esselstyn is a real hero when it comes to learning
how to eat a healthy diet. Read Engine 2 before it's too late to postpone a date
with the undertaker."

---- Howard Lyman, and author of: "No More Bull!" and "The Mad Cowboy"


************************************************
*01: A Mad Cowboy Interview with Rip Esselstyn
************************************************
[Excerpts from the 2 part Mad Cowboy Interview with Rip Esselstyn, Vegan
Firefighter, and author, "The Engine 2 Diet."

R:  "With my Dad [Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn], that message is perfect.  Depending
upon whom I'm speaking to, I'll hit the moderation.  I was speaking to a group
of firefighters the other day, and a guy asked me: "How much red meat can I have
a week?  Isn't everything in moderation fine?"  I'm like, no...  and you know
what?  The whole phrase "everything in moderation" is why we're in such dire
straits right now in this country.

One of the things about "Engine 2 Diet" is that what Howard is doing, my
father's doing, and McDougall, Ornish and Fuhrman are doing, is we're trying to
create a whole new paradigm in health and weight loss.  To me, every other diet
program out there concentrates solely on the outside of your body instead of
what's inside your body.  To me, we're creating beauty from the inside out."

R:  "... there's almost nothing as gratifying in life as helping somebody out. 
And I've been helping people out with this diet, literally since 1988, when
after a year, I just knew that this was the truth and the right thing.  I
started sharing the message and people would come to me.  I've been helping
people, on and off... athletes to firefighters to friends and neighbors, family
members, for a long time, so when the opportunity presented itself to write this
book, and the fact that I could get out there and in one fell swoop, by writing
a book, and help potentially thousands and thousands of Americans without having
to wear my fireman's boots, it was just a dream come true."

[Full interview:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_MCIview07.000.html


************************************************
*02:  Three Recipes from "The Engine 2 Diet"
************************************************
BARBECUE PIZZA

4 ounces tomato paste
1 cup barbecue sauce (see E2-Approved Foods)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 Kabuli crusts  [prepared pizza crusts]
1 small red onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
2 handfuls fresh spinach
1 jar pineapple chunks, drained
1/4 cup finely ground cashews

1. Preheat oven to 425º.
2. Mix the tomato paste, barbecue sauce, and oregano together in a bowl.
3. Generously spread the sauce on the crusts, and layer with the vegetables and
pineapple.
4. Top with the cashews.
5. Bake on a sprayed cooking sheet or pizza stone for 15 minutes.

E2 SALSA

1 can tomatoes
1 large jalapeño pepper, diced (remove seeds to reduce heat)
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 cup cilantro
2 green onions, coarsely chopped
Juice of 1 lime

1. Blend the ingredients together to achieve the desired consistency.


DUMPSTER BLUE BERRY COBBLER

2/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup milk substitute
3 tablespoons agave nectar or maple syrup
2 cups blueberries

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Combine the flour and baking powder in a small bowl.
3. Combine the vanilla, milk substitute, and nectar or syrup in a bowl.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. The batter will be runny. Pour the batter into a nonstick 8-inch-square pan.
6. Sprinkle the blueberries over the batter. Bake for 45 minutes or until
browned.


[Engine 2 Diet Website:
http://www.theengine2diet.com/


************************************************
*03: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
Each year, the United States suffers from diet-related health issues (heart
disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure) that end up costing roughing
how much?"

(a) around $90 billion     (b) more than $120 billion    (c) near $200 billion
(d) just under $300 billion

The correct answer is (b).

["Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high-blood pressure are all diet-related
health issues that cost this country more than $120 billion each year.  That's a
lot of money.." 1st Lady Michelle Obama, from:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-First-Lady-at-the-Whit\
e-House-Garden-Harvest-Party/

Congratulations to BeBe Daeffler (aka "Moondancer") of Daytona Beach,FL  She was
the only person to guess the correct answer (a Contest First!) and as such, will
receive both the VegNews subscription and the Ethical Planet shopping bag!


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"In a kitchen with normal air temperature, how fast will E. coli cells double in
amount?"

(a) every 45 min.   (b) every 30 min.   (c)  every 15 min.    (d)  every 5 min.
(e)  Eww, that's gross...

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT November. 10th, 2009.  PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND
ADDRESS (U.S. domestic only).  It will not be sold nor given out to anyone but
VegNews and Ethical Planet for the freebies only.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]

[Many thanks, also, to Fran Horvath, of Ethical Planet for offering a FREE
organic cotton shopping bag to the 2nd place winner.  You can learn more about
her online (and offline) stores at:

http://www.ethicalplanet.com


************************************************
*04:  Mad Cow Info Round-Up
************************************************
"380,000 LBS. OF BEEF RECALLED:"  (06/28/09): " JBS Swift Beef Company, a
Greeley, Colo., establishment is voluntarily expanding its June 24 recall to
include approximately 380,000 pounds of assorted beef primal products that may
be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food
Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_034_2009_Expanded/index.asp


"COOKIE DOUGH AT NESTLÉ PLANT YIELDS POSITIVE TEST FOR E. COLI :"  (06/30/09): 
""The Food and Drug Administration said Monday that a sample of raw cookie dough
collected at a Nestlé USA manufacturing plant last week had tested positive for
E. coli.  Nestlé voluntarily recalled all Toll House refrigerated cookie dough
products made at the Danville, Va., factory earlier this month after the F.D.A.
told Nestlé that it suspected consumers might have been exposed to E. coli
bacteria after eating the dough raw.  The agency and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention have been investigating whether the dough was the source
of the E. coli outbreak that has sickened 69 people in 29 states, according to
the latest C.D.C. data.  E. coli is a potentially deadly germ that can cause
bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, kidney failure."

[Edited from:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/health/30cookie.html?_r=1


"MCDONALD'S HEPATITIS SCARE:  INFECT EMPLOYEE EXPOSED THOUSANDS:"  (07/20/09):
"Authorities in northwestern Illinois are trying to figure out why a case of
hepatitis A in a McDonald's food handler went unreported for more than three
weeks.  An estimated 10,000 people who ate at a McDonald's in Milan are being
urged to get preventive treatment for the virus, which can cause fever and
abdominal pain.  At least 20 cases of hepatitis A have been confirmed in five
Illinois counties, said Rock Island County Health Department spokeswoman Theresa
Foes.  An infected McDonald's employee came to work on seven days in July,
possibly spreading the virus to patrons. Another McDonald's worker was diagnosed
June 17, but health officials didn't know about that case until July 13, said
Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold.
In a written statement forwarded by McDonald's corporate office, franchisee
Kevin Murphy said the restaurant learned of the case from health officials on
July 13. Murphy operates the Milan restaurant... The hepatitis A virus can cause
liver swelling but rarely causes lasting damage. Symptoms include fatigue,
abdominal pain, vomiting and fever and can appear from 15 to 50 days after
exposure..."

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/20/mcdonalds-hepatitis-scare_n_241335.html


"FEDERAL STUDY SHOWS MERCURY IN FISH WIDESPREAD, INESCAPABLE:"   (08/20/09): 
"No fish can escape mercury pollution. That's the take-home message from a
federal study of mercury contamination released Wednesday that tested fish from
nearly 300 streams across the country.  The toxic substance was found in every
fish sampled, a finding that underscores how widespread mercury pollution has
become.  But while all fish had traces of contamination, only about a quarter
had mercury levels exceeding what the Environmental Protection Agency says is
safe for people eating average amounts of fish... Mercury consumed by eating
fish can damage the nervous system and cause learning disabilities in developing
fetuses and young children. The main source of mercury to most of the streams
tested, according to the researchers, is emissions from coal-fired power plants.
The mercury released from smokestacks here and abroad rains down into waterways,
where natural processes convert it into methylmercury – a form that allows the
toxin to wind its way up the food chain into fish..."

U.S. Geological Survey: http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/mercury/

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/20/federal-study-shows-mercu_n_263741.html


"TROUBLING SOURCE OF RESISTANT PATHOGENS: THE AMERICAN FARM:"  (06/2009): 
"...several researchers at Johns Hopkins and around the world [are] assembling
evidence that the industrial farming of chickens, pigs, and cattle is
cultivating more than poultry and livestock — it's cultivating bacteria that
medicine is losing the ability to fight. Antimicrobial drugs, including
antibiotics like penicillin, ciprofloxacin, and methicillin, kill pathogenic
bacteria. But they simultaneously drive the resistance that is bacteria's
defense, especially when administered in low, subtherapeutic doses. Scientists
estimate that 50 percent to 80 percent of all antimicrobials in the United
States are not used by doctors to treat sick people or animals but are added to
farm animal feed, mostly in such subtherapeutic dosages... If they are right,
industrial agriculture is fostering and dispersing drug-resistant bacteria that
impair medicine's ability to protect the public from them.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that livestock and
poultry produce 335 million tons of manure per year, which is one way resistant
pathogens get out of animals and into the environment. That's 40 times as much
fecal waste as humans produce annually. Farms use it for fertilizer and collect
it in sheds and manure lagoons, but those containment measures do not prevent
infectious microbes from getting into the air, soil, and water. They can be
transported off the farms by the animals themselves, houseflies, farm trucks,
and farm workers, and by spreading manure on other fields. Out in the
environment, they form a sort of bank of genetic material that enables the
spread of resistance..."

[Very edited from the long, comprehensive, and depressing article at:
http://www.jhu.edu/jhumag/0609web/farm.html


"CORONERS RELUCTANT TO TEST FOR VCJD, UK NEWS:"  (08/19/09):  "According to BBC
News, coroners in England and Wales are reluctant to carry out tests for vCJD
because it is outside their scope of their job and might undermine their
neutrality, despite pleas from scientists and the government that this might be
the only effective way to determine how many people might be infected. 
Professor John Collinge, a member of the government appointed Spongiform
Encepalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC), told the BBC that he hoped the coroners
would be able to do the tests because he couldn't see "any other way for us to
get this information at the moment".  vCJD is short for variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a brain-wasting disease that humans get from eating
beef from cattle infected with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). There is
also an unknown risk of cross infection from blood transfusions and surgery. 
The prion proteins that cause the disease are found mainly in the brain and
spinal cord, although lower levels may be found in the spleen, tonsils and other
lymph tissue.

... But, while the numbers of deaths from vCJD may suggest the prevalence is low
and thus the risk of person to person transmission is also low (eg via blood
transfusions, surgical operations and dental procedures), we can't rely on this
evidence alone to tell us how many people could be carrying the disease without
realizing it... A study published in the Journal of Pathology in 2004 that
surveyed appendix tissue samples suggested that there could be considerably more
people infected with vCJD than predictions that rely on clinical cases alone
would imply..."

[Edited from:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161140.php


"GAO:  FEDS FAILED TO TELL SCHOOLS OF SUSPECT FOOD:"  (10/09/09):  "Federal
authorities failed to tell schools about recalls of potentially tainted peanut
products and canned vegetables, and cafeterias may have unknowingly served them
to children, the Government Accountability Office reported Sept. 22.  A GAO
investigation found the U.S. Department of Agriculture didn't always make sure
states and schools were notified promptly about recalled food distributed
through the federal school lunch and breakfast programs, which serve 30 million
students.  GAO reported Sept. 22 that it took as long as a week for states to
figure out which products were recalled, and that schools may have served the
suspect food to kids during that time.
"This report underscores the need for comprehensive reform of our food safety
structures,'' Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois said in a statement. "The
30 million students in the national school lunch program, their parents, and the
country at large, deserve to know that the food they eat is safe and free of
contaminants...''
[Edited from:
http://www.hpj.com/archives/2009/oct09/oct5/0924Fedsfailedsuspectfoodsc.cfm


"E.COLI PATH SHOWS FLAWS IN BEEF INSPECTION:"  (10/04/09):  "Stephanie Smith, a
children's dance instructor, thought she had a stomach virus. The aches and
cramping were tolerable that first day, and she finished her classes.  Then her
diarrhea turned bloody. Her kidneys shut down. Seizures knocked her unconscious.
The convulsions grew so relentless that doctors had to put her in a coma for
nine weeks. When she emerged, she could no longer walk. The affliction had
ravaged her nervous system and left her paralyzed. Ms. Smith, 22, was found to
have a severe form of food-borne illness caused by E. coli, which Minnesota
officials traced to the hamburger that her mother had grilled for their Sunday
dinner in early fall 2007...

Meat companies and grocers have been barred from selling ground beef tainted by
the virulent strain of E. coli known as O157:H7 since 1994, after an outbreak at
Jack in the Box restaurants left four children dead. Yet tens of thousands of
people are still sickened annually by this pathogen, federal health officials
estimate, with hamburger being the biggest culprit. Ground beef has been blamed
for 16 outbreaks in the last three years alone, including the one that left Ms.
Smith paralyzed from the waist down. This summer, contamination led to the
recall of beef from nearly 3,000 grocers in 41 states...

Ground beef is usually not simply a chunk of meat run through a grinder.
Instead, records and interviews show, a single portion of hamburger meat is
often an amalgam of various grades of meat from different parts of cows and even
from different slaughterhouses. These cuts of meat are particularly vulnerable
to E. coli contamination, food experts and officials say. Despite this, there is
no federal requirement for grinders to test their ingredients for the
pathogen..."

[Very edited from the long and comprehensive article below.  Howard also pointed
out that this article was on the "top fold" of the NY Times, which gave it
considerable prominence and exposure:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/health/04meat.html?_r=1


"H1N1 JABS POSE HEALTH CHALLENGE:"  (10/18/09):  "The US government's $6.4bn
swine flu vaccination programme is likely to put the American public health
sector under unprecedented strain and expose serious shortcomings, experts
say...  with the US struggling to recover from an economic recession, staffing
could be an issue. Local health departments eliminated 8,000 positions in the
first half of this year, after 7,000 job cuts in 2008, according to the National
Association of County and City Health Officials. Another 12,000 employees have
been subjected to reduced hours or mandatory furloughs this year. The
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials says three-quarters of
states have cut public health funding this year, while 61% expect smaller
budgets in 2010. Seven states have cut back specifically on immunisation.
Layoffs have targeted people needed for the H1N1 programme - nurses, nurse's
aides and switchboard operators and receptionists who would help field public
queries..."

[Edited from:

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=320964&version\
=1&template_id=46&parent_id=26

ONE-STOP WEBSITE FOR INFO ABOUT H1N1 (SWINE FLU):
http://www.flu.gov/


************************************************
*05: Mutant Milk, Fat & Altzheimer's, US Fatter, What We're Eating
************************************************
"US OBESITY PROGLEM "INTENSIFIES:"" (07/01/09):  "Obesity rates in the US have
surged over the last year, a report shows. The Trust for America's Health (TFAH)
and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found adult obesity rates rose in 23 of
the 50 states, but fell in none. In addition, the percentage of obese and
overweight children is at or above 30% in 30 states. The report warns widespread
obesity is fuelling rates of chronic disease, and is responsible for a large,
and growing chunk of domestic healthcare costs.  Obesity is linked to a range of
health problems, including heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes... For the
fifth year in a row, Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity at 32.5%.
Three other states - West Virginia, Alabama and Tennessee - also had adult
obesity rates in excess of 30%.  In just one state - Colorado - was the adult
obesity rate below 20%...

[Edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/8129184.stm


"STUDY EXPLAINS LINK BETWEEN FAT INTAKE AND ALZHEIMER'S:"  (09/04/09):  "In one
of the first studies of its kind, Curtin Alzheimer's expert Professor John Mamo
has explained why foods high in saturated fat can increase the likelihood of a
person developing Alzheimer's disease.  "Before now, there has been no dietary
driven approach to the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease," said
Professor Mamo, National Director of the Australian Technology Network's Centre
for Metabolic Fitness at Curtin.  "Our study found that some dietary fats
damaged the `blood-brain-barrier.' The blood-brain-barrier is an important
membrane that regulates what is normally allowed in and out of the brain, like
important nutrients..." Professor Mamo's Curtin research team found that
saturated fats, like those found in poor quality processed meats, caused an
increase in amyloid delivery from the blood to the brain, resulting in a "brain
overload" of amyloid..."

[Edited from:
  http://news.curtin.edu.au/curtin-news

[Plant and non-plant sources of saturated fat:
http://lowfatcooking.about.com/od/lowfatbasics/a/saturatedfats.htm


"MILK MAY ENDANGER YOUR HEALTH, AND THE DAIRY INDUSTRY KNOWS IT:  "A mutant
protein has invaded the world's dairy supply, including, most likely, the milk
in your fridge.  The protein, called A1 beta-casein, is well known in the
scientific community. While most dairy companies, trade groups and government
agencies consider it harmless, a growing body of research implicates A1
beta-casein in diabetes, heart disease, autism and schizophrenia...

Today, the average vessel of milk contains milk from many cows, with a mixture
of both A1 and A2 beta-casein. Keith Woodford, a professor of farm management
and agribusiness at Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand, is
spreading the word about what he believes to be the dangers of milk containing
A1 beta-casein. His book, Devil in the Milk, builds on more than 100
peer-reviewed studies to present a compelling case that A1 milk poses
substantial health risks. The book is a technical read, and conspiracy theorists
will find it gripping, as Woodford details the extent to which corporations and
government bodies with entrenched interests in maintaining A1 milk's reputation
have disputed, ignored and silenced evidence suggesting there might be a
problem..."

[Very edited from a fascinating read at:
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/142377/milk_may_endanger_your_health%2C_a\
nd_the_dairy_industry_knows_it/?page=entire


"WHAT WE'RE EATING:"  (10/16/09):  "These are the top 10 items sod at grocery
stores for the 52 weeks ending June 14, 2009. They are ranked by dollar sales.
1. Carbonated beverages
2. Milk
3. Fresh bread and rolls
4. Beer/Ale/Hard cider
5. Salty snacks
6. Natural cheese
7. Frozen dinners/entrees
8. Cold cereal
9. Wine
10. Cigarettes

[Edited from below.  There's also a link to the chart with $ figures:
http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/grocery/


************************************************
*06: Brainfood, Veg Diet Reduces Cancer & Chronic Disease Risks
************************************************
"VEGETARIAN DIETS CAN HELP PREVENT CHRONIC DISEASES:  ADA:"  (07/03/09):ADA's
position, published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic
Association, represents the Association's official stance on vegetarian diets: 
"It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately
planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are
healthful, nutritionally adequate and may provide health benefits in the
prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are
appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life-cycle including
pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood and adolescence and for athletes."

... The revised position paper incorporates new topics and additional
information on key nutrients for vegetarians, vegetarian diets in the life cycle
and the use of vegetarian diets in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
"Vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle," according
to ADA's position. "There are many reasons for the rising interest in vegetarian
diets. The number of vegetarians in the United States is expected to increase
over the next decade."  ... A section in ADA's paper on vegetarian diets and
cancer has been significantly expanded to provide details on cancer-protective
factors in vegetarian diets. An expanded section on osteoporosis includes roles
of fruits, vegetables, soy products, protein, calcium, vitamins D and K and
potassium in bone health..."

[Edited from:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701103002.htm

[ADA's Position Paper:
http://www.adajournal.org/article/S0002-8223(09)00700-7/abstract


"VEGETARIAN DIET "CUT RISK CANCER BY 45 PER CENT:"  (07/01/09):  "Eating a
vegetarian diet can almost halve the risk of developing cancer, research
suggests.  A study of more than 61,000 individuals aged between 20 and 89 found
those who did not eat meat reduced overall incidence of the disease by 12 per
cent.  But the most striking difference was in cancers of the blood, including
leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma with 45 per cent fewer cases among the
vegetarians. 
[Edited from:
 
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1196661/Vegetarian-diet-cut-risk-cance\
r-45-cent.html


"BRAINFOOD AT THE WHITE HOUSE:" (07/01/09): "Brainfood is a program where high
school aged youth can learn about food, nutrition, cooking, and jobs in the food
industry through activities, games, restaurant visits, cooking in our kitchen,
and working with guest chefs. Brainfood uses food as a tool to build life skills
with youth in a fun and creative setting.  Through culinary-related activities,
we promote active learning, self-reliance and healthy living to empower youth as
resources in their own community."

[Lotsa photos at this link:
http://brain-food.org/category/image-galleries/brainfood-at-the-white-house

[Washington Post article about the event:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/all-we-can-eat/food-politics/white-house-kitche\
n-welcomes-b.html#more

************************************************
*07:  The Digital Vegan
************************************************
VIDEO/AUDIO:  Animal Rights Activist (AETA) & Interviewed on "DEMOCRACY NOW:"
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/6/25/exclusive_animal_rights_activist_jailed_at

VIDEO: "Water Crisis:"  Jon Stewart Inteview:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/83493/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-robert-glennon#s\
-p1-sr-i1

AUDIO/VIDEO/TEXT:  On the Media:  "Covering Big Food:"
http://onthemedia.org/transcripts/2009/07/17/07

RESOURCE:  "What is Vegan?"
http://vegan.fm/isitvegan/doku.php

VIDEO:  "Earth Days"
http://www.earthdaysmovie.com/EarthDays.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsdKxew6FM8
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/film.php?directoryname=earthdays&mode=synopsis

VIDEO:  "What's Organic?"
http://whatsorganicmovie.org/

Audio:  "Chemicals in Our Water:"  On Point:
http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/07/chemicals-in-our-water

VIDEO:  "What's on Your Plate?
http://whatsonyourplateproject.org/


************************************************
*08: 50 yr Farm Bill, Ag Solutions, Real Food Cost, Composting SF
************************************************
"RECIPE FOR AMERICA:"  (07/16/09):  "Americans are more obese than ever, our
current agriculture system is dependent on oil and other limited resources, our
waterways and air are polluted by factory-like farming operations, and still
opponents try to push sustainable agriculture to the margins. But change is
possible, as Jill Richardson writes in her new book, "Recipe for America: Why
Our Food System is Broken and What We Can Do to Fix It", which breaks down many
of the issues facing the food system and provides approximately 70 pages of
solutions..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/07/16-7

[Jill Richardson's Blog:
http://www.lavidalocavore.org/

"THE HIGH COST OF CHEAP FOOD:"  (07/19/09):  "For awhile, you can ignore poverty
in schools, outbreaks of cookie dough E. coli, and the fact that 27 percent of
our country's children are obese. But they're all connected — and these layers
of bad news will eventually weigh one down.  I found this statistic a little
harder to overlook: For the first time in 200 years, today's children have a
lower life expectancy than their parents.  Unhealthy school lunches are
certainly one reason. Here's another: Most of our food comes from huge factory
farms that are government-subsidized to produce food products quickly but not
nutritiously...

... According to Vandana Shiva, an Indian crop ecologist quoted in Barbara
Kingsolver's book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle," over the course of history,
humans have consumed over 80,000 plant species. That number has now been reduced
to eight species, with a continuous honing in on modified canola, corn and soy. 
When Kingsolver wrote the book in 2007, only six companies controlled 98 percent
of the world's seed sales (Monsanto, Syngenta, DuPont, Mitsui, Aventis, and
Dow), and they continue to desecrate land. Juggernauts like Monsanto send 330
small farm operators off their land a week.  In a nutshell, government
regulations will soon favor genetically modified (or GMO) seeds over organic
seeds, and organic seeds might eventually become illegal..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_12856620


"3 WISE MEN, PLANTING IDEAS WHERE IT COUNTS:"  (07/22/09): ""Eating is an
agricultural act," essayist Wendell Berry famously wrote. It's also a political
one. Which is why last week Berry, geneticist Wes Jackson and
sustainable-agriculture advocate Fred Kirschenmann made a pilgrimage to
Washington to make a case for a new kind of food policy... The three met with
administration officials and senators to promote a 50-year-farm bill, a proposal
for gradual, systemic change in American farming... Staff writer Jane Black
talked with them about the future of agriculture, urban "food citizens" and
whether genetically modified food can save the world. Excerpts follow:

..Berry: The inevitable aim of industrial agri-investors is the big universal
solution. They want a big product that can be marketed everywhere. And the kind
of agriculture we're talking about that leads to food security and land
conservation is locally adapted agriculture. And they can't do that. Industrial
agriculture plants cornfields in Arizona; locally adapted agriculture says, what
can we fit in this place that will not destroy it? Or what can nature help us to
do here? That's the critical issue.  Washington doesn't think in 50-year
increments. How do you sell this?..."

[Edited from the full interview/article at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/21/AR2009072100645.\
html?referrer=emailarticle


"NO FLIES ON S.F.'S NEW COMPOSTING LAW:"  (09/09/09):  "San Franciscans have six
more weeks before they're required to toss their food scraps into green
composting bins or face a fine - but apparently all the trash talk coming out of
City Hall is already having an effect.  Just a few months ago, the city
Department of the Environment was doling out five to 10 green composting bins a
day; now that number is up to 130. The amount of composted material coming out
of San Francisco is up 15 percent over the past few months - now totaling 480
tons every day.  "There's a real sense of urgency now," said Jared Blumenfeld,
director of the Environment Department. "We never heard from these folks and,
suddenly, they're saying, 'How do you do it?' "

... Starting Oct. 21, every home and business in the city must have three
separate color-coded bins for waste: black for trash, blue for recycling - and
now green for composting. Failure to sort trash initially will result in several
warnings, but ultimately could lead to fines of up to $1,000 in egregious cases.
The city's requirement - first of its kind in the nation - is part of a larger
plan to have San Franciscans sending nothing to landfills or incinerators by
2020. City officials say the city currently diverts 72 percent of its waste..."

[Edited from:
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/09/09-6

************************************************
*09:  Animal Abusers Lose, AETA Wins, Veg Math, Spider Veg!
************************************************
"GIVING FARMED-ANIMAL ABUSERS THEIR DUE:"  (07/16/09):  "With so many
high-profile stories in the news lately—the passing of Michael Jackson and
Farrah Fawcett, the Gov. Sanford scandal, post-election protests in Iran—you may
not have heard about the historic victories for animals that are taking place in
American courtrooms. It's worth noting that two of PETA's undercover
investigations of factory farms have just resulted in groundbreaking animal
abuse convictions—convictions that are both highly significant and long overdue.
All too often, the abuse of animals in the meat industry is shrugged off as just
the cost of doing business... And here's a warning for workers in the meat
industry: PETA's investigators (and the whistleblowers who tip us off) will
continue to watch for animal abusers.

[Edited from the sometimes graphic article at:
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/07/16-4


"VIRTUAL SIT-INS DOOM ONLINE ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS:"  (10/16/09):  "Setting
aside claims of vagueness, a divided federal appeals court is upholding the
constitutionality of the Animal Enterprise Protection Act, a statute that makes
it a crime to encourage "physical disruption" or "economic damage" against
animal-research centers.  Thursday's decision by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of
Appeals (.pdf) was the first time an appellate court has grappled with the free
speech issues raised by the law, reviewing the case of radical animal-rights
activists who were convicted in 2006 of using e-mail and websites to encourage
violence — including bombings — against a New Jersey animal-research center, its
shareholders, office holders, bankers and others affiliated with it.

The six ranking members of the Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty group, some of
whom were sentenced to up to six years in prison, argued that the 2002 statute,
amended in 2006, has a chilling effect on speech because of its ambiguity...
While the bulk of the defendants' online postings and e-mails were protected
speech, the court said it was troubled with the dissemination of personal
information of individuals employed by Huntingdon and affiliated companies —
including some communications accompanied with threats to burn down their
houses. What's more, the appellate panel said the defendants' e-mails and online
postings that coordinated the denial of service attacks were clearly illegal..."

[Very edited from the article at:
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/10/animals/


"THE MATHEMATICS OF DIETARY DEATH:"  (10/17/09):  "Artist and graphic designer
Mark Middleton recently calculated the true impact of food production on two
categories of animals: domestic species specifically slaughtered for human
consumption, and wild species killed as a consequence of agricultural
harvesting. What's more, he translated his findings into an easy-to-read graph*
that enables comparison of how different diets (i.e., plant vs. flesh foods)
impact animals' lives — both by the numbers and as an interactive (filterable)
visual representation of these otherwise abstract values...

Extrapolating from this diagram, we find that:

- Eating chicken flesh takes about 100 times the number of animals' lives as
eating the equivalent caloric content of vegetables.

- Subsisting on only grains for an entire year would likely cost fewer than two
animals (e.g., field mice) their lives.

- Contrary to Davis' central assertion, the number of wild animals who die as a
result of beef production is much greater than occurs in the harvesting of all
plant food varieties combined.

[Edited from the very interesting article (with chart) at:
http://animalrighter.blogspot.com/2009/10/go-figure-mathematics-of-dietary-death\
.html


"A VEGETARIAN AMONG 1000s OF MEAT-EATING SPIDERS:"  (10/14/09):  "For years,
scientists were confident about one uniform trait of the world's 40,000 spider
species: They were meat-eaters.  So you can imagine the eureka moment when
Brandeis senior lecturer Eric Olson realized a jumping spider he found in Costa
Rica was a vegetarian..."

[You can read about it here:
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/greenblog/2009/10/brandeis_researcher_disc\
overs.html

************************************************
*10: Howard's Schedule
************************************************
Oct 21st Boston, Mass.  Northeastern University 7 PM   C.RRosskam@...

Nov. 3rd Ellensburg, Washington Central Washington University 2 PM Dean Hall 104
 pearson@...

Nov 8th Seattle, Washington  Yakima Convention Center 3 PM hlyman@...

Nov. 12th CWU 11AM TBA   


************************************************
*11: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[Useful resource and for networking:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Vegan Daily Blog:"
http://www.yourdailyvegan.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

[Robin Robertston's "Vegan Planet:"
http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

[100 Useful Websites for Vegetarians and Vegans:
http://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.org/100-useful-websites-for-vegetarians-a\
nd-vegans/

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[The FatFree Vegan Yahoo Group List:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fatfree_vegan/

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[VegMichigan's PlantPeaceDaily Newsletter:
http://www.plantpeacedaily.org/newsletter.html

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Award-winning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

[Some stunning recipes:
http://vegandad.blogspot.com

[Fine collection of McDougall Recipes:
http://drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10075

[Heart-healthy Vegan Recipes:
http://heart.kumu.org/recipes.html


************************************************
*12: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
M:  "In your book, you also list a bunch of the myths of a plant strong diet. 
What would you say is the biggest one amongst these myths?"

R:  "I'd have to say the biggest one is protein.  I get asked about that at
least twice a day.  I just say that if your consuming enough calories you never
have to worry about getting enough protein."

--- (Rip Esselstyn, Vegan Firefighter, author, "The Engine 2 Diet")

************************************************

Howdy!  Welcome to the 68th issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

In this year end issue, there's some special treats for our readers.  Amongst
the spread is a special Holiday Message from Howard, Recipes from Robin
Robertson's amazing new opus, "1,000 Vegan Recipes," and Dennis Kucinich
explaining what he'd do as dictator!

Reading further, you'll learn about the collision of the military-industrial
complex with the vegetable-industrial complex, what Author Foer thinks about
PETA and Pollan, and PCRM's new online "21-day Vegan Program" for going veg that
starts in January 2010.  There's also information about the "dietary estrogens"
and illnesses controversy, a study on meditation and heart disease, how plants
appear to be socially awareness, new dirt on Monsanto, the best/worst tap water
online database, links to 10 essays on vegetarianism by Kaythy Freston, and the
top food stories of 2009/the decade.

Also, don't miss our "Vegan Digital Media Theater," where you can watch the
amazing Octopus that has scientists scratching their heads, a "Smiling Animal"
Slideshow, Rip Esselstyn lecturing at Whole Foods, and 85 minutes of Howard
speaking at the Conscious Life Expo in 2006.

... as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers:  y'all can browse past
issues at the Mad Cowboy Newsletter Archives:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Wishing everyone a Happy Holidaze and warmer weather!

Mark, MC editor/webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: A Holiday Message from Howard!
01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
02: Recipes from "1,000 Vegan Recipes" by Robin Robertson
03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
04: 2 Fat 2 Serve, Diet/Estrogens, Heart Meditation, Veg. Act
05: Dennis Dictator? Veg Zeitgeist, Foer on PETA, Vegan Kickstart
06: Vegan Digital Media Theater
07: Social Plants, Save Food Steps, Monsanto Biz, Best/Worst H20
08: Quick Bytes
09: Closing Thoughts

************************************************
*00: A Holiday Message from Howard!
************************************************
Season's Greetings!

When the harvest is over and the garden is cleaned for a long winter nap, I find
it is helpful to reflect on the past season and plan for the future. Did I do as
well as I could? Did I do my part to assure future generations the opportunity
to enjoy the blessings of planet earth?

Willow Jeane and I continue to enjoy life in the community we have chosen to
live and participate in, Ellensburg, WA.  It has been a wonderful choice for us
and we are amazed at how great a decision it was to pick this valley. A small
town filled with interesting folks and, compared to Montana, a nice warm winter.

I continue to travel and spread my message but at a reduced rate compared to the
past.  My time at home in my garden and enjoying the companionship of some
wonderful friends makes it seem like I have already died and gone to heaven.

This past year was filled with reunions with old friends and meeting new folks
who encourage and assure me that we are making a difference.  Traveling today as
a plant eater,s light worlds different than it was when I started twenty years
ago.  I'm convinced in my lifetime the majority of Americans will embrace a
plant-based diet. The question is, will the earth be a fit place for humans to
live?

My message today is:, do everything you can.  Then you will have no regrets
about future.  When I have the opportunity to closely observe the new generation
I'm overwhelmed by their ability and intelligence.  They are truly a new breed.

Please join with Willow Jeane and myself in enjoying the fruits of our labors
and working for a more peaceful, green, and healthy planet.

Your friend, Howard

December, 2009


************************************************
*01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"In a kitchen with normal air temperature, how fast will E. coli cells double in
amount?"

(a) every 45 min.   (b) every 30 min.   (c)  every 15 min.    (d)  every 5 min.
(e)  Eww, that's gross...

Congratulations to  Loraine Hill of Tampa, FL, for correctly guessing "(a)" and
winning the luck of the draw.  She'll receive a year's subscription to
"VegNews."  Congratulations, also, to Ginger Smith, of Salinas, CA, who was also
among those answering "(a)."  She'll receive the Organic Cotton Shopping Bag.

[""In a warm kitchen, E. coli cells will double every 45 minutes," said Dr.
Mansour Samadpour, a microbiologist who runs IEH Laboratories in Seattle, one of
the meat industry's largest testing firms."

From:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/health/04meat.html


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Approximately, for every dosage of antibiotics given to a ill person in the
U.S., how many are given to so-called "healthy" factory-farmed animals?"

(a) 4        (b) 8       (c) 10      (d) 12     (e) waaay too much!

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT January. 22th, 2010.  PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND
ADDRESS (U.S. domestic only).  It will not be sold nor given out to anyone but
VegNews and Ethical Planet for the freebies only.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]

[Many thanks, also, to Fran Horvath, of Ethical Planet for offering a FREE
organic cotton shopping bag to the 2nd place winner.  You can learn more about
her online (and offline) stores at:

http://www.ethicalplanet.com


************************************************
*02: Recipes from "1,000 Vegan Recipes" by Robin Robertson
************************************************
"Robin Robertson's 1,000 Vegan Recipes is the perfect book for a start towards a
healthy new diet. Robin has created a must have for everyone interested in not
only tasty food, but food that is good for you. 1,000 Vegan Recipes is the crown
jewel of cook books."

Howard F. Lyman LL.D., "The Mad Cowboy"

[Note: both recipes from Robin's book are © 2009, John Wiley & Sons.]

Mac and Chard
(makes 4 to 6 servings)

"If you're not a fan of nutritional yeast or soy, try this yeast-free, soy-free
(and cheese-free) version of macaroni and cheese, with the lovely and healthful
addition of chopped rainbow chard. (If unavailable, use another variety of chard
or substitute spinach.) To make the sauce silky smooth, it is best to use a
high-speed blender to grind the cashews to a powder; otherwise the sauce may be
a bit grainy."

12 ounces elbow macaroni
1 medium bunch rainbow chard, tough stems removed and chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped
1 Yukon gold potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 cup unsalted roasted cashews
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

1. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni over medium-high heat
until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

2. Steam the chard until tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool. When cool
enough to handle squeeze any remaining moisture from the chard and set chard
aside. Lightly oil a 9 x 13-baking dish and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350
degrees F.

3. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Add the
onion, garlic, and potato. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, cover, and
cook until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Add 1 cup of the
broth, the turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon of the paprika, and continue cooking,
uncovered, until the vegetables are very soft. Remove from the heat and set
aside.

4. Grind the cashews in a high-speed blender until ground to a fine powder. Add
the onion and potato mixture, the remaining broth, lemon juice, mustard, and
salt and pepper, to taste, and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings,
if necessary.

5. Combine the sauce with the cooked macaroni and steamed chard and transfer to
the prepared casserole. Sprinkle with the bread crumbs and remaining 1/4
teaspoon paprika and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Bake until
hot and golden brown on top, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately."


Pear and Apple Chutney
(makes about 3 cups)

"Firm fruits work best in chutneys since they retain some of their texture once
the chutney is cooked, so pears and apples are a natural fit."

2 firm Anjou or Bartlett pears, peeled, cored and chopped
2 Granny Smith or McIntosh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/3 cup minced onion
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 cup sugar

1. In a large saucepan, combine all the ingredients and bring to a boil over
medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture
is thickened and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

2. Cool to room temperature. If not using right away, spoon the chutney into a
container with a tight-fitting lid.

Cover and refrigerate until needed.


[For more about "1,000 Vegan Recipes", her other books, and sample recipes:
http://www.globalvegankitchen.com

[Check out Robin's Blog for more recipes, ideas, and information:
http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/


************************************************
*03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
************************************************
TOP 2009 & DECADE FOOD STORIES:"  (12/17/09):  "When Americans were asked which
were the most memorable food stories of 2009, food health and safety stories
topped the list.

1. Food Safety Concerns... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
estimates 76 million cases of food borne illnesses occur annually in the U.S.;
more than 300,000 persons are hospitalized and 5,000 die.
2. Newly Poor Swelling Lines at Food Banks...
3. Consumers Cut Food Spending Sharply...

Top Food Stories of the Decade

1. Childhood obesity...
2. Mad Cow Disease...
3. Rise of Food Safety Concerns...

[Edited from the expanded list at:
http://www.drovers.com/news_editorial.asp?pgID=675&ed_id=6628&news_id=19209

[Full Top 10 in both categories:
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Hunter-Public-Relations-1092016.html


"NEW CASE OF VCJD MEANS MORE PEOPLE COULD HAVE THE DISEASE:"  (12/18/09):  "A
man who died from variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) came from a genetic
group that has not previously been susceptible to the disease, it has been
revealed.  A case report published in this week's edition of The Lancet
discusses how the case could mean there are other people with the condition who
at the moment have no symptoms... The new case, however, was different and the
man was heterozygous – a fact that the authors say could mean other people are
incubating the disease... The authors have recently reported some heterozygous
patients with kuru had been incubating the disease over 50 years. Thus the
authors believe there could be other cases like this one in which people are
infected with vCJD, but are experiencing a long incubation period..."

[Edited from:
http://www.onmedica.com/news/046006d6-8585-42bc-84b0-11332f250510/new-case-of-vc\
jd-means-more-people-could-have-the-disease

[See also: 'My son caught human form of mad cow disease from his baby food':"
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/39My-son-caught-human-form.5925325.jp

[SOURCE: Lancet 2009; 374: 2128
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2809%2961568-3/fu\
lltext


"7 DISEASES THAT BIG, JUICY STEAKS COULD GIVE YOU:"  (11/05/09):  "...Sicknesses
Associated With Eating Meat:

1. Prostate Cancer, 2. Heart Disease, 3. Osteoporosis, 4. Kidney Stones, 5.
Food-borne Illnesses, 6. Pancreatic Cancer, 7. Type 2 Diabetes in Women

[Edited from the more detailed list with cites at:
http://www.alternet.org/story/143691/


"E. COLI KILLS 2 AND SICKENS MANY; FOCUS IS ON BEEF:"  (11/03/09):  "Two people,
one from New Hampshire and another from upstate New York, have died after eating
ground beef that may be responsible for an E. coli outbreak linked to illness in
more than two dozen people.  The suspect beef was produced by a company in
western New York State, Fairbank Farms, which issued a voluntary recall Saturday
for 545,699 pounds of ground beef products.  The products in question are ground
beef or packaged beef patties that were made from Sept. 14 to Sept. 16 and
distributed mostly in the Northeast... The products went to retailers in eight
states: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North
Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia... At more than 270 tons of beef, Saturday's
recall was a large one. The Agriculture Department said the median beef recall
last year was 7,733 pounds."

[Edit from (free subscription required):
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/health/03beef.html?_r=1

[For the final report:"
http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2009/


"PREVALENCE OF LONG-TERM RISKS OF FOOD POISONING UNKNOWN:"  (11/13/09): 
"Episodes of food poisoning may have serious long-term consequences -- including
kidney failure or mental retardation -- particularly among children, researchers
say.  A new report that reviews previous data has found that five common
foodborne pathogens may increase the risk of serious complications... "Our
report addresses the fact that most foodborne pathogens can cause severe disease
in some small probability of cases," Roberts said during a press briefing.
"These serious or long-term complications include kidney failure, paralysis,
seizures, hearing and visual impairment, [arthritis], and mental retardation." 
The five major pathogens are Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes,
Salmonella, and Toxoplasma gondii. But more than 200 pathogens can contaminate
food and cause disease, Roberts said.  While the severity of the acute infection
varies greatly, depending on the pathogen and the patient's own vulnerability,
the most common symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting. But even after a patient
recovers from these symptoms, they may have to deal with longer-term effects..."

[Very edited from the detailed (and disturbing) article at:
http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/PublicHealth/16990


"FAST FOOD HAMBURGERS SAFER THAN SCHOOL LUNCHES:"  (12/15/09):  "Fast food is
notorious for its high calories and fat content; however, a new study has found
the meat served by restaurant chains, such as McDonald's, is actually safer than
the hamburgers served in school lunches.  It is not that fast food, largely
responsible for the obesity epidemic in America, is healthier than school
lunches, but fast food restaurants have stricter safety standards. Considering
children are "most susceptible to food-borne illnesses", it is morally
reprehensible the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) does not take food safety
seriously... McDonald's, Burger King and Costco, for instance, are far more
rigorous in checking for bacteria and dangerous pathogens. They test the ground
beef they buy five to 10 times more often than the USDA tests beef made for
schools during a typical production day..."

[From the well-written blog post (with imbedded cite links) at:
http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/12/15/fast-food-hamburgers-safer-than-school-lunch\
es/comment-page-1/

[See also:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-12-15-school-lunches-health-inspecti\
ons_N.htm
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/New-York-Senator-Wants-Strict-Testing-Of-Meat-In-Sc\
hool-Lunches/2009-12-15/Article.aspx?oid=967154


************************************************
*04: 2 Fat 2 Serve, Diet & Estrogens, Heart Meditation, Veg. Act
************************************************
"MEDITATION 'EASES HEART DISEASE:"  (11/17/09):  "Heart disease patients who
practise Transcendental Meditation have reduced death rates, US researchers have
said.  At a meeting of the American Heart Association they said they had
randomly assigned 201 African Americans to meditate or to make lifestyle
changes.  After nine years, the meditation group had a 47% reduction in deaths,
heart attacks and strokes... The meditation group were asked to practise for 20
minutes twice a day... As well as the reductions in death, heart attacks and
strokes in the meditating group, their average blood pressure was significantly
lower (5mm Hg), and there was a significant reduction in psychological stress in
some participants..."

[Edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/8363302.stm


"TOO FAT TO SERVE: HOW OUR UNHEALTHY FOOD SYSTEM IS UNDERMINING THE MILITARY:" 
(12/21/09):  "Michael Pollan coined the term "vegetable-industrial complex" to
describe our corporate-driven food system decades after President Eisenhower
warned us of the "military-industrial complex..." Nowadays, diet-related
diseases are due to eating too much food, not too little. As such, the
vegetable-industrial complex and the military-industrial complex have collided
head on... according to a new report by the non-profit Mission: Readiness... 75
percent of young people ages 17 to 24 are unable to enlist in the United States
military. Over one-third of those unable to serve are unfit because they are
overweight. The military turns away 15,000 potential recruits every year because
they are too heavy...

... Just as the military-industrial complex relies on a bloated U.S. defense
budget to keep it in business, the vegetable-industrial complex relies on the
American people to purchase the massive quantities of food corporate farmers
produce. It doesn't matter much to producers whether the food is eaten or thrown
away (as a projected 40 percent of it is) so long as the food is grown,
processed and paid for, and they pocket the profits. Often, very simple, healthy
foods are turned into less healthy foods in order to make more money...  The
U.S. government played a role in the buildup of the vegetable-industrial complex
from the start, legalizing and promoting pesticides and fertilizers and then
making policies that would favor large farms while putting small and mid-sized
farms out of business. .. Unfortunately, these two "complexes" share the same
target: teenage boys. The same segment of our population that the military wants
to enlist is also remarkable in their ability to eat large quantities of
unhealthy food. (This is true to a lesser extent with teenage girls.) Thus, the
two complexes have collided head on..."

[Very edited from an interesting perspective at:
http://www.alternet.org/story/144570/

[See also:
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/commerce/091125/obesity-epidemic-fattest-coun\
tries
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125702881246120983.html


"DIETARY ESTROGENS HAVE LITTLE EFFECT ON CANCER RISK:"  (12/21/09):  "Dietary
"phytoestrogens" -- plant substances that have weak estrogen-like activity --
have little impact on the risks of developing hormone-sensitive cancers like
breast and prostate cancer or colorectal cancers, new research suggests.  In a
large study of some 25,000 British adults, researchers failed to find any
"significant" differences in cancer risk related to dietary intake of these
compounds.  Phytoestrogens are found in a wide range of foods including dairy
products, soy foods, cereals, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, coffee and tea.
Previous studies have suggested dietary phytoestrogen intake is associated with
increased breast cancer risk and reduced colorectal cancer risk in women. The
results from earlier studies were hampered, however, by limited data about
phytoestrogen content in food. No previous research has examined the association
between phytoestrogen intake and prostate cancer risk...  However,
phytoestrogens found in eggs and dairy products "may influence the risk of
prostate cancer and colon cancer in women," they report..."

[Edited from:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091221/hl_nm/us_dietary_estrogens_cancer_1

SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2009.
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/ajcn.2009.28282v1


"FARR INTRODUCES SCHOOL FRUIT AND VEGETABLE ACT:"  (12/16/09):  "Congressman Sam
Farr (D-Carmel) on Wednesday introduced legislation aimed at increasing the
amount of fruits and vegetables in school breakfasts and lunches. The bill
includes several strategies that will improve health and limit obesity among
America's schoolchildren.  Provisions included in the Children's Fruit and
Vegetable Act, H.R. 4333: USDA will implement a plan to increase the amount of
fruits and vegetables purchased for school feeding programs, USDA will work with
schools to encourage the use of salad bars in school cafeterias, a proven
strategy for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption ($10 million/year for
two years), Improve overall cafeteria quality and feeding infrastructure ($100
million one-time payment), Promote farm-to-cafeteria programs ($10 million/year
for five years), Provide schools with training and technical assistance
($500,000/year for five years)..."

...The full Institute of Medicine study is available online here:
http://www.iom.edu/en/Reports/2009/School-Meals-Building-Blocks-for-Healthy-Chil\
dren.aspx

The full text of the bill is available here:
http://www.farr.house.gov/images/stories/Documents/fruitandveg.pdf

[Edited from:
http://www.farr.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=614&Itemid=1


************************************************
*05: Dennis Dictator? Veg Zeitgeist, Foer on PETA, Vegan Kickstart
************************************************
"DENNIS KUCINICH AS ABSOLUTE DICTATOR?'"  (12/18/09): "Rep. Dennis Kucinich
(D-Ohio) recently sat down with reddit.com to answer 10 questions from website
visitors. The 28 minute interview included topics on gun control, health care,
voter reform, and special interest groups [Video at Link Below].  Finally the
congressman answered a question that we have all pondered of our political
officials, "If you were made the absolute dictator of the U.S. for one day, what
are some of the things you would do?"  "I think I would order everyone to have
vegan chocolate chip brownies." Kucinich dramatically paused then continued. 
"Now why would I do that? Well I have been a vegan now for…. well since 1995….
that would be more than 14 years. As a result I've had tremendous health. I have
had great energy, clarity. I have had the ability to be able to connect my
dietary choices with my health..."

[Edited from the interview summary with video (18:58 is "dictator"):
http://www.examiner.com/x-29556-Cleveland-Vegetarian-Culture-Examiner~y2009m12d1\
8-Rep-Dennis-Kucinich-would-order-US-to-eat-vegan-brownies

[High-Def version (great quality) of video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whcKWF4QZoI&feature=player_embedded


"QUITTING MEAT IS AT THE HEART OF 2009'S HEALTH ZEITGEIST:"
...Each of Freston's essays were read by tens of thousands of people on
AlterNet. Here are 10 of her most popular from 2009 [with imbedded links to each
essay]:

1. 10 Signs Vegetarianism Is Catching On...
2. Jonathan Safran Foer's 'Eating Animals' Book Will Fundamentally Change the
Way You Think About Food...
3. There Is a Way to Help Avoid Heart Disease and Diabetes: You Are What You
Eat!...
4. A Solution For Diabetes: A Vegan Diet...
5. Is Eating a Plant-Based Diet a Cure for Cancer?...
6. Meatless Mondays: Do Something Good for the Earth and Your Health...
7. Eating Meat Is Not Natural...
8. Will We Still Eat Meat, Drink Milk, and Fry Eggs in 2109?...
9. Our Appetite for Animals Is Taking Us Toward Apocalypse...
10. Are We So Addicted to Meat That We Can't See Where the Swine Flu Came
From?...

[Edited from:
http://www.alternet.org/story/144683/


"FOER ON HUNTING, PETA, AND DISAGREEING WITH MICHAEL POLLAN:"  (12/22/09): 
"Since childhood, Jonathan Safran Foer has dabbled in vegetarianism -- but when
he became a father he finally decided to take a closer look at his dietary
choices. The result is his first work of nonfiction, Eating Animals...  [which]
uncovers some ugly truths about America's meat production system, but [in it]he
also weaves in stories from his own family history -- and shows how stories can
shape our diets. While others have argued for reforming our system of factory
farms, Foer argues for much more radical change: giving up meat (or at least
eating dramatically less of it). I talked to him about switching from novels to
nonfiction, raising kids veggie, and daring to disagree with the pope of the
sustainable food movement, Michael Pollan...

... MJ: You have a whole section on PETA in your book. You acknowledge that
they're the butt of a lot of jokes. But it seems like you take them seriously.
Do you ever think they undermine their own cause by being so strident?

JSF: Part of their effectiveness is in acting like jacka**es sometimes.
Everybody knows who they are; they have an incredibly powerful brand and they
get that in part by undermining their own legitimacy. It's like a deal they
made.

...MJ: You are almost a vegan right now, right?

JSF: That is what I am moving toward...

[Very edited from:
  http://www.alternet.org/story/144348/

[See also:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/the-moral-ferocity-of-eme_b_335811.\
html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natalie-portman/jonathan-safran-foers-iea_b_334407\
.html
http://www.alternet.org/food/143692/jonathan_safran_foer%27s_%27eating_animals%2\
7_book_will_fundamentally_change_the_way_you_think_about_food
http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/10/28/opinion.jonathan.foer/index.html



"FREE ONLINE 21-DAY VEGAN KICKSTART PROGRAM:"  (12/19/09):"Millions of people
will start diets this New Year's Day. But many of those weight-loss plans aren't
healthy or sustainable. As a dietitian, I encourage Americans to start 2010 with
a healthy vegan diet. Abundant research has shown that people who maintain a
healthy weight over the long-term tend to eat a plant-based diet.  This simple
prescription for weight loss doesn't require any portion control or calorie
counting. A diet with plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can also
boost the immune system and prevent illnesses. A meatless diet can even help
reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.  A free
online program starting New Year's Day offers people all the tools they need to
try a healthy plant-based diet. The 21-Day Vegan Kickstart provides daily
recipes and advice from dietitians, doctors, and celebrity diet counselors,
including Alicia Silverstone. Sign up at 21DayKickstart.org.

— Susan Levin, M.S., R.D., Director of Nutrition Education, Physicians Committee
for Responsible Medicine, Washington, D.C.

[Edited from:
http://www.newsandtribune.com/opinion/local_story_353172353.html?keyword=seconda\
rystory

[Program's Website:
http://support.pcrm.org/site/PageServer?pagename=21day_vegan_kickstart


************************************************
*06:  Vegan Digital Media Theater
************************************************
VIDEO:  "Howard Lyman" - 85 minutes of Howard speaking at the Conscious Life
Expo two yrs. ago:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8232152660850315287#

VIDEO:  "A Life Connected" - "VEGAN:  For the People. For the Planet. For the
Animals:"
http://veganvideo.org/

[See also:
http://www.nonviolenceunited.org/alifeconnected.htm

[To embed:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6149317978842675089#


WEBSITE WIDGET:  "Animals Killed Counter:"
http://www.adaptt.org/killcounter.html

SLIDESHOW:  "Animals Smiling:"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/15/animals-smiling-photos_n_356955.html?sl\
idenumber=atEXiWVj8xo%3D#slide_image


VIDEO:  "Octopus (an invertebrate) Using Coconut Shell as Tool:"  (12/15/09):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/15/coconut-carrying-octopus_n_392564.html


VIDEO:  "The Future of Food:"  (2009) (10 minute "Introduction:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNezTsrCY0Q

"The Future of Food has been a key tool in the American and international
anti-GMO grassroots activist movements and played widely in the environmental
and activist circuits since its release in 2004 [website/download/DVD 11/2009].
The film is widely acknowledged for its role in educating voters and the
subsequent success of passing Measure H in Mendocino County, California, one of
the first local initiatives in the country to ban the planting of GMO crops.

[Main website for DVD and computer version download:
http://www.thefutureoffood.com


VIDEO:  "Rip Esselstyn Lectures at Whole Foods:"  (10/27/09):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZhReouWekQ


************************************************
*07: Social Plants, Save Food Steps, Monsanto Biz, Best/Worst H20
************************************************
"PLANTS HAVE A SOCIAL LIFE, TOO:"  (11/18/09):  "After decades of seeing plants
as passive recipients of fate, scientists have found them capable of behaviors
once thought unique to animals. Some plants even appear to be social, favoring
family while pushing strangers from the neighborhood.  Research into plant
sociality is still young, with many questions unanswered. But it may change how
people conceive of the floral world, and provide new ways of raising
productivity on Earth's maxed-out farmlands... In a paper published in the
November American Journal of Botany, Dudley describes how Impatiens pallida, a
common flowering plant, devotes less energy than usual to growing roots when
surrounded by relatives. In the presence of genetically unrelated Impatiens,
individuals grow their roots as fast as they can.  Acknowledging relatives in
this way is an example of kin recognition. It's common in the animal world, and
is a precursor to kin selection, in which animals help their familial group, not
just themselves. Dudley thinks plants have kin selection, too. It's a
controversial idea, but that it's even being debated shows how far research into
plant sociality has come..."

[Edited from:
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/11/plant-family-values/


"8 STEPS OBAMA COULD TAKE TO SAVE FOOD:"  (11/20/09):

1. Evenly distribute government moneys to all farmers...
2. Reinstitute the USDA pesticide reporting standard that was waived under the
Bush administration...
3. Reinstate the pre-Bush administration dollar value that the EPA places on the
life of every American...
4. Allow public debate over the nomination of pesticide lobbyist, Islam Siddiqui
for Chief Agriculture Negotiator...
5. Encourage climate change advocates like Al Gore to discuss Pesticide Use by
Big Ag and its Chemical Footprint...
6. Update the Consumer Protection and Food Allergen Labeling Ac...
7. Ask the SEC to join the Department of Justice in its investigation into trade
practices in agrichemical industry...
8. Appoint a Children's Health Advisor to serve on the USDA's National School
Lunch Program...

It's our food system on the line.  And if our children are any indicator, our
health and the economic burden that it presents are on the line, too."

[Very edited from the more descriptive article at:
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/11/20-0


"MONSANTO SEED BIZ ROLE REVEALED:"  (12/14/09):  "Confidential contracts
detailing Monsanto Co.'s business practices reveal how the world's biggest seed
developer is squeezing competitors, controlling smaller seed companies and
protecting its dominance over the multibillion-dollar market for genetically
altered crops, an Associated Press investigation has found.  With Monsanto's
patented genes being inserted into roughly 95 percent of all soybeans and 80
percent of all corn grown in the U.S., the company also is using its wide reach
to control the ability of new biotech firms to get wide distribution for their
products, according to a review of several Monsanto licensing agreements and
dozens of interviews with seed industry participants, agriculture and legal
experts... Monsanto's methods are spelled out in a series of confidential
commercial licensing agreements obtained by the AP... access to Monsanto's genes
comes at a cost, and with plenty of strings attached..."

"We now believe that Monsanto has control over as much as 90 percent of (seed
genetics). This level of control is almost unbelievable," said Neil Harl,
agricultural economist at Iowa State University who has studied the seed
industry for decades. "The upshot of that is that it's tightening Monsanto's
control, and makes it possible for them to increase their prices long term..."

[Very edited from long and comprehensive investigation/article at:
http://www.ajc.com/business/ap-investigation-monsanto-seed-240072.html


"CITIES WITH BEST AND WORST TAP WATER:"  (12/12/09):  "How safe is the water
that flows out of your tap? The answer very much depends on where you live. 
It's now easier than ever for consumers to find out what's in their tap water.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) today released the results of a three-year
investigation of municipal water supplies across the U.S.  The research and
advocacy group looked at water quality tests performed by water utilities since
2004 and created an extensive database that contains info on the contaminants
found in 48,000 communities in 45 states.   EWG also rated 100 big city
(population over 250,000) water utilities.

Here is the full 100-city listing:
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/the_conscious_consumer/111/cities-with-best-and-wors\
t-tap-water-part-2.html

... or you can search for your town by ZIP code [also has links to research,
info, tips, etc.]:
http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/welcome

[Edited from:
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/the_conscious_consumer/110/cities-with-best-and-wors\
t-tap-water.html


************************************************
*08: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[Useful resource and for networking:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Vegan Daily Blog:"
http://www.yourdailyvegan.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

[Robin Robertston's "Vegan Planet:"
http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[The FatFree Vegan Yahoo Group List:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fatfree_vegan/

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[VegMichigan's PlantPeaceDaily Newsletter:
http://www.plantpeacedaily.org/newsletter.html

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Award-winning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

[Some stunning recipes:
http://vegandad.blogspot.com

[Online Celebrity Vegetarian Recipes:
http://www.nutritionmd.org/resources/celebrity_recipes/celebrity_recipes.html

http://drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10075

http://heart.kumu.org/recipes.html


************************************************
*09: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"There is, however, a moral basis for the vegetarian diet for which the
indeterminate value of an animal's life takes on irrelevance. And that moral
basis is a concern for the environment, a value as absolute as the value we all
place on human life, since humanity will not long survive on a poisoned planet.
To be an environmentalist who happens to eat meat is like being a philanthropist
who doesn't happen to give to charity."

HOWARD - (Page 122: "The Mad Cowboy" by Howard Lyman)

Howdy!  Welcome to the 69th issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

In this edition of the Newsletter we're pleased to provide two great recipes
from the new cookbook by Tamasin Noye, "American Vegan Kitchen."  It's a real
winner.  Reading down farther you'll note that Mad Cow Disease has "returned" to
Canada, issues with hormones in pigs, and information about the various food
recalls that keep showing up.  There's also some articles on how reducing salt
can drastically reduce health expenditures and save lives, current stats on
obesity (hint:  we're not winning), how the FDA came down on several "natural
food" producing companies, and detailed reasons for no GM food and why you
should have a vegetable garden.

Moving on, among other articles, there's encouragment in noting that "The Cove"
won an Academy award, and it's makers were instrumental in shutting down a
restaurant in Santa Monica serving whale sushi.  Momentum is growing to give
Dolphin's "non-person" legal rights, and outside of our Vegan Media Theater
(with many offerings this issue, including a funny SNL parody and a conversation
between Bill Moyers and Jane Goodall), you can see the First Lady's Garden as it
is now in Spring via video.

Finally, on a sad note, we end with some closing thoughts from Howard Zinn, who
died recently.  He was an inspiration to many, and will be missed.

... as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers:  y'all can browse past
issues at the Mad Cowboy Newsletter Archives (and see the "Quick Bytes" section,
omitted from this edition of the Newsletter) at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Best wishes to everyone for a Great Spring and hopes that your own garden's grow
well and plentiful this season!

Mark, MC editor/webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00: Quote(s) of Note
01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
02: Recipes from "American Vegan Kitchen" by Tamasin Noye
03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
04: Less Salt-Save Lives, Fat Plateau? Mktg. to Kids, Bad Labels
05: Whales Win 2X, Dolphin Legal Rights, Dirty Shrimp Secrets
06: Vegan Digital Media Theater
07: Reasons for no GM food, World Water, Michelle's Garden & Yours
08: Howard's Schedule
09: Closing Thoughts

************************************************
*00: Quote(s) of note
************************************************
"...we could ask ourselves:  Have we done all that we could for the generations
to come?  Are there more trees now than there were when we were born?  Is the
air fresher?  Is the water cleaner?  Is there more good, rich farmland?  Are
there more birds in the sky, more fish in the sea?  Are there more animals in
the wild?  Are people leading longer, healthier lives?  Is there less hunger? 
Is there less disease and suffering?  Is the world a more peaceful place?

When you can't take it with you, all that really matters is what you leave
behind."

--- Howard Lyman (p. 189, "The Mad Cowboy")


************************************************
*01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************

LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Approximately, for every dosage of antibiotics given to a ill person in the
U.S., how many are given to so-called "healthy" factory-farmed animals?"

(a) 4        (b) 8       (c) 10      (d) 12     (e) waaay too much!

Congratulations to E. McCarthy of Bridgeport, CT, for correctly guessing "(e)"
and winning the luck of the draw and a year's subscription to "VegNews." 
Congratulations, also, to John Tammaro of Naples, FL, for correctly guessing
"(b)" and winning the organic cotton shopping bag from Ethical Planet.

["In other words, for every dose of antibiotics taken by a sick human, eight
doses are given to a "healthy" animal."  From:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/10/28/opinion.jonathan.foer/


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"If 500,000 Americans turned off the faucet when brushing their teeth, how many
gallons water would be saved per day?"

(a) 1 million        (b) 2 million       (c) 3 million       (d) 4 million

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT May. 15th, 2010.  PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS
(U.S. domestic only).  It will not be sold nor given out to anyone but VegNews
and Ethical Planet for the freebies only.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]

[Many thanks, also, to Fran Horvath, of Ethical Planet for offering a FREE
organic cotton shopping bag to the 2nd place winner.  You can learn more about
her online (and offline) stores at:

http://www.ethicalplanet.com

************************************************
*02: Recipes from "American Vegan Kitchen" by Tamasin Noye
************************************************
"Tamasin Noye's cook book, "American Vegan Kitchen," is the ideal parachute from
the Standard American Diet to a healthy vegan way of eating.  Tanasin has
written the perfect approach to feeding you family and friends delicious comfort
food that will receive rave reviews.  American Vegan Kitchen is a must for all
conscientious cooks."

Howard F. Lyman LL.D., "The Mad Cowboy"


"BAKED ONION RINGS:

"These onion rings may not have the deep-fried decadence of the Beer-Battered
Onion Rings, but they're lower in calories and have a cispy outer coating and
fantastic flavor."

2 cups soy milk
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 large Vidalia or other sweet onion (1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup dried bread crumbs
1 cup panko crumbs
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch black pepper
Olive oil or nonstick cooking spray

1.  Lightly oil 2 large baking sheets.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  IN a
shallow bowl, combine the soy milk and vinegar and set aside for a few minutes
to curdle.  Separate the onion slices into rings and add them to the soy milk
mixture, stirring to coat.

2.  Place the flour in a shallow bowl or pie plate.  In a second shallow bowl,
combine the read crumbs, panko, parsley, garlivc powder, salt, and pepper.

3.  Remove the onion rings from the milk mixture and dip them in the flour
mixture.  Place the coated onion rings on the prepared baking sheet.  Continue
until all the onion rings are dipped, working batches.

4. Spray the onion rings with oil or nonstick cooking spray.  Bake 20 minutes,
then turn and spray them again with oil.  Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer, or until
golden brown.  Serve hot."

Serves 4.

"BLUE PLATE SPECIAL WHEAT-MEAT LOAF:"

"Seitan is also known as "wheat-meat," and it is especially good in this savory
loaf.  Serve with cooked greens and the Mashed Potatoes with Homestyle Gravy for
a nostalgic Blue Plate Special.  Leftovers make great sandwiches, too."

3/4 cup texturized vegetable protein granules
3/4 cup hot water
3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup soy milk
8 ounces Savory Seitan, cut into large chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup minced green or red bell pepper
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon vegan Worchestershire sauce
3/4 cup vital wheat gluten
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons minced parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 F.  Lightly oil a baking sheet.  Combine the hot
water with the texturized vegetable protein.  Set aside for 10 minutes to
rehydrate.  In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs and soy milk.

2.  Finely mince the seitan in a food processor, then transfer to the bowl
continaing the bread crumb mixture.

3.  Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the onion, garlic,
and bell pepper.  Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. 
Transfer to the bowl containing the seitan.  Add the remaining ingredients, and
the reserved re-hydrated texturized vegetable protein.  Knead the ingredients
together well, squeezing and kneading, for about 5 minutes.  Taste and adjust
the seasonings.

4.  Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and shape into a 4x8-inch oval loaf. 
Bake for 45 minutes.  After 30 minutes, check to see if it is browning too much.
If so, cover with foil for the remaining time.  Let stand 5 minutes before
serving.

Serves 4.

[Note: both recipes © 2010, by Tamasin Noye.

[Tamasin's blog:
  http://www.veganappetite.com/

************************************************
*03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
************************************************
"CALIFORNIA FIRM RECALLS BEEF PRODUCTS DUE TO POSSIBLE E. COLI O157:H7
CONTAMINATION:"  01/18/10:  "Huntington Meat Packing Inc., a Montebello, Calif.
establishment, is recalling approximately 864,000 pounds of beef products that
may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The problem was
discovered during a Food Safety Assessment (FSA) by FSIS personnel. The FSA led
to the determination that a further investigation of establishment records was
warranted. The investigation is ongoing... During a subsequent review of the
establishment's records, FSIS also determined additional products produced and
shipped in 2008 to be adulterated because they may have been contaminated with
E. coli O157:H7..."

[Edited from:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_004_2010_Release/index.asp


"FSIS SHOULD REQUIRE LABELING FOR TENDERIZED STEAKS:"  01/29/10:  "On Christmas
Eve 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Food Safety and
Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that National Steak and Poultry was
recalling 248,000 pounds of mechanically tenderized beef products contaminated
with E. coli O157:H7.  Within days of the recall announcement, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that 21 people from 16 states had
become infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 after eating the
mechanically tenderized steaks....  Generally, it has been believed that steaks
are not considered a high-risk source of E. coli O157: H7. However, when steaks
are mechanically tenderized (also, blade-or needle-tenderized), that process
introduces the possibility that bacteria from the surface of the meat can be
transferred to the inside of the product... Last June, food safety advocates
from the Center for Foodborne Illness Research & Prevention, the Center for
Science and the Public Interest, Consumer Federation of America, and Food &
Water Watch, all key members of the Make Our Food Safe Coalition, sent a letter
to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, outlining the specific risks presented
by "non-intact" or mechanically tenderized steaks..." 

[Edited from:
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/01/fsis-should-require-labeling-for-tenderize\
d-steaks/


"PEPPER TESTS POSITIVE, FSIS NAMES RETAILERS:"  01/28/10:  "The black pepper
used to coat the salami products on the 1.24 million pound recall list put out
by Rhode Island's Daniele Inc. have now tested positive for Salmonella, the
company says.  The specialty meat company declines to say whom in the wide, wide
world of spice supplies its pepper.  The recalled meat is associated with an
outbreak involving at least 189 victims of multiple strains of Salmonella in 40
states..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/01/pepper-tests-positive-fsis-names-retailers\
/

[See also: "CDC Says Two Strains Possible In Outbreak:"
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/02/cdc-says-two-strains-possible-in-outbreak/


"WHY HAS THE FDA ALLOWED A DRUG MARKED 'NOT SAFE FOR USE IN HUMANS' TO BE FED TO
LIVESTOCK RIGHT BEFORE SLAUGHTER?:"  02/02/10:  "While researchers and
scientists investigate the cause of our diabetes, obesity, asthma and ADHD
epidemics, they should ask why the FDA approved a livestock drug banned in 160
nations and responsible for hyperactivity, muscle breakdown and 10 percent
mortality in pigs, according to angry farmers who phoned the manufacturer...
Though banned in Europe, Taiwan and China--more than 1,700 people were
"poisoned" from eating Paylean-fed pigs since 1998 says the Sichuan Pork Trade
Chamber of Commerce... How does a drug marked, "Not for use in humans.
Individuals with cardiovascular disease should exercise special caution to avoid
exposure. Use protective clothing, impervious gloves, protective eye wear, and a
NIOSH-approved dust mask" become "safe" in human food? With no washout period? 
The same way Elanco's other two blockbusters, Stilbosol (diethylstilbestrol or
DES), now withdrawn, and Posilac or bovine growth hormone (rBST), bought from
Monsanto in 2008, became part of the nation's food supply: shameless corporate
lobbying. A third of meetings on the Food Safety and Inspection Service's public
calendar in January 2009 were with Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly--or about
ractopamine...

...Nor can we overlook the effects of "adding these drugs to waterways or well
water supplies--via contaminated animal feed and manure runoff-- when this class
of drugs is so important in treating children with asthma," says David Wallinga,
MD of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy...."

[Very edited from:
http://www.alternet.org/story/145503/

[See also the petition:  "A Ban On Hormonal Meat Is 30 Years Overdue:"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/samuel-s-epstein/a-ban-on-hormonal-meat-is_b_44606\
0.html


"STUDY OFFERS EVIDENCE THAT SPONGIFORM BRAIN DISEASES ARE CAUSED BY ABERRANT
PROTEIN:"  01/28/10:  "Scientists have determined how a normal protein can be
converted into a prion, an infectious agent that causes fatal brain diseases in
humans and mammals.   The finding,..  is expected to advance the understanding
of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, or TSEs, a family of
neurodegenerative diseases that include Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, kuru and
fatal familial insomnia in humans, scrapie in sheep, and bovine spongiform
encephalopathy in cattle, also known as "mad cow disease."  "This study provides
the strongest evidence yet to prove the prion hypothesis," said Jiyan Ma,
associate professor of molecular and cellular biochemistry at Ohio State
University and senior author of the study. "It also offers important insights
into the molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic targets for these
diseases..."

[Edited from:
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100129/Normal-protein-can-be-converted-into-p\
rion-that-causes-fatal-brain-diseases-in-humans.aspx

[Original study: "Study Offers Evidence That Spongiform Brain Diseases Are
Caused By Aberrant Protein." January 28th, 2010.
http://www.physorg.com/news183909347.html


"FOOD POISONING COSTS U.S. $152 BILLION A YEAR:"  03/03/10:  "Food poisoning
costs the U.S. $152 billion, kills 5,000 people, and sends 325,000 to the
hospital each year, new calculations suggest.  The figures come from a new study
by former FDA economist Robert L. Scharff, PhD, JD, now an assistant professor
at Ohio State University.  "This study illustrates how serious food-borne
illness is as a problem for our society," Scharff said at a news teleconference
announcing the findings.  The study, underwritten by the Produce Safety Project
at Georgetown University and Pew Charitable Trusts, considers the direct health
care costs of food-borne illnesses as well as the costs of years of life lost.

The $152 billion price tag likely is an underestimate, Scharff says.  Of the
total cost, $39 billion a year is the result of contaminated produce alone... On
average, food poisoning costs every American $505 a year..."

[Edited from:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/news/20100303/food-poisoning-co\
sts-152-billion-a-year


"RECALL OF THE FLAVOR-ENHANCING ADDITIVE HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN IN
HUNDREDS OF PRODUCTS:"  03/13/10:  "Posted By Marion Nestle... I wasn't planning
to make a big deal of the recall of hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) - and the
more than 100 products containing this flavor ingredient in the United States
and in Canada – because the FDA seems on the job and nobody is getting sick (as
far as we know).  But this one now looks like another food safety scandal.  To
begin with, HVP is one of those fifth flavor, umami substances.  As the FDA
explains, "HVP is a flavor enhancer used in a wide variety of processed food
products, such as soups, sauces, chilis, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned
snack foods, dips, and dressings. It is often blended with other spices to make
seasonings that are used in or on foods."

Translation: it is indeed in everything. This scandal begins with a
whistle-blowing customer of Basic Food Flavors, the manufacturer of HVP.  The
customer's company apparently tests its purchased ingredients for pathogens
(what a concept!).  It found Salmonella in the HVP.  Sometime early in February,
it notified the FDA.  The FDA inspected the Basic Food Flavors plant on February
12 and found Salmonella.   It also found records indicating that HVP tested
positive for Salmonella on January 21.  What did the company do about the test? 
Not a thing.  It continued to ship out products.... the FDA announced the recall
on March 4.  This means that from January 21 until at least February 20, the
company continued to ship HVP potentially contaminated with Salmonella...

Addendum: The fallout from the recall is just beginning.  Windsor Farms of
Lampasas, Texas and Oakland, Mississippi is recalling 1.7 million pounds of
ready-to-eat beef taquito and chicken quesadilla products+ containing HVP.  
Procter & Gamble is recalling Pringles Restaurant Cravers Cheeseburger potato
crisps and Family Faves Taco Night potato crisps.

[Edited from:
http://blogs.alternet.org/speakeasy/2010/03/13/recall-of-the-flavor-enhancing-ad\
ditive-hydrolyzed-vegetable-protein-in-hundreds-of-products/


"MAD COW DISEASE CASE HIDDEN FOR WEEKS BY CANADIAN AND U.S. AGENCIES:" 
02/25/10:  "On February 25, 2010, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
confirmed a recent case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly
known as Mad Cow Disease, in a 72 month-old cow. This case was detected through
the national BSE surveillance program and was not made public on the CFIA
website until March 10 -- hours after a press release was distributed by the
advocacy group, Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of
America (RCALF USA). "The CFIA said the BSE-positive case was confirmed Feb. 25,
2010, which means the CFIA and all other governments who knew about this latest
BSE case kept it a secret from the public for almost two weeks," said R-CALF USA
CEO Bill Bullard. "If we had not discovered this information, the public may
never have known..."  Recent USDA regulations permit live Canadian cattle born
after March 1, 1999, to be imported into the United States without mandatory BSE
testing. This means that the infected cow would have been eligible for import
into the U.S. cattle market had it been alive."

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/11/mad-cow-disease-case-hidd_n_494881.html


"NEW BSE CASE CONFIRMED:"  03/13/10;  "Canada confirmed its 17th case of mad cow
disease since 2003, in a six-year-old beef cow in Alberta.  Meat from the animal
did not enter the human or livestock food chain, the government's Food
Inspection Agency says in an e-mailed statement. Countries including Japan and
South Korea have restricted imports of Canadian beef since cases of the
brain-wasting illness, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE,
were discovered in North American herds in 2003..."

[Edited from:
http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/case+confirmed/2678798/story.html



************************************************
*04: Less Salt-Save Lives, Fat Plateau? Mktg. to Kids, Bad Labels
************************************************
"ARE WE AS FAT AS WE CAN GET?:"  01/13/10:  "U.S. obesity rates are leveling off
for most kids and adults, new CDC figures suggest.  It does not mean we are
getting thinner, although it may mean we're nearly as fat as we can get.  The
sad numbers, according to CDC researchers Katherine M. Flegal, PhD, Cynthia L.
Ogden, PhD, and colleagues:

- 12.6% of teens ages 12-19 are obese by adult standards.
- 17% of school-age kids are obese by child standards.
- 34% of adults -- 32% of women and 35.5% of men -- are obese.
- 68% of adults -- two-thirds of us -- are overweight or obese.

The good news is that the rise in obesity seems to be leveling off for children
and for women. The same thing seems to be happening in men, although the
leveling off has been too recent for the CDC to call it a plateau.  Bucking the
trend are the very heaviest 6- to 19-year-old boys, who are getting even
heavier.

...The findings appear in two papers in the Journal of the American Medical
Association. In an editorial accompanying the papers, J. Michael Gaziano, MD,
MPH, a contributing editor of the journal, says we've entered a new and ominous
age of public health.  Gaziano says there have been four previous eras:

- The age of pestilence and famine dominated most of human history.
- The age of receding pandemics happened in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries.
- The age of degenerative and man-made diseases emerged in the mid-20th century.
- The age of delayed degenerative diseases began in the 1960s as people began to
quit smoking and as technological advances delayed heart deaths.

Now, he says, we're in the age of obesity and physical inactivity..."

[Edited from:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20100113/are-we-as-fat-as-we-can-get

[See also:  "Obese 3-year-olds Show Early Warning Signs for Possible Future
Heart Disease:"
http://www.unchealthcare.org/site/newsroom/news/2010/March/unc-study-obese-3-yea\
r-olds-show-early-warning-signs-for-possible-future-heart-disease


"BEHIND THE SHADY WORLD OF MARKETING JUNK FOOD TO CHILDREN:"  03/23/10:  "...In
2006, food companies spent $1.6 billion marketing products -- mostly soda, fast
food and cereal -- to kids. That same year, fast food restaurants sold more than
1.2 billion kids' meals with toys.  Marketers use sophisticated child psychology
to help children leverage "pester power," effectively nagging their parents to
buy them the desired item (and often playing on parents' guilt for not having
enough time to spend with their children). According to the Center for a New
American Dream, brand loyalty can be established as early as age 2 -- loyalty
that lasts a lifetime. A study of Americans' perception of the U.S. food system
commissioned by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation found that Americans create an
emotional link to food companies as nurturers early in their lives, and thus
thinking critically about problems with food companies "can violate people's
deep desire to be secure." Food marketers know this well, understanding the
amount of money at stake not only from parents' purchases influenced by children
or purchases by children themselves, but also brand loyalty throughout each
child's entire life.

...To see how well self-regulation was working, the Yale Rudd Center for Food
Policy and Obesity examined children's breakfast cereals, as the majority of
major cereal companies are part of the self-regulation initiative. They found
that breakfast cereals marketed to children are, on average, the least healthy
cereals available. Specifically, they contain 85 percent more sugar, 65 percent
less fiber and 60 percent more sodium than adult cereals. The cereals marketed
to children are so unhealthy, in fact, that the United Kingdom would not allow
any of them to advertise to children on television. (The United Kingdom
prohibits using traditional media to market food high in fat, salt or sugar to
children.)... Even if a food is truly healthy, Michele Simon, author of Appetite
for Profit: How the Food Industry Undermines Our Health and How to Fight Back,
says, "If a child [under age 8] cannot comprehend the ad's persuasive intent, it
is immoral to advertise anything to that child." Susan Linn, director of
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, adds that children should not learn to
choose foods based on clever ads or packaging featuring their favorite cartoon
characters. Instead, they should learn to select food that is tasty or healthy.
Thus, even a box of fruit sold with a popular cartoon character on its packaging
sends the wrong message.

[Very very edited from the comprehensive article at:
  http://www.alternet.org/story/146093/


"FDA: LABELS MISLEADING ON MAJOR FOOD BRANDS:"  03/03/10:  "The FDA today warned
17 food makers -- including POM and Nestle -- that their "misleading" product
labels violate federal law.  The warning letters say the firms face having their
products pulled from grocery shelves if they don't make changes within 15
days.... The FDA says the 17 cited firms committed different kinds of
violations:

     * Claims that the food products treat or mitigate disease. Such claims mean
the food is actually an unapproved new drug, the FDA says.
     * Misleading labels on blended juice products that make them appear to be
made entirely from a single juice.
     * "Healthy" claims that do not meet established standards for use of the
term.
     * Claims that a product is free of trans fats on products high in unhealthy
saturated fats.
     * Nutrient claims on foods for children under age 2 that are approved only
for use on foods for adults.

..."POM Wonderful: POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice and POMx products
(promoted for conditions that cause the products to be drugs)"...  "...The
consumer group Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which has
lobbied the FDA to toughen food-label standards, hailed the FDA action in a news
conference.  "This is a once-in-a-generation event," said Bruce Silverglade,
CSPI legal affairs director. "Not since the early 1990s have we seen FDA actions
of this magnitude..."

[Edited from:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20100303/fda-labels-misleading-on-major-f\
ood-brands
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm202785.htm


"A PINCH LESS SALT COULD SAVE LIVES, MONEY:"  01/21/10:  "Cutting daily salt
intake by three grams [just over a half teaspoon] -- could prevent 32,000
strokes and 54,000 heart attacks a year. So say researchers at the University of
California, San Francisco who developed a novel computer program to predict the
clinical impact of salt reduction.  Using the computer model to simulate the
impact of heart disease in U.S. adults age 35 to 84, the researchers found that
even reducing salt intake by a mere one gram per day over the next decade would
be a more cost-effective strategy for treating hypertension than use of even the
cheapest antihypertensive drug, Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo and colleagues wrote
in a paper published online today by the New England Journal of Medicine....

This is not the first time a call for salt reduction has been issued; as
recently as last November, a review of past research published in the British
Medical Journal suggested that if everyone cut their salt intake in half all
told, a reduction of about 5 grams a day -- they would lower the stroke rate by
23 percent and reduce overall cardiovascular disease by as much as 17 percent...
Bibbins-Domingo and colleagues reported that a three-gram-per-day reduction [a
little over 1/2 teaspoon] in dietary salt would "save 194,000 to 392,000
quality-adjusted life-years and $10 billion to $24 billion in health care costs
annually," while more modest one-gram reduction over the next decade would "be
more cost effective than using medications to lower blood pressure in all
persons with hypertension..."

[Very edited from:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/WellnessNews/pinch-salt-save-lives-money/story?id=9\
616916

[The following site has useful advice and resources on reducing salt intake:
http://www.saltmatters.org/site/


************************************************
*05: Whales Win 2X, Dolphin Legal Rights, Dirty Shrimp Secrets
************************************************
"THE COVE" WINS AN ACADEMY AWARD:" 03/07/10:  "Academy Award® Winner for Best
Documentary of 2009, THE COVE  follows an elite team of activists, filmmakers
and freedivers as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate a remote and
hidden cove in Taiji, Japan, shining a light on a dark and deadly secret.
Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, including hidden microphones and cameras
in fake rocks, the team uncovers how this small seaside village serves as a
horrifying microcosm of massive ecological crimes happening worldwide. The
result is a provocative mix of investigative journalism, eco-adventure and
arresting imagery, adding up to an unforgettable story that has inspired
audiences worldwide to action..."

[Trailer, Information, Campaign:
http://www.thecovemovie.com/the_cove/synopsis.htm

[Blog:
http://www.thecovemovie.com/_blog/Blog


"OSCAR WINNERS TRY TO KEEP WHALE OFF SUSHI PLATES:"  03/08/10:  "It is sport
among black belt sushi eaters here to see just how daring one's palate can be.
But even among the squid-chomping, roe-eating and uni-nibbling fans, whale is
almost unheard of on the plate. It also happens to be illegal.  Yet with video
cameras and tiny microphones, the team behind Sunday's Oscar-winning documentary
film "The Cove" orchestrated a Hollywood-meets-Greenpeace-style covert operation
to ferret out what the authorities say is illegal whale meat at one of this
town's most highly regarded sushi destinations.  Their work, undertaken in large
part here last week as the filmmakers gathered for the Academy Awards ceremony,
was coordinated with law enforcement officials, who said Monday that they were
likely to bring charges against the restaurant, the Hump, for violating federal
laws against selling marine mammals... Video of their meal shows the two
activists, both vegan, being served what the waitress can be heard calling
"whale" - thick pink slices - that they take squeamish bites of before tossing
into a Ziploc bag in a purse.  The samples were sent to Scott Baker, associate
director of the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University. Professor
Baker said DNA testing there revealed that the samples sent to him were from a
Sei whale, which are found worldwide and are endangered but are sometimes hunted
in the North Pacific under a controversial Japanese scientific program. "I've
been doing this for years," Professor Baker said. "I was pretty shocked..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/09/us/09sushi.html
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-santa-monica-whale-meat,0,7465749.story


"SCIENTISTS SAY DOLPHINS SHOULD BE TREATED AS 'NON-HUMAN PERSONS:"  01/03/10:
""Dolphins have been declared the world's second most intelligent creatures
after humans, with scientists suggesting they are so bright that they should be
treated as "non-human persons""tudies into dolphin behaviour have highlighted
how similar their communications are to those of humans and that they are
brighter than chimpanzees. These have been backed up by anatomical research
showing that dolphin brains have many key features associated with high
intelligence.  The researchers argue that their work shows it is morally
unacceptable to keep such intelligent animals in amusement parks or to kill them
for food or by accident when fishing. Some 300,000 whales, dolphins and
porpoises die in this way each year.

...Dolphins have long been recognised as among the most intelligent of animals
but many researchers had placed them below chimps, which some studies have found
can reach the intelligence levels of three-year-old children. Recently, however,
a series of behavioural studies has suggested that dolphins, especially species
such as the bottlenose, could be the brighter of the two. The studies show how
dolphins have distinct personalities, a strong sense of self and can think about
the future..."
Thomas White, professor of ethics at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles,
who has written a series of academic studies suggesting dolphins should have
rights, will speak at the same conference.

[Very edited from the fascinating article at:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/article6973994.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&att\
r=797084


"SHRIMP'S DIRTY SECRETS: WHY AMERICA'S FAVORITE SEAFOOD IS A HEALTH AND
ENVIRONMENTAL NIGHTMARE:"  01/25/10:  "In his book, Bottomfeeder: How to Eat
Ethically in a World of Vanishing Seafood, Taras Grescoe paints a repulsive
picture of how shrimp are farmed in one region of India. The shrimp pond
preparation begins with urea, superphosphate, and diesel, then progresses to the
use of piscicides (fish-killing chemicals like chlorine and rotenone),
pesticides and antibiotics (including some that are banned in the U.S.), and
ends by treating the shrimp with sodium tripolyphosphate (a suspected
neurotoxicant), Borax, and occasionally caustic soda.  Upon arrival in the U.S.,
few if any, are inspected by the FDA, and when researchers have examined
imported ready-to-eat shrimp, they found 162 separate species of bacteria with
resistance to 10 different antibiotics. And yet, as of 2008, Americans are
eating 4.1 pounds of shrimp apiece each year -- significantly more than the 2.8
pounds per year we each ate of the second most popular seafood, canned tuna. But
what are we actually eating without knowing it? And is it worth the price --
both to our health and the environment?..." ...some shrimp are wild-caught, and
while they aren't raised in a chemical cocktail, the vast majority is caught
using trawling, a highly destructive fishing method. Football field-sized nets
are dragged along the ocean floor, scooping up and killing several pounds of
marine life for every pound of shrimp they catch and demolishing the ocean floor
ecosystem as they go..."

[Very edited from the detailed article at:
  http://www.alternet.org/story/145369/


************************************************
*06:  Vegan Digital Media Theater
************************************************
VIDEO/AUDIO:  "Morality and 'Eating Animals" - "On Point" Interview with
Jonathon Safran Foer, author, "Eating Animals:"
http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/11/eating-animals

VIDEO/AUDIO/TRANSCRIPT:  "A Conversation with Jane Goodall," 03/19/10, Bill
Moyers' Journal:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/03192010/profile2.html

VIDEO/RESOURCES:  "The Edible City,"  "Hidden between buildings and across
networks of backyards, germinating in classrooms and sprouting up in city
centers, a grassroots movement is thriving in the Bay Area.  Edible City, the
forthcoming documentary from East Bay Pictures, follows the stories of folks who
are digging their hands into the dirt, fighting for sustainability and social
justice by doing something truly revolutionary: growing a local food system."
http://www.ediblecitymovie.com/

VIDEO CLIP:  "Oprah and Alicia Silverstone talk about Vegan Poop:"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/27/alicia-silverstone-oprah_n_439218.html

[See also:
http://www.alternet.org/food/146163/poop_is_the_most_important_indicator_of_your\
_health

MOVIE TRAILER:  "Forks Over Knives:" "The feature film Forks Over Knives
examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases
that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present
menu of animal-based and processed foods. The major storyline in the film traces
the personal journeys of a pair of pioneering yet under-appreciated researchers,
Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn."
http://forksoverknives.com/

VIDEO; COMMERCIAL PARODY? "Mostly Garbage Dog Food:"
http://www.hulu.com/watch/99942/saturday-night-live-mostly-garbage-dog-food#s-p4\
-sr-i4

VIDEO:  Vegan Firefighter/Author Rip Esselstyn on Oz:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5QmTUe8i60&feature=player_embedded

VIDEO:  Jeff Novick on "Olive Oil --- It's Not Good for Your Heart:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zheiZX0_Z2w&feature=channel

VIDEO/DVD/BOOK:  "The Story of Stuff:"  "Leonard examines the real costs of
extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal, and she isolates
the moment in history where she says the trend of consumption mania began. The
Story of Stuff examines how economic policies of the post-World War II era
ushered in notions of "planned obsolescence" and "perceived obsolescence" —and
how these notions are still driving much of the U.S. and global economies today.
Leonard's inspiration for the film began as a personal musing over the question,
"Where does all the stuff we buy come from, and where does it go when we throw
it out?" "
http://www.storyofstuff.com/


************************************************
*07: Reasons for no GM food, World Water, Michelle's Garden & Yours
************************************************
"CONSERVATION COUNTS ON WORLD WATER DAY AND EVERY DAY:"  04/05/10:  "...The
United States uses a mind-boggling nearly 350 billion gallons of fresh water
every single day, according to the latest statistics from the U.S. Geological
Survey, the government organization that tracks these numbers
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1344/). It takes water to produce our energy, grow
our food, manufacture our goods, mine our resources, and even to produce the
water we drink. The largest use of water -- nearly half the total daily
withdrawal -- is energy production.   Individually, Americans consume huge
amounts of water daily, too -- an average of about 80 to 100 gallons per person,
per day for personal, in-home use, according to the USGS
(http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/qahome.html). That's about than 36,000 gallons per
person per year. Multiply that by the more than 300 million population of the
United States, and the numbers are in the trillions of gallons of water consumed
every year just in the U.S.!

Of course, water usage numbers vary depending on who is counting, how they do
it, and geographic location. For example, water consumption is greater in arid
or dry climates as opposed to cooler ones. But no matter how the numbers are
determined, individually Americans use a lot of water... In the Netherlands, for
example, the per capita daily water consumption is only 27 gallons, while people
in Gambia in Africa use just 1.17 gallons of water per person per day, according
to numbers from the California-based Pacific Institute for Studies in
Development, Environment, and Security (http://www.pacinst.org).  The water
crisis around the globe and in the United States, goes beyond quantity issues,
however. Even if rivers flow full and lakes lap at their high-water marks
(unfortunately, fewer and fewer do, thanks to overuse, drought, and climate
change), the quality of the water often is questionable. Toxins -- especially
man-made ones like pesticides, chemicals, drugs, and plenty more -- turn up in
water supplies in cities, towns, and rural areas across the country. Even water
processed by municipal treatment facilities isn't always free of many of these
and other manmade 21st century pollutants..."

[Edited from the post with useful tips at:
  http://www.alternet.org/story/146131/


"10 REASONS WHY WE DON'T NEED GM FOODS:"

1. GM foods won't solve the food crisis
2. GM crops do not increase yield potential
3. GM crops increase pesticide use
4. There are better ways to feed the world
5. Other farm technologies are more successful
6. GM foods have not been shown to be safe to eat
7. Stealth GMOs in animal feed — without consumers' consent
9. GM and non-GM cannot co-exist
10. We can't trust GM companies..."

[Each reason is explained, and referenced in detail as to sources of
information, here:"
http://www.gmwatch.org/10-reasons-why-we-dont-need-gm-foods


"7 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GROW YOUR OWN FOOD:"  02/26/10:  "... according to the
2009 Edibles Gardening Trends Research Report conducted by the Garden Writer's
Association (GWA) Foundation, over 41 million U.S. households, or 38 percent
planted a vegetable garden in 2009. And, more than 19.5 million households (18
percent) grew an herb garden and 16.5 million households (15 percent) grew
fruits during the same period.  The study found that there was a growth in
edible gardening from both experienced gardeners and from an influx of new
gardeners: 92 percent of respondents had previous experience and 7 percent (7.7
million households) were new edible gardeners.  And one-third of the experienced
gardeners grew more edibles in 2009 than in the previous year. The GWA indicates
that given the strong response for plans to grow more edibles into 2010, the
vegetable gardening trend will continue and there will likely be a new high
level of edible gardening activity this year...  So, aside from its popularity,
do you need some other reasons to grown your own food?...

[Edited from from the post with the 7 reasons here:
http://www.alternet.org/food/145826/7_reasons_why_you_should_grow_your_own_food


"MICHELLE OBAMA'S GARDEN IS GROWING:"  03/31/10: "First Lady Michelle Obama
wants to garden, and nothing can stop her, not even a couple feet of snow.  The
White House chefs just got done with their spring harvest. Over the winter, the
White House's garden grew close to 50 lbs of its own turnips, spinach, lettuce,
arugula, and carrots by using small, temporary "hoop houses," which acted like
greenhouses by trapping sunlight and protecting the plants from the elements.
Remember snowmageddon?  But that's not all. Michelle plans to expand the garden
to plant even more for the summer season. Can't wait to see what they can grow
by fall! Check out the new White House video featuring the garden:

http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/michelle-obamas-garden-is-growing/

And if you want to get an organic garden going in your own yard, check out our
gardening section.
http://www.organicauthority.com/organic-gardening/


************************************************
*08: Howard's Schedule
************************************************

May 20th > Berkley, CA, Debate at the David Brower Center hosted by Earth Island
and Veg News, Topic: "Can you be a good environmentalist and still eat meat?"

June 25th > Minneapolis, MN, Unitarian Universalist General Assembly, 1:00 PM,
Minneapolis Convention Center.  Topic: "Saving Ourselves May Save the World."

October 2nd > Albany, NY


************************************************
*09: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we
remember those times and places-and there are so many-where people have behaved
magnificently, it energizes us to act, and raises at least the possibility of
sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act,
in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand utopian future. The
future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human
beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a
marvelous victory."

--- Howard Zinn (1922 - 2010) From: http://www.alternet.org/story/145499/

[More About/By Mr. Zinn:
"A Memory of Howard:"  01/28/10:
  http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/28-0

"Remembering Howard Zinn:"  01/28/10:
  http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/28

VIDEO/AUDIO/TRANSCRIPT:  "Remembering Howard Zinn:"
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/1/28/howard_zinn_1922_2010_a_tribute

VIDEO (from 2008):  "Howard Zinn on Three Holy Wars:"
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/27-14

ATTENTION!
To get the latest Model Pic , Film , Musics , Video clips , Mobie Tools And Fun
Daily
Join NOW
http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/My_Love_Negin


Download 50GB Free   ( Send Other Friends & enjoy )  **
http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/My_Love_Negin **

1000Places To See Australia
1000 Places To See France
1000 Places To See Hawaii
1000 Places To See India
1000 Places To See Italy
1000 Places To See Mexico
1000 Places To See Nepal
1000 Places To See Peru
1000Places To See Brazil
1000 Places To See Alaska
1000Places To See South Africa
100 Greatest Champion League Goals
BBC Deep Blue Episode 1
BBC Deep Blue Episode 2
BBC The Sky at Night
BBC Echo of the Elephants Episode 1 Echo of the Elephants
BBC Echo of the Elephants Episode 2 The Next Generation
BBC Echo of the Elephants Episode 3 Africas Forgotten Elephants
Eye On The Reef
Funny Clip    ( Fun )
Great Planes Boeing 747
IMAX The Magic Of Flight
Discovery On the Inside The Leaning Tower of Pisa
45 Clip Tom & Jerry   ( Fun )
50 Food before you die
Move Materials by mind power
atomic air plan weapon
  Mobile Themes   ( Mobile )
Animation & Screen Savers For Mobile   ( Mobile )
Mobile Game ( Mobile )
Mobile Wallpapers ( Mobile )
Best Ring Tones  ( Mobile )
Best Ring Tones 2  ( Mobile )
NOVA Spies That Fly
Mobile Clip   ( Mobile )
Old Pic Car   ( Car )
Lamborghini Factory   ( Car )
Ultimate Factories Ferrari   ( Car )
New 2009 Cars Pictures   ( Car )
Ultimate Factories BMW   ( Car )
Best World Architecture
My Shocking Story Half Man Half Tree
PBS Secrets of the Mind
Funny Clips - server2   ( Fun )
Funny Football Games
Best Wallpapers
Worlds Best Jet Bombers
12 Angry Men

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Apparently, someone's hacked into Yahoo, quite successfully, and posted to our
group (Mad Cowboy).

I've notified Yahoo.

Sorry.

Best regards, Mark

Howdy!  Welcome to the 70th issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

In this issue we've a 1 hour video of Howard lecturing in Washington back in
January 2010, and some articles/opinions about the recent debate Howard
participated in on the topic:  "Can You Be An Environmentalist and Eat Meat?" 
There's also some vegan recipes from the world's most prolific vegan cookbook
author, Robin Robertson, and her latest achievement:  "Vegan on the Cheap."

Further on down there's our "Mad Cow Info Round-Up," an article on why you might
not want to use Agave Syrup, how "school lunches" are a National Security
Threat, and a fine essay about the growing "Food Movement."  In honor of
VegNew's 10th Anniversary, there's a link to a Mad Cowboy Interivew with the
VegNews Editor "way back when," and onward some interesting advice/please from
the UN regarding diet and agroecology.  You'll also read about the President's
Panel recommendations on Cancer and the Environment, find some fine things
(don't miss the Esselstyn/Campbell team-up in "Forks Over Knives") to watch and
listen to in the "Vegan Digital Media Theater," learn how PETA is taking on BP,
and much more.  And don't miss the return of our "Quick Bytes" resources
section!

... as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers:  y'all can browse past
issues at the Mad Cowboy Newsletter Archives at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Here's hoping everyone stays cool for the summer and that a bountiful harvest
from your home gardens is just now hitting its stride.

Best regards, Mark    MC editor/webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00: Howard in the Media of Note
01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
02: Recipes from "Vegan on the Cheap" by Robin Robertson
03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
04: Agave Bad, Lunch Threat, Fatal Junk Food, Food Movement
05: VegNews Interview, 5-Day Clean-out, Vegan Athlete Award
06: UN & Vegan Diet/Agroecology, Dead Zone, POTUS Panel & Cancer
07: Vegan Digital Media Theater
08: PETA vs. BP,  Unappetising McTruth, Disturbing Dairy
09: Quick Bytes
10: Closing Thoughts

************************************************
*00: Howard in the Media of Note
************************************************
"To consider yourself an environmentalist and still eat meat is like saying
you're a philanthropist who doesn't give to charity" --- Howard Lyman (in, "Mad
Cowboy")

ON THE DEBATE HOWARD PARTICIPATED IN:
http://www.alternet.org/food/147097/can_you_be_an_environmentalist_and_still_eat\
_meat/?page=entire
http://www.eastbayexpress.com/ebx/wheres-the-beef/Content?oid=1753128
http://www.nativefoods.com/pdf/CM0610tuesd.pdf

VIDEO: "HOWARD LYMAN LECTURING AT UNIV. OF WASH.:"  (01/22/10) (1 hr.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCMWctmCCqU


************************************************
*01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"If 500,000 Americans turned off the faucet when brushing their teeth, how many
gallons water would be saved per day?"

(a) 1 million        (b) 2 million       (c) 3 million       (d) 4 million

Congratulations to Rebecca E. Goth of Wheeling, WV, for correctly guessing "(d)"
and winning the luck of the draw and a year's subscription to "VegNews." (NOTE: 
Ethical Planet has apparently folded and will not be contributing to the Contest
as of the last newsletter).

["If a half-million people turn off the water when they brush, in one day 4
million gallons of water could be saved."
http://www.alternet.org/water/146131/conservation_counts_on_world_water_day_and_\
every_day


THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"In encouraging renewable fuels, the US government subsidizes
research/development of ethanol, wind, and solar.  Off the total amount
federally subsidized, ethanol accounts for how much?"

(a) 1/3    (b) 1/2    (c) 2/3   (d) 3/4

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT Aug. 30th, 2010.  PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS
(U.S. domestic only).  It will not be sold nor given out to anyone but VegNews.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]

************************************************
*02: Recipes from "Vegan on the Cheap" by Robin Robertson
************************************************
"Robin has exploded the myth that eating healthy is too expensive.  "Vegan on
the Cheap" is the prefect book for an economic approach to healthy eating. 
Perfect book at the perfect time."

Howard F. Lyman  LL.D., "The Mad Cowboy"

CHEAPAMOLE:
(makes about 3 cups, < 50 cents per serving)

"...As a bonus to being cheaper than regular guacamole, this version also
contains less fat and more protein. ."

2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1 cup cooked or canned white beans, drained and rinsed
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons minced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and black pepper

1.  In a food processor or blender, combine the garlic, peas, beans, and chiles
and blend until smooth.

2.  Add the lime juice, oil, and cumin and blend until well combined.  Use a
rubber spatula to scrape themixture into a medium bowl.  Stir in the onion and
cilantro.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. 
This tastes best if used on the same day that it is made.  Use it as a dip for
chips or cut vegetables or any way you would use regular guacamole.


CHOCOLATE SURPRISE BROWNIES:
(Makes 16 brownies, < 50 cents per serving)

"...Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is that these rich, chocolatey brownies
have a wonderful flavor and are easy to make."

1 cup cooked or canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons canola or other neutral oil
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ripe banana
2 tablespoons instant coffee
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 vegan semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup walnut pieces (optional)

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease an 8-inch square naking pan and
set aside.

2.  In a blender or food processor, combine the black beans, sugar, and oil and
blend until smooth.  Add the banana, coffee, and vanilla, and blend until
smooth.

3.  Scrape the mixture into a large mixing bowl.  Stir in the chocolate chips
and walnute pieces, if using.

4.  Scrape the batter into the prepared pan.  Bake until a tooth pick inserted
in the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.  Let cool completely in the pan
on a wire rack, then refrigerate for several hours before cutting into squares.


[Note: both recipes © 2010, by Robin Robertson.

[Robin's blog & website for more recipes, book info, and purchasing:
  http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/
  http://www.globalvegankitchen.com/


************************************************
*03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
************************************************
"FOOD SAFETY IN THE US:  WE'RE ON RED ALERT:"  (04/12/10):  "... 70 million
Americans are sickened, 300,000 are hospitalized, and 5,000 die from food-borne
illness every year [1]... Peanuts, lettuce, pistachios, spinach, hamburgers sold
to Boy Scout camps, peppers, tomatoes, and pepper-coated sausages are among the
foods that have sickened and killed Americans in just the last few years. Our
children are most at risk from these food threats, with half of all food-borne
illness striking children under 15 years old [1]... the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) currently inspects less than 25% of all food facilities in
the U.S. More than 50% of all American food facilities have gone uninspected [2]
for five years or more... Large processing facilities, which now mix foods from
across the country and the world, are not being inspected. Illnesses caused by
contaminated foods, which could be prevented with proper government oversight,
are instead causing the hospitalization of hundreds of thousands and the deaths
of thousands of Americans. Again, the victims are, disproportionately, our
children... We need to separate out the 'Food' part of the Food and Drug
Administration and consolidate all authority under a new Food Safety Agency.  We
did this for Homeland Security; we should also do it for food security. After
all, it is the lack of food safety in this country that is the far more imminent
threat to all of us, our families and, especially, our children."

[Very edited from the comprehensive and well-referenced article at:
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/04/12-3


"AMERICAN MEAT IS EVEN GROSSER THAN YOU THOUGHT:"  (05/01/10):  "In 2008,
Mexican authorities rejected a shipment of U.S. beef because the meat exceeded
Mexico's regulatory tolerance for copper. The rejected meat was returned to the
United States, where it was sold and consumed, because the U.S. has no
regulatory threshold for copper in meat.  Incidents like this are why the food
safety arm of USDA, known as the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), is
under USDA scrutiny. While the public has gotten used to microbes like E. coli
and salmonella threatening the nation's meat supply, and while food safety
agencies make food-borne illness a high-profile priority, contamination of meat
by heavy metals, veterinary drugs and pesticides has been slipping through the
bureaucratic cracks.  Microbial contaminants can be killed by cooking, but
chemical residues aren't destroyed by heat. In fact, some of these residues
break down into more dangerous substances when heated, according to the FSIS
National Residue Program for Cattle, a recent report by the USDA's Office of the
Inspector General.  The report is full of bad news about the ineffectual
attempts that are being made to keep chemical residues out of the food supply,
but optimists might point to the report's tone as a sliver of good news. The
report is sharply critical of the efforts to keep our meat free of chemical
residues, and shows determination to shore up this gaping hole in food
safety..."

... So while improvements appear to be in the works for the production practices
behind mystery meat and mystery milk, the system shows little sign of becoming
inherently less disgusting. As long as customers keep demanding cheap meat,
cheap meat will probably continue to be produced."

[Very edited from:
http://www.alternet.org/food/146684/american_meat_is_even_grosser_than_you_thoug\
ht?page=entire


"FEARS GROW AS ANIMAL DISEASE SPREADS IN S.KOREA:"  (05/03/10):  "South Korea
stepped up major quarantine efforts Monday as a highly contagious animal disease
threatened the centre of its livestock industry.  The agriculture ministry said
more roadblocks and quarantine posts were set up after the foot-and-mouth
outbreak hit a state livestock research institute at Cheongyang, 160 kilometres
(96 miles) south of Seoul, on Saturday... Agriculture Minister Chang Tae-Pyong
visited the institute Sunday and called for intensive efforts to contain the
outbreak.  "All-out efforts must be made to stop it from spreading into the
centre of our livestock industry," he said.

Foot-and-mouth disease affects cloven-hoofed animals including cows, sheep,
goats and deer. It is rarely transmitted to humans but spreads easily between
animals... Foot-and-mouth outbreaks in 2000 and 2002 cost South Korea an
estimated 450 billion won, including compensation..."

[Edited from:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.4b64717de2cc6086f315327f4f56973a.4a1\
&show_article=1


"ROMAINE LETTUCE RECALL IN 23 STATES OVER E. COLI:"  (05/06/10):  "An E. coli
outbreak possibly linked to tainted lettuce has sickened at least 19 people in
Ohio, New York and Michigan, including students on three college campuses,
prompting a recall throughout much of the country.  Freshway Foods of Sidney,
Ohio, said it was recalling romaine lettuce sold under the Freshway and Imperial
Sysco brands in 23 states and the District of Columbia because of a possible
link to E. coli.  Twelve of those sickened were hospitalized, three of them with
life-threatening symptoms, the Food and Drug Administration said.  The federal
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was looking at 10 other cases
probably linked to the outbreak... The FDA is focusing its investigation on
lettuce grown in Arizona as a possible source for the outbreak, according to two
people who have been briefed by the agency... E. coli infection can cause mild
diarrhea or more severe complications, including kidney damage. The three
patients with life-threatening symptoms were diagnosed with hemolytic uremic
syndrome, which can cause bleeding in the brain or kidneys.

The lettuce was sold in Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida,
Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,
Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/06/lettuce-recall-e-coli-pos_n_566956.html


"SAFER FOOD, AND SOON:"  (05/11/10):  "Two-thirds of the chickens sold in this
country are contaminated with campylobacter or salmonella or both. And that's a
significant improvement over three years ago, when 80% of the chickens contained
at least one of those kinds of bacteria, according to Consumers Union. So of
course the U.S. Department of Agriculture is right to be raising its standards
to guard against poultry contamination, which sickens more than 60,000 people a
year. But this is chicken feed compared with the 76 million people who fall prey
to food poisoning each year in the United States. For that, the country needs to
overhaul its food safety system --- and finally, after eight months of letting
it languish, the Senate is again taking up legislation that would tighten food
tracking and oversight.  The House passed its version in July 2009, but the
Senate bill stalled. Recently, though, it picked up support and is expected to
come to the floor this month..."

[Edited from:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-food-20100512,0,1086604.sto\
ry


"ROMAINE LETTUCE RECALL EXPANDS:"  (05/11/10):  "More romaine lettuce has been
recalled amid an investigation into an outbreak of food-borne illness that has
sickened at least 19 people in three states.  Vaughan Foods of Moore, Oklahoma,
is recalling romaine lettuce with "use by" dates of May 9 and May 10, the Food
and Drug Administration said in a statement. The company sold the lettuce to
restaurants and food-service facilities, the administration said... Vaughan's
recall comes after Freshway Foods recalled romaine lettuce last week because of
a possible connection to an outbreak of food-borne disease linked to E. coli
O145 in Michigan, Ohio and New York... Freshman Richard Cardinale filed a
lawsuit after his stool sample tested positive for E. coli O145, according to
court documents. He suffered from gastrointestinal problems including bloody
diarrhea and dehydration and was hospitalized on April 14 for treatment.  "We
have a new form of deadly E.coli to contend with," said food safety lawyer Bill
Marler, who is representing Cardinale.  "It is past time for the government and
industry to track this bug as it does E.coli O 157:H7," he said, referring to
the best known form of toxic E.coli... though most healthy adults recover from
E. coli O145 within a week, young children and the elderly are most at risk of
developing HUS..."

[Edited from:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/11/lettuce.recall/


"IN E. COLI FIGHT, SOME STRAINS ARE LARGELY IGNORED:"  (05/26/10):  "For nearly
two decades, Public Enemy No. 1 for the food industry and its government
regulators has been a virulent strain of E. coli bacteria that has killed
hundreds of people, sickened thousands and prompted the recall of millions of
pounds of hamburger, spinach and other foods.  But as everyone focused on
controlling that particular bacterium, known as E. coli O157:H7, the six rarer
strains of toxic E. coli were largely ignored... Although the federal government
and the beef and produce industries have known about the risk posed by these
other dangerous bacteria for years, regulators have taken few concrete steps to
directly address it or even measure the scope of the problem...  Earthbound
Farm, the nation's largest producer of organic salad greens, is one of the few
companies that does screen for the full range of toxic E. coli, and it has found
a worrisome incidence of the rarer strains. Out of 120,000 microbial tests last
year, about one in 1,000 showed the presence of unwanted microbes, mostly the
six strains.  "No one is looking for non-O157 to the level we are," said Will
Daniels, Earthbound Farm's senior vice president for food safety. "I believe it
is really going to emerge as one of the areas of concern."

[Very edited from:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/27/business/27bugs.html?ref=todayspaper


"MAD COW DISEASE IN USA: PROFITS TAKE PRIORITY, PART I:"  (06/09/10):  "On March
10, 2010, seventy-six organizations representing millions of Americans sent a
letter to the USDA asking for greater protection against cows with bovine
spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease entering the US from Canada. This
letter was sent after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed, in
February, the 18th case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE, in a cow
aged 72 months found dead on an Alberta farm... The BSE cow was detected through
Canada's national BSE surveillance program but was not posted on the CFIA
website for two weeks... Scientists theorize that BSE originated in the United
Kingdom due to livestock feeding practices where slaughterhouse wastes were
rendered into high-protein meal and fed to cattle. In 1996 epidemiologists in
the UK realized that consumption of contaminated beef products by people
resulted in a human form of the disease called Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, or
vCJD. The World Health Organization claims 190,493 confirmed cases of BSE in 21
nations in Europe, Japan, Israel, the USA and Canada as of June 2009.  But these
numbers are open to question. CJD is sometimes misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's. In
one study, a postmortem examination of 46 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's
found 13% had CJD. With 4 million cases of Alzheimer's in the US, Consumers
Union argues there could be a hidden epidemic of CJD.

[Very edited from:
http://www.naturalnews.com/028953_mad_cow_disease_profits.html


"SPAGHETTIOS RECALL:"  (06/19/10):  "Campbell Soup Supply Company LLC based out
of Paris, Texas on June 17 issued a voluntary recall for about 15 million pounds
of "SpaghettiOs with Meatballs" canned products due to possible under
processing, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) announced on
its website. The recall came soon after the company discovered the problem
through a routine warehouse inspection and subsequent investigation.   Luckily,
there has been no reporting of any botulism-poisoning cases associated with
consumption of SpaghettiOs subject to the recall, the FSIS said. 
Under-processed meat products can pose a risk of botulism, a rare,
life-threatening paralytic illness caused by neurotoxin produced by an
anaerobic, gram positive, spore forming bacterium, Clostridium botulium,
according to marlerblog.com, owned by Bill Marler, a Seattle-WA based food
safety attorney..."

[Edited from:
http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Shopping/Alerts/campbell_spaghettios_1906100\
640.html


"FDA SAYS ANTIBIOTICS IN MEAT A 'SERIOUS PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT':"  (06/28/10): 
"The Food and Drug Administration is urging meat producers to limit the amount
of antibiotics they give animals in response to public health concerns about the
drugs. The FDA said antibiotics in meat pose a "serious public health threat"
because the drugs create antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can infect humans
who eat it. The agency is recommending that producers use the drugs judiciously,
limiting their use unless they are medically necessary and only using them with
the oversight of a veterinarian.  "Developing strategies for reducing
(antibiotic) resistance is critically important for protecting both public and
animal health," the agency said in draft guidelines printed in the Federal
Register on Monday.  The agency said misuse and overuse of the drugs has led to
the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotics have been given to
animals to kill pathogens for more than 50 years, and the FDA acknowledged that
practice has had "tremendous benefits" to animal and human health.  Of greater
concern, the agency said, is when producers use antibiotics on healthy animals
to speed growth and reduce feed costs. The agency is also concerned about
antibiotics that are given continuously through feed or water to entire herds or
flocks of animals..."

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/29/fda-antibiotics-meat-limi_n_629484.html


"BISON MEAT RECALLED OVER LINKS TO E. COLI CONTAMINATION:"  (07/06/20)  "A
Colorado company has recalled about 66,000 pounds of bison meat after federal
agriculture officials linked it to E. coli contamination, The Epoch Times
reported Monday.  In a statement on its website, Rocky Mountain Natural Meats
said it was working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and
Inspection Service in voluntarily recalling the products --- ground bison,
ground buffalo and steaks.  E. coli is a potentially deadly germ that can cause
bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in severe cases, kidney failure.  On Friday,
federal authorities linked the meat with six people falling ill --- five in
Colorado and one in New York."

[From:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,595910,00.html


"RULES SEEK TO EXPAND DIAGNOSIS OF ALZHEIMER'S:"  (07/13/10):  "For the first
time in 25 years, medical experts are proposing a major change in the criteria
for Alzheimer's disease, part of a new movement to diagnose and, eventually,
treat the disease earlier.  The new diagnostic guidelines, presented Tuesday at
an international Alzheimer's meeting in Hawaii, would mean that new technology
like brain scans would be used to detect the disease even before there are
evident memory problems or other symptoms.  If the guidelines are adopted in the
fall, as expected, some experts predict a two- to threefold increase in the
number of people with Alzheimer's disease. Many more people would be told they
probably are on their way to getting it. The Alzheimer's Association says 5.3
million Americans now have the disease... the current formal criteria for
diagnosing Alzheimer's require steadily progressing dementia --- memory loss and
an inability to carry out day-to-day activities, like dressing or bathing ---
along with a pathologist's report of plaque and another abnormality, known as
tangles, in the brain after death.  But researchers are now convinced that the
disease is present a decade or more before dementia. "Our thinking has changed
dramatically," said Dr. Paul Aisen, an Alzheimer's researcher at the University
of California, San Diego, and a member of one of the groups formulating the new
guidelines. "We now view dementia as a late stage in the process..."

[Very edited from:
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/health/policy/14alzheimer.html



************************************************
*04: Agave Bad, Lunch Threat, Fatal Junk Food, Food Movement
************************************************
"THIS SWEETENER IS FAR WORSE THAN HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP:"
"Many people interested in staying healthy have switched to agave as a safer
"natural" sweetener. They want to avoid well documented dangerous sweeteners
like HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) but are unaware that most agave is actually
WORSE than HFCS..."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/agave-this-sweetener-is-f_b_537936.html
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/04/20/added.sugar.lipids/


"SCHOOL LUNCHES CALLED A NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT:"  (04/20/10):  "School
lunches have been called many things, but a group of retired military officers
is giving them a new label: national security threat... A new report being
released Tuesday says more than 9 million young adults, or 27 percent of all
Americans ages 17 to 24, are too overweight to join the military. Now, the
officers are advocating for passage of a wide-ranging nutrition bill that aims
to make the nation's school lunches healthier... This isn't the first time the
military has gotten involved in the debate over school lunches. During World War
II, military leaders had the opposite problem, reporting that many recruits were
rejected because of stunted growth and inadequate nutrition. After the war,
military leaders pushed Congress to establish the national school lunch program
so children would grow up healthier. The program was established in 1946, "as a
measure of national security," according to the original bill language..."

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/20/are-school-lunches-a-nati_n_544077.html

[See also:
"Down With The Clown:  Why Ronald Mcdonald Has No Business Talking To Children:"
http://www.alternet.org/food/146413/down_with_the_clown_why_ronald_mcdonald_has_\
no_business_talking_to_children

"Obesity Rate Swells In 28 States:"
http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20100629/obesity-rate-swells-in-28-states


"40,000 DEATHS A YEAR DUE TO JUNK FOOD:"  (06/21/10):  "More than 40,000 Britons
are dying unnecessarily every year because of high levels of salt and fat in
their diets, the Government's public health watchdog Nice has warned. The
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) says that unhealthy
foods have wreaked a "terrible toll of ill health" on the nation and placed a
"substantial" strain on the economy.   For the first time, the organisation
publishes landmark guidance on how to prevent the "huge number of unnecessary
deaths" from conditions such as heart disease that are linked to the consumption
of ready meals and processed food.  It calls for sweeping changes to food
production and government policy to encourage lifestyle changes, and to reduce
significantly the amount of salt and saturated fat the nation consumes... While
the guidance was welcomed by health experts, representatives of the food and
drink industry said significant progress on salt and fat had already been taken.
The Food and Drink Federation accused Nice of being "out of touch with the
reality". Julian Hunt, its director of communications, said: "We are surprised
that Nice has found the time and the money to develop guidance that seems to be
out of touch with the reality of what has been happening for many years.  "The
food industry is leading the world when it comes to voluntarily changing the
recipes of popular food brands so that they are lower in salt, fat or sugar;
introducing better-for-you choices at the same price as standard lines; and
improving the quality of nutrition information available on packs."

[Very edited from the article with some of the suggested guidelines at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/7845143/40000-deaths-a-year-due-to-junk-food-s\
ays-health-watchdog-Nice.html


"THE FOOD MOVEMENT, RISING:"  (06/10/10):  "... Americans have not had to think
very hard about where their food comes from, or what it is doing to the planet,
their bodies, and their society... Cheap food has become an indispensable pillar
of the modern economy. But it is no longer an invisible or uncontested one. One
of the most interesting social movements to emerge in the last few years is the
"food movement," or perhaps I should say "movements," since it is unified as yet
by little more than the recognition that industrial food production is in need
of reform because its social/environmental/public health/animal
welfare/gastronomic costs are too high... But perhaps the food movement's
strongest claim on public attention today is the fact that the American diet of
highly processed food laced with added fats and sugars is responsible for the
epidemic of chronic diseases that threatens to bankrupt the health care system.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that fully three quarters of US health
care spending goes to treat chronic diseases, most of which are preventable and
linked to diet: heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and at least a third of
all cancers...  It is only a matter of time before politicians seize on the
power of the food issue, which besides being increasingly urgent is also almost
primal, indeed is in some deep sense proto- political. For where do all politics
begin if not in the high chair?---at that fateful moment when mother, or father,
raises a spoonful of food to the lips of the baby who clamps shut her mouth,
shakes her head no, and for the very first time in life awakens to and asserts
her sovereign power."

[Very edited from the very long, comprehensive, and thoughtful essay at:
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2010/jun/10/food-movement-rising/?page=\
1


************************************************
*05: VegNews Interview, 5-Day Clean-out, Vegan Athlete Award
************************************************
"HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY TO VEGNEWS & INTERVIEW WITH PUBLISHER:"  (06/30/10):
[Howard was instrumental in urging Joe Connelly and Colleen Holland in creating
the VegNews Newsletter, and later, the VegNews magazine.  In honor of the 10th
Anniversary of the publication, here's the first Mad Cowboy Interview, with Joe
Connelly:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_MCIview01.000.html


"PHTHALATE, ANTIBIOTIC LEVELS PLUMMET AFTER FIVE-DAY VEGETARIAN DIET:" 
(05/11/10):  "To date, little research has looked at exactly what chemicals
routinely enter the body through food, at what levels, and whether exposure to
these chemicals can be reduced through dietary changes. One innovative study on
pesticide exposure through food found that after replacing school children's
conventional diets with organic diets for five days, levels of pesticides in the
children's urine dropped so dramatically as to be undetectable until the
conventional diets were reintroduced. Whether dietary changes can impact levels
of other environmental chemicals in the body remains unknown.

Phthalates and antibiotics are both known to enter the body through food.
Phthalates are a group of industrial chemicals that have been shown to alter
hormonal activity in the body, affecting many body systems, including the
reproductive organs and the brain. Phthalates are mainly used to keep plastics
(like PVC) soft, and thus can enter the food supply during processing and
packaging... [In a new study] Twenty-five participants lived in a Buddhist
temple and adopted the monks' lifestyle – including their traditional vegetarian
diet – for five days... Every participant had measurable levels of all six
phthalate breakdown products at both the beginning and end of the study.
However, after the five-day program, levels of all but one had dropped
significantly, as had the estimated daily intake of phthalates... Antibiotic
levels showed a more dramatic drop, suggesting that food is, in fact, the major
route of exposure..."

[Edited from:
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/phthalates-antibiotics-red\
uced-after-vegetarian-diet/


"VEGAN:  USATODAY ATHELETE OF THE WEEK:"  (05/17/10):  "Endurance runner [vegan]
Scott Jurek (Duluth, Minn.) finished second at the World 24-hour Run
Championships in Brive, France. The Seattle-based vegan ran more than 165.7
miles over 24 hours to win the silver medal. That was a record finish for an
American and that's why Jurek is USA TODAY's athlete of the week.

[Edited from:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2010-05-17-athlete-of-the-week_N.htm

[See also:
http://www.scottjurek.com/blog/
https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Scott_Jurek#Philosophy


************************************************
*06: UN & Vegan Diet/Agroecology, Dead Zone, POTUS Panel & Cancer
************************************************
"UN URGES GLOBAL MOVE TO MEAT AND DAIRY-FREE DIET:"  (06/02/10):  "A global
shift towards a vegan diet is vital to save the world from hunger, fuel poverty
and the worst impacts of climate change, a UN report said today.  It says:
"Impacts from agriculture are expected to increase substantially due to
population growth increasing consumption of animal products. Unlike fossil
fuels, it is difficult to look for alternatives: people have to eat. A
substantial reduction of impacts would only be possible with a substantial
worldwide diet change, away from animal products."  Professor Edgar Hertwich,
the lead author of the report, said: "Animal products cause more damage than
[producing] construction minerals such as sand or cement, plastics or metals.
Biomass and crops for animals are as damaging as [burning] fossil fuels."... The
panel of experts ranked products, resources, economic activities and transport
according to their environmental impacts. Agriculture was on a par with fossil
fuel consumption because both rise rapidly with increased economic growth, they
said..."

[Edited from:
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/06/02-7


"RIGHT TO FOOD: "AGROECOLOGY OUTPERFORMS LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL FARMING FOR
GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY," SAYS UN EXPERT:"  (06/22/10):  ""Governments and
international agencies urgently need to boost ecological farming techniques to
increase food production and save the climate," said UN Special Rapporteur on
the Right to Food, Olivier De Schutter, while presenting the findings at an
international meeting on agroecology held in Brussels on 21 and 22 June.  Along
with 25 of the world's most renowned experts on agroecology, the UN expert urged
the international community to re-think current agricultural policies and build
on the potential of agroecology... "Today, most efforts are made towards
large-scale investments in land – including many instances of land grabbing –
and towards a `Green Revolution' model to boost food production: improved seeds,
chemical fertilisers and machines," the Special Rapporteur remarked. "But scant
attention has been paid to agroecological methods that have been shown to
improve food production and farmers' incomes, while at the same time protecting
the soil, water, and climate.   The widest study ever conducted on
agroecological approaches (Jules Pretty, Essex University, UK) covered 286
projects in 57 developing countries, representing a total surface of 37 million
hectares: the average crop yield gain was 79%. Concrete examples of
`agroecological success stories' abound in Africa..."
[Very edited from:
http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=10178&LangID=E%\
3E


"PRESIDENTIAL PANEL URGES MORE STEPS TO REMOVE CARCINOGENS FROM THE
ENVIRONMENT:"  (05/06/10):  ""Grievous harm" from carcinogens in the environment
has been "grossly underestimated" by the U.S. National Cancer Program, a
presidential panel charges.. "The grievous harm from this group of carcinogens
has not been addressed adequately by the National Cancer Program," Leffall and
Kripke write. "The Panel urges you most strongly to use the power of your office
to remove the carcinogens and other toxins from our food, water, and air that
needlessly increase health care costs, cripple our nation's productivity, and
devastate American lives..."

[Very edited from the article with a list of individual and gov't
recommendations to reduce risk, here:
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20100506/environmental-cancer-risk-grossly-unde\
restimated2:13 PM


"DEAD ZONE IN GULF LINKED TO ETHANOL PRODUCTION:"  (07/06/10):  "While the BP
oil spill has been labeled the worst environmental catastrophe in recent U.S.
history, a biofuel is contributing to a Gulf of Mexico "dead zone" the size of
New Jersey that scientists say could be every bit as harmful to the gulf.  Each
year, nitrogen used to fertilize corn, about a third of which is made into
ethanol, leaches from Midwest croplands into the Mississippi River and out into
the gulf, where the fertilizer feeds giant algae blooms. As the algae dies, it
settles to the ocean floor and decays, consuming oxygen and suffocating marine
life.  Known as hypoxia, the oxygen depletion kills shrimp, crabs, worms and
anything else that cannot escape. The dead zone has doubled since the 1980s and
is expected this year to grow as large as 8,500 square miles and hug the Gulf
Coast from Alabama to Texas... The gulf dead zone is the second-largest in the
world, after one in the Baltic Sea. Scientists say the biggest culprit is
industrial-scale corn production. Corn growers are heavy users of both nitrogen
and pesticides. Vast monocultures of corn and soybeans, both subsidized by the
federal government, have displaced diversified farms and grasslands throughout
the Mississippi Basin..."

[Edited from:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/05/MNF91E84SL.DTL#ixzz0\
svBA6pC0


************************************************
*07:  Vegan Digital Media Theater
************************************************
VIDEO TRAILER:  "FORKS OVER KNIVES:"  (2010):  "The film's major storyline
traces the personal journeys of Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a nutritional scientist
from Cornell University, and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a former top surgeon at the
world renowned Cleveland Clinic.  Inspired by remarkable discoveries in their
young careers, these men conducted several groundbreaking studies.  Their
separate research led them to the same startling conclusion: degenerative
diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even several forms of cancer,
could almost always be prevented---and in many cases reversed---by adopting a
whole foods, plant-based diet.  Despite the profound implications of their
findings, their work has remained relatively unknown to the public.
http://www.forksoverknives.com/>www.ForksOverKnives.com

VIDEO/AUDIO INTERVIEW & BOOK EXCERPT:  "WAR ON TAP: AMERICA'S OBSESSION WITH
BOTTLED WATER:"  (05/17/10):  "Approximately 85 million bottles of water are
consumed every day in the United States."
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126833795

VIDEO:  "BILL MOYER'S LAST BROADCAST:"  (04/30/10):
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04302010/watch.html

VIDEO CLIP:  "OPRAH EARTH DAY SPECIAL: 'THE COVE' FILMMAKERS TALK DOLPHIN
SLAUGHTER:"  (04/21/10): "The men recommended going to TakePart.com, along with
SaveJapanDolphins.org to sign a petition and find out more. "
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/21/oprah-earth-day-special-t_n_546761.html

VIDEO CLIP:  "COLBERT REPORT - FDA SALT REGULATION - LORI ROMAN & MICHAEL
JACOBSON:"  (05/03/10):
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/308721/may-03-2010/fda-sa\
lt-regulation---lori-roman---michael-jacobson

FLASH:  "MOOPHEUS MOOS – NEW MEATRIX SITE OFFERS COMPLETE TOOLBOX FOR FIGHTING
FACTORY FARMS:"
http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=49e434a0e4c33f0720cb12be5&id=e52fef4ff8&e=7ea\
e815081
http://www.themeatrix.com/

VIDEO:  "HOMEGROWN REVOLUTION - RADICAL REVOLUTION TAKING ROOT:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCPEBM5ol0Q
http://www.homegrownrevolution.com/

VIDEO/AUDIO/TRANSCRIPT: "DETROIT URBAN AGRICULTURE MOVEMENT LOOKS TO RECLAIM
MOTOR CITY:"  (06/24/10):
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/6/24/detroit_urban_agriculture_movement_looks_t\
o

AUDIO:  "INTERVIEW WITH WENDALL BERRY: Poet, author, essayist and farmer.
Wendell Berry, known as the grandfather of the slow food movement, discusses
food for the body and poetry for the soul:"
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2009-11-30/wendell-berry-conversation

GRAPHIC: http://www.weightloss.org/blog/why-are-americans-are-fat/

GRAPHIC: http://www.weightloss.org/blog/facts-about-food-additives/


************************************************
*08: PETA vs. BP,  Unappetising McTruth, Disturbing Dairy
************************************************
"ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS TARGET BP:"  (06/22/10):  "Animal rights advocates are
pushing prosecutors to go after oil giant BP with a new weapon: animal cruelty
charges.  People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, sent a letter
recently to each of the Gulf Coast attorneys general who have been impacted by
the massive Gulf oil spill, urging them to open criminal investigations on BP
officials based on state animal cruelty charges.  "As a direct result of BP's
reckless acts and omissions, each of these animals has suffered and endured a
tortuous death," Jeff Kerr, PETA's general counsel, said in the letters to the
attorneys general of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.  Under
Louisiana law, cruelty to animals is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six
months in jail, a $1,000 fine or both for each hurt or killed animal..."

[Edited from:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/2010-06-21-peta-oil_N.htm


"THE VERY UNAPPETISING TRUTH ABOUT MCDONALD'S CHICKEN MEALS (JAMIE OLIVER, LOOK
AWAY NOW):"  (05/15/10):  "A chicken squats in a shed the size of a football
pitch somewhere in the outback of Brazil. And it's not alone.  One of tens of
thousands, each bird is allowed the floor space equivalent to a sheet of A4
paper and will live for just 40 days before it hits its genetically-engineered
slaughter weight. That's if it doesn't perish along the way.  Five per cent or
so will be unable to cope with the conditions and die even before then.  Those
that survive will be plucked and butchered in an industrial process the like of
which this planet has never before seen.  Every year billions of chickens will
live and die in this way. Of course, South America is a long way away. But your
local McDonald's is not. And that is where a significant proportion of this
intensively reared meat will eventually end up... Of all the chicken churned out
by the fast-food chain - the equivalent of 30 million birds a year - 60 per cent
is imported frozen from Brazil. A further nine per cent comes from Thailand and
30 per cent from Holland.  ... The chain's ads boast of lovingly nurtured
produce.. This month, the celebrity chef Jamie Oliver publicly gave his backing
to the chain.  'The quality of the beef, they only sell free-range eggs, they
only sell organic milk, their ethics and recycling is being improved and
improved,' he said in an interview...' Ironically enough, Jamie Oliver has been
a vocal critic of the intensive rearing of chickens.  Two years ago, in his
Channel 4 show Jamie's Fowl Dinners, he branded the practice as 'morally wrong'
and called for the public to switch to birds that enjoy a better standard of
life.  All of which makes you wonder whether - when he discovers the truth about
where McDonald's chicken comes from - he will be quite so effusive in his praise
for the company's 'healthy' new image.

[Very edited from the detailed article at:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1278495/The-unappetising-truth-McDonalds\
-chicken-meals.html


"GOT MILK? A DISTURBING LOOK AT THE DAIRY INDUSTRY:"  03/28/10:  "Eating milk,
cheese, sour cream, ice cream, and other dairy yumminess is impossible to do
with a clear conscience -- and I'm not referring to the fat or cholesterol.
Calves born into the industrial grip of today's dairy industry have a road ahead
of them that is short, but not merciful. Dairy cows are subject to brutal
conditions before being sent to slaughter for beef and male calves are worth
next to nothing in the dairy business. Some are simply left to die after birth.
Many are slaughtered for low-grade "bob veal" a few days after they are born and
will end up as cheap hot dogs or dog food.  While a small number of dairies are
bucking the industrial trend, the vast majority of dairy products we eat come
from factories that are nothing short of horrific in many cases..."

[Very edited from the very comprehensive article at:
  http://www.alternet.org/story/145378/


************************************************
*09: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[Useful resource and for networking:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Vegan Daily Blog:"
http://www.yourdailyvegan.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

[Robin Robertston's "Vegan Planet:"
http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

[100 Useful Websites for Vegetarians and Vegans:
http://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.org/100-useful-websites-for-vegetarians-a\
nd-vegans/

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[The FatFree Vegan Yahoo Group List:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fatfree_vegan/

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[VegMichigan's PlantPeaceDaily Newsletter:
http://www.plantpeacedaily.org/newsletter.html

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Award-winning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

[Some stunning recipes:
http://vegandad.blogspot.com

[Fine collection of McDougall Recipes:
http://drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10075

[Heart-healthy Vegan Recipes:
http://heart.kumu.org/recipes.html



************************************************
*10: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"It may be that when we no longer know which way to go that we have come to our
real journey. The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream
is the one that sings."

"A corporation, essentially, is a pile of money to which a number of persons
have sold their moral allegiance."

"Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto you."

"What I stand for is what I stand on."

- the above all attributed to Wendell Berry

Howdy!  Welcome to the 71th issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

This edition features a special holiday message from Howard!  You can also learn
about Mr. Clucky, Dennis Kucinich's book, how the food industry wants to change
the name "high fructose syrup" (and avoid connections with a study showing how
HFS feeds cancer), that a new study shows that organic strawberries not only
taste better, but are better for your health.  Further on, you'll see some
Monsanto backlash, an unusual study about how plants "think" with light, that
there was actually a Texas Veggie Fair during the humongous Texas State Fair,
more concerns about Frankenfish, and that the oldest Brit is vegetarian.

Don't miss the fine recipes from "Vegan Unplugged!" a unique survival guide and
vegan cookbook, quite a few videos worth glomming in the "Vegan Digital Media
Theater," how $4.2 billion is being spent to convince you to eat "fast food,"
and that the Tea Party wants to eliminate "Puppy Mill" legislation.  And of
course, there's the obligatory "Mad Cow Info Round-Up."

... as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers:  y'all can browse/search
through past issues at the Mad Cowboy Newsletter Archives at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Here's hoping everyone has a fine, warm, and enjoyable Vegan Thanksgiving with
friends and family! Be patient with your non-veg relatives or associations, and
set an example by being grateful for what blessings we do have and giving thanks
where due.

Best regards, Mark    MC editor/webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00: A Special Holiday Message from Howard
01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
02: Recipes from "Vegan Unplugged!" by Jon Robertson
03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
04: HFS Feeds Cancer/Name Chg., US Avoids Vegs, $4.2 Billion
05: Study: Org. Strawbs Best, Monsanto Wins/Loses, Plants Think
06: Vegan Digital Media Theater
07: Tex Veggie Fair, Kucinich Cookbook, Oldest Brit is Veg, Quivers
08: Frankenfish, Mr. Clucky, Pam Anderson, Tea Party vs. Puppies
09: Quick Bytes
10: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: A Special Holiday Message from Howard
************************************************
THANKSGIVING 2010

We should often stop and ask what we are thankful for. My life has been such a
roller coster it is quite difficult to tell the difference between the good and
bad. Often those things which appeared very bad turned out to be the gateway to
some of the most successful events in my life.

I truly believe we are on the brink of an environmental disaster.  Out the blue
a former President comes out on national television and announces that he is
eating an almost vegan diet.

Schopenhauer, the great philosopher, said about truth; first it is ridiculed;
then it is violently opposed; and finally it is accepted as self-evident. Those
of us involved in the healthy food movement have struggled with this ridicule
and opposition for years. Now the acceptance of a healthy diet as an accepted
fact is almost overwhelming.

Even with our resent success it is important to realize there is no time to
relax. If we don't press forward, the existing damage to the environment will
make planet earth inhospitable for our existing population. The future for our
children and grandchildren is very bleak.

Every time I look my family in the eye I realize their future depends on our
efforts today. What the world population eats every day, what they use for fuel
and the recycling of our natural resources will determine how many of the six
billion plus humans now existing on the earth will move into the future.

When I review my last twenty years I revel in the knowledge that thousands of
folks have willingly supported me in getting the word out. Some, one time and
others time after time. I have more friends than I can count but none are
forgotten. I wish there way a way to thank everyone of them personally, but
lacking that skill I want to publicly thank them all for being my friend.

Your friend, Howard


************************************************
*01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"In encouraging renewable fuels, the US government subsidizes
research/development of ethanol, wind, and solar.  Off the total amount
federally subsidized, ethanol accounts for how much?"

(a) 1/3    (b) 1/2    (c) 2/3   (d) 3/4

Congratulations to Susan Bangs, of Ellensburg, WA, for correctly guessing "(c)"
and winning the luck of the draw and a year's subscription to "VegNews."

["Ethanol consumes two-thirds of all federal subsidies for renewable fuels:"
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/05/MNF91E84SL.DTL#ixzz0\
svBA6pC0

THIS WEEK'S VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Of the following, which is NOT one of the top five sources of energy for 2 - 3
year olds:

(a) whole milk   (b) fruit juice  (c) pasta  (d) HFS-based sodas  (e) Starbucks
Triple Latte with Double Expresso

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT Dec. 14th, 2010.  PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS
(U.S. domestic only).  It will not be sold nor given out to anyone but VegNews.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*02: Recipes from "Vegan Unplugged!" by Jon Robertson
************************************************
"Vegan Unplugged! A Pantry Cuisine Cookbook and Survival Guide," by Jon
Robertson (with recipes by Robin Robertson)

"An insurance policy every family should purchase.  It can turn a disaster into
an adventure."
--- Howard F. Lyman  LL.D., "The Mad Cowboy"


"PASTA WITH CREAMY PUMPKIN SAUCE AND WALNUTS"

"Pasta tossed with creamy sage-infused sauce sprinkled with walnuts is good
enough to make you forget this is Pantry Cuisine.  If water is at a premium,
scratch the angel hair past in favor of pouring a small amount of boiling water
over a few ramen noodle bricks (drain and proceed with recipe)."

Ingredients:
     1 (15-ounce) can solid-pack pumpkin
     1 cup water
     1 teaspoon vegetable broth base
     1 teaspoon ground sage
     1 teaspoon garlic powder
     1/2 teaspoon onion powder
     12 ounces angel hair pasta or cappelini
     1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Method:

1.  In a sacepan, combine the pumpkin, water, broth base, sage, garlic powder,
and onion powder.  Cook over medium heat until smooth and hot.  Season with salt
and pepper to taste.  If the sauce is too thick, add a little water.  Set aside.

2.  Cool, the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until tender, 3 to 4
minutes.  Drain and return to the pot.  Add the reserved sauce and toss to
combine.  Serve sprinkled with the walnuts."

Makes 4 servings.


"TEXAS TWISTER CAVIAR"

"Black-eyed peas are the featured ingredient in this satisfying spread.  Serve
it on crackers or use it as a tasty sandwich filling."

Ingredients:
      1 (15.5-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained
      1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
      1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
      1/4 teaspoon onion powder
      1 tablespoon dried parsley
      1 tablespoon olive oil
      2 teaspoons cider vinegar
      1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
      1/4 teaspoon cayenne
      Salt and black pepper

Method:

1.  Place the black-eyed peas and tomatoes in a bowl and mash well.  Stir in the
garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, oil, vinegar, mustard, and cayenne.

2.  Season to taste with salt and pepper, and stir until well combined."

Makes 4 servings.

[Jon's Blog:
http://veganunplugged.blogspot.com/

[More about the book and ordering it online:
http://www.veganheritagepress.com/book_pages/veganunplugged.html

{Both recipes above ©2010 by Jon Robertson}



************************************************
*03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
************************************************
"ALMOND FARMERS CAN CHALLENGE USDA PASTEURIZATION RULE:"  (08/03/10):  "A
federal appeals court ruled today, overturning a lower court decision, that a
group of California almond farmers have the right to challenge a USDA regulation
requiring the treatment of their raw almonds with a toxic fumigant or steam heat
prior to sale to consumers. For the past three years, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture has denied American consumers the right to buy raw almonds, grown in
the USA, when they shop in grocery and natural food stores... The controversial
rule has cost individual farmers millions of dollars in lost sales since it was
enacted in September 2007... The USDA and the Almond Board of California imposed
the treatment scheme to minimize the risk of salmonella contamination outbreaks
like those that had occurred with almonds in 2001 and 2004. USDA investigators
were never able to determine how salmonella bacteria somehow contaminated the
raw almonds that caused the food illnesses but they were able to trace back one
of the outbreaks, in part, to the country's largest "factory farm," growing
almonds and pistachios on over 9000 acres..."

[Campaign against irradiation:
http://www.cornucopia.org/almonds/

[Edited from:
http://www.cornucopia.org/2010/08/federal-court-victory-almond-farmers-can-chall\
enge-usda-pasteurization-rule/


"E. COLI OUTBREAK, 1 MILLION POUNDS MAY BE AFFECTED:"  (08/06/10):  "A meat
processor recalled about 1 million pounds of ground beef products Friday after
seven people were sickened by E. coli contamination.  Valley Meat Co., of
Modesto, sold the potentially contaminated beef patties and ground beef in
California, Texas, Oregon, Arizona and internationally, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture said. The beef was processed from Oct. 2, 2009, to Jan. 12, 2010.
Most of the products were sold frozen. The company was working with the USDA to
identify stores where the products were sold and remove the items from shelves. 
The USDA would likely have a list of retailers available in three to 10 working
days, department spokesman Neil Gaffney said..."

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/06/valley-meat-beef-recall-e-coli-1-millio\
n-pounds_n_674191.html


"SALMONELLA OUTBREAKS PROMPT MASSIVE EGG RECALL:"  (08/18/10):  "Salmonella
outbreaks in several states have led to a massive egg recall following
investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The outbreak has caused
hospitalizations across the United States. At least 38 people in Santa Clara
County, California, and 266 people across that state have gotten sick after
eating contaminated eggs, with at least three in Santa Clara County being
hospitalized, since May, Mercury News reports... The company has issued a
nationwide voluntary recall of about 228 million shell eggs shipped since May 19
to food wholesalers, distribution centers and foodservice companies in
California, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and
Iowa. These companies distribute nationwide..."

[Edited from:
http://indyposted.com/38469/salmonella-outbreak-egg-recall-wright-county-iowa/

[See also:  "CDC: Salmonella from eggs may have sickened 1,300:"
http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/food/safety/2010-08-20-salmonella20_st_N.htm

[See also:  "Egg Recall Expands to More than Half a Billion Nationwide:"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/21/egg-recall-expands-to-mor_n_690019.html


"NATIONWIDE MEAT RECALL ANNOUNCED:" (08/24/10):  "Zemco Industries in Buffalo,
New York, has recalled approximately 380,000 pounds of deli meat that may be
contaminated with bacteria that can cause a potentially fatal disease, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture announced Monday.  The products were distributed to
Wal-Marts nationwide, according to the USDA's website.  The meats may be
contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which was discovered in a retail
sample collected by inspectors in Georgia. The USDA has received no reports of
illnesses associated with the meats... The meats were produced on dates ranging
from June 18 to July 2, 2010. The "Use By" dates range from August 20 to
September 10, 2010..."

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/08/24/meat.recall/index.html


"SALMONELLA-SICKENED GRANDMA PLEADS FOR FOOD SAFETY:"  (09/22/10):  "A Colorado
grandmother hospitalized for five days after eating an appetizer made with
salmonella-tainted eggs urged Congress to pass food safety laws that might have
prevented her suffering.  Carol Lobato, 77, of Littleton, developed septic shock
and nearly died in July from illness linked to a massive salmonella outbreak and
the nationwide recall of half a billion eggs. She was one of two confirmed
victims who testifed in a hearing today that also included the owners of the
Iowa farms deemed responsible for the crisis.  "The infection wiped me out to
the point that I could not function on my own," said Lobato, who flew to
Washington, D.C., for a meeting of a U.S. House Energy and Commerce
subcommittee. "On behalf of myself, my family and the 1,500 others who were
sickened, please make our food system safer."

...The hearing was held even as the Senate wrangles over whether to vote on a
landmark food safety bill that would give the federal Food and Drug
Administration new authority to order recalls, inspect sites and investigate
contamination. FDA head Dr. Margaret Hamburg has said the proposed law would
give allow the agency to prevent future outbreaks. A House version of the bill
passed last year... The hearing was being conducted in the shadow of the
sweeping food safety bill. That bill has been stalled in the Senate, despite
having broad bipartisan backing and support from an unusual coalition of
industry and consumer groups.  Last week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid,
D-Nev., tried to schedule a vote on the bill, seeking to limit debate on the
measure in a busy Senate calendar. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., refused, saying
that the estimated $1.4 billion cost of the bill needed to be matched with
spending cuts and that it might give too much power to the FDA...."

[Edited from:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39297056/ns/health-food_safety/


"FDA: TEXAS FOOD PLANT TESTS POSITIVE FOR LISTERIA:"  (11/03/10):  The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration said Wednesday a closed Texas food processing plant
tested positive for a bacteria that has been linked to the deaths of four
people.  The Texas Department of State Health Services on October 20 ordered
SanGar Fresh Cut Produce to immediately stop processing food and recall all
products shipped from its San Antonio plant since January. The move came after
state laboratory results showed Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can
cause severe illness, in chopped celery at the plant.... The FDA said Wednesday
inspectors found several other problems, including hoses making contact with
food, bagged carrots being stored on a wet floor, a lack of adequate drainage
areas, foods not being stored at the proper temperature and a failure to safely
clean utensils and equipment... The bacteria have been tied to listeriosis,
which sickens about 2,500 Americans and contributes to the death of 500 people
annually, the CDC reports.

[Edited from:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/03/texas.food.plant


"BIOSOLIDS SPREAD ON LAWNS AND PLAYGROUNDS ARE INFECTIOUS:"  (11/19/10):  "Dear
Editor, Concerning your article: Alzheimer's Awareness: Three Myths Debunked

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/45195/

...There are many sources of prions in land applied sewage "biosolids" which can
cause TSEs (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies) including BSE/mad cow
disease; Scrapie in sheep and goats; Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer,
moose, and elk; and sporadic CJD in humans.   Dozens of animal species have been
infected with TSEs, indicating there is no "species barrier".  The US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and waste industry are perpetrating a
fraud on the American public by promoting infectious Class A sewage sludge
"biosolids" (e.g. Milorganite) for use on public parks, ballfields, playgrounds,
home lawns, and flower and vegetable gardens by claiming it is "sterile" and
"pathogen free". EPA funded research shows that both Class B AND Class A sludge
"biosolids" may contain infectious human and animal prions  (Pedersen, Aiken, et
al, Univ. of Wisconsin)..."

[Support links:
http://www.cda.org/library/cda_member/pubs/journal/jour0107/hamilton.pdf
http://www.sludgevictims.com/prions-intestines-feces.html
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_12180851

[Very edited from:
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/46231/


************************************************
*04: HFS Feeds Cancer/Name Chg., US Avoids Vegs, $4.2 Billion
************************************************
"CANCER CELLS FEED ON FRUCTOSE, STUDY FINDS:"  (08/02/10):  "Pancreatic tumor
cells use fructose to divide and proliferate, U.S. researchers said on Monday in
a study that challenges the common wisdom that all sugars are the same. Tumor
cells fed both glucose and fructose used the two sugars in two different ways,
the team at the University of California Los Angeles found.  They said their
finding, published in the journal Cancer Research, may help explain other
studies that have linked fructose intake with pancreatic cancer, one of the
deadliest cancer types... U.S. consumption of high fructose corn syrup went up
1,000 percent between 1970 and 1990, researchers reported in 2004 in the
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

[Edited from:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38528161/ns/health-cancer/

[See also: "A New Name for High Fructose Syrup:"
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/a-new-name-for-high-fructose-corn-syrup\
/?partner=rss


"TOLD TO EAT ITS VEGETABLES, AMERICA ORDERS FRIES:"  (09/24/10):  "... Despite
two decades of public health initiatives, stricter government dietary
guidelines, record growth of farmers' markets and the ease of products like
salad in a bag, Americans still aren't eating enough vegetables.  This month,
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a comprehensive nationwide
behavioral study of fruit and vegetable consumption. Only 26 percent of the
nation's adults eat vegetables three or more times a day, it concluded. (And no,
that does not include French fries.) ...only 23 percent of meals include a
vegetable, Mr. Balzer said. (Again, fries don't count, but lettuce on a
hamburger does.) The number of dinners prepared at home that included a salad
was 17 percent; in 1994, it was 22 percent.  At restaurants, salads ordered as a
main course at either lunch or dinner dropped by half since 1989, to a mere 5
percent, he said..."

[Edited from:
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/25/health/policy/25vegetables.html?_r=1


"THE FAST-FOOD INDUSTRY'S $4.2 BILLION MARKETING BLITZ:"  (11/10/10):  "...
Yale's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity has just put out an extraordinary
report [PDF] on fast-food industry marketing.   Here's the report's headline
number: $4.2 billion, which is how much the industry spent marketing its wares
in 2010.  To put that amount in perspective, consider the Center for Nutrition
Policy and Promotion, the USDA's sub-agency that "works to improve the health
and well-being of Americans by developing and promoting dietary guidance that
links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers." Its annual
budget? $6.5 million, according to The New York Times reporter Michael Moss.  So
$4.2 billion vs. $6.5 million. That means that for every $1 the industry spends
haranguing Americans to eat stuff like Burger King's 2,500-calorie Pizza Burger,
about a tenth of a penny gets spent urging folks to eat their spinach..."

[Very edited from a post with a lot of useful embedded links at:
http://www.grist.org/article/food-2010-11-09-the-fast-food-industrys-4.2-billion\
-marketing-blitz

[See also: "While Warning About Fat, U.S. Pushes Cheese Sales:"
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/us/07fat.html?_r=2&hp=&pagewanted=all


"FLOW OF EMPTY CALORIES INTO CHILDREN'S FOOD SUPPLY MUST BE REDUCED, EXPERTS
URGE:"  (10/01/10):  "With over 23 million children and adolescents in the US
overweight or obese, the risks for many chronic diseases continue to increase.
An article in the October issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic
Association examines the diets of American youth and finds some disturbing
results...For 2-18 year olds, the top sources of energy were grain desserts,
pizza, and soda. Sugar-sweetened beverages (soda and fruit drinks combined)
provided almost 10% of total calories consumed. Nearly 40% of total calories
consumed by 2-18 year olds were in the form of empty calories from solid fat and
from added sugars. Half of empty calories came from six foods: soda, fruit
drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk... Dr. Kavey
writes, "High added sugar consumption which occurs most commonly in the form of
sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a constellation of cardiovascular
risk factors, both independently, and through the development of obesity..."

[Edited from:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101001105211.htm


************************************************
*05: Study: Org. Strawbs Best, Monsanto Wins/Loses, Plants Think
************************************************
"PERCY SCHMEISER VS MONSANTO:  THE FUTURE OF SEEDS:"  (09/17/10):  "...Canadian
farmer Percy Schmeiser, who has battled the biotech giant Monsanto for years.
When Monsanto seeds blew into Schmeiser's property, Monsanto accused him of
illegally planting their crops and took him to court. Ultimately his case landed
in the Canadian Supreme Court. He was awarded the Right Livelihood Award in 1997
for fighting to defend the rights of farmers and the future of seeds. "

[Video, transcript, audio:
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/9/17/percy_schmeiser_vs_monsanto_the_story


"THE BERRY HEALTHIEST: HOW ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES 'ARE MORE NUTRITIOUS':" 
(09/02/10):  "Organic strawberries may cost more, but it's a price worth paying,
scientists say.  The fruit is both tastier and better for your health, research
shows.  The most detailed study of its kind has found that they contain higher
levels of anti-cancer nutrients than fruit sprayed with chemical pesticides. 
Naturally-produced strawberries also have a longer shelf life and a richer, more
fruity flavour, according to the researchers.  Their findings add to a growing
body of evidence that organic food is healthier than conventional fruit and
vegetables..."

[Edited from:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1308220/The-berry-healthiest-How-organ\
ic-strawberries-nutritious.html


"PLANTS 'CAN THINK AND REMEMBER':"  (07/14/10):  Plants are able to "remember"
and "react" to information contained in light, according to researchers.Plants,
scientists say, transmit information about light intensity and quality from leaf
to leaf in a very similar way to our own nervous systems.  These
"electro-chemical signals" are carried by cells that act as "nerves" of the
plants... "We shone the light only on the bottom of the plant and we observed
changes in the upper part," explained Professor Stanislaw Karpinski from the
Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Poland, who led this research... "And the
changes proceeded when the light was off... This was a complete surprise..."
Plants perform a sort of biological light computation, using information
contained in the light to immunise themselves against diseases..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10598926


"JUDGE REVOKES USDA APPROVAL OF MONSANTO'S GENETICALLY MODIFIED SUGAR BEETS,
ORDERS REVIEW:"  (08/14/10):  "A federal judge has revoked the government's
approval of genetically altered sugar beets until regulators complete a more
thorough review of how the scientifically engineered crops affect other food.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White Friday means sugar beet
growers won't be able to use the modified seeds after harvesting the
biotechnology beets already planted on more than 1 million acres spanning 10
states from Michigan to Oregon. All the seed comes from Oregon's Willamette
Valley.  Additional planting won't be allowed until the U.S. Department of
Agriculture submits an environmental impact statement. That sort of extensive
examination can take two or three years...

"Hopefully, the agency will learn that their mandate is to protect farmers,
consumers and the environment and not the bottom line of corporations such as
Monsanto," Kimbrell said in a statement...

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/14/judge-revokes-usda-approv_n_682325.html


************************************************
*06:  Vegan Digital Media Theater
************************************************
VIDEO:  "The Majestic Plastic Bag: A Mockumentary:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgh9h2ePYw

VIDEO:  "PCRM's 30 Sec McDonald's Viral Commercial:  "Consequences:"
http://www.pcrm.org/newsletter/oct10/mcdonalds.html

VIDEO: "Bill Clinton, Dr. Ornish, & Dr. Esselstyn" on CNN:
http://engine2diet.com/the-daily-beet/cnns-wolf-blitzer-interviews-dr-esselstyn-\
and-dr-ornish-clintons-nutrition-doctors/

VIDEO:  "@TEDx:  Kid Sums up "What's Wrong with Our Food System" in 5 minutes:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7Id9caYw-Y

VIDEOS:  "EARTH - Life Is:"
http://lifeis.bbcearth.com/#/filter

VIDEO:  "Lecture on Veg'nism by Lubomir Stoyanov (Bulgarian Vegetarian
Society):"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eHoIzXxwUw

GRAPHIC:  "We have created an infographic which we think will be of interest to
yourself and your visitors. It covers all aspects of the World's Carbon Dioxide
emissions and includes information on how much we can save by eating a
vegetarian diet.
http://www.fly.co.uk/co2-emissions.html

VIDEO:  "Chow Down (don't miss "Blockage Bob"): "Chow Down" is the story of
three people, who when faced with heart disease, decide to follow Dr.
Esselstyn's advice and follow a no-added fat vegan diet.  Uplifting, with
insightful commentaries from Dr. Esselstyn and Dr. T. Colin Campbell (among
other experts), this DVD also includes some clever explanatory animations. 
www.chowdownmovie.com/trailer

VIDEO TRAILER:  "FORKS OVER KNIVES examines the profound claim that most, if not
all, of the so-called "diseases of affluence" that afflict us can be controlled,
or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed
foods. The major storyline in the film traces the personal journeys of a pair of
pioneering yet under-appreciated researchers, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr.
Caldwell Esselstyn."
http://www.ForksOverKnives.com

VIDEO, RESOURCES, ACTIVISM:  "Promoting veganism through multimedia:
http://www.ohwhyohwhy.org/

VIDEO, RESOURCES ACTIVISM:  "Our aim is to foster world peace for all of its
inhabitants and for the planet itself by providing information, resources and
discussion that will encourage critical thinking and creative action for
change."
http://thepeacefulplanet.org/

VIDEOES:  "Vegan Vision Productions:"
http://www.veganvision.net/


ACTIVISM: "We are organizing "Earthlings Day" on Sunday, 5th December. The
purpose of this day is to create awareness about the cause of animal rights by
organizing a showing of the movie Earthlings in communities, private homes, and
wherever possible.  Please help us spread the message and let us know if you
decide to join our cause so we can publish your events on our facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=356848605446


ACTIVISM:  "AS you may be aware the climate change conference COP16 is weeks
away and it is necessary  for our delegates to reflect in their actions the
findings of various official reports on how livestock and animal products are
detrimental to the  planet and how by switching to a vegan would be the first
sustainable approach for a solution to climate change. I  kindly ask that you
share our campaign which encourages delegates attending COP16 to maintain a meat
free diet.  We sincerely appreciate your time and consideration to this
matter.?"
http://meatfreecop16.org/send-letter/


************************************************
*07: Tex Veggie Fair, Kucinich Cookbook, Oldest Brit is Veg, Quivers
************************************************
"THE 1ST TEXAS STATE VEGGIE FAIR:"  (10/06/10):  "The inaugural Texas State
Veggie Fair is a celebration of the thriving vegan scene in Dallas. The
antithesis of another fair coinciding at the same time, the Texas State Veggie
Fair aims to show how a compassionate view of animals can result in an awesome
fair environment with food, arts, and entertainment."

[Edited from:
http://dallasvegan.com/fair/uncategorized/texas-state-veggie-fair-faqs/


"DENNIS KUCINICH TO PUBLISH VEGAN DIET BOOK:"  (11/08/10):  "Gunning for a
presidential nomination back in 2004,  it turns out Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich
(D-Ohio) had a problem on his hands.  No, not a mistress or misappropriation of
funds.  It was his diet.  He was a vegan! According to the Businessweek article,
"The Rise of Power Vegans," many worried that the rep's choice to forgo meat and
other animal products would confuse voters, "People weren't sure if it was
another political party or an ethnic group they'd never heard of," Kucinich
shared.  It turns out his choice to go vegan was sparked by love.  He made the
change to capture the attention of a lady friend 15 years ago and never looked
back.   In fact the longtime politician has penned a diet book under the working
title, "The Cleveland Diet..."

[Edited from:
http://www.ecorazzi.com/2010/11/08/dennis-kucinich-to-publish-vegan-diet-book/


"BRITAIN'S OLDEST MAN HAS 108 REASONS TO CELEBRATE:"  (11/04/10):  "Britain's
oldest man, who lives in Wirksworth, has celebrated his 108th birthday... And
while he said there were five secrets to living a long life, he could only
remember four of them. Mr Dean said: "Good friends, a religion, looking for the
best in people not the worst and being a vegetarian for 30 years have all helped
– but I can't remember the other one,  "My health couldn't be better and I have
few aches and pains, for which I am very grateful. My birthday has been a big
effort but I appreciate the help of my friends..."

[Edited from:
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/Britain-s-oldest-man-108-reasons-celebrat\
e/article-2842339-detail/article.html


"ROBIN QUIVERS:  GOING VEGAN GAVE HER STRENGTH TO RUN MARATHON:"  (11/06/10): 
"Howard Stern Show co-host Robin Quivers appeared on the Rachael Ray Show
Thursday to talk about how going vegan gave her the strength to run the upcoming
New York City Marathon.  "If I wasn't on this diet I don't know that I could run
the marathon," says Quivers during her video segment... Quivers says she lost 80
pounds thanks to a vegan diet, but neglected to mention her infamous "Green
Drink" on daytime talk show.  She says life before her switch to veganism four
years ago was absolute misery.

"I love my life," says Quivers. "I love how I feel and everywhere I go the first
thing I hear is 'Robin you look great'..."

[Edited from:
http://www.examiner.com/howard-stern-in-national/robin-quivers-talks-living-vega\
n-on-rachael-ray-show-video


************************************************
*08: Frankenfish, Mr. Clucky, Pam Anderson, Tea Party vs. Puppies
************************************************
"THE CREEPY SCIENCE BEHIND GENETICALLY ENGINEERED "FRANKENFISH":"  (11/22/10): 
"If approved, AquAdvantage will be the first genetically engineered animal to
directly enter the U.S. food supply -- a fact that raises the stakes of the
FDA's approval process, as it sets a precedent for all future GE animals.
Because of a regulatory decision in the 1980s that no new laws are needed to
regulate genetically engineered foods, the FDA is actually regulating the GE
salmon as a drug... Hansen noted two reasons why consumers may wish to avoid the
GE salmon. First, he notes that reports of increased inflammation in the tissues
of the GE salmon may result in increased antibiotic use. Second, consumers who
care about animal welfare may wish to avoid the salmon because even in the
flawed tests that were performed, the GE salmon exhibited higher rates of
physical deformities than non-GE salmon.  The bigger picture, of course, is the
standard AquAdvantage salmon will set for future genetically engineered animals.
Even if the AquAdvantage salmon proves to be safe in the long run, if sloppy and
dishonest science is all that's required to pass a product through the U.S.
regulatory system, what other disasters lie in our future?"

Editor's note: You can take action on this issue here:
http://www.change.org/petitions/view/stop_genetically_engineered_salmon_from_rea\
ching_your_plate

[Very edited from:
http://www.alternet.org/story/148156/


"MEATLESS MONDAY: PARTY WITH MR. CLUCKY:"  (11/22/10):  "While many across
America are preparing to eat Thanksgiving turkey on Thursday, some of us in
South Beach are honoring another bird, Mr. Clucky . To those of us who know him,
Mr. Clucky is more than a rooster. He has been Miami's spokesfowl, a bird who
stands for peace, stewardship of the earth and animal compassion. PETA loves
him. So does EarthSave. But no one has loved him more than his owner, Mark
Buckley.  Buckley first came across the rooster as an abandoned fowl, possibly a
Santeria escapee, no more than a pile of feathers in the bushes. Buckley took
him in and nursed him back to health. Soon the two were South Beach icons (hey,
on South Beach, this is possible), frequently seen out and about on Lincoln Road
and Ocean Drive. Perched on the handlebars of Buckley's bicycle, Mr. Clucky's
feathers immaculate, his head high, his crowing a veritable trumpet, his
demeanor lordly but kind. As roosters go, he's had a pretty good life. He has
his own website, FaceBook page and a loyal fan base, which is more than many of
us can say."

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ellen-kanner/meatless-monday-mr-clucky_b_784099.ht\
ml


"PAM ANDERSON'S INDIA VISIT INCREASES NON-LEATHER SALES:"  (11/22/10):  "Former
Baywatch star Pamela Anderson has galvanized Indians' interest in non-leather
products during her recent trip to the country. According to reports on the
ground, Anderson's appearance on the Indian version of Big Brother and her
appeal to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to avoid leather has left a positive
imprint on the country.  The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
India has reported an upsurge in people contacting the organization about how
they can get involved with animal advocacy and where to purchase cruelty-free
products... The leather industry in total produces about 18 billion square feet
of leather a year, and the total value of this is estimated at about $40
billion. Developing countries now produce over 60% of the world's leather, and
this proportion is growing."

[Edited from:
http://bikyamasr.com/wordpress/?p=21351


"TEA PARTY-OPPOSED ANTI-PUPPY MILL LAW MIGHT BE IN THE DOGHOUSE WITH MISSOURI
LAWMAKERS:"  (11/22/10):  "Members of the Missouri legislature are considering a
repeal of Proposition B, a measure to strengthen anti-puppy mill laws, that was
approved by voters on election day.  As we reported, the "Puppy Mill Cruelty
Prevention Act" aimed to help eliminate the "3000 puppy mills" in Missouri that
constitute "30% of all puppy mills in the U.S.," by limiting the size of breeder
operations and mandating better conditions for dogs, according to Michael
Markarian, the Chief Operating Officer of the Humane Society of the United
States, which helped push the bill. Markarian also told TPM last month that the
measure only applied to "commercial dog breeding facilities" that have more than
10 breeding females who they use for "producing puppies for the pet trade..."
...The Missouri Tea Party and the Tea Party Patriots also came out against Prop
B, as did Joe "The Plumber" Wurtzelbacher, arguing that it was just another
example of big government meddling in people's lives..."

[Very edited from:

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/tea_party_opposed_anti-puppy_m\
ill_law_might_be_in_the_doghouse_with.php


************************************************
*09: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[Useful resource and for networking:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Vegan Daily Blog:"
http://www.yourdailyvegan.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

[Robin Robertston's "Vegan Planet:"
http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

[100 Useful Websites for Vegetarians and Vegans:
http://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.org/100-useful-websites-for-vegetarians-a\
nd-vegans/

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[The FatFree Vegan Yahoo Group List:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fatfree_vegan/

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[VegMichigan's PlantPeaceDaily Newsletter:
http://www.plantpeacedaily.org/newsletter.html

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Award-winning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

[Some stunning recipes:
http://vegandad.blogspot.com

[Fine collection of McDougall Recipes:
http://drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10075

[Heart-healthy Vegan Recipes:
http://heart.kumu.org/recipes.html


************************************************
*10: Closing Thoughts
************************************************

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will
make one." 
--- Elbert Hubbard, The Note Book, 1927

"Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages
and all faiths.  At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for
gratitude and new beginnings."
--- J. Robert Moskin

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure
of our thanksgiving."
--- W.T. Purkiser

Howdy!  Welcome to the 72nd issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter.

Today we've got a special end-of-the-year letter from Howard, and an
announcement about the new "Heart Healthy Pizza" cookbook (with a Foreward by
Howard).

In this edition of the newsletter, you'll learn about the prolific and
knowledgeable Dr. Greger's new website, "NutritionFacts" with superb short
videos on scores of topics.  There's also information in this issue about which
food companies are spending the most on lobbying Congress, a new report on the
state of America's Heart Health, and how a very large study indicates that
vegetables and fruits significantly lower your risk of strokes.

Reading further, find out about the world's "toughest woman" (hint: she's
vegan), see a video of former President Clinton discussing his vegan diet, find
out what vegan Ellen Degeneres is up to, and  the stats in a recent survey by
the Vegetarian Resource Group on the number of vegans in the United States. 
Monsanto has some serious problems, cows contribute much more to Global Climate
Change than previously thought, the movie "Farmageddon" is screened on Capitol
Hill, crows have a "danger" tool, and the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act is
being legally challenged.

As usual, there's an abundance of new items in the Mad Cow Info Round-Up ("Pink
Slime?") and lots to see and hear in the Vegan Digital Media Theater.

... as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers:  y'all can browse/search
through past issues at the Mad Cowboy Newsletter Archives at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Wishing all readers a bountiful, exciting, and rewarding New Year!

Best regards, Mark    MC editor/webmaster

[personal vegan blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00: A Special Holiday Message from Howard
01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
02: Announcing the "Heart Healthy Pizza" Cookbook
03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
04: NutritionFacts, Food Lobbying, US Heart Health, Lower Strokes
05: Toughest Woman, Vegan Clinton, Ellen's Site, No. of US Vegans
06: Vegan Digital Media Theater
07: Monsanto Bugged, New Cow Gas Stats, Food/2011, Farmageddon
08:  Corp./Animal Rights, Swine Case, Crow Tools, AETA Challenged
09: Quick Bytes
10: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: A Special "End of the Year" Message from Howard
************************************************

"With Jack Frost nipping your cheeks it is clear that 2011 is drawing to a
close. It has been a significant year in the acceptance of a plant based diet.
The ex-president stating on nation television that he was a near vegan and his
vice president finally admitting that livestock were the largest contributor to
global warming.

It is my belief that it takes a crises to change human behavior and it was clear
in 2011 that we were not short of crises. The weather on planet Earth was about
as extreme as we have ever had in recorded history. Drought, floods, earth
quakes, and blizzards were just some of the abnormal weather problem that
greeted folks this year.

In 2011 I decided to limit my travel and public speaking. This allowed me to
spend more time with my wife after over twenty years of almost continuous
travel.

I'm surprised that Willow Jeane has not encouraged me to return to my former
schedule. This year we took a vacation of over forty days driving over seven
thousand miles visiting many of our relatives scattered all over North America.
It was the first time my wife and I ever traveled without having to adhere to a
speaking schedule. It was pure heaven.

Spending time in my garden, expanding our local vegetarian society, restoring
our hundred year old Odd Fellow hall, and sleeping in my own bed is something I
have put on hold for many years and I feel like I have died and gone to heaven.

I'm pleased that there are thousands of new plant eaters changing the world ever
day and I'm sure that this is a train that has left the station and will not be
stopped by cries of the animal industry.

Each and everyone of us must do what we can every day and there just may be a
bright future for our children and grand children. Please join with me and do
what you can and enjoy the changes as they happen.

2011 is the watershed year in our struggle and we are winning.

Your friend and fellow traveler, Howard"


************************************************
*01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Of the following, which is NOT one of the top five sources of energy for 2 - 3
year olds:

(a) whole milk   (b) fruit juice  (c) pasta  (d) HFS-based sodas  (e) Starbucks
Triple Latte with Double Expresso

Both (c) and (e) are correct:

["For 2-18 year olds, the top sources of energy were grain desserts, pizza, and
soda. Sugar-sweetened beverages (soda and fruit drinks combined) provided almost
10% of total calories consumed. Nearly 40% of total calories consumed by 2-18
year olds were in the form of empty calories from solid fat and from added
sugars. Half of empty calories came from six foods: soda, fruit drinks, dairy
desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101001105211.htm

Congratulations to Karmy Mina of Rochester, NY, for correctly guessing (e) and
winning the luck of the draw from all those who also picked (c) and/or (e).


THIS ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:

"Aside from having a diagnosis of heart disease-related concerns, there are 7
factors thought to be important for a healthy cardiovascular system.  In 2009, 3
or more of these factors scored poorly in what percentage of U.S. adults?

(a) 72%    (b)  51%   (c)  44%   (d)  38%

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT January 31st, 2012.  PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND
ADDRESS (U.S. domestic only).  It will not be sold nor given out to anyone but
VegNews.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*02:  Announcing the "Heart Healthy Pizza" Cookbook
************************************************

"The "Heart Healthy Pizza" cookbook, by Mark Sutton, contains over 100 no-added
oil, plant-based recipes for making pizza.

Through the imaginative use of grains (oats, quinoa, millet, rice, and barley)
as well as legumes (such as chickpeas, black eyed peas, navy beans, dal) and
various vegetables (artichokes, carrots, corn, etc.), the author has created
unique "cheese-like" sauce recipes that range in taste texture from a delicate
velvety sauce to a custard firmness.

Coupled with recipes for making pizza crusts (including gluten-free versions),
several "bottom sauces" and total pizza concepts, this book will help anyone
create the most nutritious and Heart Healthy Pizza possible.

At the following website, you can:

- read the cookbook's Foreward (written by Howard Lyman)
- view the Draft Table of Contents and Recipes Index
- see a slide show of photos taken during development & testing
- sign-up to be notified of when the book is available for pre-order or purchase
online

http://www.hearthealthypizza.com

Mark's e-mail address:
msutton@...


************************************************
*03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
************************************************
"HOW MAD COW DISEASE 'CAN BE SPREAD THROUGH AIR':"  (01/14/11):  "Mad cow
disease can be spread by airborne particles, researchers warn.  And they fear
that those who work in abattoirs, slaughterhouses and laboratories could be at
risk. Their study shows prions, the infectious agents which cause BSE and its
human form, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, can be dangerous if carried
through the air.  The discovery could also explain why some of the victims in
the 1990s were vegetarians. Dr Aguzzi said health and safety rules in labs,
slaughterhouses and animal feed plants did not usually include protection
against airborne particles.  This previously unappreciated risk for airborne
prion transmission may warrant re-thinking on prion biosafety,' he said. 
However, patients with CJD pose little risk because they do not breathe out
prions, he added."

[Edited from:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1347003/How-mad-cow-disease-sprea\
d-air.html


"EUROPE'S WORST FOOD-POISONING: NEW STRAIN OF E.COLI:"  (06/02/11):  "LONDON --
Scientists on Thursday blamed Europe's worst recorded food-poisoning outbreak on
a "super-toxic" strain of E. coli bacteria that may be brand new.  But while
suspicion has fallen on raw tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce as the source of the
germ, researchers have been unable to pinpoint the food responsible for the
frightening illness, which has killed at least 18 people, sickened more than
1,600 and spread to least 10 European countries.  An alarmingly large number of
victims - about 500 - have developed kidney complications that can be deadly. 
Chinese and German scientists analyzed the DNA of the E. coli bacteria and
determined that the outbreak was caused by "an entirely new, super-toxic" strain
that contains several antibiotic-resistant genes...the strain appeared to be a
combination of two types of E. coli."

[Very edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/02/e-coli-outbreak-new-strain_n_870176.htm\
l


"LISTERIA CANTALOUPE OUTBREAK ENDS AS MOST DEADLY IN 100 YEARS:"  (12/09/11): 
"A 28-state Listeria outbreak is over, with the sad distinction of being the
most deadly outbreak of foodborne illness in the United States in 100 years.  In
the end, one out of every five of the victims died from the Listeria
contamination spread by a locally grown but widely distributed variety of
cantaloupes from Colorado. Thirty of 146 persons infected did not survive. A
miscarriage suffered by an Iowa woman was also blamed on outbreak-related
listeriosis... The onset of illnesses was from July 31 to Oct. 27. A majority of
the victims, 58 percent, were females.  Ages ranged from less than one year to
96 years.  Median age of the victims was 77 years old.

...To find a more deadly outbreak of foodborne illness than this 30-death
tragedy, one has go back to 1911 when contaminated raw milk killed 48 in
Boston."

[Very edited from:
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/12/listeria-outbreak-ends-as-most-deadly-in-1\
00-years/


"SOUTH KOREA DIAGNOSES TWO CASES OF CJD WITHIN ONE YEAR:"  (12/09/11): 
"November 2011, the Korean Center for Disease Control determined that a
54-year-old woman, who died earlier this year, died of iatrogenic
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). After her death, doctors identified several
defective prion proteins in her brain, signaling the presence of CJD. This week,
a second individual (identity withheld for privacy reasons) was diagnosed with
iatrogenic CJD.  Both cases underwent brain surgery 23 years ago. During each
surgery, a product called Lyodura was used for tissue grafting purposes.
Lyrodura is often made of human dura mater, or the outermost of the membranes
covering the brain and spinal cord, which is acquired post mortem. Officials
believe this product may have been contaminated."

[Edited from:
http://www.healthmap.org/news/south-korea-diagnoses-two-cases-creutzfeldt-jakob-\
disease-within-one-year


"HANNAFORD SALMONELLA OUTBREAK, A CONTINUING TREND OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE:" 
(12/12/11):  "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported today that
a total of 16 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella
Typhimurium have been reported from 7 states... Preliminary testing shows that
the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium is resistant to several commonly
prescribed antibiotics. This antibiotic resistance may be associated with an
increase in the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in
infected individuals.  Epidemiologic and traceback investigations conducted by
officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and
regulatory agencies linked this outbreak to eating ground beef purchased from
Hannaford stores."

[Very edited from from the following article which also lists past outbreaks
historically of note:
http://www.foodpoisonjournal.com/foodborne-illness-outbreaks/hannaford-salmonell\
a-outbreak-a-continuing-trend-of-antibiotic-resistance/


"59 IN MISSISSIPPI ILL FROM SALMONELLA TIED TO ONE RESTAURANT:"  (12/14/11): 
"The Salmonella outbreak in Corinth has now been pinned on a single restaurant,
so there is no threat to the general public in northeast Mississippi, the state
health department advises.  But the Don Julio Mexican Restaurant in Corinth, MS
is closed indefinitely after 59 of its customers and employees have returned
cultures positive for Salmonella.  "Our investigation has shown that the
incident does not appear to be a food producer or supplier issue," Dr. Jessie R.
Taylor, the Northeast Mississippi District health officer, said in a news
release.  "It appears to be an isolated problem with this particular restaurant,
and the restaurant is working closely with us to correct the problem."

[Edited from:
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/12/salmonella-outbreak-hits-59-one-restaurant\
-named/


"HONG KONG CULLS THOUSANDS OF BIRDS AFTER VIRUS FOUND IN CHICKEN:"  (12/21/11): 
"Health workers here began slaughtering more than 17,000 chickens on Wednesday
after a carcass infected with bird flu was found at a poultry market, government
officials said. It was the first large-scale culling in three years.  The cull
was part of a series of precautionary steps being taken after the chicken
carcass was found to have a "highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus," York
Chow, Hong Kong's secretary for food and health, said in a statement. Hong Kong
officials also raised the territory's bird flu alert to "serious," increasing
monitoring for influenza at hospitals and closed the market where the carcass
was discovered until Jan. 12...  "We have to be very cautious," he said, noting
that the H5N1 virus has a mortality rate approaching 60 percent in humans. "But
there is no need for panic."

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/22/world/asia/hong-kong-culls-chickens-after-bird\
-flu-is-found.html

"BEEF: IT'S NOT WHAT'S FOR DINNER:"  (12/24/11):  "The USDA estimates that the
2011 U.S. per capita beef consumption at close to 57 pounds, but that's down
about 25 percent since 1980 and, due to a sour economy, it continues to fall. 
For the past decade, cattle ranchers and meat packers watched with despair as
America's beef consumption steadily declined, ceding ground to leaner meats as
well as vegetarian trends among the health-conscious.  Most recently, high
unemployment in the world's wealthiest nation had cash-strapped Americans
avoiding restaurants where beef is a common entree and had them switching to
lower cost non-meat dishes at home.  USDA estimates 2011 U.S. per capita beef
consumption at 57.4 lbs, down 13 percent from 10 years ago and down about 25
percent from 1980. In 2012, USDA predicts, Americans will eat 54.1 lbs of beef
on average.  "Americans are cutting back. We've consumed ourselves to a plateau,
but the growth and demand is there for exports."

[Very edited from:
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2011/12/beef-its-not-whats-for-dinner/\
250442/


"BURGER CHAINS DROP USE OF 'PINK SLIME':"  (12/26/11):  "McDonald's and two
other fast-food chains have stopped using an ammonia-treated burger ingredient
that meat industry critics call the "pink slime," according to a report in the
Sioux Falls, Argus Leader here  The product, ammonium hydroxide, is widely used
as low-fat beef filling in burger meat, including in school meals.  But there
have been attacks on its use by consumer food activists and high profile chefs
such as Jamie Oliver who said, "Basically, we're taking a product that would be
sold at the cheapest form for dogs, and after this process we can give it to
humans," in a segment of his ABC television show, Jamie Oliver's Food
Revolution, that aired last spring.

...Critics of the use of such products in the meat industry say it raises
serious questions about whether the huge factory farm and processing operations
are relying too heavily on "chemical washes and other technology" to kill
bacteria that is so prevalent because of the practices of that industry instead
of doing more to prevent the contamination at the source by changing how animals
are raised and slaughtered in the big meat processing plants.

[Very edited from:
http://www.skyvalleychronicle.com/BREAKING-NEWS/BURGER-CHAINS-DROP-USE-OF-CHEMIC\
AL-IN-BURGERS-CALLED-PINK-SLIME-861300


************************************************
*04: NutritionFacts, Food Lobbying, US Heart Health, Lower Strokes
************************************************
"NUTRITIONFACTS - A NEW WEBSITE FEATURING DR. GREGER:"  (2011):  "The typical
nutrition facts packaging label shows consumers a miniscule fraction of the
estimated 100,000+ biological active constituents of food. How do you tell if it
may actually help promote health and protect against disease?

It is estimated that North Americans spend in excess of $50 billion annually on
diet products and self-help books and videos.  However, given that Western
society continues to see increased obesity and other "diseases of affluence"
such as Type II diabetes, coronary heart disease and certain forms of cancer,
much of that money is being wasted.  We believe that a significant part of the
problem is that individuals who want to make the correct nutritional choices for
themselves and their families are faced with a deluge of confusing and
conflicting nutritional advice.  The goal of this website is to present you with
the results of the latest in nutrition and health research, presented in a way
that is easy to understand.

NUTRITIONFACTS.ORG is brought to you by the Jesse & Julie Rasch Foundation in
partnership with Michael Greger, M.D. Dr. Greger scours the world of
nutrition-related research, as published in scientific journals, and brings that
information to you in short, easy to understand video segments.  We also provide
links to the original journal articles whenever possible so that you can source
the information directly, if you so desire.

[From:
http://nutritionfacts.org/about/


"FOOD LOBBYING TOPS $1 MILLION FOR SOME:  (12/13/11):  "A lot of the attention
on the intersection between food and the U.S. legislature recently has focused
on the impending revision of the Farm Bill. Thousands of jobs and the health of
millions ride on the billions of dollars that will be doled out by the Farm
Bill, so it's an understandable target of interest.  But the Farm Bill is far
from the only piece of legislature that affects the food world. In fact, every
year, food and beverage companies spend tens of millions of dollars trying to
influence dozens of bills under consideration by the Senate and House of
Representatives. These bills ranges from overhauls of elementary school
nutrition program to tweaks to rules on patent protection -- and all are subject
to lobbying... Such detailed information on lobbying would have been almost
impossible to find a few decades ago. But thanks to the magic of the Internet,
it's now only a few clicks away. With the help of website OpenSecrets.org, we've
assembled a list of the 10 food and beverage companies that have spent the most
on lobbyists so far in 2011. Click through below to find out who "won" the
dubious honors.

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/13/food-company-lobbying_n_1146425.html


"U.S. HEART HEALTH: LOTS OF ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT:"  (12/16/11):  "Among seven
factors for heart health, almost all Americans have at least one factor at a
"poor" level.  The American Heart Association has issued America's annual heart
health report card. While there is good news, much of it is overshadowed by bad
news, and we definitely have room for improvement.  The death rate from heart
disease and stroke dropped more than 30% between 1998 and 2008, but we're remiss
on habits that help the heart, such as getting regular exercise and maintaining
a healthy weight... "We have a major tsunami that is threatening us. That is the
obesity epidemic, which has been with us for 25 years. We are seeing the leading
edge of this tsunami that is going to reverse many of the gains we have achieved
in the last 40 years."  "We need to get serious about the obesity epidemic
yesterday," he [researcher Donald Lloyd-Jones] tells WebMD..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500368_162-57343911/u.s-heart-health-lots-of-room-fo\
r-improvement/

[The Report cited in the article above:
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2011/12/15/CIR.0b013e31823ac046.citati\
on


"EATING FRUITS, VEGGIES MAY LOWER STROKE RISK:"  (12/02/11):  "Eating plenty of
fruits, vegetables and whole grains that are rich in antioxidants may help
reduce a woman's risk of stroke, even if she has a history of heart disease, a
new study suggests.  It's thought that antioxidants may help protect against
stroke by neutralizing damaging molecules called free radicals that are linked
to heart disease and stroke. Fruits and vegetables contributed about half of the
antioxidants in the diet of women with no history of heart disease... "Eating
antioxidant-rich foods may reduce your risk of stroke by inhibiting oxidative
stress and inflammation," said study author Susanne Rautiainen, a doctoral
student at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

For the study in this week's issue of Stroke: Journal of the American Heart
Association, Rautiainen and her co-authors followed more than 31,000 women
without cardiovascular disease and another 5,700 women with that history who
filled in questionnaires about their diet and other lifestyle factors."

[Edited from:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2011/12/02/stroke-antioxidants-fruits-vegeta\
bles.html


************************************************
*05: Toughest Woman, Vegan Clinton, Ellen's Site, No. of US Vegans
************************************************
"VEGAN ATHLETE CROWNED WORLD'S TOUGHEST WOMAN:"  (12/20/11):  "Last weekend,
vegan athlete Juliana Sproles was crowned the "toughest woman on the planet"
after finishing the "The World's Toughest Mudder" competition, a 24-hour,
mud-filled obstacle race in below-freezing temperatures. Sproles credits
diligent training and a plant-based diet for her victory.  Tough Mudder
competitions are grueling endurance tests, typically 10-12 miles in length and
featuring 20-30 challenging obstacles designed by the British Special Forces.
The competitions test all-around strength, stamina, mental grit, and
camaraderie. At the end of each year, the top 5 percent of participants from
previous Tough Mudder competitions are eligible to compete in the World's
Toughest Mudder series final in order to "find the toughest man and woman on the
planet.'''"

[Edited from:
http://www.mfablog.org/2011/12/vegan-athlete-crowned-worlds-toughest-woman.html


"BILL CLINTON'S VEGAN JOURNEY:"  (08/18/11):  "After undergoing two separate
heart procedures since leaving office a decade ago, former President Bill
Clinton changed his diet to slow the progression of heart disease. But when a
doctor told him that more "intensive changes" were needed for someone with his
family history of heart disease, Mr. Clinton -– the man famous for his love of
McDonald's and junk food -– went vegan, or nearly so. "At Thanksgiving, I had
one bite of turkey," he told CNN's chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay
Gupta.... The former president now says he consumes no meat, no dairy, no eggs,
almost no oil.   "I like the vegetables, the fruits, the beans, the stuff I eat
now," Clinton told Gupta.

View the full report [and CNN clips], "From Omnivore to Vegan: The Dietary
Education of Bill Clinton," and then please join the discussion below."
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/18/bill.clinton.diet.vegan/index.html

[Edited from:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/18/bill-clintons-vegan-journey/


"ELLEN DEGENERES' NEW VEGAN WEB PAGE & BLOG:"  (08/10/11):  "Another sign that
Ellen DeGeneres is passionate about promoting veganism: she just put up a new
web page and blog devoted to the subject. The web page offers a nice collection
of introductory material, and the blog seems to be updated whenever she covers
something vegan on her show."

http://vegan.com/blog/2011/08/10/ellen-degeneres-new-vegan-web-page-blog/

http://vegan.ellen.warnerbros.com/

[As noted at:
http://www.vegan.com


"HOW MANY ADULTS ARE VEGAN IN THE U.S.?: "  (12/05/11):  "With numerous groups
pushing Meatless Mondays, Tofurky Tuesdays, or other campaigns to cut back on
meat one meal or day per week, The Vegetarian Resource Group wondered how often
Americans are eating vegetarian meals. In order to find an estimate, VRG
commissioned Harris Interactive® to conduct a national telephone poll.

Seventeen percent of Americans stated that they "don't eat meat, fish, seafood,
or poultry at many of my meals (but less than half the time)" and 16% don't eat
these foods at more than half of their meals (but not all the time). Thus, 1/3
(33%) of the country are eating vegetarian meals a significant amount of the
time (in addition to vegetarians)! This is certainly good news for companies
producing vegetarian foods. No wonder why so many restaurants have added
vegetarian options.

In a 2008 Vegetarian Resource Group national telephone survey, 40% said when
eating out they often order a dish without meat, fish or fowl. For those of you
trying to get a handle on the population very interested in vegetarian foods,
though not vegetarian, it appears to be 30% – 40% of the country..."

[Edited from:
http://www.vrg.org/blog/2011/12/05/how-many-adults-are-vegan-in-the-u-s/


************************************************
*06:  Vegan Digital Media Theater
************************************************
Slideshows:
"THE 10 MOST FATTENING FAST FOOD DISHES"
http://www.thedailymeal.com/10-most-fattening-fast-food-dishes


Videos:
"THE SPIRAL DIVING DOG"
http://www.hulu.com/watch/301994/weird-news-diving-dog-makes-splash-with-spiral-\
dive-skills#s-p5-so-i0

"THE PLASTIC PLANT"
http://firstrunfeatures.com/plasticplanet/

"THE VEDUCATED DOCUMENTARY"
http://www.kindgreenplanet.org/programs/glasswalls/

"DIVE:  LIVING OFF AMERICA'S WASTE"
http://www.divethefilm.com/trailer.aspx

"THE SECRET LIFE OF BEEF"
http://informinc.org/pages/media/the-secret-life-series/secret-life-beef.html

"JONATHON SAFRAN FOER AT GOOGLE"
http://vegan.com/blog/2010/12/30/jonathan-safran-foer-at-google/

"FILMMAKERS DISCUSS "FORKS OVER KNIVES"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfY2C4WaJ3s&feature=share

"CANCER FIGHTERS IN YOUR KITCHEN - DR. OZ" (see videos bottom of page, including
Rip Esselstyn on the show)
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/cancer-fighters-your-kitchen


Audio/Transcript/Book Excerpt:
"CONSUMPTION:  HOW WESTERN DIETS ARE MAKING US SICK"
https://www.npr.org/2011/03/24/132745785/how-western-diets-are-making-the-world-\
sick

"NEW ZEALAND RADIO INTERVIEW WITH DR. CALDWELL ESSELSTYN"
http://www.vegsource.com/news/2010/12/heart-disease-and-cancer-listen-to-foremos\
t-expert-tell-how-to-prevent-them.html

"SHOULD WE EAT MEAT? DEBATE BETWEEN ANTHONY BOURDAIN & JONATHON SAFRAN FOER"
http://www.cbc.ca/q/blog/2011/01/03/q-contest-should-we-eat-meat-1/


Interactive:
"GENERATE YOUR OWN KFC SIGN"
http://signgenerator.kfccruelty.com/index.asp?SignSubmission=8cfa9387-75a4-4d23-\
8aee-1128cf073ecc


************************************************
*07: Monsanto Bugged, New Cow Gas Stats, Food/2011, Farmageddon
************************************************
"THE BUGS THAT ATE MONSANTO:"  (12/13/11):  "Now that 94 percent of the soy and
70 percent of the corn grown in the U.S. are genetically modified, Monsanto --
one of the companies that dominates the GMO seed market  -- might look to some
like it's winning. But if we look a little closer, I'd say they're holding on by
a thread...  Over the last several years, so-called "superweeds" have grown
resistant to the herbicide RoundUp, the companion product that's made Monsanto's
herbicide-tolerant (aka RoundUp-Ready) corn, soy, and alfalfa so popular...  The
superweed problem is so bad that farmers in some parts of the country are
abandoning thousands of acres because the weeds are so out of control, or
dousing the crops with ever more toxic (and expensive) combinations of other
herbicides... And now Monsanto's other flagship product line, the
pesticide-producing "Bt crops," named for the pesticide they are genetically
modified to emit, is in trouble.

... In a new report [PDF] -- unpublicized and buried deep in a government
website -- and analyzed in detail over at Mother Jones, the EPA confirms many
anti-GMO activists' deepest fears. The report "officially" found evidence that
corn rootworms, a major pest for corngrowers, have grown resistant to Bt in
several states; even worse, that resistance is strong enough that EPA scientists
are insisting the company implement a "remedial action plan." In addition, the
report criticizes Monsanto for missing the rise of the rootworm resistance
problem via its faulty monitoring system..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.grist.org/industrial-agriculture/2011-12-13-the-bugs-that-ate-monsant\
o


"THE GOOD FOOD NEWS OF 2011:''  (12/22/11): "
1. Urban farming is flourishing.
2. Young farmers make noise.
3. Local food isn't just delicious and eco-friendly.
4. Food Day makes a comeback.
5. We don't need industrial ag to feed the world.
6. Despite the influence of the ultra-consolidated meat industry, the "ag-gag"
bills went nowhere.
7. Eaters are (a little) more aware of the people behind their food.
8. Food access got more attention.
9. More information helps eaters make better choices. 
10. The Occupy movement adds fuel to the fire."

[Edited from the following article where each "good news item" is expanded on:
http://www.grist.org/food/2011-12-22-the-good-food-news-of-2011


"51% OF GREENHOUSE GASES EMISSION FROM LIVESTOCK:"  (11/2011):  "A recent
authoritative report published by the World Watch institute, authors Goodland
and Anhang concluded that over 51% of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions come
from Livestock. A widely cited 2006 report by the United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization, Livestock's Long Shadow, estimates that 18 percent of
annual worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributable to
livestock….however recent analysis by Goodland and Anhang co-authors of
"Livestock and Climate Change" in the latest issue of World Watch magazine found
that livestock and their byproducts actually account for at least 32.6 billion
tons of carbon dioxide per year, or 51 percent of annual worldwide GHG
emissions..."

[Edited from the website where you can also automatically send an e-mail of
concern to a representative or environmental minister:
http://51percent.org/


"FARMAGEDDON VIEWING ON CAPITAL HILL A SUCCESS:"  (12/16/11):  "WASHINGTON,
December 16, 2011- This week a special viewing of "Farmageddon- the Unseen War
on America's Farms" was screened in the Capital Building for members of congress
and the senate.

Farmageddon vividly conveys the stories of numerous farmers who found themselves
on the wrong side of government food policy. New laws and rulings have adversely
affected small farms and organic buying clubs, and have gotten the attention our
politicians... Also in attendance and fielding questions were Linda and Larry
Failace- Linda and Larry appear in the film, and Linda is the Author of  "Mad
Sheep,"the personal story of her own experience being raided by the USDA and
having her sheep confiscated because of fears of Mad Cow disease.

[Edited from:
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/omkara/2011/dec/16/farmagedd\
on-viewing-capital-hill-success/

[The website:
http://farmageddonmovie.com/


************************************************
*08: Corp./Animal Rights, Swine Case, Crow Tools, AETA Challenged
************************************************
"IF CORPORATIONS HAVE RIGHTS LIKE PEOPLE, SHOULDN'T ANIMALS?"  12/22/11:
"[Wise's] grand ambition is for nothing short of a legal revolution. He wants to
systematically overturn more than 2,000 years of law by winning basic common law
rights for other sentient beings we now know suffer, feel fear, have complex
emotions, and possess sometimes startling levels of intelligence. Welfare laws
notwithstanding, unless they are "legal persons," to Wise they have no rights at
all in the eyes of the law and therefore their lives don't count... He walked
away from his comfortable 18-year law partnership and founded The Center for the
Expansion of Fundamental Rights, the world's first nonprofit dedicated to
achieving legal rights for nonhuman primates, and later the Nonhuman Rights
Project... Animal law is a growth industry. "I would call it an emerging field,"
says Frankie Trull, founder and president of the Foundation for Biomedical
Research. "It's in its infancy." Harvard and Georgetown law schools first
offered animal law courses in 1999. Now, approximately 121 U.S. law schools,
including the top 10, offer them. There are 160 Student Animal Legal Defense
Fund chapters nationally. And by April 2011, 47 states, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands had elevated some animal
cruelty crimes from misdemeanors to felonies..."

[Very edited from the very long and comprehensive article at:
http://www.alternet.org/vision/153547/if_corporations_have_rights_like_people%2C\
_shouldn%27t_animals/?page=entire


"SUPREME COURT HEARS ARGUMENTS ON DOWNED SWINE:"  (12/14/11):  "U.S. Supreme
Court justices will decide whether California law can prevent the slaughter of
nonambulatory swine within the state.  In National Meat Association v. Harris,
the meat industry organization is fighting legislation passed in January 2008
that requires immediate euthanasia of any nonambulatory animal at a federally
inspected slaughterhouse. The federal government is supporting the industry's
appeal.  The state law was passed in response to footage released in January
2008 that showed abuse of nonambulatory cows at the Hallmark/Westland Meat Co.
slaughterhouse in Chino, Calif. The Humane Society of the United States released
the video.  The complaint filed by the National Meat Association in the U.S.
District Court for the Eastern District of California focuses on the state law's
prohibitions on the sale, receipt, or processing of nonambulatory swine or
products from such swine within the state. The association argued that federal
regulations govern handling of fatigued and stressed swine, which are usually
able to stand and walk after rest and supervision and are not disabled because
of disease..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/jan12/120101j.asp


"CURIOUS CROWS USE TOOLS TO EXPLORE DANGEROUS OBJECTS:"  (01/14/11):  "What
happens when a New Caledonian crow meets a toy rubber spider?  New Caledonian
crows use tools to investigate unfamiliar and potentially dangerous objects,
according to scientists.  New research shows crows cautiously investigating new
objects using sticks as an extension of their beaks.  New Caledonian crows are
known to fashion tools to access food sources such as wood-boring beetle larvae.
Scientists suggest this study is the first time birds have been recorded using
tools for multiple purposes... The findings are published in the journal Animal
Cognition..."

[Edited from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9353000/9353588.stm


"ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS SUE TO CHALLENGE FEDERAL LAW - AETA:"  (12/15/11): 
"BOSTON — A group of animal rights activists sued the U.S. government Thursday
to challenge the constitutionality of a rarely used law they say treats them
like terrorists if they cause a loss in profits for businesses that use or sell
animal products.   Five activists represented by the Center for Constitutional
Rights filed the lawsuit in federal court in Boston, asking that the Animal
Enterprise Terrorism Act [AETA] be struck down as unconstitutional because it
has a chilling effect on lawful protest activities.  Staff attorney Rachel
Meeropol said the 2006 law has left activists afraid to participate in public
protests out of fear they will be prosecuted.  "There are many terms in the law
that are not defined, and because of that protesters don't have notice that
certain conduct is going to violate the statute and what conduct is protected by
the First Amendment," Meeropol said.  "Some of my clients want to engage in
simple public protests — perhaps in front of a fur store — to change public
opinion about fur," she said. "But they feel restricted from engaging in that
clearly lawful activity because under the plain language of the law, if that
protest is successful in convincing consumers not to shop at that fur store,
they could be charged as terrorists..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/animal-rights-activists-sue-to-challenge-\
constitutionality-of-animal-enterprise-terrorist-act/2011/12/15/gIQAG40wvO_story\
.html


************************************************
*09: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[Useful resource and for networking:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Vegan Daily Blog:"
http://www.yourdailyvegan.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

[Robin Robertston's "Vegan Planet:"
http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

[100 Useful Websites for Vegetarians and Vegans:
http://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.org/100-useful-websites-for-vegetarians-a\
nd-vegans/

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[The FatFree Vegan Yahoo Group List:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fatfree_vegan/

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[VegMichigan's PlantPeaceDaily Newsletter:
http://www.plantpeacedaily.org/newsletter.html

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Award-winning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

[Some stunning recipes:
http://vegandad.blogspot.com

[Fine collection of McDougall Recipes:
http://drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10075

[Heart-healthy Vegan Recipes:
http://heart.kumu.org/recipes.html


************************************************
*10: Closing Thoughts
************************************************

"Really, this [heart] disease is kind of a paper tiger.  Chronic heart disease
is not inevitably progressive, like cancer, this is something that really can be
changed, can be changed drastically when you make significant changes in the
nutritional profile."

--- Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn  (February 2007, "Mad Cowboy Interview")


"In my opinion, cheese is to heart disease what water is to drowning.  Vegan
pizza was as rare as seeing hair on a frog."

---- Howard Lyman (Foreward, "Heart Healthy Pizza")


"If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of
the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it
just gets better and better as the years roll on."

--- Steve Jobs  ("Steve Jobs", by Walter Isaacson)

Howdy!  Welcome to the 73rd issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter!

In this special issue, we have two contests!  The periodic Vegan Mind-Bender
Contest (for a year's subscription of VegNews), and today, a free giveaway of
the very 1st vegan pizza cookbook:  "Heart Healthy Pizza."  There's also a link
to where you can view the Official Mad Cowboy Pizza recipe, obtain more
information about this book, and order an autographed copy of same.

Reading further, learn about some new and very large studies indicating that
consumption of red meat not only increases mortality from degenerative diseases,
but from strokes as well.  There's information on a unique court case where the
judge is assessing liability for potential damage to the Earth's atmosphere for
future generations, the environmental impact of eating shrimp vs. beef, the
brewing eco-storm, continued warnings about too much salt, and take action
against the collective evils of Monsanto.

Moving onward, among other matters, you can contact the FDA about animal
testing, see the difference between PR spending between the Meat Industry and
Veg-related Organizations, know about the controversial "Vegan is Love" book,
how to be vegan inexpensively, FARM's mobile activism, and how to be a hero by
what you eat.

And don't miss our "Vegan Digital Media Theater" featuring video of Dr.
Esselstyn, President Clinton, vegan ultra-marathoner Scott Jurek, and others of
note.

... as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers:  y'all can browse/search
through past issues at the Mad Cowboy Newsletter Archives at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/


Best regards, Mark    MC editor/webmaster

[Blogs:
http://www.soulveggie.com
http://hearthealthypizza.blogspot.com/


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
02: Mad Cowboy Pizza Recipe & Heart Healthy Pizza Book Giveaway Contest
03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
04: Red Meat=Mortality=Strokes, Hold the Salt
05: Judging the Atmosphere, Shrimp vs. Beef, Eco-Storm, Evil Monsanto
06: Vegan Digital Media Theater
07: Tell FDA No Testing, Meat vs Veg Ad$$, Mobile Activist Video
08: "Vegan is Love," Cheaply Vegan, Be a Hero by What You Eat
09: Quick Bytes
10: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"When Mark told me of his idea to write a book about "Heart Healthy Pizza," I
became his greatest supporter. I think this book could save more lives than the
discovery of penicillin.

"Heart Healthy Pizza" is more than a pizza without cheese. It is about creating
one that is added-fat free and nutritious from the pan up, and best of all,
tastes great. This book will enable you to obtain all of the health benefits,
plus allow you to please the most discerning taste buds to the joy of pizza."

---- Howard Lyman, author of The Mad Cowboy and No More Bull!, (from the
Foreward of "Heart Healthy Pizza")


************************************************
*01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Aside from having a diagnosis of heart disease-related concerns, there are 7
factors thought to be important for a healthy cardiovascular system. In 2009, 3
or more of these factors scored poorly in what percentage of U.S. adults?

(a) 72% (b) 51% (c) 44% (d) 38%

Congratulations to Kaeli, of Summerville, SC, who won the luck of the draw. 
She'll be receiving a year's subscription to VegNews.

["The American Heart Association has issued America's annual heart health report
card... "Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics -- 2012 Update," was published in
Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association ... Besides having a
diagnosis of blood vessel or heart disease, the American Heart Association
considers seven factors important to heart health...This year's report found
that 94% of U .S . adults have at least one of these factors at `'poor'' levels
. And 38% of adults score poorly on three or more . Half of U .S ...'The bad
news is we still have a September 11th-type tragedy occurring every 24 hours,"
[P.K.Shah, MD, director of cardiology] says . Heart disease and stroke claims
2,200 Americans each day -- one death every 39 seconds ...

http://www.heartacademy.org/phpwcms/index.php?february-is-heart-month-1


THIS ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Currently, the yearly consumption of meat in the United States is what
percentage of China's?"

(a) 25%    (b) 50%    (c) 150%    (d) 200%

Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT Jun. 15th, 2012.  PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS
(U.S. domestic only).  It will not be sold nor given out to anyone but VegNews.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]



************************************************
*02: Mad Cowboy Pizza Recipe & Heart Healthy Pizza Book Giveaway Contest
************************************************
You can read the recipe for the OFFICIAL MAD COWBOY PIZZA & associated topping
sauce here:
http://www.hearthealthypizza.com/Recipes_WP.html#MCOWBOY


*** FREE "HEART HEALTHY PIZZA" COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY CONTEST!!
E-mail msutton@... with a list of your favorite pizza
toppings.  Please include "cookbook contest" in the Subject Heading.  US
Domestic entries only.  Deadline for entry:  June 15th, 2012.


*** "Heart Healthy Pizza" by Mark Sutton, contains over 100 no-added oil,
plant-based recipes for making pizza.

Through the imaginative use of grains (oats, quinoa, millet, rice, and barley)
as well as legumes (such as chickpeas, black eyed peas, navy beans, dal) and
various vegetables (artichokes, carrots, corn, etc.), the author has created
some 60 unique "cheese-like" sauce recipes that range in taste texture from a
delicate velvety sauce to a custard firmness.  Coupled with recipes for making
pizza crusts (including gluten-free versions), several "bottom sauces" and total
pizza concepts, this book will help anyone create the most nutritious and Heart
Healthy Pizza possible.

*** At the following website, you can:

- read the cookbook's Foreward (written by Howard Lyman), & Introduction
- view the Front & Back Cover, Table of Contents, Sample Recipes, and Full
Recipes Index
- see a slide show of photos taken during development & testing
- purchase an autographed copy online of "Heart Healthy Pizza!"

http://www.hearthealthypizza.com


************************************************
*03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
************************************************
"FDA DOCUMENTS SHOW AGENCY ONCE STRONGLY OPPOSED FARM ANTIBIOTIC OVERUSE:"
(12/29/11):  "The use of antibiotics and sulfonamide drugs, especially in growth
promotant and subtherapeutic amounts, favors the selection and development of
single and multiple antibiotic-resistant and R-plasmid-bearing bacteria... 
Organisms resistant to antibacterial agents have been found on meat and meat
products..."

...If you give the text above a close read, you might think it was written by
Mark Bittman or Tom Philpott or Tom Laskawy, or me — or any of the small number
of journalists who focus on the safety and policy perils of giving scarce
antibiotics to confinement-raised farm animals... As it happens, though, the
text above wasn't written by any of us. It was written by the Food and Drug
Administration, the FDA.... [the FDA] has just backed off a 34-year attempt to
assert regulatory control over "growth promoter" antibiotic use, opting instead
for voluntary self-policing by the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries...

   ...In 1977, the agency was very clear that using antibiotics in agriculture in
growth-promoter doses caused the emergence of resistant bacteria that moved off
the farm to threaten human health. Which makes it all the more disturbing that,
34 years later, the FDA has determined that championing that well-proven case is
a losing battle."

[Very edited from:
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/12/fda-documents-antibiotic-overuse/


"MINN. FOOD COMPANY RECALLS ABOUT 1 MILLION EGGS IN 34 STATES:"  (03/03/12):  "A
Minnesota food company said Friday it is recalling more than a million
hard-cooked eggs distributed to 34 states after testing revealed some may be
contaminated with listeria.... Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal
infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened
immune systems. Although healthy people may suffer only short-term symptoms such
as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea,
the infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

...The eggs are sold under six brand names: Columbia Valley Farms; GFS; Glenview
Farms; Papetti's; Silverbrook; and Wholesome Farms..."

[Edited from:
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/safety/story/2012-02-03/Minn-food-comp\
any-recalls-eggs-in-34-states/52951110/1


"MAD-COW DISEASE UNLIKELY IN MARIN CASES:"  (02/0912):  "A Marin County woman
has died and a second resident is sick with a rare degenerative brain disorder
that is occasionally associated with mad- cow disease, but neither case is
infectious and there is no public health threat, state officials said Thursday. 
Both patients have been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which is
marked by a buildup of damaged proteins in the brain and causes early dementia.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is always fatal, usually within a year of diagnosis. 
Lab tests released Thursday confirmed that one of the cases was definitely not
the "mad cow" form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob, and experts in the disease said it is
highly unlikely that the second case was related to mad-cow disease..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/02/09/BAQD1N5A50.DTL


"EXPERTS FEAR DISEASES 'IMPOSSIBLE TO TREAT:"  (02/20/12):  "Britain is facing a
"massive" rise in antibiotic-resistant blood poisoning caused by the bacterium
E.coli – bringing closer the spectre of diseases that are impossible to treat. 
Experts say the growth of antibiotic resistance now poses as great a threat to
global health as the emergence of new diseases such as Aids and pandemic flu. 
Professor Peter Hawkey, a clinical microbiologist and chair of the Government's
antibiotic-resistance working group, said that antibiotic resistance had become
medicine's equivalent of climate change.  The "slow but insidious growth" of
resistant organisms was threatening to turn common infections into untreatable
diseases, he said. Already, an estimated 25,000 people die each year in the
European Union from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.  "It is a
worldwide issue – there are no boundaries," he said..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/experts-\
fear-diseases-impossible-to-treat-7216662.html


"HIGH LEVELS OF RESISTANT BACTERIA ON MEAT (AGAIN):"  (03/03/12):  "A new report
is out from the federal collaboration that monitors antibiotic resistance in
animals, retail meat and people, and the news is not good... It reports the
results of testing on 5,280 meat samples collected in 2010 in California,
Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York,
Oregon, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania...

...If you read down the left-hand column and then across to 2010, what these
tables tell you is that more than half of the ground turkey samples carried  E.
coli that were resistant to at least three different classes of antibiotics,
meaning that, if those bacteria caused a foodborne infection in a person, none
of those antibiotic classes would work to cure it. Almost 30 percent of chicken
breast and ground turkey samples carried Salmonella bacteria that were resistant
to five different classes of antibiotics. Almost 29 percent of ground-beef
samples carried Salmonella strains that were resistant to six..."

[Edited from the article with some interesting stats in a chart at:
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/03/resistant-bacteria-meat/


"PINK SLIME FOR SCHOOL LUNCH: GOVERNMENT BUYING 7 MILLION POUNDS OF
AMMONIA-TREATED MEAT FOR MEALS:"  (03/05/12)"  Pink slime -- that
ammonia-treated meat in a bright Pepto-bismol shade -- may have been rejected by
fast food joints like McDonald's, Taco Bell and Burger King, but is being
brought in by the tons for the nation's school lunch program.  The U.S.
Department of Agriculture is purchasing 7 million pounds of the "slime" for
school lunches, The Daily reports. Officially termed "Lean Beef Trimmings," the
product is a ground-up combination of beef scraps, cow connective tissues and
other beef trimmings that are treated with ammonium hydroxide to kill pathogens
like salmonella and E. coli. It's then blended into traditional meat products
like ground beef and hamburger patties.

"We originally called it soylent pink," microbiologist Carl Custer, who worked
at the Food Safety Inspection Service for 35 years, told The Daily... Custer and
microbiologist Gerald Zernstein concluded in a study that the trimmings are a
"high risk product," but Zernstein tells The Daily that "scientists in D.C. were
pressured to approve this stuff with minimal safety approval" under President
George H.W. Bush's administration. The USDA asserts that its ground beef
purchases "meet the highest standard for food safety..."

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/05/pink-slime-for-school-lun_n_1322325.htm\
l


"DRIVE TO BAN 'PINK SLIME' IN SCHOOL LUNCHES GAINS MOMENTUM:"  (03/09/12):  "An
online effort to ban beef containing an additive known as "pink slime" from the
federal school lunch program has garnered almost 19,000 supporters in less than
four days... "This is like the slaughter house sweepings," said Bettina Elias
Siegel, of Houston, who started the online petition on her blog The Lunch Tray.
"Fast food chains have stopped using it because people vote with their dollars,
but kids in cafeterias are captive to what's served there."..."I will never
apologize for using more of the animal. That's the right thing to do," said
Janet Riley, a spokeswoman for the meat institute.

[Edited from:
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-09/online-push-to-ban-pink-slime-in-sch\
ool-lunches-gains-momentum


"'PINK SLIME' IS THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG: LOOK WHAT ELSE IS IN INDUSTRIAL MEAT:" 
(03/19/12):  "... my favorite statement in defense of pink slime. It was given
by American Meat Institute Director of Scientific Affairs Betsy Booren to NPR: 
"This is not the same ammonia you'd use in cleaning supplies," explains Betsy
Booren of the AMI Foundation. "It's a gas, it's a different compound, and it's a
well-established processing intervention that has a long history of success..."

... What pink slime represents is an open admission by the food industry that it
is hard-pressed to produce meat that won't make you sick... ammonium hydroxide
is just one in a long list of unlabeled chemical treatments used on almost all
industrial meat and poultry... Helena Bottemiller of Food Safety News dug up
this United Stated Department of Agriculture document [PDF], which lists dozens
of chemicals that processors can apply to meat without any labeling requirement.
Things like calcium hypochlorite (also used to bleach cotton and clean swimming
pools), hypobromous acid (also used as a germicide in hot tubs), DBDMH (or
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, which is also used in water treatment), and
chlorine dioxide (also used to bleach wood pulp), to name just a few.

... In short, they took meat that was too dangerous to feed to humans,
disinfected it so thoroughly that a block of the stuff will make your eyes
water, and then celebrated the fact that they'd created a two-fer (it's a food!
it's a disinfectant!).... Pink slime is truly worse than other forms of
disinfected treated meat since the trimmings used in pink slime are known to
harbor pathogens at high levels before treatment..."

[Very edited from the well-linked article at:
http://grist.org/factory-farms/pink-slime-is-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-look-what-el\
se-is-in-industrial-meat/
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/7120.1.pdf


"WHY AMERICA IS EXTREMELY VULNERABLE TO MAD COW DISEASE:"  (04/26/12): ""The US
is one of two major beef-exporting countries with no comprehensive traceability
system," said Erin Borror, an economist at the US Meat Export Federation, which
had commissioned a study to assess the implications of traceability for
international markets.The other country, by the way, is India.  The issue was
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, or BSE, more descriptively called Mad Cow
Disease. Humans can contract it by eating contaminated beef. And it's fatal.

... Amazingly, none of the millions of cows slaughtered every year for human
consumption are tested for BSE. Not only does the USDA refuse to test them, it
also inexplicably prohibits companies from testing them—a handicap for
exporters... at least, the US banned the primary source of BSE: feed made from
ruminants. Um, a cow can be turned it into feed for chickens or pigs that then
can end up in feed for cows, which "could allow for the spread of mad cow
disease," the Consumers Union warned..."

[Edited from:
http://www.businessinsider.com/mad-cow-the-costs-of-trying-to-keep-costs-down-20\
12-4


"ATYPICAL BSE HAS NEVER LED TO HUMAN VCJD - BUT COULD IT?:"  (05/07/12):  "There
is good news and bad news about the "L-type" atypical mad cow phenotype, found
in the nearly 11-year-old, dead dairy cow discovered two weeks ago in
California... Dr. Michael Hansen, a Consumers Union scientist who has long
tracked mad cow disease, thinks there is a possibility L-type BSE is "not
necessarily a spontaneous case."

Hansen, speaking for CU last week, called upon USDA to adopt the following steps
in the wake of the atypical BSE finding in a non-ambulatory cow:  - Increase the
BSE surveillance program...  - Allow private companies to test for BSE at their
own expense... - Prohibit the use of poultry litter for feed...

[Very edited from:
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/05/atypical-bse-has-never-led-to-human-vcjd-b\
ut-could-it/


"MAD COW QUARANTINES LIFTED AT 2 CALIFORNIA DAIRIES:"  (05/18/12):  "Quarantines
were lifted on two Central California dairies associated with a case of mad cow
disease after investigators found no link between the illness and food the
diseased bovine might have consumed, federal officials said Friday.... The USDA
tests 40,000 of the 35 million cattle slaughtered annually for BSE, but some
public health experts have called for more aggressive testing, especially in
light of Friday's announcement.

"If that's true, then it's even more important to increase surveillance since
the feed ban could not be expected to prevent future cases," said Dr. Michael
Greger, director of public health and animal agriculture with the Humane Society
of the United States.  He said adopting the European model of testing all older
cattle, or the Japanese model of testing every cow slaughtered for human
consumption would add mere pennies per pound of beef sold and lower the risk of
human cases of the fatal disease..."

[Edited from;
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/may/18/mad-cow-quarantines-lifted-at-2-\
california-dairies/?page=all#pagebreak


************************************************
*04: Red Meat=Mortality=Strokes, Hold the Salt
************************************************
"RED MEAT CONSUMPTION LINKED TO INCREASED RISK OF TOTAL, CARDIOVASCULAR, AND
CANCER MORTALITY:"  (03/12/12):  "A new study from Harvard School of Public
Health (HSPH) researchers has found that red meat consumption is associated with
an increased risk of total, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. The results
also showed that substituting other healthy protein sources, such as fish,
poultry, nuts, and legumes, was associated with a lower risk of mortality...
"Our study adds more evidence to the health risks of eating high amounts of red
meat, which has been associated with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease,
stroke, and certain cancers in other studies," said lead author An Pan, research
fellow in the Department of Nutrition at HSPH.

The researchers... observed 37,698 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up
Study for up to 22 years and 83,644 women in the Nurses' Health Study for up to
28 years who were free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer at baseline...
These analyses took into account chronic disease risk factors such as age, body
mass index, physical activity, family history of heart disease, or major
cancers.  Red meat, especially processed meat, contains ingredients that have
been linked to increased risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular
disease and cancer. These include heme iron, saturated fat, sodium, nitrites,
and certain carcinogens that are formed during cooking..."

[Edited from:
"Red Meat Consumption and Mortality," An Pan, Qi Sun, Adam M. Bernstein,
Matthias B. Schulze, JoAnn E. Manson, Meir J. Stampfer, Walter C. Willett, Frank
B. Hu, Archives of Internal Medicine, online March 12, 2012

http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?doi=10.1001/archinternmed.2011.2287
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/2012-releases/red-meat-cardiovas\
cular-cancer-mortality.html


"FREQUENT RED MEAT EATERS AT HIGHER RISK OF STROKE:"  (01/11/12):  "A
high-protein diet might benefit health in some ways, but depending on what kind
of protein a person consumes, it could raise their stroke risk too, suggests a
large new study that finds eating lots of red meat ups the likelihood of having
a stroke while poultry lowers it... the authors of the study... collected data
from two massive health surveys that tracked tens of thousands of men and women
from roughly middle age to their senior and elderly years.

...Men who ate more than two servings of red meat each day -- which was at the
high end of the meat eaters -- had a 28 percent increased risk of stroke
compared to men who averaged about a third of a serving of red meat each day,
the low end of the red meat eaters.  The researchers considered a serving of red
meat as four to six ounces of beef or a hamburger patty.  Women who ate nearly
two servings of red meat a day had a 19 percent higher risk of stroke than women
who ate less than half a serving each day..."

[Edited from:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/11/us-redmeat-stroke-idUSTRE80A20O2012011\
1
http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/43/3/637


"HOLD THE SALT:"  (02/07/12):  "Nine out of ten adult Americans eat too much
salt each day, according to a report released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. And it's not what we add at the dinner table that's the
problem.  People are consuming high amounts of salt in processed foods and at
restaurants.  High sodium levels increase blood pressure, putting people at
higher risk for heart disease and stroke.  "These diseases kill more than
800,000 Americans each year and contribute an estimated $273 billion in health
care costs," says CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden.

The CDC found that 10 types of foods accounted for more than 40% of the sodium
people consumed. They are:

1) Breads and rolls
2) Deli lunch meats
3) Pizza
4) Poultry
5) Soups
6) Cheeseburgers and other sandwiches
7) Cheese
8) Pasta mixed dishes
9) Meat mixed dishes
10) Snack foods such as pretzels, potato chips and popcorn

... The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that adults consume no more than 2,300
milligrams of salt a day [1 teaspoon]. African Americans, people over 50 years
of age, and those with health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes,
and chronic kidney disease are encouraged to consume no more than 1,500
milligrams a day. The CDC says that both adults and children are
overindulging..."

[Edited from:
http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/07/hold-the-salt/

See also:
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/health/NATL-Fast-Food-Salt-Sodium-Much-Saltier-US\
-Countries-McNuggets-148495705.html


"EAT A RAINBOW:  (2012):  "The colors of fruits and vegetables often indicate
the presence of particular cancer-fighting nutrients. This sheet charts the
protective compounds suggested by each color and lists the best plant sources.
Easy to use and visually striking, the Nutrition Rainbow makes perfect
refrigerator door art."

http://support.pcrm.org/site/DocServer/Nutrition_Rainbow_handout.pdf?docID=1643
http://support.pcrm.org/site/PageServer?pagename=literature_order_form


"DR. MICHAEL GREGER'S LASTEST NUTRITION FACTS DVD:
http://www.humanesociety.org/news/news/2012/05/greger_nutrition_dvds_052112.html


************************************************
*05: Judging the Air, Shrimp vs. Beef, Eco-Storm, Evil Monsanto
************************************************
"JUDGE DELIBERATES ON WHETHER TO SAVE EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE:"  (05/11/12):  "U.S.
District Court Judge Robert Wilkins heard the arguments on Friday in Washington,
D.C., and is deliberating now on the question of whether young people can sue to
compel their government to take serious measures to stop global warming... a
case had been made that certain people's Constitutional rights were being
violated.  Whose Constitutional rights are violated by condemning young people
to grow old on a damaged planet turning to desert and barren rock?

..."Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person," says the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which under Article VI of the
Constitution is the supreme law of the land.  "Everyone has the right to a
standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his
family."  How can we protect those rights for everyone, including the young and
the not-yet-born, without putting everything we have into trying to preserve a
climate in which humans can prosper?  How can the U.S. government fulfill its
obligations to Native American nations while finally completing the destruction
of their land along with everyone else's?

Courageous young people filed suit a year ago against [several Federal
Agencies].  One would think being sued for ruining the earth's atmosphere with
greenhouse gases was not terribly desirable, but there was a mad rush by other
parties [companies]  to be added to the list of defendants.. the argument for
joining the case: our profits would suffer... By ruling that this case can
proceed, Wilkins would open up a public forum on intergenerational justice and a
ground-breaking earth-protecting suit that the plaintiffs would be very likely
to win.  Future generations would, quite likely, revere the name Robert Wilkins.
His heroism would not be quickly forgotten.

[Very very edited from the absolutely fascinating article/description of
arguments at:
http://warisacrime.org/content/judge-deliberates-whether-save-earths-atmosphere


"SHRIMP'S CARBON FOOTPRINT IS 10 TIMES GREATER THAN BEEF'S:"  (02/22/12): 
"Marketing campaigns like Taco Bell's, along with Red Lobster's periodic
"Endless Shrimp" promotions, crystallize shrimp's transformation from
special-treat food to everyday cheap fare. What happened? The answer lies in the
rise of factory-scale shrimp farms over the last generation... Today... the
United States imports 90 percent of the shrimp consumed here. We now bring in a
staggering 1.2 billion pounds of it annually, mainly from farms in Asia...  It
turns out, not surprisingly, that plates mounded with cheap shrimp float on a
veritable sea of ecological and social trouble. In his excellent 2008 book
Bottomfeeder: How to Eat Ethically in a World of Vanishing Seafood, the Canadian
journalist Taras Grescoe took a hard look at the Asian operations that supply
our shrimp. His conclusion: "The simple fact is, if you're eating cheap shrimp
today, it almost certainly comes from a turbid, pesticide- and
antibiotic-filled, virus-laden pond in the tropical climes of one of the world's
poorest nations..."

[Edit from:
http://motherjones.com/tom-philpott/2012/02/all-you-can-eat-shrimp-side-ecologia\
l-


"CIVILISATION FACES 'PERFECT STORM OF ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS':" 
(02/20/12): "Celebrated scientists and development thinkers today warn that
civilisation is faced with a perfect storm of ecological and social problems
driven by overpopulation, overconsumption and environmentally malign
technologies... Apart from dire warnings about biodiversity loss and climate
change, the group challenges governments to think differently about economic
"progress".

"The rapidly deteriorating biophysical situation is more than bad enough, but it
is barely recognised by a global society infected by the irrational belief that
physical economies can grow forever and disregarding the facts that the rich in
developed and developing countries get richer and the poor are left behind. 
"The perpetual growth myth ... promotes the impossible idea that indiscriminate
economic growth is the cure for all the world's problems, while it is actually
the disease that is at the root cause of our unsustainable global practices",
they say.

The group warns against over-reliance on markets but instead urges politicians
to listen and learn from how poor communities all over the world see the
problems of energy, water, food and livelihoods as interdependent and integrated
as part of a living ecosystem.  "The long-term answer is not a centralised
system but a demystified and decentralised system where the management, control
and ownership of the technology lie in the hands of the communities themselves
and not dependent on paper-qualified professionals from outside the villages,"
they say...

[Very edited from:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/feb/20/climate-change-overconsumption


"TEN WAYS MONSANTO AND BIG AG ARE DESTROYING THE PLANET:"  (02/01/12):  "
-1 Generating Massive Greenhouse Gas Pollution (CO2, Methane, Nitrous Oxide) and
Global Warming...
-2 Polluting the Environment and the Soil-Food Web with Pesticides, Chemical
Fertilizers, and Persistent Toxins, Including Dioxin...
-3 Turning Farmland into Desert, Draining Aquifers and Wetlands...
-4 Poisoning Drinking Water, Acidifying the Oceans...
-5 Chopping Down the Rainforests for Monoculture GMO Crops, Biofuels and Cattle
Grazing...
-6 Increasing the Cost of Food, While Reducing Nutrition and Biodiversity...
-7 Spawning Pesticide-Resistant "Super" Bugs and Weeds, and Antibiotic-Resistant
Bacteria...
-8 Generating New and More Virulent Plant, Animal and Human Diseases...
-9 Utilizing Wasteful Fossil Fuel-Intensive Practices and Encouraging the
Expansion of Natural Gas Fracking and Tar Sands Extraction (Which Destroy
Forests, Aquifers, and Farmland)...
-10 Stealing Money From the 99% to Give Huge Subsidies to the 1% Wealthiest,
Most Chemical and Energy-Intensive Farms and Food Producers...

[Very very edited from the article (with "Take Action" suggestions for each
issue) at:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_24800.cfm



************************************************
*06:   Vegan Digital Media Theater
************************************************
VIDEO: ESSY AT TEDX "MAKING HEART ATTACKS HISTORY:"
[15 minutes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=EqKNfyUPzoU


VIDEO:  DR. ESSELSTYN AND A PLANT-BASED DIET
"Dr. Esselstyn talks about a ground breaking concept for a plant based diet.
This information goes into depth about the down side of the typical American
diet"

[1 hr. 55 min. - cooking tips by Anne Esselstyn near end]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6pLRdawBw0


VIDEO: INTERVIEW WITH "VEDUCATED" MARISA MILLER WOLFSON
"New documentary celebrates vegan diet"
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/bestoftv/2012/01/13/jvm-vegucated-marisa-miller\
-wolfson.hln#/video/bestoftv/2012/01/13/jvm-vegucated-marisa-miller-wolfson.hln


[The Documentary: "3 People, 6 Weeks, 1 Challenge:"
http://www.getvegucated.com/


TRAILER/ARTICLE: "'LAST CALL AT THE OASIS': WHY TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO SAVE OUR
DRINKING WATER:"  (05/11/12):  "... We live with a false sense of water
abundance and it may be our great undoing. Even though the film opens with
Brockovich's prophecy that water is more valuable than oil, Last Call at the
Oasis mostly focuses on how we've yet to grasp this news. The film, which is the
latest from Participant Media (Inconvenient Truth, Food Inc., Waiting for
Superman), delves into our addiction to limitless growth, our blindness to
pressures from global warming, and the free pass that industry and agriculture
get to pollute..."

http://www.alternet.org/water/155390/%27last_call_at_the_oasis%27%3A_why_time_is\
_running_out_to_save_our_drinking_water/?page=entire
http://www.lastcallattheoasis.com/#trailer


VIDEO CLIP:  PRESIDENT CLINTON ON ELLEN DISCUSSING GOING "VEGAN:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N6SbPolnd4&feature=youtu.be


VIDEO CLIP:  VEG EDGE COOKING CHANNEL (1ST EPISODE):
[7 min. - includes Rip Esselstyn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKUngPC2vb8


VIDEO: SCOTT JUREK (VEGAN ULTRAMARTHONER):
[4 min. 30 sec.:
http://www.tedmed.com/videos-info?name=Scott_Jurek_at_TEDMED_2012&q=updated&year\
=all&sid=230&vid=246


INTERACTIVE GAME:  HUNGRY HUNGRY HERBIVORE:
http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/games/hungryhungryherbivore.html


PODCASTS:
http://www.compassionatecook.com/category/media
http://allthingsveganradio.org/
http://www.goveganradio.com/
[Organized collection of vegan-related podcasts:
http://veganfeed.com/podcasts.php


************************************************
*07: Tell FDA No Testing, Meat vs Veg Ad$$, Mobile Activist Video
************************************************
"TELL FDA: NO ANIMAL TESTING FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS:"  (05/2012):  "The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products has issued draft
recommendations for the testing of some tobacco products. This guidance would
allow companies to conduct cruel animal tests to demonstrate the "reduced risks"
of new products and ingredients. These deadly tests are included in the guidance
even though they are irrelevant to human smokers and there are more modern and
accurate non-animal methods available, such as computer simulation, tests using
human cells, and clinical studies with human smokers.

In some of the horrendous tobacco tests that could be conducted, rats would be
forced to breathe tobacco smoke for as long as six hours a day for months at a
time by jamming the animals into tiny canisters and pumping concentrated
cigarette smoke directly into their noses. The animals would then be killed and
their bodies dissected...

Please exercise your right as a U.S. citizen to submit a polite comment to the
FDA urging it to remove any language recommending or allowing animal tests from
its draft guidance on tobacco product testing.  Note: Comments must be submitted
before June 4, 2012. Click the button below to submit your comment now.

[Edited from:
http://www.peta.org/action/action-alerts/Tell-FDA--No-Animal-Testing-for-Tobacco\
-Products.aspx?c=ptwit


"MEAT INDUSTRY GROSSLY OUTSPENDS ANIMAL RIGHTS, VEG GROUPS:"  (05/11/12): 
"Counting Animals has an interesting infographic that you should take a look at.
It attempts to show the difference in advertising spending between meat
producers, meat industry organizations and some of the top US fast food chains,
and the total budgets of some of the more prominent vegetarian, vegan and animal
welfare advocacy organizations... What makes it more dramatic is that the red
dots represent just estimated advertising spending from meat advocates (mostly,
some of the smaller dots are total budget), while the green dots represent the
total budgets of organizations such as PETA, the Humane Society of the US, Farm
Sanctuary and others..."

http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/meat-industry-grossly-outspends-animal-righ\
ts-veg-groups.html


"FARM TAKES NEW TRACK IN ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISM:"  (05/11/12):  "Along with
their cabernet and Camembert, visitors at the Second Saturday art walk in
Sacramento this weekend will get a taste of a new kind of animal rights
activism.  The images they will watch on video are graphic enough, organizers
hope, that people will turn away and stop eating meat.  Members of the nonprofit
Farm Animal Rights Movement, based in Maryland, are sponsoring the unusual
national campaign. In it, they offer people $1 to watch a short video that shows
gruesome scenes of slaughter and abuse of chickens, pigs and cows at
unidentified farming operations. Organizers boast that it is the largest and
"most audacious" effort yet designed to discourage people from consuming animal
products...On a bus equipped with 32 screens, FARM is bringing the video to
college campuses, festivals, fairs and other public places around the country
this summer..."

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/05/11/148480/farm-takes-new-track-in-animal.html



************************************************
*08: "Vegan is Love," Cheaply Vegan, Be a Hero by What You Eat
************************************************
"NEW CHILDREN'S BOOKS PROMOTING VEGANISM IS FREAKING PEOPLE OUT:"  (04/20/12): 
Ruby Roth's latest book, "Vegan Is Love," is sparking significant controversy
among dietitians, book reviewers, bloggers and moms alike...The book discusses
clothing choices, animal testing, using animals for entertainment, and eating
habits. In a statement about her book, Roth noted: "...I decided to write a book
for a new generation who will need to think, eat, and treat the environment
differently if we are to solve the most looming health and environmental issues.
With vegan choices, we can affect every major industry and reach every corner of
the world."

Critics of the book argue that children are too impressionable to be exposed to
such a sensitive topic. One registered dietitian was quoted: "It could easily
scare a young child into eating vegan, and, without proper guidance, that child
could become malnourished."

However, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics disagrees, noting that vegan
diets "are healthful, nutritionally adequate and may provide health benefits in
the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets
are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life-cycle including
pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood and adolescence and for athletes..."

[Edited from:
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/news/new-childrens-book-promoting-veganism-is-frea\
king-people-out/

Referenced in article above:
http://moms.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/17/11102428-should-kids-go-vegan
http://www.eatright.org/about/content.aspx?id=8357
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/04/17/is-veganism-good-for-everyone/a-\
choice-with-definite-risks
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/raising-children-who-are-glad-to-be-vega\
n/


"GOING VEGAN: YOU DON'T NEED TO BE WEALTHY TO GO VEGAN:"  (05/14/12):  "...The
downside to celebrity veganism is the way it convinces some folks that you've
got to be affluent to afford to eat this way. And that's a perception that's
relatively new... But you don't have to have a big bankroll to eat a plant-based
diet. In fact, it can be very easy on the wallet if you employ smart shopping
strategies and don't build your meals around highly processed vegan convenience
food...

10 strategies for eating vegan and saving money - You can save big bucks if you
adopt any or all of these money-saving tips gleaned from Victoria Moran's "Main
Street Vegan" and Kathy Freston's "Veganist," as well as my own stingy shopping
practices.

*Eat at home... *Put the fork down... *Buy in season... *Look for sales... *Know
when organic really matters... *Fresh vs. frozen... *Grow your own:..* Bulk up
and save... * Limit packaged, processed products... *Don't overlook coupons..."

[Edited from:
http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/index.ssf/2012/05/you_dont_need_to_be_wealthy_\
to.html


"WE COULD BE HEROES:"  (05/15/12): "A few weeks ago, in "The Ethicist," Ariel
Kaminer asked readers of this paper's Magazine to explain why it's ethical to
eat meat. The contest generated around 3,000 submissions, and as a judge I read
about 30 of them. (Here are the responses from the winner and the finalists.)  A
fascinating discussion. But you need not have a philosophy about meat-eating to
understand that we — Americans, that is — need to do less of it...

The purely pragmatic reasons to eat less meat (and animal products in general)
are abundant. And while I've addressed them before, I'll continue until the
floods come to Manhattan... Here's the thing: It's seldom that such enormous
problems have such simple solutions, but this is one that does. We can tackle
climate change without inventing new cars or spending billions on mass transit
or trillions on new forms of energy, though all of that is not only desirable
but essential.

In the meantime, we can begin eating less meat tomorrow. That's something any of
us can do, with no technological advances. If personal choice enacted on a large
scale could literally save the world, maybe we have to talk about it that way.
We could be heroes... As the global appetite for meat grows, we'll doubtless
figure out a way to satisfy it. But no matter how profitable that may be for
producers, the toll it would take on our finite and dwindling resources would be
unconscionable.

We have to think about producing and eating meat in those terms. Anything else
would be unethical.

[Very edited from the superb and well-linked essay/opinion at:
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/15/we-could-be-heroes/


************************************************
*09: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[Useful resource and for networking:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/

BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Vegan Daily Blog:"
http://www.yourdailyvegan.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

[Robin Robertston's "Vegan Planet:"
http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

[100 Useful Websites for Vegetarians and Vegans:
http://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.org/100-useful-websites-for-vegetarians-a\
nd-vegans/

NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[The FatFree Vegan Yahoo Group List:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fatfree_vegan/

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[VegMichigan's PlantPeaceDaily Newsletter:
http://www.plantpeacedaily.org/newsletter.html

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Award-winning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

[Some stunning recipes:
http://vegandad.blogspot.com

[Fine collection of McDougall Recipes:
http://drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10075

[Heart-healthy Vegan Recipes:
http://heart.kumu.org/recipes.html


************************************************
*10: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"Heart Healthy Pizza is a breakthrough guide on making nutritious plant-based
pizzas.  Mark Sutton will show you how to make your own delicious dough,
mouth-watering sauces, and vegan cheeses.  This cookbook will be a favorite for
anyone looking for a healthier way to eat pizza."

      --- Neal Barnard, M.D., President, Physicians Committee for Responsible
Medicine


"Mark Sutton takes pizza to a new level of nutritional possibilities.   After
reading Heart Healthy Pizza,  NO one will be able to eat ANY OTHER pizza without
a conscience."

      --- Caldwell B. Esselstyn, J., M.D. and Ann Crile Esselstyn, "Reverse and
Prevent Heart Disease."


"Although it might seem arrogant and pretentious to call these the "most
nutritious pizzas in the world," one would be hard pressed to think of any
others that would be as healthy and beneficial to one's diet.  Mark takes full
advantage of the abundance of phytochemicals in fresh vegetables and whole
grains in these recipes to raise the bar on vegan cooking and demonstrates a
unique and creative approach to making one of the most popular foods in the
American diet not only a nutritious experience, but a enjoyable and tasty one as
well."

      --- Michael Greger, M.D., Director, Public Health and Animal Agriculture,
HSUS


"...Yes, I admit that masterpiece does not come close to describing Mark
Sutton's new book (Heart Healthy Pizza), but I am unable to find a superlative
that comes close to describing Mark's magnum opus... The collective number of
unique pizza pies in Sutton's book is more than a treat. His book represents a
new cuisine..."

      --- Robert Cohen, aka, "The NotMilkMan"

Howdy!  Welcome to the 74th issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter!

In this edition we are proud to announce the winners of last issue's Vegan
Mind-Bender Contest and the Heart Healthy Pizza Cookbook Giveaway. There's also
a gift-link for readers who want to purchase autographed copies of "Heart
Healthy Pizza" at a Special Holiday discount.  You'll also find a scathing and
detailed rebuke of the "Paleo Diet" by Dr. John McDougall, disturbing historical
statistics on soda and food serving sizes, and learn about internal concerns
about outside food corporation's influence on Registered Dieticians.

Francis Moore Lappe weighs in with a fine rebuttal on the recent Stanford study
that disses organics, Paul Shapiro on why meat consumption in the US is falling,
what several vegan nutritional experts think about specific food products, and
how a vegan first ran a 100 mile brutal ultramarathon.  Further down you'll
marvel at a recent Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness that essentially
equates humans and animals, how SHARK is using drones to video illegal pigeon
shoots, Hurricane Sandy's impact on companion animals, and about the
"microflora" inside you.  And don't miss our Vegan Digital Media Theater where
there's a plethora of interesting media links.

... as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers:  y'all can browse/search
through past issues at the Mad Cowboy Newsletter Archives at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/


Best regards, Mark    MC editor/webmaster


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00: Quote(s) from Howard
01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
02: Heart Healthy Pizza Cookbook Winner & a Special Holiday Discount!
03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
04: Paleo Diet Cruel, Soda & Food Serving Sizes, Dietician Dilemma
05: 15,000 Weather Records, Reckless Organics Study, Seasonal Food Map
06: Vegan Digital Media Theater
07: Giving Up Meat, Meat Sales Fall, Veg. Nutrition Experts, Run 100 Miles
08: Human=Animals, Animal Rights Drones, Sandy & Pets, Bugs Inside U
09: Quick Bytes
10: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Quote(s) from Howard
************************************************
"I have always been interested in creative pizza.  The more varied the toppings
and crusts, the greater my desire in trying something new.  My wife has made
some of the most interesting creations in my pizza history until I met Mark.  He
has taken pizza making to a fantastic new level."

---- Howard Lyman, author of The Mad Cowboy and No More Bull!, (from the
Foreward of "Heart Healthy Pizza")


************************************************
*01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Currently, the yearly consumption of meat in the United States is what
percentage of China's?"

(a) 25%    (b) 50%    (c) 150%    (d) 200%

Congratulations to Scott Yanoff, of Shorewood, WI, who guessed "(b) 50%" and won
the luck of the draw.  He'll be receiving a year's subscription to VegNews.

["...China's annual meat consumption of 71 million tons is more than double that
in the United States. With U.S. meat consumption falling and China's consumption
still rising, the trajectories of these two countries are determining the shape
of agriculture around the planet."

http://www.earth-policy.org/plan_b_updates/2012/update102


THIS ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"20 years ago, the average two slices of pizza had 500 calories.  Today, the
average two slices of pizza have how many calories?"

(a) 650    (b) 725    (c) 850    (d) 925   (e) "vegan or non-vegan?"


Please e-mail guesses to:  webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT Dec. 15th, 2012.  PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS
(U.S. domestic only).  It will not be sold nor given out to anyone but VegNews.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest.  Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com  or e-mail:  editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*02: Heart Healthy Pizza Book Winner & a Special Holiday Discount!
************************************************
"Heart Healthy Pizza Impresses... an amazing 100+ plant-based AND fat-free
pizzas to please vegans who don't use oils and fats, and their (probably
skeptical) families... I ask you-- does that pizza look good or what? It WAS
good, and that is high praise from me, because I am very picky about pizza..."

    --- Bryanna Clark Grogan (noted vegan cookbook author)
    [from:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/2012/07/heart-healthy-pizza-impresses.html


*** Congratulation to Sherry Farley of Monterey, TN, for e-mailing her favorite
pizza toppings and winning the luck of the draw:  "My favorite toppings? I am
boring, I like mushrooms & black olives, with a little onion. If I get really
adventuresome, a nice concoction with spinach & a white sauce. See how badly I
need a vegan cookbook?  LOL!"

An autographed copy of "Heart Healthy Pizza" is on its way to Sherry in the
hopes she'll be making some great vegan pizza soon!

*** And... as a holiday gift to our subscribers, special discount rates for
purchasing autographed copies of "Heart Healthy Pizza" are now available at the
following web page until 12/12!

http://www.hearthealthypizza.com/MCNDiscount.html


*** The very 1st Vegan Pizza Cookbook, "Heart Healthy Pizza" by Mark Sutton,
contains over 100 plant-based recipes for making pizza.  Through the imaginative
use of grains (oats, quinoa, millet, rice, and barley) as well as legumes (such
as chickpeas, black eyed peas, navy beans, dal) and various vegetables
(artichokes, carrots, corn, etc.), the author has created some 60 unique
"cheese-like" sauce recipes that range in taste texture from a delicate velvety
sauce to a custard firmness. Most are gluten-free. Coupled with recipes for
making pizza crusts (including gluten-free versions), several "bottom sauces"
and total pizza concepts, this book will help anyone create the most nutritious
and Heart Healthy Pizza possible.

*** At the following website, you can:

- read the cookbook's Foreward (written by Howard Lyman), & Introduction
- view the Front & Back Cover, Table of Contents, Sample Recipes, and Full
Recipes Index
- hear interviews with the author
- read reviews and articles w/additional recipes about/from the cookbook
- see a slide show of photos taken during development & testing
- purchase an autographed copy online of "Heart Healthy Pizza!" (also available
at Amazon)

http://www.hearthealthypizza.com


************************************************
*03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
************************************************
"E. COLI SCULPTURE HEADS TO OKLAHOMA CITY:"  (06/12/12):  This E. coli bug won't
be getting anyone sick -- it's actually a work of glass by British artist Luke
Jerram as part of his "Glass Microbology" series, which he started working on in
2004.  E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a bacterium that can cause serious food
poisoning in humans. It's been associated with a plethora of food recalls and
can be extremely dangerous in some cases, like a recent outbreak that has left
one person dead and 14 more sickened.  The piece, on display at the Oklahoma
City Art Museum from June 14 through September 9, is made of entirely clear
glass with delicate strands of flagellum, the tiny hairs on an E. coli cell. 
Where a normal E. coli cell ranges from two to six micrometers in length,
Jerram's cell measures four-and-a-half feet long and one-and-a-half feet wide.
According to Jerram's website, the E. coli sculpture is one of his largest and
most fragile works.

Get a better view of the E. coli sculpture in the video here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/12/luke-jerram-e-coli-sculpt_n_1590279.htm\
l


"NOT MEETING CDC GOALS TO REDUCE SALMONELLA, LISTERIA:"  (07/31/12):  "... it's
not really a surprise that the U.S. is falling short of 2010 goals to reduce
instances of salmonella, listeria and campylobacter outbreaks. Such pathogens
contribute to roughly 48 million illnesses per year according to government
figures. According to the Consumer Federation of America, illnesses from
campylobacter, salmonella and listeria have increased as compared to the 2006 -
2008 period... In sum, illnesses from these three pathogens have "remained
relatively steady or increased from 2007 through 2011."  The Government
Accountability Office (GAO) recently issued a report that stated that the FDA's
food advisory and recall process needs strengthening... The CDC is planning to
use the 2010 goals as a metric, with further goals set for 2020. So, we'll see
what happens in eight years. In the meantime, here's a list of open cases of
food recalls."

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/31/foodborne-illness-outbreaks_n_1723366.h\
tml


"TENS OF THOUSANDS IN UK CARRY MAD COW DISEASE:"  (08/12/12):  "About 24,000
people in the UK are carrying the agent that can cause the deadly brain
condition Creutzfeldt Jakob disease (CJD), twice the number scientists
previously estimated.  The latest figure is based on a study of 30,000
appendixes removed in operations, which were tested for the presence of the
prion, or misfolded protein, that causes the condition, linked with eating
infected meat.  More than a decade ago ministers assured the public that beef
was safe to eat,.. in March 1996, it was announced that a new disease, variant
CJD, had been discovered in humans.  It had come from eating meat from cows
infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), a similar disease. BSE
became known as mad cow disease, and in humans CJD is characterised by rapidly
progressive dementia and death.

However, only a small proportion of people who carried the prion developed the
clinical disease. There have been 173 cases of variant CJD in the UK since it
was identified in 1996.  The number of carriers of the prion is significant
because there is a theoretical risk they could spread the disease through blood
transfusions or surgical instruments. Tough measures are in place to minimise
these risks.  The Health Protection Agency, which published the new figures,
said one in 2000 of the adult population of Britain were carriers of the
condition."

[Edited from:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/health/news/article.cfm?c_id=204&objectid=10826320


"SEAFOOD FROM ASIA RAISED ON PIG WASTE, SAYS NEWS REPORT:"  (10/17/12):  "...
Seafood raised on pig feces and crawling with flies is being sold to U.S.
consumers, according to a new report.  The November issue of Bloomberg Markets
magazine, in a piece on food poisoning and safety, says that it is common
practice in some parts of Asia to feed fish pig waste. It describes, for
example, the sanitary conditions at a fish factory on the southern coast of
Vietnam. "Flies," it says, "crawl over baskets of processed shrimp."

The shrimp at some plants are packed in ice. That's good. What's bad: it's ice
made from water often found to be contaminated with bacteria and unfit for human
consumption, say Bloomberg's reporters in Hanoi.  Vietnam ships 100 million
pounds of shrimp a year to the U.S., about 8 percent of the shrimp sold in
America... Outside Hong Kong, at a tilapia farm, fish are fed a diet that
includes pig and geese feces. That practice, Michael Doyle tells Bloomberg
Markets, is unsafe for U.S. consumers, because the manure may be contaminated
with salmonella. Doyle is director of the Center for Food Safety at the
University of Georgia. Fish farmers, he says, use fecal matter as a cheaper
alternative to commercial fish food.

The FDA inspects food shipments to the United States, including seafood
shipments, but the agency's resources are limited, says Bloomberg's report..."

[Edited from:
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/consumers-eating-feces-tainted-shrimp-fish-seafoo\
d-asia/story?id=17491264


"BRAIN-EATING CROWS MAY HELP SPREAD PRION DISEASES:"  (10/18/12):  "Prions—the
infectious proteins that cause illnesses such as mad cow disease, scrapie,
chronic wasting disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease—can pass through the
digestive systems of crows, new research published in PLoS One finds. The crows
are unharmed during the process, and scientists suspect that the birds may play
a part in transmitting prion diseases from one location to another, one animal
(or, eventually, human) to the next.

To make this discovery, the researchers fed crows prion-infected mice brains.
When the crows excreted the digested brains around four hours later, the prions
emerged without any damage. The researchers then injected healthy mice with
prions recovered from the crows' droppings, and those mice showed signs of prion
disease... Other studies suggest that insects, poultry and other scavengers may
passively carry prions without showing any disease symptoms themselves. But this
study is the first to demonstrate that those consumed prions can retain their
ability to cause disease even after being digested..."

[Edited from:
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews/2012/10/brain-eating-crows-may-help-sp\
read-prion-diseases/


"COULD MILK GET YOU MAD COW DISEASE?:"  (10/29/12):  "Chronic wasting disease, a
brain wasting disease in deer was confirmed on Oct. 8 in a captive 3.5-year old
doe that died on Oct 4. The deer was kept in a facility in New Oxford, Adams
county in Pennsylvania.   The case has prompted the Pennsylvania Game Commission
to run a check station in counties of concern to contain the case of chronic
wasting disease, which is known to spread through the animals' saliva, urine and
faces.  Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is fatal in deer, elk, and moose and the
infectious agents commonly called prions can survive in soil for many years.

... Other studies, reported below suggest that even meat and milk commonly
believed to be safe to eat or drink may pose a risk. Milk from cows with mad cow
disease may spread the disease?... A study in Journal of Virology reported by C.
Ligios of Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna in Sassari, Italy
and colleagues suggests that prions can get into milk and drinkers may get
infected by drinking milk from infectious animals and develop brain wasting
disease like chronic wasting disease in deer, scrapie in sheep, variant
Creutzfeldt-Jokob Disease in humans, and mad cow disease in cows... Prions are
extremely stable.  The pasteurization process applied for sterilization of milk
could in no way kill infectious prions.  It has been known that eating meat from
cows infected with mad cow disease can cause human version of mad cow disease,
variant Creutzfeldt-Jokob Disease.

... Milk has never been considered a possible route for the transmission of mad
cow disease from animals to humans.  But these studies hint that drinking milk
from cows infected with mad cow disease can get drinkers variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, human version of mad cow disease...

[Very Edited from:
http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/2/other_diseases/could_milk_get_you_mad_cow_\
disease_1029120735.html

[See also:
http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Robert-Miller-Another-danger-at-our-door-4\
024587.php


"COULD FARMED FISH SPREAD PRIONS THAT CAUSE MAD COW DISEASE?:"  (11/02/12): 
"Fish provides omega-3 fatty acids which may potentially help prevent dementia
like Alzheimer's disease or relieve symptoms of the disease. But some
researchers show concerned about the safety of farmed fish because the fish may
acquire infectious prions from cows with mad cow disease or bovine spongiform
encephalopathy and humans who eat the infected fish may contract human version
of mad cow disease called variant Creutzfeldt Jakob disease.  Robert P.
Friedland of Department of Neurology, University of Louisville School of
Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA and colleagues published a report in Journal of
Alzheimer's Disease to express the concern... The researchers said in their
report "We are concerned that consumption of farmed fish may provide a means of
transmission of infectious prions from cows with bovine spongiform
encephalopathy to humans, causing variant Creutzfeldt Jakob disease."... Some
observers suggest that prions can cause a variety of brain diseases including
dementia like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's."

[Edited from:
http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Nutrition/Food/farmed_fish_prions_mad_cow_di\
sease_1101120718.html

"BEEF TONGUE RECALL FOR MAD COW DISEASE RISK:"  (11/11/12):  "Black Earth Meat
Market Inc., a Black Earth, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 99
pounds of beef tongue products because they may not have had the tonsils
completely removed, which is not compliant with regulations that require the
removal of tonsils from cattle of all ages, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Saturday. .. The problem was
discovered during a routine Food Safety Assessment at the establishment. Tonsils
are considered a specified risk material (SRM) and must be removed from cattle
of all ages in accordance with FSIS regulations. SRMs are tissues that are known
to contain the infective agent in cattle infected with Bovine Spongiform
Encephalopathy (BSE), also known as "Mad Cow Disease," as well as materials that
are closely associated with these potentially infective tissues. Therefore, FSIS
prohibits SRMs from use as human food to minimize potential human exposure to
the BSE agent. There is no indication that any of the cattle slaughtered
displayed any signs of BSE..."

[Edited from:
http://news.brevardtimes.com/2012/11/beef-tounge-recall-for-mad-cow-disease.html


RESOURCE: "MAP:
http://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/food-poisoning-outbreaks-in-the-u-s/"


************************************************
*04: Paleo Diet Cruel, Soda & Food Serving Sizes, Dietician Dilemma
************************************************
"TOO BIG TO CHUG: HOW OUR SODAS GOT SO HUGE:"  (06/25/12):  "When McDonald's
execs first struck up their lucrative business partnership with the Coca-Cola
Company in 1955, they were thinking small—literally. At the time, the only size
of the beverage available for purchase was a measly 7-ounce cup. But by 1994,
America's classic burger joint was offering a fountain drink size six times
bigger... And that's not even the worst of it. Franchises like 7-Eleven, Arco,
and the unfortunately named Midwestern chain Kum & Go have all offered drinks
upwards of 85 ounces. (To put this in perspective, this is around three times
the capacity of a normal human stomach.)... Here's a look at how super sizes
became the status quo... [detailed chronology edited out, worth reading at the
link below]

...1995: Wendy's introduces its version of super sizing with the 42-ounce Great
Biggie, described as a "river of icy cold enjoyment."
...2006: 7-Eleven releases its Team Gulp, a gallon jug for soda.
...2011: KFC introduces a drink so big that it has a bucket handle to carry it.
In what can only be a cruel joke on humankind, for every Mega Jug purchased, KFC
promises it will donate $1 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
... May 2012: Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York City, proposes a ban on
sugary drinks exceeding 16 ounces. Days later, the Center for Consumer Freedom,
a nonprofit backed by the fast-food industry, buys a full page ad in the Sunday
New York Times: "New Yorkers need a Mayor, not a Nanny."
... September 2012: A second group, heavily bankrolled by the food and beverage
industry, says it has collected some 240,000 pledges of support for its campaign
to defeat Bloomberg's proposed ban on oversize sodas. Nevertheless, the New York
City board of health votes 8-0 (with one abstention) to uphold it. "NYC's new
sugary drink policy is the single biggest step any gov't has taken to curb
obesity," Bloomberg tweeted after the vote. "It will help save lives."

[Editor's Note:  a 12 oz. soda will contain about 52 grams of sugar, about 9
teaspoons:
http://www.sugarstacks.com/beverages.htm

[The American Heart Association recommends no more than a total of 6 teaspoons
of sugar for women and 8 teaspoons for men, per day:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyDietGoals/Su\
gars-and-Carbohydrates_UCM_303296_Article.jsp

[Very Edited from:
http://www.motherjones.com/media/2012/06/supersize-biggest-sodas-mcdonalds-big-g\
ulp-chart


"THE PALEO DIET IS UNCIVILIZED (AND UNHEALTHY AND UNTRUE):"  (06/2012): 
"Low-carbohydrate (low-carb) diets are fueling the destruction of human health
and our planet Earth. "Low-carbohydrate" means a diet high in animal foods and
low in plant foods. Only plants synthesize carbohydrates (sugars). The body
parts of animals, including red meat, poultry, seafood, and fish, and eggs,
contain no carbohydrates. Animal secretions (like mammalian milk) contain sugars
synthesized by plants (the cow eats the grass that made the sugar). The original
Atkins Diet is the ultimate in low-carb eating. This diet works by starving the
human body of carbohydrates in order to induce a state of illness (ketosis),
which can result in weight loss...

..."If You Repeat a Lie Often Enough, It becomes the Truth"... Teachers of Paleo
nutrition claim our ancient ancestors were hunter-gathers with an emphasis on
hunting, regardless of what the bulk of current scientific research reports.
They base their hypothesis largely upon a flawed review of contemporary
hunter-gathers... When asked about the commonly held idea that ancient people
were primarily meat-eaters, the highly respected anthropologist, Nathanial
Dominy, PhD, from Dartmouth College responded, "That's a myth. Hunter-gathers,
the majority of their calories come from plant foods…meat is just too
unpredictable." After studying the bones, teeth, and genetics of primates for
his entire career as a biological anthropologist, Dr. Dominy, states, "Humans
might be more appropriately described as `starchivores....'"

[Very Edited from from a quite stunning and detailed discussion of the many
issues about a Paleo diet, including, global implications:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2012nl/jun/paleo2.htm

[See also:
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2012/07/23/human-ancestors-were-n\
early-all-vegetarians/


"INFOGRAPHIC: HOW AMERICA'S SERVING SIZES MAKE US FAT AND WASTEFUL:" 
(08/24/12): "It's no secret that Americans are engaged in a life-and-death
battle with our own waistlines. And while the reasons behind our obesity crisis
are many, one of the biggest factors is that we just eat too much. Over the last
few decades, our serving sizes have ballooned–something that's evidenced when
they're compared to the portions that individuals in other nations eat. And when
our servings are so big that we still can't eat it all, we throw it out... Our
giant serving sizes are also a contributing factor to America's horrifying
problem of food waste. According to a report out yesterday, we waste nearly half
our food–most of which ends up in landfills. And much of that waste is generated
because there's just too much of everything. Cutting the size of packages and
plates is a big step toward helping curb that.  Smaller serving sizes would also
help cut down on waste in other ways; in the U.S., hundreds of thousands of tons
of paper napkins, take-out cartons, and plastic utensils are thrown out each
year.

Don't believe it? Check out the infographic below to see just how super-sized
our servings really are here in the U.S.–and how they stack up to those in other
countries.

[Edited from:
http://blisstree.com/eat/nutrition/serving-sizes-portions-infographic-997/


"HOW DID MY PROFESSION'S CONFERENCE GET HIJACKED BY BIG FOOD?:"  (10/15/12): 
"... The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) hosted its 2012 Food &
Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) earlier this month. Sadly, the event once
again (see last year's report) demonstrated how this registered dietitians'
accrediting organization drags its own credential through the mud by
prioritizing Big Food's corporate interests over sound nutrition and public
health... Academy "partners," which enjoy top sponsorship status at the expo,
included the National Dairy Council, Coca-Cola, and the Hershey Center for
Health and Nutrition (yes, the chocolate company). Event "premier sponsors"
included General Mills, PepsiCo, and Mars. As a dietitian, I am embarrassed that
the nation's largest nutrition trade organization maintains partnerships with
companies that contribute to our nation's diet-related health problems.

... On the bright side, there is an emerging subgroup of RDs who are
increasingly unhappy with Big Food's ubiquity in the Academy, and who voice
their disappointment. The Hunger and Environmental Nutrition dietetic practice
group, of which I am a member, concerns itself with issues of corporate control,
food justice, environmental regulations, and other "big picture" ideas. This
summer, they released their guidelines for responsible corporate sponsorship.
They encompass environmental sustainability, humane labor practices, and support
of sound public health policy. The Academy leadership would greatly benefit from
reading and applying these criteria more broadly..."

  [Very Edited from:
http://www.appetiteforprofit.com/2012/10/15/how-did-my-professions-conference-ge\
t-hijacked-by-big-food/


************************************************
*05:  15,000 Weather Records, Reckless Organics Study, Seasonal Food Map
************************************************
"U.S. HEADS FOR WARMEST YEAR RECORDED IN LOWER 48 STATES:"  (11/28/12):  "The
U.S. is about to register the warmest year on record in the lower 48 states, and
the world its ninth-hottest, a United Nations agency said in a report, adding
new urgency to the quest to control global warming.  Two-thirds of the U.S.
states suffered drought this year, while heat waves hit across Europe and in
Morocco, Jordan, China and Russia, the World Meteorological Organization said in
a report released in Doha, where UN climate talks began this week. It noted
Arctic sea ice shrank to its smallest on record.  "The alarming rate of its melt
this year highlighted the far reaching changes taking place on Earth's oceans
and biosphere," WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud said in a statement.
"Climate change is taking place before our eyes and will continue to do so as a
result of the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which have
risen constantly and again reached new records."

Envoys from 194 nations are working on setting the framework for negotiations on
a treaty that would be agreed to in 2015 and come into force in 2020. It would
limit fossil fuel emissions, which the WMO earlier this month said reached their
highest ever. As delegates met for their third day of discussions scheduled to
conclude on Dec. 7, environmental groups joined China, Brazil and 48 of the
least developing countries in the world saying industrial nations must make good
on their promises for $100 billion a year in aid for developing nations...  A
separate report today by Germany's Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
found sea levels are rising at 3.2 millimeters a year, faster than the 2
millimeters forecast by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in
2007. The new findings highlight that the IPCC is far from being alarmist and in
fact in some cases rather underestimates possible risks," said Stefan Rahmstorf,
a researcher at the institute.

... The WMO said the winter of 2011 and 2012 was the third warmest in the
contiguous U.S. since records began in 1895. It was followed by the warmest
spring ever and the joint-warmest summer, alongside 2011, the agency said. Its
figures matched data for the first eight months of the year from the National
Climatic Data Center in Asheville, North Carolina, on Sept. 10.  "Overall, the
contiguous United States is expected to have its warmest year on record," the
WMO said. In March alone, "the extraordinary warm spell resulted in nearly
15,000 new daily records for high maximum and minimum temperatures across the
contiguous United States."  Other extreme weather events highlighted by today's
report include Hurricane Sandy, which wrought havoc across the Caribbean before
hitting the U.S. east coast, flooding the New York subway system and claiming
100 lives."

[Very Edited from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-28/u-s-heads-for-warmest-year-recorded-in-\
lower-48-states-un-says.html

[For a Special Report on the Doha Conference:
http://topics.bloomberg.com/doha-climate-change-conference/


"STANFORD SCIENTISTS SHOCKINGLY RECKLESS ON HEALTH RISK AND ORGANICS:" 
(09/06/12):  "I first heard about a new Stanford "study" downplaying the value
of organics when this blog headline cried out from my inbox: "Expensive organic
food isn't healthier and no safer than produce grown with pesticides, finds
biggest study of its kind."  What?  Does the actual study say this?

No, but authors of the study -- "Are Organic Foods Safer or Healthier Than
Conventional Alternatives? A Systematic Review" -- surely are responsible for
its misinterpretation and more. Their study actually reports that ¨Consumption
of organic foods may reduce exposure to pesticide residues and
antibiotic-resistant bacteria."  The authors' tentative wording -- "may reduce"
-- belies their own data...simple prudence should have prevented these
scientists from using "evidence" not designed to capture what they wanted to
know.  Moreover, buried in the Stanford study is this all-critical fact: It
includes no long-term studies of people consuming organic compared to chemically
produced food: The studies included ranged from just two days to two years. Yet,
it is well established that chemical exposure often takes decades to show up,
for example, in cancer or neurological disorders... it is reprehensible for the
authors of this overview to even leave open to possible interpretation that
their compilation of short-term studies can determine anything about the
human-health impact of pesticides.

What also disturbs me is that neither in their journal article nor in media
interviews do the Stanford authors suggest that concern about "safer and
healthier" might extend beyond consumers to the people who grow our food. They
have health concerns, too! ...Finally, are organic foods more nutritious?  In
their report, Crystal Smith-Spangler, MD, and co-authors say only that
"published literature lacks strong evidence that organic foods are significantly
more nutritious than conventional foods." Yet, the most comprehensive
meta-analysis comparing organic and non-organic, led by scientist Kirsten
Brandt, a Scientist at the Human Nutrition Research Center at the UK's Newcastle
University found organic fruits and vegetables, to have on "average 12% higher
nutrient levels."...

[Edit from:
https://www.commondreams.org/view/2012/09/06-12

"AN INTERACTIVE MAP TO FINDING OUT SEASONAL INGREDIENTS WHERE YOU LIVE:"  "Use
our interactive map to see what's fresh in your area, plus find ingredient
descriptions, shopping guides, recipes, and tips:"
http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/seasonalcooking/farmtotable/seasonaling\
redientmap


************************************************
*06: Vegan Digital Media Theater
************************************************
NEW TV SERIES: "New Vegan Cooking Show to Launch on PBS:"
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/news/new-vegan-cooking-show-to-launch-on-pbs/

VIRAL INTERNET HOAX: "Shell ArticReady Hoax Fools Many Again:"
http://storify.com/cbccommunity/shell-artic-ready-hoax-fools-many-again
[See also:
http://arcticready.com/

VIDEO TRAILER: "Veducated" (with Howard Lyman and others of note)
http://www.getvegucated.com/

VIDEO: "Lunch Hour: America's School Lunch Program Trailer:"
http://www.lunchhourmovie.com/

VIDEO: Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn: "Poor Nutrition:  Weapon of Mass Destruction:"
approx. 60 minutes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=qWHmfg7WXgY&NR=1

VIDEO: "Low-fat vs. Low-Carb [experts compared on appearance:" approx. 2
minutes:
http://healthygirlskitchen.blogspot.com/2012/06/jaw-dropping-video-on-paleolow-c\
arb.html

VIDEO: Dr. McDougall: "The Gladiators Were Vegan:" approx. 6 minutes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOWSc8VvOl4

VIDEO CHANNEL: Chef AJ:
https://www.youtube.com/user/therealchefaj

VIDEO CHANNEL: "The Veggie Queen" Jill Nussinow:
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheVQ/videos

VIDEO: Jeff Novick on "Labels:" approx. 9 minutes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd9XnyNGXGs

VIDEO: Vegetarian Summerfest 2012: "Tips From 10 Awesome Vegans To Help You
Transition:"  approx. 7 minutes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PVc55FowW2A

PODCASTS: "The Compassionate Chef" Colleen Patrick-Goudreau: "Vegetarian Food
for Thought:
http://www.compassionatecook.com/publications/vegetarian-food-for-thought-podcas\
t

AUDIO STREAM/PODCAST: "Simpsons Co-Creator on Veganism, etc."
http://wearecitizenradio.com/2012/06/18/20120618-the-simpsons-co-creator-on-vega\
nism-comedy-and-of-course-the-simpsons/

AUDIO STREAMS/DOWNLOADS:  Amrita May's "Animal Issues" Broadcasts:
http://adrenalineradio.com/podcasts/archives/viewcategory/437-animal-issues

AUDIO STREAMS/DOWNLOADS:  Dr. Don Wagner's Interview Archives:
http://www.bullheadurgentcare.com/archives/index.html

PDF: QUARTERLY VEGAN COOKING MAGAZINE: Chef Jason Wyrick: "The Pizza Issue"
http://www.veganculinaryexperience.com/VCEAug12.pdf


************************************************
*07: Giving Up Meat, Meat Sales Fall, Veg. Nutrition Experts, Run 100 Miles
************************************************
"ME, GIVE UP MEAT? VEGAN DIETS SURGING IN POPULARITY:"  (07/24/12):  "Former
President Bill Clinton had a legendary appetite... But after having two stents
inserted in 2010—on top of quadruple bypass surgery six years earlier—he
radically changed his diet in the name of saving his health. Now a vegan, the
strictest type of vegetarian, he has cut out meat, dairy, eggs, and most oils in
favor of a super-low-fat diet that revolves around whole grains, fruits,
vegetables, beans, and nuts. It appears to be working: He has said he's dropped
more than 20 pounds and has never been healthier. In a televised interview with
film producer Harvey Weinstein in June, Clinton explained that he'd decided he
wanted to live to be a grandfather. "So I just went all the way. Getting rid of
the dairy was great, getting rid of the meat was—I just don't miss it."

Vegan diets have lately been surging in popularity, thanks in part to the
example of celebrities who are publicly forswearing all animal products... While
many vegans still take the stand because they believe in animal rights, a
growing number are swayed by mounting research showing a profound impact on
health. "It's dramatic," says Neal Barnard,..president of the Physicians
Committee for Responsible Medicine... "We've seen people whose chest pain has
gone away within weeks, while their weight melts off, blood pressure goes down,
and cholesterol plummets." Barnard's 2011 book 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart is a
three-week introduction to the case for and how-tos of the vegan life. The panel
of 22 experts who analyzed 25 diets for U.S. News's ratings of the best eating
plans overall—as well as the best for weight loss, heart health, and diabetes
management and prevention—are not universally sold on absolute meatlessness. But
without a doubt, the heavily plant-based plans tend to rise to the top of the
U.S. News lists...

... A meatless diet's power against heart disease also is well documented. "It's
an exceptionally healthy diet, especially when it comes to cardiac health," says
Michael Davidson, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Chicago
Medical Center... In an earlier 12-year study that compared 6,000 vegetarians
and vegans with 5,000 meat-eaters, researchers found that vegans had a 57
percent lower risk of ischemic heart disease—reduced heart pumping due to
coronary artery disease, which often leads to heart failure—than the
meat-eaters. Vegetarians had a 24 percent lower risk."

[Very edited from:
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2012/07/24/me-give-up-meat-vegan-d\
iets-surging-in-popularity


"VEGAN NUTRITION EXPERTS ON WHAT VEGAN FOODS TO AVOID:"  (02/11/10):  "If you're
vegan because of the animals, your diet will be limited in the basic vegan way —
no eggs, dairy, meat or honey. But if you're a vegan who also cares about
health, that whittles your options down even further. Here's a list of vegan
foods that vegan and veganish doctors and health experts say we should avoid (or
at least strictly limit) along with the animal products: [edited from the full
list with links to each researcher/nutrionists specific views, available below]

Agave nectar - (Jeff Novick RD, Jack Norris RD)... Avocado - (Dr. John
McDougall, Jeff Novick RD, Dr. Dean Ornish), Blue-green
algae/chlorella/spirulina - (Dr. Michael Greger)...Coconut meat/coconut
milk/coconut oil - (Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Dean Ornish),
Flax oil - (Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. John McDougall), Fruit juice - (Dr. Joel
Fuhrman, Drs. Ann & Caldwell Esselstyn, Dr. John McDougall, Dina Aronson RD)...
Refined grains (white rice, white flour, pasta) - (Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. John
McDougall, Drs. Ann & Caldwell Esselstyn, Dr. Michael Klaper, T. Colin Campbell,
Dr. Neal Barnard, Dr. Winston Craig, John Robbins, Jeff Novick RD, Jill Nussinow
RD, Dina Aronson RD), Rice milk - (Jill Nussinow RD), Vegetable oil - (Dr. Joel
Fuhrman, Dr. John McDougall, Drs. Ann & Caldwell Esselstyn, Michael Anderson, T.
Colin Campbell, Dr. Neal Barnard, Jeff Novick RD, Dr. Dean Ornish)..."

[Very Edited from:
http://letthemeatmeat.com/post/383563993/vegan-nutrition-experts-on-what-vegan-f\
oods-to-avoid


"WHY US MEAT CONSUMPTION IS FALLING:"  (09/10/12):  "After a swift rise, meat
consumption in the US is now declining faster than anyone would have predicted.
Here's why.  "Kings of the Carnivores." That's what The Economist called
Americans in April when looking at global per capita meat consumption...The
amount of meat we eat per person has also steadily increased throughout much of
our history, and with that increase, more farm animals have been taken off the
land and forced to live in factories. To put it mildly, it hasn't exactly been a
good half-century for farm animals.  That is until the last five years, when
American meat consumption began to take a nose dive—an unprecedented 12.2
percent drop, to be precise. During that same time period, the US population
grew by millions, yet because of this drop in per capita meat consumption, we've
been raising and killing several hundred million fewer farm animals each year,
amounting to billions of fewer animals enduring inhumane factory farming
practices than would be expected given historical trends.

What's Driving the Trend?  We needn't wonder about the cause of this drastic
drop, since we can ask the experts themselves. CME Group—one of the world's
largest derivatives exchanges and owner of the Dow Jones Index—issued its own
analysis. CME points to increased feed costs, which raise the price of animal
products, and revealingly, they also note:  "Add in the efforts of a large
number of non-governmental agencies that oppose meat consumption for reasons
ranging from the environment to animal rights to social justice and one could
conclude that it was amazing that consumption held up as long as it did."...
Exactly. People are choosing to eat fewer animals, and not just to save
money—although that's a compelling reason. The signs to support this idea are
all around us...."

[Very Edited from:
http://vegnews.com/articles/page.do?pageId=4916&catId=1


"MILK PUS IS DELICIOUS, BUT IS IT LEGAL?:"  (07/14/12):  "... The simple answer
to the above question is yes...and no... When the milk from a herd of cows is
pooled and stored in a holding tank before being pumped into a milk truck and
delivered to aprocessor, should that vat of milk have a somat ic cell count
(SCC) of 200 (that means that there are 200,000,000 pus cells per liter) fifteen
percent of the cows in that herd are infected with mastitis. When the SCC (pus
cell count) is 300, then 25 percent of the cows in that herd is infected. Most
Americans who drink milk do so by believing it is wholesome. Milk drinkers would
shUDDER to think that their milk comes from diseased animals.

In June of 2012, APHIS (USDA's Amimal amd Plant Health Inspection Service)
determined that the average number of pus cells from a liter of milk produced in
America was 245 million.  There are federal statutes called the Pasteurized Milk
Ordinance (PMO).  According to the PMO:  "All milk from cows producing abnormal
milk should be dumped."  How does one define "abnormal" milk? The National
Mastitis Council defines abnormal milk:  "...Any milk with a cell count over
200,000 cells per milliliter (200 million pus cells per liter) is considered
abnormal."

Therefore, the entire American dairy industry is in violation of federal
statutes? Would strict adherence to the law put America's dairy industry out of
business? Got milk? Got diseased body fluids!"

[Very Edited from Robert Cohen's "always interesting" columns at:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/notmilk/message/4431


"ULTRAMARATHON RUNNING: HOW A VEGAN DIET HELPED ME RUN 100 MILES:"  (06/12/12): 
"I run hundred-mile races. I eat only plants and vegetables... There is no more
fabled trail footrace in North America than The Western States 100 Mile
Endurance Run. It attracts the strongest trail runners in the country and offers
some of the most punishing terrain...  I was a total longshot, an unlikely
champion.  I was an even more unlikely vegan.. It wasn't just meat. I loved fast
food. I grew up in the country, and there were times when we had to shop with
food stamps, and I ate government cheese. Restaurants were for birthdays. So
being able to buy a burger--or chicken sandwich --whenever I wanted felt like
freedom. I started to cut down on meat and to ramp up on fruit and vegetables
when I was in physical therapy school, influenced by my reading (especially
Andrew Weil, MD and Howard Lyman,.. I learned that the three most common causes
of death in our country - heart disease, cancer, and stroke - have all been
linked to the standard Western diet, rich in animal products, refined
carbohydrates, and processed food.

...So even though I was about to compete in the toughest race of my life, even
though I'd be running against men who trained year round in the mountains, and
even though I didn't know whether the theoretical benefits of an animal-free
diet would translate into a winning time, or if I would have to drop out from
exhaustion, I went totally vegan.  Five months later, I shot off the starting
line and into the lead... I led the entire race, from start to finish. I won
that Western States, and the six after, setting a course record along the way. I
won the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon, run in 125 degree heat through Death
Valley, setting a record there, too. I even raced (and eventually defeated) the
greatest member of the legendary Tarahumara Indians in Mexico's Copper Canyons.
I won a lot of other races, too, including the 153-mile Spartathlon from Athens
to Sparta and the Hardrock 100, the most difficult one hundred mile trail race
in the world.  My performance wasn't the only thing that improved..."

[Very Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/scott-jurek/ultramarathon-running-diet_b_1587874.h\
tml?utm_hp_ref=food&ir=Food


************************************************
*08: Human=Animals, Animal Rights Drones, Sandy&Pets, Bugs Inside U
************************************************
"TOP SCIENTIFIC MINDS DECLARE THAT WE ARE JUST ONE AMONG MANY ANIMALS:" 
(08/28/12):  "Perhaps measuring animal intelligence by comparing it to human
intelligence isn't the best litmus test. As Mark Twain once said, "It is just
like man's vanity and impertinence to call an animal dumb because it is dumb to
his dull perceptions."  But, in the just-released Cambridge Declaration on
Consciousness, witnessed by Stephen Hawking, a prominent group of scientists has
declared that humans are not unique in ways that matter. Says the panel,
"Non-human animals, including all mammals and birds, and many other creatures,
including octopuses, also possess these [same] neurological substrates [as human
beings]." Yes, they stand on their toes or tentacles, snatch their offspring
from their arms or their arboreal nests, and they feel the same way about it as
would you or I. The question is, how is this knowledge to inform our behavior?
After all, shouldn't it?

Of course, hundreds of studies have already demonstrated animals' logical,
mathematical, linguistic, and emotional intelligence. For example, for years we
blithely believed that humans were the only species to use tools, until
researchers documented that wasps were using pebbles as hammers, octopuses were
carrying coconut shells as portable hiding places, crows were using sticks to
dig in the ground for grubs and many other examples. The mathematical abilities
of fish have proved to be on a par with those of monkeys, dolphins and bright
young human children...

... animals are conscious beings, capable of understanding cause-and-effect
relationships, forming abstract thoughts, solving problems, using language,
making tools, exhibiting long-term memory, and showing empathy, in many cases
with skills that are superior to those of humans. But more importantly, animals
can comprehend when they are being abused and killed, and they feel anxiety,
fear and pain, just as humans do... It's interesting that one of the definitions
of the word "human" is "sympathetic." More and more people are beginning to show
that they understand why that is important."

[Very Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ingrid-newkirk/one-of-many-animals_b_1836537.html


"ANIMAL RIGHTS GROUP FLIES DRONE OVER PIGEON SHOOT; HUNTERS SHOOT IT DOWN:" 
(11/21/12): "SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) flew a remote-control
camera over a live pigeon shoot at the Wing Pointe Gun Club in Berks County, Pa.
on Sunday, WFMZ reported, and SHARK says one of the rifleman blew the camera to
pieces.  "Shooting a drone is an extremely dangerous act," SHARK president Steve
Hindi states in a press release. "What we were doing is completely legal.
Someone at Wing Pointe is obviously so scared of our evidence that they are
desperate to stop it."  State police have been brought in to investigate the
destruction of the drone, which SHARK claims was worth at least $4,000.

"We want to try and find out if the device was shot, who shot it. If we can find
that out," Trooper David Beohm told WFMZ. "But then, on the flip side, we want
to find out were they allowed to operate this device without a permit or even
over the property."  SHARK'S release states that the purpose of the camera was
to capture footage of "illegal animal abuse."  The Humane Society of Berks
County also argues that the shoots are illegal. They cite Pennsylvania
anti-cruelty law 5511, which reads: A person commits an offense if he wantonly
or cruelly ill-treats, overloads, beats, otherwise abuses any animal, or
neglects any animal as to which he has a duty of care, whether belonging to
himself or otherwise... "The shooting of pigeons in Pennsylvania is
unquestionably legal," a release from the DA's office states.

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/21/shark-animal-rights-drone-camera-pigeon\
-shoot_n_2171700.html


"HURRICANE SANDY: PETS ARE A PRIORITY FOR SOME HIT BY STORM:" (11/13/12): 
"Entwined with the human costs of the storm, which killed more than 100 people
and caused billions of dollars in damage, is another significant toll – that of
the cherished pets that died or were left behind as families fled for their
lives, adding in many cases to feelings of displacement and trauma.  Some find
it hard to understand why animals are a key concern in disasters engulfing human
lives, but owners feel an attachment and responsibility to their pets, said Niki
Dawson, director of disaster services for the Humane Society of the United
States.  "There's such a strong bond between people and animals that people will
put their lives at risk not to leave a pet behind," Dawson said. "So they stay,
even when they're told to evacuate, and that puts first responders going back
for them at risk."

...In New York City and on Long Island, the ASPCA has rescued more than 300
animals and treated or provided supplies to about 13,000, working with
government and private animal welfare agencies, said spokeswoman Emily
Schneider. City shelters took in about 400 animals along with their families in
the first days after Sandy, Schneider said. There are now more than 100 in
shelters with their owners, and a mobile animal medical clinic is cruising
decimated neighborhoods in the Rockaway areas of Queens and on Staten Island..."

[Very edited from the article with more inspiring stories:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/13/hurricane-sandy-pets-storm_n_2121173.ht\
ml

[See also:  "Animals Were Affected by the Hurricane, Too:"
http://blogs.webmd.com/pet-tales/2012/11/animals-were-affected-by-the-hurricane-\
too.html

"MICROBE CENSUS MAPS OUT HUMAN BODY'S BACTERIA, VIRUSES, OTHER BUGS:" 
(06/13/12):  "... After five years of toil, a consortium of several hundred U.S.
researchers has released a detailed census of the myriad bacteria, yeasts,
viruses and amoebas that live, eat, excrete, reproduce and die in or on us.
Described in two papers in Nature and a raft of reports in other journals, the
data released Wednesday describe microbes of the skin, saliva, nostrils, guts
and other areas of 242 adults in tiptop health.  The $170-million, federally
funded Human Microbiome Project also cataloged the genes contained within this
zoo of life. The results shed light on the hum of microbial activity inside us
as nutrients are chopped and guzzled, gas and other wastes are expelled, and
bugs send chemical messages to one another, jostling for supremacy or attracting
new neighbors to help keep their community going.

... Each of us is home to about 100 trillion microscopic life forms — a figure
that's about 10 times higher than the number of cells in the human body. In a
200-pound adult, these organisms can weigh a combined 2 to 6 pounds. The vast
majority of our microscopic denizens appear to be bacteria; 10,000 types may
choose to make Homo sapiens home, the scientists found. Some spots on the body,
such as the mouth, are rain-forest-like in their diversity, inhabited by a rich
community of bacteria that is fairly similar from one person to the next...
"Pretty much every time you look at the results from one of the samples, it's
like a Christmas present, it's like, 'Oh, what's inside?' " said microbial
ecologist Barbara A. Methe of the J. Craig Venter Institute in Rockville, Md.,
who worked on both of the Nature studies. "What are all these microbes doing?"

... For many scientists, the chief hope is that the data will help them
understand how subtle disturbances in the microbiome could be linked to medical
disorders. From the first days of life when our guts become populated, these
bugs help us get the nutrition we need, stop harmful bacteria from colonizing us
and play a key role in shaping our immune system... The microbiome project,
though huge in scope, only begins to describe the life forms within us, Relman
said. The soup of life will vary in those who live in other parts of the world,
in people of other ages, in the same people at different times of their lives,
and in those who aren't in prime health.  "The whole business is humbling," he
said."It seems like the more we learn, the less we know."

[Very Edited from:
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-bacteria-20120614,0,6726004.story


************************************************
*09: Quick Bytes
************************************************
AGRICULTURE:

[Useful resource and for networking:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/

[SUPERB CSA (community supported agriculture) interactive resource:"
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/


BLOGS/PODCASTS:

["Vegan Daily Blog:"
http://www.yourdailyvegan.com/

["Organic Consumers: Read, Blog & Meet-up!:"
http://organicconsumers.org/chat/index.php

[The Mad Cowboy Newsletter Editor's Vegan Blog:
http://www.soulveggie.com

[Podcasts, radio:
http://www.veganradio.com/

[Robin Robertson's "Vegan Planet:"
http://www.robinrobertson.com

["The FatFreeVegan Blog:"
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

["The Vegan Lunch Box Blog (PETA & Bloggy Award-winning:"
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com

[Bryanna Clark Grogan's Blog:
http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/

["Raw Vegan Blog and Podcasts:"
http://www.rawveganradio.blogspot.com/

["Recommended Blogs & Websites for Food & Farming Information:"
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_563.cfm

[Cathy Fisher's No-oil Plant-based Recipes Blog:
http://www.straightupfood.com

[Dr. Don Wagner's Interview Archives:
http://www.bullheadurgentcare.com/archives/index.html


NEWSLETTERS/GROUPS/LISTS/FORUMS:

[The FatFree Vegan Yahoo Group List:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fatfree_vegan/

[Farmed Animal Net:
http://www.farmedanimal.net/

[VegNews Monthly Newsletter:
http://www.vegnews.com

[FARMUSA's MeatOut Monday Newsletter:
http://meatoutmondays.org

[VegMichigan's PlantPeaceDaily Newsletter:
http://www.plantpeacedaily.org/newsletter.html

[PCRM Membership News and Info:
Send e-mail to: membership@...

[Vegetarians In Paradise Newsletter:
http://www.vegparadise.com

[International Vegetarian Union Newsletter:
http://www.ivu.org/news/index.html

["In a Vegetarian Kitchen: (Nava Atlas):"
http://www.vegkitchen.com

["International Organization for Animal Protection:"
http://www.oipa.org/

["VeggieBoards:"
http://www.veggieboards.com

[Dallas Vegans:
http://dallasvegan.com

[Miami EarthSave:
http://earthsave.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/miami

[Baltimore EarthSave:
http://earthsave.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/baltimore

[Vegetarian Society of DC:
http://www.vsdc.org

[Vegetarian and Vegan Meet-Up Groups:
http://www.meetup.com


RECIPES:

[Over 10,000 veg'n recipe links:
http://www.madcowboy.com/02_VegRecipes.html

["Over 1,000 International (regional) Vegetarian Recipes:"
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/regions.html

[PCRM Recipe Archives:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/recipes/recipe_archive.html

[Almost 2,000 searchable fat-free veg'n recipes:
http://www.fatfree.com

[Award-winning searchable veg'n recipe database:
http://vegweb.com/

[Constantly wonderful and multi-awardwinning site of vegan recipes:
http://www.fatfreevegan.com/

[Some stunning recipes:
http://vegandad.blogspot.com

[Fine collection of McDougall Recipes:
http://drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10075

[Heart-healthy Vegan Recipes:
http://heart.kumu.org/recipes.html


************************************************
*10: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"Mark Sutton takes pizza to a new level of nutritional possibilities. After
reading Heart Healthy Pizza,  NO one will be able to eat ANY OTHER pizza without
a conscience."

      --- Caldwell B. Esselstyn, J., M.D. and Ann Crile Esselstyn, "Reverse and
Prevent Heart Disease."


"I dropped dead on a tennis court (and was lucky enough to be playing against a
team with a cardiologist who did world class cpr for 12 minutes until a rescue
squad arrived to shock me back to life). It took me about 30 seconds post-op
from my bypass to adopt Caldwell Esselstyn's vegan cardiac disease reversal
program. Though I ate a "good" diet most of the time, I was addicted to cheese
pizzas for my whole (almost foreshortened) life. This book is a treasure. The
visuals of the pizza are appetizing and valid relative to the finished product.
The taste of the recipes I have undertaken is great. The nutrition is miraculous
for a so-called comfort food. Thank you, for your tour de force collection of no
oil vegan gourmet pizza. Incidentally, I run 10 k's, complete duathlons, and
play USTA team tennis at the age of 64 on the Esselstyn diet."

      --- R.S. (Amazon book review)


"..it's the sauces that really steal the show.  With over a dozen "bottom
sauces" and more than 60 "non-cheeses," you can create literally hundreds of
unique pizzas.  Bottom sauce recipes range from classic tomato-based sauces to
concoctions with the flair of Eastern cuisines. The topping sauce section is
broken up into sauces made from grains, legumes, tofu and veggies, and you'll
find no end of interesting combinations there...

...Mark's attention to detail is part of what makes Heart Healthy Pizza such a
great book.  By referring to his readers as "heart healthy cooks" and
encouraging experimentation, he sets the stage for anyone to start whipping up
unique, delicious pizzas with confidence.  And if you find yourself enthralled
with one (or all) of the sauces, there are many tips on how to use leftovers on
things other than pizza...

---I can't say enough good about Heart Healthy Pizza.  It's straightforward,
inspiring and fun to read.  Mark's writing style is open and encouraging, and
his enthusiasm is contagious..."

     --- Sam (aka, "Quantum Vegan")


"When Mark told me of his idea to write a book about "Heart Healthy Pizza," I
became his greatest supporter. I think this book could save more lives than the
discovery of penicillin."

     --- Howard Lyman (from the Foreward of "Heart Healthy Pizza")

Howdy!  Welcome to the 75th issue of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter!

In this issue we are delighted to have a special yearly message from Howard,
while the Mad Cow Info Round-Up section is quite busy on many fronts.  Reading
onward, there's news of interest regarding Mark's book, "Heart Healthy Pizza,"
new studies about eating more colors & cancer, diet and heart disease, ancient
curry, and 3 top notch responses to the recent well-publicized (and widely
misinterpreted) research on the Mediterranean Diet.

There's an analysis about how GMOs are affecting independent research, how a
food product with Salmonella is only recalled if someone gets sick, the latest
Monsanto legal challenge, information about how over half the farms in the US
are subject to "superweeds," and an excerpt from the upcoming book, "Foodopoly."
Learn, too, about the 1st major study of online Puppy Mills, how singer
Morrissey is pushing veganism every which way, animal rights in Africa, and why
vegan actor James Cromwell was recently arrested.  Also, don't miss "One Grain
More" in the Vegan Digital Media Theater.

... as always, a tip of the hat to our new subscribers:  y'all can browse/search
through past issues at the Mad Cowboy Newsletter Archives at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/

Have a Fantastic Spring!

Best regards, Mark    MC editor/webmaster


***********************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00: Message from Howard
01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
02: Heart Healthy Pizza Cookbook News!
03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
04: Eat Your Colors, Diet & CVD, Old Curry, Med. Diet Controversy
05: Veggies & Cancer, Pfeiffer's Diet, Vegan Groceries, Go Vegan
06: Vegan Digital Media Theater
07: GMO Science Jeopardy, Superweeds, Foodopoly Book Excerpt
08: Puppy Mills Online, Morrissey Refuses, AR Africa, Cromwell Arrested
09: Quick Bytes
10: Closing Thoughts


************************************************
*00: Message from Howard
************************************************
2013

At my age, the years seem to fly by at the speed of light. I just get
comfortable writing 2012 and now it's 2013.

I'm amazed at how far we have come in understanding of a heathy diet compared to
when I changed my diet in 1990. I relate to that time as the dark ages.

We have finally reached a point where policy-makers understand that we can not
afford a health care future by consuming the Standard America Diet. They still
don't realize that eating animal products is the root cause but they do know we
need to change from what we have been doing.

When I see on national television advertisements recommending African lions
become vegan, I know we have come a long way. When we now discuss a healthy
diet, the public no longer turns a blind eye on eating a plant-based diet.

Groundbreaking work done by folks like Dr. McDougall, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr.
Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., and a list too long to cover, we are now being taken
seriously by policy-makers.

I don't want to mislead you that the battle is won but we are light years ahead
of where we were when I first made the change. I'm sure if I had not made the
change myself I would be nothing more than a name on a tomb stone.

I no longer travel and speak on the national and international circuit. I spend
most of my time working to make my home community of Ellensburg, Washington, an
even better place to live.

In closing, I want to thank the thousands of people who have assisted me over
the twenty-five years I spent traveling and speaking. I'm sure I have had the
greatest gift anyone could ever receive by knowing the best of the human
population. My most profound thanks, Howard

Your friend, Howard


************************************************
*01: The Vegan Mind-Bender Contest Winner/Challenge!
************************************************
LAST ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"20 years ago, the average two slices of pizza had 500 calories.  Today, the
average two slices of pizza have how many calories?"

(a) 650    (b) 725    (c) 850    (d) 930    (e) "vegan or non-vegan?"

[Sadly, we had no winner!  The correct answer is (c) 850 calories:
http://blisstree.com/eat/nutrition/serving-sizes-portions-infographic-997/


THIS ISSUE'S MAD COWBOY VEGAN MIND-BENDER:
"Dr. Dean Ornish's recommended total percentage of fat in your diet, daily, is:

(a) < 10%     (b) < 20%   (c) < 30%   (d) 0 %


Please e-mail guesses to: webmaster@... with the word "contest" in
your subject line by NLT Jun. 15th, 2012. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS
(U.S. domestic only). It will not be sold nor given out to anyone but VegNews.

[Many thanks to Joe Connelly, Editor, VegNews, who has offered a FREE one-year
subscription to a winner chosen at random those submitting the correct answer to
each MC Newsletter's Contest. Our thanks to Joe, and you can learn more about
VegNews at:

http://www.vegnews.com or e-mail: editor@... or call 1.415.665.6397]


************************************************
*02: Heart Healthy Pizza Book News
************************************************
"The First Public Demonstration/Presentation of Making Plant-Based Pizzas.  Nine
16" pizzas were made for 30 people by Mark Sutton and volunteers from the
Vegetarian Society of DC (VSDC), in January 2013.  Here's a link to the menu and
to over 170 photos of the event:"
http://soulveggie.blogs.com/my_weblog/2013/01/1st-ever-heart-healthy-pizza-demon\
strationsampling.html

The Vegan Culinary Experience Magazine's "Thai" Issue, features Mark's "Pad Thai
Pizza Pie" and "Heavenly Pineapple Pizza" Recipes among others from various
vegan chefs.  Here's a post about this edition, contents, and where to get the
free PDF:
http://soulveggie.blogs.com/my_weblog/2013/02/thai-issue-of-vegan-culinary-exper\
ience-is-available.html

For St. Patrick's Day:  Mark's "St. Patty's Day Pie Recipes" have been posted
at:
http://soulveggie.blogs.com/my_weblog/2013/03/plant-based-st-pattys-day-pizza-pi\
e-recipes.html

*** "Heart Healthy Pizza" by Mark Sutton, is the 1st Vegan Pizza Cookbook, and
contains over 100 plant-based recipes for making pizza.  Through the imaginative
use of grains (oats, quinoa, millet, rice, and barley) as well as legumes (such
as chickpeas, black eyed peas, navy beans, dal) and various vegetables
(artichokes, carrots, corn, etc.), the author has created some 60 unique
"cheese-like" sauce recipes that range in taste texture from a delicate velvety
sauce to a custard firmness. Most are gluten-free. Coupled with recipes for
making pizza crusts (including gluten-free versions), several "bottom sauces"
and total pizza concepts, this book will help anyone create the most nutritious
and Heart Healthy Pizza possible.

*** at http://www.hearthealthypizza.com you can:
- read the cookbook's Foreward (written by Howard Lyman), Introduction, & more
- purchase an autographed copy online of "Heart Healthy Pizza!"


************************************************
*03: Mad Cow Info Round-Up
************************************************
"LEAFY GREENS, DAIRY TOP FOODBORNE ILLNESS CAUSES AT TURN OF 21ST CENTURY:" 
(01/30/13):  "A review of eleven years of foodborne illness data has revealed
that, between 1998 and 2008, leafy green vegetables and dairy sickened the
greatest number of people, while poultry caused the most deaths.  Government
researchers identified 4,589 outbreaks linked to one known food source during
this time period. These outbreaks caused a total of 120,321 illnesses, which
were used for the analysis, published ahead of print Tuesday in Emerging
Infectious Diseases. A full 46 percent of these illnesses were attributed to
produce items, led by leafy greens, which alone accounted for 22 percent of
illnesses. Dairy was the next leading source of sickness, linked to 14 percent
of cases, followed by fruits and nuts...While poultry took a smaller share of
the illness pie (10 percent), it was the leading cause of food related deaths
during this ten-year period, accounting for 19 percent of the estimated 1,451
deaths that occurred over this time period. The organisms that caused the most
poultry related deaths were Listeria monocytogenes (63 percent) and Salmonella
(26 percent).  Dairy was the leading cause of hospitalizations..."

[Edited from:
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2013/01/leafy-greens-dairy-lead-foodborne-illness-\
causes-at-turn-of-century/

"WHY WE CAN'T SEE INSIDE POULTRY PRODUCTION, AND WHAT MIGHT CHANGE IF WE COULD:"
(01/30/13): "In the past months, there have been several troubling research
reports, from different parts of the world, exploring aspects of the same
problem: Multi-drug resistant bacteria are present in chicken, apparently
because of the use of antibiotics in poultry production, and are passing to
people who work with, prepare or eat chicken, at some risk to their health... So
if this potential hazard has been identified over years, why isn't it being
addressed? A powerful op-ed last week in Food Safety News suggests why: No
transparency in poultry production, and therefore no leverage for finding points
in the process where the potential hazards could be reduced. The piece, by Leah
Garces of the nonprofit Compassion in World Farming, is very direct; it's titled
"Why We Haven't Seen Inside a Broiler Chicken Factory Farm in a Decade."  Here's
her answer:

"Globally, the world raises and slaughters some 40 billion chickens for meat
every year – 9 billion of whom are right here in the U.S. We are the world's
largest producer. More than 99 perccent of U.S. broiler chickens are raised in
barren windowless enclosed long houses, houses that remain inaccessible to
anyone outside the industry…  A full 25,000 individual animals defecate in the
same enclosed space for 45 days... It is a sea of chickens from wall to wall,
sitting in their own feces, struggling to move, in large part because of their
genetics. The modern broiler chicken is unnaturally large and has been bred to
grow at a fast rate. This selective breeding produces as side effects serious
welfare consequences including leg disorders: skeletal, developmental and
degenerative diseases, heart and lung problems, breathing difficulty, and
premature death. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture explains the
unnaturally fast growth rate as follows: "If you grew as fast as a chicken,
you'd weigh 349 pounds at age 2..."

[Edited from from the disturbing article with several useful imbedded links for
additional information:
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/01/poultry-transparency/

"ANTIBIOTICS AND ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA IN MEAT: NOT GETTING BETTER:" 
(02/09/13):  "A few days ago, the Food and Drug Administration released two
important documents related to antibiotic use in livestock raising, and what the
results of that antibiotic use are. I'd say that they released them quietly,
except, when it comes to this issue, every release seems to be quiet, never
accompanied by the press releases or briefings that other divisions of the FDA
use to publicize their news.  The two documents are the 2011 Retail Meat Report
from the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System, or NARMS, and the
2011 Summary Report on Antimicrobials Sold or Distributed for Use in
Food-Producing Animals, which is known for short as ADUFA, after the 2008 Animal
Drug User Fee Act that mandated the data be collected... their annual release is
an important indicator for whether antibiotic use in meat production, and
antibiotic resistance in meat, are trending up or down.

The news does not appear to be good... Based on data from the first ADUFA report
containing the 2009 data, it has become common to say that animal-use
antibiotics represent 80 percent of all antibiotics sold in the U.S. — that is,
four times as much as human medicine does. If the Pew data is correct (it comes
from IMS Health, a widely used pharma-industry analysis firm), then that math
remains correct: 29.85 million is 3.87 times 7.7 million. So what is this
antibiotic use producing, in 2011? The NARMS report released this week fills us
in. Again, the news isn't good. A small sample, from the report highlights:

    - Salmonella isolates from 44.9 percent of retail chicken samples were
resistant to three or more classes of antibiotics
    - Salmonella on "more than 27 percent" of retail chicken showed resistance to
five or more classes of antibiotics
    - Salmonella on 50.3 percent of ground turkey was resistant to three or more
drug classes
    - Some Salmonella on turkey was resistant to six drug classes.

It's worth noting that this continued antibiotic use, and continued and rising
appearance of resistant bacteria on meat, is happening as the FDA has abandoned
attempting to regulate livestock producers' use of antibiotics, and has switched
to a voluntary approach..."

[Very edited from:
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/02/narms-adufa-2011/

"FUTURE OF FOOD AT STAKE' AS INDIANA FARMER TAKES MONSANTO TO TOP COURT:" 
(02/10/13):  "75 year-old Indiana soybean farmer, Vernon Hugh Bowman, is taking
agriculture giant Monsanto to the US Supreme Court over one of the most
"systemic crisis" in modern farming: who controls the rights to the seeds
planted in the ground... Filed on Bowman's behalf by sustainable food and
farming organizations, the Center for Food Safety (CFS) and Save Our Seeds
(SOS), the appeal challenges the multi-billion dollar corporation over their
restrictive seed saving policies and the "agressive protection" of their
soybean, known as Roundup Ready, which has been genetically engineered to resist
certain herbicides. "Mr. Bowman's case represents a systemic crisis in U.S.
agriculture," said CFS Executive Director, Andrew Kimbrell.  "Through a
patenting system that favors the rights of corporations over the rights of
farmers and citizens, our food and farming system is being held hostage by a
handful of companies.  Nothing less than the future of food is at stake."

Farmers using Monsanto products are legally obligated to harvest only the
resulting crop and not take-part in the prudent and age-old tradition of
seed-saving, forcing them to purchase new Monsanto seeds each year... The brief,
filed by CFS and SOS, asks the court to end the practice of allowing
corporations to place conditions on the sale of its seed and to reject an
"end-run around patent exhaustion" for regeneration. It continues: "The current
intellectual property environment of transgenic crops has spurred the
privatization and concentration of the world's seed supply. Market concentration
has resulted in 10 multinational corporations holding approximately two-thirds
(65%) of commercial seed for major crops, reducing choice and innovation, and
increasing prices for the American farmer."  The Supreme Court is scheduled to
hear oral arguments later this month."

https://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/02/10-0

"LEAN CUISINE FOOD RECALL: ALERT GIVES REASONS TO TAKE STEPS ON FOOD SAFETY:" 
(02/11/13): "Food safety is no laughing matter. Recently, Nestle's Lean Cuisine
Mushroom Mezzaluna Ravioli, a food product produced in November 2012, was
voluntarily recalled due to glass pieces found in the Lean Cuisine packaged
dish. Nestle, committed to food safety, has given an apology and ask those that
purchased the product with codes "2311587812" or "2312587812" to contact the
company via website or phone number to discuss the food recall issue.  This
isn't the first time Lean Cuisine has dealt with food recalls. In 2011, red
plastic was found in their recalled Spaghetti and Meatballs frozen package. But
Lean Cuisine is not the only company that has had to deal with such alerts. Food
alerts are becoming a common occurrence. While many shoppers are busy checking
food package labels, it may be wise to check food safety websites as well. Food
safety websites, like FoodSafety.gov, provide the consumer information on
particular food items that are being recalled. According to FoodSafety.gov,
there are crucial steps one must take in order to find relief in food
recalls..."

[Edited from:
http://www.examiner.com/node/58767671

"WHY ISN'T SALMONELLA A LEGAL ADULTERANT?:"  (02/16/13):  "Fact:  Salmonella is
a leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide, with an estimated 1.4 million
cases each year in the United States alone. This week, the CDC reported that 124
people in 12 states became ill with Salmonella and over 30 were hospitalized
after being exposed to Foster Farms chicken between June of last year and
January of this year... The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates poultry
manufacturers and tests samples harmful bacteria. But it does not have a zero
tolerance policy for Salmonella, unlike E. coli O157:H7, which is one of the
deadliest food borne pathogens. Instead, the agency allows manufacturers to
distribute raw poultry provided samples don't turn up more than a 10 percent
rate of Salmonella contamination.

But there is a caveat: Food manufacturers are not allowed to make people sick. 
"Salmonella in chicken is legal except when you have an outbreak," said Emilio
DeBess, state public health veterinarian.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) "Performance standard" (an odd term)
for Salmonella contamination in young chickens is 7.5 percent, and the reality
is that the contamination rate you will find in the store is likely even higher.
Although many consumers know that chicken should be handled with care, most have
no idea just how risky chicken can be.  That is because—as Lynne's story pointed
out—it's technically legal to sell chicken that is tainted with Salmonella...
Perhaps it is time for FSIS to fulfill its public health mission and get
antibiotic-resistant Salmonella out of the American chicken supply.  The danger
of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in the food supply is well-documented and has
been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and
Drug Administration, and by USDA itself.  FSIS own rules seem to require it:

(m) The term "adulterated" shall apply to any carcass, part thereof, meat or
meat food product under one or more of the following circumstances:  (1) if it
bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it
injurious to health... Seriously, if Salmonella is found on chicken in a plant
or in the drumstick you bought at the store for a barbecue, the FSIS's position
is that it is perfectly fine – until people start getting sick..."

[Edited from:
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2013/02/publishers-platform-why-isnt-salmonella-a-\
legal-adulterant/

"NESTLE PULLS BEEF PASTA AFTER FINDING HORSEMEAT IN MEALS:"   (02/18/13): 
"Nestle, the world's biggest food company, has removed beef pasta meals from
sale in Italy and Spain after finding traces of horse DNA.  The discovery of
horsemeat in products labelled as beef has spread across Europe since last
month, prompting product withdrawals, consumer anger and government
investigations into the continent's complex food-processing chains.  Swiss-based
Nestle, which just last week said its products had not been affected by the
scandal, said its tests had found more than 1 percent horse DNA in two products.
"We have informed the authorities accordingly," Nestle said in a statement on
Monday. "There is no food safety issue..." Governments across Europe have
stressed that horsemeat poses little or no health risk, although some carcasses
have been found tainted with a painkiller banned for human consumption..."

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/18/nestle-beef-pasta-horsemeat_n_2713748.h\
tml

"AS THE HORSEMEAT HYSTERIA SPREADS, E.U. OPENS A MAD-COW CAN OF WORMS:" 
(02/19/13):  "Like humor, the key to successful politics is frequently timing.
That may explain why a recent food-policy decision by E.U. officials is going
over like a lead balloon. On Feb. 14, members of the E.U.'s executive body took
a break from Europe's horsemeat-impersonating-beef scandal to reauthorize a type
of animal feed that was banned in 1997 to battle mad-cow disease — an illness
that infected nearly 500,000 animals in Europe and killed around 200 people.
Observers now grimly marvel at mad-cow-era precautions being rolled back at the
very moment the horsemeat flap is raising new concerns about the safety of
Europe's food industry... The new rules allow feed made of restricted parts of
pigs and poultry to be used to feed fish starting June 1. Poultry and pig
farmers may use feed made from each other's species as of 2014. The ban on
feeding ruminants' PAP (i.e. of cattle, sheep, goats, etc.) — or using them to
produce such meal — remains prohibited..."

[Very edited from:
http://world.time.com/2013/02/19/as-the-horsemeat-hysteria-spreads-e-u-opens-a-m\
ad-cow-can-of-worms/

"U.S. DESERVES TOP MAD COW RATING, HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY:"  (02/20/13):  "The
United States is expected to get the top safety rating for mad cow disease in
spring, under a recommendation from international livestock health experts that
was greeted on Wednesday as a sure-fire boost to U.S. beef exports.  U.S.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the recommended upgrade, to "negligible"
from "controlled" risk, was proof that U.S. beef meets the highest safety
standards in the world. A trade group, the U.S. Cattlemen's Association, said
the move was "a big step forward towards enhancing our export opportunities."...
Four cases of BSE have been reported in the United States since 2003. The most
recent was April 24, 2012, in an elderly, lame dairy cow in southern
California..."  U.S. safeguards include a ban on using ruminant parts in cattle
feed and keeping spinal cords, brains and nervous tissue, the items most at risk
of infection, out of the food supply. USDA tests about 40,000 head a year for
the disease."

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/21/us-mad-cow-rating_n_2729309.html

"SMITHFIELD PACKING CO. RECALLS 38,000 POUNDS OF PORK SAUSAGE:"   (02/21/13): 
"Smithfield Packing Co. is recalling about 38,000 pounds of pork sausage that
may contain small pieces of plastic, likely from gloves.  The Agriculture
Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service reports that the Virginia
company recalled certain containers of a product called "Gwaltney mild pork
sausage roll."  The sausage was produced on Jan. 11 and was distributed in
Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland,
North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. The problem was
discovered after the company received two consumer complaints. There have been
no reports of injury..."

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/21/smithfield-sausage-recall_n_2737388.htm\
l?utm_hp_ref=business

"HORSEMEAT IN EUROPEAN BEEF SCANDAL AFFECTS BURGER KING, NESTLE; IS U.S. BEEF
SAFE?"  (02/22/13): "Three arrests were made last week in England in the
investigation of meat sold in Europe labeled as beef but testing positive for
DNA from horses. This unfolding meat-fraud scandal has rocked all of Europe and
many Americans are questioning the safety of the U.S. beef supply.  Meat from
British horses was discovered in takeout burgers and kebabs on February 11,
according to the Daily Mail. "The burgers were labeled as beef and the kebabs as
lamb. The alarming twist suggests retired racehorses and ponies could have been
sold as regular meat. This was the first time the UK was implicated in the
food-fraud scandal which is sweeping over Europe.  On Tuesday, a slaughterhouse
and a meat firm in Yorkshire and West Wales were raided by police in the UK
investigating alleged horsemeat mislabeling, the report says. Officials revealed
that the manager of one of the facilities, Peter Boddy, 63, has a contract to
kill racehorses badly hurt during the Grand National and also has a past record
of selling "unfit" meat to the public...

The complexity of this scandal is mindboggling and is blamed by officials on the
fact that so far there has not been an agency in the EU tracing the testing of
meat as it passes from county to country in various forms... The crisis really
gained worldwide attention when European food regulators recently uncovered
horsemeat masquerading as beef at Burger King.., and in school meals, and
hospitals across Europe and the UK, and resulted in multiple product recalls
announced by major supermarket chains."

… the average American consumes roughly 270 pounds of meat per year…There is,
however, plenty of evidence that many Americans are inadvertently eating a side
of deadly bacteria like salmonella or e. coli with their burgers.  According to
Center for Disease Control estimates, 48 million Americans get sick, 128,000 are
hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne illnesses every year.  Is this a
better reason to rethink eating meat than to worry about whether it is beef,
horse or donkey?"

[Very edited from:
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/animal-rights/horsemeat-scandal-european-\
beef-affects-burger-king-nestle-us-beef-safe

"IKEA RECALLS MEATBALLS AFTER DETECTION OF HORSE MEAT:"  (02/25/13):  "The
furniture giant Ikea joined a growing list of brands that have been touched by
Europe's food scandal on Monday and withdrew its signature Swedish meatballs
from its markets and cafeterias across most of Europe after one batch was found
to contain traces of horse meat. Ikea's decision — which followed a recall by
the Swiss food maker Nestlé last week — demonstrated that even closely guarded
brand names have found themselves vulnerable... "It started off as a local
problem, then became national, then international," said Chris Elliott, the
director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen's University
Belfast. "At the last count, something like 19 countries were involved either in
the supply chain or in uncovering tainted products..."

[Very edited from:
https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/26/world/europe/ikea-recalls-its-meatballs-horse\
-meat-is-detected.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

"FEEDING ANIMALS TO ANIMALS: A CALL FOR VIGILANCE AGAINST MAD COW DISEASE:" 
(02/27/13):  "The World Animal Health Organisation (Office International des
Epizooties, or OIE) recently recommended that the United States' risk level for
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or "mad cow disease" be lowered from
"controlled" to "negligible." Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack celebrated
the recommendation as an achievement for beef producers, and for the federal and
state agencies responsible for monitoring BSE.  The OIE's recommendation is
based on a review of efforts to manage the risk of disease. A positive report
card on such matters is commendable, but I challenge the agencies responsible
for food safety to do better.  As Drs. Love and Fry explain in a recent post,
feeding animals to animals is a federally approved industry practice. Rendered
animal carcasses, parts of animals (e.g. blood, bones, fat, and feathers), and
animal excreta are commonly used as feed additives, primarily to cut costs. Some
call this practice gross. Some call it recycling. Regardless, the practice can
pose public health risks.  Using products of animal origin in feed can "recycle"
contaminants such as arsenic, dioxins, and heavy metals back into the food
supply chain, increasing their concentrations in animal tissues, and raising
exposure risks among consumers."

...To better protect against a similar scenario, the Consumers Union recently
wrote a letter to the FDA, recommending additional measures to reduce the risk
of prion transmission. The letter calls for expanded prohibitions on materials
that can be fed to cattle, including bovine blood products and poultry litter,
both of which may harbor infectious prions. Poultry litter contains spilled
poultry food, which includes rendered cattle parts as ingredients, so in a
roundabout way this amounts to feeding cattle to cattle.  Before the agencies
responsible for food safety rest on their laurels, I urge them to implement
measures to better protect against BSE, vCJD, and other health harms associated
with the practice of feeding animals to animals. That would be another
achievement worth celebrating."

[Edited from:
http://www.livablefutureblog.com/2013/02/feeding-animals-to-animals-vigilance-ma\
d-cow



************************************************
*04: Eat Your Colors, Diet & CVD, Old Curry, Med. Diet Controversy
************************************************
"CAROTENOIDS IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES MAY LOWER BREAST CANCER RISK:" 
(12/10/12): "Micronutrients found in brightly colored produce could play a part
in protecting you from cancer, a new review of studies suggests.  Researchers
from Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that women who
have higher levels of carotenoids circulating in their bloodstreams also seem to
have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, particularly estrogen
receptor-negative breast cancer types.  Specifically, the decreased breast
cancer risk was tied to high blood levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene,
lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as overall levels of total carotenoids,
the researchers found. Their findings are published in the Journal of the
National Cancer Institute...The findings are based on the analysis of eight
studies, which included a total of 3,055 people with breast cancer and 3,956
controls. TIME pointed out that produce like carrots, spinach and kale are
particularly high in carotenoids.  This is certainly not the first time fruits
and vegetables have been suggested to make a positive difference on breast
cancer risk. Reuters reported on a 2008 study in the Journal of Clinical
Oncology, showing that breast cancer recurrence risk goes down by going above
and beyond with eating produce.

[Edited from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/10/carotenoids-breast-cancer-risk-fruits-v\
egetables-micronutrients_n_2252815.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living

"HEALTHY DIET PREVENTS REPEAT HEART ATTACKS:"  (12/05/12):  "A new study shows
older people with established heart disease who ate the most heart-healthy diet
rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts had a much lower risk of dying or
having another heart attack or stroke than those who ate the unhealthiest diet. 
The study shows people who ate the most heart-healthy diet had a: 35% lower risk
of heart or stroke-related death, 14% lower risk of heart attack, 28% lower risk
of heart failure, 19% lower risk of stroke

"It doesn't matter what type of medication you take, if you follow a healthy
diet you will get benefits," says researcher Mahshid Dehghan, PhD, research
associate at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. "Eating fruits
and vegetables substantially reduces cardiovascular disease recurrence over and
above medication alone..." The study followed 31,546 adults ages 55 and older in
14 countries who were enrolled in two separate clinical trials of blood
pressure-lowering medications. All of the people had a history of heart disease,
stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or diabetes with organ damage. All of them
were considered at high risk for heart attack, stroke, or other heart-related
complication...  "Often people have old habits of eating certain ways and think,
`what is the use of change?'" says Ginn, of the University of Maryland Center
for Diabetes and Endocrinology. "But this study shows even changing at a later
age can have an impact..."

[Edited from:
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20121129/diet-prevents-repeat-heart-atta\
cks

[Cited study:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323401904578157410574243702.html?m\
od=googlenews_wsj

"PEOPLE HAVE BEEN EATING CURRY FOR 4500 YEARS:"  (01/30/13):   Thanks to new
research methods and a pile of (very old) dirty dishes, archaeologists have
discovered the very ancient origins of a globally popular cuisine. Though the
combination of flavors recognized as curry today is the result of centuries of
cross-cultural trade between India, Southeast Asia and Europe, the dish's
origins reach back farther than was previously thought.  According to Andrew
Lawler, at Slate, "the original curry predates Europeans' presence in India by
about 4,000 years." The three basic ingredients of the spicy stew were ginger,
garlic and turmeric, and, using a method called "starch grain analysis,"
archaeologists Arunima Kashyap and Steve Weber at the University of Washington
at Vancouver were able to identify the residue of these ancient spices in both
skeletons and pottery shards from excavations in India... The two researchers
dated the remains of these spices to between 2500 and 2200 B.C. That, and the
discovery of a "carbonized clove of garlic," Lawler writes, supports the theory
that "curry is not only among the world's most popular dishes; it also may be
the oldest continuously prepared cuisine on the planet..."

[Edited from:
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews/2013/01/people-have-been-eating-curry-\
for-4500-years

"PRIMARY PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE WITH A MEDITERRANEAN DIET:" 
(02/25/13):  "...A total of 7447 persons were enrolled (age range, 55 to 80
years); 57% were women. The two Mediterranean-diet groups had good adherence to
the intervention, according to self-reported intake and biomarker analyses. A
primary end-point event occurred in 288 participants... Among persons at high
cardiovascular risk, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive
oil or nuts reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events..."

[Edited from the widely reported study/results original write-up:
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1200303

[This study and results were particularly offensive to those experts believing
in a very low/no fat plant-based diet.  Here's what the "big three" had to say:

Dr. Dean Ornish:
"Does a Mediterranean Diet Really Beat Low-Fat for Heart Health?:"  An article
just published in the New England Journal of Medicine claims that a
Mediterranean diet is much more effective than a "low-fat diet" in preventing
cardiovascular disease. A careful reading of the study reveals that this is
simply not true... The comparison (control) group did not follow a low-fat
diet... In the "low-fat" group, total fat consumption decreased insignificantly,
from 39 percent to 37 percent (Table S7, appendix). This doesn't even come close
to the American Heart Association guidelines of a low-fat diet (<30 percent fat)
or ours for reversing heart disease (<10 percent fat).  So, they weren't
comparing a Mediterranean diet to a low-fat diet, because the control group was
not following a low-fat diet. And I'm not talking about a very low-fat diet that
we found (with other nutritional and lifestyle changes) could reverse heart
disease, but even a moderately low-fat diet..."

[Very edited from the much more detailed critique at:
  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-dean-ornish/mediterranean-diet_b_2755940.html

Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn:
Response to The New England Journal of Medicine article "Primary Prevention of
Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet":"  The New England Journal of
Medicine article entitled Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a
Mediterranean Diet is misleading and inappropriately titled.  It should read
Promotion of Cardiovascular Disease with a /Mediterranean and Control Diet.  All
three dietary groups had almost equal facility promoting the growth and clinical
appearance of cardiovascular disease in those who at study onset did not have
this illness.   The single exception was the control group which had a
significantly higher stroke rate; however at baseline, they also appeared to
have a greater BMI, waist circumference, hypertension, anti hypertensive agents
and diuretics suggesting a cohort at greater risk for strokes..."

[Edit from the longer response at:
http://engine2diet.com/the-daily-beet/caldwell-b-esselstyn-jr-m-d-response-to-th\
e-new-england-journal-of-medicine-article-primary-prevention-of-cardiovascular-d\
isease-with-a-mediterranean-diet/

Dr. John McDougall: '"NEJM Study Promotes Olive Oil and Dismisses Low-fat Diet:"
Your friends are reading today (February 26, 2013) The New England Journal of
Medicine article about how adding olive oil and nuts to their usual diet will
reduce their risk of heart attacks by 30 percent. This article has also told
them that a low-fat diet fails to help (again). Stroke was the only problem
where the tested Mediterranean diet made a real difference. The diet had no
effect on heart attacks or death rates overall. The popularity of this message
proves once again that "people love to hear good news about their bad habits." 
They are reassured that simply by adding more olive oil and nuts you will
improve your health…cutting out the brie and beef stroganoff are secondary
thoughts..."

[Very edited from Dr. McDougalls quite detailed and well-referenced response at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2013other/news/oil.htm


************************************************
*05:  Veggies & Cancer, Pfeiffer's Diet, Vegan Groceries, Go Vegan
************************************************
"VEGETARIAN DIET CUTS CANCER RISK - STUDY:"  (02/17/13):  "A new study recently
released in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention suggests
that eating a vegetarian diet can significantly lower the risk of cancer. 
Cancer is a leading cause of death in the U.S. and it is believed that dietary
factors are responsible for at least 30 percent of all cancers in the West. 
Yessenia Tantamango-Bartley from Loma Linda University School of Public Health
in Loma Linda, California and colleagues conducted the study and found
vegetarians were 9 percent less likely to develop cancer, compared with
non-vegetarians.  The study of 2939 incidence cancer cases found the risk of
cancers of the gastrointestinal tract was 24 percent reduced  among vegetarians
compared with non-vegetarians.  Vegan diets were even more protective against
cancer, the study found.  Those who followed a vegan diet were 16 percent less
likely to develop all cancers and female vegan diet users were 34 percent less
likely to develop female-specific cancers such as ovarian cancer an d breast
cancer. compared to those who did not eat the diet... The study concluded
"Vegetarian diets seem to confer protection against cancer."

[Edited from:
http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Nutrition/Diet/vegetarian_diet_cuts_cancer_r\
isk_0217131103.html

"MICHELLE PFEIFFER CREDITS VEGAN DIET FOR AGELESS LOOKS:"  (02/18/13):  "At 54,
actress Michelle Pfeiffer is still rocking the same flawless face and figure
that initially made her famous more than three decades ago.

So what's her secret? Easy. She sticks to a vegan diet. Last June, Pfeiffer took
the plunge into the vegan lifestyle after watching a program on CNN called "The
Last Heart Attack." The show went in-depth to search for answers for heart
attack prevention, and included interviews with former president Bill Clinton,
whose health dramatically improved when he went vegan. Pfeiffer, a
self-professed foodie, decided to give the diet a shot. She knew Clinton loved
food, and had still managed to stick with the diet, so she figured there must be
something to it.  Now that the actress has been vegan for several months, she's
experienced a host of health benefits firsthand, and can relate to exactly what
kept Clinton on track.  "I remember watching that program thinking, `Clinton is
a smart man and there's true science behind this theory,'" she says. "So I cut
out meats and dairy. After two months, my cholesterol shot down 83 points.
That's enough proof to me that it works..." Another source that Pfeiffer found
inspiring was Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn`s book "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease:
The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure." She said that
the evidence given in the book helped her stay on track..."

[Edited from:
http://www.ecorazzi.com/2013/02/18/michelle-pfeiffer-credits-vegan-diet-for-agel\
ess-looks/

"ACCIDENTALLY VEGAN FOOD LIST:"  (2013):  "Grocery stores carry an array of
great-tasting vegan options, including some items that you might not know are
vegan. Many products, including fantastic faux franks; veggie burgers;
chicken-free chicken patties; flavored soy, almond, and rice milks; nondairy ice
creams; and other sensational snacks, are marketed to vegetarians and vegans.
There's also an abundance of chips, dips, cookies, candies, frozen pies, soups,
and other mouth-watering items by mainstream food manufacturers that are also
vegan.*Take a stroll through your local grocery store, check some ingredients,
and you'll see what we mean. You may even be surprised to find that a few of
your favorite indulgences happen to be vegan! For example, did you know that
Pepperidge Farm Turnovers, Murray Butter Cookies, and Cracker Jacks are all
vegan?

Please note that this list is just for U.S.-based products, as ingredients can
vary by region. Companies frequently change their formulations, so read labels
prior to purchasing. We are constantly updating this list, so if you know of a
vegan product that isn't currently listed or if you find a product here that
isn't vegan, please contact PETA.  Thank you, and happy munching!

Breakfast (Dry)
Beverages
Snacks
Condiments
Baked Goods
Refrigerated and Frozen Foods
Baking
Staples

[For the complete list of products:
http://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/accidentally-vegan.aspx

"SO YOU WANNA BE VEGAN? START HERE.:"  (02/23/13):  "Rooney Mara celebrated her
new film, Ain't Them Bodies Saints, with a vegan dinner at the Sundance Film
Festival. Other vegan A-listers such as Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain will
be offered a vegan option at the upcoming Academy Awards. Vegan chefs have
infiltrated reality TV with Cloe Coscarelli and Josh Rosen taking home top
honors on Food Network's Cupcake Wars and Sweet Genius, respectively. Even
fashion is getting game: the first all-vegan solo show debuted at New York's
fall Fashion Week this year.  But you don't have to go all the way to be a vegan
star, says Kris Carr, author of the new book Crazy Sexy Kitchen: 150
Plant-Empowered Recipes to Ignite a Mouthwatering Revolution... "I didn't want
it to be about depravation. It's not about cleansing. It's a book about
delicious vegan plant-based cuisine," says Carr.

...However much she strives for the Crazy Sexy approach to be a judgment-free
zone, Carr is serious about not only a vegan but an entirely holistic, approach
to living: "Honestly, self-care is not fluffy—it's something we should take
seriously. The more we take it seriously the more we get in return. It's amazing
what happens when you start to feel better physically, you start to feel better
emotionally, and the decisions you make from that place and the people you
attract in your life, they improve—sounds hokey—but life gets a lot better."

[Edited from:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/02/23/so-you-wanna-be-vegan-start-her\
e.html


************************************************
*06: Vegan Digital Media Theater
************************************************
VIDEO CLIPS:

"What To Eat?" Ann Esselstyn, 36 min.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6OGmcRSsm0

"Questions from the Public" Dr. Caldwell & Ann Esselstyn, 16 min.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZeq2A760PU

"Vegan Tips:" FOX News, 5 min.
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/health/2013/03/01/vegan-options-for-healthier-l\
iving/

"More than 50% of Nation's Pets are Obese:" KCAL News, 2 min.
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/animal-rights/more-50-percent-us-pets-are\
-overweight-video

"One Grain More:" on cooking with food allergies ("Les Miserable" song parody
extraordinaire):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9QbC41oQRo

"Does Coconut Oil Clog Arteries?" Dr. Michael Greger, 5 min.
http://nutritionfacts.org/2013/02/19/how-much-soy-is-too-much/?utm_source=rss&ut\
m_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-much-soy-is-too-much

"How Much Soy is Too Much?" Dr. Michael Greger, 2 min.
http://nutritionfacts.org/video/how-much-soy-is-too-much/

"Nathan Pritikin: A Casual Conversation with Dr. McDougall:" One of Dr.
McDougall's key influences in his dietary approach.  A rare video. 2 hrs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOj4rzSkqok

AUDIO PODCASTS:

"The VegCast:" (Interviews, music, news)
http://www.vegcast.com/

"Dr. Don" (Interviews):
http://veganfeed.com/drdonshow

"Food For Thought:" Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
http://www.compassionatecook.com/publications/vegetarian-food-for-thought-podcas\
t

"PODCASTS, BLOGS, VIDEOS, HEADLINES, AND MORE... an amazing daily updated
compendium & archive:"
http://veganfeed.com/


************************************************
*07: GMO Science Jeopardy, Superweeds, Foodopoly Book Excerpt
************************************************
"CORPORATE PUSH FOR GMO FOODS PUT INDEPENDENT SCIENCE IN JEOPARDY:"  (12/07/12):
"Science is considered science when it is independent, when it has integrity and
when it speaks the truth about its search. It was the integrity, independence
and sovereignty of science that drew me and propelled me to study physics. 
Today, independent science is threatened with extinction. While this is true in
every field, it is the field of food and agriculture that I am most concerned
about. At the heart of the food and agriculture debate are genetically modified
organisms, also referred to as GMOs. The agrochemical industry's new avatar is
as the GMO industry. According to the industry, GMOs are necessary to remove
hunger and are safe.

But evidence from all independent scientists has established that GMOs do not
contribute to food security. The UN-sponsored International Assessment of
Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) report — written by
400 scientists after a research of three to four years — concluded that there is
no evidence that GMOs increase food security. The Union of Concerned scientists
concluded in its report, "A Failure to Yield", that in the US, genetic
engineering had not increased the yield. "The GMO Emperor Has No Clothes" — a
Global Citizens' report on the state of GMOs based on field research across the
world — also found that genetic engineering has not increased yields. Yet, the
propaganda continues that GMOs are the only solution to hunger because GMOs
increase yields... All independent research on safety indicates that GMOs have
serious biosafety issues. This is why we have a UN biosafety protocol...
Citizens of California had put up Proposition 37 in the recent elections for
something as simple as the "Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food" by having
a label on GMO foods. This is recognised as a citizen's right in Europe and now
in India. But the California vote was defeated by industry spending — big food
industry players are paying big bucks to battle California's GMO labelling
initiative. According to reports, they are spending as much as $1 million a day
on false and misleading advertising.

If citizens don't have the right to know and scientists don't have the freedom
to speak the truth, we are creating societies that are dangerous — both in terms
of loss of democratic freedom and in terms of risking biosafety.  Independent
scientists, along with the bees and biodiversity of our plants and seeds, could
well become a species threatened with extinction if we do not stop the GMO
drone.

[Very edited from:
https://www.commondreams.org/view/2012/12/07-5

"NEARLY HALF OF ALL US FARMS NOW HAVE SUPERWEEDS:  (12/07/12):  "Last year's
drought took a big bite out of the two most prodigious US crops, corn and soy.
But it apparently didn't slow down the spread of weeds that have developed
resistance to Monsanto's herbicide Roundup (glyphosate), used on crops
engineered by Monsanto to resist it. More than 70 percent of all the the corn,
soy, and cotton grown in the US is now genetically modified to withstand
glyphosate.  Back in 2011, such weeds were already spreading fast. "Monsanto's
'Superweeds' Gallop Through Midwest," declared the headline of a post I wrote
then... That pretty much describes the situation last year, according to a new
report from the agribusiness research consultancy Stratus. Since the 2010
growing season, the group has been polling "thousands of US farmers" across 31
states about herbicide resistance. Here's what they found in the 2012 season:

     • Nearly half (49 percent) of all US farmers surveyed said they have
glyphosate-resistant weeds on their farm in 2012, up from 34 percent of farmers
in 2011...And the problem is getting more complicated. More and more farms have
at least two resistant species on their farm. In 2010 that was just 12 percent
of farms, but two short years later 27 percent had more than one... So
industrial-scale corn and soy farmers will likely have to muddle along,
responding in the same way that they have been for years, which is by upping
their herbicide use in hopes of controlling the rogue weeds... It will also
likely mean a jump in toxic herbicides entering streams, messing with frogs and
polluting people's drinking water...

... But of course there's another way. In a 2012 study I'll never tire of
citing, Iowa State University researchers found that if farmers simply
diversified their crop rotations, which typically consist of corn one year and
soy the next, year after year, to include a "small grain" crop (e.g. oats) as
well as offseason cover crops, weeds (including Roundup-resistant ones) can be
suppressed with dramatically less fertilizer use—a factor of between 6 and 10
less. And much less herbicide means much less poison entering streams—"potential
aquatic toxicity was 200 times less in the longer rotations" than in the regular
corn-soy regime, the study authors note. So, despite what the seed giants and
the conventional weed specialists insist, there are other ways to respond to the
accelerating scourge of "superweeds" than throwing more—and ever-more
toxic—chemicals at them.

[Very edited from:
http://www.motherjones.com/tom-philpott/2013/02/report-spread-monsantos-superwee\
ds-speeds-12-0

"'FOODOPOLY:' EXPOSING THE HANDFUL OF CORPORATIONS THAT CONTROL OUR FOOD SYSTEM
FROM SEED TO DINNER PLATE:"   (01/24/13):  "... The food system is in a crisis
because of the way that food is produced and the consolidation and organization
of the industry itself. Solving it means we must move beyond the focus on
consumer choice to examine the corporate, scientific, industrial, and political
structures that support an unhealthy system. Combating this is going to take
more than personal choice and voting with our forks -- it's going to take
old-fashioned political activism. This book aims to show what the problem is and
why we must do much more than create food hubs or find more opportunities for
farmers to sell directly to consumers. We must address head-on the "foodopoly"
-- the handful of corporations that control our food system from seeds to dinner
plates.

While the rhetoric in our nation is all about competition and the free market,
public policy is geared toward enabling a small cabal of companies to control
every aspect of our food system. Today, twenty food corporations produce most of
the food eaten by Americans, even organic brands. Four large chains, including
Walmart, control more than half of all grocery store sales. One company
dominates the organic grocery industry, and one distribution company has a
stranglehold on getting organic products into communities around the country.

... According to the USDA, only 5 percent of the farms selling into the local
food marketplace are large farms (with over $250,000 in annual sales), but these
large farms provided 93 percent of the "local foods" in supermarkets and
restaurants. Eighty-one percent of farms selling local food are small, with
under $50,000 in annual sales, and 14 percent of farms selling local foods are
medium-sized, with $50,000 to $250,000 in sales. The small and medium-sized
farms sell nearly three quarters of the direct-to-consumer local foods (both
CSAs and farmers' markets) but only 7 percent of the local foods in supermarkets
and restaurants. Although the 5,300 large farms averaged $772,000 in local food
sales, small farms sold only $7,800 and medium-sized farms sold only $70,000
local foods on average.

... Changing farm policy to provide that chance is key to preventing our
nation's rural areas from becoming industrial sites and to truly remaking the
food system for all Americans. We must address the major structural problems
that have created the dysfunction -- from the failure to enforce antitrust laws
and regulate genetically modified food to the manipulation of nutrition
standards and the marketing of junk food to children. We need to move beyond
stereotypes and simplistic solutions if we are to build a movement that is
broad-based enough to drive policy changes.

Most people are several generations away from the experience of producing their
own food. This leads to many misconceptions-from over-romanticizing its hard,
backbreaking work to the dismissal of farmers as greedy, ignorant, and selfish
"welfare queens." Understanding the difficult challenges they face is critical
to developing the policy solutions necessary for saving family farms and moving
into a sustainable future. We need to develop a rural economic development plan
that enables farmers to make a living while at the same time providing healthy,
affordable food choices for all Americans.

... It means organizing a movement to hold our policy makers accountable, so
that food and farm policy is transformed and environmental, health, and safety
laws are obeyed. It will require a massive grassroots mobilization to challenge
the multinational corporations that profit from holding consumers and farmers
hostage and, more important, to hold our elected officials accountable for the
policies that are making us sick and fat. We must comprehend the complexity of
the problem to advocate for the solutions. We cannot shop our way out of this
mess. The local-food movement is uplifting and inspiring and represents positive
steps in the right direction. But now it's time for us to marshal our forces and
do more than vote with our forks. Changing our food system is a political act.
We must build the political power to do so. It is a matter of survival."

[Very edited from the book's excerpt at:
http://www.alternet.org/food/foodopoly-exposing-handful-corporations-control-our\
-food-system-seed-dinner-plate?paging=off


************************************************
*08: Puppy Mills Online, Morrissey Refuses, AR Africa, Cromwell Arrested
************************************************
"ONLINE PUPPY MILLS: INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR ANIMAL WELFARE REPORT EXPOSES
MASSIVE INDUSTRY:"  (12/27/13):  "Hundreds of thousands of puppies that are
raised in puppy mill conditions are advertised online each day, according to a
report released by the nonprofit the International Fund for Animal Welfare
Tuesday.  Nine investigators from the animal rights group and 16 volunteers
spent a full day in July tracking ads on six high-volume puppy sale websites --
Animaroo, DogsNow, NextDayPets, PuppyFind, PuppyTrader, and TerrificPets -- and
three sites that sell puppies in addition to other goods -- Craigslist, eBay
Classifieds, and Oodle. Investigators then spent two months analyzing the
collected ads.  In one day, more than 733,000 puppies were advertised for sale,
with prices ranging from $1 to thousands of dollars each, according to the
report. The investigators estimated that 62 percent of the nearly 10,000 ads
from the six puppy sale websites were likely from puppy mills, commercial
breeders that prioritize profit above the animals' welfare.

"The Internet is the Wild West of puppy mills. It's a 24-7 unmonitored,
anonymous marketplace, the world's largest marketplace. It's very difficult to
monitor and therefore easy for sellers to circumvent laws," Jeff Flocken,
director of the IFAW office in Washington, told The Huffington Post... According
to the nonprofit, this is the first investigation of this magnitude. Flocken
said investigators were shocked to find out how many ads there were in one day.

And the problem is getting worse as the demand for dogs increases, according to
IFAW. The number of dogs living in U.S. homes is at an all-time high at more
than 78 million, according to the American Pet Products Association's 2011-2012
National Pet Owners Survey.

The most effective solution, the report says, is consumer awareness..."

[Very edited from the comprehensive article at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/11/online-puppy-mills-international-fund-f\
or-animal-welfare-report_n_2278156.html

"MORRISSEY, SINGER AND ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, CANCELS `JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE'
PERFORMANCE DUE TO `DUCK DYNASTY' CAST MEMBERS APPEARANCE:"  (02/26/13): 
"Morrissey refuses to appear on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' alongside 'Duck Dynasty'
cast members who 'amount to animal serial killers.'  The TV series "Duck
Dynasty" is coming between Morrissey and Jimmy Kimmel.  The singer and animal
rights activist says he canceled his appearance Tuesday on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel
Live" because "Duck Dynasty" cast members will be on the talk show.  Morrissey
says he can't perform on a show with what he called people who "amount to animal
serial killers."  A&E's "Duck Dynasty" reality show follows a Louisiana family
with a business selling duck calls and decoys..."

[From:
https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/morrissey-cancels-kimmel-due-duck-dyna\
sty-article-1.1273937

[See Also:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/18/morrissey-concert-vegetarian-staples-ce\
nter_n_2714022.html

"CONCERN FOR ANIMAL WELFARE IS INCREASING IN AFRICA:"  (02/11/13):  "In Europe
and the US little is known about the African animal welfare movement. In part
this is because the movement there is smaller and younger than on other
continents. But just as human rights should acknowledge no borders, so too
should animal rights, and many people across all cultures and countries realize
this.  In the West, a frequent riposte to animal rights supporters is that there
are more important issues, as if it were somehow not possible to simultaneously
give to Oxfam while also not kicking a dog. A certain type of Westerner, when
asked to boycott factory-farmed meat, will reply that they don't need to because
we haven't yet solved all the problems in Africa. Of course, no-one ever bothers
to ask the Africans what they have to say on the subject.  I spoke to a Malawian
animal welfare activist, Rozzie, to get her view on the treatment of animals in
Africa.

- How big is the animal welfare movement in Malawi, and in Africa more
generally?  The animal welfare movement in Malawi is still quite small. The
reason behind its size is that it has only been operating for a few years and
hasn't had the chance yet to fully expand. Also, when it comes to donations or
volunteering for the Lilongwe Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(LSPCA), there is a deficit. The concern in Malawi and in other African
countries is more on human rights and thus national and international support
tends to be focused on organizations that deal with this problem. However, the
concern for animal welfare is increasing, but at a slow and steady pace...

- What are the biggest issues in the treatment of animals in Malawi?  Two main
issues: the majority of society is not taught how to treat animals [properly].
They exist as they have always done from the start – as rat-catchers and crop
protectors. Secondly, the lack of disposable income in society. People cannot
afford to look after the animals they have. Some people can barely afford to
feed themselves..."

[Edited from:
http://newint.org/blog/2013/02/11/animal-welfare-in-africa/

"JAMES CROMWELL ARRESTED, ACTOR PROTESTING ANIMAL RIGHTS:"  (02/08/13):  "James
Cromwell, the actor from "American Horror Story," has been arrested in Wisconsin
after protesting animal testing at a university meeting on Thursday.  The
73-year-old thespian allegedly disrupted a Board of Regents meeting at the
University of Wisconsin over claims that the school tortures cats, according to
TMZ. Cromwell and Jeremy Beckham, a PETA spokesperson, caused a disturbance
during the meeting by shouting and holding signs that featured a cat believed to
have come from the UW-Madison lab with metal implanted in its head, reported
CBS-8.  The animal rights activists were arrested on a misdemeanor charge of
disorderly conduct, but released from jail by Thursday afternoon, according to
The Associated Press... The school denies PETA's accusations that dozens of cats
a year have been starved, deafened, and decapitated for brain research
purposes."

[From:
http://global.christianpost.com/news/james-cromwell-arrested-actor-protesting-an\
imal-rights-89735/


************************************************
*09: Quick Bytes
************************************************
["Quick Bytes" will return next issue.  Here's a link to our last issue where
you can find the Quick Bytes Listings:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/message/97


************************************************
*10: Closing Thoughts
************************************************
"Mark Sutton's Healthy Pizza is beyond innovative. When seeking to create a
pizza that is outside the usual pizza box of high fat, full of dairy or meat,
one is usually left to their own devices.

No more. Mark has created a book with guaranteed healthful sauces and toppings
that can stake their claim in the 'whole foods, plant based healthy' world. And
with endorsements by Caldwell Esselstyn, you know you can trust the contents to
be heart healthy.

His sauce recipes also inspire versatile application. I made one of the sauces
last night to put over a salad and it was perfect! Rice, nutritional yeast, and
a few other elements made a robust and tasty sauce. Next is to tackle the crust
recipes, which are not wanting.  Nice work Mark!"

--- Lani Muelrath, author & plant-based dietician, "Fit Quickies:"
http://www.lanimuelrath.com


"The health benefits of plants foods know no limit... The more scientists look,
the more impressive data they develop concerning the array of health benefits
conferred by fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and vegetables. It's
pretty safe to say that science will never be able to delineate fully all the
miraculous ways that the plants we ingest work to keep us alive and well.

Yet never will you read a story about chicken helping you prevent one disease or
another. Not a single news item will appear anywhere about chuck steak or
meatballs aiding any of your organs to function. Roast beef offers no benefit
that any scientist can find (and don't think that the meat industry hasn't been
paying them to look)... The only medical reports you will hear about animal
foods concern their dangers... The bad news about animal foods never ends."

--- Howard Lyman (in "No More Bull!" pp. 40 - 41)

Submissions to: webmaster@...  were bouncing, and I've fixed the
problem.

Please send Contest entries to either webmaster@...  or
Mad_Cowboy-owner@yahoogroups.com

Thanks!  Mark