SoulVeggie

Latest "Mad Cowboy Newsletter" Is Available Online

Intro & T.O.C. and direct link to the latest issue:
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"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
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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

Faux Meats & Blow-up Dolls

A very thoughtful article: "Why Eating Meat-Shaped Vegetarian Food Is Like Having Sex with a Blow-up Doll." I can recall many debates online about fake meats versus the "purity" approach of "why try to duplicate meat, food should be on it's own merits."  My take on the matter is essentially that those of us "older" folks who were raised on the stuff still enjoy some of the memories and textures enjoined with eating hot dogs, pepperoni, canadian bacon, hamburgers, etc.  If, as a vegan, I choose to eat "fake" versions of those (but only those being very low fat and low sodium) on a limited basis, I believe it's okay.

But the author of this piece does raise some interesting counter arguments, while summarizing some of the history of such products.

An excerpt of note:

"Shubin says, "I would classify modern humans as 'choosivores.' We have bodies that can handle diverse diets and many of us are fortunate to live in socioeconomic conditions where we can decide what to eat and what not to eat. And we have brains that can look beyond immediate needs to think of the long-term consequences of our choices."

Field Roast products are mentioned with the founder of the company and there's no mention of how high in fat his products are.  That's of some concern.  They are high in fat, regardless of how tasty they might be.

All in all, an intriguing, well-written, and witty essay on the topic. Kudos to the author.  A fine piece of work.  We do have "brains" and the author clearly is using hers.

ADDENDUM:  I e-mailed the author expressing my being impressed by the thoughtfulness and research for her article/thought piece.  Got permission to post part of her reply:

"As for Field Roast's fat content, I didn't cite specific figures because my story was already waaaay too long, but I did provide this parenthetical clue:

(Granted, Field Roast products have a higher fat content than many other brands, which boosts their authenticity and greases hands.)

A seitan maker I met here in the SF area (Steve of Savvy Savories) first mentioned to me that although he tries to keep his products low-fat, others definitely don't -- he didn't name names, but it was obvious which company he meant."

I'm also impressed by the body of her previous work.  FYI, Mark

Video: "Turkey's Can't Do It" - Jonathan Foer ("Eating Animals") on "Colbert"

Jonathan Safran Foer (author of the great read "Eating Animals"), despite Stephen Colbert's antics, manages to get some good points in.  Considering the size of Colbert's viewing audience, it's just marvelous to see this interview.  From the work of Michael Pollan ("Food, Inc.," "Food Rules") and Foer, among others, there's an accelerating awareness in mainstream media about the food we eat, factory farming, the Farm Bill, the environment, and related animal issues.  It's a good sign for veg'ns, and possibly will bring some blowback from the food industry.  I mean, if Michelle Obama promoting an organic vegetable garden freaks out the pesticide companies, how much more so these exposes of what these companies have been doing to animals, our food, and our environment?

One of Foer's finer points, that most people are eating "tortured flesh" is spot on.  Although what Colbert does with bacon at the end, is alternately funny and appalling.

This 5 minute clip will "disappear" on March 9th or thereabouts.  IMHO, worth a glom:

Study: Veg Diet & Lifestyle Rejuvenate Coronary Arteries

"A low-fat vegetarian diet may help prevent heart attacks, according to a new study in this month’s American Journal of Cardiology. Researchers found that individuals who followed a low-fat vegetarian diet, along with a moderate exercise plan and stress management, measurably improved the function of their endothelium—the inner lining of arteries that is key to preventing heart attacks. This 12-week study included 43 participants in Dr. Dean Ornish’s Multisite Cardiac Lifestyle Intervention Program. In the control group, the endothelial function worsened.

Dod HS, Bhardwaj R, Sajja V, et al. Effect of intensive lifestyle changes on endothelia function on inflammatory markers of atherosclerosis. Am J Cardiol. 2010;105:362-367."

[Note:  the low-fat vegetarian diet was 10% calories from fat, plant-based (less than 20 grams of fat per day), which precludes ADDED OILS to any meal.  Oil is NOT a food, is nutritiously vapid, and a highly processed product.  You don't need it and can re-calibrate your taste sensors to not crave it.  Takes about 3 months, but is worth the effort.]

Why 10% Fat?

"The diet I recommend for most people comprises approximately 10 percent of calories from fat.  The average American [and many vegans or vegetarians] eats a diet that's about 40% fat.  Why 10 percent?

Your body only needs about 4 to 6 percent of calories as fat to synthesize what are inown as essential fatty acids.  The Life Choice diet, also called the Reversal Diet, is about 10 percent fat, because it proviees more than enough fat without giving you more than you need.  It's the excessive amounts of fat and cholesterol in your diet --- that lead to obesity, heart disease, and other illnesses.

You don't need a computer to calculate a 10 percent fat diet.  When you eat primarily fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans... and no added oils, that's what you end up with.  And that's what your body has evolved to handle.

For most people, a 10 percent fat diet allows approximately 20 to 25 grams of fat per day. [Note:  1 tablespoon of any oil is 14 grams of pure fat.] This "fat quota" will increase or decrease to some degree based on you frame size, gender, and exercise levels, but it's a good place to begin... If you eat some commercially prepared products, then read the nutritional label on the package.  Since you want to keep your total fat onsumption per day around 20 to 25 grams, try to choose foods that hae no more than 3 grams of fat per serving.  Even less is better."

--- Dr. Dean Ornish, p. 9, "Everyday Cooking with Dr. Dean Ornish"

[Ornish is one of the ONLY two guys to reverse heart disease, and both he and Dr. Esselstyn (independently) provided over 20 years of peer-reviewed research that substantiates their "no added fat" approach.  Coupled with Dr. Barnard's research reversing Type II Diabetes through the same "no added fat" diet, it's hard to fathom why some vegans and vegetarians still proudly claim "moderation is king" and that "a little bit won't hurt" when all three experts, plus Dr. McDougall, say that "moderation kills."  The faux cheeses, the addition of liquid fat (olive oil), the often fatty meat substitutes --- all affect your circulatory system and cause temporary constriction (this has been measured).  The continued assault on your biology via fat eventually takes its toll.  But by eliminating the craving for fat, you also eliminate the fuel for plaques to develop (leading to strokes).  It's doable --- just takes willpower (the same kind you used, maybe, to go veg?).

Anyway, the above ain't theory, folks, it's based on fact, measurements, and solid research.  Besides, oil is not a food, and too many people are oblivious to that reality.  Go no-added fat vegan, live longer, be healthier, and drastically reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and a host of other diseases.

It's that simple.]

"Eating Animals" quote & Martin Luther King, Jr.

Almost finished reading this fascinating tour-de-force (will blog about later), but here's a passage from near the end that seems appropriate to blogpost as today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

"It might sound naive to suggest that whether you order a chicken patty or a veggie burger is a profoundly important decision... Deciding what to eat (and what to toss overboard) is the founding act of production and consumption that shapes all others.  Choosing leaf or flesh, factory farm or family farm, does not in itself change the world, but teaching ourselves, our children, our local communitities, and our nation to choose conscience over ease can.  One of the greatest opportunitities to live our values --- or betray them --- lies in the food we put on our plates.  And we will live or betray our values not only as individuals, but as nations [my emphasis].

We have grander legacies than the quest for cheap products.  Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote passionately about the time when "one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular."  Sometimes we simply have to make a decision beause "one's conscience tells one that it is right."  These famous words of King's, and the efforts of Chavez's United Farm Workers, are also our legacy.  We might want to say that these social-justice movements have nothing to do with the situation of the factory farm.  Human oppression is not animal abuse.  King and Chavez were moved by a concern for suffering humanity, not suffering chickens or global warming.  Fair enough.  One can certainly quibble with, or even become enraged by, the comparison implicit in invoking them here, but it is worth nothing that Cesar Chavez and King's wife, Coretta Scott King, were vegans, as is King's son Dexter --- we interpret America's legacy --- too narrowly if we assume in advance that they cannot speak against the oppression of the factory farm."

--- Jonathon Safran Foer, "Eating Animals" p. 258-259.

More about this book and some cool interview links later.

"Rogue Vegetarian Writer Causes GOP Stir"

[A very thoughtful and interesting post about what happens when you are a vegetarian and criticize Ms. Palin's recent comments about vegetarians in her book (I blogged about that here).  It's pretty said, though, that people would send those kind of e-mails, but then I think about what I get for my "no-added fat" stance.  Daelyn's "apolitical" viewpoint is noteworthy, unfortunately, the number/nature of raving and ranting comments that followed her new post was predictable.  How sad!]

""Yesterday I published an article addressing statements Sarah Palin made in her new book Going Rogue: An American Life. I used Palin’s quotes to make a general statement on society from a vegetarian’s point of view. My political views were stated nowhere in the article yet it was quickly assumed that I was a member of the liberal media.

• “The liberal/socialist media elites are terrified of America's new Reagan and it's so much fun to see their PDS (Palin Derangement Syndrome) on display...including this Fortney writer.” –freeperjim
• “Politicizing Food now?...is nothing sacred? F^*k off...Alinksy Vegan Radicals.” – Tyler
• “My God you Leftists sure are humorless” – VinceP1974
• “Oh please leftists wake up.” –Rawlin
• “I really love the way she makes the left stark raving mad. LOL.” –texshep
• “You liberals and militant vegs. apparently need a humor transplant.” –Keith

Contrary to the belief of many of the commenters, my diet does not determine my political leanings. And vice versa. I have chosen to live a vegetarian lifestyle because I believe in the sanctity of life for all creatures. Assuming that one is left or right based on what they choose to eat is a dangerous road to travel..."

[Full blog post here and below. You go girl!]  Don't let the drolling rabble bother you.]

Mad Cowboy Newsletter: Msg. from Howard, 2 of "1,000 Recipes"

The latest Mad Cowboy Newsletter is now available.  Here's a direct link to the issue:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/message/89  And here's the title, introduction, and table of contents.  Enjoy!  Mark

"TITLE:  12_22_09:  Holiday Msg. from Howard, "1000 Vegan Recipes"

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

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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"

IVU "Vegetomical" Image of a Woman

Way kewl... although tomatoes are a fruit.  One of the cleverest uses of fruits/veggies for an ad I've seen in awhile.  The original source is here.  Click on image for larger version.  Enjoy!

Latest Mad Cowboy Newsletter - Rip Essy Interview/Recipes

Here's the Intro, Table of Contents, and a Direct Link to the latest Mad Cowboy Newsletter:

LINK:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mad_Cowboy/message/88

"10_19_09:  Engine 2 Interview, Mutant Milk, & SpiderVeg"

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. 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!

... 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_Cowboy/

Here's hoping everyone is warm, and to quote Rip: "plant strong" this Winter!

Mark, MC editor/webmaster

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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