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Goodall urges Nobel prize for sparing lab animals |
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May 28, 2008
The primatologist Dr Jane Goodall will today propose that a Nobel
prize be set up for advancing medical knowledge without experimentation
on animals. The scientist, who pioneered research on chimpanzees in the
wild, says moving away from animal research is a "goal towards which
all civilised nations should be moving".
She will speak at an
event organised by animal rights groups and MEPs to put pressure on the
European commission to review directive 86/609, which governs animal
research across the EU.
"As we move into the 21st century we
need a new mind-set," she said. "We should admit that the infliction of
suffering on beings who are capable of feeling is ethically problematic
and that the amazing human brain should set to work to find new ways of
testing and experimenting that will not involve the use of live,
sentient beings.
"The scientific establishment should actively
encourage such research. More funding should be made available for it.
And rewards - such as a Nobel prize - should be given for it."
She
will also advocate a centre of excellence to develop alternatives to
animal research. About 12m animals were used in experiments in 2005.
The vast majority were mice and rats.
Goodall's suggestion of a
Nobel prize looks unlikely to succeed. Only one has been added - the
Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics in 1968 - since the scientific
accolades were first awarded in 1901.
About 15 years ago the former US
vice-president Al Gore approached the Nobel Foundation to suggest an
award for contributions to environmentalism. Michael Sohlman, president
of the foundation, said the organisation politely turned him down.
Adding a prize for alternatives to animal testing was "out of the
question," Sohlman said.
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Host a vegan backyard barbecue |
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May 21, 2008
Where's the beef? You won't find it at this holiday cookout. But
take a look at today's Memorial Day menu anyway; chances are you won't
even miss the meat. Fortunately for vegetarians, vegans and anyone
desiring less fat and no cholesterol, "steaks" and "burgers" with all
the fixins' are easily included in your backyard barbecue.
When most folks think of homemade meatless burgers, they think of
veggie burgers. They are delicious and nutritious, but time-consuming
with a list of ingredients as long as your barbecue tongs. And they are
often not compact enough to hold up on a grill. Our version takes no
longer than regular burgers and performs great on the grate. Made with
hamburger style Gimme Lean - be sure not to get the sausage style -
they are seasoned just the way Dad used to do; only we substitute
Bragg's Amino Acids for Worcestershire sauce (which contains
anchovies). Dad never stuffed his with soy feta, but he might after he
tastes our version.
If steaks are on the menu, try tofu Cowboy Steaks.
They are marinated in a homemade barbecue-style sauce and grilled up
just like a slab o' beef. There are three simple tricks to a meatier
texture that can stand the heat: 1) purchase very firm tofu, not the
silken variety; 2) drain and press it under a weight on absorbent paper
towels before marinating; and 3) grill on a pre-oiled grate. For extra
assurance, an oiled grill basket makes the flip a snap.
Grilled corn on the cob is easy and tasty. Remember
to allow 20 minutes for it to soak in cold water before grilling, to
avoid burning the husks. Butter on summer corn is perhaps gilding the
lily, but we make ours irresistible by flavoring Earth Balance, a
butter substitute, with a variety of fresh herbs.
Pump up the color and crunch quotient on the plate
with marinated veggie kebabs. There's not a thing wrong with the old
standbys, but we use baby vegetables like green and yellow patty pan
squash and miniature yellow, orange and red peppers for a fresh take on
a familiar classic. Plus, baby vegetables save time because they do not
need to be trimmed, sliced, cored or seeded. Our marinade is subtle but
aromatic with the addition of fresh basil. It is made a little in
advance and drained before use so that the basil will not burn on the
grill. Remember to soak wooden skewers in water for about an hour just
before use, or choose metal ones. Serve up even more crunch with Terra
chips alongside. Plain potato chips are most often vegan, but Terra
chips provide a greater range of color, texture and nutritional content
and are found at most markets.
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Can Veganism fight global warming? VegFest says yes |
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May 14, 2008
Last weekend, vegans, vegetarians and omnivores descended upon Benson
High School, where they made their way through the events that made up
this year's VegFest, an educational event designed to highlight
veganism and vegetarianism.
Samples of food were available,
while guest speakers and chef demonstrations helped give insight into
how a reduction in meat consumption could help bring about what
Northwest Veg, the nonprofit that presented the event, calls a healthy,
sustainable and compassionate world.
Many of the booths at the
event were held by animal rights organizations, such as Rabbit
Advocates and Let Live Northwest, hoping for pledges from people to
adopt a "cruelty free" vegan lifestyle.
Members of PSU's
Vegans for Animal Advocacy also attended. The group was founded in 2007
to advocate for animal liberation and the adoption of the vegan
lifestyle.
Along with advocates, some 65 local vendors, such as
Laughing Planet, Sweet Pea Bakery and Pro Bar, gave out free samples of
their products to the nearly 2,000 people in attendance.
Jill
Schatz, one of the coordinators for VegFest, said the turnout of the
event is usually divided up equally between omnivores, vegans and
vegetarians. "Everyone had a fabulous time," she said.
Living a
vegetarian lifestyle requires not eating meat, but allows dairy
products and eggs, while vegan diets restrict the consumption and use
of any animal product.
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