I love cake!!!

...but even if it was vegan, i don't think i could eat this!
(Be sure to check the caption, too!)
http://www.mikesamazingcakes.com/po/po_13.html

Would you!?

There are some cool cakes here though:
http://www.mikesamazingcakes.com/

Looking in the same direction

"Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction."
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery



I like that quote! It's true about us veg*n folks, too...
I appreciate (& love) that we are on the same proverbial page.
It's something worth contemplating - and also validating!
P.S. Heidi & Mattie think you're all pretty swell.

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The ol' "free-range" misnomer...








No matter the language, we "get it"...







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Nothing "alternative" about it, the way i see it!




















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My dad, looking thoughtful. He's a great guy who
does some pretty special things. If you have time,
check this link out about "The Bookman." My dad is
"Lenny the Elf" who helps out. http://www.thebookman.org/



















************************************************

The main reason why i *heart* St. Louis Cardinals
manager and all-around good guy Tony LaRussa:
http://www.arf.net/about_arf/history.html

On pins (not needles)

Some cool pins, 'eh? Saw 'em on eBay...
Which one's your fave? I love the
Chicks Dig Vegans and chuckle at the
I (Heart) Hunting Accidents. Ouch. Heh.

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My pal Peter played a concert at his workplace (a senior living residence) last night with three of his co-workers. I snuck away from work for a little bit. It was awesome to see the seniors there kvelling!! (That's Yiddish for lovin' every minute of it!) As shown here, he was on the grand piano, but in the background is the Triton keyboard he lugged from home. He played the heck out of both. The band performed everything from Bob Dylan to The Dixie Chicks to Simon & Garfunkel.

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Oh, the circle of vegan celebrity life:

On the day this is reported:
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/29/mccartney.divorce.reut/

So is this:
http://www.cbc.ca/story/arts/national/2006/07/29/anderson-rock-marriage.html?ref=rss

Snacks 'n' soap 'n' stamps 'n' Sarah

Jody ( http://vegchic.blogspot.com/ ) sent me vegan chocolate chip cookies (Dreena's dreamy recipe, Jody tells me!) and a lovely bar of her handmade soap a few days ago! Just because!

Am i lucky or what? Thank you, generous and sweet Jody! The cookies are all a 'goner now (i ate some right when i got the package, and after seeing The Gipsy Kings with Peter last night, he and i ate the rest together), and the soap i am going to use tonight when i get home from work!

Leslie ( http://eatpeaceplease.blogspot.com/ ) has a much better version/vision of the goodies Jody sent, similar to what Jody sent me. I haven't quite mastered the photography thing with my digital camera. You can see the trees in the background from my balcony though, plain as day! Yeah, i know... i won't give up my real job anytime soon!

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How's this for the future of U.S. postage? ----->

Personally, i would rather see some of the fantastic foods i see on other people's blogs and/or more words about eating and living vegan (like a saved animal) used along with the word "Vegan" on a stamp, but it's still very nice...

From Vegan 911:
http://www.cafepress.com/veganpolice.40846082

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Here's an indispensible interview with the inimitable and stellar Sarah Kramer of www.govegan.net that you "should" read! She's one vegtastic, vociferous vegan vixen...
http://www.vegcooking.com/chefSpotlight.asp

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Hope you have a wondrous weekend!

How Soon Is Now?

Morrissey speaks out!!!:
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/morrissey%20hits%20back%20in%20tv%20presenter%20feud_1003599
Thank you, Morrissey.
Love your music...

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Please, please visit Super Vegan today at:
http://supervegan.com/
and read this:
http://supervegan.com/blog/entry.php?id=346
and do whatever you can to help. Please.

Thanks.

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got QuikTime?
This is very, very nice.
Virtual Guidebooks!
Panoramic views & journeys through western North America.
http://virtualguidebooks.com/PanoramasTOC.html

Here's where i'll be in a few weeks:
http://virtualguidebooks.com/NorthCalif/RedwoodPark/PatricksPoint/WeddingRockL.html

Addendum: No, there is nothing about a wedding for me goin' on here!
Just going to Patrick's Point and this is the only virtual guide w/PP in it.
:o) Honest!

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Yet MORE reasons to go veg. No diabetes!
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/125/116026

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My friend Donny, who is 65 but with the emotional/mental capacity of a 7-year-old, lives in a residential home with about five other adults who are mentally and/or physically challenged. He has been a regular caller where i work ever since i can remember - almost 10 years now! He's a big sports fan and is a very nice guy who calls every night to find out how his favorite sports teams are doing and also to just talk about whatever is on his mind.

Donny always surprises me with the things he knows and what he cares about. He remembers my birthday every March and has expressed concern about my vegan diet, very excited always to tell me when he has eaten something vegetarian. Whenever he hears that Mattie (or my previous dog that he met, Sandi Ego) has been not feeling great, he asks for the latest doggie health news. It's very sweet.

I met him for the first time about 8 years ago at an event where he spoke in front of a room filled with people and received some awards... and since then we have struck up a friendship of sorts. Once a month i get over to see him and his "roommates." I always bring Mattie, who is the hit of the house.

I visited Donny last night and had this snapshot taken by the man who along with his wife and two sons opened his house and heart to these adults with developmental disabilities.

Among other things, spending time with Donny makes me appreciate even more than i already do, all that i have in my life. Blessings to all.

Scott Jurek defends his title!

Doin' the vegan world proud at the Badwater Ultramarathon:
http://www.badwater.com/2006web/2006splits.html

Scott's short 'n' sweet bio:
http://www.scottjurek.com/bio.php

Tons o'pix post-race:
http://www.badwater.com/2006web/shows/2006showCK09/index.html

"I am a one way motorway
I'm the one that drives away
then follows you back home

I am a street light shining
I'm a wild light blinding bright
burning off alone

It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again

I am a new day rising
I'm a brand new sky
to hang the stars upon tonight

I am a little divided
do I stay or run away
and leave it all behind?

It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again..."

-Foo Fighters

Mat in the Hat

OK, not exactly a hat... she had this picture taken a couple of months back at a Petco (not my fave place, by the way, but i digress!), where Peter does animal photography on weekends.

As you can see, goofy girl Mattie decided to go "head to head" with one of the stuffed animals used as props...

Gotta love the "Willl Bark For Food" sign!

Mattie asked me to post this today... she said she is hoping to help bring a smile to your face!

Contest at helpinganimals.com:
http://dev.helpinganimals.com/travel_bb_contest.asp?c=ha0706t

Looks like you can win a two-night stay at a vegetarian bed & breakfast...
Go for it - and good luck!

B&W Sunday comix and colourful Lite Brite

Anyone remember (or have) Lite Brite? I always wanted one as a kid and my oldest sister gave me one for my birthday about five years ago. One of the best gifts i've ever received. If you like Lite Brite, check the following link out - and enjoy!!
http://www.sfpg.com/animation/liteBrite.html#

Hope everyone has a great week ahead!

Great Scott gone Bad(water)

A vibrant vegan goin' for the win at Badwater
http://www.badwater.com/ starting Monday...

Go Scott!
http://www.scottjurek.com/

Scott & his dog (I think the late Tonto):
From the Web site:

"In 2003, Scott and (his wife) Leah's dog, Tonto, passed away. Tonto had been a fixture in Scott and Leah's lives. He was Scott's main training partner and accompanied him on training runs up to 45 miles in preparation for the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.

'In addition to being a true companion and friend, Tonto was a teacher. He not only taught me how to travel the trail, but ultimately how to become the trail. It is only fitting that he embarked on a new journey while on a trail and during an event that has been a special part of my life.'

Tonto took another path the morning after Scott won his fifth title on June 29th, 2003. He will be missed, but never forgotten."

*************************************************************
Play ball!
<---- Heidi & Peter at the beach in Coronado (he joined Mattie, Heidi and me late in the day Thursday).
<--- And here's a happy and cool Mattie, ears a'flappin', running around and having a blast on the sand...









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Being vegetarian in Korea made easier:
http://www.freewebs.com/vegetariankorea/usefulwebsites.htm

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Another web site of note, for those of us
with loved ones who are omni/carnivore:
http://www.veganmeat.com/

How about a nice Hawaiian brunch?

Anyone remember that commercial for Hawaiian Punch "fruit" punch from years gone by, like maybe from around sometime in the 1970s??

Found via:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/7/prweb413924.htm

It looks like it could be interesting:
http://www.themauivegetarian.com/

And *sigh* someday i hope to get to Maui...
Have any of you been there??

Peter went a couple of years back
and took this waterfall photo:




















Sweeeeeeeeeeet!

**************************************************

Thank you sincerely, from the heart, for all the comments on that last post. I am not a great athlete, tho i do try to do the work - and it's not easy - but i have had help! Among his myrid talents, my pal Peter is a personal trainer, and he has been very diligent and patient in showing, teaching and guiding me on what to do to get in shape - and how to stay that way...

****************************************************

CALLING ALL RABID RABBIT FANS, PLEASE HELP:
I'm looking for advice from any rabbit-knowledgeable peeps...
I'm adopting a neglected bunny this weekend from a friend's
daughter and I've never had a rabbit before, other than for a
couple of days, watching a friend's bunny, many years ago. Any
suggestions would be very much appreciated. And i sure hope
Mattie will get along with "Puff," whom she's met twice before.

**********************************************************
All i wanna know is, does this http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13921880/
mean Kid Rock's gonna go veg? Because i kinda like his music already...

Pammy's diary entry of 19 July interests me a lot more though...
http://pamelaanderson.com/diary.aspx?menuNo=3

And also from the wacky world of Hollywood (well, sorta),
here's a vegan version of "Pirates of the Caribbean"...
http://www.veganpirates.co.uk/

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Hope everyone, every one, has a safe and fun weekend!

ALOHA!!

Race night at Chollas Lake

No-frill hills killed, not "run-of-the-mill" / Tested my will, never time for a li'l chill / i had my fill and i'm no shill / But the race itself was truly a thrill.

Trust me, about 1/2 an hour before this photo was taken yesterday evening, i was hardly smiling!! I finished the evening 4-mile "fun run" (ha!) in just under 36 minutes, hardly my best time. Too much climbing up and through rock-filled meandering dirt trails for my spoiled (read: lazy!) taste.


Here's the place the "fun run" was held:
http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/chollas.shtml
as a part of this: http://www.sdtc.com/


Peter, of course, finished in 25 minutes. And that was "slow" for him, so he says. He's had a cold for the last week but you'd never know it... he was right up there with the fastest runners. I ambled in 10 minutes after he did, practially ready to upchuck the water i drank pre-race. Peter actually ran the last 1/2 mile or so with me, blistered left foot and all... He's such a great friend!

<---His parents (aren't they so cute?) went to the race as well and watched us (and the 100 or so others) run by a couple of times on the course. They had the girls (who got plenty of attention!) there with them... what the dogs are looking at in this photo might be some of the ducks and geese and squirrels at the "lake" in front of 'em! Chollas Lake is not a lake but rather a small San Diego reservoir, and it's actually quite nice.

Off to take the girls to the beach... Hope everyone is having a productive, fun and safe day...

Food Fibers

(I am a huge fan of Foo Fighters by the way!)

A few days ago i picked up a can of "Breeder's Choice" AvoDerm Vegetarian Dog Food:
http://www.breeders-choice.com/Dog_Products/avodermdog_veg.html#AvoVegetarianCan
in hopes that Mattie will eat that instead of the wet ALPO and other meat-based food to go along with her Royal Canin Vegetarian kibble.

While i don't think all dogs should necessarily eat vegetarian, because Mattie has tested high for cholesterol, i feed her as much veg stuff as i can as i think this will be better for her health... Now to see if she'll actually eat it!

And i also have not yet used the can of Evanger's Super Premium Canine/Feline Vegetarian Dinner that i brought back a couple months ago from Chicago:
http://www.evangersdogfood.com/dog/20101.html

They also make kosher dog food, which i brought a can back for Peter, tho he's neither Jewish nor does he keep kosher, but just because i found it interesting, to give to Heidi:
http://www.evangersdogfood.com/about/kosher.html

*************************************************

I got a press release this morning about this:
It reads thusly:

GOLDEN, Colo. – More people are treating their dogs like babies today. So, it’s only natural that someone has come out with a canine pacifier. The Kong Company, maker of the world famous Kong toy, has introduced the Puppy Kong Binkie. Shaped like a human pacifier, it’s sure to get four footed babies off to a good start in life.

The Puppy Kong Binkie is made from the exclusive Puppy Kong Rubber formula. Perfect for teething puppies, the Puppy Kong Binkie will sooth sore gums and encourage proper chewing habits. Most of all, the bouncy Puppy Kong Binkie is pure fun.

Puppy Kong Binkies are available in two sizes, small and medium, and are available in blue and pink.

The suggested retail price of the small Puppy Kong Binkie is $5.99-$6.99 and the suggested retail price of the medium Puppy Kong Binkie is $7.99-$8.99.

For more information, visit www.kongcompany.com

That's just way too much PR fluff for me to handle at the moment... But how about the photo of the beagle with the pacifier in his mouth? The expression on his face... the embarrassment of this all! That's just hilarious to look at; it's cracking me up.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I've only been able to take Mattie on short walks for a few weeks now 'cause it's been way too warm here, poor kid! She loves getting out on the trails and sniffing everything (and peeing everywhere). Unlike the dog characterized in this cartoon, she's not one to stick her head out the window when we're in the car but she loves going for rides... i don't think she's a computer fan so this would not appeal to her. But it is kinda funny, no?

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A couple of fun veggie quizzes, if you have a little bit of "thyme" on your hands...

http://www.vrg.org/game/
http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz.cfm?qid=194220

"Practice quizzes" on myriad food-related subjects, including vegetarian diets from the university that graduated one of my sisters:
http://www.cfs.purdue.edu/Class/F&n202/pracquiz.htm

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A good friend of mine from my younger days, Heidi, lives in Tucson, Ariz., and is a cat-rescuing, animal-loving vegan. She just pointed me over to an issue dealing with some show called "Mr. Meaty" on the cable TV network Nickelodeon. I don't watch TV but the show's premise seems quite unhealthy in many aspects ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Meaty ).

And if you are so inclined to "stop Mr. Meaty" at/on Nickelodeon ( http://www.nick.com/ ), feel free to stop by here:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/464719668

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And one thing i truly dread starts tomorrow:
http://www.dmtc.com/
I will, at times this summer, be asked to read and edit copy on this "sport" and it's just so depressing... the only thing worse is having to read and edit copy on fishing, hunting and rodeos. I do love journalism and i do love my career, but my job's not always easy to reconcile with my core beliefs.

I One Girl = Religion

(I do so love anagrams!)

Short quiz:
Who says: "Love is my religion." ?

Why, Ziggy Marley, of course. Wait'll you see what else he has to say....

OK, so Dave, one of my friends from childhood (actually my first "crush," from third grade! -- HI DAVID!) in Illinois, a super cool guy who lives in the Chicago suburbs, named his daughter Marley after Ziggy's dad. Dave's taken his daughter (now 11) to zillions of Ziggy's shows, and perhaps I'm just now beginning to understand why...
<---- That's Marley & me (yes, i want to read the book!) last year above awesome tide pools in Point Loma. She and Dave came out for a visit to celebrate Dave's parents' 50th wedding anniversary, which they flew out from Chicago to celebrate in San Diego. I gave Dave and Marley a super fast and frenzied tour of San Diego; all that i could fit in, in about a half a day. It was crazy but very fun!

I honestly am embarrassingly ignorant and absolutely clueless about his music (less so his father, Bob's), but after reading the following link, i think i can pretty much support and i already now have officially begun to embrace this guy!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060716/en_afp/afpentertainmentmusicreggaefrance_060716025231

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And a good read about the caring diet of some practicing SdAs:

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/573916/diet_message_registering_with_adventistsa_healthy_way_of_life/index.html?source=r_health

Cartoons and car tunes

A child of the 1970s, i used to watch Saturday morning cartoons - Scooby-Doo, the Jetsons, all the Krofft shows http://thehub.capcollege.bc.ca/~sstubbs/krofftsite/index.html ... A few weeks ago i got a promo copy of the best of Saturday Night Live's "TV FunHouse." I don't get stations on my television, and rarely watch DVDs, but this is one i'm sure i'll enjoy. Back in the day, i used to watch SNL and know about the cartoons by Robert Smigel. He's brilliant!

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Check this out!!! It would seem they know their vegetarian stuff in China!
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/citylife/2006-07/14/content_641095.htm

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Most of you know i try to stay active, and i'm always interested in "real" athletes and their diets. This is a brilliant place to find out about some special veg*n athletes, including a couple of my faves (Brendan Brazier and Scott Jurek)!

http://www.vegforlife.org/athletes.htm

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Vicki of http://vegetarianfamily.blogspot.com/ and her husband, quite the knowledgeable musician (to put it mildly), gave me a couple of CDs when they were here, including this one:

http://www.40watthype.com/

Thanks, Art and Vicki! I'm gonna give it a listen this weekend. Can't wait!

Torrey pines

This past week i spent four days roaming several golf courses to cover a sports event. One of the sites was the Torrey Pines Golf Course, which boasts breathtaking ocean views, hawks and rabbits, butterflies and snakes, et cetera. But i also *heart* the magnificent Torrey pines. I snapped this photograph while out on the TP course, in between some par-4 and par-5 holes. Truly stunning.

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Looks as though in all my busy-ness, somehow, some way during the past week, i missed being aware of a bare-ly noticed local story:

http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=C5B1BD1C-2B62-409A-87F8-8FB73B5494F2&rss=local

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060713/ids_photos_ts/r2398546726.jpg

Oy.
Oy.
Oy.

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Peter's dad lookin' spiffy at age 86, with Mattie --->
circa Independence Day in the U.S.A., in front of the family home. I see this photo and suddenly John Mellencamp's "Ain't that America?" goes through the synapses and dendrites...

By the way, Heidi is doing MUCH better. Thank you all for caring and sharing your thoughts and prayers. As i have been, Peter as well is totally touched by the outpouring of love and good thoughts from the blogging world/my friends!

*HUGS* and hope the weekend is wonderful for you...

Beach Baby, Beach Baby, give me your hand...

"It was a dark and stormy night..." (Yes, i'm in touch with my inner Snoopy)

It was getting dark (not at all stormy) by the time we reached the beach Tuesday evening, but Art snapped a photo with the ocean (Pacific Beach) behind us. I loved hearing them talk about when they lived in PB! It turns out we were almost neighbors when they lived here; such a small world. A truly magical team, those two (& their whole family). Again, Vicki is super cool - even more beautiful in person than you can imagine or feel/see "online." Believe it!

I am insanely busy out in the field these days... (emphasis on insane!) Hope everyone's having a peaceful, safe and healthy week.

A couple of sites for animal louvres...

In Defense of Animals of San Rafael, Calif., is quite an organization.
Here's an interesting read via IDA about feeding the dog when yer on the run (also contains good info for "cat peeps" as well!):
http://www.idausa.org/askjan/askjan_060712.html

And one more animal place i love is... well... it's called Animal Place. It's also in California (Vacaville). In the immortal words of Joe Walsh, "ain't never been there, they tell me it's nice..." Someday, i'll go! Till then, i enjoy their virtual tour/gallery. Let me know what you think, please!
http://www.animalplace.org/virtualtour.html

Meet & Greet

As if you all didn't already know,
<-----Vicki
( http://vegetarianfamily.blogspot.com/ )
is so awesome!

She and her fabulous husband met me 'n' Mat at SIPZ for dinner (delish!) and then we went down to the Pacific, not far from where she once lived. Art snapped this photo, capturing our emotions perfectly.

I can't say enough about the time we shared. Memorable! Wonderful! Non-stop talking and sharing! Laughter! I am so thankful they took time out to spend time with me. It's so cool. They are so cool. For two peeps i had never met in person before, i can't believe how fortunate i am that my path crossed theirs in this crazy mixed-up ol' world!

I had the longest day working and dealing with Heidi's (who is on the road to recovery, thanks to all of your positive thoughts) health, but I would do it all again for the opportunity to hang out with such a fantastic couple.

More soon!

Think good thoughts...

<---- The dear rescued elderly sweet yellow Labrador retriever Heidi, shown here with her buddy, my little Mattie, is at the emergency vet clinic with Peter tonight.

She hasn't been doing well the last few days and needless to say, i'm very concerned! Mat and i visited her today while her dad was at work and tonight she's getting some tests done.

I am waiting on proverbial pins & needles to hear how things are going for Mattie's best friend.

Gotta good scents o'humour?

If you like animals and like to giggle some:
http://www.t-shirthumor.com/Merchant2/anim.html
(please note a handful might be considered a bit risque...)
A few of the less ribald:

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Here's a wry cartoon from VeganStreet.com featuring 3 characters that in reality would never be together anywhere:

http://www.veganstreet.com/funhouse/favs02.html

(Be sure to read the disclaimer: http://www.veganstreet.com/funhouse/favsdisclaimer.html )

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Wishing everyone a happy, healthy week!

The fish is back

Hi friends! *HUGS* any visitors here...

Oy, this Piscean's been insanely busy this past week with work, writing and editing for three publications, which will be more of the same this upcoming week, while trying to weather the regular storms of life as per usual!

I am missing all of you!!! Trying to get around to say hello to my blogging buddies today and tomorrow!

Hope this week/this month's been very,very good to all of you and yours...

The Wyland dress:












That photo was taken next to the family's bird bath out by the ol' swimmin' hole (their pool) by my mom (below, smelling a flower at that darned Fair) in my parents' backyard.















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Awwwwwwwwwww... click on the link to see
a cute vegetarian who's celebrating a birthday!
(Now if we could only get him out of captivity...)

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060708/COMMUNITY/607080694

Cuteness (OK, i know i'm biased!) & compassion

Our Sunday at the "Dog Beach" in Coronado:

Yes, Mat got a little wet!


A beachin' trio before we started a round of horseshoes. (The only kind of horseshoes i believe in, by the way!)
The pair of peaceful and playful pals (preparing in the a.m. for a p.m. at the Pacific) strike a prolific pose at Peter's parents' pad...

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And deep appreciation and a round of applause for this New Delhi hospital:

http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/557837/new_delhi_hospital_cares_for_injured_birds/index.html?source=r_science

Man (and woman), how I love and respect compassionate peeps!!

Something to Bragg about

I use Bragg's Liquid Aminos almost all the time when i cook savory foods, especially tofu and veggie stir frys. I prefer it to soy sauce. Does anyone else use it? It seems that the health benefits are for real. I like the taste! They also make an apple cider vinegar and i have some at home but i have not been brave enough to try it (yet!). Anybody use the Bragg's vinegar?

For those who haven't tried Bragg's yet (or even if you have) check out this link for some free samples and a newsletter:

http://www.bragg.com/aboutbragg/sampleO.html

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Below is my fave editor (second to right) Debra, sandwiched by
one of her girl friends and Deb's beau, and of course Peter and i
on the left there. This was before the Goo Goo Dolls/Counting
Crows concert. Good times...

Musical cheers

<---- So there's the photo of me 'n' Rick Springfield backstage. Some nice guy who works for that Fair took it and e-mailed it to me yesterday. Notice the shirt i'm wearin'! It's the "Vegetarians Taste Better" shirt. HA! Ol' Rick's on the phone with a good friend of mine who lives in Connecticut. I called her and kept my phone on for her to hear the concert and she was still on with me when i snuck backstage, so there ya go... It was fun getting to talk to him and get a hug from him.

I've been busy (read: exhausted!) driving in the heat, interviewing peeps and writing stories the last few days. Fortunately, i've also had a couple nights off to play a little. Thanks so much everyone for posting a note to say hello here... I have missed seeing what you have to say on your blogs. I've been playing catch-up tonight and will do more of that tomorrow...

My fave editor and i had a superb lunch at SIPZ, the vegan/vegetarian restaurant that i rave about (ad nauseum, sorry)... and what a sweetie, she gave me two tix to see/hear The Goo Goo Dolls and Counting Crows later Thursday night. So Peter and i went and enjoyed. Fun show, tho neither of us are huge fans of either band! Going to hear live music is never a bad thing.

Friday i gave blood (anyone else out there A+ blood type?!) for a blood drive that was being held by the San Diego Padres baseball team. They had some vegan options to snack on afterward, which was both surprising and very nice. I was happy to see my iron count was high enough to be allowed to give blood! I'd been concerned since i have been turned down twice in the last few years for low iron. But i've been loading my diet with iron-rich foods in preparation for the bloodletting. :o)

And then in an act of spontaneity, i went with Peter about 50 miles north and east to a Native American casino to hear and see and get moved by and move to the beat of another Peter... Peter Cetera, soulful singer and bass player extraordinaire, one time quite renowned as a member of the band Chicago. Solo for quite some time now, he was even better than i remembered him with the band. He sang and played guitar with an orchestra last night.

It was an unbelievably fantastic show, outside at night in perfect-temperature weather... My pal Peter and i talked to one of the orchestra members after the show, a trumpet player, and he was telling us how all the musicians are freelancers... they just met at the show, practiced a bit and then played. We couldn't believe it. They were tight!

Peter Cetera still looks and sounds tres magnifique at age 62 (ohmygosh, how did that happen?!) I think this photo is of him and his dog. Cute!