Hallelujah!!

Okay, more and more studies are rolling in, indicating some positive health outcomes for those who drink black coffee regularly, enjoy a bit of red wine, and (my personal favorite), ingest dark chocolate. But this...well, this just makes me break into a huge grin. In addition to the antioxidants, chocolate lovers may actually be fending off fat? Oh, how I love when a vice does me right!

Ammonium-Hydroxide + Beef = Pink Slime

I never imagined seeing the words "pink slime" mentioned this many times in a news article. Isn't that a phrase for sci-fi books only?

Turn. It. Up.

I'm not usually a Braggy McBragster type but I've been known to brag my face off when it comes to a good playlist. I can't help it. Some of you have unknowingly encouraged me. Anyway, considering that we are in the midst of some beautiful spring weather here in 'sconsin, this can only mean one thing for me: The Rolling Stones, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams among many, many others to be played really, really loudly in the car, at home, wherever. Yes, indeed, it's time to get the Sunny Day/Road Tripping/Cleaning the House with the Windows Open/Baking a Vegan Pie (yeah, maybe not so much that last one but that's what I happen to be doing at the moment) playlist going. I thought I would share the abbreviated version:

Street Fighting Man - The Rolling Stones

Feel Alright - Steve Earle

Blue Sky - The Allman Brothers Band (I know, I can't believe I've got them listed either but I do like this one.)

Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival

My Sharona - The Knack

Metal Firecracker - Lucinda Williams

Little Plastic Castle - Ani DiFranco

The Littlest Birds - The Be Good Tanyas

I know What I Know - Paul Simon

Wouldn't It Be Nice - The Beach Boys

Paperback Writer - The Beatles

Hesitating Beauty - Billy Bragg & Wilco

Mr. Music - Dave Moore

History of Lovers - Iron & Wine

Twice as Hard - The Black Crowes

Stickshifts and Safety Belts - Cake

Little White Dove - Jess Klein

Jackson - Johnny Cash/June Carter Cash

A Little Bit Lonesome - Kasey Chambers

The Ballad of John and Yoko - The Beatles

Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones

Sick of Myself - Matthew Sweet

Nobody's Baby - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Gotta Be Better - Shelby Lynn

Here Comes My Baby - Cat Stevens

Beautiful Day - Chris Isaak

Now go dance your heinies off. Or eat pie with me. I promise you it will be good.

Oops

I typically don't like to spew my anger about something without looking at possible solutions to the problem. However, that's exactly what I did in last week's elephant post. Sorry. I couldn't help it. My blood boils anytime I read about violence towards a defenseless creature, especially when people try to rationalize these behaviors based on "needs," the greatest "need" which seems to be one's compulsion to consume. For example, our urban sprawl constantly upsets ecosystems; yet we want to punish those animals that naturally react to our invasion. We buy products without thinking where they come from and who or what may be getting hurt in the process. No longer a necessity for most, some of us now deem hunting only a sport, a "sport" that (at least in Wisconsin) can involve a lot of drinking and a ghastly level of bloodthirsty aggression toward animals.

In an age when anyone can do a two minute internet search and instantaneously learn about the torture some animals must endure to fill our bellies or adorn our homes and bodies, it blows my mind that the demand for things like shark fin soup and ivory only increases. But again, what's the point of getting all rant-y and rave-y if I'm not going to provide some solutions?

Well, you may be shocked to learn that I don't actually have the answers to it all. (I know, I know.) However, I don't think we can underestimate the power of spreading awareness. I mean, who has actually watched Food Inc. and continued buying meat in the same way at the local supermarket? Who has continued feeding their children chicken nuggets after watching this link about Jamie Oliver's food education "failure"? And check out some of WildAid's public service announcements. Although I don't know much about this organization, I respect their simple, yet strong message: "When the buying stops, the killing can, too." And did they really get Peter Benchley to speak in defense of sharks? Sweet!

I am also impressed that according to their website, WildAid is able to funnel 100% (!) of their donations to the field. And when it's 100%, a few of us giving five dollars here and there suddenly seems like it could actually make an impact. That five dollars I might spend on a coffee and a scone (that I don't need anyway; see previous "Lessons Learned" post) could go toward protecting all sorts of amazing creatures.

Whole different kind of "lesson learned".

Ivory Looks Best Worn on its Owners

That these majestic creatures are being killed for their "artifacts" makes me absolutely sick and question the hearts of some human beings. To know that the demand is only growing is absolutely heart wrenching. According to WildAid, the number of elephants killed is now at 35,000 a year. These are animals that are known to go into great mourning when a member of their family dies. This happens for no good reason at least 35,000 times a year. And let's not also forget about the rhinos (which are endangered!) that are being poached for the same exact reason. All of this so somebody can decorate his house with collectibles or so she can adorn her body with jewelry. Disgusting.