It's been awhile, sorry.  While I've been ignoring this blog, I've been watching a fight brew in a chat I visit.  The issue is animal adoption.  One of the people involved is choosing to buy a dog from a breeder.  The other person is a staunch animal rights activist and has taken to berating her openly  and is actively recruiting others to harass her.  He even started a chain email to petition her to get an animal from the local pound.  This has been going on for almost two weeks now.  It's gotten to the point where I think the animal rights activist has been banned from the chat.

Personally, I cannot understand how someone would buy a pet when there are so many animals in shelters, especially today when many people are giving up their companion animals because of financial issues.  And yet, it is very common.  My cousin bought himself a boxer last year, and a co-worker is getting herself an English Bulldog.  Both of them have purchased their animals from breeders.  I tried to dissuade them, but they both had their minds made up, and nothing I said had any influence.  I even sent them links to websites for rescues for the breeds they were looking for.  Also, it's not uncommon to find specific breeds at local animal shelters today.  But my money is still on the mutts.

Regardless of how you feel however, if someone wants to buy a companion animal, they currently have that right.  So I find myself in the interesting position of siding with the person who bought her dog, even though I think what she is doing is morally wrong.  But her antagonist is really out there.  The most bizarre thing about all this is that they live on different continents.  It almost  seems like he is venting all his frustrations at her because she is so far away and can't really retaliate.  Regardless, it is her choice.  It is still very legal in this country to breed and sell animals.   His behavior is alienating others on the board who might otherwise be on his "side."  This chat has nothing to do with animal rights or veganism.

Having said all that, if you are considering getting a pet in the near future, please look to your local animal shelters.  There are so many wonderful animals in need of a good home.  Petfinder, which is an on-line, searchable database of animals that need homes, has animals all across North America.   Be aware that each shelter has their own set of fees and requirements for adoptees.

Jane and I went to see Food Inc. in June (here's our review in case you missed it).  Many of you emailed us and expressed interest in the movie, but it had a limited run and so you may not have had the opportunity to even get to a theater to see the movie.  But now you can pre-order from Amazon.  The movie will be released on November 3rd, 2009.  It will change the way you think about food!

UPDATE: CLICK HERE to reserve your very own copy of Food, Inc. now:

Recently we had the opportunity to try some of the Vega line of products.

Specifically, we tried the Whole Food Health Optimizer, the Whole Food Smoothie Infusion, and the Antioxidant EFA (essential fatty acid) Oil Blend.

The Whole Food Smoothie Infusion is a high quality protein powder that also provides fiber and Omega 3 EFAs.  I added it to my morning shake, in place of the protein powder I usually use.  It had a pleasant taste and the added benefit of the fiber and EFAs which I wasn't getting in the hemp powder I've been using.  So, as soon as I finish my stash, this is my new protein powder.

The Whole Food Smoothie Infusion is a great product to take on the road with you.  All you need to do is add water and you have a vegan meal replacement.  Personally, I thought they were a bit on the sweet side, but Jane loved them.  She especially liked the chai flavor blended with ice to make a nice summer concoction.  You can also add the smoothie infusion to the fruit based smoothie of your choice.  They also provide you with a few recipes.

The Antioxidant EFA Oil blend makes a good salad dressing.  We found it to have a slightly nutty taste which is a nice change from the extra virgin olive oil Jane usually uses.

Overall, we feel these are high quality products that are a welcome addition to our pantry.

Yesterday, Jane and I were in the Little Tokyo section of Los Angeles at the Gyoza Eating Competition.  Gyoza, if you don't already know, are Japanese dumplings.  They are usually vegetable or pork based, but I think I heard the commentator mention something about vegetables.

So here's a little known tidbit about me.  I cannot tear myself away from the television when Food Network, or one of the Discovery channels is airing something about competitive eating.  No, I have no interest in putting my skills to the test.  Actually, I have no idea how these people can actually eat this quantity of food in the period of time allotted. (Someone actually ate 8 pounds of mayonnaise in 10 minutes, and Sonya "The Black Widow" choked down 552 oysters in 10 minutes!)  Regardless of the foods they're eating, I am mesmerized.  I liken it to a car crash.  Most people can't look away.  Competitive eating is my car crash, I have to watch.

Joey Chestnut, one of the more famous competitive eaters on the circuit, was the star of the show.  He was trying to break his previous record of 231 Gyoza in 10 minutes.  Unfortunately for him, he started having some real trouble around minute 7, and only managed a paltry 181 Gyoza.  But hey, it was enough to win the competition.

Here's some footage of his technique.  Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, the reigning hot dog eating champion,  is the left most male competitor (top row).  Jaws ate 68 Nathans dogs this past 4th of July beating out Kobayashi for a third straight year.  No, the hot dogs are not vegan.  Regardless, vegan or otherwise, who in their right mind is choking down 68 hot dogs in 10 minutes?!  The guy on the right in the blue baseball cap was disqualified.  He hurled.  (No it's not on the video!)   And the amateur eaters are in the bottom row.  If you compare their techniques, you can definitely tell who trains for this event!