July 3rd, 2008

You: Today, I’d like to finish up what we started last week – discussing the nutritional concerns and benefits of a vegetarian diet. We finished last week on the subject of protein, from there we move on to Iron.

You: Vegetarian diets typically contain similar levels of iron to non-vegetarian diets but this has lower bioavailability than iron from meat sources, and its absorption can be inhibited by other dietary constituents.

You: Vegetarian foods rich in iron include black beans, cashews, kidney beans, lentils, oatmeal, raisins, black-eyed peas, soybeans, many breakfast cereals, sunflower seeds, chickpeas, veggie burgers, tomato juice, tempeh, molasses, and whole-wheat bread. Vegan diets are usually higher in iron than vegetarian diets because dairy products are low in iron.

You: Any other 'favorite' sources of Iron?

sirhc DeSantis: kale?

Jana Kyomoon: guiness LOL

Lori Kohl: lol

Thomas Sadoul laughs

sirhc DeSantis: well yeah that too

Compulse Beck: hehe

You: Iron stores are lower in vegetarians than non-vegetarians and iron deficiency is thus more common in vegetarian and vegan women and children (adult males are rarely iron deficient), but iron deficiency anemia is rare.

Jana Kyomoon: lots and lots of greens the darker the better

You: yes, and they don't come much darker than spinach, I know.

Lori Kohl: vitamin pills with iron

Bonnie Diggs: agree lori

You: yes.

You: OK..another concern to most everybody..especially young and then older is calcium

You: Calcium intake in vegetarians is similar to non-vegetarians. Some impaired bone mineralization has been attached to Vegans who don't consume enough leafy greens, which are sources of abundant calcium. However, this is not found in vegetarians

You: of course if one is vegan and has eliminated dairy products...then you're likely also looking for other supplements.

sirhc DeSantis: not really

Bonnie Diggs: thomas ... why would vegans not consume sufficient leafy greens?

sirhc DeSantis: don't know whats in them - gelatine for example

sirhc DeSantis: because we are as lazy as anyone else

Thomas Sadoul laughs

sirhc DeSantis: no time to cook

Lori Kohl: I s gelatin bad for you?

sirhc DeSantis: its animal derived

Jana Kyomoon: it is form cow bones

You: could be.. I was just thinking that as a vegetarian, I often find myself grabbing cheese to snack on.

Lori Kohl: ewww

Lori Kohl: I didn't know that

Jana Kyomoon: it is the jelly

Jana Kyomoon: gelly . .

Jana Kyomoon: in the bones

Compulse Beck: I always thought it was made from horse hooves

sirhc DeSantis: sometimes

sirhc DeSantis: depends on what the slaughter houses are processing

Compulse Beck: ahh

Lori Kohl: Jello is made from a derivitive of cow bones?

Jana Kyomoon: it definitely used to be

Lori Kohl: it's the same gelatin?

sirhc DeSantis: it is

Jana Kyomoon: but recently they have been using a vgetarian product

sirhc DeSantis: agar agar among them

Jana Kyomoon: you have to be very careful to look @ the ingredients

Lori Kohl: ooh that's better I hope they arereally using a veggie product

Lori Kohl: goodpoint Jana

Jana Kyomoon: they put so many vitimans etc in a gelatin caplet

sirhc DeSantis: agar is - condensed seawater from what i can make out

You: hmm..that's true Jana

You: I guess somewhat related to calcium...at least from so many peoples view is vitamin D

You: Vitamin D levels do not appear to be lower in vegetarians (although studies have shown that much of the general population is deficient). Vitamin D needs can be met via the human body's own generation upon sufficient and sensible UV sun exposure.

Bonnie Diggs: From Google: Gelatin is a protein produced by partial hydrolysis of collagen extracted from the bones, connective tissues, organs, and some intestines of animals such as the domesticated cattle, and horses.

sirhc DeSantis: that can be a problem here in the north

You: Thanks Bonnie...that pretty much covers it.

You: Vitamin D, Sirhc?

sirhc DeSantis: yes

Lori Kohl: it's a protein

Lori Kohl: Thanks Bonnie

sirhc DeSantis: i try to be outside for 30 minutes a day even in dead midwinter

Thomas Sadoul smiles...I have no problem getting enough sunlight down here

Bonnie Diggs: sirhc - it is hard not to be outside 30 minutes a day! lol

Compulse Beck: I'm so pale, if I went outside at noon sharp I would cause a infernal reaction that would backfire and blow up the sun

sirhc DeSantis: its ok with plenty of snow - seems t oincrease the level

You:

You: Products including milk, soy milk and cereal grains may be fortified to provide a good source of Vitamin D and mushrooms provide over 2700 IU per serving (approx. 3 oz or 1/2 cup) of vitamin D2, if exposed to just 5 minutes of UV light after being harvested. For those who don't get adequate sun exposure and/or food sources, Vitamin D supplementation may be necessary.

Compulse Beck: But I take a good dose of vit D each week in pill form

You: I was actually surprised to learn that it could be a concern....I guess I always drank so much 'fortified' milk and was out in the sun long enough to never give it a second thought.

You: So, I know vegetarians sometimes make this choice for 'health' reasons...or that my friends thought I did for those reasons....leading to a the subject of longevity.

You: A 1999 metastudy compared six major studies from western countries. The study found that the mortality ratio was the lowest in fish eaters (0.82) followed by vegetarians (0.84) and occasional meat eaters (0.84), and was then followed by regular meat eaters (1.0) and vegan (1.0). When the study made its best estimate of mortality ratio with confounding factors considered the mortality ratio for vegetarians was found to be (0.94).

sirhc DeSantis: ah yes - are we experimenting too much

You: experimenting?

sirhc DeSantis: with our health

Jana Kyomoon: yes i agree . .now everyone is an expert

Jana Kyomoon: mainly due to the internet

You: oh, true...or just not able to keep up with everything we put into our bodies.

sirhc DeSantis: vegan was that bad?

Jana Kyomoon: every week someone is telling me some new diet or supplement

Bonnie Diggs: Thomas from what you said then we should be fish eaters?

Lori Kohl: I love fish

You: well, that was one study that is looking only at longevity.

Lori Kohl: fish oil is good for you.

sirhc DeSantis: you mean every vegan will die lol

Lori Kohl: haha!

You: If you have other reasons driving you then it might not be enough to convince you to eat fish

Thomas Sadoul laughs

Lori Kohl: should have a fish oil caplet once in a while maybewith gelatin in it lol

sirhc DeSantis: you see my point

You: In "Mortality in British vegetarians", it was concluded that "British vegetarians have low mortality compared with the general population. Their death rates are similar to those of comparable non-vegetarians, suggesting that much of this benefit may be attributed to non-dietary lifestyle factors such as a low prevalence of smoking and a generally high socio-economic status, or to aspects of the diet other than the avoidance of meat and fish."

Lori Kohl: hi Saraya

sirhc DeSantis: hi saraya

Saraya Nightfire: hi, sorry for being late )) dont let me disrupt )

Thomas Sadoul smiles at Saraya ...welcome

Lori Kohl: happy you're here

Mysha Milland is Online

Saraya Nightfire: ty )

Lori Kohl: yvw

Bonnie Diggs: but thomas that study did not compare vegetarians to fish eaters - just to the general population.

Bonnie Diggs: I still say fish is good.

Lori Kohl: vegetarians came in 2nd in longevity.

You: What I got from that study was that the other factors were much more important in longevity than the diet as long as it was a nutricious diet.

Lori Kohl: vegans last

Jana Kyomoon: i think u have to go with a diet that makes u feel good .. i have been veggie 4 23 years and no problems . .most of the time vegan

sirhc DeSantis: well thats my goose cooked - as it were

Thomas Sadoul laughs

Lori Kohl: cooked goose! you? lol

sirhc DeSantis: i have done yes

Bonnie Diggs: lol sirhc

Lori Kohl: lol

You: Statistical studies, such as comparing life expectancy with regional areas and local diets in Europe also have found life expectancy considerably greater in southern France, where a low meat, high plant Mediterranean diet is common, than northern France, where a diet with high meat content is more common.

Chat Range: Jovial Denimore [13m]

Jana Kyomoon: and don't forget the wine and olive oil!

You: yes

Lori Kohl: yes!

sirhc DeSantis: switched to olive oil years back

Lori Kohl: me too

You: ...I just can't figure out why they have to put bones in wine either...*shrugs*

Bonnie Diggs: so thomas you assume that "meat" includes fish?

Lori Kohl: andsometiems Canola oil

Jana Kyomoon: and fish too thomas

Bonnie Diggs: I am so partial to salmon... and veggies

Bonnie Diggs: ?

sirhc DeSantis: canola is alll gmo here

You: I still do, yes, Bonnie.

Bonnie Diggs: We have to check - because I think when they are talking about "meat" it is beef, pork, lamb and chicken.

You: And of course there are so many ways to analyze things but most all of those show that a vegetarian diet is not less healthy, and often more healthy than a non-vegetarian diet..

You: and diet choices are often made for other reasons besides nutritioin.

sirhc DeSantis: yes

Bonnie Diggs: I have not seen proof of that Thomas.

sirhc DeSantis: i've been inside slaughterhouses

You: You don't see proof that a vegetarian diet is as healthy as one without meat?

sirhc DeSantis: proof enough for me

Lori Kohl: me too

Bonnie Diggs: Meat meaning fish?

sirhc DeSantis: ever seen a facory ship?

Mysha Milland: A lot of vegetarioans are so because of ethical reasons, and any sentient being that we eat would be considered meat, a word used as a substitute and distraction from the actual once living creature

sirhc DeSantis: factory*

Lori Kohl: no what is that?

You: yes...and I know you're looking at the nutritional benefits pointed out about fish...

Lori Kohl: factory ship?

Bonnie Diggs: mysha agree with that point

sirhc DeSantis: its massive trawl nets and live processing of the catch until the hold is full

You: but we are rapicly depleting the oceans too.

Bonnie Diggs: but thomas was talking about health

Lori Kohl: I eat fish.

sirhc DeSantis: mental health too

Lori Kohl: From the study you reported on Thomas.. fish is good for you.

Bonnie Diggs: I think fish is very healthy.

Bonnie Diggs: and superior to veggies alone.

Jana Kyomoon: not when you've seen it glow in the dark

Lori Kohl: live porcessing? like cleaning teh fish on the ship?

You: Yes, it is good for you.

You: it is an easier way to get what your body does need.

Lori Kohl: glow in the dark!?

sirhc DeSantis: yes cleaning - gutting, scaling, picking out the dolphins

Saraya Nightfire: um, i wouldnt say its 'superior' to veggies alone. It really depends on the quality of the veggie diet

You: so, nutritionally, you are correct Bonnie.

Bonnie Diggs: farmed fish is out of the question ... except for some varieties

Jana Kyomoon: glow in the dark from radiation

sirhc DeSantis: well i do that

Lori Kohl: that's contaminated

Jana Kyomoon: really witnessed it in a cat dish

You: really?

Lori Kohl: poor cat

Bonnie Diggs: Jana - you eat cat? lol

Mysha Milland: Its interesting that we consider and give thought to whether any animals are healthy to eat.

Jana Kyomoon: i eat nothing that had eyes or a parent

sirhc DeSantis: my free range bantams were

Bonnie Diggs: sirhc - agree

Lori Kohl: I agree Saraya... the quality of the veggie diet deternmines if it's as good or better than veggie with fish diet

Bonnie Diggs: good life and a clean kill

sirhc DeSantis: and the geese i brought down on the estate

Jana Kyomoon: but that is only mY desicion because it works 4 me

Mysha Milland smiles

Lori Kohl: but Thomas gave info from a study... don't know which study but it said longer life

You: Ok..now on to Food Safety

Lori Kohl: get off me ass****

Close Range: kayden Zapatero [22m]

Bonnie Diggs: Thomas ... you give up then? lol

Lori Kohl: It said longer life spans belonged to ppl that ate fish.

Lori Kohl: 2nd longestwasvegetarians.

Bonnie Diggs: lori - agree

You: No, I am happy to put the discussion out there.

sirhc DeSantis: ever seen a six foot tapeworm?

Bonnie Diggs: but on to food safety

Lori Kohl: omg that's too fross tothink about

You: I still feel that yes, nutrition has to be watched and maybe somethings are easier one way but we make choices on our values.

Lori Kohl: gross*

Bonnie Diggs: sirhc - do you saute them?

Jana Kyomoon: oh please . . .

Lori Kohl: -giggles-

Thomas Sadoul laughs...not tape worms but E. coli

CallieDel Boa is Offline

sirhc DeSantis: hahaha - no it was a fish market in Japan

Bonnie Diggs: I believe it sirhc

Lori Kohl: tapeworm was in the fish

sirhc DeSantis: beautiful looking tuna - riddled with them

Lori Kohl: poor fish

You: Vegetarianism is believed to reduce E. coli infections, and proponents point to the link between E.coli contaminations in food and industrial scale meat and dairy farms. The most recent E. coli outbreak in North America has once again demonstrated this link because the source of this E. coli was traced back to "a large ranch in the Salinas Valley that has a beef cattle operation" about a half-mile from the spinach fields where spinach became contaminated.

You: enough fish already

Bonnie Diggs: let us talk tomatoes

sirhc DeSantis: yeah that was scary

Bonnie Diggs: still a problem in NY City I understand

sirhc DeSantis: what still?

You: but the Tomato scare now is not E.Coli

Bonnie Diggs: but unhealthy - very much so

Absinthe Seurat is Offline

You: yes, Salmonella (spelling) does happen quite often...too much but not only to vegetables.

You: It seems that vegetables quite often get the rap for E.Coli when they are the victim and not the culprit.

Bonnie Diggs: My stores have pulled most tomatoes off the shelves? spinach - then tomatoes - then ?

You: but the big spinach scare was E. Coli...completely different.

Lori Kohl: The news reports said our tomatoes are ok

sirhc DeSantis: we have a potential disater here with pig farm runoff

Bonnie Diggs: they are not

Lori Kohl: (I like this song that's playing)

You: There are several variants of E. coli and they can be found in a healthy human gut, but the deadly strain, O157:H7 was virtually unheard of until the 1980s. It is believed that this strain evolved in the digestive system of grain fed cattle on large industrial farms. On these farms, grain is used as cattle feed because it is nutrient-packed and increases efficiency. A side effect of feeding grain to cattle is that it increases the acidity of their stomach — and it is in this acidic gut that the deadly O157:H7 thrives.

Bonnie Diggs: they said that and then said - oh but people are still getting sick in the city - even with the smaller varieties.

You: E. Coli can be still acquired from any excrement-contaminated food or human commensal bacteria. The recent case of spinach and onions with E. Coli contamination in the U.S. shows that vegetarian foods are also susceptible to food safety concerns

sirhc DeSantis: onions?

Bonnie Diggs: maybe not E.Coli - but if you ill, what difference does it make?

Lori Kohl: what should cattle eat? vegetables instead probably.

Lori Kohl: grass

sirhc DeSantis: cattle graze

Bonnie Diggs: backspacing

Bonnie Diggs: cattle can eat dead diseased meat? right?

Bonnie Diggs: or pigs

sirhc DeSantis: you know i can't give blood because of the bse thing?

Bonnie Diggs: cattle are not just fed grain and grass

sirhc DeSantis: yeah processed sheep

sirhc DeSantis: well they were

Lori Kohl: what's the bse thing?

You: but why should the Bonnie? of course they eat what we give them...but that is not their diet...it is just to fatten them up to be processed.

Bonnie Diggs: exactly

Lori Kohl: That's terrible

sirhc DeSantis: bovine spongieform encepuilitis

Jana Kyomoon: gotta run folks . .great chatting thanks

You: In 2005, some people who had consumed branded triple-washed, pre-packaged lettuce were infected with E.Coli, and in 2007, branded lettuce salad were recalled after they were found to be contaminated by E.Coli In fact E. coli outbreaks have also involved unpasteurized apple and orange juice, milk, alfalfa sprouts, and even water.

Bonnie Diggs: and if y ou don't eat meat then there is no worry

Lori Kohl: thanks sirhc

Saraya Nightfire: bye Jana, bright blessings )

Bonnie Diggs: back to the fish thomas

sirhc DeSantis: mad cow disease

You: yes, it is quite often runoff from ranches and factory farms that is contaminating vegetables, Bonnie, so it is a concern.

sirhc DeSantis: alfalfa sprouts - i avoid

You: In 2005, some people who had consumed branded triple-washed, pre-packaged lettuce were infected with E.Coli, and in 2007, branded lettuce salad were recalled after they were found to be contaminated by E.Coli In fact E. coli outbreaks have also involved unpasteurized apple and orange juice, milk, alfalfa sprouts, and even water.

Bonnie Diggs: yes I realize that thomas

Bonnie Diggs: runoff!

Lori Kohl: I used to eatc bean sprouts but not now after hearing about ecoli in some sprouts

Lori Kohl: eat*

Saraya Nightfire: this is scarey. I never realised E.Coli infected fruit and veg so frequently

sirhc DeSantis: i sometimes grow them at home

Lori Kohl: It's good to walways wash your fruits and vegies I do

Bonnie Diggs: sirhc - I am impressed

Lori Kohl: always*

sirhc DeSantis: its easy

Lori Kohl: me too sirhc

Lori Kohl: impressed..

Lori Kohl: Idon't grow sprouts

Bonnie Diggs: lol lori

Lori Kohl: lol

Bonnie Diggs: me either

Mysha Milland: Bell peppers, apples, peaches and strawberries are the top foru veggies that hold the most pesticides

Mysha Milland: & fruit*

Lori Kohl: ooh those are so deilcious

Thomas Sadoul smiles me too..I see my neighbors spraying their gardens down with pesticides to keep the bugs off because we have SO many here, so I haven't tried a garden though I really want to.

sirhc DeSantis: bell peppers? really?

Bonnie Diggs: do you trust the organic label on the foods you buy at wegman's or whole foods?

sirhc DeSantis: its a leap of faith for sure

Bonnie Diggs: Are these vegetables safe?

Thomas Sadoul smiles...hardly! you still have to be careful..and it will cost you more.

Mysha Milland: Too relaxed on the labelling of products

Bonnie Diggs: agree sirhc - I do not believe it for a second.

sirhc DeSantis: we have a few local markets where the traders are honest

Bonnie Diggs: and if you peel the veggie (cuke) it may not matter?

You: well, they SHOULD be safe as they were to have been grown without chemicals, but I'm not confident in them.

sirhc DeSantis: no central authority t check

sirhc DeSantis: and anyway - til this year i grew my own

You: Before we run out of time again, everybody, I was wondering how many would be interested in doing this in voice some time rather than typing?

sirhc DeSantis: then all the gardens on the island to do soil checks

Mysha Milland: Buying local is great, but we do not always have that luxury

Lori Kohl: True Mysha

Bonnie Diggs: sirhc -may I come to live at your house?

Thomas Sadoul laughs

sirhc DeSantis: i'm o with voice when i get a new headset

Lori Kohl: me too sirhc

sirhc DeSantis: sure

Bonnie Diggs: thomas - just your voice!

Bonnie Diggs: no mic and not buying one. lol

You: no, I think it's great when there is more discussion but it would be easier to follow in voice.

sirhc DeSantis: we can still mix

You: ..but I know not everybody can or wants to do that.

sirhc DeSantis: never done a group discussion in voice

Lori Kohl: mix..voice and text

You: of course, we could still mix it

Saraya Nightfire: i'm not a fan of voice either Bonnie

Bonnie Diggs: i cannot type as fast as Thomas can talk?????

Mysha Milland: Id be happy to listen to others but type my response. alot fo tiems though voice gets muffled and u end up missing out on alot

sirhc DeSantis: i have that troublle too

Bonnie Diggs: true mysha

Mysha Milland: Less typos though *smiles*

Bonnie Diggs: lol mysha

sirhc DeSantis: ok but not compulsory

Lori Kohl: wellmy writer's workshop teacher uses voice to lecture but has the class use text.

You: OK...we'll stick to typing mostly and if anybody wants to voice, they're encouraged to...

Bonnie Diggs: Lori - GOOD POINT!

Bonnie Diggs: lol

sirhc DeSantis: sounds fair

Lori Kohl:

Thomas Sadoul doesn't think so.

Bonnie Diggs: Thomas .. so you lead with voice!

Bonnie Diggs: I agree

Bonnie Diggs: with you all

sirhc DeSantis: warn you - i am a 90 year old granny

Lori Kohl: lol

Bonnie Diggs: lol sirhc

Thomas Sadoul laughs

Lori Kohl: no wonder you're so sexy sirhc

sirhc DeSantis: practice babe - practice

Mysha Milland: Most vegetarians do look younger than their age

You: OK..we've run over a bit so I should wind it down. Next week’s discussion will be about why people choose to be vegetarian, whether it be ethical, religious, environmental, culturalor economical pressures…or maybe there are others.

Bonnie Diggs: And fish eaters!

Lori Kohl: lol

Thomas Sadoul pokes Bonnie in the side

Bonnie Diggs: and never invites her back

You: Thanks for coming everybody...

sirhc DeSantis: no - all are welcome

Lori Kohl: health conscoius

sirhc DeSantis: we must be the most dull group in sl lol

Lori Kohl: lol

You: yes....this is to be a discussion to generate thought

Bonnie Diggs: lol sirhc NO NOT with you here!

You:

sirhc DeSantis:

MikeWolf Lupindo: *looks around scared*

You: Ok..I'm officially adjouring this.

Lori Kohl: lol

sirhc DeSantis: ok next week?

You: feel free to hang around and talk..

MikeWolf Lupindo: am i late?

You: yes, same time same place..

Lori Kohl: next week

Mysha Milland: Hi Mike

Saraya Nightfire: thank you Thomas, and have a good week everyone )) Bright blessings

You: Hi Mike...I think so.

MikeWolf Lupindo: mind catching me up?

sirhc DeSantis: yes - peace

You: Thanks Saraya

Lori Kohl: Bright Blessings Saraya

Lori Kohl: This was a discussion on Vegetarian diets

You: well, I will post a transcript Mike and let you know when it's up.

MikeWolf Lupindo: ok thanks

You: ...but we're here every thursday night at 5pm SLt

Mysha Milland: Ver nice meeting everyone

Bonnie Diggs: bye everone ...

sirhc DeSantis: you too

You: Thanks for coming Mysha

MikeWolf Lupindo: have fun everyone, enjoy your week *licks*

Lori Kohl: bye Bonnie

Mysha Milland: Thank you Thomas *smiles*

Lori Kohl: Bye everyone

Close Range: MikeWolf Lupindo [23m]

You: and thankd to you Lori, Sirhc, Sandral and Bonnie

Bonnie Diggs: a lot of fun I thought

Lori Kohl: Thanks Thomas

Lori Kohl: Yeah fun! and learning a lot

You: yw

You: good!

Lori Kohl:

Bonnie Diggs: bye everyone

Lori Kohl: bye Bonnie

sirhc DeSantis: bye bonnie

You: me too..night every body

Lori Kohl: I have to stay until this song ends

Lori Kohl: lol

sirhc DeSantis: thanks thomas

Avgi Isle

  This event is scheduled for every Thursday at 5pm SLT (same as PST)

Last night (Thursday, June 20th) was the first vegetarian class/discussion that I hosted at Avgi Isle in secondlife. I think it went well and hope to see more attending in the future *hint*. I'm posting the transcript below. If you're not familiar with SL, the chat is real time so it can sometimes be difficult to follow but a little effort will show that it was a worthy event.

In attendance besides myself (Thomas Sadoul)

kori Schnook
TerryW McCallen
Darminia Avalanche
Aura Baar (Avgi Isle Manager)
Darminia Avalanche
sirhc DeSantis
Rosalie Falworth
Saraya Nightfire

-----------

Transcript: Ethical and Healthy Eating In A Modern World - June 19

Thomas Sadoul: ok, Welcome to the first installment of Ethical and Healthy Eating In A Modern World

Thomas Sadoul: When I was first asked to present a ‘class on vegetarianism’, I have to admit that although I was flattered to have been asked and a bit excited about doing this, it didn’t take to long before I wondering just what I could possibly teach about vegetarianism for one hour a week that would hold anybody’s interest

Thomas Sadoul: Actually a friend asked me that same question in a slightly different manner. Her response was: “Meat = bad…vegetables = good…class dismissed. Are you crazy?”

Thomas Sadoul: I laughed with her as she laughed at me….but it made me really think about what I could possibly present to practicing vegetarians that would keep their interest and those who are aspiring to become vegetarians or who are just curious about the subject.

Thomas Sadoul: What I do hear constantly from vegetarians is that they want to meet and exchange ideas and experiences with other vegetarians so I’d really like this gathering to keep that in mind and ensure that you feel free to speak up if you have a question or thought about the material. Open discussion is great and I only ask that we treat others courteously and respectfully even if you think they’re all wet

Thomas Sadoul: Being a child of the digital age as all of us here are, I ran to Wikipedia as a starting point from which to gather ideas and was really quite shocked to find such an abundance of information there

Thomas Sadoul: As you may know, Wikipedia is a community encyclopedia. Anybody can claim to be an expert and make contributions or edit out material provided by somebody else. As I read the article there, it became clear that the contributions had been made from those who had high regard for a vegetarian diet and by those who did not.

Thomas Sadoul: This seemed to me, an idea opportunity to learn from the work of others involved in a community project while keeping open and critical thinking minds of our own…to learn from the good and weed through any bad that might be lurking in the bushes.

Thomas Sadoul: So, I’d like to start by giving everybody the opportunity to share a piece of themselves with the others. I know the reasons for my interest in a vegetarian diet…and I used to assume that everybody had the same motivation but have since learned that we don’t all see things through the same glasses. In fact after reading the Wikipedia article, I realized I had no idea of the range of reasons that people choose a plant based diet.

sirhc DeSantis: well i did it as an experiment

sirhc DeSantis: i was mostly veg

Thomas Sadoul: How long did it or has it lasted for you?

TerryW McCallen: well i am not a vegitarian yet, but i can see the benifits in it.

sirhc DeSantis: i've been vegan four years

Thomas Sadoul: cool

Thomas Sadoul: I see Bonnie typing there so I don't want to interrupt her

Bonnie Diggs: I feel that I do not like the abuse of amimals......and never eat veal .. that was a start.

Thomas Sadoul: sure

Darminia Avalanche: Sorry but i will never be a vegitarian

Bonnie Diggs: Now giving up beef and maybe more

Thomas Sadoul: That's fine Darminia....I'm glad your here!

Thomas Sadoul: My conversion to a vegetarian diet happened nearly 4 years ago…though I had wanted to cut meat out of my diet for years before that and have had to compromise on occasion with my RL partner since then to avoid tension I created by making that decision. My decision was base primarily on a concern of cruelty to animals. Secondary concerns were environmental concerns about waste, overuse of cropland to grow grain for livestock rather than for people and political maneuvering and back room deals to sustain the industries that exist in this environment. My decision had nothing to do with a concern for my health or taste buds.

Thomas Sadoul: Ok, anybody else before I move on?

Darminia Avalanche: May i ask why is it that ppl think meet is so horride

Bonnie Diggs: Thomas .. I have seen horrible photos of cows being pushed off to the side with back hoes?

sirhc DeSantis: well i found the first 6 months rough - anger management problems

Rosalie Falworth: I'm an ovo-lacto vegetarian, trying to become a vegan.

Bonnie Diggs: The animals that were sick but still edible.

Bonnie Diggs: sickening to me... I am sorry

Bonnie Diggs: Sorry Thomas

Thomas Sadoul: Yes, I've heard of that Bonnie...and know it happens. They might be edible but perhaps not at a grade acceptable to the business?

Darminia Avalanche: There farms that care for there stock

sirhc DeSantis: agrred

Thomas Sadoul: Yes, many do. ....and many are just there for the profit...

Thomas Sadoul: ok...I'll go on a bit and then we can discuss more later

Darminia Avalanche: so true Thomas

sirhc DeSantis: my major beef (sorry) is people think food grows in supermarkets

Thomas Sadoul: True...and people don't always know what 'vegetarian' means either

Thomas Sadoul: To begin, we need to define vegetarian because not only are many non-vegetarians confused ( I have had to explain that chicken and fish ARE meat) but even practicing vegetarians find themselves confused at first.

Thomas Sadoul: In the simplest definition, a vegetarianism diet is one that excludes all animal flesh and slaughter by-products.

sirhc DeSantis: nothing with a face

Thomas Sadoul nods

Thomas Sadoul: A more exact definition from the vegetarian society

Thomas Sadoul: A vegetarian is someone living on a diet of grains, pulses(legumes or beans), nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits with or without the use of dairy products and eggs.

Thomas Sadoul: Though there are several variants of vegetarian diets, there likely are more reasons for choosing to maintain a vegetarian diet. Reasons may include morality, religion, culture, ethics, aesthetics, environment, society, politics, taste or health.

Rosalie Falworth: I've always wondered, how many of those that consider themselves vegetarian eat insects? I don't. I know some people who do.

Thomas Sadoul: Well, I think we'll see that there are several 'forms' of vegetarianism....

sirhc DeSantis: i had an issue with a local store over insect infestation

Darminia Avalanche: I was told eggs and diary products where not to be eaten

Thomas Sadoul: ...and insects are killed even when crops are harvested..

Thomas Sadoul: Yes Darminia...Vegans do not eat eggs and dairy products

Rosalie Falworth: That's true. I avoid eating red 40 though, because of the cochineal... but I guess some of it is unavoidable.

Bonnie Diggs: To me it is the abuse of animas that is the most upsetting ..

sirhc DeSantis: but its a choice - not a religion

Thomas Sadoul: and there is a sign behind Bonnie showing what is acceptable in the 4 major divisions

Bonnie Diggs: like veal .... but even more so ...

Thomas Sadoul: The three most common variants of the diet are Lacto-ovo-vegetarian, Lacto-vegetarian and Vegan.

Thomas Sadoul: Lacto-ovo-vegetarian. Eats both dairy products and eggs. This is the most common type of vegetarian diet

Thomas Sadoul: Lacto-vegetarian. Eats dairy products but not eggs.

Thomas Sadoul: Ovo-vegetarian : Eats eggs but not other dairy products

Thomas Sadoul: and Vegan. Does not eat dairy products, eggs, or any other animal product.

sirhc DeSantis: well - tries

Thomas Sadoul smiles

Thomas Sadoul: yes, it is often a struggle...and many times it's difficult to know exactly what is in your food too.

Saraya Nightfire: the additives can be a minefield

Thomas Sadoul nods again

sirhc DeSantis: dyglicerides - i mean ??

Thomas Sadoul: Beyond those 4 main groups are several other variants....Other Vegetarian dietary practices include: Fruitarianism. Su vegetarianism, Macrobiotic diet, Natural hygiene, Dietary veganism and Freeganism.

Thomas Sadoul: really..and what are dyglicerides?

Bonnie Diggs: Interesting about "fetid vegetables"?

sirhc DeSantis: i have no idea but most of the bread here has them

Thomas Sadoul: …and then there are a handful of Semi-vegetarian diets which are held in contention by strict vegetarians, especially when the person practicing these semi-vegetarian diets claims to be vegetarian: Lessetarianism, Semi-vegetarianism, Pescetarianism, Pollotarianism, Flexitarianism

Aura Baar: thats alot of isms

Thomas Sadoul: it is

sirhc DeSantis: i never heard of these

Thomas Sadoul: and I think that is why there is so much confusion about what vegetarian means...

Rosalie Falworth: I've only heard of pescetarianism.

Bonnie Diggs: you've defined these but I am sure I know where you stand.

Rosalie Falworth: And diglicerides can be made from animals or vegetable oil by the way.

Thomas Sadoul: ...and I've seen people choosing these 'diets' but didn't know there was a name for them.

Bonnie Diggs: no flesh

Thomas Sadoul: Properly planned vegetarian diets have been found to satisfy the nutritional needs for all stages of life, and large-scale studies have shown vegetarianism to significantly lower risks of cancer, ischemic heart disease, and other diseases. However, planning is the key

Darminia Avalanche: I don,t study any of it so i,m not fremiller with it sorry

sirhc DeSantis: and vegans make better lovers

Thomas Sadoul: Darminia, just preparing for this has been a learning event for me...we're always learning

Thomas Sadoul laughs

Thomas Sadoul: Despite claims of health benefits, maintaining proper protein levels does take some effort and hopefully, together we will be able to help each other with that.

Darminia Avalanche: I,m not ferm. with that ether

sirhc DeSantis: i live on hummus and was surprised at the low protein level in chick peas

Bonnie Diggs: I truly believe that limiting intake of beef and maybe all "meats" is healthy.

Thomas Sadoul: That's great Sirhc...Next week, I hope to get more into the nutritional concerns ...

Darminia Avalanche: I guess u r saying i,m not a lover right

Rosalie Falworth: I make a nice tofu and vegetable stir fry

Bonnie Diggs: I am not sure how far to go ... and think I cannot give up fish.

sirhc DeSantis: like i said - its not a religion

Bonnie Diggs: and free-range poultry.

sirhc DeSantis: i used to keep chickens

Thomas Sadoul: well, Bonnie, I think you do what you feel most comfortable with and can't possibly live up to everybody else's standards one way or the other.

Bonnie Diggs: To me it is an abuse issue .. and partially a health issue

Saraya Nightfire: its maybe best to go as far as you are comfortable with. Its a personal thing

Rosalie Falworth: Ohh, there's really nice fake chicken, by smart choice I think. It's called smart strips. I don't miss chicken at all with that.

sirhc DeSantis: agreed saraya

Rosalie Falworth: It's still a choice issue, but you can always try some of the fakey products.

Thomas Sadoul: I have heard that is good Rosalie...but haven't tasted it.

Thomas Sadoul: Other stumbling blocks include the fact that many products one might expect to be animal-product free in fact are not.

Rosalie Falworth: I like it. A little too close to the taste of real chicken for me sometimes.

Thomas Sadoul: Many foods contain ingredients derived from the slaughter of animals. Gelatin is made from animal ligaments, tendons, and bones etc which have been boiled in water. It is often found in confectionery, low fat spreads and desserts, and other dairy products

sirhc DeSantis: yes i bought a trail mix that had honey in it

Saraya Nightfire: gelatine seems to turn up everywhere... sigh

Bonnie Diggs: I agree that it is a silly thing to go into the market and think that the chicken pieces got placed there magically.

Thomas Sadoul: ...and to me, once I decided it was an abuse issue, as Bonnie said, I don't really crave for chicken or steak...or whatever...

Thomas Sadoul: I get pictures of the suffering in my head and it turns my apetite off .

sirhc DeSantis: well the analogs make life easier

Bonnie Diggs: Who said recently that you should not be allowed to kill a beast ... until you killed one yourself.

Bonnie Diggs: A chicken?

sirhc DeSantis: confession - i have hunted and butchered

Bonnie Diggs: you have to have a license to eat one.. by hagving killed one.

Bonnie Diggs: The way my grandmother did...

Thomas Sadoul: I hunted with my dad until he finally killed a deer. Only he ate it and we never went again...to my relief.

Thomas Sadoul: And something that Vegans appreciate that I didn't know....Cheese is often made with rennet extracted from the stomach lining of slaughtered calves.

Vegetarian cheese is made with rennet from a microbial source.

Bonnie Diggs: Sorry I meant .. you should not be allowed to EAT a beast - until you have killed one.

Bonnie Diggs: even fishing is horrific.

sirhc DeSantis: casein

sirhc DeSantis: its in all the 'veggie' cheese here

Saraya Nightfire: bright blessings Darminia ))

Rosalie Falworth: It's not just vegans that know that I think... I knew that. O.O

Bonnie Diggs: Do we get enough protein by eating eggs, milk and by-products?

sirhc DeSantis: oh yes

Thomas Sadoul smiles...I'm still learning Rosalie

Rosalie Falworth: Definitely.

Bonnie Diggs: I seriously do not need beef.. pork .. and maybe now chicken?

Rosalie Falworth: The only thing you have to worry about really is vitamin B12, and that's only if you're vegan.

sirhc DeSantis: the whole 'incomplete protein' theory is dead

sirhc DeSantis: b12 - yes

Saraya Nightfire: well, theres actually different sorts of protein. Its about the ammino acids. I think theres 16 of them, and different proteins consist of different ammino acids

Thomas Sadoul: yes, this is great, you're getting right to where I was going next.

sirhc DeSantis: that is a worry

Thomas Sadoul: Despite popular opinion, the American Dietetic Association and the Dietitians of Cananda consider a properly planned (yes, I’m stressing this Vegetarian diet a healthy, viable diet that is capable of satisfying the nutrional needs for all stages of life.

Rosalie Falworth: 20 amino acids.

Saraya Nightfire: soya has all 16 i think

Rosalie Falworth: I think

Saraya Nightfire: ah, 20

Saraya Nightfire: lol, im not great at the science side

sirhc DeSantis: soya does - who likes tofu?

Rosalie Falworth: I like tofu.

Bonnie Diggs: I love tofu

Bonnie Diggs: sorry

sirhc DeSantis: i can't stand it

Rosalie Falworth: It has to be cooked right

Thomas Sadoul smiles...

Bonnie Diggs: Love it .. sauteed

Bonnie Diggs: nice texture

sirhc DeSantis: i had it once in china and it was divine

sirhc DeSantis: deep fried

Thomas Sadoul: ..and tempeh is a form of tofu is it not?

Rosalie Falworth: You have to remove all of the water from it, or it tastes nasty.

Rosalie Falworth: It's like tofu, but not the same

sirhc DeSantis: tempeh i can stomach

CallieDel Boa is Offline

Bonnie Diggs: rosalie .. it never tastes nasty.

Thomas Sadoul: OK

Saraya Nightfire: ive not heard of tempeh

Rosalie Falworth: It does. The kind packed in water. At least I don't like it. *~shrug~*

sirhc DeSantis: temph lettuce and tomato sandwich - heaven

sirhc DeSantis: a tlt

Bonnie Diggs: lol sirhc

Bonnie Diggs: to me tofu is heaven

Bonnie Diggs: good mouth feel also

Saraya Nightfire: whats tempeh made from?

sirhc DeSantis: erm - i have some - hold on

Thomas Sadoul: I've also come to the conclusion that when I take out and ask for a bhudist dish from the local oriental place, they use tempesh quite a bit.

Rosalie Falworth: soybeans

Thomas Sadoul: Like tofu, it is made from Soy, Saraya.

Saraya Nightfire: ah, ty ))

Rosalie Falworth: it's fermented and packed into cake for. All soy bean

Rosalie Falworth: It's got more protein too

sirhc DeSantis: this one is soy millet brown rice and the culture

Thomas Sadoul: Soy is the magical plant...and most of it grown in the US goes to feed animals so they can be slaughtered...rather than going directly to people.

sirhc DeSantis: rhizopus

Saraya Nightfire: oh cool! I will search that out next time i shop

Bonnie Diggs: so we all love soy ... and we hate the abuse of animals. I think we are agreed... almost.. I still love fish

Thomas Sadoul smiles at Bonnie

Rosalie Falworth: You can always be a pescetarian. If you can't give up on fish.

sirhc DeSantis: well when i get the cat tuna i am still tempted

Bonnie Diggs: Thomas .. so what am I then?

Rosalie Falworth: Pescetarian.

Bonnie Diggs: lol sirhc .. you are very funny

Thomas Sadoul: yup...Rosalie is right

Bonnie Diggs: why would you feed your cat that food if you are against eating it yourself?

Rosalie Falworth: Sorry, if I get annoying or bossy then tell me to shut up

Rosalie Falworth: Taurin.

Bonnie Diggs: It is not logical

Rosalie Falworth: *Taurine

sirhc DeSantis: because cats can't survive a vegan diet

Rosalie Falworth: Cats can't make that amino acid

Rosalie Falworth: Dogs can be vegetarians,

Rosalie Falworth: but cats can't

sirhc DeSantis: yes

Bonnie Diggs: then perhaps we cannot sirhc?

Rosalie Falworth: Their retinas would detach from their eyeballs. O.O

Bonnie Diggs: If cats cannot?

sirhc DeSantis: rosalie is

Rosalie Falworth: No.

sirhc DeSantis: right

Thomas Sadoul smiles

Rosalie Falworth: We can synthesize that.

Bonnie Diggs: so would mine then

Rosalie Falworth: Cat's can't make taurine. But we can.

sirhc DeSantis: well i loll before as proof we can

Rosalie Falworth: And no, yours won't.

Bonnie Diggs: this is not right.

Rosalie Falworth: Dogs can do the same.

Bonnie Diggs: you believe what you want ... I love and will continue to eat fish .... but not farmed animals

Rosalie Falworth: It is right. It's just in their genetic make up to not be able to make taurine.

sirhc DeSantis: cats are built carnivores

Thomas Sadoul smiles OK...Aura is prodding me that I need to start wrapping this up

Rosalie Falworth: That's fine

Bonnie Diggs: Also will eat eggs and milk.

sirhc DeSantis: and cheese lol

Thomas Sadoul: I'd like to delve more into the nutritional aspect of being vegetarian next week. We'll discuss what essential minerals one needs to be most concerned about when eliminating meat from their diet...and how to ensure you're getting enough.

Saraya Nightfire: lol, ive been veggie for years but still eat free range eggs and cheese

Bonnie Diggs: but define "meat" thomas

Bonnie Diggs: lol

Bonnie Diggs: I think you did do that today.

Thomas Sadoul: Well, I think the early description of anything with a face fits very well

Bonnie Diggs: Thanks Thomas.

Thomas Sadoul: OK...this has been great everybody!..

Rosalie Falworth: Technically the dictionary has always defined meat as not including fish, but I still stick with the anything with a face definition.

Thomas Sadoul: I'm happy you could all make it but Aura is going to toss us out.

Rosalie Falworth: lol

sirhc DeSantis: shame

Saraya Nightfire: anything with a face, and also worms

sirhc DeSantis: was fun

Rosalie Falworth: Thank you for letting us be here Aura.

Rosalie Falworth: That too.

Bonnie Diggs: Thank you Aura.

Thomas Sadoul: We are going to try to do this every thursday

Saraya Nightfire: thank you Aura ))

sirhc DeSantis: thanks aura

Thomas Sadoul: So, I hope to see you all again

Saraya Nightfire: every thursday would be great!

Thomas Sadoul: and yes, ty Aura

Saraya Nightfire: and thank you Thomas ))

Aura Baar smiles

Bonnie Diggs: Thank you Thomas ... and goodnight to you also.

Thomas Sadoul thinks Aura is afk now

Bonnie Diggs: Bye everyone.

Aura Baar: yes Arbuthnot

Rosalie Falworth: Yeah, thanks Thomas.

Aura Baar: that is true

Thomas Sadoul: thank you all ! ..and you're welcome

Saraya Nightfire: bright blessings everyone )) c u next week )

sirhc DeSantis: i'll be back

To my friends that think I've just disappeared, it's not true. I'm still here and 'quietly' trying to keep up with everything...and admiring your efforts. However, besides everyday life I've also been exploring other places and hoping to be a help in establishing a vibrant activist community there...which is why I need your help.

Please consider signing this petition even if you don't frequent secondlife. It's not about secondlife but about animals and how they are treated by people. Virtual worlds such as second life do not make a new person out of you...they only let you be the person that the norms of everyday keep you from being. That can be good...but it can also be bad - especially when it can lead to the real world abuse of others or reinforcing those tendencies.

A Better Community

Target: Philip Rosedale (Founder and CEO, Linden Labs, Inc. )

There is a direct correlation between violence towards other animals and violence towards other human beings. While there are laws protecting animals from all sorts of abusive treatment in the US, depictions of this abuse still manage to make their way to various sites on the internet and by default, it becomes the responsibility of the host and provider to remove images and depictions of illegal activities from their systems.

The virtual world of Secondlife has Community Standards in place which should facilitate the prompt removal of offensive material and Linden Labs does punish offenders of these standards. However, the standards are vague and leave too much room for interpretation as to what is offensive.

With this petition, we request that the Community Standards of the virual world of Secondlife be modified to specify that display or depiction of real life animal abuse will not be tolerated.

SUNSET BEACH - World-famous fashion designer Stella McCartney, in association with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), has announced plans to host the world’s first virtual anti-fur protest.

McCartney, daughter of Beatle Paul McCartney, is a life-long vegetarian and famous for her strong animal rights beliefs; she has teamed up with the world’s largest animal rights organization, PETA, to raise awareness inside Second Life.

The event will take place on a purpose-built sim created by Rivers Run Red. Inspired by the English countryside, it will feature stables, horse jumps, picnic tables, Linda McCartney mini veggie burger stalls and tree-houses containing information about both Stella McCartney and PETA.

The celebrations will begin at 19.00 GMT on 12th July with an outdoor picnic; visitors will have the chance to make a donation to PETA and will receive a goodie bag containing anti-fur accessories to help spread the word.

The picnic will also mark the beginning of the event’s highlight: a competition to come up with an SL version of iconic PETA slogan: ‘I’d rather go naked than wear fur’. Entries will appear on the island to inspire discussion about the cruelty of the fur trade.

First prize will be two tickets to the Spring/Summer 2008 Paris fashion show, second prize is a fall/winter Appaloosa bag and third prize is a full set of products from CARE, the first luxury organic skincare line containing 100% organic active ingredients.

“We are always looking for new ways to raise awareness about the extreme suffering that animals endure on fur farms and in cruel leg-hold traps in the wild, so when Stella came up with this idea, we were on board from the beginning," said Ingrid Newkirk, president of PETA. The organisation has 1.6 million members worldwide and concentrates on the four areas that witness the worst suffering: factory farms, laboratories, the clothing trade and the entertainment industry.

The news has been greeted with considerable enthusiasm by members of SL’s many animal rights groups.

“I adore the idea! I am for anything that brings attention to the issue and strongly support anything that I can to promote it. There are many other options besides hurting harmless animals, not only in the wearing of fur but also in testing,” Jade Jewell, member of the PETA Members and Supporters in SL group, said.

Vegan and animal lover mikka Klaar believes SL offers an excellent campaigning opportunity. “How many people here feel free to advertise [their beliefs] who can't in real life? [This is] a chance to create a brave new world – or at least it’s a starting point.”

“The more people there are doing something against animal cruelty, the better,” agreed Berenice Cazalet, member of Against Animal Cruelty. “Especially here in SL, where everything goes! People are eager to explore and find out new things.”

“[SL] is one of the easiest ways to get international awareness,” Winter Staheli, member of the Animal Rights and Vegetarians groups said.

“This place attracts a lot of traffic,” commented TinaAnn Whitfield, a member of many animal rights groups including Against Animal Cruelty and Animal Lovers of Second Life. “[I think it’s] absolutely fantastic, I’m all for making the world aware of all things possible to stop the fur trade.”

“I think that if any message can reach even one person in a remote location it was worth it,” said Venezia Dagastino, participant in SL animal rights groups including Animal Haven and Vegan. “Awareness is the most important thing – people do a lot of things they don't think about, for example they wear fur and never wonder where it came from.”

“People spend their lindens a little more freely than their real money, so it could be a good place to raise funds as well,” Cazalet said.

There is hope that the opening of the Stella McCartney/PETA sim will help the animal rights groups already present in SL unite and make a difference.

“I really want to think so, because SL is an excellent tool for meeting others from around the globe,” Thomas Sadoul, member of the Animal Rights group, said. “I suppose it's like real life in that one just needs know where to look to find others with similar interests. An established meeting place would do a lot to promote a cause if enough people know about it.”

“I think, if we all work together, we will be much more powerful than just some tiny groups here and there,” Cazalet said. “I am a member of this group to show my attitude...the group as such is very quiet, nothing happens. I think this really must change.”

The Stella McCartney/PETA sim will open to the public on July 12th.