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Category: Lifestyle

  • How Muslims Can Help Animals in the New Year

    Islamic new year, or Hijri new year, which marks the start of the Muslim lunar calendar, is a great time to set new goals, habits, or intentions. This year, make helping animals one of your goals! The Qur’an clearly instructs Muslims to respect animals’ lives and extend mercy and compassion to humans and all other animals alike. Throughout the year, consider what you can do to ease the suffering of animals.

    There is not an animal [who lives] on the earth, nor a being [who] flies on its wings, but [forms part of] communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they [all] shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.

    —Sura 6:38

    Extend Your Compassion for Animals: Go Vegan

    Going vegan is the best thing you can do to help animals. The word “Islam” in Arabic is derived from the infinitive sa-la’ma, the root word for salam, which means “peace,” and salam is exactly what being vegan is all about. Verse 23:51 of the Qur’an warns, “O messengers, eat from what is good, and do righteous work. I am aware of what you do,” implying that Allah (SWT) knows when we consume impure foods, such as meat, eggs, and dairy from both small and industrial-size farms, in which animals are cruelly enslaved from birth, sexually assaulted, and confined in filth before being violently transported to slaughterhouses and horrifically killed for their body parts.

    Majestic white cow in field

    Making simple changes to the meals you already enjoy is easy, especially since many halal dishes are already animal-free and almost all vegan dishes are halal-friendly. (Just watch out for anything made with alcohol.) Tabbouleh, hummus, falafel, pita, and other favorites are often vegan without modifications, and there are delicious versions of others, from shawarma to halva.

    Don’t Wear Skin, Wool, Fur, or Feathers

    The ways the leather, fur, and wool industries exploit, abuse, and kill animals are all against Islamic teachings. Take the new year as an opportunity to look through your closet and consider which materials were produced through cruelty to animals and learn how to choose others that are better for animals and the planet.

    All animals used in the leather industry suffer, even if they’re killed by halal slaughter. Plus, leather production poisons waterways with toxic chemicals and requires vast amounts of land and water. Muslims are charged with protecting the environment, and you can help do so by purchasing eco-friendly vegan leather.

    desserto vegan leather© Desserto

    Minks, rabbits, foxes, and other animals raised on fur farms are abused and killed in gruesome ways that conflict with Islamic teachings. They’re confined to small, filthy cages—and this unnatural imprisonment causes many of them to go insane. When they’re finally removed from the cages to be killed, their deaths are painful and inhumane. Typical methods of killing animals on fur farms include anal or vaginal electrocution, injection with poison, suffocation, and neck-breaking. Some animals are skinned alive.

    mink

    If fur is already in your closet, consider donating it to PETA. PETA U.S. and other PETA entities redistribute donated fur coats to those in need, including to Afghani and Syrian refugees, homeless shelters across the U.S., and wildlife rehabilitators for use as animal bedding.

    Switch to Cruelty-Free Personal-Care and Household Products

    Many traditions recount that the Prophet (SAWS) chastised those who cut up and inflicted pain on animals. Animals in laboratories are burned, poisoned, blinded, wounded, and maimed in order to test cosmetics, personal-care, and household products. But with the abundance of cruelty-free products available, everyone can easily avoid purchasing items from companies that continue to perform archaic, pointless tests on animals. Use the new year to make a fresh start—take stock of the products you have, and if they aren’t cruelty-free, replace them with vegan ones when they run out.

    ©iStock.com/AlexandriaLaNier

    You can make simple changes throughout the year that will help make the world a better place for all animals. Start by trying out some new recipes, and then share what you learn with your loved ones and friends by ordering them a free vegan starter kit:

    The post How Muslims Can Help Animals in the New Year appeared first on PETA.

  • Make Waves for Animals This Summer at These Vegan-Friendly Beach Towns

    When on vacation, choosing a place to go out for dinner can be a chore, but PETA’s handy list of the most vegan-friendly beach towns in the U.S. is “shore” to make it as easy as a beachy breeze. Read on to find out if your favorite boardwalk city made the list.

    Which locations made PETA’s list of the Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Beach Towns?

    1. San Diego, California

    Sunny San Diego is home to many fully vegan eateries. Some of the most tempting dishes include the Bacon Banh Mi from Loving Hut, the Blackened Tempeh Caesar Wrap from Café Gratitude, the savory Lasagna Verde from Donna Jean, the sweet and spicy Magical Mango Curry Wrap from Peace Pies, the classic Reuben on Rye from Veggie Grill, and the crispy CHIX-FIL-GAY from The Radical Beet.

    2. West Palm Beach, Florida

    If you’re looking for some fish-friendly seafood in West Palm Beach, try Darbster’s Eggplant Scallops or the Avocado Lime Tartare from PLANTA. For a hardier, cheesier meal, check out the creamy Buffalo Shicken Mac and Cheese Wrap from La Chia Vegana or the Super Taco Nachos from Dina’s Vegan Deli & Desserts.

    3. Charleston, South Carolina

    The charming cobblestone streets lined with pastel antebellum homes in Charleston complement the wide array of 21st century vegan restaurants perfectly. For a delicious lunch, try the Chick’n and Waffles from Annie O’ Love’s Cookie Cafe with a slice of its vegan cheesecake for dessert. For a hearty meal after a day of swimming at the shore, the Bulgogi Korean Bowl from Gnome Café, the Mushroom Steak from Vined, and the Panang Curry from the Gathering Cafe all seem delightfully filling. After the sun has set, head over to Neon Tiger, the late-night vegan hotspot, and order a plate of the Trumpet Mushroom Calamari.

    4. Santa Cruz, California

    Start the day with the Mexican Breakfast Plate—beans and rice topped with spicy cashew queso, salsa, pumpkin seeds, and avocado—from Café Gratitude. For lunch, the Shiitake Suya Bowl from Veg on the Edge, the Akua Burger (topped with ocean-farmed kelp) from Hula’s Island Grill, the Mt. Diablo Pizza from Pizza My Heart, and the Spicy Kimchi Noodle Soup from Monster Pot all look divine. If you’re staying in Santa Cruz for a couple of days, order a made-from-scratch pie from Sweet Bean Bakery for delivery straight from the oven to your door.

    5. Newport, Rhode Island

    To get your morning off to a smooth start, grab a Born Redy smoothie and a Coconut Bacon BLT from Root. At lunch, capitalize on the beachy vibes with Chili Cheese Fries from Plant City X , and at dinnertime, veg out at Sprout and Lentil with the V-Rex black bean burger topped with BBQ jackfruit, slaw, and avocado on a savory pretzel roll.

    6. Atlantic City, New Jersey

    In between the boardwalk strolls and rounds of blackjack, order some not-so-fishy soul and seafood, like the Crab Cake Sandwich from Vegans Are Us and the Vegan of the Sea Poke Bowl from Poke Bowl Tropical Café. Italian food dominates at dinnertime in Atlantic City, and the Chicken Parmesan from Vegan 15 as well as the OG Vegan Pizza from Tony Boloney’s might fool you into thinking you’re in downtown Italy.

    7. Nags Head, North Carolina

    Start your day with the Sweet Potato & Hemp Pancakes from The SaltBox Café, or for an even sweeter start, grab an order of the Cake Donuts from Roots & Leaves food truck. The Vegan Chorizo and Sopes from Pangea Tavern, Burrito Vegano from Plaza Azteca Restaurantes Mexicanos, and Aloo Gobi Masala from Masala Bay Grill are all worth a taste, so plan accordingly. After a day of lounging in the sand or frolicking in the sea, cool off with a glass of wine or an ice-cold beer and some crunchy vegan tacos from Outer Banks Brewing Station.

    8. Long Beach, New York

    Fermento, the only fully vegan restaurant in this beach town, offers a range of coffee drinks, rich breakfast foods, falafel, burritos, and classic American sandwiches, like the Roasted Maple Ham and Cheese Sandwich. Many tasty vegan dishes are on local menus, too, like A Dang Quessa Dilla from Blacksmith’s Breads or Corn Tortilla Soup from True Food Kitchen—and there’s even an entire vegan menu at Leona & 3 Brothers, with seaworthy vegan delights such as Oyster Mushroom Calamari, Tofu “Crab” Cakes, Eggplant Rollatini, and “Fish” N Chips.

    9. Grand Haven, Michigan

    There are several grand vegan options in this beach town, like the ooey-gooey cheese in the Blue Majik Cashew Mylk from Bodhi Tree Juice Co. and Rustic Roots’ Vegan Quesadilla. For a casual finger food, try the Vegan Sloppy Joe Burrito from Righteous Cuisine, the Medusa Sandwich from The Toasted Pickle, or The Rhinestone Cowboy sandwich from Electric Hero.

    10. Galveston, Texas

    With the Surf N’ Turf Burrito from Vegan Gxng, Thai Garlic Noodles from Mosquito Café, Old Moon Deli & Pies’ Vegan Island Dawg, or a warm cup of minestrone soup from Russo’s New York Pizzeria, you can end your beach day with your favorite type of cuisine—Galveston has it all! For dessert, grab a slice of Lemon Bundt Cake from Eatcetera.

    Bring the Vacation Vibes Home: Go Vegan Today

    Animals are unique individuals with their own wants and needs. The notion that humans are entitled to exploit them is rooted in speciesism, the misguided belief that one species is more important than another. When we see all animals as deserving of respect, we understand that we must change our personal choices in order to stop contributing to their suffering. After relaxing at the beach and devouring some of the delicious vegan options available along the boardwalk, bring the kindness home—go vegan for good.

    The post Make Waves for Animals This Summer at These Vegan-Friendly Beach Towns appeared first on PETA.

    This post was originally published on Animal Rights and Campaign News | PETA.

  • Does Backyard Beekeeping Help Bees? Here’s What You Should Know

    Backyard beekeeping has been in the news in recent years, but saving the bees doesn’t mean breeding honeybees and stealing their honey. Much of the backyard beekeeping industry is rooted in speciesism, even as it claims to support these animals, because it assumes that we have a right to steal honey, beeswax, and honeycomb from bees who work hard to produce it for themselves.

    If you’re thinking about getting into backyard beekeeping, here are some things you should know:

    Backyard Beekeeping Doesn’t ‘Save the Bees’

    When scientists talk about “saving the bees,” they aren’t talking about the species most backyard beekeepers exploit. The most common species used for backyard beekeeping is the European honeybee—a non-native, domesticated species imported to North America to be used in agriculture. These colonies compete for resources with native bees—who are actually much better pollinators and are the ones facing extinction—and other insects.

    native species on purple blue flowers

    While honeybees are more interested in nectar, native species actively collect pollen. They’re also much better at pollinating native plants, which supports overall biodiversity and ecosystem health.

    The best thing you can do to help bees is to support struggling native species by making your yard a haven, full of bee-friendly native plants and bee houses. Mason, leafcutter, and miner bees are just a few of the species you might spot, but there are more than 4,000 types native to the U.S.

    bee going into bee house

    Order Your FREE Vegan Starter Kit

    Other Issues With Backyard Beekeeping

    Many backyard colonies die because people don’t realize just how much work and responsibility are involved in keeping a thriving hive.

    Honeybee colonies are highly susceptible to disease, poor nutrition, and parasites. Varroa mites can infest colonies—where they feed and live on larvae, pupae, and even adult honeybees—which can eventually lead to the spread of diseases and viruses, colony collapse, and death. Novice beekeepers might not have the knowledge, funds, or experience to manage infestations, which can also spread to nearby hives.

    bees in flight

    Taking Bees’ Honey, Comb, and Beeswax Is Inherently Speciesist

    Bees produce honey and build comb from beeswax in order to nourish themselves and support their hives. Stealing their hard work is inherently speciesist—their honey belongs to them, not to us. Many people take up backyard beekeeping in order to have their own source of honey, while claiming to support bee populations. But most native species either don’t produce honey or don’t produce enough for humans to collect. If you really care about the well-being of these friendly pollinators, leaving them alone and simply turning your yard into a bee-friendly place are the best things you can do for them.

    interesting bee facts bee hive honeycomb

    What to Do if You’re Already Beekeeping in Your Backyard

    If you’re already caring for bees in your backyard, be sure you’re well versed in the proper care techniques so you can protect them from disease, Varroa mites, and other harm. Don’t be speciesist—stop stealing from bees for your own gain.

    Do More to Help Bees

    There are plenty of delicious sweeteners you can use instead of honey, including agave nectar and maple syrup. Be sure to buy beeswax-free cosmetics and soy-based candles for your home. Finally, support the local bee population by planting pollinator-friendly native plants, putting bee homes or hotels in your yard, and avoiding the use of pesticides.

    The post Does Backyard Beekeeping Help Bees? Here’s What You Should Know appeared first on PETA.

    This post was originally published on Animal Rights and Campaign News | PETA.

  • Pass the Banchan! How to Find Vegan Options at Your Local Korean BBQ Spot

    Have you been invited to dine at a Korean BBQ restaurant? Are you wondering what you can eat that’s animal-friendly? We have you covered! While each restaurant will vary in what it offers and how it prepares specific dishes, we’ve found a few common offerings that will point you in the right direction. As always, be sure to check with the restaurant for details about vegan options—some spots have special vegan menus, so don’t be shy.

    Here are some vegan options you might find at a Korean BBQ restaurant:

    Banchan Is Your Friend (Usually)

    Banchan are the small side dishes that arrive at your table. They can vary from bean sprouts in sesame oil to pickled cucumbers to spicy daikon. Just steer clear of items that look creamy—like dressed cabbage shreds and potato salad—and you’ll be off to a great start. It’s also a good idea to ask if any dishes contain fish (particularly the kimchi).

    Get Lit … With Veggies

    Ditch roasting meat on that sizzling plate, because cows and pigs are individuals who simply want to spend their lives in peace, without having them cut short by a human’s appetite. Depending on the restaurant’s availability, you can request an array of fresh vegetables and mushrooms to grill up instead. Season them with a dipping mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and Korean chili powder, and you’re good to go.

    You Can’t Go Wrong With Tofu

    If you’re hungry for more after the veggies, reach for some tofu. Some places carry “tofu steak,” which are slabs of tofu served on a sizzling plate—yum! Other versions include sundubu, a spicy tofu stew. Make it vegan by requesting a water-based broth and ask for no egg in your piping-hot bowl.

    Rice Will Fill You Up

    Warm steamed rice is a given, but if you’re looking for an all-in-one bowl, go for bibimbap. Dolsot bibimbap is served in a stone pot (be careful—it comes out super-hot!) with a mix of fresh sautéed vegetables. Get yours without beef and ask the server to hold the egg, then stir the ingredients with gochujang (a spicy sauce) and enjoy!

    Order Your FREE Vegan Starter Kit

    Japchae

    Japchae is a dish of stir-fried glass noodles made from sweet potato, which are tossed with fresh vegetables and a sweet soy- and sesame-based sauce. It’s often made with meat, so be sure to ask for only veggies when you order. It’s also delicious with tofu!

    Tteokbokki

    This Korean street food of soft, chewy stewed rice cakes can sometimes be ordered vegan—just ask if the sauce contains any fish, egg, or cheese before you order.

    Make It at Home

    Korean BBQ is so easy to make at home, and it can be a fun dinner party idea! Make seitan or tofu bulgogi from scratch, or use an accidentally vegan marinade. Grab freshly made banchan from your local Korean market. You can also find ready-made Korean-inspired meals at Trader Joe’s, including beefless bulgogi, tteokbokki, kimchi tofu soup, and japchae.

    *****

    Don’t sweat it—our dining tips will help you figure out how to find vegan-friendly dishes at all your favorite restaurants. We’ve also got you covered with our comprehensive guide to going vegan and our free vegan starter kit:

    The post Pass the Banchan! How to Find Vegan Options at Your Local Korean BBQ Spot appeared first on PETA.

    This post was originally published on Animal Rights and Campaign News | PETA.

  • Vegan Butcher Shop in Los Angeles Is Merging Mexican Flavors With Deli Classics

    Los Angeles’ Highland Park neighborhood has welcomed a new staple for vegans: Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher & Deli serves vegan meats inspired by Mexican flavors along with made-to-order sandwiches, agua frescas, house-made salsas, and more.

    Owner Maciel Bañales Luna grew up in Durango, Mexico, and she draws inspiration from her upbringing for the shop’s chicharrones, chorizo, and salsas.

    Time spent living in Brooklyn with her husband also inspired other offerings commonly seen in New York–style delis, including the pastrami, which comes piled high with provolone, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on the Reuben sandwich. This blend of cultural influences has made for a unique shop that fits perfectly within Los Angeles’ diverse vegan food scene.

    maciel's vegan butcher reuben

    Here are some other items you shouldn’t miss at Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher & Deli.

    The Breakfast: bacon or chorizo with vegan eggs and cheddar cheese, tomato, red onion, and spicy sauce on a brioche bun

    Order Your FREE Vegan Starter Kit

    The Flores: Mexican ribs, pickled onions, arugula, and mayo on ciabatta

    Aguas Frescas (available in Pineapple Ginger, Cucumber Lime Mint, and Hibiscus flavors)

    maciel's vegan butcher aguas frescas

    *****

    Maciel’s is one of the city’s first vegan butcher shops, closely following The Butcher’s Son in Hollywood, which opened just a month before. Clearly, people are interested in compassionate, animal- and planet-friendly meats and cheeses that are made with care. When you go vegan, you help spare the lives of many animals. Plus, it’s the best thing you can do for the planet and your own health. For tips and resources to help you make the transition, order your free vegan starter kit today:

    The post Vegan Butcher Shop in Los Angeles Is Merging Mexican Flavors With Deli Classics appeared first on PETA.

    This post was originally published on Animal Rights and Campaign News | PETA.

  • Celebrate Eid al-Adha With Delicious Vegan Dishes From Muslim Chefs and Other Food Experts

    The post Celebrate Eid al-Adha With Delicious Vegan Dishes From Muslim Chefs and Other Food Experts appeared first on PETA.

    This post was originally published on Animal Rights and Campaign News | PETA.

  • PETA Rescued 12-Week-Old Finnegan From Under a Mobile Home—Now He Awaits Adoption

    After PETA’s fieldworkers urgently rescued him from under a mobile home, 12-week-old kitten Finnegan is ready to begin again.

    rescued kitten finnegan

    Our fieldworkers found Finnegan during a visit to help other animals at the mobile home park.

    Loud screams and meows led the team to the source of the desperate cries: a shaking, terrified kitten hopelessly entangled in wire and mesh.

    CAP rescue

    The rescuers leaped into action, freed Finnegan, removed the mesh that was painfully wrapped around his neck, and gave him some much-needed care and attention. After persuading his owner to surrender him, they quickly transported him to safety.

    rescued kitten finnegan

    It didn’t take long for the rescued kitten, in the care of a compassionate foster family, to learn how to live indoors.

    rescued kitten finnegan

    Playful, affectionate, and as fiery as his bright orange fur, young Finnegan is ready to find his permanent home.

    rescued kitten finnegan

    Will Finnegan the Rescued Kitten Be Your Best Feline Friend?

    If you’ve fallen for Finnegan like we have—and have the resources and endless respect a kitten companion needs—send an e-mail to Adopt@peta.org.

    The post PETA Rescued 12-Week-Old Finnegan From Under a Mobile Home—Now He Awaits Adoption appeared first on PETA.

    This post was originally published on Animal Rights and Campaign News | PETA.

  • Boost PETA Germany’s Work in Ukraine and Your Skincare Routine: Shop ‘100% Pure’

    Did you know that your skincare routine can help PETA Germany save animals in Ukraine? Our friends at 100% Pure have created limited-edition Animal Rescue Sets of high-quality skincare products, and the proceeds are helping to fund PETA Germany’s vital work in the country.

    100% Pure’s Limited-Edition Animal Rescue Sets

    The cruelty-free 100% Pure Animal Rescue Sets feature luxurious products, such as face masks, hand creams, and facial serums, to keep your skin glowing. Even the Honey Almond Cream (made from honeysuckle, not from the product of bees’ hard work!) is vegan.

    The caffeine mask, brown, is shown in a clear case and surrounded by other products in the Animal Rescue Sets from 100% Pure, like the Collagen Boost Sheet Mask, on a green backgrund

    Each of the three Animal Rescue Sets features different products, so check out the Hydrate & Glow, Multi Masking Duo, and Daily Radiance packages. Make sure you don’t miss your chance to grab exciting products like the revitalizing Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream, the Green Tea Water Bomb, and many others and join 100% Pure in supporting PETA Germany’s vital work in Ukraine.

    Save Lives and Look Good While Doing It With 100% Pure Animal Rescue Sets

    PETA Germany and its partners have worked vigorously since Russia invaded Ukraine, rescuing over 1,500 cats and dogs, reuniting refugees with their animal companions, and feeding more than 100,000 cats, dogs, horses, and donkeys in the country. 100% Pure will donate 100% of the proceeds from the limited-edition sets to fund this vital work, so order your Animal Rescue Set today!

    The post Boost PETA Germany’s Work in Ukraine and Your Skincare Routine: Shop ‘100% Pure’ appeared first on PETA.

    This post was originally published on Animal Rights and Campaign News | PETA.

  • Help Animals—and Yourself—by Getting the Hottest Vegan Products

    The post Help Animals—and Yourself—by Getting the Hottest Vegan Products appeared first on PETA.

    This post was originally published on Animal Rights and Campaign News | PETA.

  • Complete Your Summer Looks With Leather-Free Accessories From von Holzhausen

    Vegan, women-owned, and 100% planet-friendly! Our friends at von Holzhausen create luxury vegan leathers that protect animals and are better for the planet. (They can even biodegrade in a landfill.) The best part? They help spare the lives of cows and other animals who simply want to live in peace, not be killed for their skin. von Holzhausen’s vegan materials are turned into high-quality, fashion-forward handbags, wallets, shoes, belts, and other accessories that perfectly complement your style. Below are a few of our picks for ethical summer accessories that you’ll love for years to come:

    The Large Shopper

    An ideal carry-on or weekend bag, this shopper bag is made from recycled water bottles (really!) and roomy enough to hold a 15-inch laptop.

    The Circle Crossbody 

    This is a chic, hands-free bag made of smooth, supple Banbū Leather. Try it in Patina, a cool shade that’s perfect for the summer.

    The Ballet Flat

    These flats are made in the classic style but with a unique, eco-friendly twist. By the time they arrive on your doorstep, the bamboo harvested to make them will have already grown back!

    von holzhausen ballet flats© von Holzhausen

    The Catch-All Pouch

    This sleek, supple travel pouch easily slips inside your suitcase or carry-on.

    The Market Tote

    This lightweight bag works for everything—from quick trips to the drugstore to your farmer’s market haul. The innovative material is just a third of the weight of animal-derived leather.

    von holzhausen market tote bag for summer© von Holzhausen

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    Order Your FREE Vegan Starter Kit

    Want to learn more about making your closet animal-friendly? Our guide can help you out:

    The post Complete Your Summer Looks With Leather-Free Accessories From von Holzhausen appeared first on PETA.

    This post was originally published on Animal Rights and Campaign News | PETA.

  • Check Out This Guide to High-Quality Vegan Wallets

    Whether you’re looking for a wallet that’s made of vegan leather, canvas, waterproof Tyvek paper, recycled materials, metal, or even cork, this list will help you find the perfect wallet to fit your needs.

    Why choose vegan? The production of animal leather is a massive source of pollution, and animals such as cows, goats, and dogs suffer and die for it. In addition to polluting the air with methane and carbon dioxide, leather tanneries around the world contaminate water supplies with toxic chemicals such as chromium that are used to treat leather. When you get right down to it, leather is someone else’s skin that was forcibly torn from an animal’s body. There’s no need to purchase items made from animal skins when there are so many high-quality vegan leather options.

    Here are some entirely vegan companies that offer a wide selection of animal-free wallets:

    Tearojoy

    Matt & Nat

    ROANDCO

    photo of black vegan wallet against a peach and blue backdrop

    Doshi FCSA

    Cork by Design

    Corkor

    Couch

    dosh

    Dynomighty Design

    Paperwallet

    slimfold

     

    The following companies have vegan options but are not entirely vegan, so be sure to check product descriptions before purchasing items:

    36 Chambers

    Herschel Supply Company

    Quiksilver

    Stewart/Stand

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    With so many vegan options for clothing and accessories, there’s never any reason to buy items made the way these are:

    Learn more about keeping your closet free from animal suffering:

    The post Check Out This Guide to High-Quality Vegan Wallets appeared first on PETA.

    This post was originally published on Animal Rights and Campaign News | PETA.

  • These Ballparks Hit a Grand Slam With Vegan-Friendly Menu Options

    Baseball season is in full swing, which means we’re back once again with this year’s ranking of the best vegan-friendly ballparks. These stadiums go beyond peanuts and Cracker Jack (which we love, too, of course). Many are partnering with brands such as Beyond Meat and Field Roast to give baseball fans the classic game-day experience while keeping it compassionate.

    So don’t strike out for animals—choose vegan options at the ballpark and spare countless cows, pigs, and other animals who don’t want to be stuffed between buns.

    1. Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers)

    Our 2019 winner is back at the top again this year! Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, is a vegan’s dream, with a Beyond Meat partnership and vegan food carts offering tons of options in sections 16 and 101. Here’s some of what you may find:

    • Vegan ballpark nachos with Credo Foods nacho cheese
    • Beyond Burgers with Field Roast Creamy Original Chao cheese
    • Vegan hot dogs from Field Roast (which can be smothered in Credo Foods nacho cheese and vegan chili)
    • Beyond Brats
    • Beyond Meat vegan chicken wraps
    • MorningStar Farms Veggie Corn Dogs
    • Oatly soft serve (in vanilla, chocolate, or swirl flavors)
    • Vegan chicken salad sandwiches

    2. Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City Royals)

    Kansas City, Missouri, is known for its barbecues, so we love to see some vegan options at Kauffman Stadium like Beyond Meat brats and burgers, which you can find at 203 Marketplace, Diamond Club, Rivals, and Craft & Draft.

    • Beyond Brats
    • Beyond Burgers
    • Made-to-order roasted vegetable wraps
    • Meat-free Philly cheesesteaks (Specify that you want yours vegan.)
    • Tacos (With extra veggies—be sure to ask for it without meat or cheese.)
    • Vegan coleslaw
    • Vegan baked beans
    • Hummus cups

    3. Target Field (Minnesota Twins)

    Local vegan meat shop The Herbivorous Butcher provides flavorful sausages for fans at the Twins’ home stadium in Minneapolis. Find it in section 129.

    • The Herbivorous Butcher hot brats
    • Vegan Indian channa from Hot Indian Foods in section 120
    • Vegan burgers in sections 109 and 305 (Be sure to order yours without cheese or mayo, and check whether the bun is vegan.)

    4. Progressive Field (Cleveland Guardians)

    Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians, has quite a few delicious and unique vegan choices, and we love that a lot of them are from local restaurants. Here’s what you may be able to find:

    • Vegan grilled cheese sandwiches from Melt Bar and Grilled in section 113
    • Vegan tacos from Barrio in sections 109 and 529
    • Veggie hot dogs in section 159
    • Vegan burgers
    • Build-your-own vegan burritos from Ohio City Burrito in section 160
    • Dairy-free vegan ice cream from Sweet Moses

    5. Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks)

    The Diamondbacks’ home field in Phoenix serves up Tex-Mex–inspired favorites and a flavorful, healthy wrap made with Gardein vegan chicken.

    • Bean burritos at La Terraza in section 300
    • Chips, guacamole, and salsa
    • Vegan Mediterranean chicken wraps with Gardein vegan chicken, hummus, greens, cucumbers, and olive tapenade

    © 2018 Arizona Diamondbacks | Sarah Sachs

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    Note: Menu offerings are subject to change and availability. Be sure to check at the concession stands for the most up-to-date listings.

    Other Major League ballparks around the U.S. are also dishing up vegan options that appeal to fans who are concerned about animals, the planet, and their health.

    What to Do if Your Favorite Ballpark Didn’t Make the Cut

    If you’d like to see the vegan menu at your team’s stadium expanded, speak up and tell the concessionaires to play ball.

    Learn more about vegan food at baseball stadiums on The PETA Podcast:

    Listen to more episodes on iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify! Subscribe for new episodes.

     

    The post These Ballparks Hit a Grand Slam With Vegan-Friendly Menu Options appeared first on PETA.

  • Celebrate Pride Month With Vegan Latine LGBTQ+ Chefs

    PETA and PETA Latino stand against all forms of oppression—including discrimination against LGBTQ+ folks. We know that love wins every time. And for these queer Latine chefs, cooking without flesh demonstrates a love for animals, the planet, and human health.

    This Pride Month—and every day—let’s celebrate Latine vegans in the LGBTQ+ community. It’s our pleasure to highlight the following chefs, who prove that you don’t have to have cruelty on your plate to enjoy a delicious meal.

    Eddie Garza

    Eddie Garza is a passionate vegan chef who works to reform food systems in Hispanic communities. He’s the author of several books, including ¡Salud! Vegan Mexican Cookbook, and has cooked for celebrities such as Daisy Fuentes, Richard Marx, and Marco Antonio Regil.

    Eddie grew up in a community plagued with childhood obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, according to his IMDb biography. He struggled with his weight, but that all changed when he switched to vegan foods. His story exemplifies why leading health experts agree that going vegan is the best thing we can do for our families and ourselves. Healthy vegan foods support lifelong health and protect against heart disease, cancer, and strokes.

    Silvana Salcido Esparza

    Silvana Salcido Esparza is renowned for her vegan Mexican-inspired cuisine and her dedication to social justice. In a Civil Eats interview, she said that she advocates for those who cannot adequately protect themselves and that food is political. Through food, chef Esparza, who is a five-time James Beard Foundation nominee, supports humans and other animals.

    Slaughtering animals is one of the most hazardous industries in the U.S. The hellish workplaces rely on rural workers—primarily immigrants, people of color, and refugees—who often don’t have the opportunity to secure safer, better-paying jobs. Going vegan is the best thing you can do for animals raised for food and those who are paid to kill them.

    Posted @withregram • @tmacfood The legendary cochinita pibil from @thebarriocafe along with Nana’s green chili verde. Absolutely love this place. ☺🔥🙌🏻

    Posted by Barrio Cafe by chef Silvana Salcido Esparza on Saturday, April 9, 2022

    Abram Bañuelos and Carlos Reynoso

    Abram Bañuelos and Carlos Reynoso serve Mexican-style vegan tacos throughout Portland, Oregon, in their pop-up, Mis Tacones. This popular food stand provides trans people of color with free meals.


    With each plate free of animal ingredients, Abram and Carlos are helping the planet. Raising and killing animals for food requires enormous amounts of land, food, energy, and water. And according to the United Nations, a worldwide shift toward vegan eating is vital to combat the worst effects of the climate catastrophe.

    Chef Giancarlo Mitrano and Dr. Simon Alvarez Mitrano

    Founded by an LGBTQ+ couple, Chef Giancarlo Mitrano and Dr. Simon Alvarez, The Cocinita is a popular vegan eatery among Miami customers. It offers mouthwatering—yet affordable—Latin American cuisine.

    The Venezuelan duo started with a vegan food truck and eventually opened their storefront in 2020. This well-loved restaurant opened many people’s eyes to vegan foods with a Latin twist and surely created more vegans. And that’s always a win for animals.

    Marino Benedetto

    Hot diggity dog! Vegan chef Marino Benedetto, who is nonbinary, is at the top of the not-dog game. They run Yeah Dawg Vegan in New York City, and their veggie dog recipe allows vegans to enjoy summer and childhood without animal-based ingredients.

    Marino spent more than five years working with unhoused young people, introducing them to inexpensive, healthy foods. This charitable work sparked the idea of serving classic American hotdogs made from plants.

    ******

    Vegan chefs of every race, creed, sexuality, and gender are inspiring others with their compassionate culinary creations. And because their recipes are animal ingredient–free, they’re healthy, eco-friendly, and humane.

    All of us at PETA and PETA Latino wish you love and happiness as you celebrate Pride Month!

    PETA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide websites with a means to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    The post Celebrate Pride Month With Vegan Latine LGBTQ+ Chefs appeared first on PETA.

    This post was originally published on Animal Rights and Campaign News | PETA.

  • Protest call against the blasphemy outside Indian Consulate in New York.

    Web Desk:

    A spokesman of India’s ruling party BJP recently made derogatory remarks about the Holy Prophet (PBUH) during a discussion with a host on a television channel, to which the Islamic world reacted strongly.

    They demanded a public apology from the Indian government for the insolence of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and a boycott of Indian products.

    A strong wave of grief and anger swept in the American Muslims over a BJP spokesman’s offensive remarks based on the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).

    Muslims in the United States have decided to protest outside the Indian Consulate in New York on Friday at 4 p.m.
    Many Muslim and Pakistani political and social organizations, including ICNA, MAS, and MUNA, will also take part in the protest.

    Organizers have called on the Muslim community to join the protest against the derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH).

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Saudi Hajj Ministry opens e-registration for pilgrims from Europe, America, and Australia

    Web Desk:

    According to the Saudi Gazette and the Arab News, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has enabled pilgrims from Europe, America, and Australia to register electronically for this year’s Hajj season.

    Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has developed a portal through which pilgrims from Europe, America, and Australia can register electronically for Hajj 2022, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

    The portal features various package options, support services, and a multi-lingual communication center that is open around the clock.

    The ministry said, “The portal also enables issuing visas electronically, to meet the aspirations of honorable pilgrims from these countries and ensure quick and easy procedures.”

    Pilgrims can register directly via the portal on the following link: www.motawif.com.sa.

    Through the portal, the pilgrim can ensure that he fulfills the conditions including, being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, under 65 years (i.e. born after 1-7-1957 A), and has a negative PCR result taken before his departure), with priority given to those who have not performed Hajj before. Priority will be given to those who have not previously performed Hajj.

    These services come within the framework of the ministry’s strategy to develop the digital experience for the pilgrims. These efforts aim to facilitate the procedures and provide competitive prices for pilgrims from these countries.

    The ministry announced earlier that foreign pilgrims constitute 85 percent of the total one million pilgrims who will be allowed to perform Hajj this year.

    850,000 foreign pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj while domestic pilgrims will be restricted to 150,000.

  • PASWO hosts Eid Milan Party for Women in Brooklyn.

    Web Desk:

    Pakistani American Skilled Women Organization (PASWO) organized Eid Milan Party in Brooklyn, New York, especially for women.

    The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and Naat-e-Mubarakah. Several female members of the Pakistani community attended the event.Chairwoman PASWO Atiya Shahnaz addressing the participants said that today’s Eid Milan Party is for women to participate and enjoy without any worries regarding their responsibilities.

    Organizers arranged different activities and competitions for the participants. Countless exciting gifts were also distributed at Dholki and other competitions between different groups.Women from different fields of life with the Chairperson of the American Council of Minority Women, Bazah Rohi attended the event. Refreshments were also arranged for the attendees of the Eid Milan Party.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • ICNA hosted the 27th Annual Mass Convention in Baltimore.

    Web Desk:
    Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), the largest organization of Muslims in the US, organized three days annual mass convention in Baltimore.

    In the 27th Annual Convention of ICNA, sessions in different languages have carried out by world-renowned scholars Siraj Wahaj, Dr. Yasir Qazi, Sheikh Omer Suleman, Sheikh Abdul Rehman, Imam Suhaib, Dr. Alfat Hussain, and many others.

    More than 23 thousand people from all over the US and leaders of Islamic organizations from Australia, Canada, Norway, and the UK with US congresswoman Ilhan Omer, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, and many other elected officials attended the grand event.

    Speakers expressed their thoughts on how to tackle Islamophobia in the world. Muslim Scholars emphasized the need for unity and cooperation between Muslims for their prosperity. Participants also announced to lead the campaign to unite Muslims throughout the world against Islamophobia.

    On this occasion, Congresswoman Ilhan Omer emphasized promoting Islam in the world. She said that Islam teaches us to respect other religions as well.

    The event organizers said that the participation of thousands of Muslims, including youngsters, was the fruitful result of the convention. They said that the main aim of ICNA’s mass Convention is to introduce Islam and Muslims to the world and to shorten the gap between Islam and the young generation.

    Various stalls have also been set up at the ICNA Mass Convention, from where the attendees bought ornaments reflecting Islamic cultures like hats, scarves, and abayas. Children and youngsters were also busy in different activities.

  • Program filled with Asian Colors organized at Police Plaza

    Web Desk:

    An Asian Heritage Program was held at the New York Police Department’s Head Office Police Plaza. The program was full of colors of different Asian cultures and enjoyed by everyone. Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell welcomed guests in a program full of Asian Colors. Detective Rohail Khalid, President of the NYPD’s Pakistan Law Enforcement Society (PALS) has begun work to promote a better community in New York. He further added that his one thousand nine hundred members are trying to do their best for the betterment of the community.

    Police officers were entertained by Asian cultural dances and melodies in the program. They were seen throwing bhangras to the beat and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Dum Mast Qalandar. T

    The Asian Heritage program spread such colors of Asian culture that the participants could not resist…

  • Global Day of Parents 2022

    Web Desk:

    Global Parents Day is celebrated every year on June 1 to provide an opportunity for each one to appreciate their parents for their selfless efforts towards their children’s well-being and proper development.

    The day is observed all around the world to remind children to pamper their parents, offer them due respect and recognize their efforts.

    Global parents Day is celebrated in honor of parents. This day has been announced by the United Nations in 2012. Since the Global Day of parents was recognized by the UN in the year 2012, it has been celebrated every year on the 1st of June. The theme for this year’s Global Day of Parents is Appreciate All Parents throughout the World.

    The commitment of parents towards children is appreciated on this day. This day is an occasion for children and parents to celebrate their bond. On this day people globally congratulate their parents for their love and sacrifice. This day is a day to make parents feel special for their selfless work and sacrifice for their children.

    In many parts of the world, Parents Day is observed on various dates. Global Day of parents is celebrated on different days in different countries. Like in America, this day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July, while in South Korea, Parents’ Day is celebrated on the 8th of May. Although Global Day of parents is not a public holiday, it is a day celebrated for the participation of the parent society.

  • Man in wig throws cake at glass protecting Mona Lisa

    Web Desk:

    According to Associated Press, a man seemingly disguised as an old woman in a wheelchair threw a piece of cake at the glass protecting the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum and shouted at people to think of planet Earth.

    The Paris prosecutor’s office said Monday that the 36-year-old man was detained following Sunday’s incident and sent to a police psychiatric unit. An investigation has been opened into the damage to cultural artifacts.

    Videos posted on social media showed a young man in a wig and lipstick who had arrived in a wheelchair. The man, whose identity was unknown, was also seen throwing roses in the museum gallery to slack-jawed guests.

    The cake attack left a conspicuous white creamy smear on the glass but the famous work by Leonardo da Vinci wasn’t damaged.

    Security guards were filmed escorting the wig-wearing man away as he called out to the surprised visitors in the gallery:

    “Think of the Earth! There are people who are destroying the Earth! Think about it. Artists tell you: think of the Earth. That’s why I did this.”

    Guards were then filmed cleaning the cake from the glass. A Louvre statement confirmed the attack on the artwork involved a “patisserie.”

    The 16th-century Renaissance masterpiece has seen a lot in its over-500 years in existence.

    The painting was stolen in 1911 by a museum employee, an event that increased the painting’s international fame. It was also damaged in an acid attack perpetrated by a vandal in the 1950s and has since been kept behind glass.

    In 2009, a Russian woman who was angry at not being able to get French citizenship threw a ceramic cup at it, smashing the cup but not harming the glass or the painting.

  • New York offers driver’s licenses with “X” gender marker

    Web Desk:

    According to the Fox5NY, New York State is now offering driver’s licenses with an “X” gender identity marker, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday.

    The “X” option for licenses, learner’s permits, and non-driver identification cards is being implemented in conjunction with a state law approved last June.

    Proponents of the change had argued that limiting gender identity on licenses to either male or female discriminated against nonbinary New Yorkers.

    The option is open to new applicants as well as New Yorkers with existing licenses. They will have the option to change their gender marker from “M” or “F” to “X.”

    “Every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression, deserves to have an identity document that reflects who they are,” Hochul said in a prepared statement.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Woman assaulted on NYC subway as bystanders do nothing

    Web desk:

    According to Fox News, a viral video on social media shows a woman being assaulted on a New York City subway train as bystanders keep a safe distance away from the scene.

    The passenger can be seen mouthing, “Somebody helps me,” as the individual continues holding on to her hair while they are seated. None of the other passengers assist her as the individual holds on to her hair and, eventually, lifts her from the seat.

    “Get up!” the individual yells as he pulls the woman by her hair to the back of the train car before letting her go.

    city’s

    Toward the end of the video, the individual can be seen kicking the train car’s windows while it is still in motion and then eventually exiting the car at the next stop.

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ office did not respond to an inquiry from Fox News Digital regarding the video.

    Transit crime incidents in New York City have increased by nearly 58% year-over-year from 576 incidents last year, when fewer people were commuting to work via public transit due to COVID-19, to 907 this year. Total violent crime has increased by more than 39% year-over-year, according to the New York Police Department’s crime statistics for the week ending May 22. Several incidents have made national headlines this year.

    NYPD Transit Chief Jason Wilcox announced Monday that the city had rolled out the Train Patrol Force, or TPF, this month to “perform dedicated, targeted and visible travel patrols on the late evening and overnight hours.”

    Wilcox told transportation executives that 54% of the city’s total subway crime is reported on the trains, and 40% of that total is reported during “the specific TPF overnight hours.” Meanwhile, the transit chief added that overall subway arrests are up 67% so far this year.

  • ICNA Food Pantry lends a helping hand to Ukrainian refugees.

    Web Desk:

    Ukrainian families and refugees looking for refuge in New York City attended a food pantry giveaway Monday where they got a lot more than just-food.

    ICNA Relief hosts a food pantry event and provides massive food and home essentials for many Ukrainian refugee families in Brighton Beach. Mattresses, pillows, bed frames, and more were available at Food Pantry.

    Ishaq Alar, hunger prevention and refugee protection services lead at ICNA Relief, emphasized the importance of helping refugees.

    “Me myself being a refugee from Afghanistan, I have come across these challenges and how difficult it is when you come,” said Alar. He further said that “our logo says that it Muslims for Humanity so we don’t look at ethnicity, gender, race or anything”.

    Dozens of Ukrainian refugees lined up to receive free living essentials and expresses how grateful they are to have received these essentials.

    ICNA Relief is currently looking to do more of these drives in the future and says it’s willing to help any refugee or anyone who needs food.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Last call: Final phone booths removed from NYC streets

    Web Desk:

    According to the NY Daily News, the Big Apple marked the end of an era when a construction crane plucked the last two phone booths from a New York City street.

    The Times Square telephones were the last of nearly 8,000 public phones that were still ringing around the city as of March 2015, according to the city’s Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications.

    Photo Courtesy: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/ AFP via Getty Images

    The city had been gradually removing them from sidewalks and replacing them with Wi-Fi hotspots and Link NYC cellphone charging kiosks. The last of the booths will find a new home at the Museum of the City of New York.

    “I won’t miss all the dead dial tone,  buty I felt a twinge of nostalgia seeing it go,” Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine tweeted after the phone booth was carted away.

  • Richard Scott’s 36-hour swing marathon lands a world record

    Web Desk:

    According to BBC, a Kinross man has achieved a childhood ambition to break the world record for the longest marathon on a swing.

    Richard Scott, 51, completed the 36-hour challenge on Sunday, beating the existing record by two hours. The father-of-three was cheered on by supporters during the challenge, which is awaiting final confirmation by Guinness World Records.

    Mr Scott said he felt fine after the challenge, despite hitting “the wall” at the 18-hour mark.

    He said: “We were in a marquee that had no sides on it, so I was facing into the blackness and although there was a big moon above, I couldn’t see it. So I was sitting for about six hours looking into the black. My legs were really sore at the time and I was getting really tired.”

    Fortunately, he was allowed a five-minute break every hour, which could be saved up.

    “I had a half-hour break, so in that time I had to go to the toilet, stretch and sleep,” Mr Scott said. “So I got 12 minutes sleep and that kind of reset things.”

    He was kept going by family and friends and found concentrating one of the main challenges.

    “There were occasions where I was talking to somebody and I’d actually forget to swing,” he said. “The people watching me said I was slowing down too much. But the people around me kept me going.”

    The record-breaking challenge at Loch Leven’s Larder cricket pitch, was watched by independent witnesses, working in four-hour shifts.

    The whole event also had to be filmed with a clock in shot. The documentation will be sent to Guinness World Records and will take up to three months to verify.

    Mr Scott said he “didn’t really have a clue” what was going on after completing the challenge, which was supported by Kinross and District Rotary Club. He said: “I was so tired, I almost felt like I was drunk. People came out with Prosecco and it was a real party atmosphere.”

  • US case of monkey pox reported in Massachusetts man

    Web Desk:

    According to Associated Press, Massachusetts on Wednesday reported a rare case of monkeypox in a man who recently traveled to Canada, and health officials are looking into whether it is connected to small outbreaks in Europe.

    Monkeypox is typically limited to Africa, and rare cases in the U.S. and elsewhere are usually linked to travel there. A small number of confirmed or suspected cases have been reported this month in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Spain.

    U.S. health officials said they are in contact with officials in the U.K. and Canada as part of the investigation. But “at this point, we don’t have any information that links the Massachusetts case to cases in the UK,” said Jennifer McQuiston of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Though it’s the only U.S. case the CDC is aware of, “I do think we are preparing for the possibility of more cases,” she said.

    The U.S. case poses no risk to the public, and the Massachusetts resident is hospitalized but in good condition, officials said.

    McQuiston said that the man traveled to Canada at the end of April to meet friends and returned in early May. A CDC statement said he used private transportation.

    The case is the first in the U.S. this year. Last year, Texas and Maryland each reported a case in people who traveled to Nigeria.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • We Can’t Get Enough of These Latine-Owned Restaurants, Chosen by PETA Latino

    Are you craving the taste of traditional Latine dishes but looking to keep it animal-friendly? PETA Latino has found 13 Latine-owned restaurants serving some of the best vegan meals with flavors from Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and elsewhere. The inventive chefs at these spots are creating authentic flavors without harming cows, pigs, chickens, or other animals who suffer on today’s farms.

    ARIZONA

    Earth Plant Based Cuisine (Phoenix)

    When the Aguilar family went vegan, they began replicating their family recipes without using ingredients animals are harmed for. When the dishes started to get praise at gatherings, they decided to bring them to the public, and Earth Plant Based Cuisine was the result. Flautas, tacos, burritos, churros, house-made horchata, and so much more make up the menu.

    Pachamama (Phoenix)

    Pachamama’s chefs use traditional ingredients to create vegan versions of popular Mexican eats, including asada tacos made with hibiscus flowers and fish-friendly ceviche made with hearts of palm. Find these dishes and more at its market pop-ups and Phoenix restaurant.

    CALIFORNIA

    Cena Vegan (Los Angeles)

    Carmen Santillan, Mike Simms, and Gary Huerta founded Cena Vegan in 2016 as a taco cart in East Los Angeles. It has since become a staple of the vegan food scene in the city and has even expanded its vegan meats to the retail market under the brand Plant Ranch. Order online for pickup or delivery, or find its pop-up at Smorgasburg Los Angeles every Sunday.

    El Cocinero (Van Nuys)

    At El Cocinero, owner Alex Vargas is exploring the flavors of traditional Mexican dishes with a vegan twist. He opened the brick-and-mortar restaurant following years of success with his pop-up, Vegatinos. The restaurant is known for its burritos, tacos, and nachos made with your choice of six house-made vegan meats: al pastor, asada, jackfruit carnitas, chicharrón, birria, or chicken. It’s also serving up creamy horchata and flan, without cow’s milk or eggs.

    Señoreata (Los Angeles)

    This Cuban-American fusion pop-up and catering company makes Cuban sandwiches, pastelitos, loaded yuca fries, and more out of its kitchens in Silver Lake and Yucca Valley as well as its Sunday pop-up at Smorgasburg Los Angeles. Chef and owner Evanice Holz takes inspiration from her upbringing, including the meals cooked for her by her father and grandmother.

    World Empanadas (Burbank)

    Family-owned and -operated World Empanadas brings Argentinian empanadas to Southern California. It offers five delicious vegan options on the regular menu at its Burbank restaurant: Soy Chorizo, Quinoa and Lentils, Homemade Mushroom and Cashew Cheese, Pinto Beans and Rice, and Mixed Berries. Keep an eye out for vegan specials, too.

    FLORIDA

    The Cocinita Miami (Miami)

    Owner Gianluca Mitrano started The Cocinita Miami as a meal-prep service, then transitioned it to a food truck and later into a brick-and-mortar restaurant. It’s serving up vegan Venezuelan classics, stacked burgers, healthy tacos, and more. The Cachapa—a corn pancake filled with melty nondairy cheese—is a must-try for an animal-friendly take on a traditional Venezuelan dish.

    Holi Vegan Kitchen MiMo (Miami)

    Miami’s Holi Vegan Kitchen was founded by two Argentinian sisters and their husbands who wanted to bring healing to people through good food. The result is a varied menu, with dishes inspired by their Latine roots (like empanadas) alongside salads, burgers, and bowls. Everything is made to be both healthful and flavorful.

    JDs VegMex (Miami)

    JDs VegMex is a vegan restaurant that found success serving up Tex-Mex favorites like crunch wraps, empanadas, quesadillas, and much more at farmer’s markets, festivals, and block parties. It opened its first brick-and-mortar location in 2022.

    Order Your FREE Vegan Starter Kit

    GEORGIA

    Guiterra (Atlanta)                                        

    Guiterra’s tacos, burritos, mulitas, and more are made with the restaurant’s signature house-made vegan meats, including Hibiscus Barbacoa, Jackfruit Tinga, and Hibiscus Asada. Don’t miss out on this spot’s vegan coconut flan, served with a sweet hibiscus reduction.

    NEVADA

    Pancho’s Vegan Tacos (Las Vegas)

    Pancho’s is much more than just tacos—swing by this spot for burritos, tortas, tostadas, and sopes, too. It even serves up breakfast dishes like chilaquiles and tofu rancheros.

    TEXAS

    El Palote (Dallas)

    El Palote became North Texas’ first vegan Mexican restaurant when it switched to a completely vegan menu in 2016. Today, it’s serving up flavorful tacos, tamales, burritos, and other traditional Mexican dishes to its loyal customers. It even launched a breakfast and brunch menu, with Texas-shaped waffles and egg-free chilaquiles.

    Nuno’s Tacos & Vegmex Grill (Dallas)

    Whether you’re in the mood for enchiladas, quesadillas, or made-to-order sopapillas, Nuno’s Tacos & Vegmex Grill has a super-tasty vegan dish for you. Owner Aurelio “Nuno” Arias Jr.’s goal is to redefine the food he grew up with by making it healthier, while keeping all the flavor.

    *****

    Going vegan is the best thing you can do for animals, the planet, and your own health—so why not start today?

    The post We Can’t Get Enough of These Latine-Owned Restaurants, Chosen by PETA Latino appeared first on PETA.

    This post was originally published on Animal Rights and Campaign News | PETA.

  • Cannes film festival rolls out the red carpet for 75th anniversary

    Web Desk:

    According to The Straits Times, the Cannes Film Festival rolled out the red carpet Tuesday (May 17) as the Mediterranean port city filled up with cinema stars, festival-goers, and oglers for the 75th-anniversary event, bringing buzz and glamour back to the resort destination.

    The world’s biggest film festival runs from May 17-28, back to its traditional calendar following two years of pandemic disruptions, and marking the return of parties and high hopes from the industry that it will spark the return of audiences to movie theaters.

    It opened on Tuesday with the screening of Michel Hazanavicius’s zombie film, Final Cut, and will also feature heavy hitters like Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick – bringing Cruise to the festival for the first time in 30 years – and Australian film-maker Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic.

    During the opening ceremony, American actor Forest Whitaker received the festival’s Honorary Palme D’Or for lifetime achievement. The actor’s production company is showing For the Sake of Peace, a documentary on the war in South Sudan.

    With the war in Ukraine hanging over the event, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the gala opening ceremony as a surprise guest by video link from Kyiv. He asked for the cinema world’s solidarity with his people in the face of the Russian invasion.

    Photo Courtesy: Instagram/festivaldecannes

    The festival’s jury – includes actors and filmmakers such as Rebecca Hall, Noomi Rapace, Deepika Padukone, and Asghar Farhadi who also spoke out about the role of cinema during times of violence.

  • Couples catch on fire during bizarre wedding stunt

    Web Desk:

    According to New York Post, A newlywed couple literally went out in a blaze of glory after setting themselves on fire to end their wedding ceremony.

    A video of a stunt double making their exit from their wedding reception while being on fire is viral across social media platforms.

    The lovebirds are Gabe Jessop and Ambyr Mishelle, 42-year-old stunt doubles who work on TV and film sets such as “Yellowstone” and “Hereditary,” so they decided to pay homage to their shared careers during their wedding.

    The viral video, posted on the social media application TikTok and shared on Instagram, sees Gabe Jessop holding his hand with his wife Ambyr Bambyr.

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdUgswSj-8I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    A man came up behind her and set her bouquet on fire, which spread to their backs quickly. The stunt double walked and waved to the crowd that cheered them on. They were not fazed for a slight. They went down on one knee before the flames were extinguished.

    The report stated the couple first met when working on the sets. The video has more than 2,000 likes and counting and internet became crazy over them…

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Mega Toy Distribution Program at Nassau County.

    Web Desk:

    Toys for Eid organized the event of Mega Toy Distribution Program in Nassau County, New York jointly by ICNA Relief and Hamza Mosque. It is the third event of its kind in Nassau County. Similar events have been held in the Bronx and Brooklyn before to double the joy of children’s Eid festivities.

    Toys for Eid organized the event of Mega Toy Distribution Program in Nassau County, New York. It is the third event of its kind in Nassau County, organized jointly by ICNA Relief and Masjid Hamza, and hosted by Toys for Eid. Similar events have been held in the Bronx and Brooklyn before to double the joy of children’s Eid festivities.

    Addressing the participants, Hamza Chaudhry of Toys for Eid mentioned that under this program, toys would also be distributed among ill children. He further said that on the occasion of Eid we want to add happiness to all those who are deserving.

    Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, was the special guest at the event. Safwad Ahmed and Miss Rohi from Hamza Mosque thanked Hamza Chaudhary for this great event and congratulated him for sharing the joys of Eid with several people.

    More than five thousand toys were distributed among children through the program. During the event, meal boxes and free ice-creams also distributed. Special arrangements were also made for face painting for children. Luxury cars like Mercedes Rolls Royce and sports cars were also the center of attention.

    People from all age groups enjoyed the event.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.