Opinion

Steamed Asparagus with Raspberry Sauce 

Vegucated  -Written and directed by Marisa Miller Wolfson

www.GetVegucated.com

The documentary Vegucated follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks. Lured by tales of weight lost and health regained, they begin to uncover the hidden sides of animal agriculture that make them wonder whether solutions offered in films like Food, Inc. go far enough. This entertaining documentary showcases the rapid and at times comedic evolution of three people who discover they can change the world one bite at a time. One of the three was Brian Flegel, who happily agreed to be interviewed by Tofu Cat.

Anthony Damiano is one of the most intstumental forces in stopping crush videos and exposing the crush industry. Marla and he have been advocating for a number of years for animal and environmental issues as well as child protection. This is Anthony's input regarding his efforts.  He has perservered, relentlessly, in many areas, but especially in those mentioned.  We are thankful for his dedication.

The following is the remainder of Tofu Cat's interview with Brian Flegal - featured in the documentary, Vegucated.

TC- What surprised you most about yourself and your journey through the filming of Vegucated?

I was surprised to find out how easy it way to change my diet. Once the mental hurdle of my food habit was conquered everything else fell into place.

TC- What were some of the main challenges or confronting issues you faced along the way?

Just changing habits and incorporating what I learned into my everyday life. It was inconvenient for a little while, but with the support of Marisa and the project the day to day changes led to a life change.

Have you ever wondered what a vegan / vegetarian food plan can do for your body, mind, and soul? The amazing effects are limitless if your mind is open to try new choices and indulge in the array of Mother Nature’s bouquet. It’s a fact that vegetables do have positive effects for a longer life, healthier skin, and protection from colds.  In my dedication to fitness, I have learned how to maximize fruits and vegetables for a healthy, active lifestyle which has extended to incredible health benefits beyond my tennis and fitness routines.

This I Believe

This I Believe: we are alive to Love.
To Love all creation, all beings, all habitats.
To Love not with only with our heads and minds, but with our hands and words.
With our shadows and money.

When transitioning from vegetarianism to veganism, often the last living being to be deleted from the diet is fish.  Presumably, this is because fish are perceived as mindless beings who have no ability to feel pain and whose only purpose is to aimlessly swim about.
 

Dear Animal Advocates,

Every year milions of animals are maliciously tortured and killed in laboratories for reasons unjustified in today's modern world. Their deaths must not pass unnoticed and unmentioned! Please join us on in a peaceful demo at the corner of Auburn Road and Crile Road, Painesville, Ohio from 11:00am to 12:30pm on April 19th. We will set this day aside to remember their deaths and resolve to take meaningful action on behalf of ALL of the animals still imprisoned in Ricerca Biosciences and laboratories across the U.S. and around the world.

I did something that I have been trying to mentally prepare myself for since I started Bailing Out Benji. A small group of friends and I drove almost two hours to attend a puppy mill auction in Vail, Iowa. Thankfully, K-D Kennels owned by Dean and Karen Grell is officially OUT OF BUSINESS. After years of bad USDA reports, they are leaving the business. Sadly for all of their 240 dogs (and a few puppies), they were being auctioned off like property instead of going to rescues. Please read my story, share it, and reach out if you have any questions!