CPVegan-Carl from Carle Place

Recent Testimonial (Slapping my backism! 8-) )

2012-01-27T06:03:00.000-08:00

TESTIMONIAL Jan. 26, 2012

"Hello Carl,
It was a pleasure to meet you tonight. I’m so glad that I decided to do my own private session. The small difference in price was well worth it!

... Your studio is has a nice, relaxed atmosphere. I thank you so much for making me feel comfortable and giving me wonderful pictures to choose from! For someone who doesn’t like to be photographed, I was amazed at the choices I had.

I will be telling everyone I know to go to you!

Stay well and keep in touch,
Denise
…………………… Thank you for asking for my business cards when they are done; I will gladly bring some by. Referrals are always appreciated.
…………………………………..and if I ever get good enough on the drums to get out of my basement, I’ll call you to ‘jam’ with your harmonica!"

Denise Lauth, CBR
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Prudential Douglas Elliman/Garden City
denise.lauth@elliman.com
...."A good name is more desirable than great riches"...

Sample environmental portrait-Jennifer Greene, vegan

2011-12-20T04:51:00.001-08:00

Available light, Pt. Lookout kitchen

2011-12-18T18:36:00.001-08:00

Introducing The Dryad Etsy Store

2011-12-03T04:58:00.000-08:00

Where gorgeous vegan bracelets and more abound!

All proceeds after cost of materials will be donated to organizations that help animals.

Just What the Heck Goes into Making a Portrait?

2011-12-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

In 1994, while still using film cameras I was asked by a camera club to
give a presentation on Portraiture.
I named it,
“Strangers in the Light”

The following is a condensed version of what I now feel are the most salient points.

What is a portrait?
In its simplest definition, it is an image of a person which gives us information.

Famous person’s portrait pixilated by
the electronic engineers at Bell Tele Labs
How is it that we recognize this person?
Pattern
Details
Unique qualities

Through the right equipment, lighting, psychology and timing, portraiture must reveal more than just skin and bones and pixels. And so this is our challenge - the making of the image that is in the sitter’s mind to become one and the same…and more!

“Facing” the Challenge
Our subjects will come to us with a certain style they require for a certain end purpose.
Portrait Types-
Literal -
Aware of camera
Looks into lens
“Active” e.g. Publicity/Promotional; for loved ones
Interpretive –
Unaware of camera
Not looking at lens; environmental; documentary
“Passive” e.g. workers on the job
Observed or “Found-Face” –
The combination of some of the above or any single element
Candid’s of captured moments of friends, family, strangers

Be on the Out What You Are Inside
or
Some Thoughts on the Psychology of Portraiture

Can, and must, the photographer capture the elusive revelations of the internal psychological truths offered by the face and body? Are the psychological attributes and expectations that of the subject, photographer or both?

Paraphrasing Yusuf Karsh: It is my task to reveal the secret that is hidden within the sitter.
Richard Avedon (on influencing the total mood): “A dark background fills, a white background empties”
Karsh: “The revelation, if it comes at all, will come in a small fraction of a second with an unconscious gesture, a gleam of the eye, a brief lighting of the mask that all humans wear to conceal their innermost selves from the world. In that fleeting moment of opportunity the photographer must act or lose his prize.”
H.F.Peters, describing in Rainer Marie Rilke’s MASKS AND THE MAN: “The mask serves a dual purpose; it conceals and it reveals.”

The trick, I believe, is to make the mask cease to exist.

So can a photographer capture character without capturing his own influence on the subject…his own sense of beauty or truth?
Duane Michals: Labels most portraits lies, because they are, he says, “the mere geography of somebody’s face having an artificial encounter with an object…the lens.”
Avedon: Insists a portrait is not a likeness, as the moment an emotion or fact is transformed into a photograph it is no longer a fact, but an opinion.”

Finally, in surprising comparison and contrast-

Sculptor Alberto Giacometti: Quoted by writer James Lord while painting his portrait,
“I have enough trouble with the outside without bothering about the inside.”

Environmental versus Studio

Environmental – Reveals more about the truth of the subject
Studio- Artificial surroundings call upon the face/body to perform the most

The Environmental Portrait – To achieve a translation of our experience of this person beyond their size, shape or color.
One notable study has shown that people are judged more attractive when they are seen in rooms which are themselves aesthetically pleasing. Cautionary Note: The use of certain lenses and especially, placement and quality of lighting, can have the capacity to detrimentally intrude and alter the character of the room. Judicious use of these elements is advised. Many photographers pick a time of day whereby ambient/available light plays the major role in recording the naturalness of the scene.

Expression, gesture, lighting and décor are the keys to revealing class, vocational interests, and an enhanced psychological complexion.
Should inform viewer with an interpretive record about the subject.
Can be an inventive collaboration with the subject to make it work.
It may be environmental in nature, but it still is the face that matters most. The right selection of light for a particular individual can make obvious all the wonderful modulations of the face.

Leonardo DaVinci: “Very great charm of shadow and light is to be found in the faces of those who sit in the doors of dark houses. The part of the face which is lit draws its brilliancy from the splendor of the sky; the shadow side lost in the darkness of the house revealing a face which stands out in great relief…and beauty. The relief is the summit and the soul of painting”

The Studio Portrait- More on this in another article.

Some concluding thoughts
In facing the challenge of creating a portrait, or in other words, creating APPARENT PICTURES OF UNAPPARENT NATURES, I think about the face that comes before me…what does it want me to do? Does it want to be transformed into the idea of itself behind the skin; an idea or an image of which I have no access to?
If my rendition of the face, and the owner of the face, give the same visible communication, than all is well.
And finally, and this IS the challenge…making the face say only what it has come here to say.

Environmental Portraiture of Environmental portraiture

2011-11-18T07:04:00.001-08:00

Environmental Portraiture - Birds & photogs

2011-11-18T06:59:00.001-08:00

Environmental Portraiture of pumpkins, as a painting of sorts

2011-11-18T06:25:00.001-08:00

Environmental Portraiture for bank calendar

2011-11-18T06:17:00.000-08:00

Window lighting - film grain effect

2011-11-18T06:11:00.001-08:00

Sample - Environmental Portraiture

2011-11-18T06:08:00.000-08:00

My Attempt at a Norman Rockwell style

2011-11-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

2011-11-18T06:00:00.001-08:00

Photographer's Choice

2011-11-18T05:53:00.001-08:00

Session "Select"

2011-11-17T07:14:00.000-08:00

Session "Select"

2011-11-17T07:11:00.000-08:00

Studio Session "Select"

2011-11-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

New Studio Session "Select"

2011-11-17T02:57:00.000-08:00

New Studio Session Select

2011-11-16T13:36:00.001-08:00

Anniversary!

2011-11-04T04:58:00.000-07:00

This November marks 4 years

as a vegan!

Today's Portrait Session - Andrea Torrentino

2011-11-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

Update - NASA: Satellite Might Hit U.S.

2011-09-24T04:36:00.001-07:00

Just when you thought you were safe from falling space junk, NASA went back on its earlier statement that the falling satellite would not hit North America. Debris from the school-bus-size research satellite might hit the U.S. after all, NASA says, though its path remains highly unpredictable. The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite has slowed its descent, and because it orbits the earth every hour and a half, a slight change in its reentry time will change its landing zone by thousands of miles. Still, the odds of debris hitting a person are 1 in 3,200.

Hurricane Irene

2011-09-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

Self-portrait
‎"Presence of mind and courage in distressAre more than armies to procure success."During the hurricane,Irene, I made my own entertainment by trying to come up with a "tableaux vivant". This is the self-portrait I now deem suitable for hanging!

Exclusive photo of first pieces of NASA satellite crash to earth!

2011-09-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

Self-portrait...click to open and click again to enlarge.
Despite being pretty sure that the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite, or UARS, will re-enter the atmosphere sometime Friday, U.S. time, Mark Matney of NASA's Orbital Debris team told CNN there is no way to know where it will fall.

Sample from Family Portraiture

2011-09-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

How Carl Found "Knowledge"

2011-09-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Bought it from him in Mattituck,N.Y.

Decided to name it "Knowledge" because the

rear rack can hold books, and when I take

them along on a ride, I plan to read.

(about bikes? naaah, metaphysics I'm sure)

Starting to "trick it out" here with these.

Need a vintage bullet-style headlight and

rocket tail light, Wald foldable rear baskets.

Looking for leads. Tried eBay and Craigslist.

New Bontrager seat...awesome comfortable ride!

Night Riding with a side of photography

2011-09-14T05:27:00.001-07:00

11:30 p.m. launch.
Heading for Carle Place and Mineola

More details about my new (old) bike

coming soon.

Susan Benson is stunning!

2011-09-03T17:32:00.001-07:00

The latest video clip on the right was recorded with my new Vixia camcorder. Unfortunately, the ".mov" files have to be converted before I can edit in Windows Movie Maker and there is substantial degrading of the quality. I used to have Sony Vegas software installed, but I need to upgrade matters before my computer can handle such large files. The typical session photographed in the studio may be typical, but Susan Benson makes it stunning!

New Camera in Town!

2011-08-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Check out my first test with the canon VIXIA RF20!

2011-07-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

Vegan Potlucks on L.I.

2011-07-13T04:53:00.000-07:00

The Wellness Foundation

"All of our Potluck Dinners at held at the East Hampton Middle School Cafeteria. Enjoy a wonderful variety of delicious, heart-healthy vegan dishes with your friends and neighbors! Please bring a vegan-friendly dish to share, and a copy of your recipe. We will provide water, utensils and paper products. This is a free event."

Behind the Scenes-Double Dutch in Hollis

2011-07-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

For the 2012 Calendar

Behind the Scenes-Stoopball

2011-07-07T22:39:00.001-07:00

For the 2012 Calendar

Behind the Scenes-The Bikers

2011-07-07T22:37:00.000-07:00

For the 2012 Calendar

Behind the Scenes-The Hula Hoop Girls

2011-07-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

For the 2012 Calendar

Behind the Scenes- The Bowler

2011-07-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

For the 2012 Calendar

Seitan Quick Mix

2011-07-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

From the floured quick mix

School Assignment Merited an "A"

2011-06-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

14 Year Old Girl Has a Philosophy on Life-VEGANISM

PART III - Smoky Lentil Recipe with surprise ending!

2011-06-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

Gene Scala will be 106 in 2 months!

2011-06-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

‎2012 Calendar Shooting has begun!

2011-06-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

Smoky Lentil recipe

2011-06-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

Yes...this is the book where I learned about EXPLODING CURRY LEAVES and went out and bought them at Patel Bros. in Hicksville!
In this first installment watch as the Smoky Lentil recipe comes together.

Behind the Scenes-Making the 2012 Astoria Federal Savings calendar

2011-06-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

"

Stoopball in Brooklyn [HQ]
A short Behind the Scenes clip taken on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn for the Stoopball shoot for the 2012 Astoria Federal Savings calendar.

Rabbi Marc Gellman has done his research!

2011-05-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

ttp://www.newsday.com/columnists/god-squad/god-squad-biblical-views-on-eating-meat-1.2856739

Gary and Eric lay it all out in a clear and precise manner

2011-04-29T06:35:00.001-07:00

Check out the video link. I just watched it. Pass it along. This is the movie Karen and I were involved in. Gary and Eric lay it all out in a clear and precise manner. Wonderful editing by filmaker Eric. I recommend 4 places to be sure to listen to: move player to 6 minutes in;14 min.; 15 min. and 18 minutes in. Copy the 3 website urls at the end for free literature. Yours in Ahimsa, Carl http://vimeo.com/23001319

Met some awesome, brave people tonight!

2011-03-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

These are some really dedicated people I met tonight. Standing in the freezing cold on Hempstead Turnpike, we handed out information and displayed signs to raise consciousness about the animals trapped in cages and trembling under whips and shouts within the walls of the Nassau Coliseum, host to the Ringling Brothers atrocity passed off as a "circus".

Carl Gets a New (Nifty) Camera

2011-02-12T05:36:00.000-08:00

I've purchased the Canon 60D!
See an in-depth review here
(Say, does anyone use "nifty" anymore?)

2011-01-30T03:47:00.000-08:00

Vegans Take America

A Utopian Struggle

2010-09-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

In our mostly morally mediocre world, where many of its human inhabitants remain hollow and empty and are blind to the corruption of their own souls, I decide to make my life my argument- demonstrating by veganism the interrelatedness of all living beings and the importance of reverence for life.
This sets me against the culture that had created the very environment of my early life.
I am not alone, however, as there are countless others caught up in the same spirit.
The vegans.
We ask, on behalf of the voiceless, that there be a concerned effort to find new perspectives in thinking that will regain an honest balance between all earthlings.
I urge you to read the book,
Schweitzer- A Biography by George Marshall & David Poling
A story about a real man who acted out of inner necessity to help comfort innumerable beings.

2010-08-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

2010-08-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Contact: www.cpvegan.blogspot.com

Silent Voices Research

Press Release

Vegan photographer designs new line of Halloween costumes for all ages

Costumes further the Halloween tradition of dressing in a way that scares

Carle Place, New York August 22, 2010: When pressed for his answers on all the press release questions; who, what, when, where, why and how, this photographer/designer had only a few succinct words as a response.:

"The overwhelming participation in the tradition of Halloween offers a great opportunity to give exposure to the abuses and cruelties and horror of the animal-slaughtering industries These designs reflect the various stages of slaughter. Frankenstein meets Frankenfood.”

"Since young children are raised to be offered meat in their school cafeterias, they should also be educated as to how it came to be there. Sizes will range from child on up to (parent) Adult.

"Sketches will be available shortly”.

His final statement was a plea for more people to try to understand and apply the merits of vegetarianism/veganism for each individual person, animal and the entire planet.

Many websites offer thorough articles and facts on the practicality of such healthy choices.

He says, “The ignorance played out in the “I-don’t-want-to-know-how-my-murdered corpse-came-to-my-plate” days should have long been over. View Earthlings, view Food Inc., view Fresh. Read…ask!”

“This is to be a message for other traditions to be re-thought, especially Thanksgiving, where society becomes obsessed with the need to raise, harvest and consume huge numbers of turkeys.”

"This is for all the voices that have been silenced because they did not know how to speak.”

For Release 9 a.m. EDT, August 22, 2010

Great Article in the Long Island Press

2010-08-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

Letters To The Press
GMO A NO -NO
I would like to applaud the writing of
Jaclyn Gallucci for the informative article
on genetically modified foods. As a humane
and environmental educator and militant
vegan mom of two young boys, this article
reminded me of a film I recently viewed
called Fresh. Most parents and educators
alike have absolutely no idea as to what
we are feeding our children. Our children’s
school lunches fall short of “healthy.” The
U.S. Department of Agriculture promotes
the consumption of dairy and animal flesh,
both of which are connected to serious
health issues.
As per Dr. Benjamin Spock, “Children
who grow up getting their nutrition from
plant foods rather than meats have a tremendous
health advantage. They are less
likely to develop weight problems, diabetes,
high blood pressure and some forms of
cancer.” A carnivore’s diet is riddled with
growth hormones rBST and rBGH. Your
readers may not know that the steak sitting
on their plate, once a living being, born to
be a herbivore, was force-fed animal flesh.
The meat that is sitting on your children’s
plate has lived off genetically modified corn
and, yes, pigs, horses, cows, sheep, etc. are
herbivores, yet the USDA finds it apropos
to turn the other cheek by allowing factory
farms/farmers to overcrowd, abuse and
disregard the natural order of the food
chain for our voiceless counterparts.
Cows are not built/designed to
consume other cows. Make sense? Humans
are not designed to consume animal flesh
nor bovine milk, but we do. Why is this?
Why on Earth would one particular
mammal desire to consume the milk of
another? For example: constantly impregnating
a cat, for the sake of argument,
and drinking her milk. Sound ridiculous?
Because it is ridiculous! Why do
we humans constantly impregnate cows
solely to produce milk? Not only are these
bovines pumped up with rBST/rBGH,
which in turn you are ingesting every time
you have a glass of milk or chomp into
a burger. The bovine’s offspring is then
crated and prepped for the makings of a
miserable veal meal.
I implore your readers to check out
www.veggieresourcegroup.org or www.
pcrm.org, excellent resources for a healthy,
vegetarian genetically modified free diet.
I am a vegan due to my belief in
“harming none.” Veganism is a religion and
philosophical practice of respect, compassion
and love for all beings. I would love the
opportunity to branch out on this story of
“Genetically Modified Foods that are in fact
killing our kids.”
Just a few statistics I would like to
share: The standard American diet containing
large amounts of animal fat can begin to
clog arteries in childhood. Sixty percent of
all American children are obese. As per the
American Heart Association, vegetarians
have lower blood pressure than non-veggies.
Harmful cholesterol is found only in animal
products (meat, dairy, eggs). Childhood
diets high in calories, protein, calcium and
fat promote growth and early menstruation,
which in turn is associated with high cancer
rates. The American Dietetic Association
states that our nutritional needs can be met
on a vegetarian and/or vegan diet.
You are what you eat, right? Respect
our earth, respect all beings, and respect
ourselves!
Eileen Scanlon Christofi, Bethpage

Eric Prescott Recipient-

2010-08-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

for his documentary: I'm Vegan

I’m Vegan is a series of short documentary profiles that will feature vegans from all walks of life. The project is being produced to address preconceptions about vegans and veganism. The profiles–or “vignettes”–will be distributed for free over the web so that people can share the videos with family, friends, and visitors to their own sites.
Thank you Eric and crew for all of your hours of talent and sweat to accomplish this much-needed message about the need for veganism as a base in a person's life to bring about a more compassionate world! Congratulations!

I'm Vegan: Minku

2010-08-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

I'm Vegan: Risa

2010-08-21T06:52:00.001-07:00

I'm Vegan: Julia

2010-08-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

I'm Vegan: John

2010-08-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

I Beg Your Pardon...

2010-07-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not updating often as I have started a page on Facebook devoted also to vegans. There is a lot of exposure there and I already have some committed members who folow it. Please check there often as it has proven to contain many ideas, links and resources for the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle:

AWESOME VEGANS OF LONG ISLAND

2010-06-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

Fabulous Father's Day Gift from my daughters, their husbands and Karen!

Long Island Vegetarian MeetUp

2010-03-30T02:01:00.000-07:00

An AVLI Best Effort Award goes out to: Organizer Lenie who has just launched Long Island Vegetarian MeetUp. The purpose of this group is for all types of Vegetarians to socialize together at Vegan and Vegetarian friendly establishments, in each other's homes and for fun activities. The main goal is for everyone to go out and have fun with like minded individuals. Feel free to join this group if you are Vegetarian, Vegan, Veggie friendly, aspiring to become Vegetarian and/or if you would like to learn about our lifestyles and choices.

SUBSTITUTING AGAVE NECTAR FOR OTHER SUGARS

2010-03-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

SUBSTITUTING AGAVE NECTAR FOR OTHER SUGARS
Backyard Studio Session-5 p.m.-Shooting Just-baked Goodies:
Vegan Agave Oatmeal Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
and
Vegan Agave Cornbread Muffins

Visiting art director pacing about, licking her chops...you know the routine!

Check out my Facebook album

2010-03-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

I Baked with Agave!

Thank you Zuckerbaby-a sample 30 sec rap

2010-03-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

"Veganism, a lifestyle where there is no consumption of any animal products whatsoever, is a rapidly growing subculture. Due to its’ strong ethical grounding, alignment with healthy eating principles and minimal impact upon the environment, it appeals to many different people for many different reasons.

Vegan cuisine is bright, tasty, easy and satisfying, and incorporates flavours and techniques from cultures around the globe."

2010-03-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

E-factor you say?

2010-03-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

Believe me, I'm far from being totally responsible when it comes to choosing products that cause minimal impact on the environment. Today, however, I took a book with me to the gym and in essence, it ruined my morning! But in a good way, because it made me realize I have yet to make a request to the manager of my local supermarket, or better yet, a call or letter to their corporate headquarters to encourage them to stock my preferences for environmentally safe products. Perhaps this book (which I should not be reading because I'm still doing my 6 pages a day for Lent of the Tolstoy, My Religion) will move me to take some action.
Stepping onto the sidewalk I noticed a rather large rock by the curb. One known as a "conglomerate". It is composed of a variety of other rocks stuck to it. Seeing it caused me to reflect on how each of us is a conglomerate rock of sorts as each day we gather to ourselves thoughts, tunes, smells, sounds, sights, conversations, links, hyperlinks and friends...friends on facebook. And so I'm happy to be among you.
Hey, I've got to go to the gym more often. This turned out to be a fun day, what with the pith helmet and all (no Lauren, I only envisioned wearing it there!).
Now if I can also get my "E-factor" rating up I'll sleep better.
E-factor you say? As the book states the "E", in this case, stands for "environment", but it also stands for "ethics". Their words, Karen, not mine! You know what I mean...
Okay, so I come home from the gym (oh dear, if he mentions going to the gym one more time...I don't know what!!) and pull out from the mailbox my March 2010 issue of Networking Magazine (thank you Christine). And right there on the front cover is a large green logo box: Guide to Going Green. I mean...C'MON!
I got sucked right in and now I offer to you this link to a very helpful and useful organization I read about: Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) at www.citizenscampaign.org

Big Snow

2010-02-26T04:22:00.001-08:00

Photography Samples

2010-02-25T04:57:00.000-08:00

Testing on-line portfolio with Explore Modeling.

Christian's Noble Commitment and Course of Action

2010-02-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

Notes for a 1 Minute "Elevator Speech"

2010-02-16T18:02:00.000-08:00

I'm hoping to create a terse and effective "elevator pitch" (used by many to sell their worthiness to company executives during the course of a brief elevator ride together)...only this one will be to address the motivation for being a vegan and why other, non-vegans, should realize the benefits of the transformation as well.

This I will eventually memorize and finally have as my immediate response to questions from omnivores when asked why my hair is on fire. No, I mean, when asked WHY WOULD YOU BECOME A VEGAN?

The following disparate sentences will be harvested somehow soon into this perfectly succinct rap-recipe which will both educate and convert all unsuspecting naysayers as they watch me from my tower of superiority flashing teeth filled with spinach and sesame seeds wearing my "Al Gore Invented Global Warming" t-shirt:

I'm glad you care about what I eat! So do I about what you put into your mouth.

It's about refraining from harming others, an idea most people already adhere to.

I feel it's wrong to deny any animal, including a human, the basic rights to pursue pleasure and avoid pain.

For me it took 36 years of vegetarianism to come to embrace veganism.

I do not want to support an industry that tortures and mistreats animals. Animals trust us to care for them.

Veganism is a lifestyle which helps advance animal rights by abolishing their slavery and the thrust of thinking that views animals as commodities.

Eggs? Okay, I'll consume an egg only if the chicken is a pet who has a name and is not force-impregnated.

Cheese? Okay, I'll consume milk products only if the cow is a pet who has a name and is not milked after it's natural cycles.

I want to live by my values, not by my lust for tastes achieved through suffering.

People have a very strong attachment to their food choices...their "comfort foods".

However, a knowledgeable consumer can make better choices which can ultimately send a message to industries hell bent on ignoring the health and safety of it's customers for the more focused concentration of how much money for how little product care possible. Remember Big Tobacco?

Okay,I'll validate for you my eating habits and my lifestyle if you'll also tell me why you prefer cloven hooves and pig flesh on your bed of lettuce.

Oh well. It obviously is in the early stages. I think it has the core of a pithy, forceful and effective rap.

Any and all comments are welcomed to help tighten it up.

Video: "Turkey's Can't Do It" - Jonathan Foer ("Eating Animals") on "Colbert"

2010-02-10T01:14:00.000-08:00

having a dream where nobody has a heart

2010-02-10T01:04:00.001-08:00

Regarding the blind eyes and the rampant complicity to slaughtering innocent sentient non-humans, I feel it's like having a dream where nobody has a heart. It seems as though the only strategy left that can make a significant change in the face of this cruel and senseless violence, is the power of love. I've been asked by a reporter writing a book on Baby Boomer Vegans to write something about my experience. As a result of my real-life experiences, I feel her noble wishes to convert 63 year olds to veganism will fall on deaf ears. These folks are already past seeing any benefit to themselves or the planet even though I'd prefer that the whole world go vegan. It is their adult children and their kids that are the new hope to help raise awareness through sensible consciousness-raising (don't even start me on Michelle Obama stating she loves hamburgers while telling schools how to feed children!). What are your thoughts?

Missing

2010-02-05T17:00:00.000-08:00

Need people to participate in the new Awesome Vegans of Long Island Facebook Group Page.(See below)

Now There's One Helluva Champion!

2010-02-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

Fri Feb 5, 6:10 PM ET
Wingbowl 18 champion John "Super Squibb" Squibb eats one of 238 chicken wings to win the annual chicken wing eating contest in Philadelphia, February 5, 2010. REUTERS/Tim Shaffer

Christian's Vegetarian Experience

2010-01-31T21:00:00.000-08:00

Christian Celebrates One Month as a Vegetarian with Family Members

2010-01-31T18:38:00.000-08:00

New Facebook Page!

2010-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

AS OF LAST FRIDAY NIGHT I started a Facebook Group Page-"Awesome Vegans of Long Island".
I felt the time had come where I had saturated my inner circle of relatives and friends enough. So I will be posting vegan/vegetarian-related comments only on that page.
I welcome any and all input on that particular group page whi...ch would be relative to the reverence for life philosophy. Hope to see some of you there!
Carl
P.S. Look for the yellow bowl with bananas icon.

Thank You Prof. Francione-This is what I've been trying to get across

2010-01-21T19:40:00.000-08:00

"Veganism as Abolition
Many animal advocates take the position that veganism is not required as a baseline principle of the animal rights movement. Some advocates do not even view vegetarianism as required, claiming that we can be “conscientious omnivores” if we eat animal flesh and animal products that have been produced in a supposedly more “humane” way.

This site also seeks to make clear that the moral baseline of an animal rights movement is veganism. Veganism is not merely a matter of diet; it is a moral and political commitment to abolition on the individual level and extends not only to matters of food, but to clothing and other products, and to other personal actions and choices. It is important to recognize that just as an abolitionist with respect to human slavery cannot continue to be a slaveowner, an abolitionist with respect to animal slavery cannot continue to consume or use animal flesh or animal products."

Family celebrity, Leah, is spotted dining at Green Melody!

2010-01-20T20:16:00.001-08:00

A great thought-provoking site for those interested in Veganism

2010-01-20T19:04:00.000-08:00

Check this blog out

The Secret is Out. Spread the Word.

2010-01-19T18:04:00.000-08:00

The Cove exposes the slaughter of more than 20,000 dolphins and porpoises in Taiji, Japan every year, and how their meat, containing toxic levels of mercury, is being sold as food in Japan and other parts of Asia, often labeled as whale meat. The majority of the world is not aware this is happening as the Taiji cove is blocked off from the public. The focus of the Social Action Campaign for The Cove is to create worldwide awareness of this annual practice as well as the dangers of eating seafood contaminated with mercury and to pressure those in power to put an end to the slaughter.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL MOVIE SITE

Haiti Palace before and after

2010-01-13T02:21:00.001-08:00

2009-12-29T08:54:00.001-08:00

2009-12-16T06:03:00.000-08:00

I just want to remind people that there are lots of reputable shelters and rescue organizations out there where you can adopt an animal in need. A few are the Aylmer SPCA and BARK Rescue organizations.

The Power of Photojournalism

2009-12-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

Amazing insights about National Geographic photography projects

A Letter Taken from Dec. 13 Newsday: Thank You Sharon Feder wherever you are!

2009-12-14T10:01:00.000-08:00

"A Turkey is not a mechanized target

Why are we spending a decade to repopulate turkeys on Long Island, only to hunt them down?
These are not mechanized targets at a county fair. We are talking about sentient beings who want to live every bit as much as we do ("Turkey toll by L.I. hunters higher than first thought," News, Dec. 11). If one has a need to shoot, try skeet."

Holiday Gift Wrap

2009-12-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

CHOICES

FROM NEWSDAY-God Squad: Thoughts on the blessing of animals

2009-12-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

December 3, 2009 By RABBI MARC GELLMAN godsquadquestion@aol.com

In past columns, you've expressed a deep love of animals. Recently, I read about a California church struggling with an aging, declining membership, whose pastor instituted a 30-minute service for dogs. The intent was to "reinvigorate the church's connection with the community, provide solace to elderly members and, possibly, attract new worshippers who are as crazy about God as they are about their four-legged friends." The article cited a survey by a religion professor which found that more than 500 churches nationwide conducted blessings for animals. The article noted a growing number of Christian churches are challenging the notion that only humans have souls. Is there some prohibition in Judaism against blessing animals? If not, what are your thoughts about this?

- M., via e-mail

Jews don't bless dogs. I wish it were otherwise, but we don't. I always wait with special anticipation for the annual St. Francis Day blessing of the animals at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church in New York City. The sight of dogs and cats, camels and yaks, llamas and macaws processing up the aisle is provocative, hilarious and deeply moving. This blessing of animals helps us reflect on our moral and spiritual obligations to be good stewards of Earth and its animals.

The torture of pets and the miserable way we treat animals in food factories are sins, even if animals have no souls.

As a "puppy walker" for guide dogs and a grandson of a zookeeper, I'm deeply aware of the debt we owe to animals and the ways animals bring comfort and hope to the broken and lonely among us.

However, faith is about boundaries as much as openness. If animals have souls, there are some uncomfortable spiritual conclusions we must draw. First, we can't eat them. If animals have souls, then what the vegans say is true: "Meat is murder." I respect their point of view but don't embrace it, and neither do Judaism and Christianity because we don't believe animals have souls.
Perhaps Aristotle had an answer. He thought there were three levels of ensoulment: vegetative souls, which give plants the ability to grow; animal souls, which give them the ability to move and grow; and human souls, which give us the ability to grow, move and reason.

Seeing ensoulment as a kind of spiritual scale leading up to humans, who are made in the image of God, might provide both the limits and compassion that make faith real. We could say animals do have souls - but not souls like ours. I believe that. I'll close with a confession. Some years ago, a family with a 13-year-old dog that was dying and children with learning disabilities asked me to bless their pet. I did, performing a "Bark Mitzvah." And I'd do it again . . . maybe.

Why I Love Photography

2009-12-03T07:14:00.001-08:00

From: Carl Santoro <carlsfotog@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Dec 1, 2009 at 7:56 AM
Subject: Why I Love Photography
To: post@posterous.com

LIGHT! Wonderful Light!!

See the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from carlsantoro's posterous

Spotted on Starpulse

2009-12-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

Female Vegan celeb!

THANKSGIVING MESSAGE

2009-11-24T09:09:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone enjoys a Thanksgiving with relatives and friends that encourages everyone to be more responsive to recognizing the good we have in our lives through family ties and caring friends. Unlike Christmas, Thanksgiving is devoid of gift-giving. I feel though that many get confused and do not realize that food isn’t the message for the heart. We need US…we all need the gift of each other.

I truly hope many will begin a new tradition to make this holiday a compassionate one for ALL by, of course, re-considering their diets to be more earth-friendly.

Here is an excerpt I’d like to share from “A Walk in the Woods” – Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail-by Bill Bryson:

“We didn’t see anything terribly exotic, or even remotely exotic, but it was nice just to see squirrels and deer, to feel that the forest was lived in. Late in the afternoon, I rounded a bend to find a wild turkey and her chicks crossing the trail ahead of me. The mother was regal and unflappable; her chicks were much too busy falling over and getting up again even to notice me. This was the way the woods were supposed to be. I couldn’t have been more delighted.”

It's One Thing to Hunt a Deer...Quite Another to Hunt a Girl

2009-11-19T05:19:00.000-08:00

Hunter cannot distinguish a 23 year old human female from a deer!!

We adopted a Turkey!!

2009-11-18T03:37:00.000-08:00

"Dear Carl and Karen,

On behalf of all of us, especially the turkeys, we would like to express Farm Sanctuary’s deep appreciation for your generous donation to our Adopt A Turkey Project. With your help, we can ensure the lifelong care of the rescued turkeys living at our sanctuaries, educate the public about their plight on factory farms, and encourage everyone to enjoy a cruelty-free holiday!

Your adoption materials will be mailed within 2-3 weeks, however we make every effort to send certificates in time for the holidays. If you need to submit additional gift recipient information, please contact us at 607-583-2225 ext 221 or info@farmsanctuary.org and be sure to mention your transaction number.

Whether you are starting a new tradition or continuing this life-saving choice from past years, we cannot thank you enough for making this holiday a compassionate one for ALL.

Yours for the animals,

Farm Sanctuary"

The Thanksgiving Day Hype

2009-11-17T08:37:00.000-08:00

Or
“What’s all this fuss about turkey?”
By CPVegan

This is mainly directed to fellow Americans.
Question: Is this going to be yet another Thanksgiving celebration-which I might add, unlike Christmas, is devoid of gift-giving and really focuses on family-bonding-where there is an hysterical need for a turkey to be consumed or the celebration isn’t genuine?

By now, you all know my wishes for the vegan lifestyle to influence more souls to elevate their spirituality enough to show more compassion and re-consider their diets to exclude all flesh and dairy. So here’s my next question to the American carnivores:
Why turkey? Why not horses? Why not dogs? Why not cats?
I think it is because these “pets”, these “companion animals” which many of us have formed special bonds with, are held sacred by us in so many special ways that we would never betray them just to appease our lust for the taste of flesh .
But hold on…many people do!
There are actual farms where pets are raised and slaughtered for the flesh trade.
Just Google “eating horses” or “eating cats” for example and don’t be shocked if you get over 32,000,000 results.
Horse-eating countries: Japan, Canada, Slovenia, france, Belgium, Italy
Cat-eating countries: Philippines, China, Peru
Dog-eating countries: So. Korea, So. China, Southeast Asia, Vietnam

So, advertising and marketing has brought society to the turkey-table with clever
slogans to convince us of the absolute necessity of choosing this one species to “celebrate” life with. This is the American tradition. After all, Norman Rockwell's illustration Freedom from Want appeared on the pages of The Saturday Evening Post on March 6, 1943 so it must be the way it’s supposed to be. (This painting is also known as Thanksgiving Dinner. This was the third installment of Rockwell's famous Four Freedoms series.)

I’m certainly not proposing you now switch to horse, cat or dog meat. But I just wanted to see if anyone is awake out there to the slight chance that the “turkey lust” did not really originate in your head. It’s a holiday, as I mentioned above, that should encourage us to be more responsive to recognizing the good we have in our lives through family ties and caring friends. Food isn’t the message for the heart.
The shelters don’t need the turkeys; the troops don’t need the turkeys.
They need US. We all need each other.
Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.

When you make positive changes in your life, others can't help but change around you.

2009-11-13T13:39:00.001-08:00

Animals, as fellow earthlings, are not ours to experiment on, torture, eat, wear, enslave, exploit, abuse, and kill billions of annually at will, just because humans desire to do so.I feel you can never underestimate the influence you can make on a person's life...my wife and I already have 4 converts to vegetarianism notched into our plastic belts! They may also follow that truer path to veganism in time.

Tell me, why in the world must eating a plant be soooo much in need of defense over eating some chicken's knuckle, or pigs tongue?All we ask is a life based on good conduct and reason. Yes, reason. C'mon...reasonable living already. Healthy living.

I want more people to think about going vegan. It's not that hard. Really. I mean, ice skating is harder you know.Join me. Join the many.You are NOT incapable of reason!

He Coined the Term-"Reverence for Life"

2009-11-12T19:12:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be interesting to introduce you to a fine human
being who once journeyed with us through the trials of life-
About Albert Schweitzer

Here is an excerpt from one of his books titled
From Civilization and Ethics

"You are happy, they say; therefore you are called upon to give much. Whatever more than others you have received in health, natural gifts, working capacity, success, a beautiful childhood, harmonious family circumstances, you must not accept as being a matter of course. You must pay a price for them. You must show more than average devotion of life to life.

Open your eyes and look for a human being, or some work devoted to human welfare, which needs from someone a little time or friendliness, a little sympathy, or sociability or labour. There may be a solitary or embittered man, an invalid or an inefficient person to whom you can be something. Perhaps it is an old person or a child. Who can enumerate the many ways in which that costly piece of working capital, a human being, can be employed. Search, then, for some investment for your humanity, and do not be frightened away if you have to wait , or to be taken on trial. And be prepared for disappointments. But in any case,do not be without some secondary work in which you give yourself as a man to men. It is marked out for you, if you only truly will have it."

Welcome Jessicah!!

2009-11-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

Please visit her educational post each day. The link is in the blog list in the right hand column.
Look for Diabolic Paradox.
Here's what she has to say about herself: "I am Jessicah, i'm interested in the art of creativeness"

Thanks Gemma!!

2009-10-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

In response to my last post, I received comments from the author of the vegan blog, "Invitation to my Vegan Journey"!! Use the link to the right to get to know her and share in her life's journey.
And, of course, read what she had to say below.

My Confession

2009-10-22T04:27:00.000-07:00

You know, I've seen a lot of blogs where the authors sadly confess to being tardy in their postings. I've always thought it was lame and even a waste of my time to read their excuses. Guess what...I'm now one of them. Reason: Facebook. I've been placing all of my propaganda on my "Home" page AND ACTUALLY GETTING RESPONSES! sO, I'M WONDERING ABOUT PERHAPS MAINTAINING THIS AND THAT OR JUST THAT! WHAT DO YOU THINK? WHICH IS MORE EFFECTIVE OUT THERE?
Here's the link to my Profile which I hope gets you in.

Karen Made it to Their Front Page!

2009-10-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

Big Apple Walk for Farm Animals: 2 pictures by yours truly; look for Karen in the top one!

Something like a conflagration is needed

2009-10-08T04:47:00.000-07:00

This movement to end animal cruelty, exploitation and abuse should be illuminating the darkness surrounding these industries on a daily basis and embolden vegans as well as vegetarians to voice their outrage and bring shame to the "stockholders".
STEP ONE:
The various fund-raising, consciousness-raising events and marches need the fuel of an impassioned song or anthem for this worthwhile crusade. I would hope it's chords and sentiments would inoculate us with a passionate zeal that encourages us to effect an intense revolution of reform; and be a wake-up reveille to those with blinders on...
Now who can come up with the lyrics? We'll work on the melody later...