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Dr Jane Goodall, a living legend for her ground-breaking work with chimpanzees in Africa, is also one of the planet’s most famous vegetarians and a tireless activist for the environment and our fellow animals. As noted in our last newsletter, Dr Goodall is returning to Singapore for a series of events in June, and VSS will have a booth at one of them.

VSS

Green Generation Concert

Fri, 5 June, 6–9pm

Palm Valley, Singapore Botanic Gardens

Free
Info: www.greengeneration09.com greengeneration09@...

Green is in, and this June, there’s no better way to celebrate World Environment Day and have a blast than joining in the fun with us at 2009’s biggest conservation and entertainment event, the Green Generation Concert, which features world-renowned primatologist, Dr Jane Goodall as keynote speaker.

VSS at Re-Live 2009 at Bugis Junction, 5-7 June – Volunteers Needed

Dr R K Pachauri, head of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Nobel Peace Laureate, encourages people in developed nations to go vegetarian for one day a week in an effort to reverse Global Warming and Climate Change. However, countries are slow to take up this suggestion. But fret not, you can volunteer at an upcoming event, and ask members of the public to eat one vegetarian meal in the next one week to do their part for the environment. At the same time, you can give out some of our educational materials.

What: Re-Live! 2009

When: Fri-Sun, 5-7 June

5 June: 5pm to 10pm

6 June: 10am to 10pm

7 June: 10am to 7pm

Where: Bugis Junction, fountain area

Organisers: ECO Singapore and Earthlink (NTU Green club)

Job scope: Ask members of the public to sign a pledge to eat a vegetarian meal in the next one week and give out our educational materials

Time period: Volunteer slots are 2-hours long

Qualifications: You do not need to have a Ph.D. in rocket science and you do not even need to be a full-time vegetarian. You only need lots of passion and compassion.

For more information or to register to volunteer at the VSS booth: wenjin@...

VSS on Low Carbon Singapore’s Website

VSS

Low Carbon Singapore is an online community dedicated to helping Singapore reduce her carbon emissions and move towards the goal of a low carbon economy. The aim is to educate individuals, communities, businesses and organisations on issues relating to climate change, global warming and clean energy, and to help them take action and reduce their carbon footprint through useful information, news, tips and resources.

As recognition grows of the role our diets play in global warming and other forms of environmental endangerment, it’s no surprise to see VSS mentioned on Low Carbon Singapore’s web at http://www.lowcarbonsg.com/2009/05/08/be-conscious-of-the-food-you-eat

Plus, there’s another Singapore low carbon site, and it advocates eating meatless meals twice a week: http://www.mycarbonfootprint.sg/action_page_1.html

VSS Website Update

Over the past month, VSS has been working to migrate our website to a new server as requested by the service provider. During that time, you may have experienced difficulties with some features of the site, such as the Forum - http://www.vegetarian-society.org/my_forums

We hope everything is working fine – or even better – now. For example, the Food Outlets page – the most popular page on the website, listing more than 400 veg outlets – is now searchable by MRT station, by the name of the outlet, by address, etc.

A Meatless Day in Spore?

Last week, VSS sent the following letter to the Minister of the Environment, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, and Cc-ed to the PM and Minister of Health. No reply yet, but the government usually does reply and we’ll let you know if there’s any good news.

26 May 2009

Dear Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister of Environment and Water Resources,

This is written to suggest that Singapore might in its own way build on and improve upon steps being taken elsewhere to encourage dietary changes as a way to reduce human impact on the environment. In particular, we would propose that Singapore be the first in Asia to move towards a weekly meatless day, as is being done in Ghent, Belgium: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/may/13/ghent-belgium-vegetarian-day

Other meat reduction initiatives for enhancing the health of the environment include the German environment agency’s efforts to reduce the country’s environmental footprint by greatly cutting back on meat: http://www.thelocal.de/national/20090122-16931.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/23/german-diet-meat-environment

In a similar move, the UK National Health Service is promoting meat-free menus in hospitals as part of a strategy to cut global warming emissions.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/jan/26/hospitals-nhs-meat-carbon

Ghent’s move was inspired by a talk given there last year by Dr R.K. Pachauri, head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize: http://www.rkpachauri.org Dr Pachauri is tentatively scheduled to visit Singapore on 10 November of this year.

Singapore has many advantages in promoting meat reduction:

a) We already enjoy a reputation as a green city

b) We already lead in many green initiatives (low tech and high tech), such as tree planting and water treatment

c) We boast a lively and innovative food culture

d) We have an increasingly well-educated population, a caring government and excellent infrastructure.

Meat is fast becoming the new cigarettes, a major environmental danger, the mounting costs of which can no longer be ignored.

We are not urging that meat be banned or that all government ministers and employees become vegetarians. The basic premise is to introduce ways of lessening our meat consumption.

Thank you for considering this.

GENERAL NEWS

New Book for Kids – ‘That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals’

VSS

Here’s the blurb from the book’s website http://www.wedonteatanimals.com

‘That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals’ takes a candid, compassionate look at the plight of animals on factory farms, using gorgeous artwork and lively text to introduce vegetarianism and veganism to early readers.

An endearing cast of animals is shown both in their natural state—rooting around, bonding, nuzzling, cuddling, grooming one another, and charming each other with their family instincts and rituals—and in the sad conditions of the factory farm. The book also addresses the effect eating animals has on our environment, rainforests, and endangered species. At the end, a section entitled “What Else Can We Do?” suggests ways children can learn more about the vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.

The boldest step yet in children’s literature, this heartfelt, informative book offers a key resource to inspire parents and children to talk about a timely, increasingly important subject.

Veg Diets May Protect Against Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

This article - http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/702780?src=cmenews (free registration required) - cites research that adds to previous findings which suggest that being vegetarian or at least reducing meat consumption can reduce the risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Vegan diets seem particularly helpful.

Thanks to Dr Sanjay Doshi of Mediline Wei Min Clinic for sending the link.

National Geographic Article on the Food Crisis

Last year, National Geographic magazine had an important article about how non-human animals think and feel:

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/03/animal-minds/virginia-morell-text

This year, their June issue has an insightful article about the ongoing food crisis, including a section on how growing meat consumption worsens this crisis (see pages 4 and 5 in the online version of the article):

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/06/cheap-food/bourne-text

VSS

Here are a couple of selections from page 5:

“For as tasty as that sweet-and-sour pork may be, eating meat is an incredibly inefficient way to feed oneself. It takes up to five times more grain to get the equivalent amount of calories from eating pork as from simply eating grain itself—ten times if we're talking about grain-fattened U.S. beef. As more grain has been diverted to livestock and to the production of biofuels for cars, annual worldwide consumption of grain has risen from 815 million metric tons in 1960 to 2.16 billion in 2008.

Even China, the second largest corn-growing nation on the planet, can't grow enough grain to feed all its pigs. Most of the shortfall is made up with imported soybeans from the U.S. or Brazil, one of the few countries with the potential to expand its cropland—often by plowing up rain forest. Increasing demand for food, feed, and bio�fuels has been a major driver of deforestation in the tropics. Between 1980 and 2000 more than half of new cropland acreage in the tropics was carved out of intact rain forests; Brazil alone increased its soybean acreage in Amazonia 10 percent a year from 1990 to 2005.”

UK Government Regulator Backs Animal Cruelty Advertisement

The intensive pig farming industry in the UK lodged a complaint against an advertisement by Compassion in World Farming (CIWF). However, the complaint backfired when the UK’s advertising regulator, the ASA, backed CIWF’s claim that piglets feel pain just like a human would when their teeth are clipped without anaesthetic.

The advertisement appeared in the national press earlier this year, including in the magazine of food celebrity Jamie Oliver. The ad shows a picture of a pig and asks: “What noise does a piglet make when its teeth are cut off with pliers – without anaesthetic? Same as you.”

A farmer complained stating that piglets don’t get distressed if their teeth are clipped properly without anaesthetic. The ASA looked at the scientific evidence and concluded that Compassion in World Farming was truthful in stating that piglets squeal in pain when they have their teeth clipped without anaesthetic. This is because piglets’ teeth contain nerves, and they feel pain as a result of tissue damage just like humans would.

Routine clipping of the teeth of young pigs is banned under EU legislation, yet it happens regularly in most standard intensive pig farms in the UK. Despite the ban, the British Pig Executive (BPEX) reported last year that 57% of pig farmers in the UK clip the teeth of all of their pigs.

VSS

http://www.ciwf.org.uk/news/compassion_news/advertising_regulator_backs_our_pig_cruelty_advert.aspx

Punk Rockers Stand Strong for Our Fellow Animals

A punk rock band called Rise Against wear black, scream their lungs out and are vegans who, with one exception, also stay away from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rise_Against and http://www.riseagainst.com

VSS

June Classes and More at

NutriHub, Cuppage Plaza, #B2-25 (behind OG Orchard, near Centrepoint), was one of the outlets that brought their delicious food for people to sample at last Saturday’s Botanic Gardens launch of VSS’s Singapore Vegetarian Food Guide. Here’s their June line-up of classes and talks.

1. Wed 10 June, 2-4pm, “Nutrimeal – Raw like Cooked”

$50 inclusive of lunch plus learn how to make simple, nutritious raw foods look like cooked food.

2. Sat 20 June, 2-3pm, enjoy an organic set lunch plus free talk on “Enriching your Diet with TCM Herbs” by a TCM physician for only $10. Plus, to celebrate their 1st anniversary, NutriHub is giving away a free gift to the first 20 participants. Lunch will be served between 1pm to 2pm.

3. Wed 24 June, 2-4pm, “Nutrition & Nutrimeal Cooking”

$50 inclusive of lunch and learn how to prepare simple, nutritious & healthy meal for your family. Also. learn about nutrition and meal planning.

4. Sat 27 June, 11-1pm, “Harmonising Your Body Energy I”

$40 inclusive of lunch. Learn how to protect yourself from harmful electromagnetic radiation, how to use a pendulum to check your body & food energy, and how to harmonize your body energy with visualization, organic juices and other methods.

5. Sun 28 June, 2-3pm, enjoy an organic set lunch plus free talk on “Skin Care & Mineral Cosmetics” for only $10. Lunch will be served between 1pm to 2pm.

Except for 20/6/09 & 28/6/09, VSS members will enjoy 10% discount on these workshops.

For non-members, those registered for two or more workshops will enjoy 10% discount, except for 20/6/2009 & 28/6/09, or 10% discount for groups of two or more who register for one workshop.

For registration and enquiries, call NutriHub Caf� at 6738.2746 or SMS Ms Vinitha Ang at 9236.8402.

A New Podcast on the Environment and Swine Flu

Here’s a new podcast. Howard Lyman, the cattle rancher turned veg activist, and Jerry Cook have a conversation about the effects on the environment associated with our current day animal production (factory farming). They also chatted about swine flu, the subsidies associated with the fast food hamburgers, transportation associated with feed lots and our foods, effects of deforestation and a bit about Mad Cow Disease (more info at http://www.madcowboy.com/).

http://h2opodcast.com/vsse.html#hljc

VSS

There are also links to three other Howard Lyman Interviews by the Animal Voices Podcast: http://www.animalvoices.org

Wholesome Living’s June Classes

1) Wholesome Vegan Desserts & Snacks - Part 2

* Apple Pie

* Buckwheat Cr�pes

* Wheat-free Date & Walnut Cake

Date: 7 Jun (Sun)

Time: 3-6pm

Fee: $55 (early bird, payment before 6/6)/ $65

Contact: 9653 1734 (Chong Fah)

2) Traditional Vegan Chinese Bun / Bing (Leavened Dough)

* Shao Bing with Osmanthus Filling

* Spring Onion/ Coriander Shao Bing

* Savoury Fermented Tofu Swirl Bun

* Onion/ Celery Chinese Bun

(http://www.wholesomeliving-sg.com/classchsnack.html)

Date: 13 Jun (Sat)

Time: 3-6pm

Fee: $60 (early bird, payment before 11/6)/ $70

Contact: 9653 1734 (Chong Fah)

Dialogue with Ray Kent

Ray Kent, founder of Our Place International, is returning to Singapore for a talk on ‘How to Handle the Ongoing Crisis’. The talk touches on diet and many other aspects of our lives.

VSS

Date: 14 June (Sunday)

Time: Registration starts at 1:30pm

Dialogue Session begins at 2pm sharp - 5pm

Venue: Georgette Chen Auditorium,

SCWO Centre (Singapore Council of Women's Organisation)

96 Waterloo Street, S. 187967

Fee: S$20 per person

Language: English with Chinese Translation

Info: Mr Chng, 6542.2951, 9296.2422

www.ourplaceinternational caregiver@...

Visit http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=fdl
for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries

or email us at info@...

to notify us of new places.

Chief Editor: Dr George M Jacobs

Editorial Consultant: Mr Gangasudhan

Back issues are available at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/index.php?q=taxonomy/term/3

Subscribe to the newsletter via vegsoc_sg-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and unsubscribe via vegsoc_sg-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society of Singapore.

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#366

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Sat Jun 13, 2009 3:49 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter - 13 June 2009

jacobs_george

Send Email

VSS

VSS eNewsletter
13 June 2009

In this issue...

VSS NEWS

Our Food Guide in The Sunday Times

VSS Sends Congratulations to Beijing Global Warming Forum

GENERAL NEWS

How I Became a Vegetarian

Taiwan Enacts Stricter Labelling for Veg Food

Talk on Global Warming – 19 June

New Green Pastures Vegetarian Cooking Course – In Mandarin

Raw Food and So Much More with Linda Loo – 18 July

Organising Vegetarian ‘Meetups’

VSS NEWS

Our Food Guide in The Sunday Times

After last month’s launch of VSS’ Singapore Vegetarian Food Guide, word is spreading. For instance, the following short piece appeared in The Sunday Times of 7 June.

VSS

Source: http://www.vegetarian-society.org/files/images/svfg-st-090607.jpg

VSS Sends Congratulations to Beijing Global Warming Forum

VSS was asked to send a congratulatory note to an upcoming forum on “Fighting against global warming through vegetarian lifestyle” and here’s what we wrote:

We congratulate the delegates and organisers of the second session of the China International Youth Arts Week, who will be gathering in Beijing, June 26 to July 14, 2009. It is most impressive that so many young actors and artists will be displaying their energy and talent at Great Hall of the People, the Century Theatre and some famous universities.

It is particularly admirable that one of the events included in the China International Youth Arts Week is a forum titled “Youth�Environment�Future”, with a focus on global warming. This forum, organized by the International Vegetarian Club of Beijing (IVCB) and Savetheplanet.org.cn, has taken the farsighted theme of “Fighting against global warming through vegetarian lifestyle”.

Indeed, eating less or no meat is something that we all can do every day, three times a day, to not only reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming but also to reduce our use of water, land, energy and other vital resources. Furthermore, by eating less or no meat, we enhance our own health and show kindness towards non-human animals.

In conclusion, we urge delegates at the China International Youth Arts Week to attend the forum on Youth�Environment�Future and to consider how they can move towards a more plant-based diet and persuade family members, schoolmates, friends and others to join them in doing so.

GENERAL NEWS

How I Became a Vegetarian

We love to read about what led people to go veg. Please send your story to info@...

As a copywriter in an advertising agency, there were times when I struggled with some of the things I had to write about. But none as much as a newsletter I had to write for one of our biggest clients. Part of that newsletter was about a cooking workshop and the delicacy featured was a dish called Capon Chicken. I did some research and was horrified to discover how the dish was created - male chicks have their testicles ripped off to grow into birds that taste better with tender meat and no sex hormones, which cause a change in taste.

I thought about the cruelty involved and how different it is from other forms of meat. I realised, it isn't. I had already stopped eating pork because of an Air Pork commercial that featured healthy pigs trotting around, and lamb, because I just couldn't eat something so cute and fluffy (and also because of my deep fascination with the Lamb Chops Play Along TV Series as a child) - so it was just a matter of swearing off beef, chicken and seafood. Knowing the truth behind the meat industry made that easy.

After more than a year of being vegetarian, I considered going vegan. I looked into the dairy industry and was once again overwhelmed with the cruelty that lies there - calves that are deprived of their mother's milk, cows that are pumped with hormones to keep producing. The cycle of cruelty never ends.

If I don't eat chickens, why should I eat their eggs? If I don't eat cows, why drink their milk that wasn't meant for me? It's been a bit more challenging, but as of 1st January 2009, I've been a very happy vegan.

Some people didn't think I would last, most were supportive. I've tried to hold back from 'preaching' to people about turning veg but to my delight I have found that if really isn't necessary - just doing your own thing which leads to questions from family and friends has been enough to turn 3 of my friends vegetarian/pescetarian - and more to come!

It has also led to me cooking for my family and friends and living a much healthier lifestyle - isn't wonderful how our choices can benefit ourselves, our loved ones and, of course, the animals!

Loretta Marie Perera

Singaporean, 21 years old

Taiwan Enacts Stricter Labelling for Veg Food

Taiwan looks set to enact the world's strictest law on labelling vegetarian food at the request of Buddhists and people who eat vegetarian for health reasons, the health ministry said Monday. Starting from July 1, Taiwan food manufacturers must use five categories, up from the current two, to identify the content of vegetarian food. Violators will be fined from 40,000 to 200,000 Taiwan dollars (US$1,200-6,000), the Department of Health said.

Currently the labelling only indicates whether food is pure vegetarian or contains no meat but egg and milk. Now added are categories separating egg and milk as well as vegan. Pure vegetarian refers to food which does not contain meat, egg, milk or plants including onion, garlic or leek, which are spicy and considered unclean and bad for meditation by some.

Please visit

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/272296,taiwan-to-enact-worlds-strictest-law-on-veggie-food-labeling.html for the full story

VSS

Talk on Global Warming – 19 June

“Global Warming: Its Science / Its Effects and Solutions” is a free talk to be held on Friday, 19 June, 7.15pm-9pm at Kampong Senang Holistic Lifestyle Centre, Blk 106, Aljunied Crescent, Unit 01-205 (at ground floor of block), 5 mins walk from Aljunied MRT.

Please register early to reserve your seats. The first 50 participants who register will receive a free video CD that contains the latest interviews with leading climate scientists. (Please collect the CD at the registration counter)

Contact: 6749.8509, http://www.kg-senang.org.sg email@...

New Green Pastures Vegetarian Cooking Course – In Mandarin

Mdm Sophia Teh runs New Green Pastures Caf� at Fortune Centre, 190 Middle Rd, #04-22, Tel: 6336.8755. Her vegetarian restaurant features organic food and is the only eatery with a VSS donation can. Please support her; your taste buds will thank you.

Sophia is offering another of her Mandarin language cooking courses. Here are the details.

Date: 14, 21, 28 June, and 5 July (Sun)

Time: 3-6pm

Investment: SGD$200 (4 classes, include dinners)

Dishes include Snowy Millet Congee, Thai Style Mee Siam, Rainbow Beany Rice and Double Happiness.

Raw Food and So Much More with Linda Loo – 18 July

Linda Loo is a raw food coach who did a session last year for VSS. Her next class for 30 June is already booked, but she has another one of 18 July, 6-10pm.

Here’s the programme:

8 Rawkalicious Treats - 100% Raw
Vegan and Organic!
Pre-meal exercise by Holistic
Fitness Expert
Talk about “Sustainable On Raw Lifestyle”
Talk about “Travelling on Raw”
Talk about “Socially Raw”
Mini-documentary on Raw Vegan
Fun & Games
Deep Sharing Session by 2 true blue Spore raw vegan practitioners
Beautiful and handy recipe cards from The Raw-K Kitchen

Cost: $238 nett per pax

For venue and other details, contact Linda at Linda@... or 8298.7760

Organising Vegetarian ‘Meetups’

The following interview with Singapore’s own Joe Goh, head of the Singapore Vegetarian Meetup Group - www.meetup.com/singapore-vegetarian - is reprinted from the June 2009 edition of IVU Online News.

VSS

In this interview, Joe tells us what Meetup is, what kinds of activities Singapore Vegetarian Meetup does and his ideas for the future. The hope is that the Singapore experience will inspire others and that others may wish to share ideas with Joe and his Singapore friends.

1. Hi, Joe. Please begin by telling us what Meetup is. Besides vegetarian Meetup groups, are there other types of Meetups as well?

Hi! Sure. Meetup is a website where people with similar interests can find each other and meet offline, in the "real world". It’s a popular site with tens or even hundreds of different interest groups in many major cities, from more mainstream ones such as Chinese culture and running, to niche ones like Lord of the Rings groups!

2. Why use Meetup and not just use Facebook or other websites?

Meetup is specifically for the purpose of people interested in meeting others with similar interests, and a lot of people find out about other Meetup groups through the site. This is harder to achieve on Facebook. Using the Singapore Vegetarian Meetup Group as an example, many of our members are also members of the Singapore Adventurers and Nature Lovers Meetup group, and find out about the vegetarian group through emails that the site sends out, from the website itself, word of mouth from other Meetup attendees, etc.

As Meetup is focused on getting people to meet in "real life", the tools available for organisers make it much easier for events to be held. For example, it automatically sends reminders to people who RSVP, allowing me to ask attendees questions when they RSVP, keep track of contributions, etc.

The downside is that there's a fee for using the site, but I've not faced much trouble with collecting contributions from members. A great upside is that people have more of a sense of belonging to the group, and although we may receive less RSVPs than through Facebook, a lot more enthusiastic people attend the meets. I think just the very act of getting people to register for an account for the Meetup precludes people who are less enthusiastic.

3. Why and how do people join Singapore Vegetarian Meetup?

Singapore is a nation of food lovers; so, the most commonly heard reason for joining Singapore Vegetarian Meetup is that people have heard of our excellent track record with finding delicious vegetarian food in Singapore and want to join in the feasting. We're very popular with non-vegetarians too, and in fact, about half of our members are non-vegetarians (or, at least they were when they joined the group). I make enjoying delicious vegetarian food together the focal point, and if people find out more about vegetarianism and have a better opinion of vegetarians, I let that happen as a great side effect. This allows the non-vegetarians to feel more at home, and I guess a big draw of this group is the level of trust they feel in the group, that no one will be shoving information or values down their throats.

If you’re in Singapore, to join the group, head over to www.meetup.com/singapore-vegetarian and register for an account on Meetup, and join the group. Membership is free, although I do encourage a minimum US$2 donation from everyone, to cover the Meetup fees.

4. Why did you choose to organise the Singapore Vegetarian Meetup Group?

I wasn't the founder of the Meetup, and truth be told, I was initially reluctant to take over as the organiser when the founder decided to hand over the responsibilities to someone else, as I have a very busy work schedule. I became vegetarian a few months before the group was founded, and I felt quite isolated, as I was the only vegetarian I knew. I wanted to meet other vegetarians, and organising the Meetup also has given me a great excuse to get away from work to find new places to eat and enjoy a great time out with lots of like-minded people every few weeks.

What keeps me going as the organiser though is the feeling I get that organising these meets is helping spread vegetarianism through subtle means, or at least, help dispel some of the myths and prejudices some may have towards vegetarians.

5. How do you measure the success of the Meetup events?

Meetup allows people to rate the success of events by giving an event a rating of between 0 to 5 stars after each Meetup. I'm pleased to say that the Singapore Vegetarian Meetup Group is one of the most highly-rated Meetups in Singapore, and we've achieved an average rating of 4.85/5.0 (97%) as of last month.

But statistics aside, I measure the success of events not just by the numbers that turn up, but by the overall vibe and the smiles on people's faces during and after the meet. It’s quite easy to tell when a Meetup is going well, as everyone will come up to you and ask when the next meet will be.

6. What have been two of your more successful Meetup events?

Very recently, I organised a trip to a local eatery known for their vegetarian take on a Singaporean dish called Hokkien Mee, followed by a visit to a traditional Chinese tea house. The turnout was amazing, especially considering how late I was in sending out the details because I was too busy earlier. The vibe at the tea house was infectiously cheerful, although we did break the tranquility of the location with our banter! ;-)

A few months ago, we organised a trip to the beach and flew kites, in commemoration of a Singaporean vegetarian activist and kite flyer who passed away. We've also served some vegetarian burgers, and the combination of the beautiful weather, delicious food and rediscovering the simple joy of kite flying had everyone leaving with a smile.

7. Why do you think they were successful?

I think it’s important to organise events not for the sole purpose of satisfying attendees, but to do it primarily to please yourself first. That way, the enthusiasm and passion comes through naturally. To deviate a little, I think it’s vital that the organiser enjoys the events that he/she organises, as it’s the only thing that will keep him/her going for the long-term.

9. Do you have anything special planned for the future?

Recently, we started a new regular event 2 weeks ago called Veggie Wednesday. It’s an event designed to encourage non-vegetarians to not consume meat and seafood for one day each week. I make it a rule that attendees must not consume meat and seafood the entire day before we meet for dinner. Of course, there isn't any way I can verify this, but so far, it’s been working well enough. As usual, the food quality during the dinner-meet needs to be high, but I'm making this Meetup more focused on vegetarianism. As the attendees have to make a conscious switch away from meat and seafood, they are more open to discussions about vegetarianism, and that has proven to be correct based on the experiences of the first meet.

Visit http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=fdl
for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries

or email us at info@...

to notify us of new places.

Chief Editor: Dr George M Jacobs

Editorial Consultant: Mr Gangasudhan

Back issues are available at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/index.php?q=taxonomy/term/3

Subscribe to the newsletter via vegsoc_sg-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and unsubscribe via vegsoc_sg-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society of Singapore.

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The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

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#367

From: "Clarence Tan" <clarence@...>
Date: Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:00 am
Subject: Singapore Vegetarian Food Guide - July promo

clarence@...

Send Email

Dear Friends,

The rich offerings of Singapore vegetarian cuisine are now
showcased in a convenient, easy-to-carry booklet,

Singapore Vegetarian Food Guide.

76 pages (with many mouth-watering photos)
Write-ups on over 80 restaurants
Conveniently organised by precincts
Locate healthy and delicious vegetarian versions of local favourites
Features the best organic eats

VSS members are entitled to one free copy.
Subsequent copies are available for $2.50 (includes 50c postage) per booklet.
Just contact us at svfg@....

*Please note that copies at the Singapore Visitors Centres
are meant for tourists only. Thanks for your understanding.*

JULY SPECIAL PROMOTION!

From 1 to 31 July 2009, just bring along the Food Guide to
participating restaurants and enjoy a 10% discount on dine-in cuisine,
and other exciting offers!

So get your copy of the Food Guide now and
discover the tantalising buffet of local veg fare!

Sincerely,

The VSS Team
www.vss.sg

Join VSS and enjoy great discounts on all our events, plus many other benefits!

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#368

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Wed Jun 24, 2009 4:01 pm
Subject: VSS eNewsletter - 24 June 2009

jacobs_george

Send Email

VSS

VSS eNewsletter
24 June 2009

In this issue...

VSS NEWS

Get Your Copies of VSS’s Singapore Vegetarian Food Guide

VSS Talk at Theosophical Society – 4 July

A ‘Thank You’ Note from a Reader

GENERAL NEWS

How I Became a Vegetarian

Request from a Not Yet 100% Veg Reader

Talking to Little Kids about Meat Eating

New Veg Restaurant on Serangoon

Italian Cooking Classes from Genesis Health Food Restaurant

Vegetarian Farm Stay in Jiangxi Province

How Many Vegetarians Are There?

Unchicken Patty at Some KFCs in Canada

Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition

Research Update from Dr Michael Greger

VSS NEWS

Get Your Copies of VSS’s Singapore Vegetarian Food Guide

VSS

One person who attended last month’s launch of our Singapore Vegetarian Food Guide already put their copy to good use and wrote a review of 7 Sensations, the restaurant they selected from the guide - http://moonpointer.com/new/2009/06/the-sensational-7-sensations/

People who are members of VSS (either life members at $300 or annual members at $30) have already received a free copy of the guide. To buy more copies or to buy your first copy, non-members, please visit http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=node/1047# - minimum order is 4 copies; one organization has ordered 600!

To become a VSS member and receive a free guide plus restaurant vouchers and other benefits, please visit http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=node/6

VSS Talk at Theosophical Society – 4 July

A VSS representative will be doing a talk and video showing at the Theosophical Society Lodge from 5pm-7pm, Sat, 4 July. The lodge is located at 540 Sims Ave, #03-04 Sims Ave Centre, junction of Lorong 37 and Sims Ave (nearest MRT is Paya Lebar). You can see a map at http://www.singaporelodge.org/slodge.htm and the talk is open to the public.

The Theosophical Society supports vegetarianism: http://www.singaporelodge.org/medveg.htm - quoting from their website; “meditation and vegetarianism bring about tremendous benefits even to those who are not necessarily on a spiritual quest”. The Society’s Singapore Lodge was formed in 1889!

Contact: info@..., 6732.7727/6846.2024

A ‘Thank You’ Note from a Reader

VSS received the following email from a reader who visits Singapore.

I wish to thank you for including me in your VSS newsletter mailing list even if I am not a member. I am from Manila and have visited Singapore about a dozen times over the last 40 years of my business career. I have found Singapore to be a vegetarian-friendly city in which I have no problem at all finding vegetarian food. Of course, visiting Komala Vilas has always been mandatory during every visit. I got a tip from a friend at the Theosophical Society to ask for Brahmin food in Indian restaurants and Buddhist food in Chinese restaurants, and I was usually alright.

Lately, I have been eating more raw food and have used several fruitarian/raw vegetable recipe books that I picked up during my travels. I am doing well so far with newsletters such as your VSS newsletters and some web sites for which I am very grateful. Again, many thanks.

GENERAL NEWS

How I Became a Vegetarian

Here’s another in our occasional series of autobiographical stories about people’s vegetarian journey. Please send your story to info@... and fret not, we can help with the editing.

I have been a vegetarian since 5/01/09. My shift towards vegetarianism started when I read 'Food for Thought', by Singapore’s own Adam Moledina, about the horrendous treatment of the non-human animals whom we eat. I learned more and found that livestock’s food is not regulated, including the amount of chemical pesticides and fertilizers used in growing their food. I saw how our fellow animals are treated as profit making machines, how they are mutilated and confined with almost no space to move and how some go insane due to the unnatural and cruel conditions. This got me wondering how we are able to inflict so much pain on other species just for our personal gain.

I also learned more about the many ways that meat production wastes food and other resources and how this damages our planet. For instance, many hectares of forests are cut down to provide space for animal herding, and animal faeces pollute seas and rivers. The seas also suffer as marine species are decimated by overfishing. Our Earth is dying at our hands.

Frankly speaking, I knew these reasons for sometime before I eventually switched to vegetarian. Why did I take so long to switch? No matter how compelling the reasons were, I had been brought up thinking of other animals as food rather than as fellow beings who can feel pain and love and can even think. Refraining from meat also seemed too limiting and too difficult a lifestyle to follow, especially when everyone around me was a non-vegetarian. Despite these obstacles, on that fateful day last January, I decided to do a 30-day vegetarian trial.

When the 30 days ended in February, I decided to keep going, and I am still happily a vegetarian. It has not been as hard as I thought it would be, and I can see all the benefits that it has brought to my life. For instance, my family members are now taking more vegetables. I also feel a self-esteem boost knowing that I am doing something good for the Earth and the other animals every time I choose not to eat meat. Currently, I’m moving toward a vegan diet.

I Love Vegetarianism!

Andrewson Tan

Singaporean, 28 years old

http://andrewsontan.blogspot.com/

Request from a Not Yet 100% Veg Reader

Last week, VSS received the following request for advice on going veg.

I enjoy the newsletters that come through the mail. While I’m not totally vegetarian, I’m wondering if in your next newsletter, you could offer tips on how a meat eater can become vegetarian. Maybe some 'challenges' other meat eaters had when attempting to change and what they did to overcome them.

Please send your advice to info@... Please keep to below 75 words. Pretend you’re posting on Twitter, thanks in advance.

Talking to Little Kids about Meat Eating

A reader sent in the following chat she had with one of her nephews.

Adult: Hey Tot! What are you eating?

Tot: Duck rice. (Bought by his aunt)

Adult: Orh! You’re eating Donald Duck!

Tot: (Shocked and sheepishly) No la… Donald Duck is blue.

(Tot is a four year old who likes Donald Duck!)

Adult: No! Donald Duck is the same colour as the duck you’re eating!

(Donald Duck wears blue, but is of the same colour as normal ducks!)

Tot: (Hesitates to continue eating!)

Note: Although food for thought, VSS does not endorse unsolicited vegetarian evangelism.

New Veg Restaurant on Serangoon

There can never be enough of a good thing. That’s why we’re happy to announce a new veg outlet in the Serangoon Road area. Here are the details.

Name: Gopals

Address: 517 Serangoon Road

Tel: 6296.2452

Open: Daily 9am-9.30pm

Nearby Landmarks: Shell Petrol Kiosk

Specialty dishes: Roti Prata, Murtabak, Mee Goreng, Western dishes, eggless pastries

Onion & garlic: No

Organic: No

MSG (Ajinomoto): No

Eggs: No

Brown rice: No

Dairy: Yes

Price Range of Main Dishes: $5 and below

Email: gopals@...

Delivery: Yes, including Tiffin Service in the CBD

Catering: Yes, plus a function room

Date information collected: 16^th June 2009

Italian Cooking Classes from Genesis Health Food Restaurant

Here is a chance to learn vegan Italian cooking from the folks at Genesis Health Food Restaurant, 1 Lorong Telok (behind Boat Quay), Tel – 9145.4218 (Agnes); email -genesishf@.... Fees – $50 per class or 10% discount if you sign up for all three classes. The course fee is slightly more than our usual fee due to the cost of ingredients. All classes are at the restaurant from 4-6pm.

28 June

Vegan Cream Style Fettucine

Pasta Salad

No Bake Fruit Flan

Vegan Cheese

19 July

Spaghetti Bolognese

Salad with Fresh Citrus Dressing

Cheesecake

16 August

Pesto Pasta

Pumpkin Soup

Vegan Carrot Cake

VSS

Vegetarian Farm Stay in Jiangxi Province

VSS received the following email last week from China.

The Guilai Vegetarian Villa - www.vegetablefamily.cn - is a touring farm sponsored by a group of vegetarian friends, most of them are university teachers in Guangzhou. It is located in Pengze County, Jiangxi Province, a location associated with Tao Yuanming, a famous poet and hermit of the 5th century.

They claim to be the first touring farm in China to promote vegetarianism and hope to create peace and happiness for themselves and the world through being vegetarian and living a simple, healthy lifestyle.

VSS

How Many Vegetarians Are There?

VSS

VSS often is asked how many vegetarians there are in Singapore. Unfortunately, we are not aware of any data on that, however, there was a new poll of vegetarians in the U.S. which you can read about at http://www.vrg.org/press/2009poll.htm

Approximately, 3% of the population is lacto-ovo vegetarian and about 1% is vegan. The webpage also has a link to data for the U.K. - http://www.vegsoc.org/info/statveg.html

Unchicken Patty at Some KFCs in Canada

Our friends at PETA and the Vegetarian Resource Group are reporting that some KFCs in Canada will be offering an Unchicken Sandwich: http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/2009jun.htm

Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition

VSS

Cornell University is offering an online certificate course in Plant-Based Nutrition, led by Professor T. Colin Campbell, author of The China Study (http://www.thechinastudy.com)

More info: http://www.plantbasednutrition.org/courses-resources/courses

Research Update from Dr Michael Greger

Dr Michael Greger, also known as the Vegan MD, serves as the Director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture at the Humane Society of the United States. Dr Greger has just produced a DVD titled Latest in Clinical Nutrition 2009, another in his series of annual research updates. All proceeds go to charity: http://www.DrGreger.org/DVDs

VSS

Visit http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=fdl
for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries

or email us at info@...

to notify us of new places.

Chief Editor: Dr George M Jacobs

Editorial Consultant: Mr Gangasudhan

Back issues are available at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/index.php?q=taxonomy/term/3

Subscribe to the newsletter via vegsoc_sg-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and unsubscribe via vegsoc_sg-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society of Singapore.

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#369

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Fri Jul 3, 2009 6:52 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter - 03 July 2009

jacobs_george

Send Email

VSS

VSS eNewsletter
03 July 2009

In this issue...

VSS NEWS

Author of The China Study in Spore 18-20 July

Singapore Meatout Week 2009 – 17-26 July

VSS’ Singapore Vegetarian Food Guide in Lianhe Wanbao

Bike Trip around Changi

GENERAL NEWS

More Classes from Nutri-Hub

Meat – Pancreatic Cancer Link

Holistic Wellness Symposium 2009 – 11 to 12 Sep

Loving Hut Opens New Outlet in Bukit Merah

Request from a Not Yet 100% Veg Reader

New Movie – Food, Inc.

Support Grows for One Meatless Day a Week (at least)

Classic Lao Difang Moves to New Address

Amidst the H1N1 Pandemic, A Much More Serious Global Health Crisis Continues

Most Popular Veg-Related Websites

VSS NEWS

Author of The China Study in Spore 18-20 July

VSS is very happy to announce that Professor T. Colin Campbell, author of The China Study - http://www.thechinastudy.com - will be doing three speaking engagements in Singapore. Tickets for each of Prof’s events are sold in different ways.

Prof Campbell is Jacob Gould Schurman Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University and Project Director of the China-Oxford-Cornell Diet and Health Project. His book, The China Study, was the culmination of a 20-year partnership of Cornell University, Oxford University and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine. Prof will explain the science behind why a plant-based diet is our best nutritional choice.

VSS

Sat, 18 July

Venue: Singapore Conference Hall

7 Shenton Way, Singapore 068810

Tel: 6440 3839

(Nearest MRT – Tanjong Pagar)

Audience: General Public

Title: The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-Term Health

Tickets go on sale via Sistic in a couple days. You will receive an announcement on that soon.

Sun, 19 July

Singapore Management University

Administration Building, Conference Hall 1, Level 5

81 Victoria Street, Singapore 188065

(Nearest MRT: City Hall)

Audience: The Medical and Health Fraternity, Educationists, Students in relevant fields

Title: The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-Term Health

Price: $10 (Students), $30, $40 (packaged with 'The China Study' book worth $30)

Details at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/chinastudy-smu

Please note that this talk is for the medical and health fraternities, educationists, students in relevant fields.

Mon, 20 July

World Nutrition, Health and Disease Conference

Venue: Biopolis

Event: World Nutrition, Health and Disease Conference 2009, Biopolis

Price: $750 for full day conference including vegetarian food (early-bird discount available)

Details of Prof Campbell’s sessions at the conference:

9:05-9:45am Keynote Address: Dietetics and Nutrition – Startling Implications of Scientific Advancements on Health & Diseases

9.45-5.00pm see http://www.foodtechnutrition.com/nutrition2009 for sessions by other speakers

5.00-5:45pm Panel Discussion, “A Final Word - Where Are We Today On Health And Nutrition? Are We Doing The Right Things To Make People Live Healthier And Longer?”

Note: The Monday conference, unlike the Sat and Sun talks, is coordinated by The Pinnacle Group, not by VSS. All inquiries regarding the Monday conference should be directed to Pinnacle at priscilla.liu@... 6846.2701.

Singapore Meatout Week 2009 – 17 to 26 July

VSS

For the past few years, VSS has organized a Singapore Meatout Week, a time when people try to go without meat for a day or more. This year, Meatout Week is 17-26 July, an extra long week, to make it extra easy to find a day to go meatless. The week always coincides with the Singapore Food Festival: http://www.singaporefoodfestival.com

Headlining Meatout Week 2009 are talks by Professor T. Colin Campbell, author of the book The China Study. This evidence-based book on plant-based nutrition has sold approximately 400,000 copies: http://www.thechinastudy.com

One familiar feature of Singapore Meatout Week is special discounts from veg eateries. Here are two.

7 Sensations - 16 Madras Street S. 208413, 62988198, www.7-sensations.com is having a Sunday Dinner promotion for the entire month of July only.

* 20% off the total bill (no minimum spending)

* an additional 5% off for spending above $100

* Not valid with other promotions, discounts or special offers

Brownie Factory - 391 Orchard Road, B2-08-4A, Takashimaya Food Hall Ngee Ann City

15% off Vegetarian & Vegan Brownies:

Vegetarian Triple Chocolate Fudge - A nutless dark egg free Chocolate Brownie frosted with dark Chocolate Fudge with sprinklings of dark and white Chocolate chips.

Vegan Chocolate Brownie - Egg, dairy and honey free nutless Chocolate Brownie frosted with Soy Milk Fudge Frosting.

New Brownie Specially Created for Singapore Meatout Week: "Berry Vege" Chocolate Brownie - Double-Decker egg-free Brownie frosted
with Cranberry and Raspberry jams and frosted with dark Chocolate Fudge.

VSS’ Singapore Vegetarian Food Guide in Lianhe Wanbao

The Singapore Vegetarian Food Guide, produced by VSS with a big assist from STB, was featured in Lianhe Wanbao on the last Thursday of June. VSS still receives queries about how to get copies of the guide.

There are a few ways to obtain copies:

1. They will be on sale at all the VSS events this month.

2. VSS members (either life members at $300 or annual members at $30) receive a free copy of the guide. To become a VSS member and receive a free guide plus restaurant vouchers and other benefits, and for the recently updated list: http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=node/6

3. To buy copies, visit http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=node/1047# (minimum order is 4 copies) - one organization has ordered 600!

Bike Trip around Changi

Sunday, 12 July, VSS is teaming with the Singapore Adventurous and Nature Lovers Meetup Group - http://www.meetup.com/Singapore-Adventurous-Group - to organize a 3hr bicycle ride around the Changi area.

Begin: 8.30am, Changi Cycling Services, Blk 4 Changi Village Rd #01-2056 Singapore 500004 (bike rental: about $12/day; no tandem bikes available). Nearest MRT station: Pasir Ris

Finish: by 11.30am, at the same place, to return the bikes

Bring: At least 1.5 litres of water/isotonic drinks, sunscreen, helmet, cap, sports shoes

This route is doable for the occasional exerciser, as long as you are fairly fit. (if unsure, please consult a doctor.) We will be using the Singapore Park Connectors network. Please be ON TIME to avoid too much of the mid-day sun.

To make sure we have enough bicycles, you need with register by 10 July with Kheng at kheng@... or 6258.5031. Call TS Chua @ 9296.1943 if you're lost or late.

GENERAL NEWS

More Classes from Nutri-Hub

Nutri-Hub, the Organic Caf�, at Cuppage Plaza, #B2-25 (behind OG Orchard, near Centrepoint) is doing another round of their healthy, tasty cooking classes. Here’s the line-up�.

Sat 11 July, 2-4pm

“Nutrimeal – Raw like Cooked”

$50 inclusive of lunch

1. Swiss Muesli

2. The Green Surprise

3. Nutty Fruity Tart

4. Zucchini Pasta

Sat 18 Jul 11am-1pm

“Nutrition & Nutrimeal Cooking”

$50 inclusive of lunch

1. Fruit Enzyme

2. Polenta Brown Rice Porridge

3. Herbal Mushroom

4. Chickpea Salad

Those registering for 2 workshops or more and groups of 2 or more persons registering for each workshop will receive a 10% discount. For registration and enquiries, please contact 6738.2746 or SMS/call Ms Vinitha Ang at 9236.8402.

Meat – Pancreatic Cancer Link

A recent large-scale study, reported by the BBC, suggests that animal fat increases our risk of pancreatic cancer: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8119093.stm

Other factors, such as smoking, also appear to increase our risk. Has anyone ever studied or experienced whether it’s easier to go meat-free and smoke-free at the same time, rather than one great change at a time?

VSS

Holistic Wellness Symposium 2009 – 11 to 12 Sep

VSS

Kampung Senang has put together this two-day event to share knowledge and experience in holistic wellness – body, mind, soul and environment. VSS will be participating, along with more than 10 internationally-renowned speakers who will be sharing their views and ideas on the four areas: Body, Mind, Soul and Environment.

Title: Transforming Our Life Template for a Harmonious Global Village

When: 11-12 Sep, 9am-5pm

Where: Quality Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 201, Balestier Road, S. 329926, www.qualityhotel.com.sg, MRT: Lavender

Fee: $250 (group of 5 or more), $300 per person (includes course materials, 2 lunches and 4 tea-breaks)

More information: www.lifetemplate.org or hws@...

Topics: Holistic Wellness services, hurdles in educating and reaching out to the public about holistic wellness, current trends and new findings, networking among Holistic Wellness service providers.

Loving Hut Opens New Outlet in Bukit Merah

VSS

Name: Loving Hut – Bukit Merah

Address: Block 161, Bukit Merah Central, #01-3725, next to POSB

Tel: 6377 4354

Buses: SBS Transit 5, 14,16, 57, 123, 131, 132, 139, 147, 153, 196, 197,198, 272, 273, 275; SMRT 167, 176, 851

Open: 11am to 9.30pm daily

Landmarks: Bukit Merah Public Library

Specialty dishes: Nonya dishes, with rice and soup, Fried green vegetable dishes with rice and soup

Onion & garlic: Yes

Organic: No

MSG (Ajinomoto): No

Eggs: No

Brown rice: Yes

Dairy: No

Price Range of Main Dish: $5 and below

Website: www.lovinghut.com.sg

Type of Outlet: Restaurant

Date information collected: 25 Jun 09

Request from a Not Yet 100% Veg Reader

In our previous issue, a not yet 100% veg reader asked for advice. Four other readers kindly complied.

1. Drink lots of water, exercise and eat whole grains.

2. Don’t expect people to support you in vegetarianism despite all the reasons you know they should. It is a threat to their belief.

Do not try to make people become vegetarian, as it makes them wrong. Accept them for what they eat. Just gently and firmly stand to your ground in your choice.

Lastly, don’t think you are more right than others. To them, they are right too. It works better to include not exclude.

More at http://andrewsontan.blogspot.com/2009/01/greatest-obstacles-on-becoming.html

3. Start with taking only the vegetables in meat dishes that include vegetables.

Tell as many people as you can that you do not take meat. Know why you do not want to take meat and stay with your beliefs.

Start to eat only vegetables dishes i.e. with no meat, as time passes. It took me more than 2 years for my mother to cook only vegetables dishes for me... Welcome to the world of vegetarianism!

4. If you have questions, consult a doctor, nutritionist or other health professional. Be sure to eat a range of foods. There are many websites with good advice, such as, http://www.veganhealth.org

New Movie – Food, Inc.

VSS

This film, Food, Inc. - http://www.foodincmovie.com/about-the-film.php - is not a pro-veg movie, and right now, it’s only showing in North America, but people who’ve seen it say there’s lots of good stuff in it.

Here’s a review by one of the top US film critics –

http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090617/REVIEWS/906179985

And one from Time magazine –

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1904144,00.html

However, one North American vegetarian activist was less than thrilled with the film. He reported that there is a scene where the farmer "jokes" that the animals have many good days and one very bad day - as he is slaughtering chickens calmly on camera. The activist’s overall view is that it is “vegetarian neutral or even a bit antagonistic”.

Support Grows for One Meatless Day a Week (at least)

1. Former Beatle, Paul McCartney, and Yoko Ono, the wife of another Beatle, John Lennon, have both come out in favour of a Meatless Day:

http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-15-mccartney-yoko-meat-free-mon/

VSS

2. FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement) has long campaigned for Meatless Mondays: http://www.meatoutmondays.org/index.php

3. Many Buddhists refrain from meat twice a month, on the 1^st and 15^th of the lunar calendar. Now, the idea has been raised to extend the practice to once a week.

Classic Lao Difang Moves to New Address

Past, present and future fans of the vegetarian restaurant Classic Lao Difang should know that they are no longer at Hotel Royal and will be opening at Park Mall, #B1-12, on 19 July. Opening hours will be 11am-10pm daily (break time – 3pm to 5pm).

Tel: 6535.2513

Amidst the H1N1 Pandemic, A Much More Serious Global Health Crisis Continues

While the H1N1 pandemic is serious and merits all the attention it is receiving, an even greater health crisis persists: world hunger. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports that the number of hungry worldwide has grown of late by 100 million to 1 billion, almost one in six people in the world:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8109698.stm http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/20568/icode

http://www.fao.org/faostat/foodsecurity/index_en.htm

VSS

Many deaths result directly or indirectly from the world’s unequal distribution of food. This inequality occurs in part because of all the food that goes to feed the non-human animals whom we eat. If humans could reduce our meat consumption (sadly, the global figure continues to rise), there would be even more food for those without food.

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/268141,swine-flu-tally-at-4379-amid-criticism-of-who-methods.html

Most Popular Veg-Related Websites

If you’re ever in the mood for some veg-related web surfing, this list might come in handy. BTW, VSS is a member of the International Vegetarian Union, #9 on this list.

Global rankings of the 91 most successful veg-related websites, taken from 1,500 in the IVU database - updated June 29, 2009 (the figures change daily so this is already out of date, but useful rough guide)

The number next to each entry is the site’s actual ranking out of countless millions of sites on the internet.

peta.org USA 8,135 peta
tarladalal.com India 25,853
petatv.com USA 29,016 peta
vegweb.com USA 43,571
vegsource.com USA 45,802
happycow.net USA 49,167
peta2.com USA 51,586 peta
all-creatures.org USA 70,377
IVU.ORG World 80,921
fatfreevegan.com USA 82,869
vegcooking.com 86,635 peta
SupremeMasterTV.com USA 105,152
goveg.com USA 108,876 peta
promiseland.it Italy 113,341
ManjulasKitchen.com USA 126,464
vegetariantimes.com USA 128,738
Veganblog.it Italy 145,181
vegsoc.org UK 145,373
peta.de Germany 147,055 peta
ChooseVeg.com USA 155,675
afastore.com USA 163,625
vrg.org USA 170,488
peta.org.uk UK 170,991 peta
veggieglobal.com UK 198,269
theveggietable.com USA 206,451
bkwsu.org Guatemala 221,413
savvyvegetarian.com USA 224,426
animanaturalis.org Chile 252,975
Raw-Pleasure.com.au Australia 280.443
vegparadise.com USA 282,858
vegansociety.com UK 284,368
veganessentials.com USA 285,519
centrovegetariano.org Portugal 294,796
farmsanctuary.org USA 330,230
haztevegetariano.com Chile 330,584
ecover.com Belgium 335,869
ethicalconsumer.org UK 337,174
scienzavegetariana.it Italy 337,667
bugday.org Turkey 346,041
veganstore.com USA 348,405
treeoflife.nu USA 385,616
vegan.at Austria 401,700
vegetarian-shoes.co.uk UK 418,613
blacksheepinn.com Ecuador 420,228
vegnews.com USA 430,946
alternativeoutfitters.com USA 447,442
earthsave.org USA 448,512
anonymous.org.il Israel 457,786
vegan3000.info Italy 469,704
petaindia.com India 471,330
saravanabhavan.com India 495,329
petaenespanol.com USA 500,616 peta
wegetarianie.pl Poland 500,975
hippy.ru Russia 502,063
VegetarianUSA.com USA 502,212
vegetarismus.ch Switzerland 536,892
vita.org.ru Russia 537,095
awgp.org India 544,457
animalpeoplenews.org USA 546,925
foodnsport.com USA 559,759
helpinganimals.com USA 563,329 peta
ecoclub.com Greece 565,028
veganchef.com USA 579,106
veggiedate.org USA 569,504
fabulousfurs.com USA 598,561
veganoutreach.org USA 627,304
animalsaustralia.org Australia 634,852
compassionatespirit.com USA 650,313
vegan.org USA 665,426
uva.org.ar Argentina 674,918
vegdining.com Canada 696,853
tempeh.info China 699,932
purefoodandwine.com USA 718,146
foodfightgrocery.com USA 723,821
animalaid.org.uk UK 730,949
veganitalia.com Italy 733,728
veg.ca Canada 737,516
peta2.de Germany 769,695 peta
viva.org.uk UK 783,462
ecos.com USA 795,977
svb.org.br Brazil 800,569
TheVegetarianSite.com USA 818,426
brandonraynor.com USA 823,471
compassionatecooks.com USA 844,303
kidbean.com USA 861,011
cosmosveganshoppe.com USA 918,450
pousadajardimdoeden.com.br 922,608
vnv.org.au Australia 925,571
vebu.de Germany 967,521
vegetarisme.be Belgium 992,150
vegetarisme.fr France 993,096

Visit http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=fdl
for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries

or email us at info@...

to notify us of new places.

Chief Editor: Dr George M Jacobs

Editorial Consultant: Mr Gangasudhan

Back issues are available at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/index.php?q=taxonomy/term/3

Subscribe to the newsletter via vegsoc_sg-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and unsubscribe via vegsoc_sg-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society of Singapore.

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The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

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#370

From: "Clarence Tan" <clarence@...>
Date: Mon Jul 6, 2009 7:38 am
Subject: A Hidden Secret Whose Time Has Come

clarence@...

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Dear friends,

A few years ago a book that detailed the connection between nutrition and many of today’s killer diseases was published. For a work of its nature, the publisher expected to sell no more than a few thousand copies then see it fade into obscurity.

Well the publisher was proven wrong and The China Study became an international best-seller and has since moved some 400,000 copies!

Hailed as the “Grand Prix of epidemiology” by The New York Times, its message – that proper nutrition is the way towards long-term health – is one whose time has come.

The VSS team is thoroughly excited to finally have its author, Professor T. Colin Campbell, in Singapore! (You see we tried a few years ago but failed to secure the necessary funding, so you can imagine how delighted we are this time around!)

So we hope you’ll make a date with us on Sat. 18 July 2pm. Ticket prices have been kept very reasonable so that as many as possible will be able to hear this life-changing message.

Please find more details below and we hope to see you on the 18th!

Sincerely,
The VSS Team

For more than 40 years, Dr. T. Colin Campbell has been at the forefront of nutrition research. His crowning achievement, the China Project, has been called the most comprehensive study of health and nutrition ever conducted.

The culmination of a 20-year partnership of Cornell University, Oxford University and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, the study examines more than 350 variables of health and nutrition with surveys from 6,500 adults in more than 2,500 counties across China and Taiwan. The results, summarized in Professor Campbell’s book, The China Study, suggest that:

a strong link exists between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses
proper nutrition can have a dramatic effect on reducing and reversing these ailments as well as curbing obesity
our current eating practices need urgent and dramatic change

Spend a life-changing afternoon with Professor Campbell and discover whyThe China Study has been hailed as “one of the most important books about nutrition ever written (and how) reading it may save your life.¹”

Program:

2.00pm  Registration
2.30pm  Achieving Long-Term Health (Movie Presentation)
3.30pm  Food Fair (food for sale from top vegetarian restaurants)
4.15pm  Talk and Q"A session by Professor T. Colin Campbell
6.00pm  End

Price:

$20  (VSS members - password required)²
$30  (non-members)
$40  (packaged with The China Study book worth $30.70)³

Buy your tickets now through SISTIC Website: www.sistic.com.sg, SISTIC Hotline: (65) 6348 5555 and SISTIC Authorized Agents islandwide.

For other enquiries, just drop us an email here.

Notes:
1. Dean Ornish, MD, author, Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease
2. For VSS members, please email us here for the required password. Kindly include your name and membership number.
3. Present your $40 ticket on the day of the event to collect your copy of The China Study.

Click here for Professor Campbell's bio.

Proudly presented by Vegetarian Society (Singapore), a non-profit organisation.

Join VSS and enjoy great discounts on all our events, plus many other benefits!

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#371

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Mon Jul 13, 2009 12:31 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter - 13 July 2009

jacobs_george

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VSS

VSS eNewsletter
13 July 2009

In this issue...

VSS NEWS

VSS��s Big Event of 2009

Prof Campbell in the Media

Singapore Meatout Week 2009 �C 17 to 26 July

GENERAL NEWS

Ren Ci Hospital Vegetarian Food Fiesta �C 26 July

How I Became a Vegetarian

American Dietetic Association��s New Paper on Veg Diets

The Vegan Version of the Atkins Diet

Shark��s Fin Mooncakes?? Thankfully, No!

VSS NEWS

VSS��s Big Event of 2009

VSS is very happy to announce that Professor T. Colin Campbell, author of The China Study - http://www.thechinastudy.com - will be speaking Saturday, 18 July, at Singapore Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way, S. 068810 (Nearest MRT �C Tanjong Pagar). Title: ��The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-Term Health��.

Tickets from Sistic, more details at: http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=node/1063

VSS

Prof Campbell is Jacob Gould Schurman Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University and Project Director of the China-Oxford-Cornell Diet and Health Project. His book, The China Study, has sold approximately 400,000 copies worldwide. Prof will explain the science behind why a plant-based diet is our best nutritional choice.

Guest of Honour will be Dr Kanwaljit Soin, a consultant orthopaedic and hand surgeon. Dr Soin is a former NMP and serves as the Chair of WINGS (Women��s Initiative for Ageing Successfully). The happiest moment on the programme for this Sat will be the appearance of Ms Teresa Hsu to do a brief Q&A session on the occasion of her 112^th birthday this month! Of course, the audience will also be serenading her with the Happy Birthday song.

The Sat, 18 July event is VSS��s biggest for 2009 (or maybe ever) because of the size of the venue, 800+, and the renown of the speaker. We can��t convince people to eat less or no meat unless they are confident that they can be healthy on a meatless or meat-reduced diet, and the good Prof��s expertise can help provide that confidence.

Prof Campbell is also speaking two other times in case you aren��t free on Sat �C more details at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=node/1064 and his full bio can be viewed at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/files/campbell-bio.pdf

Prof Campbell in the Media

VSS VSS VSS

Professor T. Colin Campbell, VSS��s guest this coming week, will be on Radio 938Live on Fri, 17 Jul, from 1.45-2pm, on Channel News Asia on Mon, 20 Jul, from 8-8.20am, and in The Straits Times sometime during the week, as he was interviewed by phone last Sat. Also, VSS has purchased on advert that appeared in The Straits Times on Mon, 13 Jul, page B7 in the Home section. However, nothing is as good as hearing Prof live at Singapore Conference Hall on Sat, 18 Jul. Registration begins at 2pm.

Singapore Meatout Week 2009 �C 17 to 26 July

VSS

For the past few years, VSS has organized a Singapore Meatout Week, a time when people try to go without meat for a day or more. This year, Meatout Week is 17-26 July, an extra long week, to make it extra easy to find a day to go meatless. The week always coincides with the month-long Singapore Food Festival: http://www.singaporefoodfestival.com

Headlining Meatout Week 2009 are talks by Professor T. Colin Campbell, author of the book The China Study (http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=node/1063) which is an evidence-based book on plant-based nutrition that has sold approximately 400,000 copies - http://www.thechinastudy.com

One familiar feature of Singapore Meatout Week is the special discounts from veg eateries and here are two:

7 Sensations - 16 Madras Street S. 208413, 62988198, www.7-sensations.com �C is having a Sunday Dinner promotion for the entire month of July only. Offer available only to vegetarians.

* 20% off the total bill (no minimum spending)

* Additional 5% off for spending above $100

* Not valid with other promotions, discounts or special offers

Brownie Factory - 391 Orchard Road, B2-08-4A, Takashimaya Food Hall Ngee Ann City

15% off Vegetarian & Vegan Brownies:

Vegetarian Triple Chocolate Fudge - A nutless, dark, egg-free Chocolate Brownie frosted with dark Chocolate Fudge with sprinklings of dark and white Chocolate chips.

Vegan Chocolate Brownie - Egg, dairy and honey free, nutless Chocolate Brownie frosted with Soy Milk Fudge Frosting.

New brownie especially created for Singapore Meatout Week: "Berry Vege" Chocolate Brownie - Double-Decker, egg-free Brownie frosted with Cranberry and Raspberry jams and frosted with dark Chocolate Fudge.

GENERAL NEWS

Ren Ci Hospital Vegetarian Food Fiesta �C 26 July

VSS

Ren Ci Hospital & Medicare Centre will be organizing its 7th Vegetarian Food Fiesta on Sun, 26 July in aid of their needy patients. The venue will be the purpose-built Ren Ci Community Hospital at 71 Irrawaddy Road. The target amount to be raised is $200,000 and the estimated expenditure for this event is about $40,000. All funds raised will be used towards patient care.

There will also be two health talks:

Topic: Vegetarian Food, an Alternative for Good Living

Time: 10.30am to 11.15am

Speaker: Ms Jenny Ng, Dietician, Ren Ci Hospital & Medicare Centre

Topic: ��ҽ��֮�� / ����

Time: 3.00pm to 3.45pm

Speakers: Mr Tan Koon Heng, TCM Physician; Mr Yeo Sang Chee, TCM Physician

Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution

There will also be free TCM consultation, tours of the Ren Ci Community Hospital (at stipulated time only), Isle of Fantasy for children and not forgetting an assortment of vegetarian cuisine (Chinese, Malay, Nonya and even Sri Lankan).

Info: 6385.0288, Karen_tan@... or

http://www.renci.org.sg/upload/newsupdates/J43014-Food%20Fiesta%20A5%20Flyer-v3.pdf

How I Became a Vegetarian

Here is another in our continuing series about people��s food journeys. If you have reduced your meat consumption but are not a full-time vegetarian, we still welcome your story. Please send to info@...

I became a vegetarian in 1986 by choice soon after my national service. Before I became a vegetarian, I used to eat anything and everything. Soon after my national service, I left to India for a short holiday. During my holiday, I was keen to eat deer meat, and I went to many places hoping to find it. To my frustration, I was not able to find any. Instead, I settled for other exotic meats, such as padi field rats and squirrels.

When I returned to Singapore, I attended a birthday party where a lot of meat was served buffet style. At the same party was a friend of mine, who, unknown to me, was a vegetarian. He was sitting beside me but, unlike me, not eating anything. When I asked him why, he replied that the dishes on offer at the party were ��corpses��, not food. I was shocked when I heard that statement, and an instant transformation took place in me. When I looked again at the food at the buffet, I, like my friend, saw only corpses, not food, such as mutton. I could not touch such food any more.

From that day onwards, I decided to become a vegetarian, and I began to study about vegetarianism. Fortunately, my wife supported my idea of becoming vegetarian. Presently, my whole family, including our four children, is vegetarian.

Muthupalani Ayyakannu

American Dietetic Association��s New Paper on Veg Diets

The American Dietetic Association is the world��s largest organization of nutrition professionals. This month, they released an updated version of their position paper on vegetarian diets.

http://eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/advocacy_933_ENU_HTML.htm

You can read the entire paper online but here��s an excerpt:

��It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.��

VSS

The Vegan Version of the Atkins Diet

From The New York Times:

��Low-carbohydrate diets like the popular Atkins plan can lead to rapid weight loss but tend to rely heavily on animal protein, and studies suggest they may do little to lower LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, the ��bad�� type of cholesterol linked to heart disease. Enter what researchers are calling the ��eco-Atkins�� diet, a high-protein, low-carbohydrate and entirely vegan diet.��

Read the entire article at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/09/health/09diet.html?_r=2

Shark��s Fin Mooncakes?? Thankfully, No!

Last week, VSS heard about a plan by the Meritus Mandarin to offer shark��s fin mooncakes. Fortunately, public outcry persuaded the hotel to change course.

Below is first the letter that the hotel sent to one vegetarian who wrote in, and the initial letter from the vegetarian. You can thank the hotel for their change of heart at enquiries@...

From the Meritus Mandarin

Thank you very much for your email and valuable feedback.

The views of our customers are very important to us and we have taken note of concerns which have been expressed about the shark��s fin mooncakes. We have therefore decided to withdraw this promotion, with immediate effect. We are currently working to develop alternative options for our guests which will not involve the use of shark��s fin.

Your support is much appreciated and we hope to welcome you to the revitalized Meritus Mandarin Singapore, and to the Pine Court Chinese Restaurant, in the near future.

If you have further queries, please feel free to contact me.

Warm Regards,

Lim Ee Jin

Assistant Vice President, Marketing Communications & Public Relations

Meritus Hotels & Resorts

From the member of the public

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my concern and disappointment over the fact that Meritus Mandarin Singapore has introduced shark fin mooncakes to its menu.

With heightened environmental consciousness in Singapore and internationally in recent years, I find it hard to believe that Meritus Mandarin would be ignorant to the cruelty and ecologically disastrous effects of shark finning. While it is unfortunate enough that your hotel chain, along with many others in Singapore, continues to support the morally and environmentally irresponsible practice of finning by your insistence on continuing to serve up shark fin soup at wedding dinners, despite knowledge of its ecological and ethical implications, this move of introducing yet another unethical dish takes the irresponsibility a notch higher.

By promoting shark fin in mooncakes, you are directly creating new and greater demand for sharks to be slaughtered each year. Such a decision reflects poorly on Meritus Mandarin's international reputation, and undermines the many laudable efforts that Singapore has taken towards sustainability. Singapore has worked hard to establish its international credibility as a responsible global citizen and I am certain that the shark fin mooncake is not a 'delicacy' that is welcome by new generations of ecologically sensitive Singaporeans and tourists to come.

At least 38 million sharks are killed for fins each year and Singapore alone consumes about 470 tonnes of shark fin every year. In the last two decades, demand for the popular Asian shark fin soup has contributed significantly to the dangerous decline of up to 90 percent in the number of sharks in the world. These figures point us to the incontrovertible fact that the shark trade is unsustainable and is driving the many shark species to extinction. Sharks are of critical importance to a healthy oceanic ecosystem, and with so many species on the brink of collapse, there is an urgent need now more than ever for us to stop plundering the oceans and to protect these endangered creatures.

I strongly urge you to consider the points above and halt the retrogressive move of introducing this novel dish at Meritus Mandarin Singapore. I also hope that Meritus Mandarin will consider taking the progressive step of being among the first to make the commitment to be environmentally and morally responsible by taking the shark fin soup off its menu altogether.

Visit http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=fdl
for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries

or email us at info@...

to notify us of new places.

Chief Editor: Dr George M Jacobs

Editorial Consultant: Mr Gangasudhan

Back issues are available at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/index.php?q=taxonomy/term/3

Subscribe to the newsletter via vegsoc_sg-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and unsubscribe via vegsoc_sg-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society of Singapore.

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#372

From: "Clarence Tan" <clarence@...>
Date: Tue Jul 14, 2009 8:33 am
Subject: Attending Prof Campbell's talk on Sat 18 just got That Much Easier!

clarence@...

Send Email

Dear friends,

Attending Professor Campbell's Talk Just Got That Much Easier!

This Saturday 18 July, one of the world’s most renowned health researchers will be giving his life-changing message to Singapore. Many of our greatest health concerns will be addressed:

Can Cancer be prevented or even reversed?
What is the best diet for a strong immune system and long-term health?
Are supplements really necessary?
How can we achieve and maintain optimal body weight?
Can we extend our life span?

The speaker is none other than Professor T. Colin Campbell, whose book The China Study has sold some 400,000 copies! For more than 40 years, Professor Campbell has been at the forefront of nutrition research and we believe he has a very important message for all of us.

We would really like you, our Newsletter subscribers, to hear his message. So while there are still seats remaining, we are pleased to offer the following:

Buy 1 get 1 Free – every ticket entitles you to bring 1 guest, absolutely free!
$5 worth of Food Vouchers for use at the venue – some of Singapore’s best restaurants will be serving up scrumptious treats on that day!

112 year old humanitarian, Ms Teresa Hsu, will also be making a special guest appearance.

So buy your tickets now through SISTIC Website: www.chinastudysistic.com, SISTIC Hotline: (65) 6348 5555 and SISTIC Authorized Agents islandwide.

Remember, all ticket holders are entitled to bring one other guest absolutely Free!

Step 1: buy one ticket via Sistic.
Step 2: at the door on Sat, bring your friend and show your ticket, and we’ll issue you with a complimentary pass plus $5 worth of Food Vouchers. (You do not receive the free ticket from Sistic).

You can also drop us an email here.

Price:
$20 (VSS members - password required)¹
$30 (non-members)
$40 (packaged with The China Study book worth $30.70)²

    Sat. 18 July 2009, 2 to 6 pm
    Singapore Conference Hall
    7 Shenton Way (nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar)

Program:
2.00pm Registration
2.30pm Achieving Long-Term Health (Movie Presentation)
3.15pm Q&A with special guest, 112 year old Teresa Hsu
3.30pm Food Fair (food for sale from top vegetarian restaurants)
4.15pm Talk and Q&A session by Professor T. Colin Campbell
6.00pm End

Notes:
1. For VSS members, please email us here for the required password. Kindly include your name and membership number.
2. Present your $40 ticket on the day of the event to collect your copy of The China Study. Only 1 copy of the book per $40 ticket.

Proudly presented by Vegetarian Society (Singapore), a non-profit organisation.

Join VSS and enjoy great discounts on all our events, plus many other benefits!

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#373

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Sun Jul 26, 2009 6:00 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter - 27 July 2009

jacobs_george

Send Email

VSS

VSS eNewsletter
27 July 2009

In this issue...

VSS NEWS

Highlights of Professor Campbell’s Visit

VSS Panelist at Opening Night Discussion of the Film Food, Inc.

VSS’s National Day Gathering

One More Meatout Week Promotion

GENERAL NEWS

Vegan Macrobiotic Cookbook

The Green Mart in Bishan Park 2

How I Became a Vegetarian

Catching Up With Singapore

More on Meat and Climate Change

Sweden: Draft Guidelines Urge Citizens To Eat Less Meat

And, A Petition for Taiwan

Energy Flow, Environment and Ethical Implications for Meat Production

Meat Won’t Feed the Hungry

VSS NEWS

Highlights of Professor Campbell’s Visit

VSS, with help from Lee Foundation, IMC Pan Asia Alliance Pte Ltd –East West Learning Enterprises and had the privilege of bringing Professor T. Colin Campbell, author of The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-Term Health, to Singapore from 17-21 July.

VSS

Despite being 75 years old, Colin had no problems keeping an energetic schedule that included radio, TV and newspaper - http://www.vegetarian-society.org/files/images/campbell-st-090718.jpg - interviews, a meeting with HPB nutritionists, three talks, a panel discussion, numerous lunches and dinners with the many people who wanted to chat with him.

VSS wishes to thank the sponsors – Lee Foundation, East West Learning Enterprises Pte Ltd, and Lo Ka Chung Charitable Foundation Ltd (Hong Kong) – and all the many organisations and individuals that helped to publicise the talks. The two talks organized by VSS at Singapore Conference Hall and SMU attracted about 500 and 300 people, respectively. And, the positive aftereffects of Prof Campbell’s visit continue. For instance, one local blogger wrote about the talk he attended: http://www.organicnewstips.com

There’s even a Facebook group called, “The China Study changed my life”:

http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=19629589590&mid=cf8122G27fd5932G3013233G6

VSS Panelist at Opening Night Discussion of the Film Food, Inc.

On Tue, 28 July, at 7pm, a VSS representative will appear on a panel to discuss the documentary Food, Inc. The exclusive preview screening takes place at Cinema Europa, GV VivoCity. Tickets are $10 (students at $8), and the public is welcome: http://media.gv.com.sg/Booking/GVCinemail/foodinc/foodincblog.html

VSS

Other panelists will be Ivy Singh-Lim, of Bollywood Veggies; Mahaya Menon, an educator and advocate of natural health; and Bhavani Prakash, an active green lover and founder of the www.ecowalkthetalk.com website.

The film will be showing exclusively at Cinema Europa, with the regular showings beginning on 30 July. As noted in the 3 July issue of the VSS Enewsletter, Food, Inc. - http://www.foodincmovie.com/about-the-film.php - is not a pro-veg movie, but people who’ve seen it say there’s lots of good stuff in it about the reality of the modern food industry, including factory farming.

Here’s a review by one of the top US film critics –

http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090617/REVIEWS/906179985

and one from Time magazine –

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1904144,00.html

VSS’s National Day Gathering

A separate mailer will soon be announcing our second National Day get together. Feedback was good from last year’s event; so, we decided to do it again, this time at a venue with a good view of the fireworks.

One More Meatout Week Promotion

The highlight of the 2009 Singapore Meatout Week was Professor Campbell’s visit. Because of our focus on that, we did not have a chance to publicize all the promotions run by local vegetarian outlets. One that we missed was from Green On Earth Caf�, 144, Upper Bukit Timah Road, #04-03 Beauty World Centre, 6468.4748. Accordingly to one reader, their pizza is the best he has ever tasted, veg or non-veg.

GENERAL NEWS

Vegan Macrobiotic Cookbook

June Ka Lim is a name that may ring a bell with vegetarians with ties across the Causeway. June is a cookbook writer, vegetarian cookery teacher, entrepreneur and activist based in KL. She attended one of Professor Campbell’s talks to spread the word about her new bilingual (Chinese/English) cookbook, Macrobiotics for Life. The book explains about macrobiotic cooking and then presents 50 beautifully illustrated vegan macrobiotic recipes.

VSS

As the book is published by Seashore, an arm of Popular, the book should be available at all Popular bookshops. June can be contacted at june@...

The Green Mart in Bishan Park 2

The same people who run the Green Room Caf� plan to bring us a new shopping experience: a green market located in Bishan Park 2.

Date: Sat, 15 Aug

Place: Asmara Lifestyle @ Bishan Park 2 (opp Caltex Station)

Time: 9am–5pm

Parking: Free

VSS

Products featured range from organic, healthy and eco friendly–showing that lessening your carbon footprint can be both affordable and chic. Jewellery and accessories with nature inspired themes, pre-love clothes and organic fruits are among some of the products featured. Live band J.A.I will be playing easy listening music all day, and the public can join a recycled material percussion drum circle.

More info: http://www.calaminesolutions.com/thegreenmart.html or 6456.6556 or 9800.7148

How I Became a Vegetarian

Here is another in our continuing series about people’s food journeys. This instalment is from Chng Hock Hai. If you have reduced your meat consumption but are not a full-time vegetarian, we still welcome your story. Please send to info@...

“Until the age of 41, meat and grains were my main food. I ate little fruit and almost no vegetables. My favourite meal was barbecued pork, lamb, chicken and/or seafood.

That all changed when one day in 1995. My wife brought home a booklet about enlightenment that she had picked up in the market. I’m not sure why I read it, but I did, and the short chapter on vegetarianism particularly caught my attention. It talked about the many benefits of going vegetarian, including health and kindness towards our fellow animals.

The booklet also said that being vegetarian would help my meditation. At that time, I wasn’t doing meditation, but I wanted to try. So, I did both at the same time. Right away, I went for a meditation course, and switched overnight to a vegetarian diet.

It might seem strange to go completely vegetarian so quickly, but it worked for me. I felt better about myself as a person, and soon, I started to feel better physically too. The meditation also helped.

My wife and two children did not immediately join me in switching to vegetarian food. Rather than lecturing them, I was tolerant of their meat eating. For instance, I continued to pack back meat dishes for their meals. Slowly, they came around. First, it was my wife, after about a year. After another year, my teenage son came home one day and informed my wife, “I’m in”. Soon after that, my daughter, who is now a nurse, joined us to make a happy, fully vegetarian family.

To keep our family healthy and happy with vegetarian food, my wife and I began experimenting with vegetarian dishes. For example, we came up with our own tasty veg version of chicken rice. That gave us the confidence to set up a veg stall at NTU (no longer in operation) and another at a factory canteen (still in operation). Plus, we sometimes cook for VSS events, such as the recent farewell party for our visiting speaker, Professor T. Colin Campbell.

I also work as a taxi driver. Mine is the yellow taxi with the ‘Love Us, Not Eat Us’ stickers. See you!”

Catching Up With Singapore

This article describes how vegetarian meals are becoming easier to find in the U.K.

VSS

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/the-rise-and-rise-of-the-vegetarian-1742752.html

More on Meat and Climate Change

As evidence mounts suggesting that global warming may be felt sooner and more strongly than previously thought, here are two more links about meat’s role,

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16573-eating-less-meat-could-cut-climate-costs.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/science/earth/04meat.html

Sweden: Draft Guidelines Urge Citizens To Eat Less Meat

Momentum towards eating less meat grew recently when the Swedish government issued draft guidelines suggesting that people can reduce global warming by cutting back on meat:

http://www.slv.se/upload/dokument/miljo/environmentally_effective_food_choices_proposal_eu_2009.pdf

http://www.ciwf.org.uk/news/factory_farming/visionary_sweden.aspx

However, a Swedish vegetarian who used to live in Singapore is sceptical:

“The text is very vague. It puts all the work on the reader (=public) to reduce the carbon footprint, while it offers no legislation/taxes/subsidies to facilitate this effort. I suspect very little will change due to this report, except a few upset farmers as usual. Alas, the world will not be saved by individuals, because far too many don't care about it.

Finally, the EU and Sweden speak with double tongues, as always. On one hand, they talk about greenhouse gas reduction, environmentalism, support to developing countries, and, with the other hand, they pay billions and billions to EU farmers and fishermen to continue producing greenhouse gas, polluting the environment and driving African/Asian farmers out of jobs. Just now, the EU has agreed to pay out enormous sums of money to European dairy farmers, because not enough people are buying "their" milk, despite the already substantial subsidies.

It's a good first step, but sadly much more is needed.”

And, A Petition for Taiwan

VSS

A petition is circulating on the internet urging the government of Taiwan to adopt Meatless Mondays: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/meat-free-monday-taiwan.html

Some say that Taiwan is one of the few places in the world with veg food on par with Singapore’s. People from outside Taiwan are welcome to sign the petition.

Energy Flow, Environment and Ethical Implications for Meat Production

This is the title of a draft report issued by UNESCO. While the report focuses on Asia, it has implications worldwide. Perhaps a somewhat unique aspect of the report is that in addition to considering economic and environmental issues, it also discusses the ethics of industrial meat production. Here is an extract from the report’s Executive Summary:

“An ethical analysis of principles associated with use of animals in intensive meat production is presented and, while recognizing a right to adequate access to food – that all people should be free from chronic hunger, should be free from food insecurity and should have access to safe food of nutritional value, the report also includes examination of the perspectives from the point of view of animals and the environment.”

http://www.unescobkk.org/fileadmin/user_upload/shs/Energyethics/EETAPWG13rptdraft3.pdf

Meat Won’t Feed the Hungry

The number of humans classified as suffering from chronic hunger has, sadly, now crossed the one billion mark, at the same time that meat consumption grows. Here’s an article that looks at the incredible amount of waste in the world’s agriculture. First, an excerpt:

“The most important long-term trends leading to current situation include: increased diversion of corn grain and soybeans to produce meat as the world’s per capita meat consumption doubled in about forty years. As much as 95 percent of calories are lost in the conversion of grain and soybeans to meat.”

http://www.monthlyreview.org/090701magdoff-tokar.php

Visit http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=fdl
for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries

or email us at info@...

to notify us of new places.

Chief Editor: Dr George M Jacobs

Editorial Consultant: Mr Gangasudhan

Back issues are available at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/index.php?q=taxonomy/term/3

Subscribe to the newsletter via vegsoc_sg-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and unsubscribe via vegsoc_sg-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society of Singapore.

__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4277 (20090725) __________

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#374

From: "Clarence Tan" <clarence@...>
Date: Mon Jul 27, 2009 8:43 am
Subject: Let's come together for an enchanted evening this National Day!

clarence@...

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		Dear friends, Let’s come together for an enchanted evening this National Day!
			Sun 9 Aug, 6.30pm Camelot by the Water 112 Tanjong Rhu Road
		Split your sides with our very own jolly yogi, Bala, whose laughter yoga sessions are as infectious as they are therapeutic!
		Be entranced by the lush harmonies from popular classical favourites performed by Wen Jin’s string quartet.
		Feast on the delectable spread of yummy local delights specially prepared by Yuan Xiang. All this plus great company as we stroll to nearby Marina for a resplendent view of the fireworks! So join us in your brightest reds and whites for a meaningful and unforgettable celebration this National Day! Cost: VSS members - $22, non-members - $30 Capacity is limited to 35 people (on a first come first served basis), so please RSVP here, or call 62585031 now to reserve your place. Secure credit card payment can be made online via PayPal. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Vegetarian Society (Singapore)’ and mailed to: 3 Pemimpin Drive, #07-02, Lip Hing Building Singapore 576147 Payment must be received by 6 Aug. Look forward to seeing you soon! Sincerely, The VSS Team Join VSS and enjoy great discounts on all our events, plus many other benefits!

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#375

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Mon Aug 3, 2009 5:24 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter - 03 August 2009

jacobs_george

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VSS

VSS eNewsletter
04 August 2009

In this issue...

VSS NEWS

DVDs of Prof Campbell’s Talks

VSS’s National Day Gathering

More From Prof Campbell’s Visit

Our Annual Report Online

VSS at Yoga Fair – 6 Sep

GENERAL NEWS

Newstart Lifestyle Program

New Restaurant on Upper Serangoon

Veg Stall to Open in September at SingPost Next to Paya Lebar MRT

‘Love Us Not Eat Us’ On Wheels

More Classes from NutriHub - the Organic Fusion Cafe

VSS NEWS

DVSs of Prof Campbell’s Talks

DVDs on Professor T. Colin Campbell presentations in Singapore on 18 and 19 July are available at $25 each. Please email your orders to johncheang@... or contact John at 6565.9076 (office) or 96742.512 (hp). Please include $10 for delivery charges and allow 3 or 4 weeks for production and processing of your order. You may also self collect the DVDs at 90 Jurong East Street 13, S. 609648. If you choose the self-collect option, please fix an appointment before coming.

VSS

VSS’s National Day Gathering

Don’t miss the event!

Sun 9 Aug, 6.30pm

Camelot by the Water

112 Tanjong Rhu Road

VSS

Split your sides with our very own jolly yogi, Bala, whose laughter yoga sessions are as infectious as they are therapeutic! Be entranced by the lush harmonies from popular classical favourites performed by Wen Jin’s string quartet. Feast on the delectable spread of yummy local delights specially prepared by Yuan Xiang. All this plus great company as we stroll to nearby Marina for a resplendent view of the fireworks! So join us in your brightest reds and whites for a meaningful and unforgettable celebration this National Day!

Cost: VSS members - $22, non-members - $30

For more details and to register: http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=node/1073

More From Prof Campbell’s Visit

Other items from Prof Campbell’s visit last month are:

More than $600 dollars was raised for Heart-to-Heart Services, founded by Singapore vegetarian centenarian Teresa Hsu who fielded a Q&A session before Prof Campbell’s Saturday talk.
Prof Campbell’s foundation, the T. Colin Campbell Foundation, offers coaching, articles, a newsletter and Cornell University online course leading to a Nutrition certificate: http://www.tcolincampbell.org

Our Annual Report Online

You can now view the VSS Annual Report for our many activities in 2008 at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/files/ar-2008.pdf

Please help to make 2009 an even better year. Our task is urgent; our efforts are life-saving, thank you - our website is at www.vss.sg

VSS

VSS at Yoga Fair – 6 Sep

On Sun, 6 Sep, , 10am-6pm, VSS will have a booth and give a talk at a Yoga Fair to be held at Fort Canning Park @ Cox Terrace. The event is organized by the Ananda Marga Yoga Society of Singapore, and the Guest of Honour is Dr Fatima Lateef, MP for Marine Parade GRC.

Many yoga proponents are also proponents of vegetarianism, not only for health reasons but also to promote kindness towards other animals (human and otherwise) and to care for the environment. For more information about this fair: 9789.8167 or http://anandamarga.org.sg/category/events

VSS

GENERAL NEWS

Newstart Lifestyle Program

Were you convinced by Professor T. Colin Campbell that plant based whole foods are the best nutritional choice for you and your family but don't know how to get started? Sign up now for the Newstart Lifestyle Program on 23 to 25 Nov 2009 from 9am to 7pm at 798 Thomson Road.

This program consists of health talks, cooking classes on how to prepare healthy vegetarian meals, and exercises that will transform you and enable you to go vegetarian with ease. Course fee is $400 inclusive of blood test, 9 healthy vegetarian meals. Whether you are already a vegetarian or learning to be one, this course is for you.

Newstart is endorsed by Professor T. Colin Campbell who has stated:

”The Newstart Lifestyle Program at Weimar is very much on target. There has been a massive accumulation of scientific evidence that shows the value of the dietary program at Weimar.”

Note: The Weimar Academy, located in California, is home of the Newstart Program.

For more information, email John at johncheang@... or contact him at 9674.2512.

New Restaurant on Upper Serangoon

People near Serangoon MRT have a new option for their veg dining. Vege Sensation is a new restaurant located at 530, Upper Serangoon Road, here’s more info...

VSS

Name: Vege Sensation

Address: 530, Upper Serangoon Road

Tel: 6283.9673

Bus: 100, 107, 107N, 133, 135, 147, 153, 853

Open: Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-3am

Landmarks: Sunshine Terrace

Specialty dishes: Asian, Japanese, Western

Onion & garlic: No

Organic: No

MSG (Ajinomoto): No

Eggs & dairy: No

Brown Rice: Yes

Price Range of Main Dishes: $5 and below

Website: www.vege-sensation.blogspot.com

Delivery & catering: Yes

Comments: They also have a Facebook group at

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=100840752918

Veg Stall to Open in September at SingPost Next to Paya Lebar MRT

VSS

Name of outlet: Cai Gen Xiang Pte Ltd

Address: SingPost Basement 2 - Stall 6

Tel: 8388.1968

MRT: Paya Lebar MRT

Landmarks: SingPost

Open: Daily 10 am to 10pm

Specialty dishes: Baked Rice, Pasta, Pizza

Brown rice: Yes

Organic: No

MSG (Ajinomoto): No

Onion & garlic: No

Eggs: No

Dairy: Yes

Website: www.caigenxiangvege.com

Delivery & catering: Yes

Date info collected: 30 July 2009

‘Love Us Not Eat Us’ On Wheels

The ‘Love Us Not Eat Us’ stickers and decals - which originated in Singapore - have gone out to more than 40 countries: http://loveusnoteatus.com

Now, a local vegetarian has gone a step further and put an extra large version on his car, along with the VSS logo!

VSS

http://www.chinatownology.com/love_us_not_eat_us.html

More Classes from

NutriHub’s - Cuppage Plaza, #B2-25 (behind OG Orchard, near Centrepoint) – new schedule of Dine & Learn workshops include:

Sat 8 Aug, 11am-1pm, Harmonising Your Body Energy

$40 inclusive of lunch

Learn how to protect yourself from harmful electromagnetic field / radiation
Learn how to use a pendulum to check your body & food energy
Learn how to harmonize your body energy with visualization, organic juices and other methods.

Sat 15 Aug, 2pm-4pm, Nutrition Assessment & Vitality Cooking

$50 inclusive of lunch

Learn how to do your own nutrition
Assess what’s lacking in your diet
Get nutrition tips on why & what to replace in your diet as well as learn how to supplement your diet
Watch a Vitality cooking demo

Asian Salad Delight using local greens
Black Bean Misoya Noodle
Cashew Fig 5 grains Brown Rice Porridge.

Sat 22 Aug, 10.30am-12.30pm, Harmonising Your Body Energy II

$40 inclusive of lunch

Learn how to use a pendulum to do dowsing on your body / objects
Learn how to harmonize your body energy using colour visualization to open your chakra (energy centre) as well as relax your body with chakra exercises and other techniques.

Sat 29 Aug, 11am-1pm, enjoy organic set lunch plus free talk: How to Boost Your Immune System – The Natural Way, for $10.

Except for the 29 Aug nutrition talk, a 10% discount applies for VSS members who register for any of the above workshops. For non-members, enjoy a 10% discount when registering for 2 workshops or more, and a 10% discount for groups of 2 persons or more per workshop.

For registration and enquiries on current or future workshops, please contact our Caf� at 6738.2746 or call and SMS Ms Vinitha Ang at 9236.8402.

Visit http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=fdl
for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries

or email us at info@...

to notify us of new places.

Chief Editor: Dr George M Jacobs

Editorial Consultant: Mr Gangasudhan

Back issues are available at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/index.php?q=taxonomy/term/3

Subscribe to the newsletter via vegsoc_sg-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and unsubscribe via vegsoc_sg-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society of Singapore.

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#376

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Tue Aug 11, 2009 7:37 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter - 12 August 2009

jacobs_george

Send Email

VSS

VSS eNewsletter
12 August 2009

In this issue...

VSS NEWS

Our Representative on Bloomberg TV

Climate Crisis Symposium

VSS at Yoga Fair – 6 Sep

Joining NUS’s Efforts to Fight Climate – 7 & 8 Sep

DVDs of Prof Campbell’s Talks

Donations Sought for 2nd West African Vegetarian Congress

GENERAL NEWS

Transforming to a Global Village of Harmony and Peace

Discount for First 12 VSS Members at Holistic Wellness Symposium 2009

Charity Banquet in Aid of Metta Welfare

More and More People Are Waking Up to the Meat-Global Warming Link

Learn to Make Carrot Cake, Pesto Pasta and Pumpkin Soup

VSS NEWS

Our Representative on Bloomberg TV

A VSS representative will be interviewed live on Bloomberg TV’s Asia Confidential (Starhub Cable TV, Channel 25) on Wed, 19 August at 11.30am: http://www.bloomberg.com/tvradio/tv/asia/tv_index_asia.html

VSS

The interview, with Bloomberg anchor Bernard Lo, will be broadcast across Asia and beyond. We need to thank Prof Campbell for this interview. Apparently, the sister of one of Asia Confidential’s producers attended one of Prof’s talk and told her whole family about it and about why they should think about going vegetarian.

Climate Crisis Symposium

VSS

VSS will have a booth outside the Climate Crisis Symposium to be held Sat, 29 Aug, 9am-3.30pm at Lecture Theatre 27 on the NUS campus. Admission is free, but registration is required.

For details, visit http://www.climatecrisissymposium09.blogspot.com or contact Ms Koh Ting Ting at 9114.7999.

VSS at Yoga Fair – 6 Sep

VSS

Joining NUS’s Efforts to Fight Climate – 7 & 8 Sep

The Carnival’s opening ceremony takes place on Mon, 7 Sep, 10.30am-1pm at the NUS Central Forum.

(a) Climate Change Exhibition – Deadline 2015

(b) NUS Fights Climate Change – What About YOU?? - film

(d) NUS Votes Earth

(e) Performance by local comedian Hossan Leong

The Green Carnival is organized by SAVE (Students Against Violation of the Earth): nussu.save@...

DVDs of Prof Campbell’s Talks

VSS

Donations Sought for 2^nd West African Vegetarian Congress

The International Vegetarian Union, to which VSS belongs, sent the following appeal for funds.

The first West African Congress was held in Nigeria in December 2007, and an international appeal to support that Congress raised about �1300. Details of the 2nd West African Vegetarian Congress in Ghana at the end of October are on http://www.ivu.org/africa/ghana-2009.html. The 2009 event should be much bigger. If you would like to offer support, you can make a donation by debit or credit card or by PayPal on http://www.ivu.org/africa/donations.html. Note that all catering will be vegan.

GENERAL NEWS

Transforming to a Global Village of Harmony and Peace

VSS Our friends at Kampung Senang - www.kg-senang.org.sg - are doing two workshops on the important themes of harmony and peace. Living in harmony and peace with our fellow animals is an important part of that.

Workshop A - Sat, 5 Sep, 2pm-5pm

Poh Ming Tse Temple

438 Dunearn Road, S. 289613 (Buses 66, 67, 74, 151, 154, 170)

6466.0785 / 6749.8509 for registration & booking of dinner

Workshop B - Sun, 6 Sep, 2pm-5pm

Holistic Lifestyle Centre, Blk 106 Aljunied Crescent #01-205, S. 380106 (near Aljunied MRT)

6749.8509 for registration & booking of dinner

An organic vegan dinner is available at both locations with dinner passes priced at $10/- per pax. Bookings are on a first-come-first served basis and the closing date for registration is 3 Sep.

Discount for First 12 VSS Members at Holistic Wellness Symposium 2009

VSS Kampung Senang has put together a two-day event to share knowledge and experience in holistic wellness – body, mind, soul and environment. VSS will be participating, along with more than 10 internationally-renowned speakers who will be sharing their views and ideas on the four areas: Body, Mind, Soul and Environment.

Title: Transforming Our Life Template for a Harmonious Global Village

When: 11-12 Sep, 9am-5pm

Where: Quality Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 201, Balestier Road, S. 329926, www.qualityhotel.com.sg, MRT: Lavender

Fee: $250 (Group of 5 or more), $300 per person (Includes course materials, 2 lunches and 4 tea-breaks).

Topics: Holistic Wellness services, hurdles in educating and reaching out to the public about holistic wellness, current trends and new findings, networking among Holistic Wellness service providers. http://www.lifetemplate.org

Cielo Sereno - www.CieloSereno.net - would like to subsidise VSS members to attend the Symposium! This means that the first 12 VSS members who register for the symposium via Cielo Sereno - CieloSerenoMail@... & provide their hp and VSS membership # - before 23 August need pay only $200.

Info: www.lifetemplate.org & hws@...

Charity Banquet in Aid of Metta Welfare

The good folks at Metta Welfare do many things to promote vegetarianism, most notably their Happy Arts Deli, which employs and trains students from their special school. You can support them via their Charity Banquet 2009, Sat, 24 Oct, 7pm, Metta Building, 32 Simei St. 1. GoH will be Jessica Tan Soon Neo, MP for East Coast GRC. More information at www.metta.org.sg and events@...

More and More People Are Waking Up to the Meat-Global Warming Link

The following is a simple article that shows what common sense it is to reduce or eliminate meat from our diets as a way to reduce our contribution to the climate crisis: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/28/AR2009072800390.html

VSS

Learn to Make Carrot Cake, Pesto Pasta and Pumpkin Soup

VSS

Genesis Health Food Restaurant, 1 Lorong Telok (behind Boat Quay), is offering another of their cooking classes. The one will be held Sun, 16 Aug, 4-6pm, at a price of $50, including dinner. The featured dishes will be vegan carrot cake, pesto pasta, and pumpkin soup.

Places are limited to 30 pax, please contact Agnes at 9145.4218 to register.

Visit http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=fdl
for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries
or email us at info@...
to notify us of new places.

Chief Editor: Dr George M Jacobs

Editorial Consultant: Mr Gangasudhan

Back issues are available at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/index.php?q=taxonomy/term/3

Subscribe to the newsletter via vegsoc_sg-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and unsubscribe via vegsoc_sg-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society of Singapore.

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#377

From: "Clarence Tan" <clarence@...>
Date: Tue Aug 18, 2009 7:57 am
Subject: Getting To Know You - Sat, 29 Aug 2009

clarence@...

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Dear friends, Getting To Know You We’d like to warmly invite all our members (especially those who have recently joined us) to come make a few new friends and get to know VSS better!
	Sat., 29 Aug 09, 6.30pm 7 Jalan Binchang (10 mins walk from Bishan MRT) Cost: Free (donations welcomed)
Be part of a growing and vibrant community of like-minded people – share your ideas, favourite veg eateries or anything else you fancy.
Enjoy a vegetarian potluck BBQ! Feel free to bring along your favourite BBQ food and roast away! Alternatively, a kind donation of $10 or more to support the vegetarian cause would be very much appreciated. We all know the wonderful value of friendship, so come meet other VSS members on 29 Aug. *Capacity is limited to 30 people (on a first come first served basis), so please register early at kheng@.... Please include your contact and VSS membership no. Hope to see you there! Sincerely, The VSS Team Join VSS and enjoy great discounts on all our events, plus many other benefits!

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#378

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Thu Aug 20, 2009 6:10 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter 20 August 2009

jacobs_george

Send Email


20 August 2009
VSS NEWS VSS on Facebook Climate Crisis Symposium VSS at Yoga Fair – 6 Sep Joining NUS’s Efforts to Fight Climate – 7 & 8 Sep DVDs of Prof Campbell’s Talks Donations Sought for 2nd West African Vegetarian Congress GENERAL NEWS Healthy Lifestyle Cum Cooking Lessons (in Mandarin) Book on Judaism and Vegetarianism Now Online At No Charge The McCartneys and Meat Free Mondays Healthy Veg Kids Stand Up for Their Beliefs Know Anyone Writing a Paper on Global Warming? New Documentary on the Killing of Dolphins for Meat Nadya’s Eco Chic Includes Cutting Back on Meat How I Became A Vegetarian	The VSS eNewsletter gets a fresh makeover. We hope you like the new look. Among the features in this edition is the inspiring story of ex-model Chantel Goh, whose life was changed after viewinging our 'Seeds' VCD. Enjoy! Dr George M Jacobs If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to drop us a line here. Subscribe to this newsletter here. Unsubscribe here Visit us at www.vss.sg


VSS on Facebook
If you’re one of the 10s of millions of people who enjoy networking via Facebook, please think about including the VSS page in your network: www.facebook.com/home.php#/ vegetariansocietysingapore?ref=nf Top
Climate Crisis Symposium
VSS will have a booth outside the Climate Crisis Symposium to be held Sat, 29 Aug, 9am-3.30pm at Lecture Theatre 27 on the NUS campus. Admission is free, although registration is required. The list of speakers is impressive; so, please don’t miss this opportunity to educate and inspire yourself. For details, visit www.climatecrisissymposium09.blogspot.com or contact Ms Koh Ting Ting at 9114.7999. Top
VSS at Yoga Fair – 6 Sep
On Sun, 6 Sep, , 10am-6pm, VSS will have a booth and give a talk at a Yoga Fair to be held at Fort Canning Park @ Cox Terrace. The event is organized by the Ananda Marga Yoga Society of Singapore, and the Guest of Honour is Dr Fatima Lateef, MP for Marine Parade GRC. Many yoga proponents are also proponents of vegetarianism, not only for health reasons but also to promote kindness towards other animals (human and otherwise) and to care for the environment. For more information about this fair: 9789.8167 or http://anandamarga.org.sg/category/events Top
Joining NUS’s Efforts to Fight Climate – 7 & 8 Sep
VSS will be taking part in the Green Carnival at NUS, as part of the university’s campaign to reduce global warming. The Carnival activities include urging the NUS community to change their eating habits in light of the strong evidence that the production of animal-based foods is responsible for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. The Carnival’s opening ceremony takes place on Mon, 7 Sep, 10.30-1pm at the NUS Central Forum. (a) Climate Change Exhibition – Deadline 2015 (b) NUS Fights Climate Change – What About YOU?? - film (c) Bochup House (d) NUS Votes Earth (e) Performance by local comedian Hossan Leong The Green Carnival is organized by SAVE (Students Against Violation of the Earth): nussu.save@... Check out the significant initiatives, such as Meatless Thursday, that SAVE is promoting: www.nusfightsclimatechange.com Top
DVDs of Prof Campbell’s Talks
DVDs of Professor T. Colin Campbell presentations in Singapore on 18 and 19 July are available at $25 each. Please email your orders to johncheang@... or contact John at 6565.9076 (office) or 96742.512 (hp). Please include $10 for delivery charges and allow 3 or 4 weeks for production and processing of your order. You may also self collect the DVDs at 90 Jurong East Street 13, S. 609648. If you choose the self-collect option, please fix an appointment before coming. Top
Donations Sought for 2nd West African Vegetarian Congress
The International Vegetarian Union, to which VSS belongs, sent the following appeal for funds. So far, the response has not been good. Please consider helping this worthy cause. The first West African Congress was held in Nigeria in December 2007, and an international appeal to support that Congress raised about �1300. Details of the 2nd West African Vegetarian Congress in Ghana at the end of October are on www.ivu.org/africa/ghana-2009.html. The 2009 event should be much bigger. If you would like to offer support, you can make a donation by debit or credit card or by PayPal on www.ivu.org/africa/donations.html. Note that all catering will be vegan. Top


Healthy Lifestyle Cum Cooking Lessons (in Mandarin)
Bliss and Wisdom Society will be conducting Healthy Lifestyle Lessons starting on 29 August. The four sessions of healthy lifestyle class will include topics on how our selection of foods and household products affects our health and the environment, what are the facts behind factory farming, how to choose healthier processed foods and how to cook simple and healthy vegetarian meals for ourselves and love ones. Dates: 4 Saturdays: 29 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep 2009; 7pm–8.30pm. Where: 2nd storey above Yes Natural grocery store, 599 Geylang Road #02-00. Cost: $20 for the entire 4 sessions. Registration and Info: Koh Lee Yong or Sia Siew Hua at 6841.2836 or e-mail to sia_iris@... Top
Book on Judaism and Vegetarianism Now Online At No Charge
People of many different faiths are inspired to be vegetarian at least in part by their religious beliefs. This book, Judaism and Vegetarianism, by Richard Schwartz, a retired professor of Mathematics, explains one example of the match between religion and vegetarianism. Published in hard copy in 2001, it is now available free online at www.jewishveg.com/JudaismAndVegetarianism/ JudaismandVegetarianism2001.pdf Here is an excerpt from an endorsement of the book by Rabbi David Rosen, former Chief Rabbi of Ireland: Those who seek to live in accordance with the most sublime values of Judaism will find Richard Schwartz’s book an inspiration and guide for an authentic modern Jewish life that fulfills the injunction to “turn from evil and do that which is good, seek peace and pursue it.” Top
The McCartneys and Meat Free Mondays
Here’s an article and YouTube video on the participation of Paul McCartney and his children, including Stella, a noted fashion designer, in the growing worldwide campaign for one meatless day per week: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/5621148/ Paul-McCartneys-Meat-Free-Monday-mission.html Top
6yr-Old Stands Up for Her Right To Eat Veg
This story reminds me of a friend of mine, an ex-pat from India, who went veg at age 8, even though no one else in his family was veg: www.tampabay.com/features/food/ general/article1024417.ece Top
Know Anyone Writing a Paper on Global Warming?
Here is a great resources on why plant-based diets are so important for fighting climate change: http://www.livablefutureblog.com/2009/08/ how-much-does-us-livestock-production-contribute-to- greenhouse-gas-emissions/ This article is just U.S.-based but gives a good picture of the many ways animal-based food contribute to climate change Top
New Documentary on the Killing of Dolphins for Meat
Last month, VSS took part in a discussion following the Spore premier of the film Food, Inc. at Cinema Europa at Golden Village at VivoCity. On Tues, 25 Aug, 7pm, at the same theatre, our friends at Acres will lead a discussion following the Spore premier of another film on our species’ not-so-nice treatment of our fellow animals. Cove - http://thecovemovie.com – exposes how in a cove along the coast of Japan, dolphins are trapped and killed for food. To read a review of the film: http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ article?AID=/20090805/REVIEWS/908059989 Speaking of Acres, VSS was honoured to attend the opening of their Wildlife Rescue Centre earlier this month: www.acres.org.sg Top
Nadya’s Eco Chic Includes Cutting Back on Meat
Nadya Hutagalung, along with her husband, Desmond Koh, was a guest of honour earlier this year at the launch of VSS’s Singapore Vegetarian Food Guide: http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=node/1047# Nadya graces the cover of this month’s Simply Her magazine: http://circulation.sph.com.sg/worldatyourdoorstep/ product_detail.asp?pd=34&pt=M In an article in that issue entitled ‘Eco Chic’, Nadya offers lots of tips on going green, including cutting back on meat. You can learn much more from Nadya at her Green Kampong website: http://www.greenkampong.com/food/ 33-of-the-healhiest-foods-on-earth Top
How I Became A Vegetarian
Jo Goh is a former top model. Under the name Chantel Goh, she won Best Model Singapore 1991, Best Model In Asia Pacific 1991, and Supermodel of Singapore 1994. The reason I’m writing this for VSS is to show my gratitude. It was the ‘SEEDS’ VCD, compiled by VSS, that woke me up and changed my life. I started modeling at 17. In the fashion industry, looking good is all that matters if you want to keep your job. All my life, I had been taught that meats are not only delicious but also nutritious. My diet was all about meat, all kinds of meat, low in carbo, zero in vegetables, and I grew to love that diet. In 2005, while shopping in Chinatown, I picked up a VCD named ‘SEEDS for a Better World’. I took it because it was free, and I was curious to know what could make this world better. That evening, I watched ‘SEEDS’ and had the shock of my life! I broke down and cried, overwhelmed by sadness. Nobody told me the truth about the hidden cruelty and suffering before. The very next day, I announced to my family, “I am going to be a vegetarian”. In utter disbelief, they thought I had gone mad! Since becoming vegetarian, I have felt really good inside-out. My health has improved. Amazingly, my 20-year-old gastric problem is gone. I have even become a regular blood donor! During my meat eating days, I took lots of multi-vitamin pills and went to the gym, but my health was still disastrous. It was a bold step to give up my glamorous career as a supermodel and a business in image consultancy. My mum became vegetarian too, and we opened a vegetarian outlet. It is hard work, and we only manage to survive due to my kind husband’s support. However, we carry on mainly to spread vegetarianism. We believe in doing small things in a big way by reminding people the truth about meat, our well being and the harmony we all seek. Editor's note: The eatery that Jo and her mum operate is Vegetarian Pureland Restaurant located at Blk 11 Jalan Bukit Merah, #03-4460. Top

Join VSS and enjoy great discounts on all our events, plus many other benefits! To unsubscribe from this newsletter, click here. Click here for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries, or email us at makan@... to notify us of new places. The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content. Back issues are available here. Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society (Singapore).

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#379

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:51 pm
Subject: VSS eNewsletter 1 September 2009

jacobs_george

Send Email

1 September 2009

Editor's Note

VSS NEWS

VSS at Yoga Fair – 6 Sep
Joining NUS’s Efforts to Fight Climate – 7 & 8 Sep
The Wait Is Over: DVDs of Prof Campbell’s Talks
Ready Now
‘Anyone Can Cook Vegetarian’ Cooking Class - 26 Sep
VSS Exco Member Graces Cover of
New Online Veg Magazine
English-Chinese Translators Needed

GENERAL NEWS

CNN on Meat Free Mondays
A Taste of Meat Eater Logic
Time Magazine Has Stolen Our Materials :)
Taiwan Organic Vegetarian Tour (Mandarin)
– 26 Dec-2 Jan
Yam'y Vegetarian Cooking Class – 12 Sep
Fish and Fish Oil Linked to Diabetes Risk
Cholesterol and Alzheimer’s
September Classes at NutriHub
I Am A Vegetarian

The times are they a-changin’? Meat reduction certainly seemed to be on everyone’s lips at last weekend’s Climate Crisis Symposium.

And speaking of times, did Time magazine plagiarise some of our material? (wink)

Dr George M Jacobs

If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to drop us a line here.

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Visit us at www.vss.sg

VSS at Yoga Fair – 6 Sep

On Sun, 6 Sep, , 10am-6pm, VSS will have a booth and give a talk at a Yoga Fair to be held at Fort Canning Park @ Cox Terrace. The event is organized by the Ananda Marga Yoga Society of Singapore, and the Guest of Honour is Dr Fatima Lateef, MP for Marine Parade GRC.

Many yoga proponents are also proponents of vegetarianism, not only for health reasons but also to promote kindness towards other animals (human and otherwise) and to care for the environment. For more information about this fair: 9789.8167 or http://anandamarga.org.sg/category/events.

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Joining NUS’s Efforts to Fight Climate – 7 & 8 Sep

VSS will be taking part in the Green Carnival at NUS, as part of the university’s campaign to reduce global warming. The Carnival activities include urging the NUS community to change their eating habits in light of the strong evidence that the production of animal-based foods is responsible for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Carnival’s opening ceremony takes place on Mon, 7 Sep, 10.30-1pm at the NUS Central Forum.

(a) Climate Change Exhibition – Deadline 2015
(b) NUS Fights Climate Change – What About YOU?? - film
(c) Bochup House
(d) NUS Votes Earth
(e) Performance by local comedian Hossan Leong

The Green Carnival is organized by SAVE (Students Against Violation of the Earth): nussu.save@... Check out the significant initiatives, such as Meatless Thursday, that SAVE is promoting: www.nusfightsclimatechange.com

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The Wait Is Over: DVDs of Prof Campbell’s Talks Ready Now

The wait is over for those who missed Prof Campbell’s talks or who want to watch them again. DVDs of Professor T. Colin Campbell presentations in Singapore on 18 and 19 July are now ready at $25 each.

Please email your orders to johncheang@... or contact John at 6565.9076 (office) or 96742.512 (hp). Please include $10 for delivery charges and allow 3 or 4 weeks for production and processing of your order. You may also self collect the DVDs at
90 Jurong East Street 13, S. 609648. If you choose the self-collect option, please fix an appointment before coming.

If you enjoyed Prof Campbell’s visit, you’ll want to know that another noted health expert, Dr Caldwell Esselstyn, highly recommended by Prof Campbell, has tentatively agreed to speak here in March 2010. Find out more about Dr Esselstyn and his work on heart health at his Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease website: http://www.heartattackproof.com

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‘Anyone Can Cook Vegetarian’ Bilingual Cooking Class - 26 Sep

VSS is starting a series of cooking classes to make it easier for people to eat less or no meat. The teachers for our first session will be the bilingual Mrs & Mr Chng, who run a veg stall for Spore Technology staff. Of late, VSS members know them for the great veg food they have provided for VSS functions. People often askg the Chngs to share their cooking secrets. Now’s your chance to find out how they do it.

Date: 26 Sep (Sat) 2 – 5pm
Fee: $40 for VSS members / $50 for non-members
Limited to 15 participants. Please register early. Your reservation is confirmed when we receive your payment.

Recipes taught and tasted:

1) chicken rice
2) rojak
3) herbal soup
4) salad dish
5) mixed soya protein dish
6) dessert (lotus seed in green bean)

Location: Second Avenue - details will be sent upon registration.
Registration: email to whatscooking@...

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VSS Exco Member Graces Cover of New Online Veg Magazine

A new magazine, VegVibe, has been launched online, and VSS Honorary Secretary, Pauline Menezes, graces the cover of the first issue: http://www.vegvibe.com.

The magazine is a great addition to the Singapore vegetarian scene. Be sure to check it out.

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English-Chinese Translators Needed

Some of the VSS materials are available in both Chinese and English. To expand this, we need volunteer translators to do English to Chinese. If you can help, please contact info@...

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CNN on Meat Free Mondays

Here’s a CNN report on the growing movement for at least one meatless day per week. The report also talks about test tube meat.
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/
international/2009/08/09/lustout.eco.
meat.free.monday.cnn?iref=videosearch

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A Taste of Meat Eater Logic

This article is written by someone from Ireland who keeps pigs as both pets and as a food source. The first sentence says it all: “The best thing about keeping pigs is, of course, the pork, but the companionship runs the meat a pretty close second”. You can read the rest of the sentences here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/
farming/5990655/The-joy-of-pigs.html

A lively debate among readers can be found below the article.

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Time Magazine Has Stolen Our Materials :)

Check out this article from Time magazine. Sounds like they plagiarized parts from some vegetarian society’s flyer. Unfortunately, not all the article is that good.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/
0,8599,1917458,00.html

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Taiwan Organic Vegetarian Tour (Mandarin) – 26 Dec-2 Jan

Due to popular demand, Cielo Sereno (www.CieloSereno.net) will be organising a second organic tour to Taiwan (26 Dec 09 ~ 2 Jan 10). Unlike most commercial tours, this scenic and health tour emphasizes Get-Close-To-Nature and Holistic Wellness concepts. During the 8 Days travelling, participants will be immersed in magnificent landscapes of Western Taiwan, indulge in fine organic vegetarian meals, recharge in the relaxing atmosphere of farms and celebrate the wisdom of the organic industry.

Dates:	26 Dec '09 ~ 2 Jan '10
Investment:	SGD1200 excludes airfare, airport tax, insurance (early bird price of SGD1050 before 12th Sep)

For itinerary and booking forms:
http://www.cielosereno.net/Taiwan-page.htm

For past Taiwan Tour photos:
http://www.cielosereno.net/gallery/
taiwan2009/TaiwanMay09.wmv

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Yam'y Vegetarian Cooking Class – 12 Sep

Ms. Bhaeravii Chia will be demonstrating various yam-based dishes. You will have hands-on experience at wrapping rolls and moulding mooncakes. Recipes are provided as well. Touch your loved ones with home-made mooncakes this mooncake festival. Mooncake ingredients & moulding equipments will be for sale.

Dishes include:
- Yam rice
- Yam fritters
- Five Spices yam rolls
- Special salad cream
- Snow-skinned mooncake

Participants will get to taste the food too!

When:	12th Sep 09, Sat @ 2 - 5pm
Where:	21 Jalan Pokok Serunai, S. 468158 (near Upper East Coast Road) Nearest MRT: Bedok Buses: 10, 13, 14, 31, 43, 48, 196, 197
Cost:	$80 (non members) $70 (members)
Capacity:	maximum 25 pax only
Details:	Call.6344 6519 to register! (Kindly note that space is confirmed only upon receiving payment)
Registration:	http://www.anandamarga.org.sg

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Fish and Fish Oil Linked to Diabetes Risk

A new Harvard study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition links fish and omega-3 oil consumption to type 2 diabetes. Following 195,204 adults for 14 to18 years, researchers found that the more fish or omega-3 fatty acids participants consumed, the higher their risk of developing diabetes. The risk increase was modest for occasional fish eaters, but rose to a 22 percent increased risk for women consuming five or more fish servings per week.

Prior studies have suggested that fat accumulation within muscle cells can lead to insulin resistance which, in turn, contributes to diabetes. People who eat no animal products have less fat in their cells and much less risk of developing diabetes. A low-fat vegan diet has been shown to improve type 2 diabetes.

Kaushik M, Mozaffarian D, Spiegelman D, Manson JE, Willett WC, Hu FB. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, fish intake, and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jul 22

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Cholesterol and Alzheimer’s

Meat eating is associated with higher cholesterol levels, although being vegetarian is no guarantee against high cholesterol. Recently, a 40-year study suggests having high cholesterol in midlife increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease in later years, U.S. and Finnish researchers say. Read more at:

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2009/08/04/
High-cholesterol-linked-to-dementia-risk/
UPI-85761249419054

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September Classes at NutriHub

NutriHub, the Organic Fusion Caf� - Cuppage Plaza, #B2-25 (behind OG Orchard, near Centrepoint, tel: 6738.2746, www.nutrihub.blogspot.com - is conducting more workshops in Sep. Here’s the schedule.

1. Wed 9/9/09 or Sat 26/9/09 2pm to 4pm
“Nutrimeal Cooking – Series II”
$50 inclusive of lunch. Learn how to prepare Simple, Nutritious & Healthy meals.

a. Homemade Almond Oat Milk
b. Vegan Korean Kimchi
c. Eight Treasure Brown Rice
d. Five Spices Salad Tofu

2. Sat 12/9/09 10.30am to 12.30pm
“Harmonising Your Body Energy I” $40 inclusive of lunch. Learn how to protect yourself from harmful electromagnetic field s/ radiation. Learn how to use a pendulum to check your body & food energy. Learn how to harmonize your body energy with visualization techniques, organic juices and other methods.

3. Wed 16/9/09 or Sat 19/9/09 2pm to 4pm
“Raw, Like Cooked – Series II”
$50 inclusive of lunch. Learn how to make nutritious & appetizing raw roods that look like cooked as part of your diet.

a. NutriVegan Rojak
b. Pine nut Parmesan
c. Crispbread without flour
d. Asian Pizza Delight

Members or associates / corporate members, enjoy 10% discount for any workshop.
Non-members: 10% discount when registering for 2 workshops or more.
10% discount for group of 2 persons or more registering for 1 workshop.
To register, contact the Caf� at 6738.2746 or sms Ms Vinitha Ang at 9236.8402.
Enquiries: contact Ms Vinitha Ang at 9236.8402.

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I am Vegetarian

In a variation on our usual How I Became A Vegetarian segment, Jeffery Cheng, Secondary One student at Raffles Institution, shares about being a life-long veg.

My classmates have always been taken aback by my vegetarianism and enquire about my dietary limitations. Often, classmates will come to me with a plate of chicken rice or wave meat in front of me to tease me about what I am missing. But they are the ones who are missing the point. Meat embodies cruelty, exploitation and suffering.

I have heard about parents disapproving of their children going vegetarian. Understandably, they are concerned, wanting their children to have the best nutrition, but there is so much misunderstanding. I am of average stature (154 cm, 49kg) and in water polo, which is a vigorous sports CCA that requires much energy three times a week, and perfectly healthy. Also, it has already been scientifically proven that the vegetarian diet can provide all the nutrition we need.

One perception is that I may have been forced or brainwashed into vegetarianism, and, as a result, my choice is invalid. Absolutely Not! I was given the chance to eat meat when I was in a childcare centre. Though I had permission to eat meat, I chose not to on my own accord, mainly for the respect for animals, because I am turned off by the way animals are bred and butchered.

No matter what, I hold steadfast to my belief - not hurting animals, who are living beings too. They can feel pain and experience pleasure too. So let’s extend them the compassion we feel for other human beings. Whenever you can, do go meatless, not only for the animals.

As aptly put by T. Casey Brennan, a vegetarian American comic book writer and memoirist, “Poor animals! How jealously they guard their pathetic bodies…that which to us is merely an evening's meal, but to them is life itself”.

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Join VSS and enjoy great discounts on all our events,
plus many other benefits!

To unsubscribe from this newsletter, click here.

Click here for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries,

or email us at makan@... to notify us of new places.

The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content.

Back issues are available here.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society (Singapore).

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From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Tue Sep 8, 2009 7:27 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter 8 September 2009

jacobs_george

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8 September 2009
VSS NEWS Getaway to Tanjung Sutera: 17-18 Oct ‘Anyone Can Cook Vegetarian’ Cooking Class - 26 Sep VSS Now on Twitter Greetings from VSS’s First Intern Mark Your Calendars: Oct-Nov VSS Talks at Public Libraries GENERAL NEWS Update on Meatless Thursdays in Belgium New Veg Restaurant on Serangoon Road What Most People Don’t Know about Eggs The Kind Diet Learn Zen Japanese Vegetarian Cooking Cooking with Kampung Senang Swine Flu DVD Available Meatout Thursdays at NUS How I Became a Vegetarian	Not as unorthodox as crushing noodle packets in supermarkets, but certainly more rejuvenating – discover Tanjong Sutera with us in Oct and put the wind back in your sails. Also meet Jennifer and Mo, our two vegetarian personalities this issue; diverse as they come, but one in veg. Dr George M Jacobs If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to drop us a line here. Subscribe to this newsletter here. Unsubscribe here Visit us at www.vss.sg


Getaway to Tanjung Sutera: 17-18 Oct
2 days / 1 night trip organized by VSS; 17-18 Oct (Sat & Sun). Imagine a cliff-top ocean-facing nature resort with panoramic views of sky and sea meeting seamlessly. Imagine an idyllic Eden of undulating gardens, coconut trees, lily and fish ponds. Welcome to Tanjung Sutera (Cape Silk), a home-style resort sited on a ‘Magical’ spot, 40 metres up from the South China Sea. Join us for a rejuvenating weekend at Tanjong Sutera, just 1½ hours from JB. Register by 1 Oct and enjoy early bird discounts. More details here. Top
‘Anyone Can Cook Vegetarian’ Bilingual Cooking Class - 26 Sep
VSS is starting a series of cooking classes to make it easier for people to eat less or no meat. The teachers for our first session will be the bilingual Mrs & Mr Chng, who run a veg stall for Spore Technology staff. Of late, VSS members know them for the great veg food they have provided for VSS functions. People often askg the Chngs to share their cooking secrets. Now’s your chance to find out how they do it. Date: 26 Sep (Sat) 2 – 5pm Fee: $40 for VSS members / $50 for non-members Limited to 15 participants. Please register early. Your reservation is confirmed when we receive your payment. Recipes taught and tasted: 1) chicken rice 2) rojak 3) herbal soup 4) salad dish 5) mixed soya protein dish 6) dessert (lotus seed in green bean) Location: Second Avenue - details will be sent upon registration. Registration: email to whatscooking@... Top
VSS Now on Twitter
Now you can get updated on VSS news on Twitter. Please thank our member Kishore Balakrishnan who kindly launched the VSS Twitter page and helps update it. https://twitter.com/vssnews. If you can help with other ways for VSS to spread our life-saving and earth-saving ideas and information, please contact us at info@... Top
Greetings from VSS’s First Intern
VSS has its first intern, Mo. He’s committed to vegetarianism and easy to get along with. We’d love to have more like him. Unfortunately, he’s only able to help until sometime in Oct. Below, Mo says hello. Dear supporters of vegetarianism in Singapore, People call me Mo, and as part of my studies at the Philipps University in Marburg (in Germany) I am currently doing an internship with Vegetarian Society (Singapore). I still remember quite clearly how I slowly became aware of the horrible conditions under which animals are kept for meat production. That was in 2003. I did some research and also created a blog to help spread awareness. I began to boycott major fastfood chains, and a few months later, I asked myself what right we humans have to treat fellow beings as commodities. Consequently, about one year later, I decided to no longer contribute to demand for meat and leather. At first, it was quite difficult, because I didn't know any people in my immediate environment thinking similarly. But I did it, and I can happily report that my parents and even some friends are cutting down their meat consumption lately as well. By being a vegetarian, I can not only help to reduce the demand for products made of captivity and suffering, not to mention the environmental destruction, but I can also help to make the negative impacts of meat consumption a topic everywhere I go and everywhere I eat. To consciously say no to meat is a statement which emanates. In conclusion, although as a vegetarian, you can feel ostracised at times, please remember that you are not alone and that it is the only right thing to do. Top
Mark Your Calendars: Oct-Nov VSS Talks at Public Libraries
Beginning in Oct, VSS, in cooperation with NLB, is hosting a series of four free talks you won’t want to miss, each by a well-qualified speaker. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. The first hour of each of the two hour sessions will focus on what the presenter has to show and tell; the second hour will be open to the public to interact with the presenter and fellow audience members. October 1. Presenter: Veronyka Lau, Cat Welfare Society Topic: Caring for Animal Companions and Farm Animals Date/Time: 3 Oct, 3pm-5pm Venue: Bishan Public Library, Programme Zone (capacity: 70pax) 2. Presenter: Dr Sanjay Doshi, Mediline Wei Min Clinic Topic: Anti-Aging through a Vegetarian Diet Date/Time: 31 Oct, 3pm-5pm Venue: Toa Payoh Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room (capacity: 30pax) November 3. Presenter: Louis Ng, ACRES Topic: Making a Difference for Animals Date/Time: 21 Nov, 3pm-5pm Venue: Central Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, B1 near lending library (capacity: 70pax) 4. Presenter: Dr Harvey Neo, Geography Department, NUS Topic: Meat Production and Land Use Date/Time: 28 Nov, 3pm-5pm Venue: Central Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, B1 near lending library (capacity: 70pax) Top


Update on Meatless Thursdays in Belgium
Earlier this year, the city government of Ghent, Belgium declared Thursdays to be Meatless Days. We asked Tobias Leenaert of the Belgian organisation EVA (Ethical Vegetarian Alternative) for more on what’s happening there. 1. Please tell us the history of how Meatless Thursday came to be. What was your society's role in making this happen? EVA started its “Thursday Veggie Day” campaign at the end of 2007. Last year, we managed to convince IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) chairperson, Dr Rajendra K. Pachauri, to come to Ghent and give a talk about meat and global warming: http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=36895〈=en Tom Balthazar, the Ghent councilman responsible for the environment, was there, and, after that, he became more and more convinced of the importance of meat reduction. We made contact with two of his staff who were also enthusiastic, and we suggested that they ask Balthazar if he would be prepared to officially proclaim Thursdays to be veggie days in Ghent. Apparently, he didn't need much convincing, and he managed to get his colleagues on the executive council of the city to go along with him. 2. How does the city government support the Meatless Thursdays? Is it just lip service? The city supports the campaign in several ways: we receive financial support; several city employees have already spent many days on the campaign; we have developed and distributed campaign materials together; we organized the launch event together; and from October, 2009 onwards, city funded schools will have vegetarian dishes by default on Thursday. The latter was decided by the councilman for the environment. So no, it’s definitely not just lip service. 3. What is the public reaction? What percentage of people would you estimate are reducing their meat consumption? We haven't done any research yet; we plan to that in October. But so far we have heard many, many positive comments, and many people tell us they are participating. 4. Are other Belgian cities or towns thinking of following Ghent's example? The town of Hasselt has already declared that it will start in October. There have also been some other towns expressing an interest, and we will start working on the bigger cities, like Antwerp and Brussels. Internationally, Sao Paulo, Brazil is already convinced, and they're working on it in France, UK, Austria, Israel, etc. 5. Has your organisation grown as a result of the success of Veggie Day? We have certainly received a lot of attention and inquiries, and we have attracted new advertisers and interested potential partners. We recently also received a national sustainability award. I can feel that the whole campaign has brought us a lot of recognition and that the road is wide open for further growth. We have also received a lot of international inquiries from sister organisations all over, and it's particularly rewarding to see that our campaign has inspired other people. 6. What is being planned to broaden and deepen Veggie Day? We are now trying to organize something on the European level, and are checking if we can collaborate with the Meatless Monday campaign by Paul McCartney. We are also getting the support again of Dr. Pachauri, who will urge other cities to follow Ghent's example. http://www.vegetarisme.be/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=792 Furthermore, we want to make sure Ghent succeeds as a pilot city and serves as an example for other cities to follow. 7. Any advice for organisations hoping to do something similar? My main advice would be to take this from the environmental and health angle, not from an animal rights angle. The meat reduction angle is also much more successful than the all-or-nothing vegetarian angle. Obviously, it's good to present the benefits for the city or the city official involved. Make them concrete (CO2 saved, health benefits…). In general, I think it is fruitful to work at a city level rather than a national level. Some material can be found at http://www.vegetarisme.be/ghent. People are also welcome to write me at tobias@... for more info. Top
New Veg Restaurant on Serangoon Road
Serangoon Road, Singapore’s largest vegetarian oasis, just sprouted another rose with the opening of Brij Bhoomi restaurant. Address: 1088 Serangoon Road MRT: Boon Keng Tel: 63923482 Open: Mon-Sun, 11am-3pm, 6pm-11pm Email: brij_bhoomi@... Website: www.brijbhoomi.net Details at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/node/1094 Top
What Most People Don’t Know about Eggs
Hidden camera footage from a ‘modern’ U.S. egg hatchery illustrates what is apparently the common practice of putting male chicks to death, for the crime of not being able to lay eggs and not be bred to be broilers (chickens whom we eat). Of course, the females don’t have it much better. Their beaks are clipped, and they spend the remainder of their short lives in crowded unnatural conditions, treated like machines rather than the thinking, feeling fellow beings that they are. To watch the footage, first read the following article and then click the link near the bottom of the article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090902/ ap_on_go_ot/us_egg_hatchery_investigation Top
The Kind Diet
A reader sent the following book news. In The Kind Diet, actress, activist, and committed conservationist Alicia Silverstone shares the insights that encouraged her to swear off meat and dairy forever, and outlines the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet, from effortless weight loss to clear skin, high energy, and smooth digestion. She explains how meat, fish, milk, and cheese–the very foods we’ve been taught to regard as the cornerstone of good nutrition–are actually the culprits behind escalating rates of disease and the cause of dire, potentially permanent damage to our ecology. Yet going meat- and dairy-free doesn’t mean suffering deprivation; to the contrary, The Kind Diet introduces delicious food that satisfies on every level–it even includes amazing desserts to keep the most stubborn sweet tooth happy. Alicia also addresses the nutritional concerns faced by many who are new to a plant-based diet, and shows how to cover every nutritional base, from protein to calcium and beyond. Alicia Silverstone is perhaps best known for her generation-defining turn in the film Clueless. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Christopher, and their four rescued dogs. http://www.amazon.com/ Kind-Diet-Simple-Feeling-Losing/dp/ 1605296449/ref=sr_1_3? ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251878659&sr=1-3 Top
Learn Japanese Zen Vegetarian Cooking
Danny Chu of Enso’s Kitchen will be teaching ‘Appreciation of Shojin Ryori Japanese Zen Cuisine’ on 18 Oct, 3-5pm at Goto Japanese Restaurant, 14 Ang Siang Road, #01-01, S. 069694. The event is organized by People’s Association at a price of $29-$35. For details: http://www.ensokitchen.com/event.htm Top
Cooking with Kampung Senang
Kampung Senang is bringing back the versatile Mr Oh Chong Fah for another round of unique bilingual cooking classes, this time on tempeh making, salad creams and whole grains. These classes are in conjunction with the Holistic Wellness Symposium 11-12 Sep at Quality Hotel. For details: www.eco-harmony.net or 6749.8509. Top
Swine Flu DVD Available
The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that billions of people may become infected with swine flu. “This virus travels at an unbelievable, almost unheard of speed,” the WHO Director-General was quoted as saying recently. The “most worrying fact,” according to the Director-General, is “that 40 percent of the fatalities concern young adults -- in good health -- who die of a viral fever in five to seven days.” In light of the current situation, Dr Michael Gregor of Humane Society International recently released, ‘Flu Factories: Tracing the Origins of the Swine Flu Pandemic’ on DVD: http://www.hsus.org/farm/resources/pubs/swine_flu.html Top
Meatout Thursdays at NUS
On Monday, 7 Sep, a VSS Exco member represented us as an invited guest at the opening of the NUS Green Carnival at the NUS Central Forum, organized by NUSSU SAVE (Students Against Violation of the Earth). The NUS President, Professor Tan Chorh Chuan (pictured above in an earlier photo), along with GOH, Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, spoke. What stood out were all the green measures that NUS has been taking, including setting thermostats at 25 degrees, using financial means to encourage people to bring their own bags and food containers, and discouraging the use of bottled water. Most outstanding is that from the week of the Green Carnival forward, NUS will celebrate Meatout Thursdays. Apparently, many non-veg stalls in the NUS canteens will have veg dishes, in addition to the three existing veg stalls on campus. Plus, in his speech at the Carnival opening, President Tan said that he too is trying to go vegetarian every Thursday. Top
How I Became A Vegetarian
Recently, at age 60, I made an important decision. I chose to celebrate life by becoming a vegetarian, thereby joining millions all over the world who every day make the same life-affirming choice. It would have been better if I had gone vegetarian at a younger age, but better late than never! Since going vegetarian, I have never looked back, thanks to the health benefits and the sense of fulfilment I enjoy. Indeed, it was ignorance and fear that caused me to procrastinate before making the switch. But, as I learned more about the harm caused by my protein rich meat diet, I could no longer ignore the many benefits of a plant-based diet: 1. My health has improved. 2. The efficiency of vegetarian diets makes more food available for the 100s of millions of chronically hungry fellow humans. 3. Vegetarianism could save 10s of billion of fellow animals from a life of suffering and an early death. 4. Plant-based diets protect the beautiful planet we have inherited from past generations, a beautiful planet that we should bequeath in the same condition to future generations. Being a Vegetarian Society (Singapore) member has made the switch to plant foods much easier. For instance, the electronic newsletter tells me about recipes and new eateries. Also, activities conducted by the Society bring likeminded folks together for sharing and encouragement. I have also joined Singapore Vegetarian Meetup. Their activities make the vegetarian journey even more fun and fulfilling. To conclude, VSS brought Professor T. Colin Campbell, an expert on nutrition, to Singapore, and I had the good fortune to attend one of his talks. Prof Campbell put it beautifully: for a healthy lifestyle, we need a biological symphony of vegan nutrition, exercise and water. Let’s be living examples of what we believe. So, please look good and feel good with green living! - Jennifer Tan Top

Join VSS and enjoy great discounts on all our events, plus many other benefits! To unsubscribe from this newsletter, click here. Click here for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries, or email us at makan@... to notify us of new places. The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content. Back issues are available here. Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society (Singapore).

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#381

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:37 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter 17 September 2009

jacobs_george

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17 September 2009
VSS NEWS Tanjung Sutera Getaway: 17-18 Oct VSS Forum Upgraded Oct-Nov VSS Talks at Public Libraries YouTube Video Introduces Asian Vegetarian Congress – 6-10 Nov Volunteer Opportunity: Organic Outlet List Needs Updating More Followers for VSS Twitter Page Letters to ST Forum about JB Factory Farm GENERAL NEWS Vegetarians: Please Read This DIY Sugar-Free Wholesome Homemade Mooncakes Workshop by Dr Lai Chiu-Nan – 25 Oct New Restaurant in Bishan UK School Council Votes to Slaughter a Sheep Raised by Students Non-Veg Restaurant Goes Extra Kilometre for Vegetarians Free Samples at Opening of Vegan Bakery – Sat, 19Sep Hosting an Intern to Work on World Hunger	The early bird catches the nice discount – just two weeks left, so do register soon to enjoy the sea breeze and panoramic views at our Tanjung Sutera getaway. Our newly revamped forum even has a thread on the subject. Do have a look. Dr George M Jacobs If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to drop us a line here. Subscribe to this newsletter here. Unsubscribe here Visit us at www.vss.sg


Tanjung Sutera Getaway: 17-18 Oct
2 days / 1 night trip organized by VSS; 17-18 Oct (Sat & Sun). Imagine a cliff-top ocean-facing nature resort with panoramic views of sky and sea meeting seamlessly. Imagine an idyllic Eden of undulating gardens, coconut trees, lily and fish ponds. Welcome to Tanjung Sutera (Cape Silk), a home-style resort sited on a ‘Magical’ spot, 40 metres up from the South China Sea. Join us for a rejuvenating weekend at Tanjong Sutera, just 1� hours from JB. Register by 1 Oct and enjoy early bird discounts. More details here. Top
VSS Forum Upgraded
One of the best parts of the VSS website is the Forum - http://www.vegetarian-society.org/my_forums - a place in cyberspace where like-minded (mostly) folks can exchange views and information, and just generally connect. Hope you like the new version. Feedback welcome: info@... Top
Oct-Nov VSS Talks at Public Libraries
Beginning on 3 Oct, VSS, in cooperation with NLB, is hosting a series of four free talks you won’t want to miss, each by a well-qualified speaker. The first talk, by Veron Lau of Cat Welfare Society, takes place on 3 Oct, 3pm at Bishan Public Library. Seating for all the talks is on a first come, first served basis. The first hour of each of the two hour sessions will focus on what the presenter has to show and tell; the second hour will be open to the public to interact with the presenter and fellow audience members. October 1. Presenter: Veronyka Lau, Cat Welfare Society Topic: Caring for Animal Companions and Farm Animals Date/Time: 3 Oct, 3pm-5pm Venue: Bishan Public Library, Programme Zone (capacity: 70pax) 2. Presenter: Dr Sanjay Doshi, Mediline Wei Min Clinic Topic: Anti-Aging through a Vegetarian Diet Date/Time: 31 Oct, 3pm-5pm Venue: Toa Payoh Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room (capacity: 30pax) November 3. Presenter: Louis Ng, ACRES Topic: Making a Difference for Animals Date/Time: 21 Nov, 3pm-5pm Venue: Central Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, B1 near lending library (capacity: 70pax) 4. Presenter: Dr Harvey Neo, Geography Department, NUS Topic: Meat Production and Land Use Date/Time: 28 Nov, 3pm-5pm Venue: Central Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, B1 near lending library (capacity: 70pax) Top
YouTube Video Introduces Asian Vegetarian Congress – 6-10 Nov
The 2009 Asian Vegetarian Congress (AVC) will be held right next door in Batam, 6-10 Nov. One of the main organizers is Susianto Tseng, COO of the Indonesia Vegetarian Society (pictured here). For a quick promotional video on the AVC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QLNHPjKaY8 Top
Volunteer Opportunity: Organic Outlet List Needs Updating
Our friends at Lapis Lazuli Light – see announcement below of next month’s workshop by Dr Lai Chiu-Nan – have put together a very useful list of organic outlets. Of course, just like VSS’s list of veg outlets, this list of organic outlets is constantly in need of updating. If some people could help to update the list, we could publicize it. Outlets’ phone numbers are listed. Please contact, info@... to volunteer. Top
More Followers for VSS Twitter Page
More people are signing up to follow VSS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/vssnews Sometimes, news appears on Twitter before it shows up in this eNewsletter. Let’s see how fast we can get up to 100 people. We’ll have a long way to go to catch up to this eNewsletter, to which more than 5000 people are subscribed. By the way, the co-founder of Twitter is a vegan: http://vegetarianstar.com/tag/Biz-Stone http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/opinion/22dowd.html Top
Letters to ST Forum about JB Factory Farm
Last week, The Straits Times had an article about a factory farm in JB. Two VSS wrote in response. One of their letters was published in the newspaper’s online edition. Here it is, followed by the unpublished letter. 1. Why do we espouse kindness to animals and yet eat them anyway? Your caption “Chicken with Cushy Lives” (ST, 9 September 09) embodies such irony. No amount of air-conditioning, pricey herb-feeds, mood lightings and Mozart can ever compensate for the pain and suffering a chicken, or any animal for that matter, undergoes when being slaughtered. The plight of chickens which are bred in captivity for the sole purpose of being eventually slaughtered, begins from as early as when they are chicks. They have to be de-beaked and have their wings clipped – to prevent them from inflicting injury to their fellow inhabitants. Chickens bred in factory farms – the very type depicted in your pictorial - suffer cramped living conditions and endemic diseases. They are administered powerful cocktails of steroids and antibiotics engineered to accelerate growth to shorten their lives to hasten their harvest. While the antibiotics suppress disease amongst the animals, their use leads to the emergence of newer and more powerful strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria which are more than ever, able to transcend the animal human borders. Feeds fortified by Cordyceps and cultured lactobacillus underscore the inefficiencies of meat sources of food. A lifetime of fortified fowl feed – being anywhere from 4 to 9 weeks, translates to only a few days worth of human meals without any assurance that such fowl feed fortification passes on greater nutrition down the food chain. If such nutrients can withstand the rigours of slaughter and cooking, just imagine the avian virus and other contaminants that must be surviving the transition equally well! Expending land, water, nutrients and energy for lighting and music on animals means less of such limited resources are available for man’s own benefit. Why not deploy these directly for mankind instead, to optimise them while reducing methane, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions and waste by-products which poison water supplies and necessitate expensive treatment plants. Doing good to animals is great. Isn’t it better that we first did them no harm? 2. Here’s the unpublished letter: I refer to “Fed pricey herb, to strains of Mozart’ ST (Sep 9). Expensive food and nice music do not compensate chickens for a completely unnatural life in what effectively is a prison, followed by execution despite no crime being committed. We are treating chickens as if they were mere objects, when they are intelligent, feeling fellow beings, as revealed by researchers who have studied them. Imagine please how we would feel if more intelligent beings from another planet took a liking to human flesh and treated us the way we treat chickens. Would healthy food and Mozart make it okay? 3. Our friends at ACRES – www.acres.org.sg – also published a very nice letter on the topic: http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/ Online%2BStory/STIStory_428033.html Top


Vegetarians: Please Read This
Especially if you're a vegan (a vegetarian who takes no eggs or diary or any foods of animal origin), you should consider supplementing your diet to make sure you get enough Vitamin B12. You can read about B12 in detail at http://www.veganhealth.org/b12 or http://www.vegansociety.com/food/nutrition/b12 or http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2007/b12.html Vitamin B12 protects the nervous system. In cases of severe deficiency, serious nerve related problems can results. These problems may occur without being immediately symptomatic. The current best available evidence suggests that plant sources of B12 may not be well absorbed by the body. Fortunately, B12 can be easily manufactured via bacterial fermentation and is available in foods fortified with Vitamin B12 (read the label) or in B12 supplements that can be found in vegetarian form in many shops selling supplements. Also, please get tested your B12 level tested every now and then. Does taking supplements or eating fortified foods make the vegan diet invalid or unnatural? Not at all. We live in a very different world from the one that existed even 100 years ago. The best available medical evidence, as summarised in a recent position paper by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), states that “appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes”. http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/ hs.xsl/advocacy_933_ENU_HTML.htm Making sure we take enough B12 is part of the appropriate planning that the ADA is referring to. Top
DIY Sugar-Free Wholesome Homemade Mooncakes
Three types of mooncakes will be taught during this hands-on, 4hr workshop. You’ll even learn how to make the fillings from the raw ingredients. All ingredients are vegan. Venue: Wholesome Living, Blk416 Pandan Garden #01-130 Course fee: $80 (include ingredients) When: 20 Sep (Sun) or 26 Sep (Sat) or 27 Sep (Sun), 1-5pm. Details at http://www.wholesomeliving-sg.com/Mooncakes2009.html or 9653.1734. Top
Workshop by Dr Lai Chiu-Nan – 25 Oct
International health expert, Dr Lai Chiu-Nan, will be doing a Mandarin language workshop entitled ‘Growing from Sickness and Danger, Returning to Joy’. We hear that tickets are going fast. The date is 25 Oct, 10am-4pm; the place is Bright Hill Temple. Details at http://www.kmspks.org/ch/events/DrLaiWorkshop09.pdf Top
New Restaurant in Bishan
More and more veg eateries in the Bishan area! Here's the latest, a restaurant which opened last month. Name: Yi Xin Vegetarian Cuisine Address: Block 505-A, Bishan St 11, #01-440, S. 571505 Tel: 9857.5096 Open: 8am-9pm every day, except the day after the 1st & 15th of lunar month Landmarks: behind Bishan Library Onion & garlic? No Organic? No MSG (ajinomoto)? Yes Brown rice? Yes Dairy? Yes (in curries) Price Range of Main Dishes: $5-$10 Delivery? For 30 or more Catering? Yes Top
UK School Council Votes to Slaughter a Sheep Raised by Students
Last year, a fictional Japanese movie named ‘School Days with a Pig’ - http://moonpointer.com/new/2009/04/ bittersweet-school-days-with-a-pig/ - told the story of primary school students raising a pig and debating whether to send the pig to his death. A similar situation is threatening to take place in real life with a sheep who has been living at school in the UK: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/ england/kent/8248718.stm Top
Non-Veg Restaurant Goes Extra Kilometre for Vegetarians
As eating less or no meat becomes more popular, non-veg outlets are expanding their veg offerings. Here's an example reported by a VSS member after a recent visit to a non-veg restaurant that he made with a big group of colleagues. Ambrosia Cafe on Baghdad St (Kampong Glam) just recently came under new management. The new owners (a husband and wife team) catered for us really well. Usually we wouldn't go near anywhere that isn't vegetarian, but we made an exception for Ambrosia, as they stopped taking orders for non-vegetarian products at 9pm the night before our event, washed the kitchen out and used new utensils etc for the vegetarian food, to avoid any cross contamination. I spoke to Chef Daniel at the event and he mentioned that they are keen to keep a separate set of preparing equipment for vegetarian food, and very happy to cater for vegetarians and vegans! The menu included ginger pumpkin soups, a variety of starters (dips etc) and main courses that include a 'doner kebab' made with falafel. The vast majority of the buffet was vegan, and it could all be vegan on request too. I was thinking that this might be an interesting inclusion for a future VSS newsletter - in terms of how a non-vegetarian establishment is going out of its way to serve 'purely' vegetarian food and making the effort in terms of the menu but also in the way that the food is prepared. What do you think? Top
Free Samples at Opening of Vegan Bakery – Sat, 19Sep
This Sat, 19Sep, from 6pm-9pm, stop by for free samples at the opening of EPG Organic Vegetarian LLP, a vegan bakery at 8A Admiralty Street #06-30, S. 757437 in FoodXchange. From Sembawang MRT, take bus 962 five stops to FoodXchange. Contact: 9667.4023, healthy@... http://www.epg-group.com Top
Hosting an Intern to Work on World Hunger
A student organization at NTU that works on the issue of World Hunger, AIESEC - http://www.aiesec.org.sg - has asked VSS if we can find someone to provide a homestay for an intern from another country who would work to educate people here about how to help the approximately one billion of our fellow humans who are chronically hungry. Hundreds of these people, many of them children, die daily from malnutrition and related ailments. Meat consumption exacerbates this problem, because many kgs of plant food, which could feed hungry people, are instead diverted to meat production but produce only one kg of meat. Earlier this year, a VSS representative did a talk at a Hunger Banquet - www.hungerbanquet.org -that AIESEC organized at NTU. If you might be able to help, contact Yvonne Sim at 9677.1276 \| sim.yu_xian@... Top

Join VSS and enjoy great discounts on all our events, plus many other benefits! To unsubscribe from this newsletter, click here. Click here for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries, or email us at makan@... to notify us of new places. The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content. Back issues are available here. Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society (Singapore).

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#382

From: "Clarence Tan" <clarence@...>
Date: Sat Sep 26, 2009 6:36 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter 26 September 2009

clarence@...

Send Email

26 September 2009

Editor's Note

VSS NEWS

The Dog, The Cat and Her Pet Chicken

Weblinks about Doing Veg Business in China

Copies of The China Study Available at
Reduced Price including Delivery

Tanjung Sutera Getaway: 17-18 Oct

VSS at Charity Fair This Weekend

Did Going Veg Improve Your Health?

GENERAL NEWS

Do Hens Suffer?

Fish Farming Now Accounts for 50% of
Fish Production

Next Cooking Class from Genesis: 27 Sep

Second Issue of Veg Vibe Now Online

24 Hour Veg Stall in Ang Mo Kio

How I Became a Vegetarian Cooking Instructor

Ami’s Veggie Heart Cooking Classes

Global Social Innovators Forum
– 1-3 Oct, Fusionopolis

By Popular Demand, Another Class on
Japanese Veg Cooking

Break the Tradition – No More Shark Fin Soup

Several years ago, VSS had a series of talks at a CC. Next weekend, Sat, 3 Oct, at Bishan Library, we start a new series of talks at libraries. The first talk examines why people are so nice to some animals, such as dogs and cats, but not nice at all to others, such as chickens.

Dr George M Jacobs

If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to drop us a line here.

Subscribe to this newsletter here. Unsubscribe here

Visit us at www.vss.sg

The Dog, The Cat and Her Pet Chicken

Many important and fascinating topics exude from the interconnections between humans and our fellow animals. Beginning on 3 Oct, VSS, in cooperation with NLB, is hosting a series of four free talks explore these interconnections. The first talk, by Veron Lau of Cat Welfare Society, takes place on 3 Oct, 3pm at Bishan Public Library: http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/
Event.aspx?EventID=29949

Veron's session is titled ‘The Dog, The Cat and Her Pet Chicken’ and addresses why we so kind to some animals such as cats while, at the same time, we support factory farming for other animals.

Seating for all the talks is on a first come, first served basis. The first hour of each of the two hour sessions will focus on what the presenter has to show and tell; the second hour will be open to the public to interact with the presenter and fellow audience members.

October

1. Presenter: Veronyka Lau, Cat Welfare Society
Topic: The Dog, The Cat and Her Pet Chicken
Date/Time: 3 Oct, 3pm-5pm
Venue: Bishan Public Library, Programme Zone (capacity: 70pax)

2. Presenter: Dr Sanjay Doshi, Mediline Wei Min Clinic
Topic: Anti-Aging through a Vegetarian Diet
Date/Time: 31 Oct, 3pm-5pm
Venue: Toa Payoh Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room (capacity: 30pax)

November

3. Presenter: Louis Ng, ACRES
Topic: Making a Difference for Animals
Date/Time: 21 Nov, 3pm-5pm
Venue: Central Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, B1 near lending library (capacity: 70pax)

4. Presenter: Dr Harvey Neo, Geography Department, NUS
Topic: Meat Production and Land Use
Date/Time: 28 Nov, 3pm-5pm
Venue: Central Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, B1 near lending library (capacity: 70pax)

Top

Weblinks about Doing Veg Business in China

A VSS representative will be speaking at the China Xiamen International Vegetarian Food Fair, 12-15 Nov, www.vffair.com The talk aims to provide advice on how businesses can connect with vegetarian customers.

As part of his research for the talk, the VSS member came upon these two Chinese language sites that seem particularly useful: http://www.sushi001.com and http://www.chinavegan.com

BTW, the representative is participating in the Xiamen event at no cost to VSS.

Top

Copies of The China Study Available at Reduced Price including Delivery

Last July, VSS brought Professor T. Colin Campbell to Spore to speak on the findings of his best-selling book, The China Study. At Prof Campbell’s talks, the book sold out quickly. We have ordered more, and they are available for S$28 including postage and delivery charges. The usual bookstore price is about $32 without delivery.

Online purchase is available at VSS website:
http://www.vegetarian-society.org/chinastudybook (payment by credit cards).

Other Payment Options:
1. Cheque made payable to: Vegetarian Society (Singapore)
Mailing address: 3 Pemimpin Drive #07-02,
Lip Hing Building,
Singapore 576147

2. Bank Transfer to DBS Bank Ltd
Account Name: Vegetarian Society (Singapore)
Account No.: 100-900423-1
Bank Code: 7171
Branch Code: 100

Send us an email if you choose payment option 1 or 2. The book will be sent by post to you 1-2 week upon receipt of payment. We regret that self-collection is not available.

Videos of Prof’s talks are available at $25 each. Please email your orders to johncheang@... or contact John at 6565.9076 (office) or 96742.512 (hp).

Please include $10 for delivery charges and allow 3 or 4 weeks for production and processing of your order. You may also self collect the DVDs at 90 Jurong East Street 13, S. 609648. If you choose the self-collect option, please fix an appointment before coming.

Top

Tanjung Sutera Getaway: 17-18 Oct

2 days / 1 night trip organized by VSS; 17-18 Oct (Sat & Sun).

Imagine a cliff-top ocean-facing nature resort with panoramic views of sky and sea meeting seamlessly.

Imagine an idyllic Eden of undulating gardens, coconut trees, lily and fish ponds.

Welcome to Tanjung Sutera (Cape Silk), a home-style resort sited on a ‘Magical’ spot, 40 metres up from the South China Sea.

Join us for a rejuvenating weekend at Tanjong Sutera, just 1� hours from JB. Register by 1 Oct and enjoy early bird discounts. More details here.

Top

VSS at Charity Fair This Weekend

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Singapore Branch is organizing a 16th Anniversary cum Mid-Autumn Festival Charity Fair on 26-27 Sep (Sat-Sun). VSS will have an information booth.

Sixty stalls will showcase foods from Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, etc., with another stall for other goods such as toys, bags and stationery.

Date and Time:	Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun, 10am-7pm
Venue:	Open space diagonally opposite Tzu Chi Jingsi Hall (junction of Elias Road and Pasir Ris Drive 1)
Remarks:	Save the Earth; bring your own reusable utensils and bags.

Top

Did Going Veg Improve Your Health?

There’s a lot of scientific evidence about the benefits of going veg, such as that compiled by the American Dietetic Association: http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/
ada/hs.xsl/advocacy_933_ENU_HTML.htm

However, sometimes personal experience can speak louder that statistics. Thus, VSS is hoping to compile stories from people in Singapore about how going vegetarian or vegan improved their health or saved their lives. The more compelling stories we collect, the better it speaks for the veg diet and spare others of unnecessary suffering.

For instance, VSS president, George Jacobs, suffered from sinus problems for many years. This led to a few colds every year and the build up of polyps in his sinuses, which led to surgery to remove the polyps, although some soon came back. Fortunately, when George gave up dairy – he had already been vegetarian for many years – the sinus problems diminished greatly, and he hasn’t had a cold for many years since.

Another, stronger example is Mdm Wong Thai Thai who, after being diagnosed with leukaemia, switched to an all plant based diet which helped reverse the terminal disease. Mdm Wong was so inspired, she started a vegetarian restaurant on Smith Street, Ci Yan, to share the importance of diet for health.

By complementing medical evidence with real life stories, authorities may become more receptive sooner. So, please send your story – in any language – to info@.... Thanks.

Top

Do Hens Suffer?

Ethology (the study of animal behavior) has advanced understanding of the effects of cage confinement on the well-being of laying hens and, without a doubt, shown that there are very serious welfare consequences. Studies have demonstrated that there are two basic reasons for this: 1) the animals are deprived of the opportunity to express important natural behavior; and 2) the constraints of the cage prevent exercise, which has profound physical consequences for the health of the birds.

Read the entire article at:
http://hamandeggonomics.blogspot.com/2009/08/
great-egg-debate-science-not-emotion.html

Top

Fish Farming Now Accounts for 50% of Fish Production

First, there was factory farming of land animals. Now, factory farming of marine animals produces a significant percentage of the fish that human eat. Fish farming has all the downside to the welfare of the fish, to the environment, to resource utilization that farming of pigs, chickens and other land animals causes.

Read more at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/
2009/09/090907162320.htm

Top

Next Cooking Class from Genesis: 27 Sep

Thai food is the theme of the 27 Sep cooking class from Genesis Vegetarian Health Food Restaurant, 1 Lorong Telok (near Circular Road), 9145.4218, 6438.7118, genesishf@...

Time: 4-6pm
Price: $50 per session for 5 items.

Top

Second Issue of Veg Vibe Now Online

Don’t miss the new issue of Veg Vibe, the free online magazine about all things veg in Spore and beyond: http://vegvibe.com

The cover story features VSS’s favourite yogi: Bala, who taught us Laughter Yoga at the VSS National Day party and has provided yoga lessons and lots of energy at many a VSS event.

Top

24 Hour Veg Stall in Ang Mo Kio

Name: Xian Long Vegetarian Stall
Address: Blk 158, #01-590, Ang Mo Kio Ave 4
Tel: C.H. Gan 9616.3119
Bus: Feeder service from AMK - Alight at Blk 62 and walk down
Open: Tue-Sun, 24hrs. Closed Mon.
Nearby Landmarks: Near Ave 4 Market
Specialty dishes: Ipoh Hor Fun, Minced Meat Noodles
Organic? No
MSG (ajinomoto)? Yes
Do they serve brown rice? No
Price Range of Main Dish: $5 and below
Website: No

Top

How I Became a Vegetarian Cooking Instructor

Ami Mehta is a VSS member who teaches veg cookery classes (please see next article). Here’s a bit of background.

I am a self taught vegetarian cook with plenty of inspiration from my mother and mother-in-law, both excellent cooks. I specialize in vegetarian cooking in various multinational cuisines. Growing up in Mumbai, a melting point of cultures from all over the world, gave me exposure to international cuisines.

I am also a folk art teacher, and cooking to me is one form of art. With this art background, I believe that quality and presentation of food are very important. Thus, when planning a meal, I look into the colours of the food, the place, the occasion, the time and, of course, the people at the dining table.

I hail from a Hindu vegetarian family and did not have any exposure whatsoever to meat till I moved to Singapore after my marriage to a Singaporean in 1996! Imagine the culture shock I faced then. However, my commitment to vegetarianism has remained steadfast, and I have even inspired my husband to cut down on his meat eating ways!

My husband is a strong supporter of bringing my talents to the fore. Being a Singaporean, he has a strong penchant for local food and encouraged me to replicate local Singapore cuisine in a vegetarian fashion. He enjoys good quality food and is a great complement to me by being a test taster and constructive critic of my cooking. Also, my late father-in-law was a source of inspiration and encouragement to revive traditional dishes.

I consider myself to be a new wave vegetarian chef, one who exhibits warmth and homely cooking – even without onions and garlic!

Top

Ami’s Veggie Heart Cooking Classes

Here’s the list of classes that Ami Mehta is offering in Oct. Classes are held in Tampines. Venue details will be sent upon registration. Vegan alternatives will be available for dairy products.

October 2 10am – 12pm Pumpkin & Vegetable Soup Four Bean Salad Vegetable Pulao Rice	October 5 10am – 12pm Veggie Heart Special Spaghetti (With a twist, so yummy & so easy to make!!) Herb or Cheese Toast Creamy Potato and Vegetable salad
October 9 10am – 12pm Mock Duck Curry Cheese Rolls Caramelized Rice	October 12 10am – 12pm Yellow Dal (2 Variations) Spiced French or Long Beans Poori
October 16 10am – 12pm Local Singapore Cuisine Menu TBA	October 19 10am – 12pm Mixed lentils Black Pepper Cauliflower Saffron Pulao Rice
October 23 10am – 12pm Kadhi - Yogurt Curry Spicy Mung Bean Sprouts Cinnamon/Cumin Rice	October 26 10am – 12pm Dosai (with 1 variation) Potato Vegetable Sambhar Coconut Chutney

Email mehtaami_66@... or call 9144.6105 to register for any of the above sessions. Please sign up at least 3 days before to guarantee a seat. If there is demand for a specific menu, additional classes will be added on.

Each class will be at $50, which is payable on that day by cash. If you have a custom requirement for any specific item or menu or for weekend classes, please feel free to contact Ami at the above email or phone number to discuss.

Top

Global Social Innovators Forum – 1-3 Oct, Fusionopolis

Luminaries from around the world, not to mention prominent Singapore speakers headline the Global Social Innovators Forum (GSIF). The forum aims to “bring together a highly trusted community of influential minds from the public, private and people sectors; to seek opportunities to collaborate and embrace innovations that will define business, government and society – to build a more inclusive, sustainable and better world.”

The theme for GSIF 2009 is “Collaborative Innovations: Investing in Team Earth & an Inclusive World”. There may be opportunities to inject veg perspectives if anyone can attend. Details at http://www.socialinnovatorsforum.org or contact Ng Xueqi, 9489. 2772, gsif@...

Top

By Popular Demand, Another Class on Japanese Veg Cooking

Danny of Enso Kitchen, an expert in Zen vegetarian cooking is now teaching for PA. They have added another class on 11 Oct as PA wishes to accommodate more students as the 18 Oct class was fully booked up very quickly.

Details at http://www.ensokitchen.com/event.htm

Top

Break the Tradition – No More Shark Fin Soup

ACRES - http://www.acres.org.sg – has a great idea to get across the message why people should not eat shark fin soup. From 2-4 Oct (Fri-Sun), 10am-10pm, ACRES will be at the Atrium, next to Dhobi Ghaut MRT. There, they will give people a soup bowl to break by throwing in against a wall. The pieces from the broken bowls will be used to create 15 metre mosaic of a shark.

Top

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#383

From: "Clarence Tan" <clarence@...>
Date: Mon Oct 5, 2009 1:08 pm
Subject: International Day of Climate Action - 24 Oct 2009

clarence@...

Send Email

International Day of Climate Action

They showed that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity.¹

The bad news is we’re already past that number - we’re at 390 parts per million, which is why the Arctic is melting, why drought is spreading across the planet, why humanity is facing perhaps its greatest challenge ever.

The good news: that number gives us a target to aim for.

On 24th Oct, be heard, seen and felt in fun and meaningful activities that will spread this urgent message!

At 8am, hundreds of us will gather at the Padang to use our bodies to form the number '350' - the safe limit for CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. A boom lift will raise our photographer 12m into the air to capture this mass formation.

From the Padang, we will then 'wacky walk' our way to SMU…that's right, 'Wacky Walk'! Wear a costume, paint your face, walk sideways or any other outrageous gait, gallop or hop that you and your team can come up with. We challenge you to think out of the box and be as fun and creative as possible!

Win prizes for the Best Costume, the Wackiest Walk and Best Showmanship!

All registrants will also receive a Certificate of Participation.

Enjoy a delicious spread of vegan vegetarian cuisine from Loving Hut
(all participants will receive a Free $2 Food Voucher for use on that day, kindly sponsored by Loving Hut.)

Learn more about what each of us can do to curb climate change. Make a pledge to take action!

Please register by 17 Oct: 350@.... Kindly include your name and contact number.

Click here for the Wacky Walk route, and here for a map of SMU.

Organised and/ or supported by:

ECO Singapore Vegetarian Society (Singapore) ACRES

1. 350 part per million of CO2 or CO2 equivalents in other greenhouse gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide. Read more here.

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#384

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Tue Oct 6, 2009 10:53 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter 6 October 2009

jacobs_george

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6 October 2009
VSS NEWS Get in on the Climate Action! - 24 Oct Next Library Talk: ‘Anti-Aging through Anti-Oxidant Foods’ Pls Share Your Story, ‘ Eating Less or No Meat Improved My Health’ Just a Few Places Left for Tanjung Sutera Trip Cycling on Palau Ubin - 1 Nov Brown Rice: Vegetarians Take the Lead What’s VSS Up To? GENERAL NEWS New Name for Stanley St. Restaurant Being a Vegan in India Meatless Mondays Begin in Sao Paulo, Brazil ‘Animal’ Photography Exhibition at 2902 Gallery – 7-21 Oct Top Ice Hockey Player Goes Veg Harvard Learns from NUS Update on Ami’s Veggie Heart Cooking Classes Oct/Nov Schedule from Nutri-Hub, the Organic Fusion Caf�	Less Meat = Less Heat! 18% of human produced greenhouse gas emissions are linked to livestock production. Most people don't know that. Join VSS on 24 Oct to spread the message. Dr George M Jacobs If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to drop us a line here. Subscribe to this newsletter here. Unsubscribe here Visit us at www.vss.sg


Get in on the Climate Action! - 24 Oct
24 Oct is International Day of Climate Action, and VSS and ECO Singapore are jointly organising fun and meaningful activities that will raise awareness to the urgency of environmental issues. Hundreds of us will gather for an Aerial Photo, Wacky Walk as well as Food and other activities. All participants will receive a Free $2 Food Voucher for use on that day (kindly sponsored by Loving Hut), and a Certificate of Participation. Register by 17 Oct: 350@..., and get in on the action! More details at www.350sg.com. Top
Next Library Talk: ‘Anti-Aging through Anti-Oxidant Foods’
Last Saturday's talk at Bishan Library by Veronyka Lau of Cat Welfare Society offered a great chance for VSS members to connect with other animal lovers, as well as the two cats in the audience. Thanks, Veron. The next talk is Sat, 31 Oct, 3pm-5pm, by Dr Sanjay Doshi, Mediline Wei Min Clinic. 'Anti-Aging through Anti-Oxidant Foods' explains the role of diet in slowing the aging process. The venue, Toa Payoh Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, holds only 30 people; so, please be on time to secure a seat. Seating for all the talks is on a first come, first served basis; no reservations are possible. The first hour of each of the two hour sessions will focus on what the presenter has to show and tell; the second hour will be open to the public to interact with the presenter and fellow audience members. Here's the schedule for the two November talks. November Date/Time: 21 Nov, 3pm-5pm Presenter: Louis Ng, ACRES Title: Making a Difference for Animals Venue: Central Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, B1 near lending library (capacity: 70pax) Date/Time: 28 Nov, 3pm-5pm Presenter: Dr Harvey Neo, Geography Department, NUS Title: Meat Production and Land Use Venue: Central Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, B1 near lending library (capacity: 70pax) We hope to have another series of talks next year. If you'd like to help plan them, pls contact VSS at info@... Top
Pls Share Your Story, ‘Eating Less or No Meat Improved My Health’
There's a lot of scientific evidence about the benefits of going veg, such as that compiled by the American Dietetic Association: http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/ hs.xsl/advocacy_933_ENU_HTML.htm However, sometimes personal experience can speak louder that statistics. Thus, VSS is hoping to compile stories from people in Singapore about how going vegetarian or vegan improved their health or saved their lives. The more compelling stories we collect, the better it speaks for the veg diet and spare others of unnecessary suffering. For instance, VSS president, George Jacobs, suffered from sinus problems for many years. This led to a few colds every year and the build up of polyps in his sinuses, which led to surgery to remove the polyps, although some soon came back. Fortunately, when George gave up dairy - he had already been vegetarian for many years - the sinus problems diminished greatly, and he hasn't had a cold for many years since. Another, stronger example is Mdm Wong Thai Thai who, after being diagnosed with leukaemia, switched to an all plant based diet which helped reverse the terminal disease. Mdm Wong was so inspired, she started a vegetarian restaurant on Smith Street, Ci Yan, to share the importance of diet for health. By complementing medical evidence with real life stories, authorities may become more receptive sooner. So, please send your story - in any language - to info@.... Thanks. Top
Just a Few Places Left for Tanjung Sutera Trip
Details of this 17-18 Oct trip at http://www.vegetarian-society.org/?q=node/1098 Top
Cycling on Palau Ubin - 1 Nov
On Sun, 1 Nov Sun, VSS is planning another joint bicycling event with the Singapore Adventurous Meetup Group. This time, instead of ECP, we'll be going to Palau Ubin. Imagine cycling on rustic Singapore roads. Imagine that you see only green, coconuts trees and barking dogs, with no traffic (not to mention no traffic jams), scenes that are long gone in our daily life on mainland Singapore. You can take this time travel trip on Pulau Ubin. Cycling is the best way to explore this slice of good old Spore. Program 8.30am: Participants gather at Changi Ferry Terminal for boat trip to Ubin (best to arrive on Ubin early to get good bikes and to beat the Sunday crowds) 9.00am: Quick breakfast on Ubin 9.30am: Choosing & testing bicycles 9.45am: Safety briefing/grouping/planning of cycling route -> cycling start 12.15pm: Cycling ends/feedback & comments 12.45pm: Arrive back at Changi Ferry Terminal 1.00pm: Lunch on your own or with your newfound friends Please bring cash for the following expenses 1. Cost of the bumboat: $2.50/person/trip (wef 15 Apr 08). --- Maximum 12 passengers per trip --- additional charge if you bring your own bike on the ferry 2. Bicycle rent will vary from $6 - $10 depending on type of bicycle you chose. Bicycles with full suspension highly recommended 3. Breakfast & Lunch Things you MUST bring or wear: 1. at least 1.5 litres of water/isotonic drinks 2. comfortable shoes & sport wear 3. cap 4. sun block Please ensure you know EXACTLY how to get to the meetup point and that you arrive ON-TIME. To make sure you arrive on time, it's best to share taxi, as the bus route is very long and unpredictable. Contact TS at 9296.1943 tschua@... Kheng at 6258.5031 kheng@... Website: http://www.meetup.com/Singapore-Adventurous-Group/ calendar/11549311/ Top
Brown Rice: Vegetarians Take the Lead
What vegetarians have long known was confirmed in a ST article from last Sat: if you want brown rice, you're mostly likely to find it at a veg eatery. A VSS Exco member sent the following letter to the ST Forum page in response. Let's see if it is published. I refer to “Brown rice for your chicken rice meal?” (Oct 3). The article states that brown rice is available at almost one-third of hawker centres, in particular at vegetarian stalls. It is no surprise that vegetarian stalls and restaurants have taken the lead in offering brown rice, as vegetarians generally tend to be more conscious of health, their own health, that of our fellow animals and the health of the environment. There is even vegetarian chicken rice! By asking for brown rice, we increase demand which, in turn, increases supply. The Vegetarian Society's website, www.vss.sg, has a Food Outlets page which lists more than 400 vegetarian restaurants and stalls around the island. Each listing includes whether the outlet serves brown rice. Top
What’s VSS Up To?
This is a new feature that talks about things VSS is working on that aren't yet 'ripe' enough for inclusion as a regular article in the VSS eNewsletter. If you'd like to help make these events happen, contact info@.... If you want more information, please wait for things to ripen. Thx. 1. Visit by Dr R.K. Pachauri, chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). IPCC shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore. He is tentatively scheduled to appear, either in person or via video conference, on 9 Nov. 2. Visit by Dr Caldwell Esselstyn, author of 'Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease'. Scheduled for March, 2010. 3. GIRO fundraising scheme. 4. More letters to the Forum pages of newspapers and other publications. 5. 'Meat Less in Singapore' Starter Kit Top


New Name for Stanley St. Restaurant
Angel's Bistro is the new name for the veg restaurant at 28 Stanley St, formerly known as Angel's Heart. For more info: http://www.vegetarian-society.org/node/570 Top
Being a Vegan in India
This article, from the India edition of Forbes magazine, recounts the author's experience trying to be vegan after moving from the U.S. to India. http://business.in.com/article/recliner/ being-vegan-in-india/4482/1 Top
Meatless Mondays Begin in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Led by Vegetarian Society of Brazil (SVB), Sao Paulo, Brazil, one of the world's largest cities, with 11 million inhabitants, kicked off a Meatless Mondays campaign on 3-4 October: http://www.svb.org.br/segundasemcarne The kick off to Meatless Mondays involved seminars, food demonstrations and a big event in the city's main park, Ibirapuera. Four stations were set up in the park, Health, Environment, Ethics and New Tastes, each one symbolized by one of the 'toys' of the campaign (pictured above). SVB launched Meatless Mondays in partnership with the Sao Paulo city government's Green and Environment Department, along with NGOs, such as Greenpeace and Slow Food. Plus, another Brazilian city is joining the campaign, Sao Louren�o da Serra. The mayor there is vegetarian and a SVB member. Congratulations! Top
‘Animal’ Photography Exhibition at 2902 Gallery – 7-21 Oct
The 2902 Gallery, at OldSchool, 11b Mount Sophia, #B2-09, is hosting a photography exhibit, 7-21 Oct. The exhibition, entitled 'Animal', explores various interpretations of the relationship between humans and our fellow animals. For more info on the exhibition and the gallery: shihan@... or www.2902gallery.com or http://www.facebook.com/search/?init=srp&sfxp=&o=&q=2902+photo+gallery#/ group.php?gid=9871157090&ref=ts or 6339 8655 or info@... Top
Top Ice Hockey Player Goes Veg
Ice Hockey isn't a popular sport in Singapore, but still it's interesting to learn that a top ice hockey player, Georges Laraque of the Montreal Canadians, went veg earlier this year. Here's an excerpt from an article about Laraque's diet change. Everything changed, Laraque said, after he saw Earthlings, a 2006 documentary that is widely celebrated in animal-rights circles. “It's unconscionable what's happening to animals in this country and the way we treat animals we eat. … I realized I had to make some big changes,” Laraque said. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/ laraque-happy-to-veg-out/article1289191 Top
Harvard Learns from NUS
Last month, as reported in the VSS eNewsletter, a Meatless Thursday campaign was launched at NUS. Already 3500 people there have pledged to go meatless every Thu. Now, the newspaper at Harvard University, the Harvard Crimson, is advocating that people there also reduce meat consumption. Here's an excerpt. [Harvard University Dining Services] and student groups should inform undergrads about the impact of their meat consumption on the environment, which might inspire students to eat less meat. Lowell House already has a remarkable student initiative that aims to do just that by encouraging students to sign up for “Meatless Mondays,” vowing to refrain from meat-eating once a week. The issue of vegetarianism carries weight for numerous reasons in modern society, and the Vegetarian Society should be commended for bringing the debate to Harvard. Together, HUDS and student initiatives can inform the student body about the environmental benefits of eating less meat and encourage students to rethink their food consumption. Top
Update on Ami’s Veggie Heart Cooking Classes
Our previous issue carried news of a new instructor for veg cooking classes, Ami, at 9144.6105. Ami sends news that her 16 Oct class will feature Beehoon with Vegetables. Top
Oct/Nov Schedule from Nutri-Hub, the Organic Fusion Caf�
Congratulations to Nutri-Hub, the Organic Fusion Caf� - Cuppage Plaza,#B2-25 (behind OG Orchard, near Centrepoint), 6738.2746 - for again being named a 'Healthier Choice Restaurant' by Health Promotion Board. This is linked to HPB's whole grain campaign. Nutri-Hub is offering a special 10% discount to paid members of VSS. Also, they have a new schedule: Mon-Sat, 10am-7pm; closed Sun & Public Holidays, but available for group bookings those days. Here's their Oct/Nov schedule of classes. Sat 24 Oct, 2-4pm Nutrimeal - Raw like Cooked Sat 31 Oct, 10.30am-12.30pm Harmonising Your Body Energy I Sat 7 Nov, 2-4pm Nutrition & Nutrimeal Cooking Sat 21 Nov, 2-4pm Nutrition Assessment & Vitality Cooking Sat 28 Nov, 10.30am-12.30pm Harmonising Your Body Energy II Details at http://nutrihub.blogspot.com Top

Join VSS and enjoy great discounts on all our events, plus many other benefits! To unsubscribe from this newsletter, click here. Click here for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries, or email us at makan@... to notify us of new places. The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content. Back issues are available here. Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society (Singapore).

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#385

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:59 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter 15 October 2009

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15 October 2009
VSS NEWS International Day of Climate Action - 24 Oct, Padang & SMU Anyone Can Cook Vegetarian! - with Nazli Anwari - 7 Nov Exhibition at NUS Central Library Sg Veg Food Guide Now at Bookstores & News Stands VSS Speaks at Green Drinks – 29 Oct Library Talk, 31 Oct: ‘Anti-Aging through Anti-Oxidant Foods’ Cycling on Palau Ubin - 1 Nov Can’t Wait for the Next VSS eNewsletter? Follow VSS on Twitter What’s VSS Up To? GENERAL NEWS Health Story Veg Diet Tips from the US Government Are Vegetarians Preachy Fanatics? Burger Beware Beak Trimming of Chickens Korea as Veg-Friendly Altruism in Other Animals Free Documentary at NUS – 28Oct – ‘The Witness’	What's in a number? Perhaps the difference between climate safety and catastrophe. Learn why 350 is so significant and join hundreds in Singapore for a fun and meaningful day on 24th Oct! Dr George M Jacobs If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to drop us a line here. Subscribe to this newsletter here. Unsubscribe here Visit us at www.vss.sg


International Day of Climate Action, 24 Oct, Padang & SMU
Be part of an international day featuring over 1500 events worldwide on Sat, 24 Oct. Details on the Singapore events at: http://www.vegetarian-society.org/350 Top
Anyone Can Cook Vegetarian! - with Nazli Anwari - 7 Nov
Be inspired by the delectable and health-giving cuisine of spa consultant & horticulturist, Nazli Anwari. Learn to prepare these exquisite dishes: Gotu Kola Salad Mediterranean Digestive Drumstick Spicy Dhal Salad Celery Medley Humus and caramelized vegetables Rujak Limited to 20 persons. Click here for registration and more details. Top
Exhibition at NUS Central Library
An NUS student group, Peace (People Ending Animal Cruelty & Exploitation) - http://blog.nus.edu.sg/animalwelfare - formerly the Animal Welfare group, invited VSS to display our exhibition materials as part of a larger exhibition at the NUS Central Library Lobby Area from 14-23 Oct. If you would like to help to staff our exhibition, pls contact info@... and let us know which weekdays from 9am-3pm you might be available. Top
Sg Veg Food Guide Now at Bookstores and News Stands
VSS is very happy to announce that our Singapore Vegetarian Food Guide is now on sales in many bookstores and news stands. For a list of outlets, please visit http://www.vegetarian-society.org/svfg Top
VSS Speaks at Green Drinks – 29 Oct
Held every last Thursday of the month, Green Drinks is a platform for companies, social groups and individuals to raise awareness of environmental issues, and a space for people who want to find out how they can make a difference and meet like-minded people. Already active in 615 cities worldwide, Green Drinks sessions start from 8pm (closer to 8.30 in Sg) and include presentations by people in the green circle, and are held in an informal atmosphere. The Oct session of Singapore’s Green Drinks incarnation - www.greendrinkssingapore.com - takes place on Thu, 29 Oct and features a Q&A session on the topic of permaculture, organic and non-organic farming, as well as food issues. A VSS representative, along with Andrew Tay, from ACRES, and others will be fielding questions. The venue is Food #03, at 109 Rowell Road in Little India. By bus - 21, 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 131, 139, 147, 857, NR6; MRT - Farrer Park (NE8), exit G. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=109 +Rowell+Road%2C+Singapore%2C+Singapore Info: 9688.7449. Top
Library Talk, 31 Oct: ‘Anti-Aging through Anti-Oxidant Foods’
Toa Payoh Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, is the venue for the next VSS talk, on Sat, 31 Oct, 3pm-5pm. The speaker, Dr Sanjay Doshi, of Mediline Wei Min Clinic, will explore ‘Anti-Aging through Anti-Oxidant Foods’. As the room we have at Toa Payoh Public Library holds only 30 people, please be on time to secure a seat. Seating for all the talks is on a first come, first served basis; no reservations are possible. The first hour of each of the two hour sessions will focus on what the presenter has to show and tell; the second hour will be open to the public to interact with the presenter and fellow audience members. Here’s the schedule for the two November talks. November Date/Time: 21 Nov, 3pm-5pm Presenter: Louis Ng, ACRES Title: Making a Difference for Animals Venue: Central Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, B1 near lending library (capacity: 70pax) Date/Time: 28 Nov, 3pm-5pm Presenter: Dr Harvey Neo, Geography Department, NUS Title: Meat Production and Land Use Venue: Central Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, B1 near lending library (capacity: 70pax) We hope to have another series of talks next year. If you’d like to help plan them, pls contact VSS at info@... Top
Cycling on Palau Ubin - 1 Nov
On Sun, 1 Nov Sun, VSS is planning another joint bicycling event with the Singapore Adventurous Meetup Group. This time, instead of ECP, we'll be going to Palau Ubin. Imagine cycling on rustic Singapore roads. Imagine that you see only green, coconuts trees and barking dogs, with no traffic (not to mention no traffic jams), scenes that are long gone in our daily life on mainland Singapore. You can take this time travel trip on Pulau Ubin. Cycling is the best way to explore this slice of good old Spore. Program 8.30am: Participants gather at Changi Ferry Terminal for boat trip to Ubin (best to arrive on Ubin early to get good bikes and to beat the Sunday crowds) 9.00am: Quick breakfast on Ubin 9.30am: Choosing & testing bicycles 9.45am: Safety briefing/grouping/planning of cycling route -> cycling start 12.15pm: Cycling ends/feedback & comments 12.45pm: Arrive back at Changi Ferry Terminal 1.00pm: Lunch on your own or with your newfound friends Please bring cash for the following expenses 1. Cost of the bumboat: $2.50/person/trip (wef 15 Apr 08). --- Maximum 12 passengers per trip --- additional charge if you bring your own bike on the ferry 2. Bicycle rent will vary from $6 - $10 depending on type of bicycle you chose. Bicycles with full suspension highly recommended 3. Breakfast & Lunch Things you MUST bring or wear: 1. at least 1.5 litres of water/isotonic drinks 2. comfortable shoes & sport wear 3. cap 4. sun block Please ensure you know EXACTLY how to get to the meetup point and that you arrive ON-TIME. To make sure you arrive on time, it's best to share taxi, as the bus route is very long and unpredictable. Contact TS at 9296.1943 tschua@... Kheng at 6258.5031 kheng@... Website: http://www.meetup.com/Singapore-Adventurous-Group/ calendar/11549311/ Top
Can’t Wait for the Next VSS eNewsletter? Follow VSS on Twitter
VSS is proud of our free eNewsletter, especially with its new look, with the content that readers send it and with about 5400 email addresses subscribed. But enewsletters are so Web 1.0. To keep up with the times, VSS also uses Web 2.0 media, such as Facebook and Twitter. With Twitter, any time we have news to share, we can tweet it to those who follow us on Twitter. To sign up - it’s free - go to http://twitter.com/vssnews Top
What’s VSS Up To?
This is a new feature that talks about things VSS is working on that aren’t yet ‘ripe’ enough for inclusion as a regular article in the VSS eNewsletter. If you’d like to help make these events happen, contact info@.... If you want more information, please wait for things to ripen. Thx. 1. The Asian Vegetarian Congress, 6-9 Nov, in Batam. We will be giving talks, helping with logistics and, as Batam’s neighbour, entertaining visitors from around the region and beyond. 2. Visit by Dr R.K. Pachauri, chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). IPCC shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore. He is tentatively scheduled to appear, via video conference, on 9 Nov. Do you know of places with video conferencing equipment? 3. Visit by Dr Caldwell Esselstyn, author of ‘Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease’. Scheduled for March, 2010. 4. GIRO fundraising scheme. 5. More letters to the Forum pages of newspapers and other publications. 6. ‘Meat Less in Singapore’ Starter Kit Top


Health Story
Recently, VSS asked people to share their stories about how going veg or at least eating less meat seemed to have led to improved health. Of course, such stories do not constitute scientific evidence. Here’s one story from someone who went veg to show kindness to our fellow animals, but seems to have received a health bonus. Please send your story to info@... I just wanted to share that my health has improved a lot since i became a vegetarian. I used to fall sick very often. In fact, I had colds almost every week. I was constantly sniffling away and generally weak. It affected my concentration, and I had to put in double the effort to focus at work which, of course, caused fatigue which, in turn, brought on the illnesses again. So, it was a vicious cycle. However, when i became a vegetarian, I began to fall ill less often. In fact, I can last a few weeks without falling ill. I did not even notice this initially. The people around me pointed it out. I am so happy, especially now that I can concentrate and focus so much better. Another change has been to my asthma. Before I went veg, if I did not use my inhaler every night, a few hours later, I would have an asthma attack. However, since going veg, on the few occasions that I forgot to use my inhaler, I was still ok even till the next afternoon. I became a vegetarian, because I wanted to do my part in saving the animals especially knowing the horrors of factory farming. I never thought that there would be such positive health benefits as well. I would strongly urge everyone to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. Not only will you be making a difference to the animals, you would also be making a difference to your health. Andrea Kwan Campaigns Officer Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) www.acres.org.sg Top
Veg Diet Tips from the US Government
Life is full of contradictions. Here’s one. The U.S. government spends huge amount of money subsidizing production of animal based foods and encouraging their consumption. Yet, the same government’s US Department of Agriculture also puts out information on how we can be healthy on a plant based diet: http://www.mypyramid.gov/downloads/ TenTips/VegetarianTipsheet.pdf Top
Are Vegetarians Preachy Fanatics?
Some meat eaters claim that vegetarians are arrogant people who are always preaching at others about the horrors of meat consumption and production. In this article, a vegetarian responds: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ari-solomon/ who-you-callin-vegangelic_b_290582.html The moving YouTube video mentioned in the article is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUkHkyy4uqw Top
Burger Beware
The following is a detailed article from The New York Times about food poisoning in hamburger meat and its occasionally disastrous effects. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/health/ 04meat.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&em Top
Beak Trimming of Chickens
Chickens have the dubious distinction to humans’ favourite animals (at least land animal) to eat, with more than 40 billion eaten annually. And, their lives before slaughter (at about the age of 6 weeks) is no party either. For instance, to lessen injuries on the terribly crowded factory farms, chickens’ beaks are cut. Earlier, the UK enacted legislation to ban this from 2011, but a move is afoot to roll back the ban. Our friends at Compassion in World Farming (makers of the video ‘Eat Less Meat’) have a petition drive to save the ban: http://tinyurl.com/yjvjzae Top
Korea as Veg-Friendly
It’s an unmistakable trend. Countries that used to be considered as vegetarian obstacle courses are now becoming veg-friendly. Korea is a case in point, as described in the following article (in English) from a Korean newspaper: http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/ 2008/03/14/2008031461017.html And, here’s something about veg-themed films at a film festival in Korea: http://tinyurl.com/yko8pw2 For veg vocab in Korean: http://www.ivu.org/phrases/easia.html Top
Altruism in Other Animals
Some meat eaters tell us that it’s okay to eat other animals because they have little or no intelligence and don’t experience emotions the way that we humans, the highest animal, do. Here’s a video that adds yet another piece of evidence that seems to debunk that view. (Note: one can never be too sure of the accuracy of what’s found on the internet.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTg5VGbzTq8 This raises the issue of whether it is altruistic to be vegetarian. It might be since we are helping our fellow animals. On the other hand, since there’s evidence that being vegetarian is good for our health, maybe vegetarianism is a form of self-protection, not altruism. What do you think? Top
Free Documentary at NUS – 28Oct – ‘The Witness’
NUS PEACE is sponsoring a free showing of the film, The Witness - http://www.witnessfilm.org - on Thu, 28Oct, 6.30-8.30pm, NUS Central Library Theatrette. Here’s from the website blurb. How does a construction contractor from a tough Brooklyn neighborhood become an impassioned animal advocate? In the award-winning documentary THE WITNESS, Eddie Lama explains how he feared and avoided animals for most of his life, until the love of a kitten opened his heart, inspiring him to rescue abandoned animals and bring his message of compassion to the streets of New York. With humor and sincerity, Eddie tells the story of his remarkable change in consciousness. THE WITNESS has been an official selection in 32 film festivals where it has received eight awards for Best Documentary and two for Best of Festival. It has been broadcast on the independent film showcases of several regional PBS stations, as well as LinkTV, FreeSpeech TV, and United Kingdom's Community Channel. Thus far, the film has been translated into 11 languages, including Russian and Chinese. Top

Join VSS and enjoy great discounts on all our events, plus many other benefits! To unsubscribe from this newsletter, click here. Click here for a comprehensive list of vegetarian eateries, or email us at makan@... to notify us of new places. The VSS eNewsletter is non-copyrighted, and readers are encouraged to share the content. Back issues are available here. Disclaimer: The information provided in this Newsletter is solely for the consideration of the subscribers, and does not constitute an endorsement by the Vegetarian Society (Singapore).

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#386

From: "Clarence Tan" <clarence@...>
Date: Thu Oct 22, 2009 7:13 am
Subject: International Day of Climate Action - 24 Oct 2009 - *Update*

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Dear friends,

International Day of Climate Action - 24 Oct 2009

We wrote to tell you about the exciting and meaningful events happening this Saturday.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the following changes had to be made:

The venue for the Aerial Photo has been changed to Hong Lim Park (nearest MRT is Clarke Quay station).

No costumes, placards or unusual walking styles are allowed on the Walkathon.

More details at www.350sg.com (you may need to refresh your browser to see the changes).

Or drop us a line at 350@....

Sincerely,

The VSS Team

www.vss.sg

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#387

From: "George Jacobs" <george@...>
Date: Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:04 am
Subject: VSS eNewsletter 27 October 2009

jacobs_george

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27 October 2009
VSS NEWS International Day of Climate Action – Wrap-Up VSS Speaks at Green Drinks – 29 Oct Library Talk, 31 Oct: ‘Anti-Aging through Anti-Oxidant Foods’ Cycling on Palau Ubin - 1 Nov Green Talk at LKY School – 11 Nov Countdown to Copenhagen Concert – 13 Nov Assembly of Youth for Environment – Labrador Park - 17 Nov Letter to my paper – Meat and Fur Are Both Cruel GENERAL NEWS From Sg - How I Became a Vegetarian How I Became a Vegetarian – A US Story New Restaurant on Upper East Coast Road Sign of the Times: Draft Animal Cruelty Law in China Update from One Meatless Day Campaign in Brazil Fun Way To Send a Message to Copenhagen Watch ‘HOME’ Online	The hot topic is climate change - here in Singapore and around the world, thousands of events marked the International Day of Climate Action. And in cyberspace, Greenpeace gives new meaning to the term 'thinking out of the box'. Dr George M Jacobs If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to drop us a line here. Subscribe to this newsletter here. Unsubscribe here Visit us at www.vss.sg


International Day of Climate Action – Wrap-Up
VSS was one of the main organisers of the International Day of Climate Action events in Singapore: www.350sg.com. According to the international website, there were more than 5000 events in more than 170 countries, making it possibly the most widespread concerted action for change in the history of the world: www.350.org Click here for visuals from the Singapore event. Here’s - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9LLXLkeZSI - a YouTube video by Bhavani Prakash who runs the website ‘Eco Walk the Talk’: http://www.ecowalkthetalk.com We’d like to thank all the other organisations and eateries that made the events possible: ECO (our co-organiser), Acres, Loving Hut, Whole Earth, Na�ve and 7 Sensations. Top
VSS Speaks at Green Drinks – 29 Oct
Held every last Thursday of the month, Green Drinks is a platform for companies, social groups and individuals to raise awareness of environmental issues, and a space for people who want to find out how they can make a difference and meet like-minded people. Already active in 615 cities worldwide, Green Drinks sessions start from 8pm (closer to 8.30 in Sg) and include presentations by people in the green circle, and are held in an informal atmosphere. The Oct session of Singapore’s Green Drinks incarnation - www.greendrinkssingapore.com – takes place on Thu, 29 Oct and features a Q&A session on the topic of permaculture, organic and non-organic farming, as well as food issues. A VSS representative, along with Andrew Tay, from ACRES, and others will be fielding questions. The venue is Food #03, at 109 Rowell Road in Little India. By bus – 21, 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 131, 139, 147, 857, NR6; MRT – Farrer Park (NE8), exit G. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q= 109+Rowell+Road%2C+Singapore%2C+Singapore Info: 9688.7449. Top
Library Talk, 31 Oct: ‘Anti-Aging through Anti-Oxidant Foods’
Toa Payoh Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, is the venue for the next VSS talk, on Sat, 31 Oct, 3pm-5pm. The speaker, Dr Sanjay Doshi, of Mediline Wei Min Clinic, will explore ‘Anti-Aging through Anti-Oxidant Foods’. As the room we have at Toa Payoh Public Library holds only 30 people, please be on time to secure a seat. Seating for all the talks is on a first come, first served basis; no reservations are possible. The first hour of each of the two hour sessions will focus on what the presenter has to show and tell; the second hour will be open to the public to interact with the presenter and fellow audience members. We hope to have another series of talks next year. If you’d like to help plan them, pls contact VSS at info@... Top
Cycling on Palau Ubin - 1 Nov
On Sun, 1 Nov Sun, VSS is planning another joint bicycling event with the Singapore Adventurous Meetup Group. This time, instead of ECP, we'll be going to Palau Ubin. Imagine cycling on rustic Singapore roads. Imagine that you see only green, coconuts trees and barking dogs, with no traffic (not to mention no traffic jams), scenes that are long gone in our daily life on mainland Singapore. You can take this time travel trip on Pulau Ubin. Cycling is the best way to explore this slice of good old Spore. Program 8.30am: Participants gather at Changi Ferry Terminal for boat trip to Ubin (best to arrive on Ubin early to get good bikes and to beat the Sunday crowds) 9.00am: Quick breakfast on Ubin 9.30am: Choosing & testing bicycles 9.45am: Safety briefing/grouping/planning of cycling route -> cycling start 12.15pm: Cycling ends/feedback & comments 12.45pm: Arrive back at Changi Ferry Terminal 1.00pm: Lunch on your own or with your newfound friends Please bring cash for the following expenses 1. Cost of the bumboat: $2.50/person/trip (wef 15 Apr 08). --- Maximum 12 passengers per trip --- additional charge if you bring your own bike on the ferry 2. Bicycle rent will vary from $6 - $10 depending on type of bicycle you chose. Bicycles with full suspension highly recommended 3. Breakfast & Lunch Things you MUST bring or wear: 1. at least 1.5 litres of water/isotonic drinks 2. comfortable shoes & sport wear 3. cap 4. sun block Please ensure you know EXACTLY how to get to the meetup point and that you arrive ON-TIME. To make sure you arrive on time, it's best to share taxi, as the bus route is very long and unpredictable. Contact TS at 9296.1943 tschua@... Kheng at 6258.5031 kheng@... Website: http://www.meetup.com/Singapore-Adventurous-Group/ calendar/11549311/ Top
Green Talk at LKY School – 11 Nov
Wed, 11 Nov, 5-7.30pm, VSS is helping to organise a panel discussion, titled “Green Talk”, by IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) experts. The venue is the auditorium of the LKY School of Public Policy. Details: Lim May-Ann, Senior Executive, Public Education, Policy and Research, may-ann.lim@..., 9847.1950. Please attend and help the veg voice to be heard. Top
Countdown to Copenhagen Concert – 13 Nov
VSS is a supporter for the Countdown to Copenhagen Concert, Fri, 13 Nov, from 10pm, at Indochine Empress Place. Copenhagen is hosting the big international climate change conference, starting 7 Dec: http://www.hopenhagen.org. Organisers are hoping to attract 2000 people, and VSS has been invited to do outreach to them. Any ideas/want to help: info@... Top
Assembly of Youth for Environment – Labrador Park - 17 Nov
The inaugural “Assembly of Youth for Environment” will be held in Labrador Nature Reserve, Tue, 17 Nov, 9am-12.30pm, in conjunction with International Energy Week. This event is jointly organized by Eureka Junction (MOE’s S2 Cluster Science and Innovation Centre), National Parks Board, Singapore Polytechnic and Addest Technovation; and supported by the National Environment Agency, Singapore Environment Council and VSS. The event aims: (a) To raise the awareness of sustainable energy and climate change among youths. (b) To empower youths to make an improvement for an environmentally sustainable future (c)To provide a platform for youths to embark on collaborative environmental improvement projects On-line registration at http://www.queenswaysec.moe.edu.sg/ environment/environment.html Top
Letter to my paper – Meat and Fur Are Both Cruel
The following letter by a VSS member appeared, in a slightly changed form, in ‘my paper’ of 21 Oct. I refer to Kong Soon Wah’s expose “Buying a fur coat? Watch this video first” (my paper, 19 Oct). Sadly, such horrible treatment is suffered not only by the fellow animals whom we use for fur but also those whom we use for food. We are treating chickens, pigs and other non-human animals as if they were mere objects, when, in fact, they are intelligent, feeling fellow beings, as revealed by researchers who have studied them. Imagine, please, how we humans would feel if more intelligent beings from another planet took a liking to human flesh and treated us the way we treat chickens, fish, pigs and others. This cruelty is graphically documented in videos by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), such as ‘Meet Your Meat’ - http://www.goveg.com/factoryFarming.asp - and others of the growing number of organisations worldwide that are speaking up for defenceless animals. Warning: do not watch these videos just before you are planning to tuck into a meat dish; you may end up losing your appetite. Best to plan for a vegetarian meal after you finish viewing. Not only your stomach, but also your heart and mind, will thank you. Top


From Sg: How I Became a Vegetarian
Here’s another in our occasional series in which people recount their path to vegetarianism. This one is by Mr Ong Wee Heng. Never did I think that I would switch to become vegetarian. Meat was my first love. Then, one day I watched a video that showed a “red lake” created by the blood of thousands of animals slaughtered at a large abattoir in the U.S. The video contrasted this horrible red lake with a beautiful blue sea. The contrast started me thinking, and I began to cut down my meat consumption. After the Sichuan Earthquake in May, 2008, I decided to be a vegetarian for one month. After the month was up, I decided to continue into a second month. During that period, I was still not very firm on being a vegetarian. I told myself that when the time was up, I would go back to enjoying my meat. But into the third month, I developed a strong feeling that in order to help others and the planet I should do away with meat completely and forever. As a senior manager in my company, I have to attend many entertainment functions. When I first became vegetarian, I felt awkward telling others about my new diet. However, after the second month, I decided to be honest about it and was pleasantly surprised by the positive response. For instance, when my company hosted a seventh lunar month dinner for staff and their guests, they even requested a vegetarian table for me. Nowadays, I see meals with others as an opportunity to gently promote vegetarianism. Nowadays, whenever I walk past a roast meat stall, there is no more ‘urge’. Sometimes, I even feel it is smelly. After getting over my desire for meat, I started to abstain from drinking. As a result of these changes, my weight has gone down, and I have become much healthier. Top
How I Became a Vegetarian – A US Story
This is a five-page article from the New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/ magazine/11foer-t.htm?pagewanted=1 – part of a non-fiction book titled ‘Eating Animals’ by an up-and-coming novelist, to be published this November - http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/ 0,28804,1920701_1920699_1920686,00.html Here’s an excerpt from the middle of the article, but the best part is right at the end, about the author’s grandmother who almost died of hunger during WWII. While the cultural uses of meat can be replaced, … there is still the question of pleasure. A vegetarian diet can be rich and fully enjoyable, but I couldn’t honestly argue, as many vegetarians try to, that it is as rich as a diet that includes meat. (Those who eat chimpanzee look at the Western diet as sadly deficient of a great pleasure.) I love calamari, I love roasted chicken, I love a good steak. But I don’t love them without limit.

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