Once again it was wonderful to see those of you who made it to AAARG on Saturday 12^th Nov. Although numbers were down I still heard lots of laughter and as usual it was fantastic to touch base with friends. Several people were sick. Hope by now those people are well on the road to full health. Chris is battling something at this moment. Hopefully he’s now over the worst of it.

 

Please continue to keep Andy Parent in your prayers.

 

If you were to watch only one other YouTube video this year The China Study with
T. Colin Campbell should be the one:  http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-1308977765978236346

This DVD has the possibility to save your life and inspire you to start those life changes you know makes sense. One of the questions at AAARG was “If what T. Colin Campbell is saying is true, then, why aren’t more people telling us this?” I think the answer is that there is no profit in promoting what he says. It seems to me we live in a world run by corporations and they are the ones with the advertising dollars.  (At Beth’s recommendation we have the DVD The Corporation, which we are hoping to show at a future AAARG, another fascinating look at the world we live in. Thank you Beth for the suggestion.) 

 

We showed a few minutes of Milton Mills talk ‘Were humans designed to eat meat?’ http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=rFROlwe-m3Y We have access to the whole talk and when he compares our digestive tract to herbivores, omnivores and carnivores it’s fascinating. Perhaps something we might show at a later date if people are interested. Please let us know what you think.

 

Upcoming local events / things of interest.

 

•  Ingrid Newkirk, president of PETA, on “The Hour” with George Stroumboulopoulos. Monday Dec. 1 at 11pm, CBC. Facebook is to attend the taping.

•  Next Simply Raw detox is Jan. 2009 http://www.simplyraw.ca/detox/ It’s expensive but fabulous. I highly recommend it. I learnt stacks of stuff, enjoyed meeting new people and lost 10 lbs (I’m now down to my pre pregnancy weight and another person in the group lost 20 lbs) I’m coming to the end of my 28-day detox program (today is day 27) and I have a feeling of well-being, and contentment.
  To see Natasha make a green smoothie go to http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=AW_-oCrujdg
  Also another, different, yummy green smoothie recipe can be found at http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=9IQcSYHiovI&NR=1
   
•  Next simply raw potluck is the last Friday in January. I went to one for the first time last night and found people to be friendly and the food fabulous. Very healthy and of course, I believe, it’s all gluten free! I plan on going back.
   

·    Next National Capital Vegetarian Association (NCVA) potluck Sat. Dec.  13^th 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Jack Purcell Recreation Centre, Elgin at Lewis Street. http://www.ncva.ca/Home/activities/monthly-potlucks/

Each person should bring a VEGAN dish (with ingredient list) that serves between 10-12 people, as well as your own plate, cutlery, and beverage. Also, were asked bring a serving utensil for our dish. Admission is $1 for NCVA members, and $2 for non-members to cover facility rental. Everyone is welcome, but asked to ensure the dish we bring is free of animal products- that includes any animal flesh, eggs, dairy/cheese, honey, etc.
I haven’t attended a NCVA potluck yet but am thinking of going to this one. 

·         On the same day Natasha from Simply Raw is holding A Festive Holiday Cooking Class. She says, “Be prepared this holiday season with some delicious raw dishes - as always, quick and easy recipes to keep things simple! Sweet Nutnog, Curried Waldorf Salad, Herb Nut Loaf with Cranberry Sauce, Pumpkin Spice Pie.”

Date/Time: Sat, Dec 13, 2-4pm
Location: The Glebe
Cost: $65. Including a light, nutritious lunch, and recipe handouts

Anybody fancy going to both events? I’d love someone to go with.
 

•  Whale Wars on Animal Planet. Chris and I have been watching this series and it’s amazing what some people will do to help these incredible creatures. We have been saving the episodes to PVR. Not sure how much of the series is left but catch it if you can.
   

Thanks to Kim and Martin for the information on ‘Blowing the whistle on MSG’ ..it makes scary reading.

Thanks Flo for bringing to our attention that the chemical companies are fighting back against attempts to change pesticide laws for the better.

 

Next AAARG is Saturday 3^rd Jan 2009. We’re planning on making this event Kids friendly. Nothing harrowing we promise. We tentatively have Marie Marcotte booked for a bouncing workshop. She will explain all the health benefits of bouncing over other forms of exercise and bring along her Rebounder for us to try. There will be the usual vegan potluck. Gift exchange (optional) value $15, something along the AAARG theme (ie environmentally friendly, no animal products and not tested on animals.) So as you do your Christmas shopping keep your eyes open. Movie Happy Feet for any children while we socialise.  Games & fun? It’s all coming together.

 

In closing, Chris and I wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas. We hope you all have a relaxed and completely enjoyable family holiday. If you find yourself in our vicinity we’d love you to drop in and say hello.  Look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year,

Anne and Chris