1. VM's Special Events & Announcements

Are You An Expert? Do You Know One?

VM is seeking notable vegans and vegetarians to lend their names and expertise to our first Advisory Board. We're looking for prominent doctors, nurses, authors, environmentalists, chefs, educators, celebrities and other experts who embrace a plant-based lifestyle and might be willing to serve as resources to VM, when needed, and to lend their name to our efforts in order to help spread the veg message to wider audiences. If you'd like to serve--or if you can suggest names for us to contact--please e-mail us at VM@veggiesinmotion.org. Thanks for your help!

Help find another venue for Dr. Campbell

We are bringing T. Colin Campbell (http://www.thechinastudy.com)  to Ferndale for the Great American Meatout (http://www.veggiesinmotion.org/meatout) on Sunday March 19th 2006 and we are looking for other venues for him to lecture on Monday March 20th and Tuesday March 21st.

For those of you who don't know of Dr. T. Colin Campbell, PhD, he is the author of one of the world's largest epidemiological studies on diet and disease. His research is supported by Cornell University and the prestigious Oxford University in England.

I have heard him speak several times and he has an incredible message that many people need to hear. If any of you know someone that can help us bring him to a nearby university campus PLEASE let me know. This is a rare opportunity and I would hate to see it pass!

Jim Corcoran, President
VegMichigan

See the Movie "Pure Health"

In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, the Millennium Medical Group and Key Diabetes Supply are sponsoring a showing of the movie, Pure Health. A documentary reminiscent of the popular film Super Size Me, Mike Anderson's Pure Health takes on all aspects of the Standard American Diet (SAD) and shows clearly why Americans eating the SAD diet have high incidences of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and arthritis. Invite your non-vegan friends and family to come see this with you; the movie presents a compelling argument to make diet changes for health reasons.

The movie will be presented at the two locations below. This event was organized by Diabetes Nurse Practitioner (and VM member) Caroline Trapp, MSN, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE, who will be on hand after the movie to answer questions about managing diabetes with a high-fiber, low-fat, plant-based diet. Books from Mike Anderson, as well as The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, will be available for purchase. There will be healthy snacks and drawings for prizes. VegMichigan will have an information table.

Show times and locations are as follows:

Thursday, Nov. 10 , 2005, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM at The Birmingham Temple, 26111 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334.

Friday, Nov. 11, 2005, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at the Star Theatre of Southfield, 25333 W. 12 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 49034.

Tickets are $2, seating is first come, first serve. More information is available by calling 877-541-7930, ext. 303.

VM's Thanksgiving Day Vegan Potluck 

Thursday, November 24, 2005
Noon, Annual Thanksgiving Day VEGAN Potluck and Celebration. Lots of RAW goodies also. Bring a friend, your favorite game, favorite instrument, or your favorite talent and be ready to join the celebration. Bring your favorite holiday VEGAN dish sized for 8 servings or a $7.50 donation. Call Flo or Jerry at (313) 541-0162.

Americans may have plenty of reasons to fear French fries. While they are one of the country's favorite foods, they are soaked with trans fats, loaded with sodium and full of simple carbs, the bad kind. And, it turns out, they are also full of a chemical called acrylamide, which is known to cause cancer.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050921/ZNYT04/509210331/1011 

3. Fries Today May Mean Breast Cancer Tomorrow

Preschool diet and adult risk of breast cancer by Karin Michels, published in the August on-line issue of the International Journal of Cancer found that “An increased risk of breast cancer was observed among woman who had frequently consumed French fries at preschool age.” “…an energy-rich diet during puberty and adolescence affects the growth of the mammary glands and enhances the occurrence of precancerous lesions.” One additional serving of French fries per week meant a 27% increased risk of developing breast cancer later in life.

Dr. Dean Ornish wondered what would happen if he took patients who already had cancer and fed them a strictly plant-based diet--"predominantly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and soy products." ...the results are nothing short of revolutionary. "This is the first randomized trial showing that the progression of prostate cancer can be stopped or perhaps even reversed by changing diet and lifestyle alone."

http://www.drgreger.org/fall2005.html 

5. How You Can Lower Breast Cancer Risk

...real fruits and vegetables... naturally contain potent cancer-fighting substances. Overwhelming scientific evidence shows the more fruits and vegetables people eat, the lower their rates of cancer, including breast cancer. However, when substances from fruits and vegetables are isolated and studied for their protective effects, the results are not as convincing. Scientists believe the best cancer protection comes from the vast array and balance of nutrients and phytochemicals found in real food.

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/living/12901329.htm 

6. Outsmart Breast Cancer

According to Christine Horner, a surgeon and author of Waking the Warrior Goddess: Dr. Christine Homer's Program to Protect Against and Fight Breast Cancer (Basic Health), a plant-based diet may also decrease your breast- cancer risk. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals Horner calls natural medicines that perform specific anticancer functions.

Regular exercise -even if it's just walking- may lessen your breast-cancer risk, according to a report published last spring in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

http://www.rednova.com/news/health/258729/outsmart_breast_cancer/index.html?source=r_health 

7. Veggies, Fruit May Ward Off Lung Cancer

Bolstering the diet with fruits, vegetables and legumes rich in plant-based estrogens tends to protect against lung cancer, researchers report in an analysis published today... Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the United States.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0928cancer-diet28.html 

8. Soy for Strong Bones

"We found that soy food consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of fractures, particularly among women in the early years following menopause," conclude researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. Soy contains isoflavones -- natural, plant-based estrogen-like compounds that experts believe might help strengthen bones.

http://www.thirdage.com/news/articles/ALT02/05/09/21/ALT02050921-02.html 

9. Fruits, Veggies Help Build Strong Bones in Boys

Boys who ate the most fruit and vegetables showed the greatest accumulation of mineral in their bones throughout childhood and adolescence, Dr. Hassanali Vatanparast of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and colleagues found.

http://www.somersetmedicalcenter.com/116855.cfm 

10. Organic Diet Cuts Kids' Food Pesticide Levels

Eating an organic diet reduces kids' exposure to pesticides from foods, new research shows. The effect was "dramatic and immediate," write Chensheng "Alex" Lu, PhD, MS, and colleagues...

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/112/110568?src=RSS_PUBLIC&tr=y&auid=1165080 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects millions of Americans with painful abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, and bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Eliminating dairy and caffeine often takes care of the problem, but if not, patients are put on peppermint oil --and there is finally solid evidence to support this centuries-old practice.

http://www.drgreger.org/fall2005.html 

12. Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Most of us know chicken fried steak, ice cream and potato chips aren't good for our bodies. But when the munchies hit, who hankers for a stalk of asparagus or a bowl of lentils?

Nutrition researcher Dr. Neal Barnard says that by picking the right foods, we can fend off cravings. Even better, he says a low-fat, plant-based diet can lower cholesterol levels and make our bodies more disease-proof. "Changing our diet is more powerful than most of us have imagined," Barnard says.

http://www.austin360.com/recreation/content/recreation/statesman/2005/10fitcity.html 

Epidemiological studies suggest that garlic consumption may reduce the risk of various cancers, as well as enhance immune function and suppress infectious disease. However, much of garlic's recent claim to fame has come from its reputed ability to decrease blood pressure and lower blood cholesterol levels...

http://www.emaxhealth.com/107/3359.html?tr=y&auid=1165084 

In recent years, turmeric, known as the queen of herbs, has become known for its healing powers following much research on its therapeutic properties. Curcumin, the yellow pigment in the root, is the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric... Turmeric’s combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects explains why many elderly women with joint problems or rheumatic pain find relief when they use the spice regularly... As a strong antioxidant, curcumin protects cells from free radical damages, plus its ability in destroying mutated cells provides protection against cancer, especially of the colon.

http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2005/10/12/health/12238801&sec=health 

...Walnuts can play a role in preventing age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness,'' Dr. Steven Pratt said. ``They can also help prevent cataracts, type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer's and some forms of skin cancer... And they can lower C-reactive proteins, which are markers for inflammation in the body, the root cause of many chronic diseases.'' ...He added that walnuts are an excellent source of heart-healthy, plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, the good fat often attributed to improving cholesterol.

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/mercurynews/living/food/12880553.htm?source=rss
&channel=mercurynews_food 

The human race learned long ago that cooking meat before eating it would protect them from certain diseases. Since then, this practice of cooking has grown to include all types of foods and is now considered an art. Very few meals are eaten which include raw elements, except for the leafy green salad.

One advantage of eating raw is that it brings Nature’s intentions into focus. When I speak of eating raw, I am referring to fruit, nuts, and vegetables, which taste good to the majority of humankind in their basic simplicity direct from tree, bush or vine.

http://rawfoods.com/articles/tenadvantages.html 

A new study published in this month's Journal of Pediatric Psychiatry revealed a positive correlation between DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) levels in breast milk and newborn neurobehavioral function. These findings support numerous clinical studies showing that DHA, a long chain omega-3 fatty acid, plays an important role in infant mental and visual development...Dietary supplements with Martek DHA(TM) provide breastfeeding and pregnant women with an all-natural, vegetarian source of DHA free of oceanic pollutants and toxins that may be present in certain fish or fish oils. Martek DHA is the only source of DHA accepted for use in U.S. infant formulas.

http://www.rednova.com/news/health/248319/study_shows_higher_dha_levels_in_breast_milk_benefit_
newborn/index.html?source=r_health 

The preliminary findings, based on a survey of 3,600 women conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 1999 and 2002, provide fresh evidence of the link between fish consumption and concentrations of methylmercury, a neurotoxin that causes developmental problems in young children.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/22/AR2005092201899.html
?nav=rss_health&tr=y&auid=1165083 

Many Saltwater Fish Face Uncertain Futures from Overfishing, Pollution, and Habitat Destruction

First of two parts:

Here in Florida, the Fishing Capital of the World, the fish are fewer and smaller every year. A 50-year worldwide fishing frenzy has wiped out the best fish, and many we eat today would have been rejected as trash a generation ago. Much of the fish we eat in Florida is not caught here, but comes from other countries... Florida reflects what's happening to fish in oceans around the globe: Large fish of many species have disappeared, vanishing into cavernous nets or dangling from longlines. Populations of top predators such as tuna, marlins and sharks have been reduced to mere remnants.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/miamiherald/news/nation/12914787.htm?source
=rss&channel=miamiherald_nation  

Sturgeon, the fish that produce black caviar, are severely depleted or threatened with extinction almost everywhere in the world, researchers are reporting.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/22/science/22sturgeon.html?ex=
1285041600&en=53c847426db782b3&ei=5089&partner=rssyahoo&emc=rss 

A new study, funded by the biotech industry and the British government, has found that growing genetically engineered (GE) crops contaminates the land for at least 15 years. Scientists examined various test plots of GE oilseed rape and found that even if a farmer were to grow the GE plant for only one season, the plants would continue to grow year after year, contaminating future harvests. The study reveals that nine years after growing the GE rape plants, two plants were found to be growing on every square meter. After 15 years, there was still one GE plant growing per square meter.

http://www.organicconsumers.org/ge/ruin101105.cfm 

For every person inspired to change their habits, the impact we have on the world multiplies! Conversely, for every person we convince that veganism is overly-demanding by obsessing with an ever-increasing list of ingredients, we do worse than nothing: we turn someone away who could have made a real difference for animals if they hadn’t met us!... many people dismiss vegans as unreasonable and irrational when our example includes interrogating waiters, not eating veggie burgers cooked on the same grill with meat, not taking photographs or using medicines, etc.

http://satyamag.com/sept05/ball.html 

This year's theme is vegan diversity and we want you to help us show the world that anyone and everyone can be vegan! Whoever you are, whatever you do, send us your photo and a little bit about yourself - name, age, profession, hobbies, why you're vegan, favourite food and whatever else you want to include - and we'll use it to create a huge web-based montage of vegan pictures and profiles. 

http://www.worldveganday.org 

You are not alone in your view of non-violence to all beings (i.e. veganism) as the right way to live your life. Some of the greatest thinkers of recorded history wrote about ‘abstinence from eating animals and their bodily secretions,’ before the word ‘vegan’ ever existed. You are in the company of these revered philosophers, scientists and statesman. In present times, you are no longer alone in your ideals. There is an ever-growing number of like-minded people blossoming on our planet. Veganism is spreading. All our effort has really accomplished something. We can change the world (for the better), one step at a time...

http://www.veganpeace.com/personal_expression/Expression.htm
(Under Essays on the Left)

I’m not blind nor deaf to the world animals live in.
Their world is intertwined with my own.
I, therefore, would not know where to begin…
to describe the cruelty that animals are shown. 

A sight that I saw sums it up, and exemplifies…
the inhumanity that I speak of--
That human beings are deaf to creature’s cries.
We’ve become desensitized to the feeling of Love. 

Tied to a truck roof and there for obvious display-
A beautiful buck, lay lifeless and cold.
The bucks twisted head turned my eyes away…
and left me with an indelible image to hold. 

The buck serves as an emblem whose story must be heard.
I witnessed this horror for a reason.
I’ll go to my heart and write in rhythmical word…
the CRIME that permeates the air, in hunting season. 

The meek innocent are persecuted by killers.
They live a life that is never free of fear.
But, pity and mercy are the soul’s pillars.
Let’s rise up and put an end to, the hunting of deer.

"The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than black people were made for white, or women created for men." Alice Walker, Author Activist

More deer confirmed with fatal disease - humans vulnerable http://www.freep.com/news/mich/deer26d_20051026.htm 

You probably won't find any cards to mark the occasion, or see any festive department store displays. However, don't let that stop you from celebrating animals this month. Not only is October Adopt-A-Dog month, it is also Vegetarian Awareness month. Now, I'm not going to rant and rave about the horrors of slaughterhouses -- and yes, I've seen them (if you want those details, check out www.factoryfarming.org) -- instead, I'd like to take this opportunity to enlighten you with some of the positive aspects of an animal-free diet...

http://www.hometownlife.com/Berkley/NewsSearch.asp?pageType=Story&StoryID=130804 

Ever wonder where the food comes from at McDonalds or Burger King (or any of those other places that serve food fast and cheap)? Do you want to know what's IN it? Or what it does to your body? Or what goes on behind the doors of the concrete slaughterhouses that supply these restaurants with their beef, pork and chicken? If you want to know the truth about these things ... You must read the book The Fast Food Craze.

http://www.fastfoodcraze.com 

Having a dairy salesperson (disguised as a dietitian) working with Michigan Action for Healthy Kids is unconscionable (What I Ate In School Today - 10/05/05). Dairy is full of saturated fat and cholesterol, can't be digested by most of the public, and has many harmful and disgusting impurities. In children it is linked to ear infections, asthma, autism, intestinal bleeding, and juvenile diabetes - a disease that can cause blindness.

The late Dr. Benjamin Spock, America's leading authority on child care, spoke out against feeding cow's milk to children, saying it can cause anemia, allergies, and in the long term will set kids up for obesity and heart disease - America's number one cause of death.

The overwhelming majority of respected unbiased research coming out recently supports eating whole natural plant-based foods and staying away from animal products and processed foods. Let’s do what’s right for our children and serve them more fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains in school!

Jim Corcoran

http://www.msn.americangreetings.com/view.pd?i=382219626&m=1652&rr=y&sou 

February 26 – March 5, 2006, A Taste of Health presents the ultimate gift for your mind, body and spirit. Share the experience and wisdom of some of the world’s leading authorities and experts in holistic living and natural health. Cruise the Western Caribbean on one of the world’s premier Italian luxury liners. Visit exotic ports of call, such as Cozumel, Mexico; Jamaica; Grand Cayman; and Key West, Florida while you dine on specially prepared organic natural foods and beverages prepared by our own chefs. Lectures and workshops included. Continuing education credits are available, including CME's for physicians and other health professionals.

http://www.atasteofhealth.org 

Sell or buy vegetarian, vegan, hemp, fair trade, yoga, new age, health & beauty, organic, recycled, and miscellaneous items and services while supporting fellow veg-friendly individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Vegbay.com also offers FREE store front space to veg-friendly businesses and individuals.

http://www.vegbay.com 

"Behind every beautiful fur, there is a story. It is a bloody, barbaric story. "
Mary Tyler Moore

All of you who know the reputation of Atoms Juice Cafe know the quality ingredients and love what goes into everything they serve. Well, they are back and selling affordable, delicious, organic vegan cuisine at the Innate Healing Arts Center in Detroit. Business will continue as they renovate and prepare for their grand opening on Friday, November 4th. Stop in, say "hi," and get some great food! Innate Healing and Atoms Juice Cafe are located at 18700 Woodward Ave (4 blocks south of 7 Mile, across from Palmer Park). Phone: 313-366-2247. Get a 10% discount with your VM membership card.

We would also like to welcome and thank Tasi Juice Bar in Royal Oak for offering a 10% discount to VM members. Here is a link to other restaurants offering discounts to our members: http://www.veggiesinmotion.org/restaurants. Join today and start saving!

1 can (16 ounces) pureed pumpkin
3/4 cup vegan sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 package (10-12 ounces) silken/soft tofu, processed in blender until smooth
1 9-in unbaked vegan pie shell 

Directions: Preheat oven to 425 F. Cream the pumpkin and vegan sugar. Add salt, spices, and tofu, mix thoroughly. Pour mixture into pie shell and bake for 15 minutes. Lower heat to 350 F and bake for another 40 minutes. Chill and serve. Don't use the low fat tofu, then the pie tastes like it was made with tofu. This pie is soooo yummy, it will fool almost anyone. I made it last Thanksgiving for my whole family, I am the only one, and everyone asked for seconds. They begged me to make another one for Christmas dinner. Top with non dairy topping and it will fool any pumpkin pie lover. Nutrition Information: calories-195; fat-6g; saturated fat-2g

Serves: 8

Preparation time: about 1 hour + chilling time
http://vegweb.com/recipes/sweets/1202.shtml 

34. VM'S PUBLIC OUTREACH
For all other regional events go to: http://www.veggiesinmotion.org/calendar

For the month of November the VM Display will be at the Rochester Hills Public Library.

Thursday ~ November 3, 2005

7:30 pm ~ VM Raw Food Potluck and Food Preparation Demo. Raw Chocolate Milk. Join other people that are trying to be healthier by increasing raw foods into their diets. Unity of Livonia, 28660 5 Mile Road, Livonia, MI. between Middlebelt and Inkster Road. Bring your favorite RAW VEGAN dish sized for 8 servings or a $7.50 donation. Call Flo or Jerry at (313) 541-0162

Tuesday ~ November 8, 2005

7:00 pm ~ VM Board Meeting in Jim & Meriam's home, Madison Heights, MI. Call or email for direction if you plan to attend. Jim or Meriam at (248) 616-9676

Thursday ~ November 10, 2005

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm ~ Screening of the movie "Pure Health," which highlights the many health reasons for adopting a plant-based diet (ravediet.com). Birmingham Temple, 26111 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI. 12 Mile Road between Middlebelt and Inkster. Admission is $2.00 and the public is invited. For additional information (248) 355-0880 at ext. 384.

Friday ~ November 11, 2005

9:00 am - 11:00 am ~ Screening of the movie "Pure Health," which highlights the many health reasons for adopting a plant-based diet (ravediet.com). Star Theater, 25333 W. 12 Mile Road, Southfield, MI. 12 Mile Road between Telegraph Rd & Northwester Hwy. Admission is $2.00 and the public is invited. For additional information (248) 355-0880 at ext. 384.

7:00 pm ~ VM Mugs & Jugs. Shoot pool or just shoot the breeze. Vegan burger available! Plush Pockets, 28202 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI. Located on the east side of Dequindre between 11 Mile and 12 Mile Roads, just south of Krogers. RSVP Peter at (248) 515-3367.

Saturday ~ November 12, 2005

7:00 pm ~ VM Dinner Club at Troy Manor, Middle Eastern restaurant. Special vegetarian combination platters will be offered, or you can order off of the menu., 336 John R. Road, Troy, MI. North of 14 Mile Road, in the Oakland Plaza. Entertainment (singing, belly dancing) should begin toward the end of our meal. To attend, you MUST give an RSVP by November 10th. Karen at (248) 544-4030

8:30 pm ~ VM Dance For Fun! We will meet at Augie's Lounge. A DJ begins at 9 PM, with a live band at 10 PM., 31660 John R. Road, Madison Heights, MI. South of 14 Mile Road No cover charge before 9 PM; after 9PM it's $3. To attend, you MUST give an RSVP by October 6th. Karen at (248) 544-4030

Thursday ~ November 24, 2005

12:00 noon ~ VM Vegan Potluck Annual Thanksgiving Day VEGAN Potluck and Celebration. Lots of RAW goodies also. Bring a friend, your favorite game, favorite instrument, or your favorite talent and be ready to join the celebration. Unity of Livonia, 28660 5 Mile Road, Livonia, MI. between Middlebelt and Inkster Road. Bring your favorite holiday VEGAN dish sized for 8 servings or a $7.50 donation. Call Flo or Jerry at (313) 541-0162