March 13, 2006
Nike - Sweatshops? Check. Vegan? Check.
I've ordered and had 2 consecutive pairs of Nike iD (Vengeance model) arrive with a text error on the heel iD. I felt bad sending them back because I thought they might beat the person who made them wrong? I don't know exactly how they operate their sweatshops in Thailand, where these particular shoes were made.
However, this all may have come as a blessing in disguise. After calling Nike customer service, the woman on the phone told me they keep a list of shoes made without animal products. Nice going! I've pasted the list after the jump, but since I was taking dictation over my cell phone there may be some typographical errors. I don't have time to research them or fix them, unfortunately. However, I do know that I can now forget about the Vengeance and order the Air Max 90 iD.
It's also hard making such hard moral decisions. I will not buy a leather shoe. I know that much, but what about a non-leather shoe from Nike who has been notorious for their sweatshops? What do you think? Write me an email using the link at the right. I'd like to hear suggestions for an alternative to this. After taking classes with many foreign nationals, this topic was raised in a class ethics discussion and some of the internationals who had seen the conditions in these places would actually defend the sweatshop concept saying that the only real alternative for some of these people (children!) would be prostitution. I am undecided.
Read on for the lengthy list of animal-free sneakers.
Here are mens running, track, basketball, tennis and soccer shoes. There were more for women and other sports. You'll have to call them for more info.
airmax 90
vomero
air pegasus 05
air structure triax 9
air max 04
air zoom elite 2
air zoom hayward
air coos
air max 30-40
nike shox tl3
nike shox ride 3
nike shox 240
nike shox fsm
nike shox turbo 3
nike impact run3
nike free 5.0
nike free trail 5.0
air zoom kyotee
air max asail 3
air alvord
air alvord 2
air vapor thrive
air run dual d
air N-sight
air sosu
dart 3+
monsterfly
zoom ja
zoomsuperfly 65
zoom max cap
zoom lisista
zoom rival s3
zoom miler
zoom el doret 2
zoom lanang st
kennedy xc
rival xc
pv light
zoom jav
zoom hj2
zoom long jump 3
zoom rotational 3
zoom tj/pv
air zoom kintana racer
air zoom marathoner
air zoom kantana kh
zoom streak xc
nike shox warrior
nike free trainer 5.0
air max resolution 2
air spin trainer
air warrior scout
nike shox certified
air zoom vapor speed 3
air max free 3
air zoom speed vb 2 (v)
strap runner
t90 slide
santiem??
air alvord 3
air alvord 2
material vapor 3 sg
material vapor 3 fg
talaria 3 fg & sg
steam sg
air zoom total 90 3 fg&sg
air zoom 93 fg
air zoom 93 tf+
air 92 fg
total 93 fg
total 93 tf+
total 93 mg
total 7 ic
nike tiempo natrual vt
nike tiempo natural tf
air zoom control
air zoom control fs
nike first touch
nike first touch fs
total 93 ic +
nike tiempo natural ic
air total 93 moc
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 12:13 AM
December 27, 2005
XXXmas
My dad took me to this great vegan chinese restaurant for Christmas Eve lunch. It's called House of Vege (I wonder why they didn't spell it as "veggie") and the food there is great. On certain days they have an all you can eat lunch special, which is kind of pricey ($13.95) but worth it. They've got really delicious spring rolls and the best corn and tofu soup in town. It was so good in fact, that we ate there again on Monday too. After lunch my dad presented me with my Christmas gift, which ended up being a whole case of Loma Linda Vegan Hot Dogs. As everyone knows, I LOVE these hot dogs. They're hard to find in Los Angeles (or maybe I'm not looking in the right places), so whenever he gives me a whole case of them it is greatly appreciated. I brought one can over when I went to hang out with Aaron on Christmas Eve. All this talk about food is making me hungry, so I think I'll move on to the next subject...
How about my horrible experience with getting my hair cut at Fantastic Sam's? I just want to say, that I am never ever never going back there again. Somehow, me telling the woman to cut two inches off and trim my layers translated to "cut six inches off my hair, please don't trim my layers, and spray water in my eye". However, the lady cutting my hair did say that I should come back to her so that she could put highlights in my hair...but I say hell no to that. I guess it serves me right for going to Fantastic Sam's instead of going to the cousin who usually cuts my hair for free and does a good job. Luckily, she has offered to fix it up for me. So I guess you could say that Fantastic Sam's wasn't really all that fantastic!! Hahaha. Wow, did I really just make that joke?
On to Christmas. It's weird that it's over now, because to me it never really felt Christmas-y in the first place. It's always nice to hang out with the family though, and I did get a good batch of presents, which included gift cards from Best Buy and Guitar Center, and a sewing book that I really wanted. I tried going to Best Buy last night to see if I could finally buy an iPod, but they were all sold out. Hopefully they get some in by the end of this week.
While hanging out with Aaron on Christmas Eve, he showed me how to use the drum program that he uses on his computer. I had a lot of fun with that and came up with a pretty cool beat, even though it was only about 5 seconds long. Could this be a sign of things to come? I think so!
House of Vege Review via Vegetarians in Paradise
Posted by Maria Duran at 01:29 PM
December 24, 2005
Versailles Cuban Restaurant
There's a lot on this menu, although only 2 of the dishes are vegetarian. The lack of selection makes it easier to choose. You'll get either black beans, rice and plantains ($6) or the same with salad ($7). Either way, it is delicious and your taste buds will thank you. Add an Ironbeer for an additional $2.25 and taste a unique and popular Cuban soda to wash down this splendid meal.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 01:20 AM
December 21, 2005
For the PETA/Internet Meme Crowd
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 03:04 AM
November 13, 2005
Golden Era
Walking through the Tenderloin District in San Francisco has its ups and downs. The downside is being there, while the upside is having Golden Era as your destination. A longtime favorite among local vegetarians looking for an affordable restaurant in San Francisco that caters to their needs, Golden Era's menu is impressive if not overwhelming. The menu is published on the internet and has more worthwhile content than Steven Segal and Jean-Claude Van Damme's filmographies combined. I was able to try the spring rolls, pot stickers, tofu salad, eggplant & tofu, and fancy spicy chicken. Of course it wasn't really chicken but that can be our little secret. Tee hee. If you're looking for veggie eats by the bay and you dont have $50 burning a hole in your pocket for Millenium, make sure to find your way to Golden Era at 572 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Golden Era Vegetarian Restaurant
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 10:41 PM
November 09, 2005
Mariachi's
Located in San Francisco's Mission District at 508 Valencia, Mariachi's has some great vegetarian Mexican food if you're in the mood for a lot of food on the cheap. I ordered the thai tofu burrito and although this mom & pop burrito shop specializes in Mexican flavors, they got the taste right here as well. The ginger rice and peanut sauce give this dish its real flavor while the tofu and sauteed veggies its substance. It isn't everyday you get a burrito with broccoli in it and if you do come across this restaurant, and you do get that opportunity, take it. My friend ordered the grilled vegetable burrito which, like the rest of their menu, is of a more standard Cal-Mex variety. The result was also very good and this shop comes with a high recommendation. Our burritos cost $5.50 each, include a handful of tortilla chips and are difficult to finish due to their large size.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 11:35 PM
August 18, 2005
Treehugger.com - Green Machine
I do my best to post news about vegetarian friendly news when I can. When I can't (most of the time) I recommend you check out Treehugger.com. Their site is wonderful and makes me feel fuzzy and warm on the inside. They're also good at taking the spin out, or I guess possibly reversing it, from articles carried by the Associated Press. Worth a gander.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 02:42 AM
June 16, 2005
American Apparel - Run by an American Psycho?
American Apparel quickly became one of my favorite clothing companies over the last few years. Many of you already know who they are, but for the uninitiated:
American Apparel advertises themselves as a sweatshop-free manufacturer of unlabeled clothing based in downtown Los Angeles. They like to boast about paying their workers US minimum wage or above and having one of the healthiest corporate cultures in America. For them, it's all about proving you can create a quality product at a profit without off-shoring your labor.
While these goals may have been accomplished to some undetermined degree, a new article was just written about American Apparel and company founder Dov Charney. Charney (pictured right), might be an easy target for criticism considering he's currently on top of the hill.
While free health and life insurance, and a lovey-huggy atmosphere are all fine and dandy, Washington Square News has some serious things to say when it comes to this seemingly squeaky-clean image. Their article claims that Charney has engaged in some devious sexual behavior. More specifically, they are claiming that Chairman Dov has masturbated in front of a female reporter during interviews on multiple occasions.
The article goes on to include some juicy quotes about how sexual harassment is the product of a "victim culture" among women, and that "women initiate most domestic violence." While recently intrigued by his newest line, the "Sustainable Edition" of clothing made from organic, pesticide-free cotton, I must admit my attention has been wholly diverted.
If that wasn't enough to get your motor running, the very same article also alleges that Dov & Co. have also recently engaged in some underhanded union busting activities. It appears that some female immigrant workers were attempting to form a union and personnel interrogations started shortly thereafter to discover who was behind the drive. Threats were even made that the plant would be shut down if the union was indeed formed. This kind of intimidation did not sit kindly with the National Labor Relations Board, who settled with the company, making sure that such tactics were no longer used.
It's really sad to hear this, as I enjoy the great independent do-it-my-own-way success story as much as the next person. Hopefully, not everything written in the article was accurate, but it is worth your time to know what kinds of businesses and people you may be supporting.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 12:56 AM
May 11, 2005
Emerica. Ed Templeton Signature Shoe
Sure I've heard of Ed Templeton. What self-respecting Tony Hawk Pro Skater player hasn't? Only today I feel like I know him better. After reading a random interview which I can't seem to pull back out of Google, I found out that good ol' Ed and I share some theory on life.
I'm not a vegan, but he is an excellent role model for vegans everywhere... and for that, you should buy his shoe. Animal and cruelty free, synthetic, and nice looking all in one package. Oh yeah, he's not bad on a skateboard either.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 06:36 PM
April 20, 2005
Payless Vegan Dress Shoes by State Street Shoes
If you don't wear leather, the thought of buying dress shoes might send chills down your spine just thinking about the effort and hours you'll need to find something that meets the standards, fits and looks good.
I just picked up a pair of these all man-made shoes by State Street Shoes at my local Payless. While it's true there are a few shops online that carry vegan footwear, there's nothing like trying them on first since every shoe fits differently. For instance, I had to drop a half size in these shoes. It also goes without saying that you'll pay about 1/5 the cost of buying from a vegan boutique.
State Street Oxford Dress Shoe ($19.99)
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 10:31 AM
April 04, 2005
Cherokee Reversible Belt at Target
If you don't wear leather, you know how hard it is to find a nice normal looking belt. I found a belt at Target that is man-made and reversible. How cool is that? It's black, it's brown, it has an actual normal looking buckle. I couldn't find the belt online so you'll have to check your nearest B&M store. ($14)
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 02:47 AM
March 23, 2005
Cafe Kushco
128 Washington Street, Salem, MA is where you'll find Cafe Kushco. It's really close to the commuter rail stop at the edge of town, which made it convenient for me to visit on my recent trip to Boston.
The menu looked exceptional, but I wasn't there for a meal. I was there for the fresh vegan tofu "ice cream". For the same price, or possibly less, as a pint of Ben & Jerry's you get their miraculous dairy-free dessert creation with your choice of about 1 bazillion mix-ins. The range of choices is astounding from fresh apple pie to York peppermint patties.
Your order is made fresh before your eyes and hand packed into a pint container, conveniently sized for one to go home and make themselves sick on a dessert binge.
1 pint w/ 2 mix-ins ~$4
Call - (978) 745-6996
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 03:22 PM
February 03, 2005
Shred-It: X-treme Office Document Disposal!!!
If you take one visit to Shred-It's homepage, you'd think they're just your ordinary boring document disposal service, but if that were the case, would I be wasting my time writing this?
After speaking with the Shred-It sales rep, I was as skeptical as you, but that all changed when Jason, my personal document disposal specialist, showed up at my storage unit at 8am to SHRED MY STUFF!!! (Insert hott lick)
Before he asked me about the job he was about to undertake, which he never did, he asked "Hey, what kinda music you listen to?" Now we're getting somewhere. We spoke for a full 40 minutes on Metallica, how to read different symbols of expression for guitar tablature, the proper pronunciation of "Ibanez," smoking weed and playing guitar, and which guitars kick the most ass! All the while I'd just carry him box after box and he continued on his diatribe while destroying the evidence docs.
That's not extreme enough for you? Is your life a non-stop Mountain Dew commercial? How about this: Their national toll-free number is 1-800-69-SHRED... YA BRO! Sixty-nine!
Oh, this is definitely getting out of hand, so let's bring it back to a dull roar. The point of this "Eco/Veg" post was to let you know that everything they shred is recycled. Shred-It even goes so far as to claim they are responsible for 9% of the world's recycled paper, which can be found mostly in commercial-use paper towels and toilet paper. That's an impressive amount for one company to be responsible for, to say the least. To those about to Shred-It, we salute you.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 11:26 PM
January 29, 2005
Adidas Promodel 2G Patent
I've been playing a lot of basketball in running shoes, so I decided to make the jump up to hi-tops with these Adidas Promodel 2G Patents from Foot Locker. At first, I was a bit scared of the shiny material and how they would look on my feet, but it wasn't as bad as I anticipated, especially considering all the other really dumb looking basketball shoes out there.
These aren't everyday wear shoes. They're clunky and heavy, but they do provide a good traction on the court, great support and shock absorption. Back to the weight, though. You don't want to wear these shoes for a full day of walking around town. After just a couple games of basketball today, my legs felt like they weighed about 200 lb each. They also have the Torsion bar built in to the sole, but I don't think that really does anything except help Adidas market the shoe.
The bottom line is that these are the kind of shoes you can play a serious game of basketball in. They're tough and appear as if they will hold up well for the long run. The shiny patent leather is very easy to clean and these should stay new looking for a long time. Of course, most importantly for the purposes of this article, they are animal free.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 10:44 PM
January 24, 2005
PodGourmet Vegan Edition
I've never even considered that one day I might be able to take 277 vegan recipes with me everywhere I go, but today it happened. PodGourmet Vegan Edition (Enrique Quintero Design, Shareware, $7.50) is the answer to that never-before-asked question. It works on any 3G or newer iPod whether formatted Mac or PC. Just drag the folder into the notes section of the iPod and the recipes are well categorized and varied. My only question and potential problem is, where did these recipes come from? If Mr. Quintero is not behind the dishes, I'd like to see him pass along a few bucks to their creators.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 11:37 PM
January 17, 2005
Onitsuka Tiger "Ultimate 81" Classic Running Shoe
I own a pair of these classic Onituka Tiger Ultimate 81's and I have been pleased with them through and through. The mesh and synthetic suede uppers are light and comfortable. Light enough even to walk around for a whole day without feeling like your feet weigh 50 lbs.
The upper does have a tendency to get dirty so be prepared to either clean them often or live with a lightly darker color than you purchase. Although the insoles are relatively comfortable, the sole itself is very thin and does not offer much in the way of shock absorption but is good all around for traction.The sole has not worn through completely over extensive use during the last 16 months.
Generally sold for about $50, this shoe can be found on special for $30 from time to time. Available in a variety of colors.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 10:29 PM
January 13, 2005
Onionflats - Rag Flats
An exciting development I was recently tipped off on by my architect friend is the Rag Flats project. Onionflats, the architectural firm behind the project, set out to create the first zero-energy community in Philadelphia. According to the website, the project was actually to be completed in 2004. However, no update to the website has been made to indicate if the project actually has been finished.
All power in the community will be provided by a 40kw rooftop solar panel and rainwater will be recycled and collected in a 6000 gallon cistern. Heating provided by an ultra-efficient radiant gas model. All units pre-wired for high speed internet, satellite feed and other geeky stuff I like. Did I mention the bamboo flooring and the slate tile and countertops?
Public transportation is a short walk although off street parking is provided. The eleven unit complex is located in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 10:05 AM
Damiano's Mr. Pizza
Some people think this place is the worst, but I had a particularly good experience at Damiano's Mr. Pizza at 412 N. Fairfax in Los Angeles. If you're vegan or lactose intolerant you'll want to check it out.
My brother and I shared a large vegan calzone and it was tasty and big enough to fill the both of us up. I am a small-fry but the appetite is large, perhaps to make up for other shortcomings.
The thing that separates this from other vegan pizzas and calzones is the cheese. I don't know where they get it from, but the cheese actually melts in some sort of way that makes sense. Anyone who has tried making a vegan pizza on their own knows the difficulty this ingredient presents.
The end result tastes good and cheesy and although it can't hold a candle to a good New York slice, it's the best vegan pizza you're likely to find.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 12:20 AM
January 12, 2005
Red Meat More Strongly Linked to Cancer
The American Cancer Society published a finding in the Journal of the American Medical Association that red meat had a definite impact on the risk of colon cancer.
The new study, led by American Cancer Society researchers and involving 148,610 men and women aged 63 on average, is among the biggest. Participants recorded their meat intake in 1982 and again in 1992-93. Those with a high meat intake were about 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop lower colon or rectal cancer than those with a low intake.
High meat intake for men was at least 3 ounces daily -- about the size of a large fast-food hamburger -- and 2 ounces daily for women. Low intake was about 2 ounces or less of red meat no more than twice weekly for men and less than an ounce that often for women.
Slightly higher risks were found for a high consumption of processed meats including bacon and bologna.
via CNN
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 09:47 PM
Florida Hospital Cafeteria
Don't let anyone ever tell you that Seventh-day Adventists don't know how to party. This cafeteria at Florida Hospital is the foodservice equivalent of The Neverending Kegger (The Neverending Story IV, Wasted in Fantasia).
Many touring vegetarian musicians have eaten here on the road, and part of that popularity I'd attribute to locals wanting to show the out-of-towners our near and dear neighborhood treasures. Any way you slice it, it's interesting to see the mixture of seafoam green scrubs and nautical star tattoos.
To boot, any lady in her mid 70's that will stay up til 2am to cook me a veggie burger on sesame seed bun with stripples (bacon) is cool in my book. Not only that, but the junk is cheap. How cheap? Glad you asked... Let's put it in terms of this evening: 2 tickets to Ray ($.75 Tuesdays), burger w/ cheese, mashed potatoes, egg sandwich on croissant, fries, 2 orders of stripples and an orange juice for under $11.
Oh yeah, I guess spending money at a hospital helps people not die and stuff too.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 01:50 AM
January 11, 2005
Soyrizo
One of the greatest benefits of dating Mexican, so far, has been my introduction to Soyrizo. Known to carnivores as chorizo, this is a classic dish that is most often served for breakfast mixed with egg (tofu scramble), potatoes, and vegetables.
Although not terribly easy to find, it has won a place in my heart and my palate. If you happen to be in LA, stop by and try it for cheap at Swingers. Just don't blame me for the service.
Posted by Aaron Feibus at 01:04 AM