Vegetarian Stuff

This from an article entitled Carnivore Control by Joanna Slater in the October 22, 2003 WSJ:

A number of buildings, old and new, in the wealthiest precincts of this teeming city of more than 12 million are going vegetarian and are enforcing an unofficial ban on meat eaters. Since cows are sacred to Hindus, most of India's billion citizens don't eat beef, but this is far from a nation of vegetarians. Mutton, chicken and fish are eaten in many parts of India. Here in Bombay, on the west coast, seafood is a favorite, particularly a pungent dried fish whimsically known as Bombay Duck.

In Bombay, however, there is also a small-but-influential minority of strict vegetarians. Many are prosperous traders, diamond merchants and property developers originally from the neighboring state of Gujarat, home of Mahatma Gandhi and some of India's most exacting vegetarians. Many are adherents of Jainism, an ancient faith based on the principle of ahimsa, or nonviolence. India has about 3.4 million Jains in total. The observant don't eat meat, eggs, or root vegetables, such as onions or carrots, that have been ripped from the soil.

Some scattershot thoughts:

* Chuck Palahniuk natters on about Jainism in his new book Diary, which I am reviewing for the Toronto Star.

* I recently wrote about vegan bondage for fab magazine, and in the article I joke about level five vegans, who don’t eat anything that casts a shadow. Who knew there were actual, real-life vegans who are that selective about their vegetable consumption.

I also found the following chunk of insanity on the Tufurky website during my vegan bondage research:

While the words "vegetarian" and "vegan" never appear in the book, Murder in a Vacant House subtly presents the reality of these lifestyles. The mystery involves an area of the Northeastern United States in which the residents demonstrate a firm commitment to kindness toward animals, environmental awareness, and a concern for the needs of other human beings, as well as the willingness to enjoy a healthful diet.

Meat and dairy products are out of the question and there is no reference to them in the story. There are descriptions of many wonderful meals, and one of the favorite items on the menu is our very own Tofurky! If you want to enjoy a good murder mystery without the mention of foods that are contrary to your ideals, Murder in a Vacant House by Frances Arnetta will be a rare treat for you. Available at your local bookstore.

Dead humans, fine. Dead animals, not so much.