Religious Morals and Animal Rights

Animal rights have been debated since ancient Greece. In our modern Western society, there still has been little consensus on these issues. The prevailing mentality is of Western Judeo-Christian anthropocentrism, which has a negative affect on agriculture and the treatment of animals. To reform this mentality, nonhuman animals should be given the same legal rights as children with the exception of humane slaughtering and butchering practices for food purposes.
Judaism and Christianity have given the majority of the Western world the idea that humans are a superior species. The belief that humans were created in the image of the Christian god strongly lends to this idea. Christian scripture also claims that the Earth and its nonhuman inhabitants were created by God for the use of humans. “According to Genesis 1:26, “God said, ‘let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle… and over all the earth.’”... Nature and other animals exist only to the extent that they benefit humans.” (Boss, p710) This, coupled with denial of evolution from nonhuman animals leads directly to a strong sense of anthropocentrism in societies that are dominated by Western religions.
Anthropocentrism and the belief that humans are a species that is above nonhuman animals, as taught by Judeo-Christian ethics, leads to a general disregard for any animal other than humans. This disregard has lead to the industrialization of agriculture, the inhumane treatment of animals in agriculture and as pets, and ignorance of the importance of the environment. Factory farming and intensive rearing methods have lead to the mechanization of animals. In modern American agriculture, animals are valued only as commodities or as producers of commodities. Consumers believe their only purpose is to supply food. The cruel perception prevails: nonhuman animals only exist to serve and benefit humans.
In a society as modern as ours, animal rights should be more correlative with the moral rights of nonhuman animals in Eastern religions. Buddhists and Hindus hold nonhuman animals in a much higher standing than Judeo-Christians. The beliefs of Eastern religions stem largely from the principle of nonviolence. This uses sentience, not reasoning ability or cognitive function, as the basis of animal equality. Even though nonhuman animals cannot speak or (arguably) think like humans, they can still feel. Unlike utilitarian theory, Eastern religions cite this ability to be happy or unhappy (physically and psychologically felt through pleasure or pain) as the defining attribute of moral equality. Nonhuman animals are not viewed as tools to serve humanity. They are instead viewed as societal and moral equals.
Charles Darwin, renowned scientist and evolutionary biologist, recognized that nonhuman animals have far more thinking ability than most humans realize. In addition to all animals being sentient, he also discovered that most animals have the ability to reason. Darwin “rejected anthropocentrism [and] attacked the assumption that only humans are capable of reason. Reason, by definition, involves the ability to form general rules from particular experiences… [Darwin states,] “Animals may constantly be seen to pause, deliberate, and resolve… [which he] attributes to reason and the less to unlearnt instincts.”” (Boss, p711) If nonhuman animals are both sentient and reasonable, they should certainly be treated with more respect and given more rights than they receive in Western society.
Abolishing meat eating would be a violation of human rights and impossible to enforce, requiring fair and ethical treatment of animals in agriculture would not be. Though complete vegetarianism would be ideal for animal ethics and the effect the agricultural industry has on the environment, it would be impossible to implement.
To change the belief that humans are superior to all other nonhuman animals, nonhuman animals should be given legal rights similar to those of human children. All nonhuman animals should have the right not to be starved, not to be neglected, not to be abused, not to be kept confined. Having these rights would help ensure that nonhuman animals are not viewed as property or as commodities. Agricultural animals would no longer be treated as flesh and milk and egg producing machines. Instead, they would be treated well during their lives and slaughtered humanely. This should be much more important in our society than it currently is since nonhuman animals are sentient and can feel just as well as humans.
A strong regard for animal rights will eventually lead to the improvement of our society. Similar to the overall benevolence of Buddhists and Hindus, benevolence towards animals in Western society will yield more respect for all living things and a stronger sense of humanity.
The predominant Judeo-Christian beliefs of our Western society disregard animal rights. These prevalent religious stances place humans above nonhuman animals and allow nonhuman animals to be used and abused for the benefit of humans. However, Eastern religions as well as the famous scientist Charles Darwin recognize that nonhuman animals are both sentient and have the ability to reason. They therefore need to be given legal rights similar to the rights of human children to reform the cruel Western mentality and allow for better treatment of animals as pets and in agriculture. This will lead to more ethical agricultural practices and improve the overall benevolence and humanity of our society.

Peeves

Driving:
Anyone who wrongfully thinks their car is faster than mine.
Bad drivers that drive fast.
Cell phone drivers.
Cops that use their sirens for nothing.
Drivers from Massachusetts.
Drivers from New York.
Drivers from Rhode Island.
Drivers of Lexuses.
Drivers of Infinities.
Jaywalkers.
Not stopping at stop signs.
People who don't put their headlights on when its raining.
People who don't use their signal lights.
People who meander across the street diagonally.
People who steal my right of way.
People with systems worth more than their car.
Rice burners and anyone who drives them.
Soccer moms in huge SUVs.
Tailgaters.
Using a merging lane (aka a "stupid people lane") to cut ahead of traffic.

Fashion:
Anyone who wears micro minis/short shorts/tube tops that doesn't have a perfect body.
Balding men that try to have long hair.
Bitches who wear mini skirts in January.
Do rags,
Down jackets in July worn on the elbows.
Intentionally leaving tags on clothes.
Men that wear gym shorts in public (because they always look like they should smell bad.)
Men that wear the crotch of their pants at their shins.
Muffin top. Ever.
Obese and/or pregnant women that wear skin-tight shirts.
Pit stains.
Precariously positioned baseball caps.
Ugg boots.
Ugly feet in sandals.

People:
PDA.
People that call themselves fat to probe for compliments.
People who think they're talented at something they suck at.
People who try to be something they're not.

Speech:
Anyone without clinical depression that says, "I'm depressed."
Ebonics.
Fat people that say, "I'm starving."
Pronouncing comfortable "come-furt-a-bull".
Pronouncing coupon "que-pawn".
Pronouncing Illinois "Ill-a-noise".


That's all I can think of for now.
I know I'm a miserable old cunt, and I love it.

On Smack

These pictures are old, but they're funny as hell.

Food Journal: Tuesday (Back on Track)

2:30p
salad with mushrooms, red peppers, olives, provolone, and balsamic vinaigrette (450)
italian garlic bread (300)
coffee with milk and 2 splenda (50)
diet coke with lime (0)
tot cal: 800

Ode to Riley

Riley --
A cunning killer in his early years.
A disheveled old man in his later.
But always a sweet friendly kitty.
Who loved his cat naps,
and cat nip.
The black cat of superstition,
that brought only good things:
a complacent purr and a chin to scratch.
A member of the family.
Rest In Peace.
I Love You.

Problem: Toxic Vision Fierceness

eBay seller Toxic Vision: All her stuff is DIY. She used a lot of twill, vinyl, monster fur, and leather. She makes stage and photoshoot fashions for local bands, and she sells some stuff on eBay.

TOXIC VISION LEATHER motorcycle jacket DIY zebra zipper: Black and blue leather, black yoke, off-center zipper, faux zebra fur lining.


TOXIC VISION leather spade destroy cigarette pants DIY: White stretch twill and off-white leather, lace up crotch, back pockets, spades screen prints and blood splatter.


TOXIC VISION spades cigarette pants DIY leather look 77: Booger yellow/green fabric with a slight sheen, zip and button fly, pocketless, spades screen prints.

And a few things I really liked from past auctions:





Not to mention, she has a perfect ass:

Mountain Lion

Driving - To dream of driving at a moderate speed through open country implies success in a small way and much happness.

Grocery - To dream of a grocery store well stocked with goods is a sign that you will meet with success and be able to take time out for a pleasant vacation.

Lion - You will be looked up to by your associates if you dream of being on friendly terms with a lion. If a lion attacks you and you overcome him, you will develop greater leadership socially and in business.

Roof - To climb a roof in your dream implies that you will have a better understanding with your family and friends.

Source: Dreams: Hidden Meanings and Secrets

Problem: goodgirlthreads Jackets

ASYMMETRICAL SKINNY BIKER JACKET vintage top punk mod: "Asymmetrical zipped, moto-biker jacket, epaulettes, snap buttons, multi-zips, skinny-fitted, super lightweight."
PLAID WOOL PEA JACKET vintage coat top check military: "Retro, plaid pea jacket, double-breasted, wool-blend, fully lined, slimming extra wide sleeve hem, functional pockets, antique bronze buttons."
VICTORIAN PUFF SLEEVE DENIM JACKET vintage jean oi punk: "Victorian denim jacket, puffed sleeves, empire bust, seamed tailoring for a flattering fit, vintage oxidized silver mini buttons, functional side pockets."

HIGH COLLAR WOOL CROPPED JACKET vintage coat mod pea: "Reminiscent of the timeless style of Jackie O, cropped wool jacket, cyber-mod, high collar, cropped sleeves, antique bronze snaps, adjustable sides for a flattering fit, fully lined with metallic charcoal."

Dream Yourself a Dream Come True

I feel very strange after having a very strange dream. I was pretty upset last night, and I feel much better this morning. The dream definitely produced a feeling -- not that the dream itself actually happened, but that merely having the dream was an experience.

My dream featured Monty's cousin, some people I went to boarding school with, a very fast school bus ride, a ferris wheel, and a beautiful old victorian hotel.

Problem: Over the Knee Boots

Exclusive by Boutique 58: Light brown suede, lace up at the back of the knee, 1" heel. ($210.00)


Maria by DKNY: Dark brown leather with leather lining, laces up from heel to the back of the knee, 1 3/4" heel. ($338.00)



Darlene by Zigi NY: Dark brown suede, strap and buckle closure at the collar, 4 1/4" heel with platform. ($93.95)

I only wish I could afford these beauties.

Food Journal: Bad, Bad, Bad

Tuesday
Bad

Wednesday
Bad

Thursday
Bad

Farts and 10W-30

My car is too smelly. It failed emissions two weeks ago. I took it to the shop today, and they said my emissions failure was mainly due to my corroded valve seals. Estimated repair cost: $1100. A few months ago, the man I bought my car from offered to repair them for free as long as I helped him. I'm going to need to contact him again because while driving a car that failed emissions is no big deal, I can't re-register my car until it passes.

Speed Demon

I got my first ever traffic violations the other day. I got pulled over in the Coast Guard parking lot. For going 25 in a 15. Then I realized that I didn't have my wallet. Or my license. Or my military ID. So I got another ticket for 'Failue to provide Operator's license." Luckily, these pretend tickets from the Coast Guard have no real consequences unless I get a bunch of them. In which case, someone will write a letter to someone else about how much of a crazy, wreckless driver I am.

Then I had to deal with my wallet being lost. After searching my house, Theo's apartment, and my car the nicest man ever called me. He said he had found my wallet at a gas station in Groton and had tracked down my phone number in order to return in to me. The next morning, I picked my wallet up from underneath his truck in the Pfizer parking lot. This man is going to get a very nice thank-you letter. Not everyone is that good of a samaritan.

Food Journal: St. Patrick's Pig Out (cont.)

taco bell:
2 1/2 lb. cheesy bean and rice burritos
7-layer burrito
cheesy fiesta potatos
tim hortons:
sprinkle donut
walnut chocolate donut
2 maple cream donuts
maple-frosted donut

Food Journal: St. Patrick's Pig Out

Saturday:
diet pepsi
activia yogurt
cup of coffee with french vanilla coffeemate
salad with italian dressing
baked potato with butter, sour cream, and cheese
2 pieces of apple blueberry cherry pie
slice of apple pie
2 cups of jd and oj

Sunday:
cup of coffee with coffeemate
baked potato with butter, sour cream, and cheese
whoopie pie
2 bags of welch's fruit snacks
pasta with red sauce and cheese
tuna grinder
some laffy taffy
some sweet tarts

White Ice

It snowed and sleeted today. It was the first and probably the only real Nor'easter of this season. We got about eight inches, which is a lot for coastal Connecticut. Theo was brave enough to drive over and hang out, even though cars in ditches were all over the news.

Food Journal: Day 4 (800)

am wt: 138.5
1:00p
cup of coffee with skim milk and 2 splenda (10)
4:30p
poached orange dill salmon fillet (150)
steamed beans and carrots (10)
6:45
protein-enriched penne with spinach and mushrooms (500)
diet pepsi (0)
tot cal: 670

Lean Meat

Yesterday, I took the following notes in Biology:

During cellular respiration:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 --> 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy
Excellent fuels are molecules that have an abundance of hydrogen
- Fats and carbohydrates
- Protein has little hydrogen, so when it is consumed an organism will eventually use stored energy resources
- The fall of electrons during respiration is stepwise via NAD+ and an electron transport train (dehydrogenase)

Food Journal: Day 3 (600)

am wt: 138.5
8:30a
coffee with light soymilk (10)
5:15
3 cups of honey nut cheerios (440)
6:30
diet lipton green tea with citrus (0)
stick of sugarfree gum (5)
11:30p
poached orange dill salmon fillet (150)
steamed beans and carrots (10)
tot cal: 615

Rieslings

Another cool magazine I found at Borders yesterday was z!nk. It has everything from editorials to art to fashion and it focuses on the more obscure designers and artists. But it also has a section called "Vaporization" which covers "travel, food, spirits, politics, sex, social commentary and horoscopes."

Gunderloch Jean Baptiste Riesling Kabinett 2005 ($19)
flavors: lime juice, slate, peach

Domaine Albert Mann Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg 2004 ($30)
organic, biodynamic
to be decanted
flavors: grapefruit

Marcel Deiss Riesling Beblenhem 2004 ($26)
biodynamic
flavors: floral, spicy, petrol

The Riesling that I've liked the most has been the Relax Riesling. I most accurately described it as, "tastes like clouds."

Pumpkin Pie and Lavender

I went to Borders with Theo yesterday to drink some coffee and flip through magazines. I was reading some of the useless information Cosmo has on attracting the opposite sex, when I found something pretty interesting. Cosmo said in Some Study conducted at Some College, the scent that men found most appealing was a combination of pumpkin pie and lavender. Though this seems like an impossible combination to find, Bath and Body Works makes some products that could be layered: Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Shower Gel (10oz/$9.50) and Moonlight Path Body Cream (8oz/$10.50)

Food Journal: Day 2 (400)

am wt: 139.5
12:30a
2 cups of decaf coffee with french vanilla coffeemate (80)
2:15p
20 grapes (20)
3:30p
diet rockstar (20)
6:00p
2 cups of coffee with original coffeemate (40)
9:00p
microwave bean and cheese burrito (280)
tot cal: 440

Soundgirl Jeans

I bought a pair of Soundgirl jeans as yet another pair of motivational skinny jeans. Since I'm currently broke, I bargin shopped on eBay and got this $62 pair of jeans for $4.99 + $7.00 shipping. This now makes 3 pairs of jeans that I have yet to ever fit into:
1. Paul&Joe leather back-buckle jeans (size 1)
2. Genetic Denim bootcut jeans (size 25-0)
3. Soundgirl "Rocker" pocketless straight-leg jeans (size 1)

Food Journal: Day 1 (200)

I'm finally doing this. I'm going to try the 2-4-6-8 diet. I count calories when I'm good anyways, so I just want to try this to keep my metabolism from stabilizing.

"Wise temperance of the stomach is a door to all the virtues. Restrain the stomach, and you will enter Paradise. But if you please and pamper your stomach, you will hurl yourself over the precipice of bodily impurity, into the fire of wrath and fury, you will coarsen and darken your mind, and in this way you will ruin your powers of attention and self-control, your sobriety and vigilance."
Ignatius Brianchanino

am wt: 142.0
1:00p
cup of coffee with skim milk and 3 splenda (40)
6:00p
diet black cherry soda (0)
7:40p
10 grapes (10)
cup of activia yogurt (110)
tot cal: 160