ANIMAL RIGHTS
Actress, model, philanthropist, and international celebrity Pamela Anderson has conquered just about everything she has set her mind to. Since her breakout role in Baywatch, she has achieved an iconic status that few ever reach. Her latest endeavor is both fun to play and cause worthy; a new virtual Facebook app called BamPoker. Founders Elton Pereira and Jeremy Nichele wanted to introduce an interactive gaming experience that is both casual and fun to play. The Facebook App allows the online community to duel it out in Texas Hold 'em, with no money involved, using online virtual chips. Best of all, players will also have the chance to play or chat with Pamela herself! BamPoker has partnered with non-profit Free the Children and playing the game will help support the organization. Pamela chats with Joonbug about how she got involved in this online gaming experience, her upcoming return to Dancing with the Stars: All Stars, and her philanthropic background.
The month of June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. Since the month is coming to a close, it's time to get on it! If you've been looking for a pet and don't want to shell out the big bucks for a high-class breed, the best way to get your kitty is adopting one. There are plenty of animal shelters all over the country and there are plenty of cats that want you as their mommas or poppas. The best way to give back to your favorite furry four-legged lovers is by taking one home with you. Check out the shelters below to find a cat near you! (If you're not ready to take on the responsibility of a new pet, feel free to donate to their cause!)
On Wednesday, April 18th at 6:30pm, check out the Last Chance for Animals Annual Gala, an exciting night of drinks, vegan hors de'oeuvres, live music, and the striking work of renowned artist Peter Max. One of the most famous living artists, Peter Max is a pop culture icon known for his use of bold colors and uplifting, psychadelic images.
Tickets for the under-30 crowd can purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $100, with all proceeds benefiting Last Chance for Animals.
Last Chance for Animals (LCA) is a national animal rights organization based in Los Angeles. Founded almost three decades ago with a focus on the cruelty of vivisection, LCA now conducts animal advocacy on issues ranging from the fur trade to puppy mills to animals used in entertainment. Check out their site to learn more and get involved!
Date and time: April 18th at 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Peter Max's Art Studio, 37 West 55th Street, 7th floor, NYC
Ricky Gervais is officially a spokesperson for Cruelty Free International, a newly-established worldwide campaign to ban testing cosmetics on animals. Launched by the long-standing British Union Against Vivisection, CFI will work with governments, companies and partner organizations to place animal testing at the forefront of policymakers' agendas.
On the issue, Ricky says: "Animal testing for cosmetics is still allowed in most of the world. That means thousands of animals can continue to die for the sake of a new shampoo. We urgently need a worldwide ban on this cruel and unnecessary suffering. Get involved. Please join me in supporting Cruelty Free International in its global mission to consign animal testing for cosmetics to the history books.”
While the European Union has banned the testing of cosmetics on animals, 80% of countries still allow the practice. Common test procedures include force-feeding large amounts of chemicals to assess toxicity and applying caustic ingredients to eyes and skin to measure irritation (one now infamous mascara test measures how long a chemical ingredient takes to burn away a rabbit's cornea). Rats and mice are the most frequent test subjects, but guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, and dogs are also commonly used. Cosmetics companies are not required to use animals to test for safety and can instead use human skin cultures. Numerous studies, including several published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the British Medical Journal have concluded that animal tests do not reliably predict outcomes in humans due to basic biological differences.Consumers can now find cruelty-free cosmetics for every need and at every price point. Some mainstream examples include Revlon, wet n wild, Burt's Bees, Prestige, Bare Minerals, Stila, Urban Decay, Bath & Body Works, The Body Shop, Paul Mitchell and Aveda. Because there is no regulation of "cruelty-free" labeling, be sure to check the label for the BUAV's leaping bunny logo. View a complete list of cruelty-free cosmetics and household cleaning products here.
Learn more about Cruelty Free International and how you can get involved.
The recent cancellation of HBO's new series Luck, spawned by three consecutive horse deaths during filming, has refueled fires amongst activists working with NY CLASS, an organization which seeks to stop the use of horse-drawn carriages for the unsafe conditions associated with the city's famed hansom cabs. This march, after HBO's decision to cancel Luck, activists working for the organization, aware of the grim realities for animal safety in the horse-drawn carriage industry, voiced this powerful statement in reaction to the premium network's decision to cease production after animals endured harm and were even killed during the filming:
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