I apologize profusely--especially to my cherished comrade Curly--for my absence. I am glad to see that Curly has been keeping the blog alive and lively.
I can't promise that my appalling lack of posts will be changing anytime soon, but I will make an effort to appear here more regularly!
--Prunella
Two writers stop e-mailing each other about what irks them in publishing, teaching, and other realms, and start sharing their thoughts online.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Ranting about Vegetarian Meals
Continuing with the vegetarian theme from the last post, I wonder why nearly all vegetarian meals at restaurants:
1. prominently feature mushrooms or peppers or both,
2. are pasta-based,
and
3. include no real protein.
Do people give no real thought to vegetarians? Not all vegetarians like mushrooms or peppers, want pasta, or happy to be protein-free. Just like carnivores, we deserve healthy, well-balanced, varied meals.
--Curly
1. prominently feature mushrooms or peppers or both,
2. are pasta-based,
and
3. include no real protein.
Do people give no real thought to vegetarians? Not all vegetarians like mushrooms or peppers, want pasta, or happy to be protein-free. Just like carnivores, we deserve healthy, well-balanced, varied meals.
--Curly
Monday, September 20, 2010
Meat Products for Vegetarians
I always order a vegetarian meal on plane rides. Luckily, I also always read lists of ingredients rather than rely on what the airplane (or any other company, or any person, for that matter) claims is vegetarian.
On a recent flight, I was given a "vegetarian" breakfast, where the yogurt contained gelatin. Gelatin, of course, is made from animals, and is thus not suitable for vegetarians (or for people who keep kosher). I'm so glad I didn't eat this item before reading the back of the carton, but I'm sure lots of other people on the flight simply ate the yogurt.
I mentioned it to the steward and he shrugged and brought me some fruit. He didn't bother to notify any of the other vegetarians.
I complained to the airline (KLM) and they said it was not their responsibility, since they use a catering company. Well, they hire that company, so I'd say it is their responsibility. KLM really disappointed me. The representative who wrote back simply said they were "sorry [I] didn't like the meal." It has nothing to do with liking it. People are vegetarians for ethical, health, and/or religious reasons, and a vegetarian meal must respect and be truly vegetarian.
--Curly
On a recent flight, I was given a "vegetarian" breakfast, where the yogurt contained gelatin. Gelatin, of course, is made from animals, and is thus not suitable for vegetarians (or for people who keep kosher). I'm so glad I didn't eat this item before reading the back of the carton, but I'm sure lots of other people on the flight simply ate the yogurt.
I mentioned it to the steward and he shrugged and brought me some fruit. He didn't bother to notify any of the other vegetarians.
I complained to the airline (KLM) and they said it was not their responsibility, since they use a catering company. Well, they hire that company, so I'd say it is their responsibility. KLM really disappointed me. The representative who wrote back simply said they were "sorry [I] didn't like the meal." It has nothing to do with liking it. People are vegetarians for ethical, health, and/or religious reasons, and a vegetarian meal must respect and be truly vegetarian.
--Curly
Monday, September 13, 2010
Giving the (Ring) Finger
While getting my nails manicured, the manicurist noticed a ring on my left ring finger. It was a silver band, engraved with the name of my alma mater. The manicurist asked me if I was married. I told her I was not.
She then asked why I wore a ring on that finger. She proceeded to explain that if men saw a ring on my finger, they would not ask me, and thus, "You will never get married! Don't wear a ring there!"
Um, okay. First of all, it is none of her business what my marital status is or what I wear and where I wear it. Second, I don't like her assumption that I must want a husband. Not everyone does, not even taking into account matters of sexuality.
I would have liked to give her the (ring) finger!
--Curly
She then asked why I wore a ring on that finger. She proceeded to explain that if men saw a ring on my finger, they would not ask me, and thus, "You will never get married! Don't wear a ring there!"
Um, okay. First of all, it is none of her business what my marital status is or what I wear and where I wear it. Second, I don't like her assumption that I must want a husband. Not everyone does, not even taking into account matters of sexuality.
I would have liked to give her the (ring) finger!
--Curly
Monday, September 6, 2010
The Hunt is On
I really can’t understand why people enjoy hunting and why this is a legal practice. What is the pleasure in stalking and shooting and aiming to kill other living creatures? How is this a pastime for supposedly reasonable people?
It seems to me to be a cruel activity. We would never accept people chasing after other humans with weapons and trying to injure them, so why do we accept it when people do this to animals?
--Curly
It seems to me to be a cruel activity. We would never accept people chasing after other humans with weapons and trying to injure them, so why do we accept it when people do this to animals?
--Curly