ETHICS VS. MOVIE IMMORTALITY

That's a longstanding opposition which is certainly not news, but the man-bites-dog element here is that the fellow in question chose "Ethics." The producers of Cars wanted to name a "hippie" car after this locally-famous "free spirit," Bob Waldmire, assuring him a spot in movie history with a film that's sure to be seen by more than a few people.

But he turned them down. He refused to give Pixar permission to use his name.

"I am an ethical vegetarian," Bob explained. "After they sent me a letter asking for my permission, another local artist friend of mine, Bill Crook, mentioned to me that the movie toys are probably going be sold in Happy Meals at McDonald's. That made up my mind real quick. I couldn't have them selling a bus with my name at a McDonald's if I'm an ethical vegetarian." As it happens, Cars does indeed have a Mickey D's deal. And on this issue, at least, Waldmire has something that's in all-too-short supply these days - integrity.

LAST VEGCAST FOR MAY

Heh. I keep making that lame joke in recognition of the fact that as promised, I did actually get two podcasts done this month, unlike, say, April. At any rate, it's worth a download, featuring an interview with Will Tuttle, commentary on Barbaro, another Green Beings song, a science fact, and even part of a dining review! Find it over at VegCast, the veggie podcast.

THEY SHOOT COWS, DON'T THEY?

Some readers may be surprised to learn that using 22-caliber guns to kill cows is an ordinary part of slaughter. At any rate, it doesn't merit any remark, seemingly, except when one of the guys handling the gun shoots the other guy, as just happened at a slaughterhouse in Idaho.