Being a loser was never so cool. When I was in Los Angeles a few weeks ago I sat down with Bob Harper, host of NBC’s Biggest Loser to discuss his role as the 2010 National Spokesperson for Farm Sanctuary’s Walk for Farm Animals. We discussed his recent evolution to a vegan diet, how he grew up on a cattle farm, and or course, food and nutrition! Check out the full interview, and sign up for the Walk for Farm Animals in your town! The new season of NBC’s Biggest Loser premieres tonight.
Some people argue that Mike Mahler is the exception to the rule; he’s huge, powerful, and thrives on a vegetable-based diet. As a respected member of the fitness community, he’s got the strength to challenge stereotypes and prove that you can get big and strong without eating any animal products (Paleo what?). He has built an empire as impressive as his quads, with DVDs, books, and a voracious following. He has trained some of the most impressive athletes like five-time UFC Middleweight Champion, Frank Shamrock and helps form routines for military and contact sports trainers and coaches. Mike answered a few question I threw at him last week:
The Discerning Brute: What the hell is a Kettlebell, why have some of us not heard of it, and why should we get down with it?
Mike Mahler: Glad that you asked. Imagine a black bowling ball with a suitcase handle on it and you have an idea of what a kettlebell looks like. A kettlebell is a big hunk of iron that comes in several sizes: 8lbs, 12lbs, 18lbs, 26lbs, 35lbs,44lbs, 53lbs, 70lbs, 80lbs, 88lbs, 97lbs and for super strong men and women 105lbs! You can do standard weight training exercises with kettlebells such as: bench presses, curls, and rows. However, the unique 
value of kettlebells is derived from ballistic (fast exercise) work such as: snatches, swings, cleans, and jerks.
In addition to giving you incredible muscular endurance when done in high repetitions, with a proper nutrition plan any excess fat that you have will melt off rapidly. Ballistic exercises are not the only exercises that you can benefit from, kettlebell exercises such as: the Turkish get-up, Bent Press, and Windmill will develop a rock-hard midsection and increase shoulder flexibility and stability. As a result many chiropractors are using kettlebells with their patients for rehab.
If you are a man or woman that wants to increase size and strength, try doing some of my favorite kettlebell exercises: Double Clean and Press, Double Front Squat, Renegade Row, Double Swing, and the Double Clean.
If you are a man or woman that wants to lose weight and tighten up your glutes, quads, abs, and arms, apply a steady diet of kettlebell training ballistic work with some low rep kettlebell training strength work and you are all set.
DB: You’re huge and ripped… what is the general reaction you get when people find out you don’t eat animals?
MM: People are very surprised to say the least. Most people respond by saying most vegans they meet are small and skinny. This stereotype is often true. However, there are many high-level strength coaches such as Jon Hinds of Monkey Bar Gym and Ory Ortega of Briga Training that thrive on a plant-based diet. Both have told me that they have never felt better. Many athletes also excel on a plant-based diet such as MMA superstars Jake Shields and Mac Danzig. Both look great and display incredible athleticism.
As more athletes and physical culture experts show that one can thrive on a plant-based diet, more people will realize that they can make it work as well.
Animal protein is directly correlated with being big and strong and that message is sold to the public very effectively.
DB: You’ve been called “one of the premier strength trainers in the world ” by mainstream fitness experts. Why do you think so few people in the fitness world take plant-based nutrition seriously?
MM: People often feel that I am the exception to the rule. This is a clever way to justify avoiding change in life. Just say someone is special and that others will not get the same results, and you can stay where you are in life. People do this everyday in a multitude of contexts.
Animal protein is directly correlated with being big and strong and that message is sold to the public very effectively. Most people take the path of least resistance. In addition, there is social pressure to eat meat especially in the fitness industry. If you try a plant-based diet and tell anyone, just about everyone you know that eats meat will try to talk you out of it. Very few people have the backbone to handle peer pressure and cave very easily.
I met a guy at a party one time that used to be a vegan but gave it up. I asked him why and he stated that he was tired of feeling out of the loop at social functions. This was a grown man by the way not a teenager. Eric Hoffer has a great book on mass movements and how people will do anything to be part of
the group. Very few people like to stick out and are willing to go out of their way to accommodate others. This is why our country and world is in the shape that it is in. No one wants to say what needs to be said and instead just want to go with the flow.
At the same time, there are a lot more trainers that are trying plant based diets these days and people are much more open to it then they used to be. This does not mean that they will give up meat completely, but it does mean that they are adding more plant based food to their diets.
DB: You’ve said that strength training is about more than just physique. It’s also about mental strength and character. Can you explain why this concept is important?
MM: It is not enough to just have a strong body. That is not real strength in my opinion. I see big and physically strong men and women frequently that cannot think for themselves and are at the mercy of the people around them. On the other hand, I know many intelligent people that excel in academia and in the business world. Yet, physically, many of them are weak and would be in serious trouble in any situation that required physical strength. They may be mentally strong, but overall they are weak.
For real strength and vitality a multifaceted approach is crucial. Eating right and training properly are both of course very important but we need to go beyond that. If you do not have a career that gets you excited and friends that hold you accountable to be your best, then you are really missing out. When you take charge of your life on multiple fronts, you realize how exciting and fulfilling life can be. That does not mean it all needs to be done at the same time. Focus on one component at a time. Perhaps you are out of shape and starting a solid training program and nutrition plan is the best move to make. Once you start losing fat and feeling better you will automatically start thinking about other areas of your life to improve. Never get complacent and always work on taking it to the next level. Maintenance is an illusion as we are either getting better or worse.
DB: Sometimes I feel like a broken record when people ask me about my lifestyle. Are there any misconceptions you continuously have to dispel again and again?
MM: There are several that I have to dispel often:
DB: I often say that mainstream male identity is a roadblock to sustainability. Do you see any problems with mainstream machismo culture or male-identity in general when it comes to ideas about strength and power?
MM: I think men and women have an identity crisis right now. We have differences for a reason and these are things we should embrace not try to suppress.
I am not trying to say that women should cook and clean at home and that men should dominate. However, men should not be afraid to embrace their masculinity and women should not be afraid to embrace being feminine.
Masculinity is often associated with being sexist, physically aggressive, mean spirited, and acting like a moron. Thus many men feel they need to put on a face of being a jerk in order to be a man. Being compassionate is not often associated with masculinity even though it takes great courage and inner strength to be compassionate.
Being masculine is not about being a jerk that lets others define what being a man is. It is about taking charge of your life and having the courage to express your beliefs and stand up for what you believe in. It is about being able to make your own decisions and not be a pinball in the game of life. Real masculinity is strength of character and being a courageous member of society.
Unfortunately our society these days has a lack of real role models and also rites of passage into manhood. As a result we have a lot of lost souls that do not know how to be real.
DB: Let’s say I’m Joe Shmo… the only exercise I do is walking to and from my house, office, and car, but I have dreams of being in good shape. What is the first thing I need to do to set me on course?
MM: Increase the intensity in a gradual and systemic manner. Incorporate strength training into your routine with a focus on compound exercises such as the military press, bench press, squat, deadlift, pull-up, and bent over row. These exercises work multiple muscle groups and provide the most bang for your buck. Try doing 2-3 full body workouts to get started. Three sets of each exercise in the 8-12 rep range is a good starting point.
In addition to strength training, incorporate some high intensity cardio such as sprinting, kettlebell ballistic work, sledgehammer tire strikes, jump rope interval work etc.
Clean up your diet by focusing on organic real food. Get all carbohydrates from fruits and veggies and load up on nuts and seeds, which are great for energy, hormone optimization, and recovery.
DB: What’s next for Mike Mahler?
MM: I have several projects in the works. One I am doing a joint venture with strongman competitor and top strength coach Mark Philippi. The project is a DVD that shows how to get super strong and fit with barbells, dumbbells, and body-weight exercises. This will be a great DVD for all levels.
Next, I have another kettlebell DVD in the works, which will be for advanced trainees that want to take their training to the next level.
Finally, I am putting out a book soon on my life philosophy called “Live Life Aggressively! What self help gurus should be telling you.” It is a hardcore approach on how to take charge of your life and the importance of brutal self inventory in order to evolve and thrive.
Noah Hannibal, AKA Vegan Tank, is one tough Aussie. That’s right, not every dude down-under is clogging up all their plumbing at Outback Steak House, or hunting crocks and kangaroos with boomerangs and giant knives, or any number of other ridiculous stereotypes that most Americans think about Hollywood’s Australia. Competitive powerlifter, hero to animals, photographer, designer, and all-around gentleman, Vegan Tank is a true 21st century man, blazing a trail that redefines masculinity and stands proudly by conscientious machismo. Vegan Tank and I spoke recently, and here is his interview:
The Discerning Brute: When did you start lifting, how serious are you about it, and what are your current stats?
Vegan Tank: I first started lifting around maybe six or so years ago when a bodybuilder I knew was mocking vegans saying we were all weaklings and it was impossible to get strong without meat. The guy was built like a semi truck, juiced up to his eyeballs and had arms like logs. I was outraged by what he was saying and challenged him to an arm wrestle, which was the source of much derision at the time. I was given three months to train and, having thrown myself in at the deep end with concrete blocks chained to my ankles, got straight into some serious arm training.
On the day of the arm wrestle everyone laughed and said I had no hope in hell and my enemies showed up to see me humiliated. To the surprise of everyone, myself included, I slammed his hand to the table and he had to eat his words that vegans can’t be strong.
Since that introduction to strength training I’ve slowly become more and more serious about the iron game, receiving a lot of help along the way from the vegan fitness ( http://www.veganfitness.net) forums where many of the strongest vegans from around the world hang out. For the last two years I’ve been competing as part of Powerlifting Australia (IPF affiliated) and in competition have squatted over 460 pounds, bench pressed over 400 pounds and deadlifted over 500 pounds. This year I was lucky to win gold in the heavyweight division of the Australian National Bench Press Championships.
DB: Tell me about MVS (Melbourne Vegan Strength). Are you one of the founders? How long have you been involved, and do you rule the night?
VT: There is this ridiculous stereotype that vegans are all pale wasting away weaklings. MVS (http://www.veganstrength.org) started as a few guys training in my back yard to show how easy it is for vegans to get monster strong, and to smash those stereotypes. Since we started training about four years ago many of the participants have gained massive amounts of strength and gone on to compete in all sorts of strength competitions, from powerlifting to bodybuilding, strongman and arm wrestling, and done really well in many instances. For example Joel Kirkilis (http://www.treehugger.uproar.org.au/joel-kirkilis/) has recently won some big bodybuilding titles against tough competition.
DB: You and your crew have proven that one can be a successful vegan power-lifter. What is it like to see a skeptic disproved? How do mainstream people react to you and your friends?
VT: The first time I trained at the Powerlifting Club I told the Coach I didn’t eat meat and he told me to get out as I would never make any progress unless I ate animals. I stayed anyway and have had a great time showing that you can make progress as a vegan. We get random drug tests and the first time the testers came in someone said don’t bother ever testing that guy he’s a vegan. Now I get drug tested all the time!
It’s a gym and there are some pretty funny attitudes, one guy thinks I’m a born again Christian because he doesn’t realize there’s a difference between born again Christians and vegans. But on the whole everyone has been fantastic to the point where they now go out of their way to make sure there are vegan options at Club dinners, and I think even the Coach has warmed to me now!
Many people that we meet are surprised because we don’t fit their (incorrect) pre conceived notion of what they think a vegan is. One person flat out refused to believe it and said that we must secretly eat meat. Often people are just curious and have questions such as ‘where do you get your protein?’. The thing is our results directly challenge anyone who thinks that vegans are emaciated weaklings. When people see strong vegans smashing heavy weights it causes them to see veganism in a whole new light. It’s great.
DB: The weightlifting world seems very full of machismo. Meat-eating goes hand-in-hand with manliness in our culture. How do you keep your manhood while bottle-feeding lambs?
VT: It’s funny because I can’t think of anything more cowardly than causing the killing of an innocent animal for some food you don’t need. To me ‘manhood’ is about standing up for what you believe in no matter how inconvenient or unpopular, and I think it takes a lot of guts in our culture for people to say I’m not going to support animal abuse. I also think a lot of good hearted people continue to eat meat, eggs and dairy because their mind somehow blocks out the fact that animals are suffering as a direct result of what they put in their mouth.
All you have to do is look at some of the vegan gorillas out there like wrestler Mountain Mike , strongman Joni Purmonen, arm wrestler Rob Bigwood, the original vegan tower of power Ryan Wilson , or some of the monster vegans in Germany who deadlift cars as they walk down the street, and you’ll quickly disabuse yourself of the notion that there is any connection between meat-eating and macho. It’s true what they say, real men are kind to animals.
DB: What do you eat on a typical day that you are working out? What do you indulge in?
VT: I’m not what you’d call a fussy eater, if it’s vegan and not nailed down I’ll eat it (I’ll probably eat it even if it is nailed down. If the nail is vegan I’ll eat that too). On training days I always try to get big feeds in. Breakfast is a huge bowl of oats with blueberries, sultanas and soya milk. Right after training i have a pea protein shake and about an hour or so later a big protein heavy meal. Throughout the day I’ll eat things like tofu burgers, mock meat curries, tempeh stir fries, satay seitan wraps, and chomp on nuts for snacks. I try to eat as clean as possible but don’t always succeed, I’m a bit of a sucker for vegan heart attack food.
DB: Why do you think so many men think that caring about animals or the environment is for sissies?
VT: Just like some of the worst homophobes are repressed homosexuals, I think maybe a lot of guys who think giving a fuck about animals and the environment is for sissies are really repressed animal loving treehuggers who are too afraid to show their real feelings. Hugs for them from me.
DB: Has anyone around you unexpectedly been influenced by your lifestyle? if so, tell me what happened.
VT: I hope so, I think if you do your best to be a good example of how easy and healthy it is to live as a vegan, and let people come to you with their questions, they will be a lot more receptive. It’s always a great feeling when someone comes up to tell you that you’ve helped them make their decision to go vegan.
DB: What else do you do aside from weightlifting, both professionally and socially?
VT: I’m heavily involved with a new animal rights group www.uproar.org.au – working on factory farm animal rescues and campaigns to promote veganism like Not Your Typical Treehugger (http://treehugger.uproar.org.au/). For a job I 
run a web and print design company with my friend Erik Gorton, we set up www.ethicaldesign.com.au basically as a way to fund our activism and ensure we wouldn’t have to take on any clients that would make us want to shower six times after meeting with them. In the very ancient past I was an aspiring academic philosopher doing post-grad research on the moral status of animals, which is something I may return to at some stage if I ever burn out on activism. I don’t really have much of a life outside of all that but I do love discovering amazing new vegan foods and traveling to the remote reaches of the world, when I can.
DB: What advice do you have for a scrawny dudes to want to get big and strong?
VT: In the words of someone much wiser than me, SFW! The main thing is to cover the basics – train intelligently and consistently, eat properly for your goals, drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. This is an article I’ve written with some information on how to gain mass and strength on a vegan diet: http://www.veganstrength.org/veganstrength.pdf. The veganfitness.net forums are a great resource as well.
DB: What is the next big event your are preparing for?
VT: Training wise my short term goal is to compete and do well in next year’s Australian Powerlifting Championships. Long term I want to nail an 800kg powerlifting total and the really long term goal is to compete in the World Bench Press Championships. Personally I hope to contribute in some small way to making the world a kinder place for all animals.
The raw cashew alchemists behind Dr. Cow have struck again, expanding their selection of delectable, hand-crafted, gastronomic-goodness. Kale and Tomato varieties are now available, and I happily sank my teeth into some of the aged, raw, vegan Kale-Cashew Cheese this morning, brimming with active, healthy pro-biotic cultures. It’s greener, with a sweet herbaceous aftertaste, dark nutty notes and a a tangy-sharp finish. This soft cheese is definitely not for the weak-of-palate! Ten more wheels please…
You are going to love this recipe because it’s so easy, so tasty, and so packed with nutrients that it may become your new breakfast routine. I’ve heard that Aztec warriors and explorers would eat a handful of raw chia seeds and have the endurance to go for days without other food. Wthether or not that is a myth, Chia seeds, AKA Salvia Hispanica, AKA Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pet, is a flowering plant in the sage family that was cultivated by the Aztec. The seeds are very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, dietary fiber, and is a significant source of antioxidants and a variety of amino acids. You can even use Chia, like flax, as an egg-replacer in baked goods!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED (serves 2):
DIRECTIONS:
• Timeless Navy coats get ethical. Dress to oppress (I mean impress…). I love Barney’s exclusive organic cotton twill peacoat, inspired by Fidelity’s classic US Navy coats. Barney’s also offers a handsome Fidelity, organic cotton, toggle front peacoat in khaki. While an ethical military may never exist, the utilitarian clothing designed for it is often flawlessly functional.
• The Dirty Dozen. The Environmental Working Group, a public health nonprofit, put out a list of the fruits and veggies to absolutely avoid unless they’re organic. They analyzed almost 100,000
produce pesticide reports from the USDA and the FDA. The “Dirty Dozen,” which contain 47 to 67 pesticides per serving, are the most dangerous because they have porous or textured skins that suck up more pesticides.
Clean Fifteen. On the other side of this equation is the fruits and veggies that are not terribly hazardous if you get the conventional, non-organic varieties. These had the least detectable residues of pesticides:
• Have a Cow, Man. Do you have some land? Enough for a cow or two to hang out on? Farm Sanctuary needs a few good men to be 
new dads to some recently rescued calves. What’s better than hanging out with a giant puppy? Click HERE to find out how you can become the most ethical cowboy around.
A new UN report clarifies the message that slowing global warming requires a shift towards a plant-based diet for humans. “A global shift towards a vegan diet is vital to save the world from hunger, fuel poverty and the worst impacts of climate change,” explained the UK’s Guardian today, but this will probably, again, fall on deaf (or greedy, stubborn, infantile) ears. Just read the comments! Something tells me we’re doomed; when faced with hard facts people are still willing to sacrifice the planet for their palate.
The recommendation follows advice last year that a vegetarian diet was better for the planet from Lord Nicholas Stern, former adviser to the Labour government on the economics of climate change. Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), has also urged people to observe one meat-free day a week to curb carbon emissions.
Kimchi-Mayo is the official condiment of summer-2010! I am obsessed, and it’s so easy to make. This lunch, which I smothered in vegan kimchi-mayo, is filling, healthy, and gluten-free! I experimented making some bread with red-beans and flax-meal, and it came out light, chewy, and excellent. It’s packed with protein and omega fatty-acids. The type of starch 
contained in beans gives you the satisfaction of eating starch without the heavy carb-load. Served on a bed of purple kale and topped with braised mushrooms, tempeh-bacon, and onion.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED (serves 2):
For the Beanbread:
Kimchi-Mayo:
For the rest:
DIRECTIONS:
Scott Jurek is a vegan, and his diet certainly isn’t slowing him down. He holds the fifth-, sixth- and eighth-fastest times in race history on the 153-mile course between Athens and Sparta. He is tall, strong and shows boundless energy – completing training-weeks of 140 miles or more. “He said he needs 5,000 to 8,000 calories a day, “and I get that all from plant sources. It’s not hard, either. I like to eat, and I don’t have to worry about weight management. All I need is a high-carbohydrate diet with enough protein and fat.”
Read the rest of this inspiring article HERE.
• How I wish Dunkin’ Donuts were totally vegan. Too bad they use rotten eggs. Thank your lucky stars that Danielle Konya of Vegan Treats whisks icing with brass knuckles and turns dust into earth-shatteringly amazing donuts. Now through May 21st, you can vote for the next Vegan Treats donut flavor! Time to make the donuts...
• Tuthilltown Spirits, my favorite distillery, is embarking on a three year program to exit the Grid by converting all its waste byproducts to fuel. They just won awards at American Distillers Institute Annual Conference.
“It’s an exciting time for us. The distillery is really established and our products are well received,” founder Ralph Erenzo said. Economy of scale andrecycling of heat and materials are high on the list of improvements.
Brian Lee, the engineering mind behind Tuthilltown Spirits, estimates the distillery could be independent of outside sources of fuel by making use of the waste stream. “We have unpotable alcohol at high proof that burns clean and hot. Our dry distillery grains, grain stalks and chaff can be burned in a furnace to make steam to fire the stills and cookers.
“The CO2 created in the fermentation process is destined to be pumped into a greenhouse where we will experiment with starch bearing algae that can be fermented and distilled to be used as fuel. And then there’s cellulosic fermentation of stalks, cobs and other grain parts for distillation to ethanol. Don’t get me started.”
Lee is enthusiastic about the prospect of a business without fuel bills. “It’s the way of the future for the agricultural distiller.”
All this has a practical side. Virtual elimination of transportation costs for fuel delivery, thereby lowering carbon emissions. Near elimination of dependency on typical fuel sources. No matter what happens out there in the world, says Erenzo, “We’re still making whiskey.”
• Go to the Veggie Prom!
In this installment of Ethical Exploits, contributor Matt Lara deals with a lot of liquids – from the oceans that float Sea Shepherd to unclogging your drain without dumping deadly chemicals into the water – and from homemade grapefruit juice and ethical bathroom cleaners to soda that funds dog shelters. These every-day tips and tricks are always tested, tried and true by Matt, himself.
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by Matt Lara
He Sells Sea Scarves
I was able to score a sample one of these awesome scarves designed by a friend of mine. They are 
handmade and great for mild spring weather. The skull design may look familiar to you, as it’s the logo for Sea Shepherd. If you haven’t heard of Sea Shepherd yet, they are one of the ballsiest groups out there. With help from such folks like Bob Barker and Ady Gil, they utilize direct-action in helping maintain natural ocean ecosystems. Much of their work was shown on Animal Planet’s Whale Wars. These scarves really do grab attention and provide the perfect opportunity for everyday advocates to spread awareness on such an incredible group. Check out the goods (coming soon!!!) here.
Drain Drama
I had a pesky clog in my bathroom sink, and rather than continue to buy expensive and nasty chemical un-cloggers, I decided to do some research on more natural (and cheaper) ways to put my sink at ease. It turns out you don’t need much more than baking soda, vinegar, and water. And you may just need some good, old’ fashioned elbow grease with a plunger.
I sprinkled about ¼ cup baking soda into the drain, and then poured in 1 cup of vinegar. The two components fizz and help loosen the grime lodged in there. Remember the fizzing action from that volcano you made in the grade school science fair?
The verdict: I had to repeat this process twice. The sink still seemed to be clogged and draining slowly, so I went at it with the plunger. Lots of gunk came out into the sink, so I cleaned that up then repeated the process one last time. My sink drains beautifully now. Apparently, flushing regularly with boiling hot water helps keep clogs clear as well. So, there’s yet another home solution without crazy chemicals, and far less harm done to aquatic ecosystems.
You can check out more detailed instructions here.
Method Acting
O, Method…how do I love thee? Why is that I get a little giddy when a refill for your foamy hand soap comes in a more earth-friendly pouch rather than yet another plastic bottle? I get ever so joyful from using your daily shower spray to help keep the shower from getting mildew—and to help make the big clean-ups far more manageable. And, I was so electrified to hear that your newest line of laundry detergent comes in a super-concentrated formula that pumps straight into the washer. Yes, you pump—as in, no more pouring to some mysterious fill line on a plastic cup. I know you love me too, from your letter to me (your loyal patron) on your website:
“method was founded on the vision that business could be an agent of positive change and a source of solutions to social and environmental problems. The first step of this vision is the responsibility to ensure that our products truly strive for sustainability – from the safety of the materials they are made from, to the ways that they are made and shipped, to the partners we work with in our supply chain.”
From the way I’m acting, you’d think I had just discovered how affordable your products are. Which gives all the more reason to love thee. Let me count the ways…
Fresh and Fruity
Good, healthy whole foods—who says they have to be fancy? Most of the time, the simplest way is the best way. The theory of Occam’s razor should have a supplemental cookbook. Something as easy as a fruit plate is yummy, and provides more than enough vitamins and minerals. In fact, nature designed fruit to be appealing to mammals like us, in hopes we’d carry off the seeds and help spread their genes. Check out these amazing grapefruits from my neighbor’s tree. I was never a grapefruit fan until I juiced these giant beauties and sweetened with a tad of maple syrup. Enjoy reading about the healthy benefits of a simple grapefruit.
This Post is Going to the Dogs…
Hey New Yorkers, love your doggies? Wanna spoil them? Check out Anything Pawsible at the Ninth Avenue Street Fair this weekend. My good friend Vincent Gerrard (a veteran actor/producer) created this portable pet store. They specialize in one-of-a-kind pet items, along with organic treats and eco-friendly toys. Their goal is 100% green.
If you stop by their booth this weekend, any purchase of a toy, shirt, bandana or pet treat helps fund Broadway Barks, the annual pet adoption celeb-event. A few Broadway stars will be manning the Anything Pawsible booth:
And if you’re on the west coast…I stumbled upon this sweet little root beer company called Margo’s Bark. 
It is an all-natural cane sugar soda. I know, again with the carbs Matt, but all those summer barbeques are on the way, and this stuff is great. And what makes it even greater is that 100% of the profits from Margo’s Bark goes to supporting dogs in city shelters. The taste is sweet, happy, and fizzy sans the junk you get in mainstream sodas like phosphoric acid, preservatives, and corn syrup. If you’re going to have that once-in-a-blue-moon soda pop, why not help our furry friends get a forever home? Margo’s Bark is available at these locations.
