The dogs picked up "kennel cough" while staying at a different kennel over last weekend since the inn, at which they normally stay, was full, which hasn't gotten a whole lot better; so, I went up to the vet to get the medication.
There was a silver Saab with the "Indiana Basketball" license plate frame next to which I parked the white VW Beetle with the black "The Who" sticker on the rear bumper. After getting the cache of drugs, I was hopping into the Beetle when I noticed that in the back seat of the Saab was a three-, maybe four-year-old boy sitting next to two infants strapped in car seats.
At, least, the two infants were in car seats. And at least, the windows were open. And at least, it was only 82 degrees and sunny. And at least I wasn't some crazy fucker (although there is some debate going on about that), who was looking for small children suitable to snatch and sell on the black market.
What possessed someone to do this?
I was actually on my way to the grocery store when I took this excursion to the vet. I picked up some grapes and was in the "health food" aisle. What? Why? Don't ask. I saw some very strange things, though.
Here are some of the things I saw, which I will name by the names I saw on the packges: (1) Veggie Beef & Rice; (2) Veggie Meatballs; (3) Ground Round; (4) Veggie Bologna Slices; (5) Veggie Ham Deli Slices; (6) Canadian Veggie Bacon; (7) Veggie Chick'N & Rice; (8) Veggie Turkey Deli Slices; (9) Veggie Pepperoni; and (10) Veg Chick'n Nuggets.
I have researched this matter. Bologna is defined as "a seasoned smoked sausage made of mixed meats, such as beef, pork, and veal." Pepperoni is defined as "a highly spiced pork and beef sausage." Canadian bacon is "cured rolled bacon from the loin of a pig." Bacon is "the salted and smoked meat from the back and sides of a pig."
I think those definitions are pretty clear. I do not see one vegetable or vegetable filler in any of those definitions, which would allow a food maker to describe its vegetable matter as meat.
That does not strike to the heart of my complaint. If you are a vegetarian (Veggiemama -- You seem to have it all together. Explain this so that I understand. Am I missing something? Oh, I know I invited some comment there.), isn't there something anathema to your food-eating philosophy to make believe you are eating a ham sandwich or succulent chicken nuggets or a pepperoni pizza or a fried bologna and cheese on white bread sandwich?
I'm inclined to come down on the affirmative side of that question.
Posted by Bill at August 18, 2003 01:47 PMI saw a veggie pepperoni stick at the natural foods store the other day. You know, the ones you buy for 50 cents at the 7-11 register that contains "beef hearts" and is filled with grease? Why would you take a questionable food product and make a vegetarian version of it? Do vegetarians miss crappy food that badly? I recommend eating real meat -- it's better for you than fake pepperoni sticks.
Actually, I recommend Morningstar sausage patties. Yum! (And I'm a meat-eater.)
Posted by: pink lotus at August 18, 2003 06:50 PMAs an exvegetarian I must admit it seemed strange to have meat sustitutes all the time. When I had the urge for a "meaty taste I went back to eating meat.
A three year old in France died last week from the heat when she decided to play in her parents car and couldn't get out.
Posted by: Anji at August 19, 2003 04:17 AM