booooooooh!!! this is not because she is naked but because these guys are from the consumer lobby! shameful indeed!!!

Posted by: Don Quijote | September 20, 2007 06:07 PM

Are you kidding me? We all know why TEXAS pulled this ad. These disguisting hanchos at the Beef Industry threw a hissy fit when they heard about this ad and tried to find anything they could to get it to not be aired, and it worked, because they are all involved in every part of the government and society, INCLUDING COMCAST.

I can't believe I had to watch Paris Hilton's skanky body roll around half naked eating a cheeseburger yet they won't air Alicia's video....

Posted by: Lisa | September 20, 2007 06:07 PM

I'm at a loss to put a positive spin on this. I applaud Ingrd for her constructive response. But to me, it represents what an uptight, paranoid, cruel society we live in. We are truly hostages to the fast-food, meat and milk industries.

Houstonians unite! Tell Concast to show you some of the beauty in this world!

Posted by: Steve | September 20, 2007 06:20 PM

Alicia truly is gorgeous. Amazing photo of her. Will Comcast be refunding PETA the money since they pulled the ad last minute? Goobers!

Posted by: Michelle | September 20, 2007 06:41 PM

Did Comcast refund you? Who wants to bet their tofu that the meat industry paid them MORE not to show it and use that "naked" excuse?

Posted by: Quwen Quiola Qyiz | September 20, 2007 07:10 PM

I am newly converted to Vegetarianism.
I live in Houston.
I also agree with Comcast's decision to pull the ad.
While I totally agree with getting the word out about the benefits of Vegetarian and Veganism, {not only for your health but also the life and health of factory farm animals}, it CAN be done in a more tasteful manner.
I believe that going for the shock value by having Mrs. Silverstone nude is not the way to get the attention of Houstonians.
In stead of getting mad and upset that your ad was pulled, perhaps your energy would be at better use in finding a different, more people friendly ( more importantly KID friendly ) way.

Miss Janex
Houston Texas
A Christian, Conservative, Eco-Friendly, Vegetarian.

Posted by: Janex | September 20, 2007 09:04 PM

Let's hope this doesn't get banned anywhere else- Go Alicia!! and thanks for all the work you do for animals!!

Because so many of you commenting here obviously care about the plight of animals, I'm sure many of you also care about human rights and I wanted to share some info about tommorrow, September 21st, being a national day to observe a moratorium on the Iraq war. I invite you to please visit the site www.IraqMoratorium.org for more information on what you can individually do to contribute to the movement to end the Iraq War and cease the suffering of so many Iraqis as well as of our soldiers. Bring the troops home! Thank you!!

Posted by: Susan | September 20, 2007 09:10 PM

I guess that the ad is done that way so a lot of people sees it, but personally I think that her beeing nacked has nothing to do with the fact of trying to persue people to be vegetarian.

Posted by: Dilia | September 20, 2007 09:32 PM

I can't believe that was banned! That was very tastefully done!! Kudos to PETA!!

Posted by: Linda | September 20, 2007 10:19 PM

How stupid! Alicia's Ad was very 'cute' & i watched it over 10 times! & even forwarded to my friends! ;-)
Anyway did the Comcast Cable return the money to PETA???

Posted by: Niranjan | September 20, 2007 10:28 PM

I'm nudist, only problem I see with this ad is I can't see enough...

Posted by: Keith | September 20, 2007 11:03 PM

It's an ad that's going the right direction, but why did she have to be naked? Is that the only way you can get someone's attention. We don't really need more nudity on our streets. Sure, she's not showing much, but people are tired of this

Posted by: Jennifer | September 20, 2007 11:48 PM

Thank you Alicia, you are beautiful, as is being a vegetarian, thanks for helping the animals!

Posted by: Cyndi | September 21, 2007 12:55 AM

Janex:

I agree with you. The vegan message can be more KIDS FRIENDLY.

Everyone:

It's nothing offense, I just think about the kids, who need a role model like us.

What would you answer if they ask why Alicia naked for this ad?

I can see the connection between "I would rather be naked than wearing fur" or "I'm too hot for leather", but I can't see any connection betwen naked and vegetarianism.

Bring up a vegetarian message is definitely good, but it can be more kids friendly, as Janex said.

Posted by: Jen | September 21, 2007 01:42 AM

I found nothing distateful. We see a small amount of breast. Then, we see the back of a butt. Nothing more than what was seen with Michael Jackson and then wife Elvis's daughter in their video. I'm from the south and we have a tendency to think everything is inappropriate. This video was inappriate for it's content in regard to the cause. But not because of nudity.

Posted by: Laurette Haynes | September 21, 2007 03:19 AM

Did Comcast Cable refund the money to PeTA?

Posted by: Raven Silverstone | September 21, 2007 07:24 AM

I applaud Comcast. This "tasteless" ad shows too much "meat" for television.

Posted by: Danbo020759 | September 21, 2007 07:37 AM

I can't believe it was pulled, take a look at any music video with rappers in it and all you will see is women practically naked in distasteful bumping and grinding poses and that is just for profit, not cause!! Shame on you Comcast Cable! Alicia looked very elegant I thought, and I would consider myself quite conservative. I am sensing a conspiracy theory....

Posted by: Laura - Jane | September 21, 2007 08:58 AM

Janex

Nothing wrong with the ad and it was tasteful. It was only distasteful to the meat and dairy industries because it promotes vegetarianism. A beautiful, sexy, healthy vegan in a veg ad is perceived as a threat to the these animal-killing industries. Kids play violent games daily and TV shows nudity all of the time.

Where is democracy when these industries possess such power? Shameful!

Posted by: Ana | September 21, 2007 09:12 AM

The ad probably will be banned in any area where there are 1)political conservatives or 2)big honchos in the meat industry.
To me, this is the problem with the nude ads - they won't get SEEN in some of the places where they're most needed.

Posted by: Susannah S | September 21, 2007 09:42 AM

I like the add, but I think PETA needs to be more creatived, maybe they should show each vegetarian celebrity or regular person telling why they became vegetarian or why someone should be a vegetarian...something like that...a black and white add telling people the facts...just and idea..

Posted by: Alexa | September 21, 2007 09:57 AM

Janex- If we lived in a different world I would totally agree with you. However I think that the Marketing genius of this ad is great. I don't think you need to be reminded that "sex sells". This is the first time ever that PETA has utilized this idea that "sex sells" and furthermore- i'm pretty sure that there are suggestive commercials about hair color, leg razors, and any other product you might think of. This ad isn't dirty. I think it's very tasteful. It simply says "I'm a vegetarian and look at how beautiful my body is" I think it's wonderful. If it showed her eating a piece of Tofu and having a fake orgasm (see a certain shampoo commercial) then I might agree with you. DOn't live in the 1800s....it's 2007 you're sure are a Texas sweetheart though ;)

Posted by: Russell | September 21, 2007 10:01 AM

I have no problem with nudity -- I've been to nudist events, but using it in this manner is going for shock value, not beauty or creativity (although Alicia is beautiful). If I understand correctly, Texas is also known to have people living there with strong religious beliefs. Although I don't have these same beliefs, maybe marketing to them in this manner isn't the right idea, maybe you guys need to take a different approach with them, with respect and accordance with their values. Regarding the Holly Hunter bare back shot, I did not see it so I can't comment, but I would assume, being TNT, it was more subdued in its presentation rather then using it to 'shock' or 'tantalize'

Posted by: Stevie | September 21, 2007 10:22 AM

Oh for goodness sakes! They show more nudity on day time soap operas!!!

Posted by: Michele | September 21, 2007 10:59 AM

Dear Miss Janex: Peta has years and years of experience running ads like Ms. Silverstone's. They are able to easily guage the number of website hits that it generates. Media today loves sensationalism and almost everything Peta does actually works effectively!If you remember the story of Hellen Keller and how she went through myriad Special Education teachers and finally found one(Anne Sullivan) who got through to her only after trying different types of teaching techniques. Peta are master educators, they pull on every teaching string available. The sad fact is most people are extremely ignorant(ie: 60 million George Bush voters) and require a wide gamut of educational devices to wake them up!

Posted by: Gerry Ardigliano | September 21, 2007 11:16 AM

I am vegetarian, and I'll be flying to Houston on Sunday, then working in Beaumont all next week. I hope I can find enough to eat.

Anyhow, the ad was nice to look at(As a guy, at least. I'm not sure how a feminist would feel.) but I can see how it was close enough to nudity to give them an excuse to drop it. Too bad

Posted by: martin | September 21, 2007 11:51 AM

I live in Houston and I know that it would get the atttention of my peers.

I think the ad is tasteful, I think the ad is beautiful. The colors of the ad itself grab my attention.

There is crazy stuff on tv. Very sexually in your face explicit stuff. Yet there is a problem with this?

Thanks Alicia! Thanks Peta!

Posted by: Jaclyn | September 21, 2007 12:05 PM

Dude, she's not hurting anybody...what's the problem? The female body has always been seen as beautiful. You couldn't even see her ta-tas! They say everything is big in Texas...maybe this presented a problem to the big booty-ed housewives who are jealous of Alicia's body! If I had her body, I would do the same thing!

Posted by: MeL | September 21, 2007 12:29 PM

Dude, she's not hurting anybody...what's the problem? The female body has always been seen as beautiful. You couldn't even see her ta-tas! They say everything is big in Texas...maybe this presented a problem to the big booty-ed housewives who are jealous of Alicia's body! If I had her body, I would do the same thing!

Posted by: MeL | September 21, 2007 12:29 PM

Janex-

This ad is hardly shocking, unless you think the human body is sinful. Flipping channels last night, I saw some really raunchy, some would say pornographic, T and A on a dance contest show. Totally tasteless. But Alicia's ad is not that - any more than, say, the classic sculptures of Venus or David are porn.

How on earth can an image of Alicia's back harm the kids????

Posted by: Steve | September 21, 2007 12:36 PM

Goddess!!

i guess it was banned because she was fabulously nude for a tasteful reason. it would give people the wrong impression, that inorder to look good they would have to eat well or something!!! too much pressure for the masses!

Posted by: stasya berber | September 21, 2007 12:38 PM

If anyone wants to know who the cattle industry hires to smear humane groups and silence animal activists, here he is

http://www.consumerdeception.com

Center for Consumer Freedom )CCF)

If you see him being quoted, let the media know EXACTLY what he is up to!

Posted by: kelly | September 21, 2007 01:40 PM

Comcast contact info

1500 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102-2148
Phone: 215-665-1700
Fax: 215-981-7790

CEO is Brian L Roberts

Posted by: kelly | September 21, 2007 01:44 PM

I read about the new Alicia Silverstone ad on People.com and thought, What an awesome idea!

Then later, I read a 2nd story with the heading UPDATE: ALICIA SILVERSTONE'S PETA ADS PULLED.

I thought, what a crummy thing for Comcast Cable to do - and I still feel this way. But you know what, there's nothing like a bit of controversy to get folks out there curious enough to look into something they normally wouldn't.

Posted by: Monica Moreno | September 21, 2007 02:06 PM

I will admit that if she has recently become a vegetarian it has improved her figure. I am always disappointed that nudity is censored so much here in the US. If they had run this ad it might have run during an "action" movie that had lots of violence. I would rather my kids see naked people versus people killing other people.

I really enjoy seeing this beautiful young lady in the nude, but as far as carrying any weight as an influential add, I question the motive. I am sure it works (sex,as they say, sells), but how much advice to you want to get from an actor. Many of them haven't even gone to college (Ms. Silverstone, I believe did go to Old Dominion). How about some adds where you have all those medical experts tell about vegetarian diets. The PCRM has no credibility though because they aren't a physician's group (five percent docs), and they are greatly supported by PETA with high ranking PETA executives on their board. I am sure you could find someone unbiased to to endorse your point of view.

Good weekend to all, and don't emancipate your dog, he likes living with you.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | September 21, 2007 02:06 PM

Banned? Ignorant.

That is one of the coolest ads PETA has ever done. Alicia is beautiful, the ad was tasteful...and really brought home the benefits of a healthy vegetarian lifestyle.

Apparently Texas just doesn't want people to see they have choices and don't HAVE to eat meat.

Sad.

Posted by: Christopher H. | September 21, 2007 03:41 PM

I am really sick of people complaining about half a bare butt yet don't seem to have a problem with all the graphic violence on tv and video games, not to mention sexualization and exploitatino of their children by corporations like GAP and McDonalds. Use that self righteousness toward important issues-like teaching your children how over culture's greed for meat is affecting the global environment.

Posted by: sharon | September 21, 2007 03:58 PM

I am really sick of people complaining about half a bare butt yet don't seem to have a problem with all the graphic violence on tv and video games, not to mention sexualization and exploitatino of their children by corporations like GAP and McDonalds. Use that self righteousness toward important issues-like teaching your children how over culture's greed for meat is affecting the global environment.

Posted by: sharon | September 21, 2007 03:58 PM

I am newly converted to Vegetarianism.
I live in Houston.
I also agree with Comcast's decision to pull the ad.
While I totally agree with getting the word out about the benefits of Vegetarian and Veganism, {not only for your health but also the life and health of factory farm animals}, it CAN be done in a more tasteful manner.
I believe that going for the shock value by having Mrs. Silverstone nude is not the way to get the attention of Houstonians.
In stead of getting mad and upset that your ad was pulled, perhaps your energy would be at better use in finding a different, more people friendly ( more importantly KID friendly ) way.
Miss Janex
Houston Texas
A Christian, Conservative, Eco-Friendly, Vegetarian.

Ohhhh Gooodddd !! one of those white trash closed minded people from the Mid West ! By the way,do you like Bush ?? Goooddd
Im glad that i live in Los Angeles !

Posted by: Franco | September 21, 2007 04:22 PM

i dont think it is any worse than many commercials out there, but i dont think it is a good commercial at all.

it has nothing to do with being vegetarian at all. it is a naked wet girl.

honestly, the whole thing is disappointing. i dont think this is going to convince anyone to think about vegetarianism, just about a naked movie actress.

the nudity is completely gratuitous and has nothing to do with vegatarianism at all.

i realize i am repeating myself here, but this is just a really pointless commercial.

Posted by: rachel | September 21, 2007 07:47 PM

I lived in Houston and I like my burgers ( in moderation )! Houston has more restaurants per square mile than any other city in the United States " even New York " . Being the fourth largest city in the U.S. it also has the largest appetite. The only excerise I see some getting is from the car to the order counter. They consider themselves a 21st. century city with a dusty plains cowboy attitude. YeHa !

Posted by: Mark L. Johnson | September 21, 2007 10:45 PM

Franco,
Your comment was bigoted and close minded. If she had been black, which she may very well be, would you have said, "oh man another stupid n*****." Those of us who live in the middle of the country hope beyond hope that you never come to the middle of the country and learn anything. I am very glad you live in Los Angeles as well.

Have a good weekend Franco the bigot.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | September 21, 2007 11:11 PM

First things first: Alicia has just proved to all of us that she is beautiful outside just as she is inside.
Second of all: We have seen many worst things be aired on TV, at least Alicia's commercial is sending out a good message.
Third of all: I think that the meat industry supports Comcast plenty and Comcast cannot afford to lose their sponsors or whatever.

Posted by: alisa | September 22, 2007 01:44 AM

You Americans, you will bring democracy to the world? I really hope you are not also bringing pseudo puritanism to it.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this ad!!

Posted by: steh-fan | September 22, 2007 02:26 AM

alicia is soooo hot!! what is the difference between her and the bikini models she is covering her parts!! there is much worse things shown on cbs, abc or nbc!!! she loves her cause TRULY!! love ya gorgeous!!

Posted by: kris shulfer | September 22, 2007 03:20 PM

Christopher Cochran, MD

It is true that much of PETA's marketing efforts are directed toward younger audiences, and very successfully so. PETA is far and away the top choice of charities among 13-24 year olds, so there is hope for the upcoming generation. But we also deliver our message in such places as the AARP national convention.

We would love to have you speak out on the health benefits of a vegan diet. Go for it! Join us in this battle of ideas and lifestyles! Help us reach the mature and educated!

Posted by: Steve | September 22, 2007 04:35 PM

There is no way Christopher Cochran is a medical doctor. Saying PCRM has no credibility is like saying Ralph Nader has none!! PCRM's science is irrefutable. Saying 5% of their members are physicians tells us nothing. It is WHAT these 5% are doing is what matters. Their advisory board is filled with many respectable authoritative researchers and experts in their field. By the way 5% represents 6000 physicians and scientists; hardly a small number.

Posted by: Gerry Ardigliano | September 22, 2007 04:54 PM

She is gorgeous and absolutly shows the physical potentials of adopting a healthy diet. However I think the important thing to remember is that the meateaters who are watching this video in a loop are doing it for sex appeal and have a slim chance of chosing vegetarianism as a result (Seriously how many times have you gone to a veg potluck and had someone tell you they went veg because of a hot naked girl from PeTA?) I agree with Alexa who posted earlier saying that these PSAs would have more impact if they had something to do with veganism show her cooking a fabulous meal and even throw in a shot of her climbing out of the pool or show her in the ocean surfing or another physical activity or have celebrities describe the stories of how they became vegetarian. I think the thing to remember is that we are trying to show people the atrocities they are comitting and if they have an excuse not to listen (i.e. irrelevant partial nudity) they won't listen. Next time try to relate the imagery to things that will encorage people to have one veg meal a day.

Posted by: Carley | September 22, 2007 06:29 PM

Christopher,

If you don't feel PCRM's position on vegetariansim is scientific enough for you, try the one below on for size:

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases....Well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life-cycle including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
(As published in PubMed)

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | September 22, 2007 07:42 PM

Mike,

You should know by now that I do not disparage a vegetarian diet when comparing it to the average American diet. I do not, however, wish to be represented by a physician's group that has only five percent of its members as physicians. I also can not endorse the PCRM as unbiased when they are infiltrated with
numerous high ranking peta members. When they say anything about vegan diets, they are immediately discredited by most reputable medical groups. Even if what they say IS right, they are not credible because their dietary advice is always swayed by emotional issues such as how cute and fuzzy cows are. Besides, they ignore the dietary pitfalls of a vegan diet. I can name a number of physicians and scientists that contend that a strictly vegan diet is not the healthiest diet. I tend to agree with them. Cross sectional studies are not always good ways of providing scientific data. Double blind controlled studies are difficult to do in dietary studies. However, if you focus on a specific nutrient, such as fish oil (omega-3's). You can blind those studies. All of those studies on fish oil. Blind or cross sectional show favorable results. This is another nutrient vegans are deplete in. Compare flax oil to fish oil. You need to take a boat load of flax oil to equal one fish oil tab. Why get it in a tab anyway? Well flax tastes like yuk. Hey, why not eat FISH!! People who eat fish are 20% less likely to have a stroke in their lifetime. There is my cross sectional quotation.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | September 23, 2007 10:44 AM

not all Texas is crazy! I'm a vegetarian in Texas.. And I know lots of vegetarians. Houston is just dumb.. Austin is much better... There is a ton of vegetarians here.. Dont stereotype..

Posted by: E | September 23, 2007 10:58 AM

Christopher:

To clear up one point: people who eat fish are 20% less likely to have a stroke compared to whom? NOT compared to vegans. That comparison is against meat eaters who don't eat fish. "Dietary sources of alpha-linolenic acid include flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans and some dark green leafy vegetables. Linoleic acid is found in high concentrations in corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil. The body converts alpha-linolenic acid into two important omega 3 fats, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). No need for fish, man.

Carley:

Nicely said, thank you. Part of the issue here is demographics. Alicia's ad may not convice a 45 year old potbellied couch potato, but it gets through to younger people. And would that meat eater respond better to "Marth Stewart Cooks a Vegan Meal?". Not likely. Also, I find that PETA TV has many celebrity endorsements of the kind you are suggesting. They are not copyrighted, and can by shown by any tv station you can get to donate a few minutes of air time.

This ad has clearly already made its mark: witness the lively discussion it has generated here. And It got picked up by CNN online's homepage, for example, which a less controversial approach would not. This is what it takes to break through the noise and clutter generated by the monstrous advertising budgets of the food industries. This type of campaign is also why PETA has the highest name recognition of any AR or AW group. Nobody knows what HSUS stands for, but they all know PETA. Most recently, PETA is fresh in people's minds from the Michael Vick case. This ad shows them a different view. And maybe it won't make all those meat eaters out there switch to soy milk and Boca burgers, but it can bring a lot of people to find out more about what we stand for. If they click on peta.org or goveg.com, then the websites sell our message, with an assist from the ad.

Posted by: Steve | September 23, 2007 02:20 PM

Christopher,

My intent on publishing the quote (Sept 22 7:42 above) from PubMed by the American Dietetic Association and the Dietitians of Canada was that if, for some reason, you have a problem with PCRM, here is a scientific appraisal of vegetarian diets from scientific associations completely disassociated of PCRM.

You stated, "You need to take a boat load of flax oil to equal one fish oil tab." How big a boat are we talking about here?

Vegans would be well-advised to take a microalgae DHA supplement. Microalgae is where fish obtain the long-chain n3's in the first place. Vegans can also focus more on omega-3-rich foods, and less on foods heavy in Omega-6, to get a more optimum n6-n3 ratio.

I'll be curious to see your response regarding my post (in the PETA UK: At It Again thread) referencing vegan athletes Dr. Ruth Heidrich and Scott Jurek. These are people who have not only thrived on a vegan diet, but excelled.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | September 23, 2007 03:32 PM

Stevie

You said Texans have strong religous beliefs, maybe so, I'll take your word for it. I lived there for a short while and didn't particularly notice that. But Texas has the death penalty and the state uses it greatly. HHMMMM, so what kind of religous beliefs do Texans have?? Nice website.

I eat avocados and also flaxseed, I am getting both of my omegas well and I am VERY HEALTHY.

TO MY FELLOW ANIMAL ADVOCATES:
Cochran, who has a lot of time, makes comments to get you going. He is not here to be educated but to ridicule and dispute any tangible evidence presented to him. Please conserve your energies and intelligence to help animals. His sardonic comment about spearing fish is done with the intention of trying to annoy and ridicule our sensibilities. Very juvenile behavior. I do not believe he is a DR but a lonely buffoon with too much time on his hands. Keep fighting the good fight.

Posted by: Ana | September 23, 2007 03:51 PM

maybe you can get the naked man that was going to UC Berkeley. he seemed to be able to skirt the law. however, a nude is a nude, indecent exposure, and shouldn't be on view where children and others that would be offended by it would see it.

Posted by: Jake B | September 23, 2007 04:29 PM

I didn't find this video particularly racy. As another quoted, it could be the beef industry in Texas that stopped the ad.

Posted by: Anne Griffin | September 23, 2007 04:39 PM

Steve,

Of course cross sectional studies are flawed. I have pointed that out previously. I like to point that out because they are the only data that srict vegans can quote. You can't compare fish eaters to vegans because they are such a miniscule part of the population. Most of the studies with fish oil were done with placebo. The placebo was typically corn oil. I know this because I have participated in these studies...How many studies have you been a researcher in? I completely advocate all of the dietary sources of omega three fatty acids you cited except flax because it tastes awful. I eat all of them (except flax) regularly with my responsible healthy omnivorous diet, but to achieve nutrtional nirvana (a bit of an ironic term, I realize) I eat yummy fish, crabs, lobster, and crawdads.

Mike,

The ratio of omega 3:6 in wild salmon in 10:1. In sardines it's 15:1. In pure flax seed oil it's 4:1. How does microalgae taste?? Apparently herring like it. (That's what the salmon eat) What's the ratio?
What's the focus?
Hey, man I know you can go to your local health food store and find what you need to supplement your diet for survival, but why do that????
Why not eat a complete diet?

All the best, don't work to hard. Moderate alchohol is good for you too so enjoy.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | September 23, 2007 09:58 PM

Ana is absolutely right. I don't think many of us have believed Cochran was a doctor from the beginning (what doctor can blog 24/7 and doesn't know how to spell?). I think Cochran is a relatively intelligent person who is subconsciously struggling over his latent guilt at abusing animals. Mr. Cochran: Stick with us--we'll show you how to begin living a compassionate life.

Posted by: Doug | September 24, 2007 12:43 AM

I think the ad is beautiful, shes a beautiful woman, we see naked woman all the time, its outragous to pull a ad just because of a naked body. The ad makes its point definally. What happened to freedom of speech??

Posted by: belinda | September 24, 2007 09:49 AM

There is absolutely NOTHING distasteful about this video. There was no logical reason to condemn it, other than payoff from the meat industry and the cowardly politicians who are in their pocket.

Posted by: Fred | September 24, 2007 02:54 PM

Hate to break it to you, Cochran IS an MD, a simple Google search is all it took to confirm.

I wonder how his practice is doing, however, considering how much time he spends commenting on this blog.

Posted by: BullyDawg | September 24, 2007 04:18 PM

Does anyone else see the irony in complaining about how much time the doctor spends posting? Or his spelling for that matter.

Posted by: rojo | September 24, 2007 06:41 PM

mike, unfortunately responses don't seem to go up now re:petauk.
How do you know that Heinrich and Jurek's success didn't stem from the majority of their lives spent as non-vegan? Perhaps they were "built" properly in the first place.

Posted by: rojo | September 24, 2007 07:07 PM

You guys are truly some caring folks. Not only do you care about animals, you care about my family and my welfare. Rest assured, my practice is very successful, so much in fact that I have plenty of time to spend on this blog. Besides, since I live in a third world part of the United States I don't have to waste money on things like indoor plumbing and vegetarian sushi. Anyway, thanks for all the love. You guys are starting to grow on me.

Lotsa Love.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | September 24, 2007 10:14 PM

Touche, rojo, touche. (Dang it, you just HAD to go and make me agree with you on SOMETHING. Shoot.)

Posted by: BullyDawg | September 24, 2007 10:59 PM

Rojo,

In general I am a much better speller than the average poster here, but Michelle's name I misspell on purpose because it seems to bother her. I know that seems immature, but everyone here keeps calling me Dr.(?). or Mr. Cochran so I just thought that screwing up someones name was a side effect of inadequate nutrition. Thanks for your concern.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | September 25, 2007 09:43 AM

Rojo,

They are obviously natural athletes, but the point is being vegan (Heidrich for 24 years, Jurek since 1999) has not slowed them down in the least. They are thriving, repairing and maintaining on a vegan diet. The Badwater is an extremely grueling ultramarathon. As any weightlifter will tell you, you have to tear and repair, and they seem to be having no problem with the repairing aspect.

Also, Monica Scholz, a vegan from Hamilton, Ontario captured the fastest women's time in the 2004 and 2006 217K Badwater Ultramarathon. This is the event Scott Jurek has won two years in a row.

Christopher,

The microalgae is about 3:1, and is longchain DHA. Your figures on flax seed oil put it right in the pocket also.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | September 25, 2007 12:06 PM

So,
The algae has a worse ratio than pure flax seed oil and all the animal sources I sited. 15:1 means for every fifteen mg of omega 3, sardines contain one mg of omega 6. 3:1 means that this algae has a only 3mg of omega 3's for every 1mg of omega 6.
Am I missing something? Marine animal forms are too my knowledge the most concentrated sources of omega
3 FA's. The herring eat the algae concentrating the FA's then the salmon eat the herring concentrating some more. This is over simplifying, though. I agree that your diet is very healthy. I contend that the diet I propose is healthier.

Maybe you could help me out with this one.
Ms. Newkirk seems to espouse that she wishes all animals to
one day be completely liberated of any human containment or servitude. If this is so, (I do not pretend to know the mind of PETA's leader), why does PETA still have so many pro-pet articles on their web site? This seems contradictory. What I read about her seems very anti-pet ownership.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | September 25, 2007 01:22 PM

Christopher,

Generally the ratio is written with omega-6 first (omega-6: omega-3).
A healthy ratio is considered to be from 2:1 to 4:1, n-6 to n-3. So microalgae is 3:1 and in the healthy range. According to the Club Des Millionaires Sardines website, 100g of sardines (in water) contains 0.5g (omega-6) and 2g (omega-3). That means 4g of omega-3 to every 1 gram of omega-6 (certainly not the 15g to 1g you stated).

If you're asking my opinion, I really haven't given much thought about the Ingrid/pet issue. But, as always, I think it's a matter of always choosing the path of less harm---not always the ideal path, but the most humane one at that particular point in time.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | September 25, 2007 05:53 PM

On the nude issue: It's unfortunate that Houstonians, and anyone else, have reacted this way to an ad featuring a beautiful semi-nude celebrity promoting something pure and beneficial. Especially while Hilton and Spears' crotches are blasted all over the airwaves. I say bring on the controversy! Nothing spells exposure and ratings like controversy. And the uptight puritanical sect of our society is the root cause. It's funny how violence spurs such a small reaction compared to something like this. And for those of you questioning the use of nudity, it's time to wake up and get over your over-sexed selves. Alicia Silverstone doesn't want to have sex with you!! She does however want you to look, because for some reason it takes this level of "exposure" to grab the publics attention regarding the vegetarian issue. She's not promoting the the topless bar down the street, people! She's promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle. Don't you want to look like her (ladies)? You're lying if you say you don't. And maybe, parents, if you're oh so shocked and appalled at the slim chance your kids will see this, then maybe when/if they do, it'll be a good chance to explain to them what its about and that there are other choices besides McDonalds. And then you can show them a picture of Michael Moore. Sorry, Mike, I love your films, but you need to lighten up on the anti-PETA stuff. We share this planet with other earthlings my friend, and they don't ask for much in return.

Posted by: Doug | September 27, 2007 10:16 AM

Chris in other countries you wouldn't have MD after your name, but would be Dr. Chris Cochran. Here Doctor fully replaces Mister and becomes Dr. when addressed.
In regard to spelling it was more along the lines of "people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones".

Posted by: rojo | September 27, 2007 10:33 AM

mike, I agree they perform very well but how do we know they wouldn't be even stronger, quicker, and faster repairing being non-vegan?

Posted by: rojo | September 27, 2007 10:48 AM

Rojo,

We don't, but since they are already beating all the omnivores, it's a moot point. As athletes, they are obviously well satisfied with their vegan diets.

How do we know that the omnivores might not perform better by switching to a vegan diet?

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | September 27, 2007 01:01 PM

Carl Lewis has said that he had his best year of performance when he switched to a vegan diet.

Posted by: Michele | September 27, 2007 02:43 PM

I think that it is horrendous that COMCAST pulled the ad right before it aired. There was a mention earlier about having an ad being more KID friendly, yet there is more nudity on basic television than there was in the ad. I have lost 30 pounds in 6 months when I stopped eating beef only. I hope to continue the weight loss and lead a healthier lifestyle. I have started to cut further and further back on the amount of "meats" I eat. I had tried it cold turkey but it did not work. I have my mother on the diet too and her diabetes is coming under control.

Posted by: Krysta | September 28, 2007 01:46 PM

Mike, you already attested to their natural abilities. With their bodies reaching maturity before veganism, my question is how do we know which aspect is more important. The building or the maintainence.

Posted by: rojo | September 29, 2007 09:54 AM

I live in Texas, too, but the Austin area. Lots of veggie types here.

I thought the ad was nice. Ms. Silverstone looks healthy and curvy, not starved and scrawny. She emphasizes the health benefits and how much better she feels about herself. That's not a bad role model in my book.

I would rather my child see a healthy, beautiful body than people killing each other, too.

Posted by: Karen | September 30, 2007 05:38 AM

Rojo,

The human body is in a constant state of breakdown and repair. All cells (not sure about brain cells) are constantly being replaced. You could have the perfect body at 20 years, become stranded on a desert island without food, and become emaciated (there goes your perfect body). The body is in continual flux. These athletes are getting both their energy and their restorative needs completely satisfied by a vegan diet.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | October 1, 2007 02:52 PM

As a long time fan of Alicia's, and new peta member from Texas this sickens me that they pulled an add that needs to be out there because of the rights of annimals.I think she did a tasteful and right on add and I support it all the way.

Posted by: Cedrick McElroy | December 29, 2007 03:12 AM