The number with the worst rap may be 666, but 555 turned out to be the real "Number of the Beast" for one mother who was arrested last week on charges of neglect when authorities found out that 555 pounds was how much her obese 14-year-old son weighed.

Jerri Gray of Travelers Rest, South Carolina (near Greenville), says that juggling jobs meant she often relied on fast food to feed her tubby teen. She learned the hard way that a diet of bacon cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets is a recipe for a health disaster—one that has put her son's health in serious danger.

To ensure that Greenville residents get that message loud and clear, we plan to erect our billboard reading, "Feeding Kids Meat Is Child Abuse." Also, Ms. Gray will be receiving a copy of Meatless Meals for Working People, a cookbook of quick and simple vegan fare, courtesy of PETA.

Posted by Karin Bennett

moonbattery / CC

To paraphrase Adam Ant, he don't drink, don't smoke, what does he do? He eats a vegetarian diet too! Of course, I'm talking about Newark, New Jersey's teetotaling, carrot-crunching mayor, Cory Booker. So, if any mayor would be likely to take us up on our suggestion to ban fast-food restaurants, it would have to be Mayor Booker, right?

Well, that's what we think, which is why we've asked the mayor to ban the construction of new fast-food restaurants in Newark. Our reasoning goes like this: Studies show that people who live near fast-food restaurants have higher rates of strokes and obesity, and Newark residents have more than their fair share of both. Why not tackle both of those health issues—and beautify Newark at the same time—by banning golden arches and giant red-and-white striped buckets?

We think there's a chance that the mayor will go along with us on this one. Who knows—maybe Newark could become the next Akron, Ohio.

Posted by Alisa Mullins

People of all different backgrounds, ethnicities, races, and religions have discovered that vegetarian food tastes delicious and is good for our bodies, the environment, animals, and … yes, our souls!

Take South Los Angeles, for instance—not exactly the veggie mecca of the world. But this inner-city community heavily populated by African-Americans has seen a rise in the number of black-owned and -operated vegetarian restaurants. Owners say that the threat of obesity and other diet-linked health ailments is motivating local black residents to search for healthy options and alternatives to animal products. Restaurants like Vegan Village Café, Stuff I Eat, and Rahel's are catering to the growing interest in plant-based food.

It still might be a while before vegetarianism takes over the world, but the addition of so many new vegetarian restaurants is definitely helping! And stars like Russell Simmons, Erykah Badu, and PETA's "Sexiest Vegetarian" winner Kevin Eubanks are urging African-Americans and everyone else to choose a cruelty-free, healthy meal that won't harm the body or any other living creature.

In fact, many African-American celebrities have recently teamed up with PETA to combat the fast-food industry's attack on African-Americans. Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker, basketball legend John Salley, civil rights leader The Rev. Al Sharpton, and many more are part of this important movement. Check it out here, and watch John Salley's vegetarian testimonial below:

Posted by Jennifer Cierlitsky