Use this letter: Boycott Idaho due to Ag Gag law

Updated: Good news!   A court has since found this law unconstitutional. 

With the many world events of the last few days, one important event that has been given little attention is the case that went to a Federal Court today involving Idaho's Ag-Gag law.  This law went into effect after whistle blowers released footage of cows being beaten.  As of now Idaho still has an Ag-Gag law pending the outcome of this case.

We need to boycott Idaho to teach Idaho, along with other states considering Ag-Gag a lesson.  Below is a letter.  Please send it to as many grocery stores as possible.  Please personalize the letter as you see fit, add the name of the store you are sending it to under greeting and sign your name.

Subject: Concerns about Products from Idaho

Body : Dear (Fill in name of store)

I would like to inform you about my concerns about products from Idaho due to Idaho imposing Ag Gag laws.  I have concerns both about the welfare of animals in Idaho and the safety of the food coming from Idaho, due to Idaho passing a law making it difficult to find out what really goes on.

I'm requesting that your store stop carrying items from Idaho or made with products from Idaho.  If you store stopped carrying items from Idaho, I would give your store preferential treatment when making my choice about where to shop.

Thank you for your time in listening to my concerns.




                                       

Why everyone should be concerned about AG GAG laws!

A number of states are trying to pass agricultural gag laws.  These laws try to limit people from watching out for the conditions of the farms and of the animals.  Not only are these laws a violation of the first amendment, they are dangerous to all kinds of animals, including humans.

Think about it.  If farmers were treating animals well why would they care if people took pictures or wanted to know what was going on?  If farmers were putting food safety first what would they have to hide?  

The answer is there is much to hide.  As people have seen pictures of the squalid conditions so many animals live in and the horror they face as they die, many people have not only stopped eating meat, poultry and fish, but also stopped consuming eggs and dairy.  Money hungry farmers who only care about money don't want people to see how they murder baby chickens and cows just simply for the crime of being born male.

These laws already exist in Idaho.  They are also a reason you should avoid eating food from Idaho.  In fact, given Idaho passed these laws they are a reason to boycott Idaho.  We should also boycott any other states that pass agricultural gag laws.  Perhaps we should even consider boycotting states with legislation pending.  

But most importantly of all go vegan.  Or at least try to eat vegan more often.  

                                    

Why blaming environmentalists for trashing the National Mall during the Earth Day Concert is beyond stupid.

I've seen a number of articles saying environmentalists trashed the National Mall during the Earth Day concert.  Sure the National Mall was trashed.  But in their quest to discredit environmentalists they missed one big point: The Earth Day Concert on the National Mall was a fake Earth Day event that no true environmentalist would ever attend or support.

The reality is the Earth Day Concert attendees were almost exclusively people who just wanted to see a bunch of big stars for free.  These people didn't care that the concert was a false front that was being sponsored by some of the worst environmental offenders on the planet including Citigroup/Citibank, Toyota, and Caterpillar.

What did the concert have to do with Environmentalism?  Absolutely nothing.  It requires you do absolutely nothing useful for the environment.  In fact, the site even had a link encouraging people to reserve parking spaces in advance in this extremely public transit accessible area.  

  The concert was essentially a brainwashing effort in getting people to believe in a version of environmentalism that is so diluted its worthless.  Which is exactly where companies such as Citibank need to get you, to help fund their environmentally destructive projects and that Toyota needs to get you buy one of their stupid useless SUVs they sell to brain dead soccer moms and overcompensating men.  

So is it then surprising that the people who attended the concert ended up trashing the National Mall?  No, not really.  Obviously, its shameful, but it was a concert funded by selfish corporations attended by selfish people.  Selfish people who couldn't actually be bothered to actually do anything useful for the environment during the weekend prior to Earth Day.  

                                

Do people like Kristen Lindsey matter?

I find it horrifically awful what Kristen Lindsey did.  For those of you who don't know what she did, she is a veterinarian who murdered a cat with a bow and arrow.  From what I have seen, it seems like almost anybody who sees her smiling while showing of the cat (named Tiger by the way) whom she murdered finds her sickening.

People want to see her brought to as much justice as possible.  Hundreds of cat lovers called the Washington Vet Clinic in Texas where she worked in order to get her fired (which they succeeded in doing).  I would like to see her prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.

But I don't just want to see her prosecuted for the reason of the horrific act she committed.  I want to see her prosecuted to set a legal precedent for the numerous other animal murders in the world.

The reality is innocent helpless animals are murdered everyday.  Male baby chickens are rounded up by the dozens and dropped in devices that grind them up while they are still alive.  Cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and fish are all murdered simply for being the wrong species.  These animals feel no less pain or suffering than a cat or a dog would.  Speaking of which in China the mass murders of dogs is and does occur.  The mass murders of Seals is occurring in Canada.  And the mass murder of dolphins is occurring in Japan.

Many of the murders who call themselves anything from farmers to even sickly conservationists have killed enough animals that they should be sitting in jail for life.  It is time to wake society up to this fact.

But even waking up people to the horrors of murdering a cat or seals is a stepping stone for change.  Hopefully, these people will soon make up to the horrors of murdering all animals.

In the meanwhile, if you haven't already become a vegan; even if you aren't going to become a vegan eat vegan more often.  While no country on this planet has great animal protection laws, boycott those with the worst animal protection laws, and buycott those that offer better laws.  Post pictures on social media showing the realities of what these killers are doing.  And never stop fighting for the animals.

                                 

Music Museum Budapest

One of my favorite museums we went to in Budapest was the Music Museum.  It is also a great value only costing the equivalent of a few euros/dollars/pounds to self tour it.  

To me the museum was just as much about art, as it was about music.  Many of the instruments were just so well crafted and had such beautiful decorations.  I was particularly font of the violins in the collection.  There were also numerous works of art within the museum.

While we were at the museum there was a tour going on, but the museum wasn't crowded.  Unfortunately, I think many tourists either miss or skip the Music Museum because it isn't located in the central Buda Castle area of Castle Hill.  In fact, we only went by the museum because we were headed to the vegan Edeni Vegan Restaurant.  On our way back from our yummy lunch we decided to stop by and visit the museum.

For information on more attractions in Budapest or more detailed information on the Music Museum please see the Kaufman Green Guide Budapest.

                                                 

Want some free Ireland info?

The first chapter of my Kaufman Green Guide Dublin can be seen for free on Amazon.  While later chapters provide much more detailed information, the first chapter serves as an introduction and answers some basic questions.  These basic questions are perfect for the person who is trying to decide between multiple vacation spots.  The first chapter includes a sample itinerary and answers other burning questions you may have.

Anyone with a computer (or many other devices) can view the first chapter and can also download the book for sale; you don't need a Kindle.  To view the first chapter, first click the through on the book image below to get to the book on amazon:

                                                                          

Secondly, when you are at the amazon page, click on the cover image and a screen with the sample of the book should pop up.  And that's it! Happy Reading!

This is also available for my other books too.  I'll include links below for those:

Book Review: Top Ten Sights: Dublin

 I've decided to put to use my love of reading by reviewing the books I read (for better or for worse).

Today I review: Top Ten Sights: Dublin.  Edited by Mark Jones (no authors listed)

                                                                 
Rating: 4 out of 10

Pros: Has some good factual information.  Inexpensive.  Well edited.  Won't take you long to read.  Oh, and I'm not sure how long the promotion will last, but it is currently on a free promotion.

Cons: Definitely, not up to par with the description which calls it "ultimate" and "the only guide book you need".  Provides very minimal practical information.  Only information is on history and attractions.  Very short.  Doesn't even mention anything about restaurants, bar or night clubs which are mentioned in the description.  Mostly dry and boring descriptions of fact after fact.

Top Ten Sight delivers factual (but no much practical) information about 10 different sites in Dublin (well really nine because random statues aren't a site in my opinion).  It won't tell you addresses, how to get there, or any other practical information except occasionally a tip or two.  You will have to do all the research on that yourself.  It mentions nothing else about Dublin other than history-thus the description on the amazon page calling it ultimate and the only book you need is way off.  Anyway I don't believe in the only book one needs theory.  In fact, even famous travel author Rick Steves in his European Travel Skills show advocates for guide books and buying a variety of well written guide books.

What do I think of the sites picked for the book as someone who has traveled in and written a guide book on Dublin myself?  Many belong on the list, but some in my opinion don't (zoo, random statues) and some other better and more popular sites are left out (Christ Church Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublinia).

If you are curious what the ten sights are they are as follows:

1. Trinity College (and Book of Kells)
2. Dublin Castle (and Chester Beatty Library)
3. National Museums of Ireland
4. National Gallery of Ireland
5. Kilmainham 
6. Guinness Storehouse
7. Dublin Zoo
8. Farmleigh House 
9. Statues Around Dublin
10. Old Jameson Distillery  

Is this book worth it at the 2.99 US list price (when it isn't on a free promotion)?  If you are the type of person who likes to learn detailed factual information about a place before going to that place at the inexpensive price it may be worth it.  But don't expect much more than that from Top Ten Sights: Dublin.

                                         

Book Review: Corporate Predators

 I've decided to put to use my love of reading by reviewing the books I read (for better or for worse).

Today I review: Corporate Predators by Russell Mokhiber and Robert Weissman (with an intro by Ralph Nader).  Subtitled: The Hunt for Mega-Profits and the Attack on Democracy                                              

                                                                  
Rating: 10 out of 10!

Pros: Although written in 1999 still feels quite relevant.  Actually correctly predicts many things that did happen (for example, the banks successfully making bogus claims that they are too large to fail).  Lots of interesting information and facts.  You will save money after reading this book, because there will be so many things you won't want to buy!

Cons: I let it sit on my bookshelf collecting dust for 10 years.  That and I don't think you can get it in ebook format.

Corporate Predators features numerous short articles about all sorts of corporate corruption.  In level and quality of information the book is excellent.  It answer many questions about things I had concerns about and had never heard a peep about.  For example, some of the articles talked about shocking corporate corruption at the Smithsonian.

I also found it extremely interesting that many of things the book predicted would happen have happened.  The authors criticize the merger of the banks and insurance companies, something which is illegal, but that was simply ignored.  The book talked about how companies would then claim they were too big to fail.  Which is exactly what the companies did, harming us ordinary citizens in the process.

While written in 1999, the book even feels quite timely today.  The book talks about Hillary Clinton and her role with corporations.  But it isn't just about Hillary Clinton it is a concerning look at the roles of politicians and corporations in general in both the Democratic and Republic parties.

I've only really scratched the surface of the numerous interesting and important articles in this book.

                                             

My take on Price of Travels Dublin Ranking

Price of Travel is a site that runs indexes which rank cities in various parts of the world from least to most expensive.   Today we will cover there price ranking for Dublin.

First off let me say I don't envy the job of those at Price of Travel.  When you are talking about dealing with 56 different cities that is no easy task.  Honestly, I don't currently have enough expertise to even comment on probably at least 50 of these cities, but I am going to comment on a few that are my areas of expertise.  Price of Travel offers different indexes and we will look at the 3-star hotel index.

Dublin is ranked as the 34th least expensive out of 56 cities.

Let's start with the description: I give the description a 4 out of 10.  Firstly, because it underestimates what a great city Dublin is.  Secondly, the Dublin Pass won't likely save you money and if you bought a Dublin Pass you would greatly exceed the budget given for attractions, etc For more details see "Why you might want to pass on the Dublin Pass".  Other than that the review is okay.

Cheap 3 star hotel:  (Underestimate) They list a hotel and say that you can stay there for 36.97 dollars a day or just under 40 US dollars.  But when I looked up the price it was around 97 US dollars.  I've also looked around at hotel prices and have found prices in Dublin that were good deals (such as 70 dollars a night including breakfast), but nothing for as little as 40 US dollars. That being said you could probably find a hostel for that price.

Transportation: (Do able if you are thrifty)  They list the price as 10 euros a day.  This is certainly possible, but would require that you mainly use public transit, cycling, and/or walking.  One taxi ride of almost any distance and you would use up this budget.  This would also be more dependent on where you are staying. Could include hop-on hop-off bus if you are not using any public transit or taxis.

Meals: At 31 euros a day is probably more than one has to spend as our hotel included breakfast and we grocery shop to save money.  Just avoid the expensive (and overpriced) Temple Bar neighborhood.   (http://kaufmangreenbooksandguides.blogspot.com/2014/11/grocery-shopping-affordable-travel.html).

Drinks and Entertainment: 18 euro a day should be fine if you are not a heavy drinker.  Again, to save money look for pubs outside of Temple Bar.

Attractions: At 10 euro a day this depends on what you want to see and how many attractions you tend to get to in a day.  But I do think 10 euro a day might be somewhat restrictive and a challenge.  This actually exceeds the cost of a few attractions in itself including the popular Guinness Factory.

For more information on Dublin, see the Kaufman Green Guide Dublin.


                                                              


  

Medieval Jewish House of Prayer

Jews in Hungary faced many difficult times in Hungary.  But during the Ottoman rule of the 1500 and 1600's Jews saw some better times and were allowed to practice Judaism.  

Sadly, when the Ottomans were overthrown most of the Jews were murdered.  In Hungary, I found the story of the Ottoman overthrow was rarely told from the Jewish perspective.  Rather, it was considered a celebrated event that the Ottomans were thrown out; but related to this it was a horrible event for Jews who faced an oppressive and murderous regime.

But we should remember it is important to learn from history.  We should remember there was a time when Jews and Muslims got along well and lived together peacefully.  We should work to better live together peacefully again.  

Also we should learn about the dangers of slaughter based on classification.  Be that the slaughter of groups of people or be that the slaughter of animals.  

                                         

Has metro cut blue line train service again?

Metros new train car on the blue line might be hiding a secret.  Many blue line riders have started to notice, despite metro rails claims they aren't cutting service, blue line trains appear to only be coming every 13 to 14 minutes.  

As someone who likes to travel to Europe it is quite obvious to me that metro and Washington DC can do better; and that metro is extremely inefficient.  As blue line riders we are sick of the lies.  We are sick of the corruption.  We are sick of the laziness.   

That metro is spending so much time with ads stating how wonderful they are (they aren't), how they hear us (they don't), and wasting money on a new car instead of providing enough blue line service for the blue line to not be a miserable experience shows just how out of touch metro is.  

But don't worry.  If you are a working poor person (or just a working person) who just needs to get to work and is struggling to afford food and your commute, metro will give you a pair of #newtrain sunglasses.  I'm sure that will solve all your problems.  

                                    

Is smoking allowed in Irish pubs?

Some travelers wonder "Is smoking allowed in Irish pubs?"

The answer is no, smoking has been banned indoors now for a long time in Irish pubs (about 11 years).

The policy of no smoking is generally strictly enforced.

People do smoke outside of pubs though or in outdoor pub areas.


                                                                    

An American Jew in Budapest

                                                                     

My new book An American Jew in Budapest is a travel essay about my experiences visiting Budapest as a Jew.  Visiting Budapest as a Jew is interesting in a number of ways.

• Budapest has numerous Jewish attractions.  
• It was interesting and incredibly sad to see how much of the Jewish Quarter is still in ruins.  
• Budapest seemed to have two different versions of the story of what happened during the Holocaust depending on which attraction you were at.  In one version Hungary was largely responsible for the murders during the Holocaust; in another version Hungary was "occupied".  

I also discuss in the book concerns about anti-Semitism.  I didn't experience any direct anti-Semitism in Hungary.  At the same time reading on the internet about the Jobbik party (a far right wing party which has seats in power) is disturbing.

You can read the first few pages of the book for free at amazon.  An American Jew in Budapest is also available for sale on Kobo.

Book Review: London For Adventurous By Elisabeth Sanz

I've decided to put to use my love of reading by reviewing the books I read (for better or for worse).

Today I review: London the Adventurous!  By Elisabeth Sanz (Subtitled: Discover the England Capital with this Ultimate Travel Guide)

                                                                   
Rating 2 out of 10.

Pros:  It wasn't unintelligible.  There was some factual information.  

Cons: Run on sentences, numerous misspellings and overall poorly edited. Bad advice.  Little useful information.  Questionable if author has ever been to London.  Nothing ultimate or adventurous about this book.

This might be the worst travel guide I have ever read.  That the subtitle references the word ultimate almost made me want to scream; and adventurous it isn't either.

So what does this ultimate guide consist of? 46 pages-three of which are occupied by a list of the attractions covered in the London Pass and 2 more thanking you for buying the book and asking you to review the book.

The book seemed to keep promising the reader it was going to get more exciting, only to continually decline.  It started off with a chapter on English history that read like a report from a kid in middle school.  The next chapter was about attractions in London.  But the information was so limited I could have easily gotten the same low quality of information on the internet.

 Chapter 3 and 4 are about hotels and tours.  While there was some information that was slightly interesting, most of the information was so generic it could apply to almost any city in Europe.  For example, the book mentioned camping, but didn't mention any information on where one would camp.  Much of the information was completely useless.  There were such pearls of wisdom as pick the hotels and tours that are right for you and make you comfortable.  As if someone how I'm going to pick a hotel and tour I hate on purpose?

Chapter 5 listed more attractions.  Information again was limited.

Chapter 6 was an odd assortment of information.  Having been to London most of it made little sense to me.  Far from adventurous the information in this chapter was fear mongering, even to a level of making me laugh.  Having been to London, I suppose I'm lucky to not have been mobbed by those dangerous pigeons.  Yes, the author actually warned you about the danger of being mobbed by pigeons.

By the end of the book I was still wondering what was ultimate or adventurous about this book.  I concluded the answer was nothing.

The book on multiple occasions offered advice that was just bad advice.  My guess is much of this information was pulled from sites of people selling products.  You'll save money by using a travel agent-trust me you won't.  You need a car to get where you want to go easily-um no, seriously have you even been to London?

While I'm an advocate of guide books, I'd say don't waste your money on this one.