Debbie Albrand, of McKinney (left) and Sue Harrington of Wichita Falls, playfully can-can on an interactive musical rug in one of the Old Jail Art Center's jail cells Friday June. 16, 2017. The Cell Series features Joel Sampson's "Sound Advice - Beats and Other Bits", a collection of devices which generate sound. The exhibit will be on display until August 26.(Photo: Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News)Buy Photo

ALBANY All the kids know Teddy Roosevelt. We can thank Robin Williams for that.

Erin Whitmore, the education director for the Old Jail Art Center, chuckled at the irony. Standing in the middle of the museums Warhol: Cowboys Indians Polaroids, she gestured toward Andy Warhols silkscreen image of the nations 26th President.

The kids don't always recognize Annie Oakley, but they do recognize Teddy Roosevelt because of the Night at the Museum movies, she said. And even the itty-bitties recognize John Wayne.

Warhols pop art is meant to be a reflection of popular culture.

So popular people, popular images; very easily recognizable and accessible imagery, Whitmore explained. The kids really respond to it; even if they don't know who it is, they know that the image is really important because it's larger than life.

Patrick Kelly, the executive director and curator of the museum, chimed in.

And their pop culture is different than our pop culture, he said. Thats certainly seems true when considering the childrens identification of Roosevelt as the hero of a comedy, as opposed to being the Hero of San Juan Hill even though the movies character is based upon that period in Roosevelts life.

The pictures are about three-feet square with bright colors overlaid by the artist. Each color is from a separate mask, so if 15 colors appear on a work then it took an equal number of screens to lay it on.

Accompanying the exhibit are a collection of Polaroid photographs made by Warhol as studies for different subjects. The artist would make dozens or hundreds of pictures, then work with the subject to select the best one. From there it was transferred to paper using a halftone screening process, then the overlay of colors would start from there.

His life was all about documenting everything that was around him, he wasn't an artist on one side and Andy Warhol on the other, Kelly said.

As an exploration of popular culture, the Warhol suite has a connection to another exhibit in the museum called, Showtime: Photographs of Music Legends by Watt Casey, Jr.

Watt Casey is actually a rancher from this area he goes to my church and years ago he was talking about his life and photographing all these musical legends from Willie Nelson up to John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters, Kelly said.

As a student at the University of Texas in the early 1970s, Casey began covering for the Daily Texan Austins music scene, which at that time was beginning to flower. After school, he continued working, spending more than a decade photographing music icons as they passed through Texas and accumulating thousands of photographs in the process.

Stevie Ray Vaughan performs in Austin May 9, 1982. This image and others are part of an exhibit at the Old Jair Art Center in Albany entitled "Showtime: Photographs of Music Legends by Watt Casey, Jr." The collection of 45 pictures will be on display until August 26.(Photo: Photograph courtesy of Watt Casey, Jr.)

We culled them down to about 45 pictures, which are on display here, Kelly said. Plus, A&M Press is publishing a book of his with these works and additional pictures.

That book, My Camera is a Guitar, is scheduled to come out in November. Kelly said they will invite Casey in for a lecture when it is released.

The majority of the images are black and white, typically with artists performing or relaxing with friends. They capture a time in Austins history when music and the people who made it felt more accessible.

Theres an immediacy present in many of the images. Bluesmen howl their lyrics into the microphone with such an intensity that its almost like the sound is struggling to free itself from the picture.

In another, Stevie Ray Vaughan smiles with his band at a favorite barbecue joint. In the background a cashier slouches behind the register, photo-bombing the scene in his aviator shades and looking nearly as cool as the band.

Museum patrons view exhibits by Watt Casey, Jr. and Andy Warhol Friday June 16, 2017 at the Old Jail Art Center in Albany. The exhibits will be be on display until August 26.(Photo: Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News)

Finally, the Cell Series brings everything together with Joel Sampsons Sound Advice Beats and Other Bits. If Caseys work centers around musicians and the sounds they make, Sampson eliminates the musician and just features the sound.

Its very interactive and fun, Whitmore said. A lot of the pieces look like a one-man band, without the man.

Artists invited to exhibit for the Cell Series typically design their pieces with the original function of the jail cell rooms in mind. Sometimes that means pondering themes of isolation, or sometimes it means using the physical features of the room as a frame in which to create.

Sampson utilizes the hard surfaces of the rooms to amplify the sounds made from his creations. Some are electronically generated, some are from objects striking pots and pans. Most are interactive and feature a large plastic button whose bright color seems to cry out, Push me!

I do think he was interested in the sound and what it does in a space like that, Whitmore observed. When youve got multiple sources coming at one time, its a cacophony. Some are whirring, some are beeping, and some are cow bells.

It's definitely a sensory overload when everything is going off in there at one time, agreed Kelly. But there's also the opportunity, when there's not a lot of people in there at one time, for you can sit and listen to one piece in particular.

In one of the rooms, Sampson uses an inexpensive computer to recite the Declaration of Independence using Morse code.

You can read more into that work and interpret that piece to understand how those concepts are disseminated, Kelly said. You can go as deep as you want.

All three exhibits are on display until August 26.

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PHOTO: The beach in the Dominican Republic (photo courtesy of Sunscape Resorts)

Are you longing for a tropical getaway?

Sunscape Resorts highlights all the fun you can have in the Dominican Republic and why you need to add this paradise to your next vacation list.

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Puerto Plata has 60 miles of Atlantic beaches great for relaxing as well as adventure. Its a renowned spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding and home to Playa Dorada, which is great for people of all ages with its casinos, shops, restaurants and dance clubs.

Punta Cana is 20 miles of beautiful white sand and clear blue waters you just have to see to believe. Its a fun place for families as there are tons of resorts and activities always happening.

READ MORE The Best Beach Activities at Sunscape Resorts & Spas

The Dominican Republic also holds festivals throughout the year. The tropical oasis is filled with rich tradition and culture.

Check out each of the festivals that occur in the Dominican Republic, per a Sunscape Resorts blogger:

"Dominican CarnivalFebruaryEvery Sunday in February since 1520, a celebration across the island ensues with parades, colorful costumes and elaborate masks. Music ranging from merengue to techno provides a mixed soundtrack for dance and celebration.

Web.com TourJune This annual tour takes place at the Los Corales Golf Club for professional golfers competing to win entrance to the famous PGA Tour.

Puerto Plata FestivalJune A weeklong celebration of Dominican culture takes place in Puerto Plata during the third week of June every year. From the Fort San Felipe to the central plaza of the city, you can try the local food, art, song and dance.

Merengue FestivalOctober Food stalls and a stage for performances are set up along Puerto Platas Malecn which is shut down to vehicles for the celebration of the Dominican Republics national dance: merengue.

Dominican HolidazeDecember Dominican Holidaze is an annual music festival in paradise. Four days and nights of music on the beach accompanied by tropical drinks, daily activities, theme nights and excursions. Organized by the non-profit organization Positive Legacy, service projects and music are integrated to benefit people and the environment so you can make a positive impact on your vacation.

For more information on the Dominican Republic, check out Sunscape Resorts blog here.

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Forget the Flintstones think more of a classy spa - this amazing home has luxury accommodation inside and a relaxation 'cave' and swimming pool outside.

It's not every day that you see a house in Notts like this one. Drive up to the front and yes, you'll be impressed by this sizable four-bed family home but take a peep around the back and wow!

If the thought of coming home to your own private swimming pool and hot tub fills you with glee then this four-bedroom home in Edwinstowe will be perfect for you especially when you add the amazing relaxation area 'cave' that has been created alongside.

It's certainly not something you'd expect but the owners have created a leisure and entertainment space styled in an underground, cave-like theme. Incorporating a bar and outside kitchen area it's got everything you could want.

The owner says: "It has a range-style cooker and American-style fridge-freezer so you can prepare meals and serve drinks and snacks. There is also a fully integrated music system."

But it doesn't stop there. There's a hot tub, steam room, sauna and cloakroom. "This has been a wonderful addition to the home and is great for both entertaining and relaxing quietly," she adds.

Combined with the outdoor sitting areas, the whole exterior gives a total sense of relaxation just imagine having that holiday feeling every day.

And while the exterior is fabulous, the interior also holds its own.

The owners bought the house when it was only about a year old and were the first people to live there. "We bought it knowing we would complete it with interior features and dcor of our own choosing," she says.

"It is a perfect family home. It is very comfortable and light throughout, with plenty of space to spread out."

Enhancements to the house saw them add marble floors downstairs. In recent times, they have also had an oak kitchen fitted and installed bi-folding doors that now open out on to the veranda. "We added the canopy to the back about two years ago and also completely refurbished the drawing room, installing a new fireplace."

The detached house offers well-proportioned accommodation. On the ground floor, there is a drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen breakfast room and utility room.

And of course rooms take full advantage of the views and the gardens. In warmer weather the bi-folding doors are pulled open on to the veranda, making the house at one with the garden. There is also a summer house in the garden, which could have a variety of uses.

"It is lovely to be able to eat outside when the weather is good," she adds. "It really is a dream home."

Talking about when they first saw the house, she added: "We loved the house itself and the area because it was so private. We also bought some extra paddock land so we could extend the garden."

The grounds at the house on Hazel Grove are a major attraction and in addition to everything else we've talked about there is plenty of driveway parking together with a double detached garage. The gardens themselves are landscaped and include a covered veranda area, decked seating areas, as well as relaxation spaces. There's also a stocked fish pond and a summer house.

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See the ultimate relaxation 'cave' at this incredible Notts house - Nottingham Post

In recent years, the benefits of meditation have been acknowledged not only by spiritual leaders, but also by scientists and researchers alike.

The Dalai Lama says meditation can change your life. Celebrities from Oprah Winfrey to pro athletes praise the positive effects of meditating.

But meditation is no newcomer: It's been in existence for more than 2,500 years as a way to connect with your inner self and the world around you.

A study done last year by UCLA found long-term practitioners of meditation displayed better-preserved brains as they aged than did people who did meditate.

Given the busy lives Americans lead, the appeal of meditation (which stems from the Latin verb "meditari," which means "to think, contemplate, devise, ponder") can be obvious. But with dozens of meditation styles to choose from, someone looking to begin the practice faces plenty of options.

The good news is that the offerings for meditation are rich in both Corvallis and Albany. In Corvallis alone, there are five different mediation resources in addition to The Mind Spa, which is offered by Oregon State University, but is limited just to faculty, students and staff.

Jared Martinsen teaches meditation at his house in Corvallis every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Martinsen also runs the Facebook group Corvallis Meditation.

His experience with meditation began 18 years ago in Corvallis, when he attended a guided meditation. It was an unforgettable experience.

The first time I went there I had an experience where I saw a white haze in the room at the end of the meditation," he said. "I thought, 'What is this?' I thought I had something in my eye but it didn't go away when I rubbed them. I was agnostic and didn't really want to believe in anything strange but I felt so loving and peaceful that I had to come back and try some more. Over the years, meditation completely changed my life from being extremely shy and having a hard time relating to people to having more friends and dating.

If you are new to meditating, Martinsen suggests meditating with a group of people or a class:

You might need to find people that you connect with, so try a couple of groups," he said. "Have a daily practice, even if it's just five minutes a day at a set time. Just a habit, like brushing your teeth. Meditation is not about not having thoughts. It's about being aware of yourself having thoughts. Meditation is about becoming more aware and training the mind. Focus the mind on something more interesting than thoughts.

Meditation doesn't need to be a solitary practice.

Five Stones Sangha began in Corvallis more than 10 years ago with a handful of people coming together to support each other. The Sangha practices the teachings of Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk, a poet, and peace activist.

Ken Oefelein runs the Five Stones Sangha. We have developed into a group of about 25 regular members who meet once a week," he said. "We have become good spiritual friends, trusting each other; we learn from each other. About 3,000 years ago, a very wise person said that such friendships are the essence of this practice. We provide a refuge for anyone to feel safe and secure, and enjoy the present moment.

In Albany, Love Yoga Studios holds a meditation class which encourages beginners and seasoned practitioners alike to engage in introductory tips and techniques and a little neuroscience to get started and then 20 minutes of blissfully golden silence.

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Meditation for beginners: Mid-valley offers plenty of places to start ... - Corvallis Gazette Times

Jennifer Howd, author of Sit, Walk, Don't Talk. Erin Sacco/Courtesy Jennifer Howd hide caption

Jennifer Howd, author of Sit, Walk, Don't Talk.

When we are facing a challenge in life, we're often encouraged to talk about it with a confidante, a family member or to seek professional counsel like a therapist. But some people find more comfort in silence.

In her new memoir, Sit, Walk, Don't Talk, Jennifer Howd takes readers into the world of silent meditation retreats, where, as you may imagine, there's scarcely any talking.

Howd says the practice of mediation is a viable option for pretty much anyone seeking an escape from our sometimes too-noisy world.

"You don't have to necessarily go away for days on end," she says, "but just sitting still and being quiet and being with yourself and just allowing yourself to be and not do is so beneficial on so many levels. It's kind of a radical idea to do these days you know because we're so busy."

On what prompted her to go to her first silent retreat

It was my 40th birthday and I was looking to do something that was going to really kind of honor that. ... I did have a difficult experience. I moved from New York City to Los Angeles with an ex and the relationship was a bit of a toxic one and abusive at times. And it kind of blew up in a Lifetime movie of the week type of moment. And I was kind of left standing there saying, "How, how did I end up in this position?" And I realized it was because I hadn't been paying attention to my life and that I really needed to sit with myself and get clear about who I was.

On what happens at a silent meditation retreat

A silent meditation retreat is basically a retreat where you go often to a meditation center and you are meditating in silence for days on end, days and days. ... The typical retreat experience is waking up very early in the morning ... and then going to the main center and sitting for usually around 30 to 45 minutes.

And then a bell rings and you often walk for the same amount of time. And then you kind of alternate between walking and sitting and walking and sitting and there are meals in between. And then often in the evening, there will be some sort of talk by the teachers on the subject of meditation or mindfulness.

On the goal of a silent meditation retreat

I really think it's about reconnecting. You know, we live in a world that is just so overwhelmingly loud and busy and we get so swept away by other people's opinions, all the work that we have to do. And, I really think that retreats are all about being able to kind of decondition ourselves from all of that so that we can hear the deep inner voice of who we are.

On what silent meditation taught her about herself

Mindfulness and meditation really helped me to kind of recognize that I had this really harsh inner critic, this kind of judgmental side of myself that I actually, before meditating, really just thought was me. And then I started meditating and started recognizing that perhaps I could spend more time recognizing that thought than actually being lost and caught in it. And so I will often get caught up in those thoughts, but what happens now is ... I'm able to separate myself from them.

On the retreat not being for everyone

It's a bit of a roller coaster and it isn't for everybody. You know, folks who have mental illnesses that are really quite serious, or post-traumatic stress disorder might not be the best option for them. And it's best to always kind of seek help from a professional and asking them before going on retreat to make sure that this is something that is right for you.

NPR's Sarah Handel, Acacia Squires and Maquita Peters contributed to this report.

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'Sit, Walk, Don't Talk': An Author Finds Comfort At A Silent Meditation ... - NPR

Mind-body interventions (MBIs), such as meditation, yoga and tai chi, dont just relax us. According to a new study, they can reverse the molecular reactions in our DNA that cause ill health and depression.

The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, reviews over a decade of studies analyzing how the behavior of our genes is affected by different MBIs, including mindfulness and yoga.

Researchers at Coventry University in the U.K. and Radboud University in the Netherlands conclude that, when examined together, the 18 studies featuring 846 participants over 11 years reveal a pattern in the molecular changes that happen to the body as a result of MBIs, and how those changes benefit our mental and physical health.

The researchers focused on how gene expression is affected in other words, the way that genes activate to produce proteins that influence the biological makeup of the body, the brain, and the immune system.

When a person is exposed to a stressful event, their sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, is triggered, which increases production of a molecule called nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), which regulates how our genes are expressed, the researchers explained.

NF-kB translates stress by activating genes to produce proteins called cytokines that cause inflammation at a cellular level, a reaction that is useful as a short-lived fight-or-flight reaction, but if persistent leads to a higher risk of cancer, accelerated aging, and psychiatric disorders like depression, the researchers noted.

However, people who practice MBIs exhibit the opposite effect a decrease in the production of NF-kB and cytokines, leading to a reversal of the pro-inflammatory gene expression pattern and a reduction in the risk of inflammation-related diseases and conditions, according to the studys findings.

The inflammatory effect of the fight-or-flight response, which also serves to temporarily bolster the immune system, would have played an important role in mankinds hunter-gatherer prehistory, when there was a higher risk of infection from wounds, the researchers said.

Today, however, where stress is increasingly psychological and often longer-term, pro-inflammatory gene expression can be persistent and more likely to cause psychiatric and medical problems, they noted.

Millions of people around the world already enjoy the health benefits of mind-body interventions like yoga or meditation, but what they perhaps dont realize is that these benefits begin at a molecular level and can change the way our genetic code goes about its business, said lead investigator Ivana Buric from the Brain, Belief and Behavior Lab in Coventry Universitys Centre for Psychology, Behavior and Achievement.

These activities are leaving what we call a molecular signature in our cells, which reverses the effect that stress or anxiety would have on the body by changing how our genes are expressed. Put simply, MBIs cause the brain to steer our DNA processes along a path which improves our well-being.

She added that more needs to be done to understand these effects in greater depth,for example how they compare with other healthy interventions like exercise or nutrition.

But this is an important foundation to build on to help future researchers explore the benefits of increasingly popular mind-body activities, she concluded.

Source: Coventry University

APA Reference Wood, J. (2017). Meditation, Yoga Can Reverse DNA Stress Reactions. Psych Central. Retrieved on June 19, 2017, from https://psychcentral.com/news/2017/06/18/meditation-yoga-can-reverse-dna-stress-reactions/122064.html

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CHENNAI: Tension prevailed at Zamin Pallavaram on Sunday as an angry crowd ransacked an ashram of the controversial godman Swami Nithyananda alleging the ashram had been built by encroaching the street used by locals. They also alleged that a few Nithyanandas followers were passing lewd comments on local women. The local residents ransacked the premises and even toppled a car belonging to the ashram at Pachaiamman Nagar near Tirusulam.

Based on the complaint by both sides, police arrested C Gopi, a Nithyananda follower, and nine others on charges of damaging the ashram property. Police said the crux of the dispute was over a piece of land measuring around 2.15 acres, donated by Valli, a devotee of Nithyananda, to set up the ashram. However, the particular land is said to be under a property dispute since another person also claimed ownership of it.

Even as the dispute was pending, the ashrams followers allegedly fenced off the land and portions of the street passing near it causing hardship to local residents. What triggered the attack on the ashram was the comments allegedly made by a Nithyananda follower against a woman when she was crossing the ashram on Sunday. On getting information about the attack, police questioned three of Nithyanandas followers and 15 local residents. After enquiries, police have arrested Gopi and nine local residents.

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Locals attack Chennai ashram of godman Nithyananda alleging encroachment, lewd remarks - The New Indian Express

Written by Lakshmi Ajay | Ahmedabad | Published:June 18, 2017 5:51 am Besides places related to Mahatma Gandhis freedom struggle, the train connects cities like Varanasi, Gaya and Allahabad. (Express Photo by Javed Raja)

It was more aastha (spiritual immersion) than an acquaintance with Gandhian ethics and values that spurred several of the 623 people to take the inaugural journey of the Aastha Special Tourist Train (Gandhi Darshan) on Saturday morning from Sabarmati station here. Besides places related to Mahatma Gandhis freedom struggle like Sevagram Ashram (Wardha), Champaran Satyagraha Memorial at Bettiah and Motihari, the train will connect cities such as Varanasi, Gaya and Allahabad popular pilgrimage destinations.

The special train was flagged off by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in the morning with Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu, who joined in via video conferencing from Bandra. Ahmedabad based businessman Ramesh Dhanwani (58), said that his keenness to visit the places on the itinerary made him book his tickets. I am particularly interested in visiting places like Sangam in Allahabad and Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and Buddhist temples in Bodhgaya, he said.

Another Ahmedabad resident, Preeti Patel (65), said she paid Rs 7,320 per person for the tour and is travelling with a group of 11. I am keen to visit the Kashi-Vishwanath temple at Varanasi located on the ghats of the river Ganga where the last rites among Hindus are usually done and the Hanuman temple at Triveni Sangam. I am told that the river that merges here travels all the way to the holy spot of Kailash Mansarover, which is good for me to visit at my age. We will also be taken to places of religious importance like Vishwanath temple in Allahabad and few places relating to Gandhiji in Wardha. This train has good facilities.

The train is being operated by the IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation), a PSU of the Indian Railways. The Gujarat tourism department and Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara and Ahmedabad collectorates came together to bring in 300 passengers for the inaugural journey. The train is carrying tourists from Gujarat in 10 sleeper coaches, arranged solely to commemorate the centenary day of the Sabarmati Ashram and to mark 100 years of the Champaran Movement. After travelling through major landmarks of the Champaran movement, the train in the last leg of its tour will move to spiritual places like the Bodhgaya Mahabodhi temple in Gaya, Sarnath and Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and Triveni Sangam in Allahabad.

The train, with the last of its passengers boarding from Surat on Saturday evening, has 19 students on board from an orphanage in Anand and senior citizens from an old age home in Surat rushed in through collector offices. The tour package for nine nights and 10 days costs around Rs 8,720 including tickets, vegetarian meals, stay at dharamshalas, transfers to tourist spots, travel managers and an unarmed security guard in each coach, with IRCTC also offering 20% discount on bulk bookings.

According to Gujarat tourism officials, the train received 252 bookings from Ahmedabad, 40 from Anand, 111 from Vadodara, 20 from Bharuch, 111 from Surat and more than 70 through the IRCTC portal. Brushing aside claims that the marketing and planning of the train was rushed, Dr A K Manocha, CMD of IRCTC, said it was delayed due to weather. The Gandhi Darshan tourist train was organised to make people aware about Gandhijis values and ethics and to commemorate the Champaran Satagraha and 100 years of Sabarmati Ashram.

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100 years of Sabarmati Ashram: Gandhi Darshan tourist train flagged off with 623 onboard - The Indian Express

They ate meat all their lives until about five minutes ago, and now Im not allowed a tiny bit of butter. Photograph: Alamy

My four grown-up children are political, passionate about justice and the state of the planet. So I wasnt surprised when Megan announced she was vegan. Lily and I were alreadyvegetarian; it didnt seem a bigdeal to factor in another dietary requirement. There was also apart of me that wondered if the veganism was a phase.

I underestimated my daughter. Not only did she remain vegan, but her siblings were swiftly converted, too. Edand I lagged behind. But after Megan made us watch Cowspiracy and Earthlings, reaching for dairy would never again be a simple act. We had the information and couldnt un-know it.

We are now, in effect, a vegan household. I have given up my daily dose of bio-yoghurt. Ed has even given up his beloved strong cheddar. But toast and honey is my go-to comfort food, and has been for as long as I can remember. I cant sacrifice honey there is no debate on that but, as a goodwill gesture, I have switched from cows to goats butter, although I am probably kidding myself that goats butter is acquired in a kinder manner.

My offspring cannot forgive this weakness. Particularly the butter. When they berate me for eating it, I am in turns angry, defiant and depressed. Ifeel hounded in my own home, and when Im cornered, I resort to lashing out. After one particularly heated argument, Ed and I escape to the pub to recover. Ed orders scampi fries. I eat one and feel like a rebellious teenager. Iknow my feelings do not make sense.

Where did I go wrong? I wonder bitterly. Why do they think they can bully me? They ate meat all their lives until about five minutes ago, and now Im not allowed a tiny bit of butter.

Im aware that I sound like a petulant child. But it feels good to moan. Ed nods. We pay the food bills, we enable them to be vegan, and yet we end up looking like the bad guys.

Exactly. Its easy for them to be perfect, I say. They dont have to worry about council tax and mending the washing machine. Theyre still protected in their bubble at home.

Yes, says Ed sadly. But they do have the moral high ground. I think thats whats so difficult to accept.

Heis right. Im angry about being made to feel guilty. And that is a very uncomfortable place to be.

I try vegan margarine, but it is not for me. I have a solution. It is not grown-up or noble, rather born of desperation (and greed). I pretend to give up butter, but hide it in plain sight in a honey jar. The vegan children never touch honey. So they wont know that Im actually spreading butter on to my toast.

This works for some weeks. Peace reigns. I almost forget there is a problem. As far as the children are concerned, Im eating the disgusting margarine. What could go wrong?

A friend of Jakes stays the night. Inthe morning, while Im out walking the dogs, he requests honey on his breakfast toast.

Returning from my dog walk, I am met with a frosty silence.

Whats the matter? I ask, a little nervously.

Then it starts. A barrage of anger, disappointment and righteousness. The friend is curled up on his chair in mortification. Of course, I go off on one, as they would say. Ibring up all the points that Ed and I discussed and throw them in their faces. I tell them they cant accuse me of not being an animal-lover when Ikeep three dogs and two cats, when Im 99% vegan. Iam not a bad person, I wail. Leave me alone.

We do not speak for several days. And then we do. There is forgiveness. They agree that as Im old and stuck in my ways, it might take me longer to be a purist.

But what we cant forgive, they say sternly, is that you lied to us.

Anger bubbles up again. I have to swallow it. They are right. I lied. But being scolded like a child by your children is not something I relish.

Unlike butter.

Names have been changed.

Saskia Sarginson is the author of TheStranger (Piatkus, 7.99).

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When my vegan children berate me for eating butter, I lash out - The Guardian

Metro

Vegan vandals spray offensive graffiti on nature reserves Metro A group of 'extreme' vegans are being hunted by cops after spraying offensive graffiti on park signs and equipment. The vigilante 'Vegan Vandals' have been targeting family beauty spots in a bizarre stand over people eating meat and products from animals. 'Vegan Vandals' who have defaced parks and public spaces with graffiti meet their match in politely-written response ...Daily Mail all 2 news articles »

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Vegan vandals spray offensive graffiti on nature reserves - Metro