A Georgia woman was arrested Wednesday after she reportedly slammed into a chicken truck, fled and then told officers who tracked her down that she hit the vehicle because she was a vegan.

The investigation began when a truck driver told police he was traveling west on Highway 72 when a red four-door car hit his truck twice, WXIA-TV reported.

The unidentified truck driver called police as the car fled. Madison County deputies found the cars license plate in debris left in the wake of the crash. They were able to track the cars owner to Comer, Georgia, where they found the vehicle and a driver matching the drivers vague description.

The woman, identified as 26-year-old Judith Armstrong, refused to come out of her house unless deputies secured a warrant. But, she did speak with them through the windows and explained what happened.

Authorities said Armstrong faces charges of hit-and-run, aggressive driving, driving under the influence, and obstruction. It was unknown if shes represented by an attorney and bond information was not immediately available.

During questioning, Armstrong admitted being involved in an accident and fled for fear of what would happen to her license. She also told officers she hit the truck because she was vegan.

In addition, she denied having alcohol before making the drive but claimed to have taken a couple of shots when she arrived home.

Officers eventually obtained a warrant and she surrendered to police. She was tested for alcohol consumption and blew a .089, which is over the legal limit.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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Woman allegedly tells police she crashed into chicken truck because she's vegan - Fox News

If you peruse the Akashic record made up of our Twitter timelines or watch the Trews, youd think there was no love lost between Donald Trump and British comic and actor Russell Brand. Trump trashed Brands stand-up nearly three years ago, while Brand has examined the rise of nationalism since the former reality-show host first announced his presidential bid. That may be the case today, but there was a time when Trump was so eager to impress Brand that he basically offered him Muhammad Alis heavyweight championship belt. The comedian tells First We Feasts Sean Evans the story of being invited up to Trump Tower while dining on vegan wings in this Hot Ones clip the A.V. Club is exclusively premiering.

Brand does more jawing than chewing in this clip, which might be why he doesnt end up in tears over his spicy meal. But maybe the capsicum gets the best of him at some other point in the show.

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Russell Brand dishes on Trump while eating vegan wings in this Hot Ones exclusive - A.V. Club

Its crucially important that we educate the public about vegan health and nutrition.

Indeed, one of the stumbling blocks we face as advocates is when were occassionaly confronted with someone who genuinely believes that its necessary to consume animal products. Our conventional wisdom maintaining that its wrong to inflict unnecessary suffering and death should, on its own, lead any rational mind to a realisation that this means veganism. The problem occurs when, for whatever reason, your interlocutor genuinely believes that animal products are required for good health. In those situations, its important that we demystify that idea so that the rational, wisdom-based argument for veganism can really take effect and make an impact. If people believe consuming animal products is necessary from a health perspective, they are unlikely to be affected by a rational argument focusing on a universal rejection of unnecessary suffering.

What we should never do, however, is make vegan nutrition the sole focus of our advocacy where humans and not animals become the direct beneficiaries of becoming vegan. In doing so we simply make veganism about us, and not a recognition of fundamental rights. We continue to value non-fundamental human interests over fundamental animal interests. Animals become indirect beneficiaries, they remain otherised, with humans remaining the centre of concern. This may make those humans feel better about themselves, but in not recognising veganism as something we owe animals directly irrespective of the benefits to us the underlying speciesism that results in normalised animal use in the first place is not challenged.

Vegan atheletes have a habit of perpetuating this notion. Usually coupled with some vague reinstatement of conventional welfarist ideology, they talk about how veganism has benefitted them the animals remaining a sideline issue. A recent example of this involves vegan boxer, David Haye. In a recent interview with The Sun,Haye talks about how he switched to a plant-based diet after being injured. He wanted to find the best [diet] to heal muscles and all roads kept leading back to a plant-based diet. Aside from portraying veganism as a mere dietary choice, he passes off the cessation of his own exploitation of animals as nothing but an added benefit of his diet. It simply made it easier to switch. Not only that, he perpetuates the welfarist notion that animals only care about not suffering by maintaining that the horrible way animals are treated helped him stick to his diet.

Haye maintains that he feels better than ever and looks and feels younger too. But that doesnt stop him portraying veganism as something thats only for the real Spartans amongst us: I have a full-time chef and a good nutritionist who makes sure I get all the minerals and nutrients required, which isnt easy in a plant-based diet. When we celebrate and promote Haye as some kind of vegan icon, were normalising his nonsensical and irresponsible positions. Were indirectly promoting the idea that veganism is difficult and that in order to be a healthy vegan, it requires a personal chef and nutritionalist. So not only does Haye neglect to portray veganism as something we owe to animals, he also makes it sound dangerous for anyone who isnt a professional athelete with all kinds of sponsorship.

He signs off his Sun interview by making a joke at the expense of veganism and subsequently, the animals. He says that he doesnt like to ram it down peoples throats and embraces a well known stab at vegans: How do you know if someone is a vegan because they never stop talking about being vegan! Thats right, Haye. When you recognise that we have no moral justification for exploiting animals and that the subjugation of sentient beings is not a matter of personal choice, you realise that veganism isnt about us. Its about respecting rights that we violate by treating animals as resources and assuming them to be things.

For Haye, veganism is nothing but a vessel for self promotion and adulation. For the sake of the animals relying on us to advocate clearly and unequivocally, we should pay no attention nor give any credence to the positions of these athletes who are, at the end of the day interested in nothing but their own careers. Hayes speciesism is clear, as is the normalisation of that speciesism through our promotion of him as a so-called voice for veganism.

Photo from The Sun

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False Heroism In Vegan Athletes David Haye - Ecorazzi

Deutsche Welle

Living Planet: The vegan challenge Deutsche Welle Using public transport, recycling and turning off the lights all help us be more environmentally friendly. But do these actions go far enough? As part of DW's #HowGreenAmI series, Louise Osborne tried being vegan for one week to see how green she could ...

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Living Planet: The vegan challenge - Deutsche Welle

A group of six students gathered in Market Central Wednesday night, not for a chicken patty or stir-fry bowl, but for a conversation with the chefs.

The students came for the second meeting of the Vegan and Vegetarian Collective, a group of Pitt students as well as Pitt Dining and Sodexo staff dedicated to furthering the available vegan and vegetarian options in University dining halls. At the meeting Wednesday, two chefs, six students and three Sodexo employees engaged in a conversation about what vegan options were working as well as those that werent in Market Central.

While the Pitt Dining staff set aside two long tables for the event, only half a table filled up, as fewer students showed up than they expected. According to Nick Goodfellow, Sodexo sustainability coordinator and a 2015 Pitt graduate, Pitt Dining hosted the first meeting for the collective this past January in the William Pitt Union, which drew in 60 students. So on Wednesday Goodfellow made sure to ask the students, What happened?

Multiple students replied saying it was most likely due to the midterm period keeping students busy. Despite the low turnout, the students there were determined to hold the meeting anyway.

They began by asking for more legume-based dishes, more meatless dishes outside of the Tutto Fresco station as well as readily available vegan dishes instead of made-to-order dishes.

Goodfellow jotted down each of the students suggestions and criticisms into his notebook, which had a sticker that read Im a food warrior on the back cover.

Goodfellow said in the future, the dining staff plans on continuing meatless Mondays, adding unsweetened soy milk to Market and selling dairy-free yogurt at the Oakland Bakery.

Executive Chef Chris Cox, spoke at the meeting, announcing some of the changes Market has attempted in the past semester like adding distinct cooking surfaces for vegan dishes. He said recently the cooking staff received complaints that only one cooking surface was available at the 360 Degrees grill.

Somebodys whos vegan doesnt want to eat food cooked off the same surface [as the meat], Cox said.

In response, Cox said the staff purchased a cooking surface to prepare tofu scramble in the mornings, separate from where they prepare normal breakfast bowls, which include eggs and bacon.

The students in attendance shared that they were excited about efforts like this, but had other requests as well. Sage Lincoln a senior majoring in ecology, urban studies and geology said she wished Market offered more protein options for vegans.

A slab of polenta is not very nutrient rich, Lincoln said.

On the whole, however, Lincoln said Pitts dining has vastly improved since she was a first-year student. When she started at Pitt, she said the vegan choices were slim, so she often had to ask the staff to cook specially for her. Today, she said she loves getting swiped in.

Now theres better labeling, more options in general, higher awareness and sensitivity to [being vegan], but theres always more that can be improved, Lincoln said.

Change has come in chunks since Lincolns first year. According to Goodfellow, the collective existed two years ago as a student-run group, but after those students graduated, nobody strived to keep it moving.

It fell apart, Goodfellow said.

Since then, students have banded together to reform the collective. Cecilia Oliveros, a senior studying economics and environmental studies and a vegan, began working as a sustainability intern for Sodexo this year and decided she wanted to see the collective working again, this time more closely run by dining services.

What we wanted to do with this, when we started the collective, was make it a Sodexo-run thing, Oliveros said. So that after a student leaves, it doesnt fade away.

Goodfellow said in the future, Sodexo and the collective want to include non-vegan students who are interested in healthier eating.

Anybody is welcome to come not just people who are eating a vegan or vegetarian diet, but people who are interested in maybe eating less meat, or just want to learn more about it, Goodfellow said.

At the end of the meeting, a few students stuck around to grab some grilled vegetables and chat. Lincoln said before she left that the collective had empowered a lot of students with alternative diets on campus.

I think a lot of vegans and vegetarians had experiences that werent being addressed because they werent coming together or realizing that they could advocate for change and that people would be receptive to their needs, Lincoln said.

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Vegan collective brings new dishes to Market menu - University of Pittsburgh The Pitt News

If youre looking for a relaxing, music-filled evening youre in luck.

Canmore based singer-songwriter duo Raven & The Fox will be bringing their love-inspired mountain music to Good Earth Cafe, March 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Sean Isaac, the guitarist half of Raven & The Fox, said the duo met local musician Renee Werenka while performing at Tedx in Camore and were inspired to come to Airdrie.

Weve never played in Airdrie before, said Isaac, who added the band has been together for the past three years.

Werenka and fellow Airdrian Dwight McCormick will be opening the show.

Isaac is joined by the bands other half, Julie Chang, who graces his acoustic guitar riffs with her smooth, sultry vocals. The group has performed coast to coast and will be releasing a full length album sometime this year.

Our music has its roots in folk, he said. We call it love inspired mountain music. The lyrics are inspired by mountains and love.

He said everyone is welcome to attend the show.

Its a great way to kick your Saturday night off, said Isaac. Its relaxing music, its engaging music.

Admission is by donation.

For more information visit http://www.theravenandthefox.com/

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Raven & The Fox coming to Good Earth Cafe - Airdrie Echo

by Ron Duwell | March 2, 2017

Nintendo is on an upward trajectory when it comes to designing attractive and understandable user interfaces. The Nintendo 3DS and Wii U were really solid despite not being perfect, and they were a huge leap over what the Wii and Nintendo DSi provided. With the Switch, Nintendo proves its taking off the training wheels.

The company showed off how easy it will be to find the games you want and transfer funds from previous accounts in a new video that breaks the shop and a news feature down.

Sometimes, when I am writing out my articles for the day, I just leave my Wii U running and listen to the relaxing music. It helps me focus and keep my mind from wandering, even with flashy Nintendo buttons and Mario staring me in the face, begging to be played.

Bad news theres no music on the Switchs eShop. Thats bogus.

Excerpt from:

Nintendo shows off the Switch eShop for the very first time - TechnoBuffalo

AARON POOLE / AMPAS

Sting plays the House of Blues March 8.

MUSIC

STING In November, the velvet-voiced troubadour-bassist released 57th and 9th, his first album of straight-ahead pop songs after a nearly 15-year detour into higher art forms Middle Age lute music, symphonic reworkings of Police tracks. In its best moments, 57th offers up faded-photograph memories of the wiry New Wave practiced by Stings former band. March 8, 7p.m. $105-$155. House of Blues. 888-693-BLUE, houseofblues.com

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RO JAMES Wielding a sinewy falsetto and a natural instinct for pacing his songs so that they reach a sublime boil, this up-and-coming R&B singer (and nephew of Prince foil Rosie Gaines) combines old-school soul ideals with Soundcloud-era explorations of groove. March 5, 7p.m. $20, $18 advance. Middle East Downstairs. 617-864-3278, www,ticketweb.com

THE BAND PERRY This country trio has always walked on the slightly darker side their stomping 2012 megahit Better Dig Two gives a pop-Nashville spin to the murder ballad while racking up awards and record sales. This intimate show will offer a glimpse of new material; one of those songs, Stay in the Dark, combines twang with the wordless whoops that have plagued the festival era. March 9, 9 p.m. $35. The Sinclair, Cambridge. 617-547-5200, http://www.sinclaircambridge.com

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The Globe's top picks for what to see and do each weekend, in Boston and beyond.

MAURA JOHNSTON

CALE TYSON Young Nashville country singer-songwriter Tyson has to date released two fine Hank Williams-channeling EPs but is changing things up by going country-soul on his first full-length, due in 2017. He was scheduled to make his area debut a little over a year ago and had to cancel, so heres hoping the second times the charm. March 5, 9:30 p.m. $8. Atwoods Tavern, Cambridge. 800-838-3006. http://www.brownpapertickets.com

GOLDFEATHER Taking its name from singer, violinist, and bandleader Sarah Goldfeather, this Brooklyn-based outfit describes itself as a folk music band meets contemporary classical ensemble, with a dash of cabaret for flavor, and judging from the bands recent debut release, Patchwork Quilt, the music lives up to that billing. March 6, 8 p.m. $10. Club Passim, Cambridge. 617-492-7679. http://www.passim.org

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OUTSIDE THE LINES BENEFIT Aswell evening of music put together for a worthy cause: This benefit for Outside the Lines Studio, a Medford arts-based alternative day program for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, will feature Sister Kate Taylor and local luminaries Barrence Whitfield, Dennis Brennan, Danielle Miraglia, and Jesse Dee. March 9, 8 p.m. $15. Thunder Road, Somerville. 866-777-8932. http://www.ticketweb.com

STUART MUNRO

VIJAY IYER SEXTET The innovative and ambitious pianist and composer has been a MacArthur Fellow, DownBeat Magazine Artist of the Year, and is now a Harvard professor. His sextet adds horns saxophonists Steve Lehman and Mark Shim and cornet and flugelhorn player Graham Haynes to his trio with bassist Stephan Crump and drummer Marcus Gilmore. March 9, 8 p.m. $50-$60. Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge. 617-482-6661, http://www.celebrityseries.org

LADY RIZO The acclaimed cabaret artist is a glamorous and witty singer who has collaborated with a range of artists from Yo Yo Ma to Moby and can make the likes of The Pixies Where Is My Mind sound like a Broadway showstopper. March 9, 8 p.m. $25. Oberon, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge. 617-547-8300, http://www.americanrepertorytheater.org/oberon

THE MAKANDA PROJECT John Kordalewskis invaluable 11-piece ensemble of Bostons finest begins its year by bringing yet another rare visitor to town: the great tenor saxophonist and Boston native Ricky Ford, who early on made his name with Charles Mingus and Mercer Ellington. March 11, 7 p.m. Free. Dudley Library Auditorium, 65 Warren St., Boston. 617-442-6186.

KEVIN LOWENTHAL

BOSTON BAROQUE Christina Day Martinson, the orchestras immensely talented concertmaster, takes a solo turn in a specialty of hers: the complete cycle of Heinrich Bibers virtuosic Mystery Sonatas. March 10, 8 p.m., Jordan Hall. 617-987-8600, http://www.bostonbaroque.org

MUSICA SACRA The chorus performs Israel in Egypt, Handels biblical oratorio on the story of the Exodus. A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the International Institute of New England, which provides aid to immigrants and refugees. March 11, 7 p.m., First Church in Cambridge, Congregational. 617-349-3400, http://www.musicasacra.org

LONGWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The orchestra, drawn from Bostons medical community, welcomes pianists Peter Serkin and Anna Polonsky for two of Bachs Concertos for two pianos and orchestra. The suite from Stravinskys Firebird is also on the program. March 11, 8 p.m., Jordan Hall. 617-987-0100, http://www.longwoodsymphony.org

David Weininger

ARTS

EDWARD II Sexuality collides with power politics in this brooding, sensual, and suspenseful production of Christopher Marlowes 16th-century drama, streamlined and contemporized by the ever-artful director David R. Gammons. Maurice Emmanuel Parent delivers a powerhouse performance as the monarch whose passion for his male lover sets in motion deadly machinations by a pair of noblemen. Through March 19. Actors Shakespeare Project at Charlestown Working Theater, Charlestown. http://www.actorsshakespeareproject.org, 866-811-4111.

BRECHT ON BRECHT A trenchant collage of excerpts from works by German playwright-poet Bertolt Brecht, tweaked by director Jim Petosa to give it an anti-Trump thrust. The versatile cast includes Christine Hamel, Carla Martinez, Jake Murphy, and Brad Daniel Peloquin, with piano accompaniment by musical director Matthew Stern. Through March 5. Copresented by New Repertory Theatre and the BostonCenter for American Performance. At Black Box Theater, Mosesian Center for the Arts, Watertown. 617-923-8487, http://www.newrep.org

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME Amath-genius teenager sets out to solve the murder of a neighbors dog, only tobecome embroiled in the secrets and lies ofhis own family. Simon Stephenss Tony-winning stage adaptation of Mark Haddons best-selling novel is directed by Marianne Elliott. March 7-19. Production by National Theatre presented by Broadway in Boston. At Boston Opera House. 800-982-2787, http://www.broadwayinboston.com

DON AUCOIN

THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA Tennessee Williamss last critical success takes us to the Pacific coast of Mexico, where a former Episcopal minister, a newly widowed hotel owner, a 40ish Nantucket spinster, and her 97-year-old poet grandfather endure a dark night of the soul and try to escape their demons, even as the title lizard tries to escape the roasting pan. With a high-powered cast including Bill Heck as the minister, Dana Delany as the widow, Amanda Plummer as the spinster, and James Earl Jones as the poet, this Michael Wilson-directed production is well acted and easy to watch, though those who like their Tennessee Williams desperate and harrowing may find it a little too easy. Through March 18. American Repertory Theater at Loeb Drama Center, Cambridge. 617-547-8300, http://www.americanrepertorytheater.org JEFFREY GANTZ

BODYTRAFFIC One of the contemporary dance worlds most acclaimed repertory troupes returns to Boston with a program of four area premieres: excerpts from Richard Siegals jazz-fueled The New 45; Joshua L. Peughs playful A Trick of the Light; Once again, before you go, choreographed by RubberbanDance Group founder Victor Quijada; and Private Games: Chapter One by Anton Lachky. March 10-12, $36-$40. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-876-4275, http://www.worldmusic.org

BOSTON YOUTH MOVES DANCE COMPANY The highly respected dance education program for teens showcases its most committed young dancers in a concert of jazz, tap, contemporary, and theater dance. The program includes works by artistic directors Jeannette Neill and James Viera, as well as original pieces by guest choreographers Andrew Winans and Laura Vinci de Vanegas. March 10-11, $20-$25. Boston University Dance Theater. 617-523-1355, http://www.bostonyouthmoves.org

FINDING HEAVEN UNDER OUR FEET: MAKING MODERN DANCE Chris Engless new documentary focuses on Weber Dance. The filmmaker traveled with the company for a residency in Alaska and followed the troupe during the creation and premiere of Of Looms and Lilies. The film ties those experiences into the roots of modern dance and the power of community cultural engagement. World premiere. March 9, $10. Somerville Theatre, Somerville. 617-625-5700, http://www.weberdance.com

KAREN CAMPBELL

EVELYN RYDZ: FLOATING ARTIFACTS Rydz photographs tiny bits she finds washed ashore, organic and plastic scraps carried by currents and refashioned by the ocean biosphere. She blows the images up, turning the wee debris totemic and starkly alluring. Through May 21. Tufts University Art Gallery, 40 Talbot Ave., Medford. 617-627-3518, artgallery.tufts.edu

CAMILLE UTTERBACK: ENTANGLED The digital artists interactive installation translates viewers movements into painterly projections on a large screen. It runs concurrently with Cybernetic Serendipity, which revisits the first digital art exhibition, staged in London in 1968. Through April 22. Emerson Urban Arts: Media Art Gallery, 25Avery St., 617-824-3895, http://www.emerson.edu/urban-arts/media-arts-gallery

PROTECTED TREES NEW WORK BY JOEL JANOWITZ Struck by the street-level byproducts of sewer work in his Cambridge neighborhood, Janowitz made paintings and prints documenting the strange juxtaposition of trees and the materials needed to safeguard them. Through April 7. Gallery 344, Cambridge Arts Council, 344 Broadway, City Hall Annex, Cambridge. 617-349-4380, http://www.cambridgema.gov/arts/publicart/gallery344

CATE McQUAID

AN INNER WORLD: SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY DUTCH GENRE PAINTING An intimate show of intimate scenes. The seven paintings on view highlight artistic innovation in the city of Leiden, led by Gerrit Dou. The delicately brushed works depict figures at quiet moments. Through Sept. 17. Clark Art Institute, 225 South St., Williamstown. 413-458-2303, http://www.clarkart.edu

A CURIOUS NATURE: PAINTINGS BY SHELLEY REED In her dramatic, fierce, and luxuriant black-and-white works, the painter recontextualizes details from 17th- and 18th-century Northern European art, addressing contemporary and timeless themes of humanitys connection to nature. Through June 4. Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. 978-345-4207, http://www.fitchburgartmuseum.org

MARK WETHLI/PIPER CUB Conceptual art, model, or fan-boy obsession? Wethli has re-created by hand the legendary small aircraft, built in the mid-20th century and flown during World War II, using pine, birch plywood, and recycled Piper Cub parts. Through May 14. Center for Maine Contemporary Art, 21Winter St., Rockland, Maine. 207-701-5005, http://www.cmcanow.org CATE McQUAID

EVENTS

SOMETHING BIG WITH JOHN CONROY Washington, D.C., native Conroy, who trades in both every-day-observational humor and more socially aware material, headlines this edition of the monthly showcase with Petey DeAbreu and Xamin Garza. March 9, 7 p.m. $13-$15. The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Somerville. 617-684-5335, http://www.therockwell.org

BETHANY VAN DELFT Boston comedian/storyteller/model/mom Van Delft, who also hosts the Artisanal Comedy show at Dorchester Brewing Company the last Wednesday of each month, tops the bill on this showcase, with Maya Manion and others. March 11, 7:30 p.m. $20. Dick Dohertys Comedy Den, 184High St., Boston. 800-401-2221, http://www.dickdoherty.com

THE LAST LAUGH: LATE NIGHT COMEDY Each Saturday night, ImprovBoston hosts a late-night, off-color comedy show with a different theme, depending on the week. The second Saturday is Late Night Longform, featuring a naughtier-than-normal version of longform improv. March 11, 11:30 p.m. $10. ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St., Cambridge. 617-576-1253, http://www.improvboston.com

NICK A. ZAINO III

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AT HARVARD SQUARE Ifyou missed out on all the Chinese New Year fun in late January, dont worry, there are still festivals to be had. Continue to celebrate the year of the rooster with parades, arts, crafts, and tons of delicious food. March 5, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Hong Kong Harvard Square, 1238 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 617-864-5311. http://www.harvardsquare.com/celebrate-chinese-new-year-harvard-square

PAJAMA PARTY If your toddler cant seem to settle down on Friday night prior to bedtime, take him or her to the Childrens Museum of Easton pajamas and all for some music making and relaxing craft time. March 10, 5-7 p.m. Free with museum admission. Childrens Museum, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton. 508-230-3789. childrensmuseumineaston.org/pajama-party/

KERPLUNK! If you enjoyed (or still enjoy) Choose Your Own Adventure books from your own childhood, let your kids experience that same feeling of power when they decide what the characters on stage will do at Kerplunk! March 11, 11 a.m. $5-$10. The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Somerville. 617-684-5335. http://www.catalystcomedy.com/kerplunk/ LEXI PEERY

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

March 22 Fishbone at The Sinclair axs.com

March 23 The Knocks at Royale axs.com

March 24 They at Middle East ticketweb.com

March 28 Vince Staples at Paradise Rock Club ticketmaster.com

March 30 Saba at Brighton Music Hall ticketmaster.com

April 2 Chris Brown and 50 Cent at TD Garden ticketmaster.com

April 5 Gucci Mane at House of Blues concerts.livenation.com

April 7 Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey at TD Garden ticketmaster.com

ALEX FRANDSEN

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The Ticket: Music, theater, dance, art, and more - The Boston Globe

SunOpta Inc. posted revenue of about $1.35 billion in 2016, up almost 18 percent at least partially because of boosted output from the global organic food company's expanded Upper Macungie Township facility.

But that's about where the good news ended Wednesday as SunOpta released its fourth-quarter and year-end financial results.

Just take a look at the company's fourth quarter: SunOpta posted a loss of about $33.5 million, which translates to a loss of 41 cents a share. In addition, the company reported fourth-quarter revenue of $297.5 million, a 6 percent drop compared with the year-earlier period. Both results fell short of Wall Street expectations.

"Fourth-quarter results were below our expectations, driven by the exit of non-core business lines, impairment charges and sales softness in beverage and fruit that also impacted production volumes," said David Colo, who took over as SunOpta president and CEO early last month. "We believe these results are not in any way reflective of the true earnings power of our company."

But it will take time to reach that true earnings power, Colo said Wednesday on a conference call with analysts, as SunOpta tries to turn around its fortunes as it works through its value-creation plan, which was announced in October.

In the Lehigh Valley, Canada-based SunOpta opened a consumer foods plant in 2012 on Daniels Drive in Upper Macungie. It completed a $25 million expansion in November 2015, which added aseptic processing capabilities. That transformed the facility, which employs 114, into a dual-purpose consumer products plant, with one part handling flexible resealable pouches for healthy snacks and baby food, and the newer part focusing on aseptic beverages such as soy or almond milk.

Colo said he sees a lot of opportunity in the consumer products segments and considers the expanded manufacturing footprint for aseptic beverages a "huge strength for the organization."

However, turning around the entire company, he cautioned, will take time, potentially three years or so before SunOpta achieves the margins the company wants. It's something Colo said will require SunOpta to make decisions with a long-term focus, even if that doesn't maximize quarterly results.

"We will clean it up, tune it up and turn it up," Colo said.

But SunOpta's stock took a turn downward Wednesday, dropping 45 cents or 6.25 percent to close at $6.75.

jon.harris@mcall.com

Twitter @ByJonHarris

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Organic food company with Upper Macungie plant looks to reverse fortunes under new CEO - Allentown Morning Call

A mass meditation class above the clouds? Sounds like a dream! We can assure you that this is no fantasy, as The Big Quiet in collaboration with Kit and Ace are hosting another spellbinding, relaxation event at the top of One World Observatory. Oh, were just swooning thinking about those gorgeous views!

Over 1,000 people will attend the event held on Sunday, March 19 at 9pm. The evening features an intergroup prologue, string musicians, mellifluous vocalists and DJs. A ticket ($40) grants you access to the class and a meditation cushion (which you get to keep!) and a dinner salad from Sweetgreen.

Cop your ticket here and take a load off!

Jennifer is the Things to Do editor at Time Out New York. She is the proud owner of a kangaroo onesie and can recite every line from the film Spice World. Follow her on Twitter at @jenpicht.

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Join a mass meditation (with over a thousand people) on top of this skyscraper - Time Out New York (blog)