Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Beccy
Date: 21 Apr 03 - 03:45 PM

Finally, a subject I can sink my teeth into (pardon me...)

I have a sister and her husband who's a vegetarian (heck- they even feed their dog vegetarian dog food and have hypers if my tongs that i turned my steak with touch their portobellos on the grill, ergh) and without sounding too snotty, I'm the better musician by far. My husband, a man who when asked what he wants for dinner answers "I don't care, so long as there's a bunch of meat in it..." is an infinitely better musician than her husband. My theory is that they're weak from hunger. :-) I mean really, how many meals can consist entirely of bean and bean/veggie combos???

But seriously, I love vegetables. My kids love vegetables, my husband loves vegetables. But it just doesn't seem like a complete meal without meat. I was a vegetarian for 7 years. I feel so much better when I eat some meat than when I don't. Maybe it's my metabolism.

I am tired of being told, "I don't eat meat" (read with a snotty tone)"I don't believe in eating meat." How about just, "I don't like meat." That is less of an implication of "Oh you MONSTER. How COULD you possibly lower yourself to eat MEAT? Don't you KNOW that was living and breathing once?" (Ummmm, yeah- and I hope it was recently, 'cause unless I'm dry aging a roast in my fridge- I don't want old meat.)

I'll stop now.

Beccy

BTW, does anyone have more fun quotes about vegetarianism? My Dad and I collect them and *boy howdy* ya'll gave me some to pass along.

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 21 Apr 03 - 02:51 PM

Q! It kinda works!

FYI... Wild Rover... and yes, it's not my first parody (sheepishly remembering an hauty air or two, projected by yours truly... about the 'less than awesome' status of parodies *lg*) ttr

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 21 Apr 03 - 01:15 PM

Thomas the Rhymer. Tried your song to "On Top of Old Smoky." No, please don't shoot!

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 21 Apr 03 - 10:43 AM

Now chilluns, let uncle Rick who's been around the block many times, tell you about some other FREE food.

"COMMIE" Food (remember I am one of those 'Soviet Canuckistan, Castro Luvin', Dubya dissin' Toque wearin', hosers)

I used to get invited to sing for the "Socialist Action" folks. They're Trotskyites (I'm not sure what that means...perhaps all their members go to Mexico and kill themselves)

By the way...I know I'm joshin', but these are good people....they're all lookin' for a better world, just like you and I are.

Their typical buffet included: CHEEZITS, POTATO CHIPS, BUDGET DIET COLA and once a year, ice cold Indian food (because they wouldn't spring for a damn hot-plate!

***************************************************************

"YACHT CLUB FOOD" Not bad actually. These folks have money....but they're CHEAP! Lotsa sandwiches, pickles, grapes, olives, cheese, and OK desserts. The problem is they simply NEVER wanna listen to music, 'cuz they rarely all get together, so they just talk......loudly. Much beer, but I rarely drink.....so I take a bunch home!

******************************************************************

"ETHNIC WEDDINGS" (Italian, Jewish, Polish) Yah man! Now I don't get hired as a "solo" for these things but I used to be called up for bands 'cause I could fake a lotta styles if neccessary.

Amazing food....BUT....since I wasn't the leader, I had to put up with some bloody band leaders who wouldn't avail themselves (and us) of the wonderful food! I've asked many times about "food and the band" and never ever was turned down, but some band leaders thought it was unprofessional.

HEY! The only reason I ever DID commercial work was for the food!

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: alanabit
Date: 21 Apr 03 - 04:14 AM

I love your song Thomas. I do a song poking fun at veggies myself - my Parrott Song. I have been vegetarian since 1987 when I was recovering from hepatitis B. It stopped me waking up in pain at night and I never had another relapse. I don't like to get too moralistic about being veggie - especially as sheer cowardice and self interest were my motives for stopping meat. I was probably a latent vegetarian before, but I always used to say, "Eating animals is wrong - but they taste nice!"
When I was travelling a lot, it was not always easy to get food. I Prague, for instance, even lentil salad had dead pig in it. (My theory is that after the fall of the Communist dictatorship, they had all these dead pigs lying around which they didn't know what to do with....) Personally, I am open to new foods (without animals). However, I like it when guests come to my house and do not even notice that they are eating veggie food. Fear not the veggie!

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 21 Apr 03 - 12:34 AM

I've been vegitarian for many long years
And I've spent not a sent on red meat or pigs ears
But now I'm returning with sausage in store
And I never shall be vegitarian no more...

And it's no nay never, no nay never no more
Shall I be vegitarian, no never... no more

I went to a juice bar I used to frequent,
And I told the landlady me money was spent
I asked her for credit, the answer was nay
Such a custom as yours I can get any day...

Then out of me pocket I drew sausages fine.
And the landlady's eyes opened wider than mine
Saying "I have wheat grass, and carrot and cress"
If you eat that in here, sure, the goddes won't bless...

I'll go home to my parents, and confess what I've done
And we'll dine on fresh lobster, roast beef till there's none
All slathered with gravy, in joyous rapport
No I never shall be vegitarian no more...

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 20 Apr 03 - 10:43 PM

Burger tonight and bacon last night.
Made burgers with extra lean ground, chopped onion, oregano, seasoning- and served with old aged cheddar, sliced fresh tomatoes, sliced pickle, sliced onions and choice of sauces in an ample kaiser bun. Lots of good canteloupe coming in, so had that on the side.
Last night we had hot toasted, buttered Dutch bread sandwiches with crisp bacon, aged cheddar and tomato slices. A tad greasy on the fingers but delicious.
Tomorrow a small aged steak and fresh ears of corn, well-buttered, with fresh tomatoes. Maybe a mango. Lovely!

Now what was the subject of this thread?

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Gypsy
Date: 20 Apr 03 - 10:28 PM

Gee, what i put on the table for our jam sessions depends entirely on the budget...........i eat meat, but can't afford to serve it all the time. Lots of beans and rice at this house for monetary reasons, and save the expensive stuff for special occasions. Now, of course, you wanna BRING me that lobster, i'll cook it! i'll even share it!

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Apr 03 - 03:09 AM

Boca burgers, Kevin...and Morning Star fake bacon...delicious and not a bit of meat in either.:-)

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Ely
Date: 20 Apr 03 - 12:51 AM

It's all about meat here. Barbecue, chili, slumgullion, hash. And dairy--if you say you're bringing a side dish, a salad doesn't count. It has to be corn pudding or scalloped potatoes or some sort of baked noodles-and-cheese. We've got some people who can really cook; I tend to be a veggie hound but even I can take a break from that now and then.

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Padre
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 09:38 PM

Bill Day is always a good guy to have at a sing, because he can be counted on for good songs, and good beer!! Kitfo rules!!!!

Padre

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 09:25 PM

Lobsters? I'm scared of Lobsters. If I ate one I'd be frighened the Great Red Lobster would come calling one night and tear down the door to get me. And serve me right.

Black Pudding is the stuff for a session. Now, I wonder if anyone has ever worked out a recipe for a vegetarian Black Pudding...

If they could only work out a way of making vegetarian food that actually tasted like meat, I'd be on it like a shot. It's not that I like the idea of eating other animals, I just like the way they taste.

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 09:20 PM

Well, folkies, come on out to my place. Always dead animals on my table, but broccoli and cauliflower too. We even eat Bambi......

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Peg
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 09:01 PM

My friend who died of cancer recently (at age 33) was a carnivore to the end and his favorite expression when anyone commented on how he never ate vegetables, was "Vegetables are what food eats!"

I wonder if a healthier diet on his part might have let him live longer...I think eating meat is okay for most humans but one does need to eat some fruits and vegetables to stay healthy! All about balance, I guess.

He smoked, too.

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Deckman
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 08:43 PM

Hi Mark ... nice to hear from you! Bob

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 08:04 PM

Bob, I would never have thrown you out of the Seattle Song Circle for singing a John Denver song. Unless it was "Sunshine on My Shoulder", of course.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 07:54 PM

Same experience as Rick.

Learned that it's unwise to assume that there will be anything edible at a "pot luck."

So these days I assume that the only offering I can stomach will be mine. I fix something I will like and can make a meal on. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised by the offerings of others, but I don't count on it.

One odd thing about pot lucks these days, though. I can rely on others to provide something potable. There will probably be a couple of designer beers in the cooler that I've never heard of and one of them will probably be pretty good.

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Deckman
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 07:43 PM

Rick ... VERY FUNNY and also very appropriate! I, like you, have noticed many changes within the folk scene over the years. And food styles is one that I had not thaought about, but I'm sure glad you did. I'm sure my comments will bring out other contributions from long time friends.

One of the first changes I noticed was the frowning upon anything containing alcohol. Whereas in the 50's and 60's, we always had a gallon of cheap red wine on the floor, by the 80's, that was becoming frowned upon. Good grief, how could we possibly sing all these stupid drinking songs without something to drink!

Then came the 'healthy food' push. No more salty pretzels and beer, rich cheeses, steak strips, etc.

As this health food slant became stronger, I also noticed an increasing regection of 'new music.' I was almost thrown out of the Seattle Song Circle group when I dared to sing a John Denver song once. Oh Well! I happened to enjoy his music very much and I still do.

What is my point ... I think that there are few folks more snobby than 'traditional folksingers.' And I LOVE traditional folkmusic. But I hate the clannishness, snobbishness (is that a word), and outright judgmentalism I often find in these circles.

Just my thoughts, and warm wishes to all! CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 07:42 PM

I always figure if some culture in the world (not including diviant 'sub-cultures' that aren't about culture, just about self-gratification) calls it food, I'll try it...

And there are very few things I've found that I flat out won't eat...

Liver... like the taste, but the texture is like something that'd gag a cat... I can chew it for hours and just can't bring myself to swallow it...

Onions... but that's an allergy... I LOVE onion, and miss them terribly... fortunatly, I still have green onions and shalots (Which are close enough in my book)

Chocolate... probably the single most over rated flavour in the whole pallet in my book... I could very easily go my whole life and never eat it again, and just not care...

Eggplant tastes like eggplant, but meat tastes like murder, and murder tastes pretty f*cking good!

Meat and fire... the taste of evolution...

:-)

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 07:22 PM

Who can deny the correlation between the decline of folk singing and the rise of vegetarianism?
Here's To a Bacon Butty- in fact to the whole butt!

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: NicoleC
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 06:25 PM

Wow, for a minute, Rick, I thought I'd found someone with the same disfunctional onion allergy as myself.

But bring on the broccoli! And the spinach!

(I'm with you on the turnips and cauliflower. It's not the taste so much as it is the nasty smell.)

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 06:14 PM

You pee-oh-pull are sick!

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 05:56 PM

I was SORT OF joking with the whole thing. I wouldn't want people to think I was one of those "I'm just a meat and potatos kinda guy" neanderthals. I mean I love foreign movies, classical music, Opera, and quite a few VERRRY unpopular things.....but I WILL NOT EAT BROCCOLI OR CAULIFLOWER!

or onions
or spinach
or turnips
or cabbage
or Brussels Sprouts
or bok choy
or parsnips

but I'll follow you anywhere if you wave a Lobster at me.

By the way "Folky food" may not do much for me these days, but oh boy, those commercial gigs where you get CONVENTION FOOD...yummmm!

Rick

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Midchuck
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 04:52 PM

I know it's a tired line, but it's useful:

If someone gets preachy with me about my choice in foodstuffs, I tell them:

"Vegetables aren't food, vegetables are what food eats!"

They often are so disgusted with me that they go away - as I'd hoped.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 04:51 PM

Baaah... the best thing about vegitarians is that when the cow does finally run out, we'll have THEIR grain fed butts on our plates!

I'm a carnivore, cause that's how my body's supposed to be... I have these teeth in the courners of my mouth specifically designed for ripping and tearing meat... And I LOVE to use 'em!

Maybe it's a Toronto thing Rick?

:-)

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 04:48 PM

But apart from the Food,The Booze,and The Songs,the Song Circles are
exactly the same.But everybody is a lot older now.

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 04:47 PM

Not just song circles but all get-togethers.
When I came to Canada, already there were signs of change in the States, but NOT IN CANADA! It was heaven!
The table was laden with beef, ham, turkey, cold cuts, smoked salmon, real cheddar and all the good stuff, with plenty of Canadian rye (or rum in the Maritimes) to wash it down. Everyone loaded their plates to overflowing, polished that off and went back for seconds (and a third trip for the desserts). Real food for real people.

Now, as you say, sadly there are the rabbit foods (or would even Brer Rabbit wonder about them) with all sorts of peculiar yuck in which to immerse these crudities (spelling intentional), "finger" foods of uncertain origin, and (horrors!) the occasional glass of wine, often not suited even for faux foreign cookery- or some perfumed designer coffee or tea. One is lucky to find "goldfish" and wheat crackers to subsist on, let alone real bread.
No more going home stuffed to repletion, but having to stop at MacDonald's to fend off starvation.

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Allan C.
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 04:46 PM

There is a commercial on TV these days that pokes fun at the infamous "green bean casserole" and rightly so, in my view. It would appear that what Rick describes has also evolved at church socials and such. Fortunately, though, backyard gatherings I have attended, (some of them musical,) have nearly always included the roasting of some manner of beast or fowl.

Being the omnivoire that I am, I have nothing against vegetarianism; but when I encounter a table that contains nothing else I think of a favorite line from the film, "Crocodile Dundee" (if I remember it correctly) "Oh, you can eat it, I guess; but I wouldn't want to have to live off of it."

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 04:45 PM

What's sex?

New England is very conservative. Even though folks may be liberal politically, there's still an awful lot of conservative-style meat at folkie parties. Sausage casserole, pate (sausage sans casing), beans with sausage, chili with big chunks of meat (possibly in the form of sausage), grilled hot dogs or other type of sausage and pickled herring (HA - try to make THAT into a sausage!).

I have never once seen Jello with stuff in it at a party around here. It's quite likely the last guy who tried that pooted out of Mr. Dunderbeck's machine directly into the rice and SAUSAGE.

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Dave Swan
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 04:44 PM

Well, we haven't had the sex issue come up at one of our sing-arounds, but there is always plenty of beer and the food offered is omnivorous. So come on over.


As for sex, I guess as long as you don't scare the animals.....

Subject: RE: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 04:26 PM

Yeah, it's a new world out there, Rick. I used to be apologetic about my smoking (outside and away from others) at song circles. Finally, I felt so lonesome I quit smoking.
Now, I have apologize for eating meat. I remember one singing potluck where I worked hard to make a big pot of chili con carne. Turned out mine was the only meat dish on the table, and I was the only one who ate it. sowadays, I grab a burger before I go to sing.
I used to take a six-pack of beer to song circles, but lately people have been making comments about that, too.
What are they going to look down on next, sex?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: Vegetarianism&Song Circles Oil&Vinegar!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 19 Apr 03 - 03:58 PM

Ok folkies, I've been quiet for long enough on this issue.....but no more! The first song circle I went to was probably in the mid sixties, and I remember the FOOD very clearly. The songs? Well actually 'Kumbayah', and 'Michael Row the Boat ashore' were still reasonably cool then, but the pot luck buffets were great!

Plates of Cold Cuts! Baloney, Meat Macaroni and cheese loaf, salami, and stuff you didn't even TRY to identify, but you knew that it was part of SOME KIND of critter at some time in the distant past.

Salads! MMMMMmmmmgood! Nice head-lettuce with a tomato for variety covered in Kraft French.....yummy!

Bread? Darn right. Usually white sliced, or Freedom bread and occasionally Rye bread for that SERIOUSLY ethnic touch!

Cheese? Of course. Often TWO kinds of cheddar, and maybe some Roquefort. If I was lucky there might even be a few slices of Kraft "agent orange" Chemical squares.

Yes...there WERE products with ONIONS (crossing himself in an agnostic way) in them (chili, spaghetti, and sometimes just sitting there on a plate like REAL foodstuffs) but hey, I was a tolerant guy, even in those days so I never complained.

***************************************************************

Then something insidious started happening.

Over the years people started bringing some very strange "food beliefs" into the song circles. Perhaps it was one person who surrepticiously dropped a platter of "tofu-brownies" onto the table without being chastized, and then immediately followed up with some Baba Ganoush or tabouli the next week, knowing that if people couldn't pronounce something they'd probably just "shut up and eat it'!

Before you knew it the buffet tables were absolutely FULL of colourful articles masquerading as 'real' food! Undressed unadulterated Broccoli and cauliflower, Ratatouille (without a real rat or even a mouse) hummus, chick peas, taramasalata, and even pitas and tacos in place of some good "Wonderbread"!

So not only did I have to put up with some slightly questionable singing, but when "Waltzing With bears" came up, and I beat a hasty retreat to the food, I had ONION DIP staring me right in the face! Today's Chili? Faggedaboudit! It's never even SEEN a piece 'o steer.
*********************************************************
The only thing that hasn't changed since 1966 is that Green Jello with 'stuff' in it. At least it was/is onion free.

Be wary folks. Be verrrrry wary!

Rick

P.S. difficult vegetable spellings by Heather F.