Where do tree hugging, vegetarian liberals belong in north Chicago? (Evanston: loans, elementary schools)

[ndfmnlf]

This may be off topic, but since the point has been raised, allow me to respond. I've not understood the rationale for vegetarianism. Is it for health reasons? Is it ideological? Both? There may be some health basis for including more fruits and vegetables in our diets, but to totally exclude meats seems rather extreme and counterproductive. Meats provide Vitamin B12, Calcium, Vit D, and iron - substances that tend to be missing in fruits and vegetables. There is a risk of developing deficiencies of these vitamins and minerals in those who consume a pure vegetarian diet.

If the rationale for vegetarianism is sympathy for animals that are invariably killed for food, aren't plants living things as well that must also be killed for them to be eaten? Why do animals have rights but plants don't? What is the difference between a duck that is slaughtered versus broccoli that is boiled? They're both living beings that are only trying to survive on this green earth. Don't they both have the right to live?

[Lookout Kid]

I personally find vegeterianism attractive because of it's rejection of the Mega corporate food producers like Monsanto, Tyson, and ConAgra, who have adulterated our meat/poultry supply to a tremendous degree. There's also an environmental argument that producing meat is an inefficient use of land and resources. I have a family member who is a vegetarian for these reasons.

I am not a vegetarian, but am an organic food advocate (though I eat non-organic occasionally). I like a good chunk of grass-fed steak or free-range chicken, but will eat a McDonald's Quarter Pounder occasionally with few reservations. And the organic stuff can be EXPENSIVE.

[Calidreemer]

Ok - to come back to the thread so we don't all get "moderated" Jay and her family are Vegans and that is one of the reasons why I believe they like Evanston because it allows them to be supported in their lifestyle choice.

Not that I am trying to speak for them, just trying to get us back on track here.

[SloopyJ]

Originally Posted by jaynetarzana

Can't help but wonder if the carp have gotten so large as a result of being near the power plant. You just never know....

I would say this is off-topic, but with this thread there really is no such thing. Just wanted to say that the carp probably ARE bigger near the power plant, but not because they're genetic mutants or something. Lots of power plants use lakewater as a source of chilled water to cool the mechanical equipment. They basically run it through pipes and run it back into the lake - no dirtier than they took it in, but definitely warmer. The warmer water tends to breed more algae and other microorganisms that the fish feed on. More food = bigger fish! And how cool that most of those fish are vegans!

[Nysee53]

Anthera was incorrect. That is not a power plant on the northern end of Northwestern University. It is the Evanston Water Filtration Plant. Evanston does not have a power plant within its corporate limits. Winnetka is the only North Shore community to supply its own electricity. The carp that are in the pond at Northwestern are all over Illinois. They are particularly plentiful in the Starved Rock area.

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by Anthera

Jay,

My son reminded me today of a very very fun thing you can do with your kids in Evanston. On NU's campus, by the power plant, there is a pond filled with large carp. They are extremely tame and love breadcrumbs. My kids used to have a blast feeding them when we were at NU for kids stuff.

You are so right !! I know those carp at the plant, my kids loved to feed them as well. They could actually pet them (well, tap them on their heads anyway)

[Nysee53]

It is not a power plant, it is a water filtration plant. It says it all over the place. As I said before only Winnetka has its own power plant. What happened to Anthera? She is no longer a member?

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Nysee53

It is not a power plant, it is a water filtration plant. It says it all over the place. As I said before only Winnetka has its own power plant. What happened to Anthera? She is no longer a member?

Evanston Campus Interactive Map, Northwestern University

"The Central Utility Plant will be expanded to house new chillers that are needed to meet the cooling load imposed by Silverman Hall. The $40 million project is also designed to handle anticipated loads over the next 20 years and to provide appropriate cooling and process chilled water capacity to the Evanston campus during the annual Labor Day steam shutdown. "

Per:
Spring Brings Campus Construction Boom, NewsCenter, Northwestern University

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by nanannie

You are so right !! I know those carp at the plant, my kids loved to feed them as well. They could actually pet them (well, tap them on their heads anyway)

Nothing like petting the luxurious feel of carp scales! Yuck!

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Evanston Campus Interactive Map, Northwestern University

"The Central Utility Plant will be expanded to house new chillers that are needed to meet the cooling load imposed by Silverman Hall. The $40 million project is also designed to handle anticipated loads over the next 20 years and to provide appropriate cooling and process chilled water capacity to the Evanston campus during the annual Labor Day steam shutdown. "

Per:
Spring Brings Campus Construction Boom, NewsCenter, Northwestern University

Thanks Avenger- as you point out,a "plant" IS the correct term. Dont understand the nit picking.