VERMONT, UNITED STATES, November 14, 2008: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is calling on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont to raise health insurance premiums for people who eat meat, and lower the premiums for vegetarians. In a letter sent Monday to Bill Milnes Jr., president of Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Vermont, PETA’s Executive Director Tracy Reiman urged Blue Cross to raise rates on meat eaters because, she claims, heart disease, diabetes and other leading killer diseases have been conclusively linked to the consumption of meat and other animal products. But it doesn’t appear that Blue Cross will be taking PETA’s suggestion any time soon.
“Under Vermont law, we would not be allowed to vary rates based on the dietary and nutritional habits of various members,” said Kevin Goddard, Blue Cross’s vice president of external affairs. He did, however, say that Blue Cross is always looking to have the healthiest members possible, but “we have no information one way or the other if vegetarians are more healthy.”
A Major Festival of Indian Culture in Buenos Aires
http://www.indembarg.org.ar/
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA, November 11, 2008: The Embassy of India in Argentina, in collaboration with the government of the city of Buenos Aires, will present the Festival of India this month at Centro Cultural Borges, Buenos Aires. The festival includes an exhibition of culture and handicrafts, with a live demonstration by Indian artisans of their work. The festival also brings to Buenos Aires dance and music performances representing different regions of India, Kathak and an ensemble of Rajasthani folk dance group.
This spectacular piece of India in Argentina brings also a fashion show, a Bollywood film festival, painting and photo exhibitions, workshops and seminars on yoga, ayurveda and meditation. The Indian Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts is the main sponsor of the event.