![\"Chris](\"https:\/\/www.bayareaveg.org\/blog\/media\/chris.jpg\")
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From writing code to designing flyers to being a costumed chicken or Stormtrooper, meet Chris James, BAVeg’s co-founder & general dogsbody, and a vegan force to be reckoned with.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n Profession:<\/strong> Computer Engineer Are you vegetarian or vegan, and for how long?<\/strong> Veg since ’89, went Vegan in ’94<\/p>\n What motivated you to make this change?<\/strong> Hard to say, it was a long process. My one line answer has always been “To be difficult”<\/em>, but here’s a recent blog entry<\/a> on my reasons for going veg. (link<\/a>)<\/p>\n What are you working on?<\/strong> BAVeg keeps me very busy. I am the keeper of the Ultimate Guide and maintain all the technology on the BAVeg website. I write all the custom code for the site (usually PHP and MySQL), and am the graphic designer for the website, various flyers & posters, as well as list admin for SFBAVEG, the Secretary & Treasurer for BAVeg and official chauffeur for the President<\/a>.<\/p>\n How can others get involved? <\/strong>Just email me, or see the BAVeg jobs<\/a> page. Our current focus is building a strong outreach and advocacy team, and establishing BAVeg as a community resource for vegetarianism.<\/p>\n Who\/what inspires you to keep going?<\/strong> I see the suffering and cruelty that the animals endure, and then I see that our efforts at BAVeg do make a difference in supporting and promoting a plant-based diet. I work closely with Tammy and we keep each other motivated. Ingrid Newkirk is also one of my heroes.<\/p>\n What advice would you give to an aspiring vegan?<\/strong> Get a good vegan cookbook, like Peaceful Palate, and seek out vegan friends.<\/p>\n What advice would you give to an aspiring activist?<\/strong> Don’t go it alone. Find like-minded people and build relationships and a support system. Working with others can help you avoid burnout.<\/p>\n What else are you involved in? <\/strong> I am a big Star Wars fan and a member of the 501st Stormtrooper Legion<\/a>. We do charity events where I show up as a Stormtrooper, Biker Scout, X-Wing Pilot or a Jedi knight. I also have a huge collection of replica props from various movies.<\/p>\n Favorite band:<\/strong> Del Amitri<\/p>\n Favorite food:<\/strong> Baked beans on toast – it’s a British thing Favorite dessert:<\/strong> Black China Carrot Cake<\/p>\n Favorite restaurant: <\/strong>Shangri-La Vegetarian Restaurant<\/a>, closely followed by Herbivore<\/a>.<\/p>\n Favorite recipe:<\/strong> It varies every month, but currently it’s Thai Pasta (see the April 05 Newsletter<\/a> for the recipe)<\/p>\n Favorite movies: <\/strong> Favorite Quotes:<\/strong> and an even wiser man – “You don’t have to be the best to win. Sometimes luck is just on your side and others around you are simply worse.”<\/em><\/p>\n
\nCity:<\/strong> Montara
\nAge:<\/strong> 36
\nWebsites:<\/strong> bayareaveg.org<\/a>, and my blog<\/a><\/p>\n![\";)\"](\"https:\/\/www.bayareaveg.org\/blog\/img\/smilies\/icon_wink.gif\"){kind=icon}
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\nThe original Star Wars trilogy, the first and last Indiana Jones movies, Star Trek: First Contact, All of the Lord of the Rings movies.<\/p>\n
\nA wise woman once told me “Vegetarians are like magnets… either we stick together or repel with equal force!”<\/em>, <\/p>\n