Because it’s hard to actually pinpoint who is vegan and not in Hollywood, earlier this year The Vegan Society reached out to Ecorazzi to help design a comprehensive list of confirmed vegan celebrities. As the resident vegan I took on that project and I think it’s safe to say that Sprig did a pretty good job. There were, however, a few blunders.

On the list, Sprig includes Andre Benjamin and Shania Twain – two celebs who are currently believed to not be vegan. In March of 2008, Andre told Pittsburgh City Paper that, “I’m not totally vegan now –I eat fish occasionally.” Then in September of 2008 he confirmed with Rolling Stone, “Besides, I’m not totally vegan. I still eat honey and wear leather.”

Shania at one time called herself a “sensible person and non-smoking vegan,” but later reported that she doesn’t “eat meat, fish, or eggs.” This left many to believe that dairy was still included in her diet. Finally, they included Tobey Maguire who Ecorazzi reported is mostly vegan except when he has to gain weight for a role.

Overall the list was thoughtful, smart and right on! To find out who made the cut, visit Sprig.com!

– Ronald Brabander, owner of Blondie’s restaurant, recalls catering for Shania Twain one night and preparing 16 entrees to ensure there’d be one to fit her taste. Must be nice!

via: nugget.ca

I have been a fan of Nellie for years, but it wasn’t until this past Saturday that I had the chance to check her out live at the Zipper Factory in NYC. The space was warm and intimate and embodied the fleeting off-off Broadway spirit that once flourished on the western side of midtown Manhattan. I suck at pretty much anything fashion so excuse me if I cannot explain to you what she was wearing, but I’ll give you this: it was sparkly and corset-like. Later in the concert Nellie joked that she got the outfit from Shania Twain who donated her clothes to the Vegetarian Relief Fund after the divorce — prompting McKay to ask the audience if Shania was a vegetarian or vegan. I quickly yelled out vegan…come on it’s my job to know these things! (Note: While famousveggie.com reports that Shania is vegan, I have found other reports saying she eats dairy. Anyone know?)

Nellie soared through her first few songs, and I must admit, I was worried she wasn’t going to talk to us at all! But as the night moved on McKay became more comfortable and by the end she was chatting up a storm! Nellie is famous for her outspoken views on animal rights and told us that she thought the writers of the Sex and The City Movie were “just so stupid” by characterizing the animal rights activists that appear in the film as ugly and disgusting. There was some audience participation too. She asked us to cry at one point and gave us topics in case we needed help: Dick Cheney smiling, Ann Coulter holding a puppy…Bill Murray.

Overall the evening was absolutely delightful! It’s always encouraging to see a performer (especially a young one) who stands up for what she believe in and isn’t influenced by the Hollywood norm. For it is those differences that make McKay’s music unique and keep her fans coming back for more. To listen to some of her tunes or find out more about Nellie McKay vist NellieMcKay.com.

Unfortunate news today that Shania Twain and her husband-producer Robert “Mutt” Lange are splitting up after 14-years of marriage. The couple’s decision comes after they recently opened a brand-new public hiking trail on their incredible property of more than 61,000 acres on New Zealand’s South Island.

Twain’s purchase of the 33-year lease for the land ($17.5m) sparked debate over fears that wealthy foreigners were snapping up and sealing off the country’s prime real estate. As a show of good faith, the couple agreed to create a hiking track, with huts and other facilities, crossing their land as part of a nationwide trail. Mountain bikers, climbers and hunters also have continued access to the property.

This past March, Shania joined Prime Minister Helen Clark at the opening to the new trail — the first back country section of a nationwide public walkway to open on South Island. When asked whether she had taken the three-day journey across her property (three days!), Twain responded that she hadn’t, but planned to.

We’re hopeful Shania’s unfortunate personal issues don’t translate to trouble for this incredible piece of New Zealand scenery. Even if it is eventually sold off, the New Zealand government will no doubt ensure the next owners are as environmentally-conscious as the current.