Top 10 Workout Songs for February 2015

Remixes rule in this month's workout music round-up. Exactly half of the songs voted into the top 10 appear in re-worked versions. As always, this is a blessing for folks in search of musical inspiration, since these uptempo updates take existing gym favorites and accentuate their beats and momentum.

Songs getting a makeover include the latest from from Gwen Stefani, a club anthem from David Guetta, and the three way collaboration between Jennifer Lopez, Iggy Azalea, and Pitbull. Meanwhile, the other half of this month's list includes a Taylor Swift song you might recognize from a Target commercial, a Fall Out Boy track that pays tribute to a scene from Pulp Fiction, and the follow-up to Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne's breakthrough hit "Rather Be."

By combining new music from Top 40 regulars and updated versions of recent hits, this month's list strikes a fine balance between fresh and familiar sounds--both of which will come in handy when you're ready to get moving.

Here's the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred--the web's most popular workout music blog.

Gwen Stefani - Baby Don't Lie (Kaskade & KillaGraham Remix) - 100 BPM

Taylor Swift - Style - 95 BPM

Jennifer Lopez, Iggy Azalea & Pitbull - Booty (Bali Bandits Remix) - 129 BPM

Robin Schulz, Lilly Wood & The Prick - Prayer in C (Robin Schulz Radio Edit) - 123 BPM

Fall Out Boy - Uma Thurman - 149 BPM

Jessie J & 2 Chainz - Burnin' Up (Aero Chord Remix) - 100 BPM

Kelly Clarkson - Heartbeat Song - 74 BPM

Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne - Real Love - 125 BPM

David Guetta & Sam Martin - Dangerous (David Guetta's Banging Remix) - 128 BPM

Pitbull & Ne-Yo - Time of our Lives - 124 BPM

To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

Photo credit: License: CC0 Public Domain

Actress hosts podcast with celebrity friends and animal advocates

 

Elaine Hendrix

The Pet Matchmaker today announced the launch of a series of free weekly podcasts set to begin on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. The Podcast is hosted by the organization’s founder, Elaine Hendrix, who is best known for her roles in Disney's The Parent Trap, SNL'sSuperstar and the cult classic Romy & Michele's High School Reunion. She will star alongside Denis Leary in the new FX comedy, Sex&Drugs&Rock&Rollthis summer.

THE PET MATCHMAKER...with Elaine Hendrix is a fun, feisty and furry podcast hosted by award-winning actress and animal advocate Elaine Hendrix, along with a kennel-full of her celebrity friends, fellow pet lovers and animal experts.

“I couldn’t be more excited to team up with Sideshow Network for The Pet Matchmaker Podcast,” said Ms. Hendrix. “It combines two of my favorite things: performing and animals. We’re gearing up for fun, exciting shows that will keep pet-centric people up-to-date on the latest news in the animal protection world and pet industry and leave listeners educated, entertained and inspired. We also want to hear from the listeners and find out what’s on their minds. After all, who would want to miss one of our weekly cocktail recipes to celebrate our pets!”

Each show will run approximately 45 minutes and contain an array of features such as Stages & Cages, Non-profit of the Week, Pet Rescue Rockstars andAll-star Animal Advocates. “Everywhere I go I meet people who love animals. Whether I’m on a film set or at the dog park. Over the years I have the opportunity to build connections with animals lovers of all types from celebrities to leaders of non-profit organizations, veterinarians, animal trainers and behaviorists, dog groomers, and pet psychics—all using their skills in a unique way to help animals,” said Ms. Hendrix. “I’m excited to bring my friends together for a lively conversation about our favorite topic—animals!”

Ms. Hendrix will be joined on-air by her 'sidekick' and best friend, Dr. Antonio Brown, a Hollywood writer/producer and animal lover. 

The podcast launches on February 17, 2015 with guests Bill Crowe, Director of the Pet Care Foundation and actress, comedian, writer and film producerLisa Ann Walter. Future shows include:

February 24, 2015: Nikki Carvey Founder, Road Dogs & Rescue and actor David Faustino, best known for his role as Bud Bundy on the FOX sitcomMarried... with Children

March 3, 2015: Randy Grim, Founder, Stray Rescue of St. Louis and actress Kristin Bauer van Straten, best known for her role as vampire Pamela Swynford De Beaufort on the HBO television series True Blood

Other anticipated celebrity guests (pending schedules) include: Elizabeth Gillies, Morgan Fairchild, Robert Kelly, Margaret Cho, Joanna Krupa, and Andy Dick.

Other guests (pending schedules) will include:

• Jackson Galaxy, cat behaviorist and host of the television show My Cat from Hell on Animal Planet and co-author of the New York Times bestseller,Catification
•  Stephen Wells, President of the Animal Legal Defense Fund
•  Alex Hershaft, co-founder of the U.S. animal rights movement and founder and president of the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM)
•  Jennifer Fearing, California senior state director for The Humane Society of the United States
•  Andy Gil, businessman, conservationist and animal activist

One new episode will be released every Tuesday (ongoing) and is downloadable via http://ThePetMatchmaker.com/ and/or http://sideshownetwork.tv/

About Elaine Hendrix

Elaine Hendrix is an award-winning actress and animal advocate best known for her roles in Disney's The Parent Trap, SNL's Superstar and the cult classicRomy & Michele's High School Reunion. In addition to her 100+ acting credits, has a full-time second career rescuing, adopting, volunteering, lobbying, protesting, speaking, writing, building habitats and more, all on behalf of animals, everywhere. She is from East Tennessee and currently lives in Los Angeles, CA with her rescue dogs, canines: Rossmore and Ellie and felines: Kimbo and Goodie Cornbread. Hendrix will star alongside Denis Leary in the new FX comedy, Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll this summer.

About The Pet Matchmaker

The Pet Matchmaker was founded by award-winning actress and animal advocate Elaine Hendrix with the mission of celebrating and inspiring the rescue, foster and adoption of homeless pets everywhere.

NBC to air special celebrating shelter dogs and animal adoption

Celebrity Animal Lovers Betty White, Lindsey Vonn, Bryant Gumbel, Emmylou Harris, and Bernadette Peters Lend Their Support 

NBC Owned Television Stations will premiere the new special Best in Shelter with Jill Rappaport.  Long time NBC correspondent, award-winning animal advocate and author Jill Rappaport is the creator, executive producer and host.  The show takes viewers along on a search for the country’s most loveable rescue dogs. With the help of beloved actress and comedian Betty White, Olympic superstar skier Lindsey Vonn, singer Emmylou Harris and other celebrities, the half-hour special will highlight adoption centers from around the country and their endearing animals hoping to find forever homes.  Best in Shelter with Jill Rappaport airs locally on NBC 4 New York on Saturday, February 21st @ 7:00 ET and on the NBC Owned Television Stations and NECN.  Viewers in other markets should check their local listings for airtimes. 

“This show is about saving lives and finding them ALL forever loving homes,” said Jill Rappaport. “It has been my dream for years to do a show that shines a light on the plight of shelter animals, and the wonderful heart and souls they possess!”

“Producing Best in Shelter with Jill Rappaport is one way we can draw attention to the important issue of homeless animals and raise awareness to help them find loving owners and permanent homes,” said Meredith McGinn, Senior Vice President of LX.TV, the division’s lifestyle production company.

Best in Shelter with Jill Rappaport features categories of dogs often overlooked for adoption such as Seniors, Pitt Bulls, Mutts and Tripods – three-legged dogs. At each shelter, these canines will be judged by celebrity animal advocates based on very serious criteria like “lickability” and cuddle factor! Journalist and host of HBO’S Real Sports Bryant Gumbel and wife and author Hilary Gumbel judge at Main Line Animal Rescue in Pennsylvania, teen actor Lou Wegner at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in California, and singer/actress Bernadette Peters at the ASPCA’s shelter in New York City.  One dog from each shelter will be named “Best in Shelter” and rewarded with a year’s supply of a food-filled care package from show sponsor Blue Buffalo.

“Most importantly, they will all find permanent homes which is what they deserve,” added Rappaport.

"BLUE is a company founded on the incredible bond humans have with our pets,” said David Petrie, Vice President, Blue Buffalo Co.  “Over the years, we’ve helped place over 2.5 million pets in forever homes, and we look forward to a long and helpful future for years to come.”

Show sponsor Subaru has also been a long-standing supporter of animal causes. 

"Since 2007, Subaru has donated $12 million to the ASPCA and organized over 1,200 adoption events at animal shelters and at Subaru retailers nationwide,” said Alan Bethke, vice president of marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “Animal welfare is an important part of the Subaru brand and we are very proud to support Jill's mission to raise awareness for rescue dogs, especially those under-rescued animals featured in Best In Shelter."

The ASPCA estimates that of the 5 to 7 million pets left to shelters each year, approximately 3 to 4 million will never get out. Best in Shelter with Jill Rappaport gives these discarded animals a second chance, and brings attention to the countless abandoned pets worthy of adoption.

Best in Shelter with Jill Rappaport will air locally on NBC 4 New York on Saturday, February 21st @ 7:00pm ET and on the NBC Owned Television Stations and NECN.  Tune in to support the adoption of these undeniably loveable dogs.

About NBC Owned Television Stations

NBC Owned Television Stations, part of the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations division of NBCUniversal, includes 11 local broadcast television stations and a regional cable news channel serving the largest markets in the nation, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, Washington, D.C., Miami-Fort Lauderdale, San Diego and Connecticut as well as Puerto Rico. The stations produce and broadcast more than 17,000 hours of local news and information programming and enterprise journalism each year that is important and relevant to the communities they serve, across multiple online, social media and digital out-of-home platforms. The division also operates COZI TV (www.cozitv.com), a national network that brings viewers some of America’s most beloved and iconic television shows and hit movies, as well as the lifestyle production company, LX.TV, and the in-house marketing and promotions company, NBCUniversal Skycastle.

Photo credit:CC0 Public Domain

Top 10 Vegan Pizzas named in time for National Pizza Pie Day

"The Works" at 3 Brothers Pizza Cafe photo by Jay Astafa

As the demand for delicious vegan meals soars at hot spots across the country, PETA's "official" tasters set out to find the Top 10 Vegan Pizzas in time for National Pizza Pie Day on February 9—and they were not disappointed!

The mouthwatering Red Beans and Rice Pizza, created in true Louisiana fashion by New Orleans' Mid City Pizza, landed the number-one spot, followed closely by The Works—featuring a sizzling array of seitan meatballs and soy pepperoni—from 3 Brothers Pizza Cafe on Long Island, N.Y. Nabbing third place was the Sweet Potato of Mine, a veggie-packed pie from Silly's in Portland, Maine, while fourth place went to the decadently noodle- and vegan cheese–topped The Vegan Mac from Chicago's Dimo's. The Loaded Potato Pizza—brimming with tempeh "bacon" bits—from Brick Road Pizza Co. in Grand Rapids, Mich., claimed spot number five. Pies from pizzerias in Los Angeles; Portland, Ore.; Kansas City, Mo.; Providence, R.I.; and Flagstaff, Ariz., filled out the top 10.

"As these wonderful restaurants prove, it's never been easier to indulge in a delicious vegan slice at pizza parlors," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "With so many tasty vegan options widely available, PETA is calling on caring people everywhere to kick dairy products to the curb in favor of a scrumptious slice of vegan pie."

There are even more options for vegan pizza available: Popular chains Mellow Mushroom, PizzaRev, and Pieology now offer exciting vegan pizzas, including vegan mozzarella and other animal-friendly toppings.

As documented by PETA, whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to abuse in any way," cows exploited for their milk are genetically manipulated to produce four and a half times the amount of milk they naturally would and are often mutilated without painkillers. The only way to spare these animals a lifetime of cruelty in the dairy industry is to switch to healthy plant-based milks and cheeses.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

VegCruising.com caters to vegetarian and vegan travelers

CruiseOne Franchise Owner Margaret Miner has launched VegCruising.com to fill a much-needed void for vegan and vegetarian cruisers. VegCruising.com organizes group cruises that specialize in creating vegetarian and vegan cuisine for the most discerning traveler.

“As a vegetarian, I am familiar with the dietary struggles vegetarians and vegans face when they travel,” said Margaret Miner, CruiseOne vacation specialist and franchise owner of the Pleasant Hill location. “I created VegCruising.com to cater to vegan and vegetarian travelers so they can experience similar culinary delights as omnivores. Wherever you are on your personal dietary journey, we deliver peace of mind regarding your food choices when cruising.”

VegCruising groups will be offered delicious, creative dining options which meet their dietary preferences and needs. Holland America Line, a recognized leader in cruising with a commitment to innovation and outstanding cuisine, has been chosen for VegCruising.com’s three 2015 sailings to Alaska, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

The inaugural VegCruise departs from Seattle on July 11 for a seven-day voyage aboard the ms Westerdam. With fares starting at $1,400, the cruise to Alaska follows the Glacier Bay itinerary and has ports of call at Juneau; Sitka; Ketchikan; and Victoria, British Columbia. The second VegCruise travels the Mediterranean from Barcelona to Rome aboard the ms Zuiderdam on an 11-night cruise departing on Aug. 13.  Fares start at $2,499 and VegCruisers will visit Spain, Monaco, France and Italy. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the final VegCruise of the year sails to the Eastern Caribbean islands of Grand Turk, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and Bahamas aboard the ms Eurodam on Oct. 18 with fares starting at $999. All three VegCruise fares are based on double occupancy and have limited availability.

VegCruising.com manages all reservations, groups traveling and dietary preferences, ensuring a wonderful and healthy vacation experience for travelers. For more information or to book your own VegCruise with CruiseOne, please call 800-634-8118 or visit www.VegCruising.com.

About CruiseOne^®

In operation since 1992, the home-based travel franchise CruiseOne^® is ranked in the top one percent of all franchises worldwide and is a member of the International Franchise Association. As part of World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company, CruiseOne franchisees are able to offer their customers the lowest possible pricing on vacations with its 100 percent “Best Price and Satisfaction Guarantee.” CruiseOne has received partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line^®, Royal Caribbean International^®, Celebrity Cruises^® and Carnival^® Cruise Lines. For more information on CruiseOne, visit www.CruiseOne.com.

IKEA to offer vegan meatballs in its store restaurants

As demand for delicious, convenient vegan food skyrockets around the world, top furniture retailer IKEA is tossing its hat into the fray with a scrumptious offering: a vegan twist on its classic Swedish meatball. After working with PETA, whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to eat," for the past three years and receiving a swarm of petitions showing support for vegan options from IKEA fans around the world, the company announced that the tasty vegan treats will be available in its store restaurants beginning in April.

"PETA hears every day from shoppers calling for animal-friendly on-the-go options," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Vegan snacks spare animals suffering and benefit human health, which earns IKEA a round of applause from PETA."

In addition to sparing animals immense suffering on factory farms, in slaughterhouses, and on the decks of fishing boats, vegans are less prone to suffering from heart disease, diabetes, strokes, obesity, and cancer than meat-eaters are. They also have smaller carbon footprints, as the meat industry is a major producer of the greenhouse-gas emissions that cause climate change.

Photo credit: cc:flickr.com/photos/walterk29

Photographers for Animals announces #BunnyWeek

Photo by Jason Putsche Photography

While much of the nation’s attention today is focused on #Bombogenesis and Blizzard conditions battering the mid-Atlantic states and New England, snow bunnies of a different kind are creating their own buzz online for Photographers for Animals’ #BunnyWeek.

Husband and wife photographers Elizabeth and Jason Putsche captured the series of adorable photographs of a mother rabbit with her two 6-week-old bunnies that are in a foster home for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter in Virginia.

The photos are being showcased on the organization’s Twitter and Instagram pages during #BunnyWeek, January 26^th – 30^th, 2015.

“We wanted to not only help these little ones get adopted into loving homes, but to raise awareness about these wonderful animals that make great family pets,” said Elizabeth Putsche, Executive Director of Photographers for Animals. In addition to showcasing adorable images, information about adopting rabbits and the care of these sociable pets will be provided on social media.

The Putsches founded Photographers for Animals in May 2014. The nonprofit advocates on behalf of animals via photography and videography projects. Another project of Photographers for Animals is the creation of a directory of animal photographers and videographers that will provide their services for free, or at a discount, to nonprofit organizations.

“One photo can capture their heart of a possible adopter and help an animal find it’s forever home,” said Putsche. “We hope #BunnyWeek not only helps the bunnies showcased in our photos, but helps rabbits in shelters and rescues around the country find wonderful new homes.”

About Photographers for Animals
Photographers for Animals is a 501c3 nonprofit organization which uses film and photography to inspire positive change for animals. Founded in 2014 by life-long animal advocate, Elizabeth Putsche, the organization produces documentaries, online videos, and photographs independently and in conjunction with other animal protection organizations to raise awareness of animal issues. Its website is www.photographersforanimals.org.

Social Media and Digital Expert Jenni Brand Joins Paws PR

Jenni Brand and Beau

Paws PR, a communications firm specializing in business development and strategic communications for pet product companies and animal protection groups today announced the appointment of Jenni Brand as Senior Director of Digital Strategy.

Since 2009, Brand has been instrumental in leveraging current digital technologies to meet business objectives at Bastille Marketing. Her projects included the direction of online strategy for the US Department of Health & Human Services governmental website Flu.gov during the H1N1 crisis.

Brand will lead online and digital strategy for the Paws PR. “It used to be an organization simply needed a well-placed story on TV or in a major newspaper to raise awareness of their brand or mission,” said Paws PR President and Founder Patricia E Jones. “That’s no longer the case as savvy organizations recognize that an integrated communications strategy with an emphasis on digital strategy is necessary to achieve success. Jenni’s background and passion for pets made her the perfect fit for our clients.”

Brand enjoyed a successful 12+ -year career as a traditional marketer and made the leap to new media/digital strategist and brand leader in 2005 when she joined New Media Strategies (NMS), the Online PR and Word-of-Mouth Marketing agency credited with pioneering the new media agency space. During her tenure there, Jenni actively participated in the emergence and growth of the social media and digital strategy revolution, directing more than 100 campaigns for multiple Fortune 500 organizations including companies in the non-profit, government, CPG, consumer retail, travel/tourism and financial sectors. A few of the companies she advised include PepsiCo, CitiGroup, Ford, Blue Buffalo, Northrup Grumman and The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Jenni leads Canine Capers, a “fur-stival” during Winterthur Museum’s Point-to-Point Steeplechase each May. She serves as a consultant to the Tails of Hope Foundation and its Youth Ambassador K9 Career Program (YAP™). She, along with one of her chocolate Labrador Retrievers, Beau are an active therapy-dog team for PAWS for People, contributing to the education and enrichment of incarcerated youth in Delaware.

About Paws PR—Paws PR, a division of P Jones Communications Inc., is a marketing agency specializing in business development and communications for pet product companies and animal protection groups. With offices in New York City and Baltimore, Paws PR consultants specialize in promoting pet industry clients and animal protection organizations. Founded by former NBC News producer and ASPCA Vice President of Media Relations Patricia E. Jones, Paws PR offers an integrated approach to strategic communications campaigns. www.PawsPR.com @PawsPR on Twitter.

Vegetarian sisters top music chart with 'Hanging Tree' cover

Pink Strings and Hot Sauce topped the 1/9 Music Audio Chart with their stripped back cover of "Hanging Tree" from blockbuster movie, The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1. 

Talented sisters Catherine and Bo Fortney teamed up to create the musical duo Pink Strings and Hot Sauce to deliver a series of sweet and melodic covers and original tracks. Inspired by the likes of Taylor Swift, The Civil Wars and Christina Perri, the sisters also acknowledge all the help and support that they receive from their family, telling BEAT100, "We grew up around music, which was (and still is) frequently playing in our household. Our parents always allow us to pursue our dreams...We were supported with love from our family, which is why we have come so far."

After teaching themselves to play guitar, the duo earned their street performer permits and took to performing for the public in their home town of Greenville, South Carolina. Their melodic cover of "Hanging Tree," performed with their sister Julia, placed them at the top of the charts after gaining over 1700 plays from the BEAT100 community. 

Pink Strings and Hot Sauce are currently working on expanding their musical reach while working on multiple songs and videos, including the release of their newest original track "Blown Away." Speaking of their future musical careers, they tell BEAT100, "In the future, we hope to be the music playing in many people’s households and earphones -- ready to create memories and inspire dreams."

Editor's note:  Catherine and Bo Fortney have been vegetarian since 2005.



Photo credit: PinkStrings & HotSauce