Nope. Not a joke. Well, not intentionally, anyway.
I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't read it myself in Hoosier Ag Today: How is Big Agriculture going to win the battle for the hearts and minds of consumers who are increasingly skeptical of the moral and environmental sustainability of industrial farming? According to "communications expert" Dr. Wes Jamison, the answer is by telling them that "Happiness is a dead animal". Obviously.

Uncomplicated Chili Con Tempeh Will Keep You Warm in the Winter.
Admit it. You've been imagining that alternative possible world in which Bryant Terry showed up to compete in the Wake Up Weekend chili cook-off rather than judge it. Those of you who took home the ribbons had better be grateful that this possible world didn't obtain, because his Uncomplicated Chili Con Tempeh might well have swept all categories. The recipe says 6-8 servings, but Bryant must know some folks with big appetites, because we'll be basking in chili heaven--breakfast, lunch, and dinner--for the next several days! Make this recipe now and fill those tupperware containers for the week!

Doublespeak and Dishwater Coffee With A Heaping Side of Malevolence
In addition to increasing their risks for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, various cancers, and stroke, Denny's patrons now enjoy the distinction of supporting a company that mocks the suffering of chickens for financial gain. In addition to inviting friends and family to boycott Denny's, won't you take a moment to tell the kind folks there what you think of their new campaign? And don't forget to share the love with the marketing firm behind the commercials--Goodby, Silverstein & Partners--whose stated mission is "to change minds through the creation of experiences that are moving, humorous, beautiful, and respectful." Indeed. What could be more moving, humorous, beautiful, and respectful than making light of the misery of the most abused animals on earth in order to sell more of the commodity on which their suffering is predicated?

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words!
What do activists, artists, chili cook-offs, community organizers, eco-chefs, panel discussions, philosophers, potlucks, restauranteurs, town hall meetings, and a combined event total of over 600 participants have in common? Wake Up Weekend, that's what! Thanks for helping to make 2010 our most successful year to date! Have some ideas about what you'd like to see happen in 2011? Send them to wakeupweekend@gmail.com. In the meanwhile, see if you can locate your smiling face among the crowds!