Foie gras: it's French for ‘fatty liver,’ and it's produced by deliberately overfeeding ducks or geese. The birds' livers become enlarged up to ten times their normal size and the result is many a chef’s delight: a rich, creamy delicacy enjoyed the world over. Foie gras can be seared like a steak or smoothed into a pâté, and it's at the center of a major legal flap between California chefs and animal rights activists. The process of feeding the birds to enlarge their livers is called gavage. The ducks or geese are force-fed more food than they would usually eat, and therein lies the controversy. Opponents claim that the process of force-feeding the fowl is detrimental to their health and well-being. Foie gras enthusiasts argue that ducks and geese, which don't have a gag reflex, are used to swallowing fish whole and putting on weight for migratory flights. In California, the practice of force-feeding was banned more than 7 years ago, but producers of the delicacy were given a grace period during which they could come up with a more humane way to feed the birds. In fact, the sole producer of foie gras in California endorsed the bill. The grace period is up on June 30. On July 1, it will be illegal in California to sell products that are made as a result of force-feeding animals. San Francisco-based chef and restaurateur Chris Cosentino is one of the most outspoken voices opposing the looming ban on foie gras. “Foie is low hanging fruit for attack,” he says. “It’s very frustrating as chefs and producers to be so lambasted.” Cosentino has joined about 100 other notable California chefs and culinary professionals, including Thomas Keller, Michael Chiarello and Tyler Florence, who have formed the Coalition for Humane and Ethical Farming Standards , or CHEFS. They’re advocating humane feeding methods that produce a high quality product and “support a broader standard for ethical treatment of animals and humane farming practices,” according to their website. To some, their efforts seem too little too late. As the deadline nears, tempers are starting to flare. Cosentino has received death threats against himself and his family, and protesters have picketed outside his restaurant. Tensions are clearly running high. Cosentino thinks this is part of a larger debate. “[Animal rights activists] have an agenda for a vegan country,” he says. “Once this goes through, they’re going on to the next meat item they deem unfit.” He would prefer that the activists go after factory farming of other animals: “We’re pumping the food we eat with antibiotics. Let’s focus on those big pictures.” Paul Shapiro, the Vice President of Farm Animal Protection for the Humane Society points to a “whole host” of animal protection projects he’s working on, and rattles off laws the state of California has passed protecting cattle, chickens, pigs and sharks . Of this current battle, he says, “How much suffering are we willing to inflict on animals who stand completely helpless before us? Shoving a pipe down a bird’s throat multiple times a day is cruel, and the state had a right to ban it.” Shapiro points to studies that say the mortality rate is 10 to 20 times higher for force-fed ducks. He says, “The ducks display really serious fear and aversion. They huddle in a corner. They have to be caught by hand and dragged to have this pipe shoved down their throats.” Cosentino has been to Hudson Valley Foie Gras in New York, one of four farms in the U.S. which produces foie gras. “I found very comfortable living environments,” he says. As for the ducks huddled in the corner, he rebuts, “It’s the same concept as if you put on a monster outfit and walked into a preschool.” “It’s OK to have disagreements, but to ban something outright doesn’t work,” Cosentino finds. “Let’s focus on making something right.” As it stands, CHEFS needs a Californian legislator to introduce a repeal bill. So far, no one has offered to do so. Senate President Pro Tem and Democrat Darrell Steinberg told reporters yesterday, “I'm not going to allow an issue like that to preoccupy the Legislature.” If foie gras fans did find someone to introduce legislation on their behalf, the state would likely take up the bill. But, it’s unsure if they’ll find someone to swallow their 11th hour appeal. Take Our Poll

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Foie gras laws causing a flap with California chefs

While you're frying up some eggs and bacon, we're cooking up something else: a way to celebrate today's food holiday. Raise your glass – May 4 is National Home Brew Day ! Sometimes, daring fans of beer, wine, cider and other alcoholic beverages surpass their passion and turn to small-scale fermenting at home – either for themselves, competitions or to share among friends. Although there have been various legalities and bans concerning home brewing, especially across other countries, the ban was lifted here in 1978. However, it's up to individual states to let you brew to your heart's content or shut down your basement business. Besides the fact that it's cheaper to brew your own beverage, you can also become a bit of an artisan about it and tailor the flavor to your tastes. Because the process is similar to commercial breweries, you can streamline it down to a smaller level. Ingredients for brewing beer, like malt, hops and yeast, are easy to obtain. If you don't know the first thing about brewing, there are kits available as well . Be sure and check the laws in your state regarding home brewing before beginning any project, and always brew responsibly. With this weekend being a great mix of  Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby (“Cinco de Derby” if you will), you'll be in fine spirits to start making your own drink of choice.

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National home brew day

The police believe that Jason Ready, a well-known opponent of illegal immigration, was the gunman in an apparent murder-suicide.

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Border Militiaman Among 5 Dead in Arizona, Police Confirm

China has sharply criticised the US for allowing a dissident to take refuge in the US embassy. Is this longstanding practice legal or not?

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Is it legal to hide in an embassy?

Starting next year, New York will become the first state to require unpaid work from lawyers seeking to practice here, a move intended to help people who cannot afford legal services.

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New Lawyers in New York to Be Required to Do Some Work Free

BETTER LATE than never, a prominent Republican has begun fashioning a stance on immigration policy that breaks from GOP orthodoxy. Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), who is Cuban American and a possible running mate for Mitt Romney, has broached the outlines of what would be a Republican version of the Dream Act. It would extend legal status — but no clear path to citizenship, as Democrats have sought — to young illegal immigrants brought to America by their parents. Read full article > >

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Editorial Board: A Dream Act that Republicans should take up

Retakes witness stand Monday.

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Aide’s Wife Will Speak in Edwards Trial

Two of the UK’s biggest banks admit that some customers have been denied their legal right to cancel recurring payments, reports Radio 4′s Money Box.

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Banks ‘wrong’ over payment policy

Judge to decide if it can be discussed.

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Edwards Sex Tape Mentioned

Chen Guangcheng, the blind rights lawyer who has been under extralegal house arrest for 19 months, has escaped from his heavily guarded home and is in hiding.

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Chen Guangcheng, a Blind Activist, Escapes House Arrest in China

Money will help with legal fees.

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Supporters Give Zimmerman $200K

The Supreme Court seemed inclined to uphold the part of the law that requires law enforcement officials to determine the immigration status of anyone they stop if they believe the person to be an illegal immigrant.

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Considering Arizona Immigration Law, Justices Are Again in Political Storm

Peers fail in a last-ditch attempt to amend those parts of the controversial bill cutting legal aid in England and Wales that apply to victims of domestic violence.

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Legal aid bill heading for assent

The Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed receptive to the argument that Arizona’s tough plan to have state and local law enforcement play a much more active role in identifying illegal immigrants was a valid exercise of its power to protect its borders. Read full article > >

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Arizona immigration law: Supreme Court seems receptive to parts of crackdown

“ARIZONA AND its 370-mile border are a conduit for rampant illegal entries and cross-border smuggling to a degree unparalleled in any other State.” So argue lawyers for Arizona in a case the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear Wednesday. Although immigration has in fact declined , the state says that the “public safety and economic strains” created by a porous border “have created an emergency situation, which demanded a response.” Read full article > >

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Editorial Board: Supreme Court takes up Arizona’s immigration law