More Hip Than Hippie #67 - Beer, but No Val

It's official: Beer is good for you. Nope, you don't have wax in your ears; beer can have a positive effect on your health.

What's the catch? The benefits only come with drinking in moderation. But you probably knew that already, being the intelligent, responsible adult of legal drinking age that you are.

So do something good for your body and crack open your favorite frosty brew. Here's to your health!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Old Thumper from England's Ringwood Brewery.

Chocolate: Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Truffle. You can't get it online, but if you're lucky you can find a Trader Joe's near you.

Hip News

News:

• 'Rebel Billionaire' joins fight against global warming. Richard Branson, the British business mogul behind the Virgin brand, has pledged $3 billion, yes we said billion, dollars over the next ten years to fight global warming and promote alternative energy. If only all billionaires were so generous.
• California takes a stand: The state has filed a global warming lawsuit against six major car makers claiming that greenhouse gasses from their cars have cost the state millions of dollars. Hopefully, this will encourage companies to make more eco-friendly cars.
• Google says, "Don't be evil" and is willing to back up its famous slogan. The company is launching a new charity, Google.org, that will be developing a super-efficient hybrid car that is expected to go more than 100 miles per gallon.
• Nothing like a game of tennis... in your head. British doctors have used brain scans to discover that a woman in a vegetative state imagined playing tennis in her head. Does that mean she'll be tired when she wakes up?

 

Beer - Can it get any better?

It's a wonderful day. It's true! Beer in moderation can have health benefits. For those of you still in disbelief, here are just a few of the ways that beer is good for you:

• Reduces chances of heart disease
• Reduction in kidney stones
• Cancer prevention
• Fights osteoporosis

Think we might be biased? Check out these sites to learn more:

• AllAboutBeer.com
• Morning Advertiser

 

Feng Shui Tip

Did you know that your dining table can affect your career? Neither did we! The larger your dining table, the better and stronger its energy - and the more your career can grow. The best energy comes from a dining table in one of these shapes: circle, square, rectangular, oval, or octagonal. Our question is, what other shapes are there?

Listener Emails

Once again, we have a bunch of great listener emails. Keep 'em rolling in at hip@greenfeet.com. And don't forget to post articles, links, and speak your mind at our MHTH forum!

• What's more manly than a Harley? An electric Harley. Martha has a friend who drives one. She also thinks he might be the perfect man for a certain single co-host of a popular podcast. Hook it up Martha!
• Bulletproof chickens? BJK sent us a great email about researchers working to develop clothing from the stray feathers in henhouses. The feathers' honeycomb structure gives researchers hope that they can be made into weather resistant clothing and bulletproof vests.
• Chocolate: Need we say more? Doug wanted to let us know about the first organic chocolate factory in the U.S. called Theo Chocolate. Yummy!
• Experience Eco-Luxury. Our very own Jillicious found GreenBliss ecospa parties, that brings eco-friendly relaxation to your home. Sign us up!

   

More Hip Than Hippie # 66 - Eco-Athlete

We've been getting quite a few emails asking for a show about green fitness, so here it is. We did some research to find out how environmentally conscious some of the leading athletic companies are. We also give you some great resources for eco-friendly workout gear. Enjoy the show!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Liberty Ale by Anchor Brewing Co. in San Francisco, CA.

Chocolate: Trader Joe's Divine Duets Belgian Dark Chocolate with almond praline cream. You can't get it online, but if you're lucky you can find a Trader Joe's near you.

Hip News and Finds

Finds: All of our finds this week come from Natural Home magazine:

• Alternative energy has a new spokeswoman: Lady Liberty. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island have become the first two American landmarks to be powered completely by alternative energy. Amazing! Find out more at StatueofLiberty.org.
• The next generation of scouting: Spiral Scouts International. This co-ed eco-program teaches kids all about the earth, camping and outdoor skills, as well as Earth-centered mythology. What a great idea!
• Calling all new mommies! Check out Natural Knits for Babies and Moms. They have great patterns that use organic yarn for stuffed animals, as well as baby and maternity clothing.

 

News:

• Start stretching out your neck muscles for this one folks. A California redwood called Hyperion has been tentatively measured as the world's tallest living thing, coming in at a staggering 378.1 feet tall!
• Intersex fish anyone? Male fish that have developed female sexual traits are being found in the Potomac River, raising concerns about the pollutants in the water source for millions of people.
• Affordable footwear? "Impossible!" you say, but not anymore! New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury is now endorsing a sneaker called the "Starbury One" that will cost just $15 - we'll believe it when we see it!

 

Eco-Athlete

• Ever wonder how eco-friendly the major athletic companies are? Well we did a little research to find out. Here are some links you can check out for yourself:
  • Nike
  • New Balance
  • Adidas
• OrganicAthlete.org is a great resource for environmental fitness news.
• Check out the first sustainable running shoe, the Brooks Cascadia.
• Looking for some earth-friendly yoga gear? Go to BarefootYoga.com.
• Be sure to check out Greenfeet.com for eco-friendly yoga products like a natural cotton yoga mat and the Zafu organic pillows.

 

Listener Emails Once again, we have a bunch of great listener emails. Keep 'em rolling in at hip@greenfeet.com. And don't forget to post articles, links, and speak your mind at our MHTH forum!

• Kristi from Minnesota wrote in to let us know about the changes Adobe is making in an effort to go green. Keep up the good work Adobe!
• Mike-e wanted to tell us about one of his favorite websites, Care2.com where a donation is made to each of their nine causes every time you click on a link. It's also a great source for environmental tips and news. Thanks Mike-e!
• Lauren found this site about the Fur Products Labeling Act. It turns out that clothing using less than $150 worth of fur doesn't have to list the types of animals killed on the label. That means your clothing could use fur and you might not even know it!
• Michael found a blog article about how Honda will start producing cars that run on 100% ethanol. It's good to hear that the big companies are working toward a greener future!

Email us at hip@greenfeet.com. Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1 530.554.2605. Don't have Skype ? Get it - it's free!

 

More Hip Than Hippie - Going Solar

This week it's all about having fun with the sun, solar power that is. We'll tell you about several solar powered gadgets as well as interview Tim Hamor of Alternative Energy Systems. We try a new beer and chocolate and elighten you with hip news and finds.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Foster's Lager from Australia. Crikey! This one's for you Steve!

Chocolate: Dagoba's Latte Organic Chocolate with milk chocolate, ground coffee, and cinnamon.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• You've got to see this! Watch OkGo get crazy with some treadmills in their new music video for the song "Here it goes again". You can see it on our myspace page. Hey, while you're there, why not add us as your friend?
• Worried about your energy bill this winter? Have no fear! USA Weekend featured this great article with money and energy saving tips.
• Hablas Español?? There is a contest going on in Argentina on taking items found at your local hardware store and turning them into functional home accessories. You can find out more at this site if your Spanish es muy bueno!

 

News: 

• We're excited to hear that child labor is decreasing in Asia, but are these changes happening fast enough? Read more about the plight here
• The world mourns the sudden death of famed environmentalist Steve Irwin, who was pierced in the chest by a stingray while filming in the Great Barrier Reef on September 4, 2006.
  • Want to send a message? The Queensland Government website has set up this page where you can send your messages of sympathy and condolence to Irwin's family.
  • Feeling generous? You can make a donation in memory of Steve to an organization close to his heart, Wildlife Warriors Worldwide.

 

Solar Gadgets

Here are some great solar powered gadgets that will light up your life:

• Get charged up with the Solio solar powered iPod charger. Now you'll never miss another MHTH, no matter where you are in the world!
• Ever wonder what would happen if a robot and a sunflower had a baby? Why would you? But since we brought it up, check out the SunFlower Solar Station.
• For a great way to teach kids about solar energy, get yourself some SunPrint Solar Photographic Paper.
• LumiWall Solar Glass looks like shaded glass during the day, but lights up with led lights at night. It won't provide any energy for your home, but it sure looks cool.
• Use solar energy to keep pesky mosquitos at a distance with this amazing gadget.

Listener Emails

Once again, we have a bunch of great listener comments. Keep 'em rolling in at hip@greenfeet.com. And don't forget to post articles, links, and speak your mind at our MHTH forum!

• Margaret wrote in to let us know about where to find reusable coffee pods for Senseo coffeemakers, they're called ecopads. Thanks for the tip Margaret!

Email us at hip@greenfeet.com. Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1 530.554.2605. Don't have Skype ? Get it - it's free!

More Hip Than Hippie # 64 - A Light Subject
Light pollution is a growing, and often overlooked, problem affecting our communities. As the glow from city lights increases, our view of the night sky diminishes. However, light pollution doesn't just affect the star-gazing crowd anymore. It's causing more and more problems for our nocturnal animal friends as well. Learn how light pollution impacts your community and how you can help.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Dark Canyon Ale from Feather River Brewing Company in Magalia, CA.

Chocolate: Newman's Own Sweet Dark Chocolate.

Hip News and Finds
Finds:

• Chance's new album, Eleven Through Fifteen, is out now! Buy it here.
• Find more info on Chance at these sites:
  Chance's Website
  Myspace
  Friends of Chance Message Board

News

• Europe's first spacecraft to the moon, the SMART-1 ended its three-year mission with a planned crash. Talk about some expensive fireworks!
• The New York Times reported that the National Park Service is adopting a policy that will emphasize conservation over recreation. It's about time if you ask us!

Live Forum Chat with Dori and Val
Are you craving some time with the girls? Dori and Val will be live on the forum on 9-9 at 9am (Pacific Time). Don't miss this opportunity to talk with your favorite podcast hosts, Dori and Val. Ok - Rob, Jillicious and (ta-da) Marketing Assistant Rachel might be there too!

 

Light Pollution
We've got some great links with the basics about light pollution as well as where you can find lighting that won't contribute to the problem.

• Visit Starry Night Lights for some good information about light pollution and to shop for light fixtures that are night friendly.
• Join the cause at Light From Above, a light pollution awareness site.
• Check out the International Dark-Sky Association to stay up-to-date on developments in the fight against light pollution.

Feng Shui Tip of the Week
Poison arrows create Shar Chi, or the killing breath, which creates misfortune and bad luck. Poison arrows are created by pointed, angled, or sharp objects that seem to be directly aimed at a house and the main front door.

Some examples of poison arrows are rivers, roads, or railway lines that seem to be directly aimed at ones main front door. You should avoid sitting, sleeping, working, eating, or living in places that are hit by these arrows.

Misfortune caused by poison arrows can come in the forms of illness, missed opportunities, law suits, quarrels, financial losses, and other forms of bad luck.

Tips to block or redirect the Shar Chi from poison arrows include planting trees, building walls, or shifting main door directions.

Listener Emails
Once again, we have a bunch of great e-mails. Keep 'em rolling in at hip@greenfeet.com And don't forget our forum to post articles, links, and speak your mind!

• Mary Ellen from Akron, PA wrote to let us know about an interesting way to deal with cat litter, vermicomposting. The result of a high school student's experiment was a litter box where worms cleaned the waste. Proof that worms do more than just squirm!
• Jennifer (aka Barking Beagles) found a great site for eco-friendly school fundraising, School Garden Co. They sell handmade herbal body products, but the best part is they donate a whopping 50% of all sales back to the schools. Thanks for filling us in Jennifer!
• Doug found an article on Treehugger.com about how the Bush administration is planning to drill for oil on Alaska's North Slope. No good! You can take action by sending letters to the powers-that-be asking them to stop the leases at SaveTLake.org.
• Smart Chick Sara found this article in response the critique of Al Gore and An Inconvenient Truth. We are happy to hear that it appears the charges are false, sorry we ever doubted you Al!

Email us at hip@greenfeet.com. Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1 530.554.2605. Don't have Skype ? Get it - it's free!