New Wild Center in the Adirondacks

If you like the outdoors and you've never visited the Tupper Lake region of the Adirondacks, maybe it's time.

A July 4th Opening Celebration is planned for the new Wild Center in this beautiful area. Click HERE for all the details.

The Museum grounds and WildFest Big Top Tent opens at 9:00am and the official Opening Celebration starts with a bang at 10:30am. Grounds close at 6:00pm. Parking lot opens at 8:45am.

Madonna's Garden Party

Wow. There's a girl-woman-chick-mother with a lot of fans. Fannnnn-addicts. Just caught Madonna's opening night in NYC and I must Confess, I'm beat. 2 hours of singing and dancing in a non-air conditioned (at the star's behest) Madison Square Garden on an extremely humid night. But enough about me. This night was all about the Material Girl. She strutted her stuff, aimed to please, and pulled it off pretty well. Half-way through she took a little trip-stumble and fall while she was "playing guitar" - she sort-of looked like the scarecrow from the wizard of oz weakening in his knees and collapsing for a moment, put she just picked herself up and tried to act like "nothing happened." You could see that her entire act is completely pre-programmed...every step is carefully mapped out, so she was probably mortified. About 20 minutes later, she actually mentioned it by saying something like..."man, I'm blowing lyrics, falling down on stage, what's wrong with me" so of course the crowd loved that. To me, the fall was like an "ice-breaker" so she was more relaxed afterward. ANYway, not to dwell on the one slip-up, the bubble gum tunes were fun, the staging cool and the band and back-up dancer-singers were great. Although, uhoh another criticism, her costumes were disappointing. But for my money, the best part of the concert was the crowd -- very up, and so into having a great time. Made me proud to be a native new yawka. I'm still Hung Up on her closing number "time goes by, so slowly, so slowly..." peace out.

1996: Electric Cars Had the Green Light

We all know that video killed the radio star, but Who Killed the Electric Car? See for yourself, beginning WEDNESDAY 6/28 in NYC and LA, on the silver screen. GM had it in the bag in 1996, but hit a political brick wall and took these beloved babies off our California highways. With Katrina victims crying out for electric wheels, GM would have had the goods to be our Knight in Shining Armor. The moral is: make a difference... Speak Up and Act Out. Let your consumer preferences be known to Those In Power...and vote for representatives who have YOUR best interests in mind.

Natural Re-Sources

As Sir Isaac has shown, conserving and releasing energy are forces of nature. Keeping informed on alternative sources of energy so that we can conserve our natural resources and live a cleaner green and blue existence is our responsibility. The AlternativeSource.org is a hub for news and info about alternative energy, and lists orgs that are involved and concerned about power, world-wide. Harness your energy and keep the momentum going.

Road Trip EXHAUSTion

With car emissions polluting our air, water, lungs & land; and oil-dependency soooo not a good thing, do consider your options carefully before buying your next car. Hybridcars.com is a good primer for considering a hybrid, offering comparable info on Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Ford, GMC Lexus and Mercury's hybrid cars, and even free price quotes on some models. Put your fingers to work before you put your foot on the gas.

Tickets, Please

How often are you able to actually buy your tickets to a show or a special event at the box office? Right, like hardly ever. Who lives right around the corner from the Garden, the Great White Way, or wherever? We're usually confronted with the ugly thoughts of paying either through the nose for hard-to-get seats, or outrageous fees & not-so-great seats when booking through a service. It's enough angst to make you say, fugeddaboudit, just not worth it -- emotionally or financially. If you don't opt for TicketMaster.com (pop & rock concerts), TheaterMania.com (the play's the thing), StubHub.com (sports, rock concerts, etc)...try AmericaPerforms.com. You'll uncover links to discount ticket resources for music, dance & theatrical performances in 22 of these United States. Sometimes, it IS worth the trouble & bucks. Recently saw Cherry Jones, Ralph Fiennes and Ian MacDiermond in Faith Healer on B'way, now that's the ticket for some great Irish drama. Happy good-seat Hunting.

FILM INDEPENDENT in LA, CA

FILM INDEPENDENT's Los Angeles Film Fest takes place 6/22-7/2. Click HERE for all you need to know. Lots to see, "Who Killed the Electric Car?" and "An Inconvenient Truth" are among the many flicks to be shown. If you go, let me know how it was. I've seen "An Inconvenient Truth" and highly recommend taking it in.

Good Finds at Fern's

When your muscles are sore, sometimes you just need a good soak. Epsom Salt is always good for reducing swelling, but if you're looking for something with a little more kick, try EO's bath salts, either Juniper & Organic Lemon or Rose Geranium & Organic Citrus (above). Fern's online natural products shop offers alot of great things at really reasonable prices, you'll find these in the Body Care Section.
EO Bath Salts contain essential oils to help balance the mind and body, and relieve stress and tension...($9.50 for 21.5 oz) Be sure to check out the Clearance and Sale Items, and receive free shipping with $100 purchase. Click HERE for Fern's.

Compact, Light & Flexible - This is IT

For lifestyles that are either on-the-go or able to accomodate change quickly, ItDesign is for you. It makes beds and boxes. ItBoxes can be utilized as storage units, drawers, shelves, coffee tables, night stands, room dividers...they're waterproof so they can live in the kitchen or bath.
Their accordion-folded cardboard bedframe is made from folded 7mm thick cardboard, so it's easy to collapse and store away. Add a futon or mattress, and you've got a place for those short-term, overnight guests to flop.
Formed in 1997, the design studio is headed by 2 architects. Check IT out...for flexible, minimal-style living. Their latest designs are very yoga-influenced...ommmm.

Bamboo Gifts for the New Bundle of Joy

When shopping for the wee ones, be sure to check out BambooBaby's Giftsets. Four collections to choose from: $21, 35, 58 or $100. Choose baby soft items in 3 soothing shades: pale pink, tahiti blue or purely natural with sprout green. Comes wrapped in recycled tissue paper and tied with twine and a Bamboosa hangtag. You can add a personalized gift card as well. Free shipping for orders of $100 or more, and while supplies last, a free sample of Blue Lizard Baby Formula Suncream is included in their baby gift packages. Parents will appreciate the chemical- and pesticide-free fabric wicking moisture away from their baby's tender skin. A comfy baby is a happy baby.

Motoring Around New England

Imagine cruising along the Cape, "silent as a summer breeze," as the folks at pilgrimebikes.com say, and at a cost of about 25 cents per mile on your electric scooter. Only $1249 a pop, and good for the whole fam...no registration or insurance required. And no license necessary, unless you're in Maine. Zero pollution and zero emissions on this baby. So grab your helmet and have yourself a free-wheelin' summer.

Summer SOLstice June 21, 2006

Living in the northern hemisphere and in honor of the longest day of the year, June 21, I thought we'd shed a little light on solar power. If you happen to live in NY, check out thesolarcenter.com for info about harnessing the power of the sun to energize your lifestyle. We all need to do whatever we can to reduce to our "eco-footprints," 'cause the effects of global warming are nipping at our toes. Here's hoping your summer is fun, peaceful, and productive!

Hemp on the Beach

Looking for the ultimate beach fling? Order your Hemphugger bikini and you can mix & match top & bottom sizes. Made from hemp and organic cotton, they provide perfect-fit bikinis, no matter what your shape. Also available at jitawear.com are dresses, skirts, shorts, tops, accessories and one-piece swimsuits, all made in the USA.

That's Hot

For the absolute end in men's one-of-a-kind bathing suits, check-out the Crystal Collection by Philip Heckman. His creations are ab fab. Each piece has exciting graphics with sequins, is uniquely hand-crafted from vintage fabrics, and is water-friendly. You could actually take a dip and not lose your drawers. Philip even creates custom pieces for you with your own fabric. Order now to hit the high seas, and high tea at the Pines, in your own special Low Tee.

Chillin' But Not Grillin'

We all love catchin' those summertime rays...slipping into something cool and sipping our favorite libation on the deck, at the beach, or by the pool. Sunveil offers Ultra-Violet Protection built right into the fabric of our lives. Stay cool, and don't get burned -- threads for the whole family, link here.

POMED Fundraiser & Auction

End violence against women and the environment. Attend POMED's ticketed fundraiser Tuesday, June 20th, 8-11p, at Now at Earth, 116A 10th Ave btw 17th & 18th St, NYC.

Or bid on-line during their auction (June 7-22) to raise awareness, money and supplies to end violence against women and the environment.

Proceeds from the on-line auction will help support V-Day. Proceeds from the benefit will help support worthy causes such as: Sanctuary for Families, Architecture for Humanity, Kids with Cameras, and NYC Made. Check out other participants, here.

Everything Olde is New Again

Terra Plana's eco-conscious Worn Again shoes are very comfy, and made from recycled materials such as: prison blankets, second-hand suit jackets, silk parachutes, denim jeans and towels. Ladies and Gents, get in step with the times, here.

CitySol 2006 - Green Letter SUNdays

June 25, July 23 and August 13
Stuyvesant Cove Park (23rd St & East River)
3 SUNdays 1p-SUNdown
A free, outdoor festival series that celebrates NY's own creative, cosmopolitan brand of environmentalism -- solar-powered performances from Japanther, Aa, The Occasion and other NYC bands and DJs; and an address from Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. NYSERDA will also be collecting old, outdated air conditioners for responsible disposal (10am-4pm). Eco-friendly vendors will be hawking eco-friendly goods at each event. A very cool organization, check out www.citysol.org to see what innovative ideas are being generated in an eco-friendly, SOLar way.

Sip Organically & See the Clean Light

To round-out the birthday celebrations, use non-paraffin candles and organic wine. Paraffin candles emit soot and other toxins into the air. For a breath of fresh air, use beeswax or soy-based candles, with 100% cotton wicks. Click HERE for a 12-pack of beeswax birthday candles for $2.25.

My wine pick (haha) would be a selection from Frog's Leap, a Napa Valley vineyard. If you can't get to California anytime soon, you can take a pleasant visit by simply clicking here, to learn all about their sustainable approach to growing their fine grapes. Now start that smart, fun, eco-friendly celebration...just don't burn the candle at both ends.

Welcome "Peter Porcupine"

Check-out our new tenant, Peter Porcupine, for alternative perspectives of a prickly kind.

June Birthday Madness is Here

Dreams, the stuff of life... Now, you and all of your birthday boy and girl friends can have their organic cake, and eat it, too. You will not believe the ultra fine confections from this San Francisco patisserie miettecakes.com Go ahead, make your big, bad wish and blow.

You Scream Ice Cream

Make sure you're eating rich, creamy ice cream and frozen yogurt from all natural and organic ingredients. Stonyfield's fave o flaves are produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones, or toxic pesticides and fertilizers. If you're on a PC, you can sign up to download e-coupons from their site. Guilt-free, organic sprinkles and waffle cones make for awesome complements to this summertime dish just dripping with goodness...deliciousorganics.com serves 'em up.

Welcome Back, Holistic Health

Welcome to Holistic News from the Hut -- the sister-blog to Holistic Health Hut. Click on Michelle's ad this week and check out her well-researched, useful news and advice to keep you healthy, the alternative way.

Zip It?

With claims of greening our urban landscape, ZipCar is pulling into a parking spot near you. According to them, some folks are so happy with Zip's car-sharing, they're driven to do away with their own car-ownership.

Free Solar Seminar in Santa Monica

This Thursday, June 15, 7-8:30pm, Green Building Resource Center at 2218 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA. Learn how to convert your home to clean, solar power, cost-effectively. Seating is limited, so be sure to call 310-452-7677 to register. And click globalgreen.org to learn more about all the free advice that's available to anyone who wants to learn about environmentally-friendly building products and design. How cool is that?

The Cutting Edge

If you're constantly slicing and dicing when preparing a meal, I'm sure you can appreciate a great cutting board. Here's an earth-friendly, reasonably priced $25 bamboo board from greenhome.com. You'll see that they have an extensive selection of bamboo boards, in different sizes and at different price points, as well as a large array of green-oriented items for your entire home.

Diamond Organics Delivers

Buy your produce from local farmstands whenver possible. It's better for you and the environment. But if the weather's bad and you can't get out the door, or if you're a shut-in and can afford to pay a premium for organic goods to be delivered, DiamondOrganics will deliver overnight for you.

Cherry Season

There's nothing quite like indulging in a bowl of cherries, so go get some and have yourself a swell time. For a quick, grab and go kind of cherry treat, you can also try Betty Lou's Cherry Bars. Available on line at Cosmo's Vegan Shoppe. 99 cents/each, also available in Blueberry, under Snacks & Bars, just click HERE. Liz' Lovely cookies look sinfully delicious as well.

Dive In

With summer upon us, it's time to really appreciate and explore all the goodness that comes from the sea. See what's in store at seaveg.com Treat your body, both inside and out, to some nutritious and heavenly, surf-based delights.

Countdown to BALLE

Since it's timely, thought I'd re-post this news, which originally appeared here on May 9...
Mark Your Calendar
June 8-10, 2006
Business Alliance for Local Living Economies
4th International Conference
Burlington, Vermont
Some of the speakers include:
Bo Burlingham, Editor-at-Large of Inc. magazine and author of
Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big.
Michael Ableman, organic farmer and author of Fields of Plenty.
John Abrams, CEO, South Mountain Company, and author of The Company We Keep: Reinventing Small Business for People, Community, and Place.
Ben Cohen, True Majority, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s
Bridget Croke, RecycleBank.
Ronnie Cummins, Organic Consumers Association.
Gary Erickson, Clif Bar, Inc.
Gwendolyn Hallsmith, Global Community Initiatives.
David Korten, YES! Magazine, author of When Corporations Rule the World and
The Great Turning.
Frances Moore Lappé, author of Diet for a Small Planet and
Democracy's Edge.
Greg LeRoy, Good Jobs First.
Michelle Long, Sustainable Connections.
Bill McKibben, journalist and author of The End of Nature and Wandering Home.
Stacy Mitchell, Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
Michael Shuman, Training and Development Corporation, author of Going
Local and The Small-Mart Revolution.
Click HERE for more information.

The Vegan Diet Returns

There's nothing more important than eating right, and The Vegan Diet will tell you how...check out our returning tenant by clicking on her ad in our sidebar to the left. Jackie, I appreciate your good taste, and support!

Simple and Cool Shoes

On the market for a year now, the men and women's Green Toe line from Simple shoes are made from earth-friendly jute, hemp, straw, and wool. The footbeds are formed from cork and natural rubber, which sounds so comfy. And when glue and dye are necessary, they're water-based. Simple's factories comply with Amnesty International’s guidelines for Human Rights standards in the workplace. This Rubba Toe sneaker for men ($50.) has a stink-free insole -- great for summertime. And with orders of $75 or more, there's free shipping to boot. Parts of the site are under re-construction, but check out the art direction -- very cool.

Busy Burt's Bees

As a skier, I found the best lip protector on the market this past winter -- Burt's lip balm. Burt's extensive line of natural goods has gotcha covered from head to toe now. King Bee Burt, (on bike) currently offers some lip shimmer specials when you buy at least $45 worth of merch. Check out LINK for New stuff, or Outlet (non-returnable) stuff if you want a bargain. They also list where they're touring the country this summer, offering Skin Care Consultations & Demos.
Here's one in NYC: Wednesday, June 21st
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Place: Whole Foods Market
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10009
Tel: (212) 823-9600
Their eco-friendly ingredients and packaging help reduce the mountains of waste that's created by the packaged goods industry.

Don't Get Burned

Try as we might, it's just not always possible to have the sunscreen handy. And with holes in the ozone now a fact of life...some of those great-feeling sunrays just might burn your bottom. MarigoldLane offers some some quick, natural remedies for mildly scorched skin...remedies that you can retrieve by simply opening one of your cupboards at home. I've tried them all, and they really do work. Now grab the SPF 50 and hit the beach.

google maps go green

As you travel the globe in search of green options, let google's new, green maps point you in the right direction. Google's hopped aboard the green bandwagon, so you can, too. Link to google.com to plan your next, socially-responsible excursion. If you take their video tours, tell me if you think the narrator sounds like he could use a good, strong cup of coffee.

Realtors Make and Sell the Green

Real estate on mother earth is a limited commodity. So it's great to see that there's a group of sustainable-oriented realtors espousing eco-conscious values. San Francisco-based, but with nation-wide reach, check out TheEvergreenGroup.com for more info.

What a Plum Idea

Plum Organics, a new line of all-natural, frozen baby food hits Wegmans and Wild Oats nationwide, and select Whole Foods, beginning July 1, 2006. Plum's flash-freezing locks in vitamins and enzymes, which are so essential to a baby's well being.

Real Smooth will be availalbe for 6 to 9 month-olds and More Texture will be for 9 months and older. They kick off with 8 delicious offerings: Sweet Potatoes, Pears & Apples, Super Greens, Super Greens Multigrain, Chicken Whole Grain Pasta, Red Lentil Veggie, Vegetable Stew with Beef, and Banana Rice Pudding. Visit www.plumorganics.com for more info.