History – The Many Shades of Green

Heat Domes, Deepfakes, Disinformation-Plus History of Juneteenth and CEO’s choosing dollars over Democracy with George Polisner, Founder of Civ.Works

Yogi Berra quote: “It ain’t the heat it’s the humility.”

“When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.” Ronald Reagan

Over half of the United States is currently sweltering under a heat dome making millions of people miserable. The song Summer Time written by George Gershwin, which has been covered by Ella Fitzgerald, Janis Joplin and others has the line “summer time, and the living is easy” but climate change is changing the tune. As weather becomes more extreme, heat waves, floods and wildfires are now the norm, and more and more people are living in conditions that are detrimental to their health and well being. The cries from the cult say it’s all a hoax, and it’s just the weather. Well, if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn. The weather is so extreme, that insurance companies are no longer offering home insurance in many states which are more prone to hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes. Deny, deny, deny and drill, drill, drill continue to be the mantras of a certain political party out of touch with the citizens who they represent who have been affected by extreme weather and cannot get their lives back. Disinformation is being used to divide the populous and create chaos. A government of the people, by the people and for the people cannot subsist when propaganda rules the news cycles. So what can we do to make things better and how can we shape policy and forge ahead in a more positive way? There are actions being taken to help the environment, such as the newly established American Climate Corps. The first class of ACC was recently sworn in to this federal program that is meant to place young people in the clean energy, conservation and climate resilience sectors. In addition, there are clean tech innovations being developed and environmental groups are working to protect the planet. In terms of what you can do to help, be active in your community and teach civility and civics to your kids. Also, please make sure you are registered to vote (go to voteamerica.com). On this episode of TMSOG podcast, our resident environmentalist, political analyst and curmudgeon, George Polisner, founder of Civ.works, gives us some insight into environmental and political issues. We discuss Juneteenth, deepfakes and disinformation, as well as what actions we can take before November 5th and much more. Visit civ.works for more info.

To listen to past TMSOG shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and Malcolmpresents.com. Follow The Many Shades of Green on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen. Listen to TMSOG podcasts on all major podcast apps. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

TMSOG is proud to be on Feedspot’s list of the 50 Best Environmental Podcasts to follow in 2024: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/environmental_podcasts/

Environmental Art: Does it impact Climate Change? Plus 4 Planets in Gemini… Eco-artist, Eco-activist and Sexy Astrologist Charlotte Ghiorse joins us to discuss these topics and more.

The shade of green for this episode of TMSOG is Hooker Green, which in this instance is purely PG. Hooker Green according to our resident eco-artist Charlotte Ghiorse, is a green with some red, which is left of mint and has a hint of pistachio.

Shades of green aside, I recently went to the Whitney Museum in NYC to see the Biennial Exhibit. There were many displays of modern artists using materials other than oil, watercolor or acrylic paints. Kiyan Williams a young upcoming artist displayed his work Ruins of Empire ll or The Earth Swallows the Master’s House on the outside terrace. The piece was totally composed of earth and depicted the north facade of the White House, which leans on one side and sinks into the floor. It also had an upside down flag on the top which got many museum visitors talking, as it seemed to strike a nerve with the currents events of the day. Another young artist, Ektor Garcia, had an interesting work displayed entitled Teotihuacan. He used welded steel, waxed thread, cotton, bone, upholstery needles and white lace to create a work which hung with grace from the ceiling, and caught everyones eyes. Both of these artists produced works that were thought provoking and incorporated environmental themes, which got me thinking about environmental art, its origins and how it is viewed today. Environmental art can be traced back to prehistoric times, with early humans creating rock art and other forms of visual expression on natural surfaces. The earliest examples of this are cave paintings dating back to around 40,000 BCE. Those early forms of environmental art expressed the understanding of the natural world and the relationship of the painters their surroundings. Ecological related art primarily celebrates an artist’s connection with nature using natural materials, and is created in response to or in collaboration with the natural world. One can question if today’s environmental artists reflect what is happening to the planet today, as climate change is taking center stage. Within the last thirty odd years, it is becoming more and more about awakening to environmental concerns, and green practices. The artist Christo always comes to mind when one thinks of environmental public art. Did he and his wife Jeanne-Claude, create The Gates to get people to walk in Central Park to be one with nature, or was there another motive? It got people together walking through orange colored drapes which took up twenty-three miles of pathways in Central Park from February 12th to the 27th, in 2005, in the dead of winter. It was popular, but the reactions were mixed. Many people loved Christo for brightening the bleak winter landscape and encouraging late-night pedestrian traffic in Central Park; but others hated him, accusing him of defacing the landscape. Public art can serve many purposes and it can also be political. Environmental art and public art have merged in recent years as more and more artists are creating works that are focused on environmental issues which are created to be displayed in public spaces. Our monthly guest commentator, eco-activist, eco-artist and sexy astrologist Charlotte Ghiorse joins us to discuss her perspective on environmental art. We also get some Astrology updates as 4 planets are in Gemini plus much, much more. Check out https://www.houseofchoclet.com/ and Sexy Astrology on FaceBook and YouTube to get more info about what Charlotte is up to.

TMSOG is proud to be on Feedspot’s list of the 50 Best Environmental Podcasts to follow in 2024: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/environmental_podcasts/

Wake Up Media! Turbulence, CAT 5 Hurricanes Gain Strength (Don’t Expect Science to Save Us!) with George Polisner, Founder of Civ.Works

“Green is the fresh emblem of well founded hopes. In blue the spirit can wander, but in green it can rest.” ― Mary Webb

Scientists expect that the rapid intensification of hurricanes will continue in the future unless drastic measures are taken to limit further climate change -Fiona Lo, Climate Scientist

We live in very turbulent times, and that includes the weather, the political landscape and so much more that makes our heads spin. The NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above normal season. NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). La Nina and warmer-than-average ocean temperatures are major drivers of tropical activity. Abundant oceanic heat content in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea creates more energy to fuel storm development. Climate change is a contributing factor, as over 90% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases has been absorbed by the world’s oceans. Warmer waters, rising seas, higher wind speeds and more moisture in the atmosphere are making hurricanes stronger, wetter and more likely to intensify rapidly, unleashing record-breaking downpours with little time for communities to evacuate. It should also be noted that climate change is causing more air turbulence when flying. Research indicates that climate change exacerbates clear-air turbulence, a particularly hazardous type because it is invisible and hard to predict. The warmer air is caused by carbon dioxide emissions which increases wind shear in the jet streams, strengthening clear-air turbulence globally. So while we hope the skies remain friendly, we have to prepare and adapt to the changes ahead, as science alone cannot save us. There is so much to keep track of these days, and we all get wound up in what is the web (literally and figuratively) of our daily lives. More and more each day I observe that mankind does not pay enough attention to what’s going on both on a local and global level. We rely more and more on social media and sound bites for the news. Mainstream media is stuck in a quagmire, and is dropping the ball when it comes to reporting. Where have you gone Walter Cronkite? He was an institution who was often cited as “the most trusted man in America.” We hunger for his journalistic abilities, accuracy and his fairness in reporting local, national and global events and issues. He always signed off with the line “And that’s the way it is.” Someone who knows the way it is, is our resident environmentalist, political analyst and curmudgeon, George Polisner, founder of Civ.works. George gives us some insight into environmental and political issues as we discuss the upcoming hurricane season and climate change, why trust in mainstream media is slipping, upside down flags, cover ups under the covers, elections in US and UK and more. For more information go to civ.works

TMSOG is proud to be on Feedspot’s list of the 50 Best Environmental Podcasts to follow in 2024 https://podcasts.feedspot.com/environmental_podcasts/

What’s Going On? “I Have A Dream!” Carrying forward the resonating message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Rick Ulfik, Founder of We the World and George Polisner, Founder of Civ.Works

What’s Goin On by Marvin Gaye

Mother Mother

There’s too many of you crying

Brother, brother, brother

There’s far too many of you dying

You know we’ve got to find a way

To bring some lovin’ here today, yeah

Father, father

We don’t need to escalate

You see, war is not the answer

For only love can conquer hate

You know we’ve got to find a way

To bring some lovin’ here today

Picket lines and picket signs (sister, sister)

Don’t punish me with brutality (sister, sister)

Talk to me (sister)

So you can see (sister)

Oh, what’s going on (what’s going on)

What’s going on (what’s going on)

“Whats Going On” by Marvin Gaye, is an incredible musical piece that offered, like the everlasting message of Martin Luther King Jr., enlightenment and compassion at a time of confusion and hate. Marvin Gaye and MLK had much in common, as they both advocated for civil and environmental justice, as well as peace, love and understanding. In a recent online article in Country Living magazine, Katie Bowlby and Terri Robertson wrote that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “was one of the most powerful voices of the Civil Rights Movement.” Throughout his lifetime, he had a lot to say about justice, love, leadership, service, equality, freedom, and the hope for (and struggle for) change. Much insight can be gained from reading Dr. King’s speeches and writings in their full context, from his “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington to his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” and his Nobel Prize acceptance speech in Oslo, Norway, on Dec. 10, 1964. He concluded the award was granted in recognition, “that nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral question of our time — the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression.”In the speech, King spoke about the urgent need for support and the long road ahead to end racial injustice in the United States.

On this episode of TMSOG my guests Rick Ulfik, Founder of We the World, and George Polisner, Founder of Civ.Works give us some insight and some inspiration of the teachings of Dr. King, and what needs to be done to carry forward his work. We also delve into the state of media coverage, voting, the environment and the need for citizens to be active participants in democracy. While we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday each January, it is important that we always think about his message, and work to carry out his legacy every day. You are invited to join We The World and to help Inspire, Inform, and Involve millions to take action and to be of service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr’s messages and teachings. Your participation is CRUCIAL to carry forward his work and legacy to end Poverty, Racism and, of course, War. To make a difference, please sign up at WE.NET/MLK . Also, please visit Civ.Works to find out how you can take civic action on various issues, especially during the 2024 election cycle. For past TMSOG shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and Malcolmpresents.com. Follow The Many Shades of Green(TMSOG) on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen. Subscribe to TMSOG podcast on all major podcast apps. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

War, what is it good for? And Some Good environmental news in Portugal and more with George Polisner founder of Civ.Works

WAR by Edwin Starr 1970—War, huh, yeah…What is it good for? Absolutely nothing, uh!

The sixties and seventies were filled with protest songs like WAR, as battles raged in Vietnam and Cambodia, killing thousands of young men and Vietcong, as well as the collateral damage of innocent lives. There was a draft, and young men did not want to fight what they thought was a senseless war. A song written in the 50’s by Pete Seeger, Where Have All the Flowers Gone, has the lyric “When will we ever learn”? And the Rodgers and Hammerstein song from South Pacific, “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” has lyrics which delve into racism and hate, placed within a beautiful ballad: Here are some of the lyrics:

You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear. You’ve got to be taught from year to year, it’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear—You’ve got to be carefully taught!

You’ve got to be taught to be afraid of people whose eyes are oddly made, and people whose skin is a different shade—You’ve got to be carefully taught.

You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late, before you are six or seven or eight, to hate all the people your relatives hate—You’ve got to be carefully taught! You’ve got to be carefully taught!

Fast forward to October 2023, and the question stays the same, WAR what is it good for, absolutely nothin’!!! There are no words for the atrocities which are being unleashed in Israel and Gaza. Mankind has once again plummeted into yet another war. So what is the answer? Does one avenge and take revenge? How does one cope with the humanitarian and moral dilemma? I truly have no words to express my feelings and outrage. How long will this hate and destruction go on? So the tune “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” keeps popping into my mind, and the refrain written by Pete Seeger in 1955, “when will they ever learn when will they ever learn” is now a constant ear worm in my head. There is much to discuss, and on this episode of TMSOG George Polisner our resident political, economic, environmental, social justice expert and founder of Civ.works gives us some insight into the Israeli conflict with Hamas, the insanity of US Politics and some positive energy solutions from Portugal. For more info check out Civ.Works and for past podcasts go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and Malcolmpresents.com. Please subscribe to The Many Shades of Green on all major podcast apps. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

WECAN: Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network

This weeks episode takes us to the Global Women’s Climate Justice Day of Action at the UN, sponsored by the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN). This event was attended by women from over 50 countries. To have such a collection of amazing women in one place, who presented stories of courage and resilience in combating climate change was deeply touching. Women play a key role in adapting solutions to climate change, and it was an honor to speak with WECAN founder Osprey Lake, environmentalist visionary Sally Ranney, as well as Neha Misra founder of Solar Sister, Harriet Shugarman Executive Director of ClimateMama, Executive Director of CELF Katie Ginsberg and student Coreena, and Patricia Gualinga-Montalvo, Indigenous Leader of Ecuador, whose interview was translated by Amazon Watch’s Executive Director Leila Salazar-López. For more information visit wecaninternational.org

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#1445: Sunday, September 21st 2014, The People’s Climate March

400,000 strong, a mosaic of humankind gathered at the People’s Climate March in NYC, to voice their concern about the climate crisis, and demand that the leaders of the world take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. My co-producer, Abba Carmichael and I, were able to witness history and walk with those who trekked from across the globe, and from across the street, to take an active role in showing support for Mother Earth. We spoke to actor/activist and academy award nominee Mark Ruffalo, NY Senator Charles Schumer, former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, author, environmental and civil rights activist Van Jones, Climate Project Presenter Marc Sussman, Grandparents Climate Campaign of Norway and many many more. It was truly an uplifting moment in time, and an example of peaceful, democratic protest on behalf of Mother Nature. For more info go to 350.org and peoplesclimate.org

#1228: Brooklyn Borough Historian Ron Schweiger

Brooklyn Borough Historian Ron Schweiger eats, sleeps and breathes all things Brooklyn. Did you know that Williamsburg used to be spelled with an H until the mid 1800s? Find out why it was dropped, and how the letter H now defines the new demographic associated with W’Burg. Can you say ‘Hipster’? Tune in and find out stuff you didn’t know about the many sides of Brooklyn, as it transformed through the centuries from barns to beer to bars! Green gossip included.

#1228: Brooklyn Borough Historian Ron Schweiger

#1221: Thelma Thomas of Elders Share the Arts

Features Thelma Thomas, Artistic Director of Pearls of Wisdom, a program of Elders Share the Arts, based in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. She is also a founding member of the African Folks Heritage Circle and an extraordinary storyteller.

#1221: Thelma Thomas of Elders Share the Arts