Category: Music

Cannabis Culture, George Washington Grew Hemp Crops and how Marijuana benefits the environment and helps with pain, plus Free the Weed, a tune by Mitch Margo

There is some interesting history about hemp, for instance, did you know that George Washington grew hemp? Washington’s initial interest in hemp was as a cash crop, but he decided to grow it to meet the needs of his own plantation. Hemp was used at Mount Vernon for rope, thread for sewing sacks, canvas, and for repairing the seine nets used at the fisheries. Fast forward to current times and there are more good facts about hemp. According to the NIH National Library of Medicine, almost the whole body of the hemp plant has a wide array of utility: industrial production of food, fiber, and construction materials. In view of environmental sustainability, hemp requires less pesticides or water in cultivation compared to cotton, and is a representative fiber plant. Hemp has received a lot of attention because of its multipurpose usability, short production cycle, and low capital demand in cultivation, possibility as a carbon-negative material. From a medicinal standpoint Cannabis can be used to help reduce pain, and as of April 2024, recreational marijuana is legal in 24 states, which is almost half of the country. 

On any given city block, on any given day in NYC, the odds of getting a contact high from the drifting winds of cannabis smoke is practically a given. For decades people moved the government to legalize weed. It was an uphill battle which eventually was won. Cannabis is the second-most commonly used recreational drug in NYC, after alcohol. On March 31, 2021, New York State legalized adult-use cannabis in recreational form by passing the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA). The legislation created a new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) governed by a Cannabis Control Board to oversee and implement the law. I am not sure if there was dancing in the streets, but the gongs chimed as the bongs the filled the air with that unique smell which would take you to higher ground.

A stanza  of Aurora HighDreamer’s poem  Serenade of the Green “Euphoria” says it best:

So let the cannabis linger, like a soft and whispered song,

            In the canvas of your being, where sensations dance along.

           A symphony in the lungs, an ode to the sublime,

           In the poetry of being high, where moments endlessly chime.

On this episode of TMSOG podcast we discuss the culture of cannabis, it’s use for reducing pain and how it relates to the environment with Rusti Wolintz, who is my BFF and Tush Twin. Rusti (Paula) and I worked together for many years running B.T. Puppy Records and working with The Tokens, of Lion Sleeps Tonight fame. We put together the Guinness World Record 1998 anthem tour in which The Tokens sang the national anthem in 30 major league baseball parks in one summer. We currently do a podcast/YouTube program called Tush Twins, which is a hoot, and runs on Malcolmpresents.com.  Rusti is a real estate agent in NJ and also knows a thing or two about the Cannabis industry, and she gives us some great info and insight into edibles, industrial use hemp and cannabis pharmacies, Bong Appetit and much more. We also play a tune by Mitch Margo called Free the Weed https://mitchmargo.bandcamp.com/track/free-the-weed For more info on cannabis visit NORML.org and Leafly.com

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/

Blackbirds Singing in the Dead of Night and How Wildlife Mammas Connect with Nature to Raise their Babies with Co-Founder of New Castle Healthy Yards, Victoria Alzapiedi

I was thinking about the podcast topics for this weeks’s episode of TMSOG while walking my Diva poodle Sparkles and I saw a number of blackbirds flying from tree to tree, and communicating with each other with loud screeches. It got me thinking about birds and what they do in the dead of night, as well as how they protect their young. It also got me thinking about the tune Blackbird, which most of us thought was about birds. As it turns out, we were wrong, as the lyrics of Blackbird by Paul McCartney were not actually written about blackbirds. The tune was written about the integration of schools across the American south during the civil rights era in the 60s. More specifically, Sir Paul was inspired by the images of the Little Rock 9 in Arkansas, being assaulted and jeered by an angry mob. It seems that the US has been consumed by angry mobs for centuries, including today, as angry mobs mixed with peaceful protesters converge on many college campuses, but that’s a topic for another time. Paul McCartney met two of the women who were part of the Little Rock 9, Mothershed and Eckford, at his Little Rock concert on April 30, 2016. He took to Twitter after the meeting to say, “Incredible to meet two of the Little Rock Nine–pioneers of the civil rights movement and inspiration for Blackbird.” It’s a wonderful example of music as a message, and we need more more songs like that right now. Since Mother’s Day is almost upon us, Victoria Alzapiedi, our resident garden, wildlife and healthy yards guru discusses the connection with wildlife mammas and their coexistence with nature. Malcolm chimed in with a spider story, so we chat about insects as well. Victoria is a co-founder of New Castle Healthy Yards, and is a member of the Town of New Castle Conservation Board. She is a member of Friends of Buttonhook, which is working to save a 20.3 acre forrest in the Town of New Castle. In addition, Victoria is the co-founder of the New Castle Pollinator Pathways Coalition, and started the Facebook group “The Nature of Westchester” an active community of nature lovers which now has more than 4000 members. She is also a Native plant gardening consultant and coach providing eco-friendly planting recommendations, visit her website mynativegardenoasis.com for more information. Also check out New Castle Healthy Yards on Facebook and help save a forest at https://www.preservebuttonhook.org/ Visit https://www.audubon.org/ for great info on birds.

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 podcast 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/

Building a Bridge: Garden & Music Connections and Butterfly Wings with Educator, Gardener & Musician Paul Clarke

We are in Earth month, Spring is in the air, music’s in the air and cherry blossoms are putting on a show. The trees and bushes are sprouting their light green buds and we are surrounded by Mother Earth’s beauty. Animals and birds scurry about for food, picking at the ground for insects and seeds. The ecosystems are working in harmony and concurrent to this, Community and school gardens are gearing up to start planting for the season. According to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, research shows school gardens have a positive impact on student learning, health, and nutrition. Gardening helps students become more engaged, as it is an immersive experience which teaches them valuable skills while establishing a greater sense of community. Our guest on this episode is Paul Clarke, a retired Special Ed teacher in NYC for over 25 years, who now works part-time as the Garden Coordinator of the Vito Marcantonio Community Peace Garden, an ongoing project he brought to life originally at P. S. 50, now Central Park East II. Paul is also a life-long song writer, and he calls his genre Theatrical Pop with Conscience. Before he began teaching, Paul participated in Music Under New York, an MTA-sponsored program that promotes subway musicians. He also wrote and performed musicals with homeless New Yorkers via a not-for-profit Manhattan community outreach program. We play his tune Build A Bridge, which has beautiful music and lyrics. Paul believes that beauty, nature, and kindness are powerful healers in our broken world. For more info go to paulclarkesongs.com. To get additional info about school gardens in NYC go to GrowNYC.org. 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 podcast 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/

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

It’s A Wrap 2023 with the Fab 4 George Polisner, Neil Richter, Rusti Wolintz and Malcolm Burman

The lyric of the chorus of the song California Reggae Debate/ You’ve Got the Power, written and performed by my Token Bro now in Rock n Roll Heaven, Mitch Margo, points to the power we have, which we must use our highest potential. We must create a world where the collective will thrives, to keep the planet from imploding. Collective will is crucial to perpetuate the greater good! There were many things to be happy about in 2023, and many things that were truly horrible. While words are important, actions in most cases, speak louder than words, and we need be more proactive in making the planet a greener and safer place to live and thrive. The lyrics below of California Reggae Debate are great words to follow:

You’ve go the power, I’ve seen you use it

You think you don’t have it, that’s how you lose it!

The Fab 4, George Polisner, Neil Richter, Rusti Wolintz and Malcolm Burman join me (Maxine Margo Rubin), in discussing what made us happy, what pissed us off in 2023, and what we hope to see in the coming New Year. There are more of us doing good and making a difference. The Press, seems to hightlight the evil, and that has to change. For more info go to Civ.Works, and for current and past shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and Malcolmpresents.com. Follow The Many Shades of Green (TMSOG) on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen. Please subscribe to TMSOG podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeart, Spreaker.com and more. You’ve Got The Power, I’ve Seen You Use It, You Think You Don’t Have It, That’s How You Lost it! SO USE THE POWER YOU HAVE #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

Farm Aid 2023, Support Local Farms, Help Our Farmers with Allison Turcan Founder of DIG Farm and host of the podcast Getting Dirty

“Family farmers have the solutions to some of our toughest challenges. As we face a changing climate, farmers in Indiana, across the Midwest and all over the country are farming in ways that create more resilient farms to build healthy soils and protect our water.” — Willie Nelson Farm Aid

The development of agricultural took place about 12,000 years ago and changed the way humans lived. The nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle switched to permanent settlements and farming. The earliest farmers lived in the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East (near what is now Turkey) and grew crops like peas, lentils and barley. As humans learned to control their sources of food, they no longer had to be nomads, as they could settle in one place.  Forward to 2023, and there are 2 million farms in America, 98% of which are operated by families, family partnerships or family corporations. Farmers are the backbone of America, as they provide food for the citizens of the US and the globe. But more than 9,000 farms were lost between 2021 and 2022.  Data from USDA’s Economic Research Service indicates that Michigan led the list with 1,700 fewer farms, Texas lost a thousand, and Kansas fell 900. California, Kentucky, and New Mexico each lost 600 farms, and there were 500 fewer farms in Nebraska. Farmers play an integral role in feeding the populous, and many need economic assistance to keep afloat. Small farms are an important part of the agricultural system, as they promote locally grown food which brings communities together. Our guest on this episode is Allison Turcan, a Farmer and the Founder of DIG Farm, a local farm in North Salem, NY. Allison recently attended the Farm Aid event in Noblesville, Indiana and met with farmers, organizers and some legendary music artists. She is the host and producer of the podcast Getting Dirty on HRR, and she works with Westchester Land Trust as the farmer for their food bank garden. I am proud to call her my friend:) For more info go to farmaid.org, Digfarm.org, Homegrown.org. For more shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and Malcolmpresents.com. TMSOG is available on all major podcast apps (Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeart, Spreaker.com and more). Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @tmshadesofgreen #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

We The World, 11 Days of Global Unity with Rick Ulfik and Jana Larsen

I see trees of green, Red roses too, I see them bloom, for me and you

And I think to myself…What a wonderful world

 I see skies of blue, And clouds of white

The bright blessed day, The dark sacred night

And I think to myself…What a wonderful world

Those are the opening lyrics of the song “What a Wonderful World” sung by Louis Armstrong. Yes, the world is filled with beautiful things and with wonderful people, yet humanity is struggling. Countries are still fighting wars, people are still going hungry, climate change is affecting the global landscape, and a sense of helplessness pervades society. We must appreciate the beauty of red roses, blue skies, beautiful landscapes and people who work to do good and act as change agents to make the world a better place. I have the privilege of having two amazing people on this episode, Rick Ulfik and Jana Larsen of We, The World, who are working tirelessly to create a world that works for all Earthlings. They are currently working on the 11 Days of Global Unity program (which runs from September 11th through September 21st) as well as the Campaigns For Change, both of which are designed to build a Movement of Movements with millions of Change Agents. 11 Days of Global Unity brings together voices from around the globe to achieve a cultural shift towards “WE” and away from ME! Rick Ulfik, a friend for many years, is the Founder of WE, The World and the WE Campaign. He is the Co-Creator of the annual 11 Days of Global Unity  program whose participants and supporters have included: Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Deepak Chopra, Bill McKibben, Hazel Henderson, Arun Gandhi and many others. For over 30 years Rick has been a member of hundreds of creative teams producing network television shows, feature films, national commercials, hit records and other media. Jana Larsen, is the Human Resource and Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator at We The World, as well as the Coordinator of Economic Justice. We discuss how the WE Campaign unites and amplifies the efforts of people, organizations and global movements working for the common good. To register for 11 Days of Global Unity and to get more information on We the World and the World Peace Concert go to We.net. Past shows are available on HudsonRiverRadio.com and MalcolmPresents.com. Follow TMSOG on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen. Listen to The Many Shades of Green Podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeart, Spreaker.com and more. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

A Big Green Office Plant, plus Rotational Grazing, Regenerative Farming and some Sexy Astrology with Charlotte Ghiorse

From office plants to meadows to farming, we must work to be resilient and sustainable and help things grow in a more environmentally friendly manner. There is a newer method of farming called Regenerative farming, which is an approach to agriculture that focuses on restoring and improving the health of the soil, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting long-term sustainability. It is often considered a holistic and ecological approach to farming. The movie Biggest Little Farm and GrassRoots Farmers Co-op give insight into the practice of regenerative farming as a more sustainable way to grow produce, raise animals and be better stewards of the land. Regenerative farming involves agricultural methods that are more sustainable and work to heal the land and soil. Farmers and ranchers grow a diversity of plants and trees, establish cover crops and use no-till methods for planting, and incorporate grazing animals that naturally produce compost. We talk with our resident artist, eco-activist, Sexy astrologist Charlotte Ghiorse about the rotational and regenerative farming and agriculture practices that are used on some farms and ranches to bring more sustainability to the land. We also chat about a famous office green plant and play Mitch Margo’s tune ‘Green Plant’ (#TheTokens) plus July’s astrology chart and Charlotte’s upcoming art projects/shows. For more info go to https://www.houseofchoclet.com/ and check out Charlotte’s Facebook and Youtube pages Sexy Astrology. For past shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and Malcolmpresents.com. Follow TMSOG on Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen. Subscribe to The Many Shades of Green podcast on all major podcast apps. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

“Motherhood Never Ends” with founder of The Museum of Motherhood, Joy Rose

May is Mother’s Month and we need to give thanks to Mother Earth and all she provides to keep all Earthlings Alive. Mother Earth is not just another mother, she is the greatest mother of them all! She needs to be cared for and protected every day. The same holds true for all mothers who care for others, as many times they neglect their health and well being in that role. There is a history of motherhood and which goes untold. We must be in control of our health, both on a physical and mental level. It’s ok to speak up for our needs, voice our opinions and take the time we need for ourselves. Let’s face it, we are in challenging times, and it is easy to feel down with all of the conversations about guns, corrupt politicians, and the obliteration of women’s reproductive rights and more. Is the mantra that moms can do it all is a myth? Moms need help, which is not always forthcoming, as it truly takes a village to raise a family. In the words of Joy Rose “Motherhood never ends!” Joy is the Founder and Acting Director of the Museum of Motherhood and she joins us on this episode to talk about the many shades of motherhood. Joy is a mother of four now adult kiddos (I knew them when they were littles). She also has two grands, and is a writer, Educator, Adjunct teacher, media maven and is truly a mom who rocks! Joy is a Shero in so many ways! For more info go to mommuseum.org

For past shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and malcolmpresents.com. Follow TMSOG on Facebook and on Instagram @tmshadesofgreen. Subscribe to The Many Shades of Green podcast on all major podcast apps #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

Joy Rose, Super Mom of Super Bowl Champion Ali Marpet, is a Mom Who Rocks

Super Mom Joy Rose talks about her now Super Bowl 55 Champion son, Ali Marpet. Joy also shares a poem, talks about The Museum of Motherhood, Moms Who Rock, her band Housewives on Prozac, and much more. Always be nice to your Mama! For more info go to mommuseum.org, hudsonriverradio.com, malcolmpresents.com. Tweet us your thoughts @tmshadesofgreen.com. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

TMSOG welcomes Don Raskopf, we talk about the Clearwater organization, Pete Seeger, and what it was like to be a poll worker in the 2020 election

Our guest Don Raskopf is a long time member of the organization Clearwater, which was co-founded in 1966 by legendary singer and activist Pete Seeger. Don talks about the work that Clearwater is doing to help clean up the Hudson River, via the Clearwater sloop, and his relationship with Pete Seeger. We talk about how Clearwater has helped educate thousands of children on environmental issues and why it is so important to promote youth education and outreach. Don is also a member of the Beacon Sloop Club, which fits in with his experience as a carpenter and boat builder. He is active in Beacon4BlackLives, and was a first time poll worker in the last election. We discussed his experience with first time voters, and he had a wonderful story about the passion of those voters. For more information go to clearwater.org. Check out malcolmpresents.com for more shows, and go to thegreendivas.com for info on all things “green”.

1808 Every day should be Earth Day! Get Active and be resilient!

Happy Earth Day, Earth Week, Earth Month, Earth Year from Green Divas Meg and Max. It is everyone’s job to be proactive to protect the planet, and to be resilient. The show features the tune California Reggae Debate (You Got the Power) by Token great and sorely missed brother, Mitch Margo. There is also commentary by Harriet Shugarman, founder of Climate Mama, Ed Begley Jr., a very Super Green Dude and Stephanie Palumbo founder of Small Victories. The episode wraps with a song by Brute Force to help welcome in Earth Day #EarthAlways. Tweet us your thoughts: @50ShadesofGDs, @thegreendivas, @tmshadesofgreen.  Check out climatemama.com and begleyliving.com as well as thegreendivas.com, celebratesmallvictories.com and themanyshadesofgreen.com