The Art of Living Life Fully According to Michael Scott [The Office]
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 24, 2008
You don’t need Buddhism or Christianity or Islam or Hinduism or Judaism or Scientology to help you see the keys to a life well-lived. You just need Michael Scott, the inane idiot of The Office.
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Pine or Plastic? Big Decisions On the Christmas Tree Lot.
by Lindsey Block on Dec 24, 2008
Every year I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when my family and I are strolling around the Christmas tree lot. I feel horrible and somewhat guilty that this little tradition called Christmas has caused such a great impact on Christmas trees: Douglas Firs, Spruces, Pines, Palm Trees, Hanukkah bushes, you [...]
1,832 views
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Ani DiFranco: on Motherhood (with elephant journal friend, Sarah Kraft of Mindful Mama magazine)
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 24, 2008
I first fell in love with Ani when I was living in Boston, and got to go see her with a high school friend at Wellesley. I musta been the only boy, or one of say 15, in a crowd of hundreds in the old New Englandy theater…and Ani was simultaneously magnetizing and terrifying (at [...]
841 views
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Oryoki: Zen-style mindful dining. [Dathun, Buddhism, Shambhala Mountain Center, Reggie Ray, Karme Choling, video]
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 24, 2008
I’ve done two Dathuns—month long silent (mostly) meditation retreats in the Buddhist tradition. The first one, I did when I was 16—just out of high school—and it was all I could do not to go crazy from boredom. By the second, I’d grown up a bit, and knew that it’s trying to always get away [...]
1,004 views
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Michael Franti sings ‘Barack Obama!’
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 24, 2008
While liberals hold their breath and try and keep cynicism from flooding in where hope rose so recently, and the country waits with empty wallets and environmental fears, elephant journal favorite Michael Franti (and company: Spearhead featuring Solliloquists of Sound, Cherine Anderson, Anthony B.) jumps up and down for joy in this new anthem for a [...]
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Shambhala Buddhist Michael Carroll on Authors@Google! Video: The Mindful Leader, Meditation Instruction for Business types.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 24, 2008
I just heard ‘Chogyam Trungpa’ referenced at Authors@Google series! How can mindfulness-based training help us be better businesspeople and leaders—not to mention, people? Video: PS: if mindfulness is at issue, I’d love to see Google forgo the ubiquitous plastic bottle in favor of a little sustainable elegance—the good ol’fashioned glass of water or mug. More [...]
1,611 views
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My Christmas Song Playlist [Top Xmas Videos: Dino, Nutcracker, Elvis, Handel...]
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 24, 2008
From your favorite (I do hope) local Buddhist, here’s wishing you all a Merry Christmas. In the spirit of the anti-materialistic Christmas Carol and Peace on Earth…here’s my favorite Xmas songs (the number at the end of each is the number of times I’ve played ‘em, apparently). I’ve included videos for a few…you can of [...]
1,965 views
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All I Want for Christmas is an eco credit card. [Discover Card's biodegradable PVC card]
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 24, 2008
Excerpt via Green Grown & Sexy, with thanks for the tip to Jen Sall: Discover launched their biodegradable credit card “in response to greater consumer interest in green products, and they are hoping this will appeal to those interested in living a greener life.” “The biodegradable Discover Card is another way for environmentally conscious consumers to [...]
270 views
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Modern Day Jesus vs. Santa … from the Inappropriate Yoga Guy! [video]
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 23, 2008
You’ll remember him as the Goji Berrrrry-downing Inappropriate Yoga Guy (if you don’t, click here). Now he’s back…as Modern Day Jesus. Peace on Earth has never been funnier…it’s Clash of the Peaceful Titans. Video: Description: Jesus Christ! Modern day life is pretty tough for ol’ J.C. — especially when he has to compete with that [...]
1,451 views
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Brotha’, Can You Spare a Dime? Not me, but… ~Joana Smith [Holiday Gift Ideas, Cuffs, Beads]
by elephantjournal dotcom on Dec 23, 2008
Want to make like Scrooge (by the end of Christmas Carol) and give back? In order to harvest your stuff for Holiday giving, first have a look around and see what you have! Looking, you will usually find some extra stuff. My little Abilene mixing up the pearls: Your stuff will be as endless as your [...]
263 views
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Jupiter Goes Debilitated. What Does This Mean? ~Sarah J. Miller
by elephantjournal dotcom on Dec 23, 2008
If you are a Jyotish geek like myself, then you are probably already aware that Jupiter (Guru) has recently gone into its debilitation sign, Capricorn, as of December 9th. Let’s break this down. For the non-astrologically fluent, what does this mean? How will this affect the next thirteen months of our lives? Jupiter is called [...]
1,850 views
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Berbere – Ethiopian Spice ~ Michael Levin
by Michael Levin on Dec 23, 2008
Ethiopians have exquisite food. It’s more than just nutrition. It’s culture. It’s friendship. And, it tastes great. My Ethiopian friends at The Nile amazed the guests I brought to their restaurant on another visit. My friends couldn’t believe I had only been there once before. We were greeted so warmly. The food was so good. We ae with our right hand, using injera, the pankake like bread made from teff, a nutritious gluten free grain. And, I came away with a prize: berbere.
762 views
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Conscious Citizen Interview: Michael Hamilton, Qi Gong instructor and acupuncturist
by Ryan Nadlonek on Dec 22, 2008
Michael Hamilton is a staple character in Honolulu’s art scene. He is a true saint, offering his teachings without regard for the dollar. His Community Acupuncture program works on a sliding scale from $10-30 based off the patients’ discretion and his Qi Gong classes in the park are on a donation basis. His priority is [...]
1,664 views
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Need Therapy? Try African Dance!
by Caroline Clark on Dec 22, 2008
I’ve met a sagacious Ghanaian dance professor at the University of Colorado named Nii Armah Sowah. He has opened the eyes of many wealthy, uptight white American college students to the possibilities of a therapeutic, truly supportive community. He does this through movement and song in his African dance and singing classes. Most therapy in [...]
394 views
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Best. Summer. Camp. Ever. Shambhala Sun Summer Camp.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 22, 2008
I did this every year as a child (they accept ages 10 through 16). You could’ve been home but you left! You’re right You shoulda been home but you left! You’re right Sound off, Ki Ki Sound Off, So So Bring is Way Down! Ki Ki So So Ki Ki…So So! Sun Camp is offered [...]
789 views
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It’s our Abbey Smith, climbing! [Video, La Sportiva]
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 22, 2008
Abbey worked with elephant (when we were a young, growing print publication) for nearly 3 years, I think. Now, she’s coming back and gonna do a little writing for us from time to time. But until she gets her first post up, check this youtube find out! Click and forward, get her some more well-deserved [...]
3,417 views
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Green Hotels get my Green. The Eco Nomad wants: Bikes, Eco Cleaning, Organic breakfast, Complimentary Wireless. [Hotel, Motels, B&B)
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 22, 2008
You’d be amazed how many hotels are stuck in the…90s. I just stayed in the lovely, posh, decadent, superhip supercentral Viceroy in Santa Monica…and the towels smelled like bleach, wireless internet was an extra $10 a day, the food was far worse quality (though lovingly prepared) than what I could get a block or two [...]
376 views
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“Ur so Gay,” and you even like Soy?!
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 22, 2008
Blogging about 15 minute It girl Katy Perry’s Kissing a Girl and Liking it song, and using it to riff on how I hate it when girls wear conventional chemical cancer-related perfume and makeup (and recommending an non-toxic chapstick while I was at it)…I tripped into Katy’s weak Ur So Gay song (below). Katy’s done it [...]
373 views
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Product Review: Navitas Naturals
by Caroline Treadway on Dec 22, 2008
The health foodies at Navitas Naturals—a California-based sustainable biz—have a mission: to bring you tasty, traditional curatives while building the indigenous communities that grow them. Since 2003, founder Zach Adelman has combed the globe for these medicinal staples and transformed them into modern super snacks that are both healthy and palatable. Sure you’ve heard of [...]
1,119 views
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Ken Wilber on Third Way, Integral Politics. [Video]
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 22, 2008
Ken Wilber, widely regarded as one of the most influential, cutting-edge philosophers alive today, lays down his two cents (and plenty of impressive name-dropping, from Billary to Rove to Al Gore) in this popular, much-discussed video: Warning: he talks a lot about colors. Click here for more about what he means by them.
1,040 views
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Low Interest Mortgages – Stop the decline in home prices, stop the crisis.
by Liz Benson on Dec 22, 2008
These two respected economists from Columbia University make a compelling argument for the Treasury Department to lower mortgage interest rates for home purchases and refinancing to significantly slow the housing market downturn and spur the economy. Check out their article from the Wall Street Journal. I hope the Treasury Dept. is listening because their recommendation makes sense [...]
223 views
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elephant journal presents the Top Ten Albums of 2008.
by Rusty Ralston on Dec 22, 2008
Here are my top ten albums of 2008, hope you enjoy. Leave me a comment below and let me know if you suggest anything else, or disagree with my picks! Fleet Foxes – Self Titled Why is this the best of ’08? It’s new, refreshing, and sounds nothing like the other bands [...]
13,013 views
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Light in the Darkness; Hanukkah’s optimistic/mystic spirit [Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on Hanukkah, video]
by Henry Schliff on Dec 21, 2008
At sundown today, the 21st of December 2008 and the 25th of Kislev on the Jewish calendar begins the celebration of Hanukkah. So pull out your menorah and light the lights, it’s the Jewish Christmas right? Not exactly. It does share a common ancestor, the Roman celebration of the birth of Sol, the unconquerable sun. [...]
943 views
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The 10,000 Hour Rule. Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers. [Video]
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 21, 2008
Saw one of my idols, Malcolm Gladwell, on PBS last night (yes, a rockin’ Saturday night on my couch with pizza and pup snoring beside me). Couldn’t find the talk I saw on youtube, unfortunately—it was a more dynamic back and forth with an audience in Boston—but this one on CNN is pretty popular, and [...]
1,391 views
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On Rick Warren … and Reverend Lowery … and LGBT Rights … and Obama’s Inauguration. ~Danny Fisher.
by elephantjournal dotcom on Dec 21, 2008
Hope in Rev. Lowery ~ by Danny Fisher Speaking at a function held in Kansas on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day two years ago, the Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, the civil rights icon and founder (with Dr. King) of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, said: We must call the nation to…include those excluded, to [...]
2,028 views
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I kissed a girl and I liked it: Pangea’s eco Lip Balm.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 21, 2008
I don’t like kissing toxic crap Not my intention I got so brave, Pangea Organics in hand Lost my hesitation Eco is what, I’m used to Just wanted you to try it on. I’m caring for you. Caught my attention I kissed a girl and I liked it. Taste of non-toxic lip balm. It felt [...]
2,127 views
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The Fleet Foxes… Fleeting, No. Foxy, Maybe. One of the best bands of 2008? Definitely.
by Rusty Ralston on Dec 20, 2008
Looking back on 2008, one of my favorite albums of the year was the Fleet Foxes self-titled release. Even though they get a little close to My Morning Jacket’s vocal territory at times, the Fleet Foxes are way more mellow and folky and less rock and roll. It’s a wonderful album to throw on in the [...]
1,138 views
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El Naturalista “Iggdrasil” Winter Boots: Eco, Innovative, Comfortable, Stylin’.
by Lindsey Wolf on Dec 20, 2008
I love it when a product at first seems to just meet your expectations and then wildly exceeds them.
3,247 views
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Trungpa in UK Guardian: “Cheerful” beats “Happy.”
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 20, 2008
Pioneering Buddhist guru Chogyam Trungpa continues to teach, 20 years after passing away! He makes an appearance in this morning’s Guardian, one of the leading papers across the pond. I grew up in his American Buddhist community, and my ma taught me early on the important distinction Trungpa Rinpoche made between ‘happy’ and ‘cheerful.’ We [...]
1,207 views
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South Park does Alan Watts.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 20, 2008
I’ve been waiting a long time to unleash this one on elephant…with half a million views, the weirdness of South Park meets the eloquent, witty, practical Zen wisdom of Alan Watts. Another: Here’s a cool one by I don’t know who: Here’s a great one by the man himself on Work as Play: Another weird [...]
1,961 views
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Where does Santa live?
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 20, 2008
Where does Santa come from, mommy? Good Magazine says: China. And it’s true: whether it’s naughty or nice, our Xboxes, golf clubs, iPods, toys and even fake Xmas trees come from our Communist brothers across the pond. While this video is fun and smart, it’s also toothless—it never dares to make a difficult, gray-area point? [...]
410 views
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Sushi twice a Day will just about Kill You. [Piven, Entourage, Mercury Poisoning]
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 19, 2008
Entourage star Jeremy Piven just got deathly ill, and had to leave his Broadway show. Why? We’ve poisoned our fish, and now fish are poisoning us. Can’t say we didn’t tell you so. Repeatedly. Dr. Colker said that an initial battery of tests on Mr. Piven had shown normal results. But after Mr. Piven said [...]
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Obama Vs. 50 Cent, What is Black Manhood? (video)
by Jayson Gaddis on Dec 19, 2008
I first read this post on William Harryman’s site The Masculine Heart. In this powerful youtube video “Barak & Curtis, Examining Black Masculinity,” director Byron Hurt explores Manhood in the Black Community comparing two Iconic figures Barak Obama and rapper 50 Cent. To me this 9 minute video is loaded with juicy observations about where black men are [...]
1,071 views
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Three more blatant acts of bipartisan compromise by Obama: Salazar & Warren & Vilsack.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 19, 2008
He’s done it again: miffed his progressive ideologue left wing frenemies while appealing vaguely to conservative ideologue right wing enemies and directly to middle-of-the-road Americans who want to see the conflicting sides on every issue shut up, come together and actually get something done. Problem is, no one’s happy. Is this analogous to a hamburger-loving [...]
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Dude, Where’s my Guru? 2700-year-old Marijuana used for “Spiritual Purposes?”
by Jayson Gaddis on Dec 19, 2008
Recently, a 2,700-year-old grave was unearthed, of a man buried in the Gobi Desert. Beside him was two pounds of marijuana (still green?!). “Nearly two pounds of still-green plant material found in a 2,700-year-old grave in the Gobi Desert has just been identified as the world’s oldest marijuana stash, according to a paper in the [...]
2,227 views
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The New Recycling Revolution gets a flag! ~via Joana Smith [2006 CPU Protest in Paris, Repurposing]
by elephantjournal dotcom on Dec 19, 2008
I was looking at the pictures of the protest in Paris, and realizing that the reason why it was beautiful, was because of all of the flags and colours! We have Aunt Winnie’s colors with us still today, and Carole King, Abilene wanted to donate this old shower curtain to help make the revolution of recycling [...]
276 views
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Real food for school lunches? ~via Laura Ruby. [Ann Cooper, Growe Foundation]
by elephantjournal dotcom on Dec 19, 2008
Do you know what your kid (or niece, nephew, or neighbor) had for lunch at school this week? Living in what many consider one of the most eco and green towns in the country (yes, Boulder, Colorado), I might expect something involving a salad, a little fresh fruit, Horizon organic milk and a tempeh burger. [...]
1,218 views
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New Natural Products Company? Whole Foods wants to loan you money.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 19, 2008
Whole Foods, teetering between everyone’s favorite green company and the Big Green Giant folks (including yours truly) love to criticize (nothing wrong, I should think, with being held to a high bar as long as you can top it)…has a unique, generous loan program intended to help small natural products vendors go big. The lastest [...]
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10 Celebrities who are actually doing something helpful with their Fame. Brad, Al, Scarlett, Chris, Heather, Tobey, Leo, Natalie, Ed, Hayden, Waylon.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 18, 2008
I don’t give a shiite about fame…
1,804 views
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Mick Jagger: “It’s fine if he likes trees.”
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 18, 2008
Who knew? Rolling Stones’ Chuck Leavell is a hardcore ecobuff, and now founder of Mother Nature Network, a new, well-endowed web site destined to be crushed by yours truly? (We’re all for green media, just so long as it’s us. Or Eco Times. Or Treehugger, they’re alright. Or Grist, I heart Umbra).
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Energy Efficient Mortgage – New options when buying or remodeling
by Liz Benson on Dec 18, 2008
I am always looking out for ways to save money while also saving energy. Now there are new mortgage options, often called Green Financing, available to home buyers and current homeowners. Whether you want to buy an energy efficient home or want to convert an existing home into an energy efficient marvel, here is how [...]
396 views
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Eco Green Spiritual Mindful … iPhone Apps?
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 18, 2008
I don’t got one of them there fancy iPhones, but I can tell you I would have one if I weren’t wedded to supporting the only progressive phone co out there. In any case, it’s a matter of time before I give up my old school phone and bow before Jobs. In the meantime, may [...]
320 views
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Sivananda Ashram & other spiritual retreats in Upstate New York, via NYTIMES.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 18, 2008
I’ve spent nearly a fourth of my life at spiritual retreat centers—I lived and practiced and studied at Karme Choling while at high school in Vermont, and for a year after, and for many summers…and I’ve spent 10 summers and a few years working for Shambhala Mountain Center, in Colorado. And I did a little [...]
2,304 views
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The Zen of Chevy Chase, in Caddyshack.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 18, 2008
With thanks for the tip to Trevor Martin. Chevy Chase on Basho…college…flute’s not a flute if it ain’t got no holes. Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-plunk:
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Vilsack? Vilsuck.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 18, 2008
Thanks to Tasteto.com… Sorry, Michael Pollan and Alice Waters, the US Secretary of Agriculture position is likely going to the former governor of Iowa who has ties to GMOs and the bio-tech industry. So much for that garden on the White House lawn. …I found the below via a nice new blog discovery, Ethicurean. Bookmark ‘em if [...]
223 views
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An Eco, Cowboy-style Dog Tag.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 18, 2008
My big pup (he’s about 15
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The Elephantmobile: Westfalia Solar Diesel Hybrid VW Camper Van.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 18, 2008
It’s late, I shouldn’t be typing, I should be cuddling with my pup Redford (who I left behind last week) and getting through the second half of Toshiro Mifune’s Samurai Trilogy, which I’ve seen a half dozen times since my best friend Noel and I used to watch it (and anything by Kurosawa, and anything [...]
2,495 views
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Green Business Plan Competition in NYC.
by Lindsey Wolf on Dec 17, 2008
Attention New York-based businesses! Green Spaces has just announced The Green Business Plan Competition for any for-profit company in New York with revenue under $10 million. The competition, “will reward investment funds to companies that have the ability to revolutionize their industry by working with our ecological resources while creating economic opportunities.” In addition to cash prizes, office [...]
2,667 views
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I hereby pronounce TOMS the official shoe of activist, green, mindful America.
by Waylon Lewis on Dec 17, 2008
I was just at Eco Gift, where I was honored to do yoga and hang a bit with lovely tough yogastar Seane Corn, interview Mallika Chopra, Rainbeau Mars, Max Simon and Seane, meet Arianna
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