GREEN VIKINGS

"Green Vikings" are those rare men and women who aggressively pursue a healthy, athletic, natural, adventurous, sustainable and conscious lifestyle. We are vanguard thinkers and doers who are free of fear and boundaries. We are full of the same spirit that led the Norse Vikings to explore far and wide. We believe that we CAN and WILL change the world for the better by living and working in concert with the universal laws of nature and pushing and blending the bleeding edge of sustainability, business and adventure. To these ends, this blog is a showcase for products, services, experiences, people and opportunities which reflect "Green Viking Values". Check out or video channel at Vimeo too:

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NYC getting Greener

NYC starting to "get it".

http://www.nyc.gov/html/mome/digital/html/news/reinventgreen.shtml

PS: blogged / posted this to at least 7 social media channels via iPhone while driving in Manhattan (only at stop lights) after I heard about it on 1010 WINS. Yeah, it CAN be this easy. Ask me how. I AM an expert. www.OtakuMarketing.com.

Sent from my iPhone ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Call Me @ 917 656 4697 Skype Me @ "DoubleOhKevin" Know Me @ www.About.me/Kev.I.Am

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EVERY DAY is Earth Day…

...and most of the Earth is an Ocean!

I've blogged a great deal about aquatic and marine habitats, threats, issues, charities and solutions both here, @ Green Vikings and at www.MarineCuisine.Posterous.com (the official blog site of New York Oyster Week 2012). Dig around at each if the issue speaks to you.You might learn something or be inspired to protect and preserve what adds up to trillions of dollars in economic opportunity, biodiversity and one of our only remaining wild foods - SEAfood!

Here's another great organization I do not think I have blogged about before:

http://oceana.org/

Watch the video at the web site or embedded in this blog post. It's a great way to learn a great deal about what is at stake, what to do, what's been done and what's left to do. Just a GREAT 101 on responsible Ocean & Fisheries Stewardship! The good news is, WE CAN SAVE OUR OCEANS. And in so doing, ourselves. 

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EVERY DAY is Earth Day…

...and most of the Earth is an Ocean!

I've blogged a great deal about aquatic and marine habitats, threats, issues, charities and solutions both here, @ Green Vikings and at www.MarineCuisine.Posterous.com (the official blog site of New York Oyster Week 2012). Dig around at each if the issue speaks to you.You might learn something or be inspired to protect and preserve what adds up to trillions of dollars in economic opportunity, biodiversity and one of our only remaining wild foods - SEAfood!

Here's another great organization I do not think I have blogged about before:

http://oceana.org/

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An Island to Island Run / Swim Race in Sweden? Jag älskar det!

Truly "Viking". 

"Ö TILL Ö is a unique race in a unique environment. Teams of two race together from island to island (Ö TILL Ö). The teams swim between the 19 islands and run on them. The total distance is 64 kilometres of which 10 km are swimming and 54 km are running"

Ja! Who wants to do this with me in 2013?

DEAD SERIOUS. It's a great reason for me to finally get to Scandinavia!

Unfortunately, the 2012 race is full already!

http://www.otillo.se/

The videos at this link are pretty cool too. http://www.otillo.se/o-till-o-tv/

Swedish, such a funny language! Jag älskar det! 

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LAST CALL: The Nature Conservancy's "Cocktails Under The Canopy" Benefit

THIS THURSDAY! A few tickets remain. Get one! 

And check out my contribution to the Silient Auction at this link: http://www.nature.org/photosmultimedia/cocktails-under-the-canopy-silent-auct...

More Details on it @ www.AdventureSetter.com

EVENT DETAILS: http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/newyor...

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Ahoy Project SERV

The most "Green Viking" effort we have seen in some time! MUCH LOVE! Let's get this boat in the water ASAP! Looks like Green Vikings will be lending a hand in that effort via New York Oyster Week. More on that soon at MarineCuisine.Posterous.com

See the full gallery on Posterous

  From their website...  http://www.projectserv.org/

Project SERV (Spawning Early Release Vessel) Inc. is a community service organization dedicated to the restoration of coastal marine environments. Its goals are to restore shellfish and marine organism populations to academic measurement within the environment and to provide public outreach in the form of a general marine education program.

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Why The Clean Tech Boom Went Bust

This is a GREAT article. Read it if you care about...

How we get our energy in America

What the USA's opportunities and positions in clean tech are

What role our government and big business (especially Oil & Gas) play in undermining the development of cleaner and greener energy technologies.

There is a lot to process here but it's a good "101" on clean tech, alternative energy sources and public policies on these matters. 

This article came from our good friends at Wired Magazine via our very good friends at 2 Degrees Network.

http://www.2degreesnetwork.com/groups/renewable-power-for-business/resources/...

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AUCTION ITEM & SPECIAL RATE FOR AN EPIC AQUATIC ADVENTURE!

My dear friend Erin McKinnon asked me recently if I'd donate one of my Florida Manatee / Wild River Tours to the silent auction for The Nature Conservancy's "Coctails Under The Canopy" Event on March 29th, 2012 in NYC. I was happy to. And excited about it. 

And I'm happy to offer it to other worthwhile causes as well. Do you have a fundraiser you are on the committe for? A cause you care deeply about? A silent auction you've been asked to gather items for? If so, take a look at what I am offering. Attached is a PDF of what would be presented to bidders. Details on how it works with the charity (my terms and conditions) can be found at THIS PAGE. 

If you'd like come on one of these trips, I'm available to go anytime between now and Feb 24 or after March 6! The manatees begin to get scarce around March 15th, so we're running out of time a little bit. I'm booking a flight down there for Feb 11th or 12th for 5 or 6 days. I dont have anyone booked to join me but I'm going anyway because I have not been yet this year, its a cheap trip and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! You will to.

SPECIAL OFFER: Subscribe to ths blog and share the package on facebook and I'll give you "Super Duper Rate" of $150 per guest / per day for tours taken between Feb 12 and 20th. That's $100 off the current rate per person/per day rate! I'll do private tours (1 or 2 people and perfect for aggressive swimmers) for $900 per day during that week too. That's a $600 discount per day!!! I must be crazy. 

This is a true "bucket list" experience for any nature, swim or kayak enthusiast! Let's GO! www.AdventureSetter.com

CHARITY AUCTION PACKAGE INFO BELOW:

River_Trip_for_TNC.pdf Download this file

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An Energy Miracle that could solve the problems of fossil and nuclear fuels?

Im both encoraged and enraged by this epihany! Can you guess why? Why (on Earth) have we not been exploring this and making it the norm since the 50's? My theory: politics, money, power, corruption and stupidity. What do YOU think? A MUST WATCH for any thinking/caring human! 

TEDTalks Updates (@tedtalks) 1/14/12 10:06 AM Today's #TED: Kirk Sorensen shows us thorium -- a material that might revolutionize how we produce our energy: on.ted.com/Sorensen #TEDx

* Sent from my iPhone 4 

----------------------------

Kevin Joseph

917 656 4697

about.me/kev.i.am

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James Beard Oyster Event

See the full gallery on Posterous

DETAILS: http://archives.subscribermail.com/msg/d3137f7eed23483e9a66eb6f30de375e.htm

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A GREAT BUSINESS BOOK COLLECTION - TO WIN?!?!

Follow this link to see the complete list of books you could win: http://appsumo.com/~gQk

See the full gallery on Posterous

I've read several of these books. Would like to read them all. My favorite: Purple Cow, by Seth Godin. I also suggest Mark Benioff's book Behind the Cloud. Just reading that one now. GREAT!

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Announcing AdventureSetter.com presented by Green Vikings

Swimmers, Kayakers, AdventureSetters...Lend Me Your Eyeballs!

www.AdventureSetter.com

Green Vikings is proud to present our first "experience". We are starting with travel and in this case, a group of Aquatic Eco-Tours in Florida's "Nature Coast". These tours are as mellow or as extreme as our guests choose to make them. 

Below is a great video featuring a couple of friendly manatees that illustrates how we do it. There are plenty of other cool photos and videos at www.AdventureSetter.com and on GreenVikingsTV @ Vimeo. 

Attached is a printable PDF as well. It's pretty up to date, but the web site is a better resource for info, photos and videos.

Please do forward this to anyone you know who is a Swimmer, Nature Lover, Casual Kayaker, Swim Coach, Photographer, Personal Trainer, Diver, Snorker, Triathlete or interested a cool adventure in an unusual (and gorgeous part) of Florida that won't break the bank. 

River_Swim_2012_Dec_10.pdf Download this file

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Obama / Clinton: Energy Efficiency Initiative

FYI: http://ecocentric.blogs.time.com/2011/12/02/president-obama-with-help-from-bi...

I know this news is "so 2 weeks ago", but it's worth posting. I'm very happy to see our current President working on THE FUTURE with a former President. Sadly, the last President to spend this much time and solar energy and energy efficiencies was Carter who did actually put solar panels on the White House. 

As an aside, President Clinton's new book Back to Work talks about America's need to be in "he future business" and how "green initiatives" are a big part of that. That's another worthwhile read. I'm 50 pages into it. 

http://www.amazon.com/Back-Work-Government-Strong-Economy/dp/0307959759

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Learning from NJ

"NJ Governor Christie’s Energy Master Plan"

The 138 page document has been released by the New Jersey Governor’s Office that is a master plan on energy for the state. This final version is largely the same as the draft document released last summer, save for a few changes. It lays out the direction for how the state will meet its energy demands over the next decade. The point that stands out is the goal for renewable energy, which has been lowered to 22.5 percent by 2021 as compared to the goal of 30 percent by the previous administration. The plan sets an overall goal of obtaining 70 percent of electricity from clean energy sources by 2050, which would include nuclear, natural gas, and hydroelectric. The master plan contains five overarching goals that the state would pursue: 1. Lowering costs to all energy consumers 2. Encourage diversity of clean energy sources within the state 3. Reward energy efficiency and conservation, and reduce peak demand 4. Encourage investments in emerging technologies for transportation and power production 5. Continue to work towards the renewable energy goal of 22.5% by 2021. ...continued at... http://blog.cleantechies.com/2011/12/08/nj-governor-christies-energy-master-p...

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FRACK-TION in NYC ON TUES

THIS IS IMPORTANT PEOPLE! IT'S TIME TO SHOW UP. IT'S IN OUR BACK YARD NOW. Today they rally in Loch Scheldrake, NY. Tomorrow, (Wed, November 30th) we really in Tribeca @ Tribeca Performing Arts Center. 199 Chambers Street, New York. With the recent victory activists had in the protection of the Delaware River Basin, there really is a good chance to make a real difference in NY State. (Read My First Post) and/or (Read My Second Post) on the DRBC Vote Victory!

THE LATEST FROM RIVERKEEPERS REGARDING NYC RALLY 

http://river.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=8921.0&printer_friendly=1

This page provides a great time frame for all of the activities in Tribeca on Wednesday.

Some other recent and important articles below...

LOANS ON HOMES OR NEAR LAND IN PROXIMITY TO FRACKING WELLS?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/25/us/officials-push-for-clarity-on-oil-and-ga...

One way to get people to oppose fracking (that might otherwise not) is to get them to think about what their land, farm, home might be worth if a fracking free for all takes place in NY as it has elsehere. Is the $100,000 they get for the fracking lease (a stretch in most case) worth the revocation of their mortgage, the loss of equity in their property or the complete collapse of a real estate market. What of the impacts on tourism? What of the impacts on infrastructure? What of the impacts on the way of life in rural areas? These are the REST of the costs / issues, way beyond water quality and environmental degradation (which are easily dismissed by pro-frackers). 

This article leads me to think...what ARE the ecomomic benefits anyway? Cheaper gas? Gas doesn't get much cheaper than it currently is. Jobs? All New York has to do is to look at what has really happend in PA. A few jobs have been created, yes. But not many. And not for the locals (with some exceptions like the Holiday Inn owners and anyone renting living space to workers). But for the most part, the benefits are being exported to the workers of the oil and gas concerns from OK and TX. Make no mistake, PA and NY workers are in the minority in the Marcellas Shale. And there are basically NO firms that do this based in anywhere other than TX and OK. 

HOMEOWNERS & GAS DRILLING LEASES: BOOM OR BUST?

http://frackaction.com/content/homeowners-and-gas-drilling-leases-boon-or-bust  

Does fracking (as it is being proposed and practiced) make sense? Really? Is it really a Boom or is it really a Bust? Who gets rich? At what cost?

MILLIONS SPENT IN ALBANY TO LOBBY FOR FRACKING. HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS DONATED TO NY POLITICIANS BY OIL & GAS CONCERNS. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/nyregion/hydrofracking-debate-spurs-huge-sp...

No news here. Just the real numbers. Pennies for the companies. Nearly a million dollars raised by opposition parties from individuals, families and communities that cant afford it. Not criminal. But bankrupt and corrupt, at best. Part of a democratic system that has not evolved with the times. Why? Because the power brokers know that the people are vastly uninformed, disinterested and lazy. So they play us that way. And we play along. 

MY PARTING THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: SUPPLY, DEMAND & PRICE VS. COSTS

Natural Gas prices are incredibly low right now. Natural Gas & Electricity (as commodities) are at 7 or 8 year lows. Dirt cheap! Do we really need to bring more supply to the market right now? No.

If you feel like your energy bills are high (and they probably are) look at the supply portion of your bill (that's the commodity prices) and then look at the Service & Delivery & Taxes & Surcharges tha make up most of your montly utility costs. Then, tell me, do you still trust our political leaders, Public Utility Commissions? This just in, utility costs are NOT high because of a scarcity of fuel. There's plenty of supply. We dont need more until (at least) the ecomomy begins to improve and demand rises. 

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Patagonia's "Cyber Monday" Message

No, it's not reverse pyschology. It's a real message that really matters and part of the soul of what a great company! It's also a call to action to join the Common Threads Initiative (which takes maybe 20 seconds) This is one of the reasons we love Patagonia! Their message, below and at this link: http://www.patagonia.com/email/11/112811.html?sssdmh=dm23.142698

Today is Cyber Monday. It will likely be the biggest online shopping day ever. Cyber Monday was created by the National Retail Federation in 2005 to focus media and public attention on online shopping. But Cyber Monday, and the culture of consumption it reflects, puts the economy of natural systems that support all life firmly in the red. We’re now using the resources of one-and-a-half planets on our one and only planet.

Because Patagonia wants to be in business for a good long time – and leave a world inhabitable for our kids – we want to do the opposite of every other business today. We ask you to buy less and to reflect before you spend a dime on this jacket or anything else., Environmental bankruptcy, as with corporate bankruptcy, can happen very slowly, then all of a sudden. This is what we face unless we slow down, then reverse the damage. We’re running short on fresh water, topsoil, fisheries, wetlands – all our planet’s natural systems and resources that support business, and life, including our own.

The environmental cost of everything we make is astonishing. Consider the R2® Jacket shown, one of our best sellers. To make it required 135 liters of water, enough to meet the daily needs (three glasses a day) of 45 people. Its journey from its origin as 60% recycled polyester to our Reno warehouse generated nearly 20 pounds of carbon dioxide, 24 times the weight of the finished product. This jacket left behind, on its way to Reno, two-thirds its weight in waste.

And this is a 60% recycled polyester jacket, knit and sewn to a high standard; it is exceptionally durable, so you won’t have to replace it as often. And when it comes to the end of its useful life we’ll take it back to recycle into a product of equal value. But, as is true of all the things we can make and you can buy, this jacket comes with an environmental cost higher than its price.

There is much to be done and plenty for us all to do. Don’t buy what you don’t need. Think twice before you buy anything. Go topatagonia.com/CommonThreads, take the Common Threads Initiative pledge and join us in the fifth “R, ” to reimagine a world where we take only what nature can replace. 

COMMON THREADS INTITIATIVE: http://www.patagonia.com/us/common-threads?src=112811_mi2

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SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

This is brilliant! I wonder who came up with it and I wonder if anyone else sees the irony of American Express' sponsorship of it. Oh well, good for them for supporting the little guys. I wonder if they'll waive their merchant fees on purchased made with an Amex today.

www.SmallBusinessSaturday.com

I'll be supporting a small pet store today when I get a new fish for the aquarium. I won't be going to a PetsMart or a PetCo. Remember the local pet store? Hardware store? Butcher? Some still do remain. Just, not as many. 

This blog features small businesses of all kinds. We love craftsmen. We love those who follow their passion to create and provide sustainable goods and services. Small business is local, sustainable. We all must remember and reward that, even when it costs a bit more. 

Green Vikings are all about the local, innovative and sustainable. And this Small Business Saturday got me to thinking. Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Small Business Saturday. What about Sunday? 

I just purchased www.SlowFoodSunday.com. We'll see about that for 2012!