Danielle Katz, Founder/Executive Director, Rivers for Change took her first river run when she was only 4 months old, on one of the last runs on California’s Stanislaus River before it was dammed. Danielle tells us about her ambitious “12 Rivers in 2012 Campaign,”  to paddle a dozen critical California rivers from Source to Sea to get communities involved in the stewardship and conservation of  rivers and their watersheds. Then, Kristen Erickson and Kevin Oswald of Kent Displays/Improve Electronics join us to discuss the Boogie Board Paperless LCD eWriters.  These unique battery-operated writing pads were introduced last month at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas as a paperless replacement  for notebooks, legal pads and sketch books. Earth Gauge celebrates World Wetlands Day. Thanks Earth Gauge for your contribution!  Eco News includes stricter California air standards, Saving the Frogs in Santa Cruz, Southwest Airlines is going green, and a rock quarry quandary in Temecula. And, the Noisy Toys Music Minute features the new CD from Ame Kora called Yanou Yala.  Ame Kora’s CD is available at Motherland Music. 

Our special in-studio guest today is Laura Herzog, Founder/Family Support Coordinator for Honoring Our Fallen, based in Yorba Linda, California. Laura started her mission to support the family members of Fallen Heroes in February 2011, after she was laid off from her job with the Department of Defense.  Honoring our Fallen provides support for families during the Transfer of Dignified Remains for fallen heroes from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Then Avital Binshtock, editor “The Green Life” for Sierra Magazine tells us about her interview with actress Eva Longoria, some healthy eco-grains and the new crop of 2012 Sierra Club adventure outings. Earth Gauge news explains why a rain gauge is a great tool for gardeners. Eco News covers reaction to President Obama’s State of the Union speech, the World Future Energy Summit in Abu-Dhabi and a massive solar storm.  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Nicole Falzone’s song “Man Against Man.” 

Sharon is back, and we meet Reverend Mitchell Hescox, President and CEO, Evangelical Environmental Network, responding to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mercury Rule for protecting the unborn. In tandem with January's Radon Action Month, Bill Long, Chief of the Radon and Air Toxics Branch of the EPA discusses how residents can best protect themselves and their families from the naturally-occurring gas. In this week's Earth Gauge Tip, we learn how winter composting makes huge sense!  In the Eco-News, the Obama Administration refuses (for now) to issue a permit for the controversial Keystone XL pipeline on procedural grounds; U.S. scientists suggest tradable quotas in the increasingly nasty international whaling debate; the city of San Francisco under fire for failing to modify its water supply from Yosemite National Park's Hetch Hetchy Valley;the charity HelpAge's Cash for Work program andToughStuff's portable solar panel distribution in Haiti, a nation still ravaged by the terrible earthquake of January 12th, 2010. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Michelle Mangione’s, "Cry To Me," from her "What Is A Saint?" CD.  Download the Hill & Dale Show on iTunes! Follow us on Twitter at Twitter@hillanddaleshow. Friend us on the Hill & Dale Show Facebook page!  Thank you, Earth Gauge, for your generous donation to the show!!

It's preservation of bridges and self-start week! Calling in from 6,000 miles away, Tony Hill, Tour Guide for the Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust in Anglesey, North Wales, tells us about the efforts to preserve this wonderful suspension bridge, celebrated as a special part of history and as part of the modern community.  It is one of only two bridges between mainland Wales and the island of Anglesey, itself a main route through to Ireland via the port of Holyhead.  Next, author Dr. Julie Miller gives us the most positive push possible into 2012! Her book, The Secrets of Self-Starters, explores 48 people's lives and what they did to achieve their dreams and goals. Take the free self-starter test on! In Earth Gauge, we learn that January is National Radon Action Month and why we need to care about this naturally occurring gas. The Eco-News airs front and center the battle by the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) to keep California's parks open; Germany's renewable energies successes and goals; in contrast, seven of California's most expensive renewable energy projects remain unused because of red tape; and, finally, British scientists say that due to the world's increasing carbon dioxide emissions, there may be no coming ice age. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features rocker Jon Bare and the Killer Whales with Orca. Download us on iTunes!, follow us @hillanddaleshow and email us at hillanddaleshow@gmail.com.

In our last show of 2011, we explore the concept of energy; what it means for life on earth and what sources we have available to us. We talk to author, physicist, engineer, Coleman Raphael, about his concise and easy-to-read book, "There is No Energy Problem." His contention is that as long as world leaders tackle the energy issue with serious political resolve, unity and good sense, we have all the clean energy we need - and way more besides - with the mighty power of the sun. colsylr@gmail.com. The Eco-News covers the lonely male gray wolf, (clinically-named) OR7, currently loping from Oregon to California in search of a mate; living clean off the hog with "waste-to-energy" systems; reducing printed catalogues; and the demise of Hollywood star, Cheeta the Chimp, at the ripe old age of 80 years old! The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Karie Hillery’s, "This Gift" from her new CD, "Peace Be With You."  Lucie thanks the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Director General Ms. Janice Lai and comedian Rob Schneider, for an invitation to a holiday banquet celebration of this dynamic tropical island's 2012 tourism goals. Sharon says goodbye to notable personalities, famous and infamous, from 2011, and we clink glasses to next year's success!  Please download Hill and Dale on iTunes, email us on hillanddaleshow@gmail.com, follow us @hillanddaleshow, and friend us on the Hill and Dale Facebook page!  Happy New Year!

This Christmas will be extra special for thousands of military families when the last combat troops in Iraq return home. However, the milestone is bittersweet as our heroes face many challenges, including the high unemployment rate. Stacy Bare,  with the Sierra Club’s Military Families Outdoors program is a veteran who found relief from rock climbing and other outdoors activities after he left military service. He says this Sierra Club program has helped thousands of military vets and their families enjoy the land they sacrificed so much to defend. Then, Jessica Lass, Spokeswoman for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) calls in with good news about the new EPA cap on mercury emissions from U.S. power plants. She says other  NRDC environmental victories in 2011 include the passage of new U.S. vehicle fuel efficiency standards and air quality regulations for trucks and ships at the Port of Los Angeles. Todays Earth Gauge News offers tips for hosting an environmentally-friendly holiday gathering. Eco News includes fewer real cut Christmas trees in California, the EPA’s passage of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards Rule, L.A. delays the plastic bag ban and we change our car oil too often! The Noisy Toys Music Minute features holiday music from Larry Williams. Happy holidays from Sharon & Lucie!

The holidays can be happy and wonderful, yet they can also be difficult, lonely and financially challenging. Sadly, as the festivities approach, thousands of children are in danger. We talk to the Yvonne Fedderson and Sara O'Meara, the founders of the Arizona-based non-profit group, ChildHelp, about the prevention and treatment of child abuse and their 52-year fight to save children all over the world from cruelty. In the spirit of gift-giving, Jennifer Schwab, Director of Sustainability for Sierra Club Green Home, has a back-to-basics suggestion about how we can celebrate the festive season and leave our pockets intact! The Earth Gauge News reveals figures for the Annual Christmas Bird Count. The Eco-News summarizes an angry Los Angeles Times editorial about electric car company, Coda; the collaboration of Toyota and BMW on an environmentally-friendly project; the conclusion of the Climate Change Summit in Durban, South Africa; and the multiple issues behind supplying more farmed seafood to U.S. consumers. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Karie Hillery’s, "Christmas Lullaby." Download the Hill & Dale Show on iTunes! Follow us at Twitter@hillanddaleshow. Be our friend on our Hill & Dale Show Facebook page! Email us at hillanddaleshow@gmail.com!  Thank you so much for listening and contributing to Hill and Dale over the past year! We look forward to another great year!

The show is heavily powered by wind this week! Kelly Fuller, Wind Campaign Manager with the American Bird Conservancy, discusses the hundreds of birds killed by wind turbines and what can be done about it. www.abcbirds.org  Herbert Raffaele, Division of International Conservation, with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Without Borders programs enthralls us with facts about elephants that can smell water from 20 miles away, but that sadly, along with tigers, rhinos and many primates, are vanishing due to man's burgeoning needs.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is teaming up with the U.S. Postal Service to sell Save Vanishing Species U.S. postage stamps as a means of stemming the world's potential wildlife loss.  www.fws.gov/endangered  This week's Earth Gauge tip advises how to minimize damage around your home and community during strong winds. Our Eco-News blows through the hurricane-force Santa Winds that enveloped Southern California last week and the resulting destruction, the first ever electricity-generating wave machine anchored deep in the Pacific just off the state of Victoria in Australia, the very sad news (for hundreds of exotic, abandoned animals) that Los Angeles' Wildlife Waystation is closing due to lack of funds, thegood news that California's other-worldly Mono Lake State Park is remaining open.  Meanwhile, the Climate Change Conference continues in Durban, South Africa and December 8th is International Human Rights Day.  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Larry Williams', "Christmas Time is Here."  Download us on iTunes.  Contact hillanddaleshow@gmail.com for editorial or sponsorship requests.  Thanks for listening!

How can eating more California-grown avocados help protect wild animals like mountain lions? E.J. Remson, Senior Project Manager with The Nature Conservancy explains how efforts to preserve farm land and orchards in the Santa Clara River Valley of Ventura County helps native species by reducing development and urban sprawl. Then, Karl Johnsson with Umami Sustainable Seafood tells us how his company raises wild-caught Northern Bluefin Tuna in large cages in Croatia and Mexico in an effort to decrease the overfishing of this prized culinary delicacy. Umami also hopes to soon breed the fish in captivity and expand it’s seafood sales beyond Japan.  Earth Gauge News spotlights the advantages of using holiday LEd lighting this season.  Eco News covers the Climate Change Conference in South Africa and plans by the U.S. and Canada to pull out of the Carbon Emissions Pledge, too much rain in East Africa and McDonalds bans eggs from Sparboe Farms after animal abuse is filmed there. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Karie Hillery’s song “Let Us Gather” from her new CD “Peace Be With You.” www.karie.com.

It's almost Halloween!! We cannot escape it!! No one is safe!! (Cue Vincent Price laugh.) However, Sasha Gennet, Ecologist with the Nature Conservancy joins us to debunk some myths about a much misunderstood and maligned arachnid in the "5 Best Creepy, Crawl(e)y Halloween Haunts to see Tarantulas!!" www.nature.org or www.socalwild.com. Then, L.A. area radio personality Bob Madden talks about why he loves his Nissan LEAF! Plus, if the whole charging thing is a mystery to you, Bob sheds some light on it with some interesting facts. Check out Bob's business, www.thebusinessblast.com.  Earth Gauge (www.earthgauge.net) gives us tips on pumpkin harvesting, and the Eco-News includes the increasing use of wood as heating and the greening of a section of the Kunshantag desert, Inner Mongolia, as devised by Hyundai and Ecopeace Asia. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Jon Bare’s rocking "Monsters" from Orcastra.  You can download the Hill & Dale Show on iTunes! You can also follow us on Twitter at Twitter@hillanddaleshow.  Be our friend on Facebook page! Email us at hillanddaleshow@gmail.com.

Love homegrown veggies, but don’t have time to tend a garden? “Farmscape” www.farmscapegardens.comto the rescue! Farmscape spokesperson Rachel Balin explains how Farmscape, based in the Los Angeles area, can transform a section of your yard into raised bed gardens brimming with flavorful, organic vegetables. Farmscape gardeners will also take care of  your garden, year round. Shira Lane, filmmaker/producer of the documentary “Got the Facts on Milk?” www.milkdocumentary.com tells us about how her own allergy to dairy products prompted her to research the subject.  Her documentary includes interviews with many medical and scientific experts who expose the link between eating dairy  products and cancer, osteoporosis, weight gain, asthma, acne, hormone imbalance and lactose intolerance. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Chalo Eduardo’s song “Beija Flor Suite.” Eco News includes: the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers’ fall native plant sale, Earth Science Week,  and California’s Governor Brown signs bills  into law to help keep state parks open and ban the harvesting of shark fins.

Ever wondered what happens when an electric vehicle runs out of juice on the road? Steve Mazor, Manager of the Southern California Auto Club’s Auto Research Center has the answer with AAA’s new Mobile Electric Vehicle Charging trucks. www.aaa.com/greenerdriving. Our second guest offers insight into why more and more TV weather people are fast becoming the media's scientists. Sara Epinoza with the National Environmental Education Foundation calls in from Washington DC to tell us about Earth Gauge, a program that provides environmental & climate information to broadcast meteorologists. www.earthgauge.net. In the eco-news, next April's USA Science & Engineering Festival, saving frogs in Ghana, the respiratory dangers of bicycling, and moderate alcohol intake as an antidote to asthma. Our Noisy Toys Music Minute features Kandace Lindsay’s “Crazy Fire.”  You can download the Hill & Dale Show on iTunes! Follow us on Twitter at Twitter@hillanddaleshow. Be our friend on the Hill & Dale Show Facebook page!  Email at  hillanddaleshow@gmail.com.

What is ozone and is it good, or bad? It’s both, according to our first special guest today, Drusilla Hufford, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Stratospheric Ozone Division Director. www.epa.gov/ozone/strathome. She tells us that we need to protect the ozone layer that’s high in the stratosphere because it’s our global sunscreen, blocking out dangerous ultraviolet radiation. However, ozone found in smog, is unhealthy. Hufford says the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer signed in 1987 has been very successful in reducing CFCs that deplete the ozone layer. Then, Brenda Doroski, the EPA’s Acting Director for the Center for Asthma in Schools www.epa.gov/iaq joins us to explain how the EPA is helping schools improve their indoor air quality.  She says 25 million Americans suffer from asthma triggered by poor air quality, and since many people spend 90% of their time indoors, indoor air quality is very important. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features the Magruder Monktet’s song “Wallflower.” And our Eco News covers Public Lands Day activities this weekend,  a new survey that says more people would “go green” with enough incentives, West  Hollywood bans the sale of fur clothing, good fish farm news, and a new Jaguar hybrid sports car. Check out the guests photos on our Hill & Dale Show Facebook page!

We welcome back  Bev May, with Kentuckians for the Commonwealth today, calling from Floyd County, Kentucky. www.ilovemountains.org. She’s also a member of  The Alliance for Appalachia theallianceforappalachia.org and starred in the recent documentary "Deep Down."  deepdownfilm.org. She tells us about her battle with coal companies to stop a Mountain Top Removal coal project that would have devastated the ecology of her Wilson Creek area.  Then, Product Manager Marie Booyens calls in from Ohio to promote an eco-friendly new car wash product called “Wash Drops,” which only requires a single bucket of water. www.washdrops.com. Thanks to our  Eco-News sponsor, Triple-A Flag and Banner, www.aaaflag.com!  Todays Eco News includes Lucie’s trip to Las Vegas to cover  the National Clean Energy Summit and Vice President Joe Biden’s address to the group. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features NovaCriminal’s song “Coffee.” Visit our Hill & Dale Show Facebook page to see photos of our guests!

We revisted California’s state parks for this show. Elizabeth Goldstein, Executive Director of the California State Parks Foundation joins us to to explain why California's beautiful state parks are "on the brink of a funding cliff." She says with 20% of state parks already partially closed due to funding cuts, the Governor's proposal to cut 22-million-dollars more starting next year could force dozens of parks to close! Support your favorite state parks by visiting them and donating to the California State Parks Foundation.  In todays Eco News we update the situation at the stricken nuclear plants in Japan, Caesars Entertainment releases it’s first carbon inventory report, green universities and scientists have created genetically modified cows in an effort to make the milk more like human breast milk. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Justin Smith’s song “Beltway of Boomtown.” Thank you to TNTCOM.com for your support! 

Our special guest this week is Dr. Kwei Quartey, author of the new crime thriller “Children of the Street,” which is set in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, West Africa. Dr. Quartey is a wound care physician in Southern California who was raised in Ghana before moving to the U.S. to attend Howard University. His novel spotlights the 70,000 street kids in Accra who often wind up selling scrap metals stripped from discarded televisions, computers and other electronic junk in highly polluted neighborhoods to stay alive. Eco news includes a record hot summer, falling support for nuclear power in California, renewed support for  solar power in Los Angeles, new fuel economy standards and helicopter noise is driving L.A. residents nuts! We also chat about a new children's book from author Amr Taher called “Jimmy the Squirrel” with an eco message for kids. Thanks to our new Eco-News sponsor, Triple-A Flag and Banner!  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features the band Slow Burning Car’s song “Harum Scarum.” 

Green job training for at-risk L.A. youth in tough economic times? Bruce Saito, Executive Director of Los Angeles Conservation Corps, and Dr. Lotus Vermeer, Santa Cruz Island Project Director of The Nature Conservancy, are doing just that with their unique  partnership!  We also have a new Eco-News sponsor, Triple-A Flag and Banner, Thank you!  The Eco-News burns through the wildfire in Anza Borrego State Park, the 100th birthday of Parks Canada, rooftop gardening in the U.K., and Tisa, the baby zebra, now nine weeks old!  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features singer, songwriter, business woman, comic and actress, Fay Wolf's, "God Knows."  on Lucy Dog Music.  Download the Hill & Dale Show on iTunes!  Email us at hillanddaleshow@gmail.com.  Next week, Amr Taher, with his new children's book, "Jimmy the Squirrel."  When forests are destroyed, what happens to the creatures that call them home?

Today's show belongs to earth's outer atmospheres! Dr. Gary Lagerloef, "Aquarius" Principal Investigator of Earth and Space Research and contractor to NASA/JPL discusses Aquarius' three-year mission to observe and collect data about our oceans' salt content. It should help us better understand how climate change is affecting the earth's water cycles. Check out climate.nasa.gov for some interactive fun! The Eco-News alsobelongs to space with news of spacecraft "Dawn" and planet Neptune's remote, yet mighty presence.  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Michelle Mangione’s  “America the Blue” from her CD “Life Beneath the Sun.”  Next week, we talk to Nature Conservancy's Alfredo Gonzales and L.A. Conservation Corps' Brian Saito.  

It's a sign of the times! Craig Furst, Chief Operating Officer of AAA Flag & Banner Company visited the show to talk about the company's green initiatives in its sign and banner business, its rapid growth and star-studded clients, and its partnership with one of L.A.'s most successful high schools. 
In the eco-news, environmental factors could play a part in the development of autism, Riverside County in California agrees to a 30-year deal with First Solar Corporation, and scientists say, with enormous recent strides in gerontology, we could live up to 1,000 years old! (But would we want to?!) The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Adaawe’s, "Amampondo." You can download the Hill & Dale Show on iTunes! Next week, Yi Chao with the Aquarius Project comes in to discuss NASA's recently launched rocket.

Cards that show us a better way forward? Yes! Mary Beth Campbell, cofounder of “Boom Boom! Revolution”  tell us about the company's innovative Boom Boom! Cards that encourage teens, greens and adults to commit random acts of kindness to strangers, family and friends alike by playing the cards!. Our eco-news spans some good news for hybrids in the U.S., Japan's on-going struggle to fund the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant clean-up, China's rare earth legal loss to the WTO and this month's international conference at the University of California Riverside. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Francis Ndoumbe’s song “Fatima” from his Hable de Amour CD.  Join us next week for Craig Furst, Chief Operating Officer of AAA Flag & Banner Company and Jennifer Schwab, Sierra Club Green Home “Jennifer’s Green World!”  You can download the Hill & Dale Show on iTunes! 

What does your garden have to do with the ocean? Everything, according to our guests Paul Herzog,  Surfrider Foundation’s National Coordinator of the “Ocean Friendly Gardens” program and Pamela Berstler, Manager of “G3,The Green Gardens Group."  The Ocean Friendly Gardens program helps people create landscapes that use native plants, permeable groundcover and water retention features to prevent urban runoff that pollutes the ocean while creating beautiful and wildlife-friendly spaces. The next free class taught by  G3, the Green Gardens Group is Saturday, August 6 in Inglewood, California. sbesc.com. Today’s Eco News includes a new report  rom the Natural Resources Defense Council that says 2010 was the second-worse year for health related beach closings in the U.S. in 20 years, an update on the wild fire in New Mexico that’s threatening the Los Alamos nuclear plant, new revelations about the desert tortoise and a promising new natural pain reliever for migraine headaches. The Noisy Toys Music Minute www.noisytoys.com features Larry Williams’ song “Revelry” from his CD Tales of Wilmon.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

What better way to kick off summer than a discussion about planting a million trees? Trees help cool us off, save energy, clean the air, retain water and make our communities more beautiful! Our in studio guests, Julie Prejean, Senior Forestry Manager with Tree People and Ryan Allen, Tree Care Manager with Tree People tell us about their Community Greening Workshops and how to become a Citizen Forester.  The workshops are free and the next one starts July 9 in Inglewood. Today’s Eco News includes an update on the Arizona wild fires, concern about possible flooding as the snow melts in the Sierra Nevada mountains, fire hazards at nuclear power plants in the U.S., ground breaking on a huge solar farm in the California desert and a stranded penguin in New Zealand. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Jon Bare & the Killer Whales’ song “Clambake.”
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What are some of the  newest “green” products hitting the market? In her monthly feature “Jennifer’s Green World,” Jennifer Schwab, Director of Sustainability with Sierra Club Green Home reports on the recent  Sustainable Brands Conference in Monterey last week. She even tells us about “green” motor oil!  Then, Scott Flaherty and Rick Kearney call in from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’ Pacific Southwest Office in Sacramento to discuss their  new “50 Stories in 50 States” series.  The website blogs explore the many ways accelerating climate change is effecting fish and wildlife in California and across America. Today’s  eco news covers green graduation caps and gowns, toy maker Mattel agrees to buy paper from more eco-friendly sources after a Greenpeace protest in El Segundo, California,  Ford plans to triple production of electric vehicles, Nevada lawmakers want  the government to clean up a former nuke testing site and more!  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Kevin Ricard and Sambaguru’s song “Tribo Ghandista.” See all our guests’ photos on our Facebook page!

Sailor, naval architect and writer, Robert Banks Hull, regales us with seafaring tales, yacht racing, his career as a naval architect and his last two years as author of two thrillers, “The Angel Island Conspiracy,” and "The Street Fighter Conspiracy."  He is working on his third book. The eco-news spans the second-largest wildfire in Arizona's history, flooding along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, a California sanctuary for endangered turtles, tortoises and terrapins (chelions), the California film industry's diminishing backyard lots, more Golden State water wars, the death of golden eagles in San Francisco Bay Area's wind turbines, and a misplaced missile in New Mexico. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Magruder Monktet’s instrumental, “Joy Bop.”  Next Wednesday, June 15, at 4 PM PDT, our monthly guest, Jennifer Schwab from Sierra Club Green Home drops by to talk about the latest in "green" innovations, and we welcome Scott Flaherty from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to discuss how accelerating climate change is affecting fish & wildlife across America.  Download us on iTunes! Plus, L.A. Talk Radio has apps for iPhones and Android!

Thank you to Mr. Trust Lin of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau of Los Angeles for calling in and telling us about this lovely sweet potato-shaped semi-tropical island's quest to step up its (already embedded) green efforts. We learn about the island's many floral expositions, its recycling infrastructure, its wildlife and its hot-water volcanic shrimp!!  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Brad Dutz’ instrumental “Snowy Egret” from his Krin CD. This week's eco-news covers Germany's abandonment of nuclear power, a call from Oxfam International to adjust world food production, L.A.-area water agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service getting ready for a showdown over the little Santa Ana sucker fish, fossil fuel carbon emissions exacerbating deaths, and the birth of a new Grevy's zebra in Palm Desert! Download us on iTunes! Next week, Robert Banks Hull, a boat designer and fiction writer, joins us to tell us about his seafaring adverntures!

The Hill and Dale Show is a year old!! We celebrated with some cookies, a succulent plant and our guest, Paul Scott!! Paul is a lifelong environmental advocate, and founder of Plug-In America (PIA). PlugInAmerica.org. Paul created the non-profit PIA in 2005 to galvanize support for the manufacture of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.  We learn about Paul's role in the new movie, "The Revenge of the Electric Car," the sequel to "Who Killed the Electric Car?," and his tireless efforts to get drivers into the electric-powered Nissan Leaf!! In our eco-news, we discuss the devastating tornadoes in the mid-West, the deadly drought in Texas, the sweetening of life for honeybee producers in California, Google's large investment into a Mojave Desert wind farm and the Save The Turtles campaign. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Ron Powell’s song "Yabu" from his "Rhythmic Journey" CD because it was the first song we played on the show a year ago!  You can download the Hill & Dale Show on iTunes!  Next week, we talk to Mr. Trust Lin, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau (TTB) in Los Angeles, to hear about the island's "Go Green" many successes in promoting environmentally sustainable ideas and about its beautiful flower and horticultural shows!

Today's show is a triple play with three great guests! First, Rob Hampton, Director of the National Public Lands Day, with the National Environmental Education Foundation phones in  from Washington, D.C.  Then, Jennifer Tabola, also with the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) calls in to tell us about the NEEF programs “Classroom Earth", Planet Connect, EE Week and “Be Water Wise.”  Finally, Jennifer Schwab, Director of Sustainability with Sierra Club Green Home joins us for “Jennifer’s Green World” to report on the recent FORTUNE Brainstorm Green Conference in Laguna Niguel. Thank you, Dutch Merrick, for guest co-hosting! The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Ron Powell’s "After Sunrise," from his "Rhythmic Journey" CD.   Download us on iTunes!

More than 160-thousand acres of the Angeles National Forest burned in the devastating  2009 “Station Fire,” which was the largest fire in L.A. County history. The National Forest Foundation, U.S. Forest Service and South Coast Air Quality Management District are partnering to restore the watersheds and habitats of the Angeles National Forest. Vance Russell, Director of California Programs with the National Forest Foundationdescribes this major restoration project and why it’s so important. It’s all part of the “Treasured Landscapes” program. Then, Sam Atwood, spokesman for the South Coast AQMD tells us about the AQMD’s funding contribution to restore the Angeles National Forest. He also talks about efforts to reduce smog, AQMD Air Alerts and the 9th annual “Mow Down Air Pollution” program that encourages residents to exchange their gas-powered lawnmower for a cordless electric mower at a discounted price. Our Eco News covers a proposed expansion of East Coast oil drilling, a tiny California desert town that’s being turned into a green mecca, a thriving kelp forest near the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant  and a hoax  from a group called Coal is Killing Kids. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Michelle Mangione’s song “Change Your Mind.” Check out our guest photos on Facebook!

We welcome back Dr. Kerry Krieger, Executive Director and Founder, crusader and relentless campaigner for "Save The Frogs," who visited us last August. We talk about the 3rd Annual Save The Frogs Day rally, held in Washington D.C. on April 29, 2011.  We also discuss the wide-spread use of atrazine in U.S. agriculture, a pesticide known to harm frog and wildlife populations, as well as the detrimental effect of diners' increasing appetites for frogs' legs. Our eco-news covers the shearing of locks after bin Laden's death, the delisting of gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act, crows' smarts, and a certain group's distaste for the word "pet," when referring to our animal friends. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Brit composer Alex Thomas' lyrical poem, "15, rue de Grenelle."  Join us next week for a discussion about L.A. County's "Station Fire Restoration" project with Sam Atwood, Air Quality Management District (AQMD), and Vance Russell, the National Forest Foundation. Find us on iTunes!

Did you know that shy and little known forest dwellers including wolverines, lynx and fishers are at risk of disappearing from our shrinking wilderness? David Gaillard, Rocky Mountain Region Representative with Defenders of Wildlife calls in to tell us why these "meso carnivores" are becoming endangered and why we should save them!  David has been working to restore the habitats for these animals in the U.S. Rocky Mountains since 1991. Then, Mike Marshall, Executive Director of Restore Hetch Hetchy calls from San Francisco to discuss efforts to bring back the Hetch Hetchy Valley, which was turned into a reservoir when the O'Shaughnessy Dam was built in Yosemite National Park 88 years ago. He invites you to join the 3rd annual "Muir's March" this summer. Our Eco News includes more awards for the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt, Los Angeles remains the nation's smoggiest city, a green alternative to cremation and are Americans losing interest in "green" products? Eco News is sponsored by TNTCOM.com, where you can save up to 95% on all your international calls! The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Karie Hillery’s “Sacred Land.”

For this special Earth Day edition of the show, we talked to Karen McHale, author of “Economic Meltdown: A Family Preparedness Plan for Disaster," high from her environmentally-friendly Colorado mountain home. We talk about Karen's 10-year history journey to green living, her food growing hints and her book. She has tips on to save energy at home, what to prepare in the event of disaster and how to be more eco-sufficient! We have fun with the origins of Earth Day and find out about Sharon's photo, taken on the very first Earth Day on April 22, 1970! Our eco-news covers the one-year anniversary of the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil platform, and the known, and, as-yet unknown, effects of the spill on the Gulf Coast wildlife and plantlife, some better news about the spill, progress made on greenhouse gas emissions last year, a new UCLA study about rapidly melting summertime Arctic Circle ice, Starbuck's generous Earth Day offer and a lethal psyllid that is killing citrus trees in Ventura County, California. Our Noisy Toys Music Minute features Ted Vigil’s, “Blessings in the Sky.”  Thanks to TNTCom for your support!

On this 25th anniversary of  Friends of the Los Angeles River, you’re invited to participate in the effort to restore sections of the the river to its natural riparian habitat, complete with fish, birds and plants. Shelly Backlar, Executive Director, FoLAR and Juan Devis, Director of Production & Program Development with KCET Public Media join us in the studio to discuss the 22nd annual Great Los Angeles River Cleanup and KCET’s "Departure" series. Thousands of volunteers will participate in the cleanup effort on Saturday, April 30th, which is also Mayor Villaraigosa’s “Day of Service on the LA River.”  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Nicole Falzone's song "I Walk Alone." Many thanks to our sponsor TNTCOM.com for your support! 

California’s state parks are in trouble. Elizabeth Goldstein, Executive Director of the California State Parks Foundation joins us to to explain why California's beautiful state parks are "on the brink of a funding cliff." She says with 20% of state parks already partially closed due to funding cuts, the Governor's proposal to cut 22-million-dollars more starting next year could force dozens of parks to close! Support your favorite state parks by visiting them and donating to the California State Parks Foundation.  In todays Eco News we update the situation at the stricken nuclear plants in Japan, Caesars Entertainment releases it’s first carbon inventory report, green universities and scientists have created genetically modified cows in an effort to make the milk more like human breast milk. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Justin Smith’s song “Beltway of Boomtown.” Thank you to TNTCOM.com for your support! 

We welcomed Dr. Julie Miller, author of “The Secrets of Self Starters,” into the studio. We discussed her inspiration for writing the book, her theory of top "traititudes" needed to achieve a dream, examples of amazing self-starters from the book, and how we can all rethink our professional lives to attain greater fulfillment. In our eco-news, Japan's worsening nuclear disaster, President Obama's stance on nuclear power and energy policy, the official end of California's dought, plastic tableware making a return to the Capitol's dining tables in D.C., disease pushing Australia's Tasmanian devil to the point of extinction and Iceland facing greater encroachment on its land from the burgeoning aluminum industry.  Thanks to TNTCOM.com for your support!  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Chalo Eduardo’s fabulous instrumental, Beija Flor Suite!  Download the Hill and Dale Show on iTunes!  Follow us on Twitter @hillanddaleshow. Be our friend on Facebook!  Email us at  hillanddaleshow@gmail.com! We also have LA Talk Radio apps for iPhones, Android and other smart phones.

March showers bring April flowers in Southern California and we expect a bumper crop this year!  Lynnette Kampe, Executive Director and Cassy Aoyagi, President of the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers and Native Plants join us in the studio to explain why it’s so important to protect and preserve California’s native plants. The Theodore Payne Foundation operates the Wildflower Hotline each spring and tells us where the best places are to see wildflowers every year. The Foundation also operate the California Native Plant Nursery and Gardens in the L.A. area. Sign up for the Theodore Payne Foundation's annual Garden Tour on April 9-10!  In todays Eco News we discuss skyrocketing oil prices, the recycling queen of Winnipeg, Canada, and gray wolves losing federal protection in Idaho and Montana. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Jon Bare and the Killer Whales song “Get Funky” from the Orcastra CD.  
Thank you to TNTCOM.com for your support! 

Jennifer Schwab of Sierra Club Green Home, creator and author of the blog, "Jennifer’s Green World" called in for our monthly "Jennifer's Green World" segment.  We talked about the human and nuclear tragedy unfolding in Japan, along with credit card waste and the longterm harm that the cheap plastic and metal components of these credit cards will do.  
Adam Gardner of the band, "Guster," rang in from Maine to discuss his company, Reverb, which advocates the "greening" and environmental awareness of the music business. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Marcus Miller’s song Spring Has Sprungfrom his Quintessential CD.  Next week, Lynnette Campe, Executive Director of the Theodore Payne Foundation comes into the studio for a chat about the preservation of California native plants and their March 26th poppy sale! She'll be joined by Cassy Aoyagi, Foundation President. Thank you to TNTCOM.com for your support! You can download the Hill & Dale Show on iTunes!

If you already recycle your glass, plastic, aluminum cans and newspapers, shop with reusable bags and do your best to save water and energy, are there other “green” lifestyle steps to take? Today’s guest, Susan Hunt Stevens, is the Founder and CEO of Practically Green and she’s developed a website that  offers a 5 minute quiz that  rates where you stand on the green scale.  If you only rate “Sorta Kinda Green,” Practically Green gives dozens of tips on what to do next, including things like signing up for e-versions of bills and banking statements.  In today’s Eco News: millions of dead sardines that washed up in the Redondo Beach King Harbor will be turned into fertilizer, Santa Monica’s ban on single use shopping bags takes effect, the California drought may be over, the city of Los Angeles expands a ban on smoking to include restaurant patios and food trucks and Target settles a 22-million dollar lawsuit for dumping toxic waste in several California counties. Eco News is sponsored by TNTCOM.com, where you can save up to 95% on all your international calls! The Noisy Toys Music Minute features the band Indubious’ song “Cosmic Seed.”

The sound of a wild wolf howling is sweet music to today’s guest, Suzanne Stone with Defenders of Wildlife!
Suzanne has been working to reintroduce and protect wolves in areas like Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho since 1988. She is teaching ranchers and farmers how to use non-lethal tools that allow wolves and livestock to coexist. Suzanne gave us a great lesson on how to howl like a real wolf!  Then, Margo McKnight, the Executive Director of Wildlands Network called in for adventurer/naturalist John Davis about his 45-hundred mile TrekEast  to create awareness for the need for  a “Eastern Wildway” corridor for animals.
In today’s Eco News: Los Angeles city officials approve a new Master Bike Plan, more electric car charging stations are on the way, you’ll soon be able to eat your Coke and ketchup bottles, and the European Commission is banning fish dumping.  Eco News is sponsored by TNTCOM.com, where you can save up to 95% on all your international calls! The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Chalo Eduardo’s song “Samba Nova.”

What does it take to care for hundreds of exotic and wild animals that are not able to be rehabilitated and returned to the wild? Lots of love and millions of dollars a year, according to Martine Collette, Founder/President of the Wildlife Waystation. Martine tells us beautiful 162 acre facility in the Angeles National Forest north of Los Angeles is celebrating it’s 35th anniversary and in great need of donations and support from the public to continue operating.Then Jennifer Berry, P.R. Manager for Earth911 calls in to explain how this environmental service company helps consumers and companies with their recycling efforts. Jennifer tells us how we can all be better recyclers and use Earth 911’s Recycling Directory. In today’s Eco News: Global Green USA and students from the Environmental Charter High School unveiled a model carbon pollution index for L.A. at a pre-Oscar party, the world's population is booming, rare earth elements are being mined in California, unusual solar flares, and formula One Motor Racing wants to go green!  Eco News is sponsored by TNTCOM.com, where you can save up to 95% on all your international calls! The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Kevin Ricard and Sambaguru’s song “Tribo Gandhista.”

You’ve heard of coal mining, but have you heard of coal blasting? Literally blowing the top off a mountain to reach the coal? In this month’s Jennifer’s Green World, Jennifer Schwab, Director of Sustainability with Sierra Club Green Home tells us about her trip to the Sundance film festival in Park City, Utah to view the new  documentary “The Last Mountain.” This film examines the effects of coal blasting on the environment and the people who live near the Appalachian mining site. Jennifer also discusses the Sierra Club’s “Beyond Coal” campaign. In our second segment, Jennifer reveals wasteful practices in the passenger airline industry and discusses her investigation into which airlines recycle items like used plastic cups and paper napkins. This week’s Eco News includes: a lawsuit to help protect giant sea turtles, a planned solar farm in the California desert, a new report on U.S. oil dependency and why a bill legalizing “bio-cremation” is not such a green idea after all!  Our Eco News is sponsored by TNTCOM.com, where you can save up to 95% on all your international calls!  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Ron Powell’s CD Rhythmic Journey ” and the song “Yabu.”

San Francisco journalist Aaron Britt, Senior Editor of “Dwell Magazine,” called in to talk about sustainability, optimum green design, urban development and living in small spaces.  Britt is also a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle; his work has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, National Geographic, Print Magazine, on the History Channel and Animal Planet.  Next, online green retailer and recycling company spokesperson Albe Zakes for TerraCycle was our next guest.  This innovative New Jersey-based company recycles thousands of tons of waste from U.S. schools and offices and turns it into bottles, towels, fertilizers and plastic containers!  Its founder and CEO dropped out of school, but is now living his dream. The Noisy Toys Music Minute  featured Eddie Kilgallon & Ted Vigil’s new song “Blessings in the Sky

Don’t throw away those old CD spindles, bottle and jar caps and plastic medicine bottles!  Musician/composer Larry Williams not only plays a variety of instruments including trumpet, guitar, piano and percussion, he also designs and builds unique instruments out of recycled and natural materials like bamboo and seed pods. bagobones.com and lachimes.net.

Check out the Hill & Dale Show Facebook page for photos of Larry’s “Bag O Bones” percussion instruments and wind chimes!  At 4:30, fellow LA Talk Radio host Sheena Metal drops by to chat about her amazing radio career, Internet radio, the supernatural and the Sheena Metal Experience.  It’s not your mother’s talk radio show!  Today’s Eco-News includes: wild weather in the U.S. and Australia, smart solar-powered roads that melt snow and ice, a protest against the Koch billionaire brothers in Rancho Mirage, and the disappearance of conventional 100 watt light bulbs in California.
Thanks to our new Eco-News sponsor TNTCOM.com!   
The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Larry Williams’ new CD “Tales of Wilmon” and the song “Homecoming.”

Shems Jud, Senior Fisheries Specialist with the Environmental Defense Fund explained the launch of "catch share," a simultaneous way to help distribute groundfish evenly among struggling West Coast fishermen, replenish dwindling fish stocks and gently re-adjust the ocean's eco-system. 
Jennifer Schwab, Sierra Club Green Home, called in with her impressions of the recent International Auto Show in Detroit and her tour of the Ford River Rouge plant.  We discussed the lift-off of “Jennifer’s Green World.”   Jennifer's blog: 
In the eco-news, we discussed the recent plastic bag ban in Santa Monica, California, the exponential growth in green jobs in California, U.S. home-builders' green efforts falling short, and cancerous dioxin-tainted eggs in Germany.  The Noisy Toys Music Minute  featured Percussionist Brad Dutz with Kim Richmond on sax & clarinet and John Fumo on trumpet from the CD “The Other Three.”  Next week:
Larry Williams,  musician/producer/writer  of “Bag o’ Bones,” instruments made of recycled materials, plus radio personality Sheena La Talk, LA Talk Radio.

San Francisco journalist Aaron Britt, Senior Editor of “Dwell Magazine,” called in to talk about sustainability, optimum green design, urban development and living in small spaces.  Britt is also a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle; his work has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, National Geographic, Print Magazine, on the History Channel and Animal Planet.  Next, online green retailer and recycling company spokesperson Albe Zakes for TerraCycle was our next guest.  This innovative New Jersey-based company recycles thousands of tons of waste from U.S. schools and offices and turns it into bottles, towels, fertilizers, plastic containers; all kinds of things!  Its founder and CEO dropped out of school, had this great idea and is now living his dream.  In the eco-news, we learned that the Arcadia, California, century-old oak trees had been bulldozed after all, about the continued flooding in Brazil, Pakistan and Australia, the possibility of a California superstorm and 200 dead cows in the Midwest, killed by a virus. The Noisy Toys Music Minute  featured Eddie Kilgallon & Ted Vigil’s new song “Blessings in the Sky.”  

Will tigers become extinct in the wild?  There are only about 3,200 left in the world!  World Wildlife Foundation Tiger Program Manager Dr. Barney Long joins us to explain why tigers fetch $50,000 each on the black market from poachers who sell their skins, meat and bones for things like tonic wine!  Dr. Long attended the recent Tiger Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia and he says there is hope to save the remaining wild tigers with international support and funding. and SaveTigersNow.org. Todays Eco-News includes the latest in the fight to save a grove of old-growth oak trees in Arcadia, disappearing bumblebees, BP tar balls, cleaner Metro buses in L.A. and the Chevy Volt wins Car of the Year at the International Car Show!  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Hank Daniels and Y.O.U.   

We kicked off 2011 with some controversy!  Glen Owens, a Monrovia city planning commissioner joins us in the studio to discuss his efforts to save a grove of century-old oak and sycamore trees in the San Gabriel Valley north of Los Angeles. They are threatened with destruction by the Department of Public Works to make room for tons of silt dredged from the nearby Santa Anita Reservoir. Glen says there are options that would save this natural habitat.  Then, Dave van Cleve, Senior Project Manager with the Nature Conservancy calls in from San Diego to discuss challenges facing California state parks in 2011. Dave also talks about Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which he managed when he was a state park district superintendent. 
The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Ilona’s song “Wonderful Feeling.” Thanks to our sponsor,  Avenue Hair Company in Marina del Rey.

Our year end show features an interesting interview with Maryam Henein and George Langworthy, the director/producers of "The Vanishing of the Bees.". Their new documentary film delves into what's causing Colony Collapse Disorder in honeybee populations across the U.S. and elsewhere, and why it's such a huge problem.  They also discuss ways to help the bees by not using pesticides, by eating organic foods and by planting a garden. Then, Helen Ortiz-Gilstrap, Communications Manager with Metro tells us about  the L.A.'s transit agency's green initiatives and how the MTA is working to get people out of their cars and into mass transit options.
Lucie reviews two great movies this week: "True Grit" and "The Fighter.  Musician/composer Larry Williams shares his song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in the Noisy Toys Music Minute.  Thanks to our wonderful sponsor,  Avenue Hair Company in Marina del Rey.  Happy New Year!

Our pre-Christmas show featured a surprise visit from Ronen Rozner, the LA Talk Radio Chief Engineer, who filled in for our scheduled guests.  They couldn’t join us due to a torrential downpour which jammed the freeways and caused the phone connections to go down, but we look forward to having them on the Hill & Dale Show soon.  Meanwhile, the show must go on!  Lucie reviews Toy Story 3 and The Fighter  and our eco-news includes a wrap-up of  bills passed by the lame duck U.S. legislature, including the START Treaty and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act.  Also, the 2010 U.S. Census confirms California is getting more crowded, and scientists say melting polar ice threatens not only polar bears, but also whales and seals. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Karie Hillery’s song “A Christmas Lullaby.”  The Hill & Dale Show theme music is by Carl Rigoli. Thanks to our sponsor Avenue Hair Company in Marina del Rey. 

Still trying to find a great holiday gift that’s also eco-friendly? Now, there’s a new place to shop. Jere Harkness and Denise George, cofounders/owners of Wella Verde call in from Tallahassee, Florida to tell us about their new on-line shopping destination.  Wella Verde products feature recycled, reclaimed, handmade, organic and sustainable merchandise.  Every item has a story about where it came from and who made it.  Sharon’s favorite is the Maine Float Rope floor mats, which are made from reclaimed lobster trap float rope, then woven by hand by local crafters in Maine. Yes, they float! 
Lucie reviews the new 3D flick “TRON.”  Our eco news headlines include “A Day Without a Bag,” the U.N. Climate Summit in Cancun and the Obama administration’s lawsuit against BP for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Larry Williams song “Christmas Time is Here.” Thanks to our sponsor Avenue Hair Company in Marina del Rey.

What are the best eco-gifts for the holidays?  Jennifer Schwab, Director of Sustainability for Sierra Club Green Home calls in from NYC to share ideas on how to be green and save some green this season.  Her eco-gift ideas include donating to a good cause, solar powered  instead of battery powered gadgets, recycled tote bags and items made from bamboo.  Jennifer says e-books are the more eco-friendly gift choice for an avid reader, but otherwise give a real book.  Or better still, a library card!
Pastor Joe Wingo, Founder/CEO of Angel Food Ministries calls in from Monroe, Georgia to tell us how Angel Food Ministries is helping feed hundreds of thousands of needy families in 45 states all year round.
The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Larry Williams and Wilmon Will’s song “John and Paul’s Little Bird” from the CD Tales of Wilmon. Thanks to our sponsor Avenue Hair Company in Marina del Rey.

With tensions in Korea reaching a boiling point and Russia getting impatient with the U.S. for not ratifying the START treaty yet, the global nuclear threat seems to be ramping up. Tad Daley, author of Apocalypse Never: Forging the Path to a Nuclear-Free World” calls in from Washington D.C. to shed some light on these critical issues. We also chat with Tad about the WikiLeaks cables that indicated major concern among Middle Eastern nations about Iran’s nuclear program and global concern about the security of a Pakistani nuclear reactor and materials.
Then, entomologist Dr. Kirk Visscher, Professor at UC Riverside calls in to discuss the importance of honeybees, why they swarm and what’s causing the recent huge drops in honeybee populations worldwide. Lucie reviews the film “The King’s Speech.” The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Francis Ndoumbe's  song “Bailando.” Our wonderful sponsor is Avenue hair Company in Marina del Rey.

Our Thanksgiving eve show featured a delightful visit with Susan Carpenter, Los Angeles Times writer of the “Realist/Idealist” column. Sue tells us about her two year experiment with eco-living that included gray water, chickens, edible landscaping, rain barrels, solar panels, a composting toilet and a waterwall.  Some things worked well, and others... not so well.
Mike Upp, VP of marketing with Clear Edge Power calls from Oregon to tells us all about residential fuel cells: what they are, how they work, how much they cost and why they’re a good alternative to fossil fuels as well as renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Sambaguru’s song “Pagode do Maracana.”  Thanks to our sponsor Avenue Hair Company in Marina del Rey.

Does anyone still wear real fur??  If you know someone who does, encourage them to watch the new documentary “Skin Trade.”  Gene Blalock, co-producer, editor and composer of “Skin Trade” tells us about the film, which documents the history of the fur trade, the cruelty involved with animals raised on fur farms and what people can do to change labeling laws that currently allow cat, dog or raccoon fur labeled “faux” to be imported from China. “Skin Trade” is now on DVD. 
Our second guest is Jeni Foreman, VP of marketing of Quadra-Fire and Harman stoves. She tells us about their eco-friendly and efficient pellet stoves and fireplace inserts.  You can get a $1,500 tax  credit if you purchase a pellet stove by the end of the year. hearthnhome.com. 
The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Nicole Falzone’s song “Man Against Man.”  Thanks to our sponsor Avenue Hair Company in Marina del Rey.

Will Los Angelinos some day go boating, fishing and swimming on the Los Angeles River?  That’s the dream of Lewis MacAdams, Founder/President, Friends of the Los Angeles River, or FoLAR.  Lewis joins us in the studio as FoLAR nears its 25th anniversary. He explains how the 50 mile long river was paved in the 1930s and turned into the world’s largest storm drain.  However, sections of the L.A. River are being restored to its riparian habitat, complete with fish, birds and plants.
Then, Bill Steele, co-owner of Cowhorn Winery calls in from Applegate Valley, Oregon to describe their innovative Biodynamic farming practices for growing grapes and other organic fruits and veggies. The Steeles are also working to close the loop on wine bottle waste. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Ron Powell’s song “After Sunrise.”  Avenue Hair Company in Marina del Rey is our wonderful sponsor!

What’s the biggest threat to humanity? Some say it’s global warming, but Tad Daley, author of “Apocalypse Never: Forging the Path to a Nuclear Weapon-Free World” tells us that nuclear annihilation is a real possibility in our lifetime.  Tad makes the case that all nations, including the U.S. must abide by the 1968 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. The NPT stated that not only would countries that don’t have nukes not  acquire them, but that the countries that DO have nukes would get rid of them. This hasn’t happened. Tad’s book spells out the threat and what can be done to abolish nukes.  C.C. Song with the Greenlining Institute calls in from Berkley to explain why the Greenlining Coalition fought hard against California Proposition 23, which would have overturned the state's global warming law.  It was rejected by voters. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Jon Bare and the Killer Whales' CD “Shredzilla.” Thanks to our sponsor Avenue Hair Company.

It’s Guerrilla Gardening season!  Our guest Scott has been a Guerrilla Gardener in Southern California since the 1980’s. He tells us why the Guerrilla Gardener volunteers have to be stealthy as they plant hundreds of drought tolerant plants like succulents in public areas that were ignored by their owners. Sometimes they even do their work to beautify blighted areas at night to avoid possible arrest!.  Also, David Temple, founder/CEO of People Powered Machines calls in from Brooklyn, New York to make his case for why it’s time to return to using push lawnmowers.  He says they’re not only eco-friendly, they’re great exercise.. The Noisy Toys Music Minute features singer Kandace Lindsey’s CD “Acoustic Fire.”  Our sponsor is Avenue Hair Company in Marina del Rey.  

How do you teach kids about protecting the environment while making it fun and accessible to everyone? Cartoonist Denis Thomopoulos, owner of Hippo Works joins us at LA Talk Radio to explain how he created his animated cartoon characters Simon the Hippo, Peep the Bird and the other creatures in his book “It’s a Jungle Out There” and on his website, hippoworks.  Denis will soon unveil a new DVD, including a poster, to help kids learn about how to fight climate change and protect animals from extinction.  Jay Shafer, owner of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company calls in from Northern California to tell us about living in his custom home, which is smaller than some people’s closets!  To learn more about the home styles and how to order the tiny house plans, go to tumbleweedhouses.  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features drummer Hector Torres and Vital Crossing.  And, thanks to our sponsor Avenue Hair Company in Marina del Rey.

Is Hollywood becoming more eco conscious?  Absolutely, according to the Hollywood execs we invited into the studio today to talk about the greening of the film business! Rhys Ryan, the co-creator of the new “Scenechronize” software, explains how this far-reaching system is transforming the way studios are making movies; saving time, money and trees in the process.  Kathleen Courtney, Chairperson of the Producer’s Guild of America’s Green Committee and Founding Member of the Green Production Alliance explains how they’re introducing sustainability into the film and TV production process. That includes recycling set items on Fred’s List or donating set materials to Habitat for Humanity. They’re also encouraging the use of refillable metal water bottles, composting food leftovers and using alternative energy sources.  PGAGreen.org and greenproductionguide.  
The Noisy Toys Music Minute features drummer Marcus Miller’s new CD “Quintessential”  Thanks to Avenue Hair Company for your sponsorship!

How do you lose 100 pounds and keep an enormous sense of humor? Fellow LA Talk Radio host Mother Love is our special guest to tell us how she turned her life around after she was diagnosed with diabetes and realized that her life was at stake, unless she focused on living a healthier lifestyle.  Mother Love travels the country making appearances as the Research Ambassador for the American Diabetes Association as well as the Aetna Ambassador for 2010. The “Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes” is November 13 at the Universal Studios Backlot. stepoutLA and themotherloveshow.   
Diane MacEachern, author “Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World” calls in to offer tips on how to shift our spending to make greener choices.  She says women really DO hold the purse strings, spending 85 cents of every dollar in the marketplace.  For greener living and green gift ideas, go to  www.biggreenpurse.com.  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Adaawe’s song “Amampondo.”  Our sponsor is Avenue Hair Company in Marina del Rey.

What’s a tasty way to get involved with the effort to reduce world hunger and help smallholder farmers around the world? Get on board the SRI rice revolution!  Caryl Levine and Ken Lee, cofounders and co-owners of Lotus Foods explain how this new method of growing rice uses less water, less seed, less chemicals and less land to produce more rice, more community stability and less pollution.  Ken addressed the Clinton Global Initiative Forum in New York last week to spread the word. To learn more or order organic rices from around the world go to lotusfoods. Carrie Thompson with Southern California Edison’s Renewable and Alternative Power group tells us about the utility’s effort to get 20% of their power from renewables by 2010.  sce  and sce.com/solartraining.  
Lucie reviews the new Ben Afleck film “The Town.”  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Carl Rigoli’s song “Carmelo’s Bag.” Our sponsor is Avenue Hair Company in Marina del Rey.

Do you know what toxic chemicals lurk in the cosmetics and other beauty products you use every day?  Stacy Malkan, cofounder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and author of “Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry” tells us about the dangers and how to avoid them by becoming more informed and by supporting the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010.  safecosmetics  and storyofcosmetics. 
 Tiffany Hsu, alternative energy writer for the Los Angeles Times joins us in the studio to discuss the green revolution in urban neighborhoods, like South L.A.  Tiffany.Hsu@latimes.com.  Lucie reviews the new Australian film “Bran Nue Dae.”  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Chalo Eduardo’s CD “Samba Nova.”  And, our new sponsor is Avenue Hair Company, now located on Lincoln Boulevard in Marina del Rey.

Now that you’ve mastered curbside recycling are you ready for Recycling 202?  If you’re not sure how to dispose of old batteries, computers, cell phones, printer cartridges and appliances, the Sierra Club has a great tool to help you!  Jennifer Schwab, Director of Sustainability for Sierra Club Green Home visits the LA Talk Radio studio to tell us about the Earth 911 Recycling widget on the web site, sierraclubgreenhome. She also offers tips on making your home more energy efficient.  Tom Raftican, President/CEO of the Sportfishing Conservancy calls in to explain why he supports the “Rigs to Reef” bill.  It would allow oil companies to keep the underwater portions of decommissioned oil well platforms off the California coast  in place as reefs for marine life.  sportcon.org.  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features Nicole Falzone’s song “Walking Tall” from her Matters of the Heart CD.

“Ribbit” means help, if you’re a frog!  Dr. Kerry Kriger, Founder/Director of Save The Frogs calls in from Santa Cruz to reveal that amphibians are the most endangered group of animals on the planet!  Nearly one third of them are on the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction, diseases, pollution, climate change, invasive species and over harvesting for food.  To learn more about their plight, go to savethefrogs.  Jim Gibbons, President/CEO of Goodwill Industries International calls in from Washington, D.C. to explain their new Donate Movement and how Goodwill not only recycles and reuses your unwanted items, but employs thousands of people at their donation centers and stores nationwide. donate.goodwill.org.  Lucie reviews the new film “The American.”  And, the Noisy Toys Music Minute features Brad Dutz with T.J. Troy and Chris Wabich from the CD “10 Passes.”

Think your school (or alma mater) is cool?  When it comes to the latest Sierra Club list of America’s greenest campuses, Green Mountain College in Vermont is the coolest!  Sierra Magazine “Cool Schools” Editor Avital Binshtock calls in from San Francisco to reveal that Green Mountain College gets its power and heat from cows!  That’s right, from cow poop!  Several California schools are cool too, including Stanford University, UC Irvine and UC Santa Cruz.  Go to sierramagazine to see the complete list.  Evan Gillespie, the Sierra Club’s Regional Representative for the Beyond Coal campaign in L.A. makes the case for why the DWP needs to reduce its reliance on coal power from Arizona and Utah, and switch to local renewable sources like the sun and wind.  For details and a schedule of DWP hearings on its Integrated Resource Plan go to labeyondcoal.org.  Lucie reviews the new movie “Secretariat.”  And, the Noisy Toys Music Minute features Soundscape Pyramids’ song “Semite Inspiration.”

Your electric clothes dryer is the second biggest energy hog in your house! There’s a movement underway to return to the “old days” and dry our laundry with sunlight and fresh air.  Gary Sutterlin, cofounder of Breeze Dryer calls in from Buckingham, Pennsylvania, to tout the many benefits of using Mother Nature to dry our clothes.  Breeze Dryer distributes rotary, retractable and folding frame clotheslines made by Australian manufacturer Hills Industries.  www.breezedryer.com.  Felicia Tomasko, Editor in Chief of “LA YOGA Ayurveda and Health” magazine explains the benefits of yoga to get our minds and bodies in shape.  www.layogamagazine.com.  Lucie reviews the new Julia Roberts film “Eat, Pray Love.” And, the Noisy Toys Music Minute features Hands On’semble’s song “More Like Chutney.”

We  all love potato chips, but are they healthy? Frito-Lay’s Brand Manager Linda Bethea calls in from Dallas, Texas to tell us about Lay’s “natural” classic potato chips and how they’re grown, as well as the Lay’s Mobile Farm Tour that arrives at The Grove in L.A. Tuesday, August 17.  Plants in the traveling greenhouse will be donated to community gardens in South L.A.  And, calling in from Scottsdale, Arizona, Shairon Beale, host of the “Certifiably Organic” talk show discusses her award-winning nontoxic home and how to avoid chemicals in our food and every day personal and household products.  She’s also a vintage race car driver who’s originally from Australia.  The Noisy Toys Music Minute features drummer/vibist Carl Rigoli.

Is it possible to create a Functioning Community Forest in every L.A. neighborhood? Torin Dunnavant, the Community Engagement Manager for Tree People says “yes,” with the help of thousands of Citizen Foresters.  With training and support from Tree People, Citizen Foresters mobilize neighborhood volunteers to plant and care for trees across the L.A. area.
John Simonetta, owner of Proforma Green Marketing called in from Dallas, Texas to share his company’s wide variety of both traditional and eco-friendly promotional solutions, including clothing, promotional items, printing services and more.  Proforma offers solutions for companies and organizations that want to go green.
 The Noisy Toys Music Break features the brand new song “The Edge of Madness” by Michelle Mangione and Grace Slick.  “The Edge of Madness” is sponsored by the GRAMMY Museum, with proceeds going to the Greater New Orleans Foundation Gulf Oil Spill Fund. 

Is it a serious threat to our food supply?  Wood pallets that transport food and other goods to stores from Portland, Maine to Los Angeles have tested positive for bacteria, including E. Coli and Listeria.  Lewis Taffer with iGPS (Intelligent Global Pooling Systems) calls in from Orlando, Florida to explain why his plastic shipping pallet rental service is a safer and “greener” alternative to wood pallets.  Our in-studio guest Deven Upadhyay, Water Resources Manager with the Metropolitan Water District gives us an update on the ongoing drought and how the water shortage is effecting all Californians, from farmers to city dwellers.  He offers some simple ways residents can save water and learn more at bewaterwise.  Today’s music is from Francis Ndoumbe’s new CD “Habame de Amor.”

Belly up to the oyster bar!  It’s also called an oyster reef and it’s one of the many natural treasures in the Gulf of Mexico threatened by the massive BP oil spill.  Jeff DeQuattro with the Nature Conservancy’s “Recovery Act Oyster Breakwater Project”  in Mobile Bay calls us from Alabama to explain the huge importance of the oyster reefs to the ecosystem and the economy.  He also gives us a first hand account of the situation in the Gulf.  And, is it time to trade in your 4 wheels for two?  Abu Yusuf, Bikeway Coordinator for the L.A. County Bicycle Master Plan tells us how the project will encourage more people to peddle themselves around town.  He explains what a “sharrow” is and how bicycle safety concerns are being addressed.  Today’s music is from Karie Hillery’s CD “Solstice Peace.”

Environmental writer and super eco-blogger Siel (pronounced SEE-EL) celebrates the 5th anniversary of her GreenLAGirl web site by sharing a box of organic, vegan, Fair Trade, raspberry chocolate truffles with Lucie and Sharon, insuring an invitation to return to the Hill & Dale Show!  She also talks about why she wrote her first environmental blog, her pink bicycle and why her favorite green issues concern food and transportation.  Neal Desai, Senior Program Director with the National Parks Conservation Association calls in from San Francisco to discuss President Obama’s “America’s Great Outdoors Initiative” and the many threats to our National Parks.  Today’s music, thanks to master percussionist Randy Gloss, is the title track from Hands On’semble’s  CD “Shradhanjali.”

Hate those plastic grocery bags that clog our landfills and choke our sea creatures? California Assemblywoman Julia Brownley (41st District) calls in to update the progress of her bill, AB 1998, which would ban single use plastic bags in grocery stores.  The bill has passed the Assembly, but still faces a tough challenge in the State Senate.  Brownley urges supporters of the bill to urge their lawmakers to approve the ban. Our in studio guest is Pompea Smith, CEO of SEE-LA and Manager of 8 Farmer’s Markets, including the landmark Hollywood Farmer’s Market.  Sustainable Economic Enterprises of L.A. (SEE-LA) connects inner city residents to local farmers who offer a wide variety of the freshest produce. Today’s music is the title track from Sambaguru’s CD “Ginga.”

The sun’s cleansing power is saving the lives of children in East Africa and other developing nations.  Bob Dell, Co-Founder of The Water School calls in from Ontario, Canada to explain how this amazingly simple solar disinfection system (SODIS) works.  We take clean water for granted, but every year millions of people die from waterborne diseases around the world. The Water School works with children who teach their parents the technique.  Independent film maker Dutch Merrick returns to the LA Talk Radio studios to discuss the new documentary “Fuel” and the upcoming KPFK “Peace Awards & Concert” in September. We also chat about the ongoing BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Today’s music is from percussionist Brad Dutz’ CD “Krin.”

What to do with 25-hundred extra wine corks?  Our in studio guest artist Aaron Kramer turned them into a full size easy chair. When the flood comes, he’s all set!  Aaron uses salvaged junk to create art and other useful objects. His motto is “Trash is the failure of imagination,” and his art is on display this summer at the Craft and Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles. Our second in studio guest is Kirsten James, Director of Water Quality with Heal the Bay.  She discusses the latest local Beach Report Card results, the single use plastic bag bill in California, and Heal the Bay’s reaction to the BP oil spill.  Could a similar disaster happen off the California coast?  Today’s music is from percussionist Ron Powell’s new CD “Rhythmic Journey.”

From a Black Panther activist in Chicago to a professional “griot” in Los Angeles, our in studio guest Storyteller Michael McCarty tells his incredible life story as well as promotes the National Storytelling Conference in Woodland Hills July 29 - August 1st.  Michael also discusses his unique car covered with 300 bumper stickers designed to promote literacy. And, in a continuation of the discussion on the trend toward smaller living spaces, Jim Anderson, CEO of NMS Properties made the case that more people are choosing to live in more cost and space efficient spaces as they move back into cities. NMS Properties designs and develops affordable and environmentally friendly apartments in Santa Monica and elsewhere. Today’s featured music is the title track from Michelle Mangione’s new CD “What is a Saint to You.”

Smog season has arrived in Southern California! Our in studio guest Sam Atwood, Spokesman for the South Coast AQMD explains how his agency fights air pollution and how people can stay informed about air quality in their neighborhoods this summer by signing up for Air Alerts.  Professor John McIlwain, Senior Resident Fellow with the Urban Land Institute calls in from New York City to discuss the trend toward smaller, more economical living spaces to create sustainable future environments in urban areas.  Jean Benitez with FOOD Share tells us about Ventura County’s Food Bank and it’s new Garden Share program, as well as creative food programs for kids and seniors. Today’s featured music is Karie Hillery’s new song “She’s the Earth.”

The BP oil spill has become the largest oil environmental disaster in U.S. history and threatens a huge swath of Gulf coast habitat as well as the livelihoods of thousands of Americans. Naturalist David Mizejewski with the National Wildlife Federation explains how millions of rare birds, mammals, turtles and fish are imperiled by the oil spill and how the upcoming hurricane season could make things even worse.  Matthew Dodson, with the California Grocers Association calls in to discuss efforts by retailers to reduce the theft of valuable shopping carts, which are often discarded in urban neighborhoods, adding to blight. He also weighs in on AB 1998, which bans single use plastic bags in grocery stores. California grocers support the measure, which has just been approved by the state Assembly. Music featured on today’s show is from Sambaguru’s CD “Tribo.”

Would you drive a car powered by used cooking oil? Independent film maker Dutch Merrick, in studio guest on the second Hill & Dale Show, describes his Biodeisel car and talks about ways to reduce America’s reliance on oil, foreign or domestic. Ken Lee, cofounder and co-owner of Lotus Foods calls in from the Bay area to discuss his rice importing company and SRI rice. It’s a revolutionary way to grow more rice world wide with less water, less chemicals and less land. And, Sara Wann, co-creator and organizer of the Western Alliance for Nature weighs in on their campaign to “Save the Whales, Again.” She says the 1986 commercial whaling moratorium is threatened by plans by the Obama Administration to reverse it.  Music on today’s Hill & Dale Show is from Christo Pellani’s Soundscape Pyramids CD “The Return.”

The debut Hill & Dale Show featured in studio guest Nick Federoff, America’s Master Natural Gardener and guru of all ThingsGreen.com, talking about everything from “smart” sprinkler heads to easy ways to reduce waste and pollution in our daily lives. Hannah Heineman, writer for the “Santa Monica Mirror” called in to talk about the Alternative Building Expo.  And, Theresa Pierno, Executive Vice President of the National Parks Conservation Association called in from Washington, D.C. to discuss the devastating impacts from the Gulf Coast BP oil spill on national parks and wildlife. She talked about the unique challenges involved with cleaning up coastal wetlands from the Gulf Islands National Seashore to Everglades National Park. The first Hill & Dale Show also featured songs from percussionist Ron Powell’s new CD “Rhythmic Journey.”