Halogen TV

Extending Your Gardening Season

Halogen TV — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

The next time you hear someone utter “it’s a bird” or “it’s a plane” take caution, it likely isn’t Superman. Grocery prices are sky bound with increases from 4 to 5 percent in the U.S. and up to 15 percent globally. Experts have attributed the 2011 price hikes to a number of factors including global warming, increased global food demands and high production costs. Growing your own fruits and veggies is a great way to keep your pocketbook and belly full year-round. Your garden doesn’t have to end at first frost. With a little preparation you can learn to extend the seasons and teach your fruits and veggies how to bear and bare all.

1. Late Fall Early Winter

There are a number of veggies that not only survive harsh climate changes, but thrive also. Beets, carrots, radishes, parsnips, broccoli, peas, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, endive, kohlrabi, cabbage and kale are cool-season vegetables that withstand frost. According to Iowa State University, the flavor of cool-season veggies is actually enhanced by light frost cover. These veggies can generally withstand temperatures that reach 20F and some will germinate until 40F. If you live in a region that gets significantly colder you will need to cover crops with a cold frame, garden dome, row cover, bell or garden fabric – as a temporary fix – to prevent damage.

Tips:

Check the general first frost dates in your area and allow time for your veggies to germinate before then.

Cold frames can be made from anything that blocks out the cold. In Four Season Harvest, organic gardening expert Eliot Coleman says night temperatures can be as much as 20F warmer inside a cold frame; Daytime temperatures around 10-15F warmer.

2. Potted Fruit Trees

Citrus fruits – orange, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon, clementine, tangerine – generally come into season in the winter. Unlike many other fruit trees, citrus fruits do not require cool temperatures to set fruit. Potted fruit trees maximize space and reduce pruning time. You can obtain harvests from dwarf citrus trees year-round if you plant them in pots. The challenge to potted fruit trees comes every two years when you will need to repot and trim the tree’s roots. Plant citrus trees in a quality potting mix – remember to choose a pot with a drainage hole – and be sure to add coir peat to improve water and nutrient retention.

Tips:

If you purchase a fruit tree that is already in a pot, remove it from the pot and examine the roots. You will need to prune a root ball that is densely packed and repot.

Keep pH soil balance between 5 and 7 and use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen with moderate amounts of phosphorous and potassium.

Water only when the top 2 inches of soil is moderately dry.

3. Winter Veggies

This group contains all of the perennial “bulb” veggies that add great flavor to meals. Garlic, onions, shallots, scallions, chives and leeks can be planted 2 to 3 weeks before first frost. They will be available for harvest in the spring.

Tips:

Winter veggies will still benefit from mulch and other organic matter.

To learn more about how you can extend your gardening season, locate a Master Gardener in your area.

-Li St. Michael

10 Yoga Poses to Fight Depression and Anxiety

JM Prescott — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 11:43:03 +0000

The mind, body and spirit are all connected and when a person suffers from mild depression or anxiety, the body is out of balance. Yoga is a series of stretches that helps bring balance to the body; not just focusing on the body’s health, but also on the mind and spirit. Always consult a physician or counsellor if you are having ongoing feelings of depression or anxiety and before trying any new exercise program.

1. Begin with the Lotus position, sitting crossed legged with hands resting on the knees, palms up. The most important thing is to remember to breathe. To calm the rapid breathing often accompanying panic attacks, focus on your breathing at first, a five count in and a five count out, but let the breathing become natural. Let the breathing set the rhythm of the practice. Eyes should be closed, listening to the rhythm of the breathing. After five or ten minutes here, the body should feel calmer.

2. Viparita Karani is a great pose for either depression or anxiety as it has both a soothing and energizing effect. Often called the fountain of youth pose, it can be done by beginners or experts. Lie flat on the back with the arms laying at the side and palms down or open the arms with palms up to open the heart even more. Rest the legs against the wall to hold this pose longer comfortably or for more advanced practices, lift up the lower back and rest the bottom on the hands.

3. Fish pose is a terrific pose for opening the heart. Opening the heart with back-bending yoga positions is believed to not only expand the ribcage to give the lungs more room to breathe, but to open the spiritual heart center. Opening the heart, or stretching the chest, eases respiration, relieves stress by unclogging the tension in the tissue in the core. Lying on the back with the arms at the side, round the back and lean as far back on the crown of the head as is comfortable. Lay a bolster, yoga block or pillow under the back for support.

4. In the lying position Setu Bandha Sarvangasana or the Bridge pose is different from a bridge in gymnastics. With bent knees lift the core, arms should lay at the side, palms up or interlock the fingers behind the back. This pose calms the mind and energizes the body. Place a bolster or pillow under the back to hold this pose longer and more comfortably.

5. & 6. The calming poses, Cow and Cat, should be used together. Position the knees under the hips and the hands under the shoulders, kneeling on all fours with a neutral spine. With the inhale, let the belly sink towards the floor, looking up for Cow and letting the head fall down, with the exhale, round the back up to the ceiling for Cat. Keep the eyes closed as much as possible. Try and round the back one vertebra at a time. This pose is terrific for stress in the back; it establishes ideal spinal alignment, strengthens and stretches back muscles in the back and develops coordination of spinal movement.

7. Salabhasana or the Locust pose is a yoga posture. Lying on the belly with the arms along side the body, lift the legs and arms together and lift the chest as high as is comfortable. This pose opens the heart, helps poor posture, depression, low energy, digestion, gas, bladder and back pain. Move into Dhanurasana or Bow pose, relax, then bend the knees and take hold of the feet with the hands. Pull back with the legs to help open up the heart and chest.

8. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana or the Upward Facing Dog pose can be entered from Locust by coming to a neutral lying position, then planitng the toe nails and the palms, directly under the shoulders, into the mat. Lift the body slowly off the mat so that only the tops of the feet and the palms of the hands are the only parts of the body firmly planted to the mat.

9. Child’s pose or Balasana is a resting position which can help calm the body and the mind when under stress. Return to Child’s pose at any time during practice when feeling as though the body may have been pushed too far. On bended knees, lean forward with the forehead to the the mat. Lay arms at the sides of the body with palms up next to the feet or palms down stretched over the head. Breathe deeply, focusing on the breath with eyes closed.

10. Every yoga practice should be competed with Savasana or the Corpse pose. This is the most important pose in any yoga practice and should never be skipped. The body processes the information received through practicing yoga during this pose. Palms, middle of the back, and the back of the head should all be planted into the mat. The feet can fall loose and the eyes closed to help the body relax into the pose. With eyes closed and the focus on the breathing, hang out here for five or 10 minutes.

Slowly wake up the body, wiggling the toes and fingers. Then roll gently on the side, laying the head on the arm and bending the knees. Gently and slowly lift the body. The body should feel revived and the mind calmed.

Focusing on breathing and practicing yoga poses can calm momentary anxiety and depression by giving the mind a peaceful focus and re-energizing the body.

Have you ever tried yoga? Why or why not? Leave a comment below.

Halogen is the only television network focused on socially conscious entertainment featuring reality-based series, documentaries, films and specials. Our 24-hour schedule highlights humanitarian, eco-entertainment, and pop culture programming. Enter your zip code into our Channel Finder to see if your local cable provider carries Halogen.

13 Unique Farmers Market Foods Worth Eating

Johnalee Johnston — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 13:49:05 +0000

Strolling through a farmers market is an excellent way to explore new foods and cultures. Farmers markets generally contain a diverse group of locally grown foods that you just can’t get in the average supermarket. If you are unsure about how to cook some of the following foods, ask the merchant as many of the fruits and veggies you will find have been in their families for generations.

Here are 13 unique farmers market foods worth eating:

1. Romanesco Cauliflower

Photo by Paul Albertella

This Italian, electric green vegetable is referred to as a type of cauliflower, broccoli or cabbage depending on its global position. Its flavor is actually somewhere in between. Fibonacci enthusiasts will appreciate the symmetry of the plant’s florets, which are considered to be a good example of phyllotaxis, or the fractal patterning found in nature. Romanesco cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked and is grown throughout temperate zones in the U.S.

2. Lychee

Photo by Sugree

Underneath the pink leathery skin of the lychee is a sweet, aromatic and juicy pulp. Lychee fruits are indigenous to China and their requirement of warm, humid summers and a certain amount of winter chilling place them more predominantly on the coastal areas of the U.S.

3. Morel

Photo by Twohelmetscooking

The search for morels – honeycomb-like mushrooms – prompts hundreds of mushroom hunting expeditions each year in the U.S. The unique flavor of the morel makes them a prized possession to cooks worldwide. Morel mushrooms contain small amounts of toxins in their raw state and should only be eaten once fully cooked.

4. Star fruit

Photo by Philby

This tropical fruit derives from Thailand and Southeast Asia, but can be found in farmers markets in Florida and Hawaii. The fruit is full of fiber and vitamin C, the latter making it an excellent ally for cold prevention. Star fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked, skin on or off, and the flavor contains hints of many different fruit varieties.

5. Fiddleheads

Photo by Glenn Fleishman

Fiddleheads are the young coiled leaves of the ostrich fern and a delicacy in Maine and elsewhere in New England and Canada. Fiddleheads are similar to asparagus in flavor and can be cooked using the same general methods. They must be cooked, however, as they can cause food poisoning when eaten raw.

6. Chayote

Photo by Hillary H.

The chayote is a member of the squash family and was one of the central foods of the Aztec people and the Mayans. Throughout Southern Louisiana, the chayote is referred to as “mirliton” and it is typically fried, pickled, stuffed and stir-fried in this region. The stem, young leaves and fruit can be consumed and the fruit and seeds are rich in amino acids.

7. Black Radish

Photo by Thirteen of Clubs

The texture and taste of black radishes are more congruent with a turnip than radish. There are many ways to prepare black radishes, but the folks at Chowhound suggest peeling the skin, grating the flesh, mixing with onions, carrots or scallions, adding salt and pepper to taste and cooking slowly with sour cream.

8. Chinese artichokes

Photo from fotopedia by @rgs

Despite their creepy-crawling appearance, Chinese artichokes are actually crunchy tuberous vegetables. The veggie is often added to creamy soups for texture, sprinkled on salads, served raw or steamed and eaten with salt and butter. If you enjoy water chestnuts, you will likely get a taste for Chinese artichokes as well.

9. Sea beans

Photo from saltandspatula.com

Sea beans have been described as a taste of the ocean. The vegetable grows predominately around beaches making it a relatively easy find in coastal farmers markets. Sea beans can be eaten raw, boiled briefly and rinsed with cold water, or tossed in a salad with sesame oil or your favorite vinaigrette.

10. Kohlrabi

Photo by Scarygami

Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family, but is generally prepared like a turnip. Kohlrabi can be white, green or purple in color and the edible portions are its large body and young leaves, which can be eaten as a replacement for spinach or mustard greens. The veggie is grown in cooler weather making it available in March through May and again in October through December.

11. Ramps

Photo by tvol

Ramps, also known as wild leeks, are an early-to-rise form of onion and favorite of northeastern chefs in the U.S. due to their short growing season. Ramps are available in April for only two to three weeks, but many believe the ramp flavor combination of garlic, leek and sweet onion are well worth the effort.

12. White Asparagus

Photo by FotoosVanRobin

White asparagus may be a bit of an eyesore though they share the same flavor as green asparagus. The difference between the two is chlorophyll, the substance that gives green vegetables their color. White asparagus are prevented from seeing direct sunlight during farming processes. The absence of chlorophyll results in more tender spears.

13. Cherimoya

Photo from Neerg.com

Cherimoya hails from Ecuador and Peru and is grown in the U.S. predominately in Southern California where it is described as a cross between a pineapple, papaya and a banana. The sweet, fragrant and juicy fruit is called a Syncarpium, as several pistils are fused together as cover for a central receptacle. Cherimoya flesh has a custard-like consistency and its skin and seeds are not edible.

Which fruit or veggie have you tried?

4 Tips to Choosing The Right Charity for You

Karen Huber — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 11:35:42 +0000

With a world in crisis – from drought, to poverty, to trafficking – there are so many excellent causes to give to and volunteer for. But it can also be overwhelming and easy to over-commit. How does one go about choosing which charity to invest in?

Here are four ways to find the charity that fits your life, your beliefs and your wallet.

Have Faith

Perhaps the most common way to choose a charity is to align oneself with an organization that holds a similar belief system. “I choose things that I’m passionate about such as poverty, hunger, justice,” said Chicago resident and stay-at-home mom Nicole Richards. “Since I’m a Christian, I choose charities that help people (in those areas) in Jesus’ name.”

Erin Martinez, a photo stylist from Kansas City, Mo., got involved with Stop Child Trafficking Now (“SCTNow”) because of its unique efforts to stop the demand of domestic trafficking, her heart as a mom and her faith. “If my heart is breaking, how much more is Christ’s heart breaking when he sees this happening? I want to be his hands and feet.”

Since becoming involved with SCTNow, Martinez has seen her family, friends and church come together to fight this issue. Giving to a cause close to your heart and your faith can connect you with like-minded folks, opening new doors for relationships and community.

The Family That Serves Together…

Finding a cause that’s important to you and your family is a key factor in choosing a charity. No matter your marital or parental status, there is strength in numbers. Choose a cause where you can work alongside those close to you.

Whether it’s serving in a homeless shelter with your best friend or helping your child plan a toy drive, your heart for the issue and your love for each other will grow exponentially.

Think Local

It can be hard to visualize and invest in a cause that is happening a world away. Instead, consider investigating an issue that hits close to home.

Katy Raymond, a writer from Raymore, Mo., said, “You know how they say we should all be eating as locally as possible? I kind of feel that way about charities, in general. I like to keep it close to home, for the most part, which is why we’ve enjoyed helping Mercy & Truth Medical Missions [an organization based in Kansas City, Mo., which serves the uninsured both locally and internationally].”

No doubt about it, there is someone in your community who needs help, and there may already be an established organization where you can invest your time and resources. Though it may seem that a crisis across the globe is more dire, as you see a need and solution up close and personal, investing in a local charity may end up impacting your heart more than your wallet.

Seek Financial Accountability

Fraud is widespread, even within the charitable community. According to the Federal Trade Commission, officials brought 76 actions against purported charities in 2009 alone. Beware of organizations that can’t show where and how financial contributions are distributed. An organization with membership to a financial accountability oversight group protects your wallet, as well as the cause it’s seeking to impact.

Federal agencies like The Better Business Bureau, or accountability groups like the ECFA, can verify the legitimacy of an organization and provide a financial history. Kiva, a popular microfinancing charity, not only has financial accountability, but it also offers a return on your investment!

Use our “Make a Difference Day” widget to find local volunteer opportunities. Then check out the 7 Do’s and Don’ts of giving to nonprofits.

Tainted Love

jeremy — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 12:29:19 +0000

“Tainted Love” exposes the dirty little secret that America is enslaving hundreds of thousands of children as sex slaves. Join the abolition effort as we fight to set them free. Related posts:

FireZone

Halogen TV — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:28:24 +0000

Sometimes our biggest heroes are never seen. Follow the dreams of young firefighters as they train to be smokejumpers for the honor of protecting our U.S. forests. Follow as they undergo harsh training and insane terrain to see if they have what it takes or risk facing elimination.

Beating the Cold and Flu Season Naturally

Johnalee Johnston — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 13:16:39 +0000

Photo from webmd.com

Hitched to the tail of an average sneeze cling more than 45,000 saliva droplets with viruses just waiting to set up camp. While regular 20 second hand-washing sessions remain the best defense against flu and cold bugs, taking precautions against airborne critters is also beneficial to your health. When you’re not munching on foods that are high in vitamin C, consider exploring these alternative options that help to keep cold and flu viruses at bay.

Cough Remedies

Oregano Oil: Oregano is a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent; just the kind of help you need to fight pesky colds. Add a few drops of oregano oil to a bowl of steaming water. Drape a towel over your head like a cloak and inhale the steam until your throat feels less irritated. You can purchase oil of oregano online or in a health food store.

Honey and Turmeric Powder: Honey’s antibacterial properties have been harnessed to stifle flu and colds and other health ailments since ancient times. Sprinkle turmeric, an anti-inflammatory spice, with one teaspoon of honey and consume the mixture 3 to 4 times daily. The potent combination will help ease throat pain and relax inflamed passageways.

Respiratory

Eucalyptus and Sage Oil: The menthol in eucalyptus oil opens bronchial tubes, eases congestion and just makes breathing easier. To reap the benefits of this herb, add a few drops of the aromatic oil to a bowl of steaming water and inhale. Dr. Andrew Weil suggests adding sage oil to steam inhalations for extra help against respiratory issues.

Ginger Tea: Ginger tea acts as a soothing, bittersweet expectorant for minor colds. Ginger also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help to open nasal and bronchial passageways. Grate or press 1 to 2 tbsp. of ginger and add to a cup of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 2 to 5 minutes before drinking. Add honey or lemon for additional health benefits.

Herbal Preventatives

Guduchi: Also known as Amrit, this herb is used in Ayurveda medicine to boost the immune system and reduce stress and anxiety. Stress weakens your immune system, making you more vulnerable to flu and other illnesses. As the winter season heralds in holidays that cause stress for many people, guduchi is an excellent herb to have on hand.

Astragalus: This Chinese tonic herb prepares the immune system for combat in response to a cold and flu virus attack. Various research studies have found astragalus to protect the body against Streptococcus pneumonia, the microorganisms responsible for pneumonia.

Goldenseal: Researchers at the University of Texas say goldenseal has been found to decrease inflammation in mucous membranes. This speeds along the healing of sinus and respiratory passageways that are spawned by cold and flu viruses.

Indian Gentian: This bitter Indian herb contains anti-infectious properties that help to detoxify the body during cold and flu season. You can find Indian gentian online and in health food stores. The Chopra Center recommends 340mg three times daily for five days to fully reap its benefits.

Have you tried any of these natural remedies?

2 Ways to Opt Out of Junk Mail & Pay It Forward

Chris Oddo — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 12:49:10 +0000

Have you sat and wondered how to put an end to the torrential waves of junk mail that end up stuffed inside your mailbox every day? The good news is there are ways to “opt-out.” It may take some effort, but together we can diminish the effect of unwanted junk mail on our environment.

To get started on a path to a smaller carbon footprint and an emptier mailbox, you will have to follow a few simple instructions and fill out a few forms. Not bad, when you consider the alternative. One-hundred million trees are felled annually to support direct marketing efforts in America.

If you really want to save the trees, you’ll have to jump through a few hoops. Some companies you’ll have to email directly, but if you ask them to stop, they will.

Below are two very good (and free) options to look when you decide that you’ve had enough of the junk.

First Stop: DMAchoice.org

DMAchoice.org is a good place to start, and once you start clicking around, you will be removing yourself from lists that you never even knew you were on in the first place. It’s very simple and intuitive to use, and so worth it. There you must print, fill out and submit a written form to be taken off the permanent do not mail list that financial companies use when deciding whom to send pre-screened credit card offers to. It takes a little effort, but it is worth it to do.

While you are on the DMAchoice.org website you will see that there are more “types” of direct mail. In addition to “credit offers,” there are three separate categories, labeled “catalogs,” “magazine offers” and “other mail.” Here is a snippet about each:

Catalogs: In the catalog section, you will find links to companies mailing specification pages. If you are getting the Bed Bath & Beyond Catalog and you don’t want it, go through the simple steps that get you removed from its list. You can go through all of the catalogs you are getting, and follow links to get in contact and send your requests to them.

You will find that some companies make it simple for you to be removed, and some require more red tape. It’s kind of annoying, but until America’s privacy laws get rewritten, we are stuck with it. Remember, this isn’t about you, it’s about the environment. If you want to be a good steward to mother earth, do it.

Magazine Offers: Have you ever bought someone a gift subscription only to become inundated by junk mail offers after the subscription is up? Here you will find a list of links to companies to opt-out of, at the very least, an email address for customer service.

Other Mail: There are other options available that will enable you to avoid other invasive types of junk mail that may be showing up at your door.

Second Stop: Catalogchoice.org

DMAchoice isn’t the only way to get help stopping unsolicited junk mailers. There’s also Catalogchoice.org. Once you take a moment to sign up on Catalogchoice.org, you will be taken to a splash page that tracks your activity. This site is similar to DMAchoice.org in that it helps you contact the parties responsible for your direct mail. It also helps you track all the requests you’ve made so you can easily follow up if you find that you are still getting that Victoria’s Secret catalog or 10-page book of coupons that you never wanted.

When you go to the “Your Choices” page, you will also see a few numbers itemizing the environmental benefit of your efforts. The numbers, which are provided by the Environmental Paper Network, show that catalog choice has helped save more than 730,000 trees.

Other Helpful Tips:

Keep the catalogs and credit card offers that you receive in the mail, so you can contact only the companies that you need to contact.

Don’t be discouraged that you can’t stop it all. Every letter you cancel saves us all valuable resources. Approximately 5.6 million tons of junk mail ends up in landfills each year in America. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Catalogchoice.org and DMAchoice.org are just two of many websites that can help you get started. Take some time and make it happen. Estimates are that the average American spends more than 8 months in their lifetime dealing with junk mail, so spending a few hours now to avoid wasting those 8 months is a good idea.

How do you get rid of junk mail?

Get Halogen

egeppi — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 21:49:43 +0000

Drum Heads

Halogen TV — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 23:23:47 +0000

Working with family is not always easy, and for these two brothers it’s no different. Mike and Scott Ciprari are young entrepreneurs who started in grandma’s basement and are following their dream of being the number one custom drum company in the world while butting heads all the way there.

Halogen TV

Extending Your Gardening Season

1. Late Fall Early Winter

2. Potted Fruit Trees

3. Winter Veggies

To learn more about how you can extend your gardening season, locate a Master Gardener in your area.

More on Gardening from HalogenTV.com:

10 Yoga Poses to Fight Depression and Anxiety

13 Unique Farmers Market Foods Worth Eating

1. Romanesco Cauliflower

2. Lychee

3. Morel

4. Star fruit

5. Fiddleheads

6. Chayote

7. Black Radish

8. Chinese artichokes

9. Sea beans

10. Kohlrabi

11. Ramps

12. White Asparagus

13. Cherimoya

Which fruit or veggie have you tried?

More on Farmers Markets from HalogenTV.com:

4 Tips to Choosing The Right Charity for You

Have Faith

The Family That Serves Together…

Think Local

Seek Financial Accountability

Use our “Make a Difference Day” widget to find local volunteer opportunities. Then check out the 7 Do’s and Don’ts of giving to nonprofits.

Tainted Love

FireZone

Beating the Cold and Flu Season Naturally

Cough Remedies

Respiratory

Herbal Preventatives

Have you tried any of these natural remedies?

More on Home Remedies from HalogenTV.com:

2 Ways to Opt Out of Junk Mail & Pay It Forward

First Stop: DMAchoice.org

Second Stop: Catalogchoice.org

Other Helpful Tips:

How do you get rid of junk mail?

Get Halogen

Drum Heads