Tea and Climate Policy?

Tea and Politics are HOT. (No pun or Paris Hilton reference intended.)

When I opened my Google Alert email this morning and saw this post on the New America Foundation Blog. I chuckled. Now that’s what I call a segue! Having spent many years in advertising, I can tell ya that’s some seriously borrowed interest. And a way to garner attention! Especially since Obama and Tea seems to be of interest these day. Hmm… (Again, thank you Twitter!)

I get the feeling there are many who see tea as well, weak? I suppose it can be depending on how long you steep it. Or that tea is only for people on the left (I’m in the middle) who practice yoga (which I do) and hug trees (no comment.)

Tea is strong (especially at 5 minutes), makes people happy, is a unifier and has been at the center of many major events throughout history.  Remember: The Boston Tea Party became one of the primary catalysts for the American Revolution that led to the independence and subsequent creation of the United States.

How absolutely fabulous would it be for TeaPeeps like me, and the world in general, if our hopeful New President were to enjoy a cuppa tea at a Press Conference? With Republicans. Or, perhaps while he reviews how he is going to bail us out and reform Healthcare. I would be overwhelmed with joy to know that he wasn’t making important decisions on Red Bull.

Tea is here to stay. And, all things are possible over a simple cup of tea. Like… World Peace. 0% unemployment. And Climate Control.  Am I reaching? Maybe a little, but remember, I was trained by Ad people.

Article below:

Does Obama Drink Tea?
by Terry Tamminen - January 27, 2009 – 2:32pm

“Tea or coffee? It must be the former, because everyone I know is trying to read his tea leaves, especially when it comes to energy and environment policy.

Crystal balls and beverage dregs may be reliable methods of forecasting some things in our future, but when it comes to sustainability (and that’s really what you mean when you say “energy/environment” or “climate” policy) look to California for a hint of where to focus your personal or corporate viewpoint in the coming months. Here are three big areas where the Golden State is leading and, I believe, the Obama Administration will gladly follow.

First, climate policy. On November 18, 2008, shortly after his election, then President-elect Obama delivered a speech to our Governors’ Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles that left no doubt he will expand California’s climate action plan – - and greenhouse gas reduction targets – - to the federal level. If you missed that important speech, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvG2XptIEJk

The second California sustainability trailblazing that we should watch is in what’s called “green chemistry”. Governor Schwarzenegger set policies and signed laws that require a growing number of manufacturers to formulate products, from bug spray to baby bottles, with non-toxic ingredients and chemicals. Given the anti-science approach taken by the Bush administration on environmental and public health issues, look for the new President to rapidly order his bureaucracy to build on the sound science and smart policy of states like California on a host of these programs that make us healthier.

Last, take a look at energy efficiency. Californians are 40% more energy efficient than average Americans and it’s not because we don’t enjoy watching the SuperBowl on a 72″ Hummer of a TV. It’s because of state energy efficiency standards for appliances and buildings that save people lots of money, along with regulatory policy that incentivizes utilities to invest in energy efficiency programs for consumers. Watch for the feds to do a quick cut-and-paste.

There are other ways the feds will follow California in these matters, with more to come now that so many are inspired by the new President or scared straight by climate change, so stay tuned. But for now, I’ve got to run – - I think I hear the kettle whistling.”

And now I will segue from Terry Tamminen’s article into….

Try our Drink for Change Blend. It’s delicious!

Happy Sipping!

Pu’erh Tea and the Year of the Earth Ox.

Happy Chinese New Year! Finally, we have closed the door on the Year of the Rat. *whew*

Bye Bye, Rat! Hello, Ox!

As I sit here contemplating the new year (which is today if you go by the Chinese lunar calendar) I am filled with optimism as we welcome the Year of the OX. It must be better than the Rat. Don’t  you think? I hope. Let’s look on the bright side…

Though times may be challenging, each day we get the opportunity to make a new choice! Every single morning, we can create a new reality… amend previous decisions… be more kind… save a bit more money… keep promises… maybe try something new…

Which brings me to my choice of tea tonight as we usher in the Year of the Earth Ox: Golden Tip Pu’erh. What a natural partnership! Rich, smooth, woody, earthy. Lacking the unpleasant mustiness of some pu’erhs.  It’s a perfect introduction into the mystical world of pu’erh. A few cups a day is said to have the highest in health benefits. We’ll let you know when we start glowing. If you haven’t tried this magical tea from China, we recommend you dive right in.

Golden Tip Pu'erh

Ok, now back to Chinese Astrology.  The Chinese Zodiac is said to follow the stations of Jupiter’s orbit around the sun, which is just shy of 12 years. The animals mark years in a 12-year cycle that begins with rat, followed by ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. According GoToAstrology.com:

“The coming 2009 year of the earth Ox also called 2009 year of the Bull or Buffalo is around the corner. It looks like we’ve got honest, candid and open natured year ahead. As you might guess, coming 2009 year of the earth Ox is dependable, calm and modest. Sun sign horoscope for the 2009 year of the Ox like his animal sing is unshakably patient, full of hard work and tireless though need financial support to fulfill your ideas and make your desires.

2009 year is the year of the earth Ox and 26 year in sixty-year cycle. As the Chinese astrology tells us, the Ox sign is the sign of prosperity found through fortitude and hard work. Such year as 2009 year of the earth Ox has a straight and unprejudiced nature though sometimes reveals hidden secrets without due thought, inadvertently hurt someone’s feelings and offend others. It should turn out to be the prosperous year for those hard thinkers and active planners who believe in and relay on a teamwork, running own business or work independently.”

OK! Well that sounds like good news to me!

Check out your Chinese Horoscope for the upcoming year. Don’t know your Chinese Sign? Click here.

Happy New Year! Happy Sipping!

TEA. A Magazine… “Drinks for Change”

Cover of TEA. A Magazine.

Happy New Year, TeaPeeps™. Here we are in the middle of January, and this only my second blog post. Where has the time gone? You’ll be happy to know I’ve been sipping and sampling some very nice teas these last few weeks. I’m a lucky TeaGirl!

Ok, so the big news for the new year is that our “Drink for Change” Obama Blend tea has made it to  TEA. A MAGAZINE. Yep you will see it, yet again, on the cover of the Winter 2009 Issue. Thanks to Pearl Dexter, Editor/Publisher for approaching us! She has also featured a little story about us and Jack Cheng on Page 28.  See what one little Twitter can do? If you haven’t already picked up your issue, scurry on out and scoop up a copy. This issue could sell out quickly! I believe it hits news stands… any second. History making cover? Yes. Amazing tea illustration? Absolutely. Tasty tea blend? You will love it.

Page 28 - January 2009 Winter Issue

Blend Info:
Order Drink for Change! $15.50 (3 oz)
Let me be absolutely clear, this organic African Red Bush Rooibos based tea has Honeybush, Pineapple, Papaya, Ginger, Rose petals and Cornflowers. It’s smooth, fresh and lacks bitterness. Environmentally friendly, unexpected, and a little left of center. Contributes to your overall well being and Health(care). Steep for 3-5 minutes and enjoy. Caffeine Free!

*10% of each sale will go to the Washington Humane Society
** Tea illustration by Jack Cheng

Here’s to our new President Barack Obama (let’s send him positive energy) and the beginning of living and sipping change!

Review: Tea Kettles. Traditional or Electric?

PINO Digital Kettle Pro

I was a kettle snob. I admit it. For the longest time (like forever) I was devoted to my yellow tea kettle. The kind you put on the stove, boil water, pour over leaves, steep, strain and sip. I think it was the ritual of it all.

One day not to long ago (like 2 months) I was somewhere that had no stove to boil water. What they had was an electric tea kettle. I eyed it with suspicion thinking, “Is she kidding?” But, since I had no choice in the matter, and was in need of tea, I gave in.

And then … everything changed.

I loved it! This particular one had no temperature control, it just offered water that would heat to a rolling boil. Fabulous! I went to Macy’s and bought a Cuisinart.

And then … I remembered the PINO.

If you drink tea daily, the PINO Digital Kettle is the most wonderful invention. A warm and loyal friend to the TeaLover. How fabulous to set the temperature to the desired degree and then have it click off when it’s ready. No worry of burning down the house and a perfect cup a tea to boot. I’ve melted many a kettle on my super-mega 5 burner gas range. Not a pretty sight.

In case you were wondering what all the fuse is about regarding water temperature, please remember that a great leaf can be ruined by the wrong water temperature. Boiling water over green tea? No, no, no, no, no!

I haven’t used my cute lonely, little yellow kettle in a while now, but what can I say? I’ve fallen for another.

Buy a PINO!  You won’t regret it. We should have them in stock in February!