Of Pirates and Planet Green

So yesterday evening was the world premier of Discovery's 24/7 green cable TV network, Planet Green. Since I don't have cable (my TV is crappy and blurry anyway), I was happy to attend a launch watching party, hosted by my friend the green impresario (and Las Vegas-effect web designer) Remy C.

It was held at the Pirate Restaurant in Norwalk, which is more awesome than a peg leg with a kickstand. When I first started going to the place several years ago (it was right down the street from where I used to work) the wait staff wore real wench outfits. That didn't last, but you can still get tall and frosty Polish bears, savory cheese and mushroom pierogi, and have your picture taken with some of the awesome Pirate regalia, including a swarthy mannequin that looks like he was boosted from a Disney ride. Yes, the owner is Polish, in addition to being a good cook.

And the whole place has wood paneling that makes it look like an updside down boat. Sometimes I dj upstairs.

Anyway, last night Norwalk Green Drinks folk were munching snacks provided by Arogya natural healing and Patagonia, as well as divine sea salt truffels from local chocolate guru Knipschildt. I did also get my first chance to sample Tru organic vodka, which was fantastic. I had it on the rocks with lime, and it was very smooth.

Planet Green's new shows were scrolling across a large flatscreen. The sound was off, so I can't say too much about the channel's content, but what I did see I liked. I appreciate the fact that nothing seemed in the least bit overproduced (I know a little about video and editing, and I can barely stand to watch morning shows these days, due to their speed-freak focus on peripatetic journalism and constant repetition). Planet Green seems to have a good start in mixing up a wide range of offerings, from cooking to home content to newsy features, talk and more.

I loved seeing my friend Summer Rayne on screen, who looked fantastic and engaging as ever (though I don't know if I want to know what was under that squishy black liner she was walking on). It was also great to see TreeHugger's Graham Hill on the tube. It's been great to see how far Graham has come, becoming a self-made green media mogul.

I was thrilled to see TDG contributer Annabelle Gurwitch on a new show. IMHO she's the hottest mom this side of Mary-Louise Parker, in addition to being a talented and funny host and writer.

Planet Green so far looks pretty real, quite interesting and about as much fun as one can have without a bottle of rum and some yo-ho hos. Hopefully it will keep growing and develop an audience.

This is the second post in the new blog URTH Guy, about green Urban Style, Recycling and Reuse, Technology and E-Culture and (hopefully) some Humor. Stay tuned for further posts and design upgrades.