Ken Grossman is the founder of Sierra Nevada Brewery here in Chico, CA. His sustainable business practices have earned nearly as much praise as his award-winning beer.

We've long admired Ken Grossman for his quality brews and for his commitment to sustainability. That's why we invited him to be our special guest for our 200th show! Val's hubby Rob was so excited, he sat in on our interview. We learn how Ken started out in the beer business and what he's doing to keep his brewery green. Ken also shares some product news and a tip or two for homebrewing Hipsters. Also, in the spirit of Chico legends, we present the music and comedy of local showman Moriss Taylor.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Duh! You can't try it just yet, but Sierra Nevada Brewery will release Torpedo Extra IPA in bottles next month. We'll try to leave some for you guys.

Chocolate: Thanks to Charter Hipsters Kellie and Carly in SF, we indulged in a sampler of NeoCocoahand-crafted truffles. Ding Ding Dang!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Get organized for the new year with a Recycled Sari Buckle Wallet. Handmade in family cooperatives in India, these wallets are stylishly sturdy with plenty of pockets. Best of all, they don't look like you found them at the mall!
• Drafted. If you're in New England, pay tribute to American Veterans by quaffing a beer! High and Mighty Brewing pledges $1 from every bottle of their "Home for the Holidays" brown ale will go to IAVA, a charity for veterans and troops.
• Carp Diem. Concerned about the quality of your seafood? CleanFish empowers you to vote with your fork.
• Heaven scent. Now you can smell like Val! Experience Illuminated Perfumes by Roxana. Hipsters get a special deal on her handcrafted, all natural fragrances; mention More Hip when you buy any full size solid perfume and get a free sample of her liquid perfume, OR buy any full size liquid perfume and get a free sample of her solid perfume. Order here!

• Waterworld. NASA says 2 trillion tons of land ice has melted since 2003, due to global warming.
• Ski lift. Lighter snowfall is forcing skiiers uphill. Researchers say warmer temps in the Rockies could eliminate the snowpack by 2100.
• March of the Lame Duck. The Bush administration is moving to protect 7 penguin species, while ignoring 3 others. Hmmm, 70%...isn't that his disapproval rating?
• Organ-ic. A group of Texas high school students created a digital pipe organ from a pile of recycled electronics. What's your kid done lately?

Just say no! As you list your New Year's Resolutions, focus on just a few things you would like to stop doing. Stop smoking; stop adding to the landfill; stop eating meat. Post a short list on your mirror so you'll see it everyday. Just don't stop listening to podcasts!

We've long admired Ken Grossman for his quality brews and for his commitment to sustainability. Learn how he started out in the beer business and what he's doing to keep his brewery green. Ken also shares some product news and a tip or two for homebrewing Hipsters!

• Beer in the headlights. Ken started as a homebrewer with a passion for his product.
• Top o' the Hops Sierra Nevada ales are consistently among the top brews in the US.
• Crystal clear. Among Ken's green innovations, Sierra Nevada Brewery uses clean energy to operate its facilities in Chico, CA.
• Launch the Torpedo! Coming in January 2009, bottles of Torpedo Extra IPA will be available year-round. And there was much rejoicing.
• Word to the Weiss. Look for Ken's voluminous contribution to the Practical Brewer, a manual for the brewing industry.
• Bock star. UC Davis commemorates Ken's support for the next generation of brewers.

Help us kick off our next 200 shows! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and your New Year's Resolutions at our MHTH forum!

• Shout-outs! Thanks so much for mentioning us in your blogs: Two Smart Girls, ReadWriteWeb and SJSFalter. You rock!
• Jenny in Ontario (eh!) wants us to shut up about the weather, and give macrame the respect it deserves. We'll grant half her wish.
• Phil in Prince Edward Island (eh!) is our new groupie. He likes big worms, dark chocolate and Zebra Eco pens. We love you man!
• Rick in Virginia alerts us to the truth about oil prices, thanks to this interview on Financial Sense Newshour.
• Trystan at Yahoo! Green busts our chops. We didn't mention loofahs as an alternative to plastic sponges. Um, don't you have an article to write, or something?
• Kristi in Minneapolis shares a Beer Buying Guide for those of us who vote with our pint glass. Cheers!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.