I dunno about anyone else, but when searching for something to watch on TV today, I happen upon Live Earth Concert 7.7.07 and found it to be a real hoot.  It was hilarious to see all those rock stars and celebrities lecture us about the environment.  Who better than the least wasteful among us, I say?  

But I never heard what we are suppose to do about condoms.  Aren't they evil petroleum products?  Aren't their wrappers found everywhere on the streets these days?  Are we suppose to throw used condoms away into the landfills or flush them?  I get it, maybe we recycle them?  Turn 'em inside-out and shake 'em dry, like I do my burlap sack before I bike over to Whole Foods to buy a loaf of tofu.  

Better yet, maybe we should start fucking naturally.  That'll show those Hummer drivers we mean business.

Given the Glitterati's success fighting AIDS and world hunger with music and t-shirts, those green house gases are probably shakin' in their boots right now.  I bet that hole in the ozone is healing up right now.

I guess we'll not know the answers to these questions.  At least not until Al Gore's son is freed from Paris Hilton jail to give the next generation the conveniences of truth.  Until then, if we all pitch in and do the right thing, there will be enough energy to heat those 10,000 foot homes and fuel those limo fleets in Hollywood and Tipper's XL 2000 vibrator.

Do the Toyota Prius hybrids come standard with Vicodin storage, like coin holders for tolls?  That would be handy at 100 miles an hour.

It's off topic, but I agree, irrefutable science is nonsense! Grab your Bible and your gun and vote GOP!

-- Modified on 7/7/2007 7:48:40 PM

I hope someone comes out with the figures about how many natural resources were wasted and how big the carbon foot print was for these stupid events!

Recently the NY Times reported that 20% of Americans think the sun revolves around the earth.  

We DO need lecturing about the environment and science and yes - "real" reality, not "Bush" reality.  If rock stars want to do it fine.  As long as they have the facts right.  If OJ wanted to say that "murder is wrong"  you can call him a hypocrite but that wouldn't mean his statement isn't true.

Ad hominem attacks just divert from real issues but that is a typical right-wing tactic.  The shame of the US citizenry is that we always fall for it.

is cherry picked to support a political agenda.  and lets face it - the real problems that face most of the world are not global warming... they are:
Greed
Brutality
Ignorance and
Dehumanization.

Our air is now cleaner than when I was a kid, our water... well lets just say I live near a river that once upon a time caught fire....  it no longer does that.

What is really really sad is that legit scientists who have data that do not support the latest leap to conclusions are now not permitted a voice... just not PC.

Remember - a scant 15-20 years ago, the fear, and the data cherry pickin - was used to support the fear of a new ice age.

I was in Albany NY during the first week of March, I chose that week based on temp in that area for the past 20 years. it was suppose to be I think 40's ,50's turned out to be breaking record of -12 !!!!talk about COLD.............. so how is that warmer ??
Vegas hit record high of 116 this week , yeah that record was set back in 1985 and even a higher record of 117 back in 1942.

Yes way more important things to worry about in this country, health care, wars , greed.........why does an inmate get free education while serving time and I have to pay $35,000 per year  for 3 years to get a degree and still pay top dollar in taxes.

Maybe we can start a TER movment

Am I missing something here where is this "global warming" ??

-- Modified on 7/7/2007 10:24:42 PM

If the whole point of this circus was to educate everyone about conserving energy, is getting millions of people to drive to stadiums all over the world to watch a several hours-long concert with electric instruments, high voltage amps and lighting and sound equipment really the right way to do it?  ROFL

The link below is a good place to start.  The Union of Concerned Scientists are an independent body not given to alarmism. They produced two detailed documents criticizing Bush administration's anti-scientific policies.

It's wrong to assume that anyone who does not support your perspective has "an agenda" while anyone who agrees with you must be honest.  Scientists who are opposed to the global warming perspective are just as influenced by politics as anyone else.  Politicians do this all the time. Anyone who disagrees with them is being "political"  whereas anyone who agrees with them is genuinely concerned with the populace.

The PC tag is nonsense.  Does reality have a "liberal bias"?  Many of the scientists in the US who disagree with global warming have a major voice as members of the Bush administration.  More than a voice, legislative support too.

The issue here is "global" warming not "local" warming.  What is happening in your local regions might be slightly improving but at a cost elsewhere - which will come back to bite us in the ass in forms such as the intense hurricane season that brought us Katrina, or the increasing amounts of California brush fires.

The factors that you mention as problems I agree with, but I would say they are built into capitalism.  Until we get over our failure of political imagination and stop limiting our socio-political options to the either passively accepting the US ["love it or leave it"] or emulating the former Soviet Union [what do you want, socialism like the communist Russia?"] we'll never solve environmental or any other problems.

Focusing on rock star hypocrisy is not a substitute for real research and thinking.  If this concert even inspires a few people to look into the issue, isn't it better than all the other major concerts that are just as wasteful [more if you add them all up]  but can only inspire more mindless consumerism?

An inmate gets "free" education?  While living in a box?  Having substandard food and having to worry about prison rape on a daily basis, if not getting killed in some kind of beef?

I think it's funny how people always look at the disenfranchised as having it SO easy while they suffer.  Why don't you offer to switch places with an inmate?  I'm sure many would love to have your problems.  Isn't it worth it for free education, not to mention the savings you will gain in not having to pay for food, clothes or rent?

Or better yet how about this as an education plan:  commit the kind of crime that will result in a four-year sentence.  Get convicted and voila, free college tuition!  Of course you must turn down any early release for good behavior to fully benefit. If you're lucky, get paroled in 4 and be welcomed back into society with open arms, as is so very common.

With your freely acquired college degree, prison record and a promise that you've genuine reformed, you should be climbing the ladder of success in not time!

BTW, in NYC, we were hitting 90 and above in April and had a snowstorm in the same month - highly anomalous.  So does my story now cancel yours out?  We could get into a trade-off of local anecdotes but that's not science.

The main point is about condoms, which most here seen to hold dear, almost as dear as gobal warming.  The "irrefutable science" is the off topic part.

Just stick the reunited Spice Girls on stage.  That'll work.

but I fear that the folks who get their 'science' from Rush and Hannity will be difficult to convince.

just remember most Universities, get the lions share of their operational budget from state and federal taxes in the form of grants!  and that my dear, means that you already paid.  as a faculty member at a major University, I was expected to bring in 60% of my salary in Grants... no mind that I pulled teaching duty as well!

Sorry if I didn’t sound like I have much sympathy for someone who killed or robbed.

There were times I had to live in a box with barley any food or water while bombs where flying over my head and dropping …………and I didn’t even commit any crimes.

maybe you didn't know that about me as many other things because I don't go around crying oh poor me life wasn't always so rosy

If an inmate does really want to be reformed,he will get a second chance because hey everyone deserves a second chance ,right ?
A top chef in Vegas is an ex-inmate …………… seems he is doing just fine.

Btw I gave an example of weather from the East Coast and West Coast. So it isn’t just local.
But hey sorry I do have my own opinions about stuff and I don’t just fallow the hoopla

What is great about the U.S. is that we are all free to express how we feel/think about things. You expressed yours , I expressed mine.
Wasn’t trying to go to war

I don't have rules , I have MY opinions.

big difference.

observed on other planets within our solar system, nor does it present current work of Henrik Svensmark - director of the Center for Sun-climate Research in Copenhagen - who, by the way in an ariticle in Discover Magazine (July 2007) discusses why scientists won't protest the missuse of data!

You've missed the point.  I'm not talking about sympathy for killer and robbers, just this tendency to talk about how THEY have it so easy while you have to suffer.  Obviously prison life is not "easy" or people wouldn't be trying to avoid it.  You made it sound like they had the life of Reilly.  Imagine a multi-billionaire lamenting how the poor have it so easy because they don't have to deal with all these complex financial arrangements or have to worry about attending that next boring $30,000/plate charity dinner.  Oh, the suffering rich!  It's not about sympathy but about putting things in perspective.

You wouldn't believe how many comments I've heard where people talk about how the homeless have it so easy because they don't do any work and can still live in society.

And yet none of you will trade places with prisoners or the homeless.

Not blindly following is a good thing, but being oppositional in and of itself isn't any better.  Not all opinions are equal: informed opinions do, and should, carry more weight than uninformed opinions.

I'm not interested in starting a "war" either, but opinions such as yours are quite prevalent and I thought I should throw something different into the mix.

And besides, sometimes hoopla is true regardless of how we feel about it.  To begin answering your original question about where global warming is occurring, check the link I've provided.  you don;t have to agree with it, but there is actual research behind the claims.

-- Modified on 7/8/2007 8:36:56 AM

And what could make you feel better than believing you are saving the Earth? that is as close to Superman as you can get.

If only their idea of saving the Earth didn't involve telling the rest of us how to live.

Are only a reliable, independent source if you agree with their slant. They are as political as it gets.

Bumper stickers like this one can make all the difference.  Let's at least agree to pretend like we are doing something.  Stay the course, in other words.  And promote our latest music or film release at the same time.  Who could not relate to that?!

This is an extremely dangerous chemical that should be banned forever, before it kills even more people.

  It is the main component of 'acid rain', hundreds of people die each year from inhaling it, it is directly responsible for thousands or automobile accidents each year, it is found in all oceans, rivers and streams, and the list of its hazards goes on and on.   Please, write your congresspersons demanding an immediate ban of this extremely dangerous chemical!!

  So, just exactly what is this hazardous chemical, and why haven't we heard of it yet?  Dihydrogen-H2, monoxide-O. We've all heard of H2O, haven't we?

  Notice that everything I stated about it is exactly true. Forget about context here, we're ramming our agenda onto the public, and must have their support.

  Seriously now, how many of you were a little bit convinced that we should ban the chemical?  There's a huge difference between true science that looks at all sides objectively, and junk science intended to purport an opinion as fact.

  Rock stars, or any other famous person, have exactly one agenda....get rich quick. They'll use any means to accomplish that goal that they can.  Who cares if there's not a shred of truth to it, as long as the money keeps rolling in.

  Here's another example, I live near Reno, there's always a big to-do about arsenic in the water. Deadly poison! We must spend billions to remove it from our water supply, and since the government says it, it must be true.  So, I did some research on my own. I read obituaries, and found that the vast majority of people who had lived here all their lives and drank all this highly poisonous water (there wasn't bottled water back then) lived into their 80's and 90's. Hmmm...we seem to have a slight difference between the doomsayers predictions and the reality of history. Oh, my research wasn't done with a huge taxpayer funded government grant using government regulated test criteria, so I guess it's not valid.

  Sometimes it seems the line between good and bad gets a little blurred, doesn't it?

Although there appear to be a couple of "scientists" here who claim to know what they are talking about, I am a simple man who lives life the best I can. My idea of Global Warming would involve massaging the globes of Cindy Spice and heating up the room until there is an explosion of epic proportions. Ah, the joys of an uncomplicated and simple mind...

Is it "global warming" or "climate change" now- it's hard to keep up with this. I am old enough to remember when the "scientists" were all out there scaring us to death about "global cooling" and the inevitable ice age that was lurking out there waiting to swallow us up in a massive flowing glacier. I miss those good old days-- I look good in a sweater.

Research is a good thing. It allows you to check things out for yourself. Of course, the layman's research is a bit complicated when the organizations you rely on for information are politically or financially motivated by outcomes. There was a post earlier mentioning the "irrefutable" science on this subject-- Hmm, that sounds like a guy on a quest for the truth--lol.

I travel a lot and one of the places is to India. There is an article today in the Times that makes some interesting observations, many anecdotal in nature, but interesting none the less. I read it and offer it to you as a supplement to whatever else you are using as research on this issue.

Beware the guy who is telling you the sky is falling and then tries to sell you a new roof. The sky may or may not be falling, but a new roof ain't gonna help.

What if your ideas of how to live contribute to fucking up the earth for the rest of us?  Aren't you imposing your choices on us then?

I guess you didn't read my other post about how one always paints the other side as having an agenda while their own side is honest and objective.

It's easier than actually dealing with issues.

"Dihydrogen-H2, monoxide-O"? Yeah I saw that episode of Bullshit too.  Penn & Teller would have fallen for the same shit if they didn't have to research it so they could make well-meaning but scientifically illiterate kids look stupid.  And unless you're up on your chemistry so would you.  If you ran that line past conservative anti-global warming advocates they would have also given the same response.  But don't P&T have a libertarian perspective - one in which everything that calls for government regulation is wrong, while corporate practices are always unexamined?  It's ridiculous that people pass off their own points of view as "objective" while accusing other people of having agendas.

"Oh, my research wasn't done with a huge taxpayer funded government grant using government regulated test criteria, so I guess it's not valid."  No, your research leaves a lot of assumptions unexamined, and it hasn't been peer-reviewed by the scientific community, that's why it's not valid.

Scientists around the world, including Nobel Prize winners have argued for the validity of global warming.  You don't have to agree with them [many reputable scientists don't] but to think you can dismiss their arguments with simplistic "research" is just the kind of "aw shucks" know-nothing attitude that Bush loves to pass off as science.

-- Modified on 7/8/2007 1:49:34 PM

-- Modified on 7/8/2007 1:53:03 PM

-- Modified on 7/8/2007 1:54:17 PM

Seriously, the assumptions that Al Gore & company (and I do mean company, as he IS making money off this) are as follows:
1) Climate models that primarily use CO2, CH4 and other greenhouse gases as a predictor of climate change predict Global Warming.
2) The increase in CO2 that is caused by man is selectively changing the climate and further,
3) the CO2 that comes from the Industrialized nations is primarily at fault...
4) Nations such as China and India do not contribute to the CO2 induced climate change... and therefore do not have to abide by the Kyoto acord.

yea, that makes sense....

but wait, there is more...

5) the models that are used give greater importance to climate change caused by the CO2 levels than the contributions made by the sun... which may provide some realistic explanation for global warming observed by the Goddard Space Center on Mars, Pluto and other Solar Bodies.... what's that about?

6) Finally, there is an assumption that this is the warmest period on earth - EVER!  Was it?  they why did the Vikings call Greenland GREENLAND!  to me, it looks mighty white!  Having flown over it a few times....

7) There is an assumption that "Scientists" are neutral somewhat monastic as "keepers and sayers of truth"!  lol!  There are horrendous examples of very bad dudes doing science...  so please, spare me that the scientists are impartial, they are far from impartial... having sat on national review panels... and having been instructed to "fit an agenda" I can tell you that NOTHING is further from the truth that science is politically neutral... it just ain't!  want an example?  Reagan and HIV.... for many years, there was little funds going into HIV research... until the affected folk united and forced funding.

If you wish to argue that cutting down on Co2 emissions is a good thing, due to our mideast oil dependancy, I am all for it.... but cut the crap.... this is yet another mechanism to sell newspapers... and prop up yet another dim bulb washed up, has been politician.  again.... I will repeat it for the masses... if you want real issues that really do affect peoples lives... tackle the problems that plague mankind... that we know that mankind DOES CAUSE and can do something about - these would be:
Greed
Brutality
Ignorance
Dehumanization

Where are the politicians decrying these very real issues?

And I totally agree about the dreaded potential of CREATING Global warming by rubbind Miss Cindy's Globes!  as I fear that If I were to meet her, I would be tempted to burn the earth to a cinder by friction with Cindy! lol!  she seems nice! and thoughtful!

But they often don't. And there in lies the problem. Too much these days is exaggerated into a "crisis" that needs to be "fixed" immediately. And these fixes come with a tremendous price tag that may or may not solve the alleged problem.

You don't sound like a fan of Mr. Bush. So consider this- Many say we are in a war now that was ill-considered. They say facts were mis-represented to gin up a call to action and while there were some dissenting voices they were largely drowned out by the forces hell bent on going to war--

Likewise, on this "global warming" or "climate change" or whatever it is called these days- the drumbeat is loud for massive expenditures and changes that may or may not do a damn thing to impact anything but taking more money out of everyone's pocket while dictating to others their "ideas of how to live". While you clearly do not agree with their position, skeptics do have their place and often times prove themselves to be prescient in the process.

This board is a kind of metaphor of sorts for this whole subject. We write reviews and post comments advising others of the virtues of our favorite ladies and at times warning others of scams and ripoffs. Even with all the info provided on this board, some very serious players can get scammed by a new and pretty face that appears on the scene. That's why I generally avoid unreviewed girls or ladies that have only been on the scene a short time. For me, this "global warming" scare falls woefully short in the credibility department. The "science" seems too untested for me to be pursuaded. While you may be comfortable enough to buy in, I am remembering not too long ago when we were being told global cooling was happening. I bought a lot of fur coats in preparation and now they tell me I'm going to need beach wear-- This is starting to piss me off...lol

-- Modified on 7/8/2007 6:41:53 PM

No I don't "buy into" anything.  I just think it's ridiculous that there is a mountain of evidence and argumentation that people are smugly and casually dismissing because they think a rock concert is hypocritical.

I am a much bigger skeptic than you think but skepticism shouldn't be confused with cynicism.  A skeptic is someone who must be convinced, and by extension CAN be convinced.  A cynic never can be.  Skeptics do not assume that complex issues can be explained away with "common sense" [which is a great euphemism for deliberate ignorance] or reductive quips.

I am not sufficiently informed about the issue to either authoritatively accept or reject any arguments, but I won't cover up my ignorance with one-liners.

BTW, as an atheist who rejects all forms of spirituality and metaphysics there aren't many people more skeptical than me.  But skepticism doesn't entail going against the grain just for the hell of it.

"My idea of Global Warming would involve massaging the globes of Cindy Spice and heating up the room until there is an explosion of epic proportions. Ah, the joys of an uncomplicated and simple mind..."

I am total game for that *wink wink*

Look I never claimed to be a "scientists" or any type of expert (except in sex )

But I do have my own theories based on life experiences and travels all around the world.

I was in Israel during the golf war and while every one was rushing to get their gas masks  sealing windows and putting towels under their doors. I was standing on a balcony of a High rise watching missiles and scads as they were fireworks. Every one was freaking out about gas/nuclear bombs. I wasn't even worried about it because of MY own theories and thoughts............. and wow I was right !!!!hmmm

You mean I am already paying but not getting any ??? LOL LOL LOL Sounds like most marriages.
LOL LOL LOL

and you missed my point!
I didn't say inmates have it easy .......but they don't have it too shabby here in the U.S. compared lets say to a chinese prison..........now that is what I call rough. No I wasn't in prison but I had a GirlFriend who had to do time because she got caught overstaying her visa in Hong-Kong. and let me tell you it is not a pretty site. She was very lucky to have me there to help her out or she would have rotted in jail for life.

Unless you have traveled to 3rd world countries or middle east (like I did) actually prisoners or the homeless. have it pretty good.

but besides that my issue about global warming is even if it is happening not much we can do against mother nature and growing population around the world.

and other issues should be taken care of . like why am I paying for my social security but it doesn't look like I will be getting that when I get older.
Health care ........not even going to go there we all know that problem.
or the FDA looking for reasons to bann things if they can't make a profit on it.
Immigration issues ( Thanks god I was born in the U.S.)
Just saying there is this huge focus on "global warming" while there are way more important things to worry about............Just my opinion that's all.

as though the vast majority of these so called 'crises' are in reality very clever attempts of government to purport itself as our saviors.  In my experience, they'll stop at absolutely nothing to maintain the dominant stranglehold they have over the people.

  It really makes them feel good when they can create a crisis (the oil shortage in 1975?), then be the superheros and 'solve' it. I can't help but wonder just how much of the Boston Tea Party was about taxes, and how much of it was about people who had more than they could stand of being dominated by a self-serving government that couldn't care any less about the people it was supposed to serve.

  OK, I'll get off my soapbox now. lol.