Earth Hour...who turned out the lights?

Tonight, Citizens of Planet Earth, are being asked to come together in a call for action on climate change in a novel way!

And, if the buzz is bang on - hundreds of millions of humanoids, business owners, global corporations (governments, too) - will answer the urgent plea for a raise in conciousness.

How will that lofty goal be accomplished?

By turning off lights for one hour tonight (March 27th) @ 8:30 p.m.

"You will be making the switch to a cleaner - more secure nation - and prosperous America," assert the organizers.

In essence, Earth Hour plans to send a crystal clear message to Nations around the globe, that Americans care about the global warming  issues - and  ultimately - want to to "turn the lights out" on the nasty trend to ignore dirty air, dangerous dependency on foreign oil, and the costs involved with a clean up.

Since its inception three years ago, Earth Hour’s visionary concept has become a reality.

Nearly one billion people flipped off the switch for Earth Hour in 2009.

Amazingly, 4,100 cities in 87 countries on seven continents rose to the occasion, to become part of a growing global phenomenon.

Now, if the organizers could just get everyone to chant "OM" at the top of the Earth Hour, the whole planet would be truly humming.

I plan to to meditate!

How 'bout you?

OM!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Robert F. Kennedy Junior...polar bear SOS! Sign petition to protect endangered species...

Robert F. Kennedy SOS!

Recently, I caught a thought-provoking (disturbing) documentary on the plight of the Polar Bear at the Artivist Film Festival at the Egyptian Theatre (Hollywood).

Post:  12/06/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/12/ice-bears-of-beaufortcaptivating.html

Now, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has also sprung into action to prevent the Polar Bear from disappearing off  the face of the globe.

Early this week, for example, I opened my snail mailbox -  and a well-researched packet on global warming and its impact on the Polar Bear - fell out into my hands.

In the informative documents fired off under the auspices of the NRDC (Earth's Best Defense) - Mr. Kennedy noted that in spite of the mounting death toll in the Arctic - the Interior Department has refused to give the polar bear the highest level of endangered species protection it so urgently needs and deserves.

Dumb politicians, with no compassion or foresight - such as Sarah Palin - have actually put their energy into ensuring the Polar Bear is not protected or included on the endanagered species list.

Shocking, in view of the facts, staring mankind in the face.

Right now the muffled cries of newborn polar bears can be heard far and wide as their snowy dens collapse from unseasonable rains.

The young are also succumbing to starvation after enduring longer and longer periods without food.

By virtue of a petition, Kennedy notes that over one million Americans are now preparing to call on the Obama administration to give the polar bear full-fledged protection.

In addition, the politician-turned-environmentalist, is fighting alongside other concerned citizens in federal courts around the country to put an end to industry groups and trophy hunters pushing the bear one step closer to extinction.

Inside the envelope, the NRDC has included a petition to sign and return to their headquarters in Merrifield (VA), with a plea to Interior Secreary Ken Salazar to launch a program to protect the bears right now.

Concerned citizens may also contribute donations (five dollars, ten  dollars, whatever) to help fund the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

In closing, Kennedy underscores that it will be an uphill battle, because there will be pressure from Oil lobbyists to maintain the current George Bush policy to promote oil exploration first and foremost.

If you recall, before leaving office - in the 11th hour of his Presidency - George W. auctioned off a vast expanse of Alaska's Chukchi Sea (home of half-a-million polar bears) to Shell and other oil corporations.

For starters, that could place the imperiled polar bear population in the path of any disastorous oil spill.

Act now, eh?

Info:  www.polarbearSOS.org

National Resources Defense Council
40 West 20th Street
New York, New York
10011

http://www.julianayrs.com

Osama bin Laden...ass backwards terrorist! Screws loose loser needs therapy...

Anyone with an ounce of intelligence (and/or common sense) must have done a double-take this morning if they caught sight of the report on Osama bin Laden and his latest absurd smoke-screen tactics!
Allegedly, Mr. Laden (!) switched gears this past week, in a sinister bold-faced effort to stab Americans in the heart, when he announced to a stunned world that the U.S.(and a handful of her allies) were responsible for global warming.

"The only way to prevent disaster is to boycott U.S. goods and stop using the dollar," the old goat herder hissed from his palatial digs in the impoverished environs of the outer perimeters of an unidentified war-torn nation.

The mad-man not only underscored what an idiot he is, but stressed the lengths he and his merry band of bombers will go, to justify their flimsy reasons for blowing up the Twin Towers (911).

For starters, his wild notion that killing innocent folks is okay willy-nilly on behalf of a convoluted cause (yet to be determined ) underscored what an idiot monster he truly is.

Now, it appears that he is under the mistaken immpression that citing climate change will somehow justify a full frontal attack on the U.S.

I guess that a slow death by global warming is more sinister (and heinous) a crime than one where the individual gets blown up instantaneously and feels no "pain" or suffers any consequence in the immediate aftermath.

In retrospect, it appears that Osama bin Laden is keenly aware that his 911 actions were totally unacceptable in a civilized society (where murder is just that: murder) - and for good reason - is  now back-paddling to find ways to justify the cold-blooded killings which set the global community on fire.

Does Osama honestly expect us to believe that he cares one iota about global warming?

Or, that he would honestly boycott the purchase of  U.S. weapons, to force America's hand  in respect to the green house effect complained of now?

Osama has been in the desert too long, and his brain has turned  to mush, as a consequence.

Bottom line, if the truth be known, Osama and his cohorts are just  plain jealous of North Americans and their consumer lifestyle.

It's not America's fault that Osama bin Laden was born ugly, in a skin he's prefer to be of the silky-white kind  (and into a culture - and homeland - which few find appealing in the global scheme of things).

Osama bin Laden is facing centuries-old bad karma.

He should pack it  in and call it a day; otherwise, they'll continue to be numbered.

Osama bin Laden is welcome to conjure up all the sorry excuses he wants to try to convince a disbelieving world that he actually cares about human-kind (or the environment).

The fool must think Americans have stupid written all over their foreheads.

Not!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

George Bush...11th Hour rape of environment. Prez sticks it to Americans!

One news flash noted that a bid by George Bush to drill for oil in a sensitive land preserve was turned down by the Federal Court of Appeal.

In another report, the President announced his 11th hour plan - while thumbing his nose at the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Al Gore, no doubt - to speed up new rules for oil shale development across 2 million acres in the West.
In fact, an auction has already been scheduled for drilling rights alongside three National parks, according to insiders.

Sly plans have also been set into motion to finalize changes in envronmental rules and regulations geared towards protecting endangered species, to allow more mining waste to flow into rivers and streams and exempt factory farms from reporting air pollution.

Researchers who track "midnight regulations" note that the unethical practice was highly regarded - and put to use - by Clinton and Reagan before him.

Allegedly, Bush has greenlighted 53 initiatives through the federal office of Information & Regulatory Affairs in the past three weeks.

One senior fellow (Veronique de Rugy) at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University charged that outgoing presidents have an incentive to "push bills" that the next administration won't be in favor of.

"It's your last chance to exert influence in the future."

Talk about hardball!

Obama needs to post a handful of neon signs around the White House right away.

No Dumping!

As to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, well, Bush's message is crystal clear.

Take a hike!

You don't have to read between the lines of the Court's "opinion" to fathom why.

Ruling on the 1st of several major new projects for tapping oil and gas deposits from the Arctic floor, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals said that the Federal Government should have prepared a more exhaustive environmental review before concluding that the impact on whales, caribou, and other Arctic wildlife would either be insignificant or difficult to mitigate.

Consequently, the Bush appeal was rejected.

Part and parcel to their findings, the Court - which ruled 2-1 against the Bush administration on the issues - ordered the Federal Minerals Management Agency to prepare a more thorough review.

In view of the pending change of the guard at the White House in the near future, analysts have noted there obviously won't be sufficient time for Bush to take a second crack at getting his way.

So, in the alternative, the Prez is pulling the old switcheroo on unsuspecting Americans, who have been twiddling their thumbs waiting for his term to expire with a whimper.

No, sir.

Georgie-boy intends to go out with a bang!

Although the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal decision was not a certain victory - one of the plaintiffs in the court action in opposition to the Bush camp - made a statement for the record.

"If polar bears and other ice-dependent species are to survive as the Arctic melts in the face of global warming, we need to protect their critical habitat, not to turn it into an industrial zone."

Somebody better cry foul soon - and take appropriate action - before this country is sold down the river by Bush and his cronies.

Again!

A quote by Shulamith Firestone seems appropriate under the circumstances.

"Power, however it has evolved, whatever its origins, will not be given up without a struggle."

Sarah Palin...trading in mukluks for a pair of flip-flops!

A festive spritely-colored pair of flip flops for every policy change...



Well now, turn-about is fair play, I guess!

In Sarah Palin's case - it calls for a celebration - 'fer sure!

It appears that the VP hopeful has changed her stance on "global warming" after upteen bloggers (myself included) criticized the Gov's outrageous assertions, for instance, that humans were not responsible for the green house gases which have caused huge chunks of glacier to crash into the sea - and in their destructive wake - strand polar bears on ice flows as far as the eye can see.

In her interview with Charlie Gibson last night on ABC News, Palin ate a little crow - just as tasty as Moose Meat, some say - and 'fessed up.

Yup, she'd ventured off the environmental track, a todd - um - tad!

Did John McCain pull her aside and give her a good lipstick lashing?

Or, did Sarah goodie-two-shoes manage to fathom the reality of global warming all by her lonesome?

No matter.

Looks like Sarah will be trading in those mukluks for - you got it - flip flops.

Welcome to the Washington Club, Sarah!

Sarah, I told 'ya so...

Sarah Palin...tried to fire librarian and ban books! Sordid past surfaces...

Save me from Sarah, please...

When a reporter asked a McCain spokesperson if Sarah Palin would be tossed aside as a candidate for the Vice Presidency in view of all the negative press in recent days, he was taken aback.

"Over a seventeen-year-old's pregnancy?" he asked incredulously.

The McCain handler has either not been paying attention to the news - or, in the alternative - republicans are just a stupid lot.

It's not a question of a teen being impregnated out-of-wedlock!

In recent days, vigorous efforts on the part of journalists around the country, have turned up a handful of startling - and unsettling - Sarah Palin scandals.

For instance, she allegedly tried to have a librarian fired for not banning books she was inclined to strike from the catalogues.

One must have been a tome on "Pork Funding"; after all, it probably struck too close to home.

Another, must have been a manual whipped up by professionals on the subject of sex education.

Yes, Palin prefers the great white north to be populated with unwed teenagers with babies in tow.

At least it will keep 'em out of trouble at home in their igloos on dark wintry nights.

Then, there are the reports that Palin was actually involved with an ultra-aggressive anti-American organization that sought Alaska's secession from the United States.

Funny that.

This past week McCain's handlers were noting that Palin was a prime choice for the VP ticket.

Why?

Because Alaska was a scant three miles from Russia - and hence - the 44-year old mother of five was keen on security issues.

If that's the case - did she ever ponder what the threat would have been - had Alaska broken off from the United States and been set adrift?

When you view her record - what there is of it - it's also evident that Palin has flip-flopped all over an environment that she now seeks to plunder with intrusive oil drilling in sensitive wild-life habitats.

Yeah, the cuddly Polar Bear is in her targets, next!

Her extremist views on abortion, prejudices against gays, and screwy ideas about teaching creationism in schools add to the lunacy.

Notwithstanding, it should be noted that contrary to what McCain alleges, insiders have confessed that Palin was a last-minute un-thought-out choice.

I half-expect the other hopefuls passed over are laughing behind his back.

"Serves you right, soldier boy."

Yeah, the election battle has been lost.

The Dems are a shoe-in now.


Oil rigs threaten fragile environment...

Sarah Palin...Hurricane Gustav bites VP hopeful in the a**!

Because of the strengthening force of Hurricane Gustav, Republicans were forced to take precaution, and scale back their schedule for the convention underway in the twin cities.

An appearance by George Bush was cancelled, for starters.

As a result, it looks like Sarah Palin's "moment in the sun" is going to be a big "wash out".

That's quite ironic, when you consider the VP hopeful's views on the subject of global warming.

Palin alleges that the disturbing trend in climate change is not "man-made".

However, in recent days, scientists have noted that the fingerprint of global warming on the strongest storms - including Gustav - is becoming clearer with more research each new day.

Looks like Hurricane Gustav just jumped up and bit Palin on her ignorant a**!

Karma, baby, Karma!

Sarah Palin...ignorance about global warming may cost Republicans election!

God's endless bounty, Sarah?

Although Sarah Palin (the VP hopeful plucked out of obscurity to be McCain's running-mate) is hardly out of the starter's gate, she's already managed to step in a heap load of caribou sh**, nonetheless.

In spite of glaring evidence to the contrary, Palin has stated for the record, that she does not think global warming is "man-made".

The silly arctic come-lately is not only uneducated and misinformed - but, quite frankly - an idiot, as well!

Unless the self-proclaimed hockey mom takes a crash course in the obvious in the next few weeks, I expect that her shocking ignorance will cost the Republicans the election in the fall.

Martin Luther King, Jr. once opined,

"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

Negative impact of global warming in Alaska. Duh!

Barack Obama...side-steps questions! Typical slime-ball politician?

The morning papers were awash with news bites on the heels of Barack Obama's brief stop-over in France - and his subsequent meeting with President - Nicolas Sarkozy.

Some reporters focused on their discussions about Iran's nuclear program, global warming, and such.

But, for many, issues pertaining to U.S. and French relations appeared to be at the fore.

Others wondered, how would Barack's meeting with Sarkozy, would be interpreted by the voters?

In one report, it was theorized that John Kerry's French "connections" negatively affected his campaign for President a scant few years ago.

Outspoken critics, for instance, poked fun and hinted he was "less-than-American" because of family ties in St. Briac-sur-Mer and his ability to fluently converse in the French language.

To prevent such a crisis from arising in his camp - it appears that Obama's intuition shifted into high gear - and he reacted according.

For example, when the Senator was asked - "whether it was a good thing to be loved by the French in the United States" - he evaded the question!

Instead, he responded by diplomatically stating,

"I think the American voter understands that problems like climate change, or energy, or terrorism cannot be solved by any one country alone and that it has to be a group effort."

Heh, Obama!

It was a simple question that required a simple answer: "yes" or "no".

Ah, that sneaky dem side-stepped the issue!

Yeah, the presidential hopeful went for the pat answer that would appeal across the board without offending.

But, the question still remains.

"Is it a good thing to be loved by the French in the United States, Obama?"

We're waiting patiently for your answer!

As an unknown pundit once said,

"Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing regularly and for the same reason."

Beijing Olympics...China ignorant about Global Warming. "Dog meat" consumption revolting notion!

China's last gleaming...

Protests in San Francisco...

In anticipation of a host of swarming masses descending on the Olympics in the next few weeks, China has issued some ultimatums to create a "greener" setting for the games.

For example, Officials have restricted the use of private automobiles on the streets over the next few weeks to reduce smog.

And, have increased mass transit in a bold-faced effort to alleviate the problem as well.

What a joke!

According to recent statistics, at least sixteen of the twenty most polluted cities are in China.

And - in spite of the fact the Chinese government has recently begun to relocate factories, haul old clunkers off the street, and plant trees to get a jump on global warming - it's all a little too late, isn't it?

The 11th hour actions should have been prompted by concerns about the environment, not by a deceitful attempt to gloss over the obvious - and in the process - conjure up a superficial image to the Nations of the world!

In essence, the whole bold-faced ploy is a white-wash.

In fact, China's efforts are akin to slapping a band-aid on a deep wound that has been hemorrhaging for years.

Indeed - some of the damage caused to the environment - is undoubtedly permanent.

The idea that restricting vehicle traffic for the next three weeks will rid the skies of green house gases is a ludicrous notion!

What really turned my stomach, though, was the announcement that a popular entree - "dog meat" - would be taken off the menu during the duration of the games to ensure foreign visitors were not offended during the course of the athletic celebration.

Are they going to allow a few stray dogs to wander the streets for appearances sake, too, before they herd them back to the chopping block at the close of the Olympics?

Talk about inhumane conduct!

This is a country populated by savages, in my estimation.

The arguments for "Boycott" are ripe!

California sues EPA. Attorney General alleges wrongdoing!

Once again the battle rages over the right of Federal Power to supersede State authority.

Recently, George W. Bush signed an energy bill approving emissions controls at a level deemed appropriate to the administration, thereby opening up the door for the EPA to deny a waiver Governor Schwarzenegger sought for the State of California in order to pursue a stepped-up plan for tighter restrictions in the Golden State.

Insisting he takes the issue of global warming very seriously, President Bush backed the EPA'S rejection of the Governor's bid to enact his own set of standards here on the West Coast.

In fact, Bush argued that the energy bill he signed into law was a more effective National strategy and reduced the need for individual state regulations.

I understand the necessity of a Uniform Federal Standard - after all - willy-nilly controls here and there across the Nation are likely to cause confusion. Ultimately, a patchwork of regulations around the United States appears to be impractical at first glance.

But, what is wrong with a heightened pursuit of emission-control action in an overly populated State like California, where factors dictate higher standards may be required - let's say - than in Montana?

None, in my estimation.

So, why was the waiver denied, in all reality?

Schwarzenegger alleges that the State of California met all the criteria for the waiver to be granted and insists that the EPA stalled and delayed deliberately until Bush signed the Energy Bill into Law so they would have grounds to reject his waiver.

For the aforementioned reasons, California has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government (EPA) for relief.

On January 10th, a panel of outraged State and environmental leaders met to thoroughly examine why the Federal Government was hell-bent on denying California and sixteen other states the right to regulate their own emissions from cars, trucks, and SUV's.

In my view, the answer is painfully obvious.

The automakers are not ready to take responsibility yet or implement the emission control changes people are crying out for; essentially, Detroit has been stalling because they need more time.

If the truth be known, lobbyists for the auto industry are pulling the strings behind the scenes and are capable of doing so because they have a handful of powerful politicians in their pockets and at their beck and call.

It's no mystery to me as to what transpires in the corridors of power in Washington, D.C.

Metro Line...fights Global Warming!

On the morning Metro Rail, I noticed a prominent ad on the train, urging commuters to fight global warming.

At long last, rapid transit is getting into the "game".

The ad, a graphic of Earth wrapped in yellow "caution" tape - normally facilitated at homicide sites by Law Enforcement - is quite eye-catching.

A human figure mops a brow and laments,

"Is it just me, or is it getting hotter around here? Maybe it’s because I see so many cars on the road."

The Metro transit blurb notes that taking the light rail is a cool way to curb "Global warming" and urges passengers to go Metro at least once a week to reduce carbon footprints.

Metro has also published a "Trip Planner" to assist commuters unfamiliar with the new mode of transportation to help find their way.

"You can make a difference one train or bus ride at a time," the ad concludes.

Now, if we could only get those stinky old vehicles off the highway before we all turn blue in the face and keel over.

Leonardo DiCaprio...11th hour "Global Warming" concerns!

The 11th Hour is a film focusing on the environment and Global warming, narrated by heart throb, Leonardo DiCaprio.



According to Leonardo,

"Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity."

"We all have to do our part to raise awareness about global warming and the problems we as a people face in promoting a sustainable environmental future for our planet."

Written and directed by sisters - Leila Conners Petersen and Nadia Conners - it is a thought-provoking informative film.

Through the medium of celluloid, DiCaprio and leading scientists from around the Globe, are calling for restorative action through a reshaping of human activity.

To some, the voices heard here may sound a lot like an echo from those that spoke out in former Vice-President Al Gore's timely film: "An Inconvenient Truth".

In some respects - yes - it is.

But in this project there are some refreshing takes on some well-traveled territory which make the bill of fair more palpable this time around.

For instance, one writer known in the field on environmental issues, presents an intriguing argument about our natural resources.

For example, he contends that because the population was once basically stable, mankind was able to survive wholly on natural light.

Then, he argues that once man discovered how to tap into the resources of "ancient sun" - in the form of oil and fossil reserves - humans began to live on borrowed time.

"We are time thieves," one scientist chimed in.

Consequently, because of it, we have been exhausting our natural resources ever since.

When the producers show us what occurs when one grand old tree is cut down in its prime - the dramatic impact on the soil, the run-off water, and the overall negative impact on the environment - it becomes evident to everyone in the audience the need to hasten the preservation of rain forests, for example.

And yes, we should be planting trees!

Another wonderful idea put forth in the 11th Hour greatly impacted me as well.

One scientist noted that on earth existence amounts to two commodities: people and property.

Yes, only two concepts that matter today are: owners and the things that are bought and sold.

Nature, he points out, does not appear to have any rights at all.

The scientists proceed to make a very sound argument for implementing laws to protect the earth's resources and our natural habitat.

"The mission of the community should be to inspire action at every level: from individual action, up through our communities, to the State, National and International level. Aggressive action must be focused on shifting our civilization to a sustainable future."

But here, the tale turns sinister.

Yes, influential forces in Washington, D.C. - lobbyists for the all-powerful oil industry - have heavily unbalanced the landscape.

For example, one Government Official in charge of assessing the state of key environmental issues, is an attorney and formerly a lobbyist for the Oil Companies.

Scientists complain that when they submit their findings to Washington for action, he edits out the incriminating forecasts and facts to soften the impact.

Many of you will no doubt recall watching investigative reports on Dateline and Sixty Minutes about the shocking attempts at a cover-up which are expounded on more fully in the insightful 11th Hour.

I was particularly taken by a reminder from one scientist - that in nature, more-often-than-not - waste is not an end product as the human species would have it.

In nature, for example, what is waste to one life form is sustenance to another.

The scientific team assembled here argue that it's time mankind focused on these kinds of solutions in order to survive in the future.

The film is a bit talky, and preachy, and there's an awful lot of scientific info to digest; but, maybe that's the medicine the modern man needs spoon-fed to him so that he will sit up and take notice.

But, the 11th Hour is not all doom, and gloom, or just a downer.

The film proceeds to offer up suggestions and exciting alternatives for the future.

The number one priority appears to be to build sustainable buildings, for instance; after all, there is a need for the planning and development of structures with an eye towards solar power, recycling of waste, and harmonious compatibility with the environment.

At this juncture - when the producers show rooftop gardens and windmill energy and leading edge technology to recycle waste - the possibilities appear to be exciting, overwhelming, and downright encouraging!

The future may be an exciting new road to travel down, if we give it a chance.

At the Q & A afterward, reps from two major environmental action-groups fielded questions about ways in which consumers can help.

It all starts at home with each individual doing their part: recycling, installing solar panels on rooftops, using clean energy.

Global warming quote, "Because we don't think about future generations, they will never forget us"...Henrik Tikkanen

Al Gore...for president?

On the heels of a Nobel Peace Prize this past week, supporters have run have a full page ad in the New York Times urging the former VP, Al Gore, to run for President in 2008.

In a bid to prompt a response in the affirmative, the "open letter" to Gore, reminds the tireless environmental activist of comments he made in December, 2000,

"I do have one regret: that I didn't get the chance to stay and fight for the American people...especially for those who need burdens lifted and barriers removed, especially for those who feel their voices have not been heard. I heard you and I will not forget."

The group then takes a leap and argues that Gore has obviously not fallen out of love with his country, and that the country needs him now, as does his party and the planet he is fighting hard to save.

Potent musings!

A quote by Jarret Wold, Minot, N.D. is the capper, though,

"There's no higher calling than when a Nation asks for you to lead. We're asking you now to lead, and hope you'll rise to it."

Will he?

If he throws his hat into the ring, the political arena should heat up.

And there should be a lot of fodder for the pundits to feed off...

I've coined this one in anticipation of the race,

Can Al "Gore" Hillary in the next election?

If he does run, it may also be a case of "two stars" colliding...

Gore, after all, is the "main constellation " in the galaxy on Global warming, whereas Fred Thompson is a "star" in his own right - having played a handful of high-profile types in several big-budget Hollywood productions - on occasion, even walking in the shoes of imaginary presidents!

Then, there's the case of Obama...

Gore goes for Barack - er - broke?

Yeah, with a little play on words, the cartoonists should be able to make hay while the sun shines.

In the final analysis, can we really endure another tiresome round of "hanging chads" and sleight of hand at the polling stations?

I say give the man a shot...

But, is he "gore-ho" - uh - "gung-ho" enough to fight the good fight?

Or maybe he's just a sly suitor, waiting to be courted?

You can do that, by signing a petition at: www.draftgore.com

By casting your vote, the man - "that almost was" - may be able to size up the stakes and hazard a guess as to where to hedge his bets!

In the closing "argument", his dream team notes,

"Mr. Vice President, there are times for politicians and times for heroes. America and the earth need a hero right now - someone who will transcend politics as usual and bring real hope to our country and to the world. Please rise to the challenge or you and millions of us will live forever wondering what might have been."

Not me!

But I am inclined to give Gore some slack with a couple of campaign promises...

One, that he arrange for a chauffeur for Al Gore, Jr.

After all, we don't want him maiming any trees along the highway now, do we?

And, that the former VP pass on "passionate" kisses with Tipper - particularly the showy, forced kind, he's prone to plant smack dab on her lips in the most awkward of moments when a camera's present.

Also, please...no further claims to have invented the Internet!

But, I will concede: Mr. Gore did not create "global warming" as a gaggle of his skeptics accused when "Inconvenient Truth" was released.

And, as Columbo would say, "...just one more thing"...

Try not to be so wooden when you stand at the podium - or anywhere, for that matter - and keep the boring talk to a minimum; yeah, spice up the dialogue with a couple of colorful anecdotes, or maybe a few "Reaganisms", for good measure!

That's about it...

And yes, may the best man - you, too, Hillary - win!

11th Hour...Leonardo DiCaprio laments about Global Warming & Environment!

Recently, I was invited to a sneak preview of the 11th Hour - a film about the enviroment - narrated by heart throb Leonardo DiCaprio.

For the most part, the 11th Hour focuses on Global warming.

According to Leonardo,

"Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity."

"We all have to do our part to raise awareness about global warming and the problems we as a people face in promoting a sustainable environmental future for our planet."

Written and directed by sisters - Leila Conners Petersen and Nadia Conners - it is a thought-provoking informative film.

Through the medium of celluloid, DiCaprio and leading scientists from around the Globe, are calling for restorative action through a reshaping of human activity.

To some, the voices heard here may sound a lot like an echo from those that spoke out in former Vice-President Al Gore's timely film: "An Inconvenient Truth".

In some respects - yes - it is.

But in this project there are some refreshing takes on some well-traveled territory which make the bill of fair more palpable this time around.

For instance, one writer known in the field on environmental issues, presents an intriguing argument about our natural resources.

For example, he contends that because the population was once basically stable, mankind was able to survive wholly on natural light.

Then, he argues that once man discovered how to tap into the resources of "ancient sun" - in the form of oil and fossil reserves - humans began to live on borrowed time.

"We are time thieves," one scientist chimed in.

Consequently, because of it, we have been exhausting our natural resources ever since.

When the producers show us what occurs when one grand old tree is cut down in its prime - the dramatic impact on the soil, the run-off water, and the overall negative impact on the environment - it becomes evident to everyone in the audience the need to hasten the preservation of rain forests, for example.

And yes, we should be planting trees!

Another wonderful idea put forth in the 11th Hour greatly impacted me as well.

One scientist noted that on earth existence amounts to two commodities: people and property.

Yes, only two concepts that matter today are: owners and the things that are bought and sold.

Nature, he points out, does not appear to have any rights at all.

The scientists proceed to make a very sound argument for implementing laws to protect the earth's resources and our natural habitat.

"The mission of the community should be to inspire action at every level: from individual action, up through our communities, to the State, National and International level. Aggressive action must be focused on shifting our civilization to a sustainable future."

But here, the tale turns sinister.

Yes, influential forces in Washington, D.C. - lobbyists for the all-powerful oil industry - have heavily unbalanced the landscape.

For example, one Government Official in charge of assessing the state of key environmental issues, is an attorney and formerly a lobbyist for the Oil Companies.

Scientists complain that when they submit their findings to Washington for action, he edits out the incriminating forecasts and facts to soften the impact.

Many of you will no doubt recall watching investigative reports on Dateline and Sixty Minutes about the shocking attempts at a cover-up which are expounded on more fully in the insightful 11th Hour.

I was particularly taken by a reminder from one scientist - that in nature, more-often-than-not - waste is not an end product as the human species would have it.

In nature, for example, what is waste to one life form is sustenance to another.

The scientific team assembled here argue that it's time mankind focused on these kinds of solutions in order to survive in the future.

The film is a bit talky, and preachy, and there's an awful lot of scientific info to digest; but, maybe that's the medicine the modern man needs spoon-fed to him so that he will sit up and take notice.

But, the 11th Hour is not all doom, and gloom, or just a downer.

The film proceeds to offer up suggestions and exciting alternatives for the future.

The number one priority appears to be to build sustainable buildings, for instance; after all, there is a need for the planning and development of structures with an eye towards solar power, recycling of waste, and harmonious compatibility with the environment.

At this juncture - when the producers show rooftop gardens and windmill energy and leading edge technology to recycle waste - the possibilities appear to be exciting, overwhelming, and downright encouraging!

The future may be an exciting new road to travel down, if we give it a chance.

At the Q & A afterward, reps from two major environmental action-groups fielded questions about ways in which consumers can help.

It all starts at home with each individual doing their part: recycling, installing solar panels on rooftops, using clean energy.