Posts filed under ‘Culture’
Al Gore’s Challenge
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- Q&A about the challenge
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What People Are Saying
Sen. John McCain, likely Republican presidential nominee:
McCain said he admires Gore as an early and outspoken advocate of addressing the global warming problem even though “there may be some aspects of climate change that he and I are in disagreement (on).” Of the goals Gore outlined Thursday for generating more electricity with solar and wind resources, McCain said, “If the vice president says it’s doable, I believe it’s doable.” Source: Associated Press
Sen. Barack Obama, likely Democratic presidential nominee:
“For decades, Al Gore has challenged the skeptics in Washington on climate change and awakened the conscience of a nation to the urgency of this threat. I strongly agree with Vice President Gore that we cannot drill our way to energy independence, but must fast-track investments in renewable sources of energy like solar power, wind power and advanced biofuels, and those are the investments I will make as President. It’s a strategy that will create millions of new jobs that pay well and cannot be outsourced, and one that will leave our children a world that is cleaner and safer.”
Rep. Edward Markey, Chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming:
“Vice President Gore’s call today reflects not just the urgency of global warming, but the pent up renewable energy revolution that is waiting in the wings, ready to be unleashed. At a time when fossil fuels are dragging down our economy, we should be looking to free fuels like the wind and the sun to power our economy, and we should be moving swiftly to bring these promising energy sources to the entire world.
“Congress must take this clarion call from our nation’s climate sage and act, swiftly and fairly. Climate legislation can grow our economy, assist low and middle income families and workers, and transition us to a stable, clean energy future, but we are running out of time.
“It has been more than two years since the release of ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, and we have still not answered the call to save our planet and save our economy. We cannot go another two years, or even one year, without passing legislation to significantly cut global warming emissions and unleash a renewable energy future.”
Dr. James Hansen, Director, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies:
“This is just what the doctor ordered — to cure our carbon addiction and stimulate the economy. It would be the turning point that is needed to lead the world to a stable climate.”
Jonathan Lash, President, World Resources Institute:
“Climate change and energy security not just threats…they are opportunities. Vice President Gore has issued an audacious and timely challenge: imagine our future and our children’s future if we seize the moment. We need to change the debate in this country from what we can’t do to what we can do. America has led every major technological shift in the last 100 years, and we can lead the next one as well. The problem is not technology, it is political will.”
Bill McKibbon, author & climate activist:
“Finally a response to both the science of climate and the economics of energy on a scale commensurate with the problem. This is a plan that breaks us out of muddling, temporizing stalemate and sets a clear path forward towards an imaginable future. I’m not sure what prize you get once you’ve won the Nobel, but this initiative deserves it.”
Carol M. Browner, former EPA Administrator, and Principal of The Albright Group LLC:
“Once again, Al Gore is demonstrating his passion, leadership and ingenuity when it comes to offering real solutions to the climate and energy crisis. Al Gore recognizes that the enormity of the problem demands a hands-on approach that requires all of us to pitch in with good old-fashioned American innovation and resourcefulness. The time is now to move beyond conventional thinking and short-term politics, and Al Gore is charting a new course that will bring real, lasting change.”
Lee Thomas, Former EPA Administrator (under President Reagan):
“Our environment, economy and national security interests are threatened as never before. It’s time for all of us to commit to a comprehensive plan to break free of these threats. Al Gore is challenging each of us to be a part of the solution. I believe it will take this kind of bold initiatives and strong national leadership if we are to be successful.”
David G. Hawkins, Director, Climate Programs, Natural Resources Defense Council:
“Finally, a clear and compelling call to do what is both possible and essential to help solve the climate crisis. Al Gore’s call for a truly clean electric power fleet in a decade is the scale of action we need to break the back of global warming. With a prompt action plan from Congress, including a firm limit on global warming pollution, America can reach this goal in time to help the world avoid the worst impacts of a disrupted climate.”
Dan Kammen, Energy and Resources Group, UC Berkeley:
“Vice President Gore’s speech today sets the tone for a new American Century: one that is based around an economics and a technological capacity to value the planet, not to degrade it. The call for a clean energy future — one where jobs are gained, not lost — through the secure resources of energy efficiency and renewable energy, is one that we can achieve, but it will take leadership. We are already seeing nations around the planet discover that a future where wind, solar, geothermal, clean hydropower, and other clean energy sources can play major roles in their economic rebirth. The challenge is to expand greatly the research base and deployment capacity of these industries, and to construct new markets that select climate-friendly energy supplies first. The United States, under committed visionary leadership can become the engine of a global economic revitalization around clean power, and Vice President Gore has outlined a plan and take a major step to begin the greening of the 21st Century.
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David Yarnold, Executive Director, Environmental Defense Fund
“Al Gore is exactly right about our economic, environmental, and national security challenges. We need bold leadership if we’re going to build a secure and prosperous future for the United States. Together we can find the most efficient and effective path forward.”
Alden Meyer, Director of Strategy and Policy, Union of Concerned Scientists:
“Vice President Gore has laid down a bold challenge to America, and we applaud his leadership. The science is clear and compelling — we face truly serious consequences from human-induced climate change that require an urgent response. We must transform our economy by using energy much more efficiently, and by tapping our huge domestic reservoir of clean, renewable resources.
Once again, Al Gore has underscored that incremental solutions are not sufficient, and that we must mobilize for the rapid transformation of our energy economy. We have the technologies needed to slash our emissions of heat-trapping gases in every sector of the economy; what’s needed is the political will to move them into the marketplace much more quickly.”
“We must all take Al Gore’s call for action seriously. Responding to climate change requires the full engagement of national, state and local public officials, business executives, religious and community leaders, and every citizen. By uniting in this common purpose and mobilizing America’s ingenuity and can-do spirit, we can rise to this challenge. We can revitalize our economy, increase our energy security, and do our part to cut global warming pollution, all at the same time.”
“Vice President Gore deserves our deep thanks for highlighting the need for action in such a clear and compelling way. Now it’s up to all of us to respond with the same level of courage and conviction he has shown in working together to get the job done.”
Together, We Can Meet The Challenge
Former Vice President Al Gore to Issue Important Challenge
In a speech in Washington, DC, on July 17, Nobel Laureate and Former Vice President Al Gore will issue a major challenge to our country. He will essentially press the “reset” button on how we think about energy and climate, and how we can create prosperity in America.
Al Gore’s speech will generate a great deal of attention and excitment. Be sure to check back at www.wecansolveit.org for full coverage of the event the afternoon of July 17!
Al Gore To Issue Important Challenge
Something important is happening tomorrow.
In a speech in Washington, DC, Nobel Laureate and Former Vice President Al Gore will issue a major challenge, essentially pressing the “reset” button on how we think about energy and climate, and how we can create prosperity in America.
His speech will generate a great deal of attention.
Sincerely,
Cathy Zoi
CEO
www.wecansolveit.org
Existential Vicissitudes
Something almost unworldly is unfolding. I can’t quite place it but I feel its coming…
Nearly two weeks ago now, around the time I made my last post, I experienced a glimpse into some unreal — and yet, somehow truer than reality — moment in the shape of a dream. It was only a brief interruption to my usual deranged dream sequences but I haven’t been able to shake its effect since. It opened up something inside of me. I feel like I’m seeing clearer, feeling stronger, understanding everything more than I ever have before, in every sense; metaphysically. It’s much like what Ellis achieved in this short story I wrote long ago, entitled Tripper’s Dream.
Ellis had entirely given up on life and living in general, completely secluding himself from everything he had ever known to escape the horrible depressions raiding his long-sheltered life, until all he had left were his thoughts. And with no real self-meaning of his own, his mind unwittingly seeked some sense of purpose in the dreams of others. Dreams he was able to play witness to in every way, beyond the limits of the physical body, as though they were his own experiences. He found more truth in these artful, meandering memories and fantasies than he ever did before and eventually came to feel more awake, more alive, when invading the dreams of others than he ever did in his own conscious world. This strange pastime of his carried on until he eventually encountered someone else wandering the lucid realm with him and, together, they decided to leave behind the real world altogether in pursuit of an existence solely as free-flowing thoughts.
Well, anyway… I guess that probably all sounds like Quantum Physics hogwash but the truth is, for that brief moment (which seemed to last quite longer at the time), I played witness myself to colours that were brighter and more varied than any I’d ever seen, felt an overwhelming sense of serenity and even a distinct feeling of weightlessness, illustrated by the act of actually floating on water. I know, for certain, that this was no ordinary dream, much less a dream at all.
Lately, D and I have been feeling quite… um… well, for lack of a more appropriate way of putting this, more “in touch with ourselves” and I don’t know if it’s related at all to that experience I’ve had. We’ve even begun practising astral projection together and, though it didn’t really work the first time, whatever we managed to achieve ignited something sexual within us. We’ve been having the best sex we’ve ever had these past two weeks now. Maybe, if we can keep this up, we’ll finally be able to express our passion in the astral plane. Yeah. Now I know nobody’s taking me seriously anymore.
Something’s in the air. I don’t know what it is yet but whatever it is, it’s definitely looking positive…
Message For World Environment Day 2008
by General Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary
Kick The Carbon Habit
Addiction is a terrible thing. It consumes and controls us, makes us deny important truths and blinds us to the consequences of our actions. Our world is in the grip of a dangerous carbon habit.
Coal and oil paved the way for the developed world’s industrial progress. Fast-developing countries are now taking the same path in search of equal living standards. Meanwhile, in the least developed countries, even less sustainable energy sources, such as charcoal, remain the only available option for the poor.
Our dependence on carbon-based energy has caused a significant build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Last year, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change put the final nail in the coffin of global warming sceptics. We know that climate change is happening, and we know that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that we emit are the cause.
We don’t just burn carbon in the form of fossil fuels. Throughout the tropics, valuable forests are being felled for timber and making paper, for pasture and arable land and, increasingly, for plantations to supply a growing demand for biofuels. This further manifestation of our carbon habit not only releases vast amounts of CO2; it also destroys a valuable resource for absorbing atmospheric carbon, further contributing to climate change.
The environmental, economic and political implications of global warming are profound. Ecosystems — from mountain to ocean, from the Poles to the tropics — are undergoing rapid change. Low-lying cities face inundation, fertile lands are turning to desert, and weather patterns are becoming ever more unpredictable.
The cost will be borne by all. The poor will be hardest hit by weather-related disasters and by soaring price inflation for staple foods, but even the richest nations face the prospect of economic recession and a world in conflict over diminishing resources. Mitigating climate change, eradicating poverty and promoting economic and political stability all demand the same solution: we must kick the carbon habit. This is the theme for World Environment Day 2008. “Kick the Habit: Towards a Low Carbon Economy”,
Often we need a crisis to wake us to reality. With the climate crisis upon us, businesses and governments are realizing that, far from costing the Earth, addressing global warming can actually save money and invigorate economies. While the estimated costs of climate change are incalculable, the price tag for fighting it may be less than any of us may have thought. Some estimates put the cost at less than one per cent of global gross domestic product — a cheap price indeed for waging a global war.
Even better news is that technologies already exist or are under development to make our consumption of carbon-based fuels cleaner and more efficient and to harness the renewable power of sun, wind and waves. The private sector, in particular, is competing to capitalize on what they recognize as a massive business opportunity.
Around the world, nations, cities, organizations and businesses are looking afresh at green options. At the United Nations, I have instructed that the plan for renovating our New York headquarters should follow strict environmental guidelines. I have also asked the chief executives of all UN programmes, funds and specialized agencies to move swiftly towards carbon neutrality.
Earlier this year, the UN Environment Programme launched a climate neutral network — CN Net — to energize this growing trend. Its inaugural members, which include countries, cities and companies, are pioneers in a movement that I believe will increasingly define environmental, economic and political discourse and decision making over the coming decades.
The message of World Environment Day 2008 is that we are all part of the solution. Whether you are an individual, an organization, a business or a government, there are many steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint. It is message we all must take to heart.
Cited from: http://www.caymannewsservice.com/new-page-200.htm
We Can Solve It
I wanted to share with you the story of Jerry Hammerschmidt and Ken Runge. They work at Hodge Foundry in Greenville, PA, building components for wind turbines. Wind power is critical to reducing America’s dependence on dirty fossil fuels — but the jobs of thousands of people like Jerry and Ken are at risk unless Congress takes action this week to renew clean energy incentives.
Jerry and Ken know jobs like theirs are providing clean, affordable energy, but these jobs are also important for growing our economy. In fact, the number of employees working on wind power equipment at Hodge Foundry has doubled in the last five years. New job growth that helps the climate? America needs jobs like this! If Congress fails to act, more than 100,000 of these jobs could be at risk in 2009.
Congress has the opportunity to support these important jobs and we need them to make the right decision. Please sign our petition urging Congress to renew tax incentives for clean energy.
We’ll deliver the petition to Congress and demonstrate the overwhelming support for clean energy jobs. More than 50,000 have signed so far. Add your voice now. Jobs like Jerry’s and Ken’s could depend on it.
Sincerely,
Cathy Zoi
CEO
http://www.wecansolveit.org
P.S. Be sure to check out Earth: The Sequel, a great new book that demonstrates that "we can solve it." Through dozens of interviews with business professionals and scientists, author Fred Krupp explains how to turn our planet’s greatest threat into our greatest economic opportunity.
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Fluffy Little Clouds
by The Orb
“What were the skies like when you were young?”
“They went on forever – They – When I – We lived in Arizona, and the skies always had little fluffy clouds in ‘em, and they were long, clear, and there were lots of stars, at night. And when it would rain, they would all turn – They were beautiful, the most beautiful skies as a matter of fact. Um, the sunsets were purple and red and yellow and on fire, and the clouds would catch the colors everywhere. That’s uh, neat cause I used to look at them all the time, when I was little. You don’t see that. You might still see it in the desert.”
Download:
The Orb – Little Fluffy Clouds (Adam Freeland Tsunami One Mix)
Our Sex
So, last nite, D and I were recalling many of our varied sexual deviations and explorations and, almost unanimously, came to the realisation that we were quite the kinky duo. Between the two of us, we’ve had straight sex, gay sex, tranny sex, hermaphrodite sex, anal sex, oral sex, threesomes, foursomes, underage sex, over-the-hill sex, incestuous sex, interracial sex, phone sex, cybersex, food sex, role-playing sex, mutual masturbation sex, double-penetration sex, drunken sex, high sex, soft sex, hard sex, quick sex, fast sex, cheating sex, bloody sex, lactating sex, knocked-up sex, private sex, public sex, bondage sex, urinating sex, sex on the beach, sex on a bus, sex in a car, supernatural sex, etc.
The list goes on and on. But we both know there’s far more left for us to experiment with. We’re just struggling to find something brand spankin’ new that’s realistically worth our while (bestiality being our one major exception). It’s time to take things up a notch. Perhaps a little necrophilia is in order? Hmmm…
Save The Internet!
Net Neutrality 101
When we log onto the Internet, we take lots of things for granted. We assume that we’ll be able to access whatever Web site we want, whenever we want to go there. We assume that we can use any feature we like — watching online video, listening to podcasts, searching, emailing, and instant messaging — anytime we choose. We assume that we can attach devices like wireless routers, game controllers, or extra hard drives to make our online experience better.
What makes all these assumptions possible is “Network Neutrality,” the guiding principle that ensures the Internet remains free and unrestricted. Net Neutrality prevents the companies that control the wires bringing you the Internet from discriminating against content based on its ownership or source. But that could all change.
The biggest cable and telephone companies would like to charge money for smooth access to Web sites, speed to run applications, and permission to plug in devices. These network giants believe they should be able to charge Web site operators, application providers, and device manufacturers for the right to use the network. Those who don’t make a deal and pay up will experience discrimination: Their sites won’t load as quickly, their applications and devices won’t work as well. Without legal protection, consumers could find that a network operator has blocked the Web site of a competitor, or slowed it down so much that it’s unusable.
The network owners say they want a “tiered” Internet. If you pay to get in the top tier, your site and your service will run fast. If you don’t, you’ll be in the slow lane.
What’s the problem here?
Discrimination: The Internet was designed as an open medium. The fundamental idea on the Internet since its inception is that every Web site, every feature, and every service should be treated without discrimination. That’s how bloggers can compete with the CNN or USA Today for readers. That’s how up-and-coming musicians can build underground audiences before they get their first top-40 single. That’s why when you use a search engine, you see a hit list of the sites that are the closest match to your request — not those who paid the most to reach you. Discrimination endangers our basic Internet freedoms.
Double-dipping: Traditionally, network owners have built a business model by charging consumers for access. Now they want to charge you for access to the network, and then charge you again for the things you do while you’re online. They may not charge you directly via pay-per-view Web sites. But they will charge all the service providers you use — who will pass those costs along to you in the form of price hikes or new charges to view content.
Stifling innovation: Net Neutrality ensures that innovators can start small and dream big about being the next EBay or Google without facing insurmountable hurdles. Unless we preserve Net Neutrality, startups and entrepreneurs will be muscled out of the marketplace by big corporations that pay for a top spot on the Web. On a tiered Internet controlled by the phone and cable companies, only their own content and services — or those offered by corporate partners who pony up enough “protection money” — will enjoy life in the fast lane.
The End of the Internet?
Make no mistake: The freewheeling Internet as we know it could very well become history.
What does that mean? It means we could be heading toward a pay-per-view Internet where Web sites have fees. It means we may have to pay a network tax to run voice-over-the-Internet phones, use an advanced search engine, or chat via Instant Messenger. The next generation of magical new inventions will be shut out of the top-tier service level. Meanwhile the network owners will rake in even greater profits.
Sign the SavetheInternet.com petition.
Call your members of Congress today and demand that Net Neutrality be protected.
Encourage groups you’re part of to sign the “Internet Freedom Declaration of 2007”.
Show your support for Internet freedom on your Web site or blog.
Tell your friends about this crucial issue before it’s too late.
Cited from: http://www.savetheinternet.com
The Story Of Stuff
by Annie Leonard
Sponsored by Tides Foundation & Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption
From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It’ll teach you something, it’ll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.
You’ve learned a lot in The Story of Stuff. But of course, there is a lot more information out there on the topics raised in the movie. Click on the resources below and learn more:
You can download The Story of Stuff in its entirity from this site. Simply save the link below to your computer (50 MB).
Cited from: http://www.storyofstuff.com
The Silky Way 
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