Corey Noles, staff writer for The Daily Statesman and Editor of The North Stoddard Countian, is the author of a regular baseball/St. Louis Cardinals column and also uses his blog to sound off on various happenings in sports. He also operates a weekly baseball mailbag column.

Gore's Live Earth-A success or a wash-out?

Posted Monday, July 9, 2007, at 8:57 AM

For those of you who have somehow managed to dodge the onslaught of news coverage on this past weekend's Live Earth concerts around the world, here's a quick run-down.

The concerts, organized in part by former Vice-President Al Gore in an effort to raise awareness for global warming, took place live on television for over 24-hours in venues across the world.

More than 100 musical acts performed on seven continents, including Antarctica, including The Police, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Linkin Park and Jack Johnson.

According to the Associated Press, the theme Gore pushed was that little things can make a difference in the big picture as opposed to the Bush-bashing extravaganza many expected. Gore touted energy saving light bulbs and unplugging devices from the wall when not in use as key ways to "do your part."

It's estimated that the event was attended by millions and streamed live online by more than 10 million viewers. That number does not include television viewers which is also estimated to be in the tens of millions.

While I must say, I was for several years a doubter when it came to the issue, in recent years I've come to see this as a real issue.

What is your take on global warming? Do you buy it or do you think its just a concept thrown out to scare some people into voting? Did anyone watch this weekend? Tell me what you think!

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Well, I listened to just part of it on my shortwave radio. BBC was carrying it live. Madonna was on stage making the fool of herself that only she can do. To be honest with you, I believe there is some global warming, but to make a religion out of it is ridiculous!

By the way I do have three of those energy saving light bulbs but they cause a lot of static on my shortwave radio and interfere with some police scanner frequencies.

-- Posted by swift on Mon, Jul 9, 2007, at 12:31 PM
I believe in global warming, but I also believe in global cooling. If the planet is warming up, I highly doubt that we're the cause of it. How many years do our "weather archives" go back? 100? less? Weren't we heading into a new ICE AGE back in the 70's? Who's to say that the planet doesn't undergo a constant warming and cooling cycle? If anything, this global warming agenda they're trying to force-feed us is nothing more than a way for the powers that be to further their grip on the taxpayers dollars, and at the same time, get billions in contributions from the industries that are leading the way with their so-called environmentally friendly products. It's just another way to make a buck!

-- Posted by michael_lynn on Tue, Jul 10, 2007, at 12:19 AM
Live Earth = Big money. Just wonder where all the money is going? Al (B)ore's pocket?

-- Posted by bthlr on Tue, Jul 10, 2007, at 8:19 AM
To begin, I'm curious as to who was expecting this event to be a 'Bush-bashing extravaganza,' and why? I would dare say that Al Gore's campaign for the environment (hypocritical at times or not) comes from a sincere interest to at least find someway to spend the rest of his life. However, following the Supreme Court's recent rulings in favor of property developers, I believe that the Republican ruled Supreme Court and President Bush should be 'bashed' to some extent in order to shed light on their erroneous ways. None the less, this comes from Live Earth's website and I found it to be very informative:

Live Earth marks the beginning of a multi-year campaign led by the Alliance for Climate Protection, The Climate Group and other international organizations to drive individuals, corporations and governments to take action to solve global warming. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore is the Chair of the Alliance and Partner of Live Earth.

Live Earth was founded by Kevin Wall, the Worldwide Executive Producer of Live 8, an event that brought together one of the largest audiences in history to combat poverty. Wall formed a partnership with Al Gore and the Alliance for Climate Protection to ensure that Live Earth inspires behavioral changes long after 7/7/07.

Now then, even though Gore may chair the organization that receives the proceeds gathered by Live Earth, the Alliance for Climate Protection is a non-profit organization. It would be ludicrous for anyone to suggest that Al Gore is the chairman of this organization with intentions of making money. With the current administration's track record for shady dealings, I would suggest Americans check Duby'a pockets before he goes back to Texas with clean hands.

Finally, the idea that global warming is not a 'real' issue or that it is blown out of proportion is completely preposterous. If anyone seems to be thinking that this is all a big liberal lie, I suggest doing a little research on the issue. If one does not feel like stepping out of one's own comfort zone to do this, I suggest reading this:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/04/AR2006070400789....

So, my opinion is that regardless of your political leanings or musical tastes, some real consideration needs to be put into just exactly how these environmental problems can be solved before it is too late. Basically here is how it all boils down. This is not an issue created to make the Bush Administration or the Republican Party look bad...they are doing a fine job of that themselves. This is a problem that the entire world faces both today and tomorrow. The environment has been taking it on the chin over the years, and I implore each and every member of society to actually take some incentive to fix a problem that we didn't cause but certainly can't pass on to those who will be taking our place in the not-so-distant future.

-- Posted by jabelson on Tue, Jul 10, 2007, at 1:34 PM

Corey Noles' response:
Thanks for posting the Samuelson column. That's an intriguing perspective. In all actuality, I see it in the same way I see many of the problems we've faced in this country. We'll sit on it as long as possible until what is now a problem becomes a crisis (ie, Bin Laden, New Orleans flood walls and the long-lived illusion that cigarettes aren't deadly). Hind sight's 20/20.
Sure global warming is occurring. It has been happening since the last ice age. It is an effect of radiant heat from the sun on the earths surface. Someday maybe it will begin to swing the other direction and then we will be in another ice age. I seriously doubt that there is anything that can be done about it and I seriously doubt if we as humans have contributed significantly to the cause. Unless you can place a thermostat on the sun and control it, I assume that the earth will continue to heat up and cool down according to the output of the sun or our distance from it.

-- Posted by I.B. Le Truth on Tue, Jul 10, 2007, at 5:41 PM

Corey Noles' response:
I think George Carlin said something similar to your point about whether humans contribute to the problem or not. He said the Earth has survived millions of years through dinosaurs, ice ages, the plague, and hurricanes and we think a little plastic and hair spray is going to put an end to it? I believe he referred to humans as a little blip on the planet's long-term radar.

I know he's no scientist, but he's hilarious so I thought I'd share that little tidbit.
Well, the current issue seems to be a bit more complicated and man made than that. Maybe greenhouse gases play a role?

-- Posted by jabelson on Tue, Jul 10, 2007, at 5:51 PM
Accordin to the Institute for Creation Research (ICR.org), the global flood recorded in Genesis was te cause of the "ice age". There must have been drastic warming for a relatively short time afterwards. That being said, I read in the Poplar Bluff paper awhile back about a meteriologist who believes what global warming we are having is mostly caused by sunspot cycles. I read in 2007 World Almanac that plant lif is contributing up to 30% of methane gas into the atmosphere.

-- Posted by swift on Wed, Jul 11, 2007, at 1:12 PM

Corey Noles' response:
I have no doubt that a certain amount of it is indeed due to the natural course of things. However, I also feel reasonably sure that the things we pump into the atmosphere are dramatically worse for the environment as a whole. What we see here in small-town America is no doubt less than what happens in the cities. With hundreds of factories and manufacturing facilities operating 24/7 around the world it has to have some effect. If nothing else the general monkey wrench it throws into nature's plan has to at the bare minimum alter the course of nature, whether good or bad.
Well, it is no myth that methane gas is produced by plant life. I can't disagree there. However, it really appears that this issue has been intentionally and affectively turned into a political one. The feeling I get when I follow the discussions surrounding the environment is that one political party feels one way while another feels the opposite way. While these lines are drawn, voters are being led to believe that every issue faced is black and white. Sadly, drawing lines and denying the existence of shades of gray does not lead to identified and corrected problems. Americans should not allow our thoughts to be that greatly controlled by a party platform. More and more information is surfacing concerning the validity and threats posed by inactivity concerning this issue, and this information should be taken far more seriously. I suggest this story as one of many that is reporting a flood of scientific research that is surfacing concerning this issue. As more reports begin to surface, I suggest that both political parties and voters put aside their preconceptions and listen to what science suggests be done to correct what could be a monumental disaster. If global warming turns out to be blown out of proportion, I would say that would be a wonderful spot of luck. Yet, the same preemptive attitude that our government has with regard to foreign policy should be equally aggressively pursued to stop would could be a crisis like none ever experienced before.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/11/AR2007071100942....

-- Posted by jabelson on Wed, Jul 11, 2007, at 3:46 PM

Corey Noles' response:
Amen...not everything needs to be a political issue. The sad fact is that we will never see this change.

In response to your earlier comment about heavy government regulation being the only solution to global warming, I found a story that might interest you. As much as I do understand the reasoning, I just hate seeing more and more regulations come along. If that's the solution, the EPA should start actually enforcing it's own regulations on the factories before they start stripping rights away from individuals.
I'd also like to agree with the comment made by Corey about the difference between a small town and a large city. I've been living in Paris and London all summer, and I must admit that I have had sinus problems and cold symptoms like I have never experienced while spending the summer in a town like Dexter.

-- Posted by jabelson on Wed, Jul 11, 2007, at 3:48 PM
Do I think that global warming is real? Good question. It is hard to say for sure because for every "scientist" that appears to have good evidence one direction I see see another that has what appears to good evidence the other direction.

Sure there seems to be a warming trend. But then again I realize that here it is the middle of July and have we had a day over 97? Not that I remember. So I don't know. There are still several records held fifty and sixty years ago that are three and four degrees warmer than anything we've seen in the past fifteen to twenty years.

I think that the numbers given by Mr. Gore and the likes are probably stretched a little to show their point. They show us the Ice caps melting do to rising temps but they don't show us the late frosts of Missouri and Florida that kill the fruit crops. They show us the flooding of Venice but not the droughts of Oklahoma. Selectivity is a great thing when making a point.

That being said, does this mean we should continue to live like we do with no regard the envirornment around us. NO! Of course not. We are a culture that has learned to take take advantage of what is around us and have no desire to replace what we use.

And to answer the original question, no I didn't watch Live Earth.

-- Posted by hgdexter on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, at 4:32 PM
I know the gulf coast used to stretch to Dexter, so they say and ice used to cover part of United States so they say. The Dinosaurs maybe caused all these problems.

-- Posted by I.B. Le Truth on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, at 8:31 PM
I think I read somewhere that the dinosaurs let off LOTS of methane gas.... I think cows do that, too...

-- Posted by goat lady on Fri, Jul 13, 2007, at 6:59 PM
Funny how these conversations just seem to taper off into the ridiculous, isn't it???

-- Posted by goat lady on Fri, Jul 13, 2007, at 7:01 PM

Corey Noles' response:
That's fine with me. I'm just happy to see people participating. That's what this is here for.
Live Earth = Big money. Just wonder where all the money is going? Al (B)ore's pocket?

Agreed! LOL

-- Posted by vambfly on Fri, Jul 13, 2007, at 8:24 PM
What are you going to learn from all this Corey? You all do know that Al might not be getting rich with Live Earth and he might truly believe every word that he says. Not saying that I believe it. Just not going to make accusations about his motivation. You know, he might be a truly honest and passionate person about what he personally believes or he could be a thief I guess, but I don't know that. I know that if he makes big bucks the government will know and get some of it.

-- Posted by I.B. Le Truth on Fri, Jul 13, 2007, at 9:18 PM
You're right. Just like the Bush family (as well as the bin Laden family) made plenty of money through The Carlyle Group and United Defense after the U.S. led invasion of Iraq...funny ain't it?

-- Posted by jabelson on Sat, Jul 14, 2007, at 12:04 PM
Now how in the heck do you know that jabelson. Who is your inside contact that tells you all this stuff about them? And by the way, they aren't the government. Do you have one of those bumpers stickers that says "Had Enough". Well the gas prices went up and stayed up didn't they after the had enough's were elected to office. In fact I believe it is higher now than it was. Don't hear a peep now do you. You know, just because someone is rich doesn't mean they are dishonorable. Sometimes they are just smarter than I am. How about we discuss apple pie Corey. I want to see a positive comment about something. Nevermind, you have to use carbon fuel to make that and it might contribute to the ozone depletion and the Bush's and Bin Ladens might make a penny off it.

-- Posted by I.B. Le Truth on Sat, Jul 14, 2007, at 3:31 PM
Is anyone on here believe in God?

The reason I ask is this:

I for one do believe in God. I also believe that he has mapped out the beginning to the end. The bible says it, and I believe.

So, if that is the case, is God going to allow us puny humans to ruin his creation? I think not.

Global warming is a great way to sell "Eco-friendly" products, and make lot's of money. Nothing more.

Also, if all these "non-profit" organizations actually cared, the BIG RICH stars that back them (and get free publicity) would donate more of their millions and actually make a difference. Not saying they don't accomplish anything, just not as much as could be done. If we truly wanted to stamp out hunger in Africa (or wherever the latest cause is) we'd have done it. It's that simple.

Now...let the evolutionists, atheists, and dreamers blog. LOL

-- Posted by Obadieh on Sun, Jul 15, 2007, at 1:30 AM
Yes, George W. Bush is a genius when it comes to the business world. You can see that through every business he has headed in the past. Everyone of them run into the ground.

http://www.judicialwatch.org/1685.shtml

http://www.guardian.co.uk/wtccrash/story/0,1300,583869,00.html

...there is one place to read about the Bush/bin Laden joint efforts.

http://www.forbes.com/2006/05/04/cx_me_0505featslide_3.html?thisSpeed=15000

Here is where you can read about benevolent celebrities.

-- Posted by jabelson on Sun, Jul 15, 2007, at 5:06 AM
Here you go again quoting all those references. I am not going to read that stuff. What does it have to do with wherther Live Earth was a bust or not. I know the earth is warming up. Don't need a reference to see it. Just not sure we caused it or can stop it. Maybe we should be preparing for the next ice age that comes after the warm up. Man, hate makes you honery doesn't it. I used to feel that way about a previous president who is making millions now, but I am over it. Not hating anymore. Not doing it. I will admit that he was and is smarter than me. So is Dubya and maybe the whole world is, but I know I can't stop the radiant heat from the sun. Don't think Al can either. No matter how many concerts we have. Some day it will begin to burn with a little less heat or the world will change its orbit a little bit and things will change. Don't want to be here then.

-- Posted by I.B. Le Truth on Sun, Jul 15, 2007, at 8:27 AM
Well, I'd hardly call being factual being hateful. I don't hate George W. Bush, but I don't like him being our president. In fact, I think Sean Hannity said something similar in a speech he gave at my university...'I don't hate liberals, I just don't want them running my government.' I'm sure he's said that at many other places as well. However, I'd call it hateful to accuse a man who is organizing an event with artist's who are donating their ability to draw awareness to a global problem as insincere. I know Republicans don't like Al Gore. That's fine. Yet is it right to call a liberal hateful for exposing the business connections of our current president with a huge company that makes money off war time efforts? So yes, to go back to the main point of this discussion, I don't think Al Gore's concert was a bust. Why not? Because he has even people who read the Daily Statesman searching for answers about global warming, and raising awareness was the entire purpose of the event. Look out, Leonardo DiCaprio has a new documentary coming out about the environment as well. The film will be called 'the 11th Hour.'

-- Posted by jabelson on Sun, Jul 15, 2007, at 9:53 AM

Corey Noles' response:
Your comment about even Daily Statesman readers discussing the subject was an interesting point. It's my understanding raising awareness was the goal and I'd say that was accomplished. Whether anyone buys it is up to each individual.

Thanks again to everyone for the lively discussion. This is exactly what I was hoping for. An opportunity to speak and share opinions with our readers. We won't always agree, I'm sure, but that doesn't make good conversation anyhow.
I knew it. See, I was being nice to Al Gore. You were attacking the individual, not the policy. You made accusations about his motives and insinuated he was linked with Bin Laden. You know, some people got their money from bootlegging whiskey and became President. Good President though, I guess. Gave a good speech anyway. That counts for something I guess. Motivated me. What can I do for my country?

-- Posted by I.B. Le Truth on Sun, Jul 15, 2007, at 11:47 AM
I don't recall singing the praises of the Kennedy family.

-- Posted by jabelson on Sun, Jul 15, 2007, at 5:06 PM
I don't recall saying you did. I did. I liked his speech. Probably one of the greatest given in my lifetime, even though I was very, very, very young.

-- Posted by I.B. Le Truth on Sun, Jul 15, 2007, at 10:06 PM
Obama gave a good speech in '04 too.

-- Posted by jabelson on Mon, Jul 16, 2007, at 2:43 AM
O.K. as promised I will give my feelings about the God created this world argument. I'm doing them here so that no one has to read them on another page while reading about another topic. Beings this discussion is almost dead, I don't expect to argue this any further, but I said I would explain so here goes.

This was said...

So, if that is the case, is God going to allow us puny humans to ruin his creation?

I said, humans are supposedly created in the image of God. That being said...we do a pretty good job of ruining the human race. Genocide, war, murder, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, rape, the list goes on and on...obviously God has given us the free will to do these things to ourselves. Why wouldn't He in turn give the human race free will to ruin the planet we live on?

-- Posted by jabelson on Mon, Jul 16, 2007, at 11:48 AM
"Very, very, very young"? Something doesn't add up!

-- Posted by goat lady on Mon, Jul 16, 2007, at 4:55 PM
Just a wee todler. Well, maybe just learning the multiplication table.

-- Posted by I.B. Le Truth on Mon, Jul 16, 2007, at 9:00 PM
Oh, yeah, I'm pretty sure I "heard" you mention grandkids, so I don't think you were a toddler when Kennedy made that speech.

Of course, I won't pretend: I heard it and I loved it! He was a fantastic speaker, and he had an absolutely mesmerizing sense of humor!

I was in the crowd in the Town Plaza Mall in Cape when his brother Bobby was running for office. Back then, I thought I was a liberal, and I was SO disappointed when Bobby sounded just like all the other conservatives! I realized that he was just saying what he thought the crowd wanted to hear. Not long after that, he was shot on TV. I couldn't believe it!!

Exciting but sad times........

-- Posted by goat lady on Mon, Jul 16, 2007, at 9:17 PM
That was a long time ago. I was in the second or third grade I think and I do have grandkids. Over forty years, NO problem having grandkids in that amount of time. Not for me anyway, little tough on my wife having the kids first.

Never had time to think about global warming, thats for sure. Now she only has me and the dog to watch over.

We need another kid. Might have to adopt. Me and the dog are catching it all. It seems the dog knows before me when we are about to get in trouble. No where to be seen. Big chicken.

-- Posted by I.B. Le Truth on Mon, Jul 16, 2007, at 10:04 PM
Smart dog! He's your look out! Man, nobody listens to your troubles like a dog! Cats listen, but they don't care! They just wanna use your body heat when the weather's cold...

Well, this blog is tapering off considerably, isn't it?

Corey, did you kill your Iraq blog before it committed suicide??

I hope these political blogs don't cause Jabelson to flunk his classes over there in Europe! He sounds pretty worn out today! You guys were really cookin' while it lasted, but I guess all good things have to come to an end...

-- Posted by goat lady on Mon, Jul 16, 2007, at 10:26 PM
I'd like to cook some more, but I might need to catch my breath. Five consecutive semesters is catching up with me faster than I thought it would, and I'm not yet through three of them. Anyway, I'd be interested to discuss health care, but maybe in about a month from now!

-- Posted by jabelson on Tue, Jul 17, 2007, at 2:38 AM

Corey Noles' response:
I'm planning something on healthcare, but it will be a little way down the road.
The world won't end until God says it's time.

-- Posted by vambfly on Tue, Jul 17, 2007, at 3:29 PM
Amen!

-- Posted by goat lady on Tue, Jul 17, 2007, at 9:28 PM
Come on young gun, you can do this. Five semesters, thats cake. When you get through with this you will find out that it was the best time of your life. See what you have to look forward to. Show some passion.

-- Posted by I.B. Le Truth on Tue, Jul 17, 2007, at 10:05 PM

Corey Noles' response:
You got that right! I had more fun in college than anyone should ever be allowed and still carried great grades. There is no time like college time. Embark, embrace and cherish it.
More news on Al Gore today. I was sickened to see that Gore was caught being an eco hypocrite again by serving an endangered fish at his daughter's wedding rehearsal. I appreicate the fact that these people put together an event to make and the rest of the world aware of something like Global Warming, but I wish they would quit dropping their responsibility there.

-- Posted by jabelson on Wed, Jul 18, 2007, at 3:18 PM
I find the whole global warming debate to be funny. The people promoting live earth had various concerts all around the world and aired the concerts on some television and streamed some live on the internet. These same people put out tons of information on the internet and television ads. What effect does all of this have on global warming if it is indeed real. To put on the x-many concerts they had must have required a huge amount of electricity, fuel for the trucks used to transport musicians and equipment, planes to fly the various celebrities to and from the concerts. The sheer amount of electricity used to power peoples televisions and computers so they may see the internet blogs, live streams, and television commericials. Plus the gasoline that people used to attend the various concerts, how big of a ecological footprint does informing people about global warming cause? Like I said I find it funny, what do you think?

-- Posted by michaelc76 on Wed, Jul 18, 2007, at 7:17 PM

Corey Noles' response:
Well put, Mike.

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