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The Greenest Hypocrites of 2007

Thursday, December 06, 2007

By Steven Milloy

Green has traditionally been the color of the deadly sin of envy. But this year, a trendy upstart mounted a serious challenge to envy’s claim.

Here are green hypocrisy’s top 10 poster children for 2007.

1. Al Gore’s Inconvenient Lifestyle. While the former veep and nouveau-$100 millionaire jets around the world squawking about the “planet having a fever” and demanding that we all lower our standard of living, his own personal electricity use is 20 times the national average, including an indoor pool costing $500/month to heat.

While Gore deflected criticism of his inconvenient electric bill during March congressional testimony by saying he purchased “green” electricity, the truth is, he didn’t start doing so until 2007.

2. Google’s Sky Pig. A photo-op of Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin plugging-in a hybrid car was part of the search engine giant’s June announcement promising carbon neutrality by 2008. But how this PR-fluff squares with the so-called “Google party jet” — Page and Brin’s gargantuan personal Boeing 767, which burns about 1,550 gallons/hour — is any one’s guess.

3. RFK Jr. Tilts at Windmills. Outspoken global warming activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently railed against coal-produced electricity because “climate change is the most urgent threat to our collective survival.”

Meanwhile, Kennedy vigorously campaigns against a proposed Cape Cod wind farm that would generate CO2-free electricity because it would “impoverish the experience of millions of tourists and residents and fishing families who rely on the sound's unspoiled bounties.” Unmentioned in Kennedy’s tirades, however, is the windmill’s unfortunate proximity to his family’s famed Hyannis Port compound.

4. The U.N.’s ‘Bali High’. Early December will witness 10,000 climateers descending upon the paradisiacal island resort of Bali for the 13th annual U.N. global warming meeting. The reason for much jet and limo travel — and other prodigious greenhouse gas generating activity associated with such a mega-conference — is relatively modest: setting the agenda and timeframe for a post-Kyoto treaty. Sure seems like something that could have been handled in a less carbon-intensive way — either by Internet and video conferencing or, if meeting is necessary, somewhere in North America or Europe where most key attendees are based.

5. Nancy Nukes Nukes. Supposedly concerned that “global warming and energy independence…have profound implications for our nation’s economic competitiveness, national security, environmental quality and public health,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi created the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming to take the congressional lead on those issues.

So who did Speaker Pelosi pick to chair the committee? None other than long-time nuclear power opponent Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who appeared with anti-nuke celebrities Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne at an October Capitol Hill press conference to denounce legislation promoting the development of ultra-green nuclear power.

6. Every home a Superfund site? “Mercury is highly toxic to everyone, but particularly to children and developing fetuses,” says the activist group Environmental Defense, a long-time campaigner against mercury from power plant emissions and in automobile convenience lighting.

So it came as quite a surprise when the group began advocating that consumers bring the “highly toxic” mercury into their homes in the form of compact fluorescent light bulbs in order to reduce power plant CO2 emissions. CFLs are so hazardous, according to public health officials however, that special safety precautions must be taken for disposal or if the bulbs break.

7. Doesn’t everyone own a NASA scientist? In March 2007, NASA’s climate alarmist-in-chief James Hansen criticized “special interests” campaigning against climate regulation.

“By larding the campaign coffers of numerous politicians, the fossil fuel industry has succeeded in subverting the democratic principle…Until the public indicates sufficient interest, and puts pressure on political systems, special interests will continue to rule.”

Though Hansen poses as a humble civil servant, it recently came to light that his alarmist efforts have been bankrolled by leftist billionaire and MoveOn.org sugar-daddy George Soros. Doesn’t Soros qualify as a “special interest,” Dr. Hansen?

8. Like a Virgin’s Carbon Footprint. London’s Daily Mail reported (“What planet are they on?, July 7) on the climate consciousness of Madonna and other Live Earth performers.

“[T]he pop stars headlining the concerts are the absolute antithesis of the message they promote with Madonna leading the pack of the worst individual rock star polluters in the world… Madonna alone has an annual carbon footprint of 1,018 tons… the average Briton produces just 10 tons… [her] Confessions tour last year produced 440 tons of carbon pollution in just four months, simply in flights between venues.”

That’s one small footprint for the average Brit, but one giant footprint for celebrity-kind.

9. The NBC Poppycock. NBC-Universal kicked-off of its “Green is Universal” initiative by dimming the studio lights — but not two giant video screens and advertisements — during a break in the Nov. 4 Cowboys-Eagles game.

Candle-lit host Bob Costas then cut to video of Today show personalities Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Ann Curry reporting about climate change from the Arctic, Amazon and Antarctic, respectively. None gave even a nod to the energy-hogging effort required to send them and crews to do such pointless broadcasts from exotic locales.

10. California’s Hypocritenator. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared in June 2005 that, “California will be a leader in the fight against global warming…the time for action is now.”

But just two years later, the Los Angeles Times reported that state efforts had been derailed by the governor’s mismanagement and deceit. Schwarzenegger even fired the state’s chief regulator for refusing to limit the number of greenhouse gas regulations. Columnist Debra Saunders noted that, “Schwarzenegger boasts that he is a world leader in the fight against global warming — but his advocacy shouldn't keep him from flying in private jets or driving a Hummer.”

The one thing these honorees all have in common is that their real-life actions belie their carefully crafted green public images. If they don’t take their commitment seriously, why should you?

Steven Milloy publishes JunkScience.com and DemandDebate.com. He is a junk science expert and advocate of free enterprise and an adjunct scholar at the Competitive Enterprise Institute.

by foxnews.com

Iceland High School Student Dials Bush's Phone Number

When Vífill Atlason, a 16-year-old high school student from Iceland, decided to call the White House, he could not imagine the kind of publicity it would bring.

Introducing himself as Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, the actual president of Iceland, Atlason found President George W. Bush's allegedly secret telephone number and phoned, requesting a private meeting with him.

"I just wanted to talk to him, have a chat, invite him to Iceland and see what he'd say," Vífill told ABC News.

A White House official, who asked not to be identified, denied the young man had accessed a private number but instead dialled 202-456-1414, the main switchboard for the West Wing.

Vífill's mother, Harpa Hreinsdottir, a teacher at the local high school, said her son did, in fact, get through to a private phone.

"This was not a switchboard number of any kind," she told ABC News, "it was a secret number at the highest security level."

Vífill claims he was passed on to several people, each of them quizzing him on President Grímsson's date of birth, where he grew up, who his parents were and the date he entered office.

"It was like passing through checkpoints," he said. "But I had Wikipedia and a few other sites open, so it was not so difficult really."

When he finally got through to President Bush's secretary, Vífill alleges he was told to expect a call back from Bush.

"She told me the president was not available at the time, but that she would mark it in his schedule to call me back on Monday evening," he said.

Instead, the police showed up at his home in Akranes, a fishing town about 48 kilometers from Reykjavik, and took him to the local police station, where they questioned the 16-year-old for several hours.

"The police chief said they were under orders from U.S. officials to "find the leak" -- that I had to tell them where I had found the number," he said. "Otherwise, I would be banned from ever entering the United States."

Vífill claims he cannot remember where he got the number.

"I just know I have had it for a few years," he told ABC. "I must have gotten it from a friend when I was about 11 or 12."

Atlason's mother Harpa, who was not home at the time, said she was shocked to find her son had been taken away by the police but could not quite bring herself to be angry with her son.

"He's very resourceful you know," she said. "He has become a bit of a hero in Iceland. Bush is very unpopular here."

Vífill was eventually released into his parent's custody, and no charges have been brought against the high school student.

When ABC verified the number, it was the Secret Service Uniform Division, which handles security for the president.

"If the number were not top secret, why would the police have told me that I will be put on a no-fly list to America?" Vífill asked.

"I don't see how calling the White House is a crime," he added. "But obviously, they took it very seriously."

Calls to the Secret Service press office were not returned.

Kylie Minogue site unites fans via cell phones

Australian singer Kylie Minogue poses during a photo call to promote her new album 'X' in Berlin November 22, 2007. Minogue fans now have a new way to indulge their obsessions -- via mobile phone.

(Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters)

Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue poses during a photo call to promote her new album "X" in Berlin November 22, 2007.

REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke (GERMANY)

By Cristina Black Sat Dec 8, 3:25 PM ET

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Kylie Minogue fans now have a new way to indulge their obsessions -- via mobile phone.

Kylie Konnect (http://www.Kyliekonnect.com), launched November 2 to coincide with the digital release of her single "2 Hearts," combined universal handset access with the concept of an Internet fan community. It may well be the first artist-based social networking platform of its kind.

Members can create a profile, write blogs, upload photos, download content and connect with other fans all over the world by mobile phone or Web browser. Minogue maintains her own Kylie Konnect profile where fans can access regularly updated news items, blog posts and a photo gallery.

The site has drawn more than 10,000 users.

The Australian pop star's new album, "X," meanwhile, recently debuted at No. 4 on the U.K. album chart. A U.S. release has not yet been scheduled. Minogue's last regular-issue studio album, "Body Language," hit No. 42 on the Billboard 200 in 2003.

Minogue's U.K. label Parlophone, which created the site with London firm New Visions Mobile, will update it with exclusive features and content, including music, video, news, tour information and contests. Kylie Konnect furthers the concept of the Lily Allen Loyalty Club, a mobile-access fan site that Parlophone and New Visions launched in 2006, which offers members points toward exclusive prizes.

Reuters/Billboard

Ashlee Simpson out of her head with new single

Sun Dec 9, 5:54 PM ET

File photo shows Ashlee Simpson at the 'Us Hot Hollywood 2007' party in Los Angeles April 26, 2007. Simpson's first single from her upcoming third album goes to iTunes and other leading digital retailers on Tuesday.

(Mario Anzuon/Reuters)

Bush attends star-filled holiday benefit

President Bush second from right, first lady Laura Bush, right, Dr. Phil, second from left and Robin McGraw, center, with performer Katharine McPhee, left, sing a Christmas carol during the taping of the 26th Annual Christmas in Washington, at the National Building Museum, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007 in Washington.

(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

AP - Sun Dec 9, 9:13 PM ET

WASHINGTON - The nation's capital rolled out the red carpet — and holiday garlands — Sunday for music stars like Alan Jackson and Katharine McPhee, who performed for President Bush and the first lady at the annual "Christmas in Washington" concert.

more on news.yahoo.com

Britney Spears steals $1.39 lighter from petrol station

Sunday December 9th, 2007 at 8:11 pm by Lucy

After reportedly yoinking a wig off a mannequin last month, Britney Spears has added to her stealing spree after taking a disposable lighter from a petrol station on Friday night.

Britney, who earns on average $737,000 a month, was in the refuelling stop in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, buying gum when she grabbed the blue lighter on her way out - and confirming she didn’t just forget to pay, she told photographers as she crossed the forecourt: “I stole something. Oh, I’m bad!”

The station owner Jatinder Kaur confirmed the theft to People magazine: “Yes, Britney stole a blue lighter here last night. The lighter is $1.39. I’m hoping maybe the next time she comes back she will pay for it.”

“I know she can afford to pay for it, but I’m not planning to file a police report. It’s still not right for her to steal the lighter. I hope she will do the right thing the next time she comes here.”

Celebrity Gossip: more snippets

Sunday December 9th, 2007 at 7:13 pm by Lucy

• Pete Doherty is reportedly planning a tell-all interview about his relationship with Kate Moss, which will include private home video footage of the on-off pair. According to the People newspaper, Peter has negotiated at £50,000 deal with ITV2 to make a documentary, tentatively called The Kate and Pete Love Story, early in the new year. An inside source explained: “He wants to talk about his life with her and has promised it will be a no holds-barred chat. Some of [the footage] is really raunchy stuff Kate believed would never be seen by anyone else. She’ll be furious and feel massively betrayed.”
• Nick Lachey’s spokesperson has denied rumours the former Newlywed is set to marry girlfriend Vanessa Minnillo this weekend. According to Fox News, the couple, who got together just after Nick’s divorce from Jessica Simpson was finalised in June 2006, were planning to marry in a private ceremony in the Bahamas but Nick’s spokesperson has told Us Weekly that the reports are false and Nick is in fact in Cincinnati working on a TV show instead.

Paris Hilton spotted kissing her ex Stavros Niarchos in Miami club

Sunday December 9th, 2007 at 6:16 pm by Lucy

Even though he’s been linked to Lindsay Lohan recently and she’s been dating Alex Vaggo, Paris Hilton and Stavros Niarchos fuelled rumours that their on-off relationship is back on again after they were spotted kissing at a Miami Beach nightclub on Thursday night - but she reportedly had to fight for him.

A source told the New York Daily News that Paris first ran into her ex at Mansion in South Beach on Wednesday night but he was with another woman, Caroline Vreeland: “Paris beelined for Stavros, but he was chatting up Caroline. He was completely ignoring Paris, and she was furious. She shot them evil looks and finally stormed up to them and started screaming at Caroline.”

Then on Thursday, the pair are said to have had a friendly dinner together at Forge but things initially went awry when they started partying. Paris spotted Stavros in Mokai with another girl “and she went crazy”: She literally stood on Stavros’ table and began screaming at him. Then she started dancing and trying to get his attention.”

Stavros and his date then left for Set but Paris followed them: “Paris went to great lengths trying to get Stavros’ date kicked out, begging club security to get rid of the girl. Paris was so furious, she ended up walking up to the girl and just punched her.”

Paris’ spokesperson has said the accusations of her hitting anyone are “completely false” but either way, by the end of the evening, Paris had landed her man and they were spotted kissing.

An onlooker reports: “It was pretty intimate considering how public it was. Paris had her hand in Stavros’ crotch and they were whispering to each other between kisses.”