Thank you Al Gore!!!

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » February 27, 2007, 3:25 pm

For doing your part!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,254908,00.html

"Al Gore's posh home in the Nashville suburbs might be "carbon neutral," but it still uses a lot of power.

So much that last August Tipper and Al Gore used twice as much electricity in their two-building property as an average U.S. household uses in an entire year, the Tennessee Center for Policy Research, a think tank, reported Tuesday."

Siji · Post by **Siji** » February 27, 2007, 4:24 pm

Coming from Fox news.. not that it would be slanted or missing key bits of information or anything. You know.. like housing a hundred homeless people and letting them get showers so they could find jobs or something. That takes energy you heartless fuck.

And for the reading impaired types that don't just sit on sound bites..

The report describes the Gores' home as a mansion, but Kreider refers to it as a "residence." She did not immediately know how many rooms the residence had, but described the second building on the property as a swimming pool house, adjacent to an outdoor pool.

Kreider said the 60- to 70-year-old house is undergoing renovations to add solar panels to reduce consumption off the power grid, and energy-efficient windows have been installed. The home also uses "compact" fluorescent light bulbs and other energy-saving technology, the Gores drive hybrids and participate in two programs that indirectly reduce carbon emissions.

One is through the local power company — the massive Tennessee Valley Authority — which runs the Green Power Switch program that uses some renewable energy like wind and solar power. The second is through a so-called carbon credit program, in which the Gores pay money to invest in a third party to reduce one ton of carbon emissions for every ton of carbon the Gores emit.

Asked to explain how the Gores use the amount of electricity they do, Kreider said they have a large family and often host guests. Both Al and Tipper Gore also have home offices. And she noted that much of Al Gore's time is spent trying to bring about awareness to the problem of global warming, which as a byproduct uses carbon-emitting power.

My sister has an approximately $500 a month electric bill for a 3BR house. And people are trying to make Gore look bad by saying his MANSION has something over a thousand bucks a month? Please.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » February 27, 2007, 4:35 pm

Siji wrote:Coming from Fox news.. not that it would be slanted or missing key bits of information or anything. You know.. like housing a hundred homeless people and letting them get showers so they could find jobs or something. That takes energy you heartless fuck.

And for the reading impaired types that don't just sit on sound bites..

The report describes the Gores' home as a mansion, but Kreider refers to it as a "residence." She did not immediately know how many rooms the residence had, but described the second building on the property as a swimming pool house, adjacent to an outdoor pool.

Kreider said the 60- to 70-year-old house is undergoing renovations to add solar panels to reduce consumption off the power grid, and energy-efficient windows have been installed. The home also uses "compact" fluorescent light bulbs and other energy-saving technology, the Gores drive hybrids and participate in two programs that indirectly reduce carbon emissions.

One is through the local power company — the massive Tennessee Valley Authority — which runs the Green Power Switch program that uses some renewable energy like wind and solar power. The second is through a so-called carbon credit program, in which the Gores pay money to invest in a third party to reduce one ton of carbon emissions for every ton of carbon the Gores emit.

Asked to explain how the Gores use the amount of electricity they do, Kreider said they have a large family and often host guests. Both Al and Tipper Gore also have home offices. And she noted that much of Al Gore's time is spent trying to bring about awareness to the problem of global warming, which as a byproduct uses carbon-emitting power.
My sister has an approximately $500 a month electric bill for a 3BR house. And people are trying to make Gore look bad by saying his MANSION has something over a thousand bucks a month? Please.

Your Sister spent $ 500 an month on Electicity thats 6K a year Gore Spent 30K

Morgrym · Post by **Morgrym** » February 27, 2007, 4:48 pm

Yep 30k is insane even for a house of his size. 500 a month is a bit high for a 3br as well. I bet Mr. Carbon Friendly did not hesitate to roll up to ye ole award ceremony in a fat limo and leave it to idle while he sucked on the Greenpeacepipe.

Sabek · Post by **Sabek** » February 27, 2007, 4:50 pm

The most damning thing in the article is not the amount he used, but the apples to apples comparison of how much his usage went up from 2005 to 2006.

Using Gore's fresh win as a backdrop, the new report said Gore's energy consumption jumped by about 14 percent in a year. The Gore household averaged 16,200 kWh per month in 2005, and 18,400 kWh per month in 2006.

14% increase in usage is pretty significant.

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » February 27, 2007, 4:51 pm

$500 electric bill... That's crazy! I think someone could use some conservation tips.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » February 27, 2007, 4:57 pm

Not to mention his choice in rental cars, Whats next a Hummer?

Al Gore got a speeding ticket while driving a rented car--a most Earth-unfriendly Lincoln four-door, according to the ticket--on a visit to relatives in Oregon. He was doing 75 in a 55 zone. The state trooper who stopped Gore said that the ex-veep was polite throughout the encounter. Earlier rumors that Gore rolled his eyes, shook his head, and sighed ostentatiously while the ticket was being written up seem to have been unfounded.

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » February 27, 2007, 6:46 pm

Don't forget his house is many, many times the size of an average home, and it gets used quite a bit differently than the average home (entertaining / fund raising, 2 home offices, etc.). Not saying he couldn't be economizing more (and it ceratainly appears that he is taking steps to do so), but he & his family do take steps to try to "offset" their consumption. This is, for the most part, a half-assed attempt by the Fox Propaganda Network to make Gore look like he doesn't practice what he preaches, which is simply bullshit.

The "think tank" that did the study is a right wing smear machine, and the fact that they're cited as "proof" of anything is humorous to say the least.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » February 27, 2007, 7:37 pm

1- Gore is a moron
2- My dislike for Leo "supergay" dicrappio was multiplied when he gave Gore a fucking reach around on stage at the Oscars.
3- If he was so concerned then he would live in a house that was just large enough with only the necessities.

I don't know what Gore's house is like, or what he has in it. But if you try to justify having.. for example a movie theater or pool or whatever by saying you are taking measures to make it's energy consumption lower and more environmentally friendly, thats a fucking joke. If you are so concerned you get rid of all that shit, period.

Fash · Post by **Fash** » February 27, 2007, 7:57 pm

I think Al is so full of himself it's disgusting... but I don't care how much power he uses. It's probably an awesome house.

Leo really is a knob gobbler but the concept of his 'announcement' getting cut off by the music was classy.

I'm glad to see Al has become more personable since winning the popular vote but do you really consider him a genuinely good guy?

Keep the Oscar, stay away from the office, thanks.

Keverian FireCry · Post by **Keverian FireCry** » February 27, 2007, 8:08 pm

So having a house with a big pool negates everything he's trying accomplish?

Clearly Al Gore should live in a yurt and ride his bike across country or sail across the ocean to make speeches and conferences, right?

I understand that some of you think he should live his life in a way that sets an example for the rest of us. But the thing is, that's EXACTLY what he's doing.

He understands that the majority of Americans aren't going to suddenly drop all of their excess materials and over-sized living spaces, but they CAN do things to offset the consumptive nature of our way of life by becoming more "green" and becoming more self-conscious.

No matter what party you are you should be celebrating people like Gore who are using their wealth and power to make positive changes in the world. If you're going to talk about the way he lives you need to put in context with every other politician and bureaucrat out there. My guess is that he looks pretty damned good through that lens.

edit: To Fash: I do think he's a genuinely good guy. Look back at his record since college years and you'll see he's been working harder than most politicians for social justice and environmental efforts. Of course he's changed some policies, most people have to give up some idealism to make realistic changes in this world.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » February 27, 2007, 8:24 pm

who would have thought that somone living in a 70 year old mansion with 2 home offices, a guest house and an outdoor pool would use twice as much power as the average american? this is clearly a scandal worthy of fox news at the legions of fucking mongloids that consider it a reliable source of news (ie. cartalas).

think tank, lol..

the only thing that makes this article worth two cents is when you think about how fucking desperate republicans are getting. it used to be easy for them to invent new and worthless and untruthful smears on their political opponents. this is just so fucking unworthy of even karl rove.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » February 27, 2007, 8:30 pm

kyoukan wrote:who would have thought that somone living in a 70 year old mansion with 2 home offices, a guest house and an outdoor pool would use twice as much power as the average american? this is clearly a scandal worthy of fox news at the legions of fucking mongloids that consider it a reliable source of news (ie. cartalas).

think tank, lol..

the only thing that makes this article worth two cents is when you think about how fucking desperate republicans are getting. it used to be easy for them to invent new and worthless and untruthful smears on their political opponents. this is just so fucking unworthy of even karl rove.

I'm not saying it's some big slam, but what I do think is that when it comes to the environment - we have fucked it up so bad (and will continue to do so) that it really is an all or nothing situation. So either Gore wants to try and start a movement and goes all the way with it like I said in my previous post, or he shouldn't be parading around bragging and preaching about it.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » February 27, 2007, 10:08 pm

kyoukan wrote:who would have thought that somone living in a 70 year old mansion with 2 home offices, a guest house and an outdoor pool would use twice as much power as the average american? this is clearly a scandal worthy of fox news at the legions of fucking mongloids that consider it a reliable source of news (ie. cartalas).

think tank, lol..

the only thing that makes this article worth two cents is when you think about how fucking desperate republicans are getting. it used to be easy for them to invent new and worthless and untruthful smears on their political opponents. this is just so fucking unworthy of even karl rove.

Yeah 30K is twice the avg, you stupid cunt.

Xyun · Post by **Xyun** » February 27, 2007, 10:25 pm

last August Tipper and Al Gore used twice as much electricity in their two-building property as an average U.S. household uses in an entire year

Clarified.

24 times as much.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » February 27, 2007, 11:16 pm

He's still nowhere near as big a fuckwit as the guy you actually supported in fucking up your country.

Kaldaur · Post by **Kaldaur** » February 28, 2007, 1:55 am

Haha Stephen Colbert just did a funny bit about the Al Gore energy thing.

Markulas · Post by **Markulas** » February 28, 2007, 2:34 am

Al Gore's smugness can be explained by his most famous quote:

"I actually invented global warming."

As for the smear campaign, dont they have bigger fish to fry now?

Moonwynd · Post by **Moonwynd** » February 28, 2007, 2:54 am

I would love to live in a yurt. I did live in a tipi for three months...it was awesome.

Post by **Sylvus** » February 28, 2007, 6:38 am

I will never understand the mindset that in order for good to come out of something, it has to be done completely and all at once. Moving incrementally toward a goal of using less energy is always better than not doing it at all, even if you only change one thing at a time.

I don't give a shit about Al Gore or living Green, but it sounds like he's making some changes in his lifestyle to put him on the path to practice more of what he preaches. He's also encouraging the entire world to be more environmentally conscious. To get that message out it is probably going to cause him to use more power than he did before he started that global campaign, particularly if he's working from home, until his current facilities are retrofitted with the most efficient products available. There's an old adage about making omelets and breaking eggs that fits in this situation.

Siji · Post by **Siji** » February 28, 2007, 11:16 am

People here continue to help me understand why Bush is still in office.

miir · Post by **miir** » February 28, 2007, 11:38 am

That's a pretty big house.

Deward · Post by **Deward** » February 28, 2007, 12:11 pm

My house is over 80 years old and over 2000 square feet. My electric/gas bills are just under $300 per month. I like to consider myself more energy conscious than the usual person but with rising energy prices and living in a city it is very difficult to cut expenses. For instance, I am unable to install solar panels because of how my roof leans and neighborhood trees. I have ripped out a lot of walls and replaced the 90 year old insulation (compressed hay UGH!!) with new insulating materials but my house is still pretty inefficient. If I hadn't made the changes I did though, my bill would easily be over $500 per month. When I bought the house 6 years ago my bills were still about $300 per month but the improvements have allowed me to keep things in check a little.

My bill is still too high for me but I really don't think Al Gore's $1000 per month is that outrageous. It is a big house. He will do more for Global Warming awareness living there than sleeping in the woods in a teepee.

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » February 28, 2007, 12:43 pm

Olbermann did a piece on this last night. He stated that Gore's actual power bill last year was something like 15 or 16k. Also, he mentioned that Gore's residence uses the TVA's "green energy" option with which Gore pays basically 150% of normal energy costs to use electricity produced by green and renewable sources. I remember hearing a square footage for Gore's mansion of something in excess of 10.000 square feet (not including the guest house) being tossed around. If accurate, that's 4 or 5 times the average square footage for a house. The house is an older, less efficient home, and he & his family have been actively upgrading and improving the home to increase efficiency. I've seen insulation improvements, PV & Thermal solar collection systems, more efficient heating & cooling systems along with other improvements being listed as either completed or in progress.

Clearly Gore isn't practicing what he preaches. If this is the best that the right-wing smear machine can come up with, you guys are soooo fucked next year.

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » February 28, 2007, 1:26 pm

Deward wrote:My house is over 80 years old and over 2000 square feet. My electric/gas bills are just under $300 per month. I like to consider myself more energy conscious than the usual person but with rising energy prices and living in a city it is very difficult to cut expenses. For instance, I am unable to install solar panels because of how my roof leans and neighborhood trees. I have ripped out a lot of walls and replaced the 90 year old insulation (compressed hay UGH!!) with new insulating materials but my house is still pretty inefficient. If I hadn't made the changes I did though, my bill would easily be over $500 per month. When I bought the house 6 years ago my bills were still about $300 per month but the improvements have allowed me to keep things in check a little.

My bill is still too high for me but I really don't think Al Gore's $1000 per month is that outrageous. It is a big house. He will do more for Global Warming awareness living there than sleeping in the woods in a teepee.

Your house sounds similar to mine. We have replaced the a lot of windows and our back door is next. You have to keep on top of it because my house has wide open spaces w/ high ceilings (9' on 1st and 8'6" on second) and drafts can come from all over the place. There was this little draft through the ceiling in our basement and it made a couple of sq feet of floor in the kitchen above it cold. A $5 can of great stuff later and that particular problem was solved. If I calc my energy bill, I would need to include my gas. Between my electric and gas, I can expect a $450-$550 total during cold months.

Kluden · Post by **Kluden** » February 28, 2007, 3:41 pm

I believe the Green Renewable Energy Fee (average), in the US where available, is around $0.02/Kw*h to be on this program.

So, if you want to know what your bill would be if you "purchased" green energy (which is of course a bit misleading), then take your Kw*h multiplied by your current rate + 2 cents per.

The extra fee is supposed to go directly toward the development and building of renewable energy services. A friend of mine works for a contractor that builds wind turbines across the globe. His company benefits from that extra money non stop, and is always busy building more wind turbines everywhere you go.

Chances are, part of your energy now is from renewable sources, it is just added to the grid, but certain folks choose to advance the cause more quickly by paying slightly higher fees.

edit: The above assumes of course, you actually are given the option by your power company.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · February 28, 2007, 4:11 pm

I support Al Gore. Leae the guy alone. He's done so much for the environment, I believe he should receive the benefit of the doubt on this shit. The constant mud slinging that goes on is ridiculous. Why are they even bothering him anyway? He's not even running for anything. Unreal.

Sargeras · Post by **Sargeras** » February 28, 2007, 4:21 pm

But... he invented the internet!

Keverian FireCry · Post by **Keverian FireCry** » February 28, 2007, 5:39 pm

But... he invented the internet!

I really hope people don't think that's actually what he said, because he never ever said that.

Here's what he said:

During my service in the United States Congress I took the initiative in creating the internet.

Here's what two of the guys who did invent the internet(Vincent Cerf and Robert E. Kahn) said about the "controversy":

As the two people who designed the basic architecture and the core protocols that make the Internet work, we would like to acknowledge VP Gore's contributions as a Congressman, Senator and as Vice President. No other elected official, to our knowledge, has made a greater contribution over a longer period of time.
Last year the Vice President made a straightforward statement on his role. He said: "During my service in the United States Congress I took the initiative in creating the Internet." We don't think, as some people have argued, that Gore intended to claim he "invented" the Internet. Moreover, there is no question in our minds that while serving as Senator, Gore's initiatives had a significant and beneficial effect on the still-evolving Internet. The fact of the matter is that Gore was talking about and promoting the Internet long before most people were listening. We feel it is timely to offer our perspective.

Bubba Grizz · Post by **Bubba Grizz** » February 28, 2007, 6:49 pm

I'd like to see a comparrison between what the Gore's paid and other people on his level of status and income. How much energy do other politcians use? How big are their houses. What are they doing to save the planet.

You can't compare Gore to the common man because Gore is not a common man. Not saying he is superman but he is on a different playing field when it comes to wealth and status. Kinda like comparing Emeril to a burger flipper at McDs.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » February 28, 2007, 6:49 pm

I heard Al Gore crashed 1507 computers with a virus when he was just 12 years old. His hacker name was Hang'in Chad.

If Gore doesn't decide to run for president in 2008, he's going to end up being the VP on a ticket for someone who does.

Fairweather Pure · Post by **Fairweather Pure** » February 28, 2007, 7:53 pm

Sargeras wrote:But... he invented the internet!

Jesus, I can't believe people still quote that. Gotta love people that take sound bites at face value, even years and years after the fact.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » February 28, 2007, 8:03 pm

Fairweather Pure wrote:
Sargeras wrote:But... he invented the internet!

Jesus, I can't believe people still quote that. Gotta love people that take sound bites at face value, even years and years after the fact.

But you and many other people here would think it was amusing if it was done about Bush, even if it was 10 years down the road

Keverian FireCry · Post by **Keverian FireCry** » February 28, 2007, 8:57 pm

We will continue to make fun of the stupid shit Bush says because HE ACTUALLY SAYS FUCKING STUPID SHIT!

Gore NEVER said "I invented the internet", yet stupid people across the country use it as ammunition against him.

Vetiria · Post by **Vetiria** » February 28, 2007, 9:13 pm

Funkmasterr wrote:But you and many other people here would think it was amusing if it was done about Bush, even if it was 10 years down the road

Don't have to make up anything about Bush to make fun of him.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » February 28, 2007, 9:16 pm

The actual comment he made, in my opinion is almost as false. It's just amusing for me to watch how ridiculously hypocritical some of you guys are when it comes to politics.

Vetiria · Post by **Vetiria** » February 28, 2007, 9:21 pm

Funkmasterr wrote:The actual comment he made, in my opinion is almost as false. It's just amusing for me to watch how ridiculously hypocritical some of you guys are when it comes to politics.

Keverian FireCry wrote:
Here's what two of the guys who did invent the internet(Vincent Cerf and Robert E. Kahn) said about the "controversy":

As the two people who designed the basic architecture and the core protocols that make the Internet work, we would like to acknowledge VP Gore's contributions as a Congressman, Senator and as Vice President. No other elected official, to our knowledge, has made a greater contribution over a longer period of time.
Last year the Vice President made a straightforward statement on his role. He said: "During my service in the United States Congress I took the initiative in creating the Internet." We don't think, as some people have argued, that Gore intended to claim he "invented" the Internet. Moreover, there is no question in our minds that while serving as Senator, Gore's initiatives had a significant and beneficial effect on the still-evolving Internet. The fact of the matter is that Gore was talking about and promoting the Internet long before most people were listening. We feel it is timely to offer our perspective.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » February 28, 2007, 9:30 pm

Vetiria wrote:
Funkmasterr wrote:The actual comment he made, in my opinion is almost as false. It's just amusing for me to watch how ridiculously hypocritical some of you guys are when it comes to politics.

Keverian FireCry wrote:
Here's what two of the guys who did invent the internet(Vincent Cerf and Robert E. Kahn) said about the "controversy":

As the two people who designed the basic architecture and the core protocols that make the Internet work, we would like to acknowledge VP Gore's contributions as a Congressman, Senator and as Vice President. No other elected official, to our knowledge, has made a greater contribution over a longer period of time.
Last year the Vice President made a straightforward statement on his role. He said: "During my service in the United States Congress I took the initiative in creating the Internet." We don't think, as some people have argued, that Gore intended to claim he "invented" the Internet. Moreover, there is no question in our minds that while serving as Senator, Gore's initiatives had a significant and beneficial effect on the still-evolving Internet. The fact of the matter is that Gore was talking about and promoting the Internet long before most people were listening. We feel it is timely to offer our perspective.

I said in my opinion, I could care less about what he quoted. And even if I did, what they say does not in so many words mean that Gore even "helped create" the internet.

Keverian FireCry · Post by **Keverian FireCry** » February 28, 2007, 9:38 pm

So being one of the most influential politicians (if not the most) to help legislatively and economically foster the creation of what we now know as the internet...has nothing to do with helping create it?

Look, I agree that he could have phrased what he said a bit better, but to spin it by saying that Al Gore believes he invented the internet is ludicrous. It's also one of the few things that conservative talking heads use as ammunition against him.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » February 28, 2007, 9:42 pm

Keverian FireCry wrote:So being one of the most influential politicians (if not the most) to help legislatively and economically foster the creation of what we now know as the internet...has nothing to do with helping create it?

My idea of the people who "helped create" the internet are the people who did the technical work, not the skeezy politicians that helped with something they thought/knew was going to be huge just so they could use it as a bragging point down the road.

Keverian FireCry · Post by **Keverian FireCry** » February 28, 2007, 9:43 pm

Wow...Ok, so everything any politician has ever done is because they were skeezy (whatever the fuck that means) and just wanted bragging rights down the road?

Goddamn those skeezy founding fathers, they just wanted bragging rights so they could get rich and fuck a lot of chicks. Fuck them and their stupid "Bill of Rights".

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » February 28, 2007, 9:46 pm

Keverian FireCry wrote:Wow...Ok, so everything any politician has ever done is because they were skeezy (whatever the fuck that means) and just wanted bragging rights down the road?

Goddamn those skeezy founding fathers, they just wanted bragging rights so they could get rich and fuck a lot of chicks. Fuck them and their stupid "Bill of Rights".

I think of most politicians as evil, and most things that most of them do are self serving in one or all ways, yes.

Keverian FireCry · Post by **Keverian FireCry** » February 28, 2007, 10:07 pm

okie dokie then

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » February 28, 2007, 10:10 pm

That skeezy fuckwhore has been preaching about "global warming" just so he can make money off the solar companies, not to help the environment!

Midnyte_Ragebringer · February 28, 2007, 10:27 pm

Zamtuk wrote:That skeezy fuckwhore has been preaching about "global warming" just so he can make money off the solar companies, not to help the environment!

While that might be true, in part, I belive he truly cares for the environment.

Al · Post by Al » March 1, 2007, 9:56 am

"Rarely is the questioned asked: Is our children learning?"

"I invented the internet"

Bet you can't pick the real quote!

Siji · Post by **Siji** » March 1, 2007, 11:37 am

Funkmasterr wrote:My idea of the people who "helped create" the internet are the people who did the technical work

Coming from someone who's an expert at doing technical work.

Lalanae · Post by **Lalanae** » March 1, 2007, 12:33 pm

roffles

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » March 1, 2007, 1:05 pm

Siji wrote:
Funkmasterr wrote:My idea of the people who "helped create" the internet are the people who did the technical work
Coming from someone who's an expert at doing technical work.

Way to contribute something to the conversation dipshit.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » March 1, 2007, 1:34 pm

You don't contribute a conversation either, fella, if everything that comes out of your mouth is stupid.