Al Gore Attacks Exxon Mobile

Last year, Al Gore released his controversial documentary entitled 'The Inconvenient Truth', a 'global warning' about global warming's impact on the world. This film posed as a major threat to the oil and gas industry who now feels the need to fight back. The man who was once the 'next president of the United States' (think about that) attended a forum in Singapore and utilized the moment to attack Exxon Mobil. Gore stated that the oil giant is funding an organization that publicizes their belief that Earth is not warming. In fact, Al Gore is correct once again. The organization goes by the name: Competitive enterprise Institute (CEI) and they have organized a large campaign to alert the public that the issue of global warming is false. Ironically, Exxon Mobil is a major donor; the company has donated $270,000 in 2004 and over $1.6 Billion since 1998! CEI states that global warming is like claiming an alien invasion. I was extremely angry when I found about this... once again I am let down by a company that I thought was great. Exxon Mobil was always respected on StreetBlabber but with oil companies... its hard to trust them. Its almost expected of Exxon Mobil... but I feel that they should be given the right to fight back. I think that Al Gore should lay back a while and let them try to prove global warming wrong so that he can shut them down with the truth. I think that almost everyone is convinced that the planet is warming and it will be hard to try and convince us otherwise. Its bad publicity for Exxon to fund them... I think that if Exxon wants to battle Al Gore, why not do it directly? Create your own campaign. In my opinion, when it comes to our planet everyone should cooperate. All business aside... oil companies should stay out or join the movement. Its not impossible. BP, Shell and Chevron have all joined the battle against global warming by taking on several projects that are Eco-friendly. I am a firm believer in protecting our environment and stories like this cause me to be upset... some companies can be really ignorant. Just accept the fact that our world is suffering Exxon!

Paris Hilton Demands a Hybrid Hummer!

The nation's most notable socialite, Paris Hilton is best known for setting trends. Its simple...when she speaks, people listen, whatever she does, we follow. Believe it or not, Ms.Hilton is in fact a 'social innovator'. Now Paris Hilton calls attention to the auto industry. Recently, Ford gave Paris a brand new hybrid vehicle...but no, that's not enough. Ms. Hilton has become Eco-savvy and demands bigger and better...but safer. Paris demands a hybrid hummer. She has been quoted: "driving hybrid cars is the new way to go. Anyone can do it, no matter how old". GM stated that such a car does not exist. I think that Paris actually has a good idea... but it may not work being that Hummers are such large cars. In my opinion, an SUV is an SUV no matter how Eco-friendly it may be. It may be a smart move for GM but consumers may soon realize that its just another SUV. Should GM executives listen to Paris... probably not. Being that Paris Hilton was arrested for DUI charges in July... she is not trust worthy with that industry. Now that I think about it, this could be a funny commercial (Paris driving a hybrid Hummer while drunk but not arrested because she was driving a hybrid... no harm to the environment).

Russia Claims Hidden Treasure - North Pole

The competitive nature of Russia is once again apparent. We witnessed the rivalry during the Cold War and there are hints of a return. Russia's president Vladimir Putin, has promised to transform Russia into an "energy empire". According to Time Magazine, "Russia has signaled its intentions to annex the entire North Pole". This arctic area is huge, but entirely under water. The North Pole is restricted to man and is supervised by a U.N. Commission. Last month, Russia made a scientific discovery complete with fifty scientists aboard the Russia Nuclear Ice-Breaker. The Russian scientists found an underwater ridge (Lomonosov Ridge) which directly connects Russia's arctic coast to the North Pole. Russia believes that this discovery grants them rights over Polar territory which, by the way, contains ten billion tons of oil and natural gas deposits! I think that this is definitely going to lead to conflict. I hope that the U.S. does NOT get involved because we have enough problems of our own. Technically the land is Russia's if it is connected... therefore, in my opinion, they have the right to claim it. Let's not forget... Russia has enough oil which means that they can form a monopoly. Hopefully the U.N. can resolve any problems that may arise. I am against this idea of interfering with the North Pole! Does anyone seem to care about the inhabitants of that land? The polar bears, penguins and underwater fish all survive off of the icy region. If Russia begins to drill deep into the waters of the North Pole for oil it will disrupt the environment. Ice is already melting due to global warming and now this. Earlier this year a group of Russia dignitaries proudly raised the nation's flag over the North Pole. Because of this new story... I must question: Does the moon belong to the U.S?

My Earth Rewards

GE has done it again! Just a quick reminder of their mission- "to change (save) the world". The once doubted vision is no longer impossible. Introducing the GE Earth Rewards Card which allows users to "direct up to 1% of all net purchases that reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions, Earth Rewards can help offset your individual impact". Our everyday actions affects our environment in many ways. The largest part of our environmental impact derives from the energy we use; coal, oil and natural gas. According to GE, most of the human energy consumption is from transportation, followed by home and commercial. GE wants us to use energy and electricity more wisely. The website (myearthrewards.com) is full of information regarding the environment. Users can calculate their personal impact on the environment. I took the quick survey to calculate my personal impact and it was fun... the result is nothing to be proud of. My biggest impact is waste... I need to recycle more. Transportation was minor because I usually take the Subway or walk. The GE Earth Rewards Credit Card (partnered with Master Card) can help users cut their impact even more. Here is how it works: "Every time you use your Earth Rewards Card, a portion of your net purchases will go to offsetting the emissions created by your purchases and activities. For example, spending $25 contributes enough to offset the emissions associated with running a typical refrigerator for a month. Spending $500 offsets the emissions from driving almost 1,500 miles in an average car". Users can choose their reward program: contribute 1% towards climate projects, or contribute 1/2% towards climate projects and get 1/2% cash back. I really like this idea! Good one GE. This is the type of business I like. I am excited when a story comes in about GE because I know its nothing but positivity and innovation. StreetBlabber loves GE...not to be picky but our two most favorite companies to write about are Apple and GE. This idea is perfect because our population isn't disciplined (in my opinion) to save our world. People like rewards and this will definitely get us thinking. I think of it like a tax system... 1% on all purchases.. yet more like an investment. You are investing in the world. You might ask (similar to tax payers and investors): "where will my money go?" GE displays a list of planned emissions reduction projects such as Methane Capture at Landfills, Coal Mines and Farms, Industrial Gas Destruction, Renewable Energy Efficient, and Reforestation. All of which will be funded mostly by Earth Rewards users. If tax money can go towards maintaining your local surroundings...why can't 1% of your everyday purchases go towards maintaining your entire environment (the planet in which you reside needs your effort). Words can't describe how I feel about GE... this is a company that will always be well respected by me. Just don't upset us with any bad news.

What Does The Future Hold For Natural Gas?

A StreetBlabber.com Special.* Since 2000, natural gas prices have risen dramatically and continue to remain high. The world is now concerned about the future of natural gas prices which will have an impact on the people and economic growth of countries throughout the world. Another major problem is the shortage of natural gas to power the many cities occupied by you and me. Natural gas accounts for more than twenty percent of the energy consumed and about thirty percent of the energy produced in the United States. The largest user of natural gas is the industrial sector which innovates solutions to consumers which you will learn more about throughout the article. Natural gas is the "largest source consumed in the residential sector and the fastest growing energy source for electricity generation." So what exactly does the future hold for the natural gas industry? Let us begin with the story of an industry giant. Exxon Mobil, the company formed in 1999 by the merger of two major oil companies has grown to become an industry leader. The company has experienced some downfalls in it's past including the famous 1989 Valdez oil spill which was considered one of the most devastating man made environmental disasters ever to occur at sea. Exxon Mobil has been criticized for its slow response to the disaster and as a result, the community felt betrayed. Despite these downfalls, Exxon Mobil has recovered. The company was recently named the "most profitable" by Fortune Magazine, and continues to climb. Does this mean that the natural gas industry is improving? In fact, most of the companies that were featured on Fortune's Most Profitable list were within the energy sector. Despite the current hype, we should be concerned. A major threat is among us that just just might hurt the natural gas industry. Global Warming is already affecting the world and we must be cautious. People are becoming aware that we are the problem. The over usage of energy is destroying our natural environment. As a result, the world will experience long, hot summers with intense heat waves and an increase in natural disasters. Warmer weather will cause major tropical storms that I predict will surpass Hurricane Katrina in strength and destruction. Winters will be short but severe; extreme blizzards and below freezing temperatures will occur. This is no exaggeration...this is the truth. Because of this potential crisis we must try to prevent the issue or else it will escalate to another level that will permanently scar our civilization. One company is benefiting from this problem. Best known for their energy innovations, General Electric's (GE) mission is to literally change or better yet save the world. The company has transformed into a fully "green" organization. Mostly all of their products are now Eco-friendly. They provide solutions to make the world a better place to live in. GE's new launch of Ecomagination has taken on several projects. The company has worked with Shafer Vineyards to provide solar energy solutions which significantly reduced their cost of power usage. GE developed The Evolution, which is a diesel powered locomotive on the rails, provided wind-powered energy to the town of Arklow, Ireland, created a distillation method to offer drinkable water to regions in Africa, and provided a record-breaking aircraft engine (GE 90-115B) to Japan Airlines. Will these methods power our world in the future? Probably so. The natural gas industry could be in trouble unless they join the movement. BP and Royal Dutch Shell have been researching natural gas alternatives such as hydrogen power to fuel automobiles. Power plants across the United States have turned to coal instead of burning fossil fuels which is a major air pollutant. Coal is said to be less expensive and more efficient according to industry experts. Global warming, if not prevented, will cause severe winters and natural gas will be used to heat homes and offices. Also, some of GE's projects are slightly powered by natural gas. It all started with the invention of the light bulb and the world is now turning to natural energy such as the sun and wind. There must be a reason why these sources are given to us... my guess is to use them. We will have to cooperate to create a solution. Please visit ge.ecomagination.com for more information. Thank you for reading this summer's StreetBlabber.com Special* Please leave a comment for the writer... we will greatly appreciate it.

WalMart Canada Saves Energy By Dimming Lights!

Following the previous gender discrimination law suit, WalMart attempts to stay positive with another PR push. The company's latest move is to become "green"! The new "environmentally friendly" WalMart demands smaller packaging containers and now energy efficient store lighting. The move will be better for the company's Canada stores because it will save them money and take away the negative publicity. Currently, WalMart has 240 stores in Canada and the new method of dimming lights is expected to save about 4,500 tons of carbon emissions during the summer season. I think that this is a great move for WalMart to become liked by the public. I still think that the company needs some one in charge of ethics but I'm all for the environment and agree with the project. Word on the street is that WalMart will use LED lighting in refrigerators supplied by CREE Inc. which will lower the company's energy use. WalMart states that their mission is not to save money but instead save the environment. Go WalMart!

**********STREETBLABBER APOLOGIZES FOR THE UPCOMMING LAPSE AT WHAT IS DEEMED TO BE AN EXCITING ACCOUNTING PROGRAM HELD AT PACE UNIVERSITY!!!! I WILL BE GONE FROM SUNDAY, JUNE 24TH TO THURSDAY, JUNE 28TH***************

Do You Like Clone Milk?

Would you purchase milk if it came from a clone cow? In 1999 the first cow was cloned and created constroversy across the nation. Milk from cloned animals are starting to be sold in grocery stores. Last year, the FDA announced that they will endorse cloned foods in America. They also stated that meat and milk from cloned animals and their offspring were safe to eat. It would take another ninety days to hear what the public has to say. Today, those ninety days are up; but there will be a thirty day extension. Is this ethical? Think of the safety and morality issues, the nation may not agree just because the FDA says so. Consumers have a choice. FDA does not believe that these food products should be specifically labeled! Whole Foods, Wild Oats, Dean Foods, and Unilever do not intend to carry these products unless the FDA follows through on the decision to label all cloned products. The final decision will be made in thirty days unless there is another extension. I probably would not purchase "cloned milk" because it will not seem organic to me, whereas if it originated from an "original" cow.

******* StreetBlabber apologizes for the missed days of blabbing. We appreciate all the comments and will make it our effort to report compelling articles daily. For now, Blab On.