Expect Rising Gas Prices...

Since Exxon/Mobil reported a decrease in their net income for the second quarter, an increase in gas prices should probably not be a surprise to the rest of us in the upcoming months. Especially after reports that blame the decrease on decreasing natural gas prices.
So gas prices are setting records.
And of course the market is making a HUGE deal out of it, as if Exxon is in a very bad situation with the decline in their profits. So their profits this time wasnt the highest profit ever recorded in history, but rather it's the concern yielding 4th!! "Fourth Largest quarterly profit ever recorded..."!!!
Isnt that grim?
Oh and here's the part most reports fail to mention: Exxon/Mobil's shares increased 21% since the beginning of the year, but dropped an unbelievable 2% upon today's disappointing news...

So, let's get it all straight: Gas prices are record highs... Natural Gas prices are dropping... The increase in gas prices aren't offsetting the decrease in natural gas prices, and so poor Exxon isnt meeting market expectations in its profits, and is coming in 4th!
Do they mean that natural gas prices are dropping more than fuel prices are increasing?

Seriously... Tell Me the Point...

This article on CNN this morning begs me to question why CNN provides its stories. There is a reason why the intelligence within a country is kept confidential. Intercepting with your own countries intelligence and then publishing that article on an international news channel for all terrorists to see around the world isnt a "gossip" line like Lohan or Hilton stories.
First, providing this kind of information gives a "heads up" to any possible terrorists plotting anything. Second, it scares the people. Third, it weakens the people's trust in its own intelligence system.
For those who think that it also "wakes up" people, I'd say that instead of leaking a confidential intelligence report, the media should be more creative!

From the Press... on the Democratic Presidential Debate

Chicago Tribune: Clinton and YouTube win South Carolina Debate
Says Clinton was the least damaging to herself in the debates, and that's considered a winner.

New York Times: Novel Debate Format, but Same Old Candidates
Apparently they weren't impressed by any of the candidates' answers or performance.

Reuters: Obama Clinton Clash in YouTube Debate
They seem to be saying the same thing, it was a debate between Obama and Clinton

Newsday: Power to the People

Philadelphia Inquirer: 'Wassup?' YouTube enters the debate

Democrats' Debate

The CNN YouTube Democratic Presidential Debate was on last night! If you've missed it, you can read the transcripts for part 1 and part 2.

I thought that at the beginning the questions were pretty heavily aimed at Obama and Clinton, which made the debate a bit unfair, as the other candidates didnt get the opportunity to speak to some issues.
But Anderson Cooper, did a great job moderating.
This was definitely a very easy to follow, detailed and exciting way to have a debate. Even for those who usually do not watch political debates, it was interesting, because it was really the PEOPLE who were asking the questions.
I think there's no doubt that it's going to be a tight race between Clinton and Obama. Even Edwards seemed to be lagging behind in answers, and questions. To my surprise Clinton was extremely confident, and very well articulated her answers without really tiptoeing around the issues. Obama's answers were also very controlled and powerful, he demonstrated that he really is a very strong leader. He didn't mind taking on the other candidates' comments, and address the issues to make sure everything was out in the open.
The other candidates seemed to be the "Supporting Debaters" rather than fighting for themselves.

The Republican Debate is set for September 17th. Guess they need LOTS of time to get prepped! ;opppp

Gadgets... and YOU

So here's the news about the iPod. Your iPod during a thunderstorm might be very damaging.
But surely this isnt just the iPod then. Should hold true for all MP3 players and even cell phones?

Speaking of cell phones... They just might be our worst enemy? Many informational sites, news sites, tech sites and cancer research sites report that using a cell phone too much increases the risk of getting a brain tumor.
Not to mention the bacteria found on cell phones are apparently enough to cause a whole town to fall ill...
And of course for years it has been an area of concern for traffic accidents for their use while driving.

There's even a blog dedicated to cell-phone health.
We should probably really consider cutting down on our cell phone use. Who knows it might be good for our pockets and our health!

Donate to Kids

Just a small diversion from all my global warming work. I decided to help out one of the children's charities. I chose Cheerful Givers because it seemed like a very nice and overlooked purpose. What kid isnt happy on their birthdays? Even without gifts, but add a gift to it from a miscellaneous person...

If you want to volunteer, you can always DO SOMETHING!

Movies Update

I just updated my movies section with some of the movies I watched recently and liked.
There are a few more that I've seen but Im running short on time at the moment. I'll update those later too. :o))

Take Action...

Just watching TV nowadays or reading the news we can find hundreds of ways to "Take Action." This doesnt have to be about global warming or the environment of course. It could be about Women's Rights, or to "Keep America Beautiful", or to ensure "Hurricane Preparedness", or it can be global like to "Save Darfur", or just plain old "Human Rights".

There are hundreds of ways to get involved in whatever you want to do.

But please just get up and DO SOMETHING! Don't just sit around and become a couch potato...