NationStates Jolt Archive

I just bought the DVD a few days ago, and watched it tonight. The sad thing is that it was a well-crafted and well-argued documentary, but had one serious flaw: Al Gore. He was so woody and technical in the film that I sometimes wondered if he cared about global warming, or just used it as a sales pitch. Then I remembered how sad a sales pitch it was back in the 1980s and 1990s, when he still used this as a career builder. Today, he's peddling the same story, and could easily run for president again.
Thoughts?

I just bought the DVD a few days ago, and watched it tonight. The sad thing is that it was a well-crafted and well-argued documentary, but had one serious flaw: Al Gore. He was so woody and technical in the film that I sometimes wondered if he cared about global warming, or just used it as a sales pitch. Then I remembered how sad a sales pitch it was back in the 1980s and 1990s, when he still used this as a career builder. Today, he's peddling the same story, and could easily run for president again.
Thoughts?

(meanwhile in my magical thought cloud)

ATTACK OF THE FIFTY FOOT AL GORE!

*black and white movie parody*

Guy: Help I'm a white collar guy who doesn't know how to deal with this!

Gore: GRRRRRRRRR!!!!! MUST ELIMINATE GLOBAL WARMING! THOSE FACTORIES ARE KILLING TREES RAWR! *demolishes them*

*Gore climbs up on building resembling king kong as Gore also swats away airplanes and evades the military*

Fear the first Emperor of the Moon.

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/e/e9/100px-Al_Gore_on_Futurama.JPG

He'd never win.

Thoughts?

It was climate change for idiots. I think he targeted his audience well.

(meanwhile in my ADHD thought cloud)


*fixed*

Sometimes I want to understand how you think.

But mostly, I believe that would be a bad idea.

It was climate change for idiots. I think he targeted his audience well.

Funny, because I thought that the movie was geared to the slightly-more-educated crowd. It didn't descend into really technical details, but it was a shower of data.

Fear the first Emperor of the Moon.

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/e/e9/100px-Al_Gore_on_Futurama.JPG

Peace out, y'all!

Fear the first Emperor of the Moon.

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/e/e9/100px-Al_Gore_on_Futurama.JPG

Help, he has a cape, and a head tank with it's own rocket boosters.:eek:

Um. It was 'showered' with very simply charts and graphs.

If that was geared to the 'slightly-more-educated' crowd...you should be very worried.

Well, I think it was. I don't think the bulk of Americans could understand all of those charts and graphs, though younger Americans typically can.

Funny, because I thought that the movie was geared to the slightly-more-educated crowd. It didn't descend into really technical details, but it was a shower of data.

Um. It was 'showered' with very simple charts and graphs. The viewer was led very slowly through the details, and everything was explained clearly.

If that was geared to the 'slightly-more-educated' crowd...you should be very worried.

However, I'd like to note that I wanted to vote for Al Gore after seeing it...and I'm a freakin' Canuk. :D

Funny, because I thought that the movie was geared to the slightly-more-educated crowd. It didn't descend into really technical details, but it was a shower of data.

Sensationalist and Fearmongering 'data' and 'statistics' presented as absolute truth. Good job Al Gore, make all us Climate Change people look like nonscientific crazies.

Someone was actually surprised at Al Gore's presentation being wooden and lack-luster? It's Al Gore! Remember? :p

Well, I think it was. I don't think the bulk of Americans could understand all of those charts and graphs, though younger Americans typically can.

You have a very low opinion of the level of intelligence of your fellow USians.

I've shown that movie to children, and they understood it fine.

I just bought the DVD a few days ago, and watched it tonight. The sad thing is that it was a well-crafted and well-argued documentary, but had one serious flaw: Al Gore. He was so woody and technical in the film that I sometimes wondered if he cared about global warming, or just used it as a sales pitch. Then I remembered how sad a sales pitch it was back in the 1980s and 1990s, when he still used this as a career builder. Today, he's peddling the same story, and could easily run for president again.
Thoughts?*pictures Al Gore with a woody*
*goes blind*

Sensationalist and Fearmongering 'data' and 'statistics' presented as absolute truth. Good job Al Gore, make all us Climate Change people look like nonscientific crazies.

Well, you could always take this opportunity to refute any of the points he made in that movie.

I'll wait.

He'd never win.

Thankfully! :p

*fixed*

Sometimes I want to understand how you think.

But mostly, I believe that would be a bad idea.

It was climate change for idiots. I think he targeted his audience well.

I'm sorry but if it's suicide by MOD your after your going to have to try harder.

I'm still voting for Zod. (http://www.zod2008.com/)

Vote and Kneel!

I'm sorry but if it's suicide by MOD your after your going to have to try harder.

Wuh? :p

You have a very low opinion of the level of intelligence of your fellow USians.

I've shown that movie to children, and they understood it fine.

I'm glad. It's a great intro tool. But I only have that opinion of older Americans, the bulk of society. Young adults and children are fine because they need to be more visually literate than the generations before them.

Wuh? :p

Hmmm, lets see she flamed me and trolled those who believe in climate change. Seems actionable.

Hmmm, lets see she flamed me and trolled those who believe in climate change. Seems actionable.

Lots of luck. ;)

I'm glad. It's a great intro tool. But I only have that opinion of older Americans, the bulk of society. Young adults and children are fine because they need to be more visually literate than the generations before them.
You do make a good point on the visual literacy. I think though, in terms of older generations, that it wouldn't be an issue of not getting it. It would be an issue of not wanting to see it, or ignoring it if they DID see it.

You do make a good point on the visual literacy. I think though, in terms of older generations, that it wouldn't be an issue of not getting it. It would be an issue of not wanting to see it, or ignoring it if they DID see it.

Maybe. But anything with Al Gore in it is easily ignorable. Which is sad, because it was well-made, and the parts with Al Gore's story were well-written. They were not well presented, however.

I'm sorry but if it's suicide by MOD your after your going to have to try harder.

Check your reading comprehension.

It was climate change for idiots (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Global-Warming/dp/1592570712).

You know...simple...so even a total moron could understand it? Put me on ignore if you really can't be arsed to understand what I'm posting.

The impression I had was that it was about Al Gore talking about global warming. Just as Heart of Darkness is about Marlow telling the story about him and Kurtz... Whut?*

*Didn't mean content wise, just mean using a frame.

Maybe. But anything with Al Gore in it is easily ignorable. Which is sad, because it was well-made, and the parts with Al Gore's story were well-written. They were not well presented, however.

I'm not really all that familiar with Al Gore outside of this movie. I do know that Frank Zappa hated his wife :D However, I think he came across well, but my perspective is different. We rather expect our politicians to be reserved.

When they're not talking to their dead mothers (http://www.answers.com/topic/william-lyon-mackenzie-king), or drinking glasses of gin (http://www.answers.com/topic/macdonald-sir-john-alexander) on the Parliament floor.

I'm really not sure why people rag on Al Gore so much - it's probably because he was in Clinton's (a notably charismatic man) shadow. Better to be seen as earnest and wooden than a klutz like Dan Quayle or Dubya.

I survived "An Unconvienent Truth" as well. I had bought the DVD, brought it home, popped it out of its case… and woke up in a hospital 6 days later. Damn, those DVDs are sharp…

The impression I had was that it was about Al Gore talking about global warming.

Yeah, it kind of was.

I'm not really all that familiar with Al Gore outside of this movie. I do know that Frank Zappa hated his wife :D However, I think he came across well, but my perspective is different. We rather expect our politicians to be reserved.

When they're not talking to their dead mothers (http://www.answers.com/topic/william-lyon-mackenzie-king), or drinking glasses of gin (http://www.answers.com/topic/macdonald-sir-john-alexander) on the Parliament floor.
So you're a Brit. Charming. I don't know what campaign politics are like over there, but your Parliament debates are lively, and actually fun to watch. If the House of Commons moved their debates to Wembly Stadium, I'm sure every debate would be sold out. Especially "Question Time."

I'm really not sure why people rag on Al Gore so much - it's probably because he was in Clinton's (a notably charismatic man) shadow. Better to be seen as earnest and wooden than a klutz like Dan Quayle or Dubya.

Why so sure of his intentions? He does earn a comfortable living selling his message, you know. :p I don't think he turns down his speakers' fees, either. ;)

So you're a Brit. Charming. I don't know what campaign politics are like over there, but your Parliament debates are lively, and actually fun to watch. If the House of Commons moved their debates to Wembly Stadium, I'm sure every debate would be sold out. Especially "Question Time."

I am NOT a brit, thank you very much! The nerve!

I am NOT a brit, thank you very much! The nerve!

Sorry. You're English was so good and your manners so impeccable that I just assumed you were British. So sorry. Mind if I do ask your nationality, though?

I just bought the DVD a few days ago, and watched it tonight. The sad thing is that it was a well-crafted and well-argued documentary, but had one serious flaw: Al Gore. He was so woody and technical in the film that I sometimes wondered if he cared about global warming, or just used it as a sales pitch. Then I remembered how sad a sales pitch it was back in the 1980s and 1990s, when he still used this as a career builder. Today, he's peddling the same story, and could easily run for president again.
Thoughts?

Unlike you, I did not survive. This post was made from beyond the grave.

Sorry. You're English was so good and your manners so impeccable that I just assumed you were British. So sorry. Mind if I do ask your nationality, though?

She's a native in Canada. I forgot what tribe. She could answer for herself but I so often don't know crap about the people here I am all proud of myself for knowing that much.

Sorry. You're English was so good and your manners so impeccable that I just assumed you were British. I've had many things said about me on this forum. That line, however, has never once been used on me.


So sorry. Mind if I do ask your nationality, though?
Canadian. Really...our politicians are the epitome of dull. We have Stephen-fish-face Harper (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Canada). Jean Chretien put crack addicts to sleep. Our most lively Prime Minister in the last oh...forty years, was Trudeau (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Trudeau).

She's a native in Canada. I forgot what tribe. She could answer for herself but I so often don't know crap about the people here I am all proud of myself for knowing that much.

I must be growing on you:)

Cree Nation, by the way. Nehiyaw.

Canadian. Really...our politicians are the epitome of dull. We have Stephen-fish-face Harper (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Canada). Jean Chretien put crack addicts to sleep. Our most lively Prime Minister in the last oh...forty years, was Trudeau (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Trudeau).
I know shamefully little about Canadian politics, and I live right near the border. I never do hear about a campaign up there, and while I closely follow the news, I never hear anything about the Canadian government. I guess there's a reason why most Americans can't name the Canadian PM.

Unlike you, I did not survive. This post was made from beyond the grave.

Al Gore can do that. Whether or not you think the Presidency was stolen from him, it probably would've been less fun than the one from the Bush Administration.

Why so sure of his intentions? He does earn a comfortable living selling his message, you know. :p I don't think he turns down his speakers' fees, either. ;)

Well, he WAS a politician after all, not the Dalai Lama.. ;)

Al Gore can do that. Whether or not you think the Presidency was stolen from him, it probably would've been less fun than the one from the Bush Administration.
True. When watching An Inconvenient Truth, my friend pointed out that although the truth of what George Bush says is always up for debate, at least you know what he's talking about.

I have no need to watch a film in which some american politician dumbs down climate change for the general public. I was familiar with the issue long before politicians started jumping on the bandwagon because I read science news/magazines.

I was familiar with the issue long before politicians started jumping on the bandwagon because I read science news/magazines.
So was Al Gore, in his defense. The only reason he's started publicizing it as much as he is now is because A) he's got nothing else to do and B) it's only recently started to appear in the news and politics.
Also, the movie does a pretty good job of not dumbing anything down. He only briefly mentions the actual science behind global warming (which is fairly simple) but does explain the effects this has. It's a good overview of the topic.
He also has a useful Powerpoint. I think he should have won an Oscar for that alone.

http://uglydemocrats.com/democrats/United-States/Al-Gore/ranting-al-gore.jpg

"Save the fucking planet mother fuckers!"

I have no need to watch a film in which some american politician dumbs down climate change for the general public. I was familiar with the issue long before politicians started jumping on the bandwagon because I read science news/magazines.

"I knew all about it before it became cool" is such an Indie music fan line :p

"I knew all about it before it became cool" is such an Indie music fan line :p

Not the point I was trying to make. More a case of commenting on people's disregard for science - it had to be turned into politics for people to care - except that it has the opposite effect on people who disagree with Al Gore politically. OK, not all of that was in my point, but it's worth saying.

Fear the first Emperor of the Moon.

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/e/e9/100px-Al_Gore_on_Futurama.JPG

We NEED to defend our planet from Pollution...........and dark wizards

I feel that An Inconvienant Truth was very informative and that more movies should be brought out like that because Global Warming is a HUGE concern. The movie is being played in various high school classes, which is great because it is raising awareness among the youth, and it is our generation who needs to be making serious changes!
Yes it definately was great for Al Gore and he got alot of publicity off of it, because it is good that he wants to take full credit for being one of the first politicians to actually want to make positive changes in our environment. I hope more politicians hop on board, because saving our environment is the wave of the future!! :D

I watched it for my Social Studies class in college. Being that I am of a different political persuasion than Gore, I attempted to keep an open mind. One thing that struck me throughout the film was that he never listed any of his sources, nor mentioned if they were biased or not (admittedly, we had to stop the movie before the credits, so if he displayed them there, I withdraw my critique, pending an examination). I also did not appreciate the interspliced bits of Gore's background. You grew up on a tobacco farm and your son nearly died. What the hell does any of that have to do with global warming?

Some of what he said did make sense, in the line of using more fuel-efficient equipment and such. That stuff should be a given, anyway.

So, Al, unless you give me verifiable, unbiased proof to back your film, go back to Tennessee.

(The part with Futurama was the best, though.)

I have never watched something as fucking boring as An Inconvenient Truth. My god, ugh.

I think the only good part was the animation by the Simpsons guys.

Not the point I was trying to make. More a case of commenting on people's disregard for science - it had to be turned into politics for people to care - except that it has the opposite effect on people who disagree with Al Gore politically. OK, not all of that was in my point, but it's worth saying.

Well then, if you're so concerned with science and reason you should look at it this way.

People who believe in the reality of climate change because they base their beliefs in facts and logic will feel the way they do regardless of what Al Gore has to say about things.

Those who base their beliefs on political affiliation will agree with Al Gore if they are already inclined towards supporting Democrats.

Those who are politically disinclined towards Democrats already dismiss the idea of climate change as liberal propaganda because they are already self-identifying with the anti-environment people. No amount of reason would convince them otherwise, Al Gore or no Al Gore.

Al Gore identifying himself with environmentalism does nothing to dissuade anyone who was already inclined towards it.

I watched it for my Social Studies class in college. Being that I am of a different political persuasion than Gore, I attempted to keep an open mind. One thing that struck me throughout the film was that he never listed any of his sources, nor mentioned if they were biased or not (admittedly, we had to stop the movie before the credits, so if he displayed them there, I withdraw my critique, pending an examination). I also did not appreciate the interspliced bits of Gore's background. You grew up on a tobacco farm and your son nearly died. What the hell does any of that have to do with global warming?

Some of what he said did make sense, in the line of using more fuel-efficient equipment and such. That stuff should be a given, anyway.

So, Al, unless you give me verifiable, unbiased proof to back your film, go back to Tennessee.

(The part with Futurama was the best, though.)

It's a movie. Movies aren't supposed to be debate enders. They're supposed to prompt you to go and look it up for yourself. If you disagree with his premise, find an unbiased source that disagrees with it.

My guess is that you won't be able to find one, because the only research against it is paid for by the oil lobbies.

The only inconvenient truth is that no matter how much he denies it, and no matter how many recounts there are, he still freaking lost.

It's a presentation put on film. What do you want?

The only inconvenient truth is that no matter how much he denies it, and no matter how many recounts there are, he still freaking lost.

As did we all. :(

I'm sorry but if it's suicide by MOD your after your going to have to try harder.

Wow. Paranoid much? That wasn't even close to MODdable behavior. Try again later.

Hmmm, lets see she flamed me and trolled those who believe in climate change. Seems actionable.

Wow again. You weren't either flamed or trolled. In fact, one could easily make a case that you yourself are trolling by trying to cry MOD as a way to goad someone. Grow some skin, please.

So you're a Brit. Charming. I don't know what campaign politics are like over there, but your Parliament debates are lively, and actually fun to watch. If the House of Commons moved their debates to Wembly Stadium, I'm sure every debate would be sold out. Especially "Question Time."

Did you even read her posts? "Canuck". From Canada.

Al Gore can do that. Whether or not you think the Presidency was stolen from him, it probably would've been less fun than the one from the Bush Administration.

Wow. An unnecessary and bloody war, unlawful wiretaps, corporate cronyism and idiots in the Justice Department -- that's your idea of "fun"? Please give me boring.

You have a very low opinion of the level of intelligence of your fellow USians.

I've shown that movie to children, and they understood it fine.

Yay for brainwashing!
(And I also understood you to be a teacher. You should at least be able to spell "American")

I just bought the DVD a few days ago, and watched it tonight. The sad thing is that it was a well-crafted and well-argued documentary, but had one serious flaw: Al Gore. He was so woody and technical in the film that I sometimes wondered if he cared about global warming, or just used it as a sales pitch. Then I remembered how sad a sales pitch it was back in the 1980s and 1990s, when he still used this as a career builder. Today, he's peddling the same story, and could easily run for president again.
Thoughts?

Am I the only one who found that polar bear bit hilarious?

Question Period is undoubtedly a entertaining half-hour in Canadian politics.

Dammit. Someday, I will learn to use the multi-quote button.

I find it unfortunate that messenger and message have to be so conflated in this country.

PRO Hosted by Gore:
- Knowledgable on the topic
- Knows lots of people who assured wide distribution of the film
- Experienced public speaker
- Built-in appeal to about half the population

CON Hosted by Gore:
- He's a Democrat, with the attendant knee-jerk dismissal by about half the population, who wouldn't care if Gore were telling them their house was on fire or giving them money
- Can drone a bit if presentation not sufficiently broken up with charts, Powepoint and other doo-dads (which it largely was)
- Hollywood connections seen as suspicious by those who hate Gore and are sour-graped about the Oscar (as if Who Killed the Electric Car had a chance...I wish it had...it was a better documentary)

In the end, I agree with Domici -- the film was never meant to be the closer of the deal on global warming. Like any other examination of any other subject, it's one of any number of sources to read/consult for information. The attacks on Gore merely show that those who dislike the message are making the title of the film seem all the more relevant.

(meanwhile in my magical thought cloud)

ATTACK OF THE FIFTY FOOT AL GORE!

*black and white movie parody*

Guy: Help I'm a white collar guy who doesn't know how to deal with this!

Gore: GRRRRRRRRR!!!!! MUST ELIMINATE GLOBAL WARMING! THOSE FACTORIES ARE KILLING TREES RAWR! *demolishes them*

*Gore climbs up on building resembling king kong as Gore also swats away airplanes and evades the military*

This looks like a job for.... GOJIRAAA!!!!

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3573/godzillavsgoreec1.jpg

Yay for brainwashing!
(And I also understood you to be a teacher. You should at least be able to spell "American")

Why the fuck would I?

I'm not talking about Americans, I'm talking about citizens of the USA.

Why the fuck would I?

I'm not talking about Americans, I'm talking about citizens of the USA.

The two are synonymous, my dear.

I have no need to watch a film in which some american politician dumbs down climate change for the general public. I was familiar with the issue long before politicians started jumping on the bandwagon because I read science news/magazines.

The film isn't aimed at you, or I, or anyone who has a clue. That's kind of my point. It's climate change for idiots.

I watched it to evaluate whether it would be a good teaching tool for children. It made me chuckle a little to realise that it would also make a good teaching tool for some adults.

The two are synonymous, my dear.

Only for the small-minded.

Americans include Mexicans, Argentines, Chileans, Canadians...etc, etc, etc.

So no. They aren't. You go ahead and use them as such. I prefer to be more precise.

Only for the small-minded.

Americans include Mexicans, Argentines, Chileans, Canadians...etc, etc, etc.

So no. They aren't. You go ahead and use them as such. I prefer to be more precise.

Perhaps...if you are ignorant of accepted English grammatical usage. I'm afraid you are incorrect. Mexicans are Mexicans. Chileans are Chileans. Canadians are...well, Canucks, obviously. Oh yes, they're on the North and South American continents...but you need that little qualifier. Why do we refer to citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain as British? The same we refer to citizens of the United States of America as Americans.

So yes, they are. You use Usian if you want. I prefer to be correct.

Please don't (continue to) open that can of worms again.

Obviously everyone knows what an "American" is and knows that that's what we're called. The only reason anyone uses anything else is to get a rise out of people that are unaware of the whole thing. Just move along, please.

I will as soon as those who use it rise above their own ignorance and grammatical faux pas. Looks like it'll be a little while longer yet.

The two are synonymous, my dear.

Please don't (continue to) open that can of worms again.

Obviously everyone knows what an "American" is and knows that that's what we're called. The only reason anyone uses anything else is to get a rise out of people that are unaware of the whole thing. Just move along, please.

I will as soon as those who use it rise above their own ignorance and grammatical faux pas. Looks like it'll be a little while longer yet.

I'm telling you, it's not a grammatical error - it's an intentional misuse, aimed at getting people upset who know better. You aren't proving anything by pointing out the obvious. You're only doing exactly what they want if you go and make a big deal out of it.

So yes, they are. You use Usian if you want. I prefer to be correct.

Correct US English grammatical English interests me not. I'll use the more appropriate term, thanks. Your blessing is hardly needed. If I wanted the opinion of a USian, I'd talk to Sumamba.

Dear.

I will as soon as those who use it rise above their own ignorance and grammatical faux pas. Looks like it'll be a little while longer yet.

"I'll stop if she does first!"

Take it to another thread.

Correct US English grammatical English interests me not. I'll use the more appropriate term, thanks. Your blessing is hardly needed. If I wanted the opinion of a USian, I'd talk to Sumamba.

Dear.

Thanks. I needed that laugh.

"I'll stop if she does first!"

Take it to another thread.

I think someone's getting defensive. But no matter. I'll come back when you're ready for a mature debate.

I just bought the DVD a few days ago, and watched it tonight. The sad thing is that it was a well-crafted and well-argued documentary, but had one serious flaw: Al Gore. He was so woody and technical in the film that I sometimes wondered if he cared about global warming, or just used it as a sales pitch. Then I remembered how sad a sales pitch it was back in the 1980s and 1990s, when he still used this as a career builder. Today, he's peddling the same story, and could easily run for president again.
Thoughts?

can you burp a mike moore mockumetary?

although i heard it is his best(only) film that deals truthfully with a subject.(moore that is)bore is a twit

I think someone's getting defensive. But no matter. I'll come back when you're ready for a mature debate.

Which would be appropriate...in another thread.

Have you actually read the One Stop Rule Shop? I suggest you do so.