What’s the deal with global warming and why is it such a point of contention?

I mean, I understand the basic and opposing scientific theories (I think). What I don’t understand is why it has salted political and religious debates around the world and has become a hill that so many seem to be willing to die on.

Several months ago, I rallied some friends together to watch Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” in our local independent theater. Afterwards, we sat in a coffee house debating whether or not his “sources” were reliable, if the evidence tickled our spiritual fancies and what it matters when compared to the other issues pressing in on our generation from all sides. Mixed reviews all around.

My personal take: Whether or not Al Gore’s facts were puffed up, whether the Bible does/doesn’t specifically mention atmospheric warming and wherever greenhouse gas issues fall on the priority ticker of our generation (when we’ve got the Middle East on our minds, etc.), shouldn’t everyone be concerned about conservation? Shouldn’t everyone aim to be good stewards of our planet? What’s so wrong with a little green thinking?

I’m especially disappointed in those who’ve criticized the Live Earth concert that took place on 7 continents on 7.7.07. Granted, the language could have been cleaned up and the event itself might have done more “practicing of their preaching” in terms of its own carbon footprint, but… through the course of the event, I learned about several small things I can do as a consumer that will really impact our world. Simple tips, like hanging my clothes out to dry or switching my bulbs to those that are more energy efficient. Or walking 5 blocks when I normally drive.

Additionally, I’m not sure I get why people have criticized the artists (John Mayer, Alicia Keys, etc.), claiming that they’ve used the global warming platform to do nothing more than further launch their careers. They are musicians–what else are they supposed to be doing with their time? Why not rally around and support a cause that really seems to boil down to simple things individual families can do to help get the earth a little cleaner?

I guess my point is this: Conservation is a good thing, no matter what your politics and religious beliefs are. Conservation is something that good parents should teach their children from the start. Developing a “conservation mentality” seems like it will get you pretty far in life anyway (i.e. save money, be quick to listen/slow to speak, etc.)

I’m sure there are people that know a whole lot more about this than I do, people that will get fired up and be quick to offer their sound rebuttals. But, I’m really just a normal person that likes the idea of being able to do simple things that make long term differences.

That’s right: Heli-watch.

An abbreviation for “helicopter-watch,” and an underrated device when traveling abroad, if you ask me. Natalia (best friend from Austin) realized she was timeless in the Newark Airport, just as she was about to depart for Rome. She quickly ran into the nearest store and had to decide between an array of classy, albeit it overpriced, Swatches and more reasonably priced children’s watches. And who wouldn’t choose Heli-Watch in a time crunch?

I’ll admit: I was a little concerned at first. Natalia is, well, quite petite. And Heli-Watch was, well, a beast of a wrist-machine. What was I supposed to do if she started levitating?!

My concerns quickly faded, however, when I was made aware of all the sweet features! Not only did Heli-Watch come with spinning blades (that needed to be broken off later because they caught on clothes), but Heli-Watch came with built in sound effects! These sound effects were marvelous for the most part, but did become slightly over-pronounced during the most inopportune times. Think sleeper-trains, quiet dinners, evening Vivaldi performances in Venice and/or the Sistine Chapel.

We realized early on that Heli-Watch was worthy of photo-ops, and felt no shame when executing Heli-Watch photoshoots in some of the world’s most beautiful locales. We were right in front of the Vatican for the following spread:

There is a moral to this story: if you are a petite person, go with weighted shoes when wearing Heli-Watches or you just might start to fly.