Glenn Beck Has Gone A Bridge Too Far On Global Warming

By Environment Man

Fox News Channel impresario Glenn Beck has finally gone a bridge too far in attacking global warming. I would like to inform GB that humanity cannot put an unlimited amount of gaseous emissions into our roughly 90 mile high atmosphere without serious negative consequences. Ninety miles GB. That is about from New York City to Philadelphia (81 miles). I hope that puts it in perspective for you. Just think of all those emissions from power plants and vehicles pumping it 24/7/365. I ask you: do you think we can pump that thin layer of atmosphere with an unlimited amount of gases without significantly altering the climate? Now go ahead and crack a joke.

But it aint funny to asthmatic children and elderly with breathing trouble. Global warming cooks up a hotter and more toxic smog.

Sea level rise is a real threat to our capitalist system. Do you know how much of American infrastructure is along our coasts?

You won't get a nuclear renaissance without acknowledging the threat posed by climate change.

Crack another joke Glenn. But we aint laughing with you. We're laughing at you this time. You have gone a bridge too far. And not in a plug-in fuel cell hybrid electric M1-A1 Abrams tank either.

Cathy Hughes Attacks Congressional Black Caucus Members

By Alan Smithee

Black radio mogul Cathy Hughes, right, is not only asking the black community to fight a new law in Congress that she claims would “murder black-owned radio,” she is 'going street' on some members of the Congressional Black Caucus. The object of her scorn is the Performance Rights Act (HR 848), a bill that would require radio stations to pay royalties to artists for playing their music. Music makers support the legislation but the radio industry opposes it. Hughes believes black radio in general will suffer and Hughes’ company Radio One, the nation’s largest chain of black radio stations, would be hurt.

Hughes tells her millions of listeners in radio spots that the bill is not in the interest of black people. But she does not stop there. She publicly scolds Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston for co-sponsoring the bill. She gets real personal with the bill’s sponsor Congressman John Conyers of Detroit and goes after his estranged wife's troubles. (theRoot, 10/27/09)

President Obama Gets In 2 Rounds of Golf Per Month

By Jerry Kurl

According to published reports, President Obama plays golf about twice a month. According to Karen Travers of ABC News:

"Since his inauguration, Obama has hit the links 12 times -- five rounds at Andrews Air Force and seven rounds at the course at Ft. Belvoir in Virginia, according to CBS News' Mark Knoller, the unofficial stat keeper at the White House."

Considering he could play from about April until now, he's getting in more rounds than me. That probably means he can beat me too. I maybe get in one round a month. I couldn't imagine getting beaten by President Obama. That would be so humiliating. And President Obama is a lefty. Mercy. I bet I can beat Melody Barnes though. (Photo Courtesy: TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Will Comcast Purchase NBC Universal?

By Holly Wood

I don't usually like to get too deeply into the business side of the business, but this deal is just irresistible.

Comcast is the largest cable system operator in the country and is seeking to buy a majority stake from General Electric. Our spies are reporting that a Comcast-NBC Universal deal is going to happen. Hmm. Now Vivendi will have to figure out what to do with its 20% ownership in General Electric's NBC Universal within this tranaction.

Comcast would make an offer of about $27 billion, creating a new separate enterprise that takes on $9 billion in debt while Comcast would contribute its cable channels, including E Entertainment, the Style Network and the Golf Channel, along with other channels and its local sports networks worth about $6 billion. Comcast would give, by some estimates, $6 billion to Vivendi for its 20 percent share of NBC Universal, and then own 51 percent of the enterprise and use cash flow to gradually buy out G.E. Stay tuned. (CNBC)

Don't Tell Glenn Beck About the Mao Hat

By Alan Smithee

We decided to put it out there before Glenn Beck of FOX News gets ahold of it:

Yes that is AAEA President Norris McDonald

in a Mao Tse Tung Red Army Hat.

He is standing next to our Center China Office Director Zhang Xiaoping in the lakeview neighborhood of Houhai in the middle of Beijing, China. He said he bought the hat at either The Great Wall or from one of the super street salemen at Tiananmen Square. McDonald traveled all over China in 2007 studying and touring that country's energy facilities.

McDonald assures us that he is no fan of Mao, but he also understands why the Chinese people still have a huge picture of Mao in front of the Tiananmen Gate that leads to the Forbidden City: although Mao butchered and starved his own population, he also turned China into a military power that could defend itself. Of course he did it with Russian support, but who would blame them for doing what is necessary to protect themselves.

So Glenn, go ahead and slime our fearless leader with this image if you must. He says that he loves the Chinese people and found that the Chinese people love him too.

AAEA President Denies Link To Megan Fox

By Holly Wood

AAEA President Norris McDonald, right, denies as completely ridiculous the rumor circulating around Hollywood that he is in a torrid relationship with "Transformers" star Megan Fox, left. McDonald states, "Although I am complimented by the gossip, she is in her 20's and I am in my err, 40's. Clearly I would be much too old for her even if the rumors were true."

TMZ.com reportedly was prepared to release photos and video of the two leaving several restaurants recently, but I could not get verification. Our boss has assured me that there is absolutely no truth to the rumors. McDonald assures everyone that his bachelorhood is intake at least until his 17-year old son leaves for college next year.

We hope Ms. Fox will use her 'car-savy' image to promote plug in fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles.

The Wendy Williams Show

By Alan Smithee

The Wendy Williams Show launched in national syndication on July 13, 2009. The show appears on all the major networks. It is an entertaining hour of talk as only Wendy can deliver. Don't forget to put us on Wendy.

Wendy Williams, left, is a mother and wife with a tremendously successful career as an author and radio host, Williams first made a name for herself by using her “big mouth” on the radio where she spent more than 20 years, 16 of them spent on the air (WBLS) in New York City. Williams grew up in Ocean Township, New Jersey and currently lives in Northern New Jersey with her husband Kevin Hunter and their 9-year-old son, Kevin, Jr. Williams attended Northeastern University in Boston, MA, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in communications with a minor in journalism.

The Mo'Nique Show

By Holly Wood

The Queen of Comedy, Mo’Nique, has her own late night show. The Mo’Nique Show debuted on BET on October 5 at 11 pm. Mo’Nique delivers a fun-filled hour of entertainment every night. She has a deejay instead of a band. Her show bridges the gap between “old school” and today’s entertainment culture through innovative and humorous segments that pay homage to legendary stars as well as spotlight current celebrities. Tune in every weeknight.

We're ready to discuss energy and environmental issues with you Ms. Mo.

Black Producers Turn To Web For 'TV' Shows

By Holly Wood

Filmmakers, producers and writers are looking to the Web to make black shows on their own terms. Sites that focus on publishing black independent Web shows are cropping up as well, including Rowdy Orbit and BBTV (Better Black TV).

This month, BET.com will premiere its first original Web series, Buppies, starring Tatyana Ali, directed by up-and-coming director Julian Breece and produced by Ali and newcomer Aaliyah Williams. Buppies dramatizes the story of Quinci, a young socialite who is having a very bad day. She and two girlfriends, all black professionals in industries like law and journalism, deal with relationship issues, sexuality, pregnancy and career identity.

There are hundreds of original, scripted shows on the Web, and many of them have black characters, sometimes in lead roles, such as Jaleel White in "Road to the Altar" and Nichelle Nichols in "The Cabonauts."

Here’s a sampling of original Web shows that are trying to fill the black drama void online:

"The New 20s" is the brainchild of filmmaker Tracy Taylor and premiered recently at the New York Television Festival. The series explores the lives of a number of black professionals transitioning from the 20s to their 30s. The show tells its story in a semi-realistic way, forgoing one-liners and slapstick bits and focusing on intimate conversations.

"Johnny B Homeless" explores the comic adventures of a young man who migrates from couch to couch in New York City. It took the People’s Choice award at the New York TV festival, and Kenan Thompson, of Saturday Night Live, has joined the cast. Al Thompson, the series creator and star, also has another series, "Lenox Avenue." (the Root, 10/14/09)

Will EPA's New Chemical Reform Affect Black Hair Care?

By Jerry Kurl

EPA has announced core principles that outline the Obama Administration’s goals for legislative reform of this country’s chemical management law, the 1976 Toxic SubstancesControl Act, TSCA. In parallel with this legislative initiative, EPA also announced plans for a major effort to strengthen EPA’s current chemical management program and increase the pace of the agency’s efforts to address chemicals that pose a risk to the public. (EPA)

Chris Rock's new film "Good Hair" deals with African-American women's obsession with their hair, which ultimately sheds a light on their own images of beauty. Rock's film takes him on a journey to the Dudley's Hair Care & Cosmetics plant in Greensboro, North Carolina; the streets of Los Angeles to sell hair; and even India to discover where the hair for weaves comes from.

My question: will EPA's review of chemicals include an analysis of chemicals used to straighten hair and any potential harmful effects?

Jerry Kurl Joins AAEA Hollywood Blog Staff

We are delighted to welcome Jerry Kurl, left, to our AAEA family. Jerry was born in Port Gibson, Mississippi and raised in the South Bronx in New York. He later returned to Port Gibson but ultimately settled in Los Angeles to pursue fame and fortune. Fortunately, he has agreed to assist us with commentary about the latest entertainment and environmental issues as they impact the African American community.

Welcome Jerry.

Lisa P. Jackson Appears on Bill Maher's "Real Time"

By Environment Man

Update: LPJ is on again (Oct 21, 2011)

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, left, appeared on Bill Maher's "Real Time" tonight. She represented herself and the agency very well. And Maher, right, was serious about questioning her. He even held her feet to the fire on animal emissions of methane. But that's not the news.

The news is that Administrator Jackson showed some cleavage. Oooooo. We have a sexy EPA administrator.