Lauren Bush, the niece of President George W. Bush married David Lauren, the son of Ralph Lauren on Sunday at the fashion designer’s Colorado ranch, the Los Angeles Times reported.

And in doing so, Lauren Bush became Lauren Bush-Lauren.

“After the wedding, Lauren will become Lauren Bush-Lauren,” her father, Neil Bush, wrote on Weibo, a Chinese Twitter variant. (He does oil business in China, the Times reported.)

George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, their twin daughters Jenna Hager and Barbara Bush, and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush all attended the wedding. Former President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush did not attend because of the altitude of the wedding location.

Lauren’s dress was also designed by Ralph Lauren.

Lauren is 27. David Lauren is 39 and works at Polo Ralph Lauren.

Actress Elizabeth Berkley also attended, as she is the wife of David Laruen’s cousin Greg Lauren.

Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren Lauren…

A billboard just outside Wyoming, Minn. has sparked a national conversation regarding our current president’s relative effectiveness as compared to former President George W. Bush.

The billboard shows a picture of a smiling President Bush with the words “Miss Me Yet?” printed beside the photo. The billboard’s creators want to stay anonymous, though an employee from Schubert & Hoey Outdoor Advertising says the creators are a ” group of small businessmen and individuals who just felt like Washington was against them,” the Christian Science Monitor reports.

The billboard has drawn strong opinions from both the right and the left. It comes at a time when Republicans and Democrats are pulling further away from each other on key issues like health care, and as Obama’s approval rating drops to record lows.

What do you think? Do you miss him yet?

Do you?

Dear EarthTalk: Do insulating paints actually insulate and save energy? If they do, are they environmentally friendly to use? – Bob Dibrindisi, Easthampton, MA

Paint additives that claim insulating qualities have been marketed since the late 1990s, but energy research organizations have not confirmed their insulating value. For its part, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend using paints or coatings in place of traditional bulk insulation. “We haven’t seen any independent studies that can verify their insulating qualities” the agency reports. The federal government does rate roofing paint for its energy efficiency, but such findings only take into account a substance’s ability to reflect heat off the roof”"not its insulating properties per se”"to keep the building cooler.

According to the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the use of so-called insulated paints is in most cases “difficult to justify on the basis of savings in energy costs alone.” Meanwhile, the non-profit EnergyIdeas Clearinghouse, a partnership between Washington State University and the nonprofit Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, found that under ideal circumstances insulating paints can achieve a “reduction in heat gain” of around 20 percent on freshly-painted sun-exposed walls, but notes that such walls will only face direct sunlight for a limited part of even the clearest summer day. Also, the clearinghouse reports that “heat gain reductions”¦are significant only for sun-bathed surfaces” and that the “reflectivity of the painted surface generally declines considerably with time.”

Alex Wilson of the website BuildingGreen.com is not a fan of insulating paints: “To say that there is a lot of hype about insulating paints”¦is an understatement” he tells the website Treehugger.com. “The Internet is rife with claims of paints that dramatically reduce heat transfer”"usually based on some technological magic spun off from NASA. While these products may have some relevance in the extreme conditions of outer space, manufacturers of paints containing [insulating additives] are making claims that defy the laws of physics”¦when they claim they can save significant energy in buildings.”

Nevertheless, for certain applications, especially in concert with traditional forms of insulation underneath, insulating paint can help reduce energy expenditures and air conditioning bills accordingly. For those who want to forge ahead with insulating paint despite the limited benefits, some of the leading brands to look for include Insuladd, Hy-Tech, Therma-Guard and Eagle Coatings’ SuperTherm.

Adding insulating paint should merely be the icing on the cake of an otherwise well-conceived plan to cut heating and cooling costs. Installing a traditional form of insulation would be the first defense. A reflective, radiant barrier on the roof structure in the attic also could offer significant help, according to the Florida Solar Energy Center. Thermal-pane windows and energy-conscious practices will contribute to the effort. Finally, consider trees and other landscape shading, which the U.S. Department of Energy recommends as an effective way of passively cooling your home. For more ideas, visit the “do-it-yourself energy audit tool” on the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Home Energy Saver website.

CONTACTS: U.S. EPA, www.epa.gov; EnergyIdeas Clearinghouse, www.energyideas.org; Insuladd, www.insuladd.com, Hy-Tech, www.hytechsales.com; Eagle Coatings, www.eaglecoatings.net; Therma-Guard, www.befreetech.com/thermaguard.htm; Home Energy Saver, www.hes.lbl.gov.

Dear EarthTalk: As I understand it, “clean” coal really isn’t”"yet the Bush Administration gushed strongly for it. What is Obama’s take on it? – John Zippert, Eutaw, AL

Barack Obama and George W. Bush differ in many ways, but both have embraced so-called “clean coal” for providing an ongoing supply of cheap and readily available energy for electricity generation.

The term “clean coal” is loosely defined as coal that is washed or processed to remove pollutants, so as to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the leading greenhouse gas, when the coal is burned. Coal-burning plants emit 40 percent of U.S. CO2 pollution”"half of our electricity comes from coal”"so reducing the industry’s carbon footprint in any way possible would be a big win for the environment.

Luckily for clean coal advocates, the White House has been and continues to push for its development. George W. Bush’s support for clean coal dates back to his first term in office, when he stated that such technologies should be encouraged as a means of reducing dependence on foreign oil. And since taking office, the Obama administration has committed $3.4 billion in stimulus dollars to clean coal projects.

But green groups continue to question the wisdom of relying on coal at all. Coal wreaks environmental havoc, from the coal mines that pollute rivers and streams, to the premature deaths of coal miners from accidents and lung diseases, to the release of greenhouse gases, mercury and other toxins at power plants.

According to Greenpeace, burning coal emits 29 percent more CO2 than does burning oil or natural gas. And coal-fired power plants are the world’s largest sources of atmospheric mercury, a known neurotoxin that disperses quickly throughout the environment and into the food chain. Greenpeace says that clean coal technologies will not address this problem, and that there are “no commercially available technologies to prevent mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.” Also, the group says, clean coal will do nothing to mitigate coal mining’s damage to wildlife habitat and drinking water sources.

“There is no such thing as “Ëœclean coal’ and there never will be” Dan Becker of the Sierra Club told the Grist.org website. “It’s an oxymoron.” The Reality Coalition, a group of nonprofits that includes the Sierra Club, has been running TV ads seeking to debunk industry claims that coal can be clean. Green groups also worry that pushing clean coal will only delay the transition to a truly cleaner and greener energy infrastructure based on solar, wind and other emissions-free renewable energy sources.

In April of 2009, environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. questioned the motivations of Obama and other politicians who back clean coal. “The coal industry and the carbon industry in general are the largest contributors to the political process” Kennedy told ABC News. “You don’t have politicians representing the American public, but rather the people who finance their campaigns.”

Of course, Obama’s support for clean coal doesn’t negate the fact that he has proposed spending much more on further development of alternative energy sources. He has called for getting 10 percent of U.S. electricity from renewable sources by 2012 and 25 percent by 2025, and has committed upwards of $32 billion of stimulus dollars to the cause, according to an analysis by the nonprofit Environment America.

CONTACTS: Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org; Reality Coalition, www.thisisreality.org.

SEND YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS TO: EarthTalk, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php. EarthTalk is now a book! Details and order information at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalkbook.

Do you remember that Iraqi guy who threw his shoes at President Bush? Remember how he was lauded as a national hero? Well, now he’s going to prison.

Muntader al-Zaidi, a journalist, was sentenced Thursday to three years in prison for the shoe throwing ordeal, charged with‚ aggression‚ towards a visiting head of state, a crime that carries a maximum 15 year jail sentence in Iraq.

Zaidi pleaded not guilty before Judge Abdulamir Hassan al-Rubaie, arguing that in that one moment, he was overcome with a brutal passion as he remembered the scores of civilians that had been killed in his home land, all because of Bush.

“I am innocent. It was a natural reaction to the crime of occupation…In that moment, I saw nothing but Bush, and I felt the blood of the innocents flowing under his feet while he was smiling that smile” he said at the hearing, according to the New York Times.

The trial was set to take place a while ago, but was postponed while the judge took time to decide whether or not Bush’s trip to Iraq was an official visit. Since Bush spoke in the Green Zone which is controlled by American Military, it could be argued that his visit was not official. The judge however decided that the‚ visit was official.

Zaidi was tried, oddly, in Iraq’s Central Criminal Court, a court set aside for major cases including terrorism. Zaidi’s lawyers – all 18 of them – said they would appeal the decision.

As Zaidi, who has been in prison since the incident, approached the courthouse before his hearing, scores of followers greeted him outside chanting “hero.”

It’s clear the Iraqi people don’t like the ruling.

Do you want to hear former U.S. President George W. Bush speak? Probably not. But Australian celebrity agent Max Markson thinks the people of Australia might. That’s why he’s planning to bring the 43rd president down under, and charge $650 a head and $6,500 per table, to hear W. talk.

Markson has already organized speaking tours for #41 George H. W. Bush and #42 Bill Clinton.

“I think it is right I should also get number 43 out here,” said Markson.

The agent said he’s confident Aussies would shell out the money to see Bush, because he sat in the Oval Office during one of the most difficult times in U.S. history.‚ 

Markson also said he’d like for former U.S. secretary of state Condoleezza‚ Rice to join Bush, possibly further down the road.‚ ”I could arrange for them to come as a package, but I think Condoleezza is a star in her own right,” he said.

I don’t think people will avoid the talk because they hate Bush, the simple fact that so many believe he’s the worst president ever (which he’s really not, but he did suck) might draw a large crowd. The price is hefty though, $1000 AUD per head and $10000 AUD per table, but there’s obviously enough wealthy Australians to fill the seats.

The talk is planned for next year. The nature of the talk wasn’t specified by Markson, but if it’s in any way “motivational” it’ll be a bust.

Barack Obama promised change and it is going to come in a flurry, so this new daily feature will document the substance of the executive orders, foreign policy deals, overhauls in regulation, and congressional legislation that will hopefully be coming out of Washington at a frenetic pace.‚  If you’re looking for analysis and/or political theatre as well as sports or anything else worth commenting on go to Blast Magazine’s PSA blog.

• Executive order promises to close Guantanamo and CIA secret prisons within a year.

• Government salaries have been frozen if they’re over 100k and strict new ethics rules are now in effect.

• Obama tells Israel to open up Gaza borders.

• In what could be big trouble for Bush, Obama opens up public access to Presidential Records.

This is just the beginning…

President Obama. It feels nice to write that phrase without the word “elect.”

For those who watched history today, you saw the overwhelming support with which Obama was presented at National Mall in Washington D.C. He told the crowd he was humbled, and really, there is no other emotion he could have felt when he stepped out onto that podium and looked out at the crowd of nearly two million adoring supporters, all there not to see him recite a simple, yet groundbreaking oath.

Obama’s inaugural toast was fantastic, but the best thing I think he said was this: “To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West “" know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.” People will judge you by what you build, not what you destroy. Just a longer way to see “peace shall overcome.”

He spoke of laying the groundwork for a productive and happy tomorrow, one where future generations don’t inherit the same worries we face today, to make sure they are able to harness the freedom that is rightfully theirs and to keep its flame lit as it passes from generation to generation.

That freedom, after so many years of apathetic government and economic powers who cheated and lied us into this situation, is at great risk. But I don’t think many doubt that with this man, and his family and the helm of the most powerful nation in the world, all will be restored, in due time.

The most historical event I have ever witnessed, possibly the most historical I will ever witness. President Obama, an inspirational figure ranking alongside the likes of Lincoln, even before he stepped into the Oval Office.

Just a day after Martin Luther King Day, he was inaugurated. I’ve seen footage of the day King gave his historical speech, and I without a doubt can say the emotion and pride within the people that were not only in Washington, but watching all around the world, matched the spirit held by those in attendance some 45 years ago.

Before President Bush went into this helicopter, he mouthed to Mrs. Obama something along these lines: you’ll have the time of your life, I promise you. We hope, for at least the next four years, we all do.

What a day.

The last weekend of Bush. Feels good doesn’t it?‚ 

Excitement, caution, hope, pride. Skipping class tuesday to watch Barry inaugurated. Not too excited to watch Rick Warren, but in the name of unity, I will tolerate him for a few minutes or so.

Farewell Mr.Bush. Thanks for the last eight?

The following is the full text of President George W. Bush’s final radio address to the nation before he leaves office next week.

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. For the last eight years, I have had the honor of speaking to the American people Saturday mornings through this radio address. In hundreds of broadcasts, I have talked to you about important issues affecting our security and our prosperity. And today, in my final address, I want to send a simple and heartfelt message: Thank you.

Eight years ago, Laura and I left our home in Texas to come to Washington. Through two terms in the White House, we have been blessed by your kind words and generous prayers. We have been inspired by those of you who reach out to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and care for the sick. We have been moved by the courage and devotion of those of you who wear the uniform. Serving as your President has been an incredible honor.

Like every individual who has held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I’ve always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.

The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course. While our Nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient, and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard.

At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.

As we address these challenges — and others we cannot foresee today — America must maintain our moral clarity. I’ve often spoken to you about good and evil. This has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This Nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense — and to advance the cause of peace.

Eight years ago, on a cold January morning, I stood on the steps of the United States Capitol, placed my hand on the Bible, and swore a sacred oath to defend our people and our Constitution. On that day, I spoke of “our Nation’s grand story of courage and its simple dream of dignity.” Next week, my term of service will come to an end — but that story and that dream will continue.

On Tuesday, Laura and I will join all Americans in offering our best wishes to President Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls. And later that day, we will return to the love of family and friends in Texas. I will depart office proud of my Administration’s record. And I will spend the rest of my life grateful for the opportunity to have served as President of the greatest nation on Earth.

Thank you for listening.

Source: White House Press Office

Israel’s attacks on Gaza‚ strengthened‚ Friday after bombs killed a top Hamas commander, African Free Press reports.‚ The attacks, now entering their seventh day, have resulted in the deaths of at least 420 and more than 2000 injuries. The UN has said that nearly 25 per cent of the dead are civilians.

As tanks and troops position themselves outside Gaza, it seems a ground attack is‚ imminent. Even more‚ imminent‚ after word got out that troops were allowing‚ foreigners‚ in Gaza to leave Friday.‚ If any‚ foreigners‚ were to die as a result of the attacks, it could cause an‚ international‚ conflict.

According to CNN, soldiers are waiting for the go ahead to launch a ground assault.

President Bush recently blamed Hamas, and only Hamas, for this conflict between the two. He cited Hamas’ renewal of rocket attacks into Israel last month as the cause of the recent rift.

“In response to these attacks on their people, the leaders of Israel have‚ launched military operations on Hamas positions in Gaza,” said Bush in a radio address to air Saturday, CNN reports. “As a part of their strategy, Hamas terrorists often hide within the civilian population, which puts innocent Palestinians at risk.”

Tonight is a quieter night than the past six, CNN reports that less rockets are being fired this evening. This however, is no sign of a slowdown.‚ The number of troops positioned outside Gaza makes it very unlikely that a ground assault will not be launched at some point, if the conflict persists.

In a poll released this New Year’s Eve, of the 1,000 Americans questioned, 44 per cent said Israel was right to take military action against Palestinians, while 41 per cent said Israel should have‚ attempted‚ a peaceful diplomatic solution. Fifteen per cent were undecided.

For the past couple of years (eight for me), Americans and people around the world have been waiting for the end of George W. Bush’s presidency. Sure he’s done some great things, like his groundbreaking work fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa, but for the most part, he was a huge bust.‚ 

This past November, Americans voted a man who emits such a powerful aura of self-confidence and intelligence their new president. Barack Obama.

He is, without a doubt, about to be the coolest damn president ever.

The guy has a SERIOUS job ahead of him, that goes without saying. Putting aside what he has to do to help the economy and all that jazz, when it comes to direct diplomacy, he has the upper-hand.

I can honestly see why he has no reservations about speaking without preconditions to some of the world’s most powerful leaders. He knows he can do it. He believes in himself, and while I don’t know him personally (though I wish, like most people, that I did) I know his belief in himself is astonishingly high. No one would question that. Look at what he just accomplished.

He won the presidential election by beating the old white guy, in a nation run by old white guys.

And while I do have a man-crush on this guy (any male voting American who bought a t-shirt with his face on it can’t deny that, though many will), my judgement regarding his capabilities are not clouded.

I’m a good voter, I didn’t get caught up in the hype and just vote for him. I‚ studied‚ the two‚ campaigns, watched all the debates, read the articles, read the history and came to, what I believe‚ to be, a great decision.

I can’t wait for January 20 (although I’m not wild about his choosing Rick Warren to give the invocation). ‚ And like many people around the world, I’ll be watching on the edge of my seat. Watching the most historic election in the history of the United States come to an end, and hopefully, watching one of the greatest presidencies in the history of the world begin.

This Iraqi journalist takes off both his shoes and whips them right at Bush during a press conference in Iraq. Before he hurled them, he yelled “this is a farewell kiss, you dog. This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq.” He was arrested right after the toss.

Props to Bush for dodging those things like a pro.

Shoes are pretty taboo in the Arab world. ‚ People won’t even cross their legs in an ankle-on-knee fashion in a public place, for fear of insulting the person beside them.

There was a photo of Bush a while ago, in an Iraqi city, where someone had placed two shoes at the top of his head to indicate devil horns.

And now, experts are telling the public “throwing a shoe at someone’s face is considered an insult in Islam.” As opposed to in America, where it is a sign of affection.

So El Presidente, for Iraqi’s (and some Americans, too), this guy is a hero. People are protesting for his release.

Palestinian journalists are now asking who will be brave enough to hurl a shoe at Condoleezza Rice. ‚ We’ll see if she can duck as well as Bush.

President Bush’s recent round of 14 presidential pardons brings his total up to 157. ‚ 

The outgoing president still has almost two more months in office, but barring anything unforeseen, it is likely that Bush will end ‚ up as one of the‚ stingiest presidents in recent history‚ when it comes to giving out pardons.‚ 

His predecessor, Bill Clinton, gave out 140 pardons in his last day of office alone, and more than‚ 400 in total. ‚ This pales in comparison to Franklin D. ‚ Roosevelt, who gave out‚ 3,687 pardons, the most ever for a U.S. President.‚ 

Ronald Reagan gave out more than 800 pardons during his two terms. ‚  Jimmy Carter issued 233 during his lone term. Gerald Ford issued 409 pardons, while the man who he replaced, Richard Nixon averaged 463 during each of his terms. Nixon, of course, also‚ received‚ one of ‚ Ford’s 409 pardons.‚ 

Interestingly, the only ‚ recent president to be tighter with this presidential mercy was Bush’s father, who gave out only 77 pardons during his four years in office.‚ 

This seems to be‚ consistent‚ with Bush’s tenure as‚ Governor‚ of Texas, where he gave out only 14 pardons, the lowest such figure for a Texas‚ governor‚ since the 1940s.‚ 

(Note: I say recent history because George Washington only gave out 16 pardons, and‚ William Henry Harrison and James Garfield, did not use pardons at all.)

So if one views pardons as a bad thing — a needless and irreversible power — Bush could be commended for showing restraint. If one views them as noble and‚ merciful‚ action, ‚ Bush could be‚ criticized‚ as heartless.‚ 

I imagine a case-by-case look would reveal that for most presidents some pardons seem more justified than others. Giving a second chance to a non-violent drug addict who sits in jail while his or her children grow up without a parent is one thing; giving Scooter Libby or President Nixon a pass for crimes done while serving the public is another.

(For a full list of the recent pardons, see‚ Sachin Seth)

In a fitting end to what some call the worst presidency ever, George W. Bush has granted 14 pardons and two commutations to American felons.

Among the pardoned individuals, Leslie Owen Collier of Charleston, Mo. was pardoned for a crime he committed over a decade ago; using a registered pesticide in an unauthorized way.

Collier pleaded guilty to using poisoned bait to kill animals on his farm.‚  The victims included a raccoon, a red-tailed hawk, a great horned owl and three bald eagles.‚  Collier also violated the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which protects the safety of both kinds of eagles.

Another notable pardon, John Edward Forte, co-writer and producer of part of “The Score” the Grammy-winning album recorded by 90′s rap group Fugees.‚  He was charged earlier this decade for aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute nearly 31 pounds of cocaine, according to the Department of Justice, and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.‚  He will be released in late December, but will remain under supervised release for five years.‚  Apparently Bush is a Fugees fan.

Another big pardon was that of Daniel Figh Pue III of Conroe, Texas, who was convicted of illegally treating, storing and disposing hazardous waste without a permit.‚  The waste, pentachlorphenol (PCP) and creosote sludge, was transported by Pue.‚  He says he was unfairly charged since he was transporting the materials as an employee, not on his own accord.

The last big pardon was that of Orion Lynn Vick of White Hall, Ark. who was convicted of aiding and abetting the theft of government property.‚  Vick declined requests by several media outlets to discuss the details behind the crime.‚  He has been requesting a pardon for more than five years.

As reported by the DOJ, other pardoned felons include:

Milton Kirk Cordes of Rapid City, S.D. was convicted in the 90′s of conspiring to violate the Lacey act, which violates the tranportation of illegally captured wildlife across state borders.

Richard Micheal Culpepper of Mahomet, Ill. was convicted of making “false statements to the United States.”

Brenda Jean Dolenz-Helmer of Forth Worth, Texas, was convicted for helping her father commit a workers’ compensation fraud that swindled insuance carriers for nearly $3 million.

Andrew Foster Harley of Falls Church, Va. was convicted of the “wrongful use and distribution of marijuana and cocaine.”

Obie Gene Helton of Rossville, Ga. was convicted of acquiring food stamps illegally.

Cary C. Hice Sr. of Travelers Resr, S.C. was convicted of “income tax evasion.”

Geneva Yvonne Hogg of Chamblee, Ga. was convicted of “bank embezzlement.”

William Hoyle McCright Jr. of Midland, Texas, was convicted of making “false entries, books, reports or statements of bank.”

Paul Julian McCurdy of Sulphur, Okla. was convicted of the “misapplication of bank funds by a bank officer.”

Robert Earl Mohon Jr. of Grant Ala. convicted of conspiring to distribute marijuana.

Ronald Alan Mohrhoff of Los Angeles, was convicted of the “unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of a narcotics felony.”

James Russell Harris of Detroit, Mich. had his sentence commuted.‚  He was convicted of conspiring to “aid and abet the distribution of cocaine.”

Bush, in his eight year presidency, has granted 157 pardons.

Dear EarthTalk: I’m thinking about starting an environmental club in my middle school.‚  Can you give me some ideas about how to start?‚  Can you connect me with other school clubs? – Rosemary, Andover Township, NJ

Starting an environmental club at school is a great way to get students energized about taking care of the Earth and helping their community while learning about some of the most important issues facing the world in the 21st century.

EarthTeam, a non-profit environmental network for teens, teachers and youth leaders, offers many tips on how to start an environmental club. First and foremost is to make sure there are at least a half dozen or so other students interested in forming such a club to begin with, and then also finding a teacher, community leader or parent who is willing to serve as an adult sponsor. The sponsor’s role is to provide advice along the way and to help ensure the stability of the group from year-to-year given that all of the students, even the founders of the club, will eventually graduate, or move on to other interests or endeavors.

Once the core membership and adult sponsor have been established, EarthTeam suggests all sitting down together to decide on the club’s vision (“Why are we here?”) and to brainstorm about possible activities or projects to undertake (“What do we want to accomplish?”). Once these questions have been answered, it’s time to hold the club’s first official meeting, which should be advertised as widely as possible to other students who may be interested in finding out what the group is about and how they can get involved, too.

The next step, according to EarthTeam, is to forge an action plan that focuses on one group-oriented, year-long project that has measurable benefits to the school or community and that can keep the interest of the student members-who will no doubt be spending long hours volunteering. Whatever project(s) the group decides on, members should develop a timeline that clearly lists goals, dates and responsibilities.

In addition to undertaking the one major project, clubs can also host or sponsor special events for extra visibility. EarthTeam suggests getting students outside for a river or beach clean-up, a tree planting day, or a field trip to a local wetland, zoo or nature reserve. Another popular idea is to hold an Environmental Awareness Day to educate the entire student body about relevant green issues.

EarthTeam is also a networking platform so clubs can work together and share experiences with each other to help get a sense of the bigger picture beyond one individual school’s locale, given the global nature of most environmental issues. Another great networking resource is the Greenspan website, which lists clubs in 21 different U.S. states as well as in Australia, Canada, Japan, Ghana and Malaysia.

Another great resource for those starting up new or managing existing school environmental clubs is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Student Center website, which offers dozens of ideas for projects that both stimulate and enlighten participants while helping the local community. The website also provides links to several partner non-profit groups with club-worthy activities.

CONTACTS: EarthTeam, www.earthteam.net; Greenspan Environmental Club Network, www.greenspanworld.org/environmental_club_network.htm; U.S. EPA Student Center, www.epa.gov/students.

While Americans hope President-elect Barack Obama can live up to almost two years of hype, citizens around the world are hoping some of that “change” spills out in their direction.

Several global media outlets, including International Herald Tribune, Deutsche Welle and CBC, are running articles about what Obama’s victory means to their country and the world.

Obama knows his international expectations; he spoke with nine world leaders about the global economy and climate change soon after his victory.

For Americans, Obama’s triumph solidifies a new face and identity. For citizens around the world, his victory is a symbol of America’s renewal and rebirth.‚  People know the country needs a saviour after the Bush era.

Bush’s presidency changed America’s reputation among foreign countries. Before they were peacemakers, now they are despised in more places than ever.

To the public, his presidency will largely be defined by a war under false pretences, an incompetence that defies logic and now, an economic meltdown that is causing individuals and corporations alike to sink in ever deepening waters; waters Obama is expected to shallow.

Jason Rosenstiel, a dual-citizen with Israeli roots, believes Obama’s economic policy is much better than his former opponent’s.‚  “McCain’s idea to implement a spending freeze was crazy. Obama’s plans are much better, he can actually prevent this thing from getting worse around the globe.”

Rosenstiel also believes Obama’s relationships with world leaders will help define his presidency.‚  “He became friends with these leaders before even getting elected.‚  He made sure that if he did win, the pieces for change would be in place and that’s what will make him a great president. His ambition.”

While Obama’s win is historic, some are baffled.‚  How could a country that just four years ago re-elected a man so detested today, elect a man like Obama?

In all actuality, it makes sense.‚  The last time America went with the “safer” option, look what happened.

This time around, Americans took a chance, a chance on a candidate that is promising so much at a time when the United States has so little.

Even so, Rosenstiel has high hopes. “I truly hope he’s more than just a good president.‚  I hope he’s a world changer.”

Scheduled to be published in the Toronto Star next week.

The working title of Gavin Rossdale’s first solo offering, “WANDERlust,” out June 3, should have been “Family Values 101.”

The last time Rossdale had a hit record, back when he was the lead singer of alterna-grunge British band Bush, the Internet was still a relatively new concept, MTV still played music videos and “the other” Clinton was in the midst of his second term as president.

Needless to say, times have changed — and, if the lyrics on “WANDERlust” are any indication, so has Rossdale’s perspective on music, love and personal happiness. The singer who once growled about “the little things that kill” now finds himself “Feelin’ invincible / This moment’s mine,” according to ballad “Beauty in the Beast.”

The hordes of teenage girls who swooned over Rossdale in the late ‘90s (myself included) will be relieved to know that the 40-year-old’s signature raspy voice is still intact throughout “WANDERlust,” But it’s singing a much happier tune.

After the members of Bush parted ways in 2002, Rossdale flew under the radar musically, forming the short-lived group Institute, which released a record in 2005. His personal life, on the other hand, became a different story. Since marrying Gwen Stefani in 2002, Rossdale has become a tabloid staple, with photos of the couple and their son Kingston, born in 2006, regularly appearing in the pages of celebrity gossip magazines and on entertainment news shows. (Stefani is expected to give birth to the couple’s second child later this year).

It’s obvious, however, that Rossdale has adapted nicely to domestic life. Lyrically, “WANDERlust” is a collection of mostly love songs, presumably written with Stefani in mind. It’s poppier than anything Rossdale ever released as a member of Bush, and occasionally toes the line between touching (first single “Love Remains the Same”) and saccharine (“The Skin I’m In,” which the singer describes as “just a nice song for my girl.”)

Even when veering into political pontificating (the overly-earnest “If You’re Not With Us, You’re Against Us” and the soaring, oddly peppy “Frontline” are described as anti-war songs), Rossdale revisits the pervasive wife and kids theme. Either he’s been watching a lot of Dr. Phil or he and Stefani have somehow figured out the secret to a successful celebrity marriage.

Rossdale says he briefly considered collaborating with his old bandmates and releasing “WANDERlust” as a Bush record. Instead, he decided to go it alone, and recruited four musicians to play during the recording sessions – as well as a number of guest collaborators, including renowned songwriter/producer Linda Perry on the piano-driven “Forever May You Run,” and Shirley Manson of Garbage, who contributes vocals to “The Trouble I’m In.”

While “WANDERlust” isn’t groundbreaking by any means, the songs are catchy enough to satisfy Rossdale’s old fans and probably earn him some new ones as well. But while his status as a rock star will likely take a back seat to his role as a father and husband, it’s apparent that the role of family man is one that Rossdale embraces.