$2 Billion Environment Pledge

American Voices

September 25, 2006 | ISSUE 42•38

Richard Branson, the eccentric head of the Virgin Group, has pledged two billion dollars to fight global warming. What do you think?

The wealthy really ought to thank the insanely wealthy like Branson for making them look good.

Brian Ducey
Painter
If used properly and in small enough denominations, this money should suffice to shade us from the sun’s harmful rays.

Emily Shapiro
Homeless Advocate
Is it making anyone else nervous how all these billionaires are suddenly shoveling their money into philanthropic causes? Is there a Judgment Day coming up that I didn't hear about?

Quentin Lakeland
Janitor

Spanking Doesn't Work

02.09.12 | ISSUE 48•06

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal analyzed two decades of research and found that children who were punished physically became more aggressive over time, while those who weren't became less aggressive.
Smoking Speeds Mental Decline

02.08.12 | ISSUE 48•06

A study published in Archives Of General Psychiatry found that middle-aged men who smoked had diminished cognitive skills, the equivalent of having aged an additional 10 years.
Migrating Whooping Cranes Stall In Alabama

02.07.12 | ISSUE 48•06

Nine whooping cranes that had been following an ultralight aircraft as it guided them on their migratory route stopped when they reached Alabama, 500 miles short of the intended destination.
Florida Millionaire Adopts 42-Year-Old Girlfriend

02.06.12 | ISSUE 48•06

A 48-year-old West Palm Beach millionaire and polo club founder has adopted his 42-year-old girlfriend in an apparent bid to avoid paying out a wrongful death lawsuit.
Should Sugar Be Regulated?

02.03.12 | ISSUE 48•05

In a recent editorial in the journal Nature, researchers from the University of California–San Francisco suggested that as a toxic substance, sugar should be taxed and regulated like alcohol or tobacco.