Portland High School Honors Student Takes on Al Gore’s ‘An Inconvenient Truth’

Photo of Noel Sheppard.
By Noel Sheppard | May 18, 2007 - 14:31 ET

Here is a story that should make every parent proud, even those on the left side of the aisle.

A high school student up in Portland, Maine, created a website for extra credit in her Honors Earth Sciences class. Called “Ponder the Maunder,” fifteen-year-old Kristen Byrnes took on the subject of global warming, and was eventually asked to examine the veracity of Al Gore's schlockumentary “An Inconvenient Truth.”

In her piece, Byrnes quickly demonstrated what few in the media, especially Gore sycophants Laurie David, Sheryl Crow, and Leonardo DiCaprio, were able to grasp about this farcical film (emphasis added throughout):

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Al Gore’s film An Inconvenient Truth does indeed have some correct facts, but as he even says himself, sometimes you have to over-exaggerate to send the message to people:

Q. There's a lot of debate right now over the best way to communicate about global warming and get people motivated. Do you scare people or give them hope? What's the right mix?

A.  I think the answer to that depends on where your audience's head is. In the United States of America, unfortunately we still live in a bubble of unreality. And the Category 5 denial is an enormous obstacle to any discussion of solutions. Nobody is interested in solutions if they don't think there's a problem. Given that starting point, I believe it is appropriate to have an over-representation of factual presentations on how dangerous it is, as a predicate for opening up the audience to listen to what the solutions are, and how hopeful it is that we are going to solve this crisis.

 http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2006/05/09/roberts/ (Interview with Grist Magazine’s David Roberts and Al Gore about An Inconvenient Truth)

Al Gore said this, so how are we supposed to know fact from fiction in the global warming debate?

Bravo, Kristen. You’ve quickly pinpointed what folks much older than you choose to ignore.

From there, Kristen quickly debunked many of the claims made by Gore in his atrocity that I suggest the reader take some time with. She marvelously incorporated charts, graphs, figures, and supporting evidence with citations to buttress her arguments.

It is well worth the read.

After her lengthy analysis (once again, I can’t be more hopeful that you will read the entire thing), Kristen marvelously concluded:

It’s easy to see why Al gore’s [sic] movie should not be shown in schools. An Inconvenient Truth is a political commercial that misrepresents a whole area of science. He admittedly uses scare tactics to get people to listen then shows them a professional slide show that blames every thing bad on so called man made global warming

Al did not make and publicize this movie because he cares; something obvious when you consider his own lifestyle. He did not make this movie to run for president. This movie has grossed over 60 million dollars to date and it hasn’t even made it to cable. Al charges over $100,000 per slide show. But the real money that Al will make is through his new company, Generation Investment Management, a company that seeks to establish the rules and licensing for the new carbon-trading scheme. We have all heard of politicians who lie for money and power; it looks as if Al did not retire after all.

Brava, Kristen! Welcome to the fight.

And, Brava for the name of your website.

For those who didn’t catch it, maunder means to talk in a rambling, foolish, or meaningless way. As such, in this instance Kristen is asking us to ponder Gore’s ramblings.

I couldn’t agree more, and wonder why people in the media with far more education and experience than our dear Kristen refuse to.

Alas, I guess that's what we love about them.

—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.

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al-Gore

Is that a Gary Varvel cartoon? He and Michael Ramirez are just about the only political cartoonists who are worth reading anymore. Not so for that hater Stuart Carlson in the Milwaukee Urinal.

Kudos for Kristen!

Evolutionists have heard of Darwin; Creationists understand Darwin.

Maunder Minimum

Krista is even smarter than Noel suspects. Her title also refers to  the "Maunder Minimum" a period of very low sunspot activity around 1700, first identified by E. W Maunder. This period coincided with the "Little Ice Age" and has prompted suggestions that sun spot activity affects global tempuratures. Smart Kid! As many folks are aware, the global warming whackos chose to eliminate the Little Ice Age in fabricating their "Hockey Stick" graph to show that Warming was caused by man beginning with the Industrial Revolution.

HG

HG,

Thanks for that update. I've sent her an e-mail message, and will ask her whether this was a double entendre. If so, you are quite correct that she is even brighter than I suspected.

In my e-mail message, I told her how proud we all are of her. I imagine everyone here agrees.  ns

Yes Noel, I agree with you. 

Yes Noel, I agree with you.  It does my heart good to see that we have strong young people like this.  This would be one of those moments that truely does give one hope for the future.  I wish her all the best and keep up the good work.

p.s. I would be interested to know the reactions from classmates as well as faculty as well as the grade received.

HG

HG,

It turns out you're right. Kristen's initial intention with her paper was to concentrate on the Maunder Minimum, but her research moved her in another direction. As such, the double entendre, though delicious and fortuitous, is quite accidental.   :-)   ns

I do hope Kristen got an A+++

I do hope Kristen got an A+++++, she deserves it.

Wow!

 Great find Noel. This is better and more indepth research about global warming than I've seen in any one place at all. It is heads and shoulders above anything that the media have done, either for or against the AGW argument.

Kristen has done an A+ job here. Kristen should be awarded an honorary doctorate in climatology, not Algore.

The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic

portland

Wow, Kristen did such a great job and lives in Portland to boot. I wonder what grade she will get for this treason in a liberal land.

A Prize For Kristen

Since the Libs have the igNobel Prize and the Pulleftist prize, not to mention the Oscars, maybe NewsBusters should start an award program for "Reality-Based News & Education."

What do you think Noel? You'd certainly have my pledge for a scholarship donation for this kid in Portland. It shouldn't be too tough to come up with $15-20K from the NB regulars. Just as recognition from the aforementioned scam awards encourages leftist thinking and behavior, publicly rewarding behavior like Kristen's would certainly encourage a shift back towards reality.

I'm ready to put my money where my mouth is, how about anybody else???

Hunter/Giuliani 2008

I'd be willing to contribute.

I'd be willing to contribute.

"Believe what you want. You work your side of the street, and I'll work mine." --Frank Bullitt

Count on me $$$

I would be very willing to contribute.

If conservatives are RIGHT, then liberals must be WRONG.

...

It is nice to see that not all our future is succumbing to the leftist brain washing….

 

But not where I live.

Dear MoveOn member,

With the Democrats in power, House leaders promise this is the year climate change legislation will pass Congress—the question has moved quickly from if we are going to do something about the climate crisis to what we are going to do.

Oil and coal lobbyists are pressing hard to keep bills with real teeth from passing or even getting out of committee. There are a few key legislators who will decide which bills get voted on—and how strong they are. We need to make sure these folks hear from all their constituents that they need to stand up to the lobbyists and vote for real action on climate change.

Your representative isn't on one of the key committees, but we've got a new way for you to make a real difference. We're throwing a special Call for the Climate party near you. We're going to call through all the MoveOn members in those key districts and ask them to call their representatives this week—to speak for all of us. Can you come?

Host: Eve C.—fellow MoveOn member
Where: Val and Jeff's House, Kenmore (in Kenmore)
When: Tuesday, May 22 2007, 5:30 PM

The Kool-Aid Drinkers are having a party. 

LOL People.  Just how did we thaw out of the last Ice Age?  (We are actually still thawing…)

Al Bore is such a fake. 

I would say every Hollywood academy award winner should give the Oscar back.  Giving an Oscar to Al just losses all creditability….dose it not?

 

 

 

 

I believe it is appropriate t

I believe it is appropriate to have an over-representation of factual presentations on how dangerous it is, as a predicate for opening up the audience to listen to what the solutions are, and how hopeful it is that we are going to solve this crisis.

Translation = It is okay to exaggerate your ass off and create a climate of fear and guilt among the unworthy rabble (tax paying, law abidding, hard working carbon foot printing low lifes ... citizens) while we of course reap the rewards of the "Carbon Credits" (worthless "carnival side-show" concept of removing my guilt & adding it to some other carbon foot printing low life ... citizen).  The "crisis" of course is the fact that I am still not President.   I need another house and private jet and darn it ... isn't just down right fun to hornswaggle the leftist crazies while bilking them of millions ... not to mention an Oscar!  How fun is that?

A sucker is born every minute as well as two Democrats to take him!

Isn't this the same AlGore wh

Isn't this the same AlGore who screamed that "George Bush lied. He played on our fears."?

 Yes, your Majesty it is. 

 Yes, your Majesty it is.  He's playing on our "fears" of melting from global warming.  Don't know your age but I remember the "great ice age" in the mid-70's.  I guess he doesn't know about the cycle of climate changes throughout history. 

Well done

There is a glimmer of hope that some of today's youth actually see through the liberal lies.

Well done, Kristen!!!

If conservatives are RIGHT, then liberals must be WRONG.

She takes on Algore and opens

She takes on Algore and opens a can of whoop*** on him.  Psuedo-"Dr." Algore pwned by a high school student.  Outstanding, Kristen, outstanding!

"A communist is someone who reads Marx.  An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx."  Ronald Reagan

So if there is no such thing

So if there is no such thing as global warming.  Why don't all of you prove it by inhlaling carbon monoxide for awhile and see how long you last!

More nonsense, fendertele

More nonsense, fendertele.  The argument is not over "global warming."    The argument is whether it's caused by man.  In the same vein as your silliness, how about if you stop breathing out all that nasty CO2?

You don't think global warmin

You don't think global warming is being accelerated by man?  Let me encircle your head with CO2, CO and various other smoke and gases and see how long you can take it.

Show me your proof, fendertele

Your statements are illogical.  How would encircling my head with CO2 or CO prove that man is accelerating global warming?

Instead of coming on and throwing smug insults in every direction,  show me some proof of your contention that GW is caused by man.  Even if you don't have credible sources like I do, at least give me some specific arguments. 

Come on.  You're the one who claims to be flabbergasted at the cavalier attitude of those of us who believe it's a scam.  

Then, you can tell me what YOU do to make it better.   Come on.  Let's have it out. 

Dear fendertele...

Man-made CO2 emissions are as responsible for global warmng as all the people who pee in the ocean when swimming are responsible for the tides.

The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic

c5...I thought it would expla

c5...

I thought it would explain the slight yellowing of the salt water.

The liberal MSM has become an enemy of the USA.

and the salt itselfSupreme Co

and the salt itself

Supreme Court,  National Security,  Borders,  Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.   

Yuck


That'll remind me to keep my mouth closed the next time I go surfing.

Hunter/Giuliani 2008

accelerated by manFirst the c

accelerated by man

First the clever change from global warming to climate change, now this?  The theory of anthropogenic global warming is that man is directly triggering global warming with the CO2 he is putting in the atmosphere.  Now as the evidence is coming in that this may not be the case, you're trying to twist the story?  No.  It's your theory; stand by it.

Well, about 43 years now and

Well, about 43 years now and going strong thank you. How about you?

I couldn't agree more, fender

I couldn't agree more, fender.  I see now why you wouldn't allow me to encircle your head with a large plastic bag.  Damn Carbon Dioxide!

Not only do you hate capitali

Not only do you hate capitalism, not only do you desperately wish to be coddled and pampered by a Nanny State,  you are also self- crucified on a cross of guilt, as are other GW religionists. 

Tell me something:

1) If the Kyoto Protocol addresses a GLOBAL problem called GLOBAL warming, why are China, Mexico, and India, among other countries, exempt from it?

2) Why does the Kyoto Protocol not address, at all the issue of tropical deforestation, which is the cause of 20% of global greenhouse emissions?

3) Why no major Atlantic hurricanes this year?

4) How come the world's highest recorded temperature was recorded in 1922?

5) Why did it snow south and east of San Antonio for Christmas 2004? San Antonio RARELY if EVER gets snow.

6) Why was there an ice storm in San Antonio and Houston in January of this past year?

7) Why did it snow in Lisbon and New Delhi in the winter of 2005-2006? Why did it snow in Johannesburg in July 2006 during the austral winter?

8) Exit Glacier has been melting since at least 1780. What human activity back then was causing the glacier to melt?

9) Explain the appearance of icebergs in the Chukchi Sea and the Beaufort Sea in the Barrow area at the end of July 2004.

10) France gets 78.5% of its energy needs from nuclear power.  Very few, if any, greenhouse gases are eminated from nuclear power generators.  France continues to chug along with its nuclear power program relentlessly in spite of the fact that it has no permanent facilities for the disposal of its nuclear waste (only the United States and Finland have such facilities).  So, why aren't the greenies all supportive of nuclear power as a way to prevent greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining economic growth?

Maybe its the evil capitali

Maybe its the evil capitalist in me, but I for one hope there is global warming because it will mean more green land, more food, more life, and more importantly...more oil! We will be able to drill in the Artic without breaking frozen ground! < insert evil laugh >

Unsane,since the Liberals d

Unsane,

since the Liberals don't want to answer (and give their ignorance away), I've provided the Liberal answers below:

#1: Because George Bush is EVIL!

#2-9: Global Warming

#10: It's a plot by Halliburton!

fender: The GW hypothesis has

fender: The GW hypothesis has to do with the temperature of the earth, not the overall presence of either CO or CO2 in the air. Even if the man-made GW faithful are correct, not even they contend that we're all going to die from lack of oxygen. Better study up on the details if you want to be taken seriously. I'd begin with the basics regarding CO and CO2 and how they act and interact with the oxygen in our atmosphere.

Check in with Kristen. I'm sure she could help you to understand the science.

Good point fender

Good point fender  but reading your posts, I am afraid it causes permanent brain damage if you survive.

Lets hope your warning is not

Lets hope your warning is not too late.

Supreme Court,  National Security,  Borders,  Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.   

Irrelevent

Carbon Monoxide inhalation death, means that "global warming exists"? Poppy-cock! Carbon Monoxide kills, not because of "global warming", but because of its chemical properties. What does it have to do with anything remotely close to the theory of "global warming"?


"Stop global warming! Asphyxiate a liberal!" -
Show us how far you're willing to go to stop "global warming"

Dude... lighten up..

Will Al Gore refuse to debate

Will Al Gore refuse to debate Kristen?

Gary...Now that would be pric

Gary...

Now that would be priceless!

bt

She [Kristen] is priceless - Gore is gutless! (;~|

Gary...You said it all.

Gary...

You said it all.

Gary Hall

Gary,

Delicious. Absolutely delicious.  ns

Noel

Thanks Noel -- There should be a way, Kristen willing - of course, to in the media bring pressure to bear to pull the event off.

Perhaps we should start a new

Perhaps we should start a new TV show?  "Is Al Gore smarter than a 10th grader?"

There's a reason we're called the right wing.

Wonderful job.Is it too much

Wonderful job.

Is it too much of a cliche to say that Kristen, at her age, had no pre-conceived notions or agendas and simply went where the evidence led her?   If so, we could all learn from that approach.

Good job Kristen

Dahlia, the way they indoctrinate kids in school these days, not to mention the media, I'd be amazed if she had no pre-conceived notions or agendas.  That makes her intellectual honesty that much more impressive.

When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised if a circus breaks out.

No doubt that the old secret

No doubt that the old secret weapon has been imployed; the only one that is able to counter the brainwashing indoctrination;    (parental involvement)

Supreme Court,  National Security,  Borders,  Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.   

The young lady stayed awake in class, unlike--

The young lady stayed awake in class, unlike--a large number of so-called climate experts.

It is appropriate to have an

It is appropriate to have an over-representation of factual presentations

Factual presentations of only one side of the argument, however.  This young lady has discovered and properly condemned a bad case of "the ends justify the means". 

Like I told Noel, the word &q

Like I told Noel, the word "Maunder" is from the scientist that discovered the Maunder Minimum. But as fate has it, there is a second and very appropriate meaning. In fact, fate does not seem to be on the side of the anthropogenic global warmers at all. Earlier this year a global warming conference had to be cancelled in New York due to a severe snow storm. Also, the IPCC released their 2007 Summary for Policy Makers at the same time a record cold snap was experienced in the United States. I guess they forgot to use their computer models in the planning stage!

Kristen Byrnes

thanks Kristen

;^)

Supreme Court,  National Security,  Borders,  Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.   

Kristen

KB,

Well, I wanted to be the first to welcome you to the NB family. Serves me right for making myself breakfast in between postings. :-)

That said, I wanted you to know that this article about you is currently the most-viewed recent piece at this site, and, as you can tell, you've become an overnight sensation here.

We're thrilled to have you, and are looking forward to watching you debate our small but vociferous group of believers.

Warmest regards, and welcome to the fight!   ns

LOL Noel, that's what you get

LOL Noel, that's what you get for not sending me a rasberry danish.  ;)

Kristen Byrnes

Kirsten, I read your essay. I

Kirsten, I read your essay. I find it very impressive, well researched and informative. Your a very bright young lady. Well done, Kirsten Byrnes. Well done.

Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!

An honor to &quot;meet&quot;

An honor to "meet" you, Ms. Byrnes. :) Good work.

Q.M.