In a time when we are drowning in an ocean of environmental crisis, you would think our world leaders would be able to do a bit more than just give the issues lip-service.

The three-day G8 summit in Japan, with a record 22 nations participating, ended yesterday, with too much fluffy, evasive and idealistic talk and not enough balls-to-the-wall action.

Much like a flighty boyfriend, the world leaders failed to commit. Although developing and developed nations alike agreed that “deep cuts” were needed, they never agreed on setting specific targets. I nstead, they concluded that the reduction in greenhouse gases should take place according to the means of each country. Vague much?

True, they did commit to halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. But the leaders failed to agree on a base year with which to compare emission levels. In essence, they’re going to try to lower emissions levels — but with no tangible standards or base comparisons, this undefined action is a muddled exercise with good intentions. Some took this as evidence that big-boy polluters, aka China and India, were still not willing to commit themselves to internationally agreed cuts. Read More »

Ah, summer. Hot days, warm nights, small amounts of clothing…and ample time for hook-ups. The summer fling is one of the most romanticized aspects of girl/guy relating, its short time span giving it all the more potential for passion and excitement.

But is it really all “Summer Lovin’”? Really as simple and sweet as we’ve been led to believe? The fact that I’m even asking these questions probably means summer flings are more complicated than 3 months of running hand-in-hand down the beach, but keeping a few things in mind can help make your next summer adventure as drama free as possible.
This edition of Summer Do’s and Don’ts brings you: Summer Flings.

Do use the summer to chat up different kinds of people. Your summer job or internship may lead down interesting paths and into interesting groups. Keep an open mind and use these months to reinvent yourself—in a good way, of course. Who knows? You might just meet a future hottie marching in a protest for Greenpeace or during your lunch break in the staff room.

Don’t fast forward the relationship just because the summer is short. Subtracting the amount of time you’d normally sleep with or get serious with someone because you’re moving or leaving in a few months is not a good idea. You could overlook key aspects of their personality (like a dominant asshole gene), or “forget” to do the STD talk. If this summer fling is meant to last, it will, regardless of how fast you jump in the sack. Read More »