Glenn Beck: More unsettled settled science

June 08, 2009

The Glenn Beck Program

VOICE: The Glenn Beck program presents spotlight object on science.

OBAMA: We'll restore science to its rightful place.

VOICE: A series dedicated to President Obama's passion for everything science.

GLENN: I know, this isn't a science update but I want to get a science update on this. Can you check with all of our scientists on the Neckline Slimmer?

STU: Oh, that's very scientific, yes.

GLENN: Have you seen that?

STU: Yes.

GLENN: It's available only through this TV offer and you just move your neck up and down and push the little spring down and it tightens your skin and your muscles.

STU: You are saying it does more than tighten your skin? Because that would be enough for me.

GLENN: Oh, no, it tightens your skin and your muscles. I didn't know you could tighten your skin but apparently you can. If that's all it would take to get rid of that fourth chin.

STU: Just nodding a lot?

GLENN: I'm just sayin'.

STU: You got it.

GLENN: As you may have heard, I have recently ridden on Amtrak. Now, who I did or didn't introduce myself to in this story isn't important. What is is my green choice of transportation. Since the global warming crisis has reared its ugly head, being green is inevitable. Well, I shouldn't say that. Being green is absolutely avoidable. I still refuse to use fluorescent light bulbs and I always will. But the green message is unavoidable. The message is use public transportation, right? But the science appears not to be settled according to the rightwing group Britain's Institute of Physics. Boy, I hate those fascists, huh? As it turns out, scientists didn't take into account the production and maintenance of said buses, trains and planes. Government policy his historically relied on emission and analysis of automobiles, buses and trains and aircraft at their tailpipe, ignoring vehicle production and maintenance, infrastructure provision and fuel production requirements to support these modes. Wait a minute. Hold it. So in other words, when people like me have asked the question, "Okay, so we have an electric car, we have to plug it in at our house, we get our electricity from coal fire plants. Aren't we just using more coal to provide the electricity?" Nobody actually looked into that? Just me? Science has only published specific data to support one side of an issue? Who would have seen this coming?

For example, Boston's rail system compared to San Francisco's rail system. Boston has a metro system with high energy efficiency. The trouble is 82% of the energy to drive it comes from dirty fossil fuels. Coal plants. By comparison, San Francisco's local railway is less energy efficient who would have seen that one coming, California, less efficient than Boston's. But it turns out to be greener, as only 49% of the electricity comes from fossil fuel. The paper points out that the tailpipe quotient does not include emissions that come from building transport infrastructure, railways, airport terminals, roads, so on, so on, nor the emissions that come from maintaining this operational infrastructure over its lifetime. They also overlooked the issue of capacity.

Stu, where were we? We were in a city last week that had one of the clean rail systems and they were like, right, it's green, it's going to save the Earth, blah, blah blah. Every time we saw it, it was completely empty and the highway was packed. The train was empty. And I thought, think how much energy that train is saving by running completely empty! So science has decided to only pay attention to one aspect of the situation to favor the green agenda. Is it safe to say that perhaps, perhaps they are only sharing specific data in other areas to further an agenda? No, that was a trick question. I mean, what am I, nuts? Questioning settled science again? Oh, it's just me, that flat earther again.

VOICE: You've been listening to Spotlight on Science, exclusively heard on the Glenn Beck program, America's number one source for science and science related items.

AUDIENCE CHOICE: Here are 14 'manly films' that YOU recommended!

Courtesy of 20th Century Fox, Paramount Studios, Walt Disney Pictures

Last week, Glenn's staff compiled a list of 14 "manly" movies that display positive depictions of manhood. It was such a hit that Glenn's audience wanted to chime in! We have compiled PART 2 of the "manly movie list" based on recommendations from YOU! Did YOUR recommendation make the list? Tell us what you think!

Gladiator

This was the first film recommended by Glenn's audience. There are fewer films that portray the themes of dignity, honor, sacrifice, and wisdom in difficult circumstances better than The Gladiator. Russell Crowe stars as Maximus, a once-honored general under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Maximus is made a slave after the emperor's death under the new reign of Aurellius' jealous and power-hungry son. Maximus displays how to choose dignity in the face of temptation and to never compromise character for the sake of convenience and power. He embodies sacrifice, surrendering himself for the sake of honoring his family and country. Rated R

Braveheart

It comes as no surprise that Glenn's audience highlighted this classic. Like The Gladiator, Mel Gibson's iconic portrayal of the legendary Scottish warrior, William Wallace, displays how to use strength to fight for justice and freedom in the midst of injustice and oppression. He also shows the ultimate display of strength through sacrifice—giving his life for the sake of his ideals and countrymen. Rated R

Dances with Wolves

Glenn's audience was quick to recommend this classic. Kevin Costner plays a Civil War Union soldier John Dunbar who wants to see the frontier "before it's gone." He encounters the Lakota Indians and lives among them, attracted to the simplicity of their life. They give him the name, "Dancing With Wolves." Costner is caught in the middle of the conflict between the Native Americans and the growing westward presence in the U.S. The film shows Costner standing on his convictions and trying to be a voice for both sides rather than an agent of conflict. Rated PG-13

Band of Brothers

Though this is a TV series, it is no wonder why Glenn's audience highlighted this production. The iconic World War II-era series displays themes of strength and sacrifice, and shows how to rely on your "brothers" through unbelievably difficult challenges. The 101st Airborne Division is one of the most revered heroes in America's history, and this series does them justice! Rated R

The Adam Project

This recent Netflix film is a rare example of a modern Hollywood film portraying positive views of manhood and fatherhood. The dystopian film follows Adam Reed, played by Ryan Reynolds, who travels back in time from 2050 to 2018 to save his wife. Due to a malfunction, Reed crashes into 2022 and enlists the help of his younger self on his mission. The coming-of-age movie displays the struggles and victories of growing up as well as wrestling with the shortcomings of your parents that follow you into manhood. Rated PG-13

Men of Honor

Based on an incredible true story, Men of Honor follows Carl Brashear, played by Cuba Gooding Jr., the world's first black master diver, who overcame discrimination and struggles to become one of the most celebrated men in the Navy. Brashear, an ambitious sharecropper, joins the Navy's elite diving unit and battles against his discriminatory commanding officer, Master Chief Billy Sunday, played by Robert DeNiro. The story shows how heroes are made from personal character and perseverance in the face of challenges and oppression. Rated R

Heartbreak Ridge

Glenn's audience wanted to highlight a Clint Eastwood film and some were quick to recommend Heartbreak Ridge. Eastwood plays Marine Sgt. Thomas Highway, a decorated veteran of two wars. On his last posting before retirement, Highway is surrounded by officers with no combat experience who view him as a holdover "past his prime." Highway is assigned to train a group of undisciplined recruits who don't believe a war will ever come—but then the U.S. invades Grenada. This is a classic film about leadership and holding high standards of excellence, even when you don't think it necessary. Rated R

True Grit

Glenn's audience demanded a John Wayne film to be included on the list, and it is no wonder why! There are few figures who are associated with "manliness" like John Wayne, the icon of the Western movie genre alongside Clint Eastwood. We chose to highlight his classic film, True Grit, and his role as Marshall Reuben J. Cogburn. Though the film begins with Cogburn as a tough, money-hungry U.S. Marshall, he is transformed by a teenage girl, Mattie Ross, who hires him to help find her father's murderer. In the end, he risks everything to protect Ross, who he endearingly calls, "little sis." Like many Westerns, the film is also about traveling into the unknown and unruly to find yourself and bring about justice. Rated G

Secondhand Lions

This star-studded duo cast of Michael Cain and Robert Duvall depicts how strong male figures transform the life of a young boy yearning for direction, mentors, and love. The movie follows a shy boy named Walter, who is taken by his greedy mother to spend the summer with his two hard-headed great-uncles, Hub and Garth, who are rumored to possess a large fortune. His mother hopes that they will show him where their fortune is hidden. At first, the two old men, who are both set in their ways, find Walter's presence a nuisance. Eventually, they warm up to Walter and recount all the tales from their past, becoming the strong father figures he never had. In return, Walter helps rekindle their youthful spirit. Rated PG

Iron Will

A classic "coming-of-age" film, Iron Will tells the story of a teenager named Will Stoneman, who competes in a 500-mile-long dog sledding race to help financially support his mother after his father's death leaves his family in financial ruin. He battles with older, seasoned dog sledders who plot to bring about his demise as he continues to push ahead in the race. The movie shows how a young man chooses strength, dignity, and perseverance to overcome his challenges, rather than succumbing to the dubious plots of his competitors. Rated PG

Devotion

Devotion tells the incredible true story of Jesse Brown, the first black aviator in U.S. Navy history, and his enduring friendship with fellow fighter pilot, Tom Hudner. Their friendship, courage, and sacrifice helped turn the tide in one of the most consequential battles of the Korean War, making them two of the most celebrated wingmen in U.S. history. Rated PG-13

12 O'Clock High

The Hollywood legend Gregory Peck stars as the "no-nonsense" Brigadier General Frank Savage, who assumes command of an American Air Force stationed in England in 1942 that is plagued by a lack of morale. This World War II-era classic is a story of how good leadership can transform those around you. Not rated

Schindler's List

This gritty Holocaust-era classic displays how an ordinary man can be transformed into an extraordinary one. Erich Schindler was a man thirsty for power and money, who used Jewish labor to save on costs in his textile factory in Krakow, Poland. He was transformed by the horror of the Holocaust to view the Jewish people as an end in themselves, instilled with inherent dignity, rather than a mere means to an end. He gives up his entire fortune, reputation, and even risks his life to save as many Jewish people as possible by enlisting them to work in his factory. It is one of the most beautiful stories of transformation and redemption in the midst of suffering and evil. What's even more remarkable? It's based on a TRUE story. Rated R

The Right Stuff

Based on the acclaimed Tom Wolf novel under the same name, The Right Stuff tells the story of the first 15 years of America's space program, chronicling the professional and personal lives of the Mercury astronauts. The film highlights leadership in the face of political turmoil and traveling to the "unknown." Will you stand by your principles not only when the world is crumbling around you, but when you travel outside the known world? This film is a great example of leadership in the face of the unknown. Rated PG

Marriage rates PLUMMETED 60 PERCENT since 1970. Why aren't Americans getting married?

Mark Johnson | Getty Images

Only 30 percent of Americans are married, falling almost 60 percent since 1970. This should concern you.

The National Center for Family Research (NCFMR) published a groundbreaking study showing the plummeting marriage rates over the past 50 years. While marriage rates have slightly fluctuated between 1890-1970, they plunged precipitously starting in 1970 to today. While 76.5 percent of Americans were married in 1970, the rate more than halved down to a mere 31.1 percent in 2023.

During a pro-family legislators' conference in 2022, Glenn described the family as "sacred." This was a widely-accepted notion for most of our history. However, the notion that "marriage is sacred" is now considered an archaic notion and is rather viewed as an option of convenience and mutual benefit. How did our cultural assumptions about marriage change so drastically?

The notion that "marriage is sacred" is now considered an archaic notion.

What happened?

It comes as no surprise that the precipitous plunge began during the sexual revolution of the 1970s, catalyzing the breakdown of marriage and the family. Johns Hopkins sociologist Andrew Cherlin told Axios that marriage “used to be a basic institution that everyone had to buy into in early adulthood. You got married, then you moved in together, and then you got a job.” However, according to Cherlin, “Marriage is now becoming the last step into adulthood." First, you look for a job, then you move in with your partner before you tie the knot—only if it's convenient. We have flipped the natural progression of adulthood on its head.

The notion that marriage has become an "option" is evidenced in the report, which found that those getting married for the first time between the ages of 40-59 have skyrocketed in recent years and that delayed marriages have increased by 75 percent since 1990.

“Marriage is now becoming the last step into adulthood."

Moreover, rising cohabitation rates indicate that adults are opting for relationships with an "out" option rather than life-long marital commitments and those who are choosing to get married are increasingly integrating the perks of 21st-century singlehood into their relationships. Nearly 4 million married Americans are "living alone together" (LAT), a growing movement of married couples who live separately to retain the independence that they enjoyed while being single.

Minorities are affected disproportionally.

The decline in marriages is especially prevalent in minority communities, particularly minority women. The report found that marriages amongst Hispanic women declined 33 percent, and marriages amongst black women declined as much as 60 percent within the 50-year time period. Only 26 percent of black women are married, accounting for the lowest proportion of married individuals among all demographic groups. Asian women, on the other hand, have the highest marriage rates among all demographics at 56 percent.

We're living with the consequences.

The sexual revolution has transformed marriage into an option of convenience in the "last step" of adulthood rather than the assumed pre-requisite for it. The revolution purported to emancipate, particularly women, from the obligations of traditional marriage, promising more satisfaction and fulfillment. Did it fulfill its promises? The results are in, and the answer is a resounding no. Fifty years after the revolution, married Americans report the highest levels of fulfillment and satisfaction when compared to those who are single or cohabitating. Moreover, mental health is at a breaking point. As Glenn reported, suicide rates skyrocketed 30 percent in 2022, with a 50 percent increase in the black community alone. Are we really more satisfied and fulfilled than our parents and grandparents 50 years ago? The evidence says otherwise.

Perhaps the "archaic" notion that "marriage is sacred," as Glenn defends, actually has some wisdom to it.

14 'manly' movies that will show your sons how to become good men

When was the last time you saw a recent movie or series that displayed a strong, masculine man in a positive way? They are few and far between. Arguably Top Gun: Maverick's monumental success is largely due to the fact that it told the story of strong, male heroes. It stood out from the rest of the generic woke films coming out of Hollywood.

It is sad that there are so few examples in pop culture that show examples of what true manhood looks like—but there are a few. Glenn's staff compiled a list of films for parents who want to show their children/teenagers positive examples of manhood. These films will encourage your kids to use their strength to fight for what is right, to use their intellect to stand up for truth, to persevere through the overwhelming events and questions that life has in store, and to have compassion.

Note: Given some of the themes such as suicide, brief nudity, and some gun violence, it is recommended that parents watch these films first to ensure they are appropriate for their children.

1. Silverado

Silverado is a classic "modern" Western that pits four unlikely heroes against a cattle baron. The action is excellent and you get 4 versions of "hero" to discuss with your kids. If there is one Western that is modern enough for your kid to sit through, it's this one. PG-13, gun violence

2. Dead Poet's Society

This classic is slower-paced film. However, it has powerful lessons about life, happiness, fulfilment, and how pressure and expectations can impact your soul. Be aware that the film features teen suicide. PG-13, teen suicide

3. Last of the Mohicans

We recommend the most recent version with Daniel Day-Lewis. The Last of the Mohicans is a great history lesson and provides a strong story about how Europeans impacted Native Americans. PG-13, nudity-free sex scene, violence

4. The Man from Snowy River

Call this a "Western" if you want to, The Man From Snowy River is really a coming-of-age story about a young man earning his way and non-violently rationalizing the death of his father. PG, no limitations

5. The Untouchables

The Untouchables is an exceptional and language-clean Mafia film. This story is about Elliot Ness vs. Al Capone. Among the Hollywood-based Mafia movies, this one is "clean" in terms of language. PG-13, gun violence

6. The Way Way Back

This film is especially great for kids with divorced parents or who otherwise lost a father. It's a clean, excellent coming-of-age story, especially for teenagers becoming young adults. This will feel universal and familiar to most young people. PG, tiny bit of language

7. 12 Years A Slave

This film, of course, deals with some very challenging themes, but compared to Roots (which they should also see, but maybe at college as it has slightly more mature themes to it), it's shorter and more digestible. It delves into personal longing and sacrifice. It's just a must-watch. Note: it is definitely R-Rated for violence and scenes of rape. Please watch first and ensure you're comfortable with it. R, violence, rape

8. Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan is a classic World War II story told through the eyes of a small platoon sent on a mission to find one man in a "haystack of needles" in Normandy. The opening sequence is very violent, so take that into consideration. However, every American should see this film at some point, so you decide when is the appropriate time. PG-13, violence

9. The Natural

Not only is The Natural one of the best sports films ever made, but it is also an excellent movie to teach important lessons about persistence and being careful. As a plus, it will make your kids fall in love with Baseball. PG

10. Boyz N The Hood

Boyz N The Hood is one of the best examples of inner-city "gang" life. It has some language and drug use, so be prepared for a bit of dialogue when you watch. However, the film gives you a glimpse into inner-city life and teaches lessons without being preachy. R, language, drug use, brief nudity

11. To Kill A Mockingbird

We had to include at least one black-and-white film, and To Kill a Mockingbird is worthy of the spot. An excellent story that teaches about justice, standing up for the truth, and prejudice without being preachy. PG

12. The Secret of NIMH

We also needed an animated film, and there simply isn't a better one that tells a good story and teaches vital lessons than this one. The Secret of NIMF is Don Bluth's best film by far. Though the film has villains and heroes galore, the main hero is a small "mom" mouse, a rarity in animated movies. G

13. Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Just among the best comedy films ever, Monty Python and the Holy Grail gives you a chance to expose your kids to the Python troupe but in a complete movie story instead of just sketches. It is a great example of intellectual and tasteful humor. I promise you'll be shocked at how funny it still is. PG-13, brief nudity

15. Rocky IV

Even if your kids haven't seen Rocky 1-3, this film stands on its own. Plus, you can explain the Cold War to them (especially important right now). It's clean of language and sex, and they will see lots of muscles and maybe get inspired to hit the gym. PG-13, violence

'Really shook me': You NEED to know what my researcher told me about NUCLEAR WAR

Screenshot from BlazeTV

You need to read this. It is crucial.

Nuclear war is more imminent than ever since the end of the Cold War, and unless the Biden administration changes course, it can become a real possibility.

As a nation, we are NOT prepared. But YOU can take steps NOW to give you and your family the best chance of survival in a worst-case scenario.

As we do every week, my team sends my email subscribers the exclusive documents behind the Glenn TV special. This week includes practical steps to prepare for nuclear war.

It is vitally important that you have this knowledge. You can enter your email here to get access.

I also wanted to pause and recognize the gravity of the situation.

Many of us remember the looming fear of a nuclear attack.

One of my researchers came to me while working on this particular episode and told me that the weight and fragility of the topic left him feeling helpless, frustrated, and numb.

Many of us remember the looming fear of a nuclear attack while growing up during the Cold War. Now that this fear has returned, it is natural to be overcome by emotion. If you were born after the Cold War, this is likely a fresh new fear that you have no context for.

If either of these feelings resonated with you, you are not alone. I'd like you to read what my researcher shared with me:

On the way into the soundstage yesterday I made the remark to Glenn that we have to research a lot of very depressing subjects in putting together his Wednesday Night Special each week. He laughed because he knows it’s true (and because he comes up with most of these depressing subjects). But, I told him, working on this week’s episode was the most depressed about a subject I’ve been in a long time. Digging into the history of the nuclear arms race and the current nuclear threat was relentlessly disturbing and bleak. The daily headlines about Russia, China, and North Korea just piled onto the misery.

Working on Glenn’s Wednesday Night Special, we’ll often be saturated in a subject for a week and a half, sometimes longer. Doing constant deep dives on the world’s evils, you become numb to it all to a certain extent. But this week’s episode really shook me out of the numbness.

As a child of the 1980s, I have strong memories of being terrified of nuclear war with the Soviet Union. But those fears mostly faded away over the next twenty-five years as communism largely crumbled in Eastern Europe and Russia. We lost our sense of urgency and alarm over nuclear weapons. It was a harsh wake up call to be reminded of the horrific reality that nuclear war would entail. It also didn’t help that I re-watched the 1983 TV movie “The Day After” (which Glenn talks about in this week’s episode).

We always strive to produce important, relevant episodes, but this week’s has a particular urgency as the U.S. deepens its commitment to Ukraine in their war with Russia. The world has changed – we no longer have just one nuclear foe. We desperately need a potent reminder that the world sits on a tinderbox of nearly 13,000 nuclear warheads. And we have cartoonish villains like Kim Jong-un who apparently like to play with matches.

After seeing this week’s episode, some younger members of Glenn’s staff remarked that they didn’t know about “nuclear winter” or the terrifying details about nuclear war and its consequences. It’s not something that’s fun to think about. But it’s vital to think about. We must renew the conclusion reached by Reagan and Gorbachev at their 1985 summit: “…a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.”

I don't want to create the same type of feelings and paranoia I had growing up during the Cold War, but I do want us to be aware that this is a real possibility that we can prepare for, even if our government isn't. Even though it often feels like there is so little that we can control on the national stage, there is so much you CAN do to protect and prepare you and your family.

Glenn's Show Prep