"Remarkable" Ted Turner HumanEvents.com Skeptical scientists are locked out, while Ted Turner is honored for his "enlightened service"
Ted Turner's Green Ideas New York Daily News You certainly won't get Ted Turner to eat his words about Global Warming leading to cannibalism.
The Life-Style Hypocrisy Club National Review Online Al Gore Ted Turner, Arnold Schwarzenegger. The leading Green Churchers are all living in sin.
May 07, 2008
He rode into town, shooting from the hip and the lip, and told the establishment there was a new honcho in town. He revolutionized the broadcasting industry by starting the Cable News Network, scooped up MGM’s Film Library from another tough hombre, hosted the Goodwill Games with the Russians, set ocean records that will never be equaled, and got a cell phone thrown at him by Jane Fonda, a month after they were married.
In case you haven’t kept up with Ted Turner lately, and who could, he's aiming to fix a few things -- like the world. You'll be happy to know he's putting his money where his mouth is, so you know he's spreading it around.
“Russia and the United States have about 10,000 weapons aimed at each other," Turner has stated, "and George Bush has the button.” So he and Sam Nunn formed the Nuclear Threat Initiative to eliminate nuclear weapons. The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is on the endangered list, along with many other animals and plants, so, as somewhat of an endangered species himself, he created the Turner Endangered Species Fund.
He gave a billion dollars to the United Nations Foundation that is working on population control, women’s health, disease eradication, and other issues. And after years of mocking Christianity, he bought off his guilt with a $200 million donation to church groups fighting third world measles.
Clearly, pushing 70, Ted Turner is a busy man. Although he did manage to find some time last month to enlighten more people with his views on the Charlie Rose show. I imagine this couldn't have gone down too well over dinner -- “Inaction on Global Warming will be catastrophic, and those who don’t die will be cannibals.” He called Iraqi insurgents “patriots," who don’t like us because we’ve invaded their country. And said,“China just wants to sell us shoes,” in response to whether we need a strong military.
Despite his claims of losing 80% of his wealth on the CNN/America Online merger, Forbes magazine estimates his fortune at $2.3 billion. When asked recently how it feels to be a billionaire, he said, “It's disappointing really, I've learned that great wealth isn't nearly as good as average sex."
A mass of contradictions, Ted Turner has been labeled a philanthropist and humanist, a fascist and a racist, a madman, an American original, and one of the smartest, hardest-working entrepreneurs of all time. You may not agree with all of his opinions, and I don’t (he probably doesn’t either), but I’m glad he’s around, stirring up things, helping out with a little financial assistance every now and then.
We could use a few more Cowboys in this country. What do you think?
Red-cockaded Woodpecker cornell.edu It was listed as a Federal Endangered Species in 1970.
The United Nations Foundation unfoundation.org Ted Turner’s historic $1 billion gift supports UN in various causes and activities.
Why Ted Turner Is Right Town Hall Human life is still leading us to the unthinkable abyss. Ted Turner is basically right.
I like having Ted, and others like him (there aren't too many ) around to stir up the pot a littl...
May 07, 2008 9:56 AM
Should Ted Turner...
9% 0% 9% 82% 0%
Where have all the cowboys gone?
I think the cowboy mentality (for all it's negatives and positives) made this country great. I'm a naturalized citizen so I can say that with all sincerity. Ted Turner is a bit of a nut case, but at least he's our nutcase. Look at those great cowboy/western movies like Tombstone, The Wild Bunch, High Noon, The Magnifiscent Seven etc. All the heroes did the right thing in the end.
Unfortunately we have to listen to people like George Soros (not a cowboy) tell us right from wrong. Even a Rhinestone cowboy is better than no cowboy. (Well, maybe not). Who didn't like John Wayne? Or learn a few things from watching Bonanza.
In the Old West there were cowboys of different races. Who knew the real cowboys were reflective of the real America?
Even fake cowboys, like President Reagan, were good for the country.
Yes! we need cowboys. I'll vote for Turner even though I disgree with him on the Chinese desire to sell us shoes. I think they want to sell us a different "bill of goods", like tickets to the Olympic Games, to distract us from the plight of the Tibetans. how many pairs of Chinese shoes does Turner have?
To: LaDonna,
Good morning Ms. LaDonna and have a great day.
You said once you were a Texas Gal, so I'm interested in you're thoughts about cowboys. We do have cowboys here in California (really!) and they're not all the urban or rhinestone variety. Most can actually can ride a horse!
Best wishes, ExPat
To: ExPat,
Good morning! I'm just starting my morning coffee, so I'll make this brief for now (and, check in throughout the day)!
I have arrived to Texas the long way. Born in Alamada, CA. raised in the midwest, lived 12 years just south of Madison, WI (great Market!!!!!!) and 2 hours from Chicago (which I love) I am now in Texas. There is a wonderful spirit here that really can be felt, and yes, there are some real cowboys and cowgirls, long horns, and a way of life that is wonderful!
komet said...
Ted Turner is great - putting his money where his mouth is. He is able to do what many of us would like to do - to speak out and financially support the causes we believe it. I suppose he can be described as a cowboy since he does raise bison and appears as one in the photo but after the fiasco of having a cowboy in the White House I hate to see that term used to describe him. I think he is a good example of what people think of when they speak of "an American" - sometimes abrasive, out-spoken but willing to do something for the things he believes in. I don't think he's a diplomat but we need people like him to stir things up, get people thinking, talking, doing.
Heiress's grandfather was a cowboy...
She is all for cowboys, of any nationality. ;)
I like having Ted, and others like him (there aren't too many ) around to stir up the pot a little bit now and then. They give you cause for pause I think.I think of him as a pioneer as well as a cowboy. If Ted was a general instead of an entrepreneur, he may well have made the list of our recent discussion concerning great ones.
Of course he has chinks in his armor, as the expression goes,"real boats rock". The refreshing thing about Ted Turner is that he seems to have a total absence of "political astuteness". He says what he means so you always, at least seemingly. know how he feels (although I'm sure he can be a wicked opponent in a board room or when negotiating).
He's an adventurer, risk taker (especially with his own money), would probably make a great friend or ally, but then I sure wouldn't want to be the one standing in his way.
Just a side note, his " Ted's Montana Grill Restaurants" are wonderful. The only item ever frozen is the ice cream, everything else is delivered fresh daily. It's also a very "green" restaurant from the paper straws, recycled paper table mats, to the waterless urinals in the mens room. Great Bison tenderloins too!
I probably don't agree with him on a lot of things, but I do have some admiration for the guy.
Be well
more on the honor roll“It's disappointing really, I've learned that great wealth isn't nearly as good as average sex."
What a great quote. Very wise. Money clearly isn't everything to him but he does use it to fuel his passions and his causes. I don't know much about Ted other than he was a media mogul, Braves owner, and bedded Jane Fonda for awhile. But I think that quote could very well sum up the life of most of us, not just the cowboys. It's a good attitude to have. Ted is good people. Eccentric? Sure. But good people.
Heading off on a rabbit trail, all this talk about horses (Eight Belles), cowboys, and average sex have me thinking about the Big & Rich song: Save a horse, ride a cowboy.
(Sorry. I couldn't help it)
Ted's about as much a cowboy as I am, even if he is willing to wear the silly hat and ugly boots. That being said, I always have a profound respect for those that are willing to use their surplus wealth for the greater good, or causes that are important to them. We don't have to agree with their choices - it's their bat and ball. Any good philanthropist will have an air of fascism about them.
thecatalyst said...
Ted seems to go out of his way to hack people off. Some of his quotes strike me as the ravings of a complete lunatic. Having said that, I have to admit that I can't help but like the guy.
To: LaDonna,
Sounds like a great journey.......do you feel that you've found what you're looking for? Have you found your "true" home?
I, too, had a journey. Born in England (parents were Brits), came to the San Fernando Valley in California when I was ten, always wanted to go to the "East Indies" like in the days of the Empire, and got my chance with the Marines (Vietnam), went to Okinawa, Thailand, North Carolina, Hawaii, even Rhode Island with the Marines, then back to Southern California. Taken a few trips to Arizona, too. Along the way, I became a citizen.
Sometimes I thought about other places especially when my marriage was ending, but I've realized that California (the San Fernando Valley) is my "home".
It's a feeling that I belong here. How about you?
Did you know that David Crockett wrote home just before the Alamo and told his family that Texas was a place a man (or woman) could feel at home. He went to the Alamo to fight for his "new home".
rings90 said...
"Any good philanthropist will have an air of fascism about them."
What a great way to put it Onc Doc ~
As for him going off the deep end with remarks to the press & enviromental issues the guy is 70 ~ He's lived long enough to be as Mr. Peterman states
"A mass of contradictions" and quite honestly in my opinion he does not have to apologize for it.
Being a Classic Film Lover ~ I am grateful for TT & the fact he uses his money for the preservation & restoration of films. It scares me to think of the great performances that could have been lost forever had it not been his foresight to perserve & restore this part of history.
zackchange said...
I love billionaires! Especially self-made ones. I know Ted made brilliant business moves and made billions, but I would like to know if he was born rich or did he start with nothing?
Whig1776 said...
If any of us had a billion in the bank, I'm sure we'd be "cowboys," too.
Before this morphs from Peterman's Eye into the Ted Turner Admiration Society, Google Mr. Turner and his U.N. "donation." Yes, he's giving the U.N. a billion, but he's actually making money on the deal by spreading out the payments and arbitraging the debt.
Yes, more power to him. But I'd be a little more comfortable with his "cowboy" image if he didn't boast about making the donation, but say little about the arbitrage.
Furthermore, anyone who marries Jane Fonda has to have a screw loose.
"I have always had a fascination with cowboys, and I've counted some of them amoung my friends. A cowboy doesn't talk much, but when he does, he gets straight to the point and has something to say. He usually has an interesting perspective on life because he's had time to reflect on it.; you can't have a perspective if you haven't had time to think about what it might be. And a cowboy's word is his bond; no need for reams of legal papers. There's also something - I guess you could use the the word romantic - about being alone on the range for long periods of time. You, your horse, and nature. It doesn't get any better. Danger, hardship, and deprivation are faced and dealt with everyday with a matter of course attitude. Most people waste time and energy on the unnecessary; the cowboy uses his energy to do what is truely necessary at the time - no wasted motion."
I wrote this 10 years ago, it's still true.
To: Mr. Peterman,
I've noticed the same attitude in business. If you don't focus on what is necessary you may succeed for awhile but ultimately you fail.
As someone who has "been there, done that" I can appreciate the focus on the necessary more than ever. And if you can maintain the "romantic" part of the adventure, success the second time around is much more sweeter.
JillyBean said...
Whether you hate him, love him, love to hate him, or hate to love him, this guy's a gem. What a character! He is the quintessential American. A man fit for a profile by J Peterman. ...and a very interesting profile at that! You picked out all the most fascinating nuggets.
The world would be a very different place without cowboys like Ted Turner, Richard Branson and Bill Gates, to name a few. They think big, stir things up, shoot for the moon and strive to make our lives better - all while making a buck for their efforts. And I for one American, have no problem with that. That's called livin the dream.
To: ExPat,
For now, I am loving Texas. Lovin' the big Texas sky, working on my Southern accent, and have been known to but on a pair of cowboy boots when the music, and times...are just right!
To Mr. Peterman:
Sounds like you have some mighty fine friends. I'm sure they are that fortunate too.
Even if I liked nothing else about him, I would be eternally grateful to Ted Turner solely for the creation of Turner Classic Movies. Not only does it make such great classics available to us but it provides us the charming and witty company of Robert Osborne, the greatest introductory host on TV since Alistair Cooke.
Turner Network Television also did the 1989 production of A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS with the recently departed Charlton Heston. It was a brilliant production and much closer to Robert Bolt's original stage play than the highly lauded movie version with Paul Scofield (also recently departed).
As for cowboys, I am from Missouri originally and knew many of them. They take off their boots one at a time just like the rest of us. Nevertheless, I love our hosts romantic image of them in the paragraph above. On that note, I am reminded of the recent movie, BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. The two stars (fine actors both of them) were too smooth, too Hollywood, too... pretty! The story ends in 1983. If the movie had been MADE in 1983, I would have cast young Tommy Lee Jones and Sam Elliott. THEY were cowboys!
“I've never run into a guy who could win at the top level in anything today and didn't have the right attitude, didn't give it everything he had, at least while he was doing it; wasn't prepared and didn't have the whole program worked out.” ~Ted Turner~
To: LaDonna,
Thanks for the reply........glad you're loving Texas. Be Happy! And keep those boots on!
Wyocowgirl said...
Having lived around cowboys most of my life, what Mr. Peterman says is quite accurate, as well as what DreadPirateRoberts says about them taking their boots off one at a time like the rest of us. That being said, Ted Turner is only a romantic version of a cowboy. I'm glad that he is more than willing to put his money where his mouth is, but that doesn't make him a cowboy. ExPat asks where have all the cowboys gone - they're still here, minding their own business, trying to get by just like the rest of us. Hollywood romanticized the lifestyle, but the real life is very hard, dirty, cold or hot work, depending on the season, for not a lot money or appreciation. Cowboys do the work they do because they love it, period. They will never get rich or be famous. But they are good role models for people to want to emulate, and goodness knows we can sure use some good role models.
To: Wyocowgirl,
Well said!
When I said cowboys made this country great, I meant it as a tribute to the type of men and women who came out West and made a life and a new world for themselves. I realize that the "cowboys" of Hollywood are more myth than truth, but there is sometimes a truth hidden in any myth. Myths sometimes reflect an ideal.
The best of the Hollywood cowboys came across as honest people with a determination to do what was right. To create order out of chaos. Maybe it's a myth, maybe it's the truth. We can't go too wrong trying to live up to that ideal.
But real cowboys get my respect!