Friday, January 13, 2006

Monty Python's Michael Palin may be fired as president of environmental group


Yes, the beloved Pythoner may be booted out as president of a group called Transport 2000.

From Britain's The Times:

Michael Palin is facing moves to oust him as president of a leading environmental group because of his passion for long-distance air travel.

The Times has learnt that senior members of Transport 2000, which campaigns for sustainable travel and against growth in flights, believe that Palin sets a poor example.

More...

On screen he is seen riding dog sleds, camels, elephants and hot-air balloons. But few viewers will have realised how many air miles he clocked up making the programmes. For the Himalayas series alone, Palin made seven return trips between London and Asia. His share of the carbon dioxide emissions of those flights was 24 tonnes, 12 times more than the average car emits in a year.

Palin defends himself, somewhat feebly, that he discourages air travel by since people can stay at home, instead of traveling. But at least he's using commercial airlines for these jaunts.

Still, I don't think he's a phony, like Laurie David, the wife of Seinfeld producer Larry David. According to this New York Times article from last year, Laurie bounces around the county in a private jet.

I wonder, however, if Michael Palin feels persecuted. Did he tell Travel 2000, "I didn't expect this kind of Spanish Inquisition!"

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