Listing the Polar Bear will be like the Spotted Owl on steroids; it will impact everyone! Under the ESA, any activity that is regulated by the Federal Government (because it affects air or water quality, for example) would be subject to further regulation on the grounds of greenhouse gases and potential effects on polar bears. That would mean facility emissions or modifications, expanded manufacturing capacity, increased shipping and a host of other activities that would come under renewed scrutiny for new reasons. Remember: Virtually everything we do involves fossil fuels and greenhouse gases (GHG).

85% of our energy comes from fossil fuels. That means almost every heating, cooling, transportation and electricity generation decision will be affected. Utility and manufacturing companies will be required to slash their CO2 emissions - and be forced to raise their prices to cover those huge new costs.

To know Leipold is to like him

He's one of the best owners I've ever been around," Diamond said from Nashville. "He's a terrific guy, he's very passionate about sports and hockey, and very knowledgeable. He's outstanding."

Diamond said Leipold's passion for and knowledge of sports makes him special.

"Yet he's a very down to earth guy; he is not an egomaniac owner type that we see often in sports," Diamond, 54, said.

Although Leipold resides in Racine, Wis., Diamond said he attended Predators games regularly. Leipold has a private jet.

"Now he'll have a much shorter flight," Diamond said. "Now, he can drive."

Diamond said Leipold made a strong effort to make the Predators competitive.

"I know he was disappointed last year when he had gone out and acquired Peter Forsberg for the playoff run and then got beat in the first round," he said.

CES: Reactrix, Samsung show off Wii-like game system for TVs

Software developer Reactrix Systems showed off a gaming system made for LCD TVs that mimics the Wii game console in that people punch in the air to hit a boxing opponent or swing their arms to return the ball in a game of volleyball.

The system is actually designed for large advertising displays, to draw in people to become part of the advertisement by playing an interactive game. The Reactrix technology is called WaveScape, and it was demonstrated on Samsung's large-format 570DX display at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Above the display was a sensor that kept track of a person's hand and body movements so they could interact with an on-screen game. The sensor can cover five meters.



"Our first application is going to be advertising and interactive signage," said Matt Bell, who is chief scientist at Reactrix and developed the system.

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