HE’S SMARTER THAN HE LOOKS – Al Gore, as in one-time Veep of the United States, has positioned himself to become the first “carbon billionaire.” Yep, that’s right. Al Gore is making a mint off of global warming. It seems Big Al is partner in a venture capital firm who loans money to new and upcoming companies.

Companies like Silver Springs Networks, who produces technology to improve the efficiency of the electricity grid. Gore’s firm loaned Silver Spring $75 million, then, after much advocating from the former VP, the Energy Department announced “smart grid grants” to the tune of $3.4 billion -

$560 million of which will go to clients of Silver Spring Networks. Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn says Gore benefits “personally from energy and climate policies he was urging Congress to adopt.” While critics raise one eyebrow, Al says he’s just putting his money where his mouth is. A whole lotta money.