Academics like to cultivate an image of themselves as cutting edge. Actually, while they may be more up-to-date than flat-earth theories, they are frequently not quite as far ahead of the curve as earth shoes. "The issue of climate change has entered its rock concert/college curriculum phase, which is a sure indicator that the issue has peaked and will begin a long, slow fade in the public mind," author Steven F. Hayward writes in a column that appeared in the October Carolina Journal. "Simultaneous 'Live Earth' rock concerts were staged on several continents following the model of 'Live Aid' and 'Farm Aid' in the 1980s--'consciousness-raising events after which public interest quickly waned."
