Theory: The Meaning of the Word

Just recently got to watch "An Inconvenient Truth". In the film, Al Gore mentions that supposedly ciritcs dismiss global warming as a theory. In all truth, I will admit that I understand that this film was designed for a political, more than a scientific, audience. But one has to ask, is theory really that bad of a word? Is it really the new curse word amongst political and scientific groups? IMO, it does not need to have a bad connotation at all.
A theory is an explanation in science. It is an explanation that has been repeatedly tested and proven. Then what makes it not a law? The key here is that a law has needed little modification over such a great time. But that does not mean the general idea or principle of a theory is false, it simply means that the theory can become more refined over time as increasingly accurate and precise methods of testing come along. Most of what we are taught in science, and accept as proven truth is theory.
Now I probably sound like a global warming critic to some of you, but I am not. I am just here to say that theory doesn't have to become the new dirty word, nor do we have to let it be that way. We just have to realize that a great deal of useful scientific information is contained in theory, from Natural Selection to Relativity, and the word deserves to be treasured rather than shunned. Anyways, that's my two cents for today.

My thoughts on "Life Without Cars"

I just recently read "Life Without Cars", an essay by science fiction writer Orson Scott Card. Though I disagree with a great deal of what he says, I honestly feel that he stole my words on this one. The primary outlook and idea of his essay is the suggestion that we redesign how we work the housing developments into a more efficient, more communal design, that requires less use of the automobile.
I personally enjoyed this essay by Card, especially because it is thought-provoking in suggesting, as well as pointing out, the resources involved in not just running the car, but also thought-provoking to me, given that sooner or later, an automobile and its use might be something I will be assuming full responsibility over, and should keep in mind? What resources went into the making of a car? What ways can I reduce my own car use, much less remain conservative in my use altogether.
In addition, I also enjoyed the essay for its candid nature, as well as listing of various reasons for why a different design on neighborhoods and reduced car use might actually be helpful, including if it makes the far out alarmists about the environment a little happy, it's not all that bad to consider.
Either way, I found it a thought-provoking and interesting piece worth my relaxation time after finishing a term paper's rough draft. I would recommenf reading it. It can be found at:

http://www.ornery.org/essays/warwatch/2007-04-08-1.html