Al Gore Shocked by Global Cool-Down

We Heard . . .  THAT Al Gore and his wife Tipper have bought an $8.87 million ocean-view home in ritzy Montecito, Calif.

The 6,500-square-foot home has five bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a wine cellar, swimming pool, and six fireplaces, the Miami Herald reported.

Montecito, near Santa Barbara, has listed among its residents Oprah Winfrey, Michael Douglas, and Steve Martin.

Three years ago, global warming crusader Gore added solar panels and other energy-saving features to his 10,000-square-foot mansion near Nashville, Tenn., after he was criticized for the home’s high energy use.

The Herald made no mention of solar panels at the Montecito home.

THAT former “Tonight Show” host Conan O’Brien headlined a fundraiser for an old “Saturday Night Live” pal, Sen. Al Franken.

The Monday reception and dinner at a private home in Minneapolis, which cost at least $500 to attend, raised money for Franken’s political action committee.

Franken was in Washington, D.C., and did not attend.

THAT The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation has announced this year’s recipients of the Bradley Prizes for outstanding achievement, awarded annually to prominent scholars and engaged citizens.

The 2010 Bradley Prize recipients are: Michael Barone, senior political analyst for The Washington Examiner; Paul A. Gigot, editorial page editor of The Wall Street Journal; Bradley A. Smith, Josiah H. Blackmore II/Shirley M. Nault designated professor of law at Capital University; and John B. Taylor, Mary and Robert Raymond professor of economics at Stanford University.

“These accomplished and respected individuals are being recognized for achievements that are consistent with the mission statement of the Foundation, including the promotion of liberal democracy, democratic capitalism, and a vigorous defense of American institutions,” Michael W. Grebe, president and chief executive officer of the Bradley Foundation, said in a statement.

The recipients will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on June 16. Each award carries a stipend of $250,000.

Founded in 1985, The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation supports “limited, competent government; a dynamic marketplace for economic, cultural activity; and a vigorous defense, at home and abroad, of American ideas and institutions.”