In case you haven't heard, former Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, are separating after 40 years of marriage.

According to an e-mail circulated among the couple's friends and obtained by The Associated Press, the Gores said it was "a mutual and mutually supportive decision that we have made together following a process of long and careful consideration."

Some friends say it may be his travel and her willingness to stay home with grandchildren and family and friends that led to the breakup

Others say Gore thought the marriage was taking too much energy (no not really--just kidding).