No wonder I like Monty Python

Although I don't much like being compared to Woody Allen. Not at all.

the Wit (73% dark, 34% spontaneous, 22% vulgar)

your humor style: CLEAN | COMPLEX | DARK You like things edgy, subtle, and smart. I guess that means you're probably an intellectual, but don't take that to mean you're pretentious. You realize 'dumb' can be witty--after all isn't that the Simpsons' philosophy?--but rudeness for its own sake, 'gross-out' humor and most other things found in a fraternity leave you totally flat. I guess you just have a more cerebral approach than most. You have the perfect mindset for a joke writer or staff writer. Your sense of humor takes the most effort to appreciate, but it's also the best, in my opinion. Also, you probably loved the Office. If you don't know what I'm talking about, check it out here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/theoffice/. PEOPLE LIKE YOU: Jon Stewart - Woody Allen - Ricky Gervais

Congressional Intimidation

It appears as if the Republicans in Congress are spending their time wisely, attempting to intimidate and discredit several prominent climatologists because of their roles in the climate change debate. Judging by their responses, it does not appear that the scientists are particularly intimidated.

Rep. Joe Barton, Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, recently sent letters requesting "information regarding global warming studies."

Responses have come fast and furious:

• A statement from the EGU


• The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)


• A Nature editorial


• A letter from US scientists


• A letter from the head of the National Academy of Sciences


• A commentary from Tom Crowley in EOS


• The House Committee on Science and Henry Waxman


• Response of Michael Mann


• Response of Ray Bradley


• Response of Malcolm Hughes

Full discussion of the matter can be found on RealClimate.org:

Many in the scientific community would welcome any genuine interest in climate change from the committee, but the tone and content of these letters have alarmed many scientists and their professional organisations. In the words of Alan Leshner, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Barton letters "give the impression of a search for some basis on which to discredit these particular scientists and findings, rather than a search for understanding."

-- from RealClimate.org