. — More heat for debate about climate change
This is a reply to Brooks Norris’ Feb. 15 letter to the editor. As John Garner points out in his Feb. 21 letter, Mr. Norris wrongly accuses Dr. Bakken of providing misinformation.
Bakken stated that the thinner Arctic ice enabled a Russian surface ship to reach the North Pole in August of 2007. Norris said this is untrue and implied that only a Russian submarine reached the North Pole by going under the still-thick-as-ever Arctic ice. Garner noted the original Web site referenced by Brooks shows that Russian surface ships did indeed reach the North Pole in August of 2007. There is an object lesson here. If you only want to see part of the picture, it increases your chances of being wrong. Such is the case with anthropogenic global climate change (AGCC), or global warming.
Norris suggests that while global temperature and carbon dioxide levels are correlated, there is no proof of causation. The first proof of causation was included in Bakken’s Feb. 7 letter. The Vostok ice cores (Nature 329:408-414, 1987) and later ice core research (Science 310:1285-1287, 2005) show a clear, repetitive, and nearly simultaneous increase in temperature and atmospheric CO2 levels.
Other proof is shown in the satellite-measured decrease in re-emitted infrared radiation as greenhouse gas levels have increased (Nature 410:355-357, 2001). Less outgoing heat means more heat is retained by the earth.
Turning now to the stolen e-mails. Independent reviewers have long ago concluded that the stolen contents do not affect the conclusions of AGCC. See the links to independent reviewers at the end of Ben Santer’s Dec. 1 letter at the climatesciencewatch.org Web site. Among the many reviewers cited include Factcheck.org, the Associated Press, Union of Concerned Scientists, and American Association for the Advancement of Science. No data has been suppressed. The February 2010 Scientific American states on page 16 that “Even those papers specifically challenged by the e-mails … nonetheless made it into the most recent IPCC report.”
It also noted that the whole affair really shows that “They’ll see why science as an enterprise works despite the fact that individual scientists aren’t perfect” (quoting Gavin Schmidt, Goddard Space Flight Center).
Finally, Mann’s recent hockey stick analysis has never been proven incorrect by peer reviewed science, and there are now more than enough peer reviewed hockey stick temperature graphs to equip an entire hockey team.
— Paul Wassel
Terre Haute
DeVaney’s efforts make a difference
The teachers and staff of DeVaney Elementary School would like to thank everyone who participated in our fundraising efforts for the American Red Cross. To date, the DeVaney community has raised approximately $3,984. Many people contributed their time, energy and financial resources to make this effort a success.
DeVaney’s teachers showed initiative and leadership in organizing fundraising events. A sock hop was held on Feb. 9. Students had fun dancing and socializing while raising nearly $400. Mrs. Browne’s class held a read-a-thon and contributed $122 to the Red Cross for relief in Haiti. A math facts contest was held in Mrs. Boehler’s class. Students sought monetary pledges for math problems, completed the problems and raised an amazing total of 1,002.22. DeVaney’s secretary, Debbie May, helped organize a schoolwide fundraiser for students and collected $2,000.00.
DeVaney’s parents and staff were supportive throughout the entire project.
DeVaney Elementary teachers and staff would like to extend our sincere thanks to the entire DeVaney community. Your generosity and support make DeVaney a wonderful place.
DeVaney teachers and staff would like to thank Superintendent Tanoos for challenging and encouraging us to get involved and make a difference.
— Cathy McKee
First-grade teacher, administrative intern
DeVaney Elementary
Thanks for support of special event
On behalf of the Terre Haute Police Department Code Enforcement Division we would like to thank Pet Food Center and Graham Feed Co. for the generous donations they made during the Vigo County Animal Coalition Days at Honey Creek Mall during the recent weekend of Feb. 20-21.
There was a very nice turn out for all involved and several puppies were adopted from the Humane Society. With the help of sponsors and volunteers it was a success.
— Marty Dooley Sr.
Code Enforcement Division
Terre Haute Police Department
An insult to all drunken sailors
The next time Rush Limbaugh says anything about Congress spending money like a drunken sailor, I’m going postal.
I used to be a drunken sailor and I’m here to tell you that we couldn’t hold a candle to these clowns. Congress takes home a gold medal every time.
So knock it off, Rush. Us drunken sailors are worthy of a little more respect than that.
— Mark Burns
Terre Haute
Raw Video: Kim Jong Il Statue Unveiled
Authorities: Houston Found Underwater in Tub
Raw Video: Hearse Arrives at N.J. Funeral Home
Trial Opens for Ala. Man in Bride's Diving Death
Baltimore's 'Crime Stopper' Is a Basketball Star
Arm Wrestler Not Guilty Plea in Wife's Death
Raw Video: Houston Body Flown From L.A. to N.J.
Bacteria Keep Swimmers Off Some Fla. Beaches
First Person: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Police: Houston Found Under Water, Unconscious
Raw Video: Biden Greets Chinese VP for Visit
Raw Video: Whitney Houston's Last Performance
Obama's New Budget: The Winners and Losers
Israeli Diplomats Targeted in India, Georgia
Gregoire: Marriage Equality Is Right for Wash.
Raw Video: 5 People Injured in Bangkok Blasts
Attempted Bomb Attack Stopped in Georgia
Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party
Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked
Sandusky Can See Grandkids, Have Local Jury
Watch: Whitney Houston's Golden Hearse
Kate Upton MLB 2K12 Commercial
Olympic Swimmer Proposes on Podium After Big Win
Scarlett Johansson's Bikini P-D-A
Man Allegedly Drowns Wife While Scuba Diving
Sports Illustrated Cover Leaked
Wash. becomes 7th state to okay same-sex marriage
Romijn's 60 Pound Weight Loss
The 'Celebrity Apprentice' Cast Meets Donald Trump
Kissing contest heats up
Hugh Hefner's Son Arrested
Jacqueline Kennedy's personal papers released
Did Tyler Perry Have a Secret Wedding?
Iran denies Israeli embassy bombings
'Bachelor' Free Falls into the Ocean
Facebook Parenting: Father Posts Video Responding to Daughter's Post
Bobby Brown on Houston's Death
