by Walt Robbins

Created on: April 05, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

Cold as a -fill in the blank.

Now it is "Leap Day," or is it "Leap Frog Day?" Perhaps it is "Sadie Hawkins day? I'm not sure, but it is February 29, 2008 as I write this update to what I said in my original article which appears below.

Yes, it was cold a year ago during February and March, 2007. But that was nothing compared to what we are experiencing in the northern hemisphere now. Minus 40's and 50' have been registered in many locations starting early this Winter. Some records have been broken. But who really knows what "normal" temperatures are since accurate records have been available for such a short time?

But I would like to know just where is that alleged girdle of greenhouse gas when we most need it? How can such cold weather be possible when we were told that these gases accumulate in the earth's atmosphere and cause the earth to warm precipitously? Supposedly we humans have been causing some of this "warming" for a long time now. Does anyone see some contradictions?

I think, what we are seeing is something called "group think." People are fearful of expressing their real opinions and simply go along with the crowd. It is particularly distressing when you see scientists getting caught up in this phenomenon.

What is good science, anyway?

Science is at its best when it openly projects a high degree of skepticism about it's own findings and conclusions and freely admits that "all is tentative." It is at its best when it deals in a respectful and reasonable manner with those who disagree or have doubts. It is at its best when it serves as an independent arm of society and does not tie itself to special interest groups or to those who have personal agendas.

Humility is also a virtue for science. For example, the earth and environmental sciences are in their infancy. Yet, they frequently do not behave that way. It is important to admit this fact and that it is possible that many methodologies and computer model forecasts, etc. may not be much more accurate than a coin flip.

Caution and prudence is needed when issuing public statements about potential consequences of scientific findings and conclusions. The very reputation of science is at stake when it takes on the aura of a "new priesthood."

So, keep warm folks. Look at as many viewpoints as you can find, and come to your own conclusions. Good luck.

That ends my "leapfrog" of my original article which starts here:

I monitored temperatures (checking two or three times a week) in the Canadian high arctic, including

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