Re: Fwd: Global Warming Swindle
Dmitry, I agree, that's an excellent letter. People I know sometimes ask me about global warming. I'm a scientist, so I must be an expert, right? I'm very careful what I say - what do I know about climate science? Only what I read in my spare time. Let's face it, most of us on this list aren't experts in global warming, and it is our trust in the scientific process, not expert knowledge, that tends to make us believers. On a different note, the lesson to learn from the scientist who was misquoted seems to be: don't talk to the media unless they give you, in writing, the right of approval or rejection of what they do with your words. Of course, they probably won't do that... Joe Date:Sat, 21 Apr 2007 21:56:37 +0900 From:Dmitry Musolin [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Fwd: Global Warming Swindle here is a letter of one of the experts from this movie. It is VERY interesting to read what he thinks about the movie: http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2007/03/swindled-carl-wunsch-r esponds/ On 4/21/07, Jack Cibor [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In case anyone is interested, a link to the full length 1 hour 13 minute version. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4499562022478442170q=global+warming+swindlehl=en http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4499562022478442170q=global+warming+swindlehl=en David M Bryant wrote: Hello fellow propagandists, I just received this link to a video supposedly contradicting the recent media hype on global warming. You owe it to yourself to take a look. To paraphrase the final line it would be hilarious if it weren't such a sad rhetorical example of poor debate. No data is presented other than the observations that climate has changed in the past and that the recession of the 1970's should have resulted in cooling. I'm curious as to whether the scientists quoted really understand the feedbacks and lags involved in the carbon cycle or even the physical connect between CO2 and IR absorption. Perhaps they've never heard of an IRGA. Cheers, David Bryant Begin forwarded message: From: Insight [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: April 19, 2007 11:25:35 AM EDT To: Insight [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Global Warming Swindle If you believe the prejudice-based science of Al Gore and Sheryl Crow, you need to look at this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJSupf6rkgEmode=relatedsearch= -- Date:Sat, 21 Apr 2007 10:46:58 -0600 From:Gillian Donald [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Global Warming Swindle Hello Everyone, There is a group based out of Calgary, Alberta, called Friends of Science, who claim to be climate change experts and have also produced a video entitled Climate Catastrophe Cancelled: What You're Not Being Told About the Science of Climate Change. There is no science presented in this video either and the basis of the FoS argument is that the assumptions of global circulation models are flawed so we cannot believe the predictions. My favourite quote from the video is by astrophysicist Sallie Baliunas: What carbon dioxide is, is essential for life on earth. Plants eat it, it is plant food and in fact, as carbon dioxide has increased in the air over the last 50 years, plants have grown bigger, more vigourously, faster, farmers have gotten a little extra bounty in their crops for free, because there's more carbon dioxide in the air. The interesting thing about FoS is the source of the group's funding and the list of references they have supporting their point of view. Desmogblog has some good reading on this. In case anyone is interested, here are the links: http://www.desmogblog.com/search/node/friends+of+science http://www.friendsofscience.org/ Cheers, Gillian Donald On 4/20/07 3:05 PM, Jack Cibor [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In case anyone is interested, a link to the full length 1 hour 13 minute version. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4499562022478442170q=global+warming+s windlehl=en http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4499562022478442170q=global+warming+ swindlehl=en David M Bryant wrote: Hello fellow propagandists, I just received this link to a video supposedly contradicting the recent media hype on global warming. You owe it to yourself to take a look. To paraphrase the final line it would be hilarious if it weren't such a sad rhetorical example of poor debate. No data is presented other than the observations that climate has changed in the past and that the recession of the 1970's should have resulted in cooling. I'm curious as to whether the scientists quoted really understand the feedbacks and lags involved in the carbon cycle or even the physical connect between CO2 and IR absorption. Perhaps they've never heard of an IRGA. Cheers,
Re: Fwd: Global Warming Swindle
The take-home lesson is to be careful whom you talk to and be careful what you say to them. Someone requests an interview, practice due diligence. If you've never heard of them before, check them out. Make sure they are legitimate journalists. Ask if they are members of organizations like the National Association of Science Writers, the Society of Environmental Journalists, the Society of Professional Journalists, etc. I work as both a journalist and a scientist. As a journalist, I would never offer anyone such an agreement as proposed. As a scientist, I would never request such an agreement. The role of the journalist is supposed to to be an independent voice -- a skeptical filter for the public. Journalists are not supposed to be mouthpieces for institutions, corporations, celebrities -- even scientists. I don't think any reputable scientist would want to give up intellectual control over his research. Why would a scientist ask a journalist to give up editorial control of his reporting? Dave -- David M. Lawrence| Home: (804) 559-9786 7471 Brook Way Court | Fax: (804) 559-9787 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 | Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] USA | http: http://fuzzo.com -- We have met the enemy and he is us. -- Pogo No trespassing 4/17 of a haiku -- Richard Brautigan -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of joseph gathman Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 7:47 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: Fwd: Global Warming Swindle stuff snipped On a different note, the lesson to learn from the scientist who was misquoted seems to be: don't talk to the media unless they give you, in writing, the right of approval or rejection of what they do with your words. Of course, they probably won't do that... Joe
Re: Field technician position: Large-area Invasives Spread Network
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem; Large-area Invasives Spread Network--Field technician position . May 23rd - Sept. 1 2007 (1 undergrad position left; apply today!) Project Description: The Yellowstone Ecological Research Center is seeking interns to work on a NASA funded research project entitled Large-area Invasives Spread Network (LISN) The goal of this project is the integration of a Large-area Invasives Spread Network (LISN) program to the National Invasive Species Forecasting System (NISFS). The field data to be collected will be used in combination with remotely sensed data, a climate-carbon model, and other covariates in ecological based models for the prediction of invasive species and pathogen spread over regional scales using a wide range of NASA data and data products. The program addresses three applications of national priority - Invasive Species, Ecological Forecasting, and Carbon Management. Position Description: Successful applicants will have a strong work ethic, with a high degree of initiative and enthusiasm. The protocol includes a broad variety of elements, with 90% of the job requiring capabilities for sustained physical work under demanding field conditions. Technicians will work on a variety of different projects in the most remote parts of Yellowstone National Park and the Targhee National Forest. Data collection will require long days of hiking through rugged terrain, carrying heavy packs, use of GIS/GPS equipment, digital photography and vegetation species identification. Technicians are often implementing untried field protocols and must be able to adapt and work cooperatively with changing daily tasks. Working schedule of 5 days on/2 days off, followed by 6 days on/1 off. Work schedule will vary from two weeks camping in satellite research areas and two week stays at the YERC field station. Occasional trips to YERC main offices in Bozeman required for training and meetings. Housing: Technicians will be a mobile research team, camping in remote locations, staying in primitive forest service cabins and sharing space at the Yellowstone Ecological Research Center field station in Cooke City, MT. Applicant must be willing to endure long hours, sleeping outside and limited access to civilization and supervisory research staff. Background Required: Undergraduates and graduates with/working towards B.S. or B.A. degree in biology, zoology, wildlife, environmental sciences or similar background. Applicants must be experienced and highly competent in back-country settings, demonstrate a history of a high degree of initiative and motivation, and be enthusiastic about executing a rigorous and demanding field protocol. The majority of time will be spent in the field, but duties also include data management. Desired Qualifications: * Experience with GIS/GPS (field or classroom) * Computer aptitude (familiarity with ARCview, data management programs or website design a plus) *Experience with plant ID and vegetation classification * Familiarity with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem * Wilderness First aid a definite plus! Compensation: Stipend of $1000/month (pro-rated for partial months) with all housing/camping fees provided. To Apply: Send resume, three reference contacts, and cover letter expressing interest to email listed below: contact: Michelle Uberuaga, Field Crew Coordinator Yellowstone Ecological Research Center 2048 Analysis Drive, Suite B Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 556-1414 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Position Title: Research Intern Number of Positions: 6 Stipend: $1000/mnth Location: The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem; Cooke City, the Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park and surrounding national forest lands. Type of Position: Seasonal (intern) Dates of Employment: Interns: June to September 207 (end/start dates are flexible with student schedules) Crew Leaders: May 15th- September 15th
video/DVD on the uses/abuses of statistics?
Hi, does anyone know of a video or DVD that is about the uses and abuses of statistics that would be appropriate for a freshman intro course? Or, perhaps even better, movies in which the abuse of statistics plays a major role? Thanks, Ray Dybzinski, U MN
Importing preserved arthropods
Hi ECOLOG'ers and NEOORN'ers, =20 Apologies for cross-posting! =20 I have a question regarding USDA-APHIS import permit requirements. I will be collecting leaf-litter arthropods (spiders, beetles, ants, millipedes, etc.) in Costa Rica and need to bring preserved (in 70% ethanol) specimens back to the States. I've checked the USDA's website and have contacted numerous people in numerous offices and still haven't yet been able to determine whether or not arthropods count as an animal under their definitions. =20 =20 Does anyone out there have experience with bringing preserved arthropods back from Central America? I also have heard that there are strict restrictions on the amounts of ethanol in checked bags, but haven't yet been able to find out what those restrictions are. =20 Thanks for your assistance! =20 Cheers, Nicole Michel =20 =20 =20 ** Nicole Michel Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 310 Dinwiddie Hall Tulane University New Orleans, LA 70118 ** =20
E.O. Wilson essay on acting now to save life on earth
Link to the essay at: http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/04/21/675/ I would add that those who attempt to refute the general scientific consensus on the reality and severity of global climate change tend to argue of some sort of conspiracy of climate scientists trying to obtain addition funding to conduct addition research to support a flawed premise. In my view, this posture is ridiculous on its face, but the fact that eminent naturalists such as E.W. Wilson, James Lovelock, and others are ringing the alarm bells based on biological evidence is extremely significant. We are getting our cues from many scientific discliplines, and the reality is that what little science is used by climate change detractors seems often, if not usually funded by industry that is financially dependent on harming the environment. I don't believe there is any point in arguing the obvious at this stage. What is needed now is not debate, but action based on the obvious signs that are all around us... Stan Moore San Geronimo, CA [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Download Messenger. Join the im Initiative. Help make a difference today. http://im.live.com/messenger/im/home/?source=TAGHM_APR07
seasonal botanist position
Please note the change in starting date (and also in pay). TITLE: Seasonal Field Botanist (multiple positions) SUPERVISOR: Vegetation Ecologist LOCATION: Killeen, Texas STARTING/ENDING DATES: May 21-September 28, 2007 (ending date is negotiable) SALARY: $460 - $531/week (depending on qualifications and experience) APPLICATION DEADLINE: open until filled SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Nature Conservancy, in cooperation with the Department of Defense, is conducting research on two federally endangered neotropical migrants, the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo. Both species have suffered serious population declines due to habitat loss and cowbird parasitism. The Seasonal Field Botanists will validate and conduct an accuracy assessment of a preliminary vegetation map of Fort Hood. This map will be used to manage endangered species habitat and plan prescribed burning. The Botanists may also participate in other, short-term vegetation studies, including a black-capped vireo habitat restoration study and a native grass seeding study. DUTIES: 1. Collect vegetation plot data. Data collection will include woody and herbaceous plant identification, estimation of vegetation cover, and soil texture analysis. 2. Identify the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) association and alliance to which communities belong using a key to Fort Hood communities. 3. Navigate to and record plot locations using GPS units. 4. Enter data into the PLOTS database. 5. Prepare equipment for field work and maintain field vehicles. REQUIREMENTS: 1. A Bachelors degree in Biology, Ecology, Botany, Range Management, Forestry or related major. 2. Knowledge of the woody and herbaceous (especially graminoid) plant species of central Texas. 3. Experience collecting vegetation field data and keeping accurate, detailed field records. Familiarity with Microsoft Access is recommended. 4. Proficiency in reading maps and using GPS units. Familiarity with ArcView 3.0 and/or ArcGIS is preferred. 5. Ability to work independently and as a member of team. 6. Good physical condition. Applicants must be willing to endure harsh field conditions, including high temperatures and exposure to poisonous plants, reptiles, and insects. 7. Willingness to work long and unusual hours, including some weekends and all federal holidays during the field season. 8. Familiarity with the operation of 4WD, standard transmission vehicles. Field sites are located in rugged, remote terrain. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a good driving record to comply with Conservancy automobile safety policies. 9. Commitment to the mission, goals, and core values of The Nature Conservancy. Applicants must perform all aspects of this job in accordance with Conservancy Policies and Procedures, and values. CONTACT:Charlotte Reemts Vegetation Ecologist The Nature Conservancy P.O. Box 5190 Fort Hood, TX 76544 Fax: (254) 288-5039 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three references to the above address. Electronic applications will be accepted, but should be followed by mailed originals. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Oppportunity Employer.
Volunteers (2) needed - Seahorse study in Portugal
POSITION: Volunteer research assistants (2) for seahorse movement study ORGANIZATION: Project Seahorse (www.projectseahorse.org) LOCATION: southern Portugal DEADLINE: open until filled CONTACT: Iain Caldwell ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) SUMMARY OF POSITION: Project Seahorse is seeking 2 volunteer research assistants for a study of movement and spatial use by the long-snouted seahorse in southern Portugal. This is one of the densest populations of seahorses in the world, providing a unique opportunity for study. One volunteer will dive with the lead biologist and the other will be responsible for driving the dive boat and providing support for the divers. Volunteers applying for the SCUBA position must be certified divers and available to work for approximately 3 months between mid-May and mid- August. Work will mainly involve underwater measurement, tagging, and relocation of seahorses, followed by behavioural observation. Divers must provide their own SCUBA gear and proof of a current dive medical and dive insurance. Those applying for the boat-tender position must have experience driving boats and a boating license. They must be available for at least 2 months starting in June. Work will mainly involve driving the dive boat to dive sites and providing support to the divers. Boat-tenders may also be required to successfully complete a boat licensing exam after arriving in Portugal. Fluency in Portuguese would also be an advantage for this position. Both successful applicants will also be required to assist in the creation of artificial seagrass habitats as part of the study. Positions may also include data entry, equipment maintenance, and other various tasks. Although research will often involve long days, the experience of conducting field research with these amazing creatures in a beautiful setting will be rewarding. This field experience will also be an asset for other potential positions involving scientific research. All volunteers are responsible for the cost of their return airfare to Portugal, travel/health insurance, and other associated travel costs. Project Seahorse will cover local travel costs once volunteers arrive in Faro, Portugal as well as accommodation and tank refills. SCUBA POSITION: Required qualifications: - SCUBA certification - Availability for a 3 month period between mid-May and mid-August - Interest in behaviour/ecology research in the marine environment - Capable of living in rustic field conditions, and working long hours Desired qualifications: - Advanced SCUBA training (20+ dives) - Fluent in Portuguese - Previous research experience (animal observations, habitat measurement) - Experience with underwater surveys - Overseas traveling experience BOAT-TENDER POSITION: Required qualifications: - Boating license - Availability for a 2 month period between June and August - Interest in behaviour/ecology research in the marine environment - Capable of living in rustic field conditions, and working long hours Desired qualifications: - Experience driving dive boats - Experience supporting divers - Fluent in Portuguese - Previous research experience - Overseas traveling experience - SCUBA certification Diving equipment required (for SCUBA position and possibly boat tender): -Mask snorkel -Fins for booties (not socks) -Booties -Full wetsuit (at least 5 mm) -Weight belt (Project Seahorse will provide weights) -Dive knife -Buoyancy compensation device (BCD) -Regulator with content gauge and depth gauge If you are interested in being considered for either position please send a resume/CV and cover letter (explaining why you are interested to volunteer and summarizing you most relevant qualifications) to Iain Caldwell ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Candidates will be selected as applications are received and those interested should apply ASAP.
Re: Volunteers (2) needed - Seahorse study in Portugal
Good afternoon, I am writing to inform you / your organization that a Job / Internship / Volunteer Opportunity / Scholarship / Education Program or Event related to Human Ecology has recently been listed at http://jobs.humanecologyforum.org relating back to you or your organization. If you would like it to be removed, respond accordingly and I will comply. HumanEcologyForum.org is a brand new site dedicated to open community collaboration and content creation around Human Ecology. Your contact information has been noted in the listing (and secured/obfuscated from SPAM eating internet bots), and your Job / Internship / Volunteer Opportunity / Scholarship / Education Program or Event posting has been filed under appropriate category(ies). If you have any future openings, please don't hesitate to let me know. Or if you have a stream of appropriate job / internship / scholarship offerings, I would be more than happy to set you up with access to front page posting. A link exchange would be great too, it would complement both our wishes. Linking directly to http://www.humanecologyforum.org, http://jobs.humanecologyforum.org, http://events.humanecologyforum.org, or http://educational.humanecologyforum.org, whichever you feel would be most appropriate and greatly appreciated. Please, just let me know. Also, please forward this information to anyone that might be interested. I expect weekly updates (perhaps daily), and more features to come. -Chris Iain Caldwell [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/23/07 4:42 PM POSITION: Volunteer research assistants (2) for seahorse movement study ORGANIZATION: Project Seahorse (www.projectseahorse.org) LOCATION: southern Portugal DEADLINE: open until filled CONTACT: Iain Caldwell ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) SUMMARY OF POSITION: Project Seahorse is seeking 2 volunteer research assistants for a study of movement and spatial use by the long-snouted seahorse in southern Portugal. This is one of the densest populations of seahorses in the world, providing a unique opportunity for study. One volunteer will dive with the lead biologist and the other will be responsible for driving the dive boat and providing support for the divers. Volunteers applying for the SCUBA position must be certified divers and available to work for approximately 3 months between mid-May and mid- August. Work will mainly involve underwater measurement, tagging, and relocation of seahorses, followed by behavioural observation. Divers must provide their own SCUBA gear and proof of a current dive medical and dive insurance. Those applying for the boat-tender position must have experience driving boats and a boating license. They must be available for at least 2 months starting in June. Work will mainly involve driving the dive boat to dive sites and providing support to the divers. Boat-tenders may also be required to successfully complete a boat licensing exam after arriving in Portugal. Fluency in Portuguese would also be an advantage for this position. Both successful applicants will also be required to assist in the creation of artificial seagrass habitats as part of the study. Positions may also include data entry, equipment maintenance, and other various tasks. Although research will often involve long days, the experience of conducting field research with these amazing creatures in a beautiful setting will be rewarding. This field experience will also be an asset for other potential positions involving scientific research. All volunteers are responsible for the cost of their return airfare to Portugal, travel/health insurance, and other associated travel costs. Project Seahorse will cover local travel costs once volunteers arrive in Faro, Portugal as well as accommodation and tank refills. SCUBA POSITION: Required qualifications: - SCUBA certification - Availability for a 3 month period between mid-May and mid-August - Interest in behaviour/ecology research in the marine environment - Capable of living in rustic field conditions, and working long hours Desired qualifications: - Advanced SCUBA training (20+ dives) - Fluent in Portuguese - Previous research experience (animal observations, habitat measurement) - Experience with underwater surveys - Overseas traveling experience BOAT-TENDER POSITION: Required qualifications: - Boating license - Availability for a 2 month period between June and August - Interest in behaviour/ecology research in the marine environment - Capable of living in rustic field conditions, and working long hours Desired qualifications: - Experience driving dive boats - Experience supporting divers - Fluent in Portuguese - Previous research experience - Overseas traveling experience - SCUBA certification Diving equipment required (for SCUBA position and possibly boat tender): -Mask snorkel -Fins for booties (not socks) -Booties -Full wetsuit (at least 5 mm) -Weight belt (Project Seahorse will provide weights) -Dive knife -Buoyancy compensation
Interactive Key to Digitaria in Spanish
A new key to the species of Digitaria from Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States is now available at the Intermountain Herbarium at http://utc.usu.edu/keys/Digitaria_espanol/Digitaria_esp.html. English is my native language, so please let me know if you should find any improper or incorrect use of the Spanish language. I welcome your feedback! Best regards, Pedro Onativia Lake
Geographic distribution of Bouteloua gracilis in Canada
Dear Ecologgers, I?m trying to find an existing data set of Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama) specimens for Canada. I?m interested in looking at the geographic distribution of this species and so would be particularly interested in specimen localities. I know the PLANTS database and CONABIO provide this kind of information for the US and Mexico, but I?ve been unable to find a similar source for Canada. If anyone knows of a source for such data and could pass that information along, I would be most appreciative. Thanks for your help-- Andrew Rominger
