b.b.--by the tone of your postings, I wouldn't be surprised at all if you'd heard, or even read, Mona Sharon or Dr Dixie Lee Ray. Mona Sharon was a rabidly right wing columnist, and Dr D.L.R. claimed to be a scientist , and was also a right wing politician. Where they both are nowadays I don't know. Somewhere they can remain harmless I hope. Mona Sharon, like yourself, waved the "volcano factor" at everybody. The "scientist" Dixie Lee Ray, went so far as to deny the existence of acid rain! I do not deny the effects of volcanic activity. And, moreover, I am aware of the production of methane gas and co2 from the very fact of living and breathing as an animal. The methane emissions from cattle are enormous. But volcanic action, living and breathing --and eating--are essential parts of the continuation of life on this Planet; the profligate use of fossil fuels, the escalating masses of military vehicles [planes included], the over-consideration for those of us who drive gas-driven vehicles, and the constant barrage of t.v. advertising for gas-guzzlers which are seemingly being manufactured for blithering idiots who don't even drive on a highway ---none of these are essential, and indeed are having an obvious and accelerating effect on our world. We must recognise the difference between necessity and frivolity; otherwise, I dread what lies in the future for my Great-grandchildren---and I do have some.