I am most seriously suggesting that "somebody" (not me!) consider starting a Coral Reef Curmudgeons (or Coral Reef Politics, or whatever) list using, say Yahoo Groups. There you can call each other dirty rotten scoundrels, you can post all kids of illustrative or condemning pictures, you can say whichever U.S. or state government agency is doing a rotten job because so-and-so let his ego get in the way (or whatever), you can say Dr. Blackshark falsified his results, you can say global warming is a big liberal tree-hugging hoax manufactured to keep scientists employed, you can post sarcasm intended to embarrass or provoke, or that all Dr. Blackshark's research money is going to buy junkets to Bali in the name of some dubious research pretext. Such a list might be refreshing, humorous, illuminating and actually useful in letting off steam. New friendships and enemies will be made, people may get embarrassed or feel vindicated, and havoc may result, but some of the truths may enlighten us all. It would be a true, free-wheelin' list to say what you thinkwithout government censorship. It's just an idea to consider. -- Jim Hendee, who has no connection with this listserve other than suggesting its creation.

Ed Blume, Madison, WI