Fair enough argument Dave. I read your link and it’s worth a look for those that have not. I'm open to all data and ideas here and I have not drawn any personal conclusions at this point (again because I am stats skeptic...not a Global _______ denier or buyer).

My only question: What were the causes for the other periods of cooling and warming that occurred before the "industrial revolution" (mass man made CO2 starting point) and why?

The Earth is a complex, living, breathing entity with natural cycles of events. To say those cycles are a result of man...well before man reached this point in evolution....is dubious at best. Again, we are framing Global _______ against a very small back drop of time (small data range) and that is an inherently dangerous game to play.

All I know is imma strikin' it rich once these glaciers melt away and reveal their booty! Gotta look for the silver lining in everything...