From: Keith Briffa <k.briffa@uea.ac.uk>
To: mann@psu.edu
Subject: Re: quick note on TAR
Date: Sun Apr 29 19:53:16 2007

   Mike
   your words are a real boost to me at the moment. I found myself questioning the whole
   process and being often frustrated at the formulaic way things had to be done - often
   wasting time and going down dead ends. I really thank you for taking the time to say these
   kind words . I tried hard to balance the needs of the science and the IPCC , which were not
   always the same. I worried that you might think I gave the impression of not supporting you
   well enough while trying to report on the issues and uncertainties . Much had to be removed
   and I was particularly unhappy that I could not get the statement into the SPM regarding
   the AR4 reinforcement of the results and conclusions of the TAR. I tried my best but we
   were basically railroaded by Susan. I am happy to pass the mantle on to someone else next
   time. I feel I have basically produced nothing original or substantive of my own since this
   whole process started. I am at this moment , having to work on the ENV submission to the
   forthcoming UK Research Assessment exercise , again instead of actually doing some useful
   research ! Anyway thanks again Mike.... really appreciated when it comes from you
   very best wishes
   Keith
   Keith
    At 18:14 29/04/2007, you wrote:

     Keith, just a quick note to let you know I've had a chance to read over the key bits on
     last millennium in the final version of the chapter, and I think you did a great job.
     obviously, this was one of the most (if not the most) contentious areas in the entire
     report, and you found a way to (in my view) convey the the science accurately, but in a
     way that I believe will be immune to criticisms of bias or neglect--you dealt w/ all of
     the controversies, but in a very even-handed and fair way. bravo!
     I hope you have an opportunity to relax a bit now. looking forward to buying you a beer
     next time we have an opportunity :)
     mike
     --
     Michael E. Mann
     Associate Professor
     Director, Earth System Science Center (ESSC)
     Department of Meteorology              Phone: (814) 863-4075
     503 Walker Building                    FAX:   (814) 865-3663
     The Pennsylvania State University      email:  mann@psu.edu
     University Park, PA 16802-5013
     [1]http://www.met.psu.edu/dept/faculty/mann.htm

   --
   Professor Keith Briffa,
   Climatic Research Unit
   University of East Anglia
   Norwich, NR4 7TJ, U.K.

   Phone: +44-1603-593909
   Fax: +44-1603-507784
   [2]http://www.cru.uea.ac.uk/cru/people/briffa/

References

   1. http://www.met.psu.edu/dept/faculty/mann.htm
   2. http://www.cru.uea.ac.uk/cru/people/briffa/

