Here's a recent original caption from the San Jose Department of Meteorology website; “This week we received a deluge of free books from the Heartland Institute. The book is entitled, “The Mad, Mad, Made of Climatism.” Shown above, Drs. Bridger and Clements test the flammability of the book.” (The actual title of the book is “The Mad, Mad, Mad World of Climatism”--not sure where the word Made came from. By design intent? ) Regardless, here is the access to a version of the photo before it was eliminated from the San Jose web page: (1)
This idea of burning books one doesn't agree with is reprehensible. What message does this send to students and the community at large?
Jim Lakely suggests the two professors did this to get a laugh. (2) Let's give them the benefit of a doubt and agree that their actions were just for a laugh, but what were they thinking? The Internet is forever and these aren't grad students pulling a prank. One person has said, “the only truly sad fact is these folks are employed to educate youngsters.” (1)
As Noel Sheppard notes, “You would think university professors would have some respect for books, regardless of their content. (3) And regardless of your view on anthropogenic global warming, the book has 898 references and footnotes; it isn't a diatribe without some serious literature references.
Any thoughtful examination of climate science reveals that the science is not settled. Yet, this action says, “Don't you dare question our viewpoint.” Woe be to the poor students in the Meteorology Department at San Jose State who question the gospel.
References
1. Anthony Watts, “San Jose State University meteorology decides burning books they don't agree with is better than reading them,” wattsupwiththat.com, May 2, 2013
2. Jim Lakely, “San Jose State professors would rather burn climate skeptic book than read it,” blog.heartland.org, May 3, 2013
3. Noel Sheppard, “Professors publish picture of them burning book refuting global warming,” newsbusters.org, May 3, 2013
Jack Dini
Livermore, CA
John William Dini, know to all as ‘Jack’, passed away at the age of 89 on June 17, 2026. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on Nov. 14, 1936.
He published two books, a technical book on materials science and coatings and another on environmental issues. In retirement, he wrote extensively on various environmental issues for online publications.
He was a skilled leaded glass hobbyist, creating more than 20 lamps and many panels. He was a jogger for many years, competing in over 300 long distance races. He was a slow runner, not wanting to take the glory away from others. His secret was to start slow and taper. He and Anne traveled extensively, visiting over 70 countries.
He is survived by his wife, Anne, of 67 years, and sons Mike, Steve, and Paul. If you were to meet him somewhere, he would sum up his life as ‘peaches and cream’.
