For those of you artistically inclined, the Union of Concerned Scientists has launched a cool (but not-so-creatively named) contest: Scientific Idol, in search of the best editorial cartoon on scientific integrity.

At the very least, you should check out the site since they have links to some fantastic professional editorial cartoons at the bottom of the page.

Ah the Onion. My favorite line: "Power To The Petroleum-Producing People"

One funny note is that they've clearly doctored a photo from a Democratic rally (on Social Security I believe), so that you can see Reps. Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer, and Sen. Debbie Stabenow mingling amidst the Saudi princes and oil tycoons.

SNL had a little fun last night imagining where the U.S. would be today under a Gore presidency. Check out the video at C&L Pretty Funny.

For those of you who don't know the Gentleman from Medford, MA, he is truly one of the most humorous (and pro-environmental) members of Congress.

A case in point, his press release last week, mocking the Bush administration for arguing that they don't have the authority to increase fuel economy standards.

It's worth the quick read. (Ignore the wonky stuff in the middle)
Download file

I wouldn't have framed it as a supply problem, since the demand side is clearly where we should focus, but Toles does highlight the emptiness of the ideas' well.

A couple of oil related cartoons from Mike Luckovich at the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

You would think that 20 years of serving on the highest court in the land would produce some fairly stunning accomplishments. Writing the majority's opinion in a landmark case. Providing a decenting view that is picked up decades later to establish a new precedent.

But not for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. He told University of Connecticut law students yesterday that "I think the proudest thing I have done on the bench is not allowing myself to be chased off of the Cheney energy case."

Remember the case in which the Sierra Club and another plaintiff were calling for Cheney to divulge information regarding the Energy Task Force. The Sierra Club asked Scalia to recuse himself given that he had recently gone hunting with Cheney prior to the hearing. And there you go...not recusing himself was the proudest moment of his career.

Those law students must have been mighty inspired.

I wrote about the proposed electricity rate hike for MD residents, but Toles talks in images:

I got so caught up in other things this week that I forgot to post our very own onion-like graphic of Bush's Bargain Basement Sale. If you haven't been following this outrageous story, the President's Budget proposed selling off 300,000 acres of our National Forests in order to help soften the dark red ink dripping from the budget.

A national bake sale was the original proposal for a fundraiser but then the Administration would have to knead all this dough, melt the chocolate in a double-broiler and...well, selling forests seemed a lot easier.

Here are some other ideas we're pretty sure they've batted around:

And if you haven't told your Senators what you think of this plan, head here.

Thought y'all would enjoy this Onion brief given our little Name That Hurricane contest last year...

The National Weather Service announced Friday that, in response to the increasing number of hurricanes, it is revising its naming system. "The hundreds of hurricanes we expect in the North Atlantic in 2006 will receive both proper and surnames," Max Mayfield of the weather service said. "In fact, tropical storms Alberto Fergus, Beverly Stenwick-Brown, and Chris Stubbs Jr. have already received names under the new system." After all possible first and last names are exhausted, storms will be given titles, beginning with Hurricane Assistant Accounts Manager Alexander Epps, CPA.

Ha! The folks here at Environmental Action have been bouncing around this very idea that the Winter Olympics are in jeopardy because of global warming. Toles captures the thought brilliantly--and throws in a little commentary to boot.

I think this one has been a long time coming

If you haven't seen it, the DSCC pulled together a quick video on Pombo's taxpayer-funded vacation. While the information in the piece seems solid (though I haven't checked all the info.), the low-quality production of it can only suggest that the Democrats are not that serious about going after Pombo.

You can see the video here

Aaah, Mr. Toles...calling the Bush administration out on their dramatic pronouncements...

Mark Fiore has put out a new cartoon on global warming. Watch it here

Note the mention of climate scientists being gagged. If you haven't already--go here to take action and help "Stop the Gag on Global Warming"

Also in the Wash Post:

Spotting an Oil Addict: A Crude Guide

In light of President Bush's declaration in the State of the Union address that "America is addicted to oil," here's a list of warning signs that a loved one may have a problem:

Keeps saying, "I can stop my SUV anytime I want."

Characterizes habit as simply "social driving."

Buys drugstore needles for "fuel injections."

Wants to send daughter to Quaker State.

Hidden inside teenage son's copy of Penthouse: a well-thumbed issue of Petroleum Digest.

When they talked about a higher power at the 12-step meeting, thought they meant premium unleaded.

Wakes up in a pool of own light sweet crude.

Cans of 5W-40 hidden in underwear drawer.

Can't kick the minivan habit even after the kids have left for college.

There's a "Mr. OPEC" on the phone, saying he just scored some "really potent" black gold.

This came across my e-mail this morning...

Tom DeLay Denies All Charges (As Told by Dr. Suess)

That Abramoff!
That Abramoff!
I do not like that Abramoff!

"Would you like to play some golf?"

I do not want to play some golf.
I do not want to, Abramoff.

"We could fly you there for free.
Off to Scotland, by the sea."

I do not want to fly for free.
I don't like Scotland by the sea.
I do not want to play some golf.
I do not want to, Abramoff.

"Would you, could you, take this bribe?
Could you, would you, for the tribe?"

I would not, could not, take this bribe.
I could not, would not, for the tribe.

"If we strong armed corporations
Into giving you donations?
They'd be funnelled to your PAC.
Would you then cut us some slack?"

I would not, could not, cut you slack.
I do not care about my PAC.
I do not want to play some golf.
I do not want to, Abramoff.

"A plane! A plane! A plane! A plane!
Would you, could you, for a plane?"

I could not, would not, for a plane.
Not for a bribe, not for the tribe.
Not for donations from corporations.
Not for my PAC, not for some slack.
Not from any schmoe named Jack.

"Would you help us buy some ships
Perfect for quick gambling trips?
Talk to people in the know
For a little quid pro quo?
Oh come now, don't be a snob.
Let us give your wife a job."

I will not help you buy some ships.
I do not wish for gambling trips.
My wife does not need a job
Even if she is a snob.
We do not like bribes, can't you see?
Why won't you just let me be?

"You do not like bribes, so you say.
Try them, try them, and you may.
Try them and you may, I say."

Jack. If you will let me be
I will try them, then you'll see.

Say.... I do like playing golf!
I like it, I do, Abramoff!
I do like Scotland by the sea.
It's such a thrilling place to be!
And I will take this bribe.
And I will help the tribe.
And I will take donations
From big corporations.
And I will help you buy some ships.
And I will take quick gambling trips.
Say, I'll give anyone the shaft
As long as it involves some graft!

I do so like playing golf!
Thank you! Thank you,
Abramoff!