"The real question is, does anything Keating say [sic] against Nir Shaviv's ideas have real scientific merit."
They don't. That's why I responded as ridiculously as I did. Nothing more measured would have been appropriate. My hands were tied. I believe absurdinity deserves to be responded to by ridiculosity.
All I can do is suggest you view Shaviv's youtube presentation and then read Keating's critique. Keating's remark that solar irradiance is down by 0.1 (units not, specified, shall we assume W/sq. meter?, time period not specified) leaves me with no choice but to respond by saying "##*!", and other words to that effect. Keating's response had nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with Shaviv's brilliant hypothesis, which has to do with (you decide after viewing Shaviv's presentation). I an not saying Shaviv is right. I am saying Keating is crazeeee.. And then to add a second link to a science journalist' s work, well that was just too, too much! I hope you enjoyed the maraschino cherry sundae I served up.