I should add the latest to this ...
You might want to add this to your links list about "Entering Uncharted Waters"...
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2004/aug/aug04.html
"The contiguous United States experienced its 16th coolest summer (June-August) on record and seventh coolest August, according to scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) in Asheville, N.C.
While much of the West, including Alaska, remained warmer than average, the majority of the nation had a cool summer, with Minnesota having its coldest August on record."