You've got to hand it to Scotland Yard. They've learned how to frustrate al-Qaeda's persistent attempts to kill innocent people in the UK well enough to delight even Sherlock Holmes and his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Time and again, we read of the Muslim extremists plotting to kill hundreds and even thousands of people, whether British citizens or citizens of indiscriminate nationality who happen to be on planes from Britain.

The latest effort, conducted by misguided physicians from Middle Eastern countries, apparently sent to the UK to adhere to a murderously revised version of the Hippocratic Oath, not to refrain from, but to commit "whatever is harmful or mischievous."

Scotland Yard's watchfulness, whether in uncovering plots on their own or in quickly following up tips about such suspect items as a smoking Mercedes, merit them our distinguished accolade as Clever Monkeys of the Month.

About the Author

Tom Attea, humorist and creator of NewsLaugh.com, has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing "delightfully funny," "witty," with "good, genuine laughs" and "great humor and ebullience."