[StBernard] don't rock the boat

[Westley Annis]

Here's some interesting tidbits and postings about Quikscat failing from a
young man who appeared on WWL TV when John Gumm was there.  He's an amateur
(at this time) met who is going to college for that vocation.  Quite a
knowledgeable young guy...and he hopes to work one day at the NHC.  He also
did some work on the side at one of the tv stations locally.

JLY

http://www.miamiherald.com/416/story/159712.html


>I totally agree with the forecasters. When I heard all this junk on

television about >Quikscat failing, they made it seem like we wouldn't know
anything about >hurricanes. Now Congress is going to take from Reconn money
to get a new >quikscat up there. NOTTTTTTTTTTTT



>That is the problem, just think of how the general public feel about this

issue. I >never used Quikscat for Katrina, Rita, or Cindy. There is no need
to tell the >general public an essential satellite is about to die just to
get money for a >replacement. Now your going to take away from the Reconn
money(HARD >FACTS) to provide a replacement satellite that is hardly ever
used when it >comes to landfalling systems. The public will now second guess
the NHC >hurricane forecasts...


>I vote for Ed Rappaport!



>I respect the hurricane forecasters over the director with the current

situation. I >don't think the director should be someone who has no
Hurricane forecasting >experience. I think one of the forecasters should be
upgraded or Ed Rappaport >be promoted. Ed Rappaport forecasted back in the
90's and is now the deputy >director. Unfortunately, Stacy Stewart is on
active duty with the Navy and he is >one of the best forecasters there.


>The NHC is not stacked like they were 05' with Mayfield the director and

>hurricane specialist like Stewart, Pasch, & Avila.


The above came from a weather forum I belong to:

http://stormboard.proboards79.com/index.cgi

Also, keep in mind that Proenza pissed his bosses off by talking about how
much money they were spending on the NOAA "birthday".  Further, there had
been a signed statement by the **employees**, i.e. forecasters, asking for
Proenza's removal/reassignment out of the NHC.  The best-qualified
candidate, Ed Rappaport did not apply for the job after Max Mayfields's
retirement.  Now, Ed's acting NHC director.  Another complaint had been that
Proenza had never done work, i.e. forecasting, at the NHC.  Here's Ed's
background:

Info on Ed Rappaport as of 2004. Seems very qualified on what I just read up
on him. 

Edward Rappaport

46, deputy director

Years at center: 16

Function: No. 2 guy. Knows electronics and support systems inside out.

Experience: Worked as hurricane specialist before becoming chief of the
Technical Support Branch.

Education: Bachelor and master of science degrees from the University of
Washington; Ph.D. with a specialty in atmospheric science from Texas Tech
University.

Storm story: In 1988, his first year at the center, he saw the mother of all
storms, Gilbert, a Category 5, and Joan, representing 'the start of an
upbeat in the amount of activity in the Atlantic.'

Special talent: Cool, calm and collected in the eye of the storm.

On hurricanes: 'I wouldn't say I love them. Much of what got me interested
in the weather is the dynamic character. Every day is different in the
atmosphere. That part makes it exciting.'