Archive for May 25th, 2010

WeatherBrains 226: Weather Radio

WeatherBrains Episode 226 is now online (May 25, 2010). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE netcast audio program for you!

WeatherBrains - May 25, 2010

Our guest panelist for this episode is the Managing Editor for the Athens News-Courier in Limestone County, Alabama, Kelly Kazek. She has just published a book about the some of the most memorable tornadoes in Alabama history. Titled “A History of Alabama’s Deadliest Tornadoes: Disaster in Dixie,” the book will be in stores by the end of the month. She is also the author of a collection of her humor columns, “Fairly Odd Mother: Musings of a Slightly Off Southern Mom.” Another of her books, “Images of America: Athens and Limestone County,” a pictorial history of the area, is due in fall from Arcadia Publishing.

The special guest for tonight is Bruce Thomas, National Spokesperson/Meteorologist for Midland Radio Corporation. Bruce has nearly 20 years in the television business, and like lots of meteorologists, weather has had a fascination for him from his early childhood years in Mississippi. Bruce has a B. S. degree in meteorology from Metropolitan State College, Denver, and interned with Leon “Stormy” Rottman, one of Colorado’s favorite television personalities. Bruce also worked in Texas for stations in Waco and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Kansas City before going to work for Midland Radio.

Other discussions in this weekly podcast include topics like:

  • hear about JB’s fist fight…and his lunch
  • tornadoes out west – 465 tornadoes reported so far this year
  • pop quiz questions with or without a prize
  • 19 at Stanley, Idaho, and 99 at Patterson, Louisiana
  • Alaska very warm
  • storm chaser saw three live tornadoes at one time
  • and more!
  • Our mail bag has been getting some attention but Kevin is AWOL so the alternate mail bag officer fills in – just not very well. But James does review the Dish Network/Weather Channel brouhaha!

    From The Weather Center:

    WeatherBrains 101: So when you invest something, especially when it is a tropical disturbance, just exactly what are you doing? A question about invests comes to 101 and the professor works on an explanation that also features defining all the worldwide tropical centers.

    TWIWH: Bill Murray looks back at the week of May 26th. This week includes a big event involving aviation and weather.

    Listener SurveyListener Surveys: Okay, we continue to drive this topic into the ground, but we really do like to hear from you. Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to fill out the Listener Survey. The survey takes just a minute or two to complete and provides us with an opportunity to learn where you are and hear your thoughts and comments on the show. Click here to take the survey.

    Web Sites from Episode 226:

    Midland Radio

    National Hurricane Center

    Haz Collect

    Western Kentucky Storm Chase

    Picks of the Week:

    Dr. Tim Coleman – Tropical Cyclone Heat Potential

    JB Elliott – University of Albany weather site

    Bill Murray – Hurricane Preparedness Week 2010

    Brian Peters – Someone has to get the Horn!

    James Spann – Tropical Cyclone Tracking Archive

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like JB Elliott, Kevin Selle, Dr. Tim Coleman, Bill Murray, and Brian Peters. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating netcast about weather.