Criticism of an Informational Website?...and Hurricane Ike

Well, the issue has raised its ugly head again. It seems that someone is worried that I might start "trouble" with the website and blog that I have up now. I know who is doing the yapping, and no I will not name names or call signs. But it is only one person as far as I know, and he is in a position of importance in the local ARRL hierarchy.

I'm trying to figure this out: why would someone moan and complain about a website and/or blog that would be BENEFICIAL to the general public when it comes to weather and Amateur Radio? I'm not slamming anyone, and I'm not putting out false information. Anything I place on my website and blog can be checked with good accuracy; heck, I'm not going to lie or deceive anyone. But this has been going on for several years now, and all attempts to provide a service to the Amateur Radio enthusiast, weather enthusiast and Mr. Joe Public have been slammed as "trouble" or "a problem" or worse. What these people are trying to pull is nothing more than B.S., and I am disappointed in them for doing so. Of course, they choose not to discuss these issues with me face-to-face. I have always offered my help and support, but it always seems that I get turned away or kept in the dark. I think I know what the problem really is: I know and understand a hell of a lot more than they wished I did and I always tell the truth with absolutely no spin. In essence, my website and blog is a threat to them...and this is all politically incorrect. Furthermore, these people wish that I would just go away. Nice try gang, but it's not working!

It doesn't matter ultimately. I will continue to give information that anyone can use and do so in a positive manner. This information can always be double-checked for accuracy and I will try to do my best to keep it as updated as possible. I have ALWAYS wanted to help the communities of Central Texas and elsewhere in a good way, to help those who need help and to educate those in a way that will help those who want to be educated and are tired of the same old ways. You've got to think outside the box sometimes, and not keep your head in the sand. But I guess that there are those who enjoy the feel of sand particles ripping open brain cells. Go ahead and enjoy that aspect of thinking; I have better things to do.

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Hurricane Ike is still a dangerous hurricane as of this posting. His sustained wind speed is now at 125 MPH, which makes it a Category 3 hurricane on the Safford-Simpson scale. Currently the forecast takes Ike into the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a potential turn toward the Bahamas and Florida. But with the last 2-3 weeks of the hurricane season being anything but normal, you just can't trust that forecast with good confidence...at least not yet. Ike will continue to be watched in the meantime. Check the Hurricane Watch Net or other outlets to listen to the latest on this dangerous storm.

Tropical Storm Hanna is expected to make landfall along the Carolina coast this weekend and then eventually move back out to sea as an extratropical system. Heavy rain and high winds will be the main threat along with coastal flooding. It is not likely that Hanna will become a hurricane before landfall but it is still possible. If you have interests in the Carolina and Virginia areas make sure that everything is taken care of.

Tropical Storm Josephine is still swirling out in the open Atlantic but may not survive too much longer. It's in a poor environment for development or even maintaining its current strength. This storm is not expected to make any kind of landfall anywhere; it should affect only shipping lanes and marine life and not much else.

Stay tuned throughout the weekend; I will try to post more as things develop in the tropics and elsewhere!

WR1TX

Watching the Atlantic Closely

Well, we got through Hurricane Gustav, and now we have Hanna, Ike and Josephine coming. It has really been an active two weeks, hasn't it? Hanna has had a weird history, but if you've followed the tropics you know why she's traveled the way she has. Now Georgia and the Carolinas are watching and bracing for what this storm might do.

Hurricane Ike looks more to be a potential problem for the Gulf of Mexico if the current projections hold up. Josephine is an unknown situation at this point; we'll see what she does eventually.

If you wish to help with relief efforts in LA, AR and elsewhere contact the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other organizations. You can also Google search for other groups that you can donate to.

Stay tuned for more news from the tropics.

WR1TX