Happy New Year!

The old give way to the young. New thoughts sprout from fertile ground.

While the New Year beckons us with many promises, don't forget to give the old year its due.

Learn from past mistakes and carry the lessons of time with you.

This year resolve to laugh more, love more, forgive more, friend more and learn more.

May 2011 be your best year yet!

Merry Christmas!

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December moon

Pink and blue stripes at sunset ...

Top 5 Christmas wish list gifts for your storm chaser!

It's that time of the year and many spouses may wonder just what to get their storm chasing mate? With that in mind, I've compiled a short list that could aid you in your efforts. Click on each item to be linked to the site that sells this top gear.

1. Cafe Press Storm Chaser Stuff
Funny & cool - sure to get a chuckle and make your chaser happy. My favorite is the "Storm Goddess" shirt.



2. Uniden BCT15X Scanner
Every stormchaser should have one of these. I highly recommend a good scanner for good situational awareness. This one can be programmed for any county in the country by downloading frequencies right into the scanner from the Internet.
The BCT15X comes equipped with Uniden exclusive features like Advanced Dynamic Memory System, Close Call™ RF Capture Technology, and GPS compatibility. Want to eavesdrop on Vortex II? Just turn on Close Call and drive close to them and the scanner will lock in on their communications! Buy the refurbished version and save $50. It will also fit in your dashboard!





3. Cobra 29 XLE 50th anniversary CB radio with weather scan.
So you went down the wrong muddy road - got stuck and the cell phone has no bars. Maybe you need a CB radio? I have one in my car and it has helped me summon aid on several occasions. Not only is this a great looking and operating radio - but it also automatically scans all the NOAA weather radio frequencies (with alert) so you'll always be aware of the current weather warnings. Don't forget to buy a good antenna along with this radio! I hope to post a full review of this radio soon.



4. Haier HLT71 7" LCD TV
Another must have for any storm spotter or chaser. When the broadband is down and you can't get radar updates - this TV could save your life. I have one of these and they are great for receiving both analog and digital TV broadcasts.







5. Canon Vixia HF R100 HD Camcorder.
Full HD 1080P video at an unbelievable price. Amazing color and definition. Mount one of these on your dash or use it handheld to capture your storm in stunning HD. Don't forget to buy extra SDHC media cards!



Send me your Storm Chaser Christmas gift list!

-Steve Douglass

Blades ...

Army Chinooks photographed at Rick Husband Airport in Amarillo.

Photo by Steve Douglass