MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! (and my CFDG rant)

Sorry for the lack of blog activity, but I've been pretty tied up with getting my new venture underway. Plus, I've enjoyed chill-out vacation mode since I left my other job back on the 11th. After spending the rest of this month getting my folks relocated and settled, I'll be ready to hit the ground running with my business after New Years. I'm looking forward to it! I've got to shout out to my twin namesake Steve Miller OK for some good business advice. He's on my board of directors now. ;-)

I really enjoy this time of year as it is at least a temporary break from the insanity we endure the rest of the year....unless you fight the hoardes at the mall. It also helps to sooth the off-season SDS symptoms too. However, after January 1st, the symptoms flare up and chasers start getting real nasty. This leads me to my rant-of-the week. ;-)

On the chasing front, the "stormchasing community" is all abuzz with the new show coming out next week. It features the "Outlaw Chasers" Randy Hicks and Lanny Dean in a show called "Tornado Hunters". It premiers Tuesday night on CourtTV at 9PM Central time. I'm looking forward to it and expect it will be pretty good. I also like it because the Outlaws ruffle the feathers of many in the "stormchasing community" and in particular the CFDG stormchaser police. I just want one of the Outlaws' t-shirts or hat. :-)


Brilliantly created by Bill Doms. Get the T-shirt HERE
They have been the target of some of the most brutal abuse from the aforementioned groups than anybody has experienced. They rank right up there with Warren Faidley, Jeff Piotrowski, and Reed Timmer in being blacklisted and victims of outrageous vendettas. At one time, I was a sheep and believed what was being espoused by some of the "veterens" until I heard the other side of the story along with my own experience and observations over the years.

Most, if not nearly all, of this comes from the CFDGers themselves who, in an open letter, tried to convince the peasants that their intentions are peaceful and that they don't engage in such smear efforts. ROFLAMO! Some of us non-sheep that have been around awhile know better. I've always been confused as to why some chasers (CFDG members) were "allowed" to star in TV commercials, chase documentraies, sell video/pictures, chase for TV stations, participate in or operate chase tour companies....but other chasers (non-CFDG) were not. I dunno...it's just me I guess.

In fact, Chuck Doswell himself wrote an open letter that basically told everybody who didn't praise him to stick it up their wazoo. I'd like to send on "open letter" to CFDG via a third party and exclaim passionately that I never intend to join their group. :-) The hypocrisy was pretty thick in both "open letters" which is no surprise given the double standards and hypocrisy we've seen from them in the past. I had written a nice, long detailed blog entry detailing that along with some of the behind-the-scenes antics of the CFDGers over the years against any chaser who steps out of line.

But really, in the end, I don't give a crap. My time and effort is better spent elsewhere like cleaning my shower. However, if the rumor is true that certain CFDG members are pushing for legislation in Oklahoma that restrict or legislate stormchasing/storm spotting activities (and of course getting CFDG members special permissions or passes to do so), then you'll hear alot more from me about this. Come to think of it, that's also pretty funny because they base their "fear" on chaser yahooism birthing such legislation.

One thing is certain, now that "the list" of CFDG members was revealed, we'll be checking that list....checking it twice....gonna see who's been naughty or nice. LOL!

Other than that, looking for a few shots at some wintery precip here in the Panhandles over the next week. There's still some uncertainly on the mid-week system though. Keep your eyes on that one. I will be because I'll be on the road at that time.

My best wishes to all of my friends out there and hope all have Merry Christmas!! I hope you find your favorite chase-gadgets under the tree. :-)