[1] I hasten to add the standard disclaimer: This essay reflects only my personal opinions and does not represent the view of the National Severe Storms, Laboratory, ERL, NOAA, the Depart-ment of Commerce, or the office of the President of the United States. In other words, if you don't like what you see and/or hear, please don't write anyone in these agencies to complain; they'll wash their hands of any responsibility and rightly so. And trying to make trouble for me is a waste of your time: I'm better at it than you are!