New Lightning Book with Hoadley Reference

[David Hoadley]

I just reviewed part of a new book, "Out of the Blue; A History of Lightning: Science, Superstition, and Amazing Stories of Survival", by John Friedman; Delacorte Press, published by Bantam Dell, Random House, 2008 ( www.bantamdell.com ).

The author sent a copy with a chapter about me, based on a week’s storm chase we had in 2006. Dr. Friedman was a congenial guest, a patient traveler, and I enjoyed having him along. This chapter is mostly accurate and comments about me are very generous but somewhat lengthy and dramatized --the reactions of a first time storm chaser. I reviewed part of that draft and made a few corrections. However, some parts may have been added later (e.g. I am not a Unitarian and don't recall making some quotes).

Like several articles about me (other veteran storm chasers have had similar experiences), I would have written it differently --certainly edited to fewer pages. Those who have never met me should refer to my narrative contributions to Storm Track over the years, which come closer to who I really am. Otherwise, the Chapter about Hoadley is lively, entertaining, and an occasionally profound account of the tedium, frustration, and highs of a fairly typical storm chase.

- - - Dave Hoadley

 

[Dave Gallaher]

I'm glad to see folks are seeking you out, David, since your experience in this field (sometimes literally) exceeds just about everyone else who posts here. If he caught sight of your artistic soul that was so frequently displayed in ST, then you'll have to suffer a little hyperbole.

However--isn't it interesting to be interviewed and published? I've stated here several times that if everyone here dealt with a reporter's questions, then watched the answers (and frequently, assumptions) go into the public eye, we'd all have a much more skeptical eye regarding the contemporary news business. At least we can congratulate the writer on his choice of subjects and his acumen in seeking your expertise.