Ticker for July 7, 2000

                
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July 7, 2000       July 7, 2000       July 7, 2000       July 7, 2000


Oklahoma Mesonet Gets High Marks from Review Team

In May of 2000, representatives from the American Association for the
Advancement of Science visited the Oklahoma Mesonet to conduct an
independent, external review of the Mesonet's operations.

In their preliminary summary, the Mesonet and its university sponsors at
Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma were given high
marks by the visiting AAAS scientists.

According to their June 21st report, the network has been "constructed
with careful attention to every detail ... Extensive efforts have been
implemented to assure the highest possible quality assurance of data
collected".  The network's 99.87% collection efficiency "is an
outstanding achievement."

In reference to products developed by OSU and OU for Mesonet users, the
scientists noted that "the content and user-friendly format of the
weather products produced by Mesonet partners have made the products
invaluable in a variety of applications, including, in extreme
conditions, to help save lives and reduce the risk of personal injury."

Finally, the panel remarked that the Mesonet partnership between OSU and
OU is credited with imagination, negotiation, barter, intelligent
reaction to events, hard work, great leadership, more barter and an
apparent burning desire to put customer service needs up front.  As
such, Mesonet is a model for the rest of the nation to admire and, if
possible, emulate."


Well, Now That That's Out of the Way

One of the main factors contributing to the Mesonet's high data
collection efficiency is a dedicated group of student and full-time
operations personnel.  Last night, a failed air conditioning unit caused
a large water leak and resulting small flood in the Mesonet operations
center.

However, thanks to some late-night emergency action by Mesonet operators,
Mesonet and NIDS radar data streams were preserved throughout the ordeal,
and several non-critical systems were spun up this morning.

Thanks to the ladies and gentlemen in operations, and get some sleep!