February 10, 2009 | The concept of harnessing the wind’s energy is hardly new—Egyptian vases from 3,500 B.C.E. depict ships under sail. Still, wind is among the most difficult weather variables to forecast. Topography, ground cover, temperature inversions, and foliage all affect its strength and direction.

February 10, 2009 | Last fall, Morris Weisman took a leave for three and a half months, trading his daily routine in ESSL/MMMM for the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY). There, he taught a graduate-level course in atmospheric convection, served on the doctoral committees of two students, and collaborated with Albany faculty.Morris Weisman

January 15, 2009 | A pilot program in VSP to match postdoctoral climate scientists with local and regional decision makers is expanding for its second year by recruiting more fellows. The goal of the Climate Prediction Applications Postdoctoral Program (CPAPP) is to build a pool of scientists qualified to transfer advances in climate science and prediction into decision frameworks and tools, as well as to encourage collaboration between the climate community and agencies involved in climate-related decisions.

January 14, 2009 | The new year ushered in changes to UCAR benefits. The Hartford became the organization’s new vendor for travel accident insurance (including the Travel Assistance Program), life insurance, long-term disability, and basic and voluntary accidental death and disability (AD&D) insurance. The company’s Travel Assistance Program provides pre-trip information, emergency medical assistance, and emergency personal services for staff during both business and vacation travels.