As far as using NWS forecasts: Sometimes it is hard not to when they look at the same info as us, ie: MRF MOS, or NGM MOS, the numbers are the same. If I used those numbers and stat outputs as my forecast, then it would more than likely be the same as the NWS forecast.

When there is a storm or something I totally disagree with, I will provide my own forecast, but many times it becomes very similar to the NWS, because we all look at the same data. There are obvious times when opinions will differ, but to look at their forecasts, as well as other products from the service, can be very helpful when one is crunched for time and needs to go on air in five minutes.

To literally copy their forecast and place it on air means that you either have no creativity, or will end up with a very boring weathercast each night. As a government service, they are there for a reason. If the public is not allowed to view this product and use it as they want, that would be wrong indeed.

As far as MSU is concerned, it is a farce and a blight on actual meteorologists if they don't learn how to read maps and understand the forces involved in atmospheric physics. I'm aware of a few individuals going through the course right now. I will be monitoring the things they learn and after seeing it first hand, will then be able to formulate an unbiased opinion in the future. So for now, undecided on how I fell about MSU, but at my college, we took a lot more than 40 credits related to meteorology.

DON'T POST MY NAME!!!!!