That's because he's the person behind an animated cartoon feature of the same name, published for years by the Sun-Herald group of newpapers.

The idea for Tropical Bob began during a staff meeting at the Charlotte Sun newspaper. The editor said there was a 3.8-inch hole on the local section front that needed filling. The photo editor suggested "Tropical Bob" write something about weather. The paper already had a weather page, however, so Bowden said he'd add commentary, either witty or wise, on weather and the environment.

Before the run ended with Bowden's retirement in January 2008, he produced more than 600 "Tropical Bobs" on a variety of issues. Text commentaries went into the newspaper three times a week, while the Web site had the animated version you can see here.

FMHS.net is going to present "the best of" and new commentaries, rolling out several each week in hopes you'll return for a smile or head nod. Each runs about 40 seconds, with video and audio using the Flash player most users already have.

Bowden first writes the commentary, then speaks it into an audio program. That audio file is brought into an animation program that provides lip synch for the words. The caricatures were drawn by Bob's friend, Brian Matthews. Bowden adds props and backgrounds as needed. Click a topic to load the video. For videos with controls, click the arrow button.