I'm Back

A belated Merry Christmas all.
The last several days have been somewhat busy as you may expect with Christmas. We did not do very much or go anywhere. We did go see my parents Christmas Eve.
Christmas day it was just the wife, kids and I. It was nice.
We watched a couple of movies and I watched the wife and kids play the Wii system that Santa delivered.
I hope to catch things up tomorrow. I was going to today but fell ill.

My Ham Shack

On Friday November 20th I posted a picture of my Ham Shack. That photo has now been downloaded 216 times. Who knows how many times it has been swiped off of QRZ.
I can not help as to wonder who took my photo and why. I how ever did see my photo being used by other hams as their own personal shack. That really pisses me off.

I have a guest book, please let me know why you needed my image. Leave a comment on the original post or this one. Maybe I should post the IP address of all those that stole my image. Then again, who really cares? It is my shack and no one can claim it other then my XYL.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to the most Amazing Lady I know.
My wife. Melissa.
She is my Best Friend, Lover and Soul Mate

Christmas Trilogy

We just got our "Trans-Siberian Orchestra" box set in the mail today. "The Christmas Trilogy". The kids,wife and I can not wait to see them in 2 weeks.

WHEN AURORAS COLLIDE

A continent-wide network of all-sky cameras has photographed a never before seen phenomenon: colliding auroras that produce explosions of light. The must-see images have solved a long-standing mystery of Northern Lights. Get the full story from Science@NASA.
source

CURIOUS EVENTS IN NEBRASKA

"Last night, Dec. 16th at 9 p.m. CST, a very bright meteor lit up the completely overcast sky like lightning in southeast Nebraska," reports Trooper Jerry Chab of the Nebraska State Patrol. "It flashed for approximately 2 seconds and was followed by sonic booms and ground shaking, which prompted many calls by the public to law enforcement in a three county wide area." Meanwhile, the USGS says there was a magnitude 3.5 earthquake near Auburn, Nebraska, at 8:53 pm, about the same time and place as the fireball. This map shows the nominal epicenter:

"If the earthquake is confirmed, as it appears to be, I think we have the most cosmic of coincidences: A large fireball around the same time of an earthquake," says Chab. "I am simply amazed!"

One possible interpretation of these events is that a small asteroid hit Earth's atmosphere and caused the ground to shake when it exploded in mid-air. However, the timing might not be right. The quake seems to have preceded the fireball. Several readers have pointed out studies that associate lightning-like phenomena with earthquakes: #1, #2, #3. So, the earthquake might be responsible for both the shaking and the light show. Or it might be a big coincidence just as Chab suggests.

More reports could help sort out the possibilities. Readers in Nebraska with photos or eyewitness accounts are encouraged to submit their observations.

source

My Net Control Experience

Tonight I held the Net on the W8ZHO repeater, 146.94- (94.8) W8ZHO is the repeater owned and operated by the MUSKEGON AREA AMATEUR RADIO COUNCIL, MAARC.
We had 7 checking tonight and the topic I chose to do was,
HF Radio Propagation and Sunspots
- an overview of the basics of the effects that sunspots have on HF radio propagation and radio communications in general including two way radio communications, maritime mobile radio communications, mobile radio, radio broadcasting and amateur radio communications.

The NET started out fine until about 5 minutes into it my doorbell rang, the dogs were going nuts. I grabbed my HT and made it to the living room where I discovered that our church was here to treat us to some Christmas Caroling. OH BOY………..
I did not know what to do. The wife was out getting groceries and the kids were involved with an X-Box game. I unlocked the front door and yelled to my son, "Tell them Mom is gone and Dad is unable to talk/visit."
How rude was I?
I made it back to my room and continued with the Net. Mean while, I could hear the church singing, my son stood there by himself with the door open, the dogs got loose and I was committed to doing the net.
The wife made it home in time to see the church group get into there van and to see my son chase the dogs. She opened her truck door and the dogs jumped in.
I did not know the dogs had gotten loose until I was done with the net. Whew…….I got through another Net.

Saturday Dec. 12 2009

You can see where the snow is in Michigan. Not a cloud in the sky right now.

What a beautiful day it is so far.
It's Saturday, got a busy day planned with the family. First, the wife is making a big breakfast right now, then we are off to do some shopping for more Christmas Decorations, gonna stop and visit the parents, then off to down our Christmas Tree. Tonight the tree should be up. I hope I can do this all with out my mid morning nap.

Hawaii; Biggest Waves in Five Years

This is a cool article. It also has some really awesome photos. I'd rather float on an iceberg rather than sitting on a stick in fifty foot waves.
Cool Photos

Thousands of spectators and surfers are flocking to Hawaii's beaches to see the biggest waves in years crash ashore.

Heavy traffic backed up for miles yesterday along roads leading to Oahu's North Shore. Some of the world's most daring surfers took on the powerful and dangerous waves, which forecasters say could reach heights of 50ft (15 metres) by tomorrow.

The surf grew so large that a few beaches on Oahu and Maui were closed because lifeguards feared inexperienced sightseers could drown, according to state officials.

Surf's up as biggest waves in five years come to Hawaii after North Pacific storm

Winter Storm December 8, 2009

It looks like we are going to see some weather over the next few days. This afternoon the wife and kids are going to put up the outdoor Christmas Lights. Hope they get it done before the storm hits. Remember to check your local weather for updates, listen to your weather radio. I am not a metorolgist, just a weather nut so seek professional weather reports. I have many links on my blog, I do not take responsibility if they are wrong or do not know what they say.

ICOM IC-706MKIIG Is to be No Longer

Amateur Radio Victoria reports that the Icom IC-706MkIIG transceiver will definately cease production.

In a news report just received, they say:

Despite deniers in the USA, it has been confirmed that Wednesday 9 December is the last day that the ICOM plant in Wakayama, Japan will produce the IC-706MKIIG transceiver.

ICOM Australia said it has checked with Japan and been reassured that the earlier advice received that the popular transceiver has been discontinued is correct.

The reason is that some components used in the IC-706MKIIG are no longer available and the model had to cease production.

For more on this story see the news section of the Amateur Radio Victoria website

My "No-Excuses" 160 Meter Vertical

I now have all the materials need to make my 160 meter vertical. I plan on starting this project with my son this Friday evening. Not for sure how long it will take, I plan on having it in use a week from now.
I will try to document our progress with photos and plan on posting them here.
Here are the plans that we will be using.
We may change a few things. Stay tuned.

The DX Zone

This is cool; my blog site is now listed on the USA : Ham Radio/Blogs/USA portion on the DX Zones blog list.
The DX Zone is a very helpful site with tons of information. I have a widget box on my side bar also.
When you’re on my blog give me a rating, the rating box is also on the side bar. If you give me a poor rating please let me know via guest book, e-mail or use the comments section.
Thanks to all of you for visiting.
73

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving.

He's Home

I am so happy, my dad was released from the hospital this afternoon. He still has a long road of recovery ahead. Thanks all for your support.

Hurricane Watch Net Event this Weekend

Hurricane Watch Net to Hold On the Air Event
Dave Lefavour, W7GOX, Manager of the Hurricane Watch Net, has announced that the HWN will be holding a two-day, on-the-air special event. “This event, which we’re calling ‘HWN/44,’ celebrates our 44th consecutive year of service. Our members will be using special event callsign K4H on 11/29 and 11/30. We’ll be operating on 14.325 MHz, of course, but, we’ll also have stations active on or near 7
More...

Myself, Looking forward to making the contact. Hope to hear you on HF.

ISS gets New Amateur Radio Antenna

New Ham Radio antenna installed on the ISS
New Ham Radio antenna installed on the ISS ARISS US Hardware Manager Lou McFadin, W5DID says that all the teamwork and effort to expand the ARISS amateur radio station aboard the ISS were successful this weekend when the new dual band 2m/70CM antenna was installed on the outside of ESA's Columbus module. Lou congratulated the team, "This is an example of what can be achieved by volunteer ham
More...

I like working the ISS. Always lots of fun working the birds.

My Day

I did not participate in the SSB November Sweepstakes today, however I did listen to it to see how a contest and those who did participate operated. I can not wait till the next contest. I think I will give it a try.

I did make many DX contacts today, a few special event stations and many tuning their rigs for the contest.
I’m hoping to get my 160 meter antenna up soon, maybe next week. Right now I am enjoying 20 and 40 meters.
10 and 15 meters dose not seem to be very active. Then again, I only have a vertical.

My Ham Shack

Please excuse the mess. This is my Ham Shack. It is a work in progress.
It is amazing, my ham shack photo has been downloaded 78 times since this was posted. I have actually ran across e-mails and other blogs where others claim my shack as their own.
Some people have no shame. 1/30/10

Equipment;
Yaesu FT-897D w/ AT-897 Plus by LDG
Yaesu FT-7800
Yaesu FT-8900R
Yaesu VX-7R
WiRES II
Yaesu FP-1030A Power supply
Radio Shack HTX-242 powered w/ Astron RS-7
MFJ-969 300W Roller Tuner
LDG FT-Meter
Pro Set Plus “HEIL"

SSB November Sweeps Contest

The SSB portion of the ARRL November Sweepstakes -- the premier domestic HF contest -- takes place this weekend, running 2100 UTC Saturday, November 21 to 0300 Monday, November 23 (or 4 PM Saturday to 10 PM Sunday EST).

According to ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, the event -- first called "The January Contest" -- started back in 1929 as a competition for handling formal traffic messages. "Sweepstakes is one of the oldest traditions in Amateur Radio," Kutzko said. "The contest exchange contains more elements than usual, an homage to the traffic-handling days of yore. If you have never participated in Sweepstakes, you are really missing out on some serious fun!"

ARRL November Sweepstakes (Phone)		Rules

2009 Japan Ham Fair

This looks like a fun Hamfest to attend.
One of these years I will make it to the Dayton Hamfest. All depends on my health.
Check it out; The 2009 Japan Ham Fair.

SKYWARN Recognition Day

SKYWARN Recognition Day Set for December 5
The 11th Annual SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) Special Event will take place Saturday, December 5, 2009. SRD is co-sponsored by the ARRL and the National Weather Service (NWS) as a way to recognize the commitment made by Amateur Radio operators in helping to keep their communities safe. According to SRD Coordinator David Floyd, N5DBZ, Amateur Radio operators can visit their local participating NWS office, working as a team to contact other hams across the world throughout the 24 hour event.
Full Story

I did this a few years ago and it was really cool. I hope to do this again this year.

I'm back today

I know, I have not had time to post here. I have kept up on Facebook some.
Anyway, gonna play some radio today. I did play some over this last weekend.
I worked a couple of Special Event Stations in Georgia and Texas. Talked to Alaska, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico and Iowa.
Not to bad for the little station I have at the moment.

Updates on my parents will now be on Facebook. Gonna keep this for Radio Related stuff.

Working Satellite SO-67

Interesting write up on QRZ today. I have not worked this Satellite yet. Gonna give it a shot.
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Thanks for sharing this on QRZ. com N3TL,

My profound thanks to John. K8YSE, for posting the recordings he's made of passes over North America of the new South African amateur satellite, SO-67. His recording, which he began at 15:00:38 UTC on 15 November, provides proof that - even amid the chaos of a pass like that one - very low power levels can work our amateur satellites.
More...

My Week; (Recap)

Monday, my Mom was rushed into emergency surgery due to complications to a surgery she had a few weeks back. On Wednesday my Dad had a major stroke and now is in Hackley Hosp. He is in the re-hab unit and has a long road ahead of him. Mom got to go home this evening. My daughter was taken to the Emergency Room tonight with a 102º fever. She is now home and doing better. Reaction to new medications.
Yesterday at 12:04am
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Mom is home. Dad is gonna be in hospital 4 several wks. Shelby taken to er at 7pm. Very high fever.
Fri at 9:44pm via Mobile Web
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What an awful week, Just received word that my dad has had a stroke. Mom is still in hospital. Her surgery this morning went well. More to follow later.
November 4 at 5:51pm
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Mom's surgery is done. All went well. She is in recovery.
November 4 at 10:37am
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I feel like a new man this morning. My voice is back, I can drink a glass of Coke without my throat being on fire. The true test is the dozen stuffed jalapeño peppers my friend Mark Biggs dropped off to me. Mmmmm. Breakfast. Shelby is still sick, another missed day of school for her. Cameron is still healthy and Melissa is also doing much better.
November 4 at 6:29am
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My Mom is being rushed into emergency surgery at Hackley Hosp. I am not for sure what is going on. Melissa is on her way there now. I'm home sick with a vicious cold. Please pray for my Mom.
November 2 at 11:05am

Saturday- 11/7/09

Went over to see how Mom was doing today. Then my brother Scott and I went up to visit Dad.
Dad looked pretty good. He got a shave today and also had his hair combed. He was just getting back into bed when we got there.
Dad ate his lunch and visited with us. He still dose not have much movement in his right arm or leg. His speech is also still the same.
We bought up some pictures of his dog and photos from the August Family Reunion. That really made his day.
After a while my brother and I went to the store and I purchased Dad some P.J. bottoms and Mom and Dad a new can opener.

Melissa stayed with Mom and did her dishes and house keeping.
Mom is looking very good. Both her and Dad really miss each other.

After all that we came home and did some yard work.
The new Craftsman Yard Vacuum works great.
I going to bed soon. Hope to be in bed by 8pm. I'm going to miss the Red Wings game. Oh well, Chris Osgood is to in net. They'll probably loose.

Feeling Better

I feel like a new man this morning. My voice is back, I can drink a glass of Coke without my throat being on fire. The true test is the dozen stuffed jalapeño peppers my friend Mark Biggs dropped off to me. Mmmmm. Breakfast. Shelby is still sick, another missed day of school for her. Cameron is still healthy and Melissa is also doing much better.

LEONIDS 2009

On Nov. 17th at about 2100 UT, Earth will pass through a stream of debris from Comet Tempel-Tuttle, triggering an outburst of Leonid meteors. Forecasts of the peak range from 150 to 500 meteors per hour--somewhere between a "good show" and a "half storm." Observers in China, India, Japan and Indonesia are favored to see the brief but intense display. Complete details are available from NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office.

Under the Weather

I'm sick and need better meds. 101º temp, sore throat, body hurts all over and keep getting muscle cramps. Off to see the doctor in the morning......

If I'm still alive.

I've been waiting for my AT-897 Plus auto tuner. I ordered it over a month ago. LDG made an upgerade so that is why some of the delay. Well, I got it on today. I now have it all hooked up. The plan is to get the MFJ-1796 six band vertical up this week. Looks like the rain will stop tonight. Now if I weren't so sick I might get it up tomorrow. It might happen. The wife and son volunteered to help.

My Week; Oct 18-24

It’s been a pretty fair week.
We have not done to much this week. We had our electrician over running new lines to the garage and a new line to my Ham Shack.
Melissa finally settled on what she wants for new kitchen counter tops. That project will start in a few weeks.
We bought a Craftsman Yard Vacuum this week.
My health will not allow me to rake so the wife and I talked about it and decided to make this purchase. Our neighbor has one of these machines and it dose very well for them. We try to help out our senior citizen neighbor so this will definitely come in handy.

I have done some work at the ham shack. I got my Yaesu FT-7800 and FT-8900R mounted under the shelf on my desk. My Yaesu FT-897-D sits on the desk underneath those rigs. My HTX-242 sits to the side of the 897-D.
I will take a picture and post it here and on my face book page.

This is our 16th wedding Anniversary this weekend. We are going to a movie, our favorite restaurant and then to visit some ole friends.

The wife and kids are doing fine. No sickness at this time. Thank God.

JOTA=Youth@HamRadio

I hope to be at the local club, if not I will be on the airwaves to support JOTA.

Youth@HamRadio.Fun: A Scouting Marathon -- School is back in session all around America, and scouting is ramping back up. September and October are great months to kick off the Scouting year and resume the tireless chase for victory in the world of Radiosport.
Full Story

Great Thing about Ham Radio

Feature: Pizza, Macaroni and a Cheeseburger -- One of the great things about Amateur Radio is that it is a key that can open many doors to opportunity. It can help you meet people, make friends and sometimes take you to another country for a contact. This is what happened to me thanks to the common link of Amateur Radio.
Full Story

AMSAT - 'We're Going Back To Space'

This is one reason I love Amateur Radio. Working the birds.
During the board meeting held Oct. 8 in conjunction with the Annual Space Symposium and 40th Anniversary Celebration, the AMSAT Board of Directors adopted the Engineering Task Force recommendation that low-cost launch options be pursued immediately. The AMSAT engineering team will develop a 1U CubeSat design effective immediately. Tony Monteiro, AA2TX, Vice-President of Engineering said, "We are r
More...

"Where's DX?" and "Antennas in High Places"

A very informative read.
Revisiting "Where's DX?" and "Antennas in High Places" (Oct 9, 2009) -- The follow-up e-mails that Surfin' generates often expand on the topics that Surfin' originally covered.
Full Story

My Upgrade is Official

Cool, the Universal Licensing System has been updated.
Amateur License - KD8BIG - Strait, Mark D

Scouting Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)

This is a really fun event. I missed it last year but hope to participate this year.

October 17 and 18 will mark the 52nd worldwide Scouting Jamboree on the Air (JOTA). Held the third full weekend in October each year, this is the premier operating event for Amateur Radio and Scouting around the world.
Full Story

Wind Storm Update

We survived the wind storm last night. The neighbors on both sides of us loss very large tree limbs. We had the power flicker a few times but never lost power. The trees out back gave the power lines a workout though.

String of power outages from high winds happening too often for some residents

Thousands Lack Power,

Some Schools Close

Wind damage across West Michigan

Strong winds cause damage and power outages across West Michigan

UPDATE: Power outages for some may last until Friday

Companion Bill to HR 2160

Senate Introduces Companion Bill to HR 2160 -- On Tuesday, October 6, Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT), along with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), introduced Senate Bill 1755, The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009. Similar to HR 2160 -- also called The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009 -- that was introduced this past April by Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX-18), the bill, if passed, would direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to undertake a study on emergency communications. S 1755 points out that "There is a strong Federal interest in the effective performance of Amateur Radio Service stations, and that performance must be given -- (A) support at all levels of government; and (B) protection against unreasonable regulation and impediments to the provision of the valuable communications provided by such stations."
Full Story

Another Fall Wind Storm

Look for strong winds and occasional showers tonight with lows in the mid-upper 40s. Winds will be west-southwest wind at 25-35 mph with gusts to around 50 mph.
So far there have been reports of wind guest above 60mph.
I hope we do not lose power again. Much of Muskegon is currently without power.

Current Warnings;

Muskegon

Oceana

Ottawa

For further updates in your area visit NOAA's National Weather Service

KD8BIG / AG

I did it!

Rare September Storm Hits Michigan

We survived the storm. I was kinda cool until we lost power. We went with out power for 15 hours.
Monday evening it was fun, we sat by light of lanterns and oil lamps and played cards and board games. It took the kids some getting use to.
Once the battery life wore out on their Nintendo DS they had two choices, be board or play a game with Mom and Dad.
The house stayed pretty warm, only got down to 57º by 2pm Tuesday afternoon.
Hopefully we will have a generator for the next time we lose power.
We are looking to get a Kohler Residential Standby Generator-17 kW.
Only about 5 grand.

Here are some links from the local paper.

*UPDATE: Nearly 3,000 Muskegon County customers still without power

*Rare September windstorm whips up waves, sand and spectators

*Grand Haven police advise caution on piers and in Lake Michigan because of weather

*Residents along Lake Michigan brace for big winds

West Michigan Storms/ 9-27-09

Getting a great storm here in Muskegon.
Tonight, a strong cold front will rapidly cross Lower Michigan around midnight, preceded by a line of possibly severe thunderstorms between 7 PM to the northwest and 2 AM to the southeast. According to the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), there is a Slight Risk for severe weather with large hail and damaging thunderstorm winds the main threats. Wind gusts to 60 mph are possible with these storms and are capable of producing wind damage, including downed trees and power lines.
A gale warning has been posted for all of Lake Michigan for late Sunday through Tuesday, where waves could reach 12-18 feet.

Colder and Very Windy Monday

Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Muskegon
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Muskegon
High Wind Warning
Muskegon

Michigan Weather Updates

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

until 11:30 PM In effect for Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

until 6 AM Monday In effect for Muskegon, Montcalm, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun

Special Marine Warning

until 12:30 Monday In effect for Ottawa, Allegan, Van Buren

Wind Advisory

2 AM Monday - 5 AM Tuesday In effect for Lake, Osceola, Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella, Montcalm, Kent, Ionia, Barry, Kalamazoo, Calhoun

High Wind Warning

2 AM Monday - 5 AM Tuesday In effect for Mason, Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan, Van Buren

Football Sunday

Football Sunday. I slept through it.
I was glad to see that Brett Favre and the Vikings stunned the 49ers with a wild TD pass in the final seconds Sunday in Minnesota.
I'm a Packer fan and also a huge fan of Brett Favre. Brett is the best......

Watch: Favre stuns 49ers

New Rig is Ordered

I'm ready!!!!
I have taken all the test on QRZ and have read the book several times.
I have my new rig on order and it should be here any day.
I ordered;
FT897D HF/6m/2m/70cm W/60m
AT897 AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER FOR FT897
FP1030A 30A POWER SUPPLY WITH METERS
WIRES INTERFACE NODE
150' JT2213 RG213U AMPHENOL PL259 ON EACH END

ICY SURPRISE ON MARS

In 1976, NASA's Viking 2 lander dug into the soil of Mars in search of water and came up dry. NASA has just learned that Viking 2 might have succeeded if it had dug only 4 inches deeper. Meteorites hitting the Red Planet in 2008 and 2009 have exposed subsurface deposits of ice in the general area where Viking 2 landed. According to pictures taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the ice is surprisingly close to the surface in easy reach of robotic landers or thirsty human explorers. Get the full story from Science@NASA.

Seasonal flu shots and H1N1 Stir Concern

Seasonal flu shots and H1N1 stir concern - Canadian researchers reportedly have found as-yet-unpublished evidence that people who had a seasonal flu shot last year incurred a higher risk of H1N1 infection, but US and World Health Organization officials say they are not aware of any similar findings elsewhere. A series of studies in British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario seem to suggest that people who received a seasonal flu shot last year were about twice as likely to contract the pandemic H1N1 virus. The findings are spurring an effort by some Canadian public health officials to delay, reduce, or cancel seasonal flu vaccination campaigns this fall. "Investigators in other countries have looked at their own data and whether they could find similar observations, and none of the other countries have been able to find anything like that." The findings could be real or could be the result of a study bias or other methodologic problems. Many years of experience with seasonal flu immunizations have yielded no other evidence that they cause this type of problem, but the report warrants investigation. Several infectious disease experts said that British and Australian researchers have not seen the phenomenon observed by the Canadian authors, either. One of the experts called the lack of confirmation elsewhere a "red flag."

WATER ON THE MOON

How much water can you squeeze out of a ton of moondust? About 32 ounces, according to NASA. In a press conference yesterday, the space agency announced that three spacecraft have found signs of water molecules mixed in lunar topsoil. This bodes well for future lunar explorers who could use H₂O to drink--or O₂ to breathe--or H₂ for rocket fuel to get back to Earth! Science@NASA has the full story.

Mom Update

Mom is now home, she is in a lot of pain yet. Dad will have his work cut out for him the next several days. Mom should be able to get better rest at home. She had way to many distractions/ disturbances while at the hospital. I think this will be eas...ier on dad also. Thank you all for your continued prayers.

Mom Update

Just got mom home she needs to get some rest will update more later.

Mom Update 4

Went to see my Mom yesterday afternoon. She was 100% better than she was on Saturday. She had life in her and was up and around. I was there when the doctor was and he is thinking of letting Mom come home "today" ! Just hope Dad is up to the task. Thanks for all your continued prayers.

H1N1 flu in London U.K.

Tens of thousands of Londoners will be hit by a second wave of swine flu within three weeks, it was claimed Friday. Experts warned that the pandemic is likely to be "at its peak" in the capital between the beginning of October and the end of November. Last week the Chief Medical Officer predicted that the next phase of the virus could kill 19,000. Over the next two months, Londoners will be tracked on www.flusurvey.org.uk to try to contain the virus and obtain more accurate figures. "About 15 per cent of the population will be ill."

Precautionary Measures Advised in Fiji Islands

FIJI ISLANDS - People living in the low-lying areas were advised to take all precautionary measures as a trough affecting the group is expected to bring in more rain over the group particularly on Viti Levu. The Naqali Bridge in Naitasiri was reported to be underwater Friday morning. “Overall we still expecting flooding of low line areas and ...even the rivers came up pretty high... to expect that kind of situation in the dry season month of September I would say is RARE - so we have a VERY PECULIAR WEATHER PATTERN, we got the signal about this heavy rain a few days back.”

Mom Update 3

No change with Mom today. She is in a lot of pain. The doctors did change her medications some to help with the pain. She is still not eating and has not been able to work her bowels. They had to remove some damage bowel so they need something to hap...pen. Please continue to keep my Mom and Dad in your prayers.

New Rig Question

I am taking my upgrade test in 2 weeks.
My wife told me that if I could answer 50 questions without missing one I could order my 897-D.
Well, I am ordering my radio in the morning.
Question that I have is from where to order. I have purchased things in the past from AES and HRO, never any type of issues with either supplier.
However, R & L Electronics has the 897-D about 30 dollars cheaper. Anyone ever dealt with R & L?
Also, any suggestions for the purchase of the 897 would be appreciated.
Thanks,

Mom Update 2

On my way to see my Mom. I talked t omy Dad last night, he told me that Mom had been up walking, WOW.... The doctors really did a great job, they had us very concerned. Thank you all for your continued prayers. I did get some good sleep last night,... sorry for the missed phone calls and delay on e-mail replies.

Just got home from seeing Mom, she is in a lot of pain. I am going to take a nap. Not feeling to well at the moment.

Mom Update/ 9/17/09

I'm home now, Dad is still up at the hospital. I had to come home and take my meds and get something to eat. Thank you all for your prayers. Mom will be there for the next 5-8 days.

Thu at 12:12pm via Mobile Texts
Doctor said surgery went very well. Thnx. 4 your prayers
Thu at 11:56am via Mobile Texts
Mom is in recovery. Waiting to hear from the doctor.
Thu at 10:37am via Mobile Texts
Mom is still in surgery, no word yet. Thanks 4 the prayers.

My Mom has Surgery Today

I’m not ready for today. My Mom goes into surgery at 8am. The doctors have not been very encouraging on the out come. Please keep her in your prayers. Next to my wife, my Mom is my best friend.

Swine Flu Vaccine Warning

I’m not a doctor!
I’m not a nurse!
I’m not even medically trained!
This is just my opinion!
However, from what I have heard, read and have been told by Physicians I will not take the swine flu vaccine.
I even heard that county in health departments across the country will push the vaccine because they stand to benefit with the purchase of new equipment.
So, before you take this vaccine, do some research?

This is what I have found;
Risks of the Swine Flu Vaccine
Swine Flu Vaccine Should Not Be Given to Children in Schools
Lies, half truths and media hype of swine flu (Article)
Nationwide Revolt Against Mass Swine Flu Vaccination Accelerates
Warning: Swine Flu Shot Linked to Killer Nerve Disease
Makers Of Vaccination Refuse To Take H1N1
DID SHE SAY CODE RED???
Video: Early study on H1N1 deaths KXAN.com
Video: Friends Remember Local H1N1 Victim KETV TV

Remember that "you catch the virus" which is literally true. Shaking hands is a deadly exercise in this setting. Door knobs, railings, utensils used by an infected person, kissing someone with the virus, close contact with infected people who are incubating the virus, table tops etc carry the virus even up to 48 long hours. Indian system of Namaste is very healthy practice.

Your best bet is to meticulously clean your hands with simple soap and water (not chemical detergent soaps) as frequently as is possible or, at least, before touching your nose, eyes and mouth. During travel or hospital visits one does well to carry a bottle of alcohol hand cleaners for use where soap and water are scarce. They are very effective.

VHF QSO Party

The ARRL Sept. VHF QSO Party which runs from 2pm on Sat. the 12th until 11pm on Sun. the 13th. There's a lot of Midwestern activity and we're always looking for newcomers or the curious. Here's the link to the ARRL rules:
http://www.arrl. org/contests/ rules/2009/ sepvhf.html

What follows is a 5-minute primer on how to get started in VHF Contesting.

Remember to get on and have some fun this weekend with the ARRL VHF QSO Party. All bands from 6m, 2m and on up are in play. Operate as much or as little as you like. USB mode is what 80-90% of the contesters use, with horizontally- polarized antennas.

Even modest horizontal loops will work stations out 50-150 miles. I know this because in my first contest (Sept. 2003) I had only horizontal loops for 6 and 2m, and I worked some stations as far away as 300 miles, without any special enhancement. Using headphones and keeping the squelch low is essential for digging out those distant, light signals. You'll be amazed how far some of those S1 signals will travel, if you listen carefully. Also be aware that on VHF/UHF bands, propagation is usually better after sunset and well into the morning hours. If I only had a few hours to spend, I'd operate from about 7-11pm, and then again from about 7-11am.

Those with beams and/or higher antennas (above trees and obstructions) can get out farther. Bread and butter VHF bands are 6 and 2 meters. At least 90% of us have one or both of those bands.

The basic contest exchange is callsign and grid square. Log the callsign of the station you worked, what band it was on, their grid square and the time of the QSO within a minute or two. Most QSO's are voice mode, but there is plenty of CW activity, as well. Each year, more and more ops benefit from using the various digital modes.

On 6m, you operate from 50.125 up to about 50.175 or so. If there's a good band opening, activity can spread above 50.200.
On 2m, the call freq. is 144.200, but tune around and call CQ between about 144.150-144. 250. Maybe more like 144.170-144. 230 if the band isn't that busy.
Avoid the temptation to use 144.200 too much. Far better to tune around and find some elbow room.
On 70cm, the SSB call freq. is 432.100 MHz. Hardly anyone calls CQ on 70cm because of the pointyness of horizontal beams. Standard practice is to do your CQ'ing on either 6 and/or 2 meters, and then "work up the bands" with the station you've contacted. Experienced hams will be happy to help you get your feet wet. VHF/UHF contests are far more casual than HF, and we can always use newcomers.

If you are limited to FM gear, then you'll find the most activity on 146.550, followed by 223.500 on the 1.25cm band. You may also find some activity on the 6m FM call freq. of 52.525 and the 70cm call freq. of 446.000. On FM, use vertical polarization.

VHF/UHF contesting levels in the entire Midwest have really improved the past year. 2010 should see continued improvement.

A Really Good Day

What a great day. Even though things fell through with my daughter, My daughter was to undergo several procedures today for possible future brain surgery. After I logged off the computer this morning I went out to the living room to find Shelby eating a sandwich. She was not to eat due to having to be sedated. We called the Hospital and they said we need to reschedule, to risky if she has food in her system. Looking at 9/25/09 now.
I got my MFJ-1796 this morning. What a nice looking antenna.
My wife and I took my parents out to lunch. What a great time we had. I hope my Mom will still be with us next week at this time. She has a major surgery on 9/17/9. Please keep her in your prayers. Next to my wife, my Mom is my best friend.

Mom Update 3

Mom did not look to well today. She is in an extreme amount of pain. Due to the pain she is unable to cough and has pneumonia setting in. Dad feels that Mom is much weaker today than yesterday. Please continue to keep them both in your prayers.

Net on the 2 Meter Repeater

Did the W8ZHO net tonight. What fun.
The NCS “NA8M” Bill had introduced us to a really cool software that he uses for his DXing contest.
I checked it out, it is called DX Atlas. I’m gonna download tonight and play around with it.
24 more days till I take my test for General.
Who knows, maybe I will try for the Extra if I pass the General…….Yeah, right.

My Labor Day

The fifth annual Labor Day "Cars for Cancer" was awesome. I hung out at the W8ZHO both for awhile with some ole friends. After that I ventured around with the wife and daughter to look at the cars. I had several friends with there cars in ...the show. It got pretty warm, the heat started getting to me so the wife dragged me back home to the central air.
-----------------------------------------
Getting out of the house for a while.
Heading down to the K4C event

Car show to rev up funds for cancer victims

Played w/ the Rigs today

What a great day.
I played Amateur Radio today. I worked with my Vx-7R, trying to reprogram it. I also spent time getting familiar with my FT-7800.
I had sold the rigs to a friend, he is a truck driver. He was going to get his ticket and decided not too. He gave me both rigs back and told me not to worry about paying him back.
What a pal, thanks Dewain.
Now I am going to work on a better antenna and I also studied today for my General.

Got an e-mail today asking me if I would like to design the October 18 exercise for the MCECS/RACES group here in Muskegon.
Gonna give it a try.

Early Start to the Day (Again)

Woke up this morning around 2am, I tried to fall back to sleep but my body and mind was not willing to cooperate. (sigh) Getting tired of it. Body hurts and just not feeling well.
So, I checked e-mails, did face book and studied for my General Upgrade.
It is looking good at this point. Then again, been studying for it now for four years or better.
My wife said when I pass I can get a new rig.
I did have my eye on the Kenwood-D710A.
Then the wife informed me that whatever I purchase it better be what I need or better for General Privileges.
That means I’m looking at the Yaesu FT-897D unless someone talks me into something different.

Cold Winter Prediction for 2009

This is no surprise, after having one of the coldest summers on record.
I hope this comes true and would love to see 15 foot of snow and record low temps Dec-March.

Farmer's Almanac predicts bitterly cold winter for parts of U.S. - The longtime periodical, published since 1818 and famous for its long-range weather predictions, is out with its annual winter forecast, which says Old Man Winter is really going to hammer folks in the Midwest and upper Great Lakes region with very cold and very snowy conditions. "A large area of numbingly cold temperatures will predominate from roughly east of the Continental Divide to west of the Appalachians. The coldest temperatures will be over the northern Great Lakes and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

An Awesome Day

What an awesome day today is.
The last few days have been really great as far as the weather goes.

Observation Time: Wednesday, September 2 1:00 PM EDT
Humidity	50%
Dew Point	52°F (11°C)
Visibility	10SM
Wind Speed	5 MPH
Wind Direction	West (270°)
Pressure	1026 mb (30.3 in)
Feels Like:	77°F (25°C)
6hr Lo:	46°F
6hr High:	72°F
Tuesday's High:	68°F
Tuesday's Lo:	41°F

Space Shuttle Tracking

I talked to several of you who were looking for a way to track the ISS.
Here is another site to use.

TWO SPACESHIPS, ONE FLYBY: Space shuttle Discovery docked to the International Space Station on Sunday, August 30th, carrying a load of high-tech equipment to outfit the station's science labs. Joined together, the two massive spaceships outshine every star in the night sky. Check the Simple Satellite Tracker for flybys of your hometown.

Massive Calif. Wildfire

LOS ANGELES — Two Los Angeles County firefighters were killed when their vehicle rolled down a mountain side amid the intense flames of a wildfire that threatened 12,000 homes. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged those in the fire's path to get out as the blazes rained ash on cars as far away as downtown Los Angeles, spreading in all directions in dry conditions.

Things are not looking good in California.
The wildfires have now claimed the lives of 2 firemen.
I am hoping to hear from my friend W2WRX, and others who are involved with EMS.
For info I think is the best.
California Disasters

Field Exercise

This is the field exercise I participated in tonight. It was my first exercise since early 2006.
I miss Ham Radio. I hope to be involved as much as I can.
I am glad that I do not have to leave my room to participate.

E-Mails sent to me prior to the exercise.

All,
The Aug 23 exercise is coming together. Mark Strait, KD8BIG, is going to coordinate the exercise on the 82 repeater beginning at 7PM. He will make all participant assignments and direct traffic.

I have commitments for Field Stations for the following bands.

Amateur 2 meter - two stations (KD8FBY, W8LGP)
Amateur 70CM - one station (KC8PCJ)
FRS (Family Radio Service) - one station (N8YJT)
CB - one station. (KC8AZR)

There are two categories of stations. Participating Stations and Field Stations. The Field Stations are assigned (as indicated above). Participating Stations may check in to the net with KD8BIG beginning at 7PM on the 82 repeater. This will be an informal net for coordination of the exercise. At 7:30 PM the NCS will assign each Participating Station the job of contacting one of the Field Stations from the Hackley Park starting location. Participating Stations will be given the frequency. All Field Stations will be located within expected simplex range of Hackley Park. When the Field Station is contacted the Participating Station will be given the location of the Field Station. The Participating Station must travel to the Field Station Location and obtain their next assignment and frequency from the Field Station operator(s).

Note: all stations should be prepared to convert CB and FRS frequencies to channel numbers. Resources will be available for those who are not able to come prepared.

More later -

Tom, N8YJT

All,
This is a special invitation to participate in a fun exercise to be held tomorrow night, Aug 23, at Hackely Park in Muskegon. Net will start at 7PM on the 82 repeater (see below). Hope to see many of you there.
Tom, N8YJT

Here's a description

Operation on 2 meters, 70cm, CB and FRS.
5 simplex field stations set up prior to the exercise, about 7PM.
All participants meet at central location (Hackley Park)
All participants or teams receive a slip of paper with a frequency and callsign.
At 7:30PM participants or teams call the assigned field station
Assigned field station provides participant with location
Participants go to assigned field station and get another assignment
Repeat the process
Participants return to central location when they have completed assignments.
Awards ceremony about 8:45 followed by Coffee at Arbys
NCS on the 82 repeater

All,
Things to keep in mind.
1. It is planned that a participant at Hackley Park will be able to make contact with any of the Field Stations from that location. For example, if a participant is not able to make contact with FS5 from FS1, they should go to Hackley Park as the starting point. However, if Participant is able to make contact with FS5 from FS1 they can go directly to FS5.
2. Participants operate from mobiles or with HT.
3. Frequencies of Field Stations should be kept confidential until NCS assigns participants to FS. That will be difficult to do if the frequency is given over the 82 repeater. I need to come up with a work around.

More to come -

Hackley Park (Downtown)
Richards Park (Ottawa St) (KC8AZR)
Heritage Landing (Seventh St) (N8YJT)
Mullally Park (Horton Rd) (KD8FBY)
Quarter Oak Park (Corner of Quarterline and Oak) (KC8PCJ)
J C Beukema Play Field (Corner of Wesley and Roberts) (W8LGP)

Family Reunion today

Today is my Family Reunion. My wife and I have organize it every year now for the last 13 years. This year we have 30 pounds of Hamburger, 20 pounds of Chicken and 10 pounds of Hot Dogs to cook. Those attending will be bringing a dish to pass.
My brother who lives in Kansas will be home this weekend with his family also.
I hope the weather works with me. Looks like rain along the lakeshore, the local weathermen say we have a 30% chance of rain. It looks like a 85% chance of rain showers throughout the early to mid afternoon to me.
Then again, I'm no weather man. Just a weather nut......

My Mom

Today I found out my Mom has to have a major surgery and that her outcome doses not look good.
I have this hurt inside me that I have not had in years.
My Mom is my best friend next to my wife.
I wasn’t the typical son; I was always into trouble and stirring up trouble whenever I could.
The hardest thing for me while listening to my Mom explains all this was watching the reactions on my sons face.
While Mom talks about this I can see the hurt in my son, my daughter sat next to Mom playing with her and not understanding what is going on. That is going to be the really tough thing to deal with, trying to explain to my daughter what is going on when the end dose come.
Please pray for me and my family.
I’m gonna be a complete major disaster, yet so many are going to expect me to be the strong one.

Muggy Night

I just went outside to sit on the patio. Was out there for not even 2 minutes and started sweating in my summer time places. Way to hot and muggy. Yes, I very seldom leave the house for outdoors. Thank God for Central Air.

I should had looked at my home weather station.
It is showing;
Observation Time: Saturday, August 8 10:15 PM
Indoors;
Humidity 35%
Temp. 67º
Outdoors;
Humidity 83%
Temp.77º
Dew Point 72°F (22°C)
Visibility 7SM
Wind Speed Calm
Wind Direction VRB
Pressure 1013 mb (29.91 in)
Feels Like: 78°F (26°C)

Remembering My Sixth Grade Teacher; RAYMOND J. MCGUIRE

Mr. Raymond J. McGuire, age 82, died Saturday, July 18, 2009. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI on April 19, 1927 to Thomas & Mary McGuire and married the former Alice Mae. Mr. McGuire had been employed as a Teacher at Muskegon Public Schools for over 20 years until retiring. He was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and the Muskegon Yacht Club, White Lake Yacht Club & Muskegon Country Club.

Deaths

Obituary

My son and I have talked numerous times about my favorite school teacher, Mr. McGuire.

When I was 12, I was the new kid in Muskegon Michigan. My family had just moved to Muskegon Michigan from South Carolina.

Mr. McGuire was great. He gave me the guidance I needed and when I strayed, he talked to me with great respect and then called my parents. My 6th grade year was also tough; we had a classmate killed in a car accident. Mr. McGuire did a great job helping us 6th graders understanding death.

Mr. McGuire, Thanks for helping me become the responsible, respected adult that I am.

Godspeed to you.

I look forward to seeing you in heaven.

I Joined Face Book Today.

Today I joined Face Book.
I have no desire to join a social networking group, however, I have been informed by many of my friends that it is a great way to stay in touch with friends of ones past, I really do not know who would want to remember my past back in the 80s through the mid 90s.
So, here I go.........
Wish me luck

Volcano Updates

Stromboli Volcano, Italy
During the period 6-12 July 2009, eruptions continued from 4 vents at Stromboli volcano in Italy. Two vents were active in the north crater, and two in the south crater. The north crater showed short eruptions which ejected bombs, lapilli and fine ash. The intensity of eruptions was average, with emissions to a height of 150 m above the vent. During the reporting period, there were an average of about 15 explosions per hour.


Chaitén Volcano, Chile
Eruptive activity continues at Chaiten volcano in Chile. Growth of the summit lava dome creates an explosion and pyroclastic flow hazard. Adjacent valleys contain pyroclastic material which may be mobilised after heavy rain and create lahars. Chaiten volcano remains on alert level RED.

Good bye to Sampa

All things come to an end eventually, the unfortunate thing is my web site, GDN @ sampa is no longer. Sampa has decided to shut down there servers. So, know I am faced with transferring much of my material to this site. I might open a real domain. That is probably the best thing to do.

Sampa was a nice site. They did not see the need for JAVA and html so I think that is one reason they failed. I inquired to them about adding those features and there response was to go somewhere that offers it. So, I went to blogger.

7/4/09

-PI Foods, Inc of Dallas, TX is recalling approximately 15,000 (net wt. 20g) packets of non fat dry milk because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
-NOW Foods has issued a voluntary recall for NOW Foods products containing whey protein concentrate due to potential Salmonella contamination.
-North Coast Seafood has voluntarily removed from sale Fresh Tuna Steaks that were sold at Shaw’s, Star Market and Big Y Stores in New England.

RECALLS & ALERTS

The United States' number of pandemic flu cases climbed to 33,902, with 170 deaths. The new totals reflect 6,185 more cases and 43 more deaths than last week. In its new surveillance report today for the week ending Jun 27, the CDC said flu activity decreased but is still higher than normal for this time of year. The New York/New Jersey area is still reporting elevated activity, as is the Pacific Northwest.

The spread of the swine flu virus worldwide is now unstoppable. - Most H1N1 cases are mild, with many people recovering unaided. The exceptions were pregnant women and people with underlying health problems. The UK alone was projecting more than 100,000 new cases of H1N1 a day by the end of the summer. As the peak of the flu season approaches in South America, some areas have declared a public health emergency. El Salvador reported its first death from swine flu, a day after Paraguay reported its first fatality. "For a pandemic of moderate severity, this is one of our greatest challenges: helping people to understand when they do not need to worry, and when they do need to seek urgent care.

ETHIOPIA - Volcano eruption in the Afar region reported. Thermal anomalies and dense sulphur dioxide plumes in Ethiopia appear to indicate that a significant effusive eruption has taken place in the Manda Hararo area of the western Afar region. There is as yet no visual confirmation of the eruption from the ground. There was a VEI=2 eruption at the Manda Hararo volcanic complex in August 2007, and a larger eruption in the Alu-Dalaffilla region in November 2008. In terms of size, the current Manda Hararo event seems to lie somewhere between the two. The MODIS thermal alerts service at the University of Hawaii has shown hotspots of varying intensity over a considerable area of the Manda Hararo region since 27 June, while the OMI Sulfur Dioxide Group has mapped considerable SO2 emissions on 29 and 30 June.

Today at a Glance

April 25, 2009

Severe Weather:
Slight risk of severe weather for central to northeast Kansas, southeast Nebraska, far northwest Missouri southwest to northeast Iowa, southwest to northeast Wisconsin and far southeast Minnesota to the 25th. Slight risk of severe weather for south southwest to north central Texas, the northwest 2/3 of Oklahoma, Kansas, the southeast 1/3 of Nebraska, Iowa, northwest Missouri, and far southwest Minnesota, the 25th to the 26th. Slight risk of severe weather for northcentral Texas, Oklahoma, the southeast 1/2 of Kansas, the southeast 1/2 of Iowa, the northwest 2/3 of Missouri, the northwest 2/3 of Illinois, northwest Indiana, far northwest Ohio, the southeast 1/3 of Wisconsin, and Michigan the 26th to the 27th.

Flooding:
Flooding likely, possible, or occurring in central to eastern South Dakota, central to eastern North Dakota, far northwest Minnesota, central west Illinois, north central Florida, and central south Louisiana. (6 inches of rainfall forecast for northeast Oklahoma and southeast Missouri)

Fire:
Critical fire danger for far south Nevada, far northwest and western Arizona, New Mexico, southeast Colorado, far southwest Kansa, and far west Oklahoma, far northwest Texas, and southwest Florida the 24th to the 25th. Critical fire danger for southeast Arizona, the southeast 2/3 of New Mexico and western Texas the 25th to the 26th.

Upcoming Meteor Shower

VENUS TO DISAPPEAR DURING METEOR SHOWER: On Wednesday morning, April 22nd, the planet Venus will disappear behind the Moon during the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower. It's a show you won't want to miss. Get the full story from Science@NASA.

Articles of Interest

April 17, 2009

Severe Weather:
Slight risk of severe weather for far eastern Arizona, western to central Texas, western Oklahoma, southeast Colorado, and southwest Kansas the to the 17th. Slight risk of severe weather for central to east southeast and far north Texas, western Oklahoma, and southwest Kansas the 17th to the18th.

Flooding:
Flooding likely, possible, or occurring in South Dakota, North Dakota, far northwest Minnesota, far northeast Wyoming, far southeast Montana, central west Illinois, south Mississippi, south Georgia, north Florida, Louisiana, and central east Texas to the 21th. (5.7 inches of rainfall for central east Texas, and southwest Louisiana).

Fire:
Critical fire danger for the northeast 1/3 of New York into New England, and far southeast New Mexico into central west Texas the 17th to the 18th. Moderate fire danger for Minnesota into Wisconsin, and central and southern Florida from the 17th to the 18th. Critical fire danger for southeast California, northwest Arizona, southern Nevada and southwest Utah the 22nd to the 24th.

AFGHANISTAN - Two moderate earthquakes have hit eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 19 people and destroying dozens of homes. The US Geological Survey says a 5.5-magnitude quake struck at 0157 local time (2127 GMT), followed by a 5.1-magnitude aftershock two hours later. The quakes struck in Nangarhar province, about 50 miles (80km) east of Kabul near the Pakistan border. At least two villages were reported to have suffered serious damage. Villagers told reporters that the death toll was higher.

Tropical Cyclone Bijli, with sustained winds of 50 mph, is located off the coast of Orissa, India and will slightly strengthen while tracking to the northeast along the coastline of Orissa, West Bengal, Bangladesh before making landfall in the vicinity of the Bangladesh and Myanmar boarder region on Saturday.

MADAGASCAR - Five more people were found dead in Madagascar after tropical cyclone Jade, pushing the death toll to 15. A further 22,900 people were also registered as homeless, bringing the number without shelter to over 60,800. The new deaths and homeless figures were reported in the northeastern district of Antalaha, where Jade made landfall on April 6. Officials had been unable to collect the data from the district because of rising waters in the area. The emergency management office also reported that 63 percent of Antalaha's coffee and vanilla crops, the region's key exports, were damaged. Three-quarters of subsistence crops and 65 percent of fruit trees were destroyed. Madagascar's cyclone season runs from November to April. In January, at least nine people were killed and more than 20,000 lost their homes after two cyclones hit the Indian Ocean island.

West Africa faces 'megadroughts' - DROUGHTS LASTING CENTURIES occur regularly in West Africa, scientists find - and another one is coming, climate change or not. Analysis of sediments in a Ghanaian lake shows the last of these "megadroughts" ended 250 years ago. Man-made climate change may make the situation worse. But the droughts are going to happen again anyway, and societies should begin planning for them. "It's disconcerting - it suggests we're vulnerable to A LONGER-LASTING DROUGHT THAN WE'VE SEEN IN OUR LIFETIME.." Droughts lasting a few decades appear to be linked to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), a natural climatic cycle in which sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean vary over time. However, the cause of the longer, multi-century droughts is not clear. "That's one of the scary aspects - we have no idea what causes them." There appears to be a similarity between the outlook for West Africa and the southwestern portion of the US. There, research has also shown a history of shorter and longer droughts.

Pagan Volcano, Mariana Islands
Pagan volcano in the Mariana Islands erupted black ash and steam on 16th April. The Aviation Color Code for Pagan volcano was raised to Yellow. There are no monitoring instruments installed on Pagan. Monitoring is by satellite and ground observers. Pagan volcano is located 173 nautical miles north of Saipan. The island contains two stratovolcanoes connected by a narrow isthmus.

Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
A magnitude 5.0 earthquake hit the south flank of Kilauea volcano on 14th April at 12:44 pm local time. The epicentre was 14 km south of the town of volcano, near Hilina Pali. Kilauea summit recorded weak deflation after the earthquake. In the past 25 years there have been 3 earthquakes over magnitude 5 in the same area of the volcano. There has been no change in eruptive activity at Kilauea volcano. Magma continues to degass through Pu`u `O`o Crater, and flow from TEB vent and the rootless shield complex through tubes to the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u.

Today at a Glance

April 13, 2009

Severe Weather:
Slight risk of severe weather for central north to northeast Texas, central south Oklahoma, southeast Louisiana, central to south Mississippi and southwest Alabama to the 13th. Slight risk of severe weather for southeast Louisiana, Mississippi, northeast Arkansas, southeast Missouri, central to southern Illinois, central to southern Indiana, central to western Kentucky, central to western Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, central to southern South Carolina, and central to northern Florida the 13th to the 14th.

Flooding;
Flooding likely, possible, or occurring in South Dakota, North Dakota, west northwest Minnesota, central west and southeast Illinois, northeast and northwest Indiana, central west and northeast Illinois, central north Missouri, northeast Texas, central to south Georgia, and central north Florida to the 17th.

Fire;
Moderate fire danger for far south Texas the 12th to the 13th. Critical fire danger for southwest California, western Arizona, and southern Nevada the 14th to the 15th. Critical fire danger for far southeast California, central to southern Arizona, central to southern and northeast New Mexico and western Texas the 15th to the 16th. Critical fire danger for southeast Arizona, the southeast 1/2 of New Mexico and western Texas the 16th to the 17th.

Fernandina Volcano, Galapagos Islands
A new eruption began at Fernandina volcano on 10th April 2009 at 2200 hr. The seismic station at Puerto Ayora did not record any earthquakes associated with the eruption. The eruption was observed by rangers from Galapagos National Park, and a tourist boat in the early hours of Saturday morning (local time). An eruption column with low ash content was visible on satellite images extending 300 km west of the volcano. Satellite images show several hotspots at Fernandina volcano, which may indicate lava flows. Personnel from the Galapagos National Park on Isabela Island are making a flight over the volcano, to ascertain more precisely the location of the eruption centre, and assess the extent of the lava flows and their likely impact
fauna and flora of the area. The last eruption of Fernandina volcano occurred in 2005, when lava flows originated from a fissure on the south-eastern flank of the volcano and descend without reaching the sea.

Mayo Update

I have heard from many of you that Mayo Clinic will do wonders for me. After the phone conversations I have had with the finance department last week I now have my own point of view.
I was told to expect to pay anywhere from 15-30 grand next week.
I was in disbelief .
After talking with the finance department and my own doctor I will not be heading to Mayo Clinic. There is no way that I can afford to pay that kind of money.
I will instead continue to do my best to improve my health and follow directions given to me from my own personal doctor.
My wife and I met with our PCP Friday and talked about the conversations we had with Mayo. Our PCP informed us to take care of our home and children before spending that kind of money at Mayo. Mayo would be a great help for me but they offered no guarantees for the service given unless I had enough money.
This all saddens me; I have been out of work since May of 2006 and have become a thought. My wife had worked for about 2 years and has lost her job so now it is all about surviving as best as we can.
Both of our cars are now paid for and we have over 500 pounds of meat in the freezer. I think we will be fine for a while. Time will tell.

21 days absent

Wow, 21 days have gone by since my last post.
I have not been feeling very well the last 3 weeks. I have had some days that were not bad at all.
The wife and I managed to make it to the Lakes Mall to get in some walking over the last 3 weeks. Now that the weather appears to be warming up and the roads are longer snow covered we plan on walking around the neighborhood.
We bought a new freezer a few weeks back. After it was delivered we went to the local butcher shop and ordered a half of cow. Good eating at $2.19 a pound. We can no longer afford the market prices at many of the grocery stores. Tell me were you can get a T-Bone at $2.19 a pound.
The only down to buying a side of beef is having to pay for it. Ours was around the $900.00 adding the $700.00 for the freezer and that puts me broke, but well worth it. I will save on groceries. After all, we have 400 and some pounds of beef.
I have everything all set for Mayo Clinic. The motel rooms are reserved and it looks like my dad and brother will be taking me. I was told to be prepared to be there for 3-5 days. Then again, they say that to everyone I bet. I am not looking forward to going.
So, that is what I have been up to the last 3 weeks.

Global Disaster Network

I would like you to join me and many others at Global Disaster Network.
Global Disaster Network has 25 active members and is growing. The members are not all Armature Radio Operators, they are however Meteorologist, Geologist, Volconologist, Firefighters and Law Enforcement officers, Members of Media Organizations and hobbyist.
The Global Disaster Network has members throughout the United States, New Zealand, Germany, India and Thailand. We try to post daily about events and hold professional discussions about current events.
Information and Education in regards to World Wide Disasters and events to include warnings and updates for:Drought, Earthquakes, Flooding, Health Threats, Hurricanes, Landslides, Severe Weather Warnings, Solar Flares, Space Weather, Tsunamis, Volcanoes, Wildfires and to also discuss thoughts in the many areas of Geophysics.

Global Disaster Network Discussion Page

Global Disaster Network Blog Page

Preparing for Mayo Clinic

Friday afternoon I received a phone call from Mayo Clinic. The have me scheduled for March 23rd. At this point and after much thought and discussions with the family it will be my Dad taking me to Rochester Minnesota.
My wife is going to stay home and tend to our children and animals. I have no idea how long I will be at Mayo Clinic. They said anywhere to 2 days and up. Depends on what all they find and surgery.
I’m not really looking forward to this trip now. Mayo needs 5 grand up front. (Ouch). It really sucks not having insurance. With the wife having been out of work for the last 4 months things have become very tight. At least we are not in the same position many people are in as far as losing there home and vehicles. Those are the things we pay on first. Last payment is now due on our truck. Pretty cool, I have been off work for 3 years and got both vehicles paid off. Not to mention all the work we have had done to our home. So yes, I thank the good Lord for providing for us.