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