Wednesday, December 21, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds - Year End Wrap-Up

From Warren, KD4GUA:

There will be no formal net program on Xmas Day. There will be greetings etc., instead. The program "The New Kid On the Block--Non-alcoholic cirrhosis--will continue on New Years Day.

We have been having excessive splatter from the two powerful Spanish-speaking stations on 14.310 that do not identify. (Blogmaster's note: One of them is AD4C). We have asked them to move but to no avail. This has been going on for over two years...we are asking you to write and notify ARRL to investigate. (hqinfo@arrl.org)

Total checkins for 2005 were 1,517 (average 29.17) below 2004's, 1,534 (average 29.50) and 2003s' 1,519. (average 29.23). Drop-off contributed by attrition, hurricanes and low solar cycle???

2005 was much higher however, than 1998 (694 checkins), 1999 (766), 2000 (1,035), 2001 (1,153) and 2002 (1,326).

Certificates of CME participation will be included separately in the next Newsletter. Those who are not members or are delinquent are asked to join MARCO so we can forward your certificate. (Physicians $25; Associates $15...Marco, 144 Head of the Tide, Belfast, Maine 04915.)

Please advise net control what subjects you would like to have discussed in 2006.

Final standings will be posted after January 1. It has been a pleasure meeting with such a fine group each Sunday--Let's keep it going....Warren KD4gua.

P.S. Eat plenty of goodies between now and next year because people gain weight between New Years and Christmas, not between Christmas and New Years!!!!

Monday, December 12, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 11, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed Medicare Part D. We will continue this discussion this Sunday. Correction: There IS a Medicare Part C--it consists of "Medicare Advantage" plans which give the HMOs and PPOs the power to regulate your Medicare A & B. Sorry about that--we all learn, more or less.

A first (second?) for Marco--Ellen, KC9ARN checked in Sunday from 30,000 ' (She is a stew for American Airlines)

2005 is almost gone--to get your CME Category II hours up tune in for the remainder.
A certificate will be issued to all those with over 5 hours credit.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 11, 2005

Frm Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed Medicare Part D. We will continue this discussion this Sunday. Correction: There IS a Medicare Part C--it consists of "Medicare Advantage" plans which give the HMOs and PPOs the power to regulate your Medicare A & B. Sorry about that--we all learn, more or less.

A first (second?) for Marco--Ellen, KC9ARN checked in Sunday from 30,000 ' (She is a stew for American Airlines) .

2005 is almost gone--to get your CME Category II hours up tune in for the remainder. A certificate will be issued to all those with over 5 hours credit.

Thursday, December 08, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 6, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we finished up sleep...this week by demand we will be discussing PART D MEDICARE which, when, who should enlist and which plan is most cost effective. There are some deadlines approaching for possibly you and for your patients. Tune in and find which plan is best. And, oh yes, there is NO part C Medicare--yet.

Monday, November 21, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 20, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we competed with contesters (again) but managed to conclude "AUTISM". This Sunday we will update "Sleep & Sleeping Disorders" and discuss the new drugs Lunesta and Remelteon--do they work and if so how good are they? Why can't people go to sleep and stay asleep? How much sleep do we really need? Why do we sleep?

We are looking for new topics to talk about. If you would like to present a program say so, don't be bashful.

Good hearing from Joe W5DJH in Houston, Ed W4UVS in Oak Ridge, Miles W3DRB in Elizabethtown, Ian, K3iK in Shavertown, Bob VE3OQM in Hamilton.

Monday, November 07, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 6, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we discussed GAS. This week we will talk about AUTISM--a symptom and not a disease. It affects 6 out of every 1000 newborns and is more common than we think. Chip N5RTF will be on board to answer questions concerning the NP side of the problem.

We lost Gerald Bellehumeur MD, former anesthesiologist and pilot. His wife Susan renewed his membership in Marco in his honor.

Since we failed to have a topic for discussion last week (October 30), no CME credits given for checking in--the contestors drowned out everyone.

Sunday, November 06, 2005

More on Ham Radio in Emergencies

From Bob Conder, K4RLC:
The November issue of the Southeastern Repeater Journal has articles by
three hams who were in the Mississippi-Louisiana gulf area post Katrina,
either conducting communications or working with the Red Cross Disaster
Services. It speaks to what it was like and what worked for communications.

... get a copy of the entire issue if you can.

Basically, LCD radio services were what worked - lowest common denominator
- VHF and HF phone simplex. Battery operated, off the grid.

Bob K4RLC

Ham Radio in Emergencies

Smitty, W6CS, forwarded this discussion from Rick Ellinger:

A few months ago, NBC's Tonight Show staged a race between a pair of ham-radio operators with Morse-code keys and a couple of kids with text-messaging cellphones to see who could communicate faster. The hams won hands down, proving, in the minds of some, that old technology could hold its own against new. In recent days, ham radio was put to the test again by Hurricane Katrina. This time, however, lives were at stake.

In the world of design engineers and electronics in general, change is essential. Designers work diligently to make the fruits of their labors obsolete almost before they see daylight. The turnover in technology is sometimes like a flood, with old being washed away by new over and over. Often, the new beats the heck out of the old. But there are times when old isn't necessarily bad; in fact, sometimes old works when new doesn't. And then we're glad that old is still around, or at least we should be.

Wireless technology, while relatively new to many consumers, is of course not new at all. A few (very) old-timers remember the original "wireless" of radio. The revolution wrought by the pioneers of wireless changed the world then, and the technology behind that revolution has been re-invented and re-applied time and again. Its pre-eminent incarnation today is our near-ubiquitous wireless communications infrastructure, which has freed us from the shackles of landlines and made our mobile lifestyles possible. Technology truly is great stuff.

Until, of course, a monster hurricane comes along to render it nearly useless. Here we see a scenario in which a flood literally swept away the new. As Hurricane Katrina's fury hammered the Gulf states on August 29, the communications infrastructure took a devastating hit. Telephone service, including wireless, became at first intermittent and then unusable in many localities. Where there was phone service, 911 switchboards were often unreachable due to the massive volume of calls. The response of local authorities, now termed "confused" by deposed FEMA chief Michael Brown, wasn't helping much. The Gulf Coast was about to descend into darkness, chaos, and, worst of all for many, silence.

But proponents of the old were at the ready. The "old," in this case, is ham radio. In the eyes of the "man on the street," ham radio has a pretty stodgy reputation. Aren't hams still using Morse code? Don't some of them use radios with tubes, for goodness sake? What the "man in the street" probably doesn't know is that it was amateurs who advanced the radio arts early in the 20th century. Down through the decades, amateurs have embraced (and often driven) all of the innovations in wireless technology, up to and including all digital modes and the Internet. But many have stayed in touch with their roots, which is good old-fashioned analog HF operation. And while amateurs have a longstanding tradition as innovators and experimenters, they also have a mandate that comes with their licenses: to be ready, willing, and able to provide emergency communications whenever and wherever they're needed.

As Katrina bore down on the Gulf region, amateur radio operators, under the aegis of the American Radio Relay League's (ARRL's) Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), prepared to swing into action with emergency networks that would run health-and-welfare traffic into and out of the disaster zone. As early as the Monday following the storm, hams throughout the hurricane zone were putting emergency stations on the air. In one instance, hams were instrumental in the rescue of 15 people clinging for life to a New Orleans rooftop. Meanwhile, in Alabama, amateur SKYWARN weather nets kept the National Weather Service apprised of conditions throughout the state. In hard-hit sections of Mississippi, hams running off generators and with makeshift antennas were the only means of communication, getting word to out-of-state friends and relatives concerning their loved ones.

There were numerous other instances of hams helping those who were not simply inconvenienced by the storm, but whose lives were in imminent danger. Now that things have calmed down in the Gulf region, many of the emergency nets have stood down. But hams continue to serve the public in the many areas that are still without power or phone service.

As our nation collects itself in the aftermath of the Katrina disaster, President Bush has promised federal reviews of what went right and what went wrong. One of the findings of those inquiries should be that the federally-instituted Amateur Radio Service, which functions under the licensing authority of the FCC, stood tall when the country needed it.

Amateur radio currently faces various threats to its existence. Chief among those is the advent of broadband-over-powerline (BPL) technology, which, if broadly adopted, has the potential to cause widespread interference to HF communications, not just for amateurs but for other services that use the HF spectrum.

Amateurs and the ARRL have made a lot of noise about BPL, asserting that it could seriously hamper their efforts and those of relief agencies such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army, in the event of a disaster such as Katrina. It's rumored, though, that the same FCC commissioners who have given their blessing to BPL field trials will now take a much harder look at the technical issues concerning BPL and its interference potential in the HF spectrum. Let's face it: The federal government didn't handle the emergency in the Gulf very well; it'd be prudent for it not to sanction a technology that could impede one of the few things that actually worked.

Many readers of this newsletter are amateur radio enthusiasts. If you are, and if you haven't already done so, consider writing your congressman to express your concern about the future of the Amateur Radio Service, especially in light of its outstanding efforts in recent days. Remind your elected representatives that a vibrant and unimpeded Amateur service can and will be a lifesaver when disaster strikes. Also, consider how you yourself might help. What if a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake ravages your area? Are you prepared to get on the air without relying on the mains to handle emergency traffic? Get in touch with your local amateur-radio club and find out how you can pitch in.

Your cell phones and wireless routers are indeed great stuff, but so is a good old HF transceiver. We shouldn't always be in such a hurry to let the flood of new technology wash away the old. The geek down the block with all the antennas on his property could turn out to be your best friend someday. Because sometimes, old trumps new.

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Soil Liquefaction by Hurricane Katrina, Reply.

Dave, KI5NG, in response to N5RTF's proposal:

Having grown up experiencing hurricanes on the Texas coast (Deborah [cat. 1], Carla [cat. 4], Beulah [cat. 3]. and Alicia [cat.3]; I don't count Rita, during which we only had tropical storm-force winds) and having been in the eyes of the first three, I remember something that I rarely hear mentioned in this day of live reporting.

As the eyes of Carla and Beulah approached, there was a "buzzing" sound, very loud, that most resembled the sound made by a four-piston-engined bomber flying overhead. I remember WWII-era adults saying things like, "What idiots would be flying around in weather like this?" My dad, who had first heard this during a cat. 4 1949 hurricane (they weren't named back then), recalled that this sound seemed to occur when winds exceeded 125 mph or so.

Every dentist knows that freshly mixed dental stone (modified plaster-of-Paris) is virtually thixotropic before it sets. To get it to flow into the intricacies of our intra-oral impressions, we subject it to a vibrator that causes the stone to liquefy. During dental school, when there might be several of these things going at the same time, the sound was very similar to that of a piston-powered multi-engined plane or .... like the sound I heard during the peaks of Carla and Beulah.

I have always assumed that such liquefaction of dental stone followed the same physics as soil liquefaction during an earthquake. The interaction of strong airborne vibrations with the ground and water would certainly be highly complex, but why couldn't such vibrations, under the right conditions, produce standing waves of highly significant energies?

I think your deduction is brilliant. If I were a graduate student, I would be wetting my pants to get approval to do a thesis on this.

David - KI5NG

Soil Liquefaction by Hurricane Katrina?

This post from Chip, N5RTF of New Orleans:

During hurricane Katrina, up to 7 levee breaches occurred simultaneously in widely separated locations, affecting structures of different ages and design, all which have withstood many previous high water and wind events. After a good deal of thought plus listening to 'experts' on the news who clearly don't have a clue, I sent the following hypothesis to several engineers including a group up at Bruce's universty in Buffalo for evaluation. I pass it on to you guys for critique and/or dissemination. Do you think this is possible?

Multiple organizations have dispatched investigators to analyze causes of levee failures in New Orleans during hurricane Katrina. Theories include veins of weak soil, overtopping, undermining, and defective construction. Most fail to explain why levees which have been in place for 15 years failed simultaneously during this, but not other, storms.

I am writing to you because of MCEER's dual interest in hurricanes and earthquakes. It seems to me that the damage to several of New Orleans' levees closely resembles that caused by soil liquefaction during earthquakes. Although New Orleans has never experienced a fault-based quake, microseismic activity has been clearly recorded during hurricanes on multiple occasions.

It is my proposal that the 100+ decibel roar of a Category 4 hurricane for 6-8 hours, along with conduction from vibrating structures into the ground through foundations and anchors could produce an environment for wave summation similar to that seen in an earthquake. In this situation the saturated soil of an earthen dam would be especially susceptible to liquefaction and failure.

As a physician who lives and works in New Orleans I have more than an academic interest in finding the correct answer. If a hurricane can acoustically liquify soil, no earthen levee will ever be safe in a hurricane-prone area. This has major implications in the rebuilding of New Orleans.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you feel that the idea has merit, I hope you will pass it along to persons within your center who have the resources to pursue it further.

Sincerely,

Thomas L. Keister, Jr. M.D.

Thursday, November 03, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 30, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we were "rained out" by the contestants. This Sunday we will talk about "GAS." We have discussed this before and have learned a lot....for example, food from the mouth can reach the iliocecal valve within 30 minutes (according to our radiologist Ian, K3IK). Question: How much blood does it take to color the stools black? Tune in Sunday, 10 a.m. eastern 14.308. CME standings will be posted next week. If there are no alternatives we will discuss "AUTISM" the following week and hope that we can pick up our Prez Chip Keister N5RTF our NP consult. This condition, believe it or not, is present in 6 out of each 1000 births and no (at this time) it is not caused by MMR injections.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 23, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we disposed of the flu for the year (?) This week we anticipate a contest week and we will try to discuss "GAS." If unable we will have VOX POX, voice of the people--each one asking a question--remember there are no dumb questions, only dumb answers.

Hurricane Wilma gave the trees a hair cut in the Tampa Bay area with winds of about 45 mph but it came and went so fast it didn't have time to do much damage locally. Now, however, there are 3 more coming along--Florida is becoming a bowling alley for hurricanes, 8 in the past 15 months!

At least they blow away the pollution like a big broom and leave the air brisk and clean. We need more WINDMILLS so we can cut down on electric bills to pay our rising house insurance.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 16, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we discussed "Flu" and since we didn't have time to finish we will continue this Sunday. Harry, WB9EDP, the "correctional medicine man," invited all members to join him in a tour of the largest prison in the U.S. Prisons are a good target for influenza.

Since the news about Avian Flu is oncoming, keep us informed of any information you may have received or any cases in your locale.

The hurricane boys, Chip, N5RTF, John WB5BHB and John AA5KV were all on board last Sunday as was Ed W4UVS from Oak Ridge, TN.

The 40 meter 7.225+ MediShare net on Monday registered 8 checkins--one pre-dental girl student from Stony Brook, N.Y. wanted to spend some academic time overseas and Bill N5QF was able to connect her to Sri Lanka.

Hurricane coming, may not be on the air this Sunday--more later. Warren KD4gua.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 9, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we finished an update on blood transfusions.

This week we will discuss "Influenza." Most people don't realize but all flu is transmitted from birds, namely ducks and geese +.

The MediShare net picked up steam Monday night on 7.227 with about 5-6 participants. If you tune in and the freq is in use, go up...as generals can't go down.

Things seem to be settling down (?), propagation picking up, weather improving and Danny Center's leg getting better. Chip had the tree removed from his bedroom--any more GOOD news?

Thursday, October 06, 2005

Gulf Coast Members Back in Action

Both Chip Keister, N5RTF, and John McCann, WB5BHB checked into MARCO Grand Rounds on October 2. It was wonderful to hear them both.

Chip had to leave to supervise tree removal at his house. He reports that there were several trees down and a 500-lb limb hanging precariously over the driveway. The roof is missing some tiles also, but overall the house is not in bad shape.

The neighborhood has gas and electricity, while telephone and Internet service has not yet been restored. The water in the taps is not considered to be potable. (Did you ever witness anyone in New Orleans drink water? I can't recall doing so...)

-KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 2, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we discussed "HOW SAFE IS THE BLOOD SUPPLY?" The topic will be continued this Sunday 14.308 at 10 a.m Eastern as we ran out of time. We hope to discuss PROCRIT as a substitute for packed cells.

As of Sunday (October 2) we have had 1,164 check ins for 2005. We had 1155 in 2004, 1119 in 2003 and 1006 in 2002-that is at this time in each year. TX to the computer for keeping these figures.

If you have a problem that needs discussion don't be afraid to speak up--we all learn that way. If you would like to try your turn as net controller do likewise.

When I attended a FAA Flight Surgeons school we had to put in writing how to put on an overcoat. If you think that is easy TRY IT. We did it and you can do things you didn't know you could. So, don't be afraid to speak up, that's what the mike is for. We really need more hecklers in the audience. Be a heckler Sunday--should be fun.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

K4RLC's First-Hand Account of Hurricane Disaster Relief

-Got back last nite after 17 days deployed with American Red Cross Disaster Mental
Health Team.

-My time was spent all along the Mississippi coast, from east Biloxi to the wild
west of Pearlington, on the Louisiana border, which was really "ground zero" for
Katrina. Worked in a Neighborhood Care Team, visiting with people right in the worst
of the disaster, who were trying to rebuild their lives, among the rubble. We provided
"psychological first aide" while giving out cold Gatorade, cleaning supplies,
MREs, baby food, Huggies, Cliff bars, and anything else I had packed in the F-350
van at the warehouse. Giving some people a cold Gatorade, while they were without
electricity or potable water, you'd think we gave them a millon dollars.

-It was an incredible and a humbling experience.

-I was so impressed by the resilience of the human spirit of those who lost their
homes, cars, jobs, possessions, but who will just start again to rebuild their lives.
This experience has changed my understanding of PTSD.

-One of the best experiences was the two days I spent in a Buddhist temple in the
Little Saigon section of East Biloxi, MS. It had been flooded about 8 to 10 feet.
40 Vietnamese Buddhists were in the back room, and had to pull down the ceiling
tiles to crawl in the attic to survive. I think of all the folks I saw (poor or
rich, whatever race or ethnicity) the Buddhists had the best coping skills for such
a tragedy.

-I also got to visit, interview and photograph hams in the disaster areas (behind
regular Army and National Guard checkpoints). I'm trying to write something for
QST on this. The most incredible one was ED, W4AGA, who set up a full HF and VHF
station in "Yankee Stadium" Compassion Central in Biloxi. ED only has
one leg!

-For those suited to this type of work, I would recommend it. However, it is not
for everyone, as we had a large and unfortunate bail out rate. There are many skills
not related to mental health needed, but the most needed is a good sense of humor
(psychologically) and military or backpacking experience (to stand harsh physical
environment).

-Alanna has made me take lots of showers, although I still don't feel clean yet.
Need to hit the sauna at the Y for a few days. And eat lots of bran (MREs are carb-o-licious).

-Thanks to all for your kinds thoughts, prayers and help with the family while I
was gone. Need to go to my beach house to check for roof damage from Ophelia.
Neighbor walked the lot and said all was ok, but he doesn't have a key (yet). Any
excuse to go to the beach is a good one.

-Thanks again.

Bob Conder K4RLC
Raleigh, NC

Upcoing MARCO Grand Rounds, Oncober 2, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss something that pertains to all of us at one time or another, "How Safe is Our Blood Supply?'

There are a lot of things going on out there, such as the new Nucleic Acid test for HIV which lowers the window to only 11 days and costs only $5. What about Procrit taking the place of blood? Is giving your own blood prior to surgery still in vogue? What tests are run on blood? Why is there a shortage of blood?

Tune in 14.308 Sunday morning, 10 a.m. Eastern Time.

Friday, September 23, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 18, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we got half-way through the maze of scans--"Electron Beam Tomography--Godsend or Scam?" This is the ultrafast spiral job that tells if you have calcium in your coronaries. We still have to discuss the newest, the Siemens Somatom Sensation 64, which is able to give a relatively clear picture of the coronaries without invasion--only the big boys, Hopkins, Mayo, Mass General, Cleveland Clinic and the UCLA Medical center have them right now.

All of our members seem to have come through Katrina OK--let's hope its dittos with Rita---Here are the Hurricane Emergency Frequencies you should monitor: all 20 meters: 14.265 Salvation Army; 14.300 Maritime Mobile Service; 143.03 International Asst. & traffic; 14.325 Hurricane Watch. On 40 meters: 7.240 Red Cross; 7.248 Texas Races; 7.265 Salvation Army, 7.285 Louisiana ARES Emergency day. Do your duty and pass on any traffic.

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Update from New Orleans, 9/17/05

Hi again --
I miss hearing you guys on Sunday mornings. When this is all over I am going to talk to the hospital director at Ochsner about a ham radio station for the institution. They had almost zero communications for several days after the hurricane.
New Orleans is a strange place. The skyline at night is mostly black -- I saw stars for the first time since I moved here. The smell is not nice. Our mayor did point out that New Orleans is now a crime-free and drug-free city. This presents a unique opportunity to keep it that way.
By the way, he is a wonderful mayor and a true hero. Those school buses that they keep showing on national TV belong to the state and their drivers are state employees.
Terry and I plus some flooded friends will be allowed to move back into our house on Wednesday. Utilities are promised to be on. There will be plenty of work to do for the next several weeks. Thanks again for your prayers. I promise we will have another MARCO meeting in New Orleans one day!
Chip, N5RTF

Friday, September 16, 2005

Dr. John McCann, WB5BHB Safe and Sound!

I received the following message from Marita Bakay, a friend of WB5BHB's from their days together at Baylor:

Dear Bruce,
Just got word from John's sister that they're OK. Just some property damage. Unfortunately, his in-laws lost everything, but they're OK, too. I am so very grateful. Thanks for being a strong arm during this tough time.
Best regards,
Marita

Good news, indeed!
-KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 11, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we were rained out by poor propagation..we talked about Katrina and Smitty was good enough to send a list of the emergency frequencies which will be posted in the next NL.

This Sunday we will talk about Ultra fast spiral CT--the one you heard so much about starting in 1999 that could pick up the calcium deposits in the coronary arteries and predict (?) one's possible upcoming heart attack. Only cost $500 cash and could save your life (?). Now Siemens has a new 64 slice unit that is more accurate--it was depicted in TIME magazine of Sept. 5, 2005. Keep on the cutting edge--tune in Sunday 14.308, 10 a.m EDT.

Chip our Prez is OK in New Orleans sleeping in his office.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

N5RTF now at work in New Orleans.

We stayed with Terry's parents for 2 weeks. On Sunday, Terry went to Texas with the dog and tortoises, and I returned to work at Ochsner Clinic Foundation (1 of only 3 functioning hospitals in southeast Louisiana). I sleep in my office, and the hospital is patrolled by National Guardsmen with M16's. Food is regular, but interesting.
Work so far has consisted of supervising a small inpatient psychiatric unit and refilling meds and talking with patients over the phone. I cover the ER for psych every other night. Tomorrow we try to open a small outpatient clinic.
I did get to check the house -- much tree damage, and many roof slates are missing. A tree is leaning on the back of the house (see photos). Electricity is off, but water and sewerage are still in operation. My antenna pole and inverted vee are still up also!
An announcement was made that we may be allowed to return to undamaged areas of the city on Monday. We may spend a few days in a friend's condo in the French Quarter if power is not restored to the house. With a job and places to live, Terry and I are much better off than many of our friends and neighbors. We are also very grateful for the concern of MARCO members and MediShare's contributions to the relief effort.
Chip and Terry.

This was taken near WA1HGE's place in Maine near Winter Harbor. Maine does great lawn art! I sent dues notices out thru Oct 1... But check the current NL being mailed and send me your dues if close.Saves us a buck or 2. PS also donate to Ludin Fund!

Saturday, September 10, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 11, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday on Grand Rounds we will discus a very good concise article that appeared in the Sept. 5th edition of TIME magazine titled "HOW TO STOP A HEART ATTACK BEFORE IT HAPPENS." It is about the new 64 slice CT scan of the heart and its capabilities. If you have had any experience with this new modality please be on board.

NEWS (North, East, West,South)...President Chip is safe outside of New Orleans. Al Breland KA7LOT, expects to be back on the air soon as he winds up duty in AZ. Paul N6DMV is back in Hungary for a Ham meeting. Danny W4DAN is now 1 month post Fx left leg and reports progress.

I was in Washington DC last Sunday and was unable to get on the air. Hope you fellows kept the log of checkins. Will post the standings next week as the report filters in.

If you have any extra change, dig in and send it to Bill for MediShare relief in N.O. The news media is giving HAMS some credit but the Wall St. Journal said there were 270,000 hams in the US....it actually is around 650,000. They also called our media "antiquated but still good." Bull bull bull, Talk to you fellows Sunday.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

More Information on Hurricane Katrina Relief

MediShare International Chairman Bill Stenberg, N5QF is back from Alaska, and sends the following information:

Dear All,
Again we are facing great disasters, and we are all being asked to help the less fortunate in their time of need. We will be making a group contribution on behalf of MARCO to Direct Relief International for the aid of the victims of the Gulf Coast disaster. If you would like to make a contribution, send it to

MediShare International
c/o William Stenberg/ N5QF
611 West Downing Street
Tahlequah, OK 74464
Please make checks out to: "Ludin Memorial Fund" and make a note directing it to the Gulf Coast disaster. DRI has a very good history of making sure our donations do the most good in helping those in need. We have partnered with them in the past, i.e., last years Tsunami project, and they were very grateful for our support, as well as very responsible with the funds. Please help if you can.
Here in Northeast Oklahoma we are currently receiving about 3000 evacuees into the Camp Gruber facility. Our hospital (Hastings Indian Medical Center) is providing physicians and nurses, and we are also providing ham radio support around the clock. We have had a good response from local hams to work in 12 hour shifts (I am scheduled for Saturday from 7pm to 7am). We are hoping that life can get back to normal for these people, but we realize that it will take a long time.
73 from N5QF,
Bill

William Stenberg, DDS, MPH
Director, MediShare International
www.medishare.org

Friday, September 02, 2005

Chip and Terry Keister Alive and Well!

I received this email from Chip, N5RTF on September 2.
-KM2L

Hi Bruce.

Terry and I decided to leave New Orleans when Katrina reached Cat 5. We finally got out of the city about 5:30 p.m. Sunday with all of our pets but very few belongings. We are living with Terry's parents for a while in Jackson, MS.

We have been in touch with friends who stayed behind. Their house flooded, so they moved to ours which is above sea level. The house itself sustained roof damage and caught a falling tree limb in the back. All utilities were turned off and our friends left today. Crime has been really bad. We hope the army will make a difference.

I brought one HF radio and have a dipole in a tree to listen to the New Orleans radio station. I forgot to bring an antenna tuner, so I can't transmit. I will listen to the net Sunday. Feel fee to post this on the Email reflector. I will write in again later.

Chip & Terry Keister

Thursday, September 01, 2005

MediShare Solicits Donations for Hurricane Relief

As MARCO's Secretary Robin Staebler, WF1R, most aptly stated, "This is America's Tsunami."

MediShare is accepting donations for the relief of Hurricane Katrina's victims. Although details are still being worked out, we will partner with one or more experienced relief agencies.

You may send your contributions to

Robin Staebler, MD
Secretary, Medical Amateur Radio Council
144 Head of the Tide Road
Belfast, ME 04915

-or-

Louis Wiederhold, MD
Treasurer, Medical Amateur Radio Council
219 Main St P O Box 300
Francestown, NH 03043

-or-

William Stenberg, DDS
Chairman, MediShare International
611 W. Downing
Tahlequah, OK 74464

Please indicate that your contribution is for Hurricane Katrina support.

Awaiting Word From MARCO President, N5RTF

Marco's President Chip, N5RTF resides in New Orleans.

We last spoke with him on Sunday, August 28 as hurricane Katrina bore down on the city. At that time, he and his wife Terry were preparing to evacuate.

We all hope and pray for their safety.

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds, August 28, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

As of this date no news from our President Chip Keister N5RTF in New Orleans...when last heard from Sunday he was contemplating moving out of the city. Any news place on Listserve. Also no news from John WB5BHB in Vancleave, MS.
Last Sunday we discussed the use of guidelines which are primarily used for one disease and which get complicated when there are several comorbidities present especially in older patients. Our checkins are doing very well: To date, Aug. 28 checkins for 2002: 875; for 2003, 966; for 2004, 1,021 and for this year 1,045. KD4GUA, Warren, will be in Washington D.C. this weekend, and Harry WB9EDP has gratiously volunteered to be net control Sunday. Please keep record of check-ins...program pending.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 21, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

We finished up on B-12 last week (if you missed it, it will appear in the next Newsletter). We are still ahead of last year with check-ins and last year was a record year. We had some unusual check-ins Sunday, i.e., WB2UFO checked in, W4UVS, Ed Westcott, came on board after having a CVA and he did very well. Linda KE5BQK's" husband Bernie (KD5QHV) managed to land on the net and Bob Morgan VE3OQM came through for the third straight week.
This week JAMA Aug 10 2005 Page 716, "Guidelines and Quality of Care for Older Persons." It basically says guidelines (known as cookbook medicine) may be OK when the patient has ONE disease but most older people have multiple diseases and things get mixed up. Tom W3GAT is bringing some ammunition to keep the show explosive. Isn't it great what the ter----- are doing to the drug industry! They wiped out the small airplane manufacturers, they are working on the doctors and now the drug companies. Bill, KC9CS, our Abbott Rep should have some GOOD comment.

Thursday, August 18, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds, August 14, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we discussed the importance of vitamin B-12....we ran short of time so will continue that discussion this Sunday.

The reason B-12 is important is the body needs 9 essential amino acids which it does not produce. From these 9 the body adds 11 more with the aid of B-12. For example, Methionine is a necessary amino acid ...from this it is converted to homocysteine and then to cystine another essential amino acid. If there is a deficiency of B-12 there will be an elevation of the homocysteine level in the blood and we know that is NOT good. Increased risk of CV disease.

There is an excellent
article in JAMA Aug. 10, 2005, Page 716, "Guidelines and Quality of Care for Older Patients." It basically says guidelines (cookbook medicine) may be ok when the patient has ONE disease, but most older people have comorbid pathology--more than one disease and then when you introduce two guidelines you start getting into trouble. Plan on discussing this week from Sunday unless someone has something else to bring up.

Saturday, August 13, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 7, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday electrical storms caused a postponement on the lecture "B-12 Deficiency in those over 50." Harry WB9EDP came up with a remarkble off-the-cuff discussion on "ionization" that was a winner. Incidentally, the National Acad. of Science has just come up with a study that states, "Even very low doses of radiation pose a risk of cancer over a person's lifetime. It rejected some arguments that tiny doses are harmless or may in fact be beneficial (Australian uranium miners had a higher life expectancy than non-miners!)

Danny, W4DAN, had the misfortune of falling while cutting wet grass on a Tennessee hill resulting in 4 fx in the lower left leg. He is now home with a cast.

This week we will back on the B-12 schedule. Remember, MediShare net Monday nights 7.225 at 9:30 pm eastern.

Thursday, August 04, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 31, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday, Lou WA1HGE, discussed "The late withdrawal of implantable defibrillators." Did the Company withhold information after two deaths to prevent massive legal action? We never did solve that one! Good News: Our check in rates up to Aug. 1st read as follows: 2002--755; 2003--816; 2004--889; 2005--895. This week we will discuss B-12 Deficiency in those over 50. We had some interesting checkins Sunday--VE3OQM came back after a two year absence fixing his kitchen. Peter N3NCD and Doug KB3HER from HEW's club station in Maryland came on board. We also had about 5 checkins to the MediShare net on Monday night at 7.225 and Echolink N5UUA-L. Also, got a new address on Gene N3HG who is now living in what he describes as a "prison" of steel, called a Retirement Villa? (no radio antennas allowed, can someone pass him a saw?)

Saturday, July 30, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds, July 24, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA

This Sunday, Lou WA1HGE requested time to present a mystery disease....as a back-up we may discuss "B-12 Deficiency In the Eldery."

The Newsletter went out yesterday and you should receive it Monday.

Thursday, July 21, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for Sunday, July 17, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Sunday we discussed ionization and the difference between air-purifier ionizers and ozone generators. There were 2 stations, K9PEP and KI5DT from the International Health Society that does work in Honduras We lost them when we asked about their activities. This week we will continue the same subject. Harry, WB9EDP, our physicist, will be net controller as KD4gua will be attending a family reunion in Pottstown, Pa. We had 32 checkins which is good for this time of year. Tune in 14.308 Sunday 10 a.m Eastern Daylight time. The Newsletter went to bed & should be in the mail by the first of the month.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 10, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed "How to Improve Health Care in the USA." A poll was taken and the winner was: Go back to the old system of pay for service to the doctor and health insurance for hospital care (8 votes, although 3 of us thought it had outgrown itself?) Trailing with 2 votes each were: The Canadian system, the English system, the Federal Reserve type one-payer system, (the Military system got one vote and having your own insurance system (?) got one vote. Incidentally, we had only 2 on the Monday Echolink.
This Sunday we will discuss "Ionization," which pertains to radio and medicine. Harry, our physicist, is going to help out with this one. Tune in 14.308 Sunday 10 a.m. EDT

Sunday, July 10, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 3, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we had a VERY interesting 45 minutes discussing what is wrong with today's American medical system. Next week, we are EACH going to come up with the answers. So far here is what we have :
1. Establish a US Council on Health Care, a system similar to the Federal Reserve, where politics and suing are largely eliminated. A one-payer system where basic care would be mandatory for all adults. Advance care can be obtained elsewhere. The money would come from two taxes, a gross receipts levy on businesses and a flat tax. (If you are for this, state "I am for #1--or #2,#3 etc. In this way we can poll the group.) SAVE THIS.
2. Continue the present Medicare system but allow all those from 1 day to 16 to be included and lower the age from 65 to 64, 63, one year each year. Withholding tax would raise from 2% to about 3.5%.
3. Establish a basic medical care system on the foundation of military medicine. Run by doctors (not insurance companies nor lawyers). The program could be run by the Dept. of Defense (against disease). Financing would be established by Congress. Funds might be diverted from aid to other countries to aid to our own people.
4. Return to the system that worked prior to the present mess....pay for out patient services and ONLY private insurance for hospital care. Remember we learn from history what works and this did work!
5. 6.7.8.9.10,11,12 pending.
Think about the above and place your plan below and number it so ALL can be discussed. Doctors are fed up being puppets for insurance companies, governments and lawyers. Our patients are listening and WE should deliver. Make it brief and to the point...and oh yes, spread the word--patient input is most important.

Friday, July 01, 2005

Renewals (updated)

George Delatush WD4KCU
Roger Higley W8CRK
Fred Halik K2EU
Robert Reichman WA3IHV
Floyd Brinley K3EVC (I corrected the address Floyd)

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Change in Grand Rounds on July 3...

EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA! Bobby KM5VU has re-opened a very interesting subject, the "one-pay insurance plan for everyone," which has met with a very hefty response. To keep in step with the times, we will postpone the "Ionization Discussion" to Sunday July 10th and discuss "The One Payer plan," this coming Sunday, July 3rd. (Harry WB9EDP, take note.)

ALSO, It was the consensus of opinion that, IF you listen to Grand Rounds on the computer replay, you will be credited with 1 hr Category II CME. To listen to last weeks discussion go to http://NY01.mediacast1.com:9698/content/marco20050626.pls Sunday's net was better than most, propogation wise, according to President Chipper.

If you qualify, notify warenbrown@aol.com You cannot get 2 hrs credit by listening to both Grand Rounds and the Replay. If there are any Board Members not in agreement with above, please state your feelings.

warren kd4gua

Ludins in Town

Eric N2EL, Judy, WF1R, W1SLB in Belfast ME

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

MediShare Net News

The MediShare net meets on Monday evenings at 0130 UTC (summertime) on Echolink. Courtesy of Jon, we are using the N5UUA-L node.

Following the close of discussion on Monday, June 27, Bill N5QF, Warren KD4GUA, and Bruce KM2L reconvened on 7.200 MHz. The frequency was clear and apart from some summer static, reception was quite good.

So... should MediShare have trouble establishing an Echolink connection, henceforth and until further notice look for the net on 7.200 MHz.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 26, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA

Last Sunday we went with and participated (later) in Field Day, with a discussion on Drug dosing. Coming out of the discussion was the differentiation between fat soluble nonionizing drugs which pass the blood brain barrier and water soluble ionizing drugs which don't.

WHAT IS IONIZATION? It is something we were taught, but many of us have forgotten it as a verb--but as a noun. This Sunday we will go back to med school's pharmacology class and talk about ionization which pertains to both medicine and radio---know all the answers? Come aboard and tell us.

It looks like the following week we will be discussing a ONE payment system for everyone. Thanks Bobby KM5VU

Renewal

Jerry Brodkey KB8IW renewed and added a donation to the Ludin Fund !

Monday, June 27, 2005

News and Renewals

News: Eric Ludin N2EL had dinner last week before a sailing adventure in Maine.

Carl Sosinski N8APD
Larry Wissing N4MKT
William George W5DUB
Dean Jeutter K3GGN
Mike McGirr K9AJ
Larry Smith N4FD
Roy Clay KB5IG
Roy Overton KØWNR

All renewed their membership.. Check your Newsletter for expirations!

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 19, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we finished "Prostate Cancer". We had 30 check-ins. TX Harry.

Louis WA5YMK in Jackson, MS writes, "As one who weighs 205 lbs and is 6'4" tall, I often wonder why dosage is seldom related to weight. Surely to do the job, I would need more of a pill than someone who weighs less...it would be worth discussion on the net."

That is the agenda for Sunday. Bone up on your pharmacology as it should be interesting. Bill, KC9CS, Abbott rep, promises to answer some questions.

Note: Lou WA1HGE has volunteered to give a spiel on Drug Company Ethics when he gets back from his island hide-a-way off the Maine coast--that should be real FUN!

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

BOB CURRIER MARCO GRAND ROUNDS OF THE AIR, June 12, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed "Prostatic Cancer." Use of Statins to prevent this disease was brought up...Family Practice News states, "Statins appear to be associated with a greatly reduced risk of advanced prostate cancer--men who used the drugs had about half the risk of advanced prostate cancer that those who did not!" WOW, there goes Pfizer's stock (Lipitor).

We will discus this and other aspects of this disease this Sunday (June 19). Harry is planning on giving us a run-down on the conformal external beam radiation now being used.

Echolink Monday 9:30 Eastern...Bill N5QF informed us of a tornado and he suddenly went off the computer! Hope he is ok.

Members seem to think using the computer broadcast of Grand Rounds is OK for Cat. II credit.

Paid Member and Notices went out

Roy Overton KØWNR Paid for 4 Years..
I also mailed 50+ Dues notices today ... Please get them in and add a donation to the Ludin MediShare Fund.

Thursday, June 09, 2005

More new members

L Hank Wolfla II
K9LZJ
joined from Greenfield IN
Welcome aboard

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

BOB CURRIER MARCO CME GRAND ROUNDS OF THE AIR, June 5, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Sunday we discussed Osteoporosis and had 42 check-ins (the record is 43).

Since all men if they live long enough will get cancer of the prostate and since it is normal (51%or more) for a man over 80 to have ca of the prostate,
we men are all going to making a decision as to what to do about it sometime in the future.

Since most statistics on therapy are based on pre-PSA testing, the post PSA testing results are starting to come through and the results are interesting. (PSA gives us a lead time of about 6 years over pre-PSA testing which ended about 1990.) If you reach 70 is a rectal exam necessary? I think so.

Tune in Sunday 14.308 10 a.m. eastern.

Also, Bob KF1J asked on the Echolink net "should one get CME credit by NOT checking in on radio but by listening to the net through the computer? " To listen to last weeks discussion put the following on your browser (not your search engine) http://ny01.mediacast1.com:9698/content/marco20050605.pls IT POPS RIGHT UP! Chip is doing a great job!

another Intro Member

Jay Garlitz AA4FL
jgarlitz@ufl.edu
a new intro member from the cards on the table!

Sunday, June 05, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds On Demand audio





From: Thomas Keister




Today's Grand Rounds has been uploaded and is available through this URL: http://ny01.mediacast1.com:9698/content/marco20050605.pls
using Winamp or Realplayer.
-N5RTF

Friday, June 03, 2005

Grand Rounds for June 5, 2005

Thanks to KD4GUA for this post:

Last Sunday we discussed West Nile Virus and we had a healthy 37 checkins.
This weekend we will talk about "Osteoporosis." This is an interesting
subject as it affects men as well as women, women more so, as they go out of the
female hormone business at about 50 whreeas the men continue putting out male
hormone until they die. The drug companies are looking for longer acting
drugs and these will be discussed. Tune in Sunday 10 a.m. Eastern on 14.308
and bone up on the subject.

Thursday, June 02, 2005

Good Deeds

Warren KD4GUA did his good deed and renewd Bill Otten KC9CS 's dues
Greg Johnson N9GJ also renewed from Japan.. Thanks

Monday, May 30, 2005

Good and Bad News

Warren KD4GUA sponsored Norm Urich DO NU4DO to a gift membership
Joe Macera KG6ECQ renewed
George Aldredge MD KF5KB is a SK

Marco has had now over 1800 members (only 250 active) So guys where did they all go and why?

BOB CURRIER MARCO GRAND ROUNDS OF THE AIR May 27, 2005

Thanks to Warren, KD4GUA, for this information:

Last week we had more horrible conditions--I think Harry is jinxed!!!! He gave an excellent talk (WB9EDP) on the spin-off from HIV research. We still had 27 checkins--you guys and gals are loyal, that's for sure.
This week we will discus "West Nile Update." Mosquitoes are back and there are two new mosquito protection drugs on the market....along with DEET which has been around for 40 years but still scares people. We had 5 check-ins to the MediShare Echolink schedule Monday--Alfred, our former treasurer, was on board More details in the Newsletter which should go out this Saturday, May 28th. We picked up about 10 members in Dayton with the new $10 membership coupon.

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Latest Renewal

WØISL Bob Chapman Renewed and donated to MediShare

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

OurNew members and renewals

Our Newest Members
Dave Nissen W9CDP, R. Duren Johnson KR4M, Michael S. Varga NR3C, Larry D Gahagan ABØJM
Edward R Rubin N2JBA, German Duran HK3JFF, Pepper Broad KA8ZOO, Bertha McKechnie W8FNP

Thanks for Joining (Chip great Idea)

Bruce Small KM2L Renewed and made a generous MediShare donation.
Charles Lind N8CL Renewed and made a generous MediShare donation.
Elbert White III W4TX Renewed (A FOUNDER !)

Monday, May 23, 2005

10 new members

Thanks Bruce: I missed you also. We have 10 new members who I will post Wednesday. That 'intro' membership was a great idea. I would suggest that we continue the offer the rate to 'gift' memberships as well.
We are booked for 2006 Annual Meeting at the Holiday Inn; where we have 20+ rooms reserved as well. There are no cheap rooms in Dayton. We had 3 to the room (K1DPD and WI3L) so the per person rate was OK.

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Returned from Dayton Hamvention

Well, it's Sunday evening and I'm home from Dayton. Although quite tired and even more incoherent than usual, I'm not above offering a few impressions...

* Those of us driving in on Thursday endured torrential rains and lightning. That's how we knew we had the correct weekend! To be fair, Friday was rain-free, if cool and overcast, and the rest of the weekend was just beautiful.

* Attendance was good, but the number of vendors was down. There were a few empty spaces indoors, and lots of room in the flea market area.

* The main new produuct was Icom's IC-7000, evidently intended as a successor to the IC-706 franchise. Their promotion was bizarre, featuring the slogan "Are you still out there?" and bathrobe-clad young ladies passing out toiletry articles(??)

* For someone without a shopping list, I spent a lot of money.

* ARRL had a huge and very well-done display, occupying nearly half of a hall. I shudder to think what the place would have looked like without them. Any attendee must now have an excellent understanding of all that the League does for amateur radio.

* MARCO was well-represented. I may have missed a few, but can verify attendance by Chip N5RTF, Keith N3IM, Chuck N8CL, Danny W4DAN and wife Caroline, and Carl WA3ZZU. Robin WF1R was there, although somewhat under the weather and I didn't see him. That was a major disappointment. I saw evidence of Roger W8CRK, but not him personally.

* The MARCO booth was relocated to an excellent location, in the "Silver Arena" just at the top of the ramp. This brought us lots of traffic and seven new members. Welcome to them all!

* As always, I met a some exceptionally interesting people, some alas too briefly. Personal highlights (in addition to MARCO's cream of the crop) included former astronaut Tony England W0ORE, Gerd HK0GU, Baldur DJ6SI, and new MARCO member German HK3JFF.

Our 2006 annual meeting will be held in conjunction with Hamvention.

Thursday, May 19, 2005

May 15 Grand Rounds Summary and Standings

Thanks to Warren, KD4GUA, for the information:

Last Sunday we weathered some of the solar storm with 24 checkins--Harry said the Chicago papers were looking for aurora in the area that night. Talk was about Lupus, the wolf-like disease that strikes so many of our younger women. The skin version (discoid Lupus) is relatively benign with only 10% converting to the bad systemic brand.
This week Harry WB9EDP will talk about the spin-off from HIV research--it's there and we should realize this research affects all virology diseases. Just look at the spin-off from the Space program (MRI scans etc) and one realizes there is more to it.
Since New Orleans and two bad solar storms on the past two sundays there may be some discrepancies in the below...if so advise.
RANK CME HRS. CALL NAME QTH
1. 20 W3FYA Doug Baltimore, MD
1. 20 W3GAT Tom Shreveport, LA
1. 20 W4TAD Bill Largo, FL
1. 20 KG6JLE Paul Atherton, CA
1. 20 N6DMV Paul Torrance, CA
1. 20 N9MO Rich Marshfield, WI
2. 19 WB6EDP Harry Chicago, IL
2. 19 WB6OJB Arnold Pacific Palisades, CA
2. 19 KC9CS Bill Largo, FL.
3. 18 KD4GUA Warren Largo, FL.
3. 18 WB5BHB John Vancleave, MS
3. 18 N5RTF Chipper New Orleans, LA
4. 17 W8LJZ Jim Detroit, MI
5. 16 WA1HGE Lou Francestown, NH
5. 16 KM2L Bruce Clarence, NY
6. 15 K3WFP Lee Wayne, PA
6. 15 KC9ARN Ellen Chicago, IL
6. 15 KE5BQK Linda El Paso, TX
6. 15 KM5VU Bobby Blenham, TX
7. 14 WA6VEY Bob San Diego, CA
7. 14 N5JDT Willis Alamagordo, NM
8. 13 W4DAN Danny Cleveland, TN
9. 12 WA3QWA Mark Chesapeake, VA
9 12 KE2DT Bud Fair Haven, NJ
10. 11 WD9GET Keith Houston, TX
11. 10 N8GMB Chuck Kirtland, Ohio
11. 10 KE3XB John Rochester, NY
12. 9 N3HG Gene Newtown Square, PA
13. 8 W5GJH Joe Houston, TX
14. 7 N4MKT Larry St. Petersburg, FL.
14. 7 K0FS Fred St. Louis, MO
14. 7 KQ4IC Ted Palmetto, GA.
14 7 TI2OS Jocko Costa Rica
15 6 K3IK Ian Shavertown, PA
16. 5 AA5KV John Shreveport, LA
16. 5 N5QF Bill TAhlequah, OK
16. 5 W9GLG Jerry Wassau, WI
16. 5 W3DRB Miles Elizabethtown, PA
17. 4 K4RLC Bob Raleigh, NC
17. 4 KE4WME Andy Williamsburg, VA
17. 4 WF1R Robin Belfast, Maine
17 4 N4IN David Louisville, KY
17. 4 W1DCB Josh Magnolia, Mass.
18. 3 K9AJ Mike Chicago, IL
19. 2 KF1J Bob Fairfield, CT
19. 2 K5ZNN Manny Milwaukee, WI.

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Off to Dayton

Round 3: Treatment3 VP-16. And then!
I am off to Dayton: If you have aprs look for WF1R-9.
If not Try Findu.com
This is an arial photo locator of my moving vehicle.. Display the track...

Sunday, May 15, 2005

MARCO Grand Rounds May 15, 2005

Conditions were rotten with weak signals and deep fading, but Warren, KD4GUA delivered an informative discussion of lupus erythematosus.

Next week the group will discuss the spin-offs of HIV antiviral drug research. It should be a high-level presentation, on 14.308 MHz at 1400 UTC.

I will post the list of check-ins and net statistics when received from Warren.

A pleasant weekend

My daughter arrived as did the post. The new renewals for the weekend where:
Gerry Fox KI2S (New Call for Gerry)
Orville Green III AA9JQ who added an generous donation to MediShare
Ken Covery WØZQL

Friday, May 13, 2005

Renewals and News

Gary Brown WI3L, Carl Boyer KH6FDG, Terry Brusoe K8IB, Ed Westcott W4UVS, Gerald Hensley K8AFP, Barry Rabin WB1FFI, and a new member sponsored by Danny Centers : John Mathis WA5FAC joined. John Bennet has a new eMail wd8mnv@arrl.net. Which we all should do. Mine of course is wf1r@arrl.net.. I'll look for you at the 'booth' next week.

Welcome from The Secretary

I will keep members posted as to renewals, new members, and Secretarial news. I of course will be in Dayton despite the chemo..so see you there
Robin Sec.MARCO

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Welcome to the MARCO blog!

The purpose of MARCO is to promote good will and fellowship among amateur radio operators, worldwide, who are professionals in the healing arts, or who have an interest in the various medical, dental and allied fields which constitute the healing arts. On-the-air network operation is considered an integral part of MARCO activity, and is conducted for the purpose of discussing and exchanging medical and technical information, and, wherever possible, to be of public service by assisting medical emergencies and other priority traffic.

Over the years this general goal has been expanded to encourage MARCO members
to participate in appropriate ways in volunteer programs offering medical assistance or counsel. In 1990 the MARCO Board of Directors established and funded (through volunteer contributions by members) the Medical Resources Commission whose purpose is to encourage members' pursuit of such volunteer activities and also to initiate creative programs by which and through which members might serve, through MARCO's MediShare International program.

For a full description of our activities, visit our website.