MARCO Grand Rounds for December 30, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will wind-up the year with a topic that is relevant to all of us-

-"IS MY PATIENT SAFE TO FLY."   Unfortunately we have too many "ground doctors" and that is why we have "flight surgeons."  Tune in, should be fun....last time to build up your CME category II time for 2012..........your dues for 2013 are due January 1st.   None of us are paid but we do have expenses.  Keep the terrorist on the run by checking in and checking him OUT.

P.S.  If we have time we will talk about the new implantable artificial kidney and virtual  doctor visits on the Internet taking the place of actual office visits.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 23. 2012

From Warren, KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday, (any contests?) we will discuss "The Placebo Effect."  Peoples' minds healing their aches and pains--Nature heals the doctor gets the fee!  This is an interesting subject as it encompasses prayer and phases of religion.  Tune in, should be fun.   

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 16, 2012

From Warren, KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will discuss a timely topic "INFLUENZA."   An update on vaccines etc.  

 

Suspect you 81 mg. aspirin takers have switched to the "non-coated" type since the last update...need some timely articles for Aether, I know you (all) are too lazy so I won't expect anything--...and remember tragedy + time = humor, so to we have to stop humor to prevent tragedy!

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 9, 2012

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will attempt to discuss "Celiac Disease," which affects between 1 in 105 to 1,750 people in the US.  This topic was suggested about a month ago but went astray.  And just remember, "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.  Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad."

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 2, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will attempt to talk about Lyme Disease, a bacterial infection whose pathology closely resembles Lues the Social disease--syphilis.

 

I hope by this time you have received and been put to sleep by receiving our Aether.   Please sign the letter on page 5 and submit to the FCC and keep your toenails crossed that this idiot terrorist intruder isn't transmitting from Canada.

 

Also, CME Category II certificates for 2012 will soon be issued, after Jan. 1st,  to those whose dues are paid up with 5 or more credit hours.   Note on the mailing label that Danny our treasurer and secretary has given you pro-rated dues for 2013.  This is a new system we are usinganditwon'tbetoodificulttounderstandonceyougetusedtoit.

 

Members who have an interesting subject to present on Grand Rounds speak up, the more voices heard the more we learn.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 25, 2012

From Warren, KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we hope to discuss the latest findings from the current New England Journal of Medicine releasing the latest figures on the efficacy of mammography in diagnosing breast cancer.  Strange as it may seem, since the inauguration of mammography in 1973 the morbidity and mortality of this disease hasn't changed.  Does this mean mammography is worthless?  Far 

from it, but what are its advantages?  Disadvantages?  Tune in should be fun.  

 

December Aether was mailed on November 21st.  On page 5 you will find a letter you should cut out or copy, and sign and send to the FCC--benign neglect can solve some problems but probably not the one we are encountering on the net.  

 

Any by the way, too many Generals are taking orders from their privates!

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 18, 2012

From Warren, KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will attempt, providing you (all) have sent your email letter to the FCC in Gettysburg, PA (if you have lost it, a copy will be in the next AETHER), the topic of Grapefruit juice.  Does it inhibit the action of many drugs or does it enhance it?  Did you know that apple juice and certain orange juices will effect blood levels?  Should you stop totally ingesting these healthy fruits if you are taking meds?   Candy is supposedly bad for you--lots of calories==what is happening to our HELLthy foods?  Tune in should be fun. 

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 11, 2012

From Warren, KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will attempt to discuss "LYMPHOMA".  To those of you were not on board Sunday we had a meeting with the terrorist again, who used ultra bad language and totally disabled the net.  

 

KC9CS Bill in Largo, FL. taped the net and it is on its way right now to the FCC in Gettysburg, PA.  Bill has also contacted ARRL and they will have three observers on this coming Sunday listening--we have been advised to act perfectly normal.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 4, 2012

From Warren, KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will review "LYMPHOMA."  There are so many different types and many confuse it with Leukemia to which it is closely related.

 

I am back from 10 days in Washington D.C. and John Doe and I have scrubbed it clean--the streets are immaculate!

 

DON'T FORGET TO FALL BACK YOUR CLOCKS ON SATURDAY or you will miss us.  

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 21, 2012

From Warren, KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will discuss:  "Reading Glasses for the Ears," the advent of the numerous "personal sound amplification products" that are taking the sting out of expensive hearing aids.  Do they work?  How do they differ from expensive hearing aids?  Tune in Sunday, should be fun.

 

"Michael" the terrorist was apparently out of town this past week as he failed to check in.   Propagation was relatively good, I could hear Chip N5RTF in New Orleans say,"You can't lose weight swimming as the cold water causes the body to lay down more fat to help keep you warm."   

 

If you missed the lecture, the pearl was "If you are going to use a sugar substitute, the safest and most potent one is "Splenda." 

[Webmaster's note: There will be NO Skype streaming for the October 21 Grand Rounds].

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 14, 2012

From Warren, KG4GUA:

 

The topic this Sunday is "Diabetic Update."  (per request).  

 

Pearl:  Splenda is the strongest sugar substitute for your diabetics and the safest.  Saccharin is not as sweet and may cause weight gain; Equal & Nutrasweet are low calorie sweets, not as potent, and are linked to Breast cancer, Leukemia and Lymphoma--best to advise Splenda.  

 

The reflector is reflecting and the sun spot cycle is improving so stand by---we may get some trouble from the "terrorist" if so we will slip down to 14.304 if open.--if not, slop--slip DOWN further.  I don't think there is a contest this Sunday......Keep the blue side up!

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 7, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:
 
This Sunday we will discuss "Omega-3 Fatty Acids'    Do you eat fish twice or week or do you take Omega-3 capsules to prevent heart disease?  This will be an UPDATE.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 30, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

DIRECT FROM THE EARFUL TOWER....This Sunday we will continue the discussion of bio-printing, 3D production of custom organs in medicine...if time permits we will also explain how 3D will be playing a part in space travel.  

 

Tune in, should be fun, 14.307 MHz.

 

Hope all have received their Aether Newsletter and have sustained a good night's sleep.  

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 23. 2012

From Warren KD4GUA,

 

Lou Wiederhold WA1HGE, Francestown, NH,  will not be checking in this Sunday-  we will miss you Lou; you were a loyal fun hamster who helped make our world a better place.  Perhaps our signal will reach you somewhere up there!  Please listen for our (your) moment of silence...................

 

Sunday, we will discuss using 3-D printers to manufacture body parts and if time permits "Savings promised by vendors of information technology are little more than hype." 

    

Wave Wells W5SK, Lawton, OK, with a good signal, has volunteered to present a discussion on dental problems in December.  Others interested in presenting their pet subject should not hesitate as the mike is open for all members.  

 

If you have the opportunity, spread the word "Grand Rounds" is available to your ham friends--we had a Parkinson patient spice last Sunday's discussion on the relative new Parkinson therapy of deep brain stimulation....

 

Hear you'all on freq............

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 16, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

 This Sunday we will talk about Alzheimer's Disease and all the meds that mimic it.  Like the latest version of multi-vitamins acting as fertilizer for cancer cells this can be a HOT one. 

 

We had 42 checkins, a near record last Sunday, with propagation we are not used to.  The terrorist was back to entertain us--can someone send that fellow a free backpack?

 

Keep the blue side up......

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 9, 2012

From Warren, KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will discuss "How Much Would You Pay for Three more Months of Life?"  Bob Smithwick submitted an article from Newsweek, Sept. 3, 2012, which went on to state, "If these drugs cure the disease...no one would be questioning these prices."  Example:  $93,000, the cost for Provenge for patient's with late-stage prostate cancer.  Where does the buck stop?

 

      Drugs to be discussed include Perjecta, Yervoy, Provenge, Terceva, Avastin & Proton-beam therapy which costs twice as much as X-ray radiation.  I had a doctor friend with terminal cancer who told me, "Living has gotten too expensive, I prefer to die."  He did and saved his grandchildren's college money.  What would WE do under similar circumstances--or is that decision too difficult to make unless you are under the scaffold.  Tune in, should be gruesome FUN (?)

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 2, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will discuss "Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics & Fecal bacteriotheapy."   Don't let this turn you off--replacing BAD bacteria in the gut with GOOD ones is moving forward.  We have all used Yogurt when we induce antibiotic runs so don't  act so startled.

 

By the way, now is the time to submit your favorite stock for the "MARCO HAM $STOCK DERBY."  (See page 9 last NL).  Each issue your favorite stock will be compared to his favorite stock and if yours moves ahead further than his you will be given points which will lead to a gift at the time of the Annual Banquet.

 

Standings as of Aug. 28, 2012 are:

 

Member    Stock    Price    %change                            Temporary Points

Warren KD4GUA  DDD      42.77   Up 27.9%                          1         

Bruce KM2L          IR           46.67   Up 14.33%                        2    This runs for 2 months;

Danny W4DAN      CAT       86.19   Up  7.38%                         3     You can resubmit new

Mary AE4BX          PFE       23.99   Up  2.35%                         4    stocks on or before

Bob K4RLC           YUM      64.04   Down 3.13%                     5    Sept. 15, 2012

Lou  WA1HGE       YORW  17.85   Down 5.58%                     6

Chip N5RTF           SWHC    8.09     Down 18.77%                  7    The one with the

Rich K9CIV            Gold      Not available, anyone have it?     lowest average wins.

 

DDD=3 dimensional printing company; IR=Ingersoll Rand; CAT=Caterpillar; YUM=fast food chain; PFE=Pfizer; YORW=water company; SWHC=Smith & Wesson gun factory.

 

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 26, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will discuss the disease of the week "WEST NILE VIRUS."  Time to tip over your swimming pools as they could be a  breeding site for these disease spreading mosquitoes.

     Symptoms: none in 110 to one case of encephalitis; mild fever in 30 cases to one case of encephalitis.  The mosquitoes carry the disease from birds and other humans to YOU.  No vaccine for humans yet so best to avoid endemic areas.

    Tune in with your fly-swatter--should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 19, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

 This Sunday we will continue the discussion of sleep and its attributes and contrabutes (new word?)-morbidity increases with both not enough and too much sleep.  It is suggested that if your last name begins from A to M go to bed late and get up early and if  from N to Z, go to bed early and get up late (be awake by 11 am Eastern).  We will then test your cognition.  One of our members claims he stayed awake for 5 days straight--a record?  (He probably stopped counting by night "3"?). 

 

 On the agenda for the following weeks are West Nile Virus and the following week "Probiotics."  Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 12, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:
 
This Sunday we will discuss "Sleep."  Recent evidence indicates humans should go to sleep when the sun sets, wake up four hours later for 1-2 hours and then go back to sleep.  During this 1-2 hr. period performance is at its best.  Suggest someone try this tonight and report in on Sunday the results.  Tune in should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 29, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:
 
This Sunday we will discuss "FOOD ALLERGIES" which occur in 8% of children under 5 and 4% of adults, which means about 1 in 25 of your patients has a food allergy.   Tune in & don't nibble on peanuts--you might be a victim.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 29, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA,

This Sunday we will have a "Mystery Subject" to discuss, since there have been no requests of late and there have been no diseases of the week to report.  Let's hope Mr. Sun will cooperate and give us good propagation for a change.... someone should remind him we are nearing the top of the sun cycle and he is supposed to be burping real good!   

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 15, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will discuss "ANXIETY CAN BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU," and if we have time, "Learning to speak patient language." 

 

There is a large solar storm which is supposed to hit Saturday at midnight so we should have very bad propagation or very good--tune in and find out!.  

 

Aether is about ready to go to press so if you have anything you want in the NL now is the time to hook on to this message....and forward.

 

Congratulations to Mary AE4BX for handling the compassionate exchange with our below the equator less fortunate friends.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 1, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Migraine Update" and its relationship to possible strokes.  About 10% of the population, mostly women, are affected.  We can use your input and experience, should be fun! 

No Formal Grand Rounds on June 24

From Warren, KD4GUA:

 

Fortunately last Sunday the terrorist lost some of his terror and left us alone amidst a solar storm as we discussed strokes and subarachnoid hemorrhages. 

     This Sunday is "FIELD DAY" so there will be no net.  If we can keep the frequency we might discuss what happened in Dayton at the recent annual meeting.  Next Sunday will be "Migraine Day," so bring your headache and we will attempt to cure it! 

     If you have anything interesting to put in our Marco Newsletter, now is the time to submit it to MARCO, P.O. Box 127 Indian Rocks, FL. 33785.

       

P.S.  If you would like to learn how to misbehave, tune in 14.313, and you will learn new words of fire from our terrorist friends.  I believe we may have scared our chief villain off by bringing up his probable "drinking problem."  To contact the FCC use the address FCC.gov and according to Danny any complaints should go through.

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 17, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will continue the discussion on strokes and then slip into subarachnoid aneurysms and if time permits "migraine." 

 

We had a little added attraction the past Sunday, our "terrorist" was back at work dropping "curse bombs."  We'll have to put Paul DVD on his trail like he located the Soviet Woodpeckers years ago.  Tune in for this possible added attraction--some pearls coming up. 

KM2L note: Tune in for a live demonstration of antisocial personality disorder.

2013 MARCO Meeting Details Announced

The following was received today from  Mary Favaro, AE4BX, MARCO's President:

 

After making adjustments for the busy schedules of the Marco group and hotel availability, we now have a firm meeting date and the contract signed.  It will be held April 26-28 2013 at the Breakers Resort in Myrtle Beach.  There was a disconcerting delay receiving the contract after I thought everything was finally settled.  Turned out they were sending it to another client, Dr Mary Mathis of the BellSouth group.  I made more noise, the secretary sent a copy to my Email, made out entirely to the wrong person and listing the wrong Email, but to MARCO and for our dates nevertheless.   They apologized enough times to make me think that was not their usual modus operandi so on we go.

 

The hotel has a website:  www.breakers.com.    Rooms may be reserved individually and will give you a choice of condos, oceanfront rooms and suites and ocean view rooms.   They will range from $99 - 129 per night.  They have three buildings on the ocean and rooms are in all three buildings.  

 

I brought a list of local attractions to the Dayton meeting (yes we have more than golf).  If anybody would like the page faxed I'll be happy to oblige.   Come early and stay late.  Myrtle Beach is a jolly and fun place.    And of course perfect weather will be a personal guarantee.....................

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 3, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA,
 
This Sunday we will discuss "STROKES."   Need one say more...does the corkscrew device get better results than IV TPA?  Tune in should be educational.   

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 27, 2012

From Warren, KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will discuss Melinda Beck's excellent article in the May 22 Wall Street Journal entitled, "THE CURSE OF A DIAGNOSIS."  it concerns the new tests that are now able to pick up early Alzheimer's--does it do more harm than good? 

     We will also welcome the new members we enlisted in Dayton over the past weekend, and if time permits, some of the accomplishments we made.  Conclusion from Dayton:  Ham radio is very much alive--there was a line of young people around the block waiting to take their ham-exams, the ham census in the US is around 700,000, an all-time high. 

     Tune in Sunday, should be fun. 

MARCO at Hamvention, Part II

On Saturday temperatures were hot. Those who walked the flea market soon became drenched in sweat. It is a rare Hamvention at which one gets to complain about the good weather!

The action continued at MARCO's booth. Members old and new stopped by to chat, and we recruited close to 15 new members.

The banquet, held at the Airport Holiday Inn  featured a buffet and a rollicking 80th birthday in the adjoining room. Lou Wiederhold, WA1HGE led us in a remembrance of departed members Ted Hatfield, KQ4IC and Alfred Greenwald, WA2CBA.

The President's gavel was passed to Mary Favaro, AE4BX, who already had plans in place for next year's meeting, to be held in Myrtle Beach, SC. The tentative date is April 5th to 7th, 2013.

Chip Keister, N5RTF presented a thought-provoking talk, detailing his thoughts about concrete and abstract thinking.

With bodies, spirits and minds all well-nourished, we said our good-byes until next year.

MARCO at Hamvention

Here are a few random thoughts and observations after a day in Dayton.

The weather  is so good that many of us thought we had come to the wrong place. We have been treated to sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 70's.

The Membership Meeting was successful, with a good deal of constructive conversation (See previous post, which contains the minutes).

There are some interesting new toys to view at Hara Arena. The show-stopper in my view is Flex Radio's new Flex 6000. All of the required computing power has been moved within the case of this rig, so one needs to run only a simple interface program on the external computer. This allows simple remote operation of the radio. Slick!

The new Kenwood flagship radio is on display under glass. It is hefty, looks beautiful all lit up, and has more controls than the space shuttle.

Ten Tec is coming out soon with a nice QRP update of the Argonaut.

The BIG BUY of the weekend was by KD5QHV/KE5BQK, who will soon own a new SteppIR beam. . K6JW, KD5QHV and AA4FL made heavy purchases - they each will lug home a Vibroplex Cube, the new paddle affixed to a 6 pound base. N5RTF picked up a new Wouxun handheld. He is now learning to speak Chinese so he can use it.

Dinner  on Friday night was an odyssey. KE5QQK and KD5QHV peeled off and returned to Bob Evans, as this franchise has no restaurants in El Paso and Linda is sampling their fare every chance she gets. The rest of us piled into the hotel's van, and after a long drive over back roads arrived at a familiar strip of chain restaurants just off I-75. All of which had a 1 hour wait for seating. So... we piled back onto the van and returned to the area of the hotel. Eventually we dined at Tumble Weed Grill. The food was generic, the service was excellent, and we all had a good time.

Annual Membership Meeting Minutes

           MARCO Annual Membership Meeting

                                      May 17, 2012, Dayton OH

Attendees:

WB6OJB, WA3ZZU, KM2L, W4DAN, N5RTF, WA1HGE, KD4GUA, AE4BX, KE5BQK, KD5QHV, K6JW, N3IM, AA4FL, N8CL, W1BEW, 4X4LL, KT8E, W8CRK

The meeting was called to order by Linda, KE5BQK at 8:04 EDT. She thanked those members who have assisted her during her presidency.

Minutes of the 2011 meeting were read and approved. 

Secretary’s Report (W4DAN). Membership is 206, including 55 who are not currently paid-up. Some members have not received their copies of Aether. This appears to be due to damage by the post office.

Treasurer’s report (WA1HGE). Our balance is holding steady. We have $12697.73 and $6441 in a CD.

Webmaster report (KM2L). The email  list has approximately 90 members. The web site has remained secure over the past year with no incidents of hacking. Skype continues on Sunday mornings during grand rounds with W1BEW, N4TSC and sometimes N6DMV checking in.

Newsletter report (KD4GUA). Contributions are always welcome. There have been no complaints about about the jokes! There is sentiment to archive back copies of the newsletter on the website. These could be scanned and posted as .pdf files.  

Internet Audio report (N5RTF). Chip continues to try to stream audio for those who have no radio or are traveling. The quality is limited by his antenna situation and local noise. He would like to stream Warren’s audio directly. Chip can process, stream and record the audio and archive it to the website.

Medishare report (WB6OJB). We have $6524.11 in funds, but no project currently. Arnold has take on a project personally. W4DAN was contacted by a prisoner in Louisiana who requested a licensing Q&A book. Arnold obtained one for him, and he and Danny have sent him copies of QST and CQ. Arnold requested information on when and with whom our Zambian project took place. AE4BX has a contact who is a nurse in Zambia, and wil look into what her needs are.

New Business:

Discussion of Medishare projects. There is nothing that restricts us to projects in the third world. Sometimes members have outdated or surplus equipment, but it is not clear what to do with it. In the past, these were funneled to DRI or International Aid. Suggested that surplus equipment be listed in the Aether. Anyone with ideas for projects can email them to the President or Medishare Chair.

Change in dues schedule (W4DAN). Currently everyone has different dues renewal dates. It would be simpler to make payments due for everyone at the same time. W8CRK moved that this be adopted. Second by K6JW. WA1HGE spoke in support as the treasury runs on a calendar year. Motion carried - payments will be due on January 1 each year. 

Google Adwords proposal (NT8E). Dave had suggested an online advertising campaign to boost membership. He gave a powerpoint presentation explaining the Google ad words campaign. This is a Google pay-per-click advertising program (the top and right side of a Google search page). This is targeted advertising and thus generates a high percentage of interested viewers. You pay for each user who clicks on the ad.  That drives the user to our web site - then we need to capture their information and interest.  There are 450,000 monthly searches on “amateur radio.” There is low competition. This means our add would appear on page 1. You can set a daily budget or the price you pay per click. It is a competitive situation, so if you are too cheap your ad drops down the page. The price drops as your campaign’s quality score increases - this is based on longevity and activity of the add and the relevance of content on your landing page. It is a good idea to include a relevant keyword in your url. The Adsense campaign is a separate program that places Google ads on your page. If a visitor clicks on the ad, we receive revenue.

Suggestions for the website: We need to give people a reason to join - access to newsletters, (audio stream archives), and a members-only area with exclusive content. 

W8CRK moved that we authorize N8TE to establish a campaign, to include designing a landing page, authenticated membership area and online dues payment for the web site. The changes will be reviewed and approved by the Internet Committee prior to publication. Second by K6JW. Motion carried.

WA3ZZU moved that the budget for this project for the next year by not more than $1000. Second by K6JW.  Motion carried.

Discussion of Dayton meeting schedule (WA3ZZU). Chuck would prefer to have the meeting on Saturday and the go to the ham fest on Friday. Motion seconded by W8CRK. Motion carried.

Orlando Hamcation (KD4GUA). Warren and W4DAN visited last year and had a wonderful time. It is held in mid-February, and would be fun for other members to attend and hold a mini-meeting.

WA1HGE moved that we adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 EDT. 

Election of officers was tabled until the evening of May 19, prior to the banquet. At that time, with no nominations from the floor, the following slate was elected:


President-Elect: Jeff  Wolf, K6JW
Secretary: Danny Centers, W4DAN
Treasurer: Lou Wiederhold, WA1HGE.


After some discussion, the following changes were made to the Board of Directors:
Per the Bylaws, immediate Past-President Linda Krasowski, KE5BQK, became a Director-At-Large. She replaces Bud Clark, KE2DT.
The new 4th Area Director is John Bennet, WD8NMV.
The New 5th Area Director is Tom Reilly, W3GAT.
The New 6th Area Director is Paul Lukas, N6DMV.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 13, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will discuss:  "FDA(/topics/food-and-drug-administration/) says over-the-counter distribution of drugs used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes without obtaining a prescription could help the government trim its burgeoning health care costs."  This would cut down office visits but would increase costs of drugs to patients since over-the-counter meds are not usually covered by insurance.  What is your opinion and, if you have the time, your patient's opinion.  Tune in, should be fun. 

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 29, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Electronic Medical Records."  The young are trying to teach old dogs new tricks and are running into a generation gap of about 17 years.   The advantages and disadvantages including increased liability will be discussed.  Take your aspirin prior to listening.  It should be great FUN ! 

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 22, 2012

Warren KD4GUA says:
 
 Using a condom is like taking a shower wearing a raincoat--BUT, it keeps you from getting wet--From the social diseases-- we will discuss this Sunday, by request.   Tune in, should be fun (?)  

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 15, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss a group of newsworthy events which will include:1.  Alzheimer diagnosis possible with new amyloid scan (the chemical alone costs $1,000); 2. Male Fertility Test in Stores (why not trial and error?;)   3.  "Once a year Pap test no longer necessary;" and 4.  "The Robots are coming to Hospitals."   (Although the military is scaling them back!).  Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 8, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

 Bill KC9CS has a 6-year old grandchild who has SUDDENLY come down with a new disorder probably brought on by the reluctance of physicians to use antibiotics in children's URI infections.  This is manifest OVERNIGHT as an ACUTE obsessive-compulsive disorder that is thought to be an autoimmune reaction to the streptococcus. 

     It is suggested that you look up"PANDAS" on the internet prior to the program.  Do not confuse this with the teddy bear--it is a real problem that we will probably see more of in the future--keep on the cutting edge by tuning in.   Keep the blue side up.   

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 1, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:
 
This Sunday we will discuss "Shortening Medical Training by 30%."  The article is in the March 21st edition of JAMA.   This is a very interesting subject so don't miss it...., page 1143.  Sorry about missing last Sunday but couldn't be helped.    Keep the blue side up.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 25, 2012

Warren will be unavailable for Grand Rounds this Sunday. He was kind enough to "volunteer" me for duty. 


Subject to the vagaries of HF propagation, the highly-underachieving solar cycle and the CQWPX SSB contest this weekend, we will discuss "Can Your Vitamin Supplement Kill You?"


14.307 MHZ at 1500 UTC/1100 EDT.


-KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 18, 2012

From Warren, KD4GUA,
 
This Sunday, we will discuss "Diseases of the--week!"  Included are  potential topics such as "Once a year Pap test no longer necessary," due to the co-testing, a Pap smear and an HPV test every 5 yeasr.  The availability to buy a sperm fertility test over-the-counter for $39.  Also, the hiring of 20 robots to take the place of para-clinic personnel in a Silicon Valley hospital.   Also on the list are topics such as "Time for a Good Old-Fashioned Nervous Breakdown,"  "Can Genomics Bend the Cost Curve,"  and "Doctors Struggle to Make Ends Meet."  Take your pick give your preference Sunday.  Should sharpen the cutting edge.  Keep the blue side up.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 11, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday, by request, we will discuss "GOUT."  The word "Gout" comes from the Greek word "Gutta" meaning drop (we still use the abbreviation "ggt" on prescriptions) or bad humor dropping into the joints.  The incidence of gout has increased lately--have you checked your big toe lately?  Tune in should be exotic!   Note:  Daylight savings time starts on March 11th SUNDAY.

    Propagation was super bad the past Sunday.  We wrapped up Thyroid diseases...if you have any hot topics for the future type in below:

 

_______________________________(hot topic) 

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 26, 2012

From Warren, KD4GUA,

 

This Sunday we will continue the discussion on "Thyroid Disease."  We learned this week that the TSH is a screening test that if positive should be checked with a T-3 and a free T-4.  Propagation started out fine then deteriorated but we managed to pick up 48 stations, a near record (55).

     Anyone who wants to share a room with another Marco member in Dayton should let us know as soon as possible as time figits...we already have one member seeking a roommate--and he claims he doesn't snore---loudly! (he hasn't woken, awoken  himself up yet).

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 19, 2012

There was no formal net on February 12, as several folks were unavailable.


On February 19, the topic will be Thyroid Diseases. Lots to cover, so keep your ears open and your radio tuned to 14.307 MHz at 11 AM EST/1600 UTC.

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 5, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday by request, we will discuss Metabolic Syndrome.   There are some good articles in the latest JAMA which states that "Overweight doctors are not pushing overweight patients enough as are smoking doctors (are there any?) push abstinence from tobacco. "  (an indirect quote.)  STOP pancreatic poop-out, tune in and join the march against METABOLIC SYNDROME !  Should be fun.

The Return of Streaming Audio

The last time streaming audio was tried for the MARCO net was in 2009.  Subsequently, the sunspot cycle dropped so low that I could not hear Warren and there was nothing to stream or record.  A beam antenna is just not going to happen in uptown New Orleans, so this project has been on hold until the past few weeks when Warren and the 'topic of the week' have been booming in.

Note that Bruce, KM2L is already providing net audio through Skype, which is high-quality and has the potential for being 2-way.

The audio stream coming out of New Orleans will be in Icecast or Shoutcast MP3 format.  It is one-way only.  It has the advantage of being playable on any computer or portable device with an internet connection, without subscribing to a service, simply by clicking on a link.  Hopefully this will entice some non-members to get involved, and will provide a service our members who are traveling or without a radio.

Initially, I will stream it from my home computer and ADSL line which can serve about 10 simultaneous 32K streams.  If the demand ever becomes consistently higher than that, space on a commercial Shoutcast server can be rented fairly cheaply.

Audio quality is directly proportional to the stream bandwidth.  32K should handle the full spectrum of a SSB signal and is a good compromise between number of users and quality.  Additional bandwidth will be purchased if there are complaints.

Another advantage of an MP3 stream is that it can be recorded.  The software I am using now: BUTT! (Broadcast Using This Tool) is open-source and has the ability to stream and record simultaneously.  The goal is to make these recordings available as podcasts on demand for people who miss the nets due to conflicts.

Access the stream by clicking on: http://tkeister.net:8000/stream

or type this link into the music player on your computer, phone, or pad.

I am interested in feedback on quality of the link and of the audio.  You should hear everything I hear on my radio with about a 15-second delay.  I might miss some mornings due to on-call, social, or religious obligations.  I am also fast to pull the plug if there is lightning nearby.  Finally, I still have to rebuild the monitor bypass for my own audio, so now when I press the Mic, you will hear dead air.  Within these limitations -- Enjoy!

Chip, N5RTF.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 29, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion on Needlestick Injuries, since we didn't finish it last week.  Lot of interesting comments, i.e., it costs round $700 for your ER visit after a needlestick for lab work and meds.  

Harry EDP chipped in with great comments claiming the writer in JAMA (Jan. 4, 2012, page 75) was behind schedule with his protocol.  Problem with police also in searching druggies.   Using needles now-a-days is like walking on slippery ice-- and be careful using hemostats to sew--use a real driver, like a needle holder.  

Tune in should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 22, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Management of Needlestick Injuries."  Fear & anxiety rise when we accidentally stick ourselves with a dirty needle....did the patient have HIV? Hepatitis B? C?  What should I do?  Ignore it?  After all it was just a needle stick!  Oh yeah!  Better tune in, we want you on the front lines--with heavy armor and reasonable thinking.  Tune in, it may save you something.

   

Suggest you read article JAMA Jan. 4, 2012, Page 75.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 8, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday, by request, we will discuss "Restless Legs Syndrome."  It is estimated that about 10% of the population has this disorder in one form or another...therefore, best we are up on this one (It has been suggested that one of the causes is "headaches.").  Tune in should be fun....