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....

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 1, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday, we will discuss the "hangover effect" on the G.I. tract.  That is the way food & alcohol is digested, all the enzymes starting with Ptylin in the saliva.  If we have time, we will indulge in gastro-esophageal diseases, burp....pardon me.  Since football doesn't start until later in the day we may have a few stations available for check-ins.   Remember over the holidays don't drink and drive, driving will spill your drinks. 

     (And by the way, on  a recent poll, 34% of holiday accidents are alcohol related.  That means, 66% of the accidents are caused by non-drinkers--so be wary of the sober drivers.)  burp.

NO Grand Rounds on Sunday, December 25, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

 

There will be no net this Sunday as most of our members will be busy with family and religious services.  We will resume Jan. 1, 2012.  

 

Your CME certificate will be mailed with the February edition of Aether.  All those with over 5 hours CME will receive a certificate providing your dues are current. 

 

If you have any hot topics, submit.  In the meantime, eat cautiously because too much too fast gives you rapid transit time and GAS! !

 

 Keep the blue side up and Happy Holidays to all Marco hams.  Let's have another great year.   More later.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 18, 2011

This Sunday we will discuss "GAS."    We will revue the passage of food and water, enzymes secreted, time en route etc.  We reported the estimated flatulence/day at 14 last Sunday but more recent studies show it averages about 17-21 X/daily and as high as 141 X in the elderly.  Most swallowed air is belched when standing and pushed into the duodenum when lying down, thus the need to burp babies vertically.   Public gas passage in ancient Rome resulted in imprisonment whereas Benj. Franklin invented a "flatulence sweetener" which was never patented.  What causes diverticulosis?  Tune in should be fun............      Warren KD4gua  Note:  This subject was chosen because no other subject was suggested.  Don't let this happen too often or ................

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 11, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will discuss an important subject--antibiotic prophylaxis.  When should it be given.  Should bi-pass patients who have dental work have antibiotics?  What about joint replacement patients?  Yes, No?  Indications have changed--tune in and keep up to date.  

 

We didn't break the 53 station check-in record set two weeks ago, but we did have 45 stations on board the past Sunday--and the after hours rag chew was great.  It is not who is right it is what is right--

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 4, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

This Sunday we will continue the discussion on "Strokes."  Last Sunday we broke the all-time check-in record of 47 stations by adding six additional for a total of 53 .  Propagation was great and we had good group participation.  

 

Hope everyone has received their "Aether" as it was sent out on Monday. 

CME Category II certificates will be sent in the next issue to all those with their dues paid-up, so check your labels for your dues due date.

 

Let's break another record this Sunday!  Keep the blue side up.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 27, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday was a wash-out due to the contest...if you didn't hear them in the north we could hear them in Dixie and if Dixie couldn't hear them you heard them in the North.  So, the discussion was postponed until this Sunday.  The topic being:      ACUTE STROKE AT THE CROSSROADS (JAMA Nov. 9, 2011, page 2026). 

 

I hope Fred K0FS can be on board (our neurologist) but he has been operating on a thin wire lately.

 

The Newsletter should go out tomorrow, Nov. 25,  More later--keep the blue side up.

MARCO Grand Rounds fro November 20, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday is scheduled for a "CONTEST."  However, we will attempt to have a discussion on VOX POX, not chicken pox, i.e., a variety of today's problems in medicine and radio.  If you have an interesting subject you would like discussed please advise.  

Otherwise the prime target will be "Acute Stroke Therapy at the Crossroads."  (JAMA Nov. 9, 2011 page 2026).

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 13, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

We should have started Sunday's net with "reveille," as apparently some didn't "fall back" in time--we did harness 32 stations but propogation was good to start but then got inundated with noise...

     This coming Sunday we will discuss "Medical Marijuana."  Many of you live in states where it is illegal (like in Florida) yet it flourishes.  It is a fuzzy topic because apparently it is not enforceable with bad economies and limited jail space.  Some say it should be legalized and then penalize users when they break other laws like driving while under the influence--similar to alcohol.  Would it empty our jails and bring in more tax money?  Getting interesting isn't it?  Let us know what your state is doing.    Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 30, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, providing we will not be drowned out by the World Wide Dx contest" we will discuss "Is This the End of Popping Vitamins."  Two recently published studies were written "up" in the Wall Street Journal of Oct. 25.   Results?  Tune in should be fun and educational.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 22, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will wrap up the discussion on statin Drugs.  With time left over we will talk about the drop in hospital admissions for "heart failure" per article JAMA Oct. 19, 2011, pg. 1669.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 16, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss the STATIN DRUGS.  We will show how deceptive statistical drug advertising fools most people--also, a general discussion is warranted for the best-ever selling drug--Lipitor--should it be sold over-the-counter?  Tune in should be fun. 

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 9, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "FACE TRANSPLANTS starting to gain acceptance" and if we have time, "Does Saw Palmetto really work in BPH." 

     Now is the time to get a  new face...just think of your xyl's reaction to the "new U!"   OR, maybe its time for both of you to change!  Then we can have another wedding.  Visceral objections to the surgery are fading in light of dramatic early successes.  Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 25, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

CORRECTION:  I mentioned on Sunday's Grand Rounds I will be out-of-town this Sunday.  I was wrong, it will be the following Sunday.  This Sunday we will discuss the out-going "ALPHA MALE,"  the fellow who takes over in any group as leader and is the fellow who makes big bucks for big industries and who is now a target.

     The "Alpha Male" is not necessarily a coronary prone energetic "Type A personality."  (Type B personality is the easy-going laid back guy).  Since most of us want to be ALPHA MALES without being Type A personalities we are asking all of you who have succeeded-- to be on board to tell us about it .  Should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 18, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, by request, we will discuss "Auricular Fibrillation." 

 

     Thought for the day...."A woman will always cherish the memory of the man who wanted to marry her.  A man cherishes the memory of the woman who he didn't' marry."

 

     We now have a classified section in Aether our newsletter.  If you have some items for sale why not list them--no charge.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 11, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of Omega-3, the "modern aspirin."

Danny W4DAN , Marco Secretary, told us last Sunday, there has been an upsurge in dues payments since he asked people to read their mailing labels.

Lou, our Treasurer, hasn't been heard from and there are rumors---he lost his boat back to the mainland--he spends the summer on a one acre island off the coast of Maine--also a possibility he got a little rain.

Our Prez apparently was on a cruise last Sunday--Labor Day weekend--but we did manage to get 34 check-ins.

Q. What State has the most MARCO members?

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 4, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Omega-3 Fatty Acid."  Is this the modern-day aspirin to help prevent cardiovascular disease? 

     Did you know that if your mother's father has normal  hair you cannot inherit baldness from your father?

    Tune in and learn more...

WA2CBA, SK

Word came to MARCO of the passing of Doctor Alfred Greenwald, WA2CBA on August 25.

Alfred was a founding member of MARCO and long-time Treasurer of the organization, as well as an enthusiastic amateur radio operator, traveler and accomplished plastic surgeon.

Our condolences to his family and friends.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 28, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will answer questions concerning hi hot helluva lot colonics left over from last week and then will, by request, discuss SALT. Besides its role as the major form of table salt in the diet, sodium chloride is responsible for the salinity of the ocean, and plays a role in the preservation of foods.

If you are a sailor, free admission, we may need your help.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 21, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "The dangers of colon cleansing." Patients may look to colon cleansing as a way to "enhance their well-being," but in reality they may be doing themselves harm. Don't agree? Tune in should be fun.

There is an excellent article in the current "Family Practice" page 454 on this subject...enticing to say the least--but let's not.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 14, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "The Effects of Alcohol." How many drinks does it take to make you vulnerable?

To make this cooperative, how about all 1 stations drinking one beer 30 minutes before net time; 2 stations drink 2 beers 30-45 minutes before net time; 3 stations, 3 beers; 4 stations one wine; 5 stations two wines; 6 stations 3 wines; 7 stations don't exist on Marco; 8-0 stations-NO alcohol. This will probably loosen you up! Then we can talk from experience.

Should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 7, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Providing the big wind doesn't hit Florida Sunday--we will discuss an update on "Carcinoid" by request. We previously discussed this on Feb. 16, 1997 and on Sept. 17, 2006. This unusual tumor resembles an adenocarcinoma but follows a more indolent (less active) course. It is a strange one and we don't have all the answers yet. Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 31, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA,

This Sunday, by request, we will discuss "Snake Bite. " Hope everyone has received their "Aether" ---- by now. The jokes are about a 7+ this month on page 7. Need some radio articles--simple stuff without space-consuming diagrams. Had 37 stations check in Sunday on Grand Rounds, not bad for summer time. I have been trying to contact some of you for your opinions while on the air but apparently propagation faded out. Don't leave me in the lurch! More later.

MARCO Grand Round for July 24, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "TENS Units" as by request. TENS is the abbreviation for "Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation" used to relieve pain. Does it work? Tune in and give your opinion.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 17, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WARREN!!

Danny W4DAN thought "heat stroke" might be a tidy topic for these hot days of summer...also, request from Jerry N4TSC for "TENS" and "interferential therapy for back pain and sciatica which we will attempt to cover the following Sunday....any more ideas?

Tune in Sunday 11 am. 14.307--fun time.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 10, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, 11 a.m. 14.307, we will discuss "PAIN." If you have the opportunity read Melinda Beck's article in the July 5th edition of the Wall St. Journal titled,"Diagnosing a Patient as a Faker."

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 3, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Field Day is over and this Sunday we will get back to business. Topic, "HAARP." We tried prior but propagation was too bad for such a good subject. 11 am Eastern time, 14.307. Should be fun.

NO MARCO Grand Rounds on June 26,2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday is Field Day, which means NO net. We will resume discussion of Project HAARP a week from Sunday. This will give you time to look up "HAARP" on the Internet and give you a better perspective of what we will be talking about--very interesting subject.

We had 35 check-ins Sunday but propagation was so bad we had to terminate prematurely.

He's Back!! - MARCO Grand Rounds for June 19, 2011

Warren, KD4GUA is back in the saddle and will present our talk on June 19.

He writes:

We are in the midst of a tornado season, the worst since 1956 and the second worst on record. What has the HAARP Project in Alaska, if anything, to do with this? This Sunday we will report on HAARP, the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Project, originated by the Soviets (remember the Soviet woodpecker?) and countered by President Reagan's Star War Project.

( When you heat the ionosphere you divert the jet stream).

Should be fun--Sunday 14.307 11 am eastern time.

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 12, 2011

Warren, KD4GUA checked in from home:

Have just tried going through proposed lecture for Sunday and find I still don't have enough steam. I will however, check-in. Thus, asking Bruce to continue his excellent lectures. I am making progress but it is painfully slow and boring. Keep the blue side up. More later

Warren KD4Gua

My response to this news:

It is great to have you back, Warren!! Let's have you call up the net, for old-time's sake, and then I will do the talk.

The topic will have nothing to do with what was suggested last week. We will finish discussing jet lag for a few minutes, then ask "Can your cell phone give you cancer?" This is a timely subject given recent stories in the press.

I don't think that I will have to time to prepare a new talk for the following week, as I just had some high-priority consulting work come in. Perhaps someone else can step forward.

73,
Bruce KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 5, 2011

I have not received an update on Warren's condition, and so have prepared a presentation for Sunday's Grand Rounds.

If I can get up for it, we will discuss Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders. Grab an extra cup of coffee and tune to 14.307 MHZ at 11 AM Eastern time, 1500 UTC.

-Bruce

KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 29, 2011

Today we discussed "Why does cost-effective care diffuse so slowly?" This question generated a lively discussion.

My list of check-ins is:
WB2MXJ, N4MKT, W1BEW, KK1Y, K6JW, N5RTF, KE5BQK, KD5QHV, K4JWA, KC9CS, WA1EXA, N2JBA, KE8GA, N9GJ, KE3XB, W3FYA, WB5BHB, N6DMV, WB6OJB, WB1FFI, VE3OQM, N8GMB, N2OJD, N5JDT, N4TSC, WA1EXA and KJ4DVD.
Please send additions or corrections.

Tune in next week at 11:00 EDT on 14.307 MHz. The topic... to be announced. I can promise internal medicine unless someone else has a suggestion.

MARCO at the Dayton Hamvention

Here is a description of MARCO activities at the 2011 Dayton Hamvention by a few of those who participated.

From Chip Keister, N5RTF:

It was lonely in Dayton. Keith and I kept the booth open most of the time, though we did wander off and buy a few things. See the nice new sign!

N3IM at MARCO Booth, Dayton 2011



Several current members and a lot of potential members came by. We need to talk about a new hotel -- It gets worse every year. The Hara Arena is showing its age too -- down to 2 working toilets by Saturday afternoon.

From Keith Adams, N3IM:

Dayton was busy this year. I guess a lot of people decided to take one of their vacations at Dayton this year. The flea market was busy and there was a lot of vintage gear and newer gear. I believe there was more Ham gear for sale this year then in the last 3-4 years when computers tended to be everywhere in the flea market. This year still had computer dealers but not so much thaat it was boring to walk in the flea market.

An interesting antenna was seen in the flea market made out of horse fence.

Unfortunately for Dayton on Saturday the main sewer line from Hara Arena ruptured. I wonder if it was due to the Beer (by the way the Amber Bock was nice and cold, thanks Chip.). They had it all fixed by Sunday.

Chip was the grand winner for new gear, I believe, although Ed Jones may have been close. Of course Roger Higley stopped by to say hello and he may have bought some new gear but didn't mention it.

Notable was the weather which was absolutely top notch. No thunderstorms or cold weather.

Interestingly for QRP fanatics were the HW 7,8 and 9 rigs available.

I did not stay at the Ramada so I can't comment, but Chip had first hand expirience and it sounds like the reason they are no longer a Holiday Inn is location and the large number of newer Hotels that were built about 4 miles up I-75. I wonder how long the current management will exist. Food has suffered for 2 or 3 years and the rooms are getting old. Bar is closed. With the current economy in Dayton (NRC moved out last year) This hotel's location is less than ideal for most traveler's. Also, the Italian Restaurant appears to be closed now. We had some good times there with eveeryone. Maybe Roger can tell us about that.

The Hamvention Radio station was indoors this year near the ARRL area.

AMSAT had a station set-up in the parking lot just outside of Ball arena.

Maybe more interesting was the fact that Homeland Security must have been concerned with the Internatiional Flavor of the event as the FBI attended and did not have a booth. Maybe all they were interested in was seeing the new Wouxon radio, hi,hi,hi,hi.

Although we did not have the normal attendees this year Chip was a great help as I had driven in from getting off work at Uniontown at midnight arriving in Dayton at 5 AM and was in HARA Arena at 7. I was able to go back to my hotel and catch a quick nap.

I lost an old friend 2 days before Dayton as my Jeep Liberty which I have had for 10 years was hit and totaled. It had 234,000 miles on it and ran like a top. One of the Daimler/Chrysler products. Some of you will remember it as you rode in it. I even believe that Polycarp rode in it many years ago before he disappeared form the Ham bands and MARCO.

I forgot to mention that charter member #13 W4TX was at the booth and we had a good discussion.

And Larry Wissing, N4MKT added:

Thanks Keith nice write up, was there and saw Chip briefly sorry I missed you.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 15 and 22, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday Grand Rounds will be held at the new regular time of 11 am Eastern on 14.307. Net Controller this Sunday will be Harry WB9EDP out of the Windy City. Discussion pending.

Aether, our Newsletter. will be out, early, in the mail next week with photos of El Paso.

Bruce KM2L will handle net control the following Sunday as I will be undergoing surgical procedure on Thursday May 19th (delayed to let Aspirin effect wear off. ) Hope to be on board the following week. Keep the blue side up!

{Note from KM2L: The topic for May 22 will be Craig Venter and gene sequencing. Best of luck, Warren!)

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 8, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

Due to bad propagation due to a solar storm we postponed the discussion to this Sunday 11 am 14.307 Eastern Time. Topic: Knee Replacement Surgery. Note the new time. The Flyers have moved to 14.290 at 11:30 am. Eastern, leaving the frequency open.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 1, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

NET CHANGE....This Sunday we will discuss "Knee Replacement Surgery" and finish the discussion on "Hip Replacement Surgery" of last week.
The Fly-Boys have flown the coop...they are now on 14.290 SO we will go back to 14.307 (the old frequency) at 11 am Eastern. I say again, 14.307 at 11 am Eastern Time. Should be fun--and don't be afraid to SPEAK UP. Lately, you are forcing me to gargle with 3 in 1 oil and it doesn't taste good!

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 24, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

Sunday will be a challenge due to the holidays but last Sunday we had 32 check-ins, a surprise, since we changed time and address. The new time is 11 am Eastern & address is 14.310. Topic for Sunday will be "HIP REPLACEMENT." The following week we will discuss "KNEE REPLACEMENT."

Good news! We were informed on the air that the Fly Boys Net is moving to 14.290 leaving 14.307 open at 11 am. Until they change schedules we will continue to meet at 14.310 at 11 am Eastern time.

Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds to Try New Frequency, Time

The April 17, 2011 MARCO Grand Rounds net will convene one hour later than usual, at
11:00AM EDT, on 14.310 MHz.

The attempt is to take advantage of generally improved propagation at that time.

We will see how it goes and adjust accordingly.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 10, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Medical Management of Stable Coronary Artery Disease." This is defined as "an established pattern of angina chest pain, a history of a heart attack or the presence of plaque documented by catheterization." This condition affects around 20 million Americans and many who have not been diagnosed, i.e., "silent angina."

ALSO: The Board meeting in El Paso last week decided to attempt to move the Grand Rounds of the Air from 10 am to 11 am--SO, we will meet normally this Sunday at 10 am eastern and at 10:40 am the following stations will leave the net and scout higher empty frequencies in the 14.319 range--Linda, Bernie, Paul Lukas, Arnold, Ellen and Harry. They will report vacant spots and the net will then move UP to the new frequency at about 10:50 am Eastern time.

REASON FOR POSSIBLE CHANGE? 1. Better propagation at a later hour. 2. West Coast hams will not have to get up at 6:30 am to get on board. 3. People will have returned from church (?). Any comment?????

2011 MARCO Annual Meeting Notes

The 2011 MARCO Annual Membership Meeting took place in El Paso, Texas from March 31 to April 2.

Danny W4DAN and Caroline, Arnold WB6OJB and Joan, and Jeff K6JW and Rowie arrived by automobile. Mary AE4BX came in her RV after wandering the country for about two months. The rest of us (Warren KD4GUA, Lou WA1HGE, Ellen KC9ARN and Paul N6DMV and Elsa) flew to El Paso. Linda KE5BQK and Bernie KD5QHV served as our capable and gracious hosts.

Unfortunately, KD4GUA and WA1HGE were delayed by bad weather. The rest of us gathered at the El Paso Marriott on Thursday evening, March 31 for a drink, and then adjourned across the street to the Cattle Baron for dinner.

On Friday morning, April 1, we traveled in a motorcade out to the airfield at Santa Teresa, New Mexico, where the plane KD5QHV flies usually resides. We had hoped to see “Big Bird” but it was away for maintenance. The Business Meeting was conducted at the hangar and was accompanied by a delicious breakfast featuring breakfast burritos and assorted other goodies.

Following the conclusion of the Business Meeting we all headed back to town, taking the alternate route across Franklin Mountain. This afforded us great views of the desert, the western portion of El Paso and Fort Bliss.

Later in the day we took a tour of the Kay Bailey Hutchinson desalination plant, the largest such inland facility in the world. Xavier Orozco, our guide, clearly and succinctly explained the workings of the plant and fielded questions from the group.

In the evening we descended en masse on Julio's for a tasty Tex-Mex dinner.

Saturday was hot and dry but luckily not windy. The group members spent their free time in various ways. Some visited the El Paso Art Museum while others toured the U.S. Border Patrol Museum. A small group returned to Santa Teresa to take a look at “Big Bird,” which had returned to its perch.

The annual MARCO Banquet took place at the Cattleman's Ranch in Fabens, Texas. All agreed with KD5QHV's assessment that “The worst food I ever ate here was delicious.” Happy hour saw the world premiere performance of the MARCO Blues Band, with Linda “Evita” Krasowski on blues harp and Jeff “Howlin'” Wolf and “Buffalo Bruce” Small on guitar. El Paso's own Pat “Guitar Slim” Chase was featured guest artist and graciously lowered his standards to allow the rest of us to participate. Thanks, Slim!!

We also had a visit from Andrew Jackson of the Border Patrol. He was kind enough to answer questions from the audience. Bernie Krasowski raffled a bottle of Shiraz uniquely labeled in CW, raising $140 for MediShare.

All too soon the weekend came to a close, and good friends were forced to part company.

We gather again in 2012 in Dayton, Ohio, and in 2013 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

See you there!

====================================================================

Minutes of the Medical Amateur Radio Council Annual Membership Meeting

April 1, 2011

Santa Teresa, New Mexico

• The meeting was called to order at 9:45 AM MDT by President Linda Krasowski KE5BQK.

• Members in attendance were President Linda Krasowski KE5BQK, President-Elect Mary Favaro AE4BX, Secretary Danny Centers W4DAN, Treasurer Lou Wiederhold WA1HGE, Newsletter Editor Warren Brown KD4GUA, MediShare Chairperson Arnold Kalan WB6OJB, Bernie Krasowski KD5QHV, Paul Lukas N6DMV, Ellen Przekop KC9ARN, Jeff Wolf K6JW, Teresa Small and Bruce Small KM2L. Harry Przekop WB9EDP participated by telephone.

• The minutes of the 2010 meeting were read and approved.

• The Secretary reported that MARCO has 235 members, including 40 who are not current with their dues payments. Total membership is up by about 20, largely due to the Secretary's practice of sending a copy of the newsletter to new check-ins to the net. Some are also recruited at the Dayton Hamvention.

N3IM, N5RTF and W4DAN will be present at Dayton this year. The Ramada now demands a deposit for meeting rooms, the banquet, and also individual rooms set aside as a block for MARCO. The latter is problematic. W4DAN will speak with the hotel about this matter when he is in Dayton.

We now have a MARCO credit card. Treasurer WA1HGE must approve any expenditures using this card.

• The Treasurer reported that while MARCO's annual inflows are steady, our expenses vary, primarily due to the cost of the annual meeting. Expenditure for the newsletter averages $2100 annually. At the close of 2010 total deposits were $10781.14 in the bank account and $6345.03 in a CD.

• KM2L reported that despite improved security practices, the MARCO Website was hacked again. After some research, we believe that the attacked exploited a flaw in Filezilla, the ftp client that the Internet Committee was using to upload content. KM2L no longer uses this program for uploads, and we have been problem-free for the past few months.

MARCO Sunday morning Grand Rounds as heard at KM2L's station are now available via Skype. W1BEW and N4TSC are regular listeners. W0RPH and N5RTF often stop by.

• KD4GUA delivered the Newsletter Editor's report. He welcomes contributions from members, especially technical articles. It was the consensus of those in attendance that the quality of the Aether is consistently outstanding, and that Warren is to be commended. WB6OJB commented that his wife had copied the recent article on medication expiration dates and distributed it to several of her friends.

• WB6OJB and WA1HGE presented the MediShare report. The current MediShare balance is $6024, up from $3109 last year. We do not currently have a project, but this level of funding would allow us to proceed with one. There was considerable discussion about how to find a suitable project. Among the suggestions were contacting Mike Marks of Bush Hospital Foundation, the Medical Amateur Radio Society of Japan, MARCO members in Japan, and Direct Relief International. Additionally, WB6OJB has a contact in Zambia, and he will see if there might be a project available there. WA1HGE recalled that we had a communications project with an African hospital and its affiliated clinics a few years ago, and suggested that we contact them to see if they require any additional help. KD4GUA will contact Smitty, W6CS and KM2L will check back issues of the newsletter for contact information.

New Business:

• Duane Wyatt once again requested that MARCO consider funding his Kids' Club project. The consensus of the meeting was that we have previously dealt with this issue. Regardless of the project's worthiness, it is not consistent with MARCO's mission, and we consider the question closed.

• WA1HGE commented on last year's appointment of KM2L as Assistant Treasurer. He indicated that the Secretary, W4DAN is the Assistant Treasurer, and that this action was redundant. W4DAN clarified the thinking behind this action. When Robin Staebler served as Secretary/and de facto Treasurer, no one else was familiar with his procedures, and no one else had access to the membership database. When he became ill, it was a difficult chore to recover the data. MARCO should take steps to avoid a similar scenario in the future, should an officer become incapacitated. W4DAN further recommended that the current membership database be converted from Filemaker to Microsoft Access or an equivalent and possibly be made available to additional officers. KM2L will explore online possibilities (“the cloud”). K6JW suggested the creation of a procedure manual by each officer, to be entrusted to the President for safekeeping.

• KE5BQK and KD5QHV commissioned the creation of a new MARCO banner, displayed for the first time at this meeting. It will go with W4DAN to Dayton.

Open Forum:

• KD4GUA took possession of a 1500 watt amplifier as arranged by Stuart Oserman WA9ZPL. The amplifier requires a 220V line, and Warren does not presently have one in his shack. This is an “XYL” problem.

• KD4GUA suggested that we start Grand Rounds one hour later, as propagation is better at that time. This will necessitate a change in frequency, as 14.307 MHz is occupied by the Air Force Flyers net after the end of our net. It was decided that near the end of Grand Rounds, KD5QHV/KE5BQK, N6DMV, WB6OJB and KC9ARN/WB9EDP will search for an unoccupied frequency, and interested participants will QSY to that frequency to continue discussion. Once we find a reliable frequency, we will move the net there permanently.

• The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 AM MDT.

View video highlights of the meeting:

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 27, 2011

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of "Nuclear Energy." This is a complex subject which will be discussed in simple terms.

The April Aether was mailed today a little early because of the upcoming annual MARCO meeting in El Paso. Hope you can join us. Marriott El Paso 915 779 3300 March 29,30, April 1.

Keep the blue side up. Warren KD4gua.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 20, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will complete the discussion of "Fibromyalgia" and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and by request delve into "Ionizing Radiation." I hope our two physicists are available, Harry WB9EDP and Bruce KM2L as this is a very complicated subject that we will try and keep simple.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 13, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss another mystery disease, "FIBROMYALGIA." This one is a real enigma wrapped in a mystery. Try and decipher the secret code at 10 am Sunday 14.307 EST.

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 27, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will finish up "Stem Cells" and then progress to the article "Institute of Medicine endorses Vit. D, Calcium Only for Bone Health, Dispels Deficiency Claims," JAMA Feb. 2 Pg. 453.

"If widespread deficiency of Vit. D is a "silent epidemic" plaguing N. America as some researchers have warned, then a recent report has just restored us to good health. "

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 20, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "STEM CELLS.' Believe it or not, across the drink at Tampa Bay's Univ. of So. Florida Medical Center they are TREATING heart failure patients with umbilical cord stem cells and they are growing new heart tissue in failing hearts that have been unable to obtain heart transplants. Ejection rates have risen--the stem cell era is HERE NOW--can we afford it? Tune in Sunday 14.307 10 a.m. EST.

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 13, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "CONCUSSION" by request. It seems to be a hot topic especially in the sporting world especially to those of you now demented who played football in high school and who are now blaming it on the lead plumbing pipes.

Tune in should be fun--and keep those Deutschlanders off the freq by tuning in a little early so you can upset the CWers as well. Maybe we should all go CW and send out the message MOVE! If they are back, we may be up on 14.308 or down on 14.306.

Bob K4RLC contributed the following reply:

Saw you were going to be discussing sports concussions next Sunday.
Murphy has me at a church function at the same time as the net, so I'm
sending you some good articles on sports concussions.
Some consider me an "expert" in this area, as I am the
neuropsychologist on the Sports Medicine team for the Carolina
Hurricanes, professional hockey team. And work with the National
Hockey League Concussion management program. I'm also part of the
North Carolina High School Sports Safety Task Force, formed after
three high school football players died in sports related incidents in
NC in 2008. I am fortunate to work with Kevin Guskiewicz, PhD, Chair
of the Dept of Exercise and Sport Science at UNC Chapel Hill. In fact,
two weekends ago, I was part of a symposium at UNC Sports Medicine on
Mild TBI in sports. Kevin is an internation expert on sports
concussions - you will see his work cited in the TIME article.
But, as you know, when the popular media latches onto a complex
medical situation, they tend to sensationalize and/or over-simplify
it. The good outcome is the increased awareness of concussive injury
in a subset of the millions of kids who play some form of sports,
either rec league or organized. One single uncomplicated concussion
should not be detrimental, and have good recovery. The problem is
multiple concussions; concussions with pre-existing problems such as
childhood migraines (or family hx of migraines), childhood depression,
ADHD, Tourette's, etc. This definitely complicates recovery. Also, if
there are two concussions relatively close in time, recovery can be
problematic. My wife Alanna, a pediatric neuropsychologist (and ham
K4AAC) and I are writing a review article on diagnosis and management
of pediatric sports concussions, and presenting at another regional
conference in April on this. The article is too rough to forward.
Of the attached articles, you get some of the most recent work in the
field. Ruben Echemendia, PhD is the head of the NHL Concussion
program, and worked at Penn State with Joe Pa. Steve Macciocchi, PhD
is a neuropsychologist at Shepherd Rehab in Atlanta. Chris Randolph is
our resident skeptic.
-A large part of our practice is now pediatric sports concussions. Of
course, you evaluate the kids from a BioPsychSocial approach, as with
any patient, as some are more functional than organic, or just
complicated kids. And, I'm also a concerned parent, as our son is a
varsity high school linebacker.
-Hope you enjoy reading this stuff, and sorry I can't make the net.
Always too much going on.
73,
Bob K4RLC

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 6, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Psoriasis" --by request....let's get some concrete diseases, these fuzzies have too many maybeeeeess.