Live from Dayton!!

The faithful are gathering once again at Hamvention.

Keith Adams, N3IM, endured a huge traffic tie-up on the interstate in order to make his way here from Hazleton, PA. He prevailed, and the MARCO display is set up and awaiting tomorrow's crowds.

Chip Keister, N5RTF reported a surprisingly smooth flight up from New Orleans, and arrived on time and in good shape.

Your correspondent, Bruce KM2L, spent an uneventful 7 hours driving down from upstate New York.

We three met in the bar of the Holiday Inn North to loosen up and get reacquainted, and then adjourned to Smokey Bones for a good-enough barbecue dinner.

Tune in tomorrow evening, when I will report on new members, spottings of existing members, and the sights and sounds of Hamvention.

-KM2L
John Bennett WD8NMV was sighted, and there was a rumor of Roger Higley, W8CRK.

Proposal for the CW net from W4DAN

The following is my opinion which has resulted from a discussion at the Santa Monica meeting. It is only my opinion and I am stating it in an effort to open discussion on this subject. Anyone that has any suggestions should not hesitate to reply or comment.

CW interest has increased within the last six months among many of the MARCO members. The number of check-ins before the SSB net on Sunday mornings has increased. There are several more that listen, but are reluctant to check in because their comfortable CW speed is slightly slower than many that are regular and have checked in for years. While interest in CW is on the upswing, and we have the potential of increasing participation in the CW net, maybe it is time to organize net procedure to accommodate all comers equally. If a formal roll call is implemented at the beginning of the net to recognize everyone that wants to check in, an efficient and orderly net will result. After all have checked in, then declare it a free net for comments. To oblige those that prefer slower operation, care should be taken to call the net at a slower than usual speed until everyone eventually gets up to speed. This would encourage more check-ins. After a fashion those new to CW net operation will become confident and comfortable with higher speeds. Of course, late check-ins should be listened for and permitted even after a free net has been declared.

There is a good potential of having a very successful CW net, but maybe we should have a little organized direction. VE3OQM has served as CW net control for many years. WB6OJB has done a great job of picking up the net when Bob was not on frequency or could not be copied. I would suggest that Bob could call CQ MARCO de VE3OQM QNI. As soon as he has taken all stations he can hear, Arnold would call CQ MARCO QNI. Because of their locations, most on frequency should hear one or the other of them.

Each station wishing to check in should reply with their call sign followed with QRU if they have no messages or QTC if they have a message. Net control should recognize the traffic and allow the message to be transmitted to the desired station. After everyone has checked in and been recognized, net control could send the QNF signal which declares the net free or uncontrolled. At that time individual stations could call each other and QSO at will.

Example:
CQ MARCO, CQ MARCO, de VE3OQM VE3OQM QNI QNI K
VE3OQM de N6DMV QNI QRU K
VE3OQM de WB6OJB QNI QTC K
VE3OQM de KD4GUA QNI QRU K
............. until all have checked in that VE3OQM can hear

VE3OQM recognizes each check in by sending QNS and listing all check ins,
he then asks WB6OJB who he has traffic for. When WB6OJB says he has traffic for KD4GUA, then VE3OQM requests that KD4GUA call WB6OJB to receive the traffic. Then Warren sends WB6OJB de KD4GUA QRV K. Then WB6OJB tells KD4GUA what he has to say.

After this takes place, VE3OQM calls WB6OJB to take QNI. WB6OJB then takes check ins in the same manner as described above. After the QNS by WB6OJB, then Arnold can declare the net free by sending QNF.

I am not saying that it is best to use the Q signals. This could be done without using Q signals by the net control station(s) formally taking check ins and recognizing them. I really see no problem with that, as long as there is a quick and orderly fashion of everyone getting checked in. Remember to slow down, so that everyone participating can copy and recognize all the calls.

As stated above, I thought this should be brought up for discussion because I know for a fact that there are members that listen but are reluctant to participate because they are presently not confident to operate at faster code speeds. Lets give everyone a break. Encourage as many to check in as possible and we could very well have one of the most successful CW nets on the air. I see interest growing. To do this, I would suggest the CW net begin at 9:30 EDT and try to have QNI over by 9:45 EDT so the free net can be enjoyed as usual.

If you have a better idea, don’t agree, or if you can think of anything that would enhance this endeavor, please let us know. I may be going in the wrong direction with this. If I am, tell me about it. For those that are on their way to Dayton this weekend, I feel that we should hold up on any decisions until they return home, have a chance to read this and reply, if desired.

Danny – W4DAN

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 13, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Now that everyone is supposed to be home after Santa Monica, we will discuss DRUG TIMING AND THE CIRCADIAN CLOCK. What is the best time to take allergy meds? Asthma drugs? Peptic ulcer drugs? Potassium? Coumadin? Calcium tablets?

A beer in Denver (the mile-high city) will hit you harder than one in Miami at sea level. The same is true with drugs. Tune in, should be interesting.

Minutes of the MARCO Annual Meeting, May 2007

The annual membership meeting of the Medical Amateur Radio Council took place on the morning of May 4, 2007 at the Doubletree Suites in Santa Monica, CA.

Members in Attendance:

WB6OJB, President
WA1HGE, Treasurer
W4DAN, Secretary
KD4GUA, Newsletter Editor
N6DMV
W6CS
KA7LOT
4X1LL
K6JW
KM2L

The meeting was called to order by WB6OJB at 8:15 AM PDT.

1. President WB6OJB welcomed the members to southern California, and extended his thanks to the officers and Newsletter Editor for their hard work and valuable contributions.

2. Minutes of the 2006 meeting were read and approved with the following correction: Item (4) should have stated that dues checks go to W4DAN, not WA1HGE.

3. W4DAN requested that members sending renewals to him should submit a membership information form (printed in each issue of the Newsletter). In this way he will be sure to have current address information.

4. The Secretary also reported that MARCO has 238 dues-paying members. We will have a presence again at Hamvention in Dayton, with N3IM, N5RTF, and KM2L manning the booth. W4DAN has been working with the Holiday Inn North on a contract for next year’s meeting. The Secretary’s report was accepted.

5. The Treasurer reported that in 2006 dues collections were increased over 2005. Our main expenses are the newsletter and the annual meeting.

Category 1/1/05 – 12/31/05 1/1/06 – 12/31/06 Difference

Inflows

Interest 7.69 11.05 3.36
Dues 3047.65 5223.61 2175.96
MediShare 7287.35 5767.87 -1519.48

Total 10342.69 11002.53 659.84

Outflows

Advertising 405.60 405.00 .60
Meeting 1720.52 1360.88 359.64
Contribution 0.00 100.00 -100.00
MediShare
Internet 100.00 0.00 100.00
Newsletter 1400.00 2100.00 -700.00
Office 0.00 31.46 -31.46

MediShare 5830.00 0.00 5830.00

Total 9546.12 3997.34 5458.78

Overall Total 886.57 7005.19 6118.62

The current MediShare balance is $7584.04, and the current total balance is $18802.45.

The membership roster database will be backed up periodically by W4DAN, and a copy forwarded to WA1HGE. The Treasurer’s report was accepted.

6. A written MediShare International report was submitted by N5QF, who was unable to attend the meeting. This report contained an update on the project to equip ambulances in Sri Lanka with two-way radio capability. Also, we have been asked to support a project of the dental school at University of North Carolina. In July, 2007, four dental students will travel to Malawi to assist at a new dental school there. MediShare Chairperson N5QF recommended that we contribute $400 to this effort. There was discussion of the MediShare net. The plan has been to convene on Echolink and, after a few minutes, move to 40 meters. Recently the NIH Echolink node has been down, however. It was noted that member WA3QWA is thinking about setting up Echolink capability. Also mentioned in the report was our brief interaction with Christian Medishare, a provider of health insurance to missionaries. We had placed a link to their organization on the MediShare website, as both entities had received misdirected email messages intended for the other. This actually seemed to make matters worse, however, so the link was removed. The MediShare report was accepted.

7. Smitty, W6CS, retold the story of MediShare’s origins and of the birth of the Bush Hospital Foundation.

8. KD4GUA presented the Newsletter Editor’s report. He continues to look for classified advertising. There was considerable discussion about a new name for the Newsletter. Suggestions included:

MARCO Carrier Signal
Sparkey
Cross Talk
MARCO Waves
MARCO Ether
Æther Or

For the past several months, a *.pdf version of the Newsletter has been published and made available for download on the MARCO Web site. This has been well-received. The report was accepted.

9. WA1HGE moved that the Assistant Treasurer (co-signer on the bank account) be the Secretary, rather than the President. This motion was carried.

10. KD4GUA noted that WB9EDP has acted as back-up net control station for Grand Rounds. Due to his location (Chicago), not everyone can hear him, however. KE5BQK (El Paso) has recently acted as a relay station. She is easily heard in the East, but not on the West Coast.

11. N5RTF submitted a brief report in-absentia. He continues to provide an Internet audio feed of Sunday morning Grand Rounds. He is still looking for someone with a better location to supply him with audio. Chip also asked for follow up on last year’s suggestion that MARCO develop and print its own QSL cards. WF1R had promised to do the art work for this, but he is now a silent key. It was suggested by WB6OJB instead that we make up stickers that each member could place on his/her own cards. The report was accepted.

12. W4DAN reported on the CW net which convenes prior to Grand Rounds. The participants have enjoyed it greatly. He proposed that the CW group convene 30 minutes prior to Grand Rounds, and initially take formal check-ins. After this, the frequency would be opened for general QSOs. He will float this proposal on the email reflector for comment.

13. There was discussion of N5RTF’s proposal at last year’s meeting to assist in placing ham stations in hospitals. KA7LOT stated that many VA hospitals are already so equipped, but the stations are usually not staffed. It was agreed that the operation of these emergency stations must be handled by local amateur radio organizations, and that MARCO’s scope is different.

14. For the past few years we have offered a $10 special introductory membership for new members joining at Dayton. Approximately 50% of these people renew their memberships. It was decided to continue this program.

15. The question of CME credit for those who audit Grand Rounds was raised. Some prospective members have Technician licenses and are unable to transmit on our net frequency. CME credit can be granted if we develop a post-lecture test for these people to take.

16. Other recruitment ideas were discussed. Our ad in QST will be reworded to make it more general and welcoming. KA7LOT suggested placing an ad in a medical newspaper or journal, in order to reach a different audience. There was debate as to whether a short advertisement or an article would be more likely to yield new members.

17. Recently Grand Rounds was moved from 14.308 MHz to 14.307 MHZ, to give us greater separation from the very wide, poor-quality signals on 14.310 MHz. This has been beneficial, and we will continue to convene on 14.307 MHz.

18. On four weekends each year Grand Rounds is nearly obliterated by contest QRM. These are the weekends of the CQWW, SS, ARRL DX, and CQ WPX phone contests. The question was raised as to whether we should continue to hold nets on those weekends. KD4GUA suggested that we try to get on our frequency early at those times to preserve a spot.

19. There was a brief discussion of the MARCO blog. KM2L has been the only contributor – although other officers have been invited to join, none have. The blog does provide a useful archive of interesting posts to MARCO-list. MARCO’s officers will be reinvited to join as contributors.

20. The MARCO-list email listserv continues to be a valuable resource for the organization. At some point in the future we will have to look at relocating the listserv and Web site from the University at Buffalo to another host, but we are OK for now.

21. W4DAN distributed printed membership rosters. This information is currently available in .pdf format through the MARCO website. After some debate it was decided that due to privacy concerns, Web access to this information should be discontinued.

22. 4X1LL indicated that he would attempt to establish a European MARCO net.

23. KA7LOT delivered an informative talk about VA medicine. This generated considerable discussion.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 PM

MARCO Annual Meeting

MARCO's annual Membership Meeting was held from May 3 to May 6 in Santa Monica, California.

Congratulations to hosts Arnold WB6OJB and his wife Joan for putting on an absolutely great show. Attendees included Treasurer Lou WA1HGE, Secretary Danny W4DAN and his wife Caroline, Newsletter Editor Warren KD4GUA and his wife Greetje, Paul N6DMV, Smitty W6CS, Bert KA7LOT and his wife Nancy, Jeff K6JW and his wife Rowie, Lionel 4X1LL, and yours truly, Bruce KM2L.

We had a successful business meeting. Minutes are posted separately and available at the MARCO Website. There was sightseeing and also fine dining, at Il Fornaio, El Cholo, and a wonderful banquet at Back On the Beach. There, Arnie N6HC entertained us with tales of the K7C DXpedition to Kure Atoll. Look for him in the fall from St. Brandon. WA1HGE led a remembrance of former long-time MARCO Secretary Robin, WF1R, who became a silent key during the past year.

Hope to see you all enxt year at the 2008 MARCO annual meeting, to be held in conjunction with the Dayton Hamvention.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 6, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed fMRI, the ability to determine a more accurate "lie detector test" than the polygraph. We talked about the EEG type and now the more elaborate MRI scan both with and without contrast (PET). Two companies are already in the business. Look for more details in the next "SparKey".

This Sunday, many of us will be in Santa Monica. Harry WB9EDP will handle net control duties this week.

If you have any want ads to put in the NL pleast submit--don't let that "junk" accumulate, give your XYL a break--sell it! (at a reasonable price!--one man's junk is another man's pride and joy--is that the way it goes?).

Talk to you'all with full details from Cali-Hogan the following week. Danny, our secretary, was last reported in Gallup, New Mexico on his way to Santa Monica--some Indian tried to sell him a reservation at a restaurant.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 22, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last sunday we finished "Counterfeit Drugs." This sunday we will discuss the Lie Detector Test. Does it work? How can one "beat it?" We will also add an update on Brain Fingerprinting. Should be fun.

Note: For two recent Sundays we have not been able to have discussions, therefore the CME standings may be a little below what you thought you had.

The Annual Meeting is coming soon (May 4-5). All Directors are expected unless they are on call or family problems won't permit.

MARCO Grand Runds for April 8, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we discussed "Counterfeit Drugs." We learned that 50% of the Canadian online direct-to-consumer drugs can be counterfeit or sub-standard--and that comes from the Canadian Pharmacist's Association! Many of these drugs come from Belize, Russia, Vietnam all dolled-up with Canadian addresses.

About 10% of all medicines sold globally are substandard or counterfeit--and that goes up to 25% in the developing countries. In the U.S. the total is 1% but climbing, as ectasy and cocaine peddlers have found they can make more money by selling high-priced phoney Lipitor, Viagra, Procrit and the HIV drugs.

Look for the word "Pedigree Laws" as the Feds are still still still still working on it. We will continue the discussion this Sunday.

Is the pet food mess just the beginning???? Hope not.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 1, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Bad luck last Sunday--contest QRM and long skip kept the discussion limited so it was postponed till this Sunday--April Fools Day--14.307. I notice the Flyboys also dropped their net down to 14.307 because of the Latin Lovers on 14.310.

We will discuss "Counterfeit Drugs." Counterfeiters seek large profits while limiting their risks of detection, so they favor higher priced drugs for conditions patients may be reluctant to reveal to their doctors, such as Viagra, Cialis and Propecia (embarrassment drugs). Also, Lipitor, Celebrex, Crestor, Nexium....

25% of the drugs coming in from Mexico are counterfeit. The Canadian Pharmacist's Association said that up to 50% of the drugs from online pharmacies can be counterfit or sub-standard. Many of the Canadian email addresses are phoney and coming from Central America.

Not that we don't have enough to worry about, now we have this! Learn how to spot them! (or how to try and spot them.)

Tune in, should be FUN!!!!!

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 25, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will finish the discussion on Malaria and then, time permitting, will delve into "Helping Your Patients Avoid Counterfeit Medicines." They are out there--malaria and counterfeit drugs and unless we look for them we won't find them.

The top drugs being counterfeited are: Combivir, Diflucan, Epivir, Epogen, Lamisil, Lipitor, Norvasc, Procrit, Samatatropin, Viagra and Zyprexa.

Tune in, should be fun. Also, if you have a topic you wish to discuss or have discussed please advise. The more participants the better--don't be bashful.

Hope everyone got the Newsletter by now--and remember to submit your "For Sale" articles for the upcoming classified section.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 18, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Sunday (March 11) we discussed Human Papillomavirus HPV. We discovered it is the most common STD --present in 1/4 of all females at ages 20-24 and that 80% of us who reach age 50 have been infected--both male and female--with one of the 89+ strains that can cause condyloma (venereal warts and cervical cancer etc.)etc. Fortunately, most cases are destroyed by the body defenses within 2 years.

The new vaccine runs around $135 per injection, three required preferably for females under 29 and not men (yet).

From the recent study reported in the Feb. 28 JAMA one in 59 females remains a virgin by age 50--needless to say, they are in great demand.

The bad news, is we got hit with a pizza ad on Grand Rounds this morning along with our Latin cooks up on 310 making it almost impossible to carry on.

ASOFNOW--henceforth, as agreed by all, we will be moving down to 14.307 MHz in the immediate future. This coming week, we hope, Lou Wiederhold WA1HGE will be discussing current treatment of malaria, a disease that just won't go away.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 11, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

NOW HEAR THIS...Marco Grand Rounds of the Air this Sunday at 10 a.m. Eastern will again attempt to discuss HPV. (We got inundated by a "contest" last Sunday)

It is a timely subject and will be a topic of converation in the office, so tune in, ask questions and with a group of 30+ we may have some answers.

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 25, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of the History of Illegal Drugs. It is a challenging subject and was featured recently on the History Channel from which much of the data has been taken.

Alexander the Great conquered the known world with the help of opium and now, once again, opium is trying to conquer our world. Will it succeed?

Do we have to be "Normally normal" as Sigmoid Freud stated after he got high on cocaine?

WANTED: Send your Buy-Sell items not to E-bay but to the "Spark-Key" Marco Newsletter. Empty your Dagwood closets so we can all enjoy your junk--stop being possessive--perhaps the xyl will then have more room to store her shoes. 73...........Warren

A reply from Al, KA7LOT:

I recall reading an article 15 or so years ago in Smithsonian about a cocaine epidemic in America in about 1914. The article mentioned that the NYC police were upset that people high on cocaine were dangerous and had to put down. The police then carried 32 caliber pistols, and wanted something more powerful to help stop folks high on cocaine, so the 38 caliber came into being with the nickname "Saturday night special". 73's to all, Al KA7LOT

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 18, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "The History of Illegal Drugs." Should be a loser's winner!

The weather in Tampa Bay is 55 degrees and all the Yanks are wearing long underwear. (Union suits are banned in the South.)

Keep those "For Sale" items coming in as we want to get a classified ad section going in the Newsletter. Also, how about a name for the NL? Right now tentatively it is "Spark-Key." Any other suggestions?

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 11, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

MARCO GRAND ROUNDS OF THE AIR for Feb. 11, continuation of INFLAMATORY BOWEL DISEASE.

Have had request for rname of test for determining aspirin resistance--IT IS: "Ultegra Rapid Platelet Function Assay This is a blood test. There is also a urine test called "Aspirinworks" but not as good.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 21, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss a common problem that accounts for 1 in 8 patient visits--IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME. If we have 40 check-ins that means there will be about 5 on board with this problem. These bowel problems are always fun.

Those of you who are receiving this by email can also receive the February edition of the Marco Newsletter via pdf file by clicking on the attachment and then printing it. [Also available for download at http://www.marco-ltd.org]. Those not bothering should receive their hard copy edition in about ten days with your certificate of CME for 2006. All members will receive a hard copy if your dues are paid or nearly paid.

If you want to have some fun, tune in 15 minutes before 10 eastern on Sunday and using your CW key tap out "She is his mississippi sis." I understand this was a fim-trick in training the military during WW II whereas they had to pick up 15 wpm in two weeks or flunk out of radio school!

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 14, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Isabelle" a diagnostic tool that is being used by the VA to come up with a diagnosis in children. The program is available to private doctors and all hospitals. [Blogmaster's note: It appears to me that two ideas are being run together here. The VA doesn't do diagnosis in children. We do not (yet) have child-veterans in this country. Tune into the net to hear the real story!]

If we have time we will discuss the law that took effect in Florida Jan. 1, 2007 and which will be in effect all over the US by October. It is the law concerning PRESENT ON ADMISSION DIAGNOSIS which means you have to list all the diseases a patient has before they go into the hospital so that the insurance and Medicare will not be billed for those pre-existing conditions. It is already implemented in California so maybe Arnold can tell us about the added regulatory work involved.

IF YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WITH "ISABELLE" or other computer programs dealing with diagnosis or experience with PRESENT ON ADMISSION please help out. This one should be a necessary bore, but the boys pulling the puppet strings are serious.

MARCO Grand Rounds for 12/31/2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Dizziness" and "Tinnitus" if we have time. Also, about the Eplex maneuver to relieve postural vertigo.

Need the check-in list for last week.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 24, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will attempt to conclude the discussion on Polonium 210 and the Russians. Harry WB9EDP will be net controller as I will be in Washington D(amn)C(crowded). Should be a good won [sic].

Radiation Detectors

From Chip, N5RTF:

Enjoyed the talk this morning on radioisotopes. As a sideline, I enjoy building geiger counters and usually have a couple quietly clicking away at home. They are sometimes illuminating. I was once able to detect a leak from a local nuclear plant 2 days before it was announced publicly. It is also interesting to observe counts go up when it starts raining.

If any MARCO members would like to build their own counters, I recommend Charles Wenzel's web site:

http://www.techlib.com/science/geiger.html
Tubes can be purchased from LND incorporated at: http://www.lndinc.com/

His circuits are impressive, in that they can be built mostly out of a junk box and draw only about 1 ma. in operation. Output from the detector can be modified to drive any number of devices: lights, speakers, digital counters, software, etc.

Be the first in your neighborhood to know you've been nuked!

MARCO Grand Rounds as of December 8

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we tried to discuss Polonium 210 but were snowed by a pile-up. Harry WB9EDP will again try and explain the murder of the Russian agent by radioactivity.

If we have time, we will also hit on the new program "Isabel" that is coming into vogue.

So far, our Sunday net is holding up fairly well being at the bottom of the sun spot-cycle. Below are averages for Sundays of each year:

1998, average check-in was 14.45 members 2003, average check-in was 28.63

1999, average check-in was 15.95 members 2004, average check-in was 29.50

2000, average check-in was 20.25 members 2005, average check-in was 29.17

2001, average check-in was 22.6 members 2006, average check in was 28.96

2002, average check-in was 26.15 members.

MARCO Grand Rounds - an Addition

From Warren, KD4GUA:

With the second reported poisoning with Polonium 210 in Europe, our physicist, Harry WB9EDP has promised to give us a brief description of this radio-active substance prior to our discussion of "Isabelle" this upcoming Sunday. You might read Peter Zimmerman's fine article in the Wall Street Journal of Dec. 1 concernng this gruesome death.

Tune in, should be interesting.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 3, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday Grand Rounds we will discuss "ISABEL." Who is she? She is a little girl in England who was misdiagnosed and almost died...her Dad began a program to help doctors make the right diagnosis. It has been very well received and is now on-going in the VA and many teaching hospitals. It is time we all knew about it--its ability to make diagnosis and its cost

I have tried to get hold of Albert Breland KA7LOT MD who has had experience with this program. I hope he can come on board. He was last heard to be in Alaska working for the VA. Bert was a neuro resident of our late President Bob Currier.

If Chip N5RTF or any other MARCO members have experience with Isabel, please be on board Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern 14.308 (go down to 14.307 if Latin stations antagonistic.)

Good news--Bill Hazell, W4TAD is out of sick bay and home.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 26, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss Chantix, the new FDA approved drug for quitting smoking. We will also discuss your methods to induce your patients to quit. Other meds being studied include rimonabant a pill and upcoming vaccines . Early tests of these new meds have been promising. 15 years after quitting--the risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker! (Do you believer that?)

Let's help those with, kick the habit, which is tougher than opium to quit.

Sunday 14.308, 10 a.m. Eastern. If we are bombarded by the Latins on 14.310 go DOWN to 14.307. "If you can't lick 'em, leave 'em."

NOTE: The December pdf version of the Newsletter is available on the internet via listserve. The mail-version should be in the pipeline by Tuesday.

MARCO Grand Rounds, November 16, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday, November 12, we had 34 check-ins for a discussion on the use of Statin drugs. Due to time limitations we were unable to finish and thus, will continue this Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern 14.308...if we hit the Latins go DOWN to 14.307 as they will probably be haunting at 14.310.

Medical Personnel Needed in Africa

Received from MediShare International Chairman Bill Stenberg, N5QF:

Dear MARCO members:
MediShare has received a request for medical personnel by Nlogha E. Okeke,MD, FACS in Eastern Nigeria.
The Eastern Nigeria Medical Centre is a 98 bed nonprofit, non-governmental general hospital located in the eastern part of Nigeria. Some information about the hospital can be accessed at its web site- www.enmc-hospital.org.
If you can help please contact Dr. Okeke (ifeomake@yahoo.com), and please cc to me.
Thank you!!!
William Stenberg, DDS, MPH/ N5QF
MediShare Director
www.medishare.org

Audio Download of MARCO Grand Rounds

Chip Keister, N5RTF, has made audio of MARCO Grand Rounds available through his Website.

Here is the information from Chip:

Internet streaming audio of MARCO Grand Rounds is up and running again today. This is an MP3 icecast/shoutcast stream available by clicking the following link or pasting it into your favorite MP3 player:

http://tkeister.net:8000/stream.m3u or cut and paste http://tkeister.net:8000/stream

Winamp and VLC work best. Microsoft Media Player will work after a long buffering delay.

I have also set up an FTP site to download previous Grand Rounds audio. The link is:

ftp://tkeister.net User name is marco. Password is wb5d.

Files are listed by date. To download, you will have to have your browser set to active FTP. In Microsoft Internet Explorer, on the top toolbar, click Tools, then Advanced, then scroll down to an entry labeled: Use Passive FTP (for firewall and DSL modem compatibility). Uncheck this box, then click Apply, then OK. Go back to the file list and click on the desired archive, then follow the instructions from your browser.

This is not real audio on demand, but will allow people to catch Grand Rounds when they couldn't be on the air in person. Please send comments, positive or negative.

Note that real-time streaming is available during the net, held Sundayts at 10AM Eastern Time (1500 UTC in the Winter and 1400 UTC in the Summer).

MARCO Website updated

On November 4, 2006 the "Radio Links" page of MARCO's Website was updated with several new links added.

-KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 29, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will finally get to talk about "Just Who Needs Statin Drugs."

Last Sunday, I was out-of-town and I do not have the check-in list. Arnold WB6OJB wrote: Both Pauls from California were on board along with VE3OQM, Harry in Chicago and Chuck in Ohio. I hope someone kept a record.

I understand there was a LOUSY propogation period with no sun spots reported for about7 days. Let's hope it will improve this weekend.

On the Sick List is Bill W4Tender and Delicious, who had a lap last Friday and is in rehab.

Update from Western New York

Radio operations at KM2L were pretty well destroyed by the freak October 12 snowstorm that pounded the Buffalo area.

We expected scattered snowshowers, and instead received 20 inches of snowfall. The early date of the storm caught our trees still carrying most of their leaves, and this fact, along with the wetness of the snow conspired to bring down countless trees and/or limbs. They, in turn, brought down power lines throughout the area.

We were without power for 5 days, with electricity finally restored on the evening of October 17. All of the antennas at KM2L are down, and so are many of the trees that supported them. The cleanup effort continues and will run for a couple of months, at least.

I am attempting to salvage what I can and hope to jury rig some type of radiator this weekend. Perhaps it is an opportunity to re-engineer the antenna farm.

More later...

-KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds update, October 17, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed who and who shouldn't take statin drugs for lowering lipids. We didn't get through so will continue this a week from Sunday.

This Sunday, Harry WB9EDP is going to discuss Conformal Prostate Radiation for cancer of the prostate. I will be out of town leaving Florida for Pennsylvania on Thursday, scheduled to return Monday night.

Bruce KM2L was off the air Sunday as was Bill W4TAD, first time he has missed a Sunday in three years! Bruce probably lost power in that 4 foot snowstorm that loves Buffalo. Have fun Sunday.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 8, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday was a washout so we will try again this Sunday to discus "TRANS FATS" and the relationship to taking Statins. In other words do I stop eating cookies and not start taking Lipitor?

The subject is getting more intriguing every hour. Monsanto and DuPont are putting out a product that is low in linoleic acid (which causes fats to spoil) that does not have to be hydrogenated. Cookies that are hydrogenated can almost last forever.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 1, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we began a discussion on "DO I REALLY NEED LIPITOR". We never finished it...so this week we will combine it with the news out of New York City--BAN THE TRANS FATS! We will discuss what they are and why they are used and what happens to them when they enter the human fat deposits--THEY ARE PRESERVED THERE--just like they are preserved on the grocer's shelf.

To those who get list serve and the Newsletter only--tune in so we can get to know you ear lobe to ear lobe.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 24, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

HOT ONE COMING UP....This Sunday we will discuss the use of lipid-controlling drugs....the latest information on the right drug for the right problem.

Even though HYPERlipidemia heightens vulnerabiity to heart attacks and strokes, many doctors are not doing a very good job controlling the condition--are they afraid of the drugs? Are the patients afraid of the drugs? If so, is this warranted?

Lipitor and Crestor are all over the TV-screens--does this encourage you or discourage you? Should be an interesting discussion--tune in Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern 14.308---have your input ready.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 17, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Four years ago, our former Marco Secretary Robin Staebler was flying to the Dayton Hamvention. When he arrived he had severe abdominal cramps diagnosed as a bowel obstruction due to the expansion and contraction of the air in his bowel while climbing and descending in flight. The obstruction was relieved by surgery and Robin returned to Maine.

This recurred. On a second operation carcinoid was found--presumed to have originated in the adrenal gland. Since there is an average of 9 years between the onset of carcinoid and its diagnosis there is a good possibility this condition was asymptomatic for years.

Robin succumbed from carcinoid on July 23, 2006 (The true case history is not available and the above is a presumption.)

The incidence of this disease is increasing thus the need for discussion this coming Sunday, 14.308, 10 a.m. Eastern.

Update from North Carolina

The following was received from Bob, K4RLC on September 4:

Our beach house at Windy Hill (now part of North Myrtle Beach) had minor flooding, debris washed in the yard and one tree toppled. Bobby and I dug it out, and propped it up, and maybe it will survive. Locals weren't very much concerned abt Ernesto, but they've seen lots worse here. We had 4 feet of water under the house (it's up 8 feet on stanchions) after Hurricane Hugo. Beautiful, fall-like weekend at the beach.

bc

-Thanks to all for your support and concern, while I was deployed again with the American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Services. In reaction to Katrina last year, the Red Cross wanted to set up inland shelters for evacuation and to pre-deploy services and be ready to immediately move into a disaster area. This is admirable, but nature doesn’t always cooperate, and weather/hurricane forecasting is maybe more art than science. Early on, Ernesto was predicted to be a major hurricane, and to hit the gulf coast, right on the first anniversary of Katrina. 38,000 families still live in FEMA small trailers along the coast, very much in harm's way.

-So, I completed a whirlwind (pun intended) trip of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Florida, chasing Ernesto. However, it was psychologically nice to return to Gulfport-Biloxi-Bay St Louis –Waveland, and get closure from last year. There is still so much devastation and so much rebuilding to be done. Fortunately, most of the debris has been removed. The folks there were palpably anxious about another hurricane, especially one predicted to be strong and hit on the first anniversary of Katrina!

-Quite a trip – RDU to Memphis to Gulfport. On to Hattiesburg, but called halfway there, and told to go to Orlando. Orlando, via Atlanta. In Orlando, given a rental car and told to transport folks to Fort Lauderdale. Stayed in Ft Lauderdale a few days in a shelter (Challenger Elementary School - school dedicated to the Challenger Space Shuttle Crew, especially the teacher who died on that mission). As storm was heading for North Carolina, was sent back home to Raleigh. Not exactly a vacation.

-If you’re around here, you know we didn’t receive much damage. Leaving for our beach cottage this pm, as North Myrtle got 70 mph winds and 7 inches of rain. Always good to go to the beach.

-Thanks again for your best wishes. Hopefully that’s it for storms, but hurricane season doesn’t peak til Sept 9^th.

Take care,

Bob

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 27, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we had 36 check-ins for the discussion on AEDs (Automatic external defibrillators). We had several funny stories--the one about the doctor whose metal stethescope was touching the bed of the shocked....they now call HIM "Sparky."

This week we will discuss "Herpes I and II"...what has happened? GOOD NEWS: According to two members, the Sun Spot Cycle turned around July 31st and we are now in the upswing!

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 13, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we came to the conclusion that operating a ham station is safe--but one should sit as far away from the amplifier as possible and keep the antenna high preferably at 35 feet above sea level.

This week we will discuss "AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS" and the recent recalls and safety alerts affecting them. These machines are located at airports etc., and are available to the lay population to be used in case of emergencies.

If the Latin station on 14.310 is splattering go down one to 14.307, from the usual frequency of 14.308. If no Latins we will be on 14.308.

Email from Bert Breland KA7LOT who was on board last Sunday from San Diego. He has a locum tenens in Alaska and will rejoin Marco in November. Bert was a resident of Bob Currier's, along with Chip Keister, at the Univ. of Mississippi Med School. Bert was a great contributor to Grand Rounds and it will be great to have him back.

Don't forget CW at 9:30-10a.m. Eastern time Sunday 14.308; MediShare net 14.308 Monday 9:30 p.m. Eastern

Back From A Crash!!

I'm back in business after a remarkably terrible week. Everything I looked at broke, or so it seemed.

First off, a faucet fitting in one our upstairs bathrooms began to leak. This was discovered when my wife gazed at the kitchen ceiling and asked "Hey, isn't that water?"

Next, the backup battery for our security alarm system went flat after a power outage.

Third, the computer staggered to a halt under the burden of too many broken Windows components and lousy, resource-hogging software. This took me a week to fix, and if I weren't bald before I would be now.

Thursday, August 10 was the coup-de-grace. I threw a chicken into the oven and bid my 15 year-old good luck as he walked to the park behind our house for his soccer match. About 20 minutes into the chicken, the oven died. A few minutes after that, I received a call from the park - my son had broken his wrist!

What can I say - we are all recovering slowly, and hoping for better times.

73,
KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 6, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we discussed "tinnitus" or ringing in the ears. This Sunday, by demand, we will talk about "fibromyalgia."

If anyone has the obit on Robin Staebler, please forward to the Newsletter at P.O. Box 127, Indian Rocks, FL., 33785 or warenbrown(at)aol.com, as he certainly should fit the shoes of "Heroes Of Marco." Any other informtion about his background appreciated.

Hope everyone received the Newsletter and that the stories made you laugh--if you submit more laughable laughs we can all do that more.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 20, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed "Clostridiium Dificile." Propagation was poor but we hope things will pick up this Sunday when we discuss HYPERTHEMIA.

We are now at the low portion of the sun spot cycle and we have been very fortunate so far...in other words from here on its only going to get better! (according to Hoyle).

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 13, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we had 36 check-ins for the discussion on "Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus."

This Sunday (July 16) we will discuss "Clostridium difficile infection." It was called "difficile" because when first discovered it was difficult to grow in the lab.

Our former President and Secretary, Robin Staebler WF1R is in Sick Bay up in Belfast, Maine. Harry WB9EDP suggested we all send a QSL get well card to Robin. His address is: 144 Head of the Tide Rd., Belfast Maine 04915. With every card he gets, his serum cortisone level goes down and his immune system picks up. Robin has completed the transfer of secretarial duties to Danny W4DAN in a very smooth and coordinated way.

MARCO Grand Rounds, July 6, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

We have been whistling against a hurricane the past two weeks--first, Field Day with a large audience, then the 4th Holiday with the Chinese jamming 14.310. Apparently, there was an "irregular" Chinese station that was skipping around 20 meters and they were chasing it. First time I've heard a Chinese station . What we should do is get the Latin station on 14.310 to talk to the Chinese (or maybe that's what happened!).

This Sunday we will stay with the "cutting edge of medicine." Stop yawning--this subject is not a dull one and many of you see it every day and don't know it. It is called, "Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus." There are over 400,000 cases out there waiting to get picked up. It was first recognized 30 years ago with the advent of the CT and MRI scans.

When a 60 year old shuffles into your office complaining of forgetfulness and urinary problems the lights should go on--this disease is controllable---just removing 50 cc of cerebro-spinal fluid, within one hour can possibly have this individual walking normally! No, it is not Parkinson's after all!

Tune in Sunday, 14.308, 10 a.m. Eastern time.

MARCO Grand Rounds, July 6, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

We have been whistling against a hurricane the past two weeks--first, Field Day with a large audience, then the 4th Holiday with the Chinese jamming 14.310. Apparently, there was an "irregular" Chinese station that was skipping around 20 meters and they were chasing it. First time I've heard a Chinese station . What we should do is get the Latin station on 14.310 to talk to the Chinese (or maybe that's what happened!).

This Sunday we will stay with the "cutting edge of medicine." Stop yawning--this subject is not a dull one and many of you see it every day and don't know it. It is called, "Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus." There are over 400,000 cases out there waiting to get picked up. It was first recognized 30 years ago with the advent of the CT and MRI scans.

When a 60 year old shuffles into your office complaining of forgetfulness and urinary problems the lights should go on--this disease is controllable---just removing 50 cc of cerebro-spinal fluid, within one hour can possibly have this individual walking normally! No, it is not Parkinson's after all!

Tune in Sunday, 14.308, 10 a.m. Eastern time.

MARCO Grand Rounds, June 30, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

It is now 11:30 pm and just finished typing up the standings when--pop up ruined 30 minutes work....Hi-lights:

Last Sunday, Field Day, we were able to finish the talk on BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy). We learned that there is no correlation with enenlargement of the prostate and cancer of the prostate.

This Sunday, we will switch over to the bad guy--cancer of the prostate which occurs in over 50% of men over 80.

We have been notified by Robin Staebler, WF1R, that he is turning over the secretarial duties to Danny W4DAN because of illness. This means all dues will now should be sent to Danny Centers, 2712 Bryant Dr., Cleveland, TN 37311. Robin has arranged to make the transition as smooth as possible. Let us remember Robin when we contact the fellow upstairs tonight.

MARCO Grand Rounds, June 22, 2006

Last Sunday we discussed "LUTS" lower urinary tract syndrome". This consists of enlarged prostate and overactive bladder disease (OBD) (Gotta go, Gotta go) or both.

Then we discussed the new therapies for enlarged prostate. Question: "What can we younger guys do to prevent enlargement of the prostate." Answer: "Die young! "

Men with oversized prostates are usually bald headed and have hyper-libidos. The bald-headedness can be treated by rubbing in Viagra (on the cranial head) , but don't think this works too well--any takers?

This Sunday is Field Day--and we should have a super audience...therefore, we will try and wind up the LUTS and switch to VOX POX--bring your problems and we will attempt to solve them.

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 9, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we finished the discussion on STEM CELLS.

This Sunday we will discuss BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY and the new methods of treatment such as: TUNA, TUIP, LASER, MICROWAVE, STENTS, BALLOONS, INJECTIONS, DRUGS. There is also a new term being used "LUTS" which stands for Lower Urinary Tract Syndrome which is often mistaken for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy). This LUTS is responsible for all the "Gotta Go, Gotta Go! ads you are seeing on TV.

Standings will be posted next week.

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 4, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we had 38 check-ins--good for this time of year and sun cycle. The NL went out and hope all of you are searching the skies for nice people.

Last week we discussed the MOST fascinating subject--STEM CELLS!

Word from Germany--they have taken 300 terminally ill congestive heart failure infarcted patients whose only hope was a heart transplant (that was not available) and performed an artificial heart attack by inserting an obstructing balloon into a coronary artery for two minutes thus opening up a collateral blood flow and THEN injecting the patient's own stromal bone marrow stem cells into the collateral flow vessels---Voila--in three months there was marked improvement clinically and in cardiac output.

We will continue the discussion this week and our hematologist Bruce KM2L will be standing by for comment. Don't miss it, 14.308 Sunday 10 a.m. Eastern.

Homework assignment: Bone-up on Stem Cells for Sunday.

Letter About Malpractice Insurance

I had a letter to the Editor published in the Buffalo News today.

The only event that motivates me to write is the appearance of a self-serving bundle of lies submitted by a trial lawyer. The most recent example was from a guy who neglected to reveal that he was an attorney, and proceeded to bash malpractice insurance companies for gouging physicians, charging excessively high premiums to cover their investment losses.

My rebuttal made the following points:

1) The largest malpractice insurer in NY Stateis a mutual company, owned by its policy holders and managed by physicians. Thus, this joker wants us to believe that doctors are ripping themselves off for some reason.

2). Insurance companies follow a prescribed set of rules and actuarial procedures to estimate their future losses, and they are required to maintain sufficient reserves to cover those losses. The State Insurance Department rules on any requests they may have to change premium rates.

3). The lawyer pointed out that in recent years the premiums collected have significantly exceeded the claims paid, and offered this as evidence of the insurance companies' greed. I pointed out that this ratio is exactly what one should expect. The physician wins the majority of cases that go to trial, and in those cases, there are no claims paid. Win or lose, a court case costs an enormous sum, and the insurance company pays for defending the doctor.

4). Finally, I appealed to common sense with this argument: If insurers could make a profit by selling malpractice policies to doctors, then they would be in competition for my business. I would expect to see advertising for malpractice policies when I read a medical journal or opened my mail. This hasn't happened once in a 30-year career. On the other hand, No one can watch TV, listen to the radio, pick up the telephone book, or drive down the street without being assaulted by ads from personal injury law firms. So, where do you think the money is going?

I will now climb back off my soapbox and retreat to the shadows.

-KM2L

More About Stem Cells

From Warren, KD4GUA:

There was a GREAT program on TV last night about the use of stem cells in Germany ("Regenerative Medicine" on PBS' "Innovation Program"). In patients with poor left ventricular function after an acute MI they are taking the patient some time after the AMI when they go into failure and using a balloon obstructing the left anterior artery, thus creating an artifical heart attack for three minutes while they give IV stem stromal cells from the same patient's bone marrow. This tends to circulate the stem cells on the by pass vessels thus spreading them out. Then the balloon obstruction is relieved and 3 months later in the majority of the 300 cases, the patients no longer have symptoms of congestive failure. It has not been approved in the USA yet--work done at Frankfurt.

They also showed shots from Portugal where they are taking stem cells from the nasal mucosa and infiltrating them into injured spinal cords with actual return of formerly paralized limbs. What a show--and what a future! Tx for helping out this coming Sunday on Grand Rounds--none of us are experts in this field--we are all learning--and fast????

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 28, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we discussed STEM CELLS and how IF we can learn the signals that turn STEM cells on and off and into what-- we may be able to decipher the cancer code that turns normal cells into malignant cells. Bone up on STEM cells and we will continue the discussion.

The first PDF Newsletter went out last seek. The printed version should be in the mail within a week. That PDF is not exactly a "piece of cake." Nor is the transcribing of the NL onto a disc for a pro. BUT, all learning curves can be extended by the wrong attitude. AND, with beer cheaper than gasoline--one can now DRINK and DON't DRIVE.

MARCO Newsletter now available as Acrobat *.pdf

Warren, KD4GUA, our Newsletter Editor, has produced the first ever *.pdf version of the MARCO Newsletter. It is full of great content, as usual.

Subscribers to the MARCO-list listserv should have received a copy by email. If you didn't, visit our Website at http://www.marco-ltd.org to download it.

73,
Bruce, KM2L

Hospital Hams

Chip, N5RTF, at the MARCO Board of Directors meeting expressed his wish to see hospitals throughout the nation equipped with amateur radio stations for emergency communications. (His experience during Hurricane Katrina may have had just a bit to do with this!)

His comments resulted in the following dialogue on the MARCO listserv:

Mary K. Favaro AE4BX:

Just got back from a long locum tenens, and hardly ever get out on my crummy antennas sans sunspots anyway, but saw the note about the hospitals.

In the mid 90's when I was the Charleston County Emergency Co-ordinator I set up 5 hospitals with ham radios and then we had classes and trained a sizable number of ham operators from the employees. We recommended that interested people mainly from non-critical areas i.e. medical librarians, med records, front office, etc train. But we also got many nurses, maintenance people, and several docs as well. We also found nobody would come back at 7 pm for class, but had a successful group at 2:30-4 pm split from 2 shifts.

We found that the hospital auxiliaries were the places to go for the money. It really doesn't take a lot of $$$ to set up a 2 Meter and antenna. The club provided the labor free and we checked the radios semi-annually.

The problem we hadn't predicted was that many of our licensed cadre of hams never touched a radio from season to season. Very few became functioning hams and stayed up with it. So - o refresher classes and hospital nets in pre-hurricane season were set up. We had a group who would come into the hospital and help anyway. We could set up all five hospitals quickly with one call to the switchboard of the 'main' hospital in the group and then the cascade of predetermined calls would alert all the rest and get them manned.

Two years ago I was involved in the group setting up 10 hospitals on the NC/SC border with their own ham network. They had formed a group primarily to share purchasing and equipment, then got their own ham network. SC only had 2 of the hospitals so NC ran things mostly. They elected to go with 6 Meters, and there ensued over a year delay just getting towers and antennas and disagreements over all of the above. The hospitals provided the money from a common fund. Disadvantage there was that the average helping community ham had 2 M not 6 M. They were up and running last year for the first time, not tested yet with a real emergency but have run some practice sessions on anthrax powder contamination, and a dirty bomb.

Best hospital ham group is in California. I can find a web site if anyone is interested. They have community hams that go in and run intra-hospital as well as inter-hospital stuff for earthquakes and other disasters.

Still here, need to retire again.

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

Joe Macera, KG6ECQ:

The group here in Southern California that supplements the intra and interhospital communications for hospitals during internal and external disasters is Hospital Disaster Support Communications System. Their website is http://members.aol.com/emcom4hosp/. The inspiration and leader of this group is April Moell, WA6OPS.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 21, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "STEM CELLS." There is a lot of dysinformation out there concerning the basic story and we hope that when you close shop on Sunday morning, you will have a better concept about what it is all about. Very interesting subject--like abortions!

All the Daytonians apparently arrived home safely, their bags stuffed with things they didn't need along with aching arches. (One fellow said, "Dayton is like taking a shower with an umbrella that leaks--I won't buy any junk, but MFJ strikes again!

I bought a brand new green camoflaged electric motor scooter for $160 delivered. When it gets delivered I will be forced to move out! "WHY DID YOU BUY THAT PIECE OF JUNK!"

Tx to Harry WB9EDP, for keeping the fire burning. We picked up 14 new members.

An Interesting Discussion of Dreams From MARCO-list

Bob Conder K4RLC:

-Woke up after interesting dream (playing pickup basketball) and wondered
what technology it would take to record the visual imagery of dreams, then
capture and download it to a medium (dvd).
-Have any of you been invovled in such endeavor, probably govt related?
-Recording the brains's electrical activity during sleep, and identifying
dream (REM) sleep is a piece of cake now, but it would be really
fascinating to have an external video image of one's dreams, for personal
and research purposes.
-Just dreamin'
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaby Bader, SM6HUG:

Very interesting idea but I would not like to "dream" about how such a
system will be used by Big Brother. As a Sleep Medicine specialist we
already face a few problems with e.g. RBD  (REM behavioural disorders - i.e.
(often) agressive behaviour during dream states...).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

David Rathke,KI5NG:


Makes you wonder what format our brains store our video in, doesn't it?



This ought to be discoverable. It's probably stored in a physically 3D
way (which IS currently being worked on, because the storage density
would be far greater than it currently is.)



I remember wondering about that a number of years ago when the father
of a close friend of mine was dying of cancer, which at this point had
spread to his brain. As the family was all in their den watching TV, he
announced that he was hallucinating, seeing very real-appearing things
being acted out on a stage of reality. (He was amused by it at first
... it was like a, "Hey, guys, guess what I'm seeing now?!" moment.
Later, it became problematic, as he began to loose his ability to tell
which was reality and which was not.) After listening to his
descriptions, it dawned on me that he was dreaming -- but
while still fully awake. Somehow, the barrier between his conscious
mind that perceives reality and whatever mind we have during REM sleep
while we are sleeping, had broken down. You know how incredibly real
dreams can be? He was seeing both at the same time while retaining his
ability to tell one from the other.



Dreams must feed the same part of our mind that our other senses feed,
like two video cameras plugged in to one monitor: one camera is pointed
to reality, the other to a mind-created world ... but the monitor can't
tell the difference if they are both fed in the same format and into
the same port (input.) In my friend's father's brain, the switch
between the two cameras had failed and was allowing both cameras to
feed the input simultaneously.  It must be left up to our higher
cognitive functions to sort out the difference. (My rat terrier must
think she's really chasing the squirrels and deer she must see
in her dreams.)



Surely, somebody is researching this. The implications range from
sorting out schizophrenia to helping the blind to see again (and the
deaf to hear again - vision is only one of the senses....we
could even transport a Helen Keller into a world where she would be
fully functional [remember the Star Trek episode, "The Menagerie?"])

Just dreamin' a little more....

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fred Simowitz, K0FS:

The gentleman with the metastatic brain tumor might have been having complex visual hallucinations as part of a seizure. This would be likely if the tumor were located in the posterior temporal lobe or the parieto-temporal association areas. Although such seizures originate in visual and visual-associated areas, they also may sometimes bring in auditory components as well. Most of the time, at least at the outset of a given episode, the patient is aware that they are illusionary. Regardless of the source of the man's hallucination (ie, dream vs. seizure), the camera 1/camera 2 theory may have merit. Whichever biochemical "director" was at the control room console at the time momentarily switched both cameras to the main feed, and the subject got what you described.

Dayton HamVention, May 20,2006

The day dawned crystal clear and beautiful, although it remained cool throughout.

Yours truly made his way to Hara Arena by 9 AM and took care of a few items on the shopping list. The exact nature of these purchases must remain classified against the possibility that my spouse reads this posting. I will have a little bit of smuggling into the house to accomplish upon my return home tomorrow.

Some interesting acquaintances were made during the morning's wanderings. I met Piero Begali, I2RTF, the gentle artist who creates breathtakingly gorgeous CW paddles. His charming daughter, Bruna, was taking care of business at their booth. I also ran into Steve, VK2TSB, who may have traveled the furthest to attend the convention. He came all the way from Austraia's east coast to have a chat with me! I also had the chance to meet the crew from K1CRA, based in Orchard Park, NY, about 20 miles from my home. I was also able to put faces to a few of the participants on various email lists to which I belong.

Although attendance appeared to be down from years past, I spoke with a flea market exhibitor and a representative from Timewave, Inc., both of whom indicated that sales had been quite good. Apparently, the serious buyers made the trip to Dayton, while the browsers stayed home.


One vendor noticeable for its growth was DX Engineering. They offer an expanding catalog of clever antenna-related products. Kenwood was showing an APRS/mapping application that looked interesting. Timewave has a bluetooth adaptor allowing you to remote your digital terminal functions from your radio

Lastly, I swung through the impressive ARRL area and exchanged greetings with a few old friends like Ed Hare, W1RFI. The ARRL presence was similar to last year's show, and in my opinion they are doing a great job at Dayton.

With sore feet and a depleted wallet, I spent the rest of the day at MARCO's booth, relaxing, greeting current and former members, and helping WB6OJB and N5RTF in their efforts to gain new recruits. They were highly successful, I might add. We welcome our new members - I would list them, but I don't currently have the information.

In the evening, 32 of us gathered for dinner at the Holiday Inn North. Lou, WA1HGE led a remembrance for those members who have become silent keys in the past two years. We then enjoyed either chicken or prime rib. Following the banquet, Chip, N5RTF, presented a most compelling narrative of his experiences in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina. Suffice it to say that not everything developed the way it was portrayed. Several excellent questions were generated by Chip's comments.

Following his talk, Chip handed the gavel to incoming President Arnold, WB6OJB. He, in turn, invited the membership to attend the 2007 Annual Meeting, to be held in the Los Angeles area.

Most of us lingered a while longer, talking with friends new and old. With travel plans looming for the next day, we slowly dispersed to pack and to rest.

See you next year...

-KM2L

Dayton HamVention, May 19, 2006

After the close of the MARCO membership meeting, we all headed by various means to Hara Arena, site of the ham fest, where we were joined by, oh, 25,000 others.

Although at the start of the day the weather promised to resemble me - grey and in the upper 50's, in fact the clouds broke and we were treated to very pleasant conditions. Thus emboldened, I explored the flea market first. There was the usual assortment of boat anchors, surplussed computer equipment, and the occasional military set. Mendelson's, the huge surplus store in Dayton, was back after being absent last year. Several attendees were heard to remark about the scattered empty spaces, something that was unthinkable a few years ago. Likely the high price of gasoline and the ease of selling gear on eBay have had a negative impact.

I escaped with light damage, picking up a few rechargable batteries and an optical mouse for $6.99.

I had time for only a cursory look around indoors, where the joint was jumpin'. One of the most widely-offered items was a color wireless TV camera. Yaesu, as always, distributed free baseball caps. This year's model is black with a logo proclaiming "50 Years" (presumably of Yaesu's existence, as HamVention is older than that). They also displayed their $13,000 flagship FT-9000 radio, although I would prefer to own Ten-Tec's $4000 Orion II.

Meanwhile, back at the MARCO booth, WB6OJB had prospective new members throwing money at him. He should have been a salesman. We had many interested stoppers-by, as usual.

In the evening, WF1R celebrated his grandson's passing the Technician exam, while W8CRK, WD8NMV, W1QDV, and WB8ES ventured to Anticoli's for more Italian cuisine. The merry band of KD4GUA, WB6OJB and wife Joan, WA1HGE, N3IM, N5RTF, KM2L, W4DAN, and N5QF shuttled to the Pine Club. Initially threatened with a 1-hour wait, we were seated in 30 minutes and dug into some great steaks. Pine Club is crowded, noisy, friendly, cash-only, and added to my "recommended" list.

MARCO Annual Meeting, May 19, 2006.

The annual membership meeting of the Medical Amateur Radio Council took place on the morning of May 19, 2006 at the Dayton Holiday Inn North.

Members in attendance: N5RTF, President
WA6OJB, President-Elect
WA1HGE, Treasurer
WF1R, Secretary
W4DAN, Assistant Treasurer
KD4GUA, Newsletter Editor
N5QF, MediShare Chairman
W8CRK
KM2L
N3IM
K6JW

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 AM EDT by N5RTF.

1. Minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and approved.
2. KD4GUA reported that the printer of the Newsletter now requires eloectronic submission of copy. It had been suggested last year that the Newsletter be published in *.pdf format, an dit now becomes imperative to do so. It was moved and seconded that KD4GUA be reimbursed any expenses incurred in making the changeover to electronic publishing of the Newsletter. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Discount coupons for an initial $10 membership were a great hit at Dayton last year, as we recruited 12 new members. We will do this again this year.
4. WF1R is emailing up-to-date membership rosters to WA1HGE and W4DAN. Overall, the training of the Assistant Secretary has gone quite well. It is anticipated that he will take over the reins within the next six months. All checks are now to be mailed to WA1HGE, not to WF1R.
5. Several years ago we offered the option to renew membership for a ten-year period. This represents no problem as far as book keeping is concerned, and we will continue to offer this service.
6. It has been suggested that we develop and print a MARCO QSL card. The card could include information about membership and our nets, and perhaps a short biography of Bob, WB5D. The front might be a collage depicting MARCO's various activities. It could be printed as a template, so that individual members could use it with their own call signs. WF1R will work on creating a prototype.
7. The idea of a MARCO special operating event was discussed. We have attempted similar things in the past. WF1R suggested that we do a special event in conjunction with next year's annual meeting.
8. Chip, N5RTF, will be originating streaming audio of Grand Rounds directly from his home. The quality of the feed would be much improved if a well-located station with "good ears" could supply him an *.mp3 stream. WB9EDP was suggested, and will be contacted.
9. The CW net prior to Grand Rounds is once again operational under the leadership of VE3OQM. Participation is encouraged.
10. WA1HGE presented the Treasurer's report. Overall assets amount to a bit over $17,000. Our major annual expenses include approximately $1800 for the Newsletter, $1000 for the annual meeting, $400 for advertising in QST, and $100 for a donation to Handi Hams. It was moved and seconded that the Treasurer be authorized to expend amounts under $750 without the approval of another Board member. MOTION CARRIED. We had some discussion of establishing a fiscal year for the organization, however it was learned that we do have a specified fiscal year of January 1 to December 31.
11. The Secretary reported that current paid-up membership is 223. Guest membership has been a successful idea, adn in the past year three such members have renewed on their own.
12. N5QF reported on MediShare activities.
We collected $830 for Hurricane Katrina relief. This followed fundraising of $5000 for tsunami aid and $10,000 for projects in Africa.
We received several boxes of old dental instruments, and these have been donated to a school training native American dental assistants.
One dental student from New York City was placed aor volunteer work at the Hastings Indian Medical Center in Oklahoma.
With the help of a $1000 donation from Marilyn Currier, we have now collected the required $5000 sum to fund the Sri Lanka project. This entails providing the hospital and ambulances with a VHF repeater and hand-held radios. MARCO member Hemantha Gamage is heading this project.
N5QF receives requests for funding every week. Most of the requestors disappear when he asks for additional detail.
Current requests for consideration include purchase of a flexible laryngoscope for the hospital in Dominica (requested by Alfred Greenwald), books and teaching materials for a biomedical technology school in Ethiopia, and a request from a Kenyan medical student at Vanderbilt University for aid to a clinic that he and his brother are building in Kenya.
The MediShare net on Monday evening on 7.228 MHz with alternate frequency of 14.308 MHz is enjoying success, wiht typically three to six check-ins.
We are at times confused with Christian MediShare, an entity that provides insurance for medical missionaries. We had placed a link to them on the MediShare website, but it was suggested that this be removed and that N5QF monitor for problems.
MediShare part B, under which we attempt to place volunteers, has not been very active. It was recommended that we de-emphasize this program, but keep it on the books in case the opportunity arises.
A communication was received from Mike Marks of the Bush Hospital Foundation. He reported that the clinics in Tanzania are functional and adequately supplied. They have 4x4 ambulances and mobile phones. As electric power is sporadic, BHF is fundraising for generators and two desktop computers.
WF1R then described his assembly of a self-contained emergency communications station in a waterproof box. This would be suitable for portable operation in an emergency.
WF1R also remarked that one of Ed Ludin, K2UK's dreams was an endowment fund for MediShare, sufficient that some projects could be funded in perpetuity. The was to start this would be to earmark 5% to 10% of donations for the endowment fund. We would have to form a foundation once the fund reached $25,000.
N5QF was commended by those present for his hard and effective work.
13. A replacement for WB6OJB as 6th call-area Director is necessary. Jeff Wolf, K6JW, was nominated. Chip, N5RTF becomes a Director-at-Large automatically upon completion of his term as President. With those exceptions, it was moved and seconded that the Officers and Board of Directors remain as they were before. MOTION CARRIED.
14. Harry Przekop, WB9EDP, was nominated as President Elect. This nomination was approved.
15. It was suggested that a copy of our bylaws be posted on the MARCO Website. WF1R has an electronic copy and will provide it to KM2L for posting.
16. N5RTf mentioned that Christine Haycock won a significant award last year for her pioneering role as a female surgical practitioner. This was written up in the YLRL Newsletter, and will appear in the MARCO Newsletter.
17. KM2L will re-invite the officers of MARCO to be posters on the organization's blog.
18. WA1HGE has been in contact with ARRL regarding interference to Grand Rounds on Sunday morning by a group operating on 14.310 MHz. He has taped some of their activity, and received suggestons from the Board regarding additional strategies to follow.
19. KD4GUA wishes to include a classified advertising section in the Newsletter. Members with equipment to sell are welcome to contact him.
20. N5RTF spoke about long-term vision for the organization. He suggested that MARCO go on record recommending that all hospitals have an amateur radio station and competent operators. It was suggested that MARCO could function as a resource for information pertaining to convincing health care organizations that it is in the public interest to equip themselves, and also for practical technical information. Another creative suggestion, given the aging of the amateur radio population, is to find a good location and establish a retirement home for ham operators.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:25 AM.

-KM2L

MARCO at the Dayton HamVention

Members are collecting in Dayton, OH for HamVention, and for MARCO's annual meeting.

HamVention usually features bad weather, and this year has not disappointed! This scribe drove down from Buffalo, NY through intermittent downpours. The thunder and lightning didn't start in earnest until west of Columbus. Shortly after checking into my hotel, I was treated to a hailstorm. With the meteorologic prerequisites out of the way, perhaps we can get down to some ham radio business.

We gathered a group of ten for dinner tonight, including WB6OJB and wife Joan, KD4GUA, W4DAN, N5RTF, W8CRK, WD8NMV, WB8ES, W1QDV, and yours truly, KM2L. This merry band got reacquainted while downing tons of delicious Italian food at Dominic's, a Dayton tradition. Great food and great value - $20 gets you a beer, bread, salad (with a very spicy and garlicky dressing), and a huge portion of eggplant parmigian with a decent tip thrown in.

So, suitably entertained and fortified, we retired for the evening, preparing for a business meeting and hamventioneeering (hamfestering?)

-KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 7, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will finish "OSTEOPOROSIS." It is a subject vital to all and should be interesting.

I hope Harry kept the check-ins as he has been invaluable in the past. I'm sorry missed it, but had a very enjoyable time with a group of Dutch people at Kissimmee--they rented an 8 bedroom house with 5 bathrooms! My wife and I stayed in one--bedroom that is.

Last Monday I walked 11 miles through both Animal Kingdom (Disney World) and EPCOT (Every Person Comes Out Tired)! It reminded me of my 14 mile hike in the Boy Scouts years ago.

Will postpone CME list as I do not have the latest numbers. More later.....

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 7, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we discussed OSTEOPOROSIS and didn't finish. Unfortunately, I didn't realize it, but this coming Sunday I will be in Orlando to meet some of my wife's Dutch friends. Will need a volunteer to take the net DONT ALL VOLUNTEER AT ONCE!!!. Will put off the windup of Osteoporosis to May 14th.

NEWS: Larry MKT is tonight on his way to Mexico on his boat out of St. Petersburg, FL. We picked him up Sunday maritime mobile off Dry Tortugas.
Brian Malone W2BRM was on Sunday and wants to join our organ. He is an Asst Prof at St. Johns U. pharmaceutical school. I sent him a newsletter.
Robin is coming to Dayton by auto as is Danny and Bill N5QF from Oklahoma. Most of the rest of us will be flying in. Should be a great wing-ding. Anyone making a last minute decision to join us contact me--we may be able to share some room space. I want to get over to the Dayton Air Museum to look up "Silverbug" a declassified oval aircraft. You might look up "Silverbug" on the net--very exciting story.

Chernobyl Anniversary

This is the twentieth anniversary of the Chernobyl tragedy.

Some of you may not know or remember that MARCO/MediShare International had a small, but significant project involving providing of services, medications, clothes, etc. to an orphanage for Chernobyl orphans established by a ham - physician.

Oh, you don't remember ?? Dr. Valery Pristavko in later years, became a MARCO member as I recall. He is now a Silent Key.

Please - get out your 'hanky', then clink on the link below to read the story and see a couple of pictures.



- - - and for a broader more informative site describing that horror, go to - - -




While you'll get the specific link (above) to this story, take the time to read of other projects sponsored by MARCO-MediShare by looking at the basic MediShare link below.

de/smitty/w6cs
--
Robert C. Smithwick, DDS

http://www.medishare.org/

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 30, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This week we will get around to OSTEOPOROSIS. Boniva, the new kid on the block, once a month dosage....what's this about calcium not helping unless it is given regularly? Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern.

We had three on MediShare net monday--7.228 was static crashing so we went to 20 meters, 14.308 and everyone was 59+!!!! We are in the lows of the solar cycle and delinquents are increasing due to lousy propagation--things should pick up soon as we get used to the daylight savings time skip.

There recently was a near-tragedy at the local mall--there was a power outage and twelve people were stuck on the escalators for over four hours!

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 30, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This week we will get around to OSTEOPOROSIS. Boniva, the new kid on the block, once a month dosage....what's this about calcium not helping unless it is given regularly? Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern.

We had three on MediShare net monday--7.228 was static crashing so we went to 20 meters, 14.308 and everyone was 59+!!!! We are in the lows of the solar cycle and delinquents are increasing due to lousy propagation--things should pick up soon as we get used to the daylight savings time skip.

There recently was a near-tragedy at the local mall--there was a power outage and twelve people were stuck on the escalators for over four hours!

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 23, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week Bruce described the changes in the intrinsic and extrinsic clotting mechanism. Because of the poor propagation and technical information submitted, Bruce has promised to submit the updated clotting sequence to the next NL Also, the discrepancy in the use of Folic Acid, B-6 and B-12 in hyperhomocyeinemia. He will finish this week on the discussion on Protein C deficiency, the new kid on the block as of 1981--whereas 1 in 500 have this secretive disorder--could it be you or I?

Arnold checked in, back in Calihogan after his DXpedition in the SW Pacific.

Bobby KM5VU and Andy KE4WME reappeared--there were quite a few in Church as it was Easter.

"Early to bed, early to rise, all the girls go out with the other guys!"

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 16, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday, Harry WB9EDP closed the docket on HIV.

This Sunday we will be studying a new kid on the block (1981), a condition found in 1 in every 500 people. Most of these people don't know they have the problem until it STRIKES!!! The topic will be "PROTEIN C DEFICIENCY," and Bruce, KM2L, our hematologist has volunteered to toe the line for us. If you haven't heard about it LISTEN--it is out there waiting to be discovered by SMART doctors. I had a patient case three years ago and I admit, I was ignorant--but learned fast.

[Note from Lecturer: I may change the agenda slightly and include a discussion of the results of the Hope 2 and Norvit trials, published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine. These studies examined the use of folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 for prevention of throembolic disease. - KM2L]

Arnold should be back by Sunday to tell us all about his Dxpedtion.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 9, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, Harry, WB9EDP will finish up the talk on latest HIV treatment....this will be followed by a number of short items, i.e., "There are now more people dying in the world from obesity than from famine," and the "latest in robotic surgery"--we will then start the osteoporosis program if time permits.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 2, 2006

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed Bird Flu. This Sunday we go on Daylight Savings Time (check on this) so move the clock ahead one hour. This week Harry will get us up-to-date on HIV--new drugs. I understand there is a new triple daily dose out there.

Lou WA1HGE will be out of town this week and Arnold, WB6OJB is leaving for his DXpedition to the South Pacific for a week but that will come up next week.

Jocko in Costa Rica needs a new mike so he will be listening.

Danny has word of a new vertical antenna rotor which he will bring up (is this a joke!).

I have had a couple of lookups--one Protein C deficiency for one--this disease was unheard of until the middle 1980s. If you have any experience with this critter bring it up.

Hope everyone got their Newsletter by now.