Dayton 2009 Update

Another Hamvention has come and gone, and MARCO was there. Keith N3IM, Chip N5RTF and Bruce KM2L alternated between staffing the booth and wandering around the show.

Dayton's infamous weather did not completely materialize. Friday was a beautiful day with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70's. On Saturday it rained intermittently, but breaks in the showers allowed browsing out in the flea market. Sunday was cool (OK, cold) but sunny.

We had plenty of traffic at the MARCO display, and distributed countless copies of Aether, MARCO's Newsletter as well as membership applications. Friends and members saying “Hello” included Roger W8CRK, Rob WA3IHV, “Doc” W4TX (a founding member of MARCO), Howard VE3AXD, Stu WA9PZL, Carl WA3ZZU, Ramon YV5EED, Steve YV5DTA, Yoshi JH1URT, Matt KD8HMX and former member Bob W8YD. Apologies to the many whose names and calls escaped me.

Attendance did not appear to suffer from the lax economy or influenza scare, and those who attended were prepared to buy. Keith went home with two new Yaesu radios, a VX-8R and an FT-897. Chip took away a Begali Graciela key and a bunch of odds and ends. Me – I have college tuition to pay.

There was an abundance of new toys to look at. Here are a few random observations...

• On the D-STAR front, DV dongle is a device that plugs into your computer and lets you communicate via D-STAR without having to use a radio.

• FlexRadio brought out the new Flex-3000. It is small enough to fit in a suitcase and $1200 less than a Flex-5000. The major trade-offs are a single antenna connector instead of two, slightly less robust front end, and no option for a second receiver. Very cool!

• Tokyo Hy-Power has two new amplifiers, a 600 watt model and a 45 watt model for frustrated QRPers.

• MicroHAM introduced Station Master Deluxe, an integrated station interface for those who run multiple radios and multiple antennas.

• A Japanese company called Luso displayed a 168-foot self-supporting crank up tower. It was retracted and stowed on a flat bed trailer in the back of the East Hall. It can be yours for $41,000 plus some assembly...

• For more humble antenna projects, The Wireman introduced the “Hot Rope.” This antenna rope is covered with a tinned copper braid. String up the rope, solder a wire to the braid, and you are in business.

• Super Antennas offer a variety of portable Yagis and dipoles that break down for transportation in a bag.

• Ten-Tec brought out a high-power cross needle tuner/wattmeter, the 238C.

• You can count on MFJ to roll out a new product or two for Hamvention. This year's new box is a 75-amp switching power supply.

• DX Engineering introduced a family of hexagonal wire beam antennas. They are calling them Hexx Beams (One more “X” and they can advertise on porn sites...). Mike Traffie, who developed and sells the original Hex Beam, exhibited at the show as well. He built the antenna that I am using. He's a nice fellow, and it is a great product.

• Speaking of nice fellows, Piero Begali was back and as busy as ever with his line up of museum-quality CW paddles. The Graciela model has been discontinued, and he has introduced seven new products including a smaller “Stealth” key, an upright paddle, and a marvelously complex bug.

Next year MARCO will hold its membership meeting in conjunction with Hamvention. Here's hoping that we see you there.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 17, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion on the coming shortage of physicians primarily family doctors. Harry EDP will also interpose the part the physician's assistant plays in helping the doctor. Tune in, should be interesting.

If you are on the fence, time to fall off and get your tickets for Chicago June 11. Ellen ARN has great plans including a trip to the Fermi Lab--the atom chaser nearby. Details in the upcoming AETHER which should be in the mail early this month.

Annual Meeting Agenda

Ellen, KC9ARN has just published the agenda for MARCO's annual membership meeting, to be held in Chicago from June 11 to June 14, 2009.

Here we go:

Thursday Evening, June 11

• Informal meeting at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza bar, 350 W. Mart Center Drive, Chicago, 312-836-5000

• Dinner (optional) at Lawry’s Restaurant

Friday, June 12

• 8am – 12pm Annual Business Meeting at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza

• 1:30pm-4:00pm Tour of Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Il

• Dinner (optional) at Gene and Georetti’s Steak House, 500 N. Franklin St. (about 4 blocks from the Hotel)

Saturday, June 13

• 10am – Depart the Holiday Inn for a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry for a tour of the U-505 Submarine at 11am

• Stay and enjoy other parts of the Museum or other activities in Chicago for the rest of the day

• 6:30pm – 2009 Banquet at the Mirabell Restaurant, 3454 West Addison, Chicago

• Our Guest Speaker for the Banquet will be Chief Joseph J. Roccasalva, Coordinator of Fire Awareness at the Chicago Fire Department

Sunday, June 14

• Sightseeing

Anyone going to Dayton??

I will be there, as will Chip, N5RTF and Keith, N3IM.
Danny, W4DAN was 'iffy" as of last week.

Look for us at the MARCO booth.

I will not have a laptop with me this year, so there will not be daily blogging from Hamvention. I'll post a full report as soon as I return home.

-KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 01, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday should be a go-round as we will discuss "the Family Doctor, where is he going?" This will be strictly a scientific non-political discussion. No adjectives will be allowed. Everyone will get a chance to give his opinion. Sunday, 14.307 11 am Eastern.

Note: Harry WB9EDP has agreed to discuss the role of the Physicians Assistant the following Sunday. Listen in World.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 3, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

We were side-tracked by the "flu" last Sunday, so we will resume normal scheduling and discuss "Cushings Syndrome" and "Cushing's Disease."

If you have some medical problems you want discussed please advise.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 26, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we finished with the "hi colonic."

By request, this Sunday we will discuss "Cushing's* Syndrome." This can be a bitch but I think we can make it simple...look up "Cushing's Disease" and tell us the difference Sunday....one more thing---hang around as there will be more questions asked and YOU might be called on--this shouldn't chase you away as your answer does not have to be correct.....propagation is lousy like our drought in Florida--one rain in the past six months--and we are supposed to be a semi-tropical state.

*Harvey Cushing, 1932 famed neuro surgeon.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 19, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we talked about treating HER2 breast cancer patients with Herceptin. Bruce summed it up when he said they have taken susceptible acute metastatic breast disease and made a chronic disease out of it .

This Sunday we will discuss "Colonic Hydrotherapy." If we have extra time we will move into reflux disease and then time permitting "GAS." If you have a better subject throw it up....

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 12, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

We will finish "Peripheral Vascular Disease" this Sunday and then go to genetic trait HER2, found in 25% of breast cancer patients If you remember, Herceptin is the treatment of choice for this condition. Bring your clinical knowledge to the mic, should be fun.

Chicago's meeting is picking up speed. If you are planning to be there and need a hotel reservation, notify Ellen via this service or at ellenharmn@aol.com.

Sorry for delay, the April fool day worm got me! Just got the computer back. It was a bad one.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 29, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss Peripheral Vascular Disease as requested. This term is confusing because basically the word "peripheral" means anything away from the heart whereas the general meaning means the circulation in the extremities. Then it is broken down into arterial, called peripheral arterial disease PAD, and venous, peripheral venous disease PVD.

Regarding the Chicago meeting June 11,12,13 at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, 350 N. Orleans St., Chicago, IL 60654. When you call for reservation (phone 312 529 1114) in order to get the Marco rate you must use the reservation code "CMO." That is the information we have from Kathy B. Leary, CMP whatever that means (her real name is Kathy O'Leary, CMP).

Let's drum it up, Ellen has really gone out of her way to make this a real winner.

Keep the blue side up.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 15, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will attempt to feature an update on "Osteoporosis."

Rained out last Sunday by the rain of Dx'ers.

Bruce will be on the road. Tune in should be fun. 11 a.m. EDT 14.307.

Q. What was the biggest battle of the Revolutionary War? Who has the answer?

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 8, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Osteoporosis." This is a condition that affects both malea and females but yes, 2 to 1 in the girls. There are some new drugs on the market....let's get to know them.

The CW net is back on 14.307 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. (I wonder what happened to the Latin station up on 14.310 that made us switch to .307? Perhaps they found out they couldn't aggravate us any longer and skipped).

Bruce's Clarence, N.Y. got it with the jet commuter crash; we got it with the overturned boat in Clearwater, FL., since they go in "threes" watch it.

Blogmeister's note: As this weekend is the ARRL SSB DX Contest, the net may get overwhelmed. We will give it a try, but if conditions are impossible then the topic will be postponed for a week.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 1, 2009

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of "Testosterone Deficiency." An excess causes baldness--the X-Gov of Illinois must have had a T-defect? Tune in it should be fun.

The mike is open for volunteers who wish to discuss medical or tech problems--don't be bashful, besides the pay is good. Try and chip in the discussions more often--absence makes one think he is talking to Lower Mongolia. Ask dumb questions and get dumb answers there should be someone out there in etherland who has his head on straight.

To jokingly confuse everyone when you check in this Sunday-- ask the question, "What happened to Rick Hudlow?" Everyone will start wondering who is this guy Rick Hudlow (he does exist).

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 15, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "IMPORTANCE OF TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY IN MEN'S HEALTH." There are a lot of myths out there that we will clarify. Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 8, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed "Treatment of Congestive Heart Fairlure." We were unable to complete the discussion so we will conclude that subject Sunday.

If we have time we will begin discussion of "Testosterone Deficiency in Men's Health." Should be two good ones.

It's final...meeting in Chicago will be June 11-14

Art Larson KK1 Y, thoracic surgeon, stopped by Sunday...he checked in earlier as a new member. Nice guy, we didn't have a throacic surgeon on the manifest as far as I know.

Another "MARCO", this time an outfit in Harrisburg, PA, a "smart marketing catalog" in business since 1964! That makes 3 other Marcos??? Maybe we should spell it backwards and go by Socram. but with our luck there would proably be 6 other Socrams!

[Webmaster's note: Socram is a large French Bank. Maybe there are others...]

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 1, 2009

From Warren KD4GUA:

"If you don't follow guidelines you won't get paid!" This is the news from the capital.

Sunday we will present the guidelines for the most common discharge diagnosis in America, "CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE," a disease we all get it if we live long enough. The presentation will be excerpts from Dr. Paul Phillips, cardiologist, talk at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater on Jan. 27--can't get any more current than that?
Tune in should be fun.

Ellen KC9ARN and Harry WB9EDP are planning on having the annual meeting in Chicago on June 11-14...is that okay with everyone? Will discuss it Sunday.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 25, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will resume the discussion on "BOTOX."

The Newsletter "Aether" should be in the mail tomorrow Friday with your CME diploma for 2008 if your dues are paid up. If you don't receive it (diploma), check your renewal date and send your money to Danny Centers, 2712 Bryant Drive, Cleveland, TN 37311 9824, and your CME document will be forwarded. (Hate to do it this way, but we can't operate on heated air alone). We have about 70 delinquents--about 1/3 the membership and we can't run the ship without some fuel. The late Robin Staebler and Bob Currier requested "keep this outfit going." let's try our damndest, damest, damedest, darndest, something like that--If, and IF, you are hard up and can't afford it, let Danny know and we can carry you and no one will know about it.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 18, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we got throough about half of the discussion on "What Medicare is going to do to Survive." The discussion got quite involved and I had to duck a few times...one of the earliest clues as to what is coming is the advancement of a children's medicare program which eventually will come together into a one paid system by joining the middle group with the two ends.

Paul N6DMV thinks the dentists should discuss "Flourides in the drinking water." He points out that all Europe has turned this down and that the decrease in dental caries in Europe witihout flourides was the same as here in the States with flourides. Besides, maybe it is making us sick? Any dentist want to take this on?

Otherwise, we have "Botox" on the horizon.

The February "Aether" is in the press and will try and put it on this listserve again, maybe tongiht.

PS: It is a nice warm 57 degrees in Tampa Bay, come on down and join the Polar Bear Club.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 11, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss the problems with MediCare...in 1965 eligibility age was 65; in 2008 it is 65. The average lifespan at age 65 in 1965 was 4 years; in 2008, 20 years! In 1965 there were 10.1 taxpayers paying for one MediCare beneficiary; in 2008 there is 3.1. The number of Medicare beneficiaries in 1965 were less than 10 million; in 2008, 44 million---how WOULD YOU you change this?

Cancel the program? Raise the beneficiary age to 70, 80? Raise the Medicare tax? Set an income level for beneficiaries? Tell people to go to Canada? Lock up your office and go home? Join the French Foreign Legion? Decide to kick-off at a younger age by making every Saturday night new years eve?

Should be fun.

PS: I just paid my dues--are your dues dued? We don't want to lose you.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 28, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Another Sunday coming--Rick VE6 GK was apparently unavailable last Sunday. We will discuss "Hyperbaric Oxgen" this Sunday. Hyperbaric Oxygen is giving 2 or more atmospheres of oxygen to wounds expecting them to heal faster. We don't hear too much about them because only 20 medical schools plus have hyperbaric chambers available.

Tune in, should be fun.

A Merry (Ham Radio) Christmas

Thanks to Smitty, W6CS, and the NCCC for this defacement of a classic verse:

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the shack
The rig was turned off and the mike cord lay slack.
The antenna rotor had made its last turn,
The tubes in the linear have long ceased to burn.
I sat there relaxing and took off my specs,
Preparing to daydream of armchair DX,
When suddenly outside I heard such a sound,
I dashed out the door to see what was around.
The moon shone down brightly and lighted the night-
For sure, propagation for the low bands was right.
I peered towards the roof where I heard all the racket,
And there was some guy in a red, fur-trimmed jacket.
I stood there perplexed in a manner quite giddy.
Just who was this stranger - di di dah dah di di?
He looked very much like an FCC guy,
Who'd come to check up on some bad TVI.
I shouted to him, "OM, QRZ"
"Hey, you by the chimney, all dressed up in red."
I suddenly knew when I heard sleighbells jingle.
The guy on the rooftop was jolly Kris Kringle.
He had a big sack full of amateur gear,
Which made a big load for a prancing reindeer.
Transmitters, receivers, for cabinets and racks,
Some meters and scopes and a lot of co-ax.
He said not a word 'cause he'd finished his work
He picked up his sack, then he turned with a jerk.
As he leaped to his sleigh, he shouted with glee,
And I knew in a moment he'd be QRT.
But I heard him transmit as he flew o'er the trees
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all seventy-three's."

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 21, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we promised Rick in Calgary to discuss hyperbaric oxygen...we still have to finish off MOHS surgery. Maybe we can get both in..both interesting subjects.

Tune in 14.307, 10 a.m. eastern Sunday.

Spam strikes!

We were blitzed with spam comments today.
I have changed this blog's settings so that only members of googlegroups can post comments.

The web site linked to from comments posted by "chat," "tchat," "music," or "anonymous " contains potentially harmful content. DO NOT VISIT THIS WEBSITE.

Thanks,
-KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 14, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we are going to discuss "MOHS SURGERY."

To those not familiar with Mohs a brief description....you find a growth on your nose and go to a dermatologist. He says "We can remove it by standard means and it will cost you $100 or we can use Mohs surgery and it will cost you $3,000.

Which would you pick? Why would anyone go for the more expensive way? Are surgeons using this to pad their wallets or are they honest in the their recommendation? This is your problem as a doctor and a patient--what choice should I make?

Tune in, should be interesting.


There has been some interesting email in follow-up to this topic.

Alfred Greenwald WA2CBA, a retired plastic surgeon described his experience:

Just to add a note on my experience with MOHS Surgery in the discussion on Sunday. As a plastic surgeon, I was not impressed with MOHS technic because in the two cases I saw prior to my retirement, the dermatologist doing the original procedure was not able or capable of handling the reconstruction with restoration of function.

1) A dentist friend of mine who served with me in the Army in 1955 had MOHS surgery by a dermatologist for a basal cell carcinoma of the right lower eyelid resulting in an ectropian of the lid. I reconstructed the lower lid using a full thickness skin graft taken from the upper lid and suturing the upper and lower lid margins together temporarily for a week with an excellent end result.

2) An elderly male patient who consulted with me wearing a band aide across the upper lip. A local plastic surgeon had referred him to the same dermatologist from the case above who treated this patient using MOHS surgery to remove a basal cell carcinoma of the mid portion of the upper lip just beneath the columella of the nose. He had a wide defect of the upper lip showing his upper central incisor teeth with his lateral lips closed. I recommended reconstruction of the upper lip using a two stage procedure with a V shaped pedicle flap from the lower lip. He declined the surgery and continued to wear the band aide.

73s,

Alfred WA2CBA

Mary K Favaro AE4BX had these memories:

I have the honor of actually knowing and being taught by Dr. Mohs (thought I'd throw that in for some celebrity prestige....). He had already retired but was a professor emeritus when I was a med student at Univ of Wisconsin. He came in for some dermatology lectures - on - you guessed it his Mohs technique. This was in the mid 60's and derms were still being trained in the procedure.

Also had Dr. Schilling of the Schilling test as a hematology prof. And of course WARFarin is named for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation" after their work on cows and fermented grain.

I myself haven't invented anything important enough to carry my name. Maybe that's why I'm banished to the South.

Still traveling and doing Locum Tenens. Hope to get some station time when the sunspots improve enough to make my lousy attic antennas function.

Mary K Favaro MD
Surfside Beach SC

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 7, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we did some day--morning dreaming. We picked up a couple of sleep walkers and learned that a lunatic is a wakeful dreamer. Thus, the dream has been called a short-lasting psychosis and a psychosis is a long-lasting dream.

This Sunday we will continue the discussion on dreams.

There was an AP bulletin on a fellow who thought his life was being portrayed on a TV show--this is called "the Truman Syndrome" after a delusional movie filmed in 1998 in which a phony, stage-set world was set and he was the star....When I was in 5th grade I once thought my eyes were a projector and the world was a movie!!! Fortunately, I grew out of that..anyone ever have that delusion?

Tune in should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 30, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will attempt to sew jello to jello by talking about dreams as suggested by Alfred Greenwald. This is a tough one so will need all the help oen can get...do your research and bring what may to the mike Sunday--personal experiences especially.

The newsletter AETHER went in the mail Tuesday Nov. 25th. Tried via internet but a no-go....will try again.

Marco needs a vitamin..our membership has settled at 200 down from 232 so in order to keep the organ vital we will need some gift memberships. Perhaps the directors can offer guest memberships at a discount--say $10 like we did in Dayton. More later.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 23, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we got "rained out" by contestodors....will attempt at finishing HEPATITIS C on Sunday.

Request by Alfred to discuss "Dreams". Does anyone know anymore about dreams than none of us do? He says some of his friends don't dream...how can he tell if they can't tell once they wake up? I had a dream two nights ago that I was awake and couldn't get to sleep. When I finally awoke, I thought I was dreaming! That's a first for me.

The question arises Do you dream in color? If you are German do you dream in German or English? Will try "Dreams" week after next....

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 16, 2008

The November 16, 2008 edition of MARCO Grand Rounds of the Air has been postponed until the following week due to interference from the ARRL Sweepstakes.

Next week we will continue our discussion of hepatitis C.

CQ contest, CQ contest...

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 2, 2008

The net was pushed off the air by CQWWSSB activity last week, so...

We will try again this week to finish up "not catching the flu."

Now that we have good propagation everyone wants to get on the air....by the way in the next AETHER there is a story of the relationship between low sun spots and cold winters (tnx to Bob VE3OQM)-- predicting a very early cold winter this year...it is now snowing in Philadelphia.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 26, 2008 - POSTPONED!

UPDATE - due to QRM from the CQWW - SSB contest, the October 26 GRand Rounds has been postponed until the following week, November 2. See you then.

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we had a record-breaking 2008 check-in of 44. Propagation is improving !

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of Influenza. This is a disease that, like hurricanes, can blow you away--yet so many of us take it as "just a bad cold." Last year the flu killed 36,000 Americans. One of the new directives states we should not use Symmetrel (Amantadine) or Flumadine (Rimantadine), a long stand by treatment for type A influenza. WHY? They state, because too many flu bugs in the USA have become resistant--will you go along with this????

Tune in Sunday 14.307 10 am. eastern time....Warren kd4gua

Note: Just had annual blood work at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, FL...the new electronic system now required me to identify myself with a handprint of the veins in my hand, which they state is more accurate than a fingerprint allowing them to align with my medical records. Questions: Is this privacy going too far at too high a price? Or, am I standing in the way of progress? What is your opinion?

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 19, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Flu season is about to happen--this Sunday we will talk about influenza (from the Italian which means "influence" ).

Is live intranasal influenza vaccine BACK? Tune in and find out...14.307, Sunday, 10 a.m Eastern...should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 12, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we hope to conclude the series on the Large Hadron Collider...the Swiss 17 mile "cyclotron" where protons will collide with protons thus breaking into its particles which will be examined to try and find the solution to the Big Bang and the completion of the Standard Model of the Universe.

Paul K6DMV has sent a comprehensive history of the events taking place which will be in the next Aether.

Tune in and have a cup of black coffee available, this is a toughie but a valuable subject. Warren

14.307, 10 a.m. Eastern time.

Poor propagation KO's Grand Rounds

On Sunday, September 28 we had planned to conclude Harry WB9EDP's discussion of the Large Hadron Collider.

Unfortunately, propagation was so lousy that the net adjourned early. We will attempt this talk again on this upcoming Sunday, October 5.

CW Net QSY

CW net controller Bob, VE3OQM has called for a frequency change. Drop down 5, to 14.302 MHz.

The time remains unchanged: Sunday at 9:30AM Eastern Time.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 7, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Welcome to a lull in the sun spot cycle--none all last month with excellent lousy propagation.

This Sunday it was requested we talk about "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," but since it is a syndrome and not a disease and so little is known about the combination of symptoms have decided to put it on the burner for now.

Instead, we will discuss "Should men over 75 have a PSA test?" Because of the complications of treatment in older men there has been some uneasiness about messing around with these folks because only 1 in 4 die of the disease which is mostly slow-growing over 10 years or more, outliving their life expectancy.

What is your opinion?

We will also discuss the latest treatments for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertropy) which almost all men get while the women get fibroids of the uterus.

Should be fun....tune in 14.307, 10 a.m. Eastern time Sunday.

Grand Rounds Audio Archives are online

If you missed a session of the Ground Rounds on the Air we have archived the net for your online pleasure. Be patient as these MP3 files will take 2-5 minutes with high speed Internet service for these files to download and start playing. If you left mouse click the file they will download and open up and play using the audio player that you use by default on your own computer.

To listen on your iPod just right click, save to your iTunes directory and sync your iPod.

Thanks to Chip, N5RTF, for recording and archiving these mp3 files. Thanks to Warren, KD4GUA, for listing the topics of each week. Most sessions starting from October 8, 2006 are available at www.marco-ltd.org.

- Jay, AA4FL (member of the Web committee, along with Chip N5RTF and Bruce KM2L)

How about a MARCO book??

MARCO member David Rathke, KI5NG is compiling members' experiences for a book

This idea got rolling when Smitty W6CS posted a satirical piece to the email reflector, involving a man bargaining with his dentist for the best price on a tooth extraction. Several others contributed their real life experiences to the conversation. Then Chip N5RTF opined:

I would imagine every practitioner could write a book about bizarre and unreasonable requests from patients.

One night on call as a resident, I got a call from the ER: "We have a patient here who wants to kill a psychiatrist. Will you come see him?"

That prompted David to respond:

And, with the best collected, could make a good one. So, let's write one! People love the bizarre but true, not to mention laughing at themselves.

Chapters could be classified by specialty (a la Richard Lederer's Anguished English: An Anthology of Accidental Assaults Upon Our Language)

Profits go to MediShare. How about it?

Smitty quickly nominated David to be in charge, so here is the assignment for MARCO members:

Sure. That will be easy and fun to compile and classify.

And, certainly, all stories are welcome. The more, the better.

Feel free to send them directly to me at ki5ng@arrl.net ...but it might jog some memories if we keep at least some on the listserv. I remember such things much better when reading about some else's experiences.

I can't wait to read a copy!

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 24, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday 14.307, 10 EST we will discuss "Omega-3." This is not an undercover agent, it is a fatty acid that is gaining momentum as a nutritional giant.

Change is afoot...

MARCO's Internet presence is about to change.

After hosting our listserv for about 10 years, the State University of New York at Buffalo has invited us to leave. After September 15, they will be supporting only email lists that relate directly to the business of the University. At this time the Internet Committee (AA4FL, N5RTF and KM2L) and the officers are testing a mailing list hosted through Google Groups. We expect to go "live" in a week or so. The new arrangement will offer additional features that we didn't have before, such as archiving and the ability to post files for other members to download.

Although the University has not asked us (yet) to remove our web site, we are in the process of relocating it. The url will remain the same: http://www.marco-ltd.org but the files will reside on a server at Godaddy.com.

Jay, AA4FL, has been hard at work enhancing the look and function of the MARCO web site. We will soon have better contact information, a page for students, and an on-line events calendar.

Look for even more goodies in the weeks to come.

-KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 17, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

It was requested that we discuss "Lawyers & Insurance companies." This is such a broad subject that we will attempt something new. Those born in an even months will be the customers and those born in an odd month will be the lawyers and insurance men.

Since I was born in an even month I will be the first customer.

You must take part--none of this hop-skip-and jump business. If you check in you will probably be called on for an opinion so don't get bored--get rattled. Tune in Sunday, 14.307, 10 a.m. EST

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 10, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday 14.307, 10 a.m. EDT, we will finish up the discussion on "Get your Lab test Now," (without seeing a doctor). This should be short and sweet so we will then move on to the advocation for mandatory menu-board labeling of calories as a means to address obesity, whereas national and local restaurant associations have mobilized to block these efforts. Researchers have found that almost ALL restaurant food is excessive in calories--fat tastes good!

How about trying Wendy's "Spinach Burger" with free low-cal water.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 3, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will reflect on a new trend taking place with an outfit called "Any Lab Test Now." This fast growing direct to consumer will by-pass the doctor when the patient requires lab testing.

The concept is legal because the company contracts with physicians in the states it does busines, to sign off on all the tests. All it requires is one venipuncturer and a store front. The blood is then transferred to legitimate labs and results are sent out the next day. Price for lab testing drops about 30% + does not require a doctor visit. Franchise? Only $30,000.

Tune in--another shocker--is it good or bad?

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 13, 2008

Sorry for the late posting. I was on the road.
-KM2L

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will snore our way through SLEEP APNEA #2. We had a lot of fun with it last week, it should be better this week...since all you fellows are sound sleepers! 10 a.m. Sunday, 14.307.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 6, 2008

Sorry for the late posting - I was on the road.
-KM2L

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, as requested, we will talk about SLEEP APNEA. We almost all SNORE so we are all possible victims of this noisy disease--GASP!

Tune in, should be fun, 14.307, 10 a.m EDT.

The deadline for our Newsletter Aether is coming up for the August edition. If you want to contribute, get it in the mail pronto. Still haven't received CANADA NEWS from Bob VE3OQM. Bruce KM2L is on vacation so I have improvised his "20 years ago in MARCO" column. Danny crossed the press time ribbon okay.

Anything you want to sell or buy? Send to Marco, P.O. Box 127 Indian Rocks, FL 33785.

MARCO Grand Rou nds for June 22, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Metabolic Syndrome." Over 30% of adult Americans have it and don't know it--until--they suddenly become aware when a prominent newsman passes. Did he have Metabolic Syndrome? Do you and I have it? What can we do about it?

This is a tough nut to crack. Instead of correcting a mistake, most just keep on making it worse. Soon 51% of Americans will have metabolic syndrome and then it will become "normal" because "normal" is the behavior of the majority! Then we will start treating abnormal (healthy) people who are not sick thinking we are doing the right thing.

What a mess--yes, even dogs get it--bow wow!

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 15, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of the GAMMA KNIFE. This is an amazing device that is changing neurosurgery. It is limited however to the brain and neck.

Tune in, should be fun

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 8, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will follow through on the Kennedy brain tumor story by discussing THE GAMMA KNIFE. This will be an update from the lecture on July 20, 2003. The Gamma Knife is becoming more available and its benefits are outstanding.

Tune in, 14.307, Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern time.

"Aether" went into the mail yesterday so you should be receiving it shortly. There are too many members delinquent so check your renewal label, we don't want to lose you.

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 1, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss BRAIN TUMORS in light of the findings on Senator Kennedy. He is one of 9,000 people in the U.S. who will find out this year they have this fast growing brain cancer and few treatment options.

It was my opinion that headache was not a prime symptom until the late stages but apparently this has changed recently.

Tune in should be fun????

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 25, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday's topic will be "DAYTON 2008." Those of us who attended will inform those that missed the annual event, as several important points were brought up which can affect Marco in the future.

Those who attended and took photos should send them to Aether for publication.

Harry, WB9EDP, our new President, and his wonderful wife Ellen KC9ARN, were there but there stay was shortened because of a practice responsibility. President-elect for 2010-is Linda KE5BQK. Linda will be Marco's first woman president.

Live From Dayton, May 17 2008

MARCO's annual meeting has come to a successful close.

The booth remained a highly active place, with crowds attracted by Paul N6DMV's Dr. Pepper-can model of a satellite, suitable outfitted with a blinking LED. I have nominated Paul for the post of official MARCO sculptor.

With Arnold delivering his convincing sales pitch, we signed up four new members today. They are:

Matt Myszkowski KD8HMX
Tom Brewer W0RPH
Carlyle Rowland N0ARN
John Kalotai N1OLO

Honors for the major HamVention purchase of the day went to Chip N5RTF for his new March magnetic paddle. The best flea market artifact was definitely the control yoke from a B52!

Late in the afternoon, Bruce KM2L did an interview with Information Radio 1660 AM. They had a booth at HamVention and broadcast throughout the event. He put in a good word for MARCO, for MediShare International and for amateur radio in general. This interview will be available on the Web. I will supply the link once I review it to be sure that it is not a complete embarrassment.

Unfortunately, Harry WB9EDP and Ellen KC9ARN had to return to Chicago, as Harry had to go to work following the riot at Cook County Jail.

MARCO's banquet at the Holiday Inn North was well-attended. Marc Weinberg K9PET of Casual Dx presented an account of the ham radio trip to Antarctica he hosted with Lindblad/National Geographic. What an adventure!!

Tomorrow we go our separate ways until next year's meeting. See you in a week on 14.307 MHz.

Dayton, Friday May 16

It had rained overnight, and the day dawned gray and cold so we knew that it must be Dayton. Conditions improved progressively, so by afternoon it was very pleasant.

MARCO's members attended the annual meeting in the morning, with the exception of WA3ZZU who was compelled to hit the flea market early. The minutes of this meeting aer contained in the previous posting. We were excited and heppy to be treated to he company and participation of "first-timers" Linda KE5BQK, Bernie KD5QHV, Ellen KC9ARN, Harry WB9EDP, and John WB2MXJ.

In the afternoon it was off to HamVention! Your scribe has not yet made it to the flea market, but hears that it is smaller than in past years. Indoors was jumping. As usual the hat embroiderers, Flex Radio and Piero Begali drew enthusiastic crowds all day.

A couple of new software-defined radio products were on display. The Perseus SDR direct-sampling HF receiver looks particularly interesting. A Japanese vendor was showing a "do-it-yourself" radio. He supplies the cabinet, chassis, dial and mechanisms, and blank copper-clad PC boards. You design and build the radio.

Jeff K6JW was the clear winner in terms of money spent, as he is now the proud owner of a new Begali Graciela paddle and a high-power MFJ autotuner. I have been a relatively good boy thus far, purchasing only a balun from DX Engineering.

There were several visitors to the MARCO booth, many attracted by N6DMV's Dr. Pepper can sculpture of a satellite. We signed up new members Bryan KY4MD and Mark N8CPR (dude, you forgot to pay). Current members Mike NR3C and Yoshi JH1URT stopped by to say "Hello" and to renew their memberships.

In the evening at Roger's W8CRK urging most of us shuttled to Caffe Anticoli on north Main Street for a good time and pretty decent Italian fare.

On Saturday a full day is planned at Hara Arena, although some members may peel off for a visit to the Air Force Museum.

Stay tuned...

Minutes of the 2008 MARCO Annual Meeting

Minutes of the MARCO 2008 Annual Meeting

Members in attendance: Arnold WB6OJB, Bruce KM2L, Chip N5RTF, Danny W4DAN, Warren KD4GUA, Lou WA1HGE, Tom W3GAT, Linda KE5BQK, Bernie KD5QHV, Paul N6DMV, John WD8NMV, Roger W8CRK, Rich K9CIV, Jay AA4FL, Jeff K6JW, Keith N3IM, Joe WB2MXJ, Harry WB9EDP, Ellen KC9ARN, Lionel 4X1LL, Dave KT8E.

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 AM EDT by President WB6OJB.

WB6OJB thanked KD4GUA, W4DAN, WA1HGE and KM2L for their help and support of the organization.

Danny W4DAN read the minutes of the 2007 annual meeting. These were approved.

Lou WA1HGE presented the Treasurer's report. Dues income is down about $1000 from last year, but the MARCO balance is holding steady. The MediShare account is down to $1194.11 due to expenditure for the Sri Lanka VHF radio project. The Treasurer's report was approved.

Bruce KM2L proposed the formation of a Internet Committee to tap into the considerable expertise present in the organization, and to ensure the ability to access and edit Web pages should anyhting happen to a single member of the group. The formation of a committee was approved, with AA4FL, N5RTF, N3IM and KM2L appointed as members. AA4FL proposed the consolidation of MARCO's various accounts into a single account with one hosting service. For ease of access and editing at a reasonable price he suggested GoDaddy.com. These suggestions were approved.

W4DAN reported that MARCO has 186 active members and 24 additional who are delinquent on their dues. We recruited 18 new members in 2007 and three so far in 2008. The Secretary's report was accepted.

Warren KD4GUA requested input on improving the Newsletter. He would like to receive more technical information for publication. W4DAN questioned whether it would be better to simply post a .pdf copy of the Newsletter on the Web site rather than emailing it to everyone. After some discussion, it was decided to maintain the status quo.


Chip N5RTF reported that he is continuing to provide Internet streaming audio of Grand Rounds, and can accommodate about 20 simultaneous listeners. Several of those in attendance indicated that they had accessed or attempted to access the audio stream. Chip is planning to make hardware changes that will allow users to download archived audio by means of passive ftp.

Jeff K6JW reported that he helped Hemantha Gamage 4S7HG obtain an Icom IC-718 transceiver. Several MARCO members made contributions. Hemantha wrote an article about the Sri Lanka VHF radio project. Jeff made revisions and edits, and inserted favorable publicity about MARCO/ MediShare. This article has been accepted for publication in QST.

Nominations were taken for President Elect. Bernie KD5QHV, Roger W8CRK and Linda KE5BQK were nominated. Bernie and Roger declined the position. Linda was elected unanimously.

The other officers were re-elected to their current positions:
Secretary Danny W4DAN
Treasurer Lou WA1HGE
Newsletter Editor Warren KD4GUA

The current Directors were re-elected with the following changes:

2nd Call Area - Bruce KM2L
3rd Call Area - Keith N3IM
7th Call Area KA7LOT (although he is currently living in Mississippi)
9th Call Area Bill WB9HIR

There was considerable discussion of the MediShare Chairperson position. The Bylaws were reviewed, and it is clear that MediShare functions as an arm of MARCO, with the Chairperson and Advisory Board responsible to the MARCO Board of Directors. It was decided that Smitty W6CS be thanked for his years of exemplary service to MARCO and be awarded the title of MediShare Chairperson Emeritus. Arnold WB6OJB will become MediShare Chairperson. The Board approved these changes.

New Business:

The question of moving the CW portion of the Sunday morning net to a frequency in the CW sub band of 20 meters was brought up. After some discussion, the consensus was to remain on 14.307 MHz.

KD4GUA raised the possibility of starting Grand Rounds one hour later. Propagation is better at that time, and it would make it easier for west coast members to join the discussion. We would have to change frequencies. N5RTF proposed that after the net next week (5/25/08) we QSY to 14.311 MHz and do a roll call. K9CIV seconded. With the additional understanding that any changes will be publicized in the Newsletter and on the listserv, this motion was passed.

N6DMV presented a model of a DSP-23 satellite he had worked on.The model is cleverly constructed from Dr. Pepper cans and is now part of the MARCO display at our booth.

The acquisition of MARCO stickers or stamps for QSL cards was discussed, but without clear resolution.

W4DAN relayed Carl WA3ZZU's request that the annual meeting take place on Saturday so that people could get to the flea market early. It was decided to continue to meet on Friday morning.

For information it was noted that Marc WA3QWA has established an Echolink node named "MARCO."

N5RTF and WB2MXJ were invited to present a brief update on the status of New Orleans. Neighborhoods are very slowly coming back, although the French Quarter and area along the river are in good shape. Health care is struggling and crime is wide spread.

4X1LL reported that amateur radio in Israel is very active. He had attempted to start a European MARCO net last year and sent emails to every known MARCO member in Europe. He received no replies, however.

The meeting was adjourned at 11 AM.

Live , From Dayton

There is a large and active contingent of MARCO members at the Dayton Hamvention this year. Your scribe endured an absolutely terrible drive down from western New York, but made it about an hour behind schedule. The Ohio Department of Transportation has every road in the state under construction, or or so it seems.

We formed a large clot in the bar of the Holiday Inn North. There were drinks, then more drinks, and eventually some food as well.

Present and accounted for were Danny W4DAN and spouse Carolyn, Arnold WB6OJB and spouse Joan, Chip N5RTF, Rich K9CIV and spouse Marcia, Warren KD4GUA, Lou WA1HGE, Linda KE5BQK and Bernie KD5QHV, Keith N3IM, Roger W8CRK, John WD8NMV, Paul N6DMV, Jay AA4FL and spouse, Jeff K6JW, and yours truly, KM2L. If I have omitted anyone, blame the beer.

Tomorrow mornign we will get down to business with the annual meeting, and hten repair to HARA Arena.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 18, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Most of our active members will be in Dayton this Sunday. It will be "Open Sunday." "Vox Pox," communication program. Let's have 30 new net controllers on board...it should work out okay.

If possible, we will transmit from Dayton but it is doubtful as most of the visitors will be homeward bound by 10 a.m. eastern.

The program for the following week is pending...any suggestions?

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 11, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

One woman woke up with a paintbrush in her hand, having painted her front door in her sleep--she was taking Ambien (or Lunesta) sedative hypnotics. How safe are these non benzodiazaepines? Remember Halcion? I had a patient fall asleep while walking up the gangway to an airliner!

Tune in Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern time 14.307 and give us your experiences with these drugs. Should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 4, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss a problem that is becoming more and more prevelant--clostridium difficile infections. Which drug is best Flagyl or Vancomycin--or is there something else? Tune in, should be fun.

Sri Lanka Update

Hemantha Gamage notified MARCO today that the Sri Lankan government has been so impressed by the MediShare-funded VHF radio project, that they will pay to generalize it throughout the western part of the country. Read on:

Dear Sirs/Madams,
Our provincial council decided to have the VHF system to all the health units and ambulances in the western province , Sri Lanka. They have realised the value of VHF radios esp in disasters. MARCO/Medishare should get the credit for introducing the system and funding for it. Provincial health minister assured that the government would bear the cost for such a system.

They requested me to do a study and a plan for the whole province as soon as posible. Anyway I am supposed to start my MD at the post graduate institue of medicine,University of Colombo. But I promised to stay with them as a volunteer for the system. I enjoy the work.

Thank you.

Hemantha 4S7HG

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 27, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

You are on an airplane and a passenger is having chest pain. They call for a doctor...should you respond? Will you respond? Do Good Samaritan laws go into effect when you are passing over different states in rapid succession? What state law would ensue if something went wrong?

This Sunday we will discuss the "Good Samaritan" laws and how they effect you. Should be fun...10 a.m. eastern time...CW on at 9:30 a.m. Eastern.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This grand rounds generated some interesting commentary:

From Bob, K4RLC

I missed the net on Good Samaritan laws, and wonder if you will write it up for the newsletter?

I'm interested not because of air travel, but because both our kids play several high school sports. Fortunately, they haven't been hurt yet, but some of the parents in the stands are pretty out of shape, and I've had to work on one who collapsed during a basketball game. We all tailgate at the football games, and food is copious and tasty, and that situation is ripe for a coronary or diabetic event.

A rare event happened here a few weeks ago at a high school Lacrosse game. A player was hit in the chest by the lacrosse ball, and collapsed from Commotio Cordis. He was fortunate in that a teammate's Dad is Director of Rehab Medicine here, and had read up on this rare condition beforehand. There were a total of 3 physicians and 6 nurses among the spectators, and all helped. But what saved this young man's life was the AED, as he went into V Fib. He had to be shocked three times.

He survived but suffered a hypoxic event, so I'll probably see him. I'm the neuropsychologist for our professional hockey team (Carolina Hurricanes) and see them all after concussions, as well as high school and some college kids with concussive type injuries.

Thanks for your input about out of shape parents in the stands, hi.

From Mary Kaye, AE4BX:

had something to add about being a pseudo-team doctor. When my son was in 8th grade he played football for a small private school, It was his first year playing (over many of Mom's objections). I was the unofficial team doctor by default. My husband who was a first-aid trained pharmacist, sat down on the bench with the players. I had every possible piece of equipment in my station wagon, head board etc etc etc.

The routine was that when anyone was down, my son should step aside and show me his numbers (so I could walk). Well the feared incident happened, and one of our team members went down on the ground after a tackle, held his neck saying "my neck, my neck, my neck!!!!!!" After inspecting my son's number of course, I rushed down on the field, saw that the boy could move his legs, stopped the game and called EMS. Expected chaos. Well as the sirens were heard from afar, the boy's father came down on the field, a rough an tumble redneck also smelling of spirits if I were to render an opinion. He looked at the kid, shouted. (EXPLETIVE DELETED) SCOTT, GET YOUR RED LAZY A-- UP OFFA THE GROUND AND GO PLAY BALL!!!!!!!!!!!"

Well as the EMS guys were running the stretcher on the field, the kid got a red face and said "Uh, OK Dad", and jumped up and ran to the bench". Leaving me there red-faced and about to punch out that redneck myself.

I inquired from an orthopedist later how I could tell - and he said always ask the player to raise his head up himself, and of course don't help him or yank the helmet off etc. If he had either a bad whiplash or a structural damage of any kind to the neck he can't raise his head. I saw this done many times on the field in later football games when I became an armchair expert.

My son's football career was over that year by the way. I said he could grow tall and play basketball or find himself a foster home. He took the advice, grew to 6'3" and played basketball nicely according to plan. That was also the end of my team doctor career.

And Warren KD4GUA's reply

Bob RLC in Raleigh asked about the specifics concerning the Good Samaritan Laws as he missed the lecture. Basically you are covered if you act in good faith, do not perform gross neglect, do not accept money for your deeds and do not leave the patient until someone else can take over with equal or more experience. You do not have to perform a good samaritan act unless you live in Vermont, Minnesota or Louisiana, France or Germany and then it is mandatory to help. Benign neglect is acceptable, i.e., if you do 15 instead of 30 chest thrusts for each mouth to mouth (which is now not required) that is benign neglect because you simply missed the last Red Cross course in CPR. The individual or next of kin must give consent unless the patient is unconscious or not able to give good judgment. In most jurisdictions Good Samaritan laws only protect those that have had basic first aid training and are certified by the AHA, Red Cross, or other heal th organizations. In other jurisdictions, any rescuer is protected from liability, granted he acted rationally. Congress passed a bill about 1994 enabling good samaritan laws in flight regardless of which state the plane is flying over. In international flight the rules go by the carrier's home country.

PS: The requirements as you walk through the hospital and there is a cry for help from someone else's patient--that is another story and perhaps another Sunday lecture.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 20, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we are planning on having Phil Wildman the pilot who has flown both the Atlantic and Pacific over 250 times in single engine Piper aircraft (and Cessnas). He will tell us what it is like flying for 17 hours over endless ocean and how he got to know himself better. This is today's Lindbergh. He will discuss the use of radio for navigation and communication. Today, GPS has largely taken the place of radio navigation but we will let him tell his story.

It should be a good one. Let' s hope propagation doesn't let us down this weekend. He assures me he will be on board and is not mike shy.

Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern 14.307--CW net at 9:30.

Further update from Sri Lanka

Additional news from Hemantha Gamage, 4S7HG:

Dear Sirs,

I wish to foward an outline of our VHF project in Sri Lanka.

The system operates from the District General Hospital Gampaha, which is the largest hospital in the area. There are small peripheral hospitals transfer difficult patents to above hospital. The system operates with a base station installed at the District General Hospital Gampaha and the mobile units are fixed to the ambulances. There are 3 ambulances at above hospital and one ambulances each in the peripheral small hospitals, Biyagama, Dompe, Divulapitiya and Minuwangoda. Therefore 7 mobile units are fixed are given for those ambulances.

The provincial health authority appreciated the contribution of the MARCO in establishing this system. The Ministry and the provincial director will address MARCO in order to thank you all for the good work done.

I presented the radios officially to the secretary of the provincial health ministry on behalf of the MARCO. I will attach few photographs for the time being but the provincial health ministry will contact MARCO with better pictures and hopefully video of the opening day.

I am grateful to all friends at MARCO for extending all the support and courage for me to drive this project towards success.

This morning our hospital system experienced a disaster just one day after launching the system. This was a suicide terrorist attack killing one eminent cabinet minister of the government and around 14 civilians. The incidence took place close to Gampaha draining most of the patient s to District General Hospital Gampaha. Hospital authority informed me that our system played a big role in coordinating ambulances very quickly.

Please give me some time to send the pictures and whole story in sometime as I was very busy with installing the system and other arrangements with the opening ceremony.

Thank you all once again.

Hemantha (4S7HG)

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 13, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

We had 30 checkins for April 6's discussion on "Lipitor and Statin Drugs" with a 5/3 propagation rating (pp). This coming Sunday we will investigate medical arbitration...

"By signing this agreement you are waiving your right to a jury trial and you are agreeing to arbitrate all clams arising out of or related to your medical care and treatment." Will your patients sign this?

Those of you who are utilizing arbitration agreements be sure to be on board to narrate your experience in this new and challenging field. Should be fun.

PS: Linda KE5BQK is baking a cake for the Marco Banquet May 17th in Dayton, Ohio. All 16 reserved rooms at the Holiday Day North have been taken according to Danny W4DAN. However, there are still rooms available by phoning 937 278 4871. If you would like to share a room, notify Danny by email Danny@W4DAN.us

Let's have a party.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 6, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will again attempt to talk about Lipitor and the statins. Tune in 14.307 10 a.m. eastern, hope there is no "contest time" so soon.

Blog-meister's note: Contests are planned at least a year ahead of time, and their dates/times are not kept a secret. We should never be surprised to find a full-blown contest raging. It makes sense to take off four weekends a year during the running of the SSB CQWW, ARRL Sweepstakes, ARRL DX, and CQWPX contests.

Christine Haycock, WB2YBA, Silent Key

Today's MARCO-list brought the sad news from Fred Simowitz, K0FS, that Chris Haycock, WB2YBA had passed away in January. She was a woman of extraordinary accomplishments and a long-time MARCO dignitary. The following excerpt from the Newark Star-Ledger but scratches the surface of her life story:

Haycock, Dr. Christine HAYCOCK Dr. Christine Haycock, surgeon, professor, 84 Christine E. Haycock, M.D., 84, of Newark, died on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008, at the Center for Hospice Care at St. Josephs Hospital in Wayne. The funeral service will be on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, 267 Centre St., Nutley, swbrownandson.com. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. The interment of her remains will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., and raised in Richmond, Va., before moving to Nutley, Dr. Haycock went from Nutley High School to the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing. She earned her B.S. degree from the University of Chicago, her medical degree from the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center (1952), and held a masters degree in political science from Rutgers University. She first served in the Army during World War II in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. She extended her military career when she obtained her M.D. and became the first woman intern at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, at which time she became the first woman to transfer directly from the U.S. Army Nurse Corps to the U.S. Army Medical Corps. After serving in the United States and Japan, she reverted to active reserve status, ultimately retiring in 1984 at the rank of colonel. She was also a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College (1977). Dr. Haycock resumed her residency in surgery following her active military service at St. Barnabas Medical Center and a year as a senior resident at St. Johns Episcopal Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y. She then returned to Newark and opened a private practice in general surgery. She was a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She was a leading expert in sports medicine and was a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. She had published widely in this field, particularly concerning women in sport. In 1982, she served as president of the American Medical Womens Association and was a past president of the New Jersey Medical Womens Association. She was long affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. In 1968, she joined the faculty of the New Jersey Medical School as associate professor of surgery and director of emergency services at University Hospital. She retired in 1992 as professor emeritus of surgery. Dr. Haycocks wide interests included amateur radio, photography, videography, and breeding and showing miniature schnauzers, Manchester terriers and Italian greyhounds. The Foundation for the History of Women in Medicine and The College of Physicians of Philadelphia recently presented the fifth annual Alma Dea Morani Renaissance Woman award to Dr. Haycock on Oct. 28, 2004. In their citation it was noted that, Dr. Haycock excelled as a physician, teacher and mentor to other women who sought to become physicians. She was best known for her influence on sports medicine for women, her work on the eradication of uterine cancer and her leadership in the establishment of the trauma center at University Hospital in Newark, as well as her post as commander of a trauma unit during her service in the Army Medical Corps. In 2006, she was inducted into the Nutley Hall of Fame.

RIP and 73.

Sri Lanka Radio Project

MediShare International has supported MARCO Member Hemantha Gamage, 4S7HG in his efforts to equip his hospital with a VHF mobile communications system to facilitate communication with its ambulances. In an email sent today, Hemantha announced the near-completion of this project. Congratulations!

Dear Sirs,
I am pleased to inform you that we have started installing radio equipments of our VHF system in Sri Lanka. This week we installed the base station at the District General Hospital Gampaha.
The base station was fixed in the room reserved for the Telephone operators in the hospital. The antenna was fixed on the roof top of the 7 story building. The cable is 100m long approximately. This happened because we planned for a repeater but we had to give up that idea due to licensing problems. The radio is transmitting 25w but we checked the effective power reaching the antenna was only 2.5w. However we could contact Colombo without much problem yesterday.

We have to do more fine tuning in order to get more effective radiation.

We have also started installing mobile units and would complete them by next Tuesday.
At the same time we happened to pay approximately Rs. 15000/= per radio as the annual frequency charge. But we are negotiating with the central government and telecom authorities with the help of local government health minister to exempt the charges. I wish it would work. I am very happy that most of our senior officers and the (Local Government) health minister are enthusiastic about this new development. Also they are very happy to see ambulances of 4 small peripheral hospitals getting reliable mode of communication with our project.

We have fixed a date for a small opening ceremony for the new development, tentatively fixed 5th of april 2008. I would appreciate if you could send a message (or any suggestion) for the opening ceremony. I apologize that I could not send you some pictures of the work done because

I was busy with my family commitments and my job.
Anyway I will send all the photos and details of the project as soon as I completed the work (opening ceremony).

However I feel I have driven our work to towards the "goal" successfully. Also I feel the time, money and effort that I spent with your lavish contribution has become a fruitful effort.
My director and the minister would contact you after completion of the project for thanking the friends at MARCO.


Thank you.
Hemantha Gamage 4S7HG.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 30, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will decide truth from fantasy--research states "Except among high-risk patients, the benefits of statins such as Lipitor are overstated." The false advertising states that Lipitor reduces the risk of heart attack by 30%. Where did they get this 30%? The study found for each 100 patients taking Lipitor for 3.5 years they averaged two heart attacks per hundred whereas those not on Lipitor had three heart attacks per hundred--a reduction of 30%!!! A bunch of baloney--by the way to they still sell baloney? I'm a stockholder in Pfizer so I promise to take it easy.

Warren KD4gua PS: Our pilot last week was a no-show--I think he is mike shy.
Blog-meister's note: This weekend is the CQ WPX phone contest, so it may be tough sledding. Give it a try regardless.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 23, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Propagation--good propagation seems to have staggered through the Daylight Time change as we had 34 check-ins last Sunday during our discussion of "Hospitalists."

This Sunday we hope to have on board Phil Waldman, the ferry pilot who has flown the Atlantic and Pacific in small planes over 250 times...he will discuss the fun involved in being over the vast oceans all alone with yourself and how you get to know yourself better.

Tune in should be fun. If you have any questions for Phil ASK, he is easy to talk to--especially using radio location finding prior to GPS.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 16, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday with the advent of Daylight Savings Time and the delay in transition of the Gray Line, propagation was impossible. We had a long skip but no short skips. Fortunately, Phil Waldman, Ferry Pilot who was to be our guest was unable to show because of a weather hold up in the Pacific on a small plane flying to Japan. I will have breakfast with him Saturday morning and will suggest we further postpone his talk because of the bad change in propagation. Instead, we will talk about "Hospitalists." Do you love em or envy them, or cuss 'em? Now, everyone say "Bananas." (You're a fine bunch!)

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 9, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Sunday, MARCO's host will be Phil Weldman, President and owner of "Globe Aero", a ferrying service for small airplanes. Phil has made over 250 ocean crossings to Europe and Australia in single engine Cessnas and Piper aircraft. He will tell you how he utilizes his radios and the changes that GPS has brought. If you didn't have the opportunity to meet Charles Lindbergh, here is your chance to meet the 21st century version.

Three weeks ago, I drove to Lakeland, Florida to tour Phil's hangar which is geared to take in a brand new airplane on one end, fit it with auxiliary tanks, and have it exit refitted on the other side. On the tarmac was a brand new Piper two place single engine landplane with conventional landing gear destined to be flown to Berlin, Germany. A car drove up and out popped a retired TWA captain who was to fly the little plane over. We chatted and parted. One week later I learned the little plane took on ice 400 miles out of Iceland, became a flying ice brick, lost its lift and the pilot informed Iceland center--"I'm going down." Icing levels were at sea level. The pilot and plane were not recovered. This Sunday's Grand Rounds will be dedicated to that pilot, his name? Captain Greg Frey, TWA retired.

Tune in should be educational...write down your questions and Phil will try to answer them.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 2, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss the "Hospitalist." One of the fastest growing medical specialties is a field that barely existed a decade ago: Hospital Medicine. Today, about half of all hospitals now use hospitalists in some capacity.

We will discuss your experience dealing with this touchy subject and what your feelings are. Why not drop the office practice and do this work? Am I qualified? Tune in, should be educational.

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 10, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss: 'WHAT WILL YOUR PATIENTS THINK About Computers in the Exam Room?"

This will be a discussion rather than a lecture so be willing to participate and express your opinion. Many patients feel the computer is interfering with the doctor-patient relationship....instead of eye to eye it is eye to computer...how do you feel about this, are you spending more time talking to the computer than to the patient?

OPEN FORUM, Join in, Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern 14.307....should be fun...

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 27, 2008

This Sunday on the Bob Currier Marco Grand Rounds we will discuss "THE SCIENCE OF ROMANCE." Your textbook and homework assignment is to read the Jan. 28, 2008 edition of TIME magazine.

For example, "women who live communally tend to synchronize their menstrual cycles. In nature this is a good idea; it is not in the community's interest for one ovulating female to monopolize the reproductive attention of too many males. Better to have all the females become fertile at once and allow the fittest potential mates to compete with one another for them." Males can sense by smell when a female is ovulating! (if he doesn't have a cold!).

Tune in, should be fun--BUT DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

"Aether" will be in the mail tomorrow (Jan 23) with the CME certificates if you qualify. Unfortunately four of our usual gang haven't paid their dues and your mailing labels did not arrive in Tampa Bay. If your dues are behind (and mine are also!) get on the ball, not behind it..as soon as the membership is updated you will receive CME certificate. Only fair.

Do your homework--good topic, good resource and enticing, enticing. Warren kd4gua.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 20, 2008

This Sunday we will continue the discussion on "When can I go home after a radionuclide test?" Tune in 14.307 Sunday at 10 a.m. Eastern....get your reservations into Dayton...details coming up in next Aether.

-Warren KD4gua.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 13, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will have a double feature.

Feature #1. Is it safe to send patients home after radiation therapy? (Will they irradiate their loved ones?)

Feature #2. A new study in patients over 80 with hi bp who had their bp lowered to the conventional target range had lower survival rates than those with blood pressures at higher levels. What is your input? Should be fun....tune in 14.307 10 a.m. Eastern time.

CW net at 9:30 Eastern time.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 30, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Dialysis". The different methods. The typical doctor sends the patient to a nephrologist and they just disappear...let's take a look at what happens to them.

Donations to MARCO MediShare International

This message was received from Smitty W6CS, Director of MediShare International:

Friends - -

I have had several inquiries as to how a person can support our Africa projects and be consistent with tax laws, etc.

We - ie, MediShare International - have worked with and thru Direct Relief International (DRI) for some years on a number of projects in Africa. DRI which is one of the premier non-profits supplying medical needs in African countries. You know all this of course if you've followed MARCO/MSI projects.

Direct Relief Int'l set up a special fund to support medical projects in Africa that have been identified and pre-approved by on-site visits by Mike Marks, MD, who has personally visited these African villages and identified and verified their needs. The para. below explains it briefly.

Bottom Line:

1. Checks should be made out to:

Direct Relief International

27 S. La Patera Lane

Goleta, CA, 93117.

If the donor wishes to restrict his or her donation to use in the Africa programs, he/she should write in the Memo line of the check "Africa Designated Fund." All checks received as "Africa Designated" will be put in a restricted fund for use in Africa, and 100% of the donation will go to programs in Africa without any portion being used for DRI administration or fundraising.

DRI will acknowledge the donation that can be used for tax purposes.

Hope this helps!

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 16, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of new diabetic drugs...they are coming fast and furious, new injectables, new pills, new combinations. CW net at 9:30 a.m. 14.307 EST.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 9, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will have a "refresher" on the new Diabetic drugs...there have been so many, doctors have a hard time keeping up.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 2, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA

Last Sunday we had 40 check-ins....this Sunday we will discuss an 18 year old revelation--that of the discovery of the interaction of GRAPEFRUIT JUICE with medications. Only this time there is a new angle. It has been found that the price of expensive drugs, especially HIV drugs, can be cut in less than half by the possible addition of grapefruit standardized pills. For example (this is no joke)....Viagra 100 mg tablets cost $10 each. By taking 1/4 the tablet ($2.50) with a glass of grapefruit juice you can get the same effect. DON'T TRY THIS, it is given as an example of how the price of drugs can be reduced by simple means.

"Aether" is at the printers and should be available soon...pdf file pending.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 25, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION."

"THE SKULL IS A GOOD INSULATOR...CONSIDER HOW EASILY A MAGNET UNDER A WOODEN TABLETOP CAN MOVE A PIN ON THE SURFACE--magnetic fields pass almost unaffected through insulators including the skull." What happens when we pass currents into the brain? Tune in and......more Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern 14.307. Should be fun.

Note: We lost a good ham Monday, Bill, W4TAD (Tender and Deliciouis, Tired and Disgusted) went West...he had a perfect 4 year attendance record on Grand Rounds. He will be missed--he is the doc who got me into Marco! Warren KD4gua.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 18, 2007 (?)

Warren, KD4GUA wrote:

Last week we studied "Deep Brain Stimulation" in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease among others.

This Sunday there is a contest and I will be enroute to Branson, MO for four days. I tried to contact Harry WB9EDP but couldn't get through via email. Perhaps Bruce could handle the net control if Harry is unavailable.

I expect to return to the shack on Thanksgiving Day and will discuss TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation" the process of altering brain signals externally. TMS is painless and non-invasive and is currently being used in treating depression, epilepsy and stuttering. One researcher at Canada's Laurentian University is convinced that naturally occurring electromagnetic fluctuations could be responsible for paranormal experiences, like ghosts, UFOs and mystical apparitions.

Some have argued that religion itself could be electromagnetic in origin. Bone up on TMS for a week from Sunday.

Blog-meister's note: Given that we don't have a topic for discussion and are certain to be battling intense contest-related interference, I suggest that we take the week off and return to the airwaves on November 25.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 11, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will delve more deeply into the treatment of Parkinson's Disease, namely, "Deep Brain Stimulation." This is now being used for depression, Tourette's syndrome, Obsessive Compulsives, Phantom Limb Syndrome and Cluster headaches. The Chinese are also using it to wipe out Schizophrenia.

Hogwash? Some of these treatments, including that for Parkinson's have been approved by the FDA (2002).

Geostationary Satellite News

From MARCO member JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM:

Hi Everyone,

I joined MARCO last spring after seeing your booth at Dayton.  I'm an RN in
a cardiac unit for my 'day job'.  Another one of my 'nite job' activities is
as the news editor for AMSAT ... The bunch that builds and launches
satellites.

At the AMSAT Syposium this past weekend we learned that AMSAT has been
offered an opportunity for a ride to geosychronous orbit.  I've attached the
AMSAT News Service Bulletin below.

It will still take a couple of years to get up there.  But think of the
emergency service capability a geosynchronous satellite can add to the
amateur service!

--
73 de JoAnne K9JKM
k9jkm@amsat.org


SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-301.01
The Weekend That Changed Amateur Radio

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 301.01
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
October 28, 2007
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-301.01

This past weekend, October 26-28 AMSAT-NA held a very successful Space
Symposium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Rick Hambly, W2GPS, AMSAT President along with Bob McGwier, N4HY, AMSAT
Vice-President of Engineering were able to make public the results of
their recent work which will change the face of amateur radio going
forward.  AMSAT has been in consultation with Intelsat regarding an
application of an Intelsat platform carrying our amateur radio satelites
into geosynchronous orbit.

Engineering studies, funding studies, among other negotiations are
continuing at this point.  However Bob, N4HY made the following obser-
vation of the project AMSAT has termed Phase IV Lite, "There is enough
in place at this time that AMSAT needs to begin planning engineering
work and possible construction of a geosychronous payload so we are
ready if Intelsat says they have a ride for us."

The Phase IV Lite Geosynchronous Payload is planned to consist of
similar transponders already under development for the Phase 3 satel-
lites.  Accelerated development on the digital Advanced Communica-
tion Package is anticipated.  In addition to the communication pay-
load flown to space, AMSAT plans to develop an earth station attain-
able by the average ham so that users can immediately take advantage
of the audio, digital messaging, and video services.

The Advanced Communication Package would be a self-contained earth
station which could be sent with amateur radio communication teams
or delivered to disaster areas for 24/7/365 emergency communications.
These teams would be able to point a small dish at a predictable
spot in the sky and immediately begin delivering disaster commun-
ication support without depending on HF propagation.

A Phase IV payload could also be used to provide TDRSS-like relay
of ARISS communications.  The 10 minute school contact could now
be expanded to hours-long contact with the International Space
Station.  This opens possibilities for student involvement with
experiments aboard the space station.

The Intelsat geosynchronous platform would be able to provide the
AMSAT Phase IV Lite payload with approximately 400 watts of DC
power for 15 years.  The primary payload would also perform the
GTO boost phase as well as perform station keeping and antenna
pointing once it has arrived on station. Bob, N4HY summarized,
"The Intelsat team would be doing all the things nearly impossible
for amateurs and that enables AMSAT to do what we do best ... build
a communication system that changes amateur radio for the better!"

More details will be published in upcoming editions of the AMSAT
Journal.

[ANS thanks Rick, W2GPS and Bob, N4HY for the above information]

/EX

We received an interesting reply from Jay Garlitz, AA4FL:

JoAnne, thanks for sharing the AMSAT information with the group.  I am
curious how many of us are AMSAT members?

One note about satellite ops is that we have a satellite station at W4DFU in
the Shands Hospital/Health Center complex at the University of Florida.
Satellite and echolink are the equipment used most often and attracts new
hams.  MARCO is an HF centric group and that is generational/traditional.
These other modes are getting new members in the door and we then excite
them about HF. (see www.gatorradio.org)

Please accept my comments as a possible way to attract younger health
professionals to the hobby, and to our ranks.

73's Jay, AA4FL (AMSAT member)

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 4, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Parkinson Update."

There have been quite a few new drugs and procedures for this condition, mainly "deep brain stimulation." Back in 1943, a neurosurgeon removed a brain tumor in a Parkinson patient and damaged the globus pallidus and noted his tremor subsided. This, the idea of damaging the basal ganglia to improve Parkinson Disease evolved. Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 28, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue our discussion of Sports Medicine for those over 40. We are the first generation to exercise for the duration and the duration seems to be getting longer. What is your treatment for balance control, belly control, and age related decay...can it be slowed, is it being slowed, am I participating correctly?

Should be more fun than last week, tune in 14.307 10 a.m. eastern time. CW at 9:30, check in and listen...good for the neurones.

Good news that all MARCO members in harm's way in California are safe.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 21, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed "Bell's Palsey."

This Sunday we will dive into 'SPORTS MEDICINE AND THE SENIOR ATHLETES." The new science that addresses needs of the fit-and-over 50 set.

Did you read about the 59 year old high school football player? He went back to finish High School and participated in the game as a line backer. Where's my calcium pill?

Tune in, should be fun. 14.307 Sunday 10 a.m. eastern time.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 14, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Bell's Palsey." What treatment is suggested when a patient comes in with rapid-onset paralysis of one side of his face?

This condition scares the wits out of patients and it is up to us to install confidence that over 70% will have complete recovery.

How do we rule out tumor, Lymes etc.

Tune in 14.307 10 a.m. Eastern time, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 7, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss an article that appeared in the April 2007 edition of "Family Practice," entitled "SHOULD YOU PUT ALL DIABETIC PATIENTS ON STATINS?" This is a tantalizing subject and with many obese patients who are potential candidates for diabetes walking round--it becomes an important item in the daily drudgery. Tune in should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 23, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Since West Nile virus is out there and many cases have been reported, we will discuss this disease this Sunday 14.308 at 10 a.m. Eastern time.

Arnold, Our Prez, is off to Africa--again. Lou our treasurer is still holding out somewhere around French Creek Maine. W4TAD, Bill, our perfect record Ham is still in there fighting the big C.

Aether went out today, so you should receive it on Monday or Tuesday.

Will be leaving town Tueday for a week to see new grandchild, so pick a topic and I hope our Prez-elect Harry, WB9EDP will keep the ship afloat--think up a good subject for discussion. In the future if you would like to handle net control TRY it. Not hard. All you need is a good signal and a voice. Bone up on West Nile, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 16, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Will attempt to finish discussion on immunizations and the possible relation with autism. Someone last week asked "Who invented autism?" I can't answer that but I do know that prior to about 1985 the word was almost never used as a diagnosis. Is this a new disease? Is this a syndrome of several diseases...has it got anything to do with the MMR vaccine or with mercury preservatives? Tune in should be fun--IF the sun allows us a good weather propagation forecast. By the way, what happens when the smog lifts in Los Angeles? Answer: UCLA.

Here is a response on autism from Chip, N5RTF:

The first paper on autism was published by Leo Kanner M.D. in 1943. Recent increases in prevalence may be multifactoral.
In the first case, diagnostic criteria are steadily easing, to allow increasing numbers of families to qualify for associated benefits.

Secondly, as more clinicians and parents become aware of the diagnosis, more real cases are identified.

Thirdly (and purely speculative on my part) is the exponential increase in sensory input in recent years. A person living in 1700 might see 200 images in a lifetime. We can be exposed to that number in a minute, maybe every minute. Assume that most human nervous systems can successfully filter that flow to a manageable level, but some are overwhelmed. Also, adults can deliberately insulate themselves when they feel overloaded (eg. radio rather than TV, books rather than radio, meditation rather than books). Children cannot do this except through withdrawal. In extreme cases, withdrawal could become reflexive.

Drawing an analogy from Ham Radio, I conceptualize autism and similar conditions as /disorders of bandwidth./ The developing brain narrows down its filters to an information flow which can be comfortably processed. Eventually this becomes the default setting.

As an aside, I have always wanted to see how a child with autism handles CW.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 2, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Due to poor propagation last week, discussion of immunizations was postponed until this Sunday. We have gone from 6 injections the first year of life in the 1960s to 22 immunizations today. There is concern over the increase in autism (and possibly bipolar disease?) linked to immunizations.

The question of mercury poisoning from thimerosal in the preservative has also been raised.

My youngest daughter had her first baby Monday, a little boy, Kenneth, and she is questioning as are other mothers. What will you and I tell them?

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 26, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, by request, we will talk about chicken pox and shingles. Is it possible to get chicken pox twice? Who needs the shingles vaccine? How can we differentiate between one pox disease from another?

Join in, should be fun.


[MARCO Grand Rounds take place on 14.307 MHz at 10 AM Eastern Time - 1400 UTC in the summer]

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 19, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss a blockbuster--THE FDA announced today, Aug. 16, that Warfarin (Coumadin)'s label will carry new information describing the role of genetics in dosing. The label will say that a lower initial warfarin dose "should be considered for patients with certain genetic variations."

This means that to CYA you will need to get a $400 test to determine if that person is a slow absorber or rapid absorber of the drug. Medicare will cover it but private insurance no.
Tune in, should be fun!

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 12, 2007

Warren's announcement of this week's Grand Rounds has brought out the wags in the group:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of gas expansion both at altitude and attitude. No one has come up with the answer as to why coal miners don't have mustaches or beards. Tune in and leave your matches in the kitchen. See you--all, or rather, hear you-all Sunday. Should be fun.
-KD4GUA

A bearded miner cannot establish a reliable seal on a respirator.
-Chip, N5RTF

Chip has a point but it is not the answer.
-Warren kd4gua.

Beards itch under masks…That's why the bomber pilots in WWII were always careful to shave closely before a mission.
-Al KA7LOT

Al has a point, but not the point one is looking for, concerning beards in coal miners. Warren -Warren KD4gua.

Multiple answers to an essay question.

1. Excess amounts of coal dust settles in beards and could
be breathed in causing respiratory problems.

2. Miner's carbide lamps could catch the beard on fire.

3. The company store has an over supply of razor blades.
-Danny W4DAN

I think Chip's answer was correct. The following information is from the
U.S. Department of Labor, MSHA's (Mine Safety and Health Administration):
It is one paragraph from the full page of text on the subject.

MSHA's Occupational Illness and Injury Prevention Program
Health Topic

"Silica Exposure of Surface Coal Miners"

What can miners do to limit their exposure to silica containing dust?

Mine operators are required to provide and assure the use of appropriate controls for dust while drilling in rock. Miners should be sure to use all available engineering controls such as dust collectors, wet drilling, drill platform skirts and enclosed cabs. Miners should adjust their work procedures so that they do not stand in dust clouds. While not accepted as a primary control, miners should make use of respirators made available by the mine operator, to provide the maximum protection possible, especially when necessary to work in dust for short periods. If a respirator is used, the miner and mine operator should assure that it is approved for use in silica-containing dust, that it is maintained as approved, worn as designed (not altered in any way), equipped with new filters at least each shift, and fitted so as to provide a tight seal to the face. Miners wearing a respirator can not have beards/mustaches which interfere with the respirator seal to the face.

Mine Safety and Health Administration
Coal Mine Safety and Health Division
1100 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939

Phone:(202) 693-9630
-Danny W4DAN

Tune in on Sunday, August 12, 14.307 MHz at 10 AM Eastern/1400 UTC for the answer!!

The answer:

Danny...you done hit the nail on the head with number 2.

2. Miner's carbide lamps could catch the beard on fire.

-Warren KD4GUA

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 5, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss the #1 problem aboard airliners--GAS! ...review your G.I. physiology so we can have more participation. We do produce more of, burp, it as we get older but WHY?

Do you know why coal miners never wore beards?

Tune in 14.307 Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern for an explosive question and answer session.