MARCO Grand Rounds for February 5, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

The Return of Streaming Audio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chip, N5RTF.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 29, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

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

Tune in should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 22, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

   

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 8, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 1, 2012

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

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

NO Grand Rounds on Sunday, December 25, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 18, 2011

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 11, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

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

 

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 4, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 27, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

 

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

 

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

MARCO Grand Rounds fro November 20, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 13, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 30, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 22, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 16, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 9, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 25, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 18, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

 

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

 

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 11, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

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

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

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

Q. What State has the most MARCO members?

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 4, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

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

    Tune in and learn more...

WA2CBA, SK

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

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

Our condolences to his family and friends.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 28, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 21, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 14, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

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

Should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 7, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 31, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA,

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

MARCO Grand Round for July 24, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 17, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WARREN!!

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

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 10, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 3, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

NO MARCO Grand Rounds on June 26,2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

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

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

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

He writes:

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

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

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 12, 2011

Warren, KD4GUA checked in from home:

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

Warren KD4Gua

My response to this news:

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

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

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

73,
Bruce KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 5, 2011

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

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

-Bruce

KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 29, 2011

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

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

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

MARCO at the Dayton Hamvention

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

From Chip Keister, N5RTF:

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

N3IM at MARCO Booth, Dayton 2011



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

From Keith Adams, N3IM:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And Larry Wissing, N4MKT added:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 15 and 22, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

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

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

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 8, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 1, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 24, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

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

Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds to Try New Frequency, Time

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

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

We will see how it goes and adjust accordingly.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 10, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

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

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

2011 MARCO Annual Meeting Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you there!

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

Minutes of the Medical Amateur Radio Council Annual Membership Meeting

April 1, 2011

Santa Teresa, New Mexico

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Business:

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

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

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

Open Forum:

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

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

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

View video highlights of the meeting:

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 27, 2011

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

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

Keep the blue side up. Warren KD4gua.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 20, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 13, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 27, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 20, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 13, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

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

Bob K4RLC contributed the following reply:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 6, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

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

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 30, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Multiple Sclerosis." First described in 1868 it has a prevalence between 2 and 150 per 100,000. The cause remains unknown. Should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 23, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discus Shingles and "Post Herpatic Neuralgia." About 1/3 of us if we live long enough will get this bugger so best you tune in 14.307 MHz 10 am Eastern.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 16, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

Topic for Sunday 10 am EST, Jan. 16, 2011...."Sleep Apnea." Tune in and stay clear of the contest.

Update on the 2011 MARCO Annual Meeting

The following news was received from MARCO's President, Linda Krasowski KE5BQK today:

We will have our meeting Friday morning at 9:00 AM at the hangar where Bernie's plane lives. Hopefully, the plane will be in residence that morning. There will be a selection of food including fruit, burritos, tamales and other stuff to eat plus coffee and juices.

Friday afternoon I have set up a 45 minute tour of our inland desalinization plant, the only one I think that exists.We re working on a list of other things to do/see. Depending on the weather, we could go on up the tramway to the mountain top and see out into the wild blue yonder of Mexico, New Mexico and Texas. More on this later.

I have made the arrangements for the banquet to be held at Cattleman's Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch in Fabens, TX. It is out in the desert about 15 miles, just off the freeway, and is a famous place. We will have a private room that has great views of the sunset. The place sits on a small hill so the view is very nice. They feed the wild coyotes the meat scraps every night and maybe we will see them eating. They also have a bunch of birds and animals to look at if anyone wants to wander around before dinner.

I have been in touch with the Public Affairs person at the Border Patrol and he has agreed to speak at our banquet. I think it will be interesting.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 9, 2011

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Mobile Health Screeners" are they worth while? They can do $2000 worth of hospital tests for $139 ! Is this a pipe-dream? And without a prescription! But you cannot use insurance, you must pay cash.

Should be a fun topic as it is beginning to spread internationally.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 2, 2011

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Because Munchausen's Syndrome will probably be a short discussion on Grand Rounds this coming Sunday, we have added "Alien Hand Syndrome," the condition where one hand buttons a button where/as the other hand unbuttons it with no control by the owner. This condition, although rare, was seen in the movie "Dr. Strangelove," featuring Peter Sellers in 1964. Tune in, should be educational--down, get down, down, down.

MARCO Grand Rounds for 12/26/10

From Warren, KD4GUA,

This Sunday we will continue the discussion on "OSTEOARTHRITIS." LET'S KEEP the check-in census UP by being on board not to be bored. This will be the last lecture of 2010. To get your CME certificate make sure your MARCO dues are current. Keep the blue side up.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 19, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Osteoarthritis" by request. It is not a bad subject since all of us are subject. Let's hear your experience in controlling this monster that gets to almost all of us if we live long enough. 14.307 Sunday 10 am Eastern

Hotel Information for Annual Meeting

MARCO President Linda Krasowski, KE5BQK, has announced that the headquarters hotel for MARCO's annual meeting will be

El Paso Marriott
1600 Airway Blvd.
El Paso, Texas 79925

Phone: 1-915-779-3300
Fax: 1-915-772-0915

Members will gather on Thursday, March 31, 2011. The annual meeting will be the following morning, followed by sightseeing and activities. The annual banquet will take place on Saturday, April 2, 2011. Our special rate at the hotel is available until Monday, April 4.

To reserve your room, click http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/elptx?groupCode=marmara&app=resvlink&fromDate=&toDate=

If you wish to call the hotel directly, be sure to mention that you are from MARCO.

See you there!

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 21, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA,

This Sunday we will discuss NARCOLEPSY. This is a fascinating subject for all those who don't have it. Wake up--tune in--they are out there but too often we don't look for them.

We broke all records last Sunday with 51 check-ins--let's keep the ball rolling by delving into this subject between now and Sunday so we have a more balanced net. If you have narcolepsy make sure you are awake when you tell us your experiences.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 14, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

By request we will discuss CHOLERA this coming Sunday in view of the fact that it is endemic in Haiti and heading our way.

PS: If you want to put anything in AETHER better do it now as we go to press on 15th of Nov.

Charles Krin suggested these links:

For your reading pleasure ahead of time:

http://www.cdc.gov/haiticholera/

http://www.cdc.gov/cholera/

http://www.cdc.gov/haiticholera/hc_professionals.htm

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 7, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Bruce was right, we got rained out by the international contest...SO, we will attempt to continue the "flu epidemic" on this coming Sunday. Actually there is a lot to know especially on the treatment and the new additives available.

Tune in Sunday, 10 am 14.307, CW net at 9:30 am Eastern.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 31, 2010

From Warren KD4GUA:

Hope you all enjoyed my absence last Sunday as I was in Washington straightening things out.

....This Sunday we will continue the discussion on the FLU. By the way, the Potomac drinking water is addictive. If any of you already have the flu you can tell us how you feel first hand, if not, now you will feel when you get it. Quite an experience and especially since it doesn't cost anything to get it. (Be careful handling money as the virus likes it and latches on for 17 days plus--no more shaking hands, only bowing).

Should be fun (talking about it). Tune in Sunday 10 am Eastern 14.307.

Webmaster's note: This week is the CQWW SSB contest, so there is likely to be major QRM. Show up at the appointed place/time and we will see if we can make a "go" of it.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 24, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA,

This Sunday I will be out of town and the Marco Grand Rounds will be an open discussion of present topics--a 'VOX POX" Voice of the People.....in other words each one of you will become a net controller.

WON'T work! Who said so...as a beginning topic you should discuss what we should discuss in future transportations. Don't all yell at once and reserve your language. Then next Sunday we can pick the meat. Sound good? You guys need a break anyway.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 17, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, by request, we will discuss "INFLUENZA." Make sure to stock up on PhisoHex or Dial or any old soap because it is "hand washing season " again.

Tune in 14.307 MHz, 10 am Eastern on Sunday.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 10, 2010

From Warren KD4GUA:

After two weeks of the "PILL" (the discussion will be featured in the next edition of "Aether) we will turn to "THE COST OF CANCER DRUGS; HOW MUCH IS LIFE WORTH--$50,000/YEAR?"

If we have time we will then delve into the new High Dose flu shots (Fluzone) available to those over 65.

We do need urinealysis of the subject. Sunday, 10 a.m Eastern 14.307 MHZ.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 2, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue to celebrate (?) the 50th anniversary of the PILL.

There was an unusual amount of discussion concerning the word "Enabler." As to what it means--tune in Sunday. As an ad-on we will throw in "The PILL with co-morbid conditions."

The story of the woman who couldn't tolerate the PILL so she gave them to her husband instead. When told "this doesn't work," she replied, "I haven't gotten pregnant in three years and he has no side effects." Maybe this woman had something after all! PS: This is a true story because I was there. More Sunday

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 26, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the "PILL." Is it helpful? Is it a Paradox? Is it harmful? Tune in should be fun, Sunday 10 am EST 14.307.

(Danny, W4DAN mentioned that some, himself included, celebrated 50 years ago).

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 19, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss the new diabetic drugs and their mechanisms beyond insulin resistance and pancreatic B-cell dysfunction (pancreatic poop out). We will need your clinical experience using these drugs so don't be bashful Sunday.

Bruce is having some luck with Skype, I believe four of us are using it. To download free I think all you have to do is search for "skype.com." Try it. This will help those not able to receive us on Grand Rounds radio to pick us up on your Sunday computer.

Some additional detail from KM2L:
The Skype address is bruce.small73. Send a connect request and I will add you to the conference. Skype is used as a receiving aid only - all comments should be made over the air. With that in mind... enjoy!

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 5, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Medical Dogtags." The new ones are a far cry from the simple ident bracelets of the past which with a few words informed medics that a person was allergic to penicillin.

Who needs them and what is available? How about a thumb-(flash)drive necklace?

Tune in 14.307, 11 am Eastern, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 29, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will finish up MRSA and switch to the "E-cigarette," a unique new device to help people stop smoking the real stuff.

Note: The Skype link at bruce.small73 will not be available this week.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 22, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, by request, we will discuss "MRSA" (methicillin resistant staph aureus) the "SUPERBUG." Bring your experiences to the mike.

14.307, 10 am Eastern time. Should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds debuts on Skype

On August 15, KM2L and N4TSC pioneered the use of Skype to disseminate MARCO Grand Rounds.

Jerry, N4TSC, lives too close to net control station KD4GUA in Florida to hear him. At Jerry's urging, Bruce, KM2L fed the net as heard at his QTH in New York into Skype and Jerry monitored the connection at home.

The Skype audio is delayed about 0.1 second compared with that received directly, so Jerry had to deal with that weirdness when listening to stations who were audible at both locations. As both operators climb the learning curve, the experience will improve.

Contact the editor of this blog if you are interested in participating.

-KM2L

2011 Annual meeting announced for El Paso

President Linda KE5BQK has announced that the 2011 annual meeting of the Medical Amateur Radio Council will take place in El Paso, TX from March 31 to April 3.

The board meeting will be held in the large hangar where OM Bernie KD5QHV keeps his plane.

Hotel details to follow soon. Stay tuned...

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 8, 2010

From Warren KD4GUA:

One heck of a net last week on "How to Ration Health Care Ethically."

This week we will discuss, "TECHNOLOGY OVER PERSONALIZED SERVICE--911".

Originally called "9-Eleven" it is now called 9-1-1 because there is no eleven on the dial phone. With all those sirens blowing and squad cars reeling it costs 20 times the cost of a taxi--who pays for it? What happened to "Number Please--call the fire department?"

Bring your pros and cons and join us on 14.307, Sunday 10 am Eastern

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 1, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA,

This Sunday we will continue the discussion on "Making health rationing ethical." Ian K3IK did a great job of narrating and he will be back on board this week.

PS. "Aether" mailed July 27, you should receive it shortly.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 25, 2010

From Warren KD4GUA:

This Sunday, Ian k3ik, Shavertown, PA. has volunteered to lecture us on "How to keep health care rationing ethical."

If you have had trouble receiving Ian in the past don't vacate....we will be forwarding his comments and yours.

Should be fun (?), difficult subject with lots and lots of opinions. Bring your bullet-proof vest--but remember, this is a positive approach without politics (if possible).

Behavioral Weight Loss

Bob, K4RLC contributed this via the email reflector:

You had a net on weight some weeks ago. I had meant to relate this.

A simple, behavioral technique for weight control is to have the
patient write down everything and anything they eat...even a glass ofwater and a single potato chip.

They can carry a 3X5 card, or pocket size spiral notebook.

Writing all food intake down does a couple of things: one is that youcan track the calories in your diet, and have the information to make positive changes; the other is that by writing down and paying more attention, many will change their bad eating habits.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 18, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

As per request we will continue the discussion on Rheumatoid Arthritis this Sunday. If you have a topic and you would like to present it, don't hesitate--the more the merrier.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 11, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

It was requested we talk about "AutoImmune Diseases" but this topic is so large that it would be impossible to cover it in one hour. Therefore, we will talk about an auto-immune disease RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. There was another request for "Bee Stings" but that was too short a subject. Tune in Sunday, 10 a.m. 14.307, should be a fun topic!!!!!!!

President-Elect AE4BX on the air soon!

From Mary, AE4BX:

Sorry, won't be on for the next two Sundays. Going to get some continuing ed and R & R for the next 2 weeks.

I'm trying again to contact Warren tomorrow (Thursday) tho at 4 pm Eastern on 14.307 so if anybody else is available to join the test it would be nice. I was pretty successful breaking into some pileups on field day so that was encouraging. Had to get the Kenwood manual out and reset some dials, and punch some rusty dusty buttons, as I haven't used the radio for several years.

I have new Gap Eagle tied to a fence corner with the 3 seven foot long counterpoises 5 feet off the ground and sticking out every which way, much to the annoyance of the neighbors. Our best ideas of affixing it to the house bombed out. Had several of the local hams over,----------- BEST MINDS IN MYRTLE BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA ON IT !!! but it was a no go.................So had to get the HOA over here again, got reluctant permission for a "small" tower, have it ordered, US Tower is making it in Kansas City as we speak. It of course is paid for up front, freight from KC paid up front, and with the 4-6 week delay, should arrive by the end of July. Not in the truck driver's job description to take it off the truck so I have a crew on standby to take the 450 lbs off and a concrete guy to dig the 6 1/2 ft hole with rebar half way to China. Have a lot of interested hams and nosy neighbors poking around and we aren't half way done yet.

This thing better work!!!!

**And it's all for about the "reasonable" price of a 12 month-all-expenses-paid cruise around the world!!!! **

I'm really excited about doing Dxing again as well as being a working member of the MARCO net. I have missed all of it these past several years.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 4, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Due to a most-worthwhile Field Day we were out-drummed Sunday, So we ill continue the discussion of "Multiple Sclerosis" this Sunday 10 am. Eastern on 14.307. We hope to have our new President-elect on board with her new antenna--tune in,should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 27, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA,

Grand Rounds for Sunday will be debatable since it is "Field Day" and if you remember last year it was a wash-out with all you loyal hamsters arming the buttresses (or something like that!).

We will try and finish-up "Multiple Sclerosis" if possible.

Any other problems for the following week?

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 20, 2010

From Warren KD4GUA,

This Sunday we will discuss "Multiple Sclerosis" as requested by Bob VE3OQM. Should be a good one.

If you have a new topic please advise or we will have to go with the "topic of the weak" again the following week. More later.

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 13, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss an item that is in the June 9, 2010 edition of the JAMA, page 2253, read it--"LONG TERM ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL AFTER CRITICAL ILLNESS." Ironically, the same subject was discussed Tuesday at my teaching hospital--this THING if you have never head of is COMING (and is already here).

It will be interesting to see what you think about anther set of hospitals--are we building medical Plutocracy or is this something that is badly needed. (Unfortunately, both are probably correct.) There are at present about 475 Long-term acute care hospitals which were put on a moratorium in 2006 which is now lifted. Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 6, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA,

This Sunday we will discuss does the doctor follow what he preaches in taking care of himself? Only 3% of doctors smoke compared to 24% for the U.S. population....what about the rest? Do you follow what you preach?

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

Aether should be in the mail shortly.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 30, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Thanks to Ian K3IK, we will discuss Dengue Fever, also known as
"Break Bone fever," which has occurred in Florida in the first sizable outbreak in 55 years. Southern U.S. is ripe for more. It is caused by.....zzzzzzzzz--slam *7%$#@ ---GOT HIM! mosquitoes. Tune in Sunday, 14.307 10 am., should send your temperature up.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 23, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

A recent study over a 9 year period of persons taking vitamin-supplements and those not taking either came up with a startling finding....there was no difference in morbidity and mortality!

Let's re-discover vitamins this Sunday--besides we will discuss the recent Dayton meeting--tune in 14.307 10 am. EDT Sunday.

2010 Annual Meeting News

MARCO's annual meeting took place in Dayton, Ohio from May 13th to May 15th 2010 in conjunction with Hamvention.

Members filtered into Dayton throughout Thursday, May 13. Those with flights connecting through Chicago experienced weather-related delays and a difficult, tiring trip. Our headquarters hotel, formerly a Holiday Inn, was sold to Ramada in December, 2009. It appears to some of us that maintenance and housekeeping have slipped a bit.

Due to a tornado watch in southern Ohio, many of us decided to dine at the hotel on Thursday evening. Jeff K6JW and Bruce KM2L staked out a place in the bar. We were joined by John WD8NMV and then by Linda KE5BQK and Bernie KD5QHV. We adjourned to the dining room and the party soon grew to include Chip N5RTF, Keith N3IM, Joe WB2MXJ and Paul N6DMV. Danny W4DAN and Caroline, Arnold WB6OJB and Joan, and Warren KD4GUA decided to brave the weather and ventured out for dinner.

The annual MARCO Membership Meeting was held at the hotel on Friday morning (see minutes of that meeting, below). After adjournment, we all headed for HARA Arena and Hamvention. Miraculously the sun came out and remained for the entire weekend. Attendance at Hamvention appeared to be fairly good, and the vendors I spoke to reported having a good year. There were no blockbuster new products. Ten Tec is bringing out a snappy new QRP rig, and Flexradio showed off their Flex-1500, an HF and 6 meter QRP rig small enough to almost fit in your pocket. Clothing was the new fad, as Begali Keys offered T-shirts and belts bearing their logo and Tokyo Hi-Power Labs was selling the attractive Japanese jackets that their sales staff wear. The best flea market artifact: a stainless steel cadaver storage unit on casters, slightly used and yours for $500!

As usual, MARCO's booth had a steady stream of traffic and we signed up several new and current members. Thanks to KM2L, N5RTF, AE4TM, W4MEA, KY4MD, W4DAN, NR3C, KB3LSK, N1PA, KE5WDZ, W4HKG, WB6MLC, W8RDR, KD8BIT, KD8EFM, N8RUS, W8CRK, WD8NMV, AA4FL, W4TX, KJ4DYZ, WB5YFX, WD4ALL, W3FUO, WD8ING, N3XG, KJ4EDE, AA0PO, WB2MXJ, KA9GRY, KI4UDT, N8QVK, AE3A, KC9LBZ, JH3BXO, KB9QXN, K4JWA, KA8KWO, WA3IHV and K7SYS for signing our guest book.

On Saturday WB9EDP, KC9ARN and KD4GUA split off to visit the Air Force Museum, well worth a visit if you are in the Dayton area.

Saturday evening saw the MARCO banquet, held at the Ramada Inn. Jay AA4FL described his satellite operations and liberally illustrated the talk with pictures from the University of Florida amateur radio club, which he serves as advisor. Life doesn't get better than two desserts, but in addition to the hotel's cheesecake were treated to a cake ordered by Linda KE5BQK. This delicious, chocolate bonus featured the MARCO logo rendered in icing. Almost too pretty to eat!

We look forward to gathering next year in El Paso - stay tuned for details.

Minutes of the 2010 MARCO Annual Membership Meeting

Minutes of the Medical Amateur Radio Council Annual Membership Meeting

May 14, 2010

Dayton, Ohio

• The meeting was called to order at 8:45 AM EDT by President Harry Przekop WB9EDP.

Members in attendance were President Harry Przekop WB9EDP, President-Elect Linda Krasowski KE5BQK, Secretary Danny Centers W4DAN, Treasurer Lou Wiederhold WA1HGE, Newsletter Editor Warren Brown KD4GUA, MediShare Chair Arnold Kalan WB6OJB, Mary Favaro AE4BX, Joe Breaux WB2MXJ, Paul Lukas N6DMV, John Bennet WD8NMV, Bernie Krasowski KD5QHV, Mark Young N2OJD, Jeff Wolf K6JW, Keith Adams N3IM, Chip Keister N5RTF, Jay Garlitz AA4FL, Lionel Lieberman 4X1LL, Dave Leiberman KT8E, Bobbie Williams W1BEW, Tom Brewer W0RPH, Carl Rowland N0ARN, and Bruce Small KM2L.

• The minutes of the 2009 meeting were read and approved.

• The Secretary reported that MARCO has 215 members, including 32 who are not current with their dues payments. After last year's meeting, the membership database was purged of lapsed members. We do continue to recruit new members. They learn of us through the Website or by hearing the Sunday morning net. The ad in QST is not very effective at inducing people to join.

The Treasurer reported that in 2009 our cash inflow was up by $2907. Due to a computer error, the outflow numbers were not correct on the printed report, however advertising and newsletter expenses were steady, and MediShare expenses were minimal. The MARCO bank account balance was $10382 and we had a CD worth $6312. The MediShare account balance was $3109.

The Internal Revenue Service now requires filing of an annual report by all nonprofit groups. WA1HGE stated that he had filed the necessary paperwork and that we were in compliance with this regulation.

WB6OJB noted that a $50 expenditure was assigned to MediShare. This was for a gavel, and should have come from the MARCO account.

• Internet Committee: N5RTF reported that the set of audio recordings of Grand Rounds has not been updated recently as reception has been poor.

KM2L reported that the Web site was hacked in December, 2009. Each page had a line of code inserted that redirected visitors to a malicious web site. As a result of that incident the Internet Committee has upgraded the security features of the site, and there have been no recurrences.

We receive frequent misdirected emails intended either for Medi-Share (a health insurance company) or Project MediShare (concerned with medical care in Haiti). KM2L developed a boilerplate response to these messages.

Much of the content on the MediShare web site is outdated. Members of the Internet Committee are willing to code and upload new material if those active in MediShare can provide it. MARCO members were also asked to report erroneous content or broken links on the MARCO web site. N5RTF suggested that the Æther publish a request to the membership for items that could be placed on the web site.

KT8E suggested that we explore a Google Ad Words campaign to help drive traffic to the site. As he has experience in this area, he offered to join the Internet Committee.

• KD4GUA presented the MARCO Net report. The number of check-ins to Grand Rounds continues to set records.

There had been a recent suggestion from one member to limit the club officers' reports at the start of the net. WA1HGE spoke in favor of maintaining the current practice, as it facilitates communication amongst the officers and membership. No action was taken.

N4TSC has advocated simultaneous transmission of Grand Rounds over Skype. He is one of many stations who cannot reliably hear the net control station. He sent KD4GUA an article from QST describing such a system. N2OJD spoke in favor of this idea, and thought that at some point it could be expanded to include participation by Technician class licensees. The Internet Committee will work on setting up Skype simulcasting of the net control station's remarks.

N5RTF re-raised the issue of obtaining a 1.5 KW amplifier for the net control station. This had been discussed in 2009. WB6OJB suggested establishing a special fund for the purchase of an amplifier. Pledges would be solicited from MARCO's membership. The motion to establish a special amplifier fund was passed. W1BEW offered to speak with his contacts at Ten Tec to see if they would be willing to donate equipment. N2OJD offered to do the same with Palstar.

WB6OJB asked for discussion of the operating frequency of the CW net that precedes Grand Rounds. According to WA1HGE, some CW operators have experienced QRM at 14.307 MHz. W4DAN noted that many radios tuned to 14.307 MHz SSB would not hear a CW signal on that frequency. His suggestion was to move the CW operators to 14.306 and the SSB operators to 14.308 prior to Grand Rounds. KM2L suggested that the net control station remind Grand Rounds participants to listen for CW stations before transmitting on 14.307. The group consensus was that the CW operating frequency should be at the discretion of the CW operators.

• KD4GUA presented the newsletter report. He is actively seeking radio-related submissions for publication in the Æther. There was discussion of whether the newsletter should publish the names of donors to MediShare and the amount of their donation. Many charitable organizations publish lists of their donors but group them in categories by amount. It was decided that Æther would follow this practice.

• WB6OJB presented the MediShare report. We do not currently have sufficient funds to support a project. N3IM suggested that if we did adopt a project and publicized it, donations would increase accordingly.

  WA1HGE reported that MediShare is still owed $300 by Motorola in Sri Lanka, stemming from an overpayment to the radio project there.

AA4FL is paying the monthly fee for MediShare's website and considering this as a donation to the organization.

New Business:

• WA1HGE moved that MARCO donate $100 to Handi Hams. Motion approved.

• W4DAN indicated that he had received an email from JA1BOM, a member of the Medical Amateur Radio Society of Japan. They are interested in possible collaboration with MARCO. K6JW asked what their goals and objectives are, but no one at the meeting knew. Their website is http://www.jmars.jp/marseng.html. The consensus is that we should proceed.

• WB2MXJ suggested that we submit an article for QST detailing the history and purpose of MARCO. W4DAN answered that this was done in the past but QST edited it to the point that it was unrecognizable.

• K6JW introduced Duane Wyatt's request that MARCO fund a “Kids Club amateur radio exposure unit.” This request was considered last year, and it was decided that it was not directly relevant to the mission or purpose of MARCO. After reconsideration, it was decided that this is still the case.

• Election of Officers

Nominees for President Elect were AE4BX and K6JW. K6JW deferred and was informally designated “President-Elect in Waiting.”

The nominee for Secretary was W4DAN.

The nominee for Treasurer was WA1HGE.

This slate was unanimously elected.

Per the By-Laws, the immediate past-President serves as a Director at Large. As AE4BX was a Director-at-Large, WB9EDP will take the position she vacated by becoming President-Elect.

WA1HGE suggested that we consider an Assistant Secretary or Treasurer to learn the function of the position and to be able to step in and serve in the event of the death or incapacity of the office-holder. The appointment of assistant officers is permitted in the By-Laws. New President KE5BQK appointed KM2L as Assistant Treasurer.

• The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 AM EDT.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 9, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, not by demand, we will discuss IBS or "Irritable Bowel Syndrome." This common ailment is a pain in the butt. Tune in and we will butt--er up on Sunday, 14.307 10 am. Eastern.