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.

MAARCO Grand Rounds for May 2, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA,

This Sunday, by request, we will discuss "CELIAC DISEASE."

Incidentally did you know that Benjamin Franklin advised the Medical Society in Paris to start developing a "flatulent perfume" which would allow people not only to blow their noses in pubic but to do other things with graciousness? ("Benjamin Franklin, An American Life," by Walter Isaacson.)

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 25, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, we will discuss, by demand, "Tourette's Syndrome."

Those of you have seen cases of this syndrome realize it is a fascinating diagnosis. For example, if you have seen the movie "Dr. Strangelove", the story of the mad German doctor who was to prevent a nuclear holocaust during the Cold War, who unfortunately had a case of Tourette's. His symptoms of a spontaneous Nazi right handed salute, with a grunt, was spasmodic and it was most difficult for our Americans to have faith in such a man.

A case of Tourette's will not easily be forgotten.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 18, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Attention Deficit Disorder seems to describe half the people in New York City....this condition once limited to youngsters is now being diagnosed in adults--could it be you?

Tune in Sunday, 10 a.m. EDT 14.307 MHz.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 11, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed The Appropriate Use of Diagnostic Imaging. We had 32 check-ins,not bad for an Easter Sunday--you heathens! The discussion was quite interesting and since we didn't finish we will continue the discussion this Sunday.

By the way, the two Presidents that didn't accept a salary were 1. Herbert Hoover and 2. Jack Kennedy. Their presidential salaries were donated to charity. Nice guys?

Here's an interesting question....Where did the state of Delaware get its name? (No, it's not an Indian name or associated with the Delaware tribe.).

MARCO Grand Rounds for 3/28/10

From Warren, KD4GUA,

This Sunday, if there is no contest, we will discuss "DO I ORDER A CT OR AN MRI.: This is an intriguing subject and in today's world of radiation & financial stress is most important. Tune in and save yourself and your patients some money.

Webmaster's Note: The CQ WPX SSB Contest is going full-blast this weekend. If we gan gain a critical mass of check -ins we might be able to defend the frequency, so show up early and often.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 7, 2010

From Warren KD4GUA,

This Sunday we will discuss an "UPDATE ON KIDNEY STONES." Bone up on this subject and ask some real good questions and see if we get a GOOD answer. Should be fun.

MARCO Gradn Rounds for February 28, 2010

From Warren KD4GUA,

Last Sunday we had 40 check-in during the discussion of the "Psychological differences between men and women." This was a study of American women not third-world women. where there is a vast difference in attitude between the sexes. The discussion brought out the facts that most women have floodlight brains and men spotlight brains, i.e, the male is better able to home-in on technical subjects-with exceptions. Also, men's brains were more compartmentalized whereas women had more neuronal convictions between cells. Needless to say, the discussion was not only educational but hilarious !

To those who missed last week, the good news is we are going to continue the discussion and would like your input.

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 14, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss a VERY common ailment on the "Disease of the Weak"--"tinnitus" or ringing in the ears.

Tune in and let's break the record of 47 check-ins. Anyone out there wanting to give a guest, medically oriented, lecture don't hesitate to let yourself known--the more individually involved the better

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 7, 2010

From Warren KD4GUA,

The DISEASE OF THE WEEK (WEAK?) for Sunday will be SNORING and the use of CPAP. For those of you who are sound sleepers it should be real noise.

Tune in should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 31, 2010

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Sunday we discussed "Medical Marijuana." We barely touched the surface so we will continue with it this coming Sunday. What we have already learned is that marijuana has benefits (like alcohol) but is being abused (like alcohol) and will probably remain in the status quo unless the gov. allows patent rights to derivatives which would provide financial gain to pharma. 14 states have already approved it for "medical" and not "political or social" use. Doctors are afraid to prescribe it because like social drugs once done the entire drug community folllows and that usually means trouble.

We asked for all those who had tried it and we had a a resounding "roger." I guess I was the only one that has retained his cognitive powers (ha ha!). Tune in Sunday, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 24, 2010

From Warren KD4GUA:

New Jersey this week became the 14th state to allow patients with certain diseases to use marijuana to alleviate their pain. Across the U.S. in Los Angeles, the number of medical marijuana stores, now numbering 1,000, will be limited to 70--WHAT IS GOING ON?

This Sunday, we will discuss, "Does Marijuana Qualify as a Medicine?" Should be fun....also who has the answer to the question of the week, "When you look into the mirror after a shower why does the left testicle hang lower than the right?" This might have been the origin of the famous Chinese urologist's name--anyone want to give a guess as to his name?