... its only a hobby, so ...
One whole week has gone by and not one single stroke of work was 'chopped' on the portable antenna construction project. It is not unusual that whenever you seem to plan something constructive all sorts of things just seem to elevate themselves to a priority status, and before you know it, you are back to square one, or maybe even outside the square. I did one thing however, and that was take up the slack in the guy ropes on the antenna ... so the antenna now looks more stately and majestic instead of slightly tipsy or drunk.
Some of my V4 ham buddies also have vertical antennas under construction and I keep getting on their case to complete them, and I have even suggested that them bring them up to my lawn so we could work on them there, but they claim that the antenna is too big to transport. Well I have to run with what the man say, but I am yet to see a vertical antenna that is "too big" to relocate, but I have to abide with the response, so I have taken to dropping by their QTH to further encourage, but coincidentally they are never there.
I am not going to say anything about bachelor hams because I was one for about 28 years and only escaped that status some 13 years ago. There is a view that hams could sometimes be more in love with their hobby and the hardware, than with "God's gift" to us. This is a good topic to wax on but I am not in the mood for any extra drama in this Hurricane season, and I guess that when my XYL gets her ham ticket and starts her blog ... well, let's deal with that "if" and "when" it happens.
This is the second month in the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and it seems that nobody except the cable TV is taking on this hurricane season at all. This is an election year and everyone seem to be caught up in the excitement, drama and speculation as to who will be the next 'crop' of Parliamentary Representatives. Some people feel that the 2009 election announcement will be made on Friday 3rd July, the day after tomorrow, but we will wait and see.
Historically in July the Minister of National Security will host a meeting at the National Emergency Management Agency [NEMA] conference room with attendee drawn for the public and private sector, and all National and Federal Agencies. This is an all day meeting and addresses the issues of hurricane preparedness. To wit, what is in place and what more needs to be done so that we are ready for any hurricane action ASAP. Historically, mid September, around Independence celebration time, we will get any storms and hurricanes that have own name on them.
I hope that the Minister of National Security is not more concerned with his political career, that the welfare of the residents and citizens of the Federation, and will therefore take the time out to host the Annual hurricane preparedness meeting, irrespective of any election activity. The election process can be controlled and deferred, but Nature cannot. I know we have wise leaders so I will not be overly concerned, and will ensure that my own personal survival and preparedness plan is in place.
I have not even head of hams who go through the usual routine of bringing radios out from under beds, out of boxes, barrels, suit cases, wads of plastic bubble pack, and shopping bags. This election fever seems to have gone to some people's head and their focus may slightly affected. At the end of day this election action will pass and we will go back to our plain old ham radio lifestyle, with and without storms and hurricanes..
I hope that the incoming Government can do more for V4 Ham Radio that the present out-going Government. I am not implying a change of Government, because the polls seem to indicate that the Government will not be changed this time around. The present Government recognizes the significance and usefulness of the Ham Radio Fraternity but have not been overly supportive. In fact I must say that the Ham Radio organizations in the Federation have not advanced any plans and proposals that would challenge the support of the Government. Maybe in 2009/2010 they [the ham radio organizations] would seek to get their act together and hit the incoming Government squarely between the eyes with 21st century plans, programs and proposals, which they cannot refuse.
Let me alight from the soap box for today. Ham radio is a hobby, but it has serious components that significantly impact upon the National Security aspect of our Country. When it comes to that the hobby talk goes out the window, and ham radio becomes "a work" and it may be possible for one to be incarcerated for non compliance, especially depending on the National State of Affairs after the passage of a hurricane. V4 hams may need to be mindful of this and act accordingly.
Some of my V4 ham buddies also have vertical antennas under construction and I keep getting on their case to complete them, and I have even suggested that them bring them up to my lawn so we could work on them there, but they claim that the antenna is too big to transport. Well I have to run with what the man say, but I am yet to see a vertical antenna that is "too big" to relocate, but I have to abide with the response, so I have taken to dropping by their QTH to further encourage, but coincidentally they are never there.
I am not going to say anything about bachelor hams because I was one for about 28 years and only escaped that status some 13 years ago. There is a view that hams could sometimes be more in love with their hobby and the hardware, than with "God's gift" to us. This is a good topic to wax on but I am not in the mood for any extra drama in this Hurricane season, and I guess that when my XYL gets her ham ticket and starts her blog ... well, let's deal with that "if" and "when" it happens.
This is the second month in the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and it seems that nobody except the cable TV is taking on this hurricane season at all. This is an election year and everyone seem to be caught up in the excitement, drama and speculation as to who will be the next 'crop' of Parliamentary Representatives. Some people feel that the 2009 election announcement will be made on Friday 3rd July, the day after tomorrow, but we will wait and see.
Historically in July the Minister of National Security will host a meeting at the National Emergency Management Agency [NEMA] conference room with attendee drawn for the public and private sector, and all National and Federal Agencies. This is an all day meeting and addresses the issues of hurricane preparedness. To wit, what is in place and what more needs to be done so that we are ready for any hurricane action ASAP. Historically, mid September, around Independence celebration time, we will get any storms and hurricanes that have own name on them.
I hope that the Minister of National Security is not more concerned with his political career, that the welfare of the residents and citizens of the Federation, and will therefore take the time out to host the Annual hurricane preparedness meeting, irrespective of any election activity. The election process can be controlled and deferred, but Nature cannot. I know we have wise leaders so I will not be overly concerned, and will ensure that my own personal survival and preparedness plan is in place.
I have not even head of hams who go through the usual routine of bringing radios out from under beds, out of boxes, barrels, suit cases, wads of plastic bubble pack, and shopping bags. This election fever seems to have gone to some people's head and their focus may slightly affected. At the end of day this election action will pass and we will go back to our plain old ham radio lifestyle, with and without storms and hurricanes..
I hope that the incoming Government can do more for V4 Ham Radio that the present out-going Government. I am not implying a change of Government, because the polls seem to indicate that the Government will not be changed this time around. The present Government recognizes the significance and usefulness of the Ham Radio Fraternity but have not been overly supportive. In fact I must say that the Ham Radio organizations in the Federation have not advanced any plans and proposals that would challenge the support of the Government. Maybe in 2009/2010 they [the ham radio organizations] would seek to get their act together and hit the incoming Government squarely between the eyes with 21st century plans, programs and proposals, which they cannot refuse.
Let me alight from the soap box for today. Ham radio is a hobby, but it has serious components that significantly impact upon the National Security aspect of our Country. When it comes to that the hobby talk goes out the window, and ham radio becomes "a work" and it may be possible for one to be incarcerated for non compliance, especially depending on the National State of Affairs after the passage of a hurricane. V4 hams may need to be mindful of this and act accordingly.
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