TOday is Sun. Dec. 30, 2012    
       
   TOday is Sun. Dec. 30, 2012.    
       
      
   WEll folks, winter is definitely upon us here in the northern   
   latitudes.  We hope you got all that antenna maintenance done last   
   fall you needed to get done, as well as your house gutters cleaned   
   out and all other winter preparations made.     
      
   THe holidays are just about over.  Be sure to dust off that old   
   straight key for the annual straight key night, and kick back in   
   the warm comfort of your shack while the other amateurs party the night   
   away.  IF straight key night isn't your thing, or you don't have hf   
   amateur priveleges be sure to monitor local frequencies where you   
   might be of assistance to that traveler in need of assistance or to   
   report that accident to the authorities which was caused by   
   somebody who did a bit too much celebrating.   
      
   Be sure to keep those batteries charged and your skills sharp.  YOu   
   never know when you'll need them.   
      
   Some other good cold weather activities you might consider:   
      
   Study for that license upgrade.   
      
   Learn the international Morse code if you haven't already.   
      
   STudy for other certifications that might be useful.   
   THis includes but is not limited to ARRL emergency   
   communications courses, Fema ICS coures, etc.   
      
   VOlunteer to be a net control for your local or section net.   
      
   Fabricate and test antenna feedline jumpers and wiring harnesses   
   for power distribution to gear requiring 13.8 vdc.   
      
   If you haven't already done so, make a new year's resolution   
   to take a CERT class this year.  COntact your localfire or   
   police department, or your local emergency management agency   
   and ask where you can acquire cert training.  Join your   
   local cert team.  IF there isn't one, help start one!   
      
   73 de nf5b   
      
      
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    * Origin: RRN BBS: Your fidonet ham radio connection! (1:116/901)