No I am not a Ham, but TH, has been a Ham for many many years (including before he got is letters).

Last Night he mentioned getting this in the news from CARA one of our local clubs, I knew I had to share it and find a good musical comment – The choice was easy.

So, with all due respect to Samuel B….
This just might be the end of the world as we know it

Here is an excerpt from the Press Release:

ARLB030: FCC to Drop Morse Testing for All Amateur License Classes

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB030
ARLB030 FCC to Drop Morse Testing for All Amateur License Classes

ZCZC AG30
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 30 ARLB030
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 16, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB030
ARLB030 FCC to Drop Morse Testing for All Amateur License Classes

In an historic move, the FCC has acted to drop the Morse code
requirement for all Amateur Radio license classes. The Commission
today adopted a Report and Order (R&O) in WT Docket 05-235. In a
break from typical practice, the FCC only issued a public notice at
or about the close of business and not the actual Report and Order,
so some details — including the effective date of the R&O — remain
uncertain.

Also today, the FCC also adopted an Order on Reconsideration, in WT…

To read the full AARL bulletin, click here.

The FCC public notice is located at,

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-269012A1.pdf

Great News For The Hobby – Spread The Word

Wheat

—–

…With membership in the United Automobile Workers union at its lowest level since World War II, the president of the U.A.W., Ron Gettelfinger, left open the possibility on Thursday of a merger with another union…

Go to Article from The Associated Press via The New York Times

Musical Commentary? How About The Grateful Dead: Truckin’

I was asked to explain why a designer should consider joining a trade association in addition to the social/hobby organization of thier choice.

After struggling for several hours about how to say what I so passionately believe – it was clear that a single response would not “do it”

Without the necessary background and context there is no way to answer the questions, much less have the discussion or more likely based on past experience – suffer a crucifixion. God knows every time I try to be a Horse Whisperer it gets me in trouble.

So, I gave up and decided to just write what I feel, believe, or whatever with no malice intended but positive that some will assume there is and who knows, where that will end up this time no body knows

The first controversial statement? It is completely beyond my comprehension how anyone who lives in the real world today – where rapid changes in circumstances can as fast as the click of the enter key, can still base their business decisions on information or experiences even a few years old.

If you belong to a Social/Hobby organization, with rare exceptions, you need to realize that is it not in their charter to help you develop your professional career beyond the development of your techical skills.

These Social/Hobby organizations have two primary purposes,
to provide fellowship
to provide education opportunities in the craft they serve.

There is NOTHING wrong with the choices made by these organizations to limit their focus. This is not to say no opportunities exist within these wonderful groups for the professional; but, we need to be realistic and not be misled by what we would like vs what exists.

So, where “should” those who wish to pursue a formal (primary or secondary) career look for the kind of contacts that will further their career…

In ADDITION to joining the social/hobby organization(s) that support your area of Professional interest and expertise; you need to first identify your goals.

And, that needs its own blog-a-mentary of its own

Wheat
hope you will share your thoughts “on the subject” soon

P.S. To read more posts in this series, select the category

It Is All Just Business
from the side bar or Search for Designer Resources

For all those I am Holding In My Heart

Six -year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.

He didn’t know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn’t know how the stove worked! Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon ‘s eyes. All he’d wanted to do was something good, but he’d made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking.

But his father just watched him.

Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!

That’s how God deals with us..

We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky, or
we insult a friend, or we can’t stand our job, or our health goes sour.

Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can’t think of anything else to do. That’s when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.

But just because we might mess up, we can’t stop trying to “make pancakes” for God or for others. Sooner or later we’ll get it right, and then they’ll be glad we tried…

I was thinking and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that need rekindling, or three words needing to be said, sometimes, “I love you” can heal and bless!

Remind every one of your friends and family that you love them.

Even if you think they don’t love you back, you would be amazed at what those three little words, a smile, and a reminder like this can do.

Just in case I haven’t told you lately…

” I LOVE YA! ”
Please pass some of this love on to others….suppose one morning you were called to God; do all your friends and family know you love them?

Send this to everyone you love, and send it back to the person who sent it to you.. And never stop

… anonymous…

A Model Maker, no matter how the string is used, is someone who takes your directions, uses the supplies listed in your instructions and makes a PICTURE PERFECT “MODEL” of the project you have designed.

What is a Model used for? Project Models are used for “photography” or the three T’s: Teaching, Trade & Trunk Shows

Unlike a Pattern Tester, A Model maker is allowed to some latitude to “fudge”, but *must* keep the design team informed of the need to finagle in order to “get it to look right”.

Whatever form of payment agreed to (Barter, Cash or other compensation) there needs to be a solid “Work for Hire” agreement in place with all rights clearly stated and all necessary releases exchanged BEFORE the work begins –

The Model Maker HAS to be a Perfectionist – Even the best stylist cannot always “cover up” flaws in workmanship.

If the work is to be used/handled during its use for the 3T’s, then the model has to be well constructed to survive such potential abuse. Or the Designer needs to plan how to protect a delicate item.

Who Can Be A MODEL MAKER?

A model maker can be anyone who possesses:
• above average skills in the technique
• dedication to the highest standards of execution of the craft
• the ability to produce a “picture perfect” project sample.
• willingness to communicate in a competent and timely manner

So what else do you think is “important”

Wheat

P.S. To read more posts in this series, select the category

It Is All Just Business
from the side bar or Search for Designer Resources