Optimists

I think Jimmy thinks we are in for a rough ride...

JimmyHyams Since 1925, only oncde has UT had a losing season in football, followed by losing season in men's basketball: 1977-78.Thu, Dec 15 14:55:31 from web

Game of Thrones: Peter the Stud

Peter Dinklage is GQ's Stud of the Year. Click the link for more pics. I've liked Mr. Dinklage's work for a long time.

Surveys

I get e-mails about surveys all the time. Some of which are through LinkedIn or TechSay. These surveys promise a reward for completing the survey. If I have time, I complete these surveys with care. I figure it is a business transaction and I should earn by reward by being thoughtful in my answers. I, of course, answer truthfully and on many occasions am told I don't fit the target pool they are researching. Overall, this is a win for both parties. They get data. I get a gift card or other reward.

However, some of the e-mails tell me I may win a thumb drive (or some cash or a widget) if I complete the survey and I am one of the first 250 people to respond. Unless I am unemployed and desperate for any sort of "income," I will never complete one of the surveys. A million people could have gotten that e-mail before I did. I think it is even more ludicrous when I get one of these "first 250" through the postal service.

No More Mobile Hams in the US?

NTSB new recommendations:

"To the 50 states and the District of Columbia:

1. (1) Ban the nonemergency use of portable electronic devices (other than those designed to support the driving task) for all drivers; (2) use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration model of high visibility enforcement to support these bans; and (3) implement targeted communication campaigns to inform motorists of the new law and enforcement, and to warn them of the dangers associated with the nonemergency use of portable electronic devices while driving. (H-11-XX)"

Seems to be a lot of folks with strong opinions on both sides of the proposal based on the chatter on the repeater and the general comments on various articles (here, here, here) posted about the recommendation. While I am in the don't tread on me camp, this cuts both ways as I want to talk on my radio/mobile phone, but I want my family to be safer, too. Liberty? Security? Pick one?

Game of Thrones - Cold Winds Are Rising

Only three plus months until Game of Thrones Season 2 starts. I heard rumors that it had already been picked up for Seasons 3 and 4, but I haven't seen anything official.

Cold Winds Are Rising

$20 for a $40 gift card to Smoky Mountain Knife Works

Apparently today is a good day for deals...

GEARHOG's deal for today is a $40 gift card to Smoky Mountain Knife Works (SMKW.com) for only $20.

"Smoky Mountain Knife Works offers all major knife brands for every function imaginable. Knives used on the job; hunting knives, fishing knives, camping knives and more!"

SMKW is in my backyard, but that doesn't help me as the deal is for the on-line store only. Other fine print below:

• Expires 12/12/2012.
• Not valid with other offers
  
• Valid at SMKW.com only
  
• Cannot be combined (stacked) with other gift cards
  
• $40 minimum purchase requirement
  
• One time use only
  
• Limit 1 gift card per person
  
• Limit 1 gift card per household
  
• Deal valid through GEARHOG.com only
  
• Online orders only

Baofeng UV-3R: $60 for Mark II, Free Ship, and USB Cable

Chris, NH7QH, has sold out of the Mark I radios and is kicking off his new shipment of Mark II radios with a sale:

BaoFeng UV-3R Black Mark II W/Free USB and Free USPS Shipping for $60

In order to spread the deal around, he is limiting the deal to one per callsign. Also, it is for the first 30 units. This is a great deal from a US Dealer, so get moving if you've been sitting on the fence.

Ayn Rand for Geeks

Not exactly a strike, but the same net effect:

Via xkcd

Baofeng UV-3R: Software Version 1.10 (UV-X4)

Mike, G0CVZ, alerted us to version 1.10 of the Baofeng UV-3R/UV-X4 software.

You can go to the Vero Telecom Download page and look for "Dual Band Pocket Radio UV-X4(Dual Watch) New Version" or you can use this direct link.

This version also uses the .3R file type.



The most notable update is the ability to update the FM Broadcast memories. Click "Program" the "FM Freq."

Wouxun KG-UV6D: Software Bug

Ed provided this warning on the Wouxun KG-UVD1 Yahoo Group:

"Here is what I know to be factual at this time. Since this is a newly discovered problem, the details may change as time goes by.

I want to make everyone aware of a potential problem with the KG-UV6D model, more specifically, the programming software for the KG-UV6D. If you know a 6D owner please make them aware of this.

When using the programming software for the 6D, DO NOT begin with a .tw file that was created and saved with previous versions of Wouxun software. These older files contain information THAT WILL DAMAGE the KG-UV6D radio if written to it. Even opening and modifying one of these older .tw files will still cause damage if written to the radio. Always begin programming a 6D with a blank file or one that was created and saved with KG-UV6D software.

A solution to this problem is being worked on and I will post any information I receive. At this time, it's not known if damaged radios will be able to be recovered via software, but hopefully that will be the case.

Regards,
Ed
www.Wouxun.US"

Emphasis is mine for a critical point. Let's see how Wouxun responds. All companies have problems. Good companies strengthen relationships by ignoring cost and focusing on the customer as they provide a solution.