Latte Factor

msuster Yowza! RT @Bill_Gross: Amount the average US worker spends on coffee each year: $1,092! According to Time Magazine 2/6/12 Page 7.Sat, Feb 11 01:08:14 from UberSocial for BlackBerry

Stephen Coleman: The moral dangers of non-lethal weapons

An interesting Ted Talk... in this one, Stephen Coleman discusses the problems of non-lethal weapons. He tells how one police department introduced non-lethal weapons as an option between "shouting and shooting." The data shows that the non-lethal weapons did not replace the handful of shooting deaths, but rather created a whole new category of confrontations with over 2,000 uses of pepper spray.

Another key point is that the perfect non-lethal weapon, one that is "nasty enough that people don't want to get hit with" it, but "doesn't leave any lasting effects," is also perfect for abuse.

Ham Radio Deluxe 5.1 Released

From the press release:

Ham Radio Deluxe v5.1 Release Announcement
HRD Software, LLC
Tampa FL, St. Paul MN, Pittsburgh PA - February 8, 2012

HRD Software, LLC announces the release of Ham Radio Deluxe 5.1. This version
incorporates fixes and some new features for DXers.

"This is our first release since obtaining the source code about 90 days ago,"
said Mike Carper, WA9PIE. "My partner, Rick, W4PC has done an outstanding job
at becoming familiar with the code and developing the applications. We were
fortunate to have a few key resources like Chuck, K7PT and Terry, G4POP to help
us QA the builds as they're developed."

The 5.1 release is being made available at no charge to users registered on the
HRD website. The focus for this release was a few items from the ToDo list �
bug fixes, added rig support, and a few enhancements.

Mike said, "I think we've taken a balanced approach to getting something out
quickly that satisfies a broad range of needs. I hope hams will enjoy the
improvements. Obviously, this is only the beginning. We've got big plans and
high-expectations for HRD in the future."

Following the 5.1 release, HRD Software intends to focus on more fixes and
significant feature enhancements for v6.x with a target release at the Dayton
Hamvention 2012.

HRD Downloads: http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com

HRD Forum: http://forums.hrdsoftwarellc.com

Baofeng UV-3R: UV-3R + Plus First Look Video

The new case makes it look much larger than the other models. Also, the drop in charger is a nice improvement.

Baofeng UV-3R: Step Size Video

A quick video on setting step sizes on your UV-3R.

Nest Thermostat

I posted back in October about the Nest Thermostat. I thought it looked to be a cool device. Given that Honeywell is suing Nest, it must be good. Nest responds and says they will fight the good fight.

Use it or lose it: Repeaters

WD4AM spins the dial and cannot find anyone on the repeaters in his area. He posits that hams are too busy watching American Idol to monitor the repeaters. This doesn't seem to be a problem in the Knoxville area as there are a lot of guys using the W4GBI repeaters on a regular basis. Knoxville maybe the exception to the rule.

Mayfield Skim Milk

So I've been drinking Mayfield Skim Milk for as long as I can remember. The last two gallons I have gotten have had a very bad taste - the milk hasn't gone bad, but the flavor is all jacked up. I mentioned it to my dad, another milk connoisseur, and he said he had noticed the same thing. I'd hate to change brands after all these years, but this stuff is undrinkable.

We are taking ours back to Kroger and I already sent a note to Mayfield via the Contact Us/Product Related Concern.

Anyone else notice the problem?

Free FFL Transfers through March at CCA Outpost

Wow. Free transfers at the new Coal Creek Armory Outpost until the end of March. Info at the CCA Outpost Facebook page.

Wouxun KG-UV6D: Three New Versions

Three new versions - exclusively from Ed at Import Communications:

ALL VERSIONS FEATURE:

• 199 Memory Channels
• RPT Button*
• Lockable S/D Button**
• Tuning Knob functions when Keypad is locked
• IP55 (Dust and Water Jets rating)
• Uses all the same accessories as the other Wouxun dual band radios
• Uses the same antenna connector as other Wouxun models. (Not all 6D's are like this)

*When in Frequency Mode, the RPT button will quickly cycle through SIMPLEX, +OFFSET, -OFFSET, +REVERSE and -REVERSE to access repeaters. It can also be programmed for other functions.
** With the radio in "single display" mode, and with the Keypad, MENU and S/D buttons locked, the end user will only be able to turn the radio on/off, change channels and talk. This is perfect for the non-radio user. Nothing they do will get them lost in menu-land.

VERSIONS ARE DETERMINED BY FREQUENCY RANGE & TUNING STEP

KG-UV6D-2.5 (full range coverage for public service) $175.00

• 2.5 Khz Tuning Step - compliant with new FCC rules for Land Mobile Service
• TX & RX - 136-174 & 420-520 (frequency range can not be changed by owner)

KG-UV6D-IC1 (full range receive, ham band transmit) $140.00

• 5 Khz Tuning Step - the standard for Amateur Radio
• RX - 136-174 & 420-520
• TX - 144-148 & 420-520 (frequency range can not be changed by owner)

KG-UV6D-IC2 (full range coverage for ham, MARS, public service) $150.00

• 5 Khz Tuning Step - the standard for Amateur Radio
• TX & RX - 136-174 & 420-520 (frequency range can not be changed by owner)