EchoLink Has Gone Wi-Fi

EchoLink on iPhone or iPod Touch? Believe it!

If you are a validated EchoLink user you can use this edition of the program. It is available at the App Store, free of  charge of course.

If you are not already validated, you can download and install the Windows version on a PC first, then follow the validation procedure as outlined on EchoLink.

Editions of EchoLink for other mobile platforms, such as Android, are also a possibility in the future. Please note that Windows PC applications such as EchoLink cannot be installed on a Windows Mobile device.

I just received a call from N4LF (Lex). Lex’s station is situated on Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island, the seashell capital of the world, is an island located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, just offshore of Fort Myers. His iPhone was doing him a fine job. Give him a call and try it!

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Recalls Cause More Problems For The Auto Giant

It was discovered as early as December of 2008 that Toyota Motor Corp. would take its first operating loss since prior to WWII, when the company was founded. It was in 2008 or perhaps even earlier, that the  Japan’s Toyota Shokku was realized.

The world economic crisis has certainly affected Detroit and Europe as well. But many Americans believed that Toyota was unaffected by the global meltdown. This could now be hyped as America’s Toyota Shokku.

Toyota, a city located in the region of Aichi, Japan, has been in competition with its sister city in Detroit, Michigan. The town that used to be called Koromo, changed its name to Toyota in 1959. In 1960, Toyota City was competing with Detroit.

The company founded by Kiichiro Toyoda in 1937, has become the world’s largest automaker by sales. The company includes 522 subsidiaries.

Toyota Motor Corp. and Toyota Financial Services form the Toyota Group, which is considered to be one of the largest conglomerates in the world.

But, in May of 2009, Toyota reported a loss of $4.4 billion. Contrary to the perception of most Americans, Toyota has felt the crunch of the global economic crisis.  And now what has hit Toyota even harder – recalls of eight of its best-selling vehicles in the United States. This unwanted publicity has become overwhelming for Toyota.

How bad have sales plummeted in the United States? Sales for Toyota have dropped 16% since January of 2009, according to The Japan Times Online.

The eight popular models that were suspended due to faulty gas pedals, account for nearly 60 percent of Toyota’s total sales in the U.S. And as of late, the Prius hybrid model has had braking problems, which has caused Toyota to recall thousands of Prius cars, and has prompted an investigation by the U.S.Congress.

In contrast, Ford saw sales increase in January 24.4%. General Motors increased sales 14.6%, while Chrysler sales dropped 8.1%.

It’s difficult to determine how severe the recalls have damaged Toyota’s brand. The damage is obvious, painful, and very relevant. But it is too early to tell if  a large volume of Toyota’s customers will be swayed by American automakers.

GM, Ford, Chrysler, and Hyundai are offering rebates plus other incentives to attract Toyota owners. Can Toyota fix the problem soon enough?

Would you buy a Toyota? Click here to view the results.

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Endeavour Is The Next Mission For ISS

The 32nd flight to the ISS is scheduled for target on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010. This flight will use Space Shuttle Endeavour. The launch time is expected to be at 4:39 Eastern Stardard Time.

STS-130 DETAILS
1. Shuttle: Endeavour
2. Launch Target: Feb. 7, 2010, 4:39 a.m. EST
3. Duration: 13 days
4. Launch Window: 10 minutes
5. Launch Pad: 39A
6. Landing Site: KSC
7. Inclination/Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

STS-130 LINKS
1. Mission Status Center – Updates and Video!
2. Countdown Timeline
3. STS-130 Flight Plan
4. NASA – Latest Space Shuttle News.
5. NASA TV – Public Channel. Now playing live events, mission coverage.

STS-130 Crew: Commander George D. Zamka, Pilot Terry W. Virts, Jr, Mission Specialist 1 Kathryn P. Hire, Mission Specialist 2 Stephen K. Robinson, Mission Specialist 3 Nicholas J. M. Patrick, and Mission Specialist 4 Robert L. Behnken. Meet the STS-130 Crew.

Scheduled Spacewalks:
EVA 1 – Flight Day 5, duration 6.5 hours
EVA 2 – Flight Day 7, duration 6.5 hours
EVA 3 – Flight Day 10, duration 6.5 hours

Mission: Deliver Node 3, named Tranquility, and the Cupola, a robotic control station with six windows around its sides and another in the center that provides a 360-degree view around the station.

Info: This will be the 32nd shuttle station assembly mission.

Commander George Zamka will lead the STS-130 mission to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Endeavour. Terry Virts Jr. will serve as the pilot. Mission specialists are Nicholas Patrick, Robert Behnken, Stephen Robinson and Kathryn Hire. Virts will be making his first trip to space.

Endeavour will deliver a third connecting module – the Tranquility node – to the station and a seven-windowed cupola to be used as a control room for robotics. The mission will feature three spacewalks.

STS-130 will represent a major milestone mission, as it will be bringing up the last major United States addition to the space station. A Countdown of Countdowns: The Space Shuttle’s Finale. Click here for more info.

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Using 3600 Seconds At A Time

Productivity is often measured on a per unit per hour basis. To determine profits and costs, a company needs to know the rate of productivity. Even though it’s not an exact science, a good estimation is very useful for business purposes.

If we’re calibrating the output of a machine or a device, we need to simplify the process and find a method for our calculations. Whether we’re measuring pounds per hour, gallons per hour, or any type of production per hour, what we need is a plan.

For example, say we want to calibrate the output of a plastic pelletizer machine. Yes, we’re now in the plastics business. We want to know the poundage of pellets the machine is producing in an hour.

Let’s break it down. Firstly, we will catch or contain our pellets in a bucket. Then we must minus the tare weight of the bucket. Naturally.

But how long do we hold our bucket to catch the pellets?

Here is the blueprint. We catch our pellets in a bucket for 15 seconds. The pounds in the bucket will tell us the production rate per hour.  But how?

There are 60 seconds in a minute. There are 3600 seconds in an hour. If we caught our material during 15 seconds, we would need to multiply that amount times 240 to get our hourly production rate. Why use 240?

Because, 3600 (seconds per hour) divided by 15 (seconds) equals 240. Whatever our quantity will be in 15 seconds, we multiply by 240 to get the hourly production rate. This could apply to virtually anything.

Break is over. Let’s get back to work!

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This Is It: The Concerts That Never Happened

Michael Jackson was set to perform his very last tour at London’s O2 Arena, in a series of fifty concerts entitled “This Is It”. The tour schedule would last from July 2009 through March 2010.

But on June 25, 2009, a tragedy came up that would end up canceling the whole entire tour. The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, died at age 50 from cardiac arrest.

Following Jackson’s death, Columbia Pictures and AEG Live planned to distribute a concert film containing rehearsal footage from the tour and named it “Michael Jackson’s This Is It”. The movie released in theaters on October 28, 2009, and lasted for only two weeks.

This Is It captures viewers into a behind-the-scenes angle of the planned concerts. We see Michael Jackson, as talented as he always has been. He performs a number of hits, sounding and dancing as good as ever.

The movie shows Michael rehearsing a total of eighteen songs. Many songs have Michael singing in a low voice, preserving his voice for the show. And three performances contain short-films: “Smooth Criminal”, “Thriller”, and “Earth Song”.

I really enjoyed the Smooth Criminal and Thriller scenes. “Smooth Criminal” had Michael on the run in the short-film, sliding down a banister and crashing out of a window. “Thriller” featured a more modern version of the old music video, and Michael popping out of a large spider on stage.

“Earth Song” showed Michael’s eco-friendly side. It shows him really concerned about the destruction of rain forests. And he stated that he wrote his songs to give hope to people.

You can see that Michael was such a perfectionist; everything had to be perfect for the tour. But he was certainly nice to everyone involved.

Michael’s performance of “Man in the Mirror” is probably the saddest part, knowing that it’s the last time you’ll ever see Michael Jackson.

I rate this movie an A. And I honestly think it is the best concert film ever made.

It’s definitely a must see. You get to see a nice, caring side of Michael Jackson. I recommend this movie to all Michael Jackson fans. You won’t be disappointed.

Buy Michael Jackson’s This Is It on DVD Today from Amazon.com

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Concerns About BPA And Reducing The Risks

Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, is a chemical used to manufacture hard plastic containers, such as baby bottles, reusable plastic cups, and the lining of metal food and beverage cans, including canned liquid infant formula.

Consumer tips to avoid BPA exposure can be found at the website of the Environmental Working Group.

Bisphenol A is made by the condensation of acetone, with two parts of phenol – (CH3)2CO + 2 C6H5OH → (CH3)2C(C6H4OH)2 + H2O. The plastic monomer and plasticizer Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide.

Bisphenol A  has been used to make plastic for more than 50 years. Its most common form is used in polycarbonate plastics, which include: baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, dental fillings and sealants, eyeglass lenses, CDs and DVDs, and household electronics.

Epoxy resins containing Bisphenol A are used as coatings on the inside of almost all food and beverage cans. Unfortunately, high levels have been discovered in soup cans and canned green beans; even brand names like Campbell Soup and Progresso. Soup is healthy? More from Consumer Reports.

And if carcinogens in your soup wasn’t enough, think about that municipal, plastic water storage tank in your friendly community. That beautiful water tank on the hill may be leaching BPA. It’s hard to reduce your exposure – Enviroblog.

However, now in Japan, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate, or PET film is used instead of BPA. And yes, urine samples have indicated that lower levels of BPA has been a direct result of the change. Americans should take notice. More here from U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, to reduce the risks from BPA.

When observing recyclable plastic containers, the numbers 7 and 3 are the ones that may contain BPA, and are considered the most harmful. The number 7 appears to be the worst one. The other numbers more than likely do not contain any BPA.

Frederick vom Saal, professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri, has studied the topic, and he says that even low doses of BPA are very harmful to humans.

In an interview with Frontline, vom Saal suggested that manmade chemicals, including plastics, have caused damage in humans.

There is a comprehensive document containing all BPA references at the author’s website: Frederick vom Saal

THE Association of Plastics Manufacturer’s (APM) attempt to discredit scientific findings that threaten corporate products by invoking the concept of ‘sound science’ has failed in the past. The ‘sound science’ programme was a central part of the now discredited campaign by the tobacco industry to convince the public
that secondhand smoke was safe. And research by independent scientists showing that secondhand smoke was a human health hazard was attacked as not being ‘sound science’ to block attempts to ban smoking in public places. Analysis of tobacco industry documents made public through litigation reveals that individuals and groups involved in the tobacco industry disinformation campaign are now involved in the campaign to promote chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) as safe.

Decide for yourself – Bisphenol A, Food Containers, Effects on Humans, Gov’t Regs (video).

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Cayman Islands Under Scrutiny

Just south of Cuba lies three islands, named the Cayman Islands. This British territory consists of the three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Grand Cayman is the largest of the islands and the most populated. Grand Cayman also contains the capital, which is called George Town.

Located at South Church Street in George Town, is a building called the Ugland House. The famous Ugland House is reported to be the home, or mailbox if you prefer, of almost 19,000 international businesses, nearly half of them from the United States.

The Ugland House building is owned by Maples and Calder, which is sometimes called Maples. Maples happens to be the world’s largest offshore law firm.

So what is the purpose of U.S. corporations based at the Cayman Islands? The primary purpose is tax evasion, plain and simple. In the United States, the tax rate that companies must pay is 35%. In the Cayman Islands,  some of the world’s largest corporations channel trillions of dollars, making the area one of the world’s largest tax haven. Switzerland is said to be number one.

Raymond W. Baker, director of Global Financial Integrity, claims that there is no accountability in the Caymans, when it comes to taxes. This means no accounting requirements, no reporting requirements, and no regulatory oversight.

The United States loses approximately a billion dollars a year from offshore tax evasion. The number of top 100 U.S. corporations with subsidiaries in tax havens – 83.

Total global assets estimated to be sheltered in offshore tax havens is $11.5 trillion.

Anti-money Laundering Attorney Specialist Jack Blum estimates that 60-70% of offshore accounts are held by U.S. citizens.

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Programming Memory Channels

Programming frequencies into the ICOM V8000 isn’t that bad at all. Seriously. But, after a few months or years, one tends to forget the exact procedure. Then it’s time to scramble for the owner’s manual. Okay, can’t find the manual…

USING FRONT OF RADIO

1. Setting a frequency
In VFO mode, set the desired operating frequency with repeater, tone and tuning steps, etc. In case you forgot how to hit VFO mode, it’s the second or middle button on the left column, the V/MHz Scan button.

2. Selecting a memory channel
Momentarily push [MW (S.MW)], then rotate the tuning dial to select the desired memory channel. (This MW button is the bottom button on the right.)
* “M” indicator and memory channel number blink

3. Writing a memory channel
Push and hold [MW (S.MW)] for 1 second to program.
* 3 beeps sound
* Memory channel number automatically increases when continuing to push [MW (S.MW)] after programming.

1. In VFO mode, set the desired operating frequency, including offset direction, tone settings, etc.

2. Push [FUNC] then [CLR A(MW)].

3. Push up/down button to select the desired memory channel.

4. Push [FUNC] then push [CLR A(MW)] for 1 second to program.
* 3 beeps sound
* Memory channel number automatically increases when continuing to push [CLR A(MW)] after programming.

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Examining The Disease And The Diagnosis

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Does ADHD exist (PBS)?

National Institute of Mental Health:
NIH Publication No. 08-3572 Revised 2008 – (Link)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity).

Symptoms of Inattention
1. Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another.
2. Have difficulty focusing on one thing. Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable.
3. Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new.
4. Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities.
5. Not seem to listen when spoken to.
6. Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly.
7. Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others.
8. Struggle to follow instructions.

Symptoms of Hyperactivity
1. Fidget and squirm in their seats.
2. Talk nonstop.
3. Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight.
4. Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time.
5. Be constantly in motion.
6. Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.

Symptoms of Impulsivity
1. Be very impatient.
2. Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences.
3. Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games.
4. Often interrupt conversations or others’ activities.

The British Journal of Psychiatry (Jan. 1, 2004), 184: 8-9 (Link):
ADHD is best understood as a cultural construct - Dr. Sami Timimi / Professor Eric Taylor

There are no specific cognitive, metabolic or neurological markers and no medical tests for ADHD. Because of uncertainty about definition, epidemiological studies produce hugely differing prevalence rates: from 0.5% to 26% of children.

More than 30 neuroimaging studies have been published. Researchers have yet to compare unmedicated children diagnosed with ADHD with an age-matched control group.

There is no established prognosis, and association and cause frequently are confused in the literature. ADHD has generated huge profits for the pharmaceutical industry against a background of poor-quality research, publication bias and payments to some of the top academics in this field. Thus, the mainstream dogma on ADHD is contaminated and misleading (Timimi, 2002).

In modern Western culture, many factors affect mental health which include: loss of extended family support, mother blame (mothers are usually the ones who shoulder responsibility for their children), pressure on schools, a breakdown in the moral authority of adults, parents being put in a double bind on the question of discipline,  family life being busy and ‘hyperactive’, and a market economy value system that emphasises individuality, competitiveness and independence (Prout & James, 1997).

Throw in the profit-dependent pharmaceutical industry and a high-status
profession looking for new roles and we have the ideal cultural preconditions
for the birth and propagation of the ADHD construct.

Is a medical model of ADHD therapeutically helpful? Quite the opposite; it offers a decontextualised and simplistic idea that leads to all of us – parents, teachers and doctors – disengaging from our social responsibility to raise well-behaved children.

We thus become a symptom of the cultural disease we purport to cure. It supports the profit motive of the pharmaceutical industry, which has been accused of helping to create and propagate the notion of ADHD in order to expand its own markets.

By acting as agents of social control and stifling diversity in children, we are victimising millions of children and their families by putting children on highly addictive drugs that have no proven long-term benefit (Timimi, 2002) and have been shown in animal studies to have brain-disabling effects (Moll et al, 2001; Sproson et al, 2001; Breggin, 2002).

By conceptualising problems as medically caused we end up offering interventions (drug and behavioural) that teach ADHD-type behaviour to the child.

ADHD scripts a potentially life-long story of disability and deficit, resulting in an attitude of a ‘pill for life’s problems’.

We create unnecessary dependence on doctors, discouraging children and their families from engaging their own abilities to solve problems. ADHD is de-skilling for us as a profession as there is minimal skill involved in ticking off a checklist of symptoms and reaching for the prescription pad.

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The Longest Annular Solar Eclipse of the Millennium

 
                    Annular Solar Eclipse – 15 January 2010 (YouTube)

On January 15, 2009, millions gathered to watch the annular eclipse of the Sun. It was the longest annular solar eclipse of the millennium, and the longest until December 23, 3043.

According to The Hindu, the eclipse could be viewed in southern India for roughly eleven minutes.

“Over this southern tip, the eclipse, the like of which is expected again only in 3043, began at 11.14 a.m. and ended a little after 3 p.m. It was a spectacular sight when the photosphere of the sun was covered by the moon, forming a ring of fire in the sky for about 11 minutes and eight seconds.”

In the rest of India, only a partial eclipse was seen.

A total of 10 Rohini series indigenous sounding rockets were used Thursday and Friday to investigate the effects of the eclipse.

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