Wednesday August 20th: Topic with KC1HHK: $110,000. Speeding Ticket
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GENEVA (AP) — The driver was clocked going 17 miles per hour over the speed limit on a street in the Swiss city of Lausanne, and now he’s facing up to 90,000 Swiss francs (over $110,000) in fines as a result. But he can afford it.
Why the eye-popping penalty? Because the speedster, a repeat offender, is one of Switzerland’s wealthiest people, and the Vaud canton, or region, serves up fines based on factors like income, fortune or general family financial situation.
The Swiss are not alone. Germany, France, Austria and the Nordic countries all issue punishments based on a person’s wealth. The recent fine isn’t even a record in Switzerland. In 2010, a millionaire Ferrari driver got a ticket equal to about $290,000 for speeding in the eastern canton of St. Gallen.
Back then, the Swiss safety group Road Cross said rich drivers had been lightly punished until voters approved a penal law overhaul three years earlier that let judges hand down fines based on personal income and wealth for misdemeanors like speeding and drunk driving.
Under today’s rules, an indigent person might spend a night in jail instead of a fine, while the wealthiest in the rich Alpine country could be on the hook for tens of thousands.
A court in the Swiss canton of Vaud recently ruled that the tycoon must pay $12,300 up front and could be forced to pay the rest — $80,000 more — if he’s caught for a similar roadway infraction over the next three years.
Switzerland’s “24 Heures” newspaper first reported the case and said the man, who was not identified, was a French citizen listed by Swiss economic weekly Bilan among the 300 richest people in Switzerland — with a fortune in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
The daily reported that an automated police radar photographed the offender driving at 48 miles per hour in a 31-mph zone on a Lausanne street. A quick-calculating prosecutor tallied the maximum fine the driver faced under the law, the report said.
Vincent Derouand, a spokesperson for the Vaud public prosecutor’s office, said the defendant didn’t contest the decision, which was handed down in June for the infraction nearly a year ago — in August 2024.
The Vaud criminal code sets a maximum financial penalty based on the “personal and economic situation of the offender at the time of the ruling” — notably taking into account issues like income, fortune, lifestyle and family financial needs.
The newspaper reported that he had already been caught for a similar speeding infraction eight years ago, and also paid 10,000 Swiss francs in penalty and faced another 60,000 if another infraction had taken place within the following two years.
In Switzerland, penalties for speeding can even catch up with the cops: One officer was fined for racing at nearly twice the speed limit through Geneva streets back in 2016 while chasing thieves who had blown up a bank teller machine.
Net Discussion Questions
Do you agree with the speeding fines being based on personal wealth and income?
Do you have a “lead foot”?
Wednesday August 20th: Topic with KC1HHK: National Radio Day
On August 20, National Radio Day recognizes the great invention of the radio. Celebrate the news, information, music, and stories carried across the airwaves.
#NationalRadioDay
Several inventors participated in the invention of the radio in the late 1800s. Amazingly, not just one person can be credited with its beginning. Instead, each component developed through invention and discovery. As these technologies converged, the radio came to life.
Who invented the radio?
The paragraphs that follow describe a noted international effort that contributed to the conception of the radio. In Germany, Heinrich Hertz's research proved electricity could be transmitted wirelessly. Elsewhere, the prolific inventor Nicola Tesla patented multiple inventions. He provided the radio with the Tesla coil. Born in Croatia, Tesla also contributed many patents involving alternating current. Not only did Tesla make the radio possible, but he also advanced the science and production of numerous other inventions. However, when it comes to the first commercially available wireless, Italian, Guglielmo Marconi receives the honor.
"On some nights, I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio."
-Hunter S. Thompson
Journalist Hunter S. Thompson reminds us of radio's power, its magic, through a road metaphor. It reminds us why we love radio so much in the first place and inspires us to keep programming in the hopes it will give energy to someone who desperately needs it. Who knows: your broadcasting may even fuel an empty gas tank!
Entertainment and music did not always fill the airwaves. In fact, the radio's first function was much more practical. First, the wireless radio served the military. The radio also provided a regular public service role. Much like the dits and dots of a telegram, the wireless transmitted information. It also served in an emergency capacity. In 1912, a Marconi wireless broadcast the Titanic's distress signal.
In 1906, Reginald Fessenden created the first radio broadcast of voice and music purely for entertainment purposes aired. He transmitted the program from Brant Rock, MA, for the general public to hear. The Canadian-born scientist would go on to many more successes in his lifetime.
An American contributor to the radio, Lee de Forest, invented the Audion vacuum. This invention made live broadcasting possible. Born in Iowa in 1873, de Forest would become the chief scientist for the first U.S. radio firm, American Wireless Telephone, and Telegraph.
When did the first radio stations broadcast?
The 1920s brought the first broadcast stations to the forefront. Around the world, listeners tuned in for news and world events for the first time. Other radio facts include:
Radio ownership grew. In 1931, two out of five homes owned a radio. By 1938, four out of five owned a radio.
According to FCC statistics, at the end of 2012, more than 15,000 licensed broadcast radio stations were operating in the U.S.
On October 1, 1999, the first satellite radio broadcast occurred. Worldspace aired the broadcast in Africa.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL RADIO DAY
To celebrate National Radio Day, listen to your favorite radio station. Give special recognition to the station, radio personalities, and the programs that make your days better.
NATIONAL RADIO DAY HISTORY
We were unable to find the creator and the origin of National Radio Day. However, it is interesting to note that the first commercial radio station began broadcasting on this date in 1920.
Radio FAQ
Q. When was the first radio signal broadcast?
A. On December 12, 1901, Guglielmo Marconi transmitted the first radio signal across the Atlantic Ocean.
Q. When was the first commercial radio broadcast?
A. On November 2, 1920, Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing broadcast the voter returns for the 1920 presidential election. They broadcast out of Pittsburgh, PA, under the call sign KDKA.
Q. What's the difference between traditional radio and online radio?
A. Traditional radio is broadcast over airwaves and has a limited range. Online radio is broadcast through the internet and is limited only by the availability of the internet.
Net Discussion Question(s):
Do you listen to “over the air” radio?
What are the stations you like?
How about “streaming” content? Are you a fan?
Talk radio?
Monday August 18th: Topic with KC1SOO: HF Antennas
Tell Us about your HF Antenna Setup!
Tell Us about your HF Antenna Setup!
HF antenna setups involve selecting an antenna type (e.g., dipole, vertical, random wire), determining appropriate length, and ensuring proper installation for optimal performance. Common setups include dipoles, often configured as flattops, inverted Vs, or slopers, and vertical antennas, which may utilize radials for improved ground contact. Proper grounding, cable selection (like RG-8 or RG-213 for lower loss), and considerations for proximity to metal objects are crucial for a successful HF setup.
Wednesday August 13th: Topic with KC1HHK: World Calligraphy Day
World Calligraphy Day lights up our calendars every second Wednesday of August. It’s a special day that brings attention to the beautiful art of calligraphy.
People worldwide take a moment to appreciate the skill and creativity involved in this form of handwriting. It’s not just for those who are already good at it; beginners are welcome too. The day aims to share the joy and beauty of calligraphy with everyone.
This day exists for a few key reasons. It encourages us to remember and value the art of handwriting in a digital age where typing is more common.
Calligraphy is more than just writing; it’s an art form that combines visual beauty with the written word. By celebrating this day, we are reminded of the unique charm and elegance that handwritten words can bring to our lives. It’s a call to grab a pen and experience the joy of creating something beautiful by hand.
Moreover, World Calligraphy Day is about bringing people together. Whether you’re an expert with years of experience or someone who’s just starting out, this day is for you.
It offers a chance to learn, share, and discuss the many aspects of calligraphy. The day was founded with the hope of getting more people interested in calligraphy. It celebrates not just the art itself but also the community that grows around it.
People from all over the world connect through their love for calligraphy, sharing tips, inspiration, and their own creations.
How to Celebrate World Calligraphy Day
Celebrating World Calligraphy Day isn’t just about writing; it’s a creative escapade waiting to unfold. From traditional dips of the pen to digital swipes on a tablet, each activity invites you to explore, create, and connect with the vibrant community of letter enthusiasts worldwide.
History of World Calligraphy Day
World Calligraphy Day, a special day for the art of beautiful writing, started in 2017. The Manuscript Pen Company took the initiative to create this day.
Their goal was simple but meaningful: to celebrate the elegance and creativity of calligraphy. This company, known for its quality writing tools, saw a need to highlight this traditional form of expression.
The day was set to be celebrated every second Wednesday of August. Since its inception, it has grown in popularity, reaching people all over the globe.
The founders chose this time to gather both seasoned calligraphers and those new to the craft. They hoped to spark interest in calligraphy, an art that adds a personal touch in our digital world.
By founding World Calligraphy Day, the Manuscript Pen Company and its collaborators, like the Pen Museum in Birmingham, England, aimed to create a global community.
This community would share a love for calligraphy, learning from each other and spreading the joy of handwritten art. The day has become a platform for enthusiasts to connect, share their work, and inspire others to try their hand at calligraphy.
Monday August 11th: Topic with KC1SOO: Robin Williams
Remembering Robin Williams
Remembering Robin Williams
(July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014)
Robin Williams was an American actor and comedian known for his improvisational skills and diverse characters. His career spanned nearly four decades and included film, television, and video games. Williams was known for his fast-paced, manic stand-up routines and his ability to play a wide range of characters in both comedy and drama. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1998 for his role in Good Will Hunting.
An American actor and comedian. Known for his improvisational skills and the wide variety of characters he created spontaneously and portrayed in drama and comedy films, he is regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time. He received numerous accolades including an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, five Grammy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Williams was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005.
What was your favorite Robin Williams movie??
Wednesday August 6th: Topic with K1KL: Lobster Roll Quest - Am I Crazy?
By Pete Wells, New York Times
On the Sunday in July I spent at McLoons, in South Thomaston, Maine, the place never got truly mobbed. The sky was the color of a fishing sinker and everyone knew an afternoon thunderstorm was on the way. But still they came, the locals and the visitors, almost all of them with the same thing in mind. As Mariah Watkinson, who was working the order window, put it, “There’s usually a lobster roll in every order.”
In 2012, McLoons Lobster Shack’s first season, its manager, Bree Birns, worked almost completely alone and sold about 40 lobster rolls a day. Now, on a busy summer day, the shack will make 500 of them, and she needs 10 full-time workers and 16 part-timers to keep up.
In the intervening 13 years, the demand for lobster rolls has been pushed higher and higher by forces that are often external to Maine. Entrepreneurs in New York City and Los Angeles, taking advantage of deflated lobster prices and the ascent of trucks, stalls and windows devoted to affordable, portable treats, helped build a vast, urban audience for the sandwich. One of these businesses, Luke’s Lobster, now sells about a million lobster rolls a year at its shacks in 12 states, Singapore and Japan.
Meanwhile, the ways Americans thought and talked about food evolved, and it came to be seen as normal to draw up vacation plans around bucket-list restaurants and rankings of, for instance, the 20 best lobster rolls on the coast of Maine.
Net Discussion Questions
Would you drive 145 miles to get a lobster roll?
Do you like, love, or avoid lobster rolls?
Where did you find the best lobster roll?
Monday August 4th: Topic with KC1SOO: 6 Meters!
What have you done on 6 Meters?
What have you done on 6 Meters?
The 6-meter ham band, also known as the "magic band," is a portion of the VHF spectrum (50.000-54.000 MHz) allocated to amateur radio use. It's called the "magic band" due to its unpredictable propagation, often exhibiting characteristics similar to HF bands, allowing for long-distance contacts, especially during summer months.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Key Features:
Frequency Range:
50.000-54.000 MHz.Propagation:
Known for sporadic E propagation, which can lead to unexpected long-distance contacts, particularly during summer.Activity:
While some operators focus on weak signal work, the band is generally active with a mix of modes, including SSB, CW, and digital modes.Band Plan:
The band plan varies by region, but generally includes a CW sub-band, a DX window, and calling frequencies for different modes.Popularity:
The unpredictability and potential for long-distance contacts make it a popular band for many amateur radio operators.
Specifics:
CW Sub-band:
50.000-50.100 MHz is dedicated to CW (Morse code) operation, excluding digital modes.DX Window:
50.100-50.125 MHz is typically used for DX (long-distance) contacts, with the traditional calling frequency at 50.110 MHz.Domestic Calling Frequency:
50.125 MHz is a common calling frequency for domestic contacts.Weak Signal Activity:
Most weak signal activity, including SSB and digital modes, occurs between 50.100 and 50.400 MHz.Beacons:
Beacons are often found in the lower part of the band, around 50.000-50.080 MHz
Upcoming Net on 6M - See Below!
RADIO ACTIVE CAPE ANN PRESENTS :
The Six Meter Fish Net!
WHEN: Thursdays starting August 7th at 7:30 PM
WHERE: 50.200 USB Simplex
HOW: K1TT will be initial net control but this will be almost but not quite entirely unlike any other local net. Net control may pass hands during the net and relays will be allowed.
WHY: This net is more of a challenge than most local nets. There is no repeater, no digital access, no NetLogger and no EchoLink to get in. Participants must figure out what antenna to run, how to deploy it, and make changes on the fly. This net more accurately mimics emergency communication conditions where internet and repeaters may be down. Hopefully, this net will inspire folks to use this band they have not experienced much and build / deploy antennas to get on.
Don’t Panic
If you tune into 50.200 USB at the correct time and hear nothing, just stand by. You will not be able to hear everyone on the net nor will everyone hear you. Hang in there. Do not start calling CQ. We will work from Gloucester and Rockport, then call for folks south of Gloucester and Rockport and later for folks to the west and north. As we move from area to area, a strong station may take on the role of net control and relay back to the others.
This ability to hear and be heard will fluctuate somewhat week to week and will be strongly influenced by the polarity of the antennas involved. This is all part of the experimentation.
73 til then,
K1TT
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