It was a long time coming, but Kim and I finally had a time where we could go to the movies together and have a “date” as it were. Popcorn, soda and candy. The company was great, so was the conversation and snacks. Sadly, I didn’t think the movie was all it was cracked up to be. But in fairness, Kim loved it.

Yes, we went to see One for The Money last week and we give our opinions on the movie. Kim being a big fan of the source material, loved it, but I wasn’t so enamored. So Katherine Heigl lied to us! She said guys would like it. I’m a guy, and I didn’t. I have sent my umbridge in a sternly worded email to her. Kim on the other hand said I probably didn’t like it because I didn’t read the books. I can see that being possible. But if I don’t like the books, then the movie would have been worse for me. But still I liken it to her not watching a full Star Wars movie. She has no desire to see one, so I guess the math speaks for itself on it.

Photo from www.lukeford.net

We then went on to talk about some more movies that are coming out soon and if we think we should see them. What do you think think of some of the movies? Do you want to go and see any of them? 21 Jump Street looks like it could be good. They got Johhny Depp to be in it, so I’m guessing it should be OK. But hey, this is Hollywood, makers of SOPA and PIPA. So I’ll hold my giddy laugh in reserve. Dr. Suess’ The Lorax also looks pretty cool. Danny DeVito as the Loarx and the clips I have seen online and TV make it look to be good. But I have been fooled before. But I can give it the benefit of the doubt. It’s good source material. While talking about this movie though, I ask Kim about her love hate relationship with Taylor Swift, who lends her voice to the movie. She doesn’t like her, but sings her songs in the car. Hmmm. Listen to find out more.

Then we moved on to some interesting news and about the economy and the most expensive cities to live in. I have no clue what the numbers really mean, but when talking about how expensive something is, then the bigger the number, the more expensive it can be. And some of the numbers really did surprise me. I sound like I got hit with a dummy stick when going through the numbers.

So what’s instored for our next show? Who knows, but you can let us know what you want is to talk about or ask us a question of bring up something in the comments here. Don’t be shy! Till next time.

~Rich

So one of the big questions on the the Amiga.org website, has been who’s the new owner that took over from Wayne Hunt? We tried to get him on the show before, and it didn’t work out. But he’s come to us asking to be on and we’ve welcomed him with open arms!

Rich says BAZINGA!

Now yes, my little blow up that last time was not very nice, and I did apologize to him. But moving on from that, we took some questions from you the listeners and visitors to Amiga.org and pose them to the owner. Now you’re probably asking why I haven’t mentioned his name yet. Well, if I keep you in suspense, it’s an incentive to listen to the show! See how that works? There’s no conspiracy, or anything like that. So if a troll tells you otherwise, just ask me. I’ll tell you everything I know. And if you’re a troll that is spreading rumors, then shame on you! Shame, shame, shame! I hope a rabid wolverine is dropped into your pants!

But, it’s a shorter show then we normally do, simply because, we didn’t get many questions sent in. Only 3 people emailed in the questions, all of which we asked. The rules were that we would ask them all, not matter what, and the owner would then be able to answer them, and had the option to refuse to answer a question. We added a couple of followups, but all in all, it was “OK” by my standards, just based on lack of questions. For many people, I guess this is a non issue with some people. who the owner is. I didn’t really have any burning desire to know who the owner is, and now that I do, nothing has changed for me. I like the site and that is all there is to it for me. As for others, now you have your answers and I hope that satisfy the questions and issues you had.  If not, the door is open for another show to ask questions.

So, that’s it! It’s done and out. So, what do you think? Was it what you were hoping for? I just hope the next episode with the owner is much better. And by then I’ll be able to put Ted’s the owner’s name in the show notes. Till then!

~Rich

]]> http://www.amigaz.org/2012/01/29/art-episode-53-transition-speaks/feed/ 5 Amiga.org,conspiracy,trolling So one of the big questions on the the Amiga.org website, has been who's the new owner that took over from Wayne Hunt? We tried to get him on the show before, and it didn't work out. But he's come to us asking to be on and we've welcomed him with open ... So one of the big questions on the the Amiga.org website, has been who's the new owner that took over from Wayne Hunt? We tried to get him on the show before, and it didn't work out. But he's come to us asking to be on and we've welcomed him with open arms! Now yes, my little blow up that last time was not very nice, and I did apologize to him. But moving on from that, we took some questions from you the listeners and visitors to Amiga.org and pose them to the owner. Now you're probably asking why I haven't mentioned his name yet. Well, if I keep you in suspense, it's an incentive to listen to the show! See how that works? There's no conspiracy, or anything like that. So if a troll tells you otherwise, just ask me. I'll tell you everything I know. And if you're a troll that is spreading rumors, then shame on you! Shame, shame, shame! I hope a rabid wolverine is dropped into your pants! But, it's a shorter show then we normally do, simply because, we didn't get many questions sent in. Only 3 people emailed in the questions, all of which we asked. The rules were that we would ask them all, not matter what, and the owner would then be able to answer them, and had the option to refuse to answer a question. We added a couple of followups, but all in all, it was "OK" by my standards, just based on lack of questions. For many people, I guess this is a non issue with some people. who the owner is. I didn't really have any burning desire to know who the owner is, and now that I do, nothing has changed for me. I like the site and that is all there is to it for me. As for others, now you have your answers and I hope that satisfy the questions and issues you had.  If not, the door is open for another show to ask questions. So, that's it! It's done and out. So, what do you think? Was it what you were hoping for? I just hope the next episode with the owner is much better. And by then I'll be able to put Ted's the owner's name in the show notes. Till then! ~Rich Rich Lawrence yes 23:15 <iframe width="400" height="24" src="http://www.amigaz.org/?powerpress_embed=3161-podcast&amp;powerpress_player=default" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> http://www.amigaz.org/2012/01/25/kars-episode-30-golden-globes-and-jellybeans/ http://www.amigaz.org/2012/01/25/kars-episode-30-golden-globes-and-jellybeans/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:00:34 +0000 MobbyG http://www.amigaz.org/?p=3153

Without a doubt, the title for this episode is just plain the weirdest we’ve had. But hey, it does fit. As you listen to the show, you will hear why. But on another note, it’s our 30th episode! Pretty sweet if you ask me. 

Golden Globe Statue Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Kim is going to be out of town in a couple weeks, and this will be the first time Kim has used Skype. So it should be an interesting show. I use Skype all the time for Amiga Roundtable and NewsTek. So I’m pretty used to it. But I’m confident she’ll be fine with it. Kim also went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie and gives her review on it. I have yet to see it, so I have no opinion on the matter other than to crack a wise remark here or there. But I did hear about the Sherlock Holmes TV show over in the UK. I’ll try to sneak that in next show.

Then we did a run down of the Golden Globe winners. Half of which, we had no clue who they were. This told Kim and I 2 things. 1. We need to watch more television and movies, 2. We shouldn’t live like hermits. Well, that second one I just came up with. We actually do get out of the house. But not enough TV for sure.

After we covered the winners and losers for the Globes, we took a look at a Top 10 list of actors that will breakout in 2012. Again, many we have no clue who they are, but at least now we have names to look for in the movies and on TV. The little we watch it seems. So my new resolution is to watch more TV! And more Star Wars. OK, that last one was totally selfish. Till next week! ~Rich

Welcome back! Hope your week was a fun as ours. It was pretty busy week for us, but we got through it and plan on taking a weekend to ourselves soon. But before we do, we’ll be hosting Kim’s family for a day visit. I like that we’re close enough to them they or we can go and visit without too much trouble. As I said in the last episode’s notes, that Kim came home early from the dentist and didn’t need a root canal, just a filing. But he tooth even now is still feeling a little swollen and sore. So she’s still taking it easy, but she’s able to chew on that side. So give and take on it. But a filing is better than a root canal. Kim also went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie with her friend Stephanie, but when we recorded the show, she hadn’t gone yet. So we’ll get her review of the movie in Episode 30. Hard to believe we’re already up to 30 episodes. Time does fly!

And low and behold we got a little snow the other day, but it’s gone again. We talked about how we haven’t gotten any significant snow fall in the area and then we get about a half inch or so. But it didn’t last so I don’t know if we can count that by our standards. Sure, the weather men count it, but come one, who believes them, Right? :p

Then we talked about how our sponsor MozyPro can save you 15% by using a special code. But you have to listen to the show to get the code. Just saying. Then we ran down the winners from the People’s Choice Awards. I won’t go into details about who and what won, I’m sure we all know now, but if you listen, we give our slant on it of course.

Kim’s going to be traveling soon and I’m not sure how we’re going to work on doing the show while she’s gone, but we have started looking at the problem. So I’m guessing we’ll have new shows while she is out of the house. Skype to the rescue! Till next week!

Time for another episode of The Kim and Rich Show, and oh what fun! Hope you had a great week. And some interesting stories that we talk about on the show. I’m almost giddy with excitement. And I even had to look up the word giddy on my Dictionary.com app!The week before this show, it was really cold. Down right frigid! I don’t do well in the cold, yet I still live in Upstate New York. I must be glutton for punishment. Then Kim and I also talked about the next holiday coming up. But no names for us based on that yet. Suggestions? Please email them in. This may be a chance to see us in costume. Maybe not. Kim’s root canal should have wrapped up by now as you read this, so I’ll be taking extra care of her for the next day or two. I’ve never had one, so I have no frame of reference on how those feel. UPDATE: They were able to save the tooth! Just a filling and she’s all better! Then we made one last pitch for our Podcasting class. Are you in the NY Capital Region? Want to learn how to do your own podcast? Then sign on up! We’ll show you.Then we welcomed our show sponsor: Mozy Business’ Mozy Pro. If you have a business, you need ot keep your data safe, so click the banner and check out how you can, without breaking your budget. Plus if you listen to he show, we tell you how to save 15%.

Kim and I talked about some of the weirder news of the week. The woman who got her 7 year old a gift certificate for plastic surgery, and the man in the UK, who got his puppy drunk and then got arrested! Yeah, alcohol + drunk puppy is a party! WOO HOO! (NOT!)

Then we talked about a man that felt the need to get naked. Kim and I agree he should have waited till the movie was done. And the movie he did it at kind of says a lot too. Not about the movie, though. We then discussed the 41 car pile up in Kentucky due to a snow storm, which would be considered here in NY to be a dusting. But hey, they get snow about once a decade if they’re lucky.

Then we went on to some celeb news, and talked about Drew Barrymore, who I kind of like as an actress, and Kim who kind of doesn’t. We started to sound like the society column of a newspaper as we talked about it. Makes me almost want to walk around all day talking in that kind of “Uppercrust” rich person voice, as we Summer on the Cape. Yeah, the Kennedy Family would love to have us as neighbors. That’s it for this one, catch you next episode!

-Rich

I love my morning surfing. I’m always finding something good to share. One other morning, I found this one. It’s a video from the ARRL showing innovative, imaginative and fun ways hams use radio technology. It’s about 8 minutes long and it looks to be a recruitment video towards the DIY crowd.That I think is a good idea, as I have seen a couple videos from the Maker Fair on YouTube here and there, that incorporate Ham Radio in their projects. And the topper of this video in my opinion is the host, Diana Eng, KC2UHB, who is no stranger to the DIY, Fashion and Ham Radio communities. A Trifecta!

73.

My morning surf has brought me to the ARRL’s website with a nice little quiz about Ham Radio that has been on TV and in Hollywood. The recent news in the community about Tim Allen’s new TV show giving Ham Radio some “props”, has inspired this.

Do Not Adjust Your Set..

This quiz is thanks in part to the websites of AD7DB, KB9MWR and AC6V for the references. As I went through looking at it, some were pretty easy, and some were a little tougher. I didn’t check my answers to see how I did. I wanted to see what you posted for your results first. I know this is a pop quiz, but hey, my teacher did it to me in school, and I’m sure he/she did it to you too. So take the quiz and let us know how you did.

73.

I’ve only seen one or two episodes of Tim Allen’s new TV Show, Last Man Standing. They looked OK, but they didn’t grab me to where I put it on my must see list. But I will be looking forward to an upcoming episode of the show, that does feature Ham Radio. All of this is according to en article on Southgate’s website.

Tim Allen and Nancy Travis star in ABC's Last Man Standing. Photo Courtesy of ABC.com

Tim’s character, Mike Baxter, who’s callsign is KA0XTT, can be seen using his radio in an upcoming episode says Last Man Standing Producer John Amodeo, NN6JA, having a QSO. He says it was all done on the stage. The radios and antennas are inside the sound stage which acts as a large  Faraday cage, basically keeping the QSO, radio to radio.

From the Southgate Article:

“We had two Amateur Extra class staff members complete a QSO on 10 meters and we recorded it,” Amodeo explained. “Unfortunately, we were set up on a stage that is basically a Faraday cage. The very QRP signal made it radio-to-radio. We varied the Receiver Incremental Tuning to give it a little extra SSB sound, but I don’t think the signal made it much past the stage walls. The recording will be on the show. We thought our ham viewers would get a kick out of it. Non-hams will think it’s just distorted.”

He went on to share what equipment was in the shack.  An ICOM IC-9100 HF/6 meter/2 meter transceiver and an IC-92AD handheld transceiver, both provided to the show courtesy of ICOM America, as well as a Comet CHV-5X HF dipole and GP-1 antenna for 2 meters and 70 cm (courtesy of NCG/Comet). In an episode that aired on January 3rd, you can see DXCC and Worked All States awards on the wall as well as issues of QST and the 2011 ARRL Handbook. Obviously, the producers are adding a lot of details we would notice, but the average viewr wouldn’t. I wonder if Tim Allen would be curious taking a test for his license? I may need to do a new “Celebrity Ham Radio List”. Who would be on YOUR list?

The episode Mike Baxter has a QSO in will air on January 17th. So set your DVR and be ready.

73.

Now is the time all over the world where Hams open up their stations to let kids in to experience Ham Radio. January 8th is the magical day and it’s sure to be fun for all involved. For those new to the hobby, it’s not another contest, but just a fun time.

Photo Couretsy of ARRL.org

The American Radio Relay League has a website dedicated to Kid’s Day, as does the IARU Region 1. It’s all about having Kid’s participate by calling CQ Kid’s Day and exchanging Name, age, location and favorite color. And you’re encouraged to work stations again when the operator changes. Operations take place at 1800 UTC through 2359 UTC. The ARRL shows that operation is on the following frequencies:

10 Meters: 28.350 to 28.400 MHz

12 Meters: 24.960 to 24.980 MHz
15 Meters: 21.360 to 21.400 MHz
17 Meters: 18.140 to 18.145 MHz
20 Meters: 14.270 to 14.300 MHz
40 Meters: 7.270 to 7.290 MHz
80 Meters: 3.740 to 3.940 MHz

You can also use your favorite favorite repeater (with permission of the repeater’s sponsor). Be sure to observe third-party restrictions when making DX QSOs.

The ARRL has a colorful certificate that all kids are eligible to receive  just by participating.  But beware, some kids can be mic shy. So encourage them in a fun way.And remember to also post your photos and stories for all to see. If your club doesn’t have a Facebook page, this may be the best time to start one.

73.

Happy New Year to all! I’m back after a week’s vacation for the holidays and feeling very rested. Tyler, N7TFP on the other hand, has been busy, busy, busy. I don’t know about the holidays, but the videos he’s been cranking out are great! Here’s another one for you!I have been saying this with the last couple videos that getting back to basics are great for the veterans on the air, and these are great tutorials for those just joining or recently joined the hobby. In this one, Tyler shows how to set the proper mic gain on your SSB tranceiver. Without any more fanfare, heeeeeeeere’s TYLER!

73.

It’s a sad day, as Christmas Kim says goodbye till next year. But we’re working on some other characters to be part of the show for other Holidays, like St. Patrick’s Day Rich? Or maybe President’s Day Kim? Like I said, we’re working on it.

Rich says BAZINGA!

This episode, Kim and I are a little goofy. But then again, when aren’t we? As this is the last episode for 2011, we look forward to January and the new year. Kim and I shared some of our Christmas Presents! We each got a lot of great things and talked about the fun we had on Christmas Day just being home. We talk about how January is a month for many things, like Bath Safety Month and Get Organized Month to name a few. I also posed the question that if leap year is every 4 years, then why isn’t it called “leap years”? Kim didn’t seem to understand my logic on this, but that isn’t anything new. I know I sometimes stray from the path of logic. But I still think it’s a valid question. Any one help me on this?

Then we “borrowed” People Magazine’s Top 10 Celeb news story for the year. Some of them, I have no clue about. I guess I am just not a follower of celebrity news and that like some others. But I do confess to checking out websites once in a while just to see what is going on with a big news item. Like when Brittney had her meltdown. Those gossip sites just don’t appeal to me. Oh well.

Not too much to it this episode. But still fun to hear Kim give me a look. I know, it’s a sight gag, but the awkward silence says volumes! I really should have a camera ready to snap a picture of her face when I say something she doesn’t get or thinks is beyond stupid. It really is cute.

OK, that is it for 2011, we’ll see you in 2012! BAZINGA!!

So I was reading my email one day and what do I get but an email from the current owner of Amiga.org! He has agreed to come on to Amiga Roundtable and answer some questions from the community. If you have a question for him, now is the time to ask it. He does ask that technical questions be excluded as he feels he isn’t technically savvy enough to answer any. So questions pertaining to the website and the community will have first consideration. So if you do have a question, please email them to us at amigaroundtable@gmail.com. The hosts of  the show will pick the 10 best ones and ask them on an upcoming show. This most likely be sometime in January as the holiday winds down. We will have a definite date for you when we get a chance to co-ordinate after the New Year.

So come up with a good question or 2 and get it in. Deadline for questions will be January 10th.

I’m writing this after we just got home from Kim’s Aunt and Uncle’s house for Christmas Eve dinner. We spent a great day with Kim’s mother, father and sister. We go there around 10:30 am and had some brunch, then proceeded to open presents. It was a great family Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

From there we headed to Kim’s Aunt and Uncle’s house, which brings us to now. It was a great day and Terry, Kim and I had a lot of fun. I hope your family is enjoying ten holiday as much as ours is. So please enjoy our Christmas episode. We had a lot of fun making it and we also had a special guest. My daughter Terry came on and she held her own and made her Dad proud! I can’t wait for another episode we can have her on. Till next episode:

M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S !

Merry Christmas to one and all! This episode is just some un-aired audio I had that was kind of dated and I just couldn’t get it out in time. So I figured now was as good as anytime to just “get it out there”.

Our Christmas Tree 2011

So the audio is just some segments of interviews with Rogue, one of the Hyperion developers of OS4. The first clip is from when the big news at the time was the A1 X1000. But we didn’t know it was th X1000. Then the second clip is from just after AmiWest. Bill P and I were getting ready to record an episode and we realized the guys didn’t know when we were going to record. So I was looking for a temporary co host with Bill. I saw Rogue online, so I talked him into coming on for an impromptu interview. It was exactly A list material I was asking him, but it did give me some audio for an episode. I also had to wait till the guys at Hyperion cleared the audio so he wasn’t releasing any info he wasn’t supposed to.

Basically, we talked about the new netbook, and killed a few rumors that were floating about him and his brother. So nothing really earth shattering. But still, it’s some good conversation I figured I would release to share.

And before anyone else tries to start a rumor whay all this hasn’t come out till now, it because things got busy, the audio was dated and I figured no one would care because the info was old. But since I wanted to do something for Christmas, I thought this would still be cool. I do hope you all like it. So Merry Christmas and we’ll see you next episode!

A few weeks ago, I posted a video from Tyler, N7FTP, who posted a “Getting Started” kind of video on how to use an antenna tuner. And I am a firm believer in getting back to basics. It’s saved my bacon a bunch of times. When I came across this video, it was a no brainer on if I should post it or not. So Tyler is back with a video and tips on building your first Amateur Radio station. He demonstrates equipment that is important to have in a first station.

73.

This is one of the coolest stories for the year I think. Ron Meadows, K6RPT and his son, Lee, launched a high altitude balloon along with the group they lead, the California NEAR Project, on December 11th. The balloon was caught in the jet stream at an altitude between 105,000 and 115,000 feet.

Picture of California Near Space Project's Twitter Feed

From there, the balloon was carried east at a speed of about 150 miles an hour and traveled across the United States, all along the way transmitting it’s APRS beacon of K6RPT-11. It then continued to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to Spain into the Mediterranean Sea. The balloon had traveled 6236 great circle miles in just 57 hours.

From the Southgate ARC website:

The balloon, which bore the call sign K6RPT-11 and could be tracked via APRS, traveled through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. “When the balloon left the New Jersey shore behind, it was received by coastal stations as far away as Nova Scotia,” explained CNSP Team Member Don Ferguson, KD6IRE. “When it exceeded the range of these stations, we lost track of it and feared that we would not hear from the balloon again.”

The balloon finally came down December 14th, when it burst off the coast of Algeria.

This is a pretty exciting event and sure to peak the interests of people and perhaps inspire some to try High Altitude Ballooning themselves. This flight for the California Near Space Project was by far a huge success and I can’t wait to read more about their future flights.

For more details on this story, head over to the article on the Southgate ARC website and visit the California Near Space Project website.