Today we heard the very sad news that my wife's brother has died. He was in hospital and was in pain. In the end he just slipped away.
At one time it was our parents dying. Now it is those of our generation who are passing away.
I am reminded of this poem by Gerard Mandley Hopkins.
"Márgarét, áre you gríeving......"
In recent years we appear to have adopted this American sales date in the UK. I cannot speak for the rest of Europe. Like Halloween, which was nothing years ago in the UK, this has grown enormously.
The common factor is commercialism. Anything that can help retailers make a profit must now be exploited. Research has shown that retailers often raise prices in the months before Black Friday so we think we are getting a real bargain in the Black Friday sales. I expect there are some exceptions, but do not be fooled. This is ultimately about making profits over a longer period and selling more Black Friday and Halloween merchandise.
As a child I had never heard about Halloween "trick or treat". In my view both Black Friday and making profits from Halloween both stink.
At the moment, I am undecided about submitting a new application for an 8m TX permit. I am unlikely ever to need modes except FT8, WSPR and CW and unlikely to need much power. I really just need 40.680-40.683MHz.
The best time would be to get active around February to catch any F2 and then the Es in the spring and summer. Also I might catch some F2 in autumn 2026.
I enjoy experimenting, but don't like the idea of paying. Maybe just one year? Thinking!
Yet again, I am trying 8m FT8 RX on 40.680 MHz.
UPDATE 1158z: G8VER (66km) and CT7BIZ (1422km) spotted on 8m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 2016z: QRT.
Personally, I find the interviews on Times Radio very informative. I aiways advice seeking your news from many sources to avoid bias.
This is a video about making a really tiny Pixie transceiver and some portable antennas.
As today was a family birthday, I was not at home much of the day. Instead, I stayed on 8m FT8 RX all day. I should be on TX on Tuesday.
