This article was originally printed last April. I don’t think much has changed in  the interim and the article still makes some valid points

Those involved in emergency communications have long expressed concern about social media, both the good and bad.  The issue of bad is one that has risen lately. The article below is an example.  It once again demonstrates the need for accurate and timely information. This sometimes requires the ability to quickly react. Can your ARES unit react quickly enough to assist your Public Information Officer or Incident Commander ? Just some questions that need to be discussed during training sessions, BEFORE the incident occurs.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/23/tech/social-media/tweet-ripple-effect/index.html?hpt=hp_c3

It has been announced that VE6SH, in additon to be IARU President has now been appointed as Queens Counsel in Alberta…. and you thought you were busy !  Congratulations to Mr. Ellam. For more information on the appointment and the history of Queens Counsel go to

http://www.arrl.org/news/iaru-president-appointed-queen-s-counsel-in-alberta

In the latest issue of TCA we have three articles written by hams in the section.

John White, VA7WJ, wrote an article on Coaxial Lightning Arrestors

Dave Dickinson, VE7SST, wrote an article on the ARRL PIC Programming Kit

Erik Skovgaard ,VE7MDL, wrote an article on Broadband Receive Antennas.

Thanks gentlemen for your contributions

Today in 1959  Alaska became the 49th State. To read about the multi-year  process go to    http://blog.constitutioncenter.org/2014/01/happy-statehood-birthday-alaska/,

We’re glad you are our neighbour, have a great day

The sun has reversed its magnetic poles marking the middle of the current solar cycle. To find out more go to  http://rt.com/news/sun-upside-down-flip-990/

The site below will take you to an interesting article on amateur radio and emergency communications in Wales.  They too seem to be short of members and are looking for more. They have some interesting qualifications and procedures too. To read the article go to

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/10904198.Gwent_radio_hams_ready_to_help_in_emergency/?ref=rss

The 2014 World Radiosport Championship has named their referees for the 2014 championship.  To find out who they are, and what this event is all about go to the noted URL. This event occurs once every four years

http://www.arrl.org/news/view/wrtc-2014-announces-on-site-referees

The BC QSO Party will be here before you know it. Mark your calendars now and lets see if we can’t beat last years results. For contest information go to

http://orcadxcc.org/bcqp.html

Some interesting BC FACTS.   BC covers roughly 9.5% of the surface of Canada. Only one US state, Alaska, is larger in surface area. California, Tennessee, Washington and Oregon would fit in BC. Continue reading SOME RANDOM FACTS ABOUT BRITISH COLUMBIA →