US follows increase in Hams, much like the UK. For more information go to

http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-showing-steady-growth-in-the-us

Here is a Canadian Website with lots of information, that is both current and interesting

http://www.qsl.net/va3rj/index.html

On Saturday, January 11th 2014, amateur stations from Alaska, the Yukon, BC,Alberta and several US states will be participating in a cross border simulated emergency test. There are over 80 stations involved.  They will be using frequencies on VHF,UHF and HF. Please relinquish a frequency if requested. The test will last only a few hours and is being done in order to ensure communications during a crisis.  These communications are for your benefit and the benefit of the general population.  Your cooperation is appreciated. To all those stations/units participating thank you for your time and efforts.

The forecast storm is arriving. High winds expected. Check you antenna. For the alert area go to

http://ecalertme.weather.gc.ca/warning-latest_e.php?ualert_id=1286&alert_code=WDW

The list of most wanted countries has been issued. To see the list go to

http://www.arrl.org/news/north-korea-still-tops-the-dx-magazine-s-most-wanted-survey

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the BC Coast.  Ensure you pay attention to your local forecast for the next 24 hours.  To see the affected areas go to

http://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=bc

If you are interested in how these events effect life on earth go to

http://www.noaa.gov/features/01_economic/spaceweathereather_3.html

YOU WILL HAVE TO COPY THE URL TO YOUR BROWSER IT WILL NOT TRANSFER

At the present time BC has three recognized NTS nets,the British Columbia Emergency Net (BCEN,) the British Columbia Yukon Traffic Net (BCYTN) and the Coast Emergency Traffic Net (CECA).  In the last three months of 2013 these nets handled 357 pieces of traffic.  These numbers would support the idea that NTS is alive and well in British Columbia.

In addition, the BC Official Bulletin Stations, of which there are 16 covering 23  nets relayed 688 bulletins in 2013.  Thanks to all involved in relaying information.

Large storm headed toward earth. For more details go to

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20140108/geomagnetic-storm-may-create-brilliant-alaska-aurora-displays

QST author and keymaker Gerry Pittenger is a silent key. For more information go to

http://www.arrl.org/news/qst-author-cw-key-maker-jerry-pittenger-k8ra-sk