73 Amateur Radio Today

Magazine Overview

Title: 73 Amateur Radio Today
Issue: #433
Date: October 1996
Price: USA $3.95, Canada $4.95
Edition: International Edition

This issue of 73 Amateur Radio Today, dated October 1996, is dedicated to the theme of "QRP: Low Power Fun!" The cover prominently features articles on QRP Antenna Tuners, QRP Wattmeters, QRP Multi-Band Dipoles, and QRP Field Day. The cover image depicts several individuals engaged in setting up radio equipment in an outdoor, grassy environment, suggesting practical, hands-on application of the QRP principles discussed within.

Never Say Die - Editorial

The "Never Say Die" section, continuing from page 61, delves into several distinct topics. The author begins by discussing the concept of allergies and how to identify them through pulse rate counting, referencing a book that explains this method. This is linked to a TV documentary that highlighted how childhood behavioral issues like hyperactivity and dyslexia might stem from allergies, recommending Dr. Doris Rapp's book, "The Impossible Child." The author contrasts the scratch test for allergies with Dr. Coca's pulse test, deeming the latter more reliable and less commonly known by doctors.

UFOs and the "Roswell Incident"

A significant portion of the editorial addresses the topic of UFOs, specifically referencing a Pentagon report that allegedly whitewashes the "Roswell incident" of nearly 50 years prior, claiming it was merely a weather balloon. The author expresses skepticism, suggesting the Pentagon is "handing out baloney." The piece then explores the definition of a "crackpot," applying it to individuals with strongly held, unresearched opinions or those who disagree with oneself. The author questions whether Whitley Strieber, author of "Communion" and "Breakthrough," is a crackpot, finding his accounts of alien contact fascinating and sensible. The article also ponders the vast number of people who have reported seeing UFOs and their similar stories, questioning if they are all crackpots.

A reader's claim is presented about reliably photographing UFOs by using a building to block the sun, allowing for pictures of the sun's corona. This reader reportedly observed 15 different types of UFOs in a two-day period, noting they appeared to be coming and going from the direction of the sun. The author speculates on the reasons for potential alien visitors not making open contact, suggesting they are on scientific, non-military expeditions and that humanity may not yet be socially advanced enough for safe interaction. The visitors' advanced technology is noted, implying that unobtrusive observation is the most logical approach.

Education and Personal Growth

The editorial then shifts to the importance of personal responsibility in learning and health. A friend's excuse of not having time to read is countered by the author's assertion that making time for reading is crucial for achieving life goals, such as living longer. The author emphasizes that books can help extend one's life to 100 years or more, providing an additional 25 years for learning and teaching. The author criticizes the traditional educational system for brainwashing people into believing that school and college are the primary paths to knowledge, contrasting this with the experience gained through reading.

The author shares personal anecdotes about his father's military career and his own ventures in starting airlines, noting that despite his success, he always felt the lack of a college degree. The piece strongly advocates for self-education through books, stating that one can become an expert in electronics or radio in just a few weeks of reading. This is framed as analogous to exercise for building strength, requiring consistent effort.

Health and Chronic Illness

Health is a recurring theme, with the author urging readers to avoid conditions like heart attacks and cancer, which affect over half the population, attributing this to ignorance. The author also mentions chronic illnesses such as diabetes and arthritis as paths for the "ignorant."

A Call for Book Reviews

Readers are invited to contribute by sending book reports on electronics or radio books they have read. The author intends to publish these reports in 73 magazine, hoping to help readers identify good books and to encourage publishers to improve their offerings, moving away from "junk and textbook-type boring stuff."

Amateur Radio's Future and Digital Communications

The author expresses a desire for amateur radio to regain its significance through pioneering efforts, particularly in digital communications. While acknowledging past contributions to technologies like FM, NFM, slow-scan, and sideband, the author notes that the field is lagging in digital voice systems using data compacting algorithms. The author expresses concern about the ARRL's actions regarding the FCC, suggesting that such actions are counterproductive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes self-reliance, continuous learning through reading, and taking personal responsibility for one's health. The editorial stance is critical of traditional educational systems and the pharmaceutical industry, advocating for alternative methods and personal empowerment. There is a clear focus on amateur radio as a field ripe for innovation, particularly in digital technologies. The magazine also engages with topics beyond amateur radio, such as UFO phenomena and health, reflecting a broad interest in unconventional subjects and a desire to challenge established narratives. The author's tone is direct, opinionated, and encourages active reader participation through book reviews and engagement with the topics presented.