The latest craze in town - Charlie Willie

Today (March 9 ,2005) is the closing date for the application to sit for the Morse Code test. The tuck shop will be conducting the test on the 29th, 30th, and 31st of this month as well. I would like to wish all those going for it "Good luck!".

On certain repeaters, there is CW training being conducted. Thanks to those 9M's who are spending their time and effort to bring up a new generation of 9M's. Tabik! (Salute!) On other repeaters, the amount of QSOs seem to have reduced tremendously. The best explanation is that people are busy preparing themselves for this coming battle. Listening to the dits and the dahs, listening to the rhythm, etc. In my opinion, transmitting (sending) CW is easier than receiving (copying). This is mainly because you can control what to send, but you cannot anticipate what is being sent from others, especially when it is made up of random characters.

While people keep practising, it is important to be aware and be alert to the surroundings. Some people listen to CW until they fall asleep. There are all kind of free software out there on the Internet to be downloaded to assist you on CW training. Remember not to turn it on too loud. Otherwise, your neighbour might come knocking on your door and ask, "Mr. 'name withheld', you forgot to turn off your alarm clock ka?"

By the way, it is possible to learn up CW in less than a month. Our friendly uncle share with us an inspirational and motivational "kisah benar" the other day. One day while we was still lying on the bed in the hospital, another ham (who is also our friendly uncle) signed him up for CW test. Friendly uncle #2 left friendly uncle #1 a note telling him not to get mad at him or at the nurse, but instead, start practising. CW test is exactly one month from that fine day. Of course, they passed the test, and they live happily ever after.

Something from Empire Strikes Back,

(Luke looks over at Artoo, who is rocking urgently back and forth in front of him. Waddles closer to Luke, chirping wildly, then scoots over the edge of the swamp. Catching on, Luke rushes to the water's edge. The X-wing fighter has sunk, and only the tip of its nose shows above the lake's surface)

Luke: Oh, no. We'll never get it out now.
(Luke stamps his foot in irritation)

Yoda: So certain are you. Always with you it cannot be done. Hear you nothing that I say?
(Luke looks uncertainly out at the ship)

Luke: Master, moving stones around is one thing. This is totally different.

Yoda: No! No different! Only different in your mind. You must unlearn what you have learned.

Luke (focusing, quietly): All right, I'll give it a try.

Yoda: No! Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.

So, for those going for the CW test at the end of this month, remember, "there is no try", do your best! Good luck! May the force be with you! 73.