I was part of the panel for episode 211 of the ICQ Podcast, and had a blast, as usual. We discussed:
- Young US Ham wins at Science and Engineering Fair
- ARRL Committee Conducting Youth in Amateur RadioSport Survey
- UK Advanced Radio Exam ‘on demand’
- Netherlands to Licence Low-Power AM Broadcasters
- RSGB Examination Standards 1st Report
- Hara Arena in Consideration for New Fairgrounds
- Robotic Lawn Mower EMC Banned in Sweden
I suggested we cover the story on the ARRL conducting a survey on how to attract more youth to contesting. To be honest, my first reaction to the story was, “Do we really need more contesters?” On second thought, though, it’s probably a good thing to do whatever we need to do to get everyone more active. The survey isn’t just for youth, and I urge everyone to take the survey.
I also suggested the story on the Hara Arena. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I think amateur radio should be embarrassed that it’s premiere event is held in such a poor facility. Last year, there were placards in the main entrance touting that changes would be coming, but I rather doubt that I’ll see any when I venture down there in a couple of days.
What I find amusing are the number of old-timers who defend Hara Arena. They say, “It’s part of the Dayton experience!” That may be, but they’re not thinking of the number of people who would attend if the place wasn’t such a dump. Shouldn’t the “Dayton experience” be for everyone, not just those who are brave enough to risk using a Hara Arena restroom?
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