Geronimo Shortwave German pirate radio 9300 khz (via SDR) eQSL

This great eQSL just arrived from Geronimo Shortwave!  I tuned in to their show, broadcasting from Germany, on 9300 kHz, via the SDR at Twente in the Netherlands.  They played some excellent classic rock - including 10 Years After when I first tuned in!

Thanks Chris!

Shortwave Ghost North American pirate radio Halloween special 6873 khz eQSL

This great Halloween special eQSL arrived from Shortwave Ghost this morning!  What an excellent way to kick off Halloween!  I tuned in to their special show last night on 6873 kHz, on my Sangean ATS 909 receiver.  I've heard Shortwave Ghost's broadcast many times over the last few months!

Thanks Shortwave Ghost!

Radio Pandora British shortwave pirate radio 6266 khz (via SDR) QSL Card

 

When I got home today, waiting for me in the mailbox (real - not cyber) was this incredible QSL card from Radio Pandora!  Not only was the card itself fantastic, but also included in the envelope was a fact sheet detailing the station's history.  I tuned in to Radio Pandora on 6266 kHz via the SDR at Twente.

When I submitted the report - on 25 October - I was surprised to get an email back asking for my real world address for an old school QSL card!  Included in that email was a picture of Radio Pandora's transmitter! Less than a week later - probably a record of sorts for a transatlantic letter (at least for my post office) - the QSL card arrived!

Thanks Steve St. John

2015 New York City Marathon Expo - Packet Pick-up

I went to the NYC Marathon Expo yesterday to pick up my bib.  The biggest surprise, hands down, was the streamlined entry - no ID check before entering the Expo!  That in and of itself made the experience much more efficient (ID was, as always, required to pick up the bib - together with the registration card) - and quicker :D

As for the Expo itself, I enjoyed the NYRR/TCS space - especially for the photo op ("Track Me") and the heads up to download the TCS NYCM App - which I did (and now I'm tracking down my friends bib #'s so I can track them - haha).  Ran into Bette and my fellow Taconic teammates, Ted and Mike, while walking the aisles - and said hi to Bobby, as he worked at the NYRR booth.

Next stop - Athlete's Village Sunday Morning!  As always, if you're there, say hello!

Radio Mi Amigo German shortwave radio testing 3985 khz (via SDR) eQSL

I received this colorful eQSL from Radio Mi Amigo last night.  I tuned in to their test broadcast from Germany, on 3985 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.  They were seeking listener feedback on the best winter frequencies to broadcast on.  Incidentally, the eQSL is very similar to the actual QSL card I received from Radio Mi Amigo back in June!

Thanks Radio Mi Amigo!

WREC Radio Free East Coast North American shortwave pirate radio Halloween special 6873 khz eQSL :D

I received this awesome Halloween special eQSL from WREC Radio Free East Coast this afternoon - for their special Halloween themed broadcast last night!  Tuned in on 6873 kHz, broadcasting from somewhere in North America, on my Sangean ATS 909 receiver.  The show was already underway at that point, playing "spooky" tunes - Van Halen, "Running with the Devil," AC/DC, "Hell's Bells," and some Black Sabbath for good measure (as well as theme music to Halloween film)!

Thanks PJ Sparx - for the great show and eQSL!

Here is their eQSL from the September show.

ReflectionsEurope Irish shortwave radio 6295 khz (via SDR) eQSL

I received the full data eQSL from ReflectionsEurope this afternoon.  I tuned in to their broadcast from Ireland, on 6295 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.  The broadcast consisted of religious programming.  On an interesting note, the Saturday broadcast I heard was a test - they typically broadcast on Sundays!

Thanks ReflectionEurope!

Magic AM Radio Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6303 khz (via SDR) eQSL

Received this fantastic eQSL from Magic AM Radio this afternoon - just a few hours after submitting a reception report!  I tuned in to their broadcast from the Netherlands, on 6303 kHz, via the SDR at Twente (interestingly, the operator announced the frequency as 6305 kHz).  The programming consisted of some great tunes - and multiple station IDs (always very welcome)!

Thanks Doc Magic!

Radio Zwarte Panter Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6325 khz (via SDR) eQSL

I received this great eQSL from Radio Zwarte Panter (Black Panther) this morning.  I tuned in to their broadcast from the Netherlands, on 6325 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.  The programming consisted of some upbeat dance music, including a cover of Whitney Houston's "I will Always Love You"

Thanks Jan!

"European Music Radio" German shortwave radio 6070 khz (via SDR) eQSL

I received this great eQSL from European Music Radio (together with the informative fact sheet) this morning.  I tuned in to their broadcast from Germany, over Channel 292's transmitter on 6070 kHz, via the SDR at Twente in the Netherlands.  Great songs!

Crazy Wave Radio German shortwave pirate radio 6207 khz (via SDR) eQSL

Was very happy to receive this great eQSL this morning from Crazy Wave Radio!  I tuned in to their broadcast from Germany, on 6207 kHz, via the SDR at Twente, in early September.  The announcer gave a shout out to his listeners in the USA (very nice!) played some good music (including the Beatles "Hello Good-bye").  A few days later got an email back from Chris confirming my reception - and promising an eQSL would also be forthcoming :D

Many thanks Chris - for the replies and on-air shout outs!

Pink Panther Radio Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6803 khz (via SDR) eQSL

Just received this fantastic eQSL from Pink Panther Radio!  I tuned in to Pink Panther's broadcast on 6803 kHz, broadcasting from the Netherlands, via the SDR at Twente.  I sent in a reception report - and in a very cool first, received a reply via Twitter! The eQSL arrived the following week.  When I tuned in they were playing some excellent oldies - including the classic "Runaway" by Del Shannon!

Thanks Pink Panther!

"Chelmsford Calling World Service" German shortwave radio 7265 khz (via SDR) eQSL

This "standard" eQSL arrived from Chelmsford Calling World Service yesterday - with a note that said a full data QSL was being sent by mail!  What a very cool thing to do!  I tuned in to their broadcast, from Germany, on 7265 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.  It included two mini-documentaries: one on Marconi and a second on amateur radio.  Good Stuff!

Thanks Chelmsford Calling.

Free Radio Service Holland shortwave radio 6221 khz (via SDR) eQSL

This great - personally selected - eQSL arrived from Free Radio Service Holland last night!  As part of the special broadcast FRS Holland offered listeners the opportunity to choose from their earlier QSL Cards, the one they would like to receive.  Call me old fashioned - but how could I pass up the opportunity to post a pictured of classic vacuum tubes (or valves, as they're referred to across the pond)! I tuned in to FRS Holland on 6221 kHz, broadcasting from the Netherlands, via the SDR at Twente.  Look forward to catching the 2 special broadcasts coming up in November and December.

Thanks Peter!

Annoeska Surfradio German shortwave radio 6070 khz (via SDR) eQSL

I received this great eQSL from Annoeska Surfradio this afternoon.  I tuned it to their broadcast over Channel 292, broadcasting from Germany on 6070 khz, via the SDR at Twente.  During the time I listened, they played six straight Bruce Springsteen songs!

Thanks Annoeska Surfradio!

Classic Pirate Radio Relay Service North American shortwave pirate radio 6925 khz USB eQSL

This great eQSL arrived from Classic Pirate Radio Relay Service (CPRRS) this morning.  I tuned in to their broadcast this weekend on 6925 kHz USB on my Sangean ATS 909 receiver (and a little later that night, Wolverine Radio just up the dial on 6945 kHz USB).  They broadcast a vintage Halloween show (from the good old 1980s)! 

Thanks CPRRS - look forward to your next show!

2015 Great Pumpkin Classic 5k: Race Photos & Results

It's been a long time since I ran this great race - it was a 4 miler back then.  But the Great Pumpkin Classic 5k, if possible, is even a greater race now!  Maybe it was the 25th anniversary mug, the great long sleeve shirt, the post-race food (quesadillas, pizza, baked ziti, subway sandwiches - to mention but a few things) or the perfect, if somewhat chilly, weather?!  Plus, there was a fantastic finishers medal waiting at the finish line.

Simply put - it was a great time all around!  And, as for the race - even the very uphill first mile didn't dampen anyone's spirits.  At the start I was surrounded by a sea of young kids and teenagers; and, it seemed as if they outnumbered the adults!  I ran a 23:14 and enjoyed every step surrounded by the fall foliage!

Here are the race results from Last Mile.

The rest of my photos are up on Facebook.

"Atlantic 2000 International" German shortwave radio 6070 khz (via SDR) eQSL

This great eQSL arrived this morning from Atlantic 2000 International.  I tuned in to their broadcast, via a Channel 292 relay on 6070 kHz, from Germany, via the SDR at Twente.  The broadcast, while in French, consisted of some old-fashion American tunes (including "Holiday" by Madonna).

NMD Radio Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6290 khz (via SDR) eQSL

NMD Radio sent this great eQSL this morning - only a couple of hours after I heard their broadcast and sent in a reception report!  I tuned in on 6290 kHz via the SDR at Twente.  The first song I heard was "Radio, Radio" in progress - and later in the program, "Thank God for the Radio" - such great tunes for listeners!

Thanks Frits for the great tunes and eQSL!

X Minus One Radio North American shortwave pirate radio 6955 khz USB eQSL

This fantastic, futuristic, eQSL arrived from X Minus One Radio last night!  I tuned in to their broadcast on 6955 kHz USB on my Sangean ATS 909 receiver.  At first I thought it was the H.G. Wells "War of the Worlds" - but it was a more modern story (circa 1950's - early 60's).  I've heard comedy skits broadcast on a few pirates, but this was the first bona fide sci-fi story I've tuned in on. I didn't get the whole show (missed the start and then lost the signal before the end) - but looking forward to hearing more sci-fi on X Minus One in the future (pun - maybe intended) :D

Thanks X Minus One Radio!

Swedish DX Federation "SDXF" special Summer shortwave broadcast 7430 khz (via SDR) QSL card

This fantastic full data QSL card was waiting for me when I got home yesterday!  It was from the Swedish DX Federation's special summer broadcast in July (and, in somewhat coincidental timing, arrived just after I had tuned in to their Fall broadcast two weeks ago).

Not only is it great to receive an old school QSL card - but one that has a vintage analog receiver pictured (a familiar sight to those of us who remember DX back in the 1970's - hi) so prominently!  I tuned to SDXF on 7430 kHz, broadcasting from Sala, Sweden (via the SDR at Twente).  One very excellent highlight of the broadcast was listening to "The Girl from Ipanema" - among all the various reception reports discussed :D

Radio Paisano North American shortwave pirate radio 6925 khz eQSL

This excellent eQSL just arrived - and just under the Columbus Day wire (so to speak) - from Radio Paisano!  They had a special broadcast on Sunday night - completely Italian themed - in honor of Columbus Day.  It included not just music, but comedy skits as well.  I tuned in on 6925 kHz, on my Sangean ATS 909 receiver.

From the email: "Radio Paisano is a novelty shortwave pirate station that celebrates Columbus Day, and features the music of Lou Monte and the comedy of Pat Cooper."  I only hope we don't have to wait until Columbus Day next year for the next broadcast!

Thanks Luigi!

Marconi Radio International Italian shortwave pirate radio 11390 khz (via SDR) eQSL

This great eQSL just arrived from Marconi Radio International - just in time for Columbus Day!  I finally logged Marconi Radio's test broadcast after a number of unsuccessful tries (just the carrier, no audio).  They broadcast from Italy, on 11390 kHz, with only 30 watts of power.  I listened via the SDR at Twente.  The song that came through - Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" :D

Thanks MRI!

Misti Radio Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6300 khz (via SDR) eQSL

This great eQSL arrived this morning from Misti Radio (along with a nice email that mentioned the station broadcasts with "low-power" - in this case only 15 watts)!  I tuned in to Misti Radio broadcasting from the Netherlands on 6300 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.  Among the artists/groups played were Elton John followed by Steppenwolf ("Born to be Wild").

Thanks John!

P.S.  That is El Misti volcano (Peru) in the background.

Odynn Radio Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6305 khz (via SDR) eQSL

This great eQSL arrived in yesterday's email (and a few more Odynn Radio images as well).  I tuned in to their broadcast, from the Netherlands, on 6305 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.  The broadcast included an eclectic mix of songs - Jim Croce's "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown," the Sex Pistol's "God Save the Queen," and the Clash's "London Calling!"

Thanks Mark!

Voice of Korea (North) Shortwave 15180 khz QSL Card

I received this fantastic QSL card from the Voice of Korea yesterday!  I've collected QSL cards from many countries over the years - but this is the first one that I've gotten from North Korea.  In addition to the QSL card and some publications, they included a wonderful lapel pin!

I tuned in to the Voice of Korea, broadcasting from Pyongyang, on 15180 khz with my Sangean ATS 909 receiver.  From the reception on 31 May to the receipt of the QSL Card yesterday 7 October, it took 4 months and 8 days - well worth the wait!

Thank you Voice of Korea!

Hobart Radio International (relayed by Cupid Radio Netherlands) shortwave pirate radio 6285 khz eQSL

This great ("special") eQSL arrived from Hobart Radio International this morning!  I'm a regular listener of Hobart's programming - relayed via traditional broadcasters.  Imagine my surprise (maybe awe is a better word choice) to hear their programming relayed over Cupid Radio on 6265 kHz (via SDR at Twente) - an actual shortwave pirate radio station that broadcasts from the Netherlands! 

Great stuff!

Thanks Rob!

Radio Nora Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6265 khz (via SDR) eQSL

This great eQSL from Radio Nora arrive yesterday (together with a brief background on the station).  The eQSL was actually a follow-up to the email verification that I received shortly after I had submitted the reception report.  I tuned in to Radio Nora, broadcasting from the Netherlands on 6265 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.  They were playing some excellent rock and roll music.

Thanks Martin!

Radio Northern Ireland (relayed via Radio Python Netherlands) shortwave pirate radio 6305 khz eQSL

Radio Northern Ireland began broadcasting early this summer over 6070 kHz (Channel 292).  Last week I tuned in to hear their programming relayed over Radio Python, broadcasting from the Netherlands on 6305 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.  It went from U2 ("New Year's Day) into a female announcer with a numbers broadcast - very eclectic selection.  I heard a live relay of the programming a couple of days again (this time under some tough reception conditions) - with mostly metal songs.

This is an eQSL version of the actual - old school - QSL card I received this summer.

Many thanks Jordan!