Monday, November 30, 2015

Radio Rainbow International European shortwave pirate radio 6325 khz (via SDR) eQSL


This fantastic eQSL arrived today from Radio Rainbow International (the Voice of Peace)!  I tuned in to their broadcast, billed as from aboard a ship in the North Sea, on 6325 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.  It was a great show, which included commentary urging listeners to fight any form of Fascism, music from the Talking Heads, "Once in a Lifetime" ("Same as it Ever Was" lyrics) and a reception report from a listener in Queens, NY (next door to my hometown of Brooklyn) - which then led to an interesting discussion of the many English words derived from the Dutch!  It was an eclectic, and fun mix of material.

The email also included a request to link to their site:

Please send a mail to the Pirates for peace address and be a member.

Any input is welcome, you will be a equal member . Please promote Peace and / or transmit the programs on the site, or be a Peace ambassador and promote it for peace sake. Let us know if you will, we contact PFP, or you do it , and you will get free jingles etc. if you like!

respect!

crew RRI

**********************************************

Many thanks Radio Rainbow!



Sunday, November 29, 2015

Shortwave Pirate German pirate radio special French broadcast (2) 6266 khz (via SDR) eQSL


This great eQSL was the second of two that arrived last night from Shortwave Pirate.  It was also for a special broadcast (this one on 21 November) in connection with the terrorist attacks on Paris on 13 November.  In addition to French music and theme, this too included an SSTV data transmission (which I was not equipped to decode).  I tuned to the broadcast, from Germany, via the SDR at Twente.

Thank you Shortwave Pirate!

Shortwave Pirate German pirate radio special French broadcast (1) 6281 khz (via SDR) eQSL


This excellent eQSL was the first of two that arrived last night from Shortwave Pirate.  Both were for two special broadcasts they made in connection with the terrorist attacks in Paris.  This broadcast was on 16 November and in addition to French music and themes, included an SSTV transmission (which I did not have the equipment to decode).  I tuned in via the SDR at Twente.

Many thanks Shortwave Pirate for the special broadcast!

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Radio AC DC Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6210 khz (via SDR) eQSL


This great eQSL arrived from Radio AC DC this morning, while I was in Greenwich for the Turkey Trot 5k!  I tuned in to their broadcast, from the Netherlands, on 6210 kHz via the SDR at Twente.  What really caught my attention was the great live version of the Rolling Stones "You can't always get what you want (but it you try sometimes you get what you need)" into Neil Diamond's "September Morning" - good stuff!

Thanks Conraad!!

2015 Greenwich Alliance for Education Turkey Trot 5k: Race Photos & Results

 

Not only was it great weather (just under 60 degrees - to end November!) for the Greenwich Alliance for Education's Turkey Trot, but the rain held off until the drive home (drizzle on my windshield as I was on highway).  They had a record turnout, both for the kid's one miler and the 5k race.  This year Taconic Road Runners did the race timing.

As for the race itself, I missed my sub-22 goal by a little (22:11, 7:09 pace).  But I was very happy just the same because I had run a pair of back to back 10 milers on Thursday and Friday!  And, given all the food on Thursday, leftovers on Friday, I'm surprised I had that much speed left in my legs this morning - haha!

I'll add a link to the results once they're posted.








The rest of my photos are up on Facebook.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving - 2015!


Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday - if only because of the ultimately food centric nature of the day :D

A typical Thanksgiving would start off with a race, but this year it will be a long run (which I'll head out on as soon as this is posted).  Later this morning I'll be in the kitchen prepping the turkey and getting things ready for our big Thanksgiving meal this afternoon.  Along with my mom, brother and his family, I'm especially thankful that Katie is home from school (she got back yesterday afternoon)!

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving is just as happy!

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Beaujolais Nouveau 2015 :D


I love it when the new bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau arrive the week before Thanksgiving!  I typically pick up a couple of bottles and open one that night.  Today was no different, except I picked up a bottle in the city because Zachy's would be closed by the time I got home (had class tonight).

It turned out to be an interesting trip because, instead of the typical George Duboeuf that I normally pick up, the shop owner (tiny little place on Maiden Lane) steered me to this Paul Durdilly (his best seller last year) instead.  I opted to skip the newest "thing" a Beaujolai Nouveau rose' he just stocked.

His recommendation was pretty good (I'm drinking it as I write this :D)... so I may go back an try that rose' after all :D



Radio Thailand World Service shortwave 9390 khz QSL Card


This great QSL Card from Radio Thailand World Service was waiting for me in the (real) mailbox when I got home yesterday!  This was a real surprise because I submitted a reception report at the beginning of July.  But the beautiful fold-out card was worth the wait!  I tuned in to their broadcast from northern Thailand on 9390 kHz on my Sangean ATS 909 receiver.


Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Alex W. Radio German shortwave pirate radio 6251 khz (via SDR) QSL Card

 

This fantastic QSL Card from Alex Warner Radio was waiting in the (real) mailbox for me when I got home yesterday!  The thrill of a real, old-school QSL Card never diminishes!  I knew it was coming (but no idea when it would arrive) because Alex replied to my email by asking for my snail mail address so he could send one.  In fact, he sent a second one because I had sent him two separate reception reports! 

I heard Alex W. Radio, broadcasting from Germany on 6259 kHz (and again on 6295 kHz) via the SDR at Twente in the Netherlands.  Both broadcasts included some great,eclectic, tunes - Neal Young's "Rocking in the Free World" and the Bee Gees' "Staying Alive" :D

Thanks Alex!!



Sunday, November 15, 2015

QBC International Hungarian shortwave pirate radio 6985 khz (via SDR) eQSL


I just received this fantastic eQSL from QBC International!  It's the first pirate radio station from Hungary that I've logged. I tuned in to their broadcast on 6985 kHz, via the SDR at Twente in the Netherlands.

In addition to the eQSL, this informative email pointed out that QBC International will be making regular weekend broadcasts!  If you can, tune in!
______________________________________________

I'm pleased to hear that you heard QBC International. Thank you for the report and the recording.

My name is Peter, I live in a village in Central Hungary, near the town of Kecskemet. I have been involved in shortwave free radio since the summer of 2008. I ran several stations under various names over the last seven years, the longest running one was Lightning Radio from 2011 to 2013. I was away from the hobby for two years, but I'm addicted to free radio and had to return.

I use home made low power transmitters in the 10 - 30 watt range. Currently I use a small 10 - 12 watt one, a clone of the Grenade transmitter. My antenna is a dipole aligned in north-south direction, 9 meters above the ground.

I like to transmit on a regular basis, by a fixed schedule. Currently you can expect to hear QBC on weekdays from 18.00 to 24.00 UTC and on weekends from 14.00 to 02.00 UTC on 6985 kHz. Broadcasts consist of mostly but not exclusively modern and alternative rock music, significant amount of new releases. I'm planning to launch a website, similar to my previous one at lightningradio.co.nr, with "now playing" feature, so listeners can check the artist and title of the tracks played.

I send eQSL's via email, different one for each month. I know, paper QSL are more valuable, but I'm on tight budget and I find it to be too costly for such a small scale project like QBC.

...

Thanks again for the report and I hope to hear from you again.

Best regards,

Peter

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

S.S.Edmund Fitzgerald Radio North American shortwave pirate radio 6925 khz eQSL


This great eQSL arrived today from S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald Radio - for the memorial show they broadcast last night!  For those not familiar, the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald sank on Lake Superior forty years ago - on November 10, 1975 - with the loss of its entire 29 man crew.  It is also the subject of Gordon Lightfoot's haunting song, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."

What made this broadcast especially unique was the recounting of all the names of the 29 souls lost at sea as a result of the sinking.  I'm not positive, but I believe this memorial program is an annual broadcast of S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald Radio.

I heard the broadcast on 6925 kHz on my Sangean ATS 909 receiver.

Thanks Captain McSorley for the memorial show.

Monday, November 9, 2015

De Witte Reus Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6380 khz (via SDR) eQSL


This was the second of 2 great eQSL's that arrived yesterday, while I was up at New Paltz running the After the Leaves have Fallen Half Marathon.  I believe Witte Reus roughly translates to "white giant" and also included is Lady Vampirella!  I tuned in to their broadcast on 6380 kHz, broadcasting from the Netherlands, via the SDR at Twente.

Thanks Witte Reus!

Rave On Radio North American shortwave pirate radio 6925 khz USB eQSL


This was the first of two great eQSL's that arrived yesterday, while I was up in New Paltz running the After the Leaves have Fallen Half Marathon.  Rave on Radio had emailed me shortly after I submitted the report to let me know I had heard their show and that an eQSL would be sent later.  I tuned in to their broadcast, "from a studio in the woods" on 6925 kHz USB on my Sangean ATS 909 receiver - which actually turned out to be a test, rather than a full show.

In addition to the eQSL, the email included the set list - very cool, indeed! --

Thanks for tuning into our test broadcast and thanks for the reception report.

Here’s what we played:

More News from Nowhere – Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
Ain’t That Pretty at All – Warren Zevon
Ophelia – The Band
Loving Cup – The Rolling Stones
San Ber’dino – Frank Zappa

Thanks again and PLEASE STAY TUNED,
Everyone at Rave On Radio

Thanks Rave On for the great show!

Sunday, November 8, 2015

2015 After the Leaves have Fallen Half Marathon: Race Photos & Results

 

This morning headed up to New Paltz to run the After the Leaves have Fallen Half Marathon at Minnewaska State Park.  Great weather for it, in the mid-50's - but some heavy winds made it feel a bit colder (enough for me to start off wearing a windbreaker for the first mile).  This has to be one of the most scenic courses in the entire state.  I love running those trails.

As for the race itself, I ran a 1:52:38 (unofficial) a few minutes faster than last year.  It was actually faster (by a minute or so) than the Paine to Pain Half I ran last month.  If it wasn't for the hills tucked away in the last two miles, could have brought it in under 1:50 - but nothing left in the tank for the final stretch.  Still, very happy with my run :D

Here are the official results from Shawangunks Runners.







Wednesday, November 4, 2015

2015 New York City Marathon: Race Report


The 2015 NYC Marathon is in the books - my 13th finish (and, coincidentally, the completion of my 9+1 for guaranteed entry into the 2016 edition)!  Like last year, I lined up relatively undertrained - with my average weekly mileage hovering just above 40 (where in most years it would typically be in the mid-50's).  The results showed with a 4:10:05 finish (which was actually 30+ seconds faster than last year's finish).  While my times have slowed over the last few years, 2014 & 15 were the only two years that I didn't manage to come in under 4 hours.

However, despite the relatively identical times, this year's race was very different from the struggle to finish that characterized last year's edition. In fact, this one was notable for the consistent pace - and complete absence of any cramping.  Whether that was due to the compression sleeves I wore (a first for this event) or just better overall conditioning/hydration is an interesting question.  Regardless of the reason, I didn't suffer through the cramping that had previously beset me.

Last year I ran a faster first half : 1:50 versus 1:57+ this year.  While a couple of those minutes were accounted for when I stopped to take a picture with my mom (2.5 miles) and then quick bathroom pit-stop (mile 3+), last year's 1:50 was all the more impressive because of the time lost running into the tough headwinds across the Verrazano! This year running conditions were ideal - and there was no wind to speak of crossing the bridge.

To backtrack for a minute, the only interesting pre-race business to note was the typically heavy traffic getting to the athlete's village.  In a first, I got off the bus early and walk the rest of the way because the baggage buses for the first wave were scheduled to "close" at 8:10!  I hadn't checked a bag for the prior two editions, so the stress of missing the bag check as a result of a bus tied up in traffic got the better of me.  I was no worse for the wear - but didn't appreciate the unnecessary spike in my stress levels :(

Back to the race itself, I saw a few friends during the first half (Greg on the bridge and Hiroshi on 4th Avenue) - and at the halfway point, Taconic was handling the timing (and they snapped that nice picture of me on the Kosciuszko Bridge!).


As for the second half, I didn't have any physical issue to speak of (except a mildly upset stomach that kicked in toward the end of 1st Avenue).  I was more a general sense of fatigue that took over by mile 20 or so.  I kept thinking to myself that I just didn't have any leg speed - at all!  This wasn't a question of slowing down, so much as an observation that I didn't have any real speed at the start and it wasn't about to magically materialize during the last 10k - haha.

Even so, I did manage one sub-10 minute mile (9:50) at 24, in what was a string of 10 minute miles over the final 10k to the finish.  What "sped" me up during mile 24 is simply a mystery!  In an interesting footnote, even though I had no cramping issues, at the finish I got light-headed for a few minutes (a scary first for me).  It cleared itself up on the walk to pick up my bag, but it wasn't a fun experience.

Afterward, I shuffled over to the Beacon Hotel for the Taconic's post-marathon party.  That, as always, was a very fun time.  But the day actually ended on a weird note.  I walked down to 62nd and Lincoln Center - where the return bus was supposed to be - and just wasn't there!!  Long story, short - I got home via the MetroNorth (and then via the kindness of other runners - with a lift to White Plains High School, where my car had sat wondering why I hadn't gotten off any of the buses that discharged runners and their families)! 

I finally got in the door just after 8 PM, a long - but still excellent - day!


Here are my race photos.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Germany Calling North American shortwave pirate radio 6950 khz eQSL


Received this fantastic eQSL from Germany Calling today!  I tuned in to their broadcast on 6950 kHz with my Sangean ATS 909 receiver.  It was a World War II time capsule - including newsreel material, big band/swing music, and the German National anthem!

The email began with this salutation:

Thank you for your service to The Reich! Your confirmation is attached.

Sincerely,

William Joyce
aka 'Lord Haw Haw'

It also included various links to some of the program components

and concluded with this "Disclaimer"

Program material of 'Germany Calling' is intended to accurately illustrate certain facets of one of the darkest periods and regimes in the history of the world. It is expected, even intended, that the content, when clearly understood, may induce disgust, revulsion, and perhaps chills, upon the listening audience of today. While the clumsiness of some of the propaganda may afford some small amusement, the program is not intended to 'entertain' and is not intended to be 'funny'. All program material was obtained from historical archives. Transmission of the program is not meant to convey or imply approval by station personnel, of the content or of the historical Nazi regime or its ideologies; and particularly not the anti-semitic content in some of the musical numbers or elsewhere. On the other hand, if the program induces any feelings of anger, disgust, revulsion, or even horror, we will have succeeded.   (emphasis added!)

Pretty interesting stuff --

Thanks William Joyce!

Pumpkin Patch Radio North American shortwave pirate radio 6935 khz USB Halloween special eQSL


This was the third of the 3 eQSL's that arrived on Sunday, while I was running the NYC Marathon!  Pumpkin Patch Radio sent the awesome Halloween themed eQSL.  I tuned in to their broadcast on 6935 khz USB on my Sangean ATS 909 receiver.

Many thanks Pumpkin Patch Radio!

Satan Radio North American shortwave pirate radio 6950 khz USB Halloween special eQSL


This was the second of 3 great eQSL's that arrived while I was running the NYC Marathon on Sunday!  Satan Radio send this excellent Halloween Special eQSL.  I tuned in to their broadcast on 6950 khz USB, on my Sangean ATS 909 receiver.

Many thanks Satan Radio!

Radio Ronalisa Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6210 khz (via SDR) eQSL

This was one of 3 great eQSLs that arrived on Sunday, while I was running the NYC Marathon!  Not only did Radio Ronalisa send this excellent eQSL, but also included were the postcards and pictures of the antenna and transmitter!  I tuned in to their broadcast from the Netherlands, on 6210 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.

Many thanks Ronald!





Monday, November 2, 2015

November 2015 Race Schedule


November officially got underway yesterday - with the NYC Marathon.  Ran my 13th consecutive NYC Marathon to kick off the month!  This weekend, will cut that distance in half and run the After the Leaves have Fallen Half - a great race (which I've run a few times, and always rewards with spectacular scenery).

The rest of the month is not so definite (with the possibility that I'll be out of town the last weekend).  Assuming no Thanksgiving weekend travel, will do the Greenwich Turkey Trot on the 28th - following a Thanksgiving Day race on the 26th (that one, the Gateway Gobbler, will also be in Greenwich).

With the start and finish of the month accounted for, that leaves the weekends of the 14th and 21st as yet unspoken for.  So I'll leave those 2 weekends open, for now.

Here's how it looks, so far:

11/1 - NYC Marathon
11/8 - After the Leaves have Fallen Half
11/15 - Open
11/22 - Open
11/26 - Gateway Gobbler, 6M
11/28 - Greenwich Turkey Trot, 5K

As always, if you're at any of these races - say Hello!

Sunday, November 1, 2015

2015 New York City Marathon: Race Photos & Results


It's been a long day - and NYC Marathon #13 for me is in the books!  Here are some photos that I took (mostly at the start and finish) - but the best one of all, 2.5 miles in, on 4th Avenue, with my #1 fan, my mom!

At 4:10, this was my slowest NYC Marathon finish - but still a great time, in all respects! 

Here is my race report.

Here are the official results from NYRR.