Resurrection

This is a photo of what I think is the first instar of one of the insects which are true bugs. Apparently, true bugs have a proboscis which is is perfectly designed to suck the juices from plants. This bug is commonly known as a Gum-leaf-tip Bug. The photo was taken sometime in early 2010 when I began growing a small herb garden.  I found these small insects cute until I realized that they, among other insects, were destroying my new crop of sage - which this one is feasting on. 

But that is not what I am here to talk about.  Today I decided to resurrect my blog "Tjilpi".

Recently I have spent an enormous amout of time at the Command and Control Centre [photo on right] writing and answering emails.  I thought it might be easier to publish a 'newspaper' and direct people to it, so as to allow them to keep up with happenings in the Old Eastside of Alice Springs. Of course I am more than happy to continue with email comings and goings, as it is unlikely that I will put much personal detail on these pages!  The photo is of my Laptop with a full sized keyboard in front of it.  That keyboard conveniently jumps up onto the keyboard of the Laptop when I begin to use my soldering iron, which is the blue box in front of the mouse. The folded bath mat under the large keyboard is a traditional surface on which to work when tinkering with electronics. Farther right is my trusty old Kenwood TS140S HF Transceiver, which is my 'Ham' Radio.  It's lights were not active when I took the photo so it looks like a dull grey rectangular box - but I have had lots of fun with it recently talking to people in faraway places such as Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Japan, Christmas Island and East Timor.

Since I last signed up with TypePad - the people who host this blog - things have changed a little, so please forgive me for editing errors at the beginning. You can blame me for mistakes later after I get used to the new system.  Now that I am back, I hope to be able to produce many enjoyable posts - for you and for me. 

I know. I know what you are saying. "He'll spend even more time there now - writing blog posts, emails, and talking to faraway places.  Somebody should grab him by the scruff of the neck and make him go for a walk!"

Comments

[Kerry]

We could all do with more walking !! Keep them coming

[fran]

welcome back! I love photos of desk areas with all the bits and pieces. yeah, walking is always nice unless its too hot. I was interested in the idea of ham radio until the internet came along!

[fran]

did you happen to hear this abc radio show about the time a colac ham radio operator talked to soviet cosmonauts in the early 90's
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/verbatim/stories/2011/3321995.htm
...the opera someone wrote about it sounds really freaky
http://www.abc.net.au/classic/australianmusic/stories/s2521892.htm

[Mark Lender]

I think we could do with more plant-sucking, proboscis-wielding bugs in the American politico-economic scene. I think one of those nasty wasps that paralyze and then slowly suck the juices out of their victims would make an excellent banker. How about a funnel spider for head of the CIA? Praying Mantis for - oh I don't know - Secretary of State? I mean, don't you think Hillary could bite your head off? Not sure what to do in place of Barak. Shouldn't be that hard... Say, Greg! Any poisonous chameleons in Alice? Any help you can give appreciated...

[Dion]

Pleased to see you back in action on this front.

[Tjilpi]

Thank you all - kerry, fran x 2, Mark and Dion. It is currently 31.5° at the Command and Control Centre and 35.5° outside. That does in any walking plans I might have had for the moment. @Fran: I did listen to the XYL Ham from Colac who talked to the Soviet Cosmonaut. Very interesting. @Mark: I think I'll leave you to sort out your local political and economic situation. It appears you might have brought a few bears back with you from your trip to the Arctic!

[kim]

the wise, not really so old, man returns. Hooray!
yes, we'll get our walking in.
and we also get more entertainment plus also elucidation, exposition and colorful explanations about various places and stuff all at the same time. cool. retry again.

[kim]

ah. "retry again" was descriptive, not instructive. thingi.
other'n'at, no changes.

[Tjilpi]

Thanks kim. I'll retry again like refried beans! I don't know what I am doing stone cold sober at the the computer at 4 am. It must have something to do with lifestyle changes! And the fact that I've been talking to Germany and the Netherlands on my Ham Radio. There is some kind of contest going on over there to see how many stations each Ham can contact worldwide, and it being early evening in Europe the Hams there are active. VK8 call signs [ie Amateur Radio station signs from the Northern Territory are rare] so some of those guys try hard even if they can hardly hear me.

Yesterday [Saturday afternoon] I had a great chat with an 80 year old Ham who lives by himself in the bush in Victoria. He has a marvelous antenna set up. It a horizontal square of wire, each side being 20 metres. It is supported by non-conductive rope in the middle of another square formed by 4 towers each 20 metres high and spaced 30 metres apart. It is the only antenna he uses. He has the acreage for such a set up and also has his own firetruck as he is quite isolated!