Toggle between WRVA (Jimmy Barrett, Glenn Beck, etc.) and Democracy Now (97.3 on your FM dial), where the morning newscast refers to “the so-called war on terror,” “so-called anti-Americanism abroad,” and (my personal fave) “the Iraqi resistance.”

You don’t need shortwave to get BBC. You can TIVO it or just watch it on PBS.

There is so much news out there flat impossible for all the good news to be crammed into one little 20 minute entertainment segment.

However, does not mean that you need all that perspective and information.

I have days when I do not read the T-D. I rarely feel a compulsion to go back and pick up yesterday’s paper. I just take it for granted that I’m not 100% fully informed on everything going on in the world.  Seems like a heckuva lot of important stuff goin’ down in the conventional mainstream news, but maybe that’s just my imagination, or maybe they have succeeded in making it more entertaining.

Bill, that’s very interesting. It sounds like your little kit was in serious need of an alignment. The BBC does have medium-wave broadcasts (a.k.a. “AM” broadcasting band), however its next to impossible to receive them medium-wave like that, here in the U.S.

I have a Kenwood R-1000, previously had an Icom IC-R75 and before that a Yaesu Vr-5000, but even with those cannot get across the ocean on medium-wave. The only people people who can do so by erecting a “beverage” antenna: About 1/2 mile of straight wire running through some really large plot of land. And this long stretch of wire has to be pointed at the country of target.

Shortwave, yes. No problem. In fact, I even listen to airports in Europe. Have also listened to the French military’s morse code. And the Cuban spy lady on 5883 kHz, spitting-out out her nightly series of cryptic numbers.

So yes, I do believe you accidently built a shortwave receiver! Good job.

When I was about 12 years old, I got a couple of cheapo little “build it yourself” electronics kits.  One was an a.m. radio.  I remember lying in bed next to the open window late at night, with the wire hanging out the window to get a better signal and the ear phone in my ear, listening to the BBC from London.  I couldn’t believe it, but I found that when the atmospheric conditions were right, I could get the BBC.  It never came in on the stereo system in the living room.  I always wondered if I somehow assembled the thing wrong and built a small short-wave receiver or something.

Bill O’Reilly is certifiable and just plain obnoxious.  Glenn Beck is hilarious and dead right a lot of the time. 

And I can’t STAND Elliot in the Morning.  I have heard maybe a grand total of 5 minutes of that show over the past 5 years and that was too much.  Jeez louise, his show is the living personification and embodiment of societal decay and sheer unadulterated moronic idiocy and ignorance.

...its very very interesting Greta! Believe it or not, you can get a good shortwave capable radio for $100-$200. And no you don’t need an outdoor antenna (a common misconception).

Thank you Larry. I am going to take your tip and do just that....

I’m telling you, you guys (and Greta) need to expand your horizons and listen to shortwave. There’s a whole world of great shows out there, with perspectives you ain’t gonna hear on the ol’ local stations.

It doesn’t matter much which radio or tv station you listen to or watch the talking heads and the partisanship are interchangeable. Everybody is “in the tank” with somebody. Except for Bill O’Reilly. He is in the bully pulpit for himself. Chris Matthews is certifable. Hannity and Colmes the fric and frac of “fair and balanced.” If Keith Olberman doesn’t get help soon his head is going to explode right on national tv. And my favorite, the saintly stooge of George Soros, Bill Moyers. Bill Moyers, of the Schumann Foundation which derives mudh of its grant money from stocks in companies like Conoco, Keyspan Energy, Royal Dutch and Shell. He of the Moyers Mafia that we see on PBS every Tuesday night pontificating about the undue influence of “big oil” on the current administration. PBS which is charted and funded by the Federal Government. And always lurking in the background, Mr. Moyer’s friend and supporter in all things anti-American, George Soros. I have a list of around 48 and counting, philantrophies, that Mr. Soros supports. Every single one from Moveon.org to The Center for American Progress to the Tides Foundation a nakedly left wing organization geared to the detriment of the US or Israel or both. This is a man on a mission to bring his host country to its knees for what reason only his psychiatrist knows. He has billions of dollars to spend on his obsession and thousands of eager takers in hundreds of “worthy causes.” Bill Moyers is a perfect conduit with his crusader reputation and his white bread personality. Mr. Soros was also one of the first large contributors that David Axelrod enlisted for Barack Obama in the 1994 Illinois Senate race. Billions can buy a lot of influence. Follow the money. You will find George Soros in every nook and cranny.

Actually “whiplash” refers to the era when VCU coeds went bra-less. Lot of driving whiplash during lunch time.

Interesting R. Smith links.

bob, I found the perfect place for you to send your kids (or grandkids) where they will be absolutely free from Christian Confederate indoctrination....and it’s just up the road in Fairfax!

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5igZiBbZdKa9Gvx8uwXlsIOxoBQ5wD91859CG0

Post Your Comments: