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dash of liquid, and acts like a springy solid?  The answer is foams. 

Foams are so common we seldom appreciate how strange they are.  In fact, 
much of what is known comes from trial and error. There are even 
metallic foams that can be shaped into antennas for radio transmission 
and reception. . Because of this and other high tech uses,  the precise 
stiffness of a foam is crucial for many uses. 

At the moment, no theory currently exists for predicting exactly how 
stiff or oozy a foam will be based on its traits like the size of its 
bubbles or the amount of liquid it contains.  But scientists are 
designing an experiment for the International Space Station to 
investigate the puzzling physics of these everyday substances.  You can 
read all about it at 
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2003/09jun_foam.htm?list950329 (NASA 
News)

**

INTERNATIONAL - AUSTRALIA:  NEW RECIP RULES ENACTED

Call it a Christmas present from the Australian Communications Authority 
to hams worldwide.  This, with news that the nations telecommunications 
regulator will make ham radio operation easier for overseas amateurs 
visiting V-K Land and Australian amateurs traveling overseas. 

In addition to these decisions, the A-C-A has also reached conclusions 
regarding several other issues.  These include modification on the 
prohibition of international communications, maximum power, the use of 
callsigns, Amateur Satellite Service matters, ham radio Internet linking 
systems and Amateur Radio communications during disasters. (Q-News)

**

ON THE AIR:  THE BOILED OWL AWARD 

Back in the USA, the Order of Boiled Owls of New York is inviting hams 
worldwide to join the celebration of the groups golden anniversary.  
This, by "Working The Owls" in 2004 to obtain a certificate for the "OBO 
50 Award". 

The Order of Boiled Owls of New York was established in 1954 and is 
dedicated to Amateur Radio High Frequency contesting and DX'ing. Award 
applications must be received by March 31st of 2005.  More information 
can be had by e-mail to K2SX at arrl.net  (Via Press Release)

**

DX


In D-X,  word that M5BXB will be active as OK8XB from the Czech Republic 
through the 27th of December.  Look for him on 20 and 17 meters during 
the day and 40, 80 and 160 meters at other times.  He also plans to be 
active on 2 meters from a location 1,323 meters above sea level.  And oh 
yes.  He promises to present a festive bottle of local Plum Brandy to 
the first U-K station worked on the 146 MHz band.  (RSGB)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM:  A HAM RADIO CHRISTMAS POEM

And finally this week we want to leave you with a bit of ham radio 
holiday cheer.  Here's Gary Pearce, KN4AQ:

--


'Twas the night before Christmas, 
And all through two-meters, 
Not a signal was keying up. 
Any repeaters. 

The antennas reached up