[Milsurplus] surplus equipment & end of life decisions

[Bruce Gentry]

I question how much most of the younger generations know about how their 
favorite technologies work, and their ability to repair them. Likewise, 
I question how talented they really are in creating actual new content. 
They are a whiz with knowing which keystroke to use, how to manipulate 
the software with penache, but when they write something, is it really 
creative? The greatest crisis we face is direction of inquirey,  
creativity, and imagination  against each other  instead of personal 
growth and community good. Until this changes, all technical and 
creative hobbies and avocations are going to suffer.  Radio, theater 
organs, sound systems, railroading both model and full size, flying, and 
automotive hobbies are all a tiny shadow of what they were. As just one 
practical example, a large local automotive"supermarket" had a job fair, 
and could not get even half of the applicants they needed. How many jobs 
are there for high school graduates that start off at $17.00 an hour and 
full benfits?  The few office and supervisory openings  were mobbed with 
applications.

       Bruce Gentry    KA2IVY



On 11/5/12 10:05 AM, Robert Newberry wrote:
> This is a sad state of affairs. I got started in radio at 12. A ham by 15.
> I am now 33, and play with the modern SDR stuff and tube gear.
>
> I got out of my way to learn as much as possible from local hams that are
> into vintage and green gear. The good thing is that these guys are more
> than thrilled somebody who isn't of retirement age has an interest in
> preserving the knowledge and wanting to be more than an appliance operator.
>
> It does sadden me that there isn't more people my age interested in
> carrying the torch.  I really do have a respect for radio and it's history.
> Probably the reason why I make a living fixing them.
> On Nov 5, 2012 9:33 AM, "Mike Durff"<mike at oldaudio.net>  wrote:
>
>> On Nov 3, 2012, at 9:56 AM, "C.Whitaker"<whitaker at pa.net>  wrote:
>>
>>> de WB2CPN
>>> Well, I'm 84 now, and it's becoming more of a
>>> problem every day.  What do I do with a basement
>>> and garage full of ham and related equipment and
>>> parts?  I belong to two ham groups, and not one
>>> of the members have an interest in techie things.
>>> EOR
>>> EOW
>>> 73  Clete
>>> (End Of Rant)
>>> (End Of Whine)
>>