[OKDXA] First Straight Key Notification

[Jerry Chouinard]

There is an 'ol boy in west Texas who would like to see Oklahoma operators
dust off their straight keys this coming Straight Key Night Jan. 1, 2009 UTC
0000-2400.  Jim Musgrove, K5BZN loves the hobby and especially enjoys
the days when it had that special magic.  He is on a mission to see the
number of SKN operators from Texas and surrounding states become larger
than ones from California and other large states.  I told him I would put the
word out as CW is a particular favorite part of the hobby for me.

I purchased Silent Key K5LIL's straight key at the Green Country Hamfest 
this year
and will be using it on 40 meters for a number of hours during the 
operating event.
The key has a note taped to it with a story of how it was used in WW2.  Has a
particularly good feel when it's brass is pounded.

Join me in putting Oklahoma on the air during this event.  I have 
participated in a
number of SKN nights and they bring back feelings of days long gone by.  You
will enjoy if you haven't made an SKN QSO before.  There is recognition for the
"Best Fist" and "Most Interesting QSO".  Votes are made for those special
recognitions by all who participate.  Maybe you'd pick up one of them.  I was
voted "Best Fist" one year and it may be one of my most treasured certificates.

Take a look at the announcement for this event at 
http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2008/skn.html
and make a few Qs with some old timers and those who will be old timers one 
of these days.

CW Forever.

Jerry - K5YAA