Blue Moon

"Blue Moon" to Shine on New Year's Eve

 

 

Andrew Fazekas
for National Geographic News

December 30, 2009

For the first time in almost 20 years, a bright "blue moon" will grace New Year's Eve celebrations worldwide.  If the skies are clear, revelers looking up at midnight will get an eyeful of the second full moon of the month—commonly called a blue moon. The last time a blue moon appeared on New Year's Eve was in 1990, and it won't happen again until 2028.  Read More. 

Minnesota joins suit to seal Asian-carp-infested waters -- chicagotribune.com

Minnesota joins suit to seal Asian-carp-infested waters -- chicagotribune.com

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Read more about the real cost of this impending natural disaster-http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi091229canal-future_wgfx,0,78300.htmlpage

Perhaps Squadron Members can discuss or comment on how closing these 2 waterway impacts the recreational boaters of Illinois and Indiana.   We would really like to hear about what impact this would have on you personally.

Illinois Natural History Survey Photo: Silver Carp Jumping

http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/fieldstations/ltrm/photoindex.html

For Carp recipes see last months article entitled 'A Mess of Carp.'

Christmas Boat Parade at Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights

Christmas Boat Parade at Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights

Storm Tactics Video

Storm Tactics Video



You can purchase Lin and Larry's DVD from SailTV at http://www.thesailingchannel.tv/pardey/storm_tactics/

Nan, if you're reading this, it would make a great Christmas Gift.

Hull-down

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Look up hull-down in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

The term hull-down describes the situation where the upper part of a vessel or vehicle is visible, but the main, lower body (hull) is not; the opposite term hull-up describes the situation where all of the body is visible.
The terms originated with sailing and naval warfare, but beginning in the 20th century, hull-down has also been used in reference to armoured warfare.

Sailing

Due to the convexity of the earth, a ship's upper rigging will be visible at a much greater distance than its lower hull: for example, in clear air a lookout at the top of mast 130 feet (40 m) above the water will be able to see the top of another 130 ft mast from over 24 nautical miles (44 km) away, but will be able to see the full hull of the other ship from only 12 nautical miles (22 km) away.^[1]
With a clear horizon, whether a vessel is hull-down or hull-up gives some idea of its distance from the observer, using the line-of-sight formula.

Tactical considerations

In naval warfare, while the upper rigging (of a sailing vessel) or radio mast and stacks (of a steam ship) may give some idea of its type, it is impossible to tell the true nature of a ship when it is hull-down and its armament and size are not visible. Especially during the age of sail, a naval vessel that chose to pursue a possible enemy vessel spotted hull-down ran the risk of unknowingly closing on a more powerful opponent — depending on the wind and other conditions, it might not be possible to flee once the other vessel was clearly visible hull-up. Hull Down was also used to describe a commercial sailing vessel being under sail and loaded sailing briskly to windward. Ideal sailing conditions permitting the vessel to make good time, while sailing to the optimum

Outboard & Marine Engine Precautions

View Top 20 List -General E10 Precautions

Marine engines require special precautions to prevent water contamination from alcohol fuels.  Active fuel management is now required to protect marine engines from adverse effects of alcohol and to prevent water from entering fuel system.

Precautions:

1. The most effective precautions you can take with alcohol blend fuels (E10 and E85) is to make sure you only run your engine on clean, new, fresh fuel, if non-alcohol fuel is not available in your area. 

We recommend re-filling fuel tank every 1-3 weeks, when using ethanol blend fuels, to avoid excess water absorption.

In 100 days or less, under ideal conditions (low humidity, sealed fuel system) the alcohol composition of gasoline will absorb enough water to cause gas contamination.  In reality, marine engines will experience contaminated fuel much sooner.

When E10 fuel experiences water conatamination octane will decrease up to 3 points, sometimes referred to as "lean fuel". 

2. Maintain a sealed fuel tank, and avoid gas tank  and fuel lines from unnecessarily coming in contact with water.  More Info. 
   

A Mess of Carp

Carp Preparation, uses, and tips

Because carp has large scales that are embedded in the skin, the fish must be skinned. To remove skin, take a sharp knife and cut the skin off in strips, or dip fish in boiling water for 25 seconds, rub the skin off, and cool under running water.

To remove the head, cut through the flesh on both sides with a knife. If the fish is small, slice directly through the spine. For a larger fish, place the knife between vertebrae and tap the back of the knife with a hammer.

To fillet, use a sharp, thin knife. With the carp lying on its side, insert the knife behind the gills, and cut in an arc down to just above the backbone. Continue cutting parallel to the backbone toward the tail. Bring the knife up at the tail and remove the fillet.


To make steaks, place the carp on its side. With a sharp knife, cut slices 3/4 to 1/2-inch (1.9 to 1.25cm) thick perpendicular to the spine. Tap the back of the blade with a wooden mallet to cut through the spine.

The secret to successful carp cookery is to not overcook. Whichever of the following cooking methods you choose, your carp will be cooked when the flesh becomes opaque but is still moist on the inside.

Baking

Rinse the fish and pat dry with a paper towel. Place fillet or whole carp in baking pan and cover with sauce made of liquid, herbs, spices, and vegetables. Preheat the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) until a knife slice in the thickest part reveals the flesh to be opaque but still moist.

Grilling

Place fillets or steaks directly on perforated aluminum foil, 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15cm) above prepared coals or fire. Baste with butter, oil, or marinade, and close hood of grill. Cook until fish is opaque and moist on the inside, 6 to 8 minutes for fish less than 1-inch (2.5cm) thick; 10 to 15 minutes for fish larger than 1-inch (2.5cm) thick.

Pan frying

Rinse the carp, and pat dry with a paper towel. Dredge in flour and seasonings. Shake off excess flour. Heat the frying pan until hot, and add butter or oil. Place the fillets in the pan and cook, turning once, until opaque but still moist in the center—2 to 10 minutes, depending upon size of the fish.

Deep frying

Into a wok or deep fryer, pour about 1 1/2 inches (3.8cm) of oil; the cooker should be no more than half full of oil. Heat oil to 375°F (190° C), using a thermometer to monitor its temperature. Cut carp into similar sized pieces, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch (about 3 to 3.8cm) thick. Dip in batter, drain, then slip them into the hot oil. Cook until brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Poaching

Bring poaching liquid, consisting of water, broth, herbs, and spices, to a simmer. Slip in skinless fillets, then cover the pan and keep liquid at a simmer for about 8 minutes per inch (2.5cm) of thickness.

Broiling

Rinse carp fillets or steaks and pat dry with a paper towel. Coat fish with flour, crumbs, or cornmeal if desired. Place fish on a rack above a baking dish. Preheat broiler and adjust oven rack so fish is 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10cm) from the element. Broil, turning once, until fish is opaque but still moist in the center—3 to 10 minutes, depending on size of the fish.

Nutritional Highlights

1 fillet (6 oz.) (169.8g) (cooked, dry heat)
Calories: 275
Protein: 38.9g
Carbohydrate: 0.0g
Total Fat: 12.2g
Fiber: 0.0g
*Excellent source of: Potassium (726mg), Selenium (27.5mcg), Vitamin B12 (2.5mcg), and Vitamin E (15.3 IU)
*Good source of: Magnesium (64.6mg)

To find out more about cooking with carp go to http://www.evitamins.com/healthnotes.asp?ContentID=1690008

Michigan governor seeks emergency order shutting locks

By Dan Egan of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: Dec. 2, 2009 3:54 p.m.

Even as hundreds of fishery workers begin to poison the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in a desperate attempt to keep Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes, Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm hopes to open a new front in the fight.

She wants the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take emergency action to shut the navigational locks in the Chicago area that are now believed to be the only thing standing between the invading fish and Lake Michigan, and she's asking Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox to take the case into court -the U.S. Supreme Court.

The reason the fish are poised to colonize the Great Lakes, Granholm argues, can be traced back to Chicago's construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal over a century ago. The canal, built to carry Chicago sewage away from Lake Michigan, created an artificial connection between the Great Lakes basin and the Mississippi River basin.

Cox late Wednesday said he was contacting officials with the Army Corps and state of Illinois to demand a full explanation of their immediate plans to stop the carp, and a news release issued from his office said he is "prepared to take whatever legal action is necessary to protect the Great Lakes."

Other Great Lakes states, including Wisconsin, didn't appreciate Chicago's decision to divert billions of gallons of Lake Michigan water each day into the Mississippi basin, and they sued last century in a case that went all the way to the Supreme Court.

The court decreed in 1967 the Chicago diversion could continue, provided it was capped at certain level. Today that level is 2.1 billion gallons per day. But the lawsuit isn't closed; the justices ruled that the states that sued can bring the case back into court if they believe the Chicago diversion is causing damage to the shared Great Lakes.

Granholm thinks the looming threat of Asian carp swimming up the canal and into Lake Michigan fits that definition, and beyond closing the navigational locks - only a temporary solution to the problem - she wants to use the lawsuit to explore forcing Illinois to permanently sever the artificial link between the two grand drainage basins.

"Ultimately, the responsibility for the Asian carp threat attaches to the diversion of Great Lakes waters that has been sought by the state of Illinois and allowed to proceed by the U.S. Supreme Court," Granholm wrote to Attorney General Cox Wednesday. "While the diversion has been allowed by the court, it has acknowledged that damage due to the diversion relates to fishing, among other things."

A permanent separation of the two basins would have dramatic impacts on the barge industry that relies on the canal to move goods in the Chicago area, as well as between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. It would also force significant changes in the way Chicago manages its sewage.

Conservationists, however, have argued that the costs of keeping the drainages connected will also be staggering because the canal has become a revolving door for invasive species to move back and forth between two of the continent's most important watersheds. Those species include the round goby, quagga and zebra mussels, and now possibly the super-sized carp.

The Army Corps has already begun exploring the possibility of such a separation.
Full Article.

Full Moon

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
In my latest sojourn, I came accross a new boat owner with a really good question.   He wanted to rename his boat to what it was previously.   And came accross the fact that the captain needed to first execute a Boat Denaming Ceremony before renaming and of course executing the Christening ceremony.   So, if you're in the market for a new boat this spring, you might find this handy to have.  

Vigor's Interdenominational Boat Denaming Ceremony by John Vigor 
Vigor's Denaming Ceremony "In the name of all who have sailed aboard this ship in the past, and in the name of all who may sail aboard her in the future, we invoke the ancient gods of the wind and the sea to favor us with their blessing today.
"Mighty Neptune, king of all that moves in or on the waves; and mighty Aeolus (pronounced EE-oh-lus), guardian of the winds and all that blows before them:
"We offer you our thanks for the protection you have afforded this vessel in the past. We voice our gratitude that she has always found shelter from tempest and storm and enjoyed safe passage to port.
"Now, wherefore, we submit this supplication, that the name whereby this vessel has hitherto been known (_____), be struck and removed from your records.
"Further, we ask that when she is again presented for blessing with another name, she shall be recognized and shall be accorded once again the selfsame privileges she previously enjoyed.
"In return for which, we rededicate this vessel to your domain in full knowledge that she shall be subject as always to the immutable laws of the gods of the wind and the sea.
"In consequence whereof, and in good faith, we seal this pact with a libation offered according to the hallowed ritual of the sea." 

After a boat is denamed, you simply need to rename it using the traditional christening ceremony, preferably with Queen Elizabeth breaking a bottle of champagne on the bow, and saying the words: "I name this ship ___________ and may she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail on her."

Chicago’s Christmas Ship

Bringing Christmas trees to disadvantaged families
2009 Kids Michigan Avenue Fireworks River Cruise
aboard 'Chicago’s First Lady'

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Bring your children aboard CHICAGO’S FIRST LADY for this spectacular kickoff in support of Chicago’s Christmas Ship. You will enjoy the colorful nighttime sights along the Chicago River capped off viewing the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival fireworks. Boarding will from the river walk at the SE corner of Michigan Ave. bridge beginning at 5:00 pm, underway at 5:45 pm. See http://www.cruisechicago.com/directions.php for directions and parking information. Plan to come early to enjoy Michigan Ave. and assure parking. For more information visit www.christmasship.org or call CAPT Bill Glynn 312-288-0500. A cash bar as well as hot chocolate coffee and soft drinks will be available onboard.

Mark your calendar: Change of Watch Luncheon

What

CHANGE OF WATCH LUNCHEON

When

Sun Jan 17 1pm – Sun Jan 17, 2010 4pm

20100117T130000/20100117T160000

Where

map

BRAXTON SEAFOOD GRILLE, 3 OAKBROOK CENTER, OAK BROOK, IL

Created By

Chicago Power Squadron Events, and Class Schedule

Description

This is a great luncheon event. 

Contact:
 P/R/C Robert E. Murphy, SN
12530 S. Princeton Avenue
Chicago, IL 90628-7225
(773) 264—3211
 for additional information.

ChicagoLog Available for download

Download the latest ChicagoLog. 

Name Change... we're now Chicago Sail and Power Squadron

At Monday's General meeting (02Nov09) the name changed, the Chicago Power Squadron is now the Chicago Sail and Power Squadron. The name change will take effect, officially, after being submitted and approved by the National Rules Committee.

The web address is also changing to http://www.chicagosailandpowersquadron.org and http://www.chicagosailandpowersquadron.com 

We would love to hear your comments.    

Trader sets sail on quest for Chicago boat racing -- chicagotribune.com

Trader sets sail on quest for Chicago boat racing -- chicagotribune.com

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Kidnapped couple's yacht found adrift as Cobra meets - Times Online

Kidnapped couple's yacht found adrift as Cobra meets - Times Online

Transcript: phone call with kidnapped British sailor - Times Online

Transcript: phone call with kidnapped British sailor - Times Online

D20 Fall Conference

Well if you missed the D20 Fall Conference you missed a great show. 

The George and Cmdr. Wayne really know how to party. 

Stop back and get the scuttlebutt, and don't forget to mark your calendars for the next General Meeting on the 1st.  All members should attend.    

Gary Jobson's Acceptance Speech

Gary has put something important to say.   Take a moment and see what we can take away from this great sailor. 

Unbelievable.

Sometimes we ask why, and the only response is why not.  This boat gives me just that feeling, why not indeed.

Ethanol Legislation Update

Ethanol Legislation Update as discussed at the National Boating Federation Fall Meeting, reported by Fred W. Poppe

On Monday, 14 Sept, legislation was introduced in the Senate, S. 1666, The Mid-Level Ethanol Blends Act of 2009, to protect marine engines from the problems caused by ethanol blends in gasoline. Under the Clean Air Act the sale of mid-level ethanol is prohibited, but the ethanol industry has petitioned the EPA for a waiver to enable them to sell E15 gasoline. S. 1666 will require the EPA’s Science Advisory Board study the compatibility of such fuels with current engines. According to Trade Only, the study would also include comprehensive analysis of available independent scientific evidence on the compatibly of mid-level ethanol fuels with the emission requirements of the Clean Air Act and the operability of engines.

In addition, the ethanol industry is attempting to amend the Interior Department’s annual appropriations bill currently moving through the Senate to either authorize mid-level ethanol legislatively or potentially deny funding to the EPA if it does not grant the waiver request for E15. NBF has joined our coalition partners in a letter to the Senate opposing any such amendment to the Interior Department’s appropriations bill. The Coalition’s letter was sent to Senator Collins and Senator Cardin. Forty-Six organizations, in addition to the NBF, signed this letter!

CYA Inter Yacht Club Dinghy Challenge - 2009

CYA Inter Yacht Club Dinghy Challenge - 2009
Sunday October 25, 2009

Location:
Burnham Park Yacht Club, Chicago

Event Chairman:
Don Waller/Dick O’Connell
Rules:
The regatta will be governed by the ISAF racing rules defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing 2005-2008 and the prescriptions of US Sailing. Sailing instructions will be distributed at the skippers meeting.

Eligibility:
Any regular member of a CYA affiliated yacht club or
their crew are eligible to compete. Each competitor must
be at least 21 years old by the date of competition.

Boats:
420s provided by Burnham Park YC. (420s are a two person boat with both main and jib)

Each team must bring a yacht club burgee to affix to the shroud of the boat so they can be identified at the finish.

Rotation:
If reasonably practical, boats will be rotated between pairs of races and teams may be xchanged with another skipper/crew from the same club.
Registration:
Call Don Waller (312)-446-5386)/ Dick O’Connell (630) 627-1073 by 2200 Wednesday, October 21 or email to: r.oconnell@sbcglobal.net

Schedule:

• 0930 Registration begins
• 1000 Skippers Meeting
• 1100 First Race begins
• 1630 No race may start after this time

Prizes: The CYA Inter-Yacht Club Dinghy Challenge Cup will be awarded to the winning team.

More Information-

Cleansing the Air at the Expense of Waterways

US

Cleansing the Air at the Expense of Waterways

By CHARLES DUHIGG

Published: October 13, 2009

The pollutants that coal plants are scrubbing from their smokestacks are finding their way into water instead.

Read More

51st Annual Yachting Ball

The Chicago Yachting Association

Requests the Honor of Your Presence at the 

51st Annual Yachting Ball

Saturday the Fourteenth of November, Two Thousand Nine

Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel

Crystal Ballroom

151 East Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 

Cocktails at Six O'clock (cash bar)

Dinner Seating at Seven O'clock

Yachting Formal - Black Tie Optional

RSVP by October 25th.

$89.00 per person before October 20th, 2009

$100.00 per person after October 20th, 2009

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL OPEN HOUSE...

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL

529 PM CDT WED SEP 30 2009 /629 PM EDT WED SEP 30 2009/

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL OPEN HOUSE

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL BE HOLDING AN OPEN HOUSE ON
SATURDAY OCTOBER 3 FROM 900 AM UNTIL 300 PM. THE OPEN HOUSE IS
FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE. WE ARE LOCATED AT THE LEWIS UNIVERSITY
AIRPORT AT THE CORNER OF GEORGE MICHAS DRIVE AND DON WALDEN ROAD.
THE AIRPORT ENTRANCE IS OFF OF RENWICK ROAD MIDWAY BETWEEN WEBER
ROAD AND ROUTE 53. THERE IS NO ACCESS TO THE WEATHER OFFICE
THROUGH LEWIS UNIVERSITY.

View Larger Map

AT THE OPEN HOUSE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT WEATHER OBSERVING...WEATHER
FORECASTS AND WARNINGS...RIVER FORECASTS...SATELLITE...DOPPLER
RADAR...AND MORE. THERE WILL BE DEMONSTRATIONS...AND HANDS ON
ACTIVITIES WITH DISPLAYS AND HANDOUTS. ALSO...IF YOU HAVE A
WEATHER RADIO THAT YOU NEED HELP PROGRAMMING...GO AHEAD AND BRING
IT AND SOMEONE WILL GLADLY HELP PROGRAM IT FOR YOU. OTHER
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDE WILL COUNTY AND
ROMEOVILLE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCIES...LOCKPORT TOWNSHIP FIRE
DEPARTMENT...AMERICAN RED CROSS...U S GEOLOGICAL SURVEY...AND THE
MIDWEST REGIONAL CLIMATE CENTER.

COME OUT AND SEE YOUR NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE
RAIN OR SHINE ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 3 FROM 900 AM TO TO 300 PM.

Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal Closure Info

!!!IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Below is the latest notice from the Coast Guard concerning the electric fish barrier on the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal. The original posting may be found at http://www.d9publicaffairs.com/go/site/1295/.


Ninth Coast Guard District
ANS Dispersal Barrier - Romeoville, IL. Information Site

WATERWAY CLOSURE NOTICE

Coast Guard allowing recreational vessels to transit the safety zone on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal over the electric fish barrier on a case-by-case basis

CHICAGO – Sept 11, 2009 - The U.S. Coast Guard announces that the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan will allow, on a case by case basis, certain recreational vessels to transit the safety zone on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal surrounding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ electric fish barrier from mile marker 296.0 to mile marker 296.7.

The Coast Guard will continue to enforce the safety zone near the fish barrier. However, based on the initial results of recent safety tests conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard will consider, on a case by case basis, requests by recreational vessels to transit through the zone under their own power. Previously, certain vessels were permitted to transit through the safety zone only while being towed. Mariners must request permission to transit and comply with all instructions of the Coast Guard on-scene representative who can be contacted on VFH-FM Channel 16 or at (630) 336-0296.

Starting Saturday, September 12, 2009, the Coast Guard will begin allowing, on a case by case basis, certain vessels greater than 20 feet in length to transit through the safety zone. Transit times will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. All persons aboard a vessel transiting the safety zone must wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while in the vicinity of the barrier.

Due to the risk of personal shock, the following types of vessels will still be prohibited from transiting the safety zone: all personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks, rafts, shells, or sailboats without a motor.

“There are very serious risks associated with coming in contact with electrified water.” said Capt. Luann Barndt, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan. “We want to ensure people understand all the risks before they decide to request permission to transit through the safety zone.”

Local News: Coast Guard rescues 5 from lake

Coast Guard rescues 5 from lake
September 12, 2009 8:42 PM | 1 Comment
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued five people from a boat that struck a piling sticking in Lake Michigan and started taking on water, a Chicago Fire Department spokesman said.

The initial call of a boat in distress at 63rd Street came in at about 7:20 p.m., said Chief Joe Roccasalva, a Fire Department spokesman. The boat was spotted a short time later about a mile south at 71st Street, and the Coast Guard took the five people from the boat.

The five people were taken to Jackson Harbor, where paramedics were to examine them, he said. The Coast Guard told fire officials that the people appeared uninjured.

--Andrew L. Wang
Chicago Tribune. Com

Talk Like a Pirate Day is Sept 19th.

St. Joseph River Yacht Club Invitation to hear guest speaker Gary Jobson

TGIF w/Guest Speaker Gary Jobson (Reservations Required)

Early Warning: October 9th

The St. Joseph River Yacht Club is bringing Gary Jobson in as a guest speaker on October 9th. That's a Friday night and Dan and Debbie will be preparing a prime rib buffet with Gary speaking on the third floor after dinner. Following his presentation, he will stay around for cocktails at the bar. Gary was recently nominated to serve as President of US Sailing, founded the Leukemia Cup Regatta, crewed with Ted Turner in 1977 when he won The America's Cup, announces for ESPN sailing and won an Emmy for the Beijing Olympics. Also, as part of his 75 minute presentation, he also has a special presentation on Classic Yachts, The Chicago to Mackinac Race, The Volvo Ocean Race, The Transatlantic Challenge, and footage of the BMW Oracle Racing Trimaran. The cost to hear Gary speak will be $25.00 per person while the dinner cost will be $15.50 or $40.50 for both. This event requires a reservation which can be made by contacting the club at 269-983-6393, or when visiting the club. When calling please indicate whether you will be joining us for dinner or plan to only attend the presentation.

The delicious dinner that will precede the presentation will include:

Roast Prime Rib
Golden Fried Wild Salmon
Au Gratin Potatoes
Green Beans w/Bacon & Onions
Caesar Salad
Assorted Bread & Rolls

Delicious Dessert Options
French Vanilla & Mackinac Island Fudge Ice Creams

We hope to see you there!!!

General Meeting, 14Sept09, 7:30pm

Agenda - Chicago Power Squadron

14 September 2009

Call to Order CDR Wayne Toberman, S

Determination of a Quorum Lt/C Raymond Grana, SN
Approval of Minutes from last Meeting
Reports of Officiers
Reports of Commitees
Communications
Unfinished Business
Elections
New Business

Approval of Minutes from last Meeting

Treasurer's Report Lt/C Robert A. Drefs, AP

Executive Department Reports Lt/C John F. Chenier, P

Educational Department Reports Lt/C George F. Prescott, SN

Administrative Department Reports Lt/C Jenou Olech, S

Secretary's Department Reports Lt/C Raymond Grana, SN

Commander's Report CDR Wayne Toberman, S

Reports of Commitees
Appointed Committees 2010 Proposed Budget
Elected Committees Nominations update

Communications

Unfinished Business


New Business
2010 Education Schedule

Adjournment

Deadline approaches for Chicagolog submissions

Greetings!

How time flies! Or as the Roman poet Virgil noted: Sed fugit interea fugit irreparabile tempus! (But it flees in the meantime; irretrievable time flees.) Not only is the end of summer near, as this week’s Labor Day celebration reminds us, but it is time for me to remind you that the deadline for submitting articles for the next Chicagolog approaches.

If you are a bridge officer, please submit an article on your area(s) of responsibility. If you are a committee chair, please provide me the appropriate information on any activities you have going for the months of October and November. However, any other information you would like to see in the Chicagolog is always welcome. Also, any photographs should be in color, if possible.

Your support of the Chicagolog is highly esteemed! Submissions may be made by email, U.S. mail, or in person at the next business meeting.

Regards,
Lt. Chuck Kvasnicka, P
Chicagolog Editor
Chicago Power Squadron

This photo is begging for your punchline. Why not give it a try.

Here's my suggestions:

Got Sail?

Honey, where did you put the guest sheets?

Your turn.

USCG reports rise in boating fatalities

Boating Industry
Friday August 14, 2009



WASHINGTON – The U.S. Coast Guard reported a rise in recreational boating fatalities this week. The fatality rate, a measure of the number of deaths against the number of registered recreational boats, increased from 5.3 in 2007 to 5.6 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational boats in 2008.

During this time, the Coast Guard recorded 709 deaths, 3,331 injuries and approximately $54 million dollars in damage to property, stemming from 4,789 recreational boating accidents.

Operator inattention, careless or reckless operation, no proper lookout, operator inexperience and passenger or skier behavior rank as the top five contributing factors to recreational boating accidents, according to the report. Alcohol consumption, the release states, continues to be of major concern in fatal boating accidents and is listed as the leading contributing factor in 17 percent of the deaths.

“The 2008 report shows a clear link between safety and boating education by highlighting that only 10 percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety education,” says Rear Adm. Kevin Cook, the Coast Guard's director of prevention policy. “This statistic indicates that boaters who have taken a boating safety course are less likely to be involved in an accident. In addition, two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned; and of those, 90 percent were not wearing a life jacket. The Coast Guard urges all boaters, whether as an operator or passenger, to take a boating safety course and to always wear your life jacket."

---

SIGN UP NOW FOR A USPS BOATING COURSE

---

To view the 2008 recreational boating safety statistics, click here http://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident_stats.htm

Fall Safe Boating Courses

America’s Boating Course (3rd Edition)

Five Weeks
Now Accepting Reservations


Corinthian Yacht Club
601 West Montrose Avenue
Chicago, IL 60613
Start Date: Sept. 21, 2009 (Mondays)
Time: 7:00 PM
Contact: Dennis R. McNamara Phone: 312-603-5400
Email: drmcnamara@cookcountycourt.com

Oakbrook Terrace Park District
1 S 325 Ardmore
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Start Date: Oct. 1, 2009 (Thursdays)
Time: 7:00 PM
Contact: Richard N. Spurr Phone: 630-279-0639
Email: spurrboat@msn.com

Lake Calumet Boat & Gun Club
824 E. 138th Street
Chicago, IL 60827
Start Date: Oct. 1, 2009 (Thursdays)
Time: 7:00 PM
Contact: John F. Chenier Phone: 773-810-9788
Email: chenierjf@sbcglobal.net

Chicago log deadline

Greetings!

The deadline for submitting articles, announcements, and photos for the August – September issue of the Chicagolog will be Monday, July 6th. This will allow you to use the holiday weekend for inspiration.

I will be sending out these notices every two months to remind you to contribute to your newsletter. I will expect a column from every member of the bridge, even if you just pass along a version of your monthly report. However, please keep in mind that sensitive squadron information cannot be published here, so leave out the details.

For those of you who supervise others in a departmental structure, please encourage your reports to also submit content, either to you for inclusion into your article or directly to me. For those of you who serve as committee chairs, please make sure you submit any information you’d like to pass along concerning your efforts. This is a good place to let folks know when you need their help.

It is my intention to get the Chicagolog out to the membership as early as possible in the month so they have adequate time to manage their schedules as events dictate. Although due to the holiday this deadline is a week into the new month, I hope to get this issue to the printer before the end of that week.

Thank you for your support.

Regards,
Lt. Chuck Kvasnicka, P

Chicagolog editor
Chicago Power Squadron

JUST A REMINDER-- PATIO PARTY

Hi All,

Just a reminder that Monday 22 June, at 1800 is the date and time for the next General Membership Meeting and Patio Party. Come join us in this fun filled event that will have everyone's favorites: Chicken, Brats, Burgers, Salad, and dessert for a nominal cost. Please notify Wayne or me if you plan to attend. Once again it will be held at Southern Shore Yacht Club, which has a covered patio and on Monday, free parking has been arranged.

Ray Grana

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Bringing Christmas trees to children of disadvantaged families.

The Executive Committee of Chicago’s Christmas Ship cordially invites you to attend a
Special Chicago River Cruise, aboard the CHICAGO'S FIRST LADY
Sunday June 28, 2009 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Boarding at 4:30

Join us as we travel down the Chicago River to view the area where Captain Herman Schuenemann docked his famed Schooner Rouse Simmons – the “Christmas tree ship”. En route we will be treated to a presentation describing what the area was like during that period and the impact of the ship andthe Schuenemann family. We will continue on to cruise the river and Lake Michigan.

Complimentary light food and beverages will be served with a cash bar.
Boarding will be from the Riverside Gardens along the new Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and
Wacker Drive (southeast corner of Michigan Avenue bridge). Go to www.cruisechicago.com and click on “Location” for directions and special parking rates at 111 E. Wacker

• $60.00 per person,
• $30.00 children under 12,
• Reservations are limited.
• Casual Attire

Since Christmas 2000 Chicago’s Christmas Ship has given thousands of Christmas trees to
children of disadvantaged families. Proceeds to benefit Chicago’s Christmas Ship tree recipients.
www.christmasship.org

Questions, call CAPT Bill Glynn 312-288-0500.

Contributed by George Prescott

Still a bit chilly out on the Lake.

Check out the next Virtual Regatta Challenge. www.virtualregatta.com


Routing Challenge – No Options, Fair and Square!

20 May

As previously announced, we are putting the final touch on our Routing Challenge –- which is scheduled to start on Thursday, May 28th.

This competition will take the participants along the course of the mythical New York City to San Francisco record race, and around Cape Horn!

What is the Routing Challenge?
We have taken the concept of virtual navigation to yet another level: in this race, your boat will automatically follow a course determined by waypoints that you have plotted in advance, all the way from the start to the finish lines.

The challenge will be for you to define the best possible route -- the fastest route –- for your sailboat, based on its theoretical performance package and the expected wind conditions.
This is a great opportunity for you to brush up on your strategy and practice weather options in preparation for future races.

Just one note of caution, this stuff can be addicting. bonne chance!

Tall Ships Race 2009, Crew Needed.

Isidore P. Ryzak of the Joseph Conrad Yacht Club advised the CYA membership that they have an opening for 4 young people (between the ages of 15-25) to sail on the S/Y FAZISI, to participate in the Tall Ships Race 2009 (co-organized by the American Teaching Association). This race is mainly between square riggers, but smaller vessels can also participate in the race after obtaining proper rating. The race is oriented to expose youth to sailing and enable them to meet other young people with similar interests from all over the world.

FAZISI , an 82 foot sloop, participated in Tall Ships Race 2008 in Europe and is presently berthed in New York. FAZISI is owned by PYANA, of which Joseph Conrad Yacht Club is a member. She will be racing the entire route from Bermuda to Charleston, Charleston to Boston, Boston to Halifax. This opportunity is the leg from Boston to Halifax, which will start July 13, arriving approximately July 16 in Halifax, with an additional two days in Halifax for celebrations. The cost of this race is around $200 to cover food. Please contact Isidore P. Ryzak, Commodore PYANA and Captain of FAZISI (between Boston to Halifax) for further information. ipryzak@comcast.net or 847-922-5627 or 847-441-8495.

Chicago Park District set to add 2 new high-profit harbors

chicagotribune.com
Chicago Park District set to add 2 new high-profit harbors
Park District prepares to boost capacity by more than 1,100 boats
By Jaime Adame
Special to the Tribune
May 15, 2009

Barring unforeseen problems with needed approvals, construction could begin next spring on two city harbors that would expand the number of mooring spaces for recreational boaters by about 20 percent and bring in more tourism dollars, Chicago Park District officials say.

The Chicago Gateway Harbor project involves a reinforcement of dilapidated Dime Pier, located about 480 feet south of Navy Pier and 400 feet north of Chicago Harbor Lock, and creation of nightly as well as hourly boating slips. The harbor could open in 2011, parks officials say.

"Gateway will be the only Park District harbor intended primarily for visiting boaters," said Park District spokeswoman Jessica Maxey-Faulkner. A lack of such docking opportunities "represents a loss in revenue and related economic impact potential," according to the Chicago Lakefront Harbor Framework Plan.

The second and larger of the projects, at 31st Street, was a proposed Olympic sailing venue, though bid officials now say Burnham Harbor would be used for sailing.

If Chicago is awarded the 2016 Olympics, displaced boaters could look to the new harbors for mooring spaces, park officials say.

Parks officials conducted an economic feasibility study that suggested both harbor projects will be profitable, Maxey-Faulkner said. Existing harbors cannot meet the demand for slips, with more than 700 boaters on a waiting list, added Rob Rejman, director of capital construction for the Park District,

Yet, the number of slips at Gateway and their proximity to tour boats tied up at Navy Pier raised safety concerns. The project ended up with 265slips, a decrease of 38 percent.

Of the five tour boat operators who dock on the South Side of Navy Pier, some say the harbor design still is problematic because larger ships and smaller boats would navigate the heavily trafficked Navy Pier fairway.

"It just seems like they're trying to squeeze too much into a small area," said Anthony Difiglio, general manager for Anita Dee Yacht Charters. "It's not really a question of if you'll have an accident, it's a question of when," he said.

Yet Coast Guard Cmdr. Paul Mehler III called the project "a balancing act between profit and safety."

"It is my belief that we can do it safely, but steps are going to have to be put in place to manage that many recreational boaters," said Mehler, in charge of the marine safety unit in Chicago.

The 31st Street Harbor would add about 850 slips. Parks officials say it may take until 2012 to finish that project, which includes an underground parking garage, a community building and a breakwater that curls into Lake Michigan.

In a May 1 letter to the Park District, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said it was ready to recommend the 31st Street Harbor project proceed. The agency was awaiting a response from the city to six letters received during the comment period about the Gateway project.

The projects must be authorized by state lawmakers, and also await approval from the Chicago Plan Commission and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Nine marinas already dot Chicago's shoreline, but the more than 5,000 moorings aren't enough, said Gary Hooper, civic chairman for the Chicago Yachting Association.

"We feel the city is needing the slips throughout the system, especially if we get the Olympics," he said.

The harbors would be the first built since DuSable Harbor opened with 420 slips in 2000. Before that downtown project, no Chicago marina had been built in 65 years.

Plans for both projects were announced in 2007, when park officials estimated the cost of the 31st Street project at about $42 million and the Gateway project at $24 million. They now estimate the 31st Street project will cost $75 million, and the Gateway project about $35 million.

Last month, park officials agreed to pay up to $3.7 million to URS Corp. to manage construction. Bidding on the construction contracts is expected this winter. Rejman said the Park District won $3.1 million in federal grant money earmarked for projects that benefit short-stay boaters.

Revenue bonds will finance construction, with mooring fees expected to cover ongoing costs, parks officials say.

Fees vary by harbor and Gateway "will be among the higher priced of our harbors," Rejman said. "We think this harbor's going to do really well."

Hooper said he recently paid more than $10,500 for a 60-foot slip with some amenities in DuSable Harbor.

The new harbors will be needed to handle the 1,600 boaters who may be displaced from other harbors by the Olympics, he said.

But the harbor projects were "cued up really before we heard anything about the Olympics," Rejman said. A third proposed harbor at the site of the former USX steel mill is on the back burner, he added.

Revisions to the Gateway harbor design -- widening the fairway near the western end of the pier by 40 feet to 190 feet as well as reducing the number of slips -- won support from some tour boat operations. "We feel it's very workable," said Dan Russell, vice president and general manager of Entertainment Cruises Chicago. His company's boats will dock on new finger pier structures to be added to the east end of Navy Pier, he said. The Coast Guard's Mehler said that although harbor officials addressed many of the safety concerns, more recommendations have been made to the state Department of Natural Resources.

He wants a harbor master to help control traffic, something the Park District said in a mid-April letter will happen. He also seeks additional widening of the fairway, expressing concern that the finger docks extending from Navy Pier could cause more congestion. And he called for safety courses for boaters.

"Our challenge is to educate them and make them aware of the challenges specific to the downtown Chicago waterfront, but people have the right to enjoy the water. It is one of the beautiful attributes Chicago has to offer, and it is our challenge to have them do it safely," Mehler said.

Freelance reporter Mike Helfgot contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2009, Chicago Tribune

Boat operator certification

Boat operator certification is now a reality. We have been hearing about it for so long that most of us have taken a wait and see attitude. The big hang up was the question of insurance liability and that has been taken care of.
Insurance is in place, the first passport kits for inland navigators are in stock and ready to ship...you have all heard what the qualifications are to become an Inland Navigator...the only thing missing is for someone to sign off that the qualifications have been met.

This is the reason for my message today. We need to get at least one BOC certifier trained in each squadron. FAST!! There are 2 levels of certifiers. The basic certifier who will check to see that the candidate has successfully completed all the classroom and land-based skill qualifications...and the advancer certifier who will verify the on-the-water skills. Before anyone can become an advanced certifier, they must become a basic certifier.

After they become a basic certifier, a master certifier will come to our district, conduct another seminar and test the candidate's on-the-water skills in handling a 23 foot vessel.

There are three requirements that must be met before anyone can become a certifier:
1. Qualifications: be a USPS member, hold the grade of AP or above, be a current USPS certified instructor, be actively boating, have substantial and verifiable on the water experience, have passed the course or seminar they are certifying, have internet access and an email address.
2. They must be nominated by the SEO or DEO and approved by the regional certifier
3. They must attend a 6-hour seminar.
I'm asking you to look at your list of public boating certified instructors and identify the 1 or 2 people in your squadron who you think would be willing to observe skill demonstrations.

I have attached a copy of the nomination form. Have them fill it out and email back to me. I will get it to the regional certifier with my recommendations.
Bob Potter has agreed to conduct a BOC certifiers seminar on the Friday prior to C&R July 25. (the seminar would be held on the 24th). We are tentative planning to have it in the Administration Building at North Point Marina. We were originally thinking about having it on Saturday, but logistically that won't work. We planned it around C&R hoping that all squadrons will have a representative in attendance.

This is important and time is of the essence. I need your candidate's nomination form back to be by 10 June so we can get them to the regional certifier for approval before C&R.

Contact Cmdr. Wayne Toberman for more info.

Calling All U.S.C.G. Auxiliary

May 2008 -
Calling All U.S.C.G. Auxiliary
Amateur Radio Operators !
ANNOUNCING AN
Amateur Radio Special Event
Commemorating the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Anniversary

All U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members that are Amateur Radio operators are invited to operate as “Special Event Radio Stations” on Saturday October 18, 2008 on Amateur H.F. frequencies to commemorate the Anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
All amateurs are invited to set up and operate Special Event Radio stations using High Frequency all across the nation. Official USCG Aux Special Event Amateur Radio stations will be operating “On the Air” with a Special 1 X 1 call all day contacting amateur radio operators and other U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary stations from coast to coast.
All official Special Event Radio Stations will be sent Free Commemorative QSL’s to mail out. Last year over 30 USCG Aux. Special Event Stations contacted thousands of other amateurs and USCG Auxiliary members to commemorate the USCG Auxiliary Anniversary.
If interested in becoming an Official Special Event Radio Station Contact:
Dan Amoroso BA – OTU e mail: nnn0abp@navymars.org

Last day to register as an Official Station - September 15, 2008

Instructional Notice and station requirements can be found here

More info is available at http://www.auxodept.org/telecoms.htm

Chicago Power Sqadron Fitting Out Luncheon

Date : 5/16/09 Location: Marcello's Father & Son Restaurant 645 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60610 Free Parking Time: 1300 to 1500 Serving: 1350 Service: Buffet Salad Entre: BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Picata, Grilled Vegatable Medely, and Double Baked Potatoes. Chocolate Cake Beverages: Soft Drinks and Coffee Service Price: $35.00 per person SIGN UP NOW!

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Tell EPA to Deny Waiver Petition to Allow E15

Tell EPA to Deny Waiver Petition to Allow E15
EPA Should Not Allow Increased Ethanol Blends

On March 6, 2009, a new pro-ethanol lobbying organization called Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers formally requested that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) increase ethanol blend levels in gasoline up to 15 percent (E15). As is required by law, EPA on April 21 published a Notice for Comment in the Federal Register, beginning a 30-day public comment period.

MEMBERS Please review and act promptly to stop this thoughtless policy change without regard for your boat's operational safety.

Go to http://capwiz.com/nmma/issues/alert/?alertid=13199386 and let your voice be heard.

Interesting Websites

Updated Sunday 05 July 09

Sailing Anarchy, great website, lots of good stuff.

Just got a note from CPS members, Ray and John about this Website... "BOASTY began because of a little thread on the BOC (Bayliner Owners Club) website which was titled "A Great Way to Say Thank You"! Well, After reading that thread on the BOC website it gave me an idea to propose a new kind of boating event!" Take a moment to check out this web (http://www.boasty.org/)

Just came across this website-- www.marinetraffic.com

This appears to be live AIS data that utilizes Google Mapping. Really cool. Let me know what you think, perhaps you have other cool webs.

Another one that I like is www.earthnc.com, really a cool product. I've tried it, it is great stuff at little (almost free) or no cost.

The last one, I've been really addicted to is www.virtualregatta.com. I would warn any one that goes here that it is addicting.

This one is sort of fun, Bowman's Union. http://www.bowmansunion.com/

MARTINDALE'S CALCULATORS ON-LINE CENTER
Really interesting website. Need some help, try here http://www.martindalecenter.com/CalculatorsD_Wea.html A great collection of WEATHER - METEOROLOGY - CLIMATOLOGY (Calculators, Applets, Spreadsheets,
and where Applicable includes: Courses, Manuals,
Handbooks, Simulations, Animations, Videos, etc.)


If you have a website you would like to share, drop us a note.

New Features

I've added a couple of new feature to the web that might be helpful.

New Item in the Links Menu to the Chicago Department of Transportation for the Spring 2009 bridge lift schedule. Some of our members and readers might find it helpful.

New Feature in the ChicagoPS web is this custom search engine. Find those hard to find boat parts and accessories easily with this custom search engine. Save time and money simply by entering your engine filter or your docking line here. What every you're looking for, find it here from some of the best marine sources on the web.

USPS Custom Boat Parts Search Engine

Sea Trials

"OUT OF THE BOX REVIEW...PMA 2009" by Wayne Toberman

March 3, 2009 Las Vegas Nevada: A Special “Out Of The Box” Camera and Photography Equipment Review from the floor of the Photo Marketing Association International Trade Show, Las Vegas Nevada, for the Chicago Power Squadron.

Today was opening day of PMA 2009, the largest yearly photo equipment trade show in the country, and I decided to start things off right with an information article specifically tailored to boaters for the CPS’s March 2009 issue of the Chicago Log.

For a show that’s always used to showcase the newest and the best from all the major camera manufacturers in the world, this year’s event came as a surprise with few if any new releases from the traditional pro lines.

Instead, they came from their “point and shoot’ subset arenas, in particular, the Waterproof or Water Resistant models.

After listening to a variety of reps, experts, and managers tout the wonders of their individual products (there was only one or two new models released per company), it became instantly obvious that the best models for sail and power boaters, occasional snorkelers, beach combers, and desert wayfarers weren’t always the expensive ones. (This fact, I discovered first hand, runs contrary to the best efforts of the sales force of the major retailers around Chicago to sell you closeout Weather and Water Proof items at vastly inflated prices).

Here are the latest and greatest choices that will be available within the next 60 days, just in time for the upcoming vacation and boating season. Disclaimer time: Actual controlled, side-by-side image comparison testing for this article was unavailable at the show, but given all the similar exposures I was able to make and view from each camera, more than enough data was available to make a series of end user recommendations.

Right off the bat, it’s almost impossible to find under one retailer’s roof in Chicago, one or more competing models of affordable, Water Proof/Resistant digital cameras. Accurate comparison information on competing lines is even scarcer. To save you the trouble of looking and asking, check out the following on the following Water Proof/Resistant models complete with prices to point you in the right direction for your own needs.

First off, Nikon doesn’t have one so don’t bother looking.

The newly released Canon model has yet to hit the streets, with definite shipping dates and pricing still up in the air (estimated at late Spring and about $399.95). Not a bargain given it’s a 10-mega pixel (MP) camera with few pluses due to a lack of information from its reps.

That leaves the rest of the pack to look at including Panasonic, Fuji, Kodak, Pentax, and Olympus.

Panasonic has the new 12 MP Lumix GS1 w/a leica lens. It’s Shock Proof (droppable) from five feet, Water Proof to only 10 feet, but offers HD 720P Video w/sound (“great to record underwater bubbles”), for $399.00. The most expensive of the bunch right now, for what you get.

Pentax offers two models to choose from. Right now, the 10 MP W60 that’s Water Proof to 13 feet, has a 5x optical zoom, no video capabilities, but expected to go on sale for $250.00 by June. The newest and soon to be released, 10 MP W80 is due out by May. Besides all the W60 capabilities, it will be shock proof from about five feet, dust proof, and temperature resistant to about –10C! Price is expected in the $299.00 range.

Kodak is a new arrival on the Weather (NOT WATER) Proof/Resistant scene with the ZX1 Video camera that looks like a Razor Cell Phone. Weather Resistant means that it will take splashes, work in snow while skiing the slopes, and in dusty and sandy conditions without problems. It offers Full 720P HD Video recording with times of up to10 hrs on a 33mb card as well as 3.1 MP VGA video and/or still photo capabilities! The images looked great, and Popular Mechanics lauded the newly released camera in a recent issue. At $149.95, providing it’s not dropped overboard, it’s a steal!

The Olympus models were by far the most impressive from a purely survival standpoint. The 10 MP Stylus 550 is Water Proof to 10 feet for up to one hour and sells for $199.00. The 12 MP Stylus Tough 8000 is Water Proof to 33 feet, shock proof from six feet and has a 6x optical zoom lens. Remarkably, all it’s internal components are sealed in protective gel within a stainless steel body enabling it to take incredible amount of physical punishment including being frozen in a block of ice, all for $399.00. In between, there’s the 10 MP Stylus Tough 6000 that’s similar in build to the 8000, except it’s Water Proof to only 10 feet, Shock Proof from five feet, and priced at $299.00.

The Fuji is the last conventional camera with the Fujifim Finepix Z33 WP. It’s the latest in the Fujifilm Go Anywhere Anytime camera line. The 10 MP Z33 is packed with an unbelievable number of functions and capabilities. It’s Water Proof to 10 feet, has a 3x optical zoom, a very bright 2.7 inch high resolution viewing screen, six different auto image scene recognition modes which automatically identifies and corrects for different shooting situations (backlit, portrait, night time, daytime, people and macro capabilities to 1”), one touch 60 second movie clip start/stop to 60 minutes w/sound and image stabilization, Blog mode w/12 editing functions for instant uploading to your web site, facial recognition for groups up to 12 people, and red eye prevention all in the worlds smallest Water Proof camera! All for $199.95!

The most unusual model seen was made by Liquid Image. The company has two integrated masks and camera combination's, which they sell thru Dive Shops and the Internet. One version is the Snorkel Mask, that’s waterproof to 15 feet and sells for $99.00. It uses 2GB micro SD cards and produces 3000-5MP images or 72 minutes of VGA (video) images. The Scuba version is Water Proof to 115 feet and sells for $250. For those deep dives, there’s also an LED light set with strobe and continuous lighting capabilities that sells for $118.00.

Again, everyone’s camera requirements are as different as their own individual situations, needs, requirements, and expectations. To one extreme, there’s the nearly indestructible Olympus line. On the other falls an eclectic array of near-specialty cameras. In the middle, is the Fuji Z33, a very nicely equipped, quite affordable piece of photo equipment. The common thread tying them all together is that their images are very similar, leaving their capabilities and your needs to make the final call.

The one final word I have for you is caution. Underwater housings are available for your regular point and shoots. The hard case versions are cumbersome and easily start at $100.00 with plastic bag versions at $50 and above. I’ve had a $70.00 “baggie” model flood after three swims ruining my Fuji. Most consumer grade housings are limiting, bulky, leak easily, and were few and far between at the show, proving they’re on the way out for a reason.

Wayne Toberman, for Out of the Box Reviews. 2009

Notes from the Commander

For the second issue in a row, it is my unfortunate duty as Commander to bid farewell to another squadron member, this time, David Shupert.

David passed away early in January from complications resulting from multiple operations. He is survived by his partner of many years, Cathy Lash and a daughter from a previous marriage. A memorial ceremony will be scheduled for a date, time, and location yet to be determined later on toward summer.

David was a loyal friend to the Squadron and will be missed.

At this minute, I’m writing this column from just outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Why do I bring that up, you might ask? Well, I’d like to take a minute to segue from loss to a reaffirmation and a little thankfulness of what we all have available to us back home. I’d like to recount a conversation I had last night with some of the staff of the Lake Meade Marina, while at their restaurant right on, and over, the Lake.

As a tourist and boater, and to the backdrop of the following, I have to say that I was particularly impressed by their massive covered docks and boating support facility, complete with: affordable boat rentals, a mini boardwalk and intersecting dock layout and 1,000s of 10 pound and above Catfish and Carp swarming madly around the supports. Of course, the frenzy was helped out a bit, to the delights of the children and parents alike who encouraged the commotion with handfuls of popcorn, chips, bread or whatever was available. All the while, lit by an awe inspiring sunset, illuminating absolutely clear water and the surrounding rock formations, in and out of the water. A great way to finish off a perfect day, and I told them so.

They asked me where I was from, and if I was a boater. I told them Chicago and yes, and that I am also a member of the Chicago Power Squadron. As soon as I finished my words, they looked at each other, and with broad expressive smiles on their faces, immediately began to recount their boating experiences on the Great Lakes. Most of all, though, they talked of the fantastic times they had on Lake Michigan, out of Chicago, and just how fortunate I was to have the boating opportunities of a lifetime right on my doorstep! If they only had that kind of boating in Vegas!

I answered their polite comments with a few extra compliments directed toward their own operation and it’s opportunities, but was cut short by their own explanations of just what the future held in store for them and their Family’s business. They were more than staff, it seemed. The Lake, they explained had receded over 110 feet from the shoreline since last year alone! The reason they were floating over the water, as opposed to by the water, was that they have to move their enormous floating marina, restaurant and tourist attraction further and further into the Lake each time the level drops! The lightened water lines on the surrounding rock faces on shore, and on the many now emerging islands which looked like pylons belonging more to an obstacle course than a lake, were graphic examples of the recent climatic changes, that if not checked in the near term, could spell disaster for them, their business and the region as well. That was also the source of envy, which they showed when discussing their memories. The memories of young men in their late 20s!

In an attempt to be somewhat seasonally sensitive, I have to remind everyone that it’s almost, but not quite, our own boating season. In about 30 days or less, about half past this edition of the Chicago Log, we will all be preparing to pull the covers off our boats and jump right into the yearly ritual of the Annual Refit! Before we do that, though, we need to remember the basics and always, Safety First. Whether working with a forgotten battery that may have frozen over the intense Winter, or while scraping and painting that flaking hull, remember the masks, the gloves and as required, the suits and tools to do the job right. With over two months to get all the jobs done, it’s better to take our time, and do the job right the first time.

On the announcement side, I’d like to put the spotlight on our Editor, Janice North, who has been the brains, and brawn behind the Chicago Log for many years. It has just come to our attention that the Chi Log has been voted the number one newsletter by National, from a field of hundreds, from throughout the entire USPS! We always knew our Chi Log, and Jan were the best. Now everyone else does too! A job well done, Jan…Thank You!

As has been said by countless others and now plagiarized by me, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Wayne

FEMA's Citizen Corps Partners With United States Power Squadrons

From: FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 4:10 PM

Subject: Citizen Corps News: FEMA's Citizen Corps Partners With United States Power Squadrons

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced a newly-formed affiliation with the United States Power Squadrons (U.S. Power Squadrons) in support of Citizen Corps, FEMA’s grassroots effort to strengthen community preparedness through civic participation. The partnership between Citizen Corps and U.S. Power Squadrons is a natural fit as the U.S. Power Squadrons play an increasingly critical role in maritime safety and security via America’s Waterway Watch and Waterway Awareness Programs. The U.S. Power Squadrons is the twenty-seventh Citizen Corps Affiliate and is America's largest non-profit boating organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable through public education in seamanship, navigation and related marine safety topics. Nationwide, there are 45,000 members organized into 450 squadrons. Please visit the following website to read the full press release on this announcement: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=47622. To learn more about the U.S. Power Squadrons, please visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/programs/usps.shtm.

Sincerely,

The National Office of Citizen Corps

FEMA Community Preparedness Division

ChicagoLog Announcement

Just a quick heads up, the AWARD WINNING ChicagoLog is in the mail. Keep an eye out for your copy in the mail. If you don't get yours, let Jan North or I know and we'll get on out. Or you can stop back here on Wednesday and grab your digital version here.


Quick Notes- AP Classes start this weekend at the Southern Shores Yacht Club, call Dick Spurr for more info.

Long time Member and Shipmate David Shupert remembered

Long term Chicago Power Squadron Member and Shipmate David Shupert succumbed to multiple illnesses and passed away yesterday, 7 February 2009, at 1447 hours. Cards or letters of condolence and support should be sent to: Cathy Lash, 5832 W. Giddings Street, Chicago, IL 60630. Cathy can also be reached at: eyelash@ameritech.net. A memorial service is being planned for late Spring or early Summer. Additional information is not available at this time.

Cmdr. Wayne Toberman

Water Levels on Lake Michigan.

Report from the
Environmental & Waterways Committee Chair,

P/C Dennis Stein, P

One of my major concerns these last few years has been the water level on Lake Michigan. From what I have been able to learn, the levels on all the great lakes are cyclical and we appear to have hit our lows for this cycle and are now back on our path to higher water. There are some very nice charts on the www.noaa.gov web site if you search out great lakes water levels and you can select different criteria to build the chart that gives you the data you might like to see best. Searched from 2000 til present: we saw that in 2000 the high was about 578 feet above sea level.

Towards 2001 the levels dropped to 576.75 ft. Most of 2001 was around 577 ft, In 2006 we had slipped down to 575.8 ft. but the recent readings are showing that we are around the 578.5 ft. level. The latest forcast I've seen is looking for a rise this year (from the snow melt) of between 4 and 9 inches; so I'm pretty happy that we shouldn't have any problems launching, retrieving and docking this year. At the time of this writing, we are right about 577.5 ft. I plan on keeping an eye on levels so I'll keep you posted.

I have been hearing that people on the Fox Lake chain and river system are finding that zebra mussels have been having a population explosion. A friend reports that rocks near his dock are just covered with them. Time will tell what effect they have on the chain, but initially, I look for this to be a good thing for the water clarity. The clarity lets plants grow deeper and populations of fish and other critters hide in the plants. Again, I remind some of our older members who might, as I do, remember not being able to see an inch in front of your face in lake Michigan. Now, I routinely look down and see rock formations in 30 and 40 ft. of water. I plan on the next report having a look at both the mussels and the Asian Carp invaders in both the Fox River system and Lake Michigan.

Note: We always want to hear from you, USPS members, please take a moment to comment.

Trident Extra

D/20 Editors,

Attached is the current Trident Extra for insertion in your newsletter. If you are unable to insert in your publication please send it
to your members via Email.

The Squadron Commanders asked the District to provide timely information about District activities. This edition is about the Spring Conference with bio of the Chief Commander's Rep, V/C Frank Dvorak, SN, the National Executive Officer.

Thank you for your support,

Bill Witty
Trident Editor