Meeting Notes and Club News

Wednesday, July 18, 2001 Volume 61, Issue 2

Written and Reported by Buck Catlin

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE CONSUMER TV BUSINESS?

Phil Strauss, President of CHANNEL PLUS specializing in Multiplex Technology gives us the very latest on what is in the works for TV entertainment equipment and what you should or should not be doing. More about that in the Program Section.

Vern Andrews led us in the Pledge followed by the "Happiness Boys of Summer" (Griff, Ray, Jim, and Bob) in a song that reminded us of the beautiful weather we are having (What else? "America the Beautiful") which was key to everyone joining in on "Smile."
Jeff Hutchison's "Thought for the Day" reflected on parents "letting go" prompted by the departure of a daughter from home at 18 going off to college. Debbie and he --and God-- had directed their precious gift without an instruction book all these years, and it now was time. This was hard on both of them, as it is with all parents, but the future path of their child is in the hands of a higher power. Like clocks, the children must be allowed to run.

VISITOR: George Lowe, Rotary South, progenitor of Rotarian and Chamber CEO Chris Lowe

GUESTS:
Minard Duncan, former FSD Principal (Ladera Vista). Guest of Mike Oates.
Sylvia Martinez, Asst. Principal, FUSH. Guest of Greg Franklin

CAPTAIN'S MAST
(Captain/President Bill's Commendatory Mast):
Chris Hunt, Ray Hansen, Daniel Kang, awarded the Rotary Eagle for their efforts in Membership increase.

Rotarian of the Week:Ray Ashcroft, for his organization work at the 2001 Demotion Night.

Special Awards: Debi Koff, for a superbly delivered "Craft Talk" last week. Past President Wally Bartelt for steering the Club to a "DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S CITATION" EMBLEM to be emblazoned on our Club Banner.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE:

~Ron Cooper's resignation due to departure from the area. A fine Rotarian. Will be an asset to another Rotary Club.

~Several letters of appreciation from activities which have been the recipients of our 2001 Community Investment Awards, viz., FUSH Grad Nite, FUHS Arts Program,

~Wednesday, August 22nd - We're dark for Rotary Picnic.

~FUHS Live Stock Auction at Costa Mesa Fairgrounds. See Greg Franklin.

RECOGNITION, Dr. Blackburn, presiding

The Bob Clarks, Sr. and Jr. Fined for wife and mother Marilyn's apparent surprise at Demotion night when all the Rotarians to her seemed to be Jews. Bob had failed to educate her that the club was ecumenical.

July Birthday Derby:
Scott Dowds -- 47 Nate Kvetny -- 56
Don Ludwig -- 68 Buck Catlin -- 83

Blackburn's Business Bulletin Board: Wal-Mart’s entry into the Wine market sparked a public commentary on appropriate names for its fine products. Example of titles for consideration: Chef Boyardeau, Nascarbourret, Naste Spumonti, White Trashwedel, Wheel Reisling

RAFFLE WINNER:
Bill Hite (#6658). He knew that General Santa Ana led the Mexican Army to take the Alamo. $50.

PROGRAM:

Phil Strauss, whose company is in the fore front of digital communications, gave us a picture of what is in the offing for television entertainment. Biggest news to most of us TV illiterates (Technically, that is. No opinion on program content!) is that by 2006 conventional scan TV (called STV) which most of us grew up on will be obsolete and not on the air. Channels 2,4,5,7,9,11,13 will be sent in a digital mode, and you will need DTV or HDTV equipment or accessories. Conventional antennas (rabbit ears, YAGI arrays) will give way entirely to cable, fiber optics or satellite feed. So what are the problems the viewer faces? What should we buy? When? What size? Integrated or modular components? gave a very lucid explanation of analog versus digital technology in data transmission and how television systems evolved over the last half century. It boils down to sending increasing numbers of dots ("pixels") efficiently over FCC controlled radio frequency spectrum.

Audience questions: Should we buy now?Answer: Don't panic. When the time comes, buy an HDTV set and move the old clunker into the bedroom. Your wife won’t know the difference. The kids will. Why did the FCC do this? Answer: Technical need for "compression", to get more information at better quality out of the existing radio spectrum. Like the color TV fight of the 1950s, a similar but more complex problem to solve.

Next week: Larry Lambert, Supervisor of Regional Gang Unit

Wednesday, August 22nd - We're dark for Rotary Picnic.

Special Message:

The Board is very concerned about the low level of attendance of some of our members. The Board is looking at options to improve the attendance, including the use of a fine for non-attendance. It was suggested that we ask for input on this issue from the members, either by direct conversation, e-mail, or whatever.

To send your opinion via e-mail:
rotary@peloquinmd.com, secretary@fullertonrotary.org