Author name: The Ugly Quacking Duck

Season 5 Episode 146

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Two friends, a slightly chaotic studio, and a mission to “bring a little more light” somehow turns into one of the most wide ranging conversations the Ugly Quacking Duck Podcast has done in a while. We start with real life: allergies, open windows, pollen, mowing, and the kind of small interruptions that derail a weekly show. That simple catch up matters because it frames the theme running underneath everything else: daily life is already heavy, so we look for practical ways to stay grounded while we process big headlines. For listeners who like conversational podcasts that mix humor with honest worry, the tone lands somewhere between porch talk and a late night radio show.

From there, Bruce goes deep into ham radio, HF antennas, and the unglamorous truth of DIY builds. He walks through a vertical antenna rebuild using PVC, wire length, guying, wind load, SWR testing, and the frustration of noise that makes an otherwise “working” setup useless. The workaround is an off center fed dipole with a balun, hung between a tree and a tower, trading raw signal strength for a quieter noise floor. If you’re into amateur radio, HF propagation, grounding, coax water intrusion, or antenna experiments, this is a reminder that the best antenna is the one you can actually keep up and keep quiet.

The episode then pivots to audio gear, a classic Shure SM58, EQ decisions, gain staging, and a windscreen hack inspired by the SM7B sound. It’s a useful mini lesson in podcast audio engineering: reduce noise at the source, use the right distance to the mic, and make small changes you can repeat. Next comes the earthquake report, where weekly seismic activity totals are compared and a new baseline system is set so the trend makes more sense over time. Alongside the numbers is a clear preparedness message: keep a little water and food, stay aware without becoming a “doomsday” person, and lean on prayer or positive thinking if that’s your lane.

A weather segment checks multiple locations, then a LiveScience note about a potential “Super El Nino” steers the conversation into mindset and belief. After the break, “crazy news” arrives fast: a robot sworn in as a monk in South Korea, a Wall Street Journal piece on the universe expansion rate and the idea of an unknown force, research on infrasound and paranormal experiences, and frustration about NASA “dropping” 12,000 Artemis II photos that are hard to actually find. The final stretch turns toward UFO file releases and the growth of data centers, with concerns about AI infrastructure, digital control, and how quickly society normalizes massive changes. Even when the mood gets heavy, the takeaway is consistent: ask better questions, verify claims, prepare calmly, and stay connected to people who keep you thinking.

Until next time. May the Father’s love be with you. 73.

Season 5 Episode 145

The Ugly Quacking Duck Podcast runs on a simple idea: life is heavy, so we try to add light without pretending the hard stuff is not real. Bruce and Sunny kick things off with their usual teasing, then share a surprisingly useful podcasting tip from Buzzsprout. Buzzsprout’s voice memo feature makes it easy for listeners to send audio feedback, and Sunny’s call-in even got featured on the BuzzCast podcast, a show packed with practical podcasting advice. It turns into a bigger reminder about community building, listener engagement, and how small interactions like a voicemail can make a show feel alive.

From there, the conversation swerves into weird news and politics, reacting to an AP report about a federal agency approving a concept tied to President Donald Trump’s plan for a triumphal arch in Washington, DC. Bruce focuses on the symbolism and the pushback, including concerns about sight lines near historic landmarks and a lawsuit from veterans. The point is less about picking sides and more about how to stay sane when public debates feel endless. They argue for taking the world “with a grain of salt,” choosing humor when possible, and protecting your mood by not letting every headline soak in.

Next comes the seven-day earthquake report, a recurring segment that mixes numbers with empathy. Bruce runs through counts by magnitude, calls out a massive 7.4 in Japan, and talks about how easy it is to miss major seismic activity when the news cycle is overloaded. He also raises a modern worry: AI-generated fake news and manipulated images make it harder to know what to trust, so sticking to reputable sources matters. Even while sharing statistics, the tone stays human, encouraging prayer or positive thoughts for people dealing with disaster, loss, and rebuilding.

The episode then pivots to money and everyday economics with the penny and the possibility that the nickel could be next. They talk about businesses refusing pennies, cash transactions rounding up, and the strange feeling that small policy changes quietly shift costs onto consumers. A USA Today breakdown highlights the real issue: coin minting costs, where producing a nickel can cost far more than five cents, turning pocket change into taxpayer loss. From there they jump to fun science and space with Mars Curiosity rover photos of rocks that look like dragon scales, poking at skepticism about space exploration while still appreciating how cool the images are. They close with jokes, severe weather and tornado talk, quick local and global weather checks, and a final push toward kindness, positive words, and staying connected.

Until next time. May the Father’s love go with you. 73.

Season 5 Episode 144

The Ugly Quacking Duck crew keeps it light while talking about heavy things, starting with a simple question: are we in for a wild ride? That question quickly turns into a practical weather and climate check-in from Southern Illinois, where spring swings between rain, humidity, and sudden temperature shifts. From there, we zoom out to the bigger climate story making headlines: NOAA scientists say the La Nina pattern has officially ended, and the next phase could be El Nino later this year. Listeners get a plain-language explanation of what El Nino means and why it matters, including the possibility of unusually strong warming in the Pacific Ocean and what that can do to global weather. The takeaway is not panic, but awareness: seasonal forecasts can shape expectations for heat, storm tracks, and hurricane season in both the Atlantic and Pacific, yet real life still requires a wait-and-see mindset.

Next, we make the global feel local with a “weather around the world” roundup that’s both fun and informative. We compare current conditions in Mount Vernon, Illinois, Phoenix, Arizona, Spokane, Washington, and Australia, looking at temperature, wind, humidity, pressure trends, and air quality. The surprise stop is Beijing, China, where the numbers stand out sharply: unhealthy air quality, light mist, low visibility, and very high humidity. That contrast becomes a reminder that “weather” is not just temperature, and that air quality and visibility can be just as disruptive as storms. For listeners who like quick, repeatable snapshots, this segment models what to track daily: humidity for comfort, wind for changing systems, barometric pressure for shifts, and air quality for health.

From weather, we pivot into a concise seven-day earthquake report that adds context without sensationalism. We share totals across magnitudes, note the number of 2.5+ and 4.5+ quakes, and call out the single 6.0 event that occurred offshore, which reduces the risk of direct damage. A 5.7 near Silver Springs, Nevada gets special mention as a reminder that “not quite 6.0” can still be serious. The broader message is preparedness without fear: even in a “lower” week, hundreds of moderate earthquakes can still cause injuries or property loss, and a quiet stretch can make people wonder whether stress is building for a bigger event. It’s a grounded check-in for anyone who follows seismic activity, natural disasters, and global risk.

Then the conversation shifts to everyday tech and hobby life: Bruce updates listeners on a battery box setup powering a Yaesu radio, wiring choices, and why a simple switchable plug matters for preventing overnight discharge. He explains trickle charging with a small solar panel, monitoring voltage drop during use, and keeping a larger panel ready for emergencies. The episode also drops a quick hit of space weather news: a coronal hole facing Earth may drive high-speed solar wind and potential G2 geomagnetic storms, lining up with dark new-moon skies for aurora photography. A shared photo featuring Starlink satellites adds a note of wonder and a question about scale, satellites, and how much is too much. The closing news topic is a Supreme Court ruling that rejects holding internet service providers liable for users’ piracy, arguing accountability should focus on the people who commit the act, not the “tool” provider. We wrap with thanks, support options, and fan mail instructions.

Until next time 73. May the Father’s love go with you.

Season 5 Episode 143

The Ugly Quacking Duck Podcast leans into a simple promise: give you a lighter, more curious lens on the everyday grind without pretending life is not heavy. After a quick catch-up on Easter weekend and the value of small rests, we talk about a practical gear upgrade that fits our DIY streak: a LiFePO4 battery for a ham radio setup. The goal is cleaner power, less electrical noise, and more independence from the wall outlet, especially for long monitoring sessions and shorter bursts of transmitting. If you are into amateur radio, off-grid power, or emergency prep, this kind of battery conversation is not just nerd talk, it is about reliability and control of your signal chain.

A big listener-focused change comes from our hosting platform, Buzzsprout. The fan mail link now offers two options: send a text message or leave a voicemail recording. That matters because audio feedback is faster, more personal, and easier for most people on a phone. We walk through how it works: authorize the microphone, record, play it back, and send it through Buzzsprout’s system. This opens the door for real listener questions, quick reactions, and even future segments where we can respond directly. For podcasters, it is a reminder that community tools are part of the show, and for listeners it is a low-friction way to be heard.

From there we pivot into space news and the Artemis II mission, including the culture war that always forms around NASA live feeds, moon missions, and online conspiracy claims. We play skeptical commentary that is not simply “it is fake,” but “why does it feel staged,” especially when the public mostly sees still photos instead of continuous video. The request is straightforward: show movement, show weather patterns, show Earth rotating, show something that looks like real-time observation. We also discuss how deepfakes and AI manipulation make it harder to know what is authentic, and how even “leaks” can be manufactured to trigger outrage or doubt. The bigger question is not only what NASA is doing, but what evidence people will accept anymore.

We keep the space thread going with additional headlines: research that brings fusion propulsion a step closer, plus new counts for moons around Saturn and Jupiter. Fusion powered rockets, if they ever become practical, could reshape deep space travel with faster transit times, but they also raise new safety and governance questions. Meanwhile, the expanding moon totals are a reminder that the solar system is still being mapped in real time. We round things out with our familiar weather check and a seven-day earthquake report, stressing that these are snapshots for entertainment and perspective. The through-line stays the same: step back from nonstop doom, stay curious, and find a little joy while paying attention.\

Until next time May the Father’s love go with you. 73.

Season 5 Episode 142

The Ugly Quacking Duck Podcast Episode 142 opens with our usual mix of jokes and straight talk, then quickly turns practical with a real-time weather report. We share local conditions in Mount Vernon, Illinois and flag a serious Midwest severe weather risk with thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hail potential. That leads into simple tornado safety reminders like keeping a weather radio close and paying attention to trusted updates. We also compare how spring feels different across regions by calling out wind, humidity, air quality, and barometric pressure, which helps listeners connect everyday comfort to measurable conditions.

From there we widen the lens with quick check-ins from Spokane, Washington, Australia Plains in South Australia, and Phoenix, Arizona. The contrast is the point: Phoenix shows ultra-low humidity, while Southern Illinois deals with pollen, allergens, and sinus trouble. That comparison turns into a personal story about travel and how a change in terrain and air can make breathing feel completely different. It’s a reminder that “weather” is not just a forecast, it’s health, energy, and mood. For listeners searching seasonal allergy tips, humidity levels, and air quality awareness, this segment frames why those numbers matter.

Then the conversation shifts into technology with a surprising story: a humanoid robot playing tennis. We react to a simulation where a robot returns tennis shots with 96% accuracy, and we focus on what makes it possible, fast decision-making algorithms that adjust in fractions of a second. It’s exciting, but also unsettling, because it hints at how quickly robotics and AI can move from lab demos to real-world capability. We also pull back the curtain on our own production by switching microphones mid-recording and explaining the difference between dynamic mics and condenser mics, background noise, and why a non-soundproof room changes everything.

The biggest theme lands when we talk about rising electricity bills, smart meters, and trust. We discuss complaints about higher power costs, the fear that smart meters can be misread or recalibrated, and how hard it is for regular people to independently verify electrical measurement the way gas pumps get inspected. Whether or not every claim is true, the underlying anxiety is real: billing feels less transparent, and customers feel like they have no leverage. This sets up the larger question people are already googling: are data centers and AI driving up electricity demand and utility rates?

Finally, we connect that worry to the rapid buildout of data centers for AI workloads and storage. We reference the JLL Global Data Center Outlook and highlight massive projected capacity growth, grid constraints, and the staggering investment figures tied to hyperscalers and infrastructure. We also mention hidden costs, water for cooling, land use, and the long-term “pay to play” possibility as AI services mature. The episode closes with a seven-day earthquake report including several 6.0+ events in places like Tonga, Samoa, and Japan, plus a heartfelt signoff and prayer for people facing storms and seismic risk.

Until next time. 73. May the Father’s love go with you.

Season 5 Episode 141

The Ugly Quacking Duck Podcast stays rooted in everyday life, so we open with the kind of behind-the-scenes honesty listeners appreciate: what the show is, why we do it, and how we keep it light when life already feels heavy. We also talk plainly about AI in podcasting and content creation, because people wonder what is real and what is automated. We use AI tools for a podcast transcript and occasional voice intro help, but we draw a line at letting software “replace” the human voice, the banter, or the point of view that makes a small independent podcast feel personal and local.

From there, we pivot into a practical weather report with a global lens. We highlight Hawaii flooding and why unusual wind patterns and repeated rain can turn into a serious safety issue fast, even in places used to storms. Then we compare conditions in Southern Illinois, Spokane, Phoenix, and Australia, touching on temperature swings, humidity, air quality, and barometric pressure. It’s a reminder that “the weather” is not just a number on an app; where sensors sit, how cities trap heat, and how allergies flare all shape what your body feels in real time.

The conversation then widens into a cultural observation that connects to rural living, retirement migration, and the changing pace of small towns. We talk about how people move to quiet areas for affordability and calm, then unintentionally bring the same 24-hour, high-speed expectations they wanted to escape. That shift can bring conveniences like longer store hours, but it can also erase what locals valued: slower Sundays, less congestion, and a different rhythm of community life. The takeaway is simple and a little uncomfortable: if we reshape a place to match our old life, we should not be shocked when the original charm disappears.

Next comes the earthquake report, including corrections and the weekly numbers that help listeners track risk without panic. We review total earthquake counts across magnitudes, call out multiple 6.0+ events in places like Chile, Tonga, and Somalia, and explain why clusters can get attention even when prediction is not possible. The theme is preparedness without fear: keep supplies, think about power, fuel, food, and disruptions that can reach far beyond an epicenter. We also emphasize prayer and perspective, because information should help people stay steady, not spiral.

We close with two lighter but still thoughtful threads: a debate about a headline claiming Earth’s rotation is slowing and days are lengthening at an “unprecedented” rate, and a fun news item about USPS lowrider stamps. The science talk turns into a useful media lesson: milliseconds per century may be technically true yet emotionally framed to feel urgent, so it’s worth reading carefully and questioning the narrative. Then the lowrider stamp release brings some joy, highlighting classic custom car culture and design details that celebrate art, history, and craft. We wrap with a simple invitation to visit our site, stay connected. 73. Until next time. May the Father’s love go with you.

Season 5 Episode 140

The Ugly Quacking Duck crew opens with the kind of lived-in, Southern Illinois warmth that makes a conversation feel like a front-porch chat, then jumps quickly from rain-soaked weather to hands-on tinkering. Bruce walks through rebuilding a ham radio setup and reclaiming a garage studio, complete with computer memory glitches, SDR limitations, and the reality that every fix seems to trigger the next problem.

From there the conversation pivots to space news and a NASA update that still carries uncertainty. They react to reporting about the Artemis program and the timeline for an Artemis II style moon mission, including the risk language NASA uses and the ever-present possibility of another delay. The hosts balance excitement about a massive rocket and human spaceflight with skepticism that comes from watching launch schedules slip. If you follow NASA launches, moon missions, or space exploration news, the value here is the mindset: stay curious, track what the hardware and teams say, and remember that complicated systems rarely move on wishful dates.

The heart of the show lands on Friday the 13th superstition and why “unlucky” stories stick. Bruce connects the fear to Christian history around the Last Supper, Judas as the thirteenth guest, and the weight people attach to Fridays, then adds Norse mythology and the Knights Templar arrests to show how folklore grows around memorable events. But the most useful shift is the reframe: if you are alive to talk about a rough Friday the 13th, then the day also contains luck and survival. That perspective naturally leads into weather awareness and tornado safety reflection, with mention of deadly storms, tornado watches, and the need to stay alert, informed, and prayerful when severe weather hits.

The later stretch becomes a set of “life skills” reflections: a reader story about an imaginary snowball fight as a reminder to seek childlike joy, a health angle on why your sense of smell matters for safety and long-term brain health, and a relatable look at creative hangover, the emotional crash that can follow productive creative work. They close with value for value podcast support, then an earthquake report and space weather snapshot, including sunspots, solar wind, and the possibility of aurora borealis activity during a geomagnetic storm. The episode’s throughline is simple and surprisingly SEO-friendly: mix practical updates with meaning, keep your curiosity, and find small joys while you navigate storms, headlines, and your own projects.

Until next time. May the Father’s love go with you. 73.

We had a bit of snow flurries on November 10 2025 early in the morning. Nothing stuck. However it was beautiful for the moment. One of the better ways to get snow. I wanted to share the moment with you all. I recorded it out my studio window.

This poem was said to have many different variants giving different groups intention. When the author was asked he gave an answer that I copied and typed here. I really hope you enjoy the poem not for which group it mentions or which it leaves out but the fact that it shows how easy we ignore what is happening around us because we believe it does not concern us. We are our brother’s keeper!

In 1976, Niemöller gave the following answer in response to an interview question asking about the origins of the poem.^[1] The Martin-Niemöller-Stiftung (“Martin Niemöller Foundation”) considers this the “classical” version of the speech:

There were no minutes or copy of what I said, and it may be that I formulated it differently. But the idea was anyhow: The Communists, we still let that happen calmly; and the trade unions, we also let that happen; and we even let the Social Democrats happen. All of that was not our affair.^[8]

Taken with a phone. Not the best but still interesting. Try zooming in.

During the recent storm here, our cat crawled up in my lap and stretched out. Took on a praying stance. Had to share. 73. Oh yea the storm blew over. 03/30/25  #hope #theuglyquackingduck #southernillinois #episode #cat #prayer #thankful

Well as most of you know they (the Government) had TikTok shut down on 1/18/2025 Saturday evening about 9:15pm central time. A little over 12hrs later it was up and running again on Sunday 1/19/2025. It seems a bit different now and there are many discussions concerning how or what sacrifices TikTok had to make to get the servers back going. To quote an old phrase “the jury is still out on this one”. I will tell you that because of the fact Meta had a part in all this and most of our Congress invested in Meta, I am deactivating my Facebook and my Instagram accounts. I wonder how a company owned by international investors, run by a CEO from Singapore, had it’s servers here in the states was consider and described as Chinese. Very strange. I will say I enjoyed the app. I didn’t create much on there, however I enjoyed much of the peoples’ videos, their opinions even though I didn’t always agree. It worked very differently than all of the other social media apps. I hope they haven’t destroyed it with all this theater. Until next time, 73 and may the Father’s blessings go with you.

Click here to try it out. TikTok

Living in the Midwest, specifically southern Illinois we seldom get the opportunity to see the Aurora. However here of late it seems to be happening more often. Last night was one of those nights. We drove to the spot where there was less light pollution and we caught some wonderful views. My phone camera was easily blurred. However my wife and daughters phones did very well. I have included some of the pics from all the phones. We hope you enjoy. 73 and may the Father’s Grace go with you!