Why is it so?

The late American professor Julius Sumner Miller had a reputation for his ability to popularise science and a hallmark catch-cry ‘why is it so?'

If he was a radio amateur today, the Professor may well make the following observations.

• At a recent Hamfest, a stack of old radio and electronics magazines were offered free on one table, and minutes later all appeared on another trader's table for sale at a price.
Why is it so?

• Newcomers to amateur radio are being taught to say ‘over’ after their callsign, which has not been the tradition nor practice in our hobby. We don’t hear about the Voice Repeater Guidelines these days either.
Why is it so?

• The Q-code, SWL, SWR and now WIA have been among the Victoria vehicle number plate prefixes issued over the past 12 months.
Why is it so?

• Last December the experts declared that solar cycle 24 had begun, but six months later they’re saying, oh no, no, not yet, it won’t start until March 2009.
Why is it so?

Jim Linton VK3PC

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

• Julius Sumner Miller videos on YouTube