Had exceptionally fine reception of African stations on 49m and 60m
here in California, US on the morning of January 6, 2005.

Notably, Accra, Ghana on 4915 at about 0630z was extremely strong
(s9+20) and easily heard in English, with the OM listing lottery
numbers, IDs at 0631 and nifty music. Best reception in recent memory.

Also, R. Burkina on 5030 at 0640z easily overpowered University
Network, with strong S9 and clear signal in FF, interview with many
mentions of Ouagadougou and discussion of radio presentations. Never
heard this well before. This station lists as 50kW, but did they get a
new transmitter or antenna? This signal just kept getting better past
0700, with tres cool African music.

Other Africans on 4777, 5995 and 7125 also had good signals, somewhat
better than commonly heard. Did not try R. Bangui, Central African
Republic on 31m but I'll bet pocket change that they were well heard
too.

An ocean away, Arnie Coro at RHC reports on January 5 that R. Rebelde,
Cuba, has a new 50kW transmitter on 5025 - how old? Their signal seems
newly potent...Arnie himself welcomes reception reports on R. Rebelde
for QSLs. Sure would like to hear R. Quillabamba again though...
Bruce Jensen