Hi,

Well, as usual, I have another question for the experts.

When the Tsunami hit last week, I grabbed my shortwave and tried to find
'live' info as fast as I could. Understanding that power might not be
available in the region, I just tried some of the larger outlets and didn't
hear anything I couldn't hear on CNN or CBC. In fact, even during the 'shock
and awe' campaign - I was not really hearing up-to-date info from a foreign
country. So, I gotta' ask:

What's the secret? I'm pretty new to shortwave and really might be expecting
too much, but I assume using SW for local / regional updates on serious news
is part of the fun. I understand the time differences and programing
schedules, but I've never heard "Up to the Minute" disasters, assasinations,
etc. I mean God forbid this stuff happens, in fact I hope there won't be
earthquakes or tornados - but they certainly do happen and I bought my radio
*exactly* to hear these broadcasts.

Would anyone please provide me with some instruction, a weblink or some
plain common sense in trying to listen to radio ' Live as it Happens'.

I constantly read posts on folks hearing the USS YorkTown on XXX USB, but
when I try to tune in, I've never heard the ship. (I *do* understand how to
enable these modes on my radio.) Do I need a mega antenna - I only use the
coil-out wire or whip. However, if I can receive Radio Japan clearly, surely
I should be able to hear anything inbetween that location. (T.X.Wattage /
time of year / weather all being equal - not that they are either.)

Can anyone help me advance to the next level of this hobby? Yes, VOA and
Radio Canada are great, but I know there's more and I wanna' hear it. And,
I'm willing to put the effort in - it's a great hobby.

I live on the east coast of Canada and use a Sony ICF GR7600GF with
syncro-lock when DX'ing.

Thanks, any help would be great.
Mike T.