Part I
The bar to entry in Amateur Radio just dropped quite a bit lower yesterday. The FCC chose to remove the requirement that one pass a 5 word per minute test in Morse code before gaining any but the entry level license.
ARRLWeb: End of an Era: FCC to Drop Morse Testing for All Amateur License ClassIf the hobby has interested you, but you didn't care for what you saw as an antiquated form of communication acting as a bar to entry, let me know... I'll help you get up to speed on the rest.
Part II
I received a fantastic Christmas present this year from my in-laws... they must think I've been good!