Q: I have a Kaito KA1103 Shortwave radio and live in the Midwest. In addition to using the wire antenna that came with the radio is there anything I can do to improve reception? I typically use my radio on cloudy days and in the early evenings if possible but my job requires me to usually work 3pm to midnight so i miss a lot of the good stuff that comes on. I can get a few stations during the day (with/without clouds, mainly family radio, etc.) So, is there anything that can be done to...

A: You might want to try looking for an active antenna.

If you are handy, you could try building one as described here: http://www.dxer.ca/content/view/29/

Or just be lazy and try buying one like this:
http://www.kaitousa.com/KA31.htm