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Alumni Sandstorm Archive ~ December, 2020
jump to list of Bomber Memorial JPEGS for this month
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Richland Bombers Calendar website
Funeral Notices website
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/01/20
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3 Bombers sent stuff:
Rex HUNT ('53)
Mike CLOWES ('54)
David DOUGLAS ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Shirley PITTMAN ('52)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Pat NORDMAN ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Homer BLACKBURN ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lynn JOHNSON ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Chris WILLIAMSON ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Steve PANTHER ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Randy MARSHALL ('73)
Richland Bombers on Facebook
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>>From: Rex HUNT ('53)
Re: anesthesia!
I had my tonsils out in 1939 at a small country hospital in
Backwoods Louisiana! (Pleasant Hills in 1939 was just a
small bump in the road. I have no idea what they used to put
me down, but it had zero effect on me when I woke up, hungry
enough to eat a horse, but they only had ponies. and ice
cream. I must have had a quart of ice cream with no ill
effect.
Dr. told my Grandmother that I had the stomach of a wolverine,
and could eat anything. Still true today.
But I am tired of turkey!
-Rex HUNT ('53wb) ~ in lovely downtown Hanford, CA where I
have been waiting since the 5th of November to get a
Pet Scan. I think the squirrel died so Hanford is
unable to do it. So I have to drive to Fresno to see
when I will have to restart Chemo. It could be worse
if I had to get my tonsils out here!
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>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54)
On the very first day of the last month Pat NORDMAN ('54) was
born. Let's all join in and wish her a "Happy Birthday!" And
hope that all is well with her and Pete (NAB).
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54) ~ Mount Angel, OR
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>>From: David DOUGLAS ('62)
To: Maren
Re: Kadlec cribs
Maren, I was in FOURTH GRADE and I was put in one of those
cribs. Of course, I was underweight for decades until I got
married. I weighed 108 pounds when I graduated from college.
Six months later I had to buy all new clothes. I don't weigh
myself now.
This being pre-TV, my dad brought a radio for me to listen to
in the hospital. My favorite program was Liberace on Sunday
evenings (I think). I remember one program especially where he
built a musical "train," adding one instrument at a time until
the whole orchestra was playing.
I almost starved to death my first year of life, because I
threw up everything I imbibed. My grandfather Douglas was a
country doctor, and he kept changing my diet, thinking I had
food allergies. I was almost a year old when he finally
referred me to a pediatrician, who immediately recognized the
condition. I had pyloric stenosis, where the pyloric valve
that meters food from the stomach into the small intestine
would spasm, forcing everything in my stomach out. The doctor
told my parents the condition was normally treated with
surgery, cutting one of the nerves to the muscle. However, he
said I was so weak I wouldn't survive the operation, and I
would either outgrow it or die. My younger brother had a
somewhat milder case of the same problem, but by that time it
was treated with tranquilizers until he outgrew it.
We had a normal Thanksgiving dinner with my daughter and her
family. No masks, no social distancing. Lots of turkey, ham,
dressing, etc.
-David DOUGLAS ('62) ~ Mesa, AZ where it's cool but
comfortable; I'm going to try to get a picture of the
full moon over the Superstition Mountains tomorrow night
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/02/20
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1 Bomber (ME! today:
Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Keith ARNDT ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Kent MADSEN ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Patti SNIDER ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Randy RICE ('73)
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>>From: Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64)
Re: 2021 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
http://www.iditarod.com/ - Official Iditarod Site
93 days till start of 2021 Iditarod: March 6, 2021.
57 teams have signed up for the 2021 Iditarod. Victoria
Hardwick was added on the last day for the least expensive
sign up fee. Victoria received the 2019 Red Lantern Award
(last one to finish).
2020 winner Thomas Waerner (from Norway) has withdrawn from
the 2021 race. We look forward to seeing him back in 2022 for
the Iditarod's 50th Anniversary.
Re: 2021 Teacher on the Trail (TOT), Jim Deprez
https://iditarod.com/edu/category/teacher-on-the-trail/
What an incredible teaching opportunity for teachers and their
lucky students.
TOT is an "Adventure Learning" project that provides
incredible opportunities for educators.
Teachers discover featured Insider Videos selected by the
Iditarod EDU team.
The "Teach and Learn" section of the TOT website has
categories: Math, Social Studies, Language Arts, Science,
Health & Fitness, Technology, The Arts, Character Education,
Tips & Tools, Library, Museum, and How To Race.
Bomber cheers,
-Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64) ~ Gretna, LA ~ 33° at 2am
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/03/20
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1 Bomber (ME) today:
Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ed TEMPLE ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Rick VINCENT ('71)
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>>From: Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64)
Re: 2021 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
http://www.iditarod.com/ - Official Iditarod Site
91 days till start of 2021 Iditarod: March 6, 2021.
57 teams have signed up for the 2021 Iditarod.
Re: Anchorage - 4th Avenue start
Each year in late February and early March Anchorage's 4th
Avenue transforms into an epicenter of sled dog racing. The
Iditarod and World Championship races thrill spectators from
around the world. Now, by mayoral proclamation 4th Avenue
from A to G Streets is officially the historic Mushing
District.
Located at the start line of the Iditarod and the World
Championship Sled Dog Races, the focal point of the Mushing
District will be a steel truss arch spanning across 4th
Avenue with the silhouette of a dog team and musher racing
across the arch.
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Xtra/Idit/201203_Anch-4thAve.jpg
The Mushing District plan includes informational/interpretive
signage and a walking museum describing the history of sled
dog use in Alaska. Featured stories include the history sled
dogs and their heroic run from Nenana to Nome to deliver
lifesaving serum to children in 1925. The evolution of the
modern racing sled dogs will be highlighted as well as their
care and training. The Mushing District will share the real
story of Alaska's state sport, "Sled Dog Racing".
Banners and plaques will be hung and mounted celebrating
famous sled dogs and mushers. Famous Iditarod Mushers and
sled dogs will be honored on the North side of the street and
famous World Championship winners will be honored on the
south side of the street.
A Mushing Hall of Fame will be housed in the Fur Rondy shop
on 4th Ave. Commemorative bronze dog paw and Husky
Silhouettes are being sold to raise funds for the project.
They are engraved with the name of the donor or an honoree,
and they will be embedded in the sidewalks of the Mushing
District.
This visual and educational interpretive of Mushing will be a
major visitor attraction, economic stimulus for downtown and
an iconic destination for Anchorage. Both the Iditarod and
the Fur Rondy are committed to creating ongoing awareness the
greatest athlete on the planet, the Alaskan sled dog.
Bomber cheers,
-Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64) ~ Gretna, LA ~ 61° at 3:30am
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/04/20
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2 Bombers sent stuff:
Jim HAMILTON ('63)
Marie RUPPERT ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Linda DANIEL ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Michelle KAFENTZIS ('71).
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>>From: Jim HAMILTON ('63)
To all my Red Leg Artillery type brothers and sisters, Happy
Saint Barbara day.
Take it easy on the Artillery Punch and wait for Mr. Vice to
let you now that "Ladies and Gentlemen, The smoking lamp is
now lit".
-jimbeaux
-Jim HAMILTON ('63)
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>>From: Marie RUPPERT Hartman ('63)
Well, the Tri City Herald bill arrived in the mail and you
guessed it - the price has risen by over $100 for my yearly
subscription. I tried to call to cancel, but the number on my
bill is in Minnesota and the office was closed. I found the
local number and will give it a try. When you call the local
number you eventually get transferred to the Minnesota
office. Long story short -after threatening to cancel- my
subscription rate will be the same as last year (because I'm
a long standing customer). I don't know why one has to call
to receive a better rate. If I'm a good customer, it should
be a given!
The paper is only delivered 6 days a week (no Saturday paper)
and is available online (which I rarely read) and the
delivery person will only throw it at my driveway - no longer
place it on my porch. Some days I have to look all over the
area for it. The content is usually a day or two old, but it
does catch me up on the local school sports such as they are
now. I like a real paper to look through while I drink my
morning tea. I know, I'm in a minority and newspapers are
folding across the country, but as long as I can afford it I
will have a paper to peruse as I start my day! Reading the
online version isn't as satisfying as turning a paper page
and cutting out interesting stuff to share with others.
Now I need to get started with my Christmas agenda and it has
arrived way faster than I'm ready for.
-Marie RUPPERT Hartman ('63) ~ in cold and frosty Richland
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/05/20
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2 Bombers sent stuff:
Tim SMYTH ('62)
Vicki OWENS ('72)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: David DOUGLAS ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Janine RIGHTMIRE ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Donna THORSON ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeff FULCHER ('76)
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>>From: Tim SMYTH ('62)
To: Marie RUPPERT Hartman ('63)
Re: Your newspaper feelings
Exactly like we feel. Our home office in Kentucky. Have to
wiggle my way through push buttons and usually still can't
talk to anyone. To make matters worse it is gotten so
liberally biased that I can't stand it. We can read it in
ten minutes. Local and obituaries are the highlight. I did
get my carrier's phone and agreed to give a holiday tip for
porch delivery. What the hell has happened to Washington
state? Not the place I grew up.
-Tim SMYTH ('62) ~ Fort Edward, NY (upstate NY)
Sent from my iPhone
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>>From: Vicki OWENS ('72)
To: Marie RUPPERT Hartman ('63)
Reading Marie's experience with the Tri-City Herald reminded
me of a conversation I had an hour earlier with an older
Ugandan friend whom I've known for decades. We were talking
about how simple life is now. Other than buying a bit of
food, and topping up the tank on the car every two or three
weeks, expenses are pretty low. Perhaps that's the silver
lining to the dark COVID cloud? He mentioned that his grown
kids keep asking what they can bring him, and get exasperated
when he says there's nothing he needs. That took me back to
memories of my own parents when they were still with us.
Particularly around this time of the year I'd present them
with a lengthy wish list after perusing good ol' Sears and
Roebuck catalog, then ask them what they wanted for
Christmas. I just couldn't comprehend their usual answer,
"Oh, nothing. There's nothing I need." I mean, that's just
crazy! Particularly when you're in the first half of life and
focused on acquiring. Now that I'm firmly in the last half of
life, it makes perfect sense. Yes, I've become my parents
even in this.
So I appreciate Marie's "splurge" on her morning newspaper.
It's a lovely accompaniment to the morning cuppa, which is
another of life's little pleasures. There comes a point that,
if something brings you joy and you can afford it, BUY IT!
Living on a Ugandan salary as I did for decades (by choice)
made me incredibly frugal. (Which is a nice word for
"cheap".) But right after our lockdown, I went out and bought
myself a treadmill. It was pricey, but after four months I
feel I've recouped my investment from my "morning sweat
machine". I'm feeling better and sleeping better, and that's
certainly worth something!
Whether a spender or a saver, let's each do something today
that brings us joy.
-Vicki OWENS ('72) ~ Kampala, Uganda where it's cold and
rainy and may only get to 73° today rather than the
usual 80°. And yes, I'm bragging! It's now 31 years
since I experienced a real winter and, though I used
to be a downhill skier, I don't miss it at all.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/06/20
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3 Bombers sent stuff:
Mike CLOWES ('54)
Jim HAMILTON ('63)
Steve HUNTINGTON ('73)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Neil GOFF ('50)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Terry DeVINE ('52)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marsha LAWELL ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lamont DeJONG ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Linda McKNIGHT ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Joe ROWE ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dawn MASON ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marc DOUGLAS ('77)
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>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54)
Well, now, there are a couple of Bombers celebrating a
birthday today. I don't believe they were born in the same
year. Anyway, "Happy Birthday!- to Linda McKNIGHT ('65) and
Terry DeVINE ('52).
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54) ~ Mount Angel, OR
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>>From: Jim HAMILTON ('63)
It seems that every year when I pour my celebratory bump
on National Repeal Day, that I realize that the members of
the 6-7-8 Club are only a day way from the start of their
festivities. LaMont ('63) "The Santa in Sandals- will be
lighting a pant load of candles on the 6th. This year we'll
be missing Jim HOUSE ('63-RIP) on the 7th, and National
Cotton Candy Day just doesn't cut it, so let's keep
remembering Jim and how he always made us smile. The 8th
will find Anita CLEAVER Heiling ('63) doing her part to
keep the olive industry profitable, as she does every other
day of the year.
Let's hear it for the First Team.
-jimbeaux
-Jim HAMILTON ('63)
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>>From: Steve HUNTINGTON ('73)
Re: The newspaper wailings
Just another blog to add to the moans and bleats regarding
shrinking and disappearing newspapers published in print.
Like many of the other Sandstorm contributors on this
subject, I have loved getting a little newsprint ink on my
hands while reading a morning paper each day for many years.
Not much better in life than an early morning cup of Spudnut
Shop coffee and warm Spuddie with a Herald spread out on the
table.
An aside, most of you will remember that the Tri-Hard Herald
was an afternoon delivery for many years. The Oregonian and
Seattle P I were the local AM options. They were huge beasts
to deliver on Sundays, and the routes covered miles on your
Schwinn two speed kick back bike if you were not one of the
fortunate to have the Hearld delivery route for your
neighborhood block or two. Fast forward forty-five or fifty
years, and about a year ago, our Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
reduced its printed publications each week to Thursday,
Friday and Sunday. The rest of the week is published by
electronic distribution. I am not a fan of reading my news on
a cell phone or laptop but am trying to adapt. As Juli and I
fight the inevitable slow fade into the Allegheny sunset, so
also is the ritual of a daily paper with a cuppa joe heading
for the history books. We are thankful for the three days
each week our local rag is still delivered and planning to
have the NY Times or Washington Post dropped in the driveway
when those three days disappear. Hang in there Baby Boomer
Bombers.
-Steve HUNTINGTON ('73)
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/07/20 ~ PEARL HARBOR DAY
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3 Bombers sent stuff:
Pete BEAULIEU ('62)
Tim SMYTH ('62)
Anita FRAVALA ('73)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim HOFF ('57)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ed BORASKY ('59)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jerry SPEARS ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Karma KING ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Nancy HARVILLE ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mike DAVIS ('74)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mari SCHUCHART ('74)
12/07/2010 Entry from Patti JONES Ahrens ('60-RIP)
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Xtra/Jon/101207-XmasTips.htm
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>>From: Pete BEAULIEU ('62)
Re: Thinner/overpriced Newspapers
Been thinkin' 'bout recent comments on rising newspaper
prices and declining deliveries...
THOMAS JEFFERSON had a few things to say about the newspapers
of his day: "I deplore... the putrid state into which our
newspapers have passed and the malignity, the vulgarity, and
mendacious spirit of those who write for them... These
ordures [politely: garbage] are rapidly depraving the public
taste and lessening its relish for sound food."
ACTA, a higher-educational reform outfit, recently surveyed
college graduates (2015). The American Council of Trustees
and Alumni (goacta.org) found that 80% do not even know when
Abraham Lincoln lived; 72% do not know the meaning of
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, and 35% do not know with
accuracy when the Civil War took place. In a separate survey,
even given hints, a Harvard alum with a Master's Degree in
American Literature had no idea who Mark Twain was. Asked who
our nation's capital is named after, a high school graduate
finally admitted--without any sign of embarrassment--that he
did not know, "but I can look it up on Google!" ACTA would
like boards of trustees and alumni groups to reclaim
education away from the business-as-usual "administrative
class."
And WHERE does that "administrative class" come from? While
pondering a written page in a local computer/pastry shop in
a Soviet-of-Seattle suburb, I struck up a chat with a
professorial type working her way through a stack of student
papers...
"Yes," she said, "I TEACH English and writing to senior
business majors at Seattle University" (which since the
1970s, some say, exchanged its mission for a key to the
Chamber of Commerce washroom). She had asked her students,
"Why are you here; What is your goal in life?" All 24 in the
class chorused that they wanted to be a "CEO". Asked in what
fields of endeavor, not even one could identify a field, a
cause, a passion, a vocation, a purpose, anything. Instead,
"whatever," just a "CEO." Jefferson preferred books over
newspapers. Today the salary-aspiring/span-of-control
smartphone generation reads neither newspapers nor books.
Newspapers and bookstores, both, go out of business.
And, it's the layered CEO/administrative class that now runs
the student-loan banking industry (marketed by college and
university administrators), the medical industry (where
there are said to be 16 employees for every physician),
the syndicate/monopoly newspaper and media talking-head
industry, and much else large and small--including the
Administrative State itself, and its Department of Education
(education: now a gummint "department"!).
But, hey, at least the "purpose" of newspapers is still
relatively clear; it's to buy cellulose at 10 cents a pound
and sell it for a dollar a pound.
-Pete BEAULIEU ('62) ~ Shoreline, WA where, to support the
local economy, I still pay through the nose for the
daily "ordures" of the dumpster-filler Seattle Times.
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>>From: Tim SMYTH ('62)
Re: Columbia Basin News
The Columbia Basin News was the morning newspaper option. I
delivered it when I was in 6th 7th and 8th grades on Perkins,
Potter, Roberdeau, Thayer, McPherson, and many other streets.
About 5am getting dressed every morning the Marty Robbins
song "a White Sport Coat And A Pink Carnation" played at the
same time every day. I sang softly to it. It wasn't pretty.
The worst part was trying to collect. Trying to find people
home who would actually cough up their money. Collecting on
my bicycle was actually worse than getting up in the morning
every day. It was damn cold in the winter. We had a work
ethic back then. We weren't spoiled brats.
[Tim - I went with you on your paper route one
winter morning... ONCE! That was enough for me!
I remember being somewhere nearer Spalding...
like Cottonwood?? Your paper route is how we got
our dog, Lucky! She followed you home one day and
never left. We all BEGGED to keep her, so Mom
had her spayed. -Maren]
-Tim SMYTH ('62) ~ still cold in upstate NY
Sent from my iPhone
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>>From: Anita FRAVALA Griffin ('73)
Re: Newspaper Wailings
Apparently, I'm the only one who appreciates reading the
daily paper on my computer every morning. It looks exactly
like the real paper except it's on my computer. I can get it
anywhere, anytime. Where we live we don't have recycle
pickup available so we would have to save it up and drive
it someplace. The recycle drop off place is usually such
a disgusting disaster (i.e., the containers are usually
overflowing and people just leave their garbage - yes, I said
garbage - on the ground by the dumpsters) that we stopped
going there. Plus, with as much hand washing as we've been
doing because of Covid-19, I definitely don't need to add
newspaper ink to my hands.
As my daughter keeps telling me, but I beat her to it this
time, I got with the program and thoroughly enjoy it!
-Anita FRAVALA Griffin ('73)
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/08/20 ~ NATIONAL BROWNIE DAY
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1 Bomber sent stuff:
Ed WOOD ('62)
NATIONAL BROWNIE DAY
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bernie QUALHEIM ('56)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Anita CLEAVER ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Carol FORSYTHE ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: John WILSON ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Toni SHADE ('72)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bethany HAGAN ('00)
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>>From: Ed WOOD ('62)
Re: The state of journalism
Pete BEAULIEU's ('62) entry on 12/7/20 reminds us that as
bad as newspapers are today, we have a rich history of inept
"journalists". A benefit we have today is that we have a
wider source of news and need not rely upon self-appointed
"administrative class" hacks to digest the news and tell us
what we ought to think. Along with likely millions of others,
I have canceled newspaper subscriptions since I refuse to
financially support organizations that promote values I
believe are harmful to our society.
I hear the pleas from the Denver Post and others that, if we
don't support them, they won't be around. That day cannot
happen soon enough, in my view.
I sympathize with Pete's diatribe against the "layered
CEO/administrative class" that run industries affecting all
of us. But not all leaders and bureaucrats are useless. We
need to distinguish between those who add value and those who
subtract from the value of an organization's products.
There are even some good politicians. I know because I met
one once.
-Ed WOOD ('62)
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/09/20
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5 Bombers sent stuff:
Dolores MOODY ('60), Pete BEAULIEU ('62)
Tom HEMPHILL ('62), Jim ARMSTRONG ('63)
Dennis HAMMER ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ruth MILES ('59)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sandy FINNEY ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: John MARSHALL ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bill VOILAND ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Linda OTT ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Margi MAY ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lindsey TUCKER ('76)
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>>From: Dolores MOODY Stewart ('60)
Re: Newspapers
In response to Ed WOOD ('62), I have for most of my adult
lifetime had my morning coffee and read the newspaper. How
can you go without the comics and the political cartoonists?
2020 has been quite grim but starting my day with a laugh
helps a lot.
-Dolores MOODY Stewart ('60) ~ Kirkland, WA
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>>From: Pete BEAULIEU ('62)
To: Ed WOOD ('62)
Well, Ed, there you go again...
Back in '61-'62 Ed and I were planted in the last seats back,
in the window row and the next-row-inboard, in Mrs. Macy's
first-period Senior English Class. On every fresh Monday
morning, a few minutes before the opening bell, Ed and I
would meet and inquire of each other whether either of us had
finally "achieved perfection over the weekend... "
After a pensive silence, the humbled, duet response was
always the same: "not yet, but I came very close this time!"
So, after many decades of relentless striving, and now on the
pages of Sandstorm, we find Ed finally overreaching with his
announcement that "there are even some good politicians. I
know because I met one once."
Not yet, Ed, I've never even held public office.
-Pete BEAULIEU ('62) ~ Shoreline, WA trying mightily to see
this page not harnessed to Maren's Iditarod lineup as
the only scenery forward.
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>>From: Tom HEMPHILL ('62)
Re: Newspapers
The state of journalism
Responding to Pete BEAULIEU ('62) and Ed WOOD ('62) and
others who have commented on the dishonest news media. I
agree that much of the news is trash. Journalists seem to be
focused more on getting you emotional about a subject rather
than just telling you the truth - "Just the facts."
Mark Twain stated - "If you don't read the news, you'll be
uninformed, but if you do read the news you'll be
misinformed."
Newspapers still make good "fish wrappers."
-Tom HEMPHILL ('62)
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>>From: Jim "Pitts" ARMSTRONG ('63)
Re: Merry Xmas!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWcFiGKm-JU
Elvis Presley - Here Comes Santa Claus
-Jim "Pitts" ARMSTRONG ('63)
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>>From: Dennis HAMMER ('64)
To: Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64)
Re: Ether
Back in the day I think starting fluid was pure ether, but
maybe it had a small amount of additives to it. Very volatile
stuff, in a closed space it is heaver than air, can collect
near the floor, and doesn't even need an open flame to ignite
it; a hot steam pipe or a heater can do it. Saw a re-run of
M*A*S*H a month or so ago where they ran out of sodium
pentothal and had to turn off the heaters. But then the
writers never specified what kind of heaters they had in the
OR. In college days I only bought one can of starter fluid. I
couldn't see any advantage to using it, but then I have never
lived in Alaska. I don't know if they still make it and I
don't know how you could use it on today's cars anyway. Used
to you just opened the hood, spun off the wing nut to take
off the cover of the air cleaner and spray it down the
carburetor. Today's cars that would be a major operation just
getting to the air filter so you could spray it through the
throttle body. Also you have the mass airflow sensor and the
throttle body there which you are not supposed to even touch
and only use mass airflow sensor cleaner on it or throttle
body cleaner on that. You would be spraying ether of both.
To: Pete BEAULIEU ('62)
Re: College graduates knowledge level
Remember Jeff Foxworthy used to have a TV program "Are You
Smarter than a 5th Grader?" Thanks for making me feel smarter
than the average college graduate. I knew the answers to all
those questions and not only did I know who the US capital
was named after, I know who Washington State was named after.
I also know who is buried in Grant's Tomb. (President and Mrs
Grant, nee, Dent; Julia I think.) Didn't even need to use
Google!!! In the HS American History book I remember they had
little tidbits of history to the side of the pages and one of
was that Grant was near broke and near death. He kept working
on his "Personal Memoirs" and finished his book just before
he died so it would make money for his family. Only later did
I learn he was helped in this effort by Mark Twain and the
book earned $450,000, which was a good chunk of change in
1885 or so. Just found out yesterday I have a copy of that
book. I opened a box of books which from the tags show I had
bought them at the library book sale, so I am leaving that
one out to read.
Re: Raccoon Whisperer
For about three weeks now I have been watching videos on
youtube posted by the "Raccoon Whisperer, a retired Mountie
living in Nova Scotia who feeds the raccoons on his deck. His
wife died 20 years ago and asked him to take care of the cats
and feed the raccoon that came to the house. Over the years
the cats died off and more raccoons came calling. I don't
know how long he has been posting videos, but he said he
never made any money doing it until the pandemic hit. He had
one posted Nov 3rd where he was mobbed by 25 raccoons and it
went viral, last time I checked it had been watched over 12
million times. He also talks about things going on in his
life and shows some of the things people send him, usually
things they either buy or make that are raccoon themed. He
calls the trolls "fleas" and was reading once while in his
basement streaming someone said they ware going to call PETA.
He said "I have a certificate from PETA, go ahead and call
them." There was someone from either Australia or New Zealand
who ordered "raccoon food" online from his local Walmart and
they called him to pick it up. He has asked that people stop
doing that for now because it is getting colder and the
raccoons are going to stop coming for the winter, already
fewer of them showing up and he would just have to donate it
to the food bank. Lately he has been videoing and posting
every night and what with the time difference usually is
posted about 5pm on the West Coast. My daughter wonders why
I like it so much; I find it more relaxing and interesting
than watching re-runs of M*A*S*H.
e was recently on TV in Canada and I saw it just a day or
two after it was broadcast:
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1822037059877
Here is his youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/user/vjamb/videos
-Dennis HAMMER ('64)
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/10/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5 Bombers today:
Mike CLOWES ('54), Dale ENNOR ('59)
Jim HAMILTON ('63), Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64)
Terry DAVIS ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Cathy WOOD ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Doug LUKENS ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Larry WERSEN ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeff MICHAEL ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Loretta JENSEN ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Angie GUNTER ('66_)
BOMBER TWIN BIRTHDAY today: Linda McCLELLAND ('66) (10th)
BOMBER TWIN BIRTHDAY tomorrow: Richard McCLELLAND ('66)(11th)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Peter BRADWAY ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mary VALLELY ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mark BOLME ('71)
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>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54)
Someone wrote in yesterday's AS about using newspapers to
wrap fish. Given the content of the local paper(s) around
here the paper is not good for wrapping fish nor lining
birdcages. I will say nothing of the writing and reportage.
And a reminder that Chanukah begins at sunset; enjoy the
lights.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54) ~ Mount Angel, OR
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>>From: Dale ENNOR ('59)
Re: Ed WOOD ('62)
Your "one good politician" comment reminded me of a cartoon
I once saw where a guy was reading a headstone in a cemetery
which read: "here lies a politician and an honest man." He
called to his companion and said: "Hey, look here. They must
have put two people in the same grave."
-Dale ENNOR ('59)
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>>From: Jim HAMILTON ('63)
Re: http://alumnisandstorm.com/Xtra/Ham/201210_Ski_Bus.jpg
If this doesn't bring back memories of fermented pea vine
silage, I guess you need to spend a Saturday morning in
Milton Freewater.
What happened on the ski bus, stays on ski bus.
-jimbeaux
-Jim HAMILTON ('63)
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>>From: Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64)
Re: South Carolina cell number (803) 269-7289
OK, SOMEbody sent an UNSIGNED email from their cell phone
and I have NO IDEA who sent it.
-Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64) ~ Gretna, LA ~ 57°F at 1:30am
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>>From: Terry DAVIS Knox ('65)
Re: High Country Marriage Proposal
Watch "High Country Marriage Proposal" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/NLOo27vcrpI
Hiya!
So this is the new normal. This is how the
70-something-year-old Richland Players propose to
stay alive. Maybe you like live theater, maybe you don't.
But it looks like this Zoom stuff is gonna be here for
awhile, so why not take a few minutes here and see what
we've put together?
Money back guaranteed, kinda thing.
TDK '65
-Terry DAVIS Knox ('65)
Sent from my Samsung SmartPhone
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/11/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1 Bomber sent stuff:
Peter TURPING ('70)
BOMBER TWIN BIRTHDAY Today Richard McCLELLAND ('66) (11th)
BOMBER TWIN BIRTHDAY Yesterday: Linda McCLELLAND ('66) (10th)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim QUALHEIM ('70)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jennifer JANICEK ('90)
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>>From: Peter TURPING ('70)
Re: Tri-City Herald
It's been interesting conversation about the Tri-City Herald
in the last week. My last renewal was for $301.60 after
paying $189.50 for a couple of years. I called the local
office at 582-1500 and talked with Lisa and was able to
get the rate to $192.40 for the year. Don't pay any more
than that. If you are, call and they should extend your
subscription based on what you are paying and the $192.40
rate. Chime in if there is anyone playing a lower rate than
that.
The paper itself continues to get smaller and smaller (the
Monday and Tuesday editions remind me of a long cigar) with
less local coverage and more articles pulled from Associated
Press, LA Times and other national sources. I still like to
have the paper to enjoy at breakfast... don't mind a little
ink on the fingers. The newspaper business is a difficult one
to be in at this point for sure.
-Peter TURPING ('70)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/12/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 Bombers sent stuff:
Tedd CADD ('66)
Betti AVANT ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Janet MARTIN ('53)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Burt PIERARD ('59)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Paige WHEELER ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Candace DAVIS ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim VOILAND ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Rick MORRELL ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Becky ALEXANDER ('77)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lanette POWELL ('79)
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>>From: Tedd CADD ('66)
Apropos of nothing except we grew up in an Atomic City, I
was helping my granddaughter look for a humorous story about
Neils Bohr as one requirement of a paper she was writing on
him. Turns out, it was harder to do than I thought.
So I went looking for some quotes. I found I really like his
dry sense of humor. I imagine there are stories that go with
these. But I really enjoyed trying to imagine the faces of
the person/persons on the receiving end:
"Never express yourself more clearly than you are able to
think."
and
"It is not enough to be wrong; one must also be polite."
Re: Journalism
As I've lived with journalism of many types and sources over
the years (5 states and a couple of foreign countries), I
find myself of two minds, in a way.
One is that I've come to value some of them as I've read them
over long periods, particularly as I've compared the US
reports with other international sources.
I also have really appreciated dedicated teams like the
Spotlight team with the Boston Globe and their work exposing
the sexual abuse nightmare in Boston.
The other is that I know that some things get
scrambled-particularly in the early stages of a crisis.
Being in situations where I was on the ground and comparing
the news to what I knew in an official capacity (some
including classified information) was instructive. But there
was on event in high school that was the first real lesson.
A group of us from West Side Church were on a week-long hike
partly around Mt. Rainier. One night, we camped overnight at
a shelter. It was in a broad meadow.
One of our group fell seriously ill. A couple of us hiked out
to get help with the rangers. Pretty soon, a twin rotor Air
Force chopper from McChord flew in and took her to a
hospital.
The first reports on the radio in Richland were that the
group had been hiking a knife's-edge trail and had fallen
off. One was dead and unknown others injured.
The most accurate report I ever saw was that an Army chopper
from Spokane had landed under very hazardous conditions to
lift her out. (It was a beautiful, cloudless, windless day.)
She was even able to collect a couple obituaries from
regional papers.
The Mark Twain quote was amusing and reminded me of one of my
favorites of his:
There are three kinds of lies: Lies, Damned Lies and
Statistics.
-Tedd CADD ('66)
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>>From: Betti AVANT ('69)
Re: newspaper
I got thinking about the cost of the TCH. When I first moved
back to Richland in July of 2013 I subscribed to the paper to
catch up the goings on. As time went along it got more and
more expensive so elected to drop it. A call from them
convinced me to get a F-S-S paper for a time to try. On
occasion I'd read an article online but could only read so
much each month. I started reading the daily paper after my
workouts at the racquet club and if need be buy a Sunday
paper. Well I decided to totally drop it as I knew the costs
were going up and they were stopping a Saturday paper. About
a year and a half ago I got an ad in the mail wanting me
back. They quoted me a price of $8.99/month including a
Saturday paper online. It has a few ads included but not
many + the Sunday comics and Parade magazine. The funny thing
is the daily comics are good old black and white but the
Saturday ones are in color. Now all I have to do is read it
at my leisure and not have to worry about taking a physical
paper out with my trash.
-Betti AVANT ('69) ~ Richland
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/13/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 Bombers and Don Sorenson today:
Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52)
Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64)
Don Sorenson (NAB)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Connie DAME ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Gary HYLBAK ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bill HEDGES ('68)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dave COURSON ('71)
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>>From: Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52)
Re: Tri-City Herald
It is a fact that the price of the Tri-City Herald is very
much negotiable. I have to do it every year. While I don't
think a lot of the content, I admit that reading a physical
paper along with my morning coffee, is what I do like. Obits,
comics, Dear Abby and Bridge are my first interests. Then
Sports and general information. I don't like having big
photos taking up space when it is something from States away.
Have they no photographers on Staff who could catch something
local? Every Saturday morning before we get up we say, "Oh,
it's Saturday... no paper... sigh." (Also every Saturday
morning I check the Sandstorm to see when Football teams of
interest to me are playing! Thank you Maren!!)
Re: TV/internet
My bigger problem is with Spectrum. When I moved from DISH to
Spectrum, I had the young man who worked with me, write the
totals on the back of the application/info sheet. Totals with
bundling (they already had my internet) came to $99.++ per
month (plus taxes, of course) but this is the 2nd month when
I have received a bill for $249.++. WHAT THE HECK??? When I
got the first bill in that amount, I called and was given
some "reasons" for that huge difference. I was not satisfied
but decided to let it go. No more! Any of you Richland
Bombers have suggestions for me?
Re: China Virus
I heard the other day that the CDC (or someone) will be
looking more closely at the COVID death statistics. Surely
not all the deaths attributed to the virus are actually,
strictly from COVID. I've been wondering about that for a
long time. (I have heard, but don't know for sure) that
Hospitals get some kind of "compensation" for COVID patients.
If that is true, I'm sure the numbers are skewed. Three of my
Alaska granddaughters are in the health care field (1 doctor
and 2 nurses, one of which got the virus but is doing well)
and I wonder if States are doing all they can to protect
those people who are right there in the midst of it by
providing plenty of proper PPEs.
-Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52) ~ in sunny and not-so-windy
Richland where they are saying snow this weekend.
Hasn't happened, yet! As far as I'm concerned, snow
can stay in the Mountains all winter except the 2
days around Christmas. Count your blessings,
everyone... and stay safe!
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>>From: Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64)
Hey, Wayne! What happened to your Gators?
-Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64) ~ Gretna, LA ~ 60°F at 1:30am
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>>From: Don Sorenson (NAB)
Re: Donna ALLRED Beecroft ('53-RIP)
To All Bombers,
Sorry to hear of Donna's passing, I met Donna and Jim
several years ago in our old ward and listened to a talk
about their mission and what they learned during their
service to the Lord. I remember learning of Jim's health
issues and observed how Donna took great care of him till
the end. Donna was a hoot to talk to and entirely capable of
taking care of any challenge. When I was High Priest Group
leader for our ward my assistants and I visited her shortly
after Jim's passing. The discussion turned to lawn care
and how to keep it green and pest free. I told her chewing
tobacco placed in old nylons then steeped like tea is a great
killer of any bugs, however I've never tried it because (I
know it sounds dumb) I was embarrassed to buy it. Donna
replies "well I would, I don't care who saw it in my shopping
cart, what other people think isn't my problem!" We three
chuckled at that. Great woman, great attitude and an example
of enduring to the end. I wished I knew her father came to
Hanford during the war the conversations would have been a
real joy.
-Don L. Sorenson (NAB)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/14/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4 Bombers sent stuff:
Donna BOWERS ('63), Donna NELSON ('63)
Dennis HAMMER ('64), Tedd CADD ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Carole NOVOTNY ('58)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Larry BUNCH ('66)
BOMBER ANNIVERSARIES Today:
Mike RICE ('60) & Donna BOWERS ('63)
Lonnie WILLIS and Eileen HASKINS ('72)
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>>From: Donna BOWERS Rice (Gold Medal Class of '63)
Want to congratulate Mr. L. Mike RICE ('60) for staying
true for the past 57 years, plus 2+ more when we were going
together. You have a wonderful sense of humor, adventure, and
joy that has made these years fly by. Your dad said he wanted
to develop your work ethics + you worked from age 14-78... so
glad you finally quit + now if this darn covid [China virus]
would just get fixed, we might be able to really enjoy these
years. Happy Anniversary + thank you for everything good in
my life.
- Donna BOWERS Rice (Gold Medal Class of '63)
Sent from my iPad
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>>From: Donna NELSON ('63)
To: Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52)
I had heard what you wrote about hospitals getting
compensated more money if a death is listed as Covid. I
googled it and in some respects it's true if a patient was on
a ventilator for awhile before death but it depends on what
coroner lists on death certificate first. If Covid is first
and pneumonia or something else second, the hospital is
reimbursed for the cost and care.
I just googled the question and can't remember the site I
read but what I was hearing seemed like hospitals were making
money listing Covid as cause of death. I don't believe what I
heard it's true but have always thought a person must have
pneumonia if they need help from a ventilator to breathe...
but I'm not a doctor.
-Donna NELSON ('63)
Sent from my iPhone
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>>From: Dennis HAMMER ('64)
To: Don Sorenson (NAB)
Re: Other uses for tobacco
Back in college days I once rode in a car with my dad and
someone he worked with. I noticed this other fellow had
hanging from the headlight switch or maybe turn signal lever
something white with brown stains on one side. Later my dad
told me it was a bag of tobacco for rolling cigarettes and
when it rained he would rub one side of it over his
windshield and it would take off the road film. Dad never
tried it but back at WSU I bought one and he was right, it
really does a good job on the road film; best thing I have
ever found for the job. However wet tobacco really stinks up
your car and I soon threw it away. Over 50+ years I only met
two others who knew that trick. There must be more, but I
have brought it up a number of times and they tend to look at
me like I'm nuts. One night we were leaving Portland in the
rain and the road film was the worst I have ever seen. It is
probably a wonder I made it to the first rest area where I
pulled off. Others were having the same problem. I got some
shampoo out of the trunk and squirted it on the windshield
and wiped it around. It did work, but not as good as tobacco
would have.
-Dennis HAMMER ('64) ~ Headlight switch! What's a headlight
switch? I don't think I've used one those things in
years.
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>>From: Tedd CADD ('66)
Some hospitals get a little extra. But only for Medicare
patients. Even then, it doesn't cover the cost of treating
COVID cases.
Do hospitals get more $$ for covid (China Virus) cases?
Moreover, for those of you who don't know, Medicare usually
pays less than 30% of the billed costs. When I was doing the
books for a couple of surgeons in private practice, I saw
that first hand. And it was not just a matter of padding the
bill so as to get more funds. In one example, the breast
surgeon would sometimes use a one-time use device when she
needed better images to find out what she needed to know. It
cost $2,400. Medicare paid less than 15% of the fixed cost.
She continued to buy the devices to better treat her patients
even though she knew she was taking a substantial loss.
Eventually, both of those doctors left private practice. They
simply couldn't afford to stay in private business.
I see the Medicare reimbursements on the bills. Picking 8
random visits, the hospital charged $1,239.95. Medicare
approved $607.92. Medicare paid $261.70-21%. Of that list,
the most extreme was the hospital billed $219.00, Medicare
approved $219.00. Medicare paid 0. Not a typo. Approved $219,
paid nothing.
I really don't know what it means that Medicare "approves"
anything.
And regarding the idea that COVID deaths are over reported,
we have to remember that the numbers include people who had
underlying conditions that were not fatal in themselves but
COVID pushed them over the cliff.
-Tedd CADD ('66)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/15/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8 Bombers sent stuff:
Jim McKEOWN ('53), Rex HUNT ('53)
Mike CLOWES ('54), Mary RAY ('61)
Pete BEAULIEU ('62), Dennis HAMMER ('64)
Gary BEHYMER ('64), Bill FLEMING ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bev KELLER ('49)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dorothy STAMPER ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim SMITH ('58_)
BOMBER ANNIVERSARY Today:
David RODRIGUEZ ('69) & Linda BAROTT ('71)
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>>From: Jim McKEOWN ('53)
Re: Windshield Film
Try cream of tartar... the powder cleans the glass like
magic... been using it since the '50s...
-Jim McKEOWN ('53) ~ from not so sunny and cold (50s and 60s
during the day and in the 30s at night) we are in the
high desert after all.
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>>From: Rex HUNT ('53)
Re: Hospital vs Medicare!
The first time I noticed how hospital over charge was when my
wife died. We had dashed to the ER after she had fallen and
struck her head. After 3 hours they sent her home with a
clean BILL OF HEALTH. 3 hours later she was dead from a head
injury which the hospital spent zero time checking out.
Instead insisted she must have had a heart attack which I
argued vehemently. Within a week I received 3 bills from
doctors not even at the hospital where all this occurred. One
bill was over $7000.00 for treatment for head injuries. I
fought all these phony bills and was told to forget it. I was
not held reasonable for these bills.
4 years pass I was down at the local Social Security office
questioning my retirement. I was able to glance over and see
all those bills had been submitted to Medicare and were payed
a full 80% of the bills. They did not care that I did not pay
my share as the bills were phony but knowing 99% of people
never check with Medicare re: said bills. They paid phony
bills get 80% and never leave home. Since that time I always
go to Social Security and ask to scrutinize the bills after
one of my episodes. Have in the last 13 years caught 3 more
phony bills.
Re: Now to something else.
I was recently diagnosed with a major heart valve problem So
in February I will undergo a 2nd open heart surgery to see if
it can be corrected. For some reason my incurable lung cancer
has gone to sleep for the time being.
If I were not ill I would never meet so many new friends.
-Rex HUNT ('53wb) ~ from lovely Downtown Hanford, CA where
last night we received our 3rd rain storm of the
season. It was hard enough to turn the dust on my car
to mud, which has now dried as hard as an Adobe Brick
and will have to be chiseled loose. I may just wait
till earth worms move in and loosen the soil.
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54)
Guess what? Yeah, I'm gonna wish a fellow classmate a "Happy
Birthday!" And that person is Dorothy STAMPER ('54). Have a
great special day.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54) ~ Mount Angel, OR
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Mary RAY Henslee ('61)
Re: POEMS TO PONDER: A Look at Modern Day Events,
Issues, Behavior & Lifestyles
I hope that you will take time to go to my Product Page on
Amazon for a glimpse at my latest paperback. The book allows
readers to examine our times through a collection of
informative and insightful poems coupled with commentaries
and relevant famous quotes.
Click on the POEMS TO PONDER link on my Author Page to get to
the Product Page where you will be able to learn a great deal
about the book.
If you click on the book cover on the Product Page where it
says Look Inside, you will be able to view the Table of
Contents, Introduction, and part of my Introductory Poem. The
introductory poem titled "Looking Back" provides a decade-by-
decade look at the 20th century and a look at the beginning
of the first decade of the 21st century. The part that they
included in the sample goes through the '60s. It will give
you an idea of what my poems looks like. They are all rhyming
couplets.
(Maren, the following URL to my Author Page is shorter and
easier to remember or jot down than the actual URL at the top
of the Web page itself so please don't rename it when
creating the link. Thanks.)
https://www.amazon.com/author/mary-henslee
[What does "rename a link" mean? -Maren]
I found out after I got everything done that there are quite
a few books out there titled POEMS TO PONDER. If you should
decide to tell anyone about my book, please give them my name
and/or the subtitle so that they will know which one is mine
on the search list if they should try to look it up on Amazon
books.
Maren, I plan to gift you a copy as my appreciation for time
spent this last year keeping everyone connected. Hope you
enjoy it.
To all a happy and safe holiday season!
-Mary RAY Henslee ('61)
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Pete BEAULIEU ('62)
To: Tedd CADD ('66)
Re: Niels Bohr
Because Bohr was part of the British mission to the Manhattan
Project and even a sort of "father figure" to the younger
scientists at Los Alamos, can our Atomic City family also
claim Bohr as a sort of distant cousin? I think he'd like
that.
His quotes are delightful: "You must come to Copenhagen to
work with us. We like people who can actually perform thought
experiments!"
As for thought experiments, and while Bohr is said to
have been an atheist, as an explainer of the Heisenberg
Uncertainty Principle (the fine-tuning of Einstein's
classical physics and determinism with the probabilism of
Quantum Mechanics), he also demonstrated open-minded "thought
experiments" at a higher level. "Einstein and Bohr had good
natured arguments over such issues throughout their lives"
(Wikipedia).
Not a bad place to start, especially the "good natured"
part. He proposed that apparent opposites can sometimes
be complementary instead of contradictory...
Said Bohr: "I myself find the division of the world into
an objective and a subjective side much too arbitrary. The
fact that religions through the ages have spoken in images,
parables, and paradoxes means simply that there are no other
ways of grasping the reality to which they refer. But that
does not mean that it is not a genuine reality. And splitting
this reality into an objective and a subjective side won't
get us very far."
-Pete BEAULIEU ('62) ~ Shoreline, WA
P.S. To avoid possible argument, by "fine-tuning" I
mean to simply avoid the term "replacing." By the
continued validity of "classical physics" (alongside
quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity) I
simply mean that if we throw a basketball in the air,
it will certainly come back down-every time (though
"probably" not through the hoop!).
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Dennis HAMMER ('64)
To: Tedd CADD ('65) et. al.
Re: Medicare
I was motivated by Tedd CADD's post to write this.
Friday, December 4th my daughter and I took my wife to see
her diabetic doctor for a regular visit. She was not doing
well and we hooked her up to a bottle of oxygen. The doctor
recommended she see her regular doctor or go to the hospital.
Got worked in at the pulmonologist and he said just keep her
on O2. She has sleep apnea and usually only uses O2 at night
with her bi-pap machine. At about 6pm the oxygen concentrator
stopped working. Worst time of all, so I called the company
and got a recording with an emergency number which was not a
working number. I drove out to the hospital emergency room to
see if they had any ideas where I could get some. They did
give me a number, called it, they needed a prescription. I
hooked up a bottle and turned it on to the lowest setting,
trying to make it last.
Sunday I called the EMTs to take her to emergency. Hospital
didn't keep her.
Monday back at her doctor. He said that company quit with the
oxygen and just gave everybody their machines (we were never
notified of that). Dr. said she had to walk for six minutes
and have a drop in O2 level. She can't walk that long even
with a walker. He tried to qualify her by her foot peddling
the transport chair. She couldn't do that.
Appears she can have it with her sleep apnea machine, but not
for portable use. like the ability to refill bottles like
now... er... like we used to. After a few days of this I
thought, "Well this is stupid, it is my machine now and I
will try to get it working." Internet and EMTs thought the
most likely cause was an internal filter. That was easy and I
tried to clean it a little but even after getting it out it
is hard to get to the actual filter. Later found there are
two HEPA filters so I may take it apart to get to the other.
I have fixed a number of things that are not supposed to be
user serviceable. Talked to both the doctor and medical
supply company and it appears that it all goes back to
Medicare. She needs to take a new sleep test. This is stupid,
why does she need to take this test a third time. She has
used O2 since at least 2012 and what is the big deal about
using oxygen anyway? I'll bet at least 3/4 of the people
walking around on earth are breathing oxygen right now--and
probably the ones in space too. Why does Medicare and the
supplemental insurance need to under-pay for that test. As I
am writing this it has been ten days and a couple hours she
has been without oxygen. I am not a happy camper. Today I did
find online a service manual for that concentrator so maybe
tomorrow I will try again.
Medicare for all??? maybe we should update an old adage about
Greeks and the Trojan Horse, "Beware of politicians bearing
gifts."
-Dennis HAMMER ('64)
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Gary BEHYMER ('64)
To: "Pitts" ARMSTRONG ('63)
Janis & I were watching "Home Alone 3" the other night and
noticed one of the songs being played in the background was
"Tall Cool One" by The Wailers. Instantly thought of you!
Re: Yearbooks
Anyone interested in TYEE yearbook/yearbooks from the
University of Washington for the class years 1966, 1967 and
1968? I also have a 1969 CHINOOK yearbook from Washington
State University (WSU).
FYI...The Fall issue of Crimson & Black, alumni publication
from Central Washington State University, features a great
photo of General James MATTIS ('68).
I still have one copy each of the 1969 & 1970 Columbian
yearbooks from Richland. These are $10.00 each. They are
ready to be mailed...
-Gary BEHYMER ('64)
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Bill FLEMING ('66)
Re: Hi-Spot Picture
http://richlandbombers.com/HiSpot/ss/1951-Dancers-1972d.html
I had a half brother, Glen BRANSON ('52-RIP) who passed away
in the '70s. Glen appears in the reference picture which is
part of webpage called HI-SPOT thru the years
http://richlandbombers.com/HiSpot/ss/00.html
I was wondering if anyone knows who the young lady sitting
next to Glen in the photo is.
-Bill FLEMING ('66)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/16/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5 Bombers sent stuff:
Mike CLOWES ('54), Jim HAMILTON ('63)
Dennis HAMMER ('64), Nancy MALLORY ('64)
Tedd CADD ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Arlene THRESS ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Tim SMYTH ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Connie HANSON ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Debora SKARSHAUG ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Terry DAVIS ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Billy DIDWAY ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mary RAEKES ('79)
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54)
By golly, two more Bombers to acknowledge on this day. One a
nice lady and the other a passable actor. A hearty "Happy
Birthday! to Arlene THRESS ('54) and Terry DAVIS ('65).
Have a (use the adjective of your choice) day.
[AND - since you don't know my big brother,
I'll forgive you for not mentioning him in
your birthday wishes for today. -Maren]
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54) ~ Mount Angel, OR
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Jim HAMILTON ('63)
Happy Birthday to one very special lady, Connie Kay HANSON
Lincoln ('64). You're as old as I am now, but we still think
of you as sweet sixteen.
-Nancy and Jimbeaux
-Jim HAMILTON ('63)
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Dennis HAMMER ('64)
To: Jim McKEOWN ('63)
Re: Windshield Film
I'll have to get me some of that cream of tartar powder and
put it in the car. However, just this morning I had to go
forage for food--local WinCo and went early to avoid the
rush. It was dark and still raining and I noticed I had no
road film at all. Got to thinking, I don't remember when the
last time I had road film on the windshield. Don't know
exactly how it gets there. Maybe you have to be on a freeway
or highway where a lot gets splashed on the windshield. I
don't drive there much any more, mainly just around town and
when I am on the freeway it is seldom raining. I guess seven
or eight years ago I was coming back from Seattle area one
morning on the freeway and I remember two things, I was
passed by a silver '55 Chevy Nomad and it was pouring down so
much I had to have the wipers on high speed for the first
hour. I don't remember any film that time. Is it because so
much rain was hitting the car the road film just washed off
before being able to stick? Also in the Tri-Cities it just
does not rain all that much.
-Dennis HAMMER ('64)
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Nancy MALLORY Johnson ('64)
To: Rex HUNT ('53) and Dennis HAMMER ('64)
Who hasn't gotten a bill from a doc you have never heard of
after a hospital stay or a test (scan, etc.). Why? The doc
(surgeon treating you) will need to see said scan himself.
And that if you find these bills a phony medicare pays on
them -- disgusting. Esp since something you really need is
denied.
Then there is the need for a prescription for necessary items
(O2 for Dennis' wife). I can see a script the FIRST time, but
for ongoing (chronic) why does it need to be renewed over
and over? I buy mastectomy supplies - this also requires a
script. Ok the first time, but to have to renew it every year
is silly. Parts removed are not growing back. Was discussing
this with my doc and he agreed and said, for example a
podiatrist cannot write a script for diabetic shoes - a
person would have to go back to their regular doc for a
script. He said he knew many more such.
Rules for insurance and medicare are often nonsense and also
too complicated for regular people to understand.
Maybe we need an uprising of folks with common sense to take
over the world.
-Nancy MALLORY Johnson ('64) ~ in currently cold W TN
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Tedd CADD ('66)
Re: Medicare
I'm in agreement with the negative depictions of Medicare in
the last Alumni Sandstorm. When the "insurance" dictates
proper care rather than the medical people actually treating
it, it is nothing short of a nightmare.
-Tedd CADD ('66)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/17/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3 Bombers sent stuff:
Norma LOESCHER ('53)
Jim ARMSTRONG ('63)
Gary TURNER ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Chuck MEYER ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Linda RISLOV ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mike CROWLEY ('66_)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lonnie WILLIS ('72)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jim GEIER ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Corey BOEHNING ('87)
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Norma LOESCHER Boswell ('53)
Maren,
I received this from Ann Thompson, aka Anna May WANN ('49).
I don't know if she submitted it to the Alumni Sandstorm, but
I think it's great and can be appreciated by all.
Re: S.O.S. (Airbus and fighter jet)
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Xtra/Loe/201217_AirBus-Fighter.jpg
An Airbus 380 is on its way across the
Atlantic. It flies consistently at 800 km/h
in 30,000 feet, when suddenly a Eurofighter
with Tempo Mach 2 appears.
The pilot of the fighter jet slows down,
flies alongside the Airbus and greets the
pilot of the passenger plane by radio:
"Airbus flight, boring flight isn't it? Take
care and have a look here!
He rolls his jet on its back, accelerates,
breaks through the sound barrier, rises
rapidly to a dizzying height, then swoops
down almost to sea level in a breathtaking
dive. He loops back next to the Airbus and
asks, "Well, how was that?" The Airbus pilot
answers: "Very impressive, but now have a
look here!"
The jet pilot watches the Airbus, but nothing
happens. It continues to fly stubbornly
straight, with the same speed. After five
minutes, the Airbus pilot radios, "Well, what
are you saying now?"
The jet pilot asks, confused: "What did you
do?" The other laughs and says, "I got up,
stretched my legs, went to the back of the
plane to the bathroom, got a cup of coffee
and a cinnamon cake."
The moral of the story is:
When you are young, speed and adrenaline are
great. But as you get older and wiser,
comfort and peace become the prize. We
recognize S.O.S.: Slower, Older, Smarter.
Dedicated to all my friends and family who
appreciate the S.O.S. approach!
Bomber cheers,
-Norma LOESCHER Boswell ('53) ~ from Richland on another
cloudy day
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Jim "Pitts" ARMSTRONG ('63)
Re: Double the Fun!! For your music archives!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xePl-W7YpmM
Bobby Fuller Four
1. "I Fought The Law" #9 in February 1966.
2. "Love's Made A Fool Of You" #26 in May 1966.
Both songs on the Mustang label in stereo.
-Jim "Pitts" ARMSTRONG ('63)
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Gary TURNER ('71)
One of the unique features that made Richland a special place
to grow up was the stability of the Hanford work force, which
contributed to the stability of employment throughout the
Trip-Cities. Our parents moved to Richland from all over
the country, set down roots and stayed. One of the results
of this stability was the number of us who went from
kindergarten all the way through High School graduation
together. Friends here in Portland marvel at the fact that
I have a number of friends who have been friends of mine for
60+ years. One of those is today's birthday boy and my best
bud (and, many years ago, my best man!) ever since Mrs.
Murphy's first grade class at Marcus Whitman, Jim GEIER ('71).
Jim... I hope the San Diego weather is perfect for a long bike
ride today and I'll see you Sunday on the West Coast Jazz
Happy Hour zoom call.
-Gary TURNER ('71)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/18/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 Bombers sent stuff:
Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52)
Mike CLOWES ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Kathy JENSEN (53_)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Carole CLARK ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dawn O'NEAL ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Kay NORTON ('73)
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52)
To: Bill FLEMING ('66)
Re: Hi-Spot Picture
http://richlandbombers.com/HiSpot/ss/1951-Dancers-1972d.html
The girl with your half brother, Glen BRANSON ('52-RIP) looks
like Sally Anne MORRIS (52-RIP) to me.
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Obits/pics15/RIP52MorrisSallyAnn15.htm
-Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52) ~ Richland
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54)
This is the proper time for me to wish Carole CLARK ('54) a
"Happy Birthday!" If I didn't I would have to wish her a
belated one, and that's not too good.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54) ~ Mount Angel, OR
where it is starting to look like Christmas.
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/19/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3 Bombers sent stuff:
Jim McKEOWN ('53)
Jim HAMILTON ('63)
Shirley COLLINGS ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Evelyn BUBNAR ('55)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Tony HARRAH ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bonnie BUSHNELL ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Lisa McCURDY ('86)
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Jim McKEOWN ('53)
A 1-day-belated birthday wish to that youngster, Kathy JENSEN
Collins b('53), who keeps me informed of all the secrets of
the gang from our time in school... there are fewer secrets
these days. Hope you had a good one, and that dinner was
prepared by Kenny himself... scratch that, you would be
better eating a p/b/j sandwich... miss you folks up there,
and maybe another trip North if the scourge abates.
-Jim McKEOWN ('53) ~ from very beautiful and sunny Murrieta,
CA... hard to believe it will be close to the 80s for
the big day
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From:Jim HAMILTON ('63)
Are you feeling a bit "impish" today that can't be explained?
It's probably Pook whispering in your ear on what would have
been his 76th Birthday.
As one with some considerable experience being privy to Book
saying, "You know what we ought to do...?" Be extremely
cautious, "Pook's good ideas weren't all that great, so you
can only imagine what his bad ideas were like".
I do miss our friend.
-jimbeaux
-Jim HAMILTON ('63)
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66)
Re: Linda "Lynn" Lowe (NAB-RIP)
Sadly, Linda "Lynn" Lowe (wife of Alan LOWE ('66), passed
away on December 15, 2020. Lynn was 75 and was a homemaker/
caregiver. She was born in Baton Rouge, LA and lived in the
Tri-Cities for 45 years. Einan's at Sunset is in charge of
the arrangements. Her service is scheduled for 1pm on
Saturday, December 19, 2020, at the Last Supper monument at
Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family is also planning on the
service to be shown on the Einan's Facebook page. Lynn
requested graveside services and very casual dress. Alan's
family is hoping friends and family will be able to join
them.
May you rest in peace, Lynn. Prayers of comfort and healing
to Alan and his family.
Re: Bill VOILAND ('66)
Bill has a 2021 calendar available for purchase.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/922016251
"A Walk Through the Shelter Belt" is available for $30.00.
Each month is a sketch by Bill from the Shelter Belt around
the City of Richland. As each month passes, you can frame the
drawing so at the end of the year you will have a set of
twelve professionally drawn sketches to decorate your space.
The drawings fit perfectly in 8 x 10 inch frames.
-Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66) ~ Richland where it is 48° at
noon on Friday.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/20/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 Bombers sent stuff:
Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52)
Mike CLOWES ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Anne COLLINS ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Larry LaROCK ('61)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: David RODRIGUEZ ('69)
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52)
Re: Don LYALL ('52-RIP)
To: JoAnn Lyall (NAB - Don's wife)
Sorry to hear of the passing of fellow classmate, Don Lyall.
I missed seeing him the last time he was here. I hope you are
doing okay, JoAnn?
To: Tedd CADD ('66)
Thank you for the input about Medicare payments. Makes very
little sense, huh? I wonder if it depends on who happens to
handle a submission on any particular day? That would be a
sad situation. The people in this Country have enough trouble
without having to deal with arbitrary decisions.
Seems to me that COVID restrictions here in Washington State
are arbitrary. I wish we knew positively where the spikes are
coming from. My bet is that it is NOT from Restaurants, or
Gyms for that matter, yet they are the ones being closed
across the board. I've been getting an invitational notice on
my iPhone about tracking contacts. No thank you! Today when I
was trying to get Glenn Miller music for my sister-in-law on
her little "tower" thing, Alexa told me we are x number of
miles from downtown Richland. OMG! How did the device know
that??? (Remember the old slogan, "Big brother is watching!"
Or maybe "... watching you"?) I don't like it.
Stay safe, everyone!
-Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52) ~ in blustery Richland where we
had to bring some of the outdoor Christmas decorations
indoors because of the wind. A 42" lighted snowman
(not plastic), the artificial tree and a 33" cloth
snow lady with a stuffed snow baby. They are each
doing fine in the bow window! Be safe, everyone.
*************************************************************
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>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54)
Re: Hi-Spot Picture
http://richlandbombers.com/HiSpot/ss/1953-Dancers-01.html
The young man in the picture is Hugh HINSON ('52-RIP).
Not sure who the young lady is.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54) ~ Mount Angel, OR
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/21/20 ~ WINTER SOLSTICE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 Bombers sent stuff:
Judi PEARSON ('54)
Pete BEAULIEU ('62)
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*************************************************************
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Joanne ROLPH ('59)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Susan WARD ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Clint KELLY ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Judy SIEMENS ('66_)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Duane LEE ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jon ANDERSON ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeff OSBORN ('82)
*************************************************************
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>>From: Judi PEARSON Parker ('54)
To: Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54)
Re: post of Hi-Spot picture
http://richlandbombers.com/HiSpot/ss/1953-Dancers-01.html
I can't believe you don't know that it's Patti COLE ('52).
She was a cheerleader and the start of the Cole cheerleading
dynasty. When I saw her a few years ago at Club 40 she looked
the same as I had remembered her.
My sympathy to the family of Don LYALL ('52-RIP). He was one
of the good guys... always pleasant... a good athlete.
-Judi PEARSON Parker ('54)
Sent from my iPad
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
>>From: Pete BEAULIEU ('62)
Re: Medi(s)care
For many years this reader was more or less addicted to
long-distance running. Not heroically fast, but very long-
distance. I knew even then that the pavement would someday
wreak its revenge. So, then came a hip transplant. And, then
came the paperwork. The claimed cost for the nickel-steel
device alone was-initially- $40,000 (!!!). I inquired of the
surgeon in his cubicle: "Hey, do you folks ever go down the
hall to see what Admin is up to? I could buy a Mercedes for
that amount!"
"Oh," he dismissed, "that's just part of 'The Game'." The
dialogue suddenly went biblical, as in an epiphany I
instantly "grew in wisdom and knowledge... "
The GAME: Medicare lowballs their share of the total cost, so
therefore the hospital and supply chain highball their
claims, and vice versa (something like academic grade
inflation?), and then comes the tug-of-war around the numbers
and decimal points. Until a less imaginary cost matches to a
more realistic payout (and vice versa). Supplemental
insurance only then steps up to some of the remaining
difference.
In the end, personally, I was out only a couple hundred
dollars for the deductible, or maybe it was the bulk-
purchased digital thermometers which printed out at three
times what one would pay at any neighborhood pharmacy, even
after the retail markup (like the Pentagon's famously
overpriced toilet seats?). The one-pound hip device itself
was marked "down" to only $7,000.
The kicker is that the surgeon-the one who actually did the
bone carpentry-volunteered that he was limited to only $1,200
dollars of the total take. A mere bit player, a walk-on, and
grist for a game that has a mind of its own. A bureaucracy is
a giant machine operated by pygmies. And, as it is said of
all service-providing bureaucracies: "we feed the birds
through the horses, and the horses don't seem to mind." The
overall diagnosis is that the casino gaming culture has
metastasized itself into the doctor-patient medical
profession (aka the Medical Industry).
In the cards now is how much all of this serves as pretense
for simply shifting the same "game" from one table to
another. One constant in the pot will be the institutional
insurance costs hedging against exorbitant malpractice
lawsuits-another set of high corner-offices with windows.
Long ago a friend moved his family from Seattle to scenic New
Zeeland (with socialized medicine), only to return two years
later. The kids failed to understand why patient waiting
lists were so long, and then why some of these cattle
actually died in full view of the reception desk.
It all started, I submit, in the 1970s when "doctors" and
their "patients" were replaced in federal legislation by
"health service providers" and "health service consumers."
-Pete BEAULIEU ('62) ~ Shoreline, WA just north of the Soviet
of Seattle where on Friday the front office finally
cleared out/rehoused this summer's barricaded,
homeless/addict (and world famous!) encampment in a
large Central Area park. Twenty-one resisters were
arrested; thorough needle cleanup continues. The human
tragedy includes the large number of Seattle's
psychiatric cases still on the street.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/22/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5 Bombers sent stuff:
Mike CLOWES ('54), Steve CARSON ('58)
Pete BEAULIEU ('62), Ned SULLIVAN ('65)
Dick PIERCE ('67)
BOMBER ANNIVERSARY Today:
Bob CHILES ('58) & Suzie GUNDERSON ('60)
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>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54)
To: Judi PEARSON ('54)
Re: post of Hi-Spot picture
http://richlandbombers.com/HiSpot/ss/1953-Dancers-01.html
I kinda thunk it was Patti COLE ('52), but couldn't be too
sure. I had, however, eliminated Miley Cyrus, Brittany Spears
and any number of Kardashians.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54) ~ Mount Angel, OR
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>>From: Steve CARSON (Championship Class of '58)
To: Pete BEAULIEU ('62)
Thanks for the Medicare story. I had a similar incident
having a mole removed from my hand. It was a simple walk-in
procedure. My doctor did give me a novican shot but when I
received the statement they had billed $1,800 for anesthesia.
When trying to resolve what I thought was a coding error the
hospital wasn't at all interested and when I reported it to
Medicare they were even less interested. Your tale puts it in
perspective.
-Steve CARSON (Championship Class of '58)
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>>From: Pete BEAULIEU ('62)
Re: Christmas Trees and Stars
Editor Maren noted in yesterday's Sandstorm that December 21
was the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Here
are two notions about such seasonal peculiarities as the
solstice and Christmas trees (why trees?) and a stationary
(what!) star...
First, the Christmas tree in our living rooms:
"Far from the warm Mediterranean, beyond the
frontiers of the Empire, the Germanic tribes
in the vast forests that covered half of
Europe would break the monotony of a bitter
winter by observing the solstice. The
festival centered around the old barbaric
worship of 'the mother tree,' which grew in
the center of every settlement and was
thought to be the source of all life, its
roots reaching down to the springs of being.
When baptized by missionaries, the Teutons
retained their feast, but transmuted its
nature into the custom that survives today in
the Germanic Yule log and tree [....]"
(Frederick D. Willhelmsen, Citizen of Rome,
Sherwood Sugden & Co., 1980).
Second, the Christmas Star in the sky:
Questioning the hypothesis of a one-time supernova, a Rutgers
astronomer and collector of rare coins, one Michael Molnar,
did a series of retrospective computer simulations of the
night sky (going back 2,000 years), possibly confirming (from
curious symbols he found on an ancient and dated Roman coin)
that a bright triple (!) conjunction occurred two millennia
ago, including the stationary star (Aires) plus the much
nearer planets Jupiter and Saturn. And, discovering that this
triple conjunction appeared twice in the night sky, once in
December and then again in April of the year 6 B.C. And,
more, that due to this annual revolution of the earth around
the sun, to earthbound eyes the second conjunction appeared
to have "moved" across the sky and for several days to then
remain stationary in the western sky, over a backwater
village in the outskirts of the Roman Empire. (Molnar's book
supplies the needed diagrams of parallax, etc.) Molnar
notices that the six months interval between the two
conjunctions would have allowed time for astrologers/wise men
to realistically develop support for an expedition, and then
to travel west by camel caravan from faraway Persia (Michael
Molnar, former manager of the Physics Instructional
Laboratories at Rutgers University, "The Star of Bethlehem:
The Legacy of the Magi," Rutgers University Press, 1999).
As products of techy, atomic-town Richland, some bombers
might find intriguing this congruence of advanced science,
earthy customs, and recorded history.
-Pete BEAULIEU ('62) ~ Shoreline, WA backwater outskirt to
Darth Vader's death-star/cancel-culture Seattle
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>>From: Ned SULLIVAN ('65)
Re: Kerry SULLIVAN ('68-RIP)
Our dear brother Kerry passed away in his sleep, probably on
December 16th; maybe just tired of 2020. He will be missed
by all who knew him, especially his family. He dearly loved
babysitting his nieces and nephews, and, later, their
offspring, and they loved him back. He had a bohemian
vagabond adventure in life, traveling the world extensively
in his younger days and moving around Puget Sound in his
later years. He always lived simply.
He is reunited with our sister Mary ('64-RIP) and our
parents (RIP. Resquiescat in Pace.
-Denis ('62), Ed ('65), Terese ('66) and Maureen ('76).
-Ned SULLIVAN ('65)
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>>From: Dick PIERCE ('67)
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Bombers, old and new.
What I would give for a Spudnut Shop on the west side of the
Cascades. Or, some pepperoni (5 cents for 2 ft.) like we used
to get running across George Washington Way from 1306 Haines
to Johnnie's Delicatessen in Uptown. Johnnie would call our
Mom to let her know to come get us again. Johnnie always made
sure we didn't wander back to the back of his linear deli
where the "adults" were ogling mid-'50s girlie magazines. You
could get a better education at Johnnie's than you ever did
at Jefferson, or Sacajawea.
Read Pete BEAULIEU's ('62) hip transplant entry. February
this year, my wife had a full knee replacement at the
Kangdong Orthopedic Hospital in Busan, Korea. Amazing place.
Two floors were dedicated to "international" patients only.
Cost was $26K, where 80% was covered by Aetna Global. That
included a huge private room for 21 days, all meals, daily
rehab, MRIs, bed in room for escort (me) and all medical
staff. State of the art surgery procedures and medical
equipment. We got into the center when the 1st COVID cases
emerged in Seoul (200 miles).
Heading back to Saipan after New Years, where it's in the
mid-70s during the winter months. Vaccines are being readily
distributed there since refrigerated equipment arrived from
Korea.
Photo taken at age 71. Yes, both feet are off the pavement.
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Xtra/Pie/201222_Age71.jpg
-Dick PIERCE ('67)
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/23/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1 Bomber sent stuff:
Mike CLOWES ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Chuck HOLTZ ('55)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Craig LANSING ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Bill BLANKINGSHIP ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sheila STAMBAUGH ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sandy RIGGINS ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Denny KUYKENDALL ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Pat HARTY ('71)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeff O'MEALY ('71)
12/23 BOMBER ANNIVERSARY TODAY
Bob MOORE ('64) & Judy MANNING ('65)
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>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54)
Take a moment, especially if you see him, to wish
Chuck HOLTZ ('55) a "Happy Birthday!"
And for everyone else; have a nice what ever politically
correct holiday.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54) ~ Mount Angel, OR where
we are enjoying the increasing amount of daylight.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/24/20 ~ CHRISTMAS EVE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1 Bomber sent stuff:
Dennis HAMMER ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marilyn GROFF ('63)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dave MILLER ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Kerry LYNCH ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Art SCHAFER ('70)
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>>From: Dennis HAMMER ('64)
Re: Medicare/or/The Search for Oxygen
I am a little perturbed, like one step below hoppin' Mad, in
attempts to get oxygen for my wife. I don't really know who
the problem is with; the doctors, the medical equipment
supply companies, or Medicare. I wrote about this before in
the Sandstorm. Her oxygen concentrator stopped working about
6:00 pm Friday Dec 4th (that is 20 days when most will be
reading this). She has been using oxygen with her sleep
apnea machine since, (we now determined 2011) and sometimes
although not often she uses it when awake. Her pulmonoligist
says she doesn't need another sleep study. They are saying
she has to have another a sleep test before Medicare will
cover it. Saw her pulmonoligist again Monday and her heart
doctor the next day who also thinks she needs oxygen. Today I
suggested another medical supply company be contacted, maybe
it was them, not Medicare that is jerking us around. Doctor's
office called all of them in the Tri-Cities and all but one
said she needed another sleep study. The other one said they
might work with them. Office will be open tomorrow (Dec 24)
in the morning, although the doctor will not be there, and
they said they will try work on it with them at that time. My
wife's twin sister lives near one of the places and offered
to rent a machine (little over $100 a month) and bring it
over to us, but they say they still need a prescription.
Don't understand that, they got a prescription, just not the
sleep study.
I found a pdf file for the Service Manuel for the O2
Concentrator and opened ours up. I blew out the dirt and took
out the two HEPA filters and turned it on. Thinking it ran
it probably meant the filters were plugged and I can buy a
set of those filters on Amazon for less than $20; the reviews
say that is about one third of the cost if bought locally.
It shut down just as fast. They did show a number of other
things it could be and with the instructions I could
completely disassemble it and put it back together. However
they don't show how to test them and I haven't found part
numbers for them. Also I'm guessing I might need special
testing equipment. Probably cost a lot to replace all of
those parts without knowing which one is bad or take time
doing one at a time.
-Dennis HAMMER ('64)
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/25/20 ~ MERRY CHRISTMAS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1 Bomber on Christmas Day!!:
Dennis HAMMER ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Larry BOWLS ('64)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dan GREGORY ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Irene WALDNER ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jay COATES ('72_)
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>>From: Dennis HAMMER ('64)
Re: Night Before Christmas in Vietnam
The following is a teletype message that I have saved for 49
years. It was originally sent from Cam Ranh Bay and bounced
around to various bases of the Air Force, Coast Guard and
Navy as far away as Virginia and New Orleans back to Guam and
then to us, underway somewhere between the Indian Ocean and
Vietnam. The handwriting on it is not mine so I did not
process it; looks to me like they ran off a bunch of copies
to pass around. I just thought some of the Vietnam Veterans
might get a kick out of it.
-------------
Twas the night before Christmas in this tropical land,
And nothing was stirring except our fan and the sand.
Charlie was silent, airmen shared the same fear--
Without any snow how would Santa get here.
When out on the beach there rose such a clatter,
With weapons in hand we all did scatter.
From behind our sandbags toward the beach we peered out,
"Don't shoot." We heard someone shout.
Over the barbed wire fence Santa leapt with a bound,
Then he sprung to a hootch top and looked around.
He then said with a chuckle, "By Jumpin' Jiminey,
First there's no snow now there's no chimney."
Inside of a twinkling with steps light and sure,
He swung from the hootch top and in the front door.
The sandals were hung by the flack jackets with care,
In hopes that Saint Nick would look over there.
He found them OK and went to work with a sigh,
The lack or a fireplace couldn't faze the guy.
He pushed back his cap and brushed the sand from his hair,
Then left presents galore in an old bamboo chair.
Mopping is brow he sighed with great patience,
As he jokingly mumbled, "What a place to be stationed."
Each hootch he visited with the very same vim,
And when he was finished he went for a swim.
As he boarded his boat, we all heard him say,
"Boy Christmas sure is different here at Cam Ranh Bay!"
-----------
-Dennis HAMMER ('64) ~ This year I have asked Santa for
100 bitcoins, just wanted to help him out, they will
not take up any room in his sleigh
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/26/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7 Bombers sent stuff:
Shannon CRAIG ('50), Rex HUNT ('53)
Janet TYLER ('61), Leoma COLES ('63)
Marie RUPPERT ('63), Dennis HAMMER ('64)
Betti AVANT ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: SMITH ('58)
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>>From: Shannon CRAIG (Watkins-Gross) Hightower ('50)
merry xmas to everyone--- keep safe and well
-Shannon CRAIG (Watkins-Gross) Hightower ('50)
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>>From: Rex HUNT ('53)
Re: oxygen!
Dennis HAMMER (64) fight with equipment suppliers. I also
have been caught up in the whirlpool of mental density! They
came and took my machine away at the end of November! saying
that they no longer supply oxygen concentrators to Humana
clients. After lo these many years of doing so? So I called
another company (semi-local) to supply me. Was informed they
have the authority to just issue one. So I jump thru the
hoops, get my lung cancer doctor on board, and My
cardiologist and my GP. All agree I do need oxygen. al be it.
sporadically. So the supply company insist, I have a
breathing/oxygen study. but to get one of those, I need to
see a pulmonologist. Was informed my insurance will not cover
a oxygen study.
Will work on that after the 1st. but right now I am fighting
one hell of a case of cellulitis in my lower right leg. Which
when pain hits me I suddenly am gasping for air.
Some one once said "if you put all the monkeys in a large
room they will eventually type all the works of Shakespeare.
Well let them know, I think a few of those monkeys escaped
and are in Hanford, CA
-Rex HUNT ('53wb) ~ in lovely downtown Hanford, VA where I am
as screwed as a puta on payday! Can Maren work with that?
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>>From: Janet TYLER ('61)
Re: Local "Nutcracker"
Merry Christmas Sandstorm Readers,
I just now watched this marvelous local production of the
annual Nutcracker filmed in Tri-City locations! Due to covid-
19 it was moved to socially distanced location(s). Here's how
you can enjoy it:
The Mid-Columbia Ballet uploaded a video of this year's
Nutcracker. It does an excellent job of showcasing local
businesses and is starting to get national attention.
BONUS: There are two Schifferns in the show and maybe more
people you know.
It is only about 30 minutes and is fun to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mfB3QF9kX4
Easiest load-out ever for the backstage crew.
Hope you can view it also!
-Janet TYLER ('61)
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>>From: Leoma COLES ('63)
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and definitely a very
Happy New Year in 2021!! All of you in Bomberland, I hope you
have a safe and wonderfull holiday!
Bomber cheers,
-Leoma COLES ('63) ~ Lincoln City, Oregon where it's chilly
and sunny out today!!
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>>From: Marie RUPPERT Hartman ('63)
Merry Christmas to all out in Bomber land.
We wish you all a safe and happy day.
2020 is almost over and hopefully, 2021 will see an end to
COVID 19 shut downs and isolation.
-Marie RUPPERT Hartman ('63) ~ in cold, but sunny Richland
with maybe snow on Christmas night
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>>From: Dennis HAMMER ('64)
Re: Quest for Oxygen: Part III
Well, I finally got my wife to a supply of oxygen, if only
for a short time. I had to call the firemen to take her to
the hospital. I don't know if the lack of O2 was the cause of
the problem, but it sure didn't help. Yesterday finally got
the doctor's office to get a prescription to that one medical
supply company that might not require a sleep study, just
wear the oxygen monitor on her finger all night to record her
O2 level all night, so I went there to pick it up and they
gotten the prescription all right, but the equipment needed
was in Spokane and we have to wait until beginning of next
week. At that time I did not know the hospital was going to
keep her, and my daughter and I can't go there.
I have had more problems with Medicare (for my wife not me,
but then she is the one with the health problems these last
40 or so years) than ever had with any of the private
insurance plans with any company I worked for. If fact, I
don't believe I have ever had a problem with a private
insurance plan. I am sure most of the readers of the Alumni
Sandstorm are also on Medicare. I hope you have not had
problems like we have. I had to work two years longer to keep
insurance on my wife. I did sign up for Social Security as
soon as I could. (They changed the deal on me there too, told
me all these years I could start collecting it at age 65,
then just before I got there moved the goal post). At that
time they told me I had to sigh up for Medicare or I would be
penalized. I said I would be penalized more if I did sigh up
because I thought I would loose coverage under the company
insurance for my wife. Turns out all I lost was just Part A
for myself, and I never went to the hospital.
I hope this is not too political, but if it is I am sure
Maren will edit it out and you will not be reading it. If
they are going to pass Medicare for all we as citizens need
to force them to make sure, absolutely sure, that "Medicare
for all" really means "Medicare for all," no exemptions!!!
Politicians, bureaucrats, government workers, CEOs of major
corporations billionaires. The Amazon guy, the Google guys,
everyone from the person living in the White House to the
homeless person living under a bridge in Seattle has the same
health care. No Cadillac plan for me and jalopy plan for
thee.
-Dennis HAMMER ('64) ~ In Kennewick where we got a White
Christmas, really pretty and nice to look out the
windows and watch it come down--and not have to go
out in it. Hopefully it will warm up and blow out of
here tomorrow. I had enough to last a lifetime two or
three years ago when we got record winter snowfall in
the last three weeks of February and it wouldn't go
away.
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>>From: Betti AVANT ('69)
Re: Merry Christmas
To Richland Bomber alumni everywhere--Merry Christmas 2020.
Here's praying 2021 is a much better one.
Re: Medicare
All this talk about Medicare got me thinking about one of my
situations. I had only been on it for about 6 weeks when I
needed carpal tunnel surgery. My Orthopedist gave me an order
for a chest X-ray, EKG, and blood work. The X-ray and EKG was
for the anesthesia person if they needed it. Well, when I got
my first statement from Medicare they paid for the
Radiologist to read the X-ray but not the X-ray itself. I
went to my PCP's office to get some help filing the appeal
since my writing hand was still bandaged up with stitches in
it. I told her I had tried giving the Dr's. order with codes
on it but no one would take it. She made a copy of it and
filled out what was needed and I sent it off to Medicare.
They then accepted the claim for the X-ray. I've always made
a copy of the statement from Medicare and the supplement and
staple them together and put them in a notebook. 9 months
later I had my other wrist done but the chest X-ray was done
in the Orthopedic clinic and I had to go to the hospital for
the EKG and lab work.
-Betti AVANT ('69) ~ from a much colder Richland
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/27/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 Bombers sent stuff:
Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52)
Mike CLOWES ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Marilyn SCHULTZ ('52)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jeannine HUGHES ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sharon CHAPMAN ('57)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Sabra PETERSON ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Patti ECKERT ('68)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ray NELSON ('70)
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>>From: Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52)
To: Dennis HAMMER ('64)
Sure sorry to read about the problems with you wife's oxygen
supply. Aggravating! Tough to watch a spouse or friends
suffering like that. Good luck with finding a solution soon!
Re: Christmas
We had a very nice Christmas and I hope all you Richland
Bombers did, too, no matter where you may be. We had a lovely
snow-fall starting at about 1 pm on Christmas Day while we
were watching the Vikings vs Saints game. Now if the temp
would just warm up enough to melt it, we will all be safer on
the streets and sidewalks. That may take a while because the
projected temps are hanging at about 32+ degrees for the next
week or so.
I'll send an early Happy New Year wish to all of you--2021
has to be better than 2020. Continue to wear your masks and
practice "social distancing" when you can. I have a post on
my door requesting every one who comes in, to use the hand
sanitizer on the rail just inside my door.
-Marilyn "Em" DeVINE ('52) ~ Richland
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>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54)
Trust one and all are satisfied with what ever appeared
beneath the tree or in the stockings. Remember also that
yesterday (Saturday. The 26th) was "Return Day", the second
busiest day of the season.
But, today is Jeannine HUGHES ('54) birthday. Let's all get
together and say "Happy Birthday!" Hope it is a decent one.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54) ~ Mount Angel, OR
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/28/20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 Bombers sent stuff:
Rex HUNT ('53)
Dwain MEFFORD ('56)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ron STEPHENS ('56)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Cathy STEACH ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Robyn RICHARDSON ('78)
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>>From: Rex HUNT ('53)
Re: Hospitals
So two days later I am now home from the hospital. My lower
right leg has gone from a swollen bright red sore-as-a-boil
appendage. to a swollen barber pole with the white stripe
removed. It throbs like a bad toothache... the top of my
right foot looks like a red throw pillow and my toes look
like white marshmallows. The pain went past excruciating
on the 24th and has not abated.
Now with the hospitals so crowded, we were stacked like cord
wood up and down the halls. My post was along the back wall
of Emergency. where the ambulances were unloading more
patients. Sleep was not possible even with the special meds..
so last night I was send home with all the equipment to
create my own hospital. I video conference morning and
evenings with a doctor. I had a standard video and a lost-in-
space video phone. where the doctor can do about everything
but pat me. They check my vitals and temperature. I get IVs
at home every morning. Every morning a nurse comes and does that.
I am considered a patient of and in the hospital... only I am
home.
Now to try to lower my pain and all will be well. Oh and I
get to eat better at home.
-Rex HUNT ('53wb) ~ Hanford, CA where the sun broke thru and
washed away all the fog. Now if only this pain pill works.
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>>From: Dwain MEFFORD ('56)
Re: 2020
My friend and classmate, Paul WEBSTER ('56), and I were
discussing 2020 a few days ago. We agreed it has been an
awful year. It occurred to us that all college athletes that
played this year would be given an extra year of eligibility.
We thought that if they could, why shouldn't we? So we are
taking a red shirt year. In February I am supposed to turn
83. I am not going to do it. I shall remain 82 for another
year.
-Dwain MEFFORD ('56)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/29/20
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3 Bombers sent stuff:
Linda REINING ('64)
Susie DILL ('64)
Patti McLAUGHLIN ('65)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Chuck LANGE ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Susan O'KEEFE ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Dot EGELAND ('69)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Hannah LEE ('94)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Ted BLOWE ('08)
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>>From: Linda REINING ('64)
To: Rex HUNT ('53)
Re: hospitals
Dang! Sorry to hear you are in so much pain and dealing with
hospital bureaucracy with all this damn virus crap!!!!!!!!!
These "golden ages" sure ain't what I thought they'd be... my
mind says I'm still able to do all the things I want, but my
body sure as hell lets me know that isn't possible! I
absolutely refuse to take pain pills (my mom and my brother
easily became addicted to them, contributing to their deaths,
scares me to even think about taking them) so I try using as
much "natural" pain "killers" as I can... "Salon Pas" patches
and another patch that I am having good luck with. Take care,
my friend, and hang in there.
-Linda REINING ('64) ~ in Kuna, ID no White Christmas
although we did get a "dusting" of snow, the day after.
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>>From: Susie DILL Atlee ('64)
To: Rex HUNT ('53)
I send prayers and positive thoughts that you will soon
have relief from your pain. Hard to believe you are still
considered an inpatient at the hospital, even though you are
at home. Massive overcrowding to say the least. Hoping 2021
will be a better year for you.
-Susie DILL Atlee ('64)
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>>From: Patti McLAUGHLIN ('65)
Re: I'm With Dwain MEFFORD ('56)
I feel like 2020 stole a year of my life. I think we should
all shave a year off our age.
-Patti McLAUGHLIN ('65)
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/30/20
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2 Bombers sent stuff:
Mike CLOWES ('54)
Carol CARSON ('60)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Phil GANT ('54)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Doug HAWKINS ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Chris FOUTS ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Brett JACOBS ('09)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Jamison ROWE ('09)
BOMBER ANNIVERSARIES Today:
Lance HARTMAN ('60) & Marie RUPPERT ('63)
Jim HAMILTON ('63) & Nancy WICK ('65)
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>>From: Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54)
The time has come to wish Phil GANT ('54) a "Happy
Birthday!?; so I will.
I should also like to wish a "Happy Anniversary!? to The
Forever Young and Lovely Miss Nancy ('65) and Jimbeaux ('63).
Just hope for all of the above that the day is truly
exceptional.
-Bob Carlson, aka Mike CLOWES ('54) ~ Mount Angel, OR
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>>From: Carol CARSON Renaud ('60)
Re: Pain
I'm sorry for the pain Rex HUNT ('53) is experiencing. After
an accident I suffered over a year ago (not my fault) I have
lower back pain. When it gets bad, I use a CBD patch. Helps
the pain immensely. I order them from Pure Ratios.
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Xtra/Car/201230_CBD_Patch.jpg
-Carol CARSON Renaud ('60) ~ from Lynnwood, WA
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That's it for today. Please send more.
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Alumni Sandstorm ~ 12/31/20 ~ NEW YEAR'S EVE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3 Bombers sent stuff:
Jim McKEOWN ('53)
Rex HUNT ('53)
Helen CROSS ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Doug HILDEBRANT ('62)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: John ALLEN ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Tim McDERMOTT ('66)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Joanne Boyd ('67)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Gary GRIGG ('68)
BOMBER BIRTHDAY Today: Mikel BOATMAN ('99)
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>>From: Jim McKEOWN ('53)
Re: Happy Birthday
Happy 1 day belated Birthday to best buddy, Phil GANT ('54).
I'm hoping the good old mid 80s are treating you well... a
good friend in high school who wore the number 47 in football
as I did my senior year, a fraternity brother at Wazu, Theta
Chi, and took the trek to Tacoma to make sure I didn't head
for the hills at my wedding. I hope that you and Patti do
something special, which in these days, coud be a can of
chili and a bottle of beer... miss you folks, and hope you
have many more of these things that keep coming every year.
-Jim McKEOWN ('53) ~ from cold Murrieta, CA... got our first
rain since June, and it was up to an inch... snow in
the mountains
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>>From: Rex HUNT ('53)
Re: pain
After 6 days of treating my cellulitis with every method
known to man, they have converted my home into a wing at the
hospital. Night before last, they set up my living room into
a surgery, filled the trash can twice with all the sterile
paper they covered everything with. Took over an hour to
prepare the room and 15 minutes for the surgical procedure.
They inserted a tube in the blood vein in my upper right arm.
My bedroom was the x-ray room. where just a few minutes ago
they did a series of x-rays to be sure the tube is properly
situated. Next to my chair in the front room they placed 2
small tables loaded with video, monitors, special telephone
that is connected to doctors 24/7. There are enough meds
arrayed on my kitchen counter for me to open a Mexican
Pharmacy... will take a dump truck to haul all this crap away
if and when they cure me. My doctor orders are to take long
naps. Something for which I am overly qualified. I could
teach Rip Van Winkle a few things.
Re: Now for something else
My daughter-in-law has gone into the candy business. makes 4
kinds at this time... all are between wonderful and glorious
and involve chocolate... made over $2000. over the Christmas
holiday. She only has 2 small chains of grocery stores
carrying her product at this time. But she expects that to
change shortly.
-Rex HUNT ('53wb) ~ from sunshiny downtown Hanford, CA where
I just sent my Care Taker to buy milk shakes. (she
enjoys them as much as I do.) and she (like a good
girl) doesn't kiss and tell.
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>>From: Helen CROSS Kirk ('62)
I have no idea why my last few entries to the Sandstorm
haven't gone through, so I will try again.
Hope everybody has had a good Christmas despite the Covid.
We did get out and view some pretty lights last night at the.
Creation museum. But we didn't go inside and we still haven't
seen the new ark there. (On our "To Do" list.)
After a freezing cold Christmas with 13° temperatures with
some snow (which I am glad is gone,), we are expecting a lot
Of rain and a high of 61° which sounds nice for New Year's Day.
It's amazing, with iPhones and social media, I now
communicate almost daily with several classmates and
Bombers, most after a 55+ year gap of no or reunion
communication back in Richland.
Here's wishing everybody a blessed New Year with Covid
disappearing soon with the vaccine and herd immunity, and
no more shutdowns and social distancing.
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Xtra/Cro/201231_g-kids.jpg
http://alumnisandstorm.com/Xtra/Cro/201231_g-folks_g-kids.jpg
-Helen CROSS Kirk ('62) ~ from the house on the little lake
in SE Indiana
Sent from my iPhone
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That's it for the year 2020. Please send more.
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
BOMBER MEMORIAL JPEGS for this month
created by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66)
Carol SICKLES Kinsey ('54-RIP) ~ 1/25/36 - 2/13/95
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Jerry GILMOUR ('54-RIP) ~ 4/23/36 - 11/27/20
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Ray GILMOUR ('53-RIP) ~ 2/15/35 - 10/1/95
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Vernona CHAPPELLE Hodgin ('64-RIP) ~ 11/20/45 - 8/24/20
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Donna ALLRED Beecroft ('53-RIP) ~ 4/11/35 - 12/5/20
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Mike BLACK ('65-RIP) ~ 6/26/47 - 12/5/20
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Wayne SMITH ('56-RIP) ~ 10/4/38 - 11/19/20
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Glen BRANSON ('52-RIP) ~ 5/16/34 - 11/23/76
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Dianne PATTERSON McCabe ('62-RIP) ~ 3/22/44 - 11/29/20
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Maddie SEARCY ('24-RIP) ~ 7/6/06 - 12/12/20
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Don LYALL ('52-RIP) ~ 7/16/34 - 12/17/20
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Cusie WELCH Dahl-Bumpaous ('58-RIP) ~ 7/4/39 - 12/18/20
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Jean LUCKE ('43-RIP) ~ 9/18/25 - 12/11/20
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Chuck DOYLE ('71-RIP) ~ 6/16/52 - 11/6/18
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Bonnie SHELTON Harris ('68-RIP) ~ 6/9/50 - 9/20/20
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Rick CHAPPLE ('72-RIP) ~ 5/27/54 - 12/30/20
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November, 2020