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PCN Services – High Life Newsletter, News, Events, Deaths, Illness Notices and PCN Calendar

Large Web Community for World’s Largest Airline

A merger on Aug 1, 2009 of RSP and Delta Retired Pilots Communication Network 

High Life

For all Delta people who have truly touched the High Life/

Dear PCN,

Group Section……

Mark’s Remarks:

Last High Life issue until January!

Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Mark & Barb Sztanyo

++++++++++++++++

Enough dyin’…... already!

I have had subscribers that do not wish all the notices, particularly the death notices.

With a group our size a death notice every other day is simply a lot to handle. In fact I am sorry there are so many to report. If you do not want these notices so frequently (or not at all in favor of periodically checking them online) there are a number of solutions, rather than unsubscribing altogether. See Neil’s post in the Misc section below with at least one easy solution.

Bottom line to receive no death notices (still can check them online) do this:

1. Inside your email BLOCK this email address death@

2. Then bookmark or place in favorites this site:

At that site you can always check in and peruse the latest notices of any kind including death. For further info on subject read Neil’s post in Misc below.

I would hate to see you give up on our online connection through the PCN, simply because you get some undesirable notices that can be easily filtered.

 

 Mark’s Tidbits:

What I did over my Christmas break – (show and tell): Robbed & Ransacked

Well, grateful to God there wasn't a confrontation.  This is what one of these holiday ransacks looks like.

 

Hope you never get one. Left at 4PM returned at 11PM to find this.  Broke-in through a "usually" unlocked inside garage door.  Took cameras, laptop, and guns for the most part.  Unwrapped most gifts but didn't like our taste. (We gotta stop shoping at WalMart. Theives snubbed our stuff).

Had all of Barb's jewelry in a pillowcase (you may notice in one of the pics) but left it under some rubble in the den hullabaloo. 

 

First, surprise, then full alert, then anger, now peace.  God is good and He is good all the time!

 

It is ONLY stuff (as my good friend C Brown says). 

 

We are doing fine and just picking up and contemplating how to make it a little more of a challenge next time. 

 

Pics of the Sztanyo robbery on Dec 15, 2009:

 

 

+++++++++++++++++++

Notices Archived? - YES

I have received requests about whether we archive our notices. Sure do! If a notice (for any reason) comes from the PCN it is archive inside our google group under the section entitled “Discussions”. My request had to do with an old notice about a friends death. Simply visit the group site (and I recommend that you bookmark it) and view old notices under that section:

News Section……

Delta News (Recent stories of interest): Yahoo, AJC

Negligence 'substantial factor' in Comair crash

Federal judge rules pilot negligence a 'substantial factor' in lawsuit over Ky. Comair crash

o Delta Air Lines Inc.

On Friday December 18, 2009, 3:49 pm EST

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- A federal judge has ruled the negligence of two pilots who took off on the wrong runway was a "substantial factor" in the August 2006 crash of a Comair regional jet in Kentucky.

U.S. District Judge Karl Forester ruled Thursday in Lexington in a case brought by the family of Bryan Keith Woodward, a passenger on the plane.

The ruling now leaves a jury to decide if Comair -- a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, Inc. -- committed acts of gross negligence warranting punitive damages.

Flight 5191 crashed after trying to take off from a runway too short for commercial jets. Forty-nine people died. The National Transportation Safety Board found the pilots failed to notice clues they were on the wrong runway.

Punitive damages would be on top of the $7.1 million in compensation and $750,000 for pain and suffering a jury already awarded Woodward's family.

++++++++++++++++++

Delta expects cash balance to grow in 2010

Delta sees growing cash balance in 2010 despite $1.1 billion pension obligations

• By Harry R. Weber, AP Airlines Writer

• On 9:23 am EST, Tuesday December 15, 2009

ATLANTA (AP) -- Delta Air Lines Inc., the world's biggest airline, expects to increase its cash balance in 2010 despite more than $1.1 billion in pension expenses and funding requirements planned for next year.

The airline said in a presentation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission Tuesday ahead of an investor conference that it projects it will end 2010 with $5.4 billion in unrestricted liquidity, up from the $5.3 billion it expects to end this year with.

Just a week ago, Delta said it expected to end 2009 with $5.1 billion in liquidity. President Ed Bastian said the higher projection was due to improving revenue and booking trends.

Delta said capacity will be flat in 2010 compared to this year. Bastian said that if the positive revenue trends were to abate, Delta can pull back capacity.

Delta, based in Atlanta, is targeting $600 million in new cost savings and productivity enhancements next year.

Read More:

Other Airline News (Recent stories of interest):

Japan December 17, 2009, 9:37AM EST text size: TT

American Airlines Could Sweeten JAL Deal

Determined to thwart Delta and maintain a presence in Japan, American may increase its $1.1 billion offer

By Mary Schlangenstein and Mary Jane Credeur

(Bloomberg) — AMR Corp.'s American Airlines (AMR) may increase the $1.1 billion it's offered to invest with private-equity firm TPG in Japan Airlines Corp. (9205:JP) to persuade the Asian carrier to stay in the Oneworld alliance.

No new proposal has been made, American Chief Executive Officer Gerard Arpey told reporters in Tokyo yesterday after meeting with Japan Transport Minister Seiji Maehara. He didn't say how much more Fort Worth, Texas-based American might bid.

Read more:

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dec. 15, 2009, 8:40 a.m. EST

Airlines face $5.6 billion loss in 2010: IATA

Trade groups widens loss outlook as ticket prices fall, jet fuel climbs

By Christopher Hinton, MarketWatch

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The world's airlines are facing another tough year in 2010 with rising fuel costs and declining average ticket prices, with no wider recovery in sight, the International Air Transport Association said Tuesday.

The trade group widened its projected 2010 industry loss to $5.6 billion from $3.8 billion, despite expected revenue, passenger and cargo volume growth. That compares to a projected 2009 loss of $11 billion.

"The worst is likely behind us," said the trade group's chief executive, Giovanni Bisignani. "Demand will likely continue to improve and airlines are expected to drive down non-fuel unit costs by 1.3%, but fuel costs are rising and yields are a continuing disaster."

Read More:

Finance Section (section containing items with financial consequence to our group):

FINANCE: CLAIMS/PBGC/HCTC/INSURANCE/PLANNING/TAX/ESTATE 

Remaining financial items for retirees to watch:

After Aug 2007 these are retirement items remaining with financial consequence. 

1. PBGC 2nd look re-calc at qualified annuity benefits - completed 8/24/07

2. PBGC make up lump payment for underpayments since termination:  most reported received 1/31/08

3. Final claim distribution by DAL through BSI - pending (now likely in '10 according to Kight)

4. Class Action suit against DAL concerning 5 yr look-back worth in excess of $100 million - withdrawn

5. Final PBGC re-calc "determination" of qualified annuity (likely after claim stock sale) - pending

6. Pension reinstatement/contribution request by DP3 representing the retired pilots. very long shot....pending

7. Roth IRA creation as per Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 - deadline June 22nd, 2009

8. Expiration of HCTC 80% premium subsidy will expire on December 31, 2010.

Insurance (issues about health, life or disability that are of interest):

Pension:

From: Bill

Date: 12/14/2009 12:40:01 PM

To: MARK@

Subject: Another great issue

Mark, 

You continue to amaze me with your frequent updates via HIGH LIFE. Your ability to find time to do this for us all is noteworthy ! 

Your article on Social Security reminded me of a question I've had regarding the payments, and perhaps you know the answer. 

It was always my impression that SS benefits earned are a finite "lump sum" that is paid out monthly. If you start taking payments at 62, you get less per month, but eventually get the entire "lump sum" (assuming you don't die before getting it all.)

 

If you start taking benefits at an older age (67, 70, etc) the monthly amount will be larger, but the "lump sum" is the same amount. 

Am I correct ? 

And if so, why wait to receive benefits at a later age? I had always anticipated starting payments at 62 (I'm 58 now), figuring a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush! 

Thanks for all your hard work, and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family. 

Bill Rodway

ABQ

Editor: First, allow me to preface any remarks by saying there is a lot published on this very issue. I think a better analogy to use for SS than “lump sum” is annuity. If you are the SS participant, or annuitant, the monthly amount DOES vary depending on the time you start, but the total received is open ended (not fixed) and depends on the actual life span of the annuitant and/or the spouse. There are some calculators to determine when it is best to start, but the best start date is always dependent on a personal risk decision. Let’s leave outside risk factors from this discussion like plan solvency, political, or US currency risk. There are a number of additional factors that I will also leave out of the following and let you decide on; like your personal need for monthly income, your health, and your life expectancy, and the very important tax differential for early or delayed claimants. . If we only look at the calculators they are squewed to “assume” a set mortality date like around age 82 and all that is generally highlighted is which start date and spousal method will yield the most gross over time to the participants assuming that fixed death date. Another words, how do I squeeze the most gross out of the plan over time?

But there are problems using only that perspective. Since we don’t know the date or time of our own death (generally speaking) and we don’t know the continued fiscal health of the plan or the political risk of changed rules, we are ultimately faced with our own personally determined risk decision that each individual should intelligently make considering ALL the factors:

Is it best to get started at age 62 and take a smaller monthly amount or is it better to wait until full retirement and get a higher monthly later with generally better tax consequences? This all assumes that I will live long enough to receive a higher gross. For that, one does their homework, with the numbers, and with consideration to all the above outside and additional factors and then hold ones nose to jump in.

Bottom line; to decide WHEN to start, it shouldn’t be just a matter of arbitrarily picking an age at which you plan on checking out, then selecting a strategy to grab as much gross from the plan as possible.

WHEN to start should be a little more contemplated than that.

Since we have a mixed group of those on SS and those about to be, I will ask those who made their decision to chime in here and forward their thoughts and I will publish them in upcoming HL’s.

Take a look at these spreadsheets:

Commercial Section……

Investment (Legitimate firms that have helped our groupare encouraged to contact PCN to add articles here):

Section reserved for future content.

Travel & Non-Revving (share a quick reco):

Life Section…

Illness:

From: capnbob687@

  Subject: Re: Jack

  Date: December 20, 2009 9:50:38 AM EST

  To:   oeg1011@

  Reply-To:   capnbob687@

 

George:  I talked to Jack by phone about 2 weeks ago.  The local

hospice had moved in with them and had set up facilities for him and

them.  He was to have another prognosis doctor appointment the Monday

after we talked, and I haven't heard any more since .. good or bad.

I do know when I talked to him his voice was very raspy and he

relayed that the capillaries in his lungs were being affected.  Both

he and Bonnie are upbeat for now, but long term does not look good.

With all thia said .. have a Merry Christmas and we'll hope for a

better New Year.  Boc C.

 

From: George Chaudoin

To: robert campbell

Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 7:38 PM

Subject: Re: Jack

 

Bob,

Any up date on Jack??

Have had a couple questions.

Thanks,

George

 

Blue Side Up

George

Following update on death of Barbara Wood:

Dave,

Thanks for your quick reply and for the posting. I have a few more bits of information.

Barbara Wood was born on 4/12/1948, and passed away on 12/18/2009. She had been dealing with cancer for the past two years. Gary was in the 700th during the Caribou years, and was hired by Delta in January 1977. His address is 5320 Presley Place, Douglasville, GA 30135-1201. has the obituary that you published.

Thanks for all you do. I hope you and your family have a merry Christmas.

Ron Verner  

Misc Posts:

From: Captain Nicholas Gravino Jr.

To: Nick Gravino

Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 8:21 AM

Subject: A Pilot's Memoirs-From The Ground Up

Dear Friends,

    Yesterday I entered into a contract with Jenkins Group, Inc of Traverse City Michigan. Jenkins is a corporation that reads, evaluates, writes and distributes Press Releases to some 1,000 clients in the News, TV, Motion Picture Media etc. I am also working with Peachy Deegan of Manhattan, NY that is quite entrenched within the social scene in the "Big Apple." She has a staff that will read, critique and distribute their findings to all the the people "In The Know" in the "City That Never Sleeps."  In the mean time Debbie and I would like to wish one and all  "Buon Natale e un Nuovo Anno Felice."

 

The Highflight Cooperative Publishing Group

+++++++++++++

Forum

All,

Not quite sure if this will reach anyone but I wanted to let everyone

know about the "Newswire Talk" forum. For those that don't know about

forum's they are Web sites with special software which allows users

to post comments within a specified subject. Other users can then

read comments left by others and add their own comments. I have set

up the forum with specific subject's (forum's). The forum's fall

under two categories at this time, "Interline Discussion" and

"Activities". Any user can scan the forum's and read any comments

left there but if you would like to write and post your own comments

you must register for the forum. Being a registered user of the forum

will allow you full use of the forum plus any added features that may

be added. When you register you set up your own user name and

password for forum login. This is a work in progress and there are

many things I am still learning about running this forum. As time

goes on, and you have suggestions about the forum please email me at

this address:

wallybird976@ To access the

forum click on the following :

Newswire Talk

Sorry if this was the wrong format to post this. I did not know for sure.

John

jbozinny@

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Limit Notices? (eg. Death Notices)

[pic]From: Neil A

Date: 12/13/2009 6:11:22 PM

To: death@

Subject: notices

 Is there a way I can not receive the death info (too many and is depressing) and still receive other PILOT   related  information only?

Possibly there could be a link for those wanting to check on deaths.

Thanks for your work. 

Neil Robertson

1nrjr@

Editor: Thanks Neil for asking but ya missed the memo. Actually, I am very glad to take a little time on this one, because we have seen some unsubscribe for this very reason and it is all controllable.

YES, there is a very easy way to do just exactly as you say. Will tell you how right after this;

This group is a large one and we know a lot of people. Therefore these notices, that we provide as a service, can seem overwhelming. Because all the services the PCN provides have a place, I fully realized from the very beginning, that all would not be interested in every thing we do. That is why the PCN has organized for your to customize. For example, our newsletter is divided into sections. If one section doesn’t interest you skip it. That is also why the notices come from SPECIFIC email addresses. If you don’t like what comes from one email address …….again, skip it! I did that so one can simply put a block or filter on ONE address but receive from all the others.

Now to the specifics for you Neil and your Comcast email (other methods to block are similar though not exactly the following) on how to filter certain addresses or messages. I logged into my sisters Comcast account to get this accurate for you:

1. inside your email click “Preferences” then “Email Filter”

2. Now add “New”

3. Name filter like “No Death Notices” and click on the “V” (in “subject” box) to drop down, then click “FROM”

4. now enter the email address you wish to block death@

Note: you may also filter any subject line key words as well that contains one of our key words like “Best Buy,” “Male enhancement,” “Death” or “Illness.” You see we keep the subject lines consistent with KEY words and we have segregated email addresses for exactly this very purpose. This allows our subscribers to customize their reception of notices.

On our end, unfortunately, we cannot customize which notices subscribers get. All group subscribers get all notices. So the above method to customize may become important to some.

CAUTION: IF you block emails with just “@” then that effectively blocks notices from ALL our other email addresses and you will receive nothing. You must be more specific than just the basic domain name. For eg. Adding the first part of the email as well, like death@ Entering the full address will filter that email but not the rest from the PCN.

One more note: As to your question about a place where notices are archived. We have had that for months. There are 2 links from the PCN that should be saved in your favorites:

Our website ;

And our PCN Google group (where newsletters and all notices are archived)

If you also look at top of ever PCN web page and every High Life you will see G-Group link that takes you directly to our group where all notices are archived.

Refresher on PCN ‘segregated’ email address:

misc@ = misc, and news notices

mark@ = personal message from me or High Life newsletter

signup@ = rarely sends but receives your signup data

death@ = death and death update notices

illness@ = illness and illness update notices

pcn.calendar@ = calendar and event notices

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[pic]From: Ken Jegen

Date: 12/13/09 08:47:50

To: marksztanyo@

Subject: Christmas Greeting

 Dear Mark:  We don't know each other which is normal for 2 pilots flying for the same airline. I started with DAL in Sep 30, 1963 and retired October 1, 1996.  I just turned 72 and have been BLESSED with good health .  I am sending you this note to thank you for the "peek" into your personal life and your families also.  Your greeting puts a face and person into this program which I enjoyed and appreciated, as did my wife, so MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your family and thanks for the good work.  F.K. (Ken) Jegen Ret. 1996

Human Interest:

Good Read (Good book recommendation & Community Author’s blurbs):

Hall’s - History 12

From: Gene Hall

Date: 12/13/2009 5:24:20 PM

To: Old Widgets

Subject: Blog

 

I had a telephone call from Travis Foster this morning, and he asked about my condition.  I have been silent so long that he was wondering if I was okay.  I am okay.  I seem to be back to 100%.  Of course 100% aint what it used to be. 

I have been through a computer disaster, and it is just about solved.  I think my disaster was about half the fault of Windows Vista, and about half the operator.  I have also been working on some family stuff for my grand children which was the reason for this project.

Anyway, I am planning to send number 12 out this evening.  It is just a couple of more stories from the seventies.  I haven’t had any blogs from any of you lately.  I hope your silence doesn’t signal any physical or other problems.

History 12 in WORD -

Event Announcements (Click here for PCN Org & Groups Page): to post pcn.calendar@

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Wallybird brunch January 21, 2010

From the Wallybird

When:  January 21, 2010

Where: Franceso's Restaurant

Time:  1115

Meal choices are:

Chicken $23

Baked Lasagna a la Toscana   $17

Hoagie Sandwich $15

Meal all inclusive. Your choice of entree, drink, desert and gratuity!

Let start out the new year with a great attendance!!!!

Please RSVP me by noon, Monday January 18 with your menu selection either by email to:

dickdeeds@

or Phone:

408-268-0670

Good Deal/Bad Deal (Share a quick good deal or bad deal you have found – no commercials here!)

Hangar Flying (Share a bit of ole hangar flying with the net) :

Ready for that Warbird?

This company is an interesting one and claims to be the largest dealer for restored warbirds. My niece, Darcy, now works in marketing. Ready for the test flight in a P-51? Check out Courtesy Aircraft.

Darcy Kaapke darcy@

Courtesy Aircraft Sales, Inc.

Toll-free: 800.426.8783

Phone: 815.229.5112

Fax: 815.229.1815

  

Humor/Sobering or Fun (Share some “vulgarity free” humor with the net):

AN ACTUAL CRAIG'S LIST PERSONALS AD (thanks Denny)

To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last.

Date: 2009-05-27,=2 01:43 a.m.  E.S.T.

 

I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message..

 First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason. My girlfriend had just bought me that Kimber Model 1911 ..45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening.. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't it?!

 I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with that brown sludge in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].

 After I called your mother or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 150 gallons and was extremely grateful!

 I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]

 I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb ... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.

 Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone. Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone for a little over a day now, so what 's going on with that? Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target.

 The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.).

 In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you've chosen to pursue in life. Remember, next time you might not be so lucky.Have a good day!

Thoughtfully yours,

Alex

 

P.S. Remember this motto ... An armed society makes for a more civil society!

++++++++++++++++++++++

WHO IS your Daddy??? (Thanks Lane)

       

        The following are all replies that Detroit women have written on Child Support Agency Forms in the section for listing 'father's details;' or putting it another way... Who's yo Daddy? These are genuine excerpts from the forms!

       

         1. Regarding the identity of the father of my twins, Makeeshia was fathered by Willie McKinley I am unsure as to the identity of the father of Marlinda, but I believe that she was conceived on the same night.

       

         2. I am unsure, as to the identity of the father of my child as I was being sick out of a window when taken unexpectedly from behind. I can provide you with a list of names of men that I think were at the party if this helps.

       

         3. I do not know the name of the father of my little girl. She was conceived at a party at 3600 East Grand Boulevard where I had sex with a man I met that night. I do remember that the sex was so good that I fainted. If you do manage to track down the father, can you please send me his phone number? Thanks.

       

         4. I don't know the identity of the father of my daughter. He drives a BMW that now has a hole made by my stiletto in one of the door panels. Perhaps you can contact BMW service stations in this area and see if he's had it replaced.  That would be the daddy.

       

         5. I have never had sex with a man. I am still a Virginian. I think that my son's conception was ejaculate stuff on a tawl and that he is an axident.

       

         6. I cannot tell you the name of Alleshia dad as he informs me that to do so would blow his cover and that would have cat aclysmic implications for his wife. I am torn between doing right by you and right by him. Please advise.

       

         7... I do not know who the father of my child was as they all look the same to me.

       

         8. Tyrone Lairston is the father of child A. If you do catch up with him, can you ask him what he did with my AC/DC CDs? Child B who was also borned at the same time.... well, I don't have clue.

       

         9. From the dates it seems that my daughter was conceived at Disney World; it really was in the Magic Kingdom .

       

         10. So much about that night is a blur. The only thing that I remember for sure is Delia Smith did a program about eggs earlier in the evening. If I had stayed in and watched more TV rather than going to the party at 8956 Miller Ave. , mine might have remained unfertilized. 

         And my personal favorite. . . 

       

        11.. I am unsure as to the identity of the father of my baby, after all, like when you eat a can of beans you can't be sure which one made you fart. 

_____________________________________________________________

Mark

Mark Sztanyo, PCN Dir

Pilot Communication Net

Contact the Net

Merry Christmas to all!

Life on earth will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last!

Serving the Delta community, and pilots (active and retired) and their families, including original Delta, and former: Northeast, Pan-Am, Western, NWA, Republic, North-Central, Southern Airways, Hughes- Airwest, and all the Delta Connection carriers.

 

 ===================

Delta Pilots Pension Preservation Organization -  

Delta Museum & Fly-in information -               

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Delta Golden Wings -  

Delta Retiree Connection -

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   DAL Pilots DDPSA -

Delta Extra Net Portal - 

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