Saturday, September 30, 2017
RFD-TV IS NOW IN HIGH DEFINITION
RFD-TV GOES HIGH DEF IN A COUPLE OF HOURS! POLKA MAESTRO JIMMY STURR CAN BE SEEN SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 9:30 AM. CHECK JIMMY OUT!
THE OBITUARY OF PHILATELY 2017
Today's New York Times exclaims "In the internet age, philately ( stamp collecting) has lost its once-worldly charms." As an enthusiast of coins, stamps, clocks and watches since 1954 I disagree! So much of my happiness has come with my adulation and appreciation of these "little critters." Nothing is smaller yet miniature in the messages a stamp carries history, geography, sports the whole enchilada.
In my auctioneering years I delighted in finding rare postage in places that paid me thousands! I worked in the Customs House in St. Albans, VT to discover high denomination postage in wastebaskets. It was my find for free. Then at Mount Holyoke I discovered some real rare stuff for auction.
The kicker came with responses from Jackie O and GHWB in my creations. These unique pieces...Holy Cross Postcard and 2 JFK stamps revealed how basic a stamp is: a miniature work of art!
As Mail Clerk in Vietnam in Vung Tau I scored again in delivering the #834 Presidential Series Calvin Coolidge $5.00 postage. Today, I have a copy under glass on my desk. One year ago I bought a $100 stamp collection and am amazed the happiness gives me on a cold winter's night.
The new JFK stamp is an oversized winner. When I post an envelope I use the image of JFK as a reminder.
Finally, as a Windsor, CT Jaycee, I sponsored a hobby night and showed the making of the Moon Landing Stamp. This one stamp is emblematic of JFK's message of 'We Choose To Go To The Moon.' Stamps will never go away and deserve an epiphany to go with the latest Smart Phone! Stamps and postal history. It is a hobby and yes, hobbies are healthy!
In my auctioneering years I delighted in finding rare postage in places that paid me thousands! I worked in the Customs House in St. Albans, VT to discover high denomination postage in wastebaskets. It was my find for free. Then at Mount Holyoke I discovered some real rare stuff for auction.
The kicker came with responses from Jackie O and GHWB in my creations. These unique pieces...Holy Cross Postcard and 2 JFK stamps revealed how basic a stamp is: a miniature work of art!
As Mail Clerk in Vietnam in Vung Tau I scored again in delivering the #834 Presidential Series Calvin Coolidge $5.00 postage. Today, I have a copy under glass on my desk. One year ago I bought a $100 stamp collection and am amazed the happiness gives me on a cold winter's night.
The new JFK stamp is an oversized winner. When I post an envelope I use the image of JFK as a reminder.
Finally, as a Windsor, CT Jaycee, I sponsored a hobby night and showed the making of the Moon Landing Stamp. This one stamp is emblematic of JFK's message of 'We Choose To Go To The Moon.' Stamps will never go away and deserve an epiphany to go with the latest Smart Phone! Stamps and postal history. It is a hobby and yes, hobbies are healthy!
THE BOSTON RED SOX ADVANCE ACCORDINGLY
I have not enjoyed the games the Red Sox play! Houston just got a homerun around the Pesky pole. Anything can happen, my friends! Nailbiting, sweaty palms, these Red Sox piss me off! Now Kembrel is giving Houston the opportunity to Rock and Roll! What is happening? "Drama!."
I remember the saga of Bill Buckner in 1978. Champagne was on ice. Now we are an out away from a Title!
WE WIN! American League Division Champs!.. Finally!
I remember the saga of Bill Buckner in 1978. Champagne was on ice. Now we are an out away from a Title!
WE WIN! American League Division Champs!.. Finally!
RALPH WHITMAN AGE 84
Word has been received from SC my esteemed friend Ralph Whitman has passed. Ralph was 84.
Ralph was a farmer and an intellect and loving husband of Charlene.Ralph worked for FIJOL in Warren.Originally from North Brookfield, Mass the Whitmans moved to SC around 1996. His children are Mike, Jimmy and Crystal.
Ralph was a farmer and an intellect and loving husband of Charlene.Ralph worked for FIJOL in Warren.Originally from North Brookfield, Mass the Whitmans moved to SC around 1996. His children are Mike, Jimmy and Crystal.
Friday, September 29, 2017
SOX LOSE AGAIN!
I'm ready to jump ship. With the New York Yankees winning it's the same-old same-old. The Red Sox lack verve and it shows! Is the Championship sinking? Is the Titanic in the Port of Boston?
I drove to Woonsocket, R.I. today (about 50 miles) and enjoyed a brief visit to the Irwins of Timeless Antiques. What a beautiful antique shop. Purchased a book entitled "THE SOLDIER IN OUR CIVIL WAR" C. 1885 Highly recommended on Amazon. A prolific array of drawings and illustrations.
Then I enjoyed a Whole Belly Clam Roll! Ye Olde English Fish & Chips has been around for 95 years and is the Best of The Best!
Tomorrow is October 1. Anticipating a motor trip to Plymouth, Vermont, in lieu of any world series in Boston. Terrible outcome?
I drove to Woonsocket, R.I. today (about 50 miles) and enjoyed a brief visit to the Irwins of Timeless Antiques. What a beautiful antique shop. Purchased a book entitled "THE SOLDIER IN OUR CIVIL WAR" C. 1885 Highly recommended on Amazon. A prolific array of drawings and illustrations.
Then I enjoyed a Whole Belly Clam Roll! Ye Olde English Fish & Chips has been around for 95 years and is the Best of The Best!
Tomorrow is October 1. Anticipating a motor trip to Plymouth, Vermont, in lieu of any world series in Boston. Terrible outcome?
Thursday, September 28, 2017
VIETNAM LET IT BE!
The PBS Documentary concluded tonight. As President Ford said "The Vietnam Nightmare Is over" Sorry, Gerry, it will never be over!
The first-person interviews both of Viet Cong, South Vietnamese as well as Americans military and civilians reveals how complex the War and the aftermath really were and are. Having today's technologies and wisdom leaves little to the imagination! I particularly appreciated seeing footage of VUNG TAU after the war ended. I have a 3 minute film taken in 1967!
Although I did not experience combat I have lucid memories serving as a MEDIC. Working for 5 doctors and 2 dentists gave me insight for my life. My little Dispensary served 9,000 troops to include Australians, Philippines, Koreans and others.
I have posted under "ARMY "TOGETHER WE SERVED" BobbyP my memoirs. Good photos Check 'em out!
I think Ken Burns and Company have given new life on Vietnam...terribly complex then and now.
My 1998 return to Vietnam gives me perspective. I like the Vietnamese. They are small in stature but big in heart.
LET IT BE!
The first-person interviews both of Viet Cong, South Vietnamese as well as Americans military and civilians reveals how complex the War and the aftermath really were and are. Having today's technologies and wisdom leaves little to the imagination! I particularly appreciated seeing footage of VUNG TAU after the war ended. I have a 3 minute film taken in 1967!
Although I did not experience combat I have lucid memories serving as a MEDIC. Working for 5 doctors and 2 dentists gave me insight for my life. My little Dispensary served 9,000 troops to include Australians, Philippines, Koreans and others.
I have posted under "ARMY "TOGETHER WE SERVED" BobbyP my memoirs. Good photos Check 'em out!
I think Ken Burns and Company have given new life on Vietnam...terribly complex then and now.
My 1998 return to Vietnam gives me perspective. I like the Vietnamese. They are small in stature but big in heart.
LET IT BE!
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
TRIP TO MASS GENERAL A SUCCESS
It was a hot day in Beantown and I took things in my stride. Three months since I saw Dr. Dey. My numbers were good "come back in three months, Bob."
Had lunch with a MRI Technician who was interested in "LEAD THE FIELD" and "DOCTORS WITH X-RAY VISION." It's nice when younger folks are interested in personal development. "Good Luck."
My Flagadelic trousers were a hit. Maybe ten people came up to me and shook my hand saying "Thank you for your service!"
The Vietnam PBS has gone from bad to worse. What a Horror Show. It is so sad to see that picture of the naked little girl running and crying. How inhumane.
SOX hammered Toronto..
Clinch tomorrow night?
Had lunch with a MRI Technician who was interested in "LEAD THE FIELD" and "DOCTORS WITH X-RAY VISION." It's nice when younger folks are interested in personal development. "Good Luck."
My Flagadelic trousers were a hit. Maybe ten people came up to me and shook my hand saying "Thank you for your service!"
The Vietnam PBS has gone from bad to worse. What a Horror Show. It is so sad to see that picture of the naked little girl running and crying. How inhumane.
SOX hammered Toronto..
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
"MONEY CREATES AS MANY PROBLEMS AS IT SOLVES"..JIM KENARY
Put that in your pipe and smoke it! Wisdom from the Late Jim Kenary, Financial Advisor
KENT STATE MAY 4, 1970
The VIETNAM PBS Special had brought out so many gory memories. My Lai massacre and Kent State reveal the atrocities of human behavior. Demonstrations ran rampant. It went from BAD TO WORSE! Everybody lost. I spent 1 year 9 months and two days in uniform coming home in February of 1968. Things only got worse upon my homecoming.
I submit interested parties on Vietnam log onto Wikipedia for Kent State. Over 40 pages of details
RED SOX lost again!
I submit interested parties on Vietnam log onto Wikipedia for Kent State. Over 40 pages of details
RED SOX lost again!
Monday, September 25, 2017
PRAISES FOR KEN BURNS "VIETNAM"
The Vietnam Special will last for the next 100 years! This is the most in-depth video that can reach into the souls of Americans and Vietnamese. Kudos to all veterans who gave of their time. I know I have learned even being a Vietnam Veteran.What I like is the candor of North Vietnamese. I feel immensely sad for all folks, particularly the kids.
We are winding down in the Series. "VIETNAM" is available on all technologies of the day.
And oh yes.. THE RED SOX LOST!
We are winding down in the Series. "VIETNAM" is available on all technologies of the day.
And oh yes.. THE RED SOX LOST!
ALAN R. VARNUM 73
West Brookfield has lost a pillar of the community, Al Varnum! Please refer to Telegram.Com obituary for details. I knew Al Varnum from boyhood growing up in North Brookfield as do I know his widow, Carol Stevens Varnum. My sympathies to the entire surviving family.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
BET ON BETTS!
Incredible road trip for Boston. 8-1 road trip! amazing. The Sox rallied once more in Cincinnati. Can they do it? I know the Patriot game is more important but us loyal Sox fans are cheering!
It's nerve-racking. GAME OVER!
It's nerve-racking. GAME OVER!
Saturday, September 23, 2017
BOSTON RED SOX NOW 90 WINS FOR THE SEASON!
The heat of Cincinnati just didn't bother the Red Sox. They dealt a 3 hitter and a shut-out with John Farrell's son hurling for a brief time.
The day was spent with "Family Soccer." Chase played with the big boys and even scored one of the six goals. Maddie played earlier in Auburn. Evie was reluctant to play and hugged unto to Dad.
Johnson called. "Not today!"
Gotta get some of Allen's Cider!
The day was spent with "Family Soccer." Chase played with the big boys and even scored one of the six goals. Maddie played earlier in Auburn. Evie was reluctant to play and hugged unto to Dad.
Johnson called. "Not today!"
Gotta get some of Allen's Cider!
ARMY AMBULANCE - M-37
I drove an ambulance in Vietnam!
As familiar as M*A*S*H, the Vietnam Army Ambulance was seen everywhere in Vietnam. They were stodgy to say the least. In my last year in Vung Tau I made a ambulance calls throughout the Vung Tau Peninsula and saw some bloody results from soldier fights!
In 1987 I owned a Dodge Power Wagon. Son Josh and I had a "Doc Bills" experience worth forgetting! Dick Chabot came to my rescue with his two wreckers! I sold the truck in the Fall.
Friday, September 22, 2017
OH MY, THE SOX ARE LEADING AND WIN ON A DOUBLE PLAY
"Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits" - Edison
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y Good job!
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y Good job!
MORE VIETNAM WAR MEMORIES
I once saw Premier Ky alight a plane at the Vung Tau Airport!
Like a Silver Dollar
Key was the flamboyant leader sporting fancy jump suits as he was a trained pilot in the Vietnamese Air Force.When I went to Australia on my R & R I had a powder blue suit tailored in the Vung Tau Village. Friend Thom Cox had a duplicate made.We called them "our Premier Ky suits! LOL.
I show the 1889 silver Piastre bearing the inscription Republique Francais. It is a beauty and I paid but $ for it in 1967. I kept it for years selling it when the price of silver was high. I have owned others. The U.S. Trade Dollars were much more expensive..$60.
Soldiers were paid in MPCs (Military Payment Certificates.) Corruption was rampant. The Black Market prevailed.Stuff was issued on our Ration Card and quickly sold for a profit. Everybody did it I guess. "Money makes the world go round!"
The Enlisted Men's Club had slot machines. They were controlled by the NCOs.Everybody was on the take including yours truly. The truth is battles were fought in the field and money was made in the Black Market.
I don't know if Ken Burns will cover this issue? Some GIs went to jail.I knew a guy who got caught stealing a truckful of bed sheets!
In March of 1967 I taught English to Adult Vietnamese! It was fun until they asked me for some money!I quit! I wanted more adventure so I befriended a shop owner in the village.."HE." Every night I spent an hour visiting..One guy was Chinese. Interesting.
The lacquers seem to be unique to the Orient. I shipped home a few for gifts and a 4 foot gem I own to this day! I had an eye for this stuff.
A CINCINNATI GRAND SLAM HAS SILENCED THE BOSTON RED SOX EARLY ON
What a hole to dig! Their work is truly dug out! Help!
GOING BACK TO VIETNAM IN 1998 FOR 9 DAYS
Vietnam - 11-16-98. The first time I was treated like a grunt; the second like a king.Air Vietnam flew us out of Hong Kong - the city of glitz and $ south to Ho Chi Minh City a place U was during the American War in 1967.
From Customs at TanSon Nhat Airfield the absence of military personnel and planes as my first observation of difference. The terminal was bleak compared to Hong Kong and the customs officer seemed as stern as Hitler. I presented my Passport and knew his authority was omnipotent. I forgot to write in my passport number on the Customs form.
My flight from the terminal was quick and as expected a surge of taxi hustlers approached me for a fare. I said "How Much"? $15..I said $10 . He said $12 I said $$10 and he took it.
The New World Hotel was classy. A sealed envelope addressed to Mr. Robert Potvin. I was to live in luxury for more than a week!
I recruited a cyclo driver named ANH. Each day Anh would peddle me aroung Saigon to the sights of Old Saigon. Military Remnants Museum, US Aircraft, the Saigon Cathedral and more gave me great perspectives of 1998.
Saigon was mine! I enjoyed meeting ANH's family and friends. I also took the Hydrofoil to Vung Tau and the Sammy Hotel! It just wasn't the same as in 1967!
Returning to Vietnam as a civilian gave me great perspective to this day!
From Customs at TanSon Nhat Airfield the absence of military personnel and planes as my first observation of difference. The terminal was bleak compared to Hong Kong and the customs officer seemed as stern as Hitler. I presented my Passport and knew his authority was omnipotent. I forgot to write in my passport number on the Customs form.
My flight from the terminal was quick and as expected a surge of taxi hustlers approached me for a fare. I said "How Much"? $15..I said $10 . He said $12 I said $$10 and he took it.
The New World Hotel was classy. A sealed envelope addressed to Mr. Robert Potvin. I was to live in luxury for more than a week!
I recruited a cyclo driver named ANH. Each day Anh would peddle me aroung Saigon to the sights of Old Saigon. Military Remnants Museum, US Aircraft, the Saigon Cathedral and more gave me great perspectives of 1998.
Saigon was mine! I enjoyed meeting ANH's family and friends. I also took the Hydrofoil to Vung Tau and the Sammy Hotel! It just wasn't the same as in 1967!
Returning to Vietnam as a civilian gave me great perspective to this day!
Thursday, September 21, 2017
A VIETNAM WAR MEDIC - ME!
It was like predestination for me. Uncle Sam trained me in San Antonio, TX to take X-Rays.The work was clean and I went about my training. Then to Fort Dix for OJT. My Vietnam Orders arrived in Late January. I was surprised and amazed.
The war build-up was staggering. Oakland Army Base was rife with GIs. I arrived 2 days early and saw the night life of San Francisco and it Topless Bars. Going to Vietnam was uncertain. First Hawaii then to Okinawa. Still no definition to my life.
Upon landing in Vietnam my life began to take a definite course. Long Binh was my first stop then a flight across the jungles into VUNG TAU a tourist city on the South China Sea! I had little to fear. All of newbies were reassured of the safety Vung Tau offered.
The Air Field was distant from the Village Bars.The 36thEvac Hospital was recipient of war casualties. Doctors and nurses aided the wounded. I met an Army Nurse from Worcester, Sharon Werme. Our Chaplain was Worcester born Rev. Danny Doyle who delivered me a copy of THE WORCESTER TELEGRAM!
In the absence of any combat my daily work was routine. I took x-rays on a 60 MA machine. My lab was lined with sheets of lead and I hand-developed Kodak films in the chemicals and attendant rinse. I served 5 doctors and two dentists. I didn't have a clue what it was like to fight!
I can still hear the prop planes taking off each morning at 6:00 AM. Pallets of U.S. Mail and Black Label beer arrived daily!
I wore OD green fatigues and after work we were allowed to travel to the Vung Tau Village in the back of a Deuce and a Half. It was an amazing experience for me.WAR? I don't think so. Today, I have a Vietnamese Lacquer hanging on my office wall.
There weren't any telephones for us in Vung Tau just MARS.
As far as Demonstrations went back in the USA we knew little and were questioned by the friendly Australians.
Every Sunday we would go to Front Beach for our weekly 'beer-drinking' R & R. Some GI's even had surf-boards! A juke box blared from the stage. WAR?
The biggest problem seemed to be prostitution. It was epidemic and as a Medic we handled the brunt of it. For a while I was a spokesperson for the 345th Medical Detachment. Our doctors were so discouraged.
We received Combat Pay. I sent home a monthly allotment.
The bottom line to my year in Vietnam was I was very, very lucky. No baggage, maturity, luck.
The war build-up was staggering. Oakland Army Base was rife with GIs. I arrived 2 days early and saw the night life of San Francisco and it Topless Bars. Going to Vietnam was uncertain. First Hawaii then to Okinawa. Still no definition to my life.
Upon landing in Vietnam my life began to take a definite course. Long Binh was my first stop then a flight across the jungles into VUNG TAU a tourist city on the South China Sea! I had little to fear. All of newbies were reassured of the safety Vung Tau offered.
The Air Field was distant from the Village Bars.The 36thEvac Hospital was recipient of war casualties. Doctors and nurses aided the wounded. I met an Army Nurse from Worcester, Sharon Werme. Our Chaplain was Worcester born Rev. Danny Doyle who delivered me a copy of THE WORCESTER TELEGRAM!
In the absence of any combat my daily work was routine. I took x-rays on a 60 MA machine. My lab was lined with sheets of lead and I hand-developed Kodak films in the chemicals and attendant rinse. I served 5 doctors and two dentists. I didn't have a clue what it was like to fight!
I can still hear the prop planes taking off each morning at 6:00 AM. Pallets of U.S. Mail and Black Label beer arrived daily!
I wore OD green fatigues and after work we were allowed to travel to the Vung Tau Village in the back of a Deuce and a Half. It was an amazing experience for me.WAR? I don't think so. Today, I have a Vietnamese Lacquer hanging on my office wall.
There weren't any telephones for us in Vung Tau just MARS.
As far as Demonstrations went back in the USA we knew little and were questioned by the friendly Australians.
Every Sunday we would go to Front Beach for our weekly 'beer-drinking' R & R. Some GI's even had surf-boards! A juke box blared from the stage. WAR?
The biggest problem seemed to be prostitution. It was epidemic and as a Medic we handled the brunt of it. For a while I was a spokesperson for the 345th Medical Detachment. Our doctors were so discouraged.
We received Combat Pay. I sent home a monthly allotment.
The bottom line to my year in Vietnam was I was very, very lucky. No baggage, maturity, luck.
GARY PUCKETT LIVE AT THE BIG-E WEST SPRINGFIELD, MASS
The crowd was huge and this 75 year old (OCT. 17, 1942) old singer played to the occassion.
Puckett's hits are HUGE:"Lady Will Power, "Over You" 'Woman, Woman""Young Girl" "This Girl's A Woman Now"
His Military Coat is his signature "Union Gap." I like his style.
It's amazing Gary Puckett is still firing on all eight cylinders.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
CHRIS SALE 300 STRIKEOUTS
The Boston Red Sox are looking more and more like Division Champs! They have a 3 game lead over the Yankees. 9-0 Final...300 STRIKEOUTS!
Ken Burns Vietnam, tonight, was great. The Vietnam War was much was much, more complex on both sides. The war grew like a cancer. Yankee Imperialists. My assignment in VUNG TAU was modest, protected. I was very lucky.
Chase played to a 3-3 soccer tie in Warren. He's growing right in front of us all.. confident, happy. The whole family was cheering Chase on.
Did laundry earlier in the day... a dismal day, indeed.
My Honda odometer read 222222 while at Quaboag! Showed Chase and he gave a big smile of approval.
GO SOX!
Ken Burns Vietnam, tonight, was great. The Vietnam War was much was much, more complex on both sides. The war grew like a cancer. Yankee Imperialists. My assignment in VUNG TAU was modest, protected. I was very lucky.
Chase played to a 3-3 soccer tie in Warren. He's growing right in front of us all.. confident, happy. The whole family was cheering Chase on.
Did laundry earlier in the day... a dismal day, indeed.
My Honda odometer read 222222 while at Quaboag! Showed Chase and he gave a big smile of approval.
GO SOX!
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Monday, September 18, 2017
THE BIG E - MONDAY
It was a clouzy Monday and I knew my way around. Parking cost me $10 and Admission $12. I thought it was fair and the Fair. I ran into Gerard D. Kiernan, Director of Operations as I had met Gerry several years ago. We spoke about Ken Burns Vietnam Special of last night. "I taped it."
The crowd was light to moderate and I roamed over to the POTTER MANSION.. the prize of North Brookfield. I learned "Village People" performed last night and GARY PUCKET AND THE UNION GAP will perform later this week.
Of interest was all of the Vietnam Veterans wearing ball caps.It was a good day and I even saw friends from North Brookfield!
Tonight VIETNAM Part Two is playing right now. Less romantic!
The crowd was light to moderate and I roamed over to the POTTER MANSION.. the prize of North Brookfield. I learned "Village People" performed last night and GARY PUCKET AND THE UNION GAP will perform later this week.
Of interest was all of the Vietnam Veterans wearing ball caps.It was a good day and I even saw friends from North Brookfield!
Tonight VIETNAM Part Two is playing right now. Less romantic!
Sunday, September 17, 2017
VIETNAM PBS SPECIAL
Tonight's Ken Burns & Lynn Novick's special was both riveting and revealing. What I appreciated about this Documentary was the in depth showing of the French Involvement historically, in particular, and the early American involvement under the Truman Administration. and the showing of JFK..two interviews I have never seen before. Earlier, I had seen Kennedy's in 1951.
This Burn's Novick masterpiece will serve well for a college course and tomorrow night it will go into the JFK years and Vietnam. I think a video will advance knowledge on a "war that never goes away!" This program is wonderful.
This PBS program gets 5 stars ***** from me as a Vietnam Vietnam (1967) as a Medic 91p20 serving in Vung Tau
.
This Burn's Novick masterpiece will serve well for a college course and tomorrow night it will go into the JFK years and Vietnam. I think a video will advance knowledge on a "war that never goes away!" This program is wonderful.
This PBS program gets 5 stars ***** from me as a Vietnam Vietnam (1967) as a Medic 91p20 serving in Vung Tau
.
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