Mark's Remarks - HL 369 (3)

High Life 369  |   PCN Home  |  Post to PCN   | G-Group   |  Calendar   |  PCN Ads  |  Sign Up  |  FAQs

Back in the High Life Again -Theme Song:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adw772km7PQ&ob=av2e

Lyrics:

Back in the High Life Again

Steve Winwood

It used to seem to me that my life ran off too fast
And I had to take it slowly
Just to make the good parts last
But when you're born to run, it's so hard to just slow down
So don't be surprised to see me
Back in the bright part of town

 

I'll be back in the high life again
All the doors I closed one time
Will open up again
I'll be back in the high life again
All thee eyes that watched me once
Will smile and take me in

 

And I'll drink and dance with one hand free
Let the world back into me
I know I'll be a sight to see
Back in the high life again

 

Girl, you used to be the best
To make life be life to me
And I hope that you're still out there
And you're like you used to be
We'll have ourselves a time
And we'll dance the mornin' sun
And we'll let the good times come in
And we won't stop 'til we're done

 

We'll be back in the high life again
All the doors I closed one time
Will open up again
We'll be back in the high life again
All thee eyes that watched us once
Will smile and take us in

 

And we'll drink and dance with one hand free
And have the world so easily
Though we'll be a sight to see
Back in the high life again

High life
High life
In the high life again

 

We'll be back in the high life again
All the doors I closed one time
Will open up again
We'll be back in the high life again
All thee eyes that watched us once
Will smile and take us in

 

And we'll drink and dance with one hand free
And have the world so easily
Though we'll be a sight to see
Back in the high life again

High life
(Back in the high life)

Oh, we'll be back...

 

Important: If viewing in Google Drive, PDF hyperlinks are hot after you highlight them. If you have trouble navigating to a hyperlink then visit the blog where all links are hot - http://pcnhighlife.blogspot.com/

 

Dear PCN (of over 2600 subscribers),

 The Header Picture:

 Yes, this is my family members at the Breslin Center in East Lansing just a little while ago, as the March Madness was beginning. I have to say, March Madness is really a fun time, if you are a basketball fan.  When I think about seasons, hands down, Fall is my favorite time of the year.  Just too many great things in the Fall that tip the scales for me.  But think about Spring for a minute.  Easter approaches, Spring weather, Daytona, the Masters, March Madness and of course the opening of the season for America’s Past-time…… Major League Baseball.  Now that is quite a lineup of great things about Spring.    HAPPY SPRING Y’ALL!!!!

 

 

 

REPEAT NOTICE of Delta HR EMAIL:

Another way to Contact Delta HR – Please copy the included email for future use.

• New Email Contact for Delta’s Retirees - Delta’s Human Resources Department has established a new
email address for retirees needing to contact Delta Air Lines with various questions or comments. The new
email address is alumniservices@delta.com. This is an alternative way to get your question directly into
the HR department if you have been unable to resolve your issue through the “Ask HR” feature on the Del-
ta Net for Alumni website or the 1-800-MYDELTA help line.

 

 

 

IMPORTANT SURVIVOR section repeated in INSURANCE section of High Life 340 and FINANCE section of 336.  NEW handy 2 page LINK LIST of important documents for the Survivor. 

 

 

New PCN subscriber Sign Up:

 

As you most of you know our PCN is a private subscribed to online community.  We maintain a list of that virtually eliminates spammers or other online undesirables from joining with a simple sign up procedure, so the applicant can be screened.  I am very happy with how this has worked as we can be assured that everyone on the 2670 member list is legit.

 

If you know of a pilot who wishes to join our community and receive our notices they can easily and painlessly become a subscriber for FREE by simply filling out the SIGN UP form.  If a current member vouches for a friend and simply sends in their former Delta position and email, I have always considered this an appropriate vetting and added them directly to the list.

 

Thanks for helping the PCN remain the largest retired Delta pilot online community and for helping keep our mailing list made up of all legit subscribers.  

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Finance - HL 369 (1)

Helpful miscellaneous articles regarding our retirement plan and planning.  Like you, I review my retirement nestegg and plan from time to time.  Recently, I went though some continued education for some credentials I maintain and it occurred to me that we all could use a review about these issues.  So with your help, we will share and post articles and info that may be helpful and of interest to many of you in this section.

 How high will the price of gold go?

Here's what some experts think

By 

Tim Maxwell

Edited By 

Angelica Leicht

March 27, 2024 / 9:20 AM EDT / CBS News

 

 

Investor interest in gold is rising, which isn't surprising given persistent inflation and elevated interest rates continue to drag on the economy. Historically, gold tends to perform well during periods of economic uncertainty, as investors look for a hedge against inflation and a stabilizing asset to add to their portfolios.

Indeed, investors are turning to the safety of gold in large numbers, driving its price to an all-time high of $2,125.89 this past December. That mark was surpassed earlier this month with gold trading at $2,160 per troy ounce, and most recently, gold's price hit $2,170.16 on March 22.

Investors considering the precious metal, then, would be served by understanding where the price of gold could be heading. Below, we'll  take a closer look at what's behind gold's rising price trend and just how high the price of gold will go.

How high will the price of gold go?

To understand how far the price of gold can potentially rise, it's important to know why it recently hit all-time highs. 

A recent J.P. Morgan report attributes gold's surging prices in late 2023 to a confluence of factors, including increased purchases from central banks, rising concerns over geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, inflation and anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

Certainly, economists and precious metals analysts largely agree that uncertainty in many sectors is leading the flight to gold.

"Let's start macro, gold is your safety play, so the more people feel nervous or uncertain, the more gold is viewed as a safe haven," says Matt Willer, a Phoenix Capital Group Holdings partner in Denver, Colorado. "The reality is we are littered with uncertainty. We have the tail of inflation, tension around the world, an election year [and] elevated interest rates, which all perpetuate the flow of funds into gold."

Similarly, Eric Croak, CFP and president of Croak Capital, a wealth management firm in Toledo, Ohio, says a "combination of specific factors" have spurred gold's soaring price, but one factor may weigh more heavily.

"The recent surge in gold prices is primarily driven by softer U.S. economic indicators," says Croak. "These market conditions have boosted gold's demand while diminishing the demand for other commodities. This is largely due to the higher level of trust placed in assets like gold, silver and diamonds compared to other investment options."

 

 

 

 

 

 (As with any of these informative articles, anyone who needs someone to talk to about

this very subject contact me and I can direct you to a knowledgeable advisor).

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Insurance - HL 369 (2)

PLEASE take note of the post that Capt Hammett shares:

 

From Capt Vern Hammett

vern.hammett@gmail.com

 

I have an important message for all Delta pilots whose spouse might be eligible for survivor benefits. Please get this out to the group in order to avoid delays and apprehension about the benefit. 

 

When dealing with Delta ESC only ask about benefits using the phrase Survivor Benefits!  Do not ask about retirement benefits! There appears to be confusion when using the improper description of the benefit. Apples versus oranges!

 

This comes from my experience helping the widow of a deceased Delta pilot obtain her Survivor Benefits!

 

 

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

 

 

IMPORTANT SURVIVOR information in many former HL issues but INSURANCE section of High Life 340 and FINANCE section of 336 a good resource to keep.

 

CORRECTION to language I used in HL 350 for the D & S Plan TRUST

 

All Archived High Lifes issues:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BzB_SBDmSd9AMzViODQ3MDQtODhjYy00YzkwLThiMzktM2FhMDEzMDZhYjA0?resourcekey=0-sovghKhA1zNRWP5SUxjUqA&usp=sharing

 

I previously used the word ‘unfunding’ or ‘defunding’  the Trust but I believe that is in error and can cause unnecessary misunderstanding.  The Company is not defunding the Trust but rather funding it ‘monthly’ as opposed to carrying a long term balance.  There IS a tax advantage for both Company and Beneficiary from the Section 501(c)(9) nature of the Trust so, one would expect to see the Company continue to keep the Trust even though the funding is not executed well in advance. 

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Events - HL 369 (1)

April Air Shows (16 events)

---

Apr 1-6

SUN 'n FUN International Fly-In Expo 2025

Lakeland, FL

Apr 5-6

Aviation Nation Air & Space Expo 2025

Las Vegas, NV

Apr 5

Purdue Aviation Days 2025

West Lafayette, IN

Apr 5-6

Wings Over Homestead Open House and Air Show 2025

Homestead ARB, FL

Apr 12-13

Altus AFB Open House and Air Show 2025

Altus, OK

Apr 12-13

MCAS Beaufort Air Show 2025

Beaufort, SC

Apr 12-13

Southern California Air Show 2025

Riverside County, CA

Apr 12

Thunder Over Louisville 2025

Louisville, KY

Apr 19-20

Big Country Air & Space Expo 2025

Abilene, TX

Apr 19

Wings Over Pegasus Airshow 2025

Murchison, TX

Apr 19-20

Wings Over West Texas 2025

Abilene, TX

Apr 24-27

Vidalia Onion Festival Air Show 2025

Vidalia, GA

Apr 25-26

WASP Homecoming & Fly-In 2025

Sweetwater, TX

Apr 26-27

Air Dot Show Augusta 2025

Augusta, GA

Apr 26-27

AirPower Over Hampton Roads 2025

Hampton, VA

Apr 27

Pacific Coast Dream Machines 2025

Half Moon Bay, CA

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Travel / Non Revving - HL 369 (1)

 Note:  About layover hotels (List Now Updated as of Nov 2021) Lists are no longer accessible on the DeltaNet.  The page is password protected for our PCN group ONLY.  Please use the password of pcnpilot

To access the 2021 listing of layover hotels click here:  http://pcn.homestead.com/Seniority.html

 

Delta’s New – Alumni DeltaNet (to access TravelNet) see MISC

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Good Read - HL 369 (4)

In HL 368, I shared for the 1^st time, a recurring frustrating nightmare I have, when I dream.  Mind you, the Vietnam Vet brother-in-law, we just lost, had some ‘real’ flashback nightmares of which we always felt bad about.  My dreams are of the silly nature and just one of non-accomplishment, you just cannot resolve or show up for work.  In these dreams I just can’t do what I am supposed to do.  I published this silly thing only because I just had one and thought I would bare my soul.  Well, here are a few replies from within our community.   

Hi Mark

 

Just saw your latest.  I retired in 2004 (10 years early) after 25 years with DL and 24 with the Navy to run my own company (and take the retirement). 

I’m afraid these will continue for some time.  My carrier ones have faded and the DL ones are slowly subsiding.  They are just like yours.  Either not making sign in or circling Santiago in the middle of the night waiting for the weather to clear.  You will get used to it and learn to live with it.  Hang in there.

 

Cheers

Mike (767ER)

senior@cyintech.com

++++

Mark,
Interesting read on your recurring dream. Must be a hazard of the job. Check out mine below.

l have a very similar dream that is one of the only dreams I seem to have occasionally. I am trying to get ready for a trip and nothing seems to work. I can't get my act together and about the time I am ready to go something else pops up and frustrates my efforts.  Can't find my hat, shoes are missing, , where is my flight bag, keep looking at the clock and I am late. About the time I get one problem resolved another pops up and I am never able to get there. I just seem to wander around is somewhat of a fog and am unable to get it all together. It is very frustrating and I guess I finally just give up and never even seem to get going. Guess I finally just give up and there is never an ending that resolves the issues or I wake up and realize that it is just a dream.

Thought you might find it interesting,
Wendell Lewis

wglewis7@bellsouth.net

 

Editor: Wendell, it seems as though we are cursed with the same exact dream frustration.  Circling around like a buffoon not being able to accomplish what is right there before me.  Wendell, now when I occasionally dream of other activity it does not end in frustration.

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

A Rare Robin

This unusual airplane comes with an unusual human-interest story attached.

Jay Selman

Updated Mar 5, 2025 10:57 AM PST

https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/a-rare-robin/

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Human Interest - HL 369 (1)

From SkyTamers – “This Day in Aviation History”

This Day In Aviation History — January
January Aviation Events & Milestones     https://www.skytamer.com/January.html

 

March 29 (The publish date of HL 369)

• 29 March 1858 (Australia) — Two men, Brown and Dean, make the first balloon flight in Australia in a hydrogen balloon named the “Australasian.”
• 29 March 1920 (England) — Located about 10 miles due south of the City of London, England, Waddon Airport at Croydon is used for the first time as London's airport. Until this date, Hownslow has been considered the capital's main airport.
• 29 March 1923 (USA) — Lieut. Alexander Pearson, USAS, makes a record 500 km flight, 167.8 mph in a Verville-Sperry, with Wright 350-hp engine, at McCook Field, Dayton, Ohio.
• 29 March 1923 (USA) — Lieut. L. J. Maitland, USAS, at McCook Field, makes a record speed flight in an Army-Curtiss Racer, 239.95 mph.
• 29 March 1923 (USA) — Lieut. H. R. Harris, USAS, in a DH-4B at Dayton, Ohio, establishes a world record for 1,000 km of 127.4 mph. Harris also sets record of 114.35 mph for 1,500 km.
• 29 March 1951 (USA) — Flight Safety Inc. begins operations at the Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport, New York with just one secretary and rented late night hours on a Link trainer simulator.

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MISC - HL 369 (2)

My Experience with the NEW – Alumni DeltaNET (Also refer to the Post shared by Capt Skjerven below)

Like many of you I procrastinated updating my DeltaNet password and so when I recently tried to login it I was not recognized.  In the meantime, Delta has created a NEW Alumni DeltaNet and it may end up being better but as of now it has a bunch of hassles and hiccups. 

Password: First, things first.  My password was cancelled and so I needed to update that.  Could I do that online on my own?  No chance.  Is there an easy way to handle all of this.  Not that I know of.  I called a Delta Service Number 404-714-4357  or 888-714-0529 and the menu if for ACTIVE employees so I pressed “0” and got a second menu that mentioned PASSWORD reset.  I asked for an agent and this Filipino helped me get “verified” and get a temp password to reset my password while on the phone with her.  PS I clearly stated I was RETIRED and is this the correct location where I can reset my password and she assured me and all other Retirees could contact the above numbers.  That eventually worked, but the next problem is below.

PingID: Delta installed MFA tech on this new site which means Multi Faceted Access, such as fingerprints, face or access number.  On my Fidelity financial accounts I use a 3^rd Party extra login step that adds a 3^rd step to access the account.  That is what PingID is.  You add PingID on your phone then get verified in the app and it will provide you an “ACCESS PIN” (usually a 6 digit number it flashes for 1 minute) that to access anything on your Alumni DeltaNet such as Self Service you must look at your PingID on your phone and transfer the I minute Access number to your attempted access to finally complete the ‘signon’.  Whew!    I am finally back online but I am not too awful happy with all this but I did get into Travel Net and also Self Service and other parts of the NEW Alumni DeltaNet. Maybe in time I may even like how its set up but that hasn’t happened yet.  BTW TravelNet has the same old appearance and functions. 

See the Post below from Capt Skjerven on this subject.

 

From Capt Skjerven

dwskjerven@aol.com

Mark, this might be of interest to the group. I got it from the delta pioneers  David  W. Skjerven

*******VERY IMPORTANT READ, MY FELLOW PENSIONERS (Retirees)*********

IT ALERT: Fake Delta login pages on Google, Bing used to compromise alumni accounts

Published Date 2/12/2025 4:00 PM

 

There have been reports of lookalike Delta login pages on search engines like Google and Bing, created by scammers to steal login credentials and gain access to employee and alumni accounts and personal information, like home/mailing address, telephone contact details and direct deposit bank information.

 

These fake login pages, are a type of cyberattack called Search Engine Optimization Poisoning, which use random, non-Delta URLs and can be listed as a "sponsored" search result on Google.
We take security of your personal data and Delta's systems very seriously and are taking additional steps on our end to further prevent these scammers from gaining access to your information, but we need your help to protect your Delta account.

 

Protect your Delta Account

 

Don't use search engines to find our alumni login page or internal information

Bookmark the Alumni Deltanet login page.
Bookmarking commonly used websites is an easy, convenient way to ensure access to the correct site.

Reset your password.

If you accidentally enter your login credentials on webpages not affiliated with Delta, reset your password immediately via the Delta Login Self-Service Portal and then report your experience to the IT Service Desk

 

If you notice suspicious activity, like an impersonated Delta website, or if you believe an outsider has accessed your account, notify the IT Service Desk or the Cyber Monitoring and Incident Response (CMIR) team at CMIR@delta.com.

 

 

**************************  Bp/Rdu **************************

** HOW TO CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD **  As of:  1-31-24   (PH: 888-714-0529)

** SEE & READ ((PAGE #2)) BEFORE STARTING TO UPDATE YOUR PW **

(( CHANGES will occur as PW expires or is reset ))

Log on: REGISTER.DELTA.COM – Renew PW or Reset Expired PW

(OR)   1. Log onto ~ deltanet ~  (with your PPR # & OLD PW)

2. ~ Deltanet for Alumni ~ (Top left corner comes up) page displays

3. ~ Go to the far right & scroll down to: HR Information ~

4. Select ~ I Need to Reset My Password    &    5. Change Password

6.  New PW must be 12 characters       Then - follow Directions !!!!

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