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Happy birthday to you wonderful folks, who enrich our lives with this great publication.

Hi Eleanor,
What a good idea “yearly birthday review” . Thanks

This Comment was from Doyne Mraz, and was transferred from its original site to accompany the other comments on the Dave Cochrane article

I lived in Los Altos, CA, before we moved to Oregon. One day in 1970, my front door bell rang, and it was Barney Oliver, the Vice-President for Research at Hewlett-Packard. How I came to know Barney is not the intent of my message. He did hold in his hand an object which seemed very strange to me. He found a wall plug in my living room and plugged in this strange machine. Then he said, “Give me some outrageous numbers to add, subtract, multiply and divide.” Barney was not a person to scoff at; he was always serious in his endeavors. So I gave him some numbers; he touched keys in the machine, and surely the results were significant, but not clear to my non-engineering mind. Barney said, ” This object will change the world.” Of course, he was serious; I passed it off, thinking Barney had been drinking in the middle of the day. I offered coffee. We talked. Indeed, it was the first attempt at a calculator made by Hewlett-Packard, and it was earth shattering. That machine now lives in the Hewlett-Packard museum, unless the Smithsonian has escaped with it. My story surrounds Dave Cochran, whom Barney Oliver taught algorithms and who worked with Barney on the Bart system in the Bay Area. It’s a very small world, and one never knows if another person knows someone close to you. I loved Dave’s story.

Bob, I love your style of writing, informative and very entertaining! Thanks

We at RVM are honored to have TWO men that worked on the HP-35.
The second one is Paul Williams.

It was an amazing machine.

Dave is incredibly intelligent but even more so, he is humble. In the many conversations I have had with him, Dave eluded to his “contributions” to the HP-35 project. He kind of skipped the part where he was the Project Chief! Simply an amazing person.

I know this is an old post but maybe still worth a response. Jan Rowe has given 2 or 3 presentations at RVM on medical aid in dying. When Dr. Prulhiere was here at RVM we specifically asked him if he would participate as a doctor – and he said he would not. So at least we knew. This is worth a discussion with your doctor.

I lived in Los Altos, CA, before we moved to Oregon. One day in 1970, my front door bell rang, and it was Barney Oliver, the Vice-President for Research at Hewlett-Packard. How I came to know Barney is not the intent of my message. He did hold in his hand an object which seemed very strange to me. He found a wall plug in my living room and plugged in this strange machine. Then he said, “Give me some outrageous numbers to add, subtract, multiply and divide.” Barney was not a person to scoff at; he was always serious in his endeavors. So I gave him some numbers; he touched keys in the machine, and surely the results were significant, but not clear to my non-engineering mind. Barney said, ” This object will change the world.” Of course, he was serious; I passed it off, thinking Barney had been drinking in the middle of the day. I offered coffee. We talked. Indeed, it was the first attempt at a calculator made by Hewlett-Packard, and it was earth shattering. That machine now lives in the Hewlett-Packard museum, unless the Smithsonian has escaped with it. My story surrounds Dave Cochran, whom Barney Oliver taught algorithms and who worked with Barney on the Bart system in the Bay Area. It’s a very small world, and one never knows if another person knows someone close to you. I loved Dave’s story.

I’m so happy to know more about Dave. His eyes sparkle when we talk about his career and the time he met Joni. Good article!

Thanks Dave. I’ve used my Hp-12c since 1976 and about a year ago I bought the Hp-35S for its engineering functions. I also used my Hp-48x programmable calculator when I was working at a civil engineering office. What I always liked about Reverse Polish Notation was that if somebody picked up your calculator to use it for a minute, you got it back right away… they didn’t know how to make it work if it didn’t have an “equals” button. Thanks Dave. You guys turned out great products.

Dave was a pioneer in the technology that we take for granted today. Great article and homage to Dave and his HP-35.

I enjoy reading the Mirabella magazines and the Nit-Wit Newz is very funny.
Keep up the good work!

Thank you, Joni, for a farewell story filled with love and gratitude for all Father Joel contributed to our community. He will be missed, but his love lingers through our memories.

David is an inventor but also a wonderful human being. Fun to talk to, good sports. It has been an honor to have had Dave in my house, talking to my family and teaching us about all types of subjects. We love you Dave!!!

That was a great article, Pratiba. I borrowed your book from Pru, and intend to read it. Right now I am reading Michelle Obama’s autobiography, so after that I will read your book.

I was at the Penthouse today. Your pictures are lovely, Reina. One bonsai has bloomed out even more since you took those pictures. It is spectacular. go take a look.

Connie and Bob B’s stories are worth our attention and concern. I commend the ‘unnamed committee’ and hope that they will be able to help foster better communication and access to health care when we need it. As a non weight bearing person right now, I hate to think of the pickle I would be in if I didn’t have my husband’s help.

It is now June 9th. I have been told the widening of the off ramp has been completed. But there has been no change — it is still only 3 lanes. Oh, one new upgrade: they have repainted the existing lanes. HUH??

After reading Russy’s clear and stimulating article, I find myself gut-reacting to his inevitable optimism. He is, without doubt, a living example of what we mostly want to achieve in life on this planet. The big “but,” however, comes in my response to the ambivalent and caustic disasters created by so many people living in our divisive and cruel world. We look to China, Russia and say what disastrous dictatorships those people have to live under, and Hong Kong is a prime example, a clear and present danger. But we also must look at the numbers of mass killings and destructions existing in the USA, no better than those countries we condemn. The history in Russy’s essay is flawless, but we still have to live under threat of dictatorship in our present situation. And it gives me pause. I am here today; I exist in a too-cruel world in the little town of Medford, an insignificant dot in the world. I am pessimistic, and I don’t believe the pendulum can swing fast enough to save our democracy. I fought for it in another meaningless war, and I have always been proud to serve my country, but I grieve for what it has become. It is now a place where our president has to go into world meetings trying to speak courageously about the superior plan democracy holds. I am pessimistic about that. We are holding on by down-to-the-stump nails to a barely recognizable republic in a disastrous capitalism which destroys the lower and middle classes. Russy is a fantastic historian, and his extensive readings have created his astute personality. I live in a different world, one of disaster, cruelty and without redemption, at least until the pendulum swings far enough to assure all people, EVERYONE, the bliss of “by the people, and for the people.”

It’s about time we heard from Connie Kent in such a timely fashion. He time to speak (or write) up is certainly happening at the right time. The time I’ve spent reading her timely posts have always been time gained. Sadly, or perhaps not, I have not always used that time to buy more, but then my bank account is limited, not so much by time, as by $. Now, my Timeex says it’s dinner time, or is that dinnertime?

Should have posted this on April Fool’s Day.

All of your are doing a great job. I’ve found most of the articles to be very interesting and useful. Some have been just “fun” –which is also a good thing too. M. Bj

I only respond to the section about the expansion of I-5. My wife and I have lived here 24 years, and we have never heard about the expansion of the offramp. I am fairly cognizant of the actions of the various boards which exist, but never has my wife or I heard of the expansion until Stan notified us recently.

First, thank you Bob for going one step further and kindly sharing responses from RVM residents to your original brave story about Daphne’s use of DwD processes.
I have been thinking about this issue for the past several years [If I have already responded to you some time back please forgive me; my memory is failing].
I deeply believe in The broad “right to self-determination” which ought to envelop the fundament right to “self-termination”. Sadly, human civilization has yet to evolve to embrace the concept of self-termination as a fundamental human right. There should be no stigma attached to it. Why must one wait until your doctor says you have “only six months left to live”. What about the criminal waste of resources in billions of dollars in unnecessarily keeping humans alive against there own wishes when the same may be applied to more worthy uses such as children’s well-being. Why should there be societal stigma attached it to say nothing about the criminal liabilities one must confront. I am fully aware of the consequences of asserting such a “right” and also various arguments advanced against such a right. Also, I am aware of the religious grounds upon which much of the opposition rests. However, I must say we need to respect them and not importune them to change their views. They should have the right to follow their own religious teachings but also not force their views upon us and deny our fundamental right to self-termination when we determine us to be ready to vacate Planet Earth. Of course there’s much more to be said on this controversial subject but perhaps not appropriate in this space.

Add to the list a couple of N95 or KN95 masks. More if you have respiratory problems. You can expect dust and fire/smoke after an earthquake, as well as for fire alone.

Thanks to all those who have stepped forward. It is good to see so many new faces joining these activities. Volunteering in whatever way you can help and have fun at the same time is one of the pleasures we can still enjoy.
And while I’m at it, let me put in a plug for the AARP Foundation Taxaide program. This is a program where volunteers prepare tax returns for seniors and low income people. The ARRP Foundation works with the IRS to provide the training and the organization for this nationwide effort. Classes for the 45 or so volunteers had been provided here at the Manor for many years, until Covid-19 forced us to go to Zoom and online training this past year. We are now wrapping up the tax season with all returns due by May 17, and we’ll take a welcome break for summer and fall before orientation for new volunteers starts in November. If you would like more information you can ask any of the Manor residents who have recently been active: Jane Hall, Tucker Newlon, David Gent, Bob Spence, Cindy Bollens, Jim Quan, and me, Ken Kelley. It is always a pleasure to advise someone that they have a tax refund coming and that there is no charge for the service. Senior volunteers helping other seniors works.

Thank you so much for this reassuring and inspiring piece about Daphne and how she (and your family) handled the process/progress of death with dignity.

Death seems (to me) to be something of a 4-letter word here at RVM. No one seems to want to register that it is happening except with a photo in a wall display case when it’s all over.

I needed a role model for when my time comes and I don’t think I could do much better than Daphne.

We’ve heard a few stories from you about those dreaded California squirrels but how delightful it is to see a photo of the beautiful grapes in your garden.

What fun garden articles. Carolyn, I know where the “old old old” garden was–by the water tower. I used to go there with my dad who had his garden in that location, I remember the rather ramshackle gardening shed that housed everyone’s garden tools.

Dear Bob,
I congratulate you and your enlightened Team on your publication in ‘The Complement’ regarding Racism.
I carefully read each and every response to Russy’s and my opinion piece. What amazed me most are – the missing voices of residents who prefer not to offer their opinions! It says a great deal about the ‘Silent Majority’!
I would like to ask – all those who are ‘in doubt about racism here in America’ – WHY DID YOUR ANCESTORS COME HERE??? – or – WHY DID YOU IMMIGRATE HERE?

I am very much looking forward to reading Asifa’s Kanji’s book!!!

Thank you, Bob, for your important contribution to enlighten each one of us with your well-selected and inspirational articles!

With best wishes,
Anita.
(P.S. Russy is not feeling well. He has not yet seen your latest issue!)

In reference to the item above seeking volunteers to fill hillTOPICS positions as Publishers, please don’t assume that Sandy and I plan to abandon this at the end of 2021. We both enjoy doing the duties of Publishers. We are looking to train somebody as backups so we have more freedom to plan the kind of travel we are looking for over the next 2-3 years. I believe this job would be a lot of fun for someone who likes the idea of learning how to do something new on the computer. It provides a great sense of being productive and able to create something that folks appreciate. Thanks for your consideration.

I finally got on this site (thank you, Connie) and have managed to check it out. I think you have hit on an important addition to life here at RVM. While I have no smart phone everything will not be at my fingertips, but what I have read is helpful, and important to know. I will check in as regularly as possible. Thank you for setting this up.
Grace

In circuit class Bert Bamforth and I began chatting about places we’d lived. When I was in high school in Ft Collins Colorado (circa 1966-67) I worked at Hested’s Dept Store evenings and weekends. It turns out that Bert was regional manager (I forget his exact title) for all the Hested stores in that area.

great collection

These are lovely. Thanks for sharing.
Eric

Gus, it is wonderful to read your writings, your traditions and memories! All the best in the New Year to you and your lovely wife!

I came across this story on the internet. The tradition of the priest throwing the gold cross into the river following the Blessing of the Waters is new to me. Thank you for sharing your Christmas memories. Gail Bevill

It appears that RVM (PRS) may be getting serious about Emergency Preparedness. Appointing the Assistant Director to head up the effort is a good step.

Thanks Joni for your great story and video about a gorgeous green parrot. Keith and Barbara thank you for sharing your pal with all of us at RVM.

Several years ago, husband Jim and I were on a RVM tour bus, traveling back from Salem, OR. Seated across the aisle, were Peggy and Jon Russell. In a moment of light conversation, Peggy asked where I was born. “Trenton, New Jersey”, I replied. “Me too”, she said. She asked, “What hospital?” “Mercy” I said. “I was born there too” she said. Reaching for more, I asked her if she knew the name of her mother’s obstetrician.
Incredulously, there was another match! We tried to see if our birthdates were close..Were we in the nursery at the same time? But Peggy was born a couple of months before me.
By this time Jim and Jon were laughing and rolling their eyes, becoming bored with our little match game, but they love to recount the story years later…Two little Jersey-girls, coincidentally moved to Oregon and RVM.

Kuali, glad you are a Manor resident. I want to know your secret to longevity. Thanks Joni, Keith, Barbara, for sharing Kuali with us. Kuali, come visit Oscar, Fred (dogs), Alli (cat), and Ken (human). I’ve had bird friends in my pass.

What a delightful little fellow. I think my two friendly cats who have never been outside might invite him into our cottage. Thank you for the story and video.

Lynne Bonetti’s Watercolors are lovely. Thank you for sharing with us.
russy

Bob, another item for pet owners is to take a picture of the owner with the animal – in case they were separated during an emergency and had to reclaim their pet from a shelter.

More to come

First item:
Time alone may be ambiguous as eaqrthquakes and aftershocks may occur on the same or adjacent days, events may occur near midnight (or noon if a twelve-hour clock is used). Suggest adding date.
Area is not needed if the full neighborhood designator is used (9.3)
Suggest putting emergency medical need w/injury evaluation instead of separating by damage.

2nd item — suggest including pets in the same area as people, as similar issues (food, water) arise.

I love your sweet Havanese fur baby, Starr, and our (brother and sister) Tonkinese cats, Koko and Kiki. Pets become a special part of our families. Enjoyed reading your articles! Lynne B.

Just read Ray’s poem titled In the Beginning. Splendid thoughts, poetic homage to humanity’s best invention–language. Thanks to Complement for providing a place to read it.

Sure! Love ’em all!

Welcome. I look forward to exciting news, provocative comments, art, drama and general good will for all of us to enjoy.