1999 INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST —
TAPE #531, SIDE #2
Q: Mark Russell Bell
J: John, Veteran’s Services telephone representative
R: Retirement home receptionist (day)
H: Retirement home receptionist (night)
P: Paul Russell
[2021 UPDATE: THE FIRST EVP WORD HEARD UPON TRANSCRIBING THIS MICROCASSETTE TAPE SIDE NOW IS A REMINDER THAT THIS DOCUMENTARY-STYLE CASE STUDY CHRONOLOGY IS A RECORD SHOWING HOW DURING MY 'PARANORMAL INITIATION' I INTERPRETED CIRCUMSTANCES AND OCCURRENCES IN MY LIFE WITH ORIENTATIONS GRASPED THROUGHOUT MY YOUTH IN RELATION TO TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCEPTS OF 'GOD.' GRADUALLY MY INTERPRETATION EVOLVED. IT WAS PARTICULARLY USEFUL TO COMPARE WHAT I'D WITNESSED WITH STATEMENTS RECORDED IN TRANSCENDENTAL COMMUNICATION CASE STUDIES AND TRANSCRIPT ANTHOLOGIES. THE PERSPECTIVES OF METAPHYSICAL ASPECTS OF LIFE AS ARTICULATED BY THE COMMUNICATORS PROVIDED ME WITH THE VOCABULARY NEEDED TO EXPRESS MY EVOLVING PERCEPTIONS. THIS TAPE SHOWS MY DETERMINATION TO ERADICATE ANY CONDITIONS IN MY LIFE THAT COULD BE A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF MORAL COMPLICATION IN MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MANIFESTING SUPERCONSCIOUSNESS.]
(“CYNIC”)
Q: Basically (“IF”) when you said that there is a flexible rate when they have a disability such as blindness, (“THAT THAT” “SS”) that has to do with the invoices that I go over. That’s why he’s showing — (“[A]N[D TH]A[T’S]”) why I’m collecting those for him.
J: Right. Well, you know, if a person’s blind, they have to get a form so say — filled out by a doctor.
Q: Yeah (or “YEAH”) — no, he’s done that, I would think. (“I ME”) Because, you know (“E HE” “SS AL”) —
J: Yeah, you know, (“DID”) did all of a sudden he — was he notified? I mean have you read the paperwork that he’s gotten?
Q: Well apparently he’d been overpaid for a period and that complicated the situation and then for a while they had cut back on his benefits for whatever reason. And then he was trying to get them to extend them again and there’s been a long process — (“WHICH IS”)
J: How old is he?
Q: He’s seventy I think. (I checked to find that he is seventy-seven.)
J: Okay. What’s his — does he got any children under eighteen?
Q: No.
J: Does he got a wife?
Q: No. He’s divorced.
J: Well, you know, for them to reduce his benefits would only be because he — they find (or “THEY FIND”) discover that he is in receipt of additional income.
Q: Okay.
J: Or money that, say, wasn’t previously reported.
Q: Medicare or whatever?
J: Right. (“UH-HUH”) So, again, I — you know, you’d have to kind of get that paperwork together. (“YEAH”)
Q: Okay well I just wanted (to) be clear because when I sit down with him, (“I”) I’ll sort of (“COMMUNI”) try to communicate this and see what’s going on.
J: Well, you know, you could even just gather everything up and just say, “You know, let me look at everything. Just put it in chronological order. See what you got.
Q: Yeah. It’s so sad to see these older people so consumed with finances. Especially in a retirement home because, you know, it isn’t — money isn’t as big of a need. Obviously, they need some money for clothing and what-have-you, but just to — night in and night out he goes over his records. He can’t see so he uses a magnifying glass — he can see just a barely little bit — (“HE”) agonizes over it. And then at the very end part I come in to help him — (“HE’S” “YOU KNOW”) very, very excited and nervous.
J: Right. Where are you located?
Q: I’m in the San Fernando Valley.
J: And where’s he at?
Q: He’s in La Habra.
J: Which is — La Habra. What county is that?
Q: Orange County.
J: Orange County.
Q: So I was just wondering —
J: And you’re San Fernando — what county is that?
Q: Well it’s L.A. County. It’s — I’m out in the — it’s sort of the west valley.
J: Because there are other county Veterans Services offices. (“YEAH”)
Q: Well I was thinking if I could just tell him maybe, “Look. Whenever I come here, (“WE CAN”) we can have quality time together. I don’t have to sit and do this with you. You can call this number to have — (“AND THEY’LL”) maybe provide someone who will help you go over these receipts or what-have-you.” Is that a good idea?
J: Yeah. I mean that’s fine. I mean, again, it’s hard for us to do anything on the telephone.
Q: Right. (“BUT”) I mean what number would he call, basically, to find out about that?
J: Well the number you called.
Q: Okay, fine. And so is there any name I can give him? (“OF” “ASSIST”)
J: Well any claims officer.
Q: I see. Okay, well that helps me somewhat.
J: Okay.
Q: Okay.
J: Alright. (“THA[T] I[T]”)
Q: That’s it.
J: Okay, well if you have any questions or concerns, go ahead and give us a call or call your local or neighborhood county Veterans Services office. They’ll be a veterans claims officer more than willing to help.
Q: By the way, are you a veteran?
J: Yes. Everybody — by (or “BY”) — there’s a state rule or law or code that says all claims officers have to be veterans.
Q: I see. I’m just curious — (“I”) I’ve been hearing about that story in the paper recently about those people who are being court-martialed because they didn’t have the vaccine.
J: The anthrax vaccine. Righ(t). (Or “RIGH[T]” “A[ND]”)
Q: I was wondering what do you think about that?
J: Well they should’ve took the vaccination. I spent twenty years in the Marine Corps so you’re going to ask me to tell you what I feel about a couple guys that got about a year or two years in the Marine Corps. not wanting to take the vaccination? (“I’M”) You know? You’re asking the wrong person.
Q: Okay.
J: Okay? (“WELL YOU’RE”)
Q: Yeah. Well I don’t know — (“IT’S JUST”)
J: You’ve got 177,000 other Marines who took the vaccination. You see what I mean? You got six that say, “No, I don’t want to.”
Q: Yeah. Well it’s just that (“YOU KNOW” “VOLVE WITH”) Gulf War Syndrome and all that, (“YOU KNOW YOU”) you just wonder. I mean I don’t think they’ve always — the vaccines are the same now that they were way back when. ([VERY FAINT] “YEAH”) I just wonder because in the telephone book I saw a vaccine claim number(“WHICH HAD”) I had never noticed before. (“JUST” “YOU KNOW” “I”) You never know really what’s in there I don’t think.
J: Yeah, you never know.
Q: Okay well thank you very much.
J: Okay. See you later.
Q: Okay, bye.
J: Okay, bye.
( . . . )
Q: (speaking into tape recorder) So that reminded me. I spent all that time helping Paul with his paperwork and I dropped it off there at the V.A. And what happens? They lost it so Paul had to refile it. He copied down the wrong number on the amount — screwed everything up and it was a huge disaster/mess. At first he tried blaming me for the mistake but eventually he figured out how he had made the mistake.
( . . . )
R: (faint receptionist response)
Q: Yes, can I leave a message for ‘Roy’ Russell?
R: . . . Do you know what room . . .
Q: Let’s see. It’s on the third floor. His full name is Paul ‘Roy’ Russell.
R: Oh okay, I know Paul. (“K”) You hold on a few moments, okay?
Q: Yeah. From Mark. Tell him I can’t help him with the V.A. matter next week (“BUT”) but I called there and they said they that could find someone to help.
R: Okay, sir. What was your name again?
Q: Mark. His son.
R: Okay. Mark — his son. Okay. So you cannot help him with the V.A. —
Q: Right.
R: — but — (“BUT — BUT”)
Q: He can call them directly (“N”) and they’ll have someone there help him. (“THEY”) I called to check and they said they would.
R: Okay so they’re going to call him, right?
Q: Well no but I have — I’ll read the two phone numbers for him.
R: Okay.
Q: (gives numbers)
R: This is what office?
Q: This is the department of Veterans Affairs (first number).
R: Okay. “Department of Veterans Affairs.”
Q: Okay. If he wants to call me tonight, he can.
R: Okay and then — you’re Mark. (“RIGHT”)
Q: Thank you.
R: Alright. You’re welcome.
Q: By the way, what’s your name?
R: My name’s Yllona (phonetic). (“O”)
Q: Are you new?
R: Uh-huh.
Q: Oh okay.
R: Alright?
Q: Okay, thank you.
R: Bye-bye.
( . . . )
Q: Hello?
?: (no response)
Q: Hello?
?: (no response)
Q: Hello, is anyone there?
?: (no response)
( . . . )
Q: (speaking into tape recorder after hanging up) Isn’t that weird? I thought it was Paul calling but it was somebody who didn’t say anything. Sometimes I get calls — Ellen gets calls and that’s the line they call on. And they recognize my voice because I always say something irate and they hang up. So I guess — who knows? I mean my number’s everywhere. Every Books In Print has it.
( . . . )
H: Meadows of La Habra.
Q: Hello. Is ‘Roy’ Russell available?
H: Hold on just a minute, please.
P: Hello?
Q: Oh hello.
P: Hi. What happened? What time did you call?
Q: Oh I called late afternoon. (“ROUND”)
P: Mark.
Q: Five or six? I don’t know.
P: You only call me from nine-thirty to —
Q: No, I left a message for you. I didn’t call you.
P: Unless it’s an emergency. You know.
Q: Well this was sort of an emergency.
P: Huh?
Q: That was sort of — did you get the message?
P: Well — I — you telling me what the V.A. phone number is? (“WHY”)
Q: No, you know that.
P: I know them all.
Q: Right.
P: I know the hospital. I know Saint Paul. The only one I don’t know is Houston. Or I mean Austin, Texas. What’s the problem on Monday or Tuesday?
Q: Well (“IT’S”)
P: Monday, by the way, is a holiday. That won’t mean anything —
Q: What exactly is this that you’re preparing for?
P: Don’t worry about it, Mark. It’s just a little bit of paperwork.
Q: No, I know.
P: This actually is not anything at all compared to the EVR. It’s just one little letter and I think I’m going to mail it in the morning.
Q: Right.
P: Tomorrow morning Saturday.
Q: Oh good.
P: Because on the fifth of July is a holiday. I mean the fourth is Sunday and so Esther’s coming over. And I can’t go to the doctor. I just found out about it — my new heart doctor.
Q: Okay good. Well then I’ll come over some other time (“WHEN WE CAN”) when we can have some quality time.
P: Mark, I need you to come over. It’s easier than the EVR and when I ask for something, it’s pretty necessary. You know. (“WELL LET ME”)
Q: Let me —
P: Now Monday —
Q: Let me explain, though, my situation.
P: You’ve got to take — I know. You’ve got to take Ellen on Monday, right? So I told you don’t ask her to go on the public transportation. I know she can do it. But on Tuesday is —
Q: I thought you just said that you were going to go ahead and mail it?
P: I am but I still need some work and I got to go to another doctor. And we have to go have lunch. And I have to go shopping.
Q: Okay, fine. (“WELL”) Well I prefer not to be involved, though, in the V.A. business.
P: Why?
Q: Just because some of the things you’ve said in the past. (“LIKE”) You worried that they were monitoring your calls. (“I”) I mean just —
P: Well that has nothing — (“D” “YOU WERE THREE”) you. If they — (“WHY” “BLIND”) wanted to find out anything on you, they’ve already got it.
Q: Well I know but that whole thing. (“I MEAN”) I mean I don’t understand —
P: Listen — (“IT HAS”) nothing to do, Mark. I’m not making it — I’m not doing anything illegal.
Q: Well I know — (“NN[OW]” “IF YOU”)
P: If you are having any qualms, you have to talk to me in private. There is nothing that I would involve you in —
Q: No, I know —
P: — that would get you in trouble.
Q: So right now you want them to give you a higher pension benefit?
P: Right now I’m appealing (“RIGHT”) because that guy is holding on to my thing. He gave me a little raise but he’s not giving me anything for medical. And I can join Blue Shield. It’s a long story.
Q: No, I know. It has to do with your Medicare and all that.
P: Don’t worry about it, Mark. (“WELL NO”)
Q: That’s what I’m saying — (“I”)
P: Take you to lunch. I can go to the bank. Just get here (“BUT” “NOW” “ON”)
Q: Well no but wait. Let me just explain, though. (“YA HO” “I’M”)
P: (O)kay. (“I’M”) You don’t need to because I know what you’re thinking.
Q: No.
P: Before you think it.
Q: Well as you know with my book and everything, I’m trying to set an example —
P: Oh good.
Q: — for everyone (“TO TRY”) to try to live a very ethical life.
P: Oh yeah.
Q: Where you try to do everything very ethical(ly).
P: Well —
Q: And — (“N” “QUAKE”)
P: And you’re a virgin. Hey by the way I got — after I told you to write me some details, I came down and I got a letter the next morning. I mean I got your card. (“RIGHT”)
Q: Oh you got your card.
P: Yeah. You just told me.
Q: Right. For Father’s Day.
P: I just told you the night before to write me some details.
Q: Well I thought it would be nice for Father’s Day.
P: Well that was nice but there wasn’t enough — there weren’t any important details in there. (“WELL” “TH” “MY”)
Q: That’s my life right now.
P: I know it. It always is. That’s okay. You’re doing — (“WE[LL]”) I’m proud of you. Don’t worry about it. But I need some help because of my eyes. (“OKAY”) And if I don’t get the letter off, I’ve got to (“WELL NO BUT”) get the file in order because the appeal is in and they may call me in a couple of weeks.
Q: Okay well —
P: Then in a couple of weeks you have to motor over, pick me up and bring me back.
Q: I know but, see, this is not my fault. Some of the thing(s) —
P: And it’s going to cost money, which I have.
Q: No but I’m just saying that — (“I” “NO I”) I’m having an ethical problem with it.
P: I’ve got the money but after I spend this money, if they don’t give me some retro for last year — the appeal court has got to give me some money.
Q: Okay. So when they —
P: Or I have to join the Blue Shield and lose my doctors, start all over —
Q: Okay.
P: — and quit smoking. (“COURSE”) I’ve already (“OKAY NOW”) done that.
Q: Okay, now when they reduced your benefits, that was because of your Medicare or was there something that you had filled out incorrectly?
P: Mark, I’ll explain it all to you. That was two years ago.
Q: Well I know —
P: They gave me a big raise and they said they did it by mistake because I’m not in a convalescent home.
Q: Right. No, I understand that.
P: Okay. We’ll go over it later.
Q: Well no but I —
P: — you have to come because I can’t get Esther and Esther wouldn’t want to do the — read — I’ve got to get those letters in order so (“O”) I can walk into (“WHAT WW”) the appeal court —
Q: Okay.
P: — and line out the case. But I’m not going to have you come down as a witness because I don’t want you — in fact, when you take the letter over — if you take the letter over — I (“WW”) don’t want you (“NO”) to go back —
Q: Well that’s ridiculous — (“YEAH”) no, I know.
P: — to Babe or Jerry —
Q: Because they’ll just lose it again.
P: — because I think he is part of the kids that are causing me trouble up there. (“WELL NO”)
Q: I know they lost the last one when I dropped it off. They lost it so it doesn’t do any good to drop things off there. (“BUT”)
P: Yeah well tha(t) — (“THA[T’]S RIGH[T]”) no. He could’ve taken it in but this guy, Larry, is holding on (“TO”) and he just put it through and said a month later, “We can’t — well we don’t have it.” I had to put in another one and then he raised it up too high and tried (“SO”) to get me —
Q: So basically —
P: Don’t worry about it.
Q: Well no but I —
P: I got it all figured out.
Q: But what I want to make clear, though, (“YEAH”) because some of the things you said like, (“WELL”) “Don’t put in your — don’t deposit it — your check —”
P: I’ll tell you about that.
Q: No but I jut want to make —
P: I’ll go over that. It has nothing to do with you. Don’t worry about it.
Q: No, I know but I’m just saying that every — I want to make sure everything involved —
P: Whatever I’ve done I’ve done.
Q: — is very ethical and we’re not doing anything illegal.
P: Oh, by the way, when you come, would you try to get me two or three — three or four little — something — I can pick out something to make a copy of. I want — it maybe can show that Ellen is ill or under treatment. Her kidneys. Or was in the hospital. Anything you’ve got — or receipts or anything around there. Just bring them.
Q: What would that have to do —
P: I won’t take credit for them. I just (“WA[NT]”) — in case they ask.
Q: Now what would that have to do with anything?
P: Well I’ll explain it to you. It doesn’t matter.
Q: Well no but I just told you I didn’t want to be involved in this because of ethics. (“NOW”)
P: And that’s right.
Q: And now you’re saying something that might be unethical.
P: That’s not — that’s none of your business. I’m the father. (“WHY” “NO”) I — what I want to spend my money on I can. All I’m asking you — if you can find something in case they ask me about my family.
Q: But are you going to say you — are you going to add extra expenses?
P: No, I’m not going to add I spend any money on her. Or you.
Q: Then why would you need those things? (“[J]US[T]” “BRING”)
P: If you’ve got a couple of little pieces — something that shows the hospital. Or something that shows her treatments. (“BUT I WOU”)
Q: But I wouldn’t feel right under the circumstances.
P: Or something — huh?
Q: I wouldn’t feel right giving you those under these circumstances. (“WH”)
P: You don’t have to. (“NO”) Just bring them with you when you come.
Q: No.
P: What?!
Q: No.
P: What do you mean “no”?
Q: I’m trying to tell you that I don’t want to do anything that I think is unethical.
P: This is not — (“BB” “ING” “LI[S]”) my EV — I have to turn these reports in.
Q: I know but what does this — what does Ellen —
P: Nothing to do. I’ll explain it to you. Forget it. I’ll explain it to you on Monday/Tuesday. Now what’s the deal on Monday or Tuesday? Can you make it?
Q: Well I don’t know. I’m trying to decide.
P: What — are you going to have a big breakfast and you don’t have to come out early now because Tuesday — wait. Monday is not a holiday. You have to take Ellen on Monday?
Q: Okay, well let me just explain real quick. (“YEAH”) I’ll be glad to come out on Tuesday (“YEAH”) as long as I’m not involved in any of the V.A. material.
P: You are not — Mark (“AN”) —
Q: No, I’m being serious.
P: I don’t want you to — I just told you.
Q: I’ll take you to the doctor.
P: I don’t want to take you as a witness because you could — you could help me. But I don’t want you to go up there because I don’t want you involved in it.
Q: Well I know but I don’t want to be involved in it in any way.
P: That’s not involved in it. What are you talking about “in any way”?
Q: Every time I come out, all I do —
P: All you’re helping me with —
Q: — is help you with your paperwork.
P: — is because I’m almost blind you’re helping me do some paperwork.
Q: I know —
P: Like you have for two years.
Q: I know but I want to make sure everything is totally ethical.
P: And, listen, I’m sorry I panicked and got excited the last time you were here.
Q: You always do.
P: I’m not going to do that any more. But here is something that is entirely foolish, Mark. They’ve nothing that they can do that they don’t already know. (“I”)
Q: No but the point is —
P: They — he says, of course, I spent too much money. That’s none of their business.
Q: The point is this is a time in your life when you should be free from the anxieties of money; when you should be —
P: Who’s that?
Q: I’m just telling you what I —
P: Me?!
Q: Yes — everyone should be.
P: Not me, Mark.
Q: No, I know. That’s what I’m saying.
P: I don’t deserve it. Look — just a minute. (“OK”) Stop bringing up — I can — we can explain these things —
Q: Well let me explain now.
P: — and I’ll try to do —
Q: I haven’t finished my thought yet.
P: If we have time, I have to get my file in order and on Monday you’re going to take Ellen right?
Q: Right.
P: And on Tuesday you can have breakfast and you can take your time. By the way, are you near — I don’t know where you are. Are you near the Golden State freeway (“GOLD”) or what? (“STATE”)
Q: No, I’m still near —
P: You know the freeways out there yet?
Q: Well, yeah, I’m near the Ventura Freeway but I can go to — I’ll just look on the map and go the fastest —
P: I know that but will that take you over towards the 405 or what?
Q: Well I’ll look to see what’s fastest.
P: Well I was thinking (“HI[S]”) —
Q: Because —
P: — as far as I know —
Q: — the San Diego is very crowded.
P: — the Golden State comes back in —
Q: Yeah. (“I” “I WON’T GO”)
P: — then goes to the 405.
Q: I’m not going to go —
P: And try to get off at Whittier —
Q: But she said —
P: — and come straight up Whittier because if you go to 40(5) — there’s no hurry (“YOU KNOW”) because —
Q: But let me just finish my thought, though. What I was saying, though — every time I come out, you’re al(ways) — I know every night you spend on this. (“N I” “JUS”) It’s heartbreaking to see somebody spending their whole life (“YOU KNOW”) worrying about (“THEIR” “V”) their pension. (“HAVING”)
P: I’m glad you’re concerned about me, Mark, but you’re concerned about the wrong thing.
Q: I mean don’t you — is there anything else that you spend your time on?
P: I don’t have anything else to spend my time on. What am I going to do? Go play golf or tennis or go bowling?
Q: Well doesn’t it remind you a little bit of Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”?
P: Mark, that — you’re making it worse by bringing up stuff like that. (“WELL”)
Q: Well you say —
P: Sto(p). Listen.
Q: Well you said —
P: I’m supposed to be helping you. I’m not supposed to be concerning you.
Q: I know. (“WELL YOU) But you said that you might just go ahead and send the letter off before (“YOU KNOW”) I even get there.
P: Oh no. That’s a short appeal letter.
Q: Well right.
P: And I’m rewriting it again. If I can get it in the mail, I’d rather not. (“RIGHT”)
Q: Well you know —
P: But if I do, I still need you out here on the paperwork. We haven’t been together. We haven’t talked. You can have a nice big lunch. We’ve got other things to do.
Q: Well I just want you to assure me that everything — I mean I’ve never seen you do anything illegal with the receipts or anything. (“I’LL”)
P: We’ll go over that stuff later, okay? (“WELL NO” “I WANT TO MAKE”) It’s nothing that is involved with you.
Q: No, I know but I just want to make sure before we — before I —
P: Nothing. There’s nothing to be involved with you.
Q: That’s what I’m saying. I just want to make sure that everything that we’re doing —
P: Is ethical.
Q: — is totally ethical.
P: I know what you mean. And I guess are you going to be — is the church going to be — you must be appointed something over at the church over there, huh? Your little church?
Q: I don’t go there any more.
P: Oh you have to change churches now.
Q: No, there’s only one church.
P: You go in there every Sunday?
Q: No. You don’t have to go to a church to go to church.
P: Well that’s true. Okay, Mark.
Q: Love is the only true religion.
P: Alright.
Q: No, I’m trying —
P: I don’t know much. All I know is a little Christian Science and I know that’s not much.
Q: I mean — so how much is this worth? (“I MEAN”) How much — (“IS THIS”) all this huge headache is going to get you a couple hundred dollars more a month? (“THAT”) What is — (“I”)
P: Don’t worry about it, Mark. I’ll explain it all to you — it’s none of your problem. Just come on out. You can help your old dad, okay?
Q: Okay but —
P: And listen. On Bob — I don’t contact Bob. I’m glad you still think and you’re concerned about him a little bit.
Q: Well after such a major problem with his heart —
P: But he owes you. He owes me a lot of money.
Q: But what about — I mean after —
P: His wife has always been negative towards me. (“K”)
Q: (O)kay, when he had his bypass —
P: And (“WHAT”) he —
Q: What operation did he have?
P: And even if he offered me the money I wouldn’t take it. Of course, I can’t take it. I’d have to give it to you. And don’t worry about it.
Q: Okay but —
P: But I don’t — I’m glad — in fact, I have an idea if you want to call him some day you can.
Q: I don’t want to call him.
P: I know. (“I’M JUST SAYING”)
Q: When Dorothy told you about the operation, how did she — what did she say it was exactly?
P: Oh I don’t know. I don’t know anything about that much. (“NO “BUT”)
Q: Was it a big, major operation — it was a major operation.
P: I guess it was. I don’t know. (“BUT SEE”)
Q: You haven’t heard anything since then?
P: No, I haven’t. (“BUT”) Okay, Mark, I’ll see you Tuesday morning. Take your time (“ON THE”) and have a big breakfast because we (“SO NO[W]”) might not get lunch until one or two o’clock.
Q: So now what will I be doing on Tuesday with the receipts? Same thing I usually do?
P: No, not too much figuring but the same thing. Just V.A. stuff.
Q: Okay. (“BUT”)
P: I’ll have most of it (done) — main thing is filing. You’ve got to read some letters and see — I’ve got extra copies of letters that I don’t need and I — my eyes won’t read them all now.
Q: Okay but I’m going to — I’m not going to help you if I think there’s anything wrong. (“WRONG”)
P: We’ll put that to — there’s nothing there, Miark. I know what you’re talking about though. Ethics. I know all about that. But don’t worry about it. I’m on — you’re on the good side when you know me. There’s a lot of things going on here.
Q: Well the last time I was there —
P: And you don’t know what they are but I do. (“MEMBER THAT” “THAT”)
Q: When I was working there last time —
P: And I can save you. (“FROM”)
Q: But when I was working there last time, that little old man came out and they sat him at the table with me. I remember his name.
P: Who?
Q: That Bob guy.
P: What Bob? (“YOU KNOW” “WHEN”)
Q: We were sitting out by the table last time.
P: Last time? (“YEAH”)
Q: I was all — (“BY”) raining and I was sitting out there.
P: Oh yeah. Where?
Q: In the courtyard. And that old —
P: Ohh. Yeah?
Q: And they brought out that old guy. His name was Bob.
P: Yeah? (Or “YEAH”)
Q: And the pigeon was there too. That was before the pigeon died. The little —
P: Yeah? Yeah? (“N”)
Q: I don’t know. I just had this terrible feeling. And then I found out that I lost a job because I was there that day — (“NOT”) not that it was a major — (“YOU KNOW I”) I ended up working at the same place the next day anyway. But I just had this feeling like “What the hell am I doing here? It’s like every time I come out here (“THIS IS” “I”) instead of spending quality time with my poor father — whose only concern is these stupid receipts.”
P: Oh my — (or “OH MY” “IT JUS”)
Q: It was just (“I JUST HAD A LIKE” “WELL”) a major feeling of (“YEAH”) angst.
P: Yeah well — you know I mean this is better than SSI. If I signed up for SSI, I’d only get another $25-$50 bucks but I’d get MediCal.
Q: But this is ridiculous.
P: And actually I got the doctors now and I’m taking care of myself better — there’s not much that the doctors can do. (“YOU KNOW”) I don’t need them really.
Q: But to see older people like yourself at this time of life having to worry, having to spend all their time accounting.
P: Mark, this place is mainly for wheelchairs. These places mainly are for people who should be in the hospital and they’re just fortunate that it can help take care of them. But don’t worry about that.
Q: Why do you like it there?
P: I was lucky to get here and I’m lucky that I can take care of myself still.
Q: Right. No, I know that.
P: Okay. I’ll see you Tuesday, okay?
Q: Okay. Well you rest up.
P: Take your time. Come up to the room. I’ll have it all aired out.
Q: Rest up and — you know, there are a lot of beautiful things in life and you should be— this should be your time for quiet thinking.
P: Okay, Mark. When we get the money, we’ll do it. Okay? Okey-do.
Q: Okay.
P: I’ll see you Tuesday.
Q: Sad.
(TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE: I TURNED ON THE TAPE RECORDER WHEN I NOTICED MY MOTHER WATCHING “UNSOLVED MYSTERIES.)
Q: I can’t believe it. “Unsolved Mysteries” is doing something on bigfoot. First ‘Nessie’; now bigfoot. Oh look it’s a re-enactment. Whenever it’s a re-enactment, the credibility goes right out the window. These things are so hokey. It reminds me of Art Bell’s show. People without any credibility. (Robert Stack commentary heard on tape here along with other interview subjects and/or actors.) “Skunk Apes.” “(Almost) Ghostly” I think is the key word. Uh-oh (when Stack mentions “Bob Carr”). (Later) That’s a cliche. This whole show. I know (response to inaudible comment from Ellen). Well why didn’t they do that before the show (re: hair DNA testing being done)? Ha (When Stack says, “We are still waiting for the results of the DNA test”)! I liked the — my favorite “Unsolved Mysteries” was that show when there was a little note saying ‘Now do you know who I am?’ or ‘Now do you get it?’ Everyone thought that was an unseen perpetrator but I knew it —
(“CYNIC”)
Q: Basically (“IF”) when you said that there is a flexible rate when they have a disability such as blindness, (“THAT THAT” “SS”) that has to do with the invoices that I go over. That’s why he’s showing — (“[A]N[D TH]A[T’S]”) why I’m collecting those for him.
J: Right. Well, you know, if a person’s blind, they have to get a form so say — filled out by a doctor.
Q: Yeah (or “YEAH”) — no, he’s done that, I would think. (“I ME”) Because, you know (“E HE” “SS AL”) —
J: Yeah, you know, (“DID”) did all of a sudden he — was he notified? I mean have you read the paperwork that he’s gotten?
Q: Well apparently he’d been overpaid for a period and that complicated the situation and then for a while they had cut back on his benefits for whatever reason. And then he was trying to get them to extend them again and there’s been a long process — (“WHICH IS”)
J: How old is he?
Q: He’s seventy I think. (I checked to find that he is seventy-seven.)
J: Okay. What’s his — does he got any children under eighteen?
Q: No.
J: Does he got a wife?
Q: No. He’s divorced.
J: Well, you know, for them to reduce his benefits would only be because he — they find (or “THEY FIND”) discover that he is in receipt of additional income.
Q: Okay.
J: Or money that, say, wasn’t previously reported.
Q: Medicare or whatever?
J: Right. (“UH-HUH”) So, again, I — you know, you’d have to kind of get that paperwork together. (“YEAH”)
Q: Okay well I just wanted (to) be clear because when I sit down with him, (“I”) I’ll sort of (“COMMUNI”) try to communicate this and see what’s going on.
J: Well, you know, you could even just gather everything up and just say, “You know, let me look at everything. Just put it in chronological order. See what you got.
Q: Yeah. It’s so sad to see these older people so consumed with finances. Especially in a retirement home because, you know, it isn’t — money isn’t as big of a need. Obviously, they need some money for clothing and what-have-you, but just to — night in and night out he goes over his records. He can’t see so he uses a magnifying glass — he can see just a barely little bit — (“HE”) agonizes over it. And then at the very end part I come in to help him — (“HE’S” “YOU KNOW”) very, very excited and nervous.
J: Right. Where are you located?
Q: I’m in the San Fernando Valley.
J: And where’s he at?
Q: He’s in La Habra.
J: Which is — La Habra. What county is that?
Q: Orange County.
J: Orange County.
Q: So I was just wondering —
J: And you’re San Fernando — what county is that?
Q: Well it’s L.A. County. It’s — I’m out in the — it’s sort of the west valley.
J: Because there are other county Veterans Services offices. (“YEAH”)
Q: Well I was thinking if I could just tell him maybe, “Look. Whenever I come here, (“WE CAN”) we can have quality time together. I don’t have to sit and do this with you. You can call this number to have — (“AND THEY’LL”) maybe provide someone who will help you go over these receipts or what-have-you.” Is that a good idea?
J: Yeah. I mean that’s fine. I mean, again, it’s hard for us to do anything on the telephone.
Q: Right. (“BUT”) I mean what number would he call, basically, to find out about that?
J: Well the number you called.
Q: Okay, fine. And so is there any name I can give him? (“OF” “ASSIST”)
J: Well any claims officer.
Q: I see. Okay, well that helps me somewhat.
J: Okay.
Q: Okay.
J: Alright. (“THA[T] I[T]”)
Q: That’s it.
J: Okay, well if you have any questions or concerns, go ahead and give us a call or call your local or neighborhood county Veterans Services office. They’ll be a veterans claims officer more than willing to help.
Q: By the way, are you a veteran?
J: Yes. Everybody — by (or “BY”) — there’s a state rule or law or code that says all claims officers have to be veterans.
Q: I see. I’m just curious — (“I”) I’ve been hearing about that story in the paper recently about those people who are being court-martialed because they didn’t have the vaccine.
J: The anthrax vaccine. Righ(t). (Or “RIGH[T]” “A[ND]”)
Q: I was wondering what do you think about that?
J: Well they should’ve took the vaccination. I spent twenty years in the Marine Corps so you’re going to ask me to tell you what I feel about a couple guys that got about a year or two years in the Marine Corps. not wanting to take the vaccination? (“I’M”) You know? You’re asking the wrong person.
Q: Okay.
J: Okay? (“WELL YOU’RE”)
Q: Yeah. Well I don’t know — (“IT’S JUST”)
J: You’ve got 177,000 other Marines who took the vaccination. You see what I mean? You got six that say, “No, I don’t want to.”
Q: Yeah. Well it’s just that (“YOU KNOW” “VOLVE WITH”) Gulf War Syndrome and all that, (“YOU KNOW YOU”) you just wonder. I mean I don’t think they’ve always — the vaccines are the same now that they were way back when. ([VERY FAINT] “YEAH”) I just wonder because in the telephone book I saw a vaccine claim number(“WHICH HAD”) I had never noticed before. (“JUST” “YOU KNOW” “I”) You never know really what’s in there I don’t think.
J: Yeah, you never know.
Q: Okay well thank you very much.
J: Okay. See you later.
Q: Okay, bye.
J: Okay, bye.
( . . . )
Q: (speaking into tape recorder) So that reminded me. I spent all that time helping Paul with his paperwork and I dropped it off there at the V.A. And what happens? They lost it so Paul had to refile it. He copied down the wrong number on the amount — screwed everything up and it was a huge disaster/mess. At first he tried blaming me for the mistake but eventually he figured out how he had made the mistake.
( . . . )
R: (faint receptionist response)
Q: Yes, can I leave a message for ‘Roy’ Russell?
R: . . . Do you know what room . . .
Q: Let’s see. It’s on the third floor. His full name is Paul ‘Roy’ Russell.
R: Oh okay, I know Paul. (“K”) You hold on a few moments, okay?
Q: Yeah. From Mark. Tell him I can’t help him with the V.A. matter next week (“BUT”) but I called there and they said they that could find someone to help.
R: Okay, sir. What was your name again?
Q: Mark. His son.
R: Okay. Mark — his son. Okay. So you cannot help him with the V.A. —
Q: Right.
R: — but — (“BUT — BUT”)
Q: He can call them directly (“N”) and they’ll have someone there help him. (“THEY”) I called to check and they said they would.
R: Okay so they’re going to call him, right?
Q: Well no but I have — I’ll read the two phone numbers for him.
R: Okay.
Q: (gives numbers)
R: This is what office?
Q: This is the department of Veterans Affairs (first number).
R: Okay. “Department of Veterans Affairs.”
Q: Okay. If he wants to call me tonight, he can.
R: Okay and then — you’re Mark. (“RIGHT”)
Q: Thank you.
R: Alright. You’re welcome.
Q: By the way, what’s your name?
R: My name’s Yllona (phonetic). (“O”)
Q: Are you new?
R: Uh-huh.
Q: Oh okay.
R: Alright?
Q: Okay, thank you.
R: Bye-bye.
( . . . )
Q: Hello?
?: (no response)
Q: Hello?
?: (no response)
Q: Hello, is anyone there?
?: (no response)
( . . . )
Q: (speaking into tape recorder after hanging up) Isn’t that weird? I thought it was Paul calling but it was somebody who didn’t say anything. Sometimes I get calls — Ellen gets calls and that’s the line they call on. And they recognize my voice because I always say something irate and they hang up. So I guess — who knows? I mean my number’s everywhere. Every Books In Print has it.
( . . . )
H: Meadows of La Habra.
Q: Hello. Is ‘Roy’ Russell available?
H: Hold on just a minute, please.
P: Hello?
Q: Oh hello.
P: Hi. What happened? What time did you call?
Q: Oh I called late afternoon. (“ROUND”)
P: Mark.
Q: Five or six? I don’t know.
P: You only call me from nine-thirty to —
Q: No, I left a message for you. I didn’t call you.
P: Unless it’s an emergency. You know.
Q: Well this was sort of an emergency.
P: Huh?
Q: That was sort of — did you get the message?
P: Well — I — you telling me what the V.A. phone number is? (“WHY”)
Q: No, you know that.
P: I know them all.
Q: Right.
P: I know the hospital. I know Saint Paul. The only one I don’t know is Houston. Or I mean Austin, Texas. What’s the problem on Monday or Tuesday?
Q: Well (“IT’S”)
P: Monday, by the way, is a holiday. That won’t mean anything —
Q: What exactly is this that you’re preparing for?
P: Don’t worry about it, Mark. It’s just a little bit of paperwork.
Q: No, I know.
P: This actually is not anything at all compared to the EVR. It’s just one little letter and I think I’m going to mail it in the morning.
Q: Right.
P: Tomorrow morning Saturday.
Q: Oh good.
P: Because on the fifth of July is a holiday. I mean the fourth is Sunday and so Esther’s coming over. And I can’t go to the doctor. I just found out about it — my new heart doctor.
Q: Okay good. Well then I’ll come over some other time (“WHEN WE CAN”) when we can have some quality time.
P: Mark, I need you to come over. It’s easier than the EVR and when I ask for something, it’s pretty necessary. You know. (“WELL LET ME”)
Q: Let me —
P: Now Monday —
Q: Let me explain, though, my situation.
P: You’ve got to take — I know. You’ve got to take Ellen on Monday, right? So I told you don’t ask her to go on the public transportation. I know she can do it. But on Tuesday is —
Q: I thought you just said that you were going to go ahead and mail it?
P: I am but I still need some work and I got to go to another doctor. And we have to go have lunch. And I have to go shopping.
Q: Okay, fine. (“WELL”) Well I prefer not to be involved, though, in the V.A. business.
P: Why?
Q: Just because some of the things you’ve said in the past. (“LIKE”) You worried that they were monitoring your calls. (“I”) I mean just —
P: Well that has nothing — (“D” “YOU WERE THREE”) you. If they — (“WHY” “BLIND”) wanted to find out anything on you, they’ve already got it.
Q: Well I know but that whole thing. (“I MEAN”) I mean I don’t understand —
P: Listen — (“IT HAS”) nothing to do, Mark. I’m not making it — I’m not doing anything illegal.
Q: Well I know — (“NN[OW]” “IF YOU”)
P: If you are having any qualms, you have to talk to me in private. There is nothing that I would involve you in —
Q: No, I know —
P: — that would get you in trouble.
Q: So right now you want them to give you a higher pension benefit?
P: Right now I’m appealing (“RIGHT”) because that guy is holding on to my thing. He gave me a little raise but he’s not giving me anything for medical. And I can join Blue Shield. It’s a long story.
Q: No, I know. It has to do with your Medicare and all that.
P: Don’t worry about it, Mark. (“WELL NO”)
Q: That’s what I’m saying — (“I”)
P: Take you to lunch. I can go to the bank. Just get here (“BUT” “NOW” “ON”)
Q: Well no but wait. Let me just explain, though. (“YA HO” “I’M”)
P: (O)kay. (“I’M”) You don’t need to because I know what you’re thinking.
Q: No.
P: Before you think it.
Q: Well as you know with my book and everything, I’m trying to set an example —
P: Oh good.
Q: — for everyone (“TO TRY”) to try to live a very ethical life.
P: Oh yeah.
Q: Where you try to do everything very ethical(ly).
P: Well —
Q: And — (“N” “QUAKE”)
P: And you’re a virgin. Hey by the way I got — after I told you to write me some details, I came down and I got a letter the next morning. I mean I got your card. (“RIGHT”)
Q: Oh you got your card.
P: Yeah. You just told me.
Q: Right. For Father’s Day.
P: I just told you the night before to write me some details.
Q: Well I thought it would be nice for Father’s Day.
P: Well that was nice but there wasn’t enough — there weren’t any important details in there. (“WELL” “TH” “MY”)
Q: That’s my life right now.
P: I know it. It always is. That’s okay. You’re doing — (“WE[LL]”) I’m proud of you. Don’t worry about it. But I need some help because of my eyes. (“OKAY”) And if I don’t get the letter off, I’ve got to (“WELL NO BUT”) get the file in order because the appeal is in and they may call me in a couple of weeks.
Q: Okay well —
P: Then in a couple of weeks you have to motor over, pick me up and bring me back.
Q: I know but, see, this is not my fault. Some of the thing(s) —
P: And it’s going to cost money, which I have.
Q: No but I’m just saying that — (“I” “NO I”) I’m having an ethical problem with it.
P: I’ve got the money but after I spend this money, if they don’t give me some retro for last year — the appeal court has got to give me some money.
Q: Okay. So when they —
P: Or I have to join the Blue Shield and lose my doctors, start all over —
Q: Okay.
P: — and quit smoking. (“COURSE”) I’ve already (“OKAY NOW”) done that.
Q: Okay, now when they reduced your benefits, that was because of your Medicare or was there something that you had filled out incorrectly?
P: Mark, I’ll explain it all to you. That was two years ago.
Q: Well I know —
P: They gave me a big raise and they said they did it by mistake because I’m not in a convalescent home.
Q: Right. No, I understand that.
P: Okay. We’ll go over it later.
Q: Well no but I —
P: — you have to come because I can’t get Esther and Esther wouldn’t want to do the — read — I’ve got to get those letters in order so (“O”) I can walk into (“WHAT WW”) the appeal court —
Q: Okay.
P: — and line out the case. But I’m not going to have you come down as a witness because I don’t want you — in fact, when you take the letter over — if you take the letter over — I (“WW”) don’t want you (“NO”) to go back —
Q: Well that’s ridiculous — (“YEAH”) no, I know.
P: — to Babe or Jerry —
Q: Because they’ll just lose it again.
P: — because I think he is part of the kids that are causing me trouble up there. (“WELL NO”)
Q: I know they lost the last one when I dropped it off. They lost it so it doesn’t do any good to drop things off there. (“BUT”)
P: Yeah well tha(t) — (“THA[T’]S RIGH[T]”) no. He could’ve taken it in but this guy, Larry, is holding on (“TO”) and he just put it through and said a month later, “We can’t — well we don’t have it.” I had to put in another one and then he raised it up too high and tried (“SO”) to get me —
Q: So basically —
P: Don’t worry about it.
Q: Well no but I —
P: I got it all figured out.
Q: But what I want to make clear, though, (“YEAH”) because some of the things you said like, (“WELL”) “Don’t put in your — don’t deposit it — your check —”
P: I’ll tell you about that.
Q: No but I jut want to make —
P: I’ll go over that. It has nothing to do with you. Don’t worry about it.
Q: No, I know but I’m just saying that every — I want to make sure everything involved —
P: Whatever I’ve done I’ve done.
Q: — is very ethical and we’re not doing anything illegal.
P: Oh, by the way, when you come, would you try to get me two or three — three or four little — something — I can pick out something to make a copy of. I want — it maybe can show that Ellen is ill or under treatment. Her kidneys. Or was in the hospital. Anything you’ve got — or receipts or anything around there. Just bring them.
Q: What would that have to do —
P: I won’t take credit for them. I just (“WA[NT]”) — in case they ask.
Q: Now what would that have to do with anything?
P: Well I’ll explain it to you. It doesn’t matter.
Q: Well no but I just told you I didn’t want to be involved in this because of ethics. (“NOW”)
P: And that’s right.
Q: And now you’re saying something that might be unethical.
P: That’s not — that’s none of your business. I’m the father. (“WHY” “NO”) I — what I want to spend my money on I can. All I’m asking you — if you can find something in case they ask me about my family.
Q: But are you going to say you — are you going to add extra expenses?
P: No, I’m not going to add I spend any money on her. Or you.
Q: Then why would you need those things? (“[J]US[T]” “BRING”)
P: If you’ve got a couple of little pieces — something that shows the hospital. Or something that shows her treatments. (“BUT I WOU”)
Q: But I wouldn’t feel right under the circumstances.
P: Or something — huh?
Q: I wouldn’t feel right giving you those under these circumstances. (“WH”)
P: You don’t have to. (“NO”) Just bring them with you when you come.
Q: No.
P: What?!
Q: No.
P: What do you mean “no”?
Q: I’m trying to tell you that I don’t want to do anything that I think is unethical.
P: This is not — (“BB” “ING” “LI[S]”) my EV — I have to turn these reports in.
Q: I know but what does this — what does Ellen —
P: Nothing to do. I’ll explain it to you. Forget it. I’ll explain it to you on Monday/Tuesday. Now what’s the deal on Monday or Tuesday? Can you make it?
Q: Well I don’t know. I’m trying to decide.
P: What — are you going to have a big breakfast and you don’t have to come out early now because Tuesday — wait. Monday is not a holiday. You have to take Ellen on Monday?
Q: Okay, well let me just explain real quick. (“YEAH”) I’ll be glad to come out on Tuesday (“YEAH”) as long as I’m not involved in any of the V.A. material.
P: You are not — Mark (“AN”) —
Q: No, I’m being serious.
P: I don’t want you to — I just told you.
Q: I’ll take you to the doctor.
P: I don’t want to take you as a witness because you could — you could help me. But I don’t want you to go up there because I don’t want you involved in it.
Q: Well I know but I don’t want to be involved in it in any way.
P: That’s not involved in it. What are you talking about “in any way”?
Q: Every time I come out, all I do —
P: All you’re helping me with —
Q: — is help you with your paperwork.
P: — is because I’m almost blind you’re helping me do some paperwork.
Q: I know —
P: Like you have for two years.
Q: I know but I want to make sure everything is totally ethical.
P: And, listen, I’m sorry I panicked and got excited the last time you were here.
Q: You always do.
P: I’m not going to do that any more. But here is something that is entirely foolish, Mark. They’ve nothing that they can do that they don’t already know. (“I”)
Q: No but the point is —
P: They — he says, of course, I spent too much money. That’s none of their business.
Q: The point is this is a time in your life when you should be free from the anxieties of money; when you should be —
P: Who’s that?
Q: I’m just telling you what I —
P: Me?!
Q: Yes — everyone should be.
P: Not me, Mark.
Q: No, I know. That’s what I’m saying.
P: I don’t deserve it. Look — just a minute. (“OK”) Stop bringing up — I can — we can explain these things —
Q: Well let me explain now.
P: — and I’ll try to do —
Q: I haven’t finished my thought yet.
P: If we have time, I have to get my file in order and on Monday you’re going to take Ellen right?
Q: Right.
P: And on Tuesday you can have breakfast and you can take your time. By the way, are you near — I don’t know where you are. Are you near the Golden State freeway (“GOLD”) or what? (“STATE”)
Q: No, I’m still near —
P: You know the freeways out there yet?
Q: Well, yeah, I’m near the Ventura Freeway but I can go to — I’ll just look on the map and go the fastest —
P: I know that but will that take you over towards the 405 or what?
Q: Well I’ll look to see what’s fastest.
P: Well I was thinking (“HI[S]”) —
Q: Because —
P: — as far as I know —
Q: — the San Diego is very crowded.
P: — the Golden State comes back in —
Q: Yeah. (“I” “I WON’T GO”)
P: — then goes to the 405.
Q: I’m not going to go —
P: And try to get off at Whittier —
Q: But she said —
P: — and come straight up Whittier because if you go to 40(5) — there’s no hurry (“YOU KNOW”) because —
Q: But let me just finish my thought, though. What I was saying, though — every time I come out, you’re al(ways) — I know every night you spend on this. (“N I” “JUS”) It’s heartbreaking to see somebody spending their whole life (“YOU KNOW”) worrying about (“THEIR” “V”) their pension. (“HAVING”)
P: I’m glad you’re concerned about me, Mark, but you’re concerned about the wrong thing.
Q: I mean don’t you — is there anything else that you spend your time on?
P: I don’t have anything else to spend my time on. What am I going to do? Go play golf or tennis or go bowling?
Q: Well doesn’t it remind you a little bit of Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”?
P: Mark, that — you’re making it worse by bringing up stuff like that. (“WELL”)
Q: Well you say —
P: Sto(p). Listen.
Q: Well you said —
P: I’m supposed to be helping you. I’m not supposed to be concerning you.
Q: I know. (“WELL YOU) But you said that you might just go ahead and send the letter off before (“YOU KNOW”) I even get there.
P: Oh no. That’s a short appeal letter.
Q: Well right.
P: And I’m rewriting it again. If I can get it in the mail, I’d rather not. (“RIGHT”)
Q: Well you know —
P: But if I do, I still need you out here on the paperwork. We haven’t been together. We haven’t talked. You can have a nice big lunch. We’ve got other things to do.
Q: Well I just want you to assure me that everything — I mean I’ve never seen you do anything illegal with the receipts or anything. (“I’LL”)
P: We’ll go over that stuff later, okay? (“WELL NO” “I WANT TO MAKE”) It’s nothing that is involved with you.
Q: No, I know but I just want to make sure before we — before I —
P: Nothing. There’s nothing to be involved with you.
Q: That’s what I’m saying. I just want to make sure that everything that we’re doing —
P: Is ethical.
Q: — is totally ethical.
P: I know what you mean. And I guess are you going to be — is the church going to be — you must be appointed something over at the church over there, huh? Your little church?
Q: I don’t go there any more.
P: Oh you have to change churches now.
Q: No, there’s only one church.
P: You go in there every Sunday?
Q: No. You don’t have to go to a church to go to church.
P: Well that’s true. Okay, Mark.
Q: Love is the only true religion.
P: Alright.
Q: No, I’m trying —
P: I don’t know much. All I know is a little Christian Science and I know that’s not much.
Q: I mean — so how much is this worth? (“I MEAN”) How much — (“IS THIS”) all this huge headache is going to get you a couple hundred dollars more a month? (“THAT”) What is — (“I”)
P: Don’t worry about it, Mark. I’ll explain it all to you — it’s none of your problem. Just come on out. You can help your old dad, okay?
Q: Okay but —
P: And listen. On Bob — I don’t contact Bob. I’m glad you still think and you’re concerned about him a little bit.
Q: Well after such a major problem with his heart —
P: But he owes you. He owes me a lot of money.
Q: But what about — I mean after —
P: His wife has always been negative towards me. (“K”)
Q: (O)kay, when he had his bypass —
P: And (“WHAT”) he —
Q: What operation did he have?
P: And even if he offered me the money I wouldn’t take it. Of course, I can’t take it. I’d have to give it to you. And don’t worry about it.
Q: Okay but —
P: But I don’t — I’m glad — in fact, I have an idea if you want to call him some day you can.
Q: I don’t want to call him.
P: I know. (“I’M JUST SAYING”)
Q: When Dorothy told you about the operation, how did she — what did she say it was exactly?
P: Oh I don’t know. I don’t know anything about that much. (“NO “BUT”)
Q: Was it a big, major operation — it was a major operation.
P: I guess it was. I don’t know. (“BUT SEE”)
Q: You haven’t heard anything since then?
P: No, I haven’t. (“BUT”) Okay, Mark, I’ll see you Tuesday morning. Take your time (“ON THE”) and have a big breakfast because we (“SO NO[W]”) might not get lunch until one or two o’clock.
Q: So now what will I be doing on Tuesday with the receipts? Same thing I usually do?
P: No, not too much figuring but the same thing. Just V.A. stuff.
Q: Okay. (“BUT”)
P: I’ll have most of it (done) — main thing is filing. You’ve got to read some letters and see — I’ve got extra copies of letters that I don’t need and I — my eyes won’t read them all now.
Q: Okay but I’m going to — I’m not going to help you if I think there’s anything wrong. (“WRONG”)
P: We’ll put that to — there’s nothing there, Miark. I know what you’re talking about though. Ethics. I know all about that. But don’t worry about it. I’m on — you’re on the good side when you know me. There’s a lot of things going on here.
Q: Well the last time I was there —
P: And you don’t know what they are but I do. (“MEMBER THAT” “THAT”)
Q: When I was working there last time —
P: And I can save you. (“FROM”)
Q: But when I was working there last time, that little old man came out and they sat him at the table with me. I remember his name.
P: Who?
Q: That Bob guy.
P: What Bob? (“YOU KNOW” “WHEN”)
Q: We were sitting out by the table last time.
P: Last time? (“YEAH”)
Q: I was all — (“BY”) raining and I was sitting out there.
P: Oh yeah. Where?
Q: In the courtyard. And that old —
P: Ohh. Yeah?
Q: And they brought out that old guy. His name was Bob.
P: Yeah? (Or “YEAH”)
Q: And the pigeon was there too. That was before the pigeon died. The little —
P: Yeah? Yeah? (“N”)
Q: I don’t know. I just had this terrible feeling. And then I found out that I lost a job because I was there that day — (“NOT”) not that it was a major — (“YOU KNOW I”) I ended up working at the same place the next day anyway. But I just had this feeling like “What the hell am I doing here? It’s like every time I come out here (“THIS IS” “I”) instead of spending quality time with my poor father — whose only concern is these stupid receipts.”
P: Oh my — (or “OH MY” “IT JUS”)
Q: It was just (“I JUST HAD A LIKE” “WELL”) a major feeling of (“YEAH”) angst.
P: Yeah well — you know I mean this is better than SSI. If I signed up for SSI, I’d only get another $25-$50 bucks but I’d get MediCal.
Q: But this is ridiculous.
P: And actually I got the doctors now and I’m taking care of myself better — there’s not much that the doctors can do. (“YOU KNOW”) I don’t need them really.
Q: But to see older people like yourself at this time of life having to worry, having to spend all their time accounting.
P: Mark, this place is mainly for wheelchairs. These places mainly are for people who should be in the hospital and they’re just fortunate that it can help take care of them. But don’t worry about that.
Q: Why do you like it there?
P: I was lucky to get here and I’m lucky that I can take care of myself still.
Q: Right. No, I know that.
P: Okay. I’ll see you Tuesday, okay?
Q: Okay. Well you rest up.
P: Take your time. Come up to the room. I’ll have it all aired out.
Q: Rest up and — you know, there are a lot of beautiful things in life and you should be— this should be your time for quiet thinking.
P: Okay, Mark. When we get the money, we’ll do it. Okay? Okey-do.
Q: Okay.
P: I’ll see you Tuesday.
Q: Sad.
(TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE: I TURNED ON THE TAPE RECORDER WHEN I NOTICED MY MOTHER WATCHING “UNSOLVED MYSTERIES.)
Q: I can’t believe it. “Unsolved Mysteries” is doing something on bigfoot. First ‘Nessie’; now bigfoot. Oh look it’s a re-enactment. Whenever it’s a re-enactment, the credibility goes right out the window. These things are so hokey. It reminds me of Art Bell’s show. People without any credibility. (Robert Stack commentary heard on tape here along with other interview subjects and/or actors.) “Skunk Apes.” “(Almost) Ghostly” I think is the key word. Uh-oh (when Stack mentions “Bob Carr”). (Later) That’s a cliche. This whole show. I know (response to inaudible comment from Ellen). Well why didn’t they do that before the show (re: hair DNA testing being done)? Ha (When Stack says, “We are still waiting for the results of the DNA test”)! I liked the — my favorite “Unsolved Mysteries” was that show when there was a little note saying ‘Now do you know who I am?’ or ‘Now do you get it?’ Everyone thought that was an unseen perpetrator but I knew it —
.gif)