Guest Book

Hello Class. I just wanted to chime in and wish all of you a Very Happy, Prosperous & Healthy New Year. Things have been pretty hectic around here over the holidays and it's been a while since I've logged in...I can't beleive that ya'all have such "vivid memories" of certain classes. All I remember from my senior year English Class was I DID HAVE BLALOCK !! As a matter of fact, all of my older sibblings had her. I also remember Mr. Thomason. Aaaannnnndddddd that's about it. I was one of those students that worked have a day anf couldn't wait for 4th period to end so I could haul my behind over to "Burger King" for one of their healthy, nutritional lunches. I loved to watch Mr. Skinner & Mr. Menefee pull into the parking lot and watch my friends, that were still suppose to be in class, FREAK !! I remember Mike Bobyak (trying to) hide under a booth. I was laughing so hard that when Skinner asked me what was so funny all I could do was point at Bobyak, Skinner cracked up too. Then after lunch it was off to my job at Future Farmers of America Headquarters. It's for sale now, another Mt. Vernon ICON going. Well, ya'all have a great New Year and stay healthy. Cindee, in town and no phone call ? John, how's the new digs ? It's always a pleasure to log into this page and see Dewey & Ruth's life on my screen. You guys crack me up !! Steve, how's the track treating you ? Brad were you here for the holidays ? Has anybody seen Janine ? Howdy Dave !! Well that's all I have to say...Keep it real !! Gary :-)~

Starkle starkle little twink. What the heck you are I think? I'm not under the alfluence of incohol, like some thinkle peep I am. It's just the drunker I sit here, the longer I get.......HAPPY NEW YEAR.... Everybody be safe

Just wanted to say hello and let you know I'm back in cyberspace after a hard drive crash. Any word from our friends in Richmond since the ice storm? We just returned home from the holiday, and, for the record, Alexandria had more snow for Christmas than Rochester, NY (for a change)! Hope all are enjoying the holiday and much peace and happiness to all of you in the new year.

And (sorry, Mrs. Cooley) NOW it's time for a long winter's nap!
...well, MAYBE between indoor soccer and the Redskin's game, anyway. BEAT DALLAS!!!

Apparently, I have been very good -- sometimes excellent. Hope the holidays are as rewarding (and joyful and peaceful) for all of you too!!! XXOO

To all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR, HAPPY HANUKKAH and all that good stuff!!!

Ruth in south with no snow and Dewey in the north with plenty. I would take either one over the ice storm we are supposed to get here in the western Carolinas. Happy Holidays to all.

Ah, yes, Ruth. That's one of MY clearest memories of Leadership as well. But I rather liked it! ;^) I remember that first day when Wedlock said he was going to get rid of the desks and put in tables and rugs, I thought he was kidding. Who ever heard of a classroom format like THAT? But until then, we could discuss whether the metal container in the middle of the floor was REALLY a wastebasket or REALLY a big drinking cup..... And yes, it never manages to quite feel "Christmassy" in Florida.

From one of the class of '71 that enjoys reading your guest book, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!!!! May 1999 bring back the glory days to the Redskins....The last few years have been miserable since I live with a die-hard Broncos fan....For those who are Internet fans, did you know that the CEO of YAHOO! is a Mount Vernon High alumnus??? Again, MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY 1999!!!!

Well gang, it's been an interesting year, even if you exclude all of the garbage that is going on in D.C. No more e-mail for me this year. So here's to a healthy and prosperous 1999. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Feliz Navidad, and Joyeaux Noel.

In other news... Here in beautiful downtown sunshine central, we got to have about 36 seconds worth of cool weather before the tourism industry stepped in a put a stop to it. Back in the upper 70's today. Tough to get serious about holiday cheer when you can't even see your breath when you go outside to put the lights on the palm tree.

Yeah, I do remember "leadership class" with Keppel and Wedlock. I think they were the epitome of hippy wannabees. I remember trying to act like I was cool and laid back, sitting on the floor -- no desks because that was too structured -- when the whole time I really thought it was pretty hokey. My clearest memory of that class was that, in that era of REALLY short skirts, sitting cross-legged on the floor was pretty dicey. Mrs Cooley was much more my style.

Gee, everyone's got Cooley memories but me.... *sniff*...On the other hand, sophomore year our class went through THREE English teachers. That's pretty good. (Carr, Chisolm & somebody else who didn't last long at all.) And junior year was Keppel & Wedlock. I remember doing an exercise with Keppel where we picked new names for people in the class. Something we thought said something about them. I only remember 2. Cindy Robey was "Cinnamon" and Cathy Edwards was "Sunflower". At least those names were suggested. Whether they "stuck" or not, I couldn't say. I don't recall if people got to pick a name for me. If so, I guess I didn't find it very memorable. Ruth, you were in that class. Do you remember any of that?

My memories of Mrs. Cooley are epitomized by her subtle show of delight in having us read and analyze the content of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales". I will never forget her sly little grin accompanied by a devious snicker as she warned us of the "risque" verbage describing the sexual events contained in the "Miller's Tale". This along with other such ficticious debauchery that took place in the cathedral city of Kent. On that day I came to the realization that discussing sex with an elder was not the sure death I had aways thought it to be. What a sight it was to see that twinkle in her eye as she reveled in our initial collective embarrassment - an embarrassment that was short lived however as she drew us out of our shells with an efficiency equaled only by her ability to stuff us back into those shells with that trademark one eyed, laser-like, stare that lasted for what seemed to be a good 20 minutes. I was far from being one of her better students but I learned a hell of alot about life from that old woman! Oh yeah. I almost forgot. I learned a little about english lit. also...

I had Cooley for Lit. Actually, I had no trouble with her. But I DID know who was boss! One day, during Kenny K's wild hair era, she was razzin' him about it. Then he responded, "Well at least it's not blue." Oh my gawd! My jaw dropped. A dead silence fell over the room, anticipating the end. She lowered her brow and gave him that look out of one eye. I prayed for the inevitable loss of a friend.... Then, she just turned around and went back to business. A miracle happened that day! I knew he wouldn't get an "A", though.

John: "But that's not FAIIIIIIR!" And as Oscar Match would reply (or so I'm told - I never had him): "Fair? FAIR? Where's it say life is FAIR?"......Ruth: No I did not have Cooley. That senior year when we got to change teachers every quarter I found myself in Gary Jones' class (That's MISTER Jones, not the Gary Jones from our class) every quarter. Learned how to diagram sentences (which had somehow been skipped in all my previous English classes), learned all about Robert's Rules of Order, spent 9 weeks reading Dr. Seuss books and writing reports on them, and then did some other creative-writingy thing the last quarter in a combined class that included juniors and I think some sophomores. Somehow never having had Cooley or Blalock makes me feel like I can't quite claim being an MV alumnus. But I KNOW I was there. ;^)

Ruth: Did that answer your question?

Dewey, ya gotta answer as you see it. NO TALKING during the exam!! Psssst, the answer is "f".

Dewey: Did you have Mrs. Cooley too? Every time I write a letter or a memo or speech I think of her -- no one fussed about grammer like she did. I clearly remember her talking about the none of the above/all of the above conundrum (She also LOVED 50 cent words!) She's probably turning in her grave -- or bed? -- because the grammer police have now decided it's okay to end sentences with prepositions. AND they say it's permissible to start sentences with "and" and "but" (but I'm still waiting for them to figure out about the proper use and placement of quotation marks). John: Hey Grumpy!! You having a tough day/week/year/life? Have more things to do than day to do it in? In any other season I would say "Try being a single working mother" but, I really want Santa to bring me a new computer for Christmas so I'm trying to stay in the "nice" column.

John: I like how you have "all of the above" BELOW "none of the above" which means "all of the above" would INCLUDE "none of the above". Nice self contradiction. (I think it was Bertrand Russell who asked "Does the set of all sets that don't contain themselves contain itself?") If that sounds picky, sorry. I'm trying to debug code right now and that's JUST the sort of mistake I might make.....Ruth: You're not likely to find me near Tallahasee the week of the Florida-Florida State football game unless I've got a ticket! And I'm glad I didn't have one this year! Gators were shamed (ESPECIALLY before the game)....Yes, I'm mourning the fluke loss to the Giants by the Broncos. I think the NY offensive players had tied flags to their waist and the Broncos defense took that to mean it was flag football. Actual tackling seemed to be against the rules.

Ruth, you forgot:
d) none of the above;
e) all of the above;
f) at least all of the above.

What happened? Everybody o.d. on bad stuffing? Burried alive by maple leaves? Elves got your tongue?

I probably SHOULD have told you all that I was going to be in the neighborhood for turkey day but I didn't want to ruin this stealth celebrity thing I've got going -- you're pretty sure that I'm here, but no one has actually seen me. Sort of like the Shadow. (And my mom always said that a real woman always leaves something to the imagination). Actually, I was only in town long enough to rake said yard and pick up a speeding ticket in Madison while retrieving my son from Wahooville so he, too, could share in the raking/mince meat rituals. Besides, Dewey didn't tell ME that he was coming to Florida either. Talk about TSK!!!

Ruth, You claim to have gotten your fill (mince meat pie or leaves or both, I'm not sure). However, did you get that red-yellow maple leaf that you long for? I think not. For you see there are none finer then the variety produced by my very own stand of maple trees right here in Oakton. I have many to chose from, but I insist that you sample the whole lot. What? You may not be able to make up your mind as to which you might ultimately prefer. Take the whole umpteen trillion of them - keep them for as long as you like!

Ruth: Tsk! Tsk! And you didn't even tell us you were going to be "home".

To paraphrase a famous Snickers addict -- not to mention philanthropist, therapist and general hero -- "Thanks for the offer John; but I think it's too late" I was up there in Fairfax over Thanksgiving and had to rake my brother's back yard in exchange for mince meat pie. The task was worth the price of admission, but I've now had my fill.

Ruth: You are more than welcome to take as many leaves out of my yard as you'd like.

Frank tells me that it's not shopping, but great weather that is distracting everyone from the Guest Book. I'm not impressed by this excuse. The weather is ALWAYS relentlessly and depressingly summer-like here in the Sunshine State. I've learned to ignore it. Sometimes I'd trade my queendom for one red-orange maple leaf. I even find myself occasionally longing for a cold, ugly, slushy, grey snow flurry.

Something tells me 'tis the season to be too busy to sign the guest book...

Gee, Ruth, I guess I'm the only one at Kawfee Talk this month. And I don't even like Kawfee..... Jackie: I went to an open house for a company once. Didn't realize it was so interview oriented. I thought it would just be a chance to see what the company does and see if yer interested. Instead they made me fill out an application first. Took quite a while. Then an interview. THEN they showed me what they did. Turned out I wasn't interested. Felt like quite a waste of time, but I guess it was my ignorance of what an "Open House" for a company really means..... John: I saw David LaFlamme in concert at the University of Florida many years ago. He was the opening act for Billy Joel. Billy Joel was great. Very funny. If he hadn't been a Piano Man he could have made it as a standup comic. One of his jibes was at bands who go on tour but only have one hit and come out and play the 30 minute version of it. I don't imagine LaFlamme appreciated that remark because that's exactly what he had just done. I remember liking "White Bird" at the time but I seem to remember the endless concert version getting pretty old. Still, pretty cool to get an email from the man himself....Gary: Minnesota does seem to be the team to reckon with this year....until you have to play the Broncos. ;^) I guess you could say that Minnesota has the best chance of coming in SECOND. ;^)....Spent Turkey Week in Florida at my Dad's. He's moving out of his house and into a condo (that has medical folk on staff) next year so he's getting rid of all the household furniture I grew up with. My brother and I had negotiations during the week and split it all up. Kind of sad to see that kind of change happening. On the other hand, my house in Colorado has an empty living room and dining room which are sorely in need of furnishings. ;^)....And speaking of musicians (OK, that was a couple topics back), I've mentioned David Wilcox on these pages before. He plays acoustic guitar and sings what he calls "living room music". Very nice stuff. I see that he's playing at the Birchmere in Alexandria Dec 18th. I would highly recommend it if you're looking for a mellow evening of some nice tunes and clever lyrics. And if you're looking for a song relevant to this web site, listen for (or request, if he asks) "Last Chance Waltz". To give you a hint, the opening lyric is "I'm standing before my old high school. It's been 10 years since I've touched the door....."

Good Morning, Just thought I'd drop in this day after stuffing myself royally, and say hello and check see what's been goin on on the "page". Had a "killer dinne" yesterday. Just were 4 for dinner and then some friends came over for dessert. Loved what happened to Dallas. Minnesota is going to be the team to reckon with for the rest of the year. We're still going to The Redskins games. This year we've been doing a lot of tailgating. That's fun. Maybe next year we'll actually go for the game itself..(kidding). Well just wanted to say hello and hope all had a Great Turkey Day with friends and family. Take Care ~ Gary !!

Gang, I have been a big fan of "It's a Beautiful Day" since high school. I really loved the introduction of the "heady" violin of David Laflamme into rock music. I have been waiting forever for a CD version of their first album (including "White Bird") to come out on CD (to replace my worn out and out of print vinyl) -- but I never thought it would happen, because I heard they had some legal troubles with ownership of the name, or something like that. After I found the "White Bird" MIDI file, I did a web search, and found out that the CD had been released. But I couldn't find it anywhere. Then today, I went to Springfield Mall to do some shopping, and decided to check for the CD there. Lo and behold, in the third shop, there it was, cracked case and all! The last one in the country! So, imagine my surprise when I got home and received an e-mail from David Laflamme himself. I found a web site of a rock group of our carbon date in Jacksonville, Fla., that got together with him and others in Quicksilver Messenger Service for some annual jam sessions. They passed my inquires to Laflamme and...voila. Gotta love the net. Anyhow, Laflamme told me that they are going to sell a limited, digitally enhanced release of their "Live at the Fillmore" album, which I haven't heard, but am told has a kick-ass version of "White Bird" on it. If any of you are interested, E me, and I'll forward the info to you. For everyone not interested, never mind.

Jackie: Your experience with "no experience" is why I suggested the XML addition (or other combo). Since XML is new, NO one else will have experience, either. Also, you can count on seeing me next Halloween! Better not be teasing me, or I'll have to go get Janine to help me out.

First to Dewey....yes, I finally decided to grow up. Second, to John H., you missed out big time...I had all the good stuff on Halloween...snickers, everything hershey makes, baby ruths, etc. Your loss!!!! Third, thanks Frank for the info. Went to an open house at the new Oracle building in Reston yesterday. Never made it past the sign-in table. Catch 22...no experience, no job. No job, no experience. My famous saying in life these past couple of years has been "Ohhhh, well!!!" I hear patience is a virtue, guess I'd better learn some.

What did I think I was going to be when I grew up? You ask this of a man who considered "Musical Chairs" a metaphor for choosing majors in college? Actually, the only memory I have from when I was YOUNG, about what I wanted to be when I grew up, was wanting to be a paleontologist when I was in elemetary school. Dinosaurs were so cool!... And then there was a time in high school when J. Cousteau had me convinced I wanted to be a marine biologist. Scuba diving and poking at funny fish looked like fun..... There was another thing I knew around 1970 about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I knew I DIDN'T want to be a SOLDIER touring beautiful Southeast Asia! And that was looking WAYYYYY too likely! I was also pretty damn sure I didn't want to be a Navy Officer but Dad didn't consider turning down the ROTC scholarship an option. The trauma of getting my hair cut to "mil spec"! Agh! (Mrs. Yearick would have been pleased.) And if you check my entry in the MVHS Alumni register, you'll see my REAL answer! ..... (J&R: I like the joke about "Baby Ruth". Very good. It made me snicker in a milky way.)

More for Jackie: PeopleSoft, SAP, PEARL, Voice over IP, Internet Security, Anti-Spamming, and on, and on...But even the high-tech business are getting whacked. We RIF'ed 140 last week. :(

Thanks for the offer, Ruth; but I think it's too late. We can't go back. ;^)

John, Our Dear Master of the Web: You are obviously suffering from serious Snickers withdrawal. Try a Baby Ruth for relief.

Ruth: It's still not to late to become a GO GO dancer. I think I can speak for a lot of my fellow classmates in wishing that you HAD become a GO GO dancer. Don't give up your dreams. You Go, girl!
Because....

Who can take a sunrise,
Sprinkle it with dew,
Cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two?
The candyman.
The candyman can.
The candyman can cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good.
Who can take a rainbow,
Wrap it in a sigh,
Soak it in the sun and make the strawberry lemon pie?
The candyman?
The candyman.
The candyman can.
The candyman can cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good.
Willy Wonka makes
Everything he bakes
Satisfying and delicious.
Talk about your childhood wishes.
You can even eat the dishes.
Who can take tomorrow,
Dip it in a dream,
Separate the sorrow
And collect up all the cream?
The candyman.
Willy Wonka can.
The candyman can.
The candyman can cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good.
And the world tastes good
Cause the candyman thinks it should.

No one showed up on my doorstep after homecoming. No TP. No ride in Steve's hot car. No dancing. Sigh. Feeling forsaken and forlorn, I resorted to Blockbuster for company. I just finished watching Armageddon and if I weren't such a fan of Billy Bob Thornton I would never have made it through 2 1/2 hours of such drivel. My two pre-teen daughters were riveted to Ben Affleck's every move so they were not interested when I tried to point out some of the movie's SERIOUS flaws. This was after having debated with them over which of us was most familiar with Aerosmith tunes. Anyway, the one benefit of watching this thing was thinking back to Chemistry class with Mr. Marcus not long after the moon landing and contemplating how COOL it would be to become an astronaut. This in turn has suggested a new Kawfee Talk question: What did you think you would be when you grew up? No fair being morose about the road not taken, and no fair whining about the road taken. In any case, I bet many of the careers and lifestyles we expected back then don't even exist anymore. In my case, before I decided to be an astronaut, I was gonna be an U.N.C.L.E. agent (but Stephanie Powers got that job). Before that, my heart was set on being a Go Go dancer...

I know what I want to be next - Retired! I'm with ya Gary. Who else is going to join us for the next Saturday morn. coffee?

Re: Career Change. It seems that these days the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" needs to be replaced with "What do you want to be FIRST, when you grow up?" And you can't ask what they'd want to be NEXT 'cause that field probably doesn't exist yet!

Jackie, First of all, the career change is tough because of the old "catch-22". No experience, no job - no job, no experience. Is this what you mean by facing rejection or is there something else? John is right about XML, but there's a lot of other stuff out there too. Just look at the "high tech" section of the Post classifieds. I periodically ask my secretary to go through a Sunday paper and tally up all of the ads with keywords "UNIX", "X-Windows", "C", "C++", "LAN", "Oracle", "Telecommunications", and "Networking" in them just to gauge the demand. It's amazing. The downside (or upside, depending on your perspective) is that the technology is changing every few years, so you're constantly getting re-educated. BTW - you might also want to see what you can learn about the Oracle web server software.

That's right Johnny !! No more Snickers..The kids wiped us out. I even had to "break into my stash" to give to them I remember when we went to a house that: A) Didn't answer the door (when we knew they were in there). B) Gave out lousy candy. C) Or made us do actual tricks for our treats (like tell a joke or something like that) get your mind out of the gutter. They were either TP'D, soaped car windows, smashed pumpkin (or taken), egged or some other dasterly deed done. I am so glad I got over that stage. OK it has only been in the last few years but I'm over it. Anyway, does anybody want to get together soon for a cup of "Yuppy Coffee"? Breakfast, dinner, drinks whatever. I'm up for it anytime. Anybody coming in from out of town soon??? Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another, right now, right now..... Ya'All didn't know I was so musically inclined, did you ? Take Care ------> Keep it Real -----> Or As Real As It Gets !! The G-Man :-)

OHMYGAWD!!!! The Snickers are gone! Where's the Candyman????

DR DON: Let me know when corneal rings correct astigmatism (sp?). When they do, put me second in line (don't want to be the first!).

I can hardly believe how fast Sept. and Oct. flew by. It has been two months since I logged on. Gary's talking about homecoming at MVHS and I spent most of the day working on my daughters senior class float. My wife and I are taking a lot of flack because we are not letting her spend the night in the hotel after the dance. The majority do spend the night at the hotel,Diane and I are "incredibly lame" according to Jessica. Ruth's note from a few weeks ago deserves a comment; many of us Y chromosome types spent way too much time drooling over TV goddesses during those high school years. We also drooled over many classmates,but a lot of us were way too insecure to ask them out. There is a long list of MVHS women who added to my early insecurity, but judging from my conversations with my three teenage daughters things have not changed much, guys just fear rejection when asking out girls. Even now I try to convince my daughters to accept a date from some nerd just to be nice..of course you know what they tell me. Oh well...some things never change.

Jack-AAAY: Long time no hear. Almost made it up to your house on Halloween, but we had such a haul we had to turn around to empty the bag to start over again. I was hoping you'd be passing out some of the family recipe. Riverside is still the BEST place to mine for Snickers!! What's even better, my son never liked chocolate or peanuts, so I gladly accept his trash candy!! I'm going back there every year until I go diabetic-coma city!

I'd answer your plea, but it seems like you are looking for a Venutian response.
Frank does Oracle. What say you, Frank?
I would like to recommend, though, that you consider combining your Oracle studies with XLM studies. XML is replacing HTML, the web browser language, and it's going to marry well with databases (what business, i.e., money, will want). Be the first at XML with Oracle background, and you'll be in fat city. You'll be able to retire and reopen the Pig in no time!!

Okay, guys, this is desperation in progress. Are any of my wonderful alumni brothers or sisters out there computer geeks? I'm trying very hard to become one, and getting rejection at every corner. Have completed Oracle/Developer training...now in progress of taking Oracle 8. Complete career change....my hair is becoming whiter. HELP!!!!!

Gary, you have a much more positive outlook than I do. While Homecoming was interesting I couldn't relate. To much time and too many changes I guess. No spirit either. The place was dead and Mr. Skinner looked old, as he should I suppose. The one thing I was thankful for is that I had fun with the old classmates that did show up. Thanks Frank, Dave and Gary! Well Janine at least I got a hug from you (we passed momentarily on my way out). Good tunes on the page again John - one of my favorite Temptations songs. Did anybody catch the Temps. miniseries on the tube earlier this week? great soundtrack! OK everybody we have 5 days to put on gorilla suits and bury the Statue of Liberty up to it's neck prior to John Glenns return from space. Lets get movin!

Hey All....The game was alot of fun. Saw a few good friendsand their wives there. As soon as I walked in the gate the "cute little" cheerleaders hit me for $4.00 for the program. Saw Chris Thomas (cop) working the gate. Just walking down the fence brought back alot of memories. I think that was the first HS game I've been to since graduation. Pretty Cool.. Dewey ? I can't beleive that A M F didn't sound familiar to you. You don't remember "The Greaseman" when you were here, thqt's how he used to (and still does)sign off his show every night. But Frank hit it right on the nose. But leave it to Gwen to clean up my act for me. By the way Janine, I was looking forward to the brownies and java after the game at your crib <--- I'm so hip...I hope all is well with your family and I'm sorry for your loss. We left before the game was over, BUT, MVHS did not let us down. WE CREAMED those Eagles....As we were leaving Dave Nermyr and I went up and said hello to Mr. Skinner. He looks good. Retirement really agrees with him. I asked him what he was doing with himself these days and he said "Nothing, and I've got all day to do it in"...I though that was pretty funny. He was really into the game. It would have been great to hear him call some of the game. I also ran into Joe Miller class of "71". He told me that he's one of the baseball coaches there at the school. Now, I think that's real cool. He's retired from The Washington Post, said he put in 20 years ! You go Joe ! But what I really missed was standing at the fence at the game and watchin that sexy little blonde cheer her heart out and thinking to myself (at the time) what's David Williams got that I don't? Oh well....I really had a good time at the game. $ 4.00 to get in !! ?? Talk about your inflation !! But worth every dime. That's right, all I had was two roll of dimes with me. I gave the other one to the cheerleaders selling programs. By the way Hanley, where the heck were you? Couldn't you get out on a Friday night ? I know...New Home Owner... Probably at home cleaniing out the new garage. Next time. When are we going to get together again for brunch. I saw Debi & Dickie Watts earlier that day (Fri) and they told me that they were going to go to the game. NO SHOW ! Something about they were afraid that they'd embarrass they're daughter. Boy this is getting long. What was up with those "floats" at the game. When I walked in I thought they were backstops for the baseball team. So much for the definition of floats. OK OK OK enough from me. I'll get back to you all at a later time. For now I must get some work done. I think I'll start with a pedicure. Now where did I leave my chainsaw....Good Night All....Keepin it Real.. Gary

I made it up on Thursday and had to leave Friday before the game. Who won? I did get by the school and saw Joyce Jones, she hasn't changed at all. Gary, are you in the book? I couldn't find you. On the issue of TP, has anyone driven thru Riverside, Sunny View, Mt. Vernon Manor or any of the other old stomping grounds? The trees are HUGE!!! No way could you get a roll over the top. My mind may still be young, but the old shoulders and back don't agree. You would need some sort of TP catapult.

Dewey, I personally thought that your definitions were great........Gave me a good chuckle!!!! How's Boston? Any snow yet? I do miss living up their so close to great skiing......Of course, you could say that about Colorado too! Later......

Gwen: I'm sure what Frank had in mind was "Adios, Mother, Father."

Have fun at the Homecoming everyone!!! Wish I could be there! By the way, How is the football team this year?

Gary's right - it must have been Croom. I forgot about Johnston - the guy who was teaching wood shop after cutting off one of his fingers. I don't know about that one...

Could also mean "Adios My Friends" if we keep it clean-------Frank!!!!

Dewey, The first word is Adios. You have an appropriate number of asterisks following the "M" and "F".

I don't think I ever actually talked with Mr. Landes and yet I have this sense that he was this great positive influence on me growing up. Could it really be the effect of his morning speeches on the God Box? Gary: I thought we'd lost ya, man. Could have used your support on the lust-fest. OK, I'll byte. Not being from Springfield, I have to ask, "What's AMF stand for?" Another Fine Mess? Acheivable Missions Force? All My Fault? Analytical Manifold Functions? Alexandria's My Favorite? Almost Married Fatso? Asymmetric Mambo Fluctuations? Acht! Meine Fraulein? Asinine Mail Flame? Always Mighty Frustrated? A-bombs Mean Fallout? Ambiguously Male/Female? Arsonists Make Fire? Airlines Mollify Flyers? Amigas Muy Fantastica? A Mean Fart? A****** M***** F*****?

Wasn't planning on being at work today. Had to stop and change the greeting on our 800 number. My co-workers didn't make in today. Gary I'll be at my parent's house about 8:00 pm Thursday if I don't run into any radar traps. They are in the book. Hope to see you guys Friday night.

WHEW !!!!! I've got such a headache !!! Y2K ! Peggy Lipton (by the way, was married Quincy Jones) Mod Squad, Jeannie, Ann Margaret, Laugh-In, MASH, Croom & Johnston (Runyon was at Walt Whitman), lust, (like the cheerleaders that wouldn't give ME the time of day) if I had to choose back then as Ruth says "The Unobtainable" would be Jeannie & Raquel, the smoking pit - I remember the day that opened. Menefee & Skinner (Mike) were put in charge of it, Mr. Landes ? great man, used to ride his wagon pulled by his dog to the school..., Dairy Queen, Burger King, McDonalds, Mansion House, Graduation Party at Jeff Cook's house, Ft. Hunt Park, Sub races, Night Time "skeet" hunting on the parkway, hell-o Olde Towne, May '72 Gary turns18 heads to Georgetown for first legal beer, I could go on and on but I'm getting a little tired. I'm definately planning on the Homecoming Game n Friday night. I know my wife won't go, Saturday is her busiest day and has to get up real early. I hope you can make it Brad. I hope alot of people can make it. I'll be checking back before then. So, as we say here in beautiful downtown Springfield Virginia---AMF and Keeping It Real !!! Gary :-)~

How many people did Melvin B. have such a profound effect on? Here it is, 26 years later and we still talk of his speeches and habits, like jingling his keys before entering a bathroom. When I was in the Navy, stationed in Japan, the wife of one of my flight crew members was a MVHS alum 58 or 59. We talked about Mr. Landis for hours, he was the same in the 50's as in the 70's. My guess is you were in Croom's class, I remember him as not having much of a sense of humor, of course I ticked him off when I dropped shop to get into Mrs. Piper's Food Service Management class. Can you imagine getting the "smoking pen" (complete with a path through the woods to Dairy Queen) in today's school, I doubt that teachers that smoke have a place on campus?

Brad, My two favorite "Melvin" speeches were: (1) His reading of the "Washington Free Press" over the PA system - I forget which shop class I was in (either Runyon's or Croom's), but I remember the shop teacher telling us we had better not laugh; and (2) His speech the day that the decision was made to set up the "smoking pen" by the Home Economics cottage. "Tradin' spit" was #3.

Where to meet ? As you look at the press box .... at the 50 yard line ...... go down one more entrance to the stands from the press box and park your derriere's on the left side of the aisle about mid-way up. I want to be sure you get the FULL effect of not just the game but the frivolity and gaeity of the MVHS Marching Majors. ():-) As to my presence there, ALAS, I'm hoping I make it back from Pittsburgh in time for the evening's festivities -- at some point. I also have to rescind on the brownies and coffee as I don't know how things are going to pan out for that evening .... I was just notified of the death of my grandmother and will be in Pa until Friday night or Saturday morning. If we get back in time ... I'll see you there. AND ... don't forget ... it's not over when the game's over ... it's not over til the Band plays (after the game since Homecoming festivities take up half-time). Hope you all have a great time ... and PULLLLLEEEEEZE ... stay and watch those kids play after the game -- I'll be thinking of y'all.

Janine, Dave, John, Frank, anybody, where and when are we to meet for the homecoming game? Left bleacher, right bleacher, under the bleachers, which? Ruth, the trade relative to what was at hand rather than what was unobtainable was not an option. Nothing seemed obtainable at the time.

My favorite was "There'll be none of that exchangin' of saliva in the halls of THE PLANT"

OK. So apparently discussing our adolescent lusts was not a real popular idea. We move on to other things. So, how about that hurricane, Mitch, anyway? If you want to see some good pics of it, try www.osei.noaa.gov. Are you guys going to the Homecoming Game in costume? It would SEEM it should have a Halloween theme. Guys, get a buzz cut and carry a bunch of keys and go as Mr. Landes. Carry a P.A. and make announcements about how "we can't have girls walkin' 'round the halls half-nekked, with these bare midrifts. Gotta have a bit o' decency now." These days I find the best part of the Halloween season (beside the weather) is The Simpsons' Halloween Specials. "Homer Goes to Hell", the 90's answer to Linus and the Great Pumpkin. Unfortunately I don't have cable in my current apt. so I'm afraid I'll miss A South Park Halloween. One can only imagine.

Dewey: Try the Jeopardy theme. Was going to play it for Janine, but the version I have is barely recognizable.

Janine: Still wonderin' about that tune.... Brad: Good list. No arguments here. Old "I Dream of..." footage appears to be being used for some 4-wheeler commercial. I forget which. I might add Judy Carne and Goldie Hawn (which really BUGGED me because I so wanted to think I wanted an INTELLIGENT girl, and there I was, being taken in by a giggle)...Steve: Ann Margaret in Tommy. Beans never looked so good. But this takes us into movies. Frank: I have no problem hearing some of the GOOD stuff from the 70's in commercials. Might as well let those guys get some more cash. Lord knows they didn't get much from ME back then. And I'll 3rd the motion to hear who the women were lusting after.....Ruth: Make no mistake. We were lusting after MV women, too. Sometimes while sitting at home and watching TV. But I'm not sure the web's an appropriate venue for THAT conversation.

When I tried to comment on you guys' lust fest, I was summarily edited by our beloved webmeister (who fancies himself as my therapist, spin doctor and general handler). But to answer the question, we girls lusted after you guys. Gee, if we'd only KNOWN that we could have HAD you if we had simply looked and acted like a Hollywood bimb..oops...I mean starlet! (Slapping myself in the forehead) How could we have been so foolish to hope that you y-chromosomers would lust after what was at hand rather than unobtainable??!!

OK, while some of the guys are lusting over the women of yesteryear, what do you all thing about the recycling of music from the 70s? The most recent that comes to mind is the snippet of Emerson, Lake and Palmer from "Brain Salad Surgery" ("Come and see the show") in the NFL commercials. Or how about the Amoco commercial with the geezers in the low-riders? And who are the *girls* lusting over???

"Welcome to Virginia" sign at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Never even got close to that one.

Has anyone noticed the ladies have been left out, or have ignored the ramblings about TV stars we lusted after? Who were the HOT male stars in those days? Does anybody remember when the W was stolen from WPGC? They held a contest one summer to see who could guess where it was hidden and went by PGC all summer. Does anybody remember where it was? I'm going to try to get to homecoming. The last homecoming game I was at I was sitting on the bench wondering if I was going to get to play.

Count Holly and I in, see you Friday! Dave

Come on Guys! ANN MARGRET!!! CARNAL KNOWLEDGE! Who could forget that. Or her other appearances for that matter - The Twist, The Outside Man, Tommy, R.P.M. And shes still at it. Look what she did to Jack Lemmon and Walter Mathau in Grumpy Old Men. Good job on Mod Squad, Brad. I think you saved Dewey from spazzin out any further. Who are the six for Homecoming Janine. Time to take names.

Dewey, sorry I forgot to use the word for the day "pari-mutuel". I got distracted thinking about who's magic was more powerful, Jeannie or Samantha. Any ideas on that?

Barbara Eden, Elizabeth Montgomry, Marlo Thomas & Karen Valentine. Saw Barbra Eden on something the other night...pant, pant, pant!!! ;-)

Well, for a second there Brad, I thought you needed counseling even more than Steve and me. To have remembered so much about a TV show 30 years ago! But I see you're just a more competent surfer than I. Good score on the Mod Squad! I rememebered CWIII as Linc (always looking stern and saying "Solid.") and I remembered some Pete-whats-his-name. But that was about it (besides Peggy Lipton as "Cutie"). Looking at the Mod Squad web site I was surprised to see that Peggy Lipton has actually been acting quite a bit over the last decade. It looks like it took her 10 or 20 years to shake off Mod Squad but now she's working pretty regularly. (I had no recollection of her in Twin Peaks.) CWIII has been busy as well, but Pete whats-his-name appears to have faded into major obscurity. In keeping with the "We don't even TRY to come up with new ideas." theme in Hollywood these days, I see we'll get to enjoy "Mod Squad, the Movie" sometime next year. Are we excited? I didn't think so......Janine: I know the words to that song. They're "DO DO TOO DO DO TOOO DO DO DO DOO TO DOO...etc." As one who has tried to communicate a drum cadence in ascii (Jiggida bop jiggida bop jiggida diggida biggida bop...) I can appreciate the challenge facing you but: What the HELL song is that supposed to be? ;^) .......Now that we're on the topic of TV stars we lusted after in high school (at least *I* am), who were your favorites, folks? Answer in 100 words or less and be sure to include today's vocabulary word, "pari-mutuel". Do not turn the page until you are told to do so. You have 30 minutes. 1/4 credit will be deducted for wrong answers. Be sure to completely fill in the circle. Use a #2 pencil. If you have a question, raise your hand and a monitor will come over and help you. Neatness counts. Show your work. You may begin.....NOW.

OK ... I leave the guest book for a few days. Not expecting too much when I come back because everyone seemed to have gone into hibernation, what do I find??? The class of '72 alive and well ?? Well.. ok .. maybe a few. A half-hour later (so what -- I'm a slow read -- after all -- I had to read Frank's Y2K stuff twice just to be sure i was "getting" it all committed to memory), and I'm FINALLY caught up. We're planning on how many for homecoming ?? A big whopping SIX people. Commmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmme on folks ... the class that has the best website and the longest running reunion in the history of reunions can SURELY do better than SIX people for homecoming!!! Am I REALLY going to have to scour the band room AGAIN for mememtos to distribute as bribery or reduce myself to digging thru a VERY dark and cold attic searchin' for things that bring back alllllllllll those good times for everyone? Ok ... first two drill team members to show up get a special memento ... and if we can rustle up a majorette, I MIGHT have something for her too. Hmmmm... come to think of it ... didn't we only have TWO majorettes in this class? Or was it only one? Where's Cathy Edwards when you need her. Verification here please -- and no fair looking in the yearbook!!

DO DO TOO DO DO TOOO DO DO DO DOO
TO DOO DO DOO TO DOO
TOOOOO DO TOOOO DOOOOOO .....
{sing along any time here folks} AND ... what WERE the words to that darn song anyway ....

*** It said you had to be born before March 1977 to buy. Nuf said.**** AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH nuff said

Had to check in one more time before I went home for the night. Mod Squad ran on ABC from Sep 24, 1968 through Mar 1, 1973. Peggy Lipton as Julie Barnes, Clarence Williams III as Linc Hayes, Tige Andrews as Captain Adam Greer and Michael Cole as Pete Cochran the white guy nobody remembers. I'm I a fountain of TV trivia you might ask. No, I just surf a lot while I'm waiting for a customers computer to reboot. One link leads to another and another, sooner or later you can find anything, except those pictures. Why do they want my credit card? It doesn't have my date of birth. AHHHH!!! I see the pictures are free but the passwords for "ALL OF THE BEST SITES" cost $19.95 a month. Not this month. url for Mod Squad. http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/6754 and for MI http://www.personal.u-net.com/~newdawn/mission/home.htm

Whew! Dewey! Maybe we should consider checking each other into the "big house" on the other side of town. Different drugs but the same result. It WAS Peggy Lipton. You are right man! It's OK! On Mod Squad, she hung around with Clarence Williams III and the white guy my little sister used to lust after. His name escapes me at the moment (I'm sure Ruth will remember it, she remembers everything). Clarence played Lincoln Hayes AKA Linc who was definitely too cool for his shirt. I can't remember what Peggy's Mod Squad name was, or the white guy's for that matter. Now, what URL did you say those nude pics of Peggy were at. Hey, who knows? Maybe shes a race fan too. We'll be sure to tell you if the "big house" helped, John. After you and the others lost it over Y2K, I realized I'm not alone!

Ah, Peggy Lipton. THE classic 60's look: long straight dirty-blonde hair, blue eyes, mini-skirt and probably go-go boots. But after writing her name and submitting my entry I found myself wondering "Was that her name? Or am I confused, mixing names together and getting someone who never existed?" Apparently the one brain cell that had managed to hold onto that piece of data all these years found the trauma of being accessed too trying and it has expired. Alas, I'm sure it died happy knowing that its burden was not for naught. It was queried and it responded. It had done its job. Now it could pass on to the neuron afterlife where you don't have to remember anything. But then *I* go and try to access it again. All I found was the vague echo of "Peggy Lipton" imprinted on the surrounding cells. Could they confirm the name? I asked. They shook their heads (or nucei or axons or whatever) no. "We know nothing of such things. That was not our task."......Ah, but I am compu-geek! I am connected to the greatest storehouse of information the world has ever known. I AM ON THE WEB! So I did a search in Yahoo for "Mod Squad". Got some punk band in Canada. So I tried "Peggy Lipton". Many hits on "Lipton" or on "Peggy". The only one that showed hope of verifying that there was, indeed, a Peggy Lipton was a web site for "Nude Pictures of Celebrities!" What could I do? I "clicked here". There was a list of celebrities, and sure enough, listed was a "Peggy Lipton". So I wasn't crazy. I didn't make up the name. That WAS who it was. (The surrounding neurons nod in unison. "Of course it was. We knew that all along.") I now felt sure. But could I be sure it was HER? Might Peggy Lipton have been some OTHER nude-photo-worthy celebrity? What could I do but CHECK? I would need to look at one of those photos. Just to verify identity, mind you. Once again, I "click here". But, what is this? They want me to prove I'm an adult with a credit card number.............Ah. I'm sure that was Peggy Lipton. Never mind.....

Uh...Steve....maybe we should throw some cold water on you and "MIMI", and you can get off by coming over to my house and changing the tailpipe and brakes on my truck. I won't even charge you for it. If you're a good boy, I'll even let you rev the engine.

Well Ruth had I known you were a "Race Fan", I would have arrived days ago! To quote you; "something about the noise and vibration of those engines that really rings my chimes" - oh baby!, the words of my kinda woman, and certainly of one who apprieciates the highs of that powerful and potent drug called Racing (I have a 4 valve, dual overhead cam, 12,000 RPM singer for you to listen to little girl). The Webmeister refers to my little addictive problem as a means to "shrugg off mid-life crisis". Ha, I wish! 20 years ago while the rest of you were trying figure out how to address your fondness for wacky tobaccy this poor soul got so hooked on the racing rush, after all this time I'm still strung out with no cure in sight. Thats what you see in Mr. Fitipaldi Ruth. Old Emo's got that crazed (and admittedly greasssy) look - the result of a few too many adrenaline highs and a few too many crashes (or shunts as they call them in Formula One), let alone the repeated throws of intoxication produced by color, speed, the aromas of high octane fuel mixed with that of stressed race rubber, burning clutch plates and hot oil, and the sweetest sounds this side of Led Zeppelin!.... ah,... sorry....I'm back now. Had to catch myself there. Whew that felt good! - almost as good getting an off-season fix by hanging out the tail of the wife's appliance on wheels while negotiating a local off ramp. Ah Dewey,... what was that you were saying about Peggy Lipton?......

Whale fights? Now that's one I never heard of. I like it. As for M.A.S.H., I saw the movie junior year along with Cindy Robey, Steve Sorrell and maybe a couple others. As I recall, the movie was rated "M", which meant you had to be 16 years old, but I wasn't quite 16 yet. But they sold me a ticket anyway. I'm surprised, given that I looked like I was about 12 back then. But I guess they didn't figure an "M" rated movie would cause me that much irreversible trauma. And look at me now! (That'll teach 'em!)

Webmeister-Good tunes today. Did you notice that you were unable to get Ruth back on the subject of submarine races? I seem to remember that if you were right across from Ft. Washington you could take in the whale fights on the nights that the subs were off.

M.A.S.H.

Ruth: Actually, my point in mentioning that I thought that I saw Nixon on Laugh In in Colorado Springs was to say that I think he was on the show before he was president..... As for Mod Squad, I know why *I* liked it: Peggy Lipton. ;^)

It's kind of fun trying to place "Sock it to me" Nixon. Dewey, his appearance on Laugh In must have been post Colorado Springs since he wasn't elected president until 1968. The Watergate break-in was during the summer of '72 and he was re-elected in the fall of of the same year. He resigned in '74. So, I think he was probably on the show sometime between '68 and '72 because after that, he REALLY lost his sense of humor. Steve, of course I'm still waiting -- You weren't just toying with me were you? Meant to tell you that I was THERE for the first and all subsequent runnings of the Miami Grand Prix (until Ralph Sanchez moved his show to Homestead) I never thought I could get into auto racing -- and still don't follow Indy syle stuff -- but there's something about the noise and vibration of those engines that really rings my chimes. And Emerson Fitipaldi has always had a certain je ne sais quoi attractiveness that I can't resist -- he's sooo greassssy!!! Also, I'd completely forgotten about Mod Squad. I enjoyed it too but I can no longer remember why. Maybe because our generation has always been quite adept at giving in to "the willing suspension of disbelief" necessary to make such shows a hit. There was way too much harsh reality out there that we needed to escape from. (Sorry about that preposition Mrs. Cooley) Anybody know when All In the Family hit the tube?

March 1977!? Ouch! As you might have guessed, I've had a slow period at work, edit, recompile, test, edit recompile, test. Slight tweaks which gave me time to gab. Time to go now. Think I'll go see "Next Stop Wonderland".

Dewey: Speaking of moon landings, I watched the first at Tom Marfing's house. At the reunion, remembering this, he related to me how his kid ask him if he was alive at the time. ugh. While on this happy thought, while waiting for my lunch order today, I was reading the ABC rules about buying achohol. It said you had to be born before March 1977 to buy. Nuf said.

John: My recollection on Nixon is based on 2 things: I seem to remember seeing that incident while living in Colorado Springs (i.e. I picture the TV room in that house). This would have been up to the summer of '68. The other thing is that I was not particularly politically aware at the time and I have some memory of seeing that and thinking "What's the big deal?" To me he was just some guy who lost to Kennedy several years before. I didn't think of him as "active". I figure I would have been aware if he actually WAS president, but maybe not if he was just "looking to run". But I've found stranger memories gone askew from days of old, so I wouldn't bet more than a coke on it.......Another thing we used to watch on TV during high school: Moon landings!

Dewey: I think he was president at the time, which made it more of a coup. Now you got me to wondering how long Laugh-In was on the tube, because I remember a substitute teacher (for Mrs. Meserve of Woodley Hills) of mine, in third grade, telling us she used to baby-sit Goldie Hawn (out of Bethesda, Md.) .

"Solid, Linc." And who could forget all those Quinn Martin productions? "Tonight's Episode: A Moment for Murder. Act I"

I've got a couple old ones from the 70s for all you couch potatos out there in TV land. They require no qualification whatsoever; LOVE BOAT!, Fantasy Island! Of course I would never claim to have spent any time viewing those boob tube wonders. One that did happen to catch some attention in the Carroll household was the MOD SQUAD. Hey Ruth, still waiting for me?

Actually, I don't think Nixon was yet president when he said "Sock it to ME?" on Laugh In. Happy Days was a spinoff from the movie American Grafitti which came out a couple years after graduation, I think. Both Ron Howard and that new guy, Harrison Ford, seemed to have done pretty well since then. I've seen a couple of the other stars in various things too (the geeky guy, the blonde bimbo). I think Richard Dreyfus played Ron Howard's buddy. And the blonde driving the T-bird? I think that was Suzanne Sommers. And, of course, the director did a little thing a few years later called Star Wars...

Frank, I wasn't going to mention Walter's name in an effort to protect his identity -- he's probably spent the last 25 years trying to forget he was such a memorable nerd. Anybody know what ever became of him? Maybe Scottie beamed him up...

Dewey, Lalo Shifrin (sp?) was doing web chat room the other night. I hope he made a bundle on the MI theme -- he deserves it just for that one sound track and I don't think he did any others that hit. Having mulled my own question over for the last few hours, I'm now trying to remember if Happy Days was "ours". If so, who can name the movie that Happy Days was spun off of and some of the folks in that movie who subsequently became notable stars. And no John, Rachel Welsh wasn't in it.

Ruth: Nixon said "sock it to me" on Laugh In when he was prez.
Movies: How about The Graduate, Love Story (ugh), 2001, Butch, and Easy Rider. Oh yea, and 100 Rifles, with Raquel Welsh lookin as good as she does now!

Oh John Boy -- Glad to hear that you are our resident philanthropist -- I could use a grant. Also, I've never seen Ally McB and my spunk has always been intact, just temporarily directed toward more pressing endeavors. Still, it's nice to know that my pizzazz is missed.

SNL began in '75 or '76, my last year in college. I remember the first time I saw it. I was walking into our TV room, and they were doing one of their commercial spoofs of the Gillette "Trac Two", except they spoofed it with three blades. The first blade pulls out the whisker, the next blade pulls it out a little more, and the third blade rips it out all together!!! Whoah....narly, what is this???? I had to laugh when they actually came out with the trac three recently. I think the real commercial uses the same animation, except for the last blade, of course.

The Mission Impossible movie was worth the price of admission just to hear the theme song played in a theater on a good sound system. (Still the BEST opening to a TV show ever!) But after that, it was clear that it was NOT written by true MI aficionados. It was not homage to the show. I think Star Trek was more our junior high years, though I remember watching it in syndication every afternoon when I'd come home in high school. Laugh-In, too, I think was "mostly junior high". (I base this on where I lived when I watched it. Jr. High was Colorado Springs for me.) jr. high also had "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.", a favorite of mine at the time, what with that whole Secret Agent fad. I guess "All in the Family" was high school. Funny, I don't remember as many shows from high school days as junior high (Gilligan, etc.) I do remember watching Dick Cavett at night, and every dinnertime came with news coverage of the war. Saturday Night Live started a couple years after graduation I think. Chevy Chase was doing Gerald Ford, and Ackroyd's Nixon was already claiming he was not a crook. Now as for Ally McB. I get the definite impression that people either love it or think it's really stupid. Not that many in the middle of the road. Comments? Votes? Recipes?

{"the original techno-nerd"}???
Not the original...the BEST!! (and most philanthropic, btw)
Looks like Ruth is finally getting her spunk back. Must be watching Ally McB.

Ruth, The "Spock wannabe" would have been Walter Lorenzo. I recall someone capturing him in one of his "Spock poses" for a yearbook. I wouldn't claim him for our class, though.

Brad: I don't remember when MI first hit the tube, but I DO remember thinking Rollin Hand was simply too cool. I've really been wracking my brain trying to remember other good shows (ANYTHING to balance The Partridge Family which must have been a popular TV show then -- which is the only acceptable explanation for their presence on our Top 100 hits list. Otherwise, we'd have to admit that we were just musical morons.) When did Saturday Night Live first come out? And was Laugh In already gone by our high school era? Also having trouble placing Star Trek but I remember there was at least one Mr Spock WannaBe in our class. I'm having similar trouble remembering the movies we went to. Can't decide if this black hole in my memory is because there wasn't anything memorable or if I'm older than I thought...

One of the best shows of our youth. Dan Briggs played by Steven Hill. What year did MI first air?

Just remembered another of our TV shows that made it to the movies to dazzle the next generation. "Good morning Mr. Phelps..." (or, for the die hard fans, "Good morning Mr. Briggs..." Does anyone remember Mr. Briggs first name?)

Okay kids, John-Boy says we have to talk about sexier stuff than y2k. I won't comment on the irony of the original techno-nerd [that's techno-therapist!-ed.] is suggesting that we find something more interesting to talk about while also trying to ferret out the gory details of my long lost (and sadly meager) dating experiences. Instead, I will gracefully segue (OOH!! Another 50 cent word) to a new subject: We've all marvelled at how today's kids seem to really enjoy a lot of "our" music and are wearing a lot of "our" clothes, but have you also noticed the retro-resurgence on the TV/Movie front? I didn't think too much about what was on TV and in the movie theaters during our tender years until The Avengers and Lost in Space hit the theaters (If you were smart, you stayed home for the premier and run of both of these movies). So, the new Kawfee Talk subject is What Did We Watch? (Someone mention Rawhide and "Make my day.")

WahooMeister: Just trying to keep the conversation lively (Another great quote from another great movie) I'll stop talking about y2k as soon as you promise to reboot my computer and restore my files on New Years Day. I really don't care about the banks, stock market, power grid or air traffic control, but I'd have to slit my wrists if my Quicken files were lost.

OK Ruth, you might fool the other computer geeks in our school, but you're not going to fool this old wahoo. Enough of this diversionary tactic to steer the subject away from saucier subjects such as submarine races. There are plenty of other, more appropriate sites to look for y2k info.

Dewey: Gates may still have been playing with Man-Sized Kleenex when the seeds of the y2k problem were sewn. However, one must wonder what he's been doing during the last several years if not developing a comprehensive solution. While the panic mongers fuel the dire predictions of a worldwide computer melt-down, the cynics simply wish he'd tell us how much the miraculous "Fix Your Y2K Glitch -- One Size Fits All" program is going to cost. Meanwhile, the truly dedicated conspiracy theorists are wondering if Bill has something else in mind. (Did you see the movie "Sneakers"? Or didn't you know that all of life's riddles are revealed, and solved, in the movies?)

Ruth: Bill Gates wasn't yet a geeky-eyed freshman when the seeds to the Y2K problem were sewn. OK, so he still looks like a geeky-eyed freshman, but we can't blame him for this one. It's not just a problem with PC's. It's a problem with software on all kinds of machines that turned out to be more useful and longer-lived than the authors expected. And it's a good way to give all those retired COBOL programmers a way to supplement their pensions! One can sympathize with the people who made the choices. After all, the year 2000 was obvously such a LONG way away. After all, by then we should have space stations, moon bases and picture phones in every home. So I'd say we STILL have a couple decades to go. (Cue Zarathustra.)

I can't believe that a discussion of y2k could generate this much dialogue yet Bill Gate's name isn't mentioned even once (till now). Didn't you all see "Conspiracy Theory"?

John/all - I didn't intend for the y2k message to appear twice. Maybe an omen that the problem is twice as large as anyone thinks? I received a quarterly shareholder's report from First Va Bank yesterday. It states that they have spent $23M on y2k over the past 6 years, an amount on which I could live quite comfortably. As John stated, some y2k problems have already surfaced. Some credit card terminals haven't correctly handled cards with expiration dates greater than 99. Re: Brad's note to Ruth about the PC: The story I have heard is that most Pentium PCs are OK with respect to y2k (though Windows 3.11 and 95 are suspect). If you have a 386 or 486, you should check the BIOS to see if it will allow you to set the year to 2000. I'm going to try to make it to the homecoming game.

OK OK OK !!! Y2K !!!! Live for the day !! Ok...That's just me... I'm planning on the "Homecoming" on the 30th. As a matter of fact, I'm looking forward to it...Should be fun ! What time does the game start ? I'll be there... Brad, great to hear from you. thought that I had responded to you. Sorry for my over sight. It would have been fun to get together and talkabout the "Naval Cadet Corps" Days. I hope all is going well with you. Where are you now ? John H., where the heck are you? How's things in the new house? Gwen ? Debi? Paula? Where'd everybody go...??? Have to run. Dinners on the table...Breakfast soon? Take Care All.....GARY :-)

Don't be fooled into thinking that the y2k problem won't start until the year begins. Some systems have to look ahead--six months, a year, two years, etc.--to do projections, etc. In other words, tuck cash money in the mattress sooner rather than later, so you won't have a lame excuse for not paying on time for the next reunion.

The worst Y2K scare I've heard (taken with an extra serving of salt) is that all the little electrical power relay stations around the country have little computers in them that haven't been updated and that when New Year's hits, the power grid will go down all across the country. And it will take months or years to fix them all. Now why a little power relay station gives a rat's *ss about what the year is, I can't say. What's it going to do? Think it's 1900 and say "I haven't been invented yet. I'd better shut down."? But you can see why someone who believes this will happen would be stocking up on food, water, generators, gasoline and firearms. That sort of long-term wide-ranging power outage would cause quite a bit of chaos. Me - I'm one of those people they'll be shaking their heads about in the future: "Surely they should have seen it coming. Why didn't they prepare? Could THAT MANY people have been in such deep denial?" Yup!

Ruth: Frank covered the how's and why's and made it simple, better than I could have. What you may still be asking is "Is my computer O.K.? How can I tell?" Most of the name brand computer vendors have utilities that you can download to check your hardware for Y2K compatibility, some have BIOS upgrades or work arounds. How are your credit cards? Is your bank Y2K? Most credit cards are issued for a period of three years. If you have been issued a new card in the last two years, check the expiration date. If it has a 99, they were not Y2K at the time the card was issued, if it has 00 or 01 they are Y2K.

Ruth - re: Y2K, The reason why you hear stories ranging from "01/01/2000 is just another day" to "It's going to be hell" is because the impact on any given government, business, individual, etc. will vary somewhat. To briefly re-hash (for the uninformed), the problem potentially arises in cases where any calcuations are performed using years that are represented as two digit numbers ("72" instead of "1972"). So if the Social Security Administration used two digit numbers to represent the year, and it also uses the two digit year to determine your eligibility, it might do something like subtract 53 (1953, the year of my birth) from 00 (instead of 2000), and thus truly determine that I have found the fountain of youth because I would be -47 years old. Or better yet, if I were born in 1898, I'd be -2! The common explanation for this "problem" is that many programmers thought that their code would be obsoleted long before the year 2000, so they did not see the two digit years as a problem. Others were not forward looking enough in their design to consider this as a problem (I don't know of anyone writing code with five digit dates - should I consider the year 10000 to be a problem?). To me it is far more interesting to see how governments and businesses are reacting. The FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board) considers it to be a significant problem to the extent that it requires all publicly held companys to issue a statement (footnote) regarding Y2K risk, plans, and expenses as parts of the company's annual financial reports. There is an ISO (International Standards Organization) standard (8601) to specify numeric representations of date and time, and a Bellcore standard (GR-2945-CORE) that addresses Y2K Generic Requirements. Heaven forbid any telephone company that can't get the date and time of a call presented correctly on your bill! The big laugher around here though, is the D.C. government (as if it weren't the laugher already under Marion "G.D. *itch set me up" Barry). There have already been announcements that they will not be ready. Finally, there are a lot of businesses that really don't care or have higher priority problems (like "are they going to be in business on 01/01/2000"). We have a few customers that are not going to upgrade to our Y2K compliant software because the hardware that they have (very old) will not run the new software. Instead, what they are going to do is set the clocks backwards on their computers to a year whereby everything is identical to the year 2000 except the year itself (e.g. the first day of the year is a Saturday, the year is a leap year, etc). By the way, the first occurrence of such a year is... 1972 (I think).

OK Ruth, you have a date! Ah, would you mind if we took your car? Twenty five years ago it was fun occupying the same seat with your "hot date", however in this case I think we'd have a little problem with space. Long gone are the days of the bench seat and the candid musings of the driver following the two occupants stuffed against the left door of the car ahead - "damn, which one of them kids is driving that thing?" See you in three days Ruth. I figure a traffic stop for noise in each state and a tow truck call for a winch out of a pot hole every ten miles. So have a few drinks and a twirl or two in the mean time.

Now that I've looked at the picture of Steve Carroll's car, I guess it's possible that he might make it in under 18 hours -- but I don't think there's much room in those prototypes for much TP. Steve, just call me from Thomasville and I'll meet you for drinks and dancing while we wait for the others to show.

Of course, if I could correctly spell "accelerator" you might take my call of your bluff more seriously...

Okay, I've got lots of trees and also a fence worth "decorating", good cover, easy access, plenty of parking, minimal security... The only problem I see is the 18 hour commute. (You can tust me on the drive time -- I've just made the trip and I'm the type who presses the accelorator harder than my luck.) Anyway, I'm completely unimpressed by your threats because I know that all of you weenies are just too OLD for such foolishness.

OK Janine sign us up for Homecoming. I was sitting on the fence till you mentioned the TP. I'll bring the eggs. All you others lurking in the cyber shadows out there - come on and join us.

I have updated the link to the MVHS Alumni Registry on our Class Home page. I also included a link to our Class in the registry, so you can "Bookmark/Favorite Place" our class when you get to the page. (Otherwise, you'd have to perform a search routine for 1972 at the Alumni Registry page.)

Amanda: Since none of our fellow classmates has been gracious enough to to answer your question, allow me to take you to the races to observe them first hand. (Frantically checking the calendar for the next full moon to better observe the contestants from a parkway vantage point!!!)
Ruth: Who put the bop in the bop-sh-bop-sh-bop? Just keep a wad of money under your mattress, and don't fly...in a plane...on new-century eve. BTW-your "hapless" date told me he doesn't remember who won the race. (Don't think of me as your webmaster...think of me as your therapist. You are doing very, very well. You're getting some real-life spice back into this site. Now what can you recall about...)

Better yet ... we meet after the game ... do a roadtrip to Ruth's house and make use of these 144 rolls of TP she had me save up for Frank's and John's houses for reunion night. 72 rolls a piece .... and ..... geeez ... 18 months later and STILL haven't been able to use them all ... so much for the theory some of you had of me being full of ..............():-)

OK GANG --- here it is --- just how MANY of you old fogies are willing to brave a cold Halloween-Eve night and sit in those stands and watch a GREAT high school football team win a game against Edison HS and congregate afterwards to the warmth of a fellow classmate's small but warm home with hot chocolate, coffee, brownies, cake or other munchies ??!?!?! I'm willing to try this again ... but I am NOT getting stuck with all that chocolate -- I was truly wound tight for months afterwards !! Ruth ???? Get your little rear up here woman !!! 25.5 reunion??? Is there such a thing?? In any event, y'all lemme know ... and we'll see what we can do. Miss you guys !!!

As I've been reading all of the old messages, there have been lots of memories pop out that I had forgotten. Such as Gary Hudson talking about the cops at Mansion House, I was climbing the ladder to the high dive right behind him. But what I've noticed most is everybody saying that Ruth has too much time on her hands. Now you've gone and proven it Ruth. ;-) Y2K????? Look up Y2K in the dictionary, there's a picture of a can of worms.... Dewey, Frank, John who goes first???

Calling all techno-babble, semi-pro computer fans!!! The Kawfee Talk subject is Y2K. From what I've read, the reactions of computer experts range from a big yawn to fully stocking their bomb shelters. What do you think? Talk amongst yourselves (in English!)

Ruth: Gee, you left me feelin' all warm and fuzzy. Or maybe that's just the beard and long hair. Still, there's something to be said about those little thoughts that have been lyin' around in the backs of our heads wonderin' when they'll get a chance to get RESOLVED. Whether it's "thanks" or "sorry", it doesn't go away until it's SAID. But for me, I found the reunion just a little too hectic. So many people to see and talk to. Not enough time to settle into a real CONVERSATION. But I know some people did do exactly that: purge the unresolved. ... BTW, you cracked me up with your submarine story. Laughed out loud (and got strange looks at work). Now begins the speculation as to who. (I have some vague sense that the first time I heard the term "submarine races" was in Wedlock's class our junior year. But then, Wedlock's class was the first time I heard a LOT of things!) .... As for you Redskins fans, it's one of the advantages of moving to Colorado. (Even my computer's name at work is "elway".) Though I still like to cheer for the Skins when they're cheerable. .... My complaint about pro sports these days is that players don't stay with the same teams. It's hard to cheer for "the team" when the guy you're cheering for might be someone you'll be cursing next year. I got that shock this past baseball season when I found a couple of my favorite Rockies wearing Atlanta Braves uniforms. It's one of the things I've liked about being a Broncos fan. John Elway ain't goin' nowhere. No chance he'll play his last 2 years at Kansas City or some such. ... Brad: I don't remember you by name and I'm 2000 miles from my yearbook, but thanks for info on the audio CDs.... Janine: Glad to hear Richard Colella found work. ;^) He must be practicing for when he retires from AOL.

I just spent a most delightful evening going back through our archives and reading all the stuff that's been written at this site for the last 18 months or so (and you all worried that I didn't have enough excitment in my life!) I'd highly recommend this activity to any of you who really don't have any excitment in your life and/or want to recapture a little of the reunion fun and magic. I sure worked for me, and I wasn't even there! In the process of reading through all our trash talk, I realized there were a couple of issues/events that I meant to comment on but let the moment slip by. I've got time on my hands tonight (obviously) so I thought I'd share my thoughts on the most important thing I wish I'd said 25 years ago -- and failing that, 18 months ago. This whole tirade was triggered when I read -- and re-read -- about George converting the cash bar into an open bar at the reunion dance. I realized that George must still be the same smart, generous, classy guy I knew in high school. THEN I remembered that, in a moment of teenage angst/insanity/insecurity, I "gave" George to Patty Sabrini just before the Prom (George and Patty may not concur with my recollection, but I know the TRUTH). THEN I remembered that I'd left myself high and dry without a date for the Prom and it was my senior year! THEN I remembered that Don Woods (devastatingly nerdy/cool as I recall) gallantly rescued me from the NO-PROM-DATE isolation tank. For an insecure 17 year old, life was okay again. I don't mean to totally annihilate (a good 50 cent word) the loose and happy good cheer that a high school reunion brings, but it seems to me that one of the more elegant benefits of getting together after a decent interval is to take advantage of the opportunity to tell others how grateful we are to have "known them when..." and thank them for their kindnesses and to finally confess how much they meant to us or finally seek forgiveness for the stupid things we said or did that might have hurt them. For George and Don and dozens of others in my class of '72, I can't tell you how much I wish I'd been there to do just that. (Packing up the soapbox, trying not to look too embarrased, thinking maybe the Webmeister will take pity on me and edit this post via the "delete" button....)

Submarine races?

Amanda: If I'm so darned clever how come I'm the only person alive who thought there really was such a thing as submarine races, and actually went on a date in happy anticipation of watching the exciting spectacle of a professional, high-speed racing competition? (And, NO, I will not disclose the name of my hapless escort that evening, but I will say that he and I both went home disappointed at not getting what we expected out of the evening.)

Hi Guys, it sure is nice to stop in here once in a while and see what's going on so many years later. -- Amazing, isn't it? I am always on the short end of the "clever" stick Sandy, and if I waited for inspiration - it would never happen -- just have to settle for motivation! I think Ruth gets the tiara, corsage and the roses for cleverness. Best to you all. Amanda (Hoogland) Allen

Sorry thats " MILLIONAIRES" I think or somthing like that. I'm a computer person we have spell checker.

Sorry I missed the get together but work has just taken up so much time lately. Deadlines to the government you know. This coming weekend will be the first one off in the last 7 weeks. It's time to start buying lottery tickets!!!!!!! Problem with the Redskins *** TO MANY MILLIONARES WHO DON'T CARE ABOUT THE GAME **** GEE! you can't even go to a pro sporting event without getting a 2nd mortgage to pay for the tickets. I never in this world thought I would start to hate football,basketball,hockey and baseball. But all the owners and players care about is how many millions can I make!!!! It's killing interest for the regular stiff's like us! Let me get off my soapbox and get back to work. see ya Dave

Hello old friends from class of 72, I was class of 73. It's been fun browsing the Alumni Registry and this message page. I noticed that John and Dewey were talking about the dual CD deck with a recorder. The copyright guys got in on that before the decks ever hit the consumer market. You can't use the CD-R media used on computer based recorders. There is a special disc for "Audio Only" which has a check bit embedded indicating that a royalty has been pre-paid. If you insert a disc without this check bit, the recorder will not let you write to the disc. It hasn'e been released yet but Verbatim will have them, the part number is 93358. I don't get back to the area very much but I am hoping get up there soon. Gary, did you get the e-mail I sent you? Everybody take care, hope to see some of you soon.

Hey Gary, Since the Skins suck this year, I figure you may want to sell me a ticket or two at a Cheap Cheap rate! I don't care when and whos playing (doesn't matter since all visiting teams win). I just want to experience the new stadium. Maybe we can negotiate on the 3rd. Don't wait too long or you'll end up paying people to take the tickets off your hands.

****HOMECOMING ****
OCTOBER 30, 1998
7:00 P.M.
Melvin B. Landes Stadium
MVHS v. Edison

and ... yup ... I'll be there ... as always ... and again with the band. Although they truly don't do much for homecoming. Will be like a night off !! Hey !! Dress in all my MV Color Guard finery and we marched off to the Herndon Showcase of Bands last evening. Band performed well ... missed 1st place in their class by a mere .6 (ohhhh wellllllllll .... a vast improvement over last year's debacles with THAT director -- on to bigger and better things now]. ANYWAY, march them off, pack them off, get them changed, go back to the stadium and what to my delight should appear?? Nope ... not 9 tiny reindeer but our very own Rich Collela manning the gate and checkin' tickets and stampin "Complete" on people's hands. SO ... I, of course, have officially been declared "COMPLETE" ... hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Hello All !!!! It's been a while. Things will be getting back to normal here soon. Been very busy. Won't bore ya'all with the details but anyway I'm up for the 3rd. As a matter of fact, I think it's a great idea. It has been a while. E MAIL ALL YOUR FRIENDS !! I've seen Mrs. Lunter in Old Town alot lately and she would definately like to join us. How about we try a few of the other teachers online and make it a party.... Now that would be fun...I hope all is well with everyone and let's definately plan on the 3rd. Dewey, my man? Sounds like things are going well with you. Traveling and all....Dave, Steve, John (regulars) I'm glad to see you guys on here also...NOW...ABOUT THOSE REDSKINS!!! They're killin' me. All that money for season tix and I cain't get no satisfaction !! Well have to run..Hope to see you all on the 3rd. PEACE !!The G-Man ;-)

John: I've been seeing the ads for the dual CD, now that you mention it. That's got to be driving the copyright people nuts. Bad enough when you could make a decreased quality tape of an album. Now the copy is perfect and plays on the same kind of device.....Hey, all you Florida Majors (that's SO close to "Florida Gators"),e.g. Don, Ruth, etc. Good luck with Georges in the next couple days! "Neither wind nor rain nor gloom of night... Well, OK, maybe THAT much wind and rain."....I touched the Titanic last weekend. Cool. If the Titanic exhibition comes to your town I would recommend it. I'm not that big a Titaniphile but found it quite interesting. You can rent a walkman and tape for $2 that gives you a nice self-paced tour through the artifacts. I expected to be bored by the 5th teacup but I actually found it quite fascinating. And neat to image that that stuff was THERE being used by people on The Good Ship before That Good Ship went down. The grand finale is a piece of the hull that broke off when Titanic split. It's about 2 stories tall and spans 4 port holes. And you can even touch it. Wouldn't have figured on that ever happening, say 10 years ago....Enjoy the brunch, guys!

10:00 AM on Oct. 3rd @ Shoneys, Old Keene Mill Rd. Count me in.

Dewey:
I know what you mean about having the songs in order, like you remember them from the albums. Here's what you can do:
Yesterday I glanced at the current issue of Stereo Review on the news stand. They featured a dual CD deck, where one of the decks is a CD recorder (like the dual dubbing cassette decks)! You can copy a CD to a recordable CD; record a CD from an album; or make a CD of greatest hits (e.g., for your car--or even better, for a reunion!!). Sure could save some bucks at a reunion.

Come on, gang! When's brunch?? How about 10AM at Shoney's again on Keene Mill Rd, Saturday, October 3rd?? [I hear all law offices and courts are closed the following week]

John: But of course! Actually, as we both know, beards have never TRULY gone out of style. ;^) And I do find it interesting how much rock from our era is still popular with kids that age. And speaking of classic rock, I was at Harvard Square last Saturday and there was a street band playing called "Not the Beatles". Of course, the "Not the" was in very small print. They played nothing but old Beatles. And I do mean "old Beatles". I don't think anything was post Sgt. Pepper. Lots of real early stuff. And lots of real obscure stuff. I don't think I've heard "Doctor Roberts" since whatever album it was on came out. And they did a darn good job, especially for a street band. Lead singer actually did a pretty legit Lennon voice. What made it was that they did all the harmonies and layered vocal parts. I must have stood and watched for an hour and a half until they had to quit at midnight. There's a CD store just down the street from there and during a break I went in all hyped to buy Beatles. But 2 things stopped me: 1) I STILL have trouble paying $17 for a CD. I prefer to catch a sale when their more like $12. But when are they ever going to put the BEATLES on sale? and 2) THE CD'S DON'T MATCH THE ALBUMS! Bugs me no end. If I want to get a CD version of "Beatles VI" or "Something New", I have to look at the vinyl and see what was on it and then try to find the collection that contains those songs. Not so bad on the later albums but on the early stuff I guess legal issues (ownership, etc.) prevented them from releasing the complete original album.... But when you grew up listening to the album, you want to hear the same songs in the same order! At least I do. Oh well. Would that that was my biggest worry in life. Have a good weekend folks. Going to see pieces of the Titanic in Boston this weekend. Glub glub!

Dewey:
Don't forget beards and classic rock!

Gwen, just goes to show we knew what we were doing. With long hair coming back into style now I only have to wait for GREY hair to come into style! What's next? Earth shoes? (Oh, I forgot to mention seeing Lava Lamps as well! And the new Volkswagen Beetle...) Let's just hope it stops before granny dresses and then leisure suits. "Stayin' ALIVE!..."

Jim Spencer, where are you??
The MVHS Alumni Registry lists you as having a broken e-mail address. It also lists a few others from this class, but I know where the others are now. Please keep your address updated with us.

OK - So when's homecoming this year and how many of you are going to be there???

Hi all!!!! Glad to see some action in here again! Hey Cindee.......glad everythings OK! We actually got hit pretty bad here too! Luckily we only lost power for 7 hours. Some people lost it for 2 to 4 days. I thought I was in the "Wizard of Oz" for a little while. Never saw a storm come that quickly. Potted plants flying everywhere, lost a few shingles off the roof, trash can started rolling away but caught it in time to stick it in the garage. I'm not into swing dancing but my son is big time. Just had a back to school dance and I guess he and his girlfriend were swinging away.......and drew a big crowd! Would loved to have been a fly on the wall....Hey Dewey....pretty wild to think that our clothing "style" is coming back in. See alot of it here in the high school too. Long hair also... Bye for now.....

Hello all from the wind ravaged Rochester, NY! No casualties here, other than some trees and buildings. Some lost power for a week, but we were one of the lucky ones who lost it only for two days. We did lose some siding and our only full grown shade tree in our back yard--split in half from over 100 mile an hour winds. I have been amazed at the force of wind that uprooted gigantic old trees, basketball hoops, and storage buildings. The wind damaged the roof of a local high school so badly that they delayed school for a week. And I thought our only bad weather condition was a blizzard! I'm grateful that I've never had to live through a tornado or hurricane! Anyway, it was back to more primitive times for a while--candlelight, gas grills, and battery operated radios. Glad that's history! The daughter's off to college now. We're missing her alot, but she's keeping in touch. Looking forward to the transformation, as Steve so candidly described at graduation time! The 16 yr. old son bought his first car, Beth, so there's lot's of excitement in store for the next few years, huh! Sandy, I'll look forward to you next bout of creativity! I'm with you! By the way, if you get a chance, one of my colleagues from RIT just started a job in the development office at UVA. Her name is Kim Christopolous. Stop in and say hi for me if you get a chance. Dewey, I love working on a university campus. The sites certainly do bring back lots of memories. I still can't get used to all the piercing, though! Anyone getting into the swing dancing yet? I'm going for a lesson tomorrow. It's very big here, and though I hated disco, I really love to swing! Corny but true! Well, I've rambled on long enough. Take care all. Keep in touch.

Ah, September and the streets in Cambridge fill with college students. I find myself surrounded by bell bottoms, mini-skirts, tie-dyed shirts inflatable furniture and talk of impeaching the president. Takes me back to my own college days...

Ha ha Dewey! For a small fee, I'll loan you my notes. My disappearing message was so incredibly witty and clever, I was so dismayed when it didn't appear. I guess I did something simple wrong as you (John) suggest. I just didn't have the inspiration to rewrite my reply. Cleverness never was a long suit of mine (as I'm sure you all know), so that initial effort exhausted all such resources! Stay tuned for another rare moment! (I've been on vacation all of last week - hence the delayed reply. What a week to be off. The weather was incredible.) ss

Sandy: You probably clicked on "Back to Guest Book" link instead of the "Click here to add..." button.

Steve: Received your photo. My scanner is not hooked up yet, though, so you know what that means.:<

Anybody going to the BBQ at Mt. Vernon Sat 19, catered by fellow classmate and restaurateur, "Dancing Bear" Swanson?? It's only for the "Friends of MV", or whatever they call themselves, but it seems like all the locals are members. Members get free tickets, so if you're not a member, find someone who is. My mom said 3000 people showed up for the shindig last year!

Gary: Ask Marsha to work a little OT so we can chip in and buy the Skins. Maybe then we can get a seat out of the rain!

A TEST message!?!?! Oh No! I forgot to study! Sandy, can I look at your notes?

test message. The reply to "John-boy" I wrote yesterday never appeared in the guest book.

Gang-
FINALLY got my old house sold and settled. Managed to cut my losses without an agent. Now it's Home Depot city...still. Haven't got my 'puter fully set up yet (can't get the damn desk in the door!). Don't have the sound connected, so I'm rather lax on the tunes, as you can tell. Let's do BRUNCH!!

ps-where's Hurricane Haseman???

Sandy-
Living in Nelson now, huh? Great! Spent some beautiful sunny days there while in college, tubing down the Rockfish. Very peaceful. Say hello to the Waltons for me.
Goodnight Sandy.

ps-I hope you weren't responsible for switching those babies!

Hi all, it's been awhile. I had Mr. Skinner also, those were the days! He never called me Beth though, always called me Liz. Since I was dating David at the time all during class he would say "Liz is in love." I haven't thought about that in so long. Well David's and my youngest son is starting his senior year in high school. It's hard to believe. He had a good summer working with his brother at the Marina. Tomorrow is his last day, though he said once he starts school he'll see how it's going and will probabaly work part time. He loves the money, plus he wants to keep driving and he chips in on his insurance. He's considered "high risk" when he was 16 in only about 5 months he had 2 fender benders. We've nicknamed him "crash" Well one was a fender bender, and one was that he backed into a parked truck in a cula sac. I don't know how many of you have boys out there on your insurance but it isn't cheap! No instances at all with our older son, but it's still expensive, he has a classic '73 Firebird, but he pays his own insurance. We will be going on vacation to the beach soon. Luckey we weren't at the beach this week. David and I have been evacuated from the Outer Banks 3 times. It's a joke at work, at home, at Davids work. All say, well we can't blame Beth for this hurricane, shes not at the beach! I have no repect! Talk to you soon.

I'll be back in the office on the 24th Dave - I'll get your message then. Coffee with Skinner would be... well I don't know what it would be like but I would certainly like to find out. He used to be a neighbor of mine over in Pinewood Lake (beautiful daughter about our age - however she wouldn't have a thing to do with me) and of course I was one of his umpteen thousand history students. He had his hands full with us - Mike Davis, Lois Kimble, Marny Dittmar, Sue Rollinger, etc., etc. We were his first period class so we didn't learn much - half the time he was peering out the window of his quonset hut like a vulture circling prey and then running out and jumping in his car to apprehend skippers making their way out to Rte. 1. Since you lived right across the road from his quonset hut Dave, I guess he saw your every move - I suppose when you were "sick" you used your back door alot.

Steve, I left you a voice mail on your secure line. Just checked out the registry and seen Mr Skinner has now signed in and left his e-mail address. Told him to check out the the class of "72" Home page and sign in on the Guest Book. Maybe we could get him out for coffee!!! That's one I'll bet we could get a large turnout for. Well gotta go.

Just checking in. Returned from a couple weeks of vacation last night. We traveled to one of my favorite parts of the country - the Monterey Penninsula. Being the motor head that I am, I convinced Deb to partake in a couple long standing events relative to the everpresent American car culture while there. We went to Pebble Beach for the 48th annual Concours d' Elegance. This is where a bunch of wealthy people gather to display their million dollar vintage Duesenburgs, Packards and Bugattis on the 18th fairway in an attempt at winning "best in show" - all the while endulging in their champagne and caviar. Hey, it wasn't that stuffy. The "cool" factor was provided by none other then the likes of Jay Leno and Jerry Sienfeld who no doubt were admiring the same pieces of polished chrome that this poor boy was. After that we were off to neighboring Laguna Seca Raceway for the 25th annual Monterey Historic Automobile Races. Here, more wealthy people flog their equally expensive (and irreplacable I might add) vintage Ferarris, Porsches and Lolas on a rather imposing sports car course that wraps around a couple Monterey hillsides. The prize: a silver cup and bragging rights! I'll have you know I'm not the only crazy as there were 100,000 other car nuts hanging around Monterey that weekend. After all that it was the wifes turn. Yup, you guessed it - San Simeon for the beach, San Fran. for the food, Napa Valley for the wine and Carmel for the shopping. What me complain? I got my two days!

I'm up for coffee but it looks like Steve is out of town until the 24th. So why don't we wait til steve gets back since he is a regular!!! Still need to do that evening out somtime!!!!! Anybody coming into town? Drop us a line. Gotta go............

Welcome Patty.

For anyone who has Windows 95 on your 'puter (including you, Cindee), I have found a web site that makes it easy to update it. Well..., easier. The site has a lot of info, and can still be confusing, but it's the best I know of. In order to eliminate having to make updates to updates, it has tables that start with the version of Win95 that you have on your 'puter, and lists the updates in order. I recommend going the Winsock 2 update route--so use the table(s) that include this update. All the info may seem rather daunting at first, but after you read the site a few times, it starts to make sense. If you can't make sense out of all the info (or don't care to), just follow the order of updates in the appropriate table for your version. Good luck. Here is the site:

http://www.walbeehm.com/win95upd.html#UpdList

I just discovered this web page (that my daughter Julia had bookmarked since she also graduated from MVH). Actually, both of my daughters have now graduated from MVH. It is a wonderful discovery to see that all of you keep in contact. I will now check occasionally to see what's happening.

Hello Gang ! It's been a long while since I've checked in. Things have been awfully hectic here on the home front. Dealing with Marsha's dad for the last 5-6 weeks. He's been in and out of the hospital. It's a bitch, gettin' old. ANYWAY, other than that just real busy at work. Only been to the beach once this summer....bummer..... :-( . Looking forward to last week of this month. It's vacation time !! Well, actually Marsha goes away for 10 days with the girls to Ocean City (annual trip) and I will be "The Bachelor"...Doing all the bachelor things..ie, sitting in front of the tv and eating dinner using the coffee table as the dining room table, drinking milk straight out of the carton, doing the yardwork when I feel like doing the yard work, not making the bed....you know..INDEPENDENCE !!! kidding.... Anyone up for coffee ? Breakfast ? NightClub ? Dinner ? Just getting together ? SOON !! We should, you know ? How about you out of towners..? Anyone coming back to the area before summer is done ? All you mom & dads, out there doing your Back To School shopping? Hello? Anybody there ? Is this thing on ? Take Care All and we'll keep the front porch light on for you.... PEACE !!!! Gary

Whoa, Dewey! Having a good day today? What's a matter? Did the batteries in your TV's remote go dead?

You know, I remember junior year Mrs. O'brien teaching a short week or two on computer programming at MVHS. It was BASIC on the old teletype (ASR-33?) with an acoustic-coupler modem. Then our senior year Mr. Butler, I think, taught a WHOLE SEMESTER on it. I don't recall how many takers he had. Rich Colella was in there. (I was not.) Who'd have believed how many of us would end up working with computers for a living. And what a HUGE percent of us have computers IN OUR HOMES!?!? "Why when *I* was boy, people didn't have no fancy compyooters or cal-que-lators. They had to do their 'rithmetic in their HEADS! That's right! And when you wrote a paper - why that's where the name came from - you wrote it RIGHT ON THE PAPER! And if you made a mistake, you didn't just do no 'back-spacin' to fix it. You took a little rubbery thing and you rubbed and you rubbed and you rubbed until the stuff you wrote came off the paper. Or you took a little bottle of white paint and you painted OVER the mistake. And they you wrote it all again! And 'cut and paste'. Hell! We did that with cutters and paste! Nosirree, it wasn't the way it is now. You kids have it easy.....Hand me that lemonade.... Back then we used to have to look things up in books...."

Just checking in to see whats up. Have been just buried in work for about the last 8 weeks getting new software releases out to the different sites. But as long as the government keeps writing the checks we have to keep writing the new code. Anybody out there with an ISSA clearance looking for work?? We have jobs!!!!!! programmers, system engineers, test engineers, system admin's, you name it!!! Well gotta go! take care will check in again soon.

Hi From the Class of 70. If there is anyone from the beginning of the seventh decade in the 20th century that wishes to write please do.Anyone know Donny Schnieders or Rich DeJonkhere write me.

Where is everyone? It's been too quiet in here lately??????

Hi All! Doesn't look like much has happened since I last checked in... Just got back from Harrisonburg, VA tonight......What a week.... Paula's sons team (Central Springfield)won the VA State Little League tournament today.... They were the only undefeated team there. They now go on to St. Petersburg, FL in a week to represent the state of VA! Sorry I wasn't able to stop in the Alex., area......maybe next time. Did you guys end up getting together? It doesn't look like it! Later...

Hi Guys! Sorry, but the earliest I'm going to get to Alexandria is late Sunday evening. Paula's son is in a tournament down in Harrisonburg for Little League so I'm going to meet her at Suzanne Hajdu's on Saturday evening. We'll be staying there and the earliest we'll be back is Sunday eve. Sorry.....but at least I helped to get you guys a little motivated for a afternoon/night out.....Have fun....Maybe another time!!!!

Dave: I'm game, but iffy. Got a family situation, and don't know if I can be free. However, I'll keep checking in to see what's going on, and try to make it.

John, how about you are you game for Sat evening. Hopefully some of the other locals will be checking in in see the attempt to get some folks together. All we need to do is decide on a place and time. Suggestions!!!!!!! we can finalize by thursday or friday, anywhere is fine for Holly and I..... would be nice if we can get a turn-out like the last time. Hudson lets here from you!! You have some great stories and you gotta know a good place where we can have a good time. Lets make this happen. Hey even Old Town Alex theres a ton of places down there for an (((***%%%$$$ OLDER %%%4$$###@@@))) bunch like us!!!!!

HUH?? Who?? Moi??? TP????? (hehehehehehe) ... Now now Ruth ...... what EVER makes you think I would still have those hundred rolls? Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.... I'm still stockpiling for the next reunion ... but ... SINCE you're gonna be in town .... I may not only come out of hiding ... but ...... hmmmmmm..... 'cuse me ... hafta run out and rent a truck for the weekend of August 29 ...... shouldn't be TOO much ... only drivin' about 13 miles (wink, wink) ... just don't tell John and Frank ... teehee

Gwen, Dave, count me in on Saturday. Late afternoon / early evening will work.

Ugh oh. Gots some trees now. But NOT at the address in the UVa alumni directory. Whew!

Ruth, I'll keep an eye on him Easter's weekend. Just tell me where the party is. I'll provide a seminar about how many brain cells you have to kill to be smart enough to wake up the next day without having to worship at the porceline alter. Don't know if I'd be successful in that environment, though.... What the hell. Let's get stupid again!

Sounds good to me Dave! I'll be checking in to see what's planned!

Hi Kids! It's been a while, but it's great to come back to this web page after a couple crazed months and feel like I've come Home. I, too, have joined the ranks of parents who were changing diapers on my first born just yesterday when suddenly I found myself watching that cute little tushie walking the stage to pick up a high school diploma. Illicited and interesting smorgasbord (a buck to anyone who can spell that one without powerful drugs) of feelings. Shortly after graduation, I watched his cute tushie walk the stage to be awarded his Eagle rank in scouting -- Gosh I do GOOD work! Better yet, in a couple weeks, I'll be driving that same multi-talented, multi-faceted and only slightly improvable tushie up to Virginia (along with a few metric tons of his possessions) so I can hand him over to the PROs at the University of Virginia for final academic polishing, mid-level grain alcohol induced barfing training and entry level "It's a cold world out there" orientation. I'm counting on my former high school classmates -- particularly those who also went on to THE University and/or are sending their off-spring to THE University -- to help me keep an eye on him. (I've just gotten my UVa Alumni Directory so I will find you even if you've already forgotten that you went there -- yo! Webmeister). Also, I'll be staying in Fairfax for a few days before dropping this kid off on August 29, so let me know if anyone is going to Starbucks or Paula's or whatever and I'll try to hook up with you (Or, perhaps I'll just look up a few selected addresses. Janine? Still got the TP?)(Jives, ready the hounds!!)

OK boys and girls Gwen going to be in town lets see if we can get some folks together that day. Gee that would be in the evening too, DRINKS!!!! Gary,John,Steve and all the rest lets try to set somthing up. I'll be checking (Mikes American Grill, Kilroys, Houlhans) let's do it.

Would love to meet up for coffee, lunch, evening drinks, whatever! I will be in the area late Saturday afternoon, July 25th. I have to drop off my son down in Fork Union earlier that day for baseball camp but will be staying with Paula Thomas Gordon for a few days and would love to get together with anyone who's around. John, Steve, Gary, Debi.........? any takers? Cindee are you in VA that weekend by chance?

Just checking in, when is the next morning coffee or evening drinks going to happen again. It's been a while! Don't seem to be able to check in as often as I would like to lately due to a crazy workload and hours. Dave

Ah! "Love Is All Around" by the Troggs - 1968. ...and I didn't even have to reference the Top Hits list on this home page. Keep spinnin the good ones Miester John, but leave this audio clip on for a little while - too many memories to recall in just one visit to the site! Steve

John, Which "it" are you referring to - the "Bermuda Triangle Reunion" (y2k) or the 30 year class reunion? How about the "we be jammin, mon" reunion for the 30th, say, down in the Bahamas? Of course, everyone that claimed