Guest Book

OK ... before we stick anyone else in the wrong category ... EVERYONE take a look at the missing list. Heck -- don't just look at it -- talk to so and so who MAY have talk to so and so who SURELY must have talk to so and so AND so and so and report back to us on where they might be. Actually, here are two that we've seen before but who presently elude us -- any and all information would be appreciated: Claire Garrett's most recent e-mail would be helpful and any other current information on her. Also -- Anne Hartigan Brown -- last seen was somewhere in the Cincinnati area but all prior information we had on her is leading me nowhere. SO .... it's on all of us to find everyone. Personally I'm ready to break open a bottle of champagne everytime we find someone we hadn't found before. Let's see now ... 1 bottle x _____ people ......

Suzanne: So glad to hear that your demise was, as they say "greatly exagerrated". I trust you got in touch with Donna Harron. Must have made her day. :^)

On the other hand, I think we now have a new technique for finding classmates.

Whoops! Sorry Suzie. That's what happens with bad info -- and acqaintances that DON'T READ THE MISSING PERSONS LIST and do their duty to REPORT so that ALL classmates have a chance to be invited to the reunion!!!!

Hi Guys--I just found out from Diane & Donna Barry that I was deceased -- what a bummer! Actually I'm in Ohio. My email for any that would like to get in touch SuzieWolff@aol.com. Happy New Year! Suzie

All you AOLer/Netscape users may want to check out this info to reduce spying and spam:

http://www.tecchannel.de/internet/469/index.html

Hello everyone, I've never been to a reunion and I'm really looking forward seeing everyone. See you soon.

". . . o'er the years we all will be together - if the fates allow; until then we'll have to muddle through some how. So have yourself a very Merry Christmas . . . ." How true this year in particular - may only good things come to all of you in the New Year. Also, WONDERFUL news Roy!! Let us know when you have them all home safe and sound and we'll look forward to seeing the new family at the picnic in July!!

I'll repeat my comment from before: Cool Roy. The world just got a little nicer. Thanks. ...... And maybe this time that comment won't be followed up by something as horrific as last time.("last time" was at 4 am on Sept. 11th)

Merry Christmas and happy New Year to everyone and the very best to everyone in the New Year, 2002. Our trip to Russia to pick up the adopted children has now been rescheduled for the last two weeks in January, 2002. The three boys will be about 6 months old and the two girls will be about 8 months old. The boys are brothers and the girls are sisters. They didn't want to split them up and have to try to find each other later. So we decided to adopt all. Looking forward to seeing each of you very soon and write when you can. Roy Cornwell

Donna, I'm afraid I have no info on Suzanne but I imagine it was quite a shock to learn of this in such a manner. A shame that something that should be such a fun thing - linking up again with old high school friends - should have such a shadow on it. My condolences. Anyway, I was glad to see your voice in the fray. I remember you from the "lunch table gang" senior year. My image of you is as Lois Kimble's cute & loopy friend. ;^) Here's to them happy days.

I am devastated! When I was first drawn back into this "madness" that was our youth...one of the people I inquired about for missing classmates was Suzanne Corney...now I log on and find that she is deceased. Does anybody have any details??? Please....she was my maid of honor and I hers....she married military and we lost touch...help!

I'm casting my vote for Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree". I hope everyone has a very safe and happy holiday! God bless!

Since nobody said we couldn't vote twice (Vote Early! Vote Often!): For a contemporary Christmas song I might have to go with Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song". You know, chestnuts roasting on the open fire 'n stuff. Very smooth music. But when it comes to making me feel "Christmassy", i.e. remind me of my childhood Christmasses, it's probably got to be one of the more traditional carols. ..... (And, hey, look! My email address has changed again! The first time was just for practice. This one I hope to keep forever and ever, world without end, amen.)

Hello All...Just puttin in for favorite Christmas Song (and I'm surprised it didn't make the Top 10)...Bing Crosby and David Bowie's version of The Little Drummer Boy!!! Richard Kelly? What's up dude? I was down in Old Town this afternoon (down by the Torpedo Factory) walked out on the pier and was wondering? Where is everybody? Friday afternoon in Alexandria? 12:00? Streets were basically empty. What a shame...That's right Brad, right there where The "The SS Morris Springer" used to dock. Anyway...I wish all of you a Safe, Happy and Joyous Holiday Season...Gary

Greetings, sorry I will be unable to attend the reunion. Hope all goes well. Richard

On the other hand, what can really beat The Chipmunks harmonizing on "Please Christmas, Don't Be Late"? ;^) I just want a hula hoop.

"Christmas Festival" by Leroy Anderson and played, I think, at every Christmas concert the MV band did while we were there. I particularly liked the part where Jingle Bells (with woodwinds and trumpets as I recall) is layered on top of "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" played by the low brass. Geez, I haven't been to a Christmas band concert in, oh, 30 years. ...... (Note the new email address. I am a casualty of the AT&T vs. Excite@home wars.)

Hi All, Thought I'd let you know that I have a new email address. See below. On favorite Christmas songs....Emerson, Lake and Palmer did a beautiful "Father Christmas." Of the more traditional, I've always liked "What Child is This." Okay, I like Jingle Bell Rock, and White Christmas and Silent Night, and many of the ones previously mentioned too---minus the Snoopy song! :-) I wish I had half a voice. Kathy and Sandy, I'm jealous! Have a safe and happy holiday. Peace!

Merry Christmas all! -- What about the snoopy song? Didn't he and the Red Baron do something for Christmas? About the reunion.... I'm planning on getting a room - maybe two at the Mt. Vernon Inn - if that will help the reunion committee in any way. My date may be my 16 year old son - anyone bringing 2nd generationers along? Although, reading some of the memories included in this guest book, I'm not sure I'd like to see some of them repeated! I can't imagine anyone being bored with this group, but.... -- Hi Sandy - a picture of you with a basket ball always comes to mind when I see your entries. -- Sorry "single" I can't find her, but I'm on a mission.... Take care all, My Best,

That would be the one Sandy. Thanks for the offer but I already have my very own copy ;)

Gentlepeople: Let me take an opportunity to "chime" (pun intended)in with my choices: I agree with Janine on John Lennon's "Merry Xmas (War is Over)", followed by (in no particular order): "Noel" by Crash Test Dummies; "Run Rudolph Run" by Chuck Berry or Keith Richards; "Christmas at K-Mart" by Root Boy Slim; "Christmas" by The Buzz of Delight; "White Christmas" by the Reindeer; "It's Christmas Time Again" by Chris Stamey and DBs; and any song of "Xmas" by Beatmas. Beatmas is a Swedish band which did "traditional" Christmas songs to the tune of Beatles songs, such as "Jingle Bells" to the tune of "Love Me Do," a must for any CD collection...Hope all is well with everyone else. Have a good holiday, whichever one you might be observing...Peace...Peter S. Cruttenden (still single)

Jingle Bell DOGS???!! Verry interesting, Steve. Is that one of those recordings made with the notes "sung" by different dogs barking? Amy had a whole record of kids songs like that when she was little. I'll happily send it your way if I still have it! :) Ward, I agree with your choice of "I wonder as I wander". It is a very nice song.

Do not know the correct title, but one of my favorite Christmas songs has the line "I wonder as I wander".

I'm kinda partial to the "Jingle Bell Dogs" myself. Hi Sandy, long time, no talk.

I'll have to opt for the non-traditional stylings of Robert Earl Keen's "Merry Christmas From The Family" and the sequel "Happy Holidays Y'all". This my be proof that I have been living in the foothills of the Carolina mountains too long. Sometimes when the wind is right you can smell the sour mash.

Tough call for me; I have probably hundreds of favorite Christmas songs, but certainly Josquin Des Prez' 4 part "Ave Maria" would make the top 5. . . . . . along with The Beach Boys "Little St. Nick" and Harry Belafonte's "A Star in the East" . . and, let's see. . . maybe the 15th century English carol "Ther is no Rose". Oh, and to round out the top 5, how could I forget "Lo, How a rose". Of course, ask again tomorrow and get 5 different songs!! :) ss

OK Mike -- here ya go -- non-"traditional"? "So This Is Christmas" -- John Lennon. More traditional? "I'll Be Home For Christmas" ... totally traditional? "O Holy Night"

I hope everyones thanksgiving was good, but now that that holiday has moved on. I think it is time for everyone to check in with their favorite christmas song. Guess im in the mood as the radio station i listen to here in dallas is chistmas songs 24/7 till christmas. which ever song comes in with the most votes should be added to the site. MY vote little drummer boy. merry christmas to all and get out there and save the economy with all of santas gifts.

Checking in from lurkerland. George was the silent one but he spoke volumes with his very tasteful lead guitar licks. He will be missed. Hey Jack, welcome, we e-mailed a bit sometime last year. For you regulars and lurkers, in the past you have read some things between Gary Hudson and myself about the Morris Springer, well Jack was also a member of the crew. The crew was about 50/50 MV and Fort Hunt. And Greg Merrick, the last time I saw you was in early 73 when Dave Puckett, Steve Karkannon and I drove to Boulder in my new Challenger(which I still have). You were driving a pretty nice Vette, 66 I think, and building speakers. How is your sister Suzi doing? Paula please give my condolences to Shelby's family.

DAG! We've lost another Wilbury.

Jack -- Classmates apparently has enough ESP or subscribes to the ZPE theory and just "knows" that you know MV people from '72? Hmmmmm... at this rate Frank we may make the number required for our facility :)Paula -- thanks for the info -- it's truly sad that we'll have to add yet another member of the class to the list of those that have left us. Gregg? Looks like you found ok from the URLs I sent to you. Welcome aboard. John Hanley's the webmeister here -- and, I believe, out of commission for a few days -- but he can answer your question on posting something to your website here.

Hi folks! I'm out here in Colorado. Custom build street and race engines for Pontiacs. I was the Hippie with the green and white V.W. camper. Anyone know where Debbie Hutchinson is? Can I place a link to my web site here?

I wanted those who knew her to be aware that Shelby Harris passed away on November 27th. There will be viewings at the Jefferson funeral home in Kingstowne on Friday the 30th from 2:00pm to 4:00 and from 7:00pm to 9:00. The funeral is at the same place on Saturday at 11:00. Shelby was a long time friend of my family and she will be missed. Paula

For some reason Classmates sent me an invitation to your reunion, I must admit I am flattered. It must have been a mistake since I graduated from Fort Hunt. Having attended Walt Whitman, I recognize more names on MV site than the FH site. I was impressed by the picks. from the 25th reunion (FHHS didn't have one). Paula, if your out there get in touch, before I moved I usualy knew where to find you (at least during the summer).

Wellllllllllllllll ... okie dokie. A note to all those classmates out there in lurker land that are too shy to speak up and join this little family we've built on this guest book: Every member of this class is a member of our little guest book family and time for all of you to appear front and center -- posthaste. We are now in the process of verifying addresses, telephone numbers and e-mails in order to pass on 30th Reunion information in the most efficient manner possible. If you've not heard from one of us over the next couple of weeks, it's possible that we've lost you based on the last available information we had. Please go to the 30th reunion committee page and send us an e-mail with all of your vital statistics. You can't all POSSIBLY hide forever-- we send the posse and PIs out on January 1 -- they may uncover more than you or we want us to know so take a moment and give us (1) your names (there simply has GOT to be legislation passed forbidding women to change their names in order to more easily facilitate contact by high school reunion committees -- can you handle that Ruthie?), (2) your addresses (don't you know you are NOT supposed to move to another city, state, or country without first notifying all the people you graduated with from high school?), (3) your telephone number (see No. 2 above), and (4) you CERTAINLY are not permitted to change your internet provide or employer without first making certain that you've provided us with your most current e-mail addresses!!!! To the rest of you -- feel free to take yet another look at the missing classmates page and let us know if you have found or if anyone has found you -- you would not BELIEVE what a tremendous help that would be and something even those far away can chip in and do to help. And now .... back to your regularly scheduled programming. THANKS!!

Now Ruthie -- be nice -- some people will actually take you seriously. It was good to see you again.

To those who did make breakfast: Thanks! I had a great time and it was terrific to see you. To those who did not make breakfast: Thanks for providing yourselves as topics that we could gossip about unmercifully.

Sorry I didn't make the Sunday meeting a Shoney's Ruth. My daughter told me she was coming over so I had a slight priority issue. Ultimately she stood me up though. Kids! Miss you and hope to make good on the next one. Have not heard from Roy, Sue. Good question! Hope all is well down in No. Ga.

Has anybody heard from Roy Cornwell? Was he able to successfully get into and out of Khazakistan and bring home his recently adopted children? Hi all!!

Hello to everyone as we gather this weekend with family and friends across this country. I have paused many times over the past several months to reflect on how in one moment lives are totally altered. This fall has been a blur of many emotions as I have recovered from surgery and had many weeks to sit and think of what is truly important in my life. 9-11 certainly made us pause. For all of us who have hectic lives and wonder where the extra moment can be grabbed to fit in all that is scheduled, stop, take a deep breath, and be thankful for all the blessings in our lives. Looking forward to the reunion this summer, thanks to all who are planning this event.

Okay kids, I've checked and it appears that you NoVa types don't DO brunch with style -- at least not in affordable style. SO -- we go to the fallback postion: Shoney's at Beacon Hill, Sunday morning, 9 o'clock. Be there or be square .... (P.S. John or Janine or Someone as Yet Unnamed, I'm at my brother's house in Fairfax and don't have my email address book with me. Would someone PLEASE send an email to all who have expressed an interest in joining us and tell them when and where the breakfast thing will be?!? That list of folks should include, at a minimum, Pete, Steve C., Frank, John, Janine, Mike D, and anyone else that occurs to you. Please know that I will be heartbroken, and unable to recover, if I am the only one who shows at Shoneys on Sunday.)

Gary, yeah I know what you mean about the seventies being a little fuzzy, I guess it was due to all the milk we all drank back then! LOL Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving. If anyone would be interested I would like to get some copies of yearbook pics of myself and fellow classmates along with football team pics. I was not fortunate enough back then to get a yearbook and would really like to have some kind of pics of back then. -1970,1971 (maybe it would clear up some of this milk induced fuzziness..lol) I will gladly pay highly for your time and trouble. Wouldn't a web site that had old yearbooks on line be cool? Have a great holiday season everybody and don't spread gloom...just happiness. GO MAJORS!

Here I am. I do rememeber those pics Janine, but then again? I'd love to see 'em again. I wish I could join y'all this Sunday, but my friend Mike DeChants came into town and I'll be traveling to Southern Va. to visit and spend the day with him and his daughters. Ruthie? Dear? If all else fails on the Bloody Mary's & Mimosas, there's always 7-11 for Breakfast Burritos and 40's....HA HA....I crack myself up!! You're right Frank..Shoney's Springfield is gone...along with Chi Chi's, and Houlihans...But the "Parkway/Bypass" is on a roll! Those of you that haven't been to Springfield in a while? It's unbelieveable I've never, in my life seen so much concrete and asphalt in such a small area!! But getting through it is getting much better. So...I hope Y'all have/had a GREAT THANKSGIVING and a wonderful weekend...Take Care and God Bless....G-Man!

Ruth - I believe Shoney's in Springfield has closed (Backlick and Old Keene Mill Rd, right?). You'll have to find some other dive.

I'm game for Sunday. Let me know where and when.

Okay kids, it looks like a NoVa crowd brunch is on for Sunday morning. 9-ish. Location TBA -- I'm holding out for advice on a reasonably priced place that offers civilized options like reservations and a menu that includes Mimosas and/or Bloody Marys (to go with my grits). If all else fails, Shoneys at Beacon Hill or Springfield are the fall back options. At this point, the possible guest list includes Pete, John and Janine. Gary? Steve(s)? Frank? Warren/Karen? Roy? Where are you?

Ruthie? DTs??? OY! Sunday sounds good -- I could be bribed :) Steve? I seem to be in FULL voice this week - of course, it's not Friday yet so things could change between now and then. Now THAT was one long bout of laryngitis!! Gary? See me in order to fill in the fuzzie from 1974 - 1980 -- I might be able to help a little. I thought your trip down memory lane in all my photo journals would have given you SOME clue. Oddly enough, however, you seemed to have managed to not be in the front of the camera during those years. The fact that they triggered so much in your memory that I had forgotten (case of the fuzzies as well) is positive proof that you were indeed there when they were all being taken. How've you been anyway? Come out and play with us!! OK ...so .... y'all see that meteor shower or what?

Good Heavens! I had nearly come to terms with "Life Without Janine" and just as my withdrawal symptoms had become manageable -- with DTs nearly under control -- she reappears to taunt me. DAG!! Guess it's back to re-hab. Before I head back to Betty Ford, I have one question: Janine? Are you coming to breakfast on Sunday?

:::::::: Checking in :::::::::::: waving all digits and fluttering tongue ::::::::: answering roll call ::::::::::

Hello All! Just a lurker checking in...I'm sorry to say that I don't remember you Kirk...But then again I don't remember too much of the seventies....Kinda Fuzzy! Anyhoo...Just thought I'd say hey to all. Keeping It Real In The Field...God Bless You All ! G-MAN!

I'm here, just haven't had much to say. Welcome Kirk, I also remember you. Amanda are you really sure you want clarification about Ruthie? Or was R-cubed?

Welcome Kirk, I do remember you, and I remember the hot huts too. The best part about the Quonsets was watching Mr. Skinner chase skippers - he seemed to really enjoy it. Mike, it's good to hear from you -- I'm afraid keeping Anne out of trouble is out of the question - she is still living in the same place and has for many years - she'd probably enjoy hearing from you. I, on the other hand am not still in Ohio, but am in the guts of Dixie where the rebel flag stories are bigger and in bolder print than the war news. (Just moved from S. Carolina to Alabama.) I am, however, still blond (did I spell it right Frank?) and need some clarification on the "square Ruthie" (did I get the dimensions right?) acclaim. -- Seems like there are a lot of lurkers out there that we'd all enjoy hearing from (come on out Sue!). - Take care all. Peace.... pipe, Peter.... -- Come on all you alliterates... a new challenge. Amanda

Well, I WAS interested in War until John looked at the calendar and realized the concert was Sunday, not Saturday. Sadly, on Sunday evening, I will (hopefully) be winging my way homeward to partake in yet another special session of our legislature, so War is a non-starter for me too. However, I'm still interested in corralling the NoVa troops for something anytime on Saturday or Sunday morning. How about Mike's on Saturday night? Or Shoney's on Sunday morning? Come on kids! Don't let this golden opportunity to spend time with MOI pass you by ....

Yeh John, she's talking a little - after a couple months of laryngitis. You're right about her quiet fingers - she's the only one I know that is hard wired between tongue and digits. We don't seem to be getting any interest for Eric and WAR. Oh well, maybe another gathering at another venue to see another band on some other day...there's always July 5th 2002!

Steve: Janine's talking?? Sure got some tight fingers lately.
Dunno about War. I already used up my monthly quota of concerts, and I was considering seeing Savoy Brown at Jaxx this weekend. It might come down to how many original members of the respective groups are still alive and not beating their wives.

And what "stuff" might that have been Peter? The aromatic Captain Black maybe?

On Wednesday evening, Nov 7th, the Discovery Channel is airing a show, "Surviving Mars". It's about the Mars Society activities I've been involved with of late dealing with simulated manned Mars exploration in the Canadian arctic. While I won't be on the show, the "analog spacesuits" I worked on should be. Just thought I'd mention it in case ya'll are interested in watching.

John: What I'm suppose to be putting in my pipe, much less smoking it. I gave all that stuff up many MANY MANY years ago...Peter S. Cruttenden

Welcome Kirk. Hey John, Janine and I have been talking. Maybe its time to muster up a group for another Birchmere gathering. Eric and War on the 25th sounds like a good target.

Hi everybody, I went to MVHS in 70-71 (my freshman & soph. years) and have real good memories of those times and people. I recognize a few names here and it brings back even more memories. Does anybody remember an English teacher named Mrs. Jones? Shop teachers Mr. Croomes & Mr. Johnston? I played Freshman & J.V. football while there....I think the freshman coaches name was Mr. Menefee (?) and assistant coach Mr. Grove (?) all I can remember about J.V. football was that we went 0 and 8 (ug)...that must be a school record that still stands! LOL .. Does anybody remember those quonset hut ovens out back? .. I am now a Transmission Coordinator for American Electric Power Co. in my hometown of Roanoke, Va. and would love to hear from anybody who remembers me. God bless everybody and your families. - Kirk

Roy Clark!?!?! Wal Ah'll be a-pickin' and a-grinnin'. BR-549. SA-LUTE!

Ruth, without Eric Burdon, and likely without a couple of original members. BTW, Nov 25 is a Sunday, not Saturday, as I indicated. As to Steve's taste in music, I dunno. The only time I saw him at a concert, he didn't even tap his foot. I think he was too busy looking for un-America activity. Last night I saw Roy Clark, of all people! Put THAT in your pipe and smoke it, Peter! He and his 8 piece band came out in tuxedos. Man, I don't know how he made some of those sounds with his guitar. He had a really polished band. He looked good, too, and was his usual self. I'd easily recognize him on the street, which is more than I can say for a lot of singers. They ended the show with a KILLER 15-minute "Orange Blossom Special". Took my son to see him, because he'd like to do more fiddling. He learned Orange Blossom last year. You should have seen his face when they played it. Priceless.

I see everyone is in fine form. Hope everyone had lots of treats and no tricks!I sounds like all are getting back to "normalcy" - whatever that is!?! I thought I'd pass along an URL address for a very moving visual regarding America under Attack:http://attacked911.tripod.com/ It's a very large file so only visit if you have a pentium or faster.

John, with our without Eric Burdon? And, if we spill enough wine, do you think we could talk [What-Happened-to-Your]Car[ma]Steve and other like-minded critics into attending?

Gee John, I though WAR was playing in Afghanistan. (Sorry, that was pretty weak -- my mind is a bit feeble because I'm home sick today and trying not to think about how much my symptoms resemble anthrax)

Ruth-FYI WAR is playing at the Birchmere on Saturday, Nov 25.

Just thought I would stop in and catch up on what I've been missing. Hello, Amanda- I missed you at the last reunion, glad you are planning to come this time around. Are you still in Ohio? And if so, are you keeping Anne Hartigan out of trouble! Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween! Haven't talked to Janine lately (actually the last time I saw Janine she wasn't talking much to anyone- she still was having trouble with her throat)so I'm not sure if she is in charge of the Egging and T.P. expedition this Halloween- or not!

Ahhh!!! Ruth my dear dear friend. You were magnificent in your radio interview on NPR. I am NOT trying your boost your ego. I am NOT going to mention how your knowledge of the subject held me spell bound. I am NOT going to say anything else. Now two turkeys for the price of one sounds very enticing. I will be staying here in the Carolina mountains this thanksgiving and unable to attend any get togethers in NoVa. (I hope you get a bigger turnout than last year) Now about this "handler…is he there to handle the hoards that may mob you or to keep you from harassing the hoards? Hey John! Don't you have a disclaimer about not using this forum for self promotion?

Although some of you may have (tragically) missed my debut, I have recently become a new, blazing star of .... uh .... radio. In my effort to not to let the fame go to my head, I'm trying to reconnect with some of the little people who have had an (always questionable and occasionally perverted) influence on me. With that in mind, I thought I'd offer the NoVa denizens an opportunity to have breakfast, lunch and/or dinner with me on November 24 or 25 while I'm in town over Thanksgiving to lauch my "Two Big Turkeys for the Price of One" world tour. If you're interested in getting together, let me know via email. (If we do manage to hook up, no autographs please, but perhaps my handler can arrange for a photo op)

Hi All, For anyone who's interested, I've changed service providers and my new email address is listed with this message. I hope all are returning to somewhat of a "normal" life. I'm coming into town for a quick visit with the family this weekend and I must admit some apprehension. Wish I'd have some time for coffee or drinks, but that's doubtful at this point. Well, hope you'll all take care and keep in touch. Have a safe Halloween and remember "You've got to change your evil ways, Baby!" (I love my new tuneful toy witch!)

Speaking of viri -- I got an alert that tells me that another virus is going around. I hesitate to pass this on because so many virus scares these days are hoaxes, but I'm told that if you get an email titled "A Virtual Card for You" or "An Internet Flower for You" it may not be friendly and should be deleted without opening. DAG!

Thanks for the tip John! Do you, by any chance, have an equally useful tip for killing off the dreaded spam-type viri? I've just tried (unsuccessfully) to delete myself from the 90 gazillionth company anxious to lend me money, refinance my mortgage, wash my car, provide access to THE BEST XXXXX website, pick up a few groceries, take the cat to the vet and/or do whatever else I might require in the effort to achieve world peace -- which, apparently, will only happen if I agree to give them my credit card number.

Gee, I really hate to change the subject, but I was told a new email virus prevention idea I thought I'd share. Go into your email address book and create a listing for the names "0000" and "ZZZZ" (those are zeroes, not ohs). Having no email address for either name, your email client will tell you that it can't send an email out to either of them since it doesn't have their addresses, if some sneaky little virus tries to send out an email to everyone in your address book. You then have a warning to stop the mail BEFORE it gets out. Any name will work, but the names I gave will be at the beginning and end of the address book, just in case the virus bastard starts from the beginning or end of the alphabit.

Karma-crazy it is. This in combination with your ready adoption of the R-cubed moniker combined with your pursuit of the Karma Sutra is quite indicative of your fascination with Karma(l) Knowledge. Guys, watch out for the traditional Ruthie..er..Rutheve offering of forbidden apples this Halloween - especially the Karma(l) coated ones.

Hmmm. Mr. Kar(ma-on-a)roll may think that he's seen through my Karma-flage, but he's missed the target by at least one "e". Furthermore, I'd have to argue that I'm more a Karma-crazy than a Karma-kaze.

What a Karmakazee!

Gee Frank, I thought I HAD offered to compensate you for advice -- though I admit it would have been tough for me to explain it in that little box for claiming "tax preparation fees". Maybe it would be better to think of it in terms of bartered service income? Either way, no doubt it would be an audit flag. And, of course, there might also be some lingering question as to whether the advice was as good as what I was willing to "pay" .... (Okay, ENOUGH of this kind of talk! Obviously, the trauma of working on my taxes has temporarily corroded my normally shy and reserved personality. Risky Risque Ruthie is retiring to a cave to resume study of the Ka[r]ma Sutra)

Ruth-Someone probably told this one to you too - advice is only as good as what you are willing to pay for it. If you think the current tax law is fun, wait until you see all of the changes from the 2001 tax act.

Well, I'm now feeling less like a karma-dugeon -- Uncle Sam owes me $16!

Thanks Karmanda, but I could use some karmic relief myself right now. I'm spending a fabulous weekend trudging through receipts, coming up with with creative interpretations of the phrase "unreimbursed employment expenses" and experimenting with new math principles as I guess at answers on my 2000 Form 1040. When it comes to the IRS, my motto has always been "Why put off til tommorrow what you can put off til October 15?" Hey Frank, why don't you karma up and see me sometime, big boy, and whisper some sweet deductions in my ear?

Riske, you certainly win for karmic relief! -- Peter, you karmendeered this

Karma Electron? Karma(n)Ghia? How about CARMAN ELECTRA !? Two Words (HUBBA HUBBA)I am such a guy !!! G!

OK, Ok, Riske = risque and risky - quite fitting in this case. And yes Ruth, you passed the test.

Ley Lady Lay?

la ley del Karma - can't wait to see how Riske Ruthie interprets this one...

Karma Chanic -- Occasionally sexy entity having mysterious recuperative powers over Karma(n) Ghias and similar vehicles

Karma Electron - Sexy fundamental particle of good/bad deed.

Karma(n) Ghia = great car and good Karma.

Karma(n) Ghia = great car and good Karma.

I sat next to Timothy Leary once at a computer graphics convention around 1990 or so, in the audience for the convention film and video show. He was at the convention to be part of a panel on virtual reality. I guess they figured he had enough experience with alternate realities to have something to contribute. His comments at the panel reminded me of someone who had all his sentences written on notecards beforehand, dropped his stack of cards just before taking the stage, gathered them up in a hurry and then proceeded to read each card in the order he picked them up anyway. It's not that his delivery felt like he was reading from cards. It just seemed that each of his sentences, though complete, had little to do with the sentence that came before or after. Apparently one sentence worth was about as long as he could maintain the same train of thought. He struck me as a poster child for the hazards of drug abuse.

Leary.....Timothy? I bet we could come up with some great music there... the Politics of Ecstasy - Oh Yeah! Is anybody in contact with John Rice -- congratulations John on your new small one -- where is sister Mary and cousin Liz? I'd love to find them. Best, Amanda

Fiona Apple: Smokey-lounge blues and voice that's, well, "Slow Like Honey". Seeing her perform on something like the Tonight Show once made me think "Head Case! Head Case! Head Case!" Scary to watch but I can still enjoy the sounds in the dark. ..... 3am and snow is dusting the grass outside.

Steve: Just don't be leery of "Instant Karma," or was that "Karma Chameleon." No, I'm sorry...you should be leery of those Halloween Karma Apples, or was that Fiona Apple?...Well Steve, I'm sure you're figure it out...Singlely yours Peter S. Cruttenden...oh yeah..Peace-almost forgot.

What can I say? I married a fighter pilot, my degree is in theology and I'm in one of those very vogue recovery groups....I have opinions, or beliefs. Please to forgive -- I will not pontificate, I will eat my peas and I will love any band you guys choose. But.... somebody has to play "Jerimiah...." remember the juke box in the cafeteria for a short time during our senior year? Every other song was about the bullfrog. Let's see....Three Dog Night - would they cost much? Now THAT is offensive. My Best, COMmanda

Dang Amanda, you called my bluff! Can I plagiarize your "great soapbox, wrong platform" line? No offense taken - just leery of Bad Karma.

Oh Steve, don't kiss any of us good-bye! It's hard enough to get the few of us together and we're such a unique and special group. I-4-one am proud to be a part of it. -- So sorry if I did offend - great soapbox, wrong platform. And...on being united in heart if only now and then.... I've only just read about Mary Sweatt and her son. She did have a gift for making you feel special and close to her. There just isn't time, in this life, for neglecting love and appreciation. Peace to you all. Amanda

In keeping with the spirit of John's rules in red print, totally agree Frank. Thankyou Dewey and Peter(I think) for changing the subject. I was about ready to kiss this site goodbye. Speaking of bands - with passion to rival that of the religous, political and moral pontificators among us, Eric Burdon/War sucks! On a gentler and kinder note: Jody, Glad to hear you got your puter all straightened out.

All right! Now we've got this soup stirred up! So, hey Frank! Just who IS the world's greatest band?

Gentlepeople: I know that the last few weeks have been trying for all of us and I hope that the postings by people, including myself, have not offended people; HOWEVER, if you want to talk offensive, NO AMANDA< I'M NOT MARRIED. Don't get me wrong, I didn't find the question offensive, just the institution of marriage. Think of it for one second Gentlepeople, if you are involved with or engage in an institution, does that logically follow that such persons are INSTITUTIONALIZED. And as I said in my e-mail to Amanda regarding the single status, just think of all of those women that passed on THIS SPECIFIC GREAT CATCH and if you believe that, I have a great deal on a bridge in Brooklyn and it's really cheap. Hope all is well with everyone..Peace (Sorry Frank, history will show that I end all my postings as such-BUT I REALLY DO MEAN IT THIS TIME..Peter S. Cruttenden

While we are E pluribus unum, there are among us, some who believe that God still has the power to bless America. He chooses to do so in spite of our taking prayer from schools, reducing His commandments to suggestions, stripping Him from our constitution and legalizing the killing of millions of unborn children a year. We are an arrogant nation that will reckon with this "imaginary friend" one day. In God we trust? Have we learned our lessons well?

Steve - thanks for the notice on my computer virus. It had been acting strange and I remember getting the strange email that causes it. I have cleaned up my act. Hopefully my computer will be acting better now. Jody

While I think that all of our past teachers would be glad that we are so enlightened as to be able to articulate our views on foreign policy, acts of terrorism, and the world's greatest band, I think that John's web site is not the forum for the first two...

p.s. if you have an opinion, share it with everyone, but do not send me e-mail. If your point is valid, I am sure others would like to read your note.

To avoid further personal E-mails of a negative nature, let me clarify, A war on terrorism without a real effort to understand the problems in the Mideast will fail. We failed in Viet Nam because we were fighting against people who looked upon us like foreign dictators. In Iran we backed the Shah,who used his secret police to kill students demanding democratic reforms. On Sept 12,I operated with an anesthesiologist who recently emigrated from Pakistan. She said that America is looked upon as a wonderful land of opportunity, but politically we always seem to back people in power who protect our interests and often oppose democratic movements. She also pointed out the Phillipines, where General Marcos murdered hundreds of dissident students fighting his corrupt regime. My family moved to the Phillipines after high school, and I can assure you that we knew Marcos was a crook and a murderer. We back Isreal, but Isreal tramples over the rights of arab Muslims who have lived in that land for 20 generations. If you were an arab Muslim living on land your family owned for generations and you were thrown off your land so they could build a Jewish settlement, would you fight? Unfortunately this has happened a hundred times. Track down the terrorists, improve security, organize with other countries,but do not bomb innocent Afghans and above all discuss the problems. When they interview children, the children always ask,"why do they hate us so much". We have given billions in foreign aid to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Phillipines and others, and it accomplished nothing. We need to support democratic reforms, and legal rights for all people. Only then will we gain the respect of other nations.

You know, having read recent entries to this Guestbook, I think that the greatest difficulty for us at the moment is understanding that there is a circle of people who are WILLING to do what they have done, and that they are driven by a value system that is not comprehensible to us. On the other hand, we have all been given the tremendous gift of learning (re-learning?) how fortunate we are to have been born in America and live in a society that believes (with only occasional lapses) in freedom, equality, justice and Big Macs. (And as for the Kama Sutra, Don, if you need any assistance in training or interpretation, please let me know.)

I'm feeling so shocked and sad...at these horrible acts perpetrated on humanity (not just the US). I fear, for acts of revenge and similar hatred make us no better than they. I do think those that are found to be responsible (and are found) should be held accountable. Now is the time for the world to unite together to bring about Peace. Don't get me wrong. I love my country and I'm proud to be an American, but I also believe that we are all brothers and sisters, no matter what our color, creed etc. My flag went down to half mast the moment I arrived home and at work the very same day. We are all wearing red, white and blue ribbons for the missing/dead, and my small flag flies in my car. Half of the people I work with are veterans and in fact one of our co-worker's mate who also worked part-time for us died at the Pentagon. She was a young, vibrant, gifted individual, as all the others who perished. They still haven't found or identified her body. My own brother has been working in the Pentagon on the renovations and just happened NOT to be there that morning - THANK GOD. So this hit very close to "home" for me. I am also waiting to hear about a friend in NY. I hope and pray there won't be anymore. Mike, I guess we've alot in common, again - my mutual sympathy and empathy. We also found out this past month that my sister in law has breast cancer, a tumor two inches in size was removed; however, the cancer is of the invasive variety and she is currently undergoeing chemotherapy. She's already lost her hair, but thankfully not her spirits. She's only 38 and a first time mom of a one year old. So ladies and gents, as well, don't forget to have your 'grams and check-ups. I've had better months in my life; life may be fragile, but full. We are reminded everyday by large and small events just how fragile but how important each and every one of us are in the whole scheme of things. We can make a difference. So live each day as if it may or could be your last...take nothing for granted...hug and kiss those children and spouses, buy and fly American, be the best human being you can be, most of all don't be afraid. God (no matter what you call your higher power) is with you and the World.

I also see a similarity with the war on drugs. There, too, you have one group using violent means to impose their beliefs regarding acceptable moral behavior onto another group who would otherwise wish them no harm. (But who is who?) As for me, I'm still the agnostic I became when Wedlock first got me to think about such things and I am no more pleased to hear Bush invoke God than I am to hear it from OBL. Let's all kill each other to see who's got the best imaginary friend. Have I offended anyone yet? ;^) OK, so maybe the Kama Sutra IS worth study.....

I must add that the war on terrorism will be like the war on drugs, billions down the toilet and lives wasted. If this is a war, then rule #1 is to know your enemy; someone dedicated to a cause, who is willing to die for for his beliefs is not a coward. Many Muslims say that it is not consistent with the Koran to kill in this manner even if we are believed to be an enemy. But if we are mostly a Christian nation, then why are we seeking revenge or even "justice", does anything Christ said or did support this attitude. Would Christ retaliate. We really need to think this through before we produce another generation of terrorist bent on our destruction and willing to die. Before I offend everyone I will shut up, personally I converted to the Hindu faith and I am diligently studying the Kama Sutra as my path toward Nirvana.

Millions of Muslims hate the US because of our massive support for Isreal. The US and Isreal recently pulled out of the UN conference on racism because Isreal was being labelled a racist country. I work with three Jewish doctors every day, and my best friend is Jewish. They all understand that the US is being pulled into this conflict because of our support for Isreal. The problem is, what is the answer? The bigger problem is that no one is talking about the real dilemma of trying to support Isreal without alienating all arab Muslims. I have only heard brief discussions of this problem on PBS, TLC, and other minor cable channels, why aren't the major networks discussing this? When the American Muslim Federation went on PBS, their leader immediately said, "let us be very clear that Isreal has taken over land that did not belong to it and without the support of the US in 1948 and today, the Jewish state of Isreal would not exist, and until there is peace in the Middle East, the US can expect more terrorism on its soil."

Hello all, I'm just checking in after a long time away. Hope all of you are safe - I know we'll never be the same. -- I'm looking forward to the reunion - thanks to you who are making it happen. Many warm thoughts to all. -- Peter...are you married yet?

One more thing - this is the virus Ruth was passing around awhile ago - kinda invasive.

Hate to do this to you Jodi but these things need to be handled quickly. Beware all: acresclan@home.com is infected with the SIRCAM virus. It would be best to consider all msgs. from this address to be infected until Jodi can get her PC cleaned up. Until then, open Jodi's mail at your own risk. S.C.

Indeed, heartwarming, Ruth. I think one of the most moving scenes for me over this past week was the playing of our national anthem at the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Amazing that the symbolic act of playing a song could have such emotional impact. ..... Watching the News today I find myself hoping that in our War on Terrorism, we don't ignore certain terrorist acts committed against Americans just because those Americans are Moslem, the buildings destroyed are mosques and the perpetrators claim to be Christian. It is terrorism nevertheless.

Dear ones: We've all seen the horrible pictures of the despicable acts of terrorism. It may help heal your heart and spirit if you go to this site and see photos of our neighbors in the world showing the grief they share with us. http://home.covad.net/~georgelsjr/Tribute/world_mourns_1.htm

Mike: You have my sympathies for losing friends. I have been lucky so far in that I have not learned of anyone I know being lost in either attack. It is hard for me to imagine the feelings it must evoke. ..... Just so we're clear: It was Peter's description of people in DC treating each other in a more civil manner that brought to mind the Sagan quote. I did not mean to imply that the perpetrators of these attacks are deserving of such. But I do find that I personally don't have a visceral anger response to this, odd as it may seem (though I don't begrudge anyone their own anger over this). I suspect that's because the loss is not yet so personal to me and because we KNEW there were perpetrators out there who wanted to do something like this to us. There is no great shock that they eventually succeeded. Whatever anger is warranted is not new. Because it never occurred to me, I do find myself surprised by the method. But in hindsight, it makes sense. They found a way, in effect, for a handful of people with simple knives and boxcutters to kill thousands of Americans. As un-PC as it might be at this time to say, I'm sure the perpetrators felt they were doing a great good and not an unspeakable evil. But make no mistake, while I might acknowledge what drives the bacteria that infect me, that in no way inhibits me from taking the antibiotic. Whatever their beliefs or motivations, terrorists like these are a threat to our kind and we must eliminate them. Again, Mike, I'm very sorry to hear you lost friends and I feel very lucky to escaped that. So far.....

Peter: Great commentary! Michael Carson: Thoughts and prayers to you and the families of your friends that were lost. I have been fortunate and not lost any family or friends in this horrible incident; however, I feel deep sadness for what has happened, but great anger towards those who chose to attack our great country. Please remember that this evening (Friday, 9/14/01) at 7:00pm to light a candle to show the unity of our nation. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone!

I can not agree more that we should guard our earth. But just remember that there are those in the world that show no compassion and kindness. They are filled with religious extremism that more often than not find that your exploriation of the heavens and the machines that allow such pictures are evil, and seek to destroy what you and everyone like you have to say without compassion and kindness. By the way did you lose 2 friends in the tower well I did, I ask did they see compassion.

Should old acquaintance be forgot? Regards from John, flight attendant, United Airlines...

I've heard and read many examples of eloquent expression in these past few days, decrying barbarous acts, lamenting loss, praising heroism, rallying together for common purpose and expressing the nobility possible in the human spirit. Peter's words bring to mind a quote a friend of mine sent me that seems appropriate. It's by Carl Sagan and it describes a photograph of Earth, taken by the Voyager I space probe from out past the orbit of Neptune. There is not much to see in the picture but a tiny Pale Blue Dot: ........ We succeeded in taking that picture [from deep space], and, if you look at it, you see a dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever lived, lived out their lives. The aggregate of all our joys and sufferings, thousands of confident religions, ideologies and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilizations, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every hopeful child, every mother and father, every inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every superstar, every supreme leader, every saint and sinner in the history of our species, lived there on a mote of dust, suspended in a sunbeam. ..... The earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that in glory and in triumph they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of the dot on scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner of the dot. How frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds. Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. .... Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity -- in all this vastness -- there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves. It is up to us. It's been said that astronomy is a humbling, and I might add, a character-building experience. To my mind, there is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly and compassionately with one another and to preserve and cherish that pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known.

Glad to hear you are all okay! I can only imagine what you felt that day. My family is still in the area, work in DC, and are shaken but safe. My thoughts and prayers to all, especially those who experienced personal loss as a result of this tragedy. Peter you certainly missed your calling. What a great editorial. Congrats to Papa John on the wee one! God Bless America!

Hello All....Quite a shock the last coouple of days. I too feel the pain and anguish of other Americans. It is absolutely time to put our petty differences aside and unite. There is a feeling of solitude amongst all true Americans and a feeling of "how dare they" that is undescribable. But as Americans we can not nor will not fall or succomb to this ruthless act of violence. As I drive around, with my American Flag displayed PROUDLY on my car, the amount of people that blow their horns and wave and give me the thumbs up sign is unbelieveable !! Our country is ready to come together, as one, and defeat the demons that have done this to us. Am I angry? You bet I am! But alas, I am also sadden for the many, many people's lives this will change. But as I have heard over and over again from everyone, from politicians to the "plain people" on the streets. You may have damaged structures and destroyed peoples lives.... but you will NEVER damage the American spirit. Today I heard a song that I haven't heard since Desert Storm, Lee Greenwood's, "GOD BLESS THE USA" and I tell you my friends...It brought tears to my eyes. I cranked it up. People were looking at me again sending the thumbs up. Man what a country we live in...!!! I will end by sending my sincere thoughts and prayers for friends and families of those involved personally in this tragedy. God Bless....Gary

... and some good news: It looks like John Rice will get the prize for youngest child at the next reunion, unless some other classmate(s) get busy real soon. He and his wife just had a baby.

Gentlepeople: It seems just a few short days ago, we were more concerned about a "slug in a tux," than other event. However, in the wake of the events of Tuesday, there have been changes beyond the scope of my own imagination. Forget the jet fighters, the MPs and military vechicles in downtown D.C. and so forth. I had occassion to drive to work yesterday (due to class afterward) and to ride the Metro (the subway system for all of you all out of the D.C. area) this morning. It was truly an errie feeling of sorts, with absolute silence on the subway cars as commuters glued to the front sections of The Washington Post or the Washington Times. The silence was even more evident as I exited the train at National Airport (never to use the word "Reagan" as a prefix)to see absolutely nothing. No planes landing or taking off, no cabs, and no passengers. There were only trucks for remote newscasts and airport cops and JUST SILENCE...even when I transferred to the other subway line, still more silence. But with the din of silence, there was some new found respect for human beings. There was no pushing or shoving...People actually saying and meaning "Excuse Me" and lo and behold, folks actually making way. Moreover, no horn honking on the streets of D.C. It seems that for some reason, for all of our own sense of self-importance and self-absortion and sense of intolerance...(I as one of its major offenders..simply ask anyone who has driven in my car or rode the subway...more of a New Yorker than those the real New Yorkers that died in the rubble)..we somehow have reached strange sense of humanity and dignity for each other. What came to mind was the end of Flannery O'Connor's short story, "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," where the "Misfit" says..."She would have been a good woman...if there had been someone to shoot her every minute of her life." It seems that we have now found some sense of respect and decency amidst the horror and grief. Do what you like..raise a flag, say a prayer to whatever god you desire, sing a song, patriotic or not, and sooner or later, we will all return to NORMAL, with the car horns, road rage, the rushing about, the over-inflated opinions of self-worth, and the intolerance. And that is what I truly fear...Peace..Peter S. Cruttenden

Ward, I can't imagine what it must be like for an airline pilot to witness that video. As you say: Worse than any nightmare. Who would have figured a hijacking would turn into that? It used to mean sitting on the tarmac in some obscure country while negotiations dragged on for days. It never before occurred to me to begin my current job description with "Safe". And, John, I suppose I should also add "Safe" at the top of my work location. Knowing of the attack on the WTC, when the Pentagon was hit you must have been thinking "Who's next?" and felt uncomfortably close to the line of fire. Living a thousand miles away and only seeing the images on TV, like some new mini-series written by Tom Clancy, it's hard to imagine what it's like to look out the window and see and hear the reality. I rack my brain now trying to remember conversations from the reunion: Did anyone tell me they now workd at the Pentagon? Or the WTC? ....... I was walking home from the grocery store late tonight and heard the distant roar of a jet. Looking up, I saw two blinking lights moving quickly across the sky. I knew all commercial flights were grounded, so this had to be fighters from the local Air National Guard base patrolling the skies. Fighters patrolling the skies over Denver! Who would have believed it?!

I was sitting in my Office in Crystal City talking to my Dad on the phone yesterday morning while he was describing what he saw on TV. I heard a loud boom outside, and wondered what was going on, so left my office and went to a television. As if it wasn't enough seeing both Trade buildings ablaze, up came an announcement that the Pentagon getting hit was the answer to the noise I heard. I immediately went back to my office to close up and leave. As I informed other office workers what happened, we looked out the window and a big plume of black smoke above the Pentagon. We could smell it in our office building today. As I came in to work today, the fire seemed to be spreading out of control, but by lunch, the smoke was gone. So surreal. Everyone's in a daze. It's so tough waiting for the next punch ... the names. So many. Too many.

I sure don't mean to sound like an arrogant American, but I am a patriot. At times like these, we must remember that this country was built on a concept that was unprecendented in its time: freedom and justice for all. Don't let these assassins beat us or deter us from that fabulous and noble concept. We are unique and powerful in our uniqueness. I am so proud to be an American!

My heart and prayers go out to those touched by tuesdays tragic events. I was driving a newly purchased PU truck from Va. Beach to the southside of ATL when the news hit the radio airwaves. Did not see any video until after 10 hour drive home. As an ex military and now airline pilot these images go way beyond any airplane nightmare ever had. This really hurts(as intended,I assume).

MAYBE WE SHOULD ALL RAISE A AMERICAN FLAG AT OUR HOME AND ASK OR EMAIL EVERYONE WE KNOW TO DO THE SAME. AT LEAST THAT CHAIN LETTER WOULD SHOW OUR SUPPORT OF THE VICTIMS FAMILIES. WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING TO SHOW THAT WE UNDERSTAND THEIR LOSS. MY FLAG WENT UP BEFORE I WENT IN THE HOUSE AFTER WORK LAST NIGHT.

And now the world just got a lot nastier. I echo Jody's sentiments. And stunned silence.

Wow. I think I'm still in shock over the events of the day. I pray that all of you still in the DC area (as well as NY) and your families are safe. Our's are. I can't help but think this is what Pearl Harbor Day was like too. People stuck to the news and in shock. I was stuck to the TV for hours and couldn't move. Again I hope you are all fine and my prayers are with all the victims.

Cool Roy. The world just got a little nicer. Thanks.

WOW ROY!!!! Proof positive of that oversized heart of yours that we've all so admired over the years!! Ditto what Ruth said on the pics of the new family -- what an adventure you have in store for you.

Hey Roy! That's cool and a half! But, as a seasoned mother of three, I can tell you that 1+1+1>3 by an exponential margin. Good luck! We'll be expecting pictures of you and the three kidlets (along with your tried-and-true headache remedies) at the reunion.

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to share some good news with eveyone, my wife and I are adopting from Kazakhstan 3 little brothers. They are 1.) 2 months old, 2.) 1 year old, 3.) 3 years old. We will going over the end of October, 2001 to pick them up. Will keep in touch as we are closer to leaving. That is all for now, but will keep in touch.

You're too funny Janine! And I'm sure Eric could play one hell of a rendition of Candy Man for John. Somehow I can't see him doing Coconut by Nillson though. Do you think he'd be willing to try Dance To The Music by Sly Stone??

Hmmmm... am I reading these posts incorrectly or do we have volunteers to pay the $6900 difference between the "slug in the tux" and Burden's fee? I think that's INCREDIBLY generous of y'all and what a memorable reunion it would certainly be. I guess my next question is if we still need the slug in the tux or if Burden will play for the entire 6-7 hours for the $7500 fee? Such a deal!!

Cindee: Just in case the Reunion Committee cannot see fit to hire Eric Burdon for our reunion, maybe I can do some politicking/begging for Jaxx to bring him back on our reunion weekend -- perhaps Saturday night after the picnic. For locals with similar musical tastes, "America" is playing at the Birchmere on Oct 11, and "The Guess Who", with Burton Cummings et al, is reuniting with a concert at the Patriot Center with, ugh, Joe Cocker, on Sat., Sept 22. (I think, alas, that John Belushi did a better Joe Cocker than Joe.)

Peter: While I can no longer enjoy some of the benefits of being "The Solitary Man", and thatching the yard takes priority away from "Cracklin' Rose", I still remain tssssss, "Hungry for that good thing, baby!"

John, et.al. While I would be easily pleased by dancing to the "slug in the tux" music, both my husband and myself would be thrilled with E. Burdon. As long as we're talking "wish list," my husband would alsobe happy to have the local Nighthawks or other good blues group. I think I'll check out who's at the Birchmere on the Reunion weekend!

Gentlepeople: I was interested to see that John Hanley has accepted his Ancient Mariner musical moniker with class and dignity. Moreover, to that end, I will woefully admit that three years ago I too went to the Birchmere abroad some musical tramp steamer, albatross hanging from my neck, and witnessed (much to my delight)Eric Burdon blow the proverbial roof off the Birchmere Music Hall. There are even moments in my current life that I have fallen prey to the "Ancient Mariner Musical Morass" and yes, John, even enjoyed basking in its sargasso sea of memories of times that I just as well forget...While you'll NEVER get me to see the Monkees, Paul Revere (with or without The Raiders-I trust that only one of them is actually passed on), America or The Guess Who, but Eric Burdon...would be is a fine choice for any occassion. He would be far better than some arrogrant, overwieight slug dressed in an open tux shirt cueing up CDs by Kool and the Gang or Neil Diamond while attempting to pass that junk off as acceptable tunes while pocketing $600.00. So my friend and classmate, The Ancient Mariner has a fine idea and he can enjoy my full support and financial support...I'll play more for Eric Burdon...besides I can visualizing myself dancing with anyone (stupid or intoxicated enough to accept my invitation) to the likes of "Sky Pilot" or "We Got to Get Out of This Place" as opposed to CD versions of "Celebration," "Daydream Believer" or "Horse With No Head..." "Name" sorry...RUTH: I'm sorry that you needed a sermon from the mount with respect to Dickie Betts...YOU SHOULDA KNOWN ABOUT THE ALLMAN BROTHERS...Dickie Betts is from Florida when he's not beating up his wife, but a great songwriter and guitarist nonetheless...Well I hope that this missive finds everyone doing well and feel free to come to D.C. during the weekend of September 29th and 30th...We're only expecting about 100,000 folks to make nice with the Masters of the Universe, so what's a few more..Take care...Peace..Peter S. Cruttenden

http://www.ratemyteachers.com/SelectTeacher.asp?which=20955 interesting site. the lyons mentioned on that page is that the lyons from our time at MVHS. michael

Goodness, Mike, I didn't realize I was actually controlling the world! I wonder how many members of the Drill Team went on to become professional pom-pom girls. ;^) BTW, Susan Atkinson has informed me that HER sources (which seem considerably more reliable than my rumor-mongering at the reunion) have Peggy Barron working as a pathologist, not a neurologist. Maybe someone at the reunion said she was a neurotic pathologist and I heard that as "pathetic neurologist". But I'd have never believed she would have been pathetic at it. And also, that would mean I'm dyslexic, which I'm not, thank Dog. So that doesn't sound like the right explanation. And while I never auditioned for "Hair" I do take a certain pride in the fact that Mrs. Yearick would STILL think my hair's too long!

I remember Cindy Campbell. Among other things,I remember Dee Dee Lacey telling me that she and Cindy were going to audition for the National Touring Company of "Hair". I don't know if they ever auditioned or got the parts, but they didn't drop out of school to go on the road!

Dewey, Dewey, Dewey- I am convinced the relationship between you, high school classmates, and their current occupations is much more than you being a good influence. Peggy Barron and Kent Donovan were your lab partners and now they are a neurosurgeon and a doctor. You and I never had any classes together. We just sat next to each other and ate lunch during our senior year. Little did I realize at the time that my fate was sealed, and that I was going to grow up (well, that part is debatable!) and be a Catering Director. I have been obsessed with food ever since '72! Coincidence????... I don't think so!!!

class....class....CLASS!!!
Where are your manners???

HAPPY 94th, Melvin B!!!

You guys have way to good of a memory, I can hardly remember how to get to work after 6 days off and 24 hours in a car to my sons last academy parents weekend. the football game was a bust also OKla 44 - air force 3. mac

Gary: I remember Cindy Campbell. She sat behind me in Mrs. Avery's biology class, along with Ben Braswell. Since she lived on Old Mill Road she also rode the same bus as I did. I think Joan Tighe did, too, though I never knew her. Ya never know what former lab partners are going to end up doing. My lab partner in biology was Peggy Barron and now I hear she's a neurosurgeon. Guess she really like that frog pithing. My lab partner in Earth Science and Physics was Kent Donovan. He's also a doctor. That leaves me to say either "What happened to ME?" or "I guess I'm a good influence." I think I'll choose that latter. ;^) I don't remember having assigned lab partners in Maskalenko's chemistry. I remember that in the classroom, Ginna Ghent sat next to me on one side with Tim Henry and Jerry Hurowitz on the other. At least that's how I remember it. And don't ask me WHY I remember it!

Hello Gang! Just wanted to wish everyone a great Labor Day Holiday. And for all the parents who have kids going back to school or if you're a teacher...Have a good "first day" tomorrow. Steve...just reading again and yes we did have Mr. Marcus together. I remember that class well. That was long ago and I remember Jimmy Puffenberger, Cindi Campbell, Joan Tighe, Martin Fernandez, Frank Faulkner...were there also. I was lab partnered with Cindi Campbell...I wonder what ever happened to her. I remember that she lived right off Old Mill Road. Right behind my oldest brother's, wife's house. Anyway...I have to get going now. I have a HUGE list of things to do before the wife gets back from the beach. Take Care.....Gary

Ward, get some sleep, bud. You're making me think twice about flying Delta! ;/) Frank, they did wear their red costumes and tri-cornered hats. In fact, "Paul" made a joke about it. He said he noticed some kids in the audience, and speculated that they were saying, "Look Mom, Captain Crunch has a band!" He's 64 now, and made a lot of "being old" jokes. He didn't sing. He's got a much younger singer. They sounded really good. Even did a really good job of "Born to Be Wild".

C'mon Ward-alzheimer's creeping in? How about "We gotta get out of this place?" Or later, "Spill the wine..."? Note that it's just "The Rascals". Not "Young" anymore. And Paul Revere??? Did they dress up in those goofy revolutionary war costumes? Can they still play and sing?

John, who the heck is E. Burdon.

IAD, IUD, DUH...Betts, War, Raiders...Where am I?????...

Yea. Paid for Dickey Betts, got Eric Burdon for free. (And so were the rest).

I like your "tour" better. Does your tour give frequent flyer miles?

Oh yea. How about Dickey Betts, Eric Burdon, Martha Reeves, Paul Revere & the Raiders, and the Rascals in FOUR days???!!!

OK Ruth - How about IAD-DFW, DFW-IAD, IAD-ATL-KCI, KCI-ATL-TPA, TPA-ATL-IAD all in one week?

And John, what was the question?

DAG. I really hate it when I write stupid stuff in the guestbook and it hangs out there for days with no other entries to cover it up. I really don't enjoy repeatedly reading my own jibberish so I feel compelled to write new jibberish so the old jibberish will be less noticable. I know that you all check this site regularly, sigh and say "oh well, nothing new here" and then move on to iwin.com or the amature of the week. Just for the record, I'm not impressed by this behavior.

P.S. I'm STILL in Gainesville. DAG! These Gators are nearly as annoying as the Seminoles.

Oh-m-God! I think John's been taken over by a pod person! Or maybe he's high on the ambient air from the concert. Either way, I say we take advantage of this lapse and hire Eric Burdon before John returns to earth. Reunion Committee: take note and proceed with due haste!

I have a special request for the Reunion Committee. GET ERIC BURDON FOR THE MUSIC!!! It would only cost $7500. Come on. It would be worth it. The guy put on a FANTASTIC show! Every song a winner! I forgot how many hits the guy had. Great crowd at Jaxx this time. Went with Jeff DiSciullo (FHHS '72). Haven't seen him in 20 yrs. When we left, we were talking to Jaxx owner (drummer in the Road Ducks). It turns out, he went to Lee HS, but lived in Stradford Landing before that. He started reeling off names, and Jeff and I knew everyone of them. In fact, Jeff and I were talking about some of the names earlier. Then he said, did you know Dave Knight's younger brother Randy? Turns out he knew them from William & Mary. Small world. Always nice to meet a native. SPILL THE WINE...{mic to the audience}.

Good Evening...Just checking in...Was reading the paper today and saw an obit for Fred Roop Jr.. He was Cliff's older brother. He was alot older. As I stated before when Cliff passed away, I lived next door to the Roops from 1964 - 1973. I never saw Fred Jr. That's how much older he was than Cliff. Anyway...John, thanks for the offer on the RF tickets, but I'll have to pass. I begin my bachelorhood next week...!! That's right....!! Wife is leaving for the "ANNUAL CHICK TRIP" to Ocean City with the girls....Hope everyone is doing well....Gary

Ruth: You're avoiding the question! But to answer yours, Betts was a guitarist in the Allman Bros.

John, you are such a baby. John you are such a baby (sorry, couldn't resist because John, you ARE such a baby) And, not to be picky (or stupid) who the hell is Dickey Betts? (I can't wait for the sermon from the mount on this one). For any who might be interested (none of you) I'm on another marathon road trip. Tonight is Gainesville -- hi Dewey! -- after having visited Orlando, Stuart, Orlando (again), Tampa and Tallahassee in the last three days (beat THAT Frank).

And typing the same phrase twice is not a good answer.

Boy, did I get a treat last night. Got to hear Dickey Betts in my neighborhood bar play "Blue Sky" and "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" (loooong version). Not only that, but because I was the only Ancient Mariner from the Class of 72 still young enough still young enough to go out on a Wed. night, the club owner said I could come back Friday night and hear Eric Burdon for free....But wait. There's more! I even got carded to get in, and I didn't even use any Just for Men! I was hoping one of my fellow classmates out there would let me know what it feels like to get old. Now...where are those earplugs??

I just attended my sisters reunion,MVHS 1971. The Dj's where 2 "young" kids who did not know 60-70's music. Anyone know tenative date for 30th. Can we stay away from 4July?

Thanks to Cindee Gray (McDonald), I have finally had the opportunity to know where the MVHS website is located. I want to say upfront-thanks to the current and former reunion committees--I appreciate the hard work. I have always enjoyed the opportunity to renew friendships and observe how we have grown. As I approach the anniversary of Mary's (Sweatt) death, I was drawn to the guest book and the numerous comments on her death and how she may have touched your lives. Those comments truly brought comfort to me. I also plan to share them tonight with her husband and her son. The poem written by Michelle was especially touching. Just like many of you, I knew Mary from 7th grade on, but I did not really know her until we both went to Virginia Tech. At Tech, we spend many great times together and lived together during graduate school. I feel so blessed that Mary and her family have been part of my life for the past thirty years. Thanks again for the comments--time will never diminish my memories of Mary's laugh.

Eric Burdon and the New Animals is playing at Jaxx in West Springfield this Friday night!

In that case Brenda, you'll have to attend our reunion next year also. Stay tuned to this site Leo.

I just went to the 71 reunion but my class was really 72. I just was thinking of all the people that I went threw school with.

Hey, Gary, ya beat me to it. I was going to give the "first reports are in" on the '71 reunion but you one (or ten) upped me by being there yourself! I just got off the phone with Dan Adkins who gave me a run down of the weekend from his standpoint. Sounds like it was a great time. Now, we can all start pullin' on the chain, waiting to go to ours!

What's up room? Just checking in, again. Marsha & I went to the '71 picnic this past Sunday. It was pretty cool. They had a good turnout. Saw alot of people. Actually, I went with my sister Carolyn. She gradumakated in '71. I called her and asked if she was going and if we could tag along? Then I called Richard Parton and Marty Tomlin and asked if they were going. It was the first they had heard of the reunion. BUT they went. I also saw Brenda Ford. It's been 20 years since I've seen her. Just made me a little more eager for ours....next year. Oh yea...I had heard that there was a MONSTER PARTY at Joe Millers house after the dinner the night before. When Joe didn't "show" for the picnic? Marsha, Carolyn and myself went to his house to give him grief. Actually turned out to be a very nice visit with him and his wife, Linda. Well....Until next time.....Gary....PS to Ruth....Virus?Flood? What's next girlfriend? LOL

John: Thanks for the heads up. I checked the site and saw nothing that scared me. I'm not sure why mvgrads.com wants to "discourage" us from going to a site where the people are "just out to make a buck". It's called capitalism and I, for one, am a fan. I didn't feel tricked. I just felt like "Oh, I'm not going to get everything for free. I hear lunch is like that." Sure, if you know you want to find an MV grad, this or another MV-related site that's free is a better way to go. But I found classmates.com good for finding people that DIDN'T go to MV. I haven't talked myself into paying the extra to contact the people I found, but I'm tempted. And if I do, I'll consider it paying for a useful service - not "getting ripped off by shyster".

Dewey and ALL: see the May 2 post at this site before dealing with at Classmates.com:

http://www.mvgrads.com/index.cfm?vPage=News

Just got off the phone with Dan Adkins who is leaving tomorrow to head up for the MVHS 30-year reunion. Gee, I'm jealous. Can't wait until *I* can do something like that. In the conversation he put me on to classmates.com. If you haven't checked it out, I'd recommend you go there and register. It's nationwide. Who knows? Maybe some "Missing Classmate" will hear about it and look for YOUR name, find you, conatact you and then you can get them linked in with the Guestbook and the reunion plans. One thing I liked about the nationwide aspect is that I could look for people I knew in college (or later) and recognize them by their high school and graduating class. This might put me back in contact with all kinds of people who don't want to hear from me!

Air? Who needs air when we can have tropical storms? My office is flooded, my computers are on the blink (getting even for the virus thing?), I have to go to Tampa AGAIN (where only hot air is necessary)DAG! (Hi Janine -- also waving {a white flag}

Hello All....Welcome back Janine...I trust all is well with you....Hope everyone is doing well....

COMING UP FOR AIR ---------------- HI ALL!! ::::::::waving::::::

Hey Gary, I remember Marc Adams...think we were in the same class in 8th grade or 7th...then again maybe not. Damn I hate getting old! Speaking of which (same classes not getting old:), weren't we in a science class together at MVHS...I'm thinking Mr. Marcus...is that right?

Things HAD gotten a little quiet around here. I thought a good virus would liven things up. Oh well... Guess I'll have to think of something else (uh oh!)

Gary: Check here for Riverfest Tickets:

http://www.oldies100.com/servlet/Event_Page?eventID=16870

Hello All...Just checking in. All is fine on this end. John, those concerts sound like fun. I'd like to get on that bus and go along. Ruth? You poor child. I remember when I accidently sent that damn virus to all on my address list. I learned my lesson. I NEVER and I mean NEVER download a file from ANYONE with those extensioms on them. Even if they call. I know it wasn't your fault. I received 2 from you the other day and today, I recieved the "My Web Site" from you. I went to another mini reunion last weekend. Went to Randy Hinson's house last Saturday for a cook-out. Some of the people from Paula's 4th party were there along with friends and neighbors of Randy's. He lives back in MY old neighborhood on Springman Street. That is down there where Mr. Freeman lived. I saw someone there that I haven't seen but once since 8th grade. Marc Adams. He went to Ft Hunt. Anyway...I hope all is going well with all. PS..Does anyone know what ever happened to Mr. Freeman?

Like I said somewhere in a previous post, put your OWN email address in your address book. That way, if you get this kind of virus that mails to everyone in your address book, you will get the same letter mailed to you, from YOURSELF. Such a strange letter that you know you didn't send will surely be notice to you that you have a virus. You can then quickly forward a copy of the letter to everyone in your address book, and tell them to delete all copies of the letter they received from you. You might also change the Subject line in the forwarded letter to indicate a virus situation.

It looks like John and I were furiously typing virus info entries in the Guestbook at the same time. Hopefully, between his info and mine, you can figure out what to do if I've sent on this bugger. I've also sent you all a separate email on this issue -- from my "clean" home computer, so don't worry. One other note: That "Seven Dwarfs" virus is apparently making the rounds again too. This one has an email message that seems like the first few lines of a joke and you are supposed to click on the attachment to read the punchline. This is also a nasty virus -- delete it if you get it.

Yes, it's a virus. And NO I didn't send it on purpose. The virus is the "sirc32" -- a worm type. Our office computers are all linked and we can't figure out where the darn thing originated, but all of our office computers got infected. The computer geeks were swarming in our office today cleaning up the mess. Anyway, I'm really sorry if I've done anything awful to any of you. The virus randomly selects from the address books of all the users of the computers on our office network, so even if I haven't sent you an email lately the virus can still send you an email with the virus in an attachment. The email will say something like "Hi! How are you? I send you this file in order to have your advice. See you later. Thanks" The email itself doesn't do any damage but the attachment will. DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENT!! Just delete the whole file and you should be fine. If you're worried and want to check to find out if I've given you this virus, the easiest way to check is to click on your "Start" button, then select "Search", then select "For files or folders". In the first box type in "sirc32.exe". In the "Look in" box select "Local Harddrives". Then click search now. If you DO have the virus, go here to read about it: http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.sircam.worm@mm.html Then go here to download the tool to remove it: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.sircam.worm@mm.removal.tool.html. As I understand it, this virus is mostly annoying for now, but on October 15th it's set up to erase your hard drive. Again, I'm really sorry, but I had no way of knowing this thing was floating in the office computer network. I'll send this same message to everyone in my address book. Thanks for the heads-up John. P.S. If you don't already know, DON'T EVER DOWNLOAD/RUN/OPEN AN ATTACHMENT WITH THE EXTENSION .BAT, .EXE or .PIF

More info in addition to my last two posts on the virus:

The name of the virus is Sircam.
It is relatively new. You have to update with the very latest virus definition files for your Anti-virus software to detect it.
Or, you can download and run the removal tool at the link in my previous post.
The subject line is not necessarily "My Web Site" as I stated in my last post. It is entirely random, depending upon the sender. That is what the subject was, though, in the email I got from Ruth.
What IS common, though, is message text similar to this:

Hi! How are you?
See you later. Thanks

Between these two sentences, one or more of the following lines MAY appear:

I send you this file in order to have your advice
I hope you can help me with this file that I send
I hope you like the file that I send to you
This is the file with the information that you asked for

If you get a message like this from ANYONE, DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENT!
Delete immediately.
Don't dump on Ruth for this. This virus can duplicate itself in a network, and she would likely be entirely unaware of it. But Ruth, tell your help desk that your computer is infected.

I DID confirm that I received a virus in an email sent from Ruth's "edu" address. If you received a message from Ruth like the one in my previous post, DELETE IT!!

If you opened the attachment and weren't protected, go here for info:

Virus info

Sorry if this embarrasses you, Ruth. Just trying to keep it from spreading. You might want to give this info to your system administrator at work!

Ruth and all: I am being entirely serious about this. I think I might have received some kind of devious, virus type of email attachment from you. If anyone else has received an email from Ruth with the Subject "My Web Site" in it, DO NOT OPEN IT!!! until Ruth can tell us if she actually intended to send it. In fact, delete it. Ruth can always resend it if it was sent without her knowledge. Ruth, if you didn't knowingly send it, please tell everyone in your address book not to open such a letter from you. It might be one of those Trojans that mails to everyone in your address book. One way to discover this is to put your own email address in your address book. That way, you will get the message addressed to yourself, so you can detect it sooner.

Someone should send Ruth some "real food"! The pasta sounds real good to me! Cathy, it's not that you're getting old its just that your daughter doesn't want to be seen with her parent(s)! I even get that from my step-children. Oh, Mom.... We aren't getting older, just wiser! So with that in mind...this is your annual reminder to schedule your mammagrams. Don't wait... some of the labs are scheduling 2-3 months in advance.

Sorry John. For yet another year, the forcast for August 25, 2001 is rain. Neil Diamond may be worth another group outing like America at the Birchmere last year - any takers?

Also, Neil Diamond on Sunday, September 30, at MCI:

Neil Diamond Concert in DC

Don't know why I bother, but here goes:

Martha Reeves and the Vandelas, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and the Rascals, free, at Riverfest on Saturday, August 25th.

Steve, your "small world" story reminds me of three occasions where I've seen MV alum in the press or TV. I saw Steve Sorrell's name in a Science News article dealing with an experiment using a computer program for psychological counseling versus a real psychologist. Steve was the real psychologist. Back when Ross Perot and his "United We Stand" party (or whatever) was in the news, I saw them interviewing their "chief counsel" (I believe) and it was Clay Mulford. (The strangest part of that is that I would recognize him and the name, never having known him at MV. The yearbook is an amazing thing.) And then, when watching news of the Gulf War, I saw James Blackwell being interviewed on TV. Small world. Oh - and I've seen Dan Adkins' name in the credits at the movies.

The memory of Cliff Roop remains forever in print. I just finished reading Jim Bamford's latest piece of investigative journalism titled "Body of Secrets". I know of Jim through his wife, a co-worker of mine. Some of you may recall that Jim wrote a best selling expose called "The Puzzle Palace" a number of years ago. Jim interviewed Cliff for his new book and sure enough, a tidbit of of that discussion with attribution to Cliff shows up in print. Given the fact that Cliff owned and managed a gas station adjacent to the National Security Agency, Mr. Bamford solicited Cliff's impressions relative to being a nieghbor of the clandestine member of the US intelligence community. What a suprise. As most of us have said many times over - small world.

...Let me eat. Let me drink. Let me gorge. Let me slurp. Whisper about lasagna. Let me eat.

And in the hours of hunger, She is standing right in front of me, Holding bowls of pasta, let me eat...

"... Mama Leone comes to me. Speaking words of pizza. Let me eat..."? No? All I can say is that I'm on the fourth day of a rabbit food diet and that's what came to mind.

It's time for a lurker sing-a-long...or should i call it a type-a-long? I'll do the first line....When I find myself in times of trouble.

Sounds like Gary went to a little reunion of his own, there. My summer is getting busy with the Mars Society. Check out www.marssociety.com for the latest activities. We're "in season" for our FMARS arctic habitat and I'm working "Mission Support" here in Denver. We've built a "desert habitat" but haven't picked a locale yet. Right now it's on display at the Kennedy Space Center. After Labor Day, we'll move it to some place in the American southwest to run exercises during the winter.

<~~~ Lurking....Been on vacation (Ocean City) with the wife...Had a great time and the weather was super. Have a new job. Still selling Xerox, just for a different agency. I finally got my "Old Turf" back and am selling in the city of Alexandria. I LOVE IT !! Went to Paula Thomas' mothers house for the 4th. It was a blast. Saw a few people there....like....Debi & Rich Watts, Paula, Summers, Mr & Mrs Thomas, Randy Hinson, Doug Jones and Barbara Hofmann (Deb's sister). They have an annual crab feast/birthday party (Summers). There were probably 40 people there. Anyway....Hope everyone is doing well and I'm certainly looking forwad to the 30th next year. Gary

OK guys, where is everybody? Are just the lurkers hanging out and lurking? Probably not since there is nothing going on here these days. The water is going to become a breeding ground for "skeeters" it's so still. Come on folks, talk it up, head count anything.