Tomorrow’s inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America represents an historic moment comparable to Neil Armstrong landing on the moon. In fact, this event may even surpass the lunar landing. The degree to which our society has been transformed since the time we were growing up in Dayton, Ohio during the 1950’s and 1960’s is remarkable. It seems that social barriers are being broken and people are finding out that change is not as bad as some nay-sayers would have us think. Yes, there always will be critics about change telling us every little bad nuance of change, but what about the greater change for good?

     I think our class came of age during a time of tumult in this country when basic values we were taught were being challenged. You name it; the use of drugs, sex, arguing against the war in Viet Nam, women’s rights and on and on. I believe our class grew up together at a time when we had preconceptions about people and the idea of good and bad or right and wrong were oversimplified to the point that they were applied incorrectly. Yes, there some good ideas taught that still ring true today but we did live with biases that have nothing to do with reality.

     The fact that this country just elected Barack Obama, to the highest elected office this country has to offer is testimony to the positive change I think is happening. I also think this change was long overdue!

     Do any of you remember when you felt you couldn’t drive to certain parts of Dayton because that is where black folks live? I do! Now, I know my relating this idea may seem an oversimplification of a more complicated set of emotions each of us may have but the point is that social and economic barriers are being removed in our society. It’s about time!!! How many guys had preconceived ideas about the way guys behaved vis a vis the girls. That changed too! If you were considerate and not “macho,” people thought you weren’t a “take charge” domineering kind of guy; i.e. an embarrassment to the male species. And if the girls asserted themselves or expressed themselves in a direct manner, they were considered difficult or other uncomplimentary descriptions.. I think these examples of behavior have also changed for the better; i.e. guys can be gentlemen and girls can express themselves openly.

     I know the world is now a much more complicated place in which to live compared to the world we grew up in during the 1950’s and 1960’s in Dayton, Ohio. But, I believe we are were given the ability to reason and think which is what I hope this country will collectively do when Barack Obama takes the oath of office on January 20, 2009. What a remarkable and historic event this will be. I understand there may be many who disagree with the thoughts I am expressing. That’s alright! But, change has already happened and the change I have seen is a change I like very much.

     No, this isn't a lesson in Yiddish but rather a brief (very unlike me) summary of our times and national circumstances.

     I thought I'd write this article on June 3, 2007 which happens to be the 44 th anniversary of our graduation from Colonel White High School .

     How many of us remember when we were kids growing up during the 1950's and life was good!! When I say good I mean our Dads had jobs, our family structure had some sense of order, we had food enough to eat and we felt collectively content with our lives. Fast forward 50 years!! Wow!!! Have times changed !!!! Enter the present governmental administration!!! Yes, our current President didn't get a bj in the Oval Office but then when I think about it...he's not an exciting guy!!! In fact, I could do better socially than “Dubyah!!” Now, back on track!!!

     As 60 some year olds, many of us are now likely enjoying grandparenthood let alone parenthood. In our midst many of us can likely see differences in between our generations; i.e. our generation and our kids or our grandkids. Well? Isn't that what we would expect? I say “yes” and “no” to my own rhetorical question. By “yes,” I expect that those who come after us to be better off by virtue of advances in technology, medicine and the like. By, “no” I mean some things are timeless like friendship and character in those that we care to choose as our friends and colleagues.

     Today, it seems to me our society is becoming polarized to the point where old habits of stereotyping people by ethnicity, skin color or anything else we can think of is becoming the norm and not the exception. Personally, I find this trend very scary in that so many of our generation have spent time trying to right the wrongs of the past and now we are going through the same old discussion once again. Didn't we learn our lesson the first time??? I guess not or we are in such a national funk that we can't collectively think straight.

     It also seems in times of hardship, there is always a tendency to scapegoat somebody, somewhere for something that you can't accept or deal with. In short, it is never our fault or it is somebody else's fault. I guess that is human nature, sadly. I wonder how your kids deal with this. My point is if we as Americans are going to get out of this malaise we will have to start identifying problems honestly and dealing with the solutions as honestly. Sadly, our congress is not good. Again, this is my opinion. My view is our congress has been “bought”. Of course, influence peddling has been going on for eons and is nothing new. But you'd think our elected officials would have a limit. I guess I missed the boat on that assumption. Greed is alive and well in the good ol' USA!!!

     Now that I have sort of described our country and “things” ever so briefly, now let's add another bit of “seasoning” to my description of "things". The world isn't as stable as we knew it to be when we were in grade school, high school and then college. We, as Americans, now are not the leaders we once thought we were. Yes, we still do a lot of things better than anybody else but it doesn't make any difference if you are outnumbered by people who do not respect you or have regard for your position issues. In my view, the terrorists that we all have come to know as either Arabic in origin or some third world poverty-stricken types have gained, what I believe, is the upper hand. No they haven't destroyed our society but they sure as hell have us talking and thinking about them. Further, they are forcing us to adjust our lifestyle to deal with their potential threat and they haven't fired a shot!!! Talk about control!!! Enter Sheriff Bush as the Gary Cooper (sorry Gary !!) in “High Noon” with his “yep” and “nope” kind of simple way of dealing with right and wrong. (Author's Note: I'd have gone up against those bad guys if I knew I had a chance with Grace Kelly!!!) The sad fact is that Bush can't pronounce “yep” and “nope.” However, Dick Cheney can.

     Back on track, the sad fact is that Gary Cooper's portrayal of a sheriff standing up the bad guys was a symbol of how we see our selves as Americans and it worked in 1961. It doesn't work like that now, obviously. The world is a complicated place; much more so now than it was when we were kids. The easy-going leadership of a guy like Dwight Eisenhower might not work so well now. Our times require a sophisticated type thinker and a person who can inspire and then lead. We have got to get world respect back in a way that leads us to doing business with other countries.

     So, as our class enters our retirement years, I believe it is incumbent on us as parents, grandparents, or people of influence to do right by our country. Each of you who read this article may have differences with my perspective but at least I offer my thoughts with the spirit of trying to “jump start” the engine of discussion so that we do not have to repeat the mistake we have made by empowering so many people with the highest levels of our confidence only to have these same people take away from us that which is essentially ours and not theirs.

     Remember, hope is a good emotion and not folly. If it were not for hope many a group of persecuted people would have long since disappeared from this planet.

     OK guys, get your collective asses in gear, and go do something!!!

Best regards,

Bruce

----

Oy (Errata!)

     I guess Errata is my middle name!

     This note is intended to publicly correct a misstatement I made in my last article. I asserted that our nemeses have not “fired a shot” and they are influencing our national policy. Well, I am succumbing to some form of dementia because I left out the attack on the World Trade Center and the subsequent plane hijackings and crashes.

     However, my main points in the article still stand. We need to get along in this world or else we will have problems dealing with your earthly neighbors. Some people like the “bully pulpit” while others like to try to reason. I would tell you that even though you know you may be dealing with a lunatic, you have to try but be vigilant. I think the word diplomacy or its concept is not us ed much in Washington, D.C. these days.

Later,

Bruce

     Well, among our illustrious group of writers, Dr. Paul Kottler, Mr. Sam Kurtz and me, the three of us have written about various events, personalities and places in Dayton that were part of our lives during the early 60's at Colonel White.

     It seems to me that we (the three of us) have dwelled on the past, which is over and done with. For many, that is a good thing, and for others they may wish to re-live the past. Either way, it's over! So, my thinking is what's up next for all of us.

     As a group of people who spent only a handful of years together, we are now watching our world change on many levels. The politics of the world when we were in high school were pretty simple. The United States were the “good guys” while the communists were the “bad guys.” Today, it isn't that simple!!

     There are pressures within our society that almost prohibit young people from having fun and going through a young adult change to adulthood (if there is such a word). We are no longer an isolated country secured by being essentially surrounded either by friendly countries to the north and south and oceans to the east and west. The United States is the world's leader in so many things that over time I wonder if the continued display of material possessions has created a sense of envy from other nations that is used as a “battle cry” of political wars against us.

     This idea seems to be borne out by the way other countries react to whatever we do, and especially now with the rising tensions in the Middle East .

     In case some of you haven't noticed, the American population consumes resources at a highly disproportionate level when compared to the rest of the world's population. And what's even more interesting is the fact that so many of us (Americans) do not see our standard of living compared to the rest of the world's population. We surely have it good, as they say, but we are slipping for reasons that get into politics and such. I won't go into that right now but it is interesting that our society is being called upon to find ways to make adjustments as to how we live, and many are complaining and saying the warnings are bogus. The suspicions seem to reflect our society's sense that all things are done for political reasons. Parts of those charges are true but some of the charges or warnings may not be true. So? So what are we going to do???

     As most of you know, the basis for how we feel about ourselves comes by way of successes that we earn through our jobs, our relationships both with those we love (family, lovers, etc.) and friends. It seems to me that today, success has been reduced to one thing – MONEY! Sad but true. Yes, we all need money to live, and have some level of creature comfort. Our parents lived through a period when just having a job was a miracle. Now compare that attitude to what we see in the way that corporate execs and athletes are compensated. Do you think we have gone too far?? I hope all of you think “yes.” To my way of thinking, our society is in serious need of an overhaul! “Me” thinking is “in” and “team” thinking is passé. To me, that is tragic.

     Another aspect of our society that is changing is the speed with which we have come to expect “things” to happen. Due to miraculous achievements in electronics and computer technology, the speed of “getting things done” has increased at an almost unbelievable rate. What used to be a “wait” is unacceptable now. If we can't get it or have it “now,” we get irritated. I believe that a part of our lives is governed by the speed of processing certain things like communications and such. Foolishly, many of us then superimpose the speed of that function to other life functions and the translation does not work well. Hence we become frustrated and angry that something isn't right or not complete fast enough. It's not that something isn't right. It's more that we have to learn to adjust and deal with people as they are. We are not machines!

     Remember when (not to continue to dwell on the past) you used to have privacy? Enter the fax machine and cell phone. Now, you can “be in touch” 24-7. In short, there is no privacy anymore.

     I respectfully offer these ideas because I believe we cannot continue on the path we are presently taking. Something has to give! I know many of you have basic values that were either taught to you by your parents, teachers, or being in a relationship such as being married. I believe we all have to stop and think about which direction our society will take. I am not normally a doom and gloom kind of person but let me offer this, the Greek and Roman empires fell and both were civilized, educated, and productive societies which blossomed and then decayed into obscurity with only legacies remaining.

     The United State has to regain the collective sense of pride and accomplishment that was evident during the Mercury space program. John Kennedy said we were going to put a man on the moon, and return him safely to earth, and we did it!!!

     Our society now faces another challenge that is not scientific. The challenges we face include breaking down social barriers. This effort requires us to rid ourselves of past prejudices borne by habit or by irrational thought. We also must encourage and endorse education. I have witnessed school programs fall flat, even after spending large sums of money, and the kids still can't perform in the classroom. We need to take care of our own by way of providing affordable health care. I know you “Hillary haters” don't like anything that reminds you of what she was advocating but despite your disdain for her, she had a point. The United States is the only industrialized nation on earth that does not provide health care for all its citizens.

     What I am saying in a round about way is that our people have to have something to look forward to. Our leaders have to do just that…lead!! We have no leaders that seem to be able to help us come together as a people with a common agenda. Worse yet, there are no apparent leaders waiting in “the batters box.” Our morale as a people has to be generated individually from within each of us. Is it possible that something could happen to create a sense of collective morale lift?? I think the answer is “yes.” Maybe it will be finding a cure for AIDS. Maybe it will be reducing the unemployment so that people are busier than in recent years. I don't know what the event will be but it sure seems like we have many parts of our collective lives where we could use some good news!!!

     I have personally observed the lack of accountability on the part of parents when it pertains to their kids' behavior. It's never the parents' fault when kids act out or misbehave in public places. Teachers in schools are expected to mete out discipline when it is rightfully the parents responsibility to do so. Kids need to be taught by whatever means is necessary, they are responsible for their actions. Parents also need a lesson in discipline… big time!

     My attempt in writing this narrative was to state some observations I have seen recently in my life while remembering how social and political circumstances were when we all were in grade and high school. I am not trying to bring everybody down because our news people do that much better than I can. I feel that we are a resilient people and can “get the job done” in due time. Also, my reason in writing this narrative might be considered a stimulus for reflection or “food for thought.” Simply put, “Where do we go from here?”

     The Colonel White Class of 1963 is 60 years old. Holy crap!!!! Are you kiddin' me??? No I am not and what's even more interesting is that some of us are not only parents but grandparents!!! Ouch!!!

     OK. Enough of the dwelling on our age!!! But, isn't it thought-provoking that we can all remember our time together as high school kids going through adolescence. Now many of us have kids or grandkids that are embarking on the same growth in life. I would imagine many of you who read this would agree that my thoughts about our station in life are not unusual. However, it doesn't seem that long ago when we were students at Colonel White.

     Here's something to think about, but only if you want to think about it!! For those who have families, are your kids like you were when you were the same age? Do you, as parents, seem to find you have to administer punishment to your kids for the very same things you did as a kid or young adult? From my perspective, I can only suggest because I do not know for sure, I am betting many of you are very glad there are no other “Little Mooses” running around creating havoc.

     But returning to the theme of us Colonel White grads as parents, what are the values we teach today? We all surely remember what values were important when we were teenagers. Today, I think we live in a complicated world, not only politically, but socially as well. What is right and what is wrong? I don't pretend to have the answer to many moral questions but I am sure we all would agree that we are now living in a much more complicated society. The complications have to do with the rate at which our children grow up to become adults and as a consequence, the kids do not seem to have a childhood and teenage life. In fact, it seems apparent that young adults are more mature than we were at the same time in our lives.

     Consider this for a moment, high school kids today are much more likely to have had sexual experiences than we were, they are much more likely to have used drugs; and I am not talking about beer, wine or even smoking pot. Now think how this kind of behavior would have been viewed during our teenage years in the late 1950's and early 1960's. First, the sexual activity part would likely have been viewed with some incredulity and rumors would be started. In my case, I'd think of an Old Testament miracle. Today, if you aren't sexually active you would likely start a rumor. The drug thing can be viewed likewise.

     My question about this situation is simply this, “What is normal behavior?” I know in my youth, I operated at the edge of the behavioral envelope but today, my antics would likely be “no big deal.”

     I'd like to offer this thought. I believe that people are basically good; meaning they do not know hate, distrust or other bad behavioral traits. Kids are taught these values, pure and simple. The teaching may be indirect but these values are taught in some fashion. Human behavior is guided to a large extent by peer pressure whether real or imagined and our class was no different. It is just that what our peer group was doing seems tame or mild by comparison to today's youth behavior.

     I am also guessing that people of our high school class's age are likely more open-minded as parents compared to our parents. I think this is because we generally had more luxury and free time in our lives and our parents lived through World War II.

     Some segments of our population have suggested that it is our generation that was responsible for the moral decline in this country. I am not too sure I “buy” that notion. I would admit that during the 1960's when the Viet Nam War was occurring, protesting, smoking dope and free-spirited sexual activity seemed part of our culture. I think what makes the 1960's so important is that the extreme behavior that our generation was criticized for is activity that happens in each generation but our generation got the media's attention. By now, we all have a pretty fair idea how the media may make us feel about any particular topic. What I think our generation may be responsible for is the awareness of the need to change or challenge authority to get change. The extent to which our generation “pushed the behavioral envelope” remains an interesting and debatable point. Conservatives will argue that “our pushing the envelope” might be bad; especially when it comes to the topics of sex, while liberals will argue change is good and needed. Our history as a people is loaded with change. Now, as a group of “older rebels,” what do we tell our kids and grandchildren???

     So, as we are now entering the realm of Senior Citizens or something like that, it is my fervent wish that all of us remain young at heart and have hopes and dreams of better things. If you don't think it, it can't happen!!! I also believe the basic guidelines we were given by our parents during the 1950's were good values. Yes, there are specific differences based on religious and/or cultural backgrounds but the fundamental rules of life that we were taught were pretty good.

Bruce Hulman

     As the year 2005 is coming to a close I thought I would write something about our collective stations in life. Yes, this is the same Bruce Hulman that was so incorrigible and couldn't keep his mouth shut, and always liked to kid around.

     I thought that on the occasion of our achieving 60 years of life, I would reflect on how our time together at Colonel White still seems to loom in our minds. I am sure the degree of recollection varies with the person, but isn't it neat that we all seem to want to know how we all made out in life, or who we married, or whether we are successful, rich, or whatever.

     Speaking from my perspective, I have to tell you that when I think about my antics during grade school and high school days, I simply laugh at the memory of what a crazy screwball I was. I am happy I was so entertaining and not somebody who went astray in a pathological way, but more that I was able to grow up in a relatively comfortable home and have the friends that I had and clearly laugh a lot. You know what? If given a choice, of what I would rather do, it I would be with people and have a good time. Truly!!! Maybe many of you feel similarly. Yes, there were things that I did, that if I had to do them over again I clearly wouldn't do, but that is life and we all experience life differently.

     What I also find neat and interesting is how loyal we all seem to be, and to keep the idea of getting together every 5 or 10 years to see each other and just hang out and talk. My recollection of the 40 th reunion is that we all really didn't change all that much. Sure, we are all older and hopefully wiser but we are basically the same people we were when we first came together at Colonel White High School in the autumn of 1959.

     Isn't it amazing that we are all 60 now!!! I mean, when we knew each other in high school, the age 60 seemed as distant as a galaxy light years away from earth. It was not even in our thoughts; being 60 that is. Now, guess what? We are 60!

     And sadly, there are those people in our class who have died. That is the real bitter part of getting older and wiser and more mature and all that. Some people you liked and were friends with are just not around anymore. Life can harden you if you let circumstances do that to you. I would like to think that our collective interest in seeing each other comes from something basically good in each of us.

     So, on the occasion or calendar year of our collective 60 years of life, I wish all of you the best for this holiday time. My fervent hope is that the ideals we were all taught by some very patient (esp. in my case) teachers and our parents, about how to conduct ourselves, will show up again in this generation of young people.

Be well everybody!!!

Bruce Hulman

     All right! It's getting to be the weekend and what to do? Well, the easy answer is going to the movies! OK. Now that we have dispensed with that, the question is what movie do you go see? In my case, the decision typically was based on whether it was science fiction or not. And, if it was science fiction, did the movie have a female star who had boobs that looked like the nose cones from a V2 rocket without the fuse or the rocket fuel although a short fuse couldn't hurt in my case.

     All kidding aside, it seemed like so much time of our young dating lives was spent going to the movies. How many remember going to the Keiths theatre on 4 th Street or the Colonial theatre on Ludlow near 5 th Street or the Victory theatre on Main and 1 st Street or the Loews theatre on Main Street across from the Victory theatre? Typically, the tickets would range in cost from about 25¢ to $1.75 during the time when we were going to grade school through high school. Today, you almost need to take out a second mortgage on your home to go the movies. But, hey, the movies stars must eat too!!!

     I especially remember when you approached the refreshment area the aroma of fresh popcorn was just great. Even today, movie theatre popcorn is still the best. if it is fresh. Then, people would adulterate the basic concept of fresh popcorn by putting what the theatre claims is butter on the popcorn. I am not so sure that what the theatre calls butter for popcorn is not a chemical with active ingredients that might make the US EPA's top ten list in stuff to be aware of and not touch. But, we all ate it anyway. Of course the real downside to eating buttered popcorn wasn't the ingestion of chemicals in your body, it was the logistical dilemma of how many napkins do you need to keep wiping your hands due the grease accumulation from the “buttery” substance we asked be put on the popcorn. One of life's serious choices, I suppose. It wasn't a big deal for me because I like plain popcorn, extra crispy.

     Speaking of movie treats, how many remember the great candies you could buy. Milk Duds, Nonpareils, Jujy Fruit, Jujubes, Snickers, Three Musketeers, M & M's, Hershey bars, Reese's cups and there was Good & Plenty. What a name for a candy treat!! Hey folks! Can you think of a better place for that name??? Good & Plenty was the licorice candy that came with white and pink candy shells. The Milk Dud candy was the cause of many brace repairs by Dr. Mayerson. The Milk Dud candy was chocolate over caramel which would remove my braces when I was chewing on the caramel. Luckily, my tooth health was managed by a very patient orthodontist. My parents found yet another reason to doubt my judgment when I would come home from the movies with some of my braces displaced from eating Milk Duds.

     How many remember the balcony section of the Colonial and Keiths theatres. I can't tell you how many times I would be sitting in the front row of the balcony on a Saturday afternoon matinee with a “load” of Jujubes in my mouth only to blow out the Jujubes over the balcony. Let's face it, I was a real troublesome!!! It's not like I did these things alone, I had accomplices but I won't tell who they are because I won't! In keeping with my youthful misdeeds, there were others who would put their chewing gum after it was “spent” on the arm of the movie chair or under the seat or on the floor. If you were the lucky one, you either had the experience of gum getting stuck to your finger or you stepped in the gum and spent the better part of your trek back to the car when the movie was over scraping or dragging your shoe on the sidewalk trying to get the gum off your shoe.

     Now, for the cinematic entertainment we used to go see. This is where our respective minds and social values come into play. How many honestly thought Doris Day movies were great? If anybody indicates to me that they (the ladies please) thought Doris Day was a role model for a woman, please do not tell me!! Doris Day movies suggested sex, talked around sex, hinted at sex but all in the name of good wholesome male/female relationships.

     Remember, our time of adolescence was in the day when the subject of sex was not being openly discussed. Because of Doris Day movies, I used to think that if I was ever lucky enough to have a woman love me and we would be sexually active, that woman would sing, “Que Sera, Sera” to me in bed. What a dope I was!!! Of course, for those that knew me then, you can take a guess at what I would do in return!!!

     I especially liked so many of the Universal International films. You remember Universal International films! The globe of would be shown at the beginning of the movie. Universal International films made so many of the science fiction films I liked such as (Here we go again!) “The Creature From The Black Lagoon,” “This Island Earth,”

“Revenge Of The Creature,” “The Creature Walks Among Us (Today, this would be George W. Bush, the Creature, that is),” “Tarantula” with Leo G. Carroll and a cameo by a young guy named Clint Eastwood. Of course, Universal International had been making films of the mystery or horror genre for quite some time. Some of the older films of Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre were made by Universal International.

     How many remember movies in 3-D? I remember the great horror film, “House of Wax” with Vincent Price. I saw that movie at the Victory. Remember when you paid the admission you received these paper glasses so you could sense the 3-D aspect of the film. I recall the movie, “It Came From Outer Space”, was also in 3-D as well. How many remember when “Cinemascope” first came out? I remember when I saw the wider screen, I actually thought it was no big deal. However, when Jayne Mansfield starred in “The Girl Can't Help It” I then understood why Cinemascope was used as a movie format. How many of you have ever gone to see a movie in the IMAX format? I remember seeing a movie about the space shuttle and the visual aspect of a very large screen was really a different experience. I actually sensed motion sickness, or was thinking I was sensing that.

     Movies for me were a mixture of things social. Going to the movies was a way to “get out.” Today, you don't go to the movies, you rent a DVD and show the movie at home with a surround sound audio system coupled to a plasma screen video device hanging on your wall. It seems the appeal of going to the movies has been diminished with time. But, I don't know of any home where picture show popcorn is offered up or is as good as the fresh popcorn served at theatres we used to frequent!!!

     Kids have Disney World! Football fans have the Super Bowl! Golfers have Augusta National!

     If you are a golfer, or even if you are not, you have heard of the Masters golf tournament. It is the first of four "majors" held every year on the PGA Tour.

     Every golfer who has ever lived would like to play the course. It is a beautiful piece of landscape with azaleas, magnolias and dogwoods in full bloom at the time of the tournament, held the first week in April.

     But alas, only the best pros can play it. Obviously hackers like me can only dream. But if you are real lucky, you can win the Masters lottery and go to Augusta to see a practice round. And that is exactly what happened!

     Each year Augusta National Golf Club sponsors a lottery for those who applied to attend a practice round. For about the last seven years I have applied to attend. This year I finally won. I received four tickets to attend the Tuesday practice round on April 3rd .

     So on March 31st, Jim and Jerry Lake and my wife Susie and I packed up and headed south to Greenville, South Carolina, to see our good friends Dave and Gretchen Neff. We had a great time, as we usually do, visiting with them and then on Monday, Dave, Jim and I drove to Augusta to see another Colonel White cougar, Dick McCoppin, who lives in Augusta . We went out to dinner that night to a sports bar only to see Ohio State lose to Florida for the NCAA championship (Bummer!). But things did get better.

     The next morning was bright and sunshiny as the four of us arrived at the golf course. We walked in the back gate and headed to the course and the first golfer we saw was Tiger Woods. We then proceeded to walk the course in reverse order. We saw almost all 18 holes and a number of professional golfers, like Phil Michelson, Ernie Els and Gary Player. We had a great time walking the hills and taking in the ambiance that is Augusta National.

     Though we only stayed there for about 5 hours, it was great to see a place that we could only imagine.

(L to R) Dick McCoppin, Jim Lake, Sam Kurtz, and Dave Neff

     It is the first of December and I am fulfilling my promise to write an article a month for 2006…even though one month my article was not published. Oh well, **** happens!

     So what should I write about for my last article? I have written a lot about music, something that I dearly love. I have written about lost friends like Larry Patterson, Leslie Mayerson and Ronnie Hein, people I genuinely miss. I have written about Goody's, a place we all miss. I have even written a couple of Cougar Quizzes, to check your knowledge and remembrances of bygone years. But since it is the holiday season, I thought I would reprint something I wrote for this website a couple of years ago.

     Since there are only a few people who read these articles anyway, this may seem like something new. I hope you enjoy it again…or for the first time.

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BIG GAME
or an account of our city championship in 1960

‘Twas the night before the big game, when all through our class,
All our classmates were watching and waiting for a pass
From Bill Gaines to Tom Miller or Butch Baldasare,
In hopes that many touchdowns soon would be there;

The Cougars were nestled all snug in the stands,
With visions of a championship almost in their hands,
And Papa Cougar in his parka and I in my coat,
Were hoping that that was all that she wrote!

The next day at school, there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the blinds and threw up the sash.

The sun on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Gave the luster of mid-morning to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But our football team in all of their gear.

With a steely eye that looked like a BB,
I knew in a moment it must be Jim Eby.
We had beaten the Eagles in the championship game,
And we whistled, and shouted, and called them by name.

“Now Hershey! Now Rusty, now Leedy and Ratliff!
Go Cougars! On Stockstill, go Rodney Keish,
City champions we are, you've given us a lift,
City champions we are, we all got our wish!”

     A lot has been written about The Beatles over the years…so let me add my two cents worth now. The question is: Why were (are) the Beatles so popular? I believe there are a number of reasons.

(I know that the Beatles first became known the year after we graduated from high school but this column does not necessarily deal with our high school lives. Thank Heavens!)

     Let's start with the time in our lives. John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963 . Many of us were (and still are) enamored with the memory and mystique of JFK. We all still wonder ‘what might have been'. Many of us were freshmen in various colleges and universities throughout Ohio and the land. Many others had just recently moved out of our homes and were working and on our own for the first time in our lives. A few of us had already married in 1964 and were just starting a life together with a significant other. In other words, this was a very upbeat and hopeful, yet unpredictable, time in our lives.

     Enter the Beatles in the early spring of 1964. Elvis wasn't as popular in 1964 as he was earlier in his career and the music world was ripe for something new and different. The Beatles provided that freshness. Here was a group that dressed alike, had mop-top haircuts, wrote their own songs, were photogenic, and had personalities and humor that were positive and upbeat. In short, this was ‘what the world needed' in 1964.

     After the song ‘Louie, Louie', where no one could understand the lyrics, here were four lads from England you could understand. And understand we did. There is probably not a person today over the age of thirteen who doesn't know the lyrics to some Beatles song. Commercials use them in their jingles, TV shows use them in their opening credits – we even hear them in the background in supermarkets! Their lyrics are timeless and still hold up today. And the majority of individuals buying Beatles music today are teenagers. Your children and your children's children have become Beatles fans.

     Remember the movie ‘A Hard Day's Night'? It may be hard to realize now but that was really the first music video. The movie itself was nonsensical but it showed the Beatles' humor and it was all a tongue in cheek exercise to capitalize on the popularity and success of the Fab Four. If you get the chance, try to view the movie again. It may make you a fan all over again.

     After the Beatles arrived, pop music culture was never the same again. Think of all the groups and individuals who also became popular at this time. Think Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Beach Boys – to name a few. And to think that these three musical acts are still popular and still performing today. When you think about I, that in itself is amazing.

     As mentioned earlier, the Beatles were positive and upbeat. Look at some of their songs: “Good Day Sunshine” is about laughing and loving on a sunshiny day; “Michelle” is a love song to a girl; “Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da” is a love story about Desmond and Molly Jones; “When I'm 64” is a hopeful song about growing old together; “In My Life”, one of my favorites, is about remembering those you have loved; “Strawberry Fields” is about hopefulness and ‘living with eyes closed';” Good night” is a lullaby about sweet dreams; ”I Will” is an eternal love song; “Got To Get You Into My Life” is about wanting to get and keep a lost love; the list goes on.

     Take a look at the titles of some of the Beatles earliest songs and you can see the simple positive notes just in the titles: “She Loves You”, “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, “Love Me Do”, “All My Loving”, “Please, Please Me” and “I Saw Her Standing There”. I could go on but I think you've got the picture. The lyrics to Beatles songs make you feel good. They are upbeat and imaginative. Catchy melodies that no one thought could be made with three guitars and a drum set are now standard today.

     As mentioned in an earlier column, I saw the Beatles at the International Amphitheater in Chicago on August 12, 1966 . I was in the forty-fifth row and it was as noisy as you can imagine. The warm-up act was a one-hit wonder named Bobby Hebb, who sang “Sunny”. I remember that John was wearing sunglasses during the performance, a not unusual thing today, but it was unusual back then. They ran through their hits as fast as they could and then they were off. It wasn't enough but no one cared. We had seen the Beatles – in person.

     Last month I named a few modern day singers who I thought you might like. I did this because, like most of us, we do get tired of hearing the ‘old songs' all of the time. We like to hear something new that we like – we just don't know ‘who' are the best new singers and bands. So I am here to help. Last month I wrote about new individual artists. This month we'll talk about new groups.

     Let's start with the Jayhawks. Never heard of ‘em? A lot of people haven't but trust me, they are very good. This was a former college band from the University of Kansas who have been around for a few years. If you like Crosby, Stills & Nash and you liked the group Bread, you will like the Jayhawks. Their 2003 album Rainy Day Music is worth a listen. You might even be able to check this one out from your local library.

     Another favorite of mine just came to Dayton and played at the Fraze. It was a rainy night but Train was in good form. I would guess that you have heard Train before but that you just didn't know who they were. The song Respect has gotten a lot of air time and it has been featured in TV and movie soundtracks. There are a number of good tracks on this album including She's On Fire, I wish You Would, and Drops of Jupiter, the title track. Buy the album Drops of Jupiter. You won't regret it and you will play it over and over.

     Another good group worth a listen but has a strange name is Five For Fighting. Their most famous tune is Superman (It's Not Easy). This is a super song and you don't have to pardon the pun. If you only download one song from this group, this is the one. Other good cuts include 100 Years and Angels and Girlfriends.

     Another group that recently played the Fraze is Guster. Guster reminds me of the group Chicago. Their single, One Man Wrecking Machine, is the song that put them on the Alternative record charts. It is another good song that is worth a listen. This is an up and coming band that we will hear a lot more of in the coming years.

     If you watch Desperate Housewives you can hear the song How To Save A Life in the promos. This is a song by The Fray. Another good song from The Fray is Over My Head (Cable Car). This too is a new group worth a listen.

     Golden Smog is another alternative group that has some good songs. On their latest album, Another Fine Day, there are some good songs and there are a few stinkers too. A better album from them (at your local library) is Down By The Old Mainstream. This is an earlier but better effort.

     Last month I listed Keane as a single artist that I liked. Well, I certainly don't know everything. I discovered that Keane is really a group. I think you will like them anyway.

     There are a number of groups that have put out some good singles but I don't know too much about their body of work. This includes Matchbox 20, Barenaked Ladies, the Goo-Goo Dolls, Green Day, The Shout Out Louds and Aqualung. If you have I-Tunes on your computer, you can listen to snippets for 30 seconds of every artist in the world to decide if you like them. I hope you try, and like, some of the groups I have tried to introduce in this column. Let me know your favorites.

     Next month I will write about something more familiar – The Beatles. See you then.

     So you say you're tired of listening to the old songs? Sure, they are great and they are timeless and they mean a lot….but you would like to listen to someone, or something, new. But you haven't got a clue as to what is “good” music these days. Well, I am here to help. I am going to recommend some artists, mostly listed as “alternative” – but who have really recorded some good songs that I think you will like.

     Let's start with the single artists. I will mention an artist who you might like that you recognize, and then I will recommend a “new” artist or a song that I think you will like if you like the first artist mentioned. Is this clear as mud? Let's give it a try, and since I am a male, we'll start with the females.

     Do you like the range and pipes of Barbra Streisand? If so, try listening to Trisha Yearwood. Yes, I know she is “country” and you wouldn't be caught dead listening to country, but trust me. Give her a try. She has the strongest voice of any female singer currently recording today. I think you will like her. If you want to download one song from I-Tunes for your I-pod, try “How Do I Live?”

     You say you like the old Carole King songs? So do I – and I have new alternative artists to recommend to you. I will start with Kathleen Edwards. Her latest work is her best and the song “Back To Me” is a real keeper. Remember the first American Idol? Kelly Clarkson was the winner and her album “Breakaway” won a Grammy last year. Again, if you only want to try one song, download “Breakaway”.

     If you are looking for just a good song, I would recommend “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer. I wouldn't recommend their album but this is a killer song. Another good alternative artist is Paula Cole. Her best song is “I Don't Want To Wait” which was the theme song from the television show, Dawson 's Creek.

     If you are looking for some sexy sounds, try anything by jazz singer Diana Krall. She is married to Elvis Costello so her taste in men is suspect but not the quality of her sultry ballads. Along this same vein, Sade has recorded some wonderful jazz also.

     You say you like Paul Simon, Elton John or Stevie Wonder? Then I would highly recommend new alternative artist Jack Johnson. His album “In Between Dreams” is one of my favorites. Most of his songs are catchy tunes with just his voice and his guitar. He recently recorded the soundtrack to the movie Curious George. Another new alternative artist in the same vein as Paul Simon is Mat Costa. You might give him a try also.

     Another favorite new alternative artist is Keane. One of his best songs to try is “Somewhere Only We Know”. He has recorded two albums and they are equally good. Rob Thomas, formerly of Matchbox 20, has recorded an album entitled “…Something To Be” – and I would recommend it highly. He will be around for a long time. And If you are looking for a good country male singer, I recommend Alan Jackson. He writes his own music and his lyrics are well written. Alan is really “country” so he twangs a bit – but he has a real strong voice.

     If you are just looking for a couple of feel good Beach Boy tunes for the summer, then I would recommend Sheryl Crow's “Soak Up The Sun”. The song is five years old but it too will be a perennial summer favorite. Another one for your I-pod is “High On The Sunshine” by alternative artist Kelly Brock. These two songs sound nothing like the Beach Boys, but they make you want to sing along like you did with “California Girl”, “Surfin' Safari” or “Good Vibrations”.

     If anyone actually reads this column and you try some of these artists, let me know what you think. I would not purposely lead you astray.

     Next month, in October, I will list the best of the new alternative groups. See you then.

     Last month I listed the best songs from our grade school years and this month I will list those from our Colonel White years – 1960-1963. There were a lot of worthy contenders and the following are those songs that made the cut. Web-sites were checked and cross-referenced and the following fifty songs, I hope, were the most memorable to you.

1960

1. A Summer Place by Percy Faith. This was the number one hit that year.
2. El Paso – Marty Robbins
3. Running Bear – Johnny Preston
4. Teen Angel – Mark Dinning
5. Stuck On You – Elvis Presley
6. Cathy's Clown – The Everly Brothers
7. I'm Sorry – Brenda Lee
8. Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini – Brian Hyland
9. It's Now Or Never – Elvis Presley
10. The Twist – Chubby Checker
11. Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Elvis Presley

1961

1. Tossin' and Turnin' – Bobby Lewis (Number one for the year)
2. Wonderland By Night – Bert Kaaempfert
3. Blue Moon – The Marcels
4. Runaway – Del Shannon
5. Mother-In-Law – Ernie K-Doe
6. Travelin' Man – Ricky Nelson
7. Quarter To Three – Gary U.S. Bonds
8. Take Good Care Of My Baby – Bobby Vee
9. Hit The Road Jack – Ray Charles
10. Runaround Sue – Dion
11. Big Bad John – Jimmy Dean
12. Please Mr . Postman – The Marvellettes
13. The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens

1962

1. I Can't Stop Loving You – Ray Charles (Number one for the year)
2. Peppermint Twist – Part I – Joey Dee and the Starliters
3. Duke of Earl – Gene Chandler
4. Hey! Baby – Bruce Channel
5. Johnny Angel – Shelley Fabares
6. Soldier Boy – The Shirelles
7. Stranger On The Shore – Mr. Acker Bilt
8. The Stripper – David Rose
9. Roses Are Red (My Love) – Bobby Vinton
10. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do – Neil Sedaka
11. The Loco-Motion – Little Eva
12. Sherry – The 4 Seasons
13. Monster Mash – Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers
14. Big Girls Don't Cry – The 4 Seasons

1963

1. Surfin' USA – The Beach Boys (Number One)
2. Go Away Little Girl – Steve Lawrence
3. Hey Paula – Paul & Paula
4. Walk Like A Man – The 4 Seasons
5. Our Day Will Come – Ruby & The Romantics
6. He's So Fine – The Chiffons
7. I Will Follow Him – Little Peggy March
8. Surf City – Jan and Dean
9. Fingertips – Part 2 – Little Stevie Wonder
10. My Boyfriend's Back – The Angels
11. Blue Velvet – Bobby Vinton
12. Sugar Shack – Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs

     The sound of music soon took a big turn in 1964. And I am sure we all know why. 1964 was the year that The Beatles invaded not only America but also the world. Their songs reside on our “best” lists here, and starting in 1964, they also dominated the charts throughout the world. Nothing seems to have changed regarding The Beatles as there is a new legion of fans who are buying their CD's all around the world. And most of these fans were born after 1964!

     Next month I will try to explain the Beatle phenomenon. Yes, I am a Beatle-maniac.

See you next month.

     In this month's article, I'm going to attempt to list the best songs from our fifth through eighth grade years – 1956 to 1959. This is not an easy task. Bob Seger once said in his song, ‘Against The Wind', ”I've got so much more to think about, deadlines and commitments, what to leave in, what to leave out.” In preparation for this article, I checked a few websites and I have attempted to narrow the choices down to those songs that seemed to be memorable to us and on every critic's website. I hope you agree with what I have left in. Let me know your thoughts.

     I am going to start with 1956 with a listing of nine songs, starting with the number one hit of the year by Elvis Presley, Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog. This single 45 had both hits on the same record. Other great songs from 1956:

2. Why Do Fools Fall In Love – Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers

3. See You Later Alligator – Bill Haley and His Comets

4. Be Bop A Lula – Gene Vincent

5. Heartbreak Hotel – Elvis again

6. Just Walkin' In The Rain – Johnnie Ray

7. The Green Door – Jim Lowe

8. My Prayer – The Platters

9. In The Still Of The Night – The Five Satins

1957 's biggest hit was by Pat Boone – Love Letters In The Sand. Other super songs from 1957:

11. Blueberry Hill – Fats Domino

12. Little Darlin' – The Diamonds

13. School Day – Chuck Berry

14. A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation) – Marty Robbins

15. Bye Bye Love – Everly Brothers

16. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter – Billy Williams

17. Diana – Paul Anka

18. Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On – Jerry Lee Lewis

19. Wake Up Little Susie – Everly Brothers

20. Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley

21. Chances Are – Johnny Mathis

22. You Send Me – Sam Cooke

23. Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly

24. Chantilly Lace – The Big Bopper

25. Summertime Blues – Eddie Cochran

1957 was a tough act to follow and one of the hardest years to narrow down the best hits. 1958 was not easy either. Remember these songs?

The biggest hit of the year was also one of the biggest makeout songs of all time – It's All In The Game by Tommy Edwards.

27. At The Hop – Danny and the Juniors

28. Great Balls of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis

29. All The Way – Frank Sinatra

30. Tequila – The Champs

31. Sweet Little Sixteen – Chuck Berry

32. Purple People Eater – Sheb Wooley

33. Poor Little Fool – Ricky Nelson

34. Splish Splash – Bobby Darin

35. Tom Dooley – The Kingston Trio

36. To Know Him Is To Love Him – The Teddy Bears

We are now into our eighth grade year and the top song of the year was Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin. Other best songs of 1959:

38. Stagger Lee – Lloyd Price

39. Donna – Ritchie Valens

40. Venus – Frankie Avalon

41. Charlie Brown – The Coasters

42. Come Softly To Me – The Fleetwoods

43. Sorry (I Ran All The Way Home) – The Impalas

44. Kansas City – Wilbert Harrison

45. Dream Lover – Bobby Darin

46. Personality – Lloyd Price

47. So Fine – The Fiestas

48. La Bamba – Ritchie Valens

49. Put Your Head On My Shoulder – Paul Anka

50. There Goes My Baby – The Drifters

     The above list is certainly a selective one. One song that didn't make the list was from 1957, Come Go With Me by The Dell Vikings. This was one of my favorites but this was one I had to leave out. I hope you enjoy the list. Next month I will try to do the same thing – from 1960 to 1963, the Colonel White years. If there is a song that must be on the list, let me know.

     Some time back I wrote a reply to the "Favorite Eatery" topic on Tunnel Talk. Marion Glass was a family friend for as long as I can remember.

     When I was a young lad growing up I went with my family to Marion's Ice Cream Parlor on North Main and Hudson Avenue . My grandmother lived just around the corner on Hudson Ave.   I spent many a Saturday in Marion 's sipping sodas and playing the juke box while Marion fed me quarters. I also watched as Marion and Irene, his wife, built their first, of many, apartment buildings.

     When he decided to sell the Ice Cream Parlor to Dick Hanauer, his manager for years, and get in the pizza business it was the talk of the neighborhood. He was going to "do battle" with Vic Cassano. The "pizza king". Needless to say Marion did his homework and became the #1 pizzaria in Dayton Ohio .Still is number one according to every Dayton poll ever taken. Marion Glass was a fine gentleman and a good businessman. He loved people, and could talk to all... and will be missed by many in Dayton . Ironically, Dick Hanauer, who managed the ice cream parlor and later owned the business until it was closed in the ‘90's, passed away several weeks back.

     His obit was also in the Dayton paper. It was the end of an era for both men. They will be remembered in this town. And missed.

- Harry Malone

Harry's Vettes

"THE VETTES" - THE MEN - THE MUSIC - THE LEGEND
by Harry Malone
THE BAND-
DON DONNET
WALT HARRISON
HARRY MALONE
BOB SAVAGE
DAN RUBIN
"THE VETTES"

THE PLAN- A BAND IS FORMED
Fall 1962. Senior study hall. Danny, Harry, and Bob are discussing music, bands, and the general state of rock and roll. Danny was a keyboard specialist. Harry and Bob played guitars. Danny liked Ray Charles and jazz. Harry liked blues. Bob liked the west coast "surfer sound". A good volatile mix. "Let's form a band!" Keyboard and two guitars. A drummer was needed. Don Donnet, sitting in the front of study hall, was invited to the forum. "We're starting a rock and roll band and need a drummer." Don thought it over for about thirty seconds. "I'm in" was the reply. Now a bass player was desperately needed. Enter Walt Harrison. "What's up guys?" "We're forming a band and need a bass player." "I play a guitar." "Close enough. You're in." A song list was compiled. Practice sessions were diligently attended. The band was starting to sound pretty good. We were finally ready for the "Big Time". That " Three F" reward of all rock bands. Fame, fortune, and FEMALES! All we had to do now was find a "gig". A place, or party that would let us play our music. [to be continued----]

HELLOOOOO DAYTON ! ARE YOU READY TO ROCK-N-ROLL?-------
The first booking for the band. A real, live "gig". Someone did some serious campaigning and landed us a booking for the C. W. White House, after game, parties. Finally fame, fortune, and females were within our grasp. Nope. Scratch fortune. These were to be "opportunities of exposure". A FREEBIE! Oh well. It took all of about thirty minutes to set up after the game. A little fine tuning and we were ready. A one, and a two, and a ..... Geesh! What's that noise? It sounded like someone stepping on a cat! A few amplifier adjustments, and we were finally "cookin'". After playing through our set of ten or so tunes people were actually dancing. We rocked on until the wee hours of eleven or twelve pm. The "Vettes" were accepted. We played the White House several more times during the football season. Seeking "windows of further opportunity" the band went in search of some "Open House" bookings. The next chance to play was found right under our noses. Senior study hall. Bobby Davis was going to have an "open house". It was to be held in the basement of the Davis home. Nicely finished basement. Plenty of space. Sparse furnishings. Concrete and iron construction. Perfect. What could possibly go wrong. AAAGHH ! Our electrified sound was bouncing off every wall in the room. What were we to do? The problem was quickly rectified with the arrival of somewhere between fifteen and seventy-five people. Warm bodies will deaden reverberation, plus make a little noise of their own. Problem fixed. Let's party! Things were good. Only a few comments from the upstairs living area, which were quickly handled by our host. Lots of people. Lots of dancing. Lots of music. The band played until we were ready to drop. I think an all time record was set that evening for the performance of the song "Last Night" by the Barkays. Fifty-five minutes. The crowd loved it. The neighbors loved it when the party was finally over. The "Vettes" were established. The next booking came by an unexpected telephone call.” Could we play an Open House at the Red Barn?" "We are willing to pay a reasonable fee." This was it. The big time. Cash. Money. The elusive "F" that had been missing so far. "We'll check our calendar and get back to you." You're durn tootin' we'll get back to you! The booking was to turn out to be a REAL experience.....[to be continued.]

HO! HO! HO!..AND AWAAAAAY WE GO!...It's SHOWTIME!
Whoever planned the "Open House" at the Wamplers' Red Barn would never stand muster with Martha Stewart. They should have been sent where she is eventually headed. A party planner, they ain't! The Open House was to be held on December 25th. Christmas night. They "really wanted the Vettes to play”. They "would be more than glad to pay us the $125.00", [ a pretty fair sum for a starting band at the time]. Read between the lines: December 25th. Christmas night. They "really liked our sound". YOU BETCHA! They had neglected to hire a band before contracting for the hall. Every other band was either booked up, or told them what to do with the booking date. We were the last prayer they had. It was us, or Chapter 7.It was a tough decision for the band as well. "Well, what's it going to be? Dinner with our families, or play the "gig" at the Red Barn?" A vote was taken. A decision made. It was to be "leftovers" all around.[Warm turkey or twenty-five bucks. How would you have voted?] We really could use the money. Don wanted some new drum gizmos. Walt need cash for a "big date". Bob need cash for new guitar strings.[He broke a LOT of guitar strings.]Danny and Harry were going to wisely spend some money on wine, women, and song. The rest they were just going to blow. The "gig" was on. The band was set up and ready to play by seven. Doors opened at seven-thirty. Where's the wild partying crowd? Where's the big rush to the stage? Eight fifteen . Finally a decent amount of people. The band was running through the first of three or four sets for the evening. "Do you guys know this song?" Nope. "Dedications?" Nope. "Are you going to sing sometime this evening?" Nope. [At times combined singing and playing was a real challenge.]"We just play good music." Eventually the music caught hold and things went smoothly. We played the closing song around eleven thirty. We collected our hard earned cash and split. "Whew! Sure glad this night's finally over." "Amen!" The "Vetes" played several other parties and functions that school year, but the best was yet to come. The last Hoorah! We would turn it into a real blowout.....[to be continued.]

ONCE MORE...FROM THE TOP...
The "Vettes" had come full circle. They were right back where they had started. Second period, Senior study hall. However the day would be different. There would be no studies. It was Senior Day, and the "Vettes" were playing the cafeteria. Third period, A,B,and C lunch. They would set up in the senior section. As said in the "biz", there was much "rigging" to be done. Chairs were moved. Tables were quickly arranged to form a makeshift stage. Band equipment was set up and finely tuned. They were ready. "Papa Cougar" put in an appearance, either out of curiosity, or to ensure that the band wouldn't destroy "his" cafeteria. There's the bell! And they're off! Don, rounding the stage and mounting his drums, followed by Danny on the keyboards, with three guitars trailing behind. It was definitely going to be "Showtime" this day. I believe it was Danny who said "Well guys, this is it. Let's turn up the heat and give 'em a real show!" The band played hard right from the start. To the amusement of the seniors, and the amazement of the underclassmen and teaching staff, we had them rockin' and rollin' in the isles. Students, and several teachers, were dancing. Others were smiling and tapping their feet to the music. The band had succeeded once again. The crowd was ours. At least for an hour and a half that day. The band gave them music hot and heavy. Ray Charles' "What'd I Say". Booker T's "Green Onions". The Ventures "Walk, Don't Run". The Barkays' "Last Night”. The list of tunes went on and on. The music got hotter, and louder as time progressed. Students were staying, instead of returning to classes. Teachers were coming in to utter reference to the sound level, and "what the h--- was going on?" AAAH ! The halls of granite. What a sound box! The sound carried everywhere in the building. It was standing room only in the Senior Section. [We had used all the tables for the stage.] All over the cafeteria people were up and rocking. "Poppa Cougar", with arms folded, was again tapping his foot. Hopefully to the music, although doubtful. Then that dam fourth bell rang. It was over almost as fast as it had begun. Finished. Fini. The music had faded. Students returned to classes. The mighty "concert hall" was empty. The cafeteria can be a very quiet, lonely place when the parties over. The band silently packed away their equipment. I believe every band member knew this would be the last chance to play together. As Seniors, we would be very busy. Graduation Day was fast approaching. The band members would be moving on with their lives. Everyone moving in their own direction. Silent thoughts can be terrible. Some Roman once said that "all glory is fleeting." Another person said,” everyone gets their fifteen minutes of fame." The "Vettes" were fortunate. The band had nine months, with an hour and a half grand finale'. This story needed to be told. From the fall of '62, until the spring of '63 the "Vettes" were a band. They were five classmates. They were five friends. They were five guys making music. As one. They were the "VETTES"...............

In each segment of the "Vettes" saga be sure to click on the e-mail icon.[The little typewriter on the left.] It will reveal quotations and quips related to the music world. They relate to the article, and are a gas to read. Thank you for letting me clog up the pages of Tunnel Talk. It just needed to be done.

Whoops! Screwed up. Click on the mail box. Not the typewriter. I just noticed some of the spelling is terrible as well. Had to say this before the spelling police [Joel] got to me. Thanks again.