Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2008, No.50 - BOZO BOUGHT THE FARM

Beta Pi


BOZO BOUGHT THE FREAKIN' FARM
For some time now, I’ve had this vision of having a "farmette" - as they say - a small farm near Nashville. Add to it a "Bunkhouse/rehearsal studio" - where Andrew and his band, Groundspeak - and my step-son William and his Bluegrass band - could rehearse as long and loud as they wanted, and sleep if they wanted.
Well, the deed is done - pun intended! I finally made it happen - signed on the dotted, as the saying goes.
It is a pretty farm located near Dickson, in Dickson County, Tennessee (about an hour from Nashville). It’s about 9.6 acres, with a spring fed creek, a large horse barn, s few out buildings, and a single-wide-mobile-home (I love it!)
After a coat of paint, the single-wide-mobile-home will become the "Bunkhouse/rehearsal studio." Ann and I don’t plan to actually live there until we build a home there, which will be some time around whenever. My step-son William is expected to graduate from MTSU in 2011. I’ll be 58 then, and some time after that, I hope to retire.
The farm is in a valley, and there are several places we can build. Ya-Hoo!!!
Y’all come back now, hear?


As of this publication, the update is as follows:

TICK-A-LO’s-O-73 UPDATE

GEORGE "ABER" ABERNATHY and wife Kimberley: YES!

CLAUDE "TERMINATOR" CODY and wife Anne: YES!

GEORGE "LOO" JOE and mystery woman / significant other / wife?: YES!

MIKE "CLEVE" McCARTY
MARK "CHEEKS" REED

JOHN "BOSS" STEIN

GEORGE "THE HEME" TOMLINSON

TOM "THE LOVE-MAN" LOVINGGOOD

LAWRENCE "LORENZO BOZINO" SIMONS and wife Ann: YES!

* * *
Not too long ago, the Class-o-78 had their own mini reunion, but it was an - sniff-sniff - "invitation-only affair." (See Archives, Vol.2008, No.30).

WHAT WILL BE THE CLASS-O-78'S FATE

The ATO’s of 1978 included Mark Adams; Jimmy Grissett; Chip "Attack-Puppet" Heartfield; LARK "just-because-he’s-got-a-cute-daughter-doesn’t-mean-he’s-not-gay" MASON; Randy "Wheezer" Martin; Ed "Mutual Fund" Oppenhiemer; Greg "Fisticuffs" Qualls; Don "Stroke-me" Scott; Dick "Stone-oid" Stoner; and Sean "That’s Classified" Walsh).

For that reason, Mr. Grissett had told me it was unlikely that any of those 1978 boys would appear at Reunion 2008 (their 30th Reunion).

Mr. Grissett, as you know, Reunion 2008 also includes HOMECOMING 2008.

People - this football game promises to be SMASHING!
My step-daughter Maggie just told me the DORES ARE NOW RATED 19!

Need I say more, Mr. Grissett, or perhaps I should invoke that mystery man - whom you invented just to confuse people - LARK MASON, you freakin’ a-hole! ILAMATOB (I love all my ATO Brothers).

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS:  As of July 29, 2008, the Blog roster stands at 90 Beta Pi brothers, 82 Tick-a-lo men online who have e-mail addresses, and __ ATO Girlfriends-o-Yore. If you have an e-mail address on a Brother, or sister - fugetaboutit!
VTL,
Larry Simons
Beta Pi, 72

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2008, No.48, G-F-O-Y Prize Winner Announced

Beta Pi:

IS"BETA PI BLOG" JUNK E-MAIL?

: Yes, and no! It is not this e-mail. This e-mail contains some written content of the "Beta Pi Blog", not the entire content. The "blog" is actually a web-site, it includes pictures, links, Archives of previous issues, and other time-wasters. To get there, simply "Click on" the web address: ___



So, I signed on today, and a contest I thought had been all but forgotten renewed my faith in America’s love of the contest. This one is an historic one, my pals and gals!

My friends, it gives me great pleasure to announce the Winner, of the Beta Pi Blog 2008 Girlfriends-o-Yore Contest. There was a tie, so naturally your Beta Pi Blog Sports Editor (Frank J. Biller) made the call on the tie breaker, and I took the honor of calling Travis today. He was tickled Pink! (No pun intended).

YOUR WINNER IS MR. TRAVIS T PARR!

Here is how it happened:

First, I read two e-mails from

Rena Dabne:




From Rena Dabne, September 18, 2008

I loved your blog however I am concerned that in the pictures Travis was much prettier than I was in college. Could we not use his current picture with gray hair and a few years on him. Put me on your blog list if you would. I got the last one forwarded to me from Penelope Malone. Look forward to more. Rena




Okay –– so I’’m reading down this blog and I wish to add some comments but since I am an artist and not a computer nerd (actually hardly a nerd at all), you will have to tell me what to do. I always thought T Parr was such a nice boy however, in retrospect, he may have been wilder than I thought. Wish I had known that 35 years ago. Perhaps I would have let him wrangle more steak. Love.



Then, I read one from Penelope Malone. As it were, I did have one date with The Mighty Penelope, and there is your tie. Biller ruled me out.

Larry:

By some quirk in planetary alignment, I happened on your Beta Pi blog and saw the Girlfriends-O-Yore posting. Guess this puts me in the ATO nebuloid category. You and I were at VU together and Chris Page (a/k/a Birdman) was a close friend of mine so I knew several of the folks in your blog-o-sphere. Did you and I go out on a date once? I cannot remember...those brain cells were overwritten about 10 yrs ago....

Going back to the blog, Rena (Dabney) Sartain is my KD sister who see all the time here in Atlanta where my spousal unit and I live. I told her she was listed in Girlfriends-O-Yore and think she's going to write to you--emerging from the mists of time.

I sent email to Chris Page asking if he is linking into your blogonia but haven't heard back from him. Last talked to him Sept. 2007 and tried to persuade him to go to VU Reunion that year (I and other KD's--Sherrill Perkins, Ruth Miller and Rena went) but he and his wife were celebrating a big anniversary and had a trip planned for that weekend. Warm regards, Penelope Malone (VU '75)

* * * * *

My sweetheart, and love-of-my-life,

Ann Polk Simons is also an ATO Grilfriend-o-yore, because Ann and I dated at VU.




So did JD, but that story is a separate matter.





BETA PI BLOG WELCOMES RENA DABNE, PENELOPE MALONE AND ANN POLK to the roster!

Be well, my gals!!

For those of you new to the blog, the contest rules are found at “Archives - Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2008, No.34"


BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS: As of July 18, 2008, the Blog roster stands at 90 Beta Pi brothers, 82 Tick-a-lo men online who have e-mail addresses, and __ ATO Girlfriends-o-Yore. If you have an e-mail address on a Brother, or sister - fugetaboutit!

VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2008, No.47 - NEWS FLASH - BILLER ELOPES!

Beta Pi:

IS "BETA PI BLOG" JUNK E-MAIL?: Yes, and no! It is not this e-mail. This e-mail contains some written content of the "Beta Pi Blog", not the entire content. The "blog" is a web-site, it includes pictures, links, Archives of previous issues, and other time-wasters. To get there, simply "Click on" the web address: http://journals.aol.com/lasimons4law/beta-pi-blog/ .

NEWS FLASH - BILLER ELOPES! So this morning, I get this from Buck, which he posted to me and Vinny:

"Hi guys,

First off, I want you two guys to know that I love you both like my own brothers.
Second, I know that both of you guys love me and are continually trying to keep me away from sharp objects so that I don't hurt myself.

That being said, Margo and I were married last night at a civil ceremony in Las Vegas. No family was present from either side. We were coming here on a business trip with some associates who are also pretty good personal friends of mine. None of Margo's family or friends were here.

I did not invite you or any of my family members for a variety of reasons. First, Margo and I decided last month after several months of trying to plan logistics for a wedding that it was just going to be too complicated and too expensive to try to get people from all parts of the country to a cool place for a wedding ceremony. At that point we had decided to just go down to the Des Moines courthouse, get a licence and get married by a JP on a Friday afternoon, then go out for a nice dinner. We decided that we would spend our money and efforts on a reception around Christmas time when my kids would be in town and most of the family and friends from our home towns could attend.

My friend Rusty had been teasing me about paying for my wedding at a drive through Elvis Chapel while we were in Vegas. I told Margo that and she said 'Hey, why not, it would be a lot of fun'. One thing lead to another and we wound up getting married at the Flamingo. It was very cool and I lot of fun. I wish that all my family and friends could have been here. But, it just wasn't practical.

I specifically did not invite or alert you two because I knew that you were against me marrying so soon.

I know that you guys do not know Margo and have absolutely nothing against her at all. I can only assure you that she is a wonderful person and that you will love her once you get to know her. However, you guys both know me extremely well. I have had a history of making bad decisions for the wrong reasons throughout the course of my life. I appreciate that you guys have been rocks for me during my tumultuous divorce and bachelorhood. You guys never judge me, you always support me when I am down and you have been good and true and loyal friends throughout.

I know in my heart that Margo is the last woman on earth for me. I have put her through trials that someone who is not sincere and committed would have run away from. You have both been there at times with me and my craziness. I know that I have hurt you by not inviting you to the wedding. But, it was the right thing for me to do and I wanted to go into it 100% committed and certain. I could not do it any other way. Please, do not worry about me. Margo loves me totally and she will take good care of me.

We are planning two receptions this winter in Iowa. You guys and your wives are my guests of honor. I will talk to you next week. VTL my Brothers, Buck

 

ON BEHALF OF TICK-A-LO NATION . . . . (Drum roll) . . . (Ruffles & Flourishes played by trumpeters) . . . (bottles uncorked) . . . (Confetti is unleashed) . . .

BETA PI BLOG . . .

CONGRATULATES FRANK J. BILLER & MARGO!

 

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS: As of September 5, 2008, the Blog roster stands at 92 Beta Pi brothers, 84 Tick-a-lo men online who have e-mail addresses. If you have an e-mail address on a Brother - fugetaboutit!

VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2008, No. 46 - The Bucko Sports Page

Beta Pi:

IS "BETA PI BLOG" JUNK E-MAIL?: Yes, and no! It is not this e-mail. This e-mail contains some written content of the "Beta Pi Blog", not the entire content. The "blog" is a web-site, it includes pictures, links, Archives of previous issues, and other time-wasters. To get there, simply "Click on" the web address: http://journals.aol.com/lasimons4law/beta-pi-blog/ .

Well, if you guys read issue #43, 44 and 45, you probably got it that yours truly - Bozino - was hungry for new meat on da blog. Then, last night, I tuned in ESPN, and watched the Vanderbilt Commodores rip South Carolina to shreds: final score, 24-17 upset!!!!!. I couldn’t be at the game, cause my wife Ann is recuperating from a fall - so I e-mail Boss Stein, I said Boss, I am a "music guy", you are a "sports guy" (former Schwimbaggio) - you must write this!

To which, Boss writes back: "Sweet, sweet win. I was there to the wonderful finish. Sorry - no time." For a guy who runs the Tennessee Bank Industry, has a gorgeous wife, and is top-dog fundraiser for Class-o-73, I was grateful he took time to send me that much.

In the words of the late, great Jerry Reed: "When you HOT, you HOT, so I said THANKS A LOT!" That is a true quote.

So, I try the same strategy with my best friend - Frank "Bucko" Biller. Frank is both a "music guy" and a "sports guy." I was always jealous of that - being pretty much a goon, myself. Although, I did OK in The Fight (it was a lucky punch).

Frank was ready and willing, and he ripped off a column in less than 20 minutes. So, without further "to-do" . . .

BETA PI BLOG UNVEILS NEW FEATURE - "THE BUCKO SPORTS PAGE" -

by Frank J. Biller, ATO, Beta Pi Blog Contributing Sports Editor.

Frank has  agreed to cover Vandy Football this season - awesome!  Who knows, Bucko might even start his own "blog" - would that be cool, or what?   Of course, Vinny drew up a contract in which Frank gives me all right and title, succka!

BUCKO SPORTS PAGE, Vol.2008, No. 01

By Frank J. "Bucko" Biller

ATO, Beta Pi Blog Contributing Sports Editor

Commode-ers thump 'Cocks?
Truth is stranger than fiction sports fans. I turned on my e-mail this morning and had the following from my former neighbor:

"Dear Frank,

I know you are a Vandy grad and my local paper doesn't cover SEC football very well so I thought I would appeal to you for an update.

I was fortunate enough to catch the first half of the tilt of Vandy's intrepid 11 vs. South Carolina and it's famous coach (Editor's note: and ATO Brother / First of Several Former Undeserving Florida Heisman Trophy Winners) Steve "The Old Ball Coach" Spurrier on ESPN 116 last night.

In attendance was my new wife and some-time Football fan Bambi.  I have included a recent picture of Bambi that might help you understand her un-familiarity with the nuances of college football (as well as my whirl-wind romance and unexpected nuptials).

After hosting a rather rousing half-time entertainment, Bambi focused her attentions back at the screen, developed a rather puzzled look on her face and asked me the following:

"Why would an institute of higher learning like Vanderbilt want to associate its sports team with a symbol like the commode? What's that all about? Is that one of those Harvard Lampoon things like a parody on political correct-ness? Commode-ers? And the Game Cocks? Talk about arrogant! I think someone is just a little too proud of themselves. Do these boys walk around with their man-hood exposed stating that they are game? So I suppose North Carolina's team is the 'Fun Nuts'? Really, football is so infantile! Let's switch to the 'Project Runway' marathon'."

*      *      *

 

So, BUCKO - I was wondering if you would let me know how the game turned out? (Note: Season 5 Leather Goddess Stella B. Zotis won last nights episode of PR.).

Your pal,
Jim"

You can't make this kind of stuff up sports fans!  Go 'Dores!

VTL,
Frank J. "Bucko" Biller
ATO Beta Pi Blog Contributing Sports Editor"

* * *

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS: As of September 5, 2008, the Blog roster stands at 92 Beta Pi brothers, 84 Tick-a-lo men online who have e-mail addresses. If you have an e-mail address on a Brother - fugetaboutit!

VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2008, No. 45 - Beale Street, Part 2

Beta Pi:

IS

"BETA PI BLOG" JUNK E-MAIL?: Yes, and no! It is not this e-mail. This e-mail contains some written content of the "Beta Pi Blog", not the entire content. The "blog" is a web-site, it includes pictures, links, Archives of previous issues, and other time-wasters. To get there, simply "Click on" the web address: http://journals.aol.com/lasimons4law/beta-pi-blog/ .


* * *BEALE STREET, PART 2: . . . the rest of the story, 24th Annual Music Pioneer Awards, Homecoming Celebration 2008.

I got a call from Andrew - he had just learned (yesterday) that GROUNDSPEAK would be receiving the Award for Most Promising New Band, that night, August 28, 2008. Oh, and by the way - would they play at the Awards Show? Yes, indeed!

He said the Awards are given by United Music Heritage, Inc., a fellow named Dan Greer. So, I checked out their web-site, and gave them a call. Dan Greer answered the phone, and was genuinely nice.

So, I was on my way to Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee, to see the show.

The Awards Show, hosted by Tim McCarthey, was held at The New Daisy Theater on Beale Street. This year’s honoree’s included Johnny Nash ("I Can See Clearly Now"), Fred M. Jordan, III, Willie Mitchell, Bernice Turner, Andrew Love of The Memphis Horns, Bishop G.E. Patterson, Rev. Mitty Collier ("I Had a Talk with my Man Last Night"), The Barkays, Vernice Starks, Joey Welz (Piano player, Bill Haley and the Comets "Rock Around the Clock"), The Ovations, The Soul Children, Dan Greer and other Memphis Artists.

Although Johnny Nash’s "I Can See Clearly Now" was a Reggae cross-over hit, these artists are predominantly Rhythm & Blues. We love R & B!

Nevertheless, GROUNDSPEAK

, a jazz fusion band, was invited to play at the Awards Show! They were very well received. Logan Hanna - guitar; Andrew Simons - bass; Gerald Stephens - keyboards; Jessie Williams - drums.

Then, after they finished their number "Trunk Bunk" - Dan Greer brought them to the microphone, and made a gracious presentation of their Award - Most Promising New Band!

Being a fairly new band, this was their first award. They were quite excited!

After the Awards Ceremony, they got to meet and hob-knob with all of the greats. For GROUNDSPEAK and Delta-Jam Records, it was a night to remember on Beale Street!* * *

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS

: As of September 4, 2008, the Blog roster stands at 90 Beta Pi brothers, and of those, 83 Tick-a-lo men online who have e-mail addresses. If you have an e-mail address on a Bro’ - it’s up to yo’!


VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72

Beta Pi Blog, No. 44 - Beale Street!

Beta Pi:

IS

"BETA PI BLOG" JUNK E-MAIL?: Yes, and no! It is not this e-mail. This e-mail contains some written content of the "Beta Pi Blog", not the entire content. The "blog" is a web-site, it includes pictures, links, Archives of previous issues, and other time-wasters. To get there, simply "Click on" the web address: http://journals.aol.com/lasimons4law/beta-pi-blog/ . * * *

NEWS RELEASE

Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee, August 28, 2008.

Delta-Jam Records Recording Artists

GROUNDSPEAK

received the Award for Most Promising New Band, at the 24th Annual Music Pioneer Awards, Homecoming Celebration 2008. The Awards are given by United Music Heritage, Inc., Dan Greer, CEO-Director. The Awards Show, hosted by Tim McCarthey, was held at The New Daisy Theater on Beale Street. This year’s honoree’s included Johnny Nash, Fred M. Jordan, III, Willie Mitchell, Bernice Turner, Andrew Love of The Memphis Horns, Bishop G.E. Patterson, Rev Mitty Collier, The Barkays, Vernice Starks, Joey Welz of Bill Haley and the Comets, The Ovations, The Soul Children, Dan Greer and other Memphis Artists.

GROUNDSPEAK

is a Memphis-based jazz fusion band:

Logan Hanna - guitar

Andrew Simons - bass, vocals

Gerald Stephens - keyboards

Jessie Williams - drums

* * *

BLOG TIPS

: Be sure to check out the COMMENTS at each issue. This is where your e-mails are posted. Go to the bottom of the blog issue, where it says "This entry has __ Comments" - and click on "Show Recent." There are some great comments. Some brothers are posting their own comments. To do this, click on "Add Your Own."

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS

: As of September 4, 2008, the Blog roster stands at 90 Beta Pi brothers, and of those, 83 Tick-a-lo men online who have e-mail addresses. If you have an e-mail address on a Bro’ - it’s up to yo’!

VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2008, No.43 - Commander Heme, Part 2

Beta Pi:

IS “BETA PI BLOG” JUNK E-MAIL?: Yes, and no!  It is not this e-mail.  This e-mail contains some written content of the Beta Pi Blog, not the entire content.    The blog is a web-site, it includes pictures, links, Archives of previous issues, and other time-wasters.  To get there, simply Click on the web address __

COMMANDER HEME, Part 2:   So I confirmed the reservation at Rumba - for October 25th, 7:00 p.m. - and the Maitre De told me if we had more than 24 people, it could be a problem.  So I shoot an e-mail to The Heme, to get a head count, and - in the words of Al Pacino in Heat - the response was over-freakin’-whelming!

Here is the latest line-up, confirmed for Rumba Dinner:

Class-o-73-ers:

The Heme + mystery woman

Boss Stein + wife Beth

Aber + wife Kimberly

Cheeks Reed + wife Kimey

Claude Terminator Cody + wife Anne

Friends-o-73:

Tom Love-Man Lovinggood + mystery wife

Larry Bozo Simons + wife Ann

That makes 14 to date.  10 more seats, so far, looking good.

We are wondering whether George Of the Jungle Joe has fallen off the map.

NEW BLOG ANNOUNCED: Over the last few years, many Tick-a-lors have posed the rather sarcastic query - that I must not have enough work to keep me busy.  Love-Man being the chief offender. 

Never one to turn down a challenge, I am launching anew blog, on my MySpace web-site Delta-Jam Records (see link on right).

This new blog - entitled  Delta-Jam Records Blog - will be music oriented, and some Tick-a-lo music lovers, tired of the usual fraternity crap-ola might find it entertaining.

Fear not.  Much of the same content that goes into the new blog, will be conveniently cut & paste published in this blog.

Did you think I’d let you off the hook that easily?  No way, Jose!  So, without further to-do - here are the first two such articles!  (Who ever accused me of being as proud father is 100% correct!)

*      *      *

BLOG TIPS: Be sure to check out the COMMENTS at each issue.  This is where your e-mails are posted.  Go to the bottom of the blog issue, where it says This entry has __ Comments - and click on Show Recent.  There are some great comments.  Some brothers are posting their own comments.  To do this, click on Add Your Own.

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS:   As of September 4, 2008, the Blog roster stands at 90 Beta Pi brothers, and of those, 83 Tick-a-lo men online who have e-mail addresses.  If you have an e-mail address on a Bro’ - it’s up to yo’!  

VTL,
Larry Simons
Beta Pi, 72