Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2008, No.52 - Land of the Giants

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. THE BLOG HAS MOVED TO A NEW ADDRESS. To get there, go to web address: http://beta-pi-blog.blogspot.com/ .

LAND OF THE GIANTS:

So, I went over to Vanderbilt to buy tickets for Reunion Weekend, and I found myself entering the Class Party for Class of 1973.

I felt like one of the "mini-people" in the 1960's sci-fi TV show "LAND OF THE GIANTS."
Present were such GIANTS-among-men as John Stein, Claude Cody, George Tomlinson, George Abernathy, Mark Reed and George Joe. Also present was Clark Thomas.

ATO’s ruled, not just because of their dashing good looks - Boss Stein was Class of 1973 Chair, and Claude Cody was Class Party Chair. The Party was well attended, the food was great, and the music was fitting. As I ate a plate of food, the music playing was "Come Together" by The Beatles. Who could ask for more?

FOOTBALL BLUES: The weather was perfect for football, but Vandy delivered a less than perfect performance against Duke, getting womped 10 to 7.

THE RUMBA TICK-A-LO’s-O-73 DINNER: Rumba is a Satay Restaurant and Martini Bar, just a few blocks from Vandy. Present were George "ABER" Abernathy and wife Kimberley, Claude "TERMINATOR" Cody and wife Anne and their son Carr, Mark "CHEEKS" Reed, John "BOSS" Stein and wife Beth, George "THE HEME" Tomlinson, Larry "Bozo" Simons and wife Ann, and Sigma Chi Barrett Sutton.

The waiter recited the specials, which were all very foreign sounding, and much to our delight, as waiter-dude kept piling one foreign-sounding food atop another, Aber was making faces like "what is this guy saying?"

Aber sat next to Claude’s son Carr, a 14 year-old football player, and the two talked football non-stop. (Claude told me that after they got home, he overheard Carr talking to his brother - Dad is pretty lame, but his friends are "interesting!") Claude, its very normal at that age - when my son was 14 it was like "God, Dad - you idiot!"

The ATO Prayer, Lord of Mankind was said, and the feast was consumed. Toasts were made to Alex and Laura Wilson, and to Mike McCarty and Tom Lovinggood who could not be present. A great time was had by all!

It was my privilege to be in the company of these All-Time-Greats of ATO, Class of 1973, brothers whom I love and look up to. Gentlemen, I salute you!

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS: As of October 16, 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.51 - Blog has a New Address

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. THE BLOG HAS MOVED TO A NEW ADDRESS. To get there, go to web address: http://beta-pi-blog.blogspot.com/ .

THE BLOG HAS MOVED TO A NEW ADDRESS:A few weeks ago, I got an e-mail from AOL - basically it said "we are no longer going to provide free blog service, get ready to be up-rooted, effective October 31st. So, I followed the links, and there is a new home for Beta Pi Blog - its called Blogspot.

The transition went fairly well, except there are no pictures for the issues between August 2006 and March 2007. Big deal, right? I expect there are few hits on those pages anyway.
It has a different look, and will be evolving.

SPORTS PAGE GOES EXTINCT: Well, the Dores are looking fine, then they get beaten by Mississippi State and the faithful go verclempt! Prior to that game, Frank Biller promised me a sports column - then, nothing. Even the Boss Stien Sports Microscope column (one to two potent words) fell silent. Only Aber remained pumped about the Dores, with his usual Gridiron notes. Some pouty-faced Dores fans are expected at Homecoming.

HOMECOMING - - TICK-A-LO’s-O-73 UPDATE: As of this publication, the update is as follows:

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 and mystery woman / significant other / wife?: YES!

MARK "CHEEKS" REED and wife Kimey: YES!

JOHN "BOSS" STEIN and wife Beth: YES!

GEORGE "THE HEME" TOMLINSON and mystery woman / significant other: YES!

TOM "THE LOVE-MAN" LOVINGGOOD and mystery wife: NO. (Love Man pulled a Muenchie and cancelled)

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

HOMECOMING - - TICK-A-LO’s-O-78 UPDATE: Brother Dick Stoner sent me a very kind e-mail, with a rundown of those Mighty Tics-o-78. Dick writes:

"I'll check with the techies at my company to see the best place currently for blog hosting. IT sure would be great to have audio also hosted, so that you could start of the next session with " Somebody Loan me a Dime" and bring back the memory of that fight. IT's not looking to good for the class of 1978 making it to Reunion to accompany the 1973 bunch which seems to be coming together. Greg Qualls ( Mr. Baldo, or Sheffield/Muscle Shoals Greg) will be driving up for Saturday's game. You should be able to see that beacon atop his 51 year old engineering head ! Have a great time.

We'll try to ship off McGann in a box or some other container so that he can attend. Hearts and I were hoping to drive, with McGann sprawled across the back seat of one of our 1960's, 70's or 80's historic rattle traps, but it just isn't working that way at present.

Regards, and best of luck with your "farm" which I hope will allow you to play in the dirt a bit on weekends.

Dick"

THANKS TO PRINCE HERB LADLEY!: Herb, thank you so much for sending me the BOZ SCAGGS album - listening to that great blues number "Somebody Loan Me a Dime" did indeed bring back memories of Fight Night. How kind of you. Be well, my good friend.

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS: As of October 16, 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.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