Beta-Pi-Blog

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2019, No.03 – Tison Keel unearths historic document!

Beta Pi:

IS BETA PI BLOG without any redeeming social or artistic merit?:

YEA . . . . or

NAY?

Beta Pi Blog’s purpose: to bring ATO, Beta Pi Chapter Brothers and ATO Gal-Pals together. The blog is not to be taken seriously - it is meant for

fun.

The Beta Pi Blog is non-political. It includes

Photo by Clark Thomas

pictures, links, Archives of previous issues, and other time-wasters.

To get there, go to web address: http://beta-pi-blog.blogspot.com

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ATO ARCHEOLOGIST TISON KEEL

Tison notified me that he has unearthed a historic ATO document. . . .entitled

“DIRECTIONS TO THE MYSTIC PARTYPLACE IN THE SKY” –

Check it out, we had guys preparing for the Ship Wreck party at Riverwood Riding Stables who actually had our safety in mind . . .

Arrrrrghh. . . the good old days! When Pirates were free!

Thanks Tison!

* * *

FROM THE MIND OF DICK STONER!

So, Dick Stoner, WM 1978 was moved by the demolition of Carmichael-3, and sent me the link, and some musings. However, after watching the video of Zeppo pushing the detonator, with a very smug look on his face, I never want to watch that video again. So, for poetic reasons, Beta Pi Blog is not promoting the link.

Here is the Charmichael Towers story Dick Stoner sent in:

“…and the floor is open to the Best Carmichael Towers story: I'll start with Chip Heartfield and me bringing a running chain saw (with chain removed, since we exercised more judgement than some folks in 1977) onto the elevator, as part of Halloween costumes -- Something about Jason and the Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”

Chip Heartfield

Dick, thanks. I admire your spirit…take joy in the memories.

* * *

RESIDENTIAL CASTLE!

ZEPPO!

Zeppo is building a Castle at the corner of West End and 25^th Avenue…no other way to describe it. Complete with CHEESY TURRET and fake-looking old stone construction.

But you won’t believe the part that sits next to the ATO House. Zeppo constructed this . . . . .

HUGE MEDIEVAL "COLLEGIATE GOTHIC" ENTRANCE . . . . .
just feet from the ATO Fence. Collegiate Gothic architecture is desireable to some, because it looks way older than the old and "dilapidated" structures on campus built in the 50's, 60's and 70's - yet it is new. And what could be better than restoring majestic older structures? Why, demolishing them, to build something that looks older, but is actually newer. And what better way to provide 5-star high-end housing to freshmen, to lure them with luxury, correction, old looking luxury?

And this is a nice touch… Zeppo had them line up two dozen “Johhny-on-the-spot” shitters along our fence. I have words, but I dare not print them.

Look closely at the sign on the ATO Fence. . . . it says "Residential College A." I am going to venture a guess what the "A" stands for here. . . . . . let's see, could it be . . . . . . .
"ABOMINATION?"

If anyone can, please tell me how all of this “Residential Colleges” construction is going to actually improve the quality of education – not the quality of accommodations, living quarters and dormitories - but the quality of education, I am open to listening.

Let us never forget, it was just 2 or 3 years ago, Chancellor Zeppos announced the “upgrade” of Fraternity Row and the new construction of “Residential Colleges”, and mentioned in passing that he expected Carmichael Towers to be replaced. He chuckled, and remarked that Carmichael Towers “looked like Stalin-era buildings.” I genuinely guess Zeppo thought that was amusing. (This may be a clue to explain the smug look on his face as he plunged the detonator.)

After he said his piece on rejuvenating Fraternity Row, I raised my hand and asked him “What will become of the Fraternity Houses?” He was very curt, and had a ready answer, he said that many of the Houses looked “dilapidated” and that “if we tear down your House, we’ll build a new one.” Suffice to say, I bit a hole in my lip that drew blood, to avoid publicly telling Zeppo what I thought of his recklessness.

As we bid ZEPPO goodbye . . . . . . . . . . . . . the ATO HOUSE is STILL STANDING! For the record, our ATO House is not dilapidated, it is beautiful.

* * *

JACK MUENCH TO BE 2019 ATO REUNION POINT MAN FOR CLASS OF 74

The ATO Class of 74 is a large Class, with some of our great Potentates, and JACK MUENCH, aka Muenchie has graciously agreed to rally the greats of 74 to our annual Reunion bash.

One of my great memories of Jack was from Fight Night. Prior to the Fight, Jack played the role of Muenchie the Odds Maker, elbow proudly held high, making book.

Thanks Jack!

* * *

KEEPING TABS:

Here is a reminder of the Brothers and Sisters we have lost.

MARK McGANN, died December 10, 2018.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2018, No.07. Archive: Dec. 2018

BECKY BRUNING MANYAK, died October 19, 2017.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.07. Archive: Sept. 2017

Obituary:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=rebecca-manyak&pid=187110606

ROB BLANKENHORN, died December, 2016.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.05, (See Comment by Dick Stoner). Archive: Sept. 2017

EDWARD G. “TED” STEPHANY, died January 20, 2016.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.01, Archive: Jan. 2016

J. NEAL CRENSHAW, died November 12, 2014.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.08, Archive: Nov. 2014
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.10, Archive: Dec. 2014

MILES WALSH, died in July, 2013.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2013, No.05, Comments Section (over 50 comments), Archive: Aug.2013

DAVID HOWE, died November 30, 2006.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.68, Archive: Dec. 2006.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2007, No.30, Archive: May. 2007

KURT WAGNER, died in July, 2002.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.02, Archive: Jan. 2016

ALEXANDER WILSON, died April 9, 1977.

Alex and Laura are buried at the Nashville National Cemetery. The cemetery is at 1420 Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115. Alex and Laura are at Section KK, Site 794.

* * *

THE ARCHIVES

To explore the “Archives” in this Blog – go to the top of the latest “blog issue”, on the right. You access it by clicking on the Month and Year, and it will drop down with choices. For example, if you click on December, 2006, a list will drop down listing all issues that were published that month. Click on an issue, and you can then post a comment to that issue. It’s never too late to post a comment, right?

* * *

HOW TO POST, OR READ COMMENTS: Just click the button - Comments – below my signature block.

* * *

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS: As of August 29, 2019, there are 132 ATO’s on the blog email list, including 13 Brothers whose e-mail address is unknown, plus 18 ATO Gal-Pals.

VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72

Friday, July 5, 2019

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2019, No.02 – Vandy Boys World Series Champions!

Beta Pi:

IS BETA PI BLOG without any redeeming social or artistic merit?:

YEA . . . . or

NAY?

Beta Pi Blog’s purpose: to bring ATO, Beta Pi Chapter Brothers and ATO Gal-Pals together. The blog is not to be taken seriously - it is meant for fun.

The Beta Pi Blog is non-political. It includes

pictures, links, Archives of previous issues, and other time-wasters.

To get there, go to web address: http://beta-pi-blog.blogspot.com

* * *

VANDY BOYS WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!

By Tom Lovinggood

It was a season that could only be described as "Magical." A season that was culminated in a dog pile on the pitcher's mound, after game three in Omaha, Nebraska. The Vanderbilt baseball team was nothing less than spectacular the entire 2019 season. Picked pre-season as the number one Division I baseball team, they went wire-to-wire to finish the season as the best baseball team in the NCAA. With an SEC-leading 59 victories, the Vandy Boys proved to be unstoppable in their quest for another trip to Omaha.

Led by freshman phenom--Kumar Rocker--who pitched his way into the history books, the Vandy baseball team will be one that will never be forgotten. On a team full of talent and five seniors, and arguably better than the 2014 Championship team, the Vanderbilt baseball team broke records that will stand for many years. They chewed up the SEC conference, beating every other team. Never been done. They won the SEC Tournament with a come-from-behind victory over Mississippi. Couldn't happen. They went on to the Regional Play Offs to sweep Ohio State and Indiana State. Not imaginable. Next for the Vandy Boys was the Super Regional Play-offs where they would meet Duke for a three game set. After a Game 1 loss to the Blue Devils, Kumar Rocker took the mound for Game 2 and threw a no-no. The last time a Vanderbilt pitcher threw a no hitter was against Belmont in 1971. In Game 3, Mason Hickman slammed the door shut on Duke. Winning the Super Regionals would pave the way to the College World Series in Omaha. After beating Mississippi State and Louisville, only Michigan would stand between our boys and the trophy. After losing the first game, Game 2 would once again put K Rock on the hill, and he quietly punched out 11 Wolverines in 6 innings of work. Tyler Brown, our sophomore closer came on and would seal the deal on Game 2. Game 3 would again place Mason Hickman on the mound and he was nothing less than phenomenal in his win over the formidable Michigan Wolverines.

The season could have not have gone any better for Tim Corbin and the Vandy Boys. The baseball season of 2019 was one that may never happen again, but it will be one that will never be forgotten.

Tom, thanks for this awesome article!

* * *

MIKE McCARTY SENDS HIS REGARDS

Out of the blue, this came in from Mighty MIKE McCARTY. . .

with surprise appearance by D. PRICE. . .

and banjo virtuoso BEN PEDIGO:

“Larry:

I have attached a picture and video from D Price’s youngest son Walker’s Louisville wedding this weekend.

You may recognize the banjo player as Beta Pi alum Ben Pedigo - , our own ATO picker - and his son Harrison Pedigo - who sends his regards to all. Please post it on the blog when you get a chance.

The attached are the other two ATOs (McCarty & Price) at the wedding where we listened to Ben Pedigo. Our wives Jodie and Kathy respectively are also pictured. Pretty formal for a June wedding in Louisville thankfully it wasn't the typical hazy hot and humid. Hope all is well in Nashville and with you and yours.”

Much appreciated Mike!

* * *

GEORGE JOE SAYS TO SAY HELLO

I got a Text message, and pictures from the Great GEORGE JOE . . .

With a once-in-a-lifetime appearance by ultimate “mystery-man” TIM CUSACK:

“Hanging out with Tim, Cusack in Roswell, NM just before the game yesterday. He’s gone through a lot over the years as one can imagine, but he’s still keeping up his law practice, and is funny and quirky as ever!”

Thanks George!

* * *

BOSS STEIN CHECKS IN

John Stein sent me these great pictures:

Coach and Rocker before Game 1 of Championship in Omaha

Beth happy with winning total game in Omaha

Thanks John!

* * *

KEEPING TABS:

Here is a reminder of the Brothers and Sisters we have lost.

MARK McGANN, died December 10, 2018.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2018, No.07. Archive: Dec. 2018

BECKY BRUNING MANYAK, died October 19, 2017.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.07. Archive: Sept. 2017
Obituary:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=rebecca-manyak&pid=187110606

ROB BLANKENHORN, died December, 2016.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.05, (See Comment by Dick Stoner). Archive: Sept. 2017

EDWARD G. “TED” STEPHANY, died January 20, 2016.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.01, Archive: Jan. 2016

J. NEAL CRENSHAW, died November 12, 2014.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.08, Archive: Nov. 2014
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.10, Archive: Dec. 2014

MILES WALSH, died in July, 2013.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2013, No.05, Comments Section (over 50 comments), Archive: Aug.2013

DAVID HOWE, died November 30, 2006.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.68, Archive: Dec. 2006.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2007, No.30, Archive: May. 2007

KURT WAGNER, died in July, 2002.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.02, Archive: Jan. 2016

ALEXANDER WILSON, died April 9, 1977.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.25, Lowenstein Essay Contest. Archive: Aug. 2006
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.33, Honoring Alex and Laura. Archive: Sept. 2006
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.45, Tale-o-Pig-Roast. Archive: Sept. 2006
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.50, Winner Essay Contest. Archive: Oct. 2006
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.05, Alexander Wilson. Archive: Sept. 2017
Alex and Laura are buried at the Nashville National Cemetery. The cemetery is at 1420 Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115. Alex and Laura are at Section KK, Site 794.

* * *

THE ARCHIVES

* * *

HOW TO POST, OR READ COMMENTS: Just click the button - Comments – below my signature block.

* * *

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS: As of July 5, 2019, there are 132 ATO’s on the blog email list, including 13 Brothers whose e-mail address is unknown, plus 18 ATO Gal-Pals.

VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72