EMP-25

Greetings to all! I have several updates this time, including the following from Greg Orlando: “As of this writing, there are 339 days left until Iditarod 2004. Hope to see you all in Nome, Alaska. Next year being an even year, we will be traveling the northern route, which totals 1,112 miles. One of my lead dogs, Pogo, is rather small by normal standards, but has a big heart and will start our travels as one of 18 dogs.

“ In keeping with the Kellogg tradition (and myself), my lead dogs are superbly well bred and trained, and are considerably smarter than average. I have teamed with a representative from EMP-17, John Vandeberg, who is well known as one of the best sled dog trainers in the world. John comes from Montana, where he ‘spoke to horses’ and has been working with the team for the last five months. He feels that we have a reasonably good opportunity to finish in the top 10.

“ For those of you who are unfamiliar with sled dog racing, the basic commands for the leaders are ‘gee’ (turn right), ‘haw’ (turn left), ‘on by’ (pass or go straight) and ‘whoa.’ The usual command to start the team is ‘hike,’ ‘OK’ or ‘let’s go.’ Only Hollywood believes that the drivers shout ‘mush!’ (which is from the French ‘marchon,’ meaning ‘to move’) Should one of my dogs turn up lame, I may ask Peter Krol if ‘Girly Dog’ is available to act as my 18th sled dog.”

Now, to update you on other recent news from the group: Our intrepid man about town, Vince Inendino, will be representing the Midwest in the PBA Regional Players Championship set to unfold at Castaways. After Participating Regularly In Leagues, Finally Our Omnipotent Leader Successfully Defeated A Younger (April Fool’s Day) but talented group of Midwesterners at Spare Times Lanes in Decatur. Go get them, Vinnie!

Brian Rucks and his good wife, Donna, recently purchased a home on the third hole of a golf course. They have been persuaded by yours truly to offer this home at no charge to visiting EMP-25 classmates, as the taxman is knocking at their door and they need the additional documented deduction. To make your reservations, please contact Brian at www.ruckscustom.com. He also has started a new business (contrary to the IRS belief that it is a hobby) of making custom-made golf clubs. He will provide clubs at cost to his EMP classmates. He learned from Alice Tybout that this is a good marketing strategy.

That brings us to Mike Bauer. As you were informed in the last issue of Kellogg World, Mike is successfully navigating a once “going concern” into demise and takeover. Mike also is graciously contributing to the economy of Northwestern, as his son is a student there and doing exceedingly well with his studies. There is much truth to the rumor that the acorn does not fall far from the tree. Steve Reimer has been MIA, but we understand that he is living an opulent lifestyle on the North Shore.

Take care and let me know what you are up to so that I can share with the class. Until next time...“hike.”