Update 12-14-04

Hi,

A couple of suggestions, a bit more guidance commentary, a quick promo, a public service announcement, and some travel notes from China.

First, from Peter Rosen: Quick suggestion -- add the phone number for the Hilton in the reunion information at the end of the newsletter. It will encourage spontaneity in picking up the phone to make reservations.

[Rich -- I would have thought of that eventually. Like in September. Thanks.]

Next, from Ralph Kramer: I would tell Dennis Shapiro that I've made hotel reservations for the reunion, but I have no idea what his e-mail address is or where to find it.

[Rich -- I might have thought to post that, too, but I wouldn't bet on it. Thanks. Also, many class e-mail addresses are on the home page. Click on Contact Information and Quick Biographies.]

From Zelda White Nichols: In response to the guidance counselor issue -- I was not a good student while I attended South, and the guidance counselors, especially Mr. Willard, convinced my parents that I would never amount to anything. Instead of listening to them, my parents enrolled me in a private school for my sophomore year, and I improved tremendously. One of my problems was dyslexia, which was never recognized at South. I have to wonder how many others had problems like dyslexia or attention deficit disorder that were ignored or not even diagnosed at the time.
Also, in conjunction with our moving to North Carolina -- seven weeks to go -- I have left my position as Manager of Business Development and will be doing the same job for my husband's company, MacKay USA. He provides consulting and training worldwide for Information Technology.

Cribbed from a letter from a friend: Billy Crystal is on Broadway in a one-man show entitled 700 Sundays. His father died when he was 15, and the title refers to the 700 Sundays they shared. Crystal grew up in Long Beach, Long Island in an amazing family. His father was involved in the jazz world, so Crystal had a great deal of exposure to the arts. Recently, Crystal's daughter Lindsay directed a documentary called My Uncle Berns, about the man who was her father's mentor. The film won awards at the Sarasota Film Festival and the Phoenix Film Festival, and the New York premiere was at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Cribbed from a letter from a relative: Do not give out any numbers from your Visa or Master cards, even if you get a phone call from the Visa or Master card people saying you've been the victim of a scam. These people are asking for a security code from the back of your card, which will let them charge products on the Internet.

From Robert Fiveson: My trip to China was hugely successful. I turned an English language documentary into a Chinese one (well, actually the people I worked with did. The Chinese even matches the lip movements of the English spoken!) We also shot some wrap- arounds with our host on a virtual set that looks terrific. After 5000 years, the Chinese have figured out cooking! I ate some amazing meals. And also some weird ones. Did you know that sheep eyes put lead in your pencil -- the only problem is they still look like sliced eyes! Of course, I tried one though. Kind of like lamb-flavored slime.
Beijing is a miracle of our modern age. Anywhere you look, there are at least twelve to twenty huge construction cranes. Having traveled extensively (and covertly) behind the Iron Curtain and in Russia in my past, I have to say that the Chinese brand of Communism seems to have a working plan. Yes, there is repression, but there also is huge growth -- people getting educated; no apparent homeless; and a work ethic that is unstoppable. The markets are overflowing with produce and goods. I actually could live there quite easily. The first time I went there, two years ago with my son, I was part of a group of television and film makers. This time I was with locals. It makes a big difference.
Now all that remains is to lock our sponsor for the series. I have a signed deal with Sun TV (70 million households) for an hour a week x 52 with two additional airings. Once that happens, I will be only the second non-Chinese importer of programming into China. Our deal is actually groundbreaking and very promising. The Discovery channel charges .10 per thousand viewers and reaches 4.4 million households. We have something like 15 times that and are asking .01 per 1000. All I need now is some major good fortune.

The reunion info:
When: August 5th, 6th, 7th (Friday night through Sunday noon)
Where: Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville, New York, 11747
Cost: $100 per person
Phone Number: 631-845-1000, during daytime business hours. Ask for the Reservations Desk and mention our class reunion discount. Hotel rooms should be $129/night.
Reunion Package Includes:
Friday night cocktail party with snacks and cash bar (7:00 PM -- Midnight)
Saturday night buffet with open bar & DJ (7:00 PM -- Midnight; Dinner at 8:00)
Lobby area with cash bar available both nights to continue parties
Teachers comped for both parties
SEND: Checks to Dennis Shapiro. 495 Wateredge Avenue, Baldwin, New York, 11510. Please make them out to: VSS 40th Reunion.
Also: Since there are a limited number of Friday night hotel rooms being held, please e-mail Dennis Shapiro when you've made your reservations so he can lobby for more. His e-mail address is: dshapiro@optonline.net

Rich