Update 10-16-07

Hi,

Easy stuff:

First, from Ira Mitzner:  I've seen the photo of Fiveson.  Bob is at the wheel of some kind of one-man helicopter.  He's still a wild and crazy guy.  Some things change, and some don't.
   
    Next, from Eric Hilton:  First, I just wanted to wish Bernie O'Brien a speedy recovery.  I hope all things are fine.  Second, to Robert Fiveson, congratulations on your solo flight. I know what a rush and how exhilarating that must have been.  As the Sperry corporate photographer, I have photographed from fixed wing -- which I got to hold the wheel on -- and helicopters with no doors.  After throwing up -- in the designer airsick bags with the company logo on them -- for the first fifteen minutes of flight, I am fine.  In California, while shooting the Navy F-18s for an annual report, I got to fly the f-18 simulator, and I did not throw up (GO ME!)  But, I did get airsick standing on the tarmac, watching the planes take off on only ten inches of runway (or so).  What a rush – I want one!  Again, congratulations Robert.  My hat is off to you.
   
    And from Robert:  I am migrating away from my previous e-mail address.  Please change my address to: r5son@yahoo.com and use that from now on.  Thanks.
   
    From Emily Kleinman Schreiber:  Hello Everyone!  I'll be quick -- Homecoming at South is this coming Saturday, the 13th.  It begins indoors at 9:30, and the outdoor ceremony is at 12:30. Then there's the game against North Shore High School (not Valley Stream North).
        The Alumni Association needs to be represented, so I hope some of you locals will be able to attend, especially in the morning.  There will be parents there who are alumni, and I'd like us to meet and greet them. Our alumni association mugs will also be on sale (only $5).  New members will be able to get the Memory Book while supplies last.
        That's all for now.  Enjoy this Autumn Day.  Love to all.
        P.S.  If you haven't sent in your dues for this school year, please do it as soon as possible, and please strongly consider a lifetime membership.  If you need another membership application, write me at: cre8em@aol.com   I have applications as Word docs or PDF files.  Just let me know.
   
    And the poem of the week by Ryki Zuckerman that was mentioned in the newsletter a few weeks ago. Again, the website address is: poetrysuperhighway.com/potw.html   Also note, the following work is copyright © 2007, is owned by Ryki Zuckerman, and may not be distributed or reprinted in any form whatsoever without written permission from the author.
        As her bio reminds us:  Ryki Zuckerman is an artist, poet, and co-editor of Earth's Daughters magazine, www.earthsdaughters.org, who also programs two reading series in Buffalo, New York.  Her chapboook, Body of the Work, was published by Textile Bridge Press.  A few of her poems are at Buffalo State Rooftop Poets website, www.buffalostate.edu/library/rooftop/members/.  You can also hear her on a podcast there, as well as on www.thinktwiceradio.com at the Allen St. Hardware Cafe.  This poem was accepted for the print edition in the Gray Hair issue of the forthcoming Earth's Daughters magazine.
   
    the commerce of trolls
   
    high-school cool -
    those ugly "lucky" troll dolls
    with long, stick-up hair,
    we hung them off of our handbags
    in those days before backpacks;
   
    when i gave one to lainie,
    my boyfriend's little sister,
    she chortled with delight,
    turning it over in her hand
    to view its tiny, naked,
    pink plastic butt;
   
    i gave it to lainie,
    as a talisman of good fortune,
    soon after, meningitis stole all her luck;
   
    how could anyone,
    even younger than us, die?
    we teenagers,
    meant to live forever; time turning over in our hands,
    the luck of trolls
    protecting us;
   
    over the years,
    troll dolls found favor on and off,
    always bringing
    the ghost of lainie.
   
    grinning at me
    from the top shelf today
    when i turned into the toy aisle,
    those icons of lainie -
    lainie, long dust;
   
    "we are genuine trolls from denmark
    and we bring luck," read the label;
    i turned the box over in my hand;
    on the back it said:
    "made in china."