Happy Mother's Day, Ladies!

Future La Salle graduate enjoys quality time with his mother - Havana, 1950

None of us would be here if it weren't for our moms; well, of course it is recognized daddies play a part, but Father's Day is still a while aways, so this one is for all the moms out there, our own and those Immaculata grads blessed with motherhood. And, for God's sake, as well as yours, you La Salle guys out there - you know who you are - better not forget your wives and mothers on Mother's Day. We do not want you to miss the Reunion because some CRS (do you really need it spelled out?) lapse resulted in your forgetting to duly celebrate and honor your motherly mate on her day...and you wind up in the intensive care ward recovering from multiple fractures and other trauma. The Annoying Blogger has already done his shopping and if he can, you can too!

But it is not just about shopping - that only is a way to display some thoughtfulness on your part. The important thing is, make some quality time to cherish, honor, and love your mother and your children's mother tomorrow.

As for gifts, let us remember those motherhood bestows on us.

Lil' product of an ILS graduate and his definitely-Better Half relaxes after a "tough" school day, West Palm Beach, 1997

Mrs. is being taken out to dinner tomorrow; the Infernal Blogger's mom too, as well as mothers-in-law, sisters-who-are-mothers, et al. The venue is Sinfonía, in Miami...who knows, we might run into some of you classmates there; heard the food was excellent, from mom's lips and when your mom says something is good for you, well - it is, isn't it?

Not to worry, Little Big Man of the Blog ensures his Better Half stays away from the kitchen as much as possible. Lest you think she is a slave to cooking, rest assured he often volunteers for duty and even manages to concoct edible vittles. She just won't allow him to do bean dishes...something he finds hard to understand or digest...ha ha!

A pleasant evening at Mr. Tang in Chinatown, New York - November 25, 2007

Happy Mother's Day! Gents, don't forget...or the only gastronomic experience you may have is being transformed into dead meat.

A Bestial Message - "Tempus Fugit!"

Reunion Committee group at the Immaculata-La Salle Cafetorium - l-r Ricardo Reimundo, Silvia Gonzalez, Bill Urbizu and Marily Benitez - May 2008

The time has almost come, and it is time to act, if you have not done so already. So as not to re-state the obvious, and because it is well stated in the following message from our Bestial Infernal Committee gent, Bill Urbizu, we will share his short and sweet email message to the Committee members. It says what needs to be said and illustrates some of the effort put in by your friends in the Committee, not for our benefit but for yours. We want to make this long-overdue Reunion a success...for you and for us, but WE CANNOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU; if you are not there to enjoy it and share the joy of the reconnection, the friendship, camaraderie, whatever you wish to call it, then it is all for nothing. We do not have the luxury to go another 20 years between Reunions; that is the reality. In these troubled and uncertain times, let us at least come together this once, re-establish our ties, connections, and re-connections. We shared one to four years together in a very special place; let us do so again. Some of us had "hang time" together in other schools, pre-ILS; here is an opportunity to have "reunions within the Reunion."

These days, one cannot have too many friends and one should enjoy and cultivate said friendships thoroughly and often. Believe it or not, we need each other; no man or woman is an island. Friends are the brothers and sisters you get to choose...therefore, we hope you choose to spend some time with your brother and sister classmates Friday the 16th, and Saturday the 17th, Anno Domini 2008. 'Nuf said! For now, that is...

"Dear Infernals:

We need to post on the website that Monday will be the last day to purchase tickets. On Tuesday, I need to inform the caterer of the # of persons attending the Friday night event.

We met at the cafeteria for lunch and decided on the layout of the tables, dj, cash bar and the reception table. The Decorating Committee will go back to the cafeteria on Friday, the 16th at 1 p.m. to begin setup. The caterer will provide table cloths, along with the tables and the flower bases for each table. The Committee will purchase the flowers, balloons, and the photo tags. I will be contacting ILS regarding the helium for the balloons. They have the tanks, but may need to be refilled since the Alumni event of a couple of weeks ago. I will ask Fredy to pay for this cost out of our budget.

Once we receive the list of attendees, hopefully today, who will be printing the photos of those attending from the Signum '68 book? This needs to begin happening NOW. Let me know.

As of 10 days ago, we had 65 persons coming. Federico Padovan has not provided the latest list. I'm hoping he provides it today. As soon as we receive the latest list, we need to start calling those that we have phone numbers for to remind them of the urgency to buy this weekend, and not wait till the last minute. Each of us needs to make 5-7 calls. That will mean reaching another 35 alumnis.

I'll get back to you as soon as I get the list from Fredy Padovan.

Beast aaarrrggghhh!!!"

Allright! Before signing off on this post, the LIB (Little Infernal Blogger-the acronym DOES NOT reflect "its" politics) is going to editorialize a little bit. A list of attendees to the Friday dance/social has been provided by ILS. As of the date of this post, we have close to 100 attendees; 89 to be exact, and a couple more have "checked in" since then. On the surface, this seems a good turnout, and it is good indeed. However, considering the efforts made so far to make this wonderful gathering happen, it seems the response could have been a little better. A lot better, in fact. Granted, the opera is not over - the Fat Lady has not yet sung. Therefore, by Monday May 12th we may be at the 100 mark or better yet, beyond it.

We have emailed, called, wrote, begged, pleaded, cajoled, even made personal contacts, here and there, to solicit and encourage your participation, my friends. We have over 100 email addresses in the Contacts list; 134 "snail mails" have been sent, with less than a half dozen returned as undeliverable or addressee unknown. We have not yet given up and do not be surprised if you receive a phone call to gently remind you to come on down and have fun!

Really, what would keep you from coming to the dance, the picnic, or both? Geographic constraints? OK, that is valid. Yet we have some classmates coming from as far as Alabama, California, and North Carolina. Family matters? Family first, of course. But don't forget, you may be missing the gathering of your ILS Family. Fear the years have been less than kind on you and afraid to show your face? We did not just invite your face, but all of you, body and soul. Believe it, what is inside is far more important than the external side. Your Blog-fiend was recently described, while enjoying adventure and camaraderie in North Carolina, as resembling Uncle Fester, from the Addams Family show. Remember him?

That, Blog-fiend thinks, is actually a complimentary description. Now, if this "Uncle Fester" is ready, willing, and able to show his mug on Friday the 16th and Saturday the 17th, you can show yours! It cannot be worse. However, small children and animals should be kept at a respectable distance lest they be frightened to death.

Are you afraid your non-Immaculata-La Salle Better Half will be bored if he or she is dragged to these happenings? Fear not! There will be others there who are not alumni either. Mingle, mingle! No doubt your spouse will find some kindred spirits - besides those at the bar - and enjoy an engaging, interesting conversation. We have many talented people in our group who may share some common interests with your soul mate. Does your Better Half or Significant Other wish to discuss why the Ardennes breakthrough was decisive in ensuring the defeat of France in 1940? "Uncle Fester" is available! Wish to discuss the merits of India pale ales, porters, stouts, and pilseners? "Uncle Fester" is available! And he'll drink to that with your Better Half, or Halves, or what have you. Wanna talk design, web construction, programming and other craft or "techie" stuff like that? Adrianna may humor a request or two, and Mrs. "Fester" - that is, Mrs. Quiroga, can run you through the intricacies of computers and computing. There is something for everyone here.

Are you afraid to come because you fear running into someone who conjures up nightmares or less than pleasant memories? Listen, by now, we're more than adults - we are or should be Adults Plus. We can be civilized to each other and let bygones be bygones. No one is getting younger; carrying grudges or unpleasant recollections about some failed social encounter in the past gets no one anywhere. Time to forget those in many cases petty faux pas of the past, and move on. Shake hands, hug, high-five each other and make peace. Do not forget the purpose of this is to re-connect with each other, enjoy the company of friends we may not have seen for years, catch up, celebrate and be proud of our triumphs while traveling through the Road of Life.

If it helps and you have some grudge or irritating memory of "Uncle Fester," you may place a paper bag over his head, thus creating the appearance "it" is only an illusion. However, he is not responsible if his Better Half objects, although he fears she may, in fact approve.

Last, do you think it "has just been too long since we've seen each other, and no one cares?" Well, suffice it to say your Blogging classmate and his little band of buddies from his school in Havana never gave that a thought, after we began finding each other, one by one, during the past two years. We had not seen each other, in most cases, since 1960...yet it seems as if we were together yesterday, and the joy of our re-encounter was not in any way diminished by the passage of time. Therefore, banish those negative preconceptions and do not be afraid to see your friends again. You will not regret it.

We're not gonna put a gun to your head and force you to head this way - to the Reunion, that is - after all, it is a free country. But we certainly do not aim to miss you...please join us.

Havana - 1959

Big Broadcast of 2008

We are fortunate to have an Immaculata classmate in media, and today she broadcast a segment on her 3 PM show at Radio Mambi, Miami - that is 710 AM on the dial. Her radio "nickname" is Ninoska but we know her as Lucrecia Perez.

Lucrecia as she appeared during our freshman year, '64-'65, in Signum, together with other freshman officers in our group.

Together with Marily Benitez Reyes and Silvia G. Gonzalez, they did an excellent job describing our reunion events and asking for help in finding our lost friends - a couple of Immaculata grads even called in during the show. And that is the idea - spread the word and gather as many of us as possible for this once-in-a-lifetime event, not to be missed.

Silvia G. Gonzalez - Signum '68

Blog-boy admits this is a hastily put together post, but he's about to hit the road together with Infernal Committee members Nelson Orta and Jorge Pastoriza...we're off for a few days of "Reunion Rehearsal" in the North Carolina hills and dales. After all, we must be in shape to help make the Reunion a success, right? However, hastily concocted or not, this post is meant to convey a big thank you and God bless you ladies, for doing this and promoting our special gathering!

As for the "Reunion Rehearsal," you DO believe it is a rehearsal, right? We'll let you know how that panned out.

The Answer to Webmistress' Challenge...

Is NOT blowing in the wind...it is to be found right here. Assuming you have come to Right Here. Apologies are extended for not keeping our Class of '68 Blog experience more current, but that is what happens when Blog-minime still has to keep his (its?) DJ - Day Job. "Take my job, please!" And you'll become nutty, as he has, in no time. At least that is an accomplishment of sorts.

Also "we," meaning your Infernal Committee and its auxiliaries, heirs, and assigns, have been busy looking for and looking up you, our Class of '68 bunch and our Lost Classmates and Souls, sending emails and invitation letters, making phone calls, begging, pleading, cajoling you to join us May 16th and 17th. That has kept us a tiny bit busy as well. But that is another story.

We do not have too many 20-year gaps left, between Reunions so - do not miss this opportunity to see, mingle with, laugh and cry with your classmates. And that is today's Editorial.

Now, on to Webmistress. She takes over from here. Ahem, before she does - no one tried a stab at her Challenge; must have been too challenging! One more thing, although this may be stating the obvious...all images are from our Signum '68 yearbook.

#1......."OF"....OPERATION FASTIDIATION (comes from “fastidious,” which here is meant to represent “bothersome” – Editor).... a crazy plan from a selected few Senior Girls 68....

we spent writing the words on the blackboards... papers on the bath mirrors...for weeks!

nobody knew what it was... when the time came for it to be "here" we showed up with raincoats & water-guns for a week

went around the halls doing a "got ya" thing....

another day many rode into school on bikes (picture in the yearbook)... skipped classes....

played pranks on teachers: hid Ms Oteizas' "cat family".... locked Ms. Castaneira out of her class....

it was one wild week.... lots of Senior girls joined in the maddness... even the "good ones"....

I am surprised Hilda De Mena did not answer, she was one of the organizers, yours truly was also involved

#2...."family of cats".... Margarita Oteiza collected cats....porcelain, ceramic, wood, plush & she had them in top of her desk

in the weekends she had a shoe box she took them home or put them away

#3...."the shower"....Ms Perkins, chemistry teacher....

We had that emergency shower in the class which she explained the usage and of course "NOT usage, ONLY on emergency"

Lourdes Fernandez, Elena P, Jeannette... any of the Chemistry girls should have guessed that...

they were in her class & present on a few incidents...I for one was very interested in how it worked....

So there you are... you may post the answers....it wiil bring some MEMORIES back to the Girls....

Webmistress' Challenge

It is time for us to meet the lady who has made the Class of '68 web site possible, and who hereby tosses a Trivia Challenge at her classmates - go ahead, give the Challenge a shot; test your long-term memory!

Adrianna F. Ramirez - Signum '68

A brief aside: If you have not yet explored the web site, you are missing something good; very, very good. Caveat: Your emotions may get the best of you when doing this, more so when you listen to the period music, including our graduation song, The Impossible Dream.

Time for the Challenge. If no one gets the right answer or, sadly, if no one participates by sundown this Sunday, Eastern Daylight Time, the contest will close. The answer to the Challenge will nevertheless be posted in the interest of preserving another little bit of ILS history and trivia.

Here goes, from the Webmistress.

"GIRL INPUT.....GIRL INPUT.....GIRL INPUT.....

Here is a few.... sort of easy... should get a few of "slurpee" winners...

#1.... What is the Meaning of "OF is COMING"......."OF is HERE" ?????

#2.... What teacher kept her "family of cats" at school ????

#3.... What teacher gave a "lesson about the usage of the shower" on her first day of class????

Have fun

Adrianna"

"And the Wiener is..."

Gotcha! You think Blog mini-me can't spell? No! Was just being a hot dog. Could not resist PUNishing you.

And now, our Appointed Trivia Master, or ATM for short, Ricardo-not-Ricky takes it from here. Oh, yes - before I forget - refer to the last post - "A couple of Trivial Questions from Ricardo," so you will not lose the thread, or your train of thought, and all will make more sense to you. Or at least we think it will make as much sense as it is sensibly possible for anything to make sense in this blog.

DRUM ROLL....AND THE WINNER IS...... None other than JEANETTE FOYE! (the crowd goes wild) yesiree folks at the obscene time of 5:16 AM today, this lady submitted the correct answer which is Miss Margarita Oteiza.

Signum '68

I know that the "nowadays" title is Ms., but I am as politically correct as a rhinoceros in heat, so it remains Miss! Now for the guys, ANOTHER CLUE, think of a TR-3.

Hint (from the Little Masochistic Motorman) – it is British and leaks just like an MG...come to think of it, the older I get the more I become what I drive – leaks, misfiring, backfiring, loose steering, wobbling suspension – let’s stop before the brakes give out too...although running out of gas is not so bad. Cuts down on the backfiring...

Let us give honorable mention to other participants as well.

“Alberto:

I think that it might have been Mrs. Oteiza the teacher that said "Quiet please". I think that it is great what you are doing to get us all together after "just" 40 yrs. My husband and I will be there, I am just waiting closer to that date to make sure that we will be in Miami. When I listened to the graduation song "To Dream the Impossible Dream" just now, I cried. Thank you for the memories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Isabel Sanchez,
Fifth Grade Teacher
Coral Gables Elementary

Isabel C. Sanchez - from the pages of Signum '68

Mini-Blogger congratulated Isabel on her valiant effort, but had to regretfully point out that Ms. Foye had indeed submitted her answer as the rooster crowed, so to speak, and therefore had won the trophy...whatever the trophy is or will be...it is what it is. Isabel submitted her thoughts at 3:23 PM, Eastern Daylight Time. Nevertheless, we thank all of you for your interest and support, and as Dean Martin used to say, “keep those cards and letters coming, folks!” And your emails too.

Elena Pastoriza had made a submission also, which had been uploaded earlier to the “comments” section of the trivia contest post, but will list it here again so y’all don’t have to roam all over looking for it.

“Mrs. Knight, Biology teacher, I think – Elena” A Knightly effort indeed, Elena but unfortunately not correct. Not to worry, you will have further jousting opportunities.

Elena Pastoriza - Signum '68

Perhaps this will spark more interest and encourage many of us to participate. Please, do not forget to share your unique anecdotes of life at Immaculata and La Salle – we gotta preserve our unique history! Do not forget we have an incredible web site in the making and already proving quite useful for our Reunion planning – as Blogdemon reminded Isabel, we have the Webmistress to thank for all the evocative music which stirs our emotions, which you will enjoy too if you pay the site a visit. And speaking of the Webmistress, she is throwing some “queshs” at you next, so pay attention and crank up your memory cells!

A couple of Trivial Questions from Ricardo

(Source: www.megapublisher.com)

"We" have decided, to further your continuing annoyance, since - in fairness, speaking only for meself - the purpose here is to annoy the world, one person at a time; once or twice a week we will run an Immaculata-LaSalle Trivia Contest. Perhaps this is a trifling thing to you, but who knows, this could grow and grow and grow and eventually become a Syndicated Quiz Show with Alex Trebek! Personally, I vote for Jay Leno -- anybody who owns so many cool cars and 'cycles can't be all bad.

And by the way, Ricardo is NOT Ricky - no Babalú stuff here; we don't really do bongo-drumming, even to try and gain your attention. OK, you take it from here, Ricardo!

"Okay my childrens [Ricardo, with this kind dialogue, you shoulda played a part in Gone With The Wind - Editor], The Most Extreme Infernal Committee would like to show their deepest appreciation by saying SENKUBERYMUSH! Ticket sales have been "brisk" but not brisk enough, however, we sure hope that by May 16 we'll be sold out. We (I) have decided that there will be two (2) Trivia questions per week. One for the girls and one for the guys. It seems only fair to both "sides." Ladies, name the faculty member and the subject, if you can remember that far back, which I'm certain ALL of you do because women remember things from centuries ago. Case in point, argument with spouse, things from the 1800's are brought back for no apparent reason! Anyways, (I enjoy tangents) this faculty member was refined, strict and did not allow talking in her class. Her favorite phrase was, "Quiet please." That was Immaculata, here's La Salle. Name the faculty member that in his neighborhood we were told to "face fowahd," "settle right down, now," and "shut the hell up." Quite a difference in technique I would say. As it was last week, the FIRST email I (birds417@bellsouth.net) receive with the correct answer, from either "side" will receive free libations at the school event and at the picnic the next day at Crandon. There is a hint in BOTH questions. IF you are a former Faculty Member and receive this, you are NOT allowed to enter the contest. Penalty is detention, this means we will withhold alcohol. Winners names will be published with the times they sent the answers, let there be no mistake about that."

This is Blogdemon AKA "mini-me" speaking. No mention of non-alcoholic prizes to be awarded has been made. Prizes given are at the sole discretion of the Infernal Committee and are not guaranteed to please winners. Not everyone, for example, will be thrilled with winning a pre-viewed Borat DVD. Not even winners now residing in Khazakhstan.