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The NNHS Class of 1963
is planning its 45-Year Reunion on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 17 - 19, 2008.

CALLING ALL FORMER NNHS STUDENTS
We’re Going Back!!!!

The NNHS Class of 1963 invites all former NNHS students and their guests to join them
at an upcoming class reunion event:

A 60’s Sock Hop in the NNHS High School Gym!!!

Names of all members in your party must be provided with payment.

What: A 60’s Sock Hop in the NNHS High School!!!

Where: Huntington Hall (former Newport News High School)
3100 Huntington Avenue, Newport News, VA
(Entry through right front door only)

When: Friday night, October 17, 2008 Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $15 per person

TICKETS. Capacity is Limited. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Send check or money order payable to: Barbara Barnes, 4891 Parthenon Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Contact: barbaralbarnes@verizon.net or 495-2022. Include signed/dated release of liability form.

PARKING
Event parking in lot at 29th & 30th Street (Between Huntington Avenue/Warwick Boulevard)

SOCKS REQUIRED
Socks only, (no shoes of any kind or bare feet) will be permitted in the gymnasium.

Soft drinks & snacks will be sold at the event.
No alcoholic beverages allowed on the premises, (some things never change).

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS:
Happy Birthday today to Jerry Baker Cobb ('66) of VA!

04 -

My Former Brother-in-Law, Rennie Dick ('54) of VA AND Brenda Eakes Insley ('66) of VA;

05 -

Butch Ragland ('63) of CO;

06 - Renee Helterbran Benton ('59) of VA;

From Frances Goodson Wang ('65) of MD - 09/24/08 - "When Julie Andrews Turned 69":

Oh, I love the "no need for sinning" phrase. I was laughing out loud for real when I read this. I will pass it along.

When Julie Andrews Turned 69 - This is hysterical!

To commemorate her 69th birthday, actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP. One of the musical numbers she performed was 'My Favorite Things' from the legendary movie, 'Sound Of Music'. Here are the lyrics she used:

(Sing It!) - If you sing it, it’s especially hysterical!!!

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillacs and cataracts, and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.

(Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores. Please share Ms. Andrews' clever wit and humor with others who would appreciate it.)

Hi Carol,

I preface this e-mail by loudly applauding and seconding Johnnie Bateman's ('70 - of VA) thanks to you for keeping politics off of the NNHS website. But having said that, political mudslinging is certainly nothing new from a historical perspective. As Johnnie said, "there is some pretty bad stuff out there from both sides" but today's mudslinging and character assassination is fairly mild (some internet bloggers aside) by comparison to political comments from the past, and it is actually a good (even necessary) thing to look at the past, in order to learn from it, not to mention to keep from repeating it. Not only that, it's downright entertaining. We're only carrying on a 212 year-old tradition; (in 1789, George Washington ran unopposed; 1792, the first political parties were formed and four years later - let the mud fly!). Political insults are no stranger to any party, Democrat, Republican, Whig, Federalist, and third party entries too numerous to mention. Here are just a few examples for educational purposes only:

John Adams was called by writer, James Callender "a gross hypocrite," and "a hideous hermaphroditical character which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman." Callender was hired by Thomas Jefferson to attack Adams!

A rumor was spread around by political opponents of Rutherford B. Hayes that he had shot his own mother in a fit of rage.

In addition to being subjected to numerous insults about his physical appearance and jibes about his wife, a newspaper editorial told voters that Lincoln should not be elected president because he only changed his socks once every ten days.

A political pamphlet said Andrew Jackson was "a gambler, a cock fighter, a slave trader and the husband of a really fat wife." John Quincy Adams said about Jackson, "Ought a convicted adultress and her paramour husband to be placed in the highest offices of this free and Christian land?"

Grover Cleveland was accused of fathering and abandoning an illegitimate child.

Whig candidate Henry Clay was called on his supposed "baggage train of gambling, dueling, womanizing and 'By the Eternal!' swearing."

Congressman Davy Crockett accused candidate Martin Van Buren of secretly wearing women's clothing: "He is laced up in corsets!"

A former president said "If you vote for Nixon, you ought to go to hell."

Ain't politics fun?! I think that oftentimes we just need to put things in perspective and get a life. I don't think that any of the examples quoted above will ruffle anyone's feathers or open a Pandora's Box, but as Johnnie said and I repeat, "feel free to publish, edit, or not publish as you feel."

I would encourage everyone, regardless of their personal politics to exercise their Constitutional right to vote, which was written with the blood of our forefathers and protected by the blood of our father's ever since.

Typhoon love to all in this political season!!!

Sydney

Thank you so much for the history lessons, the voting reminder, and the understanding, Sydney!

I appreciate it all!

From ArcaMax Publishing - Health and Fitness - 09/27/08 - "Lifelong Health: Study: Depression Common But Often Neglected Illness ":

Lifelong Health: Study: Depression Common But Often Neglected Illness

A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that in any two-week period, 5 percent of Americans age 12 and older have depression. And while nearly every single adult has either directly or indirectly felt the destructive forces of depression, this debilitating and rampant illness still carries a major social stigma.

Depression is still viewed as a severe weakness, a character flaw and a condition regarded with much derision. Symptoms are hidden, ignored and made worse by loved ones who do not understand the challenges of someone with depression.

Although depression affects children and adults across all social spectrums, the CDC report revealed that it is more common in women, baby boomers, blacks and those who live in poverty. Of those who are depressed, over 80 percent report an impaired ability to get things done at work and at home and difficulty interacting normally with others.

The study also revealed that only 29 percent of individuals affected by depression sought help from a mental health professional in the past year and of those with very severe symptoms of depression only 39 percent had sought treatment.

With millions of Americans, young and old, facing depression these statistics are truly astronomical. If seven out of 10 Americans affected by depression refuse to seek help, we are facing a serious health care crisis. But unlike heart disease, cancer or obesity, this crisis is largely ignored. The American health care system simply is not adequately addressing the real problems of depression. Reimbursement for care is woefully inadequate and many physicians are too quick to prescribe pills and medications without addressing the root causes.

Depression is a disease; it is not something that you deserve or "asked for." Most importantly, depression is imminently treatable. Major depression is an episodic illness that may or may not be precipitated by a serious personal problem such as a death in the family, being fired or getting a divorce.

Many recover completely without ever having another episode, although a history of depression is a major risk factor for another episode. To be diagnosed with depression a patient must have two or more of the following symptoms for at least two weeks that interfere with the ability of the person to function normally. Symptoms include: having a depressed, sad or irritable mood, lack of interest in normal activities, an impaired ability to feel pleasure, feelings of guilt and worthlessness and thoughts of suicide or death, difficulties making decisions or concentrating, fatigue, lack of energy, worry, restlessness, insomnia or increased sleepiness, changes in appetite and significant reductions of activity.

Many patients suffer from a more chronic form of depression called dysthymia. This condition is often present for two or more years and is characterized by a generalized depressed mood or "feeling glum or pessimistic." Dysthymia is associated with a variety of physical symptoms including weight loss or gain, insomnia or too much sleep, chronic fatigue, low self esteem, poor concentration, difficulty making decisions and a feeling of hopelessness

Although much more chronic and pervasive, dysthymia is now recognized as a major risk factor for suicide, heart disease and cancer as well as impaired work performance and family relationships. If battling another illness, patients who are depressed are less likely to respond to treatment or recover from disease.

If you or someone you know suffers from depression, seek help. Your physician or a psychiatrist will likely prescribe antidepressants that are highly effective and often will lead to complete recovery. But treatment must involve more than medications.

Whether your depression is episodic, situational, or more chronic, developing personal coping strategies can greatly help. Helpguide.org offers these positive tips. First, cultivate supportive relationships. Share what you are feeling with a trusted friend or loved one. Second, take care of yourself. Adopt healthy habits and do things that you enjoy. Third, get regular exercise. Exercise is a powerful tool in combating depression. Finally, seek help from a qualified psychotherapist. A counselor can help determine what other therapy options might be effective or appropriate.

With endless options to help Americans cope with depression, it is a serious mistake to ignore, avoid, or deny symptoms. We all know someone affected by this terrible illness, so please do your part to end the stigma and change the way we view depression.

========

Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book "Breaking the Rules of Aging." To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. More information is available at www.drdavidhealth.com.

From Ruth Ann Reece Horace ('67) of FL - 09/27/08 - "PITY THE DC AIRLINE TICKET AGENT":

PITY THE DC AIRLINE TICKET AGENT

A Washington, DC airline ticket agent offers some examples of why our country is in trouble!

1. I had a New Hampshire Congresswoman ask for an aisle seat so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window. (On an airplane!)

2. I got a call from a candidate's staffer, who wanted to go to Capetown. I started to explain the length of the flight and the passport information, then she interrupted me with, ''I'm not trying to make you look stupid, but Capetown is in Massachusetts.''
Without trying to make her look stupid, I calmly explained, ''Cape Cod is in Massachusetts; Capetown is in Africa.''
Her response - click.

3. A senior Vermont Congressman called, furious about a Florida package we did. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando.
He said he was expecting an ocean-view room. I tried to explain that's not possible, since Orlando is in the middle of the state. He replied, ''Don't lie to me, I looked on the map and Florida is a very thin state!'' (OMG)

4. I got a call from a lawmaker's wife who asked, ''Is it possible to see England from Canada?'' I said, ''No.'' She said, ''But they look so close on the map.''
(OMG, again!)

5. An aide for a cabinet member once called and asked if he could rent a car in Dallas. When I pulled up the reservation, I noticed he had only a 1-hour layover in Dallas. When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, ''I heard Dallas was a big airport, and we will need a car to drive between gates to save time.'' (Aghhhh)

6. An Illinois Congresswoman called last week. She needed to know how it was possible that her flight from Detroit left at 8:30 a.m., and got to Chicago at 8:33 a.m. I explained that Michigan was an hour ahead of Illinois, but she couldn't understand the concept of time zones.
Finally, I told her the plane went fast, and she bought that.

7. A New York lawmaker called and asked, ''Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage belongs to whom?''
I said, 'No, why do you ask?'
She replied, ''Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said (FAT), and I'm overweight. I think that's very rude!''
After putting her on hold for a minute, while I looked into it (I was laughing), I came back and explained the city code for Fresno, CA is FAT (Fresno Air Terminal), and the airline was just putting a destination tag on her luggage.

8. A Senator's aide called to inquire about a trip package to Hawaii. After going over all the cost info, she asked, ''Would it be cheaper to fly to California, and then take the train to Hawaii?''

9. I just got off the phone with a freshman Congressman who asked, ''How do I know which plane to get on?''
I asked him what exactly he meant, to which he replied, ''I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these planes have numbers on them.''

10. A lady Senator called and said, ''I need to fly to Pepsi-Cola, Florida. Do I have to get on one of those little computer planes?''
I asked if she meant fly to Pensacola, FL on a commuter plane.
He said, ''Yeah, whatever, smarty!''

11. A senior Senator called and had a question about the documents he needed in order to fly to China. After a lengthy discussion about passport s, I reminded him that he needed a visa. '
'Oh, no I don't. I've been to China many times and never had to have one of those.''
I double checked and sure enough, his stay required a visa. When I told him this he said, ''Look, I've been to China four times, and every time they have accepted my American Express!''

12. A New Mexico Congress woman called to make reservations, ''I want to go from Chicago to Rhino, New York.''
I was at a loss for words. Finally, I said, ''Are you sure that's the name of the town?''
''Yes, what flights do you have?'' replied the lady.
After some searching, I came back with, ''I'm sorry, ma'am, I've looked up every airport code in the country and can't find a "Rhino" anywhere."
''The lady retorted, ''Oh, don't be silly! Everyone knows where it is. Check your map!' So I scoured a map of the state of New York and finally offered, '' You don't mean Buffalo, do you?''
The reply? ''Whatever! I knew it was a big animal.''

Now you know why the Government is in the shape that it's in! Could anyone be this DUMB?

YES, THEY WALK AMONG US, ARE IN POLITICS, AND THEY CONTINUE TO BREED!

From Joyce Lawrence Cahoon ('65) of VA - 09/28/08 - "Diaries of a Dog and Cat":

This is really quite cute!! Cats are just this conniving and independent, but I love them anyway!!

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary......

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary.,,,,,

Day 983 of my captivity. . .

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.

For now................

From Fred Field (June '45) of CA to several of his schoolmates - 09/29/08 - "PC Pee":

exclusive dean kirby
27/ 9/2008

STUDENTS say new signs on toilets at their union building might be making their WC just a 'bit too PC'.

The traditional sign on the door of the Gents has been temporarily replaced with one that says 'toilets with urinals'.

And the sign on the Ladies now simply says 'toilets' in a move to make the lavatories more inclusive for trans-gender students.

The signs on the toilets in the basement of Manchester University students' union were changed after a meeting of the union's executive in the summer.

It is thought the temporary ones will be replaced with permanent new signs in the near future.

Jennie Killip, women's officer at the students' union, put forward the idea of installing the new signs after receiving complaints from trans-gender students about the facilities.

She said: "The idea is that trans-gender people feel more comfortable using their student union.

"Trans-gender people can face violence and abuse when they go into toilets and we wanted to provide a place where they can feel comfortable.

"I have had complaints from people who said we didn't have any facilities for them."

The toilets are outside a club in the basement of the Steve Biko student union building, on Oxford Road.

Gender-neutral

Minutes from the union's executive meeting in July said: "The women's officer asked if any action could be taken following the directive from the council to look into gender-neutral toilets in the union.

"After discussion, the women's officer felt the solution would be to change the signs on one set of toilets in the building to `with urinals' and `without urinals' with explanatory signage.

"She felt the basement would be the most appropriate area to trial this. This was agreed."

Thousands of first-year students have been starting their university careers in the past few days as Freshers' Week got into full swing.

Second-year literature and linguistics student Jane McConnell, 19, is a news editor on the Student Direct student newspaper.

She said: "While these signs might be appropriate for people with different sexualities in the community of the University of Manchester, I also think that many people from different religious and ethnic groups are going to feel uncomfortable using these facilities.

"I think they might believe the university union aren't reflecting their beliefs and choices and that they are going to feel very uncomfortable using these toilets.

"Even though they're just two signs, at the end of the day, toilets should be for women and for men specifically, not for both."

Another student, who did not want to be named, said: "This is ridiculous.

"It is just too much political correctness.

"I can not believe they are changing the signs - everybody knows the traditional male and female toilet signs.

"It could lead to some confusion."

From Tom Norris (Hampton HS - '73) of VA - 09/25/08 - "He's Back.. ENJOY! (#3 in a Series of 26):

		Carol ... more pics for the newsletter. Amazing artwork! Tom Thanks, Babe! These are amazing!