Name: CAROLE FERRUCCIO () on Tuesday, December 7, 1999 at 10:38:20
E-Mail: CAROLEFERR@OAL.COM
Maiden: ANDERSON
Class: 60
City and State: NEWHALL, CA
Message: HI TO THE PERSON WHO WROTE ABOUT ZYBAN. IS THIS SOMETHING YOU NEED TO GET FROM A DOCTOR? I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO QUIT SMOKING FOR SOME TIME AND WOULD LOVE IT IF THEY TASTED LIKE DIRT. I AM BEING ENCOURAGED BY EL ROJO AND THE REST. MY NOT SMOKING WOULD MAKE A GREAT XMAS PRESENT TO MY HUSBAND. ALSO DID ANYONE ELSE EVER GO TO SCRIVENERS IN THE HOLE? I JUST LOOKED AT THE HANGOUT SITE AND DID NOT SEE IT LISTED. A BUNCH OF US GIRLS WENT THERE 2-3 TIMES A WEEK. TO TELL THE TRUTH EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT NOT SMOKING I GET THIS SHAKEY FEELING. IT IS A TRUE ADDICTION. MAYBE I SHOULD JUST PICK A DAY AND TRY THIS ZYBAN AND THE PATCH AND THE GUM AND THE TOOTSIE POPS. I AM A 40 YEAR SMOKER SO ITS TIME BUT I CANT FIGURE OUT WHAT MY LEFT HAND WILL BE DOING IF NOT HOLDING A CIG. ANY HELP OR SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GRABBED AHOLD OF LIKE A LIFE SAVER.
Carole, I'm going to tell you how I quit and, for me, it worked. In 1988 I was going with a girl who worked for a large soft drink firm. There were 42 people in her group and all but 3 smoked. Her boss said he would pay for a hypnotist for all of them, but if they went back to smoking, they had to reimburse him.........ALL BUT 3 QUIT!!!
Now I don't believe in this hocus pocus, but this seemed like pretty good odds so I called the place and made an appointment. I was smoking about 2 packs a day and couldn't get through ONE DAY without lighting up. I talked to the lady, went down and filled out a profile. I payed her and was told to come back the following week, and to continue to smoke if I so desired. I showed up the following week and was taken into a room with a nice recliner and speakers in the wings and all. Now I want you to know, I'm a total skeptic when it comes to this kind of thing. Well I've already paid my dues so I figure OK I'll do it. I sit down in the chair and she dims the lights and this recording starts playing in my ears. It says to relax, Yada Yada Yada and on the one hand I'm thinking this is something akin to a seance, but on the other, I'm thinking now don't be cynical and give this a chance. In about 10 minutes I'm still in the chair and she comes in and says a few words about the evils of smoking and all the time I'm thinking THIS IS A RIPOFF!!! She finally finishes, and says on the count of 3 I'll wake up and will be a non smoker. I'm thinking I don't want to bolt out of the chair and say what I really feel, so I'll go along. She turns the lights on and says, "Congratulations, you're a Non-Smoker." I said yeah uh thanks and start for the door. She says OH, Mr Baker, please throw your cigarettes in this box here. A FULL PACK OF MARLBOROS??? I did it and walked out the door seething mad, knowing I'd just been fleeced for 150.00. Now I'm going back to work and I'm thinking where can I get a pack of smokes between here and there. As I'm walking to my car, I start to cool down and I thought wait a minute, I haven't even given this a fair chance. If I want a cigarette this afternoon, then I'll go get some. That was October 31, 1988 and I'VE NEVER EVER HAD A CRAVING. I've never wanted a cigarette, or never was tempted when I smelled a cigarette. I can't explain it. I wasn't hypnotized, or at least not in the sense that she coulda' made me bark like a dog, but I've never had a cigarette since and I'm kind of ashamed that it wasn't more painful. Mike Shay HHS61 can confirm this story, as he went to the same person I did, and also quit. My mom quit the same way. Carole, whatever it takes. If you want to quit, QUIT!!! I felt so much better in a week. My smeller came back. I could taste food again. My clothes didn't stink. That's my story and you'll have one too, I'm sure. It doesn't matter how you get that chimpanzee off your back........just do it.

Name: Susan King () on Tuesday, December 7, 1999 at 10:00:53
E-Mail: sueking18@aol.com
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1974
City and State: Thousand Oaks, CA
Message: Well, seeing as how Neil Minami has now signed on to Cougartown, I wonder if he is checking feedback regularly? Today's date again brings him to mind. Check feedback on 12-7-98 for reference to him, Noel Smith and annual Pearl Harbor greetings.....See? This comes to mind every year on this day......

Name: Maureen "MYTMO" () on Tuesday, December 7, 1999 at 08:35:23
E-Mail: momo90250@aol.com
Maiden: Trott
Class: 1964
City and State: City of Good Neighbors
Message: EL ROJO....Hang in there boy! You can do it! I quit smoking about 14 years ago, and believe me, I don't look back at all :0) When I quit, I left 3 cartons of cigarettes in the refrigerator. After about 3 or 4 months, I threw them in the trash, and that was that! YOU WILL DO IT!!
JANET RUNN KNIGHT....What a nice surprise to see you on line. How is Don and the kids? How are your Mom and Dad, mine are still in Atascadero. Do you still have the pizza parlor(s)? E-mail me when you have the time. JB/JB....see you Wednesday! I have just one question, does PINK'S serve mashed hot-dawgs?
MYTMO
Mo, Just order a chili dog WITHOUT the dog......Simple

Name: Wayne Dickey () on Tuesday, December 7, 1999 at 07:36:36
E-Mail: wayne@salisbury
Class: 69
City and State: Salisbury NC
Message: I can respect all of you Cougars who want to stop smoking. That is your choice. But this message is for all the Cougars who DON'T want to stop. Remember what happened when we (SMOKERS)did not stick up for our rights. We lost every battle to the NON-SMOKERS. Now we can only smoke outside, at home and in our cars. Remember this when you are outside smoking in the rain! I'm not saying that smoking is good, but it is our right as an American. If I want to kill myself by smoking, that is my decision. Let's here from all the Cougars who still light up. We (smokers) all know what we're going to die of, we just don't know when! 14 years ago I went through drug rehab, and have been clean ever since. That was my decision. We should all make decisions in our lifes for ourselves. No-one should make them for us. John Crotty it was good seeing you too! When I move out there, (should be in March 2000) we can *smoke* and talk about old times. Sorry JB, but I just had to say what I feel.
Hey Wayne, I agree with you totally. There's nothing worse than a Government telling you where and when you can do something. If they think it's so bad for all of us, why don't they ban cigarettes??? Billions in taxes, that's why. Nuff said. . . . .

Name: LARRY BILLER () on Tuesday, December 7, 1999 at 05:54:12
E-Mail: LBILLER49@YAHOO.COM
Class: 1967
City and State: PORTLAND,OREGON
Message: John Crotty, Good to hear from you again. So, you're still singin. That's great! If Betty Keane agrees and if we can locate Kathie Glenn and the others we can do a reunion concert at the next KRLA "Battle Of The Bands". What? KRLA doesn't do Battle Of The Bands any more?! See Ya!
No, KRLA does Talk Radio.......

Name: Dan Johnson () on Tuesday, December 7, 1999 at 01:11:18
E-Mail: wch1ispink@aol.com
Class: 1977
City and State: Miami, FLA
Message: I'm stuck in Miami on business with a computer that loads at the speed of a DMV line. Anyway, couple of things (1) where's my old freshman basketball coach (and HHS alum) Jerry Scott and (2) Kathleen, does my band now get official credibility on the pages of cougartown? We (Which One's Pink? -- LA's Pink Floyd tribute band) are playing again on 12/18 in Pasadena, but the venue is a strip club so fair warning to all who may attend -- LOL

Name: Kristi Pealo () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 22:10:59
E-Mail: kpealo@hotmail.com
Maiden: Perkins
Class: 89
City and State: NAS Lemoore, Ca
Message: Keep it going El-Rojo! I Just quit a year ago on the 2nd of December. I used that Zyban. Wow was it great. You got to smoke while you take the medicine. After about 5 days it starts to taste like your smokeing dirt. It is so nasty that you just put the cigs down and walk away. I'm so happy that I quit. I like being able to take a deep breath. My husband and sons are grateful also. Good luck. We are all with you and praying for you!!! --Kristi

Name: blondie () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 21:59:10
E-Mail: carissa58@hotmail.com
Maiden: christine (penny) baird
Class: 76
City and State: round rock, tx
Message: Speaking of cigs....The first and only time I lit up was with Kathy (Lorig) Stonebraker. We were on our way home from Hawthorne Intermediate, I think 7th grade, and each of us had lifted a pack of cigs from our parents. We lit up and got about half way through one when we each turned green and got so sick that we have never touched them since! I'm glad too. John.... you are so diplomatic some times... specifically thinking of your reply to mosies. You do have a way with words. ")
Thank you Christine

Name: Jackie Saner () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 21:31:27
E-Mail: JackieSaner@hotmail.com
Maiden: McKnight
Class: 58
City and State: Torrance
Message: Do you have any alumni parties coming up??
PARTYS!!!! You've walked into Party Central!!!
Pinks on Wednesday Night
Fosters Cruise Night on the 8th of January
Cougartown's Wine Tasting Weekend in April
A few more are in the works right now, so stay tuned Jackie, and thanks for checking into Cougartown.

Name: Robin () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 21:24:44
E-Mail: ELROJOISTHEMAN.COM
Maiden: Neversmokedone
Class: MCMLX
City and State: Eugene,Oregon
Message: Come on Russ!!! Show them what a class of 60 Cougar is made of!...You met your wife with a smoke and Jude will be prouder when you end this evil....Were all here behind you ...Dont make us have to come and get you bud...Im sure its tougher than LB POLY with 3rd year seniors but the Cougar is with you partner!! Hang in there...Hood
"tougher than LB POLY with 3rd year seniors" NOW THAT'S FUNNY!!!!!

Name: EL ROJO () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 20:29:25
E-Mail: I-DY-HO
Maiden: YOU KNOW
Class: LEARNING
City and State: KUNA,ID
Message: Hey you folks, I'm overwhelmed! My initial response was from the e-mail from Howard and Janny Wanny and for John putting it up on the site. I had scanned no further than the El Rojo countdown. I am truly touched by the display of warmth from all of you! It's probably one of the neatest things thats ever happened to me, bar none! "8 days and counting". The monster won't get me this time. One last thing, I didn't throw my cigs away this time as I had tried to in the past. I left them in the cupboard! Lighter and all. I am stronger than the monster. Thank you all for your support! EL! MAY THE COUGAR BE WITH YOU!

Name: Cheryl Nicocia () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 20:02:32
E-Mail: chernico@cvc.net
Maiden: Christensen
Class: 62
City and State: Keno, Oregon(on the river)
Message: RUSS, good job! You can do it. If I can do it, anyone can. Toughest thing I ever did. Also the most rewarding. It's been 11 years for me,(after smoking 30 yrs, 2 packs a day) and I still crave one, every now and then. But as soon as I think about lighting up, I think about the ashes all over my clothes, and all over my CAR, the smell in the room I am working in, the burn holes in the furniture, God, even the dirty ash trays all over the house. Smoking is NOT GOOD. It stinks, It makes you look stupid, (not cool like we thought when we were 16) Remember, you are polluting everyone around you. Hang in there, YOU CAN DO IT! You are a COUGAR, after all......(Whew, I feel better, now, hope I helped.)
Amen to that......

Name: EL ROJO () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 19:48:44
E-Mail: I-DY-HO
Maiden: YOU KNOW
Class: STUPID
City and State: KUNA, ID
Message: HOWARD, JANNY, JOHN. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT. I FEEL THAT I'VE GOT HER BEAT THIS TIME !EL. MAY THE COUGAR BE WITH YOU!
Hang in there EL and let us know how you're progressing.

Name: MOISES () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 19:48:44
E-Mail: LEUHOUSE30
Message: ALL ABOUT LEUZINGER HIGH HAWTHORNE HIGH SUCK
Hi Moises, and thanks for voicing your opinion here in Cougartown. As you know, all are welcome here and I'm glad you checked in. I do believe you meant to say........... well I'm not exactly sure WHAT you were trying to convey, however you did say it in true Leuzinger fashion. Is there a Cougar out there who can possibly help Moises with his sentence structure? Moises, There's still time. You're only in High School. Good Luck

Name: Marshall Noyes () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 18:52:25
E-Mail: MrNoyes@aol.com
Class: 69
City and State: Flagstaff, Arizona
Message: My wife Marilyn quoted this poem to me Thanksgiving day. While that has gone by now, it is just as true for Christmas or any other day of the year. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
Thank God for dirty dishes,
They have a tale to tell,
while others will go hungry,
we're eating very well.
With home, health and happiness,
we shouldn't want to fuss,
for by this stack of evidence,
God's very good to us.
We should all be thankful for what we have. Thanks Marshall

Name: barbara gordon () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 18:11:02
E-Mail: yaya
Maiden: billswife
Class: 57
City and State: wofford heights
Message: El, good going.!!!with all these bad stories from feedback I guess it's time for me to quit also . so lets hold each other up.
Go For It Barbara. You can also do it.

Name: Judy DeGrazia () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 17:09:01
E-Mail: Redondo612@aol.com
Maiden: ROWDYSleftunattended!!!
Class: 64
City and State: Torrance, CA
Message: So.. just saw feedback from John B. that he may not be able to make the VFW BREAKFAST ON DEC 19..How very sad! The Rowdys will have to pull this one off all by ourselves.. with no one to watch what we do... like initiate that sink..and that urinal..(feet have been very dirty lately) and that full bar--all to ourselves. Can't say there'll be a food fight, but remember-John B won't be there to have a say. Thanks John..we were splitting a gut. You clipped our wings once to many times in CT.. now it's payback time.. See all of you on Dec 19. Oh ya Loren, the rumor is that you're putting red and green dye in the food for the holidays.. mmmmm-our kinda guy. (makes for a rough clean up after the food fight)
Judy DeGrazia THE ROWDYS
I didn't say I wouldn't be there. I said I would try to make it. Geez, I don't think the Rowdys are allowed within 150 yards of ANYTHING without an escort.

Name: Debra Lee McGregor () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 16:53:33
E-Mail: mcgregor@la.lancaster.k12.ca.us
Maiden: Lee
Class: 72
City and State: Lancaster, CA
Message: John - How about the caption - "I told you not to feed him Pink's chili dogs!" Hey, El Rojo - you CAN do it. My Dad and I quit the same week over 20 years ago. He is not a real religious man, but about four months after he quit, he wanted one real badly. He was painting the house and he didn't want to give in. He got off the ladder, fell to his knees and prayed for strength. A few minutes later he went back painting and got the strength. Just think how great it will be to be able to taste food again! It's amazing the taste bud thing. Pauline Matthew - to answer your question - I see Kathy Jefferson at work almost everyday and told her she could use my e-mail to get msgs. We're only related by being Cougs! Wish I could go to Pink's, but I gotta work Wed. night. Have fun!

Name: JIM SLOEY () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 16:14:34
E-Mail: nosmokeisgood.com
Class: 66
City and State: redondo beach, home of the homeless
Message: We are with you Jake! Sloey

Name: Kathleen Griffin () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 14:32:40
E-Mail: Spirithart@yahoo.com
Maiden: Nix
Class: 74
City and State: Wilmington, CA
Message: Howard, YIPEE!! Glad to be of service! To the new NON Smokers out there, congratulations to you all. When the urge to light up hits, remind yourself that you don't smoke. We are all rooting for you!
Can't make Pinks on Wednesday, that's mom's (me) night out with her sons, we're going to In and Out Burger (don't ask, it's a long story.) But just in case I can convince 3 young men to tackle a chili dog, what time was that again?
Kathleen, We'll be there about 8pm. Tell them that Claudia Schiffer hangs out there too. That would sway me.

Name: Yvonne Ackerman () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 14:02:52
E-Mail: takeatizzy@yahoo.com
Maiden: Karlock
Class: 1968
City and State: Simi Valley, CA
Message: Clark Drugs
The Boys Market

Name: Ray Cramer () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 13:26:20
E-Mail: rjcramer@medi-flex.com
Class: 1969
Message: To John Crotty
Yes John I do remember the one and only time I whiffed in middle league. Just remember the story about the blind squirrel and the nut! That's why you took up singing was because of your pitching ability!

Name: Bob Veach () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 13:15:10
E-Mail: annijor@aol.com
Maiden: Cougar/Jackrabbit/Bulldog/Viking
Class: 1972
City and State: Long Beach, CA
Message: El Rojo- I won't be able to attend the Pink's trip Wednesday as I will be at a funeral for a very dear friend at work that day. She smoked and died of cancer. Good luck in stopping. I quit about 4 years ago, 2 1/2 packs of Camels a day. Although the Patch, Blow Pops and Tootsie Roll suckers worked great, something else helped. About a week after I quit, I was still going nuts. One day I was walking up to a liquor store when I met man whose son I had coached a couple of years back. After telling him about my quitting, he told me he had done the same a number years back. Then he told me he would pray for me because it was going to be tough. Here's a guy I might run into once a year and he's praying for me. I couldn't believe it! Well, I want to repay him so I will be praying for you in your struggle. It was the best thing I could have done for my wife, my kids and ME. And you will see so also. Now, if I could only lose this damn weight.

Name: Loren Heath () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 13:09:44
E-Mail: lheath@gtbicycles.com
Class: 64
City and State: Anaheim , CA
Message: John and everybody, I apologize for not being on the old net much lately, but it has been a real zoo around work lately with Y2K and year end closing approaching.
I want to thank all the Coug's for their meaningful remarks for Veteran's Day. For those of us who gave up part of our lives and for those who lost their lives in the service of their country, I would personally like to say THANK YOU. So many people forget what freedom cost and for those who do, to paraphase Ben Franklin said "He who gives up freedom for security, will likely lose both."
Yes, there is a breakfast at the VFW on the 19th. John, I promise no more "GREEN" SOS. At least, it showed up real well in the picture. For those who do not know why there was not a breakfast in November, each year the Post brings down over a 100 patients from the VA Hospital for a Thanksgiving Dinner on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. That is usually the day of the breakfast and there is no way we can do both on the same day.
I hope to see you all on the 19th at the VFW. On the 18th, I have been invited to 3 x-mas parties, so I don't know how coherent I am going to be, but I promise the SOS will be just as GOOD as always.
Don't worry Judy, will be sure to have your eggs sunny side up for you.
Can't wait for "Cruise Night 2" and the next "Pinks" run. Will be there with bells on.
Loren
I'll be in Tehachapi on the 18th, but will try to make it on the 19th. Thanks for the update Loren.

Name: Bob Veach () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 12:53:23
E-Mail: annijoro@aol.com
Maiden: Jackrabbit
Class: 1972
City and State: Long Beach, CA
Message: Sue/John-
35-9 Poly over Los Al. This gives Poly a 3rd consecutive time at the Div1 final, played at Edison (Angel) Stadium in Anaheim (horrible place for football), against the same opponent, Mater Dei. They won in '97 (and in 1959 if I recall, but I was very young). Not a very good showing by Los Al-only 3 FG's- but a heck of punter/PK'r. Best I have ever seen by a high schooler.
Thanks Bob for that lovely bit of sports news.

Name: Charlie Fox () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 12:22:19
E-Mail: foxhaus@aol.com
Class: 69
City and State: R.P.V. CA
Message: El Rojo: Keep up the good work. I'm starting my 8th day without a smoke and I'm holding steady. After 33 years of wrestling with this insidious addiction, I'm hoping to defeat it for good. Hang in there!
Hey Charlie, Stay the course man. If I whipped it, you can too. Be a Coug boy......

Name: Matt Peterson () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 10:38:17
E-Mail: mpeters2@dtsc.ca.gov
Class: 74
City and State: El Dorado Hills, CA
Message: Hello. Just checking in. I really enjoy CT and read it regularly. Its amazing the details everyone remembers. I wish I could go to Pinks. I haven't been there in 25 years. John, how is the cougartown T-shirts sales going? Take care.
Slowly but surely. If you want shirts for stocking stuffers, please order and get your check in, THIS WEEK. They will be shipped on Monday. Thanks Matt.....

Name: Frank A. Romano () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 10:21:34
E-Mail: fromano@lvcm.com
Class: 1961
City and State: Las Vegas, NV
Message: El Rojo... Short story about quitting cigarettes. June 10, 1997 at about 7AM, I noticed a major amount of pressure between my shoulder blades. I telephone my wife to let her know that the heart attack she knew I was going to have had in fact arrived. I asked her to call 911, and our daughter to unlock our front door, and put the dog out. I sat down, and smoked a cigarette to wait for the paramedics. I knew they weren't going to give me another smoke. Quit before its an emergency. I was very lucky...I got to sleep for the next three weeks after the emergency. But I'm told that I was asking for a cigarette and a cup of coffee as I would wake up a little during that three week stay in ICU. At times now I'll get a craving. Once in a while I treat myself to a good cigar. I chew most of it. El...do whatever it takes to keep away from them...call a friend and talk about it...but don't light the next one. HANG IN THERE! RCG
We're here for you El.....Thanks Frank

Name: Susan King () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 10:11:26
E-Mail: sueking18@aol.com
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1974
City and State: Thousand Oaks, CA
Message: El Rojo: Way to go!! Just for your info, after 3 days, YOU'VE KICKED IT!! I know this as I am a non smoker x 10 years.....and I'll never go back. I keep wondering what the he** I was thinking when I started! You're there buddy! I passed the Los Al messages to Darryl - we scanned our local paper on Saturday for game results but don't get the Saturday Times. What happened?? Bob Veach?? And Kathleen, Darryl was glad to hear there was another Griffin out there....Sorry I cannot go to Pink's on Wed - I am committed to my volunteer work at the high school each Wed - when will you schedule a run so I CAN GO??!!
Sue, Is there NO TIME when we schedule an event that you can go? You have to MAKE TIME for your friends. This is what I'm talking about. I'm sure your volunteer work is very important, but so are your friends. We love you Moe.
Does anyone have the Los Al-LBP score from last Friday? Bob V, are you out there?

Name: Sharon () on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 09:57:08
E-Mail: MacDonald
Maiden: Badger
Class: 63
City and State: Burlington, Wisconsin
Message: re: the donkey pix - "I told you that giving helium to the donkey wouldn't improve his pulling capabilities!"
Hey John, perhaps you were the prototype for a special Holiday decoration for people with palm instead of pine trees in their yards - the Hanging Elf - attaches to any palm frond and brings glee to all who view him.
Holiday stories are the best. We should all tell 'em if we got 'em. Here's one of my family's favorites. It involves a white flocked tree purchased in Hawthorne by the train depot and my mother. She picked out the tree and loaded it on the top of my Volkswagen to drive it home. It was huge - almost needed to put wheels on part of... Got it home and following mom's instructions, put it in the corner of the dining room with one little problem - it covered the only doorway to the kitchen. So mom proceeded to have my dad move the tree all around the living room and dining room to find the perfect place. None seemed suitable and dad's patience was running thin. Dad suggested cutting back some of the branches so the tree wouldn't be so big. Mom didn't like that idea. Now dad lost his cool and said OK, I'll fix the problem. H grabbed ahold of the tree and got as far away from the corner as he could. Then he took a running start with the tree and ran it into the corner in the dining room, folding up any branches near the walls. He stepped back and dusted his hands together - we could get into the kitchen and only had to decorate part of the tree! So to all you Cougars and Cougarettes buying real trees, remember "Trees may appear smaller in the Tree Lot than in the Home".
Sharon, Thanks for the donkey quote and the story. I remember we used to have to cut the top off of ours as the Angel would never fit.