mjpudster

Gosh, maybe the corps would become community based again and actually offer an opportunity for kids who aren't quite up to DCI's standards. What a concept, become an actual education (501c3 - non profit educational)organization. I'm not taking a shot at you Grumpy, just trying to make a point.

I'm glad you realized the error of your ways. Seriously, I appreciate your good thoughts. Mike

For MBI it has never been about trying to beat someone. They have always been about putting the best possible product on the field. Mike

Bob was friend to all. He was one of the truly "good guys". Even though I only knew him for 8 years, it seemed like I knew him forever. I will miss his "yo Mikie!". Debbie, Judi and I love you and the girls. What ever you need, all you have to do is ask. Mike & Judi Palmquist

Well, Ike came and went. In his aftermath he left around 4.5 million people with no power, uprooted and broke many trees, bushes and fences. All in all, it could've been worse. I can't speak for anyone else, but my family and I are all fine. Some minimal damage, no power, no a/c and no broadband service, but as I said it could've been worse. Mike

First of all I want to congratulate Jim Gruber and the entire Buccaneer organization for 4 titles in 4 years. What an incredible accomplishment. You have done what only one other corps has ever done, win 4 in a row. Jim, you run a class organization and I am happy that we have gotten the opportunity to get to know each other over the years. With that being said, I have to also take this opportunity to apologize to you and your organization for something I said, in the heat of the excitement over Minnesota Brass's second place finish. In my excitement, when it was announced that the Bucs had won their 4th title, I said "who cares". I didn't mean it the way it was said, but one of your staff, who was on the way over to congratulate those of us with Brass heard me say it and, rightly so, took offense at what I said. I was reveling in our success and did not mean that no one should care that the Bucs took 1st, only that, at that moment, I didn't care who took first. Had it been anyone else, I might have said the same thing. I don't know, and I will never know. In any case, what I said was both inappropriate, and also very unkind to you and your fine organization. I hope you can accept my apology, and please convey to your staff, membership, and specifically the individual who heard my "stupid" utterance, my very sincere apology. Mike Palmquist

Thanks Tom. You, like Empire's founder Mr. B, his son David, and all of the members of the STATESMEN organization, are a class act. I can't begin to tell you the emotion that was running through all of us last night. I want to take this opportunity to thank the STATESMEN for, once again, running an exciting and energetic DCA Finals. I have said over the years that the 1996 DCA Finals, other than the field situation, were one of the best run and most first class finals I have ever attended. Rochester is a great host city and will always have a special place in the hearts of all of the membership of MBI. The Empire STATESMEN will also always have a special place in the heart of the membership, past and present, of MBI. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jim Gruber and the entire Buccaneer organization on their 4 peet. They are a fine organization with a great history and are a very diserving champion. In 1977, the first year that I attended DCA, I was MBI Business Manager, and thanks to the Buccaneers Corps Director (whose name escapes me), we were invited to play at a show in Reading the night before DCA Prelims. It gave us a big lift. Bucs also set us up with a practice facility and were very helpful to a new (we had only been to DCA once before in 1973) DCA participant. Mike Palmquist

Fran, Glad to hear Barb is doing so well. I'm looking forward to seeing both of you in Clifton. BTW, 50 is now considered to be "middle age". Also, Barb, I'm still not worthy. Mike

MBI

Gives a whole new meaning to the term "a big head". Mike

Here's another streak for you. Name the 4 DCA Corps that have consistently been in the top 10 for the last 16 years? Mike

Fran, I'm still not worthy. Give Barbara a kiss for me. Mike

All I can say Fran, is that I am not worthy. You know what I mean. Tell Barbara I'm looking forward to seeing her next June in Wildwood. Mike

Be still my heart! Mike

Sorry, Gary. I should have figured that out on my own. Thanks for the "Heads up". :) Mike