Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Randyman]

Rick and Monica Farris


Frank and Connie Baltazar


Tom Ray and Rick Farris


Tony Cerda Jr.

[Rick Farris]

Rick and Monica Farris


Frank and Connie Baltazar


Tom Ray and Rick Farris


Tony Cerda Jr.

Tony Cerda Jr. was another L.A. Jr. Golden Glover who bcame a headliner as a pro.
Like the Baltazar brothers, Albert Davila, Frankie Duarte, etc. Tony Cerda Jr. was an outstandig Jr. amateur fighter.
It was good seeing the photo of Frankie Baltazar Jr. with Bobby Valenzuela, another former junior star from a fighting family.

[kikibalt]

Tony Cerda Jr.


Tony Cerda Jr. was another L.A. Jr. Golden Glover who bcame a headliner as a pro.
Like the Baltazar brothers, Albert Davila, Frankie Duarte, etc. Tony Cerda Jr. was an outstandig Jr. amateur fighter.
It was good seeing the photo of Frankie Baltazar Jr. with Bobby Valenzuela, another former junior star from a fighting family.

Starting in 1964 to 1969 Frankie and Bobby Valenzuela must had fought about 20 times, at first Bobby would get the best of Frankie, toward the end of their series Frankie was coming out on top, after their last fight, which Frankie won, in 1969, Tony Valenzuela, father/trainer, ask if Frankie would fight Bobby's older brother, Tony, we said yes, and Frankie beat Tony, not long after that the Valenzuela's left boxing, Victor retuned as a trainer later on, great times in the JR's.....

[kikibalt]

2010 CBHOF inductee Victor Valenzuela

[kikibalt]

Tony Valenzuela and Frankie Baltazar, the two fought when Frankie was about 12 years old, Tony was older, Frankie won the fight

[Rick Farris]

About L.A. Junior Amateur bouts . . .


It was nothing like junior amateur fights today.
The kids wore the same size gloves, but no head gear, no officials dressed in white to stop a bout on a bloody nose, or because a kid loses his balance. The ref's were often pro boxing headliners who came to support the outstanding junior amateur program in L.A. Most had roots in the program. Nobody got hurt, no more than kids today, but man did they fight! And they boxed!

Such precocious ring class was not uncommon. There was a lot of competition, tough kids from all over Southern Cal headed to L.A. every summer for the annual Junior Golden Gloves tournament. During the rest of the year, the Teamster's Gym held junior & pee-wee boxing matches most Friday nights. And there were other clubs, like Tony Cerda's Sacred Heart Boy's Club in Pomona, at a Church gym. And there was the Stanton A.C. a few miles south, just across the Orange County line. And there were others.

The young boxers moved like old school pros. I'm remembering back to when I started, in the mid-60's. Keep in mind, just a few years earlier, guys such as Gil Cadilli, Keeny Teran, etc. were headlining in town. They had come up thru the Jr. Gloves program in L.A. during the 40's. Cadilli retired not long before kids like myself were fighting, and now was a trainer. We still had true professional boxing quality in L.A. and it reflected in the kids I watched grow up in the program. You saw the hands held high, classic boxing moves, darting jabs, feinting, beautiful combinations, like miniature Mando Ramos's. Of course, I knew that when Ramos had turned pro at seventeen, he had come straight out of the L.A. Jr. Golden Gloves program. He never fought as an amateur, he jumped right into the pros and the rest is history.

We had some great teachers in L.A. The proof was in their product.
We know Frank Baltazar's background, his roots. It reflects in the quality of his boxers.
In the years since, things have slowly faded away, and transformed into something else. That is life, time changes everything.

Seeing Frankie Jr. this weekend brought these thoughts to mind. I remember he and Tony, and Bobby.
I saw them from the very early days until the end of their careers. Same with Albert Davila.
Classic boxing was still alive and well.
Maybe my era wasn't quite what the previous had been, but thanks to the Jr. Gloves program in L.A. it was a very strong era.

I appreciate being a part of that era in Classic American West Coast boxing.


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

"The Senator" Johnny Forbes . . .

California Boxing Hall of Famer.
Los Angeles' greatest developer of youth boxing talent.

[bennie]

Rick and Monica Farris


Frank and Connie Baltazar


Tom Ray and Rick Farris


Tony Cerda Jr.

Tony Cerda Junior is remembered here for a couple of middleweight wars he had with Mark Kaylor, one of the toughest fighters we ever produced. In the first one it was punch for punch and then Kaylor nailed Cerda, unintentionally, just after the bell to end the ninth round and Tony fell on his face, out cold. It was an obvious disqualification. Kaylor won the second one more clearly, on points, and then actually went on holiday in LA, possibly at Cerda's request, where he met his wife-to-be, a very hot Mexican gal. They cut a dashing couple, and Kaylor now lives in LA.

[iskigoe]

Thanks for all the pics its the next best thing to being there.

So thats Tom. I will have to look up when typing to him.

KI

[kikibalt]

So thats Tom. I will have to look up when typing to him.

KI

[kikibalt]

2010 California Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies
San Diego Boxing Examiner
James Wyatt


As in past years the intent of Saturday’s California Boxing Hall of Fame luncheon at the Sportmen’s Lodge in Studio City was to honor the boxing community’s top contributors and like the celebrated stars of Motion Pictures who get their star emblazoned on the nearby Hollywood walk of fame, the 2010 Hall of Fame inductees now have their deeds preserved in boxing lore. It is now part of the history of the great sport and they and their families can take pride in their accomplishment.

The Boxing legends who were honored:

Art Hafey (#1 featherweight contender 1975). Hafey (53-8-4) will forever be remembered as one of the greatest boxers who never got a title shot. His most memorable bouts were against Alexis Arguello, Ruben Olivares and Danny “Little Red” Lopez.

In 1943, the biggest box office attraction to hit Los Angeles boxing was an 18 year-old lightweight by the name of Enrique Bolanos from Durango, Mexico. Over his 10 year career he unsuccessfully challenged Ike Williams three times for the World title, losing by 8th round TKO, a 15 round split decision (with 25,332 in attendance), and a 4th round TKO, respectively. All three bouts were held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles in the late forties.

Sean O'Grady had a record of 81-5-0, with 70 KO’s. In addition to being a world champion, he's also a college graduate, boxing analyst, television personality and actor. In 1980, he was given his first shot at a world title and travelled to Scotland to face Jim Watt, only to sustain a cut early in the bout and lose by TKO in round 12. The O'Grady family protested the result, arguing the cut was caused by a head butt, not a punch. Because of the controversy, the WBA, the other boxing body at the time, took O' Grady into consideration and gave him a second try at becoming world champion, this time against Hilmer Kenty. O' Grady again suffered a cut early in the bout, but managed to drop Kenty in round eight to get the win.

After retiring, O’Grady became a color commentator with the USA Tuesday Night Fights program till 1994, then went to Fox Sports and finally ended up on the Toughman TV show on the F/X channel.

Jerry Cheatham went to the Paavo Ketonens Gym at age 14 where he won three Arizona Golden Gloves Titles. After turning pro at age 18, he KO’d Steve Delgado to become the NABF Middleweight Champ in 1978. Achieved status of #1 contender in March 1981. Retired at age 25 with a 41-11-2, 28 KO’s record to pursue a career as a firefighter. He just finished celebrating 25 years with the Phoenix Fire department. Cheatham, whose dad was a former Marine on Camp Pendleton, has been working with Alex Ramos since 2004 as the Arizona representative of the Retired Boxers Foundation.

Larry Montalvo is a Korean War veteran and retired postal worker who has run a boxing program at the Wabash Recreation Center for many years. He has also served as the President of the Golden State Boxer’s Association for over three years.

Ray De La Fuente’s dad got him started in boxing at the age of 10. In his own words, “My father came up to me while I’ll sat on the front porch and simply said, ‘Go with me!’ and I had my first fight. Immediately after that I began training at the Teamsters Gym with my father. I fought at churches, Lincoln Park, and basically anywhere they put boxing matches together. I remember my father arranged a match between myself and Canto Robledo’s son, Bobby Robledo, and we filled up the Pasadena Arena. I also fought Golden Gloves but lost in the finals. Throughout my boxing career my father was a boxing consultant for the movie industry. While a consultant, he got me a role as a prizefighter in a movie called Kid Galahad which starred Elvis Presley.’

Victor Valenzuela started boxing under the tutelage of his dad at the age of nine and had over 80 amateur bouts. While working full time, he soon began to volunteer his services at the Azusa Boxing Club as their boxing coach and remained there from 1977 to 2008. He is currently the boxing coach at the Duarte Boxing Club where he has trained several national amateur champions and many top professional boxers.

Tony Cerda Jr. began his boxing career at the age of eight and from 1968 to 1973 won his division in the Junior Golden Gloves competition. At the first National Junior Olympic in 1972, he won the Gold Medal in the132 pound division. The following year he won the gold medal in the 146 pound division. By 1979 he was competing in the 160 pound division and won that Gold Medal. During the next seven years he fought professionally; his record included 25 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws.

Lupe Aquino became a world champion when he won a 12 round decision over Duane Thomas in France. After 13 years as a professional boxer, he finished with a record of 53 wins, 9 defeats, 2 draws with 36 KO’s. During his career he fought the very best: Bernard Hopkins, Verne Phillips, Pipino Cuevas, John David Jackson, Milton McCrory, Donald Curry, and Davey Moore.


Joey Barnum grew up in Culver City, a section known as the Heartland of Screenland. While attending Hamilion High School he was good friends with classmate Margarita Cansino, who became a Hollywood sex symbol, later changing her name to Rita Hayworth. Barnum garnered national attention when in 1945 he upset future welterweight champion Johnny Bratton in Chicago.

By 1948 Barnum had retired and began managing fighters. Then one of his promising boxers made him so angry he got back into the ring. As the story goes, Mario Trigo liked to party more than he liked to train. One night Barnum confronted his fighter in a bar and Trigo took a swing at Barnum. Barnum resigned as his manager and challenged him to a fight in the ring. They fought and Barnum won. The story intrigued Hollywood which later had Rory Calhoun play Barnum in the movie Killer Instinct.

For more than 30 plus years Brad Pye Jr. has been this, that and everything in Los Angeles County. He’s held many government posts, worked in radio, TV, and print, is considered the “Dean of Black Sportscasters” and also served eight years as a member of the California Boxing Commission.

Joe Borrielli, another member of the California Boxing Commission, was inducted. Borrielli held the all important position of inspector for 36 years.

Born in Burbank, CA, Rick Farris began boxing under the supervision of the legendary trainer, Johnny Flores. His stable mates included Jerry Quarry, Ruben Navarro and Dwight Hawkins. As an amateur boxer he won Jr. Golden Gloves, A.A.U., Golden Gloves, and Diamond Belt Championships. During his six year pro career he was a sparring partner for a dozen world champions and since hanging up the gloves he’s worked in the motion picture industry as a lighting technician. Farris is currently a free lance boxing writer and boxing historian for the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

Also recognized in the non-boxer category was Los Angeles Herald-Examiner boxing writer (16 years) and publicist (21 years) John Beyrooty. Beyrooty gave a lengthy account of what it’s like being an on-deadline boxing reporter and how sometimes he had to outfox his competition. After becoming longwinded, some of the dinner guests started to wonder if a long hook might appear from behind the curtain to snag the gabby speaker. A gentleman who returned from the restroom added some levity to the situation when he asked, “Is he still talking?”

They say to list all the names of the people publicist Bill Caplan has worked with over the past forty years would take up far too much time and space. Suffice it to say, he has worked with almost every big name in the sport. If a boxer’s name is on the lips of fight fans, most likely Caplan played a key role in getting it there. Bob Arum agrees: “Caplan is the quintessential PR man for boxing.”

And now for one of the most popular guys in any sport.
Referee / judge Pat Russell’s career spans 30 plus years. In that time we’ve seen him officiating on TV for some of the most important title fights and we’ve also seen him volunteer to officiate at local charity events. Russell has officiated at hundreds of fights throughout the United States and the world. He refereed in all three seasons of The Contender reality boxing series, and played a referee in the movie Ali and on several TV shows. He’s been honored as referee of the year twice, (2008 and 2009). He’s a Vietnam veteran who went Airborne Ranger, a reservist who retired as a Captain, a retired Criminal Investigator for the District Attorney’s Office, a past-president of the California Referee’s Association, a current board member of the National City Community Youth Athletic Center, and the list goes on and on.

When Pat Russell is asked about his work as a boxing official, he often says: “I feel so humble just being in the same ring with all these courageous athletes.” The day finally came to acknowledge Pat for his expertise and devotion to the sport.

In the posthumous category: boxers Jr. Robles, Paul Palomino and Bryron Lindsay were honored. In 1980, the three young men were on their way to represent the US in an International Amateur Boxing Competition, when the plane they were on crashed outside Warsaw, Poland. Also honored posthumously: welterweight champ Young Corbett II (122-11-17), welterweight Joey Medill (34-9-4), Bobby Pacho who compiled 80 victories over 21 years, Joe Robleto (27-40-8) who fought for five years and had two shots at the bantamweight crown.

Special Honored Guests included: Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Carlos Palomino, "Gato" Gonzalez, Frankie Baltazar, Danny Valdez, Genero Hernandez,

[bennie]

Rick & Monica Farris
2010 California Boxing Hall oF Fame

Rick's memoirs would be interesting. There must be a few leading ladies he (cough, cough).

[bennie]

Randy De La O, Ed Hernandez, Tom Ray and Chuck Johnston

Randy looks like the 'bad guy' in a Western, Ed, an ageing hippie, Tom, a kindly headmaster and Chuck like Julio Cesar.

[bennie]

CBHOF-2010



Two ex-pugs Dino Ramirez and Bobby Chacon

Dino must have been some fighter. Apart from his nose, he still has his looks. "The Schoolboy" is said to be in a bad way but the more I think about Bobby's fight with Art Frias, the more I think Bobby still had his reflexes that night. Life is the biggest left hooker of all.

[bennie]

Tony Valenzuela and Frankie Baltazar, the two fought when Frankie was about 12 years old, Tony was older, Frankie won the fight

The camaraderie between ex-opponents is always a joy. Did one of the Valenzuelas fight De La Hoya as a pro?

[kikibalt]

Tony Valenzuela and Frankie Baltazar, the two fought when Frankie was about 12 years old, Tony was older, Frankie won the fight

The camaraderie between ex-opponents is always a joy. Did one of the Valenzuelas fight De La Hoya as a pro?

No Bennie, none of the Valenzuela fought pro....

[kikibalt]

Randy De La O, Ed Hernandez, Tom Ray and Chuck Johnston

Randy looks like the 'bad guy' in a Western, Ed, an ageing hippie, Tom, a kindly headmaster and Chuck like Julio Cesar.

[bennie]

Tony Valenzuela and Frankie Baltazar, the two fought when Frankie was about 12 years old, Tony was older, Frankie won the fight

The camaraderie between ex-opponents is always a joy. Did one of the Valenzuelas fight De La Hoya as a pro?

No Bennie, none of the Valenzuela fought pro....

Cheers, Frankie. Without looking, I must be thinking of someone else.

[kikibalt]

CBHOF-2010



Two ex-pugs Dino Ramirez and Bobby Chacon

Dino must have been some fighter. Apart from his nose, he still has his looks. "The Schoolboy" is said to be in a bad way but the more I think about Bobby's fight with Art Frias, the more I think Bobby still had his reflexes that night. Life is the biggest left hooker of all.

Dino, imo, spent too much time in the amateurs, a decision made by his father and brother, who without no boxing background decided they were going to guide Dino in his boxing career, thought they had an Olympic Champion in the making, when in reality, style wise, Dino was more suited for the pros. My late boxing partner, John Martinez and I started Dino as a young Jr. fighter, but lo and behold, the family stepped in, John and I decided we didn't want to get involved with the family so we walked. In the end Dino had very few pro fights.

[raylawpc]

CBHOF-2010



Two ex-pugs Dino Ramirez and Bobby Chacon

Dino must have been some fighter. Apart from his nose, he still has his looks. "The Schoolboy" is said to be in a bad way but the more I think about Bobby's fight with Art Frias, the more I think Bobby still had his reflexes that night. Life is the biggest left hooker of all.

In some respects, Bobby is in "bad shape." He clearly suffers cognative and neurological deficits and one cannot understand a word he says. Yet, on the otherhand, Bobby also clearly enjoys life. He has a modest but steady income from his disability pension, and a loving girlfriend and caretaker in Rosie. (Watching them at my table it was obvious that they have a great deal of affection for each other, and, from my discussion with Rosie after the banquet, I believe she has his best interests at heart.) Bobby has no responsibilities in life; Rosie does everything for him. In that respect, Bobby is in "good shape."

[kikibalt]

CBHOF-2010



Two ex-pugs Dino Ramirez and Bobby Chacon

Dino must have been some fighter. Apart from his nose, he still has his looks. "The Schoolboy" is said to be in a bad way but the more I think about Bobby's fight with Art Frias, the more I think Bobby still had his reflexes that night. Life is the biggest left hooker of all.

In some respects, Bobby is in "bad shape." He clearly suffers cognative and neurological deficits and one cannot understand a word he says. Yet, on the otherhand, Bobby also clearly enjoys life. He has a modest but steady income from his disability pension, and a loving girlfriend and caretaker in Rosie. (Watching them at my table it was obvious that they have a great deal of affection for each other, and, from my discussion with Rosie after the banquet, I believe she has his best interests at heart.) Bobby has no responsibilities in life; Rosie does everything from him. In that respect, Bobby is in "good shape."

Good observation Tom.

[Expug]

CBHOF-2010



Two ex-pugs Dino Ramirez and Bobby Chacon

Dino must have been some fighter. Apart from his nose, he still has his looks. "The Schoolboy" is said to be in a bad way but the more I think about Bobby's fight with Art Frias, the more I think Bobby still had his reflexes that night. Life is the biggest left hooker of all.

Dino, imo, spent too much time in the amateurs, a decision made by his father and brother, who without no boxing background decided they were going to guide Dino in his boxing career, thought they had an Olympic Champion in the making, when in reality, style wise, Dino was more suited for the pros. My late boxing partner, John Martinez and I started Dino as a young Jr. fighter, but lo and behold, the family stepped in, John and I decided we didn't want to get involved with the family so we walked. In the end Dino had very few pro fights.

Ive always thought that keeping a fighter amateur too long can be very counterproductive.
Here in Chicago,we had a bantamweight that fought back in the seventies who was a tremendous amateur multi Golden Gloves champ etc etc, but I have thought that maybe they kept him in the unpaid ranks for too many fights as he had a relatively brief pro career and didnt go real far.His name was Wayne Lynum. Im sure Dan remembers him.
I can think of a few more here also.
Maybe it was because back then we had a lot of good amateur trainers but not alot of trainers moving pros real far.

[Randyman]

Rick & Monica Farris
2010 California Boxing Hall oF Fame

This past weekend, at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California, some of the best boxers of the past were honored and recognized by the California Boxing Hall of Fame, and the boxing community came out to celebrate with them. The mood was festive as the boxers, their families and friends, as well as the fans, were on hand to witness their favorite fighter being immortalized in California’s Hall of Fame.

Some like Rick Farris and Tony Cerda Jr., were born and bred here in the Golden State, while others like Art Hafey came here from far away lands to stake their claim in California’s long and rich boxing history. They trained in places like the Main Street Gym or the Teamsters Gym and they fought in legendary venues such as, the Olympic Auditorium, the Hollywood Legion Stadium, the Forum, the Los Angeles Sports Arena, Wrigley’s Field, the great casinos of Las Vegas and in Madison Square Garden in New York. Others, like Oklahoma’s Sean O’Grady fought here briefly but made their mark by showing great courage in their ring battles, as was the case for seventeen year old O’Grady who came to Los Angeles in 1976 to face Danny “:Little Red” Lopez at the Forum. He lost that battle when the fight was stopped after the fourth round but showed the stuff fighters are made of by taking the fight to Lopez. He proved he had the right stuff when in 1981 he wrested the WBA Lightweight title from Hilmer Kenty. Sean’s award was accepted by his friend and attorney Tom Ray. Tom Ray was also O’Grady’s cornerman.

California’s own Golden Age was represented by Enrique Bolanos, who’s boxing record reads like a veritable who’s who of one of booing’s greatest era, fighting the likes of Manuel Ortiz, Ike Williams, Art Aragon, Joey Barnum, Maxie Docusen, Jimmy Carter, Chico Vejar and so many more. His induction award was graciously accepted by his wife Ruby.

Legendary trainer Johnny Forbes, who passed way in 1971, received his honor posthumously. Forbes had a great stable of fighters that included Carlos and Al Chavez, Gil Cadilli, Keeny Teran, Cali Martinez and Vince Delgado, to name a few.

Rick Farris received his 2010 induction as a fighter but he may someday receive another award for his dedication to preserving and writing about local boxing history. Rick was a fighter’s fighter and he still continues to fight, only now he’s fighting to ensure that boxers of the past are not forgotten. He fights for their legacy.

Canadian Art Hafey, who knows a thing or two about being forgotten, has had a great year, starting with Dan Hanley’s “The Featherweight Wars ”, last years premier of the ”Toy Tiger” and culminating with his induction into the Hall of Fame. It’s a well deserved honor.

Lupe Aquino, the epitome of a humble man sated simply “I’m a man of few words” gave his thanks and left the podium. John Beyrooty ,on the other hand left no stoned unturned in accepting his honors and may very well be back in the near future to accept a newly created award for the longest and most drawn acceptance speech in any award, boxing or otherwise. Referee Pat Russell, a class act, accepted his award with his usual aplomb and was enjoying himself and interacting with fans. Russell, who’s name is synonymous with integrity is a referee’s referee.

The families of Junior Robles, Paul Palomino (Brother of Carlos Palomino) and Bryon Lindsay were there to accept the posthumous awards. All three were tragically killed on March 14, 1980, when, as part of a team that was headed to Warsaw, Poland, their plane crashed near the airport killing all 77 aboard the plane. It was a somber and touching moment as they recalled their loved ones.

There are so many personal stories for each and every fighter. There can be no greater honor than being inducted into the Hall of Fame for doing something that you loved. Especially a sport that can demand so much from an athlete. Boxing is a sport like no other and in my eyes boxer’s stand the tallest, at any weight.

Along with the honorees that were on hand to receive their induction were local boxing legends; Mando Muniz, Carlos Palomino, Bobby Chacon, Danny Lopez, Frankie Baltazar Jr., Ruben Castillo, Vince Delgado, Rodolfo “El Gato” Gonzales, Gwen Adair, Tony Cerda Sr. and Frank Baltazar Sr. and so many more.


A special thanks to Don Fraser and Frank Baltazar Sr. for a job well done. The 2010 California Boxing Hall of Fame was a success.

The Class of 2010 California Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees

Bazooka Limon
Art Hafey
Bob Arum
Sean O'Grady
Enrique Bolanos
Rick Farris
Brad Pye Jr.
Larry Montalvo
John Beyrooty
Pat Russell
Ray De La Fuentes
Victor Valenzuela
Jerry Cheatham
Joey Barnum
Tony Cerda Jr
Joe Barriellli
Bill Caplan
Lupe Aquino

Posthumous Category
Jr. Robles
Paul Palomino
Bryon Lindsey
Young Corbett III
Joey Medill
Bobby Pacho
Joe Robledo
Johnny Forbes

Congratulations to all the 2010 Inductees. Your legacy is preserved

http://boxing-ring.blogspot.com/

[raylawpc]

Tips from Cowboys:

~ Never squat with your spurs on!

~ Never kick a fresh cow chip on a hot day.

~ There's two theories to arguin' with a woman.... Neither one works.

~ Don't worry about bitin' off more than you can chew. Your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger than you think.

~ If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.

~ After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.

~ If you find yourself in a hole the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

~ Never smack a man who's chewin' tobacco.

~ It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.

~ Never ask a barber if he thinks you need a haircut.

~ Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

~ Always drink upstream from the herd.

~ Never drop your gun to hug a grizzly.

~ If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.

~ When you give a lesson in meanness to a critter or a person, don't be surprised if they learn their lesson.

~ When you're throwin' your weight around, be ready to have it thrown around by somebody else.

~ Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back.

~ Always take a good look at what you're about to eat. It's not so important to know what it is, but it's critical to know what it was.

~ The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.

~ Never miss a good chance to shut up.

[Randyman]

Tom, it was a pleasure meeting you this weekend. Ed and I both enjoyed getting to know you. You did a good job at the podium.

Also, congrats on the upcoming grandchild!!

Randy