David Locke Hall has a new book out based on his experience as an assistant U.S. attorney in Delaware. “As I approach 60 I find myself telling stories. Crack99 is a good story, so I told it. It involves the quest to arrest Xiang Li, a Chinese cyber pirate who trafficked in more than $100 million in stolen software. That investigation was my last as a federal prosecutor. The book tells the story of the investigation and prosecution, explaining the current state of software piracy and cyberintrusion in general, particularly what’s emanating from China. It is a significant problem, resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in stolen intellectual property, not to mention the threat to national security from the loss of our military’s technological advantage. And yet, there is no national strategy to deal with the cyber threat. As a result, Xiang Li is the only cyber pirate ever lured from China for prosecution in the United States. That’s not a good record. Badly needed is a national strategy to defeat this threat, coupled with the will to execute it.” The book is published by W.W. Norton & Co.

Congratulations to Bill Petit,who has been awarded the Connecticut State Medical Society’s highest honor. The organization bestowed Bill with the Paul Maloney Award for service to his patients, the community and medicine in general.

Class vice president Barbara Dau is stepping down after eight years of service as a class officer. “It has been a truly rewarding experience—people might be surprised just how much fun being a class officer is. I reconnected with old friends and established new friendships at the same time as providing service to an institution that I love.” Thanks for all the hard work, Barb, we’ll miss you on those conference calls! Michael Whitcomb says he is “delighted” to be coming on as class VP. “In recent years I have become more engaged with our class and had the pleasure of working with Jim Lattin on the class survey for our 35th reunion. I believe Dartmouth can still resonate as a vital part of our lives. There are so many great members of our class community I wish I had known better (or at all!) back in the day. So why not help to make those connections now for all of us?” Hunt Melville has also stepped down after three years as class webmaster; we are grateful for his effort and expertise. Pressed for some parting words, he offered this: “Strive against the bureaucracy…and question your conventional wisdom.” Good advice for us all.

Just around the corner: Don’t forget that Saturday, November 7, is the day the new rowing shell Marc Farley ’78 will be dedicated in Hanover following the Gardner Cup Class Day Regatta. There will be a class of ’78 reception and dinner afterwards.

A late six-word entry from Rick Spier: “The Legend of Shane the Piper.”

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—Rick Beyer, 34 Outlook Drive, Lexington, MA 02421; rick@rickbeyer.net