Class Note 1984

Welcome to our Class Notes. I plan on using this month’s column to announce an experiment in which you, gentle readers, are the unwitting subjects. This experiment is designed to prove, once and for all, that I am more popular than my co-secretary, Juliet Aires Giglio. I know that this seems obvious, but allow me to explain why I think the experiment is necessary. I ran into Juliet at the Dartmouth-Princeton game. At first, everything seemed normal. As we walked around, star-struck members of the class ran up to say hello. I was shocked to realize that they all wanted to talk to Juliet, not Eric. How could this be? Was it her big-time Christmas movie? Could she actually be more popular than yours truly? Thus, my experiment was hatched. I will scientifically prove my superior popularity. Here’s how: I am headed on a family vacation to Hawaii. Now, I have never been to Hawaii and don’t really know much about it. I only really know one of the five ’84s who live there, and she isn’t crazy about me. During my trip, I will go to each of their houses, unannounced, and ask them if they like Juliet or Eric better. Best of five wins. Here are the subjects.

Gretchen Booma will be my first stop. She lives in Hawaii and has already accidently agreed to have dinner. Gretchen falsely believed that living in Hawaii was sufficiently far from me. If asked, she could simply say, “Sure, we should have dinner if you’re ever in Honolulu.” Well, surprise. This one probably goes to Juliet.

Next up is Maite Bonis. Maite lives in Waimanalo. Interesting fact: I sent her a friend request on Facebook three years ago. Silence. This may not bode well. I can only assume that, in her role as a geologist, Facebook access is spotty. Anyway, I have way more in common with her than does Juliet. Juliet makes films. I have a shirt with a volcano on it. Okay, Juliet and I are probably tied after this one.

Terry Yee is a urologist in Honolulu. After Dartmouth Terry moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where he went to medical school and residency. I live in New Haven, so we have that in common. He then moved to Hawaii, likely to get as far away from New Haven/me while still remaining in the United States as is possible. This one may not go well for me. 1-2.

Dan Devaney is a corporate attorney in Honolulu. He seems to collect Alfa Romeo automobiles. Dan will be a tossup, but I’m willing to buy him a car for his vote. 2-2.

Monica Latini King is an editor in Kalaheo. She will be, in all likelihood, the tiebreaker. If all else fails, I will threaten to move to Hawaii unless I get her vote. That should seal the victory.

Results will be posted in a future column, assuming that I win. If I lose, we’ll just pretend this little experiment never happened.

—Eric Grubman, 2 Fox Den Way, Woodbridge, CT 06525; (203) 710-7933; grubman@sbcglobal.net; Juliet Aires Giglio, 4915 Bentbrook Drive, Manlius, NY 13104; julietgiglio@gmail.com