1975

By the time you read this, winter will be ending and the early stages of spring will have begun. I'm happy to report that as of the time I am writing this, the world seems to be stable and returning to a new state of normalcy. I can actually report that our air system seems to be functioning having just completed a business trip in which I had the pleasure of being in 20 different cities in 10 days throughout the United States. And though airport security is different—look at the bright side—at our age, its not often that you have someone actually ask you if they can give you a quick "feel" (read "pat-down" in security speak) as you go through the new security checks. If this happened in our offices, wed be sued for sexual harassment.

All in all, we're all pretty lucky to be able to move on with our lives.

From the mailbag comes news that John Reed's daughter, Alison, will be a member of the Dartmouth class of 2006! That's terrific. John's father, Lansing Reed '47, went to Dartmouth with my father, Allen Bildner '47, and I'm hoping that my daughter, Lizzie, will join the tradition as a member of the class of 2008 (I hope you're reading this, Karl!). I also received a card announcing an exhibit of new sculptural paintings by our very own Doug Wilson at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. Doug's work is wonderful.

And from Chuck Dyer I received a photo of Matt Dwyer and Ed White at the annual alumni lacrosse game in Hanover last fall—both of these smiling guys have sons at Dartmouth as well, Jake Dwyer '03 and Adam White 05. You'd think at their ages, they would be wearing pants when their pictures were taken, but I guess hope springs eternal.

In the newborn category, I just received an annual holiday letter and photo from Bob Hittle holding his new son, Nick, born on September 22. Congratulations, Bob, and best wishes to Rosita.

Joel Cardis wrote to tell me about his new book, Venture Capital: The Definitive Guide for Entrepreneurs, Investors and Practitioners, published by Wiley & Sons Inc. Joel writes that it's a definitive guide book on venture capital. Joel lives in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Best of luck with the book. And on the local front, I have recently seen Bill Mead, David Lampert and Blake Winchell, and seeing them makes me realize how young I look. It's great to get old.

That's all the news from here. Lets all pray for peace and a more rational world in 2002; 2001 has been quite a year. Nancy and I send our best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season and a happy and peaceful new year.

5 Boardman Ave., Manchester By TheSea, MA 01944; (925) 937-3950, X 175 (w); (978)526-4224 (h); jbildner@tier.com