--30-- (Monday, Aug. 23)

Gotta blast from the past today when I received an e-mail from Cody Smith, who used to cut my hair at the Clipper Shop on Hazel back in my Gridley High (northern California) days (class of 1967). Cody received my column about the Traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial from an aunt who lives in the Spokane Valley. And he e-mailed to give his approval that I'm no longer an "irresponsible student" activist. Writes Cody: "I might not have recognized the photo attached to the column, seeing a few changes have occurred. But, then, since I have reached age 66, have lost my left foot and my beard and hair are completely white, I shouldn't expect others to remain indelibly swarthy!" Cody's e-mail brought back memories of lazy summer days spent listening to the Beach Boys music at Mel's Drive-in on Highway 99. In his honor, I'm running a photo of me that he might recognize from those days gone by.