Email Address Updates

Below is a list of classmates who have provided email address information or updates for our alumni records by January 31, 2010. Please check the online Email Directory to be sure your email address is correct. If you provided an email address, but it isn't reflected here or in the online Directory, please let me know using the News Link provided at the top right column of the blog.

1. Anne Rutherford Bounds
2. Anneice Thomas Butler
3. Augustus Durusau
4. Barbara Addison Freed
5. Betty Carter Stokeld
6. Billy Sneed
7. Charles Canfield
8. Charles Maranto
9. Charles McBride
10. Chris Roach
11. D. Lamar Oliver
12. Dean Bounds
13. Ellen Bogue Stephenson
14. Herb Broadus
15. Hollis Thompson
16. Janice Litton Mowry
17. Janis Jefferson Bass
18. Jerry Bass
19. Jimmy Hess
20. Joyce Graves Gadd
21. Judy Brooks Bartz
22. Judy Coulson Gisiner
23. Kay Burford Murphy
24. Kenneth Bush
25. Kenneth Tubbs
26. Linn Roycroft
27. Lloyd Wallace
28. Melba Bogg Arinder
29. Nancy Stacks Jennings
30. Pat Sanders Rouch
31. Sam Lucero
32. Virginia Marshall Fulmer

Amazing Grace

Beginning February 1, 2010, the class web site Home page will display a YouTube video of a singing group named Les Amies Louisianaises. They operate out of Jennings, LA and do a lot of Cajun style music. The song on the YouTube Video is the Louisiana Cajun French version of Amazing Grace, "La Grâce du Ciel".

The high definition format of this video is such that you may need to press the F11 key on your keyboard to view the video full screen. Pressing the F11 key a second time returns your screen to normal.

If you don't press the F11 key you may not be able to see the Video control bar at the bottom of the screen. Seeing that control bar is important if you want to watch this video in High Definition. There are 4 different levels of definition. Select the highest number your system is able to run. If you go too high the video will have pauses to download additional video material. If that happens just drop back to the number below the one you were trying to use.

Six Ways Crooks Can Get You

Are you familiar with Kim Komando's web site? If not, its one you should check out. Its located at http://www.komando.com/ 
While you're there, check out her article titled Six New Ways Crooks Can Get You. Its under the link on her web site labeled Columns. Click on the Columns tab and once it opens look in the Kim's Column's Library for the article with the same title as this blog posting. Read the article and possible save or print it if you wish. It just might save you some grief.

Bouncing Water

Did you know a water drop bounces several times before completely merging with the water it falls into?

Thanks to Judy Sewell Wilson for mentioning this video.

Email Directory Updates

With the new/updated alumni information coming in for the 50th reunion I am making frequent changes to the Class Email Directory. The posted Directory includes the date it was posted in the title.

I have noticed a spike in the number of folks who have tried to access the Email Directory, but may not know the username and password. The username and password is available to classmates listed in the Directory. Use the News Link at the top right column of the Blog if you want to be listed in the Directory or need to request the access information.

The Known Universe

This video helps the viewer understand the relative size of earth to the size of the known universe. The video takes viewers from the Himalayas through our atmosphere and to the end of the now known universe, and then comes back to earth. For maximum enjoyment, right click on the icon below with the arrows at the four corners, and select "Watch on YouTube." I've sometimes had to move the mouse pointer around on the icon to get it to activate. That may or may not be true for you. At YouTube click on the same type icon and the screen should expand to full screen.

Battle at Kruger National Park

A herd of buffalo encounter a pride of lions at Kruger National Park in South Africa. This is not staged. It was filmed as it happened. Right click anywhere on the video to watch it on YouTube at full screen.

Kelly Loftus Moellenkamp

Kelly is the wife of Chris Moellenkamp, son of classmate Garland Ware Moellenkamp. Please keep these families in your prayers.

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View Guest Book - until 2/26/2010

Kelly Loftus Moellenkamp
HUNTSVILLE, AL - Kelly Loftus Moellenkamp age 42, beloved wife and mother, passed away in her home in Huntsville, Alabama on Saturday, January 23, 2010. Kelly is survived by her husband Chris Moellenkamp and four children, Ryan and Cody Moellenkamp of Shreveport; Lexie and Kyle Moellenkamp of Huntsville; father, Patrick Loftus of Shreveport; mother, Linda Ames Tyler and step father, Ron Tyler of Lawton, OK; brothers, Guy Gregory of Prosper, TX; Daniel Tyler and his wife, Julie, of Norman, OK; Terry Tyler of West Monroe; uncles Jack Loftus of Shreveport, and Ken Ames of Tulsa, OK; aunts Alice LeJune of Mobile, AL and Mary Francis Loftus Querbes of Shreveport. Kelly was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Joseph and Mary Virginia Loftus; Her maternal grandparents, Roger (GG) and Betty Ames (Nana).

Services will be held Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 9333 Linwood Ave., Shreveport, LA. Officiating will be Dr. Cliff Estes and Dr. W.D. "Step" Martin. Interment will follow in Forest Park Cemetery, St. Vincent Avenue. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Southside.

Kelly was devoted to her children and family. She was the glue that kept us together; staying close to her brothers and their families and planning family events. Kelly became a Registered Nurse in 2006 and loved working in the ER. She had worked at Willis-Knighton Pierremont in Shreveport and Crestwood Hospital in Huntsville. She was touched by the recent tragedy in Haiti and the family suggests memorials be sent to "Doctors Without Borders".

Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside Chapel 687-1256

YouTube Video Changes

This information does not apply to non-YouTube videos posted on the blog.

You may notice some subtle changes in the control icons shown on the bottom line of the YouTube videos used in our blog.  The YouTube icon that displays numbers (360/480/and higher) shows the sharpness values of the different versions of a video. Use the highest number available that your Internet connection will play suitably. The square shaped icon with arrows at each corner are to enlarge the size of the video. If it will enlarge it will do so when you click. Some will, but some won't. You can right click on that same icon and go to the YouTube site to watch the video there. It may expand there when it wouldn't on the blog.

The YouTube video posted on 1/20/2010 with the waves crashing into the light houses is one that won't enlarge for me. But it is worth going to the Google web site version. It is spectacular in full screen and highest image quality. Be sure and check it out.

One more thing, click on the X to minimize ads in a video.

Thanks For Saving Me

Little Boy Gets Stuck Behind Couch @ Yahoo! Video

Betty Nelson Hayes

This obituary is for the Mother of Classmate Pat Hayes Smay. Please keep Pat and her family lifted up in prayer.

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View Guest Book - until 2/20/2010

Betty Nelson Hayes
SHREVEPORT, LA - Funeral services for Betty Nelson Hayes, age 88, will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 22, 2010 at the Centuries Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Centuries Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 21, 2010 at the Centuries Memorial Funeral Home.

Mrs. Hayes entered into rest at 2:00 a.m. January 19, 2010 from complications of pneumonia.

Betty was born in Manchester, England and never lost her lovely accent even though she was in the U.S. for many years. She will be missed by her loving family and friends. She was a very special Lady.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Carlie Hayes, mother, Clara Nelson, and father, Alfred Nelson.

Survivors include her daughter, Pat Smay; son, Russell Hayes; grandsons Jeff Smay and wife, Debbie, and Chris Smay and wife, Ginny; and numerous great grandchildren and numerous great great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Bradford Nursing Home, for their care during the last year of Betty's life.

Centuries Memorial Funeral Home - 318-686-4334

Philip Charles Tuminello

This obituary is for the brother of classmate Mary Lynn Tuminello Johnson. Please keep Mary Lynn and her family in your prayers.

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View Guest Book - until 2/20/2010

Philip Charles Tuminello
SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER CITY, LA - Phil Tuminello, 88, passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. A vigil service will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21st, followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m. at Osborn Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 22, 2010 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Officiating will be Monsignor Earl Provenza of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery.

Mr. Tuminello was a native and lifelong resident of Shreveport. He graduated from Fair Park High School and Meadows-Draughn Business College, served as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force during WWII and was a retired businessman. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Progressive Men's Club. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who dearly loved his family.

Mr. Tuminello was preceded in death by his parents, Charles C. and Margaret Tuminello and a sister, Doris Askins. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Catherine Ross Tuminello; four sons, Stephen, Philip, Ron and wife, Vicki, and Charles Tuminello; five grandchildren, Philip, Erin, Ross, Natalie and Gianna; sister, Mary Lynn Johnson and husband, Phillip; two brothers, Tom Tuminello and wife, Delores and A. J. Tuminello and wife, Joyce; brother-in-law, Tom Askins; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Phillip Johnson, Tom Askins, Anthony Maniscalco, Joseph Maniscalco, Jim Cangelose and James Ross.

Honorary pallbearers will be Roy J. Fulco, Tony Miciotto, John A. "JT" Tuminello and Joe Cush.

The family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, ALSAC, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to his doctor's and the staff of Willis-Knighton, Pierremont and Lifecare Hospitals.

OSBORNFUNERALHOME.NET - 318-865-8426

Using The Class Email Directory

For those classmates who are new to using our Class Email Directory, there are icons directly above the Directory that help you save or print it. If you save the Directory  you will find that it is very easy to use on your computer in its electronic form. Just create a bookmark, or shortcut, to it and open it quickly when its needed.

Regardless of whether you use the Directory online, or save it to your computer, you may be able to click on any email address in the Directory and that email address load automatically into your email program. Just click on an address and see if it loads for you. If it doesn't, you can copy and paste the email address into your email program. Or, you can type it. However, that is more likely to result in typing errors that will keep the email from reaching its intended destination.

One more thing. A username and password protects against public access to the Class Email Directory. Drop me a note and ask for those safeguards when you are ready to access the Directory.

Rough Day At The Office

Looks like it may get a tad rough at these French coast lighthouses.

Updated Class Email Directory

As the result of the reunion questionnaire that was sent out several months ago I have received email addresses for a couple dozen additional classmates. That information is included in the Class Email Directory posted on the class web site and brings the number of classmate emails available to a little over 200. Hopefully, even more can be added as we move toward our 50th year reunion.

While you are browsing the Directory check your own email address information and be sure it's accurate. If you need to make a change drop me a note with the pertinent information.

Priorities

Cleaning Up Emails

If you email very much you probably appreciate emails that are easy to read and don't have a lot of special characters like >>> or vertical lines in the left margin. These special characters are usually added automatically to forwarded emails. But after two or three forwards the email can get pretty cluttered.

There is free software that will remove those special characters. I have used one program called EmailStripper for years. If you are interested in knowing more about this product you can click HERE. If you want to check out others you could do a Google search using the term Email Cleaners.

Internet Security

You have probably heard news reports about Google's China problems. The security folks at McAfee have been analyzing the security issues involved in that situation and have provided some interesting information. Here is some of what McAfee says they have discovered about the China hack.

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As with most targeted attacks, the intruders gained access to their corporate targets by sending a tailored attack to one or a few targeted individuals. We suspect these individuals were targeted because they likely had access to valuable intellectual property. These attacks will look like they came from a trusted source, leading the target to fall for the trap and click a link. That’s when the exploitation takes place, using a vulnerability in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser that lets the malware run without further approval.

Once the malware is downloaded and installed, it opens electronic back door access on the computer and allows the attacker to perform reconnaissance and gain control over the compromised system. The attacker can now identify high value targets and start to siphon off valuable data.

Our investigation has shown that Internet Explorer is vulnerable on all of Microsoft’s most recent operating system releases, including Windows 7. Still, so far the attacks we’ve seen using this vector have been focused on Internet Explorer 6. Microsoft has been working with us on this matter and we thank them for their collaboration.

While we have identified the Internet Explorer vulnerability as one of the vectors of attack in this incident, many of these targeted attacks often involve a cocktail of zero-day vulnerabilities combined with sophisticated social engineering scenarios. So there very well may be other attack vectors that are not known to us at this time. That said, contrary to some reports our findings to date have not shown a vulnerability in Adobe Reader being a factor in these attacks.

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This vulnerability at the corporate level means that individuals are probably even more vulnerable to this tactic. Small time thieves may duplicate parts of the process in order to gain access to individual computers and any data they contain that has value to the hackers.

What can we do to avoid being a victim? While nothing is guaranteed to protect us we can stack the odds in our favor.

1. First and foremost, take security of your computer seriously and personally. Protect your computer with a full Internet security software package, and learn to use it correctly.
   
2. Second, don't click on a link at a web site or in an email just because you can. This is how many security related problems are initiated.
   
3. Update your Internet browser to the latest release. All of the newest browsers are better than any of the older browsers.
   
4. Install updates that keep your computer and Internet security software current.
   
5. Read security related news stories to stay on top of what's happening. This may help you spot something if its tried on you.
   
6. Encourage friends/others to take Internet security seriously. That lessens the likelihood they will be the source of infecting your system.

 

Ray Akes

Shreveport Times
January 6, 2010

MOORINGSPORT, LA - The family of RAY "SHORTY" AKES would like to invite you to join in a celebration of his life on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 12:00 pm at Louisiana Funeral and Cremation Care located at 3903 Meriwether Road, Shreveport, LA 71109. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the same location.

Ray was born on August 27, 1943 in Shreveport, LA to George Akes & Nadine Akes Ranger. He was a graduate of Fair Park High School and a member of the Iron Worker's Local 591.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Akes; wife, Sharon Akes, brothers, Roy and James Akes. He is survived by his mother, Nadine Akes Ranger of Shreveport, Louisiana; his sister, Betty Beightol and brother, Robert "Bobby" Akes. His children, Lisa Crouch, Michael Akes and his wife, Mollie Akes; Jeff Akes and his wife, Kim Akes; six grandchildren, Brooke, Micole, Stormy, Ramsey, Madeline Akes and Mark Crouch and many beloved friends and family.

Edward Eugene Mathes

Edward Eugene (Sugar) Mathes died on December 22, 2009 at a VA Hospital in Mississippi. A family planned graveside service was held at Forest Park Cemetery in Shreveport, LA on December 28, 2009 and was attended by family and close friends. Sugar is survived by a son, two daughters, and several grandchildren.

At the services the pastor provided a short message, one of Sugar's daughters read a tribute she had written to her father, and her husband read the Lord's Prayer. The family also publicly thanked classmate Lynn Hall for taking care of their Dad over the years.

Sugar was in the Navy for four years after graduating from Fair Park High School in 1961. In recognition of his service a Navy bugler played taps, and other Navy representatives folded and presented the American Flag to Sugar's son.

Mother of Mike Malenky

 Visit Guest Book - until 2/7/2010

SOUTHAVEN, MS - Graveside services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Lois Ware Malenky, 84, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 9, 2010, at Centuries Memorial Park. The family will receive guests beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

Lois was born September 20, 1925, and entered into eternal rest on January 5, 2010. She was of the Baptist faith and had been a member of Calvary Baptist Church and in later years, a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church. Her late husband, August "Gus" Malenky, served in the U.S. Air Force and enabled them to travel extensively around the world, but Shreveport was always home.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. She is survived by her son, Mike Malenky and wife, Joyce, who was also Lois' special care taker; sister, Martha Ware Gordon; half-sister, Frances Ware; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and one very special niece, Jeanette Owens.

Centuries Memorial Funeral Home (318) 686-4334

Browser Popularity/Security

Browsers Used On the Class Web Site in 2009 Browser Hits Visitors % of Total Visitors 1 Internet Explorer 7.x 21,466 3,933 43.80% 2 Internet Explorer 6.x 4,314 1,432 15.95% 3 Google Chrome 12,168 1,180 13.14% 4 Internet Explorer 8.x 5,013 889 9.90% 5 Mozilla Firefox 5,499 609 6.78% 6 Others 1,152 337 3.75% 7 Google Desktop 145 145 1.61% 8 Netscape 4.x 190 101 1.12% 9 Safari 598 99 1.10%

The Internet browser has become a vital tool in ensuring our visits to web sites are accomplished without exposing us to attacks on the security of our computer. The newer browsers are generally the ones with the most up-to-date protection built into their processes.

The bad news is the information above shows that almost 60 percent of the visitors to our web site during 2009 used the older browsers, specifically Internet Explorer 6 and 7. Hopefully, there is nothing on our web site that will compromise your computer, but no one can say there won't be next time you go there. The folks involved in security attacks are pretty clever at plying their trade without the average person even knowing it.

Only about 25 percent of the folks visiting our web sites in 2009 were using Internet Explorer 8, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox browsers. These are the more recent editions of browsers that provide stronger security than the older browsers. When you decide to update your browser to one of these three newer browsers you can be confident that any of the three work great on our web site.

Ray Akes

Visit Guest Book - until 2/5/2010 

MOORINGSPORT, LA - The family of Ray "Shorty" Akes would like to invite you to join in a celebration of his life on Thursday, January 7th 2010, at 12:00 pm. at Louisiana Funeral and Cremation Care located at 3903 Meriwether Road, Shreveport, LA 71109. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the same location.

Ray was born on August 27, 1943, in Shreveport, LA to George Akes & Nadine Akes Ranger. He was a graduate of Fair Park High School and a member of the Iron Worker's Local 591.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Akes; wife, Sharon Akes, brothers, Roy and James Akes.He is survived by his mother, Nadine Akes Ranger of Shreveport, Louisiana; his sister, Betty Beightol and brother, Robert "Bobby" Akes. His children, Lisa Crouch, Michael Akes and his wife, Mollie Akes; Jeff Akes and his wife, Kim Akes; six grandchildren, Brooke, Micole, Stormy, Ramsey, Madeline Akes and Mark Crouch and many beloved friends and family.

www.louisianafuneralcare.com - 318-688-5509

Retirement of Larry Fields

Classmate Larry Fields retired as Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Bearden, TN at the end of 2009. Local press coverage provided the following information about his retirement.

KNOXVILLE, TN. (WVLT) -- The service was standing room only as more than 1300 members gathered to celebrate the retirement of their pastor. Dr. Larry Fields' ministry has taken him from mission trips around the world to the sidelines at Tennessee football games. But he's most comfortable behind the pulpit at Central Baptist Church of Bearden where he's spent 23 years.

The church is saying goodbye to a leader and gaining a congregant. "My father told me that the ministry would be the most demanding but the most rewarding work in the world and that's what I've found to be true," says Dr. Fields.

After 23 years Fields is retiring as Pastor, but not without a few laughs, tears and even pushups first. "This is the first time I've ever seen the pastor do pushups at the pulpit," said Rep. Jimmy Duncan (R - 2nd District), who attended the service.

His calling in life has left him with fond memories, like his days as Chaplin for Philip Fulmer's UT football team. "Got to be on the sidelines and have the national championship rings that I get to enjoy, some perks," says Fields.

Despite Sunday's playful roasting, he says he knows the role he's played in Knoxville at large, and the lives of his 3000 members. "You touch the lives of so many people. Baptisms, births, deaths, weddings, anniversaries, worship services, seeing people's lives change," says Fields.

At 66, he says he's ready to enjoy retirement while he still can. He plans for travel and time with family - especially four grandkids.

Pastor Fields says he won't go far. He's just ready for a different vantage point in the sanctuary. "I'll be sitting in the pews," says Fields.

Sweet And Funny

New Year ~ New Way

Press your F11 key for a full screen view of our  web site. Press your F11 key again to return to the normal screen.

2009 Web Site Summary

Summary - 2009

Hits Total Hits 54,192 Average Hits per Day 148 Average Hits per Visitor 6.52 Page Views Total Page Views 23,042 Average Page Views per Day 63 Average Page Views per Visitor 2.91 Visitors Total Visitors 7,907 Average Visitors per Day 21 Total Unique IPs 3,283

The web site stats for 2009 also show that some folks are still having a problem remembering the username or password for accessing the Email Directory. If you had this problem may I recommend you record the username and password in a small spiral notebook and keep the notebook in a safe place. I have to check my notebook occasionally, particularly for the password. I prefer to think that's because its a good strong password that's hard to remember, rather than the effects of my 67 trips around the sun.

Dec. 2009 Address Updates

There were five address related changes to our alumni records during December 2009.

• Bettye Bogue Jones provided home address information for Bobbie Cannon.

• Bettye also provided information that lead to Frank Bright's discovery of home and email address information for Herbert Wilson Broadus.

• Frank located  home address information for two other classmates, Pat Herren and Jimmy Hess.

• Amelia (Millie) Clark Woods provided her updated home address information. Her email address is unchanged.

The email address for Herb is shown in our Email Directory available via the Email Directory web page.

A list of "Missing Classmates" is available on the "What's New" page of our class web site. If you have information that might help locate any of these classmates please provide it to Frank Bright.