| Selected Excerpts from Miles of Heart: The Story of the Dan DeAngelo Invitational Hearts Tournment |
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May 1, 1973
Danny DeAngelo put down the L.A. Times article, which described in detail how President Richard
Nixon’s top White House staffers, H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, and Attorney General
Richard Kleindienst resigned, and White House counsel John Dean was fired, over the unfolding
Watergate scandal..
“Serves ‘em right. That bastard’s going down”, he muttered to himself. Since his first semester at
college, Danny had become staunchly anti-Vietnam War. He was staunchly anti Richard Nixon as
well. Danny was now 24 years old and presently completing a master’s program at USC in Public
Administration. While he was in college at Valley State, he worked as an orderly in emergency
room and flirted for a short time with the idea of going into medicine.
However, since his major had been physical education due to his consideration of becoming a
coach, he decided not to pursue med school, as he would have to take all the core requirements
and essentially continue undergraduate school for several additional years. Danny decided to
pursue a career in hospital administration instead, and was now living in West Los Angeles while
attending school.
The phone rang; Danny picked it up and heard on the other end a deep voice, “Mortis.” It was Jeff
Steinberg calling from Boulder. Jeff, Dickie and later Danny began calling anybody they did not
know “Mort” or “Mortis”, and often used it with each other as well. It was also used to chastise
someone for saying or doing something stupid. No one remembers who started using the name or
why, but for years now it entered regularly into the boys’ conversation with each other.
Danny DeAngelo put down the L.A. Times article, which described in detail how President Richard
Nixon’s top White House staffers, H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, and Attorney General
Richard Kleindienst resigned, and White House counsel John Dean was fired, over the unfolding
Watergate scandal..
“Serves ‘em right. That bastard’s going down”, he muttered to himself. Since his first semester at
college, Danny had become staunchly anti-Vietnam War. He was staunchly anti Richard Nixon as
well. Danny was now 24 years old and presently completing a master’s program at USC in Public
Administration. While he was in college at Valley State, he worked as an orderly in emergency
room and flirted for a short time with the idea of going into medicine.
However, since his major had been physical education due to his consideration of becoming a
coach, he decided not to pursue med school, as he would have to take all the core requirements
and essentially continue undergraduate school for several additional years. Danny decided to
pursue a career in hospital administration instead, and was now living in West Los Angeles while
attending school.
The phone rang; Danny picked it up and heard on the other end a deep voice, “Mortis.” It was Jeff
Steinberg calling from Boulder. Jeff, Dickie and later Danny began calling anybody they did not
know “Mort” or “Mortis”, and often used it with each other as well. It was also used to chastise
someone for saying or doing something stupid. No one remembers who started using the name or
why, but for years now it entered regularly into the boys’ conversation with each other.
| Chapter 4: “WaterCates” |
“Hey,” Danny replied, “What’s happening? Is it true you’re actually graduating next month?”
Oh, yeah”, Jeff replied, “It was touch and go for awhile. But the big news is the Bear got into Harvard.”
“No shit!” exclaimed Danny. “I always knew D.O.B. was bright but didn’t realize he was Harvard material.” When David Steinberg was growing up next
door to the DeAngelo’s on Del Moreno in the early ‘60s, Richard DeAngelo Sr. referred to him as “David, ‘ol buddy”. The boys shortened it to D.O.B.
and changed it to “David, ‘ol Bear”.
“All-city football, all-league shot putter, good grades and SAT’s, and has read every book on mythology ever written.” Jeff replied. Since he learned to
read, David became fascinated with the subject and became an expert on Greek, Roman and Norse mythology. He was able to name all the gods and
would regularly recite little known myths to his family and friends. His family thought this unique expertise contributed to his getting accepted at
Harvard, as well as several other prestigious colleges such as Pomona, Rice, and Northwestern.
“Well, good for him. You get the Hearts Tournament invitation?” Danny asked.
“That’s why I’m calling”, Jeff, replied, “Why is it back at your parent’s house?”
“My place is tiny-we can’t do it here. Dickie and Cates moved out of Lindley a few weeks ago. Fuckin’ Cates. Every month he was late with the rent and
kept bitchin about how much my old man was charging. So Lindley’s out. Nowhere else to go. My parents will stay in their bedroom.”
“You remember how rowdy it got last year”, Jeff’s commented, “it’s really going to put a damper on the tourney holding it at your parent’s house”.
“Maybe”, Danny responded,” but its too late now-next year I promise it will be at a better location”.
“”For $20 a person, it should be”, was Jeff’s reply.
---------------------------------------
The next night the boys began to arrive at the DeAngelo’s house at Del Moreno for the 4th annual DDIHT. Danny DeAngelo wore his scrubs from
Daniel Freeman hospital, and Jack Mollar was colorfully attired in some type of devil outfit. The Michelob flowed freely and Danny had a deli spread
that all were engorging upon. Before they sat down to begin the tournament, the doorbell rang. Danny went to answer it and found Damon Cates at
the door, with a $20 dollar bill and a six pack of beer in his hand.
“Here’s the money,” said Damon, “everybody here?”
“Sorry,” Danny replied, “Entry fees were due last week. We have a replacement”.
”Bullshit”, Damon shouted, “Let me in! “
“Damon, my old man is in the back, keep it down”, Danny responded calmly.
For the next 10 minutes Danny and Damon stood at the door, their voices getting quite loud at times. Finally, Danny came back into the family room
and said,
“Sorry for the delay boys, but its solved. Cates is gone. Let the games begin”.
Following the porch confrontation, the games themselves were anti-climactic. Mr. Oddsmaker once again proved a popular side show and Dickie
DeAngelo was crowned the new Hearts champion. Forevermore, the scandal that ensued at the 4th annual Dan DeAngelo Invitational Hearts
Tournament was referred to as “WaterCates”.
Oh, yeah”, Jeff replied, “It was touch and go for awhile. But the big news is the Bear got into Harvard.”
“No shit!” exclaimed Danny. “I always knew D.O.B. was bright but didn’t realize he was Harvard material.” When David Steinberg was growing up next
door to the DeAngelo’s on Del Moreno in the early ‘60s, Richard DeAngelo Sr. referred to him as “David, ‘ol buddy”. The boys shortened it to D.O.B.
and changed it to “David, ‘ol Bear”.
“All-city football, all-league shot putter, good grades and SAT’s, and has read every book on mythology ever written.” Jeff replied. Since he learned to
read, David became fascinated with the subject and became an expert on Greek, Roman and Norse mythology. He was able to name all the gods and
would regularly recite little known myths to his family and friends. His family thought this unique expertise contributed to his getting accepted at
Harvard, as well as several other prestigious colleges such as Pomona, Rice, and Northwestern.
“Well, good for him. You get the Hearts Tournament invitation?” Danny asked.
“That’s why I’m calling”, Jeff, replied, “Why is it back at your parent’s house?”
“My place is tiny-we can’t do it here. Dickie and Cates moved out of Lindley a few weeks ago. Fuckin’ Cates. Every month he was late with the rent and
kept bitchin about how much my old man was charging. So Lindley’s out. Nowhere else to go. My parents will stay in their bedroom.”
“You remember how rowdy it got last year”, Jeff’s commented, “it’s really going to put a damper on the tourney holding it at your parent’s house”.
“Maybe”, Danny responded,” but its too late now-next year I promise it will be at a better location”.
“”For $20 a person, it should be”, was Jeff’s reply.
---------------------------------------
The next night the boys began to arrive at the DeAngelo’s house at Del Moreno for the 4th annual DDIHT. Danny DeAngelo wore his scrubs from
Daniel Freeman hospital, and Jack Mollar was colorfully attired in some type of devil outfit. The Michelob flowed freely and Danny had a deli spread
that all were engorging upon. Before they sat down to begin the tournament, the doorbell rang. Danny went to answer it and found Damon Cates at
the door, with a $20 dollar bill and a six pack of beer in his hand.
“Here’s the money,” said Damon, “everybody here?”
“Sorry,” Danny replied, “Entry fees were due last week. We have a replacement”.
”Bullshit”, Damon shouted, “Let me in! “
“Damon, my old man is in the back, keep it down”, Danny responded calmly.
For the next 10 minutes Danny and Damon stood at the door, their voices getting quite loud at times. Finally, Danny came back into the family room
and said,
“Sorry for the delay boys, but its solved. Cates is gone. Let the games begin”.
Following the porch confrontation, the games themselves were anti-climactic. Mr. Oddsmaker once again proved a popular side show and Dickie
DeAngelo was crowned the new Hearts champion. Forevermore, the scandal that ensued at the 4th annual Dan DeAngelo Invitational Hearts
Tournament was referred to as “WaterCates”.
|
For many years, it was simply "The Mar", Braemar Country Club in Tarzana, with its thirty
six holes of target golf amidst the Santa Monica mountains. It was the old "Deauville"
club, home to the 14th fairway where both Dickie and Danny DeAngelo claimed
numerous sexual conquests in the early '70's. Rick P'nas claimed many of his conquests
had fallen prey to his charms in the serene surroundings.
Braemar counted among its members Jon Kissel, David Steinberg, Jack Mollar and
Lenny Alston, who purchased Chip Steinberg's membership years earlier. The boys
established an informal "Braemar Twilight Tour", usually on Thursday afternoons during
the long daylight hours. Two or more club members, often accompanied by Jeff and
Chip Steinberg, Dickie DeAngelo and, when he was in town, Danny DeAngelo, would play
until dark, followed by the 19th hole in the clubhouse.
six holes of target golf amidst the Santa Monica mountains. It was the old "Deauville"
club, home to the 14th fairway where both Dickie and Danny DeAngelo claimed
numerous sexual conquests in the early '70's. Rick P'nas claimed many of his conquests
had fallen prey to his charms in the serene surroundings.
Braemar counted among its members Jon Kissel, David Steinberg, Jack Mollar and
Lenny Alston, who purchased Chip Steinberg's membership years earlier. The boys
established an informal "Braemar Twilight Tour", usually on Thursday afternoons during
the long daylight hours. Two or more club members, often accompanied by Jeff and
Chip Steinberg, Dickie DeAngelo and, when he was in town, Danny DeAngelo, would play
until dark, followed by the 19th hole in the clubhouse.
| Chapter 34: "eWars and Griff’s Folly” |
Danny, Jack Mollar, Jeff and Chip Steinberg met for lunch at the Mar one day in March of 2003 to play a round of golf and discuss the upcoming Hearts
Tournament. Dickie decided to forgo the junior executive plan and tee off on the first hole, paying full fare, but decided to meet them after lunch. The
previous week there had been a rash of emails among the boys concerning Dickie's latest job as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal service. However,
due to his ongoing back problems that developed over the years working as a grip, the job was short lived. The amount of walking and bag carrying
required continued to put a strain on his back, so he left what he originally considered "the perfect job".
This provided fodder for the ongoing schaudenfraude among the boys, as Jeff reported the latest saga of "NAS enterprises" in a series of emails.
Dickie was between computers and did not share in the "good natured" teasing, but likely Dan or Jack Mollar "leaked" the info that Jeff provided,
namely that Dickie quit the Post Office and decided to pursue a workman's comp claim against the studios and file for long term disability. The pending
hearing could potentially result in Dickie's collecting a major lump sum settlement and ongoing monthly payments.
Dickie walked in fifteen minutes prior to their tee time as the group was finishing lunch. He was greeted warmly and walked around the table, shaking
hands with Chip, Jack, and Danny. When he came upon Jeff's outstretched hand, he snarled at him,
"Sorry, but I won't shake YOUR hand."
Jeff was shocked, as were Chip, Jack and Danny.
"I heard about all the shit you were throwing at me in the emails, and I think it’s fucked of you to do that."
Jeff now knew what Dickie was so pissed about and immediately went into crisis prevention mode.
"Wait a minute. All I did was tell them what you told me. That you quit the post office job and your hearing was upcoming. I wasn't throwing you shit. I
even said this could be great for you and how lucky you could be. No disrespect was intended.”
Danny, Chip and Jack squirmed in their chairs, as Jeff rambled on, not letting Dickie interrupt;
"C'mon, you said yourself this could be your lucky break. Your ship could come in. You said your back couldn't handle the post office job. That's all I
said. I wasn't throwing any shit."
Dickie started to cool off as Jeff continued repeating himself in his defense;
"Dickie, this is ridiculous, I think it’s great if you win your case. You could retire. The first Hearts Tournament brother to officially retire. C'mon, don’t
be pissed at me. We were best friends....We ARE best friends!"
At this last comment, the others at the table started cracking up and Dickie smiled. "We ARE best friends" they all repeated over and over. The crisis
had past, Dickie shook Jeff's hand and all enjoyed their afternoon of golf.
As Jack Mollar described it later: "I've never seen a man retreat so fast. He backtracked faster than an all-pro cornerback. Jeff was more persuasive
than Clarence Darrow pleading for the lives of Leopold and Loeb."
----------------------------------
Shortly after the Dickie/Jeff "confrontation", another feud brewed in cyberspace between the Chairman and several Hearts brothers. As the Iraqi
invasion became imminent in mid March, Danny, as he often did, shared his pro diplomacy, anti-violence, anti-Bush sentiments in a series of emails
with his friends. Most were used to his pontifications yet few agreed with them. Jeff took a shot back, suggesting to the Chairman "You can always
leave the country..." Griffin Lambert, a rare participant in the email banter, although copied as were most of the Hearts Tournament players, sent out a
simple "Way to go, Jeff."
Tournament. Dickie decided to forgo the junior executive plan and tee off on the first hole, paying full fare, but decided to meet them after lunch. The
previous week there had been a rash of emails among the boys concerning Dickie's latest job as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal service. However,
due to his ongoing back problems that developed over the years working as a grip, the job was short lived. The amount of walking and bag carrying
required continued to put a strain on his back, so he left what he originally considered "the perfect job".
This provided fodder for the ongoing schaudenfraude among the boys, as Jeff reported the latest saga of "NAS enterprises" in a series of emails.
Dickie was between computers and did not share in the "good natured" teasing, but likely Dan or Jack Mollar "leaked" the info that Jeff provided,
namely that Dickie quit the Post Office and decided to pursue a workman's comp claim against the studios and file for long term disability. The pending
hearing could potentially result in Dickie's collecting a major lump sum settlement and ongoing monthly payments.
Dickie walked in fifteen minutes prior to their tee time as the group was finishing lunch. He was greeted warmly and walked around the table, shaking
hands with Chip, Jack, and Danny. When he came upon Jeff's outstretched hand, he snarled at him,
"Sorry, but I won't shake YOUR hand."
Jeff was shocked, as were Chip, Jack and Danny.
"I heard about all the shit you were throwing at me in the emails, and I think it’s fucked of you to do that."
Jeff now knew what Dickie was so pissed about and immediately went into crisis prevention mode.
"Wait a minute. All I did was tell them what you told me. That you quit the post office job and your hearing was upcoming. I wasn't throwing you shit. I
even said this could be great for you and how lucky you could be. No disrespect was intended.”
Danny, Chip and Jack squirmed in their chairs, as Jeff rambled on, not letting Dickie interrupt;
"C'mon, you said yourself this could be your lucky break. Your ship could come in. You said your back couldn't handle the post office job. That's all I
said. I wasn't throwing any shit."
Dickie started to cool off as Jeff continued repeating himself in his defense;
"Dickie, this is ridiculous, I think it’s great if you win your case. You could retire. The first Hearts Tournament brother to officially retire. C'mon, don’t
be pissed at me. We were best friends....We ARE best friends!"
At this last comment, the others at the table started cracking up and Dickie smiled. "We ARE best friends" they all repeated over and over. The crisis
had past, Dickie shook Jeff's hand and all enjoyed their afternoon of golf.
As Jack Mollar described it later: "I've never seen a man retreat so fast. He backtracked faster than an all-pro cornerback. Jeff was more persuasive
than Clarence Darrow pleading for the lives of Leopold and Loeb."
----------------------------------
Shortly after the Dickie/Jeff "confrontation", another feud brewed in cyberspace between the Chairman and several Hearts brothers. As the Iraqi
invasion became imminent in mid March, Danny, as he often did, shared his pro diplomacy, anti-violence, anti-Bush sentiments in a series of emails
with his friends. Most were used to his pontifications yet few agreed with them. Jeff took a shot back, suggesting to the Chairman "You can always
leave the country..." Griffin Lambert, a rare participant in the email banter, although copied as were most of the Hearts Tournament players, sent out a
simple "Way to go, Jeff."
| Chapter 34 continued.... |
Danny, trying to be witty and clever, took a shot at Griff, smugly claiming "...those with a lack of higher education are so misguided when it comes to
world affairs." This set off Griff who went after Danny with a vengeance, supported by Jeff and Jack Mollar. Chip Steinberg chimed in:
On behalf of the Del Moreno contingent of the DDIHT I would like to officially welcome Griffin Lambert to the ongoing email wars, where 21st century
technology has permitted lifelong friends to regularly communicate in criticizing, abusing, insulting,hassling,defaming, condemning, disparaging, and
censuring each other on a regular basis while hiding behind our keyboards. Glad to have you on board, Griff!
David Steinberg then outlined the parameters:
Dear Griffin,
I join Chip in welcoming you to eWars!
The rules of engagement are simple:
1) "send first and ask questions later."
2) "cc" everyone on each eScud attack. There are some rogue War Lords (i.e., Mr. Mollar) who will occasionally send private communications to
avoid all out war, but this is not what the coalition is looking for. (He also is completely unaware that those communications are immediately
forwarded to the parties where he hoped to avoid any fallout!) 3) Photos are always welcome, and preferred over old, long, boring jokes; especially
those that have been circulating on the Internet for years (if only the Foolish Chairman would abide by this rule). 4) Porn is acceptable, but a subject
warning line is required to avoid sexual harassment law suits in the work place. 5) Use of any biological (i.e., virus-infested eMails or attachments)
are strictly prohibited by the Del Moreno Convention.
Be afraid, be very afraid.
-------------------------------------
And so continued the eWars of '03 as the 34th annual Dan DeAngelo Invitational Hearts Tournament approached. Email also provided non incendiary
means of communication for the players to arrange and engage in other favorite pre tournament pastimes, specifically happy hour. In the early years
of the 21st century the bar at the Marmalade restaurant in the newly opened Calabasas Commons became "Mar West", so tagged by Jack Mollar. Jack
and Chip began to meet there on a semi regular weekly basis, often joined by Rachel, Chip's wife, and occasionally Jeff, Dickie and Rob Raznick. The
location was more convenient than Braemar, which was now known as "Mar East".
The email "call to Mar West" normally began mid afternoon Thursdays. The subject lines and messages sent back and forth between Jack Mollar and
Chip Steinberg were brief and varied;
Subject: Its Thursday!
Message: You there?
Subject: The Mar
Message: ???
Subject: 'tails
Message: 'tails and tales?
Subject: Thirsty?
Message: Is it 5:00 yet?
Subject: Three Questions
Message: When? Where? How did our parents go wrong?
Subject: Its only Wednesday, but....
Message: Early start on the weekend?
Replies were equally brief;
Reply: I'm there (signed) Cocktail Whore
Reply: !!! First pouring-6:00
Reply: Rachel and her friends may stop by. Tales and 'tails with the tails.
Reply: It’s like the Gobi desert out there. See you at 5:30
Reply: Answers: 1-5:45 2-Mar West 3-Could be worse-we could be unemployed, sleeping until noon and then hitting the bars
Reply: Lemme think about it......ok
The tournament was often a major topic of conversation at the Mar summits. On occasion, one of the boys' cell phones rang with an envious Chairman
on the other line, lamenting his absence and lack of similar opportunities available to him in Fresno.
"I wish I were there with you guys, Mar West, Mar East, anywhere but here," he would say, only resulting in ongoing teasing and Fresno pimps (Fimps.)
The Mar gatherings became a welcome relief to the stresses of work and family. Danny liked to point out they are a recent phenomenon and lack the
decades long history of the DDIHT. Maybe so, but every opportunity he had to be in the Los Angeles area for business or family matters, the
Chairman tried to make sure the Mar was on the schedule.
-----------------------------------------
For the fourth time, LaCosta Resort and Spa was selected as site for the Hearts Tournament. Griffin Lambert won his second championship.
Speculation was he didn't participate heavily in the emails between the boys because all his internet time was spent practicing Hearts online. As a
"thank you" to the Chairman and to celebrate his victory, Griff quietly arranged for some "lap dancing" entertainment. The Chairman's response was
akin to Ralph Kramden explaining to Alice the results of his most recent money making scheme..."Abbabbabbabbabb.....", as he scurried away, in the
words of Jack Mollar, like a hermit crab.
The young lady was sent home to the relief of the Chairman as well as the many of the boys who were equally surprised, concerned about what their
wives would think of them watching such a show, and certainly not willing to provide the gratuities expected by such a professional. The effort was
appreciated, but the episode quickly became known as "Griff's Folly."
world affairs." This set off Griff who went after Danny with a vengeance, supported by Jeff and Jack Mollar. Chip Steinberg chimed in:
On behalf of the Del Moreno contingent of the DDIHT I would like to officially welcome Griffin Lambert to the ongoing email wars, where 21st century
technology has permitted lifelong friends to regularly communicate in criticizing, abusing, insulting,hassling,defaming, condemning, disparaging, and
censuring each other on a regular basis while hiding behind our keyboards. Glad to have you on board, Griff!
David Steinberg then outlined the parameters:
Dear Griffin,
I join Chip in welcoming you to eWars!
The rules of engagement are simple:
1) "send first and ask questions later."
2) "cc" everyone on each eScud attack. There are some rogue War Lords (i.e., Mr. Mollar) who will occasionally send private communications to
avoid all out war, but this is not what the coalition is looking for. (He also is completely unaware that those communications are immediately
forwarded to the parties where he hoped to avoid any fallout!) 3) Photos are always welcome, and preferred over old, long, boring jokes; especially
those that have been circulating on the Internet for years (if only the Foolish Chairman would abide by this rule). 4) Porn is acceptable, but a subject
warning line is required to avoid sexual harassment law suits in the work place. 5) Use of any biological (i.e., virus-infested eMails or attachments)
are strictly prohibited by the Del Moreno Convention.
Be afraid, be very afraid.
-------------------------------------
And so continued the eWars of '03 as the 34th annual Dan DeAngelo Invitational Hearts Tournament approached. Email also provided non incendiary
means of communication for the players to arrange and engage in other favorite pre tournament pastimes, specifically happy hour. In the early years
of the 21st century the bar at the Marmalade restaurant in the newly opened Calabasas Commons became "Mar West", so tagged by Jack Mollar. Jack
and Chip began to meet there on a semi regular weekly basis, often joined by Rachel, Chip's wife, and occasionally Jeff, Dickie and Rob Raznick. The
location was more convenient than Braemar, which was now known as "Mar East".
The email "call to Mar West" normally began mid afternoon Thursdays. The subject lines and messages sent back and forth between Jack Mollar and
Chip Steinberg were brief and varied;
Subject: Its Thursday!
Message: You there?
Subject: The Mar
Message: ???
Subject: 'tails
Message: 'tails and tales?
Subject: Thirsty?
Message: Is it 5:00 yet?
Subject: Three Questions
Message: When? Where? How did our parents go wrong?
Subject: Its only Wednesday, but....
Message: Early start on the weekend?
Replies were equally brief;
Reply: I'm there (signed) Cocktail Whore
Reply: !!! First pouring-6:00
Reply: Rachel and her friends may stop by. Tales and 'tails with the tails.
Reply: It’s like the Gobi desert out there. See you at 5:30
Reply: Answers: 1-5:45 2-Mar West 3-Could be worse-we could be unemployed, sleeping until noon and then hitting the bars
Reply: Lemme think about it......ok
The tournament was often a major topic of conversation at the Mar summits. On occasion, one of the boys' cell phones rang with an envious Chairman
on the other line, lamenting his absence and lack of similar opportunities available to him in Fresno.
"I wish I were there with you guys, Mar West, Mar East, anywhere but here," he would say, only resulting in ongoing teasing and Fresno pimps (Fimps.)
The Mar gatherings became a welcome relief to the stresses of work and family. Danny liked to point out they are a recent phenomenon and lack the
decades long history of the DDIHT. Maybe so, but every opportunity he had to be in the Los Angeles area for business or family matters, the
Chairman tried to make sure the Mar was on the schedule.
-----------------------------------------
For the fourth time, LaCosta Resort and Spa was selected as site for the Hearts Tournament. Griffin Lambert won his second championship.
Speculation was he didn't participate heavily in the emails between the boys because all his internet time was spent practicing Hearts online. As a
"thank you" to the Chairman and to celebrate his victory, Griff quietly arranged for some "lap dancing" entertainment. The Chairman's response was
akin to Ralph Kramden explaining to Alice the results of his most recent money making scheme..."Abbabbabbabbabb.....", as he scurried away, in the
words of Jack Mollar, like a hermit crab.
The young lady was sent home to the relief of the Chairman as well as the many of the boys who were equally surprised, concerned about what their
wives would think of them watching such a show, and certainly not willing to provide the gratuities expected by such a professional. The effort was
appreciated, but the episode quickly became known as "Griff's Folly."
Woodland Hills, California. July 20, 1969
“That’s one small step for man…one giant leap for mankind…”
“Its official,” proclaimed Dickie DeAngelo, “three weeks after I turn 19, we put a man on the moon. Now if I could just
get laid all will be right in the world.”
Danny DeAngelo, Jack Mollar and Wayne "Chip" Steinberg chuckled as Walter Cronkite continued to describe Neil
Armstrong’s and Buzz Aldrin’s romp around the Sea of Tranquility. The four neighborhood pals gathered in the living
room of the DeAngelo house on Del Moreno Drive to watch the landing.
“I thought Jeff was going to be here,” Jack commented, wondering why Chip’s older brother, a regular member of the
Del Moreno crew, was not with the boys.
“Maybe he’s exhausted from working”, replied Dickie. The three others laughed in unison. Jeff had started a summer
job at his father’s bus yard a week earlier.
“That will last”, Danny said, “work/Jeff…sex/Dickie…oil/water…some things just don’t mix.”
“I think he’s getting some stuff together for school”, explained Chip. “He leaves for Boulder in a couple of weeks”
“So now what are we gonna do?” Jack asked, “It’s too fucking hot to go outside.”
“Five years ago we wouldn’t give a shit about the heat”, replied Dickie, “Just gather up enough for a baseball game in
the street. I believe that was the year I hit 101 home runs, a Del Moreno record that still stands today.”
The others rolled their eyes. “Well,” replied Jack, “Seven years ago we would have played Monopoly or Risk all day.
That was then, this is now. Now we’re put a man on the moon. It’s done, we got nothing to do, and Dickie still can’t
get laid.”
Danny goes into the kitchen, opens a drawer, and returns with a deck of cards. “Let’s play Hearts.”
“That’s one small step for man…one giant leap for mankind…”
“Its official,” proclaimed Dickie DeAngelo, “three weeks after I turn 19, we put a man on the moon. Now if I could just
get laid all will be right in the world.”
Danny DeAngelo, Jack Mollar and Wayne "Chip" Steinberg chuckled as Walter Cronkite continued to describe Neil
Armstrong’s and Buzz Aldrin’s romp around the Sea of Tranquility. The four neighborhood pals gathered in the living
room of the DeAngelo house on Del Moreno Drive to watch the landing.
“I thought Jeff was going to be here,” Jack commented, wondering why Chip’s older brother, a regular member of the
Del Moreno crew, was not with the boys.
“Maybe he’s exhausted from working”, replied Dickie. The three others laughed in unison. Jeff had started a summer
job at his father’s bus yard a week earlier.
“That will last”, Danny said, “work/Jeff…sex/Dickie…oil/water…some things just don’t mix.”
“I think he’s getting some stuff together for school”, explained Chip. “He leaves for Boulder in a couple of weeks”
“So now what are we gonna do?” Jack asked, “It’s too fucking hot to go outside.”
“Five years ago we wouldn’t give a shit about the heat”, replied Dickie, “Just gather up enough for a baseball game in
the street. I believe that was the year I hit 101 home runs, a Del Moreno record that still stands today.”
The others rolled their eyes. “Well,” replied Jack, “Seven years ago we would have played Monopoly or Risk all day.
That was then, this is now. Now we’re put a man on the moon. It’s done, we got nothing to do, and Dickie still can’t
get laid.”
Danny goes into the kitchen, opens a drawer, and returns with a deck of cards. “Let’s play Hearts.”
| Prologue |
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| Click Here to Email Wynn Sherman |