Dennis Dupp's classic senior-hipster-look was undeniable. So, I introduced myself and asked Dennis what he did for a living. “I teach video and broadcast journalism at Indian Hill High School.” He said. I wanted more, so I asked how long he had been teaching. He smiled and replied, “I started teaching at Indian Hills after college in 1969 and have been teaching there for 48 years. I’m hoping to make it 50.” Dennis and his wife were grabbing dinner with one of his broadcasting students that plans to pursue a career in film. “One of my past students now works for ESPN and I’m trying to help this one get connected.”
I met Jack Real on the porch of a Cracker Barrel in Conroe, TX. He was sitting in a rocking chair and smoking a cigarette. “You know anybody who wants to buy a bunch of watermelons?” He asked with a manic rock. “I’ve been farming for the past 14 years and have thousands of watermelons to sell.” I shrugged and he stood to walked inside for a carry out order.
I met Jirmad "Soul-O" Gordon setting up for a gig on our Carnival Ship. He had more of a rock-star vibe than the typical cruise tourist (that’s not hard). Soul-O had just moved to Atlanta from Jersey and is now onboard for a 3 month contract with Carnival. His soulful tone and engaging stage presence made you want to listen all night long.