To mirror Mark's comments a few months ago about the status of TZ, I gotta say, after coming back last weekend for McGinn's wedding -- I'm really impressed guys. I think back to when I was an undergrad and we did the Winter Extravaganza for the first time, and hearing alumni saying things like -- "Wow! We never did anything like that when I was an undergrad!" I feel the same way hearing the Winter Extravaganza tradition has continued, and looks to have gotten bigger and better too. And I'm impressed with such big ticket purchases as a plasma TV and BBQ grill. Top notch guys...keep it up.

The newly relocated house looks great. I was pleasantly surprised at the location and upgrades it's received -- not bad at all. With the location just a bit away from the old brown house, you'll avoid the random drunkards walking to the hill and starting stuff, but still be close to campus and easily accessible. The back deck and basement are welcome additions (even if the basement does have lots of crappy walls). And you've even got locks on the doors (sort of weird to approach a locked Pike house, but I guess you guys actually have stuff in their worth protecting, so probably a good idea.)

Finally, I'm VERY glad to hear about the trimming of the fat membership-wise. You're 28 or so strong now, if I remember right. It's always a better idea to have 28 quality guys than 36 mixed bag guys. But, keep in mind, QUALITY *AND* QUANTITY -- they're NOT MUTALLY EXCLUSIVE! You can have both, and I encourage you to only rush and initiate the highest caliber men in the first place ... that way you save the mess of having people drop off, blackballed, or released.

Alright, I'm rambling a bit. I could talk about this stuff all day. In the end, I was really glad to come back. I miss college. And it felt like I never left. Good meeting all you new guys, and thanks to all the guys in the house for being so hospitable to us old balls.

Phi Phi K A,
-chase