Turn And Face The Strange

Mario (“the original super Mario,” as he self-refers) rocked the ‘70s like almost no one else with an inimitable style that was truly his own, at least in the small town where he grew up. This particular outfit was responsible for at least one unwanted offspring that he’s aware of. But then, one magical night in the dark men’s room of a disco dive, what he thought was going to be blow turned out to be something completely different, and Mario never looked back.

Having held on to his vanity firmly, Mario did not want his photo taken now that he’s gotten older. Instead he let me get this shot of his current boy toy. It’s all about the belt buckle and the bulge, but Mario could have told you that thirty years ago.

5:00 Somewhere

Prohibition, schmohibition! Louise wasn’t about to let any silly law keep her from her bestest friend and constant companion. In fact, she loved it so much, she’d wrap herself up like a big present just for their special times together.














These days Louise has toned down the dress code a wee bit, but she’s still happily hitting the bottle and is shown here as she tries to explain why both red and white wine actually go with any meal. Ten minutes after this photo was taken she was doing her infamous Don Knotts routine, and someone had to drive her home pretty soon after that.

He's A Brainiac

Sherwin (“Gizmo” to pretty much everybody) was the most enthusiastic science teacher anyone ever encountered. He’d do anything for a laugh, but was a strict grader and even paddled a kid or two. He liked to get the lesson over with so he could talk about his latest inventions, and there were always a lot of them.




















Gizmo is now retired, and is trying to get a patent on his most recent invention, the Automatic Hair Styler. When everyone sees how well it works, he’ll be a shoe-in for inclusion in the Inventors’ Hall of Fame.