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MAKING A SPLASH The Class Notes in November/December had a great story on Jim Penfield, '29, an All-American masters swimmer who holds two world and national records in both the 85-89 and the 90-94 age groups. I have a sequel to that story. I am also a masters swimmer who "aged up" to the 85-89 group last year. At the 1999 National Long Course Masters Championships, I was fortunate enough to win two events in the 85-89 group. One was the 1,500-meters freestyle; the other was the 200-meters backstroke -- in which I broke the national record held by the same Jim Penfield. I called Jim after the meet (which he had not attended), and we had a good talk about "golden-age aquatics" as well as our respective years on the Stanford swim teams. I reminded him that he cannot break my backstroke record again, since he has now aged-up to the 90-94s! However, if it were a contest, Jim would win hands down. He holds world records; mine are only regional and national. He was an ambassador; I was a fledgling foreign service officer. You win, Mr. Ambassador -- pick up another medal! Jim Triolo, ’35, MA ’36 Cupertino, California   URBAN LEGEND Hats off to Cory Booker, ’91, MA ’92 ("Taking It to the Streets," March/April), for doing something important with his life. PS: Cory, we appreciated all you did for the Cardinal on the playing field. Brook Wiers, MD ’94 Hanover Park, Illinois   'POEM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION' When I saw "The Parent Trap," I had to send along the poem my wife crafted: Hello, dear one. This is your world, And here's advice for you, Some hints to keep you thinking smart, Some notes to pull you through. First off, you chose a family That's more than Mom and Dad; It's Uncle Casper, Ty and Ted, And many cardinal clad. Now other folks might call you names. Ignore these brainless meanies. (Though if the honest truth be told, I'll bet you they're Cal weenies.) Strong character will see you through; Don't puzzle, frown or worry. There's wild life out there you can tame, An Axe you'll quickly bury. You're brilliant, strong and awfully cute But all's not grin and coo here. Because (I hate to tell you, kid) The Farm? No, it's a zoo here! The Cougar? He's a toothless cat. The Ducks are yellow squeakers. The Huskies? Just a bunch of dogs! (Could you please check your sneakers . . . ?) The Trojan is no warrior. Look, He's spoiled and oh-so-childish. Don't fret about the Bears, who are Not even mildly wildish. For Wildcats, I would recommend A wire cage, lock and key. And Beavers can do you no harm -- Just feed them last year's Tree. When conquering this ancient lot Be gracious; pardon all. For blessed life courses through your veins. Its color: cardinal. Chuck, '75, and Catherine Wilson Los Gatos, California Address correspondence to: Letters to the Editor STANFORD Bowman Alumni House Stanford, CA 94305-4005 Or fax to (650) 725-8676; or e-mail to stanford.magazine@stanford.edu. Letters may be edited for length, clarity and civility.