Guy LaMont: Exclusive Interview

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Here on ryanglanzer.com, I am trying to feature a few old classmates from Willow Lake Class of 2001 in some gripping tell-all interviews.  After all, I’ve almost completely lost touch with everyone after just five years, aside from the random unexpected encounter or when someone visits the Twin Cities.  Today I tracked down one of my best friends from Willow Lake, Guy LaMont.  Guy may best be remembered for his comment, “Dude, free cable!”  This single line of dialogue from an English class marked the birth of Stretch & Shades Technology and wildly translated into the two of us and Brandon Hanson traveling cross-country to San Francisco where we presented to a crowd of one person who wanted only to know how to use the Print Screen key.  Guy and I also teamed up with several others to film a first-class film complete with an elaborate dummy falling from a barn roof.  And of course there were our numerous weekend nights spent driving around the town of Willow Lake looking for something to happen.  Nothing ever did, unless it was witnessing our friends getting minors from the local cops.  With that, here is my highly-anticipated interview with Guy LaMont.

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Hello Guy, how are you today?
Well Ryan let me tell you what. The last two weeks have been spent working in scenic Pine Ridge, South Dakota. The weather has been extremely cold and the people there aren’t exactly happy to see me and my crew working. But today I am not there so it is quite possibly the best day ever.


When is the last time we saw each other?
I can’t really remember but figure it must have been the Van Heukelom wedding. That is probably pretty accurate. It seems as though there may have been one chance encounter on the bustling streets of Willow Lake since then but I cannot provide any evidence of this whatsoever.

To catch up a little… Last I heard, you had graduated from Black Hills State and were operating a ski shop. Is that pretty much accurate?
Well I did own and operate a ski shop in the Black Hills over the last three years, which grew from one shop in Lead to 3 locations in Lead, Rapid City, and Spearfish. Quite the little business which has actually forced two other shops out of business and has one other local trying to sell. I am still an owner but I am in the process of selling my shares because of some issues between myself and some partners. I would love to elaborate on this issue but it seems as though my lawyer thinks I need to keep quiet until the paperwork is done. I’ll Just say this is a longstanding unresolved issue which is getting quite messy.

What is the best part about living in the Black Hills?
There is just so much more to go do. Its not like driving around the cornfields of Willow Lake. I can go hike, Mt. bike, Ski, Rock climb, or whatever other activity there may be. They even have Moving Picture Shows. (With Sound!!)

Who from our class would you say you’ve kept in the closest contact with over the last five-plus years, if anyone?
Wow. Tough one. I would probably say Josh Symens from our class. But I have defiantly kept in better contact with Jay LaBay, Our friendly underclassman.

Do you still cheer for the Oakland Raiders after our fifth grade team scrapbook projects?
I do. Although they are a horrible team, and I disagree with many of their player choices.

Last time we chatted, you mentioned there might be a young lady in the picture? What can you tell us about these developments?
No Comment.

How would you describe your duties as “Graphics Support” with Strech & Shades Technology?
The most tedious job I have ever had. My job duties were so intensive I can’t even begin to describe them all with any detail.

Would you agree that we totally got off scot-free with robbery when we were handed a $10,000 grant to travel to San Francisco for our Stretch & Shades presentation in 2001?
No actually. This was a very important part of my life, and who can tell how many people lives we saved with our presentation of technology in the classroom. One man can now print his screen. AMAZING. That achievement alone. How can you put a price on his happiness now.

What would your reaction be to hearing that Alex Glanzer and Ann Poppen are engaged? Because it’s true.
Well that is certainly a new development I was unaware of. Surprise comes to mind. Slight confusion. And then the realization I have a new good excuse to come back for yet another great wedding party.

You and I seemed to gang up on Brandon and try to “lose” him all the time, like at the Student Extravaganzas. How would you describe your friendship with Brandon?
Well, I don’t know for sure, we were never the best of friends but we did get a long most of the time. I recall a few instances when I might have been a little mean to him, but that was high school who wasn’t. And I don’t think I’ve said seven words to him since graduation. Hmmm. On the other hand I have talked to Merle and Tammy several times since then.

 

Remember when everything we voted on for prom was voted down hastily and we made a pact to ban the prom dinner and grill steaks outside?
Yes vividly. Too bad that no one at all held to this pact. It would have been a beautiful sight.

What comes to mind when you think of our road trip to Michigan to visit Jesse Van Heukelom after senior year?
Well, there was the go carts and batting cages at midnight, And also someone stealing several hundreds of dollars worth of sand from the field of Dreams infield at 6 in the morning. Several near deaths on the road. Pretty normal road trip really.

What is your current living arrangement?
I am in a house in Spearfish. Very nice, Hot tub in back, full bar, for more details you will just have to stop by and see me. Since you have never once made it here. I at least came there once during your valley fair days.

I remember when you were a fan of Weezer and I didn’t agree. Now I have learned they’re one of the greatest bands ever. Is there anything you’d like to tell me?
As long as you have learned your lesson I see no need to rub it in your face about how right I was, and how wrong you are.

Are you still a big Led Zeppelin fan? Who are some other favorites?
Yes indeed I am a fan still. If there was to be a reunion show in Baghdad next week I would be there. I have many bands I listen to. Bad Religion, Deftones, Tool, Bouncing Souls, too many to list actually.

What is the best show currently on TV?
I think “The Office” is the best current show. Have you seen that? I have not been keeping up with TV much so I have not seen this “Office” program that you speak of. However I do enjoy Scrubs on occasion.

What is the last good movie you saw in the theater?
Jackass 2. Crazy insane. A must see flick full of comedy and romance.

Did you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this year?
Yes I did. Some of the details are a bit fuzzy but I encourage all to attend.

How often do you see Mt. Rushmore?
Whenever I happen to drive by. I have not driven up there for some time but it is hard to get around the hills without going by it.

How often do you check ryanglanzer.com?
I usually swing by monthly to see what’s new. I have even stolen some pictures of myself off from it to use for other purposes.

What is your favorite alcoholic beverage?
Bacardi and Coke.

Not many of us were interested in the five-year class reunion. Would you return for a ten-year reunion?
I believe that I would. Ten years just seems better than five. But the 7.75 year reunion is where I really put my money.

Are you still an expert at archery?
Indeed, I shot a bobcat as it was flying through the air at my face. Long story, completely untrue.

What do you think is a good premise for a new sitcom?
The life and adventures of Guy LaMont. Let me tell you I can beat any fictional show on the air today.

What is one question you would like me to answer right here on the site for all to see?
I have a two part question actually. Part one. What is your opinion on the current political state of Burma? Part Two. Do you believe that Burton has revolutionized the snowboard industry in any way over the last ten years and what will be the next big development from the giants of the industry?

Well thanks for your time Guy. Any closing remarks?
Well for all of my fans who thought I have dropped off the face of the earth, that is untrue, I am here. Speaking of that whatever happened to Miss Regnier from our class? Anyways I want everyone out there to remember this, there is no such this as cold, cold is not a scientific term. There is only a lack of heat. Which brings me to my next point. Don’t Smoke Crack. Good Day and I am looking forward to the next interview.

Ryan Trivia: Has consistently weighed in between 261 and 265 for the last six months.