Michael D. Reid, Times Colonist film reporter

It seemed like a good idea at the time. I ordered “bourbon and water” at the Caf’ Conc, the ritzy Parisien-style supper club in Montreal’s Chateau Champlain hotel when I celebrated my graduation from LaSalle Catholic Comprehensive High School in 1974. I was inspired by Dean Martin, who had ordered it in some movie. It seemed like a high-class cocktail, and very cool, but I winced and couldn't get beyond my first sip to the amusement of my snooty waiter. Never again. There were compensations: the can-can girls floor show, and the fact I scored as my prom night date a beautiful blonde most of my friends were too chicken to ask.

My yearbook entry was “The best way to appreciate something is to imagine yourself without it.” Words to live by.