History

I won't be able to do the history of Manshio Days justice but from my recollection it all began in August of 2001. Donnie Lou (D.L.) Dwyer came up with the concept for Manshio Days and e-mailed it out to the entire Gamma Phi Beta chapter. I found out about it second hand and hoped that this was just another one of D.L.'s crazy ideas that would never happen. The plan was for a fight night at the fraternity house and a celebration of me, Manshio. First came the date of the event, then the annoucning of various fights to take place and when D.L. got "2 Many Styles" to commit featuring their hit single "It's All About the Money Now" I knew that this idea was going to happen. The night was a memorable one and with the exception of one of my roommates, Jeff Shafer, dislocating his shoulder, was perfect. Soon talk arose in chapter that Monday of Manshio Days 2, "The Sequel."

There have been many tales of "The Days" and there was even a video produced, I have a copy with some special features on it, but since I moved to Chicago talk of a sequel has fizzled. Until this year.

As an MBA student at DePaul University I was given the opportunity for a one-week study abroad to Japan which will occur March 18-26. While in Tokyo, I will be celebrating the 4 year anniversary of Manshio Days and trading in Manshio Yen for real Yen.

I wanted to post a blog so that people could see pictures and read happenings of my trip to Japan. This morning, I ran the idea past Chris "Louie" Richie, a co-worker and famed Manshio Days guru and historian and he stated that since I was going for a week, I should name the blog: Manshio week. (Editor's Note: Richie is currently working to produce Manshio Days: The E! True Hollywood Story)

So the blog has become reality and while I don't think it will be to funny, thanks Bif for always reminding me of my feeble attempts at humor, I hope it is informative and shows you all a little bit of my culture and heritage.

Keep checking back for pre-trip postings and additions to the famed Manshio Days 1 story.