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Pablo Maurer's Analysis Chaz. What a man. I must admit that my research colleauge Sam submitted his memoir before I had the chance to craft mine. So I will not only share my memories of him, but also elaborate on those of my assistant. I feel that the most obvious thing that I should mention about this picture is the sheer level of maturity and composure exhibited in the eyes of Mr. Richardson. We must fully understand something: Charles reached a maximum level of maturity (mentally, physically, and sexually) at age 9. By this point, he possessed the ability to solve many quandaries and puzzles. He was fully in control with the ladies - fully capable of romancing the heart of any female, up to and including many adults. To this day Charles still is beyond Sam and I's level of intelligence - at one point last summer, the three of us rendez-vouzed at Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida. Charles spoke these words of wisdom to us: "It's all about giving each other gifts, guys. Just give each other gifts." Not a night has gone by where i haven't spent at least 30 minutes lying awake in bed trying to comprehend this. You see, I feel that this is why this picture is truly deserving of the title "Greatest USN Yearbook Picture of All Time." The picture, in some way, actually managed to capture that sheer level of maturity and completion. His ability, his comprehension, dexterity and tact - all accurately captured by the lens of this unknown yearbook photographer. Sam and I have spent many a night in the wasted-off-butter archives trying to locate the name of the photographer who took this picture - but to no avail. Perhaps it's better that way - this way I can think to myself "God took this picture. God himself took it." Just picture Charles standing there. Perhaps he was observing a High School basketball game in the old gym, peering through the grated windows that are to the right of him, in a stairwell, just out of view. He was probably selecting his next female companion. It is rumored that Chaz even managed to have a romantic encounter with the legendary Jenny Boucek. I want to address the rumor of
children falling through the awning @ 19th. I have heard several rumors
- one being that it was James Manning, who David (my other assistant)
and I have covered in another area of this website, who fell through
this awning. But there is a second rumor, far more intriguing. That
rumor suggests that Charles himself plummeted through the covering, and
died on impact. He was reborn the next night, deep below peabody green.
Rising from the soil, he donned a hypercolor t-shirt, sweatpants, and
pumps, and arrived in time for class the next day. |
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Sam Smith's Analysis Anyone who went to USN in Middle School and keeps a dusty collection of yearbooks somewhere on their shelf will undoubtedly remember this one photo above all others. Aside from being a formal masterpiece, it is a memento, an artifact, a glimpse into a forgotten past-- one of innocence, simplicity, and beauty. Charles. Chaz. Payne. A true gentleman. A USN legend. A true renaissance man. And above all, a good friend. I can recall our first conversation, in Mr. H-D's 4th Grade class, where while waiting in line to sharpen my yellow pencil, I stared (me, the USN rookie) at him (the most popular and funny boy in class) and said "I see why they call you "PAYNE." A bold move, I must say. All glaring aside, Charles and I became close friends, and I am honored to have been called upon by Pabs to donate my commentary on this eternal and inspirational image. It's simple: Charles here captures the lacksadasical, carefree spirit of youth. In his eyes, we see that everything is gonna be okay. That the "Bridge to Terabithia" pop quiz wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. That the new playground building project had been a remarkable success. And that our Student Council representative Dowin Boatright had assured us that the next Middle School Party would be everything we'd hoped for, and that hat-wearing privildges were awaiting us just around the corner. Look at that knowing smile. This is a guy who's on top of the world. And can you blame him? Just look at his new Pumps. Everyone wanted them, and Charles was one of the first to have them, just as he would boast one of the most impressive wardrobes of Hypercolor Tees, Bajas (second in style only to Nathan Terry), and Umbros later in Middle School. And lastly, we need not look beyond the frame to feel the power and glory of the old 19th Avenue Hookup lot. Yes, this was the era of Mr. Sizemore's weathered white art studio; of the blue J-Board house on the corner of 19th and Edgehill; and of the charmingly inadequate roof above the hookup space itself, through which one child in particular was rumored to have fallen from the boy's bathroom window, and to have died on impact to the concrete below. But I digress. It is clear that Chaz was too cool (and rightfully so) to line up under the numbered areas as he awaited Mrs. Marler's drone: "Richardson, on the crosswalk!" For Charles was, is, and always will be, a loner, a rebel, a freedom fighter. Standing against the brick wall, probably playing hooky from After-School, just waitin for the ladies to ask him for a game of four-square. This image is many things at once. A nostalgic apparition of the golden years. A zenith of yearbook photography craft that has not been touched since. Charles, we salute you. May this photograph always serve as a model for how we all hope to live our lives; with confidence, class, and chivalry. |
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