In dedication to "Doda&qu ot;

Growing up in Northbridge I associated with a lot of peers who were more known by their nicknames than their birth names.  Most of these names were generated from their fascination with a certain musical group.

Samantha Brinx was known as "Rhoadie" because of her love for Nick Rhodes.  Paul Simpson wanted to be called "Blondie" because he was a blonde.  Actually, Paul was more than blonde--he was albino.  Then there was Mike Jessing.  Around the school Mike became fondly known as "Doda", or as my mother often called him in error, "Dado".  I'm not sure who dubbed Mike with this nickname, but I know it wasn't because he was a fan of The Police.  In fact, Mike had been called "Doda" long before The Police song "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" was even known.  It was assumed he was called "Doda" because of the half-there look he constantly had on his face, as if he were always thinking "uh-duh".

One memorable moment with "Doda" occurred during a spring dance held at the Northbridge High gymnasium.  It was a big event, as it was the last dance of the year and everyone was there.  I was on the dance committee, along with my friends Tracy and Corinne.  We spent a great deal of the night checking and re-checking decorations, the refreshments and hanging out with the DJ. 

"Hey, look at Doda," Tracy commented, pointing to Mike Jessing dancing to Blondie's "Heart of Glass" by himself in the middle of the gym.  As he violently shook his head, his long, greasy hair swayed in rhythm to the tune.

I turned to the DJ.  "I want to request a song."

Two songs later the DJ announced, "This next song is going out to Mike Jessing from the sophomore class--for whatever reason."

He then began to play The Police's "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da".  Everyone surrounded DoDa as he shook his way around the circle, not seeming to mind the dedication and enjoying the attention.