Mark paid his way through LSU by operating a fireworks’ stand on Claiborne Hill during the Fourth of July and Christmas holidays. He would live in the fireworks stand for 10 to 14 days at a time.

Mark was an avid fan of The Muppet Show. To this day, his “Kermit the Frog” often accompanies he and Karen on their travels. Mark explains Meso-American ball to Kermit at Chichen Itza. The losing team is sacrificed to the gods.

As a home-builder in the mid 1980’s, Mark introduced the on/off door switch for closet lighting in new homes. Open the closet door, light comes on. Close the closet door, light goes off. You can credit or blame Mark for the innovation.

Mark’s favorite form of exercise is Zumba. He is not as nearly as good at it as he thinks he is. Mark’s 2nd favorite form of exercise is “step class.” He’s not bad.

In 2007, Mark placed the four iconic musical notes of LSU’s Pre-game on a few shirts for himself – gold notes on purple, purple notes on gold. Folks liked it.

Perlis’ Men’s Store carried the shirts for years and Mark’s website shipped the shirts across the country. He eventually licensed the images back to LSU, who made t-shirts which they sold at the Bookstore and at concessions around Tiger Stadium on game day.