Announcement: Elvira shouts, "Come one, come all for the Mudtoberfest 2003 Opening Ceremonies beginning shortly in the fairgrounds! Page me if you need a lift :)" Grinna says, "Off and on. Way too tired." China gags all her channels. Luke says, "So it is." Time says, "You know, after all these years here, this is my first mudtoberfest opening ceremonies." Javelin approaches from the south. Tyr says, "Mine, too." Jules decides to just watch, if nothing else. Êlvïrå hands around hot dogs and doughnuts Time says, "And Isis is crying...." Time says, "Man I wish I had breasts..." Fairgrounds Observer says, "This is my I-don't-know-what-probably-first." Homer says, "MMMmmm.. Dooonuuuuuts..." Tyr laughs. Êlvïrå can lend you a couple? ;) Time says, "Sure :)" Fairgrounds Observer says, "That is SO getting quoted." Exaurdon pets Luke. Time says, "I'll take 2 pairs." Luke says, "Have you a couple for me?" Jules XD Exaurdon says, "Hehe" Êlvïrå grins, "Not much there though. I just fed Middy and she's asleep in my lap now" Hûz appears! Time says, "Heh, is that what she's gonna be called?" Time says, "Middy?" Êlvïrå says, "sometimes :)" Time says, "Better than what my family calls Isis..." Êlvïrå waves and welcomes everyone then slopes 'backstage' to powder her nose Time says, "Ice Ice baby" Êlvïrå giggles China munches on her free hotdog. Fairgrounds Observer says, "Free?" Fairgrounds Observer says, "Those are ten bucks each, pay up./" Time says, "Where's the FREE hotdogs at? :)" Luke looks at his watch. "Hotdogs? It's not friday." Êlvïrå will claim her 50 ducats later ;P China points to Elvira's passing them out. Homer munches on his free donut. "Mmmm.." Critical nuclear radiation lights flash around him. Calmly he stands up, and unplugs the lights. Somewhere, an organ starts up, playing a jolly Mudtoberfest anthem to welcome everybody Fairgrounds Observer dances to it, and loses a couple nuts. China grins and settles in for the show. :) Announcement: Elvira shouts, "Mudtoberfest starting now at #4096. Come one, come all :)" Tyr says, "Hmm, powdering her nose." Julian nibbles. Luke says, "scoob." Tyr says, "That can be a euphemism for nasal intake of controlled substances." Tyr says, "Hey, scoob." scoob says, "hey kids" Fairgrounds Observer smirks. Procyon appears in a flash of red energy, the Chibi Death Troopers moving out to the perimeter. Jules blinks... Jules says, "Chibi Death Troopers?" China laughs. Luke says, "Hmm." Procyon says, "I forgot I had that set. :D" Julian says, "A euphemism for a euphemism, you say." Fairgrounds Observer says, "TEH CHIBI IS TEH CUTE OWNZORZZZZXZZXXXXZ!!!!1111oneonetwothreepifourfivedeath" Julian turns up the music. :) Jules XD! Luke says, "Where's my duct tape?" Damascus wonders what's going on? Jules chuckles. "We have this every year." Vadiv says, "Nude bowling?" Time says, "I can't read this fast!!!!" Luke says, "Then read slower." Fairgrounds Observer says, "Of" Fairgrounds Observer says, "course" The lights go down and the organ fades out and suddenly, a big band float down into the pavillion, suspended on wires. Brass trumpets and a booming drum signal the beginning of the ceremonies, drowning out the chatter. Moments later, spotlights start swirling around the pavillion. Fairgrounds Observer says, "you" China lol Fairgrounds Observer says, "can" Time says, "anyone logging this?" Tyr says, "No." Exaurdon says, "This is fast? Lord. Try a couple hundred player MU* during a war. Lord." Fairgrounds Observer raises his hand. Damascus shakes his head. "No." Grinna points to the observer Time says, "Good, can I get a copy of the part where Elv offered me some breasts? :)" Jules says, "Already done." Luke hehs. Fairgrounds Observer says, "That's in my quotes :P" scoob has never participated in a Mudtoberfest China misses that line. Time looks at his watch. Exaurdon has never either, and I've been here since it opened I think. Damascus hasn't either, scoob. Grinna says, "Always a first time scoob" Êlvïrå dances out onto the stage, jigging around in the spotlights and waving to everyone, "Ladies and gentlemen, bots and puppets, welcome to.... MUDTOBERFEST 2003!" Time says, "Me too..been here since 98...it's my first opening Ceremonies." scoob yeays China cheers and claps loudly. scoob says, "Elvira took my cherry" Julian pouts. He didn't get offered breasts. Time whistles A little sign says, "APPLAUSE" Tyr LOL Grinna claps Julian applauds. :) Tyr applauds. Exaurdon golf claps. Fairgrounds Observer offers Julian breasts... from a chicken. Time blows the air horn Damascus claps. Vadiv w00ts. Fairgrounds Observer waves breasts in the air and hoots. Exaurdon says, "Exotic Dancing?" scoob rubs a monkey in delight Exaurdon says, "And how do you get Julian breasts from a chicken?" Fairgrounds Observer GROANS! Grinna notes that there are young people here. Damascus is mature. :) Êlvïrå waves down the clapping and grins, "Yes, this is our SIXTH, count 'em, SIXTH annual Mudtoberfest! Another great year on M*U*S*H with so many high points. I hope I can cover most of them during our ceremony! And if there's anything I forget..." She lowers her voice and whispers with a wink, "Send me a quick page" Fairgrounds Observer thinks he's the youngest person here :P Exaurdon says, "Now we know who Observer is ;)" Jules bets you're wrong, just because of Murphy's Law. Fairgrounds Observer says, "It's not that hard to ex observer ;)" Exaurdon says, "Yeah, but I'm lazy." Julian is amused, if the youngest one is the least appropriate for young viewers. ;) Julian is quiet and listens to Elvira, tho. :) Fairgrounds Observer Exaurdon usually has that title. Fairgrounds Observer does too. Fairgrounds Observer says, "Err, ahem. Nice timing there, Ex :P" Êlvïrå says, "So, let's begin. There have been a number of changes in the world of M*U*S*H. We're pleased to welcome Archer (formerly Kyieren) to Wizardhood and also Matt's return to this fabled realm" Êlvïrå says, "We're also pleased to welcome Noltar to the ranks of admin as a wizard" Time says, "Isn't Archer retired already?" Cheetah wakes from the dead and leaves the coffin. Cheetah flies in, getting dragged by a mousecursor, and is dropped here. Fairgrounds Observer says, "Time, you can be ex-ex-admin ;>" China chuckles at Cheetah. Cheetah uhohs.. ;) "My tports?" Javelin says, "Archer emeritized and then reactivated. HE's active wizard now." Time says, "Ok, I was confused." Êlvïrå says, "We're also sad to see Marretta go emeritus after some great years of service as an admin and of course as head wizard. On behalf of the players and admin of M*U*S*H, I'd like to give her strong thanks for those years, and Marretta, we all wish you the best with your future projects both in M*U*S*H and in your real life." Jules rahs! Julian applauds. Fairgrounds Observer says, "And Scrabble!" Time confused now and needs to go look at the history of M*U*S*H Jules smiles. Tyr grins. China cheers and givss Marretta a round of applause. Time applauds Time had no idea Marretta was head wizard..but thanks anyways. Êlvïrå claps for Marretta Tyr says, "Huzzah!" Grinna applauds Grinna misses Mar. :( Luke could put on a wig. Exaurdon says, "And make Zeb all excited? Nah." China nodnods, as Marretta was the first M*U*S*H folk to make friends with her. Time says, "You're not ALREADY wearing a wig, Luke?" Luke says, "Nah. My entire head is fake." Time says, "Ah, Grinna was the first person here I met." Jules doesn't remember who he met first. Cheetah says, "The first person I met here.. I think was Jav. If not, it was one of the first days." Luke says, "Grinna and Tris for me. They directed me here from Ye Olde 101." Êlvïrå says, "In real life, there have been a few happy events too. We were all pleased to hear of the safe arrival of Time's baby, Isis on the 3rd September. And only a couple of weeks earlier, my second daughter, Midnight Saumarez was born on 21st September" Êlvïrå ers.. August Êlvïrå ;) Exaurdon says, "It was 1997 When I came on. It was my first try and creating my own game, so I'm pretty sure I spent most of those early days prostrating myself before Jav." Êlvïrå says, "Just making sure you were all paying attention there" China grins. :) Luke used to prostrate before Jav. Didn't want anything. Just for fun. Cheetah says, "I bumbled into his treehouse, and suddenly I had a big scary game god sitting right where I was. And then we played scrabble ;)" Jules grins!! Javelin cackles. Fairgrounds Observer says, "My (player's) ctime is Chee's RL birthday. Weird ;)" Fairgrounds Observer smirks. Tyr says, "Congratulations again, Time." Jules was the same way. Jav was god to me. :) Now he's my buddy! *Slaps Javelin on the back, and is hit with lightning* Vadiv says, "Damn static electricity." Êlvïrå continues, "In July, there was a European MUSHMeet on a little rock somewhere in the English Channel. Many MUSHers showed up, including a couple who'd ventured all the way from the USA! It was great to meet you all!" Cheetah belatedly cheers for Time, Elvira and their li'l ones. Julian grins. Exaurdon says, "Oh oh oh Little Rock...." China grins. Luke says, "The Isle of Man?" Cheetah says, "Guernsey." Exaurdon says, "Cape of Woman." Cheetah was there :) China says, "after the cows?" Fairgrounds Observer would have gone if he was a growed-up ;) Julian smiles. The cows are named after the isle. :) China wondered which came first. :) Javelin moos softly. Êlvïrå says, "on M*U*S*H itself, there have been all kinds of exciting events. September saw a poetry corner, ably run by Marretta, while Javelin ran a fabulous LARP which saw many M*U*S*Hers acting talents put to use!" Exaurdon says, "Grass." Exaurdon says, "We have talents?" Vadiv says, "We have M*U*S*Hers?" Luke says, "I prattled on about things that irritated me." Julian giggles. Cheetah says, "That's news?" Tyr laughs. Exaurdon says, "How's everyone's Nangle?" Fairgrounds Observer groans. ;'s is fully functional. Jules smacks Exaurdon, and breaks out his laptop. Jules drops Laptop. Exaurdon says, "Evidently not." Cheetah whuffies Elv. Fairgrounds Observer says, "I thought that was last October..." Luke barks. Exaurdon says, "And a couple weeks of mass hysteria in a bid to get the most whuffies." Fairgrounds Observer remembers he returned from a long absence the day before whuffie was ended. Javelin says, "January" Fairgrounds Observer says, "Huh. I'll be." Vadiv says, "October, January, what's the difference?" Tyr says, "Yes, you will." Exaurdon says, "Still seems like yesterday. Hehe." Fairgrounds Observer says, "Log time ;)" Exaurdon says, "Jav is always right." Êlvïrå says, "There were several rounds of human bingo and a number of quizzes. A group of admin made themselves look particularly silly in the television programme, "Who's Pose is it anyway?" We're still looking for volunteers for the next episode ;)" Tyr says, "Where do I sign up?" Exaurdon says, "Oooh." Vadiv says, "Where do I sign other people up?" Êlvïrå says, "(Viila and Walker would be particularly interested in hearing from you if you wish to volunteer)" Êlvïrå says, "There have been two town meetings which led to some very interesting ideas being raised" Êlvïrå says, "One of those was the introduction of minuschans (+help minuschans) allowing players to have their own channels. Talk to Cheetah if you're interested in one of these." Time returns Luke idly wonders why players can't have pluschans? Time says, "That's a discussion for another time and channel :)" Exaurdon says, "They aren't special enough." Êlvïrå says, "And following these meetings, there are plans in progress for some major grid revisions. I know it worked for Arthur Dent, but if anyone feels like lying in front of a bulldozer on the grid... well, I don't know if I want to clear up the mess ;)" Jules XD! Time got denied for his minuschan, even though they're supposedly private places. Cheetah says, "Eh?" Time says, "Again, a discussion for another time." Êlvïrå says, "And most recently, Javelin is launching the Architect-in-Residence program on M*U*S*H. Many M*U*S*Hers are being involved in this in a number of capacities and I know it will do a lot for both this MUSH and the whole MUSHing community. For more information on this, contact Javelin or look at the bboards." Cheetah says, "I only remember you wanting a channame of which I said talk to Jav. I never got a confirmation on anything :P" Time says, "Jav never answered :)" Êlvïrå says, "So, as we celebrate the past 12 months, let's take a look at the fun to come over the next month of Mudtoberfest" Javelin doesn't remember it, Time. Fairgrounds Observer says, "Bloodlustbloodlustbloodlust!" Julian suggests dicussing it on -channels, later. :) Exaurdon sees a smoke break in the near near near future. Oh look, the near near near future is here. BBS. Vadiv says, "Wait, I thought *this* was the future." Exaurdon says, "Now it's the past." Fairgrounds Observer says, "We need a Pumpkin Hunt too!" Time flies. Êlvïrå ooohs, "But before I mention those, I must say a big thank you to China for her houseboat parties. How could we possibly forget the Halloween celebration or the 4th July fireworks. The hospitality, food and entertainment were enjoyed by all!" Time says, "mmmm..text-based food" China chuckles, "yeah, and we text-based ate it too!" :) Fairgrounds Observer says, "But you're still hungry." Cheetah munches on a '@'. Jules cackles. Êlvïrå says, "Yes, I hear the cries. There WILL be another round of Bloodlust this year. Viila and I will be running it on Saturday 18th. Please +signup bloodlust if you want to play or page me after the OC to find out more. It'll be a lot of fun and there are unlimited places as we'll be running a few rounds." Time chews on % Jules chews on Time's $. Êlvïrå says, "On a more serious note, there will be another 'Innovations in Text Based Gaming' (ITBG) conference. This years will be particularly interesting and will feature a keynote speech by Richard Bartle, MMORPG consultant, developer of MUD2, co-author of the original MUD, and author of "Designing Virtual Worlds" - in other words, one of the guys we have to thank for where we are standing (virtually) right now." Vadiv says, "The fairground?" Fairgrounds Observer says, "Freaky ;)" China says, "ooooOOo, cool. :)" Êlvïrå says, "There will also be talks by Javelin on Whuffie, and by Raevnos on 'PennMUSH and glib'" Cheetah prods Vadiv. Spyder blips to life. Tyr says, "PennMUSH and glib?" Vadiv kneels over dead. Tyr says, "That sounds interesting." Êlvïrå says, "I believe there is still room for more speakers, so if anyone has any ideas for something they would like to present, please talk to Javelin" Tyr resuscitates Vadiv. Javelin says, "There is room, yesyesyes" Tyr ponders. Luke digs out one of his old presentations on cheese mining. Time whuffies Jav Spyder dances on top of the keyboard of Jules's laptop. Fairgrounds Observer steps on the Spyder. Êlvïrå says, "China will be running an art show all day on Sunday 26th. If we have any budding Picassos or Van Goghs lurking in our midst, she'd love to hear from anyone who's a dab hand with ASCII art. I'm sure we'll be seeing some weird and wonderful exhibits." Cheetah says, "Do those things spin Robo-cobwebs?" Spyder bounces back up, and peers at Cheetah. China SHOUTS out, "Saturday ..starts SATURDAY at Noon, til Sunday Noon. China grins. Time deaf now. China laughs. Grinna grins Cheetah says, "Time has ears?" Time says, "...now I know what happened to Walker." China :p Time moves down 4 seats. Grinna says, "Walker was deaf before China" Time says, "China's deaf?" Vadiv says, "Pfft, China's been around millinnium." China lol Êlvïrå says, "I'll also be having a comedy night on Saturday 11th. As my joke telling is limited to bad knock-knock jokes, I hope some of our witty (and hell, even our less witty) people here can step forward to do their bit. It's open-mic all night." Vadiv says, "No one is before it." Vadiv says, "What about our half-witty people?" Javelin has so many ideas for things to do and so little time. :( Êlvïrå says, "Time will be having a poker tourny. The date to be announced, so keep an eye on the GDA" Time doesn't fit into any of those categories. Time shouts out, "WITH PRIZES THIS YEAR!" Luke says, "Are the witless welcome?" China LOL Tyr says, "Yes, Luke, even *you* may participate." China rotfl. Êlvïrå says, "And finally, Vadiv will be holding a Halloween party on the 31st. Keep watching the GDA for more details. (+gda) See, I've already got my Elvira costume on in preparation ;)" Tyr says, "Hmm." Luke says, "I feel honoured." Time says, "Is that like honored?" Luke is sure that Elvira in an Elvira costume looks like Elvira. Vadiv says, "But more dignified." Luke says, "Yes, only spelt the correct British way." Vadiv says, "spelled." Time is dressing up like Javelin this year. Spyder digitally snickers. Grinna might be a black and white cat Luke says, "But until we open the box, we'll never know." Exaurdon thinks Time is going to win the Horror Costume contest ;) Fairgrounds Observer will be Schroedinger? ;) Êlvïrå says, "There's nothing else to say other than thank you for coming to the opening ceremonies and thank you for making the last year of M*U*S*H so special. Here's to a fabulous Mudtoberfest and another wonderful year of M*U*S*Hing for all our friends here!" Spyder cheers! Julian bows and cheers. Javelin cheers El. Luke says, "Is it time to get drunk yet?" Fairgrounds Observer says, "No, Luke, that's next week." Time says, "How about now?" Exaurdon says, "Hello, that's every day ;')" Time pulls out his cooler of Dark Beer. Luke gets out his time machine. Grinna says, "It's never time to get drunk" Fairgrounds Observer says, "And the weekend after, and the weekend after that." Fairgrounds Observer says, "Luke, can I borrow it?" Time pffts @ Grinna, "It's ALWAYS time to get drunk!" Luke looks at Grinna. "How very Puritan." Êlvïrå bows and claps, then backs off stage for the fireworks and a swift, stiff drink. Of er.. lemonade of course Luke spikes it with Fanta. Time says, "Electric Lemonade?" Grinna says, "I didn't say not drink, just not drunk." Time says, "Not drunk? Don't drink in the past?" Luke grins. Exaurdon says, "I found that Vodka and Mikes Hard Lemonade and Smirnoff Ice go well together." Time says, "wait..that's drank." Fairgrounds Observer says, "Okay, I'll maintain a .0799999999999999999... blood alcohol level." Êlvïrå says, "Some of the entertainment where I live... you /have/ to be drunk to appreciate it ;)" Vadiv sees no fireworks. Tyr wants some whiskey! Spyder says, "More like alcohol blood level. :)" Luke has never been drunk. Not by anyone. Fairgrounds Observer says, "Mmm, Smirnoff Ice... I should snag a bottle of that." Luke nods, "Smirnoff Ice good." Time passes out St. Pauli's Girl NA to everyone in the crowd. China puts her matches away. Luke says, "Why, China?" Fairgrounds Observer says, "Well, I have fireworks, but..." Tyr says, "Time: Got any Jack?" Time says, "Nope, Tyr, only Grey Goose." Tyr could go for some Gentleman right about now. Cheetah puts a small rocket on the floor, and lights the fuse. Êlvïrå coughs, "The fireworks are coming. The fuses got soggy ;)" Time isn't a liquor drinker... Time says, "Often anyway.." Tyr doesn't drink hard liquor much, either. Êlvïrå would kill for a Jack Daniels but can't drink for a while :( Firework(#8707TV) A pretty big rocket labelled "Zebranky's Big One," with a sticky note taped to it: "'launch big one' to launch this firework." You light the fuse of a firework marked "Zebranky's Big One," and a bright spark ignites the rocket, propelling it into the air. Tyr hands Elv a virtual fifth of Gentleman Jack. A trail of smoke follows a rocket into the night sky, exploding into the fiery words: * * *** ****** ****** * * * * ********* * * *** *** ***** ******** ******** *** *** *** *** ********* *** *** ******** *** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** ******** ******** ******* ******* ******* ***** ******** *** ******** *** *** ********* ***** ***** *** ******** *** *** *** * * *** *** *** *** *** ** *** * * **** ****** ********* * * * * * * * * ********* *** *** *** *** *** * * **** *** *** *** *** *** *** * * * ** *** *** *** ***** * * * ** *** *** *** ******** *** **** * **** ***** ******* *** The star-bright words fade away, leaving only a few wisps of smoke and a faint smell of sulfur. Êlvïrå eyes Zebranky Spyder eyes Zeb.. Grinna says, "Wrong season" China laughs. Spyder laughs. Vadiv eyes Elvira. Fairgrounds Observer says, "I told you "but..." :P" Cheetah's rocket zooms off with a high-pitched shriek. It explodes high in the sky, leaving sparkles, slowly forming letters.. Fairgrounds Observer says, "It's fireworks, be happy ;)" __ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ | \/ |_ _ __| | |_ ___ | |__ ___ _ __ / _| ___ ___| |_| | | |\/| | | | |/ _` | __/ _ \| '_ \ / _ \ '__| |_ / _ \/ __| __| | | | | | |_| | (_| | || (_) | |_) | __/ | | _| __/\__ \ |_|_| |_| |_|\__,_|\__,_|\__\___/|_.__/ \___|_| |_| \___||___/\__(_) Time stands still. Êlvïrå yays! Grinna woots Spyder cheers. Time says, "Hrm..what dull fireworks..no colors?" China stands and cheers. :) Jules returns, and plucks up Spyder. Jules takes Spyder. Time stands spoiled by Zebranky's ones :) Fairgrounds Observer cheers! ;> Javelin says, "Whoever's got the log of this, please email to dunemush@pennmush.org ? :)" Fairgrounds Observer says, "Sounds good... will take some cleaning, though. Oy... nospoof tags... :P" Javelin has a script that removes nospoof tags and does other format cleanup automatically Fairgrounds Observer says, "Ooh! Gimme? :)" Javelin says, "It's been on the ftp site for years" Fairgrounds Observer says, "Oh :P" Javelin says, "logedit, in /pub/PennMUSH/Accessories, I believe. :)" Vadiv says, "Years in the pas?" Vadiv says, "past?" Javelin says, "Yes, as I can't put things on the site for years in the future. :)" China says, "great job, Elvira! :)" Êlvïrå says, "thanks, China :)" China gives Elvira a round of applause. Vadiv says, "Really? What happens to the site in the future?" Javelin can't be certain. :) Fairgrounds Observer says, "A huge monster breaks out of the earth and... oh, nevermind." Javelin says, "Either it continues to be up, or the cat dies." Vadiv thinks putting things on the site for years in the future is probably easier than putting them on the site for years in the past. Time says, "Huh?" Fairgrounds Observer watches Chee and Grinna, and bites his nails. Cheetah says, "No sweat, I still have most of my lives left." Cheetah says, "Plus I can get some extra at low pricing.." (That's all, folks!)