And speaking of, Weasel Moot is so close I can feel it sticking in my back. First stab is in 19 days. Now’s the time to finalize your plans to join us at the Hampton Inn and Suites at 33 W Illinois, right in the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood. (Call 312-832-0330 to reserve your room or visit our website for other housing options, including Airbnb.) Check out the event page on Facebook for some pretty good content posted by Prime Weasel Nate Cockerill, including a great photo of the terrace lounge where I suspect many a tall tale will be told that weekend.
This year’s event will feature two rounds on Saturday, July 26, and one on Sunday the 27th. We’re planning an outing for Friday night the 25th, possibly to the Blue Frog’s Local 22 karaoke bar, which is right by the Hampton Inn. Should be a fun time. For travelers who arrive early enough on Friday, I’ve got four box seats at Wrigley Field for the Cubs and Cardinals. First pitch is at 3:05. So far, only one of the tix has been claimed by a legitimate traveler. I’ve got questionable claims from one of our favorite Cheeseheads and a displaced Buckeye. I’d gladly bump them for honest travelers, so speak up if you want to catch this game. The tickets are free, and the seats are great.
Check out the site and go ahead and preregister. You’ll save $5.
Graham Massacres Them
Congrats to Graham Woodring on winning last weekend’s 12-board Philadelphia Massacre. Graham posted a 23-center solo as Russia in the second round. Chris Martin, the three-time Alpha Weasel, soloed in the first round as Germany and finished second.
Also, congratulations to the extremely clever manager who drafted Graham for his Fantasy Diplomacy team.
Summer Has Come
The summer issue of Diplomacy World, that is. Issue No. 126 features three tributes to the late Don Williams — another frequent Moot traveler — including one by me. Check it out.
Shameless Plug
Since it’s a light news week, I thought I’d share a video with you.
Seventeen years ago, I hired a guy named Frederick Mensch to replace me as I moved to a new job with the same organization. He’s about 10 years older than me, and for most of his life, he has been working to pay the bills while pursuing his true passion — writing screenplays. We’ve been twice-a-week lunch companions for the past six years or so, and I’ve read several of his scripts. Last year, one was finally filmed, and last month, it premiered at the L.A. Film Festival.
Frederick took his family out to L.A. to see the premiere, and his daughter, Molly, who’s 14, documented the trip. Her short film is more a story about Frederick’s personal journey than the family’s vacation, however. It’s about 11 minutes long, and if you’ve ever had a big dream crushed by reality, then I think you’ll enjoy it. Take a look.
Upcoming Games
- August 9, Weasel Pyle Nine, the season-ending gala at Eric Brown’s home in Wayne, starting at 11 a.m. until no later than 10 p.m. Have four.
Sign up for games here, on Meetup, or by emailing your faithful War Weasel (which is now Dan Burgess, danburgess67@gmail.com).
Important Dates
- July 26-27: Weasel Moot VIII at the Hampton Inn and Suites downtown.
- August 9: Weasel Pyle Nine!
Pyle the Ninth!
Founding Weasel Eric Brown will once again host our club’s happiest tradition. The ninth annual season-ending Weasel Pyle will be August 9 at Eric’s beautiful home in bucolic Wayne. We’ll start play at 11 a.m. and wrap up no later than 10.
In addition to the boards — one of which will be our 250th league game — we’ll hand out our annual club awards, The Weasels; announce the bids for the Weasel Royale and Bar Room Brawl championship games; strike the Regimental Choir; and engage in all sorts of merrymaking. You don’t want to miss this.
Look Sharp and Carry a Big Stick
Good news for all you fashionably minded Weasels out there. We’re now selling t-shirts at spreadshirt.com. A small commission from each sale will benefit the club, so you can look good and feel good about helping us out. But mostly you’ll look good, and that’s what matters most, right? Check it out and buy your Weasel Moot VIII or Warrior shirt today. (I bought both last week.)
Dues
Dues are due. Check out the Prime’s message, then use the convenient PayPal link to pay your 2014 dues. We’re once again charging $25, $10 if you’re a student. Twenty-two people have paid up already.
Remember, your dues pay for our website, the Meetup site, our annual club awards, and the awards for both the Royale and the Brawl, among other things.
That’s all for this week. Make your plans to join us at Moot!
Jim
