Ghost of Avalon

Another step towards Enlightenment

2009-07-05T19:27:00.004-07:00

The Church of the Seven Day Recreationalist is as you know by now, is not exactly politically correct about anything and in fact our members enjoy this one attribute so much that all sorts of amusing tidbits that fail the "PC" exam have been brought to our attention. The blog cakewrecks.com springs immediately to mind.

This day, dear friends and faithful followers Alex and Miguel clued the Founding Father and his beloved TLL into another such non-PC organization. A religious order in actual fact that shares many tenets with the CSDR and in fact may predate our creation. (Holy scholars are looking into this possibility to discover whether or not the CSDR is in fact an unknown sect of this other faith.)

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, (or simply FSM), is without a doubt one of the most non-PC organizations we have come across. Not only that but they are damned funny! Simply Google the word "this" and you will discover the gateway to a new and exciting faith. Imagine our surprise when we discovered the scientific proof that Global Warming is directly related to the global reduction in Pirates! Arrgh, what a shame!

While this does nothing to affect our own faith, becoming a Pastafarian was a no-brainer for us. After all, who couldn't love a god that is the High Noodly One, Pasta be His Name! All Hail The Flying Spaghetti Monster! we're going to have fun with this!

My goodness, I thought salvation would be tougher than this...

2009-05-26T15:32:00.009-07:00

I was searching for something online today when I mistakenly came across a website for a church. The kind of church you might call a "real" church. And it just so happened that it was the very church in Texas that turned yours truly solidly away from organized religion for ever. That's right, Cavalry Cathedral in Ft. Worth Texas. Weird huh?

Well out of some sense of nostalgia or blatant curiosity I began poking around and came across a page titled "Salvation". Well I thought, "Oh yes? This might be good..." so I opened it and nearly choked! Not only was the path to everlasting salvation spelled out here in less that three paragraphs, (who knew that it was so simple?), but they spell out exactly what you must do.

"If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and would like to receive the gift that God has for you today," (but wait, NOW how much would you pay?! Well don't answer yet...) "then pray the following prayer from your heart and out loud with your lips:" (Ah, I wanted to use my neighbor's lips, they're so much fuller than mine...)

That's right, they have printed a specific prayer that guarantees your salvation! Wow! Can you imagine?! A whole paragraph that will guarantee your trip to heaven that you must recite, never mind letting your emotions just come from inside you or your belief to dictate how to proceed, we know the exact words that God wants to hear you parrot back. That's right, set aside your free will folks and come to Jesus, we'll tell you everything you need to know. So just sit back and be saved...

It goes on to say "If you have prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God. All your sins are forgiven." Wow, just like that, poof!

And people wonder why I think religions are bogus.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

It is the third largest holiday for the consumption of alcohol, behind New Years and St. Patrick's Day. School is out and people are enjoying the warm weather and the freedom to do what they choose to do. All fine traditions indeed!

But it's called Memorial Day for a reason. This is the day our nation sets aside to honour the men and women who have lost their lives in the service of our country. This is an important tradition, a touchstone that should never be put away or trivialized. So I would like to propose a new tradition, I would like you all to consider adding this to your personal pantheon of traditions and to keep it each year. Pass it along so your children keep the tradition as well.

This Memorial Day, before the BBQs and the boating, the picnics and the baseball and yes even the racing, take a moment to consider what this day represents. Not a moment of silence while you consider your to-do list, but true reflection on the meaning of the word Memorial. It is a time when we should take a few moments and remember those Americans that have paid the price for our freedom to grill and boat and play baseball and go racing. Because freedom must be bought over and over again with blood and sweat and tears otherwise it will vanish, like a summer shower.

So this Memorial Day, play and have fun and enjoy your freedoms. But remember those that have provided them for you and perhaps say a prayer or lift an ale for those that are out there defending them even now!

The Desert Rejoices...

2008-11-10T17:01:00.004-07:00

'Tis true my friends, there is joy even in the dry and aird desert southwest!

The Church of The Seven Day Recreationalists was pleased, nay thrilled to entertain none other than Silvertounge Friday evening along with novice recreators Mom and Dad in a peaceful and fun repast of pork! Alas High Priestess of the faith, Princess M was not in attendance but was within our hearts and so present in spirit. We miss you sister...

No blood was spilled despite the presence of my father at an entire table of Obama fans. In truth the subject was only broached once and only briefly at that. We were having too much fun to be concerned with tiny matters such as politics! Huzzah!

Saturday, Co-Founder and High Priestess TLL and myself were lured away from the safety of the castle to a lovely pub call Papago Brewery in Scottsdale for a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Holy Beverage from Holland, Chimay on the shores of these United States. Chimay has been produced by Trappist Monks in Holland for the past 146 years and trust me, they know what they're doing.

An afternoon of wonderful beverage, trivia games and the finest of company made for a Saturday that the CSDR is well pleased to note for future reminiscences.

Sunday was a banner day in the desert, as session two of the 2008-2009 Picnic Season was held with the added joy of the company of Our Father and Silvertounge. A lovely afternoon, soft breeze, quiet park, fine food, and company to boot! We had a grand time. Alas Our Father was forced to return to his own Abbey but Silvertounge remained and the three of us spent the remainder of the afternoon proving what terrible pool players we all are! We are bad, but it was a lot of fun, and THAT is after all the point!

All Souls Day...

2008-11-03T15:59:00.016-07:00

..Was an anti-climax. We received even fewer trick-or-treaters than last year. "Hang on Michael," you say "didn't you say you only got one last year?"

Well, yes I did so less than one is, you guessed it, a big goose egg! Not a single one. I swear, it was down right depressing.

TLL did not carve any scary vegitation this year, but we did have all of our luminaria out and some creepy lighting. These oddly glowing designs are cut out of black paper sacks that TLL found somewhere and then an orange paper sack is inside to act as a light diffusser. They came out really cool, we made a whole mess of them. TLL did the spider and the cat, the tree is mine. The spider is my favorite one though.

But alas, no little gobblins came to be frightened. (Sniff)

The cats did end up with costumes though (evil snicker) and were oh so thrilled to be dressed up for the occation! Well, ok perhaps they were a bit put out. Enzo looks like he's going to kill the first person to get too close to him! Neither of them liked the hat much, but the wings were tolerated alright. At one point Nicholas was just wandering around in them and every step he'd take they would sort of flap making us both think of the Monkey Bats in The Wizard of Oz. Nicholas would walk by and both of us would start humming that music...

Enzo was dealing with his wings just fine for a while and was even up and running about.

The HAT however was the last straw for the little pudgy boy! Feeling his dignity maligned he chose to show us his best impersonation of Satan's cat...

Also Enzo was, while wearing the wings, doing the math to jump into the tube on their cat tree. Both of us were secretly hoping he would actually attempt this since the tube and Enzo are roughly the same size and the wings added about 7 inches on each side! It would have been a good laugh, but unfortunately Enzo is very good at math and he figured he would never fit and stalked off to pout.

Nicholas was, if it were at all possible, even less impressed with the hat than Enzo was, fixing the camera with a look that could kill at 20 paces. I must have laughed for 10 minutes! And that is something that Nicholas definately does not like, being laughed at! But what else could I do, I ask you.

As I said, Nick tolerated the wings a bit better than Enzo did. You see him here up and moving about, not lying on his belly like you tied a 50 pound weight to him! But you can see from that face that he is far from pleased. (Que maniacal laughter...)

(Oh, in that last picture, behind Nicholas is "The Tube", and yes that is the hole that Enzo was performing his calculations on entering. He regularly gets stuck in this hole due to his very round belly, the wings would have just added to the comedy. Shame he wised up to it.)

So, the CSDR sat about, Frankenstien head at the ready, and never gave out a single tidbit of candy. Since I am still on these stupid antibiotics I could not partake of the holy beverage, so we watched movies and drank juice on All Hallows Eve! Sigh. These pictures however attest to the fact that we still had a laugh or two. (Or maybe three) We hope yours was fun as well.

Woe and Dispair, Joy and Glee

2008-10-30T12:02:00.006-07:00

The Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists dearly loves to celebrate! Any excuse will do really;

"Hey, I got an A on my paper!"

"Great! Let's celebrate!"

"Hey, it's Tuesday!"

"Great! Let's..." Well, you get the picture.

Basically we are people that enjoy life, enjoy each other, and enjoy enjoying! (I tried it the other way and that just sucks!) So actual holidays that are nothing but pure fun are right up our alley. Halloween is our favorite of them all.

Whether it is Samhain, All Hallows Eve, or just Halloween you must admit that this is an evening just made for having fun. I mean come on, costumes, food, candy, corn mazes, (would that be a Maize Maze?) scary movies, haunted houses, parties, little kids (and some big kids too) out laughing and having fun. Trying to scare your friends into dropping something. Stand outside of any haunted house anywhere and watch the people in the line to get in. There is laughter and joy in the crowd. It's pure fun.

But alas, we at the CSDR must bend this year to the pressures of the economic woes foisted upon us by our "wise" leaders in Washington and else where. So despite the good intentions, there shall be no giant spider or fog machine at the temple of the faith. Sigh. No stringy spider webs or gruesome severed hands, and no inflatable entry arch in the shape of a gargoyle. Heavy Sigh.

And perhaps most significantly of all, no scary TLL vegetation! Nooooooooooooooo!

We will have dry ice however, that's always fun! And stacks of custom made luminaria that TLL and I made a few years ago. And a really cool florescent black light bulb for our front door. So we won't be completely without toys! And of course I was planning on removing my mask...

I am just bummed that we can't go crazy like we want to.

We miss you Miguel!

(He is always good at going crazy this time of year!)

So here's to your Harvest Festival, Samhain, All Hallows Eve, and a Happy Halloween! Witches brew is always better when you're wearing a costume, don't you think?

And remember to recreate responsibly, he who imbibes does not drive! Ever! Be sure you live through the night so you can come and celebrate with us again next year!

Slainte!

Ah, The end of summer...

2008-10-27T16:08:00.001-07:00

**Drawing a deep breath**

Ah, the end of summer, Samhain is upon us at last and we can finally look forward to the coming of winter. (Unless of course you live here where it is STILL in the middle 90s every day!) My brother is receiving temps of 44 degrees, during the day! It's just not fair sometimes.

But as I was saying, Samhain is this Friday and for those of you unfamiliar with this festival let me share some details with you very quickly. Samhain, or in Gaelic; Oíche Shamhna (Literally "Night of Samhain") is one of the most import festivals of the entire Irish year. It marks the end of summer, the collection of the final harvest, and in many cases the first frost.

It is also said to be the one night upon which the boundry between our world and that of the dead is thinnest.

It is a night of bonfires, food, libation, and reverence for loved ones who have left this world behind. The table will be set with an empty place for the departed loved one to join the party, and all of their favorite foods are served. It is a time to remember those we have lost, and to be thankful for what we have.

In this time of war, many have lost much. In this time of financial crisis, many have little. Couldn't we all benefit from a day set aside to honour those who are gone and to be grateful that while we all have less, we still have some?

So this Friday, light a bonfire (or a candle would probably be safer), leave a place at the table, and have a libation in honour and in thanks. Take stock of what you have and be glad of it, many have much less than you.

Always remember and never forget, those that imbibe DON'T drive! The Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists thanks you all, Huzzah!

Slainte!

Egads, Samhain already?!

2008-10-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

I can scarcely believe that it is the time of Samhain again, so soon. 'Tis no small wonder I never feel like I accomplish anything if time itself can just slide by un-noticed. Yesterday I was contemplating faire and all that that entails and suddenly 'tis summer's end. What happened to everything after March I wonder?

Our more or less official celebrations shall be approved by the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalist in full measure. There will be lamb and other tasty morsels as well as some wonderful seasonal ale. TLL has something up her sleeve I can tell but she has spilled no info as of this date.

This year's Samhain celebration will have a theme, that being "Enough already!" No better way to ruin a wonderous end of summer than with politics, and dates being what they are Samhain falls just days before the U.S. Presidential elections. Well I have decided that NO politics shall interfere with our merry making and so our theme will help us to ignore the brow beating that will be going on on every television and radio channel in the known universe. It's movies and racing for the CSDR!

After all, what would I rather see? An old fart and an egomaniac slinging insults, or the final Formula One race of 2008? Hmmm, let me think about that a minute...

Of course Samhain is not the ONLY holiday the last weekend of this month is it? No indeed.

So here we are approaching All Hallows Eve also totally unprepared, no fog machine, no scary monsters, and only 15 days to ready our selves. I hate to admit it but last year we had a grand total of one Trick or Treater. That's all, one. TLL had carved lovely Frank-o-lanterns for the wall, we had dry ice for the candy bowl, spooky purple lights for the porch, and I of course had my monster head on. (No comments from the peanut gallery please.) And we got one.

Oh well, the kid had a cool costume and he got a LOT of candy... =o)

We almost bought costumes for the cats just to break up the bordom that is sure to be in store for us... But only Almost! Can you just imagine???

Dell in the Limelight

2008-07-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

Recently a law suit was filed and argued before the New York Supreme Court on behalf of "numerous" customers of Dell Computer Corp. who claimed they were ignored by Dell's Customer Service department. This suit was eventually concluded in favor of the plaintiffs and Dell has been forced to make restitution to these people by the High Court.

As someone who has been in the personal computer business for many years and has had many hundreds of experiances with Dell Computer Corp. I find the recent ruling of New York Supreme Court Justice Teresi offensive in the extreme. The law suit itself is insulting on many levels.

Dell's marketing practices of advertising a $300.00 computer that you could never in reality actually buy do indeed smack of the classic "bait and switch" as alleged. And I agree that such tactics are bogus and should be stampted out, so for this portion of the complaint I do agree.

Where Attorney General Cuomo looses me is when he asserts that "For too long at Dell, the promise of customer service was a bait and switch that left thousands of people paying for essentially no service at all." I beg to differ. We all wish we could provide our customers with the level of service that Dell Computer Corp. is famous for providing, moreover it is this industry leading customer service that has made Dell the giant it is, not their computers.

There is nothing special about a Dell computer, it is a collection of components built by other companies assembled together in a (usually) attractive container. Dell manufactures nothing. What sets Dell apart from the rest of the computer industry is customer service after the sale.

Yes, some times the wait on the phone can be long, that is not because they are sitting back and ignoring people though, it's because they are busy. It happens. My personal record for a call to Dell Tech Support was 87 minutes, but on the other end I have been on and off in as little as 6 minutes as well. The average is closer to 15 minutes, and I have placed literally hundreds of calls to Dell over the years.

But the phone is not the only way to contact Dell. They also have a nifty on-line chat with a live technician that works very much like a phone call. This is a great tool provided you have the ability to get to the internet while working to solve your problem.

Besides Tech Support you can e-mail Customer Support and expect an answer within 48 hours, that is not unreasonable. In fact it seems to be the standard for a response from any company.

Did Dell need to re-evaluate it's marketing values? Probably. Is there something fundenetally wrong with their cusomer service that warrents a class-action law suit? No chance. The computer industry has been handing awards to Dell for top notch customer service for more than two decades and will probably continue to do so.

The result in New York does not shake our faith in the rock of the hardware world.

Hip Hip Huzzah!!

2007-04-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Wow, thank the gods that's over! I love faire don't get me wrong, but I was tired!

A record setting year at faire this year too in more than one way. TLL was nervous at first, but as the run progressed she became much more relaxed. I was very proud of her and the way she was playing with folks. I had a grand time me self and enjoyed almost all of it. Spent some time hobbling about and that was no fun at all.

We also added some new converts to the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists. Actually, practically everyone that works the Renaissance Festival circuit is a de facto member of our grand faith but it is always nice when you meet people that are of a similar mind. We have spent some of the time since faire ended on April 1st (Oh that was a day I can tell you!!) practicing our religion faithfully. A grand thing that.

We are probably going to attend Renaissance in the Pines this June so we can get a small fix of the life. For those that don't know, Renaissance in the Pines is a 2 day faire up in Flagstaff, AZ. Many of our devoted Rennie friends will be attending and TLL and I have been invited by their Mayor himself. Seems like a good way to beat the heat for a couple of days and commune with our brethren.

There is so much to tell I just can't tell it all, I will try to update our page more frequently. Be sure and check out the tuneful noise coming down from Alaska from The Panhandle Crabgrass Revival Band and their web site. A link to which is found on the right side of this very page! Enjoy, and recreate well!

Huzzah!!

2007-02-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

The night before opening cannon and yes I'm a bit nervous. After all it has been a year since I have done this and a person gets a bit rusty. What am I talking about?! Faire of course! The Arizona Renaissance Festival opens in the morning for our 19th season and I am acting again. This year has a bit of a twist though, TLL will be joining me on the street, (Yes my lovely wife has become a streetwalker.) trying to make people laugh and to have a good time doing it.

The faire runs weekends through April 1st rain or shine and closing day being All Fool's Day ought to make it a grand event indeed. Not to be missed. If you are in the area come by and see us.

The Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists thoroughly approves of RenFest since the entire point is to laugh and recreate! So the next two months will be busy here in the desert but at least it will be fun.

Huzzah!

High Holy Week

2006-12-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

Here we are on the eve of the High Holy Week and all of us at the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists want wish each and every one of you a warm an relaxing Holy Day Season. This evening the traditional Christmas Eve dinner will be followed by cold mugs of Apple Lambic around the fire. Ahh, freedom.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the celebrations for our year beginning of course with the Solstice itself. A shame we won't have any snow to play in but that will change soon enough I guess. If your celebration centers on Christmas, then be sure yours is Merry and Bright as the songs of old say. But we hope every one enjoys their holiday no matter which they celebrate. It is a lovely thing that we can choose which holiday is ours. Ahh, freedom.

Friday marks the 43rd celebration of our founder's birth and he plans to celebrate with fine food and family. Please lift a glass of something to toast a man that celebrates enjoying life. Slainte!

Sunday next is of course the end of the High Holy Week with the celebration of the new year! Remember friends that this is traditionally Amateur Night, and we at the CSDR highly recommend staying at home to celebrate the end of the year. Much safer that way.

Celebrate the High Holy Week, enjoy yourselves, but do it with an eye towards caution so you will be here to celebrate with us again next year. Cheers.

Rounding the Thanksgiving corner

2006-11-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

We have rounded the corner to the High Holy Month of December and a rather large collection of celebratory holy days. Let us here detail December and the revelries we at the CSDR will partake in. The festivities begin on the 4th with the Birth celebration of our most loved brother David. Recently David has shown an inclination towards our most firmly held beliefs so naturally we wish to include him in our list. Hazzah dear brother!
On the heals of this celebration, nay barley enough time elapses to recover properly, is the birth celebration of the High Priestess of the Faith, co-founder of our order, recreator extrordinaire, and damn fine woman; TLL! That's right The Lovely Laura will be celebrating her 39th birthday (again) on the 11th. We will be recreating in high fashion that evening I can tell you.
Christmas is of course a day of celebration for many and for many reasons. For us at the CSDR it is the celbration of the Winter Solstice and marks the approch of not only the new year but also the Highest of all our annual celebrations marked on the day of the 29th. That being the birth of the High Priest of the faith, creative recreator and overall swell guy, our founder. That's right I consider my own birthday the most important celebration of the year and as the leader of the faith that is my right. (Of course, the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalist encourages all of it's members to consider the day of their own birth as the Highest of Holy on the calendar of each member. This leads to a wonderful collection of celebrations that spread themselves throughout the year which always is a good thing.)

Finally we like so many others will celebrate the arrival of the New Year in our own fashion, that being quite recreating at our own home. Since this is regarded as "Amateur Night" by the professional recreator, we consider it the safest and wisest decission to remain safely within your own castle walls. If you must venture out to recreate remember the simple rules of the faithful:
1. If you will be consuming the Holy Beverage or any of it's alcholic relations provide for your own transportation back to the safety of your abode. Don't attempt to do it your self. (Unless of course you can WALK back to safety!)
2. Enjoy, but don't be stupid.
December is always a memorable month, be sure you can join us for the next one!

The High Holy Month approches, join in our celebrations and be sure to add your own to our list. The more the merrier! Huzzah!

Silvertounge in the Desert

2006-11-19T00:04:00.000-07:00

After his harrowing adventures at sea battling the wiley salmon we are plaesed to say the our dear brother is again in the lands of the living. After a brief visit to the land of music in Kentucky he rejoined the flock in Alaska to gather his wind. Then he was off again to play and drink and play to all points.
Recently he joined us in the desert at the home of the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists food and holy beverage. We were all well pleased to gaze upon him and hear his tales. But alas his visit was to brief as he has gone on to the mysterious land of Texass. No doubt to spread the message of the CSDR to those poor under-recreated souls in the lone-star state. He has promised to return to the desert just after the annual tryptophan festival. (Colloquially known as Thanksgiving.) At which time he will be joined by his better and our Beloved Sister Princess M. All of us at CSDR look forward greatly to the company of both of them, for we have missed them mightily.
On a sad note, our Samhain celebration came to naught this year due to our home being in a sad state of repair due to our remodling project not being completed in a timely fashion, and that we had only one, that's right one, Trick-or-Treater come to our door. Made me want to cry really. So once it was clear we would be receiving no more knocks at the door, we proceeded to celebrate in the most grand fashion imaginable. (Actually we fell asleep in the living room watching TV. Oh, the shame.) It is for this reason and others that we were so thrilled to see Silvertounge, feeling that his very presence would lift the doldrum left on us by our failed Samhain celebration which it did. I can hardly wait until his return, hurry dear Brother, we can only keep the beer cold so long before we must partake. We'll try to save you some.
As the High Holy Month of December looms ever nearer and the stress that comes along with that accumulates remember that there is no finer lesson in life than to learn how to recreate when you are tearing out your hair. Afterall, if it doesn't fit who cares? You don't have to take it back! Enjoy!

Can it really be nearly Halloween?!

2006-10-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

I got a look at the calendar today and was stunned to see the date, more than half way through October! Where does the time go? Recreation can sometimes be very hard work I can tell you. The time has raced by and nothing seems to be getting done! I am talking about our current remodel of our personal temple of the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists and while work is proceeding feverishly, no real progress seems to be occuring. As a result TLL and I have not had the requisite quanity of recreation we would ordinarily enjoy. It's getting pretty damn old I can tell you!

In an effort to counteract this problem we were discussing having a combo Halloween/House Warming party the weekend before All Hallows Eve, but alas the remodeling gods have conspired against us and I would be impressed indeed if we even had time to decorate for one of our fav High Holy Days. TLL has secured us some fine specimens of the vegitable variety but as of this writting she has not begun designing any faces. We'll see. I had a grand idea concerning a 10' inflatable spider for our breezeway, but we will have to save that for next year I'm afraid. Shame that, because I have recently learned how to prolong the life machine made fog, and I was looking forward to putting it to the test this year.

The bright point comes from the knowledge that our Most Beloved Brother, Silvertounge and the beautiful Princess M may be joining us in the parched desert southwest in the near future. After all that time at sea and then a few weeks in Nashville, TN he ought to be about ready for a climate that is both warm AND dry. At any rate if their travels bring them to our neck of the woods then we shall all lift a pint or two or three or... Well, we'll be happy to see them at any rate.

Don't forget, 4 pm is Grog time! or Tea time if that's what makes you happy. So sit down and enjoy a mug, (or cup as the case may be.) Proper recereation begins with a relaxed mind, so just sit back and take a few deep timed breaths and comit your self to the task at hand. That being the attainment of that precious state of mind known only as "Chilled". You have worried and suffered enough today, it's time to recreate. So get to it!

Consideration of All Hallow's Eve

2006-09-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

Fall is such a glorious time of year, the endless heat of summer is finally abating and the grand and glorious All Hallow's Eve approches. (Not to mention the State Fair which is always fun.) We are considering decorating like mad this year in the hope we actually get some little goblins coming by. We will of course be displaying TLL's remarkable talent at making vegitables frightening, (see above...).

All Hallow's Eve, or as the celts called it "Oíche Samhain" literally "End of Summer night", was a harvest celebration worthy of the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists. Huge bon fires would burn through the night to ward off evil spirits, and the greatest feast of the Celtic year would take place. It has been a holiday that has always been dear to me ever since I was a juvenile deliquent. We were allowed to stay out late at night unencumbered by the company of adults, dress in scary costumes and eat enough candy to give an elephant diabetes. Shaving cream for rearview mirrors, fire crackers for unsuspecting trick or treaters, and toilet paper for the trees at the golf course. Oh Joy!

Now it is a time to remember those we have lost, to lift a pint to our friends and our good fortune, to celebrate the retreat of triple digit tempratures, to eat enough candy to make us sick and of course to try to scare the bejeebers out of some unsuspecting trick or treaters. We always seem to watch classic scary movies, and wish more kids would come to the door so we could stop eating all this damned candy!

Alas, last year the only beggers we got to scare were the cats, and that's entirely too easy! Heck they were terrified of the dry ice fog. This year though will be epic, or at least better than last year.

To those of you that say we are too old to play at Halloween I say "Phooey!" If you're too old to have fun then your dead. (CSDR Guide Book, Chapter 1, verse 3.) To those who say "Woohoo, where's the beer?" I say Gald to see you, take a seat and I'll fetch you one. I hope pumpkin beer is OK with you. No, never mind. To those of you that say Halloween is evil, is the birthday of Satan, and a holiday for devil worship I say two things; First, what the hell are you doing on this site to begin with? and Second, Oh grow the hell up! Put down that puritanical piece of fiction you're reading and go out and enjoy something of your life. You only get one crack at this, unless the Buddists are right, so at least have some fun for goodness sake.

Have a lovely time, we'll share more of planning and execution of this year's Oíche Samhain with you as the date approches.

September Approcheth!

2006-08-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

As September approches a very important thought comes to me. This coming weekend is Labour Day weekend, the one day a year when the nation recognizes (in theory any way) those of us that bust our humps to make the ends come together. It is a time when many of the faithful over do the celebrations and wind up in deep do do.

With this in mind the Church of the Seven Day Rereationalists reminds you all to be safe, enjoy each other and the extra time away from the salt mines, but don't do anything stupid. If you can't tell your Mom or your kids, don't do it. We beleive in having fun, that's our ethos, but celebrate safely and don't endanger others. That's all we ask.

The true brethern have already planned ahead.

Celebration!!!

2006-08-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Well, August is a quiet month for the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists. The main point of recreation falling on the 22nd of the month. Why, that's tomorrow! Indeed we prepare to celebrate the marital union of two of our most beloved members, Silvertounge and Princess M! 8 Years they've been legal now and that is a grand achivement in this day and age worthy of celebration.
Alas, Silvertounge is still at sea pursuing those wiley Salmon so he is not likely to be able to lift a glass in honour of his own nuptials. So in the tradition of The Brotherhood, (Funny how fast these things become tradition nowadays. Hmm.) we shall all lift up a toast in proxy for our beloved brother and his beautiful wife and wish them many more years together and hope that next year he can actually be home for his own anniversary.
We emplore all current members and future members of the faith to enjoy some good food, good drink, and fine company on behalf of those that are far from the ones they love this evening. And know that we certainly will as well.

Happy Anniversary Silvertounge & Princess M!!!!

Slainete!

Missed opportunities

2006-08-07T15:56:00.000-07:00

Oh my, I hope that the powers that be can find it in thier hearts to forgive a pair of oversights for the Holy Month of July! I have blown it hard it folks and should be flogged publicly. First was the very important celebration for a member of the brethren, an apostle of our creed, Dogster. Yes indeed, the Dogman has always been a practicing member of the faith, (Although I'd wager he was not always cognizant of that fact.) One of my oldest friends, the Dogman deserves to be added to the list of July celebrations.
So, let the heralds proclaim that from this time forward and anon the 28th day of July is officailly added to the list of celebrations for the High Holy Month of Summer!

On a similar note it should be stated here that a "celebration optional" day is being considered for addition to the High Holy Month of July, that being the date of the 13th of July. This is the date not of a sacred family member or of a favored church member but rather a posthumously awarded honor of one that influenced our lives quite earliy on. I am speaking of Ladmo, Ladimir Kwiatkowski. A clown prince if ever such existed, Ladmo was the grown-up that all of us kids wanted around because he was in fact a kid himself. He knew us and we knew him and we were caught up in the wonder of him. Ladmo was a follower of the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalist long before the concept came in to being, a lover of life and those who lived it Ladmo was a hero and a dear friend both. I was among the many people that wept not-so-secret tears that dark day in March 1994 when the newsmen had to tell us all that our lifetime hero and buddy was gone. Many a time have I remebered the hours shared with Lad and Wallace in my own living room or that of a friend. Ladmo was universally loved among the children of my era and we ran home after school each day so we could once again see our friend play at life. It was only this past weekend that I discovered Lad's birthday. Having never known it I could not think to include him in our celebrations. So now I myself will lift a toast to Lad each July 13th, you may join me if you wish. I hope you will.

A short self serving commercial

2006-07-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

We at the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalist definitely enjoy what we do, but hey the Brethren has to eat ya know. So here is a quick plug for those saints of sound (and professional level recreationalists all) The Panhandle Crabgrass Revival Band. We list these wonderful folks on our blog because not only are a third of them family, but they live the SDR creed. Our Most Beloved Brother, Silvertounge and his much better half Princess M are both members of Crabgrass. Well, their long awaited first CD is out and ready for you enjoy with a chilled Holy Beverage and as many friends as will fit into your place. Give them a listen, we think you'll agree that they are well, making music.

Down Hill to September

2006-07-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

Well, the hectic High Holy Days of summer are behind us and the warm, soft bliss of summer streches out before us like a comfortable sofa. All that's left to do now is relax. (Yeah, right.) We at the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalist have the view that during the few months, while temperatures flirt with 120F, it is best to do our recreating in doors! Paise God for air conditioning! One day we will move to Oregon and be done with this furnace once and for all. But I digress...
We celebrated the Father's birth with good food and a waiter that actually could stand up to the verbal abuse heaped upon him by the four of us at once! Everyone was in a wonderful mood (oddly enough) and no blood was spilled either literally or figurativly. However that did mean we were all in rare form when it came to picking on our poor waiter. He must come from good stock to have survived it. The Father did not even object when the wait staff approched and forced a flat, out of tune version of Happy Birthday out of all of us. I was pleased but also surprised.
The next evening our celebration for our Most Beloved Brother, Silvertounge was much more restrained, though just as heartfelt. Again, good food this time from Cornwall, and a lovely ale. The High Priestess and Most Beloved Sister had journyed back to the tall mountains of Colorado so it was only myself and TLL that lifted pints for Silvertounge's honour. Although I feel certain that the unjoined brothers and our Most Beloved Sister Princess M, that are closest to Silvertounge in the frozen wastes of the north also lifted a few pints in his honour as well. All tolled it was a fine Holy Season. Huzzah!
Now we await the closing of the King Salmon season in September and Silvertounge's return to the warmth of the brethren (not to mention the warmth of a building, any building) in the frozen north and each pint that is lifted in the weeks between this date and that will be for his remote recreation and his safe return. Set yourself a task, this weekend or tonight have a pint and think of a small boat in the Gulf of Alaska, and a brother that can not have one with you yet.

Eve of the Great Summer Holy Day

2006-07-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

On this, the eve of the summer's high holy day celebration, the question of why we recreate frequently comes up. (Often this question is not actually asked until AFTER the celebrations are over.) But in order to enlighten those downtrodden amongst the faithful let me answer that question in the simplest terms possible. BECAUSE!

Those of you that know someone that does not properly recreate, perhaps it is a friend or parent or spouse or even yourself, know the terrible damage that results from being too damn tight all the time. Now this dreadful condition results in actions like, eating alone, staring at television until your eye balls are burned, and growling at people. But with only moderate effort and minimal expense these sympoms are easily remedied. Recreating does not have to mean drinking yourself silly, (although that is sometimes the appropriate method provided it is not then followed by acts of wanton stupidity like driving.) it can be as simple as taking the time to pet the cat.

The most import aspect of proper recreating is the smile. I'm not talking about your big cheek splitting grin, (again, that is sometimes appropriate, use your own judgement on the proper size of the smile.) just a small subtile "Mona" smile can do it. (Few people realize that the Mona Lisa'a charming smile is due to her petting a cat in her lap.) But the smile must be present for an activity to be considered recreation. Exempt from this staement is the "Evil Grin" frequently sported by mad scientists, this should not be confused with recreation since mad scientists are actually incapable of recreation...being mad you see prevents it and world domination is not really a hobby any way.

Now, eh where was I? Oh yes smiles. A smile is a sure sign that you are releasing stress and crabbieness and becoming more relaxed. The broader and more sincere the smile the higher level of recreation you are attaining. (Except as noted previously, world domination and all that.) Any way, this is a possitive sign to yourself and to others that you are getting jiggy with it, letting the garbage go, and becoming one of the faithful.

That is what the high holy days of the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalist are designed to do, release the bad juju and get a grin on. (The fact that many high holy days also corrospond with the days of birth of the priests, priestesses, and father of the faithful is really just an interesting perk.) So break out the Scrabble, go see a movie, call someone that makes you laugh, rule the world, (How did THAT get in there? Ignore that last one!), have a pint or two of the holy beverage, (By the way, Root Beer is also a holy beverage.) SMILE! That is the ultimate act of the faithful anyway, the sharing of smiles with others. Corny perhaps but, as Darth Vader said to his son, "Search your feelings, you KNOW it to be true!" Good 'ol Darth, now there was a man that needed to get out more and recreate!

Enjoy!

A Grain of Truth

2006-07-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

The Church of the Seven Day Recreationalist was originally dreamed up out of a need for a "religious protection" but it has evolved in to much more. What I mean by that is that there are always people who will be more than happy to proselytize their own religion if you make the mistake of saying "I don't go to church". It was a humorous response that I liked better than saying that yes I was a Christian or a Catholic or whatever. It just so happens that I am a very spiritual man that believes in a creator and in God. I just also happen to think that Religion is full of it, so I created my own that could not be because it took nothing seriously.
A brief study of history, you know that story of what was that is based on actual facts, reveals several things that are troubling about the major religions we have to choose from. (Before we go any further let me say this; I do not begrudge anyone their own beliefs be they Catholic, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, or Druid. Faith has worked wonders on an individual basis, it gets someone through a tough time, gives them strength of character, builds morales in the family and theachs right from wrong. My problem is NOT one of faith but rather one of Religion. BIG difference.) Now where was I? Oh yes, for instance; the Jews of the time just before Moses, worshiped many gods just like everyone else at the time. They had a "head god" that was like the boss god and slowly they began to worship just him. By the time Moses led his people out of Egypt they had settled on just one god. They were the first monothestic religion.
The Jews shared this concept with the newest religion of the day, Christianity from the very beginning since most of the original Christians were in fact converted Jews. But the rest of the world still worshiped the pantheon of pagan gods and did not really want to change. So along about 323c.e. there was a gathering called the Counsil of Nicea where the church forefathers decided what would and would not go into the Christian Bible and in what order. These were the people that decided to celebrate Jesus' birth in December during the Pagen Winter Solstice instead of in March or April which is when he was most likely born, along with many other teachings and dogma of the early church.
Later on several Jewish and Christian beliefs were melded together during the creation of Islam. The "People of the Book" as Islam refers to them all shared the same basis of their religion and the same first six books of the Bible/Koran but in different arrangements.
These things are well documented through out history but religious people the world over choose not to see them for the grain of the truth they are. The instances of facts like these are so numerous it would require volumes to document them all. Religion may indeed be as Vladimir Lenin once said, "The opiate of the masses", but if that's the case then may human kind never recover. Because of faith many good thing have happened, but also many evil deeds have been commited in the name of the Church. The Crusades come instantly to mind, "Come on boys, let's go on a trip to the holy land and kill as many people as we can that do not beleive the same way we do." I can only conclude that the creation of religion was a bad thing though the concept of faith is certainly not.
The most fundimental difference between modern religions and The Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists is that they are religions created by men and designed to be belived by many that they were created by the word of God. Where as we are a religion created by a man for his own entertainment.
If you have been offended by this or any of the other posts concerning the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists feel free to leave a comment. But know this, we respond to such posts with the Truth, so if you do not wish to hear our views do not bother to leave yours. We'll extend to you the same courtesy.
Go in peace and may what ever god you worship be with you.

A High Holy Day

2006-07-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate the birth of the High Preistess and beloved sister of the The Church of the Seven Day Rereationalist! It is a day marked by rich foods and close friends. This is the second of four holy days in this the Holy Month of Summer, so don't cheat yourselves. Find a friend, eat drink, laugh, afterall tomorrow's a work day.

Let's all recreate!

Eternal Question...

2006-07-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Who is Keyser Soze?!

A Break from Recreating

2006-07-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

Even those of us that are high ranking members of The Church must take an occational break from recreating and actually work for a living, since The Church as yet cannot support us entirely on the generous gifts of the flock. Actually, the flock doesn't give us squat! We must find a way to remedy that problem. Anyway, today is back to the salt mines for all of us as we look forward to the next sacred day, the celebration of the Beloved Sister and High Priestess of the Order. July the 9th will come quickly and we will welcome it with mugs held high.

Don't forget to lift an extra tankard today and everyday through September to honour The High Priest and Beloved Brother, Silvertounge, as he is unable to recreate properly during his epic battle. We hope he returns from his quest successful and ready to celebrate.

The Holy Month of Summer

2006-07-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

Today, we at the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists celebrate the birth of the Greatest Nation with food, beverage, and of course recreation. Anchored by one of the most sacred foods of the Recreationalist, the Hot Dog. Yes that's right, the Hot Dog is a food to be celebrated in it's own right. No where is there a food that so exemplifies recreation as the humble Hot Dog. Just heat and go, no muss no fuss, just warm meaty goodness that goes with you as you recreate.
Back east on the shores of New Jersey, fellow Recreationalists gather for the annual battle to see who among us can eat the most of this sacred tube food. This year young 160 pound Takeru Kobayashi of Japan broke his own record, and amazed Recreators around the globe by eating 54 of Nathan's Hot Dogs in only 12 minutes! Yeah, I said 54! 6 years in a row this man has won this contest! This man is a professional Recreator, don't try this on your own.
But the Hot Dog cannot stand alone, all of the other elements of this Holy Day must also be present at our feast; Kosher pickles, watermelon, iced tea, and Devil's Eggs. Let's not forget that most sacred of beverages Ice Cold Beer! Throw in a game or two or a moving picture perhaps and you are then prepared for the day's finale, flying explosives!
Yes, this is indeed a grand day to recreate, and we at the Church relish the fact that so many of our fellow humans (and some lower orders of life) choose this day to recreate with us. So if you are choosing today to join in with us then please, be safe but ENJOY!!!

July; A Time for Recreating

2006-07-03T14:34:00.000-07:00

The second most import month on the calander of celebration here at the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists is July, (December being the time of uninterupted celebration), due to the number of feast days. Beginning on the 4th we celebrate our right to exist as an organization with the realization that nowhere else on earth but in America could our holy order flourish.

Next the birth of High Priestess of the Order and sacred Sister of our founder, (that's me), is celebrated on the 9th. Food, drink, and moving pictures are the order of the day.

The 17th marks the beginning of a two day feast and music celebration to honour The Father and concludes on the 18th with the lifting of spirits for Silvertounge, High Priest and beloved Brother.

Eat, Drink, View Films, Hear and Play Music, Play miniature golf (A founder's favorite!), Remember those that are far from us and then laugh because you are having fun! July is a time Recreation, Enjoy!

Peace and Safe Journey

2006-07-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

It is a bit late, but we at the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists want to wish safety, fine journey, and speedy return to our dear brother and High Priest, Silvertounge as he sets forth on a 100 day pilgrimage to do battle with the Gulf of Alaska and the salmon therein. During this time of sacrifice our brother will be unable to recreate properly, so all members of the faith must recreate in his name. The high holy day celebration of Silvertounge's birth takes place the 18th day of July and we will lift a cold mug of the heavenly beverage in his honour. Return safely to the fold Silvertounge, we must have your harp.

A New Concept in Babbling

2006-07-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that when someone is given a platform to share their thoughts with the world they very frenquently waste that oppertunity with inane babble? I mean, look at CNN; 5 minutes of real news, 5 miuntes of commercial, and 20 minutes of worthless gum flapping repeated every 30 minutes all day every day! What a waste! Well rest assured that that is exactly what you'll read here too, sans commercials. (Although, I am nowhere near as paranoid as the American media.)
As one of the founding members of the Church of the Seven Day Recreationalists and an Apostle of "Relax, we'll do it later" I do not have the extreamly limited perspective inflicted upon other religious leaders. Hence the paranoid delutions held by such people that they can, through charisma and a "holy book", change the entire world to suit their vision. Despite the fact that for the most part the entire world has no desire what so ever to be changed.
Evidence of this is presented every day clearly and plainly by folks blowing themselves up in the name of whichever god they follow. "We're better than you and don't try to change us or we'll blow ourselves up." My goodness but there are some woo-hoos out there!
Here at the Church of the Seven Day Rereationalist we believe that, well, we don't talk about that much. The number one rule here is "Enjoy it while you're here, who knows what's next". So all these tumultuous times are best left for others to deal with, they don't care what we think anyway. Have fun and remember to recereate!

Begin at the Beginning

2006-07-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

My first Blog, cool.