Report on the Bluebeard Contest Vote at Bluestone Mansion

[Algenon5]

Resplendent in the silk robes of a mandarin, Blue greeted the arriving judges, who also were resplendent. Dennis and Tommy Bailey flew in for the vote. Other judges drove to the mansion. Sandi hitchhiked. She said wearing her Vampira costume made getting picked up a snap, especially since some of the snaps on her costume were missing. Unfortunately, by the time they dropped her off, all of Sandi's rides were stone deaf.

Pleasantries were exchanged over cocktails in the Hemlock Lounge, and then the voting got underway. However, a dispute over the first-place pick threw JohnM and Sandi into a no-holds-barred wrestling match. This was quickly settled (Sandi 3 falls to1), but then everyone insisted on wrestling Sandi. Being sidelined by a recent injury, I sat in the corner reading my dog-eared copy of "The Hobbit."

The voting was finally about to resume, when Big O asked what a photo-manipulation was. Capgun Chuck jumped up, and using an elaborate series of chalkboard illustrations explained it all. This took some time, but at last voting recommenced, and then was quickly settled. Blue attempted to get the results out to FF Central, only to discover his computer had crashed again, and the phone line was dead. We all were extremely worried, but smiling confidently, Blue immediately launched his crack squadron of carrier pigeons. Sadly, every one of the gallant little statue-shiters was immediately shot down in flames by Dead Skirts antiaircraft batteries. The situation was desperate when Blue grimly said, "One man flying low might make it." Gallant Dennis volunteered and he did, make that is.

Greatly relieved, we sat down to a sumptuous banquet catered by Ah Chu Chinese Takeout & Skateboard Rental. Lively table conversations roamed over topics like why George Bush was like Hitler and Barack Obama was like Stalin. The splendid repast was almost over when suddenly Suzi, Petra and Hunter burst onto the scene, mounted on Ah Chu skateboards! They immediately launched themselves onto the assembled judiciary in a display of raw animal passion, the like of which I have never seen! (Tommy Bailey missed all this, because he had fallen sound asleep into his vegetarian lo mein.) Overcome by the startling sight, I grew faint and blacked out.

I awoke on a bus that had been charted by a Hadassah group for a trip to a Montreal flea market. Deafened by the roar of jangling bangle bracelets, I passed out again. How I awoke in the Bowery is a mystery I hope will never be solved. Had it all been a wonderful dream?

Now that I'm home and sober, I want to thank everyone associated with Bluebeard - the generous sponsor/judges, membership judges and Blue for also providing the venue. Of course special thanks go to all the talented manipulation artists who contributed their remarkable works. I hope you all have had as much fun with Bluebeard as I have. If you have, let's do it again next year.

Roving Reporter Al

[CapgunChuck]

Al,
Thanks for digging into the trenches and roping me into participating. It was a bit nail-biting during the final moments, but it was all fun. I'm happy I was able to participate. I know you must have worked hard to make this contest a success. I want to compliment you on your organizational skills in organizing an event that resulted in the best collection of manipulations I've seen anywhere being created in the Bluestone Mansion. On this end, everything appeared to be smooth-sailing. Your nice little story above (and some odd posts in other threads) indicate you may have experienced some bumps in the road along the way, but I bet now that you're experienced you're ready to do it again. The story is delightful. Thanks.

CC

[Bluestone]

Al,

As I said privately, I'd like to now say publicly... THANK YOU! You did a super job with proposing and organizing this wonderful contest. You put in numerous hours to make sure that it was a success, and it was! I also enjoyed the story above, which, of course, was 100% true... or at least the refreshments were 100 proof. It was all very enjoyable and I hope you do it again soon!

Blue

[Algenon5]

Aw shucks, fellers, I was just angling for the Pain In The Ass Of The Year Award.

This did involve some work (though not as much as you seem to think), however it was made easy by the enthusiastic cooperation I found every time it was asked for. This of course includes your participation, CC.

There really weren't any bumps in the road - just a pothole or two which was quickly filled in. ….HA! I suddenly realize what you were referring to when you wrote, "(and some odd posts in other threads) indicate you may have experienced some bumps in the road along the way," Though seldom used here at FF, bumping is a time-honored way to move a post up on a forum page, without adding any additional content to the post. My "bumps' were made necessary when a glitch irrevocably removed the stickies from threads that held important information for Bluebeard contestants. Without the occasional bump, these threads would have been pushed off page 1 of the Image Forum.

Blue has acknowledged that my descriptions of events at The Mansion are 100% accurate. I'm grateful for his honesty. My only regret is not having had the time to describe the magnificent ping-pong courts, the remarkable pit yorkie kennels, the cavernous whine cellars with their casks of aging Thunderbird and vintage Night Train, and sadly the now-vacant pigeon coop. Well, maybe next year.

Al

P.S. Blue, I seem to have lost my Walmart coupon book. Would you look under the dining hall table? Thanks.

[Bluestone]

Can't find it, Al. Uh... gotta run! Sorry...

Blue



(In the distance is heard a feminine voice with a Czech-British accent complaining... "But, I don't want to buy my lingerie from Wal-Mart, Blue!")

[Algenon5]

Damn! There goes my 10% off on Handi Wipes!

grumble, grumble