Letters from Manhattan
By Merlin's beard, it HAS been quite a while since last I was able to say that to you all, hasn't it? Well, goodly gentles of Chorley, Lancashire and vicinity, know that I am Blackwolf the Dragonmaster, Unofficial Wizard of New York City --- and it's my job here in King Henry's Magazine to scribble something that's interesting that might, I hope, be of interest to you! And in this case, we're going to pay a
visit to the Falcon Kingdom --- the Kingdom of Calontir!
Calontir is the ninth of the 19 Laurel Kingdoms that comprise the world-renowned Society for Creative Anachronism, or, more simply, the SCA. Headquartered in Milpitas, Calif., the SCA is a worldwide fraternity of men, women and children from all walks of life who have devoted themselves to researching, recreating, and performing the arts and skills of pre-17th Century Europe. The Knowne World, as they call it, has, as I said, 19 Laurel Kingdoms, each with its own King and Queen; together, the more than 30,000 members --- the SCAdians, as they refer to themselves --- wear clothing of the Renaissance and the Middle Ages, even as they try to demonstrate tournaments, artistic exhibitions, classes, workshops, live music and dance performances, theatrical stagings, feasts and banquets --- and so much more!
Now, the Kingdom of Calontir is ruled by King Anton and Queen Isabeau (but only for a very short period --- six months, to be exact), and encompasses the Mundane territories of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and the northern portion of Arkansas --- specifically, the Village of Fayetteville. Dating from September 1981, when it was designated as one of the original SCA Principalities, Calontir was first recognized as a Kingdom in February 1984, when Chepe and Arwyn reigned as the first Falcon Crown. 48 Kings and Queens have ruled the lands since then; Anton and Isabeau, at this writing, are the 49th King and Queen of Calontir. Behold!
www.calontir.sca.org/images/featured/49/49-Anton-Isabeau-2008-03-22-1493-2.jpg
When Milady Verla Herschell, alias Mistress Rhianydd Arbeth, took this photograph on March 22nd, 2008, Their Falcon Majesties had just finished a delightful Coronation Feast; King Anton and Queen Isabeau will be seated upon their Falcon Thrones for most of this spring and onward through the start of the coming summer.
Calontir's most popular annual event is the War of the Lilies --- a decent, laughter-filled way to show how war can sometimes be fun. Always held during the second full week of June, this year's 22nd Annual Lilies War, to be held June 13th through 22nd, takes on the theme "The Grande Tournament of the Artisans". The location is the Kelsey Short Youth Camp near the town of Smithville, Missouri, some
30 minutes northward from downtown Kansas City. The week-long party features battles, tournaments, classes, workshops, lessons in archery, medieval games for both young and old, shopping, singing, dancing, reveling --- and, well, you get the general idea!
Now, I'm sure you'd like to tell Their Falcon Majesties a little bit more about yourselves, and you can do that by e-mailing them at Falcon-Crown@calontir.info. If you'd really like to get to know Anton and Isabeau better, then by all means, pay their Royal Website a visit! www.calontir.sca.org/falconcrown/index.html is where you can find out more about the Royal Progress, and where the King and Queen
will journey next.
Of course, Europe --- including Great Britain --- is represented in the SCA by the Kingdom of Drachenwald, which I used to call one of my favoriite vacation spots. It still is, in fact; and Drachenwald's presents Royals, King Sven Gunnarsson and Queen Jovi Torstensdottir, have done their best thus far to keep it that way. They reign at www.drachenwald.sca.org
And here are where you may find the other SCA Royals:
KING GEMINI DE GRENDEL AND QUEEN MARI ALEXANDER OF THE WEST
www.westkingdom.org
KING KONRAD VON ULM AND QUEEN BRENWEN THE FAIRE OF THE EAST
www.eastkingdom.org
KING LUTR ULFSKJALD AND QUEEN TESSA DE WIGHT OF THE MIDREALM
www.midrealm.org
KING CASPAR AND QUEEN CECELIA OF MERIDIES
www.meridies.org
KING EDUARD AND QUEEN ASA OF ATENVELDT
www.atenveldt.org
KING EDRIC AND QUEEN FAIZEH OF CAID
www.sca-caid.org
KING AARON MacGREGOR AND QUEEN VANESSA DE VARONA OF ANSTEORRA
www.ansteorra.org
KING SINCLAIR HAWKINS AND QUEEN KARI KYST OF ATLANTIA
www.atlantia.sca.org
KING CEDRIC ROLFSSON AND QUEEN ELIZABETH OWLES OF AN TIR
www.antir.sca.org
KING MITTION VON WEALD AND QUEEN ROSALINDA DE SANTIAGO OF TRIMARIS
www.trimaris.org
KING ALRIK BOLESLAVSON AND QUEEN SLAINE INGHEAN UI SHEANAIN OF THE OUTLANDS
www.outlands.org
KING REINMAR AND QUEEN ALBREDA OF ARTEMISIA
artemisia.sca.org/index.html
KING TRUMBRAND THE WANDERER AND QUEEN KAYLAH THE CHEERFUL OF EALDORMERE
www.ealdormere.ca
KING KHALEK SHUURAG OD AND QUEEN BRANWYN FRECH GWYTHYR OF AETHELMEARC
www.aethelmearc.org
KING BERENGER AND QUEEN BETHAN OF LOCHAC
www.sca.org.au/lochac
KING LARS WOLFSBLUT AND QUEEN MARY CARRIGART OF NORTHSHIELD
www.northshield.org
KING UTHER AND QUEEN KENNA OF GLEANN ABHANN
kingdomofgleannabhann.org
All these Monarchs have assumed and/or are presently occupying their Thrones as of April 12th, 2008 (Mortal-reckoning). The flagship homepage of the SCA at www.sca.org will, I presume, have the most up-to-the-microsecond information. Meanwhile, Junior Tudors, I've written enough for now. Tomorrow afternoon, thank goodness, is my day off; all work and no play, after all, makes ol' Blackwolf a very dull Dragonmaster!
Until next time, then!
Master Blackwolf
Greetings, Junior Tudors and readers of King Henry's Magazine!
Mardi Gras time in New Orleans is certainly quite a joyous occasion! With over 150 Royal Courts, or Krewes, as the New Orleanians more simply call them, there's always feasting, frolic and merriment for all! Centerpiece of all the festivities is the revelation unto the whole world of Rex, the King of Carnival and his lovely Queen, who, for the next 24 hours, proceed to assume procession of the beloved Crescent City. And believe me, you've never really experienced Mardi Gras' real magic until you've been invited to stand in the presence of Rex and his Queen at the Rex Ball!
But the Royalty I'm going to introduce you to hails from a rather unexpected Kingdom: California, to be more exact!
Meet 53-year-old Bruce Degler, from Newport Beach, California. When this bold-hearted CEO of his own construction hauling business found out that he'd been chosen to reign as King Argus XXIV for 2008, he decided to do something that he hoped would a) support his efforts on behalf of the post-Katrina recovery, and b)maintain his passion for the spirit of Carnival.
So His Majesty brought along some 150 of his most loyal Californian subjects, along with their friends and family members, to the New Orleans Region! According to Krewe of Argus executives, this was the biggest Royal Entourage any Argan King had ever brought to ye Byg Aesie from out of state. They rented some 60 rooms at the Hotel
Monteleone on the French Quarter, they reserved huge sections of local restaurants for various events spread out over a period of six days, and they filled 12 tables over at Kenner's Ponchartrain Center, giving that venue its first-ever sold-out event, with over 800 spectators purchasing tickets!
And the Krewe of Argus' Royal Ball, held on the night of February 1st, 2008, was a rousing success, as King Bruce was joined by his Queen, young Kristin Nielsen. Bruce wore a tunic of white dupioni silk, trimmed with golden accents and rhinestones, while Queen Kristin's matching gown was covered in gold lace, adorned with Austrian crystals and rhinestones. Their Medici-style collars were embellished with intricate beading, and the Royal Mantles, of white imported velvet trimmed with white ermine,bore a central motif of the Argus royal coat of arms.
"I figured, the more people we bring along," King Bruce explained to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, "the better the tax dollars for the city. It's kind of a two-fold thing, because they're gonna have a great time, and they're gonna help the city, too."
Bruce is the third Californian King of Argus, having been introduced to the Metairie, Louisiana-based organization some 5 years ago by another from the Golden State: Argus' 2006 King, Doyle Barker, a local housing development executive. The California folks got wind of Argus via several business connections and friendships with some of the Krewe's members. Theire experience has transformed Bruce into a die-hard Mardi Gras/New Orleans fan. His Quest to get his friends there to see the spectacle took more than a year; and they all wanted see the ravages that Katrina had wrought upon the New Orleans region in general.
And at the Argus Parade, earlier that morning, King Bruce was joined by five of his six grandchildren aboard His Majesty's very own Royal Float; while some 50 members of the Royal Argan Entourage rode their own "California Dreamin' " float. The Parade and the Royal Ball that evening shared the theme of "My Favorite Things." Today Show weather dude Al Roker, who pretty much hosts everything these days, and local
correspondent Hoda Kotb, were the celebrity guests, and did a live 3-minute remote from the Parade site, too!
Here's a Royal Portrait of King Bruce and Queen Kristin:
www.kreweofargus.net/3C6A3897.JPG width="400" border="0"
And if you'd like to learn more about the Krewe of Argus, Inc., visit them at www.kreweofargus.net --- or write to them at 5860 Citrus Boulevard, Suite #D, P.O. Box 169, River Ridge, Louisiana 70123. The e-mail address is kofargus@bellsouth.net; or simply reach them by phone at 1-504/885-3717.
As for me, dear Junior Tudors, that's all for now. Looking forward to saying hello to you again in my next Letter from Manhattan!
Fearlessly yours, as always,
Master Blackwolf
Well, after a few scoldings from His Majesty, I trust those who maintain these Royal Pages for us will have learnt their lesson, will in the future let this old humble Wizard share his kind thoughts for the benefit of those who desire the words of yours truly, Master Blackwolf. But enough nonsense now. I must begin my remarks --- and here, I want to say a few good things about Britain.
Now, if you haven't been to Britain, and who hasn't these days, you've undoubtedly missed out on all the pageantry, elegance, tradition, and constant pursuit of honor --- all the things that make the present ruling dynasty, the House of Windsor, so deliciously scrumptious!Besides, Elizabeth II is 81 years old now, and yet she can still instill awe and wonder into many a loyal fan, just as Her Majesty did all those years ago, the morning she was crowned Queen. Now, having realized that she's got to deal with ye olde young folke more and more, Her Majesty hath taken a Throne of sorts 'pon YouTube, thus giving birth to The Royal Channel. Thus far, TRC hath but a mere 20 videos in its archive, the centerpiece of these being the three-part
documentary "Long to Reign Over Us," which, as you might expect, tells the Queen's story.
As for the rest of Britain: Ireland has its seisuns and passion for St. Patrick --- and, incidentally, I must plead guilty to having recently developed a profound interest in listening to several of Ireland's best fiddlers. Their music always tells the finest stories; with each new tale, there's always a fact that you might find particularly unexpected! Wales is celebrated as the birthplace, or so I've been quick to determine, of our Exalted Father of Magecraft, Merlin. To me, Merlin, being King Arthur's Mage, is what Elvis was to you Mortals. I don't suppose, however, that Merlin will be leaving ye olde building any time soon.
And then, of course, you have Scotland! When, this coming August 16th, the 2008 World Pipe Band Championships return to Glasgow Green, you can expect to lose your passion, and (even if you don't like them) your hearing as you thrill to over 300 Pipe Bands from some 30 nations --- that's over 8000 to 10,000 music-makers per year --- involved in a single event. The sixth Glasgow International Festival of Piping, of which the Worlds is the center attraction, begins on August 11th.
"Well then, if this is all fun, games and adventure, how do I make it to The Royal Channel?" I hear some of you asking with a bit of impatience. Really, my dears, can't you write down a decent uniform'd resource locator anymore? www.youtube.com/TheRoyalChannel --- that is where you find the place. You'll also want to visit the 1000-plus pages and counting that make up the Monarchy's official site, www.royal.gov.uk
There you go, dearest Junior Tudors. Now, let's hope His Majesty's own URL will behave in the future --- because I have much to share with you in 2008, Mortal-reckoning, and I don't have time to grumble as I would wish to do! Until next time!
Fearlessly yours, as always,
Master Blackwolf
Greetings to you all, dear Junior Tudors, and loyal readers of King Henry's Magazine!
I am Blackwolf the Dragonmaster, the celebrated and somewhat scatterbrained Wizard of Manhattan. What a joy it is finally being able to post something here and at the same time being able to catch my breath as well. In case you're not properly aware as to my capabilities, Let me tell you a little about myself. I was born over 4800 years ago, long before the rise of Christianity in what we now know as the country of Ireland. My name at that time was Padraig of Abbeyleix, and my father was the bold-hearted knight errant, Saemus the Strong, who wanted me to follow in his footsteps and serve the High King, or Ard Rhi, of Ireland as one of his mightiest Knights. Instead, I ended up becoming one of the High King's caretakers --- the
longest-serving caretaker, as a matter of fact; eventually, when I turned 30, my intent was to spend what was left of my adult years in solitude as a hermit.
Unfortunately, things didn't go according to my original plans. And by the time the forces of the Multiverse were done with me, I was to become, among other things, an Internet cult figure, the unexpected talk of cyberspace's blogosphere, and --- through the good fortunes of His Majesty, King Henry VIII of England --- a frequent contributor to this very journal! Wonderful story, eh what?
Well, this is just the short version of my official backstory. Those desiring the long version are invited to visit me in my fabulous Dark Chambers, located here: www.geocities.com/blackbeardian/Magecraft/bwolfmain2.html
There, you will find links to my favorite Renaissance Faires, musical performers, Faire enthusiasts and everything else in between. Please don't hesitate to e-mail me if you wish to know much more of me, and why and how I do all the things I do. There's just so many stories to tell you all --- but alas, there's never enough time to tell them! That, as always, is due to one simple truth: I'm just ONE Wizard!
Pray, gimme a break, by Merlin's beard!
Whew! As you can imagine, re-introducing my Wizardly person has taken a lot of wind out of me sails; like so many of the Mortals of mine adopted metropolis --- that would be present-day New York City --- I tire easily. Magecraft has a most seductive lure, particularly amongst those who would use it for personal gain. Which is why I keep most of my magicks a closely guarded secret!
Well, my dear Junior Tudors, enough nonsense for now. I look forward to greeting you all very, very soon. Be well until then!
Fearlessly yours, as always,
Master Blackwolf
Blackwolf’s Christmas
By Henry Tudor
Forgive me to tell you about my friend in the
snow.
He lives far away in ye Byg Appyl, a place ye
should go.
He loves being a Kringle, red coat and white
beard;
He loves being a Wizard, spreading love and not
fear.
But the World and its problems are hurting him
so....
How to stop all the hurt, fear, starvation? Does
he know?
Of course he does! He’s a Wizard of note!
Were he President, why, he'd get me first vote!
He'd abolish third worlds into one all could
share.
He'd make starvation history, sending food here
and there.
Power-mad leaders would be taken away
To be sent onto islands, to remain there and pray.
His Christmas message for all Humankind:
Respect every being, whoever you find.
Never think that you're special and expect others,
too;
There’s no pockets in shrouds, so go do something
new.
Talk to your neighbour, for listening is good
Don’t lower your sights and hide in your 'hood.
Back to Blackwolf, a howl in the distant white
snow,
As he wishes you peace in your life as you go.
He can’t understand why we all don’t connect
And show all the races a great world respect.
The meaning of Christmas is not a symbol for all
But the meaning of love should encompass us all.
Take away power hatred, and add some respect
This magic spell will stop any neglect.
Greetings, Junior Tudors and readers of His Majesty's Magazine!
It has been a while since my prior Letter from Manhattan --- I have been on a good many journeys, the principal one of which I shall tell in a moment --- but believe me when I tell you it feels great writing for the Tudor Dynasty Magazine again! The
one reason I'm able to is because it's quiet during the Americans' Labor Day Weekend; and there's not much in the Aether --- that's what most of us Renaissance Faire-lovin' Mortals refer to the realms of cyberspace these days --- to share with you. But I will tell you now of my tradition sojourn to the Shire of Sterling in the lands known unto Mortalkind as the Village of Tuxedo Park, New York.
Here, of course, stands Sterling Forest proper ---- home of the New York Renaissance Faire, in the midst now of its 30th Anniversary Season. This year, as in prior years, Her Majesty Elizabeth I, Queen of all England (and, lest we forget, King
Henry's dear little girl [Uh oh, Methinks I'd not say the word 'little' in His Majesty's presence, lest I lose me head!]) had to deal with those pesky Spaniards --- King Philip II and his ilk. And, as usual, Sir Philip de Marque, Sheriff of Nottingham, tried as usual to separate Lord Locksley --- Robin Hood --- from his beloved Maid Marian Fitzwater. Oh, of course, the usual Renaissance shenanigans were the order of the day ..... but it was there while I was travelling about the grounds of Sterling that I encountered three delightful Buccaneers with a passion for love and music --- to say nothing of the fact they are, of course, Pirates!
Please be introduced, then, to the Brigands!
Individually, the Brigands consist of Captain Robert Thighbiter, lead vocals, fiddle, 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars and concertina; First Mate Bloody Billy Marley, vocals, electric tea-chest bass and acoustic bass fiddle; and Gunner's Mate
Butch Cannon, vocals, drums and percussion, and mandola.
Robert Thighbiter was born in 1705 in the town of Saint Michaelschurch, outside of Perth, in Scotland, the only son of John and Rebecca. At the age of 24, young Robert served as sailing master aboard the schooner HMS Hellion. Here was one of the greatest privateers of the Royal Navy, bearing as it did letters of marque against the navies of France and Spain. It was on one such excursion that young Robert, who by then had married and fathered a child, made the first of several journeys at sea. Sailing with his young son brought great joy to Bobby Thighbiter ---- but it was to be a short-lived happiness. In the late summer of 1724, the junior Thighbiter was killed in a pitched battle with the French man-o'-war, Terrible, commanded by Major Louis Frommage. Even to this day, Robert Thighbiter remains haunted by the evil laughter of the vile major, who accused him of exhibiting cowardice in the face of danger.
Ashamed of his actions which cost him the life of his son, Robert Thighbiter spent the next several years in self-imposed exile from his beloved Scotland, but his heart, as always, would be with his crewmates aboard the Hellion. Indeed, on certain
nights, members of the Hellion's crew listened to Bobby sawing away morosely on his trusty fiddle --- his one true prized possession. The Hellion by then was commanded by one Captain Jonathan Mowett, who, among other things, detested the playing of music on his ship. He felt, apparently, that hard work and a good, strong body were all a great seaman needed. But there were two men in the Hellion's crew who disagreed with that viewpoint: Butch Cannon and Billy Marley. They, like their Hellion crewmates, were deeply touched by the music played by Robert Thighbiter on his fiddle.
Accordingly, the three men plotted against Mowett --- and mutiny soon ensued. Today, the Hellion sails on account, pursuing mostly plunder, d'bloons, and simple goods to maintain the continued existence and well-being of the crew. In addition, the three Brigands, as they now call themselves, play their songs and music every night at six bells of the evening watch, on their ship's forecastle.
Captain Thighbiter always makes a note of going on land, searching for a clue or any sort of sign that lead him to a duel against his sworn enemy. Indeed, he has been known to yell out in public: "Frommage! Frommage! Where in thunder be ye, Frommage?" Unfortunately, somehow, some silly twit will point the good Captain in the direction of a cheese shop.
Today, the Brigands have happily settled in Long Island, New York --- where, cleverly disguised as the father-and-sons team of Al, Erik and Brett Mueller, they continue to share their merry music with Renaissance Faire and Celtic music fans
everywhere! They are receipients of the 2006 Bodgie Award for Best Musicians from the visitors to the New England Rennies Web Community --- www.nerennies.net --- and are also veterans of the Connecticut Renaissance Faire
(www.ctfaire.com ) and the Hampton Roads, Virginia Blackbeard Pirate Festival. The group began at Hampton Roads five years ago, when someone on the Blackbeard Pirate Festival staff suggested to Al Mueller, a veteran bluegrass/Celtic
fiddler-singer-songwriter, that he and his two sons, Erik and Brett, sounded great together as a group (they had, after all, been performing country, blues and folk before then); and of course the legend of the Brigands took root from there, spawning a debut CD in 2003, followed by their current CD, "Bloody Seaman," both of which you can find on the Brigands' website --- www.thebrigands.com !
So that's the tale of the Brigands, my Junior Tudors! If you would know even more (or if you'd just like to hear their music or purchase either or both of their CDs), simply e-mail Captain Thighbiter at wrench13@aol.com . Meanwhile, I'm done for now.
There'll be more tales to tell soon in my Letters from Manhattan!
Fearlessly yours, as always,
Master Blackwolf
Greetings, Surface-dwellers!
Be not afraid, if ye were wondering as to the whereabouts of Master Blackwolf, he who normally writes these Letters from Manhattan. For those of you unfamiliar with what I do, needless to say, an introduction is in order. I am Neptunus Rex, King
of all the Oceans --- otherwise known as His Oceanic Majesty, King Neptune! I have been asked by the old Mage to fill in for him whilst he gathers his strength for a few significant events concerning yours truly.
Anyway, in case you had no idea, it's my job to rule the ocean blue --- and I've had a lot of fun being King of all the Oceans. There are a good many times when I've presided over the Crossing of the Equator Ceremony! What happens, by tradition,
is that this ceremony involves sailors who have never before witnessed the Equator. These newbies are summoned before my Throne, where I punish and/or reward the Surface-dweller for offenses and/or good works performed in the name of Earth's
Oceans. At that point, I give them the designation and rank of Polliwog, and order the crossee, if you will, to be bathed in oil!
Once the victim has been properly hosed off, the Polliwog's next task is to literally kiss a fish. Yes, I do admit the process is a rather stinky affair; but we can't always smell good smells when we wish, you know! Finally, the Polliwog is once more brought before me Throne, where I, thus satisfied that he/she has served this particular sentence honorably, then declare him or her to granted the rank and title of Proper Shellback!
While the Crossing of the Equator Ceremony is a lot of fun, there's one place where I know I have even MORE fun: that would be the Rockland, Maine Lobster Festival!
The Festival is 60 years old this August First through the Fifth, 2007 --- and to celebrate, the biggest lobster cooker in the world is being given an extreme makeover of sorts! Old bricks are being replaced by commemorative bricks bearing the names of those who have contributed to the restoration of the lobster cooker! Delicious, isn't it?
The Maine Lobster Festival dates from March 1947, when a bunch of Surface-dwellers got together to discuss how to revive the summer festivals the nearby village of Camden had enjoyed before World War II. Doubtless, this sort of festival would
have a marine sort of theme; doing it every year was always the intent.
There was a similar Lobster Festival held in Nova Scotia, in Canada, that had been a rousing success; clearly, a version for the good ol' U.S. of A. could work wonders for the Camden Area. Well, the idea worked for a while --- until they put up the advertisement "All the lobster you can eat for one dollar." That caused the Camden Lobster Festival to lose money --- but the folks at the Rockland Junior Chamber of Commerce suddenly realized: "Hey, the folks from Camden might have something there!"
So the 1948 Lobster Festival was held in Rockland, in July of that year! And oh, what fun there was: why, there was a Parade, an Official Cook-out, a performance by the Rockland City Marching Band, and the coronation of 'Miss Maine Seafoods.'
Another important element of the Lobster Festival is the selection of a Parade Grand Marshal; and this year, that honor belongs to Miss Alice Knight, who has attended the Festival for EVERY ONE of its 60 years! She's served as Director of
the Festival for 35 of those years --- and has only missed two Annual General Committee Meetings
--- and that was just because she'd suffered a broken knee! Is it any wonder that the theme for the 2007 Maine Lobster Festival is "A Reflection of our Beginnings"?
Volunteerism is always the order of the day at the Maine Lobster Festival, as over 1000 Rockland Area citizens volunteer their time and talents, pledging funds for various goods and services totaling over $1.3 billion! From crew set-up to taking tickets, from working the public-address booth to working pancake detail --- all the Lobster Festival's volunteers come from all across the country!
And of course, everything comes to a head on Day One of the Festival, when I, joined by fiendish but lovable Blackbeard the Pirate (that's Brian Messing, for those of you who weren't aware) and the reigning Maine Sea Goddess (Miss Monica Morrison, in this case), arrive from the Briny Deep to officially declare open the Maine Lobster Festival! Blackbeard does have a rather silly time raising our Royal Court's official banner, at the flagpole next to the Harbor Masters' Building, but we always love hearing his boisterous grumbles. They do make us giggle!
The Surface-dweller who impersonates me, by the way, is one Mike Miller, who, with his wife Kate,
owns Grapes' Restaurant on Park Street and Route No. 1 in Rockland.
After the Coronation of the 2007 Maine Sea Goddess, she, the Captain and I spend Thursday and Friday posing for photos with a few of our younger fans and their friends. Some of them dress up as me, or as Blackbeard, or as a few other significant Pirates --- but there's always fun, laughter and silliness!
There's lots of music, feasting, diversions ranging from crate racing to carrying codfish, and at 5 pm on the last day, we all return to the Briny Deep, until next August!
Well, there's lots more to tell you about the 2007 Maine Lobster Festival; but I think you Surface-dwellers have more brains than I tend to give you all credit for. The website is located here --- www.mainelobsterfestival.com --- and our mailing address is P.O. Box 552, Rockland, ME 04841 ... and yes, you can even e-mail this ol' trident-wielding King at
kingneptune@mainelobsterfestival.com ! (Heh-heh!)
As for you, Master Blackwolf, I can't wait to have you down here in October! You see, I made a bet with old Wizard a few years ago, when the New York Yankees were up against the Florda Marlins in the 2003 World Series. If the Yankees won, I would have to wear a Yankee cap in place of me usual Royal threads; if, on the other hand, the Marlins won, the Wizard, in the name of all you Surface-dwellers, would have to surrender all Power over Earth's Oceans to ME! Well, the Marlins, after seven games, dared to humiliate those blaaaarsted Bronx Bombers --- and in their very own Yankee Stadium, no less; I've gloated happily in Master Blackwolf's face about that victory ever since!
But, I think I've written enough for now. Thank you for letting me have the chance to fill in for you, Blackwolf, old boy --- and I look forward to greeting you Surface-dwellers soon in dear old Rockland, Maine!
Yours etc.,
Neptunus Rex, King of all the Oceans
Greetings, those of you Junior Tudors of the teenage persuasion; and hello, all the rest of you readers of King Henry's Magazine!
The Pointy Hatted Wand Waver
By Henry Tudor
Today is the last day of May 2007, my friend Blackwolf has now been writing his column in the Tudor Dynasty website for twelve months. Always a wonderful theme with his obvious love of Scottish Bagpipes, Harry Potter and Eurovision popping up to remind us that fantasy must be part of reality. Blackwolf telephones me most evenings, sometimes to rant about some injustice and sometimes with obvious sadness in his heart, but many times with fun and laughter about his days on the Manhattan scene amongst the mere mortals of New York. The time difference between our continents sometimes means I am near to sleep when he rings up and many a time I am asleep, but when we connect, we connect, if you know the meaning of common ground.
The Wizard shares my love of dressing up to become my other self, like him I feel so much more alive when I am King Henry VIII and he does too when he is Blackwolf. I’m sure Henry would have had a John Dee type of wizard like Elizabeth his daughter and Blackwolf would have got the job. Mixing remedies for heartache, remember all those children lost at birth, spells to make happiness come back after his beloved Jane died. Blackwolf would have been a full time over-worked wizard trying to stop Henry make daft decisions and to calm the eager King down.
So now what about the future and this strange relationship? Well, Henry is planning to take on America next year firstly by attending and talking at the Romantic Times annual convention in Pennsylvania, he reckons he can swing it to return via Manhattan and bump into the dark green wizard wooing the passing commuters. Just imagine a joint venture show to the disbelieving public, King Henry VIII of England and Blackwolf the Wizard! Now that’s magic.
HenryR
Greetings, those of you Junior Tudors of the teenage persuasion; and hello, all the rest of you readers of King Henry's Magazine!
With this Letter from Manhattan, I, Master Blackwolf, complete my first year as a major contributor to the Henry Tudor Drama Company and the Homepages of Ray Irving. When I started this very special column one year ago, the first thing
I told you about was the New York City Fire Department's Medal Day Ceremony, held on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan; this year's event, scheduled for June 6th, once again sees our Mayor and Fire Commissioner presenting Medals of Valor to individual Firefighters and Fire Companies and Squads for distinctive acts of bravery during the past year. Of course, the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums --- www.fdnypipesanddrums.com --- will be there, too, providing much of the music. The entire story, along with a peek at Medal Day in the recent past, is at www.nyc.gov/fdny .
Do go and have a look!
Presently, I am preparing in earnest to be in on one of the last great Harry Potter premiere parties, in celebration of the worldwide release in bookstores of the last of J.K. Rowling's novels, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," whose U.S. release occurs less than a week after the film version of the fifth book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," is due in theaters (that would be cinemas, for those of you browsing these Letters from Chorley, Lancashire).
The point is, they're going to call the proposed area "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," to be headquartered at Universal Studios Orlando, as part of their Islands of Adventure. Such a park would serve as the first-ever immersive themed environment devoted specifically to the Potter books. As a recent dispatch from Reuters pointed out, the addition of a Harry Potter-based theme park to Universal's already existing themed areas might play a role in quelling any and all withdrawal symptoms suffered by Potter fans, having bought some 320 million copies of the books thus far and turned the first four movies into domestic (U.S.) box-office champions!
The Lady Rowling, as I often refer to Jo, will mark the publication on the stroke of midnight, London time, with a reading for the fans at the Natural History Museum. Order of the Phoenix, The Movie will have its worldwide premiere in London on July 3rd; while we here in the States have our usual Independence Day celebrations and 4th of July Parades. As usual, the Lady Rowling reminds her legions of fans to keep the end a secret; I, however, have resolved to remain silent on that respect until at least three or more weeks have passed after the official publication. At the end of that self-imposed exile, if you can call it
that, I shall issue a press release expressing my thoughts on Deathly Hallows.
But let me say a few words about that lovable fellow I have befriended since first coming to
these wonderful webpages. Raymond Irving has been quite a loyal, friendly and helpful fellow in all the time that I have written to him; not a day goes that I have not been reassured of his ability to keep his Henry VIII persona grumpily hilarious,
ticklishly silly, and, in the presence of His Majesty's younger subjects, someone to truly look up to. I have no doubt that, once I get started on my second year's worth of these Letters from Manhattan, I'll have more of a chance to properly
get me second wind.
Right, then. That's all for now, dear Junior Tudors. Remember, King Henry's Magazine belongs to YOU, too --- so don't forget to contribute stories, ideas, suggestions, anecdotes --- whatever you wish! You need only e-mail His Majesty at henrytudor@blueyonder.co.uk , and the King will be more than eager to respond. Of course, you're welcome to submit questions for me at the same e-mail address as well. Until next time, then!
A note from the "interupting Editor" It has been a fast twelve months, the year just seemed to go, but the friendship between the Grumpy old King Hal and the Magical Manhattan has grown into a brotherhood of Historical reenactment. Keep on writing you pointy hatted wand waver, we will read it all. HenryR
Fearlessly yours, as always,
Master Blackwolf
As you can obviously note, I'm a little bit in a rush, so please pay attention:
We take you now to the most celebrated icon in all of modern sport --- the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Here, as has been the case for 91 Sundays, the finest motor racers have competed for the right to call themselves champions of the greatest motorsports adventure: the Indianapolis 500!
From the moment it was founded in 1911, the Indianapolis 500 has been given a rich, powerful tone of tradition. Among the most obvious of these is the 500 Festival and Parade, first held in 1957. Both were developed primarily in response to a series of newspaper editorials by area columnists over a 2- to 3-year period, most of whom had returned from similar celebrations in advance of horse racing's even more legendary Kentucky Derby.
While many will tell you that "Back Home Again in Indiana," the 500's longtime theme song, was first performed on the grounds of the Brickyard by a local brass band as driver "Howdy" Wilcox ran out his last laps on the way to winning the 1919 Indy 500, it was not until 1946 that the tradition of singing the song occurred on the actual morning of the race itself. Then-Metropolitan Opera favorite James Melton was at the time a collector of classic automobiles, as well as president of the
Antique Auto Club of America. He it was who provided the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with several of the vehicles that took part in a round-the-track lap of classic automobiles. 45 minutes before the race got started, Melton, accompanied by the Purdue University Marching Band, sang "Indiana," as the song was then titled, over the public-address system. Two years later, the ritual was moved up to its present slot in the order of the day, just prior to the firing of the engines.
Of course, the winner of the Indy 500 goes home with the celebrated Borg-Warner Trophy presented since 1936, and currently packed with enough empty space to last it through to the year 2034! There! Enough as far as history goes, then.
Because the 500 Festival is always held on Memorial Day Weekend, one of the most important events held there is a solemn ceremony, held on the north steps of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in downtown Indianapolis. There are
speeches, remarks from military personnel and other dignitaries, and tributes to those natives of the state of Indiana who sacrificed their lives for America. The Presentation of the Colors features members of the Indiana State National Guard, including their 38th Division Marching Band, and the Capital City Chorus.
The centerpiece of this part of the Festival is the wreath-laying ceremony, saluting the memory of every Hoosier who has given his or her life in service to the nation, all the names of which are read aloud. Then, as part of a military-style funeral cortege, a horse-drawn caisson, presented by the Ceremonial Unit of the State of Indiana's Department of the Military, is brought out to symbolize the military personnel that accompany the remains of the deceased to the gravesite. The horse bears no rider, for the deceased has fallen as a proud warrior, and accordingly will not ride again.
For its Golden Anniversary, this year's 500 Festival has chosen for its theme "Spirit & Speed," reflecting the power and pageantry of the Indy 500 Festival. There are over 300,000 spectators who will be there to line the 2-mile Parade route as the 33 starting drivers, 13 spectacular floats, 13 marching bands, four equestrian units, costumed characters and celebrities galore, gather to celebrate "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing!"
Of course, there has to be a Festival Queen to rule over all this, and in this case, her name is Danielle Sylvester. This 21-year-old senior at Ball State University has majored in Marketing with a Minor in Sales. In 2004, young Danielle graduated from Southport High School. Danielle and her Princesses, Danielle Frazier and Brittany Landwerlen, will spend the next year representing the 500 Festival, appearing at various local and national functions, and of course take part in a wide variety of Festival-related events, principally the pre-race and Victor's Circle celebrations. Danielle Sylvester herself will be honore with a scholarship in the amount of $2500 (U.S.), compliments of the Festival Committee and Indy's own WTHR-TV/13.
Here's Danielle, with the REALLY big Borg-Warner Trophy in the background: www.500festival.com/images/content/documents/Danielle_Sylvester.JPG
The last major element of the Indy 500's traditions is the Indy 500 Gordon Pipers. Their story begins in 1953, when Dr. Wally Diehl began an extended period of self-tutoring on the Great Highland Bagpipes. Four years later, Wally began journeying to Detroit, Michigan, where under the tutelage of piper par excellence George Duncan, he honed his piping skills, eventually joining up with what was then called the Murat Highlanders Pipe Band.
By 1962, Dr. Diehl, along with John Hudgins, Billy Cochran and Bill Simpson, had developed the idea of an unrestricted civilian bagpipe band. Choosing for themselves the name Gordon Pipers, honoring Dr. Diehl's ties to that clan, the band made its debut performance in June 1962. Among those attending was Tony Hulman, then owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He loved the Pipers' show so much that he invited them to take part in the annual Antique Auto Tour, sponsored by radio station WFBM --- now known as WIBC. The following year, the Pipers initiated a variety of Speedway traditions, from performing at Race Day to bringing four of the Pipers to Victory Lane --- symbolizing the fact that the winning car has,
obviously, four wheels!
Also, in keeping with the black-and-white motif of the checkered flag that ends every race held at Indy, a male West Highland Terrier always marches with the Band's own female Scottish Terrier, compliments of the Indy Area West Highland Terrier Breeders' Association. These two cute little pooches are, needless to say, the Band's (and the race's) official mascots. Under their current name, the Band has opened for Rod Stewart (1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992); are veterans of Indy's St. Patrick's Day Parade; and involved with David Hasselhoff's "Race for Life" campaign. Each June, the 500 Gordon Pipers headline their own Tartan Ball: not surprisingly, the Band has recorded their own CD, "Tunes from the Brickyard."
Where, then, can I find all this history and racing adventure? I can hear you ask yourselves with the usual impatience. As always, Junior Tudors, Master Blackwolf is never one to disappoint! Consider, then, these very fast URLs:
THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com
THE INDY 500 FESTIVAL AND PARADE
www.500festival.com
www.500festival.com/parade/
THE INDIANAPOLIS 500
www.indy500.com
THE INDY 500 GORDON PIPERS
www.500gordonpipers.com
THE INDY 500 RACING LEAGUE
www.indycar.com
Whew! By Merlin's beard, that was quite fast, wasn't it? Well, after so fast-paced a Letter from Manhattan, methinks I shall find the nearest pillow to belly-flop upon. Until next time, Junior Tudors!
Fearlessly yours, as always,
Master Blackwolf
He has been one of my most recent friends for about 2 1/2 years or so now, but when I first sought him out, I had to rely on no less a companion in the Renaissance Faire Community than the always twisted Ded Bob ( www.dedbob.com ), who stated that he was "sooooo cute --- and funny, blarst it!"
He is Bryan Thompson, who has performed at the Georgia Renaissance Festival --- www.garenfest.com --- for the past 15 years. This burly, huge Nashville native, currently dwelling in the Atlanta suburb of Austell, Georgia, was also King Richard at GRF, and also serves as Entertainment Director for the annual Georgia Independence Day Festival, where he can be seen portraying the 2nd President of the United States, John Adams.
But it's Bryan's most famous character, the hairy, hunky, and obviously all too grumpy Ik the Troll that we so-called 'fanboys' --- that's Renaissance Faire language for "admirer" --- remember about Bryan. Big ol' Ik was first seen at the Georgia Faire some 7 years ago, and has since set up shop at Atlanta's annual science fiction/fantasy convention, DragonCon ( www.dragoncon.org ).
Ik's backstory is an odd one. His father was the very Troll beaten up by the celebrated Three Billy Goats Gruff in that classic Faerie Tale, as I recall; shortly afterwards, the Ikster, as I often call him, had his own encounter with our Exalted Father of Mages, Merlin. Though Merlin did his best to teach young Ik about Life, the Universe, and Everything, Ik wasn't too much of a great student; and eventually, the two parted ways.
Afterwards, Mother Nature hired Ik to assume the Throne of all Trolldom. According to the story, Binky, the previous Troll King, had retired and a certain number of Trolls had answered Mother Nature's summons. Ik, being the 10th caller, won.
When not doing his thing as Ik the Troll, Bryan Thompson also specializes in something called "manipulated photography;" and believe me, he's quite an expert at it!
Recently, however, personal tragedy befell my good friend Bryan; and it's that aspect of his story that I share with you now, in its entirety, from Ik's blog at www.myspace.com/ikthetroll :
"I learned around 10 am this past Tuesday morning that, at 3 o'clock that same morning, my cousin Ashley died from an accidental drug overdose." Accordingly, I made my quickest plans, and headed down to Florida that night, in part because I knew that the entire family would be needing one another, and in part because I knew that my Mother would want to see me in person, to have that reassurance that I was still there.
"The ride down was punctuated with the smoke of all the wild fires blazing their way across southern Georgia, and northern Florida, which cast a foggy and smelly haze upon the entire journey --- which somehow seemed fitting.
"For 2 days, I helped to prepare for the funeral on Friday, and spent some quality time with my Mother, while various other family members arrived from as far away as Denver, Colorado.
"On Friday, I awoke early, unable to sleep. I lay there contemplating on what this day was all about, remembering Ashley, and how much fun we used to have together.
"Ashley loved to laugh, and she laughed quite a lot. We all did. Whenever we all got together, we'd have so much fun, that we still talk about some of our high-jinks to this very day.
"As an adult, I have come to learn, Ashley's life had become much too stressful for her, and so --- as so many often do --- she turned to drugs. At one point, she did engage in rehab, but, as this past week's tragedy demonstrates, it just did not
take.
"Ashley leaves behind three children: 6-year-old Lake, 3-year-old Ella Claire, and 2.5-month-old Logan. She was a good, loving Mother who cared deeply for her children, despite her addiction. "At the time of her death, she was in the midst of
a rather painful divorce; and so, the children have come under the watchful care of their grandparents.
"A fund has accordingly been created in order to help these children through a life that they should not need to endure. If you are interested in making donations to this fund, please send a cheque to:
THE LINEBERGER CHILDREN'S FUND
1614 South Palm Avenue
Palatka, Florida 32177
"On Friday, as one of her pallbearers, I helped escort Ashley to her final resting place. During that ceremony, I saw Ashley's mother, who'd been so strong all week long, finally break down as she gazed down at her daughter's lifeless body. I had to watch a 6-year-old boy say goodbye to his Mother forever. .... I had to listen to a 3-year-old little girl ask where her Mommy was. .... and I had to look into the beautiful eyes of a 2.5-month-old boy who will never be able to know his Mother.
"As I left the reception, I realized how terrible a night it would be for my aunt and uncle, after everybody had left, and the whole house fell silent. As I drove home, I sent a few thoughts of encouragement back to where I'd just left from, and began steeling myself up for working the Georgia Renaissance Festival in the aftermath of this week from Hell.
"I have therefore dedicated my Mother's Day weekend performances as Ik the Troll to the memory of my cousin, and to her three surviving children. "Please, if you have the means, donate to the Fund. These three beautiful children deserve it."
Well, dear Junior Tudors, that's Ik the Troll's story, and that of Bryan Thompson as well. I can add little more save this: nothing on this Earth is more precious than when children have someone special to care for them. Young Logan, Lake and
Ella Claire will need some time, support --- and especially love in order to grow up in the world --- and needless to say, I have promised Ik that his many friends in the Faire Community, including myself, will do our best to stand with him whenever he needs us to. Once more, that address is:
THE LINEBERGER CHILDREN'S FUND
1614 South Palm Avenue
Palatka, Florida 32177
Until next time, then, Junior Tudors .... Be well,
behave ... and believe!
Fearlessly yours, as always,
Master Blackwolf
For this Letter from Manhattan, I thought I should say a few kind words regarding three very special friends -- all of whom are Royal Folk, and all of whom have a delightful place wherein they rule. They are Richard Allan Patterson, Shannon Hopps and Janna Casstevens-Lewis --- and they all would like to ask you one very important question: "Are ye goin' tae Scarborough
Faire?"
Scarborough Faire in this case is the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, Texas --- and it's one of the Lone Star Shire's most important annual events. I say this for a very important reason: Richard and Shannon have performed as Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn for over 15 years now, which would make them the longest-reigning Renaissance Faire King and Queen in America today --- a feat that not even the Texas Renaissance Festival at Plantersville, or the Excalibur Fantasy Faire in Lockhart, or even the Four Winds Renaissance Faire in Troup --- can boast of!
So let's explore these four legends of the Texas Renaissance Faire community, beginning with the aforementioned Scarborough Festival. When you enter the gates of the Village, another world manifests itself, as swordplay, music, comedy and unusual entertainment dominate 21 stages. Artisans create one-of-a-kind original art work, and over 200 shoppes house
the finest in jewelry, clothing, leather goods and related offerings.
Richard Patterson was named Scarby's best Returning Character in 1998 and 1999, and has for many years been one of the more seasoned veterans of the Faire Community. Currently dwelling in Dallas, Richard loves jousting, hunting, knitting -- and something called "jell-o wrestling." (Please, don't ask!) Shannon Hopps is a Firefighter with the Dallas County Fire
Department when she's not ruling her Royal Husband. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dallas Baptist University, and loves photography, gardening and diving. Surprisingly, Anne Boleyn has been only the second major role in Scarborough
Renaissance Festival history that she's ever portrayed! And what about Janna Casstevens-Lewis? She's Scarby's Performance Director, supervising over 150 street-theatre actors and performers, which, obviously, includes her own Royal role as Margaret, Queen of Scotland and the Isles. She also teaches at the Central Texas College Department of Communications.
At the Four Winds Faire, there's a lot of the aforementioned items, entertainment and whatnot, but there are also wedding celebrations, camping facilities, and all sorts of other things worth exploring!
The Excalibur Fantasy Faire has a particularly important place in my heart especially --- it's the home Faire of another of my favorite Faire musicians, Hawke (Rick Morrow) and Cedric (Jim Hazelrig) --- the Bedlam Bards! They've been performing now for Merlin knows how many years; they, too, have long been loyal and noble friends. (Oh yeah: did I mention I designed their site's logo, too?) But of course, Plantersville is the champion of them all. You need only say the very word "Plantersville" and immediately, the first thing that'll come to mind is the Texas Renaissance Festival, this year about to mark its 34th season, as one of the biggest Renaissance Festivals of its kind anywhere. Henry VIII (Greg Taylor) is here joined by Rosella Gonzalez as Queen Catherine of Aragon; they're forging their own legend as long-reigning Faire Royalty.
Well, enough description, Junior Tudors. Here are all the places where you can find all of the aforelisted information:
THE SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
www.scarboroughrenfest.com
THE TEXAS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
www.texrenfest.com
www.myspace.com/texrenfest
www.youtube.com/TexRenFest
THE FOUR WINDS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
www.fourwindsfaire.com
THE EXCALIBUR FANTASY FAIRE, featuring the Photography of Lord Duncan Mackay
www.excaliburfairephotos.com
QUEEN MARGARET OF SCOTLAND'S ROYAL BOWER
www.angelfire.com/journal/queenmags/index.html
THE BEDLAM BARDS
www.bedlambards.com
Oh boy, that's a whole lot of Texas, innit? Of course, our particular Henry VIII has his Royal Throne in good ol', beautiful downtown Chorley, Lancashire, England --- and that's where he prefers to do his Royal Thing, if thou wouldst. Nevertheless, I've scribbled enough for now. I look forward to greeting you all with me next Letter from Manhattan!
As ever,
Master Blackwolf
If there's one thing you can say about the New York Times, it's that their writers and editors can find the most interesting stories! I managed to stumble upon one such story, which they published on Sunday, April 22nd, 2007.
Its title: "Monks Who Play Punk."
We take you into the dimly lit basement of Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church, on West 90th Street and 2nd Avenue. It's after 9 o'clock on a Saturday night, and there are over 400 youngsters doing everything from shouting in each other's ears to singing, dancing, laughing, jumping up and down, etc. Suddenly, up to the microphone steps 30-year-old Brother Agostino Torres, clad, as you might expect, in sandals and a hooded grey robe.
"Now, who has ever heard of a monk playing funk music?" Brother Agostino yells at the crowd. Several hands shoot upwards. "OK, all right --- but I'll bet you never heard of this one. Because tonight, we're gonna have some monks play some
punk!" Almost immediately, a six-piece band comes to life: acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, percussion and drums, bass, saxophone and traverse flute. And all the music is being played by half a dozen bushy-bearded, gray-frocked friars ---
Franciscans, each and every one! In addition to Brother Agostino, his fellow guitar-strummer, Brother Columba Jordan, is
featured in this unusual 6-piece musical ensemble. The whole kaboodle is part of an event called Catholic Underground, brainchild of the Franciscan Fathers of the Renewal, launched in the Melrose section of the Bronx a little over 20 years ago.
Its members own no personal possessions; some of them must literally beg for their food. On the night in question, the band was playing for an audience of students and young professionals. Indeed, some excerpts of this particular performance were captured on tape, and downloaded onto YouTube.com. After about two hours worth of jamming, Brother Agostino silenced his listeners.
"We're gonna finish tonight the way we began it --- in prayer," said he. Brother Columba then led the audience in a collection of psalms and Latin chants. After a closing hymn, Brother Agostino bid them a proper farewell: "Thank you everybody, God
bless you, safe home. Remember: be not conformed unto this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your minds. Peace. God bless you."
Thanks to the new York Times for this glorious picture.
It was St. Francis of Assisi who founded the Order that bore his name in 1209, seeking to live a spare, simple life devoted to both fraternity and evangelism. Some 300 years later, the Capuchins restored the Order's purity by becoming hermits,
adopting long, flowing beards and hooded robes to symbolize austerity and simplicity. Fast-forward some 500 years later --- that would be 1987 --- when eight Capuchin monks decided to once again renew St. Francis' vision. Armed with $800 and the
thumbs-up of John Cardinal O'Connor, then-Archbishop of New York, they took a neglected Polish parish on East 156th Street and Melrose Avenue, and christened it St. Crispin's Friary. Since then, their membership has increased to over
100, some of them hailing from as far away as Australia! Of its 10 Friaries, three are in New York: St. Joseph's, on West 142nd Street, in Western Harlem; and two others in the Bronx: the original residence and its adjoining St. Padre Pio Homeless Men's Shelter; and a second facility, about a block or so away.
Now, there's much more to the story of the Monks of St. Crispi's Friary; and you can find it at
www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/nyregion/thecity/22monk.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
As for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, they seek to share the wisdom of the Eternals throughtheir own homepage ---
www.franciscanfriars.com (their most famous Friar, Father Benedict Groeschel, has his own Sunday night show on cable's Eternal Word Television Network); and through the Catholic Underground website,
catholicunderground.net. Besides the homebase at Our Lady of Good Counsel, which holds performances every first Saturday night of each month, Catholic Underground has five additional venues: St. Thomas the Apostle Mission Champel,
West Hempstead, Long Island; St. Vincent de Paul Church, Yardville, New Jersey; Philadelphia's St. Gabriel's Church; and two additional Pennsylvania locations, Our Lady's Missionaries of the Eucharist in Birdsboro/Allentown; and the National
Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Harleigh/Mountain Top.
Now, what drove me to a title like "Monks Who Play Punk" was the obvious adage that, as most of you would say, seeing is believing; besides, as I said before, here is a title that is all but asking to be made into a movie. As a matter of fact, methinks I can give you a good plot synopsis without blinking: You have six young Franciscan Friars, bushy-bearded, grey-robed, and going out in fellowship, etc. --- when suddenly out of the blue they decide to form their own rock band, play
some folk, rock, punk music, etc. In no time flat their music becomes a worldwide sensation --- and eventually, a situation develops whereby the Monks Who Play Punk have to use their musical talents to save the world.
And that, my Junior Tudors, is where YOU out there come in. I would like all of you to come up with your own additions to this plot synopsis. Ask yourselves: What would YOU do with this story? How would you tell it in your own way? I certainly
look forward to reading, as well as responding to, whatever additions to this plot you can send. Simply address your suggestions to henrytudor@blueyonder.co.uk --- and the King and myself will go over them, and maybe post them in
the Magazine!
I'm off for now, my friends. Be well, until next issue --- and don't forget to behave yourselves!
Fearlessly yours, as always,
Master Blackwolf
Greetings, Junior Tudors and readers of King Henry's Magazine!
Yes, I know, I haven't posted a Letter from Manhattan in months --- but now that we have a very brief lull between now and the upcoming 9th Annual Tartan Saturday Afternoon Parade (of which I shall say more in a moment), there is much to tell you concerning my sojourn recently during the traditional Easter Parade Gathering on 5th Avenue, in front of historic St.
Patrick's Cathedral. Of all the many folks I encountered that day, one particular individual stood out thanks to his remarkable initiative and pursuit of his chosen destiny: Patrick Barnes, alias the incredible Bunnyman --- Official Bodyguard of the Easter Bunny himself, who fights a never-ending battle for Truth, Justice, and the Bunny Trail Way!
But, there is far more to the Bunnyman story than meets the eye. Here, in its entirety, from the Official Bunnyman/Patrick Barnes Homepage at www.myspace.com/patbee, is Patrick's "Resignation from Adulthood":
"I am hereby tendering my resignation as an adult.
I have decided that I would like to once again fully accept the responsibilities of an 8-year-old.
I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four-star restaurant. I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make a sidewalk with rocks.
I want to think that M&Ms are better than money, because you can eat them. I want to lie underneath a big oak tree and run a lemonade stand with all my friends on a summer's day.
I want to return to a time when life was simple, when the only things worth knowing about were colors, multiplication tables, and nursery rhymes --- a time not even those things bothered you, because you didn't know what you didn't know ---and what's more, you just didn't care!
It was a time when the only things you knew were that you wanted only to be happy, because you were blissfully unaware of al the things that should otherwise make you worried or upset.
I want to think that the whole world is fair .... that everybody is honest and good .... and I want to believe that ANYTHING is possible. I want to be oblivious to the complexities of this life, and be overly excited by the little things once again.
I want to live a simple life once again.
I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive more days in the month than there is money in the bank, doctors' bills, gossip, illness, and loss of loved ones.
I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams, the Imagination, Mankind, and making angels in the snow.
So here's my checkbook, car keys, credit card bills, and 401K statements. I am now officially resigning from adulthood.
And if you wish to discuss these issues further, you'll have to catch me first, because ---- Tag! You're It!"
Needless to say, in Patrick Barnes, I have found a kindred spirit of sorts. As some of you may know, a similar life-changing experience happened to my Mortal-born alter ego, Richard Washington, some 22 1/2 years ago, July 19th, 1986 ---- giving birth not only to your humble old Dragonmaster, but also to me parent company, Electric Pirates Entertainment as well. Long point short, Bunnyman, and thus Patrick himself, fit in perfectly with Master Richard's Mission Statement: ".....to seek out the weird, the wild, and the misunderstood in all facets of the entertainment community." Indeed, by the same token, Ray Irving, who, as you know, is in charge of these particular pages, has found his own true niche in his continuing adventures as the Tudor Dynasty's Big Kahuna himself, King Henry VIII.
The point, of course, is that we belong to a fraternity of individuals who possess little if any respect for the so-called status quo. We are, effectively, the so-called 'square pegs in the round hole.' We've taken to the world wide web because we believe in finding something we love, sharing our passion for what we love with the whole world, being nice to our visitors and listeners --- and, most importantly of all ---- having a spectacular lot of fun without so much as being malicious. And if we can
bring a smile to people's faces because of that, then I think we've pretty much done our job!
Anyway, as I said, we have a Parade to deal with on Saturday afternoon, April the 14th, from 44th to 58th Streets along Avenue of the Americas. Our Grand Marshal for our Tartan Saturday Afternoon Parade is the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Mr. George Reid. There'll be over 2000 Pipers and Drummers marching down Avenue of the Americas and basically having a bonnie good Scottish time in general. If you'd like to join them, please have a look at www.pipefest.com.
And on that note (no pun intended!), I'm off for now, Junior Tudors. Safe
journeys to you all, until next time!
Master Blackwolf
I, Master Blackwolf, am now properly rested and eager to tell you another tale of my many adventures as New York's Unofficial Wizard.
This time, the tale to be told is of two cute kids, Matthew and Sharon. They, like any other pair of lovers, are hopelessly devoted to one another --- until you discover that both are fans of Star Wars, and wanted a genuine Star Wars Nerd
to bless them at their wedding. The said Star Wars Nerd, of course, was me. And so, despite a freezing snowstorm, and dressed in my full Wizardly splendor --- sandals and all, mind you! --- I was whisked by a slightly confused taxi cab driver to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in Jersey City, New Jersey. I had thought that the event was be be a casual affair, with bride,
groom, guests and party all decked out in Star Wars-esque costumes. Boy, did I screw up, by Merlin's beard! The party was black tie all the way; yet they welcomed me with open arms. Besides, they had wanted ol' Blackwolf. And I had promised
to deliver. And my goodness, did I ever deliver! Well, basically, what happened was, I was to come in, bless the lucky Matthew and Sharon, and then pose for a couple of pictures, and work the crowd for a few meet-n'-greet sessions. My word what a lot of photo ops I ended up with! i have to tell you, there wasn't a frowny face to be found by the time I was done with that happy bunch! (As this was also my first honest paying gig, I got some mucho moolah into the bargain! [That would be
d'bloons, for those of my readers who just happen to be Pirates.])
Anyway, we may assume by the time you read this that Matthew and Sharon are off on their honeymoo--- and I will be very displeased if I don't find out that they'll be living happily ever after --- and I got to have a lot of fun into the bargain.
Oh yeah, did I mention that my toesies did survive the chill, though I have to admit that it took some time before they properly thawed out?
Hmmm... let's see, what else can I tell you about? Oh yes!
She's a Royal Princess. He's got NASCAR on ye brain. They are Princess Katie and Racer Steve, and here is their story:
Princess Katie rules her Happyville Kingdom from a big castle called Castle Sneem, located atop a huge hill surrounded by a gorgeous, green forest. Long story short, it was during the Kingdom's traditional Royal Race that she first met Racer Steve, who promptly got a tad clumsy and dropped the winner's cup on his big toe. Sometime later, the two decided that they were both silly enough to be friends --- so silly, in fact, that they figured it might be neat to start up a band.
So that's just what they did, enlisting the services of Judo Champ Billy on bass guitar, and Super Chef Jeff on drums and percussion. And now they have finished their very first CD, "Songs for the Coolest Kids," where the Rockin' Royal Retinue
grooves wisely about expressing yourself, managing your anger, dealing with bullies, learning how not to worry --- and so much more!
Now for the real world part of the tale: Kathleen O'Sullivan and Steve Borne are a Manhattan-based husband-and-wife team who, several times a month, visit Tri-State Metro area hospitals. Yet it wasn't enough, and so the duo decided to write and
perform music for children that expresses the things today's youngsters would like to say. Joined by drummer Jeff Formosa and bassist Billy Asai, the team have set out to create their own non-profit organization to distribute gifts to kids in area hospitals and in foster care.
To find out more, please contact RocketNYC, 866 Avenue of the Americas, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10001; e-mail princesskatie@princessracer.com; or simply check out the Princess' pages at www.princessracer.com. Meanwhile, dear Junior Tudors, that'll do it for me for now --- except for one more thing:
You may now also find me, by command of His Majesty, King Henry VIII, at www.tudorroyal.com/page10.htm --- that'll
be the page which bears my old name --- Padraig of Abbeyleix, son of Saemus the Strong (though I wonder how I'm going to bug His Majesty about those silly pies!)!
Well, I'm off then. Until next time --- behave yourselves, and always believe!
Master Blackwolf
St. Patrick's Day in Manhattan is always a joyous occasion. That is, if one can assume one enjoys the sights and sounds of such parades making merry and practically enjoying themselves. But when it comes to our particular St. Patrick's Day Parade, well, here's what you have to deal with: there are usually 50 or 60, in more than a few instances 65 Bagpipe Bands from all over the Tri-State Metropolitan Area (that would be New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) marching down 5th Avenue, starting from 44th Street and proceeeding upward past Central Park until the line of march concludes at 86th Street.
Now let me introduce you to the major Bagpipe Bands that represent the immediate vicinity of the City, County and State of New York:
THE PIPES & DRUMS OF THE EMERALD SOCIETY, NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sergeant Brian Coughlin, Bandmaster; Officer Joey O'Carroll, Pipe Major; Patrolman Phil Thompson, Drum Major
They are the nation's first significant Emerald Society Bagpipe Band, having been launched in 1961 to replace the former NYPD Glee Club Singers who often marched every St. Patrick's Day. Under the watchful eye of their first great Drum Major, the late Sgt. Finbar Devine, the NYPD Emeralds were shaped and honed into the form we know and love today. Their third and most recent album, "Out of the Blue," compiles some of our favorite Pipe Band tunes. To purchase the album, or to learn more of the band, log onto www.nypdpipesanddrums.com --- or just write to 332 Bleecker Street, PMD # D-47, New York, NY 10014.
THE NEW YORK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT EMERALD SOCIETY PIPES & DRUMS
Lieutenant Liam Flaherty, Chairman and Drum Major; Fireighter Jerry Brengel, Pipe Major
Dating from September 1961, the FDNY Emeralds has a special place in the heart of this particular old fool of a Wizard. I observed them for several years each Monday night during the mid-1980s and late 1990s. The setting was Elks Lodge #878 in Elmhurst, Queens; like so many other places, if it served no other purpose, it was, by and large, an excuse to be out of my house on a summer night, when life meant everything. After 9/11, alas, things began to change .... but still, there's nothing like this wonderful bunch. Their album, "All Hands Working" is in my collection at home, so fortunately I can annoy the fellow tenants of me apartment with it when I wish. Anyway, their homepage is here: www.fdnypipesanddrums.com
THE NEW YORK SCOTTISH PIPES, DRUMS & DANCERS
Patrick Duffy, Pipe Major; George Campbell, Manager/Piper
This band was founded in 1989 by the late Dan Armstrong, who at the time was Chieftain and Bagpiper-in-Residence for the New York Caledonian Club. In addition to serving as the Club's Official Pipe Band, the New York Scots are Pipe Band-in-Residence for the Fort Tryon Park Medieval Festival; and are often represented at our annual Clan MacDuff Scottish Games at Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island. They are also the Official Pipes and Drums of Clan Currie; and have played at the Caledonian Club's traditional Burns Supper. Find the lads at www.nyscottish.org
THE PIPES & DRUMS OF NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
Brian Meagher, Pipe Major/Instructor
Performing at various NYU-sponsored events, most notably the Commencement Ceremonies during NYU Graduation Week, the NYU Pipe Band is more famously known each Halloween for leading the annual Children's Halloween Parade. Members are usually seen in Douglas Tartan, the official Scottish Tartan of NYU. Their website is homepages.nyu.edu/~jh15/nyupipes/
THE MONAGHAN PIPE BAND
Joe Brady, Jr., Pipe Major; Bob Costigan, Drum Major; Rich Janniello, Drum Sergeant
Among America's oldest pipe bands, Monghan's origins date as far back as 1929. Joe Brady, Jr. is a familiar sight to St. Patrick's Day Parade fans, as it is he who usually is seen leading in the celebrated "Fighting 69th" Regiment, marking the Parade's kick-off moments. Look for the Monaghans, and their sister pipe band, the Martin Duffy Memorial, at www.monaghanpb.com
THE NEW YORK SHIELDS PIPES & DRUMS
Tom McNamara, Pipe Major; Bill McMillan, DrumMajor
The Lindenhurst, NY-based New York Shields is the result of the merging of the City's Police Department, Transit Police Department and Housing Police Department into a single police agency.That happened in April of 1995; yet this band's founding members were not wiiling to fold into the larger and more legendary Police Emeralds' Pipes and Drums, so, needless to say, they settled on serving as the pipe band-in-residence for the New York State Fraternal Order of Police, in which capacity they remain to this very day. Reach them at Post Office Box 89, Lindehurst, NY 11757 --- or hop aboard at www.nyshieldspipeband.org
THE TRANSIT PRIDE PIPES & DRUMS
Formed in March 1997, this band, too, is a survivor of the April 1995 NYPD merger. They're usually seen mostly in their home borough of The Bronx, where one may reach them at P.O. Box 374, Bronx, NY 10461; the e-mail address is transitpride@aol.com --- and the homepage --- www.transitpipeanddrum.com
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #126 PIPES AND DRUMS
David Gallagher, Pipe Major; Bob Murphy, Drum
Major; Tom Donovan, Sr., Chairman and Manager
Dating from April 1991, Brooklyn-based K of C 126 Pipers are the only Pipe Band in the entire worldwide Knights of Columbus organization, whose more than 12,000 Councils boast over 1.7 million members. The band can be spotted in Ancient Hunting MacInnes Tartan, and can be located at www.kofc126pipesanddrums.com
THE SWORD OF LIGHT BAGPIPE BAND OF IBEW LOCAL 3
Tom Capurso, Pipe Major/Historian; Jim Conway, Drum Major
As their name implies, these proud-hearted Pipers and Drummers just happen to be electricians --- members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. At the ripe young age of 24, Sword of Light has performed at over 300 events
over a 5-year space. Last season, Local Three's Catholic Council chose the Sword of Light Band as their "Men of the Year"; and they are among those involved in our St. Patrick's and Tartan Day Parades each year. Write the lads at P.O. Box
656503, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365-6503, log onto www.swordoflight.com or e-mail theswordoflight1@juno.com
THE PIPES & DRUMS OF COUNTY TYRONE
Peter Galvin, Pipe Major; William Peyton, Quartermaster; Jack Murphy, Drum Sergeant
Founded in 1935, the County Tyrone Pipers of New York are the oldest continuously-existing North American-based Irish Pipe Band; then, as now, they serve the County Tyrone Society of the City of New York, which, needless to say, has its own St. Patrick's Day Parade contingent and representatives. Look up their story at www.tyronepipers.com
So there you, Junior Tudors. Those are some of the more than 60-plus Bagpipe Bands who will marchthis year in our St. Patrick's Day Parade. The organizers often cannot fill in a space for another Pipe Band, which explains why some of them
have been made to march a SECOND time! New York's is practically the ONLY St. Patrick's Day Parade that does this --- frankly, I find it a bit confusing. And ironically, this Letter from Manhattan is being shared with you on Valentine's Day.
To you young lovers, I send my good wishes, and I hope you find romance wherever you go. Right, that'll do it, then. I'm done till next time. As always, be well and behave yourselves!
Master Blackwolf
I have chosen to entitle this particular Letter from Manhattan "Backward Commentary" for several reasons, some of which will be made aware unto you in just a moment. As you can no doubt surmise, those of you who are seeing my remarks for the very first time, it is nine of the clock in the morning as I write these remarks; the struggle to stay lucid as I scribble is not an easy one, even for a Wizard of my stature.
Right now, in beautiful downtown Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the Elite Council, whose job it is to protect and honor the wise forecaster known as Punxsutawney Phil, are celebrating this, Groundhog Day 2007. Among the significant events of the
afternoon is the Coronation Ceremonies of the Groundhog King and Queen; while I have just now been alerted to the very idea of such a ceremony, I had no prior knowledge of it until this dawn .... but there is, if memory serves, an official website, www.groundhog.org where one can discover more about these and other strange, bizarre events.
Also, I am, like some of you, rather exhausted by the events of these last several days, which culminated recently in my stmblin onto the floor at home a few weeks ago, and spraining me thumb (fortunately, the sprain in question was minor;
nonetheless, I did have to explore the innards of a common emergency room)! Lesson to be learned: keep a firm eye on your immediate surroundings, dearies! You may never know whether a stumble might lead to a rather large ouchie.
In case the King hasn't reminded you readers already, there's to be a celebration for the 50,000th visitor to this site; we're looking for a teacher and/or student who has accurately explored www.henrytudor.co.uk and used it responsibly.
I look forward to seeing some of your responses in that regard. Before I leave, however --- why, I almost forgot --- "Why did you entitle this Letter from Manhattan 'Backward Commentary'? This being the month of the Super Bowl --- that would be the
National (American) Football League Championship Game --- I am going to be remarkably cuckoo! One learns to expect the bizarre when one stands in a Wizard's presence!
Well, that's all for now, Junior Tudors. I've got to go see that BBC interview with the King that Ray Irivng told me about recently! Until next time!
Master Blackwolf
Whilst His Majesty King Henry VIII --- or, more accurately, his Mortal-born doppelganger, Ray Irving ---is off preparing to make a few movies, your humble Wizard is stuck in Manhattan, having to take on extremely cold temperatures! Brrrrr!
Even now as I write these words, the sniffles are doing their dirty work! Fortunately, I am properly clad in a fur coat where I can do something sensible!
Anyway, it is obvious that Boreas Rex, King of the Winds, is once more assuming control of his Winter Kingdom. For those who just happen to be professional snow-people, the job has its share of perks --- and that just as well if you happen to be living in Saint Paul, Minnesota, whose Winter Carnival just happens to be the nation's oldest and most legendary winter festival!
Boreas, you see, was extremely fond of St. Paul and her seven hills --- so much so, in fact, that he decided to make the whole place the capital city of his Royal Dominion --- his Winter Playground, in other words! Now, starting this present weekend, and continuing until February 4th, King Boreas reigns over all the chilly lands of Saint Paul and her environs. The centerpiece of the Opening Weekend is the King Boreas Grande Day Parade, which features over 100 entries, from marching bands to icy-themed floats, and just plain ol' everyday winter magic!
But the whole heart of everything happens in the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, where the Royal Ball and Coronation takes place. There, the Queen of Snows is officially crowned, and the new King Boreas persona is presented before everyone. Klondike
Kate also makes her presence known before the Carnival fans, as does the Windlord's arch-enemy, Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe --- who, though they sometimes stir up fiery trouble, never fail to give everybody a very hot time --- especially during the last day of celebration. The nighttime Torchlight Parade honors the Vulcans' victory over Boreas, and also signals his dethroning as well.
As the Legend tells, 'tis at the request of his Queen, and in the interest of Peace and Goodwill, that Boreas decides to surrender to the Fire King, and return to the Realm of Mount Olympus, until such time as summer's warmth again relinquishes its hold upon the land, and the ice-pack'd frosty atmosphere prevails once more!
Nice saga, eh what? Indeed, many pleasures await those who explore the Saint Paul Winter Carnival --- and if ye pay a visit to the Carnival homepage --- www.winter-carnival.com --- you can discover more adventures for both weekends, but
exclusive Carnival stuff, look back on past Carnival adventures, including Coronation Ceremonies, and much, much more!
The St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation are
the good folks behind the Winter Carnival; and they would love hearing from you goodlies. Simply e-mail info@winter-carnival.com, or write them at 429 Landmark Center, 75 West 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102. As for me, I've got to go and find someplace where I can properly be nice and toasty warm. Until next time, Junior Tudors!
Fearlessly yours, as always,
Master Blackwolf
Good morrow, dear Junior Tudors, and greetings, visitors to both King Henry's and Queen Elizabeth's Royal Pages!
This, my first "Letter from Manhattan" in quite a while, is primarily intended to introduce my Wizardly person to those of you not entirely familiar with the work that I do. As for all the rest of you, you need not bother reading this, but I send my best wishes to you all anyway.
Now then, may I introduce myself? I am Blackwolf the Dragonmaster, Duke of Talisker --- Philosopher of the Internet, Lord High Mage of the Hard Drive, Conqueror of Thaumaturgic Technology --- and Unofficial Mage and Sorcerer-in-Residence unto the Mortals of the City, County and and State of New York. (Whew!) Basically, I'm a Wizard, and, as such, it's my job to defend the Forces of Imagination wherever they need defending. Now, I'm only going to say a few short things to you, not
the least of which is to explain why His Majesty King Henry VIII (mundanely known as one Raymond Irving of Chorley, Lancashire, England) has granted me the privilege of writing these Letters.
I basically stumbled onto the Royal Pages, not knowing what to expect; a subsequent chance encounter, followed by one or two by-phone investigations --- and, in the end, a fast friendship that remains, even as I scribble. Short, simple, and to the point. No more, no less. Might not do much in terms of explanation, but there you are.
Anywho, those of you not yet fully versed in the worlds of Magecraft are herewith invited to bid me hello, if ye wish, at my fabulous Dark Chambers
website ---
www.geocities.com/blackbeardian/Magecraft/bwolfmain2.html
Here, you may find links to my favorite Renaissance Faires, Faire musicians and performers, fans and fellow impersonators of both the aforementioned Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, along with many other topics of related interest and assorted other silly stuff.
And here, in these Letters from Manhattan, presented as part of this site's Tudor Dynasty Magazine, I shall write about something that peaks my interest, and which, I hope, will be of interest to you as well. However, I do not intend to go it alone as far as writing this column goes. You see, I do need your help. From time to time, I shall ask YOU to submit an idea for a topic I can cover in one of these Letters from Manhattan. If such an idea lives up to the standards of myself and King Henry, you have my every promise that it will find its way here.
So, in closing --- hello, newcomers to these pages! Greetinngs, regulars! Much love, Junior Tudors --- each and all! Until next time, then,
I remain, fearlessly yours,
Master Blackwolf
HARD ROCK HALLELUJAH! DRAGONMASTER'S DARK CHAMBERS TO BE EXCLUSIVE U.S.
WEBSITE WITH PULSE ON EUROVISION 2007
NEW YORK CITY, January 2, 2007 ----- Less than 24 hours after publicly announcing his 2007 agenda, New York's Unofficial Wizard, Blackwolf the Dragonmaster, has hit the press again --- this time, with exclusive, breaking music news!
"I am very pleased to announce that, as of yesterday, my fabulous Dark Chambers will be the ONLY United States-based website that will make the commitment to covering the 52nd Eurovision Song Contest, the Grand Finals of which are to be held May 10th and 12th at the Helsinki Arena, in Finland's magnificent capital city," the Duke of Talisker proclaimed, speaking as usual from his secret headquarters overlooking Yankee Stadium.
"For over half a century, Finland's participation in the global phenomenon of Eurovision made their nation a perpetual laughing stock, in that their constantly finishing dead last in the competition was, by and large, getting to them, as it were. Anyway, last summer, that all changed at Athens when the five freaky monsters of the metal band Lordi ( www.lordi.fi )
dragged Finland kicking and screaming into the top spot with their powerhouse hit single 'Hard Rock Hallelujah!' Since then, Lordi, Kita, Amen, Awa and Ox have spread their ferocious quest to dominate the world into a successful Euro-Scandinavian tour, which culminated on Halloween Night 2006 in London.
"And it helps immensely that Lordi and fiends, if you will, just happen to be based in the favorite city of no less than Santa Claus himself --- that would be Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. Recently, a writer for the website Eurovision Song Contest Today --- www.esctoday.com --- mentioned a recent meeting between Lordi and Rovaniemi's official Kris Kringle
concerning Eurovision 2007. Finland, many observers have commented, has long been a nation packed with ideological paradoxes, according to this correspondent (and please be advised that your humble Dragonmaster merely stumbled onto the text in question), it was inevitable that the folks at ESC Today would see the parallels here of Santa, representing Goodness; and Lordi, representing Evil.
"Walt Disney said it best," the Dragonmaster continued, "when he warned his staff during the 1940's: 'Good and Evil, antagonists in all great drama in some guise, must be believably personified. The moral ideals common to all humanity must be believably upheld.' That Lordi has been this remarkably successful in terms of that particular context, not just with 'Hard Rock Hallelujah!', but also with their most recent single, 'Who's Your Daddy?', fits in perfectly with the Mission Statement of Electric Pirates Entertainment, your Dragonmaster's parent company: 'To seek out the weird,
the wild, and the misunderstood in all facets of the entertainment community.' Having said that, I look forward to observing as well as covering the latest information to emerge from the chilly top of the world, as Helsinki finally gets its long-dreamed of opportunity to host the annual music event that has been a global icon in over 50 countries of the world.
"I would like to wish the team at YLE, Santa's Official Broadcasters --- www.yle.fi/eurovision/ ---all the best of luck as their crackerjack squadron of engineers and technicians prepare in earnest to bring the sights, sounds and power of Eurovision 2007 to life. I am especially pleased that the Eurovision team has chosen as this year's theme 'True Fantasy' ---
something which, I must say, we Wizards have long subscribed to over the aeons, given that we are harbingers of, as well as Champions of, the world's Imaginations. So here's a toast to Executive Producer Heikki Seppala; Producer Tapani Parm; Event Manager Kjell Ekhlom; Show Producer Ilkka Talasranta; Press Relations Chief Pirjo Talvio; Telecast Show Hosts Heikki Paasonen and Jaana Pelkonen; Radio Anchors Sanna Kojo and Tarja Narhi; and Correspondent Simo Frangen. Their combined crackerjack efforts will be instrumental, so to speak, as 42 nations and their musical representatives compete to determine who will become the Next Big Thing in the annals of the recording world.
"In closing, I wish to invite everyone to visit the two official Eurovision pages --- either the Big One, which is www.eurovision.tv or YLE's coverage, at www.yle.fi/eurovision/ --- for additional news and other elements from Eurovision 2007. Some of you might consider this press release an excuse to get Lordi to come to the U.S. and perform here. Well, maybe so --- but when you have a band that can impress even a 4800-year-old Wizard the way Lordi and his fiends have done --- by Merlin's beard, how else can you feel?"
For additional information, please e-mail Master Blackwolf at either electric_pirates@hotmail.com or blackbeardian@yahoo.com. You may also log on to Blackwolf's Dark Chambers at:
www.geocities.com/blackbeardian/Magecraft/bwolfmain2.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DRAGONMASTER ISSUES 2007 AGENDA, INCLUDING REACTION TO "DEATHLY HALLOWS"
NAMING BY J.K. ROWLING
NEW YORK CITY, New Year's Day, 2007 ---- From his legendary secret headquarters overlooking Yankee Stadium, Blackwolf the Dragonmaster, the Big Apple's Unofficial Wizard, today offered New Year's greetings to his loyal fan base, including his reaction to the recent announcement of the seventh and final title in the best-selling Harry Potter franchise, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."
"I am very pleased to greet you, my loyal fans," proclaimed the legendary Duke of Talisker. "2006 was a year full of the usual distractions, and a summer where few adventures were my destiny. However, 'tis a new year ---- and I hope that in the coming 12 months, there will be a summit of new adventure to share with you.
"First, we need to discuss the recent announcement of the title of the last of the Potter books. Now, as you know, Harry Potter has been a subject of increasingly perplexing speculation on my part. However, I am beginning to wonder if indeed Harry is the seventh and final Horcrux that Jo has been talking about at length about in the other six books. I fear that it will be the task of Potter fans, myself included, to begin their explorations without Jo. I hope, however, the journeys will be quite appropriate and live up to everyone's expectations.
In the meantime, I take loads of pleasure in encouraging you, my fans, to visit not only my own Dark Chambers website, but also LeakyCauldron.org and Mugglenet.com as well, for I have found their analyses of 'Deathly Hallows' to be unique, painstakingly in the know, and quite cutting edge.
"Also, let me congratulate Lucasfilm and George Lucas for two remarkable milestones in the history of Star Wars: first, the 30th Anniversary of the original release of Episode IV: A New Hope; and secondly, George's tenure, taking place as this Press Release is being issued, during Pasadena, California's glorious --- and, as I understand it, rainy and wet ---Tournament of Roses Parade! There will be much to look forward to, my fellow Star Wars Nerds .... and hopefully, I will make at least one attempt, as soon as I get word from Michael Cabonero and his crew, to cavort among you all again at Penn Plaza Pavilion.
"Lastly, on a more serious note, the 6th Anniversary of 9/11 falls on a Tuesday this year. For me, it's a very personal Tuesday, in that one week prior to 9/11/2001, I listened to myself on the radio, where, over WNYE-FM, it was my privilege to share with the few who were willing to tune in that September 4th, 2001, my brief essay 'Why New York Needs Wizards.'
Fortunately, the complete text of that epic commentary is still available on me Dark Chambers pages, so that everyone can have a peek at it.
"In closing, let me just briefly be a bit of a brat and once again invite you goodly gentles to visit me aforementioned Dark Chambers, where old and new features abound at your disposal. Besides, my inbox is once more lonely --- and, frankly, I'm pretty much bored. Look, New York, I'm not exactly interested in listening to me arteries harden, mind ye! You don't get to spend over 4000 years in this wiz biz based on your good looks alone! Ya gotta have Hollywood savvy, me dears --- and in 2007, 'tis my intent to prove to you Mortals just how much Hollywood savvy I've got!"
The next major Big Apple Comic Book Convention will be held January 19th and 20th at Penn Plaza Pavilion, in celebration of its 10th season. Admission to the weekend-long event is free. For more information, log on to
www.bigapplecon.com --- and to continue exploring Blackwolf the Dragonmaster's newer, cooler adventures, please e-mail electric_pirates@hotmail.com or blackbeardian@yahoo.com ---- or visit the Dark Chambers themselves:
www.geocities.com/blackbeardian/Magecraft/bwolfmain2.html
Other significant links:
www.starwars.com/episode-iv/
www.tournamentofroses.com
www.ktla.com
www.mugglenet.com
www.the-leaky-cauldron.org
www.jkrowling.com
www.harrypotterorderofthephoenix.com
Additional information regarding Master Blackwolf is available at Electric Pirates Entertainment, Inc./EPE Holdings, Inc., Attn: Richard Washington, Founder and Chairman, Suite # 14E, 15948 Harlem River Drive, New York, NY 10039-1012 USA. Mr. Washington may also be reached at the above e-mail addresses.
Well, it is a little bit late, as far as Christmas is concerned --- as you read this, we've come to New Year's --- but here now, from the files of the Washington Post Sunday Magazine, is a classic bit of drama entitled "The School of Yule." Let it serve as my gift to you all, with best wishes for a peaceful 2007. Enjoy.
Enclosed in the file below, just click and download.
Master Blackwolf
Click here to download this file
'Tis Christmas Day in the morning as you read this, friends, and soon I shall be visiting www.noradsanta.org to review my assessments of Santa's Christmas Eve flight. Before I do, though, there is news I wish to share with you: Kip Lackey has been named the recipient of the Fort Wayne, Indiana News-Sentinel's 3rd Annual Phil Stiegerwald Santa's Helper Award!
Here now, Kip's story:
It all began 5 years ago, when Kym Campbell, a one-time co-worker of Kip's, needed a favor. You see, Campbell's neighbor had promised his son that he'd make his way back from Japan --- and bring Santa Claus to the child's house for a visit.
Well, given that he had quite the rosy cheeks and the twinkle in his big brown eyes, Kip decided to help Kym out.
So it was that Kip rented a Santa costume and followed Kym Campbell's neighbor home from Fort Wayne International Airport. "The look on that little boy's face," Kip remembers, "his jaw just hit the floor. And that's when I knew that the Santa bug had bit me."
And so the following year, Mrs. Margaret Lawhun, Kip's mother-in-law, made him his own custom designed Santa suit. Kip, aged 60 and retired from a local trucking company the past 5 years on, enhances the authenticity of his character by
growing out his beard every summer, so that he can literally resemble Santa. "I've always been told," he says, "that my physical appearance reminds people of their image of the real Santa. The beard is an obvious plus." Little wonder, then, that Kip performs as the Jolly Old Elf at Veterans of Foreign Wars children's parties, nursing homes, personal home visits, preschools and corporate parties. He makes 15 stops on Christmas Eve alone.
Janice, his wife, manages his busy holiday schedule and tends to the Lackey residence while he's off playing Santa. She's not yet fully into portraying Mrs. Claus, but Kip says she's coming around.
Kip was born and raised in Brookville, Ohio, and has appeared on local television advertisements and print ads for Wal-Mart stores in and around Ohio and Indiana. Some of the proceeds from his commercial assignments are donated to his charitable activities, including the estimated four or five bags of toys and candy he gives away per year.
Kip is also an avid golfer, and enjoys vacationing with his two kids and six grandchildren. He does Florida vacations for 3 weeks each year, and is currently planning a trip to the Dominican Republic after the present Christmas season.
And no, Kip Lackey won't be hanging up the bright red hat any time soon, mind you. As long as he's physically able, says he, he's into this Santa thing for the long haul, as it were. "I really enjoy it," he says.
Now, dear children, to hear Kip read " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas," check out www.news-sentinel.com .... believe me, you will be enchanted indeed! And to the rest of you Junior Tudors --- well, needless to say: Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! (No doubt that would include us Wizards as well.)
Master Blackwolf
Now, whilst Milord Sir Kringle is granting wishes to the children who visit Salmesbury Hall through this Week Before the Night Before Christmas, I figured that, as I now have a few hours on me Wizardly hands, I should introduce you youngsters
to a very wise Santa who shares his magic at his home in Sunnyvale, California.
The story, which one can discover when visiting the Home with Santa website ---www.homewithsanta.com --- goes that Santa (Bob, I believe he calls himself during the off-season), spent a little over 10 years doing his thing in Sunnyvale's beautiful Stanford Mall, where he hosted, among things, thousands and many more of babies, children, adults, pets --- and
everything else in between.
In addition, he's been in several television commercials, running the gamut from Coca-Cola to Hallmark Cards. All across the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Bob visits parties, outings, live performances ---- anywhere Christmas cheer is needed!
And this poem, also featured on Santa Bob's page, describes his house like this:
His home is quite a sight, with lots to behold
Small villages full of people, and a train that's
oh, so bold.
There's songs to be sung, photos to be taken;
And books to be read --- and memories in the
making!
Plus news of the magic of Santa (I'm told),
And cookies and treats for the long journey home.
Again, the address is www.homewithsanta.com .... and I do hope you'll visit it. As for me, I'm going to spend a well-earned afternoon back at my humble hovel, scribbling down my own wish list for Milord Sir Kringle (personally, I've always wanted me very own little teddy bear!). Until next time, dear Junior Tudors!
Fearlessly yours, as always,
Master Blackwolf
Before beginning this Christmas Letter from Manhattan, a brief pause in memory of the world's most beloved cop show, "Dragnet." The continuing adventures of Sergeant Joe Friday were always an inspiration even unto this foolish old Wizard; accordingly, I present herein the facts:
"This is the City --- Tampa, Florida. It's a nice place, so nice that once a year, during January and/or February, thousands of beastly and semi-beastly Buccaneers take over the town, in the annual Gasparilla Piratefest and Parade. Sometimes, however, life in Tampa gets to be a little bit too scurvy. When that happens, I go to work. I carry a badge."
GEORGE FENNEMAN'S VOICE: "The story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent."
In the spirit of Jack Webb and Mark VII Limited, then, we take you inside the Tampa Law Center and Campus ---- where one of the world's toughest crimes is once more brought into the spotlight: Santa Claus --- Jolly Old Elf or Armed Burglar?
Yesterday afternoon, December 5th, 2006, the Greatest Living Legend of All Time was accused of breaking and entering the residence of one Ebenezer Scrooge --- and filching certain toys while packing "heat," in the form of a BB gun.
Not to worry, Junior Tudors. The entire trial was all part of a lesson plan about teaching students about how a courtroom works by letting them all participate first-hand.
"Kids are at their best when they learn by doing," explains Judge Chris Altenbernd, who sits on the 2nd District Court of Appeal, and who organized the fictitious trial, staged under the auspices of the Stetson University College of Law, in and for
the County of Hillsborough.
With the real Santa temporarily too busy to take part in the event, Hillsbororugh County State Attorney Mark Ober pretended to be the Jolly One; other significant roles were portrayed by various attorneys and students from local middle schools.
Presiding over the activities was U.S. District Court Justice Susan Bucklew.
Here now, the facts:
The plaintiff, Ebenezer Scrooge, accused the defendant, S. Claus, alias Kris Kringle, of breaking into the plaintiff's place of residence on Christmas morning. The suspect was alleged tohave swiped, in no particular order, a BB gun, a Razor Scooter, and Tickle Me Elmo doll, and an autographed baseball, personally signed by the famous Babe Ruth.
"Members of the jury: the defendant needs to check his list twice," said Assistant State District Attorney Thomas Palermo. "His actions have eaarned him a place in his own naughty column -- to say nothing of a stint in a Florida prison."
Section 2-626 of the City of Tampa Code of Ordinances describes theft as something that one definitely must not do, as it does tend to land one in the Hillsborough County Municipal Jail. In any case, Claus, while admitting to taking the doll, responded through his attorney, Assistant State District Attorney Chinwe Fossett, that the plaintiff's daughter, one Suzanne Q. Scrooge, had deliberately left it for Santa, the purpose being that she had wanted it to be sent to a child in need.
"This wasn't theft, ladies and gentlemen," Attorney Fossett explained. "Nor was it certainly burglary. Santa did not enter the plaintiff's homeas an evil man to take; no, he entered out of the kindness in his heart to give."
Scrooge (attorney Wayne Thomas) and his wife, one Paris Holiday Inn Scrooge, were the prosecution's star witnesses. They said that Santa did not have permission to enter their house for the simple reason that the Scrooge family does not celebrate
Christmas. "I never let that old coot in my home," complained the plaintiff. "He shoved his own way in and took my things! I hope he gets what's coming to him!"
Young Miss Suzanne, often known to her peers as Susie Q, told the jurors that she had in fact written Santa a letter, asking the defendant to bring her a video iPod. She never accused the suspect of taking her doll. Attorneys representing the defense noted that there was no physical evidence linking the defendant to the burglary in question --- in fact, all that forensic
investigators could subsequently come up with was a half-drunk glass of milk and several half-eaten chocolate chip cookies.
In the end, the court acquitted the defendant Kris Kringle of grand theft, but did find him guilty of the lesser charge of simple theft. Justice Bucklew said that Santa would be declared free on his own recognizance due to his busy schedule.
"Ho-ho-ho! And what would you like for Christmas?" Ober chortled happily, to the delight of the crowd. And on that note, court was adjourned.
GEORGE FENNEMAN'S VOICE: "The story you have just seen was true. The names were changed to protect the innocent. On December 5th, trial was concluded in Seminar Room 202, Mann Lounge, Stetson University College of Law Campus, in and for the County of Hillsboroguh. In a moment: the results of that trial."
In a moment nothing, dear Junior Tudors! Methinks ye all know what happened next: namely that the suspect was freed on bond, and is presently continuing his activities at an undisclosed location. And on that note, that'll do it for now.
More Christmas Tales to be told next time!
Fearlessly yours, as always,
Master Blackwolf
For the remainder of December, my Letters from Manhattan column will bring you several of my favorite --- and true --- Christmas stories. Today, we take you to Carmi, Illinois, seat of White County, where Santa Claus, on a recent weekend, held court. Though he'd made a few unofficial visits to the area, the Jolly One landed his sleigh in the suburb of Crossville, to
star in that village's annual Winterfest celebration.
Everyone braved the freezing chill to greet Santa to observe the merry proceedings, whose organizers appreciated the attendance of those who showed up and took part in all the various activities, which featured a chili cook-off and bread-making
contest. Charlene Shields was named bread-making champion of the town, which also granted her bragging rights in the bread and rolls division; Shannon Giles finished in second place. In the sweet breads division, Peggy Kuykendall was declared champ; Shannon Giles came in second in that division as well; while Betty Stephens finished in third place.
As for the chili cook-off, Reba Jo Guinn won that one; David White was second; and Jimmy Birkla, third place.
Among the musical highlights were the Carmi-White County High School Singing 6, who provided most of the caroling on that Saturday afternoon. Members of Crossville's own New Light Heavenly Church staged their own live nativity scene, complete with critters, Holy Family, Three Wise Men --- the works, as it were. And the Parade's painstakingly illuminated floats were so incredibly constructed with so much love and good taste that in the end everybody got a check for $25 from the Winterfest Organizing Committee. And the next afternoon, around 2 of the clock, Santa made his official appearance ---
right next to the Main Street stage that the organizers had set up just for him! After the Parade, Santa spent over an hour visiting with the children; the plans are to tentatively have Santa stay at his Crossville house a few more times before Christmas Eve. Joining the Distinguished Mr. Claus aboard "The Polar Express," which took him and his young fans
down Main Street, until they reached his specially constructed house at Carni Veterans' Memorial Park, were Isabelle Bryant and Justin Weaver, both of whom had earlier been crowned Little Miss and Little Mister Merry Christmas.
Isabelle's parents are Bryan and Sandra Bryant; and Justin's parents are Bryan and Michelle Weaver. They all live in Carmi.
When Santa and the children finally reached the Park, the Jolly Old Elf had a modest two-hour session greeting everybody. The Carmi Chamber of Commerce, sponsors of the Winterfest events, were, I suspect, reasonably pleased. As were the goodly gentles in New Harmony, Indiana, whose own Winterfest party had its own Parade, where Santa found himself surrounded by live camels, donkeys, a few golf carts --- and more freezing fans!
Please check out www.cityofcarmi.com to learn more about Christmas in Carmi --- and recall the events of a wonderful year at the city's other famous attraction, the annual White County Fair. If ye prefer snailmail, that would be 225 East Main Street, Carmi, IL 62861; the phone number there is 1-618-382-7606. As for the e-mail address, it's a rather simple one:
ccc@cityofcarmi.com
More Christmas Tales next time, dear Junior Tudors. Be well and behave thyselves 'til then!
As ever,
Master Blackwolf
As the Christmas season continues, I have for the duration thereof decided to revamp my usual Letters from Manhattan into Christmas Tales. I begin by taking you to Phillipsburg, New Jersey, where that town's Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association are preparing for an early visit from Santa Claus! And not only that, he'll be wearing a beard that's all
his!
The Phillipsburg Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is held at Shappell Park, where candy canes and assorted other goodies will be handed out to the children by the Jolly Old Elf.
"I love the season; the kids are so amazed," says 62-year-old Jim Doe, alias Father Christmas. "It keeps me active. It's my big time of the year." During June and July, while the rest of the world is stocking up on suntan lotion, Doe hides away his trusty beard-trimmer to make sure that his beard is the proper length. This lack of faux facial hair is a very big attraction if one wants to hire Mr. Doe out for a party and/or meet-n'-greet. "The parents just love to say to their kids, 'See? I found you the REAL Santa!' " says Mr. Doe. Though some of the smaller children like to tug on his beard out of pure curiosity, Mr. Doe (thank goodness!) has not yet had to deal with Bart Simpson-esque dum-dums who'd otherwise want to yank the thing off.
"No wise guys, thank God!" Mr. Doe chortles with a merry laugh. That beard in question measures out to about four inches, and covers Jim Doe's entire neck. And though it may be as white as new-fallen snow, Jim's belly just won't shake like a bowl full of jelly. Why? "Mrs. Claus put me a cholesterol-free diet," Santa explains.
Jim Doe's adventures as Santa began nearly 20 years ago when, having grown his beard out, he was asked to perform as Santa for an event to be held in the nearby village of Stewartsville. Today, Jim Doe's Santa duties are connected principally to the Lopatcong Volunteer Firefighters' annual open house party. He's also scheduled to ride the trolley as part of the town's
"Shopping on the Main" promotion each Tuesday evening all through December. And what's especially amazing about it all is that this is only Jim Doe's second season as the Town of Phillipsburg's official Santa Claus!
Debbie Russo, Executive Director of the Phillipsburg Chamber of Commerce, is excited over Mr. Doe's for-real beard. She's expecting Santa to be mobbed by about 300 of his young fans and their equally eager parents. "He's phenomenal, he just loves the children, and he's very, very cordial," says Debbie. "He looks the part."
And Robyn Coe-Donaldson, President of the Downtown Association, is ready to enjoy the reactions of those kids after last year's ceremony added musical and other entertainers to the festivities. "We're expecting beautiful weather," says Robyn. "It was really a lot of fun last year."
The goodie bags that Santa will hand out were assembled through donations from various Chamber of Commerce member businesses. Jim Doe will also be handing out free hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies; and Santa's fans will get to enjoy visits from a herd of live reindeer, see some spectacularly detailed ice carvings, and hear live musicians and singers
performing all their favorites.
For more information, please write to the Phillipsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Debbie Russo, Executive Director, 675 Corliss Avenue, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865-1698 USA; phone 1-908-859-5161; fax 1-908-859-6861; or e-mail pacc@ptd.net --- or, if you wish, visit www.phillipsburgnj.com
That's all for now, my dear Junior Tudors. In the days leading up to Christmas Eve, I'll tell you a few more Christmas Tales; if you'd like to submit your own, you're welcome to do so. Simply contact the King at henrytudor@blueyonder.co.uk and His Majesty and myself will be quite happy to handle the rest. Until next time, then!
Fearlessly yours, as always,
Master Blackwolf
This Letter from Manhattan tells a story so special that the balance of the tale will, for the most part, speak for itself. So we take you now to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where that city's heralded newspaper, the News-Sentinel, shares the following, from the wise and sensible correspondent Kevin Leininger. He writes:
"The Fort Wayne History Center's collection contains over 22,000 items chronicling nearly every aspect of Allen County's past. But few will evoke more warm memories, in more people, than those precious bits of red velvet, black leather and yak hair that the Museum received recently. " 'This means more to more people than just us.
This is much bigger than our own family. We're not giving it away, we're just sharing it,' Laura McCoy said, as she donated the Santa suit that her late father had made famous for over 40 years.
"When Philip A. Steigerwald died from diabetes-related complications on January 15th, 2004, Fort Wayne lost far more than a 76-year-old father of four. More than anyone else in local history, Phil Steigerwald WAS Santa Claus --- at the old Wolf and Dessauer department store, form the mid-1950s to the late 1970s, and at a variety of other venues, until the disease claimed part of his left leg in 1996. During his W&D heyday, Santa Steigerwald was so popular that he had his very own daily television show, and more than 10,000 children flocked to the huge downtown store every week just at this time, just to sit upon his lap." No one will ever again wear, or even sit on, the red velvet pants donated by Ms. McCoy, part of the very last Santa suit that Steigerwald ever wore during his W&D's years. But future generations will get a taste of Fort Wayne's Christmases past, thanks to his family's selflessness in parting with one of its most prized possessions.
"Curator Walter Font, the man responsible for preserving all the objects in the Museum, said that Steigerwald's suit will probably be displayed for the first time, together with certain other W&D mementos, during next year's annual Gingerbread Festival. The Museum is located in the Old City Hall Building, at 302 East Berry Street --- and, ironically, the suit would most likely be displayed in the very room where Steigerwald served as City Councilman during the early 1960s." While the Santa ensemble is just a few decades old, Mr. Font believes that its place in Fort Wayne history and culture is truly indisputable. 'It was a very important part of our Christmas tradition, and people remember it,' he said. 'This is different from just having mere photographs -- this is the REAL thing. A generation from now, as people who remember [Steigerwald] fade from the scene, this will help us to document the past." Before it is displayed, however, the hand-made suit will be repaired if necessary, cleaned, then carefully stored, along with Stiegerwald's size-13 black boots. Also to be stored are his white
gloves, belt and bells, along with wigs and beards made from yak hair.
"As important as the suit is, its historical value would be diminished without the documentation that Ms. McCoy has collected since her father's death: newspaper articles, photographs, interviews and assorted other items testifying to Santa
Steigerwald's place in local history." 'Items by themselves just aren't useful without the background,' Mr. Font explained. 'The more you know about one item, the better story you can tell.'" The thousands of Fort Wayne children who sat on Stiegerwald's lap over four decades all have their own unique stories about what he meant to them. But his own children don't need to guess about what their dad meant to people. Fort Wayne made its feelings about Phil Steigerwald quite clear just before he died --- which is why Ms. McCoy, along with sisters Beth Walker and Marcia Steigerwald and brother Phil C. Steigerwald were so eager to give a piece of their father back to the community.
"One of the newspaper stories which Ms. McCoy gave to the Museum was one of my columns --- the one I wrote on Steigerwald's brave struggle against diabetes on December 6th, 2003 --- about a little more than a month before he died. Steigerwald had received over 200 Christmas cards as a result of that column, many of them containing heartfelt notices offering thanks and get-well wishes." With Steigerwald's eyes already clouded by illness, his children spent what they knew would be their father's last Christmas reading all those cards and letters to him ..... adding unimaginable joy to an otherwise sorrowful holiday.
" 'We were overwhelmed by how many people recognized what he had done,' said Ms. McCoy. This suit is so much bigger than our family. I'd just like people to remember his spirit of giving, and not just as Santa." " Everyone dies, but few are blessed to die knowing that they have been loved by generations of children. Because Fort Wayne gave Philip A. Stiegerwald that precious gift, his own children have in return responded with equal generosity." It seems, then, that the spirit of Christmas has somehow outlived even Fort Wayne's most famous Santa Claus......"
And now, Junior Tudors, you know why the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, which is probably a very wise newspaper for its time, if I do say so meself, is so eager to celebrate this remarkable fellow's legacy by presenting its 3rd Annual Philip A.
Stiegerwald Santa's Helper Award to one of the following 16 Santas from the Fort Wayne/Allen County, Indiana region --- to be chosen by the S