DAES DAE'MAR - The White Tower & Warders Yard Newsletter - Feb 2010

[Elgee]

 

February 2010 Edition

 

Memories. They sustain us, they give us hope, and sometimes they come back to bite us on the ... well you know what  ;)

 

Point is, our memories make us what we are. This month, we take peek into days yonder and pay tribute to the good times and the special moments.

 

(And for those with really bad memories, we also provide a Bonding anniversary list for March - so no forgetting to give your Aes Sedai / Warder / Souvra some flowers on that special day!)

 

Elgee

Editor without computer

 

 

Editor in Chief: Elgee

Editors: Wayward_Fool (aka Boopsy) and Claireducky

Writers: Charis "Jr.", Torrie Sedai, Al Jenn Mael, Marta, Boopsy, Little Miss, Claireducky, Lucy & Kara_J

[Elgee]

by Charis "Jr." and Marta

 

Who doesn't love gossip?  Who done what, with whom, and when did they do it?  We've got all the dirt at the Gossip Corner; we're even better than Perez Hilton! This month, we bring you a visit from bondings past...

 

Welcome to The Gossip Corner! Your personal fact checker for happenings around the WT, and other shenanigans.

This month, in keeping with our theme of reunions, we're taking a look at some bonding anniversaries So come with me and Marta, as we take a walk down Memory Lane...

 

Bonding is a connection we make with people we care about. One that we hope lasts forever. Going through The Great Hall, and making notes of all the bonding events I could find, I laughed and smiled, and sometimes felt rather surprised. When I decided to finally start making a list of all the bindings that happened in March, it was no surprise for me to realize that March is the month when people bond the most. Some of you have even bonded more than one in March! I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone who is celebrating their Bonding Anniversary in March. Now, have you remembered your Anniversary? If you haven't here's who is celebrating this month! Those people are:

 

Warder:

 

March 4, 2008   Delenn and Paetric

March 3, 2007   Kara J and Shamaeso

March 5, 2008  Raena and Barmacral

March 8, 2004  U4ea (Lor) and Kynwric

March 10, 2008   malone tymes and HeroAndros

March 12, 2008   Elgee and Vanion

March 12, 2008   Kara J and Vanion

March 12, 2008   Naeann and Daetrition

March 1, 2007   Taymist and F Horn of Valere

March 22, 2006   Sheliara and Steel Axe

March 26, 2006   Kiana Tash and Maze Kantul

March 31, 2007   Elgee and Damon Devilkin

March 31, 2009   Yelenia and Zashara

 

Souvra:

 

March 7, 2007   Nynaeve and Tigara

March 12, 2008   Elgee and Jhaenara

March 12, 2008   Chillimous and Naeann

March 17, 2008   Elgee and Cairos

March 26, 2007   Tigara and Adanza

 

 

If we missed your Anniversary, we're very sorry!! Send us an email and we'll get it added in! gossipcorner@whitetower.org

[Elgee]

by Charis Jr

 

 

Ahhh, youth.  You surely remember what it was like being a new member at the WT.  The giddiness, the spam, the new friends, the rampant flirting.  Check out the Whispering Hole for the latest from the world of the Dormitories, as well as who's been raised and who's been bonded!

 

 

Hello, and welcome, WT members and other friends and guests! You've found the Whispering hole, home of all of the Aspie's recent news!

 

The month of February brought us several raisings and a few new bonds.

 

First of all, our dear Blue Brother, Boopsy, the Wayward Fool was souvra bonded by the lovely Lily (LilyElizabeth) and the dashing Pete (dragonsworn1991). Their's was a bonding that shook the very foundations of the WT, including causing the destruction of the Novice Quarters. There were episodes (entitled Menage a Ajah) in each of their Ajahs. (Blue, Green and Red, respectively)

 

Next to take the plunge were MCS, and newly raised Tynaal of the Reds. Although it was a more "traditional" bonding, it had some very funny and some very sweet moments. Congrats you two!

 

On the raising side of the Hall, there have been several since our last edition.

First, congratulations to Mirshann and MasinShin, who have both been welcomed into the Gray Ajah! Congratulations ladies!

 

Also, there have been several novices raised to Accepted this month. Wolfie, Ticondrius, and yours truly, Charis "Jr" were all raised this month. Well done, fellow Accepteds!

 

There have also been several new Aspirants joining us this month: make sure you all give White Dawn Pond, Riane, Adella, Al Jenn Mael, scarejack, Tsar, maryam and Amadine a warm WT welcome!!

 

In other news, a new WT & the DM world class started, taught by our very dear MoNster. Watch out for novices on field trips!

 

There have been several activities going on in the Dorms for the Kilaine Cup, headed up by Torrie. Again, all of the results are not in yet, but right now, Damodred is looking HOT! Keep your eyes open for the results!

 

That's everything for this edition of the Whispering Hole. Tune in next time for the next batch of Aspirant news!

[Elgee]

by Torrie Sedai

 

 

Not long ago the Disciplines were not in the position they are in now. Just a few short months ago they were just part of the Great Hall. Their Aes Sedai came to their rooms to visit them and they had little room to grow and become their own separated entity. The wonderful past Mother Kathana is the reason the Discs are now enjoying their own Waders Hall. Moats, barracks, their own quarters and even common rooms, have added to the comfort the Discs now enjoy.

 

 

When the WT ORG first started, the Warders did have their own forum.  Lack of new recruits and the selfless way the Warders were throwing themselves in front of their Aes Sedai during danger, brought the Warders guild to a halt. This is when the Warders guild became part of the Great Hall. There was no moat and the Aes Sedai did not have to walk across the field to be sure their Warders were properly trained. There was no sneaking out at night with the Accepted and the Warders were kept in tight rein.

 

As some of you (those who have read my past articles) know, at this time there are three Disciplines. (If you did not know this, go read my past articles. Now! Do it! ) Before the decision to separate the Warders, there were no Disciplines. There were the Barracks and the Warders Guild. No dancing Novices there. Aes Sedai were wondering where the new Warders would come from, all of theirs took “My life before theirs” quite literally.

 

This is when the Disciplines were created. Each Discipline was allowed a private board and life went on.  A few new recruits entered into the picture and were quickly taken up by the current Aes Sedai. This had the, yet to be raised, Accepted having a fit. No more Warders were available. The Greens were extremely upset because they were having a contest of bonds. The Blues were out of the Tower all the time and needed someone to protect them. The Browns kept losing theirs. The Yellows needed someone to try new healing weaves on. The Whites needed debaters and the Grays wanted someone to negotiate with. The Reds… well, they just needed someone to make pretty.

 

This led to the split of the Warders Guild. They became their own entity and have successfully replaced any Warders who had disappeared (Whether by accident or sacrifice). There is now a moat, where the Novices get thrown in, often, a dragon, with babies, and lots of activates which keep the guild hopping. The Disciplines have their own boards. This keeps anyone from accidently poking someone outside the Discipline (That was accidently, I say nothing of on purpose), but it also enables a Warder or Warder-to-be a place where they can relax. The Warders have their own private forums and I am sure they talk all about their Aes Sedais.

 

So the assessment of this move is a good one. Most of the WT is happy with the move and many of the Warders would have it no other way. The effort of making our Warders comfortable has shown through in this move. Along with new members and happy Aes Sedai, I am sure the Warders guild can do nothing but get better. And of course we want our Warders happy.

[Elgee]

by Al Jenn Mael

 

 

The Wheel of Time turns, and ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the age that gave it birth comes again.

 

This month we look into fond memories held by each of the Ajahs. The memories range from the founding of the organization to punishments doled out in The Dungeon. Where if you listen hard enough you can still hear screams. These are some of the best and most memorable occasion in the tower, so enjoy the read.

 

 

The Gray Ajah

 

Everyone knows members of the Gray love food. And when is the most important time for food in the year? Thanksgiving.

 

My fondest Gray Ajah memory would be the Thanksgiving Dinner that we hold ever year. It's a wonderful event where everybody from all the Ajahs and disciplines to get together and have a virtual dinner and have fun with one another. It's a great event to interact with people that you don't normally interact with in the WT. This event brings people from different backgrounds and different ethnicity that its amazing to see where people come from and how Thanksgiving is for them.

 

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner – Cairos Sedai

 

 

 

 

The Blue Ajah

 

People say women have long memories, apparently so do men, and that Aes Sedai remember the dawn of time. Here is a memory from the very foundation of our beloved tower.

 

I belonged to a time when DM was purely a Role Playing(RP) site. People joined up because they wanted to be part of the world of Wheel of Time. However there were certain rules back then where people couldn't role play characters from both the WT and the BT. So I was sad, coz I really wanted to be AS and Ashy. *shrugs* I think most people do.

 

Anyway, so I decided to stick being an Ashy as I was new and didn't really know how to RP a female. But I'd always wanted to be a Blue like Moiraine.

 

When DM finally split into RP and Org I was overjoyed to find I COULD be an Aes Sedai. Slowly my interest in RP waned, and I focused on my WT personality. When I was finally asked to Aspire, I chose the Blue Ajah INSTANTLY. And that's where I've been since.

 

Most people feel the Org Blues are different from the Blues in the books, but I've never felt more Blue in my life. I involve myself in all kindsa activities on the board. Some of which I have no business being involved in. And I challenge myself to ensure I can fully contribute to each of these activities. On top of that, I do what I can to make sure each activity is a success. I practically am channeling Moiraine here. Whom, to this day, is my favorite character EVER.

 

Blue Ajah Foundation – Boopsy Sedai

 

 

 

The Green Ajah

 

Green Sisters are very social and like to share their happiness. Kara Sedai shares her favorite memory of a festival hosted by the Greens.

 

My favorite Green Ajah moment has got to be a St Paddy's day festival one year when we dressed everything up in green and had tons of fun events - coloring competitions and limerick competitions and we even sent each other Paddy's day paraphernalia!

 

Saint Patricks day event – Kara Sedai

 

 

 

The Brown Ajah

 

The Brown Ajah renown for their chocolate are also known for their compassion.

 

...a specific memory from the Browns. I can tell you they're a great group of people that always welcome me back with open arms. Also, I know that no matter what, I can speak my mind and be met with open minds.

 

For a specific memory, however, I'm going to have to go outside of just the Brown Ajah and tell about meeting my Warder on here for the first time. This was back in 2005, and he and I just had a go at each other to put it simply. There was lots of syrup, flour, and popcorn involved. Not to mention flying, wands, and of course Bob the moat monster.

 

I joined in October 2004 and have been visiting mainly the Brown Ajah off an on ever since.

 

Friendly Brown Sisters - Jeannaisais Sedai

 

 

 

The Yellow Ajah

 

Even new members can help create fond lasting memories. The Yellows demonstration for new members is sure to leave an imprint on any new aspirant.

 

My favorite yellow moment is our traditional welcome to every newbie, which consists of most of us popping by, Dunbar running in naked and spanking them with a floorboard (and leaving it as a present) and Tiggy smacking them around with a fish 

 

Well, as to what i can remember, my fondest memory in the Yellow Ajah would be our I guess ritual for the new or fresh meat novices. We have this floorboard. Its used two ways, for protection and for spanking. We spank the new novices and then give then the floorboard for safekeeping. Also, there is the fish too. Only one person has the fish and its Tigara. If you're not careful, he'll slap you with a fish. I had my share of spanking from both the floorboard as a novice and the fish too.

 

Traditional Yellow Welcome - Nynaeve and Dah'mir Sedai

 

 

 

The Red Ajah

 

The Reds uphold justice in unique and interesting ways. Here is a favored memory of such an occasion.

 

One favorite memory of mine is not very old, but it was great fun.

 

It was when a bunch of mischiefs got up to no good and Kara (the Green Head) and myself decided it was high time to teach this lot a little lesson. They were locked in a dungeon and given a list of challenges. The one that performed the best was set free and then the next challenge was given. While some muttered and complained, most seemed to enjoy it.

 

You can find the Dungeon thread here

 

Red Justice - Mystica Sedia

 

 

 

The WhiteAjah

 

The White Ajah is famed for their Winter Carnival and the crafty puzzles they create. Here is a fond memory from one of the participants.

 

One of my favorite memories has to be my first White Ajah Winter Carnival. I was a novice, not long joined, and was partnered with someone I'd never met before, also a novice, Talya. We had to work together to solve puzzles and conundrums, riddles and cyphers. I'd never had so much fun! I forget who came up with all the mind-bending puzzles but each one we had to finish in a time frame. Every puzzle was in a different WoT location and to finish each puzzle we had to post a short RP-like story of how we got to each location within the set time frame. Talya and I hit it off and we found that we each had different strengths when it came to the different types of puzzles. Together we won the final - which if I recall correctly - had come down to a tie break. Talya and I kept in touch and eventually we souvra-bonded.

 

Winter Carnival – Kara Sedai

 

[Elgee]

by Boopsy, Charis "Jr.", and Little Miss

 

Hello and Welcome All to the interview of the Wonderful Kathana! In this month's issue of Casefiles, we will press Kathana in hopes to see if perhaps she knows who killed Our Beloved Asmo... *shifty Eyes*[/color]

 

 

Pacing back and forth, novice skirt swishing slightly, Limi waited outside of Kathana's Special Projects Manager Office. Sweat rolled down her face as stress racked her nerves at meeting such an esteemed member of Dragonmount, and the Amyrlin Emeritus no less. Hearing a rather pleasant sounding "Come in”, Limi stops her incessant pacing, takes a deep breath, and enters the office never retur-- I mean... enters and takes a seat in front of the large cherry wood desk adorning the room. Chatting over some tea and mini sandwiches, the investigation interview got under way......

 

-------

 

Taking a small turkey sandwich, I rearrange my skirts to balance the small plate and note pad before beginning.

 

"Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for us, we know you are a busy lady who does much to keep DM up and running. Now why don't we start the questions? Tell me, do you have a favorite anniversary to celebrate?"

 

Taking a sip of her tea, she answered with a contemplative tone, "I suppose my wedding anniversary. I'm terrible at remembering dates, but my husband makes sure I know this one is coming and keeps my schedule clear."

 

Nodding quickly and jotting it down, I press on. "Since your husband has to remind you of your anniversary, are you good at remembering any special or important days?"

 

She glances at what looks like an upside down desk calendar with a grimace on her face and says: "Me and the calendar aren't usually on speaking terms, so no”.

 

Intrigued by the fact that there must be a certain date she doesn't want to remember, I resist the urge to try and take a peak. Coughing and clear my throat, I try a different question. "So, since you have been with DM a while, what is your favorite past time on DM?"

 

She smiles at this and replies, "Currently, it's lurking on the book discussion forums and getting an idea of what might be included in the WoT FAQ”.

 

Smiling back, I make a mental note to see what the facts on the killer of Asmodean were, before bouncing to the next question, "Now tell me, do you have one day do you wish people remembered more?" Looking around, what looks to be a little nervously, she pauses before answering me. "I really have no idea how to answer this one."

 

Keeping my composure the best I can, I nod and try not to fidget from the billion other accusing questions burning to be asked. Instead, I take another sip of my tea and ask, "So, do you have a favorite thing you like to receive for remembrance? (I.e. getting a rose on your "such and such" every year, or some certain item every year)?"

 

She points to and looks lovingly to an elegant vase on her desk and replies, "My husband is pretty good about surprising me with flowers for Valentines every year. It seems like I turn around and there are roses on the table that weren't there before." Pausing to think she adds, "The only other thing I can think of that qualifies would be that I make an effort to get my nails done before a convention. I find it very soothing. "

 

Trying not to mutter about how cool and calm this woman was, I bring up the next question I have jotted down. "If you could move a holiday to a different season of the year which would you move and why?"

 

She smiles and says, "Not a holiday per say, but I'd move Dragon*Con to a summer month so I'm not working the week before it. It would make my life so much easier."

 

I take another sandwich while I peruse my list, and peg one that may give me another hint. "So, what days have special meaning for you?"

 

She promptly replies, "Fridays. Those are activity days at school, so I always have a good time. We played Quidditch this week."

 

Trying to cover my grimace of disappointment, I try another way, "Are there any places have special meaning for you?" *cough-Caemlyn-cough*

 

She gives me a funny look before answering, "I feel a strong attachment to any hotel I've been in for a convention. The Hyatt Regency in Atlanta especially feels like a second home to me."

 

I stifle a sigh and end the conversation on a happier note, "Alright, last question, what foods have special memories for you?"

 

A happy smile blossoms across her face and she says, "Chocolate pudding”.

 

Running out of question, I finish up the interview, and thank her again while giving her a curtsie and scurry off to finish my novice duties.

 

 

Well Folks, looks like the "obvious" suspect in Asmodean's death has yet to be discovered... Stay tuned next month to find out more!

 

[Elgee]

by Little Miss

 

 

Welcome to the section where you can get your monthly fill of:

 

 

“I can’t believe they just said that!” to the “LMAO!  Now that was funny!”  And let’s not forget the lovely ones that make you want to add, “That’s what she said…”

 

 

Now Ladies and Gentleman, please enjoy the random, nonsensical, and utterly delightful quotes of the month!

 

 

 

*laughs* Please tell me you're legal...

 

Done better, done worse.

 

Thats what she said.

 

The teenage girl in me just wants to say:

 

INORITE? LIKE O MY GAWSH.

 

 

Boopsy... I know Lily is a green.. but where are her pants?

 

 

I"m actually all in black today...my mom just wandered through and was like. "You know you should be wearing more color. I was like uhh why its Vday." She sighed deeply. LOL

 

 

Question: What is your favorite word?

 

 

here'syourcoffee

 

;D

 

 

I'm pretty sure I've developed calluses on my butt from all the spankings from my Warders.

 

[Elgee]

by Lucy and Claire

 

 

Recommended Reading - by Lucy

 

The Dogs Of Windcutter Down

This book tells the (true) story of the life and struggles of a farmer in England, during the time there were all those animal diseases about.  It's a lovely book, especially if you like dogs.

 

Marley & Me

I know the film came out lately, and of course most people have seen it - but have you read the book? If not, you really should as it's actually quite different from the film. For those who don't know, it's about the life of a couple and their hyperactive labrador dog. It's probably one of the most emotional and heartwarming books I've ever read - and very truthful.

 

The Sound Of Laughter - Peter Kay

This is Peter Kay's first autobiography. (Peter Kay is a successful British comedian, in case you don't know). It's hilarious and definitely a good read. :)

 

 

Recommended Watching - by Lucy

 

Movies

 

The Invention Of Lying

Great film - a very interesting portrayal of a world in which nobody knows how to lie. Admittedly, it's not completely believable, but it's still quite funny and a nice film. And it has Ricky Gervais in it. ;)

 

 

Lesbian Vampire Killers (Warning - rated 18)

Despite how it sounds, it's not a porn film or anything. It's about two friends who meet up with a group of girls while on a hiking trip and find themselves in a bit of a pickle when they discover the area is home to lesbian vampires. And that's where it gets completely ridiculous, and hilarious.

 

 

 

Recommended Listening (by Claireducky)

 

Muse:  Resistance, Black Holes and Revelations, Absolution

 

I've been a big geek for this band for a LONG time now.  This Brit rock band has a lot going for it-- a healthy take on their obvious influences like Queen, with their completely unique combination of distorted guitars, fuzzy bass, frenetic drumming and hypnotic keys and synth tracks.  It also helps that the singer has a unique and talented voice that grabs you in the gut and holds on for dear life.

 

One thing that you WoT fans should appreciate about Muse is their take on protest songs (particularly on Black Holes and Revelations and Absolution) reads/sounds like a perfect soundtrack to the Wheel of Time.  I can't help but see the armies marching to the Last Battle whenever I hear "Intro/Apocalypse Please" from Absolution: 

 

Declare this an emergency, come on and spread a sense of urgency, and pull us through-- and pull us through-- This is the end, yeah this is the end of the world. 

 

It's time we saw a miracle, come on, it's time for something biblical, to pull us through-- and pull us through-- This is the end, yeah this is the end of the world.

 

Flippin' Sweet.

 

Dethklok: Dethalbum and Dethalbum II

 

Ok...so I admit the premise of a made-up death metal band and the crazy (usually bloody) hijinks they get into sounds like a weird and dumb premise for an adult cartoon.  But strangely...it works.  Metalocalypse is one of the most popular cartoons on Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" animation block during late night.  Not only that, but the songs that are played by the band in each episode during the season have been made into not one, but TWO albums that were the highest charting death metal albums in the history of the Billboard 200.  So obviously, they're doing something right.

 

The funny thing is that Dethklok isn't really a band.  The music, singing, lyrics and instruments--with the exception of some awesome drumming at live shows by Gene Hoglan (Opeth, Death, Testament and more)-- are all the work of Brendon Small, co-creator and writer of Metalocalypse.

 

Now, death metal isn't for everyone.  However for those who can stand a little growling vocals and double kick drums for 3 minutes at a time, Dethklok is pretty enjoyable.  Brendon Small is a talented guitarist of a caliber on par with metal legends like Dave Mustaine.  He also voices the growling lead singer, "Nathan Explosion".  You might feel that if you've heard one metal growler, you've heard them all-- but I think Brendon's approach is fun and unique to listen to, and a lot more palatable on the ears than some of the other screamers out there.

 

Honestly, if you're going to listen to Dethklok and the above reasons of good instrumentation and vocals aren't enough reason for you... just get a load of the always-hilarious "gory" lyrics:

 

Swords? Check. Saws? Check. Clubs? Check. Claws? Check. Hatred? Check. Anger? Check. Mermaid? Check. Murder? Check.

 

Murder, murder; mermaid murder! (Your life was ended by mermaids.)

 

Seriously...if you can't enjoy mermaids taking out some bloody vengeance on their enemies with swords, clubs, and laser beams (also mentioned in the song)...then I feel bad for you.

 

 

Tom Waits - Rain Dogs, Bone Machine, Mule Variations... well, pretty much any of his albums.

 

Tom Waits...where to start.  If you haven't heard Tom Waits before, you will remember him forever after the first time you hear his voice.  It's been described as sounding "like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car."

 

Waits has been around for a long time, and he is also a very prolific recording artist, so there is a wealth of albums to choose from in his discography.  He puts his trademark growl to use in songs ranging from dirty blues and jazz with elements that border on experimental/industrial/progressive rock.  He uses graphically charged lyrics that commonly portray the more seedy or lower-class lifestyle, but you can also find a great selection of classic ballads in his work as well.  Some of my favorite songs of his include "Singapore", "Sea of Love" and "Soldier's Things" (originally from the 1983 Swordfishtrombones but recently featured on the Jarhead soundtrack):

 

Davenports and kettle drums, and swallow tail coats

Table cloths and patent leather shoes

Bathing suits and bowling balls

And clarinets and rings

And all this radio really

Needs is a fuse

A tinker, a tailor

A soldier's things

His rifle, his boots full of rocks

And this one is for bravery

And this one is for me

And everything's a dollar

In this box

 

 

That's all I'll subject you to for now, but if you care to learn more of my favorites or recommendations, my PM box is always open!  --Claire

 

 

 

[Elgee]

 

 

In this regular column, the Mother Ducker sits down and talks with the leaders of various groups around DM to provide you with a bit of insight into that group and it's purposes at DM.  In this month's column, she caught up with Loraine (DM Handle: U4ea) of the Kin Org.

MD: Thanks for talking with us, Loraine!  First, can you tell me a little bit about yourself and the group you lead at DM?

 

Lor: Well, let's see... I'm Lor. I've been at DM for 6 years, now. I started out at the WT Org and a little over a year after I joined, a group of friends and I created the Kin. It started out as a place for people to go when they didn't fit in the place they'd chosen, anymore, regardless of what Org it was. Our goal was to keep people at DM and active, give them a break and let them get comfortable enough to go back "home" when they were ready. Today, it's morphed into a place where people go to find a relaxed atmosphere where we celebrate each other's lives and trade goodies through exchanges. I think the Org these days is closer to its name than it was when it was created, which is just awesome to me.

 

MD: So you are "Kin" in the family sense of the word, and not just the WoT definition as we know it.

 

Lor: *nods* very much so, though the book definition is still pretty accurate, too. We do still get the occassional runaways. ;)

 

MD: Hehe! So what does the Kin Org do at their boards?

 

Lor: Ah, name it.  We have monthly activities, which usually focus on a given theme-- so, depending on what month you drop in, you could experience everything from Random Acts of Kindness month to a Disney overload. My favorite times of the year are Halloween and Christmas, though. At Halloween, we open up the doors of Kin University and celebrate Halloween from as many different angles as possible. This year, we had about 13 "classes" going for Kin U.

 

Christmas probably looks the same as everywhere else, with Christmas Card Exchanges and Secret Santa Exchanges, but we do something a little better than that, too. We adopt one of our own who's been a little down on their luck and collect money to make their Christmas a little brighter. This year, we sent... let me check the amount...175 US dollars to our adopted Kinster.

 

MD: That is fantastic!

 

Lor: All of that money came from donations from our members, usually at $10 or $20 at a time.

 

MD: Wow! It sounds like there is something to tickle just about anyone's fancy in your Org.

 

Lor: Yeah, we try to make sure everyone has something they can play along with. :) We even try to make sure that there's manly stuff in the middle of all the girlie stuff so our guys don't feel overloaded with estrogen.

 

MD: Good to know that the menfolk fit in there well, too! So, what are these Kin Sashes and Knitting Needles I keep hearing about?

 

Lor:  The Sashes are our ranking system. In the books, you could identify one of the Kin by the sash they wear in public. In the books, the sash is red. We decided to make the color of the sash our way of identifying our ranks, so we added Blue, Green and Purple sashes to signify each rank.

 

As for the needles, that's a funny story. In the books, the meetings of the Kin members were called "Knitting Circles." Somewhere along the line, poking people with our knitting needles became a tradition. Then along came Twinny, who started giving them out when people joined and the rest is history!

 

Today, our Golden Knitting Needle Club is how we repay our highest ranking members, those who've already attained the highest rank they can without being staff. We want to keep them active and repay them for that activity. So a few years ago, Twinny and I (mostly Twinny) dreamed up the Golden Knitting Needle program.

 

So, our Red Sashes who continue playing along with our activities and sharing their lives with us contiue earning points. At certain set points, they earn another needle.  We've got a few Red Sashes with four Golden Needles just because they continue to be active and play along with us.

 

MD: That's a great plan for member retention, and sounds like a lot of fun for the participants, too!

 

Lor: It's all about the bling. ;)

 

MD: What upcoming plans/projects/fun stuff does the Kin have in store soon?

 

Lor: Hmm.. well, next month our theme is all Irish, so we'll have a lot of threads going up dealing with Irish things. It's also National Arts & Crafts Month, so we do an exchange that gets everyone up and playing along. They do something Arts & Crafts related and we exchange it! The talent these Kinsters have is AMAZING!

 

From there, we've got Disney Month coming, the Gleeman's Tale, Seed Swaps... seriously, you name it, we've got it in here somewhere. And if we don't, we will, just point it out and see how long it takes us!

 

MD: You guys have some of the neatest ideas for projects; be careful I don't swipe any of them for the WT! ;)

 

Lor: *laughs* They're copyrighted, so you have to say "I totally stole this from the Kin."

 

MD: Haha, fair enough. ;) If somebody wanted to join up with the Kin, what would they need to do?

 

Lor: To join the Kin, all you have to do is start a thread saying "I want to join the Kin." You'll get welcomed by everyone, get smooches from me, needles from Twinny, a neato Blue Sash that you can parade around DM in and a party all your own!

 

MD: Simple, and satisfying!

 

Lor: And lotsa fun, too!

 

MD: Can you explain in one sentence why somebody should come join you all at the Kin Org?

 

Lor: I'm a fiction writer, you really expect me to do anything in one sentence?  *grins* I should've put that in quotes, I stole it from Brandon.

 

Hmm... I think if you're looking for a place where there's always a celebration of something; where there's a VERY STRICT no drama policy where you can let your hair down and rant or cheer; where Happy Mail is more than just a postcard; and where you'll always be welcome... then the Kin is the place you should go! ...how'd I do?

 

MD: GREAT!  And nice use of semi-colons; the Brown Ajah in me approves. Well Loraine, thank you for taking time to talk with Daes Dae'mar about the Kin Org, and I hope our readers will stop by and check you out soon!

 

Lor: Me, too! Please don't tell them we line the front door with cement, so once they appear, they don't leave. :D

 

MD:  Mum's the word. ;)

 

Mother Ducker took some time out and spoke to members of the Kin Org about why they love their group, and here's some of what they had to say:

 

"I love how fun and kind and easy-going it is here; and how I always feel appreciated every single time I stop by here.  I never feel left out, or unwanted, or like a stranger.  I'm always welcome, and loved.

 

I love that I can share my joy and pain, and get advice when I need it....  And that we all support each other and cheer each other up and celebrate with each other and just have so much fun and enthusiasm.

 

The Kin is a safe haven, a place where you know you'll be welcome."  -mmeeshal

 

"Well to add what everyone else has said this is a great place. There is no stress, no drama.

 

Do you ever come home from a hard day at work and decide you don't want to do anything, so you just fall in your favorite chair, put your feet up and take a deep breath, feeling the cares of the day fall away from you?

 

That's the Kin."  -Torrie

 

"I like the fact that, while you may have great freindships throughout DM, the friendships here at the Kin can surprise you with a Happy Mail item(Often just when you are feeling down)." -Samuraiflip05

 

 

Thank you all for reading this month's edition of "Meet The..." If you're interested in joining the Kin, all you need to do is pop into their boards, which are located HERE.  I hope you've enjoyed this month's interview, and stay tuned for next month when I will be interviewing those rascally folks at the Debates and Discussions board.  --Claire

[Elgee]

by Kara_J

 

 

Come play games with us!  *g*  Work your brain and have fun while you do it with this monthly feature.

 

Featured this month:

 

Sudoku! Test your skills on this Sudoku game here:

http://www.suduko.us/j/forme.php?xh=17167

 

Have a suggestion for a game?  Let us know!  Email us at daesdaemar@whitetower.org and be sure to put "Puzzles and Games" in the subject line!

 

[Elgee]

by Elgee

 

 

Hip, hop and happening right at this moment is the Disney themed week held jointly by the Blue and Green Ajahs. Now you all know that when Blue and Green get together, it can mean only one thing ... FUN FUN FUN till their Mommy took their Ter'Angreal away!

 

So check out the White Tower board (that's the one you're in right now, for those who haven't had their coffee yet  ;)) and join in the fun  ;D

 

......................

 

Coming up in March, we have the Red Annual Event, International Woman's Week. That will be held from the 8th to the 14th of March (sorta ... plus minus ... hey, it's women we're talking about, ok? Expect a delay of about an hour  :P ... [Myst is soooo gonna kill me for that remark])

 

......................

 

Moving RIGHT along then! Following the Women's week, we have something ...extraordinary. The "Other" Tower is coming to visit. Or we'll visit them. Or both. There will be no blood shed. Or Stilling or Gentling or spiking each other's drinks with Forkroot. Much.

 

Who's that, you say? Oh come on ... surely you know about that "other" Tower? The one we don't mention out loud? Especially not in front of Reds?

 

*Shifts feet, looks around carefully, then lowers voice:* The Black Tower, people  ::)

[Elgee]

Hope you're all enjoying this month's edition  :D

 

I've added a poll - let us know which article is your favourite!

 

Comments, ideas, etc are welcome - post away! No spamming, though  ;)

 

ps: I've added Nyna's column in, because even though she had nothing funny to say this edition, it's a regular  :D

[Torrie]

Looks good to me! even if I am one of the writers. lol

 

 

I love the Kin interview and the quotes are great!

 

 

Great job everyone!

[Elgee]

bump