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The apperance of a Guest in the Rose Garden Friday night asked some interesting questions and made folks think.

Argon asked, "So anyway, Guest, how did you find SpinDizzy?"
Guest1 said, "Just was looking for furry type mucks."
Terry meeped, "Well, this is a furry-compatible MUCK, at least."
Alicia said, "The majorty of Spindizzy is furry but it's not really furry based."
Argon said, "We have some furry folks, and a lot that aren't."
Guest1 asked, "What do you mean by furry based mean?" Chanspot nodded, "It's a mixed group, really."
KevMan said, "It's accualy fairly toon based."
Chanspot noded to KevMan and said, "That's probably an apt descriptor, yeah. More toons than anything else...I think? Or we could just say we're a diverse group."
Argon said, "It isn't like we have a test you have to pass to get a character here. But feel free to visit and look around. If you like what you see, then decide if it's for you."
Alicia said, "(IF it were...) Furry based. Almost everyone here would be a furry and the theme would be furry. Spindizzy is, like KevMan pointed, is toon based."
Alicia said, "...On Spindizzy...more than meets the eye."
Alicia raised her paw into the air and suddenly changed back to the way she was. A 9 tailed kitsune.
Chanspot noted it isn't a toon! It's a walking coffee/chocolate machine. Or, well...I suppose that's pretty toony, isn't it? Maybe SciFi?
Argon noted he is a centaur, neither 'toon nor furry.
Guest1 asked, "Oh lots of transformation here?"
Tanuki noted, "Our theme is open-ended."
Argon said, "Sometimes, a few folks change form a lot. Others do so when an RP or some situation makes it happen."
Terry meeped, "Yeah, lots and lots of transformation."
Alicia morphed into her human form.
Guest1 said, "So toons, transformation, and open ended?"
Tanuki barked, "We're on this 'world' floating in space, you see, and, what we _are_ is sort of besides the point so much as that we _live_ here."
Chanspot said, "It's mostly diversification, Guest. We try to appreciate everyone, and accept what they have to offer," the fossa thought a bit, then grinned, "Well, in between eating chocolates. It's also an area where the players get to be active--our admin's pretty transparent. They prefer us to run the events, organize meetings, socializations, RPs..."
Terry meeped, "Well, that describes nearly every MUCK I've been on, Tanuki. "
Alicia said, "...Guestie. Let's put it this way. 'Anything can happen as long as it's within a resasonable acception in the public eye."
KevMan suggested, "Maybe you should visit the newspaper arcives."
You sais, "Yeah, it isn't so much species or form based. Just folks being what they want to be and having fun doing so."
Alicia noted, "This isn't a yiff muck but then again I can't tell what happens in the back scenes."
Tanuki barked, "That's very right, Terry; perhaps the real question is _why_ we all live here, but, that's difficult to explain."
You said, "http://www.spindizzynews.org is the paper. There's a lot of history there, and you can get an idea of the things that go on. "
Chanspot nosed the Guest, and grins, "Sorry if it seems like you're getting splattered with info, here--we just like to help out."
Alicia said, "Here...Community comes first, not indivdiual cliques."
Chanspot nodded, "That's...a pretty good descriptor."
Ping squeaked, "Community comes first? Excuse me while I go toss my cookies."
Guest1 asked, "Lots of artists here?"
Ronnie noted he is an artist and a writer.
Ping attempts art. She's better at music, personally, and programming.
Chanspot said, "Well, it's impossible to spend time on a text-only medium and not have some form of creativity...be it writing, doodles, programming...you could say we all have our specialities. You, too."
Argon said, "Well, I think it's fair to say that most folks enjoy the sense of community and involvement that SpinDizzy allows. We have groups, but they all interact and none actively lock anyone out. We all seem to get along well and enjoy one another, realizing that it is all of us that make the place what it is."
Guest1 said, "Thanks, just kinda looking for the most part and asking questions."
You said, "No problem, Guest." Guest1 asked, "So what are the busiest times and days here?"
Borris said, "Is hard to be saying."
"We're coming up to one of them," barked Tanuki, "Think of it as 'Pacific Prime Time'."
Alicia said, "...Mostly around this time. The pacific evening is the most populated."
Tanuki barked, "I believe there's still quite a crowd that meets in what ends up being early morning in the USA, basically it's evening in Asia/Australia/New Zealand and it's coming up on noon in Europe when they meet."
Chanspot said, "There're usually about ten or so, aye."

The Guest seemed to enjoy the converstion,

Skiltek, local skiltaire and holistic hairdresser, was in an electric mood one evening, and after noticing Terry's centipede drone, decided to paint it to make it prettier.

"Tek will use airbrush to put pretty panoramic scene on hard shell!"

Terry disconnected the movement controls and let Tek go to work with his airbrush equipment, and was quickly painted with a brilliant orange and purple sunset scheme. While this was already quite striking, compared to the previous silver chrome, Tek proceeded to paint a detailed beach panorama across the centipede's segments.

This inspired admiring comments from the onlookers, to which Skiltek responded, "Tek can make anyone more pretty, fur scales or otherwise. Look how shiny and well decorated. Terry has unique colouring that no one else has."

The holidays are coming to a close, so as promised, the Ambush is returning, starting this Sunday. I'm looking forward to it, and sincerely hope you'll be there.

The Ambush is hosted every Sunday, 19:00 MU time, give or take a little bit. Ambushes are whimsical events--folks gather and someone tosses out an idea...then everyone offers their interpretations. Poetry, prose, drawings, code, even recipes.

Yes, I said code. From hello world's to C:/SPOT/RUN it's an event that celebrates our creativity in whatever form we choose to express it in. I'll be giving extra time on this one, too--it's been too long since we've had an Ambush. If you're in the midst of studies, consider it a breather to kill some stress. We're here to have fun and to celebrate eachothers' diversity.

Please luge to N1 E8, B this Sunday, hop in and be prepared to share your ideas, even as a spectator. It'll be good to see you there. :)

Spindizzy's weekly Bardic Circle (Poetry/Filk gather) met Friday, January 7, at 7:00pm Spindizzy time, in a Mountain Shelter, moderated by Ray. In attendance at varying times were: Elizabeth, Alfie, Chanspot, Premchaia, Laura, Skyler, Ping, Kinsor, Kefan, Findra, and Elissa.

Kinsor started the session with a original piece expressing a true computer-user's reaction to the arrival of Spring. Ray followed that with an original poem, titled, "Wintertide." Laura then performed an original composition inspired by an incredibly vivid dream of flight. Ray followed with another original poem, titled, "Dancing Among the Stars." Elizabeth read Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening."

Skyler then read "Moods," by Sarah Teasdale. Ray continued the general Theme of season and weather, reading an original Haiku, titled (against all tradition), "Winter Knives." Chanspot changed the mood a bit with an original poem about chocolate repentance. Elizabeth returned to Theme, with, "To the Thawing Wind," again, by Robert Frost. Ray followed that with three original works: " 'Winter Dreaming," "Cycles of Life, Cycles of Time," and, for fun, a "Cycles Haiku."

Ray continued with an original poem, titled, "Clouds." Elizabeth then read ann original poem, titled, "Cabin in the Woods." Ray then changed the mood again with a spooky, original poem, titled, "Haunted Vistas." Kefan, in his usual way of doing things, read a humorous Haiku inspired by, and written during, "Haunted Vistas." Ray then finished the session, reading two more original works, a sonnet, titled, "Stainless Steel Rose," and a free-verse poem, titled, "Rosepetals Swirling On the Breeze."

The hour once again grew late, and the moderator withdrew.

The next session will be Friday, January 14, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm Spindizzy time (luge S7 E4, [B]asalt [P]illars, [E]nter [P]ortal). All are welcome, either to read or just to listen. Check the eventlist for more details.

Can you guess where the quote was said, who said it and as a bonus this week fill in the missing word. See the bottom of the paper for the answer...

This week's Quote...

"I say we de-fluff him..."

Can you guess where the quote was said, and who said it. See the bottom of the paper for the answer...

Back issues from a year and more ago. Remember when...?

• One Year Ago / Mars Rover Takes Wrong Turn
• Three Years Ago / Slow News Week

Notes from the SpinDizzy Live Journal Community

Remember, user names on the Live Journal forum may be different than those of characters here.

• (Austin) - I haven't heard a report of what's going on in the evening shift lately -- what's everybody up to?

  Yesterday we had the adorable sight of Beltrami using her (really quite long) tail to toss out, wriggle, and catch a baby kangaroo, and to reel her in to Roofus_Roo. I've heard of squirrel fishing, but kangaroo fishing is a new twist.

  And while we're at it, when did Cassyroo become an infant? What happened? She was understandably not much for explaining it, but there's undoubtedly a story of some fashion in there.

  (Brenda) -Well, other than determining that I'm a latex elemental when I take on that form, not much has really happened with me. As a typical kitty, I've been mostly lazing about here and there over the holidays, not really doing much. Not sure about anyone else. I think Zach's scheming to flood Spindizzy or something by trying to absorb as much water as possible (it causes him to grow as a water elemental), but I'm not sure.

  (Argon) - Well, the "retirement" of the 2004 Christmas tree is coming up Sunday the 9th. Zach's scheme to flood SpinDizzy has been met with joy by the cetans, otters and other water types. Near as I can tell, the balloonies will just float so I haven't heard them complain.

  Cassyroo is a little baby 'roo now. She (as most young ones who haven't seen a centaur before,) seemed fascinated by me and asked to sit on my back. She found my long soft tail interesting and compared it to her own. She then found my mane to be soft and ended up falling asleep on my back.

  Beltrami found this nice and asked by pointing at her "ring finger" when Mavra and I were going to have little ones. We are putting that decision off for now.

  Terry got a nice spray paint job on his robot clone body by SkilTek who painted a nice beach scene on it as I recall.

  Tarka and Ping are still female, and Tarka is crying "Doom" at every turn. Leslie seems to have returned on a semi regular basis and she and Roofus are still good friends. Had a Guest stop by who plans to be a fox once his character request goes through, but he toyed with the idea of trying being a 'roo for a change.

  Also looking for new snacks for the Ancient Oak. I'm using that for the survey this week.

  The Bardic Circle and Art Ambush are starting back up. There's been no conversation I've heard about the planet. I hope Morti gets that going again.

  Oh, and Kinsor and the hamster ball, but I'll put that story in the paper!

  (Brenda) - Well, sure, *I* can just float on top like a giant pool toy, but I still have Cougar Canyon to think about ("Dust bowl? Rocky? My home this is!"), among other things. Hey, I was pretty adamant about getting Zach to leave my den and my canyon alone. Guess I'm still a territorial feline that way

@Action News, SpinDizzy's weekly paper, apparently has a fairly healthy circulation, so we figured we'd show just how healthy it is.

Each week, as long as there's room. I'll show the 'hit graph' for the @Action News website.

Welcome to the latest edition of Bearing up, the advice column where Ba'ar (That's me!) has answers to your most challenging questions.

Dear Bearing Up,
I need a loan of $20,000 for a new car, The bank won't give me a loan. Where can I get the money I need?
- Willie Weasle

Dear Willie Weasle:
Simple...steal it.

Dear Bearing Up,
My kits are driving me crazy! Where is a good kit care place?
- Flustered Mom

Dear Flustered Mom:
Juvenile Hall.

Dear Bearing Up,
The gym I used to go to is closing. Can you suggest a gym that is centaur friendly?
- Argon

Dear Argon:
US Gym and Fitness is a wonderful place for Centaurs.

Dear Bearing Up,
Who's better, Ryder or U-Haul for renting trucks?
- C. W. McCall

Dear C.W. McCall:
Neither! AVIS!

Dear Ba'ar:
If I don't like a book's ending, what can I do about it?
- BW

Dear BW:
Write your own ending!

This week Argon asked, "I'm doing a survey for @Action News. The question this week is, "I know this has been asked before, but with the Holiday snacks gone from the Ancient Oak, (The "snack tree",) what new snacks and items should be put in it. Feel free to suggest several if you'd like."

• Brenda says, "Morsals of deer meat!"
• Gilead chirps, "Fish!(and) "Eels!"
• Cye says, "triple fudge deluxe chocolate cake with fudge icing!"
• Vixie says, "The tree should have more chocolate, for one. It should also have coffee. And more Vixie treats. It could have cute awards for Vixie."
• Cassyroo wants a little t-shirt out of the Oak that has "Cutest Joey In The World!" on it and spells out with a little paw on Argon's back the word "COOKIES" and "JOEYROOTREATS", and looks up to him, grinning. She then tilts her head a little and grins up at Argon and thinks that some equine brushes that would fit her little paws would be nice oo so she can groom her new friend
• KeithBear says, "Assorted candies are always nice. And tea. "
• Findra - I think that the tree should have candied carrots, glazed with chocolate and covered with crushed espresso beans.
• Adara - Pistachios! They're dee-lish!
• Peppermint sez, "Centaur repellent?"
• Austin says, "Dragon treat crackers."
• Speckles says, "CentuarBites!"
• Ray - A few new snacks which furs might enjoy? How about Sushi, Petit Fours, and Thai Satay Chicken?
• Borris says, "25 pound bags of Pork Rinds should be in tree! 500 pound cans of SPAM!"
• Terry meeps, "Tiramisu ice cream."
• Chanspot peers at Argon, "Now, asking me that's pretty useless. You know what my answer's going to be."
• Guest1 says, "Maybe like a K-Ration?"
• Alicia snickers. "A videotape with a "Where's the Beef?" Wendy's comerrical."

Zach's Quoted Quote Answer

Tired of old fashioned scissors, razors, creams and tonics. Trying to reduce the amount of fro in your fur, or perhaps you're looking for a fuller body look. We have the thing for you! The Furrinator 2005 can buzz or fuzz any fur, hair, wool, or whatever. Using patented telekinetic tachyon tracers, you'll be able to do what would take minutes in moments. Pick yourself up one today.

Guess what, yes that's right the quote happened of course in the Rose Garden, by Mouser, friendly or fiendish furret you make the call.

Congratulation to all of you that guessed right!

Submitting a story or artwork for @Action News is easy! Just send it to newspaper@spindizzy.org or qmail or page Argon, Carl or SDN about it.
@Action News is published weekly on or after 12:01 AM Eastern Time on Sunday. Most any type of story or article will be accepted. Generally, we'd prefer things that aren't out and out lies or flames about other folks, and have a basis in the reality of SpinDizzy. Things that occur in public areas are fair game. The things reported don't have to have actually happened, (any more than anything that happens here does) but make sure you don't overstep the social boundaries and rules of interaction that we have. These are pretty broad guidelines, but we expect good sense to apply.

Thanks! Argon, Editor @Action News