Political Machinations

Just like on Capitol Hill, democracy was at least seen to be done last week at the club's Annual General Meeting.

Fortuantely however, since most of the back-room deals had been worked out before hand, little actual democracy took place to slow down the proceedings. Indeed, the most protracted vote turned out to be for that of selector(s), so I'd like to as the king-makers to extend their reach a little further next year and make sure to get that one sorted too, so we can all get down to the boozer that much sooner.

All cynicism aside, I have nothing to complain about. My year of undeteced crime gets me another shot at Captain, alongside Ed Lutjens as the other officer entering his Sophomore year. Matt Winch returns for his umpteenth encore on the Executive Committe, and Dan Joyce represents the sole breath of fresh air, stepping in to Jerry McQueeny's big shoes at President. Last but not least, Jerry Alves hangs on to his selector hat, and is joined by Evan Harding, to round out a worryingly "back-centric" selection panel.

Looking to curry some instant favor, my first appointment was Scotty Derrig as Vice Captain, who mercifully accepted. All other appointments were deferred until such time that the Exec. decides what holes need to be filled, and by whom.

Thanks, as always, go to the outgoing officers. It's always with a mix of envy and regret that you bid farewell to anyone from the administration, given that an ounce of experience usually outweighs a ton of enthusiasm. But both Jerry and Al gave more than their share to the club, and can now devote their energies back to the HCR Group and turning it into a global powerhouse of whatever it is that it does.

As a parting gift, Jerry ensured that the club's "Code of Conduct" was modified and tightened up on loutish behavior, name calling and general dissent. As with all great legislation, the specific nature of most crimes was left unsepcified, and falls to the subjective eye of the Exec., so depending on who's in office, posts such as this one may, or may not, get me classified as an "enemy combatant". In short, play nice, avoid witnesses and above all, NEVER commit anything to print - because you never know when today's joke becomes tomorrow's "negative comment specifically directed toward a player or the team [which] will not be tolerated".

But don't worry, the club's hear-no-evil and see-no-evil monkeys will keep you safe. You know, all those "negative" comments you try to post? Well the monkeys get a banana for every naughty post they block, so go ahead. Monkey no like your potty mouth! (or crappy spelling for that matter).

So, what else is news?

Well, it looks like D2 has a new Kommandant this year. Vic Thomas has stepped down to accompany Springfield down to D3, and Neil Foley of Charles River moves in uncontested. Of course, it's only a matter of time before I write something seditious about NERFU or its management, and now that Neil is working for "the man", I should probably rack up a few credits early. Neil - those two e-mails you sent so far? Top notch, mate. Keep this up and Keith McNeal had better watch out.

There, that should keep me in NERFU's good graces for a while. Nothing puffs up a man's ego like a shout-out on the "World's most popular blog about Portland (Maine) Rugby Club".

Other than that, finances looked in pretty good shape, although we pretty much had to take Al's word on it. Fred made his bazillionth request to go to Ruggerfest, and Andy Nelson was appointed tour directory for our 2009 Anniversary Tour. Too bad most of those present will be 112 years old by then.

So, lastly, some guy called Mitch e-mails the club (thanks Mitch) with this picture of the Fairgrounds. Zoom in and it sure as hell looks like a rugby game going on, but I don't remember it ever being sunny at the Fairgrounds. Is one of those tiny dots you? Let me know if you ever remember seeing a sattelite overhead while you were playing, or just got that uneasy feeling that you were being watched (by someone other than the usual handful of spectators).

Merry Christmas and see you in the New Year.