Elliot Trotter, Mark Monlux, James Stowe, RR Anderson Photo by Kevin Freitas

Rumors have been flying for the last month about the CLAW’s Great Yearly Ceremony. For a secret society that has been not-so-secret with its secret ceremonies, this secret ceremony was kept…well…pretty secret. In fact only a select few other than the membership were invited to the event, which was his in the historic Knights of Pythias Temple in Tacoma, Washington on the dark and gloomy evening of January 4th 2010. The extravaganza showed the changing of the guard with Two of the Four Eyes stepping down, and Two new victims being called into leadership.

Unlike other organizations, which have a democratic process to determine leadership, the CLAW thrust leadership upon its hapless membership. When you are called, you serve. Bu wa ha ha ha ha ha!

Shaking their mantle of responsibility were Elliot Trotter and RR Anderson, the masterminds behind the CLAW’s conception. Now sharing in the wealth of chores and labors are Jeff Hawley and Michael Shaudis. Remaining on the council for another year of sterling leadership are Mark Monlux and James Stowe.

The CLAW also took this time to semi-publically thank the Friend of CLAW, individuals who proved themselves to be very strong supporters of the CLAW. You’ve seen the invites, now you get to meet the recipients:

Kevin Freitas, Warren Caves, John Munn and Dave L. Photo by Kevin Freitas

Kevin Freitas – Photographer Extraordinary, and creator of FeedTacoma.com
Warren Caves – Owner of Tacoma Art Supply
John Munn – Owner of Comic Book Ink
Dave L. – A Really Good Guy

Yet more rumors abound! It’s possible that the CLAW might make next year’s Great Yearly Ceremony available to the public. If you think that tickets, supporting the CLAW Student Scholarship Fund, would be a good idea, then let the CLAW know.

The CLAW sends a special thanks to the Knights of Pythias. The CLAW encourages its reader to check out the Knights of Pythias, who believe the ideals of loyalty, honor and friendship.

And here is Adam the Alien’s special Vlog-Tag of the event”

\”Robot gets Sweater\” by Mark Monlux

The CLAW Open Swim is open to anyone who likes to draw cartoons, and hang out with the CLAW. In short membership is not a requirement for attendance. However, December’s Open Swim will require anyone attending to bring a gift for a White elephant gift exchange. You can bring even personalized fathers day gifts to surprise your father as it can create more memories.If you do not bring a personalized gift you will be scornfully kicked out with much derisive laughter and catcalls.

Rules for the White Elephant Gift Exchange:

1. The gift must be “absurd”.
2. If you buy the gift, you must not spend more than $20.

Upon arrival your thoughtfully wrapped gift will act as your ticket of admission. All gifts will then be placed on the gift table. Numbers will then be drawn. Participation will be in order of number drawn. The first up will have free choice from the table. They have the option of leaving their chosen gift wrapped. The following participants can choose to steal a gift from those before them, or take a gift from the table. Those who have a gift stolen from them can steal a different gift, or take a gift from the table. A gift can only be stolen three times. A gift cannot be stolen back from a previous owner. Once the exchange is completed all gifts that are still wrapped must be unwrapped. The Trading, purchasing, bartering or auctioning of gifts after the exchange is allowed.

Location: The Mandolin Café in Tacoma
Date: Wednesday, December 30th 2009
Time: 7:30 p.m.

from the archives of Mark Monlux

This is a reminder that there will NOT be a CLAW Open Swim tonight. The meeting, which is normally scheduled fourth Wednesday of the month, is re-scheduled to the last Wednesday of the month. Yes, that’s right, the next CLAW Open Swim will be Wednesday, December 30th 2009.

To get into the Open Swim a White Elephant Gift will be required. Review the December 13th Posting for rules and details.