The Radius - February 2007

Welcome to The Radius

Members of the Inner Circle, old and new, young in body and in spirit, down on your luck and high on Karma, welcome.

The last of the major beginnings is upon us. The shortest day was December 22nd, the western New Year on January 1st and the Mayan New Year on January 10th. We have only the Chinese New Year to celebrate on Sunday, February 18th, marking the beginning of the year 4705.

Truly we are living in the far distant future. Our world is filled with commonplace magics that would melt our ancestors' minds, but still we yearn for more. What can we possibly be missing, surrounded as we are by unprecedented material conveniences? Is the emptiness we feel simply a product of our consumer society, which tells us we cannot be happy unless we have more than those around us? Or is it something deeper, something within us waiting to be fulfilled?

Think of this as we collectively shield our heads from or run recklessly into the bombardment of Valentine's Day profiteering. Is it love we are missing, or something easier to define? Each must find his or her own answer, but the next time you play Morton's List, feel the connection to those around you, other players, people you interact with. Let go of your thoughts and feel that force, that Karma the game releases. Then ask yourself if indeed this is not the very thing you want and need.

As we all prepare to fully enter 2007/4705, take a moment and accept the possibility that THIS year YOU could experience more interconnection, more Karma, more of what it is you need than you ever thought you could have or deserve. Simply choose to allow for that possibility, and stay open to it, without expectation and without protection. Where there is no fear there is only Karma.

And on that note, let the Karma boost begin!

As we gear up for the first Tour de Chance date, Center is working hard to make each event unforgettably fresh. We've also received the first Inner Circle submissions for events to be added to the Tour de Chance.

The invitation to submit events for the Tour de Chance is still open. Here again is how it works.

There are four CLASSES of Morton's List events:

Each event will be one of the four Classes and up to one of the two Types. Here is a list of all possible combinations:

In preparation for the overhaul of MortonsList.com, all Tour de Chance events are listed on MySpace/mortons_list.

A quick word about volunteering. Center wants YOU to volunteer! Not because it makes our lives easier, though it helps. But because together we can accomplish so much more. It's amazing what a difference just one volunteer at an event can make. We do what we do for the love of Karma. It's all non-profit. So come work along side us, and help us spread Karma to those who have not been touched by Morton. If you live near Western Michigan, Southeastern Michigan, Eastern Tennessee, Mid-Ohio, Mid-Indiana or Northern Nevada talk to us. This is your chance to up your game and make the crucial leap from entertained to entertainer. Email Center today.

And now for the updates:

Marmalade Dog 12 - update

Marmalade Dog kicks it all off. Center has developed a new and bold full coverage convention format: 12 weekend-long two-hour Morton's List Quests with automatic Mutations, each starting on a different Table! Every game of Morton's List is always different, of course, but with this approach, each Quest is given a different flavor, while showcasing the 12 most commonly encountered Tables.

Even if there's no chance in the Nethervoid you'll be able to attend Marmalade Dog 12, here's more than enough reason to continue reading this update. Three words: Ninja Clan Showdown. Center is proud to announce that we have been given the great honor of hosting the 987th Ninja Clan Showdown - the first in the USA! This traditional Japanese event is the missing link between the ancient Chinese Taoist roots of Morton's List and present day ninja organizations. (Much more about this next issue!). This very special two-hour event will make history Saturday night at Marmalade Dog 12 in the unsuspecting town of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Email us to volunteer at Marmalade Dog 12!

CONTACTS
OFFICIAL Morton's List at Marmalade Dog 12 page
www.MarmaladeDog.org
www.MySpace.com/MarmaladeDog

VENUE
East Ballroom of The Bernhard Center
1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, Michigan

DATES
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, March 16 - 18, 2007

TIMES
Friday
2:30 - Doors open, registration begins
3:00 - Slot 1 (3:00pm Solar Rise Theme Quest & 5:00pm Cosmic Law Theme Quest)
7:00 - Break
7:30 - Slot 2 (7:30pm Mortal Ties Theme Quest & 9:30pm Nightscape Theme Quest)
11:30 - Doors close

Saturday
9:30 - Doors open, registration begins
10:00 - Slot 3 (10:00am "I'm Neutral" Theme Quest & 12:00pm Mountain Theme Quest)
2:00 - Break
2:30 - Slot 4 (2:30pm Vision Quest Theme Quest & 4:30pm Chaos Theme Quest)
6:30 - Break
7:00 - Slot 5 (987th Ninja Clan Showdown)
11:00 - Doors close

Sunday
9:00 - Doors open, registration begins
12:00 - Slot 6 (12:00pm Lore Galore Theme Quest & 2:00pm Yang of the Sky Theme Quest)
4:00 - Break
4:30 - Slot 7 (4:30pm Rainbow Dragon Theme Quest & 6:30pm Yin of the Earth Theme Quest)
8:30 - Doors close

COST
All three days: $20.00
Fri. & Sat. only: $15.00
Sat. & Sun. only: $15.00
Fri. only: $7.00
Sat. only: $10.00
Sun. only: $7.00
There is no additional fee to play in any or all of the Morton's List events!

The Karmic Gathering: Within - update

Tickets are printed and mailing out as of today! They are also available in the Knoxville area at this location:

Come for Friday, come for Saturday, come for the whole weekend. Center and the Twilight Circle (local Inner Circle host) are hard at work planning the most spectacular and meaningful Morton's List event of all time. Here is but some of the flavor in store for you:

CONTACTS
www.JuggaloGathering.com

VENUE
TBD - Michigan...?

DATES
TBD - Likely the 3rd or 4th weekend of July, Thursday through Sunday

TIMES
TBD - Usually near 24-hour programming. Morton's List events also TBD, usually midnight the first three days.

COST
TBD - Camp sites are usually available for an additional fee
There is no additional fee to play in any or all of the Morton's List events!

GenCon 2007 - update

If you haven't yet experienced the wig-expanding Karma of 12 Theme Quests in one weekend, do it at GenCon, the largest convention of its kind in the country. Enjoy any or all 12 Quests, each rolled on a different Table of Morton's List.

Center is negotiating the rights to hold the 990th Ninja Clan Showdown at GenCon Indy. We hope to have final word soon.

Email us to volunteer at GenCon Indy 2007!

CONTACTS
OFFICIAL Morton's List at GenCon Indy page
www.GenCon.com/2007/indy
CustomerService@gencon.com

VENUE
Indiana Convention Center, 100 South Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana 46225
Tel: 317-262-3400

DATES
Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, August 16 - 19, 2007

TIMES
Near 24-hour programming and events

COST
Pre-registration (Sunday, February 11th, 3pm EST to Monday, July 9, 2007 3pm):
4-Day badge: $65
1-Day badge: $35

Onsite:
4-Day badge: $75
1-Day badge: $45

There is no additional fee to play in any or all of the Morton's List events!

Burning Man 2007 - update

We wish to thank the Inner Circle for the feedback and interest in the Burning Man Morton's List Random Reality Theme Camp. Of the many people who have shown interest in participating, we already have two confirmed camp members, including long-time, high level Inner Circle member, RamGog of Miami, Florida.

Are you are ready to expand your life in new and unexpected directions by combining two of the most consciousness heightening experiences: Morton's List and Burning Man? Then come get the best out of both by emailing us to join the Morton's List Random Reality Theme Camp.

Email us to Join the Morton's List Random Reality Theme Camp at Burning Man 2007!

CONTACTS
OFFICIAL Morton's List Random Reality Theme Camp at Burning Man page
www.BurningMan.com
Burning Man Tickets
Burning Man Online Community

VENUE
Black Rock City (on the "playa" in the Black Rock Desert several hours north of Reno, NV)

DATES
Monday, August 27 - Monday, September 3, 2007

TIMES
Non-stop.

COST
10,000 tickets: $250 (mail order only - cashiers check or money order) also available on the Internet
Unlimited tickets: $280 (online, mail order, walk-in, available through 08/24/07)

There is no additional fee to play in any or all of the Morton's List events!

More Events

With so many Morton's List Tour de Chance dates make sure not to overlook the many non-Tour events hosted by Inner Circle members all over.

Horde Online Quest (HOQ) #2

Enterprising Inner Circle, Ouija of The Horde has a long list of credits. His latest project is developing ways of playing Morton's List through online chat. This is an excellent way to reach out to Inner Circle members without Inner Circles, or who are otherwise isolated or unable to find people to play with. With the help of Mutant XIII, Ouija has already pulled off a successful HOQ (see What Went Down). If you missed the first one, be sure to be there on the 25th.

What: Horde Online Quest (HOQ)
When: Sunday, February 25, 5:00 PM
Where: HOQ Home Page

In his own words:

The first HOQ went well so let's try this again, folks. We can have up to 100 Listalos partake and the more the better. We will play at least one Quest and the rolling can continue until you no longer want to partake. You need nothing to play but if you want to have a crack at being the Table Master you need a Morton's List game book (360°of the Inner Circle would be very helpful), at least six 6-sided dice and one Morton Boulder (30-sided die). Of course everyone needs to have a very open mind and patience to roll in a HOQ. I hope everyone will try to make it.

What Went Down:
Whether you made it or missed it, the "What Went Down" report follows up on each event covered by The Radius.

Horde Online Quest (HOQ) - January 21, The Internet

Usually What Went Down follows up on events promoted in The Radius. Sometimes events are organized without much notice and never make it into The Radius. That's good reason to stay current on the Morton's List Forum and MySpace (Bulletins, Group, etc.). The first Horde Online Quest is one such event. We caught the second one in time, and what follows is an account of the first in the words of the organizer, Ouija of The Horde:

On Sunday, January 21, 2007 at 3:00 PM CST eight Listalos gathered in The Horde Chat room to roll a HOQ (more information). Listalos in attendance at the start of this event were: Bubz, Julie, Monica, Ouija, Batz, Mutant XIII, Rahsa and Big Cheddar. We had four groups from four areas of the U.S. It was one of the biggest HOQs to date.

After hellos were said and pleasantries were over the roll off for Table Master began. If you have never played in a HOQ it needs to be noted that the rolling process can take a bit longer since it has to be coordinated by the host, and there has to be a great deal of trust amongst all those rolling. This group of Listalos all trusted one another and patience for the roll off.

Our first roll resulted in Bubz being our Table Master. He then rolled using 360° of the Inner Circle, which resulted in Whodunit? on the Lore Galore Table. The Inner Circle then went though the Winds of Change and decided to solve online mystery games. Our first mystery was to play Crimson Room. In this challenge you need to find your way out of a locked room. We all helped each other find the way out of the room, granting sweet escape from our personal prisons.

The next game we played was more true to the Quest. It was similar to an online game of Clue, and called Murder without Escape. This game proved to be a harder challenge than Crimson Room and it took about an hour and a half to find the murderer. End time was called and Batz and Mutant XIII departed from the HOQ.

The remaining Listalos decided to roll again and this time Rahsa won the Table Master roll-off for his first time ever and proceeded roll on 360°of the Inner Circle. Rahsa rolled a Mutations Mate (Pirates of Plunder) then for the Quest he rolled Botanical Benefits on the Solar Rise Table. The Inner Circle moved into the Winds of Change and decided to each pick a plant to research. Each member of the Inner Circle then had to write and share at least a paragraph of information about their researched plant. All this information can be found in the Global Inner Circle forums. Since this Quest did not require us to leave our areas there was nothing really to plunder per the Mutations Mate roll.

Too Shy to Try?
2007 by Twilight Lord Nathaninja

In Hong Kong most people live in what Americans would term "impossibly small and crowded" apartments. Try 500 sq feet (the size of a typical studio or small one bedroom apartment in the U.S.) with five to nine family members. Now think about having friends over to hang out. Not gonna happen. This is a primary reason cafe culture is so huge in Hong Kong. At home you sleep. All the socializing, hanging out, going online, playing games, etc. happens at cafes. But even that gets played out after a while. So to spice it up, they play truth or dare. A LOT of truth or dare.

The analogy has often been made between Morton's List and truth or dare. If you've ever found yourself attempting to explain what exactly this game you're into is all about to someone who's never played, you yourself may have likened Morton's List to truth or dare. It's been said that Morton's List is like truth or dare... without the truth. This excites many people who are looking for something, anything to wow them. The thrill seekers. Yet it is easy to overlook those who are less uninhibited. We all know them simply as "shy." What about those who are too shy to try Morton's List?

It's not just shyness. Phobias, overprotective and untested Moral Codes, close mindedness, hateration - these all can be barriers to the consciousness expanding Karma of Morton's List and Random Reality. But consider for now simple shyness, that fear of the unknown, of awkward social situations. We've all either experienced this directly ourselves or indirectly through people we've known. It can be a powerful self-limiting force. How can we overcome it, and help others do the same?

Recently on MySpace I was fortunate enough to be asked the question that became the nucleus for this editorial, "What if I'm too shy to play Morton's List?" The questioner, who we'll call "Johnson," was actually quite brave to step up and ask. It really got me thinking. Morton's List actually helped me overcame my own adolescent shyness and at least one phobia: heights. How can Morton's List, something that takes a certain level of trust in randomness and readiness for anything, actually combat shyness?

It has been said that,"The way you overcome shyness is to become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid." For me, Morton's List (well, the stack of loose leaf papers it was back then) provided that focus. It also provided that perfect balance of peer support/pressure. Doing something by yourself can be challenging, but doing it with a group? Less so.

Aside from the positive aspects of group think and being caught up in the moment, it's important to cultivate awareness. Without the presence of mind to recognize shyness we cannot combat it. If it comes from within, simply recognize that you are being held back by a real force. See that force objectively and consider what it is keeping you from doing. Don't fight it yet or beat yourself up for not being able to push yourself. Just recognize it.

Recognizing shyness in others is a matter of being present in the moment and being aware enough to sense their feelings and read their reactions. Sometimes you'll be lucky and a shy person will step up and say something. Usually shyness prevents such admissions.

Add to the anti-shyness arsenal safety nets. Shyness works on fear, and if you can address or invalidate those fears you can get yourself or the person in question to take that critical first step forward. With Morton's List the most obvious safety net is a person's Moral Code. We should all be careful not to abuse this built in "veto power," but it can provide a certain sense of safety for those a little resistant to the randomness and dare aspect of the game.

Another, even more important safety net is the group's own dedication to itself and everyone's enjoyment. The whole point of playing Morton's List for entertainment is just that: entertainment. If one person is not having a good time, then the group as a whole is not having as good a time as it could have. Less than the maximum Karma is being generated. The strongest Inner Circles are those that cater to each and every group member on an individual basis. That is the group's responsibility to the individual. The individual's responsibility to the group is to let go and be open to expanding beyond preconceptions. When these forces are balanced, the greatest Karma is produced.

It is precisely this Karma that combats shyness. Shyness is feeling disconnected, like an invisible barrier between you and other people. Karma is the removal of all barriers. Shyness is fear of the unknown. Karma is the opposite of fear. Karma is embracing the unknown. Shyness is self limitation. Karma is your self without limits.

If you're too shy to try Morton's List, all you have to do is open the book and roll the die. It's like walking onto an airplane. You have to take the first step, and the wondrous machine will transport you a thousand miles. Before you know it, your old self and the shackles of shyness will be left far far behind. The entire Inner Circle is waiting to welcome you as we have all been welcomed.

The BookBinder
Your One-Stop Guide to All Things Custom in Morton's List
2007 by The Astonishing OddBall, 360° Rainbow Dragon/Yin of the Earth Adept

Part Two - The Tools of the Trade

Welcome, once again to The BookBinder, your one and only guide to Morton's List customization! Last month, we took a peek at the ideas behind BookBinding, as well as the reasons we should all look into it. This month, we will begin to delve into the tools of the trade - from software to office tools, service centers to hardware.

In the process of creating or customizing Morton's List flavor, there are quite a few different tools one can use to make the process easier, and more precise. Only the most basic gear is necessary, though. A clean stack of office paper, a ruler and a pen can create a more interesting Quest Journal than most people realize. The trick to it is cleanliness, organization, creativity, and a samurai's patience. Likewise, a drill and an old hardcover book can come together to become a nice, sturdy reincarnation for your copy of Morton's List. However, to create those infinitely fresh designs without hiring on a staff of assistants, you'll need some more elite paraphernalia.

When it comes to procuring these items, one need not always look to their local art and office supply store. Truth be told, they can really be quite expensive there, depending on the store. Instead, depending on one's station in life, access to the tools of the trade can be found in some very obvious places. For example, high school students need look no further than his or her school's art or graphic arts departments. Whether it becomes a lunch time hobby, a project to earn an actual grade, or moreover, an excuse to merely 'borrow' said tools, they should lie right at your fingertips. Also, one could look only to a friend or family member who is into the fine art of scrap booking for access to these tools - for, as we all know, scrap booking and bookbinding are like bastardized twins, torn from each other upon exiting the womb, and thrust into separate lives, never to cross paths again.

The first thing I would suggest before beginning any custom project, is a standard issue, plain-as-Jane notebook. You don't need anything fancy, because really, it will only be used for sketching out ideas. A notebook of graph paper would be an extra step in the right direction, as it allows assistance in visualizing borders, margins, and similar ideas. In here you can throw down any ideas in any dimension you can imagine.

Pencils, pens, and other basic art and office supplies will all come in handy. As a matter of fact, from a good metal ruler to a three-hole punch, or a nice set of x-acto knives to felt-tipped markers, anything found lying around in your parents' home office can be used to create something special.

Aside from actual hand-held tools, one can also consider the concepts of virtual tools. I myself run almost everything I create through Adobe Photoshop at one point or another. As far as many are concerned, it is the end-all, be-all of computer graphics programs. When paired with a decent scanner and printer, it can create in mere minutes, what would take some folks days or weeks. Others would also suggest Adobe Illustrator or other programs, but I really think that would be considered advanced learning for all of our intents and purposes.

Many folks have a copy of Photoshop, whether legal or otherwise, and while there are many programs out there which are considerably cheaper, again, the fact remains… you get what you pay for.

It is understood, that not everyone has access to such a wonderful piece of software, so in future issues, we will explore both the traditional avenues as well as the digital ones for creating our works. Worry not!

One last thing that an apprentice BookBinder should consider is their local copy shop. From FedEx Kinko's to CopyMax, there are tons of chains out there ready and willing to help you see your creation come to life. They offer many tools for free use to paying customers, and also many services to lend a more professional hand to your work.

In the mean time, I've prepared a shopping list for those who would like to follow along with upcoming installments of The BookBinder! There will be other things we may need, but these are the basics. Perhaps you can round these items up and keep them in a spare shoe box until next month! We'll see you then!

1 Ream of standard printer/copier paper
1 Ruler (Metal, preferably)
1 Pack Sharpie Ultra-Fine Point Markers
1 Pak Sharpie Fine Point Markers
1 Pak Pencils, No. 2, any style (Mechanic, standard)
1 X-Acto knife, blades
1 Dremel Tool or similar rotary tool
1 Notebook, any style (But cheap preferably)
1 3-Hole Punch
1 Stick of Glue, or 1 Bottle Rubber Cement

The Astonishing OddBall is a 360° Rainbow Dragon/Yin of the Earth Adept, also specializing in Morton's List. He hails from Oshkosh, WI where he lives with his girlfriend Sugar, a List of Life Adept specializing in Cosmic Law, his dog Boulder, and cat Karma. OddBall has been playing since 2002, and is co-founder of The Ninjas of the Crimson M, as well as The Sons of Pandora and Happy Panda Revolution Music Company.

Pic of the Month

Each month The Radius showcases YOUR photos or artwork, whether take or made for a Quest or inspired by Morton's List. One photo each month will be selected from among all the submissions for its exceptional flavor and Karma.

Image submissions are accepted via email and must be at least 400px wide, 72dpi, not larger than 3Mb, in RBG mode, and .jpg, .gif or .bmp format.

February 2007 Pic of the Month

Ultimate Ninja Tactics

2006 by Cynday, Ypsilanti, MI

Here we see a ninja holding the prize possession of his clan: a pilfered vacuum cleaner from the home of the owners of Frontier Ranch in Pataskala, Ohio, site of the 2006 Gathering of the Juggalos. This photo was taken the morning after the epic Night of the Ultimate Ninja Morton's List midnight event.

Vote with Your Submissions

We hate to end this Issue of The Radius on less than a spectacular note, but the reality is that no stories suitable for publication were submitted this month. Perhaps it's Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) rearing it's benighted head. Perhaps the Story section is simply not what the Inner Circle wants out of The Radius. As a growing, evolving work, it is our duty at Center to respond to calls for change, be they direct or subtle. The Radius, like Morton's List, is totally participatory. If you the reader want to read stories from other readers, submit your stories for everyone to enjoy.

Vote with your submissions. If you want to see more poems, write one. If you want stories, send one in. If you want more Tour de Chance dates, host an event. In reality this is not a down note, but rather a true reflection of life and what Morton's List is all about. It's no spectator sport, and you get out of it what you put in. That perfect mix of rights and responsibilities is exactly that: perfect.

Send us your Story / Written Submission

TIP: To increase your chances of publication, please make sure to proofread and spell check before submitting. We edit all submissions for length and grammar, and are more likely to publish pieces that require less editing. Most written pieces should be 200-1000 words, with 500 being average. Photos or other images (using the format guidelines for Pic of the Month) that compliment your writing are encouraged and will increase your chances of acceptance. Submission instructions and the deadline for the next issue may be found here.