Chronicles of the Blade is a Craab based movement devoted to Street Hockey and Motorball. This movement derives its name from the fact that both these sports are played on in-line skates or, as they are commonly known, "Roller Blades." Street Hockey is much like Ice Hockey except that it is played on asphalt or concrete, making it more accessible than its icy counterpart. The majority of our games are played in the parking lot of Emerson Elementary, found on the northeast corner of University and Westwood, in Mesa. Motorball is a sport of our own contriving, inspired by the sporting event, of the same name, found within the pages of Yukito Kishiro's post-apocalyptic cyberpunk saga Battle Angel Alita. It is a high contact race where teams fight for control of the Motorball while completing circuits around a track. The majority of our Motorball events are held on the Wheelchair Course located on the Mesa Community College campus, which is found on the southeast corner of Southern and Dobson, in Mesa.

Thursday, November 22, 2001

The Blades of Thanks: 2001

This Thursday the 22nd of November, is Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving, tradition has it that we play Hockey. And so we will play Hockey this Thanksgiving at 7 am on the Emerson battlefield. Communists will sleep in. Please make your intentions to attend public. -The Chronicler
Despite the weak pre-game commitment, contrasted with the clangor of the local Card Carrying Deceased Communist faction, there was a fairly good turn out.
The Thanksgiving Roster ran like this:

Eddie "I'd Rather be a Saiyan Fishing" Jarman
Kohl "El Mecha Chupamacabre" Glass
Mike "Plik Smash!" Sakeveda
Brandon "Factor Zero" Burnham
David "Radio Disney" Jarman
Tim "Banished to the land of Ghosts and Wind" Boyle

The teams were Wrestlers versus Non-Wrestlers, which surprisingly a pretty even break of skill, with the Non-Wrestlers winning by a very small margin. Play was hard and good, starting the Thanksgiving festivities out right! God Bless Capitalism! -The Chronicler

Tuesday, July 10, 2001

Hockey: July 10th, 2001

"Shapes Ahoy! Hockey: Tuesday the 10th of July 2001, 7:30pm. Location: Emerson. Afterward: Possible Swimming. Please post as to whether or not you can attend. " -The Chronicler
Last night's Hockey was good. With a starting time of 9pm (an impressive hour and half after the projected start time) play did not last as long as it usually does. Most of the time was two on two with the later third being three-on-three. Players in attendance:

Boo
Kohl
Tim
Angus
Brad Heartwig
Matt Heartwig
Brandon Burnham (who replaced Kohl)

There was no swimming afterward.

Thursday, June 28, 2001

Hockey: June 28th, 2001

"Seat's Taken! Hockey: Thursday the 28th of June 2001, 7:30pm. Location: Emerson. Afterward: Possible Swimming. Please post as to whether or not you can attend." - The Chronicler
Hockey went off without a hitch. A majority of the games were two on two, cause even though there was a good turn out it wasn't all at that same time. Here are the Players in attendance:

1. Angus "The (Non-Simian) Beast" McKay
2. Matt Vanderwalker
3. Boo
4. Steve
5. Chris
6. Kohl
7. Ammon
8. Tim
With Jessica as support

The swimming afterwards was exquisite.

Thursday, June 14, 2001

Hockey: June 14th, 2001

"Nazi Gorillas! Hockey: Thursday the 14th of June 2001, 7:30pm. Location: Emerson. Afterward: Possible Swimming. Please post as to whether or not you can attend." -The Chronicler
Players in attendance:
1. Boo
2. Angus
3. Leslie
4. Steve
5. Tim
6. Kohl and . . . .


7. JOSH!
It was incredible, Josh showed AND PLAYED! It was incredible! The Hockey was fast and furious with the face-offs being totally discarded. Afterward swimming, which was also fast and furious, which was mostly Islands with a little Aardvarks & Sparrows. It was fast and furious. - The Chronicler

Wednesday, June 6, 2001

Hockey: June 6th, 2001

"Vanishing Knights Without Armor! Hockey-Wednesday-June 6th 2001-7:30pm-Emerson-Swimming Afterward. Post here if you are going to try to make it." -The Chronicler
Last night Tim said, "The people who didn't come beat the people who did. We got creamed." This was so true. We had a six player turn out, but because of different time tables, the majority of play was "two on two." Here is the list of last night's players:

1.Tim
2.Ammon
3.Chris
4.Boo
5.Angus
17.Kohl

Which I have kindly put in order accordance to James McKay's list of top players.

Thursday, May 3, 2001

Hockey: May 3rd, 2001

"The Hounds of Thursday Night! The wait is over . . . at least for some. There will be a preliminary Hockey game before the start of the Summer season on 8:30 PM Thursday the 3rd of May 2001. Location: Emerson. Please report your intentions (either to play or not to play) HERE on this forum. Thank you." -The Chronicler
Weather Status for night of Hockey: Perfect
Emerson parking lot status at 8:30 pm: Full
Emerson parking lot status at 9:00 pm: Empty
Number of players in attendance: 4
Number of Ammon's that said they would come but didn't: 1
Number of Steve's to come out of the closet: 1
Players: Angus, Boo, Chris, and Kohl
Teams: The Shelly Descendants vs The Glasses
Comments: We didn't play long but we played hard.

Friday, April 13, 2001

Chronicles of the Blade: April13th, 2001

There is a whole grundel of excuses, reasons, and obstacles that are racking our circle. Deteriorating not only our system of recreation but loosening our grip on our mortal coils. Some of these excuses are absolute and unresolvable, eliminating members of our clan indefinitely. Other reasons are more temporary, like finals and other scholastic pursuits. The semester is coming to a close and the pressure is on. It is not a time for distractions. It is a time of focus. A time of thinking. Therefore things will be put on hold (or at least slowed down quite a bit) until the semester is over and summer starts proper. There will still be updates, there will still be posts and Emails. There will be less Hockey/Motorball games announced. In this "down" time, I think it would behoove us to think about this. On the third of this month a new Chronicler Question poll was created, and it asked, "What Should the Future of Motorball Be?" Below are the options and the results as of today.

Chronicle Question What Should the Future of Motorball Be?
Total abandonment with a decree to never speak of it again. (0) 0.00%
Retire the sport, reference it daily, exaggerate it greatly. (8) 32.00%
It hurts and therefore is evil and should be avoided. (0) 0.00%
Once a month or less. (1) 4.00%
Twice a month or more. (1) 4.00%
It should be played and played often-P.S. I won't be there (0) 0.00%
I am not allowed/able to play, so I really don't care. (2) 8.00%
New stats! New armor! New blood! Bring it On! Tonight!!!! (4) 16.00%
A video game substitute should be found. (2) 8.00%
Detachable cybernetic bodies in a post-apocalyptic world. (7) 28.00%
25 Total Votes

You did have the option to vote for more than one selection to best represent how you felt, and thus the larger number of votes. As you can see the highest reaping selection was, "Retire the sport, reference it daily, exaggerate it greatly." with 32.00% of the vote. In truth, this surprised me. Of course there was a strong Pro-Motorball turn out but the persistent Anti-Motorball presence, got me thinking. This poll was sent out to test the waters, to see if Motorball should be retained in our itinerary, but because of the mixed response, it is time to shed the anonymity and discuss this as a Forum. To be totally fair, I will be moderating the posts for flaming or trash talk, before they are sent to the Forum, so that we can maintain the discussion where everyone can express their views without fear of criticism for having an opposing view. It is time to use the forum like a forum. I want to get everyone's input, and I want everyone to argue their opinion. Your participation will be greatly appreciated.

-The Chronicler

P.S. For those who haven't figured it out, the Florianopolis Intro Gif is a parody of the over-used missionary farwell hit, "I Will Find you My Friend" and the equally over-used story that inspired it.

Tuesday, April 3, 2001

Chronicles of the Blade: April 3rd, 2001

Pablo Picasso once said, "Every act of creation is first of all an act of destruction." The question that enters my mind is, "What has to be destroyed to make a baby?" Of course that might be a very personal question that varies with each set of parents. But regardless of what has been destroyed the babies have come. The once "little unnamed Boyle" will be known as "Charlie" in the eyes of God. I, however, have decided to call him "Algernon" and I will try to persuade others to follow suit. Jake and his Al pal had their kid, naming him "Tate", opening the door for such gems as "Tater-Tot", "Tater sauce","Tate Crimes","Tatred","The Ol' Tate and Switch","David B. Tate", "The Tatekeeper" "Tater Control Crest" and so forth.
For those who do not know, Motorball was not held this weekend. There is no information on the reason at this time, but I will keep you up to date on any late breaking news. There was a drop in voter turn out for our last poll, "Motorball Vs. Hockey," with an even 30% attendance. But regardless of this it was evident that Hockey is predominantly more popular than Motorball. I think this is very interesting. I belive Hockey is based more on skill and therefore has more of an art to it than Motorball which seems steeped in endurance and brute force. Motorball on the other hand is an adaptation of a comic, and there fore totally unique to our circles. It also holds an enthralling mystique with the numbers, shirts, symbols, stats, lingo, and armor. Something we have yet applied to Hockey. Playing Hockey "well" is based on how one skates, steels, scores, and handles the ball. Playing Motorball "well" is based on how one suppresses the instinct of self-preservation. Where Hockey is a surgeon's scalpel, Motorball is a baseball bat. After Hockey I feel like I have been sharpened and honed, after Motorball I feel like a Survivor. Motorball brings on a paradigm shift, as if a freeing of the soul comes from the destruction of the body. One feels beaten and so very alive. Maybe that is what Picasso was talking about. I think Hockey and Motorball has a yin yang effect. The one providing where the other lacks. I believe it would be a mistake if we were to abandon one or both. Of course, these are my thoughts and opinions, and I welcome any and all who have opposing or supporting opinions that you want to share. Please send them to me and I will post them on this page, or you can post them on the forum. It is up to you.

-The Chronicler

Thursday, March 22, 2001

Hockey: March 22nd, 2001

The unexpected highlight of Hockey on March 22nd was the sudden and totally unforeseen appearance of Brandon "Bushido" Shoemaker. Despite the months of missing in action, he held his own and, at times, even schooled those who have been playing this whole time. Others in attendance were Ammon Shepherd, Jacob Boyle, Angus McKay, Jessica Shepherd, and Kohl Glass. Head injury jokes were made before, after and during the intense Hockey that went on.

Monday, March 19, 2001

Chronicles of the Blade: March 19th, 2001

Congratulations
To Tim for becoming the first CRAAB father
To Iris for emerging victorious in her battle against pregnancy
To the little unnamed Boyle for making it here OK

Emerson's parking lot, MCC's Wheelchair Course, and Deep Space . . . silent, so very, very silent. Spring Break came and went and the silence remained. There have been many theories formulated to explain this phenomenon but Aaron Shepherd said it true when he said, "We should have played Hockey this week." Yes, Aaron, we should have. I apologize for the silence on my end. Things were . . . hectic. Beyond the smaller turn out of our last game, and then the absence of games these last two weeks, things are going well. Here it is the 19th of March and we have already past the total number of posts in February. All of the site's links and "extras" are up and working. We also had a (record) 64.075882353% turn out at the voting poll, which was somewhat controversial because it delved into the true identity behind The Chronicler. Steve received one vote, Chris received one vote, Josh received one vote, and Bruce Laborin received one vote, but the mass consensus identified The Chronicler as Tim Boyle, with a sweeping six votes. As The Chronicler, all I have to say is, you couldn't be more wrong. I wanted to keep my identity a . . . "secret" doesn't seem right to say . . . a less known fact, because I wanted The Chronicles of the Blade to be fair, equal, and devoid of agendas, opinions, and biases. This can only be done if an unknown entity, also fair, equal, and devoid of agendas, opinions, and biases is the one who moderates and maintains the forum. I can conceal my identity but I cannot conceal my personality, and therefore I think it has become a little too easy to identify who I really am. So no more charades. I will maintain the title as The Chronicler when dealing with this forum, but no longer will I continue under the pretense that my identity is a secret (as of late, I am the only one who thought it was). I am Kohl Glass, I am Katana. You can call me what you want but don't you dare call me late for dinner!
-The Chronicler



Friday, March 2, 2001

Hockey: March 2nd, 2001

The call had gone out and answers of confirmation given. Promises of presence made. Yet upon the dark pavement moved only four figures. These alone had been true to their word. They fought like lions and found sweetness of victory and agony of defeat. Yet these emotions were shared by so few. Do they stand alone in this world of uncertainty? Will the call go unheeded forever? Let it be known that those present were Boo McAllister, Angus McKay, Steve Crandell and Leslie Edmunds. May those four who stood true to their word and their blades find great blessings in large numbers poured out upon their heads. And to those who hid their faces, a pox be upon them and their posterity. Will you show your faces and attempt to redeem yourselves? Or remain ever in exile? When the call goes out, who will answer?...
-Beast

Monday, February 26, 2001

Chronicles of the Blade: Feruary 26th, 2001

Everything is going according to plan. Extra-Chronicler posting is now the rage. And there was a 55.555% voter turnout at the Chronicles of the Blade poll, with the "Oh . . . Boyle Vomit! Everywhere!" option getting 60% of the votes. Weekly Street Hockey is again weekly. Also, the last two Hockey games were well peopled. The Friday (16th) game was a little too numerous for most player's tastes, but the Thursday* (22nd) game was just right, at an average of four against four. Maybe this will reveal me as an elitist but I feel that as Hockey goes three on three and four on four are optimal numbers. Even five on five is OK but not more. In fact I would rather play two on two that six on six. The reason being is the court is not big enough and everyone tends to start playing like they did when they played soccer in the third grade. The ball wanders all around the court with a large mass following behind it. At this point skill fades behind the glaring randomness of luck. And the point of playing is not as obvious. The exact opposite is true about Motorball, the more the better! Anyway, that is why we don't play on Friday every week. Though at times it excludes many, weekdays have less of a turn out. Regardless there will be a Hockey game 8:30pm on Friday the 2nd of March, 2001 at Emerson. To be there will be to take a stand against entropy. Think globally, play locally.

-The Chronicler

*Read Thursday's game write up by the Beast!

Thursday, February 22, 2001

Hockey: February 22nd, 2001

A small cluster of young men and women, dressed in tattered clothes, pads and blades, was found gathering on the premesis of Emerson Elementary, at approximately 8:00 pm. They appeared to be carrying sticks and attacking a small spherical object with relentless vigor and fury. Several wounds were incurred, but the players carried on, unheeding. Players were identified as: Kohl Glass, Chris Glass, Matt Vanderwalker, Boo McAllister, Angus McKay, Steve Crandell, Louie the Red Shirted Gnome, and Leslie Edmunds. The players faced off in their divided teams and wreaked havok upon the pavement and upon each other. Several goals were scored by Boo McAllister from the start, with an occasional answer from Kohl. Matt Vanderwalker showed a great deal of skill and agility, but was thwarted by misfortune on his attempts to score. Then Steve and Leslie(never to be seen one without the other) arrived on the scene and the pace picked up to a much more intensified rage. The players all had their share of victories and despairing over follies. Several collisions were incurred, mostly between Angus and Boo. The game arrived to the final minutes with the teams divided as Boo, Kohl, Steve and Leslie (never to be divided) against Chris, Lou, and Angus. The decision was made, "First team to three wins", and the face off began. The first few goals were shared between teams equally, then the larger team broke away with two quick shots to win the match. Blessed are they who played, and may there be more upon our next encounters.

-Beast

Friday, February 16, 2001

Hockey: February 16th, 2001

Friday, February 16, 2001 was truly a blessed night... for some. For others it was an evening of something other than total hockey-bliss.
Though our numbers were small at the first, and the start being delayed by a number of mishaps, we were blessed with arrival of squad of young ruffians who offered to join our game. The cones and hockey balls were retrieved from the back of a large vehicle that had been ever so faithful in bringing the equipment in the past, but on this particular occasion a special team had to be ordered out to obtain the necessaries, due to the trucks apparent immobile state. (Or maybe it was just the owner of the truck who wasn't going anywhere...he has confessed his sin and is fully pardoned on account of his forsaking this transgression in the future). Teams were evenly divided, with Boo McAllister and Elliot Williams as captains, and play began. Details are few (mostly because I don't remember much). There was an obvious rivalry between the two captains as they were repeatedly found locked in combat over posession of the ball throughout the night. Both squads proved to be worthy opponents and there can be no denouncing of anyone who played.
Those that do need a good beating are those who considered it better to spend the evening consumed in their association with girls or history classes. But we will let that matter rest, and allow them to act as their conscience directs. For the time being, suffice it to say that the realm of Hockey has been reopened and a rebirth of fire and speed has come at last. May you all join us in the future to engage in the thrill of speed and the neverending struggle for the small spheres that become us.
-Beast

Chronicles of the Blade: Feruary 16th, 2001

Bladerunners
The first week of Chronicles of the Blade is behind us and as of Wednesday there have been three posts . . . all from me. The voting poll was used a little more than the Forum was. There were 13 votes, which means that there were at least eight people who went to the web site (5 of the votes were mine). I guess even forums are subject to inertia. I want to take this time to declare that Chronicles of the Blade is not solely for the announcement of Motorball and Hockey games. It is for the expression of views, opinions, thoughts, questions, ideas and discoveries. A place where the love of Motorball and Hockey is the common bond but not always the subject. For example it was recently pointed out that there is an up coming movie called "Rollerball" which has an uncanny resemblance to our very own Motorball. The trailer can be viewed at
http://www.rollerball.com/trailer.html
Now that is something isn't it? Did Hollywood executives finally discover Battle Angel Alita but failed to get the rights? Or is Rollerball's similarities to Motorball only a facade? Which individual will sacrifice time, money and possibly intelligence to satisfy the curiosity of the group? Things to think about. Things that could be posted on Chronicles of the Blade by one who is not me. There will be Hockey, Friday the 16th 8:30pm at Emerson Elementary and we hope to have a good turnout since A) the planning process was held democratically and B) Friday night games tend to not want for the lack of players. See you there.

-The Chronicler

Friday, February 9, 2001

Chronicles of the Blade: Feruary 9th, 2001

Chronicles of the Blade Members

Welcome. Chronicles of the Blade is the official Street Hockey and Mothball E-mail forum of Craab, replacing the Never-Forsake-Hockey forum. In the introductory message there appeared a phrase that said, "Prepare for the Second Phase of the Craab based blade sport renaissance." For some time now there have been movements and efforts to renew Craab's devotion to movement and adventure. This forum is yet another step in the crusade against rigor mortis. You are invited to visit the Forum's group page at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chronicles-of-the-Blade
Once there, you might notice that there are many options that can be put into use. Options like the archives, polls, chatting and so forth. We are working to have those options integrated into the forum by the end of Neveruary*. Until then go get your skates on! The knee pad has landed!

The Chronicler

*Due to the fact that Yahoo is run by the last vestige of chronologically preserved Third Reich generals from the basement of a European castle with a large map, Chronicles of the Blade will not be using the "Group Options," beyond posting E-mails.