DECEMBER 2004
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Downtown Live
by Jamie Manser illustrations by Donovan White
Ya’ll know the game; we played it as children and beyond. It’s an international phenomenon that dates back to the ancient Egyptians - as evinced in their hieroglyphics depicting hand throwing guessing games. Some cultures know it as Shnik Shnak Shnuk, Ching Chong Chow, Janken or Jan Ken Pon, Kai Bai Boh, Ro Sham Bo or Rochambeau.
A game of cunning? A game of wits and psychology? Indeed, my friend. Although it is a statistical possibility to randomly win the best two of three throws, there are ways to outsmart your opponent. According to the World RPS Society, www.worldrps.com, there are sanctioned moves to dupe your adversary during the priming of your throw (closed hand one-two-three-GO!) – including cloaking, priming the chump and paper clipping. If you weren’t already aware - paper covers rock, rock crushes/blunts scissors and scissors cut paper. A controversy rages over whether rock crushes or blunts scissors, FYI. According to the World RPS website: “The World RPS Society created a task force in 1987 with a hope of eventually resolving the issue but it has been locked in debate and we no longer hold much hope of quick resolution.” There are also eight popular gambits of play (see side bar), with a total of 27 possible three-move combinations. Yeah, and? Why ought one want to be privy to this esoteric knowledge? Only if one were want to be champ of The All Tucson Rock Paper Scissors Tournament come Wednesday, December 8! Plush decided to play host to this funky, quirky event after manager Jim Peeken read an article in the New York Times about the Rock Paper Scissors International World Championships, held in Toronto. The article led him to the Word RPS Society website and he said all he could think was, “This is fucking funny.” There is a definite ring of hilarity when considering the contestants who have vied for the Rock Paper Scissors World Champion distinction. According to media reports, many of the gamers over the last three years have trekked to Toronto from all over the globe, donning super hero-esque outfits and putting their years of training to the test. Yes, years of training. This is no joke people. See if you have the skill and savvy to win the $100 grand prize, plus other yet to be determined accoutrements, for a mere $4 participation fee. The DeLudes are playing the event and if your conjones are lacking, it’s only $2 to hang out and enjoy the competition and the music. But remember – this sport is like bowling, drinking may actually increase your odds of winning! Registration begins at 8:00pm and the competition kicks off at 9:00pm. Call Plush at 798-1298 for more information. Celebrations of the SeasonKXCI’s Sonic SolsticeIn it’s third year of hosting a holiday music show, the fine folks at our now 21-year-old community radio station, 91.3FM, have decided to dub their five-hour music extravaganza Sonic Solstice. It rides the airwaves from 5:00pm to 10:00pm on December 20. Station DJs Laurie Starr, of Starr Tracks, and Don Jennings, of Locals Only, are organizing and hosting the fete. As of press time, ten of the 15 performers confirmed include Namoli Brennet, Kathleen Williamson, John Coinman, The Fashionistas, Nick Luca Trio, Leila Lopez, Nancy McCallion, Cathy Rivers, Loveland and Mark Matos. Last year’s showcase was resplendently touching and this year’s line up is indicative of more forthcoming stellar performances. Congress’ Holiday HullabaloosLeave it up to the hosts at “Hot Cong” to take a theme and not only run with it, but beat it like a dead horse. Ah, just kidding about the dead horse comment! We all need a little R&R, or to get hammered, during the hectic holiday hoopla. Thankfully, Congress has seven shows scheduled for taking the edge off! The Hanukkah Kick-Off occurs on Dec. 7 with Chicago’s ill lit, and Tucson’s Lagoon and Bombs for the Bored. All the bands have at least one Jewish member and, of course, the show is open to rollicking Gentiles of all shapes, sizes and persuasions. Dec. 17 will be a Very Special Caleximas with beloved Calexico playing; Dec. 18 is a performance of David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries & Season’s Greetings,” brought to you by Artists’ Theatre Project and Monolog Cabin; the Congress Christmas party is Dec. 21 with eggnog libations and drunken karaoke; Christmas Libre takes place Dec. 22 with Lovemound, Knockout Pills, and “super heavy rock band TBA;” Christmas Eve will see Chango Malo, Al Perry and more gracing the stage; Christmas sees the forth Saturday of December performances by Tucson’s Flamenco fusion rock band Tesoro. New Year’s EveHere’s a quick rundown of some of the haps in the hood for ringing in the year of the Rooster. Che’s: As always, a free hootenanny.
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re you up for a challenge of wits - a game of strategy, cunning, psychology and philosophy that also requires an astute understanding of body language?
In American culture, it is popularly referred to as Rock Paper Scissors.