Posted ByJoao V on July 19, 2001 at 11:46:01:
In Reply to: RPS Summer Retreat 2001-Addendum posted byMaster Roshambollah on July 19, 2001 at 10:59:14:
All,
Could I suggest an extra session to discuss the decline in popularity of the game? Please refer to the posting by custardchuck on the 17th of May this year and my reply. I think this is an important topic and one we must address urgently.
Yours,
Joao V Chairman of the Portuguese RPS Society
: I am happy to announce that due to low speaker turnout (and the inability of some people to meet a deadline) that there has been an addition to the lineup for the Summer Retreat 2001. We have added to the speaker roster C. Urbanus, Regional Advisor to the Outreach Committee. He will be giving an inspirational presentation on Roger Flannigan, the "Inspector," during Sunday mornings non-denominational service. A full summary follows, provided by C. Urbanus.
: C. Urbanus has also addressed a lack of activities for the "Lil' RPSers." He will be conducting a "playshop" on balloon manipulation, teaching them to twist and bend balloons into rocks and scissors (he claims he is having trouble with paper, but is working hard and I hope he has it together by the Retreat.) He also made an offer to lead a wok cooking class, and my staff was so delighted that they volunteered him for Camp Cook for the weekend. They didn't seem too thrilled with the prospects of eating "Roshambollah's Survival Chow" or "Rosh Rations" all weekend long, for some reason. And yes, C. Urbanus, that does mean that your attendance is gratis.
: Master Roshambollah
: Director-Outreach, Fund Raising
: And Spiritual Concerns
: (text follows)
: As a member of Outreach and a bit of a history buff, I thought perhaps Iâd do a presentation on the life (and tragic death) of New York City RPS legend Roger ãthe Inspectorä Flannigan. Iâm sure you are familiar with The Inspector, but if not I will recap. He is not too well known outside of the region. In the early 70âs, Roger Flannigan was a promising young contender in the Northeast region. However, his career was ended at the Carnegie Invitational in 1974 when an opponent Îenacted the revealâ and injured his hand (Rock crushing Scissors). The resulting surgery was then botched badly by the doctor tending to his injury. This led to Roger being unable to bend his index finger no more than one-quarter of the way to his palm. Now unable to make a throw of Rock, his playing days were ended. The next few years found Roger badly depressed, unable to cope with the hand fate had dealt him (no pun intended). He became solely dependent on drugs and alcohol and, as a result of his depression, developed a chronic eating disorder. The lowest point came when he was arrested on charges of public drunkenness and lewdness when caught Îstreakingâ through the RPS regional consortium. Following this arrest, he was forced to spend 48 hours in a holding cell while sobering up. The Inspector always said that this time ãinsideä changed his outlook on life. After completing the proper (and required by WRPSS) treatment programs, he returned to RPS. Sober and determined, he took to the streets of New York. Flannigan took a special interest in getting children off the streets and into the game, starting many after-school programs and RPS summer day camps. Such well-known players as Theodore Elms and Justin ãLilâ Zipä Wasson were introduced to the game as a result of The Inspector. But his contributions didnât end with the children, he also established such amateur groups as The Park Slope Paper Propagators and the St. Markâs Scissors Society (not to mention the G Train Gambit Gang). Groups that are still an active part of their community today! Flannigan was even the guiding force behind RPS-NYCâs annual ãPaper in the Parkä free open format tournament held every summer. Seeing all that The Inspector had accomplished on his own, the WRPSS Disciplinary Committee granted Flannigan a full pardon. His suspension from the society being suspended, Roger was offered the Chairman of Outreach position. However, an accidental ingestion of sesame seeds led to an allergic reaction that proved fatal before he could assume leadership. Thereâs a lot more to it than that, but Iâll save it for the Retreat. Thereâs so much to be learned from Roger Flannigan, as well as the other famous ãgood guysä of the WRPSS. Included just here alone are such hard-hitting topics as the possibility of career-ending injury and post-competitive play career possibilities (especially in Outreach). It also demonstrates the ability of one to overcome adversity and personal demons (whatever they may be) and become, once again, a leader in the community. I know those that he touched wonât forget him.
: C. Urbanus
: Regional Advisor, Outreach Committee