Hmmm...
Via Skype, I spoke with an International Coalition of Tree Tossing in the Spring (ICTTS) official who is currently investigating the authenticity of a 300-year-old tree found in Frankfurt (Germany). After hearing the explanation, the official said, "The Coalition respects and appreciates Rob's resourcefulness. There is something rather MacGyver-like about this. Of course we are also big Richard Dean Anderson fans."
Meanwhile, one reader thought that using a newspaper for verification purposes was a little "old fashioned" given that no one reads newspapers anymore. The reader asked if someone could use the front page of The Daily on an iPad instead.
The short answer, via the ICTTS: No.
Updated: Interesting development... EV Grieve reader Josh has now come forward with a similar sighting ...
But.
"Took a picture, but like Rob, no newspaper proof that it was today. If you look at the file name, which is generated by date and time, you get some solid proof! I don't care about this to the extent I would go changing file names... or do I?"
We're now sending this via a Coalition-immunity pouch to the ICTTS lab at or around Langley.
That tree isn't being thrown out (is it?), so shouldn't it be disqualified? Also I hate to be redundant...actually it doesn't bother me at all, but what does the winner get as a prize? I know the ICTTS judges are reading this, so will you PLEASE answer me! This is the fourth time I've asked this. I will NOT be ignored, Dan!
ReplyDeletehttp://twe.ly/0iib
Per an ICTTS spokesperson:
ReplyDelete"No comment."
They really are cold-hearted bastards, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteCan I be bitchy for a moment since my crown has been upset within 24 hrs?
ReplyDeleteI just want to point out that these little trees are in pots, so they could have been living for a while, whereas regular cut trees have to suffer the holiday season without any dirt. Is that too picky? Yes? (Returns to basement lab to continue research on forever-evergreens...)
There's no crying in International Coalition of Tree Tossing!
ReplyDeleteEr, yes — good point, Goggla. I'll bring it up during the public speaking session of the ICTTS spring Board of Directors meeting in Santa Claus, Indiana next weekend.
Far be it from me to say the ICTTS is old-fashioned but if I were a humble member of the esteemed coalition, I would permit the usage of the front page of a newspaper on an iPad or iPhone or iPod Touch, etc. as proof of date. I am not questioning the coalition's moves on the field. I'm just saying that at times, even the ICTTS's rules and regulations perhaps ought to evolve in tandem with technology.
ReplyDeletethe acceptance of these submissions brings into question the integrity of the whole coalition. Its a sad day for the ICTTS.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Goggla on this (good luck Goggla!!)- these little pots are all over the place & easily, er, positioned. (Have been tempted myself, believe me ...)
ReplyDeleteAm still recovering from yesterday's ruling (that ICTTS bunch are freaking me out!), but haven't entirely given up.
Well, I'm a neutral observer in all this. I'm merely reporting what ICTTS officials tell me. To be honest, they do seem a little old-fashioned to me. I mean, they don't even have a website. (And they still sent out news releases via blast fax.) Still, this is hardly an evil empire, like, say Halliburton. Though, come to think of it, Dick Cheney was on the board here in the 1980s.
ReplyDeleteSorry, have to add one other comment. I too agree with those that these potted trees shouldn't count. Of course they've lived longer than other trees; they've been nurtured and rewatered in vessels which isn't usually the case with live Christmas trees you buy on the street. I say all potted trees of this nature should be disqualified.
ReplyDeleteThis whole thing reeks of A New World Order pyramid scheme. Oh, Glenn Beck is fired from my TV and this "tree" with TIN FOIL around it appears out of NOWHERE? AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO SEES WHAT IS GOING ON?
ReplyDeleteIn defense of my submission, I bring to everyone's attention the colorful bow atop this specimen. Surely my detractors would recognize this as ornamental -- something your ordinary potted tree would most certainly lack. I posit that this adornment should lend credence to the fact that this was no ordinary tree, but rather a genuine tannenbaum of the holiday variety and, as such, justifiably proffered for inclusion in this year's competition. I am confident the ICTTS will rule in my favor.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree - the bows do add merit as they were intended to be Christmas decorations and were never removed. If the owner had intended to keep the tree, they might have removed the bow. So, this indicates the tree was most likely neglected early on in the holiday season. :(
ReplyDeleteHave submitted new tree. Standard model (no ribbons, pots etc.), with all the necessary paperwork. Am awaiting response from the ICTTS spokesperson.
ReplyDelete