To the Forum regarding the XMTSAS Saltire

[Nighthawk]

I was on my way to the post office today to mail a hip flask that I had made for one of our members when it popped into my head- a flask is an almost universal sigh of friendship! Why not an X Marks flask to send around, and at gatherings, to pass around? The recipients fills it with his beverage of choice (which in my case is water) and gets together with other X Markers and friends, and takes a lot of pictures, etc, and when it's empty, cleans it well and sends it on! I would be more than happy to create and donate the flask. I thought perhaps someone could send me a scrap of X Marks to sew onto it. I have a few design ideas in mind already. I personally think that the wee Saltire was a brilliant and unifiying thing, and something that I thought was an important part of this community. IF I do this, it's with the understanding that this flask, and it's accompanying log book, will be no one's property, that it is to circulate for as long as it exists, and as long as this forum exists, or until we all get bored with it and collectively retire it. What do you all think?

[gary meakin]

I think this is a great idea Nighthawk, and it appears we have the same beverage of choice

[Nighthawk]

I think this is a great idea Nighthawk, and it appears we have the same beverage of choice

I do love my Highland Park, but I only take my flask to festivals. Alcohol + Colorado sun = bad things! At least, when you're a participant...

Made a comment, but changed my mind.

Yeah, I was opposed to a new thingamabob myself. But then this idea hit me, and it seemed like something that really fit the spirit of what I thought the Saltire was.

[Bugbear]

How nice of you, Hawk.
Good luck.

[CDNSushi]

IF I do this, it's with the understanding that this flask, and it's accompanying log book, will be no one's property, that it is to circulate for as long as it exists, and as long as this forum exists, or until we all get bored with it and collectively retire it. What do you all think?

Although I understand why you would make this stipulation (in light of the fate of the Saltire), I still think that it's best if something like this has an actual end goal... (As I mentioned in the thread I started in the Comments & Suggestions forum).

A part of this is because I do agree with Jamie's thoughts about current members doing something that is significant for them... Then, that opens the door for a future "generation" of XMarker friends to exchange and send something else in the future as well... I would really like it if, at some point in the future, once the goal of the thingamebob has been met, to have the option to have a memento (such as a coffee table book that has been printed from the original pages of the logbook and photos).

What do you think?

[Nick the DSM]

May look suspicious with people under 21 IE: me!

[macwilkin]

Perhaps one of our forum members who are also USPS employees (Woodsheal comes to mind) might weigh in on regulations concerning liquids in the mail, especially via international post.

I think a quaich is a better vessel, and a historic symbol of Highland hospitality. Scott Chalmers at Gaelic Themes might be able to put one of the Xmarks badges in the bottom of the bowl.

T.

[AFS1970]

As tempting as it is to have a flask nicely wrapped in lather, I think it would need to be shipped empty for a couple of reasons. First would be carrier regulations, second would be different people have different beverages of choice. Even within scotch, we all have our likes and dislikes. Then there is the fact that many stops on it's way will be at kilt nights held in bars and restaurants, who usually take a dim view of bringing your own in.

So I think a quaich is a better idea, in that it can be filled with whatever, either one's own or from the location. It can be washed (possibly easier than a flask) and sent on it's way without violating any shipping regulations.

I like the idea of a set goal, if we also understand that once that goal is met, a new goal can be set and a new mission can begin with the quaich going back out. For that matter the goal could be really big like circling the globe five times.

[Squeaky McMurdo]

I don't think Hawk meant that we would be sending drinks in the mail, just the flask.

[Nighthawk]

May look suspicious with people under 21 IE: me!

Not at all. There is no rule at all that says it has to be filled with something illegal for you to have.

Perhaps one of our forum members who are also USPS employees (Woodsheal comes to mind) might weigh in on regulations concerning liquids in the mail, especially via international post.

I think a quaich is a better vessel, and a historic symbol of Highland hospitality. Scott Chalmers at Gaelic Themes might be able to put one of the Xmarks badges in the bottom of the bowl.

T.

I agree. I stated in my original post that it should be well cleaned and dry before being shipped to the next recipient.

Although I understand why you would make this stipulation (in light of the fate of the Saltire), I still think that it's best if something like this has an actual end goal... (As I mentioned in the thread I started in the Comments & Suggestions forum).

A part of this is because I do agree with Jamie's thoughts about current members doing something that is significant for them... Then, that opens the door for a future "generation" of XMarker friends to exchange and send something else in the future as well... I would really like it if, at some point in the future, once the goal of the thingamebob has been met, to have the option to have a memento (such as a coffee table book that has been printed from the original pages of the logbook and photos).

What do you think?

Yeah. I saw that. I don't agree. At all. Heirlooms create continuity, and that's my idea- an heirloom that can be passed from one generation to the next, unifying "us" to "them" so that there IS no us and them- only us.