I just had this crazy idea. While conversing with the astonishingly affable Manuel, I mused on how since our September Sommeruniversität program, we’ve focused into this strong, deeply affectionate (no, not that way, you dirty-minded hoovers!) core group of nine.

Well, there was David, but he was too slow. Thor, too far away. Sadok, well, it’s not our fault everyone dislikes him. And She Whose Name Shall Not Be Mentioned Under The Threat Of Absolute Annhilation? I think that said everything.

That leaves us nine: Manuel, Marco, Erich, Hadi, Maran, Tolis, Mike, Mike and I. And I just got this brilliant idea but you gotta hear me out.

You all watched The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, yeah? Well, except Marco, who refuses. (He thinks the film will rob him of the pleasures of the books or something.) Anyway, all the actors that played the nine members of the Fellowship had such a great year together and grew so close, they decided to cement their friendship by all getting the same tattoo, the Elvish symbol for nine. You can read it here.

Know any other really cool, close-knit group of nine?

Yeah, that’s what I am suggesting. If you kids are up for it, tell me and we get slashed. C’mon, you know you wanna.

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Copyright © 2002 Kenny Mah Ying Fye.