Welcome to Alphaday 5!

Season 8 is certainly advancing and we’ve got plenty going this Alphaday. To sum up what you’re about to receive, it includes:

1) This missive from me.
2) Log 4, VIII from Rosemary.
3) The star-studded results of challenge 3 from Sue.
4) The file of all entries for challenge 4 from Margie.
5) The brief for challenge 5 from Clare.
6) The devilishly hard and time-wastingly enjoyable Christmas quiz from Olaf.

Gosh, I think we’re a spoilt bunch of writers! Thank you so much to all the above members for the work you put into making Alphadays so exciting for us all.

Apart from a flurry on naming – without shaming – which was way above our usual intellectual standard, it’s been rather quiet since our last meeting. Perhaps you were too busy trying out the possible metaphorical takes on those lovely photos from Margie. With all the treats you’ll get today, I expect some reactions from the group.

There'’s been just one unusual event in the UK art world that caught my attention as it brought to mind one our challenges from last season. It’s called ‘The Turnip Prize’ and I’m sure the UK contingent have noticed it and are sniggering away happily. It takes the mickey out of the prestigious ‘Turner Prize’, worth £25,000, which, in the past, has been awarded to such superior works of art as a pile of bricks and an unmade bed amongst other things.

Now, if you’ve got a problem with recognising great Art when you’re shown it, then you’re either a snob or a dimwit. The ‘Turnip Prize’ decided to reward a work of art with the following outstanding qualities: (excuse bad language: not guilty!). 1) No effort involved.

2) A bad pun in the title. 3) Is it shit?

The Alpha association was a runner-up for the prize showing a paper plate with four chillies on it: One big one and three smaller ones. Title: ‘Chilli ‘n’ minors’, written in felt tip on the plate.

I may have a warped sense of humour, but I loved that. Even more so because of the Alpha association. The other entries are a real treat for those who enjoy a snide look at the world of Art.

I won’t give a URL. If you'’re interested, you just google the Turnip Prize.

Could we do a challenge along the lines of the Turnip Prize?

We'’ve now got a 4-week break to accommodate the festive season and all its disruptions. Alphaday 6 is on the 5th of January, 2012. I hope you’ll all keep writing despite the interference, and we look forward to hearing about what happens in your writing world in the next Log, which will be expertly edited by Rosemary.

- Christine