John McGeoy donated the Bitter Cup to Lair No. 1 as the consolation prize for the Mass Challenge runner-up. It was first awarded in 1996 to Barry Lavery.
The Bitter Cup is an unusual drinking implement designed for shipboard use and is well-adapted for use by stumbling drunks. It consisting of a glass tumbler suspended on a rope which passes through loops on either side of the tumbler. The rope is placed around the drinker's neck, so that the drink is always within easy reach. On the front of the glass is etched the RR&R's compass rose.
Tradition obliges the winner of the J. Z. Landgraf Prize to keep the Bitter Cup filled for the runner-up for one full year. At present, the Bitter Cup is missing, with the last reported holder being Lee Wolfson. Until such time as the Cup is rediscovered, its function -- getting free drinks for a year from the J. Z. Landgraf Prize winner -- will be fulfilled by the possession of the Fake Elvis Booger.
The Fake Elvis Booger was created by conceptual artist Mike Ellingson of Fargo, North Dakota. It was given by Dan Morrison at the 2000 Mass Challenge meeting as a tribute to the steadfast friendship of Lee Wolfson and will revert to Lee at such time as the Bitter Cup is found.
The Mass Challenge runner-up prize in Lair No. 3 is the Last Cigar Tray.
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Recipients of the McGeoy Bitter Cup:
Barry Lavery -- 1996 -- Bitter Cup |
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