Yahoo Alley was officially rededicated today. Hence forth it will be known as Max's Alley in memory of the Social Lounge's consummate gentleman, Opensesamenow.

The battle today raged on amidst the pomp and circumstances of the official ceremony. The mayor stood on the platform at the end of the alley and broke the bottle of champagne against the newly erected street sign. The band played loudly and everyone cheered as the cover was removed to reveal the new name Max's Alley. Nobody listened to the mayor's speech though. In the middle of his rambling about some political issue, someone from the fire escape yelled "Treat others the way Max would treat them". The mayor could do no more than admit defeat and left the alley. He was heard asking one of his aides if animals were really allowed to vote anyway.

The dogs were busy building a lead in the first round to head off the cats "jump to the lead" tactic. Their plan seemed to work as they led 8 to 5 after the first round. The second round was split more evenly at 7-6 with the cats taking the odd match. This set up a nail biter for the last round. First the cats won a match, then the dogs. The dogs "magic number" was set at 3. Just 3 more wins and the cats were beaten. Dogs won the next 2 matches. One more of the final 4 and dogs would win. Cats reported a win, then another cat win. Two to go one dog win wraps it up. "Darn cats" yells JamesGreyWolf - "we lost Yank". Yike!! Last table will decide the outcome. Finally the report came - "cats win"! Final score Dogs 26 - Cats 26. What a fitting ending for the opening of Max's Alley.

I have been asked by the owners of the old furniture store to announce the opening of a new business next to the old loading dock. The new store, Claws and Fangs will be offering a special on sharpening and polishing. I have assured them they will need extra help this week.

IMDJ1 will be running the Ryder next week.

Welcome newcomers: TopBilling; Understudy; Feraltomcat

Nice to see all the "Maxsfriends": Red, Mark, Spiffy, Aussie, Felden, Dittny, Errikos

Seen on the fire escape: Hbear, Redbird, Cosmarch, Killercat, Phunnylady, Rueful Rabbit, Connie,Julie, Maxsfriendqats

Supersubs were: Redbird, Cosmarch, Killercat, Bobsgirlanne

Slams were bid and made by: AlanMitchell/Lynh - 6C; Dr annalee/Whitefang - 6S & 6H; MaxsfriendSpiffy/MaxsfriendAussie - 6C; Avalon/DeltaGayl - 6NT

This trophy is awarded for making a slam doubled and redoubled and goes to:

Purrrfect 3-0 rounds were played by: Bigdog_eats_cats/Doghugo; TopBilling/Understudy; Poppeye/Yadenwise

Dogs were: Bigdog_eats_cats/Doghugo; Dr annalee/Whitefang; TopBilling/Understudy; Woo7NT/Meandog; MaxsfriendRed/MaxsfriendMark; MaxsfriendSpiffy/MaxsfriendAussie; JamesGreyWolf/Nanook; Leglifter/Bijoux dog; Jean/Xbrorsen; Avalon(sub Cosmarch)/DeltaGayl; Zuktort/Wyatt; MaxsfriendFelden/Linda; Mrykath/Polly

Cats were: Ccwaxman/Glossit; Poppeye/Yadenwise; Pom_Two/Borderline; IMDJ1/Lorrobb; Francylou/Meowmixjin; Harlequin_Smiles/Galeb; Smilodonkiwi/Little_ladybug; Mansrealbestfriend/Paula_am; Pomfrtd/Kippers; AlanMitchell/Lynh; MaxsfriendDittny/MaxsfriendErrik; Debb_ca/Nuageman; Feraltomcat/Bobmt