This thread will contain the latest news in the world of FDC. FDC Today is a tabloid on the latest developments in corps participating and the circuit itself. Check back regularly!

If you see content here that is inaccurate or false, send an e-mail to drumlines.org@gmail.com Please do not contest content here in this thread. This thread is for reading FDC news and discussing the rumors thereof. If you wish to discredit, or correct our information, follow the process we have in place by e-mailing us. Also, FDC Today welcomes such corrections and also encourages members to send letters to the editor at the same address.

We'll start with the most recent excerpt of FDC Today:

6-7-2005
Rumor has it that Brunswick, MD based Engineers Drum and Bugle Corps is using The Rosemont Cavaliers guard uniforms from the 2003 production "Spin Cycle." In an effort to cut costs, the entire Engineers corps will be wearing the green spandex suits. Corps director Scott Smith was not reached for comment.

Note from the Editor: Actually, the staff of FDC Today didn't even care to attempt to reach the director. The staff was pre-occupied trying to get the Kama Sutra guard interviews.

This is an FDC Today Special Report!

Steve "batman98" O'Grady
Field Reporter
Naked Correspondent



Well it’s that time of year again and the drum corps bug has bitten us all. We have a record number of corps competing this season. Over 100 groups will set out this month on the road to Foxboro, MA for a shot at an FDC Championship title in four divisions.

In recent interviews with corps directors, Josh "DLWebmaestro" Whateverhislastnameis, director of the Brooklyn Rodgerers, stated that he was optimistic about his kids' "performance" and "scoring." He elaborated by saying that "...with the new shipment of Cialis and Viagra in, our performance should be [good]." However, the 2-year veteran FDC director did express concern for "performing" on a field due to water sprinklers turning on at "inopportune times."

This reporter also spent some time with VKStar director, um... Mick something-or-other. He had this to say:

AIM Im with Ironman7 <drum30>
Steve O'Grady: Do you have anything to say about the upcoming FDC season?
Ironman7: umn I might
Ironman7: is this for FDC times or whatever
Steve O'Grady: could be
Ironman7: hold on minute
Ironman7: phone
Ironman7: ok
Ironman7: like what should I be saying?
Steve O'Grady: uh....answer the question Prof
Ironman7: haha
Ironman7: well VK Star will be performing an interesting mix of things
Ironman7: Girls Girls Girls
Ironman7: then segway into Take This Job and Shove It
Ironman7: then segway into Innagadadavida
Ironman7: followed by Free Bird played in a Dixieland-Jazz style
Ironman7: then we are closing with Jeff Gordon is Thuper by David Allen Coe
Ironman7: mind you this is the tentative show
Steve O'Grady: ah yes
Ironman7: also we like to thank Booger Lips drill design
Ironman7: for providing us with their patented "snot" books
Ironman7: more information will follow
Steve O'Grady: nice
Ironman7: but I would like to say thanks to
Steve O'Grady: sounds great
Ironman7: The ABC for providing us with beer
Steve O'Grady: dude...this isn't an award speech
Ironman7: and the town of Northampton
Ironman7: for providing our home show with the town's finest Lesbians
Ironman7: to present the awards
Steve O'Grady: What is your FDC experience?
Ironman7: FDC is a fantastic time
Ironman7: lord knows I get so many chicks
Steve O'Grady: no no...past experience
Steve O'Grady: idiot
Ironman7: like marching or?
Ironman7: I am confused and drunk
Ironman7: so give me some leeway here
Steve O'Grady: go lay down
Ironman7: haha no I am ok
Steve O'Grady: you've thought hard today
Steve O'Grady: it's alright
Ironman7: in fact I have four more Oil Barrel cans to kill
Ironman7: actually that's 3
Steve O'Grady: Thank you for your time.

Yeah. He wasn't available for further comment.

Brassiers' director, with the misleading name of Big_John (we talked to your ex-girlfriends John. We know.), said a bunch of stuff about last year and made lame excuses why he didn't win. We hate people that live in the past. Plus he said something about "jerking" in their ballad after confirming that the members were indeed, all male. So we didn't talk to him anymore.

Other directors were not available for commentary because we did this at 12:30 AM, but that's okay. We're sure everyone likes his or her corps and stuff.

Here's today's headlines:

6-9-2005

Something Is In The Air In Lucedale, MS

Maybe not quite literally in the air, but a study by the independent research company CareStat gives stunning results. The study found 5 out of every 9 members of The Phenix Regement suffer from accute dyslexia, a disorder which impairs the ability to comprehend written language. The Phenix Regement hold their home show entitled "Dante's Vison" in Pascagoula, MS on July 10th.

Corps director David Roberts was not reached for comment. An e-mail sent to the director for a response to the study is not expected to be returned.



Executive Committee Consults FDC Directors On Travel Rule

The Executive Committee seeks the opinion of all FDC directors regarding the current 600-mile rule. For more information click here.

This is an FDC Today Special Report!

Steve "batman98" O'Grady
Field Reporter
Naked Correspondent



With the season stepping off in only five days time, drum corps around the country are doing their “move ins” and rehearsing a minimum of 12 hours a day!

Division II Corps Director, EnsErmac of the Emperor D&BC, stated that, "because of the high expectations of this year…[the corps rehearsal] is run like an open class corps." He went on to say that moving the corps from Southern California to Canada “should help." But let's be honest, Canada hasn't helped anything... ever.

The Homestar Runners' Director, jimi_thing, is excited about his corps moving from Division III last year to Division I this season.

“I think I made some wise decisions with captions [this season], and if I need to, I can change them. I think I did a good job last season with my choices. Hard to say if I need to get worried yet. There is a lot more competition though...”

Don't pull a muscle patting yourself on the back there buddy.

I was also informed of the history behind the corps.

Apparently, Homestar, AL is notorious for producing runners. Their runners ran a lot... and fast... and far. Once they ran home. Some runners ran home to Homestar. But that was in 1964. I have no idea what any of this means.

For some first time directors, anxiety is creeping in fast.

“We are feeling nervous, but really excited to get the season started. We are a very unexperienced group, as far as corps experienced, but are a very strong group of players,” said Carolina Regiment director, Pearldrummer17.

CR is also launching an investigation concerning an accusation that jimi_thing, of Homestar, issued a statement to press stating that he “would like to get some tiny head” from the Carolina Regiment.

When the question was posed to these three directors of what corps to be on the lookout for this season, all agreed on one: The Emerald Regiment of Division II and its director.

Elizabeth “EHSAlumni” Ortiz has been described by the above-mentioned directors as “cute” (HSR), “hot” (CR), and “a mastermind”(ED&BC).

Being the good reporter that I am, I decided to schedule an interview with Ms. Ortiz. She had this to say:

Elizabeth: Whats up
Steve O'Grady: Got time for an interview for FDC Today?
Elizabeth: Sure
Steve O'Grady: ok
Steve O'Grady: state your corps, division, and location
Elizabeth: Emerald Regiment Division 2 Wildomar
Steve O'Grady: What is your repertoire?
Elizabeth: The Mask of Zorro
Steve O'Grady: And what equipment will you be using?
Elizabeth: We will be using Yamaha for horn and percussion
Steve O'Grady: sticks and mallets?
Elizabeth: Percussion Constructions and Vic Firth
Steve O'Grady: Weren't you at one time using a new type of mallet?
Elizabeth: YEs
Steve O'Grady: What was it called?
Elizabeth: I dont remember at the moment
Steve O'Grady: back something, right?
Elizabeth: I think
Steve O'Grady: Oh well. What types of reeds will you be using?
Elizabeth: none
Steve O'Grady: ?
Elizabeth: No reeds
Steve O'Grady: So tell me more about the members in your corps.
Elizabeth: We have a group of 120 strong memebrs and about 60 staff
Elizabeth: they are all very excited about upcoming season
Steve O'Grady: that’s a ratio of 1 staff for every 2 kids!
Elizabeth: yes
Elizabeth: and have about 10 constultants
Steve O'Grady: so 70 staff and 120 kids
Elizabeth: yea
Steve O'Grady: wow
Elizabeth: its more then the previous year
Steve O'Grady: How did you do last year?
Elizabeth: we place 19th
Elizabeth: the second year and the first year we place 26th
Steve O'Grady: clear as crystal
Steve O'Grady: What about your tour?
Steve O'Grady: will you stay in the west coast?
Elizabeth: We will mostly stay around Sohtern California nad North Cal and travel to some out of states competition
Steve O'Grady: You know there are regionals outside of Cali, right?
Elizabeth: yes
Steve O'Grady: And finals are in Massachusetts
Elizabeth: yea
Steve O'Grady: Are you going to those? Or just trying to stay in Cali?
Elizabeth: I believe we will be attending some of those
Steve O'Grady: Ah
Elizabeth: majority of your members are all new to drum corps
Steve O'Grady: my members?
Elizabeth: Majority of my members are all new to corps
Steve O'Grady: oh
Elizabeth: I dont want to push them too much either
Elizabeth: our yougnest member just turn 15 this month
Steve O'Grady: Given your last 3 placements at finals in the past year, what things do you hope to change?
Elizabeth: I have hire all new staff that had Master degrees in their respect instruments and etc
Elizabeth: most of the staff are currently staff memebrs at their alumni university
Steve O'Grady: I've never been to an alumni university. Are they funding your corps?
Elizabeth: yes
Steve O'Grady: What are your uniforms like?
Elizabeth: Right the moment I'm discussin of getting new uniformas that would be green and silver
Steve O'Grady: What do you think about Division 1's Kama Sutra corps performing nude?
Elizabeth: I think its kind of weird. But do whatever is fun and entertainting
Steve O'Grady: entertainting indeed. And that's what it's all about, eh?
Elizabeth: Yea
Steve O'Grady: Well thank you for your time and good luck with the season
Elizabeth: You too

And there you have it folks. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go pass my kidney stone.

Today's Headlines:

6-13-2005

San Diego Sexy Beasts: May Be Actual Beasts
A janitor at the corps' housing site has reported excessive amounts of hair removed from the locker room, and more notably, the shower drains. We have information that several members of the corps suffer from hypertrichosis, a condition wich is characterized by excessive growth of hair. Hypertrichosis is usually called by the street name "Wolf Disease." Director Patricia Plan was contacted to comment on this, but all we could hear in our phone interview was a bunch of howling.

Fantasy Drum Corps Deadlines Approaching
There's only a handful of days until the inaugural day of FDC, and many directors have lost track of their duties. As noted by Executive Committee member and Director of the Brooklyn Rodgerers, Josh "DLWebmaestro" has reported that 32 corps are in potential danger to fold for the 2005 season. DLOFDC would hate to see a drop in participation, so to all FDC directors: Check your schedules, pick your caption points, and enjoy the season!

Note from Staff Editor: FDC Today would like to apologize for a lapse in Friday's report. We promise it had nothing to do with fraternizing with the Kama Sutra guard. Honestly. Many of our staff called in sick claiming they had personal issues and had to visit a doctor. We don't know what that's all about but our staff urges a certain guard from a certain corps to go to a doctor as well.
As always, our publication schedule is fairly standard. Our goal is to report 4-5 days a week, as breaking news is presented, Monday-Friday. The variation in number of reports varies on our special segments by our staff's Field Reporter, Naked Correspondent, and Cunning Linguist, Steve "batman98" O'Grady.

6-15-2005

Shocking Turn-out for 2005 Season

The Drumlines.org Fantasy Drum Corps league has taken a step back for the 2005 season. Forty directors registered for participation, but have folded their corps due to non-compliance of schedule and caption demands. This is a big disappointment to the Executive Committee, and more noteably, FDC Software Specialist, Josh DLWebmaestro, who spends countless hours writing, developing, and testing scripts that let the FDC run so smoothly. In a comment he said "I'm very disappointed with the current turn of events," referring to the 40-some directors who signed up, but failed to commit. The result of that lack of committment most likely means less competition at regional and regular competition events.

The following is a list of corps which failed to create a schedule:
Code:

---

Division 1:
Sparkle!     -     MiddleAgeMan
Whiskey River Regiment     -     Drumholio
Dunit     -     northdunit
Royal Regiment     -     mwpercussion14

Division 2:
Blue Light     -     PitmanofWRHS
Estes     -     Demonllama
Fighting Raiders      -     skipp2mahlu
Green Eggs and Ham     -     Showtime_Drummer
Keystone Statesmen     -     Ian_P_Carr
SEK Devils     -     crowndrummer7
The Black Knights     -     syntrik
The Cardinal Regiment     -     MacSnareDrummer

Division 3:
Akron Raiders     -     little_wonder
Hairy Potters     -     MavSnare06
Hornets     -     HancockSnare
Intensity!     -     quadcapt07
marilyn majors     -     drumr1287
Preditors     -     drumcap05
Rawkers     -     MadStyx
Reginals     -     cesium
Santa Clara Cymbals     -     icejackal8
Spartans     -     southsnare
The Darby Panthers     -     SnareRammer

Division 4:
Agg Town Regiment     -     ahsnare07
Connecticut Fever     -     Drummerboy23
EMPIRE     -     Spaceman_Spiff
Kratos     -     JackOfAllSticks
Marching Machine     -     b_weeks
Moody Blues     -     Neo
Paul Line     -     flamtap
Pers1an Maf1a     -     SeeDSephiroth
Raiderline     -     drummer9189
Randleman Marching Tigers     -     Bhatley6
Swords Edge     -     supernova
Team Zissou     -     rizzo_snare
the dirty south vanguard     -     madoldskool
The Lions     -     DrummerOnFire59
The Marching Mullets     -     asuno
The Pittsburgh V-Tech Drum and Bugle Corps     -     Morgenstern
Thundering Politicians of Guyton     -     sohamsnareman
Twisters     -     jcquad07

---

However, in a turn of events, it has been decided, that it would not be fair to simply delete all of these corps from the database. Instead, their schedules will be made up and the captions will be at the default of 2. If these corps directors wish to yo-yo back on over, they'll have to burn all 8 caption changing points if they wish to be successfully competitive.

To current FDC directors: Good luck! Thank you for picking your schedule and captions (hopefully you did at least). To those drifters who didn't create a schedule: Thanks for giving us some extra work!

Josh thanks you from the bottom of his empty glass of Jack and Coke .

6-16-2005

Wardrivers Wrumors
FDC Today has recieved information from a credible source that the Seattle Wardrivers will be playing music from "867 5309 Jenny", the Phone Phreek Remix and variations of Wierd Al Yankovic's "All about the Pentiums." Also, "Mr. Roboto" was heard as a possible re-curring theme for their show. The buzz around the Wardrivers is all over this song. The corps of MCSE nerds is rumored to break out into robot-like choreography. Microsoft founder and owner Bill Gates commented, "Lets hope it works. If they're successful, I'm going to buy them."

Sparkle! Not Prepared for 2005 Season
You read correctly: Fantasy Drum Corps Sparkle! is suspected not be ready for this season. The veteran FDC organization, known for it's flamboyant uniforms, ambiguous drill formations, and gerbil mascot did not set up a tour for the season. The corps tour director, ex-Paradox FDC staff member Ben Dover was reached for comment. When asked about the unpreparedness of Sparkle!, he told us "Things are just out of control. Everyone's still packing their crap."

This is an FDC Today Special Report!

Steve "batman98" O'Grady
Field Reporter
Naked Correspondent



We are only days into the DLOFDC 2005 season, and things are as hectic as ever. Overnight changes in division rankings are putting some corps on edge. This reporter caught up with a recent victim of this overnight phenomena, director for the San Diego Sexy Beast Drum Corps, Divalish16.

Steve O’Grady: State your corps, division and current rank
divalish16: San Diego Sexy Beasts, Div 1, just dropped from 2nd to 6th overnight due to our limited tour schedule
Steve O’Grady: 3 days into the season, how are you guys doing?
divalish16: we've only had one show, coming out with a 69.80.
Steve O’Grady: ah
Steve O’Grady: are you happy with that?
divalish16: yeah, it's still really early in the season, and i don't even think that my "Music or Visual Ensembles" have come out yet.
Steve O’Grady: you mean they're gay?
divalish16: they may be. you never know about those "visual" people.
divalish16: they could be swashing each others' buckles right now, for all i know.
Steve O’Grady: um
Steve O’Grady: k
Steve O’Grady: When is your next performance?
divalish16: tonight, in Sacramento, CA
divalish16: then we have 3 all-days before our home show in long beach, CA - the gin & juice classic. fo shizzle.
Steve O’Grady: aight ma nizzle
Steve O’Grady: Engineers director, Drummer85 has gone on record stating that you are "a nice looking woman" and then said something about the Kama Sutra Guard. Do you have a comment?
divalish16: actually yes...that reminds me. our new guard uniforms just came in, and they're actually quite similar to Kama Sutra's, surprisingly enough. flaming boobie tassels.
Steve O’Grady: Yay for boobie tassels!
divalish16: as for my fellow corps director's comment....it scares me that an engineer thinks I’m attractive. They’re not supposed to have any social skills, right?
Steve O’Grady: Do you feel the Engineers are a corps to worry about competitively?
divalish16: eh...it's too early in the season to know for sure, especially with the caption changes still available. i don't really remember how they finished last year, but looking at their current standing, i think they should consider a drop to div2, if you know what i mean.
Steve O’Grady: a drop, eh?
divalish16: would you prefer the term "demotion"?
Steve O’Grady: I would prefer the term "Bisexual female nympho". But that doesn't apply here
divalish16: it WOULD apply if we were talking about your guard. You’re quite the lucky director to have such fine, up-standing female citizens in your...pants...err..i mean....group.
Steve O’Grady: yes indeed. OK. Thank you for your time.
divalish16: any time.
divalish16: anything for DLO's premier cunning linguist.

Some directors are experiencing an unexpected mental fatigue related to stress. Drummer85, Engineers director.

Steve O’Grady: How are your social skills?
Ssmith827: What does this have to do with DLOFDC?
Steve O’Grady: shush...just answer
Ssmith827: Many people would say I'm very shy. However, once i know a person I become more comfortable and then become more myself....
Ssmith827: comfortable* even
Steve O’Grady: Are you not always yourself?
Ssmith827: I'm not myself when I first meet people, but I slowly become myself as I see them more often
Steve O’Grady: Who are you when you meet them?
Ssmith827: A very shy person, not really myself....
Steve O’Grady: So...you're not shy? Or you are?
Ssmith827: More Cautious, more closed to people....
Ssmith827: I am shy when I first meet people...
Ssmith827: just I become more open when I see people more often
Ssmith827: I'm still wondering what this has to do with DLOFDC
Steve O’Grady: So if you describe yourself as shy, then aren't you yourself when you meet people?
Steve O’Grady: no one cares about FDC. Just answer my questions and be quick about it.
Ssmith827: I'm stating that my first meeting with a person is when I'm tense but as I see a person more often. A good example would be DLWebmaestro and Kevin. I am more open with Josh than Kevin because I've seen him more often.
Steve O’Grady: So...you're 2 people. A "first meet" Scott and a "later on" Scott.
Ssmith827: Exactly
Steve O’Grady: So essentially, you are never not yourself, correct?
Ssmith827: in a sense, yes.
Ssmith827: but there are two sides to me.... one's very shy, the other's just a very talkative person
Steve O’Grady: You may want to talk to someone about your MPD.
Ssmith827: heh. Nah, I think a lot of people are like that
Steve O’Grady: the people in your head?
Ssmith827: no
Ssmith827: in real-life
Steve O’Grady: The people in your head aren't in your life?
Ssmith827: Ok let me try to set the record straight. Am I a "sane" person? Yes. Do I change my voice tones if I'm talking to myself? Yes. However, when i am talking to other people, my voice tone is the same
Ssmith827: I talk to myself in different voice tones to make sure I know what I'm doing besides babbling
Steve O’Grady: Which self do you talk to the most? The shy one or the other?
Ssmith827: The "shy" one and the more lively one are just for the people in the 3-D world. There's are many others in my mind. Which i think many people have
Steve O’Grady: How a bout I get ya a nice new jacket? All white...sleeves tied up in the back? Sound good? And you can have all the Jell-O that you want.

He was not available for further comment.

FDC Today also caught up with spectators of some of the recent competitions. These fans are enthusiastic as ever.

Steve O’Grady: State your DLO name and what your favorite corps is.
trplthikhyprchik: prettyperc_08
kama sutra drum corps
Steve O’Grady: What do you think about their show?
trplthikhyprchik: i think ppl either get a major kick out of it or are totally offended
Steve O’Grady: And you? Which are you?
trplthikhyprchik: i get a major kick out of it
Steve O’Grady: So you have no problem with public nudity?
trplthikhyprchik: nope
Steve O’Grady: How long have you been a fan of FDC?
trplthikhyprchik: well, i only joined DLO like 2 weeks ago.. so i guess 2 weeks
Steve O’Grady: And what attracts you to Kama Sutra?
Steve O’Grady: It's the director, isn't it
trplthikhyprchik: oh yes the director.. and the fact that [the corps] is stepping outside the box and having fun with not caring what others think
Steve O’Grady: outside the box indeed.
trplthikhyprchik:
Steve O’Grady: What other FDC corps do you like?
trplthikhyprchik: i dont know any others
Steve O’Grady: Just a die hard KS fan, eh?
trplthikhyprchik: i suppose u could say that
Steve O’Grady: Are you a prospective future member?
trplthikhyprchik: sure why not, if Im still a member of DLO when i turn 18
Steve O’Grady: nice
Steve O’Grady: Well I'm sure they are looking forward to your membership.
trplthikhyprchik: haha
trplthikhyprchik: yall are crazy
Steve O’Grady: Yes we are.
Steve O’Grady: Thank you for your time.


All in all, I think we can expect a VERY exciting season this year.

7-12-2005

Holy Crap It Has Been Almost a Month
FDC Today has been fairly inactive to say the least. This is a result of a fallout of creative differences involving the entire FDC Today staff. The result of the conflict was all but one member of the staff quitting. Even though it is mid-FDC season, we hope we'll be able to provide you some updates and press forward in providing you quality segments of whats going on in the FDC world. Stay tuned!