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Members & Visitors Present (18)
Meeting Highlights:
-Introduced visitors.
-Reopened Third Officer Position
nominations had been made at the activities meeting at Tamara Borchardt's:
Erin Pence, Rob Langenderfer, and Leonard Robinson declined the nomination
Sam Hearld accepted the nomination
Tamara Borchardt "pre-accepted" the nomination
The floor was opened for other nominations before voting by secret ballot was held.
Tammy = 11 votes
Sam = 6 votes
Tamara Borchardt is the new Third Officer.
The following committees should report to the Third Officer:
Fundraising, Transportation, Stampede, Coupon Program, Misc. Committees (Haunted House, etc)
All other committees should report to the Second Officer (Linda Widener) and division chiefs should continue to report to the First Officer.
-An Amendment to the Crewmember Guide was proposed. Motion to approve made by Sam Hearld, seconded by Leonard Robinson and Erin Pence. The motion was approved and the amendment was accepted. New Crewmember Guides are available for those who don't have one.
-Greg handed out Talon's Edge
Division & Committee Reports:
-Medical: First test nearly ready. Turn in all changes to your medical forms to Linda Widener.
-Project Genesis: contacted Lake Cumberland about Clean-up for this year, no date yet
-Engineering: waiting for blueprints
-Science: request new members and new chief
-Security: planning ID cards for the crew, will show design at the next meeting
-Marines: 7th Division homepage down
-Operations: working on items for Galactic Trading Post
-Aquila Academy: a crossword puzzle for the first medical test is in the works
-Activities: Tranquility Base, Rob's Open House, Party at the Willaker's, Picnic at Big Bone, Galactic Trading Post
-Archive: still need more materials and photos
-Fund Raising: collecting pennies for the VA Support Lodge, food & clothing for Brighton Center, and pop can tabs.
Meeting Highlights:
-Project Genesis/Science: information on getting animals neutered, Lake Cumberland Clean up-Medical: Beginners test ready to be published (Medic I), updating crew medical information
-Fund-raising: window decals & iron-on transfers now available
-Security: making ID cards/badges on business card stock
{Ed.note: when asked what would happen to those not wearing badges or carrying ID cards, the Security Chief said, "Shoot 'em all and let God sort 'em out!"}
-Marines: Leonard is back on-line = 11073.3261@compuserve.com
-Communications: "All frequencies open!"
-Archives: resorted and organized materials; still waiting for more files and materials
-Operations/Activities: Spaceballs '98
-Treasurer's Report: balance at end of June = $301.63
Members & Visitors Present (4)
Meeting Highlights:
-Need to send postcards to each member family reminding them of events that are occurring before the next meeting date. (To prevent another fiasco like the Big Bone Picnic this year)
-Sam volunteered to print colored pages for TE when time permits
-Need a volunteer to take over the Newsletter Exchange Program
Babylon 5 started off with a major change as it began its second season. Michael O'Hare and Warner Brothers had come to a mutual decision that he would leave the series. However, this change was effectively worked into the storyline as Sinclair became Earth's ambassador to Minbar. As we would find out later, his duties would consist of much more than just traditional diplomatic gatherings! The character of Captain John Sheridan, played by Bruce Boxleitner, was created to replace him. Sheridan was the former captain of the Agamemnon and during the Earth-Minbari War he was one of Earth's major war heroes as he was the only Earthforce captain who was able to take out a Minbari warship, the Black Star. He would bring a much more energetic, emotional, and hands-on approach to the series, although re-watching most of the episodes of season one has convinced me that Sinclair was much more passionate and determined and strong-willed than many fans give him credit for being.
The second season got off to a fine start with "Points of Departure", as Sheridan has to find and disable a renegade Minbari warship. The events from "Chrysalis" (the death of President Santiago, which we learn may not have been an accident) play heavily into the storyline. Garibaldi is still unconscious, and his assassin is still free and unknown. Delenn is still in a cocoon and G'Kar is off-station. Mary Kay Adams takes over the role of Na'Toth. Lennier finally informs the captain why the Minbari surrendered after the Battle of the Line: it was discovered through the Minbari probe of Sinclair that Minbari souls were being born inside human bodies. He later reveals to the audience (and the incapacitated Delenn) that the two halves of the Minbari soul will have to work together against the ancient enemy that threatens them both. This is a very good story that improved the second time I saw it. It's not as good as the story that follows it, but it does continue to build the story to what will become an extended climax that is still occurring as I write.
"Revelations" is a truly wonderful story in which we discover something of Sheridan's emotional core. He is still deeply hurting from the presumed death of his wife aboard the Icarus several years before. His sister, Elizabeth Sheridan, portrayed very well, helps him come to terms with his grief. Once while on USENET shortly after this episode I saw posts with the heading "What's the Big Deal About Sheridan's Dead Wife?" or something like that. That's very ironic considering the impact that her presence would later have on the series. Delenn comes out of her cocoon, changed into a half-Minbari, half-human. G'Kar informs Na'Toth that the Shadows have returned and tries to convince Londo that, regardless of their dislike for each other, they may need to work together to stop the threat. G'Kar does not know that Londo is knee-deep in the Shadows activities himself, and Morden makes an appearance in this story, portrayed ever so well as usual by Ed Wasser. Garibaldi is brought back to life using the machine that Dr. Franklin discovered in "The Quality of Mercy". Hints of Psi Corp's (and President Clark's) involvement in the death of Santiago are laid. This is an excellent story, one of the best of the series. It truly deserves its title, as it's one of the most important stories so far. This story shouldn't be missed under any circumstances.
"The Geometry of Shadows" is a good story written by Straczynski that is a mix of some funny moments and some very dark drama. It continues the threads of Londo's involvement with the Shadows and his worrying about where that involvement might lead him. Londo asks one of the mysterious Technomages, Elric (played with magnificent authority by Michael Ansara), what the future holds for him. The response he receives from Elric at the episode's finale makes for one of the series' most chilling moments. This story also has some nice humorous moments. It is a story that should definitely be watched for its ending alone if for no other reason.
"A Distant Star" is a fair story, one of the weaker episodes of the season, but it still isn't bad, and it makes for entertaining viewing as Sheridan tries to deal with adjusting to being a station administrator instead of a space explorer, a conflict that is brought home to him by the fact that his friend and teacher, Captain Jack Maynard (played by Russ Tamblyn) stops by the station with his ship. His ship is later trapped in hyperspace. When some of Babylon 5's pilots including Robert Russler's Warren Keffer go out to try to find his ship, they discover a mysterious, threatening alien ship. The stories that Maynard told of mysterious ships out near the Rim appear to be true. This sets the viewer up for further developments in the series.
"The Long Dark" features Dr. Franklin falling in love with a woman whose husband was killed by some unknown force and Security Chief Michael Garibaldi (played by Jerry Doyle) befriending an apparently crazy veteran of the Earth-Minbari War played by Dwight Schultz. Schultz's character claims to have seen an "agent of darkness", and G'Kar's prophecies are seen to come closer to fruition. Straczynski wrote G'Kar to be the Cassandra of the series, the character who makes correct predictions that the other characters do not heed. The darkness that is coming is demonstrated vividly by the moving final shots of the episode. This isn't a really spectacular episode, but it is probably better than "A Distant Star", and even "A Distant Star" was very watchable. The conflict with a mysterious alien race was effectively set up here and in the preceding stories, but for the next couple of tales, that would take a back seat as the crew dealt with people, organizations and events closer to home.
* Cancel your plans for tonight. All of them.
* Read something frivolous (a comic book or a quirky hobby magazine, like This Old House)
* Make a call you've been dreading (to the dentist, the bank, your sister). It'll take five minutes; spend the other 10 congratulating your self for getting it out of the way.
* Give yourse lf a hand massa ge: Start with the fleshy pad between your thumb and forefinger, work your way around the palm, proceed down your wrist, all the way to your elbow. Switch sides and repeat.
* Think of three things you must do today and put off two until tomorrow.
* Two words: Hot tea. (Hint: Do nothing else while you drink it.)
* Write down at least five things you're grateful for (more, if you're inspired). A simple but effective uplifter.
Whenever you can, take a vision walk. Think of something you want in your life and walk along, imagining that it has already happened. Then try to embrace the feeling of having accomplished your goal. This exercise helps overcome the emotional distance between you and what you want. Vision walks can help you get over your fear of doing something and stay sane. It's easy to get caught up in the fast pace of your life, but these walks slow you down and keep you centered.
A couple of days (or nights) a week, fill your tub with warm water, adding some luxurious bath oil, and relax for an hour. You can just close your eyes and "dream" or read a book or magazine and ignore the world. Enjoy the complete solitude as often as you are able.
To be a human being is an honor, and
We offer thanksgiving for all the gifts of life.
Mother Earth, we thank you for giving us everything we need.
Thank you deep blue waters around Mother Earth,
For you are the force that takes thirst away from all living things.
We give thanks to green grasses that feel so good against our bare feet,
For the cool beauty you bring to Mother Earth's floor.
Thank you, good foods from Mother Earth, our life sustainers,
For making us happy when we are hungry.
Fruits and berries, we thank you for your color and sweetness.
We are thankful to good medicine herbs,
For healing us when we are sick.
Thank you, all the animals in the world,
For keeping our forests clean.
All the trees in the world,
We are thankful for the shade and warmth you give us.
Thank you, all the birds in the world,
For singing your beautiful songs for all to enjoy.
We give thanks to you, Gentle Four Winds,
For bringing clean air for us to breathe from the four directions.
Thank you, Grandfather Thunder Beings,
For bringing rains to help all living things grow.
Elder Brother Sun,
We send thanks for shining your light and warming Mother Earth.
Thank you, Grandmother Moon,
For growing full every month to light the darkness for children and sparkling waters.
We give you thanks, twinkling stars,
For making the night sky so beautiful
And for sprinkling morning dew drops on the plants.
Spirit Protectors of our past and present,
We thank you for showing us ways to live in peace and harmony with
one another.
And most of all, thank you, Great Spirit,
For giving us all these wonderful gifts,
So we will be happy and healthy every day and every night.
By Chief Jake Swamp
Based on the Thanksgiving Address,
An ancient message of peace and appreciation of Mother Earth
From the Native people known as the Haudenosaunee,
Also known as the Iroquois or Six Nations
- Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora.
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