TALON'S EDGE

June 1999

E-mail: uss.aquila@juno.com






IN THIS ISSUE:

  • UN-classified
  • Bulletin Board
  • Briefing Room
  • Video Viewpoints
  • Cadet Corner
  • Chaplain's Corner
  • Helping Hands
  • Project Genesis
EDITOR/SUBMISSIONS:
Captain Glenna M. Juilfs

DISTRIBUTION:
Commander Rob Langenderfer

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE:
June 28, 1999

SUBSCRIPTIONS:
one (1) 33c stamp = 1 issue





Click here to viewUN-CLASSIFIED ADS




BULLETIN BOARD

Click on the blinking star for information
about Area Meetings
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
  • June 5: Filkaholics Anonymous
  • June 18-20: Tranquility Base 1999, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • July 1: "Camelot" at the Miami Valley Dinner Theater. Tickets run $35.00-$45.00 depending on your seat. For this you get the show and an incredible dinner buffet. Let the Camelot know if you're going
  • July 4: Parade
  • July: 100th meeting of the USS Aquila
  • July 16: Klingon Year Games
  • August 21-22: Annie Oakley Days
  • August 28th. The Black Knights invite you back to the dinner theater for "The Pirates of Penzance"!
  • September 19: Space Balls putt putt tournament in Middletown.
  • September 25: USS Columbus Annual Kids-N-Kamp Bowl-A-Thon
  • Oct. 1: MaquiGras - convention in Portage, Indiana.
  • Oct. 11-17: Tall Stacks 1999. Cincinnati-Covington-Newport
  • October: BooFest - Museum Center at Union Terminal
  • October: Dungeons of Delhi Haunted House
  • Oct. 15: Bivouac '99 - Also the October General meeting possibly held at bivouac. Sat evening (the 16th) will be the Camelot Halloween Party at bivouac.
  • Oct. 28-29: Homeless Stand Down 1999
  • Dec. 4: Feast of the Long Nights - Klingon holiday party in Liberty, Indiana.
  • Dec. 11: All clubs Christmas party at Civitan Center in Hamilton.
For more information on Activities & Events
click on the little boy



JUNE

1 - Rene Auberjonois
17 - Janet Baudendistel
19 - Malcolm McDowell


BRIEFING ROOM
SHIP'S LOG
9905.08
The 98th meeting of the USS Aquila was held on Saturday May 8, 1999 at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore on Mall Road in Florence, KY. Members in attendance were: Tamara Borchardt, Nelson Charette, Janet Crouch, Sam Hearld, Glenna Juilfs, Rob Langenderfer, Erin Pence, Greg Turner, Adam Widener, Linda Widener, Tamara Widener, Alan Wright.
William Shatner's new book about Trekkers was discussed. Shatner went in disguise to conventions and mingled with fans to research the book. Trek fans are described in a very positive manner and are likened to "a family". The movie "Mummy" was highly recommended by members who have seen the flick.
A discussion was held concerning the slave auction at Dover 2000. The Charities/Fund Raising committee chairperson, Tamara Borchardt, will be offered for sale at the auction for charity. Tammy says, "Buy me!" Dover 2001 will be very special as the 10th anniversary of Dover. The Aquila would like to do fund raisers between now and then to assure all members who wish to go are able to go. We would like to show up en masse.
Apologies go out to Jason Paugh whose birthday was omitted in April, and to Greg Turner whose birthday was in May. (ED.NOTE: If I don't have your birthday on file, I can't list it.)
The Black Knights have announced their annual bivouac to be held this year on October 15-17. (Sorry guys but Tall Stacks '99 are in Cincinnati on October 13-17 so we can't make it this year.)
Treasurer's Report:
Balance 2/26: $137.04
Debits:
$32.00 T-shirts
2.20 bank fees
Balance 3/31: $102.84
Debits:
2.00 bank fees
Balance 4/30: $100.84
Greg Turner volunteered and has been appointed as the Acting Entertainment Officer. (Neelix look out!)
Tony Preston, son of Steve, has been nicknamed the "VANdalizer" by the Aquila.
The meeting was adjourned.

VIDEO VIEWPOINTS
A Review of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
By Mark Meece
This past Friday night/Saturday morning (5/21-22), members of the U.S.S. Camelot NCC-2307, gathered after our monthly meeting to see the 12:40 am showing of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.
As someone who was old enough to enjoy the original Star Wars (Episode 4) in its first weekend of release in May 1977 (I was 16 at the time), I have anticipated this release for quite sometime. Here are my personal thoughts on it.
I liked it!!!
The reviews calling it nothing more than a video game with no character development are wrong. Jake Lloyd (kid in Jingle All The Way) plays young Anakin Skywalker (future Darth Vader), and he received enough screen time, but the movie did not focus on him which was okay. It is basically about the start of events that lead to the forming of the Empire. The person that is going to become the Emperor sets events in motion to begin his rise to power. There was lots of action, especially some fantastic lightsaber fighting.
It slows down a bit about a half-hour into it, and I thought the pod race was a bit too long. The only problem I really had with it, was a scientific explanation on the force, that should have been left out. It takes the mystery and spirituality out of the force. That is something Lucas should have left alone. I also felt that George Lucas shortchanged Samuel L. Jackson's character of Mace Windu with not enough screen time. However, I understand that his character will be more prominent in the next movie.
Liam Neeson is really good in it, and the Jar Jar Binks character adds lots of comedy to it. The scenery is just spectacular.
I was not disappointed at all, and we all had a great time! Overall, I have to say it is a *must see*!
You'll enjoy it!
Mark
--
Lt. Comdr. Mark Meece
Franklin, OH
mmeece@siscom.net
http://www.siscom.net/~mmeece
Computer Engineer
U.S.S. CAMELOT NCC-2307
Victory in the Dominion War!
By Leonard Robinson
The Founders finally saw reason (or was it a mix of Odo and the Prophets?). By virtue of the peace treaty, the Founders have surrendered unconditionally to the Federation Alliance. (Ross signed for the Feds, Martok for the Klingons; I wonder who would have signed for the Romulans.) Now for the winners and losers.
Losers:
* The Founders. Had it not been for Odo, it is quite possible that their race may have gone extinct. The female shapeshifter mentioned in "What We Leave Behind" and other episodes was dying but was able to link with Odo and be cured. When Odo returned to the current home planet of the Founders, he left behind a grieving Nerys and, hopefully, fond memories among the Bajorans. As I see things, Odo is considered second only to the Emissary (Captain Ben Sisko, technically MIA). Cardassia. Once a major power in its own right, and a threat to the Federation and the Klingons, and having arisen upon the ruins of the Kzinti (for which the Federation, in the days of Barrett the Younger, rues Barrett the Elder), was occupied by the Dominion and was leveled by the Dominion and its Breen/Jem Hadar allies. With over 800 million Cardassians dead, the Cardassian culture has been decimated in the most literal sense of the word. I believe that there will be a considerable time before the Cardassian culture will be able to restore its pre-Dominion War level, if it is possible. Among the Cardassians, Gul Dukat will be considered in the same light as Benedict Arnold has been in 20th Century America.
* The Jem Hadar. Without leadership from the Founders, the Jem Hadar may end up, more or less, "wandering in darkness." A sad end for an honorable race.
* Breen. The Federation and Klingon will have scores to settle with Breen; with present losses having to be made good on both sides of the Alliance, it will be some time before that can occur. I predict the Klingons will proceed to do that settling.
Winners:
* The United Federation of Planets. Able to withstand the Dominion, and send them packing, the Federation is poised to recover its losses and rebuild its glory. The Khitomer Accords stand firm. The next question will be -- will the Supreme Assembly and Federation Council hear the Starfleet Faction and make Starfleet's losses good, being for being and ship for ship?
* Klingon. Under the leadership of Chancellor Martok and the Emperor Kahless, the Klingon Empire, like the Federation, will recover its losses and rebuild its glory. To add to the alliance, the Federation has appointed Worf, son of Martok, as Ambassador to Q'on'os (at the suggestion of Martok, his adopted father). The Deep Space Fleet will be rebuilt and expanded. Songs will be sung for the Battle of Cardassia; those Klingons who fell in the battle are in Sto-Vo-Kor. Bajor. Being neutral in the Dominion War, at the direct suggestion of the Emissary, Bajor was able to enter commercial pacts with all comers (including the Dominion) and will continue its reconstruction. A bit of poetic justice: the Cardassians had occupied Bajor for nearly a century; now the Bajorans led in the liberation of Cardassia Prime!
* The Prophets. Again, religion has proven to be the unifying factor in the Bajoran culture. The Emissary, Ben Sisko, is honored among the Bajorans; half the Bajoran female population envies Kassiday Yates, who is Mrs. Ben Sisko by default. The question arises: Who will be the next Kai? The present Kai fell to her death in the Fire Caves, as her attempt to summon the heretical faction in the Bajoran religion backfired -- and with it, both the Kai and Dukat.
* Deep Space 9 itself. The Station will be remodeled, and expanded, as the budget permits. As Bajorans return from their exile, and with them, technology and funds, the remaining fusion reactors will be reactivated (if they haven't been already).
* The Maquis (what are left of them). Having had their revenge with the Dominion occupying Cardassia, the Maquis faction in the Federation will put aside their differences with UFP authorities. Many have already; the rest will do so with Cardassia in no position to argue with either the Federation or Klingon. A pity that several Maquisards were unable to be present at the surrender ceremony; I state they had the best seats in the house!

CADET CORNER
Cmdr, Erin Pence, CCC
FUN IN THE SUN
Summer is the perfect time to have a blast with your dog: Long days, lots of sun, and warm weather that lets you stay out longer. But remember not to overdo it -- for your sake and your dog's. Dogs don't sweat (they cool off by panting) and they're always wearing a fur coat. What is comfortable for you could be making your dog overheat. So be on the lookout for signs of overheating, which include fatigue and heavy breathing. That way, you'll both enjoy the dog days of summer! We've got some more hot summer tips *right here, so dive right in! *Visit: http://www.lfmn.com/r/sr.asp?u=293312&v=3822&s=181&url=1
Summertime often means new puppies.
-Training and Behavior- 3 WAYS TO CONTROL CHEWING
Puppies chew because they have to -- it loosens their baby teeth and makes room for the adult teeth that are emerging. What you need to do is give your pup its own chew toys so it doesn't seek out your shoes.
Some tips:
  1. Solid rubber toys and other non-edible playthings are best for puppies -- avoid soft toys can be shredded and eaten.
  2. Don't overdo it: Too many toys on the floor and puppy will think everything on the floor is fair game. Stick to two or three at most.
  3. DON'T give your pup old shoes, socks or clothes as chew toys. Your puppy can't tell the difference between old sneakers and the new leather dress shoes you just bought. Don't make it anymore confusing.
More puppy tips? *Pounce on them right here:
http://www.lfmn.com/r/sr.asp?u=293312&v=3832&s=170&url=1


CHAPLAIN'S
CORNER
A Friend...

A friend is someone you go to when you're in trouble.

A friend is someone you cling to when you're not.

They'll be there for you in times of joy and pain. A friend is love, and I love you.

My story has been written with a pen of fire In a book that can never close

Each page is no more written than tis consumed

Every triumph, tragedy and desire duly noted

Dampened by a hundred thousand tears and scented by the petals of a single rose.
I've learned - that even when you think you have no more
to give, when a friend cries out to you,
you will find the strength to help.
I've learned - that we don't have to change friends
if we understand that friends change.
I've learned - that it takes years to build up trust,
and only seconds to destroy it.
I've learned - that it's not what you have in your life
but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned - that my best friend and I can do anything
or nothing and have the best time.
I've learned - that true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
I've learned - that no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.
Click Here to read more Chaplain's Corner

HELPING HANDS
Cmdr. Linda Widener, CMO
Sunburn
Sunburn is a condition resulting from an over exposure of the skin to Ultraviolet (UV) rays found in sunlight. Everyone, even dark skinned persons, are at risk for sunburn. Fair skinned, blue eyed blondes and redheads are especially susceptible. Redness, pain, swelling, and even blistering can occur from this over exposure. Peeling usually follows several days later. The pain of sunburn is usually greatest between 6 and 48 hours after exposure.

Sunburn Prevention
  • Try to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when its rays are strongest
  • Use a sunscreen with SPF of 15 or greater at all times. Use a waterproof product if swimming or exercising.
  • Beware of cloudy days, you can still burn then
  • Don't use sunlamps, reflectors, or tanning beds. They produce high levels of ultraviolet radiation!
  • Be informed about any medications you are taking and their side effects. Some antibiotics such as Tetracycline and Sulfa produce an allergic-type rash on body parts exposed to sun.
Sunburn Treatment
  • Use cool wet compresses for first 48 hours. Do not use ice.
  • Cool oatmeal baths (Aveeno, etc.) may be helpful
  • May use aloe in first 48 hours
  • NO lotions or petroleum jelly in the first 48 hours!! These hold in the heat!
  • Apply moisturizing lotions after 48 hours
  • Aspirin taken as directed on the label may help ease pain
Seek medical attention if fever, fluid-filled blisters, dizziness or visual disturbances are present Long Term Effects
The sun weakens the skin's elasticity leading to premature aging, such as early wrinkles and a tough, leathery look. Over exposure also leads to the development of flat, scaly, reddish patches called Solar Keratoses, which sometimes are precancerous. The most serious consequence of over exposure to the sun is skin cancer. Over 700,000 new cases of this most common form of cancer occur each year. No tan is a safe tan.

Are You at High Risk for Skin Cancer?
Take the following test and add up the points to gauge your risk of skin cancer
  • Hair Color: blonde/red - 4, brown - 3, black - 1
  • Eye Color: blue/green - 4, hazel - 3, brown - 2
  • After one hour exposure to sun, you: burn, maybe blister - 4, burn, then tan - 3, tan 1
  • Freckles: many - 5, some - 3, none - 1
  • Your job is: outdoors - 4, mixed - 3, indoors 2
  • Do you have a family member who has had skin cancer: yes - 5, no - 1
  • Before age 18, you lived in the U.S. in the: South - 4, Midwest - 3, North - 2
If your score was 10 to 15 you have below average risk, 16 to 22 you have average risk, 23 to 25 you have high risk, and 26 to 30 you have a very high risk of developing skin cancer at some point.

PROJECT GENESIS
Chairperson Position Open
BEYOND EARTH DAY
From: "EarthDay"
Date: Sat, 5 Jun 1999 10:42:51 -0700
Subject: For Worldwide Eyes Only

The Earth Day Worldwide Team is not just building the planet's biggest environmental network.
Other exciting campaigns and programs include:
  • A Worldwide Clean Energy Campaign, which will lead the world away from polluting fossil fuels toward clean, renewable energy sources. We have distinct goals, leading international energy partners and the international network to enable global change. Learn more by contacting sramanathan@earthday.net
  • Global campaigns in collaboration with leading international groups on:
    - oceans, the world's last and threatened frontier, and
    - biodiversity, where we are fighting to halt the extinction epidemic, and preserve the world's last wild spaces.
  • An Environmental Education Eco-Kit, which will be prepared in conjunction with the world's leading environmental education experts, and distributed across the developing and developed world. Children across the planet will be given the information to make sustainable choices for the future.
  • Technology support project which, as a legacy of Earth Day, will provide internet access to selected groups in developing areas, connecting them with each other and the global environmental community.
  • Many other innovative and exciting programs. Visit our website for details: http://www.earthday.net/worldwide
GET UPDATED ON THE WORLDWIDE NETWORK
For a complete update on Earth Day Network's Worldwide campaign, including events around the world, campaigns, International Strategic Partners, and groups in the Worldwide Network, visit the Worldwide section of Earth Day Network's website at http://www.earthday.net/worldwide or contact us at worldwide@earthday.net

To sign up for the Worldwide Email Bulletin, and receive regular updates on events and campaigns outside the United States, send an email to worldwide@earthday.net with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.

All events and campaigns, big or small, are vital parts of Earth Day. Add your voice to the millions around the world working for change!

*************
HELP US SPREAD THE EARTH DAY WORD
... Encourage your friends to sign up for this list, which gives general updates on the Earth Day 2000 campaign, at http://www.earthday.net/involved/signup_email.htm. Those without web access can send a message to email-list@earthday.net with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.