July 21, 2008 Minutes
From Austin Toastmasters (Balcones, Club #3407)
Lets not prevaricate any longer, as Fred our grammarian would say, and let our President, Mary, introduce Steve G. as the Toastmaster of the day. Steve quickly got the timekeeper, Jonathan, and the grammarian, Fred out of the way so he could introduce the “One Minute Toastmaster”, Priscilla. As OMT Priscilla suggested ways to find subjects for your next speech. Good advice. She suggested something about a Meatta and Googeling in the same sentence. I am having trouble getting one speech together, let alone ten. Priscilla I promise I will try to embrace your suggestions.
Table Topics Master, John McMillan, called on one of our first time guest for participating in TT. I called attention to the idea that that might be a little off the mark of fairness. However John had previously asked guest Tanya if she would like to give it a go. She agreed and did a remarkable job. My compliments to both John and Tanya, and I will try to refrain from being so impertinent. Other members involved in TT were; Harry, and a movie festival, Saul, and the importance of I-35, and Cathy having lunch with a celebrity.
- Mike Prentice, our first speaker, presented “Ice Breaker, Part II,” with wisdom and verve. Mike fled Iowa and the cold to be in Texas and fight the “Battle of the DotCom War.” If you have forgotten this encounter, it was somewhat like Iraq, but not so polite. A quote Mike dropped in his journey was “Be careful what you wish for, you may get it. Mike lives in the shadow of his wife, Trish’s fame. However he has his boots and motorcycle, and you can’t take that away from him.
- Dan Naden took us on a trip to dear old Ireland. Remind me not to rent a car when, next time I visit the emerald isle. I don’t want to miss the soccer games, the exotic food, and the Cliffs Moor. Dan made the land come alive with his word pictures and a wee bit of accent here and there. I do want to visit Waterford Crystal manufacturing plant to see all the wonders of that art form. Thanks for the trip Dan. I didn’t even have to find my passport.
- James a.k.a. Jim Comer let us in on a conversation he had with a little kid. Several little kids to be exact, but one with a great vision. James conversation with the kids included, broken bones, Atlanta airport, and a study in the exuberance of youth. James, now that I look more closely I can see the same thing the kid saw; a striking resemblance. Should we all be so lucky! Thanks for the interlude.
Chief Evaluator Mary introduced the “Guys and Dolls” that performed their tasks quite well. Well, Peter Ryon didn’t make it due to some unforeseen circumstances. Gordon, Karen, and Scott shared thoughts with the speakers and offered advice. Thanks.
Ribbon winners were: Kathy for Table Topics, Jim (James) for speaker, Scott for Evaluator, and Karen for most improved.
