Where Were You On Sept 11, 2001?

Triskelion Toastmasters
Meeting Minutes
9-11-08
________________________________________

We had outstanding attendance on Thursday. Thank you for everyone who came. It was almost "standing room only". The meeting unfolded as follows.

Speaker 1 - Connie
Connie wowed us with a speech about "The agony of de feet". A wellness expert, Connie explained how the feet function as a major nerve center for the entire body. Massaging and caring for the feet can actually help your entire body! Thinking about wearing those uncomfortable shoes, ladies? Connie says think again. Wearing 3 inch heels consistently over time reconditions your muscles and tendons, causing problems later. Guys, are you fond of dress shoes or Cowboy boots? Beware of shortened achilles tendons if you overuse them! Take care of yourselves. Be sure to start each day off on, well.... the right foot!

Speaker 2 - Nick
On a day of solemn remembrance for our country, Nick shared a story of national security from his homeland. A Russian immigrant that hails from the Ukraine, Nick talked about his first hand experience during the frightening hours of the 1990 Communist Coup. In reaction to Gorbechev's numerous reforms, Communist hardliners seized the premier, deployed troops and attempted to restore the "Old Regime." The hours were tense. Nick's tale was gripping. Tanks waited outside town and no one knew exactly what would happen. In the end, Boris Yeltsin declared, as President of Russia, he had the authority to order all the troops back home. The day was saved!

Nick shared that Yeltsin's men were able to foil the coup with lightning speed because the CIA, in an unprecedented act of friendship, shared major communications intelligence with Yeltsin. Nothing was held back. Through the CIA, Yeltsin and the Russian people were able to monitor all coup communications and bring a swift end to the oppression.

Nick is writing an entire book on his experiences. We fellow Toastmasters look forward to hosting his first book signing.

Table Topics - Mike A.
The meeting was capped by Table Topics a' la Bill Walsh. Bill Walsh passed away not long ago. However he is remembered as one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time. He, and he alone, has 5 Superbowls to his name. Additionally, his students like Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren, Jon Gruden, Dick Vermiel, Brian Billick and many, many others won Superbowls using his philosophy. Even Hall of Fame players like Denver Broncos Safety John Lynch can thank Walsh for his instruction.

Walsh was special not only for his knowledge of football, but his knowledge of leadership. Table topic-ers commented on leadership quotes from his book "Finding the Winning Edge."

Julie came armed with the word of the day, "exacerbate". Don and Dan headed up the evaluation team.

Announcements:
1. Club dues of $33 are due at the end of the month. Please get your dues to Eric or Mike at your earliest convenience.
2. Officer's meeting, going forward, will be held on the last Thursday of every month
3. Don't forget to bring a guest. We have strong numbers, but we can always be better. Now is a great time to join because we are starting a new cycle.
4. Are you due for a "speech check up?" How are you progressing on your manuals? Are you a Distinguished Toastmaster yet? Are you knocking them dead at your business meetings? If not, get with VP of Education, Karen, or Mike (yours truly). We'll book some time on the calendar for you. Keep your speaking skills sharp and your wit sharper.

Roles for September 18, 2008
ToastMaster - Don Lyman
Speaker 1 - Mike Roth
Speaker 2 - Eric Wales
Evaluator 1 - Mike Angell
Evaluator 2 - Gary Fuller
General Evalutor - Julie Williams
Table Topics - Eric Peterson
Timer - Dan Pratt
Grammarian/Ah Counter - Open

Good meeting.
See you next week.

Mike Angell
President