What's in a Name?

Chance Litton has returned - and our meeting was full of his energy, humor, and enthusiasm (some sample "Chance-isms are below)! Epitomizing the attitude of our remarkable members, Chance stepped in to be TMoD and ran a thoroughly entertaining and fun-filled meeting. With a theme of "What's in a Name," we learned many things about the origins of our names. Not the least of which was our TMoD's official name being Charles (Carlos) Chance Litton. And that one must be verry careful when Googling his name!



Eric Guttman ran table topics with a creative game where the participant drew a card with a well-known personality and had to give an introduction as that person. Brian Anderson proved why he is our current club champion at table topics with his impassioned rendition of Col Jessup from "A Few Good Men," Emilie Staryak was charming as Blessed Mother Teresa, and Bill Gibbons was super as superman. Chance Litton won the day with his hilarious rendition of Borat.

Three fantastic speeches followed. In his #3 speech Corban Spraker presented a compelling case for optimism about the future of democracy in the world of Islam.


















Next, Masami Maeda, in her #3 speech described her experiences as a "Japanese woman teaching English to Spanish-speaking students." Masami was voted most improved speaker.

Elie Ishag finished the prepared speeches with his #5 Are We Headed for, or Are We Now in a Recession, in which he made a very complicated topic accessible to a lay audience. Elie got the nod as best speaker for his eloquent expounding on the economy.
















The speeches were followed by three excellent evaluations. Alex Bein evaluated Corban, Brian Anderson evaluated Masami, and Cathy Lee evaluated Elie. For her positive feedback and constructive suggestions, Cathy was awarded Best Evaluator by General Evaluator Angi Anderson.

Another fabulous meeting!

• Don't forget that dues are due - bring your check ($39 for six months payable to NPS Toastmasters) or send it to the treasurer, Warner Howser.
• Next Saturday, March 22, is the Area A1 Contest - come support Brian and Arnie as they compete in the Table Topics and International speech contests. It will be at the Salinas Agricultural Center on Abbott St. in Salinas, starting at 9:30 a.m.
• The next Smedley Saturday will be Saturday, March 29 at 1:00 at Glasgow Hall, Room 389. Let the VP Education Fred Sadler know if you wish to give a speech. This is a great opportunity to accelerate your progression though the manual! Remember that Icebreaker and #10 speeches are to be given in the club; anything else is fair game for Smedley Saturday.