“O Canada”

Oh, such passion for our gelid neighbor to the north.  Brendan, Eric, and Taline gave Table Topic speeches, proving that Canada can indeed provide funny stories.  And as Corky would agree, this club likes a funny story, drunk stories especially.  More on that later… Taline shared her Canadian experience (of course it required proper protection to do so safely) wearing a hoodie (triple layered), footie and a full body wet suit.  A wet suit demonstration was summarily dismissed.  Canada can evidently also get under our collective collar, but I shall not go there, since the Canadian speech police might catch up with me eventually, since evidently, you are not allowed to say unkind things up there – nor boo.  But hey, isn’t that what sports games are all about?

I fear I’m getting ahead of myself.  So the sports comment leads me into Robin’s saga with the authorities in his speech, “Tossed.”  Though it won’t be coming to a movie theater near you, the plot is described with a map on the chalkboard, a sort of tale of three cities.  Robin’s friends get into a little innocent trouble and seem to be the real stars of this drunk, funny story.

Amy honored a soon-to-leave-us Jenny in advance of her departure, titled, “Jenny, We Hardly Knew Ye.”  She touched on many of the shared experiences that the Club has been able to enjoy with Jenny, notably her amazing abilities and superstar organizational skills and outgoing personality.  Though I am fairly new to the club, I can echo the sentiments, even from my shorter timeframe.  Jenny is consistently one of the friendliest people around, strives to make newcomers feel welcome, all of this done with confidence and grace.

Albert’s speech on “The Chagossian Struggle” was enlightening as always.  It is a highlight of Toastmasters – being exposed to new knowledge and new viewpoints.  I read the WSJ, FT and the Economist on a regular basis and had never heard of this particular people group.  A short summary is that the Chagossians were displaced in war from their rightful homeland by two of the world’s great powers, the US and the UK.

John S. was the chief evaluator and gave a pep-talk on the improvements he envisions we could install.  Am I the only one that thinks John has a TV/Radio voice?  He enunciates clearly and projects his voice well.  Oh yeah, he had lots of handouts.  I got a paper cut but it will heal eventually.  I hate to admit I am developing a phobia of colorful paper handouts.

Corky’s evaluation of Robin’s speech was a lesson in body language and acting.  Ever want to see a well tanned, baseball cap sporting, slurred speech, baseball fan?  Should’ve been there….

Brian’s karma levels must have been a little low this day because he not only had to evaluate The Dog Whisperer, but follow after Corky.  So how do you evaluate a heartfelt dedication?  A challenge, to be sure, but he did a fine job.  Note to self – no thigh slaps.

Louis was the final evaluator for the day.  It was a serious evaluation for a serious speech.  I’m sure there is a drunk Chagossian dying to tell their funny, drunk story.

Ribbon Winners:

  • Best Table Topic – Brendan
  • Best Speaker – Amy
  • Best Evaluator – Corky
  • Best Humor – Robin
  • Most Enthusiastic – John S.