| Greetings to each of you, the
wonderful crew of the Aurora! I am always amazed at the way our world works, the way we interact and relate to one another. I am fascinated by the fact that we can communicate over such long distances and share in ongoing conversations for weeks (or months) on end, due to the way the internet and mass media sites operate. I have shared in fun conversations over the last few weeks with each of you; a few in person, but more done through electronic mediums. And I've also been hobnobbing with some of the cast and crew of the various Trek series, lately too! (Talk about cool things we can do through the internet!) While I've shared photos and jokes with Garrett Wang (Harry Kim of ST: VOY) and had him introduce me to Robert Duncan McNeal (Tom Paris, ST: VOY), Robert Beltran (Chikotay, ST: VOY) and Robert Picardo (Dr. Zimmerman/the Holographic Doctor, also of ST: VOY) (also incredibly cool to get to meet the three Rob's!), I've gotten into deep discussions with the Okudas (Michael and Denise, who created many of the props and sets of the Trek series from TNG onward) and JG Hertzler (General Martok of DS9) about the space program, finance and politics and the hopes we still strive to hold onto for the human race. It's been astounding to have such an opportunity, and I'm continually finding myself grateful to live in this time and be able to enjoy such opportunities and meet some of the people I've come to admire through their work as characters and actors. It was discussed amongst these new friends, and many of my old friends, just what a fantastic tool the computer can be, but also how it can wreck great devastation in the lives of those who lose themselves to it's seemingly warm |
glow of life much more fascinating
and exciting than our own seems to be. It reminds me that so many of
our crew are disabled, struggling to find time to take part in
something outside the need to work for their daily food and shelter,
and can become enchanted with the tool to the point of using it as a
surrogate means of friendship and socialization. We are playing
games together and socializing online, for those who must utilize
this tool more than some of our other crew members, but we cannot
forget that we need to step away from it's warming glow and share
face-to-face moments, too. And for this reason, I and the department
heads have been striving to find activities and events where we can
get together to talk, laugh, play and build with one another. Take the time to get out and feel the grass under your hands or feet, smile with eyes closed as you face the sunshine to catch it's warming rays - even if for only a short moment. Get out to say "hi" to other friends, or complete strangers, to show yourself that you can still be sociable as readily as you are able to text, tweet or IM a friend online. Remember that it isn't just our circle of friends, here, who matter. All of us are part of the world we live in, all of us are deserving of a moment of consideration and a kind smile or word. More importantly, all of us are part of the human race, versatile - wonderful - creatures that are capable of greatness when given the changes and support from those around us. Play the games, share in the fun and fellowship, remember to take "me time", but don't forget to be part of the world right outside your front door, too!
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| Babel is coming to a Norwescon
near you!
Have you joined us at Babel in the past? It all started in 2009, when the crew of the USS Aurora brought together friends and family to launch as a full chapter of STARFLEET International. Generously provided facilities at Norwescon 32, we gathered at the Doubletree Seatac in the Maxi's Salon at the top of the building. The following year, to both commemorate our launch and to encourage local fan clubs to network, we held the first Babel Conference, hosted by the USS Aurora and again in facilities provided by Norwescon. Attended by over 70 people and more than half a dozen clubs, it was considered a modest success. People met, chatted, noshed and networked. We repeated the effort again this year, at Norwescon 34, again in facilities generously provided by the Norwescon convention and joint hosted by the USS Aurora and Norwescon. It was again a modest success, seeing dozens of visitors come and visit. |
Keeping with this success, we hope to start a tradition, but this
year, let's really work on it. Yep, it's only August, and the
convention is nine months or so away, but it's a great time to Now, attending Babel does not require a Norwescon membership, but we encourage it. Once more, we encourage you to maybe sign up as STAFF for Norwescon and help the convention. However, membership or not, we really do need people to step up and offer to host and put on Babel. This means being willing to help set up, clean up, meet & greet and if possible help provide easy refreshments and help put out the word either through social networking or making signs and fliers. So, show your Aurora spirit, raise your hand, and contact me, your cheerful XO and let me know how you can help. You can contact me using our shiney new website contacts page at the Aurora website. Thanks in advance, hope to hear from you soon! |
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An Interview With:Lieutenant Gary Bell Name: Gary Bell If you could be any species, or mix of species, from the Star Trek Universe, what would it be?: Good question. I am who I am. Do you have a nickname you wouldn't mind people using?: Walks (From Walksfar). |
What's your favorite color?: Blue What's your favorite food?: Sushi What's your least favorite food?: I don't think there IS one. What do you like most so far about being a member of STARFLEET and/or the USS Aurora?: It's local and I know everyone. What do you look forward to the most, being a member of the USS Aurora?: Good question... I never looked at it that way. Do you have any pets?: Yes, a large Pomeranian named Foxy and two rabbits. Do you talk to your friends and family about your STARFLEET activities?: Only when it's brought up. What do you think is the most interesting thing about yourself?: I don't consider myself interesting. |
Gary may not find himself interesting, but we do! He's pictured here as "Rennifer" the rabbit next to "Sedahr". Gary is also a retired school teacher and has worked as Art Show Staff for Further Confusion, a furry convention in California in the past. Gary's a great person to know, and we treasure him as a member of the USS Aurora Thank you Gary!
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