Well here it is the first issue of Beyond Genesis.  It has finally happened and I’m glad to say it did.  Even though it took me longer than I thought it would.  I don’t know how educational some of the articles will be, or if there will be any at all.  I know this issue has two.  Yeah I know Two.
I hope you like it and will put up with this new approach to a newsletter, and the editor.  What I would like to see is we take newsletter of the year either this year or next year.  I want it, and I know you do too.
The meetings not being held at our normal location are potluck lunches/dinners.  That means bring something with you to contribute.  Directions will be given by contacting either myself: cryindarkness@yahoo.com, or Steve: sfc_Reliant@hotmail.com.

Enjoy the newsletter,

The Editor
Amy L. Page
Chief Communications Officer
USS RELIANT NCC 1864-C

The deadline for the next issue is June 1st 2002.  Stardate:  12427.  This time if you are at the meeting on the first you can give it to me then. 

Welcome to the first issue of the reincarnation of the USS Reliant's newsletter.  I plan to run one of two columns each issue.  I’ll use “From The Center Seat” to inform you of upcoming events and relay fleet information that you may be interested in.  On the other hand, I will use “the HighChair” as my soapbox for thoughts, opinions, and temper tantrums (yes, Captains have those too).

As you can tell, from the flavor of the articles and bylines, we don’t usually take ourselves seriously.  I have found that things are not as fun when I take myself seriously.  Additionally, I have found that it’s time to take a break, when things are no longer fun.  So, let’s have fun doing some serious things!

What are the primary duties of a unit CO?  Well, they are the main contact between the unit members and higher headquarters (being Starbase 6 and Fleet).  The CO is, also, the one person who is legally responsible for the activities and finances of the unit.
The First Officer assists and must be prepared to stand in for the CO, when needed.  Also, if the situation calls for it, the FO must be ready to replace the CO.

So, with this modest entry, begins the CO’s contributions to our newsletter.

Midshipman Piper and Midshipman P. Webb are on a dangerous mission tracking down their arch nemesis Sable the dino-cat.  Sable got into the medical and science division supplies and has disappeared.  All they have are a few sightings of her running amuck on the ship acting like GODZILLA!!!  They may have to call in both the Vice and the marine ship Iwo Jima for the dangerous mission of crawling through the Jefferies tubes and ventilation ducts to apprehend her.

The last report we received from VADM JD Eller is that he had an encounter with Sable the Dino-cat.  Last know physical location was Jefferies tube 347.  We sent in the CO of the Iwo Jima in to rescue him.  The only thing that W. A. Hlas found were scraps of uniform, some blood, and a 20th century baseball cap (the vice’s favorite hat).  Commander Hlas is planning an all out assault on Sable the Dino-cat.  There have been fleeting sightings, the unsubstantiated reports she has been seen dragging VADM JD Eller through the tubes in a straight jacket and gagged.  Commander Hlas will not rest until the vice is safe and sound locked in sickbay attended by LTjg Ian and his assistants Ens A. Page, and Fleet captain Harris for extensive medical treatment of his injuries.

I am doing ongoing research on what happened to the Titanic.  Here is some of what I have found.  In the movie “Titanic” there was an actual car in the cargo bay.  As well as several items that were used back then a medicine.  Example: 4 cases of opium.

There was over $420,000 in good that was lost when the ship went down.
The survival rate for the different classes was:
1st class: 32.57% men, 96.52% women, and 83.33% children
2nd class: 8.33% men, 86.03% women, and 100% children
3rd class: 16.23% men, 46.06% women, and 34.17% children

All passengers: 18.13% men, 73.64% women, and 52.29% children.
Crew: 22.27% men, and 71.43% Women.

Grand total of crew and Passengers: 20.27% men, 74.35% women, and 52.29% children.
This is why now all cruise ships have lifeboats for all of the people on board.  If only 52% of children survive that tells you that man is selfish.

1. Always make sure the wheel is properly lubricated, as a squeaky wheel is annoying and inefficient.
2. Always keep the containment area clean and clear of debris.
3. Maintain proper coolant levels and be prepared to deal with leaks as they occur.
4. A properly prepared med-kit is a MUST, as one never knows when it may be needed for those injections of Jolt cola or Mountain Dew.  (Sleepy tribbles do not run in their wheel.)
5. DO NOT FEED THE TRIBBLES, unless you have a Klingon vessel in the area to properly dispose of the excess.
6. Keep a spare tribble at all times as you can never get a reputation for being a “Miracle Worker” without at least one, this also allows for more than one spare generator to be “running”.
7. Klingon’s should be kept as far as possible from the auxiliary generators, as they make the tribbles nervous and nervous tribbles are more annoying then a squeaky wheel.
8. A closed cage is a good thing, so keep it sealed at all times.
We hope you keep these rules in mind when caring for the auxiliary power generator, May it run long and strong under your care.

People have revered stones, gems and crystals since ancient times.  Amulets have been found in burial sites thousands of years old.  Mystics taught benefits of stones for various problems.  They also taught how and when to use them as protection, guidance and healing.  Birthstones are gems believed to bring luck to people born in that month.

The Garnet is the stone for January.  Colors range from colorless to almost black.  Most common is the deep red.  It is reported to give its wearer guidance at night and protection from nightmares.  Egyptians thought it was antidotes for snakebites and food poisoning.  They are found in Brazil, India, Africa, Siberia, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and the USA.

February’s birthstone is the amethyst, which is a purple hued stone.  Believed by the Greeks, that when worn, to prevent intoxication.  Also prevents baldness and clears up complexions.  It symbolized peace, tranquility and protection.  Amethysts are found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Uruguay, Madagascar and Zambia. 

March birthstone is the aquamarine, a clear blue to blue-green to dark blue ranged stone.  The stone is said to aid those ancient seafarers.  It symbolizes youth, hope and wealth.  They are found in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia. 

Diamonds belong to April.  They are the most precious of gems.  “Diamond” comes from Greek word “adamas” meaning unconquerable.  They were discovered in India more that 2000 years ago.  Found also in Australia, Botswana, the Congo, Russia and South Africa.

Emerald is May’s birthstone.  The most prized is the pure grass green.  Wearing an emerald, according to legend, cures low I.Q., poor eyesight and infertility.  Also allowed the wearer to predict the future.  Emeralds are mainly found in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

A “gem” produced inside oysters is June’s birthstone.  Natural pearls are very rare.  Most are cultivated.  Pearls come in a wide range of colors.  They represent purity, modesty and chastity.  They also have become a symbol of a happy marriage. 

The “LORD OF ALL GEMS” is July’s birthstone.  The ruby is called sister to the sapphire.  The best color is a vivid red.  They are thought to protect the wearer.  They come from Burma, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Kenya, Thailand and Tanzania.

August stone is the peridot, a transparent lime or olive green.  According to lore, it intensified medicinal effects and was used as powerful amulets against all evil.  Peridots are found in Burma and The USA.

September’s birthstone is the sapphire.  Ancients believed that sapphires refused to shine when worn by the impure of heart and priests and sorcerers revered them above all gems.  The sapphire allowed them to tell the future.  They are found in Sri Lanka, East Africa, South Asia and Australia.

October’s gem is the opal.  The stone refracts and reflects light.  Described as “made up of the glories of gems…gentler fire of the ruby, rich purple of amethyst, sea green of emeralds, glittering together”.  Opals represent hope, purity and innocence.  Sources are Australia, Mexico and the USA.

Topaz is November’s birthstone.  The lore of topaz includes relieving ailments, even death and changing colors when a poison is present.  They are found in Brazil.

December’s gem is the turquoise.  It ranges in color from sky blue to green.  Sixteenth century Indians in the southwest used it as a form of money.  Their belief, this gem stone could bring happiness and good fortune to all and improve the hunt.  They are found in Brazil, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.

Two new guests, Jack Stauffer and Steven Brust, have been added to the InConJunction guest list.

For other information, including bios for the above-mentioned guests, hotel and registration information, and details about the InConJunction Masquerade contest, at which you could win up to $100 in cash prizes, go to:
http://www.inconjunction.org

Prep: Cut fat away from meat and cube.  Wash vegetables and remove mushroom stems.  Slice carrots, celery, and mushrooms, then cube the potatoes.  Skin Onion and chop Melt butter in a large skillet.  Add fresh garlic, pepper, garlic salt, and meat.  Brown meat thoroughly.  Transfer browned meat into a large stew pot, and add stock, wine, onion, parsley and bay leaf.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer one hour or until meat is tender.  Add carrots, celery, potatoes, and mushrooms.  Simmer until vegetables are tender.  Stirring occasionally.  Serve hot.
 

Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and Kahlua in large mixer bowl.  Blend well; then beat at medium speed for 4 minutes.  Stir in nuts and/or chocolate chips.  Pour into greased and floured 10-inch tube or Bundt pan.  Bake at 350 degree for 50 to 55 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean and cake begins to pull away from sides of pan.  Cool in pan 15 minutes.  Remove from pan and finish cooling on rack.  When cool - frost if desired - or sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Yields 12 servings.