So it bagan on this date in 1977. The standard was born for what science fiction and movies should be when put together. Sure, great trilogies would follow, but what would have been if Star Wars was never made? Would there even be a Raiders of the Lost Ark trilogy? Leaves you something to ponder. See no one knew how people would react to Star Wars. Thats why it was only released in 32 theaters. But that changed quickly. It didn't take long for the force to take effect. And look how far we have come. The entire story is now a 6 part movie. Darth Vader is probably the most recognized villan of all time. Seriously. The image of Vader is as recognizable as that of Jordan. Lucas created a tale as endearing to a generation as Lord of the Rings was generations ago. Star Wars will be among the heavy weights of popular culture for years to come. Now go rent or watch a Star Wars flick over the weekend. I recommend The Empire Stikes Back, pay attention to the Hoth world. And the last installment is good, only because of the dark nature of it all and that opening scene of unadultered warfare. Good stuff.
Don't forget to remember the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to the alter of freedom this weekend either. I plan to read some war poetry by the fire outside while I consume a Guinness for me and leave one open for any one on the other side who may want to hang out and listen to me read. Peace out.
2 comments:
I recieved this email this morning:
Hi there Zoo friends,
The Salisbury Zoo needs your help. Two City Council members (Terry Cohen &
Debbie Campbell) are proposing significant budget cuts to your zoo. These cuts
would be detrimental to Zoo operations and would cause 5 (out of only 14) zoo
staff members to lose their jobs. The Zoo Education Department and the Animal
Department would effectively be cut 50% - and there is no way the Zoo could
continue to serve the community in the wonderful way that it has for the last
53 years. Please make your voices heard! We need your support! The information
below, from Zoo Director Jim Rapp, gives more detail about the proposed cuts
and what you can do to help. Please share this information with everyone you
know. It would be great for all of our partners - young and old - to make a
statement, so please share this with colleagues, students, children, friends,
family...
We know you love the zoo - it's free and accessible to everyone in our
community, and it's top-notch - accredited by the Association of Zoos and
Aquariums... and we want to keep it that way - it's one of the things that
makes our town great. Please contact City Council members (contact information
is below), send letters to the editor (eamil to sparker@dmg.gannett.com), send
comments to the Grapevine'(telephone 410.749.7171 x 333 or fax 410.749.7290) -
get the word out however you can...
Thank you for your support!
Carrie Samis
Education Curator
zooed@salisburyzoo.org
410.546.3440 x 5
------------------------------------------------------
In today's Daily Times, there is an article about Debbie Campbell and Terry
Cohen's proposed $3 million cuts to the City budget. Yesterday, Campbell &
Cohen released details of their proposed $1.4 million in cuts from the City's
general fund. They have proposed $326,119 in cuts to the zoo's operational
budget.
These cuts represent:
FIVE ZOO POSITIONS:
Zoo Curator (Gary Muir)
Zoo Eduication Curator (Carrie Samis)
Three Zookeeper positions (3 of 6 staff, could be Ann Konopik, Dave
Williamson, Dan Ciancitto, Joy Gibson-McIntire, Christianna Fry or Debbie
Graham)
.and $152,388 in cuts to maintenance accounts, training, increases &
benefits, etc.
This is completely unacceptable. These cuts will ruin the Zoo that you and I
have built together with our investment of time, money, and love for our
animals and our community.
I have spoken with Zoo Commission Chairman Ron Alessi, and we have agreed to
the following. Please do everything you can to help:
1. Contact Debbie Cambell and Terry Cohen and let them know how you feel about
your Zoo. It doesn't matter if you are a City taxpayer or not - you are an
investor in this Zoo, and you want to see your investment supported by the
owners, the City of Salisbury. You all work very hard to bring additional
resources to the Zoo to match the City's support. Campbell & Cohen want to
eliminate the Education Curator position - that is position is funded through
a grant from the MD State Department of Education, two endowments at the
Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, special events, and program fees.
This Zoo is the heart & soul of this City. Campbell & Cohen use the term "non-
essential" to refer to this Zoo: how does that make you feel?
Please forward this e-mail to your friends, neighbors, and family. Contact
Campbell & Cohen at:
Deborah S. Campbell
Councilwoman
809 Camden Ave
Salisbury, MD 21801
Home: 410-860-0893
Email: debbiescampbell@comcast.net
Terry E. Cohen
Councilwoman
536 Druid Hill Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21801
Home: 410-845-0296
Email: Terry@TerryCohen.com
2. We will be issuing a press release today to explain the impact of these
lethal cuts in funding to the Zoo. I will forward this press release to you as
soon as it is ready for distribution.
3. Make your voice heard at the next City Council budget meeting on Tuesday,
May 29 in the City Council Chambers of the City/County Government Building. We
need a strong presence - bring your friends, your children, and your passion
for your Zoo.
Attached are the Daily Times article, and Campbell & Cohen's proposed cuts.
Jim Rapp, Director
Salisbury Zoo
P.O. Box 2979
Salisbury, MD 21802
(410) 548-3116 ext. 6
jrapp@ci.salisbury.md.us
may the force be with you oh ugly one!
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