Greetings and Salutations,

        Let me first apologize for anyone receiving two copies of this e-mail.  It has been an incredibly long time since I have written a report for Tarentum.  I will confess, I find it somewhat odd to be doing so again.  For those of you that do know me – yes, I am now the Proconsul.  For those of you that do not know me: simply put, I am Oberst.  I daresay that there is a lot of ego in that statement.  Some of it, I assure you, is unintentional.  



        To elaborate on the introduction, I am a 10-year veteran of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood.  In those 10 years, I have formed friendships with a plethora of individuals who cover a very wide area of interests, personalities and backgrounds.  My interests themselves are varied.  I am a student at the University of California – Berkeley, pursuing a double major in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology – Immunology.  I hope to one day parlay that background into a stepping stone to Medical School and finally a career as an Attending Physician with a specialization in Infectious Diseases and/or Nephrology.  But the life sciences aren't my only interest.  I am a voracious reader, love cars (European exotics especially), a fan of MMA and NHB, a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a Foodie, and am a tennis fanatic.  Just ask anyone who has heard me rant in #Tarentum on IRC.  I get into a tennis match like some people get into a football (American or soccer) or basketball game.  



        Speaking of IRC, I highly suggest visiting the Clan's IRC channel if you have never done so.  It's certainly a great way of getting to know people in the Clan.  Drop me an e-mail if you want more information.  



        Talk of the IRC channel brings me to my point in this report.  Communication is key.  Communication is key, because without it we're lost.  And if we're lost, we can do nothing.  And if we do nothing, did we even live?  Did we try to live?  Through and through, those 10 years have taught me one thing – camaraderie means more than anything else.  We could be the best at anything, but if we do not act in unison, if we do not have each other's backs, it means nothing.  Why do I mention this?  Because it is integral.  Not only to this Clan or this entire organization.  It is integral to us as human beings.  Without communication there is no society.  Without society there is no civilization.  



        Now, why do I bring up communication?  Easy.  I would like to challenge each and every one of you to introduce yourself to 3 people you have never met and never introduced yourself to.  And, I assure you there are at least 3 people you have never met in this Clan.  But, if you swear you do – very well, introduce yourself to 3 people in the Brotherhood.  Start a conversation.  Start a flurry of e-mails.  Add each other to your myspace.  Start a friendship.  Start a romance.  Just start.  



        Just to add some official-ness to this report.  Two competitions are currently running Clan Wide.  One is a Treasure Hunt, the other is a writing competition.  If you never got the info, e-mail me and I'll hit you back with the pertinent information.  



        And in the words of the Don Cornelius, "I wish you peace, love and SOUL."  

Cheers,

DA Maxamillian von Oberst-Tarentae,

Proconsul