Tampa Bay Sounding

A Publication of Tampa Bay (Florida) Mensa

Vol. 30, No. 3 April 2005

Tampa Bay Sounding 2

Mensa is an international society whose sole qualification for membership is a score at or above the 98th percentile on a standard IQ test. Mensa is a not-for-profit organization whose main purpose is to serve as a means of communication and assembly for its members. All opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors, and not necessarily those of the editors or officers of Mensa. Mensa as an organization has no opinions. Visit American Mensa at http://www.us.mensa.org.

Tampa Bay Sounding is the official newsletter of Tampa Bay Mensa. See the inside back cover for copyright information. Tampa Bay Mensa, which split off from Central Florida Mensa in 1975, serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Sumter counties. Visit TBM at http://www.tampa.us.mensa.org, which

provides full instructions on how to join tbm-gm and tbm-discussion, our two Yahoo Groups.

CONTENTS

TAMPA BAY MENSA OFFICERS ___________________________ 38 LAST MONTH’S CRYPTOPOEM SOLUTION __________________ 37 THE MANIC FLUTE Fleabag MacDee ______________________ 36 GAMES WITH GROUCHO AND THE LEPRECHAUNS

Sylvia Zadorozny _____ 35 BECAUSE FOO SOUNDS LIKE A SURFER Dana Groulx ________ 34 URBAN COWBOY Bud Urban ____________________________ 33 FSM – FEBRUARY 20, 2005 Sylvia Zadorozny _______________ 32 GIFTED CHILDREN’S GROUP Theresa Hohmann _____________ 31 IGGY – MY PET ROCK Sweet Joseph _______________________ 30 ERUDITE LITE Ellen Berry ________________________________ 26 FEBRUARY FRIDAY NIGHT MADNESS Phoebe McCann _______ 24 APRIL 2005 CALENDAR Ronan Heffernan, Calendar Editor ____ 18 WISE GUY Thomas George Thomas ________________________ 17 AMERICAN MENSA COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES ________ 14 LOCSEC’S REPORT Maxine Kushner_______________________ 13 CRYPTOPOEM Sylvia Zadorozny _________________________ 12 (ASSISTANT/ACTING) RVC REPORT Maggie Truelove _______ 10 REGION 7 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP (LDW) ___ 9 FLORANGE ’05 SUITE MAYHEM! REGISTRATION FORM _______ 8 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR _________________________________ 6 MENSAVERSARIES _____________________________________ 5 BIRTHDAYS AND NEW MEMBERS _________________________ 4 EDITOR’S COLUMN Thomas George Thomas_________________ 3

3 April 2005 EDITOR’S COLUMN

Thomas George Thomas Each year Spring arrives with a sense of renewal, growth and warmth – and no small amount of silliness and fun, thanks to April Fools’ Day and its monthly bookend, May Day (in its Roman sense, of course!). In this context, it seems that the whole month of April could represent a spirit of whimsy – with a possible one-day exception, if you still haven’t completed your taxes… Some philosophers believe that recognition of our own foolishness – however intelligent we may otherwise be – is an essential component of life wisdom. I’m no philosopher (no more so than any of the rest of the peanut gallery, at any rate), but it appears to me that many people who take themselves or life oh-so-seriously don’t realize how silly they look to others. So embrace the season – enjoy Spring! Dare to have fun! There are many events in April and beyond to facilitate this. Registration for MindGames closes (or closed) on April 1, but even if you’ve missed that, registration is still underway for the Regional Gathering in Ft. Lauderdale in May (p. 8). There’s also a Games Night the previous weekend, and a trivia night the following weekend – plus lunches, dinners, breakfast (Mensans do love to eat, don’t we?) – and the reading group and children’s activities. So join the party – you know you want to… If you don’t see something that interests you, send us a note. The Sounding is your primary vehicle to communicate with your fellow Tampa Bay M’s, so take advantage of it! If you have an email address and haven’t done so already, join the TBM-GM newsgroup through the Events menu item on our NEWLY REDESIGNED WEBSITE (thanks to Ronan Heffernan and Ellen Berry!) at http://www.tampa.us.mensa.org. This allows you to receive up-to-date information about additions and changes to the calendar of events.

Hope to hear from you!

Tampa Bay Sounding 4

APRIL BIRTHDAYS 2 Penny Levin 3 Sally Marnell, Paul Smith 4 Shoshana Shay 5 Thomas Reesor 8 John Bailey 9 Donald Forslund, Kitt

Holland, Phoebe McCann, Bradley Price

11 Joyce Liberty 12 Peter Cohoon, Leigh Freijo 17 Timothy Caddell 22 Kerry Lawson 23 Thomas Downs 25 Cindy Bethel 27 Barbara Stetko, Lawrence Urban 28 Chris Knight, Michael Mardis ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WELCOME TO TAMPA BAY MENSA! Federico I. Agnir Ruby Leah Agnir Allyson Bowers* Mary L. Britain Mona Cafone Michael S. Demko Neil Gomes* John W. Gove

Alan Lichtenstein Terra D. Maggiolino Shannon Mahoney James R. Moon Oris Parker Helen Martin Parramore Alan Kendrick Sloan William F. Trudel*

*= new member; others are moves in, preferences in, or reinstatements.

5 April 2005 MARCH MENSAVERSARIES 1 Year James Browning, Elaine Fry, Mariel Michaels,

Richard Mitchell, Chris O’Connor, Thomas Sodeman, Colleen Sturtz

2 Years Robert Ayres, Chris Knight, Elizabeth Maguire 3 Years Howard Berry, Lux Devoid, Patricia Farnum 4 Years Robin Burngasser 5 Years Dhyan Appachu, Sheila Moore, Ralph Smith,

Joseph Welch 6 Years Frederick Raymond, Linda Raymond, Joyce

Simpson 7 Years Charis Barnard, Donald Mihokovich, Danielle

Wingate 8 Years John Ganno, Bernard Spector, Erin Wells 10 Years Chester Smith 11 Years John Crandall, Gerard MacDonald 13 Years Lawrence Jay, Kathleen Montemayor 14 Years Mark Sawyer 17 Years Robert Bullard 20 Years Barbara Loewe 22 Years Frank Clarke 23 Years Vincent DiNapoli, Phillip Geisinger 24 Years Jane Pattison, Duke Stern 25 Years Gerald Lundquist 26 Years Keven McGinn, Edward Reasor 27 Years Federico Agnir 29 Years Rush Miller 30 Years Martha Mallak 31 Years Peter Profiro 32 Years Barbara Ray, Francis Wellman 33 Years Kathleen Robinson * Mensaversaries come from the membership list provided by national Mensa; some may represent rejoin dates after a lapse in membership.

Tampa Bay Sounding 6 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I am writing you today on a matter of grave importance. I have been a member of Mensa for some time and never witnessed anything so vile and frightening as what I witnessed not once but twice in the month of March. It was group think at its very worst.

I have been attending the games nights held twice a month. I enjoy playing board games and had found the other Ms in attendance warm and entertaining. This makes the events I am about to describe even more difficult to report. I was totally misled by these people. How could I have allowed myself to be so fooled? I even brought my daughter to an FSM with these people.

The nights started out like any of the game nights before. There were a few new people at each of these games nights, but nothing seemed amiss. We played our games, and all was well, until someone brought out the chickens. It seemed a little odd, but you never know what to expect with a group of Mensans. I thought it was rather amusing but what happened afterwards was simply horrific. The chicks were placed in the microwave for a sick ritualistic killing. People gathered around to see the bloating bodies of these helpless animals. How could this go on? People were speculating on the possibility of an explosion. How could no one stop this? Surely someone else saw the evil in this. No one spoke up. No one stopped it. How could intelligent people allow this to go on? How could they stand around and watch? Perhaps

they were as scared as I or perhaps they are not as easily moved by the plight of these Easter confections. I ask you now to join me in ensuring this never happens again.

I await your response, Theresa Hohmann

Save the Peeps

For more on these monstrous events, see pages 34-35. - Thomas

7 April 2005 To the editor: A fond "Hello" to you all ! I've recently moved to the Tampa Bay area from Pittsburgh, PA. Actually, that's a long story. To make it short, I was born and raised in Brandon, FL. Went to Brandon High School and graduated in ' 79. I met my "ex" down here but he was from the 'Burgh, so we moved up there. 15 years later we divorced so I moved back "home" in January of this year to be near family & friends again. A "do over", if you will.

I'm currently living in Plant City and I look forward to being an active member of your group. I just got my first copy of the Sounding and you look like a fun bunch. Maybe I can come to the 3-26 FSM. It would be nice to meet some of you there.

By the way, if anyone wants stats... I'm 43, white, female, red hair, blue eyes, divorced. The love of my life is my MinPin dog, Elton.

I guess that's about it. I would love to hear from anyone in my new group. About whatever. I can be reached at geewhiz1979@aol.com or 813-846-6494.

Tracy Geiser (pronounced like "Old Faithful" not Geezer)

PS- If I get a positive response from you all I promise to be a FUN member !!!!! So get in touch! I'm a willing participant!

Welcome back to the area, Tracy! As you can see, there’s plenty of activity, so feel free to jump right in. Check the calendar for details

on this month’s events, starting on page 18. - Thomas To the editor: I wanted to say thanks for becoming our Editor. The Sounding looks great!

Marilyn Wolf

Thank you for your kind words, Marilyn! (Although you may have reconsidered that thought when you received this Sounding… next

month we return to something closer to “normal”.) - Thomas

Tampa Bay Sounding 8 Broward Mensa Presents FLoRanGe ‘05

SUITE MAYHEM! Memorial Day Weekend May 27-30, 2005

A mélange of speakers, demonstrations, contests, tournaments, an auction, Charlie Steinhice and his Trash Bowl, Rick Friedman, Joke-off, paper games, Pundemonium, John Klasen’s Treasure Hunt, Wit Tee Shirt Contest, special activities for Teens and ‘Tweens, 24 hour Game and Hospitality Suites, pool, hot tub, all meals except Saturday Night on the Town, plus all the old and new friends you can stuff into a steamer trunk! Location:

Fort Lauderdale, FL Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek All rooms are suites. $79.00 per night for 1-4.

Must reserve by May 6, 2005

Registration: $80.00 for adults $37.50 for children under 12 Make checks payable to:

Broward Mensa

Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek 555 West Cypress Creek Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Phone: 954-492-5849

1-800-325-3535

Mail to: Darcy Schiller, Registrar 6075 N. Sabal Palm Blvd. #313 Tamarac, FL 33319-2645

Name__________________________ Address ________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________ Officer/Position ___________________ Name on Badge ___________________ Email address _____________________

Want more information? Contact RG Chair Robin Rhea (robinrhea@bellsouth.net)

954-575-1639

9 April 2005 REGION 7 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

When: May 20-22, 2005 Where: Howard Johnson’s, 301 3rd Avenue North, Fargo,

ND 58102, (701) 232-8850 Who: All officers, potential officers, concerned

members and anyone interested in the inner workings of Mensa. Basically, everyone is invited!

Cost: No Charge!!! (Hotel costs, travel and food are the responsibility of the individual members.) A catered lunch will be provided Saturday for all attendees. We will also have a Hospitality Suite where a small selection of snacks and drinks will be provided.

What: This is the first LDW in Region 7 in quite a few years. Sessions scheduled deal with PR for local groups, Testing and Admissions, Getting People Involved, Welcoming New Members, Editing and Newsletters, Child Friendly Activities, Dealing with Problem Members, Special Events, and Starting an Area Group.

Speakers: We have a very distinguished group of American Mensa members presenting these sessions: COOKIE BAKKE (Past Bulletin Editor, 2004 AG Chairman), JOYCE LUNDEEN (Past Development Officer, Current InterLoc Editor), SUSAN RAMSDELL (Past RVC7, Past Membership Officer, Current Isolated M Editor), CATHERINE BARNEY (National Office Staff), ERIN KOFFLER (Past Editor, Current Assistant RVC7), TONY JACKOWSKI (Current RVC7, Past AG Chairman, Past InterLoc Editor).

How: Everyone is encouraged to attend this LDW. It will be informative and fun. You will have the chance to meet some of the AML members you may have read about in the national publications, and get to meet other members in your local

Tampa Bay Sounding 10 group and neighboring groups. Reservations are required (so we know how many booklets and manuals to provide). If you are interested in attending (and who wouldn't be????), contact the person listed below no later than May 15th. Space is limited, so reserve your spot and contact the hotel immediately to reserve your room.

Contact: Tony Jackowski - RVC7 17583 W. 112th St. Olathe, KS 66061 (913) 307-9118 RVC7@us.mensa.org

DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF THIS WONDERFUL EVENT. SIGN UP NOW!!!

(ASSISTANT/ACTING) RVC COLUMN Maggie Truelove

I can report to you that our intrepid RVC, Elissa Rudolph, is making great progress on her master's thesis - which is the reason I am presently Acting RVC. This has given her the time to apply herself and focus on finishing that thesis. Way to go, Elissa! There are many things to think of this month. First of them should be to make sure that you have renewed your membership. This April issue of your newsletter is the last you will receive if you let your membership lapse. And if you haven't renewed yet, this might be a good time to consider doing a multi-year or even a lifetime membership. And then there is our date with Uncle Sam, which we each face on or near April 15. Enough about that.

11 April 2005 April also brings us MINDGAMES, hosted this year by Tampa Bay Mensa, April 15-17. Just think, you could be one of the Mensan "judges" to play brand new games, only breaking to eat, drink, and sleep. The results of this weekend will determine which five games released in the past year are granted the coveted "Mensa Select" seal. If you are a games player, as so many Mensans are, here is your perfect opportunity, as MINDGAMES is generally a lot farther away than Tampa! Find out more about this event at http://mindgames.us.mensa.org. Moving ahead to May, do plan to join us at Broward Mensa's FLoRanGe RG, Memorial Day weekend, May 27-30. I can't think of a better way to spend a holiday weekend with our wonderful Broward Mensans. Find out more about this event at http://broward.us.mensa.org. I recently received an email telling me that as an unopposed candidate for Region 10 Vice-Chairman, I am "declared elected". I will be seated as RVC10 effective at the New Orleans AG in July. I am both delighted and in awe of the responsibility I will have to all of you. I promise to put forth my best efforts to work with each and every group in the region. This doesn't mean you don't still need to vote in the Mensa National election. Consider carefully the qualifications and words of each candidate and VOTE! Have a happy spring!

Maggie Truelove assistant/acting RVC10

truluvs@cfl.rr.com Editor’s note: Most likely, by the time you read this MindGames registration will be closed – registrations must be received by April 1. Due to the scheduling logistics of the event, walk-in registration will not be possible; a consideration Maggie was unaware of when she provided her report.

Tampa Bay Sounding 12 CRYPTOPOEM

Sylvia Zadorozny D I N O S H A T M D H T Y Z G O N E D P Y E H A N P S A O N H H A T M D Y S T E H , E H Y N O S T E H , U D B A R B T U A D M N E D P Y P E A D Z H A T O D I T H A D H F D E H A T M N O S T E H . R T H A T A D Z I N Y T H A D O E R M M D K M T E , D E R N P I D R F T M M E P U U N E T . A T A D Z S Y T D H L O N K E P U N O A G E B A T T L E D O Z E U G L T E P U N O A G E O N E T . H T O G O B A T E H A G B L , D H N U A G E A T D Z , D K P I U N X K N O T U Y N W T B H T Z . K R H A G E A G E K Y D G O , H A N P S A A D Y Z M R F N Y H A U Y N H T B H G O S , F D E U Y N H T B H T Z . O N B M D F N Y H N N H A , O N H Y T T H A D H X T M M P U N O A G E A T D Z L T Y F A D B L R , B N P M Z B Y D B L N Y B Y T D E T N Y W D Y N Y E B D Y H A D H E H N O R U D Y H N X U D L R . D O Z E N A T O G K K M T Z U M D O H E G O U T D B T D O Z M G C T Z P O H Y N P K M T Z Z D R E . E N I T H G I T E , G O X D B H , D E U D L R U Y N C T Z , H N K T D K N O T A T D Z U D R E . - - Y G B A D Y Z D Y I N P Y

13 April 2005 LOCSEC’S REPORT

Maxine Kushner

Hello Tampa Bay Mensans! This is a light news month. I do want to remind you to renew by March 31. Renewing online is convenient, quick, and easy. Just go to www.us.mensa.org/renew Are you interested in writing for the Bulletin? Submissions must be typed, 1,000 words or less, and received by the 15th of the month two months prior to the target issue. Each issue has a theme:

June - Alternative Medicine July - Hobbies August - Mensa Jocks September - Animals, the “other people” October - 2% of Everything Nov./Dec. - Pot Pourri

We still have no volunteers for an election committee, so elections are cancelled and all positions on ExComm are now lifetime appointments. Gotcha! Well, I’m only half kidding. We really don’t have any volunteers for an election committee. Serving on this temporary committee requires only a minimum of effort. Please consider helping out. Until next month, Maxine

“If folly disappeared, wit

would starve.” – Mason Cooley

Tampa Bay Sounding 14 AMERICAN MENSA COMMITTEE MEETING MINI-MINUTES - MARCH 19, 2005 - COLUMBUS, OHIO Appointments: Michael Beetham, Project Inkslinger Coordinator; Russ Bakke, Bob Beatty, Dave Remine and Gabe Werba to the Planning and Review Committee. The resignations of Jim and Barbara McIntyre as MIL 60th Anniversary liaisons were accepted. A judging panel comprised of 11 members will be formed to choose new inductees to the Mensa Hall of Fame. Policies regarding the definition, administration, and requisition of Internet-based Communications Services and assignment of administration responsibilities were adopted. The budget for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 was adopted. The budgetary policy was modified to provide some flexibility for the budgetary officer. Budgeted Regional Vice Chairmen (RVC) funds will be considered as a general pool, 90% of which will be divided equally among the ten RVCs. The remaining 10% will be placed in an RVC Reserve Pool, to be disbursed by a simple majority vote of the ten RVCs. Form Host Contracts for Annual Gatherings (AGs) hosted by local groups, AGs hosted by one or more Special Interest Groups, and AGs hosted by one or more consortiums of individuals were adopted. John DiLiberto led a discussion to review what has been accomplished in the area of risk management so far this term, and what remains to be done. Acting upon the recommendation of the Risk Management Committee, a motion was passed stating that organizers of Mensa events shall not actively arrange carpooling, ridesharing, or roommate matching, given the inability of American Mensa to ascertain the background and characteris-

15 April 2005

tics of any individual who might want to participate in activities such as this. The Policies and Rules Governing the Conduct of National Hearings were amended to remove reference to an arbitrator. Several "housekeeping" changes to existing rules recommended by the Nominating Committee Chairman that relate to NomComm procedures were adopted. Dates for AMC meetings next year will be in March, August, and October of 2006, and either December, 2006, or January 2007. A bid from Piedmont Area Mensa to host the March 24-26, 2006, meeting in Greenville, South Carolina was accepted. The next meeting of the AMC will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 9, 2005, in conjunction with the Annual Gathering. Respectfully submitted,

Judy Vasiliauskas Secretary, AMC

The full minutes of the meeting will be made available on the American Mensa website at http://www.us.mensa.org/.

“The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other

364 days of the year.”

-- Mark Twain

Tampa Bay Sounding 16

ANA, APS, PC-LM, USPCS-LM, USCS, FUN-LM, FSDA-LM, MPOS

UPSS-LM, AAMS, AFDCS, MPPC-LM, PSS, PNC3-LM, MPHS

Robert J. Murrin Stamps, Coins, Covers, Tokens

Militaria, Gold & Silver, Quohogs Most Things of Value: Real or Imagined

(727) 345-8639 P.O. Box 10100 murrin@gte.net St. Petersburg, FL 33733-0100

Financial Planning · Mortgages · Investments 601 Cleveland Street, Ste. 900, Clearwater

Serge P. Villani, CFM 727-462-2316 Certified Financial Manager 800-333-4352

serge_villani@ML.com

Dolores Puterbaugh, LMHC, PA

Licensed Mental Health Counselor providing holistic, confidential

services.

801 West Bay Drive, Suite 416 Largo, Florida 33770

The Wachovia Bank Building

Member: ICSPP, Mensa, TNS, ACA, SMHCA

Services Include: · Individual counseling · Family & couples counseling · Anxiety, depression, grief · Stress, anger · Personal growth/development · Consulting/Coaching services

727-559-0863

puterbaugh@mindspring.com balancedlifestylecoaching.com

Member of Mensa Since 1985

17 April 2005

WISE GUY Thomas George Thomas

“I swear, your Honor, it was just a misunderstanding…”

This past holiday season I took a trip to the Washington DC region to keep an aunt company until her daughters returned home from around the country. Her husband had passed away earlier in the year, and this was going to be her first Christmas without “someone to take care of”, as she put it. (Truth be told, the visit was partly to keep her from hitting the road in order to take care of other relatives who didn’t want taken care of – like my mother…)

As I was packing to come back to Tampa, my aunt asked me if I would take my uncle’s shaving cream, since she didn’t need it. It struck me as odd, but I humored her and said sure. Instead of one can, she brought me three, so I moved some items aside to make room for them and started to close the case - when she reappeared with three more cans of shaving cream. I moved some more items aside, closed the suitcase and started for the door, when she came to me with three more cans.

Now I had to unpack the suitcase and rearrange everything. As I was transferring a couple of books to a carry-on bag, she was back with three more cans. I looked at her. “Any more?”

“No.” She paused. Long pause. “He liked a good sale.”

O-kay… So I took a sweatshirt and wrapped them around the dozen cans of shaving cream, rushing since I began to fear I was going to miss my flight. When I got back to Tampa, I found that my suitcase had been unpacked and repacked, with each can of shaving cream separated and disbursed evenly in the suitcase, together with the form notice from Federal Security explaining that my suitcase had been checked according to inspection guidelines. Written in thick red marker across the notice were two words: “Wise guy”.

Apparently twelve cans of shaving cream bundled together look like dynamite to an x-ray machine…

Tampa Bay Sounding 18

CALENDAR April 2005

Ronan Heffernan, Calendar Editor

Mensa events are open to all Mensans, their spouses, and accompanied guests. A party at a private home is a private event, and who may or may not attend is at the complete discretion of the host. While kitty amounts are mandatory, hosts often spend far more than the specified amount. Donations excess of the kitty amount will be appreciated.

Ronan Heffernan (813-907-8147) is the Calendar Editor. Please e-mail your calendar event notices to Ronan@tampabay.rr.com, or visit http://tampa.us.mensa.org/cal for complete instructions. Your deadline for the following month’s calendar is the 12th of the preceding month.

Hosts: Please remember to mention any special concerns about your location, such as limited access for the handicapped, smoking restrictions, or presence of pets.

Guests: If you have special needs or restrictions, it is prudent to discuss them with your host before attending an event.

April – 4th, 18th - Mondays - 3:30 PM - $2 Children's Game Day/Play Day For ages 0-10. Come join us. Bring your favorite games. For directions contact: Linne Katz - 727-372-9438 - LINNEKATZ@aol.com 10037 Wheatland Road - New Port Richey

19 April 2005 April – 6th, 20th - Wednesdays - 1:15 PM MHunch (Mensa Humpday Lunch) Locations: Various MHunch is a series of lunches at various locations around the region. The day (Wednesday) and time (1:15 PM) are consistent, but there is a different restaurant for each lunch. The April lunches will be held at Kafe Kokopelli in Dade City on April 6th and at Tony’s in Lakeland on April 20th. Reservations are required to ensure adequate seating. Call or email for directions. Merrell Fortner – 863-701-7109 – mini@mindless.com April – 6th, 20th - Wednesdays - 7:00 PM Erudite Lite Reading Group Location: Borders Books & Music - 909 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa We now meet twice per month (on the third Wednesday, in addition to the first!) When you arrive, look for us in the coffee shop inside Borders. Bring along books you'd like to exchange or give away. Check out our new website: www.rovingarts.com/eruditelite Ellen Berry – 727-480-7938 – eberry@rovingarts.com Borders Books & Music - 909 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa April – 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th - Thursdays - 12:30 PM Lunch Bunch We meet at Piccadilly Cafeteria, on 11810 North Dale Mabry Highway (next to Barnes and Noble Bookstore), in Tampa. For directions, descriptions, and/or encouragement to attend, call: Jim Perry - 813-837-3473 - philart@gte.net

Tampa Bay Sounding 22 April - 9th - Saturday - 7:30 PM – $2 Games Night Directions: Take I-75 to Exit #275 (SR56, North of Tampa (this exit is north of the I-75/I-275 split, so you can take either Interstate north. After I-75 and I-275 merge, the next exit is #275)). Turn east onto SR56. Go to the stoplight and turn right (south) onto County Road 581 (same road as Bruce B. Downs, with a different name in Pasco County). Turn right at the next stoplight onto County Line Rd. Turn right into the second housing development (Northwood). Take the second right onto Breakers Dr. Our house (#27504) is on the right, at the sharpest part of the curve. Ronan Heffernan - 813-907-8147 - ronan@tampabay.rr.com 27504 Breakers Dr - Wesley Chapel April - 14th - Thursday - 7:30 AM Breakfast Gathering Breakfast Gathering, Village Inn at Walsingham Road in Largo, 7:30 AM, 2nd Thursday of every month. Gather for food and conversation. Please call Lori Puterbaugh at 727-399-2419 for directions and so we have a headcount. Lori Puterbaugh - 727-399-2419 April – 15th, 16th, 17th – Friday through Sunday MindGames! April – 22nd - Friday - 6:00 PM Fourth Friday Madness Come party on down with us every fourth (not necessarily last) Friday at the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, 6700 U.S. 19 N. in Pinellas Park from 6pm to whenever. This is just southeast of Gandy Boulevard. The phone number for the restaurant is (727) 525-4339. Phoebe McCann - 727-546-4030

23 April 2005 April – 23rd - Saturday - 7:00 PM NTN Trivia Location: Buffalo Wild Wings, Gulf View Square Mall, 9409 US Hwy. 19 N., Port Richey, FL 34668 Come and play! It's NTN Satellite Trivia at a big ol' wonderful NON-smoking and not-terribly-noisy and friendly sports bar called BUFFALO WILD WINGS! A lonely gigundasize computer somewhere in the USA sends mysterious signals to a satellite, seeking answers to trivia questions! Multiple Choice! With CLUES!! THOUSANDS of people around the world play at the same time! Most of them are drunk, so your odds of beating 'em are high! C'mon for the challenge--the callipygousness of the servers--the camaraderie! And the manager just might give PRIZES!!! Look for me--the guy wearing the Aussie hat--and if I find Owlbert the Life-Sized Plastic Owl, I'll bring him TOO! Call or email for more information (note that there is no 'g' in the email address: RipRoarinFunToday@yahoo.com) George Zadorozny - 727-847-9960 April - 24th - Sunday - 2:00 PM - FREE FSM Come help us Fold, Staple, and put Mailing labels on the May issue of the Tampa Bay Sounding, this month in Wesley Chapel. You can even get your newsletter early! Hope to see you here. Directions: Find your way to SR56 following Ronan’s directions for Games Night on page 19. When you get to County Line 581 (Bruce B. Downs), turn right and take the first right into The Lakes (Sky Lake Circle). Cross the first intersection headed west (also Sky Lake Circle) and proceed around the loop until you are headed east again. #27647 is on the right, with tall bushes in front of the house. Thomas Thomas - 813-994-3981 27647 Sky Lake Circle – Wesley Chapel

Tampa Bay Sounding 24 FOURTH FRIDAY MADNESS (AND SOME OTHER STUFF)

Phoebe McCann

Before I go any further, let me announce a change of venue, probably long overdue. For many reasons I won’t go into, we have held what was for about 14-15 years “TGIF” and is now “Fourth Friday Madness” on or near the beach. For many, this was convenient. For many, it made attendance out of the question. I would like to try something more centrally located. We will meet, at least for April, at the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, 6700 Hwy 19 N., Pinellas Park. (727) 525-4339. For those of you unfamiliar with the area, the restaurant is located just southeast of Gandy Blvd. I think this will be convenient for so many more people. I’m still planning to hold it on the 4th Friday night beginning at 6 pm and lasting until whenever. I’ve had complaints about Friday not being a good night but for Pete’s sake, it’s the one night when the most people don’t have to get up for work the next day. For people like me with oddball work schedules, I have to work around any time we have it but I have to consider that it needs to be on a night when I can be there if I’m going to host this thing. I also have to face the fact that no matter where I hold it, somebody is going to complain about it. I’ve got a hot flash for the complainers ... if you don’t like it, come up with a much better idea or host an alternative function yourself on another night. I don’t see a whole lot of people jumping up and down for the honor of hosting an event every month, or even showing up for that matter. What’s that all about, people? It seems to the same with every organization I join. The same few faces show up and the same few people do all the work. Step up to the plate and bat. It’s kind of a case of, “Don’t vote, don’t bitch.”

25 April 2005 All of us at the February meeting who knew Gitti Walker said we should vote her as there in spirit. Therefore, I signed her name in our guest register in absentia. It was great to see Sylvia Zadorozny for the first time in many moons and to meet Richard Manno for the first time. I enjoyed our discussion about teaching certificates, the usefulness (or perhaps point) thereof. My father, who was a tenured college professor with no fewer than five advanced degrees always averred that getting a degree in education was redundant. He swore that no one could teach anyone how to teach. You were either born to teach or you were not. I don’t know that I agree with that 100%. I’m sure that there are tips and techniques that can be learned but I agree that the love of it must be inborn. It’s sort of like being a performing musician which is something else I did for more years than I care to admit. Most anyone can learn to plan an instrument but many do so under duress in childhood and the ability to sing, in particular, is given to the few rather than the multitudes. I’ve had voice students who made even my tone deaf husband wince and made my cats cover their ears. Tom Handcock attended for the first time ... a very interesting guy. Kerry Fitzpatrick came and seemed to be in a much lighter frame of mind than his first time. We enjoyed his conversation. Thomas Thomas was his usual ebullient self. I didn’t hear as much of what went on at that end of the table. Please join us at the Olive Garden in April. We’ll see how that goes.

“He who lives without folly isn’t so wise as he thinks”

– François, Duc de La

Rochefoucauld

Tampa Bay Sounding 26 ERUDITE LITE

Ellen Berry What constitutes an original creation? Is there a creativity quotient? Does the level of optimism in all of us rise each time one of us says something positive? What did Descartes really mean when he said “I think, therefore I am.”? Does intention override randomness? Our discussion waxed philosophical as we explored these and other intriguing concepts during our March 2 reading group meeting. As we are now meeting twice a month, we modified the format of the group a bit, allowing more time for discussion of scintillating topics as they arose. Additionally, Ronan Heffernan kindly assembled individual members’ reading lists prior to our meeting into a prospectus for easy reference during our discussions.

Terry, Thomas, Jack, Ronan and Dorothy participate with Liz, Linda, Toni and Ellen (unseen) in a lively discussion of books and reading at the early March Erudite Lite meeting. To further our philosophical explorations, reading group members were invited to select the philosopher of their choice and bring one concept of theirs to share at the next meeting.

27 April 2005 Topics discussed included:

• The London Calling article by Ronnie Dubs as published in February’s Tampa Bay Sounding newsletter – and its interesting review of museums, tourist attractions, and London Mensa

• The inside secrets of Odessa-local author James Swain, a professional card handler (see Mr. Lucky: A Novel of High Stakes and other books)

• Dick Francis’ mystery novels that draw on his experience as a racehorse jockey

• The rich characterization of Elizabeth George’s mystery novels

• Carl Hiaasen’s mystery novels and their Florida environmental, social and political settings

• Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth, an epic story of the building of a cathedral in 12th century England and the lives of the people entwined with it

• Kathy Kiernan, in This Is My Best: Great Writers Share Their Favorite Work, invited fiction writers, essayists, poets, playwrights, and cartoonists to choose and comment on their best work, including selections by Anne Tyler, Arthur Miller, Gary Trudeau, David Sedaris, Rita Dove, Tom Robbins, Ruth Reichl, T. C. Boyle, Mary Karr, John Updike, and dozens more.

• Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America by Barbara Ehrenreich. From the editors: “To understand life beyond boom-time America, Barbara Ehrenreich spent months laboring as a cleaning woman; as a waitress; and as a Wal-Mart sales clerk.

• The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey and it’s “cut to the chase” approach to dispelling myths about financial responsibility and success.

• Do we live in an economy of educated suckers? The hidden pitfalls of financial realities in America, such as credit cards, payday advances, the lottery, and car loans… the reality that many Americans are one or two

Tampa Bay Sounding 28 paychecks away from being homeless… and how the face of America would be changed if a significant number of us choose to boycott credit cards.

• As Foreign Affairs columnist for The New York Times, Thomas L. Friedman explores the implications of continued globalization, and the tension between the globalization system and ancient forces of culture, geography, tradition, and community, in The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization

• The delight in finding the author has written in ties or references to his/her other books (e.g., Robert A. Heinlein's novels, which are intended to be read separately, yet still create an coherent separate world with characters who appear in unrelated novels, and Isaac Asimov’s Robot and Foundation/Empire novels, which were originally separate worlds that Asimov connected in his later work.)

• I'm Just Here for the Food: Kitchen User's Manual, by Alton Brown, host of the Food Network's “Good Eats”. An excellent tool for “cooking with exactitude”, the Kitchen User's Manual has eight separate sections for your recipes, notes, and other cooking essentials. It includes all that cooking information that's rarely gathered in one place: temperature and measurement conversion charts, ingredient substitutions, guides to cuts of meat, cutting and carving diagrams, sanitation and safety information, and much more.

• The Supper of the Lamb by Robert Farrar Capon – a delightful exploration of food and life – “writing with a light and easy style that belies his gusto for food and for life, Father Capon has produced a wholly delightful book that is filled with the wisdom of a man in harmony with himself, his world, and his table.”

• Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James W. Loewen. Based on careful research at the Smithsonian Institution, here is a bold, direct challenge to the errors, misrepresentations, and omissions of the leading American history textbooks.

29 April 2005 • Content-rich reading, such as Umberto Eco’s works,

where after the first page you have enough to think about to last the week

• www.cookingforengineers.com • Sociological change as it relates to intelligence –

observations of new social groupings based on commonalities in intelligence as identified in The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life by Richard J. Hernstein

• A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffett • A fascinating scientific study using computer technology

to generate two numbers - a one and a zero - in a totally random sequence, rather like an electronic coin-flipper. The pattern of ones and naughts - 'heads' and 'tails' as it were - could then be printed out as a graph. The laws of chance dictate that the generators should churn out equal numbers of ones and zeros - which would be represented by a nearly flat line on the graph. Any deviation from this equal number shows up as a gently rising curve. What they found is that prior to or during major world events, there was a sudden spike on the graph. To read more, visit http://www.rednova.com/news/display/?id=126649

• The Enchiridion by Epictetus – from the publisher: “The Enchiridion, or "Handbook," is a summary of the teachings of the slave-turned-Stoic philosopher Epicetus (first century A.D.) posthumously compiled and published by one of Epictetus' students. Though brief, this work is universally considered to be the living spirit of Stoicism, wherein the principles of right conduct and true thinking are outlined. The Enchiridion has played a significant role in the development of modern philosophy and intellectual attitudes, showing secular thinkers how sound reasoning can free them from the shackles of absolutism and emotionalism and, in so doing, live a more tranquil and productive life.”

Tampa Bay Sounding 30 Overheard During The Meeting

“Democracy, as has been said of Christianity, has never really been tried.” (quoting Stuart Chase)

“We’re all just regenerated stars anyway.”

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” - Arthur C. Clarke “I decided to read the book 101 Sexual Positions. I got through the first 20, but the rest of the exercises required a partner…”

For a list of Erudite Lite recommended readings, and to find out more about the group and when we meet, visit our website: www.rovingarts.com/eruditelite.

IGGY – MY PET ROCK Sweet Joseph

Iggy, my pet rock, was born during the Carboniferous Period, in the Paleozoic era, celebrating his 309,846,014th birthday on April Fool’s Day. Since obviously that many candles will not fit on his birthday cake, only the last two digits are used (the same two digits used to carbon date him). Celebrating with him is his twin sister, Carbonate, who is a carbon copy of him. (She refused to attend, because she did not have a thing to wear.) I take him with me to my local pub on his birthday, and sit him on the bar; and although he takes in all of the verbal garbage, he never gives anybody any crap.

31 April 2005 TAMPA BAY MENSA’S GIFTED CHILDREN’S GROUP

Theresa Hohmann Tampa Bay Mensa GCC

I am very happy with the response I received to the announcement in the March Sounding. I have had many emails and phone calls regarding our Gifted Children’s Program. Our first meeting was on March 12th at the Clearwater Library. Though it got off to a late start, much was accomplished. The families in attendance were very gracious and had many wonderful ideas. We can look forward to a reading group (broken up by school levels), teams for Odyssey of the Mind, a parents group, and a weekend games day. We will also be having guest speakers and monthly “Field Trips”. I am looking into, at the request of one of our parents, starting a yahoo group for our Gifted Children’s Group. We are now in need of families to host events and anyone willing to share their expertise or interests. All that is required to host a Gifted Children’s event is a space for us to meet. We have a volunteer for a May games day, but we still need someone for April and all other months. We are looking for people who would be willing to give demonstrations or tours of their places of employment. Anyone wishing to volunteer, or learn more, may contact me at theresahohmann@yahoo.com. The next meeting for those interested in Odyssey of the Mind will be on April 9th from 2-4 at the Clearwater Library 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, Florida 33755-4083. A location change for future meetings is being looked into, but the April meeting will be held at the Clearwater Library.

“Only by being guilty of Folly does mortal man in many

cases arrive at the perception of Sense.”

– Herman Melville

Tampa Bay Sounding 32 FSM – FEBRUARY 20, 2005

Sylvia Zadorozny Eight of us attended February's FSM in Oldsmar: Thomas Thomas--Sounding Editor, Ronan Heffernan--Calendar Editor, Chris Clement--host of the previous month's FSM, Ellen Berry--hostess of the Reading Group, Theresa Hohmann--Gifted Children's Coordinator, Isabelle Hohmann--daughter of Theresa, Richard Manno--member of TBM's ExComm, and Sylvia Zadorozny--Circulation Officer. We inserted a green middle page, then prepared the March

issue of the Tampa Bay Sounding for mailing. I stapled in the kitchen, Isabelle tried juggling apples, and those out on the lanai discussed computers and post-modernism (or something like that) as they folded. Plenty of yummy snacks were consumed, ending with a warm razzleberry pie a la mode. When we were done working, most of us stuck around and played Smarty Party, then TransAmerica. A good time was had by all.

“Now I believe I can hear the philosophers protesting that it

can only be misery to live in folly, illusion, deception and ignorance, but it isn’t—it’s human.”

- Desiderius Erasmus – “Praise of Folly” (1509)

33 April 2005

URBAN COWBOY Bud Urban

A FAREWELL TO CLEOPATRA

NOTE from the Valley of the Kings: A tomb from a pre-pharaohic age was recently unearthed in Egypt. It had remained so long undiscovered because a pyramid had been built which partially hid it.

And now we learn that they have found our graves. Together through the centuries we lay ‘Til some explorer of the modern day Determined that a Pharaoh, with his slaves, Unknowing and uncaring built the caves, And stacked the quarry-stones above the clay, The sepulcher that every pharaoh craves. So now we walk the earth no longer one. By death’s divorcement so, and sadly free To cling to others and their lesser charms. The oneness that we had is surely gone, But as I hold a new love close to me, I yet can touch the spear-wounds in your arms.

“One thing is certain, no party

is any fun unless seasoned with folly.”

- Desiderius Erasmus – “Praise of

Folly” (1509)

Tampa Bay Sounding 34 BECAUSE FOO SOUNDS LIKE A SURFER

Dana Groulx

We had a good crowd at games night. Two new members drove down from Brooksville, brothers Chris and Caleb Caine. Local Land O' Lakers Barbara Loewe and Delphine Jenness were also present. Other attendees were myself, my niece Chelsey Eden, Ellen Berry, Richard Manno, Theresa Hohmann, Don Davis, Thomas Thomas, Sylvia Zadorozny, Ronan Heffernan and George Zadorozny. Initially, we split into two groups with Tribond being played in the family room and Boggle in the dining room. Theresa's Tribond team rolled a dreaded sports question with a list of obscure names. Her team had to pick the sport that they all played. Luckily it was a multiple choice card and she was able to come up with the correct sport because Foo sounds like a surfer. My dog, Mrs. Poo, was continually snuffling along the carpet looking for crumbs. George dubbed her the "canine roomba". A roomba is one of those round, self-propelled vacuums for those that don't like to push a vacuum around. Several other games were played, included a fun game of Beyond Balderdash. This game is similar to Fictionary, but besides word definitions there are acronyms, movie plots, dates, etc. The score was close until the final word "Trocar". Definitions created included "One who engages in reenactments of the Trojan War", "An ancient gravy boat or chafing dish" and "A mallet used in polo". The true definition was "A surgical instrument stuck in the side of a cow to relieve gas pressure caused by overeating". Only one person chose the correct definition and the same person fooled all the other players with her definition of a polo mallet. Yes, it was me. I couldn't resist the cow definition. Even if it wasn't the correct answer, someone deserved points for creativity. We also continued the games night tradition by placing marshmallow Peeps into the microwave. If you've never done this, try it sometime. They puff up really big. For those who

35 April 2005 love Peeps and Lord of the Rings, check out this website: http://www.lordofthepeeps.com/lotp/fotp.html Come out to the next games night. It's always fun. If you're new, it's a great way to meet other members.

GAMES WITH GROUCHO AND THE LEPRECHAUNS Sylvia Zadorozny

Groucho Marx, who magically kept appearing out of nowhere (smoking tootsie rolls!), joined last month's Oldsmar games night attendees: Bonnie Wilpon, Bo Bruen, Elaine Somoza, Jane Davis, Dan Chesnut, Ellen Berry, Thomas Thomas, Theresa Hohmann, Don Davis, George Zadorozny, Barbara Loewe, Richard Manno, Kathy Zadorozny, and Sylvia Zadorozny. Maybe the myriad of leprechauns scattered amongst the shamrocks cast a spell upon us, because we were in a festive mood, donning shamrock boppers, hats, green leis, and carnations, and spent as much time chatting as playing games. Nonetheless, we did manage to fit in a few games (Outburst, 25 Words or Less, IQ2, and Nameburst). We also popped Peeps (microwaved marshmallow chicks) and enjoyed a smorgasbord of snacks, including a veggie & dip tray, cheese cubes, pretzels & chips, pistachios & cashews, fresh strawberries & grapes, warm fudge brownies, and (in honor of St. Patrick's Day) cupcakes with green sugar frosting. Was March's calendar invitation accurate--Games & goodies, friends & fun? Definitely!!

Tampa Bay Sounding 36 THE MANIC FLUTE – A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE OPERA

Fleabag MacDee In the company of four of our members, Sam Walnut, Gayna Drool, Samoth Samoth and Donnie Rubs, I attended “The Manic Flute” at Booth Record Hall. From the moment the curtain opened, we were mesmerized. Imagine our surprise at finding that the starring male roles were performed by none other than the Marx Brothers! Chico was so handsome the ladies were swooning and he played Tamino to erection… I mean perfection… so how could Pamina fail to fall in love with him? Harpo, as Papageno the birdcatcher, was supposed to be playing pipes (and later musical bells) but refused to give up his namesake, in this case a HUGE harp, which he dragged across the stage in every scene in which he appeared. Now we were truly amazed when he sang not one but two arias

and turned out to be a coloratura soprano! Perhaps this was why he was “dragging” the harp? And yet, when he sang, he claimed to be wanting a wife, a Papagena! Zeppo played Sarastro, head of a secret and powerful Egyptian religious order which I have heard was meant to remind us of the Mensans… I mean Masons… It must have been difficult for him to

keep a straight face when his brother Groucho appeared in moustachio-ed blackface as the comic villain, Monostatos. Actually, his characteristic moustache was barely visible against his greasepaint.

37 April 2005 This has to be one of what, two or three (?) operas that end without everyone killing each other or committing suicide. Sam Walnut and Donnie Rubs nearly came to fisticuffs over the outcome, Mr. Walnut stating that there should be PG-13 operas and Mr. Rubs asserting that the opera as an art-form demanded more death and destruction. We adjourned to the Horse and Jockey Pub for more disruption… I mean discussion. Tara tara! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ANSWER TO MARCH CRYPTOPOEM

I saw you toss the kites on high And blow the birds about the sky; And all around I heard you pass, Like ladies' skirts across the grass-- O wind, a-blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a song! I saw the different things you did, But always you yourself you hid. I felt you push, I heard you call, I could not see yourself at all-- O wind, a-blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a song! O you that are so strong and cold, O blower, are you young or old? Are you a beast of field and tree, Or just a stronger child than me? O wind, a-blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a song!

--Robert Louis Stevenson

Tampa Bay Sounding 38

2004-05 TAMPA BAY MENSA OFFICERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Local Secretary Maxine Kushner 7442 Hollylake La. New Port Richey, FL 34653 727-841-6043 maxine.kushner@verizon.net

Deputy LocSec Dan Chesnut 5023-B Starfish Dr. SE St. Petersburg, FL 33705 dchesnut@tampabay.rr.com

Treasurer Kathy Crum 7164 Quail Hollow Blvd. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 813-907-0526 katshe@aol.com

Calendar Editor/Web Spinner Ronan Heffernan 27504 Breakers Dr. Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 813-907-8147 ronan@tampabay.rr.com

Circulation Officer, Scribe Sylvia Zadorozny 651 Timber Bay Cir. W. Oldsmar, FL 34677 813-855-4939 sylviachocolate@juno.com

Sounding Editor Thomas Thomas 27647 Sky Lake Circle Wesley Chapel, FL 33543-7646 813-994-3981 fardlebear@aol.com

Member At Large Dana Groulx 21416 Cypress Tree Ct. Land O’Lakes, FL 34639 813-996-5552 llama@sports-pac.com

Member At Large Barbara Loewe P.O. Box 764 Land O’Lakes, FL 34639 813-968-3343 bloewe@juno.com

Member At Large Richard Manno 651 Timber Bay Cir. W Oldsmar, FL 34677 813-855-4939

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

OTHER CONTACTS

American Mensa Ltd. 1229 Corporate Dr. W. Arlington, TX 76006-6103 817-607-0060 AmericanMensa@ mensa.org RVC, Region 10 Elissa Rudolph 5054 Lakefront Blvd., #D Delray Beach, FL 33484 561-496-0124 RVC10@us.mensa.org ERudolph@fau.edu S.I.G.H.T. Coordinator Susan Anderson 10733 Dowry Ave. Tampa, FL 33615 813-855-4020 susiea1000@aol.com

Gifted Children’s Coordinator Theresa Hohmann 897 Crestridge Cir Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 727-942-7735 theresahohmann@yahoo.com

Ombudsman Jack Brawner 4701 68th St. N, Apt 5D St. Petersburg, FL 33709 727-546-6061 trojanowl@aol.com

Membership Officer/ New Member Contact Frank Clarke 150 Collette Court Oldsmar, FL 33677 727-786-6258 mvsrexx@tampabay.rr.com

Testing Coordinator Barbara Counts 4610 Catalonia Way S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-864-6796 barbruns@earthlink.net

Proctors Tom Timberlake Publisher Sylvester (Les) Milewski 9091 St Andrews Dr Seminole Fl 33777 (727) 397-8483 LesMiles@aol.com

39 April 2005

Tampa Bay Sounding (USPS 305-830) is published monthly by Tampa Bay Mensa at 9091 St. Andrews Dr, Seminole, Fl 33777.

Periodicals postage paid at St. Petersburg, FL. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Tampa Bay Sounding, c/o American Mensa Ltd., 1229 Corporate Dr. West, Arlington, TX 76006-6103.

IF YOUR ADDRESS CHANGES, please let us know four weeks in advance. Send your change of address, with membership number, OLD address, NEW address, and new/current phone number (even if it hasn’t changed) to Tampa Bay Sounding, c/o American Mensa Ltd., 1229 Corporate Dr West, Arlington, TX 76006-6103.

Tampa Bay Sounding is the official newsletter of Tampa Bay Mensa, American Mensa local group number 10-335. © 2005 Tampa Bay Mensa. All rights reserved. All material in this issue not copyrighted by individual contributors may be reprinted in other Mensa publications, provided that credit is given to the author or artist and to the Sounding. Prior written consent of the editor is required for any other reproduction in any form. Any Mensa publication reprinting Tampa Bay Sounding material is requested to send a copy to the editor.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Tampa Bay Sounding encourages submissions from all members. Submissions must be signed, but names may be withheld or pseudonyms used if requested. All letters to the editor will be subject to publication unless the author specifically requests otherwise. All material submitted will be considered for publication, but nothing can be guaranteed. Everything is subject to editing. Please keep the following guidelines in mind: — Articles, casual essays, opinion pieces, poems, short stories, puzzles, and artwork are all encouraged. — Personal attacks and bigoted, sexist, hateful, or otherwise offensive material will not be published. — E-mail submissions are preferred, either embedded or in Word-readable attachments. Computer printouts and typewritten pages are fine. If you submit hard copy, please make sure your printer has enough toner or your typewriter has a fresh-enough ribbon. Legible handwritten submissions will be considered (but not given preference). You may send your submissions by either of the following means: (1) E-mail — FardleBear@aol.com (Please indicate “TBM” in the subject area.) (2) U.S. Mail — Thomas G. Thomas, 27647 Sky Lake Circle, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 (Telephone 813-994-3981)

Unless otherwise specified in the calendar, the deadline for unsolicited contributions is the tenth day of the month.

SUBSCRIBE! — The subscription cost for local members is partially remitted from annual dues paid to American Mensa Ltd. Tampa Bay Sounding is available to other Mensans and to non-Mensans at an annual subscription cost of $12.00. To subscribe, send a check, payable to Tampa Bay Mensa, to the Treasurer: Kathy Crum, 7164 Quail Hollow Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33544-2525.

ADVERTISING POLICY: The Sounding offers free classified ads to Tampa Bay Mensa members for services, items for sale, jobs wanted/available, personals, etc. Ads should be no longer than 50 words. Classified ads need to be renewed on a monthly basis if you wish them to appear in consecutive issues. Tampa Bay Mensa and the Sounding are not responsible for the content of ads. All other commercial ads are subject to the following rates: Full page - $60; Half page - $30; Quarter page - $15. Members of Mensa pay half these rates.

Postmaster:

Send address changes to: Tam

pa Bay Sounding c/o A

merican M

ensa Ltd. 1229 C

orporate Drive W

est A

rlington, TX 76006-6103

Periodicals Postage Paidat St. Petersburg, Florida