October 2005 - Tampa Bay Mensa

Tampa Bay
Sounding
A Publication of Tampa Bay Mensa
Vol. 30, No. 9
October 2005
2
Tampa Bay Sounding
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 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
MENSANS SUPPORT HURRICANE RELIEF _____________________
WISE GUY Thomas George Thomas __________________________
BIRTHDAYS AND NEW MEMBERS ___________________________
MENSAVERSARIES _______________________________________
URBAN COWBOY Bud Urban ______________________________
LOCSEC’S REPORT Maxine Kushner _________________________
OKTOBERFEST 2005 REGISTRATION FORM ____________________
THE TENTH STORY Maggie Truelove ________________________
NATIONAL TESTING DAY _________________________________
WEST ON I-10 UNTIL THE PAVEMENT ENDS Dave Bryant _______
CRYPTOPOEM Sylvia Zadorozny ____________________________
OCTOBER 2005 CALENDAR Ronan Heffernan, Calendar Editor ___
OKTOBERFEST 2005 Dan Chesnut __________________________
LAST MONTH’S CRYPTOPOEM SOLUTION ___________________
HYPNOTISM – A SHORT STORY Ronnie Dubs ___________________
FSM – AUGUST 28, 2005 Sylvia Zadorozny ___________________
HILDEGARD – A PLAY Carl S. Hammen ______________________
AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER GAMES NIGHTS Sylvia Zadorozny ____
PROJECT INKSLINGER Michael Paul Beetham _________________
FOURTH FRIDAY MADNESS Phoebe McCann _________________
KEYS MICRO-G _________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENT: NOVEMBER CAMPOUT ____________________
TBM BULLETIN BOARD __________________________________
TAMPA BAY MENSA OFFICERS _____________________________
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October 2005
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MENSANS SUPPORT HURRICANE RELIEF
Our thoughts are with the millions of people affected by
Hurricane Katrina. This tragedy hits close to home as, just last
month, many of us gathered in New Orleans for our Annual
Gathering.
Several hundred Mensans live in the hurricane region and we
have been contacted by many members with offers to help them.
To facilitate communication during this crisis, we have set up a
special email address, hurricanerelief@americanmensa.org. Please
use this email address if you have assistance to offer (housing
available, supplies, transportation, employment) or if you are a
Mensa member who has been affected, or had family affected, by
the hurricane. Please be very specific in your email; let us know
your name, member number, location and specific needs or ability
to help. The National Office will review these emails and attempt
to connect members who can help each other.
Many members have asked about donating through American
Mensa to the Red Cross. We are happy to facilitate this effort.
Checks should be made out to Red Cross - Disaster relief and sent
to the National Office. We will collect the donations and present
them to the Red Cross in the name of concerned Mensans in a few
weeks. There are other organizations which are collecting for
these efforts as well and we encourage you to give to the
organization of your choice.
The National Office is located in Arlington, Texas, where local
shelters are being overrun with storm refugees. If you live in the
area and would like to donate supplies to the relief effort, please
feel free to bring them to the National Office, M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
We will distribute the supplies to area shelters. Current needs for
area shelters are bottled water, non-perishable food, toiletries,
cleaning products and paper goods. The National Office is
located at 1229 Corporate Dr W, Arlington, TX 76006.
Thank you to each person who has already contacted the National
Office with offers of assistance. Many members call Mensa their
family and it is truly wonderful to see this organization pull
together as a true family.
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Tampa Bay Sounding
WISE GUY
Thomas George Thomas
STARTING ON A MORE SERIOUS note than usual, I’ve
dedicated the first page of this month’s newsletter to
a letter from American Mensa’s Executive Director,
Pamela Donahoo. Even though Hurricane Katrina made landfall
over a month ago by the time you read this, there are still needs to
be met – this is not old news. And as of this writing, another
potential disaster is threatening the Gulf Coast in Hurricane Rita,
which is headed for Texas and will certainly impact Gulf Coast
Mensa in Texas, one of our nation’s largest chapters.
Two things to take from this: First, offer whatever assistance you
can to those who were and are still impacted by the hurricanes.
Second, make certain that you are fully prepared for hurricanes
yourself, since Tampa Bay is listed by NOAA as one of the most
vulnerable regions for a major hurricane event. Even after last
year’s four hurricanes hit Florida, we have been relatively lucky.
This shouldn’t lead to our becoming complacent.
Following the distribution of last month’s Crewe List, I’ve
received some feedback from people that the information I printed
– whether it be phone numbers, email addresses or special
interests – were incorrect. Others had sent me changes via the
Crewe List questionnaire, and I incorporated these into the list.
But the system of record for your information remains the
National Office, and we cannot change this for you. So if you
have an address change, a new phone, a preferred email or a new
hobby, please visit http://www.us.mensa.org and log into the
Members Resources section to make your changes.
Also, while you’re on the web, check out the changes on our own
website at http://www.tampa.us.mensa.org/ . Back issues of the
Sounding are available online, thanks to WebSpinner Ellen Berry.
When you check your interests in the lists in the back of the Crewe
List, notice that there are others who enjoy the same things you
do. Perhaps you could start a Special Interest Group of your own!
(If you do, please let us know so we can get it into the calendar…)
October 2005
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OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
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Michael Allen Perry , Patrick Thomas Rooney
Anne Murray, Karen Stowe
Patricia Benton Bowker
Keven Elizabeth McGinn, Pat Tuley
Col Paul S Frappollo
Linda Raymond
Stephen Poreda
Scott Holloway, Peter Profiro
Russell Brian Jacques
John Martz
Michael Cusumano
Ronald Louis Cribbs, Douglas Keith Linkhart, Rachel
Long, Lori Stangherlin
Robert Teasdale, James Rotunda
Joseph Moran
Andrea Fisher
Dave Bryant
Ron Austin, Jaime Barnes, John Bryant, Michael John
Garrett, Phillip Grant Geisinger
John Emerson, Gerard MacDonald, Bob Wood
Robin Burngasser, Lee Hargrave, Micheal Oldenburg
(Belated September 24th birthday wishes to Thomas P. Vena, whose name
was inadvertently left off the list last month.)
WELCOME TO TAMPA BAY MENSA!
Barbara Burke
Angela Clem *
Scott M Davies *
Jill D Flansburg *
Randall F Greene
Sharon McComas
Kathryn Dianne McDonald
Sara Neave
Dana A Sims *
Mark D Smith *
Karen Squires *
Salvator L Valise *
Jeffrey S Wilson *
*= new member; others are moves in, preferences in, or reinstatements.
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Tampa Bay Sounding
OCTOBER MENSAVERSARIES
41 Years
Col Paul S Frappollo
37 Years
Norman Linton
34 Years
Lee Hargrave Jr
27 Years
Michelle Kurtz, Patricia Leslie
25 Years
Stephen Michael Gelis
24 Years
Joan Lyn Gutek
21 Years
Bram Michael Frank
19 Years
Robert Alan Van Dyke
18 Years
Joni Michelle Fisher
13 Years
Edgar McGonigal
12 Years
Terri Elston, Dennis Marion Jauch, Arthur Kelland
10 Years
Wendy Coughlin
9 Years
Malcolm Haynes Jr
8 Years
Zachary Wayne McLemore, Roger Zitman
7 Years
James Moir Clement
6 Years
Warren Hunnicutt IV, Rachel Long, Michael Wenditz
5 Years
Charles Edward Greenwood, Brett Husselbaugh,
Sandra Jean Kischuk
4 Years
Leigh Randall Freijo
3 Years
John Martz, Linda Moore
2 Years
Trude Katherine Diamond, George Zadorozny
1 Year
Micheal Oldenburg
* Mensaversaries come from the membership list provided by national Mensa;
some may represent rejoin dates after a lapse in membership.
October 2005
URBAN COWBOY
BLUE BLOOD
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Bud Urban
IT LOOKS LIKE PAT ROBERTSON has changed his mind and yielded
to our tradition that assassinating one person is more
reprehensible than the killing of thousands in war.
I don’t think this tradition is as much morality as it is the same
reason one skunk doesn’t stink on another. Immorality of
assassination is related to a divine right of kings to let their
fighting be done by privates and privates first-class.
Royal blood was different; the kings all had it and were supposed
to marry royalty, even though the new queen might be from an
otherwise enemy country. The old-time pharaohs even had to
marry their sister to keep the blood pure. (Excuse me , Cleopatra,
I’m sure this didn’t apply to you.)
But, there has also been a tradition opposite to the one that says a
ruler can’t risk his/her/its neck. That is the oft-stated hope that
the rulers, or their "champions," could decide the war without
innocent peasants killing each other off.
In the "same song but a different verse" I heard that Mexican law
made a distinction between a famous person and an ordinary
person when it comes to being assassinated. I guess we do, too,
although our laws may not.
MONTANI SEMPER LIBERI
I HOPE MY FELLOW LATIN scholars support me when I claim the
translation could be: "People from Montana always have a lot of
children." In Montana they say, "Mountaineers are always free."
I’m just trying to understand Latin.
Julius Caesar wrote that Gaul was inhabited by Belgae, Aquatani,
and a third group who are called Celts in their own language, and
in ours (Latin) are called roosters. The Romans were well aware of
this pun.
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Tampa Bay Sounding
LOCSEC’S REPORT
Maxine Kushner
Hello TBMers!
IT’S JUST ABOUT THAT TIME: Oktoberfest is almost here. Lots of
work and planning has gone into making this event another great
RG. I hope you will be there to share a fun weekend with your
fellow Mensans.
I received some sad news today. Bert McIntosh, whom many of
you long time TBMers will remember, has passed away. Bert was
a member of Mensa for many years and a Member At Large of
Tampa Bay Mensa’s ExComm in the ‘90s. He served as LocSec for
the ’93-’94 term.
In other news, Testing Coordinator Barbara Counts held two
testing sessions in September and plans to hold one at the RG. If
you see any unfamiliar folks walking around on Saturday of
Oktoberfest with a deer-in-the-headlights gaze, be kind. They’ve
just taken the entry test and have been invited to spend the day
getting a feel for what Mensa is about.
Until next month,
Maxine
mental_floss SUBSCRIPTION DISCOUNT
AN OCCASIONAL, UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITY FOR a new member benefit
comes our way. With the efforts of the marketing and membership
committees and the National Office staff, AMC Membership Officer
Heather Miller and her committee are proud to announce American
Mensa'
s newest member benefit.
mental_floss magazine is built on a simple premise: People love to feel
smart. But many don'
t have enough time these days to achieve that
admirable goal. That'
s where mental_floss comes in.
The mental_floss team has taken the chore out of learning by presenting
information in a way that'
s quick, simple, quirky and fun. They cover
everything from black holes to the Dead Sea Scrolls, and they'
re offering
Mensans a discount off of the annual subscription rate -- visit
www.mentalfloss.com/mensa to subscribe today!
October 2005
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A New Time!
A New Place!
Oktoberfest 2005!
Regional Gathering
October 7-9
Clearwater, Florida
German food! Bier! Musik!
Friday night folk dance!
Bring your Bavarian garb!
Armchair treasure hunt.
Contests. Games. Speakers.
Tampa Bay Mensa
More details, online registration forms, PayPal registration and more
are available at: www.tampa.us.mensa.org
Oktoberfest 2005 Co-Honchos
Dan Chesnut and Dana Groulx
(727) 434-0353, dchesnut@tampabay.rr.com, AND:
(813) 996-5552, lemmiwinks@tampabay.rr.com
Holiday Inn Select Clearwater
3535 Ulmerton Rd. Clearwater, FL 33762
Rooms: $109/night. Request one king or two double beds.
Phone: (727) 577-9100. Call directly for the Mensa rate. Code MEN.
Registration: $70 in adv., $80 door.
Children’s discount 50% up to 12 years old.
Make checks payable to: Tampa Bay Mensa
Mail checks to: Kathy Crum, registrar
7164 Quail Hollow Boulevard
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
Name: __________________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________ Email: _____________________________
T-shirt(s) ($10 ea): __ S __ M __ L __ XL
or __ XXL ($12 ea)
# of attendees: ________ Total amount enclosed: $________________
I want my Name Tag to read “
“
___ Yes, I would like to volunteer (hospitality, presenter, etc.)
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Tampa Bay Sounding
THE TENTH STORY
(RVC COLUMN FOR REGION 10) – OCTOBER 2005
Maggie Truelove
I AM SURE THAT MANY of you have joined me in
heartfelt sadness watching the horrific devastation
of the Gulf Coast region of the United States, from
New Orleans to Biloxi and Gulfport and Mobile. It
was made personal for many of us because we had
so recently enjoyed the hospitality of New Orleans
for the 2005 Mensa Annual Gathering. Now we
need to realize that several local Mensa groups in those areas
have been severely uprooted, with many members scattered to
other locations for extended periods. We may find some of
them becoming part of our local groups, for whatever length
of time, until they are able to return to homes and jobs which
are currently not available to them. Join me in welcoming
them with open arms if and when they appear.
Heather Miller, who was the chair of the aforementioned AG
in New Orleans and is the new AMC Membership Officer,
and her membership committee have been hard at work
finding new member benefits for all of us. Within the last few
days, there has been notice of no less than three. First, you
can save 15% off anything you order from Edmund Scientific
(www.scientificsonline.com), delighting both your inner
scientific geek and your inner accountant, by including the
member promotion code AE57724 when placing your order.
Second, VPI pet insurance is now available to Mensans, with
quite affordable health coverage for pets, as well as a 5%
group discount on base policy premiums for Mensans
(www.petinsurance.com/affiliates/americanmensa_npr). Third,
Mental_Floss, a magazine that is proving quite appealing to many
Mensans, is giving us a $4.00 discount on the subscription rate
(www.mentalfloss.com/mensa). I have been a member of Mensa
for more than 20 years, and I don'
t remember there ever before
being so many member benefits available. Heather and her
committee are doing an outstanding job!
October 2005
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Going back to my earlier question about what Region 10 groups
do to welcome new members, I received a reply from Pat
Hamilton, Manasota'
s worthy Membership Coordinator. She has
developed several varied letters, one for new members, one for
move-ins, one for reinstating members, and so on. She uses a
merge file on her computer, so each of them receives a
personalized letter. For new members, she includes a "kitty
coupon" worth $3.00 for events which have a kitty. She also
includes a complete membership list for each new member,
suggesting that they might look through it for any members who
might live nearby. Now that'
s an idea worth considering! Good
job, Pat! She goes above and beyond as membership coordinator,
and even contacts prospects, suggesting that they not only contact
the proctor for testing information, but she invites them to one of
the group'
s public events. Another great idea! Sadly, I hear that
Pat is moving away and leaving Manasota'
s area. Hearing about
the job she has done for the last several months, I think she will be
leaving big shoes to fill.
I have just begun the process to set up a Region 10 website. Like
most of our local group websites, it will be on the Mensa national
website. Now I would like to hear from you about what you
would like to see on that website. Of course we will list upcoming
Regional Gatherings in the region. Of course we will include basic
information about the different groups in Region 10, perhaps with
a Florida map and links to the local websites. But what else should
we include? Would you like a section telling of awards members
from Region 10 have received? Should there be a section for
poetry or artwork from members in Region 10? I want this to be
OUR website, for all of our members. Tell me what you would
like to see there. I really do want to hear from you!
Did you know that there are more than 750 Mensans, both from
the USA and internationally, already registered for the 2006
World Gathering? Actually, I can'
t believe that there aren'
t already
more than that, from right here in Region 10; how often does such
a monumental event take place close enough to home that you can
drive there? This is an opportunity not to be missed – the chance
to socialize with Mensans from all over, the chance to attend
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programs from around the world and the best of the best of
programs from around the country from all the RGs we don'
t get
to… I can'
t wait!
Speaking of the World Gathering, you undoubtedly know that the
program chair, yours truly, has been lining up terrific speakers,
many Mensan, some from outside. As of this writing, there are
about 100 program already on the list. But believe it or not, that
doesn'
t come close to filling all the time slots for speakers! So if
you have been thinking about it, or maybe thinking that it is too
late, do get in touch with me (truluvs@cfl.rr.com
or
rvc10@cfl.rr.com). And if you want to volunteer for ANYTHING
at the WG, contact Kay Klasen, volunteer chair
(volunteers@WG06.us.mensa.org). MANY volunteers are needed,
in MANY areas, such as hospitality, registration, speaker
shepherds, security, and even just sign up as a volunteer if you
don'
t know where you want to help. One new type of volunteer
needed is "stuffers" - the folks who will "stuff" all those goodies
into goodie bags at the start of the gathering. While we are at in,
we need lots of GOODIES to put into those bags, especially
Florida related. Not sure about what kind of goodies? Contact me
or any member of the WG committee for ideas. I think I am
running on too long to list them all!!
Maggie Truelove, RVC10
3333 Honeysuckle Lane, Belle Isle, FL 32812
rvc10@cfl.rr.com
407-855-9078
S ATURDAY , O CT . 22, IS A MERICAN Mensa'
s eighth annual
National Testing Day, when Local Groups across the country will
administer the Mensa Admission Test. The test fee is $30 and a
photo ID is required. The test is open to anyone age 14 and older,
but parental permission is required for anyone age 14–17. (Tampa
Bay Mensa will hold our test on Saturday, October 8 at the RG.)
October 2005
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WEST ON I-10 UNTIL THE PAVEMENT ENDS
Dave Bryant
A S MANY OF YOU KNOW I work part time as a police officer for the
Brooksville Police Department and was deployed with a law
enforcement task force for Hurricane Katrina recovery. I got back
late last night (9/10) and thought I’d record some of my
impressions for those who are interested.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and County Office Building in
Pascagoula, Mississippi had been destroyed as well as most of
their vehicles. We had a motor home command post and
communications center on site two days later as part of a mutual
aid compact.
My assignment came a week later as the simple looting escalated
to robberies, rapes, arsons and shootings in all the affected areas.
Experienced Officers were needed to help. We had reports of
gangs roaming about in an atmosphere of anarchy and even
attacking relief trucks. We also heard of relief supplies being
intercepted and commandeered by FEMA for allocation based on
their needs. Gasoline was critical to continue the mission of
protecting the people in Pascagoula. My first job was to ride
shotgun (or rifle in my case) on a fuel truck to prevent any
misunderstandings about where this gas was going. The driver
was a 30 year DPW employee named Ernie who was also needed
to operate heavy equipment. Ernie is a hard working, resourceful
guy who knows how to fix almost anything. He spoke with pride
about his career Marine Corps sons and reminded me of my
father. We had a long ride in a big, loud, dirty truck with no air
and more mechanical problems than I can list. The directions to
Pascagoula were simple: “go west on I-10 until the pavement
ends.” The closer we got, the more evidence of the storm we saw.
There were warning signs on I-10 that there was very limited fuel
west of Tallahassee. West of Pensacola we started to see billboard
signs torn down and increasing tree damage.
Fortunately we made our delivery without any problem. Even the
weather was cooperative. Although it was hot and humid, there
was no rain and the storm surge, which had been over 20 feet
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high, had long receded and mostly dried up. National Guard and
Army troops were everywhere. Initially they were not given
bullets and were run off by some looters who shot at them. It is
still unclear if all are carrying loaded weapons. Their numbers
were enough to put an end to the looting and crime. The power
has been mostly restored and the northern parts of the city were
almost normal with many businesses reopened.
The
uninhabitable areas have a total curfew from dusk to dawn. The
soldiers take care of all that area at night. The engineering corps
has cleared all the roads of debris and sand so we had access to
just about every area. I went on several patrols looking over
damaged areas for bodies, and letting people see that we were
there and ready to act if needed. Fortunately the reports about
packs of dogs eating corpses and attacking people were
exaggerated as I was not looking forward to shooting former
house pets. All the easy to find bodies had been bagged including
one found tangled up in a tree. Most of what’s being recovered
now is just parts of bodies in the rubble. We went to locations
where unaccounted people lived.
Although most people
evacuated when told to, some decided to ride it out and paid for
their choice. I met a nice cadaver bloodhound named Sandy and
her handler, a deputy from Indiana. She had hit on a rubble site
the day before so we went out to try to recover the victim. There
were 5 policemen there and we had all smelled death many times.
At this state of decomposition we didn’t need the dog to tell us
there was a body under the mess. It appeared to be a flattened
two or three story house. We crawled under the roof into what
was the attic and tried to move debris to get closer toward the
scent. Unfortunately there was too much to move without heavy
equipment. That body will wait. As you go closer to the
waterfront the devastation is more complete. The houses are
mostly gone completely. The debris was either thrown far into the
swamp or swept out to the open water of the Gulf. Slabs of
concrete or pilings are all that remains of the houses. There is
some debris and various signs of high water surge like clothes and
effects in the trees. Farther away from the beach there are areas
where people will rebuild what is left of their homes. Some are
barley habitable and others will have to be leveled before they can
October 2005
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even start to rebuild. Pictures can’t do justice to the magnitude of
destruction.
I went with a supply truck to distribute food and other items to
people who needed them. It seems there are plenty of supplies;
the problem is distributing them. We went to the area where
people were still living but without power or water and their
vehicles (if they had them) had been flooded and pushed into
piles. The people had been visited by other trucks but welcomed
the things we had. Paper towels, bleach and fruit drinks were the
most popular which makes sense since most had been given
ample food stuff. We gave out a bunch of donated food as well.
As many baby supplies as we had, very little was given out. I
guess people with babies listened to the warnings and left. The
other thing we had plenty of was dog and cat food. Apparently,
people love to donate pet food. We had so much it was in the
way. I gave it away whenever I saw a dog. Even when they said
they had enough I tossed them a bag of treats. The dog shelters
and animal rescue groups didn’t want ours either so it went out to
an area with extra supplies for anyone to freely help themselves
to. My truck even had big bags of bird seed. I had some stuffed
animals and a few toys along with a bunch of junk food that kids
would like. Seeing dirty kids was sad. I was struck by the
number of flags I saw. Many people start their recovery by
planting their American flag on their home site. We also did some
more mundane chores like giving information and directing traffic
while a crew brought in a generator and pump to get a sewage lift
station back in operation.
Our encampment was more comfortable than I expected. Our
diesel generator provided us with air conditioning in the sleeping
area and I did get a shower, albeit short and cold. Water was
always from bottles even for teeth brushing. Only toilets can be
trusted with the water supply for now. We had a grill, a variety of
food and plenty of drinks. My last night we had T-bone steaks,
which were wonderful. Of course we had no utensils except our
folding knives so we all stood around eating like cave men over a
kill. The mosquitoes were bad at dusk and dawn but repellent
works well. They also have some kind of biting fly there. A
convenience store owner came by with a couple of cases of beer to
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Tampa Bay Sounding
donate. He said they had been under water and under rubble so
were over looked by the looters. Since they were damaged he
couldn’t sell them and thought we might like them. They were
quickly put on ice and everyone was reminded that since they
were under contaminated water, one should be careful about
opening and drinking them. I stuck with bottled water. We sat
about trading war stories and sharing the dark humor only those
who have worked in hellish places can appreciate and understand
as a coping mechanism. One of our numbers was a 19 year old
fireman who was just hired on to his dream job a month ago. He
was still in training when Katrina came. Since he was not yet fully
qualified he was sent with a senior partner to recover bodies in a
swamp area. He told me of pulling on the lower torso of a man
and having the flesh fall apart as it does with floaters. He said he
couldn’t get the picture of all the crabs eating the man’s body out
of his mind. He got real drunk and it never occurred to us that he
was not old enough to drink. After all, he was a veteran now and
as one of us was certainly entitled to share our beer. He slept very
late next morning. It was the best sleep he’d had in days. This
young hero had seen more death and destruction in the last 10
days than most will see in a career.
A few things I take from this experience are really reinforcements
from things I learned in the past:
∗
∗
∗
∗
Disasters bring out the best and worst in people.
When there is no presence of law, law breakers become more
aggressive. Smart people have guns. I didn’t hear of any
looters being shot, but I saw warning signs everywhere.
Having the means to defend yourself makes the necessity to
do so less likely.
There is a huge difference between a victim and a survivor,
and it has nothing to do with your wealth, education, or even
how badly you were affected. Some people are naturally self
reliant and proud. Others are quickly overwhelmed and
needy.
Some administrators rise in a crisis to be great leaders while
others micro manage, panic in their inability to make decisions,
and seek ways to blame others for their incompetence.
October 2005
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Two police officers, a fireman and two DPW machine operators
will stay on for a few more days to help. My job was done so I
drove the truck back. As I crossed back in to the Eastern Time
zone on my way home, I switched off from the tactical mindset
needed to do my job. I am thankful for all I have and that I was
able to help in a small way. It is a privilege to witness and play a
role in the realities of life, even when they are harsh and
unpleasant. I thought about how one describes scenes like this
and realized it is really not possible. I thought about the things I
saw and the people I met. Alone in that dirty old truck, I cried for
them and prayed for them.
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
0906
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
18
Tampa Bay Sounding
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October 2005
19
CRYPTOPOEM
Sylvia Zadorozny
EAT PIE BAK XSQUSHS UK, RAW DIWLQE GATQL U:
U OIM GTKKUBC I ZTPZNUB KA ZTK UB I ZUS,
IBL AB UK OIM OWUKKSB UB QSKKSWM PAMK ZQIUB
"EAT PIE DIGN PS UB MQUGSM, XTK U'QQ CWAO ICIUB."
U MSUFSL UK IBL MQUGSL UK IBL PINS BA PUMKINS
IM, OUKD LATCD WATBLSL AHSW, U ZTK UK KA XINS:
XTK MAAB UB KDS CIWLSB IM U GDIBGSL KA OIQN,
ODE, KDSWS OIM KDIK ZTPZNUB SBKUWS AB DUM MKIQN!
--WAXSWK CWIHSM
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
murrin@gte.net
0106
P.O. Box 10100
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-0100
20
Tampa Bay Sounding
CALENDAR
October 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.
October 1st, 15 - Saturdays - 7:00 PM - $2
Card Night
Either bring a card game you like to play or we will play Hand & Foot (a
type of Canasta). Can be played with partners and is GREAT fun!
Please RSVP at 727-734-9746.
Directions: From the North - Come South on Belcher Rd. After
Curlew Road is a Traffic Light at Solon Road. Keep coming South –
BEFORE you get to Main Street (580) there is a blinking light for a
Fire Station. On your RIGHT (West) is Beverly Lane, into Forest
Park Villas.
From the South: Go North on Belcher Rd. Just past Main Strret (580)
is a blinking light for a fire station- on your LEFT (West) is Beverly
Lane, into Forest Park Villas.
After turning onto Beverly Lane, go to the second street: Rebecca
Lane. Turn Right and go to 1542 (short street). Park on street.
Terri Elston - 727-734-9746 - TeriProfsr@aol.com
1542 Rebecca Lane - Dunedin
October 2005
21
October 5th & 19th - Wednesdays - 1:15 PM
MHunch (Mensa Humpday Lunch)
Locations: Red Rose – Plant City (2nd Wednesday)
Eastern Dynasty – Lakeland (4th Wednesday)
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.
Your RSVP is important! Please either email or call me at (863) 701-7109
so we can save a seat at the table for you! Due to the current gas
situation, MHUNCH events away from Lakeland will be subject to
cancellation if there is a lack of interest (that means '
yes'RSVPs!)…
Merrell Fortner – 863-701-7109 – mini@mindless.com
October 5th & 19th - Wednesdays - 7:00 PM
Erudite Lite Reading Group
Location: Perkins - 612 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa
We meet twice per month (on the first and third Wednesday) at the
Perkins on Dale Mabry, just north of Kennedy. Bring along books you’d
like to exchange or give away.
Check out our website: www.rovingarts.com/eruditelite
Ellen Berry – 727-480-7938 – eberry@rovingarts.com
Perkins Restaurant - 612 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa
October 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th & November 3rd - 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
October 2005
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
4
3
2
5
MHunch
1:15 PM
6
Lunch Bunch
12:30 PM
7
Oktoberfest RG
8
14
Games Night
Oldsmar
7:30 PM
15
21
22
Card Night
7:00 PM
Oktoberfest RG
Reading Group
7:00 PM
9
Octoberfest RG
16
10
Sounding
submissions
deadline
11
13
Breakfast Gathering
7:30 AM
Lunch Bunch
12:30 PM
18
17
12
19
MHunch
1:15 PM
20
Lunch Bunch
12:30 PM
Card Night
7:00 PM
Reading Group
7:00 PM
23
25
24
22
FSM
3:00 PM
30
26
NTN Trivia Night
7:00 PM
27
Lunch Bunch
12:30 PM
31
Halloween
ExComm Meeting
2:00 PM
28
Fourth Friday
Madness
6:00 PM
29
Games Night
Land O’ Lakes
7:30 PM
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
1
Wednesday
2
MHunch
1:15 PM
Thursday
3
Lunch Bunch
12:30 PM
Friday
Saturday
4
5
11
Keys MicRo-G
12
Keys MicRo-G
18
19
Card Night
7:00 PM
October 2005
November 2005
Reading Group
7:00 PM
6
7
13
14
8
15
9
Sounding
submissions
deadline
16
MHunch
1:15 PM
10
Breakfast Gathering
7:30 AM
Lunch Bunch
12:30 PM
17
Lunch Bunch
12:30 PM
Reading Group
7:00 PM
20
Brooksville Party
& Campout
21
22
23
27
28
29
30
FSM
3:00 PM
Brooksville
Party &
Campout
Brooksville
Party &
Campout
Card Night
7:00 PM
24
Thanksgiving
25
26
NTN Trivia
7:00 PM
23
24
Tampa Bay Sounding
October 7th through 9th - Friday through Sunday
Oktoberfest RG
October 13th - 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
October 14th - Friday - 7:30 PM - $2
Games & Gob’lin
It'
s once again that time of year
when Halloween is oh-so near,
But you'
ll find nothing here to fear-just games and Mensans, fun and cheer!
Some trick-or-treats are kept in store-like candy, brownies, snacks galore,
With soda, popcorn, fruit, and more-and you should see the great decor!
A funny witch with tall black hat,
a ten-foot plastic hanging bat,
I even have a real black cat
and orange one (and one that'
s fat).
Just one request to those who smoke,
keep smoke outdoors please, okey-doke?
So bring a friend, or bring your folk,
a game you like, the latest joke;
Get in your car, to Oldsmar aim,
for Boggle, Stock Rush, Claim to Fame,
Taboo or Times Up--name your game.
I daresay you'
ll be glad you came.
Sylvia Zadorozny - 813-855-4939 - sylviachocolate@juno.com
651 Timber Bay Circle West – Oldsmar (call for directions)
October 2005
25
October 22nd - Saturday - 2:00 PM - FREE
Oktoberfest Review and ExComm Meeting
We'
ll rehash what went right & wrong, what we liked & didn'
t like at
Oktoberfest, Tampa Bay Mensa'
s Regional Gathering. This will be
followed by an Executive Committee meeting. All Tampa Bay Mensans
are welcome to attend both meetings.
Sylvia Zadorozny - 813-855-4939 - sylviachocolate@juno.com
651 Timber Bay Circle West – Oldsmar (call for directions)
October 22nd - Saturday - 7:00 PM
NTN Trivia
Location: Buffalo Wild Wings, Gulf View Square Mall,
9409 US Hwy. 19 N., Port Richey, FL 34668
NTN Satellite Trivia is a nationwide contest held in assorted restaurants
and bars in our region. Three short rounds of five questions each are
interspersed with breaks for conversation and socializing. We meet at a
non-smoking family sports bar called Buffalo Wild Wings in the Gulf
View Square Mall in Port Richey. Come join the party!
Thomas Thomas - 813-994-3981 – FardleBear@aol.com
October 23rd - Sunday - 3:00 PM
FSM
Join us as we Fold, Staple, and Mutilate (or attach Mailing labels) to the
Tampa Bay Sounding. You get free munchies and a chance to socialize
with other Mensans, as well as a peek at the next issue early! This
month'
s FSM is at Kathy Crum’s in Wesley Chapel.
Kathy Crum - 813-907-0526 – katshe@aol.com
7164 Quail Hollow Blvd. – Wesley Chapel (call for directions)
26
Tampa Bay Sounding
October 28th - Friday - 6:00 PM
Fourth Friday Madness
Come party on down with us every fourth (not necessarily last) Friday at
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, 6700 US 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
October 29th - Saturday - 7:30 PM - $2
Games Night – Land O’ Lakes
Directions from Tampa and points south: Go north on Hwy 41. Six
miles north of SR54, on the right-hand side, there is a housing
development called "The Groves Golf and Country Club". Turn into the
development. After the guard gate, go to the first stop sign and turn
right. Go to the next stop sign and turn right. Go one block and turn
right onto Nectarine Place. Barbara'
s house is the second house on the
left. Smoking is allowed outside, and there is one dog in residence.
Barbara Loewe - 813-968-3343
20810 Nectarine Place – Land O’ Lakes
Coming up in November:
Brooksville Party & Campout (see page 41)
Keys MicRo-G (see page 40)
October 2005
27
OKTOBERFEST 2005
Dan Chesnut
B Y NOW MOST OF YOU know about this year’s special RG. We
have our first, and probably last, October date and we are taking
advantage of it with a festive Bavarian theme. From the first
evening, you will be treated to Bavarian hors d’oeuvres, good
German beer (is that redundant?), fun games, and a special dance
hosted by a local professional dance group, the Gulfcoast Enzianer
Schuhplattlers. They specialize in an energetic shoe-slapping
dance style (“schuh” means “shoe.”) and will help us with a
yodeling contest, or something very similar to one, and the
vogeltanz (chicken dance). You can participate in all of these
great events. Much more to follow on Saturday and Sunday
including a pumpkin carving contest, gifted children’s events, an
armchair treasure hunt, an 80’s mixer, and a sing along.
To ease your registration process, we have added online
registration using PayPal, and if you do not have an account, you
can still get a registration form online to send in. Go to
www.tampa.us.mensa.org/. Of course, you can also pay at the
door.
Spass ohne ende!
ANSWER TO SEPTEMBER CRYPTOPOEM
Busy, curious, thirsty fly,
Drink with me, and drink as I.
Freely welcome to my cup,
Couldst thou sip, and sip it up;
Make the most of life you may,
Life is short and wears away.
Just alike, both mine and thine,
Hasten quick to their decline.
Thine'
s a summer, mine no
more,
Though repeated to three-score.
Three-score summers, when
they'
re gone,
Will appear as short as one.
--William Oldys
28
Tampa Bay Sounding
HYPNOTISM
A SHORT STORY
Ronnie Dubs
I ONLY READ HALF THE book, which was my first mistake. It’s
probably best to read a book cover to cover before dabbling in the
Black Arts. It was Beginning Hypnotism by Melvin Powers - a good
name for a hypnotist. The cover was glossy Black and White
concentric circles in a spiral, with the illusion of motion to it - like
the opening introduction to an early episode of the Twilight Zone.
It came with one of those flimsy vinyl records of Hypnotic music
attached, which never played very well because they never would
lay down flat on the turntable of the record player.
The secret of a good hypnotist is not his calm demeanor, his
soothing melodic monotone voice or even the gimmick - you
know: the swinging pendulum, the crystal, the metronome or the
candle. No, the secret of a good hypnotist is the fact that he’s a
good psychologist. By going into a room full of people, simply
asking a few questions and looking into people’s eyes he can
quickly separate out those who’ll be susceptible to his hypnotic
charms. A hypnotist needs to inspire the confidence of the
subject, who needs to believe the hypnotist is accomplished at his
craft and able to induce the hypnotic trance.
Robbie was my fourth subject. I’d had varying success with the
first three and I’d lied to her about my experience. It was a time of
my life when finding someone who wasn’t already in an altered
state of conscious after 5:30 pm wasn’t easy. Robbie didn’t believe
in Hypnotism and told me flat out it wouldn’t work. The
gimmick was a candle with soothing music in the background;
perhaps some Brahms or Kenny G would have been good. I had
Robbie start counting backward from 100 as I made the usual
suggestions of her eyelids growing heavy, she’s getting sleepy that sort of thing. I didn’t know what to expect but knew it when
I heard it. “Bingo,” as she counted down 87, 86, 85. 84. 83, 83, 83,
83, 83… She kept repeating that number for over a minute before
I stopped her and she was under. Now is when not having read
October 2005
29
the entire book became a problem. She was under but I had no
idea what to do next. Quite proud of myself and my newfound
power, all I could think of was a few cheap parlor tricks like
keeping her one arm raised in the air while I went for a beer.
Now, needing to wake her up and having no knowledge of how, I
resorted to an old Bugs Bunny cartoon I’d seen before. “Robbie
you will wake at the count of ten. When I snap my fingers you’ll
remember nothing - 8, 9, 10, ‘Snap’.” Robbie opened her eyes,
looked right at me, and said, “I told this wouldn’t work.” I was
astounded, and no amount of talking could convince her as to
what had happened.
The second and third sessions with Robbie were little different. I
looked for the book but could not find it; more cheap parlor tricks.
At one point I placed the suggestion in her mind she was at a
doctor’s office and the doctor wanted her to do certain simple acts.
That worked well for as far as it went.
It was the fourth session with Robbie where the remarkable
happened. It started off as usual - her counting backward to that
same number 83, and falling deep into a hypnotic trance. This
time, having read half a book on hypnotism with no experience or
psychological training, I thought I’d do the sensible thing and go
ahead and explore the inner recesses of her mind. I started taking
Robbie backward in her life and having her tell me what was
going on at her different ages. It was a fascinating journey but
somewhat depressing; apparently Robbie had not had a very
happy life - the events she described all seemed meaningful to her,
and were probably the events which shaped her psyche –
Freudian stuff. We went further and further back in time until
there was an amazing breakthrough. Robbie started to describe to
me another time, another place, another life, a little-house-on-theprairie-type world before combustion engines and modern
machinery, where she and a friend were holding hands, running
through a field of grain toward a crude cabin where a dinner bell
was ringing and smoke was rising from the chimney. I was
stunned, fascinated, and very excited by what I was hearing: Was
it real, or just a hypnotically induced daydream? Frankly I just
don’t know. It was then at the most inopportune moment a friend
30
Tampa Bay Sounding
of Robbie’s knocked at the door. I let that person in and brought
Robbie back from the age she had regressed to. Now with a
witness present I repeated the same cheap tricks I’d performed
before. This time as I awoke Robbie from her trance, as usual she
looked at me claiming it did not work, only now her friend was
sitting at the table alongside her and had witnessed the event.
This was the last time I got to hypnotize Robbie, or anyone else for
that matter. I read several years later she had died - killed herself
by sticking her head in a gas oven. Kind of old-fashioned, but still
effective. I have often wondered where her soul went from there;
to heaven, to hell, or perhaps to the wondrous place she had
described so well to me years before where innocent, laughing,
childhood friends could run endlessly hand in hand on idyllic
summer days through fields of tall grain without a care in the
world.
FOLD, STAPLE & MUTILATE – AUGUST 28, 2005
Sylvia Zadorozny
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK you! to Thomas Thomas,
Ronan Heffernan, Delphine Jenness, Don Davis, Richard
Manno, and Sylvia Zadorozny for folding, folding, inserting,
stapling, taping, labeling, and boxing (not to mention counting
and delivering to the St. Pete post office the next day), the
enormous October Crewe List issue of the Tampa Bay Sounding.
This huge issue took far longer to assemble than usual, due to all
the extra work involved.
If anyone out there can help us out, either by showing up at FSM
or maybe even hosting an FSM at your place some month, it
would be greatly appreciated. The more people we have helping,
the faster, easier, and more fun it is. To inquire about hosting, call
Sylvia at 813-855-4939 (leave a message if you get the machine).
Thanks.
October 2005
31
HILDEGARD – A PLAY
Carl S. Hammen
Scene: Rhineland, Germany, the monastery of Saint Disibod, September 1114
ACT I, Scene 1
Inside a building attached to the church of the monastery, a dormitory room has
only a chair and a bed, some religious objects on the wall, and a small window.
Hildegard, 16, sits alone, reading. Enter Jutta, 33, and Matilda, 12, daughter
of Henry I.
Jutta:
Put your reading material aside, Hildegard.
introduce you to a guest.
I wish to
Hildegard: (Rises.) Yes, ma’am.
Jutta: (To Matilda) Your Highness, this is my niece, Hildegard.
She has been preparing to take her vows. (To
Hildegard) Princess Matilda has come from far-off
England. You will see to her needs, please. I have
much work to do. (Exit Jutta.)
Hildegard: Welcome to my room, your Highness. Please seat
yourself where you like. Excuse my poor English.
Matilda: (Sits on bed) Your English is not so bad. After crossing
la Manche, I did not expect to hear any English at all.
In the court, everyone is bilingual, except for a few
Normans. They are either too proud or not bright
enough to learn English. Would you prefer to speak
French?
Hildegard: Oh, no. That is even more difficult for me.
Matilda:
Do you think that someday there will be only one
language?
Hildegard: There is only one language now, among scholars.
Matilda:
Well, do not expect me to converse with you in Latin.
I am so pleased that Jutta appointed you to be my
hostess. Where are we? What place is this?
32
Tampa Bay Sounding
Hildegard: This place is called Disibodenberg, after an Irish
missionary from long ago. Our little convent is
attached to the church. Did you see the beautiful
rivers that come together below the church? The big
river is the Nahe, and the little river is the Glan. The
Nahe flows into the Rhein, which carries boats to a
delta area in the Nederland.
Matilda:
Thank you for the geography lesson. The rivers are
beautiful, but I would like to know more about you.
How old are you? Are you a real nun or just an
apprentice?
Hildegard: I came here when I was eight years old, to receive
instruction from Jutta. Now I am sixteen. I am ready
to take the veil, as soon as Bishop Otto of Bamberg
arrives. Your life is surely more interesting. Where
will you go after your visit here?
Matilda:
There is no need to remain standing. Sit here next to
me, Hildegard. (Hildegard sits) After the servants
and horses are rested, our party will proceed to
Mainz, where I shall be married to a king called
Heinrich.
Hildegard: Mainz is not far from here. (Pause) Forgive me for
asking. Are you sure that you are ready to marry?
Matilda:
Do you know nothing about the politics of royalty? I
am the daughter of a king.
Hildegard: But you are very young. Are you not throwing away
your childhood to marry a much older man whom
you have never met? What can you do if he treats
you cruelly?
Matilda:
I am almost thirteen. I have always known that I
would marry into some royal court. What could be
better than the court of the Holy Roman Emperor?
My father made Heinrich promise to allow me some
time to grow up before he demands his rights as a
husband. If he mistreats me, my father will certainly
be informed about it. Then, there will be hell to pay.
October 2005
33
Hildegard: Please do not use the word “hell” so lightly. It is a
very important concept. Are you aware of the
trauma you may suffer in the exercise of husbandly
rights?
Matilda:
You cannot be serious, Hildegard. I have seen
animals mating. I have heard young couples active
at night in the bedroom.
You exaggerate my
innocence.
(Pause. Hildegard and Matilda stare at each other, then giggle.)
Matilda:
You are good looking, Hildegard, and I assume that
you come from a good family. You could easily
attract a suitor. Why did you decide to become a
nun? Why did you give up all thoughts of having a
husband, a home, and children?
Hildegard: Your frankness embarrasses me, Matilda, but I will
try to answer your question. I was the tenth and last
child. Naturally, I was destined for the church.
Usually I do not speak of it, but since age three, I
have had visions that others do not have. They help
me to understand how God has constructed this
world, what enormous variety He has put into it. I
want to read everything written. I want to learn
what is true, and in harmony with God’s will. I want
to describe my visions in good Latin. I want to
compose beautiful music. I am excited about the
future. My thoughts, my writing, my music, will be
my children.
Matilda:
Oh, Hildegard! You make me wish to escape this
marriage, and join you here.
Hildegard: I think that it is kleine spat, I mean un peu tard, to
consider that. Tell me, Matilda, why do you wear
those little shoes? They are pretty, but they seem
quite unsuitable for walking.
Matilda:
Only rarely must I walk. My mother told me that it is
important to demonstrate one’s difference from men.
And one difference is that we women usually have
34
Tampa Bay Sounding
smaller feet. I have noticed that ladies in the court
decorate their tiny shoes, and the gentlemen stare at
them with unconcealed desire.
Hildegard: I understand. You bring me all sorts of new
information. (Both laugh.)
Matilda:
Hildegard, I believe your feet are almost the same
size as mine. Please accept these shoes, as a souvenir
of my visit. I have many more like them.
Enter Jutta.
Jutta: What are you girls doing? Do not answer. I could hear you
talking from far down the hall. Neither of you is old
enough to have anything important to say. Silence is
the rule here. This is a place to work and pray, not
chatter like fishwives at Saturday market. Oh, I
apologize, Matilda, you are our guest. I don’t want
to offend you. I am really speaking to Hildegard.
Sometimes, I doubt that she will ever become a
proper sister. It is almost time for vespers. (Jutta
exits.)
Matilda:
On second thought, I do not wish to join you here. Is
Jutta always so nasty?
Hildegard: Please speak softly. She is still nearby. (Pause.) Jutta
must be strict with the novices. Some have never
been subject to any discipline before coming here.
Matilda:
But, her domineering attitude, it is too much. She is
not a queen. I suspect that she makes some of the
girls wish to rebel.
Hildegard: That is true, but I do not wish to criticize Jutta.
Someday, I may be in her position, and I will have to
enforce the rules. If that happens, I will strive to
make my girls behave well, without scolding. Shall
we go to vespers?
(Exeunt.)
(To be continued in next month’s Sounding.)
October 2005
35
AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER GAMES NIGHTS
Sylvia Zadorozny
"Le Poison d'un homme est le Poisson d'un autre"*,
or Something was Fishy at Games Nights
Setting:
A rather fishy-looking house on a lake at the north end of Tampa Bay.
Act I, August 13th – One Fish, Two Fish…
Cast off Characters (in alphabetical order):
Leslie Case – When her husband Jack asked if she wanted to play
Stock Rush, Leslie'
s response sounded like "Water you
crazy?"
Jack Crepeau – It turned out Jack is an alias; he told us his real
name is "Jacques, as in Cousteau".
Don Davis – He returned to the seine later to help assemble the
Tampa Bay Sounding.
Ronan Heffernan – As our local grouper calendar editor, he lines
up columns and roes.
Theresa Hohmann – Tanks to Theresa, we piered into a box full of
Things!
Delphine Jenness – Ever a school teacher, she brought an article
on "Swan Lake".
Peter Kadaj – He was shore he'd net a profit in Stock Rush.
Barbara Loewe – During Things!, she called her shrimp-y
chihuahua an appetizer!
Richard Manno – Eel be back! and with different toppings on each
pizza half (only pepperoni pizza had the salmon both
halves).
Diane Ocampo – She left before fin-ishing--did she sea anemone
among us?
Christian Poepsel – He was hooked on stock games.
Elaine Somoza-Paralusz – This is the sole Mensa event she
attends.
Thomas Thomas – He lured us into a game of Mental Floss (the
guy on the box looked like he'
d gone off the deep end, with
fishing line through his head!).
36
Tampa Bay Sounding
Kathy Zadorozny – She bit gummy worms, as well as some very
fishy-looking Cheddar and goldfish crackers.
Sylvia
Zadorozny – After carping about alpha-betta
discrimination, she clammed up when faced with a
chocolate Assortment, Brownies, Cookies…
Plot Summary:
To avoid being packed like sardines in the living room, Jack,
Christian, and Peter dove into the kitchen to play Stock Rush.
Meanwhile Thomas baited the rest of us with mental_floss – The
Trivia Game, which we fell for hook, line, and sinker. Richard
pooled pizza topping preferences (what, no anchovies?), then
waved and we didn'
t sea him for an hour. Teams were tide when
the pizzas arrived so we stopped to fillet plate and sink our Jaws
in. Diane'
s phone rang, sushi became "the one that got away",
baleen out and leaving Richard to take her plaice on Delphine'
s team.
After a whale-played game, we weren'
t shore what to play next
until Theresa suggested we try a new angle and open Things!, a
game betta-tested at Mind Games. Not being shellfish, we
happily shared our answers to questions like "what you would
have said to Eve had she tricked you into eating the apple" (dam
you!) and "what you shouldn'
t do at a funeral" (breath, if you'
re
the corpse). The porpoise was to identify who'
d written each
answer.
Next we tried Smarty Party, some of us floundering while trying
to dredge up answers, until a sole winner surfaced at last.
Finally, Ronan and Thomas during a game of TransAmerica felt
the (gefilte?) sofa they were perched on suddenly sink!! We
became nightcrawlers as we looked under to sea why it shad do
that.
Act II, September 10th – Water on the Brain?
New Characters for Act II:
Dave Goodrich – A card shark from ClearWater.
Tammy Hicks – Visiting from Lake Michigan, I mean MidMichigan, Mensa.
October 2005
37
Beth Trotter – Friend of Tammy, also from Mid-Lake Michigan.
George Zadorozny – From Hudson River, that is, Hudson Florida.
Returning characters from Act I (in the order they drifted in):
Sylvia Zadorozny, Richard Manno, Don Davis, Elaine
Somoza-Paralusz, Thomas Thomas, Jack Crepeau, Leslie
Case, Christian Poepsel, and Peter Kadaj.
Plot Summary:
The sunken sofa of the previous Act turned out to be a red
herring, cement boots, er, blocks having shored it up so it was
now shipshape.
As we waded for guests to stream in, we tried to fathom the recent
flood disaster in New Orleans. Then George brought out
Ultimate Outburst, which we fin-ished playing just as the last
tetrad joined us.
Richard (in the main, a stock barracuda) cruised into the kitchen
with Jack, Christian, and Peter for Stocks & Bonds, while the rest
of us, who would sonar play something else, went with the flow
in the living room.
During Times Up, Dave found that pressing a stuffed clownfish to
his head helped him fish things from his memory (water on the
brain?), and Sylvia hummed the tuna "John Jacob Jingleheimer
Schmidt" which turned into a coral work as others trolled along.
Can you tell we had a ballast playing this?
George sculpted lobster claws in "Play It with Clay", and Thomas
schooled Sylvia and Leslie in bassic Trillon.
The night ended with Richard and the usually pacific Thomas
caught in deep discussion weighing the scales of justice in the
New Orleans tragedy. (At least we avoided Row v. Wade.)
*
French phrase, literally "one man's Fish is another's Poison", in
English is usually translated as "one man's meat is another man's
poison." (I always thought it lost something in the translation.)
38
PROJECT INKSLINGER
Tampa Bay Sounding
Michael Paul Beetham
MANY MENSANS WOULD LIKE TO donate reading materials to the folks
who are displaced due to Hurricane Katrina. I have chatted with
reps of a couple of relief agencies, book-donation businesses, and
regional libraries.
I have been told that the relief agencies stress the need for cash at this
time. They are able to gather and distribute reading material as the
local situations stabilize. If any Mensans or Local Groups in the
affected areas would like to collect and distribute reading materials
to shelters in their immediate area, please check with local police and
relief agencies first. It is important not to get in the way (I was told
that most firmly, but politely.) If any Local Groups outside of the
affected areas would like to donate reading material, please consider
donating to a book-donating business that has a collecting-sortingdistribution system in place.
The website www.albany.edu/~dlafonde/Global/bookdonation.htm , a
directory of book donation programs, has an extensive list of entities
to choose from, plus links to their websites. Cash would be best;
there is no national shortage of books, but a need for cash to pay for
the distribution process.
The recovery situation is dynamic and changing daily. In time we
will have more opportunities to donate directly. The main need at
present is for life-sustaining items, and thus the call for cash.
If you know of any Mensans or Local Groups already involved in
donating reading material to local shelters, please let us know. We
will assist if and as appropriate. If you know any specific entity that
could use reading material right now or in the near future, please let
us know.
Project Inkslinger activity normally occurs after a library, for
example, is rebuilt. As such we will be involved for some time. We
are ramping up a communication process that will provide more
information on book-donation businesses and their procedures. The
website shown above is the first step. I hope it is of some value to
you.
If you have any questions or information to share, please contact me
at Inkslinger.us.mensa.org .
October 2005
39
FOURTH FRIDAY MADNESS – AUGUST 26
Phoebe McCann
(Never fails … I miss one lousy meeting out of a whole year (due to having oral
surgery for 4½ hours that afternoon) and all the good stuff happens! This is
how husband Dan told it to me. Now I know that at his age we can expect some
short-term memory loss but it couldn’t all be wrong now could it? I have to
take his word on this.)
FIRST, TURNS OUT THAT TERRY Wells has been conducting anger
management seminars along with business cohort Ron Stich. We
didn’t even know they were psychologists! Gina Boogher gave
an Origami demonstration and had everyone at the table folding
brightly colored paper into birds and flowers.
Frank and Norene Clarke finally admitted that they are illegal
aliens of the extraterrestrial variety. No wonder they wear those
funky hats! It’s to cover their pointy ears. They are out on bail at
the moment.
Richard Manno brought the score from Madame Butterfly and it
was sung by the entire assemblage of Mensans before they even
dug into their salads. Sylvia Zadorozny and Ronan Heffernan
danced the pas de deux with Sylvia in tutu and toe shoes.
Newcomers to the group, Carl Hammen and Deborah Kazor will
probably be sorry they ever attended once they’ve read this. Get
this, folks … they were to be seen actually consuming FOOD. Not
allowed. Just because the Olive Garden is a restaurant doesn’t
mean that we can eat there.
Terri Elston was unable to make it because at the last minute, her
“card”-iologist called her in for an emergency appointment,
though he made it clear he would only treat her Hand and Foot.
Thomas George Thomas was also absent due to an appointment
with his attorney. He is in the process of changing his name to
George Thomas George and from now on his email address will
be Rosencrantz@Guildenstern.shakespeare.
Till next time, with tongue wedged firmly in cheek,
40
Tampa Bay Sounding
JOIN US THE WEEKEND OF
November 11-12 for a laid back
adventure in the Florida Keys.
This year we are going to the
Yellowtail and Bonefish resorts on Grassy Key at mile marker 58, about
10 miles north of Marathon.
On Friday night you’re on your own for dinner, although you’re
welcome to join with those of us who will be going to Little Italy
Restaurant in Layton on Long Key. This is an old favorite. Saturday
night we will have a “do it yourself” meal to grill at the resort. We
supply the charcoal and the grills; you supply the food and the grilling.
During the day you can play with the paddleboats and kayaks, play in
the sand, play in the ocean, swim in the two heated pools, lounge, talk,
play games on the patio, or travel. The Dolphin Research Center is just
across the road. For lunch, you can go next door to The Wreck, or if you
prefer, “bring your own” and barbecue on the beach. Or, you can spend
the day in Key West.
Prices range from $79 to $139 at Bonefish and start at $129 at Yellowtail
for larger groups. Nearly all rooms have fully equipped kitchens (only 2
units don’t), or you can have breakfast at their restaurant.
Pets are welcome.
Call the Yellowtail Inn at (800) 605 7475 for your reservations NOW. Let
us know (Stan Bercovitch and Jenny Brown (305) 652 1522) which space
you took so we know who’s coming.
Tell the resort that you are in Mensa, to get a 10% discount.
There is no registration fee for this event. However because this is a
“free” event, we will not be providing a hospitality breakfast.
For further information call or e-mail Jenny Brown or Stan Bercovitch.
(s.bercovitch@att.net)
October 2005
41
ANNOUNCEMENT: NOVEMBER CAMPOUT
Chris Clement
Brooksville Party and Campout - All are welcome. Please RSVP.
THE 2005 PARTY WILL START on Friday, Nov 18 at 6 p.m. and end
on Sunday, Nov 20 at noon.
Details are at: http://www.chrisclement.com/party
There is room in several unheated trailers for anyone wishing to
spend the night but not wanting to rough it in a tent or car. Get a
heating pad at a drugstore for about $20 and plug it into the
nearest outlet. It will keep you quite warm with its 30 watts
against your body. Also, we always have a good hot fire going.
Activities may be heard locally on 89.3 FM. Tune in as you arrive
or depart! I will have my cell phone with me (727) 422 6162. If I
don'
t pick up after 4 rings, PLEASE TRY AGAIN!
TBM BULLETIN BOARD
Small group of scrabble players in southwest Lakeland welcomes
players. Please contact:
Merrell Fortner
(863) 701 7109
mini@mindless.com
Wanted: Tampa Bay Mensa members interested in forming/joining the
fastest growing SIG in American Mensa: The Gen-X SIG. Membership is
open to Mensans born between 1961-1981. In 2004, nearly 60 percent of
new membership nationally belonged to this demographic, as are half
our local new members! If there is interest in our region, I will help to
put you in touch with each other until you can form your own local SIG.
For more details, check out the website at http://genx.us.mensa.org.
Thomas Thomas
(813) 432 5088
FardleBear@aol.com
42
Tampa Bay Sounding
2005-06 TAMPA BAY MENSA OFFICERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Local Secretary
Deputy LocSec
Dan Chesnut
th
1415 29 Ave. N
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
dchesnut@tampabay.rr.com
Kathy Crum
7164 Quail Hollow Blvd.
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
813-907-0526
katshe@aol.com
Circulation Officer, Scribe
Sounding Editor
Calendar Editor
Member At Large
Member At Large
Member At Large
Maxine Kushner
7442 Hollylake La.
New Port Richey, FL 34653
727-841-6043
maxine.kushner@verizon.net
Sylvia Zadorozny
651 Timber Bay Cir. W.
Oldsmar, FL 34677
813-855-4939
sylviachocolate@juno.com
Dana Groulx
21416 Cypress Tree Ct.
Land O’Lakes, FL 34639
813-996-5552
llama@sports-pac.com
Thomas George Thomas
27647 Sky Lake Circle
Wesley Chapel, FL 33543-7646
813-994-3981
fardlebear@aol.com
Barbara Loewe
P.O. Box 764
Land O’Lakes, FL 34639
813-968-3343
bloewe@juno.com
Treasurer
Ronan Heffernan
27504 Breakers Dr.
Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
813-907-8147
ronan@tampabay.rr.com
Richard Manno
651 Timber Bay Cir. W
Oldsmar, FL 34677
813-855-4939
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
OTHER CONTACTS
RVC, Region 10
Maggie Truelove
3333 Honeysuckle Lane
Belle Isle, FL 32812
407-855-9078
RVC10@cfl.rr.com
Ombudsman
Jack Brawner
4701 68th St. N, Apt 5D
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
727-546-6061
trojanowl@aol.com
S.I.G.H.T. Coordinator
Susan Anderson
10733 Dowry Ave.
Tampa, FL 33615
813-855-4020
susiea1000@aol.com
Gifted Children’s
Coordinator
Testing Coordinator
Membership Officer/
New Member Contact
Proctors
Theresa Hohmann
897 Crestridge Cir
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
727-942-7735
theresahohmann@yahoo.com
Frank Clarke
150 Collette Court
Oldsmar, FL 33677
727-786-6258
mvsrexx@tampabay.rr.com
Web Spinner
Ellen Berry
455 Alt 19 S # 68
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
(727) 480-7938
eberry@rovingarts.com
American Mensa Ltd.
1229 Corporate Dr. W.
Arlington, TX 76006-6103
817-607-0060
AmericanMensa@mensa.org
Barbara Counts
4610 Catalonia Way S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727-864-6796
barbruns@earthlink.net
Barbara Counts
Frank Clarke
Tom Timberlake
Publisher
Sylvester (Les) Milewski
9091 St Andrews Dr
Seminole Fl 33777
(727) 397-8483
LesMiles@aol.com
October 2005
43
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 header.)
(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 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:
Tampa Bay Sounding
c/o American Mensa Ltd.
1229 Corporate Drive West
Arlington, TX 76006-6103
Periodicals Postage Paid
at St. Petersburg, Florida