Central NJ Mensa - Snowball Program

One of the most exciting things about Snowball is the variety of speakers and events to listen to and participate in. We will post information about these programs here as it becomes available -- the program evolves with each month that we get closer to our big event! Here are some events you might want to prepare yourself for in advance:

Multimedia Swap:	Remember the old saying -- one man's unwanted media is another man's treasure. Bring your unwanted media (books, computer programs, games, etc.) to swap for someone else's and go home feeling rich with your new treasure.
Karaoke:	This wildly popular program will return for a second year.
Stitching Bee:	Bring your favorite portable craft (it doesn't have to involve stitching to qualify) and join other crafters in a friendly event. Share your skills, learn a new trick or tip, or just relax and be creative.
Texas Hold'em Poker:	Enjoy a friendly card game that won't empty your wallet. Everyone is invited to participate or just watch the fun as players bet plastic chips in this popular tournament.

Our Current Program for Snowball XXXVI (2010)

Friday, March 5, 2010	8:00 PM – 9:20 PM	Flying on Instruments – Is It Safe? Allan Marain (Room ???) A Criminal Defense attorney in New Brunswick, NJ. Allan has been a licensed pilot for over forty years. He holds a commercial pilot's license with Instrument Rating and is a Certified Flight Instructor. He first joined Mensa in 1965 and has served CNJM in many capacities including President, Trustee and currently as our Ombudsman.
		Monster Trivia John Devoti (Room ???) For the twenty-fourth consecutive year, trivia maven and erstwhile CNJM member (now of Florida) Don Richmond presents us with a fiendish challenge. Teams of two will work together to find the answer to fifty diabolical geography questions. In most years, simply scoring in the thirties is enough to win. Come see if you can do better. It will be presided over by John Devoti.
		On Chiropractic Joel Schwartz (Room ???) Description to come.
	9:30 PM - 11:00 PM	Music For Mensans Don Slepian (Room ???) A 20 year tradition, this is Don’s exercise in sonic imagination in which the audience helps create a stream-of-consciousness flow of music. It has long been a source of delight for listeners. Don will also have CDs of his music available for purchase.
		Icebreakers & Karaoke Jay Respler & Helene Herman (???) Mix & mingle and start your Snowball off right. No one can help you smash that ice better than Jay Respler and Helene Herman…so get down to it!
		Nickelodeon John Devoti (Room ???) In the early 1900s, silent movies were presented as a continuous stream representing various genres. Tonight we bring back that tradition (minus the 5 cent charge). Come when you want. Leave when you want. Popular culture historian John Devoti will be hosting. Look for a movie schedule on page 14 in the program--distributed at Snowball.
Saturday, March 6, 2010	8:00 AM	Wake-Up Walk (weather permitting) Ron Ruemmler (Hospitality) Join Ron Ruemmler on a morning meander.
	8:00 AM	Mensa Standard Test Martha McKeon (Room ???) Mensa admissions test given at 8:30am sharp (arrive at 8am). Walk-ins welcome.
	9:00 AM – 10:20 AM	A Hard Look at a Soft Subject – Objective Organization Culture Analysis Stuart Ferguson (Room ???) Stuart Ferguson has dedicated his career to improving the results of people and their organizations. As the founder and managing director of Culture Clout, LLC, Dr. Ferguson is expert in assessing and changing organization cultures using his proprietary QUOCA^TM process. A former professor of International Business at Northwood University, Stuart holds a Bachelor’s degree from Northwood University, a Master of Adult Education from Georgia State University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Kennedy Western University.
		Vegetarianism: The Ethical Question Dudley Giehl (Room ???) This presentation is an examination of moral relativism—a comparison of our treatment of both animals and our fellow human beings as this relates to prevailing social attitudes in an historical context. Notable individuals throughout history have challenged their contemporaries to transcend the mores deemed acceptable in their culture, citing a higher ethical standard that is governed by our actual needs—not by our wants that are harmful to others. TV, Radio and Newspaper I have discussed vegetarianism on various radio programs in New York City, Rochester and Washington, D.C. I have done TV shows in Chicago (NBC), Boston (WGBH) and the “Today Show” in NYC. I have also done newspaper interviews for the “Beacon Journal” (Akron), the “Democrat and Chronicle” (Rochester, NY) and the “Courier Express” (Buffalo). Speaking Engagements I was a speaker at the International Vegetarian Union in Chang Mei, Thailand and an annual Conference for the Humane Society of the United States. I have also been a speaker at two previous Regional Gatherings of Mensa. Writing My book, Vegetarianism: A Way of Life, was published by Harper & Row in 1979. The paperback edition was published by Barnes & Noble Books in 1981. My book has a Foreward by Isaac Bashevis Singer, winner of the 1978 Nobel Prize for Literature.
		The San and their Land Robin Marion (Room ???) The San (Bushman) culture may be the oldest in the world going back 100,000 years. None of their implements are made of stone or metal but their hunting craft is unexcelled. Their lives are set in one of the most beautiful and dangerous places in the world. Come with Robin Marion, our inveterate world traveler, and investigate south-west Africa's human, plant and animal life. Robin is a systems professional with interests in archaeology and culture. Her annual travel presentations are always informative and entertaining.
		Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament Adam Smargon (Room ???) Description to come.
	10:30 AM – 11:50 AM	How Election Law And Political Party Rules Help To Determine, Or Actually Determine, How We Are Governed Donald Katz (Room ???) As we have seen from the last set of presidential primaries and caucuses, various state election laws and, sometime arcane, political party rules, can play a major factor in who actually wins. Today, Donald Katz will discuss and explain how some of these laws and rules affect the outcome - and sometimes actually determine - who will win the particular election. Don is a Commissioner of the Middlesex County Board of Elections and, in real life, practices law in Cranbury, New Jersey.
		New Industry for America; Our Pathway Back to Economic and Individual Success Michael Blumenthal (Room ???) Description to come.
		Putting it All Together Joan Mysiak (Room ???) Joan will present an overview of her past talks on natural New Jersey.
		Sudoku Tournament Adam Smargon (Room ???) Round One
	1:00 PM – 2:20 PM	Humor: The Secret to Health, Happiness, and Well Being George Scherer (Room ???) Your mother was right when she said, “Put on a happy face.” Researches have produced irrefutable evidence that laughter and smiling are good for you. This humorous presentation will not only make you feel better immediately, but will give you exercises and techniques that will help you face many of life’s challenges. A fellow Mensan, George, is still reflecting on his achievement of being chosen as Time Magazine's "Person of the Year" in 2006 (The “person” for that year, according to Time was “You”). George is a humorist, who gives presentations to corporations and associations that help people enhance the quality of their personal and professional lives through the use of humor and laughter.
		Some of the 105 Things You Never Noticed About the Movies Harry Narunsky (Room ???) Harry Narunsky writes for and about movies. While he won’t be talking about what happened to what he’s written for movies, he will share items from his book 105 Things You Never Noticed About The Movies, along with illustrative film clips, and a preview of a proposed sequel to it.
		Solitaire Scattegories (Are You Game)? Mark Danna (Room ???) Mark Danna's new book Scattergories Word Search Puzzles allows you to play a fun, solo version of the popular party game in which players try to come up with answers that fit given categories. But there are added twists here, which Danna will explain as he leads the group through shout-out and written versions of the game. No prior knowledge of Scattegories is necessary. Just show up with a sharp mind and a sharp pencil. Mark Danna is a full-time professional puzzlemaker and a member of Greater New York Mensa. His recently published Scattergories Word Search Puzzles is his 15th puzzle book. Danna co-writes Mensa's long-running, page-a-day puzzle calendar: 365 Brain Puzzlers. And since 1993 under a pen name, Danna has been writing the rhyming, syndicated newspaper puzzle Wordy Gurdy. Danna is a former associate editor of Games magazine and a former staff writer for the prime time version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
		Boggle Tournament Adam Smargon (Room ???) Boggle players welcome!
		A Mathematical Analysis of Romantic Love Ron Ruemmler (Room ???) Okay, so it’s after Valentine’s Day and you don’t know WHAT hit you. Here’s a man who can give you a way to look at it. Ron Ruemmler has been sharing these theories for many years with appreciative Snowball audiences and elsewhere. His popularity is unrivaled.
	2:30 PM – 3:50 PM	Craft Break Andrea Gallini Giarnieri (Room ???) Andrea Gallini Giarnieri is not only our registrar, she’s crafty. No, not THAT way. She has presided over a drop-in craft break for several years, which seems to keep growing and expanding its territory...don't forget your portable craft!
		How the World's Greatest Economy has been Self-destructing for the Last Six Decades Steve Slavin (Room ???) An economy is no more than the sum of its parts. Most of our major economic sectors -- e.g., healthcare, education, transportation, and defense -- have become extremely inefficient. The speaker offers a double your money back guarantee if his talk does not leave you thoroughly depressed. Steve Slavin has written 14 books, including an introductory economics textbook now in its 9th edition.
		A Cure for Left Footedness and Arrhythmia (LFAA) Don Jacobs (Room ???) You keep saying "I can't dance. I've got two left feet and no rhythm". Well we've got the cure - a dance session with Don Jacobs. He himself is a recovering LFAA and know the pitfalls of developing separate left and right feet and compensating for a defective rhythm gene. Yes you too can look totally confident on the dance floor in only one easy lesson (or maybe two). This is usually a packed session so come early and get a good spot on the floor. Don Jacobs has been involved with dance for many years now, both with teaching and performing. His credits include performances on A & E cable network, PBS, QVC and AMC. He has also performed in the grand ballrooms of the Waldorf Astoria and Pierre Hotels as well as at Lincoln Center and The Rainbow Room. As an independent instructor, Don teaches private individual and group classes locally as well as on cruise ships, at conventions…with his favorite being, you guessed it, Mensa Gatherings.
	4:00 PM – 5:20 PM	From the Page to the Stage Jasmine Leake (Room ???) J. Simone, also known as the editor of the CNJM Forvm newsletter, will be presenting a creative show in the form of spoken word. It has drama, suspense, comedy, sensuality and a dash of cuteness. Please join her for an event unlike any other. Prior to the show, she will be conducting a short workshop for those who write poetry (or prose) and would like to complete their work or learn stage techniques for actual performances. J. Simone has graced stages all across the country, winning awards and competitions in the field of spoken word. She has lent her voice to songs, appeared on several radio stations and been seen on television. Highly sought after by schools, she has taught everyone from elementary school children to seniors how to conquer their fear and get up on stage to showcase their talent. In addition, this dynamic poetess has written a curriculum used in several high schools expanding their English and theatre departments to incorporate spoken word with phenomenal results. As a force to be reckoned with onstage, she has been dubbed the luxury car of performance poets for her power and elegance. Even with all of this, she is just so darn sweet!
		Photographing the Universe Harry Ringermacher (Room ???) Harry will update anyone who wants to listen on his latest astrophotography from the "Beretz Observatory" that he built to photograph nebulae in our own Milky Way and galaxies up to 50 million light years away. “Doc” Harry Ringermacher earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Washington University in St. Louis. He works at the General Electric Research Center on infra-red imaging and laser techniques. He has numerous publications and patents. “Doc” won the 2003 and 2007 Mensa Copper Black awards – the only member to win twice. He enjoys Einstein’s theory of Relativity and Cosmology upon which he has published peer-reviewed journal papers and won a $100,000 NASA contract.
		Having Fun Isn't Good Enough: Inform People or Move Them! Jim Lyttle (Room ???) Humor can be an effective tool for pointing out absurdities and contradictions, such as calling people on their hypocrisy. It is also great for dramatizing points and making them memorable. Advertisers sometimes use humor inelegantly and generate messages that call attention to themselves without accomplishing their stated goals. As Mensans, we can do better than that. We can use humor wisely to achieve our goals without generating the confusion, offense, distraction, and erosion of credibility that sometimes occurs. During this fun and lively presentation, participants will learn how. Jim Lyttle teaches management at Penn State University and studies humor. He is a Canadian, a former entertainer, and a Life Member of American Mensa. Besides hosting Greater New York Mensa's Joke-Offs, he has spoken at other Mensa gatherings and at a special colloquium in 2007, always with a different angle on the topic of the effective and responsible use of humor.
		Duplicate Backgammon Tournament Adam Smargon (Room ???) Duplicate backgammon players welcome!
	5:30 PM	DINNER
	7:30 PM – 9:00 PM	KEYNOTE Title To Come Lawrence A. Husick (Room ???) Lawrence A. Husick’s twenty-eight years’ experience as a technology consultant, computer system designer, and software author, as well as his twenty-four years of experience as an intellectual property lawyer give him a unique perspective on the “War on Terrorism.” As a Foreign Policy Research Institute Senior Fellow working in the Center on Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security, he applies his background in both law and technology to the study of terrorist tactics and counter-terrorism strategies, with a particular focus on technology leverage as a defining characteristic of the modern terrorist. Mr. Husick holds a Bachelor of Science degree cum laude in Environmental Chemistry from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. He is a partner in Lipton, Weinberger & Husick, an intellectual property law firm in Malvern, Pennsylvania, is an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the Organizational Dynamics graduate program, and at Johns Hopkins University in the Whiting Graduate School of Engineering. He is a founder of several entrepreneurial ventures, including Infonautics Inc., PocketDoctor.com and TeraDisc LLC. Globalization, and its Impact on Terrorism: Mr. Husick will discuss the history of modern terrorism, its strategic and tactical aims, and US reaction to terrorist incidents, focusing on the factors of globalization that facilitate terrorist groups' ability to recruit, plan, train, and act.
	9:00 PM – ?	Are You Funnier Than a Fifth Grader? George Scherer, Max Fine, Ron Ruemmler (Room ???) Children laugh much more often than adults. Remember knock knock jokes? Light bulb jokes? Elephant jokes? Most of them elicited just plain silliness, but it was fun and made us feel good. We have compiled a whole bunch of our childhood favorites. So come to look, listen, and laugh, maybe even share some of your fondest childhood laugh getters.
		4th Annual CNJM Spelling Bee Robert Witheridge & Theo Lambros (Room ???) For a tantalizing test of your Mensan spelling prowess, buzz on in and join Robert Witheridge and Theo Lambros for their 4th Annual CNJ Mensa Snowball Spelling Bee. A diverse assortment of rounds and words will be presented for the enjoyment of all. Avoid getting stung by your nemesis and you will go far. Do you always have the last word? Let’s prove it!
		Sudoku Tournament Adam Smargon (Room ???) Tournament Finals
	9:30 PM – ?	Let’s Dance the Night Away Charlie Dimaggio of Perfect Choice Entertainment DJ –Dance – Music from the 1940s up to today. Requests are welcome.
Sunday, March 7, 2010	9:30 AM – 10:30 AM	Multimedia Swap Set-up Ron Ruemmler (Room ???) Bring your items to Ron Ruemmler, arbiter of all things swap-worthy, before 10:30—if HE says it’s too old, out-of-date, incomplete and so on, you get to bring it home with you. If your items pass muster, you’ll get a ticket to use to get another gently-used something when the Swap opens. At 10:30 you can trade your ticket in for that book (game, what-have-you) you’ve had your eye on. Once the ticketed customers have their shot, the rest of the crowd can have a go. Remember: judgments of the Swapmeister are arbitrary, capricious, and final.
	10:30 AM – 11:30 AM	Multimedia Swap Ron Ruemmler (Room ???) Now’s your chance—pay attention to the Swapmeister!
	11:00 AM – Noon	Hail and Farewell John Devoti (Room ???) The winners are acknowledged, the thank-yous are proffered, the announcements are made…only thing left to do now is register (cheap) for Snowball XXXVII, see if there are any goodies left to sell in Hospitality, say goodbye to your cronies, and safe home! See you next year!

This is what we did last time at Snowball XXXV! (2009)

Friday, March 6, 2009	8:00 PM – 9:20 PM	Icebreakers & Karaoke Jay Respler & Helene Herman (Penthouse) Mix & mingle and start your Snowball off right. No one can help you smash that ice better than Jay Respler and Helene Herman…so get down to it!
		Monster Trivia John Devoti (Room 206) For the twenty-fourth consecutive year, trivia maven and erstwhile CNJM member (now of Florida) Don Richmond presents us with a fiendish challenge. Teams of two will work together to find the answer to fifty diabolical geography questions. In most years, simply scoring in the thirties is enough to win. Come see if you can do better. It will be presided over by John Devoti.
		CujoCop Search & Rescue Demo Chris Velez (Room 208) Chris Velez is a highly skilled officer in both the law enforcement and military fields. Chris had been a police officer for 17 years with the NYPD before accepting a position as a Detective with the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor. Having been personally involved in the rescue and recovery operations at the World Trade Center site after the 2001 attack, Chris changed his focus to the prevention of attacks and began specializing in Explosive Detection Training. His career with NYPD took on many facets which included assignments as a pilot for the Harbor Unit (boat Captain) and instructing classes in Weapons of Mass Destruction, firearms, CPR/First Aid, Disaster Emergency Response, and Improvised Explosive Device awareness. He is presently a Captain with the Army Division of the New York Guard. It is under this duty where he championed a pilot program which led to meeting his partner Tango (a Belgian Malinois). Chris is an expert dog trainer/handler who works closely with Tango in explosives detection as well as patrol work and article searches. Chris has been involved with the training of dogs since 1995 when he started out training search and rescue dogs. Chris also does family dog training (behavioral modification training for the good dog acting bad) and can be found at chris@cujocop.com or through www.cujocop.com.
	9:30 PM – 10:15 PM	Tongue-Twisting Team Tumultuousness Mark Danna (Room 208) Sit in on a session of silly fun where slips of the tongue—and you!—are warmly welcome. Everyone gets to take turns on two randomly chosen teams trying tongue twisters that’ll be new to most of you. Feel free to bring beverages to loosen your tongues. The session will be led by Mark Danna, a full-time puzzlemaker who is now co-author of American Mensa’s page-a-day puzzle calendar.
	9:30 PM - 11:00 PM	Music For Mensans Don Slepian (Penthouse) A 20 year tradition, this is Don’s exercise in sonic imagination in which the audience helps create a stream-of-consciousness flow of music. It has long been a source of delight for listeners. Don will also have CDs of his music available for purchase.
	9:30 PM - 11:00 PM	Nickelodeon John Devoti (Room 206) In the early 1900s, silent movies were presented as a continuous stream representing various genres. Tonight we bring back that tradition (minus the 5 cent charge). Come when you want. Leave when you want. Popular culture historian John Devoti will be hosting. Look for a movie schedule on page 14 in the program--distributed at Snowball.
Saturday, March 7, 2009	8:00 AM	Wake-Up Walk (weather permitting) Ron Ruemmler (Hospitality) Join Ron Ruemmler on a morning meander.
	9:00 AM – 10:20 AM	Pungo Players Rehearsal (Room 203) This is a closed rehearsal for the play this afternoon.
		The Land of Chinggis Khan Robin Marion (Room 206) In the 13th century, the armies of Chingghis Khan swept out of Mongolia and forged an empire which stretched from China to the Danube. DNA evidence suggests that Chingghis' descendants outnumber those of any other known historical figure. But Mongolia is not interesting just for her Medieval might on the battlefield and in the bedroom. She has curious bronze age monuments, unique horses and some of the most hospitable people in the world. Learn more about this fascinating land from Robin Marion, our inveterate world traveler. Robin is a systems professional with interests in archeology and culture. Her annual travel presentations are always informative and entertaining.
		Essence of Reality I: How Life Really Works Tom Nehrer (Room 208) In this talk, Tom Nehrer, author of The Essence of Reality, explains that beliefs absorbed during childhood mask Reality’s interrelated Oneness with Consciousness. Perceiving reality without the distortion of belief, Tom clarifies inner causality of real events/relationships – how we repeat patterns in health, relationships and success – and specifies how to change.
	10:30 AM – 11:50 AM	RVC Session Leah Kinder (Penthouse) Come speak with RVC 2 Leah Kinder—find out what you’re getting for your money!
		A Kind of Panic: Controversial Elections in American History John Devoti (Room 203) Over the years, most presidential elections have been without controversy, but some have not been so easy. Many of the controversies arose from problems with the Electoral College, but not all of them. Historian John Devoti will discuss these controversial elections, who was involved, what caused the dispute, and what was the result. If we have time, we can also discuss whether the electoral college should be abolished.
		Birds of New Jersey Joan Mysiak (Room 206) According to Joan Mysiak, our presenter: “As in so many areas (Revolutionary War, Plate Tectonics, Theory-of Everything) New Jersey holds a unique position in the field of birding. We are the jumping off point for the Atlantic Migration Flyway and a winter vacation spot for ducks and waterfowl of all varieties. I might have focused on birds earlier in my Natural New Jersey series, but I just recently obtained a 300 mm lens for my digital camera, making it possible for me to take half-decent photos of birds. I have never claimed to be a professional photographer; I use my own photos to demonstrate that whatever I am presenting is out there now for you to see as well. Remember, if you don't look you can't see…and now, with regard to birds, if you don't listen you can't hear.”
		Essence of Reality II: Past Teachings Tom Nehrer (Room 208) In a second, related yet separate presentation, Tom Nehrer speaks of life flowing in a meaningful, interrelated fashion: real events and relationships invariably reflect one’s own inner nature. Tom explores the teachings of ancient and modern mysticism, religion, philosophy and science, showing recognition of that flow or fallacy woven into illusory conceptualizations, wherever either is found.
	1:00 PM – 2:20 PM	All About MERF Dave Remine (Penthouse) Dave Remine, longtime trustee of the Mensa Education and Research Foundation (as well as past Chairman of Mensa here and International, and a man with a long memory for jokes), is just the fellow to let you in on the MERF story. What does it do beyond run Colloquium and ask for your support? What would you be supporting? Let Dave clue you in.
		The Copernican Revolution: Myth and Reality Harry Ringermacher (Room 203) The heliocentric view of the heavens, proposed by Copernicus ca 1540, was suppressed by the church at the time - False! Copernicus' hypothesis eliminated the planetary "epicycles" of the Ptolemaic model - False! These and other misconceptions as well as the reality will be "dynamically" elucidated in this classic paradigm shift. “Doc” Harry Ringermacher earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Washington University in St. Louis. He works at the General Electric Research Center on infra-red imaging and laser techniques. He has numerous publications and patents. “Doc” won the 2003 and 2007 Mensa Copper Black awards – the only member to win twice. He enjoys Einstein’s theory of Relativity and Cosmology upon which he has published peer-reviewed journal papers and won a $100,000 NASA contract.
		“Who IS That?” Six Degrees of Perry Mason Harry Narunsky (Room 206) Harry Narunsky, author of 105 Things You Never Noticed About The Movies, pays attention to what's in films. In his spare time he watches television. He'll be sharing some observations and films clips about who turns up in the "Perry Mason" series.
		A Mathematical Analysis of Romantic Love Ron Ruemmler (Room 208) Okay, so it’s after Valentine’s Day and you don’t know WHAT hit you. Here’s a man who can give you a way to look at it. Ron Ruemmler has been sharing these theories for many years with appreciative Snowball audiences and elsewhere. His popularity is unrivaled.
	2:30 PM – 3:50 PM	Craft Break Andrea Gallini Giarnieri (Penthouse) Andrea Gallini Giarnieri is not only our registrar, she’s crafty. No, not THAT way. She has presided over a drop-in craft break for several years, which seems to keep growing and expanding its territory...don't forget your portable craft!
	2:30 PM – 3:50 PM	Whad'ya Mean Mensans Can't Dance? Don Jacobs (Room 206) Discover the reality... IT JUST AIN'T SO!!!! Don't believe it? Come to the class and find out the secret of looking like Fred and Ginger. (It's been standing room only every year.) You'll have a chance to learn the basics of several dances --maybe even some of those sexy Latin dances. Need some personal touches to add to your dancing? Just ask Don Jacobs, who has been involved with dance for many years now, both with teaching and performing. His credits include performances on A & E cable network, PBS, QVC and AMC. He has also performed in the grand ballrooms of the Waldorf Astoria and Pierre Hotels as well as at Lincoln Center and The Rainbow Room. As an independent instructor, Don teaches private individual and group classes locally as well as on cruise ships, at conventions…with his favorite being, you guessed it, Mensa Gatherings.
	3:00 PM – 4:30 PM	Some Transplanted Evening Pungo Players (Room 203) You might remember the Pungo Players of Tidewater (Virginia) from their production of "Mensalot" at the 2007 Snowball RG. Now they're back with their 14th production, "Some Transplanted Evening" as the infamous Doctor Domicile plots to obtain a Mensan brain for his latest experiment in brain transplantation. Drawing on the best vaudevillian traditions and the worst puns imaginable, the Pungos have been eliciting groans and guffaws from Mensa Gatherings for the past twenty years. Join them as they once again unleash their patented blend of high and low brow comedy. Pungo Players: John Treffeisen, Leah Kinder, Roger Gregory, Joe Turlo, Linda Adrienne, Kim Rouke, John Williams, Pat Yaros, Joyce Gunderlach, Dave Gunderlach, Steve Yaros, Nancy Fishback, Lynn Treffeisen and Don Gregory
	7:30 PM – 9:00 PM	KEYNOTE The Presidential Book of Lists Ian Randall Strock (Room 203) Ian Randal Strock is the author of The Presidential Book of Lists: From Most to Least, Elected to Rejected, Worst to Cursed -- Fascinating Facts About Our Chief Executives, and the keeper of the blog at uspresidents.livejournal.com. His fascination with the Presidents dates to his childhood, but when he realized he was unlikely to ever become President himself, he turned to studying and writing about them. The book grew from his search for comparisons of the Presidents; not finding the book he wanted, he wrote it. In this interactive, trivia-laden talk, he'll take the audience on a verbal journey through 219 years of the US Presidency, pointing out interesting facts and fascinating connections. In his other guise, Strock is an editor, author, and reporter. He started as the Deputy Editorial Page Editor of Boston's Daily Free Press, before realizing the science fiction was the life for him. Moving to New York, he started as the Editorial Assistant of Analog and Asimov's science fiction magazines, rising to the position of Associate Editor before he left to publish and edit his own Artemis Magazine. He's also been the News Editor of Science Fiction Chronicle, and currently edits and publishes SFScope.com, the online trade journal of the speculative fiction fields. He's been on both sides of the editorial desk (sometimes simultaneously) for two decades. In addition to all that, Strock blogs atianrandalstrock.livejournal.com. He was the President of Greater New York Mensa, Editor of GNYM's Mphasis, and chairman of GNYM's RG, before moving on to being Treasurer of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
	9:30 PM – ?	Astronomy walk (weather permitting) Ron Ruemmler (Hospitality) Astronomy walk with Ron Ruemmler—weather permitting—meet at Hospitality
		That Dance John Papp (Room 203) John Papp of Black Tie DJs is back to make your feet happy. He welcomes requests, and the dance floor will be crowded!
		No Holds Barred, No Limit, Cutthroat Texas Hold'em Poker John Devoti (Room 206) The national fascination with this brand of poker has made its way to Snowball. John Devoti will serve as non-playing director for a no-limit tournament. There is no buy-in and the last Mensan standing wins the Snowball XXXV Poker Championship bracelet (or some other more useful item). There is a strict player limit of 18, so make sure you are on time.
		3rd Annual CNJM Spelling Bee Robert Witheridge & Theo Lambros (Room 208) Robert Witheridge and Theo Lambros have returned to present the latest edition of their spelling bee. What word will be YOUR Waterloo?
Sunday, March 8, 2009	8:00 AM	Wake-Up Walk (weather permitting) Ron Ruemmler (Hospitality) Join Ron Ruemmler on another morning meander.
	9:30 AM – 10:30 AM	Multimedia Swap Set-up Ron Ruemmler (Penthouse) Bring your items to Ron Ruemmler, arbiter of all things swap-worthy, before 10:30—if HE says it’s too old, out-of-date, incomplete and so on, you get to bring it home with you. If your items pass muster, you’ll get a ticket to use to get another gently-used something when the Swap opens. At 10:30 you can trade your ticket in for that book (game, what-have-you) you’ve had your eye on. Once the ticketed customers have their shot, the rest of the crowd can have a go. Remember: judgments of the Swapmeister are arbitrary, capricious, and final.
	10:30 AM – 11:30 AM	Multimedia Swap Ron Ruemmler (Penthouse) Now’s your chance—pay attention to the Swapmeister!
	11:00 AM – Noon	Hail and Farewell Frank Zollner (Room 206) The winners are acknowledged, the thank-yous are proffered, the announcements are made…only thing left to do now is register (cheap) for Snowball XXXVI, see if there are any goodies left to sell in Hospitality, say goodbye to your cronies, and safe home! See you next year!