President's Corner Hello, Everyone, This is important to us all. Please read. The intent of my comments is to make this a more worthwhile experience for us all. Comments and questions at the August meeting prompted these thoughts. At the conclusion of three years as your president, here are a few ideas and suggestions about what we can do to make the TBLS a better experience for everyone. 1) More live music-at meetings, and as events we can attend as a group. Both ideas have strong support from almost all of us. Those of you who know musicians are asked to help with this-send me your ideas about who you'd like to bring in, their fees and what they plan to do, and we'll coordinate with the meeting host to make this happen. Music events are (theoretically) easier, because all we have to do is decide if we want to go. We do need everyone to forward information about events of interest, to me (or to Jim Maher-he ultimately distributes the information), because some of you are aware of concerts, as well as recitals, that may not receive much publicity. Alan mentioned recitals in Carrollwood; Harley mentioned events at HCC and elsewhere; Silvio talked up a Florida Orchestra program for the coming season; and Michael's band plays live on occasion (sometimes he even mentions it to us in advance). These are all events that many of us would like to attend. 2) Bring in equipment for demos. Send us the name of the manufacturer, any contact info you have, and the type and model number of the piece you are interested in, and we'll find out if a demo can be arranged. We have become more socially-, but less technically-oriented at meetings over the past three years, which reflects the preference of some, but certainly not all of our members. Since we usually meet at a different location for each meeting, it would seem to be relatively easy to implement a demo, by adding the new component for comparison. If we would prefer a more technical focus, your ideas are welcome. I believe we all were interested in the approach that Alan is taking with his system. As multi-media and home theater receive more attention, it would be informative if we could keep current with what's happening out there in cyberspace and elsewhere. Any other areas of interest can also be pursued; those of us who are not so technical in our approach need assistance from those who are. Mike VE, Tom, Harley, Jim, John, Mike Knapp, all of you spend time tweaking your systems; I know your expetise is beneficial to others, because I know how beneficial it's been to me-please continue to share the wealth (of experience). 3) Focus more on listening to music, and less on socializing. There have been some complaints that we talk more than we listen (to music), which I believe is correct; we do talk more than listen. For this to change, we need to implement a few rules on how we would like our meetings to run. If the majority would prefer to spend more time listening, we will need to find and follow a new format. When Mike held most meetings at his place above the Speaker Exchange, there was a business meeting, followed by a brief break, with much of the rest of the evening spent listening to music. If that is what we would prefer to have happen, a collective effort is needed to bring more structure to our meetings (as someone has said [Deepak, perhaps], become the change you wish to see in the world). If you would like the group to listen, please act accordingly. We are a social group, so, while leadership is helpful, having to police everyone is not desirable, just ask Mike. On a more positive note, there is a huge amount of diverse musical interest represented in this group. I have acquired many CDs as a result of hearing them at club functions (that's the reason I have asked you to provide lists of your favorite CDs)-Dead Can Dance-Into the Labyrinth; Ian Anderson-Divinities; Tool-Lateralus; to name a few, and have enjoyed hearing many others. I believe items 1) and 2) have widespread support. Item 3) is worthy of discussion. In order for us to change, action is needed from everyone who would like to see us evolve. Please participate. These are a few suggestions for your consideration. Please feel free to mention anything else of interest to you. As I mentioned at the meeting, the election for president is held at the Christmas Party in December. Please consider running yourself, or nominating someone who might bring in some new ideas. I really enjoy being the President of the TBLS, but for the good of us all, I think a change might be good for us. As an alternative, if someone would like to participate, but not as president, you (yes, YOU) are encouraged to propose an agenda for an upcoming meeting, in line with the ideas stated above, or of your own choosing. Acknowledgments: TBLS would not exist as it does without the generosity of the members who host meetings. As most of you know, a meeting is a significant, though manageable undertaking. Special thanks are due to John and Kim Santamaria; Mike VansEvers; Alan and Ellen Nastir; Larry Wickman; Jim and Pat Maher, Kevin Holt, Mike Knapp; and their families for their efforts for us over the past several months. Many other members have also hosted meetings in past years-Tom Burdell; Russ and Judy Garvey; Michael and Rosemary Burger; Tony and Sallie Williams; The Singh's; The Fiskio's; and others. Others contribute their knowledge and expertise, and are very generous with their time in helping club members improve their audio systems. Harley Day will even provide the scientific basis for his recommendations (Michael Burger and I will do that, too, but not the non-fiction version). You would not be reading this without the diligent efforts of our Newsletter Editor, Jim Maher. Thanks also to our Treasurer, Michael Burger. Thanks for reading. See you soon, Peter Fiskio pfiskio1@tampabay.rr.com