At the first sign of spring, Gary Hallock will dust
off his boring bits.

Although Gary should really know the drill by now, he still
manages to screw things up and often winds up with a blackened deck or something.

LOOKS LIKE GARY HAS FINALLY "SIGNED UP" FOR THE PUN-OFF!

=================================

Here are the early results from the 29th Annual O.Henry Pun-Off World Championships held in Austin, TX on Saturday, May 20, 2006.

PUNNIEST OF SHOW

First Place in P.O.S. went to Eirik Ott who scored a very rare 40 our
of a possible 40 points with the judge, delivering a devastating rap-
sung routine incorporating names of famous...uh...um...er... We may
have to wait for the transcript to figure that out for sure.

Second place was awarded (by applause) to returning former champ, Jim
Ertner, of Boston MA. for yet another in his inventive series of
alphabetical compilations. Jim also scored an apparently not-so-rare
40 out of a possible 40 points. (Happy birthday, Jim.)

Third place was also determined by a tie-breaking audience clap-off
between two contestants both earning 39 points. Upstart first-timer,
Lloyd Dissmore of Kenosha, WI walked off with that prize by barely
besting the bedazzling Denise Hazelwood of Buda, TX dressed as "Queen
of denial."

HIGH-LIES & LOW-PUNS

After working his way through several grueling heats, veteran
competitor and multi-medal holder, David Gugenheim prevailed in a
heated 3 way final battle claiming his first 1st place trophy as the
threesome tackled the topic of "FLOWERS." Andy Balinsky and Arthur
Simone claimed second and place respectively.

mmMVP AWARD

Although Valerie Ward didn't survive past her first round of HL/LP
action, her witty and rapid retorts in battle with the eventual champ
endeared her to her fellow contestants who gave her high marks for
holding her own on the topic of food & cooking." She went home with
the coveted trophy and the admiration of many.

Corngratulations to all contestants and participants. The event was
well attended and the weather was most cooperative. More details
later.

The date for next year's contest has been set for May 19, 2007 at the
O.Henry Museum