A wealthy architect, whose self-designed rambling lake home was the envy of the entire city, was given to hosting lavish dinner parties. They were always the event of the social season, and the folks who were invited always knew they were on a special list.

One year the architect changed tactics. Instead of mailing special invitations, he simply ran an advertisement in the personals column of the Sunday classifieds in the metropolitan newspaper. "Masquerade Party!" the heading read, in type no larger - and no more eye-catching - than surrounding ads for "Help for Unwed Mothers" and "Blood Donors Needed." Underneath the heading for his party invitation, the architect explained that guests should wear something to conceal their identity or they would not get in. As usual, the event would co…