Inside This Issue Editors’ Page 2 LocSec: Monthly Musings 3 RVC: reMARK 4 From the GCC 5 Riley’s Reviews Precis of May ExComm Meeting 6 Illinois 7 Just Joking Puzzles 8 Word Search: Geographical Stuff And the winners are… 9 Strange Superstitions 10 Pictures from SEMMantics XXXIII 11 On the Web 12 Scholarship Winners and their Essays 13 FAQs about YMembership 16 SEMM Balance Sheet 17 Membership Notes 18 Events: The SEMM Calendar 20 Monthly Calendar 22 Directory: Executive Committee 23 M-Pathy VOL. 48 NO. 7 July 2012 MensaDetroit.com THE NEWSLETTER OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN MENSA SEMMantics XXXIII was a “howling” success! Kristina Porcalla and Rachel Hendrian love all the dogs brought by Beth Duman, a certified professional dog trainer, to SEMM’s RG for her presentation on The Evolution of Charlie Darwin. More RG photos inside! Be sure to join us on Saturday, July 21 for the SEMMerBash, a great way to celebrate summer with your fellow Mensans. Registration information is on the back page. Our regularly scheduled speaker program, led by Vice President Harley Berger, will return on Saturday, August 18. Program details will be forthcoming in next month’s M-Pathy.
Transcript
July 2012 Page 1
Inside This Issue
Editors’ Page 2
LocSec: Monthly Musings 3
RVC: reMARK 4
From the GCC 5
Riley’s Reviews
Precis of May ExComm Meeting 6
Illinois 7
Just Joking
Puzzles 8
Word Search: Geographical Stuff
And the winners are… 9
Strange Superstitions 10
Pictures from SEMMantics XXXIII 11
On the Web 12
Scholarship Winners and their Essays 13
FAQs about YMembership 16
SEMM Balance Sheet 17
Membership Notes 18
Events: The SEMM Calendar 20
Monthly Calendar 22
Directory: Executive Committee 23
M-Pathy VOL. 48 NO. 7 July 2012 MensaDetroit.com
THE NEWSLETTER OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN MENSA
SEMMantics XXXIII was a “howling” success! Kristina Porcalla and Rachel Hendrian love all the dogs brought by Beth Duman, a certified professional dog trainer, to SEMM’s RG for her presentation on The Evolution of Charlie Darwin. More RG photos inside!
Be sure to join us on Saturday, July 21 for the SEMMerBash, a great way to celebrate summer with your fellow Mensans. Registration information is on the back page.
Our regularly scheduled speaker program, led by Vice President Harley Berger, will return on Saturday, August 18. Program details will be forthcoming in next month’s M-Pathy.
I always look forward to the month of July; it’s a great month from start to end. Since I have the month of July off from work to rest and relax, I love to go to the Annual Gathering, or AG. An AG (Annual Gathering) is like an RG (Regional Gathering) but on a much larger scale. What a great way to meet new people and catch up with old friends, while visiting a different host city each year. I have never been to Reno, so I am looking forward to see what this city has to offer. I had a wonderful time at SEMMantics XXXIII, and hope to have a great time at the AG too! After all the travelling and summer fun, I can’t think of a better way to end the month of July, then by celebrating my birthday on the 29th! My twin brother lives in Sydney, Australia, and I plan to visit him in December to celebrate our birthday, during their summer. Just another opportunity to have more summer fun!
From the Editor’s Desk - Kathleen Giesting
July – named for Julius Caesar, by Julius Caesar – or his calendar scientists to curry favor (mmmm… curry!). If you had all the months in the year to name, why not put your name on one of the hottest (in your hemisphere) and one of the most fulsome and beneficent? Also a great time for those northern campaigns. So, now how many parts of Gaul do we need to conquer?
July days are long and bright (again, in the Northern hemisphere), and the first crops of summer are coming into the market. Life is teeming.
Be sure to take advantage of July. Join a team. Get outdoors. Play in the sunshine. Dig in the garden. Sit on the porch and talk to your neighbors. And do join us at the SEMMerBash to share picnic food, games, fun, and conversation. See you there!
Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, 'You stay here;
I'll go on ahead.'
The 2012 NAUCC (North American Unicycling Convention and Championships) will be held July 11-15 in Saline, MI. The family friendly FREE public show will be held at Saline Middle School, 7190 N Maple Rd, Saline, Michigan 48176, on Saturday, July 14, 7:00pm, and will include performances by the Expert Individual and Pairs routines (think like Figure Skating, only with Unicycles!).
For more information - including flaming puck hockey - see: http://www.naucc2012.com/default.aspx Contact Joan Rayford, [email protected], 734-788-2922, if you plan on coming so we can sit together!
Monthly Musings by John Voymas, President (LocSec)
Yay! The SEMMer Bash is here! The SEMMer Bash is here!
On Saturday, July 21, I will see you at Kensington Metropark in the Spring Hill picnic area which is on an arc about midway between the Farm Center and the Nature Center. Kensington is one of the larger Metroparks and has many things to do including visiting with the farm animals and walking the nature trails. Bicycling is another popular activity – helmets must be worn. There is also swimming. The SEMMer Bash is our most popular family activity. We'll have picnic fare and lots of opportunity to meet, talk with and play games with fellow members of SEMM. For more info on Kensington, go to www.metroparks.com. If you haven't already registered, you can save money by doing so BEFORE the day of the Bash. The info and form is elsewhere in the M-Pathy. If you plan on mailing your registration, please do so by the Monday or Tuesday before, so that I will have received it and know that you pre-paid. Otherwise, PayPal your registration up to two or three days before.
SEMM is not the only Region 3 local group with a picnic. We have all been invited to join CAM (Cleveland Area Mensa) for their picnic on Saturday, August 4th. Here's the details:
Saturday, August 4, 2012 –1:00pm, Annual Picnic. Cleveland Area Mensa is Having A Picnic! 13213 Arlington Road, Norwalk, Ohio. Far West CAM coordinator Kelley Georgiafandis and her husband Nick have once again offered their lovely home and six-acre property for our summer picnic for Mensans and family and/or guests. Pets also welcome. No need to come alone. We had a GREAT time last year; let’s make this one even better! We’ll be hiking, grilling, playing games (bring your favorite), fishing is available in the pond (bring your stuff), we’ll have a Trivia Contest and a Garden Tour, and we hope you can join us.
CAM will be furnishing hot dogs, burgers, buns, water, soda pop, juices and paper goods. Kelley will provide sweet corn, melons and garden vegetables. Please bring a side dish to share. There will be electric available to plug in. From store-bought items to the fanciest of home-made dishes, Mensans love all kinds of food. RSVPs not required, but appreciated, to help determine the amount of food to purchase. RSVP to Kelley at 419-499-2991 or [email protected]
I recommend that you take advantage of other local group activities, be they picnics, Regional Gatherings, or just a games night, when you are in the area. I've had fun in St. Louis and Las Vegas as well as Hawaii by contacting a local group and joining in on a games night or dinner out.
The Annual Gathering this year is in Reno, Nevada. It's never too late to decide to meet Mensa folk from around the United States. This year it runs from July 4 to 8.
On a more local note, there are always opportunities for members to get involved. We need a new S.I.G.H.T. Coordinator. That person is the local contact for other Mensans who are visiting SEMM from anywhere else around the world. It's really easy and you are the first local person they will call to inquire about activities, or if a local Mensan has a few hours to show them around.
Members are always welcome to host an activity. Just send your info to the M-Pathy Calendar editor so it can be listed in the Calendar of Events. I am looking forward to attending some of these new and innovative happenings in the near future.
Speaking of activities, our next Brewery Circuit get-together is at Granite City in Troy on Wednesday, July 11. See you there!
It’s the Annual Gathering! I hope you are in Reno, Nevada, with me. I will be hosting a Region 3 Meet and Greet on Wednesday, July 4, from 6 to 7:15pm and I hope to see you there – plenty of time afterwards for the
fireworks! Region 3 Meet and Greets are great ways to connect with members from our wonderful Region. Touch base with members who share your interests. Are
you on your ExComm? Do you volunteer for a specific something for your local
group? Meet others who do the same and who might benefit from your experience. I have actually met members from my own local group who hadn’t been at any local function and whose first event was the AG. When you sign in your local group gets points towards the Group of the Year Award. What a great way to make new acquaintances and friends!
It’s not too late to register for the 2012 Columbus Area Mensa RG, The London (Ohio) Games to be held July 27-29. Tournaments will reign supreme as in any Col-M-Pic year, but there will also be a full slate of speakers, activities, Friday night kids, British-themed food and drink, and much more! Registration is $70 until July 9 and $75 at the door. Friday only is $30, Saturday only is $50 and kids 11-18 are half price. Kids 10 and under are free. MP (5): included. Checks payable to Columbus Area Mensa. Hotel: Ramada East Airport, 4801 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43213; 614-861-0321. Room rates ($69) guaranteed until July 1. Contact Julia Ashley, PO Box 292557, Columbus, OH 43229; 614-448-6023; [email protected] if you have questions, check out the RG’s website: http://columbus.us.mensa.org/2012-rg.pdf
Western Pennsylvania Mensa takes you around the world in 80 hours this Labor Day weekend. See the world without pesky airport lines! Registration for adults and kids ages 4-9 is $90 and $45 until July 8 (the AG), $95 and $48 until Aug. 1 (Columbus RG), $99 and $50 postmarked by Aug. 26, and $115 and $58 at the door. Single-day registration rates for adults and kids ages 4-9 are $30 and $15 for Friday, $50 and $25 for Saturday, $50 and $25 for
Sunday, $25 and $13 for Saturday or Sunday evening only, $25 and $13 for Monday. MP: all included. Checks payable to WPAM RG. Hotel: Doubletree (formerly Radisson), 101 DoubleTree Dr., (aka 101 Radisson Dr.), Pittsburgh, PA 15205; 800/445-8667; http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/PITGTDT-DoubleTree-by-Hilton-Hotel-Pittsburgh-Green-Tree-
Pennsylvania/index.do. Room rates ($89) guaranteed until
Aug. 11. CD 9 and under, H RP Aug. 20 cutoff DT SA CP H/AS. Contact Jamie Fritz, 345 Thompson Run Rd., Penn Hills, PA 15235; 412-612-0634; [email protected].
Cincinnati Area Mensa is in an excited state (any of the energy levels of a physical system – like an RG committee) as you are invited to the HyperchaRGed gathering. (Hypercharge: the quantum number equal to B [baryons] + S [strangeness] + C [charmed].) Gravitational attraction and radiant energy brings you to the Doubletree in Sharonville starting Nov. 30, and inertia takes you to a half-life of the event on Dec. 2. The natural frequency of this event is 30! Yes, the 30th Regional Gathering! Positronically assured of a periodic table of entrees, Quark's bar, luminosity in the programs and momentum in the tournament track. Quanta rates are (all postmark dates) $60 through June 1, $65 through Aug. 1, $70 through Nov. 24, $75 thereafter. Children under 5 are free. Ages 6-10 are $15. Ages 11-20 are half the full rate. Partial rates are available at the door. Friday only = $30; Saturday only = $65. Saturday dinner and dance (after 5 p.m.) = $40. No rollovers. Refunds must be requested by Nov. 29, 2012. Checks payable to Cincinnati Area Mensa RG. Hotel: Doubletree, 6300 E. Kemper Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241; 513-489-3636; http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ohio/doubletree-suites-by-hilton-hotel-cincinnati-blue-ash-CVGKRDT/index.html. Room rates ($99) guaranteed until Nov. 15. S CD 10 and under, H RP 11/29/12 cutoff DT. Contact Cassie Ryle, 7270 West Chester Rd., West Chester, OH 45069; 513-755-6322; [email protected].
I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
LLAP and Peace,
Betsy Betsy Yvonne Mark [email protected] 3674 Oak Drive - Ypsilanti, MI 48197 734-434-5757 (Home) or 313-530-2055 (Mobile) Region 3 Website - http://www.region3.us.mensa.org/ Yahoo group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AMR3/ Facebook group -
From the GCC by Melissa Jenkins, Assistant Gifted Children Coordinator
It was so nice to meet many of you at the Regional Gathering last month, and reacquaint myself with those I had met before! We had a big crowd of families, 30 children in all, and many took the opportunity to make new friends and plan to keep in touch. My family met another family with which we have much in common. This is a rare occurrence for my family! The older boys in both our families are very advanced in math, and we plan to get together soon so that they may share their common passion!
Many children enjoyed the Cirque Amongus speakers (and acrobats!) One family commented: “The kids loved the circus demonstration!” The unicycling, juggling, etc. were very entertaining! After the circus demonstration, the kids got to come up and practice tightrope walking and other circus arts.
The Backyard Brains talk was both entertaining and informative. Andre’ Snellings, a biomedical engineer, explained the various neurology experiments possible with his Spiker Box. He performed a neurology experiment in the room and the kids helped him do it! Andre’ also told the kids about the wonderful applications of neuroscience techniques such as biomechanical devices to help the visually impaired see better and a brain implant technique called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), used to treat patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. My seven-year-old son has dystonia and may be treated with DBS in the future, so I could clearly see the importance of Andre’s work!
The kids’ Build ‘N Break room was busy all day with parents talking and kids playing. The kids really enjoyed the legos, jenga blocks, foam shooters, toobers and other toys there. I also put lots of useful info out for the parents to peruse, such as lists of local psychologists who routinely IQ-Test gifted children, lists of local makerspaces, info about local gifted schools, info about the Michigan Association for Gifted Children, etc. Much
of this info can also be found on our Gifted in Michigan website: www.giftedinmichigan.com and on the Michigan Association for Gifted Children’s website: www.migiftedchild.org.
I was fortunate that my three-year-old Emile pooped out just in time for the nanotechnology talk. As Emile slept on my lap, my seven-year-old Dakota and I really enjoyed the talk and Dakota lasted for quite a bit of it, until he pooped out too!
After that we went straight to the Charlie Darwin talk, and both boys woke up almost immediately for that! How could they not for Charlie, the skateboarding dog and his three dog pals? Beth Duman did a fantastic job of explaining her very effective dog training techniques. Then she proceeded to allow the kids to participate in giving the dogs training commands! She even included Dakota! That is a rare event, and I was very impressed. Turns out Beth regularly works with special needs kids!
After that was the Italian dinner followed by many kids heading for the kids’ room for a fun ice cream social! The kids then packed the pool for the kids’ pool party and exhibited a lot of exuberance and energy!
The winner of the Greenfield Village ticket raffle was Dr. Leslie Hosey, and she is looking forward to her free visit!
I heard many comments that families really enjoyed themselves at the RG this year!
Did you miss the RG, but still want to meet up with like-minded families? Don’t despair! The SEMMer Bash is coming up on July 21st. We are planning a nature walk and beach party for families at this event, so don’t forget to bring your field guides and bathing suits!
There are also other picnics and events happening this summer. Check out the calendar in this newsletter or the www.giftedinmichigan.com events menu item for details.
This is an off-the-beaten-path Pokémon game, because it’s on a console system! It’s in 3D! There are 0 wild Pokémon! Wait, no wild Pokémon? But that is how you get more Pokémon! So how do you get more? Easy, you steal them from other trainers! No, really, hear me out. You play as an ex-member of team Snagem, the FIRST evil team you hear about (don't worry if you've never heard of them before, this is the only game they have appeared in so far). Yes, first. There are 2 of them, which, in reality, work together. You start out with an Espeon and an Umbreon, and every battle is a double battle (each
trainer uses 2 Pokémon at once). Anyway, Snagem and Cypher have closed the door to Pokémon’s hearts which means they can attack humans.
You have to use your snag machine to capture these shadow Pokémon from the trainers that have been given them during the battle. To open the doors to their hearts, you need to battle with them after you've captured them. Oh, and make sure that you capture EVERY one of the shadow Pokémon. Even after the ending of the main story, you want to catch them all and open their hearts. If you do, you get a REALLY rare Pokémon. Specifically, Ho-oh.
Precis of May 19 ExComm Meeting by Billie Lee, Secretary In attendance: 8 voting, 10 non-voting. Next meeting: June 16, 2012 at 6:00pm, Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church, 23925 Northwestern Highway, Southfield Finances: Ended the fiscal year 2011-12 with $6,700 in profit. This fiscal year 2012-13, budgeting $4,000 profit. A2 Sub-Group met at Ayse Turkish Cafe. Next month at La Marsa. NE Sub-Group 11 Gastronauts met April 25 at Lucky's Steakhouse. Next month at Frankenmuth Brewery. Testing We tested 4 people at the RG. M-Pathy Articles for the August issue must be submitted by July 1. Brewery Circuit met at the RG with 32 in attendance. Meeting June 14 at Dragonmead in Warren. 2012 Regional Gathering Final report on finances coming soon. Received good feedback that it was a lot of fun. Already in contract negotiations with the hotel for next year. Will purchase a lapel mic for speakers. Leftover items from the RG are stored in a warehouse so we can use them again next year. 2012 SEMMer Bash Pricing will remain as is. $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Same rate for adults, children and guests. MAGC will be invited to attend. SEMM Bylaws and ASIEs update Progress is being made.
My train of thought was just derailed.
July 2012 Page 7
Illinois By Tom Shaw
Recently, I passed through Illinois and was simply amazed. I had heard for a good part of my life that Illinois was just about the blandest state one could possibly imagine, and that I should avoid it if at all possible.
Well! Let me say, HOGWASH, PSHAW, PTOOEY and PNEUMONIA!
Illinois has history and sights to see that will almost boggle some people’s minds, maybe. For starters,
almost everyone knows about Abe Lincoln and Steven Douglas, the guys who might have been illegitimate brothers and, who argued about who got
the right to leave and go to Washington D.C.
Well, as you history buffs know, Lincoln won, went to D.C., and was awarded a front row seat to a terrific canon show. He failed to see any humor in exploding bodies so he decided to take in a comedy show. He liked it very much and all turned out well except for an unusual twist that got him on the edge of his seat.
And that’s not all the history. How about Al Capone and Frank Nitti? And sights? How many people are privileged to see mounds of dead people? Illinois has dead people mounds galore!
Now, you can’t exactly see dead people just driving by, but with a little imagination, you can visualize bones sticking out of mounds which are approximately 15 feet high and very noticeable, if you happen to be looking in the right direction when you drive by.
People, many years ago (some who might have been Abe and Steve’s illegitimate ancestors), piled up their dead and are now lauded for their space-saving efforts, unlike Hitler who is still severely criticized for doing approximately the same thing. And, the state of Illinois should be praised for their efforts in replicating Abe and Steve’s possible illegitimate ancestor’s edifices by building a new and much larger pile of dead people, which by the way, has created a new and thriving industry.
It is actually called a garbage dump, which looks very much like the Grand Canyon in reverse without a river flowing over it, but as most people know, a dump can be a bonanza for those who know what to look for.
Those who found bones in the ancient dumps were soon prohibited from mining bones because the sites were protected by the Feds, sooo--- Chicago decided to start their own people dump site.
The future of Chicago and the whole state of Illinois lies southwest of Chicago and has become a major source of income and sustenance for a fortunate few. Though illegal to most of the population, recycling by mining city dumps is however not illegal for those who have a right to be at the dump in the first place, like city workers, who can enhance their incomes substantially by mining for various throw-a-ways like, not-so-fresh french-fries, Tater Tots and various bent bicycles. Making a major strike of fries or tots is exactly like mining for gold and hitting the mother lode, almost, except that not-so-fresh french-fries and Tater Tots do not glitter as much as gold, they can be eaten on the spot and one doesn’t need an assayer to tell you the quality of the strike.
It is these very miners who very often stumble upon the remains of poor departed souls. Most remains are deemed victims of clan violence since they are primarily from the same ‘Doe’ family. (And, in the dump of the state’s capitol city, Springfield, they have uncovered members of the ‘Doh’ family; possible victims of the notorious Simpson clan.)
All in all, I say there are many things to see which might keep you awake. Other folks say we should just do away with the state entirely but then, how would one travel from Indiana to Iowa? --- And, what about the many bridges spanning the mighty Mississippi? Without Illinois to hold up their end, the bridges would almost certainly collapse. And, with few escape routes, most would be doomed to live in South Chicago and have to take up knife fighting for a living.
They can’t all be as lucky as young Ronnie who swam the Mississippi, (that was before bridges were invented) thumbed his way to Hollywood and monkeyed around. He also got to go to Washington and was invited to an inauguration party. His wish was to show people a trick, called trickle, but the monkeys had tired him out so he decided to sleep instead.
There is, however, a method to smuggle those people out who dare to take the risk. It’s called the ‘Underground Railroad’ which ironically starts above ground in Chicago.
Therefore, I say ‘NO’! And to all the ‘Down with Illinois’ advocates, just try a little harder while driving through the state to imagine what could be. It is truly a great state for that.
The Fourth of July weekend was approaching, and Miss Pelham, the nursery school teacher, took the opportunity to tell her class about patriotism. "We live in a great country," she announced. "One of the things we should be happy is that, in this country, we are all free."
Trevor, who was a little boy in her class, came walking up to her from the back of the room. He stood with his hands on his hips and said loudly, "I'm not free. I'm four."
--- On the first day of school, Mrs. White advised her first grade class that each school day starts with the "Pledge of Allegiance." She instructed them to put their right hand over their heart and repeat after her.
As Mrs. White began the recitation she looked around the room and spied Andy who had his hand over the right cheek of his bottom. She asked, "Why do you think that's your heart, Andy?" "Well," he said, "because every time my Grandma comes to visit she pats me there and says, "Bless your little heart," and my Grandma never lies."
--- What kind of tea did the American colonists thirst for? Liberty!
What did King George think of the American colonists? He thought they were revolting!
Why did the British cross the Atlantic? To get to the other tide!
What did one flag say to the other flag? Nothing. It just waved!
What was General Washington's favorite tree? The infantry!
What would you get if you crossed a patriot with a curly-haired dog? Yankee Poodle!
What would you get if you crossed George Washington with cattle feed? The Fodder of Our Country!
#1
Puzzles
By Tom Shaw
#1 In every supermarket
You’re sure to see this name If your corn and peas are wilted You won’t have him to blame
#2
Copperfield makes things disappear He seems to do it all
But can he throw a stick down And somehow make it crawl
#3
He exposed it to the nation The secret he had sought And wanted information on
The thing that had been wrought
#4 Was it fact or fiction
The method that he chose To show the troupes the wisdom of
How far a dollar goes
#5 His daddy would endorse of course
His untapped use of innate force Use the might behind the light
When you are right you’ll win the fight
Answers on page 19
I used to work as a trapeze artist, until I was let go.
July 2012 Page 9
M I L E M A R K E R C Y T I C
O S A D A O R B U R G H A Y E
U L T Y T O W N S H I P R E N
N A I H L N E D G E Y A Y V S
T N T P A M K N T Y D R R R U
A D U A N O A I A N N G T U S
I S D R D E L W U T A O N S N
N E E G C L L O R U T P U W O
T A E O E I B O L L I O O Y I
S S E T A L P C I N O T C E T
T P A R I V E R M E N W H L A
R S A A E R N O I T A C O L V
E D E C O N T I N E N T S A E
E M I A E D U T I G N O L V L
T Z W O R L D M S T R E A M E
And the winners are….. by Joan Rayford, SEMMantics Tournament Chair
SEMMantics XXXIII 1/3 is history. The tournaments were fun and the winners are:
Poker: 1st - Joyce Bevic; 2nd - David Brown; and 3rd - Mike Johnson.
Carnelli: 1st - Bill Meyer; 2nd - Davonna Patch.
Cribbage: 1st - Brenda Taylor; 2nd - Tim McGough; 3rd - Sash Munjal.
Euchre: 1st - Peter Brown; 2nd - John Sim; 3rd - Genevieve Patterson.
Song Burst: The White Team composed of Gary Rimer, Marie Brucker, Mark Hoover, Rick Sheff, Joyce Bevic, Mark Heffernan, and Pauline Averbach.
Paper Airplanes: Adult 1st - Paul Day, 49 feet; Adult 2nd - Steve Nagar, 43 feet; Child - John Nowak, 28 feet.
Joke-Off: Whitney Hopkins.
Triple Deck Cancellation Reactivation Go Fish Hearts: 1st - Bruce Hartman; 2nd – Fred (derF) Bosick; 3rd - Kelley Georgiafandis.
MensaBowl: Loyal Order of the Water Buffaloes team composed of: Ed Becker, Jean Becker, Peter Brown, Pete Weldon, Judy Webber, and Rich Woltersom.
Seek & Find: 1st - Kim Horger; 2nd - Randie Jo Evans.
Mensalympics: The Wrong Side team composed of: Diane Kingsley, Paul Day, Brenda Taylor, Ken Lawrence, and Bill Meyer.
See you all next year at SEMMantics XXXIV - May 3-4-5, 2013!
Geographical Stuff – Cities, Countries, Mountains** by Joan Rayford
Word List
Boundary, Edge, Map, Road, Topography, Burgh, Elevation, Mile Marker, Satellite, Town, Cartography, Islands, Mountain, Seas, Township, Census, Lake, Nation, Space, Vale, City, Land, Ocean, Stream, Valley, Continents, Latitude, Port, Street, World, Country, Location, Railway, Survey, DMZ, Longitude, River, Tectonic Plates
Solution: 20 letters, answer on page 19
** Note: This month’s topic provided by Randie Jo Evans, 2nd place winner of the SEMMAntics RG XXXIII Puzzle
M-Pathy Page 10
Answers
1. D, 2. C, 3. B, 4. C, 5. B, 6. A, 7. D
Strange Superstitions
2012 Jim Szirony
Superstitions can be seen as an attempt of exerting some control over a capricious world. Some superstitions have practical origins. The dangers of being hit by a falling object, for instance, clearly explains why walking under a ladder may be unlucky. Other superstitions can arise through a much simpler mechanism. In an experiment using pigeons, B. F. Skinner demonstrated that when given rewards at fixed intervals, pigeons would repeat whatever behavior had previously ‘caused’ that reward. The same conditioning process results in the many ritualistic behaviors exhibited by pro athletes. Cross your fingers for luck and complete the following quiz to test your knowledge of some unusual superstitions.
A. A baseball player must never:
A. Step on the foul line when coming on or off the field.
B. Talk about a no-hit or perfect game while in progress.
C. Shave after the first postseason win. D. All of the above.
B. Which of the following is not considered bad luck in the theatrical world? A. Whistling backstage. B. Mentioning the name of the play Macbeth
anywhere within a theater. C. Having the author of the play attend the first
performance. D. Wishing an actor “good luck.”
3. In Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, a ship is beset by a storm and blown to Antarctica. A bird appears and leads the ship to safety. The narrator of the tale then kills the bird, unleashing a curse upon the crew. The dying crew forces the Mariner to wear the dead bird around his neck. In sailing lore, as in Coleridge’s poem, this bird represents both good fortune and bad. Said to embody the souls of sailors returning to the sea, this bird is the: A. Pelican B. Albatross C. Erne (Sea Eagle) D. Seagull
4. To feed soldiers in combat, the U.S. military developed the MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat.) In the 1980’s the military began including this candy in each MRE package. Soldiers now consider this candy cursed. Military forums are replete with stories of misfortune due to eating this sweet. This cursed candy is: A. Mars bar B. Gobstoppers C. Charms
5. In Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, a ship is beset by a storm and blown to Antarctica. A bird appears and leads the ship to safety. The narrator of the tale then kills the bird, unleashing a curse upon the crew. The dying crew forces the Mariner to wear the dead bird around his neck. In sailing lore, as in Coleridge’s poem, this bird represents both good fortune and bad. Said to embody the souls of sailors returning to the sea, this bird is the: A. Pelican B. Albatross C. Erne (Sea Eagle) D. Seagull
6. Because of an ancient superstition, the British government pays to keep at least six of these birds in the Tower of London. It is believed that if the birds ever leave the Tower, disaster will befall England. A Tower guard (Yeoman Warder) is assigned to hand raise and care for these birds from fledglings. Among most other cultures, however, this bird is considered an ill omen. Identify this creature. A. Raven B. Owl C. Robin D. Catbird
7. The number 13 is the unluckiest of all numbers. The Mayans hated this number. The last 13 year cycle of the Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012, supposedly signifying the end of time. Tall buildings and elevators commonly do not have a marked 13th floor. Hotels omit a room 13. Even Friday the 13th has negative connotations. The fear of Friday the 13th or the number 13 in general is called: A. Agoraphobia B. Demonophobia C. Amaxophobia D. Triskaidekaphobia
D. Skittles
July 2012 Page 11
Just a few pictures from SEMMantics XXXIII -- always a fun event for all ages! The only thing missing from these photos is you!
Reserve your spot now for next year’s RG, May 3-4-5, 2013!
Everyone was captivated by the presentation on Charlie Darwin.
Some of the players taking part in the Euchre tournament.
Bill Rapai gave a detailed presentation
on “The Kirtland’s Warbler”.
One of the team activities
performed at Mensalympics.
What’s a Mensa event without chocolate?! Bonnie & Pete Mulliner
created all the delicious and decadent
desserts for the Chocolate Orgy.
Biomedical engineer Andre' Snellings, the Backyard Brains
speaker, conducted a neurological
experiment on a cockroach leg.
The winning team from this year’s Mensa Bowl, The Loyal Order of the Water
Buffalo, work together to answer a challenging question.
M-Pathy Page 12
On the Web by Kathleen Giesting
In this occasional piece, we will try to help you better navigate Mensa on the web, in the social media, and around Southeast Michigan. There are lots of ways to connect with other Mensans and
their passions outside of the events listed in the calendar. This month, we look at where SEMM is NOW on the web.
A lot of changes have been going on. With the election of new officers this year, we welcomed Billie Lee as our Secretary AND our new Webmaster.
Southeast Michigan Mensa’s (SEMM’s) public web presence has a new look and more info than ever. You -- and your friends -- can learn about SEMM and Mensa through our website at www.MensaDetroit.com and find links to many other resources. These include links to the websites of other nearby Mensa groups, American Mensa, Mensa International, Mensa for Kids, and more.
There are photos from SEMMantics, (it was great fun, wasn’t it?), you can subscribe to our feeds, learn about what’s coming up at our monthly meeting, and comment on our blog posts.
Questions? Check out our FAQs, contact a local officer or link to M-Pathy online [Note: To view M-Pathy online DOES require you to login to the American Mensa site. M-Pathy is for members only.] If you previously bookmarked our site with any variant of “localsemm” -- .com, .net, .org, .info, for example – you have/will see a page that tells you the domain name expired. Please update your bookmarks.
Something you want to see that’s not there? Other web topics/mysteries you’d like to see explored? Let us know at [email protected]
Local: Karen Cooper $300 Scholarship: Wendy Ernzen, Bloomfield Township
Their winning essays follow.
By Whitney Hopkins
Winner of the $1,000 Stacy Kirsch Scholarship
Some people are called to entertain, others to teach, and yet others to comfort. I’m called to heal. Ever since I was a child I wanted to improve life for others, when I carried around a makeup kit full of band-aids, candy, and a thermometer; I called it my doctor’s kit. I recorded myself singing happy music and stuck the tape in my kit, I then went from family member to family member, asking if they need to be cheered up, or “made better”, even pestering my older sister’s friends with the same questions. I still remember being embarrassed that they laughed, but I just wanted to make people feel better, so I figured laughter was a good first step.
Fast forward to my first paramedic clinical, sitting at station. The boredom was broken by a call for an 8 year-old boy who had been held in boiling water—by his parents. They then left him that way for weeks, and he lay in a bed with his legs contracted backwards until his rotten toes touched his ears. As we rushed his emaciated body to the emergency room, full-thickness burns covered by burn sheets and blankets, moved aside by futile attempts to palpate his blood pressure under his tiny biceps, he looked me in the eyes and said, “I’m not a bad boy—my mommy said I was bad, but I’m not bad. I was just hungry, ma’am”. The staff at the ER came out to check on the paramedic student who had brought in what they called the “worst case of child abuse [they had] ever seen”. With tears in their eyes, they asked me if I was doing okay. I sat on the back of the ambulance and realized that I was better than okay—I was finally doing what I was meant to do.
Sometimes my patients die. Sometimes they live, and I do my best to make sure that the pain they’re feeling is mostly from horrible puns, not the narrowing of vital carotid arteries. No matter the outcome, I realize more and more every day that my calling is helping people.
I tutored in college and high school to help my peers in French and math. I became an RA in college to provide support to students, and then became an emergency medical service instructor to instill that helping spark into new generations of paramedics. I didn’t receive my Critical Care certification for a pay raise or a new patch on my work shirt—I just wanted to be the best paramedic I could be. My hearty belief is that if I’m going to serve others, it must mean doing so without complacency.
Complacency might mean remaining a paramedic and using my seniority and experience to guarantee a fairly easy life. Instead, I’m heading back to school almost 8 years, during which I’ve seen first-hand the harsh comparisons between just treating symptoms, or treating the patient as a whole. True patient care lies in being aware of their anxieties, their habits, their loved ones, and their lives. Becoming a medical student isn’t just the next step in a career; it’s the second step in a life-long goal of helping people.
M-Pathy Page 14
By Claire Carpenter Winner of the Grosswirth-Salny $500 Scholarship
During my freshman year of college, I took my first linguistics course. In the course, I was introduced to a new world of language in which sounds, words, and sentences are units to be broken down, strung together, and analyzed in every way imaginable. I was in awe of the beauty and complexity of language, something that most of us take for granted, but that is so integral to the human experience. Later, I learned of speech-language pathology as a practical means of turning my love of linguistics into a career, so I declared Communicative Sciences and Disorders (CSD) as my major and never looked back.
Through my studies, I have learned that speech-language pathology is a quickly growing profession and also wonderfully diverse. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work in a variety of settings, including everything from children with difficulties producing the /t/ sound, to stroke patients who have lost their agility to effectively communicate. Every setting is unique and captivating. Eventually, I will have to narrow my focus to a specific client population and work setting, but for now I am content gathering as much knowledge as possible about the different branches of speech and language services so that I can eventually find the niche that is most suitable for me. Therefore, my current goal is to prepare myself for success in a highly ranked graduate program. Also, I hope to someday open a private clinic to provide low-cost services to clients who need speech and language therapy but lack the resources to receive it. I believe that every person deserves access to needed services in order to maximize communication abilities. If clients have no other options, I would be honored to provide them with their right to services, regardless of insurance policies, socioeconomic status, or other financial considerations.
In order to achieve my goals, I have adopted many success-driven strategies. First, beyond majoring in CSD, I am a member of the Honors College with minors in Spanish and linguistics and a specialization in health promotion. My extra degrees have expanded my knowledge of fields related to CSD and they will make me more marketable to graduate schools and future employers. I am also a research assistant in the MSU Speech Lab and an active member of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association. Being a member of those profession-focused groups allows me to increase my career-based knowledge and skills, volunteer, and become more involved in CSD research.
Additionally, as the world continues to globalize, it is increasingly important for SLPs to understand the multicultural aspects of communication. In order to prepare myself for the global demands of the modern world, I have been involved in several multicultural and international experiences including: serving as co-chairperson of La Organizacion de Logopedia y Audiologia (a student group that promotes multicultural awareness in the field of CSD), tutoring international teaching assistants through the Technology Enhanced Accent Modification program, and participating in the Communications Disorders United Kingdom study abroad trip. While I still have much to learn and experience, I believe that my involvement in research, clubs, and cultural experiences will allow me to broaden my horizon, become more well-rounded, and increase my success in the future. Not to mention, I am having the time of my life in the process!
July 2012 Page 15
By Wendy Ernzen Winner of the Karen Cooper $300 Scholarship
Descriptions of Detroit, Michigan include a ghost town, a third world city, and the murder capital of the world. Its population has plummeted from two million to less than 800,000 since 1950. Of the people left, more than one quarter is unemployed and half of the city’s children live in poverty. Common images show burnt out buildings and homes, closed businesses and schools, and vacant land. However, there has been progress in recent years
Through innovative partnerships of foundation, government, nonprofits, and the private sector, new ideas are taking shape: neighborhood revitalization, regional mass transportation, equitable distribution, and downsizing the city. With your support, I can finish my Masters in Public Administration and become a foundation program officer who forges these partnerships, funds Detroit nonprofits making a difference, and helps turn the city around.
I grew up in Detroit, and for the last ten years, I have worked and volunteered in the city’s nonprofit sector. I started as the Community Relations Manager and later the Development Director of NPower Michigan, an organization helping nonprofits use technology. This experience exposed me to the myriad of problems the city faced.
In 2006, I left NPower Michigan to stay home with my children when my first child was diagnosed with autism, and my second child was born. I continued to help Detroit and volunteered my fund development skills. I served on the Intense Mentoring board, an organization that empowered female, high school dropouts in Detroit to finish school, and wrote winning grants including the 2008 Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund. I also wrote the second-place, winning 2010 Drucker Institute Nonprofit Innovation Award to Urban Farming, an organization that planted over 500 community gardens across Detroit using vacant land. I kept my skills sharp by training with the Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University, the Grantsmanship Institute, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
After a decade of working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector, I realized I wanted to become a program officer because foundation investment could be credited with some of Detroit’s most successful projects in recent history. Whether it was reclaiming the riverfront, greening vacant land, or cutting through “the city versus suburb” mentality plaguing progress, foundation involvement was found at the heart of each effort.
The average foundation requires a program officer has at least five o more years of nonprofit management experience and an advanced degree. I acquired a Bachelors Degree in Finance from Oakland University and graduated Cum Laude with a 3.65 GPA. I have nonprofit experience but limited leadership experience. I decided to enroll in the Masters of Public Administration Program with the University of Michigan in January of 2011 to build the skills I needed.
Currently, I am a full-time graduate student carrying a 4.0 GPA and a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. I plan to finish my program and a foundation internship by May of 2013. Your support of my last year will allow me to graduate with honors, gain the leadership experience I need, and become a foundation program officer committed to community service and the dream to rebuild Detroit. Thank you for your generous consideration of my application.
M-Pathy Page 16
Scholarships
Social Interaction
Special Interest Groups
FAQs about YMembership
Reprinted by permission by Lisa Van Gemert, National Gifted Young Specialist
Mensa® is a social organization for anyone who has scored in the top 2% on accepted intelligence tests, regardless of age. Mensa offers support to parents of gifted children and services to Gifted Children through two avenues: American Mensa and the Mensa Foundation. To find out if your child qualifies for membership in Mensa, please visit www.us.mensa.org/join.
American Mensa® is the organizational, membership-based organization that provides the following benefits specific to young members:
FRED is a quarterly e-zine with a different topic each issue. Mensa members are welcome to submit material for inclusion. For more information, email: [email protected].
Stanford’s EPGY program offers a significant discount under the BrightKids group for YMs of elementary age. The fee for participation is $135 a year for both math and language arts. Contact [email protected] for more information.
YMs can take advantage of all other member discounts at places like ThinkGeek and Edmunds Scientific. There are other discounts for products and services as wide-ranging as car insurance, hotels, and magazines like Mental Floss, Scientific American, and more. For a complete list, visit www.us.mensa.org/benefits.
YMs are eligible to participate as reviewers of books sent by publishers from Random House to Candlewick to National Geographic to Harvard University Press and beyond. The YMs review the books, send the review to Mensa, and then donate the books to the library of their choice.
Quarterly contests open to YMs offer youth the opportunity to share their talents and interests, as well as win cool prizes. Contests are advertised in FRED, the Mensa Bulletin, and through email to YMs. For information on the current contest, see one of the sources listed or email [email protected].
All Young Mensans receive the Mensa Bulletin, the Mensa magazine published ten times a year. At least twice per year, there is a significant article/information addressing the needs of gifted youth.
The Bright Kids listserv is an e-list for parents and other interested in issues relating to raising and educating gifted youth. Mensa membership is not required. It is a fairly busy list, so signing up for the digest version may suit your needs. For more information, please visit http://www.lists.us.mensa.org/mailman/listinfo/brightkids
Some scholarships offered through the Mensa Foundation are available only to members of Mensa. For more information, please visit http://www.mensafoundation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Scholarships1
Young Mensans can connect with others of similar interests at local, regional and national events. The number of events varies by location, and parents of Young Mensans are invited to attend with their YM. Young Mensans are welcome at virtually all Mensa events, unless specifically excluded from activities inappropriate for children. Special programming for children is provided at many Regional Gatherings, and several days of excellent activities for kids are provided at each Annual Gathering.
Many Local Groups have Gifted Children Coordinators who volunteer to serve the needs of gifted youth in their groups. Often, Local Group newsletters will publish items of interest or resources for Young Mensans.
Special Interest Groups (called SIGs) offer Mensans of all ages to connect with other Mensans who share similar interests. Many SIGs are open to and welcome Young Mensans. For a full listing with descriptions, please visit www.us.mensa.org/sigs. FAQs continued on page 17
FRED: The Magazine for Young Mensans, by Young Mensans
FAQs continued from page 16 In addition to the tangible benefits of membership, Young Mensans enjoy the hard-to-quantify benefits such as prestige, legitimacy, and the feeling of belonging. Mensa is a place where highly gifted kids can develop their identity within and without their brains.
The Mensa Foundation is the philanthropic education and research arm of Mensa that provides the following benefits to all children, regardless of Mensa affiliation or location: www.mensaforkids.org
The MensaforKids Web site offers games, a monthly feature, a blog, and other resources geared to gifted children. The site is geared to children under 12, although many older children (and adults) will enjoy the content as well. Resources for parents and teachers are on the site as well.
At the www.mensaforkids.org site under “parent/teacher resources”, there are many lesson plans geared to gifted children. The grade levels listed are not restrictive; they are the grade levels at which a child should be able to complete the lesson plan without adult assistance.
Through its Excellence in Reading program, the Mensa Foundation offers children around the world the opportunity to read a list of age-appropriate books identified by juvenile librarians as excellent and earn a certificate and a free t-shirt. For more information, please visit http://mensaforkids.com/ReaderAward/intro.pdf.
The Mensa Foundation gives tens of thousands of dollars a year away in scholarships. The scholarships are based only on an essay. For more information, please visit http://www.mensafoundation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Scholarships1
At the same location as the lesson plans on the www.mensaforkids.org site, the Foundation provides Activity Plans geared to families or groups with gifted children. These resources vary in topic and are added to regularly.
Southeast Michigan Mensa
Balance Sheet As of April 30, 2012 ASSETS
Current Assets Checking/Savings $28,445.60 Other Current Assets 432.57 Total Current Assets $28,878.17 Fixed Assets 805.45 TOTAL ASSETS $29,683.62 LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Total Liabilities $50.00 Equity 29,633.62 TOTAL LIAB. & EQUITY $29,683.62
Activity Plans
Profit & Loss Statement May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012 Funds from National $9,907.92 Testing 397.29 Newsletter -7,379.50 Membership Expenses 84.00 General Meeting -352.63 Events 2,804.90 Administration/Misc. 1,295.11 Net Income $6,757.09
The above are summary documents for SEMM’s first half of the current fiscal year. Anyone interested in detailed information may contact Jerry Breuer, Treasurer.
WELCOME Venar Ayar 5305 Elmgate Bay Dr Orchard Lake, MI 48324-3021 (248) 910-5572 [email protected]
Isabella Mastantuono Farmington Hills, MI 48336-2055
Alexander Pace Livonia, MI 48152-3590
WELCOME BACK David Warren Gerathy 960 Harlequin Ct Highland, MI 48357-3930 (313) 531-6593 [email protected]
Kenneth R. Gorris 7169 Polk St Apt 308 Taylor, MI 48180-2559 (313) 383-6248
Robert E. Knop 330 Chidester St Apt 215 Ypsilanti, MI 48197-5509 (734) 547-1964
Ansted Moss Ann Arbor, MI 48103-2646
Harry Skrdla 1952 Traver Rd Apt 204 Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1288 (734) 994-5144 [email protected]
July Membership Notes Compiled by Iana Questara Boyce from National Office Data
MENSA MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES [Number of years of continuous membership. Years 25 or more listed for each year; years less than 25 listed for 5-year milestones.] 25+ 47 Years L. Ray Bishop* Janet L. Kreger* 40 Years Paul Anthony Cullis 38 Years Tom K. Clough Lynwood R. Dee* 34 Years Dennis Wayne Dickinson* 33 Years Richard E. Buck Oakley Reynolds
WELCOME BACK (Continued) David Keith Smith 7088 Meldrum Rd Fair Haven, MI 48023-2426 (586) 648-6149 [email protected]
Richard Wayne Waddell 34829 University St Westland, MI 48185-3668 (734) 595-0423 [email protected]
Angela Carol Zrull 23015 Maple Ave Farmington, MI 48336-3958 (248) 478-7222 [email protected]
20 Years Daniel Biedzen John Nicholas Furkioti 10 Years Eriq Frommert Mary Ann Golin Silke Kraus 5 Years Mark Edwin Blazevic Terrence Brooks Jr. Andrew G. Celeski Karl V. Hauser Ann P K Marks Jentry Speck
30 Years Barbara Joan Kalbfleisch Betsy Yvonne Mark* Eugene O. Mauch 29 Years Murdoch Thomas Campbell* Susan Jane Chalom Cecile T. Frogh* 28 Years Sonee Spinner Lapadot 26 Years Gregory C. Jeppesen 25 Years Bruce Douglas Grant
We extend our heartfelt sympathies for the family and friends of
Allan Marshall Leib from West Bloomfield, Michigan
#1 Clarence Birdseye, #2 Moses, #3 Samuel Morse, #4 George Washington, #5 Luke Skywalker
Word Search: Can you tell me where I am
25+: 48 Years Donald J. Shoemaker Gabriel Werba*
45 Years Thomas S. Roberts
41 Years Shirley E. Schwartz*
38 Years Mark H. Hoover
36 Years Donald F. Rossin
35 Years
Bonnie King
HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAYS!
As of May 1, 2012 SEMM had 1,073 members
1
Michael V. Dean*
2 Andrew G. Celeski Michael B. Courtney Chester L. Kloss Janet L. Kreger* Barbara Jean McCaffery Virginia H. Quezada 3 James T. Kurdziel 4 Andrew W. Mayoras 5 Ed Paddock III* 6 Mark Roy Bendure Kenneth W. Clark Robert Ward Pearce 7 Mark Edwin Blazevic Kevin E. Norris 8 Clarke Cunningham Steven Linn 9 Jean M. Rauchholz 10 David Kleinberg 11 Justin Casagrande Joseph P. Seledotis
12 Arthur George Applegate James Blumberg 13 Jenny Deason Copeland 14 Robert Wellington Fisher Don Siefkes Kevin A. Williams 15 William Luker Jim Newtown Harry Pianko David Schankin 16 Anne Marie Baer Elizabeth M. Furuhjelm Jonathan M. Isbell Sherri L. Loweke Kyle T. Tertzag 17 Robert E. Brooks* Ann P. K. Marks Michael David Turner 19 Venar Ayar 20 Eric Brouwer 22 Richard Cook David Max Evans Sharon A. Suhrie*
23 Min Su Seo Robert D. Wade
26 Rudolph Bates III Kenneth A. Haller* Nicole Sherard-Freeman 27 Gerald S. Clarke Thomas Powers III 28 Karen Minturn Brown Daniel F. Mawby Jeffrey R. Neese C. M. Novess III 29 Ray M. Beall 30 Scott A. Kudirka Derald R. Schnepp Richard G. Singletary William H. Wiebrecht 31 Diane D. Constable* David Michael Vincent
*indicates a Life Member
M-Pathy Page 20
SEMM Events Listing
Events are listed by Category: Dining, Social Gatherings, Movies, Brain Food (Discussion/Working Groups), Games, and Children’s Events. Events are also listed by date in a Monthly Calendar view at the end of this section.
M-Pathy is published monthly and reflects info as of the 1st of the preceding month. For the latest events information, see www.MensaDetroit.com. To sponsor an event, give feedback on events, or to suggest a new activity, email [email protected] NOTE: Mensans lead busy lives; it is advisable to call ahead to confirm events.
Dining
DOWNRIVER MENSANS 1st SATURDAY BRUNCH 1st Saturday, 11:00am Optional: A movie after at nearby theater. RSVP to join the distribution list, for location details -- or to suggest a movie. Host: Pauline Averbach 734-281-2726, [email protected]
A3M DINNER AND "NOT SO CHEAP" MOVIE NIGHT 2nd Wednesday, 5:30pm Holiday's Restaurant, 2080 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor, between Liberty and Pauline, across from the P.O. Movie at Quality 16, 3686 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor. RSVP to reserve a place or for movie details. Hosts: Karen Smith 734-449-2359, Mike LaMoreaux 734-971-2242. Email Karen [email protected] to join her Ann Arbor distribution list.
A3M BRUNCH (and a movie?) 2nd Saturday, 9:30am Guy Hollerin's in the Holiday Inn, 3600 Plymouth Rd. Ann Arbor, West off Rt. 23 at Plymouth Rd. Enter through main door to the hotel. Equidistant from both movie theaters. Buffet is $9.50 but ends at 11:00am Can order from menu after. Optional: A3M 2nd SATURDAY MOVIE (see below)
RSVP to reserve a place or for movie details. Hosts: Karen Smith 734-449-2359, cell phone 248-444-3813. Email [email protected] to join the distribution list.
FLINT AREA GASTRONAUTS Odd Months: 4th Tues/Even Months: 4th Wed, 6:30pm We move around frequently as we sample local and sometimes not so local cuisine. At each monthly dinner, we decide where to go the next month, preferably within 25 miles of Flint. Hosts: Lynne & James Draper 810-744-1252. Email [email protected] to join the distribution list.
A3M EATOUT 4th Wednesday, 6:30pm, Wed, July 25th Join us at Red Rock Downtown Barbecue in Ypsi for what everyone says is the new champ of BBQ! Delicious smoky tender meats, sweet potato fries, greens, creamy mac 'n' cheese, heavenly cornbread and cherry apple coleslaw you can eat on the side or put on a sandwich. For those wanting beer with their BBQ, note they have about 20 on draft (mostly MI) including Arrogant Bastard Ale and Brainless On Peaches. Hosts: Bob Strauch, 734-973-6522, cell 734-604-3791; [email protected] and Ann Garvin [email protected].
Movies
A3M 1ST WEDNESDAY ART FILM (QUIRKY MOVIE) 1st Wednesday, 5:30pm Mr. Greek's Coney Island, 215 South State, Ann Arbor. Movies at Michigan Theatre and/or the State Theatre, State & Liberty, Ann Arbor. RSVP to reserve a place or for details on the movie. Hosts: Rich Bury 734-929-2066, [email protected] & Karen Smith 734-449-2359, [email protected]
A3M DINNER AND "NOT SO CHEAP" MOVIE NIGHT 2nd Wednesday, 5:30pm (see Dining, above)
A3M 2nd SATURDAY MOVIE 2nd Saturday, after the Brunch (see Dining above) Quality 16, 3686 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. Discount prices are in effect at this time. RSVP to reserve a place or for details on the movie. Hosts: Karen Smith 734-449-2359, Mike LaMoreaux 734-971-2242. Email Karen [email protected] to join her Ann Arbor distribution list.
FRIDAYS AT THE DETROIT FILM THEATRE Currently suspended due to repairs. Reopening Fall 2012.
SOTS—SOUTH OAKLAND TAVERN SOCIALIZERS Every Friday, 6:00pm Help audition new taverns. Lively conversation, entertaining company -- wrap up your long week. Host: Lee Helms 248-895-6389, [email protected]. Call Lee for tavern name and directions.
THE BREWERY CIRCUIT Thursday, May 31, 2012 11:57 PM Wednesday, July 11 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Granite City Food & Brewery
699 West Big Beaver Road Troy, MI 48084 on south side of Big Beaver just west of I-75
Dates and places vary. The beer is always fresh and at its best. Email John to join his distribution list. Host: JohnVoymas 313-434-6750, [email protected]
Brain Food - (Discussion/Working Groups)
RAM—ROCHESTER AREA MENSA 2nd Sunday, 5:00pm Somewhere in the Rochester area. Let’s talk about science! Host: John Blinke 248-659-8438, [email protected] Call for location and directions – or to suggest a topic.
U of M SATURDAY MORNING PHYSICS LECTURES/BRUNCH: Off for the summer; back in October
Games
GAMES IN HIGHLAND (Shelby Township) 4th Saturday, 1:00pm to whenever 1950 Crystal Lake Court West, Bldg C, Apt. 46, Shelby Township. RSVP appreciated. Smoke and alcohol-free, fun for all. Are you a games person? Just want to socialize? Please stop by. We have a variety of games to play, such as Outburst, Quirkle, Word on the Street, Settlers of Catan, or cards for Hearts and Euchre, or BYOG (Bring Your Own Game). Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks provided or BYO to share.
LONDON, ONTARIO GAMES NIGHT 2nd Saturday, 7:00pm Drop by anytime after 7:00pm to play games or just socialize. Hosts have a wide variety of games, but feel free to bring your own favorites. Location: 35 Scottsdale Street in Lambeth (SW area of London). Hosts: Lois and Pete Fuchs 519-652-0282, [email protected]
Kid’s Events
Please Note: Events listed here may or may not be sponsored by Ms.
Warren Festival of the Nations Sunday, July 1, 2012, 10:00am, Warren, MI
Gifted In Michigan Picnic Saturday, July 7, 2012, 11:30am, Farmington Hills, MI
Build ‘N Break Drop-In Play Saturday, July 14, 2012, 10:00am to 1:00 PM, Novi, MI
Hosts: Melissa Jenkins and Amy Simko,
Learn about Puzzle Parties for Kids, see https://sites.google.com/site/puzzleparty2011/ Host: Hiren Bhatt, [email protected]
Southeast Michigan Mensa’s SEMMerBash Saturday, July 21, 2012, 11:00am, Milford, MI
Mt. Elliott Makerspace Open Shop Sunday, July 22, 2012, 1:00pm, Detroit, MI
Henry Ford Maker Faire Saturday, July 28, 2012, 10:00am, Dearborn, MI
editorial policy Mensa, as a group, holds no opinion on any subject. Its members do. All opinions expressed in M-pathy are those of the individual authors. The editor will consider for publication all materials submitted by SEMM members. Anonymous material will not be printed, but names will be withheld upon request. Anything libelous and/or obscene will not be printed. The editor reserves the right to edit any submission for length or clarity. Other Mensa publications are granted permission to reprint any material that does not contain a copyright notice. Attribution to M-Pathy and the author are required. A courtesy copy to the M-Pathy editor is requested. Written permission to reprint must accompany all copyrighted materials.
advertising M-Pathy accepts prepaid ads either digitally or in camera-ready format. Please contact the editor for ad dimensions. Copy and payment must arrive at the editorial office no later than the first day of the month preceding the target issue. Rates for members: full-page $55; half page $30; quarter-page $16; business card $7. For non-members: full page $75; half-page $42; quarter-page $22; business card $10. Make checks payable to SEMM.
membership Mensa is an international society whose only membership requirement is a score at or above the 98thpercentile on any of several, standard IQ tests. Mensa is not-for-profit and its only purpose is to serve as a means of communication and assembly for its members. Mensa is not affiliated with any other organization. For membership information, call (800) 66-MENSA, write to American Mensa, Ltd., at the address below, or email [email protected] members can arrange for local, SEMM testing by calling (810)939-2560.
postmaster Send address changes to: M-Pathy c/o American Mensa, Ltd. 1229 Corporate Drive
West Arlington, Texas 76006-6103
M-Pathy Page 24
SEMMer Bash Kensington Metropark 2240 W. Buno Road
Milford, MI 48380
Saturday, July 21, 2012 11:00am until dusk
Join us for picnic fare (hamburgers, hot dogs, associated side dishes, snacks and beverages) will be provided. We just need you to make it complete! We will meet at Kensington Metropark at the Spring Hill “C” picnic area to celebrate our annual rite of summer. Come early, stay late, bring plenty of sunscreen and be ready to have a great time! There is swimming, boat rental, hiking and biking paths, and nature and farm centers, so bring any accoutrements you might need. Don’t forget to also bring your favorite board or card games!
Park entry fee: $5.00 - day pass, $25.00 - yearly pass
SEMMer BASH 2012 REGISTRATION COMPLETE AND MAIL THIS PORTION BY JULY 16 TO: John Voymas 25620 Dartmouth St. Dearborn Hts., MI 48125-1117
M-Pathy Periodicals Postage Rates (ISSN 0744-9763) Paid at Detroit, Michigan C/O American Mensa, Ltd. 1229 Corporate Drive West Arlington, TX 76006-6103
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
DIRECTIONS TO KENSINGTON METROPARK From Detroit: Take I-696 west to I-96 west to exit #153, Kent Lake Road. Follow the curve to the right and enter the park. From Lansing: Take I-96 east to exit #151, Kensington Road. Turn right on Kensington Road, go over the expressway. Park entrance will be on the right on the north side of I-96. From Flint: Take U.S. 23 south to I-96 east. Get off at exit #151, Kensington Road. Turn right on Kensington Road, go over the expressway. Park entrance will be on the right on the north side of I-96. From Ann Arbor: Take U.S. 23 north to I-96 east. Get off at exit #151, Kensington Road. Turn right on Kensington Road, go over the expressway. Park entrance will be on the right on the north side of I-96. From Pontiac/East M-59 Area: Take M-59 west to Hickory Ridge Road south. Take Hickory Ridge Road south approximately 3-4 miles to General Motors Road. Turn left (east) onto General Motors Rd., go approximately 2-3 miles. Turn right onto Milford road (1st traffic light). Travel approximately 1.5-2 miles south on Milford Road. The park entrance will be on your right (Dairy Queen on the corner).
Admission fee to picnic: $5.00 PER PERSON IN ADVANCE $10.00 PER PERSON AT THE DOOR
