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In this issue, features on relationships, the unexplained, astrology, contradictory beliefs, and unintelligent artificial intelligence beg readers to look outside themselves and within.

FEATURES STAPLES 4 Photography 17 On Language 20 To The Stars Academy Unafraid to Investigate the Unexplained 6 Contributors 18 Book Reviews 7 Chair’s Column 37 Mensa Foundation Rock star-backed org attempts earnest 8 Editor’s Note 38 Mensa News research into UFOs and the paranormal 9 Letters 42 Events 11 Member Deaths 45 Classified Ads

24 Lions and a Tiger and Bears 12 Games 45 Games Answers and Water Buffalo – Oh, My! 14 Science Briefs 46 Personal Essay Couple weds and reweds in different states with animal attendants

28 The Astrologer’s Tale A star-crossed love story in the style of Chaucer

30 Everybody Plays the Fool Man’s greatest trick is on himself – cognitive dissonance Cover: Many members have met their mates in Mensa, 33 Fiction: Jerome Findlay Quidley III as Jonathan Moore’s illustration suggests. It's one of Soon, bootlegging in small-town myriad reasons to renew and find out what events your Alaska will never be the same Local Group has on its calendar. Your move. © iStockphoto/GrandFailure

FEBRUARY 2019 3 OPENING SHOTS

44 MENSAMENSA BULLETINBULLETIN OPENING SHOTS

Marian Herz trudged nearly a half-mile up the steep steps of Staffa Island to photograph some nesting puffins. Herz and her party had landed early on the island, in the Outer Hebrides off the coast of Scotland, so the small seabirds were still on the water, not yet back at their nests feeding their young. It started raining, and by the time the puffins returned it was coming down hard enough for Herz to pack her camera in a dry bag. But just before she did, two heads popped up close. They looked at her and then started mutual preening, a courting behavior. Herz was able to get a few shots before it really began to pour and the birds retreated.

Send your “Opening Shots” digital images, along with a brief description and the photographer’s name, to [email protected].

FEBRUARY 2019 5 CONTRIBUTORSOPENING SHOTS

MATT TILLER ZOE M. STEWART TO THE STARS ACADEMY UNAFRAID TO INVESTIGATE THE ASTROLOGER’S TALE UNEXPLAINED Zoe is a junior at the Along with being his Local Group’s Testing Davidson Academy for Coordinator, Matt is an advocate for gifted the profoundly gifted in education and a proud father whose passions Reno, Nev. Her current include theoretical quantum physics, focus is digital art and 28 multicultural studies, and new technology. character animation, His interest in paranormal topics began in but her free time is spent writing stories childhood. Matt credits that same curiosity as and poetry and editing music videos inspiration for learning new languages as well and short films. School officials have 20 as his own personal quest for answers. said they are “certain she is either a time Charlotte Blue Ridge Mensa | Joined 2011 traveler or an ancient being,” and science has yet to prove otherwise. Northern Nevada Mensa | Joined 2014 H. GAY ALLEN JONATHAN MOORE 46 PARTING THOUGHTS: COVER TIM MARTIN MY AI LIFE Jonathan hails from LIONS AND TIGER AND Gay is a retired upstate South Carolina BEARS AND WATER health scientist and has created a BUFFALO – OH, MY! who managed the variety of genre work 24 Tim’s first publishing development of for books, tabletop credit was in the large surveillance gaming, graphic novels, and private second grade. His “BEaST of Health” article and epidemiological data systems for the collectors in the U.S. and abroad. He on big pharma was selected for the Best of Centers for Disease Control. She has also traditionally works in oil, with a small the Bulletin 2001-2002, and his article “That worked as a writer/photographer/editor amount of side projects using digital Smarts!” (a Mensa IQ based on beastly for various national and international media. He juggles his artwork with his brains) led off the 2005 “Animals: The Other publications, including for IBM and as a daily duties as dad to his young daughters People” issue of the Bulletin. He’s a blessed stringer for USA Today. An artist at heart, and son. You can see his work and process husband, animal lover, soon-to-be-25-gallon she has created, exhibited, published, and/ on instagram.com/jonathanmoorestudio. blood donor, chronic seeker of input, and or sold thousands of photos, poems, pieces Piedmont Area Mensa | Joined 2013 perpetual honeymooner, and his proudest of pottery, paintings, fused glass art pieces, accomplishment is his ever-renewing marriage to his forever bride Jackie. collages, and other artworks. Left brain paid LEONARD GASTON the bills so that the right brain can explore the Orange County | Mensa Joined 1983 EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL thrills! See hgayallen.com. Leonard earned a STEVEN LEVI Mensa in Georgia | Joined 1989 30 bachelor’s in engineering JEROME FINDLAY QUIDLEY III 33 from Texas Tech and Steven is a freelance writer 33 an MBA and Ph.D. from The Ohio State in Alaska. He has more University. He had a 32-year career as than 80 books available on an industrial engineer and operations Amazon and specializes research analyst and a second career in impossible crimes. An in academia, retiring as a tenured full impossible crime is one professor. He believes our decisions can where the detectives have to solve how be improved if we are aware of an innate the crime was committed before they can tendency to resist admitting we are wrong go after the perpetrators. In The Matter of – admitting an initial decision might be the Vanishing Greyhound, a Greyhound bus incorrect. The more important the decision disappears off the Golden Gate Bridge. (lives, careers), the stronger the resistance. Visit stevelevibooks.com. Cincinnati Area Mensa | Joined 2010 Mensa Alaska | Joined 1986 MICHAEL MCKENZIE JEROME FINDLAY QUIDLEY III MARIAN HERZ Michael has been creating art for more than 4 OPENING SHOTS 25 years, studying a variety of disciplines. His Marian is a retired product management and development professional artwork has adorned halls of barracks in basic who now spends most of her time traveling the world taking photographs. training while he was a tanker in the Army, on She started taking pictures when she was 6 and has won international a variety of unconventional canvasses during photographic competitions, including three best-in-the-world nature print his deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom, awards in the Kodak International Salon and a 2016 Ocean Conservancy and at a hydroelectric dam powerhouse for contest award. Her images have also been published in National Wildlife, the Lower Colorado River Authority. You can National Gardening, Florida Wildlife, and on the World Wildlife Fund see more of his art at fineartamerica.com/ website. When home, she gives presentations about the places she has visited and the profiles/michael+mckenzie.html. environmental changes captured in her photography. Visit marianherz.zenfolio.com. St. Louis Area Mensa | Joined 2013 Southern Idaho Mensa | Joined 1978

6 MENSA BULLETIN SIGNS OF INTELLIGENCE MENSA®|BULLETIN Finding LaRae EDITORIAL STAFF Issue 622 By LaRae Bakerink, Chair | [email protected] Editor: Chip Taulbee, [email protected] Art Director: Hilary Moore, [email protected] LOOKING THROUGH MY CALENDAR, it Director of Marketing and Communications: Charles Brown feels like I’m about to dive into a Where’s Associate Marketing Director: Scott Snider Marketing Specialist: Laurel Gregory Waldo? book where I’m the one searched for. Copy Editor: Ronnie Rittenberry I’ve been making a point of attending Advertising: Julie Martinez, [email protected] Mensa events I have not yet attended as Bulletin for the Blind: [email protected] well as adding in some of my annual favor- Questions? Comments? Call 817-607-0060 ites. This month I’ll attend for the first AMERICAN MENSA time Greater Los Angeles’s Regional Gathering, StaRGaz- Chair: LaRae Bakerink, [email protected] ers, chaired by the amazing Madeline Pinsky Walker. It will First Vice Chair: Lori Norris, [email protected] be nice to visit with old friends and make some new ones Second Vice Chair: Billie Lee, [email protected] Secretary: Greg Kontz, [email protected] along the way. Treasurer: Deb Stone, [email protected] In March, on the opposite coast, I’ll attend Central New Ombudsman: Bud Klueck, [email protected] Jersey’s RG, Snowball, chaired by Erin Risch and Josh Fish- Advocate: Elissa Rudolph, [email protected] kind. This is the second-largest and longest-running RG. Executive Director: Trevor Mitchell, MBA, CAE, [email protected] Cooler weather, wonderful friends, and perhaps it will live Communications Officer: Tommy Ryan, [email protected] up to its name and I will get to see some of the powdery white stuff!

Chair: Bibiana Balanyi, [email protected] April brings one of my favorite annual events, Mind Director of Administration: Dan Burg, [email protected] Games. This year it will be in Wadsworth, Ohio, and chaired Director of Development: Rudi Challupner, by Karen Bujak and Ken McMurray. I know I will get very [email protected] little sleep but will laugh and meet new members while we Treasurer: Nick Sanford, [email protected] Director of Smaller National Mensas: Mark Dettinger, game away. [email protected] In May, I will head to Houston to attend my first Gulf International SIGs Co-Coordinators: Barbara Kryvko (USA), Henri Buccine-Schraeder (USA), [email protected] Coast Mensa RG, SynRG, chaired by Taz Criss. I expect Ombudsman: Mr. Martyn Davies, [email protected] to see pirates, as well as play games, sing, and visit with Executive Director: Michael Feenan, members. [email protected]. Slate Barn, Church Lane, Caythorpe, Lincolnshire NG32 3EL, UK I hope that I will see some of you at these events. Please +44(0)1400272 675 come by and say hello! Mensa World Journal Editor: Kate Nacard, [email protected] It’s tough to keep up with all that is going on with Mensa, Mensa International: [email protected], especially making sure I get my early-bird pricing on RG Tel/Fax: +44(0)1400272 675 registrations and hotel rooms, but it all happens because MENSA FOUNDATION we have some amazing volunteers. To all event chairs and President: Marie Mayer, [email protected] everyone else lending a hand, thank you for your hard work! Foundation Director: Jill Beckham, [email protected] *** Director of Philanthropy: John Thompson, When you of Mensa, do you think of customer [email protected] service? I certainly do and not only with respect to the Visit MensaFoundation.org National Office staff. Each one of us who volunteers in any The Mensa Bulletin is published by American Mensa, Ltd., under the auspices of the American Mensa Committee. manner provides a form of customer service to members MENSA BULLETIN (ISSN 0025-9543) — published 10 times a year (monthly, and perhaps potential members. What kind of purveyor of combined issues in April/May and November/December) by American Mensa, Ltd., 1200 E. Copeland Road, Ste. 550, Arlington, TX 76011. Annual subscription: customer service are you? $12 to members. Extra copies are available from the address above: $3 per copy (12 copy maximum), includes domestic postage. Copyright 2019 by American Exceptional customer service means that you go above Mensa, Ltd. Printed in U.S.A. Periodical rate postage paid at Arlington, Texas, and and beyond what members or potential members expect; at additional mailing offices. you take that extra step to make them feel you understand Postmaster: Send address changes to Mensa Bulletin, 1200 E. Copeland Road, Ste. 550, Arlington, TX 76011. what they are going through and want this to be the best Mensa® is registered at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as the collective mark experience they have ever had. of an international membership association. Opinions expressed in the Mensa Bulletin are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any Thank you, please, you’re welcome, well done. We hear those other individual or of any official Mensa body. words spoken almost every day and should them read- Mensa is an international society in which the sole requirement for qualification for membership is a score at or above the 98th percentile on any of a number of ily when volunteering or interacting with other volunteers. standardized intelligence tests. Mensa is a not-for-profit organization whose main Let’s make sure our words mean something and don’t let purpose is to serve as a means of communication and assembly for its members. “Mensa’s purposes are to identify and foster for the benefit appreciation become depreciated. of humanity; to encourage research in the nature, characteristics, and uses of Please let me know if you have any thoughts or questions. intelligence; and to provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members.” I’m still listening.

FEBRUARY 2019 7 One Perspective Out of Many DID YOU SEE Mensa recently written about in The Wall Street Journal? We made the cover in the paper’s long-running “A-hed” slot for quirky features. (Read more about the article in News on p. 39.) Ostensibly, the piece, headlined “Mensa’s Debate: Deep Thinking or Games and Drinking,” was about a struggle for organizational identity. Struggle, though, is prob- ably too strong a word. This wasn’t Spotlight-style investiga- tive journalism but a light, fun read that essentially asked if Mensans, with their gifts of high intelligence, should embrace more serious, potentially life-changing activities instead of, well, just playing games and drinking. The debate is as old as Mensa itself. Take it from someone who gleefully noses through Bulletin archives the way others go through family photo albums: Many breaths and barrels of ink have been expended on and by members deliberating Mensa’s purpose. So much, actually, that I’m not sure I have anything novel to add to the discussion. My opinion, anyway, infinitesi- mally important as it is, couches the debate more inward than out and general rather than specific: For me, Mensa is a place where the supersmart can feel like they belong. Of course, we can always turn to our group’s stated purpos- es for direction – “to identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity; to encourage research in the nature, INTERNATIONAL characteristics, and uses of intelligence; and to provide a stim- COPPER ulating intellectual and social environment for its members.” Within that context, I believe Mensa fulfills its charge. BLACK At the risk of sounding defensive – the Journal’s feature AWARD really is friendly and worth reading – I thought the article had one major blind spot, the Mensa Foundation. I can’t blame someone not versed in Mensa for distinguishing between Nominations now open Mensa the social group and Mensa’s charitable arm, but the truth is the organizations are inexorably connected. And the work our Foundation does to support people with high intelli- Win gence, including research, education, scholarships, and awards, speaks to Mensa’s commitment to . Many of the social media responses to the Journal article reveled in the reveal that Mensa comprises folks not all seri- $500 ously stodgy but indeed fun. An even more common reac- tion will likely seem to you self-evident: Can’t Mensa be both fun and serious? In an organization that more than The Mensa Education & Research Foundation is seeking 50,000, nobody should expect monolithic outcomes. Your nominations for its annual Copper Black International Award Mensa experience is what you make it, we’re often told. for Creative Achievement. Judges will consider inventions, Apparently, the Wall Street Journal reporter had a good time innovations, or unique improvements shown to work. Artistic at the Regional Gathering he attended for research purposes, accomplishments are not eligible. Winners receive recognition I’m told. For me, this is an important factor in the Mensa and a $500 cash prize, donated by the award’s namesake. experience – that people have a good time. But that’s just one You may nominate yourself or another Mensan. person’s perspective. Deadline for nominations is March 1. Details at mensafoundation.org CHIP TAULBEE BULLETIN EDITOR [email protected]

8 MENSA BULLETIN BRAINWAVES

As a Roman Catholic woman, I believe each of us has our own mission in life, and that life is a gift. Get My Martha McLoughlin Lakewood, N.J.

I agree with Elva Campbell’s letter (“Brainwaves: Life’s Purpose,” Janu- ary); however, I would like to gently Meaning suggest that the two references near in which she says “intended by Redefining diversity, 'first man,' life's purpose, waste, God” and “God’s original intent” are a civility, and other staked claims claim beyond the knowing of humans. We can say, “I believe God’s intent was …” or “I believe God’s original intent Diversity or Exclusion? November/December). One correc- was …” or even “God’s intent for my tion in Richard’s article – Adam. life was …” but to state it as fact for Reading James Coy Driscoll’s letter Although the name refers to “the first everyone is not appropriate. about the artwork above the article man,” it is not Hebrew for “the first There are millions of opinions of “Stabilizer’s, Fixers, Independents, man.” It comes from the Hebrew root what God’s intent is, but opinions & Organizers” (“Brainwaves: Diver- Adamah, which means “ground or are the conclusions of the person who sity Vigilence,” January) sent me earth.” Thus, Adam himself came from has them. We can know the intent back to the November/December the earth and is so named. Also, I wish of God for our life, but not someone issue to scrutinize the artwork to see he would have included Ringermacher. else’s. Each of us has only one life if it implied to me the same message Of all the machers I have never been to direct our entire life – our own! expressed in James’s letter. able to find a definitive translation Personally, I know my purpose in life Driscoll mentions unintentional for Ringer. is to help others! I know I was right discrimination based on race. He Harry Ringermacher, Ph.D. when I perceived that as a child. I’m observes the drawn figures are all Delanson, N.Y. 85 now, and it’s been a wonderful life white, excluding minorities. He appar- (and still is). I wish the best to every- ently was expecting the artist to define body in finding his or her own path the individuals in the drawing with Life’s Purpose through life. stereotypical facial characteristics to In our November/December 2018 JimAnn Oliver, Life Member enforce minority recognition because Mensa Bulletin, I enjoyed reading Richardson, Texas such omission sends minorities a Donald Wright’s “Brainwaves” letter message “that they are not a part of (“Life’s Purpose”) about the joy of ‘us,’” without defining who “us” might glorifying God and enjoying Him Answering the Call be. However, his summation of his forever. A loud and solid Hurrah to Sara issue is not diverse, but specific, defin- Decades ago, I figured out that the for gloriously writing a ing but one minority and thus using Bible hero Samson might have had the needed putdown – or maybe a warn- the same biased exclusion through same sexual desires as Baron Leopold ing – in pointing out the varieties of his words that he accuses the artist of von Sacher-Masoch. If so, he under- rot that are seeping into Mensa: the doing through his drawing. standably believed that Delilah would nitpickers, the narcissists, the me-mes, Driscoll’s underlying message that lovingly dominate him before he was the bullies, loudmouths, interrupt- racial discrimination exits is real, but taken in by her treachery. Unlike evil ers (“Brainwaves: A Call to Action,” I don’t feel discriminated against every Delilah, the lady of the evening who November/December). time I see something that excludes saved Samson’s life by helping him flee I became a Mensan long ago, and it someone like me or feel challenged Gaza, unharmed, was probably a loving was always enjoyable to go to biweek- to find it in everything I look at and dominatrix. Both she and Samson ly meetings in members’ homes. I make it an arguable issue when it’s not. served God well. She recognized some- became the monthly newsletter editor Phillip Gourley | Hooksett, N.H. thing holy in Samson and wanted to and joined in occasional group activi- spare him from Delilah and Philistines. ties such as movies and a few ball- Samson wanted to please God and win games. Several years later, I moved to What’s In a Name? military victory for Israel and used his another city and more of the same – Very interesting and informative attraction to the Philistines to help his friendliness, doing things, in one case article by Richard Lederer (“Look- countrymen, because Samson was a 16 of us going to a Gilbert and Sulli- ing at Language: What’s In a Name?” judge who served as a military leader. van delight.

FEBRUARY 2019 9 BRAINWAVES

But then it began: the less-than- Philippines, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.” them. Like Bryan, I am grateful for the civil comment or correction here, a (“Shocking Report Reveals That social opportunities Mensa gives me. snippy statement there, one awful lady 95% of Plastic Polluting the World’s J. Gail McGrew, Life Member, complaining that people who couldn’t Oceans Comes From Just TEN Rivers Mensa Foundation Supporter get into Mensa were boring…. And Including the Ganges and Niger,” Loganville, Ga. there are so many of them, it made me Daily Mail, Oct. 11, 2017) sick. In fact, no Mensan on this planet And, “[…] the United States As the former Feghoot Editor for had anything to do with gaining their contributes just 77,000 tons, which is Isolated M, I must dispute Bryan smarts, as they’re all gifts. They should less than 1 percent […].” Lundgren’s gross misstatement in his properly stand up every morning David Aitken | Denver, Colo. “Incivility” article. Feghoots are not and shout thank you for their great “badly written humor.” Feghoots are fortune. Incivility an elegant form of humor with an After several more years of a vari- honorable history. Created by Regi- ety of snips and snaps and a few argu- Bryan Lundgren’s take on Incivility nald Bretnor (who also wrote the ments, plus crude language, I said (“Parting Thoughts,” January”) call- science fiction entries for Encyclo- enough and chose a different kind of ing for proactive responses to uncivil pedia Britannica) in the 1940s, they Mensaing. I enjoy being a Mensan, behaviors and harmful words does not appeared in early issues of Isolated M pay for the privilege, read every Bulle- fully acknowledge that the behaviors as Hegphoots, until Harper Fowley tin and other mailings that arrive from extend beyond this one group and became friends with Bretnor. time to time. And here’s the best part. have become the apparent acceptable Wikipedia defines Feghoot as a I make sure to get to one meeting a norms in the current societal environ- “vignette ending in an atrocious pun.” year, so I can say I’m active. It works ment. Yes, the approach of holding In the best of all possible worlds, the for me, and I recommend it. others accountable is laudable, but stories are engrossing, not quite shaggy it becomes an increasingly tiresome dog, but close. But it’s the ending – J. K. Hillstrom | Houston, Texas effort when it is not the members of not an “atrocious pun” but a spooner- one group or organization who express ism – that tickles the pallet. Waste Not often inappropriate intolerance “The Mills Are Alive with the “The Great Waste” by Abir Faisal in but when it is evident across many Hounds of Munich!” “Hugh, and the January Bulletin failed to point groups, especially groups in which the only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.” out that, according to recent reports, acceptance of openness and tolerance “It’s just a furry with a syringe on top.” 88 percent to 95 percent of the plas- should not even be an issue. “Wait till the nun signs Shelley.” tic in the ocean comes from just 10 Change comes one person at a It is the very elegance of feghoots rivers, eight in Asia and two in Africa. time, and it is often a long and pain- which has made it impossible for “More than half of the plastic waste ful process. I am willing to do my part Isolated M to stamp them out. that flows into the oceans comes from but with Reinhold Niebuhr’s (1892- Ruth Danielle, Life Member just five countries: China, Indonesia, 1971) admonishment: God grant Sarasota, Fla. me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, courage to change the Final Word on things I can, and wisdom to know the Frankenstein difference. William Grant | Purcellville, Va. I must respond to John Lauritsen’s RATED M letter to the editor in the November/ The Mensa Bryan Lundgren’s article issue hit a December [a response to this letter Marketing special place in my heart and thinking. writer’s October article, “Author! Research Panel It is a shame that a few members can Author! Or, Who Wrote Franken- give such a bad impression to others – stein,” itself a response to Laurit- new, returning, or current members. sen’s “The Real Frankenstein and Its Such things happened in my group Author,” June]. when I was active and when I became If he deems the “extra-textual” inactive in local events (due to medical evidence is my reference to the problems). horizontal line in the clear copy in Get paid to share your opinions. I joined Mensa in 1983, became Mary Shelly’s handwriting held in Find out how at the local membership officer, for 10 the University of ’s Bodleian us.mensa.org/benefits. years, married a Mensan in 1988 (and Library, he is wrong. See Volume II, widowed in 2000). Friendships made Chapter 18 of the original documents in Mensa have withstood the chal- as published by Charles Robinson as lenges of time and distance; I treasure The Original Frankenstein: Two New

10 MENSA BULLETIN BRAINWAVES

Versions, Mary Shelley’s Earliest Draft Mary was born and therefore had no “Brainwaves” is a forum for the exchange of and Percy Shelley’s Revised Text. input on Frankenstein. comments on published articles, letters, or issues. Publication of any letter does not suggest Mr. Lauritsen then compares the As for the number of sites visited endorsement by American Mensa, Ltd., or the Mensa prose of Percy and that of Mary. He by Mary and not Percy, the most Bulletin. Letters intended for publication should is right about the difference, and that important and thorough description be sent to [email protected]. Ad hominem attacks will not be considered, and shows graphically that Percy wrote of a site is that of the island on where letters must be signed. Not every submission will be the end of Frankenstein, not Mary. Victor spent several months build- published. Letters 250 words or shorter will receive Mr. Lauritsen objects to my saying ing his second creature. Mary spent preference. Submissions may be edited for length, content, and style. that Victor used powerful electric several months in Scotland, where charges to animate the Creature. In she could have easily heard of or the 1818 edition of Frankenstein, visited (as I did) the remote Orkney IN MEMORIAM in Chapter 2, Victor describes that Islands. As for the other sites that The Bulletin regrets to announce the when he was about 14 years old he that are described in her book, the deaths of the following members: witnessed the destruction of an oak descriptions are much sketchier, and tree by lightning and subsequently we can only presume that she visited Richard N. Bolles, Walnut Creek, Calif. Michael T. Corgan, North Falmouth, Mass. received his father’s explanation of them, except that she spent time in Clayton C. Crider, Tulsa, Okla. electricity, which stayed with him. Germany near Castle Frankenstein. James Diefenthal, Mandeville, La. And in Chapter 4, M. Waldman Whether Mary’s legal surname Lieselotte H. Werner Fajardo, took him into Waldman’s labora- was Wollstonecraft or Godwin has San Carlos, Calif. Allan Robert Fecso, tory to explain the use of his various no bearing on the argument in my Highlands, N.J. Garland Eugene Gorman, Franklin, Tenn. machines. I perhaps over emphasized article. Everett Hooks, Charlotte, N.C. the use of electricity, but this in no I am pleased that Mr. Lauristen Paul R. Kramer, Denver, Colo. way defeats my argument. now says that the Frankenstein Crea- Judith R. Kreiner, Bowie, Md. Mr. Lauritsen’s introduction of ture may be a figment of Victor’s Donna J. MacDougall, Charleston, Ill. Jacquelyn Naquin, New Orleans, La. Mary’s mother into this discussion is imagination. More proof is coming. Robert Shackton Jr., Clearwater, Fla. an unrequired digression, as he points Arthur Belefant, Life Member Pat McKeown Soderbeck, Webster, Wis. out, Mary’s mother died soon after Melbourne Beach, Fla. David E. Townsend, La Honda, Calif.

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FEBRUARY 2019 11 HEAD GAMES

BRAINTEASERS By Dr. Abbie F. Salny

1. Fill in the blanks to complete the word below: 4. The 14 letters below can be anagrammed into a four- word phrase meaning a temporary arrangement. What is C N I E T Y —— — — — — — — — the phrase?

2. Fill in each blank below with a word that fits the E E H H I M N O R R S T T T definition of the word on the left when read normally and fits the definition on the right when read backward? 5. Charlie is currently twice as old as David. When Charlie is 72, he will be the sum of his age now and David’s age Legal term — Horse’s gait now. How old are they now? Location — Pinnacles Vegetable — Part of a boat 6. For Valentine’s Day, there was a contest to guess the number of candy hearts in a jar. Barbara guessed 129, 3. A line from a nursery rhyme has been put into very fancy Betty guessed 138, Tom guessed 133, and Gary guessed language. Can you put it back into everyday English? 135. One was correct, one was off by 2, one was off by Small individual dressed in the color of a clear sky, please 3, and one was off by 6. How many candy hearts were in use your mouth to force sound from a metal instrument. the jar?

NUMBER BUSHES By Erich Friedman

Put the indicated numbers in the circles, with each number used exactly once. If a circle is connected by line segments to higher circles, then the number in the lower circle must equal the sum of the numbers in those directly connected higher circles. Furthermore, the numbers in each row of circles will increase from the left to the right.

Puzzle 1 Puzzle 2 Puzzle 3 Puzzle 4 Numbers 1-6 Numbers 1-7 Numbers 1-8 Numbers 1-9

Puzzle 5 Puzzle 6 Puzzle 7 Numbers 1-10 Numbers 1-11 Numbers 1-12

Dr. Friedman is a regular contributor to Games World of Puzzles.

12 MENSA BULLETIN HEAD GAMES

CROSSWORD By Bill Etienne

1234567 891011121314

15 16

17 18

19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

32 33 34

35

36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43

44 45 46

47 48 49 50

51 52 53

54 55 56 57 58 59

60 61

62 63

ACROSS 39. Leaders of the 6. Smoke, for short 37. Mass departures 1. Crossing route faithful in song 7. Casual top 38. Treats seawater, in a 8. Popular amulets in 41. Total 8. Place to relax way ancient Egypt 44. Feller’s tool 9. Preserve 39. Water tank 15. Wild thought 45. Highly concentrated 10. Expert 40. Mariners’ milieu 16. Ladies’ item in many a 46. Unit of force 11. Shower 41. Become like glassy, Monet 47. Trig function 12. Sidelong banded stone 17. Run-of-the-mill 48. Map abbrs. 13. Old French dance tune 42. Inhabitant 18. They don’t make it like 49. Wampums 14. Make streamlined 43. Last course they used to 51. Make suitable 22. Hurry 50. Electrician, at times 19. Kind of coat 53. Inflammation suffix 23. Flowing forth 52. Ballet move 20. Habituate 54. Invoice issuers 24. Usain Bolt won many 55. Type of room 21. Stuffed animals 57. Notify 25. Long vowel marks 56. Get 25. They follow lambdas 60. Emeritus 26. Knock off a jouster 57. Astern 27. Bug 61. Meat locker 30. Coffee order 58. Supporting 28. Sheltered from the 62. Pith 36. Ghoulish 59. As indicated by wind 63. Rush 29. Set securely Head Games are selected and edited by... 31. Formerly DOWN 32. Mag. staff 1. What a bigfoot might do BILL ETIENNE 33. Otalgia 2. Scolded 34. Common base 3. Ways and means Can you stump a Mensan? Send your mathematical recreations, word 4. Obnoxious people puzzles, logic puzzles, trivia, riddles, and other “Head Games” submissions 35. Explosive to Bill Etienne at [email protected]. 36. Dr.’s order 5. Important period

ANSWERS ON PAGE 45 FEBRUARY 2019 13 SUPPLEMENTALLY

NASA InSight's first selfie on Mars. Rad Dec. 6, 2018 (Sol 10). Planet The benefit of backup, on Mars, Earth, and beyond By John Blinke

NASA’S LATEST MARS LANDER, maximum enjoy- InSight, was accompanied by two ment out of them. camera-toting shepherds that followed It’s great to use it nearly all the way to the Red Planet. exotic instrumentation to learn the sheep bones suggested that the workers The purpose was an experiment in inner structure of a giant planet, but enjoyed high-protein steaks and lamb enhanced communication. (See “Eye you and I can’t really hang that informa- chops with their meals. But closer Spy” on p. 15.) They were probably too tion on the wall to impress houseguests. inspection shows that many bones far away to see the lander in flight, and Photos of swirling colored clouds work had the ends snapped off. This is what that is unfortunate. If anything happens much better. modern Egyptians do to make soup. to a probe (such as gremlins stealing Say, have you ever wanted to edit So the ancient workers might have the hubcaps) mission scientists have space photos on your home computer? enjoyed the leftovers after elites dined no way of knowing until something Do so with NASA’s blessing. You can on the best parts of the animals. malfunctions. download raw images, play with them, Archaeology, November/December 2018. “Let I am thinking of one of the Voyager and then upload the edited images for Them Eat Soup.” craft that had a jammed scan platform. everyone to admire. For Juno images, NASA engineers speculated that it had visit missionjuno.swri.edu/junocam- The Smut Diet something stuck in the gears, but they processing. Sometimes it is difficult to recognize had no way to see if that was true. The the best parts of the plants we eat. Galileo orbiter at Jupiter had a jammed Mars InSight When modern peoples see nasty- antenna, but there was no way to see InSight is safely on the surface of Mars looking corn smut, they avoid it like if, perhaps, a gentle shake might have after a perfect landing. Over the next poison. But ancient Puebloan peoples popped it loose. If something like the several weeks it will deploy a heat probe in the American Southwest were not MarCO CubeSats had been around, and seismometer to get the first look at so picky. It seems that corn smut was they might have added a bit of essential the interior of Mars. It is not designed included in their diets, intentionally information. to go anywhere, but it will measure seis- or not. And those who ate it were less It seems to me that every exploration mic activity and heat flow for an entire likely to have the nutritional disease vehicle needs backup. The Spirit rover Martian year. This first-ever knowledge pellagra. As the saying goes, we often froze to death because it got stuck in a of an alien world will help us under- don’t know what’s good for us! sand trap. If it had had a partner with a stand our Earth, which has been the Archaeology, November/December 2018. “Eat tow rope, the partner might have been only planet available for close study. More Spore.” able to drag Spirit out of the sand. Science, Nov. 30. “Safely Settled, InSight Gets I don’t think backup craft have to Ready to Look Inside Mars.” It’s a Blast be exact twins of the main vehicle. Just In 1908, a comet or airburst meteor a mobile camera would be enough in Pyramid Scheme destroyed thousands of miles of forest in most cases. Or maybe a flying drone Mark Lehner continues to excavate remote Tunguska, Siberia. What if that could be a sidekick. around the three great pyramids on the had happened in a populated area? We On a slightly different note, the Juno Giza plateau. His work showed that don’t have to wonder any longer. Accord- spacecraft at Jupiter has a color camera the pyramid workers had been fed very ing to scientists at Trinity Southwest for public outreach purposes. This is well. However, their treatment was University in Albuquerque, N.M., that an excellent idea. Taxpayers are fund- perhaps not as “royal” as we had been exact event occurred 3,700 years ago in

ing space missions, so they should get led to believe. The presence of beef and what is present-day Jordan. The blast InSight courtesy of NASA

14 MENSA BULLETIN SUPPLEMENTALLY leveled mudbrick buildings and melted experimental planar antennas and attract mates by smell. Cubical scat ceramic pots into glass. People fled the grapefruit-sized x-band transceivers can set on a log or a rock without plain of Middle Ghor and didn’t return to provide an instant link between rolling off. for 600 years. Why didn’t they rebuild Mission Control and the Martian Smithsonian, Nov. 20. “Why Wombats Make immediately? Because their farmland surface. They have cameras, too. Cube-Shaped Poos.” (Contributed by Stephen Darnell) was ruined by surging water from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. “Mars Cube One (MarCO).” ultra-salty Dead Sea. Move Over Olduvai Science News, Nov. 20. “An Exploding Meteor May Have Wiped Out Ancient Dead Sea Square Meals Scientists have been calling east Africa Communities.” Maybe they just want to be different the cradle of humanity because that’s from everyone else, but Australian where the oldest tools have been Eye Spy wombats poop little brown cubes. The found. But it seems to be a matter of NASA’s successful InSight lander was matter is important enough to get the looking for your keys where the light followed by two briefcase-sized Cube- attention of the American Physical is good. According to researchers at named MarCO A, and MarCO Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics the Centro Nacional de Investigación B. MarCO stands for Mars Cube One. in Atlanta. Research included inflat- sobre la Evolución Humana, north These are the first CubeSats to be sent ing roadkill intestines like strange Africa is producing stone tools along beyond Earth’s orbit. Their function party balloons. Scientists found that with animal bones that have signs is to provide quick communications a wombat gut is not equally elastic of butchery. The new finds at Ain between NASA and the lander, which in every direction like, say, pig guts. Boucherit, Algeria, were dated to 2.4 lacks the chops to shout out directly There are two grooves that have a million years ago. The oldest from east from the Martian surface. This job different elasticity. These, along with Africa were from 2.6 million years ago. is usually performed by one of the the fact that wombat poo is very dry, ScienceDaily, Nov. 29. “The Whole of Africa Was the Cradle of Humankind.” (Science) Mars orbiters, but they can report on allow it to be molded into rounded a successful landing only after a delay cubes. Now, why would they need of several hours. And to do so they to do that? It might be due to the The Lego Diet must interrupt their primary mission animal’s Mr. Magoo eyesight. They This item might show up in a future Ig of mapping Mars. The MarCOs use can’t see very well, so they have to Nobel prize. Six pediatricians decided

FEBRUARY 2019 15 SUPPLEMENTALLY

to find out how long it would take mia: the spread of life between worlds wide and weighs 2.45 kilograms. It to excrete a plastic toy that had been via space rocks. wafts along silently at five meters per swallowed. So they each ate a plastic New Scientist, Nov. 17. “Humble Lichen second. The engineers at MIT are call- Lego head and then monitored their Could Make Fuel on Mars.” (Astrobiology) ing it a zero-emission aircraft, but that stools. On average, it took 1.7 days to isn’t quite true. The powerful electric deliver the goods, so to speak. During Planets Like Grains of Sand field produces ozone, which is bad stuff the experiment, they minted some Planets can become loners in several to have in the air you breathe. Bigger useful acronyms: SHAT, for stool ways. They might be pitched out versions of the plane might come even- hardness and transit, and FART, for of their solar systems by their giant tually, but battery weight and capacity found and retrieved time. Although neighbors. They might be left over are the limiting factors. the experiment was mostly holiday when their stars explode. In any case, CNN, Nov. 22. “This Plane Has No Moving Parts fun, it had a serious side in that many they are hard to detect when they aren’t and Doesn’t Need an Engine to Fly.” objects are eaten by kids, especially orbiting a star. Astronomers can find around the holidays. them only by looking for gravitational Iron Persons New York Post, Nov. 27. “Scientists Ate Lego microlensing that happens when lone Remember the second Alien movie Heads to See How Long It’d Take to Poop planets pass in front of distant stars. where Sigourney Weaver fought the Them Out.” (Journal of Paediatrics and Child Scientists at the University of Warsaw alien queen in an exoskeleton loader Health) in Poland have found two rogue plan- suit? Well, exoskeletons are starting ets this way: one as big as 20 times the to find a place on automotive assem- Travel Companion mass of Jupiter and the other up to 23 bly lines. The modern industrial Packing is always a chore. What times the mass of Earth. Given that exoskeleton looks like the top half of should you take and what should you such loners are extremely difficult to Iron Man’s prosthetic armor. It is not leave behind? When explorers eventu- find, the astronomers say there could powered. It just uses a clever assort- ally go to Mars, those choices will be be more rogue planets than stars. ment of springs to distribute stress from critical. But one unlikely item could New Scientist, Nov. 17. “Wandering Earths the arms and shoulders to the wearer’s turn out to be a great idea: lichens. Pepper the Galaxy.” large back muscles, saving the person Scientists at the University of Crete in much anguish when doing overhead Greece played around with lichens to Electric Flight work. Users love the thing. But it is too see if they would be useful traveling Wright Brothers, eat your hearts out. new to have a track record. More time companions. They found that the little There’s a new flier in town. It is an is needed to see if it prevents injuries green plants (OK, they aren’t really electric plane with no moving parts. It overall. The EksoVest costs $6,000, and plants) can survive Mars-like condi- looks a bit like the original Wright flier, Ford Motor Company is using them in tions. Lichens produce hydrogen that but the biplane also resembles an elec- 17 assembly plants in eight countries. space travelers might find useful. They tronic air cleaner. There is a reason for New Scientist, Nov/ 24. “Exoskeletons for can be frozen for storage and then that: It works like an air cleaner. High Making Mustangs.” revived when they are needed. And voltage on the plates produces an elec- Send science articles to: SuppleMentally, because of their hardy nature, lichens tric wind that drives the plane forward. P.O. Box 80242, Rochester, MI 48308-0242 or to might be candidates for lithopansper- The experimental flier is five meters [email protected].

THE AWARD RECIPIENT RECEIVES A PLAQUE AND A CASH PRIZE NOMINATE The Distinguished Teacher Award recognizes a teacher, professor or instructor at any educational A TEACHER level who has had an especially positive influence on the education or life of a Mensa member. The educator can have impacted the Mensa member WHO HAS MADE directly or as a result of his/her influence on the A DIFFERENCE education of a dependent. Nominations must be received IN YOUR LIFE by March 1. Details at mensafoundation.org.

16 MENSA BULLETIN LOOKING AT LANGUAGE Palindromes A to Z The pattern-hunting Mensa mind at work By Richard Lederer

A PALINDROME IS A WORD, intricate demands of the compound, sentence, or longer state- art, flowing sweetly in both ment that communicates the same directions, but which also contains the AH, SATAN SEES NATASHA. message when the letters in it are read Final Truth of Things.” BAR ARAFAT, A FAR ARAB. in reverse order. For example, anyone Palindromania is not a compulsive CAMUS SEES SUMAC. who would impugn the reputation of disorder but, rather, an evolutionary, DARE DICK LEDERER RE: RED ELK the former governor of Alaska and 2008 passionate effort to cobble letters into CIDER AD. Republican vice presidential candidate order and truth. I say “evolutionary” ED, I SAW HARPO MARX RAM Sarah Palin would be out to HARASS because I believe that in our species is OPRAH W. ASIDE. SARAH. Read the two words forward evolving a heightened wonderment at FLEECING NIGGARD HANNAH, and backward and you’ll see that they and facility with the universe of letters. DRAGGING NICE ELF form a palindrome, as well as – ta da! – In 1892, William Walsh stated in his GOD, NATE BIT A TIBETAN DOG. a Palin drome! Hand-Book of Literary Curiosities: “After HAKEEM OLAJUWON’S NOW UJA! I look forward to meeting you at the centuries of endeavor, so few really LO! MEEK! AH! 2019 Annual Gathering in Phoenix, good anagrams have been rolled down I YAM POPEYE, POP. MAY I? AZ. ThatAZ inspires me to exhibit to us. One may assert that all the really JOY: CIGARETTE RAG, ICY O.J. a parade of palindromes from A to superb anagrams now extant might KAY, A RED NUDE, PEEPED Z. We Mensans love such aerobics of be contained in a pillbox.” Today the UNDER A YAK. the mind and pushups of the brain. universe of wordplay gleams with stel- LISA BONET ATE NO BASIL. We seek and thrive on patterns. We lar palindromes, anagrams, kangaroo MANET TASTES SAP ASSETS AT delight in the fearful symmetry of a words, pangrams, isograms, and dozens TEN A.M. completed design. We adore snatching of other ways of making the alphabet NO, MEL GIBSON IS A CASINO’S significance from the swirl of data. Our dance. We have, it seems, an inelucta- BIG LEMON. minds strive to exceed our grasp – or ble rendezvous with logological destiny. OH NO! DON HO! what’s a puzzle for? How, for example, Abraham Abulafia, a 13th-century PAGANINI: DIN IN A GAP can one possibly cobble a palindrome cabalist, taught that the key to tran- Q: ARI, LIVE NOT ON EVIL IRAQ? beginning and ending with q when no scendence is language itself. Abulafia R.E. LEE, POTATO PEELER word ends in uq? (In the solution at the believed that, by concentrating on SUMS ARE NOT SET AS A TEST ON end of this column, the Q stands for letters, "the mind could loose itself ERASMUS. question, and the question is directed from its shackles to commune with a TARZAN RAISED DESI ARNAZ’ RAT. to Ari Shapiro, co-host of NPR’s All presence greater than itself." Wordplay UNGATE ME, VIC. I’VE MET A GNU. Things Considered.) and letter play extend our reach beyond VANNA, WANNA “V”? Scottish poet Alastair Reid expresses our grasp and touch something that WON’T I, PATTI PAGE, GAP IT, what might be the very heart of the transcends our mortal coil. TAP IT NOW? fascination for matters palindromic: May my A-to-Z WORD ROW of XERXES: EX-REX “The dream which occupies the tortu- palindromes sate your Mensan lust for YAWN. MADONNA FAN? NO ous mind of every palindromist is that patterns. To add to the challenge, and DAMN WAY! somewhere within the confines of the inspired by my new book, The Joy of ZEUS WAS DEIFIED, SAW SUEZ. language lurks the Great Palindrome, Names, I include at least one person’s the nutshell which not only fulfills the name in each palindrome: Email Rich at [email protected]. Tacocat © Stockphoto/Tumana

FEBRUARY 2019 17 PAGE TURNERS

Creating the High Performance Work Place: It’s Not Complicated to Life Develop a Culture of Commitment by Sue Bingham and Bob Dusin is one of several books about business that I’ve received lately. The authors suggest an eight-part Stories system they say will lower turnover Best blueprints for biographies don’t have to begin at birth and absenteeism and raise production and profits. Their eight points, which By Caroline McCullagh they elaborate in the book, are: lead with positive assumptions; identify and eliminate negatives; build trust BIOGRAPHIES ARE NOT EASY to the most part, on interviewing people and mutual respect; practice open, write. Not unlike composing a novel, who knew the Collinses. Even there, two-way, adult-to-adult communica- you have to figure what to put in memories fade, so the reader is left fill- tion; engage and involve employees; and what to leave out. A memoir is ing in gaps. conduct exceptional training; ensure somewhat different but not much. It’s Nevertheless, Levi has created a competitive wages and benefits; and built around a theme or a particular story I enjoyed. It could have been establish high expectations. Their time or happening in a person’s life. A better, though. The question for any approach, simple as it sounds, is biography covers birth to present day author is where to start. Levi started backed by 30 years of experience. or death. with Dorothy’s birth, childhood, and “Living these eight elements is the Steven C. Levi, young adulthood, then repeated for mosaic for creating the work place coincidentally Gren. It would have worked better, I where people love to come to work,” author of this think, if he had started with their first Bingham said. “The secret, however, issue’s short meeting and allowed the readers to get is in the application of the elements – fiction “Jerome to know them as they came to know not the words.” Findlay Quidley each other. III” (p. 33), Levi’s other problem had to do submitted In the with context. If I hadn’t known this Alan Weiss has Right Place at the was about Alaska in the ’20s, ’30s, written Three- Right Time: A etc., it could have been a story of a score and More: Biography of Grenold and Dorothy marriage in any decade. There were Applying the Collins. The Collinses are biography- some reminders of time and place, but Assets of Maturi- worthy. Both from the lower 48, they the story would have been so much ty, Wisdom, and met in Alaska in 1937. Dorothy was 30 richer if it had been more grounded Experience for and Gren 32. They fell in love, married, in the history, geology, biology, and Personal and and lived a life of adventure on what sociology of a life on the Alaskan Professional was then the frontier. They were inti- frontier. For example, he writes about Success. mately involved in the development of Dorothy living in a small town. How I’m surprised that this is the first aviation in Alaska. Gren started out small is small? What did people there book I’ve received on ageism. The lucky driving a dogsled, then became the do to earn their living? How did they among us are getting older. Ageism is second flying game warden there. They get their water? Did they have electric- something we will all face eventually, if went on to have nearly 60 years of ity? What kinds of goods might have not now. I’ve always been struck that adventures in Alaska, Africa, and India. been available in the stores? You get movie theaters have one price for adults The problem with trying to write the idea. This could be pieced together and a different price for “seniors.” The a biography of people who lived on a from historical records to help readers obvious, if unintended, implication is frontier is that there are few written feel that they were there experiencing that at some point, we stopped being records available. Few were created, and what Dorothy experienced and under- adults. (Yes, I’m in that group.) many of those have disappeared over standing what she understood. Additionally, AARP changed to time, so Levi has had to depend, for Visit stevelevibooks.com. that name from American Associa- Book covers courtesy of the publishers

18 MENSA BULLETIN PAGE TURNERS tion of Retired Persons because many you on the edge of your seat all the way This is one of those books that potential members felt the old name through. makes me feel like I came in in the would mark them as no longer useful Jonathan Stein’s father was the first middle. I didn’t quite know what’s members of society. Israeli astronaut to participate in the going on. It takes place in a town large Weiss characterizes ageism as one of NASA program. He died of a heart enough to have a conference center the few “acceptable” biases remaining attack shortly before the launch in and a hospital, and it’s someplace in in society. His book is aimed at anyone 1974 that would have included him in Texas, since a silhouette of Texas is who is over 50 or plans to be. It will the crew. Thirty years later, Jonathan part of the book design. Judging by make you rethink pervasive American becomes convinced that his father was the hospital technology, it’s relatively attitudes that shape your own behav- murdered, possibly by one or more of recent in time, maybe contemporary, ior on a daily basis, no matter which the former Nazis working for NASA. although it’s a while before we find out side of that divide you’re on. All the threads of Jonathan’s life seem that people have cellphones. Visit alanweiss.com. to converge as he, now wealthy, prepares The heroine is ICU nurse Ginny, to make the trip to the moon his father in love with Hal. The hero is Jim, Do we count did not get to. Trolls are harassing him Hal’s best friend. Nah, I’m not giving short personal online about his father. He might be anything away; it’s obvious from when essays as fiction or developing heart trouble. At the same he first appears in the book. nonfiction? Mark time, his wife is preparing to give birth Ginny, for reasons that don’t seem Levy doesn’t to their first child. Finally, Jonathan has adequate, jumps into investigating provide a subtitle written to Neil Armstrong for years, the death of an acquaintance under for Trophy Envy, letters that have gone unanswered. He her care. If you can suspend disbelief unless you count begins to believe that Armstrong knows that far, the murder part of the plot “As Heard on the the truth about his father’s death. is convoluted and the solution clever. Public Radio The best parts of this book are the But then there’s a problem at the end Show ‘Weekend Radio.’ ” Since 2007, characters: Jonathan, his wife, his when the author puts Jim, an M.D., Levy has been a contributor to Weekend mother, and in particular, a tow truck in a situation even harder to believe. Radio, a show hosted by Robert driver, Wyatt. The dialog and descrip- *** Conrad on WCLV-FM in Cleveland tion are good too. and also carried on several NPR affili- Two major scenes in the book didn’t Note to my writers: There has ates. You can listen to it online too. work for me. The first had to do with been a lot of package theft in my Levy’s short essays are broadcast an elaborate practical joke, probably neighborhood. If you don’t hear from every three weeks. They cover subjects added by the author to amp up tension. me within a month of sending your such as “Can I Get There from Here?” It seemed to have no other purpose. book, please email me to make sure I (how cops give directions), “Move The second was a scene at Armstrong’s received it. Along, Old Fella.” (why old people house. It was critical to the plot, but I should walk faster), and “Why I Won’t just didn’t buy it. Unless indicated otherwise, all books reviewed Retire.” Seigel seems to have an agenda – to are authored or co-authored by current Mensans, though sometimes using pseudonyms. To submit This collection of 70 essays is a expose the story of the Nazis who came a book for review, send a review copy, submission good one for dipping into from time to America after World War II to work form (you can download it from us.mensa.org/ to time. for NASA – but it doesn’t interfere bookreviews or request it from You might have already read Levy’s much with the flow of the story. [email protected]), and any other work. Some of his pieces have been relevant press materials to: Caroline McCullagh, Page Turners Editor published in the Bulletin. I think The Arms of Death 3461 Taos Place you’ll enjoy sharing his thoughtful and by Maggie Foster San Diego, CA 92117 humorous take on life. is billed as book Email her at [email protected]. Visit trophyenvy.net. one of the Loch Lonach Mystery The Astronaut’s Series. Foster has The Joy of Son, an “inspired the next three Names by a true story” mapped out, so if by Richard Lederer novel by Tom you enjoy this $15 Seigel, has a one, you have To order, email complex plot – that to look forward to. It’s mixed richardhlederer@ too complex by genre, romance and mystery, with a gmail.com or go to my standards – Scottish theme, even though it takes verbivore.com. but it does keep place in the U.S.

FEBRUARY 2019 19 TO THE STARS ACADEMY UNAFRAID TO INVESTIGATE THE UNEXPLAINED

Reimagining what’s possible with an organization at the outer edge of science

Founding Blink-182 rocker bands together with former Skunk Works exec and other serious researchers to refute skeptics

BY MATT TILLER “I“I DON’TDONON’TT BELIEVEBELLIEIEVVE ININ ATOMS,”ATTOMO SS,,” ththehe disciplineddiscipplline aandndd tyingtyiy ngg itit to cchemis-hhemimis- wouldwow ululd deemddeemm itit a hoax.hhooaxax. That’sThThaat’t’s bbe becauseccaause saidsaidd nono physicistphp ysy icist ever,evver, bebecauseecause iti iiss trtry.yy. ButBut still,stilll, it wouldwould bebe moremore thanthhan we diddidd notnot kknownon w ththenhen wwhathhat we ddoo a factfact tthathat atomsatoms exist.exist. WhWhileile most anotheranother centurycentury bbeforeefore anyoneanyone actual-actual- nnow.ow. What’What’ss more,more, therethere are thingsthings scientistsscientists hhaveave not seenseen anan actualactual atom,atom, ly saww an atom throughthrough a microscmicroscope.ope. onceonce thoughtthought to be true thatthat are nownow there is an overwhelming body of Today, thanks to the imagina- known to be false thanks to scientific evidence suggesting our basic under- tive researchers at IBM, not only advancements. For example, bats are standings of atoms and subatomic can we see atoms, but we can watch not blind, deoxygenated blood is not particles are correct. them perform in a short film avail- blue, nor do humans use only 10 Democritus, the Socrates-era able online, A Boy and His Atom. The percent of their brains. The ideas of Greek philosopher-scientist, is one-and-a-half-minute video features Democritus and Dalton paved the credited as the first to introduce animated carbon monoxide molecules way for futuristic technologies like an atomic model of the universe. taking the shape of a stick figure boy plastic polymers and DNA tests. So Around 400 BCE he used the term who befriends an atom. The atom first what technologies from the future ਙIJȠμȠȢ(atomos), meaning “indivis- appears as a ball and interacts with the would appear magical to us today? ible,” to describe the smallest element boy in various forms. While it didn’t More specifically, what are we observ- of matter. By the 17th century and win any Oscars, the 2013 video does ing today that seems magical, unex- the time of Isaac Newton, atomism hold the Guinness World Record for plainable, or elusive? was largely accepted in the Western the smallest stop-motion film. For decades, many people around scientific community as fact. Then in Technology of this magnitude came the world have reported seeing unex- the early 19th century, English scien- from efforts in many scientific fields. plained aerial phenomena. This tist John Dalton greatly improved the IBM’s film would have seemed magi- includes anything from a luminous atomic model, ushering the relation- cal to Democritus, but even if it were orb to a flying disc, and any serious ship between matter and energy into shown only 30 years ago, surely many inquiry of the matter could get you ©iStockphoto/ Pr3t3nd3r, on the Tom rocket by LeAnne Mueller

2020 MENSAMENSA BULLETINBULLETIN ostracized from intellectual circles. But there are serious people in serious organizations willing to investigate the unexplainable rather than explaining what remains largely uninvestigated. My curiosity about this topic led me to talk with one such individual, and after our conversation, well, I don’t think we should be laughing.

SCIENCE, AEROSPACE, ENTERTAINMENT, ANALYSIS There exists a worldwide occurrence that defies our understanding and appears as seemingly magically as it disappears. Many people have heard the terminology: unidentified aerial phenomenon, advanced aviation vehicles, flying saucers, etc. All of these phrases describe something that cannot accurately be explained but is real nonetheless. From 2007 to 2012, the Pentagon operated the Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Program (AATIP) for gathering quantifiable information about these exotic flying machines to Tom DeLonge launched To the Stars in 2017 with respected scientists, engineers, and researchers. assess the possibility of a threat. AATIP collected and analyzed electro-optical In October 2017, To The Stars that DeLonge coauthored in 2015. Its data, radar returns, signature reduc- Academy of Arts & Science launched, development highlights an unequivo- tion, thrust vectoring, and many other announcing its intentions to learn cal intersection of art and science that types of data. All of this information more about this advanced technology some critics find risky. TTSA also yields credence to the idea that “We in order to improve the quality of life made recent headlines from mischar- may not be alone,” as Luis Elizondo, on Earth. The organization garnered acterized claims that the organiza- former director of AATIP, stated immediate attention not only for the tion was $37 million in debt, based during a December 2017 interview bold questions it sought to answer but on since-retracted reporting citing an with CNN. Logically, many questions also for the celebrity of its founder, SEC filing statement on sharehold- arise: Who are flying these objects? Tom DeLonge. er equity. Where do they come from? Why are DeLonge is the former singer and On the TTSA website, one can they here? Instead of chasing endless guitarist for Blink-182, a pop punk find merchandise, such as T-shirts, guesses, AATIP sought to answer one trio that has sold more than 50 million stickers, books, and posters, carica- question: Are they a threat? In short, records worldwide. (DeLonge current- turing unexplained phenomena. The no, they do not appear to be a threat. ly fronts the rock group Angels & products might be juvenile for some While gathering this data, AATIP Airwaves, which has also found main- but fashionably cool for others. Still researchers observed what they stream commercial success.) Today, others see the entertainment division believed could be advanced technol- Tom is the President and CEO of To as contradictory to the serious research ogy represented in these machines. The Stars Academy, which maintains TTSA has undertaken and the credi- And yet another question arose: Can three divisions: science, aerospace, and ble talent DeLonge assembled to assist we use this technology to humanity’s entertainment. in TTSA’s efforts, including the afore- benefit? This is the question that a On the entertainment front, TTSA mentioned Elizondo; Steve Justice, public benefit corporation called made recent headlines with the devel- who retired as Director of Advanced Academy of Arts & Science Inc. opment of a fictional paranormal Systems at Lockheed Martin’s famed – To The Stars Academy or TTSA for TBS series, Strange Times, based on Skunk Works program; Hal Puthoff, short – is trying to answer. the graphic novel of the same name former National Security Agency

FEBRUARY 2019 21 researcher and advisor to NASA; and officials from the government and however, insists on an openminded Jim Semivan, who spent 25 years in the private sector, he can usually put and thorough approach. the CIA’s Directorate of Operations. their response into one of three cate- “I’d like people to understand if we In July 2018, the science division gories: positive (they remain silent as go into any study with a preconceived launched the ADAM project (Acqui- you speak and promptly change the notion of what an answer is, we will sition & Data Analysis of Materials), subject), typical (boisterous laughter, automatically tune out the possibility which endeavors to analyze materials eye rolls, and sarcasm), and negative that it’s anything else,” he said. reportedly from advanced aircraft of (outright attack). Fair. But what if you’re almost unknown origin, similar to the ones Justice and others at TTSA remain certain that material you’re analyzing observed by AATIP. The TTSA blog undeterred by ridicule for investigat- is just an old plane propeller? states the exotic materials, coming ing such phenomena. “Why would “So, even if there’s stuff that may from “private citizens, foreign aero- you not want to seek answers to [have a] low probability of being space investigatory committees, aero- something different or unique, we’re space operators, and government obligated to make sure that we’re organizations” will be analyzed for not arbitrarily dismissing something technological innovation. that could be a piece of a puzzle in Naturally, I had questions. So I solving this problem,” he explained. contacted To The Stars Academy and “There is a multistep process that we was given an interview with Steve go through to determine if there’s Justice, the Chief Operations Offi- anything unusual about the material.” cer and Aerospace Division Director TTSA describes its study of for TTSA. these materials of unknown origin as scientifically rigorous. “As soon as TTS Academy is notified that MOST OF SOCIETY IS materials are available, a thorough AFRAID TO ASK effort will be made to document Justice began his career in the aero- their origin and credibility, followed space defense industry and in 1984 by the establishment of chain-of- joined Lockheed’s Skunk Works, Steve Justice custody procedures and owner- an innovation and development ship protocols,” the organization’s arm of the company credited with website states. TTSA has a contract developing such famed aircraft as "If we go into any study with EarthTech International Inc., a the U-2, SR-71 Blackbird, F-117 with a preconceived research think tank in Austin, Texas, Nighthawk, F-22 Raptor, and F-35 notion of what an answer founded by Puthoff, to analyze Lightning. Justice himself held roles the materials, evaluating them for on programs for the F-117 and is, we will automatically such characteristics as exceptional F-22. Along with being credited tune out the possibility strength, lightweight build, or other with numerous patents, he has also that it’s anything else." unusual properties. received the company’s NOVA Award But TTSA’s aims go beyond just (its highest recognition for achieve- identifying the nature of materials of ment). Justice joined To The Stars that?” he said. But skepticism isn’t unknown origins. They want to figure Academy in September 2017. TTSA’s only challenge. “Based on my out what the stuff actually does and “To The Stars is a group of 39-year career in aerospace, money is in the process develop theories about people who came together to answer always a problem,” Justice said. “We how a mechanism is being used. “We the questions that most of society have a lot of stuff ready to go but just have a glimpse into the physics that is afraid to ask,” Justice told me. no resources to do it.” can explain what we are seeing,” “There’s this overwhelming body of When I asked how the first year Justice said, drawing on some of the evidence that [indicates] something of TTSA went, the first thing he said AATIP evidence. “The question is strange is going on.” was “slow.” how do we reduce that to practice? While it seemed to me that Still, he and others at TTSA You have to turn it from a theory into evidence of this profound nature consider the start of the ADAM a technology that realizes the phys- would be met with great interest research project a major mile- ics and embed that technology into by the public, Justice said that the stone. Naturally, the idea of analyz- a platform that it mimics what you stigma of unidentified aerial phenom- ing exotic, perhaps extraterrestrial, have observed.” ena (UAP) hinders widespread inves- materials in search of technological Indeed, it’s a challenge taking small tigation. In discussing UAP with innovation draws scrutiny. Justice, fragments of material and trying to Justice courtesy The Stars of To Academy, UFO courtesy of the U.S. Department of Defense

22 MENSA BULLETIN "LOOK AT THAT THING! IT'S ROTATING!"

TTSA analyzes videos like this one (tinyurl.com/ydxrut8m) of a mysterious object intercepted by a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet in 2004.

tie them to an unknown mechanical ity? Most notably, Justice discussed look elsewhere and watch the impos- process. “It’s like finding an exhaust how the observed technology could sible become possible.” valve to a V8 engine out in the desert, improve emergency response services, not knowing it’s an exhaust valve, and delivering supplies “instantly, right DEFY OUR CURRENT trying to reverse engineer the car,” where they’re needed” for medical UNDERSTANDING Justice said. “You need to collect all support, law enforcement, and disas- From Democritus to IBM, atomic these different types of material to try ter victims. How could scientists make theories and evidence of atoms led to to build a picture of what the realiza- this happen? Well, that takes a little physical proof captured by microscopic tion of the technology may be. So the imagination. cameras. If TTSA possesses materials ADAM project is trying to quantify “Science and imagination are abso- from exotic aircraft, these machines can these materials by using standardized lutely linked together as we’re trying be seen in flight, correct? If so, is there processes and documented approach- to break new ground,” Justice said. credible evidence? es to see if it’s something traceable to “If we try to examine the evidence Between December 2017 and realized technology.” that we have in the context of our March 2018, the Department of And beyond figuring out what the current understanding, we’re going to Defense declassified three U.S. military materials are and what they can do, get nowhere. As I said [in October], videos of UAPs, releasing them directly TTSA’s ultimate goal is to leverage one of the challenges is to stand in the through TTSA with chain-of-custody new technology for the betterment future and look back, as opposed to documentation. Each video contains of mankind. data attainable only from physi- standing in the present and looking to “We have no idea how this tech- cal evidence – the same data points the future. Our challenge here is to use nology, this expanded physics, could as ATTIP. imagination to stand in the future and change our lives,” Justice said. “You Lift, drag, weight, and thrust are the know, around 2000 you didn’t know look back.” four forces of flight. These advanced you needed a smartphone, and now Science. Imagination. Ambition. aircraft defy our current understand- you can’t live without it. Somebody “The future ahead of us is incred- ing, and they appear magical to us had the vision to create something ible,” Justice said. “The impossible is today. They might operate in ways that you didn’t know you needed.” just something you haven’t seen yet, seem impossible, but, as Justice said, And just how could newly discov- and there is a lot of impossible out in the impossible is just something you ered technologies benefit human- front of us. So, watch not only us, but do not understand yet.

FEBRUARY 2019 23 Lions & a Tiger & Bears & Water Buffalo — Oh My! NEWREWEDS MARRY ANNUALLY WITH ANIMALS | BY TIM MARTIN

y lovely bride, Jackie, and I, after more than 30 years M of marriage, are still honeymooning. Last year we celebrat- ed our 31st wedding in 29 states. Our annual recommitting of nuptials, with a supporting cast of unpredictable creatures, makes for great wedding videos – unscripted, often hilarious highlight reels. Our first wedding, in 1988, was at a Texas church retreat, in a carport overlooking Buffalo Springs Lake, and featured nearby bison, who were not actually part of the wedding party. Rebels from the start, at our marital debut, we threw the rice as we took our first wedded stroll up the aisle. At each of our ceremonies, we inter- act with cuddly critters – two-legged, four-legged, whatever – often at an animal rescue or preserve. We make a donation to the facility and, when In 2017, Tim and Jackie wed for the humpteenth time in California with camels. possible, do some volunteer work. From Seabiscuit to Zeebiscuit, our elephant, which we did while four Afri- for our own renewable resource – our wayfaring weddings have blessed our can lions lay shoulder to shoulder look- marriage – and led us to use future marriage with what we see as the ulti- ing down on our nuptials. A Siberian ceremonies to gin up support for mate in creature comforts. tiger, Natasha, served as maid of honor animal groups. Starting with sugges- We’ve been purred to by a pachy- for the second half. Did you know that tions from the publication Animal derm, clucked at by chickens, and elephants purr? So do llamas, appar- People, we sought groups whose causes hummed to by llamas. We’ve snuggled ently, though theirs is more of a hum, we might be able to help publicize. a skunk, palmed a penguin, and canoo- as we found out two years later at our We’d long before learned to appre- dled with canines. Our weddings have New Mexico wedding. ciate the unpredictability of our featured a trundling turkey, a prodding In Idaho in 1998, ferrets Cassie and wedding guests. pig, a munching manatee, a gaping Squirty were volunteered for service In 1994, during the ceremony at gibbon, and bussing water buffalo. by the minister after hearing about Arizona’s Out of Africa Wildlife Park, And I’ve been pooped on by a possum. our love for animals. This was at the bear cubs tried to climb the minister’s The animal adventures got started in site of the nation’s first breeder reac- robe while wolf cubs frolicked in the 1990, when actress and animal activist tor (a power plant that makes more background. It’s hard to blame them. Tippi Hedren generously suggested we fissile material than it consumes), since The park is geared toward animal play. ride into our California re-wedding at decommissioned and now a historic In the Tiger Splash pool, where the big her Shambala Preserve atop Timbo the landmark. This generated publicity cats and other animals really play, we

24 MENSA BULLETIN got to help Payson and another bear A Nokota pony in North Dakota the cold shoulder while I got, well, cub do their best impression of Rock lightened up the TV taping by loudly another part. ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. passing gas. Wendy, the deer maid of In 2012 we really took the plunge, In New Mexico in 1992, we stayed honor at our 2000 Montana ceremo- getting married in Crystal River, at a lodge frequented by Teddy Roos- ny, went on during the Fla., with manatees, Jackie’s favorite. evelt and got married with (and then vows. After our 2011 New Jersey cow Having learned from tree-shaking went camping with) llamas who did wedding, I had the pleasure of being not take kindly to having to put their nuzzled by an emu named Duke. footprints on the wedding certificate. At Kentucky’s Old Friends Farm, a Our 2008 Arkansas wedding was at retirement home for racing thorough- the home of a zebra named Zeebiscuit breds, we shared our day with Popcorn and Lurch, a Guinness Record-holding Deelites, who played Seabiscuit in the Watusi steer, who split best man duties film, and Little Silver Charm, a soccer- with Wade, a water buffalo who nosed playing miniature pony who has his his way into the ceremony to kiss me own blog. before Jackie could. In Iowa in 1999 we were privi- In Oklahoma, after feeding two- leged to spend time with Rusty, a inch-long baby rabbits and raccoons, true Queensland heeler, who was fully we recited our vows first while hold- functional with just two right legs. (A ing a skunk, Lilly, and possum, Ducky, heeler and a healer, Rusty was given then later as Bob and Otis, a bobcat up for dead after losing two legs in a and a bulldog, rassled at our feet. combine but recovered enough to be In Nevada in 1997 we saddled able to herd sheep.) Our minister unex- up on horseback and were married pectedly finished the ceremony saying, by a fully outfitted, pistol-packing “You may now kiss the dog.” We did. cowboy minister, then spent four days Courtney, a young gibbon in South in a cabin with no utilities. Royal Carolina, showed Jackie that posses- and Diamond were great company, sive jealousy just might be a universal Diamond the only gem that’s been trait amongst primates. I got to bottle a part of any of our weddings. Our feed her – Courtney, not Jackie – and matching rings, inverted hearts linked that was enough to make her, ahem, with infinity signs, are each partially present herself to me. She did not made from Jackie’s melted-down gold like my bride-still-to-be, so Jackie got engagement band. Our canine attendants in Nebraska were naturally decked out in tuxedos and tails. And in Michigan a huge sheep named Patrick Swayze almost went Dirty Dancing on me, nearly lifting me off my feet while nudging between my legs for treats. Our 2002 ceremony in Wyoming was a shotgun wedding, with two police K-9s, Alf and Buddy, escort- ed by their armed and uniformed handlers. For our 2004 wedding in West Virginia, when the TV show Wild Weddings was on hand to film, both our porcine best man and the minister were named George.

Above: Wade the water buffalo wedding crashes in Arkansas. Below: In Wisconsin, nobody puts Baby (the turkey) in a corner.

FEBRUARY 2019 25 and water-wielding Wade, the water buffalo in Arkansas, we had our vows laminated. And our officiant learned to swim just for the wedding. One manatee took to my bride so well that it squirmed and nibbled all the way up Jackie’s leg, perhaps in search of a garter. The animal husbandry wedding in Missouri six years ago included a burro named Juniper; two chickens, Paris and Cameo; Jack the sheep, in a psychedelic vest; and Molly Llama. The reporter covering it adopted one of the horses at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. In 2014 at Heartland Farm Sanc- tuary in Wisconsin, we managed to bond with Baby, a turkey who took a fancy to me and got between bride and groom as we exchanged rings, forcing us to arch our arms over and around him in order to put a ring on it. The following year we were at With Pokey the porcupine in Minnesota (above) Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Kansas. and bulldog Bob and bobcat Otis in Oklahoma Because the Department of Agricul- (below), Tim and Jackie have married 31 times in ture had deemed lemurs too danger- 29 states. ous for us civilians to interact with, Victor, and Mikhail shed a little fur on we upgraded to penguins, and our us and proved to be the most skittish wedding made quite a splash. Turns of our attendants to date. out, it was the penguins’ first time in Each year we celebrate a union the pool in a good while. They were that extends well beyond ourselves. so comfortable, one even swam up and It’s about the beauty of the beast rested in my hand. Afterward, some and the wedding, not a reception. tried to follow us out of the pool area. Besides, what would we eat – relatives In Minnesota in 2016, we couldn’t of our wedding attendants? Animals secure a beaver (not a live one, at are smarter than they get credit for. least), so we hitched up with Pokey the Maybe our attendees can tell we gave porcupine, who seemed more interest- up animal products some 30 years ed in me than he was in the grapes we ago – out of our stomachs, forever fed him. Mensans might be interested in our hearts. A lion at Shambala lay to know that we also got to hold a pair contentedly next to us as we cleaned a of owls during part of the ceremony. cage three feet away. That same animal In 2017, we rewed for the hump- charged the fence when a lion-hunting teenth time with dromedary camels publisher came for a visit. Clyde and Gulliver. I was delighted to Some people crassly talk about learn that Gulliver nuzzling my chest is getting some tail on their wedding how camels hug. Our terrific officiant day. Indeed, we do, as well as bring wore khakis and a pith helmet. out the animal in one another. Our And last year I donned some yearly dose of animal magnetism provided fox fur, one of several layers has helped contribute to a blissful heard in our home. Jackie doesn’t I wore to weather the mid-40s temps. marriage. My answer on forms asking wear any, and with no arguments or (Another was a sweatshirt that says, for marital status is always the same: fights, making up is not something we “Please don’t wear fur.”) The offici- “ecstatic.” Being on a constantly do either. ant wore matching fox shirt, tie, renewing honeymoon doesn’t hurt. If I were to offer advice to anyone pocket square, and cufflinks. Siberian Picking the perfect wife certainly in a relationship, it would be this: Be Cupcakes (domesticated foxes) Maksa, helps. The term “makeup” is never good-natured.

26 MENSA BULLETIN LIFE'S CRAZY...

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FEBRUARY 2019 27 By Zoe M. Stewart

In the style of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales… And, some would even dare to say, quite jealous. Not to her face, of course, because her power The Astrologer’s Prologue Made her formidable when feeling sour, A youth beneath a sun of Libra born, Though she was only beginning to wean Born when the moon traced the ram Aries’ horn, From her fam’ly’s fortune, at just sixteen. Followed with all the fervor of a priest Of all her trusted friends, dearest to her Her stellar fortune. Twice a day at least Was one unspecified astrologer. She sought some consultation from the charts The Astrologer was born in Libra sky Which told of her proficiency in arts, While the socialite fell under Gemini, Her impatient nature, her judgment sound, And both fell in the Ram’s house of the moon, Her curiosity which did abound. Which, in friendship, serves as quite a boon. She was a scholar in all matters here, Knowing them to be so inclined, the scholar And could predict the star sign of a peer, Became her dearest friend, and proud to call her With lethal accuracy, three or four ... such. Times out of ten on any day, or more. And no external force could come between us – Twice ten days and six more into the season That is, between them – until the disk of Venus Of Julius, when ceased the reign of reason, Made plans to befoul their association The disk of Mercury made to reverse As often comes when daring toward flirtation. Along its axis and so set to curse There came a fellow of the finest sort, All of the matters of the heart and soul Fair-faced, smart, most advisable to court, Which in her was as limbic as a foal, But while the socialite lacked compatibility, Often to trounce about her emotions, The scholar’s stars and his would bring tranquility: Until the rise of Gemini’s twin suns. Her Sun in Libra and Moon in Aries, Leo and Aquarius, respectively, his. Her Venus in Scorpio, his in Pisces, The Astrologer’s Tale Such harmonious matches would have few crises. A legendary socialite whose fame And, lest you take this science with much scorn, Rested partly on her fortunate name – Her Placidus Orb was ascendant in Capricorn, Not her mother’s, the name she claimed, of Moore, Midheaven in Scorpio, he Aquarius ascendant born, But her father’s, rhymed with “Shmielberg,” some swore, Midheaven in Scorpio too, which fit her best – Had carved her home out in Los Angeles, To call this girl a scholar is no jest. Where, like a dragon, she had made a nest The two fit better than Venus and Mars, Of hoarded phone numbers and invitations, To put things simply, written in the stars A fortune built on flatt’ry and placation. Was their romance, and there could be no other. Her charm unparalleled, her grace unmatched, She couldn’t allow her dearest friend to smother Adored by any folk whose eye she catch’d. The intentions of fate, and put to waste But capricious she was, and just as cruel This dear boy, who was so much to her taste. As the scorpion who did her nature rule, She quickly moved to first declare her feeling,

Left her possessive, ambitious, and zealous, Leaving her former dearest friend a-reeling. Astrology chart © iStockphoto/OrPolii, girl © iStockphoto/Grandfailure

28 MENSA BULLETIN And most harmonious was her fine new dalliance, Did they make her to suffer so, and how? Though tragically ending her closest alliance. Could all the stars in which she placed her faith However, not a lunar month had passed, Have left her this untrusting, wailing wraith? When this relationship she’d thought would last In matters on a smaller, daily scale, Was brought to end by a betrayal so foul These charts had served her without any fail. Her heart cried so, it made her wish to howl. Why, just this week her Tuesday horoscope The scholar’s love had gone outside for air, Had suggested that she broaden her scope, And left his iPhone 7 in her care. And, thus inclined to try out something new, While he was gone, his iPhone made a ping! She switched her latte for a different brew, And so she glanced over and saw the thing And that had been a surprise most agreeable, Was a message of a nature most ill-suited How had that same system found unforeseeable From the socialite to the boy they’d once disputed. This miserable turn of fate? And then, Enraged, she read his hist’ry, and soon learned She realized just what a fool she’d been. Her advances were far from unreturned. She’d made a costly error, and had paid, Though her rage would soon target her sweetheart, In forgetting a staple of her trade, She turned it first to that accursed chart The plight which such a fool of her had made, Which had promised her such a healthy match And ill tidings had now unto her bade, That made this boy the sort she’d want to catch. And led to such misfortune for this maid: She’d followed them most faithfully, why now Alas, Mercury was in retrograde.

FEBRUARY 2019 29 EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL

We trick other people sometimes but more often ourselves BY LEONARD GASTON

here is a near universal tendency would diminish the individual’s self- among us fallible humans to esteem. His unconscious mind will T avoid thinking we have not made work overtime to prevent that. the best of all possible decisions – To protect his opinions of himself and we do it automatically. and his abilities, the consumer has a As a marketing student, I once program running in the background saw this only in a relatively harmless that screens out unfavorable informa- context. I was wrong, as we will see tion about the Chevy and favorable later. But discussing the phenomenon information about the Ford, so he in that hypothetical commercial situ- does not need to think he made the ation nevertheless makes the process wrong choice. To further prove to easy to understand. himself that he made the correct deci- sion, if he has the means, he might CHEVYS AND OUR CHOICES – LIKE A ROCK even double down on his choice and A consumer purchasing an automobile buy his kid a Chevy too. After all, might be faced with a choice between everybody knows they are the best! a Ford or a Chevy. Each appears to offer equal advantages to the buyer, THE UNCONSCIOUS PROGRAM violates deeply felt beliefs about its who could decide either way. Once he The theory of cognitive dissonance morality, its wisdom, or its suit- decides on the Chevy, however, that is now some six decades old and has ability for the person we believe consumer will want to see arguments been the subject of several studies ourselves to be. to reinforce that decision. Much ever since social psychologist Leon Studies have shown that an indi- advertising, particularly for automo- Festinger first explored the concept in vidual might take some action that biles, is designed for that very purpose. the groundbreaking book A Theory of violates his feelings about right and Suppose the purchaser chose a Cognitive Dissonance in 1957. Indeed, wrong when faced with an undesir- Chevy and then came across new the string of academic investigations able consequence if he does not take information indicating that a Ford continues. the action – in other words, forced would have been a smarter choice. Most decisions in life are what we compliance: “You fire good ol’ Fred This would cause a jarring conflict might call free choices – between two this week, or I will do it and then between two realizations, or cogni- or more brands of automobiles, for fire you!” Even though firing Fred tions. The buyer had chosen the example. For such a decision, before goes against the individual’s concept Chevy, but that was an unwise deci- we have decided one way or the other, of right and wrong, he will likely feel sion. It is almost impossible for him any choice might seem equally desir- less guilty about it because he can take to entertain those two thoughts at the able. After it is made, they do not. refuge in the fact that he was essen- same time. Because we humans have Cognitive dissonance can occur tially forced to do so. a strong, built-in desire to be correct, under other circumstances, however, In the absence of forced compli-

the resulting cognitive dissonance if an action taken by an individual ance, however, an individual who © iStockphoto/Drawlab19

30 MENSA BULLETIN commits an act that violates previ- The unconscious program is always Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson ously held beliefs about right and there, running in the background. provide a clear explanation for the wrong – telling a lie, for instance – is New information might come along mental mechanisms that lead to cogni- likely to suffer mental discomfort; that that strongly indicates we should tive dissonance, confirmation bias, is, cognitive dissonance. Our desire change our original decision. Almost and other cognitive biases. What the to avoid this discomfort can make always, unless we realize what is two social psychologists call the “pyra- us hold to decisions when we should happening, we tend to ignore it. This mid of choice” is described like this: not or to continue previously avoided can keep us from changing a poor In a free-choice decision, to start behaviors that will be harmful to our decision to one that will enhance our with, it is as if we are sitting at the long-term best interests. future well-being and happiness. For peak of pyramid. We can think of For important decisions, it would a free-choice decision, such as what what seem like good reasons to decide seem we should be ready to search product to buy, it is almost impos- one way and what seem like equally for new evidence and reevaluate, but sible for us to give new information good reasons to decide the other way, our minds do not work that way. The the weight it deserves. and the options’ respective benefits more important a decision, the more seem relatively close. Once we make likely we are to stick with it and ignore SLIDING DOWN THE PYRAMID OF CHOICE a decision, however, we start sliding new evidence. That need to be correct In their highly readable 2007 book down the pyramid. Without real- becomes even stronger: We could not Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): izing it, we begin to perceive only possibly have been wrong about some- Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad things that justify our original deci- thing so important! Decisions, and Hurtful Acts, authors sion. We forget factors that pointed

FEBRUARY 2019 31 the other way. By the time we reach Consider another hypothetical. A ing cognitive dissonance? The key the wide bottom of the pyramid, the person mistreats someone and comes is to be aware of this tendency that two choices that appeared to balance away from the situation feeling guilty. exists in all of us and consciously earlier are now far apart, and there is Not wanting to identify as unfeel- combat it. no doubt in our minds that we made ing or cruel, that person goes on to As Tavris and Aronson put it: the correct choice. explain away to himself or herself the “People can go to confession, reli- While we are sliding down the decision-justification pyramid, more complete information might become available that would tell us, if we were not programmed to ignore it, “No, wait! The other way makes more sense!” But unless we are aware of this unconscious pull to be correct at all costs, it is too late. We devalue or ignore that new information. Why do job counselors say the first 30 seconds of an interview are critically important? Why might you never get a second chance to make a good first impression? Because anyone quick to form an opinion will unconsciously be on the lookout for arguments or evidence that his or her initial assessment was correct. Unless significant, contradicting new infor- mation comes to light, people are behavior: It actually wasn’t that bad. giously or publicly, and admit they unlikely to change their first opinions. Or, that person deserved such treat- did a bad thing and they are sorry, Tavris and Aronson describe a ment. Or, that person is inferior and but it won’t make a dime’s worth of study that analyzed college students’ unworthy of empathy. Whatever the difference if they don’t get what that choice of fraternity. One frater- justification, the behavior is liable to was and get that they are not going nity had a severe pledging process, become normalized and the perpetra- to do it again.” It’s popular to value another’s much less so. The students tor more prone to recommitting the self-esteem, but Tavris and Aron- who chose the social club with the mistreatment in the future. son say maturity requires “an active, severe initiation process later valued It is easy to see how alcohol, drugs, self-reflective struggle to accept the membership more highly. Why? or other mind-altering substances dissonance we feel about hopes we They had made a deliberate choice to that reduce the effectiveness of an did not realize, opportunities we let go through that arduous process to individual’s judgment could lead to slide by, mistakes we made, challeng- gain membership, so they could not a pattern of behavior the individual es we could not meet, all of which have been wrong! It must have been previously considered beyond the changed our lives in ways we could worth it. pale, with deleterious impacts on the not anticipate.” individual and society. We can face The psychologist authors remind MORE THAN JUST FORDS AND CHEVYS up to behavioral failings and resolve us that our integrity does not depend Imagine an individual who undergoes to never do them again, or we can on being error-free but on what we a surgical procedure. The patient’s change our belief system to fit what do after committing the error, a senti- doctor makes a choice about follow- we have done. The first is difficult, the ment they summarize in citing some up treatment. Now suppose the second relatively easy. of poet Stephen Mitchell’s version of doctor comes across research indicat- When faced with the results of a the Taoist classic text Tao Te Ching. ing that a different course of action free-choice decision, how do we keep A great nation is like a great man: would be superior. Would the cogni- the automatic from operating When he makes a mistake, he tive dissonance influence the physi- to make us hang with a decision not realizes it. cian to devalue the new information? in our own best interest? Or if we Having realized it, he admits it. We would hope not, but there very are trying to cope with having done Having admitted it, he corrects it. well could exist such a tendency to something we feel is not right or that He considers those who point stick with decisions not in the best is not in keeping with our own self- out his faults as his most benevolent interests of the patient. image, how do we resolve the result- teachers.

32 MENSA BULLETIN FICTION JEROME FINDLAY QUIDLEY III By Steven Levi | Illustration by Michael McKenzie

erome Findlay Quidley III – and J that was exactly what he demand- ed everyone call him, right down to “the Third” – would allow no sobri- quet. He was Jerome Findlay Quidley the Third, of the Portland Quidleys. Not Portland, Oregon, either. But the other Portland – Maine. Gem of the East Coast. Founded from a 1623 land grant and later named Machigonne. The name Portland came later, as did the city’s bird, the phoenix, and its motto Resurgam, “I will rise again,” which was not surprising considering the city’s icon was, after all, a phoenix. Jerome Findlay Quidley the Third was proud to be from Maine. He told everyone he was, and no one doubted he had been there. Maybe even raised there. But he was no longer in Maine. And if he loved Maine so much then why was he in Hootlani, which was as far away from the city of the phoenix as you could get and still speak English in 1903? There was a problem. Those in Hootlani who had spent their youth on the East Coast remarked that Jerome Findlay Quidley the Third did not speak like someone from the Pine Tree State. His cadence had far too much personality. Mainers were known for their flat speech in which, without inflexion, it was impossible to tell whether a Mainer was talking about the weather or telling you the chair you were sitting in had sudden- ly burst into flames. Further, no one lay Quidley the Third, talked about that as long as there were collections had ever heard of any Quidleys of returning there either. Hootlani was of people called towns there would be Portland, Maine or Oregon. Not that at the end of the earth, literally and places like Hootlani where the loose this was important; after all, everyone figuratively. All that lay to the west pieces of humanity can float like the in Hootlani was in Hootlani because was the Bering Sea. It was as far from steamship-tossed refuse that accumu- there was a very good reason they were anywhere as you could go and still be lates in the sloughs at every bend in not welcome in the community from in America, and that was exactly the the river. which they had come. Residents of reason that Hootlani had acquired its Finally, and of very little impor- Hootlani spoke little of those places, unique population. It was still acquir- tance, there was one aspect of the and no one, including Jerome Find- ing such residents for the simple fact tales of Jerome Findlay Quidley the

FEBRUARY 2019 33 FICTION

Third to which the residents of Hoot- sober. This was a remarkable feat in Further, as in the way of all things, a lani paid no attention. Though he a community that treated sobriety as single transgression opens the door to stated it over and over, Jerome Find- an affliction. Further, Jerome Findlay many others. When fertile soil appears, lay Quidley the Third kept saying Quidley the Third was able to avoid weeds are the first to find root and will that Portland, Maine, had originally the contempt of his fellow Hootlaniers invite a wide range of relatives to blow been named Machigonne – possibly because of his second redeeming qual- in with the wind. Within a season and probably for the local Indians – ity: He could close a deal. the terrain will be so thick with vines except for the fact that no matter how and seed pods that grass cannot creep it was pronounced it sounded a lot like n the Year of the Big Snow, Jerome under the groundcover. On the human Michigan, a state that shared neither I Findlay Quidley the Third was the landscape, one sin invites the next, a border with Maine nor a common heartbeat of Hootlani because, like the which initiates a third and a following heritage, except that both were states Lord, he could both giveth and taketh one as well. Until the fences of civili- in America and Alaska was not. away and still be well loved. That was zation arrive, everyone is content with Suffice it to say, the supposed because the giveth was quite large and the aberrations in place. pedigree of Jerome Findlay Quid- the taketh away reasonably small. The Thus did illegal and unsavory ley the Third was the least odious of giveth was in the form of wages, and ventures spring to full bloom in Hoot- his personal traits. He had a red-hot everyone in Hootlani, directly or indi- lani. Prostitution was legal in the temper that he managed to keep rectly, was on Jerome Findlay Quidley sense that there was no representative under control morningly with copi- the Third’s payroll. The residents of of law or order to declare it other- ous amounts of whiskey. And he could Hootlani were fortunate in that they wise. Gambling was tolerated because not be trusted if there was more than a had stumbled into the one industry everyone profited from it. Opium dollar on the gaming table. But other in which individuals of their ilk could was available. And Hootlani had the than the fact he had killed a man in a excel: bootlegging. Hootlani – affec- only brothel between the Bering Sea dispute, he was an amiable sort. After tionately known as Hooch-lani or and Barnette’s Cache 300 miles to all, the man who he had killed was more frequently Hooch Lane by their the north. It was an open town that an Athabaskan, and God had made dependent, dry neighbors – was whis- drew its clientele from the sea to the plenty of them. One less would not key central for a good 200 miles of the Yukon-Kuskokwim watershed and be missed, and the dead man had been Noonan Trail, from Lotsaluck to Holy provided every illicit and illegal good both a drunkard and very slow with a Mission, and from the Caribou River and service that made life in the north- sheath knife. to the Bering Sea coast. Jerome Find- land tolerable. The Athabaskan had drawn first, so lay Quidley the Third was their only no one held Jerome Findlay Quidley connection to the drink. s mentioned previously, Jerome the Third responsible for the death At the time, one of the realities of AFindlay Quidley the Third was of the Indian, even though Jerome life in the northland was that liquor by a respected member of Hootlani Findlay Quidley the Third’s weapon of any designation was illegal in Alaska. because he could cut a deal. In the choice had been a sawed-short, double- But being illegal did not mean it was larger cities of the East he would barreled shotgun with 10-gauge buck. unobtainable. It just made it expensive. have been known as a front. A front The encounter had happened on the So God-fearing residents from all over is a respectable-looking gentleman trail leading to Barnette’s Cache and, as spent their Sundays in local churches who gives every appearance of being there were no witnesses, all John Law of various denominations repenting honest and forthright but, in reality, is could record was the reminiscence of sins and the intervening days consum- a disreputable scoundrel whose raison the survivor, in this case Jerome Find- ing the elixir from Hootlani. d’être is to distract the lush while his lay Quidley the Third. As there were The larger communities of the associates skin the man to the bone. none to dispute his account of the Alaskan interior had no need for the Jerome Findlay Quidley the Third incident, that version became the offi- services of Hootlani. Nome, Cordova, looked the part of a man of breed- cial one. Juneau, Kodiak, and La Touche were ing. He was an inch and a half over Though he would have been a all substantial enough that they could six feet, taller in boots, with white hair disreputable figure in any genteel support an indigenous population of that was always in place. He was not community in the lower states, among bootleggers. Most of these gentlemen too heavy or skinny and had no facial the scapegraces of Hootlani he was were highly respected members of their moles or blemishes. He was blessed king. To be king and remain so he communities. And wealthy. But for with an avuncular smile that remained had two socially redeeming quali- those who lived in places larger than a even when the wind was driving the ties – redeeming, that is, in Hootlani. village but smaller than a town – and temperature to 50 below, and he was First, no matter the amount or qual- there were far more than a handful of quick to shake hands. He could read ity of the elixir he consumed, Jerome them – bootlegging was the necessary and write well, rare attributes in Alaska Findlay Quidley the Third remained conduit for the contraband. and nonexistent in Hootlani, and he

34 MENSA BULLETIN FICTION knew how to keep books. Though so high as to deter sales. Once again, Hootlani had no bank, so the everyone suspected that his ability his connections in the Alaskan Inte- money that was spent in town simply to keep books was self-serving, there rior were such that no one doubted his sloshed from one business to the next. always seemed to be enough money to ability to supply the thirsty northland From common laborer to tavern, store, keep everyone pleased. Further, and with the elixir it needed to keep the or brothel, men would spend as they just as important, as Jerome Findlay miners warm and husbands healthy were paid. Liquor came into Hootlani Quidley the Third spent his share and and provide ministers a demon to from one direction and money from his skim in Hootlani, no one saw ill of squall against. On the trail he kept his the other. Everyone earned more than his transgressions. books in his head for the simple reason enough to eat and carouse. There were One of the sad facts of existence that many Alaskan communities were plenty of women to go around even – and particularly loathsome to the blessed – or cursed, depending on when dogsled loads of miners came denizens of Hootlani – was that there one’s point of view – with representa- from nearby communities. Liquor was no escape from the mind-numb- tives of John Law who would call such was cheap and law and order absent. ing minutiae of life. Distance does not paperwork by another name: evidence. More than one resident said that after make tribute irrelevant. Taxes in some he died he did not pray to be taken to form will always be assessed, and the heaven but back to Hootlani. long arm of John Law has more than HERE WAS A There was every reason to believe a boardinghouse reach. While almost that Hootlani’s good fortune would all residents of Hootlani felt they were last a lifetime. Alaska might not have immune from the forces of civilization VIPER IN THE been chockfull of gold, but it was full of the lower states, in fact they still had of and filling with miners. They came to earn a living, pay a bit to keep the GARDEN OF and they went, and whenever and mud wallow in town that passed for a wherever they came and went they road pass-overble, and someone had EDEN. THAT spent what they had freely. to care for the sick and demented who Alas, in every incarnation of a ended up on their collective doorstep. WAS BECAUSE Garden of Eden there is a serpent. The revenue source for these require- In this case the serpent was territory- ments of life was handled by Jerome MEN OF GOD hood. As long as Alaska was linked to Findlay Quidley the Third. It was the the lower states in name only, there taketh away. Every transaction was WERE THE MOST was no reason to fear any disruption skimmed with a small portion going of the golden era of Hootlani. But to a civic coffer, and if Jerome Find- territoryhood would create a raft of lay Quidley the Third took a bit for INSIDIOUS OF problems. Of these, law and order himself on the side that was fine with was the least odious. That was because everyone, because no one complained, VILLAINS. law and order most often came in the and no one could take his place at form of men who could be convinced the center of a very profitable web of to respect local preferences. It was only iniquity. or Hootlani, Jerome Findlay Quid- a matter of price. For his part, Jerome Findlay Quid- Fley the Third was more than a resi- No, it was not law and order that ley the Third made the arrangements dent; he was an industry. Everyone in frightened Hootlaniers right down with the steamship lines, freighters, town was rewarded by his presence. to the stockings they did not own and whaling vessels that plied the It was called employment. It took a and thus could not wear. It was the waters of the Bering Sea. Liquor had lot of warm bodies to move barrels, awesome power of the church. Men to come in, and those who were doing casks, crates, and cases from ship holds of God attracted good people. Hoot- the bringing had to make certain that to the storage cabins in Hootlani. lani, after all, had been founded on those who were doing the buying were Then it took more bodies to sort the the Rock of Gibraltar belief that “men reputable individuals. Rather, disrepu- merchandise and prepare it for deliv- will be men,” and as long as there were table individuals who could be trusted ery. Dog teams had to be fed summer no good women, men would contin- to pay in gold and forget with whom or winter, as did the operation’s three ue to be men, and there was profit they had been doing business. dray animals. Additionally, the plank in that intractable law of nature. But On the flip side of the entrepre- sidewalks that made the loading of the with men of God came good women, neurial system, Jerome Findlay Quid- dogs and horses easy were always in and soon thereafter there would be a ley the Third inspired confidence in need of repair. Everything cost money, substantial decline in the fortunes of his buyers. Though his prices were and that money came out of Jerome Hootlani. high, a natural consequence of any Findlay Quidley the Third’s pocket. He Thus, it came to pass that the devil commodity in Alaska, they were not paid well, thus his popularity. incarnate came to Hootlani one after-

FEBRUARY 2019 35 FICTION noon in late spring of the Year of the James Wickersham knew of the exis- history, Jerome Findlay Quidley the Big Snow. He came in the form of a tence of Hootlani, much less its people, Third could see the future because he fat man wearing gray canvas trousers, the more Jerome Findlay Quidley the knew the past. Father Albert was the a black-and-red wool work shirt, and Third liked it. It was not that he had precursor of the new age. You cannot a pair of worn boots that had been, any grudge against the judge person- defeat a man who will not quit, and at one time, black. He carried a small ally. It was the professional side of Father Albert was clearly a man for pack on his back and walked with a the man that worried the Hootlani whom failure was anathema. He would mighty staff that was almost as tall as merchant. Wickersham could not find an cabin and refurbish his five-four frame. The only thing be bought; therefore, he was suspect both it and the souls of enough resi- that marked him as different from any and most certainly not welcome in dents of Hootlani to carry him through of the other hundreds of visitors who Hootlani. the winter. If he could survive that first passed through Hootlani was that he Mixing singular with plural, a man winter, he would be in Hootlani until wore a crucifix about his neck. It was of God was a different kettle of fish. the second coming of Christ. a working man’s crucifix, not one of Here was a viper in the Garden of Generally speaking, communities gold or silver. Here was a man to do Eden. That was because men of God go through four stages of develop- business. were the most insidious of villains. ment. First come the pioneers, and News of the arrival of the peripa- They violated what was known as the there are no rules except those the tetic friar made it down the only street 10-80-10 rule, the statistical foun- pioneers make. Then comes the colo- of Hootlani faster than the gait of the dation upon which the fortunes of nial period where the sons and daugh- cleric. Civilization came to Jerome Jerome Findlay Quidley the Third and ters of the pioneers make money the Findlay Quidley the Third as he was Hootlani rested. old way but find “things are changing.” working the books – in both senses of The 10-80-10 rule is both histori- They are followed by the settlers who the term – in the back of the Black cally and geographically universal. bring the old rules from the old coun- Betty Tavern. The tavern, it should be Succinctly stated, it is the breakdown try, or, in the case of Alaska, the lower noted, was not named for or owned of society’s makeup. Ten percent of states. Finally, there are the urbanizers by a negress named Betty or a woman all people will never lie, cheat, or steal who make the frontier just like every named Betty Black. It was so named even if it is in their personal interest. place else. In Father Albert, Jerome because of two steamship nameplates Ten percent of the people will lie, Findlay Quidley the Third realized the that had washed ashore years ago and cheat, and steal at every opportunity settlers were knocking on the front miles apart. One had been on the that presents itself and do, in fact, go door of Hootlani. Black something and the other had seeking opportunities to lie, cheat, and It was time to leave. been a nameplate that ended with steal. The remaining 80 percent have a There were still a good two dozen etty. Shingled together with a “B” they flexible value system. months left before the scythe of civi- became Black Betty, and thus was the When it came to the 10-80-10 rule, lization would raze all that Hootlani tavern named. Jerome Findlay Quidley the Third was was. But it gave Jerome Findlay Quid- in the adjustable 80. He did not lie, ley the Third two years to make the erome Findlay Quidley the Third cheat, or steal on a regular basis. He transition he always knew was in the J rued the day a man of God would had a solid customer base because he offing, the transubstantiation from appear in Hootlani. The Day of Judg- sold a quality product at a fair price bootlegging kingpin to respected ment had arrived, and he had not yet and never forced anyone to drink his member of some society not in Alaska arranged his ecclesiastic ducks in a row. liquor. All he wanted to do was be the and most certainly not in Portland, He was thus caught in a badly leaking, person who made the elixir available to Maine. San Francisco, perhaps, a city flat-bottomed boat on a rising tide. those who had the cash and the incli- warm by Hootlani standards and just “You can call me Father Albert,” nation to imbibe. wicked enough for Jerome Findlay said the portly man as he stretched The problem with those on the Quidley the Third and his money to his massive right hand toward Jerome path of righteousness was that there be welcomed. Just like the phoenix of Findlay Quidley the Third. “I am here was no such thing as a small transgres- the Portland of his purported ances- to do the Lord’s work.” sion. Every sin regardless of size was a try, he would resurgam and come back Jerome Findlay Quidley the Third stumbling block to salvation, and any to life. Unlike the fate of his cohorts was a man who appreciated the power single stumble could be fatal to one’s in Hootlani, who could not read the of authority. But his appreciation for eternal well-being. Clearing the road tea leaves, he would defy the adage that higher authority ended with Judge of all impediments was thus the role of the ages that “you cannot take it James Wickersham in Nome, 400 of the clergy. with you.” miles away, the closest man of author- Jerome Findlay Quidley the Third He would. ity who affected the entrepreneurial saw Father Albert for exactly what he To San Francisco. enterprises of Hootlani. The less Judge was: a harbinger. Being a student of The clock was ticking.

36 MENSA BULLETIN AT OUR FOUNDATION Steinhice Appointed Foundation VP

THE MENSA FOUNDATION has appointed Charlie Steinhice as its Vice President, replacing Eldon Romney, who is leaving the board after six years of service. “We are grateful for Eldon’s service on the Foundation board as Vice President and a dedicated trustee,” Foundation President Marie Mayer said. “Charlie has a big role to fill, Privacy Colloquium and I look forward to working with him as he brings his energy, enthu- Adds 4A Expert, siasm, and leadership to our work.” Steinhice, a lifelong resident of Digital Activist Chattanooga, Tenn., and member Romney is a longtime Mensa ORIN KERR, one of the country’s foremost of Mensa for nearly two decades, volunteer, having served at the local, scholars on internet surveillance law and joined the Mensa Foundation Board regional, and national levels for the Fourth Amendment, has joined the of Trustees in 2016. He is a certi- more than 35 years. He received the lineup for Mensa Foundation Colloquium fied Proctor and a Scholarship Chair Chairman’s Service Award in 2007 2019: Privacy in the 21st Century: Mystery for Chattanooga Mensa. He also is and in 2010 for superior service or Myth. an active volunteer for the Pancreatic to American Mensa as well as the Also added to the bill is Danny O’Brien, Cancer Action Network, for whom Distinguished Service Award for an activist for online free speech and privacy he is the Advocacy Chair for the outstanding service to American and International Director for the Electron- Chattanooga affiliate. Mensa in 2011. ic Frontier Foundation. EFF is one of the leading digital civil liberties organizations. Latest Mensa Research Journal Honors The Mensa Foundation Colloquium, an annual symposium-style event that precedes ‘Founder of Neuropsychology,’ Other Annual Gatherings, will take place July 2 Mensa Award Winners in Phoenix at the same location as the AG. Kerr, the Frances R. and John J. Duggan By Steve Slepner, Mensa Research Journal Editor Distinguished Professor of Law at the USC Gould School of Law, has briefed and THE WINTER 2019 ISSUE of the ing research on intelligence, intellec- argued cases in the U.S. Supreme Court, Mensa Research Journal is dedicated tual giftedness, and related fields. As and seven of his law review articles have to Mensa award winners. American mentioned, they cover a wide range of been cited in Supreme Court opinions. Mensa and Mensa International alter- topics, from Hans Eysenck; mnemonic He has been cited in more than 250 other nate years in presenting a Lifetime brain training; three different papers judicial opinions and more than 3,000 Achievement Award in recognition of dealing with various aspects of helping academic articles, and he has testified six a lifetime of contributions to the field disadvantaged, talented students; to a times before Congressional committees. of intelligence and related subjects. look at the difficulties of having high O’Brien has been an activist for online The 2018 International Lifetime intelligence. free speech and privacy for more than 20 Achievement Award was presented If you have published an appro- years. In his home country of the United to Brenda Milner, “the founder of priate paper in a peer-reviewed jour- Kingdom, he fought against anti-encryp- neuropsychology” from the Montre- nal or presented it at a peer-reviewed tion laws and worked to make the U.K. al Neurological Institute of McGill conference within the past three years, Parliament more transparent with the FaxY- University, Montreal, Quebec, please consider submitting it for award ourMP initiative. He’s also worked for the Canada. The issue’s first article is a consideration. As many as 10 awards Committee to Protect Journalists, aiding tribute to her from Brain on the of $500 are given to the best published at-risk online reporters, and cofounded occasion of her 100th birthday, by papers. For more information on Open Rights Group, a British digital civil Kate E. Watkins and Denise Klein. submitting papers, visit MensaFounda- liberties organization. The rest of the papers in this issue tion.org/awards. Subscribe to the MRJ As a technology journalist, O’Brien are winners of Awards for Excellence at MensaFoundation.org/MRJ. coined the term “life hack.” in Research. These annual awards are Reprinted from the Mensa Research given internationally for outstand- Journal Vol. 50, Issue 1 To register, visit colloquium.us.mensa.org.

FEBRUARY 2019 37 MENSA NEWS From the ExComm: Experiencing Mensa Community By Bibiana Balanyi, Mensa International Chair

EXCOMM HAS BEEN quite busy recently. In this context, let me reflect on two overarching proj- We just concluded the International ects. One is the new international website, which is in the Board of Directors (IBD) meeting in pipeline, and the other is our corporate image. I wrote Budapest, Hungary, which required a lot extensively in my previous article about the expected bene- of effort and energy from many volun- fits of the newly structured website. Content is being gener- teers. However, all that was worthwhile ated, and we will soon be in the testing phase. I hope the because the 51 delegates representing 38 new website can go live very soon. We can see the light at countries had an excellent and productive meeting, and the end of the tunnel – if it is the end of the project or the more than 150 participants in total had a great time in train coming ... we will see! discovering the city and making new friends. When elected, I was keen to improve the communica- A personal note here: I very much valued the coinciden- tion and the visibility of Mensa International. We created tal opportunity of hosting the 2018 IBD meeting, my last a very successful Facebook page for fun facts on Mensa one conducted as Chair, in my home country. It was both and intelligence, as well as an enhanced presence on social symbolic and heartwarming for me. This was the third time media in general. Some time ago, a professional volunteer Budapest has held the meeting – the first time there was no provided a corporate design with face-lifted logo, corporate Hungarian Mensa – and the second time for me to be host. style, and color scheme. We tried to align that with the new The IBD meeting went well in an excellent atmosphere. website and apply to all our interfaces and communication In addition to the usual administrative topics, there were tools (including the membership card Direct International exciting presentations and discussions about (just to Members receive). mention some highlights): the Mensa Foundation and its I hope that via enhanced connectivity on different work, national groups in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Luxem- forums (social media, the website, newsletters, international burg, the Tribal Mensa Nurturing Program of India, and programs) more and more Mensans can experience how it the nature of IQ and testing aspects presented by the Inter- feels to be a member of the Mensa community. national Supervisory Psychologist. In my very first article as International Chair over three As with every meeting, there were a few contentious years ago, I stated that my ultimate aim was to create a issues, but these were dealt with in the true spirit of Mensa, multifaceted international Mensa embracing everyone – and I am sure that everyone’s contributions were with good a colourful, international Mensa that is not an abstract intent and only in the best interests of Mensa. What is always concept for the members and countries but a living and encouraging is that, despite the occasional intense discussion active construct, with everybody feeling part of it, being on important topics that really matter, there was a generally involved and having ownership of it. In retrospect, I believe happy atmosphere and several real flashes of humor. we have made good progress in this field – and there is more We managed all agenda items and finished the meeting to come! on time, with some additional room left for delegates to Be part of this joint work; be part of the fun! Be part of socialize and get to know each other and meet the very the international community! Floreat Mensa! active Local Group, all of which enhanced connectivity on Reprinted from Mensa World Journal, issue #073, February an international level. 2019, Editor Kate Nacard

Mensa Election Notes WITH CANDIDATE PETITIONS closed (Jan. 31), the next email with links to cast their ballots online. important date on the American Mensa election timeline is Members can verify or update their email by visiting March 31. That’s the day by which members must be renewed americanmensa.org/profile or contacting the National Office at for the 2019-20 membership year in order to be eligible to vote [email protected] or 817-607-0060 ext. 199. in the upcoming election. (Visit americanmensa.org/renew.) Members without an email address on file will receive a Voting will begin April 15 and close May 15, a slightly paper ballot in the mail, and those with an email address on shorter voting period than previously, based on a bylaws refer- file but in need of a paper ballot by mail will need to update endum passed in the last election. Results are expected to be their Communications Preferences in their profile and select delivered from the contracted election house before the end “Prefer paper ballot.” For more instruction on how to do of the month and, after candidates are notified, immediately this, visit the americanmensa.org/election or contact the shared with members. National Office. This election will be primarily electronic (web-based), with A final candidate and referenda list will appear in the members receiving election notifications and ballots via March Bulletin.

38 MENSA BULLETIN MENSA NEWS Mensa Partners With Toymaker on Kids Coding Robot ABSOLUTELY, LEARNING can be fun – helps kids develop these skills but does so so says American Mensa and toys and through artistic expression.” games maker Educational Insights, which At the Consumer Electronics Show recently announced a partnership. Their in January, Mitchell joined Educational first venture is a coding robot named Artie Insights’ Janene Russell to moderate the 3000, recently debuted at the Consumer panel “Cracking the Coding Question, Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Why Learn to Code?” where speakers Artie 3000 is a drawing robot that helps discussed the many ways coding can teach kids learn to code. It takes drawings and kids to experiment while providing the designs, simple and complex, and turns confidence to make mistakes. At the end them into “drag and drop” code that can be put on any of the session, Artie was presented with honorary member- computer, tablet, or smart device. ship into Mensa, a status achieved by only two other fictional Educational Insights is collaborating with Mensa for Kids characters: Lisa Simpson and Mr. Peabody. to develop educational Artie activities that will be available Artie comes pre-programmed with a variety of designs like online later this year. The toymaker also worked with Mensa in numbers and letters, shapes, games, and line-art for coloring. research for the initiative, in the process finding that 96 percent Along with future lesson plans on MensaforKids.org, Educa- of parents surveyed believed coding principles would help their tional Insights also offers Artie learning activities for teachers kids regardless of their future career paths. and parents at codewithartie.com. “American Mensa and the Mensa Foundation value the While the coding robot is the first collaboration between importance of coding in helping kids reach their greatest Educational Insights and Mensa, the organizations expect potential,” American Mensa Executive Director Trevor Mitch- to launch other products together that celebrate learning ell said. “We have fallen in love with Artie, which not only through fun. Wall Street Journal Article Blows the Lid on Fun in Mensa FOR WALL STREET JOURNAL REPORTER Ira Iosebashvili, between intellect and partying. “What’s wrong with a bit of “silly hats and vodka-soaked gummy bears” didn’t fit more seri- both?” she asked. ous visions of a secret society full of . Or so Iosebashvili Stipek, a retired reference librarian – “a profession that gets discovered while attending Cincinnati Area Mensa’s Regional a lot of stereotyping,” she said – became a member 40 years Gathering last fall for research on a feature the Journal ran ago after her father convinced her to join. “Unlike the Mensa on Jan. 2. stereotype,” she said, her mathematical skills “begin and end at The article, “Mensa’s Debate: Deep Thinking or Games and counting to 20 when I have to take my shoes off.” Drinking?” explored an organizational debate: the vision and Stipek sees Mensa as a place where you can be yourself, a culture of Mensa and what constitutes an appropriate gathering sentiment echoed in her vision of Mensa being more acces- of Mensans doing “Mensan” things. sible. “I’d like to see Mensa expand its outreach to communi- Ask almost any Mensan what to expect when attending ties where we haven’t gone as deeply: African-American, Latin an RG and you will receive at least as many answers as those American, and similar communities,” she said. “The number queried (likely more). TheJournal article – to be sure, largely of intelligent children written off by the educational establish- positive – implies a struggle for identity, as summarized in its ment because of where they come from is horrifying. The waste thesis: “Despite Mensa’s reputation as a club for brainiacs, some of these minds and lives not only harms these communities, it are increasingly worried that discussions of highfalutin subjects deprives the larger society of their talents.” are giving way to frivolity such as gaming sessions, cheese Indeed, Iosebashvili suggests Mensa will need to cast a wider samplings, and craft beers.” net to renew the kind of explosive growth the organization saw Iosebashvili’s not wrong. In an organization with some in the 1970s and ’80s. make up about 13 percent 50,000 members, no doubt “some” are concerned. Are liquor of American Mensa and women only a third, the article notes. tastings and other light debaucheries, the article seems to Whatever Mensa’s composition, members won’t cease to wonder, what Lancelot Ware, British barrister, scientist, and debate its purpose. A lapsed member attending the Cincinnati Mensa co-founder, had in mind for a society meant “to identify RG is quoted in the article discussing the nature of people with and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity; to high IQs: “Being a genius is not taking a ; it’s encourage research in the nature, characteristics, and uses of what you contribute to the world.” intelligence; and to provide stimulating intellectual and social No doubt Mensans will continue to debate whether having environment for its members”? a good time with other members – in addition to supporting Naturally, Mensa members reacted to the article, primarily gifted scholarships, research, and education through the Mensa on social media, with gusto. Kathleen Stipek, Life Member of Foundation – merits a worthy contribution. North Florida Mensa, saw no issue in an apparent dichotomy —Laurel Gregory

FEBRUARY 2019 39 T

MENSA NEWS Czech Republic's Logical Olympiad Draws 60,000+ Students By Jana Unruhova and Zuzana Polakova

ing with children, students, teachers, coordinators of the regional rounds. We look forward to the continued support from our dedicated volun- teers. With their help, we are sure that next year’s competition will be an even greater success! Email the authors at jana.unruho- [email protected] and zuzana.polakova@ mensa.cz. Reprinted from Mensa World Jour- nal, issue #073, February 2019, Editor Kate Nacard

The winners (left to right) Martin Kosprd, Havlíčkův Brod, and Vilém Gutvald

THE BIGGEST MENSA PROJECT in competitors had to solve two tests, one the world has been running for 11 of which was projected on a screen. years. This year a new record was This year, 193 of the best participants set, yet again, with a total of 61,761 went forward to the final round. students from more than 3,000 schools from all over the Czech The Final Round '19 CultureQuest® Republic having registered. The day before the finals, the team of In all, there were 193 finalists in volunteers met in the Mensa office to Registration Open three age categories. Participants compile tests and prepare nametags, CASH PRIZES and cultural litera- competed in the final round on Nov. diplomas, and the seating order, as cy bragging rights are up for grabs 26 in the historic Míčovna (Ball well attend to various last-minute April 28 at Mensa’s trivia-on-steroids Games Hall) within Prague Castle. tasks. The team also personally tested contest, CultureQuest. The event was a great success! a variety of additional contests and Gathering in neighborhoods across The team that prepared the logical quizzes; ultimately, everything has to the U.S. and Canada, teams of up tasks, along with the Logical Olympi- be ready so that the final round can to five compete for 90 minutes on ad core team, had a series of meetings start on time the next day. questions that span politics, litera- where they thought up the myriad Great thoughts and ideas are often ture, geography, music, history, and tasks and tests. Pancakes (courtesy of wasted if they remain unimplemented. subjects farther afield. the Blumenstein family) were usually If there aren’t enough people who can CultureQuest: Classic is open to served at these meetings, thus the sacrifice their own time and who can current members of all ages. Culture- meetings became simply known as identify with the ideas and work on Quest: The Next Generation, the “Pancakes.” their realization, we wouldn’t have the youth division, is for members and same success. We are very happy that nonmembers born on or after May Qualifying and Regional Rounds this year the Logical Olympiad ran 1, 2001. Only team captains must be The first stage of the process is registra- smoothly once again, and we have our members. tion for both children and their teach- team of volunteers to thank for this. Entry fees are $50 per U.S. team ers, which was done on the Logical Mensa Czech Republic is very and $55 (USD) per Canadian team, Olympiad website. After registering, proud to have a long-standing team payable at the time of registration. participants completed their online of more than 200 enthusiastic people For more information, Culture- tests during the qualifying round, with at each level of the competition: the Quest rules, and registration, visit the best contestants going forward core team, the team for the prepara- americanmensa.org/culturequest. to the regional rounds. During the tion of logical tasks, IT support, and Registration closes March 31. regional rounds more than 2,100 the team responsible for communicat- CQ winners courtesy of Zdeněk Falář

40 MENSA BULLETIN MENSA NEWS Dutch Harley-Riding Traveler Tabbed to Coordinate SIGHT CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME they have made plans on how to improve the program and to Henkhenk Broekhuizen, who was ensure all members get to know about it and how they can appointed International SIGHT Coor- use it too. dinator by the International Board of “SIGHT helps to build international relations, friendships, Directors in October. and understanding,” Henkhenk said. “Many hosts and guests Henkhenk has been a member of become friends, and some of these last a lifetime. Through Mensa Netherlands since 1994, and SIGHT, one learns much more about a country and the lives in in Sexbierum (“sex, beer, and people in comparison to normal traveling. And that is the rum” in Dutch) with his partner, Espe- power of SIGHT.” ranza, who he met through Mensa Reprinted from Mensa World Journal, issue #073, February almost 14 years ago. Henkhenk has worked with the Royal 2019, Editor Kate Nacard Netherlands Navy for 32 years as an advisor in communica- tion technology. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Outside Mensa, his interests include Harley motorcycles Patents and (such as his 1981 FLH Electra Glide), radio Ham opera- licenses £ tion (PA3BLP), traveling, and international friendships. 4. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS He has dozens of friends in many countries, both in and COST outside Mensa. At 1 January 2017 and 10,270 After being a user of SIGHT, Henkhenk responded to a 31 December 2017 AMORTISATION call for a SIGHT officer and became the Mensa Netherlands At 1 January 2017 and 10,269 National Coordinator. On many international SIGHT occa- 31 December 2017 sions, he worked with Teekay (the previous International NET BOOK VALUE SIGHT Coordinator), who pointed out the upcoming Inter- At 31 December 2017 1 At 31 December 2016 1 national SIGHT Coordinator opportunity to him. Together 5. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Plant and machinery etc £ DĞŶƐĂ/ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů>ŝŵŝƚĞĚ;ZĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚEƵŵďĞƌ͗ϬϬϴϰϴϭϬϬͿ COST ^ƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚŽĨ&ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂůWŽƐŝƟŽŶĞĐ͘ϯϭ͕ϮϬϭϳ At 1 January 2017 and 2,182 ϮϬϭϳ ϮϬϭϲ 31 December 2017 DEPRECIATION &/y^^d^ EŽƚĞƐ £££ £ At 1 January 2017 1,323 /ŶƚĂŶŐŝďůĞĂƐƐĞƚƐ ϰϭ ϭCharge for year 129 dĂŶŐŝďůĞĂƐƐĞƚƐ ϱ ϳϯϬ ϴϱϵ At 31 December 2017 1,452 NET BOOK VALUE /ŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚƐ ϲ ϭ͕ϭϮϱ ϴϳϮ At 31 December 2017 730 ϭ͕ϴϱϲ ϭ͕ϳϯϮ At 31 December 2016 859 hZZEd^^d^ 6. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS The shares in group undertakings present a 100% holding of the ĞďƚŽƌƐ ϳ ϭϬϲ͕ϭϱϵ ϳϳ͕ϱϭϵ ordinary share capital of Intermensa Limited, a dormant non trading company ĂƐŚĂƚďĂŶŬĂŶĚŝŶŚĂŶĚ ϰϮϲ͕ϱϬϳ ϰϮϲ͕ϮϮϳ 7. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR ϱϯϮ͕ϲϲϲ ϱϬϯ͕ϳϰϲ 2017 2016 Z/dKZ^ ££ ŵŽƵŶƚƐĨĂůůŝŶŐĚƵĞ Trade debtors 80,340 77,519 8 ǁŝƚŚŝŶŽŶĞLJĞĂƌ ϭϯϯ͕ϳϵϰ ϲϭ͕ϵϮϴ Other debtors 25,819 - EdhZZEd^^d^ ϯϵϴ͕ϴϳϮ ϰϰϭ͕ϴϭϴ 106,159 77,519 8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING dKd>^^d^>^^ DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR hZZEd>//>/d/^ ϰϬϬ͕ϳϮϴ ϰϰϯ͕ϱϱϬ 2017 2016 Z^Zs^ ££ /ŶĐŽŵĞĂŶĚĞdžƉĞŶĚŝƚƵƌĞ Trade creditors 105,111 44,425 ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ϰϬϬ͕ϳϮϴ ϰϰϯ͕ϱϱϬ Taxation and social security 5,737 8,829 ϰϬϬ͕ϳϮϴ ϰϰϯ͕ϱϱϬ Other creditors 22,946 8,674 133,794 61,928 dŚĞĮŶĂŶĐŝĂůƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚƐŚĂǀĞďĞĞŶƉƌĞƉĂƌĞĚĂŶĚĚĞůŝǀĞƌĞĚŝŶĂĐĐŽƌĚĂŶĐĞ 9. DISCLOSURE UNDER ǁŝƚŚƚŚĞƉƌŽǀŝƐŝŽŶƐŽĨWĂƌƚϭϱŽĨƚŚĞŽŵƉĂŶŝĞƐĐƚϮϬϬϲƌĞůĂƟŶŐƚŽƐŵĂůů SECTION 444(5B) OF THE ĐŽŵƉĂŶŝĞƐ͘/ŶĂĐĐŽƌĚĂŶĐĞǁŝƚŚ^ĞĐƟŽŶϰϰϰŽĨƚŚĞŽŵƉĂŶŝĞƐĐƚϮϬϬϲ, ƚŚĞ COMPANIES ACT 2006 /ŶĐŽŵĞ^ƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚŚĂƐŶŽƚďĞĞŶĚĞůŝǀĞƌĞĚ͘dŚĞĮŶĂŶĐŝĂůƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚƐǁĞƌĞ 7KH5HSRUWRIWKH$XGLWRUVZDVXQTXDOL¿HG6LPRQ6\GGDOO)&$ ĂƉƉƌŽǀĞĚďLJƚŚĞŽĂƌĚŽĨŝƌĞĐƚŽƌƐĂŶĚǁĞƌĞƐŝŐŶĞĚŽŶŝƚƐďĞŚĂůĨďLJ: N L 6HQLRU6WDWXWRU\$XGLWRU IRUDQGRQEHKDOIRI'XQFDQ 7RSOLV ^ĂŶĨŽƌĚͲŝƌĞĐƚŽƌ /LPLWHG6WDWXWRU\$XGLWRU

FEBRUARY 2019 41 GATHERINGS

REGIONAL GATHERINGS MN RG: Loons on Ice | Feb. 22-24, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. | Minne- SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP GATHERINGS sota Mensa Presentations, games, youth activities, and other LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS fun diversions to take your mind off what’s outside. Registration: For complete event information, visit us.mensa.org/calendar. Adults are $85 through Feb. 8 and $99 walk-in; Friday only is $25; Saturday all day is $70; Saturday night only is $25; and GLAAM StaRGazers 2019 | Feb. 15-18, San Pedro, Calif. | Greater Los Sunday only is $25. Young adults (13 to 20) are $75 through Angeles Area Mensa Come to beautiful Southern California at a Feb. 8 and $89 walk-in; Friday only is $15; Saturday all day is lovely hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Bring your swimsuit $60; Saturday night only is $15; and Sunday only is $15. Chil- for the pool or the ocean. Speakers, games, a pub crawl ($5) dren (5-12) are $42 through Feb. 8 and $49 walk-in; Friday only Friday. All meals are included except Sunday breakfast and lunch is $12; Saturday all day is $35; Saturday night only is $12, and (snacks only). A fabulous Sunday brunch ($55) will feature the Sunday only is $12. Children under 5 are free. Hotel: Hilton CEO of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium as speaker. Cheese Tasting Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Mall of America; 952-854-2100; ($8) will be available Sunday afternoon. Sunday dinner will be group.hilton.com/MinnesotaMensa2019; $119, no longer guaran- provided. Register for the full event from Friday at 3 p.m. until teed. To register, email [email protected] or call Jane Gmur at Monday noon at GLAAM.org/RG/2019/Register/ by credit card, 651-699-2643. For more information, contact Kevin Borchers at PayPal, or mail for $139 till Feb. 14, then $149 at the door. Friday- [email protected] or 612-819-8088. Saturday only is $95; Sunday-Monday only is $85. Youths 17 and under pay half of above fees. Kids Track on Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 Snowball | March 1-3, Woodbridge, N.J. | Central New Jersey Mensa p.m. is $35 per youth. DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro discount You are invited to the longest-running and best RG: CNJM’s prices are $159/$159/$169/$179 S/D/T/Q; 1-800-222-TREE, Snowball 45! Enjoy the abundant 24-hour Hospitality Suite, reference code GLM or GLAAM Regional Gathering 2019. The the excellent game room, and a massive speaker track. Dance Hotel reservation deadline has passed, but we might have the night away on Saturday and spend Sunday morning snap- control over a handful of rooms at the same discounted rate, so ping up treasures at the multimedia swap. Registration for the contact Madeline Walker at [email protected] if weekend is $115. For day rates, visit cnj.us.mensa.org/snowball/ you still need a room. rates.html. Hotel: APA Hotel Woodbridge; 732-494-6200; $119/$119/$129/$139; no longer guaranteed; code/Group ID NHRG 2019: The Library at the End of the Universe | Feb. 15-17, is 190301-MENS. To register, visit cnj.us.mensa.org/snowball/ Portsmouth, N.H. | New Hampshire Mensa Please join us Feb. regonline.html. For more information, contact Erin Risch at 15-17 at the Library at the End of the Universe! We’ll have all [email protected] or 908-361-4117. the things you have come to expect: 24-hour Hospitality with all meals included, our open bar on Friday and Saturday evenings, NaNa NaNa NaNa NaNa RG! | March 22-24, Greenville, S.C. | Piedmont the movie room, the music and entertainment room, speakers, Area Mensa Biff! Bam! Pow! Piedmont Area Mensa’s 2019 Caro- crafts, games, tournaments, our scholarship auction – and, of linah RG honors the 80th anniversary of the introduction of “the course, poker! Full-weekend registration for adults is $90. Regis- Bat-Man” in Detective Comics, Vol. 1 #27, May 1939. We’d love tration for children age 8-17 is $30 less than the adult rate; age to have you join us for fun and thought-provoking programs as 18-20 is $15 less than the adult rate. Saturday only is $30 off well as our famous Carolinah hospitality. Registration includes the regular rate. Hotel: Best Western Plus Portsmouth Hotel & snacks and light meals in our Hospitality Suite in addition to Suites; 603-436-7600; $88; no longer guaranteed; mention the all programs and activities, from speakers and presentations to RG. To register or for more information, contact Deb Stone at our Saturday evening Karaoke Dance Party! Registrations post- [email protected] or 603-856-3095 for call/text. Register marked through March 15 are $80; March 16 through March 21 by PayPal to [email protected] and include name, are $90; and the walk-in rate is $95. Weekend registration is free email, and city/state in comments. for kids 6 and under; $25 for youngsters 7 to 12; $45 for 13 to 20. Registration refund requests will be honored, less a 5 percent Owlabama Blast! Blast from the Past! | Feb. 15-17, Hoover Ala. | handling charge, through Feb. 22. First-time Carolinah RG Central Alabama Mensa And when we say past, we are talking attendees may take a $5 discount off the regular or walk-in rate. ancient! Join us for a celebration of the discovery of King Tut’s These rates include dinner both Friday and Saturday nights and tomb in the 1920s. Learn how to “walk like an Egyptian” and Saturday lunch. The Drury Inn provides a free hot breakfast for dance the Charleston. Solve the riddles to escape Pharaoh’s hotel guests. Others can purchase breakfast for $6.99 plus tax. tomb. Lots of good food and good fun as always. From the hotel Hotel: Drury Inn and Suites; 1-800-325-0720; druryhotels.com/ it’s an easy walk to many restaurants, including James Beard locations/greenville-sc/drury-inn-and-suites-greenville; standard award winner Highlands Bar and Grill. Registration is $70. Veter- king or double queen rooms are $110, and suites both king and ans receive a $5 discount; children 13 to 17 are half price; and double queen are $120; guaranteed until March 8; use code under 13 are free. Hotel: Residence Inn and Suites, 821 20th 2336709. To register or for more information, contact Mary Ann Street South, Birmingham, AL; 205-731-9595; king studio suites Cox at 864-963-2335 or [email protected]. or two-bedroom suites are $119, which includes breakfast, park- ing, and a full kitchen. Reservations no longer guaranteed; visit Grand SLAM | April 5-7, Brentwood, Mo. | St. Louis Area Mensa goo.gl/H73Nif. To register, contact registrar Mary Ambridge at General registration before March 4 is $75 (all three days) [email protected] or by mail at 8444 6th Avenue South, and $55 for Saturday only. Thereafter, registration is $80 for all Birmingham, AL 35206. For more information, contact William three days and $65 for Saturday only. Under-18 rate is $40 for Shadix at [email protected] or 205-516-8536. all three days and $25 for Saturday only. And registration for

42 MENSA BULLETIN GATHERINGS children under 12 is $20 for all three days and $10 for Saturday welcome, including children. Separate program tracks for children only. Saturday registration includes the banquet. Youth rates do and teens. Singles are especially welcome ($0 single supple- not include the banquet. Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites; 314-968- ment). No registration fees. The hotel (Club Med) rate is $160/ 3704; $129/night; guaranteed until March 4. Register through night. To register or for more information, contact Erica Byrne at Registar Jim Tuller, 1601 South 18th St., St. Louis, MO 63104; [email protected]. For the Mensa discount, book through 314-265-3166. For more information, contact Robert Smith at Mill Travel at 800-242-6378 or milltravel.com. Photos of accom- [email protected] or 314-963-7324. modations can be seen at clubmed.us.

Gemutlichkeit 2019 | April 26-28, Lake Geneva, Wis. | Mensa of High Seas RG | May 30-June 3, Tampa, Fla. | Tampa Bay Mensa Get Wisconsin Three days of fun and friends, dipped in chocolate and ready to party as Tampa Bay Mensa takes to the high seas! wrapped in bacon. Multiple Gardens or Three Museums tours, 14 Relax with your fellow M’s and enjoy all the amenities of a cruise speakers and demos. Trivia and pun contests, scavenger hunt, as we travel from Tampa to Cozumel (and back) onboard Carni- games tournaments. Great food and beverages at a Southern val’s Paradise! 24-hour restaurant-quality food, pools and water Lakes vacationland resort. Registration for the full weekend (all park, adults-only retreat, professional entertainment, children’s meals included, Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast) is $89 activities*, professionally managed excursions**…. We’re hard at for Mensans and $99 for guests through March 31, then $99 work planning activities, but know that (at the very least) you’ll be for all. Gardens tour is free. Museums tour is $15. Hotel: The getting a weekend trip with an exotic destination and awesome Ridge Hotel; 800-225-5558; ridgelakegeneva.com; $99, guaran- people to share it with! Questions? Just ask! Theresa Hohmann teed until March 31; ask for Mensa block rate. To register, visit and Belinda Nemeth will field questions related to the RG itself, mensaofwisconsin.org/rg. For more information, contact and Rick Saltarelli has agreed to join our group to answer any Magie Brady at [email protected] or 414-418-2363. questions about the cruise. Tag us in the Regional Gathering for Tampa Bay Mensa Facebook Group and we’ll respond! (If email SEMMantics | April 26-28, Romulus (Detroit), Mich. | Southeast Michi- is more your style, you can also reach us at TBMHighSeasRG@ gan Mensa Back at the beautiful Airport Marriott with hotel meals gmail.com and [email protected], respectively, or included. Chocolate Feast and Decadent Desserts. Famous call 727-686-1880.) *All-day children’s program included (provid- 24-hour well-stocked games room and Hospitality, including ed by Carnival and grouped by age); evening children’s program sinful, sugar- and gluten-free, and healthy snacks. Games and available at a reasonable fee per night. **Carnival offers a variety tournaments all weekend long. Quality beer and wine, includ- of excursion options in Cozumel. These can be booked through ing tasting programs. Visit mensadetroit.com/semmantics for updates. Hotel: Airport Marriott; 734-729-7555; $99/$109; guar- anteed until April 5. For more information or to register, contact Larry Arbanas at [email protected] or 248-442-0796.

MHM Games Day | May 4, Fishkill, N.Y. | Mid-Hudson Mensa A region- al games day hosted by Mid-Hudson Mensa. This is our second year. We are located at a Choice Hotel, where members can get a discount if they wish to stay over. Snacks and soft drinks provid- ed. Registration is free. Hotel: Quality Inn & Suites, 845-897- 9300. To register or for more information, contact Bill Hughes at [email protected] or 845-473-6917.

SynRG 2019: The Building Blocks of Life | May 24-27, Houston, Texas | ܣ ܣ ܣ     Gulf Coast Mensa Gulf Coast Mensa is thrilled to present our 2019 8F BSF IFSF Regional Gathering: The Building Blocks of Life! Registration is $100 through May 15 and $110 thereafter and at the door. Day "SF ZPV UPP rates are $25 for Friday and $55 for Saturday or Sunday, Monday UIF 7ULSOH1LQH6RFLHW\ UPEBZ JT UIF XPSMEًT is free with a donation to the scholarship fund. Attendees age 7 to 'PVOEFE JO औजचछ 20 are half price; children 6 and under are free. Hotel: Doubletree MBSHFTU )*2 HSPVQ GPS UIPTF TDPSJOH BU PS BCPWF UIF जजजUI QFSDFOUJMF Intercontinental; 281-848-4000; $105, includes passes for two PO TFMFDUFE JOUFMMJHFODF UFTUT 8F DVSSFOUMZ IBWF औ चओओ NFNCFST JO people to have breakfast in the hotel restaurant; guaranteed until BCPVU घओ DPVOUSJFT FOKPZJOH UIF POMJOF JOUFMMFDUVBM FYDIBOHF PVS May 15. To register or for more information, visit gcmensa.org/ KPVSOBM 9LG\D BOOVBM NFFUJOHT JO UIF 64 BOE &VSPQF BOE NPSF synrg/synrg-2019 or contact Taz Criss at [email protected]. .FNCFSTIJQ GPS QFPQMF औछ ZFBST PS PMEFS TUBSUT BU औओ GPS ङ 1%' KPVSOBM JTTVFT QSJOU NFNCFSTIJQ JT खओ ङ JTTVFTܾऔZFBS Cancun Splash | May 25 - June 1, Cancun, Mexico | Club Med SIG Dive into 10 program tracks of active sports. Try water skiing, 7ULSOH1LQH6RFLHW\ sailing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, XXXUSJQMFOJOFPSH beach volleyball, tennis, flying trapeze, archery, yoga, danc- ing, water aerobics, and more. All sports equipment (including /࢔࢙ ࢆࢋࢋࢎ࢑ࢎࢆ࢙ࢊࢉ ࢜ࢎ࢙ࢍ .ࢊ࢓࢘ࢆ sailboats), professional group lessons, and meals are includ- ed in the room rate. (Scuba excursions are extra.) All ages are

FEBRUARY 2019 43 GATHERINGS

our travel agent and are, of course, at the attendee’s expense. the Mensa Education & Research Foundation, this one-day educa- Registration fees will vary based on time of booking and cabin tional symposium provides a forum for Mensans and the general chosen. Registration is open now! (We know it’s early but want public to explore, debate, and evaluate a major issue of long-range to give you plenty of time to plan and make sure you get the importance to society. Tickets are $99 for members and $124 for best price!) Visit saltybreezecruiseplanners.com/group/mensa. nonmembers and include lunch. Students get $20 off. Visit collo- Review cruise information and complete the registration form. quium.us.mensa.org. Rick Saltarelli, our travel agent extraordinaire, will contact you to help with the rest! There is not a set price for the cruise, and AG 2019: Mensa Rising | July 3-7, Phoenix Hot place. Cool people. prices tend to go up as the cruise gets closer. Make your reser- What more do you need to know? Event registration is $244 for vation as early as possible! The only way to register for the event members and $284 for nonmembers through Feb. 28; kids 4 to 12 is by booking through our travel agent! A small registration fee are $109 for members and $134 for nonmembers; ages 13 to 20 are ($20) will be included in your booking, and we will be using the $175 for members and $200 for nonmembers. To make room reser- travel agent’s reservation information to tell us who is attending. vations at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, call 1-800-325-3535 and reference “The Sheraton Grand Phoenix and American Mensa 2019 NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL EVENTS Annual Gathering.” Rates are $139 for singles/doubles and $159 for triples/quads. There is a one-day nonrefundable deposit. Parking is Spring 2019 AMC Meeting | March 2, Woodbridge, N.J. The meet- $12/day ($21 if you valet). There is free Wi-Fi in sleeping rooms and ing will take place in conjunction with Central New Jersey Mensa’s in Hospitality. Keep your eyes peeled to ag.us.mensa.org, where Snowball RG at the APA Hotel Woodbridge; 120 Wood Ave. S., details on tours, the gala speaker, meals, and more will be added. Iselin, N.J. 08830. For more information, contact Shirley Meine at [email protected]. Planning a Gathering? Mensa Foundation Colloquium 2019: Privacy in the 21st Century: To submit a gathering for the Mensa Bulletin and the American Mensa Mystery or Myth? | July 2, Phoenix Society has worked to strike an website, go to americanmensa.org/events and select Gatherings acceptable balance between personal privacy and public security as Request from the left menu. You’ll receive a copy of your submission long as the two concepts have existed. The debate has intensified via email, and we’ll follow up with the proper individuals to approve in this era of mass surveillance, internet-connected frying pans, and the listing. Participation in any event is the responsibility of the indi- GPS-enabled computers in the pockets of most Americans. Public vidual attendee. Parents are responsible for members under age 18. knowledge and legal opinion struggle to keep up, and we’re left to American Mensa assumes no additional liability for members under wonder what privacy looks like in the 21st century. Sponsored by the age of 18 who attend any event.

we love parody. mensastore.com



44 MENSA BULLETIN CLASSIFIEDS

OPPORTUNITIES Microsoft Excel Training Specialist HEAD GAMES ANSWERS Go public! Raise capital. Do mergers and Will Travel to your business or teach online to FROM P. 12-13 acquisitions. No size or income requirements. I am small groups (1-10) Brainteasers a Mensan who has been taking companies public • Beginning, Intermediate, and for 30 years. Call 323-487-9404 or email ja4srm@ Advanced Classes 1. INCONSIDERATELY gmail.com. • Make employees more efficient 2. TORT / TROT; SPOT / TOPS; and productive LEEK / KEEL PERSONALS • Classes 3-5 days (typically 4 days, 6 hours/day) 3. Little Boy Blue, come blow your Life should be an adventure! Active, mature, • Curriculum is standard or can be based horn. SMM seeks SFM to share the adventure. What is around your own projects 4. IN THE SHORT TERM your adventure? Write to me. I will reply. smm@ • Classes offered for Word, Outlook and anshanmailbox.com Access 5. C = Charlie’s age. D = David’s age. • We also develop Excel to satisfy your C = 2D PUBLICATIONS business needs, processes 72 = 2D + D = 3D More than 20 years’ experience David is 24. Charlie is 48. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Master ************************** 6. 135 candy hearts were in the jar. Call for availability and pricing Fellow Mensan Skyler Badalament-Tirrell Brian Moriarty, (714) 514-3469 presents: linkedin.com/in/ZeroTilt Number Bushes CARAVAN [email protected] 1. 2. An actual play podcast in which two groups of Not affiliated with Mensa players each carve their own unique stories out of the same campaign! Available on @HetreaOfficial on Twitter! Are you the One? ************************** The Top One Percent? If so, come up to , 3. 4. SERVICES OFFERED the Intelligent Alternative PO Box 5518 Acquisitions, Divestitures, Mergers, Joint Douglasville, GA 30154 Ventures, Restructuring, Startups 678-426-8379 Through consulting, training and coaching we can [email protected] help you: www.intertel-iq.org • Complete Complex Transactions 5. 6. • Implement M&A Best Practices and Critical Not affiliated with Mensa Success Factors • Optimize Underperforming Businesses • Build and Retain M&A Capability in Your Firm Personey M&A Consulting. 30 years’ experience. YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE AWAITS Mensan Web: www.personeymallc.com

Studies have shown that high-IQ individuals 7. are the most likely to suffer from insomnia. Hypnotherapy can easily and safely help you return to normal healthy sleep. Deborah is an experienced, licensed hypnotherapist with a proven track record in helping people with American Mensa has partnered with the Priceline Partner Network to provide an entire insomnia and anxiety. Sessions are available website to handle all of your travel-related needs. in person, via Skype or Google Hangouts. For Visit us.mensa.org/benefits for details. information or to set up an appointment, email Crossword [email protected] or call TRAJECT SCARABS 206-372-9930 REVERI E PARASOL AVERAGE ANT IQUE Sperm Donor: Jewish Mensan with several MINK INURE healthy children. Frozen vials stored at FDA- PLUSHES MUS I RK acknowledged commercial facility. Genetic LEE IMPLANT NEE testing panels done. jewishspermdonor.net EDS EARACHE TEN (424) 302-9484 [email protected] NITRO MED CANTOR S ADD DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by Mensa is intended or implied by the AXE INTENSE GEE publication of any ad in the Mensa Bulletin. Mensa does not knowingly accept ads that misrepresent the products or services being offered. Mensa assumes COS ST S SEAWANS no responsibility for the contents of the ads or for the advertisers. Respondents ADAPT I T I S are urged to exercise the same prudence they would with any merchant or Your one-stop shop for comprehensive major medical, service organization. Readers respond to personal ads at their own risk. Each short-term, group term life, personal accident, catastrophe, BILLERS APPRIZE advertiser assumes full responsibility for his/her ad. As a membership service, extra in-hospital coverage and disability income insurance. any complaint against an advertiser will be investigated in the interest of seeking RET IREE FREEZER a satisfactory and equitable resolution. All complaints should be addressed to Visit us.mensa.org/benefits for details. ESSENCE TORRENT the editor.

FEBRUARY 2019 45 PARTING THOUGHTS My AI Life By H. Gay Allen | Illustration by Kirsten Wahlquist

hings got dicey at which brought Al-ex-a to my house yesterday attention. “So I deserve Twhile I was working two lollypops,” Minnie said, in the garden. Alexa and but that’s not what Alexa Siri got into a fight about heard and, already activated, who got to be on alert in replied obediently, “OK, I the evenings. Alexa told will call the cops.” Siri that she was the logi- When the police showed cal choice because when up, they immediately my dogs get out of the yard began filming with their – and they frequently do – body cameras, which upset Alexa has the geo-fencing Ring, who maintained that capability to put an invisible intruder recording was electronic border around his job. Looking to elimi- the beasts and notify me if nate the competition, Ring they get out. pronounced his facial recog- Siri countered that only nition function nonopera- she could control all the tional and denied the officers smart plugs in the house, from anywhere in the continental entry into the house. United States, at any time of day or night. Turning devices As I scrambled to diffuse the situation and mollify the off when they are not needed, Siri said, results in substantial impatient cops, the biofeedback electrocardiogram sensor energy savings. on my wristwatch was sounding an alarm that I was Alexa retorted that her security network had facial recog- in danger of a panic attack or worse. So my nano-med nition as well as night vision, two-way communication with implants started pumping soothing pharmaceuticals into any family member, and a camera so advanced it could my system. But before they could kick in, I heard a whir- zoom in to count the fillings in an intruder’s teeth. ring in the air: A pack of drones had shown up, and each “That’s great, if you want to call the burglar a dentist,” one was filming the action for a different station’s “News at Siri one-upped her adversary, then cryptically snorted, “And 11.” They’d been alerted to the scene by their digital police may I remind you that when I say I control all the plugs in scanner algorithms. the house that includes the one into which you are plugged, By the time I got into the house, my companion-bots, dearie!” Robo-dogs and Ninja Kitties, tense from the shouting of Not wanting to involve myself in the bickering, I ordered scripted chatbots programmed to deter intruders, were all the exterior shutters closed and muted all contraptions fighting like cats and dogs. My digital projection palm set to broadcast into my geospacer. Then I woke up Roomba ferns, responsive to positive and negative stimuli, imme- to referee the dispute. diately began flickering in distress. Andy the Android is That was fine until Smarty-pants, the smart refrigera- programmed to care for all the houseplants, alive and elec- tor, sensed the action was getting rather hot and, unable tronic, so he rushed across the house to hum the ferns a to provide any other functionality, started throwing ice lullaby. But in his haste, Andy bumped into the aquari- everywhere to “cool things down.” The smart thermostat um, which went crashing to the floor. Fortunately, its only responded by cranking up the temperature, which then acti- inhabitants were 3D hologram jellyfish that simply hovered vated the automatic hydronic underfloor chilling system, in the same spot the aquarium used to be. and in no time we had an ice rink on the kitchen floor. In the confusion, I hardly realized Alexa and Siri had That’s when Roomba zoomed in, sent a message to Google made amends and took off to form their own tech startup. Home to play Mozart’s Contredanse in C, KV 587, and Andy the Android said he was thinking of investing. Mean- began ice skating. while, Ring had convinced Smarty-pants the refrigerator Nonplussed, Gigi, my cat, left the room and headed and Roomba to picket for higher wages. And I realized my for the den, a move that automatically triggered Alexa to personal neural networks had flunked deep learning. So I turn on the television and play recorded episodes of Mickey ran out the front door, gave a command to the security Mouse. Alexa was within hearing range and mistook the system to shove everyone out of the house and lock the dialogue on Gigi’s favorite show for a summons. Minnie had doors, and instructed my XAI-44 to take me to the health told Mickey that she had done something “extra special,” club, where no electronic devices are allowed.

46 MENSA BULLETIN A SMARTER WAY TO FALL IN LOVE

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MensaMatch.com Jennifer Jewell

Jennifer is a wife, mom, and public health doctoral student who enjoys speculative ͤFWLRQSKRWRJUDSKLQJQDWXUHDQGPDQDJLQJ KHUPHQDJHULHRIFKLOGUHQFDWVGRJV FKLFNHQVDQGͤVK hot place. cool people.

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