Administrivia
The Memphis Mensa Newsletter (ISSN
#0745-3426) is published monthly by
Memphis Mensa, 6485 River Fall Drive,
Memphis, TN 38120-2624. Annual
subscription to members of Memphis
Mensa is included with the annual dues;
the cost is $8.00 to nonmembers.
Memphis Mensa
c/o 1229 Corporate Drive West
Arlington, TX 76006-6103
Memphis Mensa is local group #380 of
American Mensa, Ltd. Copyright © 2003
by Memphis Mensa and the individual
authors. Any Mensa publication may
reprint our material provided appropriate
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
credit is given to the Memphis Mensa
Newsletter and the specific authors. The
decision to print material and the editing of
the material is at the sole discretion of the
Memphis Mensa Newsletter editor.
Opinions expressed herein are those of
the individual contributors, not those of the
editor, Memphis Mensa, nor American
Mensa, Ltd., unless so indicated. Mensa,
as an organization, has no opinions.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Memphis Mensa, c/o American Mensa,
Ltd., 1229 Corporate Drive West,
Arlington, TX 76006-6103.
Scanned & Uploaded
Compliments of M-Friends
October 2003
Vol. 22, No. 10
ExComm/Officers ................................................................................... 2
RVC Update........................................................................................... 3
Financial SIG.......................................................................................... 3
Review of Lateral Thinking ...................................................................... 4
Letters to the Editor................................................................................. 5
Calendar ................................................................................................ 6
A Night of Fright...................................................................................... 8
National Testing...................................................................................... 8
Eastern Arkansas Update........................................................................ 8
Monthly Speaker..................................................................................... 9
Web Wisdom.........................................................................................10
Anniversaries ........................................................................................11
Birthdays...............................................................................................11
New Members ...................................................................................... 11
PERIODICALS
PAID
MEMPHIS, TN
PERMIT NO.
686870
Executive Committee
Aimee B. Sufka: LocSec
8225 Hampton Wood Cove, Cordova, TN 38016, 901-624-5557, [email protected]
Ben Burgess: Asst. LocSec, WebMensor
1026 Moorefield Rd., Collierville, TN 38017; (901) 850-9356,
[email protected]
Brent Milton: Treasurer
2070 Irongate Ct. Apt 103, Collierville TN, 38017, 901-263-8701, [email protected]
David Stowell: Member at Large, WebMensor
8528 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138, 901-756-4221 [email protected]
Tom Miles: Member-at-Large, Proctor Coordinator
2098 Stafford Park Lane, Germantown, TN 38139, 901-755-4295 [email protected]
21 years
19 years
18 years
16 years
13 years
12 years
Theresa Earwood
Irene Martz
Kenneth Carter
Lyle Brownlee Jr.
Michael Martello
Bruce McCullar
11 years
8 years
4 years
3 years
2 years
st
Tony Davis
13
st
David Shiffman
Joyce Broyles
James Lenschau
Jack Jackson
Robert Knight
Walter Bodner Jr.
Gretchen Shaheen
Suzanne Moulton
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th
14
th
15
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18
rd
23
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25
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27
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Michael Babin Jr.
Linda Scott
Gretchen Shaheen
Jon Meagher
Matthew Peebles
th
Ann Ray
th
Aimee Sufka
Nat Ellis
William Jackson
Michael Babin Jr.
Richard Dunn
Sarah Jubb
Joey Sullpeck
Robert Johnson
Other Offices
Editor: Open Position
Scholarship Chair : Open Position
Joe Baker: Program Director
2121 Ansley Park Lane, Southaven, MS 38571, 662-280-8862
J. R. Dunworth: Poet Laureate
225 E. College Av., Holly Springs, MS 38635, 662-252-7552, [email protected]
Madison Edwards:WebMensor, Teen SIG
C/o Angel Edwards
1
nd
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Susan Hirsch: S.I.G.H.T. Coordinator
947 Rustling Oaks Circle, Memphis, TN 38117, 901-767-3807 [email protected]
Mike Seigler: RVC – Region 5
770-423-7113, [email protected]
Tom Miles: Proctor Coordinator
2098 Stafford Park Lane, Germantown, TN 38139 , 901-755-4295 [email protected]
Alan Rasmussen: Jackson TN Coordinator,
63 Brackenhouse Sq, Jackson, TN 38305; (731) 664-5805; [email protected]
Phil Slaughter: Ombudsman
11190 Hwy. 100, Toone, TN 38381, 901-658-7968, [email protected]
Dave Stevens : Membership, Publisher, WebMensor
5720 Integrity Dr., Millington, TN 38055-6510, 901-840-3864, [email protected]
…to new members
Thomas DeGreve, Stephen Jones and Anna Thomson
…and to members new to our group
Justin Howard and John Swyers
Joyce Townsend: Arkansas Coordinator
1903 Metzler Lane, Jonesboro, AR 72401-5071, (870)268-8865, [email protected]
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Mike Seigler
RVC Region 5
770-423-7113 (until
about 10:30 p.m.)
October 2003
What do you think about a routine section or a column in each newsletter on
nothing but special web sites? How 'bout it, folks? What do YOU think? So
many Mensa people use computers, and I think it might generate reader
input. Personally, I'd LOVE to know what sites our members use, and why,
site links, etc. Others would be enticed to share and tell about their own
favorites or unusual sites. -Tom Miles
Ed. Note: I think it’s a terrific idea… so here we go. Readers, be sure to send
us some of your favorite sites for inclusion next month.
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
(Submitted by Tom Miles)
The Times of London (a very reputable paper) calls this particular web site
the second most important and used site in the world. It's free, and it gives
financial or currency equivalencies from/to virtually every country and
monetary unit you can imagine – instantly and accurately by constant
changes and updates. It's great!
http://www.20000-names.com/index.htm
(Submitted by Tom Miles)
Here's another great web site. It's all about names -- adults, babies, pets,
ethnic origins, meanings, etc. plus much, much more!
www.wickedjester.com
(Submitted by Jeff Gatlin)
Ed. Note: This site was submitted through the Mensa Forum. This site sells
really “off-the-wall” T-shirts. Just to give you an idea, a couple of the milder
slogans offered are “You’re just jealous because the voices are talking to
me”, “Organized people are just too lazy to look for things” and my favorite “If
you choke a Smurf, what color does he turn?”
http://www.rootsweb.com/
(Submitted by Trisha Ely)
The oldest and largest free genealogy site, rootsweb.com is THE starting
place for genealogy research. From this site you can search multiple
databases for ancestor information, as well as view links to other genealogy
sites, receive expert help and advise and upload your family tree for inclusion
in the GenWeb Project.
http://www.digitalblasphemy.com
(Submitted by Trisha Ely)
This site offers some really cool desktop wallpaper. You can purchase a
membership and have everything available for download or just visit for the
freebies. Either way, it’s a great site.
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m.s [email protected]
t
Mensa has changed a great deal in the thirty years I've been a member.
However, one thing hasn't changed, Mensans know how to throw great parties.
I've attended the AG and two RGs in the past three months. (This is tough on an
old guy.) In each case there were interesting speakers, entertaining programs,
great food and gracious hosts that went out of their way to make sure everyone
was happy.
The "Still Lost in Space" RG was hosted by North Alabama Mensa in Huntsville.
Among other activities there was Mensa body surfing, a sex trivia competition
and a "Mensa Bowl" emceed by the ubiquitous and always humorous Charlie
Steinhice. There was a "Chocolate Orgy & Desert Fest" and the best selection of
imported and micro brewed beers I've seen anywhere. Everyone had a great
time and I went home swearing I'd go on a diet.
Mensa in Georgia hosted Peachtreat! 2003 in Atlanta. The theme this year was
"Wild, Wild, West" and everyone now knows why they live in the east. The meals
had a western flavor - barbeque, "Tombstone" pizza, and "Blazing Saddles"
Buffet. (Don't ask!) Programs included "Shootout at the Mensa Corral", two-step
dance lessons, casino night and the Cactus Bowl. It took me two days to
recover.
The "Party Animals" were in attendance at both RGs and they took everything
one notch higher. After partying all weekend they selected the top party animal.
This is a great idea and I would like us extend it by recognizing the local group
with the most partiers. (Sort of like "Animal House" - Let's call it the "Animal
Group" Award.). As is always the case in Mensa, judging will be arbitrary and
capricious, but I'm open to suggestions. The general idea is that each group will
get a point for every member that attends an RG other than their own. The group
with the highest percentage of their members attending other RGs will receive
$100 for a party, a certificate and bragging rights.
Well, I'm off to an AMC meeting in Dallas tomorrow. I'll let you know how that
went next time.
After several queries, Joe Baker has decided to re-introduce Financial SIG.
The first meeting will be on Tuesday Oct 28 starting at 6:30 PM at the
Formosa Restaurant, 6685 Quince Ave (in the shopping center on the SE
corner of Quince and Kirby). Dinner will be Dutch treat; the discussion will be
financially oriented; more detailed information will be available from Joe at
the Monthly Meeting. If possible, RSVP to Joe at 662-280-8862.
-3-
Book Review of:
Lateral Thinking by Edward de Bono
Reviewed by Ben Burgess
Few subjects seem to interest those of great intelligence as much as the topic of
intelligence itself. Still, there are those who believe that by virtue of their above
average cognitive abilities, who could possibly give them useful information about
how to do what they are already good at, thinking. I decided to do this book
report especially for those people. Written over 30 years ago, this book has
information that I hope stays in publication until the end of time. Or at least until
it's techniques pervade our thinking and teaching culture. This is a book about
breaking out of traditional thinking patterns, and discovering new vistas of mental
possibilities.
This book is about abilities we all have, creativity and insight. Previously viewed
as unquantifiable, vague attributes, Edward deBono makes the claim that the
steps to develop these abilities can be codified and understood. That you can
actually develop creative skills with the same exactness as developing logic
thought. And this book delivers.
Logical, sequential thought has long been seen as the cornerstone of intellectual
pursuits. It is an essential function of survival. Building on known elements and
logical, repeatable steps towards predictable conclusions, it allows humans to
develop ever more complex and easily communicated representations of
information patterns.
Starting with the letter "i", which is a word in itself, we have a complete idea.
Next we receive the letter d, which we can fit nicely after the i to form the word
"id". We then receive the letter l, which again fits well in front of the existing
pattern to form the word "lid". But now we receive the letter s. For this example,
we choose to put it at the end of the pattern to form the plural "lids". Finally we
receive the letter e. Having taken our previously logical steps, we arrive at an
impasse. The nature of logical, sequential thinking is to accept solutions as
correct, and discard the rest. If we are able to restructure our existing patterns,
however logical and correct they may have seemed, we can arrive at the better,
more maximal use of information by forming the word (pattern) "slide". This is
simple to do with sequences of letters that we can objectively see the whole
pattern of from the outside. It is more difficult to do when dealing with ingrained
belief systems we may have been accumulating since early childhood. The only
way these patterns of thought can be so adjusted is with lateral thinking.
Vertical, or logical thinking is a step-by-step process. Lateral thinking is a tool for
expanding the number of possible next steps, without throwing out past nonsolutions.
As we age, more and more concepts are stacked on our logical ideas and given
existing categorization until we may find ourselves with less and less flexibility to
deal with new information. These stacks are vertical. Applying lateral thinking
leaves information open to be recategorized as needed.
This book teaches a process for developing this skill. A skill we all use to some
degree without thinking (pun intended). But a skill I think you'll agree we all could
use more of
It is the bases of the concept of "common sense" and has allowed many an
organism to quickly identify dangerous situations at a glance. Yet few can doubt
that the greatest moments of human achievements have been accompanied by
that "eureka" factor. A sudden break in understanding that was not arrived at by
plodding along the familiar route of mental constructs. Vertical thinking is
selective, lateral thinking is generative.
The mind is a self-maximizing pattern engine. It automatically tries to identify
and categorize all new incoming information by using previously understood
patterns, so as to maintain a maximum possible continuum of understanding.
Leaving the least amount of information as uncategorized. But this has potential
hazards.
I will borrow and alter an example problem cited in the book. For this example,
let us use letters of the alphabet to represent concepts. Throughout our lives we
receive new pieces of information that our brains readily absorb and attempt to
justify and make sense of. If we see this stream of incoming information as a
stream of letters, each of which we want to add to the previous pattern to make a
new, understandable word (pattern), we could have the following scenario.
-4-
The topic for the October Monthly meeting will be: "Saving and Growing
Money at all ages for Fun and Profit". The meeting will be held at Boscos
on the Square, 2120 Madison Ave, starting at 6:30 PM, as usual. The
speaker will be from the First Tennessee Bank Trust Department and will
discuss major and minor factors in savings and investing. The speech will
cover the major strategies for each earning/savings situation. While 1st
Tennessee products may be used as examples, the talk is not a sales
presentation in any way.
Last month's speaker gave M-M tickets to the Civil Right's museum. So,
contact Joe Baker at 662-280-8862 for tickets if you would like to tour the
Civil Right's Museum.
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A Night of Fright
Letters to the Editor
A blinding flash, then a second, illuminate the night ;
And thunder rolls from cloud to cloud across the darkened sky.
It's not a night to be abroad without a good bright light.
One never knows, on such a night, who or what might be nigh.
Then one by one the forms appear, obscure shadowy forms,
Gliding, floating upon the night, witches, ghouls, and monsters;
And ev'ry one is half your height; they're coming now in swarms.
They're ev'rywhere, these munchkin frights, these short, spectral
trav'lers.
What sends these eerie figures forth into this night?
Does evil walk tonight, or do our eyes deceive?
Perhaps a calendar consult might shed some light.
October thirty-first, this night's All Hallows Eve.
By J. R. Dunworth
NATIONAL TESTING DAY
October 18, 2003
<<<< MILLINGTON, TN >>>>
<<<< COLLIERVILLE, TN >>>>
Millington Branch Library
Collierville Branch Library
4858 Navy Road
501 Poplar View Parkway
First Examination
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Second Examination
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
From Highway 51, turn right on
Navy Rd. The library is about a block pass the
second light on the left. Autozone and the Post
office are on the right.
First Examination
Registration: 10:30 AM -Examination: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Second Examination
Registration: 2:00 PM -Examination: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
<<<< JONESBORO, AR >>>>
Arkansas State University, College of Business Building -- Room 106
Registration: 12:30 PM -- Examination: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Invite a friend or co-worker to take the Mensa test!
Dear Friends,
Prior to successfully testing and joining Mensa, no one ever suggested that I
try to qualify for our organization. I wonder why. Guess no one figured I
could make the grade. That's a good explanation given the fact that all of
you know me well are still wondering how I qualified. <LOL> FWIW, I'm still
wondering! Must have been my lucky pencil. <grin>
In any event, I ask each of you to consider conducting some outreach to
those around you and invite their attention to our organization and ask them
to consider participating in a testing session or to submit prior evidence.
Having done so myself, I guarantee that they'll be flattered and
appreciative....and we should never pass up the opportunity to let someone
know that we think highly of them. Hey, it's a humanistic thing. Granted,
some of us are reluctant to reveal our status as a person who scored in the
abnormal ranges of certain psychological exams. I felt the same reticence.
No one wants to come across as a braggart, our pride in having exceptional
intelligence notwithstanding. Not to worry: Every time I confessed my status
as a Mensan, the typical response was amazement that someone like me
could ever qualify. And it inspired many to take the test or submit prior
evidence.
Starting to ramble now folks. So in closing: Please consider extending an
invitation to your family, friends and loved ones to learn more about our
group and to take the steps necessary to qualify. Thanks in advance for your
consideration.
DaveDaveDave :-)
Congratulations to Dick Shaw on his first honey harvest! We "bees" very
happy for you! To celebrate, here's a honey recipe.
Teri & Dial
Honey-lime Dressing
Update from Eastern Arkansas – Joyce Townsend has a spot scheduled
on local TV (KAIT-TV, channel 8) for October 14, 5 o'clock local interest
program; Diana Davis, news anchor, is a friend, and they did this last year.
Joyce hopes to sign up at least one professional from the station, one from
local radio and one from newspaper.
-8-
1 beaten egg
Dash mace (or nutmeg)
Dash salt
¼ lime juice
½ cup honey
1 cup sour cream
In saucepan, combine egg, honey and lime juice; cook and stir over low
heat until mixture thickens. Blend in salt and mace; cool. Fold in sour
cream. Chill. Makes 1-1/2 cups dressing.
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SUN
MON
TUE
WED
1
THU
2
FRI
SAT
4
-- I2DG
3
-Temperance
5
6
7
8
-ExCom Mtg.
9
10
-Temperance
Oct 17th (Fri.) 5:30 pm: Temperance; (see
Fri., Oct 3rd)
Oct 18th Testing Sessions: See page 8 for
additional details.
11
-- I2DG
Oct 18th (Sat) 7:00 p.m.: Informal In-Depth
Discussion Group (I2DG). ). (See Oct 4th)
nd
Yom Kippur
12
13
19
Columbus Day
20
26
27
14
15
-Monthly Mtg.
- KAIT TV Show
16
-Newsletter
Deadline
17
-Temperance
18
-- I2DG
-- Mensa Test
21
22
--FSM
23
24
-Temperance
25
-- I2DG
28
--Financial SIG
29
30
-MMLD
31
-Temperance
End Daylight
Savings Time
Halloween
Oct 22 (Wed) 6:00 pm.: FSM Party at
Dick Shaw's house, 2396 Eastwood Ave,
phone 323-8520. Pizza and soft drinks will
be available. Directions: Go to the
Firehouse on E. Parkway near Overton
Park. Directly across Parkway from the
firehouse door is Eastwood Ave, which is
only one block long. Dick's house will be on
the left.
Oct 24th (Fri.) 5:30 pm: Temperance; (see
Fri., Oct 3rd)
Oct 25th (Sat) 7:00 p.m.: Informal In-Depth
Discussion Group (I2DG). ). (See Oct 4th)
Oct 3rd (Fri.) 5:30 pm: Temperance ; meet at the Cockeyed Camel (683-4056),
located on westbound Poplar, just east of I-240. Conversation and Friday letdown? Let-up?? S,A
Oct 28th (Tue) 6:30 PM: Financial SIG at the Formosa Restaurant, 6685 Quince
Ave (in the shopping center on the SE corner of Quince and Kirby). If possible,
RSVP to Joe at 662-280-8862. See page 3 for additional information.
Oct 4th (Sat) 7:00 p.m.: Informal In-Depth Discussion Group (I2DG). This group
meets every Saturday night at McAllister’s Deli. Contact Aimee Sufka at 6245557.
Oct 30th (Thru) 7:00 – 10:00 pm: MMLD SIG at the Sufka’s, 8225 Hampton
Wood Cove; phone 624-5557 (home) or 523-5051 (work). The October
discussion will be on Edward O. Wilson’s On Human Nature. .For advanced
planning – the November discussion will be on Robert Heinlein’s Stranger in a
Strange Land. Directions: Take Germantown Parkway north to Cordova Road.
Turn right onto Cordova Road. Turn left onto Garden Willow and then take an
immediate left onto Hampton Wood Cove. OS, C
Oct 8th (Wed.) 6 p.m.: ExCom Meeting at Perkins restaurant, 1340 S.
Germantown Road in Germantown; phone 759-5938. All members in good
standing are welcome to join.
th
Oct 10 (Fri.) 5:30 pm: Temperance; (see Fri., Oc t 3rd)
Oct 11th (Sat) 7:00 p.m.: Informal In-Depth Discussion Group (I 2DG). (See Oct
4th)
th
Oct 14 (Tue) 5:00 pm: KAIT TV Channel 8 will air a Mensa spot on their local
interest program. (See page 8 for additional details.)
Oct 14th (Tue) 6:30 pm: Monthly meeting at Boscos on the Square, 2120
Madison (432-2222), near the intersection of Madison and Cooper. We have the
back room reserved. See page nine for speaker information.
Oct 16th (Thu.) Newsletter Deadline
.
Oct 31st (Fri.) 5:30 pm: Temperance; (see Fri., Oct 3rd)
Send your calendar items for the newsletter to Trisha
Ely at [email protected] and/or Brent Milton at
[email protected].
S-Smoking
NS-Non-smoking
DS-Designated
Smoking
OS-Outside Smoking
A-Adults Only
F-Family Activity
C-Cats Present
D-Dogs Present
O-Other Animals
Present
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