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Palm-Mensa©
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Palm Beach County Mensa June, 2002
most recently updated Monday, June 10th, 2002 |
Hurricane season begins |
Contents
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News and Notices * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ISO EDITOR. For the past year, Elissa has been our Editor, and has done an excellent job. However, she has another time-consuming Mensa activity, that of RVC-10, in addition to a full-time job. She was elected Regional Vice Chairperson of our Florida region about the same time she took on our Editor position. In order that she have enough time to fulfill her RVC duties well, it is necessary for her to pass on the Editor's job to another PBCM member. The production and mailing activities are done well by Donna Bognar. The Internet web development and implementation, as well as computer questions in general, are handed very aptly by Glen Moulder. There is more time for the Editor to pursue pure editorial functions than before. Please contact either Elissa (561-496-0124 or elissa12@bellsouth.net) or me (561-964-4360 or bkaras@bigfoot.com) if you are interested in the overall editor job or the calendar editor job. -Barry Karas * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Region 10 did well in the Mensa Education and Research Foundation (MERF) National Scholarship program, winning a $1000 award, 3 $500 awards, and 7 $250 awards. Seven of 12 groups participated. Congratulations to our local winner, Faryl Ury of Boca Raton! Look for her essay on our Web site. Thanks again to Janice Johnson from our northern area who, with her committee, read and scored the essays from our group. MERF awarded more than $36,000 in this year's program. Next year's program will be expanded. There will be a Mensa Teacher of the Year award that will allow Mensa members to nominate an outstanding teacher. The teacher and institution will receive special recognition. Also, there will an exclusive scholarship for Mensa members or their children. Every aspect of the MERF scholarship program brings Mensa nothing but great PR. Would you like to help with our local program? If so, call Elissa 561-496-0124. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * To Ponder... a. Jackdaws love my big sphinx of quartz. b. How quickly daft jumping zebras vex. c. Waltz, nymph, for quick jigs vex Bud. d. Quick wafting zephyrs vex bold Jim. e. Mr. Jock, TV quiz Ph.D. bags few lynx. You probably know what these sentences have in common--if not, we'll give you a few minutes to figure it out. OK, now what is this particular arrangement of characters called? Yes, there is a specific name for the pattern. Email elissa12@bellsouth.net with your answer(s). We'll make you famous. |
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Tell Us About Who You Are!!
Palm Mensa has access to free meeting space - and a population of fascinating, intelligent members from all walks of life. Yet some of our members have complained that we only gather to eat and drink. We'd like to correct that, but to do so we need to know a little more about you - who you are, where your interests lie, and what types of activities or gatherings you'd like to see. So please take a few minutes to fill out and return this form. Then just fold it so that the address shows on the outside, put a stamp in the corner and drop it in the mail.
Name__________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________ Phone number____________________________
Tell us about your educational background ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
What do you do for a living? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
Tell us about any interesting professional experiences you've had. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
What hobbies or interests do you have that other Mensa members may share? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
What kind of books do you read? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
Tell us about any specific programs, topics or activities you'd like to see Palm Mensa support. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
Norbert Brown |
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Elissa Rudolph A few months ago I had some fun with the demographics of our region in relation to the whole of American Mensa. Here are the results of fun with "New Member" demographics and how the age ranges and percentages work out. At the end of March (end of fiscal year 2001-2002) 70% of new Region 10 members were male nearly matching the national percentage of 69%, which is where the commonalities end. Ten percent of our newest members are considered members of the "Millennial Generation," (see below for age ranges) while the national figure is 4%. Other surprising differences: 50% of our new members are considered "Gen X" compared to the national percentage of 58%; 10% of Region 10's new people belong to the "Silent Generation" while the percentage is only 6% nationally. What does it all mean? Looks to me like we have many more really young people, the Millennials, and more of the Silents than the nationwide numbers show, but fewer Gen Xers. What do you think this means?? Reminders: The AG hotel, the Fairmont Princess, is sold out. All the tours are also fully booked. Arrangements have been made for alternate hotels; check the Web site for info: http://ag.us.mensa.org Looking for intellectual stimulation, yearning for that brain tickle you joined Mensa for? Here's a deal for you-"Exploring Consciousness," the 2002 Colloquium in Troy, Michigan August 16-18. Check their Web site: http://www.colloquium2002.org/ for descriptions of "thinking on the edge." Southwest by South Florida Mensa reports in their newsletter, M-Compass, that the group reached 192 members as of March 31, the largest membership total ever for this chapter based in and around Naples, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers. Their outstanding performance gets the spotlight aimed at them this month. Between increased testing and great publicity surrounding the "Bikers vs. Brainers" annual event, SWxS has managed to boost its membership figures higher than ever. FYI, the Bikers and Brainers are tied with 3 wins each (last February the Brainers won 70-45); funds raised go to the group's scholarship program. Great job, SWxS! Coming events: July 3-7, AG 2002: Desert Delights in Scottsdale, AZ. Don't miss Mensa's biggest gathering of the year! Something for everyone-just check out your latest Bulletin. October 18-20, the 2002 SCAM Rollback RG, http://spacecoastareamensa.tripod.com/ , for details as they emerge. 1-16 = Millennial Generation (1986-present); 17-36 = Gen X (1966-1985); 37-56 = Baby Boomers (1946-1965); 57-77 = Silent Generation (1925-1945); 78-101 = Depression/GI Generation (1901-1924); and 102+ = Lost Generation (1883-1900) Elissa Rudolph |
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Barry Karas HEALTHY. I just got some good news, in fact some very good news. Pizza is good for your health! Even though I'm a pretty skeptical person, this is one report that I'll take as the Gospel truth. And since I'm down on "iffy" events, I'll ignore the "if you order it with half of the cheese, a sprinkle of it, or none at all." Can you think of a better way to make kids eat their veggies? There was also something about two slices, but I didn't pay any attention to it. ANNOYING. This may be "old hat" to some of you. Advertisements are my pet bugaboo. Yes, I understand what they are for, but they're sooo intrusive. I hardly watch commercial teevee anymore because of them (and when I do, I make it a point NOT to buy any product advertised). The latest ploy of the advertisers (and I understand the advertisers have taken a page from the porno book) is to force ads upon Internet users in the forms of pop up and pop under ads. I have a freebie computer program that does not allow these advertisements: it's called Pop-Up Stopper and you can download it from <http://download.com.com/3000-2366-10112163.html?tag=lst-0-9>. This program is very powerful as it does not allow any new windows to open, but more and more programs are using them for "legitimate," non-advertising purposes. However, you can override the anti-pop features by a simple keystroke (and this feature may be automated now). As far as I know, Pop-Up Stopper is for Microsoft Windows (all), Netscape Navigator, and Internet Explorer. It does not work for other browsers and operating systems - however, I am almost sure that they have equivalent programs available. W32KLEZ. I don't normally broadcast virus/worm warnings, but I just got several infected files. Three of them came from software companies in responses to my inquiries. I am not a security "nut," probably because I have used preventive measures for years...and they're just second nature to me. There are two things that can help (99.5%) prevent infection: 1. Get a good antivirus program. 2. UPDATE your virus definitions. Without doing this at least monthly, having an antivirus program is just a waste of space. |
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Glen Moulder and Elissa Rudolph As of 4/30/02, we have 280 members, minus 66 members who are late in renewing (we hope!) or have left the fold. 70% of those lapsed joined between 1999 & 2001. The other 30% have join dates as far back as 1966. Seems to me that the first few years of membership are the most important--if Mensa doesn't strike a chord with you in the first years then you move on. Nationally American Mensa lost about 20% of its members. This is the same dip the organization takes every year though at renewal time. Next month's figures will jump up dramatically. Palm Beach County Mensa did gain 4 members last month--Jennifer Glunta of Boca Raton (new); Stephen Mergler of Delray Beach (renewed); Joel Waters, Palm Beach Gardens, moved in from California, and Megan Williams, West Palm Beach (new). Welcome or welcome back! Join us for an event! Please note: If you don't see your birthday shown in this section when it should appear, you probably indicated to the national office that this information should be withheld. If so, and you do want it to appear, simply contact the national office and change your information withholding preferences. |
Happy June MensAnniversary (year and persons) to:
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32 ! Nairn Miller 29 Amy Shaughnessy and Miss Anne Wilder 27 Dorothy Mihalyfi 25 Jerome Casler and Edward Mitchell 24 Wilda Howe 21 Karen Phillips and Dr. Kerry Yancy Dolan 19 George Chityat 16 Robert Hunnicutt and Randolph Pratt 15 Sharon Zurflieh 14 Lila Arango 13 Cheryl Gommel and Miss Aurea Tomeski 10 J. Shiffer 09 Debra Hardy 08 Laurie Andersen, Gayle Johnson, Martha Ryan and Tim Stark 07 Donna Bognar, Susan Casteel, Charles Chipley, Mary Henslee, Dr. Mary Kinard, Dr. Stephen Mandel, Benjamin Rattner, Stacey Stewart, J. Underwood, Tracy Ward and R White 06 Joel McTague 05 Fay Harrington, Eleen Judy, Heather Urakawa and John Wauson 04 Mark Edwards, Sherry McReynolds, Lynne Smiland and David Williams 03 Joseph Berlinger, Dr. Phyllis Godofsky, Nikki Murphy and Aaron Rumfelt 02 Eric Reeves, Don Salamon, Michael Salit and Alexis Viteri 01 Mashallah Behbehani, Kurt Meyer, John Schram, Riley Shipman and Colin Webb |
Happy June Birthday (day and persons) to:
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1st Cynthia Lewis, Dr. Sam Lollar, Chris Morgan, H. Payne, Eric Reeves and Dr. Paul Schacknow 3rd Susan Linderman, Shawn Nigam, Bettye Pfau, Richard Starita and Michele Warren 4th Jack Griffith and Glen Morehead 6th Evelyn Harrison, Wilda Howe, Edmund King 7th John Dunn 9th Mary Burch and Judith Newkirk 10th Justin Carroll, Midge Johnston-Drone and Ava Tompkins 11th John Carey, William Greene, Norton Lehner, Pitt Maner and Mabel Mendel 12th Shawn Bennett, Dr. Herbert Corley, Steven Garretson, Dr. Sanford Reitman, Elissa Rudolph and Russell Semmel 14th Stan Forbes and Judith Ray 16th Lavi Zamstein 17th Miss Leslie Gold, Jeanne Hood, Robert Lloyd and Joseph Wagner 18th David Baumgardner and Miss Aurea Tomeski 19th John Sakovich 20th Frank Hubans and Sowmya Somanath 22nd Allen Rockwerk 23rd Jerry Fitz, Edward Mitchell, Dan Scrivner and M. Skeats 24th Carmelita Bevill, Charley Pettigrew and Paula Ryan 25th John Murray 26th Amber Brewer, Arnold Friedman, Larry Gainor, Cheryl Gommel, Ruth McCorkle and Arianna Pattek 27th Antoinette Erdheim, Anne Matson and Stephen Price 28th Jules Grossberg, Dr. Sharron Ronco, Adam Semer and Lorraine Thomason 29th William Melms and J Shiffer 30th Jason Coletta and Charles Wolfe |
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Elissa Rudolph/Faryl Ury When I was a child, dreaming of my future, I couldn't imagine myself in an ordinary profession with a monotonous routine. A natural performer, I am strongly driven by ambition and excited by change. I hope to study at the Annenberg School for Communication at University of Southern California and dream of working as a broadcast journalist, more specifically, an investigative reporter or an in-depth interviewer. Anchoring will give me a chance to perform and reporting will allow me to interact with community members. How perfect for an inquisitive, outgoing young woman who has always had a knack for getting the "inside scoop"! Throughout high school I have been passionately involved with the WSRH school TV station and am volunteering at a local cable station to develop a call-in talk show which I will host called "Tell Me 'Bout It" to address adolescent problems. When told I could make a career of doing what I love, I knew-I knew I would pursue a career in journalism. However, simultaneously smiling and speaking, was obviously not the only journalistic challenge I was to encounter. Therefore, I spent a month during summer 2001 at the University of Southern California trying out the less glamorous, but equally rewarding, aspects of journalism. I gained experience in print and on-line journalism and expanded my knowledge of my first love, broadcast journalism. And once again, determination invaded my mind and body and I knew-I knew I would have to succeed as a journalist. Next year I will focus on practical applications with a supplemental theoretical study of communication, and will gain hands-on experience through internship opportunities and volunteer work at the prestigious Annenberg TV News. Realizing the difficulties of breaking into journalism, I will certainly obtain a degree in a second area of study to supplement my journalistic education. I will also study a wide variety of the liberal arts subjects which will contribute to a well-rounded education. I will participate in USC's highly-recognized honors program, Thematic Option, which teaches its students to analyze, question, and understand the reasoning behind all opinions and to recognize the roles that historical, political, and social forces play in matters of personal choice. With the recent world situation, media has a more meaningful role than ever before. The public must be able to depend on news outlets to understand events and accurate reporting is of the utmost importance. I want to influence opinion and educate the public. I will enjoy working in small communities, getting a true felling for the local flavor and building strong relationships with the inhabitants. My greatest dream, however, is of one day reporting on a breakthrough scientific development or uncovering the facts that would free a convict on Death Row. So yes, it is true, I know-I know that gaining a diverse education and pursuing journalism is the educational/career path I will follow. Journalism sparks curiosity in my mind and excitement in my heart, as does the prospect of becoming an intellectual woman with an insightful perception of the world. I posses intensity, passion, and tremendous initiative. My mind is constantly working on thinking of new ideas and following through with old ones. This motivation and boundless energy will allow me to achieve great things! |
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Northern Exposure NCG was held at the home of Bobbie & Julius Kadlecz also attending were Donna & David Bognar, Deche Hamill, Melissa Funk, Mike Purcell, Sharon Robertson and Bill Whitesell. As always Bobbie & Julius were the most gracious of hosts and the only thing that surpassed the quantity of food was its quality. Thank you Bobbie & Juju. June NCG will be held on Sunday June 23 - place- to be announced Contact Bill Whitesell 772-336-8859 |
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Crab House Breakfast Glen Moulder The Crab House breakfasts are being suspended until this fall when our host, the charming and entertaining Rich Linett returns to the area. Look for us at the Crab House each month though in our Perkophiles incarnation. |
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First Friday - at Colucci's Attic No report received this month. |
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Perkophiles - Glen Moulder The May Perkophiles was a big success. Bob and Ann Abbott, Norris Domangue, Bob Dolson, Jim Morse, me and a guest had a good breakfast out on the deck with a great view and lots of discussions taking place. Jim gave us an education about the invention, development and collection of fountain pens. Bob Abbott explained his theories of maze creation and the current renewed interest in them. We all talked about new computer technology and how it's come such a long way in the past 20 years. Come on out and join us on June 23rd, bring along an appetite for good food and conversation. |
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Mensa Dining Adventure Dinner at Mia Mensa in Delray Beach last month proved to be a delightful experience. We had a server, Todd, who entertained us with his jokes (once he realized Mensans were not snobby or stuffy!), the atmosphere was congenial, and the food excellent. Fred Nohle, Donald Van Dusen, Sharron Ronco, Pamela Berteau, Barry Karas, Bettye Pfau, and Elissa Rudolph helped to make the evening a success. If Mia Mensa ever needs a testimonial from the smart set, we will be glad to provide it! |
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Novel Writing Workshop
Prudy Taylor Board conducted a Novel Writing Workshop in May that had her audience hanging on her every word. Prudy discussed tips on how to get started and the pitfalls to avoid. She has promised to conduct another workshop soon on writing Family Histories and Geneaology. Two of Prudy's horror novels are out of print, but you can find used copies on Amazon.com. I (Elissa) purchased "The Vow" and "Blood Legacy" for less than $5. (Prudy writes as P.F. Foster and Prudence Foster.) These are some of the tips Prudy discussed in detail punctuated with her own relevant experience: Preparing to Write the Novel - 10 Tips Tip #1. Stuck for an idea? Sensitize yourself to your surroundings. Search your heart. What's important to you? Tip #2. There's a time and place for it. Writing, that is. But where and when do you function best? You need to know. Tip #3. Next step is to get out of the house and head for the office supply store. If you have everything you need before you get started, you won't have an excuse to procrastinate. Tip #4. Now you need to prepare a place to store your materials. A cardboard box? A filing cabinet? It's up to you. You need a place to store your notes, ideas, clippings, photos and other research materials. Tip #5. Create a synopsis of narrative of the story. Then boil it down to a 2 or 3 sentence summary. Tip #6. Get a stack of 3X5 cards and start jotting down scenes. Now you're working on an outline. Here's how to outline a scene: time, place, POV character, summary of the action. Tip #7. Time must march on so make a calendar. Tip #8. You must have a cast of characters. And they must be more than just names on a page. Tip #9. Create or decide on a setting and map it out. Actually create a map. This helps you establish credibility. Tip #10. Set realistic goals. The majority of experienced writers can turn out 6 to 10 pages a day. Give yourself a break. Aim for 1 or 2 pages in the beginning. Increase your output as you go along. But 1 page a day will result in 365 pages in a year. That's a fair-sized novel. Bonus tip: If at any time you're having difficulty writing, it's usually because: a. You're not ready to write. b. You don't want to write about the topic you've chosen. c. You're sabotaging yourself. |
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Miss Dustinea Jacquette that you go to the local library and check out the books and the librarians... |
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Note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and DO NOT reflect opinions of Palm Beach County Mensa, its officers, or of American Mensa, Ltd., which holds NO opinions. |
© 2000-2007 Palm Beach County Mensa. The Mensa logo is a registered trademark of Mensa International Limited and American Mensa Limited, all rights reserved. Mensa does not hold any opinion or have, or express, any political or religious views.