Orange County Mensa Regional Gathering - 2009

The 2009 RG is over. Here is the complete program booklet. Click here for the short-form version as it went to the printer (PDF).

Return to This Year's Regional Gathering.

Welcome to
The Endless Summer!

I would like to welcome everyone to the 2009 OC Mensa RG, The Endless Summer. This year's program includes activities that reflect the diversity that makes up OC Mensa. We have many new activities this year as well as the usual favorites. We have great meals planned, and the hospitality suite will be stocked from morning 'til night!

I want to thank all of the volunteers who have helped to put this gathering together. As someone who had little experience with the inner workings of an RG, I can now say that I have a much greater appreciation for how much work goes into this event.

I hope everyone enjoys what we have put together this weekend. We have done our best -- the rest is up to you. Enjoy the "Endless Summer"!

Greg Wilson

RG Chair

Orange County Mensa welcomes you to its 2009 Regional Gathering: The Endless Summer! See and hear the RG's programs; catch up with old friends; make new friends; get a room; step outside for a smoke; enjoy the famous OC Mensa Hospitality Suite (but, please keep Hospitality food and beverages in Hospitality; this was the concession that we made to the hotel to get such cheap rooms); swim a few laps in the pool; relax in the Jacuzzi; visit the local attractions if you're from out of town; have a great time. Enjoy the Summer.

Questions? Comments? Complaints? Attaboys/attagirls? Talk to a committee-person – the folks wearing a flip-flop with tropical leaf "May I help you?".

This Program Booklet also appears on the OC Mensa website, ocmensa.org (click on "Regional Gathering"). Write down that website address! Additional info (such as links to speakers' websites) will be added well into the autumn. Note Well: The Program Booklet, like the program itself, is a Perpetual Work In Progress. Dates/times/places are subject to change. Check this website often during the run-up to the RG! Once the RG begins, check the update boards at the Hospitality Room and at the Registration Desk.

The hotel lobby has Wi-Fi! The signal is pretty good in all event locations -- and we have arranged to have them be pretty near the lobby.

Friday

2:00 PM [Lobby]
Registration Opens

Come visit us in the lobby.

2:00 PM [Costa Mesa II and III]
Hospitality Opens

Beer, wine, pop, chips, dips ... and a whole lot more.

2:00 PM [Pacific]
Games Room Opens

Start playing!

2:30 PM – 2:50 PM [MacArthur]
Welcome to the RG!

RG Chair Greg Wilson kicks off this year’s “Endless Summer” RG with a rousing welcome and preview of the weekend’s events. Be there or be square, Moon-Doggie!

Time and Place to be Posted in Hospitality

Werewolf Game: Lie, Murder, Detect

Danila Oder leads you through the village.

3:00 PM – 3:50 PM [MacArthur]

How the *#&@*!! Do I Get There In This Traffic?

How do you travel around in Orange County and how can you expect it to change in the next 10 years? Carolyn Cavecche, Member of the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors since March, 2004 and currently Mayor of the City of Orange, will present transportation initiatives currently underway, future improvements such as the expansion of Metrolink service and planned high-speed rail service and the impact of goods movement in Southern California.

Ms. Cavecche has represented the Third District on the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors since March 2004. She was unanimously selected to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors for 2007 after serving as Vice-Chair in 2006. Director Cavecche is a member of the following committees: Highways, Transportation 2020, and the Executive Committee. She also serves as Chairman of the State Route 91 Advisory Committee and the Security Working Group, Chair of the Legislative and Communications Committee and as a member of the Riverside Orange Corridor Authority (ROCA).

A graduate of California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Carolyn served seven years on the Orange Public Library Board of Trustees before being elected to the Orange City Council in June of 2001. She is currently in her second term as Mayor of the City of Orange.

3:00 PM – 3:50 PM [Harbor]

So…How Are YOU Going To Water Your Lawn In 20 Years?

The Groundwater Replenishment System is an innovative water purification project that is the result of the visionary leadership of both the Orange County Water District and the Orange County Sanitation District. These two public agencies cooperatively developed and built this state-of-the-art water purification facility to provide north-central Orange County with a new source of safe, clean water in an environmentally sensitive and fiscally responsible manner. Come to this lecture and learn how this highly successful and innovative project may become the model for helping to answer our pressing water needs as Orange County continues to grow.

4:00 PM – 4:50 PM [MacArthur]

Living With (and Without) Dementia

Dan Berlau, PhD, is in the Department of Neurology at UCI School of Medicine. He and his team of researchers have been examining the growing challenge of dementia to society, families and the individual. He will share with us how nutrition, diet, exercise, body composition, leisure activities and many other strategies are showing promise in helping people slow and perhaps even prevent cognitive decline.

4:00 PM – 4:50 PM [Harbor]

Ethical Decision-Making and 21st Century Medicine

Advance health care directives, organ donation, informed consent; every one of us at one time or another in our lives is likely to be confronted with the need to examine our personal ethics in the context of medical decision-making, for ourselves, our partners or family members. As medical science pushes the boundaries into areas of cloning, gene manipulation or heroic extension of life, these questions touch on national health care policy, personal choice, even one’s faith. Felicia Cohn, PhD, Director of Medical Ethics at UCI School of Medicine, will discuss these important topics with us in a stimulating and informative 50 minutes.

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Dinner Break (on your own)

No lectures scheduled.

7:00 PM – 7:50 PM [Hospitality]

Bake-Off

Bring your baked goods. Tonight: a Theme Related Creation. Prize for first place! Your Host: Bill Bandaruk.

7:00 PM – 7:50 PM [Harbor]

“No! I Swear! That’s My Social Security Number, But NOT My Credit Card!” – Simple Steps to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

Many of us (your Program Chair included!) have had the experience of discovering that someone else is enjoying the benefits of our hard-won credit rating, leaving us with, at the very least, a headache and a mess to clean up, and at worst, years of recurring aggravation or even dealing with a damaged credit rating. Elizabeth Henderson, Deputy District Attorney, Major Fraud Division, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, will help us understand both how easily this can happen, and what we as individual consumers can (and should!) do to protect ourselves and our economic health against these rat-bastard predators.

7:30 PM – ?? [MacArthur]

No-Limit Hold 'Em Poker Tournament

Our annual Friday evening Poker Tournament only bigger & better! Check-in starts @ 7:30pm, tournament starts @ 8:00pm. $20 Buy-in with one rebuy available prior to 1st break and one add-on available at the 1st break. Everyone welcome, including guests of Mensa members! Hosted by Nam Tran.

8:00 – 8:50 PM [Harbor]

Real Estate Fraud: Protecting Against Predatory Lending Practices and Fraudulent “Loan Fixers”

As a result of the current real estate meltdown, many homeowners find themselves behind in their mortgages, owing more than their homes are worth, and generally in difficult straits. This has lead to a dramatic increase in the number of individuals and firms claiming to be able to help people in these circumstances. Some of these claims are valid and ethical, but unfortunately many are impossible or outright illegal. Elizabeth Henderson, Deputy District Attorney, Major Fraud Division, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, will help us understand how to recognize fraudulent claims and protect ourselves and those we care for from this kind of fraud.

9:00 PM – 9:50 PM [Harbor]

The Eye, Bioengineering and New Glaucoma Surgical Treatments

Professor George Baerveldt, MD, UCI Professor of Ophthalmology, developed and currently holds four patents related to the Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant, a device for the drainage of excess fluid from the eye in complex cases of glaucoma. Professor Baerveldt is also one of the inventors of the Trabectome, a device for minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery. This surgery is now performed throughout the United States. Dr. Baerveldt will be sharing with us the latest research on the treatments and surgical options for glaucoma. Dr. Baerveldt is a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine. He has participated in 44 clinical trials involving glaucoma drugs and laser surgery, and has published 67 peer-reviewed papers and 10 chapters in books.

10:00 PM – ?? [Bristol]

Tiki Bar

After a long day of surfing or beach-combing, join your Hosts Randy Bergum and Goddess Kristine for a relaxing evening of exotic drink and atmosphere. Meet us at the Tiki Bar in the Bristol Room for Polynesian favorites such as the Piña Colada, Mai Tai, Banana Daiquiri, and other rum based butt kickers. Grass skirts encouraged, and coconut bras will be rewarded handsomely (ladies only!). Pay homage to the mighty Tiki gods - everybody gets lei-ed tonight! 50 person limit at a time, after that people admitted as space allows. 21 or older only, please.

10 PM – ??

Joke-a-Thon

Hosted by Eric Halasz. A lot has happened since the last Joke-a-Thon. Do you have some new jokes to share with us all? Here's your chance for cheers and jeers.

Saturday

8:00 AM [Costa Mesa II and III]

Breakfast

Bagels, muffins, yogurt, fruit, juice, coffee, tea ... and a whole lot more.

8:00 AM [Lobby]

Registration Opens

Come visit us in the lobby.

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM [MacArthur]

Handwriting Analysis

Danila Oder will share her 30 years of study and application of handwriting analysis with the group. The way your brain unconsciously tells your hand muscles to move reflects both permanent and transient conditions. Learn some basics of handwriting analysis, with examples from ordinary people, the highly intelligent and the criminals, and test your new knowledge on three puzzles. For more information on the system Danila uses, see www.brainprints.com.

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM [Harbor]

From Bench to Bedside: Using Flies To Find Cures for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Huntington’s disease is emerging as a key example of a growing class of late onset, neurodegenerative diseases caused by protein misfolding that include Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s and the ataxias and the polyglutamine diseases. The unique feature so Huntington’s genetics make it a highly tractable disease to model and the common features it shares with other misfolding diseases informs treatment strategies in other disease settings. J. Lawrence Marsh, PhD, Developmental Biology Center, Departments of Developmental and Cell Biology and Pathology, UC Irvine, will discuss the cellular basis for these devastating degenerative diseases and the progress toward finding therapeutic relief. The process of finding drugs and therapies to treat these diseases can be slow, expensive and frustrating. We will discuss how one can mimic the essential features of these human diseases in an organism such as Drosophila, how one can find these model organisms to find cures and how these efforts accelerate the identification of useful therapies for testing in mice and ultimately humans. The current status of finding therapeutic strategies will be discussed.

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM [Boardroom]

Mensa Testing Session

Yes, of course you qualify for Mensa membership. Here, take this simple test proctored by Greg Wilson. You'll be done by noon. We'll send your answer sheet off to National Headquarters, and you'll get your Offer of Membership by return mail. Sure, there's testing fees, and first year dues, and such like. But consider how nicely we're likely to treat you, Mr/Ms Completed Test Taker, if you choose to hang around for some or all of the rest of the weekend. Show up. Ask.

10:00 AM

Hospitality Opens [Costa Mesa II and III]

We put away the bagels, muffins, yogurt, fruit, juice, coffee, and tea; we bring out the beer, wine, pop, chips, dips ... and a whole lot more.

10:00 AM – 10:50 AM [MacArthur]

Disillusion and Hope on the Dark Continent

Marshall Burns, PhD, spent the first half of 2007 on an overseas journey of political and cultural exploration. He will share with us his experience on the part of that trip in Kenya, Africa. Come hear about the heated debate he sparked in parliament, the woman he would nominate for president, and the war veteran who is suing the Queen of England, all with beautiful photographs and maybe some choice video clips. Based on the report of his trip at www.MBurns.com/Kenya/, but with a more personal view of the people who touched his heart and changed his outlook on life in ways he has not yet recovered from.

10:00 AM – 10:50 AM [Harbor]

The Dream Mind

Janice Baylis will talk about the strange attractor/determinist system behind how dream-mind chooses the image it uses.
- How does chaos/complexity theory apply to the gazillion, seemingly random, dream images?
- In a 1959 car-pool passengers’ pre-cognitive dream caused them to change their meeting spot. That very morning an airplane crashed where they would have been.
This got Janice interested in dreams. She did self-directed study of dreams and later taught dream study at Orange County Community Colleges. She wrote, SLEEP ON IT! The Practical Side of Dreaming in 1977 and Sex, Symbols and Dreams in 1997. Learn how dream-mind is thinking. Learn the roots, trunks, limbs, branches and leaves of your associative thinking dream tree.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM [Lobby]

Go Karting

Get your adrenaline going at K1 Speed in Irvine and experience what 40mph feels like when you're just inches from the ground. Come to race or just to spectate. Discounted tickets are available at the local Costco. Prices are $20 per race ($16 from Costco). An annual membership ($5.95) may be required. Nam Tran and the Gen-Y kids do their thing. Over-somethings also welcome. We leave from the hotel at 10:30 and head on over. They open at 11:00 am. We'll probably be back by 12:30. Sign up in Hospitality so we can ensure that there's a kart for everyone!

11:00 AM – 11:50 AM [MacArthur]

Peak Oil, Climate Change and the Financial Crisis: Intersecting Checks on the Growth Paradigm

Danila Oder believes that the current financial crisis is linked to the climate change and ultimately related to peak oil (both production and consumption). She believes that climate change is mostly man-made, and that exhaustion of these systems is due to the logical progression of capitalism. What are the implications to society, and to us as individuals? A nonpartisan talk on the challenges we face. Educational links: www.tomdispatch.com/post/175117/michael_klare_energy_xtremism (outlook); www.postcarbon.org (oil depletion, particularly Richard Heinberg); monbiot.com/ (climate change).

11:00 AM – 11:50 AM [Harbor]

The Holmes-Dracula Connection

Leslie Klinger  (www.lesliesklinger.com; www.twitter.com/lklinger; www.facebook.com/leslie.s.klinger) is a local author and President of the Southern California chapter of Mystery Writers of America. As the editor of The Sherlock Holmes Reference Library, The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Short Stories, The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Novels, and The New Annotated Dracula, Mr. Klinger brings a special talent and expertise to this discussion. He will talk about his research into these two iconic figures of the mystery genre, and share his approach to the writing process. He's teaching a UCLA Extension class on October 24 on "Dracula and His World." For further information, see https://www.uclaextension.edu/r/Course.aspx?reg=V2822.

12:00 Noon – 2:00 PM [Bristol]

Buffet Luncheon

Make sure you have your meal tickets!

1:00 PM

Poolside Olympics [Poolside]

Hostess Jenny Zilka and crew invite you to partake in some cooling-off games – naturally, involving getting wet.

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM [MacArthur]

Sexual Politics: Pleasure, Power, Morality, and Law

The fastest-growing social status in America today is "sex offender." Yet a detailed study by Human Rights Watch in 2007 found that, while some registered sex offenders are indeed dangerous, many are guilty of no more than public urination, taking innocent naked baby pictures, having consensual sex with a high-school sweetheart, or other such innocuous crimes. The more than 500,000 people on sex offender registries in the US have become a new underclass that cuts across lines of race and ethnicity and is more defined by poverty and the inability to defend oneself in court. Its members are banished from urban areas, denied any reasonable employment opportunities, and roundly vilified by society. Demonizing such large numbers of people, of whom many should never have been criminals in the first place, detracts attention from truly dangerous perpetrators of violent sexual crimes. Excessive sex offender laws are promoted and abused by ambitious politicians, prosecutors, and journalists, who fan the flames of public fear while hiding the true nature and effects of the laws on people and society.

Sexual politics is about the relationship between power and sex. The term was the title of a landmark feminist text by Kate Millett in 1970 and was used in the titles of two essays by Prof. Harris Mirkin in the 1990s that nearly got him fired. But the complex interplay among sex, laws, morality, and power is seldom discussed and little understood. Come learn the history of sex, war, rape, and registries, and see how they all fit together.

Presented by Marshall Burns, PhD (www.MBurns.com), based on research at www.SOLresearch.org, but delving deep into new material in his files that has never been published.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

ShowDown (A Word Game): Round “A” [Harbor]

Presenters: Art and Angie Mattson. Compete or be part of the audience for this fun and exciting one-on-one word game. Two players receive clues for each of five words. The players take turns asking that a letter in a specific position be revealed. The first to guess three of the five words advances to the next round, and the loser is eliminated. But, be forewarned! The clues are cleverly cryptic and an incorrect guess gives the point to the opponent. Not sure you want to compete? Then come and share in the fun as a member of the audience – you’ll be able to view everything the contestants see. A handout with a sample game and detailed rules is available at the Registration Desk.

2:00 PM – 2:50 PM [Hospitality]

Bake-Off

Bring your baked goods. This afternoon: Pies. Prize for first place! Your Host: Bill Bandaruk.

2:00 PM – 2:50 PM [MacArthur]

The Other IQ (Innovation Quotient)

Martin Wartenberg, PhD, mwartenberg@zbglobal.com, is Chief Inventor at ZB Global Design Center, www.zbglobal.com. He is also the Director and Lead Instructor for Science and Engineering Programs, University of California, Irvine, mrwarten@uci.edu. He notes that Creativity and Innovation have become essential for the survival & growth of a business. As competition continues to heat up and business process methods (as well as products) become obsolete at a faster rate. Faster and better execution, while necessary, is no longer sufficient to grow or even sustain a business. You and your organizations must continuously think "out of the proverbial box", not just in products but in all aspects of their business, in order to keep pace. The ability to create and innovate requires a combination of traits and skills. There are multiple dimensions to the mind-set and abilities of both individuals and groups to innovate and implement new methods and products in an organization. We will explore several of the dimensions that allow very bright people to be able to operate in the fuzzy and sometimes chaotic environment that reflects the creative organization. If you don’t all feel tested out, we will see what our Innovative Quotient is.

3:00 PM – 3:50 PM [MacArthur]

Weaving Recent (and Future?) Scientific Breakthroughs into Plot Lines

Fantasy/thrillers are engaging on many levels. The greater the “believability” factor the greater the impact. Stephen Tremp, local author of the Breakthrough trilogy (an action thriller series weaving together breakthroughs in science and technology with greed, murder and mayhem), will discuss with us how what we believe we are on the verge on discovering can be woven into the plot of a book. He will also show us how organizations such as Homeland Security tap into sci-fi minds to help solve complex problems with the help of these writers. Perhaps they are merely prophets, proclaiming in advance what we will see and use in the near future?

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM [Bristol]

ShowDown (A Word Game): Round “B,” plus Quarterfinal, Semifinal, and Final Rounds

Presenters: Art and Angie Mattson. Continuation of the ShowDown word game, but with even more challenging clues and words. The winners of Round A (see earlier listing) will compete against each other in Round B. Round B winners go on to the Quarterfinals; those winners advance to the Semifinals. The last two winners face off in the Finals for the ShowDown Championship. Even if you choose not to compete, come and watch as part of the audience.

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM [Harbor]

Ask The Sexologists

Presented by Robert Berend, JD, PhD in human sexuality, and Lisa Berend, R.N. The audience decides the direction of our presentation. We take questions – raise your hand or write it anonymously on a piece of paper. We're glad to discuss any aspects of sexuality that you're wondering about. Dating, orgasm types, pheromones, alternative sex, what is sex, sex and aging... Always use condoms when with a new partner until you're tested! And consider getting tested for HIV, herpes (I and 2), HPV and chlamydia just to be sure you're healthy!!

4:00 PM – 4:50 PM [MacArthur]

Barriers to Innovation

Martin Wartenberg, MBA, is Chief Inventor, ZB Global Design Center. He is also Director and Lead Instructor for Science and Engineering Programs, University of California, Irvine. He embraces the aphorism, ”Success has many fathers, while failure is an orphan”. There are so many barriers to successful implementation of creative and innovative ideas in the workplace. This is as true of private business, big or small, as it is in government and quasi government organizations. The barriers can be thought of in four general categories:
- Environmental
- Emotional
- Organizational
- Intellectual and perceptual
During our short session, we will look at the barriers that are visible (the 10% of the iceberg that you can see) and the really tough ones that are below the surface.

4:00 PM – 4:50 PM [Harbor]

How to Give (and Receive!) a Great Massage

This is a seminar on how to give and receive a great massage. Shannan Stearns will be teaching some basic techniques and giving a demonstration in "hands on healing" through energy work (basic manipulation of the Chi) – at least that's what I have been told is what I do. Come and either get or learn to give a great massage. Everyone welcome. A volunteer is needed for for the "hands on healing" demonstration. If you have a sore back or neck that just won't go away, then see Shannan.

Shannan has been doing this seminar at RG's and AG's for 10 years and has been doing Massage and "hands on healing" for over 20.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Hospitality is Closed

We're setting up for dinner.

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM [Costa Mesa I, II, and III]

Theme Dinner

Make sure you buy your meal tickets!

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM [MacArthur]

After-Dinner Speaker: Matt Cook, Author and Entrepreneur

It all started at age 15 when Matt created the international Mile-Long Yellow Ribbon Project to honor America’s troops that “defended freedom” in Iraq. He traveled around the United States to approximately 25 states to collect 10,000 young people’s signatures on a piece of ribbon to show the troops in Iraq that young people are thinking of them. After receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award in October of 2006 for his Mile-Long Yellow Ribbon Project, he set out to interview leaders who had been successful in their respective fields to ask for their advice on leadership. Cook explained that he incorporated their advice along with his own experiences into a leadership book for early college students entitled “Fearless: Your Journey to Leadership.”

Now a student at Stanford, Matt has been interspersing his studies with motivational speaking engagements, where he incorporates humor, out-of-the-box thinking and the occasional magic trick as he shares his observations about entrepreneurship. “One of the main themes of the book is that you have to be very bold with whatever you do,” he said. “You can’t be afraid of breaking certain social norms in order to get what you want.” We think he’ll fit right in the Mensa crowd!

7:30 PM – 9:00 PM [MacArthur]

“The Endless Summer”

Screening of the surf movie, narrated by Robert August, one of the two surfers featured in this 1966 all-time classic.

9:00 PM – 11:30 PM [Bristol]

Dig Jelly

Show your best moves on the dance floor, or just listen and enjoy one of the hottest Orange County bands around! RG Chair Greg Wilson has arranged for the band Dig Jelly to play at our RG! Dig Jelly is led by lead singer Rayko and lead guitarist Robby Lochner. Rayko has a huge following from both the music and anime industries and has appeared in several videos in the US and Japan. She recently performed @ Comicon 2009. Robby has played with Carlos Santana, Eddie Money, Joan Jett, Ted Nugent and Rob Halford (Judas Priest). Dig Jelly has released their second CD titled "ParaNoize" and both their CD's are available on iTunes. The band has opened for several well known bands and has packed arenas and HOB's around the country and overseas. The band will be playing music from the Beatles, Pat Benatar, Guns & Roses, No Doubt, Cheap Trick, Jane's Addiction, Joan Jett, Def Leppard, Collective Soul (& others). Something for everyone! (OK, almost everyone...). The band will play two 1-hour sets, with a break between sets. Come on out to dance, have a good time and listen to great music with friends!

10:00 PM

Carnelli

Hosted by Eric Halasz. We'll play rounds until people are sated.

Sunday

8:00 AM [Costa Mesa II and III]

Breakfast

Bagels, muffins, yogurt, fruit, juice, coffee, tea ... and a whole lot more.

8:00 AM

Registration Opens [Lobby]

Come visit us in the lobby.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM [MacArthur]

Bylaws Update

Chairman Tom Streeter hosts "Meet With the Bylaws Committee". tomstreeter.com/marked-up-bylaws.htm

On second thought, maybe we should adjourn to the Church of Bacon services next door.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM [Harbor]

Religious Service for the Church of Bacon

Rev. John Olsen, Porkmaster, presides over this morning's service.

10:30 AM – 12:00 Noon [Bristol]

Brunch

Make sure you buy your meal tickets early!

12:00 Noon – 12:50 PM [MacArthur]

Energy in the New Millennium: Reducing your Carbon Footprint, Renewable Resources, and Nuclear Power

Dennis Silverman, PhD., is from the Physics and Astronomy department at UCI and has been lecturing on energy consumption, renewable resources and America’s energy picture for years. He will discuss actions that people can take themselves to bring about fewer greenhouse gas emissions and energy savings. He will discuss new energy plans put forth by the Obama and Schwarzenegger administrations, California’s unique ability to provide multiple renewable sources of energy and lastly, plans for new facilities.

12:00 PM – 12:50 PM [Harbor]

Your Credit Report and How to Raise Your FICO Scores

Didn't they always say that your mistakes were going to go on your PERMANENT RECORD? Tony Vaca is a local Realtor®, Real Estate Investor and past member of OC Mensa. He will speak on the importance of creating and maintaining a high FICO score, the responsibilities of credit reporting companies and how to clean up your credit report and improve your scores, quickly, easily and legally.

12:50 PM – 3:30 PM [Lobby]

Kayak!

Colleen Nolan provides a free guided kayaking tour in Newport Bay. Instruction! Life Jackets (over 95 lbs)!! Boats and paddles for up to 25 people!!! (Please sign up in Hospitality.) No Experience Necessary!!!! Children 8yrs and up OK with parent!!!!! FUN FOR EVERYONE!!!!!! Meet in the hotel lobby to carpool.

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM [MacArthur]

American Dietary Myths – What You Don't Know Can Kill You (Or At Least Affect Your Sex Life!)

Rowan Richards, DC, will cover the dangers of polyunsaturated oils, low-fat diets and the mistaken impression that fats "cause" cholesterol. She will also discuss research that indicates that cholesterol levels bear no relationship to heart disease. Rowan Richards, DC, will cover the dangers of polyunsaturated oils, low-fat diets and the mistaken impression that fats "cause" cholesterol. She will also discuss research that indicates that cholesterol levels bear no relationship to heart disease.

Dr. N. Rowan Richards is a Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Internists and a Fellow of the International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture. In 2004, she was elected a Fellow of the International College of Chiropractors; and in 2006, she was chosen as a Top Chiropractor of America. She is also a certified herbalist through the Australian College of Phytotherapy and Texas College of Chiropractic.

Dr. Richards also writes voluminously, publishing a monthly patient education newsletter and writing a blog on topical health issues. Currently, she is working on a book on natural treatments for cardiovascular disease. At her clinic in Glendora, California, she treats a wide variety of patients – everyone from newborns to geriatrics. She specializes in an integrated approach to optimum health including nutritional and lifestyle programs, cranial therapy, Bennett reflex work (Neurovascular Dynamics) and laser meridian therapy. For further information, see www.RichardsFamilyHealth.com, DrRichardsTalksBack.com (blog), and www.TheHealthyHeartSolution.com.

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM [Harbor]

Surf The Web Trivia

Not only are smart phones, netbooks and laptops allowed in this trivia event, they are highly recommended. The trivial questions asked in this event will be too obscure or mercurial to be in anyone's head. Link into the hotel's Wi-Fi and compete to be the fastest fact finder.

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM [Bristol]

Crafting Bee

Bring the beach home with a beautiful seashell candle holder that you made yourself! Cathy Boon provides materials and instruction. You supply creativity and lively conversation. Children 10 and older are welcome with an adult assistant. Look for a sample project and sign-up sheet in Hospitality. Limit: 10.

2:00 PM – 2:50 PM [Harbor]

How to Give (and Receive!) a Great Massage

Shannan Stearns will reprise her presentation from 4:00 PM Saturday.

3:00 PM – 3:50 PM [MacArthur]

Tsunami!

Should we be preparing for a southern California tsunami as well as “The Big One”? Professor Aggeliki Barberopoulou provides lessons for the Southern California Coastal Communities. On November 15, 2006 a large earthquake in the North Pacific created a tsunami that caused significant damage to the boat harbor of Crescent City, CA (just south of the Oregon border). A 7.6 magnitude earthquake off the Santa Barbara coast could trigger a tsunami that would inundate significant portions of the Southern California coastal region. USC’s Tsunami Research Center is actively involved with all aspects of tsunami research; inundation field surveys, numerical and analytical modeling, and hazard assessment, mitigation and planning. Professor Barberopoulou will share with us what their research shows as a likely scenario for our region and how best to prepare for it (besides running for the high ground!)

3:00 PM – 3:50 PM [Harbor]

What’s Your Type?

The Keirsey Temperament Sorter (KTS) will be administered to session participants. The KTS is a self-assessed personality questionnaire designed to help people better understand themselves and others. It was first introduced in the book “Please Understand Me.” The KTS is closely associated with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) but is free whereas the MBTI charges a fee and can only be administered by a certified counselor. The information obtained from both is similar.

Dorothy Montague, MA, is a life member of Mensa who first joined the group in the early 1980s. She has a masters degree in Education (specialization counseling) from the College of William and Mary. She is an INTP personality type.

3:00 PM – 3:50 PM [Bristol]

Exotic Ice Cream Tasting

There will be no vanilla here. Come join John Olsen for a tasting of some unique ice cream flavors. Sample an assortment of them blind and make your best guess as to the flavor. Then we'll have some fun revealing each one. Check for Sign-Up sheet in Hospitality. Limit: 40.

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM [Lobby]

Geocaching

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Tony Vaca is a veteran geocacher with 850+ finds in the US, Jamaica and French Polynesia. He will bring samples of the gear used both to establish caches and find them. Learn about this exciting hobby from a knowledgeable guide and even go out on a geo-outing. Meet in the lobby!

4:00 PM – 4:50 PM [MacArthur]

Deep Brain Stimulation

Laurie Baumgartner, RN, MSN, ACNP-BC, Department of Neurological Surgery, UC Irvine, will discuss deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor and future indications such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression and other psychological indications. She will provide the basics of DBS and the various diseases it has been shown to help, and discuss the implication of neuromodulation in the near future.

Laurie Baumgartner is a member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, California Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the Honor Society of Nursing. Her extensive experience includes more than 10 years managing epilepsy and movement disorders, cardiac ICU nursing and as a clinical nurse specialist.

4:00 PM – 4:50 PM [Harbor]

Sound in the Culture of Paleolithic Cave Painters

Bask in the beauty of Ice Age Europe’s ancient cave paintings while considering a new mystery connecting Paleolithic cave art with resonant sound: Why are more paintings found in the resonant portions of painted caves? British archeologist Chris Scarre asked: “Did the painted caves of Western Europe once resound to the music of Paleolithic chants?” Did the cathedral-like resonance of caves inspire ancient artists, musicians and religious mystics? Was the culture of Paleolithic cave painters a precursor of the medieval European cathedral culture? Enjoy the art as acoustical scientist David Lubman speculates about the co-evolution of art, music, architecture and religion.

4:00 PM – 4:50 PM [Bristol]

Truffles and Trifles and Stuff

Kimberly Bakke, who has her Masters Degree in Chocolate from the Cooking Channel, will present “Truffles and Trifles and Stuff,” a discussion and hands-on class in chocolate dessert preparation. Gloves are NOT optional. You WILL wear them.

Kimberly Bakke, circa 1992, has been a member of Mensa since joining OCM in 1996. At that time she was the youngest member of American Mensa in the western United States. She’s now a Senior at Silverado High School in Las Vegas, majoring in Chocolate and Lout Music.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM [Costa Mesa II and III]

Dinner

Pizza Night!

6:00 PM – 6:50 PM [Hospitality]

Bake-Off

Bring your baked goods. Today: Cookies. Prize for first place! Your Host: Bill Bandaruk.

6:00 PM – 6:50 PM [MacArthur]

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: The Plastic Plague

Dave Weeshoff, of the Algalita Research Foundation, speaks on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch – a gyre of marine litter in the central North Pacific Ocean estimated to be twice the size of Texas. The patch is characterized by exceptionally high concentrations of suspended plastic and other debris that have been trapped by the currents of the North Pacific Gyre. The threat that this phenomenon poses to our marine ecosystem and efforts to clean it up will be discussed.

The Algalita Research Foundation is dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its watersheds through research, education and restoration.

Since retiring from a 35-year career at IBM, Dave has been active in a number of environmental and education causes, including the International Bird Rescue Research Center in San Pedro, Heal the Bay, the Audubon Society and Algalita Research Foundation.

6:00 PM – 6:50 PM [Harbor]

It’s Time to Revise Our Drug Enforcement Laws!

What is one thing that Walter Cronkite, Dr. Milton Friedman, Secretary of State George Shultz, New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, and syndicated columnist Arianna Huffington all have in common? Each one of them has endorsed the position and writings of Judge Jim Gray (Ret.), outlining the failure of the War on Drugs. Problems with increased crime, adult and juvenile violence, medical problems, terrorism all around the world, decreased civil liberties, and the misspending of hundreds of billions of dollars annually can all be traced to this failed policy. Judge Gray will show how other policies and programs are actually working in these areas.

James P. Gray has been a trial judge in Orange County, California since 1983. Before becoming a judge, he served as a Volunteer in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica, a staff judge advocate and criminal defense attorney in the Navy JAG Corps, a federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, and a civil litigation attorney in a private law firm, in addition to being a Republican candidate for US Congress in 1998, and a Libertarian candidate for US Senate in 2004.

7:00 PM – 8:50 PM [MacArthur]

One Face Plant Short of Wisdom

Face Plant (n) 1. End point for a catastrophic loss of equilibrium during a ballistic biped activity resulting in a reorientation to a more stable form, that being a tripod, where the contact point of one of the legs of said tripod is the face. 2. As a spectator sport the final score is a determined by a combination of technical and artistic evaluations. Technical considerations (physical pain) are speed, acceleration and slope of the landing site. Artistic considerations (emotional pain) are intent and site selection. Intent must combine one or more of the following sins (pride, vanity, greed).

Disqualification of the competitor will result if the competitor, or member of a competitor’s family, or a member of the audience, is killed or permanently physically injured during the face plant. No limits currently exist for emotional injuries.

Cosmology, unified field theory, space-time, string theory, gravitation, black holes, dark matter, evolution, DNA, religion, insanity, wisdom…the secrets of all these mysteries and the ways that they are related and more will be revealed, in under two hours…mostly. AND if you accept the truth of natural selection, rest assured, that the answer to the single greatest mystery of them all will be explained. That mystery is: Why would any sane man choose to climb a mountain? Mark Elliot and a very special guest will be your hosts and guides. Why Mark Elliot? That is the right question. Come to “One Face-Plant Short of Wisdom” and maybe we can figure that one out together.

7:00 PM – 7:50 PM

Liar’s Club

Tim Bentley is our Allen Ludden in this reprise of last millennium's popular TV game show.

8:00 PM – 8:50 PM

Schemes, Scams and Flimflams

Back by popular demand. Come hear the latest report on what’s happening in the criminal world of fraud. From identity theft to Nigerian letters, from swoop to squats to credit card scams, from slip and falls to Gypsy sweetheart swindles, from mortgage fraud to the underside of the life insurance industry. Cookie Bakke, whose secret identity is Leslie Kim (Executive Director of www.fightfraudamerica.com), will take you through the steamy, slimy and occasionally sexy world of fraud and teach you how to protect your hard-won ass(ets).

8:00 PM – 8:50 PM [Pacific A]

Charades

Shira Paskin invites you to play the classic game of Charades. When you play CHARADES with Shira, you can expect an entirely new concept of CHARADES . . . unlike anything you may have experienced in the past. On the other hand, if you have played CHARADES with Shira . . . . uh . . . . OK. Moving right along here. Detailed instructions will be provided. Fun and mental stretching guaranteed for all participants.

9:00 PM – ?? [MacArthur]

Shibari vs. Kinbaku – East vs. West – Learning the Ropes in the Art of Rope Bondage

Tony Vaca, a former member of OC Mensa will present a demonstration in the Art of Japanese and Western Rope Bondage. History, technique, terminology and materiel will be discussed as he applies his rope media to his human canvas. Jamian Reed, massage therapist, personal trainer and medical student will give information on physiological hot spots, red flags and safety pointers.

9:00 PM – 9:50 PM [Harbor]

The Art of Tease

Somewhere between work and family responsibilities, women tend to sacrifice their ideals of glamour and lose track of their own sensual side. Don’t let that happen in your life! Ava Garter is a modern burlesque star who has performed around the world. From Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Tokyo and Paris, Ava is enjoying success spreading glamour throughout the world. Now she’s going to share her secrets with Orange County Mensa in a fun and friendly atmosphere designed not only to entertain, but to inspire women to realize their own glamorous potential (and maybe brighten the evening for some of the guys too!)

9:00 PM – 9:50 PM [Bristol]

Celebrity

Eric Halasz invites you try out this fun game. We played it a few years ago and people have been asking for it to return. Now it has.

10:00 PM – ?? [Private Rooms]

Room Parties Are Back!

Back after a short absence, we are having the ever popular late night room parties this year. The parties will all have a beach theme. This is what we had at press time; more beaches to come. See Hospitality for more!

• Colleen Nolan and Cathy Boon will host Cocoa Beach, with chocolate fondue and ice cream drinks.

• Enjoy a signature cocktail with Johnny Olsen-Wills and Thea Wills-Olsen at Manhattan Beach.

• Eat hearty with Tim Bentley and Linda Wine at Party Beach.

Monday

8:00 AM [Costa Mesa II and III]

Breakfast

Bagels, muffins, yogurt, fruit, juice, coffee, tea ... and a whole lot more.

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM [MacArthur]

RVC Rap Session

Meet with your RV9 Chair, Art Mattson.

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM [Harbor]

Twitter Poetry

John Olsen helps you compose.

10:00 AM – 10:50 AM [MacArthur]

Separating Fact From Fiction in Choosing a Nutritional Supplement

Bill Shaddle guides you through the maze.

10:00 AM – 10:50 AM [Harbor]

Music Trivia Game

Your DJ: Shannan Stearns.

11:00 AM

Closing Ceremonies and Volunteer Prize Drawing [Costa Mesa I]

The RG flame is extinguished. Volunteers: this is your chance to win prizes!

Noon

Good-Bye!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! And drop by Hospitality for some unopened goodies at "reasonable" prices. Prices get even more reasonable for volunteers who help to clean up.

The Committee