BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Telerik Inc.//NONSGML RadScheduler//EN
METHOD:PUBLISH
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T073000Z
DTEND:20170706T093000Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2018
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Whole fresh fruit, assorted freshly baked muffins, assorted yogurts, bulk cereal (Cheerios, Raisin Bran and Corn Flakes), white and whole wheat toast, milk (whole, 1%, soy), coffee, orange and apple juice.\n\nLocation: Great Hall 3 & 4\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Meal
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T090000Z
DTEND:20170706T114500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-838
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:2017 Hollywood AG Scrabble Tournament
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: It's never too early to start studying for the 2017 Hollywood AG Scrabble Tournament, open to all AG attendees ages 16 and older. Be sure to sign up as soon as you arrive! The word reference will be the latest NASPA Official Tournament and Club Word List.  Get a head start by downloading "The Cheat Sheet" to learn unusual Scrabble words, available free at cross-tables.com/cs .\n\nLocation: Great Hall 6\n\nSpeaker: Judy Ford\n\nTracks: Tournament
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T090000Z
DTEND:20170706T101500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-797
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Addressing Urban Inequality and Poverty
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Income inequality, racial isolation and poverty in the greater Miami region continue to be fundamental issues that must be addressed for the region’s economic future. Place and race have long been defining characteristics of the opportunity structure of the area. While the robust growth of Miami’s downtown and the continued success of tourism along the coastal communities are market perception, much of the economic reality is one of restrained and limited opportunities for minorities and the poor. Mr. Carras, who conducts research and lectures on urban policy issues, will detail the level of economic and racial isolation with a focus on policy options to address disparities in opportunity.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: James Carras\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T090000Z
DTEND:20170706T170000Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-800
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:AMC Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: See your American Mensa Committee in action! Be the first to know about policies that affect all American Mensans. All members are welcome to attend and observe.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 3\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Mensa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T090000Z
DTEND:20170706T101500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-906
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Archaeology of Florida
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Join the Florida Public Archaeology Network on a whirlwind tour of 12,000 years in Florida, from the earliest residents through the Cold War. In this presentation, we will learn about Florida’s fascinating archaeology and investigate archaeological sites, from Tequesta sites in Miami to Spanish exploration in Pensacola. Florida has been a fabulous place to live for 12,000 years — come and find out why! (For more information, see: fpan.us )\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Sara Ayers-Rigsby\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T090000Z
DTEND:20170706T101500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2010
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Atheist Meet-and-Greet
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: This atheist, agnostic, humanist, etc. meet and greet can be “hosted” by anyone that is motivated to lead the discussions, with Ed You as the default host.  This forum is for you, whether you want to discuss atheist reading lists, other atheist groups, the politics of atheism, how religious oppression impedes you from coming out of the atheist closest, or if you simply want to meet others that share atheist/agnostic values.\n\nLocation: Room 216\n\nSpeaker: Ed You\n\nTracks: M&G
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T090000Z
DTEND:20170706T101500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-803
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Debate Room: "Are We Defined by Our Demographics?"
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Political strategist Karl Rove was bewildered when Barack Obama's win contradicted Rove's polling data. The punditocracy correctly predicted that mostly-black precincts in the South voted for Hillary Clinton but they were surprised when mostly-black precincts in Michigan voted heavily for Bernie Sanders. What does demographic analysis get right, and why does it go wrong? Debate Room is not a heated debate, but a fast-paced moderated discussion where everyone gets to be heard, and the most interesting speaker gets a prize!\n\nLocation: Diplomat Ballroom 5\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Debate
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T090000Z
DTEND:20170706T101500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1936
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Friends of Bill W
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: For Mensans and guests who are actively practiving any 12-step program. This is a non-hosted, informal program, not for observers or the curious, please.\n\nLocation: Room 217\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: M&G
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T090000Z
DTEND:20170706T101500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-881
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:History Lessons for the Architects of the New U.S.-Cuba Policy
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Architects of the new U.S. - Cuba policy rationalize that unconditionally ending economic sanctions will strengthen Cuba’s self-employed sector and, thus, foster a civil society more independent of the government. Eventually, they explain, this more autonomous civil society will function as agents of change pressuring the regime for democratic governance. This is an ethnocentric proposition anchored on economic determinism that overweighs economic variables and fails to understand the nature of the Cuban regime.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: José Azel\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T090000Z
DTEND:20170706T101500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1905
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Investing in Future Technologies
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: If you would like a peek into the future, join us for this discussion of emerging industries such as nano technology, robotics, stem cell research, the "Internet of Things," 3D-printing and more. All of these technologies promise to radically transform our lives in similar ways. Some are already doing so. This discussion will look at each of these industries and how to invest within them.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 3\n\nSpeaker: Will Hepburn\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T090000Z
DTEND:20170706T101500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1907
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:The Data Detox: A Diva's Guide to the Social Media Scrub!
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook – oh my! Chances are, most of you are active on social media sites. You share photos, information, personal details about yourself to people all around the world. With new social sites launching almost daily, it can be difficult to keep track of what’s out there. This workshop will take a look at tips, tricks, and tools to scrub your social media clean. We’ll review ways to update your privacy, clean your "breadcrumb" trail, and remove data about yourself that you no longer want online. It’s time to get rid of the old — like that MySpace account still hanging around — and embrace the new. (Live videos, anyone?) You’ll leave with a solid understanding of how to take control of your online presence and manage your image with confidence and flair!\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Kelly Galanis\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T100000Z
DTEND:20170706T180000Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2034
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Blood Drive
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Come save up to three lives by donating blood! Research suggests that blood donation may improve insulin sensitivity, relieve iron overload and hasten inebriation. However, the best reason to give blood is that your donation of one pint can save the lives of up to three people. Please take a few minutes to donate! You’ll be glad you did. FAQs including eligibility are at oneblood.org. To give whole blood, just walk in. To give double red cells or platelets, if possible make an appointment at tinyurl.com/AG2017blood. If questions, please call or text Griffin Smith at (770) 853-6478.\n\nLocation: West hallway outside Great Hall 1 & 2\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Other
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T100000Z
DTEND:20170706T113000Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2039
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Piedmont Area Mensa ExComm Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: \n\nLocation: Room 214\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Other
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T103000Z
DTEND:20170706T114500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1962
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Clergy SIG Meet-and-Greet
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Have you been communicating with SIG members for a long time and want to finally meet them? Now is the chance to do just that. Have you ever wondered if the Clergy SIG is right for you? Now is the chance to meet other members and see if you would like it. You might be surprised to find out we are regular people who enjoy life.\n\nLocation: Diplomat Ballroom 4\n\nSpeaker: Tony Belarmino\n\nTracks: SIG
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T103000Z
DTEND:20170706T114500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-804
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Debate Room: "Political Stereotypes — Myth or Reality?"
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Traditionally every Republican position on an issue could be predicted by the answer to the question, "Will this alleviate or exacerbate the servant problem?" Traditionally every Democrat position on an issue could be predicted by the answer to the question, "Will this increase or decrease people's dependence on the Federal Government?" Which, if either, of these characterizations is valid? Debate Room is not a heated debate, but a fast-paced moderated discussion where everyone gets to be heard, and the most interesting speaker gets a prize!\n\nLocation: Diplomat Ballroom 5\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Debate
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T103000Z
DTEND:20170706T123000Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1929
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:HackerNest-M: Meet-and-Greet and Tech Showcase
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Get your nerd on and geek out with HackerNest-M! Bring your arduino kits, Raspberry PIs, RFID toys, sensors, robots, laptops and anything else you want. Show us what you've made or build something cool. Everyone is welcome to join in, talk tech and meet the HackerNest-M Tech Community. Kids welcome!​\n\nLocation: Room 212 & 213\n\nSpeaker: HackerNest Ambassador\n\nTracks: M&G
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T103000Z
DTEND:20170706T114500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-894
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:IQ Testing: Men, Women and Means
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: This presentation delves in-depth into recent scientific research on measuring intelligence and how to ensure that methods for capturing intelligence are up to date and accurate. It will conclude with wide-ranging recommendations for future intelligence testing that is gender neutral.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Chloe  Roberts\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T103000Z
DTEND:20170706T114500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-883
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Law Not War
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: My address will deal with the recognition that the illegal use of armed force in violation of the UN Charter should be deterred by being punishable as a crime against humanity for which the leaders responsible will be held to account criminally and civilly in any competent court of law. From the AG Program Chair: We are proud to host Ben Ferencz, an honored Harvard Law graduate, who served three years as a combat soldier in World War II. Toward war's end, he became a war crimes investigator collecting evidence of Nazi atrocities. He became Chief Prosecutor in one of the subsequent Nuremberg trials where 22 high-ranking defendants were convicted of murdering more than one million men, women, and children. He was then 27 years old. Now, at 98, he has spent practically his whole life trying to deter illegal war-making. His work to prevent crimes against humanity has been recognized throughout the world. (See: benferencz.org)\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 3\n\nSpeaker: Ben Ferencz\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T103000Z
DTEND:20170706T114500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-866
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Metaphors Be with You
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: You may have been taught that a simile is "a is like b" and a metaphor is "a is b." Au contraire. Mensa Bulletin senior columnist Richard Lederer will demonstrate how metaphors really work, exhibiting the likes of body metaphors and animal metaphors. He'll also welcome your questions about puns to punctuation, pronouns to pronunciation, and palaver to palindromes.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Richard Lederer\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T103000Z
DTEND:20170706T114500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1937
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Redhead Mensans: 2% of the 2%
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Come meet fellow redheaded and ginger-loving geniuses! This event is for those who have, had or appreciate orange, auburn, strawberry blond or any other fiery shade of hair. Expect a mostly unstructured Meet-and-Greet after a brief introduction, including information on Ginger City, USA, and the League of Extraordinary Red Heads [sic].\n\nLocation: Room 216\n\nSpeaker: Rob Salkin\n\nTracks: M&G
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T103000Z
DTEND:20170706T114500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-932
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:The Security Profession in the 21st Century
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: The world of cyber has rapidly expanded the amount and portability of data in the hands of people. The crown jewels of governments, industries, organizations and citizens have never been more vulnerable than they are today. Elections are decided, power centers altered and all the time human and personal contact becomes more and more remote, distant and electronic. Yet all the while the ‘traditional’ security industry has its routes solidly in the physical world and its eyes on the digital and virtual. Crime and terror know no ground rules for theft, exploitation or ransom so how does this profession adapt, adjust, and remain relevant to the communities we serve?\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Thomas J. Langer\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T103000Z
DTEND:20170706T114500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-885
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Travel to Cuba with American Mensa and Road Scholar
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Road Scholar is proud to be the largest not-for-profit provider of learning adventures in Cuba. Since we were awarded a People-to-People license in 2010, more than 7,000 adults have experienced Cuba with us. Come learn about the private group charter trip American Mensa has arranged exclusively for its members. We will share details of the Cuba adventure including trip highlights and enrollment options. Learn how you can delve into the rich history and heritage of Cuba on a private group experience with Road Scholar and American Mensa.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Claire McGurn\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T110000Z
DTEND:20170706T120000Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-792
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Learning Session — Pente
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: A two-person game of skill, simple to learn and play but difficult to master. Played on a grid with colored stones, players compete to achieve a straight line of five stones or flank and capture five pairs of their opponent’s stones. Join us in the Games Room if you would like to learn the game or need a refresher before the tournament on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.\n\nLocation: Great Hall 5\n\nSpeaker: Alice Silver\n\nTracks: Tournament
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T110000Z
DTEND:20170706T130000Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2022
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Lunch
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Tossed salad with assorted dressings, a baked potato bar (including red bean chili, butter, scallions, sour cream and shredded cheese), mini fruit squares.\n\nLocation: Great Hall 3 & 4\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Meal
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T120000Z
DTEND:20170706T131500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-805
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Debate Room: "Assisted Suicide"
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Was Dr. Jack Kevorkian a monster or ahead of his time? At what point in the cycle of life does an individual have the unalienable right to choose end his or her own life? Is the desire to die more than just a desire to escape pain? Do Washington, Oregon, the Netherlands and Switzerland have the right approach, with doctor approvals and waiting periods? How would you want to go?  Debate Room is not a heated debate, but a fast-paced moderated discussion where everyone gets to be heard, and the most interesting speaker gets a prize!\n\nLocation: Diplomat Ballroom 5\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Debate
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T120000Z
DTEND:20170706T131500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-942
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:God is on Our Side: Religion and Civil Rights
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Former president of the ACLU of South Carolina, Neil has stood in the forefront of such civil rights issues involving religion as: teaching Intelligent Design, opening government meetings with “Jesus prayer,” manger scenes and Ten Commandments displays, police harassment of Druids and those darn Muslim immigrants. We will explore how religion impacts civil rights; how politics impacts meaningful change; whether these issues are particularly prominent in the South; and what such issues may suggest philosophically or sociologically. So leave your rotten tomatoes at the door, and let’s discuss the [pick one: saintly/devil-spawn] civil rights fighters and their fight [pick one: for/against] religious freedom.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Neil Caesar\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T120000Z
DTEND:20170706T131500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-882
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Hurricanes and Global Warming: Expectations Versus Observations
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Climate variability and any resulting change in the characteristics of tropical cyclones (tropical storms, subtropical storms and hurricanes) have become topics of great interest and research recently. Some scientific articles have reported a large increase in tropical cyclone energy, numbers and windspeeds in the last few decades in association with warmer sea surface temperatures. These increases have been linked to man-made greenhouse gas changes. I do not dispute that anthropogenic forcing caused at least a substantial portion of observed 20th century warming. It is likely that some increase in tropical cyclone peak windspeeds have occurred and will occur if the climate continues to warm. However, whether greenhouse gas warming is related to increased tropical cyclone activity is not the most relevant question. More important, what is the sensitivity of tropical cyclone intensity and activity to greenhouse gas forcing? These questions and others will be addressed in the talk.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Christopher W. Landsea\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T120000Z
DTEND:20170706T131500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1938
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Intertel Meet-and-Greet
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Intertel is a high-IQ society for those who have scored at or above the 99th percentile on a standardized IQ test. Intertel nurtures a sense of camaraderie between members and provides opportunities for them to communicate and express their unique views. Founded in 1966, Intertel currently has about 1,400 members worldwide. Current members are invited to meet their fellow members. Potential members are invited to meet current members and learn about joining.\n\nLocation: Room 216\n\nSpeaker: Linda Woodhead\n\nTracks: M&G
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T120000Z
DTEND:20170706T131500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1899
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Learn to Overcome Your Daily Challenges Using Ancient "Yoga Secrets"
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Ken Heptig will lead you through secrets that can calm your pain, stress and anxiety and help you find more energy, happiness and meaning in your life. He refined the secrets while teaching thousands of yoga classes. He improved the lessons for simplicity and clarity until his students could absorb the lessons while practicing different levels of yoga. Ken will explain the agonizing process he went through while writing Yoga Secrets: 52 Life-Changing Secrets. His book is suitable for anyone with or without a physical practice of yoga. You can use the lessons on your own, add them to group activities, classrooms and yoga classes. The 52 secrets follow the ancient wisdom of the Yoga Sutra's Eight Limbs of Yoga.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 3\n\nSpeaker: Ken Heptig\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T120000Z
DTEND:20170706T130000Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-793
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Learning Session — Euchre
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Euchre (“YOU-ker”) is a trick-taking card game usually played in two-player teams using traditional playing cards. Join us in the Games Room if you would like to learn the game or need a refresher before the tournament on Friday at 4:30 p.m.\n\nLocation: Great Hall 5\n\nSpeaker: Tammy Hicks\n\nTracks: Tournament
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T120000Z
DTEND:20170706T131500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-917
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Navigating Public Health in a Sea of Biomedical Pseudoscience: A Perspective from the Lab Bench
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: When is comes to public health there is no shortage of pervasive misconceptions. It's quite easy to be swept away by marketing propaganda and health buzzwords, consequently losing sight of the scientific fundamentals behind them. The goal of this talk is to clarify what peer-reviewed science has to say about poorly understood health topics (GMOs, flu vaccines, homeopathic remedies, detoxes, vitamin supplementation and more), expose the sources of error from which these derive, and teach the layman how to identify reputable sources and conflicts of interest before jumping on the latest health craze bandwagon.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Christopher Himes\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T120000Z
DTEND:20170706T131500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-879
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:The Holocaust Survivor Who Took on Scientology
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Author Paulette Cooper Noble lost her parents in Auschwitz and was almost killed there herself. When she came to America and grew up, she took on another fascistic group, Scientology. She wrote the first major expose of them, a book titled The Scandal of Scientology. Then they really came after her. Listen to her harrowing and fascinating story of her 15-year struggle with the Scientologists. It's a battle that cost Paulette years of continuous harassment, included 19 lawsuits against her, being framed on federal bomb threat charges leading to her arrest and almost her life!\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Paulette Cooper Noble\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T133000Z
DTEND:20170706T144500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-839
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:3rd Semi-Annual Stratton Lindenmeyer Memorial Spelling Bee
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Stratton was one of the Los Angeles chapter’s most colorful characters (as well as one of its smartest) for some 50 years until his passing in early 2016. Among his many special quirks, he would administer spelling bees in which he would sometimes accidentally mispronounce the word to be spelled, which of course made things more challenging for us. This year’s spelling bee will pay homage to this tradition, so make sure not to rely completely on the presenter’s pronunciation, because it is not always going to be completely correct!\n\nLocation: Great Hall 6\n\nSpeaker: Jonathan Elliott\n\nTracks: Tournament
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T133000Z
DTEND:20170706T144500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-806
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Debate Room: "Separation of State and Church"
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Does the First Amendment exempt all churches from every Federal law? How about mosques and synagogues and covens? Should the U.S. military maintain the chaplain's corps?  Should taxpayers pay for rebuilding churches after a weather catastrophe? Is opening government meetings with a prayer O.K.?  (SCOTUS says yes.) Should blasphemy be illegal? (Europe may say yes.) How should conflicts between religions be adjudicated, or is that possible under U.S. civil law? Debate Room is not a heated debate, but a fast-paced moderated discussion where everyone gets to be heard, and the most interesting speaker gets a prize!\n\nLocation: Diplomat Ballroom 5\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Debate
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T133000Z
DTEND:20170706T144500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-858
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Flying the Son Tay P.O.W. Rescue Raid in North Vietnam
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Vietnam, Nov. 21, 1970. This is a first-hand account of the raid on Son Tay, North Vietnam. This operation, conducted jointly by Air Force, Navy and Army Special Operations Forces, was mounted to rescue 63 U.S. prisoners of war, being held being held in the shadows of Hanoi. Major William "Bill" Guenon, USAF (Ret.), the operation’s lead C-130E pilot, will provide an eyewitness, A-to-Z rundown of the Son Tay raid from takeoff through return landing. His commentary will cover the raid’s planning, execution, surprise glitches they had to overcome along the way and why it eventually led to a major reorganization of the U.S. intelligence community. For more information please see: SecretandDangerous.com\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Major William "Bill" Guenon, USAF (Ret)\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T133000Z
DTEND:20170706T144500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-890
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Large-scale Neural Networks of the Brain at "Rest"
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) originally focused on mapping brain activation in response to an external task (i.e., task-based fMRI) such as language processing or face perception. Traditionally, it was thought that brain activation unrelated to a specific external task would be unstructured and random, and therefore not informative of brain function. However, research now demonstrates that spontaneous brain activity acquired with fMRI when participants simply lie in the scanner and “rest” is structured and can provide meaningful information about brain function. This talk will describe methods used to identify large-scale neural networks in the brain at “rest” and how differences in such resting-state brain networks may help to characterize clinical disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 3\n\nSpeaker: Jason Scott Nomi\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T133000Z
DTEND:20170706T144500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1999
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Living Like a Spiritual Warrior
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Can you still be truly authentic within yourself while you're living in an inauthentic world? Do you have the courage to now begin experiencing your life with full awareness, integrity and heart? Are you finally ready to wake up to who you really are and to begin living an enlightened life down in the marketplace? If you're ready to radically shift your everyday awareness, then come and learn these practical steps for awakening your inner warrior.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Chuck Hillig\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T133000Z
DTEND:20170706T144500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1940
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:SIGs Officer Meet-and-Greet
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Meet-and-Greet for coordinators of Special Interest Groups. Meet the new SIGs Officer and also share tips and tricks for running SIGs and attracting members.\n\nLocation: Room 217\n\nSpeaker: Nancy Farrar\n\nTracks: M&G
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T133000Z
DTEND:20170706T144500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1939
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Single Mensans Unite!
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: If you're smart and single, this event is for you! There are about 2,000 geniuses here this holiday weekend. Find the right one for you! This will be a semi-structured Meet-and-Greet after a brief introduction, including information about the M-Available SIG (facebook.com/groups/MAvailableSIG) and other ways to meet single Mensans.\n\nLocation: Room 216\n\nSpeaker: Rob Salkin\n\nTracks: M&G
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T133000Z
DTEND:20170706T144500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-907
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Skyscrapers and Solution Holes: Circum-Caribbean Migration and Urban Archaeology in Downtown Miami
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: "The more things change, the more they stay the same." In the context of human occupation in south Florida, this old adage has proven to ring true time and time again. Though sometimes written off as nothing more than a tourist trap, South Florida is home to thousands of years of human history — and many settlement patterns in this region have remained surprisingly consistent throughout time. Follow the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) through South Florida's prehistory. For more information see: flpublicarchaeology.org/serc/index.php\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Mallory  Fenn\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T133000Z
DTEND:20170706T144500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1911
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Word Power: English from Its Latin and Greek roots
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: English words are not something to be studied in isolation, but they are related in certain ways to the other languages of the world. We will examine the influence Latin and Greek exerted upon the development of English. Our task will be accomplished by a combination of: 1) Study of Latin and Greek word elements 2) Exposure to lists of unfamiliar word 3) Practice recognizing word's meanings in context and 4) Listing new words encountered in reading. Hopefully the attendee will become interested in words as symbols which express a connection with a lively past and eventually benefit from a broadened vocabulary.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Jim Ancmon\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T150000Z
DTEND:20170706T161500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2014
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Join us for a supportive gathering of patients and caregivers involved with Alzheimer's Disease or other dementias.\n\nLocation: Room 217\n\nSpeaker: Elna Tymes\n\nTracks: M&G
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T150000Z
DTEND:20170706T161500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-798
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Betrayal of Valor: An Expose of Horrors at the Veterans Administration by a High Profile Advocate
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: You’ve seen the recent Veterans Administration scandals where service-injured veterans are literally dying while awaiting medical and other benefits as bureaucrats delay-till-they-die to keep reporting numbers up! An ongoing scandal with egregious case studies by the score. Eric Gang’s new book Betrayal of Valor, due out mid-July, exposes the VA’s massive failures that set tens of thousands of vets on a downward cycle of drugs, family breakups, unemployment and homelessness. He’s a veteran’s advocate and is deeply involved on the good side of the VA scandals on behalf of service men and women disabled during their service. You likely saw in Time Magazine that he just got medical benefits approved (retroactively) for a 90 year old (a 20+ year fight!) who, as a young soldier, guarded a U.S. toxic weapons dump with no warnings or safeguards. President Trump and Congress promise reform. Will it happen? Get a state-of-the-VA report and forecast from American veterans’ most visible advocate.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Eric  Gang\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T150000Z
DTEND:20170706T160000Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2015
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Chess King of the Hill Competition
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: We will play a fun high-speed chess variant: whoever first moves the king into the center four squares, or doesn't run out of time, is the winner of the round. The game is also in the style of King of the Hill: each competitor starts with only three tokens, challenging the king costs a token, the king may choose a challenger if all subjects are cowardly, a winning challenger becomes the new king, and staying king requires winning against all challengers. Only one minute is on the chess clock for each round, and the final king keeps the clock as a prize. It's 2017, so of course "king" is gender-neutral.\n\nLocation: Great Hall 5\n\nSpeaker: Abel Dean\n\nTracks: Game
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T150000Z
DTEND:20170706T161500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-807
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Debate Room: "Government Agency Survival"
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Everyone has a least-favorite government department, agency or program. What's yours? Suppose you could vote it off the island. After you close that agency, how would you handle whatever mission it had been created for, or can we do without it entirely? On the flip-side, why would you keep the government institutions that others in the room want to close? Debate Room is not a heated debate, but a fast-paced moderated discussion where everyone gets to be heard, and the most interesting speaker gets a prize!\n\nLocation: Diplomat Ballroom 5\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Debate
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T150000Z
DTEND:20170706T161500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-840
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Farkle Tournament
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Join us for a fun game of Farkle — no experience needed. No skill is required; just luck at throwing dice.  It moves fast and is lots of  fun for the whole family. Scoring sheets will be provided. Farkle is purely a game of chance but prizes will be given to the winners. Join us and meet new people! Games will be limited to 10 people each.  Young people are welcome; children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.  Sign up in the Tournament Room, as we’re limited to 30 people. Please, no food or drink at the table.\n\nLocation: Great Hall 6\n\nSpeaker: June Brasgalla\n\nTracks: Tournament
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T150000Z
DTEND:20170706T161500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1963
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:GenM Boom Plus Meet-and-Greet
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: All baby boomers and older invited. Come find out what all the fun is about in this rapidly growing group!\n\nLocation: Diplomat Ballroom 4\n\nSpeaker: Barb Holstein, Matthew Grob\n\nTracks: SIG
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T150000Z
DTEND:20170706T161500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-937
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Miccosukee Indians' Traditional Ecological Knowledge Inspires Everglades Conservation
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) informs the Everglades conservation projects of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, of Florida. Storytelling, scientific analysis and the expression of sovereignty are vital components of this indigenous community’s strategy for upholding the integrity of the circle of life. Through the examination of policy statements, short films, poetry and other works of art, the speaker will offer insight on the culture of the Miccosukee Tribe and how their way of life is connected with the vitality of the Greater Everglades ecosystem. Speaker will highlight various challenges inhibiting Everglades Restoration, and suggest solutions and items for action using an approach that will be holistic and eclectic.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Rev. Houston R. Cypress, Otter Clan\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T150000Z
DTEND:20170706T161500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-880
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Television: Then and Now
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: A capsule history of the development of what was America’s favorite mass medium for 70 years and how it changed. From an entertainment novelty to binge-ing, from “live” to recorded, from “real” to “reality,” from small screen to big screen to small screen again — we look at the landmarks, high and low points and the impact of TV.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Paul Noble\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T150000Z
DTEND:20170706T161500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-922
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:The Electric Grid: Past, Present and Future
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: The electric grid was called the greatest engineering achievement of the 20th century. It has also been called the most complex machine ever built. This presentation will discuss how the electric grid came to be, how it works today, and how it may work in the future. This topic is presented by an industry insider with a special focus on the California grid. Keeping the lights on is more involved than you may think.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 3\n\nSpeaker: Jameson Thornton\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T150000Z
DTEND:20170706T161500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-872
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:The History of Coral Research in the Galapagos Islands
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: This talk summarizes the scientific knowledge of scleractinian corals in the Galápagos Archipelago. A general introduction to coral biology and ecology is followed by a brief history of coral research in the islands, responses of corals to broad-scale impacts, anthropogenic stress on Galápagos corals and recommendations for management of this important resource. The scientific aspects of this talk will be supplemented by a presentation of photographs and videos chronicling corals and related organisms in this beautiful natural living laboratory.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Joshua Feingold, Ph.D.\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T163000Z
DTEND:20170706T174500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-902
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Bill Shipper Concert
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Musical comedian Bill Shipper returns to the AG bringing songs imbued with words for nerds guaranteed to tickle your punny bone. Bill brings new and favorite quirky tunes such as “It Is not I, Babe,” “My Lover Loves Liver," “Tears on My Spreadsheet" and "Dirty Data." From poking fun at foodies to satire on business and technology, Bill Shipper never fails to deliver a hilarious, delightful concert.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Bill Stanek\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T163000Z
DTEND:20170706T174500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-808
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Debate Room: "Devaluing the Fetus or Revaluing the Woman?"
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: It's one of the oldest moral issues humanity has faced — whose life is more precious, a mother's or the child she's carrying? Societal consensus has fluctuated from one side to the other across geographies and over the centuries. In Western societies the majority view appears to have shifted in the past 50 years. Why is that, and is the shift morally defensible? Debate Room is not a heated debate, but a fast-paced moderated discussion where everyone gets to be heard, and the most interesting speaker gets a prize!\n\nLocation: Diplomat Ballroom 5\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Debate
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T163000Z
DTEND:20170706T174500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1941
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Gifted Youth Coordinators Meet-and-Greet
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: If you are a Gifted Youth Coordinator, a LocSec or anyone else who works with youth in a Local Group (or who would like to), join us and get new ideas, ask questions, and share insights. Find out what resources are available to you and get the full scoop on serving youth in a Local Group. Note: No childcare will be provided for this event.\n\nLocation: Room 216\n\nSpeaker: Jamie Uphold\n\nTracks: M&G
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T163000Z
DTEND:20170706T174500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-878
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Hard Times to Hard Rocks
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: This fully illustrated history of the Florida Seminole and Miccosukee Tribes of southern Florida discusses these native peoples from the time of DeSoto’s chronicler in 1540. Against a backdrop of tribal traditions and the evolution of customs, this presentation focuses on the Seminole Wars of the 19th century, fought against their forced removal from Florida by the United States; the survivors’ post war era of fur trade in the latter 19th and early 20th centuries; the Mikasuki-speaking majority’s adaptation of a lucrative commercial touristic employment in Miami in the early 20th century; the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s windfall of a gaming economy beginning in 1979; and their purchase of the Hard Rock International brand in the early 21st century.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 3\n\nSpeaker: Patsy West, Ethnohistorian. Director: Seminole Miccosukee Archive, Fort Lauderdale\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T163000Z
DTEND:20170706T174500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-897
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Have There Always Been Addicts?
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Although humankind has had access to intoxicating preparations for at least 15,000 years, if not longer, evidence of addiction does not appear in human literature until about 1550. Before that approximate time, none of the ancient writings attributed chronicity to people who occasionally got drunk. Repeatedly, the ancients warned against drunkenness as a troublesome excess, but they did not call anyone a drunkard. That would have implied habitual drunkenness, where people repeatedly got into trouble because of frequent intoxication. The ancient authors’ observations of drunkenness provided cautionary tales about its dangers, but they did not warn against forming a habit. Expressions of alarm over the behavior of drunken men in public began to increase in frequency during the late-17th and early-18th centuries, and these expressions coincided with the wildfire spread of rum, gin, brandy and whiskeys throughout the British Isles and elsewhere.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: J. Bryan Page\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T163000Z
DTEND:20170706T174500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-876
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Looks And Sounds Like a Winner: How Perceptions of Competence in Candidates’ Faces and Voices Influence How We Govern Ourselves
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Why are some societies paralyzed by violence while others are peaceful? Why is the gap between the rich and the poor astronomical in some societies, but less so in others? The answers to these fundamental questions are tied directly to how we choose our leaders. The standard approach to studying this important topic has been to examine the demographic characteristics of the voter. For example, Democrats tend to vote for Democrats, and Republicans for Republicans. While this line of inquiry has greatly informed our understanding of how we govern ourselves it negates the role of biology in human decision-making. More specifically, while modern-day politics might seem to be in the domain of high-level cognitive decisions, it is important to realize that our behaviors are also influenced by our biology. In this seminar we will address how two biological signals — vocal and visual — influence voters.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Dr. Casey Klofstad, PhD\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T163000Z
DTEND:20170706T174500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1953
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Proctor and Testing Coordinator Meet & Greet
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Open to all Proctors, Proctors-in-training and Testing Coordinators. This session is to discuss some of the ins and outs of the testing program and will allow lots of time for Q&A.\n\nLocation: Room 217\n\nSpeaker: Jennifer Jewell, Timothy Brooks\n\nTracks: M&G
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T163000Z
DTEND:20170706T174500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-850
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Quiddler Tournament
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Quiddler is a card game that combines the word-building of Scrabble with rummy-like rules. Players must combine progressively larger hands of cards into words, with the goal of earning the most points. Although it may appear that the person who knows the most words would consistently win, this isn’t the case. There’s an element of strategy — players must choose whether to “go out” or wait to increase the odds of getting the bonus for longest word or most words. Novices are welcome, but they’re advised to study up on two- and three-letter words if they want to be competitive.\n\nLocation: Great Hall 6\n\nSpeaker: Debbie Freeland\n\nTracks: Tournament
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T163000Z
DTEND:20170706T174500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1912
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:The Paper Chase: A Comical Story Of One Man’s Race to Beat the Clock
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: In January 2009, on a weekend that saw windchills fall below zero, 800 Jewish people were attending a conference at a resort in the Catskills when the heat went out. Among the many challenges that arose was the need to procure disposable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery to feed those 800 cold people for three meals – all within the two hours left before sunset. What followed was a frenzied race around upstate New York that proved to make for a great story filled with twists and turns, suspense and a whole lot of laughs. This story has been told in print, to audiences in person and now, attendees at the AG can not only hear it firsthand from a pretty darn good storyteller but also learn a little about the Jewish laws governing the Sabbath and keeping kosher. An equally entertaining slide show accompanies the story.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Matthew Grob\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T170000Z
DTEND:20170706T180000Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-794
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Learning Session — Dominion
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: This very popular deck-building game is easy to learn. Join us in the Games Room if you would like to learn the game or need a refresher before the tournament on Thursday at 6:00 p.m.\n\nLocation: Great Hall 5\n\nSpeaker: Robert Goldsmith\n\nTracks: Tournament
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T173000Z
DTEND:20170706T193000Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2026
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Dinner
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Tossed salad, spaghetti with meatballs, dinner rolls, chef's cake selection.\n\nLocation: Great Hall 3 & 4\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Meal
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T180000Z
DTEND:20170706T191500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1879
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:BRAND YOU! To Land Your Dream Job: Secrets to Finding and Landing a Great Job — A Mensan-authored Book
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Finding and landing your ideal job doesn’t happen by chance. You have to know the secrets of how to market yourself just like a brand to stand head and shoulder above all other applicants. In today’s digital world, that means learning to master the online application process and computerized resume review and matching system that rejects more than half of all applications before a human being actually sets eyes on your credentials. Then you need to know the soft skills of networking, finding hidden jobs and negotiating your compensation package to ensure you land the right job and get paid for your talents. You will learn this unique set of skills to ensure you find a great job, get hired and jumpstart your career – fast! You’ll also gain an insider’s view of what it takes to be the one person out of hundreds of applicants to receive the coveted offer. Don’t apply for another job before your master and apply these priceless insights to ensure your job hunting success.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Diane Huth\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T180000Z
DTEND:20170706T191500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-899
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Companies that Kill: Auto, Pharma — Execs Weigh Cost to Fix a Defect Versus Cost to Pay Injured or Dead
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: John Uustal and Bob Kelley expose companies whose products kill or seriously injure people — often knowingly, balancing the cost to repair a known danger or defect against the cost to pay off the families of victims. Their stories come straight from the headlines, where they were often the lawyers for victims. GM decided to save $2.20 per car by skipping fire protection between the gas tank and the passenger compartment — one of the largest companies-that-kill verdicts in history. Bob was the victims' lawyer. Nissan rollovers, defective seatbelts and other products where cost to repair a known defect was more than the cost of lives lost, so companies just went forward — John was the lawyer for victims. This value of human life versus corporate greed calculation still happens every day in health care, pharmaceuticals, autos, consumer products. Learn what you can do, how to stay safe and the next big corporate threats from two pros who live on the front lines of the worst of corporate conduct.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Bob  Kelley, John Uustal\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T180000Z
DTEND:20170706T191500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-809
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Debate Room: "Controlling Costs in U.S. Health Care"
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Both ObamaCare and TrumpCare are about paying for health care, not much about controlling costs. Whether supported by taxes or insurance premiums, costs are on a steady rise. How can that trend be stopped or reversed? Would a national drug plan à la Canada rein in drug costs? Can we switch from fee-for-service to something else, and if so, what? Can hospitals survive without charging $25 for aspirin tablets? Debate Room is not a heated debate, but a fast-paced moderated discussion where everyone gets to be heard, and the most interesting speaker gets a prize!\n\nLocation: Diplomat Ballroom 5\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Debate
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T180000Z
DTEND:20170706T204500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-842
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Dominion Tournament
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: This is the original and popular deck-building game. The tournament will be played in two rounds. Round 1 will only use kingdom cards from the base set. Winners will go on to Round 2. Round 2 will use kingdom cards from any and all expansions. Sign up early! Learn it in the Games Room on Thursday at 5 p.m.\n\nLocation: Great Hall 6\n\nSpeaker: Robert Goldsmith\n\nTracks: Tournament
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T180000Z
DTEND:20170706T191500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2006
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Intelligent Design and Natural Law
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: It is the contention of this presentation that Intelligent Design theory adheres to natural law, and therefore is scientific according to the historical definition of the term, whereas Darwinian Evolution, as applied by most beginning with Darwin himself, is not scientific. Darwinian Evolution is inherently philosophical, even religious, due to its commitment to an unsubstantiated belief that all things are possible through natural means. No matter what biology encounters, it developed by natural means to achieve what it is today. The lack of a generally accepted theory of evolution contradicts this, as does the lack of evidence in the fossil record, as does biological structures that are irreducibly complex, as does the complex information content of DNA, and as does common sense. Intelligent Design theory accepts and applies known natural laws, which Darwinism does not, and therefore Intelligent Design should be recognized as science, whereas Darwinism should not.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Larry Paarmann\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T180000Z
DTEND:20170706T191500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1943
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Region 2 Meet-and-Greet
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Join newly elected RVC 2 Jason Seiler and other Region 2 members to talk about what is going on in Mensa as a whole and Region 2 in particular.\n\nLocation: Room 217\n\nSpeaker: Jason Seiler\n\nTracks: M&G
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T180000Z
DTEND:20170706T191500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1942
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Region 6 Meet-and-Greet
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Join RVC 6 Taz Criss and other Region 6 members to talk about what is going on in Mensa as a whole and your region in particular.\n\nLocation: Room 216\n\nSpeaker: Taz Criss\n\nTracks: M&G
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T180000Z
DTEND:20170706T191500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1880
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Should I Graduate from High School Early? Pros and Cons of Radical Acceleration
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Grade-skipping is becoming more common for gifted kids, and gifted teens are often eager to leave high school far behind. But did you know that you have to be at least 16 to live in a college dorm? And why early graduates are often not competitive at Ivy League schools? Come learn the benefits and pitfalls of graduating at a young age or in less than four years. Using case studies of actual 14- and 15-year-old graduates, we'll discuss how residential early college programs, early college high schools, deferred entrance programs and gap years can ease the transition to higher education and why even the brightest 12-year-old can't get into Stanford.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 3\n\nSpeaker: Lessa Scherrer\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T180000Z
DTEND:20170706T191500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1901
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:You're the Right Caller! How to Win Radio Contests Like a Pro
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Broadcasting companies make money based on how many people listen to their stations. To get you to tune in, they bribe you with the chance to win stuff. Pompei will share secrets of how to maximize your chances of it being you to win these prizes. Pompei has been participating in radio contests for over 20 years, and has won money, countless concert tickets and even a trip. He will discuss the different common types of contests, deciding which contests to pursue, preparation and setup prior to the contest, dialing techniques (including use of multiple phones), effective use of telephone and electronic services and resources and things that can go wrong and how to prevent them. He will discuss typical rules and what is allowed and what isn't; what to keep track of and how; what happens once you do win; tax considerations; and what to do if an issue arises.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Gregg Pompei\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T183000Z
DTEND:20170706T235900Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2046
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Mensa GenX SIG Pubcrawl
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Group up or bring yourself via taxi, Uber, Lyft, etc. Music, dancing, games, blinkies, fun with friends. Open to all GenXers, and others (21+) by invitation. A great way to enjoy this area & break the AG ice. No cover charges or dress code with your Mensa Badge. Meet at Tarpon Bend, or Hotel Courtyard by 6:30 p.m.

Itinerary:


	7-8 pm Tarpon Bend, 200 SW 2nd Street, Ft. Laud.
	Two-story bar/restaurant with good food and music. Ladies’ Night — free drinks @ 7pm! Meet upstairs.
	8-9 pm Whiskey Bar, 208 SW 2nd Street, Ft. Laud.
	Trivia Contest followed by Live Band Rockeoke!! We are getting the Side Bar Room, so meet there.
	9-10p America’s Backyard, 100 SW 3rd Avenue.
	Open Backyard Party concept, fun & games for all. Drink specials, music. Blinkies and Glowies here!
	10-11p Whiskey Bar, 208 SW 2nd Street, Ft. Laud.
	Live Band Rock-eoke with your fellow Mensans!! In the Side Bar Room. Blinkies & Glowies here too.
	11-12p Original Fat Cats, 320 Himmarshee Street.
	Awesome live music in a smoky dive bar, Optional. Many other area bars with great specials and people. Or return to your favorite previous bar.


Cheers! For questions or emergencies, please contact Reno Ron at (775) 219-6979.\n\nLocation: Meet at Tarpon Bend or Hotel Courtyard\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T193000Z
DTEND:20170706T204500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2002
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:A History of Genius: Discussion of a Book on That Topic
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Darrin McMahon, a historian then at Florida State University and now at Dartmouth, authored a 2013 book titled Divine Fury: A History of Genius. Dan will discuss the evolutionary changes in the concept of genius that have occurred over the last 2,500 years as presented by McMahon with Dan's own interpretation.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Dan Punzak\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T193000Z
DTEND:20170706T204500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-941
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Any President but Donald Trump
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: When writing The Presidential Book of Lists, Ian Randal Strock calculated the “average president” and the extremes. But the election of Donald Trump apparently broke the mold. Or did it? While it’s true that President Trump is very far from the average set out by his 43 predecessors, in many respects he may not be as unique as you might think. This look at how Trump compares to the other 43 men we’ve called president will be non-partisan, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see the presidents in a new light or have some of your preconceived notions confirmed.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 3\n\nSpeaker: Ian Randal Strock\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T193000Z
DTEND:20170706T204500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-863
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Broward Mensa ExComm Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: The Executive Committee meeting for Broward Mensa, the group for the Fort Lauderdale area. All members of Broward Mensa are welcome to attend (no AG registration required).\n\nLocation: Room 214\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Other
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T193000Z
DTEND:20170706T204500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2049
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Can the Death Penalty Be Anything but Cruel and Unusual Punishment?
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: We will briefly explore the gory historical methods of judicial and judgmental execution, to the present day attempts at humane execution.  We will engage audience participation on key questions that surround the death penalty.  For instance, is capital punishment an effective judicial remedy for heinous crimes?  What defines “effective”?  Does it serve as an actual deterrent to crime?  Is there racial discrimination at the highest levels of our States?  Is it a fiscally sound policy to dispatch the perpetrators of crimes worthy of the death penalty?  If disparity in the application of the death penalty exists, can it be deemed justice?  Audiences will be able to converse intelligently at cocktail parties everywhere whether the current method of execution (lethal injection) is a violation of our eighth amendment, guaranteeing there will be no cruel or unusual punishment?  How does our use of the death penalty compare to others around the world?  Is the death penalty an option worth exercising in our society?\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 3\n\nSpeaker: David Lubarsky\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T193000Z
DTEND:20170706T204500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-810
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Debate Room: "Drug Legalization"
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: How much of our legal woes are tied to drug trafficking? How do you think drug legalization would affect the future? Which institutions would win, which lose? Would the legalization experience of Portugal hold true for the U.S.? Do some drugs, such as methamphetamine, always need to be illegal? Is legalization of pot inevitable? How soon? Can it still be withheld from under-25-year-olds, whose brains it will damage? Debate Room is not a heated debate, but a fast-paced moderated discussion where everyone gets to be heard, and the most interesting speaker gets a prize!\n\nLocation: Diplomat Ballroom 5\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Debate
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T193000Z
DTEND:20170706T204500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1864
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Eugenics: Improving the Human Race, or Scientific Validation for Racism? (Adults Only)
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: In medically beneficial, societally harmful and ethically specious ways, eugenics-based practices are still being used in the U.S. This workshop aims to educate on eugenics history, contemporary practices and how the history of eugenics is intertwined with contemporary sexual health and rights. This workshop starts conversation about eugenics-based practices so we can remove the stigma from the word while honoring its complex reach in reproductive and sexual justice and recognize harmful eugenics-based practices in action. This workshop contains discussion of coercive reproductive practices; racial, gender and ability-based discrimination; white supremacy; and cis/heterosexism. The way we talk about sexual and reproductive rights can be potentially traumatic if we, as educators, are not informed about the historical context of eugenics-based practices.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Erin Basler, Kelly  Shibari\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T193000Z
DTEND:20170706T204500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-929
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Painting Across Generations: The Legacy of the Florida Highwaymen
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: To know and enjoy Florida history, one must review this unique phenomenon: a group of African American artists whose mid-20th century paintings revolutionized their lives and turned the art world on its head. Working in broad strokes, these untrained but savvy artists took typical Florida images – colorful sunsets, egrets, the ocean, palm trees, the Everglades — and captured the beauty and fragility of the state on Upson board instead of canvas. The quickly realized (still wet sometimes!) paintings were then inexpensively sold to those traveling Highway 1 — the tourists had a piece of Florida to display in their northern homes and the Highwaymen made their livings through art and commerce instead of working the orange groves and factories.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Elissa Rudolph\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T193000Z
DTEND:20170706T204500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-903
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth: A Primer on the Manipulation of Statistics
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Those who take part in this presentation will leave with a better understanding as to how objectively to evaluate studies, polls and various numerical arguments. Put another way, through the use of mainly factual examples, including many recent ones, the attendees will learn to approach statistical pronouncements in a more objective and insightful manner. Examples will range from the obviously defective poll to the situation where a true statistical statement is used to draw a false conclusion.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Marc Gold\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T210000Z
DTEND:20170706T221500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1920
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Carmina Burana Sing-Along
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: An annual favorite! Sing along with (or just listen to) a recording of the bawdy, lustful songs of Carl Orff’s "Carmina Burana." You don’t need a good voice to enjoy this. Lyrics (in Medieval Latin, Middle High German and a few verses of Old Provençal) will be provided, or you can view or download the handout. If you have a copy of the score, please feel free to bring it.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Dave Cahn\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T210000Z
DTEND:20170706T221500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-811
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Debate Room: "Gun Control or Gun Rights?"
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Would restricting guns reduce gun violence, as it did in Australia? Or are restrictions in America impossible, as Sam Harris maintains? Should every U.S. citizen have an unrestricted right to bear any weapon under all circumstances? If not, who gets to decide what the limitations will be? Does the N.R.A. speak more for gun enthusiasts or gun manufacturers? Debate Room is not a heated debate, but a fast-paced moderated discussion where everyone gets to be heard, and the most interesting speaker gets a prize!\n\nLocation: Diplomat Ballroom 5\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Debate
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T210000Z
DTEND:20170706T221500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-936
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:I.Q. — Intimacy Quotient
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: What does sexy mean to you? Poet and sexual empowerment coach Jai Simone will share some knowledge that will make you more irresistible. In this presentation we will discuss what is “normal” in sexual response and activity, adult toys and cinema, fetishes, erotic poetry, and other interesting taboo topics. Let me show you some steps to find your authentic sexual self and create a more satisfying romantic and erotic life.\n\nLocation: Regency Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Jai Simone\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T210000Z
DTEND:20170706T234500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-843
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Lords of Waterdeep Tournament
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Lords of Waterdeep is a heavy strategy agent-assignment game where players collect resources and complete quests. We will play eight rounds; the person with the most points will be the winner.\n\nLocation: Great Hall 6\n\nSpeaker: Kevin Brawner\n\nTracks: Tournament
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T210000Z
DTEND:20170706T235900Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-788
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Name That Movie Tournament
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Name That Movie consists of short clips from about 40 movies. Each movie clip represents one or more themes. We ask that you identify each movie and the themes. Play as individuals or as a team of up to five people. We try to make each clip interesting on its own, so even if you don't know movies very well, we hope the game will be entertaining. Clips (not the movies themselves) are chosen to be PG or G rated. We'll provide a key with information about each movie and themes at the end.\n\nLocation: Great Hall 1 & 2\n\nSpeaker: Geri Neemidge, John Neemidge\n\nTracks: Tournament
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T210000Z
DTEND:20170706T221500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-2035
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Reclaiming Sexuality and Narrative After Sexual Trauma
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 71 men will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives — and 80 percent of those assaults will be committed by someone whom the survivor knows. At its root, sexual violence is committed as a way of exerting power and control over someone — so what does it mean when that violence is committed by someone whom you know and trust? In this workshop, we will discuss the emotional landscapes after sexual violence, ways that sexual violence impacts desire, fantasy, and sexuality, and how survivors can reclaim their sexualities and personal narratives after trauma. This workshop is grounded in an empowerment model and will include information and tools relevant for both survivors and their loved ones.
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T210000Z
DTEND:20170706T221500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1918
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Star in Your Universe — Shining Light on Unique Contributors for Professional and Personal Growth
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Star in Your Universe – Shining Light on Unique Contributors for Professional and Personal Growth examines how unique individuals with high capability can both identify and frame their talents and standout qualities to enable success in career and life. Learn how to pinpoint exactly what sets you apart from the competition, and then how to leverage those skills and attributes. Discuss how to brand yourself, including how to turn negative stereotypes from potential weaknesses into untapped strengths. Discover how to maximize your inner circle – among whom you're already known – to build stronger circles of recognition and broaden your reach. Learn about the pieces of strategic communication that can elevate you among peers and supervisors in professional settings, and friends and acquaintances in social settings. Everyone wants to shine, but make your shining star the one to which everyone wants to be hitched.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 1\n\nSpeaker: Julie Beltz\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T223000Z
DTEND:20170706T234500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-1921
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Charades
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Our non-competitive format is fun for newcomers and experienced players alike. Act out titles, quotations, gag sayings, punchlines, etc. Discover your inner mime. Guess what others are trying to convey. Instructions provided before we start.\n\nLocation: Atlantic Ballroom 2\n\nSpeaker: Dave Cahn\n\nTracks: Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20170706T223000Z
DTEND:20170706T234500Z
UID:20170704T232924Z-812
DTSTAMP:20170704T232924Z
SUMMARY:Debate Room: "Marriage"
DESCRIPTION:Session Description: Should government restrict marriage to "one-man, one-woman?" Should government force everyone to honor other partnerships as marriages? Gay marriage gets the headlines, but with over 20% of all American adults now single, is there a larger issue here than the headlines (and politicians) want to admit? Should government just butt out and administer contract law in a way that doesn't tell us what is or is not a "marriage?" Debate Room is not a heated debate, but a fast-paced moderated discussion where everyone gets to be heard, and the most interesting speaker gets a prize!\n\nLocation: Diplomat Ballroom 5\n\nSpeaker: \n\nTracks: Debate
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR