July 23 – Sunday

2:30p Speaker Series: The Life of a Service Dog with Mary Caprice. Caprice will introduce you to Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that trains and provides service animals from birth to the training of their permanent human. Actually they are involved in the dog’s life before birth. They have a breeding program to mate their most successful service animals. Despite all the work and training given to the dogs, only a small percentage actually graduate to become service dogs. It takes an exceptional dog to graduate as a service dog, and not every dog is suitable. All dogs must be highly proficient in the trained skills and tasks. In addition, Canine Companions dogs receive rigorous medical and temperamental screening to ensure that every dog that graduates will be healthy, happy, and appropriate in their role. Caprice is currently the Director Philanthropy for Canine Companions and has raised service dog pups. This is a Zoom event, hosted by Judy Unger, junger2040/a/t/gmail.com. RSVP on SFRM Meetup to get the link. PC

7p Channing Club. See August 27 (RSE 4 Su)

26 – Wednesday

6p This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends Book Discussion. Join us for a discussion of This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends: The Cyberweapons Arms Race by Nicole Perlroth, two chapters a week. This week we’re reading Epilogue and Aftermath. This is a Zoom event. The login details are listed on Meetup. Hosted by Pia Smith. PC (RSE W)

27 – Thursday

11:45a South Bay Lunch. See August 10. (RSE 2,4 Th)

28 – Friday

6:30p Virtual Happy Hour. See August 25. (RSE 4 F)

7p Palo Alto Dining. Our group is enjoying Spanish and Latin American cuisine this month at Joya Restaurant and Lounge, 339 University Ave., Palo Alto 94301. Their menu includes many tapas favorites including ceviche, Dungeness crab cakes, stuffed jalapeño peppers, charred Spanish octopus, veggie tacos, and more. Entrees include grilled eggplant rolls stuffed with plantain, Oaxacan chicken mole, and paellas for two. See the whole menu online at www.joya.com/menu/. Good food and good conversation. To say you’ll be there, contact Susan by Wednesday, July 26, and be sure to hear confirmation. At the restaurant, ask for Susan and please bring cash. Contact info: Susan.Heimlich/a/t/gmail.com or call/text cell phone (650) 714-4972. For last minute changes, call/text cell. Vaccinated people only please. PC, NMPCW

29 – Saturday

2p Book Discussion: For a New Liberty – The Libertarian Manifesto by Murray Rothbard. Rothbard is an Austrian school economist and founder of anarcho-capitalism. In this book, he proposes a once-and-for-all escape from the two major political parties, the ideologies they embrace, and their central plans for using state power against people. The book is widely available from platforms such as public libraries, Amazon, and the Mises Institute website (free): mises.org/library/new-liberty-libertarian-manifesto. We will meet in person at Bazaar Café, 5927 California St., San Francisco 94121 (in the Richmond District). For questions and directions please contact Georgia Qiao, georgiaqiao/a/t/yahoo.com. PC, NMPCW

August 1 – Tuesday

5p Tuesday Tipplers will meet at San Rafael Joe’s, 931 4th St., San Rafael 94901, at 5p for drinks in the bar and then move on to dinner in the dining room after an hour. Park on the street or in the city garage behind the restaurant. If you have questions e-mail Ed Sabrack at edsabrack/a/t/comcast.net or call (415) 472-3725. PC (RSE 1 Tu)

5:45p Dinner, Drinks, and Wonderfest: The Safety of Artificial Intelligence. Wonderfest’s July event at the HopMonk Tavern (224 Vintage Way, Novato 94945) is actually on August 1. Meet for drinks and dinner at 5:45p. (Note: Valerie will not be able to host this event, but it should be fairly easy to find each other at a table. Or someone could volunteer to host! Just announce it in the event chat on Meetup.) At 6:45p, move to the session room for a talk by Dr. Peter Norvig, Director of Research at Google, and a Fellow at Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute. Dr. Norvig is co-author (with Stuart Russell) of Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, the leading textbook in the field. Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, demonstrating success in multiple areas in recent years. But by their very nature, AI problems don’t have definitive correct solutions. Programs can give wrong answers, be unfairly biased against some groups, and can be hard to understand. Dr. Norvig literally wrote the book on artificial intelligence. In this informal presentation, he will discuss the promise and peril of AI, welcoming attendee input. Complete details of this free event are here: wonderfest.org/ai-safety/. More information on HopMonk’s menu, etc. is here: www.hopmonk.com/novato. PC, NMPCW, WCE, NS, NC, NXM (RSE last Tu)

2 – Wednesday

6p An Immense World Book Discussion. Join us for a discussion of An Immense World by Ed Yong, one chapter at a time. This week we’re reading Chapter 1, Leaking Sacks of Chemicals: Smells and Tastes. This is a Zoom event. The login details are listed on Meetup. Hosted by Pia Smith. PC (RSE W)

4 – Friday

5:30p Apt To In Aptos Mensa Bar Group is held at Sevy’s Bar + Kitchen at Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos 95003, www.seacliffinn.com/sevys-bar-and-kitchen-aptos.htm on the first Friday of the month, running until about 7:30p. Come join Central Coast Mensans: Forget last month’s feces and anticipate this month’s blindsides. T(R)oast past friends, find new ones, and introduce current ones, all while contemplating how it all defaults to QM scaled. Courtesy e-mail to host Stew Gibson at LooseId/a/t/ix.netcom.com with subject “Sevy” for restaurant head count is appreciated, but not required. Tip 20% on the bill, with separate checks. PC, NMPCW

5 – Saturday

6p Start the Month Right. It’s barbecue time! At Elna and Adrian Tymes’ home in Mountain View. Come celebrate the 43rd year and longest running monthly social event in all of American Mensa (at Elna’s home every month since 1981)! Potluck dinner, unstructured socializing, games, and talk. Bring bread, salad, or dessert to share, and YOB; hamburgers and hot dogs available or bring your own meat to grill. $1 donation requested. No reservations needed. Info (650) 969-6650. Guests of Mensans must be accompanied by the member. Masks optional. PC, SO, WBC, WCD, C/D (RSE 1 Sat)

6p In-Person Teton Tea. In addition to the Zoom Teton Tea Party we are having an in-person Teton Tea on the first Saturday of each month, from 6p to 9p. We are meeting at the home of Annie Hallatt, phone (510) 548-8252. She writes: “I will have a bonfire in the brick fireplace and chairs to sit around and sing. We can also go inside of Annie’s Hall if the weather gets wet or windy. We will have Teton Tea (wine, tea, raspberries, lemons, and sugar, served hot) and would love you to bring treats to share. I also have a wood stove to keep the space warm if we need it. I will put a sign out to let you know you have arrived at the house. I have a piano if someone wants to play it. I look forward to sharing our songs. Bring songs and music to share.” Please be fully vaxxed and boosted and bring a mask for when we’re not eating or singing. Hosted by Kevin Langdon. PC (RSE 1 Sa)

6 – Sunday

4p Albany Hill Hike. Join us for a one-hour scenic and historic hike up and around Albany Hill. The trail is steep in spots, but the views are expansive. Special bonus: We have scheduled the Sather Tower Solar Beacon to shine directly upon us as we arrive at the top of the hill. Meet under Pacific East Mall Jumbotron just behind the bus stop on the east side of Pierce St. between Central Ave. in El Cerrito and Washington Ave. in Albany. Free parking is available in the mall lot, which is seven tenths of a mile from the El Cerrito Plaza BART station. Please contact Roberta Maguire to make sure she is in town at robertamaguire/a/t/hotmail.com or (510) 292-6370. PC, ACW, NMPCW, NS, WCI, NXM (RSE 1 Su)

7 – Monday

6p Online Board Games. Come explore some board games that can be played on the Web. If you’re new, please create a (free) account at boardgamearena.com and follow the setup instructions. We’ll meet online with Zoom to establish voice contact, and then we’ll decide on a game to try out. RSVP on the Meetup calendar if possible, otherwise contact Karl Heuer at puzzles/a/t/sfmensa.org or (650) 648-3594. PC, NMPCW, ACW

8 – Tuesday

6:45p Puzzled Pint. Who likes PUZZLES? The kind where part of the game is to figure out what you need to be doing in the first place? Want to do it as part of a team, so you can bounce ideas off each other, and let someone else do the parts that you find uninteresting? This is a monthly event held in the Bay Area (and simultaneously elsewhere in the world), at a convenient pub where we might order food and drink before or during the game. RSVP to Karl Heuer at puzzles/a/t/sfmensa.org or (650) 648-3594 (voice or text) to reserve your spot and learn the address; it’s almost always either Sunnyvale or Mountain View, near Central Expressway. PC, NMPCW, NS, NXM (RSE 2 Tu)

Intelligencer Deadline. Deadline for calendar events, advertising, members’ free ads, and all other content. See above for information on submitting events. PC (RSE Tu after 1 Sa)

9 – Wednesday

6p An Immense World Book Discussion. Join us for a discussion of An Immense World by Ed Yong, one chapter at a time. This week we’re reading Chapter 2, Endless Ways of Seeing: Light. This is a Zoom event. The login details are listed on Meetup. Hosted by Pia Smith. PC (RSE W)

10 – Thursday

11:45a South Bay Lunch. Meet at Scrambl’z, 5055 Almaden Expressway, San Jose 95118 (near Hwys. 85 & 87), (408) 269-2900. Voted one of the best breakfast restaurants around. Extensive menu online at www.scramblzalmaden.com. Sandra Anderson, (408) 997-3187. Vaccinated only, please. PC, NMPCW, WCE (RSE 2,4 Th)

12n Thursday Munchers, rising up from the old Ethnic Dinner, a lunch group in Marin dedicated to trying different restaurants. This month we will visit Flores, 301 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera 94925, (415) 500-5145, cortemadera/a/t/floressf.com. RSVP by Monday, August 7, to Elizabeth Calaway at (415) 456-9220 or elizterrycalaway/a/t/aol.com. PC (RSE Th after 2 Tu)

12 – Saturday

4p Big Ideas Reading Group: Lessons in Stoicism: What Ancient Philosophers Teach Us about How to Live by John Sellars. On Zoom. In the past few years, Stoicism has been making a comeback. But what exactly did the Stoics believe? In Lessons in Stoicism, philosopher Sellars weaves together the key ideas of the three great Roman Stoics — Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius — with snapshots of their fascinating lives, to show us how their ideas can help us today. For September 9 on Zoom: The End of the World is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization by Peter Zeihan. We have a list of books read at www.bigideasreadinggroup.com/BIRG2.html. For questions and invitations to our Zoom meetings please contact Chris Boyd at snoboyd/a/t/sbcglobal.net. PC, NMPCW, NXM (RSE 2 Sa)

14 – Monday

4p San Francisco Pub Get-Together. Stop by after work or, if you don’t work downtown, just come anyway. All Mensans and their guests are welcome, provided that they are at least 21, at Patriot House in 2 Embarcadero Center (Sacramento St. between Front St. and Davis St.), SF 94111. Take the inside escalator to the 2nd floor, turn right twice, and then follow the sign to the stairs to the 3rd floor. The restaurant’s entrance is near the top of those stairs on the 3rd floor. Look for the Mensa logo on our table or ask one of the waitresses to find us. Starting at 4p, but arrive when you can and leave when you’re ready. We will be there for several hours. They have a Happy Hour from 4p until 6p, with the kitchen closing at 9p and the bar closing at 10p. RSVP preferred on Mensa’s Meetup site at www.meetup.com/SFMensa, less preferred by e-mail to Barry Krasner at bwkbwk/a/t/pacbell.net. If you find that you can’t come after RSVPing “Yes”, please change your RSVP to “No” before the event takes place. PC, NC, NS, NMPCW (RSE 2 M)

15 – Tuesday

6:30p Santa Cruz Dining. Join us for great conversation and an informal dinner at Chocolate (with real food celebrating American diversity) at 1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060. Find their menu here: chocolatesantacruz.com/menu/. Credit cards only, no cash please. Vaccinated people only. Hosted by Pia Smith. PC

16 – Wednesday

5:30p Re-BORG. Berkeley-Oakland Restaurant Group is reborn and revived in honor of the incomparable Cathy Roha, who initiated this event and hosted it for many years. Assimilate delicious food and interesting conversation at a good restaurant somewhere in the central East Bay. Bring cash, your vaccination card, and a mask. Limited seating. E-mail or call ahead for location up to a week ahead. RSVP by 3p on Tuesday, August 15. Roberta Maguire, robertamaguire/a/t/hotmail.com, (510) 292-6370. PC, NS, NMPCW, ACW (RSE 3 W)

6p An Immense World Book Discussion. Join us for a discussion of An Immense World by Ed Yong, one chapter at a time. This week we’re reading Chapter 3, Rurple, Grurple, Yurple: Color. This is a Zoom event. The login details are listed on Meetup. Hosted by Pia Smith. PC (RSE W)

7p Our Pandemic Future. Either from ignorance of the facts or a desire to protect us from even greater shock, many authorities predict that once COVID-19 is fully controlled, chiefly with the world-wide application of vaccines, we will be able to return to “normalcy.” Regrettably, data drawn from numerous studies in infectious disease medicine and allied fields suggest a far more threatening future. Although national and international surveillance and containment systems are in place, they are a patchwork. They failed to prevent the global spread of COVID, and unless they are improved, well-funded, and well-maintained, they will fail again. According to some of the world’s leading infectious disease specialists, absent major system improvements it is virtually certain that we or at the latest our children or grandchildren will experience re-emerging or previously unknown infectious diseases, some possibly far more devastating than COVID. Yet despite the urgency of this problem, only a handful of the thousands of articles, speeches, and broadcast commentaries that have appeared about COVID have addressed the likelihood of future pandemics, and then only in passing or without consideration of key elements. This presentation will identify the main factors predictive of future pandemics; explain why virulent disease outbreaks are increasing in frequency; identify the regions where outbreaks of recurring or new diseases will most likely occur; explain why some local outbreaks will likely spread internationally and become pandemic; critique current pandemic preparedness and treaty negotiations; and offer recommendations for improving our long-term national and global defenses. Q&A and open discussion throughout the session. Mensan Bob Enteen will present at his home in Richmond, with easy street parking. Attendance is limited to ten participants. RSVP to renteen/a/t/gmail.com with your name and e-mail address. If your plans change, please let him know. PC

17 – Thursday

6:30p Palo Alto Dining at Pizzeria Delfina. Having a craving for pizza? How about other Italian food? Pizzeria Delfina has a good reputation. It is located downtown at 651 Emerson St., Palo Alto 94301 at Forest Ave. Join us for good food and good conversation. To reserve, contact Susan Heimlich at susan.heimlich/a/t/gmail.com or call/text (650) 714-4972 by Tuesday, August 15. Be sure to get a confirmation. Please bring cash. For last minute changes, call (650) 714-4972. Vaccinated people only please. PC, NMPCW

19 – Saturday

6p Online Board Games. See August 7.

7p Teton Tea. Teton Tea Parties are folk-singing parties going back to the 1950s. We welcome both traditional folk singing and singer/songwriters. Our 3rd Saturday meetings are currently on Zoom. Join the Zoom meeting: us02web.zoom.us/j/6912937135?pwd=WvlpMEs1SCs0c1FoZk5seUhoREVaZz09. Meeting ID: 691 293 7135. Password: berkeley. Hosted by Kevin Langdon, kevinlangdon86/a/t/yahoo.com. PC (RSE 3 Sa)

20 – Sunday

2:30p Speaker Series: Communicating with Other Intelligences with Sheila Finch. How do we communicate with other species if we share no concepts with them? How can we even start communication when we have such a biased view of what intelligence is? We don’t recognize it in any species on our planet other than human. This talk will cover the efforts being made to communicate with other intelligences on our Earth. It will focus on communicating with creatures that don’t use verbal speech but instead use light patterns that they swiftly change on their body. Finch was born in London, England. She has lived in the United States since 1957. She completed her BA in English Literature at Indiana University, followed by an MA in linguistics and medieval history. She taught creative writing and science fiction at El Camino College for 30 years. Her interest and research is in communication, first contact and inter-species (especially cephalopods at the moment). This is a Zoom event, hosted by Judy Unger, junger2040/a/t/gmail.com. RSVP on SFRM Meetup to get the link. PC

22 – Tuesday

7:30p Intelligencer Peel and Stick (NOTE ONE-TIME CHANGE OF LOCATION). Come help mail, and get one of the limited-edition September Intelligencers. I’ll provide snacks and drinks. Held at the home of Gary Koerzendorfer, 1541 Market St., Santa Clara 95050, (408) 858-5637. Vaccinated people only. PC, NS, C (RSE Tu after 3 Sa)

23 – Wednesday

6p An Immense World Book Discussion. Join us for a discussion of An Immense World by Ed Yong, one chapter at a time. This week we’re reading Chapter 4, The Unwanted Sense: Pain. This is a Zoom event. The login details are listed on Meetup. Hosted by Pia Smith. PC (RSE W)

24 – Thursday

11:45a South Bay Lunch. See August 10. (RSE 2,4 Th)

25 – Friday

6:30p Virtual Happy Hour. Mix up your favorite beverage. Bring out some happy-hour munchies and join us for a virtual relaxing time. RSVP on Meetup for the Zoom Link. Hosted by Judy Unger, junger2040/a/t/gmail.com. PC (RSE 4 F)

27 – Sunday

7p Channing Club is a wide-ranging discussion group which has been meeting, in one form or another, for over half a century. There are no assigned topics; we discuss whatever is on participants’ minds. Our meetings are currently on Zoom. Join the Zoom meeting: us02web.zoom.us/j/6912937135?pwd=WvlpMEs1SCs0c1FoZk5seUhoREVaZz09. Meeting ID: 691 293 7135. Password: berkeley. Hosted by Kevin Langdon, kevinlangdon86/a/t/yahoo.com. PC (RSE 4 Su)

29 – Tuesday

5:45p Dinner, Drinks, and Wonderfest. On the last Tuesday of most months, Wonderfest has a science-based event at the HopMonk Tavern, 224 Vintage Way, Novato 94945. We meet for drinks and dinner at 5:45p. At 6:45p we move to the session room for the talk. To confirm that there is a talk this month, and to find out the topic, see wonderfest.org/category/event/ or check SFRM’s Meetup. More information on HopMonk’s menu, etc. is here: www.hopmonk.com/novato. RSVP on the SFRM Meetup (preferred) or e-mail Valerie Taylor (northbay/a/t/sfmensa.org). PC, NMPCW, WCE, NS, NC, NXM (RSE last Tu)

30 – Wednesday

6p An Immense World Book Discussion. Join us for a discussion of An Immense World by Ed Yong, one chapter at a time. This week we’re reading Chapter 5, So Cool: Heat. This is a Zoom event. The login details are listed on Meetup. Hosted by Pia Smith. PC (RSE W)

September 2 – Saturday

6p Start The Month Right. See August 5. (RSE 1 Sa)

6p In-Person Teton Tea. See August 5. (RSE 1 Sa)