San Francisco Regional Mensa for Brilliance by the Bay 2017
On November 17-19, 2017 (the weekend before Thanksgiving), members enjoyed 3 days of programs, games, tournaments, crafts and hospitality at the Hilton Garden Inn Emeryville which sits at the foot of the Bay Bridge just across from San Francisco. Take advantage of the hotel’s great location and explore San Francisco before or after the RG or with the Exploratorium tour on Friday or the Walking Food Tour of North Beach that even locals will appreciate.
Registration includes an abundant Friday buffet dinner, a hot Saturday morning breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant and a tasty Saturday luncheon. It was a great party this fall.
PROGRAM
Featured Speakers
Senator Jerry Hill, State Senator
State Senator Jerry Hill will be joining us to speak at our included Saturday lunch banquet. Jerry Hill was elected to the California Senate in November 2012 and represents the 13th Senate District, which encompasses the San Francisco Peninsula and portions of Silicon Valley.
Saturday Keynote Dinner – Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute
When Will We Find E.T. and What Happens If We Do?
Are we alone in the universe? The scientific hunt for extraterrestrial intelligence is now well into its fifth decade, and we still haven’t discovered any cosmic company. Could all this mean that finding biology beyond Earth, even if it exists, is a project for the ages – one that might take centuries or longer? New approaches and new technology for detecting sentient beings elsewhere suggest that there is good reason to expect that we could uncover evidence of sophisticated civilizations – the type of aliens we see in the movies and on TV – within a few decades. But why now, and what sort of evidence can we expect? Also, if we do find E.T., what would be the societal impact of learning that something, or someone, is out there?
Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer, SETI Institute
Seth Shostak is the Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California. Inspired by a book about the solar system he read at the age of ten, he began his career with a degree in physics from Princeton University and a PhD in astronomy from the California Institute of Technology before working with radio telescopes in the US and the Netherlands to uncover how the universe will end. In addition, Seth is keen on outreach activities: interesting the public – and especially young people – in science in general, and astrobiology in particular. He’s co-authored a college textbook on astrobiology, and has written three trade books on SETI. In addition, he’s published more than 400 popular articles on science — including regular contributions to both the Huffington Post and Discover Magazine blogs — gives many dozens of talks annually, and is the host of the SETI Institute’s weekly science radio show, “Big Picture Science.
Sunday Keynote Brunch – Frank Heile, Ph.D. Physics from MIT and Stanford
Spirituality Explained Scientifically
This talk starts with a definition of spirituality which allows spirituality to be distinguished from religion. The model will describe a human as an agent that can be decomposed into three different interconnected sub-agents named Thinker, Doer, and Experiencer. This model of the human brain (and consciousness) can explain the origin, purpose and efficacy of spirituality and spiritual practice
Frank Heile, Ph.D., Physics from MIT and Stanford
Frank Heile, Ph.D. has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Physics from MIT and Stanford. His career was in software engineering management and in his retirement he is writing a book with the tentative title of “Spirituality Explained.” He has had a 30 year interest in both spirituality and consciousness and considers himself to be a spiritual atheist. He hopes his book will permit other atheists to understand the purpose and efficacy of spirituality.
San Francisco History
Escape artists are the rock stars of recidivists. They are the smartest, most creative and daring convicts. On the run, alone, outnumbered, they arouse our sympathy and admiration, despite their violent crimes. I will explore four cases where desperate California criminals thrilled the populace with their exploits before being recaptured.
Levi Strauss: Beyond Blue Jeans
Levi Strauss was more than just the name of the pants he co-created. He helped to make San Francisco a modern city, his philanthropy changed lives, and his pants also changed the lives of the working men of the West. In this illustrated lecture Levi Strauss & Co. Historian Emeritus Lynn Downey will reveal the man behind the denim.
San Francisco’s 49 Mile Scenic Drive
San Francisco’s 49 Mile Scenic Drive was designed to show off the best of the City to visitors attending the 1939–40 Golden Gate International Expo. During 2013, Kristine Poggioli and Carolyn Eidson walked the entire route, researched the history along each mile, and turned their adventure into a turn-by-turn guidebook: Walking San Francisco’s 49 Mile Scenic Drive. Their lively visual program is filled with the quirky, unknown history they uncovered on the way.
A (Virtual) Tour of San Francisco’s Barbary Coast
Take a virtual journey along the 3.7-mile Barbary Coast Trail through the historic core of civilian San Francisco. Learn how a village of a few hundred residents in 1846 became a city of thousands by 1850. See buildings that survived the 1906 earthquake and fire, and meet some of the characters who are part of the unique experience of the City by the Bay.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
In this presentation we will run some experiments (a.k.a. play some games) that illustrate the motivation for Game Theory. After each round we will look at what the “best strategy” (or lack thereof) is for them. We will also analyze the theoretical equilibrium and maximum potential gains. Come prepared to help your team make some strategic decisions and have fun! Previous knowledge/experience may or may not help your team win this time.
Spirituality Explained Scientifically
This talk starts with a definition of spirituality which allows spirituality to be distinguished from religion. The model will describe a human as an agent that can be decomposed into three different interconnected sub-agents named Thinker, Doer, and Experiencer. This model of the human brain (and consciousness) can explain the origin, purpose and efficacy of spirituality and spiritual practices.
Nukes: Risks and Global Abolition
Learn about the environmental, public health, and political risks of nuclear weaponry. What is the empirical evidence for and against deterrence theory? See the amount of income tax you pay to maintain the USA nuke arsenal. Is M.A.D. still a valid paradigm and what is S.A.D.? We will examine climate research corroborating M.A.D. and S.A.D. Consider the implications of 122 member nations of the U.N. voting in favor a banning nukes (while only 1 opposed the treaty) in July 2017. Investigate the fallacies of safe storage of fissile material; decontamination of failures, test sites, and meltdowns; and “green” electricity.
An Intro to Computer Forensics & Legal E-Discovery
Digital evidence is pervasive in both civil and criminal litigation today. Come find out where the evidence hides, how it can be found, and what the law is doing to keep up with this evolving trend.
Testing Big Bang Theories in the Lab
Jumping from the expanse of galactic scales to land in the laboratory might seem a gargantuan task. Common to both, however, is the concept of symmetry breaking and defect formation. I will discuss how recent work in nanoscale materials has shed verified an early-universe theory in the lab.
A Brief History of Genetics
From Mendel to CRISPR, a brief recap of the evolution of genetics research. Major milestones, technological breakthroughs and ethical dilemmas. Discussion is encouraged..
When Will We Find E.T. and What Happens If We Do?
Are we alone in the universe? The scientific hunt for extraterrestrial intelligence is now well into its fifth decade, and we still haven’t discovered any cosmic company. Could all this mean that finding biology beyond Earth, even if it exists, is a project for the ages – one that might take centuries or longer?
Focus will be on the ethical, legal, and social dimensions of current research and bioethical considerations currently in the news.
Incremental progress toward developing ethical guidelines on the conduct of stem cell research continue to find new dilemmas; in the acquisition of biological materials, in the use of animals for preclinical research, the ethics involved in clinical trials, the creation of chimeric animals, and in the move to safely translate research into human applications. Many people have had their genome tested, often to identify genetically predisposed conditions. We will briefly discuss the several of these topics to further discussion and debate.
Arts, Lifestyle, and Human Interest
Join this workshop and learn the basic rules for taking better photos. We will discuss camera settings ISO, speed and aperture as well as good photo composition. Additional topics will include Depth of Focus, Simplicity, Rule of thirds, Lines & Shapes, Balance, Framing, and Avoiding Mergers.
Edible Container Gardening: Outdoors and In
Learn the basics for growing organic herbs, fruits and vegetables. Container gardening is flexible, fast and fun. With a few guidelines, and a little planning, you can have fresh herbs on hand, tomatoes still warm from the sun and juicy blueberries ready for breakfast. Container gardening is for homeowners and apartment dwellers alike.
The Art of Interviewing
Whether you’re the interviewer or interviewee, it helps to know the art. Marty Nemko has been interviewing luminaries from Jack Welch to genome decoder Craig Venter for 29 years on his KALW (NPR-San Francisco Radio program and as equally long-time career coach, helping job seekers interview well. Marty will share his secrets and lead attendees in doing a mock interview on a fun topic.
A Piano Concert and Sing-Along
Join Marty Nemko for an evening of music: from Maple Leaf Rag to Tom Lehrer songs, show tune medleys from the Sound of Music to Book of Mormon. Also, he’ll read one of the short-short stories from his new book Modern Fables, which requires him to play a little of the Grieg Concerto. He’ll also play the song he wrote that was rejected by Barbra Streisand and everyone else. Plus, he’ll take your requests for a bit of sing-along.
Learning Meditation: Wrap Your Mind Around This
What is meditation? What differentiates it from look-alikes? Does it stifle or catalyze intelligence? What else has science discovered about it? We will take a minds-on guided tranquility journey, complete with training wheels. Because you cannot take this home, we will then allocate most of the time to practicing 2 of the 3 kinds of meditation that you may practice solo. Bring your stress. Leave without it – if you are ready.
Ask an Architect
Got questions about your house? Thinking of adding on? Tired of an old kitchen? Want to grow old at home? Ask an architect! Using photos, sketches, situations provided in advance by you and your fellow attendees, we will discuss options for improving your home environment. Questions about zoning regulations, building codes, energy efficiency standards and universal design are welcome.
Exodus from Nazi Vienna
Some of the Ungers got out of Europe to make a new life in America. Some did not. Alfred Unger’s story is a mix of serendipity and badass chutzpah. This talk honors a commitment the speaker made to his father to keep his story alive. Never forget.
The Shadow Side of Adult Giftedness
Research shows that gifted individuals experience the world differently from others. They think more deeply, experience more intense emotions, and have heightened sensitivity to stimuli.
As a result of these differences, they may feel out of step with the world, self-doubting, frustrated, disappointed, or misunderstood—often without knowing why. Learn about key characteristics of giftedness and the shadow side of being gifted, including social, relationship, and work challenges; common mental health challenges; and outcomes of less-than-ideal schooling or parenting. Acquire strategies for developing greater resiliency in dealing with the challenges of being gifted, and finding greater professional and personal fulfillment.
How To Profit Off Your More Interesting Friends
From watching her best friend star in a reality show to publishing a three book series with a mid-sized press! Bring your questions about traditional vs. self-publishing and how to get from an idea to a book.
Tenor Recital
Back due to popular demand, Mensan and tenor Alan Alpert will sing two sets of his favorite performance songs. The first set is a trio of opera classics: “Der Vögelfanger”, “La Donna è Mobile”, and “Nessun Dorma” (well-loved at this year’s AG). The second set is from his favorite musical team, Gilbert & Sullivan: “If you’re anxious for to shine”, “My boy you may take it from me”, and “On a tree by a river”.
RVC Meet & Greet
invitation to come home.
When Barbara had the chance to take a riverboat from Austria to the Black Sea on an all-German boat, she jumped on it and started researching the Danube. On the cruise she took plenty of photos, and she will share what she learned in the process.
Your Great-Grandmother’s Vibe: Tales from the Antique Vibrator Museum
Your great-grandmother might have owned a vibrator, and the fascinating story of our favorite household helper is truly stranger than fiction. Come learn about Good Vibrations’s collection of vibrators, spanning the 20th century, and their surprising history as health-care devices (oh, and very special movie props) with Antique Vibrator Museum curator Carol Queen, PhD.
Peep Show: Solo Spoken Word from the Lusty Lady Theatre
Go behind the scenes at the late lamented Lusty Lady with Carol Queen, who worked there as Minx Manx in pre-union1990. In her spoken word piece Peep Show she introduces you to her colleagues in tall boots and blonde wigs and to a few of her most notable customers as she found her calling (and her exhibitionistic self) in the Private Pleasures booth, where anyone could come to Talk To A Live Nude Girl!
Activities
Come to return of our popular Gonzo Trivia! competition, and test your store of obscure knowledge, arcana, abstruse information, recondite facts, and esoterica, even though those are all really just synonyms arranged here to seem like a list. You’ll face devilishly difficult questions in categories including pop culture, literature, language, history, science, music and fashion in your quest for the glory of trivia mastery. Teams of 3-5 will be formed at the start, so drag your friends along—or just come alone and we’ll group you in, don’t worry we promise it’ll be fine.
Improv: Word Games
Play and have fun in this improv workshop focused on word games and story telling. No prior experience required, just a willingness to jump in.
(Limit of 20 attendees)
Improv: Sound and Motion
Fun and laughter. Join in this improv workshop focused on improv games that use movement and sound to spark ideas. Light physical activity. No prior experience required, just a willingness to jump in. (Limit of 20 attendees)
Water Skiing Lessons for Beginners
Before jumping into the water behind a ski boat for the first time, complete the beginner ski lesson dry land. This is the beginner course taught at Club Med on the dock before jumping into the water. If you can do even half a chin-up, you can water ski. Wear comfortable clothing and your imaginary life vest to participate, as you will be sitting on the “dock” until the “boat” pulls you up. Children and teenagers are very welcome. Everyone is invited to participate, or just observe.
Bay Bridge Trail Hike
A 5+ mile hike across the Eastern span of the new Bay Bridge. We will go as far as can toward Yerba Buena Island, but will get hikers back in time to attend RG events. Meet in the hotel lobby promptly at 8 on Sunday morning. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. See you then!
Chocolate Tasting
The Latin name for chocolate means “food of the gods”. Chocolate has a mystique, from being a state secret to its supposed aphrodisiac properties or soporific qualities. Come join Local Secretary Mike Eager as he provides an overview of the history of chocolate, and, best of all, offer tastes of a variety of chocolates.
Lightning Talks
This is your chance to say what’s on your mind, presenting your thoughts to a guaranteed-intelligent audience! A Lightning Talk is brief (light lightning), but not too brief to make a good point — or several good points, if that’s your intention. Each speaker will have up to 5 minutes to be serious, funny, silly, exciting, trivial, or “over the top”. For those wishing to give a Lightning Talk, a sign-up sheet will be available at Registration and Hospitality, as well as at the event itself.
Offsite Excursion: Playing Pinball with the Pros!
Games & Tournaments
Tournaments:
Quiddler
Quiddler is called “the short word game”. It’s a combination of rummy and Scrabble , you use cards with letters on them to spell words and earn points. In this tournament, we’ll start in small groups and play until there’s one winner!
Sudoku
You’re good at Sudoku, but are you the best? Pit your logic and pattern recognition skills against other Sudoku aficionados in an attempt to win the title of SFRM Sudoku Champion!
If you’d like to compete, just show up! Observers are also welcome, and you can try out some of the puzzles without competing if you wish.
Cribbage
Come test your cribbage skills in this six-game tournament. You’ll play six different opponents, one game each, random seating. Beginners, intermediate players, and experts are all welcome. Cards, boards, and pegs will be provided. Top three players will receive a token prize (probably a certificate or ribbon). In the event of a tie in the first three places, a best-of-three tiebreaker will be played. (A cribbage lesson will be given prior to the tournament.)
Poker PL08
Sure, any group can play Texas Hold ‘em!
For more intellectual stimulation, twice the dealing time and better* jokes between hands, join our very own beloved* and extremely* funny* Andrew Wise as he hosts a Pot Limit Omaha 8 Poker Tournament (“PLO8″ for veterans). Andrew will host a voluntary tutorial 30 mins before the tournament for those new to this variant. Come for the explanation and stay for the tourney! Prizes* beyond belief. Critically accliaimed* Andrew will recap the specifics 5 minutes after start time, when we are seated. Sign up in advance on the sheet in the tournaments room for your spot at the table! (A PL08 lesson will be given prior to the tournament.)
*bluffs?
Guided Game Play:
VR Demo & Play
Virtual Reality (VR) is the hot new trend for computer games and job training, but as we’re still in the early stages it requires a lot of bulky equipment and tedious setup to get started. For one day only, we will have an Oculus Rift VR unit setup in the games room for people to experience this new medium – by playing games! Compete on the local leaderboard for “Space Pirate Trainer” or play the co-op game “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” with a team of experts (actual gameplay term).
For people completely unfamiliar with the technology, we will have a demonstration in the morning of how it works, how to play the games, and just how silly you can look when pretending to slice imaginary fruit.
Dungeons & Dragons
Pen and paper (or tabletop) role-playing games, like the legendary Dungeons and Dragons, have been a key historical influence on gaming groups, predating computer games or even modern german board games like “Settlers of Catan”. Don’t just take my word for it, check wikipedia. But don’t be intimidated when you read “Games are of indefinite length”. The combination of a free-form unbounded structure and hundreds of pages of basic rules makes the genre very difficult to get into for most people. This unique session will provide an easy introduction for players with no previous role-playing game experience. Your host has read all 575 pages of the GURPS 4th ed. basic rule set, and will explain the ten or so pages that are actually relevant to this scenario on an as-needed basis.
A custom scenario, of definite length, has been specifically prepared for this event, and after the game there will be time for a brief discussion of how a game with experienced players might differ from the introductory scenario. Or D&D vs GURPS, any RPG Q&A is OK after you play.
Settlers of Catan
This game of dice-rolling and empire building (for 3-6 players) combines skill, strategy, luck, and diplomacy with a pioneering spirit that has made it a modern classic. If you ever wanted to trade wood for sheep, now’s your chance.
At least one experienced player will be on hand to explain the rules The session host already knows the rules and will set up the game in advance; perfect for players keen to learn a new game!
Battle for Hogwarts
A fusion of Dominion’s deck-building game-play with a recent Hollywood cash cow is a game that everyone can enjoy. Battle for Hogwarts brings something new to the table by making it a co-op experience for up to four players. Play as one of the protagonists and fight evil wizards across the scenes of all eight movies – though in this session just we’ll play the first scenario.
At least one experienced player will be on hand to explain the rules The session host already knows the rules and will set up the game in advance; perfect for players keen to learn a new game!
Space Alert
As a real-time cooperative strategy board game for up to five players, from the renowned Czech designer Vlaada Chvátil, this game is so unique that it’s hard to describe. But imagine Pandemic crossed with Robo-Rally crossed with the climax of a Star Trek audio drama and you should get pretty close. Fortunately for a real-time game, it makes a lot of sense and is easy to follow along with once you have the board all laid out in front of you.
At least one experienced player will be on hand to explain the rules The session host already knows the rules and will set up the game in advance; perfect for players keen to learn a new game!
Carnelli
Carnelli is a parlor game created by Jan Carnell, a member of the Metropolitan Washington chapter of Mensa. This game has been popular at Mensa gatherings for years. It can be called a “title association” game, like “word association” only using titles, such as those of a book, play, movie, or song. Mike Eager will serve as Carnelli Master.
HOTEL
1800 Powell Street
Emeryville, California, 94608
510-658-9300
TOURS
Exploratorium - Friday afternoon, November 17
Estimated meeting time at Exploratorium entrance: 1:30 p.m.
Adults: $25
Child: $18
Spend Friday afternoon visiting the Exploratorium at Pier 15 on the Embarcadero in San Francisco! Step inside a tornado, turn upside down in a curved mirror, walk on a fog bridge, and explore more than 650 hands-on exhibits. You’ll find all of this plus a cafe and restaurant; two stores (one with an Art-O-Mat machine); and more at their beautiful bayside location.
Transportation: Details on optional transportation to and from the Exploratorium at Pier 15 from the Hilton Emeryville to follow. Registered attendees will be notified of transportation details and the exact meeting time in the coming weeks. Please bring cash the day of the tour to cover costs if you would like to take advantage of coordinated transportation. Otherwise, please meet the group at Exploratorium entrance at the specified meeting time.
Walking Food Tour of North Beach - Sunday afternoon, November 19
Estimated meeting time at 585 Columbus Avenue: 1:45 p.m.
Cost: $59.00
This walking food tour will take you into the heart of North Beach to explore this neighborhood’s food and history including Beat Generation hangouts. All food and drinks are included on your leisurely flat 7-8 block stroll around San Francisco’s Little Italy. You will not go away hungry with this food tour’s serving sizes!
Seasonal samples may include a selection from the following:
- Coffee drinks, teas, Italian sodas and more from a local coffee roaster and the chance to see how the coffee is roasted
- Focaccia sandwiches or homemade bruschetta from a local institution since 1973
- Chocolate from one the top chocolatiers in the US and the chance to learn how it’s made.
- Cannoli from one of North Beach’s best bakeries which has been making cannoli since 1942
- Deli delights from a local deli that has making salami in San Francisco since 1896
- Real Italian pizza, with homemade mozzarella and the opportunity to watch as they make it in their wood burning ovens.
Transportation: The tour will start at 585 Columbus at the corner of Union Street and Columbus Avenue for those meeting us at the starting point of the tour. Details on optional transportation to and from the North Beach from the Hilton Emeryville to follow. Registered attendees will be notified of transportation details and the exact meeting time in the coming weeks. Please bring cash the day of the tour to cover costs if you would like to take advantage of coordinated transportation. Otherwise, please meet the group at the specified meeting time and joining point.
DINING
Friday Dinner
Traditional Mexican buffet dinner at Chevy’s
Entrees:
Veggie Quesadillas
Chicken Soft Tacos
Crispy Chicken Flautas
Cheddar Cheese Enchiladas
Sides:
Mixed Greens Salad
Ranch and Salsa Vinaigrette
Homemade Beans, Black Beans and Refried Beans
Fresh Mexican Rice
Sweet Corn Tamalito
Fresh Fruit
Chips & Salsa
Condiments:
Cotija Cheese
Roasted-Corn Salsa
Sour Cream
Pico de gallo
Beverages:
Soft Drinks, Lemonade, Ice Tea or Coffee (Note: any additional beverages will be the responsibility of the individual)
Dessert:
Brownies
Saturday Hot Breakfast Buffet
Assorted Breakfast Pastries, Croissants, Muffins and NY Bagels
Sweet Cream Butter, Cream Cheese and Preserves
Seasonal Melons and Berries
Hot Selections:
Scrambled Eggs with Herbs, Bacon and Sausage Links
Oven Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
Old Fashioned Oatmeal w/ Brown Sugar and Raisins
Beverages:
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
Cranberry Juice
Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Herbal Teas
Saturday Lunch Buffet
Won Ton Soup
Mixed Greens with Rice Noodles, Crispy Won-Ton, Cilantro, Scallion, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Sliced Almonds, Sesame Oil
Entrees:
Stir Fry Chicken with Vegetables
Vegetable Fried Rice
Sides:
Spring Rolls Sweet and Sour Sauce
Dessert:
Chefs Choice
Beverages:
Ice Tea & Ice Water
Optional Meals
Salad:
Caesar Salad
Entrees:
Chicken Breast with Wild Mushrooms and Marsala Wine
Herb & Butter Penne Pasta with Traditional Red & Alfredo Sauces
Sides:
Grilled Seasonal Vegetables
Garlic Parmesan Bread
Dessert:
Chefs Choice
Beverages:
Ice Tea & Ice Water
Sunday Brunch with Speaker: $23.00
Cold Selections:
Assorted Breakfast Pastries, Croissants, Muffins and NY Bagels
Sweet Cream Butter, Cream Cheese and Preserves
Seasonal Melons and Berries
Hot Selections:
Scrambled Eggs with Herbs, Bacon and Sausage Links
Oven Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
Old Fashioned Oatmeal w/ Brown Sugar and Raisins
Beverages:
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
Cranberry Juice
Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Herbal Teas
HOSPITALITY EVENTS
