Speakers

TDP combined computer and human intelligence to accelerate the commercialization across Lab-to-Market ecosystems around the world, initially starting from the Global 2000 C Suite demand side. TDP has used this process to match innovation supply to demand, around the world for local economic growth. By doing so, TDP has compressed corporate decision making from 18-24 months down to three months or less, for acquisitions, partnering, business development, new business launch, etc.

Dr. Ped Bunsongsikul will present five to seven medical myths, explain their origins, and uncover the truths. Followed by an open discussion about any medical related questions.

The 1040 Tour Guide will take you on a trip around John and Jane Doe’s tax return covering types of income deductions, tax credits, and audit preparation. The new tax law, good, bad, or ugly, will be explained before it is amended with technical corrections. See how John and Jane Doe are affected by the new law. The lecture will discuss wage earner income and expenses and self-employment issues including office in the home, depreciation of assets, and self-employment tax. Education credits and adjustments will be explained. If you want a better understanding of what you file under penalty of perjury with the government each year, this session is for you.

Linda Dorfmont has been doing other peoples’ taxes for over 40 years. She has taught taxation for the Small Business Development Centers, the IRS TCE/VITA Program, the College for Financial Planning, local colleges, and private education providers. She is a frequent speaker at Mensa events, and — as of a few months ago — is now a full-fledged member of Mensa.

This talk will tell the story of Judge Filer’s father’s journey to become a lawyer and how it influenced and affected his own decision to pursue a career in the law.

Judge Kelvin D. Filer’s career has always reflected his desire to do the right thing and his view that everyone deserves justice and equality. After graduating from Compton High School, he went to the University of California at Santa Cruz where he majored in politics, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with high honors. He subsequently received his Juris Doctorate degree from UC Berkeley. His career started as a Deputy State Public Defender, in which he argued and won a landmark case in the California Supreme Court (People v. Taylor (1982)) holding that criminal defendants have a right to wear civilian clothing – “the garb of innocence” during their trials.

Judge Filer’s career includes being a commissioner for the Compton Municipal Court, Superior Court Commissioner, judge of the Superior Court in Los Angeles, a member of the California Judges Association, founding member of the Association of African American California Judicial officers, life member of the NAACP, life member of both the California Association of Black Lawyers and the John M. Langston Bar Association, and member of the Board of Directors for the Compton Chamber of Commerce. Among the many other honors and recognitions he has received, Judge Filer cherishes that in 2016 he was recognized as an “Outstanding Father” by the Long Beach Branch of the NAACP and in 2017, he was the recipient of the “Unsung Hero: Community Judiciary Award” by the City of Compton. In November, 2017, Judge Filer was inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame of the John M. Langston Bar Association.

In the midst of the pandemic, Leif Gantvoort made a comedic video about a magic makeup brush to post online for his friends. Within 24 hours that video was illegally downloaded, reposted to Reddit, and went viral all over the world. In the end the video was seen close to a billion times and was recreated shot-for-shot in multiple different languages. In this firsthand account you’ll get an inside perspective on what it’s like to be responsible for fame and fortune and getting neither.

The presentation covers some changes in Southern California over the decades. We also had some earthquakes! Gordon Glattenberg has lived in Southern California all his life and has been taking photos here since the early 1950s.

When some people think of opera, they might think that it consists of classic music that you couldn’t possibly imagine hearing in the 21st century (let alone anything in popular culture). But believe it or not, operatic influence can be found in many pop culture classics. How about from The Marriage of Figaro, a commedia per musica in four acts composed in 1786 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?

This new LA Opera production opens at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in February, and Mary Johnston will be here to tell us all about it.

Is there a God? This fascinating presentation will take a deep dive into several areas of science with philosophical and spiritual implications. Be ready to put your intellect into high gear for a clearly explained tour of science beginning with the origin of the universe and continuing up to present day. A science background is not needed but an inquisitive mind is. The speaker will be available for Q&A.

Perry Lanaro holds a B.S. in physics and an MBA — both from UCLA — and consults in finance for the entertainment industry. For over a decade he has studied and led meetings exploring the intersection of science and faith. He combines a natural understanding of science with the story-telling aspect of the entertainment industry to present sophisticated scientific concepts in an understandable and entertaining manner.

Craig Lancaster is glad that GLAAM RGs have started again. Because, who (except GLAAM) would tolerate his attempts to cover the music of the 70s?

Cherry Bomb – This program covers the rock music of the 70s, when rock reached its peak. He will attempt to cover the best rock of the 70s including works by Black Sabbath, Derek and the Dominos, The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, and, yes, The Runaways.

Beautiful – This is the program you should attempt to attend, assuming you are old enough to remember the music of the 1970s. The popular music of the 1970s. You’ll know it’s the 70s when I play Debbie Boone instead of Pat. I’ll also play the music of Dolly Parton, Carole King, Don McLean, and The Beatles. I will also look on the bright side of life.

Who was our youngest American president? Who was our oldest? Who was our tallest, shortest, and fattest? The Mensa Bulletin language columnist will illuminate the feats, fates, families, foibles, and firsts of our American presidents.

Longtime Mensa Bulletin language columnist Richard Lederer, Ph.D., is the author of 60 books about language, history, and  humor. He is founding co-host of “A Way With Words” on National Public Radio and has been elected International Punster of the Year. His newest titles are A Pleasury of Word & Phrase Origins and Lederer’s Language & Laughter.

Why are we drawn to stories? How can we harness this proclivity? Nevin Millan takes a dive into some of the science behind storytelling and weaves it into a few esoteric applications. He delves into the exploration of one’s personal story and the many benefits that can come of such a journey, especially healing generational trauma. Then how to apply your personal story in life, work, and art.

Nevin is an American storyteller, performer, and Mensa member. He forges storytelling irons through his uniquely multifaceted prism as an actor, writer, playwright, filmmaker, poet, and story consultant. He’s drawn to intense dramas, especially historical, and sweeping action/sci-fi/fantasy adventures, as well as the occasional dramedy. A vocal advocate for diversity, Nevin imbues his multi-cultural, first generation American perspective into all his creative pursuits. He’s appeared in screen and stage productions and develops an array of projects through his production company. He also has a novel and book of poetry in the works. He aims to dig deep into the human spirit through storytelling by tapping into those moments in life that spark greatness, inspiration, and growth. Nevin currently lives eco-consciously in Los Angeles with his two children.

United States global strategy, from the days of Albert Thayer Mahan to current involvement in the war over Ukraine: this talk will look at the formulation of US geopolitical theories, the rise of full spectrum warfare, the globalization of color revolutions, and the events leading to the Russia-Ukraine war. Is the United States currently prepared for a major superpower confrontation? Will NATO gain victory in a protracted military-economic conflict with Russia or will this lead to a general collapse of the Atlantic powers and the rise of Eurasia? And do military history and simulation gaming provide intelligent alternatives?

Joseph Miranda is a simulations designer, consultant on modern conflict, and a sometimes instructor in counter-terrorism. His career has led him from the US Army Special Warfare Center to conducting seminars for libertarian activist groups. He has been the editor in chief of several military history magazines as well as the designer of numerous war-games on military operations, cyberwar and unconventional warfare. He holds advanced degrees in criminal justice and political science, and has taught classes for a major West Coast university. He is also a former member of Mensa and used to play ice hockey.

The Original Pinocchio, by Carlo Collodi in 1883, examined through our 21st century lens of the recent Pinocchio films; Disney’s film (with Tom Hanks) and the Del Toro Pinocchio, now on Netflix. Included in the program will be a few puppets and some narration of the book by Puppet Artist Steven Ritz-Barr — a puppeteer and film maker for four decades in Paris, LA, and Berlin.

There is an intersection in life where roads can converge. A bent towards technology and science, creativity, growing available time, modest discretionary funds, an understanding partner, all come together. But beware! A gentle push down this path can quickly grow to an addiction. Soon there is not enough books, primers, on-line videos, money or your wife’s patience to quell this bad Jones.

This presentation will put you behind your electronically guided telescope as you capture 180-second subframes in narrowband Ha, Sii and Oii wavelengths with a dedicated camera chilled to -10° C for the next 6 hours of darkness. A hundred different things can go wrong and each one fatal to the night. And, if by any miracle, a few good frames come out, you face hours of processing ahead of you. And you know what? You love it! Hello darkness my old friend.

David A. Scharlach has been an amateur astronomer since 1971. Past president of San Francisco Amateur Astronomers. Active member of the Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society. Astronomy and history docent for the Sacramento Valley Conservancy for 17 years. Presented on astrophotography at the 2022 AG. Given RG presentations in astronomy related matters to both San Francisco and Sacramento Regional Mensa. Presented astronomy topics to Boy Scouts, Kiwanis Club, religious groups and local STEM program. Conducted “star parties” for numerous and assorted groups. 10-year co-presenter for the UC Davis COSMOS program for high achieving math and science high school students. However, my hobby is the photography of deep space objects (i.e. emission nebula, globular star clusters, spiral galaxies, etc.). Mensa member for 45 years and Mr. Mensa 1980, San Francisco AG.

Steven L. Sears:

I’m a writer; a storyteller. I am a liar by profession. I create worlds that don’t exist, filled with characters who defy logic, doing things that seem superhuman, for goals that would never occur to most people. And I can convince you it’s all real. In their purest form, the Storyteller has entertained billions over the course of history. At its core, they share their roots with the same power that has overthrown governments, destroyed nations, and manipulated people into taking up arms against their neighbors. The ability to lie convincingly is a unique trait. It’s my superpower. Fear me. Or don’t. Either way, I get paid. Do you have that power? Do you have a story and don’t know how to tell it? Do you want to find that story to tell? Is there a career there for you? Are you a Storyteller?

Let’s find out…

(Please note: no governments will be overthrown during this discussion)

Steven L. Sears has worked as a Writer, Story Editor, Producer and Creator in Television, Film, digital media and animation. His lengthy career has encompassed over fifteen television series including THE A-TEAM, WALKER-TEXAS RANGER, FATHER DOWLING MYSTERIES, SWAMP THING, and then moved to a series that has made its mark in Television and pop culture history, as Co-Executive Producer of the wildly popular series XENA – WARRIOR PRINCESS.

Jeff Slayton:

Over forty plus years I have watched dance artists in Los Angeles facing many obstacles: attaining the funding to continue working, convincing local newspapers to send critics to review their performances to assist grant applications and fundraising, and struggling against the myth that there is no worthy dance being produced in Los Angeles. Martin Holman and I founded LA Dance Chronicle in 2017 to help dance artists continue to survive in Los Angeles. We publish promotional articles announcing upcoming concerts, and send well informed dance writers to review LA-based companies. LADC also provides a platform for young dance writers to hone their skills. This talk is about that journey.

I danced professionally from 1967 to 2001 and retired as a full-time Tenured Professor of Dance from the Dance Department at California State University, Long Beach. After retiring, I was asked to write for the online magazines SeeDance (Los Angeles) and Bach Track (London). After leaving those organizations, Martin Holman and I co-founded Los Angeles Dance Chronicle in 2017. Mr. Holman worked in Information Technology for the majority of his career. He designed and maintains the LADC website and is also one of the editors.

After reading an article in the Village Voice, Peter Sturgeon wrote to the Mensa Selection Agency in England and received notification of his acceptance as a member in May, 1960. The founding meeting took place at his home four months later, attended by four other Mensans. By the end of that year, the American group boasted fifty members, who paid dues of $3.00 per annum. The ensuing years propelled the growth of our organization, energized by the attraction of curious-minded individuals seeking others who shared that trait. While the road has included a few speed bumps, the cement holding American Mensa together through difficult times is the powerful bonds of our members. Whether we initially joined for fellowship, romance, laughter, friendship, or simply conversation, those attachments remain our foundation. Learn some of the stories about how that nucleus was formed and share some of your own tales.

Simone van Egeren joined Mensa in 1985, when a friend persuaded her to attend a Northern New Jersey Mensa event. She was skeptical until entered the room and joined the dirty jokeoff. She is currently Chair of the AML History Committee, LocSec/President of San Diego Mensa, as well as Archivist for her chapter. She credits Mensa with bringing her some of her best times, best friends, and best life partner.

GAME – Watch out… the leader might sometimes “accidentally” mispronounce the word to be spelled. Make sure not to rely completely on the administrator’s pronunciation, because it is not always going to be completely correct… but it does make things more challenging for us!

Nikki Frey will host the costume contest.

GAME – The classic Mensa word-association game consisting of movies, music, books, and whatever else the capricious and arbitrary host will allow. More details are found on Wikipedia’s Carnelli page.

Jay will also host the games Codenames and Taboo.

Toni Hansen will host the Mensa Testing.

New Member Meet and Greet – Join in the New Member Meet-and-Greet! New to Mensa? New to GLAAM? Come meet members, get an intro to what Mensa is about, and figure out your place here!

Regional Vice Chair Meet and Greet – Come meet your representative on the American Mensa board! Rachel will talk about what’s going on in Region 9 (your region), what’s going on nationally, and her vision for what Mensa can be. Come prepared with your questions, complaints, and energy!

Rachel Kibler is the Region 9 Vice Chair, halfway through her 3-year term. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah and has been a member of Mensa since 2003.

Barbara Lytle and Jim Lewis will be hosting numerous games, check them out on the games page!

Randall Mills will be hosting the open mic.

GAME – If you can identify song titles and the artists who recorded them from hearing short segments of them, you’ll do well on this quiz. Hints and trivia about the songs will be provided.

Robert Savenye has run music ID quizzes at various RG’s. He has hosted two online radio programs: “Just Folking Around”, which is folk and folk rock, and “Sixties At Five”, songs from the 1960’s  on OCRockRadio.com. Robert is a long-time Mensa member and retired chemist who has always had a great interest in popular music, even though he cannot sing or play an instrument.

Robert will also host a pre-RG tour Friday afternoon, listed on the Events page.

Gather in Hospitality before the Pub Crawl and meet some fellow M’s and make some new friends. All are welcome!

Nikki Smith has been a member of Mensa since 2014 and Life Member since 2019. “I am an avid costumer and prop maker. I’m fortunate that my whole family has the same artistic obsessions as I do. I’m a local gal hailing from Harbor City. If you see me, say ‘Hi’. I love to meet new people and I can give recommendations for restaurants and such in the San Pedro area.”

Nikki will also be leading the Pub Crawl.

Zane Smith will host the game Werewolves and Villagers.

GAME – This long-standing RG tradition is back again this year. How’s your long-term memory in the area of recognizing melodies? All get time to answer and bonus points for deciphering a secret message.

The host is Alan Stillson, leader of the GLAAM Folksong SIG. Alan has been a Mensa member since 1987. He’s the puzzle editor of LAMentary and Oracle. He leads two SIGs, folk singing and the writers group. Alan recently retired as an adjunct mathematics professor and actively works as an author. He has eleven published puzzle books, has two produced musical shows and is working on the production of a peace concert. Alan will also host the word game Superghost, listed on the Games page.