Events for November 2023

Scientists agree evolutionary changes contributed to life’s diversity, but the debate is whether evolution explains all of life’s diversity?  Is there evidence to support an alternative explanation?  After studying evolution and leading similar groups, I realize one can’t have a meaningful discussion regarding evolution unless those involved understand the theory – and few people do.  My goal is to make you an informed audience by spending three weeks exploring key aspects of evolutionary theory.  The meetings are open to those of all beliefs and perspectives, not limited to Mensa, and are promoted in several ways so you will meet a diverse […]

The plan for our monthly dinner is to have it at a new location - Applebee’s Grill + Bar, across from the Palmdale Mall at 39720 10th St. West, Palmdale, CA 93551.We will meet at 6pm provided someone tells me that they want to come. In the three decades that I have been a member of Mensa, the total amount of knowledge has increased tenfold. So much good stuff to discuss. I hunger for that more than the meal. Please let me know if you will attend. Please phone, text or email. The Dinner Dude. (661) 265-0969 Weekdays work number (if I am busy, speak [...]

The meeting will be held at the home of Fran Shankle. Please e-mail Fran at franshankle@aol.com for address and further information.

All Mensa members and their invited guests are welcome to observe GLAAM’s elected representatives at work. Join us at  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82951927589 .  Contact any board member for help getting connected or for more information. (Z)

This week we will continue our discussion of evolution and look at evidence for and against biological innovation through evolution.  This is referred to as macroevolution.  The meetings are open to those of all beliefs and perspectives, not limited to Mensa, and are promoted in several ways so you will meet a diverse audience.  When: Sunday’s 10:00 – 10:55 a.m.  Where: Bel Air Church, 16221 Mulholland Drive, L.A., room DC 101.   For more info contact Perry Lanaro at ScienceLogicFaith@gmail.com. (MCity/SFV)

Come out to San Pedro and meet some fellow Mensans for no particular reason at all! No serious discussions here - unless of course you want to have one! This is more to meet some nice folks and sample the good eats. Paul Klos, Dinesh Padiyar, and Stan West will be hosting at Ristorante Raffaello, 457 W. 7th St, San Pedro, 90731. Word is their Spaghetti Con Pollo E Pomodoro is to DIE for! Contact Stan West at toppkcat@aol.com or 310 339 8095 with questions. (COASTAL)

Let’s meet for dinner with no agenda except to get to know one another.  Meet at El Cholo, 1025 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, corner of 11th and Wilshire.  We will meet in the lounge at 6:30 and at 7:00-ish move into the dining room or patio for dinner.  I will wear a hat so you can more easily find us.  Valet parking off 11th street or there is a good chance to find street parking on Wilshire. Please try to arrive by 7:00 so there will be a place at the table.  An RSVP by texting Perry at 310-922-3422 is helpful [...]

Dinner starts at 5:30 and the discussion between 6:45 and 7:00 PM.  We meet at the Galpin Ford’s Horseless Carriage restaurant, located at 15505 Roscoe Blvd in Van Nuys, just east of the 405, in the back room.  Park in the restaurant parking lot or across the street at Galpin Ford.  This month’s topic is immigration.    We only have room for about a dozen people so please RSVP to janabickel@earthlink.net or 818-506-4032. (SFV

Calling all Young Ms! Jump start your retirement savings with this incredible offer! The first five people who show up at this event will get a free lottery ticket!  Think of it! You could win millions for just showing up to a happy hour!? What the heck is that all about?  We'll be at the Firestone Walker Brewing Company, 3205 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, 90292. Come on out to meet your fellow Ms; have some good conversation, not to mention the chance to sample a great selection of unique beers. Look for the light blue Mensa cap sitting on the [...]

Kathleen's is at 595 N. Lake Ave. Pasadena, CA. 91101. 3 1/2 blocks North of 210, West side of Lake. Free Parking out back, and in front as well.  For introverts and/or shy people (like me), pretend it's still quarantine with someone else cooking, and cleaning for you, only with smart conversations to listen to, to participate in as you choose, and all comments are heard with no judgments made. Develop friendships too. Please still wear a mask upon entering. Prices range from $11.95 to $21.95. Round Table discussions are located in the front room. Look for the yellow M sign, [...]

Life first appeared on earth about 3.6 billion years ago as single cell bacteria and scientists refer to this as the origin of life.  Sunday we will dive into the important question of where life first came from.  This is perhaps the most technical talk in the series, but it will be explained in a way that those without a science background will understand.  This is the last meeting in 2023 before breaking for the holidays. The meetings are open to those of all beliefs and perspectives, not limited to Mensa, and are promoted in several ways so you will meet [...]

Hosted by Alan Stillson. The address is 5515 Keokuk Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91367 – near Winnetka and the 101. Please contact Alan Stillson at (818) 884-4284 or astillson13@gmail.com if you plan to attend or to get more details. Maximum of 15 people. It’s free. Soft drinks and light snacks are provided. Feel free to contribute additional snacks. (SFV)

This SIG is for people who love books.  Bring a book of your choice to discuss.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84162727501?pwd=IgB1W0F8XnKpEbgmpLTEZ64aQutJHr.1.  The meeting ID is 841 6272 7501; the Passcode: Book. (Z)

Let's try this event on a Friday again. When I was a child, I believed Greece was somewhere near Japan because their Hebrew names are very similar (Yavan and Yapan), and when I learned Greece that land of myths was in the far less exotic realm of Europe I insisted otherwise. Well, let's make Greece be near Japan for International Diners' Club and let's follow last month's Greek dinner with a Japanese one. Let's go to Irori Sushi in Marina Del Rey. Located in the shopping center with the Pavilion's and between that place and CVS, this place has good reviews. […]

Section Three of Veteran’s Parkway.   Meet near the intersection of N. Ardmore Ave and Pacific Ave in Manhattan Beach.   We will be meeting on the south side of Pacific Ave on the wood chip path (Veteran’s Parkway).  The path is located between the streets of Valley Drive and Ardmore Ave.  Park for free on the street.  This last section of the parkway is shorter, so we will be extending our Urban Walk to meet other Mensans at Marmalade Cafe.  After brunch we will walk the same route back to our cars, for a total walking distance of approximately three […]

If you don’t want to walk you can meet us for brunch at Marmalade Cafe, 2014 Park Place,  El Segundo.  This will be at the half-way point of our walk.    RSVP is not necessary, but it is nice to know if you are coming so I can look for you.   Sue Barr  sbb_177@yahoo.com, or call/text 310-381-9761. (COASTAL)

Craig Lancaster and Nikki Frey have arranged for Thanksgiving dinner at Buca Di Beppo restaurant, 17500 Ventura Blvd in Encino.  It’s an Italian restaurant and they are serving Thanksgiving dinner, but you can also order from the menu. We had about a dozen people attend the last time we had Thanksgiving dinner at Buca Di Beppo and the food was great. RSVP to find out the exact time to meet.  Call Nikki (818) 235-2311 or email NikkiFrey22@yahoo.com.  Seating is limited, so contact us early.  (SFV)

Two Hommes, The African Fusion restaurant we are doing this month is excellent and quite unique. Unfortunately, they are not open on Sundays. As such, we are meeting on Monday, and at an hour when traffic is hopefully not too bad. Two Hommes is located in Inglewood at 902 North La Brea Boulevard just south of Centinela. To RSVP, contact Kedem Har-Shalom at kedem524@yahoo.com or (805) 330-1731. (MCity/COASTAL)

This month we will be reading the book Sentence by Louise Erdrich.  If you have trouble finding this book, read another book by the same author. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84162727501?pwd=IgB1W0F8XnKpEbgmpLTEZ64aQutJHr.1.  The meeting ID is 841 6272 7501; the Passcode: Book. (Z)

Since Thanksgiving is on our usual meeting day, we are moving to the 5th Thursday this month. Join us at the Sizzler’s in Van Nuys located at 7131 Van Nuys Blvd, just south of Sherman Way.  There’s plenty of good food, good conversation and convenient parking in the back.  We meet just behind the salad bar in front of the windows facing Van Nuys Blvd.   RSVP to janabickel@earthlink.net so that we can make sure we have enough chairs at our table. (SFV)

The meeting will be held at the home of Fran Shankle. Please e-mail Fran at franshankle@aol.com for address and further information.

All Mensa members and their invited guests are welcome to observe GLAAM’s elected representatives at work. Join us at  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82951927589 .  Contact any board member for help getting connected or for more information. (Z)