Say it with flowers
Would you learn a new language for love? See below.
Regional News
As I write (mid December) there is considerable interest in our next regional event on Saturday 23rd February called "A Taste Of India". Although I'm not sure which part of the event is most appealing - the chance to learn Bollywood dancing, the eat-as-much-as-you-like curry buffet, the opportunity to meet other members or just the bargain price of £10! The event takes place at The Brant Inn, Groby, Leicester and full details appeared in the last issue of Empress or can be found at www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids. It's not too late to book but please note that payment must be received by 16th February.
The East Midlands Mensa regional committee will be meeting prior to this event but in the absence of any nominations for Regional Officer there will be no election and I will remain in the role for the coming year.
Our region will also be hosting the Milton Keynes Weekend 23rd-26th May 2008, which is the late May bank holiday. You can find the full programme of events on our web site at www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids or ask Diane Salter at the Mensa office for a copy. Due to the nature of some of the more unusual events, numbers are strictly limited so book soon to guarantee a place!
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Events and Meetings
Notts News
We just have our three regular offerings this month as I will be busy organising our regional event.
On Tue 5th Feb at 8.00pm - 5OTM
Join us from 8.00pm on Tuesday 5th for a drink and chat at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road. New faces, old faces, male and female all welcome. Look for the yellow Mblem to left of the bar. If you're driving there's free parking right outside and good value soft drinks. If you're on public transport the railway station and Broad Marsh bus station are nearby and the pub offers real ale brewed next door.
On Wed 13th Feb at 7.00pm - Chicks and Flicks
On Wednesday 13th we're going for a meal at Nando's peri-peri chicken restaurant followed by a film at Cineworld. You are welcome to join us for just the meal if no films appeal. Meet at 7.00pm inside the doors to the Cornerhouse or contact Paul in advance for film options. He's on [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Tue 26th Feb at 7.30pm - Postcode Pubcrawl
Our "Postcode Pubcrawl" reaches NG7 on Tuesday 26th and will take place at the Horse & Groom, Radford Road, Basford where we have the function room for the evening. Join us at 7.30pm for pub grub costing £6.50 or 8.30pm for some hilarious sheep racing. The racing will be in aid of Cancer Research UK so come and have a laugh and help a good cause. Food needs to be pre-ordered so please book with me by 22nd.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Mensans in MK & Bedford
Our two regular meetings continue this month, with Starbucks @ Borders now on First Thursday (7th February), and our new Third Wednesday meeting at the Old Beams in Shenley Lodge on 20th February.
On Thu 7th Feb at 7.00pm - FThOTM
Starbucks have asked us not to display a logo too prominently as they don't want to be seen to be endorsing any particular clubs or organisations, although they are happy for us to continue meeting there. So you may have to look a little harder for the Mblem or mag lying down on the table rather than standing up trying to be as visible as possible!
On Wed 20th Feb at 8.00pm - 3WOTM
As I write (mid December), we haven't yet had our first meeting at the Old Beams, so I don't yet know whether we'll be able to bag a regular place - you may have to look round for us. If you're definitely planning to come, please let me know as it will help us to grab the right sized table, but don't let that put you off deciding on the spur of the moment - you'll still be welcome. See www.mcmullens.co.uk for location and menu details.
We're intending to do a Sunday walk, probably in the Priory Country Park in Bedford, one Sunday in February; however, as we don't yet know which weekends we're free in February, I will publish details nearer the time to regulars and on the East Midlands List. Feel free to call me early February if you haven't seen details and are interested in coming along. We'll probably start early enough to be back in time for a late lunch at the Beefeater at the Marina.
Jo Sidebottom
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Leicester Letter
On Sat 16th Feb at 7.30pm - Meal
We tried to eat at Slipcotes restaurant, Whissendine, some months ago but they were already booked up, so we're going to try again on Saturday 16th February at 7.30pm. This restaurant has been open for about 18 months, and is enjoying a great reputation at the moment: it's cheap and cheerful (not in the accepted sense!), and the menu is varied. I will need to confirm fairly accurate numbers at least a week before, so please get in touch with me if you'd like to come.
On Mon 18th Feb at 7.30pm - Pub Meeting
Vincent Carroll lives in Burbage, and has offered to host a 'come-and-let-us-know-what-sort-of-things-you'd-like-to-do' type meeting in that part of the world. It would be lovely to offer a greater choice of activities and venues for members, both old and new, so please come along and meet Vincent on Monday 18th February at 7.30pm in The Anchor in the centre of Burbage village. Maybe we could sort out a few options. If you're unable to attend this meeting, but would be interested in other meetings in this part of Leicestershire, contact Vincent on [Phone Number].
Sue Watford
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Derby Diary
On Wed 20th Feb at 7.30pm - 3WOTM
Ah, February! The traditional time for getting together with your loved ones. So, why not be a bit of a devil and extend that feeling of bonhomie to your fellow DE members (or even beyond!) this month and join us at one of our get-togethers? Weather permitting, and for those that can get into Derby, we have our usual "3rd Wednesday" event on the 20th at the Standing Order where you can join us for a meal or later for just a drink. Please contact Kev on [Phone Number] for directions and encouragement.
On Mon 18th Feb at 7.00pm - At Home
Plus I'll be having my own 'at home' two days before on Monday 18th in Butterley Park, Ripley with the option of chat, food and board games but please call to let me know you're coming so I can organise parking. If you want some encouragement to attend your first meeting, organise one of your own or just want to say hello, then please contact me. It would be very nice to hear from you.
Merry Metcalf
High Wycombe & Amersham
On Wed 20th Feb at 7.30pm - Lecture: From Daumier to Dilbert
Two events this month. At High Wycombe Library on Wednesday 20th February at 7:30pm, local Mensan Peter Sadd will be giving a lecture on cartoons, 'From Daumier to Dilbert', and how they have evolved over time from the satirical prints of Daumier and Gillray through to modern strips like Dilbert. He will discuss the sources of ideas in modern cartoons from historical paintings to verbal and visual clichés, and will also touch on drawing techniques and selling cartoons. There will be a notional £2 charge supporting Friends of High Wycombe Libraries.
On Thu 28th Feb at 8.00pm - Italian Meal
Finally (and it will be finally!) my swansong meeting in High Wycombe on Thursday 28th February for an Italian meal at the Pizza Express at 40 Oxford (just off Frogmore). This will be my last meeting as LocSec and I look forward to seeing friends old and new in this popular venue. As many local members will probably know I am stepping down as LocSec after something like 9 years in the role. It has been a challenge with many ups and downs. I have met a lot of interesting people many of whom have become good friends. I would like to thank them all for their support.
I'm sure you'd like to join me in welcoming Val Hinkins, who has accepted the challenge of being your new LocSec and who brings many skills to the role, notably her enthusiasm. I'm sure you will give her your support and your ideas. She will be ably supported by her partner Peter, a long time stalwart of Mensa. Whilst I will offer my support my New Year's resolution will be not to interfere!
Thanks again to all.
Alistair Blackett
Northants NNotes
On Thu 7th Feb at 9.00pm - 1Th: Pub
As usual, the first Northants meeting of the month takes place at our regular watering hole, The Fox & Hounds at Harlestone on Thursday 7th January at 9.00pm. It's the Chinese New year tonight if you want an excuse for a celebration. Look for the MENSA mag on one of the tables in the bar area.
On Thu 21st Feb at 8.00pm - Roadshow
We failed to get there in November so Thursday 21st February at 8.00pm we are having another attempt to take the Roadshow to Creaton. The village lies on the A5199 between Northampton and Welford and you will find us in the Bricklayers Arms. MENSA mag will give away our position.
Ian Sargent
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 7th Feb at 8.15pm - FThOTM
Our regular FThOTM meeting at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin, will be on Thursday 7th February at 8.15pm. Good food and good beer both available! Call me for more details and encouragement. The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station.
On Fri 29th Feb at 8.00pm - LFOTM
For the LFOTM join Gwen and me again at our new venue, the Prince of Wales, Hertingfordbury, on Friday 29th February at 8.00pm, to unwind at the end of the month and to work out in which year 29th February next falls on a Friday! (Free pint if you can work it out!) Food and an interesting range of beers available and interesting and stimulating conversation guaranteed! Look for the Mag/Mblem. Hertingfordbury is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station.
Richard Allen
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Luton & Dunstable
On Sat 16th Feb at 7.30pm - Curry Eating Meeting
On Saturday 16th February the Luton group is visiting St Albans for a curry. Nearly half of the group actually lives there anyway! Meet at The Jolly Sailor Pub, Stonecross, (which runs into Sandridge Rd from St Peter's St) St Albans AL1 4AA at 7.30pm, then move on to eat at Devdas Indian restaurant, St Peter's Street AL1 3DQ for 8.30pm. Please call me by Monday 11th February at the latest to book your place, or email me. [Phone Number] if you get lost on the night. All are welcome, but please book early.
Les Draper Eames
Ya lyublyu Lyudmila!
East Midlands Mensan, Philip Watling, explains why and how he studied and passed Russian GCSE.
Ya lyublyu Lyudmila! It was what I wanted to tell my new Moldovan girlfriend. Thanks to a friend's middle-aged Polish cleaner I was finally able to tell her I loved her (the girlfriend, not the cleaner). Moldova was one of the first Soviet Republics and Russian was the first language. However since the break up of the USSR Rumanian is now the 'national language' as Moldova turns away from Russia towards Europe - the irony being that a lot of Russia, everything west of the Caucuses Mountains, is in Europe! Even so Lyudmila spoke Russian. However, being an English teacher she was fluent in English too. To think that a beautiful, English-speaking Slavic woman loved me - result!
She had a daughter though, who would be trilingual in Russian, Rumanian and English. Having bilingual cousins (English/French) I know at a young age they don't realise there is a difference between the languages and mix them up confusing anyone who does not speak both languages fluently. Furthermore my aunt (their mother) speaks Russian and I had always had an interest in the Cyrillic alphabet. Learning Russian seemed the obvious next step and I decided to learn this difficult language.
How I learnt Russian is a different story, not having a linguistic bone in my body! I think being hit by a car in December 1994 and having a massive head injury (see my book, Flight of a Lifetime, available May 2008) left me with an unrealistic view of my abilities at learning such a difficult language and without the skills of the brilliant teacher, Irina Belaia, I may never have passed the GCSE, though I am told failing is near-impossible.
Mensa @ Malvern 2008
28th-30th March Contact: Janet Gunnis
For details of the programme, The Fringe, And for a Booking Form: www.m-at-malvern.org.uk
Think Tank
From Chris Willson from Leicester
What law would you introduce if you could?
Ban all cars capable of over 100 mph. It's getting dangerous out there and many journeys, especially in the inner cities, average about 10 mph, so why do you need such a powerful car.
... and which would you repeal?
I would like to get rid of enforced
metrication. The system doesn't work and half the time it doesn't make sense. The imperial system was put together by mathematicians over many years whereas the metric system is based on inaccurate science and is now being forced upon us by politicians. I'd rather trust the mathematicians. To demonstrate that base ten has flaws: 0.33 is usually accepted as 1/3. So what is 0.55? Is it 5/9 or 11/20, two completely different numbers. The difference is either 0.005555 etc. or 1/180. It may seem a very small difference but that's the equivalent of being 2 degrees out on a compass, which means if you're trying to navigate, you're going somewhere else. The imperial system however is exact. I have no objection to shops using both measurements. Just think of the fun if we have to convert all road signs into metric. It would be chaos and incredibly expensive and who do you think's going to have to foot the bill?
Name a place local to you that you'd recommend people visit
Loughborough Outwoods - a fantastic bit of woodland, like woodland in fantasy books and fairy stories.
Whose picture would you like to see on a bank note?
1) A dalek 2) the invisible man - ha ha!
What device would you like to see invented?
It's already been invented but it's not allowed in the shops. Some years ago on Tomorrow's World, there was a device that was attached to a bicycle and gave it a little push when it went uphill but then switched off on the flat and downhill. It would make cycling up hill safer and double everyone's range on a bicycle. It didn't go into production because the legislation and red tape would have been too expensive - so they said!
How would you reform parliament?
Introduce custard pies to Prime Minister's Question Time
Who would you like to see in the Big Brother house?
Jeremy Kyle, Anne Robinson, Nicky Campbell
Jeremy Clarkson, Matthew Wright, Robert Kilroy Silk, Dale Winton, Lowry Turner, Simon Cowell, Davina
McCall, Ant & Dec, and about a dozen large crocodiles..
How can we save the planet?
We have to break the obsession with cars. Introduce people to alternative ways of making electricity and other power sources, then see what people come up with. I suspect that somewhere in the industrial revolution someone had the idea that we need today. Let's go and find it!
Name an event at which the British could win an Olympic gold medal.
Banning things: for example, last year a group of girls were banned from playing hopscotch because the chalk might damage the paving slabs.
What song would make a good national anthem for England?
1) Robin Hood riding through the glen. 2) The Ying Tong song.
There are very few things worse in sport than politicians trying to look dignified while trying to get some of the reflected glory of sporting success that they had nothing to do with. So let's have alternative songs which will make them look even more ridiculous than they already are. My suggestions: Scotland - Donald where's your trousers. Ireland - The boys are back in town (with air guitar) Wales - Green green grass of home (with knicker throwing). Australia - Tie me kangaroo down sport. India - Nellie the elephant. USA - Theme from Batman. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
What would you like see entered into room 101?
All London-biased football commentators.
Suggest a new question for this page.
1) As St. George's day passes with complete indifference, what other festival day could we celebrate. My suggestion - Let's have Whoopee Cushion Day! 2) There's been a recent poll conducted on the internet to decide what the Seven Wonders of the World should be. What I want to know is: what are the Seven Blunders of the World?
20 Questions (No. 77)
The answers to our Christmas quiz were Bulgaria, Capricorn, Beagle 2, 1840s, 9, Norway, James Brown, Charles Dickens, Spice Girls, 6th January, orange, 1984, Oliver Cromwell, 5th December, Ebenezer, St Stephen, Canada, Indiana, Mexico and Pius VI. Entries for the quiz received from Geraldine Ellis of Nottingham, Chris Impey of Tring, Tim Gibson of Nottingham, Ian Nelson of Letchworth, Elaine Yates of Watford, Patrick Cavanagh of Ireland, Tony Dodd of Belvoir, Mike Hadley of Lutterworth, Roger Lord of Aylesbury, Paul Henchliffe of Nottingham, Gillian Crawford of Buckinghamshire, and Pamela Covey of Woburn. The winner was Chris.
This month's quiz has an Indian theme to link in with our regional event. Please send your answers to arrive by 20th February to '20 Questions (No. 77)', [Address]. Please state whether you would like a £10 Leisure Voucher or National Book Token if you win.
1. What is the currency of India?
2. Which emblem is shown in the centre of the Indian flag?
3. In which year did India become independent from Britain?
4. Which place is known as the Pink City?
5. Bhangra and bharat natyam are styles of what?
6. Goa used to be a colony of which country?
7. What is the name of the red spot worn on the forehead by Hindu women?
8. What is the three letter airport code for Bhopal?
9. Who is the largest employer in India?
10. Which city changed its name to Mumbai in 1997?
11. Bombay duck is actually made from what type of creature?
12. What is the capital of India?
13. On which date was Indira Ghandi assassinated?
14. Which is India's longest river?
15. What is the primary language of India?
16. The Taj Mahal was built in memory of whom?
17. What is the main ingredient of aloo?
18. Which is the most northerly state in India?
19. What is the name for the Hindu festival of light?
20. Which freedom fighter designed the Indian flag?