Much Ado About Mensa

By Richard Lederer [email protected] verbivore.com

This past June 30-July 5, Simone and I attended the Annual Gathering in Fort Worth and had a total blast. Highlights included a Texas-size collide-o-scope of talks, games, entertainment, and tours.

The American Mensa Annual Gathering started as a small, two-day meet-and-greet at the New York Belmont in 1963. The event now spans five days and attracts more Mensans than any other event in the U.S. and the world.

On July 1, I performed We the People, 1776-2026, celebrating 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence and also illuminated Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. On Saturday, Memphis Mensan Bill Shipper and I performed our Dances With Words concert for the 50th time! In this iteration we added a number of patriotic American songs, some accompanied by parodies. A parody is a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature, music, or art.

For the occasion, I composed a parody of the song “Yankee Doodle.” The first verse of “Yankee Doodle,” as often sung today, runs:

Yankee Doodle went to town, Riding on a pony. He stuck a feather in his hat And called it macaroni.

The original Yankees were Dutch settlers who came to the New World and settled in the area around the future New York City and the Hudson River Valley. Yankee may derive from the Dutch Jan Kaas, “Johnny Cheese.” The word migrated from an ethnic insult against the Dutch to being against New Englanders in general as a pre-Revolutionary creation that British military officers sang. The intent of “Yankee Doodle” was to mock the ragtag, disorganized New Englanders with whom the British served in the French and Indian War (1754-1763). 

Doodlefirst appeared in the early 17th century and derives from the Low German word dudel, meaning “fool” or “simpleton.” The macaroni wig was in high fashion in the 1770s and became contemporary slang for foppishness. The last two lines of the first verse implied that the unsophisticated Yankee bumpkins thought that simply sticking a feather in a cap would make them the height of fashion. 

The colonists liked the tune of “Yankee Doodle” and adopted it as a robust marching song. What was once a derisive musical ditty transmogrified into a source of American pride.

Try singing my parodic lyrics to the tune of “Yankee Doodle”:

Yankee Doodle

Mensans flock to Fort Worth Town For the quatrimillennial Of our nation’s Declaration, Semiquincentennial.

Merry Mensans, keep it up. Be smart, be sharp, be brainy. Mind the music. Mind the mind! We’re brilliant and we’re zany!

How many Mensans does it take To screw in a lightbulb? None! We’re already bright enough! Inside there glows the right bulb!

You may have read some of his articles in the Mensa Bulletin, or heard his punny linguistic jokes at an RG, but now you will be able to find him in the MAAM starting this week and at least one article per month going forward.

Longtime Mensa Bulletin  language columnist Richard Lederer, Ph.D. is the author of 65 books about language, history, and humor, including his current titles, A Feast of Words, American History for Everyone, Anguished English, and Jest for the Pun of It. 

There were 5 responses to Puzzlement #405, all had the correct answer, but the first one, submitted by Andrew Poulos was: All of the words in the first list have their letters in alphabetical order. Ann DeVlaeminck was second and Andrew Ross was third.

On to the puzzle:

You are sitting in a motionless car, which is tightly sealed, i.e. no open windows, holes in the car, etc. A helium balloon on a string is tied to the floor. If you start accelerating the car, is the balloon going to move back, forward, or stay in place?

There were 2 responses to Puzzlement #404, but ironically the correct answer was "not found." The 404 error code that used to be the message when a link could not be found in your browser. Nowadays, the browser gives more information in words rather than the code. This is what Mensa site uses:

On to the puzzle:

There is a property that applies to all words in the first list and to none in the words in the second list. What is it?

GLOW, ALMOST, BIOPSY, GHOST, EMPTY, BEGIN

SHINE, BARELY, VIVISECTION, APPARITION, VACANT, START

Far West Foreword, July 2026

Jay Friedlander, RVC Region 9

The British are coming! Er, oops, the AG is coming that is, though I expect there will be some Brits coming if current high air fares haven’t proven too discouraging. American Mensa’s first Annual Gathering brought members together in New York City in 1963. Just 160 members attended the two-day “American Mensa Conference” at the Belmont Plaza Hotel. The $10 registration fee included morning coffee, lunch, evening cocktails and entertainment. Accommodations for out-of-town members were offered in the homes of local members, and the Pickwick Arms hotel was also recommended with prices starting at just $5 for singles.

Since that time, more than 40 AGs have brought Mensans together from around the country and around the world. In 2016, our AG in San Diego brought together more than 2,500 Mensans and their families for tournaments, events, tours, plenty of socializing, and presentations on everything from Henry Ford to local brewing, from improv to the economy, and from stem cells to steampunk.

Fort Worth is bursting with history, music, food, art, and true Lone Star spirit — and we get to enjoy it all week. Reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and experience a time you'll never forget. Register now and let the wandering begin!

Thanks to Jam Kay for many years of service as Tucson Mensa LocSec. Welcome new Tucson officers Lynda Gibson, LocSec; Pati Pate, Tucson Mensun Editor and Ray Sola, Assistant News Editor!Congratulations to Region 9 Webmaster Brian Madsen on his appointment to the AML Technology Committee! Please contact Brian if advice is needed regarding your local chapter website, or about what’s needed to start one up.

Have you thought about getting involved yourself on the National level? Check out the Volunteer Marketplace on the AML website for opportunities on the Membership Growth and Outreach Committee or the Strategic Planning and Oversight Committee

SIG Spotlight

Lock-&-Ring 'M Smart people sing barbershop. SIG membership is open to current/active members of Sweet Adelines International, Barbershop Harmony Society, Harmony Inc., other barbershop organizations, and those who sing or want to sing barbershop.

There were 7 responses to Puzzlement #403, 6 had the correct answer, but the first one, submitted by Andrew Poulos was:

Adam received the book

Brian received the tie

Charles received the fishing rod

David received the watch

Greg McGuire was second and Andrew Ross was third.

On to the puzzle:

I am a house with an address, but I have no walls. I am a destination you chose, but you cannot arrive. When you look for me, I am famous for not being there.

What am I, and what is my message?

When Summer Feels Like Homework By Molly Bundschuh, Mensa Youth Programs Manager

Any other parents with conflicted feelings about summer? I love the longer days, poolside afternoons, and spur-of-the-moment daytrips, made possible now that we’re not beholden to a school calendar. I love sharing the things that made summer special for me growing up. The Perseids meteor shower, which peaks mid-August, is a highlight of my year, even more so now that my two children can stay up late to enjoy it with me. Most of all, I love the extra time we get as a family. 

On the other hand, the crazy school morning rush is replaced by shuttling kids from activity to activity, and the cost of summer camps can be tough to bear. There’s pressure to make summer magical while you’re simultaneously worried about learning loss, adequate enrichment, and prepping for next school year and beyond. I’m always left with a heart full from doing all the things and a brain that screams, “You’re not doing enough!” 

If you’re looking for some smart, low-pressure ways to rope Mensa into your hectic summer schedule, check out the Mensa Foundation’s Excellence in Reading and Excellence in Science programs. Kids and families can choose the grade level that’s right for their interest and ability, complete their reading/activity list solo or in a group, and work at their own pace. There’s no set deadline, and when you’re finished, you’ll get a certificate and a T-shirt! We’re also giving away limited-edition challenge coins to the first 100 kids who complete the Excellence in Science program – will you be one of them?

Summer is also the perfect time to build experiences that can strengthen future college, scholarship, and leadership applications. Young Mensans can earn service hours for the Mensa Honor Society while making a meaningful impact in their schools and communities. It’s a great way to gain recognition for the academic and civic achievements they’re already pursuing.

For families thinking ahead to college readiness, I encourage you to subscribe to Bright Minds Ally, Mensa’s college prep newsletter for college-bound gifted students and the adults who support them. And for students looking to continue challenging themselves academically over the summer, don’t forget that Mensa members receive a 10% discount on online courses through our partnership with Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.

There were 19 responses (a new record!) to Puzzlement #402 allhad the correct answer, but the first one, submitted by Andrew Poulos was: A Priest. Susan Sackett was second and Ann DeVlaeminck was third.

On to the puzzle:

On Father’s Day, four fathers — Adam, Brian, Charles, and David — each received a different gift: a tie, book, watch, or fishing rod.

1. Adam is younger than Charles. 2. David is older than Adam but younger than Charles. 3. Brian is the youngest father. 4. The father who received the fishing rod is older than the father who received the watch. 5. The father who received the watch is older than the father who received the book. 6. The father who received the book is older than the father who received the tie. 7. Charles did not receive the watch. 8. Brian did not receive the book. 9. Adam did not receive the tie. 10. David did not receive the fishing rod.

Which father received each gift?

There were 5 responses to Puzzlement #401, all had an answer, but the first one, submitted by Stephen Stuart was: SOCCER [5]. Andrew Poulos [4] was second and Dave Fry [4] was third.

On to the puzzle:

He has married many women, but has never been married. Who is he?

There were 10 responses to Puzzlement #400, 9 had the correct answer, but the first one, submitted by Stephen Stuart was: 1, 2, and 4 are true. Andrew Poulos was second and Andrew Ross was third.

On to the puzzle:

You're invited to play a WORDLE created by GPMaven.

Far West Foreword, June 2026

Jay Friedlander, RVC Region 9

The big event in the region this past month was the Orange County Mensa anniversary party.  Delicious Mexican buffet brought in by Valerie. The highlight of the event was the presentation from the Orange County Bird of Prey Center. They brought along three of their resident birds (including a rather majestic owl).   Fortunately, no Mensa members actually became prey during the presentation, as that could have become problematic with our insurance carrier.  Don’t forget A Gathering of Bohemians, Orange County Mensa’s RG over Labor Day weekend!  Only room for 75 guests, so don’t wait until the last minute! The AG is coming, the AG is coming!  And what is there to do in Fort Worth in early July?  At AG 2026, the fun doesn’t end with the sessions — it simply changes locations. Spend your off-hours exploring world-class museums, sipping through Texas history at a distillery tasting, wandering the Stockyards, touring iconic stadiums, or stepping into the past at The Sixth Floor Museum. But these excursions have limited spots, so snag yours early. SIG Spotlight  www.us.mensa.org/connect/sigs/ M-Simplicity

An online discussion group for individuals interested in improving their quality of life while healing and preserving the planet for future generations.

M’s Volunteer Program

M's Volunteer Program (MVP) is a place to share volunteer ideas and programs nationally and then implement them locally.

Around the Region GLAAM (2nd Sunday) – 1:00 to 5:00pm, Pacific Daylight Time

Folksong SIG and Potluck Hosted by Alan Stillson. 5515 Keokuk Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91367. It’s near the 101 Freeway and

Winnetka. We have some printed songbooks available. There is a full-size keyboard in the living room.

Meetings are limited to fifteen people. It’s free. Please bring a potluck item to share – no alcohol. Soft drinks and light snacks are provided. Please contact AlanStillson at [email protected] or 818-884-4284 for details and to reserve a spot. Channel Islands Mensa (2nd Sunday) 2:00-4:00pm, Pacific Daylight Time

Second Sunday Afternoon With Mensans in Santa Barbara

Chat, munch, meet old friends, discover new ones at Laura Nanna's house: 541 Alan Road

Greater Phoenix Mensa (2nd Wednesday) 5:00-7:00pm, Arizona Time

Whine and Dine Happy Hour Location: Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant 2820 E Indian School Rd. Phoenix AZ. It will be necessary to RSVP Bill Taylor by noon Tuesday, the day before, as to whether you are coming or not, [email protected], so he will be able to make reservations for the actual number attending.

Mensa Hawaii 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday  7:00pm, Hawaii Standard Time, Nerdsday Zoomers! – Join the Nerdy conversation! You (along with everyone else) will be relating what you know about whatever zany, dorky, academic, or just plain out-there topic randomly chosen from a predetermined list. Celeste Rogers at [email protected].

Tucson Mensa

3rd Thursday 11:30 am, Arizona Time Third Thursday Lunch.  Contact Ken and Linda Carpenter (520) 325-9717 for this month’s location Southern Nevada Mensa Saturdays 9:30-11:30am, Pacific Daylight Time New Location: Barnes & Noble 2191 North Rainbow Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89108

Join Terry and a group of interesting conversationalists. Please note that the location or time may

change, so please watch your email each week for the official announcement.

Utah Mensa Wednesday June 10  7:00pm, Mountain Daylight Time Dinner at Sizzler

Leslie Cortsen, [email protected]

San Diego Mensa

3rd Sundays 3:00 PM, Pacific Daylight Time Oh, Hell! (Card Game) 

This fun and frustrating card game takes only a few minutes to learn but a lifetime to say "Oh Hell!" when you get stuck with an impossible bid. No charge, BYOB, bring a small snack to share. 10339 Madrid Way, Spring Valley,91977. Park at the bottom of a long, steep driveway. Okay to block garage and carport. BFA, NS, CAT. TG 1271-E5/6. Info/Dir: Barbara Lytle, (619) 436-8017. Orange County Mensa First Thursday Lunch, 12:00 Noon, Pacific Daylight Time

Contact John Kerr for this month’s location. If you get lost or have questions, John’s

There were 6 responses to Puzzlement #399, 5 had the correct answer, but the first one, submitted by Sharon Winters was: They end in a number. Greg McGuire was second and Ann DeVlaeminck was third.

On to the puzzle:

Exactly two sentences below this one are true. 

The top and bottom sentences are true.

Exactly one sentence next to this one is false.

The sentence next to this one is false.

Which (if any) of the four sentences are true?

There were 10 responses to Puzzlement #398, only 4 had the correct answer, but the first one, submitted by Ann DeVlaeminck was: eggplant [the only fruit]. Susan Sackett was second and Marni Patterson was third.

On to the puzzle:

What do the following words have in common?

feminine kindergarten canine overweight threaten cobblestone height done