Sixty-six (see below). Visit the American Mensa site to learn more about a very diverse group, particularly if you are interested in Gifted Education.

If non-Mensans even know what a Mensan is, their general opinion is probably on the order of a bunch of “brains” or “high-brows.” While Mensa is by definition a group of intellectually gifted people, it is also a highly diversified group, ranging in age from four to 100. Nor is every member a social misfit, as some popular perceptions would have it. The society has a strong interest in and support for Gifted Children. If not for personal membership, it is worth looking at Mensa if your child may fall in this category.

Famous Mensans include science fiction author Isaac Asimov, actresses Geena Davis and Glenne Headley, actor Alan Rachin (Dharma and Greg TV series), Erik Kuselias, host of NASCAR Now, cartoonist Scott Adams (Dilbert), Adrian Cronauer (subject of Good Morning Vietnam) and Henry Milligan, former National Amateur Heavyweight Boxing Champion, are all members. There are more than 50,000 members in the United States and 100,000+ worldwide.

Although membership requires a score in the upper 2% of standardized intelligence tests, taking a special test may not be necessary. American Mensa accepts results from more than twenty standardized tests such as the ACT Composite, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MAT, PSAT, and the SAT.

Mensa Parties

Mensans in a group can be quite the social animals. They love to party and provide multiple opportunities to interact with other members. Local groups hold monthly meetings, abbreviated as MGs (for “Monthly Gatherings”). There are Regional Gatherings (RGs) and Annual Gatherings (AGs). The largest RG is put on by the Chicago Area Mensa and called Halloweem—taking place each October since 1975.

A quick look at reports from the 2006 Halloweem says more than words can describe about what these people are like. The traditional costume competition, with each costume based on some truly atrocious, but witty puns, is worth reviewing as well as general coverage of attendees.

Typical programs at these gatherings are wide-ranging and always fascinating. For example, here is an abbreviated list from the schedule for the 2007 Halloweem:

· Crime investigation

· South American food

· Creative thinking

· NASA and the Mars project

· Squirrels

· Britain's kings and queens

· Self-defense for women

· Kayaking, Star Wars, cookie contest, Israeli folk dancing,

· Rock music

· Firehouses

While not as complex, other Mensa groups (there are 130 local groups around the U.S.) hold at least monthly meetings and forty of them host regional gatherings. Each year one group hosts an annual gathering with approximately 1,500 people attending and usually offering at least 200 programs.

Good Food for All

Besides partying, or perhaps as a naturally associated activity, Mensans love to eat. The hospitality rooms at regional and annual gatherings are famous (or infamous depending on your dietary outlook) for gustatory delights. Here is a brief list of just some of the twenty-five appetizers, entrees, and deserts from an RG held by the Mensa of Western Washington group (recipes are included on the linked page):

· carmelized onion dip

· roasted garlic-and-herb dip

· roasted red-pepper-cheese dip

· smoky baba ghanouj

· tex-mex black bean dip

· antipasto potato salad

· cold broccoli sesame salad

· creamy turnip, rutabaga, and potato soup

· curried chicken couscous salad

· turkey-and-black-bean salad

· chocolate sour-cream cheesecake

The bottom line (no pun intended) is:

Look at membership requirements and consider applying. Membership will challenge the mind, and, if the hospitality offerings are approached with circumspection, probably will not hurt long-term health concerns. Also, investigate the links on the American Mensa page dealing with Gifted Children.

Details at this popular joke site.