GPM Forum 2025

Introduction by GPM Forum Chairman, Greg Pitz

From Greg Pitz, GPM Forum Chairman

My humble apologies about the lack of diverse topics in The Forum, but it's become extremely difficult to find live speakers any more. People are more busy than ever. That includes me. The only reason we have the speakers we do now is because I know a lot of people in a variety of technologies. Though I'm sure I could find plenty of speakers if we held virtual sessions, that, to me, ruins half the reason we hold the Forum. So I'm asking for your help. Do you know someone who knows a lot about a particular topic? Would you be so kind as to ask if they would be willing to give us a presentation? Stating it is for Mensa has sure opened a lot of doors for me. If you know of someone that is a subject expert and you think it would be interesting to hear them speak about a topic, please let me know at forum@phoenixmensa.org

GPM Provides an HD projection system for your convenience described HERE.

Want to know what we had in 2024? Click here: GPM 2024 Forum.

Below you will find each Forum's schedule with announcements and relevant content provided by the speaker. Click on the green bar to expand and see the details.

September 2025 - How to Unwind Your Stress - Trading in Your Stress for Energy - Kebba Button: September 13, 2025 10:00 AM at Burton Barr Central Library (tentative)

Abstract:
To most, stress seems everywhere present and unavoidable. People get exhausted from being "stressed out". They have trouble focusing or performing in their work. They become ill and hurt their relationships, In this session, several common stress models will be presented, together with a fresh model that illuminates the true nature of stress and how best to unwind it. Attendees will learn the scientific basis of the impact of joy and bliss on health and lifestyle. Self-help for real stress solutions will be offered, for those who want to change their lives.

Speaker Biography:
Kebba Buckley Button passionately pursued a science career, earning 2.8 university degrees and working for engineering organizations. However, a painful health crash drove her to explore stress solutions, energy medicine, and natural answers for pain. Now she is the award-winning author of 4 books and over 800 articles, and has helped thousands to unwind their stress, with her natural healing practice and stress solutions talks and classes. Vassar College- Baccalaureate, University of Arizona- Master's Degree, Various-specialized medical and holistic health training.

Location: Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix 85004 in Meeting Room A. Seating is limited. RSVP to: forum@phoenixmensa.org Mensans, guests, and the public are invited.
August 2025 - US Constitution - The Ones that Didn't Make It - Joseph Zodl: August 9, 2025 10:00 AM at Burton Barr Central Library (tentative)

Abstract:
The United States Constitution has been amended 27 times (with the 21st amendment repealing the 18th amendment). But there could have been more. Some were suggested, discussed, proposed, but never had enough support to make it. One would have renamed the country. Another would have eliminated the presidency. Another would have made divorce illegal. The overriding question: How different would the United States be today if one or more of these had become part of the Constitution?

Joseph Zodl, on the political science faculty of the University of Phoenix, has collected these and more examples of “what might have been.”

Free copies of the Constitution will be made available to all.

Speaker Biography:
Joseph Zodl has been on the political science faculty of the University of Phoenix since 1999, and has a B.A. in political science from Fordham University, an M.A. in political science from The New School for Social Research, and an M.B.A. from Western International University. His books include Our Fascinating Presidents, Plato’s Republic Book 11 and the novel, The President’s Son was Kidnapped.

Location: Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix 85004 in Meeting Room A. Seating is limited. RSVP to: forum@phoenixmensa.org Mensans, guests, and the public are invited.
July 2025 - Starlink, What Is it and Why Would I Care - Dave Pivin: July 12, 2025 10:00 AM at Burton Barr Central Library (tentative)

Abstract:
Abstract: Many of you have seen the dramatic launches from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This is the ongoing process for creating a global cell phone data network with over 40,000 orbiting "cell towers." This presentation will breifly describe the evolution of satellite-based communication as forecasted by Arthur C. Clark in October 1945 article, "Extra-Terrestrial Relays – Can Rocket Stations Give Worldwide Radio Coverage?

Speaker Biography:
Dave Pivin, born in Rhode Island in 1946—the same year Mensa was founded—built his career on a strong foundation in electronics and engineering. After high school, he earned a scholarship to an electronics trade school, which led to a technician role at Honeywell Computer. Following six years of service in the Navy as a Missile Fire Control Technician, he pursued higher education, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering from UC Irvine in 1976 and later earning a Master’s in Engineering Management from Northeastern University. Throughout his career, he worked in roles ranging from design engineer to director of strategy, with a passion for technical writing.

Dave first joined Mensa after taking the test in 1989, reactivated his membership after retirement, became a Life Member and has since served in various leadership roles, including Webmaster, Member at Large, Editor, and LocSec. Dave also joined the Triple Nine Society, using the results of his Mensa qualifying test as evidence.

Location: Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix 85004 in Meeting Room A. Seating is limited. RSVP to: forum@phoenixmensa.org Mensans, guests, and the public are invited.
June 2025 - THE INTELLECTUAL DIVIDE IN THE AGE OF DISRUPTION by Herb Paine: June 14, 2025 10:00 AM at Burton Barr Central Library (tentative)

Abstract:
While the cultural divide between faith and reason persists, the 21st century has ushered in a new variation—one driven by politics and defined by the clash between willful ignorance, misinformation, and disinformation on one side, and science-based critical thinking on the other. In this era, truth is not burned at the stake but systematically purged. This is not a partisan issue; it is a crisis at the core of our democracy.

Building on his essay in the January issue of the MENSA Bulletin, Herb Paine will examine the rise of anti-intellectualism and its far-reaching consequences, focusing on three critical challenges:
• The growing distrust of expertise and intellectualism, fueled by populist rhetoric and the proliferation of misinformation.
• The rise of conspiracy theories and the systematic rejection of critical thinking.
• The attack on education and expertise as fundamental pillars of an informed society.

Through this discussion, Paine will explore how these forces are reshaping public discourse, policy, and the future of knowledge itself.

Speaker Biography:

Herb Paine is President of Paine Consulting Services, now in its thirty-sixth year of operation, specializing in organizational development, strategic planning, turnaround management, mergers, and governance.

Prior to establishing his consulting practice, Herb capped a thirteen-year career with United Way as Executive Director of United Way of California and was the principal advocate for the nonprofit sector in the State Capitol. His work on behalf of nonprofits led to the enactment of important legislation regarding charitable giving, voluntarism, liability insurance, and funding for health and human services.
As a guest lecturer, media panelist, appointee to numerous public policy commissions, and as a witness before legislative committees, he has championed the nonprofit sector and spoken extensively on the critical issues and challenges it confronts.

In 2006, Herb was the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from what was then CD3.
From 2010 to 2017, his provocative social and political commentaries were a regular feature on KJZZ/91.5 FM, NPR’s Phoenix affiliate.
He continues to share his critical perspectives on a variety of issues on his blog, IN THE CENTER LANE (https://herbpaine.substack.com).
He is an outspoken advocate for free speech and civil discourse.
Herb received his Bachelor of Arts in government from Boston University and the Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies

Location: Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix 85004 in Meeting Room A. Seating is limited. RSVP to: forum@phoenixmensa.org Mensans, guests, and the public are invited.
May 2025 - Both a Floor Wax and a Dessert Topping—Quantum Computing and Digital Signatures - Hoyt L Kesterson II: May 10, 2025 10:00 AM at Burton Barr Central Library, Rm A

Abstract:
Digital signatures are essential for verifying the integrity and origin of electronic documents, ensuring that contracts, agreements, and other legal documents remain valid. As traditional computers such as the one in your pocket, the one in your office, or the one in the NSA data center became more powerful, the size of the keys became larger to resist that increase in power. That has been a predicable horse race for many years, but quantum computing changes the game.

When effective quantum computing arrives it will break asymmetric encryption and weaken symmetric encryption. Much discussion on how that affects securing sessions but little about digitally signed documents. Long‑lived documents will not be safe. Effective quantum computing will not only threaten to-be-signed documents but also those already signed. We need a plan.

Speaker Biography:
Hoyt L. Kesterson II is a Security and Risk Architect with CNC Consulting. He has more than 50 years of experience in Information Security. For 21 years he Chaired the International Standards Group that created the X.509 public-key certificate, a fundamental component in digital signature and securing web transactions. He is a Co-Chair and Founding Member of the ABA’s Information Security Committee. He is a testifying expert. For 12 years he was a PCI Qualified Security Assessor who helped clients meet compliance requirements for ensuring that the integrity and confidentiality of payment card data are maintained. He holds the CISSP and CISA certifications. His articles on quantum resistant cryptography, on blockchain integrity, and on the relationship between RSA Conference and Law were published in the Spring 2022, Summer 2023, and Fall 2024 issues of The SciTech Lawyer.

Location: Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix 85004 in Meeting Room A. Seating is limited. RSVP to: forum@phoenixmensa.org Mensans, guests, and the public are invited.
April 2025 - Stay Secure: Mastering the Basics of Cybersecurity Awareness - Dara Gibson: MOVED to April 13, 2025 as part of GPM Member Appreciation Day

Stay Secure: Mastering the Basics of Cybersecurity Awareness

Abstract:
The presentation is designed to empower individuals with essential knowledge and best practices to protect themselves and their organizations from cyber threats. This session covers key topics such as recognizing phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, safeguarding personal and work devices, and understanding the importance of secure online behavior. By focusing on practical, actionable tips, the presentation aims to help attendees build a strong foundation in cybersecurity awareness, fostering a safer digital environment for all.

Speaker Biography:
Dara Gibson has developed and managed cybersecurity services for almost 10 years. She is now the owner and CEO of a cybersecurity company serving public and private organizations providing expertise on cybersecurity readiness. As a nationally recognized information security leader, Mrs. Gibson fosters expertise in relationship management with industry leading cyber insurance and legal providers for proactive and reactive cybersecurity capabilities and designs overall business risk reducing cybersecurity awareness and insurability programs. She was recently recognized as the Women in Security Forum Power 100, currently serves as the President of the FBI - InfraGard Arizona Members Alliance and is the Past President of WiCyS Arizona (Women in Cybersecurity).

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 2100 S Priest Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282. Part of GPM Member Appreciation Day program. Registration is full.
March 2025 - Migratory Planets and Chaos in the Young Solar System - Renu Malhotra: March 9, 2024 10:00AM at Burton Barr Central Library Room A

Migratory Planets and Chaos in the Young Solar System

Abstract:
Our understanding of the Solar system has undergone a revolution in recent decades, owing to new observational discoveries and new theoretical insights into its rich dynamical structure. The emerging picture is one of dramatic orbital migration of the giant planets in the early history of the Solar system. This migration was driven by interaction with the massive primordial Kuiper belt. It produced the Solar system architecture that we live in today. The evidence is all over the Solar system, as close as the Moon and as far away as Pluto and the Kuiper belt and the Oort Cloud. While this evidence is compelling, there is also tension with the observed properties of the inner solar system: the migration of the giant planets should have caused severe, potentially destabilizing, perturbations on the terrestrial planets. I will describe these developments and ongoing work towards a more complete understanding of the dynamical history of the Solar system.

Bio:
Renu Malhotra is Louise Foucar Marshall Science Research Professor and Regents Professor of Planetary Sciences at The University of Arizona in Tucson. Her research spans orbital dynamics in the solar system and in extra-solar planetary systems. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has been the recipient of honors and awards from the American Astronomical Society, the International Astronomical Union, the Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cornell University, The University of Arizona, and the IIT-Delhi.

Website: https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/~renu/
February 2025 - No Forum: RENT THIS SPACE
January 2025 - Lunar Prospector, Nevada Test Site Stories & Fun Stuff from Other Worlds - Don Doerres: January 11, 2025 10:00AM at Burton Barr Central Library Room A

Lunar Prospector, Nevada Test Site Stories & Fun Stuff from Other Worlds

Don Doerres has been a member of GPM since 1976, with only a two year hiatus while he and his wife lived in and worked in Nevada for two years. Don has been active throughout the years, helping out with Regional gatherings and even the Annual Gathering when it was in Phoenix in the early 1980’s, providing leadership and registration databases. Don has been an aerospace engineer for some 50 years. His early career was spent designing and building special test equipment that could not readily be found commercially. As testing grew more complex, he started writing software to automate testing. He has spent many years working in the space industry, testing developing spacecraft, writing spacecraft software, and maintaining and updating software for spacecraft in orbit. Don wrote all the software for Lunar prospector. Now that he is retired, he writes. He has recently published a sci-fi novella, The Baffling Boffin, which is available as a paperback and in Kindle format on Amazon. He has recently published a sci-fi novella, The Baffling Boffin, which is available as a paperback and in Kindle format on Amazon.
Don Doerres, m480-206-1278 don@azlaborlaw.com