The public "Mystique" of Mensa is that it is a bunch of eggheads who discuss cerebral topics like Rocket Science, advanced maths and pan-dimensional physics. Until the "Dummies Guide to Mensa" is published, you'll either have to join or take my word for it that isn't quite what Mensa is like.

There are many bright people in Mensa, and high achievers. Notable members, past and current include the late Isaac Asimov a prolific sci-fi author, Sir Clive Sinclair inventor of the Sinclair home computers in the 1980s, Scott Adams of Dilbert fame, Marilyn Vos Savant- the highest known IQ, Geena Davis the Actress, Richard Bolles the Author of the best selling book What Color is Your Parachute?, Jean Auel, author and many more.

But most members can be found in all walks of life- from computer programmers, teachers, opera singers and even the unemployed. There is no such thing as a typical Mensan- they vary in personality and temperament much as the general population does. What you will find is people with a love of word play, puzzles, often opinionated and of course bright.

No one is quite sure what intelligence is exactly but if the above description fits you, consider joining to meet like minded people.

Countrywide (in the UK anyway) there are meetings held across the country, often in pubs and bars or at members homes and organised by local secretaries (Locsecs). These events are either social or activity events but there is no Mensa agenda to anything.

There are also the Special interest Groups (SIGs) which publish newsletters and email lists on a wide range of subjects and they organise events and activities themselves. If you're looking for the rocket scientists, you'll find them in the newsletter pages and web-sites of Mensa SIGs.

Once a year there are annual gatherings and more frequent weekend events all over the UK. It's a great way to meet other mensans and make life long friends.

Mensa isn't the only High Intelligence society in the world - check out Wikipedia for more information, but it is the biggest.

Part of the bad image of Mensa is its perceived "Elitism" but by virtue of its entrant requirements, to pass an IQ test, it cannot be open to everybody. What I would say though, if you have failed entry by a narrow margin is to exercise your brain- reads lots, try lots of puzzles, do different things- walk home via a different route, learn a new hobby, and push yourself mentally.

Your brain and IQ is not fixed for life. It can be improved.

In the Mensa calendar of events, weekends are very popular. My own experience is with British Mensa but I gather other Mensa groups do the same thing.

A typical weekend lasts nearly 3 days. No we can't change the laws of the universe but things normally kick off Friday evening with the Icebreaker and last until Monday lunchtime.

The icebreaker does what it says on the can- after everyone has registered and got their name badges then off to the bar to meet up with old friends and meet new ones. It's normal to have a puzzle or contest that involves people going round the room, looking at other name badges or pictures on the wall. Some contests involve making things. Imagination and creativity go hand in hand with intelligence.

But the real point of the icebreaker is to 'break ice' and let people meet. With a bit of luck there will be a party or room party to visit afterwards though organised games such as poker are popular. One weekend a few years ago I got to bed at 5.00 am, 6.00 am and 5.00 am on three successive nights and was still up for breakfast at 9.00 am. All that partying took its toll- it took me a week to recover!

Saturday may be a 'business day' if it is the Annual Gathering. If not there will be talks, lectures and organised trips. The quantity and quality of these depends purely on the weekend. Typical Btitish Mensa Weekends can have from 20 to 400 attendees.

Saturday evening is the big dinner and its always interesting, that unless it is a very formal occasion, the range of clothing varies from scruffy torn jeans to tuxedo and dinner jackets. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, so long as you're bright enough (and pay the modest annual fee) you can attend.

Sunday is much the same as Saturday with an evening meal that always seems to be at a Chinese restaurant.

Don't think though that everyone 'sings from the same hymnbook'. Especially at the bigger events there are always people who do there own thing. Events and activities are offered to members but there is no compunction or mandated events.

Monday is time for the last goodbyes with a meetup at a pub or restaurant before setting off home.

Weekends are a great way to make friends, have a good time and enjoy the company of similar thinking people.

This year is Mensa's 60th so the AG in Nottingham promises to be truly memorable.

The Mensan blog (see the Mensa Links above) is hosted by me and I have the freedom and ability to extend it. I love Google Maps so I've added a few events - those that are big enough to be poublicly visible on the web anyway.

Also added are the Bloggers locations. Anyone who joins the Mensan blog (all current and past members worldwide are eligible and its all free) can send their bio, links, location (approx) and I'll add it. Email mensanblogger@gmail.com to apply.

My reasons for the Mensan blog are simple. It raises the profile of Mensa with positive insights into what goes on. Its not all rocket scientists- honest!