Today we welcomed Max Quirk, our candidate for this years National Youth Science Forum in Canberra.  Max had a glowing report from the two week forum and noted that the discussions on critical thinking had special relevance in this age of anti-science and fake news.  He had six lab visits and he was part of the Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing group.  One of the best aspects was “the people you meet” and he has made lifelong friends from the experience.
 
Max has a head start on some of our members
 
Deborah chaired the Meeting
The International Toast was made by Alan to RC Amman.  Amman is the capital of Jordan and is one of 12 Clubs in the city.
It has 52 members and was chartered in 1956
President Anna gave her report.  She thanked Peter for stepping in as President Elect due to Chris's health issues.  Bernie will will be the next President Elect.  Chris thanked us all.  There will be a District Membership Development seminar on 21st May
 
Anna was going to talk about the 75th anniversary of the battle of the Coral Sea but Ann gave her a good belting instead.
 
Anna introduced Max who is a student at MFAC
Is there an UP button on this thing?
 
Max talked about deep space comms (Is that comets or communication? wish I could read my own shorthand) He saw "the" radio telescope and the sport involved frisbee throwing (and I bet they were discussing aerodynamics at the time) The musical talents of the group were explored.  Despite his career goals changing "twice a month" he is currently looking at doing duel maths & engineering at UQ.  (starting with the easy ones) Among the questions, Anna asked what were the best things about NYSF and how could it be improved, and of course Max said the free time was really good.  Similar events he had attended were too time constrained and there was no time to make friends and/or future contacts.  Arranging work experience at the Seeing Machine was pretty exciting.  Max gave confident answers to the predictable questions about gravitational waves and string theory, but I think the questioners should have been more heavily fined at the end of the meeting
Caption suggestion opportunity
 
Merv gave a plug for the Joint Dinner at USC on the 10th May.  Guest speaker is Katie Toney who was the Alumnus of the year in 2016 and is currently an online presenter at 7 News.  Starts at 6:00pm at the Innovation centre at the University.  Deposit $25 in our account ending in 4073 and add your name and UNI or USC.
 
Bernie thanked us for taking her on as PE, and Peter thanked those helping with Changeover
This is the flyer for the Trivia Night Deborah is organizing  - you get to dress as a scholar or dunce
 
Gerry discussed the Japanese Garden idea and noted a forthcoming meeting with Cr Tim Dwyer.  Genta noted the spiritual link, the opportunity to promote the history of Japan, and work with our sister club Komaki.  SSC Council has a sister relationship with Osaka
Deborah dished the dirt and the "three wise men" didn't escape without mention, although I think they were given a bit of a bum wrap.
Norm's grandson Campbell made an appearance at the end.