Vegas Voice 6-17 web

IQ... What Does It Really Mean?
By: Vicki Wentz / Vicki’s Voice
In my never-ending quest to verify that I have
at least minimal intelligence, I’ve decided
to take a “Pocket IQ Test” that a friend gave me.
I’m not sure, but I’m pretty certain she gave me this because she’s
taken the test herself and wants to compare our intelligence grades.
I don’t intend to do this unless, of course, she tells me her score
first...and I did better. The only people I intend to share this with,
even if, say, I flunked, are you, my faithful readers, who couldn’t
possibly think any less of me.
First thing it says is that the test is designed to measure the general
intelligence level of adults and children age 9 and over. This is a
relief because I know I have more brainpower than a 9-year-old...
especially a 9-year-old boy.
Grandson, Georgie, a typical 9-year-old boy, recently and brilliantly
figured out how to climb to the roof of his Dad’s storage shed, using
a combination of chairs, plastic crates, ropes and tree branches. I
could do that.
But, being a tad more astute, or simply being a female, I would also
have planned a way to get back down. Georgie did not. Case closed.
The test advises that I will be given 45 minutes to answer 60
questions, which is 3/4 of a minute per question, which is skimpy,
it seems to me. “Answer all the questions, even if you must guess.
Guessing has been considered in the scoring.” Now, maybe I’m
cynical, but nobody believes that.
I’m already having a problem with the first sample question: “Boat
is to water as aeroplane is to: Sun, Ground, Water, Sky, Tree.” I mean,
obviously, it’s Sky, but the more important question is, why are we
spelling airplane a-e-r-o-p-l-a-n-e?
This is America, people! We don’t spell airplane that way, any more
than we put that little line across the bottom of a 7 because we are not
French! And, vive la difference!
Second sample question:
“Which one does not belong:
Dog, Car, Cat, Horse, Fish.”
Please, it’s Car - the others are
all animals.
BUT, one could also,
theoretically, make a case for
Fish. Why? Because all
the others have four
legs/tires, right?
Clearly not a simple,
straightforward answer
here, and I’m beginning
to doubt the efficacy of
this IQ test. (See how I
slipped “efficacy” in there?
And, where on this test does
outstanding vocabulary
gives you extra points?
Nowhere. Kind of perfunctory
don’t you think?)
So, here we go. Question No. 1: “What number does not belong? 1,
3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13.” 10…duh.
Question 2: “Which one is least like the others? Bear, Snake, Bull,
Tiger, Dog.” They plainly want the answer to be Snake - the others
have legs.
But, again, there is a case to be made for Dog. Why couldn’t the
other four be “things that scare the crap out of you”? Just sayin’...
Question 3: Well, now my timer’s all off because of the unmistakable
ambivalence of their questions. I guess I’d better start over. Not that
it’s my fault.
I’ll let you know how it goes…maybe.
Vicki Wentz is a writer, teacher and speaker living in North
Carolina. Readers may contact her - and order her new children’s
book! - by visiting her website at www.vickiwentz.com.
Colonial Williamsburg lies in what is
known as the Hampton Roads region in
southeastern Virginia. Its gardens demonstrate
horticultural practices from the 1700s and are
known for being inviting; although neither fancy nor fussy.
Prior to the American Revolution, Williamsburg was the center of
political events in Virginia and received a royal charter as a city in
1722. The homes are stately restored 18 th -century houses whose early
residents took part in the sequence of events characterizing America’s
fight for independence.
Besides the beautifully restored buildings, Colonial Williamsburg
is remarkable for its neat English plotted garden paths. Paths with
cultivated calm and charm lead to tranquil green areas, orderly
flower beds, fenced pastures and trimmed hedges. The vast shade
trees cool, while still allowing rays of sun to filter through.
In places, pathways are beaten hard from years of use, giving a
unique weave of art and agriculture. Williamsburg herb gardens once
supplied 18 th -century apothecaries. Some of the medicines colonial
apothecaries used are often recommended today.
Scattered everywhere are attractive splashes of garden color
and, with the combined efforts of historians and horticulturists,
historically accurate native plants, along with exotics that tolerate
Virginia’s hot humid summers, have been combined to create an
appearance that brings people back year after year.
Visiting Williamsburg offers a capsular glimpse of the Revolutionary
era. Before entering some homes and gardens, you must duck arches
in order to peer inside and imagine life as it was for early settlers.
Williamsburg offers educational gardening programs that draw
garden clubs from around the country for recurring visits to examine
and study the plants and their arrangement. At Christmas, residents
make adornments using plant materials considered by many the
most beautiful and anticipated natural decorations in the country.
Whether you
are interested
in planning
your own
colonial garden,
researching native
plants, visiting the
colonial nursery,
or taking a
walking tour, it’s a
sure thing you will
enjoy Colonial
Williamsburg’s
gardens.
Gardens of Colonial Williamsburg
By: Kathy Manney / Around Our World
18
June 2017
Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an
Adventure Diva. Her “Must See” travel journeys continue - always
with enthusiasm.
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