I have had
many comments concerning my column in May's
MA and my confession about not being able
to control buying more aviation items when I
have so many still waiting to be completed.
Ken Pietrucha, of the Metropolitan Sports
Squadron in New Jersey, sent me an article
confirming my fears. It was a reprint of a
piece in the Science & Technology section of
The Scotsman, Scotland's national
newspaper, titled "Got to get that gadget? It
may be your genes" by Julian Ryall.
The
article described how some people thirst for
the newest gadgets and the latest technology.
The author described such people as "victims
of neophilia" with "an overwhelming need for
the new and novel."
According to the article,
scientists have found a genetic reason for
this: a cellular enzyme called monoamine ozidase A. Researchers at the Yamagata
University School of Medicine noted that the
enzyme is associated with "higher scores of
novelty-seeking."
I have an excuse! It's
genetic and I cannot help myself—and I don't
see the need for a cure!
Ken closed his note
to me with: "Hope you enjoyed it. Now you know
that you are a neophiliac. Careful how you
pronounce it!"
All I can say is "guilty as
charged."
In its April meeting, the Executive
Council (EC) passed a number of proposed
bylaws revisions. You will find these proposed
revisions beginning on page 162. Leader
Members will be voting on the proposed bylaws
additions and modifications, but the entire
membership should be aware of these projected
modifications.
As AMA moves forward, other
changes to the bylaws will be forthcoming. If
you would like to become a Leader Member and
have a voice in shaping the future of the
Academy, contact your district vice president
for details about how to apply for this
membership category.
This month begins the
official push to build the AMA database of
members who are in contact with or have a
positive relationship with our federally
elected officials. When I first announced this
effort, I received some good responses that we
have already put into our contacts file.
If you're willing and in a position to help the
EC and staff when it might be necessary to
communicate with those on Capitol Hill, please
fill out the form [on page 200 of the July 2008
MA] and mail it to AMA HQ. Equally
important are contacts with key congressional
staff personnel, the behind-the-scenes movers
and shakers.
If you want to volunteer by E-mail, send the
information requested on the form in an E-mail
to me. All information will be kept
confidential and will be only for use by the
AMA.
The Academy is not forming a political action
committee or beginning a lobbying effort
beyond our core mission statement to protect
model aviation.
MA
In the spirit of flight.
Jim Cherry, Executive Director
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