View From HQ - 2008/07
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 oxidase 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 below 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 email, send the information requested on the form in an email to me. All information will be kept confidential and will be used only 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.
In the spirit of flight.
MA
Jim Cherry Executive Director [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
