Programme Thursday 31th July 2008
“Life's Traps for Mensans - or: Why Some of Us AREN'T Rich & Famous”
(Xenia Vosen-Pütz, D)
Rich and famous? Aw, c´mon. That kind of stuff is overrated anyway.
We're way too intelligent to end up like Bill Gates or Paris Hilton.
And as we all know, true wisdom lies in... uh, wait a second. Overrated?
Is it? Come to think of it, shouldn't every Mensan, by virtue of being one, be destined for fame, fortune and success?
Maybe, but one thing´s for sure: It's a tough road to get there.
A road lined with traps - traps that specialize in preying on unsuspecting Mensans.
We'd better know their workings, so that just in case, we can work our way out of them again.
Or better yet, avoid them in the first place.
Or at the very least, enjoy them - some of them can be kind of fun, anyway.
Long story short: I'll tell you about those evil traps, and then it's up to you to avoid
them while you can (or want to ;-)
Xenia Vosen-Pütz, PhD, is a gerontologist by training, an author, entrepreneur and a mensan.
She's trying to figure out how people get old, how they live their lives, and how they cope with it all.
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Classical Themes in Rockmusic
(Daria-Maret Geller, D)
How did musicians in different decades and from totally different genres use so called classical music in there songs?
What were there motives? How did listeners of classical music react to these in their opinion provocations?
I will try to answer these questions with a lot of examples from the Beatles, Emerson, Lake and Palmer,
Deep Purple and even Hip Hop and Heavy Metal and some sometimes quite funny quotes from musicians and listeners.
Daria-Maret Geller, 33 years old, lives in Wennigsen (Deister), teaches Music, Maths and English
at a comprehensive school. Studying to get a Master in Musikvermittlung at Hochschule für Musik Detmold.
Active for MensaKids in the region Hannover / Braunschweig.
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"Symmetry: Crystals, X-rays, and Wallpaper"
(Michael H. Dickman, USA)
The concept of symmetry ties together such disparate topics as those listed in the title.
It has been nearly 100 years since Max von Laue suggested that crystals could act as diffraction gratings for X-rays.
His insight soon led to the visualization of atoms and molecules, and subsequent advances in chemistry, geology, and biology.
Here, in a discussion of science and symmetry, you will learn the secrets of X-ray crystallography and why there
are exactly seventeen different kinds of wallpaper!
Michael H. Dickman is a researcher at Jacobs University in Bremen.
He got his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Irvine, and a law degree
from Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, New Hampshire.
He has written or co-authored about a hundred scientific articles on molecular structures,
and has been a practicing crystallographer for 30 years.
Photo: Michael H. Dickman
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How to build a gifted career?
(Frans Corten, NL)
Frans Corten has been a career coach for hundreds of gifted people over the last decade.
In an interactive presentation he will discuss his vision on building a career, when feeling as an odd fish in an average environment.
How to keep your own power, and stay in touch with society?
After the break we will explore the theme more in depth, inspired by your personal questions.
Frans (1962) studied Biology and Philosophy in the eighties.
Later on, he studied Biographic Counselling and currently Psychosynthesis.
He is working in human resource development since 1995 and has coached gifted employees in various organizations in the Netherlands.
In 2001 he founded his careers advice bureau 'Werk en Waarde' (work and worth), specialized in
gifted adults www.werkenwaarde.nl.
He has published several articles (some of them in English) on this subject as well as designing a special workshop
for the gifted (Loopbaanavontuur), helping them to recognize their inspiration and passion.
www.loopbaanavontuur.nl
Photo: Frans Corten
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Swarm-intelligence or swarm-stupidity: networks – knowledge – structure building
(Stefan Wladarsch, D)
With the help of research into chaos, a modell was developed to interpret the phenomenon of “underachiever”
or swarm-intelligence. I would like to discuss this modell with you.
Born 1966, Engineer of physics (Polytechnic), several years at the board of the chaos-group (TU Munich),
shortly at the postgraduate group under Prof. Dr. Köppel (LMU München), therafter in private enterprise,
today in quality-management. Hobbies: Theatre and music (opera, jazz etc.).
Training via workshops (theatre, music and dance) and since 2001 activ participation in improvisational theatre
(actor, musician and trainer).
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Precession of the Perihelion of Mercury
(Don Magufo, E)
General relativity theory is generally regarded as correct, since it predicts the Merkur's perihel turning
quantitatively correctly. In the lecture it is shown that alternatively Merkur's perihel turning is explained
by the laws of the global force of gravity and therefore one must do without the principle of the equivalence
between gravitation mass and inertial mass.
A further principle "Energy does not have mass" is concerned also by the global mechanics, which are supported
by the alternative explanation of Merkur's perihel turning.
"Don Magufo": Member of Mensa Spain since 1998. I had the pleasure of making a presentation about clever chromosomes
in Hannover’ 2005 German RAM. Graduate in Economic Sciences (Econometrics) 1980, Madrid and currently working
a lot as a Spanish civil servant.
Although it could seem the ideas come from illumination I believe I thought about Mercury and Venus while playing
a nice game of billiards when the white ball jump into a black hole of the table with an incredible spin.
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Mensa Choir
(Jenny Åkerman, SE)
During this musical meeting we are going to produce a little piece of entertainment that we hopefully
can perform on Friday or Saturday night.
Depending who you are and our different singing experience in the group, I will do my best to make
this a singing, learning and joyful event. Join us and become a member of a unique 1.5 hour-choir,
probably more intelligent than nice sounding - but that doesn't have to say anything, does it?
Jenny Akerman from Sweden has written three books with co-writer Gabriella Wejlid. The techniques in the books are easy and fun to do. Jenny originally is a music and voice teacher. She is also the Vice Chair of Mensa Sweden.
Photo: Jenny Åkerman
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The Mensa IT Community - A Vision
(Peter Ring, DK)
I have a dream. I have a dream that one day information may flow freely all over the world between all Mensa members,
all being equal in the information flow. And my dream has a name: The Mensa IT Community.
The Mensa IT Community will make Mensa bigger and more fun even for those who never venture online.
It will offer national homepage templates and a calendar uniting the Mensa community.
It'll offer hosting and support the struggling smaller nations while integrating all Mensans into one big community.
I'm an intuitive artist & technician: inventor, concept developer and I thrive on cross-disciplined development
in mixed groups. My professional experiences include work as Manager of Technology, project manager and
cross-disciplined inventor of a few things. I have been an industrial gipsy in my search of an exiting job,
which has rewarded me with lots of fun and experiences. I'm a father of 42 to a gifted boy of 8.
I said nothing about IT - it's all about human relations!
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Speed Connecting
(N.N.)
Highly intelligent people are faster in many things than others - but as well in getting connected?
You will be able to proof that in this fun event.
You will have the opportunity to get to know as many people as you can - make the most of the few minutes that you get with every new acquaintance.
This event suits best persons who like to talk - fast and a lot!
Please do not be afraid of headache afterwards. Don't expect to find a (new) partner, this is not Speed Dating - the event is not (only) about mating!
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Treasure hunt
Which "holy stones" are sometimes forbidden to touch? What is the name of the glasses "Kölsch" is served in? Who are the "Heinzelmännchen"?
These and more interessting question are to be answered within this treasure hunt.
For that purpose you will get a list with questions and little tasks, which you can solve in little groups on a leisurely walk trough the
old part of the town. It will take you approx. two hours to unveil the treasure. In the meantime you will have to become an actor,
a photographer, a model and even a sailor… The most successful hunters will get a reward!
Photo: Birgit Schmitz
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Panoramic River Cruise with the „Köln-Düsseldorfer”
The „Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt AG“ was established 180 years ago.
They own the largest, most modern fleet on the Rhine and Moselle and are the world’s most
experienced river cruise company.
During a one-hour panoramic cruise you’ll view the Cologne Old Town from the river.
You’ll learn about numerous sights to be seen along the Rhine.
Enjoy the special atmosphere aboard. No matter if you’re on the deck or inside, you’ll have a great view.
Tickets only as long as supplies last!
Photo: Birgit Schmitz
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Guided Tour of the Cologne/Bonn Airport
Moved to friday!
Photo: Aiport Cologne
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A walk under the Rhine River through the community heating tunnel
Since 1984 there is a tunnel of almost 500 meters in length under the Rhine river, connecting Cologne’s suburbs on the right side of the Rhine river to the community heating network. Approximately four to six meters below the river bed, there is a tube made of reinforced concrete, and with a width of three meters you can easily walk through it. About 100 steps will bring you down to the tunnel. Below the Rhine river you will walk to the other side and will learn a lot about combined heat and power generating and the Cologne community heating network.
Photo: RheinEnergie AG
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Guided tour through the German Aerospace Center (DLR)
DLR is Germany's national research centre for aeronautics and space.
Space flight is one of the main research areas at the site in Cologne.
The effects of microgravity on the organisms of humans and on materials revolving in an orbit around the Earth
are investigated. A broad range of cross-disciplinary experiments involving the Institute of Space Simulation,
the Institute of Materials Research, the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, the Microgravity User Support
Center (MUSC) and the European Astronaut Training Center demonstrate close cooperation and expertise.
These activities are supported by numerous large-scale test facilities, e.g. wind tunnels,
engine and materials testing systems. During the tour you will visit the following institutes:
Materials Physics in Space, Aerospace Medicine, Wind tunnel, solar energy and Astronaut Training Center.
Photo: Norbert Oberhoff
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A guided tour through the Romano-Germanic Museum
In the Roman-Germanic Museum, many findings related to the Romans’ everyday life will lead you right into Roman Cologne. Right next to the Cologne Cathedral, the museum was opened to the public in 1974. It is situated on top of the remains of a Roman city mansion, which was discovered in 1941 and contains the world-famous
Dionysos-mosaic (around 220/230 AC) is part of it. The collection draws its exhibits from the archaeological heritage of Cologne and its surroundings. It shows original findings dating as far back as the primitive times and up to the early middle Ages.
The concept of presentation for the exhibition aroused international attention and has turned the Roman-Germanic Museum
– up to nowadays – into one of the most visited museums in Germany.
Photo: Günther Ventur / Stadt Köln
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Guided Tour through the waterworks Severin II
In a well known carnival song it is told 'Dat Wasser vun Kölle es joot' (the water of Cologne is good).
In order to drink it at any time without any reservations and with great enjoyment, elaborate techniques
and surveillance are needed. No other good is controlled so often and so stringently than drinking water.
In Cologne and its surrounding regions the water is always available in sufficient quantity and first
class quality. At the waterworks Severin II you will learn where the water for Cologne is coming from,
how it is obtained and how it is purified.
Photo: RheinEnergie AG
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The Cologne Cathedral - Guided tour over the roofs
The cathedral (DOM) of Cologne was, when it was built, the biggest building of the world.
The sheer enormity of its size will show you this tour "Over the roofs of Cologne".
For this you will use an elevator mounted to the outside of the cathedral.
Slowly it goes up to giddy heights, there, were the roof of the cathedral starts,
the cabin will stop in virtuell nothingness and the door opens into a parallelworld.
Within the roofs of the cathedral there would be space enough for a hotel, where you will find,
amongst others, a workshop, social rooms, a huge archive storing over 1000 figurines
of the cathedral plus a separate room containing the clockwork af the cathedrals clock.
On this tour through a complicated system of alleyways and stairways between the roofs
you will experience the cathedral from a different perspective.
Photo: Rudolf Barten Stadt Köln
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Guided city tour „Typical Cologne“
On this relaxed walk through the old town of Cologne, you will learn a lot about what it means to be
“Kölsch“ (adjective used for natives of Cologne or inanimate things or ideas pertaining to Cologne, name of the local dialect, also a local beer) and about the local peculiarities of our city. It is about Kölsch, the only language you can also drink, which is served in thin 0.2 l glasses, which Non-Cologne people usually find very strange. Besides that, we will learn about the Cologne Carnival and its roots, and don’t forget, the world-famous Eau de Cologne is as much a part of the city as the Rhine river and the Cathedral. Go on this tour and experience what makes Cologne and its lifestyle so special and loveable.
Photo: Frank Spakowski
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Pub Crawl (Dress Rehearsal)
Because of great demand, but realy to make sure it'll work, we have added a dress rehearsal of the
pub crawl to the programme. Since Cologne offers quite a few breweries and typical pubs, only 'serious'
beer drinkers should join this tour. The starting fee goes into a kitty to pay for the rounds.
Or would you like to drive the Köbesse (that's how the waiters are called in a Cologne brewerie)
round the bent if every one is paying for himself after one/two Kölsch? With 30 participants we would manage only three/four breweries during the evening...
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Night Cruise with the „Köln-Düsseldorfer”
The „Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt AG“ was established 180 years ago. They own the largest, most modern fleet on the Rhine and Moselle and are the world’s most experienced river cruise company.
Enjoy the special atmosphere aboard during a 2-hour cruise. A lot of sights along the river are illuminated at night. There’s a splendid view on this great night-time panorama from the decks. Take a seat, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Tickets only as long as supplies last!
Photo: Frank Spakowski
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Star-eating in the exclusive restaurant L'escalier
In this clear ambience you can look forward to a special pleasure from modern,
creative cuisine. The owners of the restaurant, Melanie and Jens Dannenfeld, are
a team for over 10 years and are members of „Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe“.
They received several accolades and were rewarded with a Michelin star. One
delectability from the menu is a Heidschnuckenconsommée with a chestnut-roulade
or the sole with parsley root purée and rapa. A three course meal will set you
back around 60 Euro. Besides the excellent food there is a wine list going from
a 2004 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett for 19 Euro up to a 1999 Château
Ausone, 1er Cru Classé A ° for 900 Euro. This will be a real experience to touch
your senses.
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Bowling evening
Fun and excitement are guaranteed with this kind of sport. On three tracks, seven Ms each can play together or have a competition against each other, all this in an easy going atmosphere. Shoe rental is possible.
The whole complex has 20 tracks. For the hungry there are snacks and also warm meals plus quite a selection of beverages at the bar. Besides bowling you can play billiard, pin-ball and some other games to enjoy the ultimate fun.
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A tour at night with scary stories – through the old town centre
If there is a big church, the tales of the devil aren’t far away. This is true for the Cologne cathedral as well. Not only was the prince out of hell striking terror into people’s
hearts, this tour will show where spooky milkmaids and mayors, dead sailors and
pagan daemons walked the streets after nightfall. On just those streets, in the
darkness and the shadows of the cathedral, you will stroll, and who knows, maybe
you will meet on these eerie paths, those same ghosts or some lost souls…
Photo: Birgit Schmitz
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Guided tour through the observatory with a view to the universe
The observatory of the Schillergymnasium in Cologne allows you to look
at the cosmological neighbourhood. Under the ‘cupola’ you will find a refracting
telescope with a diameter of 22.5 cm and a focal length of 3 metres. With a
magnification of 200 you will see craters, mountains and valleys on the Moon,
marvel at the rings of Saturn or follow the movements of Jupiter’s moons. During
your tour you will first see ‘A journey to the end of the universe’ in form of
an adventures multi-media presentation. You then move to the observation wing.
Though the telescope you can have a look at the 380.000 km ‘close’ Moon or to
see our neighbouring galaxy just 3 million light years away!
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