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The 25th Anniversary of Mensa Germany (MinD) Programme of Events

                        του Θεόδωρου Νάτσινα

As soon as it arrived, the Program of events for the The 25th Anniversary of Mensa Germany (MinD), appears here for all interested to follow it.

A small number of events have not yet been scheduled, so check the official AG website http://mv.mensa.de from time to time for any last minute changes or send email for updates to

MV-Org@mensa.de

Registration charge before March 15, 2004:

Conference venue is the Maritim Grand Hotel, Friedrichswall 37, 30159 Hannover. With 400 beds, this is Hannover's largest centrally located hotel. The youth hostel is a 15 minute walk away.

The reception and information desk, the Mensa boutIQue, and games, LAN and exhibition rooms are all located at the Maritim. All lectures, evening events and the anniversary ball will be held here, as will the annual gathering (open only to German members) and all other events except where indicated.

We have arranged for reduced room rates: single rooms booked prior to January 15, 2004, are 99 per night, double rooms are resp. size beds they can each be used by two Ms, and breakfast surcharge of night applies.

There is a large smoking area in front of the bar. We request all smokers to indulge with due consideration for non-smoking Ms. During the evening events, smoking is allowed in the Piano Bar only, and the entire foyer is smoke free.

The conference office will be open as from Wednesday, March 31, 2004, 11 am.

Conference Programme

Wednesday, March 31

2 - 4 pm: Tour of the Medical University Research Laboratories

At this central institution, complex devices for experimental medical research are made. We will be allowed into the construction room, the precision mechanics workshop and the electronics lab. We will also have a look at glass blowing and software development facilities.

2 - 4 pm: Tour of the NDR

We are invited to tour the Hannover broadcasting centre of regional television and radio station Norddeutscher Rundfunk (northern German radio and TV) to take a peek behind the scenes.

1 - 6 pm: Tour of Herrenhausen Gardens and the Rain Forest House

Over three hundred years ago, Welf leader John Frederick had a summer residence built near the tiny hamlet of Hvvingehusen. In the course of the centuries, the area was remodeled and now comprises three different landscape gardens: the Great Garden, Germany's only remaining baroque garden; the Mountain Garden with its unique plant collections, and the English style George's Garden. Herrenhausen was the spiritual and intellectual centre of baroque Germany.

Located in the middle of the Mountain Garden is the Rain Forest House. In the course of a fantastic journey through the rain forest we can witness many experiments and marvel at numerous natural wonders, surrounded by more than 6,000 kinds of plants, exotic butterflies and birds, tropical ants and frogs. (Explanations via headphones.)

3:30 - 5:30 pm: City Tour: Legendary Hannover

This tour is all about curios and legends of Hannover. Since there are plenty of them, you can look forward to two exciting hours.

7:45 - 10 pm: Tour of the Madsack Publishing House

Madsack publish the region's two quality newspapers - the

Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung

and the

Neue Presse

. Also, tabloid

Bild

as well as numerous local papers are printed here. Madsack moved from the city centre to their new location only a few years ago. We are invited to witness newspaper production in action: from the newsroom to the rotary press and the dispatch of the finished product.

7 pm - ? (open end)

:

Early Bird Gathering

in the Piano Bar (located inside the conference hotel)

Thursday, April 1

9 am - 6:30 pm: Day Trip to Barsinghausen

Our first stop is the Klosterstollen gallery, where we are introduced to coal mining as it was practised here well into the 1960s. At noon we are expected at the flour mill Wichtringhausen, followed by a tour of Wichtringhausen Manor, including a wine tasting and a snack.

9 - 11 am: Tour of the Robotics Lab of the University of Applied Sciences, Hannover

The robotics lab has numerous robots designed for application in industrial production such as automated assembly.

11 am - 1 pm: Tour of the Institute of Microtechnology of Hannover University

The IMT specializes in thin film technology and mechanical ultraprecision processing of ceramics and silicon. Various techniques such as photo- and ion-beam lithography, dry plasma etching, microgalvanic processing or nanogrinding are employed.

10 am - 12 noon: Tour of the Underwater Laboratory of Hannover University

The underwater lab experiments with automated, cost-efficient production technologies applied for underwater cleansing, seperating, welding and probing in order to make dangerous and expensive diving superfluous. Another field of research is the safe control and demolition of nuclear power plants following the principle of integrated system technology.

2 - 4 pm: Tour of the Wave Canal of Hannover University

The wave canal is a research facility of Hannover University to study the effects of the ocean swell on dyke systems, beaches and pipelines. The canal is just under 1,000 feet long; a hydraulic engine produces waves up to eight feet high.

11 pm - 1 pm: Tour of the Sprengel Museum

The museum is dedicated to twentieth century art with a strong emphasis on modern classics. It comprises the Kurt Schwitters collection and archive, important works from German expressionism and French cubism, the abstract cabinet, graphic collection and a photography and media section.

10 am - 1 pm: Tour of Hannover Zoo

True to the philosophy People will only love what they know. People will only protect what they love, Hannover Zoo is the home of more than 2,000 animals, all living in enclosures lovingly remodelled after their natural living habitats. The zoo offers four unique areas on ten acres: the gorilla mountain, the jungle palace, Meyer's farm (with animals from rare or extinct livestock races) and the Sambesi area including a fantastic underwater hippo habitat.

2 - 4 pm: Hannover Veterinarian University Museum

This collection, opened in 1981 and the only one of its kind in Germany, gives an insight into the history of veterinary research and practice. Numerous instruments and devices are on display, illustrating aspects of diagnostics, surgery, phlebotomy, dentistry, obstetrics, castration, hoof care and diseases.

10 am - 1 pm: Hannover Sightseeing Tour

For all those who would like to see the city from a coach window.

11 am - 1 pm: Guided Tour: I Could Revel in Evil Deeds

An excursion into Hannover's crime history: Gesche Gottfried, notorious poisoner from Bremen, practised her craft in Hannover as well - and enjoyed it immensely. We will retrace her steps to sites of hideous crimes and gruesome excesses.

2 - 4 pm: Tour of the Historical Collection of the Lower Saxony Police Force

The police through the centuries - the largest collection of its kind in Germany. Impressive exhibits, informative diagrams and thrilling pictures document the changing face of the police force through the centuries.

9:30 - 11:30 am: Tour of the VW Plant Stvcken

(also 1:30 - 3:30 pm)

The home of the legendary VW Bus; nowadays, the much more modern T35 model is produced here.

1 - 3 pm: Guided Tour:

Feathers, Velvet and Soap - Industrialization in Linden-Nord

During the 1850s, numerous new factories and workers' housing estates were built in the countryside along the rivers Leine and Ihme. Most of the factories have long since vanished or changed their appearance completely. Likewise, many estates were demolished during the radical redevelopments during the 1960s. Still, numerous streets and residential quarters have survived intact and today offer an interesting view into the history of the working class and of social change in Germany.

4 - 6 pm: Tour of the NDR

For a description see Wednesday, 2 pm

7:45 - 9:45 pm: Tour of Madsack Publishers

For a description see Wednesday, 7:45 pm

2 - 6 pm: Lectures

Subjects to be announced

7 pm - ? (open end)

Big Party With Surprises in the Hotel Bar und Lounge

Well, it's April Fool's Day, innit? But fear not - it will all be done in the best possible taste! Why not be game for a laugh for a change? Lots of surprises are in store for you, so don't miss out on some good natured fun.

Friday, April 2

9 am - 6 pm Day Trip to Steinhude

We will be sailing to Wilhelmstein Island on historical sailing boats. After a guided tour of the fortress it's back to Steinhude and the Scheunenviertel (barn district) to spend the afternoon: toy museum, insects museum, boule parcours, cafes and wine bars are all waiting for us. A visit of the Museum of Fishing and Weaving rounds off the trip.

9 - 11 am: Guided Walk City Hustle - Hannover for Connoisseurs

This city tour of the centre of Hannover takes us on a trip through past decades and centuries. We will pass churches, sculptures and beautiful facades and take a look at modern city life at the same time.

11 - 12:30 am: Tour of the Historic Town Hall and the Leaning Lift

The historic town hall was built during Emperor Wilhelm's reign. It rests on 6,026 beechwood pillars. Countless images of mayors, aristocrats, ministers, saints, scholars and mythical creatures adorn its fagade. Impressive, too, is its interior - especially the hall with its ceiling 114 feet above our heads. The historically inclined visitor will find the display of four city models interesting. Everybody, though, will enjoy the ride up the town hall tower in the leaning lift; the view of Hannover from up above is quite magnificent.

1 - 2 pm: Mayor Reception

Dr Herbert Schmalstieg is Germany's longest serving mayor. He will play host to a small group of Ms for just under one hour before returning to his busy schedule.

2 - 4 pm: Reception on the Occasion of Mensa Germany's 25th Anniversary

We trust that many Ms from all over the world will be present to celebrate MinD's silver jubilee together with politicians and celebrities. M

IN

D's history will be retraced by a select few long standing members.

9:30 - 11:30 am: Tour of the Wave Canal of Hannover University

The wave canal is a research facility of Hannover University to study the effects of the ocean swell on dyke systems, beaches and pipelines. The canal is just under 1,000 feet long; a hydraulic engine produces waves up to eight feet high.

10 - 12 am: Tour of the avacon AG Museum of the History of Electrical Power

Some 1,000 exhibits document the history of electrical power during the past 150 years. The first machines that generated electrical power through friction can be seen here; also on display are early telephones and telegraphs as well as early power-operated domestic appliances. The exhibition is subdivided into several sections - electrosurgery, toys, broadcasting, household, communications, lighting, metrology, to name but a few.

1 - 3 pm: Tour of the Medical University Research Laboratories

At this central institution, complex devices for experimental medical research are made. We will be allowed into the construction room, the precision mechanics workshop and the electronics lab. We will also have a look at glass blowing and software development facilities.

4 - 6 pm: Tour of the Robotics Lab of the University of Applied Sciences, Hannover

The robotics lab has numerous robots designed for application in industrial production such as automated assembly.

10 am - 4 pm: (opening hours) Historical Museum

(Tour description in English only)

The Historical Museum is all about Hannover's cultural history: From the early medieval settlement hanovere via the residence city and important industry location to the world-renowned trade fair and Expo city of today. Special emphasis is placed on the time between 1714 and 1837; in those days, the British monarchs came from the House of Hannover. (Pferdestra_e 6. Open between 10 am and 4 pm. Free admission on Friday.)

2 - 4 pm: Guided Tour Hannover in Style - Architecture Through the Ages

Have you ever wondered about architectural styles? Would you like to learn more about baroque and classicism? Here is your chance to expand your knowledge. Join our interesting and entertaining tour of Hannover for an introduction to stylistics.

10 am - 1 pm: Tour of Reemtsma Tobacco Manufacturers

The visit to Reemtsma's, Germany's leading tobacco products manufacturer (now a subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco) will be of interest chiefly to the smokers in our midst. You will find out about the history and the production of some of Germany's most famous cigarette brands.

2 - 4 pm: Tour of Hannover Airport

You will probably have seen an airport from inside, but have you ever had a look behind the scenes? This is your chance.

4 - 6 pm: Tour of MTU Maintenance

MTU specialize in the production and maintenance of jet engines. Until recently, the company was a subsidiary of Daimler-Chrysler. This visit is especially for pilots and those who already have some knowledge of the subject matter. For those who do not wish to participate in the Annual Gathering and/or have no special knowledge we have arranged another tour on Saturday.

4:30 - 6 pm: Total Enlightenment - A Visit to the Buddhist Monastery Vien Giac

Follow the path to total enlightenment and visit with us Germany's only Buddhist monastery. After visiting the pagoda, the monks will allow us to witness their religious ceremonies. A lecture about the life and teachings of Buddha round off the visit.

2 - 6 pm: Lectures

Subjects to be announced.

7 pm - ? (open end): Icebreaker Party in the Hotel Bar

The traditional welcoming party for all Ms and late-comers.

Saturday, April 3

10:00 - 14:00 h MV

Well, what is there to tell you? We gather, beat about our heads, make up and manage to remain friends

For all those who do not wish to take part (or who are non-German Ms) we have put together the following events. For descriptions, please see the Friday schedule.

9 am - 4 pm: Day Trip to Steinhude

10 am - noon: Guided Walk City Hustle - Hannover for Connoisseurs

10 am - 1 pm: Tour of Reemtsma Tobacco Manufacturers

2 - 4 pm: Tour of Hannover Airport

4 - 6 pm: Tour of MTU Maintenance

2 - 6 pm: Lectures

Subjects to be announced

7 pm - ? (open end) M

IN

D Anniversary Ball

Our highlight! Silver Jubilee ball with dinner (veg and non-veg), speeches, raffle and special guests. We would like to remind you that there are smoking and non-smoking zones and kindly request the smokers to have a grip on themselves.

Sunday, April 4

9 am - 1:30 pm: Boat Trip on the Mittelland Canal

Even a seasoned Hannover citizen will find the view of the city from a boat refreshing and new. Start the day with some fresh air!

10 - 11 am: Tour of the Leibniz House

Exhibits from the Leibnitz estate library and from the Historical Museum. A survey of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz' life, work and achievements.

10 am - 1 pm: Tour of the Wilhelm Busch Museum

A must for the satirically minded. Peruse original Wilhelm Busch drawings or those of other satirists from five centuries and take in the vast collection of comical and satirical contemporary art.

10 am - noon: Tour of Deutsche Grammophon and the Emil Berliner Studios

In 1989, Emil Berliner founded Deutsche Grammophon in Hannover Nordstadt. Very soon he was forced to move his rapidly expanding company to Podbielski Street, where records production continued until 1991. From 1972, prerecorded audio tapes were produced in Langenhagen, and in 1982 the very first CD manufacturing plant was built here. The company has changed hands several times; it was renamed Polygram during the 1970s, was purchased by Seagram in 1998 and again rechristened to Universal.

10 am - 13 pm: Mensa Admittance Test

(for non-Ms)

10 am - 1 pm: Forum Mensanum

-

Ms present their projects

1:30 pm - ? Farewell Lunch in the Hotel Restaurant

also scheduled:

City Orienteering Rallye

- prizes will be awarded during the Icebreaker Party.

American Auction

of original drawings for a childrens' book

- hand painted by children for children during a MensaKids weekend workshop.

Exhibition: The History of Mensa

, focussing on the history of M

IN

D. Conference hotel, room Salon L|neburg (closed during lectures)

unscheduled:

Fil Rouge

- a do-it-yourself tour of Hannover which takes you through the inner city - stop at the stations and read about the sights you are passing.

Sailing

- a short introduction to sailing. Also good for the sailors amongst us: Rent a boat at the sailing school Maschsee-Nord.

Flying

- the FlySIG offers round flights over Hannover and Lower Saxony (weather permitting).

Karting

- Kart-o-Mania, Laatzen/Rethen, Magdeburger Str. 9

Museums:

Kestner-Museum

Founded in 1889 by Hannover resident and diplomat August Kestner, the museum boasts four collections: Egyptian art, ancient cultures, applied design and coins and medals. Trammplatz 3. Open daily between 11 am and 6 pm, admission

Lower Saxony Arts Collection

Landesgalerie

: European art from the11th to the 20th century.

Natural history: zoology, botany, geology; vivarium.

Ancient history: ancient and early history of Lower Saxony.

Anthropology: cultures around the world.

Willy-Brandt-Allee 5. Open daily between 10 am and 5 pm, admission

M(o)useum - the Uli Stein Museum

Side splitting original works by Hannover's famous cartoonist Uli Stein dating back to 1982, postcards, sketches and unpublished works. Plus: Stein's inventions such as the chop sticks starter kit, sporting miniature shovel and broom. Grupenstr. 1. Open between 10 am and 8 pm, admission free.

Lower Saxony and Deutsche Bank Coins Cabinet

Former coins cabinet of the British kings and electors of Hannover. The collection was begun prior to 1700 and has some 40,000 exhibts from northwestern Germany and the British Empire on display. Also: the history of Hannover coins. Georgsplatz 20. Open between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm (6 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays), admission free.

Oriental Carpets Museum

Oriental carpets from the 16th to the 20th century. Oriental garments, Islamic glass, ceramics, porcelain and metal objects, miniatures. Georgstr. 54. Open between 10 am and 6 pm (2 pm on Saturdays), admission free.

Aeronautics Museum

The history of aeronautics between 1783 and 1965. Hannover-Laatzen, Ulmer Str. 2. Open between 10am and 5 pm, admission

Theatre Museum

The history of Hannover theatres from the 17th century to the present day. Permanent and changing exhibitions. Prinzenstr. 9. Open Mondays to Fridays between 10 am and 1 pm and between 3:30 and 7:30 pm, Saturdays between 6 and 7:30 pm.

Check this web site regularly for more information about accomodation, entertainment and nightlife.

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