Adventures for the Mind

Spring 2007 Free Lecture Series ( @ 7 pm )

Brewer Public Library, Richland Center, WI


Thursday March 15 - Global Climate Change - Basics, Challenges

Thurs March 22 - Climate Change - Impact on the Upper Midwest

Global climate change is a very current issue with varying perspectives on it. Professor Houghton will talk about the basics - what we know and what we don't and where there are uncertainties. And given what we do know, what are some our major challenges.

In the second session, Professor Houghton will continue the topic of climate and bring the issues of climate change closer to home by talking about the impact of climate change on the Upper Midwest.

Presentation Viewgraphs: March 15, 2007, March 22, 2007.

David Houghton, Ph. D., Emeritus Professor Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, UW, Madison

Thursday March 29 Time1 - Philosophy, Physics and Measurement

Thursday April 5 Time2 - Philosophy, Physics and Measurement

Thursday April 12 Time3 - Philosophy, Physics and Measurement

We will gather for three evenings to discuss many facets of time. What is it? Defining anything is difficult, but penning a rigorous definition of time is particularly troublesome. We will then consider the origins of the concept of time. Do all humans have it? Do nonhumans have it? In a simple, straightforward but meaningful way, we will look at some of the fundamentals of modern physics as they relate to our concept of time, including Dirac's and Feynman's contrasting views regarding the solution of Schrödinger's equation (the equation that reveals everything!). We also will consider the history and evolution of clock making and view many examples of time-keeping contrivances.

Presentation Materials: March 29, 2007: Viewgraphs, Notes, April 5, 2007: Viewgraphs, Notes, April 12, 2007: Viewgraphs 1, Viewgraphs 2, April 12, 2007: All Viewgraphs.

Art Montana, Ph. D., Emeritus Professor & Chair of the Department of Earth & Space Sciences and the Institute of Geophysics & Planetary Physics, UCLA


Thursday April 19 - Islam: Muslims Today and the Role of Women

Islam is followed by more than a billion people today. It is also the world's fastest growing religion and will soon be the world's largest. Given the large number of adherents, Muslims incorporate a broad and diverse spectrum of positions in regard to liberalism and democracy. We will talk about the religion, its practitioners, and the role of women.

Mustafa A. Mustafa, Teacher, International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Nagat Fraigoon, President, Islamic Community of Madison Area (ICMA).


Thursday April 26 - Cuban Medicine & Its Influence on the World

We will see the film Salud! about the competing values that mark the battle for global health. Salud! suggests bold new approaches to the development of the human resources that are critical for making health care a global birthright. The file examines the remarkable Cuban health care system and explores Cuba's extensive global health initiatives. Diane will frame the film and answer questions. Diane is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and educator with a long history of community and international service in the area of health care and medical education.

Diane Applebaum, RN,FNP,MS, Faculty, Emory University and US Director Medical Education Cooperation with Cuba.


All talks are at the Brewer Public Library, Lower Level, 325 N. Central, Richland Center, WI 53581. Contact Telephone Number is (608) 647 6444. Talks are from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

http://www.rc.swsls.org/talks