September 14, 1998
Popular Saturday Seminars give football fans exercise for their brains
Can you trust medicines derived from plants? Will the Microsoft antitrust case aid consumers or simply benefit the company’s competitors? Are ballot initiatives a sign of the strength or weakness of our democratic system?
These are some of the issues that will be addressed by distinguished faculty from the University of Washington at Saturday Seminars, which are held before four home football games this year. The seminars will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 10, Oct. 24 and Nov. 14, and at 1 p.m. Oct. 17 (this game starts at 3:30 p.m.).
Reservations are required. Members of the general public are welcome, whether or not they have tickets to the football game. Some lectures fill early; requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 543-2310, or outside Seattle call 1-800-543-2310 and ask for registration.
The complete seminar schedule is:
Oct. 10
“Cosmic Geometry–An Ever Bigger Universe?” by Christopher Stubbs, professor of physics and astronomy. Learn how scientists are trying to learn if the universe is growing indefinitely, or if it will eventually collapse.
“Cures–and Cautions–from the Garden,” by Gary Elmer, professor of medicinal chemistry. Explore the truth and myths about “herbal products.”
“These Boots Were Made for Walking–the Debate About Van Gogh’s Shoes,” by Marek Wieczorek, lecturer in art history. Learn more about the continuing controversy and mystery surrounding the artist’s paintings of shoes.
“The Microsoft Antitrust Case–Aid to Competitors or Consumer Protection?” by William Andersen, professor of law. What are we to make of the government’s renewed interest in antitrust litigation?
Oct. 17 (1 p.m. start time)
“Whose Initiative? The Making of Law in Washington,” by David Olson, professor of political science. This year, Washingtonians will vote on some of the most socially divisive initiatives ever to appear on a ballot. Is the tide of directly enacted legislation an advance or a defeat of democracy?
“The Six Million Dollar Man Lives–He Might be You!” by Buddy Ratner, professor of bioengineering and chemical engineering. How the new generation of biomaterials may revolutionize health care.
“Taboo Subject No More–Finding the Truth about Child Sexual Abuse,” by Jon Conte, professor of social work. What science can tell us about the effects of abuse, and whether the human memory can be trusted to report abuse accurately.
“Urban Development and Wild Salmon: Can They Get Along?” by Derek Booth, professor of civil engineering. Saving salmon habitat requires not just scientific understanding, but the political will to act on the findings. Can we moderate our appetite for growth to save a regional icon?
Oct. 24
“Sleep–It Does a Body Good,” by Carol Landis, professor of Nursing. How dangerous is sleep deprivation? Are there secrets to getting a good night’s sleep?
“The Theatrical Imagination–Choices When Bringing Words to Life,” by Mark Harrison, head of the Professional Actor Training Program. Learn the art of stagecraft, including how music, scenery and light influence an audience’s perception.
“Global Climate Change–A Lot of Hot Air?’ by John M. Wallace, professor of atmospheric sciences. Learn why the average person should care about scientific debates over global warming, the ozone shield, and fluorocarbons in the atmosphere.
“Getting from Here to There: The Transportation Policy Enigma,” by Fred Mannering and Joe Mahoney, professors of civil engineering. What are the real costs and benefits of different modes of transportation? Are we being presented with the correct options?
Nov. 14
“From Colossus to Crisis: The Rise and Demise of the Asian Economies,” by T.J. Pempel, professor of international studies. Should we have been able to forecast the bursting of the “economic bubbles” in Asia? What comes next?
“Millennial Economics: What’s in Our Financial Future?” by Charles Nelson, professor of economics. What’s the financial outlook for 1999 and beyond? Can the boom of the last decade continue? Have we heard the last of words like “inflation” and “recession?”
“Science on High–From Mt. Everest to the ICU,” by Robert Schoene, professor of medicine. Follow this physician as he travels to remote mountain regions to study the bodies of climbers and inhabitants, to learn more about how the body can adapt successfully to low oxygen conditions.
“Flying Fingers–Great Piano Works in Historical Context,” by Robin McCabe, professor of music. Enjoy works by some of the world’s most celebrated composers–Chopin, Ravel, Gershwin, and others–who wrote repertoire that tested the pianist as well as the piano.
