| January 16, 2003 | Presentation cancelled due to snow. |
| February 20, 2003 Albert Ritchie Estate Attorney |
"The Caribbean and the American Revolution." This talk will explore the connections between the American Colonies and the Caribbean Islands before the American Revolution and the roles of the islands in the American Revolution. It will include consideration of the other roles that the islands might have played but did not, including an explication of the riddle of 26/13. Usually we present the American Revolution from the perspective of the heroic founders of our republic, but in this talk the speaker will emphasize the perspective of Great Britain as a major world power which must consider the consequences of its actions in any part of the world on its relations with nations around the world and which must balance its desire to promote its way of life throughout the world with its need to safeguard the health of its domestic economy |
| March 20, 2002 Steve Hillenbrand |
"What (Some) People Believe!!" A discussion of topics such as homeopathy, chiropractors, healing touch, acupuncture, biblical myths/truths, Loch Ness, Big Foot, UFOs, aliens, parapsychology, seances, cold readings and such other facts and fiction. |
| April 17, 2003 Mac Simpson |
"The State of the State: Tennessee." A retired political scientist and board member of Tennessees for Fair Taxation leads a discussion of how well state government responds to the needs of the citizens of Tennessee. |
| May 15, 2003 | Presentation cancelled due to thunderstorm/power outage. |
| June 19, 2003 Sam and Martha Jean Bratton |
"Cochlear Implants: An Ear-Witness Account." |
| July, 17, 2003 | No meeting during the summer. |
| August 21, 2003 | No meeting during the summer. |
| September 18, 2003 Paul Pinckney (Associate Professor, Department of History, UTK) |
"Churchill and Hitler." In this talk, Paul Pinckney, professor of history, discusses the often surprising similarities and differences between the two world-famous leaders. Dr. Pinckney's interest in this subject was sparked by several pages on the topic found in John Lukacs' The Duel: The Eighty-Day Struggle between Churchill and Hitler, Yale University Press, paperback, 2001, which has been required reading for several years in his popular "Churchill, Britain, and Two World Wars" course. Dr. Pinckney's comparative analysis touches on many areas of twentieth-century history. He is willing after the talk to answer questions across a broad spectrum of related topics. |
| October 16, 2003 Steve Levy |
"An Anecdotal History of
the Development of Radar in the United States." Most of us know something about the invention of radar, but there are stories to tell that are not in the history books. My talk will consist of personal stories that few know, but involve actual events that lose their personality when published for the general audience. My experience at Evans Signal Labs, the site of Army radar R&D, where I worked for some 25 years, exposed me to key radar persons. The stories they told me make up the gist of my talk. |
| November 20, 2003 William Wade (Professor and Associate Head of Mathematics Department, UTK) |
"What on Earth Do Mathematicians Do for a Living,
or How Much Do You Know about Dyadic Harmonic Analysis?" Mathematicians are an isolated lot, often toiling in seclusion on matters difficult to explain to the layman. The reason for this is two-fold: 1) Mathematicians are so hung up on precision that they are loath to describe any part of their work in any way but the most technical, absolutely truthful way. 2) Mathematicians work with very abstract concepts which take years to understand and learn how to manipulate. I hope to give you an idea of what we do for a living by describing how I discover and prove new theorems in my specialty, Dyadic Harmonic Analysis, and then using a similar approach to solve a simple geometric problem easily understood by middle school students. Instead of hiding behind technical language, I will use metaphors to give an approximate sense of the subject matter. When solving the geometric problem, an approximate sense is completely sufficient for full understanding. My main point is that mathematics is not so much a collection of techniques as it is a way of thinking. |
| December 18, 2003 Mark E. Littman (Professor, School of Journalism and Electronic Media, UTK) |
"The Ever-Changing Universe." We would go on a journey outward from Earth to consider the dizzying motions of planets, stars, and galaxies--everything around us. Gradually we would realize what these motions tell us about the past of the universe, all the way back to the beginning, and what the future of the universe will be. We, as human beings, would also remind ourselves of our place in this majesty and how we are related to everything in the cosmos. |
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January 17, 2002 Lynne P. Sullivan Curator of Archaeology and Research Associate Professor McClung Museum |
"Forgotten Towns and Mounds of East Tennessee" Numerous towns, each home to several hundred people, were along the Tennessee River and its tributaries in eastern Tennessee, before and at the time of European contact. Many of the archaeological sites that now represent these towns were excavated before flooding of TVA reservoirs. I will discuss these excavations and what we have learned from them about the lifeways of the Native Americans who inhabited these forgotten towns. |
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February 21, 2002 John E. Bloor Professor Emeritus, UTK |
"The Science Wars: What they are and what they mean to the future of science in education and research" In recent times many universities have offered a new academic subject Science and Technology Studies (STS). Courses offered in this subject attempt to define the practice of science and its legitimacy and authority as a means of understanding our modern world. They also stress the importance of the interaction between scientists and the rest of society with respect to decision making. The science wars have arisen because frequently STS courses originate from sociology departments and the way the practice of science and its nature and meaning are depicted in these courses has been questioned by many professional scientists. |
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March 21, 2002 Bill Dewey Art History - UTK |
"Headrests of Africa: Sleeping Beauties" This talk is based upon an exhibit and catalogue, "Sleeping Beauties: The Jerome L. Joss Collection of Headrests," the speaker organized and wrote for UCLA's Fowler Museum of Cultural History. William Dewey, who teaches African art history in UT's School of Art, will present an overview of the history, distribution, style, usage and meanings of one of the most prevalent but least studied art forms in Africa - the headrest or pillow. Dewey has conducted extensive field research among the Shona people of Zimbabwe where headrests are one of the most important artforms. He has also visited much of the rest of the African continent and so will speak broadly on these miniature but beautiful sculptural forms. Sleeping Beauties, The Jerome L. Joss Collection of African Headrests at UCLA |
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April 18, 2002 Palmira Brummett Associate Professor History Department, UTK |
"Damnable Technology, Gluttonous Imperialists, and Dinosaur Kings in the Ottoman Cartoon Press, 1908-1913" The second Ottoman constitutional revolution in 1908 freed the pens of Ottoman journalists, cartoonists, and litterati. In the first year after the revolution, at least 250 new gazettes were published in Istanbul alone. These gazettes often employed satire to depict and discuss the precarious position of the empire. The depredations of European imperialists, the obsolescence of traditional monarchs, and the ways in which modern technologies (like the automobile, telephone, and airplane) were transforming Ottoman cities were major themes addressed in revolutionary cartoons. This lecture will demonstrate the interweaving of those themes in the Ottoman cartoon space and illustrate the sceptical Ottoman vision of both the old and the new. |
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May 16, 2002 James N. Gehlhar Director, Center for International Education, UTK |
"Stemming the World's Ignorance: Attainable Dreams" |
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June 20, 2002 Walter R. Farkas Professor Emeritus Environmental Practice, UTK |
"Embryonic Stem Cells: Promise and Controversy." During the progression of the fertilized egg to a fully mature fetus, stem cells that are capable of differentiating into all of the cells of the mature adult including cells of the heart, nervous system, blood, pancreas, etc., are formed. Many infertile couples utilize in vitro fertilization resulting in an excess of fertilized eggs available for research on human stem cells. This research might lead to therapy for diseases such as Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, diabetes, heart disease, etc. Application of the technology known as therapeutic cloning increases the likelihood that this research will succeed. In spite of this promise, there is great opposition to developing this technology; e.g. President Bush has placed restrictions on stem cell research and has requested that congress pass a law that would ban all research on cloning involving human cells. The scientific, ethical and religious issues involved in this controversy will be discussed. |
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July 18, 2002 |
No meeting. |
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August 22, 2002 |
No meeting. |
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September 19, 2002 Stephen Levy Technical Director Power Electronics & Magnetics Designers Association, Corp. |
"How Can the Solar Photovoltaic Price Reach Six Cents per Kilowatt-Hour in Ten Years or Less?" Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology offers a source of future electric power that is clean, reliable, and "free." Cost has been the barrier that has kept solar PV from becoming a significant source of "green power." Though the price has been dropping over the years, truly low-cost solar energy has not yet been achieved. Presently, the cost of manufacturing solar PV modules is about $1.50 per watt. The Department of Energy has set a goal of $0.30 per watt for the manufacturing cost of solar modules that will make it an economically competitive source for electricity. Power Electronics & Magnetic Designers Association, Corp. has an approach to achieve this goal in a realistic time-frame using resources available locally. With sufficient government involvement, east Tennessee can capture a major share of this $300 billion world-wide market and create more than 5,000 local jobs. |
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October 17, 2002 John W. Prados Vice President Emeritus and University Professor The University of Tennessee |
"New Approaches to Distance Learning" Traditionally, distance learning has employed written correspondence, videotaped lectures, or real-time televised instruction, sometimes with two-way audio and/or video connections between the remote learner and the teacher. More recently, it has become possible to augment these methods with web-based materials ranging from class notes and background information to on-line surveys and testing. The University of Tennessee Chemical Engineering Department is beginning to develop web-based distance learning materials built around interactive modules keyed to specific learning objectives, with practice materials, diagnostic tests, and on-line feedback to learners. Successes and failures to date will be described. |
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November 21, 2002 David and Tracy Dewhirst
Buzz Goss |
Restoration Experts Tell How They're Saving Historic Knoxville Restoration and development of historic properties in Knoxville is revitalizing downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. In the forefront of this movement are David and Tracy Dewhirst, who together are among the largest owners of historic properties in downtown Knoxville and are arguably the most active restoration developers in the region. They work closely with Buzz Goss and Cherie Piercy Goss of Goss Piercy Goss Architects, the premier architectural firm in downtown Knoxville's historical restoration. Buzz Goss, Cherie Piercy Goss, David Dewhirst, and Tracy Dewhirst will talk and show pictures of restoration projects they have been involved in, separately and together, in the Old City, Market Square and Gay Street. They will talk about the lessons they have learned and some of the memorable experiences they have had in this work. They will also explain why they are so optimistic about the revival of the historic areas of downtown Knoxville and the adjacent neighborhoods. Central to their work is the 100 block of South Gay Street, the most completely restored historic block in Knoxville, and the site of the two largest residential restoration conversions in the city, the Sterchi Building and the Emporium. If interest is sufficient, a tour of the 100 block of South Gay Street will be arranged for a later date. |
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December 19, 2002 Barry Thacker Coal Creek Watershed Foundation, Inc |
"Legacy of the Coal Creek Miners" The miners of Coal Creek, from Anderson and Campbell Counties, left their mark on history. These men and boys fueled the industrial revolution. They fought the Tennessee Militia over the use of convict miners by private industry during the Coal Creek War of 1891 to 1892. For their efforts, the free miners of Coal Creek are credited with abolishing the convict lease system in the South, an institution that was worse than slavery. About 300 Coal Creek miners, many of them veterans of the Coal Creek War, perished in mine disasters in 1902 (Fraterville) and 1911 (Briceville). Mine disasters like these raised public awareness of the hazards of mining, resulting in advances in mine safety practices. In the early part of the 20th century, thousands of coal miners died in the United States each year. In 2000, coal mining fatalities in the U.S. numbered 38. Maps to historic sites in the Coal Creek watershed will be distributed at the meeting. Our speaker will also summarize efforts of current Coal Creek residents who have organized to effect change and improve the quality of life in the Coal Creek watershed today. |
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January 18, 2001 Nicole Hirshfield Classics - UTK |
"The Uluburun Ship Wreck" |
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February 15, 2001 Donald W. Jones ORNL |
"Using Economics in Archaeology and the Classics" |
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March 15, 2001 Christopher Craig Classics - UTK |
"Beyond Court TV: Criminal Justice Roman Style" |
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April 19, 2001 Harry Rutledge |
"Twenty-Eight Years at the University of Tennessee: A Backward Glance" |
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May 17, 2001 Otis Stephens Law - UTK |
"History of the Guide Dog Movement in the US" |
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June 21, 2001 Walter Farkas |
"Alternative Medicine: Is it Really an Alternative?" |
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July 19, 2001 James Conklin ORNL |
"Heat Engines Are Cool" |
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August 16, 2001 Albert Ritchie Estate Attorney |
"A Law for the Saints: 1630 A.D." Although the Pilgrim settlement at Plymouth antedated them, the main current of colonial history in New England began with the arrival of the Puritans at Massachusetts Bay in 1630. After a brief review of the historical context, this talk will describe the early years of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, with particular emphasis on its legal status and the development of its legal institutions. Although they referred to themselves as the "Saints," the Puritans had to deal with adultery, drunkenness, and murder, not to mention the much more dangerous offense of dissension. |
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September 20, 2001 Jennifer Siler Director, UT Press |
"From Gutenberg to Gateway: Electronic Publishing at University Presses" |
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October 18, 2001 David Coffey Professor Plant and Soil Science, UTK |
"Nothing Runs Like a Deere" Through my interests in antique (classic) 2-cylinder John Deere tractors and my library research related to description and general information about them, I became further interested in the history, development and success of this 164 year old U.S. company. This presentation will include history and current status of the company and information related to the nostalgic legacy and popularity of classic "johnny popper" tractors. The company was founded in 1837 by the pioneer blacksmith John Deere and incorporated under the name Deere & Company in 1868 in Moline, Illinois. Since then, John Deere products and employees have built a worldwide reputation for integrity, quality, commitment and innovation. John Deere now is the world's leading producer of agricultural equipment and a leader in the production of equipment for construction, forestry and lawn and turf care. In addition, the company manufactures diesel engines and other powertrain components for the off-highway industry as well as providing products and services in credit, managed health care and special technologies. Deere is a Fortune 100 company with a global presence and a worldwide perspective. The company has manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia, and in North and South America. Additionally, Deere markets products in over 150 countries and is committed to delivering the world's finest solutions and genuine value in equipment, service and support -- on time, every time. Deere stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the Chicago and the Frankfurt, Germany, stock exchanges. Deere & Company invests well over $1.5 million each working day in product research and development. |
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November 15, 2001 Locklin Caffey |
"Ancient Dams" |
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December 20, 2001 John Foss |
"Jordan: Protecting a Great Heritage?" After three seasons of archaeological investigations of the Karak Plateau south of Amman, a great deal has been discovered about this portion of Jordan. The Moabite fort (al-Mudaybi') that has been investigated dates back to about 760 B.C., but was destroyed by a combination of perhaps fire and earthquakes. The occupation zones, shown in about 2 meters of sediment, include those of Moabites, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic peoples. Regional studies of the al-Karak Plateau involved mapping soils, mapping additional archaeological sites, and studying natural resource development. Some environmental issues raised in this study included soil erosion, loss of archaeological sites by development, impact of new irrigation systems, overgrazing, and preservation of quality agricultural lands. A new project at Petra, former capital of the Nabataean kingdom, concentrated on studying the soils of several archaeological sites. The soils information provide insights into the history of the site and aid in developing plans for excavating. |
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Most recent revision December 23, 2002