MARCH 2021 CLASSES
Week of March 1
Monday Mar. 1 10am-Noon
Title : Poetry Reading Fun!
Facilitator : Trina Gaynon, SSI member
Description :
Know a lot about poetry? Know nothing about poetry? Somewhere in-between?
There’s a place for you in this very popular class led by Trina Gaynon. We read from a
variety of published works. Really FUN!
——————————————————————————————————————--
Tuesday Mar. 2 1-3 pm
Title : Sacco and Vanzetti
Presenter : Kathy Jackson, SSI member
Description :
Sacco and Vanzetti brings to life the story of Nicola Sacco and Bartolommeo Vanzetti,
two Italian immigrant anarchists, who were accused of a murder in 1920, and executed
in Boston in 1927 after a notoriously prejudiced trial. The ordeal of Sacco and Vanzetti
came to symbolize the bigotry and intolerance directed at immigrants and dissenters in
America. Millions of people around the world protested on their behalf. Their story
continues to have great resonance today as civil liberties and the rights of immigrants
continue to be under attack.
———————————————————————————————--
Wednesday Mar. 3 10am-Noon
Title : What Does the Future Hold for Medicine?
Presenters : Marti Summer and Jim Gradoville, SSI members
Description :
The future of medicine is both amazing and terrifying. For the first time in human history,
individual scientists and clinicians have the power to radically alter our lives in ways that
have never before been possible.
The Future of Medicine Could Be Terrifying
In China, a geneticist edits the genes of embryos in an effort to prevent HIV. An Italian
surgeon recruits critically-ill patients as candidates for the first human brain transplant.
Authorities in California use DNA profiles to capture a notorious serial killer. A Swiss
religious sect attempts to clone its own members. Medical technology is advancing at
unprecedented speeds—raising the prospect of personalized therapies and cures for
diseases like cancer, but also concerns that legal standards and ethical norms have not
kept pace with scientific “progress.”
However, The Future of Medicine Could Also Be Amazing
This presentation explores some of the most exciting recent developments in medicine
that promise to help us live longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives, ranging from novel
reproductive technologies and cutting edge immunotherapies to the harvesting of “big
data” and the implementation of new systems of information exchange. We will also
address both the ethical challenges that arise when these technologies work as
promised, such as who should pay for a drug that costs $1.25 million per dose, and
what safeguards, if any, exist for keeping these technologies away from those whose
rogue actions could cause irreparable damage to us all.
———————————————————————————————--
Thursday Mar. 4 10am-Noon
Title : Multiple Personality Disorder: Split Personality or Split Profession?
Presenter : Michael R. Jackson, PhD, clinical psychologist
Description :
Multiple Personality Disorder--also known as Dissociative Identity Disorder--has been a
focus, over the years, of many medical, scientific, and popular publications and
discussions. Some mental health professionals have questioned the reality of "split
personalities," while others have argued that this phenomenon is much more common
than many people realize. This presentation will examine this psychological disorder--its
history, dynamics, and possible causes, as well as the controversies surrounding it.
Some of the reasons for the controversies will be explored, and some ways in which the
controversies might be reconciled will also be considered.
———————————————————————————————--
Week of March 8
Monday Mar. 8 10am-Noon
Title : Lost Portland
Presenter : Val Ballestrem, Education Manager of Architectural Heritage Center
Description :
Since the city consolidated with Albina and East Portland in 1891, countless Portland
buildings, streetscapes, and even entire neighborhoods have been lost or forever
changed. In this class, Val Ballestrem examines some of the lost icons as well as a few
of the not-so-well-known buildings and places that were once an important part of the
city. Val Ballestrem is a local historian, author, and the Education Manager of Portland’s
Architectural Heritage Center. With excerpts from his book Lost Portland, Oregon
(History Press, 2018) along with a few outtakes, Val will share stories of what he feels
were significant losses for the city, all while recognizing that change isn’t always for the
better or for that matter, worse.
——————————————————————————————————————--
Tuesday Mar. 9 1-3 pm
Title : Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World
Presenter : Kathy Jackson, SSI member
Description :
Explore and celebrate the great richness of Islamic art and architecture throughout the
world to peer into extraordinary palaces and mosques, decorated with exquisite
gardens, ceramics and paintings, to watch the play of light and space, and to sense the
sheen of delicate textiles.
———————————————————————————————--
Wednesday Mar. 10 10am-Noon
Title : Paris 1919 - Six Months That Changed The World
Presenter : George Davidson, SSI member
Description :
This feature-length film, based on Margaret MacMillan's acclaimed book of the same
name, takes us inside the most ambitious peace talks in history. Revisiting the event
with a vivid sense of narrative, the film evokes a pivotal moment when peace seemed
possible, and reflects on the hard-learned lessons of history.
———————————————————————————————--
Thursday Mar. 11 10am-Noon
Title : The Science of Pleasure: Why We Like What We Like
Presenter : Jim Gradoville, SSI member
Description :
Why do we prefer original paintings to forgeries? Why does wine taste better when we
think it’s expensive? And why do people pay millions of dollars for celebrity
memorabilia? It turns out that there is a psychological theory that explains all of these
quirks of pleasure, and it’s one that can help us improve our lives.
In this fascinating, wide-ranging, and often very funny class, Dr. Bloom talks about the
pleasure (and pain) of raising children; he explores the mysterious appeal of extremist
groups like ISIS; and he explains why we aren’t any happier now than we were in the
1950s. This class is an engaging introduction to the new science of pleasure.
———————————————————————————————--
Week of March 15
Monday Mar. 15 10am-Noon
Title : Poetry Reading Fun!
Facilitator : Trina Gaynon, SSI member
Description :
Know a lot about poetry? Know nothing about poetry? Somewhere in-between?
There’s a place for you in this very popular class led by Trina Gaynon. We read from a
variety of published works. Really FUN!
——————————————————————————————————————--
Tuesday Mar. 16 1-3 pm
Title : Nuclear Power – What’s It All About?
Presenter : Duane Ray, SSI member
Description :
Global Warming is an increasing concern for all of us. Nuclear power could be a
solution. We will review nuclear power – its problems, its possibilities and many myths
about it. I’m very much in favor of nuclear power. Come join the discussion. – And what
about Fusion Power? We’ll discuss it all. Some useful background would be my SSI
Climate Change talk on January 21st.
———————————————————————————————--
Wednesday Mar. 17 10am-Noon
Title : Brand Irish: The Global Marketing of Irish Traditions
Presenter : Kathy Jackson, SSI member
Description :
Why is it that Saint Patrick’s Day is the only national holiday that is celebrated in almost
every country across the world? Why can Irish pubs be found from Afghanistan to
Zimbabwe? It seems that nearly everybody on the planet has some connection to
Ireland.
It’s not because of the alcohol (although it’s a factor, for sure!). It’s not because of the
outstanding quality of the food, or the loveable rogues of stage and screen. It’s not due
to the impressive business savvy, excellent education, or even down to the endless
musical and literary talents that come out of this country.
It is because being Irish has become a brand; a best-selling, take-the-world-by-storm
brand. And while they export many terrific products, their best export by far is their
people. For such a tiny country, their impact on the world stage is massive. We examine
the birth of “Brand Irish”.
———————————————————————————————--
Thursday Mar. 18 10am-Noon
Title : Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Justice in Canada
Presenter : Deborah Davis Jackson, PhD, Research Professor, Cultural Anthropology,
Earlham College, https://deborahdavisjackson.org/
Description :
The Indigenous peoples of Canada share much in common with those in the U.S. –
both culturally and historically – while at the same time some of their struggles and
experiences are unique. This presentation addresses those similarities and differences,
with an emphasis on the environmental injustices endured by Native peoples. An
in-depth look into two cases – one in Northern Alberta, the other in Southwestern
Ontario – brings to life both the grave challenges faced by these communities, and the
ways in which they continue to fight for justice.
———————————————————————————————--
Week of March 22
Monday Mar. 22 10am-Noon
Title : Leonard Bernstein: American Superstar of Classical Music
Presenter : Gordon Neal Herman
Description :
With his last-minute replacement of Bruno Walter conducting the New York
Philharmonic, Bernstein was propelled into stardom. He became well known as a
conductor, a composer of both classical music and theater music, and a beloved music
educator. This presentation will explore his career through recordings and video.
——————————————————————————————————————--
Tuesday Mar. 23 1-3 pm
Title : Studio Ghibli
Presenter : JJ Jackson
Description :
The Japanese animation company, Studio Ghibli, has produced more than twenty films,
earning countless awards and a legion of devoted fans around the world, including
Spirited Away, winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Picture. Their films are
renowned for their imaginative animation, accessible stories, and charming characters.
Come join us and explore the works of Studio Ghibli and famed director Hiyao Miyazaki.
———————————————————————————————--
Wednesday Mar. 24 10am-Noon
Title : Book Potpourri
Presenter : George Davidson, SSI member
Description :
It’s time again for all book lovers to share their currently read and/or favorite book with
your SSI friends. Select from any genre, any author, any era. Or just Zoom-in and just
listen and end up with a great reading list. All are welcome.
———————————————————————————————--
Thursday Mar. 25 10am-Noon
Title : Mothers of Invention: Creative Women in a Man's World
Presenters : Sandy Miller and a panel of other SSI members
Description :
Join Sandy Miller and a panel of other SSI members including Marilyn Katz, Betty Wood
and Trina Gaynon to learn about women who have excelled in traditionally
male-dominated fields, including science, medicine, and music.
———————————————————————————————--
Week of March 1
Monday Mar. 1 10am-Noon
Title : Poetry Reading Fun!
Facilitator : Trina Gaynon, SSI member
Description :
Know a lot about poetry? Know nothing about poetry? Somewhere in-between?
There’s a place for you in this very popular class led by Trina Gaynon. We read from a
variety of published works. Really FUN!
——————————————————————————————————————--
Tuesday Mar. 2 1-3 pm
Title : Sacco and Vanzetti
Presenter : Kathy Jackson, SSI member
Description :
Sacco and Vanzetti brings to life the story of Nicola Sacco and Bartolommeo Vanzetti,
two Italian immigrant anarchists, who were accused of a murder in 1920, and executed
in Boston in 1927 after a notoriously prejudiced trial. The ordeal of Sacco and Vanzetti
came to symbolize the bigotry and intolerance directed at immigrants and dissenters in
America. Millions of people around the world protested on their behalf. Their story
continues to have great resonance today as civil liberties and the rights of immigrants
continue to be under attack.
———————————————————————————————--
Wednesday Mar. 3 10am-Noon
Title : What Does the Future Hold for Medicine?
Presenters : Marti Summer and Jim Gradoville, SSI members
Description :
The future of medicine is both amazing and terrifying. For the first time in human history,
individual scientists and clinicians have the power to radically alter our lives in ways that
have never before been possible.
The Future of Medicine Could Be Terrifying
In China, a geneticist edits the genes of embryos in an effort to prevent HIV. An Italian
surgeon recruits critically-ill patients as candidates for the first human brain transplant.
Authorities in California use DNA profiles to capture a notorious serial killer. A Swiss
religious sect attempts to clone its own members. Medical technology is advancing at
unprecedented speeds—raising the prospect of personalized therapies and cures for
diseases like cancer, but also concerns that legal standards and ethical norms have not
kept pace with scientific “progress.”
However, The Future of Medicine Could Also Be Amazing
This presentation explores some of the most exciting recent developments in medicine
that promise to help us live longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives, ranging from novel
reproductive technologies and cutting edge immunotherapies to the harvesting of “big
data” and the implementation of new systems of information exchange. We will also
address both the ethical challenges that arise when these technologies work as
promised, such as who should pay for a drug that costs $1.25 million per dose, and
what safeguards, if any, exist for keeping these technologies away from those whose
rogue actions could cause irreparable damage to us all.
———————————————————————————————--
Thursday Mar. 4 10am-Noon
Title : Multiple Personality Disorder: Split Personality or Split Profession?
Presenter : Michael R. Jackson, PhD, clinical psychologist
Description :
Multiple Personality Disorder--also known as Dissociative Identity Disorder--has been a
focus, over the years, of many medical, scientific, and popular publications and
discussions. Some mental health professionals have questioned the reality of "split
personalities," while others have argued that this phenomenon is much more common
than many people realize. This presentation will examine this psychological disorder--its
history, dynamics, and possible causes, as well as the controversies surrounding it.
Some of the reasons for the controversies will be explored, and some ways in which the
controversies might be reconciled will also be considered.
———————————————————————————————--
Week of March 8
Monday Mar. 8 10am-Noon
Title : Lost Portland
Presenter : Val Ballestrem, Education Manager of Architectural Heritage Center
Description :
Since the city consolidated with Albina and East Portland in 1891, countless Portland
buildings, streetscapes, and even entire neighborhoods have been lost or forever
changed. In this class, Val Ballestrem examines some of the lost icons as well as a few
of the not-so-well-known buildings and places that were once an important part of the
city. Val Ballestrem is a local historian, author, and the Education Manager of Portland’s
Architectural Heritage Center. With excerpts from his book Lost Portland, Oregon
(History Press, 2018) along with a few outtakes, Val will share stories of what he feels
were significant losses for the city, all while recognizing that change isn’t always for the
better or for that matter, worse.
——————————————————————————————————————--
Tuesday Mar. 9 1-3 pm
Title : Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World
Presenter : Kathy Jackson, SSI member
Description :
Explore and celebrate the great richness of Islamic art and architecture throughout the
world to peer into extraordinary palaces and mosques, decorated with exquisite
gardens, ceramics and paintings, to watch the play of light and space, and to sense the
sheen of delicate textiles.
———————————————————————————————--
Wednesday Mar. 10 10am-Noon
Title : Paris 1919 - Six Months That Changed The World
Presenter : George Davidson, SSI member
Description :
This feature-length film, based on Margaret MacMillan's acclaimed book of the same
name, takes us inside the most ambitious peace talks in history. Revisiting the event
with a vivid sense of narrative, the film evokes a pivotal moment when peace seemed
possible, and reflects on the hard-learned lessons of history.
———————————————————————————————--
Thursday Mar. 11 10am-Noon
Title : The Science of Pleasure: Why We Like What We Like
Presenter : Jim Gradoville, SSI member
Description :
Why do we prefer original paintings to forgeries? Why does wine taste better when we
think it’s expensive? And why do people pay millions of dollars for celebrity
memorabilia? It turns out that there is a psychological theory that explains all of these
quirks of pleasure, and it’s one that can help us improve our lives.
In this fascinating, wide-ranging, and often very funny class, Dr. Bloom talks about the
pleasure (and pain) of raising children; he explores the mysterious appeal of extremist
groups like ISIS; and he explains why we aren’t any happier now than we were in the
1950s. This class is an engaging introduction to the new science of pleasure.
———————————————————————————————--
Week of March 15
Monday Mar. 15 10am-Noon
Title : Poetry Reading Fun!
Facilitator : Trina Gaynon, SSI member
Description :
Know a lot about poetry? Know nothing about poetry? Somewhere in-between?
There’s a place for you in this very popular class led by Trina Gaynon. We read from a
variety of published works. Really FUN!
——————————————————————————————————————--
Tuesday Mar. 16 1-3 pm
Title : Nuclear Power – What’s It All About?
Presenter : Duane Ray, SSI member
Description :
Global Warming is an increasing concern for all of us. Nuclear power could be a
solution. We will review nuclear power – its problems, its possibilities and many myths
about it. I’m very much in favor of nuclear power. Come join the discussion. – And what
about Fusion Power? We’ll discuss it all. Some useful background would be my SSI
Climate Change talk on January 21st.
———————————————————————————————--
Wednesday Mar. 17 10am-Noon
Title : Brand Irish: The Global Marketing of Irish Traditions
Presenter : Kathy Jackson, SSI member
Description :
Why is it that Saint Patrick’s Day is the only national holiday that is celebrated in almost
every country across the world? Why can Irish pubs be found from Afghanistan to
Zimbabwe? It seems that nearly everybody on the planet has some connection to
Ireland.
It’s not because of the alcohol (although it’s a factor, for sure!). It’s not because of the
outstanding quality of the food, or the loveable rogues of stage and screen. It’s not due
to the impressive business savvy, excellent education, or even down to the endless
musical and literary talents that come out of this country.
It is because being Irish has become a brand; a best-selling, take-the-world-by-storm
brand. And while they export many terrific products, their best export by far is their
people. For such a tiny country, their impact on the world stage is massive. We examine
the birth of “Brand Irish”.
———————————————————————————————--
Thursday Mar. 18 10am-Noon
Title : Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Justice in Canada
Presenter : Deborah Davis Jackson, PhD, Research Professor, Cultural Anthropology,
Earlham College, https://deborahdavisjackson.org/
Description :
The Indigenous peoples of Canada share much in common with those in the U.S. –
both culturally and historically – while at the same time some of their struggles and
experiences are unique. This presentation addresses those similarities and differences,
with an emphasis on the environmental injustices endured by Native peoples. An
in-depth look into two cases – one in Northern Alberta, the other in Southwestern
Ontario – brings to life both the grave challenges faced by these communities, and the
ways in which they continue to fight for justice.
———————————————————————————————--
Week of March 22
Monday Mar. 22 10am-Noon
Title : Leonard Bernstein: American Superstar of Classical Music
Presenter : Gordon Neal Herman
Description :
With his last-minute replacement of Bruno Walter conducting the New York
Philharmonic, Bernstein was propelled into stardom. He became well known as a
conductor, a composer of both classical music and theater music, and a beloved music
educator. This presentation will explore his career through recordings and video.
——————————————————————————————————————--
Tuesday Mar. 23 1-3 pm
Title : Studio Ghibli
Presenter : JJ Jackson
Description :
The Japanese animation company, Studio Ghibli, has produced more than twenty films,
earning countless awards and a legion of devoted fans around the world, including
Spirited Away, winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Picture. Their films are
renowned for their imaginative animation, accessible stories, and charming characters.
Come join us and explore the works of Studio Ghibli and famed director Hiyao Miyazaki.
———————————————————————————————--
Wednesday Mar. 24 10am-Noon
Title : Book Potpourri
Presenter : George Davidson, SSI member
Description :
It’s time again for all book lovers to share their currently read and/or favorite book with
your SSI friends. Select from any genre, any author, any era. Or just Zoom-in and just
listen and end up with a great reading list. All are welcome.
———————————————————————————————--
Thursday Mar. 25 10am-Noon
Title : Mothers of Invention: Creative Women in a Man's World
Presenters : Sandy Miller and a panel of other SSI members
Description :
Join Sandy Miller and a panel of other SSI members including Marilyn Katz, Betty Wood
and Trina Gaynon to learn about women who have excelled in traditionally
male-dominated fields, including science, medicine, and music.
———————————————————————————————--