Monthly Archives: February 2016

Coming Attractions March 1, 2016

1:00
Nan Morrison, former Chair of the College of Charleston English Department, will join us to share anecdotes and insights in the long history of this storied local institution. She is the author of A History of the College of Charleston, 1936-2008  which continues the documentation written by James Easterby covering its history from 1770-1936.
2:30
Offshore Drilling
Norm Levine, Professor of Geology and Geosciences at the College of Charleston will return to consider with us the controversial issue of offshore drilling.

Coming Attractions Feb 23, 2016

1:00
Putin’s Design for Russia
Norman Pereira, Professor Emeritus of Russian Studies and History at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia says that during Vladimir Putin’s 15 years in power he has gone from being seen in the West as an ally, notably during 9/11, to an arch villain who draws comparisons with Stalin and Hitler.  To what extent are his behaviors and policies responsible for this change in perception and to what extent are the changing geo-political dynamic for the West responsible?  He will address this and other issues in his talk.

2:30
A Living Composer
Edward Hart, Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Music at the College of Charleston will examine the inspiration and “anatomy” of his violin concerto Under an Indigo Sky which he wrote for Yuriy Bekker.  He describes it as a love letter to his home state of South Carolina, this relatively small place with amazing natural and cultural diversity.    He has attempted to capture musically three distinct yet related regions of our state with an eye not only to the landscapes, but to the feel and “soul” of the place.  

Coming Attractions February 16, 2016

1:00
The Turning Leaf Project
Amy Barch will talk with us about the program she has founded which helps incarcerated offenders successfully navigate back into society as productive members when they are released from prison. The program involves six months of 18 hour a week classes in such areas as behavioral therapy and financial planning. It has achieved national attention for its successful outcomes and the hope it offers to what has long been seen as an intractable dilemma.

2:30
Taming and Enjoying Technology
Larry Brock of Setup-On Demand will provide an overview of the technology commonly available and used by many of us, including smart phones, computers, tablets, and the many devices designed to enhance our lives. He will talk about how to determine what devices you need, and how to use them effectively, efficiently, and securely.

Coming Attractions February 9, 2016

1:00
Smart Home Technology
John Preston, Professor Emeritus of Eastern Michigan University, will describe how home WiFi systems can be combined with sensors, locks and cameras to monitor energy use, control lights and appliances as well as access to the home. He will describe how this technology can be used to monitor aging seniors who wish to live alone. The presentation will include a demonstration of the system installed in the Prestons home in Michigan.

2:30
Know Your Snakes
Ann Clamp, live snake demonstrator of the Edisto Island Serpentarium, will display and handle non-poisonous snakes for us and help us recognize them in the wild. She will also help us identify poisonous ones that she will display in clear enclosed cases.