January

Think twice before being mean to a crow - it could hold a grudge against you and tell its friends and family to do the same.
We are very fortunate to have Willamette Biology Professor David Craig visit us and describe his fascinating research on American Crows. Dr. Craig recently co-authored a study, published in Animal Behaviour, which supports many people's anecdotal claims that birds recognize and remember people they consider to be a threat. Additionally, his work with other researchers was recently featured on the PBS Nature program under the title “A Murder of Crows”:

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We are honored to welcome Mr. Kroger to ICL. He has graciously agreed to put us on his busy schedule and discuss the many challenges that arise in the operation of the largest law firm in the state. With the State Legislature in session, Mr. Kroger's schedule is often unpredictable. We have set aside a two hour period in hopes that we will have ample time for a good discussion and Q & A session.

There have been some changes in the classroom since we last attended college! Gary Kuhn, Cooperative Work Experience Coordinator at Chemeketa Community College, will highlight the online courses that he teaches and will demonstrate for the audience tools and technology utilized in the online classroom. He will specifically focus on the use of communication technology and its application in online learning and will feature communication tools including: Discussion boards, blogs, chat, video discussions, and virtual reality as platforms for synchronous discussions.

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The NAFTA Agreement of 1994 was based on the Canada-U.S. FTA of 1989. The motivations for each country for joining NAFTA and the basic foreign trade and investment provisions will be presented, followed by an evaluation of NAFTA's impact on Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

Our presenter is ICL member Mark Kasoff.

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Matthew Nelson, WU Prof. of Dance, will speak about his experiences both as a musician and a dancer, and his experiences with the intersection of these two natural partners. Matthew will discuss his current collaborations with Music Professor Mike Nord, and will also show work from past collaborations with other composers. How do musicians and dancers dialogue? What are processes for collaborations? What are historic references in modern dance, ballet, and other cultural forms?

View Matthew Nelson's website. Tickets for PeopleDance (a series of dance performances in February by faculty, students and guest artists) can be purchased on the web site.

This lecture by David Christian introduces the 5,000 years of human history dominated by huge and powerful societies known as "agrarian civilization." We now get writing and what some historians call "real history." These agrarian civilizations depended on the production of peasant farmers living in villages. They were managed by tribute-taking states whose rulers normally lived in cities. The focus of this lecture is on southern Mesopotamia.

ICL Presenter: Henrietta Griffitts

The first agrarian civilizations appeared in southern Mesopotamia, an area “land between the rivers Tigris-Euphrates,” which corresponds to modern-day Iraq. From 4,000 BC, the climates became drier near the Persian Gulf and populations grew rapidly and started to settle in communities. This gave rise to domestic animals and diversification of work, and created the need for armies to protect each of these cities, markets, religions, and literacy.

ICL Presenter, Jyl McCormick

Ted Wheeler was serving in Multnomah County as elected chief executive when, in March of last year, he was appointed to complete the term of former Treasurer BenWestlund, who died of cancer. In the November 2010 general election Ted Wheeler was elected the 28th Treasurer of the State of Oregon. Wheeler quickly accepted the invitation to speak with us about the state of the State. His office advises us, however, that his address will be brief and, in the event of some matter of urgency, he might not be able to keep his date with us at all. Let’s keep a good thought.

St. Andrews and golf are considered as almost being synonymous, but each has it own distinct history, as well as an interrelated history.

Our presenter is ICL member Gene Fletcher.

As Henry Miller describes it, his main job “is to make milk come out of your nose every Thursday morning.” Obviously, from that statement you can see that you do not have to ever hold a fishing pole in your hand or go hunting to be able to get a good Thursday morning laugh from his column. Join us for a fun look at the life and work of a columnist who has stated he prefers an audience that would rather hear a dinosaur speak, than watch a fancy PowerPoint presentation.

Silverton-based OCPP does in-depth research and analysis on budget, tax and economic issues. OCPP has set its goal to improve decision making and to generate more opportunities for all Oregonians. Here to speak about the mission, values and alliances of the center is Chuck Sheketoff, Executive Director of OCPP. Not coincidentally, his presentation follows that of the State Treasurer. Also, not coincidentally, Chuck Sheketoff is the spouse of Naseem Rakha who, as our guest in October, spoke about her book, The Crying Tree.