Forty Minute Forum » Fall 2009OCTOBER 18, 2009
J. L. Granatstein Professor of history for thirty years, Senior Research Fellow of the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute, former Director and CEO of the Canadian War Museum, writer on Canadian history, foreign policy and defense, and politics, author of numerous publications including The Ottawa Men and A Man of Influence. Afghanistan: In or Out? Win or Lose? The Government and Parliament have committed Canada to remain in Kandahar until 2011. The Canadian Forces have suffered heavy casualties on this mission and public support is weakening. Should we leave early? Can we? Should we stay beyond 2011 in a non-combat role? Can we? Can the Canadian Forces even sustain the commitment? These are key questions deserving every Canadians' consideration.
OCTOBER 25, 2009
Chad Martin Stauber Doctoral student, U of T; graduate of Hebrew University of Jerusalem; specialist in Second Temple period (Dead Sea Scrolls) and especially the War Texts from Qumrân The Dead Sea Scrolls: Their Significance and Impact Since their discovery in 1947/48 by Bedouin shepherds, the Dead Sea Scrolls have evoked much debate and have even inspired elaborate conspiracy theories. But what sort of documents are these? What do they have to tell us about early Christianity and Judaism? In this talk, C. Martin Stauber will introduce the scrolls by re-telling the tale of their unearthing, and by describing the kinds of documents found in this millennium-old Levantine library.
NOVEMBER 1, 2009
Barbara Budd CBC-Radio co-host of "As it Happens" for 16 years, actor (including 5 seasons at Stratford), voice performer (CD's and cartoons) The Glory of Story Telling In her career as an actor and as broadcaster, Barbara has managed to stay in close proximity to great story-tellers, and inspiring stories. The art of story telling fascinates her, whether she is introduced to a stranger who generously shares their personal history, or in exploring the works of Shakespeare, or interviewing the newsmakers of the day. We all have stories to tell. Using examples of the stories she has been told, she shares how her life has been informed by the power of those stories shared with her.
NOVEMBER 8, 2009
Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish Physician from Gaza working for many years in Israeli hospitals treating both Palestinian and Israeli patients; peace activist, trained in public health; in early 2009 three daughters were tragically killed in the latest conflict; nominee for 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Peace-building through Medicine and Public Health: Lessons from the Middle East In his career as a physician, Dr. Abuelaish has been passionately dedicated to peace between Israel and Palestine. A Palestinian who speaks both Arabic and Hebrew, he crossed from Gaza into Israel to care for patients in an Israeli hospital. Despite suffering enormous personal tragedy in 2009 with the loss of three of his daughters, he remains steadfastly committed to peace. Today he describes his efforts to build relationships between Israelis and Palestinians using medicine and his ongoing commitment to peace in the region.
NOVEMBER 15, 2009
Mary W. Rowe New Orleans community developer, project manager, facilitator and convener involving a range of issues in the public interest; author/editor; president and editor of Ideas That Matter (Jane Jacobs); former St. Clementine Even before Hurricane Katrina triggered a storm surge that breached an elaborate levee system, New Orleans was challenged by a failing school system, declining population, a tourism-dependent economy, a declining tax base, rising poverty and crime rates, and lack of investment in public infrastructure. Since the 'federal flood' (as they call it) citizens, unwilling to accept a diminished fate, are incubating new types of innovation in every form of urban endeavour. It is a prophetic city; where the lessons of New Orleans in taking control of its destiny have implications for cities - and their residents - around the world.
NOVEMBER 22, 2009
Julie Angus Adventurer, writer, filmmaker, and motivational speaker, photographer, molecular biologist, medical researcher; co-winner of the National Geographic's "Adventurer of the Year Award" (2006) Rowboat in a Hurricane Julie (Wafaei) Angus is the only woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland. During the worst hurricane season in history (2005 - 2006), she spent 5 months rowing unsupported across 10,000 km of unforgiving seas. Throughout this challenge, she and her husband-to-be, Colin Angus, rowed through four cyclones, encountered great white sharks, and fished for survival. Using PowerPoint pictures and video Julie tells of the adventure and what she learned from it. |
