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Current Meeting & Topic Schedule

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July 7 2007

Future Studies & Special Presentations

Title: Bracketing the Future

Discussion Leader: Brian Toren

Abstract: Bracketing is the process used to determine who plays who in sport tournaments. I thought maybe this process could be applied to forecasting the future. My plan is to try this out on all willing subjects at this SIG. I will explain the process a bit more, discuss a couple of tools to use to forecast the future and divide participants into small groups (I'll leave the interpretation of this to the reader). I will hand out some worksheets to each group and they can have at it. Afterwords I would like to critique of the process.

 

July 14, 2007

Economic/Finance Futures SIG 

Title: John Naisbitt's Vision of the Future

Abstract: Naisbitt Futures from his latest book, MIND SET!

Presentation: A Review and Critique John Naisbitt’s View of the Future.ppt

Handout: Alvin and Heidi Toffler's Industrial vs. Informational Paradigms.ppt

Handout #2: Naisbitt's 1982 Megatrends.ppt

A Vision for the 21st Century: "I am not a student for anyone else's agenda. I go out and find the answers to my own questions... not from someone else's list." Russell Crowe summed up his work philosophy.

Discussion Leader: Jack Carter

 

July 21, 2007

Society/Management Futures SIG

Title: Future of Aging - Video of presentation by Aubrey de Grey

Discussion Leader:Dave Keenan

• Abstract: de Grey discusses Strategies for Engineering Neglible Senescence (SENS) and the 7 factors of aging
• Handout: HO-Future of Aging.doc

   

July 28, 2007

Technology Futures SIG & Tee shirt pick up

Title: The universe is queerer than we can suppose - Video presentation by Richard Dawkins

Discussion Leader: Hank Lederer 

• Abstract

 

August 4, 2007

Future Studies & Special Presentations

Title:  WFS2007 Debrief

Discussion Leader: Tom Abeles, George Kubik & Dave Keenan

 

August 11, 2007

Economic/Finance Futures SIG

Title: Identifying early warning systems for future trends in society: 26 MAJOR TECHNIQUES AND TRAPS

1. Society systems are very complicated; don’t expect silver bullet solutions.

2. It is important to be humble. We don’t understand many of the forces of the    universe, the worldwide marketplace and human psychology.

3. Beware of considering that two events which have a statistical correlation represent a cause and effect relationship. Most events which happened in the same time frame have absolutely no cause and effect relationship.

4. Beware of stating your own personal prejudice as a proven principle of how society operates. Anecdotes are valuable, but they are not universal truths

To Down Load click here    Fut26traps.doc

Discussion Leader:Bill Peter

 

August 18, 2007

Technology Futures SIG

Title:  Synthetic Organisms

Discussion Leader: Hank Lederer

Abstract: Craig Venter (of Human Genome Fame) has a new venture to develop minimal genome organisms that can be engineered as efficient producers of fuel.

 Ref. www.syntheticgenomics.com

 

August 25, 2007

Society/Management Futures SIG

Title:  Virtual Worlds - Real World Issues

Discussion Leader: David Keenan

Abstract: Since January 2007, subscribers to the Massively Multiplayer Online Game Second Life has grown from 2.3 million to 8.3 million.  There are now over 100 real world companies who have set up shop in Second Life.  Over 250 schools have established a presence in the virtual world.  We will explore some of the latest news to emerge from this new space and consider some implications for the future.  A copy of the handout and all the links to video and audio can be found at http://www.mnfu turists.org/PDFCurrent/Virtual%20Worlds%20RealOpportunities.pdf

 

September 1, 2007

Future Studies & Special Presentations

Title:  Future of Academic Publications

Discussion Leader:  Tom Abeles

Abstract: 25,000 professional, academic journals in the world are facing pressures from electronic publishing, blogs, Google Scholar, etc.  More to come.

 

September 15, 2007

Economic/Finance Futures SIG in lieu of Technology Futures SIG

Title: Ancient wisdom meets education and critical thinking 

Discussion Leader: Jack Carter, Principal, Wealth Generation 

Presentation: Ancient Wisdom Meets Education and Critical Thinking.ppt

Abstract: I am responding to an article on our website entitled “Critical Thinking Teaching Strategies and Classroom Techniques.”

In order for education to be effective and critical thinking to occur, a person has to know themselves and their nature, and be continually supported by a culture that reinforces that knowledge.

These insights are based on ancient wisdom a la Joseph Campbell’s The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers.

Other references Education Innovation

 

September 22, 2007

Society/Management Futures SIG

Title:  The Future of Health Care: Quantum Healing.  You CAN heal yourself!

Discussion Leader: Brenda Miller

Abstract: Quantum Healing: The Future of Health Care

Imagine a world where AIDS is just another infection, and where cancer victims routinely experience spontaneous remission.  Futurist, Brenda Miller will discuss conventional medicine vs. complimentary alternative therapies; and a breakthrough, innovative technology, which promises to forever change the way we think about well-being and human potential, that could take the place of medicine within 30 years.  

 

Brenda will discuss the paradigm shifts to Quantum Healing, as opposed to the realm of diagnosing and curing.  Attendees will learn how this new self-healing technology is measurable and stems from the holographic principles in physics and the work of physicists David Bohm and Niels Bohr: the universe is actually a three-dimensional projection no more real than a hologram; everything is energy and everything vibrates at a unique frequency, including diseases, and for every imbalance there is a frequency that will neutralize it; and everything in the universe is infinitely interconnected and therefore holds the "secret" toward healing and quantum consciousness.  

 

Brenda will also address the threats of what is occurring in our world that stands in the way of us advancing and healing ourselves, the implications if this technology is accepted by the mainstream, and the dire consequences for those who do not. 

View the presentation => new crotona.ppt

 

September 29, 2007

Peace SIG

Title:  Is The Iraq War End In Sight?

Discussion Leader:Rog Rydberg

Abstract:(For reference -  Peace Sig Issues )

 

October 13, 2007 

Economic/Finance Futures SIG

Title: "America's Fiscal Policy: We Must Look to the Future."

Discussion Leader: Jim Zitek

Presentation:As member of the speaker's bureau of the Concord Coalition. I have a 30 minute presentation that illustrates the problems of current fiscal policy (deficits) and where these deficits are headed if nothing is changed. This is followed by a discussion about what can be done to (discretionary and nondiscretionary) programs/budgets to change this trend. Long-term, if we do nothing, the U.S. could be facing a fiscal calamity if we don't get federal spending and revenues into balance. At the end of the program, I have five questions we hope each member of the audience will ask their candidate in the upcoming election. This is non-partisan. The questions are for all parties. We need solutions not politics.

 

(The Concord Coalition is a Washington D.C. based, non-profit,  non-partisan organization advocating responsible fiscal policy. It was

 started by Warren Rudman (R-NH) and Paul Tsongas (D-Mass).)

Ref Econ Sig : 2007 Forecast    Econ Sig - The Dollar

 

October  20, 2007

Technology Futures SIG

Title: Ten Future Web Trends

Discussion Leader: David Keenan

Abstract:  Drawn from a nice article on ReadWriteWeb  10_future_web_trends</ strong>

The Semantic Web, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Worlds, Mobile, Attention Economy, Websites as Web Services, Online Video/Internet TV, Rich Internet Apps, International Web, and Personalization Handout: HO Ten Future Web Trends 20Oct07.doc

 

October  27, 2007

Society/Management Futures SIG

Title:  The Coming Pandemic

Discussion Leader: Eric Hand

Abstract:The world has suffered 10 Influenza A pandemics in the last 300 years. The one in 1918-19, according to a recent study, killed about 50-100

million people worldwide, compared to about 9 million killed in WWI. Now a consensus of world experts believes a new pandemic, with ominous similarities to the 1918 one, is evolving in Asia. If it achieves easy human-to-human transmissibility in the next year or so, we would have no effective drugs or vaccines available in large amounts for at least 6 months to one year. Since it would spread thru the world within a few weeks, what would happen to our delicately balanced just-in-time economies, and to people who are far more dependent on each other and their governments than ever? What we can do to mitigate this coming disaster.

 

November 3, 2007

Future Studies & Special Presentations

Title: "Student Participation in Minnesota Future Problem Solving Programs"

Guest Speaker: Cheryl Whitesitt, Executive Director, MN Future Problem Solving Program (MN FPSP)

Moderator: David Keenan

Abstract: MFSP is an award-winning educational program founded in 1974 by Dr. E. Paul Torrance, internationally renowned for his work in

  creativity and gifted education. He also was concerned about the future. The MFSP classes cover the following topics:

   1.Teaching students how to think, not what to think

   2. Defining mission and vision statements

   3. Explaining six-step Future Problem Solving Process

    4. Developing team and individual problem-solving skills, scenario-writing skills

   5. Identifying underlying problems, and brainstorm possible solutions.

    6. Walking through the process

    7. Discussing past, present and future topics

 

November 10, 2007

Econ Futures SIG

Title: "Revolutionary Wealth" (Part 1)

Discussion Leader: Jack Carter

Abstract: I challenge some of noted futurists Alvin and Heidi Toffler's conclusions about the future of society expressed in The Future Shock People Are Back.doc

See: Revolutionary Wealth.ppt 

 

November 17, 2007

Technology Futures SIG

Title:  "Really Tall Buildings"

Discussion Leaders: Hank Lederer and David Keenan

Abstract:  There is a new global competition for the tallest and most amazing buildings.  We'll review recent examples and look at proposed structures in the near and far future. (Roger:  pls change text in this sentence from boldface to lightface. I don't seem to be able to do it.)

HO-TallBuildings HL.doc MNF Tall Buildings 17Nov07.ppt

 

November 24, 2007

Society/Management Futures SIG

Title: "Unleashing Wisdom"

 Discussion Leader:  Bill Peter 

Abstract: First public discussion of the book "A 21st Century Book @ www.2020and2035.com". The book is a new genre available free on www.2020and2035.com and includes a combination of essays, DVD's and a CD presentation format. Importantly, it is an optimistic view of the future as a welcome contrast to "doom and gloom" views we hear so often in our worldwide society.

Background info: Fifty Years From Now.doc Unleashing Wisdom.doc

 

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December 1, 2007

Future Studies & Special Presentations

Title: "Reducing Human Numbers to a Sustainable Level"

Guest Speaker: David Paxson

Moderator: David Keenan

 Abstract:World Population Situation

Web Site:worldpopulationbalance.org

 

December 8, 2007

Econ Futures SIG

Title: "Revolutionary Wealth,"  (Part II)

Discussion Leader: Jack Carter

Abstract: Second part of the Alvin/Heidi Toffler futures book

Presentation: Revolutionary Wealth.ppt 

 

December 15, 2007

Technology Futures SIG

Title:  "Forecasting Energy Demand Using Systems Theory"

Discussion Leaders: David & Lyn Grider

Abstract:  Future Trends In Energy Consumption

 

December 22, 2007

Society/Management Futures SIG

Title: "U.S. Health Care Crisis: Real or Imagined?"

 Discussion Leaders: Hank Lederer and Roger Rydberg

Abstract: Film maker Michael Moore turns his controversial lens on U.S. limited health care plans as seen by citizens of Canada, France, England and Cuba -- and decides ours is lacking

Reference Video: "Sicko," a film by Michael Moore, Canada Health Care - Real Story

 

December 29, 2007

Peace Futures SIG

Title: "War Made Easy"

Discussion Leader: Roger Rydberg

Abstract:"War Made Easy"

Over the years, Norman Solomon has distinguished himself as one of the pre-eminent analysts of the American media and political culture.

 In "War Made Easy," Solomon dissects the time-proven slogans and propaganda techniques that have been used by administration after U.S. administration to--in effect--motivate the American people against themselves and their own best interests--not to mention those of citizens in many other nations.