YCLML 001 - MCLL Lectures

Presenter: Manon Wascher

Join us for an enjoyable morning of journal writing. If you are curious about journal writing or if you already journal, you will enjoy this time together writing privately about yourself and your life - with some discussion thrown in.  Journal writing is a splendid tool that is recommended by many professionals and brings innumerable benefits.  See you on July 6th! 

Presenter: Harry Belsey

Presenter: Soheila Raesinezhad

Presenter: Soheila Raesinezhad

Presenter: Wendela Stier

Presenter: Paul MacLean

Which solutions are more effective in arresting the rise in global temperature: driving electric cars, planting trees or taxing coal production?  Is any one solution going to make a difference? In this interactive workshop, the facilitator, who is a retired environmental consultant will invite the participants to imagine a world that has successfully dealt with the climate crisis, then, using MIT’s En-ROADS climate simulator, try to figure out the energy and economic policy changes and technological fixes to get there. 

Presenter: Bruce Jewell

Presenter: Paul Kuai-Yu Leong

During COVID-19, creative and resilient people cheered up many with performances of sweet melodies and kindred parodies. This presentation is about those enchanting opuses. Join us in this ode to the joy of life, music and humour during this challenging pandemic time. Cheers! (Repeat lecture). 

Presenter: Freda Segal

This workshop is for anyone interested in drawing, painting, singing, playing an instrument, storytelling, reading poems or stories, or reading a piece of one’s own writing. We will have an Open Mic so that all participants can present their work.  Each presentation will be followed by a discussion of the work... why the individual chose the piece, how being involved in the arts has helped during the Pandemic. 

Presenter: Francis Jacobs

Why was the European Union originally formed, how has the EU evolved and expanded and what challenges does it face today and in the coming years? The speaker, the former head of the European Parliament’s information office, who now participates in many European think tanks and transatlantic conversations, will provide information to stimulate a vigorous discussion of this key international organization. 

Presenter: Denis Thompson

A lecture on recent events vis-à-vis the war in Ukraine that will explore the situation on the ground, the geo-strategic repercussions, and the military implications. 

Presenter: Paul Kuai-Yu Leong

"Fools are my theme, let satire (parody) be my song... And if I laugh at any mortal thing, 'Tis that I may not weep..." (Lord Byron). So, let's have a good laugh at some political parodies - combined with well-tuned popular songs - in this Wonderful Wednesday presentation. Cheers. 

Presenters: Tony Frayne and Hélène Robillard Frayne

Beyond the Florida of Disneyworld and Miami Beach, this region (including eastern Georgia) has an interesting history, a vibrant society and a booming economy. Florida has recently become the third most populous state in the Union. There are also quieter oases with superb vegetation and exotic wildlife. The lectures will describe and illustrate these sites based on frequent visits over the years, 

Presenter: Ruth Rigby

This illustrated lecture, based on David Reich’s recent book, Who We Are and How We Got Here, will explore the challenges of accessing our deep human past. Reich tells the intriguing story of how humans spread to every corner of the planet: a process only revealed after Reich and other scientists unlocked the secrets of ancient DNA. 

Presenter: Paul Kuai-Yu Leong

Maria Eva Duarte de Peron, born in poverty in 1919, died at 33 in 1952 having become one of the most influential women in Argentine history. How powerful, opportunistic and/or polemical was she? Join us for a discussion of the legacy of Eva Peron - even though there will be no cry for Evita... 

Presenter: David Johnstone

Many of us are waiting for the federal or provincial governments and industry to introduce measures to reduce green house gas (GHG) emissions. But a large percentage of GHGs emanate from our communities, meaning that local governments have the ability to accomplish a great deal. This presentation will identify some of the things that can be done at the local level, and will invite the participants to see what can be done in their local communities to tackle the problem of climate change. 

Presenter: Ruth Rigby

This illustrated lecture will discuss highlights from the current exhibition at the British Museum that shines a light on the purpose for which Stonehenge was built, its cultural power and the people who created it. The presentation will be informed by recent ground-breaking archaeological and scientific discoveries that bring the story of Stonehenge into sharper focus. (Repeat lecture). 

Presenter: Michael Moore

A journey through the development and design of residential furniture from Jacobean times to today. The discussion will begin with the 18th century English and French styles, followed by a look at Bauhaus, Art Deco, Scandinavian and Modern designs. This lecture will be based on an educational text authored by the lecturer using the latest e-technology (QR codes). 

Presenter: Katherine Prigge

This lecture will provide an engaging overview of the world of technology. We begin by learning how the internet started and what it actually is. From there we dive into the stories behind some of the most influential internet companies and then take a peek into what our digital future holds. This is a beginner-level lecture, no tech background or base of knowledge is required. 

Presenter: Christopher Neal

Christopher Neal will summarize The Rebel Scribe – Carleton Beals and The Progressive Challenge to US Policy in Latin America, his just-published analytical biography of 20th-century American journalist Carleton Beals.  His prescient coverage of Mexico, Cuba and Central America from the 1920s-1960s made him a precursor of later critics of US foreign policy. Beals’ accounts of formative events and close exposure to leaders from Carranza to Castro illustrate US neo-imperialism, dependency theory, right- and left-wing dictatorship, and revolution. 

Presenter: Christopher Neal

Christopher Neal will summarize The Rebel Scribe – Carleton Beals and The Progressive Challenge to US Policy in Latin America, his just-published analytical biography of 20th-century American journalist Carleton Beals.  His prescient coverage of Mexico, Cuba and Central America from the 1920s-1960s made him a precursor of later critics of US foreign policy. Beals’ accounts of formative events and close exposure to leaders from Carranza to Castro illustrate US neo-imperialism, dependency theory, right- and left-wing dictatorship, and revolution. 

Presenter: Thérèse Bouchez

En dehors de leur amour pour la musique, qu’il y a-t-il de commun entre le célèbre physicien du 20e siècle Louis Leprince-Ringuet et le poète du 13e Adam de la Halle? Tous deux vécurent à Arras, un nom synonyme de tapisseries de haute lisse en plusieurs langues, où le centre-ville de style hispano-flamand témoigne encore de son riche passé. Arras recèle bien d’autres trésors d’art et d’histoire depuis l’antiquité jusqu’à présent, dont des liens inattendus avec un recteur de l’Université McGill, héros de Vimy. 

Presenter: Thérèse Bouchez

En dehors de leur amour pour la musique, qu’il y a-t-il de commun entre le célèbre physicien du 20e siècle Louis Leprince-Ringuet et le poète du 13e Adam de la Halle? Tous deux vécurent à Arras, un nom synonyme de tapisseries de haute lisse en plusieurs langues, où le centre-ville de style hispano-flamand témoigne encore de son riche passé. Arras recèle bien d’autres trésors d’art et d’histoire depuis l’antiquité jusqu’à présent, dont des liens inattendus avec un recteur de l’Université McGill, héros de Vimy. 

Presenter: Muriel Herrington

The Alinker is a walking tricycle designed by Barbara Alink.  Users are seated at almost standing height and move about by walking. I will demonstrate the features of the Alinker and describe the experiences of users, including myself. 

Presenter: Eduardo Cabrera

From early 20th century Vienna came a painter whose mastery of the line brought to his portraits a rare intensity. The eroticism and raw sexuality of his paintings left a strong imprint on the art world, despite the brevity of his life. Let’s explore the fascinating life and work of Egon Schiele during a time of turmoil in history. 

Presenter: Frank Nicholson

The subject of this talk will be the most famous sea disaster of the 19th century – the sinking of the French warship Medusa.  The suffering, cannibalism and 130+ deaths that occurred on a raft left to drift after an incompetent captain ran his French warship aground, and the legal and political fallout from this disaster contributed to the overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy in 1830, and inspired the Romantic artist Géricault, whose masterpiece, now hanging in the Louvre, insured that the tragedy would not be forgotten. 

Presenter: Gerry Roy

With current concerns about energy sources and their influence on the environment and climate change, hydroelectric power is among the cleanest forms of energy. But it is not entirely clean. This lecture will provide an outline of its negative aspects and will even attempt to glimpse at the future.

Presenter: Michael Moore

An introductory journey into the art of creative writing, exploring ideas about the nature of creativity; the general disciplines that every writer needs; elements of fiction including voice, narrative, character, plot and the evoking of emotion; ideas involved in different forms of writing such as stories, poetry, novels, plays and memoirs, with exercises on how to achieve work that will engage readers from the start and compel them forward to the end. 

Presenter: Freda Segal

Presenter: Mireille Coulourides

This lecture will cover the latest developments in the Ukrainian crisis, including NATO and its strategies, the sanctions and their beneficiaries, and the refugee crisis. This will lead to increase an analysis of political power and market forces in the new world order. 

Presenter: Thérèse Bouchez

In the 18th century, Stanislaw Leszczynski turned Nancy, the capital of Lorraine, into a vibrant European cultural centre. His public square district is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Nancy bloomed again on the world stage at the turn of the 20th century with its Art Nouveau Nancy School, and its School of Chemical Engineering around Grignard (1912 Nobel prize). In the second half of the 20th century, its university professors pioneered the development of Social Pediatrics and Neonatology. 

Presenter: Thérèse Bouchez

In the 18th century, Stanislaw Leszczynski turned Nancy, the capital of Lorraine, into a vibrant European cultural centre. His public square district is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Nancy bloomed again on the world stage at the turn of the 20th century with its Art Nouveau Nancy School, and its School of Chemical Engineering around Grignard (1912 Nobel prize). In the second half of the 20th century, its university professors pioneered the development of Social Pediatrics and Neonatology. 

Presenter: Thérèse Bouchez

Born in 1822, the French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur was one of the most important founders of medical microbiology. His contributions to science, technology, and medicine are nearly without precedent. He discovered that microorganisms cause fermentation and disease, originated the process of pasteurization, saved the beer, wine, and silk industries in France, and developed vaccines against anthrax and rabies. He was also a forerunner in the promotion of elementary hygiene rules and social distancing. 

Presenter: Denis Thompson

A presentation on recent events vis-à-vis the war in Ukraine with a view to discussing the situation on the ground, the geo-strategic repercussions, and the military implications. 

Presenter: Denis Thompson

A presentation on recent events vis-à-vis the war in Ukraine with a view to discussing the situation on the ground, the geo-strategic repercussions, and the military implications. 

Presenter: Barbara Karasek

Apart from the Bible, there is probably no body of material that is as familiar to Western society as fairy tales. Transmitted orally for hundreds of years until they were eventually recorded, these tales can be found in many versions worldwide.  Thus, fairy tales have undergone constant transformation as generations of tellers, collectors, writers, and artists have been drawn to this mother lode of story.  What can account for their enduring popularity? 

Presenter: Naomi (Nonny) Rankin

On this 45th Anniversary of "La Divina's" passing, we will pay homage to the operatic wonder of Maria Callas by sharing a biographical film of this legendary opera singer. Her vocal brilliance and radiant smile will ever continue to live on. 

Presenters: Nii Addy and Brian Webber

Africa will be the forum for growth in the next 25 years and also key to many climate-respecting initiatives. What are some of the key Africa-related issues that can affect us in Canada and what can we do about them? This is the first of a series of three lectures flowing from the intergenerational collaboration between MCLL and the McGill MasterCard Foundation (MCF) Transitions Project. Speakers will address critical issues linking Africa and Canada and provide insights into research and entrepreneurship initiatives that can contribute to strengthened economic and social development. Specific topics and speakers will be announced well before each lecture.

Presenter: Leora Birnbaum

This lecture will review breast cancer including its prevalence, risk factors, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The lecture will focus on breast cancer in older individuals and emphasize the importance of screening. 

Presenter: John Felvinci

In this lecture, we will look at the origins of propaganda, how it developed during wars and dictatorships. We will show many cartoons and propaganda posters during this talk. The origins of disinformation and its use by the great powers will also be covered. 

Presenter: Raymond Stern

This presentation will cover the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City, and the Tate Modern in London. For each museum, we will start with the remarkable story of how the museum was founded and who was responsible for this.  Then we will look at how each museum evolved, with highlights of some of its world-famous famous contents.  This lecture will be image driven. 

Presenter: Raymond Stern

This presentation will cover the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City, and the Tate Modern in London. For each museum, we will start with the remarkable story of how the museum was founded and who was responsible for this.  Then we will look at how each museum evolved, with highlights of some of its world-famous famous contents.  This lecture will be image driven. 

Presenter: Jarred Dunn, McGill Conservatory of Music

This lecture will introduce listeners to Chopin’s Mazurkas for piano, the miniatures that are his personal diary. This will include choreography, instruments, and Polish folk music/culture.  As well, there will be some guided listening and demonstration of different Mazurka traits.