Cancer in America: From Lab to Life

ruddy foundationTwo noted cancer researchers, Dr. Vincent Tuohy of the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Beatriz Pogo of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, discuss the torturous path that a medical treatment or procedure or device takes from the scientist’s imagination to clinical implementation with actual human patients. Dr. Kathleen Ruddy and Dr. Sasha Helper address the impact that hurdles and delays in the long process have on both attending physicians and their patients. What are the steps in developing and perfecting cancer treatments? What are the steps in the approval process for new treatments? Why does the American medical system focus on treatment rather than prevention of cancer? How can this predisposition be altered?

Recorded October 23, 2013 

Breaking New Ground: A Personal History

lester brown bookInternationally renowned environmental “guru” Lester Brown recounts his life story. What paths did he follow to become the powerful and respected voice for environmental issues that he is today? Has he ever felt like a voice lost in the crowd of our materialistic culture? How has he used data and science to speak convincingly to the emotional ties binding us to the status quo?

Co-sponsored by Tim Weiskel.

Recorded October 30, 2013 

The Beautiful Music All Around Us: Field Recordings and the American Experience

Stephen wade bookMusician and author Stephen Wade takes an in-depth look at the ordinary people who recorded live music for the Library of Congress during the 1930s and ’40s. Who were these folk musicians and what role did music play in their lives? What impact did their participation in the field recording projects have on them? How did they contribute to our understanding of American folk culture

 Co-sponsored by Passim and Folk New England.

Recorded November 13, 2013 

Maggie Holtzberg, folklorist, moderated the forum with Stephen Wade.  Click here to read her blog about the event.

CAMBRIDGE FORUM The Beautiful Music All Around Us

The App Generation

app generationFamed Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner and Katie Davis of the University of Washington’s Information School discuss the ways in which digital media are changing the manner in which young people learn and relate to the world. Focusing on adolescents, the speakers explore what it means to be “app-dependent” versus “app-enabled.” How does life for this generation differ from life before the digital age? What downsides do they see to young people’s deep involvement with apps? What benefits?

Recorded November 18, 2013