Ross Island sits mid-Willamette just south of downtown Portland, and has a history of being built up and exploited by men, but today it is ruled primarily by nature. From Friendly House, Mike Houck, Director of the Urban Greenspaces Institute, will present his vision of how it can serve as one. Mr. Houck has been a leader in urban nature issues since 1980 when he founded the Urban Naturalist Program at the Audubon Society of Portland. He has co-founded Coalition for a Livable Future (CLF); The national Coalition to Restore Urban Waters (CRUW); The Intertwine Alliance; and The Nature of Cities forum.
Video of Programs (search and sort)
Challenging the Sports Myths
11/15/2015
Dave Pebworth
Presentation by Dave Pebworth. Are competitive sports really good for America’s schools? Dave Pebworth has never won an athletic contest and was always the last chosen for any team. Now in the late autumn of his life, he questions whether sports are beneficial or detrimental for America’s schools and American society. If you enjoyed sports, you will want to hear this. If you hated P.E., you will want to hear this.
Dramatic Crank Mail
11/08/2015
Michael Birtchet
HGP member Michael Birtchet performs "dramatic" reading of crank mail as received by Freedom From Religion Foundation's newsletter, "Free Thought Today".
Probability & Scientific Inference (2)
11/01/2015
Laurent Beauregard
In Part Two of a three-part presentation, Laurent Beauregard discusses scientific inference and the difference between science and pseudo-science. He then goes on to discuss the varieties of “pseudo.” Laurent holds an M.S. in physics and a Ph.D. in the history and philosophy of science. He has taught at U.C.L.A. and at Reed College. He is currently a member of the HGP Web committee and he edits the videos that you find on our website.
Let’s Talk About Death
10/25/2015
Holly Pruett
Presentation by Holly Pruett. What happens when we invite death into the room? All across the country, people are gathering to discuss the cultural taboo around talking about death. Holly Pruett is a Life-Cycle Celebrant and organizer of PDX Death Café. She explores how an embrace of death may be essential to our quality of life. Ms. Pruett creates and officiates unique personalized ceremonies from cradle to grave. She was recognized for this work by Portland Monthly with a Rising Star Award in 2014.