Past Recordings

Explore PLATO's archived video offerings. View past Lectures and some Course recordings. The listing below is in order of most recent to oldest or use the button below to visit our YouTube channels. While there, subscribe to the channels to receive notification when new material is available.

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Canada's Contribution to Nuclear Power

November 25, 2024 

Hosted by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Dr. Neil Alexander on the topic of Canada's contribution to nuclear power. 

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/RjCOITGHoVs

 Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Influence of Climate Change on Epidemics

November 18, 2024 

Hosted by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Dottie Boatman on the topic of how climate change influences epidemics. 

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/fMLbc7R8jU4

 Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Will fusion help limit the global mean temperature-increase to < 2oC?

November 11, 2024 

Hosted by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Joe Talmadge on the topic of nuclear fusion. 

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/live/fBMHDHVAEYU

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Earth is a Nuclear Planet: A Book Review with Mike Conley, Part Two

November 4, 2024

Hosted by Richard Steeves, today’s session features part two of a book review of Earth is a Nuclear Planet: The Environmental Case for Nuclear Power with author Mike Conley and an in-depth group discussion.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/ljbBxQmIw_E 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Are Renewables Saving the Planet?

 October 28, 2024 

Hosted by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Allen Penticoff on the topic of renewable energy. 

 Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/uFgUNaVsXyE

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

New Developments in the Field of Nuclear Energy

October 21, 2024

Hosted by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Ryan Pickering on the topic new developments in the field of nuclear energy

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/live/jt3E3PqRyaM 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Concrete and Greenhouse Gas Policy

October 14, 2024

Hosted by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Doug Edwards on the topic of concrete and greenhouse gas policy.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/uyH_MOE9Vgk

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Roof Top Solar Panels

October 7, 2024

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session focuses on roof top solar panels.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/_A0RHoUi5G4 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Inspiring Facts about Earth

September 30, 2024

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session explores inspiring facts about Earth enhanced by slides and a lively group discussion.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/live/cdD4j9Mjmaw 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Earth is a Nuclear Planet: A Book Review with Mike Conley, Part One

September 23, 2024

Hosted by Richard Steeves, today’s session features part one of a book review of Earth is a Nuclear Planet: The Environmental Case for Nuclear Power with author Mike Conley and an in-depth group discussion.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/q04AGZJRHNY

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Oceanic Perspectives

April 22, 2024

Richard Steeves is the host and presenter of this lecture, along with a contribution from Mert Corwin, on the topic of Oceanic Perspectives.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/TrqNr7F5-lM

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Co An Update on the Klamath River Dam Removal

April 15, 2024

Richard Steeves hosts this lecture which features Dottie Boatman who provides an update on the Klamath River dam removal.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/o8p7ED587Cs 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Community Conservation from Wisconsin to the World

April 8, 2024

Richard Steeves hosts this lecture which features Dr. Teri Allendorf, Executive Director of Community Conservation, who shares how Community Conservation Inc., a Viroqua-Wisconsin based nonprofit, catalyzes, facilitates, and empowers local people around the world to manage and conserve natural resources within the social, cultural, and economic context of their communities and facilitates widespread, global adoption of community-based conservation.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/8M4jlX9lSFk

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Community, Conservation, and the Reuse of the

Badger Army Ammunition Plant Lands in Sauk County, Wisconsin

April 1, 2024

Richard Steeves hosts this lecture which features Curt Meine, Nature Conservationist, on the topic of community land conservation.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/uiwWQkJ1-jU 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Advanced Fission Reactors

March 25, 2024

Richard Steeves is the host and presenter of this lecture and discussion about advanced fission reactors.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/UHMpCLwS_Hk

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

A Book Discussion about Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World by John Valiant

March 11, 2024

Richard Steeves hosts this Book Discussion about Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World by John Vailant.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/Jr_YzhXqO2E

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Taking You to New Territories: Understanding Nuclear in the Media

March 4, 2024

Richard Steeves hosts this session which features returning guest speaker Dr. Neil Alexander of Bucephalus Consulting, based in Ontario, Canada.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/YqjELgepZLY 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Tiny Bites for Health? On Eating Insects and the Quest for Sustainable Protein

February 26, 2024

This session is hosted by Richard Steeves and presented Dr. Valerie Stull, Faculty Associate in the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology and a Research Scientist in the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment at UW-Madison.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-ivFeZAsf8

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Book Review and Discussion of The First Nuclear Era by Alvin Weinberg

February 19, 2024

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session feature a book review and discussion of The First Nuclear Era by Alvin Weinberg.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/PnQhV7q6TCU

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

8 Billion People in the World is a Crisis, Not an Achievement – Can High-Tech Help?

November 27, 2023

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session focuses on the topic of the earth’s human overpopulation.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEswZ7wJSsQ 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Electric Vehicles – Love 'Em?

November 20, 2023

Hosted by Richard Steeves, this session features Allen Penticoff on the topic of electric vehicles.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/myU3cjpE5Ao 

Whither the State

November 14, 2023

This final class recording of the Whither the State Fall 2023 season, hosted by Dennis Dresang and Terry Sheldon, is presented by Bob Burns, the Vice President of Trek, and focuses on electric bikes and policy implications.

This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwT8cpn_6Tk

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

AI and Generative AI (OpenAI ChatGPT, Anthropic Claude 2, Adobe Firefly, Google Bard, plus 8 Others)

November 13, 2023

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session features two speakers. The first is Steven Schellin who talks briefly about radiation. The second speaker, Mert Corwin, begins 15 minutes and 45 seconds into the recording and his focus is on artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI.

Watch the video as .mov file – please be patient with this link as it takes a few moments to load before playing. Note that at one hour into this video the group watches a CBS 60 Minutes video clip and then they resume their discussion. We had to remove the video clip for copyright reasons – but you can access the 13 minute 17 second CBS 60 Minutes Video here. 

Whither the State

November 7, 2023

This seventh class recording of the Whither the State Fall 2023 season, hosted by Dennis Dresang and Terry Sheldon, features Lisa Davidson on Disability Service for the Silver Tsunami during the first hour and Peter Cameron on The Badger Project during the second hour.

This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/SrCeP2p9bMM 

Whither the State

October 31, 2023

This sixth class recording of the Whither the State Fall 2023 season, hosted by Dennis Dresang, Kurt Sippel and Terry Sheldon, focusses on artificial intelligence (AI) and is kicked off with special guest Wisconsin State Representative Tod Ohnstad of Kenosha.

This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWo7H8uqOSM 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Geothermal Energy is Heat Stored in the Earth's Crust – It's Clean and Works 24/7 – Shall We Increase It?

October 30, 2023

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, the focus of this session is on geothermal energy.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/jCU6yq06HQ8

Whither the State

October 24, 2023

This fifth class recording of the Whither the State Fall 2023 season, hosted by Dennis Dresang, features a group discussion and review of political developments in Wisconsin, the nation, and the world.

This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/VEOLNrqdV2E 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Heat Pumps – Theory and Application

October 23, 2023

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Doug Edwards.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/ubyHTRrMjTg

Whither the State

October 17, 2023

This fourth class recording of the Fall 2023 season is hosted by Dennis Dresang and Terry Sheldon, and features Lindsay Blumer, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP).

This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/rZsfTK5eJOE 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Batteries, Electric Vehicles and a Clean Energy Future

October 16, 2023

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Lou Harnisch.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/rnJs-Q3Z7FY 

Whither the State

The Role of Civility (or Lack Thereof) throughout American Political History 

October 10, 2023

This third class recording of the Fall 2023 season is hosted by Dennis Dresang and Terry Sheldon, and is presented by Lindsey D. Draper, JD.

This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/-ISkq23tXT4 

Whither the State

October 3, 2023

This second class recording of the Fall 2023 season is hosted by Dennis Dresang and Terry Sheldon. 

The first half features Patrick L. Remington, Professor Emeritus at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The second half features U.S. Representative Mark Pocan.

This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/TPN-X4Ja7i0 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

The Geopolitics of Energy: What Happened to Our Nuclear Waste Disposal Program

October 2, 2023

Hosted by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Dr. James Conca of the Herbert M. Parker Foundation at Washington State University.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/KUOh3TssZIw 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Book Review of Climate Restoration by Peter Fiekowsky and Carole Douglis

September 25, 2023

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session is a book review of Climate Restoration: The Only Future That Will Sustain the Human Race, by Peter Fiekowsky and Carole Douglis.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/wLG3eQTgKII

Whither the State

September 19, 2023

This first class recording of the Fall 2023 season is hosted by Dennis Dresang. This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/9mpEbcUZK-Y

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Pros and Cons of River Dam Removal

April 24, 2023

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Dottie Boatman.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/ugRY24hgCE8

The History of Latino Migration to Wisconsin 

April 19, 2023

This PLATO Lecture is presented by Martin Alvarado, Community Engagement Librarian for Business and Technology at the Madison Public Library. Mr. Alvarado was born in and grew up in Mexico City. He moved to Madison in the mid 1990’s and had the good fortune of growing up in a bicultural and bilingual household which has given him different perspectives on identity and what it means to belong in a community. This lecture is chock-full of informative graphics and interesting data!

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/TctbUqGxbx4

View Martin Alvarado's slideshow here.

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

The Geopolitics of Energy: A Scientifically-Achievable Green New Deal 

April 17, 2023

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Dr. James Conca.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/fx4dCPULLmI

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Home Grown National Forest

April 10, 2023 

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Tony Praza.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/8uXzwvJziwc 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Solar Energy

March 27, 2023 

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Allen Penticoff on the topic of solar energy.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/KCS--t7irGk

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Alternatives to Cement and Concrete

March 20, 2023 

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session is presented by Doug Edwards and explores alternatives to cement and concrete as building materials.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/JhLCtazFlkw

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

The Evolution of Electric Airplanes

March 13, 2023 

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session explores the evolution of electric airplanes.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/Y0C5BFt8aIo 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Birds: Inspiring Climate Messengers

March 6, 2023 

Hosted and presented by Richard Steeves, this session explores birds and their relationship to climate change.

Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/i18DFZSk9c4 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Reducing the Cost of Nuclear

February 27, 2023 

Hosted and moderated by Richard Steeves and Tony Praza, this session features Dr. Ben Lindley, Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering at UW-Madison.

To watch the video, click on the link below, enter this passcode: JN7.?n92 and then click on the triangular "Play" arrow in the lower left-hand side of the black Zoom screen.

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/5nOx7wETGk1f5oVmM5ZS47qFd7V32yyzSbbCEKmERdq3pjAObXgBJQNN26UGdbku.6_C2kafDv-HRPhng?startTime=1677512332000

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

A Layman’s Perspective: Do We Need More Nuclear Energy?

November 28, 2022 

Hosted and moderated by Richard Steeves, this final session of fall 2022 features Tony Praza on the topic of nuclear energy.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/Ny3gfSwQFgE 

Whither the State

November 22, 2022

This is Wither the State's eighth and final session of the Fall 2022 season. Hosted by Dennis Dresang and Terry Shelton, the first half of this session features Bob Lavigna who discusses public employment issues and during the second half, Kurt Sippel and Amber Chitwood talk about the economy.

Wither the State provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting the U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QV38JSXodcg

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

November 21, 2022

Richard Steeves and Tony Praza are the hosts and presenters of this session featuring Professor Greg Nemet, one of the Lead Writers for the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report released earlier this year. This report identifies the close link between climate change mitigation, adaptation and development pathways taken by countries at all stages of economic development to impact greenhouse gas emissions which are the driving cause for climate change.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/aj5l54uqdUE 

Whither the State

November 15, 2022

This seventh session is hosted by Terry Shelton and Dennis Dresang and features a hearty discussion of the 11/8/22 Midterm Election results.

Wither the State provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting the U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/xrOdW99LeKM

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet: Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Plan

November 14, 2022

Richard Steeves and Tony Praza are the hosts and presenters of this session featuring Maria Redmond, Director of the Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy.

Watch the video: Coming shortly!

Her Stories: Daytime Soap Opera and US Television History

Presented by Dr. Elana Levine

November 9, 2022

Daytime viewing staples for seven decades, soap operas hold an important place in television history. Dr. Elana Levine, professor of media, cinema, and digital studies in the Department of English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is a longtime soap opera fan who looks at the genre through two connected lenses: the role soaps have played in shaping cultural understandings of gender, as well as the rise and fall of network television’s influence on pop culture.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/82OEj19vVlI 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet: Wild Oceans and Forest Floors

November 7, 2022

Richard Steeves is the host and presenter of this session.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/evBCgcXYoKA

 

Whither the State

November 1, 2022

This sixth session is hosted by Dennis Dresang and features Christian Overlord, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Historical Society, who shares the developments of the State Historical Museum project.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/rOqak_ACuEM

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Climate Variability & Wisconsin Lake Ice Cover: Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Perspective

October 31, 2022

Richard Steeves hosts this session featuring guest speaker Dr. Gretchen Gerrish, Director of the UW Trout Lake Station. 

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/7uoCKUYAYAU

Whither the State

October 25, 2022

This firth session is hosted by Dennis Dresang and features:

First hour: Alen McAfee and Brendan Freeman from First Business Bank talking about the future of banking.

Second hour: U.S. Representative Mark Pocan.

Wither the State provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting the U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/EljtS-QdoJM

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

An Update on the Canadian Nuclear Industry from an Outsider

October 24, 2022

Richard Steeves hosts this session featuring guest speaker Dr. Neil Alexander of Bucephalus Consulting, based in Ontario, Canada.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/naPpws_wtN4

Whither the State

October 18, 2022

This fourth session is hosted by Terry Shelton and Dennis Dresang and features Che Steadman, Madison's Assistant Fire Chief. The topic is CARES, Madison's program that sends social workers and others to emergency mental health calls rather than police.

 Watch the video: https://youtu.be/jR6fQxxcuuc

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

A Realistic Trajectory for a Zero Emissions World

October 17, 2022

Richard Steeves hosts this session featuring guest speaker Lou Hanisch.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/OtbSw0susgQ

Whither the State

October 11, 2022

This third session is hosted by Terry Shelton and Dennis Dresang and features Mike McCabe, former head of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and author of Unscrewing America: Hints and Hopes from the Heartland. 

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/_4iq3ETPabQ

The Latest Research: Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention

Presented by Dr. Sterling Johnson

October 11, 2022

Alzheimer’s disease has a lengthy pre-clinical phase that for some people may last decades. In this talk Dr. Sterling Johnson will share the latest discoveries made from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Research (WRAP) regarding brain and eventual cognitive changes that occur prior to the dementia phase of Alzheimer’s disease.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/8s6MOh1eZE4

Whither the State

October 4, 2022

Dennis Dresang hosts this session featuring Craig Segall, Deputy Executive Officer at California Air Resources Board. This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/k86FspEptA8

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Book Review of How to Drive a Nuclear Reactor by Colin Tucker

October 3, 2022

Richard Steeves hosts and leads this presentation and discussion on his book review of How to Drive a Nuclear Reactor by Colin Tucker.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/1eTgItvGmgM 

Whither the State

September 27, 2022

This first class recording of the Fall 2022 season is hosted by Dennis Dresang. This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/RDZqiQY9lLc

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Phytoplankton and Krill

September 19, 2022

Richard Steeves hosts and leads this presentation and discussion on climate justice.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/PIwmk590q00

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

40 Q&As about Climate Justice

September 19, 2022

Richard Steeves hosts and leads this presentation and discussion on climate justice.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/9Lc3yDTAVcU

Whither the State

May 10, 2022

This final class recording of the Spring 2022 season is hosted by Dennis Dresang and features guest presenter Rolf Wegenke, president and chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU). This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/ixcemIEZliM

Whither the State

 April 26, 2022

This sixth class recording of the Spring 2022 season is hosted by Dennis Dresang and features guest presenter Dennis Winters, Chief Economist, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/g0RbaBwzFBo

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Big Batteries for Intermittent E

April 25, 2022

Richard Steeves hosts this session and Lou Hanisch leads the presentation and discussion.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/r5VkyZs9lU4

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Learning from ElectricityMap.org

April 18, 2022

Richard Steeves hosts this session and Allen Penticoff leads the presentation and discussion about ElectricityMap.org.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/iJfscMKNlUE

Eyes on the Skies

Presented by Jim Lattis

April 11, 2022

In this talk Jim Lattis, Director of UW Space Place, introduces the stars, constellations, and interesting objects of the current seasonal sky. He shares how to find and observe the brighter planets, along with other objects suitable for amateur observing. He also features important eclipses, meteor showers and other interesting astronomical events visible in the near future.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/hRWMYc08vuY 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Global Impacts of Glacier Melting

April 11, 2022

Richard Steeves leads a presentation and discussion on the topic of the global impacts of glacier melting.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/3_kGYmqfJMI

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Methane – Sources, Natural and Human Reduction Options

April 4, 2022

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar along with presenter Mert Corwin.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/8j5DSlp74lw

Whither the State

Mis-information & Disinformation

 March 29, 2022

This fifth class of the Spring 2022 season is hosted by Dennis Dresang and features guest presenter Rachel Moran, PhD. This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/tFeUCGsjwzc

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Book Review: “Bright Green Lies”

March 28, 2022

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar along with presenter George Erickson, who offers a book review of "Bright Green Lies" written by Derrick Jensen.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/OKm5MwosLo4

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Part 1: Fertilizer Shortage 2020   |   Part 2: What Would +4°C Be Like?

March 21, 2022

This session features two presentations on different topics:

1) Fertilizer Shortage 2020 – presented by Lee Gasper-Galvin, PhD, WV PE and owner of Galvanacar, LLC 

2) What Would +4°C Be Like? – presented by Richard Steeves (begins at 55 min and 52 sec)

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/FTK_XKaT4bk

Whither the State

Guest Speaker U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin

 March 15, 2022

This fourth class of the Spring 2022 season is hosted by Dennis Dresang. This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joins for the last 45 minutes or so – beginning at 1:01 and 22 seconds.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/b0jOAm0RbmI

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Why Care About Biodiversity?

March 14, 2022 

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar along with presenter Dorothy Boatman.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/jinpQWRLMdo

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
Project Drawdown – Solutions to Address Climate Change

March 7, 2022

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar along with presenter Tony Praza.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/gOrAkdRsHr0

Whither the State
CINRAM and Efforts to Address Deforestation, Conservation and Livelihoods in Sustainable Development

 March 1, 2022

This third class of the Spring 2022 season is led by Dean Current and José Román Carrera. This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/AvWlkQXMmXU

Wisconsin English: 
A Conversation with Professor Joe Salmons

February 24, 2022

This presentation will explore the kinds of English spoken in our state, including pronunciation, words and word forms, and grammar.  We’ll look at how key features of Wisconsin English have developed over time – and how remarkably recent they are – and how they are changing and becoming more distinct today. Professor Joe Salmons will work to put our answers and comments into the context of how linguists think about those questions, including not just what we know but what we don’t know and what we’re working to figure out today.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/4AKUtphXU-8 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
The New Hydrogen Economy

February 21, 2022

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar along with presenter Doug Edwards.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/z36V_2XBfZY

Whither the State
Gambling Policies

February 15, 2022

This second class of the Spring 2022 season is led by Brendan Bussmann. This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/e2H9efvtZ4o

Whither the State

February 1, 2022

This is the first class of Wither the State for the Spring 2022 season, hosted by Dennis Dresang. This course provides a review of political developments in Wisconsin and throughout the nation through an examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/C0ow1WWVpDo

Wisconsin Cocktails: A Festive Lecture

December 10, 2021

In our final lecture of 2021, we learned about some of Wisconsin's most iconic drinks and explored why Wisconsin has a love affair with Brandy Old Fashioneds, Tom and Jerrys, boozy ice cream and more. Presented by author of "Wisconsin Cocktails” Jeanette Hurt. 

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/U2nEqzaor9I

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Two Book Reviews: "Climate Diet" & "Technically Food"

November 22, 2021

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar in which he reviews Climate Diet by Paul Greenberg and Technically Food by Larissa Zimberoff.

Watch the video:  https://youtu.be/aavcoS6lSy4

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
Hoping to Save Our Coral Reefs

November 15, 2021

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/mXAdyLAU6TY 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
Illusion and Delusion

November 8, 2021

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar presented by Neil Alexander of Bucephalus Consulting.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/MyjB1MKrVpg

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
A Book Review of How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, by Bill Gates

November 1, 2021

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar in which he reviews this timely and important book regarding climate change.

Watch the video:  https://youtu.be/piPtj9jaBfo 

What is Critical Race Theory & Why Is It Controversial?

October 26, 2021

In this timely 90-minute lecture with Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, Professor Emerita at UW-Madison, we learned how Critical Race Theory applies (or doesn't) to K-12 education and why it has become part of the culture wars in this country. Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings is also the former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/BH8R1PenPek

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
A Framework for Understanding Climate Impacts and Solutions in Dairy Systems

October 25, 2021

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar presented by Alison Duff, Dairy Forage Research, Prairie du Sac, WI.

Watch the video:  https://youtu.be/FKaz0fVcow0

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
Why Ontario’s Power Needn’t be Risky, Hard to Build or Costly

October 18, 2021

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar presented by Neil Alexander (Canada).

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/o9Cp2QXaeBs

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
Need to Recycle Almost Everything

October 11, 2021

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar presented by Tony Praza on the importance of recycling.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/5REz1Nf8vMc

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
Timefulness: How Thinking like a Geologist can Help Save the World

October 4, 2021

Richard Steeves hosts and moderates this webinar featuring Dr. Marcia Bjornerud, Walter Schober Professor of Environmental Studies and Professor of Geosciences, Lawrence University.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/VRks9_bMqc4 

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
Climate Gamble

September 27, 2021

Richard Steeves reviews and analyzes “Climate Gamble”, by Rauli Partanen and Janne Korhonen (Finland). 

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QrZ-P6ynxyQ 

"Ask the Weather Guy"

September 23, 2021

In our first lecture of Fall 2021, we learned about extreme weather and the basic elements and evidence of global climate change with Dr. Jonathan Martin, Professor and former Chair in the UW-Madison Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. Dr. Martin is one of the two “Weather Guys” heard monthly on Wisconsin Public Radio and one of the writers of the “Ask the Weather Guys” column in the Wisconsin State Journal. 

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/J23KN9UqR48 

Whither the State
Nuts and Bolts of Redistricting
(Part 2 of 2 sessions on redistricting and gerrymandering)

May 18, 2021

The concluding session of Whither the State featured Matt Rothschild, Executive Director of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and former editor and publisher of The Progressive magazine.  He and Peter Cannon, who also contributed two weeks ago, led an unusually informative discussion of redistricting in particular and strengthening democracy generally.

Website and books mentioned by Matt and Peter:

• The People’s Maps Commission https://govstatus.egov.com/peoplesmaps
• How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky, Daniel Ziblatt (Crown Publishers, 2018}
• Democracy in America?: What Has Gone Wrong and What We Can Do About It 
  by Benjamin I. Page, Martin Gilens (University of Chicago Press, 2020)
• Why Cities Lose: The Deep Roots of the Urban-Rural Political Divide by Jonathan A. Rodden (Basic Books, 2019)

Watch the video now at:  https://youtu.be/ZDwDuhNm49s

The Birds & the Bees: How to Get Involved in Citizen Science Through Your Garden

May 06, 2021

A garden can be home to birds, animals, pollinators, and many other living things. Learn how citizen science practices and principles can help you observe and document garden life—for your own records and to contribute data to a project. Jessica Ross, Research Specialist at University of Wisconsin-Madison, discusses ways to get involved monitoring bumble bees, birds, butterflies, invasive species, and seasonal changes.

Watch the video now at:  https://youtu.be/h5eBjbRKW6M

Whither the State
Nuts and Bolts of Redistricting
(Part 1 of 2 sessions on redistricting and gerrymandering)

May 4, 2021

Peter Cannon, who worked as an analyst at the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, provides legal and historical background to the tasks of drawing the boundaries of districts at the local, state and congressional levels.  His presentation explains the numerous--and sometimes conflicting--criteria that guide the process of drawing these maps. Additional discussion based on class member questions and panelists Matt Rothschild, Terry Shelton, and Dennis Dresang.

Watch the video now at:  https://youtu.be/nDh7TmPkvOE

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Radiation, Risk and Energy Density

May 3, 2021

Richard Steeves overviews the fundamentals of ionizing radiation, climate change, and misinformation about the risk of low-dose radiation, with discussion from class members.

Watch the video at:  https://youtu.be/7_CMeIDZj2A

Whither the State
Contemporary Food Policy

April 26, 2021

Professor Andrew Stevens of the UW-Madison Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics leads a discussion of food policy in the United States. He raises issues of productivity, equity, technology, and the diverse set of environmental and ethical costs and benefits.

Watch the video now at:  https://youtu.be/I7Cladjs_bM

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
Thorcon's Reactor Design and Indonesia

April 12, 2021

Dr. Robert Hargraves, author of Thorium energy cheaper than coal (2012) and Electrifying Our World: for climate, for people, with fission (2021) discusses potential fast-build and thorium conversion options for future nuclear energy production in Indonesia.

Watch the video now at  https://youtu.be/VwJSKHcmdNw

Whither the State
Development Trends and Challenges in the Madison Area

April 6, 2021

A panel of Aaron Olver, Director of University Research Park, Marc Eisen a reporter and analyst, and Susan Springman, who has worked for Madison city government, Wisconsin state government and private companies on property and development issue led a discussion of development trends and challenges in the Madison area. They covered the impacts of the pandemic and then went beyond to talk about the importance of the University and technology companies, small businesses and online shopping on State Street, neighborhoods, and sprawl.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/vGwncfm4UKw

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
A Canadian Perspective on Management of Used Nuclear Fuels

April 5, 2021

Dr. Neil Alexander, Bucephalus Consulting, Ontario describes historic and current use of nuclear fuels and contrasts with the development of hydro electricity generation options in the Canadian provinces.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/llOIf88dqWY

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
On the Back of Tortoises

March 29, 2021

Dr. Elizabeth Hennessy, Associate Professor of History and Environmental Studies at UW-Madison and author of On the Back of Tortoises: Darwin, the Galapagos, and the Fate of an Evolutionary Eden (Yale University Press, 2019) offers an overview of her research and studies of the Galápagos archipelago and the iconic Galapagos tortoise. 

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/IISPS9mcD48

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
No Ordinary Genius

March 22, 2021

No Ordinary Genius, by Dr. Bulent Atalay, theoretical nuclear physicist, University of Mary Washington, blog writer for National Geographic Newswatch, author "Math and the Mona Lisa: The Art and Science of Leonardo da Vinci" (2004) and "Leonardo's Universe: The Renaissance World of Leonardo da Vinci" (with Keith Wamsley; 2009).

Watch the video now at  https://youtu.be/cmN5-3RZ6cc

Life's a Daring Adventure and 
You're Not Done Yet!

March 18, 2021

Host & Moderator: Joy Cardin     Speaker: Mary Helen Conroy

Author and lecturer Mary Helen Conroy examines the good, the bad and the ugly, the scary and sad, and the awesomeness of building our lives after we end our career. Whether you’re nearly or newly retired, Mary Helen shares 15 essential tips for making your next chapter your best chapter. Her Amazing Itty Bitty Retirement Book became a #1 best seller by focusing on these invaluable tips and strategies. 

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/Y9NbbFCQxvU

Whither the State
The Pandemic and Employment

March 16, 2021

Scott Resnick, Tim Casper, and Kurt Sipple discussed the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on employment. On the one hand, the covid-induced recession has caused increased poverty and the loss of some jobs--some permanently. The pandemic has also accelerated by about a decade trends in working from home. The discussion provided perspectives from employers and from individuals seeking new skills.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/m_gw4Vjjvfs

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
Fusion: A Review with Updates

March 15, 2021

Fusion: A Review with Updates, by Dr. Bulent Atalay, theoretical nuclear physicist, University of Mary Washington.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/jXhc3VpLBD4

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
The Atlantic Ocean’s Circulation and Climate

March 8, 2021

The Atlantic Ocean’s Circulation and Climate, by Dr. Elizabeth Maroon, Assistant Professor - Oceans and Climate Lab, Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/abrUosRQDo4

Whither the State
Transportation Panel Discussion

March 2, 2021

The panel offered a variety of perspectives on transportation issues, including the interactions between technologies and transportation policies, the impacts of Covid-19, the effects of various strategies on low-income communities, and the roles of state, local and national governments. Panel members were Aileen Switzer, Administrator of the Division of Budget and Strategic Initiatives at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Tom Lynch, Transportation Director of the City of Madison, and Kyle Shelton, Deputy Director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/h5KdaWgyu3Y

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
Future Sea

March 1, 2021

Future Sea, by Deborah Rowan Wright, marine conservation advocate, Bristol, UK; reviewed by R. Steeves

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/Rlr9NQG7lio

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet
Shorting the Grid

February 22, 2021

Shorting the Grid, by Meredith Angwin, former project manager at the Electric Power Research Institute, reviewed by Richard and Meredith, as co-hosts.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/l4dGgp1vD3Q

Madison College’s Role Promoting Social Justice in the Community

February 18, 2021

In this PLATO lecture honoring Black History Month, Dr. Jack E. Daniels, III, President of Madison College, speaks about the college's long-standing work to be the leader in accessible affordable education that meets the evolving needs of our diverse communities. He discusses the work to create an environment where racial equity and respect of differences becomes woven into the fabric of our culture and the action we must continue to take if we want to provide a learning environment that is fair, equitable and just.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/D-Qo4ObrkU0

Whither the State
Future of the Media: Misinformation, Bias and Facts

February 16, 2021

Terry Shelton moderated a panel that included Neil Heinen, Dee Hall, and David Stoeffler. They led a thoughtful, informed and insightful discussion of the trends in newspaper, television, magazine and digital coverage of the news. Panelists distinguished between investigative, commentary, civic and other types of journalism and suggested how we might deal with efforts to spread misinformation and demonization of the media.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/s11HxfayyA4

What We Need to Know About Corona Virus Vaccines

February 10, 2021

A Corona Virus vaccine may soon be available. Each of us must decide whether to be vaccinated and, if so, which vaccine to choose and when to get the shot. Over the past year we have been bombarded with information, some good and some bad, regarding the virus and possible treatments and vaccines. To decide for ourselves, we should understand the risks and benefits of vaccination based upon the safety and efficacy profile of each vaccine and then make a personal decision regarding Corona Virus vaccination.

Presented by PLATO member, Michael Roy.  Michael studied infectious diseases for over 40 years developing vaccines for biopharmaceutical firms and federal agencies. This talk will introduce concepts of vaccine development and marketing approval, discuss the concept of measuring risk versus benefit, review reliable information regarding safety and efficacy profiles for current or pending Corona Virus vaccines and provide sources of trustworthy information readily available to consumers.

Handout: Risk Benefit and Reference Lists

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/p_uRbr0Ff6A

Whither the State
Understanding the Behavior of the Stock Market

February 2, 2021

Kyle Tetting, Director of Research at Landaas and Company, and Tony Nichols, Trader at First Business Trust and Investment, provided a comprehensive and thoughtful analysis of Stock Market behavior. Their discussion included the relationships between the stock market and the economy, the effects of the pandemic on various sectors of the economy, social issues and investments, and prospects for the future.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/bWTteef_zYs

View Kyle Tetting's slides: WTS - What's Going on with the Stock Markets Tetting Slides.pdf

Exploring Art & History: Max Beckmann’s [Paris] Society
at Weimar’s End (1925, 1931, 1947)

January 27, 2021

Dr. Barbara (Suzy) Buenger, Professor Emerita of art history at UW-Madison, discusses Max Beckmann’s sardonic Society based on the March 1931 reception at the German Embassy in Paris that honored the opening of his first one-man exhibition in that city. The canvas was begun six years earlier, during the first flourishing of the Weimar Republic, as a depiction of Frankfurt high society at the moment Beckmann came to enjoy new professional and social prominence and prepared to marry an aristocrat. His painting is far more than just a satire of human interactions at the Paris reception; it reverberates with tensions of the world economic crisis and annus horribilis that uncoiled as he completed the work from June through late October 1931.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/JkOH5RxYXFY

Whither the State
The Future of the Republican Party

January 19, 2021

Professor Ryan Owens, Director of the Tommy G. Thompson Center for Public Leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shared his thoughts about the future of the Republican Party. Professor Owens identified three major conservative philosophies that have defined the contemporary Republican Party and provided a framework for understanding divisions in the party.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/jWR0Qo_P5hw

Let’s Talk Hearing - Advice to Make Your Ears Smile!

January 14, 2021

Hearing loss comes on gradually and can have a big impact on a person’s life. Many people with hearing loss will say they can hear just fine but that they have difficulty understanding speech, particularly in background noise, watching TV or while attending religious services or theater performances, even while using hearing aids. This informative session goes beyond hearing aids. Audiologist Dr. Juliëtte Sterkens, with the Hearing Loss Association of America (www.hearingloss.org), explains how to become an informed consumer to get the hearing care and technology that will work for you. Learn about hearing care best practices, what’s new in hearing technology and how it can help users hear their best. Find further information on Dr. Sterkens' resource page: Hearing Loss Consumer Info. Here is the Better Hearing Institute Paper and Pencil Hearing Test mentioned in this lecture.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/EHjXG4_Mi4Y

Whither the State
Climate Change Politics: A Comparative View of Nations

January 5, 2021

Dennis provides a brief update on the Georgia Senate runoff election and presidential politics followed by the main presentation by Bill Kakenmaster, Doctoral Candidate in Comparative Politics and International Relations at Notre Dame.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/-XR1t5r2QAg

Whither the State
Economic and Monetary Policy Issues Facing the Biden-Harris Administration

December 15, 2020

After a brief update on the Electoral College, Kurt Sippel explains the nature of economic challenges facing the incoming Biden-Harris administration.  Kurt discusses the fundamental dynamics of economic and monetary policies and the options for restoring health to the U.S. economy.  His presentation includes short videos.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/rH6wai3wqkE

Hygge, Health and Happiness

December 3, 2020

Grab a warm beverage, put on your favorite sweater, cuddle up in a big chair by the fireplace,and find out how Hygge (pronounced hoo-guh or hue-guh) can help us through another cold, dark Wisconsin winter.  How can we embrace winter, especially this coming pandemic winter, instead of dreading it? 

We”ll learn about the Danish concept of Hygge from Dr. Claus Elholm Andersen, a Denmark native and professor of Scandinavian Studies at UW-Madison during a PLATO Madison lecture on "Hygge, Health and Happiness" on Thursday, December 3 from 10-11am. 

In this talk, Professor Claus Elholm Andersen will introduce the concept of hygge, explain how it relates to the Scandinavian way of life, and show what Americans can learn from it.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/wOY34pym4Qs

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet, Session 09
Advanced Reactors

November 23, 2020

Advanced Reactors: Why We Need Them to Save the Planet, by Richard Steeves

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/7NGjjXd78LE

Patrick J. Lucey: A Lasting Legacy

Wednesday November 18, 2020

Through exclusive interviews and unprecedented access to archival materials, Prof. Emeritus Dennis L. Dresang shares the story of Patrick Lucey, a pivotal figure in Wisconsin history. The talk covers from Lucey’s small-town rural roots to his wide-ranging influence as Governor of Wisconsin from 1971-1977, to a U.S. ambassador and beyond.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/UQ24-vV0Od8

Whither the State, Session 8
COVID 19 Pandemic

November 17, 2020

Jim Conway, Associate Director of the Global Health Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison explained the characteristics of viruses generally and COVID-19 in particular and described the origin and spread of the pandemic. He also analyzed the public health crisis that currently challenges us and outlined what needs to be done both now and when effective vaccines are available.

Watch the video now at: https://youtu.be/t63qFrFct1k

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet, Session 8
Climates Change, Can People?

November 16, 2020

Dr. Ankur Desai, Professor of Climate, People, and Environment, U.W. Madison

Watch the video now at: https://youtu.be/-BrshE0pnS8

Whither the State, Session 7
Results and Implications of 2020 Elections

November 7, 2020

The discussion of last week's elections included results of the presidential and U.S. Senate elections, issues raised by polling, implications of the refusal of President Trump to concede defeat, voter turnout, and the runoff elections in Georgia. We also looked ahead to the 2022 U.S. Senate election to anticipate consequences if the Republicans maintain a majority after the Georgia runoffs in January 2021.

Watch the video now at: https://youtu.be/HCSCcZ_UeT8

Whither the State, Session 6
Campaign Challenges in 2020

November 3, 2020

Nada Elmikashfi discussed her campaign experiences and her perspectives on politics in our community and the state of Wisconsin. Nada was born in the Sudan and moved to Madison when she was six years old. She graduated from UW-Madison and became active in state government and politics. She was a candidate for the State Senate and is the Chief of Staff to Representative-Elect Francesca Hong.

Watch the video now at: https://youtu.be/Kri5vTYt0sk

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet, Session 6

Nature’s Best Hope

November 2, 2020

Douglas Tallamy, professor of entomology and wildlife ecology, wants to understand how insects interact with plants and how this determines the diversity of animal communities.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/LEjxGTarisI

We Stand on Their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting

Thursday October 29, 2020

A new exhibition at the Wisconsin Historical Museum marks the centennial of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote. Laurel Miller and Simone Munson present the exhibit that was produced to shine a light on iconic Wisconsin women suffragists and political leaders, and how they helped to gain the long overdue rights and recognition for women in Wisconsin and the nation.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/qzNp0fOajXM

Whither the State, Session 5

Rural Development Initiatives in Wisconsin

October 27, 2020

Kelliann Blazek, Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and Brittany Beyer, Executive Director of Grow North, in Rhinelander, reported on the work of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity.They discussed challenges and opportunities in Wisconsin's rural areas and described responses of local and tribal governments, small businesses, and farmers.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/Oa5BSFoNbho

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet, Session 5

En-ROADS:  A Useful Model for Predicting Climate Change

October 26, 2020

En-ROADS:  A Useful Model for Predicting Climate Change

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/7Zw7hPmdMBE

Whither the State, Session 4

Mark Pocan: View from Congress

October 20, 2020

Representative Mark Pocan discussed issues before the U.S. House of Representatives, with emphasis on the Covid 19 pandemic. Rep. Pocan is a member of the critical House Committee on Appropriations and he described the testimony of Dr. Anthony Fauci and other health experts before that committee. Also discussed were elections to the Wisconsin State Legislature.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/4OMEFHNJQVc

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet, Session 4

Dane County’s Plan to Address Climate Change

October 19, 2020

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/v2H4PDnnq44

Deciding What's True in a Polarized Society

October 15, 2020

In this lecture UW-Madison Professor Michael Wagner will review research on fake news, fact-checking, and selective exposure to like minded media outlets. He will describe the implications of each of these for democracy.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/nn9qqWn9Ek4

Whither the State, Session 3

Polling Update

October 13, 2020

Professor Charles Franklin, Director of the Marquette University Law School Poll, presents the results of his latest poll of likely voters in Wisconsin. He describes how various groups intend to vote for president November 3. Charles compares the results of his polls with ones taken for past elections and describes in detail how his polling is done.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/ZvzG-hmTfykA

Whither the State, Session 2

Voting Procedures and Issues

October 6, 2020

Reid Magney, Public Information Officer of the Wisconsin Election Commission describes the options available for casting a vote in the November 3, 2020 election. Reid explains step-by-step ballots are received and recorded, making certain that there is security and accuracy.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/wtolAaGLtmA

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet, Session 2

Water: Its Power, Promise and Turmoil in North America

October 5, 2020

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/aW6ylmN0oG0

How Computing May Change Our World. Prof. Mark D. Hill

September 17, 2020

While computing has already changed how we communicate, work, and play, more big impacts are afoot. UW-Madison Prof. Emeritus Mark Hill will define and discuss impacts of three important examples on the horizon: (a) why artificial intelligence will free humans from more repetitive tasks, (b) how quantum computing will eventually enhance discovery, and (c) how computing and very human issues like fairness will increasingly interact. This talk assumes no background in computer science and is based on visioning work Prof. Hill collaborated on when he led the Computing  Community Consortium (CCC) https://cra.org/ccc/about/

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/YQcW9-P3aYA

To view the slides from the lecture in PDF form, click here. (Note: this is a large file and may take a while to open.)