Past Meetings July - Dec 2012


July 7, 2012

Topic:      Future Studies

Title:       Creativity and the Future - Part 2

Presenter: David Keenan

Abstract:   Recent discoveries about how people are more or less creative, as discussed by Jonah Lehrer in his book 'Imagine: How Creativity Works' and what application of these ideas could mean for the future. 

Presentation: HO-Creativity and the Future-ptII MNF-07jul12.ppt

Audio: MNF D Keenan Creativity Futures II Together 7Jul12.WMA

 

July 10, 2012  Tuesday

MNF Board Meeting 

6:30 - 8:30 pm

 

July 14, 2012

Topic:      Economic Futures

Title:    The Disintegration and Reconstruction of America        

Presenter: Jack Carter

Abstract:  The Disintegration and Reconstruction of America-2.pdf

Opening Video:  Excerpt from new HBO Series "The Newsroom" http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article31810.htm Jeff Daniels speaking in character - 3:30 min, caution, some strong language.

Recommended book: "Winner Take All Politics: How Washington Made the Rich Richer--and Turned Its Back on the Middle Class by Jacob S. Hacker, 2010 

  http://www.amazon.com/Winner-Take-All-Politics-Washington-Richer-Turned/dp/1416588698 and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winner-Take-All_Politics_(book)

Recommended text: The Powell Memo http://reclaimdemocracy.org/corporate_accountability/powell_memo_lewis.html

Source for Tax Rates: Corporate and Individual by country (David K) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_tax_rates

 

July 21, 2012

Topic:      Technology Futures

Title:        Abundance - part 2 - The Workshop 

Presenter: Hank Lederer

Abstract:  follow up from last month - bring your examples

Video: review http://www.ted.com/talks/peter_diamandis_abundance_is_our_future.html 16 minutes 

 

July 28, 2012

Title:       Potential Breakthrough Innovations in Human Relationships/Leadership/Governance - Part 2 - US Education and Families

Presenter: Bill Peter

Abstract:  From 10am to 10:45am Bill will cover “Historic trends to date” and “Lessons from history”. From 10:45am to 11:30am Bill will facilitate a group discussion of “Possible futures, likely futures, and preferred futures” on each of five topics

Presentation & Workshop Results MNF Breakthrough Innovations in Human Relationships pt 2 Education.ppt

Education Futures - July 28, 2012

 

Aug 4, 2012

Topic:      Future Studies

Title:           The Role of Weak Signals in Futures Studies—Indicators of trends or precursors, rationalized constructs, or simply random patterns?

Presenter:  George Kubik

Abstract:     Weak signals have historically constituted a major aspect of futures studies. However, weak signals are often poorly defined and understood by users (including consultants and researchers). Typically, weak signals denote the presence of relevant information in the present that connects the past with the future in value-adding ways. While weak signals are characteristically regarded as incomplete and fragmented data, they are also considered to be valuable raw information for enabling anticipatory action.

 

Descriptors such as “emerging signals of change,” “noisy trend information,” “situated indicators of the future,” and “low visibility precursors” are often used. But, are weak signals objective phenomena? Can they be empirically derived and tested?  Or, are they primarily constructs that rationalize connections between perceptions of the past and future?

 

Join us as we explore this crucial and challenging aspect of futures studies. Specifically, we will examine weak signal characteristics and uses, and differentiate them from “wild cards” and “scenarios.” We will also discuss the role of experts and interpreters in weak signal recognition and application. As always, we encourage the open exchange of ideas and experiences among participants. We hope to see you here!

 

ReferenceWeak Signals Learning in Organizational Futures Thesis by Elina Hiltunen, PhD, Helsinki School

Aug 11, 2012

Topic:      Economic Futures

Title:           1982 vs 2012 and the Future 

Presenter:   TBA

Abstract:     Between 1982 and 2000 the US stock market rose 270% more than average.  Why?  Will that continue or not?  And what does it all mean for the next 10-20 years of economic and market conditions?

 

 

Aug 18, 2012

Topic:      Technology Futures

Title:          Doc Watson and the Future of Machine Intelligence 

Presenter:  Eric Hand

Presentation: MNF 18Aug12 - E Hand Watson and Kin.docx

 

Aug 25, 2012

Title:       Potential Breakthrough Innovations in Human Relationships/Leadership/Governance - Part 3 - US Healthcare

Presenter: Bill Peter

Abstract:  From 10am to 10:45am Bill will cover “Historic trends to date” and “Lessons from history”. From 10:45am to 11:30am Bill will facilitate a group discussion of “Possible futures, likely futures, and preferred futures” on each of five topics

of Economics http://hsepubl.lib.hse.fi/pdf/diss/a365.pdf 281pages in English

Graphics http://mnfuturist2011.pbworks.com/w/page/56556798/Weak%20Signals

 

Sept. 1, 2012 - No Meeting - Enjoy a picnic

 

Sept 8, 2012 - Futures Forum

Presenters: members

Moderator: David Keenan

An opportunity to catch up on futures related news items - 5-15 minutes each.

MNF-leadin08sep12.ppt Lead-in plus Futures Forum slides

 

Sept 15, 2012 - Technology Futures

 Title:  Photons, Bosons and Gluons, Oh My: An Introduction to Particle Physics and the Higgs Boson

Presenters:  Brian Toren and Hank Lederer

Abstract - Join Hank and I in this meeting as we delve into particle physics, specifically the Higgs boson, what led up to its discovery and what that all means. The meeting consists of three parts: an introduction and history and discovery of particles and what they do; a video of an interview with Brian Green and Michael Tuts on the Higgs boson led by Charlie Rose; and finally, what it means for the future of research, new discoveries, processes & products. What marvels may await us in 2100: anti-gravity, new energy sources, and dare I say it, time travel. Come and let you imaginations run wild.

 

This is too large a PowerPoint to put on our Wiki, so I will be bringing some CDs with the presentation on them to hand out.

Scale of the Universe 2 (interactive tool by Cary Huang) http://htwins.net/scale2/

Brian Greene and Michal Tuts of Columbia on the discovery of the Higgs Boson - interviewed by Charlie Rose - July 09, 2012 video 30 min http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/12443

Bosons.pdf

 

Sept 18, 2012 - MNF Board Meeting 

Tuesday evening 6:30 - 8:30 pm - 5th Floor conference room - watch for signs

8120 Penn Ave So., Bloomington, MN

 

Sept 22, 2012 - Society, Management & Education Futures

Title: Breakthrough Innovations in Human Relations - Government

Presenter: Bill Peter

Abstract: coming soon

 

Sept 29, 2012 - Peace Futures

Title: Can Crucial Conversations Replace Violence

Presenter: Roger Rydberg

Refs: SEPT30-2012PeaceSig.pdf

Creative Conversations 

Reviews http://www.amazon.com/review/RB6686YBCZC0O/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#RB6686YBCZC0O

Creative+Conversations.pdf

 

Nonviolent Communication - From Wikipedia,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonviolent_Communication

 

Scilla Elworthy: Fighting with non-violence 

There is need of extensive campaign to spread the utility of non violence because in the long run it is a win- win situation for all.

http://www.ted.com/talks/scilla_elworthy_fighting_with_non_violence.html

 

Charlie Rose- Kofi Annan

http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/12541

 

The former U.N.Secretary-General Kofi Annan recounts his time at the head of the international organization. He discusses his tenure and subsequent work in international relations with BBC America's Katty Kay.

http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/Kof

 

Kofi Annan Comdy Central

http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/mon-september-17-2012-kofi-annan

 

Social media 'flash mobs' a new method of nonviolent protest

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/social-media-flash-mobs-new-method-nonviolent-protest

 

Flash Mob - Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”

http://www.openculture.com/2012/07/beethovens_ode_to_joy_flashmobbed.html

 

Flash Mob Supporting Peace One Day Sept 21

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZfUOBkT5SI&feature=fvwrel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEIpeL5xxtQ

 

Peace Day 2012 - Gangnam Style Flash Mob

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFc1f6Ps6eE

 

Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's Revolutionary Leader- The Power of Buddhism in Peaceful Protests

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/people-places/Aung-San-Suu-Kyi-Burmas-Revolutionary-Leader-165590706.html

 

Oct 6, 2012 - Future Studies

Title: Positive Deviance

Presenter: George Kubik

Abstract: In every community there are certain individuals whose uncommon practices/behaviors enable them to fund better solutions to difficult problems.  Discover how to find "invisible" solutions in your midst.

References: "The Power of Positive Deviance: How Unlikely Innovators Solve the World's Toughest Problems" by Richard PascaleJerry SterninMonique Sternin http://www.amazon.com/Power-Positive-Deviance-Unlikely-Innovators/dp/1422110664  

"Democritizing Innovation" by Eric Von Hippel free download available http://mit.edu/evhippel/www/books.htm 

"The 100th Monkey" story http://www.examiner.com/article/monkey-see-monkey-do (David K)

 

Oct 13, 2012 -  Technology Futures

Title: Future Forums - Technology Edition

Presenter: David Keenan

Abstract: Selection of short articles from nanotechnology and rapid prototyping

Presentation: MNF-leadin13oct12.ppt Opening remarks plus today's talk

 

Oct 20, 2012 - Economy and Finance Futures

Title: Recession & Deleveraging: The Future of Debt

Presenter: Bob Kaufman

Ref:

 

More from Casey Research

 

 

SymLatestchange%change
DJIA 13,424.20 95.38 0.72%
S&P 1,440.13 11.54 0.81%
TSX-Composite 12,230.00 27.92 0.23%
TSX-Venture 1,282.73 10.08 0.78%

 

Lacy Hunt: "No Increase in Standard of Living Since 1997"

http://www.caseyresearch.com/articles/lacy-hunt-no-increase-standard-living-1997

 

A Conversation with Ray Dalio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFaRazMpxcM

 

Andrew McAfee: Are droids taking our jobs?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFaRazMpxcM

 

Oct 27, 2012 - Society Management & Education Futures

Title: Breakthrough Innovations in Human Relations - Business

Presenter: Bill Peter

Abstract: Bill Peter has completed four workshops this year on “Potential Breakthrough Innovations in Human Relationships/Leadership/Governance”.  In this talk, he will conduct the fifth and last workshop of this series in 2012

1.       Why were Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae not “fixed”? What are the alternatives?
2.       The history of the highest corporate income tax rates in the world, consequences, and alternatives.
3.       Changing the double taxation on profits earned outside the USA
4.       Incentives for new businesses by selective state initiatives (eg. South Carolina)
5.       Alternative routes to worldwide competitiveness of USA businesses 

 

Nov 3, 2012 - Future Studies

Title: Exploring the Future--The Internet of Things

Presenter: George Kubik

Abstract:

Join us this Saturday as we explore “The Internet of Things.” Sometimes called The Internet of Objects, this emerging technology refers to the rapidly expanding number of wireless networks that connect objects with people, and with other objects. These interconnected devices include objects embedded in buildings, vehicles, streets, and household appliances. They are located throughout our built and natural environments. The networks connecting us with these devices are wireless, increasingly reconfigurable, and often exhibit smart attributes. IoT networks progressively employ the largest of all networks…the Internet, for global communication. Our discussion this Saturday promises to be extremely lively as we examine this new form of communication between people and things, and between things themselves.

 

Nov 10, 2012

Topic: Economic Futures

Title:  Globalization 

Presenter:    Steve Troutman

Abstract:   First we will define globalization.  We will look at the history of globalization and we will review the pros and cons of globalization theory.  We will review the different perspectives inherent in the globalization (i.e. the globalizer and the globalizee).  We will look into the impacts of globalization on people, on businesses, on institutions, and on nations, in the past and into the present day.  Finally, we will consider three future scenarios from our current worldwide globalization, and discuss the implications they represent and what might be necessary to mitigate them.

Presentation: Globalization 2012-11-10.ppt

Ref: http://www.ted.com/conversations/topics/globalization

 

Nov 17, 2012

Topic: Technology Futures

Title:          Ocean Futures

Presenter:  Hank Lederer

Presentation:  A review of this years Nobel Conference 

Ref:

Noble Conference http://news.blog.gustavus.edu/2012/10/09/nobel-conference-presentations-now-available-online/

Kathleen Moore  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3GpQu0IpmM&feature=player_embedded#!

David Gallo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF1WecOyWm8&feature=player_embedded

 

Nov 24, 2012  

Topic: Society Management & Education Futures

Title:     Future Cities 

Presenters: Hank Lederer & David Keenan

Abstract: In response to a request, we will present new information and recap ideas from previous talks about some ideas for city planning and introduce several examples and thought leaders. We anticipate a lively discussion.

 

Dec 1, 2012

Topic: Economic Futures

Title:    After Election forecast for the "Economic Cliff"

Presenter: Jim Zitek

Abstract: Now that the politicians have blown $6 billion (using a tax deduction loophole) to talk about which candidate cares more about condoms and a woman’s reproductive rights, its time to talk about the Fiscal Cliff or the straw man they created last year so they could maintain the status quo through the election.
 
Is there a Fiscal Cliff? Have we already gone off the cliff? Will a $100 billion or 1.4% cut in government spending destroy the economy when we are spending $3.5 trillion? Or when the Treasury sold $260 billion in bonds on the Friday after thanks giving? Or the $2 trillion plus we need to add to the debt ceiling by the end of the year? 

 

Attendee Poll - Do you forecast US will go over the Fiscal Cliff? Results:  Yes 50% No 50%

Also see: Gauging the Fiscal Cliff  - an info graphic http://ljpr.com/GaugingTheFiscalCliff1.pdf  (David K)

 

Dec 8, 2012

Topic: Future Studies

Title:  The Future of Large Number Analytics  

Presenter:  George Kubik

Abstract:

 

Dec 15, 2012

Topic: Technology Futures

Title: Futures - Demographics

Presenter: Hank Lederer

Abstract:

U.S. Population Projections: 2005-2050 http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2008/02/11/us-population-projections-2005-2050/

U.S. Pop 2005-2050 PEW.odp

Demogaphics on Race 2005 to 2050.pdf

Education Education Demographics.pptx 

Birth Rates http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2012/11/29/immigrant-women-lead-recent-drop-in-u-s-births-and-birth-rates/ 
Religion: U.S. Demographic

http://www.nationaljournal.com/thenextamerica/statistics/religion-u-s-demographic-snapshot-20120719

 

Dec 22, 2012

Topic: Society, Management & Education Futures

Title: Negotiation for Futurists

Presenter: Bill Peter

Abstract: Bill will present five examples of Win-Win-Win negotiation. After Q&A, the group will discuss additional opportunities to apply these techniques.

Introduction: MNF-leadin22dec12.ppt

Presentation: HO Negotiations for Futurists 22dec12.ppt

 

Dec 29, 2012 - Peace Futures

Title: What Is The Next Scenario For Syria?

Presenter: Roger Rydberg

Ref :Syria Conflict Dec29PeaceSig.pdf

 

Have a Safe and Happy New Year