Group items tagged

* Filmed: February 2008 * Running Time: 4:03 * Description: This talk gives a short description about how Function MRI and neuroimaging techniques will soon enable us to control a greater part of our brain and could replace, in part, the need for psychotherapy and drugs for depression and pain. Has a good "future" feel to it. * Rating: Very Good (It's short so it good for showing during class) * 7-Revolutions: Technology

* Filmed: August 2006 * Running Time: 17.38 * Description: Nicholas Negroponte discusses his work to provide cheap ($100), portable, self-charging laptops to developing countries. He talks about how these laptops can change education and ultimately reduce poverty. * Rating: Good * 7-Revolutions Sections: Technology, Information Processing.

* Filmed: December 2007 * Running Time: 19.34 * Description: Kevin Kelly describes what the Internet is today and predicts where it is going. He begins with interesting statistics about how the Internet is used today, then makes some predictions of how the Internet will change in the next 10, 20 and 30 years. Draft 81 * Rating: Good: Interesting stats but it's a bit slow at times. * 7-Revolutions Sections: Technology, Information Processing.

* Filmed: February 2006 * Running time: 19.50 minutes * Description: This talk describes the changes that have occurred and are predicted to occur in wealth distribution, fertility rates, population growth, and health within and between countries. Hans Rosling displays statistics using extremely interesting and unique graphics of changing trends. He breaks down several myths relating to difference between economically less developed and more developed countries. * Rating: Excellent * 7-Revolutions Section: Population, Economic Integration, Technology

* Released April, 2008 * Running time: 92 min * Description: In this documentary several of the world's experts on climate change and sustainability are interviewed including: former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Cambridge physicist Stephen Hawking, progressive CEO Ray Anderson, and scientist and activist David Suzuki. It contains wonderful video footage and a very high production value. It is hosted by Leonardo DiCaprio and it appears to be intended for a younger, college-age, audience. In this documentary they discuss both the science and philosophy of the future of our planet. It starts off a bit depressing, but ends with some practical ways for individuals to enact change. * Rating: Excellent: Students rated The 11th Hour as their favorite video of the semester. * 7-Revolutions Section: Resources, Population, Technology

NOVA - Car of the Future: Engineering for the Environment * Released April, 2008 * Running time: 54 min * Description: This documentary is hosted by the radio hosts for NPR's program, Car Talk. The hosts Tom and Ray visit several manufacturers and entrepreneurs who are creating more efficient, eco-friendly cars, such as new versions of hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric cars. The hosts add some humor that makes the documentary more enjoyable for students, while discussing serious issues. * It can be viewed in six different parts at: PBS.org - specifically: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/car/program.html * Rating: Very good * 7-Revolutions Section: Technology

* Running Time: 4:45 * Aired: May 2007 * Description: John Stossel from ABC 20/20 discusses the myths and problems that come from using ethanol as fuel. * Rating: Good * 7-Revolutions: Technology, Resources.

* Aired: March 2008 * Running time: 58:58 * Description: This is a very entertaining and informative program on research in biotechnology and bioengineering. It talks about present research and makes some interesting predictions about the future. * Rating: Excellent * 7-Revolutions Section: Technology

* Running Time: 3:40 * Description: This is an animated short film about groundwater. It provides good information, but is also very humorous. * Rating: Very good * 7-Revolutioins: Resources, Technology

* Released December 2008 * Running time: 84 minutes * Description: This is a powerful documentary of the current state of freshwater ownership, privatization and distribution around the world. The film discusses the conflict between "predatory" corporations and engaged citizens over water rights and usage. For example, it discusses how companies like Coke and Pepsi use of water in India and Nestles use of water in Michigan for bottled water. This film also documents water wars in Bolivia, privatization in Africa, and issues of pollution of freshwater around the world. It promotes lively and emotional discussion in class. * Rating: Excellent * 7-Revolutions Section: Resources, Technology, Economics, Conflict.

Summary: Clean-energy technology is expensive and the United States is spending far too little on developing it. The U.S. government must do more to promote cross-border innovation and protect intellectual property rights.