Darwin Day, Native American photos and talks, Lucy, Cahokia, underwater
archaeology
IUN Anthropology news and events; there will be a separate newsletter soon
about summer fieldschools, jobs, etc.
1) EVENTS AT IUN:
1A) THE TENTH ANNUAL IUN DARWIN DAY
1B) Native American photography exhibit at IUN
1C) The One Dollar Used Book Sale
2) EVENTS IN THE REGION:
2A) Cahokia and Osage Oral Traditions by Alice Kehoe & other upcoming
talks and events about Native Americans
2B) “Darwin and Life’s Prehistory” by Dr. Ron Pine
2C) “The Importance of Lucy”, by discoverer Donald Johanson
2D) DARWIN'S 199th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Presented by Unitarian churches in Hobart, IN and St. Joseph, MI
2E) hundreds of other Darwin Day events
2F) Underwater archaeology in Illinois and Indiana
3) two talks at Notre Dame
3A) “Linking maternal resources, fetal needs, and global health through
placental plasticity”
3B) “Genetics, Language, and History in Chibchan Populations from Central
and South America”
scroll down to find what you want
1) EVENTS AT IUN:
1A) The IUN Anthropology Club presents:
THE TENTH ANNUAL IUN DARWIN DAY
A part of an International Celebration of Science and Humanities
in honor of Charles Darwin's 199th birthday
This year's theme is "Evolution, Ecology, and Variation"
Featuring talks by
Michael LaPointe, Biology
"Genetics changes in health and disease - interactions with our environment"
Karl Nelson, Psychology
"The influences of evolution in relation to mate selection and jealousy"
Peter Avis, Biology
"How mutations saved my fungus-loving life."
Jacqueline Lipski, Anthropology/English Student
"Anthropology in the field: Belize"
Wednesday February 13, 2008
12 noon to 2:30 pm
IUN Library Conference Center 105C
134 west 35th Ave, Gary IN
Free admission, open to the public, refreshments served
IUN Darwin Day features several excellent speakers on science, humanities,
evolution, and Darwin, with cake and songs, and just plain fun. The
featured speakers will each talk for 15 to 20 minutes, with a few minutes
for questions between talks. So come whenever you can, and stay as long as
you want.
Abstracts:
12:00 Michael LaPointe's talk:
"Genetics changes in health and disease - interactions with our
environment"
The talk would be in layman's terms. I will explain what genes are,
define alleles, mutations and polymorphisms, etc and then give examples on
how changes have been shown to affect diseases such as hypertension,
diabetes, obesity, and sickle cell anemia. I will discuss how
environmental conditions, on one hand, can select for certain traits, and
how other environmental conditions or lifestyles can then result in
disease. The talk would be partially scientific, part philosophy and part
opinion.
12:30 Karl Nelson's talk:
"The influences of evolution in relation to mate selection and jealousy"
Darwin's evolutionary theory has strongly influenced research in
several areas of psychology. Sexual behavior has represented a
particularly fertile area of research. This talk will provide a brief
overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the predictions based on
evolutionary theory. Topics addressed will include sexual behavior,
infidelity, jealousy, and desired characteristics in life-mates. I will
give a general outline, and discuss points where this model appears to
break down (e.g., substantial similarities in desired characteristics of
spouses).
1:00 Cutting of Charles' birthday cake
1:15 Peter Avis' talk:
"How mutations saved my fungus-loving life."
A central theme in my work is how I distinguish one fungus from the
next. At the core of these differences are mutations, which are at the
core of so much biological variation and hence evolution. Darwin didn't
really know so much about the molecular end of this, but I'm sure he'd be
keen on how we understand them today. So, I will briefly discuss what
mutations are, how they arise, what happens if they are beneficial, neutral
or not, and how I, as a mycophile, utilize mutations to study fungi.
1:45 Jacqueline Lipski's talk:
"Anthropology in the field: Belize"
I will talk about the experience of going to another country and being
an archaeologist in the field: having to live without a lot of things that
we as Americans take for granted, dealing with the people of the village
near the dig site, the conditions we lived in (no electricity, no running
water, lots of mud and bugs, etc), getting to experience a whole other
culture from my own, dealing with trying not to be a tourist by being
respectful, coping with missing home and the constant mud and rain that
halted work, and the frustration it all. Darwin knew a lot about traveling
to different places to try and find out more about humanity's past. In a
way, I was doing just that but on a smaller scale.
Biographical profiles and more info at:
Oh, and we will be selling the Darwin fish emblems and Anthro Club and
Darwin T-shirts.
Learn more about Darwin Day, an international celebration, at:
http://www.darwinday.org
1B) IU Northwest Galleries hosts a Native American photography exhibit
from Feb 13 thru March 11. The exhibit contains select images from the
Mathers Museum Wanamaker Collection, and is organized by the Mathers Museum
of World Cultures at IU Bloomington. This exhibit represents some of the
photographic themes of Joseph K. Dixon, who spent 15 years visually
chronicling the Native peoples of the American West during the early
decades of the last century. Dixon, who was funded in his many expeditions
by John and Rodman Wanamaker of Wanamaker Department Stores, initially
viewed Native American tribes as a “vanishing culture,” and his efforts to
preserve images of their way of life on film resulted in a vast collection
of photos depicting more than 150 tribes.
Dixon came not only to respect America’s Native people but also to
understand that their culture, though certainly changing, was not really
disappearing. He became an impassioned advocate for American Indians,
spearheading a push in 1913 to establish a National American Indiana
Memorial and, two years later, lobbying for American citizenship for the
nation’s original inhabitants. After World War I, Dixon publicized Native
Americans’ service and sacrifice on the battlefields of Europe.
The photos selected for the traveling exhibit “Images of Native Americans”
were taken from more than 8,000 images contained in the Wanamaker
Collection. The chosen photos represent some of the collection’s strengths
and also showcase four of Dixon’s favorite photographic subjects: portraits
of individual Native Americans; scenes of daily life; subjects of historic
interest; and images of children.
Gallery Northwest at Tamarack Hall is located right next to Theatre
Northwest. Gallery hours are Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.;
Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Weekend viewings are available only by appointment.
In addition to organizing the traveling exhibit, the Mathers Museum of
World Culture is hosting a larger exhibit of Wanamaker Collection
photographs in Bloomington through June 8, 2008. The Mathers Museum is
located at 416 N. Indiana Ave in Bloomington. Its exhibit hall and museum
store are open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday
and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.
“Images of Native Americans” is being brought to IU Northwest throughthe
Moveable Feast of the Arts at IU Bloomington. Created through a generous
gift from the Lilly Endowment Inc., this program’s mission is to showcase
and extend IU’s cultural resources to Hoosier communities and IU campuses
across Indiana. As an institution that is devoted to excellence in arts
and culture, IU Northwest is pleased and honored to present these important
artistic collections to the Northwest Indiana community.
For more information on “Images of Native Americans,” contact Anthropology
Lecturer Michelle Stokely, Ph.D., at (219) 981-5601; this collection is
coming to IUN because of Dr Stokely’s efforts. She and the Anthropology
Club will be hosting a reception for the show on Wednesday Feb 20 from noon
to 2 pm; if you come by during the reception, there will be additional
information about the photographs as well as refreshments. Sample images
and more information at: http://newsinfo.iu.edu/web/page/normal/5684.html
1C) The One Dollar Used Book Sale is Back
Monday March 17 thru Friday March 21, 2008
IUN Moraine Center 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (until 1 pm on Friday)
open at 9 am exactly on Monday
2) EVENTS IN THE REGION:
2A) Cahokia and Osage Oral Traditions: Lecture by Alice Kehoe, Ph.D.
Harvard, Anthropology; Sunday, February 10, 1:00-2:30 p.m. On evidence
connecting the historic Osage tribe to the prehistoric Cahokia
civilization. At the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central
Street, Evanston, Illinois, 60201. $5 donation requested. Phone:
847-475-1030 http://www.mitchellmuseum.org/
NOTE: I see in the news that former IUN Lecturer John Low will be the new
director of the museum.
Upcoming museum events:
Sunday, February 17, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Conquistadors & Mound Builders,
Desoto on the Mississippi & Beyond; Fred Christensen (Parkland College)
Sunday, March 2, 1:00 p.m. Native American Women: Seven short films
Margaret Sagan, National Museum of the American Indian
Sunday, March 9, 1:00 p.m. Capt. Wm. Caldwell of the British Indian
Service, his son Billy Caldwell & the Early Midwest – Fred Christensen
Saturday/Sunday, March 15/16; Native American Artists Marketplace:
fifteen+ Vendors
2B) “Current Knowledge of Life’s Prehistory and What Darwin Knew and
Didn’t Know About It” – with guest presenter Dr. Ron Pine of the Field
Museum, presented by The Center for Inquiry/Chicago
Date: Sunday, February 10, Time: 10:30AM
Location: University of Illinois at Chicago: SCE (Student Center East)–
White Oak Room (Take the escalators to the third floor from the inner circle)
Help celebrate Darwin’s 199th birthday (this week) with our distinguished
guest, who has been with us once or twice over the past few years and
always has new and engaging things to say.
Dr. Ron Pine is currently a Research Associate at the Field Museum of
Chicago, having previously worked at the Smithsonian and served as a
professor at George Williams College. His research specialty is the
classification, ecology, and biogeography of mammals, especially those of
Latin America. He has degrees from the Universities of Kansas and Michigan,
and a doctorate from Texas A&M.
He started leading “nature hikes” for people of all ages when he was15,
which progressed to his leading numerous scientific expeditions to five
continents and various islands. He also is the author of at least 70
scientific publications, including one technical monograph and one
co-authored textbook.
We provide the hot, caffeinated coffee and a stimulating round table
format. You need not be a Friend of the Center (member) to attend this
meeting, but non-members will be asked for a modest contribution ($3 for
students). So, if you find that you like us, please do join as a Friend of
CFI/Chicago!
2C) “The Importance of Lucy”, Donald Johanson, Paleoanthropologist
Tuesday, February 19, at 7:30 p.m. Since his groundbreaking discovery of
Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old hominid fossil that added a crucial link to
humankind’s evolutionary chain, Johanson has become one of the most visible
and effective spokespersons for the scientific view of human origins. He
has led field explorations in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and the Middle East;
hosted and narrated the Emmy®-nominated PBS/NOVA series In Search of Human
Origins; authored six books; and spoken at universities, corporations, and
public forums to share his findings and stimulate healthy debate.
Join this renowned scientist as he tells Lucy’s story and explains whatshe
can teach us about our common humanity. Field Museum of Chicago $15
students and teachers
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/nglive/chicago/index.html
2D) DARWIN'S 199th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Presented by First Unitarian of Hobart, IN and Berrien UU Fellowship, St.
Joseph, MI
Sponsors: Chicago Area UU Council; HUUmanists. Donations requested for
events.
Saturday Feb 9th at the Hobart Church, First Unitarian Church
Fifth and Main Streets, PO Box 291, Hobart, Indiana 46342; 219-942-1611.
4 PM Keynote Address: "Darwinism and the Meaning of Life" - Professor
Arthur Falk of Western Michigan University, followed by a responder's panel.
7 PM An historic re-enactment: Darwin's 60th Birthday party aboard the
decommissioned HMS Beagle. Music by Trois Canards, period food,
appearances by Darwin, Huxley, Wilberforce, Tennyson & others.
Sunday February 10th Sermons on Darwin
10:30 AM (EST) at BUUF, 4340 Lincoln Ave, St. Joseph MI, Beth Lefever preaching
11:00 AM (CST) at Hobart, Karen Quinlan preaching.
12:00 noon (CST) The Jim Gordon Memorial Chili Cookoff, at Hobart
ENTRANCE IN REAR OF BUILDING THROUGH THE PARISH HALL
COST: $5.00 per Adult, $3.00 per Child, Or $15.00 per Family
Tell your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc? that they should not
miss this annual event. Whether you are a vegan or a meat-lover, there is
always something for everyone. This event has been going on for more thana
decade and is always a crowd pleaser. It just gets better and better each
and every year.
Wednesday February 13 Darwin Day Activities
7:00 PM (EST) at BUFF in St. Joseph, Valentines Day and The Life of Charles
Darwin - dramatic presentation, refreshments. Donation requested.
2E) For hundreds of other Darwin Day events, many in the Indiana/Illinois
region, visit:
http://www.darwinday.org/englishL/home/2008.php
2F) UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY
Devil’s Punchbowl: The Alpha Wreck Odyssey
Sitting on the beach in Porter County, Indiana is an old wooden schooner
with possible ties to one of the most important and turbulent times in
recent American history—the Underground Railroad.
This Powerpoint lecture centers around the theory of how and why the Alpha
Wreck was connected to the transportation of escaped slaves via Lake
Michigan to Canada during the antebellum years.
Presented by Roger Barski and members of the Briggs Project team. The CAS
bulletin also mentions their underwater training facility near Kankakee IL.
The Chicago Archaeological Society and
the Briggs Project sponsor this special presentation on
Sunday, February 24th, 2008 - 3:30 p.m
The lecture will be held at the Evanston Public Library
Corner of Orrington and Church Streets, Evanston, Illinois 60204 pen to the
public - Admission is free
For a map and additional information visit: http://www.BriggsProject.Org
3) At Notre Dame:
3A) The Department of Anthropology Presents
Julienne Rutherford
Northwestern University
“Linking maternal resources, fetal needs, and global health through
placental plasticity”
Monday, February 11, 2008
3:00-4:15
625 Flanner Hall
The structure and function of the placenta through the course of pregnancy
is astoundingly complex and plastic, sensitive to inputs from both the
fetal and maternal environments. Recent evidence implicating the role of
the prenatal environment in the programming of adult chronic disease places
a spotlight on the placenta as an important engineer of adult health. Dr.
Rutherford discusses the connections between primate placental anatomy,
fetal development, and applications to problems of global health disparities.
3B) AND: The Department of Anthropology Presents
Phillip Melton, University of Kansas
“Genetics, Language, and History in Chibchan Populations from Central and
South America” Monday, February 18, 2008, 3:00-4:15, 625 Flanner Hall
Over the last twenty years increased anthropological inquiry has focused on
Chibchan speaking populations from lower Central and northern South America
due to their geographic location bridging the two American continents. This
research has rejected the traditional notion of the region as a heavily
trodden pathway for migrating populations and has demonstrated long term
cultural and biological continuity dating back 10,000 years. In this
lecture, new genetic evidence will be presented regarding the history of
Chibchan populations and their implications for understanding the origins
of New World agriculture and the peopling of South America.
For info contact:
Diane Pribbernow
Sr. Administrative Assistant
Department of Anthropology
611 Flanner Hall
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556-5611
Phone: 574-631-6433
--
Bob Mucci
Associate Professor and Coordinator of Anthropology
Indiana University Northwest
3400 Broadway, Gary IN 46408
219-980-6607
RMucci@iun.edu
http://www.iun.edu/~anthronw
"Education not slogans is our motto"