September 2008

September 15
Monday

12:00-2:00 PM

Distinguished Speakers Series Luncheon
A Fresh Perspective on Energy: What Can We Do? with Wendell Cox of the American Petroleum Institute

Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Date: September 15, 2008
Location: The Summit Club
20th Floor, 1301 Gervais St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Cost: Members: $20; Non-Members: $27

About the Program:
America has made tremendous strides in energy efficiency. Today, new technology allows us to use less energy while providing the same level of energy power in our homes and at work. But with every house, car and refrigerator that has become more energy efficient, Americans are purchasing more and larger energy-consuming homes, vehicles and appliances to maintain higher standards of living. This burgeoning consumer culture, together with global economic and population growth, means we will still need more energy – not less – in the decades ahead. And to maintain our energy security, we will need access to all forms of energy, including oil and natural gas, well into the future.

Wendell Cox, principal of Demographia and a independent consultant working with API (the American Petroleum Institute), is investigating the factors behind our growing energy needs, as well as consumer trends abroad that will make the global competition for resources even more challenging. Cox is available to discuss a range of his findings and provide a fresh perspective on energy issues, including:

• The contribution of various sectors – commercial, residential, transportation and service – to rising energy demand;
• Recent U.S. energy policies and progress in energy efficiency;
• The global race for energy in light of similar consumer trends abroad and in developing nations; and
• Viable, long-term solutions that can start America down a path toward energy security.

September 22
Monday

6:00-8:00 PM

International Book Club:
Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women by Geraldine Brooks

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Date: September 22nd, 2008
Location: The World Affairs Council Office
2218 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Cost: Free for WAC members and friends!
What to Bring: A dish to pass, your book, and lots of ideas to share. Beverages will be provided.
RSVP to programs@columbiawac.org or call (803)252-2197

Remember to ask for your World Affairs Council discount when you purchase your International Book Club selection at The Happy Bookseller!

Review by Daniel Pipes:

Books by journalists tend to contain errors of fact, roughshod generalizations, and questionable judgments. They usually provide masses of routine and well-known information. How refreshing, then, this study of Muslim women by The Wall Street Journal's former Middle East correspondent. It boasts not just a well-researched base but much new information and a strikingly new thesis. Brooks manages that rare mix, the immediacy of a reporter's experience and the solidity of a research paper.

Each chapter in Nine Parts deals with an aspect of the female Muslim life, both the usual subjects (virginity, weddings, education) and the less so (commerce, politics, warfare). Perhaps the most colorful chapter deals with the Islamic Women's Games in Iran, where men could attend the opening ceremony but not the actual competitions-so that women could get on the track and strip down to their Lycra shorts.

The most valuable aspect of Brooks's reportage is to show the diversity of fundamentalist Islamic approaches to women. Most striking is the contrast between Saudi Arabia, where women have effectively no public role, and Iran, where they serve in parliament and are steadily pushing back the limits. This leads the author to an unexpected but persuasive conclusion: "I found the brightest hope for positive change camouflaged among the black chadors of devout Iranian women."

September 23
Tuesday

5:30-7:30 PM

The Annual Member Meeting

Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Date: September 23, 2008
Location: First Citizens Building
Nexsen Pruet Office
7th Floor – Main Conference Room
1230 Main Street, Suite 700

RSVP to programs@columbiawac.org or call (803)252-2197

Come join us for a reception and slide presentation as we celebrate another successful year of globally-themed programming in Columbia. Special awards will be given to the Member and Volunteer of the Year!

September 24
Wednesday

7:00 PM

Global Lens 2008 International Film Screening:
Kept & Dreamless (Las Mantenidas sin Suenos) from Argentina

Brought to you by the Columbia World Affairs Council, the Walker Institute of International and Area Studies, and the Global Film Initiative

Join the World Affairs Council for the second installment of a 5-part series that showcases film talent from around the world. Selections are made based on authentic voice, strong cinematics, and unique cultural perspectives. Columbia was chosen as one of only 40 US cities to host this stunning collection.

Time: 7:00 PM
Date: September 24 , 2008
Location: University of South Carolina's Gambrell Hall
Room 429
1400 Greene Street
Columbia, SC 29229
Cost: Free to members and guests
RSVP to programs@columbiawac.org or call (803)252-2197

About Kept & Dreamless:

During Argentina's economic crisis of the '90s, nine year-old Eugenia and her mother, Florencia, live a seemingly colorful life surrounded by eclectic neighbors and an offbeat collection of family. But for Eugenia, who must deal with her mother's dysfunctional and drug-addled lifestyle, life is anything but pleasant in this darkly inspiring story of expectation, acceptance and nontraditional family, led by standout performances from director Vera Fogwill and young actress Lucía Snieg