MIAMIntelligence January Calendar

On Thursday, January 15 MIAMIntelligence launches its 2004 Lecture Series. MIAMIntelligence presents two weekly lectures, on topics related to Philosophy, Art, History, Science, and Current Events. Most lectures are held on Tuesdays at the Wolfsonian Museum and Thursdays at the Science Museum, at 7:30 PM. For more information on MIAMIntelligence, and on past and upcoming lectures, please logon to www.miamintelligence.com Contact: Sandra Tartonne Phone: 305-773-8408 Email: sandra@miamintelligence.com

(PRWEB) January 9, 2004 --January 15: In God We Trust? The Separation of Church and State

The phrase "Separation of church and state" is repeated so often that some people think it is the keystone of the Constitution. And yet, the words "separation," "church," or "state" are not found in the First Amendment, nor in any other founding document. Still, this principle is a part of our historical, legal and political heritage. Sometimes, however, the lines are blurred. Professor Dan Alvarez will explore the relationship of religion and government in the United States, with focus on the purpose of this principle and its many implications in a changing society.

Daniel Alvarez, professor of Religious Studies at FIU, obtained his degrees at Harvard and Stetson Universities. He was the Dean of the South Florida Center for Theological Studies and his areas of interest and competency include Christian theology, philosophy, comparative religions, religious fundamentalisms and issues of church and state. He has published several articles on evangelical theology, Zen and scientific theology.

Science Museum at Vizcaya, 7:30 PM
3280 South Miami Avenue
Cost: $10 at the entrance
Complimentary wine and cheese served from 7 PM
Free Parking
Info: www.miamintelligence.com or 305-773-8408

January 20: Light, Shadow and the Creative Process
Robin Hill will discuss the creative process from the photographer's point of view and the role that light and shadow play not only in photography, but in art and architecture too. The lecture will also discuss the fusion of various creative disciplines including poetry and music.

Born in Nottingham, England, award-winning photographer Robin Hill attended the University of Sheffield. He pursued his love of photography in London, traveled for several years as an onboard photographer and moved to Miami where he has a career in advertising and editorial photography.

Miami Beach Women's Club, 7:30 PM
2401 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach
Cost: $10 at the entrance
Complimentary wine and cheese served from 7 PM
Info: www.miamintelligence.com or 305-773-8408

January 22: Enchanting India: People and Culture
India; a mystifying and perplexing land of contrasts, a colorful country that is steeped in traditions and ancient beliefs. It is the cradle of two of the worlds greatest religions and a land of beautiful temples, mosques, rock carvings, mausoleums, holy cities and the worlds most colorful religious festivals. Professor Mario
Ferrante will take you on a journey to the land of the fabled palaces of the Moghul Maharajahs in Jaipur, the ancient temples of Kajuraho, whose carvings inspired the Kamasutra, the famous Taj
Mahal, and the Gats on the shores of the Ganges in the holy city of Varanasi.

For many years, Professor Ferrante has been studying, writing and lecturing on the cultural, archeological and anthropological life styles, as well as the art and architecture, of ancient, modern and primitive societies. Aside from being a Science museums curator of Natural History, he is a cultural historian, an explorer, world
traveler and expert photographer.

Science Museum at Vizcaya, 7:30 PM
3280 South Miami Avenue
Cost: $10 at the entrance
Complimentary wine and cheese served from 7 PM
Free Parking
Info: www.miamintelligence.com or 305-773-8408

January 27: War and Protest
War propaganda has been a part of human history for hundreds of years. It is used to confuse and demoralize enemies and also to influence public opinion. But, often, a nation at war uses propaganda to control its own citizens. Now, more than ever, governments have huge power to disseminate information, and what remains in the public consciousness depends on the leaders, the media, the message, and the populace. John Fitzgerald O'Hara will detail how propaganda can serve to rally people behind a cause, but often at the cost of exaggerating or misrepresenting the issues in order to gain that support.

Dr. John Fitzgerald O'Hara, Lecturer at the University of Miami, is an expert in war propaganda and war dissent whose dissertation
concerned history and public memory. His main interests involve the material our society uses to access and assess wars, and the aspects of wars that have drawn so little opposition that they have been almost wholly erased from history.

Wolfsonian Museum, 7:30 PM
1001 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
Cost: $10 at the entrance
Complimentary wine and cheese served from 7 PM
Info: www.miamintelligence.com or 305-773-8408

January 29: Contemporary Cuban Art

Art Historian Juan Martinez addresses the work of a group of artists known as the "1990's generation", the first post-revolutionary
artists allowed to travel to the United States and Europe for exhibits and residencies and to legally receive American dollars for their work. He also explores issues related to their art, such as appropriation of avant-garde artistic languages and practices, engagement with social and cultural themes like materialism, politics, migration and identity, insertion into the international art market, and critical response.

Dr. Juan Martinez is a Professor at the Art and Art History Department at Florida International University. He has lectured and published extensively on Latin American art.

Science Museum at Vizcaya, 7:30 PM
3280 South Miami Avenue
Cost: $10 at the entrance
Complimentary wine and cheese served from 7 PM
Free Parking
Info: www.miamintelligence.com or 305-773-8408
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