FORA.tv - Daily Video FORAcast

Author Raj Patel examines the conflicting messages coming from the White House surrounding First Lady Michelle Obama's commitment to health and exercise and her collaboration with Walmart.  Complete video available for free at http://fora.tv/2012/06/12/Raj_Patel_Haves_and_Have-Nots_of_the_Great_Food_Divide Half the world is malnourished, the other half obese. Why is there such a large discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots for what we all need: food? Patel conducts a global investigation to make sense of the world food crisis and charges that “the food system is filled with choices made by a handful of powerful people, in smoke-filled rooms, over the objections of the majority.” Hear a story of nefarious false choices and of international resistance movements that takes you from seed to store to plate.

Zite CEO Mark Johnson, journalist Chris Taylor, Mother Jones editor-in-chief Clara Jeffery, and Federated Media Publishing's chief community officer Laney Whitcanack discuss whether print media will still exist in 10 years. Complete video available for free at http://fora.tv/2012/05/10/Digital_Publishing_The_End_of_Print The average San Franciscan is more likely to get their media from a screen than from a paper, so it’s no surprise that newspapers and magazines are shutting down all around us; the editorial space and the way we consume news has changed. What will editorial look like years from now? Will curated content really be king? Can non-digital publications stay afloat? Leading digital experts will share their experiences, honest thoughts and predictions for the future of publishing.

Willie Brown, political pundit and former Mayor of San Francisco, explains he wouldn't be surprised if Joe Biden doesn't have a job next year. He explains that President Obama might turn to Hillary Clinton to push him over the top in the 2012 election. Complete video available for purchase at http://fora.tv/2012/05/15/Willie_Brown_2012_Annual_Lecture_on_Political_Trends The inimitable former San Francisco mayor and renowned pundit gives his annual take on the political scene as we approach the presidential election.

Enjoy this excerpt from science comedian Brian Malow's routine from Wonderfest 2009. Complete video available for free at http://fora.tv/2009/11/08/Science_Laughs_Science_Comedian_Brian_Malow Now an accomplished stand-up comic whose career has spanned more than a decade to include performances on CBS, A&E, TechTV, and the Discovery Channel, Brian Malow turns his sharp wit upon his first love: the world of science.

In the debate whether America's natural gas boom is doing more harm than good, the panelists argue whether finding a solution at home liberates the United States from conflict for oil in the Middle East. Complete video available for free at: http://fora.tv/2012/07/01/No_Fracking_Way_The_Natural_Gas_Boom_Is_Doing_Great_Harm Presented in partnership with The Aspen Ideas Festival Natural gas, touted for its environmental, economic, and national security benefits, is often thought of as the fuel that will “bridge” our transition from oil and coal to renewables. The ability to extract natural gas from shale formations through a method called hydraulic fracturing has unleashed vast, untapped sources—by some estimates, the U.S. now sits on a 100-year supply. But contamination from toxic chemicals used in the fracking process has been the source of increasing health and environmental concerns. Can natural gas be part of a clean energy solution, or is it a dangerous roadblock to a fossil-free future?

General Colin Powell, Secretary of State under the George W. Bush Administration, discusses the aftermath to his notorious weapons of mass destruction UN speech that helped incite war in Iraq. Despite the era of conflict, Powell argues that the Bush Administration brought some good to the world. Complete video available for purchase at http://fora.tv/2012/06/07/General_Colin_Powell_on_Legacy_and_Leadership Throughout his decades of service to the country, General Powell has kept his private life out of the limelight. Now, in his new book, "It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership", Powell is opening up to reveal the important principles that guided his journey from being the son of Jamaican immigrants to becoming chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the first African-American secretary of state. He will reveal the foundations for achievement and leadership that worked for him and can help make others' dreams come true, too. Gen. Colin L. Powell served as the 65th US Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. As a professional soldier for 35 years, Sec. Powell held many command and staff positions and rose to the rank of four-star general. From 1989 to 1993, he served as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the US Department of Defense. During this time, he oversaw many crises, including Operation Desert Storm. He served previously as National Security Advisor to President Reagan. His civilian awards include two Presidential Medals of Freedom, the President's Citizens Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal, and the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal.

Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy shares a personal story about how film studios use demographic research to target specific racial groups. Ramamurthy argues that in time studios will target an affluent Asian culture. Complete video available for purchase at http://fora.tv/2012/06/11/Closing_Plenary_Media_Marketing_and_the_Desirable_Demo Asian Americans are a demographic to be recognized -- and reckoned with -- but why haven't media and marketing efforts kept pace? Our panelists will explore the potential of America's fastest-growing demographic, the way news and entertainment outlets will have to rethink their portrayals of Asian Americans (one word: Linsanity!), and the opportunities companies have to serve this niche--if they get it right. Sendhil Ramamurthy is an American actor. He played geneticist Mohinder Suresh in the NBC Sci-Fi drama Heroes and, as of 2010, he plays Jai Wilcox in the Action Spy series Covert Affairs. He appeared in the film Shor in the City.

Vivek Wadhwa, Visiting Scholar at UC Berkeley's School of Information, argues that Chinese innovation lags far behind innovation in the United States because China's rigid political structure doesn't allow for risk-taking. Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2012/03/28/An_Economist-Style_Debate_on_Global_Innovation Proposition: America is winning the innovation race Staggering growth in developing economies—as well as new networking technologies and a renewed spirit of entrepreneurialism—is democratizing innovation throughout much of the world. Yet, huge global risks threaten to impede the pace of innovation. Countries from America to Japan are reeling under the weight of enormous debts. Emerging economies from China to Brazil, which have surged in recent years, are battling growing pains—like inflation and widening inequality. In Europe, chronic defaults and bailouts threaten the future of the euro itself. The result is a global political and economic climate that makes fueling innovation both difficult and necessary. With crucial presidential elections unfolding in many large countries throughout the world in 2012, now is the time to answer crucial questions about how to boost innovation—to propel nations and solve the world's problems. Ideas Economy: Innovation will explore the role of governments, corporations and individuals as drivers of innovation and will develop prescriptions that lead to lasting progress and prosperity. Conference attendees will engage in a lively examination of current political and economic policies around the world, develop a keen understanding of how the forces of globalization affect the ways companies innovate and manage innovation, and discuss what individuals can do, not only to energize their own creative and intellectual potential, but to develop jobs, improve company earnings, and contribute to economic growth around the world.

Van Jones, Founding President of Rebuild the Dream, criticizes the influence corporations and special interests have on our political system. Jones argues that "the Tea Party is correct, our liberties are under threat," but their "negative" rhetoric is misguided. Complete video available for purchase at http://fora.tv/2012/04/17/Van_Jones_Founding_President_Rebuild_the_Dream Van Jones, one of the nation’s leading champions for ecological equality, is switching gears. A cofounder of three non-profits and a former advisor to President Obama, Jones is now working to build a movement grounded in tough-minded American idealism to "take back the American Dream." Rejecting the fashionable mantra of cut-backs and austerity, Jones makes the case for public policies and investments, hoping to create 10 million, well-paying American jobs. Learn more about Jones’ new book Rebuild the Dream and get a glimpse of how his plot for change has thickened since last summer’s interview here at the Club. Van Jones is a globally recognized, award-winning pioneer in human rights and the clean-energy economy. Jones is a co-founder of three successful non-profit organizations: the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Color of Change and Green For All. He is the best-selling author of the definitive book on green jobs: The Green-Collar Economy. He served as the green jobs advisor in the Obama White House in 2009.

What's more rewarding -- eating a piece of candy, or the sense of anticipation you feel just before you eat it? As far as your brain is concerned, it's probably the latter. Cynergey's Kes Sampanthar explains what neuroscience reveals about motivation. Complete video available for purchase at http://fora.tv/2012/06/21/Motivational_GPS_Understanding_the_Science_of_Motivation Motivation is complicated – with a great deal of challenge, controversy and misunderstanding about its dimensions. Intrinsic vs extrinsic, positive vs negative – none of the research is definitive, and we’re still only beginning to understand how it affects the design of meaningful systems. In this fast-paced, essential talk, expert gamification designer Kes Sampathar delivers an extraordinary insight into how we can use gamified design to upgrade our natural motivational system from a compass to a GPS. Kes Sampanthar leads the media strategy team and innovation lab at Cynergy Systems, an award winning concept, design and development agency. He has over 15 years in the software industry moving from academic research in artificial intelligence to developing engaging applications for the media and entertainment industry. He is a game designer and award winning inventor of ThinkCube; an innovation game/tool for businesses. His latest research into game design, neuroscience, behavioral economics and paleoanthropology has lead to his development of a ‘Motivational Design Framework’ that has been used to create engaging experiences for some of the largest web properties; most recently eBay.

David C. Blackburn, Assistant Curator of Herpetology research at the California Academy of Sciences, discusses a global epidemic that is threatening thousands of species of amphibians. Complete video available for free at http://fora.tv/2012/05/15/The_Evolution_and_Diversity_of_Amphibians An explorer of biodiversity, Dr. Blackburn studies the evolution and diversity of amphibians, especially frogs on continental Africa. Nearly 90% of the 6,800 known species of amphibians are frogs. Their diversity and distribution make them prime research subjects for investigating larger questions about the history and movement of life within Africa and the origins and evolution of natural variation.

Jon Radoff, founder of Disruptor Beam, discusses his company's adaptation of the hit HBO series "Game of Thrones", and explains why most game adaptations, as well as attempts at gamification, fall flat. Complete video available for purchase at http://fora.tv/2012/06/21/Media_Gamification_Game_of_Thrones_Secret_of_Engagement How has the entertainment and media business evolved over recent years to embrace the seismic shocks coming from social media and mobile devices? Forget what you learned a year ago, because the world has already changed again–and there’s plenty to learn about, whether you’re an entertainment executive or would like to learn how to adapt entertainment techniques to your own business. Jon Radoff will share some of the top lessons learned from his experiences from working with top brands including 50 Cent and HBO (Game of Thrones Ascent): the most successful products are those that realize that games can expand the customer’s experience, creating an engaging and entertaining social experience that allows fans to stay connected to the brands and worlds they love.

Randy E. Barnett, Professor of Legal Theory at the Georgetown University Law Center, discusses the chilling effect President Obama's criticism of the Supreme Court regarding his signature health care legislation. Complete video available for free at http://fora.tv/2012/06/06/Health_Care_Reforms_Big_Test_Commerce_and_the_Constitution As the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s soon-to-be-announced decision on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, the National Constitution Center’s Peter Jennings Project and The Constitutional Sources Project (ConSource) present a timely program to illuminate the impact of this pivotal ruling. Joined by other key experts, distinguished law professors Jack Balkin of Yale Law School and Randy Barnett of Georgetown Law Center will explore the decision’s real-world consequences on the Constitution and other legislation built on Commerce Clause power. This event will be moderated by award-winning journalist John Hockenberry.

Charles C. Mann, journalist and author of 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created, talks about the impact of European settlers on the American east coast. Citing disease and reforestation, Mann declares that by 1650, America was a very different landscape from when Columbus arrived. Complete video available for free at http://fora.tv/2012/04/23/Charles_C_Mann_Living_in_the_Homogenocene Ever since Columbus, it’s an alien invasive world. Everybody’s germs, insects, vegetables, staple foods, rats, domestic animals, and even wildlife went everywhere, changing everything. That convulsion is still in progress. Charles C. Mann is the author of "1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus" and "1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created"

At Being Human 2012, Tami Simon asks what "Being Human" means to Jon Kabat-Zinn, Gelek Rimpoche, and Richie Davidson. Complete video available for free at http://fora.tv/2012/03/24/Being_Human_Conscious_Experience Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. is Professor of Medicine emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Born in Lhasa, Tibet in 1939, Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche was recognized as an incarnate lama at the age of four. Richard J. Davidson is the William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.