Brot Coburn's "The Vast Unknown" chronicles the first American ascent of Mt. Everest in 1963. In his presentation, Coburn will contextualize this historic event within the Cold War, discuss many of the unique characters involved in the expedition, and speak to how both climbing on Everest and the mountain itself have dramatically changed over the past fifty years. Coburn will also address how climbing has impacted the Khumbu region and Sherpa communities in significant socio-economic and demographic ways. Friday, Nov. 15, 6 p.m., HUMN 150.