"is" and "it" - Tiny Words, Huge Philosophical Vistas

Every first Sunday of the month, Ronald Green hosts a discussion attended by people from many countries. We discuss a range of philosophical issues that may include history, science, art, psychology, sociology, and more. The mix of international attendees and ideas from various countries makes for lively (and sometimes controversial) discussions.
The meetings are for the curious open to new ideas and willing to share. And also for those who just want to listen.
This time we will discuss the words "is" and "it", tiny words with ostensibly obvious meanings. They are among the first words we come across, and perhaps among the last we seriously question. But when examined, they seem to dissolve into shades of elasticity, from exactness to approximations.
In that sense, metaphorically and metaphysically, they may be the most crucial words in philosophy, and by extension in science and the arts.
Digging into "is" and "it" is to move from ordinary supposedly simple language to the relationship between existence and knowledge, and ultimately the connection of epistemology and ontology with reality.
In sum: small words, huge repercussions!
Very much looking forward to having you joining us.
PLEASE NOTE THE TIME (standard time) FOR YOUR AREA
Ronald Green
"Time To Tell: a look at how we tick" (iff Books 2018)
"Nothing Matters: a book about nothing" (iff Books 2011)