Intellectual Discussions
Meet other local people interested in intellectual discussion and have fun discussing with them!
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Yes! Check out intellectual discussions events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
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Intellectual Discussions Events Today
Join in-person Intellectual Discussions events happening right now
Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic, cont'd
This will be our second (and possibly last) meeting on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please try to read chapters 4 and 6. (You can skim chapter 5, which is particularly confusing).
**Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?**
America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began.
[LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb)
This book is not always an easy read. You may want to make use of AI tools such as ChatGPT. You can ask it questions like:
"What does Matthew Stewart say about happiness in his book Nature's God?" OR:
What does Matthew Stewart say about Spinoza?
This may be our last meeting on this book. If you want to have a third meeting later, on the last two chapters, let me know.
I hope to see you there!
Fred
Profs & Pints Northern Virginia: The History of Plastic Surgery
[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The History of Plastic Surgery,”** with Dr. Wendy Chen, plastic, reconstructive, and hand surgeon and assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
[Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-plastic-surgery](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-plastic-surgery) .]
Most people misunderstand plastic surgery as vain and aesthetic, but the origins of this fascinating specialty are much deeper than that.
Come gain a rich understanding of the roots, medical impact, and current wide reach of a life-altering medical specialty with Dr. Wendy Chen, a leading educator on plastic and reconstructive surgery who has won awards for her work in clinical, basic science and education research.
She’ll talk about how reconstructive surgery has been around for thousands of years, with evidence of it having been practiced in ancient Egypt and India, and has made advancements in the course of major wars. Those who practice it have been innovators in medicine, playing a major role in breakthroughs and winning the Nobel prize for kidney transplantation.
The need for plastic and reconstructive surgery has stemmed largely from how much our appearance influences how we navigate our worlds and how others regard us. There was a time, in fact, when people in American prisons were offered plastic surgery as an intervention against recidivism. Yet reconstructive surgery also has faced opposition, such as religious bans on its practice stemming from the belief that physical differences are a manifestation of spiritual sin.
Fast forward to now when plastic surgeons treat patients of every age for every kind of ailment, from congenital differences to trauma to cancer. Yes, some plastic and reconstructive surgery is to help people conform to tabloid- and social media-driven narratives of what defines beauty, but the field involves a lot more than injecting Botox and shaping buttocks. ( Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.)
Image: Reconstructive facial surgery as illustrated by Jean Baptiste Marc Bourgery in the late 1840s (Wellcome Collection / public domain).
Finding Hope in Chaotic Times (Free Event)
How can a spiritual perspective help us make sense of the times in which we live?
Despite efforts by many well-intentioned people, it seems more true now than ever that the problems humanity is facing sometimes seem to be getting worse not better. Divisions appear to grow deeper day by day, social relationships can feel strained, our institutions often appear unable to meet the needs of the world today, and even the viability of the natural environment around us seems threatened. So in the midst of these turbulent times, where can we turn to for sources of hope? In times of crisis, are there actually new opportunities for a more peaceful, just, and sustainable way of life? How can we help build those new patterns in our communities?
Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on how to promote constructive change in these difficult times. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role spirituality can play in our efforts to construct a new, more meaningful path forward in the midst of social turmoil.
*“The world of mankind is in the throes of evolutionary activity indicating the passing of the old conditions and advent of the new.”* – Bahá’í Teachings
**\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**
Profs & Pints Northern Virginia: What Digital Detectives Find
[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“What Digital Detectives Find,”** on the afterlife of your digital data and the methods of those who investigate it, with Jim Jones, associate professor at George Mason University and cyber security and digital forensics expert.
[Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-digital-detectives](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-digital-detectives) .]
What happens when you delete digital data such as a picture, video, or email message?
The truth is that “deleted” doesn't mean “gone,” and digital forensic investigators can extract and make sense of the residual fragments left over from data often assumed to be gone forever.
Learn about the field of digital forensics—and the lessons it offers those who worry about sensitive data being exposed—with Jim Jones, who has been a cyber security and digital forensics practitioner, researcher, and educator for more than 30 years.
You’ll learn how all investigations today, criminal and otherwise, to some degree involve digital forensics, an interdisciplinary field that draws from computer engineering, computer science, information technology, law, and ethics. Digital forensics doesn’t just respond to specific incidents, but also seeks out threats within organizations, analyzes malware, and buttresses cyber security. Much of the work of Dr. Jones, his colleagues, and students involves examining digital systems of all types to understand how data persists and decays and how it can be found and recovered.
Dr. Jones will discuss how what happens to the digital data that you deleted depends on the type of device you are using, along with a host of other factors. You'll learn how digital data is stored on different devices and what does and doesn’t happen when you delete that data. You'll see examples of data extracted from different devices, demonstrations of what can be inferred from these remnants, and how investigators can tell if such remnants are genuine or not.
Finally, you'll learn about strategies to mitigate the risk of exposing sensitive data. Dr. Jones will sort those that work from those that don’t. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.)
Image: A digital forensics examiner works with evidence in the FBI’s New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (FBI photo).
Real Connection-Real Theology
**Real connection with fellow Catholics who are eager to grow in Faith and friendship!** This 3 year--- 45min deep dive into the Catholic faith is a great way to spend your Sunday rest day.
When you are ready to dig deeper and live the faith more fully this is an optimal opportunity. Talk yourself into this!
You may start whenever and can come as often or as little as you desire.
Coffee is served w/ small donation.
It is taught by the priest and/or OCIA director at St Louis Parish who are ALL fabulous- faithful educators filled with theologically inspired knowledge.
You can ask questions at the end, which I love.
It is just a wonderful experience to grow.
Afterwards if you wish, you can also find your way over to the Little Way Cafe Coffee shop across the parking lot to stay for more community time or read some of the excellent books that line the shelves throughout.
If you are new to the community of Alexandria and want to meet like minded folks or a veteran of it, this is a special and unique opportunity and did I mention it is free? :) Hard to believe!
Please join me every Sunday at 945 am.
Arabella by Georgette Heyer
Join is to read Arabella by Georgette Heyer, the queen of regency romance!
We will be meeting at the Ballston Quarter food court,
Sunday Worship and Get Together!
**Welcome to our church in Greenbelt, MD** where we believe that everyone is made in God’s image, and that no one should be ignored or marginalized. We are a safe space for everyone who is looking for unconditional love and acceptance in Jesus Christ our Lord. We invite you to join us for our next service on **Sunday**, at 10:40 AM. We hope to see you there! 🙏🌟
Intellectual Discussions Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
What Happened to the Energy Transition?
What Happened to the Energy Transition?
To land a ship on a moving target, the moon, for example, from a moving object, the earth, requires an enormous attention to facts and a mastery of detail. Getting any of these wrong can lead to disaster. Climate science tells us we must transition to a zero carbon society—and fast. But are climate-deniers the only obstacle to that transition? We will discuss the work of economic historian Jean-Baptise Fressoz who suggests that even as we move to solar panels and electric vehicles, rather than “transitioning” to a zero carbon world we will continue to consume more, and more, and more and produce more carbon dioxide. Is there a way out of here? As harrowing as it sounds, its best to pay attention to the facts and master the details so we can discuss real solutions. Perhaps, a solution that depends on a transition in our ethical thinking.
In-person and available on Zoom
When: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Coffee available at 10:45 AM, Speaker begins at 11:00 AM
Where: Green Hedges School
415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA
It's more fun in person (and the coffee is free), but you can participate by [Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85147568797?pwd=2TQNpZPubvub435R7H9cEaKWrTWgaS.1)
Jim Ball and his family are longtime members of Ethical Culture. In his retired life he writes, gardens, and rewilds his small corner of the world with native plants.
SRF is offering ONLINE MEDITATIONS in today's climate
PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/
DC Code & Coffee - West End Neighborhood Library
DC Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. It's community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels attend. Whether you’re dev-curious, aspiring, or a professional developer, we’d love to have you! Come chat or learn to code on a Sunday afternoon with coffee and cool-inclusive people. Bring your laptop!
We typically meet every month on the weekend.
**Join our online community!**
For all things Tech in DC and to get latest updates and tech events from the DMV area, join the [DCTech Slack](https://dctech.chat/). All DC Code & Coffee announcements are in the #dccodecoffee channel
**How it works**
Near the beginning of the event, we do an introduction circle. You say your name, what you can help others with, and what you would like help with. You can also share job opportunities. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized.
LGBTQ+ Coffee and Conversation
Reserve a spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986186180332?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count.
Make new friends and meaningful new connections. Join us for the coffee shop gathering at **[as you are](https://asyouaredc.com/)**, a wonderful safe space in DC!
Look for the Go Gay DC sign on one of the tables. We will be wearing name tags. This is a good event to attend if you like facilitated conversation.
When you arrive, obtain a name tag, order on your own from the [menu](https://order.online/store/26244426?utm_source=sdk&visitorId=b5386c19b7fdf41e5742da7&pickup=true&redirected=true) if you wish and gather with about 10 LGBTQ+ folk around the sofa for relaxed conversation.
Feel free to invite your friends to join you.
**Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Metro rides are capped at $2.50 on weekends, regardless of distance travelled. Eastern Market Metro (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) is only a few blocks away. The venue is where the Banana Cafe used to be. The area is generally considered safe.
There is also **free street parking in DC on Sundays**. There is a free parking lot underneath the freeway overpass adjacent to the Marine Corps barracks.
This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com)
At this event you'll even get to meet **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)**, Go Gay DC's founder.
This event is a safe space for everyone under the rainbow.
Go Gay DC is on social media:
Join the Facebook Group
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC)
Like the Facebook Page
[https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC)
Follow on Instagram
[https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC)
Follow on Threads
[https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6DYjIHThPY00YK0dJfs6boxWhgU1OyzCNzCCt0uW6sjzSp6kJpEXoyvf5j6g_aem_3gSjPJmvC57T8kdbkMU1sw)
Follow on Bluesky
[https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6DYjIHThPY00YK0dJfs6boxWhgU1OyzCNzCCt0uW6sjzSp6kJpEXoyvf5j6g_aem_3gSjPJmvC57T8kdbkMU1sw)
Follow on X
[https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC)
Watch on YouTube
[https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC)
LinkedIn
[https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ)
Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI lesbian gay bisexual transgender queer nonbinary non-binary intersex
LGBTQ+ Coffee and Conversation @ as you are.
Reserve a spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986186180332?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count.
Make new friends and meaningful new connections. Join us for the coffee shop gathering at **[as you are](https://asyouaredc.com/)**, a wonderful safe space in DC!
Look for the Go Gay DC sign on one of the tables. We will be wearing name tags. This is a good event to attend if you like facilitated conversation.
When you arrive, obtain a name tag, order on your own from the [menu](https://order.online/store/26244426?utm_source=sdk&visitorId=b5386c19b7fdf41e5742da7&pickup=true&redirected=true) if you wish and gather with about 10 LGBTQ+ folk around the sofa for relaxed conversation.
Feel free to invite your friends to join you.
**Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Metro rides are capped at $2.50 on weekends, regardless of distance travelled. Eastern Market Metro (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) is only a few blocks away. The venue is where the Banana Cafe used to be. The area is generally considered safe.
There is also **free street parking in DC on Sundays**. There is a free parking lot underneath the freeway overpass adjacent to the Marine Corps barracks.
This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com)
At this event you'll even get to meet **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)**, Go Gay DC's founder.
This event is a safe space for everyone under the rainbow.
Go Gay DC is on social media:
Join the Facebook Group
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC)
Like the Facebook Page
[https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC)
Follow on Instagram
[https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC)
Follow on Threads
[https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6DYjIHThPY00YK0dJfs6boxWhgU1OyzCNzCCt0uW6sjzSp6kJpEXoyvf5j6g_aem_3gSjPJmvC57T8kdbkMU1sw)
Follow on Bluesky
[https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6DYjIHThPY00YK0dJfs6boxWhgU1OyzCNzCCt0uW6sjzSp6kJpEXoyvf5j6g_aem_3gSjPJmvC57T8kdbkMU1sw)
Follow on X
[https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC)
Watch on YouTube
[https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC)
LinkedIn
[https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ)
Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI lesbian gay bisexual transgender queer nonbinary non-binary intersex
Read & Reflect: A Social Reading Circle.
Shared Pages, Shared Insights.
📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with?
Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café.
Here’s how it works:
First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you.
Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections.
Why join?
Add structure to your reading habit.
Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices.
Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply.
Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.
Russian- Nearly Native Level
\#\# A low\-cost\, 6\-week advanced\-level Russian course with the non\-profit organization\, the Global Language Network\.
Ready to dive into the world of Russian? Join our fun and interactive class designed especially for those new to the language.
**Details**
Russian Nearly Native with Gultakin
Sundays from 3:00pm - 5:00pm ET
Apr 12th to May 17th
In-person, Farragut Square DC or Online
Ready to learn? **Register [HERE](http://%5B%5B%5Bhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D%5D%5D(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D%5D)(%5Bhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D%5D(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D))(%5B%5Bhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D%5D(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D)(%5Bhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform))) "\[\[\[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform\](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform)\](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform)\](\[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform\](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform))").**
**Additional Information**
* GLN classes are open to everyone over 18 years of age.
* Have a credit or stipend to apply to your payment? Learn more about our credit, stipend, and refund policy on the [Pricing & Course Levels page.](http://%5B%5B%5Bhttps://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D%5D%5D(https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D%5D)(%5Bhttps://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D%5D(https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D))(%5B%5Bhttps://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D%5D(https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D)(%5Bhttps://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D(https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels))) "\[\[\[https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels\](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels)\](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels)\](\[https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels\](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels))")
**About GLN**
We are a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to "Use Language as a Tool to Help Fix Our World." Since 2015 we have been rated #1 Best Language Classes in Washington, DC by Yelp! We are so happy and grateful to have you join our network and we appreciate your support of our mission.
Intellectual Discussions Events Near You
Connect with your local Intellectual Discussions community
Drunken
This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism")
Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war).
Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!
City Lights (1931)
In *City Lights*, Chaplin's Little Tramp meets a blind girl selling flowers who mistakes him for a wealthy man. When he learns that an operation may restore her sight, he sets off to earn the money she needs to have the surgery. He also befriends an alcoholic millionaire who only recognizes him when he is drunk. When the blind girl and her grandmother fall behind in the rent and face eviction, he tries working and even enters a boxing competition to raise the money they need.
Regarded as Chaplin's masterpiece, *City Lights* has been ranked on more than seventeen "100 greatest movies of all time" lists. Orson Welles cited it as his favorite picture.
*City Lights* is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBOMax, Tubi and PlutoTV. The Columbus Library lists three copies on blu-ray and eight copies on DVD. Watch the movie on your own, then join us upstairs at East Market to discuss the film.
Sunday Afternoon Coffee at Grandview Grind
Who else is ready to sit outside?
Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!
Risky Business
...and speaking of breakthrough roles: who can forget the first time we saw Tom Cruise singing Bob Seeger in his underwear? Often considered an updated 1983 version of The Graduate, the movie sparkles with memorable lines and original music. I only regret that I was never told that "Princeton could use someone like Bob..."
See the movie first and join us for some "Cruisin'"
Pop-up Book Club 3: The Ballad of The Sad Café, by Carson McCullers
Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.
Sunday Brunch
Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!
Franklinton Arts District Second Fridays Meet @ One Line Coffee, 471 W. Rich St.
Let’s meet, wander the exhibits and open galleries, and enjoy an evening out in the Franklinton Arts District.
(Nearby pay parking is available in the garage on McDowell, right around the corner from One Line Coffee, and, past it along the curb as McDowell dead ends.)






























