Food For Thought
Upcoming Active Minds Events
Phone In To Putin’s Russia
Having influenced the country far beyond the term of his first official presidency and now having consolidated his power, Vladimir Putin’s leadership of Russia suggests a return to an authoritarianism that for some feels similar to the days of Soviet control and the Czars of old. On Monday, May 8, join Active Minds for a phone-in discussion from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to examine the story of Russia under the influence of Putin, including Russia’s involvement in Ukraine and other current issues. This is a free virtual phone-in class. Call 303-502-5189 to participate. Limited to the first 100 callers.
A Bite of the Big Apple
There’s no place in the world quite like New York City. From Broadway to Wall Street, Little Italy to Central Park, New York has a history and an energy all its own. Join Active Minds on Tuesday, May 9 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to explore the city’s past and present, as well as the important people and places that have shaped this unique city. The free event is at the Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax. No RSVP required.
The Age Of The Vikings
On Wednesday, May 10 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., join Active Minds to trace the rise and fall of the Age of the Vikings, including their origins in Scandinavia and how they extended their reach into Europe, North America, and beyond. This program makes a great accompaniment to a visit to the Vikings program currently running at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science through Aug. 13. The event is at the Heather Gardens Auditorium, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way. There is no cost and no RSVP is required.
Immigration In Focus
On Wednesday, May 10, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.,
Active Minds will cover the history of immigration in the U.S. and how related policy is currently playing out – both economically and politically – at both the federal and state levels The free discussion is at the Aurora Public Library, 14949 E Alameda Pkwy. No RSVP is required.
Oil!
Over the past couple years the price of oil has gone from over $100 per barrel to, at times, less than $30 per barrel. Join Active Minds to explore the causes and consequences (positive and negative) of this dynamic. Areas to be covered include the role of China, the impact of fracking and the oil sector in the U.S., as well as the role of OPEC in addressing the fluctuating price of this commodity so crucial to the global economy. The free event is Thursday, May 18 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Windsor Gardens, 597 S. Clinton St.,
RSVP is not required.
The Struggle of Syria
Since gaining its independence from the French in 1946, Syria has had a rocky and troubled history. Located in one of the most conflict-ridden parts of the world, Syria’s turmoil has involved both its regional neighbors as well as its own internal factions that have made self-rule a challenging goal. On Tuesday, May 23 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. join the free discussion to understand Syria’s history and recent atrocities and how this informs current and future challenges for this pivotal player in the Middle East.
Location: Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax.
Sorting Out The Philippines
The Philippines is fighting a brutal war on drugs that some have termed out of control. Recently elected President Rodrigo Duterte campaigned on a promise to fight drugs in the country and is leading a bloody crackdown that many say is encouraging vigilante execution of drug dealers and addicts. Join Active Minds for a full review of history and current context on where this important U.S. ally in the region may be heading. This program is on Thursday, May 25 from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the Sam Gary Library in Stapleton, 2961 Roslyn St. There is no cost.