Monday⌗

7 July

8:00 pm - Reading and Writing Workshop w/Nate in Wisconsin

Nate and Laurel read Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the World by Malcolm Harris in honor of Nancy and her reading of her Aunt’s memoir. (If people enjoy we could do it for a while.)

9 pm - The Funny Hour

Bring your stand up and funny videos where the whole community participates.

Tuesday⌗

8 July

7-8:30 pm - The Red Hour w/Bruce

Join the us for a short story discussion. See #the-red-hour Discord channel for more information.

This week’s reading: We Were Worried About You (PDF) by Joyce Carol Oates

8:30 pm - Good News Everyone! w/Prof. Jon

Prof Jon reads articles that are not so good news.

Wednesday⌗

9 July

6 pm - Weekly Marx Office Hour(s) w/Ann Li

Reading: MORE NOTES QPE & CQB

Join us for a daily topical conversation about cultural and political economic research subjects plus discussion about scholarly articles posted to the Discord.

8:30 pm - Spirituality and Activism w/Texas Tom

Agenda: Pitting “Empathy” Against “Rational Compassion” — A Critical Evaluation

Many of you will be familiar with the charge by prominent conservative leaders that empathy is the “original sin” of liberal thinking—a destructive anti-value that explains many of the ills we see and experience in the world. But tonight, we will be examining the thought of Paul Bloom, a widely regarded professor of psychology and cognitive science. While Bloom does not identify as a conservative, his writings on the “toxic nature of empathy” have gained considerable traction among both conservatives and some liberals. His core claim is that empathy is a poor guide for moral action, while “rational compassion” leads to more equitable, consistent, and effective moral decisions. His arguments have been prominently featured in publications like The Atlantic, Slate, and The New York Times.

We will watch an extended interview with him on the subject, followed by a discussion of his views assessing both the pros and cons, and a summation by host Tom Webber, who will offer his own moral, philosophical, and theological critique.

He is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto and Professor Emeritus at Yale University. A prominent cognitive scientist, he focuses on how people understand morality, religion, and pleasure. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including his 2016 work, Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion.

Thursday⌗

10 July

7 pm - Bring the News w/Whomever Brings It

If you come across an article or bit of news that you feel the group would find interesting read it aloud (or ask someone to) and open the floor to discussion.

Friday⌗

11 July

7 pm - The After Hours Show S04E07

On tonight’s show:

8:30 pm - Prof. Jon Presents: “Alfred Hitchcock Presents" w/Prof. Jon (Donate)

This week’s episode: Breakdown

William Callew is involved in a bad traffic accident on a rural road, that leaves him so paralyzed he appears lifeless, and when help arrives they think he’s really dead.

10 pm - CinemaTAC: Barry w/Travis

11 pm - Open Dialogue

Saturday⌗

12 July

5 pm - The New Statesmen w/Lane

Lane is watching footie tonight, England vs Noreg.

I shall be foisting the Toryingest Tory Bastard of them all. Alan B’Stard MP. A Rik Mayall creation that was like the works of Armando Iannucci a piercing satire which ended up also being prophetic. Welcome to the Thatcher years… no really… you’re welcome to them…

7 pm - Saturday Night Theatre: Strangers on a Train w/Susanna

🍿 No spoilers!

9 pm - Bring the Music

Bring tunes you want to share, check #music Discord channel for this week’s theme.

Sunday⌗

13 July

5 pm - A Star Trek:The Next Generation Watch Party & Discussion w/Prof. Jon (Donate)

This week’s episode: Clues

Effects of passing through a wormhole give the Enterprise crew a sense that they were unconscious for more than the 30 seconds they’ve been led to believe. Guest Starring: Colm Meaney, Pamela Winslow Kashani, Rhonda Aldrich, Whoopi Goldberg, and Patti Yasutake.

? pm - Sunday Soul Social (Following Star Trek) w/Lane

Note: all times in ET.