Through the Looking Glass

We will take “deep dives” into a variety of topics, some of immediate societal relevance and others more forward looking, even in the extreme:

Teach Your Children. In this meeting we will look at the history and state of K-12 education in America. In the history segment we will tour through time from colonial days to the present, noting significant events, trends and people who affected the journey to today’s highly decentralized, mostly publicly funded, school system.
The Room Where It Happens. America’s form of government and system of elections is unique in the world, even among other democracies. We will examine differences not only between nations but also between states and even local districts. We will look especially at the variety of processes and safeguards as implemented throughout the country, the financial side of elections and ideas to mitigate effects of the “winner-takes-all” nature of American elections.
Eye in the Sky. We will look at the myriad of objects we have orbiting above our heads, their source, purpose, function and lifetimes. We will address the growing clutter and its impact on other satellites and earth-based activities. We may also touch on potential militarization of space.
End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking). Inspired by a recent book by astrophysicist Katie Mack, we look at the various ways and times the universe can end. Spoiler alert: it won’t be soon.