The Washington Area Secular Humanists

www.wash.org

 

Wednesday, 4 October 2006

 

Welcome to this week’s edition of WASH weekly - our effort to keep members and friends of WASH apprised of upcoming events and important news between issues of our printed newsletter, WASHline. Your comments, suggestions, criticisms, and contributions to this effort should be addressed to announce@wash.org. We encourage our members to submit information about events they are planning (however informal) or news stories from their local media that might be of interest to the WASH community. Non-WASH events are presented for information purposes only.

 

Upcoming Events

 

Wednesday, 4 October 2006 (12:00 noon)

WASH and the American Humanist Association invite individuals interested in learning more about Humanism to attend a free, one hour “Introduction to Humanism” course at the AHA’s headquarters (1777 T Street NW, Washington DC). This session is intended to provide a brief overview of the history and philosophy of Humanism, as well as its contemporary application, to those exploring Humanism for the first time. Seating is limited, so if you are interested in attending, please RSVP to intro@wash.org.

 

Saturday, 7 October 2006 (1:00 p.m.)

The Politics and Prose bookstore (5015 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington) presents Walter Benn Michaels, author of “The Trouble with Diversity.” Michaels has written a stimulating argument against our current infatuation with cultural diversity. The University of Illinois professor suggests “we should concentrate not on respecting the illusions of culture difference but on reducing the reality of economic difference.”

 

Saturday, 7 October 2006 (2:00 p.m.)

The WASH Maryland / DC Chapter (MDC) presents Peter Ansoff, speaking on “The American Flag in History and Myth.” Peter is currently the President of the North American Vexillogical Association (NAVA) and has had a lifelong interest in flags. He has delivered numerous public addresses on this subject with expertise, verve and humor, and is currently working on a series of papers that re-examine the primary sources describing the development of early American flags. Location: Chevy Chase Library, 8005 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD.

 

Sunday, 8 October 2006 (10:30 a.m.)

The Baltimore Ethical Society presents Alice Cole from the Baltimore Office of Employment Development, on “At Risk Youth: The Skills Gap.” Location: Congress Hotel, 306 West Franklin Street, Baltimore, MD.

 

Sunday, 8 October 2006 (11:00 a.m.)

The Washington Ethical Society presents “International Partners - Investing in People.” Why do we travel to El Salvador to live and work with families who earn $300 a year and eat only the food they can raise? Most of humanity lack clean water, health care, jobs, and never learn to read or write! Thanks to more than 1000 IP donors, we work with poor rural communities to build schools, clinics, and eco-tourism, train teachers, mid-wives, and health promoters, provide dental services, and ship containers of medical and school supplies. The IP volunteer director, teen leaders, and delegates from this year's trip will describe why we started IP, and how they were changed by experiencing a world so different from their own. Location: 7750 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC.

 

Sunday, 8 October 2006 (11:00 a.m.)

The Northern Virginia Ethical Society presents Edward Ericson on "Things My Preacher Never Told Me." Ericson, author of "The Humanist Way, " will speak about how the major religions of the West and the Middle East share a deadly tradition that threatens to be a time bomb at the heart of civilization. Preserving our liberties and saving humanity from an Apocalypse of our own making requires a radical rethinking of the purpose and content of religion and ethics. Location: 225 Nutley St., NW, Vienna, VA 22180.

 

Sunday, 8 October 2006 (12:00 noon)

The Baltimore Chapter of WASH (BSH) will listen to an interview with Kevin Philips and discuss his book “American Theocracy.” Philips compares the current state of the U.S. to the decline of previous empires due to reliance on foreign oil, high debt, and religious fundamentalism. Location: The Orient Restaurant, 319 York Road, Towson, MD.

 

Sunday, 8 October 2006 (1:30 p.m.)

The Frederick Chapter of WASH (FRESH) presents Howard J. Wooldridge on “The War on Drugs: Is it Good Public Policy?” Wooldridge is a member of LEAP, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, a group of law enforcement officers and ex-law enforcement officers who are lobbying for the legalization of drugs in the U.S. Location: C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD.

 

Sunday, 8 October 2006 (2:00 p.m.)
The Richmond Chapter of WASH (RAFT) holds an informal luncheon at the Yen Ching Restaurant at the Genito Crossing shopping center in Richmond.

 

Sunday, 8 October 2006 (2:00 p.m.)

The WASH Northern Virginia Chapter (NVC) presents Rob Boston of the Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Location: George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA.

 

Monday, 9 October 2006 (7:00 p.m.)

The Fredericksburg Chapter of WASH (FSH) will view and discuss a DVD "The Tools of Thinking, Sense Experience---A More Modern Take," presented by Dr. James Hall,  Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Richmond. Location: Room 2 of the Headquarters Branch of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA.

 

Wednesday, 11 October 2006 (8:15 a.m.)

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Washington Science Policy Alliance (WSPA) are pleased to invite you to a breakfast seminar featuring Professor Matthew Nisbet of American University speaking on "Framing Science: Understanding the Battle Over Public Opinion in Policy Debates." The seminar will take place in the AAAS Auditorium, 1200 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC, from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2006. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served on the second floor of the AAAS Building beginning at 7:30 a.m. Please reply to rsvp@aaas.org by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 6 October.

 

Thursday, 12 October 2006 (12:00 noon)

The Cato Institute will host Michael Shermer, Executive Director of the Skeptics Society. Shermer will give a free public book talk and signing for his latest book, “Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design.” Location: Cato Institute, 1000 Massachusetts Ave. NW., Washington, D.C. Reservations are strongly recommended. To RSVP call 202.218.4606 or e-mail events@cato.org. The Cato Institute requests business attire.

 

Thursday, 12 October 2006 (7:00 p.m.)

The National Capital Area Skeptics and the Alliance for Science present Dr. Michael Shermer, talking about his book “Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design.” Location: Oakton High School, 2900 Sutton Road, Vienna, VA.

 

Saturday, 14 October 2006 (1:00 p.m.)

The WASH Maryland/DC Chapter (MDC) will hold its mid-month “bruncheon” at Mamma Lucia Restaurant, 1302 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD. A door prize is to be awarded.

 

Saturday, 14 October 2006 (2:00 p.m.)

The Shenandoah Chapter Chapter of WASH (SASH) presents Don Evans on “Uses and Abuses of History." Historians always reflect their times, circumstances and personal outlook when narrating or interpreting the past. Does this mean that all history is propaganda, or can we argue that history is in some sense "objective"-- that it can be judged by reasonable, scientific criteria? Don will explore the pros and cons of this question and the consequences to which they lead.  Location: Samuels Public Library (538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, VA).

 

Sunday 15 October 2006 (1:30 p.m.)

The Central Virginia (CVSH) Chapter of WASH will discuss the question “Should We Humanists Proselytize, And If So, How?” Many religionists exert vigorous evangelical effort to increase their numbers and thereby “Save Souls.” We Humanists also believe that the world would be better off if there were more of “us.” Many of us do small things like writing “letters to the editor,” etc. in an effort to get the word out, but don’t we have a responsibility as “Good Humanists” to take greater initiative to increase our numbers? A preliminary “Organizational Meeting” will be held at 1:00 p.m. to discuss CVSH organizational issues. Location: Northside Library, 300 Albemarle Square, Charlottesville, VA.

 

Sunday, 15 October 2006 (2:00 p.m.)

The Center for Inquiry – DC presents CFI Legal Director Ronald A. Lindsay on “Bioethics Under the Bush Administration.” Lindsay will report on the Bush Administration's seriously flawed approach to bioethics. It has intervened in at least two controversial bioethical disputes--stem cell research and assisted suicide and attempted to formulate bioethical policy without proper regard to scientific or empirical evidence. Location: Center for Inquiry – DC, 621 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC.

 

Friday, 20 October 2006 (7:30 p.m.)

The Baltimore Chapter of WASH (BSH) "Humanism and Philosophy” Special Interest Group meets to discuss “Philosophies of India.” India’s philosophical traditions are among the oldest in the world. We will examine Indian philosophy in the context of Indian culture, and provide an overview of how Indian philosophers have dealt with many of the same concerns that have occupied Western philosophers in the areas of epistemology, metaphysics and ethics. For further information and directions, please see the latest issue of WASHline, or send email to bsh@wash.org.

 

Friday, 20 October 2006 (7:30 p.m.)

The Maryland / DC Chapter of WASH Humanist Philosophy Discussion Group meets at the home of a member. For location, directions and RSVP information please see the latest issue of WASHline.

 

Tuesday, 24 October 2006 (7:00 p.m.)

The Politics and Prose bookstore (5015 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington) presents Richard Dawkins, author of “The God Delusion.” The Oxford biologist Richard Dawkins (The Selfish Gene) contends that religion is not only irrational, it is deadly. Dawkins argues that religious faith fosters abuses, intolerance, and even war.

 

Tuesday, 14 November 2006

The Center for Inquiry Office of Public Policy is holding its inaugural public event, a press conference titled “Science and Secularism: Defending America’s True Values” at the National Press Club (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.), 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC. This will be followed by lunch in the First Amendment Lounge at the National Press Conference (Noon – 1:30 p.m.), an Open Session (1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.), and the official grand opening of the Office of Public Policy (4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) at its offices at 621 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC. There is a fee for this event ($69 / person). For additional information contact Toni Van Pelt at 202.546.2330.

 

Know of an event in your area of potential interest to the humanist community? Please let us know. Subjects including science, religion, history, philosophy and ethics are of interest to many of our members.

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