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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260512T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260512T200000
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SUMMARY:CCT Dine & Discuss - Are WE Election-Ready?
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Melissa Blazier \n\nWhat do we need to know about the upcoming Primary and General Election?\nWhat are the responsibilities of the Supervisor of Elections office?\nHow are ballots safeguarded and how do we insure that each vote will count?\nWhat changes have been made by statute in the voting process?\n\nCome and get your questions answered as well as getting help from Supervisor of Elections staff members with personal voter needs such as registering to vote\, submitting Vote-by-Mail ballot requests\, and updating important voter information. \n  \n\nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/cct-dine-discuss-are-we-election-ready/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T210000
DTSTAMP:20260319T165025Z
CREATED:20260319T164747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T165025Z
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SUMMARY:Center for Critical Thinking 20th Anniversary Gala
DESCRIPTION:Join us at VINEYARDS COUNTRY CLUB for a lively discussion with The Center for Critical Thinking! \nYou are cordially invited to the \nCENTER FOR CRITICAL THINKING\n20th ANNIVERSARY GALA \nIncluding a Dine & Discuss program on National Security:\nAMERICA AT A CROSSROAD:\nPower\, Principles & Global Consequences \nFeaturing Special Keynote Speaker:\nNational Security Expert\nAmy McGrath (Ret.) \nCocktail Attire \nCelebrating 20 years of fostering a culture of critical inquiry and thoughtful discussion\, and promoting informed decision-making\, leading to meaningful social change! \nAmy McGrath will examine the accelerating shifts in U.S. foreign policy and their long-term implications for American security\, economic stability\, and democratic values\, along with the recent developments and conflicts\, such as Venezuela\, Iran/the Middle East and Ukraine\, and their potential consequences. \nAfter graduating from Annapolis\, McGrath served as a Marine Corps F/A-18 fighter pilot and weapons system officer with 3 combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. She was the first woman in the Marine Corps to fly a combat mission. McGrath served in the Armed Forces for 24 years. After operational flying tours\, she served as a Congressional Fellow advising on defense and foreign affairs to the House Armed Services Committee and subsequently was assigned to the Pentagon as a Marine Corps liaison to the State Department. McGrath concluded her military career as a senior political science instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy. McGrath founded Honor Bound\, Inc.\, a 501(c)(4) nonpartisan organization committed to leadership development for women with a military service background\, encouraging them to run for elected office. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations\, McGrath has a B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.A. in Global Security from The Johns Hopkins University. Currently\, she hosts a podcast on national security entitled “Truth in the Barrel.” \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/center-for-critical-thinking-20th-anniversary-gala/
LOCATION:Vineyards Country Club\, 400 Vineyards Boulevard\, Naples\, FL\, 34119
CATEGORIES:Anniversary Party,Dine & Discuss
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T200000
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CREATED:20260302T162131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T163104Z
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SUMMARY:CCT Dine & Discuss - The Rise of the Nones
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Charles E. Kupchella\, PhD \nThe religious landscape of the USA is and has been changing rapidly. In Pew Research Surveys conducted in the last few years: 63% of American adults described themselves as Christians — down 14 percentage points from a decade earlier. The percentage of people who described their religious identity as “atheist\,” “agnostic” or “nothing-in-particular\,” was 29% — up from 17% in 2009. Some mainline churches have lost 40 percent or more of their members. While enrollment in Catholic schools has been growing in much of the global south\, the situation is different in developed countries. In the United States in particular\, enrollment has been declining for most of the last 50 years. Why has this been happening and what are the implications? \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/cct-dine-discuss-the-rise-of-the-nones/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/christianity.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T200000
DTSTAMP:20260302T153622Z
CREATED:20260127T195940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T153622Z
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SUMMARY:CCT Dine & Discuss - Bitcoin and the Future of Money
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Bob Burnett \nThis fascinating new form of currency has captured the imagination of many and has raised countless questions that our speaker will tackle\, including: Why does Bitcoin exist? How does Bitcoin actually work? What is the impact of Bitcoin on the nation-state and the banking system? \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/cct-dine-discuss-bitcoin-and-the-future-of-money/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/dine-and-discuss-naples-florida.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T200000
DTSTAMP:20260104T192135Z
CREATED:20260104T191851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260104T192135Z
UID:10000123-1768327200-1768334400@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:CCT Dine & Discuss - Will AI Change the Way the Next Generation Thinks?
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: David Stein \nLearning technologies have long shaped the nature of teaching and defined what we consider a classroom. Over time\, the evolution of digital tools and techniques has transformed the spaces where learning occurs. The emergence of the internet introduced virtual classrooms—accessible everywhere\, at any time\, and to anyone—dismantling traditional boundaries. Educational technologies have fundamentally changed how knowledge is created\, distributed\, and owned\, making them a truly disruptive force. Today\, artificial intelligence (AI) stands as the next major disruption\, with the potential to redefine the very concept of learning. \nImagining the Classroom of the Future \nWhat might teaching and learning look\, feel\, and be like for our grandchildren\, great-grandchildren\, and generations beyond? What changes in today’s classrooms offer glimpses of that future? Early in the era of internet-based learning\, Wood and Smith predicted that the web had “the potential to alter human interactions without the need for physical presence” (p. 5). Artificial intelligence now extends that possibility by enabling human-like interactions and reshaping how learners think and learn—both today and in the years ahead. \nA Call to Action \nAs we imagine the future\, we must ask: What vision of education do we want for ourselves and for the generations to come?The choices we make today will shape not only the tools we use but the values and goals that define the idea of education for decades ahead. \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/cct-dine-discuss-will-ai-change-the-way-the-next-generation-thinks/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251216T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251216T200000
DTSTAMP:20251120T161739Z
CREATED:20251120T161739Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T161739Z
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SUMMARY:CCT Dine & Discuss - Who Is Vladimir Putin? What Does He Believe In?
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Bill Pope \nTopic: Who Is Vladimir Putin? What Does He Believe In? \nIf Putin completes his current term\, he will be the longest-serving Russian leader in 200 years\, since Catherine the Great. He will be in office even longer than Stalin. It is highly likely that he will run again in 2030. By 2036\, Putin will be 84. In effect\, he is President-for-Life. \nIs Putin an avowed enemy of the U.S.\, of the West\, and of democracy? Do our leaders often seem unaware of his determination to weaken us or\, if aware\, unwilling to take it into account when formulating Russia policy? This is your opportunity to get a sense of who Putin is and what drives him.” \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/cct-dine-discuss-who-is-vladimir-putin-what-does-he-believe-in/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T200000
DTSTAMP:20251028T151922Z
CREATED:20251028T151711Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T151922Z
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SUMMARY:CCT Dine & Discuss - Can the Supreme Court Protect Our Democracy?
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Bob Levy \nTopic: Can the Supreme Court Protect Our Democracy? \nBob Levy will examine the Trump agenda\, the role of the courts\, and our system of checks and balances. He’ll recap four major cases from the Supreme Court’s last term – nationwide injunctions\, medical treatment for transgender minors\, parental control over school books\, and Planned Parenthood’s access to Medicaid funding. Then he’ll preview key issues coming up in the current term – gerrymandering\, deportations\, and birthright citizenship. Bob will also discuss the imperial presidency and what can be done if a president ignores a Court order.”’ \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/cct-dine-discuss-can-the-supreme-court-protect-our-democracy/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250506T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250506T200000
DTSTAMP:20250411T162159Z
CREATED:20250411T161953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T162159Z
UID:10000120-1746554400-1746561600@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:CCT Dine & Discuss - America’s Information and Hidden-Persuaders
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Tim Love \nTopic: America’s Information and Hidden-Persuaders: Who Are They\, Where Are They\, and Can We Put the Genie Back in the Bottle? \nToday’s primary sources of news and opinion are no longer traditional media\, but powerful online platforms—Google\, Facebook\, YouTube\, Instagram\, TikTok\, and others. It isn’t just the digital social media Apps\, but the very email and home Wi-fi servers Americans have become dependent on for communicating and getting their information. Our current communication policy leaves the U.S. vulnerable. While countries like China\, Russia\, and Iran have blocked U.S. platforms behind a “digital iron curtain”\, our own system remains dangerously wide open. \nDine and Discuss these powerful and impacting “Hidden Persuaders” and how these players and platforms exert more influence over public opinion than ever before. \nCan we control it? Can we put the genie back in the bottle? Let’s discuss! \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/cct-dine-discuss-americas-information-and-hidden-persuaders/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Untitled-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250408T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250408T200000
DTSTAMP:20250317T181926Z
CREATED:20250317T181453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T181926Z
UID:10000119-1744135200-1744142400@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:DINE & DISCUSS - Vaccines and Their Science: Where Are We Today?
DESCRIPTION:Join us at THE VILLAGE SPOT for a lively discussion with The Center for Critical Thinking! \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/vaccines-and-their-science-where-are-we-today/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T180000
DTSTAMP:20250214T211743Z
CREATED:20250214T211743Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T211743Z
UID:10000115-1741716000-1741716000@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:CCT Dine & Discuss - So What Happened to the Parties of Lincoln and FDR?
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Charles Kupchella \nHow did America’s system of political parties come about? Political parties aren’t mentioned at all in the Constitution – and were seen as threats by some of our country’s founders\, so how and when did political parties acquire their standing – the right to shape government and define our choices – and do either of our principal political parties have a substantive core? The Republican Party has changed dramatically and would no doubt be unrecognizable to conservative stalwarts such as Lincoln\, Teddy Roosevelt and Eisenhower. What happened? And what about the kaleidoscopic Democratic Party allowing itself to be identified with such extreme liberal nonsense as defunding the police and giving people free stuff. Are we stuck with a two-party system – and\, if so\, are we stuck with these two? Bring back the Whigs? \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/cct-dine-discuss-so-what-happened-to-the-parties-of-lincoln-and-fdr/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241210T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241210T200000
DTSTAMP:20241210T201657Z
CREATED:20241210T201657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241210T201657Z
UID:10000113-1733853600-1733860800@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:How Does the US Stack Up in the World Economic Order?
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: James Bishop \nTopic: How Does the US Stack Up in the World Economic Order? How Will Potential US Fiscal Policy Impact the US and World Economies? \nBy many measures\, the U.S. economy has continued to recover from the impact of COVID with the type of growth that it experienced prior to 2020. Gross Domestic Product is growing solidly\, inflation is moderating\, while unemployment and the labor market have been relatively stable\, remaining close to their pre-pandemic levels. So\, is the US economy okay? What will be the effect of 200% tariffs\, millions deported\, national debt and deficit increases? \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/how-does-the-us-stack-up-in-the-world-economic-order/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241112T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241112T200000
DTSTAMP:20241210T201043Z
CREATED:20241210T200804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241210T201043Z
UID:10000112-1731434400-1731441600@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:How the Mt. Rushmore Presidents Would Heal Our Nation
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Robert Porter Lynch \nTopic: How the Presidents on Mount Rushmore Would Reunite Our Nation \nCan America Heal & Rebuild Trust After a Brutal and Divisive Election? \nThe Presidential Election of 2024 will be vicious and polarizing\, leaving our nation divided and angry. Politics have caused horrible animosities\, with vitriolic accusations leaving bitterness and divisiveness — friends and families have fractured from our prolonged partisan turmoil. This is not new for America; divisiveness has been frequent in our democracy as passions flare. \nThis important presentation will examine how our wisest leaders – the Presidents on Mount Rushmore — offer great insights about healing fractured relationships and rebuilding trust to unify our nation. You will leave this interactive session with a renewed personal sense of hope\, purpose\, and optimism to turn breakdowns into breakthroughs – an action strategy for all of us to work together to put our nation back on track. \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/how-the-mt-rushmore-presidents-would-heal-our-nation/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mtrush.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241015T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241015T200000
DTSTAMP:20241210T201406Z
CREATED:20240925T232158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241210T201406Z
UID:10000108-1729015200-1729022400@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:The Electoral College – Obsolete or Absolutely Necessary?
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Carole C. Leher \nCarole Leher is a past Vice-President and current Board Member of the Center for Critical Thinking. \nA native of Syracuse\, New York\, Carole attended Rollins College in Winter Park\, Florida where she earned a B.A. in History with a certificate to teach. \nNow a full-time resident of Naples\, Carole has played an active role in The Center for Critical Thinking for many years.  She has presented programs on the Electoral College to a variety of audiences both at CCT and at several branches of the Collier County Public Library system.  Carole currently serves as the Coordinator of the CCT Nonfiction Book Discussion Group. She also has an avid interest and expertise in astronomy from her work at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and has lectured on the James Webb Space Telescope. \nCarole and her husband Robert have been important benefactors and promoters of Naples Historical Society (NHS). \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/the-electoral-college-obsolete-or-absolutely-necessary-2/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/elect.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240514T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240514T180000
DTSTAMP:20231121T221816Z
CREATED:20231121T221816Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231121T221816Z
UID:10000101-1715709600-1715709600@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Climate Changes:  Are we prepared for what's to come? How resilient can we be and what are the local governments doing to protect us?
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, May 14\, 2024 \nSpeakers: Ray Christman and Dr. Michael Savarese \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/climate-changes-are-we-prepared-for-whats-to-come-how-resilient-can-we-be-and-what-are-the-local-governments-doing-to-protect-us/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240409T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240409T180000
DTSTAMP:20231121T221740Z
CREATED:20231121T221740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231121T221740Z
UID:10000100-1712685600-1712685600@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Immigration
DESCRIPTION:Topic: The U.S. Migration “Crisis” – What’s All the Fuss About? \n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker: Mr. Alan Van Egmond served for 37 years as a career member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service focusing on transitioning conflict-prone countries to peace and long-term development. He has served with Congress\, the Department of State\, USAID and the Department of Defense. \nMr. Van Egmond was raised in Ann Arbor\, Michigan and Lexington\, Massachusetts. He has a B.A. from Wesleyan University\, and M.A. and M.A.L.D. degrees with distinction in international development and international security studies from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy\, Tufts University. Mr. Van Egmond speaks French. \n\n\n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/immigration/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240312T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240312T180000
DTSTAMP:20240112T162850Z
CREATED:20240112T162850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240112T162850Z
UID:10000107-1710266400-1710266400@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Evil Leaders & Propaganda
DESCRIPTION:ABOUT THE DINNER \nTickets: $39.95 \nRefund Policy: Refunds only available up to 3 days before the event. \nEligible refunds are subject to a $4 service fee. \nEvil leaders are threatening democracies across the world. It is a genuine threat to our hard-earned liberties here in the US\, Latin America\, and Europe. They create divisiveness\, and instigate violence\, preying upon our fears and insecurities. \n\nWho are these evil leaders?\nHow can we identify them?\nWhy do people follow them?\nWhat spawns their emergence?\nHow can we stop them?\n\nTheir primary weapon is Propaganda — a Mind Manipulation Matrix designed to befuddle your brain\, then warp reality to undermine reason and the law\, triggering mob action. \n\nWhat is the design of the Mind Manipulation Matrix?\nWho is most likely to be caught in its net?\nWhat countermeasures can you use to neutralize its impact?\nWhat type of people are most likely to be their enablers?\n\nYour speaker\, Robert Porter Lynch\, will give his insights on these vital issues in very interactive session. \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/evil-leaders-propaganda/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240213T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240213T180000
DTSTAMP:20231121T221541Z
CREATED:20231121T221541Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231121T221541Z
UID:10000098-1707847200-1707847200@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence - Benefits and Risks
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: John Psaras \nArtificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to become an anchor to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is already present in our cell phones (thumb print and facial recognition) in industrial robots\, video games (Augmented Reality)\, health care\, etc. \nDespite the obvious benefits to humanity\, the implementation of AI poses a number of potential problems that we need to come to grips with. We will discuss the social and ethical challenges and their consequences. \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/artificial-intelligence-benefits-and-risks/
LOCATION:The Village Spot\, 3150 Village Walk Circle\, Naples\,\, FL\, 34109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240109T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240109T180000
DTSTAMP:20231121T221656Z
CREATED:20231121T221656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231121T221656Z
UID:10000099-1704823200-1704823200@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Florida's Higher Public Education Changes and Impacts -  With curriculum\, faculty\, and board changes from the top down\, are these changes for the better or worse?
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/higher-public-education-changes-and-impacts-curriculum-faculty-and-board-changes-from-the-top-down-are-these-changes-for-the-better-or-worse/
LOCATION:Di Gusto Italian Restaurant\, Di Gusto Italian Restaurant 4180 Tamiami Trl N\, Naples\, 34103\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231212T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231212T180000
DTSTAMP:20231114T183537Z
CREATED:20231114T183537Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231114T183537Z
UID:10000097-1702404000-1702404000@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Responsibility in “The Free State of Florida”: A Moderated Discussion
DESCRIPTION:Moderator: Chuck Kupchella \nHow have concepts of freedom and responsibility evolved over time and culturally in different places? Responsibility is an antonym for the word\, freedom. Since antonym means “opposite or reverse\,” does this not mean emphasizing freedom would do the opposite to responsibility? What’s the difference between freedoms and rights? Why is it that rights are rights\, but freedoms aren’t free? What does human biology have to say about human freedom and social responsibility? Religion? The Constitution? Come dine with us and be ready to weigh in on a discussion of how these questions bear on the issues of the day across the freedom-responsibility spectrum. \nModerator:  Chuck Kupchella served as President of the University of North Dakota\, the American Association for Cancer Education and the Kentucky Academy of Science. He holds a PhD in Physiology from St. Bonaventure University. Dr. K is the author of eight books on cancer\, the environment and other aspects of human biology. His most recent books: Morality: How it Evolved and how it was Hijacked and Confounded by Religion\, published in 2019. “Our First Civil War: A Novel” was published in May of 2022. \n$39.95 – includes appetizers\, salad\, entrées\, and dessert. \nWine and mixed drinks can be ordered separately from the full bar. \nRefund Policy:  Refunds only available up to 3 days before the event.\n*Eligible refunds are subject to a $4 service fee. \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/responsibility-in-the-free-state-of-florida-a-moderated-discussion/
LOCATION:Di Gusto Italian Restaurant\, Di Gusto Italian Restaurant 4180 Tamiami Trl N\, Naples\, 34103\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231114T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231114T180000
DTSTAMP:20231102T182823Z
CREATED:20231102T182823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231102T182823Z
UID:10000096-1699984800-1699984800@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Will There Ever Be Peace in the Middle East? Can the Saudi/Israeli Peace Process Survive?
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Terry Weiner \nHamas & two million Palestinians in Gaza. Hezbollah & 150\,000 missiles? President Biden to Iran\, “Don’t.” Will they? Weaponization of social media on a global scale. Shifting American attitudes?\nIs there any hope for Peace In the Middle-East? \nVourla Cafe is welcoming us with open arms and is excited to have our group! A wide variety of freshly homemade Mediterranean food will be served family style at the tables. \n$39.95 – includes appetizers\, salad\, entrées\, and dessert. \nWine and mixed drinks can be ordered separately from the full bar. \nRefund Policy:  Refunds only available up to 3 days before the event.\n*Eligible refunds are subject to a $4 service fee. \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/will-there-ever-be-peace-in-the-middle-east-can-the-saudi-israeli-peace-process-survive/
LOCATION:Vourla Cafe\, 1860 Tamiami Trail\, Naples\, FL\, 34102
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231017T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231017T180000
DTSTAMP:20231002T160901Z
CREATED:20231002T160901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231002T160901Z
UID:10000095-1697565600-1697565600@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Debt\, Deficits\, U.S. Credit Downgrades - What Do They Foretell for America's Economic Future and Global Leadership?
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: James Bishop \nThese concepts are interrelated and have significant implications for our country’s fiscal and economic health. Managing deficits and the national debt while navigating the debt ceiling can be complex\, and credit rating downgrades can add additional pressure on governments to maintain sound fiscal policies and economic stability. How does this impact the future of the United States? \nVourla Cafe is welcoming us with open arms and is excited to have our group! A wide variety of freshly homemade Mediterranean food will be served family style at the tables. \n$39.95 – includes appetizers\, salad\, entrées\, and dessert. \nWine and mixed drinks can be ordered separately from the full bar. \nRefund Policy:  Refunds only available up to 3 days before the event.\n*Eligible refunds are subject to a $4 service fee. \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/debt-deficits-u-s-credit-downgrades-what-do-they-foretell-for-americas-economic-future-and-global-leadership/
LOCATION:Vourla Cafe\, 1860 Tamiami Trail\, Naples\, FL\, 34102
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230509T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230509T180000
DTSTAMP:20221209T170814Z
CREATED:20221209T170814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221209T170814Z
UID:10000093-1683655200-1683655200@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Media Matters: Where\, oh where did the unbiased truth in news go these days?  Just the Facts Ma'am!   Can or will we ever get that back?
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Harriet Heithaus \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/media-matters-where-oh-where-did-the-unbiased-truth-in-news-go-these-days-just-the-facts-maam-can-or-will-we-ever-get-that-back/
LOCATION:Vourla Cafe\, 1860 Tamiami Trail\, Naples\, FL\, 34102
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230411T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230411T180000
DTSTAMP:20221209T170710Z
CREATED:20221209T170710Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221209T170710Z
UID:10000092-1681236000-1681236000@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:The Rise of Anti-Science and Anti-Intellectualism in America:  Evidence and Downside
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Chuck Kupchella \nThere has been a rise in both anti-science sentiment and anti-intellectualism in America. How did this happen?\nIs this a consequence of today’s politicization of truth — derived from “anti” issues about masks\, climate or vaccines? \nDid this come from conflicts between science and religion\, e.g. creationism vs evolution? \nCould it be traced all the way back to the Enlightenment giving way to Romanticism and other “isms”? Implications for our Country if science is no longer used as a guide to government policies? \nWhat are the consequences of diminishing support for science and education as drivers of our economy? \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/the-rise-of-anti-science-and-anti-intellectualism-in-america-evidence-and-downside/
LOCATION:Vourla Cafe\, 1860 Tamiami Trail\, Naples\, FL\, 34102
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230314T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230314T180000
DTSTAMP:20221209T170558Z
CREATED:20221209T170558Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221209T170558Z
UID:10000091-1678816800-1678816800@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Your Brain is Great… Except When It’s Not
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Steve L. Robbins\, Ph.D. \nWhile a little biased\, neuroscientists believe the human brain is the most complex thing in the known universe. How is it that this three-pound mass can figure out how to successfully transplant a heart and then get stumped with a simple math problem? How is it that we can remember words of songs and then forget where we put the TV remote? Ever wonder how the letters FOX or CNN can turn the critical thinkers into biased haters? Our brain can lead us to do great things and then turn around and make us do things we regret. Join Dr. Steve Robbins for an insightful and fun look at how we might do more of the former and less of the latter. \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/your-brain-is-great/
LOCATION:Vourla Cafe\, 1860 Tamiami Trail\, Naples\, FL\, 34102
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230110T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230110T180000
DTSTAMP:20221007T145734Z
CREATED:20221007T145734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221007T145734Z
UID:10000086-1673373600-1673373600@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Waters Rising
DESCRIPTION:Speaker:  Dr. Judith Hushon \nTopic:  Waters Rising – Hurricane Ian’s Damage Accurately Predicted by the ACUNE Tool \nDescription: The ACUNE (Adaptation of Coastal\, Urban and Natural Environments) Tool was developed for Collier County by the University of Florida and FGCU using a $1M NOAA grant. It predicts high\, med and low Sea Level Rise impacts together with nuisance flooding and storm surge for 2020\, 2030\, 2060 and 2100. It proved to be highly accurate in identifying the areas recently most affected by Hurricane Ian. \nVourla Cafe is welcoming us with open arms and is excited to have our group!  A wide variety of freshly homemade Mediterranean food will be served family style at the tables.   \n$39 – includes appetizers\, salad\, entrées\, and dessert. \nWine and mixed drinks can be ordered separately from the full bar. \nLocated at the Coastland Center Mall next to the Food Court on the south side of the mall (Fleischmann Blvd entrance). \nThe event will start at 6:00 pm.  \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/waters-rising/
LOCATION:Vourla Cafe\, 1860 Tamiami Trail\, Naples\, FL\, 34102
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221213T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221213T180000
DTSTAMP:20221007T144634Z
CREATED:20221007T144634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221007T144634Z
UID:10000085-1670954400-1670954400@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Election Wrap-up
DESCRIPTION:Sandy Parker \nElection Recap: We have gone from Purple to Red. Now what? What will the impacts be from our local and state elections? \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/election-wrap-up/
LOCATION:Vourla Cafe\, 1860 Tamiami Trail\, Naples\, FL\, 34102
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220621T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220621T180000
DTSTAMP:20220614T153320Z
CREATED:20220614T153320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220614T153320Z
UID:10000083-1655834400-1655834400@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:CCT Dine and Discuss - The Urgency of Now
DESCRIPTION:ABOUT THE DINNER\nNoted filmmaker\, activist\, environmentalist and current Collier County Waterkeeper\, K.C. Schulberg addresses the climate crisis both from a global perspective and how it impacts SWFL. \nKC attended the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow\, Scotland last November\, producing and hosting 13 one-hour live programs each day for the 340 Waterkeeper chapters around the world and the general public. He will attend COP27 to be held in Sharm El Sheikh\, Egypt and will be reporting live from the conference again this November. \nVourla Cafe is welcoming us with open arms and is excited to have our group! A wide variety of freshly homemade Mediterranean food will be served family style at the tables. \n$35 – includes appetizers\, salad\, entrées\, and dessert. \nWine and mixed drinks can be ordered separately from the full bar. \nRefund Policy: Refunds only available up to 3 days before the event. \nEligible refunds are subject to a $3.70 service fee. \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\nBefore being named the Collier County Waterkeeper in October 2021\, noted filmmaker KC Schulberg served for three years as Executive Director of Calusa Waterkeeper\, starting in 2018. While there\, KC plied his filmmaking skills\, directing\, producing and writing three documentaries: TROUBLED WATERS (2019 – 38 mins)\, ETERNAL VIGILANCE (2020 – 26 mins) and WATERBORNE (2021 – 26 mins). \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/cct-dine-and-discuss-the-urgency-of-now/
LOCATION:Vourla Cafe\, 1860 Tamiami Trail\, Naples\, FL\, 34102
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220425T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220425T200000
DTSTAMP:20220413T142938Z
CREATED:20220413T142938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220413T142938Z
UID:10000081-1650909600-1650916800@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Dine and Discuss - Could We Have Another Civil War?
DESCRIPTION:Vourla Cafe is welcoming us with open arms and is excited to have our group!\nA wide variety of freshly homemade Mediterranean food will be served family style at the tables. \n$35 – includes appetizers\, salad\, entrees\, and dessert.\nWine and mixed drinks can be ordered separately from the full bar. \nSpeaker: Dr. Charles Kupchella \nTopic: Could We Have Another Civil War? \nDescription:\nThe seeds of the Second World War were sown by the First. We will review the root causes of our “first” Civil War (actually we have already had several — some even before the Revolutionary War which was also a Civil War) and how our system of government failed to keep the Civil War from happening. Our presentation/discussion will examine weaknesses in our democracy that remain in place and how the War’s outcome set up some of today’s most divisive issues — along with other divisions that have lots of angry people with guns on opposite sides. \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/could-we-have-another-civil-war/
LOCATION:Vourla Cafe\, 1860 Tamiami Trail\, Naples\, FL\, 34102
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220328T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220328T200000
DTSTAMP:20220315T200208Z
CREATED:20220315T200208Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220315T200208Z
UID:10000080-1648488600-1648497600@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:Dine & Discuss : Vladimir Putin and Ukraine
DESCRIPTION:Vourla Cafe is welcoming us with open arms and is excited to have our group!\nA wide variety of freshly homemade Mediterranean food will be served family style at the tables. \n$32 – includes appetizers\, salad\, entrées\, and dessert.\nWine and mixed drinks can be ordered separately from the full bar.\nLocated at the Coastland Center Mall next to the Food Court on the south side of the mall (Fleischmann Blvd entrance). \nSpeakers: \nBill Pope\, U.S. Foreign Service Officer (ret.) and Ms. Sharon Easky\, former U.S. Treasury Official\, current Chair of the Oversight Board of PrivatBank\, the largest commercial bank in Ukraine \nBill will give some background on Vladimir Putin’s life and career and will give his thoughts on what has driven Putin to invade Ukraine. Sharon will draw upon her years of service in Ukraine and current work there to give an update of what is happening in Ukraine now. \n  \nClick here to Purchase Tickets \n 
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/vladimir-putin-and-ukraine/
LOCATION:Vourla Cafe\, 1860 Tamiami Trail\, Naples\, FL\, 34102
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200608T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200608T200000
DTSTAMP:20190814T174034Z
CREATED:20190814T174034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190814T174034Z
UID:10000036-1591639200-1591646400@centerforcriticalthinking.com
SUMMARY:U.S. Education in the 21st Century
DESCRIPTION:Moderated by Dr. John Psaras
URL:https://centerforcriticalthinking.com/event/dinner-discussion-u-s-education-in-the-21st-century/
LOCATION:Fit & Fuel Café\, 819 Vanderbilt Beach Road\, Naples\, FL\, 34108\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dine & Discuss
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END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR