The Active Minds™ events listed below are open to the public. Please call to RSVP.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009, 3:00-4:00 pm
Indonesia: A Functional Islamic Democracy
Earlier this year, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said of Indonesia, "It's important to listen as well as talk to a country that has demonstrated that Islam, democracy and modernity cannot only coexist, but thrive." Join Active Minds as we examine what's working in the world's largest Islamic country.
Location: RiverPointe, 5225 S. Prince St, Littleton, CO 80123
Cost: Free
RSVP: RiverPointe: 303-797-0600

Thursday, July 9, 2009, 2:00-3:00 pm
The Supreme Court in Transition (Topic changed)
Join Active Minds for a program on the Supreme Court in transition. We will take a “behind the curtain” approach to the process of Senate confirmation, highlighting the key players and their motives and also look at the records of both Judge Souter and Sotomayor in order to assess how the court may change. Comparison to historic confirmations will be made in order to better understand the intricacies of the process.
Location: Heritage Club Mountain View, 8101 E Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80247
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-803-1180

Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 12:30-1:30 pm
Coffee: A Brief History
Join us as we trace the history of coffee from its origins in Ethiopia to the Starbucks around the corner. It is a fascinating story of politics, power, chance and intrigue. We will also examine coffee's cultural influences as well as the differences between various types of coffee. Cream and sugar not included.
Location: Tattered Cover, 2526 E Colfax (2 blocks east of York)
Cost: Free

Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 10:00 am
Brazil
Join Active Minds for an in-depth look at the country that covers nearly half of South America: Brazil. We will look at Brazilian history and recent events, most notably the Presidency of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (commonly known as Lula). We will examine where Brazil fits in the growing tendency of South American countries to support leaders from the left. We will also look at key issues in Brazilian relations with the U.S. such as trade, energy, and the environment.
Location: Malley Senior Center, 3380 S Lincoln St, Englewood, CO 80110
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-762-2660
Misc: If parking in the lot, get pass from inside center

Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 1:00-2:00 pm
The Legacy of World War I
As we approach the 90th anniversary of the Treaty of Versailles, join Active Minds for a look at how the agreements made at the end of World War I have contributed to present day conflicts around the globe. In particular, we will examine the way in which the former Ottoman empire was divided and how that relates to disputes that continue to this day.
Location: Generations at Lowry, 8505 Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80231
Cost: Free
RSVP: Generations at Lowry: 303-364-8500

Tuesday, July 28, 2009, 1:30-2:30 pm
Tibet
With an average elevation higher than the tallest peaks of Colorado, Tibet has been called the "Roof of the World." Join Active Minds as we explore the history and controversy that surrounds this unique region. China claims that Tibet has been part of China for centuries, while Tibet maintains that China illegally invaded the independent country in 1949. We will cover the role of the Dalai Lama and the views of China and the international community as we seek to understand the situation there.
Location: Cranbrook Senior Living. 5565 S Yosemite St, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-327-7340 (Limited seating. Call for availability.)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009, 5:30-6:30 pm
Ukraine at a Tipping Point
Seventy years of Soviet control of Ukraine ended in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. During that time Ukraine suffered extensive famines, deportation of its citizens, and repopulation of its country by ethnic Russians. Since independence, Ukraine has aligned more with the west, resulting in escalating tension between ethnic Russians and Ukrainians. Russian president Medvedev has warned ominously of "serious consequences" if Ukraine joins NATO and Russia shut off gas supplies to the country in early 2009. Join Active Minds as we explore this very delicate situation.
Location: Tattered Cover, 2526 E Colfax (2 blocks east of York)
Cost: Free

Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 7:00-8:00 pm
The History of Denver
Come learn the stories of the Mile High City. You will learn how our city was founded and the roles played by James Denver, Robert Speer, Ben Stapleton, and others. We will cover the booms and the busts and the story of why the 1976 Winter Olympics were not held here. Bring your favorite Denver trivia to share!
Location: Columbine Library, 7706 W. Bowles Ave, Littleton, CO 80123; 303-235-5275
Cost: Free

Tuesday, August 4, 2009, 7:00-8:00 pm
The Pine Beetle Infestation
The current Mountain Pine Beetle infestation has affected over 2 million acres of Colorado forestland. The infestation is being called "catastrophic" with predictions that "every large, mature lodgepole pine forest in Colorado and southern Wyoming will be dead within three to five years." Join Active Minds as we explore the science of this situation as well as the potential options to address the devastation.
Location: Evergreen Library, 5000 Highway 73 (at Buffalo Park Rd), Evergreen CO 80439; 303-235-5275
Cost: Free

* * * Special Event * * *
Wednesday, August 5, 2009, 2:00-4:00 pm (reception at 2:00, program at 2:30)
Iran
Join Active Minds for an in-depth look at the country of Iran. We will cover Iranian history as well as the recent turmoil over Iran’s presidential election. We will discuss the relationship between Iran’s religious and political leadership and the thorny issue of Iran's nuclear program. In particular, we will discuss how the rest of the world is responding to the various challenges presented by Iran.
Location: Garden Plaza of Aurora, 14221 E Evans Ave, Aurora, CO 80014
Directions: From I-225 & Iliff, go east 1 block and turn left (north) on S Blackhawk St, take the 3rd right on E Evans Ave and drive to the 2nd main entrance on your left.
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-750-0820

Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 10:00 – 11:00 am
The Pine Beetle Infestation
The current Mountain Pine Beetle infestation has affected over 2 million acres of Colorado forestland. The infestation is being called "catastrophic" with predictions that "every large, mature lodgepole pine forest in Colorado and southern Wyoming will be dead within three to five years." Join Active Minds as we explore the science of this situation as well as the potential options to address the devastation.
Location: Art Studio Room, Heather Gardens, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora, CO 80014
Cost: $1.00
Call: Heather Gardens for directions: 303-751-1811

Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm
The Financial Meltdown
The U.S. Economy is experiencing one of the most profound structural changes in history. From the housing debacle to the credit crisis, the impact has been felt in just about every corner of the world. Join Active Minds as we seek to understand how we got here and where we are headed. We will explain the origins of the current situation and examine the proposed remedies of the Obama administration. Sponsored by the Jefferson County RSVP Program.
Location: First Presbyterian Church of Lakewood, 8210 W 10th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214
Cost: Free
For more info: Call Beverly Weinberg at Jeffco RSVP Program: 303-235-6907

Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 12:30-1:30 pm
Somalia: Piracy and Anarchy
Somalia's history is a story of Colonialism yielding to authoritarianism dissolving into anarchy. Chaos has reigned since the early 1990's with rampant wars between rival clans, with no functional government in charge. Severe famine prompted the United Nations and the U.S. to intervene in the 1990's with decidedly mixed results. Lately, heavily armed Somali pirates in speedboats have been seizing passing cargo ships and oil tankers and holding the ships and crew for ransom. Join Active Minds as we examine Somalia's troubled path and where it may be leading.
Location: Tattered Cover, 9315 Dorchester St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 (call 303-470-7050 for directions)
Cost: Free

Thursday, August 13, 2009, 2:00-3:00 pm
North Korea
Join Active Minds for a discussion of the history of North Korea and the development of the North Korean nuclear program. We will cover the successes and shortcomings of diplomatic efforts between North Korea, the United States and other countries. North Korea’s place in the world relative to global issues such as international trade and human rights issues will also be addressed as well as their current leadership issues.
Location: Heritage Club Mountain View, 8101 E Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80247
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-803-1180

Thursday, August 20, 2009, 2:00-3:00 pm
China’s Economic Transition
Join Active Minds for a look at how China has evolved from a sleepy Communist economy to the fastest growing industrial nation in the world. We will examine how this change has been achieved as well as how China’s growing economic strength affects the U.S. and the rest of the world. This event is sponsored by Humana.
Location: Windsor Gardens (CenterPoint Room), 597 S. Clinton St, Denver, CO 80247; Tel: 303 364 7485
Cost: Free

Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 5:30-6:30 pm
The Supreme Court in Transition
Join Active Minds for a program on the Supreme Court in transition. We will take a “behind the curtain” approach to the process of Senate confirmation, highlighting the key players and their motives and also look at the records of both Judge Souter and Sotomayor in order to assess how the court may change. Comparison to historic confirmations will be made in order to better understand the intricacies of the process.
Location: Tattered Cover, 2526 E Colfax (2 blocks east of York)
Cost: Free

Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 10:00 am
China's Human Rights Struggle
Over 20 years ago, China’s human rights issues were showcased to the world by the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Join Active Minds as we look at how modern China continues to struggle with the balance between authoritarian government and basic human rights. We will highlight the ways in which Chinese society is restricted as we peer through the lens of American freedoms we sometimes take for granted.
Location: Malley Senior Center, 3380 S Lincoln St, Englewood, CO 80110
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-762-2660
Misc: If parking in the lot, get pass from inside center

Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 3:00-4:00 pm
The Great Depression
As we approach the 80th anniversary of the stock market crash of 1929, join Active Minds for a look back at the Great Depression. We will examine the origins of the depression and its legacy as well as take a look at it through the lens of our current economic crisis.
Location: RiverPointe, 5225 S. Prince St, Littleton, CO 80123
Cost: Free
RSVP: RiverPointe: 303-797-0600


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