Middle East Discussion Group

Make your voice heard in an enriching, provocative and fun discussion with fellow Club members as you weigh in on events shaping the face of the Middle East. Each month, the Middle East Member-Led Forum hosts an informal roundtable discussion on a topic frequently suggested by recent headlines.  After a brief introduction, the floor will be open for discussion. All interested members are encouraged to attend. There will also be a brief planning session.

MLF: Middle East
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. program
Cost: FREE
Program Organizer: Celia Menczel

Paul Krugman: End This Depression Now

This program is sold out. You may add your name to the waitlist below

Paul Krugman,  Columnist, The New York Times; Professor of Economics and International Affairs, Princeton University; Author, End This Depression Now!

Nobel Laureate economist Krugman believes that the U.S. and world economies are not getting better. He says we are still in the midst of a depression rather than a recession, and that “nations, rich in resources, talent, and knowledge, all the ingredients for prosperity and a decent standard of living for all, remain in a state of intense pain.”  Yet he also believes that a quick, strong recovery is but one step away.  Come hear his thoughts on what political leaders can and must do.

Location: Hotel Nikko-Ballroom; 222 Mason St.  San Francisco
Time: 4:30 p.m. check-in, 5 p.m. doors open, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. book signing
Cost: $35 standard, $20 members, $10 students (with valid ID); Premium: $70 standard, $50 members (includes book and priority seating in the front)
Also know: Photo Credit: Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times

On Assignment with National Geographic

Edwin Dobb, Knight Center for Science and Environmental Journalism, U.C. Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism
Cynthia Gorney, Long-time, honored contributing writer, National Geographic and The New York Times Magazine, articles and stories on women, children and indigenous people
Andrew Todhunter, Stanford University, Author; Winner, PEN USA Literary Award, worked on several films for National Geographic Television; Journalist, National Geographic
Timothy Ferris, National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize Nominee; Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science; Astronomy writer, National Geographic

National Geographic has long been a national and international gateway to the world, taking us to faraway places, introducing the universe of science, cultures, history and environmental challenges, and their work with scientists, adventurers and discoverers. Join moderator Edwin Dobb and fellow National Geographic contributors for a lively, enlightening and informative evening of fieldwork stories and studies.

MLF: Environment & Natural Resources
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program
Cost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program organizer: Ann Clark

U.S.-Cuba Relations and the Cuban Economy

Philip Brenner, Professor, School of International Service, American University
Jorge Mario Sanchez Egozcue, Professor, University of Havana, Center for the Study of the Cuban Economy
Margaret E. Crahan, Senior Research Scholar, Institute of Latin American Studies at Columbia University - Moderator

Since Fidel Castro turned over power to his brother Raul in 2006, Cuba and U.S.-Cuban relations have undergone a variety of changes. Raul has increasingly emphasized transforming the Cuban bureaucracy and economy in an effort to eliminate inefficiency and lack of competitiveness in the international market. The discovery of oil off the north coast of Cuba has opened the possibility for Cuba to become a major oil and gas producer. The overhaul of the domestic economy allows more space for small domestic entrepreneurs and encourages foreign investment, especially in tourism and agriculture. While European, Asian, and Latin American investors are increasingly exploring opportunities in Cuba, the U.S.-Cuban economic and political relations stagnate. What’s next for the Cuban economy and U.S.-Cuban relations?

MLF: International Relations
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 12:30 p.m. check-in,  1 p.m. program
Cost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: Norma Walden

Nancy Pelosi, Democratic House Leader: Commemorating 25 years in Congress

In conversation with Dr. Gloria Duffy, President and CEO, The Commonwealth Club

U.S. House Democratic leader Pelosi will headline a special Commonwealth Club conversation in which she will reflect on 25 years of representing San Francisco in Congress, her rise to become the first woman speaker of the House, and her continued efforts to represent the American people.

Location: Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason Street, San Francisco
Time: 11 a.m. check-in, noon program
Cost: $25 standard, $15 members; Premium: $45 standard, $30 members; $7 students (with valid ID)

Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger: Stories from American Leaders

Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, Retired Airline Pilot; CBS News Aviation and Safety Expert; Author, Making a Difference: Stories of Vision and Courage from America’s Leaders
In Conversation With Dan Ashley, News Anchor, ABC 7 TV; Member, Commonwealth Club Board of Governors

The hero who landed the plane on the Hudson discusses the qualities that make for great leadership.  He reveals his own advice as well as the details of recent conversations with notables that include legendary baseball manager Tony La Russa, Costco founder Jim Sinegal, and Educator Michelle Rhee, among others.

Location:  SF Club Office
Time: 11:15 a.m. check-in, noon program, 1 p.m. booksigning
Cost: $20 standard, $12 members, $7 students (with valid ID); Premium: $40 standard and members (includes a copy of the book & seating in the front)
Also know: Capt. Sullenberger will also be speaking in Lafayette on 5/21

 

San Francisco Architecture Walking Tour

Explore San Francisco’s Financial District with historian Rick Evans and learn the history and stories behind some of our city’s remarkable structures, streets, and public squares. Hear about the famous architects that influenced the building of San Francisco after the 1906 Earthquake. Discover hard-to-find rooftop gardens, Art Deco lobbies, unique open spaces, and historic landmarks. This is a tour for locals, with hidden gems you can only find on foot! For those interested in socializing afterwards, we will conclude the tour at a local watering hole.

Location: Lobby of Galleria Park Hotel, 191 Sutter St.
Time: 1:45 p.m. check-in, 2–4:30 p.m. tour; no-host socializing to follow
Cost: $40 standard, $30 members
Also know: Tour operates rain or shine. Limited to 20 people. Participants must pre-register. The tour covers less than one mile of walking in the Financial District. . Note: This tour involves walking up and down stairs.