Upcoming Events

Tue 6/25

Go to How to Self-Insure for Long-Term Care

How to Self-Insure for Long-Term Care

Date: Tue, June 25, 2013
Time: 5:15 PM

Denise Michaud, Certified, Corporation for Long-Term Care; Independent Insurance Broker

Gene Pastula, Certified Financial Planner; President, Westland Financial Services, Inc.

With estimates indicating that two out of three older Americans eventually require convalescent care, paying for long-term care is a huge financial concern, with costs running into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. With the cost of care in the Bay Area among the highest in the country and rapidly increasing, planning ahead is critical to managing out-of-pocket costs. How can people reject long-term care insurance and choose to self-insure? Learn how trends in legislation have resulted in creative options to leverage assets three to six times when they are needed most.

MLF: Grownups
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 4:45 p.m. networking reception, 5:15 p.m. program
Cost: $20 non-members, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: John Milford
Also know: In association with San Francisco Village and San Francisco Senior Center

Image - The Future of Presidential Debates in the American Electoral Process

The Future of Presidential Debates in the American Electoral Process

Date: Tue, June 25, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM

 

Michael D. McCurry, Former Press Secretary to President Bill Clinton; Co-chair, Commission on Presidential Debates
Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr., Chair, Republican Party under President Ronald Reagan; Co-chair, Commission on Presidential Debates
Mary Marcy, Ph.D., President, Dominican University of California; Member, Commonwealth Club Board of Governors – Moderator
 
The nonpartisan, nonprofit Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) has sponsored and produced all the general election presidential and vice presidential debates since 1987. Planning is now underway for the 2016 debates. Don't miss this chance to ask your questions for the chairmen of the Commission. How well did the new formats of 2012 work? Were they useful to the electorate, and how can they remain relevant?
CPD co-chairmen Fahrenkopf and McCurry will discuss the process by which the debates are formulated and explain the significance of U.S. debates to other countries, many of which seek to start their own debate traditions after watching the CPD’s forums. They will also discuss their views on the role of the debates in the general election process, including campaigns, conventions and the overall level of discourse.
 
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program
Cost: FREE
 

 

Image - Nolan Bushnell: Finding the Next Steve Jobs

Nolan Bushnell: Finding the Next Steve Jobs

Date: Tue, June 25, 2013
Time: 7:00 PM

Nolan Bushnell, Founder, Atari, Co-author, Finding the Next Steve Jobs: How to Find, Hire, Keep, and Nurture Creative Talent; Twitter: @NolanBushnell

What are companies looking for in today’s workforce? From startups to the Fortune 500, Bushnell explains what companies should be looking for in employees. He shares some of his own experiences and highlights how companies can recognize potential, identify talent and nurture creativity.

Location: SV Bank, 3005 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara
Time: 6:30 p.m. check-in, 7 p.m. program, 8 p.m. book signing
Cost: $15 non-members, $10 members$5 students (with valid ID)

Wed 6/26

Go to SF Pride Presents: Supervisors David Campos and Scott Wiener

SF Pride Presents: Supervisors David Campos and Scott Wiener

Date: Wed, June 26, 2013
Time: 5:15 PM

David Campos, San Francisco Supervisor, District 9
Scott Wiener, San Francisco Supervisor, District 8
Earl Plante, Executive Director, SF Pride

The city's Pride month celebration continues with addresses from San Francisco's two gay supervisors, Supervisor David Campos and Supervisor Scott Wiener. Learn what is being done to address the needs of the LGBT community throughout the city from the legislators themselves, and bring your tough questions.
 
MLF: LGBT
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 4:45 p.m. networking reception, 5:15 p.m. program
Cost: $20 non-members, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: Julian Chang
Also know: In association with SF Pride
 

Thu 6/27

Image - Walking the Way

Walking the Way

Date: Thu, June 27, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM

Robert Rosenbaum, Ph.D., Neuropsychologist; Psychotherapist; Zen teacher; Credentialed mountaineer; Dayan QiGong instructor; Author, Walking the Way: 81 Zen Encounters with the Tao Te Ching

Rosenbaum combines his experience in neuropsychology, psychotherapy and Zen teaching with the Tao's ancient guidance to suggest that rather than always "pouring more and more into a vessel," we all need to also stop and cultivate stillness order to recover, revive and endure. Come hear a refreshing new interpretation of the Tao te Ching and glean insights into how to ensure a life well-lived.

MLF: Psychology
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. book signing
Cost: $20 non-members, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: Anne W. Smith

Image - Overheated: The Human Cost of Climate Change

Overheated: The Human Cost of Climate Change

Date: Thu, June 27, 2013
Time: 6:30 PM

Andrew Guzman, Professor, UC Berkeley Law School; Author, Overheated: The Human Cost of Climate Change

Richard Joseph Jackson, Professor, UCLA School of Public Health; Host of the four-part public TV program, Designing Healthy Communities

In conversation with Greg Dalton, Founder and Director, Climate One

With the Earth running a fever, people in the United States and around the world are vulnerable to climate-driven disease, famine, war and migration. Many scientists warn that a temperature rise of two degrees Celsius - which is now highly likely - would result in catastrophe, and four degrees would be incompatible with organized society as we know it. Many costs of carbon pollution are showing up now in the form of extreme weather, water and resource scarcity and other stresses. Most scientists argue that transitioning to a clean energy economy will reduce these risks resulting from fossil fuel combustion.

Join a doctor and a lawyer for a sobering conversation about building healthier and more resilient communities in California and beyond.

Location: Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Time: 6 p.m. check-in, 6:30 p.m. program
Cost: $22 non-members,  $52 non-members with book, $12 members, $42 members with book, $7 students (with valid ID)

Image - Clay Shirky: The Internet. Powered by Love.

Clay Shirky: The Internet. Powered by Love.

Date: Thu, June 27, 2013
Time: 6:30 PM

 

Clay Shirky, Social Media Theorist; Author, Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations and Cognitive Surplus: How Technology Makes Consumers into Collaborators; Adjunct Professor, NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program

Contrary to popular opinion, the Internet does not run on magic or a series of complex electronic  and wireless signals. According to writer and big-thinker Clay Shirky, the Internet really runs on love – group love, that is. With decentralizing technologies, the Internet is facilitating new kinds of global cooperation via peer-to-peer sharing, wireless capability and open-source development. In his studies of the effects of the Internet on society, Shirky asserts that the actions of a group add up to something more than just the sum of individual actions, giving collaborative efforts online great potential for change. Join us as this leader among the digerati delves into how the production capacity of the Internet, plus the willingness of humans to share with one another, is allowing ordinary citizens to shape our culture in unprecedented ways.

Location: SF Club Office
Time: 6 p.m. check-in, 6:30 p.m. program, 7:30 p.m. networking reception
Cost: General admission: $20 non-members, $12 members, $7 students (with valid ID). Premium (includes reserved seating and premium reception with speakers): $35 non-members, $25 members

Mon 7/1

Go to Chango’s Beads and Two-Tone Shoes by William Kennedy

Chango’s Beads and Two-Tone Shoes by William Kennedy

Date: Mon, July 01, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM

When journalist Daniel Quinn meets Ernest Hemingway at the Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba, in 1957, he has no idea that his own affinity for simple, declarative sentences will change his life radically overnight. So begins William Kennedy’s novel, a tale of revolutionary intrigue, heroic journalism, crooked politicians, drug-running gangsters, Albany race riots, and the improbable rise of Fidel Castro. Come discuss this book with fellow lit lovers. As a reminder, the author will not be present.

 

MLF: SF Book Discussion
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. program
Cost: $5 non-members, MEMBERS FREE
Program Organizers: Barbara Massey and Howard Crane

 
Image - Rendezvous with Destiny

Rendezvous with Destiny

Date: Mon, July 01, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM

How Franklin D. Roosevelt and Five Extraordinary Men Took America into the War and into the World

Michael Fullilove, Author, Rendezvous with Destiny; Executive Director, the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Australia; Nonresident Senior Fellow, the Brookings Institution

Fullilove tells the remarkable untold story of the five special envoys sent by Franklin Roosevelt on dramatic and often dangerous missions to Europe in the lead-up to the U.S. entry into WWII. Taken together, their missions plot the arc of our nation's transformation from a reluctant middle power into the global leader. Leading historian and foreign policy scholar Fullilove tells the story of these missions and their relevance for U.S. foreign policy today.

MLF: Humanities
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. book signing
Cost: $20 non-members, MEMBERS FREE, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: George Hammond

Mon 7/8

Go to Explore the World from The Commonwealth Club

Explore the World from The Commonwealth Club

Date: Mon, July 08, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM

Explore the World from The Commonwealth Club

All interested Club members are welcome to attend bimonthly one-hour planning meetings of the International Relations Member-Led Forum. We focus on Europe, Latin America, Africa and worldwide topics. Join us to discuss current international issues and plan programs for the rest of 2013.

MLF: International Relations
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. planning meeting
Cost: FREE
Program Organizer: Norma Walden

Image - The Alchemy of Humor

The Alchemy of Humor

Date: Mon, July 08, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM

Steve Bhaerman, Author; Performer (as Swami Beyondanda)

Monday Night Philosophy laughs along with the enlightening philosophy of humor elucidated by Bhaerman (the man behind Swami Beyondananda). His hilarious and insightful talk will inspire you to use the magic of humor to gain wisdom, perspective and of course, joy. You'll laugh while you learn and learn while you laugh!

MLF: Humanities
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program
Cost: $20 non-members, MEMBERS FREE, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: George Hammond

Go to Environmental Debt

Environmental Debt

Date: Mon, July 08, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM

Amy Larkin, Author, Environmental Debt: The Hidden Costs of a Changing Global Economy; Director, Greenpeace Solutions
John Hofmeister, CEO, Citizens for Affordable Energy; Former President, Shell Oil Company

The traditional "grow now, clean up later" economy does little to account for unmeasured externalities like carbon pollution and health impacts. But as the national and world economies struggle with the mounting costs of pollution and climate change, many companies are drawing a connection between a degraded environment and a degraded bottom line.

Amy Larkin says pollution can no longer be free and that government must play a vital role in catalyzing growth while preventing environmental destruction. John Hofmeister agrees that pollution and waste must be dealt with, but he points out that the American consumer might be less willing to pay the higher prices for electricity and fuel that would result from internalizing these costs. Come hear a conversation with a leading environmentalist and former oil executive on pricing pollution and finding business solutions for creating a sustainable economy.

Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. check-in, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. networking reception
Cost: $20 non-members, $47 non-members with book, MEMBERS FREE, $27 members with book, $7 students (with valid ID).
Also know: The speakers and audience will be videotaped for future broadcast on the Climate One TV show on KRCB TV 22 on Comcast and DirecTV.

Tue 7/9

Image - Chef Hubert Keller

Chef Hubert Keller

Date: Tue, July 09, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM

 

Chef Hubert Keller
 
Chef/Owner, Fleur de Lys and Burger Bar; Former Competitor, "Top Chef"; Author, Hubert Keller’s Souvenirs: Stories and Recipes from My Life; Twitter: @ChefHKeller
 
In conversation with Narsai David, Food and Wine Editor, KCBS Radio
 
 
Come learn about how master chef Keller's roots in a food-focused French family led him on an inspiring journey to the top of his profession as James Beard winner and "Top Chef Masters" competitor. From apprenticing in a Michelin three star-rated restaurant at the age of 16 to cooking in South America and the United States, Keller has charted his own path into the newest frontiers of the restaurant business. Hear his stories and pick up some recipe ideas from a master of his craft.
 
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. check-in, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. book signing
Cost: $25 non-members, $15 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Also know: Underwritten by The Bernard Osher Foundation. In association with the Bay Gourmet Member-Led Forum.
 
 

Wed 7/10

Image - Nob Hill Walking Tour #5

Nob Hill Walking Tour #5

Date: Wed, July 10, 2013
Time: 2:00 PM

Explore one of San Francisco’s 44 hills, and one of its original “Seven Hills”. Because of great views and its central position, Nob Hill became an exclusive enclave of the rich and famous on the west coast who built large mansions in the neighborhood. This included prominent tycoons such as Leland Stanford, and other members of the Big Four. Highlights include the history of four landmark hotels: The Fairmont, Mark Hopkins, Stanford Court, and Huntington Hotel. Visit the city’s largest house of worship, Grace Cathedral, and discover architectural tidbits and anecdotes about the railroad barons and silver kings. A true San Francisco experience of elegance, urbanity, scandals and fabulous views.

Location: Meet in front of the Fairmont Hotel's Caffe Centro, 801 Powell St. (at California St.)
Time: 1:45 p.m. check-in, 2–4:30 p.m. tour
Cost: $45 non-members, $35 members
Also know: Limited to 20. Must pre-register. Tour operates rain or shine.

How to Recover Your Childhood Brilliance: Special Genius of Those over 50

How to Recover Your Childhood Brilliance: Special Genius of Those over 50

Date: Wed, July 10, 2013
Time: 5:15 PM

Pat McHenry Sullivan, Founder, Visionary Resources in Oakland, CA; Author, Your Natural Genius: Lost, Found, Ready for Adventure

Many people think, “If I were a genius, I would have to be as smart as Einstein or as creative as JK Rowing of Harry Potter fame.” Why is that a myth? Sullivan will explain that it’s not true that geniuses are limited to brilliant, highly successful people who have done something the world finds amazing. That widespread notion is actually a modern idea that distorts the original meanings and great potential for the word “genius.” She will discuss the top three things we can do to recover our lost five-year-old genius: First, we explore carefully the true meaning of genius. Next we deal with the elephants in the room: impending death or helplessness as we age ­­ ­– the things we weren't supposed to see or talk about when we were children. Then, we develop a practice of listening to ourselves so we become fluent in the language of our own heart, and know what we are called to do with our lives.

MLF: Grownups
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 4:45 p.m. networking reception, 5:15 p.m. program
Cost: $20 non-members, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: John Milford
Also know: In association with San Francisco Village. Photo by Mary McHenry.

Thu 7/11

Image - Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior

Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior

Date: Thu, July 11, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM

Lieutenant Commander Rorke Denver, U.S. Navy SEAL

Lieutenant Commander Denver has run every phase of training for the U.S. Navy SEALs and led special-forces missions in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and other international hot spots. He starred in the 2012 hit film Act of Valor, which is based on true SEAL adventures. Don't miss this chance to go inside the personal story and the fascinating, demanding SEAL training program of a veteran of the front lines. Denver will share lessons learned from both the theater of war and his time directing SEAL instruction.

MLF: International Relations
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. book signing
Cost: $20 non-members, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: Norma Walden
Also know: Photo by Rob Greer. Part of the Good Lit Series, underwritten by The Bernard Osher Foundation.

Image - Joseph Ellis: The Birth of American Independence

Joseph Ellis: The Birth of American Independence

Date: Thu, July 11, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM

Joseph Ellis, Author, Founding Brothers, American Sphinx and Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence
Roy Eisenhardt — Moderator

From a pre-eminent American historian comes a revelatory portrait of a crescendo moment in American history. Pulitzer Prize-winner Ellis presents a gripping account of the most important summer in our nation's history, when a myriad of forces came together to create a new country. Ellis weaves the political and military experiences as two sides of a single story and shows how events on one front influenced outcomes on the other.

Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. book signing
Cost: $20 non-members, $12 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Also know: Photo by Erik Jacobs

Wed 7/17

Go to Why Austerity Kills

Why Austerity Kills

Date: Wed, July 17, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM

 

Sanjay Basu, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Epidemiologist, Prevention Research Center at Stanford University; Co-author, The Body Economy: Why Austerity Kills

Can public health be upheld during years of financial crisis? Through his international research, Dr. Basu posits that austerity and government policy become a matter of life and death during these historic times. He will discuss his research regarding sugar and diet in relation to the economy and recession.

MLF: Health & Medicine
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. book signing
Cost: $20 non-members, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: Bill Grant

Image - Dale Schenk: The Road to Conquering Diseases of the Brain

Dale Schenk: The Road to Conquering Diseases of the Brain

Date: Wed, July 17, 2013
Time: 7:00 PM

Dale Schenk, Ph.D., CEO, Prothena
Lisa Krieger, Science and Medical Research Reporter, San Jose Mercury News — Moderator

Despite major advances in medicine, diseases of the brain continue to plague our society. Fortunately, because of the work of many dedicated scientists, a three-decades-long effort to conquer diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease is beginning to pay off. Schenk will explore what we know about the brain – often called "the last frontier of medicine" – and describe the journey from an idea to the patient's bedside for new innovative treatments. 

Location: Schultz Cultural Hall, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto 
Time: 6:30 p.m. check-in, 7 p.m. program 
Cost: $15 non-members, $10 members, $7 students
 

Thu 7/18

Image - Trade in Your Rights: Russia's Circuitous March to Democracy (MLF)

Trade in Your Rights: Russia's Circuitous March to Democracy

Date: Thu, July 18, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM

Pavel Khodorkovsky, President, Institute of Modern Russia

Khodorkovsky will discuss the current human rights and political situation in Russia and the importance of supporting civil society there as it develops. Though he cannot return to Russia for fear of endangering his father, famed political prisoner, businessman and author Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Pavel maintains close relationships with many Russian opposition leaders and will relay his thoughts on the current political and socio-economic situation. He will also elaborate on what Americans can do to help support Russia on its journey to modernization and democracy.

MLF: International Relations
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program
Cost: $20 non-members, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: Norma Walden