Schedule

	The Houston Objectivism Society is an organization dedicated to spreading the ideas of Ayn Rand-the author of Atlas Shrugged-and her philosophy of Objectivism in the Houston area.
	Here are the activities scheduled for 2010:
	January	Annual planning meeting.
	February	TV Share: In this meeting each attendee will share a favorite television program. In ten minutes or less, give a brief description of the program, explain why you enjoy it, and why other members should watch it. The program does not have to be current, but it must be a series. Documentaries, concerts, sporting events, and similar telecasts are excluded.
	March	Copper Pot Share: In an interview in The Facets of Ayn Rand, Mary Ann Sures, a friend of Ayn Rand’s, was once troubled when an acquaintance criticized her for taking pleasure in polishing a copper-bottomed frying pan, stating that she shouldn't find enjoyment in something so non-intellectual. Ayn Rand helped Mary Ann to realize that she actually took great joy in the beauty of the polished, gleaming pan, and that that was a rational value she shouldn't apologize for. Ayn Rand stressed to her the importance of being able to identify your values and to know why something is a value. At this “show and tell” meeting, each of us will bring something of value and share with the group why it is a value. If you can’t bring the physical item, bring photos or a power point. This will be a fun way to learn a little more about each other as well.
	April	Determining Musical Themes: Through experiential and instructional material, this presentation will show you how to identify the musical theme (the main melody) in symphonic music. Ayn Rand’s writings regarding music will be summarized as well as current Objectivist musical thought. Using printed and auditory examples from well-known classical compositions, we will review the basic technical elements of Western music as a foundation for discussing and identifying theme. We will then apply the method for identifying theme to one or two pieces by current Objectivist composers, works likely unfamiliar to the audience. Time permitting, we will extend this theme identification method to other types of music – pop, rock, etc.
	May	Objectivist Jeopardy!: Objectivist Jeopardy! is an Objectivism inspired take on the classic game show, Jeopardy! where participants respond in the form of a question. It will test your knowledge of Objectivism and your knowledge of Ayn Rand’s books including her characters and philosophical messages of her books. Members will compete against each other to quickly provide questions to the answers that will be given. The member with the most points will be crowned Objectivist Jeopardy! Champion and may even receive a special prize (not cold hard cash, unfortunately but an Ayn Rand Bookstore gift certificate will suffice, I’m sure). Categories will be from Ayn Rand’s fiction, nonfiction, interviews, and life. We will have real buzzers for participants, and we will have an exciting, entertaining as well as informative and educational experience. This is a fun and stimulating way to review and test your knowledge of Ayn Rand and her works.
	June	*1984 vs. Anthem: Ayn Rand's Anthem* is a fantasy and is one of many literary works that projects an anti-utopian or dystopian future. As such, it invites comparison with other literary works of that type, of which there are many. 1984, by George Orwell, is arguably one of the most well-known and popular dystopian novels today and was written after Anthem. In this discussion inspired by Shoshana Milgram's essay, " Anthem in the Context of Related Literary Works," we will compare and contrast 1984 and Anthem. We will explore plot, theme, characterization, and philosophy in both novels. Is there any evidence that Orwell may have been influenced by Anthem? In what ways can the story of 1984 be considered a prequel to the story of Anthem? Become acquainted or reacquainted with the worlds of Anthem and 1984, and join us for a lively and educational discussion.
	July	The Meaning of Life: In this meeting, we will discuss Objectivism’s answer to one of the most important questions in philosophy. We will talk about the concrete things, actions, and relationships that give our lives meaning and then explore how these can be summarized in terms of principles. To facilitate the discussion, we’ll listen to parts of a Lenard Peikoff radio show that deals with this topic and watch an episode of the Twilight Zone that Dr. Peikoff calls “the most philosophical show ever broadcast on TV, that has the wisest answer ever, on the meaning of life.”
	August	Discussion of Ayn Rand Essay: We will read, analyze and discuss Ayn Rand's nonfiction writing. For this meeting, we will read one or two chapters from The Art of Nonfiction. This book, although directed at writers, has brilliant insights into broader aspects of creativity, thinking in essentials, and concretizing abstractions. The advice provided in this book can be applied by anyone to become a clearer thinker and to have a more creative career.
	September	Hegel and Progressivism: Hegel was the most influential philosopher of the nineteenth century. After the Civil War, it was popular for American college students to study in Germany, where they were introduced to Hegel’s ideas. Returning to America they injected these ideas into the American culture. This talk will examine Hegel’s ideas, his influence on American intellectuals, and the political consequences as manifested in the Progressive Era.
	October	*The Senses Revealed*: One of the foundations of a rational philosophy is the validity of the senses, and the tool most often used to argue against this premise is sensory illusions. In this meeting, we will start with a philosophic defense of why the senses should be accepted as an axiom. We will then look at the science of how each of the sense organs operates to help us understand how they reflect reality, even in the case of what others call an illusion. Volunteers are being taken to present a 10 minute overview of how one of the five senses functions. This meeting will also have an unusual spread of snacks, as they will be used in the taste illusion.
	November	“I don’t think you can win it. . . . I don’t have any. . . definite end [for the war]” ---President George W. Bush Where is the public outrage and anger over this statement? There is none! It seems to be quietly accepted by most Americans that there is no way to win the so called war on terrorism. How can this be? Consider the difference in the response to 9/11 versus the response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The enemy seems miniscule by comparison, yet the response is cowardly. What happened between 1941 and 2001 to explain the drastic difference in the way America responded to these two attacks on our nation? Winning The Unwinnable War answers these questions and more. During this meeting we will discuss the book and it’s recommendations as well as any potential for activism by HOS.
	December	Annual Christmas Party: The year will conclude with our annual Christmas Party, featuring a progressive gift exchange and our Top Objectivist Chef contest.
Note: Visitors interested in trying out HOS may attend one or two meetings without joining, but are expected to become HOS members and pay the $20 annual dues if they come to further meetings.
Contact us for more information about HOS.