Today’s meeting was very well attended, with 21 people seated around the circle. Guests there were aplenty; among them were Rubi Talavera (aka Angelina Jolie), Eric Emin Wood, Doug Purdy, Konara Bandara, Karen Walters, and Mohammed Eslami. (Both Karen and Mohammed have committed themselves to join the club — Welcome aboard!)

The meeting started with a lively check-in session, as usual. The Blue Jays big win last night, and their success generally in making it to the World Series, was acknowledged by many of us. (Go Blue Jays!) The current occupant of the White House in Washington DC — which house that occupant is in the process of tearing down — was also mentioned several times. Not, however, in celebratory terms. 

The talk then swung to upcoming club events. Debate Night will be on November 20th, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the York Regional Police Station on Major Mackenzie Drive West. As a reminder, the two propositions to be taken up are:  “Be it resolved that…” #1: boiled eggs are better than fried eggs; and #2: the tipping culture has gotten out of hand. Those of you who weren’t at the meeting can indicate your interest in attending and participating by replying to this message.

Vasu Desikachary followed this up with a presentation titled “Enduring Traditions and Myths“. First he talked about the myth of the ‘Great Flood’, common to many civilizations, beginning with the Mesopotamians more than 4000 years ago. (Is it simply a myth, though? or is it a deep memory of catastrophic events that happened ages ago when the glaciers of the last Ice Age were retreating?) Another thing that a great many cultures shared in common — in Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and Peru — was Sun worship, and it’s easy enough to understand why, since that fiery ball is the source of all life on this planet. Stonehenge, in England, was built 7000 years ago! Finally, he discussed the nearly universal concept of the Mother Goddess. She has had many different names and forms: Gaia, in Greece; Ishtar, in Sumeria; Durga, in India; the Virgin Mary, in Christianity. Everywhere and always, she gives birth to new life. 
My own activity I titled “That’s Ridiculous!” And ridiculous it was. Mario tried to convince us that ketchup should be used on everything, especially on steak. Eric Emin told us that reality TV is a form of high art. Al Brown thinks that the robots taking our jobs should pay their taxes, like everyone else. Mahsa told us that gravity is highly overrated… Good fun.
The day’s final presentation was given by Chris Ristic, who shared with us part two of his odysseys through the choppy waters of Ontario’s Small Claims Court. He’s taken on some big companies — Mazda, Westjet — and won thousands of dollars in settlements. The bottom line here: don’t be a scumbag when dealing with Chris, because he’ll make you pay! Here’s the link to a truncated copy of his presentation (minus the personal details). Download this file and keep it where you can find it later. It could save you big money some day.

That’s it for now. I hope to see you at our debate night on November 20th. But if not then, mark your calendars for our next regular meeting on November 29th; usual time, usual place.