Discovery & Discussion
Sundays 11:30 am
(Except Potluck Sundays)
James Reeb Room
Coordinator: Dave Nelson
Moderator: Susan Eisman

"The real danger is not that computers will begin to think like men, but that men will begin to think like computers."
 ~ Sydney Harris (Journalist)
 "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses. ~ Henry Ford
Join us as we explore the impact of technology on our world.

We start with a either a short video or a live speaker who is an expert in the field, followed by open discussion. 

Occasionally, we will address subjects that are not technology related, but are timely and relevant to our congregation. All are welcome.

"Computers are useless. They can only give you answers."
 ~ Pablo Picasso
Sunday January 20
Quantum Computing explained in 10 minutes.
A quantum computer isn't just a more powerful version of the computers we use today; it's something else entirely. Enter the quantum wonderland with TED Fellow Shohini Ghose and learn how this technology holds the potential to transform medicine, create unbreakable encryption and even teleport information. Filmed at TEDWomen, November 2018. Join us at 11:30. All are welcome. Coordinator: Dave Nelson. Moderator: Susan Eisman.
Past Programs
Sunday January 13
No Discovery and Discussion - Potluck Sunday
Have lunch with our community. Meet new people, see old friends. Bring a potluck dish for approximately 8 to share. We encourage vegetarian, vegan and other meatless dishes. It's a great opportunity to try something new, however, bring a contribution that suits your food choices.
Sunday January 6
The radical possibilities of man-made DNA.
Every cell that's ever lived has been the result of the four-letter genetic alphabet: A, T, C and G – the basic units of DNA. But now that's changed. In this visionary TED talk, synthetic biologist Floyd E. Romesberg introduces us to the first living organisms created with six-letter DNA – the four natural letters plus two new man-made ones, X and Y – and explores how this breakthrough could challenge our basic understanding of nature's design.
Sunday December 30
12 truths I learned from life and writing.
With disarming familiarity, Anne Lamott tackles what most don’t like to consider. Her honest writing helps us make sense of life’s chaos. In this compelling TED Talk, she dives into the nuances of being a human who lives in a confusing, beautiful, emotional world, offering her characteristic life-affirming wisdom and humor on family, writing, the meaning of God, death and more.
Sunday December 23
A Lesson on Looking.
Are you looking closely? Esse est percipi? Visual educator Amy Herman explains how to use art to enhance your powers of perception and find connections where they may not be apparent. Learn the techniques Herman uses to train Navy SEALs, doctors and crime scene investigators to convert observable details into actionable knowledge with this insightful talk.
Sunday December 16
3 myths about the future of work (and why they’re not true).
Will machines replace humans? Daniel Susskind confronts this question and three misconceptions we have about our automated future, suggesting we ask something else: How will we distribute wealth in a world when there will be less, or even no work? Join us for this inspiring TED Talk about one aspect of the impact of Artificial Intelligence— followed by group discussion.
Sunday December 2
How a long forgotten virus could help us solve the antibiotics crisis​.
Viruses have a bad reputation – but some of them could one day save your life, says biotech entrepreneur Alexander Belcredi. In this fascinating talk, he introduces us to phages, naturally-occurring viruses that hunt and kill harmful bacteria with deadly precision and shows how these once forgotten organisms could provide new hope against the growing threat of antibiotic resistant superbugs.