Since fall weather is such a rare and precious commodity, it seems cruel to ask anybody to spend any more time than necessary indoors listening to people talk. But please hear us out on Chicago Ideas Week, which starts up October 16. And anyway, it might rain.

The goal of all this, Jones says, is to inspire audiences to think about issues that are affecting their city and their lives and then leave the program with some idea about how to take action. (Chicago Ideas helps by sending postevent e-mails with practical suggestions.)

Mon 10/16-Sun 10/22, various times, venues, and prices; for more information visit chicagoideas.com.