Lifetime Learners Institute

Opera’s Romantic Arias and Duets: Part II

TamikaF — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:03:36 +0000

Encore! Got opera? It’s time for a refill! We continue with all new material, same old facilitator. We thrill again to more soaring paeans to romantic love with opera’s greatest stars. You want Pavarotti? We got him. Netrebko? Got her, too. Plus the rising superstar Jonas Kaufman. We see the romantic highlights of operas in short to medium length video excerpts. From Tosca and La Rondine, to Thais and Rosenkavalier and others, this is a treat for the eyes and ears: But you say you want context, too? Not to worry—we situate these arias and duets in the plot’s time and place and learn about the composers.

Magical Moments at the Movies

TamikaF — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:01:16 +0000

All Time Favorite! This course, now in its 17th year, continues to feature musical, dramatic and comic scenes from movies with rarely a repeated sequence such is the film library of the facilitator. This series emphasizes the Golden Age of Hollywood (1931-1960), yet includes many scenes from movies up to the present day. All clips are introduced with a history of the genre, the stars, the directors, the choreographers, the moguls, the behind-the-scenes artisans, and the gossip that is pertinent to what is shown. Hear explanations of how the magic was created, along with those all-too-many goofs Hollywood wants us to forget.

The facilitator opens each session with a monologue about the film industry and presents two popular name games and the birthday game. These classes make one nostalgic for the good old days when movies were sheer entertainment, when stars were stars and dancing and singing in the streets were a joy to behold. Handouts await attendees each week.

Early Presidents and the Founding of America

TamikaF — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:52:41 +0000

New! America was created at a pivotal moment in history which was groundbreaking in the human experience. The early presidents had much to do with how our country evolved, how the laws were established and interpreted, how much (or little) power was given to the president and how much was assumed by them. We study George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, James Polk and Abraham Lincoln and examine their links to other founders of America—the application of their skills, influence over others in their circle, in Congress and in America. Only by involving all of these men, their intelligence, their politics and prejudices can we understand how America developed as a nation regardless of the profound differences of views many of them held.

Women’s History:From Goddesses to Witches

TamikaF — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:50:03 +0000

Revised! What happened in the course of history that caused woman’s image to go from goddess, giver of all life, to witch, Satan’s handmaiden? Does Western civilization view women as Eve, she who caused the fall of all mankind, or Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Heaven? We explore the history of women from the Stone Age through the seventeenth century. At the same time, we reflect on the status of women in today’s culture by asking, has the situation changed or stayed the same? History often ignores women’s contributions to civilization as if men acted alone. The feminine narrative is missing. We study the lives of powerful women, who not only achieved great things, but became great while continuing to live within the restrictions of what it means to be a woman as defined by society. Our goal is to acknowledge we have a history.

World War I

TamikaF — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:06:46 +0000

Return Engagement! World War I is the seminal event of the last 97 years, a cataclysm that unleashed upon mankind such calamities as World War II, Vietnam, Iraq and the tragedy of the Balkans. The collective collapse of dynasties begot such poisonous totalitarian creeds as Bolshevism, Fascism, Nazism and militarism. The genie of nationalism was released in all its perverted strains, spawning racism and extermination. The Great War saw aircraft come of age as a weapon of war as did the submarine, the machine gun, the tank and poison gas. More importantly, World War I introduced the commodity that would not only revolutionize man’s ability to make war, but also come to dominate it—Oil. Such is our legacy: the tragedy of World War I.

Women and War in the Twentieth Century

TamikaF — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:59:37 +0000

New! We explore the immeasurable contribution of women within the context of armed conflict during the twentieth century. Participants journey along the historical path of women’s fight for equality during this significant time period. Deeply engrained institutional and social prejudices were overcome only gradually and always with resistance. We examine how politics, social mores and traditions of different cultures defined the vital and often tragic role of women during the First and Second World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War of 1991.

Watercolor Intermediate

TamikaF — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:56:23 +0000

Another Old Favorite! If you are an intermediate-level water colorist, you may want to improve your technique. This course is a step-by-step process to guide you through painting traditional landscapes, seascapes, flowers and still life. We cover techniques, textures, perspective, transparent washes, masking, planning and composing. Bring paints (tubes are preferred), a palette, your favorite brushes, watercolor paper and a water container to class. Some pre-created scenes on watercolor paper are supplied.

Do not purchase any art supplies until you receive a list at the first class. If you already have some supplies, bring them to class. The facilitator will have supplies available for purchase.

Watercolor for Beginners

TamikaF — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:51:22 +0000

Old Favorite! Join this class and become a budding artist who discovers the joys and challenges of watercolor. This course is a step-by-step process to guide you to use the proper techniques, brush strokes, color mixing and composition that create realistic landscapes, seascapes and still life paintings. Pre-created scenes are available for assistance.

Do not purchase any art supplies until you receive a list at the first class. If you already have some supplies, bring them to class. The facilitator will have supplies available for purchase.

Understanding Happiness

TamikaF — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:48:57 +0000

Back Again ! Happiness is a learned skill. Participants learn how to deal with the major obstacles to happiness and delve into the attitudes and behaviors necessary and essential to achieving happiness. Happy people are healthier, live longer and enjoy life more. People who are wise and those with a sense of humor are also happier. During this course many insightful and humorous quotes guide us toward these goals. To quote Benjamin Disraeli, “The wisdom of the wise and the experience of the ages are perpetuated by quotations.”

Traditional Chinese Medicine:Practical Applications

TamikaF — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:46:07 +0000

Expanded! This course provides an overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory and its modalities focusing on such practices as acupuncture, herbal medicine, bodywork and Eastern nutrition. We review the basic five-element relationship and their association with organs, tissues and emotions and discuss the concepts of health, illness and the etiology of a disharmony or disease. After reweaving the fundamentals, we examine ways TCM views and treats arthritis, gastrointestinal and emotional issues and offer tips on self help and addressing pain. Other topics include basic diagnostic principles and treatment using acupressure, lifestyle changes and dietary modifications.