COURSES/REGISTRATION   

Join Jan, Neil, and two guest lecturers as they “Zoom” through the centuries exploring eight operas and one musical. These works will be performed this spring or summer by three different opera companies: the Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD simulcasts at local theatres (Met), Central City Opera (CC), or the Santa Fe Opera (SF). Selections from all of these will be shown in class.

The following works will be performed:

• 1786 - Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro (Met & SF).
• 1816 - Rossini’s Barber of Seville (Met & CC).
• 1851 - Verdi’s Rigoletto (SF).
• 1870 - Wagner’s Die Walküre (SF).
• 1895 - Puccini’s La Bohème (SF).
• 1902 - Strauss’s Salome' (Met).
• 1954 - Britten’s Turn of the Screw (SF).
• 1959 - Rogers' Once Upon a Mattress (CC).
• 2021 - Vrebalov’s The Knock (CC).

Please join us whether you are an experienced operagoer, new to the art form, or somewhere in between. If you plan to attend any of these performances, or simply want to learn more about opera, our classes are an excellent prelude to your experience.

This course is the next installment in our romp through world history as we delve into the Reformation, Renaissance and exploration of the world. It begins with the lands and cultures of world empires: China, Japan, Mughals of India, the Ottomans, and the monarchies of Europe. Europeans need trade routes for God, gold and glory. All of this is against the background of religious upheaval in Europe that will open the door to new learning. The culmination is a global interaction that leads to a new ordering of world thought and power.

Join us for a 7-week exploration of British novelist and scriptwriter Anthony Horowitz, a master of mystery! We’ll delve into his clever works on film, including:

• Midsomer Murders: “The Killings at Badger’s Drift” (8.1 imdb rating)
• Foyle’s War: “The German Woman” (8.1)
• Alex Rider: *Stormbreaker* (Young Adult 5.1), and
• Magpie Murders: first (8.0) and last (7.4) episodes (stream episodes 2–5 at home).

We’ll also read "The Word Is Murder" from the best-selling Hawthorne series, where Horowitz blends realism with fiction and appears as the detective’s sidekick. The "Wall Street Journal" exudes “an ingenious funhouse mirror of a novel sets a vintage ‘cozy’ mystery inside a modern frame.”

In discussions, we’ll uncover how Horowitz blends traditional elements, like the "charming English village," with postmodern twists, such as “mysteries-within-mysteries,” turning the classic mystery genre upside-down. This course promises intrigue, puzzles, and surprises—perfect for mystery buffs and novices!

The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz ISBN: 978-0062676801

No Class May 15

Mah Jongg is an ancient Chinese game that has been played in the American version since the 1900s. It's played with 4 people and is like Gin Rummy. It's a fun, complex game which is very challenging, and interesting. This is a game of strategy, defense, and knowledge of the game. It's also 50% skill and 50% luck. The National Mah Jongg League creates a card with hands that can be played. These hands change every year. There are also categories of hands that do not change. A current card will be provided for each participant at the first class. This will be yours to keep. Elaine will provide handouts to help you learn quickly. The class will be taught in a progressive manner. Class members are STRONGLY encouraged to attend every class when able since it's difficult to "catch up" on what was taught and discussed in the previous week. The game is easy to learn if you're having a good time. Warning! This game is ADDICTIVE. You will LOVE playing, and you will get hooked!!

 

This course explores the potential and limitations of AI technology, examining its promises, challenges, and potential for enormous societal impact.

We'll start with a layperson's explanation of neural networks and how companies have leveraged them into commercial AI applications. With that understanding, we'll consider AI optimistically, discussing its enormous capabilities and promises for uplifting humanity. We’ll also evaluate AI pessimistically, reflecting upon the track records of internet-powered corporations and the history of dangerous social fads to assess how AI will soon amplify their power.

This balanced background will allow us to ask a crucial question: how should civilization manage AI to serve the common good, not just its creators?

Moreover, AI is emerging amid vehement competing notions of justice and fairness in America. Can this technology help us clarify viewpoints, reveal common ground, and reveal a path to peace between our warring factions?

Do you know the difference between a sparrow, a robin, or a finch? Would you like to learn to identify individual birds? If so, then join Cindy and Curt in this 6-week class that will provide beginning and intermediate birders with the tools of bird identification and understanding. It will include information about supplies including binoculars and field guides, the basics of bird identification, bird habitats, conservation, effects of climate change, birding ethics, places to bird. We will focus on common Denver area birds. You will learn about the fine feathered friends in your neighborhood.

The course will include 3 zoom classes and 3 field trips, all taught by Denver Audubon Master birders. A visit to the Denver Audubon bird banding center will be included.

Class fee: $40 donation to Denver Audubon

No Class April 25

Promises, forbidden love, legal puzzles, and Charles Dickens' compelling details and dialogue -- this is a novel to work through with like-minded OLLI readers. Published just after David Copperfield, Bleak House (1852-53) is the first of Dickens' later and darker novels. At its heart is a court case, Jarndyce v. Jarndyce, based on an actual legal case in Victorian England that continued for years, entangling all the possible inheritors in its complicated plot. Humorous and quirky characters abound, but even they are faced with the effects of the uncovering of long-held secrets. The main characters are the young people who hope to benefit from the inheritance. The settings range from a diseased and foggy London slum to the magnificent estate of Lord and Lady Dedlock. An amazing occurrence: one character actually spontaneously combusts!

Required text: Bleak House, Penguin Classics, Nicola Bradbury, editor. ISBN 978-0-141-43972-3 or equivalent.

This is the third course in a three course series designed to give students a basic understanding of the game of bridge. In this course students will learn the Stayman convention, the Jacoby Transfer convention, the strong two-club bid and responses, the 2NT bid and responses, Slam bidding including the Blackwood and Gerber conventions.

The first part of this class is theory based and the second part is supervised play of bridge hands related to the topics covered.

Course Type: Discussion, Lecture, Hands-On Activities

Books/Materials: (Recommended) "Basic Bidding in the 21st Century", Audrey Grant.

If you have not taken a class from Mike already, you will get a free textbook for the course from the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). Please notify Mike if you do not have the book already.

Additional Fees: There is a $20.00 fee for this course which covers costs associated with the app used for bridge play. Students who enroll should send a check to Mike Holmes, 313 Clisby Austin Rd, Tunnel Hill, GA 30755. DO NOT send check until you have received confirmation from OLLI that you are registered in the course. Only students who have paid the course fee will be allowed to attend the course.. 

Step into the fascinating world of fashion with this lively 8-week journey through history & how it influenced design. We'll dive into defining moments: religion, economics, military, environmental, groundbreaking movements, and legendary designers which shaped style from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Beyond the essentials, we’ll explore fun fashion trivia & uncover pop culture connections. Whether you’re a style enthusiast or a history buff, this class will inspire and entertain, blending learning with flair and a touch of glam. Come ready to discover the stories behind the stitches!

These eight sessions will be a breathless, breezy (and humble) trip through recent scholarly writing about the past several million years of human development. Session one will focus on Chimpanzees (“make war”). Session two will focus on Bonobos (“make love”). Sessions three and beyond will focus on humans and how we have changed in the past 8 million years. We will consider Boehm’s interesting claim that the modern homo sapiens who left Africa carried in their genes a way of living developed over a few thousand generations – egalitarian, calm, kind, caring, sharing – with no bosses and no beggars. Few if any current human societies are like that now. We will explore why.

Supplementing the readings and other scholars will be our fictional guides Eve (Adam’s wife) and Eos (the Greek goddess of the dawn) will be our fictional guides for observing the past 8-million years. Eos and Eve both refuse to regard as “progress” or “civilization” any social arrangement that fails to take good care of the needy (widows, orphans, infants, the sick and injured, the “other” – those that scholars call “the least advantaged”).

Survival of the Friendliest (2021) by Vanessa Woods and Brian Hare. $16 via Amazon (cheaper used copies often available).

Are you tired of the same old news coverage about crime, polarized communities and bitter national politics? Join veteran journalists Dennis Ryerson and Bob Steele in using different lenses to learn what’s going on in Colorado. This course will spotlight stories that take you around the Centennial State from the Four Corners to the Eastern plains, from the Western Slope to the San Luis Valley.

Bob and Dennis will highlight stories that celebrate diverse Coloradans and the land where they work and live. They will showcase well-reported stories from The Colorado Sun, Colorado Public Radio, community newspapers and local television that help explain complex issues or that reveal the creativity and human spirit of Colorado's people and communities.

Yes, these days there’s plenty of boring, repetitive news and little or no coverage of news that may matter more. This class explores good Colorado stories that might surprise you, and even make you laugh or cry.

This class is for anyone interested in “Birding” or “Bird Watching” to enjoy being outdoors, walking 1-2 miles, and interacting with each other while watching birds. The classroom sessions will consist of birding etiquette and appearance of birds: size, shape, color and identifying field marks. They will highlight bird behaviors and habitats and other interesting aspects of these living dinosaurs and how they reflect the health of our planet.

In the 4 classroom sessions, George will share his photos of birds on PowerPoint, knowledge and experience in birding, and being a citizen scientist. The other 4 sessions will be field trips. Locations include Bluff Lake Nature Center, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, and other locations. These field trip sessions may be longer than 2 hours and scheduled depending on the weather.

Though humans share 99.9% of their genes, their individual beliefs, languages, values, tastes, and associations are vastly divergent. This course will examine how humans, although united by nature, divide and fall into conflict and frustration. It will also address how humans tap into their inherent strengths and are more likely to succeed in living well. Common Humanity is a multidisciplinary course involving history, biology, psychology, and anthropology. It explores the basic human forces of instinct, emotion, thought and habit that often determine why people and groups succeed and fail as they do.

No Class April 17

After framing educational dilemmas in light of political, social, economic, and educational history, this course will critically examine a variety of contemporary policy-related issues, including standardized testing, tracking, charter schools, school vouchers, teacher unions, disciplinary techniques, covid policies, and critical race theory. The primary purpose of the course is to encourage participants to develop more factually sound and logically coherent positions on key educational dilemmas and policies. The class will consist of both lecture and discussion, and relevant articles will be provided for additional reading.

Recommended Books:  Sarah Mondale and Sarah Patton, School, the Story of American Public Education; David Berliner, 50 Myths and Lies That Threaten America's Public Schools

Based on the assertion that the various genres of music created by African Americans are best visualized as a giant tree with one main trunk and an ever evolving network of branches, this course will explore both the common cultural and psychological functions served by major genres over time as well as the unique functions served by each of those genres, beginning with the Spirituals created by African captives in slavery and continuing through the blues, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, soul, and hip-hop. We will explore how the music has functioned in both the African American and wider American communities. Learning in the course will be facilitated through brief lectures, active discussions, and a richly diverse sampling of oral and video recordings. Enrollees will also be encouraged to take advantage of live music offerings in the Denver metro area and to share their experiences during class discussions.

We will discuss the prior week’s news in the first hour. In the second hour a topic that is current will be determined by the facilitators and articles will be sent out for that discussion. The facilitators of this class express a progressive point of view on American politics. They welcome conservative or other points of view and encourage discussion as part of our learning experience.

We will discuss the prior week’s news in the first hour. In the second hour a topic that is current will be determined by the facilitators and articles will be sent out for that discussion.

The facilitators of this class express a progressive point of view on American politics, especially during this election year. They welcome conservative or other points of view and encourage discussion as part of our learning experience.

Enter the intricate world of the Talmud: the monumental classic that has defined Jewish learning for centuries. Join this six-week course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute to discover the Talmud, its history, authors, and significance—and experience it for yourself.

You'll learn the key terms, logical principles, and historical context required to decode every part of the Talmudic page. Plus, see how it became central to Jewish life and why it inspires fascination, debate, and study today.

NOTE: There is a text: Decoding the Talmud: Inside the Story, Substance, and Significance of the Book that Defines Judaism ; $27 will be added to the course to cover the book fee and shipping.

What if you were assigned to a national panel tasked with making recommendations on a number of the most important issues of our time including: immigration, free speech on campus, policing, national leadership, election reform and mass shootings? Each week in this course class members will review multiple proposals on a critical topic and deliberate on the strengths and weaknesses of each "solution". The class will then try to create a recommendation selecting one or a synthesis of these alternatives. Critical but open minds will be an asset to this work.

This course centers on the book of the same name by Heather Cox Richardson and examines the political, cultural, and social forces that shaped the evolution of democracy in America, as well as the pressures currently trying to push democracy in a different direction. Democracy is a process always at risk. We will explore the disparate forces that drive the ebb and flow of American politics and the power-seeking bad actors always attempting to derail the process. Beginning with discussions of the historical events trying to undermine democracy, such as Nixon’s Southern Strategy, we then turn to recent threats such as January 6 and the Big Lie. The class concludes by examining how we might reclaim our democracy from forces pulling in different directions such as Project 2025.

Class members are expected to read the book, examine their own concepts of democracy, and participate in thoughtful and lively discussions.

Required: DEMOCRACY AWAKENING: Notes on the State of America, by Heather Cox Richardson

Class does not meet on January 20th

Democracy is a system of governance of a community of people who will bear the consequences of decisions taken. Historically and increasingly today all over the world democracy has experienced multiple challenges. This course will delve into the considerable attempts at undermining the democratic ethic because people are not sufficiently capable and responsible to govern themselves. We will then present for consideration, innovative as well as classical arguments in favor of a more inclusive and resilient form of democracy. In the first hour, we will present material.

In the second hour, we will open the class to discussion with the goal of identifying some constructive and useful conclusions.

Join us for a six-week exploration of "Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities," a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and revolution. Together, we’ll delve into the tumultuous worlds of the American War of Independence and the French Revolution, uncovering their profound influence on Dickens’s masterpiece and their ripple effects on global revolutions. Through lively discussions and historical insights, this class will bring the chaos of the past to life, connecting Dickens’s vivid storytelling to the forces of change that shaped the modern world. Revolution has never been so entertaining—or so relevant.

Purchse the book Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens

The spring Documentary Film class will cover a wide variety of films. Each will be shown in class and be followed by a discussion of the film. Class members are expected to stay for the discussion. The Facilitator likes to remain flexible as to what movies to show due to availability, the arrival of new films, or events that would make a film topical.

Bridge is a wonderful game for us seniors. It keeps our minds active, and it keeps us computing, deciphering, and using logic and deduction. It is also a very social game. All very good for us seniors. Also, perhaps the most important thing, it is a fun game. This course is for students who have some experience with the game of bridge.

Notes: There is not a recommended text for this class.

The instructor will provide notes for the classes. Students will learn Negative Double, Responsive Double, The Redouble, Takeout Double, Support Doubles and Redoubles.

Other: There is a $20.00 non-negotiable or refundable fee for this class. The fee goes to offset the app fees so students can play bridge online and postage to mail a book to the students (there is no text for this class). Failure to pay the fee will result with you being dropped from the class. Students will either pay the instructor via check or Zelle (3039289187) (mdholmes8@yahoo.com). Students can mail a check to Mike Holmes: 313 Clisby Austin Rd, Tunnel Hill, GA 30755. Phone# 303 928-9187

Unlike natural selection, artificial selection is a process where humans determine which individuals will reproduce. Farm animals and crops provide many examples. So, why not breed people? That was the idea of Eugenics. The term was coined in England by Charles Darwin’s first cousin, and was widely popular in the US in the early 20th Century.

It led directly to severe restrictions on immigration, thousands forced sterilizations, and many of the Jim Crow Laws. The Nazis collaborated with American Eugenicists to craft the Nuremberg laws, which led to the holocaust.

Today, we face critical questions that echo these issues. Who can access the information in our DNA? What is the impact of immigration on our society? How can we ethically use genetic screening? Examining the history of Eugenics can help us to address these very sensitive topics by understanding the mistakes we made in the past.

No required readings. Below are recommended readings:

Edwin Black, War Against the Weak, James G. Whitman, Hitler’s American Model, Isabel Wilkerson, Caste (Chapter 8, The Nazis and the Acceleration of Caste), Angela Saini, Superior: The Return of Race Science, Stephen J. Gould, The Mismeasure of Man, Andrew Solomon, Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity (Chapter IV, Down Syndrome), Adam Rutherford, Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics 

No Class 4/16/2025

Join us for an engaging eight-week journey through the magic of cinema! In this class, two passionate film enthusiast facilitators will each share four specially selected films, offering a curated exploration of storytelling, visual artistry, and cultural impact. Each week, we’ll watch a featured film and dive into lively discussions about its themes, characters, cinematography, and relevance.

This class is perfect for movie lovers who enjoy dissecting films, debating their meanings, and uncovering the unique perspectives that each facilitator brings. The films are shown in their entirety with English subtitles.

Course Structure:

• Weeks 1–4: Facilitator 1’s Film Selections – Explore their personal selections and what makes them resonate.
• Weeks 5–8: Facilitator 2’s Film Selections – Discover a different perspective through their top picks.

Each week includes a film screening followed by an in-depth discussion. Participants are encouraged to share their insights, making this a collaborative and enriching experience.

Come prepared to watch, analyze, and critique the selections. The facilitators value all opinions.

Music fans are a lucky lot, especially those who appreciate female songwriters. We’ve been flooded with talent. In this class, Paul Turelli will take you on a tour of that talent, exploring the well-known and rediscovering the often-overlooked as he examines all of their vast influence and artistic genius from biographical, historical, and political viewpoints. The liberating perspective of their music, lyrics and poetry will be emphasized.

Regular news headlines focus on global climate change and the detrimental environmental impacts of continuing an economy based on fossil fuel energy production. The best approach to dealing with global-scale environmental issues is to examine 50 years of scientific research and the impact of international agreements. This 4-week presentation/discussion course on Zoom focuses on global air pollution issues of acid rain, stratosphere ozone holes, global cooling/warming, and global climate change. The course will provide a science foundation for understanding the causes, environmental impacts, and mitigation options of global scale environmental issues. Successful international agreements covering acid rain and stratospheric ozone holes will be compared to less successful agreements for carbon-based global warming. The course is designed for individuals with an interest in the environment and how atmospheric emissions impact the planet Earth. No science background is required or assumed.

Follow us down dark streets to the heart of film noir. In this course, we’ll take a trip around this highly influential genre. How did the post-WWII generation suddenly become interested in stories featuring morally ambiguous characters, plans gone horribly wrong, complex plots, and gloomy aesthetics? Where did the genre come from, why did it produce great movies during its height, and where did it go? How has film noir shaped cinema to this day, in countless ways (stories, style, cinematography, direction, etc.)?

The focus will be on the American classics, such as The Maltese Falcon, Double Indemnity, Out Of The Past, and many others. We'll also discuss international film noir, as well as more contemporary movies (neo-noir). In each session, we’ll explore one of these topics with a sample film noir movie as a centerpiece. Participants are encouraged to watch the movie of the week before each session.

People often talk about “ethics” but the term is usually vague and unclear. This class will explore how various philosophers have analyzed ethics and how those ideas apply today. We will definitely bring up several ethical issues in class but it is important to note that this will not primarily be a “case study” course. It is a class designed to discuss different ways philosophers in history and today have thought about the issue of how we should live together on this planet. Discussion is encouraged in all classes.

Quantum Mechanics is arguably the most important invention of the human mind. Our standard of living has increased enormously due to its applications to computers and communications, education, entertainment, medical devices, navigation, energy production, travel safety, and other advances.

Yet, many mysteries remain. Experiments show that the quantum world is weirder than science fiction. Scientists cannot agree on how to interpret its seemingly illogical predictions, even though the theory continues to successfully explain the world of the atom and its components.

This class will present the history of quantum science, its key personalities, a non-technical explanation of its guiding tenants, what is and isn’t understood, and the exciting future it offers in computing and communication security.

Professors usually say 'Shut up and calculate' to students who want answers about the foundations of quantum mechanics. We will expose those shadowy areas and offer the best current explanations.

The advancement of science is normally a gradual process. But every now and then in our past, there were innovative, and frankly brave, individuals who took science in entirely new directions. They were willing to speak out against the accepted theories of their time even at great professional risk. Their radical new ideas totally shifted the trajectory of our understanding of the natural world.

This class will look at some of those discoveries which we now take for granted. We will look at the scientists involved, the challenges they faced, and where their ideas took science afterward. You will recognize some of the names, such as Galileo, Darwin, Pasteur, and Hubble. Others may be new to you. But between them, they reshaped such fields as the origins of disease, the nature of the universe, the formation of mountains, and a general understanding for the natural world that we see today.

Great Decisions is a program of the Foreign Policy Association, which is new each year. High-quality educational materials are prepared and provided to discussion groups in cities and universities throughout the United States. On each topic, there will be a chapter describing the current issues around the selected topic and a video of background information and relevant interviews with world leaders and scholars.

Required Book: Great Decisions 2025 Briefing Book, available from the Foreign Policy Association. Registered members, please order

Guided expressive writing has been proven to reduce stress, enhance social relationships, and improve academic performance. While these outcomes may not surprise you, expressive writing has also been shown to improve lung function among asthma patients, reduce pain for people with rheumatoid arthritis, and reduce sleep disturbances, among a host of other wellness outcomes.

Over four sessions, you’ll dive into current research on writing and wellbeing, learning how writing practices—such as journaling, reflective writing, and expressive storytelling—can enhance your wellness. Guided by an experienced writing professor, you’ll experiment with these techniques in a supportive environment and develop a personalized wellness writing routine.

The course design emphasizes the importance of community wellness. By sharing stories and reflections with classmates, you’ll connect with others, fostering compassion and collective wellbeing. Together, we’ll explore the healing power of shared experiences and build a supportive and thriving community.

Members should have a notebook

Healthcare is something each of us will inevitably use during our lifetimes. Though many of us are pleased with our own doctors, most of us have experienced frustration with the overall health care system. That system in the United States is huge, enormously expensive and incredibly complicated. At the heart of this system are individual doctor-patient interactions, but operating in the background, and often invisible to the patient are functions and demands which add immeasurably to the complexities of delivering and receiving care.

This course will explore some of the reasons for these difficulties including the organizational aspects and structures of healthcare from the exam room to the macro structures.

Unfortunately for those looking for a comprehensive, let alone easy, solution, you may be disappointed, but we will discuss ways that you can better manage and navigate your own interactions with the system.

Too often these mind-blowing 21st century technology miracles are underutilized. Now you can learn how to easily tap into their extraordinary powers and make your life a whole lot more satisfying.

You’ll get a clear understanding of “The Cloud” and “Streaming” where you can find and enjoy exceptional movies, shows, YouTube videos, digital books, podcasts, music—anywhere, anytime.

You’ll be shown how your iPhone, iPad, and/or Mac can help you stay touch with others using audio visits, video visits, texting, and Zoom get-togethers, and how you can share files, photos, articles, links, learning, and laughs!

You’ll learn how these Apple tools can also bring you gratifying new projects, a sense of purpose, and a super-simple “self-management” system. And you’ll find out how they can help with your mobility, vision, hearing, and memory during the sometimes challenging Senior Chapters of our lives.

Islam is once again in the news: A militant Islamic group, proposing a religiously-oriented government, is fighting for control of Syria. Few Muslims support these types of Islam. Similar to other religions, many types of Islam exist worldwide. The course describes today’s Islam highlighting commonalities and differences, including good and beautiful as well as harmful types.

Classes consist of summary presentations followed by discussions. Topics include history, the Qur’an and other books, values/beliefs and practices, cultural contributions from science to poetry to movies as well as today’s interesting reforming movements. Muslims often describe Islam through stories—therefore these are included.

Comments and questions are welcome. No readings are required. Recommendations will be suggested including readings, films, internet, and selections from my book: "An American Woman in the House of Sufi Islam". Please contact me if you have any questions, comments, or topics you would like to learn about.

In this course, participants will explore the groundbreaking world of French New Wave cinema, one of the most revolutionary and celebrated movements in film history. From the electrifying debut of Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" (1960) to François Truffaut's reflective "The 400 Blows" (1959) and Agnès Varda's radical "Cléo from 5 to 7" (1962), we will explore the visionary artistry that redefined filmmaking in the 1960s and beyond. Through an in-depth examination of the movement's iconic directors, unforgettable actors, and cinematic masterworks students will uncover how these films disrupted tradition, and changed global cinema forever.

There are 4 lectures that clarify Israel's view of the current conflict.. The first will look at where we get our information and the challenges of being a sophisticated consumer of the news. There are few unbiased media sources including the ones most prominent in the US. Examples of the media's bias will be discussed. The second session will deal with the issues around the so-called Two State Solution. While highly desirable, it is a very complicated issue. Attendees will get a clear understanding of these issues. The third session will outline the factors that make the US-Israel partnership “Iron Clad”. The partnership has two components-the military & the civilian. This session will focus on the considerable benefits the US gets from her relationship with Israel. The last session will deal with the refugees, both Arab & Jewish, created as a result of war. Why after 75 years has this problem not been solved? Questions & comments are encouraged throughout the lecture series.

Recommended: A Peace to End all Peace Fromkin,  Israel: A simple guide to the most misunderstood country on earth. Tishby,  Israel Alone. Levy

I love to share the beauty of our world with you! Whether you are eager to travel and want some ideas about future trips, or you're an armchair traveler who enjoys seeing the beauty of our world, you'll enjoy this class. Furthermore, if you are as concerned as I am about current "overtourism" you will share my concern and discuss the problem.

We'll travel to Japan, my most recent trip; Mexico's Yucatan (an OLLI trip in 2018); Cuba, Morocco, the Baltic countries - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia; Scandinavia, and more. We will also devote a class to the overtourism, with examples and class discussion. I urge you to participate!

Classes will consist of viewing videos of various destinations, with class participation about different kinds of travel and discussion of your favorite destinations and bucket lists. We encourage you to "talk travel"!

“Film Noir” as the French called the American movies that emerged from World War II. The name implies dark film or black movie. It not only refers to the fact that the movies were in black and white but also to the plot, the actors, and film production. Many of the best examples of the genre were cheap “B” movies but some of the classics were high-end with big name stars. This time we meet a murder victim who isn’t dead, a mercy killer, war veterans, an innocent prison convict, a street hardened cop, and a pickpocket. Along with our movie we will have the weekly action-packed serial episode. Again, we will have a short discussion before and after the movie to discuss the stars, the plot, and why the movie was successful.

Due to the length of the ‘Class A’ movies, class will start at 12:30.

Join us for our sixth in a series of most highly rated and enjoyed films of a decade. Having done the films of the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s, this term we will watch and then discuss movies from 2010 to 2019. Our discussions will deal with the making of the movie and its directors, actors, and other key contributors. The value and the fun of the discussions depend on contributions from class members, although we are fine with some who want to watch and listen.

Examples of our eight wide-ranging movies will be Silver Linings Playbook, Argo, Dallas Buyers Club, Spotlight, Ex Machina, and The Big Sick. Some actors we will see are Bradley Cooper Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Alicia Vikander, Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, and Ray Romano. Directors of these 6 movies include David O Russell and five other fine directors you may not be familiar with. We look forward to watching and discussing these terrific movies with you.

As we get older, the risk of falling tends to increase significantly due to a gradual decline in balance abilities. This decline may begin in middle age and progress slowly, making it easy to ignore - until a fall happens. To address this, incorporating balance training into our personal health management strategy is essential, allowing us to take proactive steps toward maintaining stability and preventing falls. Minding Your Balance™ training addresses this need, drawing on lessons from the martial art Ki-Aikido to take a groundbreaking look at balance and its fundamental relationship to mind and emotion. Easy to learn mind body exercises, scientific insights, and stories of applications in everyday life provide participants with tools to immediately improve balance control. Participants work individually and with partners. Activities can be done seated and standing; all activities are adaptable to different needs and abilities.

Recommended - Minding Your Balance: Mind Body Exercises to Improve Balance & Prevent Falls - $15 on Amazon

Is the conspiracy theory, which seems to be a driving force in political misinformation just an example of political paranoia and irrationality? In recent years scholars in various fields have been trying to sort this out and move beyond a simple either/or answer. We will refer to some of these sources which articulate fascinating insights about our culture(s). The course will draw specifically on the work of Dannagal Goldthwaite Young, Professor of communication and political science at the University of Delaware. Her 2023 book, "Wrong: How Media, Politics and Identity Drive Our Appetite for Misinformation," documents numerous recent empirical studies on misinformation, identity, media and partisanship to show the long term trends that have brought us to this point, while also considering newer developments in the last few years.

Recommended: Wrong: How Media, Politics, and Identity Drive Our Appetite for Misinformation by Dannagal Goldthwaite Young, 2023

"Place" is sometimes described as an additional character in novels, especially when an author develops a collection of characters in a specific location throughout a continuing series. We will do some armchair travel while exploring various mystery series set in the Four Corners region of the US, beginning with Tony Hillerman's fine series set in Navajo country and his daughter Anne's sequels. Each week will focus on a different author's series set in this part of the country, with attention to the stories, the characters, and especially the place.

The class includes "show and tell" exhibits of Native American rugs, pottery, arts, and jewelry as they tie into the stories.

Whether you are discovering OLLI at DU for the first time, or have taken several OLLI classes, if you’ve ever wondered, “Would I or could I ever facilitate an OLLI class?”, this course is for you! During our time together you will have an opportunity to: explore possible topics you might want to teach, investigate developmental characteristics of life-long learners, consider how to facilitate classes for life-long learners, develop skills in managing productive, inclusive classroom participation, discover current, research-based resources to enhance your topic, and build your understanding of the course proposal process. Also, classroom experiences with seasoned facilitators, peer critique of proposals, and optional class presentations will provide you with the confidence and expertise to begin your journey to a rewarding and renewing facilitation experience.

Free Course 

Between 1783 and 1789, the U.S. faced the challenge of transforming a loose confederation of states into a unified federal republic. This course examines that critical transition. We’ll use Joseph J. Ellis's book, The Quartet, as our text. The book explores the political ideologies, strategies, and personal dynamics that shaped the actions of four leaders who were among the most influential in reshaping our government—George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. Largely through their efforts, the nation overcame deep political and regional divisions to create a new model of governance and a constitution.

This course will analyze the multiple crises that threatened the new country and how the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation could not resolve these problems. How should the various states work to overcome economic instability, state rivalries, and fears of tyranny? How did a diverse group of political leaders navigate intense regional divisions, skepticism about centralized power, and concerns about individual rights to orchestrate what Ellis called “the second American revolution”?

Required: Joseph J. Ellis, The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783 - 1789, Penguin Random House

Ernie Pyle was the one man who sent home the truth from the front lines of World War II to the American people. This course will reintroduce an American newspaper original, probably the best, most in-depth and personal reporter of the entire World War II era. Writing for the Scripps Howard News service, Ernie Pyle's stories appeared in hundreds of papers daily, introducing the American public to their Army--their sons, fathers, husbands and more. He lived with the soldiers, marched beside them and ducked fire in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Normandy and the Pacific. More than any other writer, Ernie Pyle made the war personal and brought it home to American readers, giving them an intimate, honest, frightening depiction of what our troops constantly faced. The course will also take us to Dana, Indiana, the birthplace of Earnest Taylor Pyle. We will learn more about his reporting on small-town America and how he became the "voice for aviation" in our country.

This is Your War, Brave Men, Ernie's War (by Ernie Pyle) The Soldier's Truth by David Chrisinger

Women have made many contributions to our state of Colorado. We will get to know some of them in this course. Some are famous, such as Aunt Clara Brown and Augusta Tabor. But do you know Owl Woman, the Cheyenne wife of William Bent? She was an interpreter and mediator between her people and white traders and soldiers. We will learn the stories of these women and others, from pioneer settlers to health providers, educators, writers, and scientists. We will also talk about how Colorado voters were the first to give voting rights to its female citizens.

With apologies to lovers of brass bands and/or pianos, sometimes all you need are the sounds of classical strings. From solo violin partitas to grand concertos for soloists with orchestra, string instruments have long held center stage. In this six-session Wednesday morning online Zoom course, OLLI’s resident classical music historian Betsy Schwarm shines a spotlight on the subject. It won’t be all violins. Brahms’ viola sonatas, Dvorák’s cello concerto, Handel’s harp concerto, Rodrigo’s Aranjuez… even double-basses and harps will have a place. A Haydn quartet, a Mozart serenade, and Mendelssohn’s Octet will also appear on the schedule as music for string ensembles. Betsy invites you to join her for this exploration of favorite music, new discoveries, and thoughts about how string instruments work. Depending on interest, an optional online concert may be included for us to watch and discuss outside of class time.

Book banning: It’s in the news almost daily. What is going on?

What kinds of books are subjected to calls for bans? Who challenges those books . . . and why? What rights do we all have regarding access to so-called offensive literature? In this course, we will learn about proposed and actual bans on books for all sorts of readers – past and present. But we will place special emphasis on books written for children and youth because they are receiving the most attention of censors currently.

With the intermittent book bans in the United States over 200 years, the focus and subject areas have not changed: Books about race, sexuality, religion and politics. There are just different titles being targeted today.

This course will examine all of the questions cited above. We will watch and discuss lectures from a Great Courses set: “Banned Books, Burned Books: Forbidden Literary Works” (2023). There will be related handouts distributed via email.

Short stories are fun and they're easy to write. The approach that Facilitator Edward Ford uses is known as writing from life. A writer does not make up a story and then try to make it seem real. Rather a writer writes about everyday life and tries to make it seem magical. If a student can write a story about strolling down the sidewalk, or riding a bus, then the student can write about anything and there will be no end to their stories. Each class students will write two stories about their own lives and then read them to each other. Facilitator Ford will share some of his stories, as well. We will get to know each other very well.

Required: Pen and paper

Recommended: Notes in response to weekly prompts

This class is part of the broader series "10 Centuries of Music," exploring how music, culture, history, and social structures intertwine across a millennium. This installment covers music from the 19th century to the present, with earlier periods planned for future semesters.

Participants will experience music from the 19th century onward, reflecting on its cultural, historical, and social significance. We will explore the Romantic Era, early modernism, jazz, blues, popular music, and contemporary compositions of the 21st century.

Our journey includes classical icons like Ludwig van Beethoven, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Igor Stravinsky, and Aaron Copland, alongside jazz pioneers such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. We will examine how these musical forms both shaped and responded to societal changes.

While earlier music can seem distant, the dynamic musical landscape of the past two centuries still resonates today. Thoughtfully selected pieces and historical context will deepen your understanding of modern cultural history.

By exploring music's cultural fabric, we uncover unique reflections of ourselves and our shared past in meaningful ways.

History may appear logical and even inevitable: Things happened because they had to. But when you go back and examine the turning points of the past, you realize how alternatives, possibilities, and misfortunes played an enormous hand in making the world we know today.

Politicians, writers, explorers, and ordinary people all make choices that shape history. But examining the moments that define our history raises an important question: What if things had gone differently? This course demonstrates that history does not exist in a void.

To illustrate: In February 1933, President-elect Franklin Roosevelt was at Miami's Bay Front Park. He had just concluded a speech when Guiseppe Zangara fired five shots. Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak was killed and four others wounded but Roosevelt was unharmed. How would history have evolved if the assassin was successful in killing FDR? This is just one What Ifs we will explore.

This course is based on a Great Courses video series.

This course will examine the New York Times’ “1619 Project”, the book that resulted from the original magazine article, and the historiographical criticism that both preceded and followed its release. Specifically, we will read and investigate 8 chapters of the book: Democracy, Citizenship, Self-defense, Punishment, Inheritance, Medicine, Healthcare and Traffic. Each class will address one of these chapters in the first hour. The other hour of each class will address the various critiques delivered from historians, from both the left and the right, economists and journalists. In addition to these critiques, and the NYT’s and “1619 Project” author’s response thereto, the course will use the discourse about the “Project” to explicate the question of how historical knowledge is discovered, narrated, refined and corrected. Finally our discussions will address the issue of K-12 history standards, textbooks promulgated by state Boards of Education and past and current debates about these standards.

Movies are magic. Entertaining, emotionally moving, sometimes with awesome effects, they are able to create and spread unifying visions of our world. But they don’t just “happen”. Join us as we step behind the camera and take a journey through the movie creators’ eyes from studio executives, producers, casting people, actors, writers, cinematographers, editors, composers, technicians and directors. You will understand what it takes to create the story, finance it, put together the team, and produce the movies we all enjoy so much in this most collaborative of all arts. This course is a combination of informative videos and group discussion and is appropriate for all levels of film fans.

“The only thing that ever really frightened me during the war was the U-boat peril” as Winston Churchill summed up the longest battle in the Second World War. The battle started within hours of the declaration of war and ended hours after the cease fire order was issued. For many, the battle is thought of only in terms of the U-boat menace. However, this leaves out whole aspects of the battle that raged above, on, and below the Atlantic. We will take a look at the conflict year by year and see how each side made moves and counter-moves to win control of the sea including: • Battle of Norway and the Surface Fleet. • The Raiders. • “The Happy Time”. • The Undeclared War. • The Radio War. • Closing the Air Gap. • Fortress without a Roof. • Death of the Surface Fleet. Articles will be emailed to class members for inclusion in the class discussion.

“The only thing that ever really frightened me during the war was the U-boat peril” as Winston Churchill summed up the longest battle in the Second World War. The battle started within hours of the declaration of war and ended hours after the cease fire order was issued. For many, the battle is thought of only in terms of the U-boat menace. However, this leaves out whole aspects of the battle that raged above, on, and below the Atlantic. We will take a look at the conflict year by year and see how each side made moves and counter-moves to win control of the sea including: • Battle of Norway and the Surface Fleet. • The Raiders. • “The Happy Time”. • The Undeclared War. • The Radio War. • Closing the Air Gap. • Fortress without a Roof. • Death of the Surface Fleet. Articles will be emailed to class members for inclusion in the class discussion.

This class will examine the dramatic rise and fall of the Japanese empire, from the invasion of Manchuria and China to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as viewed from the Japanese perspective, and contrasted with the changing American perspective regarding Asia and the growing influence of America on the world stage. This is a factual saga of both Asian and Western peoples caught up in the flood of the most overwhelming war of mankind, as it happened - muddled, ennobling, disgraceful, frustrating, full of paradox. This story reminds us that there are no simple lessons in history, that it is human nature that repeats itself, not history.

We will look into the highest reaches of American and Japanese leadership and politics, examining the misunderstandings, the prejudices of each nation, and how these lead to grave errors in the conduct of the diplomatic actions, and eventually to the errors in the conduct of the war.

The end of World War II was also the end of the Industrial Age and the beginning of the Digital Age. This shift to a service economy, driven by automation, has led us down the path to the next new wiz-bang tool – Artificial Intelligence (AI). With its insatiable demand for data and energy, and its eerie ability to answer complex questions at lightning-fast speed, it portends a far different future. The transition to a digital world has only accelerated, creating new bobbles and destroying old ways. This series is about that transition, where it came from, who it affects and what might the future look like. The class will include a condensed history of innovation, an update on where we are today and an expanded discussion of what the future might look like. We will meet in person and a short article on each week’s topic will be provided the week before.

The Enlightenment – bracketed by the Renaissance and the French Revolution – generated a prolific inquiry into science, religion, governance and economics that led to an explosion of new ideas and the emergence of new world views.

The Enlightenment’s unbridled speculation about nature and life was an undertaking unparalleled in history, introducing social and political experiments we are still working out today. Three experiments stand out: 1) liberal democratic republicanism (and its counterpoint, bureaucratic totalitarianism); 2) the conviction that irrefutable Natural Laws govern the universe, not the whim of God; and 3) a belief that daily commerce can be managed by mechanistic tools, an idea that enabled the Industrial Age. The class will explore the ingenuity that grew from the Renaissance and led to our modern world. We will meet in person and a short article on each week’s topic will be provided the week before.

Explore Denver’s stunning architecture and elevate your photography skills in “The Photographer's Denver: Iconic Buildings Through the Lens.” This four-session course is designed for photographers of all levels, from smartphone enthusiasts to seasoned DSLR users. The first in-person DU location session covers essential photography fundamentals, including lens choice, lighting observations, and creative perspectives to capture the beauty of architectural designs. The following three sessions take you on-location to Denver’s most iconic architectural landmarks, where you’ll practice your skills and receive personalized guidance to create captivating images. Whether you are capturing intricate details of interiors or bold urban exteriors, this course will help you tell the story of Denver’s unique architectural character.

Students are responsible for their own transportation to each downtown Denver site (to be announced). Join us for an inspiring hands-on experience that combines technical learning with the vibrant art of architectural photography. All course sessions will only be held on the session date without exception.

Members should have a Smartphone with camera capabilities and/or any type of digital camera. Some locations may require an admission fee. Members will be responsible for their own transportation for each session.   

Co-facilitators, Don and Gracie Batt create a reading community where, based on readers experiences, multiple views are shared. The class is based upon contemporary critical literary theory that posits readers create meaning when encountering a text. Class size is kept small so that these exchanges can occur. Members take turns reading aloud, allowing class members to analyze the text in real time. This method fosters an in-depth analysis of the text and encourages engagement not only with the text but also with class members.

Required copy of the novel, The Tie That Binds by Kent Haruf, 2010

This OLLI course explores the concept of the Trinity across religious, cultural, and scientific perspectives, uncovering shared themes in spiritual, philosophical, and scientific thought. Participants examine divine triads in Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, focusing on how these traditions define relationships among the divine, creation, and existence. The course also explores trinitarian-like frameworks in The Urantia Papers, emphasizing material, cosmic, and spiritual dimensions, alongside parallels in modern scientific theories like quantum mechanics and string theory.

The course centers on humanity's enduring quest to understand reality's ultimate nature and the universe's origins. Through comparative study, open discussion, and reflective inquiry, participants engage with diverse traditions and scientific models. By examining how a triune reality appears across spiritual, philosophical, and scientific contexts, the course inspires deeper understanding of humanity's search for meaning, connection, and truth.

This course focuses on water as a major natural resource. It includes the study of the hydrologic cycle, and related weather concepts, competing water uses, current and future water issues, and approaches to water management.

The relationship of water to human use is examined in terms of history, policy, infrastructure, and technology. Topics introduced in this class include hydrology, hydrogeology, basic meteorology, water quality, water/wastewater treatment, wastewater, and water resources management. Additional topics discussed will be the Denver Metro Area water resources, water law, ethics of water use and management, and the “wicked” issues that we face presently and in the future.

Instructor will provide PowerPoints and reading material.  

Recommended: Principles of Water Resources – Tom Cech

Theodore Roosevelt lived during the latter half of the 19th century, when technology and industry were changing many aspects of life in the United States. He was a strong believer in American excellence leading these changes.

Roosevelt was a hugely energetic man, with great intelligence and accomplishment. He was the youngest man to ever become a US President. He wrote 38 books in his lifetime and jointly authored more. He won the Nobel Peace Prize and was later awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

This class will cover challenges that Roosevelt faced and how he overcame them. He was a sickly, asthmatic child of aristocratic background, yet became a strong athletic man who could relate to the common man. This class will especially bring out the larger than life personality of Roosevelt, that made him the center of national discussion.

This class will be a discussion of criminal law topics including but not limited to: insanity, sentence, homicide, death penalty, sex offender treatment, juvenile justice, policing, prison,self defense etc. The class will help pick topics.

BE AN OLLI OUTSIDER! What better way to spring into Spring than enjoying nature walks with OLLI buddies while learning from trained guides about the history, plants, animals, geology and environments of some of our local open spaces, and state parks?

The walks are typically 2-3 miles, rated “easy” or “moderate” and sometimes have moderate elevation changes. Some places we’re hoping to walk are Dupont Open Space, Central City (opera house, cemetery), Rocky Mountain Wildlife Refuge, at least one state park, the Highline Canal and Bear Creek Lake Park.

But wait - the good times don’t end when we finish our walks. Adding fun to this class, we extend the camaraderie via an optional lunch after each walk. And we always invite our guides to join us.

Grab your walking gear and sense of wonder and be an OLLI OUTSIDER!

If you have questions about this class, please call Jan Friedlander, 303.885.9200.

Class fee:  $50 donation to cover guide time 

First, unpack techniques for optimal smartphone handling and improving photo capture for expressive images that sparkle with color, composition, and impact. Second, explore journaling in words to accompany and expand the pictorial message. Third, deep dive into the free Snapseed in-phone app for comprehensive, flexible tools for effective, professional edits and polish in post-production. Snapseed is great for making memory books, inspiring slide shows, and eye-catching Internet posts. There will be detailed instructions and examples to correct, optimize, and artistically interpret photos. There will also be a PDF presentation of more than 100 downloadable slides to use during class and to retain for later use.

Required: Snapseed photo app (free) at app store

Science has answered many questions, but we are just scratching the surface on understanding the human brain. Nevertheless, one thing becomes clearer with each new discovery: the brain is massively powerful. One of the more intriguing aspects of the brain is its adaptability. The brain can change! It can employ strategies to improve memory and focus; it can learn to be more positive and ruminate less; and it can reshape itself, assigning tasks to different areas if one area becomes injured or weakened. In fact, it might be possible for the brain to accomplish practically anything! In this course you will learn about brain plasticity, its scope and potential. You will learn the most important law of neuroplasticity and how to apply it: A brain that understands how it works has an advantage.

Recommended books are The Tell Tale Brain, by V.S. Ramachandran; The Brain that Changes Itself, by Dr. Norman Doidge; Into the Magic Shop, by Dr. James Doty

This class will feature one to three videos per class, followed by discussion of the subject(s) featured in each video. The films will be primarily documentaries and TED Talks focused on issues of importance and current interest (usually). These topics are guaranteed to be wide-ranging.

The class facilitator will choose the videos, though class members can recommend others for consideration. So come to this class in order to be entertained, enlightened, ready to offer your opinion on various matters, and enjoy the company of like-minded people. And by all means, bring your sense of humor.

Watercolor Pencils are a unique medium combining drawing with painting in such a manner that no other medium can replicate. They are versatile, fun, and perfect for those who want to create watercolor art with pencils. This course gives you an overview of this medium and will guide you to the right steps for creating quality and stunning art that you will be proud of. Instruction will include drawing techniques and transferring of images, color layering, and color mixing to determine the lights and darks, and mood of the art piece. You will have 8 sessions to create 6 pieces of art and learn techniques that can be used to enliven existing paintings. This class is very much for beginners and those unfamiliar with watercolor.

Supply List will be provided in advance to all participants. But here are basics supplies like Watercolor pencils, Watercolor paper, Brushes #2 #4 #8

This course is an introductory, non-mathematical overview of those areas of theoretical physics that you have heard of but never fully explored. Peter has expanded his successful 6-week course into 8 weeks without adding any new material. This will allow more time to cover the following topics:

1. Gravity from Isaac Newton to Albert Einstein.
2. Quantum Theory and the search for the “Theory of Everything.”
3. Radioactivity from Marie Curie to the atomic bomb.
4. Particle physics from the ancient Greeks to the latest information on the quest for the “God Particle.”
5. Astrophysics from the Big Bang to the universe’s ultimate fate.

Many of us shy away from Theoretical Physics because we think it is way over our heads, but Peter will make it very clear and straightforward so that we can all understand at least the basics and be able to discuss them with friends or grandchildren in a confident manner!

Have you ever used a Lyft or Uber ride share? Do you have a fitness app to track your walks and cycle rides? Have you tracked a package to be delivered to your home? Have you used a map to navigate across campus, across town, or on vacation? Maps are all around us, more so now in the digital age than in the “paper maps only” age. Maps tell us where things, ideas, and information are. They also tell us where we have been, what changes the world is experiencing, and how to plan a more resilient and sustainable future. Join geographer Joseph Kerski for a lively course on how modern mapping evolved from clay tablets and wood blocks to content that we interact with on our phones and computers, and how maps are being used in the fields of health, energy, natural hazards, supply chain management, city planning, agriculture, astronomy, and in many others. Be empowered to use maps in new ways and create your OWN 2D and 3D maps from your own neighborhood to the global scale, through this exciting, interactive course that will include many hands-on activities.

This class will trace the history of women’s work from the colonial period to the present. We will cover topics such as the household as a place of production, women’s roles in the labor movement, barriers to certain kinds of work and professions, the exploitation of women in the workforce, and the cultural conflict between ideals of women in the home and in the workplace.

Required: Either "Out to Work:20th Anniversary" edition, Alice Kessler-Harris, or "Women Have Always Worked", Alice Kessler Harris

Why do you think the way you do, and could reality be changed? Do you know, absolutely know, that you know the facts of something, and that is immutable? How can your senses change things in your brain, and what is normal anyway? And what about my memory – I know it’s rock solid. Why can’t I remember some things and yet, not remember other stuff? What about dementia and Alzheimer’s and how do you know if you might have it, especially since you may have it 20 or more years before your symptoms? Free will – is there such a thing? Some of the newest findings in Neuroscience will be discussed and how this affects your life.