LIR Palm Desert

Birds are Amazing

Learn about bird behavior and physiology through video clips and photos. How did birds evolve from dinosaurs? How do birds navigate? How do they learn to sing? No textbook, just bring your curiosity.

Instructor:: Nancy Dowling
Day/Time:: Monday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:: Monday, November 4
Style:: In person

Understanding Grief and Loss

In this course we will review what is considered to be “normal" grief as well as the various forms of grief and loss. We will identify tools to help process grief, traumatic loss and setting healthy boundaries. Specific issues around natural disasters, gun violence and loss on the world stage will be discussed. Non-death loss and disenfranchised/ambiguous grief will also be explored.

Instructor:: Felicia Martin, PhD
Day/Time:: Monday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:: Monday, November 4
Style:: Zoom

US Presidential History

Part one will have three new talks on a) Key advisors of the Presidents b) US Presidents and the Jews, c) Founding Fathers as well as updated talks on d) The Great Wives, e) Mothers and Fathers of Presidents and f) Rankings

Instructor:: Phil Kibort, MD
Day/Time:: Monday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:: Monday, November 4
Style:: Zoom

Dream Interpretation

Explore the subconscious realm in this dream interpretation class. We will take a deep dive into the fascinating world of dreams, uncovering their hidden meanings and symbolic significance. We will decode symbols, themes and recurring patterns, gaining insight into our deepest desires and fears. Discover the transformative power of understanding and interpreting your dreams in this insightful and enlightening journey. You will need to keep a dream journal for the duration of this course!

Instructor:: Shirley Lipner
Day/Time:: Monday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
First Class:: Monday, November 4
Style:: Zoom

The Stock Market, the Economy and Current Events around the World

This course will explain changes in the stock market and the economy.. The Current Events will be International as what happens outside the USA is just as important as what happens inside the USA!

Instructor:: Leonard Goldstein
Day/Time:: Monday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
First Class:: Monday, November 4
Style:: Zoom

Economics in the News

We will discuss current economic topics in the news so as to understand the truth behind the rhetoric. Please bring in topics that you would like to discuss so we can make the class relevant to your interests.

Instructor:: Donald Kagan
Day/Time:: Tuesday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:: Tuesday, November 5
Style:: Zoom

Health Insurance Programs in the US

This class will review the patchwork that is the health care system in the US. Why are there so many programs? Who is eligible for each program? How do benefits differ, even across states? Areas of focus will include how health care is financed, administered, delivered and paid for, particularly in government-funded programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Dept of Defense. Class participants can suggest additional topics to cover in the last class.

Instructor:: Mark Podrazik
Day/Time:: Tuesday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:: Tuesday, November 5
Style:: Zoom

Defining Events of WWII

WW2 has had a major impact on our lives, especially those born during or shortly after the war (aka "baby boomers"). Our course will address the numerous factors which both caused the war, how it was fought and complex aftermath after peace was accomplished. Discussions will focus on how the shape of our world has been vastly influenced by these events.

Instructor:: Lawrence Hurwitz
Day/Time:: Tuesday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:: Tuesday, November 5
Style:: Zoom

Evidence vs. Emotion

This dynamic class challenges the way we shape our positions on current political, social, and economic issues. We examine the objective EVIDENCE from reliable sources and observe the effect of EMOTION in reaching decisions. It's Fact vs Fiction, Head vs Heart, Data vs Opinion, Evidence vs Emotion.

Instructor:: Jerry Blatt
Day/Time:: Tuesday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:: Tuesday, November 5
Style:: Zoom

Great Literature

We will discuss short fiction in The World’s Greatest Short Stories edited by James Daley. The text can be purchased from Amazon (ISBN: 978-0-486-44716-2). This collection features renowned nineteenth-and twentieth-century writers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Western Europe, Latin America, Japan, and Russia. The stories were selected based on the quality of prose, integrity of structure and plot, depth of character, thematic resonance, and profundity. For the first class, participants should be prepared to discuss Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” pp. 31-37.

Instructor:: Harold Jacobs, Ph.D
Day/Time:: Tuesday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
First Class:: Tuesday, November 5
Style:: Zoom

Discovering the Literature of Ireland

Since the latter part of the 19th Century Ireland's literary arts captured the world’s attention. With the advent of the Gaelic Revival, Ireland established itself as a force within the world of literature. Since 1923, Ireland has proven its literary prowess with 4 Nobel Prize winners (G.B. Shaw, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney). In this course, we will trace the development of W. B. Yeats' Literary Society, the formation of the Abbey Theatre, and the influence of modernism on Irish writing. We will study the works of W.B. Yeats, John Millington Synge, and James Joyce among others.

Instructor:: Terry Boyle, Ph.D
Day/Time:: Wednesday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:: Wednesday, November 6
Style:: Zoom

Music, Noise, or a Little of Both

This music appreciation class welcomes music enthusiasts to the art of listening to great orchestral music. I’ll be placing a focus on learning the different elements of music: rhythm, dynamics, and pitch to name a few. We’ll learn the different instruments, the various voice ranges, and what exactly a conductor does. You’ll listen to and watch video examples of beautiful music - maybe hearing just a little bit of noise - you’ll decide. I will equip you with the listening skills to gain greater enthusiasm for classical music, and we’ll have fun doing it!

Instructor:: Harry Nugent-Patten
Day/Time:: Wednesday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:: Wednesday, November 6
Style:: In person

Conjuring 101 - Magic

Discover the secrets of magic, from basic card shuffles to mesmerizing tricks. Learn fundamental sleights, misdirection techniques, and build a repertoire of enchanting illusions. Whether you're a novice or a casual enthusiast, this class will empower you to dazzle friends and family with your newfound wizardry. Get ready to shuffle and amaze!

Instructor:: George Haas
Day/Time:: Wednesday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:: Wednesday, November 6
Style:: In person

Israel’s Turbulent Story-2024

This year marks Israel’s 76th anniversary - a time when the internal political and legal struggles of this true democracy are becoming more challenging than the never-ending threats from its adversaries. We will cover the war with Hamas, the power struggle with the Supreme Court, the spike in antisemitism, and Israel’s relationship with the US including projects in technology, medicine, climate, weapons systems, and politics.

Instructor:: Jerry Blatt
Day/Time:: Wednesday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:: Wednesday, November 6
Style:: Zoom

Artificial Intelligence

This future-focused class explores the opportunities and threats of Artificial Intelligence and its ability to learn without human intervention, specifically “Generative Artificial Intelligence”. Topics include the future of electric vehicles, space travel, military systems, workforce implications, education, news and entertainment, chips and data centers, the power grid, and advancements in nuclear power.

Instructor:: Steve Garfein
Day/Time:: Wednesday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
First Class:: Wednesday, November 6
Style:: Zoom

How to Write a Novel

The aim of this course is to provide attendees with the tools and resources to plan and write a novel. Specific topics include: brainstorming story ideas; creating compelling characters with believable arcs; plotting vs “pantsing”; point of view; voice; structure; tension; stakes; making time to write; creating a writing routine; overcoming resistance, self-doubt, and procrastination; research; writers’ conferences; writing blogs, and; writing coaches. Depending on time and class interest, time may also be spent discussing “traditional” publishing vs self publishing; the role of literary agents; how to research and “query” literary agents, and; self-promotion for traditional or self-published authors.

Instructor:: Julie Timmer
Day/Time:: Wednesday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
First Class:: Wednesday, November 6
Style:: In person

Be a Better Photographer

Open to all levels of photographers. Each week, participants will have an opportunity to take and submit photos by email that encourage experimentation with composition, lighting, perspective, etc. Participants can use phones or cameras to take photos. Observers who do not wish to submit photos are also welcome to attend and learn from others.

Instructor:: Marc Rosen
Day/Time:: Thursday, 8:45am to 11:00am
First Class:: Thursday, November 7
Style:: Zoom

Short Story Discussion Group

This participant-focused class explores new worlds, reflects on familiar ones, and seeks insights from award-winning authors. In a spirit of inquiry and discovery, we discuss one or two thought-provoking contemporary short stories each week. The class members lead most discussions, and the facilitator provides direction, tools, and support. Story selection will be announced before the term begins.

Instructor:: Adair Fell
Day/Time:: Thursday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:: Thursday, November 7
Style:: Zoom

Drones 101

Learn about drone use here and worldwide, its history, and what it takes to get better photos or make good money as a commercial drone pilot.

Instructor:: Jim Wobig
Day/Time:: Thursday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:: Thursday, November 7
Style:: Zoom

Reviving America: What Would Our Founders Think of Us Now?

In 2026, America will be celebrating its 250th birthday. It should be a time for celebration, but it should also be a time for objective reflection. This is a discussion-based course, which will consider to what extent America has [or has not] strayed from the vision of our Founders. The discussion framework will evolve around a preliminary list of eight [8] core institutions of today's America. Where gaps are identified, ideas will be discussed regrading how to narrow those gaps.

Instructor:: David George
Day/Time:: Thursday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:: Thursday, November 7
Style:: In person

Dark Alleys and Dangerous Blondes

Film Noir is a style of American crime films that evolved over the 1930’s & 40’s into movies that were far more interesting and adult than the gangster stories made in Hollywood in the 30’s.. After WWII, film makers in other countries began to make their own versions of crime stories in this style. Dark Alleys will feature American and foreign noir films during the 2024-2025 LIR class sessions. As Eddie Muller said, “Film noir knows no boundaries.”

Instructor:: John Curran
Day/Time:: Thursday, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
First Class:: Thursday, November 7
Style:: Zoom

Comedy: Stand-Up & Writing

Steve Bluestein was on the ground floor of the comedy boom of the 1970’s. In his class COMEDY: STAND-UP & WRITING he will share his experience in that world, starting with the history of comedy in the 70’s; the techniques of stand-up comedy; how to write and edit a joke. This will be Comedy 101 with all aspects of the craft of comedy writing and stand-up to be covered.

Instructor:: Steve Bluestein
Day/Time:: Thursday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
First Class:: Thursday, November 7
Style:: In person

Controversial Issues

We will discuss and debate contemporary issues that are both controversial and familiar. Brief presentations by the facilitator and class discussion will stimulate fact-based, informative exchanges. The facilitator will ensure that all sides and viewpoints are heard and considered.

Instructor:: Marc Rosen
Day/Time:: Thursday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
First Class:: Thursday, November 7
Style:: Zoom

Biology of Plants

Have you ever wondered how plants reproduce, grow, and develop? Plants are producers, they feed the rest of the living world, they are able to convert water and carbon dioxide into living organic material. How can they do that? Learn about the amazing array of adaptations and types of diversity that have fascinated humans throughout our history.

Instructor:: Larry DeBuhr, Ph.D
Day/Time:: Friday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:: Friday, November 8
Style:: Zoom

Social Media Landscape

Our next journey through the Social Media Landscape will expand into the history of the internet itself, how networking started, and how social media expanded since then, including during the most recent US elections. The classes will feature a refreshed look at international and Canadian regulations plus an expanded list of films and documentary films to enhance the trip! Join us in learning the basics of how to use social media while we looks at both established and emerging applications. The discussion format of our sessions will expand your understanding of our virtual world, offer options for privacy protections, and share useful apps to enhance our lives.

Instructor:: Barbara Mudge
Day/Time:: Friday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:: Friday, November 8
Style:: Zoom

Harry Truman: A Man of our Times

David McCullough, Truman’s major biographer, contended, “I don’t think we’ll ever know enough about him.” How can an “accidental” president, who left office in 1953 with dismal polls, be now considered one of America’s greatest presidents. What does the Man from Missouri have to say to today’s geopolitical realities? Do we need another Harry Truman?

Instructor:: Harold Ivan Smith
Day/Time:: Friday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:: Friday, November 8
Style:: Zoom

Spanish for Beginners

You have wanted to learn the basics of speaking Spanish for years and now is your chance. This class is reserved only for beginners and by the end of the six-week course you will be on your way to speaking and understanding the basics of this most useful language.

Instructor:: Lee Schwartz
Day/Time:: Friday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:: Friday, November 8
Style:: In person

Classes designed specifically for those ages 50 and above who want to learn for the pure enjoyment of learning.

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