Between 1934 and 1947, actors Wm. Powell and Myrna Loy made a total of 6 movies in which they starred as “Nick & Nora Charles,” a madcap, gin-swilling husband-and-wife team who solved murder mysteries. Originally based on crime writer Dashiell Hammett’s 1934 novel “The Thin Man,” the movie-going public found them so ideally paired that a huge chunk of them actually believed they were married to one another in their off-screen life. As a matter of fact, off-screen, they were just the best of friends. All in all, Myrna and Bill starred in a total of 14 films together. In this 8-week course, we will watch the first and the last pictures they made together, sandwiching all 6 “Thin Man” films in order, from “The Thin Man” (1934) to “Song of the Thin Man” (1947). All films will be shown in their entirety, to be followed by questions and Dr. Stone’s well-known “behind the silver screen tales from Hollywood and Vine.”

“Really enjoyed Kurt's vast cinematic knowledge and his openness in discussions.” – OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. The Thin Man (1934) Newly married Nick and Nora drink their way through a case involving the disappearance of an inventor. Costarring Maureen O’Sullivan and Cesar Romero.

2. After the Thin Man (1936) Back home in San Francisco for New Year’s, Nick and Nora (along with Asta and “Mrs.” Asta) reluctantly hunt for the murderer of Nora’s cousin’s husband. Co-starring James Stewart in his earliest films.

3. Another Thin Man (1939): Returned to New York with Asta and son Nickie, Jr., the couple seeks to find out who killed Nora’s late father’s business partner. With C. Aubrey Smith.

4. Shadow of the Thin Man (1941) While at a local race track hoping for a pleasant afternoon, a jockey is killed. Nick and Nora are enlisted to look for the murderer by their friend, police Lt. Abrams (Same Levene).

5. The Thin Man Goes Home (1945) While on a visit to Nick’s home town, the local criminals assume he’s there on a case. When a corpse shows up on Nick’s father’s doorstep, Nick Nora’s vacation turns into yet another case.

6. The Song of the Thin Man (1947): Nick and Nora are on a gambling ship where a murder occurs. 2 leading suspects come to them for help. The couple turns them over to the police and then looks for the real murderer.

7. The Senator Was Indiscreet (1948): The 14th and last Powell/Loy film. A bumbling, long-winded, crooked Southern senator, considered by some as a dark horse for the Presidency, panics his party when his tell-all diary is stolen.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Explore the Florida coast's history and Floridians' relationships with the sea over the past 2,000 years or so (when the modern shoreline came into being). This program is organized around four of Florida's coasts to consider the current problems confronting coastal communities in light of history. While all of Florida's coasts face similar problems, each lecture will use one coastal space to explore the impact of an issue in detail. Each discussion, enhanced through images and video, will begin with a description of the modern problem and then move back in time to contextualize it. Attendees will gain a strong understanding of the problems with Florida's coasts while gaining an appreciation of how these coasts have changed over time. Space is limited.

"He was lively and engaged, very well done!" - OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. The First Coast: Development and the Northern Atlantic Coast

2. The Emerald Coast: Saving History Along the Northern Gulf

3. The Sun Coast: The Problem of Pollution on the Southern Gulf

4. The Gold Coast: Sea Level Rise and South Florida

Technology was not created to intimidate you, but to empower you! As technology advances, it's important for you to be knowledgeable, familiar with and aware of all the advantages it can provide to you. In this series we will explore the ways technology can help with our finances and make our lives easier with aps. We will also learn how to protect ourselves online and explore a variety of ways AI is already changing the way we live and work. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. Digital Finance Management: Saving You Time and Stress

2. Stay Ahead of the Scams: How To Stay Safe Online

3.There’s An App For That!: Most Helpful Apps For Older Adults

4. All About AI: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the future; It's Already Here!

The Book of Genesis deals with multiple family and national struggles, touching on the most fundamental questions of human beings. While these stories are sacred to different religious traditions, we will approach them without affirming any of them, so each participant can find relevance in the text, regardless of his/her beliefs. During this series, we will study some of the main stories of the "Book of Genesis," like the creation of the world and the universal flood. We will try to understand what messages the text is aiming to convey. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. The Creation of the World: What can we learn from the Biblical text? What do other Biblical texts say about the Creation?

2. The Universal Flood: Was it necessary? Why did it happen, according to the text? What does it teach about human nature?

3. One Adam and Two Eves: The fascinating story of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and the idea of two different Eves that we can find in ancient non/Biblical texts.

4). Cain and Abel: Brotherhood, jealousy, conflict, and some surprising elements of this captivating story.

In this interactive seminar, we will explore and discuss the pivotal events, ideas, and debates that shaped the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Through analysis of key historical documents, including the Articles of Confederation and the Federalist Papers, students will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Founding Fathers. The course will examine the compromises, conflicts, and philosophies that influenced the drafting process, providing a comprehensive view of the road to the Constitution. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. The Early Government of the United States under the Articles of Confederation:  What they were and why they failed.

2. The Competing Proposals to Write a New Constitution.

3. The Debates that Resulted in the Federalist Papers and Opposition.

4. The development of the Constitution and the men and women who were Involved.

Explore the enduring popularity of George Gershwin's music throughout the twentieth century, particularly its profound influence on jazz musicians. This course showcases exceptional examples of jazz inspired by Gershwin's compositions, offering participants the chance to revel in the remarkable melodies crafted by America's preeminent tunesmith. Delve into the dynamic swing and creative interpretations of jazz masters while experiencing historic recordings, videos, and firsthand anecdotes from Gridley's performances alongside show business legends like Steve Lawrence, Edie Gorme, Sammy Davis Jr., and more. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Gershwin's music and its impact on the jazz landscape. 

"We would take any and all classes he gives. He is a treasure!" OLLI Patron

Lectures:

1. "I Got Rhythm": Ethel Merman video and Duke Ellington, Don Byas, Sonny Rollins audio.

2. "Porgy and Bess": Opera footage, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Bill Evans audio classics

3. "Lady Be Good": Ella Fitzgerald video, Django Reinhardt, Lester Young audio

4. "Someone to Watch Over Me": Ella Fitzgerald video, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster audio

We do not choose to fall in love. "Love chooses its own Mark." This is demonstrated by Cupid's arrow. Shakespeare treated falling in love as part bliss, part affliction. In two of these films, a beautiful Jewish girl of amazing spiritual strength falls in love with a Nazi official or agent. What occurs is utterly selfless devotion. In two of the films, the encroachment of Nazi rule is so gradual that we understand how hope is necessary even when things are hopeless.

LECTURES:

1. "Lacombe, Lucien" - France: An ignorant but fearless peasant boy is recruited by the Milice to find and execute partisans. A Jewish tailor in hiding with his mother and daughter is forced to make a stylish suit for him. He sees the daughter...

2. "Black Book" - Netherlands: A Jewish girl joins the underground and learns it too harbors anti-Semitic feelings. She is assigned to kill a Gestapo chief. Instead, she falls in love with him.

3. "Mr. Klein" - France: A Christian man with the name Klein is mistaken for being Jewish and tries to explain. A realistic depiction of a nightmare situation.

4. “The Garden of the Finzi-Continis”: - Italy: One of the most beautiful films ever made about an Italian aristocratic family that just happens to be Jewish and practice it without ceasing to be Italian, blond, and blue-eyed.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Born in 1963, Whitney Houston grew up with music in her family. Dionne Warwick was her aunt, and Aretha Franklin, a close family friend. In the 1980s, Whitney’s star rapidly rose to great fame. Songs like  “I Will Always Love You,“ “The Greatest Love of All,” and  “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” became classics. Her debut album was the best-selling female debut album of all time, while her second album was number one for 25 weeks. Her marriage in 1992 to  “bad boy” Bobby Brown, with whom she had her only child, Bobbi Kristina, was tumultuous from the start. During this time, Whitney’s drug use became not only apparent, but it also started to destroy her voice and career. After a failed comeback attempt, she died face down in a bathtub in 2012 from a cocaine overdose at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. She was only 48 years old. Versteeg will tell Whitney’s story, supported by numerous pictures and videos, explaining how her songs impacted the music industry, how her groundbreaking career influenced artists who came after her, and how her ultimate downfall was played out in the public eye.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, Israel-China relations have steadily prospered. Beijing's support of the PLO faded, and China became a significant investor in Israeli startups and infrastructure. This growing relationship led to the 2017 "Innovative Comprehensive Partnership," making China one of Israel's largest trading partners. However, this relationship has come under stress due to China's criticism of Israel and reluctance to condemn Hamas, which it claims defends the two-state solution. Following Hamas' attack on Israel, China asserted that Israel's actions in Gaza went "beyond self-defense" and demanded an end to "group punishment" on Palestinians, still refusing to condemn Hamas. Israeli officials believe China's stance stems from the U.S.-China rivalry and Beijing's aim to undermine Washington's power. China's involvement in the Middle East could impact Israel's position by empowering Iran and its proxies. In this lecture, Dr. Rabil will examine Israel-China relations, considering the Ukraine War and the U.S.-China (and Russia) rivalry, and explore the implications of China's stance on Israel's national security.

"Incomparable! Always a delightful learning experience."- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

In this lecture recital, attendees will learn about the Risorgimento Movement and the subsequent unification and nationalization of Italy in the late 19th century. Both Verdi and Puccini played roles in this movement, and we will examine how they used their music to communicate messages and to unify the people in their common cause. Operatic arias will be interspersed throughout the presentation, as sung by the presenter and through videos. Space is limited.

Join us as we visit four more museums of the world!  Most visitors to some of the world’s greatest and largest museums experience only a whirlwind tour of an hour or two. But if time permits, an on-your-own tour can be a marvelous journey, especially if you plan for what you’d most like to see.  This series surveys some of the highlights of each of these incredible museums. Jonson will be joining via Zoom in with commentary and Q&A.

"I attend many programs at FAU. This was by far the finest program I have attended. I hope you will be able to bring another program by Ms Jonson. Fabulous. Thank you."- OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. The British Museum, London: The British Museum holds an astonishing eight million works in its collection. This class will concentrate on museum highlights from Ancient Egypt, including the Rosetta Stone, the Ancient Near East, and Ancient Greece, as well as the controversial and beautiful Elgin Marbles and early British history.

2. Berlin's Museum Island: Berlin, Germany, is a city of wonders, but one of its true treasures is Museum Island.  Five museums situated on this island in the Spree River in the heart of Berlin cover more than 6,000 years of history. 

3. The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam: Following a decade of renovations, the Rijksmuseum reopened with great festivities in April 2013.  Its priceless collections include works by all the Dutch and Flemish masters of the 17th century, called the Dutch Golden Age. 

4. Musée d'Orsay, Paris: From its beginnings as a Beaux-Arts railway station inaugurated in 1900, the Musee d’Orsay has grown into a wonderful museum featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, furniture, decorative and industrial art from the 1850s to 1914.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Florida has always been associated with its amazing beaches and shimmering blue coastlines. However, hidden just beneath the waves lie shark-like reefs that have caused shipwrecks since the discovery of Florida in 1513. By the 19th century, the practice of "wrecking," or shipwreck salvage, became a regular career for many. Remembered as little more than pirates, these "wreckers" made their livelihood saving wrecked passengers and cargoes from stranded or sunken ships. Hear the stories of these rugged individuals who risked sailing into storms to search for treasures claimed by the sea. See artifacts, tools, and items from the golden age of wrecking as Feeney, in historical costume, leads this informative and entertaining lecture. A PowerPoint presentation with a demonstration/explanation of original artifacts will enhance this program. Space is limited.

"Fascinating and easy to follow!" - OLLI Patron

Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, two titans of American ingenuity, were friends and Ft. Myers neighbors. "Camping with Henry and Tom," a delightful and engaging play by Mark St. Germain, centers on an actual 1921 camping trip taken by Edison, Ford, and President Warren G. Harding. Inspired by actual events, Palm Beach Dramaworks' production explores politics and friendship. PBD's Gary Cadwallader leads an interactive classroom discussion about the characters, their relationship, and the play's relevance to today's political climate. Participants receive a copy of the play before class and a comprehensive, informative PBD Dramaguide written specifically for this class. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of the play and its examination of civilization and the intersection between business and government. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Instructor was excellent. Did a good job of encouraging participation." - OLLI Patron

In the third and final part of his series, Dr. Offenkrantz will discuss Mozart's sublime domestic comedy "Le Nozze di Figaro" ("The Marriage of Figaro") based on the novel by Beaumarchais (which was banned because of its less than flattering portrayal of the aristocracy); Strauss's one-act shocker, "Salome," which caused a riot at its premiere due to its overt sexuality and perceived depravity set against a religious backdrop; and finally..."Il Barbiere di Siviglia" ("The Barber of Seville"), Rossini's delightful take on the same Beaumarchais source material as Mozart, minus the class warfare. Figaro's entrance aria, "Largo al Factotum," is one of the most recognizable pieces in all of opera, thanks to Bugs Bunny. Mozart: "Le Nozze di Figaro" (Broadcast April 26) Strauss: "Salome" (Broadcast May 17) Rossini: "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" (Broadcast May 31)

"I am an opera fan and this class was entertaining and added a lot to my knowledge of the subject. I want to take more classes with this great instructor."- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), the third President of the United States (1801-1809), had the most fascinating and accomplished life of any President, making great contributions in many areas of human knowledge, along with his public career before his Presidency, as well as his great service in the Presidency, and in his retirement years. We will examine the complexities of his life, and assess his long range contributions to the nation. Questions and comments are welcome at the end of the lecture, and there will be a PowerPoint.

"I have attended at least 10 of Feinman’s lectures in the past. He is excellent. Very well prepared” - OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.