LIR Palm Desert

Spring 2025 Registration starts on February 3rd and ends on February 19th

Spring 2025 Classes will begin on February 24th 

 LIR is known for wonderful classes led by passionate instructors who will enlighten, inspire, engage, inform and entertain.

If you are looking for a place where you can:

Then LIR is the Place for you.

We look forward to seeing you in class!



Birds and Birding in the Coachella Valley

Through fun video clips and tons of photos, learn how to identify local birds and understand bird behavior.  We’ll discuss where to find birds in the Coachella Valley, and how to improve your birding skills with the right equipment, field guides and helpful websites.
Instructor:
Nancy Dowling
Day/Time:
Monday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:
Monday, February 24
Style:
In person

French Conversations

This is a French conversation course for those who would like to brush up on their rusty conversational skills, become more fluent and improve their pronunciation. It is a great opportunity to practice what you have learned in the past. THIS IS NOT A GRAMMAR COURSE OR A BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS.
Instructor:
Liliane Bazerghi-Fymat
Day/Time:
Monday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:
Monday, February 24
Style:
In person

History of the Jews

The class will focus on the story of the Jewish people for the past 3000 years. We will break it into 6 periods of time. We will stress key events and key persons in this history. 1) Period 1 (Bible to 500 BCE)/Introduction; 2) Period 2 (500BCE to 0) Beit Shanie; 3) Period 3 (Talmudic 0-500AD); 4) Period 4 (500AD- 1000AD) Gaonim; 5) Period 5 (1000 AD- 1500 AD) Rishonim; 6) Period 6 (1500Ad to today). The intent is to give one a basic elementary knowledge of Jewish History.
Instructor:
Phil Kibort, MD
Day/Time:
Monday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:
Monday, February 24
Style:
Zoom

Current Events from a Conservative POV

This course will discuss current events from the perspective of a Conservative....All political views are welcome and respected.
Instructor:
Leonard Goldstein
Day/Time:
Monday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:
Monday, February 24
Style:
Zoom

Great Films of the 21st Century

We are a quarter of the way into the “new” century. Let’s stop and consider what constitutes a great film and what films from the 21st Century people will be watching in the 22nd Century and beyond. Join us—in person—as we examine six brilliant movies from the last 25 yearsThe Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Volver, Children of Men, In The Mood For Love, The Stories We Tell, and Tar.
Instructor:
David Klingenberger
Day/Time:
Monday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
First Class:
Monday, February 24
Style:
In person

Art Appreciation-- Islamic Art and Architecture CONTINUATION

FIRST 2 WEEKS ONLY (February 24 and March 3): This continuation of the introductory course will explore the great richness of Arts and Architecture in the Islamic World. We will peer into the diverse palaces and mosques, exquisite gardens, the arts of books and writings, textiles, etc. We will journey through some of the major monuments in the Middle East, West Africa, Spain, India and South-East Asia.
Instructor:
Li Kokesh
Day/Time:
Monday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
First Class:
Monday, February 24
Style:
Zoom

Getting to Yes: Achieving Win/Win Outcomes in Negotiations

Drawing on the landmark work of Fisher & Ury’s Getting To Yes (as well as Voss’ Never Split The Difference), we will explore the theory and practice of interest based negotiations in personal, business and social bargaining. Students will be asked to both share their life experience in negotiations and to participate in role plays. 
Instructor:
Paul Faxon
Day/Time:
Tuesday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:
Tuesday, February 25
Style:
In person

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:
Gerald Blatt
Day/Time:
Tuesday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:
Tuesday, February 25
Style:
Zoom

Health Care Topics in the News

Is Original Medicare going away in favor of Medicare Advantage? When will the shortage of nurses really hit hard? Are insurers ending coverage of Ozempic and Wegovy? With new elected leaders in Washington, there are inevitably changes to health care policy where questions like these will be considered. In this class, we will pull recent headlines on actual or proposed changes to how health care is offered, delivered, and paid for in the US for Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans, and private health insurance. The class will look not only at the news headlines but the impetus for the changes being made. Eight to ten different topics will be covered in each class. Attendees are invited to suggest topics to cover in the class. 

Instructor:
Mark Podrazik
Day/Time:
Tuesday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
First Class:
Tuesday, February 25
Style:
Zoom

Exploring Literature: The Sacred and Profane

Emile Durkheim, a founding father of the social sciences, coined the terms ‘sacred and profane’.  He argues that religion differentiates between the holy (things set apart) and the forbidden (things to avoid). Many religious groups have strict ideas regarding what writers can write about and what they can't. And, as a result of this mindset, many writers find themselves being censored or blacklisted. We will discuss what is considered acceptable literature and what was or still is seen as profane.  
Instructor:
Terry Boyle, Ph.D
Day/Time:
Wednesday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:
Wednesday, February 26
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, February 26
Style:
In person

Conjuring 103- Magic

** Have you ever wanted to amaze your friends, leave an audience in awe, or unlock the secrets behind some of the world’s most famous magic tricks? In this class, we’ll explore five classic magic tricks that every magician should know—timeless illusions powerful enough to astonish any crowd. Throughout this session, we’ll not only reveal how these tricks work, but also teach you the key techniques behind performing them smoothly and confidently. Get ready to step into the world of magic—where the impossible becomes possible! **

Instructor:
George Haas
Day/Time:
Wednesday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:
Wednesday, February 26
Style:
In person

Reviving America: The Rest of the Story

This course explores the 3 pillars that form the foundation of American society, individuals, families, and organizations.  Included in this exploration will be a discussion of the connection between these 3 pillars and the 8 national government dimensions previously identified, the current status of these 3 pillars, and models of how to assess the pillars’ effectiveness. Additionally, an update will be provided for the 8 national government dimensions analyzed in the earlier Part 1 of ‘Reviving America’. [Participation in this previous Reviving America is not necessary].
Instructor:
David George
Day/Time:
Wednesday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:
Wednesday, February 26
Style:
In person

Global Trends and Transformations In Technology

In the Fall of 2023, we explored the art of creating prompts in our first LIR course on Artificial Intelligence and related technologies. More recently, we've examined the political and social trends surrounding these innovations. In this sixth course (Spring 2025), we will delve into the global impacts of these rapidly evolving technologies, exploring the sweeping trends, transformations, and implications locally and worldwide.
Instructor:
Steve Garfein
Day/Time:
Wednesday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
First Class:
Wednesday, February 26
Style:
Zoom

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, February 27
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 the spirit of inquiry and discovery, we discuss one or two thought-provoking contemporary short stories each week. Class members lead most discussions, and the facilitator provides direction, tools, and support.  We are reading  "Best American Short Stories of the Century,"  edited by John Updike. 

Instructor:
Adair Fell
Day/Time:
Thursday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:
Thursday, February 27
Style:
Zoom

Drones 101

Learn about the world of drones—the good and bad of this new emerging industry.
Instructor:
Jim Wobig
Day/Time:
Thursday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:
Thursday, February 27
Style:
Zoom

Trump Administration-Pro & Con + Other Current Events

Whether you Love Him or Hate him...let us look at him from both sides of the Aisle...All Political views are welcome and Respected..
Instructor:
Leonard Goldstein
Day/Time:
Thursday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
First Class:
Thursday, February 27
Style:
In person

Dark Alleys and Dangerous Blondes

The theme for the films in the Spring Dark Alleys session will be "Plans That Failed." There is a cliche in many crime films about an aging thief who wants to get out of his life of crime and move to some other country and live in comfortable retirement.  The films will be The Killers, The Asphalt Jungle, The Killing, Rififi, Odds Against Tomorrow, and Stray Dog. Four of these are from the classic noir era in Hollywood, one French and one from Japan. Most of the plans go through the same phases as many projects that those of us who have suffered through at work: Wild Enthusiasm, Disillusion, Panic, Search for the Guilty, Punishment of the Innocent, and Praise and Honor for the Non-Participants. And so it goes.
Instructor:
John Curran
Day/Time:
Thursday, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
First Class:
Thursday, February 27
Style:
Zoom

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, February 27
Style:
Zoom

Desert Plants

Spring time in the desert can be an amazing wonderland of colorful wildflowers. How are these plants able to survive in a dry, rocky environment, and still be able to burst into flower in the spring? What are some of the important desert plants and their adaptation for survival? What plants did the Cahuilla Indians use for foods and medicines?
Instructor:
Larry DeBuhr, Ph.D
Day/Time:
Friday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:
Friday, February 28
Style:
Zoom

Everyday Spanish

So, you want to learn the basics to have some casual conversations in Spanish with the right pronunciation but without focusing on grammar or sentence structure. Then you will enjoy the informal learning style of our inspired new Spanish teacher.
Instructor:
Jorge Del Moral
Day/Time:
Friday, 9:30am to 11:30am
First Class:
Friday, February 28
Style:
In person