LIR Palm Desert

Although Tolstoy wrote two of the greatest novels of all time, his short stories are exceptional too, as they provide insight into the many aspects of his life:  as a soldier, gambling bachelor, aristocrat, father, estate owner, and spiritual leader.  This course examines his life through his best short stories.

Mental health is a term we hear thrown around often on the news, in social media and in general conversation. This course will explore what mental health is and what it is not including a brief overview of mental illness. We will also review how mental health does and doesn’t play a role in society’s problems including gun violence, domestic terrorism, homelessness, addiction, criminal justice as well as other topics. We will also review what our options are in managing mental health/mental illness in our world today. 

It’s often said that Hollywood loves a movie about movies. Why is that, and why do they often make for great films? We will spend this session exploring six brilliant films that examine the agony and the ecstasy of making a movie and the role films play in all of our lives: Sullivan’s Travels (1941), Sunset Boulevard (1950), Singin’ In the Rain (1952), The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), Cinema Paradiso (1988), and The Player (1992). Come experience the communal pleasure of watching films together in the dark and then discussing them in the light.

Retirement is here---now what? Managing Your Money in Retirement is a practical and engaging 6-week course designed specifically for retirees and near retirees who want to make the most of their finances in retirement. From understanding your cash flow and taxes to investing wisely, protecting against risks, and preparing your estate/legacy, this course gives you the tools and confidence to manage your financial life with clarity and peace of mind. Whether you manage your money yourself or work with an advisor, this course will equip you with the tools, insights, and checklists to help you stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and make your retirement years financially secure--and less stress. Live well. Spend smart. Be prepared.

The class will commence with a brief introduction to Supreme Court practice and the judicial philosophy of each current Justice.  We will then examine recent and pending Supreme Court cases with special attention to disputes that arguably challenge previous Constitutional case precedents or commonly held interpretations as well as concepts of separation of powers among the three federal branches. Cases will include: the 2024 case that established broad immunity for Presidential actions with only limited qualifications; Birthright Citizenship and the 14th Amendment; the Impoundment Control Act; expedited deportations of immigrants; and termination of Commissioners serving on independent federal commissions. Class discussion will be encouraged.

By analyzing news articles, opinion pieces, and data, students will develop a deeper understanding of how economic principles shape our world. The course will cover a wide range of topics like:  The housing market;  Economics of electric vehicles; What is the Federal Reserve; The cost of living in the CV; Universal Basic Income. Taught in plain English so everyone can join in the discussion. 

Part 1 will have three new talks on a) Key advisors of the Presidents b) US Presidents and the Jews c) Presidents and the Catholics, as well as updated talks on d) The Great Wives e) Mothers and Fathers of Presidents and f) The Health Secrets of Presidents. What they didn’t tell us.   

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.

This course will explore —how and why Jews came to America —when they came—where they settled—political rejection and ultimate acceptance —contributions to science, entertainment, retail, banking. We will also have a special section on history of Jews in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

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. 

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 our first class, read and be prepared to discuss Herman Melville’s “Bartleby the Scrivener” pp. 1-30.

Literature is an art form. A good story, poem, or play comprises of many literary techniques. Having some knowledge of these techniques enhances the pleasure that literature offers us. In this class, we will study how the theme (spirit of the piece), the structure (the body of the work), and various forms of symbolism contribute to a successful work of prose, poetry or drama. 

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!

Why is Beethoven considered one of the greatest composers who ever lived? This course will shine a light on exactly why Beethoven deserves that reputation. We will take a close look at the man, his music, and the impact he had on the composers who came after him. By listening to some representative compositions of chamber music, solo piano works, and symphonies, we will discover just how and why Beethoven changed the course of classical music forever.

We will cover the history, religion, politics, hate, military, nuclear weapons and impact of Trump and Arabian leaders. Who will win? How will it affect us?

Shakespeare is the greatest writer of all time because his plays are exciting, powerful, moving, and magical. We’ll cover three of his greatest works: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (comedy); Hamlet (tragedy); and Henry the Fourth, Part 1 (history). The point of this course is not dry analysis but appreciation, even delight. The play’s the thing! We’ll use the Folger Shakespeare Library paperback editions of the plays. They’re available at Amazon. • A Midsummer Night’s Dream: ISBN 978-1501146213 • Hamlet: ISBN 978-1451669411 • Henry the Fourth, Part 1: ISBN 978-1982122515 

Fasten your seatbelts! The author of ‘Sapiens’, Yuval Noah Harari, says that “For the first time in tens of thousands of years, humanity has competition. And it’s coming fast. The most important thing to know about AI is that it is not a tool; it is an agent, in the sense that it can make decisions independently of us. It can invent new ideas. It can learn and change by itself.”  

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.

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. Most of the stories for the class will be taken from “The Best American Short Stories of the Century”, edited by John Updike. It is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Best-American-Short-Stories-Century/dp/0395843677. The first story we will be discussing is “The Rotifer” by Mary Ladd Gavell. Please read it before the first class.

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..

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..

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. The 2025-2026 Dark Alleys series will feature noir films from outside the United States. We will see films from France, Argentina, Japan and elsewhere. Some of them are among the best noir movies ever made. As Eddie Muller says, “Film Noir knows no boundaries." The fall session will feature five films from Argentina: The Bitter Stems, Nine Queens, Never Open That Door, The Beast Must Die, and The Secret in Their Eyes.

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. 

Some are beautiful, others are challenging. Some are dramatic, others are soothing. The 100 greatest artworks of the twentieth century show us how art history changed more in the past century than all other centuries combined. Picasso, Matisse, Wyeth, Chagall, Brancusi, Klimt, Ansel Adams—their work is on the list. But so, too, are the great artworks of artists you may not know: Chicago, Holzer, Picabia, Beckman, Boccioni, de Chirico and dozens of others. In this course, you’ll learn why and how the art came about, the artists’ fascinating back stories, and even how to look at art more enjoyably. We’ll also discuss the art together, and you don’t need to know a thing about art to participate. Just listen or share your thoughts.

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.

Humans have depended on plants for our entire existence. This course will look at the impact of the agricultural revolution on human civilization as well as many of the ways humans have used plants throughout our history. It will identify many of the important plants used as food, medicines, fibers, dyes, stimulants, narcotics, and recreational drugs.

Social media platforms continue to dominate the headlines with new options, features, and controversies taking center stage. This Fall, we will explore both this up-to-the-minute history plus app usage influences which dominate the news, all with an eye on keeping ourselves and our loved-ones safe while benefitting from on-line sharing. A new slate of filmed documentaries and series will be offered to enhance understanding and stimulate discussion during our weekly sessions.

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the glitter and glamour of Hollywood? In *Sex, Lies, and Celluloid: A Dive into Hollywood Babylon, we’ll explore Kenneth Anger’s infamous book that uncovers the wild, and often scandalous, side of early Hollywood. From mysterious deaths to secret romances, Anger’s stories show a side of Tinseltown that’s far from the polished image we see on screen. In this course, we’ll dig into these juicy tales while thinking about how Hollywood’s love for scandal and fame has shaped our view of celebrities and culture. Join me for an exciting journey into the darker side of the silver screen, where truth, myth, and pop culture collide.

In this class, we will explore the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, an ancient Chinese text written in antiquity by Lao Tsu.  The text is brief but profound and full of insights into living with balance, harmony, and grace; ideas that have faded in our modern times. We will uncover key concepts such as effortless action,  simplicity, and the flow of nature. Whether you’re new to the Tao or revisiting its wisdom, this course invites you to reflect, share, and find inspiration for a more mindful and peaceful journey ahead.

This 6-week course offers an introductory exploration of the oral cavity from anatomical, physiological, and pathological perspectives. It is designed for adult learners with a curiosity about dental health and interest in clinical or allied health fields. The course breaks down the oral systems and how they relate to overall well-being. Each session connects foundational knowledge to real-world dental practice, highlighting the roles of different dental disciplines in diagnosing and treating conditions. Emphasis is placed on prevention, and practical strategies for maintaining oral health. Class interaction and questions are  encouraged and welcomed making each session dynamic and engaging.