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November 7 Friday12:00 PM-01:30 PM Central TimeSessions: 1Instructor: Daryl DavisLocations: Zoom - Washington Metro OasisWe’ll explore the parallel innovations of Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys) and Sylvester Stewart, a.k.a. Sly Stone (Sly & The Family Stone), two visionary artists who transformed the sound of American popular music in the 1960s and 70s. Their music inspired countless future musicians and remains relevant today. (Directly following this class, please... read moreWe’ll explore the parallel innovations of Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys) and Sylvester Stewart, a.k.a. Sly Stone (Sly & The Family Stone), two visionary artists who transformed the sound of American popular music in the 1960s and 70s. Their music inspired countless future musicians and remains relevant today. (Directly following this class, please join us for another program with Daryl - see class #561) -
November 7 Friday12:00 PM → 1:30 PM Central Time Sessions: 1Instructor: Nicole Strickland, Paranormal Researcher, Author & Writer, Award-Winning Radio HostLocations: Zoom- San DiegoThere are a variety of ways we can communicate with and connect to the afterlife. This presentation highlights the traditional... read more -
November 10 Monday11:00 AM-12:00 PM Central TimeSessions: 1Instructor: Lauren FinanLocations: Zoom - St. Louis OasisArtificial Intelligence promises to revolutionize our lives — but what happens when it gets things wrong? In this eye-opening class, we’ll explore the hidden risks of AI tools that are becoming more common in everyday life. We’ll look at how AI can reinforce harmful biases, confidently share false or misleading information, and sometimes take... read moreArtificial Intelligence promises to revolutionize our lives — but what happens when it gets things wrong? In this eye-opening class, we’ll explore the hidden risks of AI tools that are becoming more common in everyday life. We’ll look at how AI can reinforce harmful biases, confidently share false or misleading information, and sometimes take shortcuts instead of thinking things through. You’ll also learn about lesser-known but serious concerns: privacy violations, lack of transparency, unethical training data, over-trusting automation, and the growing misuse of AI for scams, impersonation, and deepfakes. Whether you're curious, cautious, or both, this class will give you the knowledge to understand how AI really works — and when to question it.
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November 7 Friday5:00 PM → 6:00 PM Central TimeSessions: 1Locations: Zoom - San Diego Thanks to Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein the Sound of Music dramatic musical has embraced generations since its premier in... read more -
November 10 – November 17 Monday10:00 AM → 11:00 AM Central Time Sessions: 2Locations: Zoom- Rochester OasisThe period from 1937 until 1945 is filled with the surprising tales of the little-known. People and happenings that were... read more -
November 11 Tuesday10:00 AM → 11:30 AM Central Time Sessions: 1Instructor: Slupensky, DanielleLocations: Zoom - AlbuquerqueThis class offers a compassionate, narrative-informed approach to grief, especially during the holiday season when emotions can feel more intense.... read more -
November 11 Tuesday10:00 AM → 11:30 AM Central TimeSessions: 1Instructor: Samuel HarnedLocations: Zoom - St. LouisBetween 1815 and 1850, the United States experienced a powerful wave of reform movements that sought to reshape society. Issues... read more -
November 11 Tuesday02:00 PM-03:30 PM Central TimeSessions: 1Instructor: Jonina DukerLocations: Zoom - Washington Metro OasisWhen Abraham Lincoln won the presidency on November 6, 1860, it sparked five chaotic months that led the nation to the brink of Civil War. In his latest work of popular history, Erik Larson draws on a rich collection of primary sources to bring these tense, pivotal months to life. Please read the book so you can participate in our structured, facilitated,... read moreWhen Abraham Lincoln won the presidency on November 6, 1860, it sparked five chaotic months that led the nation to the brink of Civil War. In his latest work of popular history, Erik Larson draws on a rich collection of primary sources to bring these tense, pivotal months to life. Please read the book so you can participate in our structured, facilitated, Zoom discussion. (Note: Please join the meeting at 3 pm if you would like some assistance using the features of Zoom. Otherwise, join us at 3:15 pm for the start of our discussion.) (See other book discussions: #515, 555, 632)
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November 12 Wednesday11:00 AM → 1:00 PM Central TimeSessions: 1Instructor: Lew PaperLocations: Zoom - St. Louis Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance on July 30, 1975 remains one of the enduring mysteries of the twentieth century. In his fast-paced... read more -
November 12 Wednesday12:00 PM → 1:30 PM Central TimeSessions: 1Instructor: Joan HartLocations: Zoom - Washington Metro OasisAfter more than 20 years, Washington, D.C. will be hosting a major exhibition on the works of Grandma Moses to be held at the National Museum of American Art. This program will provide a virtual tour of GRANDMA MOSES: A GOOD DAY’S WORK, highlighting her colorful paintings of rural New England and the farm life she knew. Self-taught, Anna Mary Robertson... read moreAfter more than 20 years, Washington, D.C. will be hosting a major exhibition on the works of Grandma Moses to be held at the National Museum of American Art. This program will provide a virtual tour of GRANDMA MOSES: A GOOD DAY’S WORK, highlighting her colorful paintings of rural New England and the farm life she knew. Self-taught, Anna Mary Robertson Moses, did not start painting until her seventies, ultimately becoming one of the country’s most popular artists.
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November 13 Thursday09:30 AM-02:00 PM Central TimeSessions: 1Instructor: Molly WilliamsonLocations: Zoom - Washington Metro OasisEven if you attended Molly’s talk in January 2025, you won’t want to miss this program. Each session builds on the other — with Part II offering deeper analysis of themes introduced in Part I. Part I: Key Factors in the Current Chaos This segment examines the regional demographic, economic, and policy factors in the evolving period of the Arab unrest... read moreEven if you attended Molly’s talk in January 2025, you won’t want to miss this program. Each session builds on the other — with Part II offering deeper analysis of themes introduced in Part I. Part I: Key Factors in the Current Chaos This segment examines the regional demographic, economic, and policy factors in the evolving period of the Arab unrest through the Hamas October, 2023 attack on Israel and the aftermath. Part II: Shifting Alliances and New Fault Lines This segment examines the regional impacts of the Abraham Accords, the attacks on Lebanon and Hezbollah, the fall of Syria's Assad regime, and the Israel-Iran-US military engagements. There will be a break for lunch between Part I and Part II.
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November 13 Thursday12:00 PM → 1:30 PM Central TimeSessions: 1Instructor: Sofia Laurein, PhD, Professor of HistoryLocations: Zoom - San DiegoInterlaced with colorful images and delightful anecdotes, this presentation will take you on an amusing and enlightening journey through the... read more -
November 14 Friday10:00 AM → 11:00 AM Central Time Sessions: 1Locations: Zoom - San AntonioProcessed foods have drastically changed our food culture over the last century. From canned goods to frozen dinners, some of... read more -
November 14 Friday12:00 PM → 1:30 PM Central Time Sessions: 1Instructor: Joan MusbachLocations: Zoom - St. LouisOn that day Clarence Darrow, dubbed “Attorney for the Damned” by Lincoln Steffens, finished his eight-hour summation in the three-months... read more -
November 14 Friday12:00 PM → 1:30 PM Central TimeSessions: 1Instructor: Dr. Daniel SchlaflyLocations: Zoom - St. Louis In this course, explore the causes behind Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and how Ukraine responded. Examine the war’s widespread... read more -
November 17 Monday11:00 AM-12:00 PM Central TimeSessions: 1Instructor: Lauren FinanLocations: Zoom - St. Louis OasisCurious about Artificial Intelligence but not sure where to start? This class offers a friendly, hands-on introduction to the most popular AI tools available today. From virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri, to chat-based tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, we’ll explore what each platform does best—and how they can help in your daily... read moreCurious about Artificial Intelligence but not sure where to start? This class offers a friendly, hands-on introduction to the most popular AI tools available today. From virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri, to chat-based tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, we’ll explore what each platform does best—and how they can help in your daily life. You’ll learn how to: Identify the strengths of various AI platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, Gemini, and more) Use AI for everyday tasks like writing emails, organizing schedules, searching the web, learning new topics, and getting creative Understand safety, privacy, and practical tips for responsible use Try out different tools in guided exercises, with plenty of time for questions This class is designed for beginners—no tech experience necessary. Come with your curiosity, and leave with confidence! Would you like a version tailored for a single-session workshop or a multi-week course outline as well? You said: Id like a one hour class but more about different platforms ChatGPT said: Great! Here’s a revised title and description tailored for a one-hour Oasis class focused specifically on introducing and comparing different AI platforms: AI Platforms 101: What They Are and What They’re Good At Class Description: Artificial Intelligence is everywhere—but how do you know which platform to use, and for what? In this fast-paced, one-hour session, we’ll introduce you to the most popular AI platforms available to everyday users and explain how they differ in features, strengths, and ideal uses. We’ll explore: ChatGPT (by OpenAI) – Great for writing help, brainstorming, and general conversation Google Gemini – Tightly integrated with Google services like Gmail and Docs Microsoft Copilot – Built into Microsoft Word, Excel, and Edge for work and productivity Claude (by Anthropic) – Known for a friendly tone and strong summarizing skills Siri, Alexa & Google Assistant – Voice-based AIs for smart home and mobile convenience You’ll leave with a clear understanding of which platform might be right for your needs, whether that’s organizing your life, answering questions, creating content, or just experimenting.
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November 14 Friday1:00 PM → 3:00 PM Central Time Sessions: 1Instructor: Mary Mueller and Jim SalihLocations: Zoom - St. Louis New to Android phones, or just want to make sure you are using your phone to its maximum advantage? In... read more -
November 17 Monday10:00 AM → 11:30 AM Central TimeSessions: 1Instructor: Bonnie VegaLocations: Zoom - St. LouisThe Maya civilization (2000 BCE–1511 CE) was among the most complex in the Western Hemisphere, known for its temples, glyphs,... read more -
November 18 Tuesday09:30 AM-10:30 AM Central TimeSessions: 1Instructor: Kim WilliamsLocations: Zoom - Washington Metro OasisLong before it became a bustling capital, Washington, D.C. was a patchwork of farms and country estates spread across a quiet rural landscape. This presentation traces the transformation of that landscape from the late 18th century until the last farm ceased operation in the 1960s. As the city grew beyond its original bounds, most of these farmsteads and... read moreLong before it became a bustling capital, Washington, D.C. was a patchwork of farms and country estates spread across a quiet rural landscape. This presentation traces the transformation of that landscape from the late 18th century until the last farm ceased operation in the 1960s. As the city grew beyond its original bounds, most of these farmsteads and estates disappeared, but traces remain—in the old country lanes that still snake quietly through the city grid and in the occasional house sitting askew among its neighbors.
