Vladimir Putin made his career in the KGB. The experience shaped his outlook as President of the Russian Federation. The KGB (FSB in its current incarnation) and its predecessors from the days of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution have been dedicated and ruthless in their fight against perceived domestic and foreign enemies. Putin continues this tradition, most recently the murder of Aleksei Navalny and assassinations abroad.

The art of conversation is fading away in our digital age, but it remains a valuable skill for people from all walks of life. Vance Crowe's unique presentation teaches skills and approaches to have conversations that encourage others to open up, share stories, and build a relationship of trust with you.In this presentation, you will learn the value of small talk and how to use it to learn about what others care about and are interested in. You will also learn how to become a better listener by asking follow-up questions that lead to deeper conversations. Additionally, Vance will guide you on how to overcome learned habits that prevent you from being fully present in a conversation, so that you can make people feel comfortable sharing openly.Vance Crowe is the founder of Legacy Interviews, where he records the life stories of individuals and couples for future generations. With his guidance, hundreds of people have discussed their most meaningful experiences and memories, resulting in a valuable collection of family history.

On the 70^thanniversary of this landmark Supreme Court decision, join attorney Mark Goodman in a 2-part discussion of the historical context and extraordinary efforts by so many which provided equal access to education for millions of Americans.

Part I of this 3-part series will cover the First and Second Crusades.  Why did Urban II call for a Crusade to Jerusalem in 1095? Who were these “pilgrims” who undertook the First Crusade in 1096? What did the First and Second Crusades achieve?Part II of this series will cover the 3rd - 8th Crusades which took place from 1199 - 1291.  From 1199-1221, the Crusades were held against other Christians.Part III We will discuss the consequences of the Crusades for European society.   The Crusades never achieved the initial goal but they unintentionally created a major turning point in Western history.  The world would never be the same after the Crusader period.

Don your Cardinals attire and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Cardinals Baseball! Join Cardinals Baseball Beat Writer Rob Rains alongside fellow passionate Cardinals fans for an engaging discussion on the anticipated outlook for the second half of the season. It's not just a conversation; it's a celebration of all things Cardinals! As an extra thrill, one fortunate participant will have the exciting opportunity to win two Cardinals tickets! Make sure to bring your Cardinals spirit and join us for an evening of baseball camaraderie, insightful discussions, and the chance to score tickets to witness the action firsthand.

Known for his stirring Western films, John Ford is commonly lauded as perhaps the greatest director in American film history. From the silent era into the 1960s and exemplified in titles like The Searchers, Stage coach, and The Quiet Man, Ford made films his way. In the process of forging his compelling view of the world, he made Monument Valley iconic and made a star out of John Wayne. In this class, we'll cover the vast career of John Ford.

Uncover intriguing insider stories from the world of museums, featuring captivating accounts such as the 1978 theft at the St. Louis Art Museum, a harrowing fire at the Terra Museum, and the exploits of a mischievous forger who deceived several prestigious institutions. Delve into these lesser-known narratives for a glimpse behind the scenes of museum intrigue.

Immerse yourself in a captivating journey through the historical timeline of jewelry. Join us as we delve into the ten key points of value when appraising jewelry, gaining valuable insights into this timeless art form. Explore exquisite examples of jewelry from various periods of fashion history, witnessing the evolution of style and craftsmanship over the ages.

Part II of this two-part series will dive into the history of rock music, starting from its peak at Woodstock. You will learn about the tragic event that took place at Altamont, discover how the genre of music splintered into various sub-genres throughout the 1970s, and get insights into how technology has shaped and still continues to influence music to this day.

If you think the Founding Fathers had some grand plan, you are mistaken. The theme of this class is “making it up as we go along.” Political parties were not envisioned as what they called “factions” in those times and were anathema. The assumption was that the “better sorts” would govern based on Enlightenment principles, that virtue would override vice, and a prosperous republic would emerge.In the two classes on this topic, we will examine how two political parties developed despite this idyllic vision and the chaos that resulted in the election of 1800. By the election of 1820, only one political party survived, ushering in what was called “The Era of Good Feeling,” which was anything but. We will look at the multiple parties that vied for legitimacy until the emergence of what we identify today as the Democrat and Republican parties.