201 Current Movies, Wednesdays
We will choose the films from any source offered virtually, watch them independently then meet at El Portal Restaurant in Pasadena for discussion. Participants will pay for the rental of the film. We may also see a movie in person and discuss it afterwards at a nearby restaurant.
Wednesday, 3 pm, Apr 3, 17; May 1, 15; Jun 5, 19
Leader Carol Criqui Members $10
Host Carol Criqui Non-Members $20
Place Pasadena, El Portal Restaurant, inside or outside
202 The Mansion by William Faulkner Register
In this third volume of the Snopes trilogy, set in Jefferson, Mississippi, 1908-1946, Mink Snopes works to restore his honor and achieve the goal of his life's work. Linda Snopes searches for peace, going as far as Greenwich Village and then on to Spain before returning to Jefferson. Flem Snopes continues to puzzle and worry VK Ratliff, Gavin Stevens, and everybody else. Faulkner's narratives are in the first-person singular, so it is not important, or even especially useful, to have read the first or second volumes of the Snopes trilogy already. Faulkner's Narrator is a good storyteller, and will fill in any gaps. ISBN-13: 978-0307946829
Thursday, 12 noon, Apr 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9
Leader Susan McKinley Members $28
Zoom Non-Members $38
203 The Dove Keepers by Alice Hoffman
Nearly two thousand years ago, nine hundred Jews held out for months against armies of Romans on Masada, a mountain in the Judean desert. According to the ancient historian Josephus, two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic and iconic event, Hoffman’s novel is a spellbinding tale of four extraordinarily bold, resourceful, and sensuous women, each of whom has come to Masada by a different path. The lives of these four complex and fiercely independent women intersect in the desperate days of the siege. All are dovekeepers, and all are also keeping secrets—about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and whom they love. ISBN-13: 978-1451617481
Friday, 10 am, April 5, 12, 19, 26
Leader Jane Crane Members $23
Zoom Non-Members $33
204 The Economist
A review and discussion of selected articles from The Economist magazine. Participants are sent copies of articles about events and people around the world and they are expected to relate their views on each article.
Friday, 2 pm, Apr 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10
Leader David Whitcomb Members $10
Zoom Non-Members $20
205 Movie STARs, Spring 2024 - Group A
Discussion of critically acclaimed and notable movies, present and past, and from all over the world. Movies selected will be viewed online prior to each meeting. Streaming choices are usually available in free, subscription, or pay-per-view format. Costs will be borne by the viewer. Links to view each movie online are provided for each meeting. For examples of movies from past seasons, email leader - jkliu47@gmail.com.
Sunday, 4 pm, Apr 7, 21; Jun 2, 16, 30
Leader James Liu Members $10
Zoom Non-Members $20
206 Movie STARs, Spring 2024 - Group B
See Movie STARs, Spring 2024 Group A
Monday, 4 pm, Apr 8, 22; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1
Leader James Liu Members $10
Zoom Non-Members $20
207 Movie STARs, Spring 2024 - Group C
See Movie STARs, Spring 2024 Group A
Monday, 7 pm, Apr 8, 22; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1
Leader James Liu Members $10
Zoom Non-Members $20
208 Classic literature through short stories
This group will explore world classic literature, as viewed through short stories written by internationally prominent authors. Short stories can be read in a short time compared to longer novels and yet reveal many fundamental human situations around the world. Examples include: 'The Lady with the Toy Dog' by Anton Chekhov; 'The Killers' by Ernest Hemingway; and 'The Gilded Six-Bits' by Zora Neale Hurston. Meeting monthly, we will discuss one story each session.
Monday, 12 noon, Apr 8; May 6; Jun 3
Leader Prakash Shrivastava Members $10
Zoom Non-Members $20
209 Underground Empire: How America Weaponized the World Economy by Henry Farrell & Abraham Newman
A deeply researched investigation that reveals how the United States is like a spider at the heart of an international web of surveillance and control, which it weaves in the form of globe-spanning networks such as fiber optic cables and obscure payment systems. ISBN-13: 978-1250840547
Tuesday, 2 pm, Apr 9, 16, 23, 30
Leader Louis Rubenstein Members $31
Host Louis Rubenstein Non-Members $41
Place Arcadia
210 The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf
Have you ever wondered about the connection between the Humboldt Current off the coast of Chile and Humboldt County in California? These geographic names trace their roots to Alexander von Humboldt, a remarkable polymath of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Humboldt's legacy extends far beyond mere namesakes — he laid the groundwork for essential environmental concepts shaping our contemporary understanding of interconnected ecosystems. His awe-inspiring adventures and influential writings resonated with luminaries like Darwin, Emerson, Thoreau, and John Muir. Explore the incredible life and lasting impact of Alexander von Humboldt, a visionary whose ideas continue to shape our perception of the world. ISBN-13: 978-1848549005
Thursday, 7 pm, April 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9
Leader Marie Slonski Members $32
Host Joan Stafford Non-Members $42
Place Pasadena
211 Developing an Eye for Life - Photography of our Surroundings and Adventures
A photo journey into our lives, each participant will present up to three photos taken that week of anything that has caught their eye. All photos will be welcome; just bring your story. The photos will be emailed in large format to be shown on a TV.
Monday, 2 pm, Apr 15, 29; May 20; Jun 3
Leader Gay Bruveris Members $10
Host Gay Bruveris Non-Members $20
Place Pasadena
212 Travels in Cuba
Cuba is a land of lively music and dance, colorful buildings and a vibrant cultural history. Adrienne's slide show will highlight her travels on a cultural arts tour, in this eclectic country filled with classic cars, some crumbling and some beautifully restored buildings, and lots of fun and interesting adventures along the way. Come meet musicians, dancers, preschoolers, seniors, artists and entrepreneurs.
Tuesday, 7 pm, Apr 16
Leader Adrienne Bass Members $5
Host Marilynne Wilander Non-Members $10
Place Arcadia
213 Play Reading: Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward
Have you ever wanted to act, direct or be involved in putting on a play? Here's your chance. We will be doing a table reading (with scripts), of the fun and wacky play "Blithe Spirit" by Noel Coward. "Blithe Spirit" is the story of a spiritual medium who holds a seance for a writer suffering from writer's block, but when she accidentally summons his deceased first wife, the craziness and mayhem begin. There will be roles for everyone (acting, directing, props, etc.). Come join the fun !!!
Saturday, 4 pm, Apr 27; May 4
Leader Adrienne Bass and Patty Brugman Members $10
Host Patti Brugman Non-Members $20
Place Pasadena
214 The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
In this enthralling novel from New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption. ISBN-13: 978-0062654199
Wednesday, 2 pm, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Leader Lisa Darling Members $22
Host Lisa Darling Non-Members $32
Place Alhambra
215 Movie - "Kramer vs Kramer" (1979)
"Kramer vs. Kramer" is a compelling drama directed by Robert Benton, navigating the complexities of family dynamics. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep deliver powerful performances as Ted and Joanna Kramer, exploring the emotional aftermath of divorce and the evolution of gender roles. The film, which won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, skillfully delves into the challenges of single parenthood, societal expectations, and personal growth, leaving a lasting impact with its poignant storytelling and superb acting.
Tuesday, 10:30 am, May 7
Leader Coralie Whitcomb Members $5
Zoom Non-Members $10
216 The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden's White House and the Struggle for America's Future by Franklin Foer
On January 20, 2021, standing at the site where, only two weeks earlier, police officers had confronted right-wing paramilitaries, Joe Biden took his oath of office. Despite an unprecedented set of crises, including Covid-19, an impending financial crisis, and the barest of majorities in the Senate, Joe Biden set out to transform the nation instead of playing defense. Franklin Foer tells the insider story of the first two years of the Biden presidency and provides a portrait of a president at a time when democracy itself seemed imperiled. ISBN-13: 978-1101981146
Tuesday, 2 pm, May 7, 14, 21, 28
Leader Carla Barnes Members $31
Host Fran Blackwell Non-Members $41
Place Pasadena
217 Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowledge together to take us on “a journey that is every bit as mythic as it is scientific, as sacred as it is historical, as clever as it is wise” (Elizabeth Gilbert). ISBN-13: 978-1571313560
Friday, 10 am, May 10, 17, 24, 31
Leader Marylouise Lau Members $25
Zoom Non-Members $35
218 Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard
"Hero of the Empire" by Candice Millard is a gripping historical narrative that chronicles the early life of Winston Churchill during the Boer War. Millard vividly captures Churchill's daring escape from a Boer prisoner-of-war camp, showcasing his resilience and audacity. Against the backdrop of South Africa's harsh terrain, Churchill's strategic brilliance and charisma come to the fore. The book offers a riveting account of this pivotal episode, illustrating Churchill's journey from capture to heroism. Millard's narrative prowess combines meticulous research with a compelling storytelling style, delivering an engaging biography that unveils the indomitable spirit of one of history's most influential leaders. ISBN-13: 978-0307948786
Friday, 2 pm, May 17, 24, 31
Leader Steve Crane Members $28
Zoom Non-Members $38
219 Movie - "Malcolm X" (1992)
"Malcolm X," directed by Spike Lee, is a riveting biopic illuminating the transformative journey of civil rights leader Malcolm X. Denzel Washington's stellar portrayal captures Malcolm Little's evolution from a troubled youth to an influential advocate for black empowerment. The film chronicles his political awakening, conversion to Islam, and pivotal role in the Nation of Islam. A powerful exploration of identity, activism, and justice, "Malcolm X" stands as an inspiring testament to one man's quest for truth amid systemic racism.
Wednesday, 12 noon, May 22
Leader Marjorie Levin Members $5
Zoom Non-Members $10
220 Student Loan Repayment: What's Fair and Why?
Student loan repayment fairness encompasses various perspectives, including ability to pay, debt amount, and education value. Fair policies could include income-driven repayment plans, public service loan forgiveness, teacher loan forgiveness, Perkins loan cancellation, and student loan forgiveness for disabled borrowers. Interest rate reduction, repayment period extension, and increased financial assistance to students could further enhance fairness. The goal is to make repayment affordable and sustainable for all borrowers.
Thursday, 10 am, May 23
Leader Bhargav Oza Members $5
Zoom Non-Members $10
221 "The Other One" by Tessa Hadley
In the first few sentences of “The Other One” by Tessa Hadley (New Yorker 4/13/2020) we learn that our protagonist Heloise, when she is in her early 40s, would first learn that when her father died in a car crash in France when she was 12 he was supposed to have been at a conference in Germany. Not only had he not even bothered to sign up for that conference but there were two women in the car with him, one of whom was his mistress. During the past two decades Hadley has contributed more short stories to the New Yorker than any other author. We will explore both Hadley’s writing style and how she develops a story focusing on an incident from the past which continues to haunt the lives of those in the present.
Tuesday, 12 noon, May 28
Leader Charles Schufreider Members $5
Zoom Non-Members $10
222 The Lost City of Z by David Grann
In 1925, Colonel Percy Fawcett vanished into the uncharted depths of the Amazon, driven by the whisper of a legendary lost city, "Z." David Grann's "The Lost City of Z" unravels this captivating true story. Weaving history and personal narrative, Grann breathes life into Fawcett's daring expeditions, the sacrifices of his family, and the allure of the unknown. More than an adventure, this book explores themes of exploration, obsession, and the enduring enigma of the Amazon. Delve into the jungle's secrets and grapple with the enduring question: did Z ever exist, or was it just a figment of Fawcett's unwavering belief? Prepare to be captivated by the thrill of the hunt and the mystery that lingers within the rainforest's heart. ISBN-13: 978-1400078455
Tuesday, 1 pm, June 4, 11, 18, 25
Leader Bonnie Brown Members $25
Non-Members $35
Place Garfield Park, South Pasadena
223 Trip to Iceland
Visiting Iceland is an exciting event in a country filled with many geological wonders. It's known as the Land of Fire and Ice because it's covered with volcanoes and glaciers. Come see Adrienne's slide show documenting her adventures on her tour showcasing this land of over 400 waterfalls, beautiful green grasslands, natural geothermal hot springs, mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, and other spectacular sights. Presented in collaboration with the Pasadena AAUW this event is also open to Villa Gardens' residents. Note that for non-residents Villa Gardens policy requires prior registration. No walk-ins are permitted.
Wednesday, 7 pm, Jun 5
Leader Adrienne Bass Members $0
Host Villa Gardens Non-Members $0
Place Pasadena
224 Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt's Ancient Temples from Destruction by Lynne Olson
The story of Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, both a spy for the Allies in WWII and a French archeologist with the moxie to take on the Egyptians, the Americans and the French to save historic Egyptian temples that were threatened by flooding caused by the 1960 construction of the Aswan High Dam. In addition to moving the threatened monuments to higher ground she convinced the Egyptians to allow surveys and excavations of Nubian land sites that would not be moved. ISBN-13: 978-0525509479
Thursday, 2 pm, Jun 6, 13, 20, 27
Leader Bob Diller Members $36
Host Gaye Bruveris Non-Members $46
Place Pasadena
225 Movie - "One Child Nation" (2019)
"One Child Nation" is a poignant documentary uncovering the profound impact of China's one-child policy. Directors Nanfu Wang and Jialing Zhang skillfully delve into the policy's devastating consequences, from forced sterilizations to the trafficking of abandoned infants. Through intimate interviews and personal narratives, the film reveals the human toll of government control, sparking reflection on ethics, reproductive rights, and the enduring effects of a controversial population control strategy. "One Child Nation" is a compelling exploration of the intersection between state power, human rights, and individual lives.
Monday, 12 noon, Jun 10
Leader Chuck Jaffee Members $5
Zoom Non-Members $10
226 Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America by Heather Cox Richardson
In Democracy Awakening, Heather Cox Richardson crafts a compelling and original narrative, explaining how, over the decades, a small group of wealthy people have made war on American ideals. By weaponizing language and promoting false history, they’ve led us into authoritarianism — creating a disaffected population and then promising to recreate an imagined past where those people could feel important again. She argues that taking our country back starts by remembering the elements of our nation’s true history that marginalized Americans have always upheld. Many books tell us what has happened over the last five years. Democracy Awakening explains how we got to this inflection point, what our history really tells us about ourselves, and what the future of democracy can be. ISBN-13: 978-0593652961
Tuesday, 10 am, Jun 11, 18, 25
Leader Donna Jaffee Members $32
Host Donna Jaffee Non-Members $42
Place Pasadena
227 Who Is Likely To Be Our Next President?
Although the parties have yet to nominate their candidates, the country anticipates a rematch of the 2020 race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Who or what can have enough impact to determine the outcome?
Monday, 12 noon, Jun 24
Leader Carla Barnes Members $5
Zoom Non-Members $10
S05 Olvera Street including Museum of Justice
Olvera Street, in an area called La Plaza, is a historic pedestrian street in El Pueblo de Los Ángeles, the historic center of Los Angeles. Free tours are available for the Avila Adobe, a historic home on the street. There are many shops, restaurants, and historic buildings in the area, so this will be a walking experience. A free tour of the Museum of Social Justice, located in the basement of La Plaza United Methodist Church, will be available. A caveat: there is no elevator to the museum--the only access is a narrow set of stairs with handrails. After browsing the area, we can select a local eating place. One suggestion is La Luz del Dia, where fresh tortillas are made on the spot.
Thursday, 10 am, May 16
Leader Sara Munshin Members $10
Non-Members $15
Place Los Angeles
S06 Mandir - Hindu Temple, Chino Hills
Immerse yourself in cultural wonder at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills. Marvel at the architectural masterpiece, discover Hindu traditions, and find peace in the tranquil atmosphere. Open to all, the Mandir offers educational tours, community events, and a respectful space for reflection. The 2 hour tour ends with a no-host lunch in the cafeteria. Dress code - long skirts or pants. No shoes and no photos are allowed in the Mandir, so make sure to wear comfortable socks. Leave Pasadena 9:30 am to arrive around 10:30 am. Return 2:00 pm arriving back in Pasadena by 3:00 pm. Carpooling is recommended.
Saturday, 9:30 am to 3 pm, May 18
Leader Esma Ali Members $10
Non-Members $15
Place Chino Hills