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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Political Issues SeminarMay - June 2008Pete Kruse lead a six week program on issues of current political interest for the Presidential campaign, including: Poverty & Globalization; Reapportionment, Term Limits and Campaign Financing; Criminal Justice; Elementary Education; Healthcare and National Security. Speakers included Warren Elliott, Ted Anagnoson, David Hughes, Harry Loberg, George Frakes, Barbara Krahn, Dar Holian, Bill Davidson, and Hank Macchio. A poll of participants was taken at the outset to identify the demographics of the class, and the final exam included a poll of the participants on the issues discussed. A spirited and lively discussion was enjoyed by all. Lawn BowlingMay 2008Past president Charlie Schneider arranged for another afternoon of lawn bowling at MacKenzie Park. Meeting began at 2 PM on a hot Sunday afternoon (coached by members of the Bowling Club) and was followed by a cheese and wine social to discuss the questionable achievements of the day. Music of GershwinApril 2008Led by well-known Derek Katz, George Gershwin, arguably American's most successful and protean composer, who managed to straddle the worlds of Tin Pan Alley, Broadway and concert music, was exposed. This seminar used selections from Gershwin's works, including songs, the Rhapsody in Blue and Porgy and Bess to demonstrate the ways in which these musical worlds intersected and collided for Gershwin. Everyone had a great time at the Valle Verde Theater. The Economics of the housing marketMarch 2008Former UCSB professor Gordon Bjork, during a single session seminar, did his best to explain the ins and outs of the present, disturbing housing market. His challenging task of helping us understand the market's behavior was well received with ample time for responses by attenders. Realizing we can't buck the present trend, we still pondered how to prevent similar future occurrences. Fin de Siècle ViennaMarch - April 2008Produced by David Bisno, VISTAS offered an extraordinary series of seminars centered on the history of Vienna. Over eight sessions each seminar consisted of a morning lecture/discussion followed by an afternoon movie, greatly enriching the Viennese experience. David introduced us to the music of Strauss, Mahler, and Schoenberg, the literature of Musil, Schnitzler and Zweig, the art of Klimt, the architecture of Loos, the philosophy of Wittgenstein, the medicine of Freud, the physics of Meitner and the politics of sex, betrayal, espionage, anarchy and war that were all part of the period. Historical personalities such as Karl Kraus and Karl Lueger were uncovered to the delight of the many who attended. brazil on the riseFebruary 2008Utilizing three former Brazilian citizens as our leaders, studying Brazil's geography, people and history was found to be unique and fascinating. We learned that the Portuguese and the Africans had been the most instrumental in the creation of Brazil's present lively culture. Their struggle for economic stability was accompanied by political volitility in trying different forms of government before moving today towards a federal republic with a popularly elected President. Currently Brazil is emerging from its economic stagnation brought on by colonial land and trade policies that kept land in the hands of a few and focused trade on a single export. In recent years it has become industrialized and is finally attracting international investment. Brazil, we learned, is a country on the rise! USES AND ABUSES OF HIGHER EDUCATIONJanuary - February 2008Led by Don O'Dowd, former president of the Univ. of Alaska, the course analyzed the dramatic changes that have characterized Higher Education since the World War II generation entered college. What is the world of higher education like for the grandchildren of this generation? The competition for talented students, star faculty, athletic dominance, public and private funding and public recognition and their consequences were examined. An award winning senior professor demonstrated and discussed advances in teaching methodology and technology in the classroom. The ways in which colleges and universities are better and worse now than they were in the mid 20th Century were discussed. It was not clear that the passage of time has strengthened the university as a teaching institution. President Franklin Delano RooseveltJanuary 2008Led by SBCC Emeritus Professor George Frakes, the three-session Franklin D. Roosevelt discussion class was considered a success by its participants. After a few preliminary activities, the first meeting dealt with FDR's background, marriage, polio, and political life prior to 1932. The second class was devoted to the domestic politics of the Roosevelt New Deal programs and his four election campaigns. The last meeting was concerned with his foreign policy matters, World War II, and FDR's legacy. The course leader prepared study topics and questions to facilitate discussion during the class meetings. The thirteen seminar members were extremely well prepared, deeply involved in the class, and were said to be a joy to teach. Pour in Common ValUes and StirJanuary 2008Bob Macy led the group in finding ways to integrate soft power with our military and economic power, a dynamic which is becoming increasingly important in a world where borders are of diminishing importance. Based on globally shared human values, this course constructed a new non-profit, non-governmental organization with a balance between benefits and obligations, connecting people from both the developed and developing world in a common social cause. This concept is a grand strategy for the twenty-first century! WINTER SOCIAL AND AMERICA'S FIRST LADIESJanuary 2008The program was held on the afternoon of January sixth at the All Saints by-the-Sea Episcopal Church's Parish Hall. Four VISTAS women participated in the program. In chronological order: Mrs. Dorothy Macchio portrayed Rachel Jackson (Mrs. Andrew Jackson). She was followed by Mrs. Judith Mack acting as Mary Todd Lincoln (Mrs. Abraham Lincoln). Next in the program was Mrs. Marilyn Carman playing the roll of Nancy Reagan (Mrs. Ronald Reagan). The last VISTAS actress was Mrs. Patricia Kruse portraying Barbara Bush (Mrs. George H. W. Bush). All the participants dressed in period costumes and beautifully captured the lives of these four "First Ladies." To celebrate the occasion a tasty bit of hors d'oeuvres and wine were enjoyed by the attendees. Worlds of Greece and RomeNovember - December 2007Howard Clarke, who has been lecturing for many years on cruise ships in and around the Mediterranean. gave us an introduction to the classical world by way of representative works of art, architecture and literature, ranging from Minoan Crete to Imperial Rome. All talks were informal and illustrated by PowerPoint presentations. Attenders were prepared for the six weekly discussion topics by having read two reliable and readable books by Chester G. Starr. THE PACIFIC WARNovember 2007Judge Pattillo led this 4-session seminar which explored the selected diplomatic moves of each side which eventually led to war, why each side concluded that war was necessary, and once begun, what each combatant hoped to gain, and what it did to stop the fighting. Oral presentations and two hours of video by interested VISTAS Members and other World War II veterans were both enlightening and germane. Religious Freedom and the LawNovember 2007Presenters David Hughes and Hal Conklin led a two-session discussion of this present conflict. Subjects included: What does the phrase “Separation of Church and State” mean?; How free are Americans to practice their religious beliefs?; What is the proper role of schools with regard to religion?; The Supreme Court often defers to the “political branches”: Congress and the President. Lively discussions ensued. Story-telling in MusicNovember 2007Another delightful and educational afternoon was spent with music scholar and bassoon player Derek Katz. In this return visit he again put the old as well as some new music into our bank of favorites. His love of the art was catching. Town History WalksOctober 2007For three Saturday mornings in October, local resident Tad MacMillan took us on informational walks through some of Santa Barbara's unique and historic neighborhoods. What an illustrious past our city has! Mexican-American WarOctober 2007Three sessions, led by our own Ed Vernon, reviewed the late 19th
century conflict with its political and associated wars that led
to present day borders. Were these episodes contributory to our
present day immigration dilemma? Lively opinions were expressed. Local Canyon ExcursionsSeptember 2007VISTAS members Don Gillies and Bob Gerity helped us explore three
local canyons and identify the flora and fauna as well as discussed
the local geology. Each walk was 2-3 miles in length with some uphill
stretches. All three canyons are in beautiful condition, reminding
us how this part of California must have looked before the Spanish
arrival. Some imagination was required! Fall Social and BarbecueSeptember 2007Almost a hundred members and guests gathered at Stow Canyon Park
for a refreshing afternoon of conversation, imbibing, eating and
upcoming event education. Camaraderie was re-established with everyone
looking forward to the upcoming year of seminars and activities. The Spanish and Their SavagesApril - May 2007This seminar was held in the Santa Barbara Presidio Chapel and the Pico House, and led by Pres. Jarrel Jackson. He focused on the complex relationship between the Spanish colonists and the American Indian. Areas explored were the relationship between the Franciscans and the Chumash; and the relationship between the Chumash and the Presdio. The format was team led, with groups reporting on their book chapter assignments. Archaeologists Bob Hoover and Mike Imwalle discussed life in a mission (La Purisima) and at the Presidio. Sleep and DreamsMay 2007Our own Dr. Charles Markham, Emeritus Professor of Neurology at UCLA and Research Professor at UCSB, told us what transpires during the third of our lives when we sleep and dream. Does it contribute to our waking, conscious state? And...do dreams reflect our true nature and behavior? During this one session seminar at Dr. Markham enlightened us but didn't answer all our challenging questions. But...we stayed awake and alert during the entire session! IMMIGRATION INTO THE U.S.March - April 2007Introduced by our own Marcus Crahan and Warren Elliott, guest speakers with expertise in various areas of the immigration issue presented this stimulating six week seminar. Some areas of discussion were: Background for Today’s Immigration Issues and Problems from Colonial Times to present Legislation; Environmental Effects of Overpopulation; Economic Effects of Illegal Immigration. The final session was a lively, panel-type Discussion of Possible Solutions, none of which satisfied all attendees. It was a great, well-attended seminar! Whither RussiaApril 2007Joe Condon, who has worked in Russia and the former Soviet Union for the last 30 years on various industrial projects, presented an afternoon seminar at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum and helped help us separate fact from fiction and conjecture. Whereas the economic statistics on Russia in recent years have been quite positive, the conduct of foreign and economic policy has become increasingly erratic and some observers believe portends a possible collapse. Joe has recently had discussions with various members of the Russian Duma as well as senior ministry officials. His reflections were enlightening. Beethoven: Classical Classical Composer & Romantic HeroFebruary - March 2007Derek Katz, PhD, UCSB, offered a six weeks musical journey into the life and works of Beethoven introducing the Classical Period and Beethoven’s life as well as those of Beethoven’s contemporaries. The music of Mozart and Hayden, and the classical symphony were also on the program. This was a must for those who wanted to understand the music they like, or those who wished to be introduced to some of the classics. Anza's Trail to Southern CaliforniaFebruary - March 2007In an original Presidio building, Santa Barbara history came alive with Kathy Chalfant's seminar on the Anza Trail. At the first three sessions at The Pico Adobe, Kathy presented the background and goal of Juan Baptista de Anza's historic trek from New Spain to Alta California in 1775–- 1776. We learned about the famous, and not so famous, people who were on the trek and their role in the founding of Santa Barbara. The 4th session was aboard AMTRAK's Surfliner for a docent conducted tour of the Anza Trail, with an afternoon in San Luis Obispo. Selections from Ulysses of James JoyceFebruary 2007Professor Heffernan of Dartmouth U. devoted three sessions to the detailed examination of a single chapter of “Ulysses,” with special attention to the way it reconstructs the Homeric episode that stands behind it. Last year’s participants in Professor Heffernan’s course on Ulysses found this seminar an excellent addition to their ongoing understanding of Joyce’s “Ulysses.” For new fans of James Joyce, and who missed last year’s presentation, this was a must. Utilizing our first visit to Vista Del Monte we found it was most enjoyable! Intelligence and the Making of U.S. Foreign PolicyJanuary 2007For three short weeks a full house explored the inner workings of the U.S. Intelligence Community, and how information goes into establishing United States foreign policy. Our able leader, Bob Macy, discussed the intelligence policies of recent administrations, how intelligence is gathered, competition among intelligence gathering communities, and how these communities are being transformed to keep America safe. Pre-Columbian Americas – New Revelations!January & February 2007This team-led six week seminar explored the peoples (Indians) of the Americas before European contact. Recent archaeological finds combined with new interpretations by anthropologists put a different light on the peoples of North and South America. We viewed the effects of mega fauna, climate, migratory patterns of the Northwest, Southwest, and Atlantic coast Indians. The elements that combined to permit the cultural evolution of the various peoples were discussed. Recent information about Andean civilizations, and North America’s only pre-Columbian civilization was explained. How to read Homer’s “Odyssey”January 2007In this 3 session seminar, Prof. Scott discussed how Homer put the “Odyssey” together. We thus began to understand how to read Homer by learning about the man, who could not read; his audience – who could not read; and about Homer’s narrators – who tell the legend. “Homer, the master poet, seldom spoke in his own voice, but wanted to convey the fullness of the legend to others of limited knowledge of it.” Salem Witch Trials and Winter SocialJanuary 2007VISTAS' annual January social event at the elegant Music Academy of the West was on the money! The VISTAS Players presented a thought-provoking, but brief, rendition of the Salem Witch Trials drawn from Arthur Miller’s “Crucible.” After a brief historical orientation, the VISTAS Players enacted some of the events of 1663. The audience was encouraged to consider parallels in contemporary events in the Middle East and Darfur. At the conclusion of the trial, the audience was the jury and decided that the previous “death” sentence of the accused was unjustified. Wine, soft drinks, and delicious hors d'oeuvres –– and, much social mixing –– followed the presentation! Guests were welcome –– many brought a friend. End of Life IssuesDecember 2006Judy Macy discussed all important end of life issues, provided steps and worksheets for individuals and their families to organize their response to these end of life issues. She also obtained a Hospice representative to speak at one of the sessions. Areas of discussion included: “Healthy Aging, Tidy Death”; “Affairs in Order”; “Dying, How Does it Work”. This topic was shown to be important for “boomers,” seniors, and their families. CURRENT ECONOMIC ISSUESOctober 23 - December 4, 2006Prof. Gordon Bjork presented an overviw of methods applied historically to explain economic issues. Some areas discussed were: changes in the labor force, productivity, social change, tax rates, technology - all of which change in this rapidly changing world. Divided into small groups midway in the morning, all had their chances to interpret and weigh what they thought had been delivered. This overall challenging seminar brought us all back to our schoolroom mentalities. Energy IndependenceSeptember 20 – October 26, 2006Continuing weekly for six weeks at the Valle Verde Retirement Community, Andy Hammit and other experts reviewed the past and predicted future energy problems with suggested fixes. What we have been doing, and where we are going was described by several local experts. With its local as well as its world consequences this proved to be a worthwhile and provocative seminar. BARBECUE IN THE PARKSeptember 19, 2006Almost a hundred members and friends gathered in Stow Grove County Park in Goleta for an afternoon of chatting, eating and exposure to what was in store for VISTAS this upcoming year. The catered food was excellent, the day beautiful and the outlook for the year enticing. Anacapa Island AdventureMay 22 and 25, 2006After having been informed about the many historical, geological
and environmental sides of the island during a slideshow on May
22 by Bob Gerity and Don Gillies, the two docents were to take us
to the island via the Island Packers of Ventura on May 25. However,
due to high waves and landing problems the trek was cancelled. We
had been looking forward to carrying our own lunches, binoculars,
cameras and maybe-needed jackets as we were to climb the 153 stairs
and walk the mile and a half trail. The homes of innumerable varieties
of birds as well as the seasonal flowers would have shown us the
island's nature in the season of its greatest beauty. The experience
was to have been both a physical and mental challenge. It will surely
be rescheduled! Lawn Bowling SocialMay 7Chairman Charlie arranged for us to learn how to lawn bowl at Upper
McKenzie Park. After the instructions and a few games, we enjoyed
our Spring Social by imbibing in wine and enjoying cheese with all
the crackers that go with it. Innovations and Challenges on the Health HorizonApril 7 – May 15, 2006This diverse 6 week health seminar covered cataracts, the immune
system, obesity surgery, Parkinson’s and dementias, as well
as the pandemic diseases of HIV/AIDS and influenza including H5N1
(bird flu). Ending this series was a 3 hour open forum for Q&A
on palliative care presented by VISTA members and medical professionals.
Participants were strongly encouraged to bring their questions and
concerns on pain management. Hospice staff members and patients
added a great deal to the discussions. California WaterMarch - April 2006 For 5 enlightening Wednesdays, VISTA members and guests learned
about the history; law and policy; geology and engineering; urban
and agri-business uses, and the politics of California water. The
speakers were professionals in these fields who traveled from Sacramento,
Santa Clara County, San Luis Obispo, and Los Angeles. Marcus Crahan
produced this important and informative event. Participants were
provided with handouts and publications containing the most recent
water data. The last session was an open forum with the membership
asking pointed and challenging questions about the future of California
water. Great Issues of our TimesFebruary - March 2006A variety of six subjects was outstandingly presented and much
appreciated by the many attendees. Five of the issues were pleasantly
presented at the Maravilla Retirement Community Club Room with the
instructive visit to the Direct Relief Foundation home-base making
for a satisfying explanation of the organization's mission. During
discussions at Maravilla by such presenters as Jonathan Church,
Jim Hemphill, Wade Clark Root, David Bisno and Gordon Bjork, subjects
of Iraq, foreign relations, Supreme Court decisions, and the retirement
plight of the next generation produced lively exchanges. VISTAS
members were not hesitant to respond by interjecting both opposition
and support for the leaders' offerings. It is obvious that we are
not all of the same ilk! A similar seminar is being considered for
next year. Understanding James Joyce's UlyssesJames Hefferman, PhD - February 2006 If you have read (or intend to read) Dr. Joyce's Ulysses
and couldn't relate the similarities to Homer's epic, you would
have profited from the sage advice of Dr. Hefferman of Dartmouth
who explained them during three morning sessions in a private home
setting. An appreciative group, larger than had been anticipated,
look forward to his return next year for some more wise counsel. Human Migrations: 2006 EditionDonald O'Dowd, Donald O'Dowd & Paul Elliott- February 2006We Explored and discovered how early man developed from a tiny
band of huntergathers in East Africa to domestication of plants
and animals. With stability came the development of complex human
endeavors. Observing how societies evolved from empires to the present
global society and its corresponding technology, we learned how
the ensuing pandemics, climate changes, and elements of banking
and trade either allowed a civilization to grow or die if it failed
to adapt. Former president of Alaska U., our own Don O'Dowd, led
the charge at Valle Verde Retirement Community's suitable social
room. International Relations in the 21st CenturyRobert Macy - February 2006Should we stay the course or is it vital that we change our strategies
in order to maintain our political status in the world? That was
our topic during this three-week seminar skillfully led by Bob Macy.
It brought lively discussion from both genders as we agreed and
disagreed on many issues. Though our thoughts will not necessarily
receive congressional approval, we felt we had been directed through
the myriad of both the leader's and our own ideas. Americas first ladies and vistas annual socialJanuary 2006After a time of refreshments at the Music Academy of the West, we enjoyed an afternoon there with 4 former First Ladies; Dolly Madison, Jacqueline Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Lady Bird Johnson who were interviewed for our benefit by Reporter Frakes, enlightening us with their role in America's history. We also enjoyed their sharing of the triumphs and tragedies of life in the White House. After their interviews, the Ladies were available for questions. Russia Under PutinJoseph F. Condon - November 2005Mr. Condon, the founder and first Executive Director of the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce in Moscow, discussed president Putin’s
relationship with Russia’s economic community. Some of the
areas discussed were: Putin’s perception by the Russian business
community; doing business in Russia; terrorism and Russian business;
and the effect of organized crime (much of it perpetrated by former
KGB agents) on the business community. Why Do Real Men Cry and Women Faint?
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