Big industrial policy is back, baby! The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is America's attempt to drastically reduce its carbon footprint while also boosting industries in the unfolding green revolution. This one-part lecture will address what is the Inflation Reduction Act and why now, while delving into bigger efforts of stimulating innovation and making America more competitive as the global economy moves down a less carbon-intensive path.

Instructor Bio

Scott McKnight is currently a research associate and lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs. His research examines the political economy of innovation and energy with a particular focus on China. His doctoral work focused on the comparative political economy of oil. McKnight holds a PhD from the University of Toronto and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from China’s Renmin University, where he also worked as a lecturer. He is fluent in Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese and French.

When a country is sick, the population shows the symptoms. In this presentation, Isidra Mencos examines the intersection between politics and private lives at a pivotal time in the history of Spain. The transition to democracy took some years, but the cultural and sexual revolution happened fast. It was a time of hope, but also of political and social conflict. With democracy under threat around the world, Mencos reflects on the impact that authoritarianism has in every aspect of a person’s life, and the decades-long shadow it casts.

Isidra Mencos is the author of “Promenade of Desire—A Barcelona Memoir.”  She holds a PhD in Spanish and Latin American Contemporary Literature from the University of California, Berkeley, where she taught Spanish language, literature, and creative writing. Her essays and articles have been published in Diálogo, WIRED, Chicago Quarterly Review, and Stirring Literary Journal, among others. Her essay, “My Books and I,” was listed as Notable in The Best American Essays 2019. Originally from Spain, Isidra lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Join Dr. Claire Todd as she shares glacial geologic research from multiple locations, including the TransAntarctic Mountains and Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State. You’ll learn about different field experiences and research techniques for tracking glacier change across annual to millennial timescales. We’ll compare these case studies to observations of widespread glacial retreat around the globe.

Free to OLLI members only

About the Instructor
For Claire Todd, a glacial geologist and professor of geological sciences at Cal State San Bernardino, researching climate change is vital – it will affect everyone in some way, be it changes in the weather, water availability, or rising global sea level. Todd said she began doing research on glaciers when she started her Ph.D. program at the University of Washington in the spring of 2002. She went on her first Antarctic field season in November 2003 to January 2004.

Louis Sullivan (1856-1924) is known by historians as the “father of the skyscraper” and creator of the iconic phrase, “form follows function” at the height of his profession in 1890. Then a series of setbacks plunged Sullivan into destitute obscurity from which he never fully recovered. Yet his persistent belief in the power of his ideas created some of America’s most beautiful buildings, and inspired Sullivan’s protégé, Frank Lloyd Wright, to fulfill his own dream of a truly American style of architecture.  A brief discussion will follow the screening of this documentary.

Butch Epps has received his MFA degree from the UCLA Department of Film and Television’s Independent Producers Program where he focused on story development and working with screenwriters. He also served as the academic liaison to high profile professional faculty, including studio heads, development executives, and others. Butch has taught over 30 film appreciation courses in the Coachella Valley over the past 9 years while developing a book - his magnum opus - on Orson Welles’s Mercury Production of Citizen Kane.

Don’t confuse talk with conversation. Mindful Conversation, a unique, powerful approach to speaking authentically and connecting deeply with others, could be “the most important life skill that you never studied in school”.  Whether you see yourself as introverted or extroverted, if you experience stress in conversation, or are dissatisfied with your level of connection or self-expression, this practical, inspiring, and fun Zoom event could be for you. Learn how to speak so others want to listen, and listen so others want to connect with you. Whether with children or grandchildren, a spouse, friends, colleagues, a boss or strangers, mindful conversation will help you find the confidence and skill to be fully you. All attendees eligible for a free book drawing.

Presenter: Peter Gibb is the Award-winning author of Mindful Conversation: Speak Openly, Connect Deeply, Live Joyously, also a sought-after speaker and coach. Peter has spent 25 years speaking, teaching and writing about Mindful Conversation, presented on 4 continents and in 3 languages, addressing practitioners at the highest levels of government and business, as well as doctors, teachers, couples, families and anyone who values relationship and authentic human connection

Hypnosis - I don’t want to bark like a dog!  What if I am able to show you how you can:control your pain, teach you how to stop smoking, control your diabetes, manage your weight, manage your diet, control your cravings and improve your life? Is that something that would interest you?  If so join me to demystify hypnosis and help you learn how hypnotherapy is a gift for a better you.  This course is free to OLLI members but still requires registration. Go to olli@csusb.edu and sign up. Thank you.

Dr. Kevin Richardson is a retired Occupational Therapist working 40+ years with the geriatric population. Dr. Richardson developed a focused interest in teaching fall prevention techniques following the death of three family members because of their falls. While practicing as an Occupational Therapist, Dr. Richardson was also a Certified Aging in Place Specialist through the American Builders Association and Home Modification Specialist through University of Southern California. Dr. Richardson brings an expertise in functioning safely within the home environment.

Special presentation The Art of OLLI Instructors, Cash Baxter, Arlette Poland and Jack Flannigan, and a private exhibit and wine and cheese reception in the OLLI Offices RG109.