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The poignant story of how, together two Americans faced and conquered red tape, engineering obstacles, corruption and personal trials to train and equip the US Marines for their greatest challenges.

The story of the LVT, an amphibious vehicle the Marines used to win the war in the Pacific. Two historical figures fight technical and bureaucratic party, and a magazine article can alter history and save 100,000 lives. 

FWA Royal Palm Literary Award winner – Runner-up Best Historical Novel.

One would be hard pressed to name an unimportant presidential election. Having said that this session will review 13 elections which, for a variety of reasons, stand out as particularly noteworthy: 1800, 1824, 1860, 1876, 1912, 1920, 1932, 1948, 1964, 1968, 1980, 1992, and 2000. We'll cover the winner and the loser(s), the issues of each election, and the impact of the result.

From the Conquistador Cortez to the present day, the history of the Baja revolves around three themes: gold, God, and glory. Learn why Cortez left the conquered city of the Aztecs to search for Califia, the queen of the Amazons. Did he find her? How did Spain profit by what he found? Also included is the history of the indigenous tribes that once lived in the Baja.

 

Many people know of Sutter’s discovery of gold in
California and the resulting boom. Few know the name Albertus Vogt. Known as the "Duke of Dunnellon," Vogt discovered phosphate in Florida. That discovery set in motion a boom that caused an economic explosion in part of the state and an industry that continues to this day. At the time discovered, phosphate rivaled gold in value on the international market due to soil depletion in Europe. Learn about a man who was part hero, part villain that created a wild-west atmosphere in northcentral Florida.

 

We're grateful for the teachers who touched our lives, saw something special in us and never gave up, even when things looked hopeless. We're also inspired by teachers who worked with students in impossible situations. One such educator was Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's teacher, friend and companion. Annie took a 7 year-old blind, deaf and mute child, found the key that opened her mind and helped her become a world phenomena. What was her undying determination? How can it motivate us even today?

The nineteen thirties were the heydays for America's greatest entertainment spectacles. American Musicals were the most anticipated movie product the world over. The King and Queen f this genre were Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Both starred in Vaudeville and Broadway productions until beckoned to Hollywood. This is their story, the story of hard work and determination, and a look at the infant movie industry. A lot of dancing. Bring your tap shoes.

What is philosophy if not the pursuit of "the good life?" In this course, we will be reviewing thoughts from some of ancient Greece and Rome's greatest minds and their advice on remembering what is really important in life: our own sense of happiness.  From Pythagoras to Plato to Seneca and beyond, we will be discussing some of the highlights of their thoughts on "the good life" and what their advice can mean to us today.

This is a full-color PowerPoint presentation of America’s Aerial Sweetheart. She was a record breaker, trend setter, trailblazer and a huge supporter of safe air travel for business and tourism. The first woman to cross the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by air, and to cross America in both directions non-stop. What really happened before, during and after her fateful, round-the-world flight will be revealed.

There was a time pirates seemed to rule the Caribbean. Who were the first pirates, and why did they even go into the Pirate business in the first place? Come hear about the tricks of the trade, why Pirates were so successful at that time, learn about some really bad Pirates, and what happened to the Golden Age of Piracy.

These artists have become so well known in the US. However, one will appreciate them more after visiting their homes in Mexico. In a suburb of Mexico City is Casa Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo. Dr. Kelly will tell the story of her troubled life as participants scout her home and gardens via presentation. Likewise, participants will go to the home of Diego Rivera in Guanajuato and study the paintings of these two as they fall in and out of love.

This true-life PowerPoint presentation gives a brief biography of two senior military officers. It tells what they did, and what happened because of their actions. They risked their careers - even their very lives - to follow their consciences and convictions. We should all be grateful because they saved our countries, world, and every one of us.

This PowerPoint program opens a door into the Native American's world of Art, Time, Peace Pipes & Treaties, Dwellings, Music & Instruments, Dances, Bows & Arrows, Numerology and Sacred Rituals & Ceremonies. Then, it reveals the hardships they had to endure, over and over, from the “Manifest Destiny” incursions on their homelands, hunting grounds, food sources, pony express, telegraph lines, settlers, gold-miners and soldiers building their forts and carrying out of their frequent, surprise massacres.

Peek into the lives of several exceptional women who became famous because of an overwhelming passion for whom or what they loved. The names Annie Oakley, Madam Curie may be familiar, but come and discover how their 'love story' changed history.

Learn about the life of John F. Kennedy compiled by one who admired him and was inspired by "Camelot." Historical photos will survey Kennedy's life from PT-109 to the oval office, from Hyannis Port to Dallas. The presentation will be done in "Kennedy's voice." Join us for this unique memorial to our 35th president.