Friday   

Our exploration of the Earth, Solar System, and Universe continues. This semester our topics will include the Cosmic Distance Ladder, Stellar Evolution, and Supernova. Constellation Concentration will further our in-depth look at a different constellation each week. And, we will continue with ‘Selected Short Subjects’. There will be several guest speakers from the University of Arizona's Astronomy, Planetary Sciences, and Geosciences Departments.

As always we will discuss on-going discoveries in Astronomy, Planetary Sciences, and Earth Sciences. And, Science Fiction Theatre continues, with short clips highlighting a century of Sci Fi movies and TV shows. And of course there will be ’Geo-feature-of-the-Week’, ‘What’s for Launch’, and ‘Books-of-the-Week’.

Information will be conveyed using short videos, awesome photos, understandable/fun graphics, and class discussions. Please join us for this continuing journey of discovery and adventure. Being in an earlier Astronomy/Geosciences class that I have hosted is neither a prerequisite nor necessary to understand and enjoy this class.

Reading poetry helps you to know things more fully; it commands your attention; and it can sustain good conversation. In this class, participants select poetry from favorite sources to read aloud with fellow enthusiasts.

Most American PBS viewers know Sue Perkins as one of the original hosts on the Great British Baking Show. She has also presented a number of travel series on British television. Over nine class meetings, we'll view her travels down the Ganges from its source and up the Mekong through South Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. We'll also take a whirlwind tour through Japan or travel along the TransAlaska highway, one of the worlds' most dangerous roads.

This is the longest of the six major Yang-style tai chi movements, taking about 25 minutes to complete. Tai Chi is known for developing balance, strength, and flexibility. It is a form of meditation in movement. In this class you will learn the first third of the forms, or about 36 moves, in a workshop environment.

Cribbage is a great card game for two people: fast, unpredictable, and portable. Though the game has many rules, this class will take you through all facets of the game, step by step. By the time you have finished this class, you will not only know the game well, but you will also know how to teach the game to others. If you already know the game, come play with us. Been looking for someone to play with? Maybe you will find a new friend and opponent here!

This is the longest of the six major Yang-style tai chi movements, taking about 25 minutes to complete. Tai Chi is known for developing balance, strength, and flexibility. It is a form of meditation in movement. In this class we will review the first 36 forms in a workshop environment. Additional forms will be taught as the group is ready.

Each week we'll view a feature-length documentary or two shorter films. The films will generally feature a performer or composer, the impact of their environment on their music, and the impact of their music on other musicians and on society. Or the focus might be on a style of music from swing to country, jazz to rock. This is a class for the open-minded and intellectually curious because, paraphrasing Mick Jagger, you might not always hear what you like, but sometimes you just might like what you hear.

Building on the techniques learned in the beginning-level class, you'll learn to transform the basic dough into more beautiful, specialty seasonal bread. Prerequisite: "Artisan Bread Making: Beginning."

Visit the Llano Seco Viewing Platform to learn to identify the ducks and geese that spend the winter here. Then, at dusk, the waterfowl fly out from the ponds to nearby fields to feed at night. This can be an impressive sight with the large number of flocks in the air. Bring a folding chair and binoculars, and we’ll sit back and enjoy the scenic view as we watch them flying against the sunset and full moon.