In Person Workshops   

The Great Divide, the Explanatory Gap, The Hard Problem of Consciousness. Familiar terms used to describe the “gap” between the subjective and objective world of our experience. While mid-twentieth-century split-brain research identified separate functions of both the right and the left hemispheres, little was understood of the evolutionary niche from which this brain morphology originates. In the presentation, we will explore the ways we navigate this divide and the world each hemisphere brings to our conscious experience. Much of this presentation is inspired by a study published by Dr. Iain McGilchrist, titled The Master and His Emissary.

This summer we start out with one of our characters escaping Nazi-occupied Prague in a coffin in 1939 for Brooklyn and the burgeoning, super-hero, comic book trade in the city, and we end the class with a character escaping Long Island for the West Coast after the 1953 US Senate hearings into the indecency of comic books. Along the way, we spend a lot of time in New York City—particularly in the Empire State Building, and we also make forays to a beach house in New Jersey and a naval base in Antarctica during WWII. The character-driven, Pulitzer Prize winning The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay is guaranteed to delight and entertain you, whether you read all 600 pages, or listen to the audio book, or do a little of both.

Crochet is THE hot needlecraft lately because it is easy to do and fun to gift others our creations -- but it's tough to get started. Make a granny square with me, and learn the fundamental stitches from which all other crochet projects are based.

Needed for the first meeting:

(1) Skein of ACRYLIC #4 (WORSTED WEIGHT) YARN, light color preferred — no navy or black
          Common brands: Red Heart, Caron, Lion

(1) Crochet hook, US Size H (8) or I (9)
          Either straight aluminum, plastic, or “ergonomic” is fine

These can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Michaels, or ordered online from Amazon

Casual Cards and Games Open Play will provide an opportunity for participants to choose from a variety of games that have been played in previous CCG workshops. An overview of offered games will be provided each week. This workshop will be for new and returning Cards and Games participants.

We will continue to enhance our bridge skills in a duplicate environment. Participants should have knowledge of conventions and techniques from previous semesters. Contact either workshop leader if you are unsure whether this workshop is appropriate for you.

You will learn to crochet a simple market bag. You will need 3 skeins of mercerized cotton. You may find them at Michaels, Walmart, or your local craft store. On Amazon, 3 skeins of Caron All Day Cotton (3.52 oz each/176 yards, various colors) cost about $12.00. You also need a 5mm crochet hook, stitch markers, a darning needle, and scissors. 

Do you enjoy spending time with your grandchildren — and would love to surprise them with something new and exciting? This workshop is designed for people who are curious, creative, and ready to learn something fun! We’ll discuss how computer programs really work while creating simple animations, games, and interactive stories. Scratch® is a free, easy-to-use online program that lets you create projects by snapping colorful blocks together — much like building with LEGO® bricks. Absolutely no experience is required. Whether you want to better understand the digital world, learn a new skill, or impress the kids with your new tech skills, this workshop is a wonderful place to start. Come learn, laugh, and create with us! You will need to bring a laptop (Windows, Apple Mac, or Chromebook). Tablets, iPads, and mobile phones won't work.

This workshop is an anthropological look at a select few aspects of human nature. We are reminded that Nature, through evolution, is more of a tinkerer than a master designer. A combination of lecture, discussion and short videos will be used to examine our physical and cognitive design imperfections. Topics will also include human cooperation and human aggression. 

An in-depth analysis and discussion of "All Things SCOTUS." Emphasis is on the current Court but prior decisions will be reviewed in light of current events and trends.

Not in Session 6/17, 6/24

What makes a great villain? Shakespeare certainly knew. Let's delve into the evil schemes of Iago, Cassius, Lady Macbeth, Claudius, Richard III, Regan & Goneril, and some debatable ones. We will not be reading whole plays, just the evil parts.