Did you know that Marriott International started as an A&W Root Beer stand in Washington, DC in 1927? In this class, we'll explore Marriott's history and the company's integral connection with cars. Not only did the stands, named Hot Shoppes, expand because of their drive-ins, but the lodging business began as motor hotels at the advent of the Interstate Highway System. Highlights from the history of the company and its growth, including its move to Bethesda in 1955 and to its new headquarters building in 2022, will be featured.

Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell (1943- ) is one of the most highly respected songwriters of the 20th century. After making her mark in folk music, she explored jazz stylings, and is now known for her paintings as well as her music, many of which grace her album covers. Her continual struggle for artistic independence has made her a role model for other indie artists, and she is often critical of today’s popular music industry.

A combination of Europeans and American ex-pats between the World Wars found themselves pushing the boundaries of literature, art, and ideas. Pablo Picasso, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker, and Coco Channel gathered regularly to contemplate a world without boundaries. (For more "World of Ideas" classes:  see class #117, 206, 246)

On February 12, 1924, at New York's Aeolian Hall, the world heard George Gershwin's groundbreaking "Rhapsody in Blue" for the very first time. Now, 100 years (and 3 days) later, Seth Kibel will bring you the story behind this seminal composition, which fuses jazz and classical music in a way that still stirs the soul a century later. We'll discuss the unusual circumstances behind the genesis of this work and the magical triumvirate of Gershwin, orchestrator Ferde Grofé, and bandleader Paul Whiteman that led to its creation.

The climate in Maryland is changing, as it is everywhere. Shifting weather characteristics include the timing and intensity of storms, the duration of extreme heat events, the length of droughts, frequency of wildfire and noticeable changes in our environment. The myriad consequences of these changing characteristics include an escalating incidence of major climate-related disasters, implications to flood management infrastructure, increasing difficulties in achieving water quality standards, adequacy of HVAC systems in buildings and implications to human health. In addressing these issues, the importance of integrating the principles of environmental justice into the early stage of planning has become evident as communities place-bound by culture or poverty are often the most vulnerable to these climate-induced consequences. (See related classes # 111, 153, and 243) Fortunately, Maryland is making progress and has emerged as a national and international leader in mitigation, adaptation and climate justice.  Dr. Goodwin will provide an overview of these efforts as well as progress at the international and national level.

The climate in Maryland is changing, as it is everywhere. Shifting weather characteristics include the timing and intensity of storms, the duration of extreme heat events, the length of droughts, frequency of wildfire and noticeable changes in our environment. The myriad consequences of these changing characteristics include an escalating incidence of major climate-related disasters, implications to flood management infrastructure, increasing difficulties in achieving water quality standards, adequacy of HVAC systems in buildings and implications to human health. In addressing these issues, the importance of integrating the principles of environmental justice into the early stage of planning has become evident as communities place-bound by culture or poverty are often the most vulnerable to these climate-induced consequences. (See related classes # 111, 153, and 243) Fortunately, Maryland is making progress and has emerged as a national and international leader in mitigation, adaptation and climate justice.  Dr. Goodwin will provide an overview of these efforts as well as progress at the international and national level.

WISE Cities is an interdisciplinary team of students, experts, and older adults who are building a website to connect older adults to community resources and activities.  Their goal is to build trusted channels for older adults, organizations, businesses, and municipalities to find each other and thrive as a unified community. The purpose of this event is for the WISE Cities team to share a demo of their website and collect your feedback about it.  No technical expertise required.  And lunch will be served to all who participate! For more information about WISE Cities:  About | WISE Cities

Few 20th century architects have been as praised, and criticized, as Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret). A pioneer in modern architecture, Le Corbusier famously said, “Modern decorative art has no decoration.” In this talk, we look at Le Corbusier’s designs for private homes, public housing, churches, even a remaking of central Paris, and at his architectural and urban planning ideas that have had a lasting influence in architecture today, for better or worse.

Few 20th century architects have been as praised, and criticized, as Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret). A pioneer in modern architecture, Le Corbusier famously said, “Modern decorative art has no decoration.” In this talk, we look at Le Corbusier’s designs for private homes, public housing, churches, even a remaking of central Paris, and at his architectural and urban planning ideas that have had a lasting influence in architecture today, for better or worse.

No matter what "balance" may mean to you, the theme will inspire us during a guided meditation and a visual exploration of "balance" in a mandala. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have created a one-of-a-kind artwork communicating your particular experience. No prior experience required, and everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level. All materials will be provided.