The world faces a growing threat from Iran's pursuit of nuclear weaponry, growing ballistic missile capabilities, expanding conventional forces, terror sponsorship, continuing efforts to destabilize regional governments, and increasing brazenness in confronting the United States and its allies in the region and beyond. The United States and the West should abandon nuclear negotiations with Iran, seek to further isolate it around the world, and, most importantly, build alliances with Iran's increasingly restive population, from which its next leaders will come.

Recent research supports the hypothesis that dance and yoga reverse aging, as does positive thought processes. Come join Kathy Hankins and learn about Yogadance, a practice that incorporates the benefits of yoga and dance with a touch "forget your age" brain trickery to physically and mentally turn back the clock. It is suitable for all types of people including the non-yogi and the experienced yogi. It's not a lot of work, but produces a generous benefit. Wear comfortable clothes that will allow movement and mild stretching and bring a yoga mat.

(See other class in this series: #144.) What does it mean to create boldly in one’s seventies, eighties, and beyond? Inspired by Goya’s famous inscription—“I am still learning”—this two-part series explores great artists who reached extraordinary new heights late in life. Far from slowing down, these masters continued to innovate, experiment with new media, and reshape the course of art history.

Part 1 journeys from the Renaissance to the French Revolution, examining the late works of Donatello, Michelangelo, Bernini, and Goya—artists who transformed sculpture and painting well past what we might call “retirement age.”

In the spring of 2023, after nearly one hundred years as the “Colonials,” George Washington University changed its moniker to the “Revolutionaries.” In this talk, Professor Denver Brunsman, Chair of the GW History Department, will discuss the university’s moniker change and George Washington’s credentials as a “revolutionary.” Although not as radical as many of his fellow revolutionaries, Washington was at the forefront of the American Revolution and came to define a particularly American style of political revolution.

Are you ready to get the most out of your European travel? Here are tips on how to plan and pace your days, deal with the weather, travel between locations, personal safety while you’re abroad, experience the local food and culture, language and customs, etc. European Travel Specialist Barbara Paulson offers tips on enjoying your time in Europe. See also January 11 class #106 “European Travel Planning.”

In the spring of 2023, after nearly one hundred years as the “Colonials,” George Washington University changed its moniker to the “Revolutionaries.” In this talk, Professor Denver Brunsman, Chair of the GW History Department, will discuss the university’s moniker change and George Washington’s credentials as a “revolutionary.” Although not as radical as many of his fellow revolutionaries, Washington was at the forefront of the American Revolution and came to define a particularly American style of political revolution.

How do we stand before the world’s pain and promise and keep hope and courage alive? Journalist and podcast host Krista Tippett has spent a career in search of answers to that question. She’ll offer three practices to help you make sense of what it means to be human right now — and how to live in a way that helps remake the world for the better. We’ll watch this TED talk together and then engage in dialogue about it. Refreshments will be served! (See other TED Talk discussions, class #146, 186, and 224.)

Around Cambridge University early in the 20th century, a group of intellectuals met regularly to talk, to think, and to express their inherent superiority to the rest of humanity...in an understated British fashion. Including writers Virginia Woolf and E. M. Forster, economist John Maynard Keynes, and philosopher Bertrand Russell, norms were violated, puns were made, and drinks were poured. We will meet the cast of characters and discuss their ideas. (For more "World of Ideas" classes:  see class #156, 206, 246)

Take a virtual tour of Brilliant Exiles now at the National Portrait Gallery and discover the creative genius of American women. During the early twentieth century, Paris was the destination of choice for talented and independent American women artists who were determined to move beyond the limitations that restricted them at home. Their backgrounds were varied, from heiress Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney to African-American Lois Mailou Jones to Washington, D.C.’s own Alice Pike Barney and her talented daughters, plus many others to be highlighted in the class.

By 1924, George and Ira Gershwin’s individual successes on Broadway had earned them enough clout to work exclusively together, resulting in their astonishing creative output. Julie Kurzava will look back at Broadway in the 1920's, exploring the distinctive musical characteristics of a Gershwin song, while listening to great interpreters of standards now considered America’s classical music.

By 1924, George and Ira Gershwin’s individual successes on Broadway had earned them enough clout to work exclusively together, resulting in their astonishing creative output. Julie Kurzava will look back at Broadway in the 1920's, exploring the distinctive musical characteristics of a Gershwin song, while listening to great interpreters of standards now considered America’s classical music.

In recent years, no subject has been safe from America’s culture wars, including the country’s indispensable founder, George Washington. In this lecture, Professor Denver Brunsman of George Washington University will use the current cultural moment to reconsider our first president in commemoration of the upcoming 291st anniversary of Washington’s birth. While Washington’s conduct as a slaveholder has undoubtedly diminished his reputation, Professor Brunsman will share a host of other areas, many surprising, in which America’s Father can still inspire and guide us.