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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 05-06-2024 to 05-13-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: David WoodruffTerm: 2024-2Location: Oasis RochesterThe Battle Against Blunders. No general ever sets out to be a failure. So, it’s a bit of a surprise to find so many of them who ended up that way. Especially because you normally have to work your way up through the ranks to get to the position where you can be a poor general. But one truth of military history is that it is one thing to take orders and... read moreThe Battle Against Blunders. No general ever sets out to be a failure. So, it’s a bit of a surprise to find so many of them who ended up that way. Especially because you normally have to work your way up through the ranks to get to the position where you can be a poor general. But one truth of military history is that it is one thing to take orders and carry them out. It’s another thing entirely to give orders. Here will examine just a few of those who gave less than successful orders during their service. Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via in person only.
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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 05-06-2024 to 05-13-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: David WoodruffTerm: 2024-2Location: ZoomThe Battle Against Blunders. No general ever sets out to be a failure. So, it’s a bit of a surprise to find so many of them who ended up that way. Especially because you normally have to work your way up through the ranks to get to the position where you can be a poor general. But one truth of military history is that it is one thing to take orders and... read more
The Battle Against Blunders. No general ever sets out to be a failure. So, it’s a bit of a surprise to find so many of them who ended up that way. Especially because you normally have to work your way up through the ranks to get to the position where you can be a poor general. But one truth of military history is that it is one thing to take orders and carry them out. It’s another thing entirely to give orders. Here will examine just a few of those who gave less than successful orders during their service. Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via Zoom only. You must have access to a computer/tablet/phone with audio and video capability.
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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 06-03-2024 to 06-10-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: David WoodruffTerm: 2024-2Location: ZoomThird Republic vs. Third Reich. Ever since the age of Napoleon, the French military had been one of the best in all of Europe. That is, until 1940, when it joined with countries like Italy in the league of military jokes. France’s defeat was so rapid that the entire campaign was over in six weeks. And the leader of the French Republic even telephoned... read moreThird Republic vs. Third Reich. Ever since the age of Napoleon, the French military had been one of the best in all of Europe. That is, until 1940, when it joined with countries like Italy in the league of military jokes. France’s defeat was so rapid that the entire campaign was over in six weeks. And the leader of the French Republic even telephoned Churchill to tell him they had lost after only six days. The German victory was so sudden, even the German generals were shocked. So, how did it all end up on a beach in Dunkirk? What went wrong? Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via Zoom only. You must have access to a computer/tablet/phone with audio and video capability.
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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 06-03-2024 to 06-10-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: David WoodruffTerm: 2024-2Location: Oasis RochesterThird Republic vs. Third Reich. Ever since the age of Napoleon, the French military had been one of the best in all of Europe. That is, until 1940, when it joined with countries like Italy in the league of military jokes. France’s defeat was so rapid that the entire campaign was over in six weeks. And the leader of the French Republic even telephoned... read more
Third Republic vs. Third Reich. Ever since the age of Napoleon, the French military had been one of the best in all of Europe. That is, until 1940, when it joined with countries like Italy in the league of military jokes. France’s defeat was so rapid that the entire campaign was over in six weeks. And the leader of the French Republic even telephoned Churchill to tell him they had lost after only six days. The German victory was so sudden, even the German generals were shocked. So, how did it all end up on a beach in Dunkirk? What went wrong? Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via in person only.
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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 06-17-2024 to 06-24-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: David WoodruffTerm: 2024-2Location: Oasis RochesterWar Crimes Before the Hague. If you rob a bank and get caught in almost every country, you go to jail—if they don’t shoot you. But what if the government of one country sets out to rob all the banks of an entire continent—and commit thousands of other crimes as well? Before WWII, they sent you to Elba. But German and Japanese leaders raised the... read moreWar Crimes Before the Hague. If you rob a bank and get caught in almost every country, you go to jail—if they don’t shoot you. But what if the government of one country sets out to rob all the banks of an entire continent—and commit thousands of other crimes as well? Before WWII, they sent you to Elba. But German and Japanese leaders raised the stakes so high, exile would not be a fitting punishment. The only trouble is, how to you punish people who technically didn’t break the laws in their country—and for things you did yourself? Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via in person only.
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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 06-17-2024 to 06-24-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: David WoodruffTerm: 2024-2Location: ZoomWar Crimes Before the Hague. If you rob a bank and get caught in almost every country, you go to jail—if they don’t shoot you. But what if the government of one country sets out to rob all the banks of an entire continent—and commit thousands of other crimes as well? Before WWII, they sent you to Elba. But German and Japanese leaders raised the stakes... read more
War Crimes Before the Hague. If you rob a bank and get caught in almost every country, you go to jail—if they don’t shoot you. But what if the government of one country sets out to rob all the banks of an entire continent—and commit thousands of other crimes as well? Before WWII, they sent you to Elba. But German and Japanese leaders raised the stakes so high, exile would not be a fitting punishment. The only trouble is, how to you punish people who technically didn’t break the laws in their country—and for things you did yourself? Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via Zoom only. You must have access to a computer/tablet/phone with audio and video capability.
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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 07-01-2024 to 07-08-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: David WoodruffTerm: 2024-2Location: Oasis RochesterNine Days Queen. In the history of England, every text will tell you about Henry VIII’s son Edward VI, who was followed up by Queen Mary. Who gave her throne to Elizabeth I. But England had another queen, their first. A woman the English tried to sweep under the rug. She signed her name: Jane the Queen. But she only lasted nine days. Her story may be the... read moreNine Days Queen. In the history of England, every text will tell you about Henry VIII’s son Edward VI, who was followed up by Queen Mary. Who gave her throne to Elizabeth I. But England had another queen, their first. A woman the English tried to sweep under the rug. She signed her name: Jane the Queen. But she only lasted nine days. Her story may be the ultimate tale of palace intrigue. Pitting noble house against noble house in a tale that features greed and religious struggles that would rival any party politics going on today. Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via in person only.
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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 07-01-2024 to 07-08-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: David WoodruffTerm: 2024-2Location: ZoomNine Days Queen. In the history of England, every text will tell you about Henry VIII’s son Edward VI, who was followed up by Queen Mary. Who gave her throne to Elizabeth I. But England had another queen, their first. A woman the English tried to sweep under the rug. She signed her name: Jane the Queen. But she only lasted nine days. Her story may be the... read more
Nine Days Queen. In the history of England, every text will tell you about Henry VIII’s son Edward VI, who was followed up by Queen Mary. Who gave her throne to Elizabeth I. But England had another queen, their first. A woman the English tried to sweep under the rug. She signed her name: Jane the Queen. But she only lasted nine days. Her story may be the ultimate tale of palace intrigue. Pitting noble house against noble house in a tale that features greed and religious struggles that would rival any party politics going on today. Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via Zoom only. You must have access to a computer/tablet/phone with audio and video capability.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 05-14-2024 to 05-14-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 1:00 PM → 2:30 AMInstructor: Dick Campbell, Amateur GenealogistTerm: 2024-2Location: Oasis RochesterDick is an amateur genealogist and collector of dose glasses (small cups used to measure medicine). These two fields of interest have led to the items and historical snippets that will be discussed during a presentation on the History of Pharmacies in Western New York. He’ll profile a number of druggists from the Rochester area, including some who were... read moreDick is an amateur genealogist and collector of dose glasses (small cups used to measure medicine). These two fields of interest have led to the items and historical snippets that will be discussed during a presentation on the History of Pharmacies in Western New York. He’ll profile a number of druggists from the Rochester area, including some who were also abolitionists, women’s rights advocates, Civil War veterans, philanthropists, political figures, and a Medal of Honor winner. -
Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 06-04-2024 to 06-11-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 1:00 PM → 2:00 PMInstructor: Bonnie Fox, retired biology teacherTerm: 2024-2Location: Oasis RochesterSugar is said to have changed the world. Join us as we explore the history, the agricultural story, as well as how sugar changed the economics of the world and the lives of those who consumed sugar as well as those who lived under the tyranny of slavery that supported the growth of the “sweet... read moreSugar is said to have changed the world. Join us as we explore the history, the agricultural story, as well as how sugar changed the economics of the world and the lives of those who consumed sugar as well as those who lived under the tyranny of slavery that supported the growth of the “sweet reed.” -
Sessions: 3Class Date(s): 06-11-2024 to 06-25-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: Laurence Britt, author and commentator on political and economic affairsTerm: 2024-2Location: Oasis RochesterIn the 1930’s, author Sinclair Lewis wrote a dystopian novel, “It Can’t Happen Here,” about fascism coming to America. This course will explore that subject given the current status of the political environment in America. The rise of fascism has been one of the most destructive movements of the past hundred years, bringing oppression, war and... read moreIn the 1930’s, author Sinclair Lewis wrote a dystopian novel, “It Can’t Happen Here,” about fascism coming to America. This course will explore that subject given the current status of the political environment in America. The rise of fascism has been one of the most destructive movements of the past hundred years, bringing oppression, war and devastation in its path. Yet few really understand what fascism is, why it appeals and how it has gained power so extensively in recent history. This course will attempt to define exactly what fascism is based on its characteristics and will cover the experience of living under fascist regimes. The course will also address the reasons why a fascist mentality appeals to such large segments of a given population, even in contemporary settings. Recent trends and events in the American political environment have led many to think that incipient fascism is a possibility even here. Is this really possible or even conceivable in America given our established democratic institutions? Laurence Britt is a published author on aspects of fascism and has presented numerous classes on modern history at Oasis over the past fourteen years.
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Sessions: 3Class Date(s): 06-11-2024 to 06-25-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: Laurence Britt, author and commentator on political and economic affairsTerm: 2024-2Location: ZoomIn the 1930’s, author Sinclair Lewis wrote a dystopian novel, “It Can’t Happen Here,” about fascism coming to America. This course will explore that subject given the current status of the political environment in America. The rise of fascism has been one of the most destructive movements of the past hundred years, bringing oppression, war and... read more
In the 1930’s, author Sinclair Lewis wrote a dystopian novel, “It Can’t Happen Here,” about fascism coming to America. This course will explore that subject given the current status of the political environment in America. The rise of fascism has been one of the most destructive movements of the past hundred years, bringing oppression, war and devastation in its path. Yet few really understand what fascism is, why it appeals and how it has gained power so extensively in recent history. This course will attempt to define exactly what fascism is based on its characteristics and will cover the experience of living under fascist regimes. The course will also address the reasons why a fascist mentality appeals to such large segments of a given population, even in contemporary settings. Recent trends and events in the American political environment have led many to think that incipient fascism is a possibility even here. Is this really possible or even conceivable in America given our established democratic institutions? Laurence Britt is a published author on aspects of fascism and has presented numerous classes on modern history at Oasis over the past fourteen years. This class is presented via Zoom. You must have a computer/table/phone with audio and video capability.
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Sessions: 3Class Date(s): 07-09-2024 to 07-23-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 1:00 PM → 2:30 AMInstructor: Otto Bruno, author 'Barney Miller and the Files of the Ol' One-Two’Term: 2024-2Location: Oasis RochesterFlip Wilson was an up and coming stand up comedian in the 1960s. His popular appearances with Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson, and Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In earned him a chance at his own variety series in the fall of 1970. By the end of the first season it was the #2 show on television. Wilson was a charismatic comedian and performer who welcomed all the... read moreFlip Wilson was an up and coming stand up comedian in the 1960s. His popular appearances with Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson, and Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In earned him a chance at his own variety series in the fall of 1970. By the end of the first season it was the #2 show on television. Wilson was a charismatic comedian and performer who welcomed all the greats of show biz to share the stage with himself and characters like Reverend Leroy, Herbie the Ice Cream Man, and the incomparable Geraldine Jones. Join us as we jump into the time machine to watch some priceless moments of TV and revisit the joy that was The Flip Wilson Show! What you see is what you get, honey! -
Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 08-06-2024 to 08-06-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 10:00 AM → 11:30 AMInstructor: Cindy Boyer, Landmark SocietyTerm: 2024-2Location: Stone Tolan Historic SiteThe Stone-Tolan House Historic Site is the oldest in the county. For over 200 years, it has been many things to many people. To Orringh and Elizabeth Stone it was home and work; a farm and tavern. To neighbors, it was a place to gather for a drink in the tavern room, and plan the government for their new town of Brighton. To the traveler, it was shelter... read moreThe Stone-Tolan House Historic Site is the oldest in the county. For over 200 years, it has been many things to many people. To Orringh and Elizabeth Stone it was home and work; a farm and tavern. To neighbors, it was a place to gather for a drink in the tavern room, and plan the government for their new town of Brighton. To the traveler, it was shelter from the wilderness of early 19th century New York. The house has never been moved, it’s firmly rooted on the original site. What will this place be to you? Decide after you’ve experienced the tavern room, kitchen (that’s the part built in 1792), parlor-bedroom, summer kitchen, orchard herb and kitchen gardens, smokehouse, and privy. The Stone-Tolan House represents the private and the public activities of a household and rural tavern on the frontier in Brighton, NY between 1790 and 1820. This will be a walking tour, so please be prepared with comfortable shoes! RSVP by 8/2 at noon. -
Sessions: 4Class Date(s): 06-05-2024 to 06-26-2024Day(s) of the week: WednesdayTime: 1:00 PM → 4:00 PMInstructor: Otto Bruno, author 'Barney Miller and the Files of the Ol' One-Two’Term: 2024-2Location: Oasis RochesterHe was suave, sophisticated, and handsome. Women wanted to be with him and men wanted to be him. In fact, Grant once said to a reporter, "Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant." A revealing quote that hints at the artifice of Hollywood creations. Yet the one definite truth is that Cary Grant was a great comedic actor. He possessed... read moreHe was suave, sophisticated, and handsome. Women wanted to be with him and men wanted to be him. In fact, Grant once said to a reporter, "Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant." A revealing quote that hints at the artifice of Hollywood creations. Yet the one definite truth is that Cary Grant was a great comedic actor. He possessed not only a gift for physical comedy that was rare among romantic leading men but he could deliver dialogue as gracefully as any star of the classic period. He made it look so easy that few appreciated his greatness during his years on the big screen. Join us for this delightful romp through four of Grant's early classic performances. -
Sessions: 4Class Date(s): 07-10-2024 to 07-31-2024Day(s) of the week: WednesdayTime: 1:00 PM → 4:00 PMInstructor: Otto Bruno, author 'Barney Miller and the Files of the Ol' One-Two’Term: 2024-2Location: Oasis RochesterFord is unquestionably the greatest director of Western films in Hollywood history and yet his four Oscars for Best Director were all for non-Western films. Nevertheless, Ford identified most with that aspect of his career once famously introducing himself as, "John Ford. I make Westerns." In this course, we'll examine four of his most famous and popular... read moreFord is unquestionably the greatest director of Western films in Hollywood history and yet his four Oscars for Best Director were all for non-Western films. Nevertheless, Ford identified most with that aspect of his career once famously introducing himself as, "John Ford. I make Westerns." In this course, we'll examine four of his most famous and popular tales of the Old West. We'll examine Ford's sometimes questionable but almost always successful methods as a director and meet his "stock company" of players including John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Harry Carey Jr., and Ben Johnson, to name a few. It 's guaranteed to be an entertaining trip through American and Hollywood history.
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