March Topic Schedule

March 4 How Fragile are Democracies Patti

March 11 Northern Triangle of Central America Myron

March 18 No Classes Spring Break

March 25 No Classes Semester Break

What is artificial intelligence?

“In computer science, the term artificial intelligence (AI) refers to any human-like intelligence exhibited by a computer, robot, or other machine. In popular usage, artificial intelligence refers to the ability of a computer or machine to mimic the capabilities of the human mind—learning from examples and experience, recognizing objects, understanding and responding to language, making decisions, solving problems—and combining these and other capabilities to perform functions a human might perform, such as greeting a hotel guest or driving a car.” IBM.com

Join us this Thursday as William and Charlie guide us through this interesting and often scary topic. Here’s a short video demonstrating how Google Assistant can make an appointment for you. Is the voice real or from a computer?

Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

Human trafficking and modern slavery have become major global issues in the last twenty years. Billions of dollars have been spent and laws have been enacted to criminalize human trafficking and yet the problem persists.

One of the major problems is getting consensus on just what is human trafficking. What is the difference between trafficking and smuggling? What is the difference between slavery and slave-like conditions? Should minors who voluntarily engage in hazardous work be considered victims? Why does sex trafficking get more attention than  labor trafficking which is far more prevalent?  Nations that allow trafficking to persist may be sanctioned, but this rarely happens. Instead, nations are “named and shamed” but is this effective?  What is the U.S. foreign policy on human trafficking? 

Join us, this Thursday, for David’s presentation on this complicated topic.

October 22: SARS CoV2 Vaccines

Lois and Donna will use their considerable knowledge in nursing and public health to give us up-to-date and reliable information about the status of a vaccine for Covid 19. They will explain the nature of viruses, the different types of vaccines and the stages of clinical trials. You will learn the progress being made towards a vaccine by pharmaceutical companies like Moderna, Pfizer, Merc and more.There will be ample time for discussion using breakout rooms and at the conclusion of their presentation. Join us this Thursday, October 22, at 1:00. You won’t be disappointed.

Effects of COVID-19 on the World Economy

David will present an updated review of the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the quarantines imposed around the world.  While there are many variables in the infection rates, the three most likely scenarios will be examined for their impact on local and national economies.

You don’t want to miss this presentation so  join us, October 1 at 1:00 pm for David’s talk. William usually starts informal discussions around 12:30 so feel free to come early and join the conversation.

How Financial Technology is Changing the World

Myron will show how innovation in financial technology, called fintech, is impacting the lives of billions of people around the world including 20 million people in the U.S. who do not have access to financial services. Some experts say the global economy is undergoing the largest technological transformation in history. That’s more than the telephone, automobile, and electricity combined! Fintech is a large part of this transformation. Learn more at our next Great Decisions.

The Future of Globalization

How has the Coronavirus impacted globalization? Has it helped or has it made the response weaker? How will it change, if at all, when the current pandemic is over? William will address these questions and more at our next Great Decisions this Thursday, June 25 at 1:00. The Zoom link will be sent to you soon.

This is our last class of the summer. We will be back in September. Remember to renew your OLLI membership for the fall and encourage others to join as well.

Economics and COVID 19

Two weeks ago, David gave us an excellent presentation on the medical aspects of COVID 19. This week, he shares his research about the economic impact of COVID 19. Class begins at 1:00. William will open the Zoom meeting around 12:30 so we can get together and chat prior to class.

World Health Organization

The Trump Administration cut ties with the World Health Organization at the end of May. Why was this done? The answer may surprise you. What is the purpose of the World Health Organization? How has its mission changed over the last 70 years? Learn the answers to these questions and more at our next Great Decisions class, Thursday, June 11, at 1:00.

Here’s some supplementary information I wanted to include in Thursday’s presentation but couldn’t fit it in.

Did you know there was a plague outbreak in San Francisco in 1900 that the Governor tried to hide? Here’s a brief video I made. https://youtu.be/SOKws1ouJQA

An open letter to President Trump about The WHO. https://wp.me/a32Zol-vc

An interview with Dr. Szeming Sze and the founding of The WHO https://wp.me/a32Zol-vm

Climate Change and the Global Order

Here’s another video recently released by the Foreign Policy Association