The Friday Forum is a program for individuals who seek collaborative learning experiences and informed discussions. Each group member is a vital contributor to the Forum and is encouraged to lead a session every few semesters. The objective is to have group members increase their knowledge of significant issues facing us in the 21st century.
Jan. 30 The Inquiring Mind of Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell is a journalist, author and public speaker. He has been a staff writer for the New Yorker, published nine books and is the host of the podcast Revisionist History. OLLI member Joanna Clancy focuses on three of Gladwell’s themes: the elements necessary for a pandemic; the underappreciated events that aid in success; and the significance of the stories that we as a society tell ourselves about our history.
Feb. 6 Aerial Drones: From Annoying Toys to Major New Industry
Drone sightings in New Jersey in December 2024 triggered public concerns about aerial drones’ seemingly unconstrained access to our airspaces. Legislators have proposed rules restricting drones and even allowing people to shoot them down. In the meantime, large companies such as Amazon and Walmart are building drone delivery fleets. OLLI member Chris Pilloton delves into the experience of operating a commercial drone mission today and what the future of drone technology holds.
Feb. 20 My Fair Lady and the Science of Speech
Everyone knows My Fair Lady, but did you know about phonetics before Henry Higgins? Using the musical as a touchstone, OLLI member David Bergdahl explores topics such as the relation and tensions among folk speech, standard English and dialects, as well as the beginnings of linguistics.
March 13 Reforming the Electoral College
There are several flaws inherent in the current implementation of the U.S. Electoral College. For example, the person who loses the popular vote can become president, and presidential election campaigns are restricted to a few battleground states, demotivating many voters. Ted Fuller discusses a way to reform the Electoral College to avoid these and other pitfalls.
March 27 Women in the Military and in Combat
Ron Henderson reviews the history of women serving in various militaries around the world, in nearly every country, and in nearly every conflict going back to the dawn of recorded history. We focus on recent developments in the United States offering women a more prominent role in US military power. Lastly, we examine the issues and challenges that go into incorporating women into the various components of the US Armed Forces today.
April 10 Ho Chi Minh
A man of unappreciated complexity, Ho Chi Minh’s life spanned much of the twentieth century. OLLI volunteer Paul Stone describes Minh’s early years in Vietnam and later years abroad as a young man. We see what brought him into contact with world events and prominent figures and how he pushed for an end to French colonial rule.
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