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Charles V and Suleyman the Magnificent: Rulers of Colliding Worlds
Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and Turkish Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent waged a 16-year battle for control of Europe. Bestselling author James Reston, Jr. recounts this epic clash that established the border between Islam and Christendom.
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Faberge, Tiffany, and Lalique: Master Jewelers of the Gilded Age
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
Faberge, Tiffany, and Lalique—jewelers to the monarchy and moneyed aristocracy whose designs epitomized the luxurious Gilded Age. In this illustrated seminar, Gemologist Martin Fuller highlights their artistry and the intrigue surrounding them.
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Savoring Life with Ernest “Papa” Hemingway
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
Share drinks such as the Jack Rose, popularized in Hemingway's life and work, as you explore his growth as an author from his life in 1920s Paris to his years in Key West and Cuba to his work as a war correspondent and other experiences.
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Lessons on Caring for an Aging Parent
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Clinical psychologist Janis Spring addresses the many emotional issues that children caring for aging parents deal with—the happiness and heartache of the job and how we can balance our needs against those of our parents.
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Imaginative Writing: The Elements of Craft
Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Award-winning author Suzanne Chazin teaches this practical writing seminar on how voice, character, and setting are used to create stories that enlighten, engage, and inspire. Examples and exercises are included.
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The War of the Romantic Composers
Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Probe how such master composers as Liszt, Wagner, and Brahms battled for the "future of music"—each trying to outdo the other with their compositions in the middle and late years of the 19th century.
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Mastering Crossword Puzzles
Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Learn skills for completing even the most challenging puzzles in this day led by Stanley Newman, crossword editor for Newsday, winner of the U.S. Crossword Championship, and holder of the world's record for the fastest completion of a NYT's Crossword
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Between Earth and Sky: Historic Cities of Holland and Belgium
Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Scholar Ursula Wolfman focuses on the historical, architectural, and artistic development of the legendary cities of Holland and Belgium—Amsterdam, Delft, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Brussels—from the Saxon invasions to the Modern era.
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The Virginia Ale Trail: New Brews in the Old Dominion
Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 1 p.m.
Meet four of Virginia's leading artisan brewers and taste some of their varied and flavorful brews as they talk about the process of creating some of their best beers in this 'hopping' afternoon at the Brickskeller.
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Apollo’s Sanctuary at Delphi: Prophecy, Profits, and the Shaping of the Ancient World
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
Apollo's sanctuary at Delphi was the most successful oracular shrine of the ancient world for over 1,000 years. Scholar Christopher Gregg reconstructs Delphi and the prophecies uttered by Apollo's chief priestess, the Pythia.
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Malaysia’s Jewels: World Heritage Cities of the Straits of Malacca
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
In 2008, the cities of George Town on Penang Island and Malacca (Melaka) were added to the World Heritage List. Lawrence Butler explores the cultural heritage of each, both with over 500 years of trade and cultural exchange along a great sea route.
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Baseball-ese
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
Join the man described as the Webster of Baseball Paul Dickson, and Phil Hochberg, former stadium announcer for the Washington Senators, in a lively discussion on the fascinating origins and development of some of our most treasured baseball terms.
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Bestselling Author Kathy Reichs: The Magic of Forensics and Fiction
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 12 p.m.
Best-selling author Kathy Reichs brings back Tempe Brennan in her 12th novel (and on which the popular TV series, Bones, is based). Chilling forensic descriptions and riveting suspense is the theme in Reichs' new book, 206 Bones.
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American Jewish Practices and Beliefs: A Comparative Look
Friday, September 11, 2009 at 10 a.m.
This seminar explores the variety of Jewish denominations—Orthodoxy, Reform, Hasidism, and Conservative—in terms of the histories, beliefs, and practices. Their differences, similarities, and what their futures might hold are explored.
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The Magical Flute
Friday, September 11, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.
National Symphony Orchestra flutist Aaron Goldman and cellist Yvonne Caruthers explore the flute as a musical instrument, how it has evolved, and the classical works in the flute repertoire in this seminar featuring live flute performance.
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Four Centuries of England’s Country Houses
Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 10 a.m.
Explore some of England's most stately homes from the 16th century to the 1930s and discover magnificent architecture and exquisite treasures. Learn about the succession of residents—some celebrated, others scandalous—who shaped their history.
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Belize of the Maya
Monday, September 14, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
A thousand years before the Europeans arrived, a vibrant Mayan civilization flourished throughout the territory that is now Belize. This evening seminar provides an overview of the Mayan ruins, as well as the superb natural diversity of Belize.
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Libya’s Journey From the Ancient World to the Present
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
A look at modern Libya's search for political identity and economic stability through its long history up to its recent re-establishment of diplomatic ties with the U.S.
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From East Side to West Side Story: A Musical Evolution
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
An American Broadway classic is revisited for its 50th anniversary. Enjoy a night of song and story with Jesse Parker as he shares the music from Tonight to Maria and how the original script has evolved since its inception.
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A Simple Explanation of Complexity Science
Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
What guides self-organizing structures like the immune system, the World Wide Web, the global economy, and the human genome? Complexity science seeks to answers these elusive questions, as explained by scientist Melanie Mitchell in her new book.
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Traveling the Bible: St. Paul’s Journeys and Writings
Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 10 a.m.
Follow the footsteps of St. Paul through ancient Mediterranean cities and towns. Christian studies professor Mitchell G. Reddish brings to life the travels and letters of the Apostle Paul with archaeological findings and a wealth of images.
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Joyce Carol Oates: A Master of the Story
Monday, September 21, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Joyce Carol Oates reflects on the trajectory of her remarkable career—from her youth on a farm in rural New York, to the people, places, and events that influenced, challenged, and inspired her, to her approach to writing and the writer's life.
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What’s Up on the Hill?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 10 a.m.
In this daylong seminar, join Face the Nation moderator Bob Schieffer behind the scenes of the legislative branch of our government. Learn how Congress works, meet Senate committee members, and learn how Congressional reporters cover the action.
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Alvin F. Poussaint—Helping Children Achieve Their Full Potential
Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Alvin F. Poussaint, one of the country's leading child psychiatrists, discusses the negative impact of media images on children and families and what parents, educators, and role models can do to help raise physically and emotionally healthy children.
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Hurry Up and Relax!
Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
Learn the signs of stress and mind/body techniques for tension reduction in this interactive and humorous evening seminar with health psychologist Ann Webster of the Benson-Henry Institute.
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In the Footsteps of the Buddha
Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
The historical Buddha (born as a prince in 5th century B.C. in North India) traveled and taught along roads and valleys of the subcontinent. Robert DeCaroli traces the Buddha's travels across South Asia through artistic and architectural remains.
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A Visual Delight: Robert Kushner’s Red Geranium
Friday, September 25, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
Meet artist Robert Kushner as he shares his stories of the creative process and unveils his latest limited edition print created for the Art Collectors Program: Red Geranium. A reception and viewing of the print follows.
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A Tour of the Reformation in Germany
Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany hosts this seminar taught by scholar Mitchell Merback that tours the sites and cities, ideas and aspirations, and alliances and divisions that shaped the European experience for centuries.
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Ancient Egypt’s Hidden Treasures
Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 10 a.m.
Join renowned Egyptologist Bob Brier on a daylong tour of some of the hidden sites in Egypt from Serabit el Khadem to the Fayum Oasis, a trip filled with pyramids, gold coffins, and Dynastic history.
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Understanding Afghanistan: Turbulent Past, Challenging Future
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
This program provides a deeper understanding of Afghanistan's history, current and future developments. Moderated by Ambassador Walter Cutler, it features Dr. Barnett Rubin, Ambassador Said Jawad, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, and author Steve Coll.
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Francine Prose on Anne Frank: A Writer’s Life
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
Anne Frank's Diary was a work of art as well as an extraordinary story. Francine Prose tells how this book became a force in the world—and establishes Anne Frank as the writer she always knew she was—and shares how a writer teaches about a writer.
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In the Land of the Totem Poles: Native Cultures of the Pacific Northwest
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
Scholar George Scheper surveys the culturally and artistically rich cultures of the Pacific Northwest (the Tlingit, the Haida, and the Kwakiutl), from finely carved argillite to totem poles that depicted clan history to elaborate potlatches.
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Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes: A Vibrant Mosaic of Theater, Music, and Dance
Friday, October 2, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Ambassador Sergey Kislyak welcomes you to his beautiful embassy to learn about Diaghilev's spectacular Ballets Russes in this seminar led by Saul Lilienstein and highlighted by DVD and music recordings. A buffet luncheon is served.
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St. Francis of Assisi: A New Look at the Beloved Saint
Monday, October 5, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
Using a brand new and stunning three dimensional recreation of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, John Benson highlights this beloved Saint's life and legacy.
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Charles Darwin - Live at the Smithsonian!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 7 p.m.
The 200th birthday of Charles Darwin is celebrated with a multi-media performance about his life and times by scientist Richard Milner. It features excerpts from Darwin's letters, other original sources, and newly uncovered illustrations.
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Toronto, the Livable City
Monday, October 19, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
Marc Glassman, winner of the Toronto Arts Award and a Smithsonian Journey Study Leader to the Toronto International Film Festival, leads an armchair tour of Toronto's culturally-alive neighborhoods, downtown core, and its many festivals.
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