Speaking For A Change

Best Actresses To Never Win An Oscar!
2018-03-01 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Vernon Township Senior Center, 16652 North Buffalo Grove Road,, Prairie View, IL, 60089, United States
The Oscars are designed to recognize the greatest achievements in the movies. But as you will see in this unique multimedia presentation, laden with film clips, Oscar has snubbed some of the greatest and most popular performers in cinema history!
This week we will be looking at the great ladies of the silver screen who have been denied the top acting awards! Some of the names on the list are sure to surprise you!
Although some of the stars we will feature actually did win honorary Oscars or lifetime achievement awards, it is nonetheless incomprehensible that some of Hollywood’s most important stars who appeared in acclaimed films never one an acting Oscar.
One example would be Kim Novak. In a ten year period she made six films that are considered cinema classics, yet she was never even nominated for an Oscar! Our top twenty list of snubbed actresses will definitely surprise you! Each choice be accompanied by insightful analysis, many film clips and numerous wonderful anecdotes.

The King And I
2018-03-02 10:00 - 11:30 | Private Venue
“The King and ” is one of the most beloved musicals of all time. The gorgeous music, sumptuous sets, phenomenal costumes and a fascinating story line all combine to make The King and I a musical that has had decades of popularity on the Broadway stage and as a major movie musical. The most recent Broadway revival, stage to perfection by Lincoln Center and pictured above, was a critical and popular smash.It won the Tony Award for Best Revival Of A Musical. This is the revival that is coming to the Broadway in Chicago series.
In this unique, brand new multimedia presentation, we will look at the true story behind “The King and I.” There actually was a British schoolteacher named Anna who went to Siam (as it was then called) in the mid-1800s to teach the children of the King. As you will see, the Broadway and Hollywood musical versions take great liberties with the true story. While we love the music, costumes, songs and sets, “The King and I” is actually banned and despised throughout Thailand today! We will look at all of that and so much more, including clips from all the different movie versions of the story. This is a presentation you simply will not want to miss!
We will trace the Broadway productions, featuring the glorious revival which will be appearing at Broadway in Chicago.
BONUS! Click here to read about the real life Anna!

Presidential Debates
2018-03-04 14:00 - 15:30 | Algonquin Area Public Library District, 2600 Harnish Dr. , lgonquin, IL 60102
Political polls in 1960 showed a race too close to call. One of the turning points that led to the victory of John F. Kennedy was his “victory” in a series of unprecedented televised debates with Richard Nixon. Before the debates, JFK was slightly behind. After the first debate he took a slim lead that he never relinquished. While Kennedy and Nixon became the first Presidential candidates to ever debate, they opened up public expectations about how campaigns would evolve.
Although there was a 16 year gap between the very first Presidential debates and the 1976 Ford- Carter debates, they have become significant fixtures in every subsequent election cycle. In some years (1960, 1984) they were crucial; in other years they have mattered little. Nonetheless, they draw huge audiences and invite intense media scrutiny. This multimedia presentation will present insights and analyses as we learn how and why Presidential debates matter.
Join us for a fascinating look at the history of all the Presidential debates!

PLEASE NOTE: This presentation is being offered by the Algonquin Public Library. The event is FREE, but registration is required.

1862 The Civil War Year By Year- The Battle For America
2018-03-05 09:30 - 23:00 | College of Lake County, 1120 S Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061, United States
1862 The Civil War At 150

A Nation Divided – 1862 The Civil War

When the Civil War began, both sides believed the war would end quickly. They could not have been more wrong. At the two day Battle of Shiloh,there were more American casualties than in the entire Revolutionary War, the War Of 1812 and the Mexican – American War – combined. Both sides realized that the War would be long and bloody and that the casualty count would stagger the imagination.
The Southern (“Confederate” traitors were helped in 1862 by good military leadership but their cause was hurt by inept political leadership fighting for the right to hold human beings as forced laborers sexual slaves under the guise of “State’s Rights.”
The United States Of America was hurt by uneven military leadership and helped enormously by political leadership that evolved and grew in purpose and resolve.
In this this week’s presentation we will trace the dual paths of the USA and the traitors and note the emergence of General Grant.

The Doolittle Raid - Flying Into Greatness
2018-03-06 09:30 - 11:30 | Private Venue
The Doolittle Raid: America Fights Back

After the deadly surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the USA wanted. Pres. Roosevelt knew that it would inevitably be a long war when we took on the forces of the Japanese Army and Navy. Our forces were insufficient before the devastating attack on Hawaii. nonetheless, FDR wanted to send a strong, clear, and unmistakable message to the Japanese: the United States WOULD fight back.
An Unexpected Plan
Col. Jimmy Doolitte volunteered to lead a group of raiders on one of the most audacious attacks of all time. The plan was to drop bombs on Tokyo in the middle of the daytime. The Japanese people have been told that their island was invulnerable to an outside attack. If the Doolittle Raiders were successful, their attack would be a shattering blow to the Japanese psyche. The only problem was that there was no practical way for American planes to attack the Japanese mainland. But utilizing American ingenuity, full support of Pres. Roosevelt and Gen. George C Marshall, and sheer bravado, the Doolittle Raiders flew into greatness.
The heart stopping story of the Doolittle raid makes for drilling multimedia presentation offered by master storyteller.

Diana: Life And Death Of The People's Princess
2018-03-14 10:30 - 12:00 | Warren Newport Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library 224 N Oplaine Rd,, Gurnee, IL, 60031,, United States
Diana: Glamorous And Tragic Life And Death Of a Princess
She was the “People’s Princess” beloved for her compassion as much as for her glamour.
Sweet, pretty Lady Diana Spencer was a shy and charming kindergarten teacher when she caught the eye of Prince Charles, heir to the throne of Great Britain. At first, to the public, her story seemed like a fairytale. A pretty young girl had been plucked out of obscurity to marry the dashing Prince. But the truth of Diana’s private life was very, very different from the public perception.
In 1981, an estimated 750 million people around the world watched the 20-year-old Diana marry her Prince amidst all the pomp and circumstance of the British Empire. But barely more than 10 years later she was bitterly divorced with two children, suffering from severe depression and eating disorders, brought out on by the realization that her cool and diffident husband had been having an affair with a long time girlfriend.
After Princess Diana’s ugly public divorce, she became an outcast from the British Royal family. Despite that, she became even more beloved by the British public! She was seen as an affectionate and doting mother, an icon of fashion style, and most importantly as a tireless champion for humanitarian causes. Diana met with Mother Teresa in an effort to bring attention to the global aid epidemic. She risked her life to try and read war zones of the scourge of land mines.
Wherever she went, whatever she did and whomever she dated, Diana’s her every move was followed by the insatiable British press. They detailed DIana’s every date, every vacation, and every outfit.
When Princess Diana died in a horrible car crash she was mourned by the world. Diana’s unexpected life, veering between glamour and tragedy and her sudden and controversial death make for an unforgettable story.

George S. Patton - The Man The Germans Feared
2018-03-19 13:00 - 14:30 | Private Venue
George S. Patton – The Man The Germans Feared
George S. Patton was a man of contradictions – charismatic, cunning, courageous, self-confident and superstitious, egotistical and emotional. And he was one of the greatest generals ever to serve the USA. Along with Generals Washington, Grant and Sherman, Patton was able to lead men to tremendous victories through personal bravery, strategic initiative and sheer daring. Among all the USA generals in WWII, he was the one the Germans most feared.
George S. Patton’s overwhelming successes on the battlefield are unquestioned. However, his odd personality has been the subject of great controversy and speculation.
In this fast moving, factual and fascinating multimedia presentation, we will explore the unique background of a man of great controversy – and even greater achievement!

Leadership, Lincoln Style
2018-03-20 13:00 - 14:30 | Private Venue
Learn to think like Lincoln! Leadership, Lincoln Style, is one of my favorite motivational speaking presentations!
Abraham Lincoln was one of the most unique, creative, and imaginative men ever to be president. Lincoln’s style of interacting and relating to others, building teams and solving problems not only allowed him to be our greatest president, but it can inspire individuals, groups, and organizations to think differently, work better, and achieve great results. That’s Leadership Lincoln Style!
In this nationally acclaimed presentation, master storyteller and presidential award-winning historian Barry Bradford shows audiences of all ages how to make use of Leadership Lincoln Style. Combining raucously funny stories with deeply moving anecdotes and intriguing insights,
Motivational Speaker Barry Bradford will engage and entertain your audience as they learn how they can utilize Lincoln’s strategies to improve their personal performance, their group performance, and their organizational performance!

Who Killed JFK – Historian Presents a Modern Analysis
2018-03-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Private Venue
Who Killed JFK?
I’ll Tell You!

The murder of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 shocked the nation. A suspect was quickly arrested and subsequently murdered. President Lyndon Johnson appointed a blue ribbon committee – the Warren Commission – to answer the question: who killed JFK?
They concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald was the sole assassin. Immediately, the public was skeptical. Stephen King described Oswald as “a semi-educated hillbilly with delusions of grandeur.” How could such an insignificant loser pull off such a dastardly crime? And why did Jack Ruby, accused of being a Mob member, kill Oswald?
We have been through with whispered knowledge of conspiracies and confessions and coverups. And so the public has asked for an explanation of the “magic bullet.”
And the contradictory witness statements.
And Oswald’s shadowy past.
And all of the “secret files.”
And all of the conspiracy theories.
And all of the “mysterious deaths” associated with the assassination?
Books and articles, movies and documentaries have raised in innumerable questions about who killed JFK.
Who Killed JFK – Computer Analysis
So who killed JFK? I will attempt to answer as many of these questions as possible. First I will attempt to separate historical fact from theory & speculation. Second, I will show what the historical record actually indicates happened. We have access to much more information today then the Warren Commission had in 1963/4 or the House of Representatives had in 1977. Third, we will examine what modern computer forensics can tell us about the crime. For instance, the Warren Commission had access to the “Zapruder Film.” Today, we can use computers to enhance and analyze the film. We can use modern technology to analyze the path of each of the bullets that were fired.
Who Killed JFK – Computer Analysis
And we can use computers to isolate the mysterious sounds captured by a Dallas, motorcycle patrolman. In 1977, the House of Representatives believed that the recording showed four shots fired in Dealy Plaza. The National Academy of Science, among many other groups, have taken the same sound recordings and used state-of-the-art technology to analyze them. What do we know now?
You may not agree with my conclusions, but you will definitely learn a lot and come away with a new perspective about the historical record of who killed JFK.

Black Friday: The Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln
2018-03-26 09:30 - 23:00 | College of Lake County, 1120 S Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061, United States
Are you ready for some high energy history?

When new clients ask me, “What is your best presentation?” This is the one I point them to. I have been fascinated by the assassination of Abraham Lincoln for as long as I can remember. Unlike so many ridiculous conspiracy theories that float around the Internet, the murder of Pres. Lincoln was the result of the terrorist conspiracy. You will be amazed by the personalities, the strange coincidences, the tragic mistakes and the far reaching consequences of this successful act of terrorism.
Drawing on my skills as a historian and as a dramatist, the dramatic events coming to clear, unforgettable focus. You as become swept up in the tide of events that would change the nation forever. This fascinating presentation has earned standing ovations across the USA And I am proud to present it to you.

Want to learn more?
Click here to read the unexpected fates of the others who were in the box with Pres. Lincoln that night. This short article will give you a glimpse of the strange effects of the assassination. If you are fascinated by Lincoln as a person, click here to read an article about my favorite movie portrayal of Lincoln

and click here to read my response to truth and fiction in the popular Steven Spielberg “Lincoln” movie. And you can click here to read about the mind of Lincoln – how he decided to declare a national day of Thanksgiving in the middle of the bloodiest war in American history.
I promise this will be a presentation you will long remember!
A Bonus!
Click here for a real treat. On the old game show, “I’ve Got a Secret” the last known living witness to the assassination of Pres. Lincoln by the terrorist, John Wilkes Booth, made an appearance on February 9, 1956. While his memory of the events is not reliable, I still think it is an amazing thing to be able to see!
PLEASE NOTE: This program is offered through College Of Lake County and registration is required for attendance.

George Gershwin
2018-03-29 13:00 | North Shore Senior Center, 161 Northfield Road, Northfield, 60093
In a very short career, George Gershwin changed American music forever. He was one of the most beloved composers of music for Broadway. his songs and shows continue to be revived on the New York stage and in theaters around the world. The list of standards written by Gershwin is seemingly endless. “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off * Nice Work If You Can Get It * Shall We Dance * They Can’t Take That Away From Me * are just a sample of the many popular songs written by Gershwin; most with lyrics by his brother, Ira.
George Gershwin continued to challenge himself by creating music in challenging and unique styles. He wrote “Porgy and Bess” including the iconic “Summertime” in a blues style, wrote the unforgettable “Rhapsody in Blue” fusing jazz and classical elements, and music for ballet, “An American In Paris.”
He had just conquered Hollywood with his first movie musical, the sublime “Shall We Dance” starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers when he died of a brain tumor. The master of American music was just 38.
In this fascinating multimedia presentation, we will explore the amazing biography, unparalleled career and enduring legacy of George Gershwin.

Henry Fonda
2018-03-30 01:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
Henry Fonda was one of the greatest movie actors of all time!
In a career that spanned over 50 years, he appeared on Broadway 16 times and made over 100 movie and TV appearances. And so many of his films banned the test of time – all-time classics that are still enjoyed more than half a century after they were made!
After witnessing a lynching in his native Omaha, Henry Fonda became an unshakable champion of the values of law, respect, dignity and compassion. His personal decency and sense of fair play is reflected in the roles he chose. So often, a Henry Fonda movie involved him being the lone voice of reason and sanity against a mob or a policy or a jury that was anxious for blood and unwilling to think. His unforgettable portrayal of Abraham Lincoln (click here for more about this unique and powerful film) cemented his reputation as an actor. In the decades that followed, roles in the important films such as “The Grapes of Wrath,” “12 Angry Men,” “Drums along the Mohawk” & “The Longest Day” showed his remarkable range and versatility as an actor.
Although best remembered for dramas, Henry Fonda had a surprising and wonderful flair for comedy. In “The Lady Eve” (click here to read more) he is hilarious in a role of subtle complexity.
And although Fonda was almost invariably cast in a heroic role, in “Once Upon a Time in the West”
directed by Sergio Leone, he played a sadistic merciless villain. And he was great at it!
In this insightful multimedia presentation, we will explore Henry Fonda’s complicated personal life and his unparalleled professional career.

Audrey Hepburn
2018-03-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center, 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
Audrey Hepburn was the epitome of grace and charm, kindness and generosity, Audrey Hepburn’s movies today are considered among the greatest example of classic Hollywood. In their day, likewise, her movies were wildly popular with both critics and an adoring public. Audrey Hepburn was a terrific actress, capable of playing in serious dramas, romantic films, hilarious comedies, suspense films and wonderful musicals.
Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful l movie stars of all time, Audrey Hepburn had a beauty that went far beyond her pretty movie star looks.
The beauty, grace, and acting talent of Audrey Hepburn made her one of the most popular movie stars of the 1950s. Less well-known were her tireless efforts as a humanitarian, tirelessly working for charities that help children and endlessly advocating for human rights. like Danny K, Audrey Hepburn recognized that she could use her celebrity to make the world a better place. In this dynamic multimedia presentation, we will enjoy clips of her great movies, learn about her remarkable life story, and come to understand why she was considered one of the nicest and most charitable actresses in the history of Hollywood.

Sherman's March To The Sea - Saving America By Destroying A Rebellion
2018-04-02 09:30 - 10:30 | Lake Forest Library, 360 E. Deerpath Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
Sherman’s March To The Sea – Saving America By Destroying A Rebellion
No military action in the bloody Civil War was probably more controversial than Sherman’s March To The Sea. After the War, traitors who were inclined to respect Grant and revere Lincoln were unreconstructed in their hatred of William T. Sherman. Why? The brutal, unprecedented destruction of enormous swaths of the South hastened the end of the War and sped the end of the barbarous,immoral and inhumane practice of the enslavement, rape and murder of the descendants of kidnap victims. Sherman hastened the demise of that unspeakable activity. However the utter desolation of the lives and lands of so many White Southerners had a long-lasting impact on race relations and politics.
Sherman was a complex man, brilliant and fragile, harsh and yet sentimental. His troops adored him, leaders of the terrorist rebellion feared him and Abraham Lincoln recognized his invaluable patriotic service to our nation. In this fast paced and constantly fascinating multimedia presentation, we will learn how Gen. William Sherman and his troops easily crushed the army of traitors who stood in their way – in the process making military history and helping save the republic. Add to that his friendship with General Grant, his deep respect for President Lincoln, his amazing life after the war – they all make for a compelling and fascinating history presentation!

Martin Luther King The Montgomery Bus Boycott
2018-04-04 13:00 - 14:30 | Vernon Township Senior Center, 16652 North Buffalo Grove Road,, Prairie View, IL, 60089, United States
Rosa Parks: Real Story Of A Real Hero
December 1, 1955. One brave and determined woman made a fateful decision that changed the course of human history. Rosa Parks’ decision to challenge the segregation of busses in Alabama sparked not only the Civil Rights Movement in America but also other nonviolent protests throughout the USA and around the world! After her heroic act of protest, it fell to Dr. King to build a movement that could persist in a protest that would take over a year. Despite personal attacks, arrest, threats and daily pressure, Martin Luther King’s first steps in organizing a protest were successful.
As a bonus, click here to read an article explaining why I always link the names of Rosa Parks and Paul Revere!
In this exciting multimedia presentation you will discover the truth about the year that made Martin Luther King, Jr. a household name. Civil Rights Scholar, activist and master storyteller Barry Bradford will bring the unexpected, unforgettable and ultimately uplifting events of that movement alive through dramatic film clips, fascinating anecdotes, and his theatrical story telling style that has earned raves across the country! As a bonus, click here

The Chicago Cubs - 1945 - 2016
2018-04-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Private Venue
In the first half of the 20th century, the Cubs were one of the mightiest teams in all of baseball – a perennial pennant contender despite not winning the World Series since 1908.
The second half of baseball’s 20th century entrenched an indelible phrase in America’s national consciousness: The Chicago Cubs were “lovable losers.” Despite having some absolutely great players – Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Greg Maddux, Mark Grace, Ryne Sandberg, Kerry Wood, Carlos Zambrano, and Sammy Sosa – the Cubs rarely reached the postseason. More commonly, they mostly endured one long losing season after another long losing season. Empty bleachers, a crumbling Wrigley Field, cheap ownership and terrible trades became the lasting hallmarks of the once mighty Chicago Cubs. Even when the Cubs would field occasionally field a strong, competitive team and begin to make a promising postseason run, something always seemed to go wrong. The Cubs were still “lovable losers.”
In 1969, a black cat running in front of Ron Santo seemed to symbolize the utter futility of the Cubs.A normally sure handed first baseman let a ball go by him and the postseason was lost. A hapless fan wearing headphones reached for a foul ball and our World Series hopes were dashed. On and on it went. And then came 2015! The arrival of some of the most talented prospects in baseball history created a team that was fun, exciting and competitive. In 2016, the Cubs finally won the World Series!
The long, slow, march of the Cubs – from the cheapness and racism of the Wrigley years, to the boredom and inactivity of the years of ownership by the Chicago Tribune and by Sam Zell have given way to a unique feeling of hopefulness on the part of Cub fans. A robust ownership team brought in the financial resources and personnel necessary to begin turning the Cubs into a perennial contender once again. In this multimedia presentation, filled with fabulous film clips, amazing anecdotes, and nostalgic photos, we will trace the confounding Chicago Cubs from 1945 to 2016.

Please note – reservations are requested!

Julia Child: Spy And Chef
2018-04-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Private Venue
Julia Child: Serving America

In 1963 Julia Child became the first national superstar chef on TV.!
Her program “The French Chef” was so influential that the Smithsonian Institute features her kitchen, intact, as a permanent exhibit! Julia Child changed the way America thought about food, became the first star of public broadcasting, opened the doors for cooking on television and became one of the first and most important faces of public broadcasting. Quite a legacy for a woman who was neither French nor a chef!
There was another side to Julia Child–one that the public knew little about. In 1943, twenty years before her cooking and media skills would make her famous, Julia Child served in America’s top secret spy corps during World War II! The amazing Julia Child worked in the OSS,
Julia Child – In China WWII
which was later to become the CIA. Utilizing a very high level of security clearance, amazing organizational skills and endless optimism and resourcefulness, the former party girl from California served America her nation. She worked at the right hand of “Wild Bill” Donovan, the head of America’s foreign spies! With her husband, Paul,Julia Child moved from one dangerous overseas post to another, serving our country before she learned how to cook.

The daring story of Julia Child in the OSS is only one of the delights in this unique, funny and fascinating multimedia presentation! We will look at how she changed public television, changed the way America cooked and ate – and how she had a whole lot fun in everything she attempted!

History Vs. the Movies: Mississippi Burning
2018-04-11 09:30 - 11:00 | Private Venue
History Vs. the Movies: Mississippi Burning
Mississippi Burning: The Civil Rights Era is one of the most exciting, important, and electrifying eras in American history.
From a cinematic standpoint, it had everything. Dynamic and diverse leadership, powerful and determined villains, mystery, motivation, and manipulation. Nonetheless, movies about the era generally not been hits and despite the hype about Selma, no great masterpiece of filmmaking has yet emerged. “Mississippi Burning” is a brilliant film but, from a historical point of view, utter nonsense. “Selma” is a maddening jumble. In its sections on Martin Luther King, it is extraordinary. In its sections on Lyndon Johnson, it is completely misleading. “Ghosts of Mississippi” is an earnest and well-made film about the trial of the murderer of Medgar Evers. However, unless you already knew quite a bit about Medgar Evers, you would leave the film wondering who exactly he was.
Some of the best films about the Civil Rights Movement have actually been made-for-TV films. Clark Johnson directed “Boycott” for HBO and it combines arresting visuals with superb acting. The Rosa Parks made-for-TV movie was likewise very good. Spike Lee directed an outstanding documentary, “Four Little Girls.” But so far, a genuine cinematic masterpiece about the Civil Rights Era has eluded filmmakers.
In this fast-moving and thought-provoking multimedia presentation, we will look at clips from some of the films about the Civil Rights Movement. Our special focus will be on “Mississippi Burning.” Using inside stories, personal anecdotes and a clear timeline, we will see how this brilliantly made film distorted history and changed America’s perceptions about the Movement.
Check this out: in “Mississippi Burning,” the FBI gets an invaluable ship to find out where the bodies are buried. The screenwriter and director had to fictionalize where the tip came from. That is because the mystery informant had never been revealed. Working with the brilliant investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell, I was able to help figure out where the tip had come from – Jerry uncovered the identity of the mysterious “Mr. X.” Click here to find out who he was!
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required to attend.

Jimmy Stewart - Icon on Film And American Hero
2018-04-16 10:00 - 10:30 | Private Venue
Jimmy Stewart was one of the greatest and most popular American actors of all time. From 1935 – 1991 he appeared in over 90 beings and television shows. His name alone drew people into theaters. Stewart’s amazing range has never fully been equaled. He was a star of both Westerns and screwball comedies, Hitchcock dramas and classic romance films. No matter what the role, Jimmy Stewart’s talent, commitment, and decency shown through. This fast-moving, incisive multimedia biography will certainly highlight some of his greatest films. We will only be able to talk about a sampling of his career because the sheer number of great movies made by Jimmy Stewart is amazing. Consider just these 10:
It’s a Wonderful Life
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
The Philadelphia Story
You Can’t Take It with You
The Man Who Knew Too Much
Anatomy of a Murder
Rear Window
Vertigo
Harvey
Our presentation will not just cover Jimmy Stewart’s phenomenal film career.
We will also look at his heroic service during World War II. At first, Jimmy Stewart was concerned that his celebrity status would relegate him to promotional appearances and goodwill towards. As an experienced pilot, he wanted to serve his country in combat. Although he entered the service is a private, he was eventually promoted to brigadier general. James Stewart served bravely often flying combat missions in the most dangerous situations. He won many awards from the military and was a lifelong spokesman for the Air Force. We will look at his heroic service and the enormous personal toll it took on him.

Sid Caesar - The Meteoric Career Of A Comic Genius
2018-04-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Libertyville Senior Center, 135 W. Church Street, Libertyville, IL, 60048
In the opinion of many critics, the Sid Caesar programs were the funniest and most creative shows in the history of television comedy. The sheer talent of Sid Caesar is overwhelming – as Carl Reiner, his writer and co-star put it:
“Sid Caesar set the template for everybody,” Reiner told KNX-AM in Los Angeles. “He was without a doubt the greatest sketch comedian-monologist that television ever produced. He could ad lib. He could do anything that was necessary to make an audience laugh.”

For all his accolades, however, Sid Caesar was a deeply troubled man who saw a brilliant career waste away in the wake of his addictions.After his TV programs ended, his fame evaporated as his demons challenged him, It took intensive self-therapy and personal courage for him to turn his life around. And did he ever! By the time of his death he was once again rewarded with the respect and reverence his comic genius deserved.

This unique multimedia presentation will explore all sides of Sid Caesar. You will laugh uproariously at the rare video clips and find yourself mesmerized by the intense struggle of the king of Comedy.

TV By The Decades: Television in the 1960s
2018-04-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Clarendale Of Algonquin, 2001 W Algonquin Rd, Algonquin, IL, 60102
TV in the 1960s
The 1960s were definitely one of TV’s oddest decades! TV in the 1960s began with Westerns dominating the ratings! The old West soap opera Bonanza became the most popular show on the air. One after another competing show was vanquished by the old-time sensibilities of an old-fashioned Western. All you need to know about the diverse nature of TV in the 1960s is found in the answer to the question: “What show finally was able to compete with Bonanza in the ratings?” The answer was a liberal, modern and very controversial challenger: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. This bastion of hip, cutting edge liberal comedy gave young viewers quite a stark alternative to the Ponderosa!
So the 1960s were the era of Gunsmoke and Wagon Train, Gilligan’s Island and The Beverly Hillbillies and Laugh-In and The Smothers Brothers! We will talk about how TV grew and changed as viewers who had enjoyed Combat began tuning in to Hogan’s Heroes. You won’t want to miss this fast-paced multimedia presentation!
This Event Is FREE – But Registration Is Requested!

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – LIST YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW OF THE 1960s!

Cole Porter - Risque Master Of American Music
2018-04-23 09:30 - 11:00 | College of Lake County, 1120 S Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061, United States
Cole Porter is one of the greatest songwriters in American history. His melodies were sublime. His lyrics were clever, witty, sophisticated, original and naughty. Cole Porter was the ultimate European oriented sophisticate – yet he was born in tiny Peru, Indiana!
The list of songs written by Porter includes some of the greatest entries in the great American Songbook! Consider:
LET’S DO IT (LET’S FALL IN LOVE) (1928)
NIGHT AND DAY (1932)
ANYTHING GOES (1934)
DON’T FENCE ME IN (1934)
I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU (1934)
BEGIN THE BEGUINE (1935)
I’VE GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN (1936)
IT’S DE-LOVELY (1936)
Porter’s legacy was further assured by brilliant Broadway shows like “Kiss Me Kate” and “Can-Can.” But beneath the surface of this bon-vivant lay a tortured soul. Cole Porter lived in both psychic and physical pain much of his life. His life story, his personality and his unforgettable music combine for a memorable multimedia presentation!

Medgar Evers: Is It Ever Too Late To Do The Right Thing?
2018-04-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Private Venue
Medgar Evers Is My Hero.
Medgar Evers, a brave Civil Rights leader,was assassinated in the driveway of his home, murdered by a Ku Klax Klan leader bent on blood.
What offense had Medgar Evers committed? He was trying to register African Americans to vote in Mississippi in 1963.
His murderer was quickly identified – but lived as a free man for thirty years until an unstoppable wife, a dogged newspaperman and a brilliant prosecutor managed to get the case reopened. On the fortieth anniversary of the murder, I hosted the official National Day Of Remembrance, and had the chance to meet and befriend his widow, his family and many of his friends. I will bring their tremendously moving personal stories to life.
Myrlie Evers hugs Barry Bradford students.
Our presentation is filled with inside information on the thrilling trial, amazing anecdotes and a heavy dose of drama. History will come alive as you witness whether it is ever to late to do the right thing.

Cole Porter - Risque Master Of American Music
2018-04-26 13:00 - 14:30 | North Shore Senior Center, 161 Northfield Road, Northfield, 60093

Great Fortunes Of The Gilded Age: Rockefeller
2018-04-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center, 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
During the Gilded Age, America saw a handful of families dominate the economy with staggering fortunes.
If I asked you to name the richest American, you’d probably say Bill Gates or Sam Walton. Both are from the top of the list!
Today we focus on the richest man of all time. How rich was John D. Rockefeller? He was wealthier than Gates and Walton and Warren Buffet added together! At one time his personal income was almost 2% of the entire American GDP! SO where did Rockefeller get his money. Oil, of course – but that is only part of the story. And the rest of the story of this fascinating man is a tale of cold-hearted business practice, unparalleled personal generosity, and deep commitment to religion. What a man!

This four week series examines the great fortunes of that fascinating era. We will attempt to put each into perspective and offer intriguing insights, modern comparisons and historical context for each. Of the nine wealthiest Americans, six lived during the Gilded Age!
#1 Rockefeller
# 2: Vanderbilt
#3: Astor
#4: Girard
#5: Gates
#6: Carnegie
#7: Stewart
#8 Weyerhaeuser
#9 Gould

Jimmy Stewart - Icon on Film And American Hero
2018-04-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Highland Park Senior Center, 1677 Old Deerfield Rd, Highland Park, IL, 60035

George Gershwin
2018-04-30 09:30 - 11:00 | College of Lake County, 1120 S Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061, United States

Cole Porter - Risque Master Of American Music
2018-05-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Private Venue

The Mafia Battle For New York
2018-05-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Arlington Heights Senior Center, 1801 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights, United States
The Mafia And The Battle For New York
From the Godfather to the Sopranos, from Capone to Boardwalk Empire, America is fascinated with the Mafia. And the story of the Mafia wars for the control of New York City is among the most fascinating stories in American History.
The Mafia’s roots were in an extortion gang called The Black Hand. They terrorized Enrico Caruso and lured an American policeman, Joseph Petrosino, to his death in Italy. (Click here to read this amazing story.)

After a series of bloody wars that dominated the headlines and provided fodder for dozens of movies, Lucky Luciano consolidated power, arranged for the drug trade, and formed a national board of directors for the Mafia! Among the fascinating personalities covered in this fascinating multimedia presentation are Meyer Lanky, Al Capone, Frank Costello, Nucky Thompson, and many others – you will be amazed at how organized crime became one of the biggest businesses in America.
PLEASE NOTE:
Cost: : $7 Members/$12 Guests Price includes lunch

Price without lunch: $4/$8

Queen Elizabeth
2018-05-06 14:00 - 15:30 | Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire, IL, 60069
At this writing, Queen Elizabeth is the longest reigning monarch in the world. A shy young girl when she ascended the throne, she saw her uncle abdicate the throne and advocate pro-German views in the years leading up to World War II. She watched as her father struggled to overcome a speech impediment and then work tirelessly to inspire the British people during the Second World War. His death at a young age propelled and unprepared and timid girl to the most important throne in Europe.
Queen Elizabeth’s 50 year reign has seen an enormous changes to the British monarchy, the nation she serves and to the world at large. We will examine how Queen Elizabeth has grown in the job despite major stumbles including her epic mishandling of the sudden, tragic death of Princess Diana. Her unparalleled life give us great insight into the changes brought about by a rapidly changing world in the wake of World War II.
