Fascinating Potpourri II
Wednesdays, 2:15 – 3:15 PM
The Oscar at Georgetown, Theater
In Person
October 1: The Hidden History of the Texas Dust Bowl – Jann Alexander
The commonly known Dust Bowl history often focuses on the Okies who went to California, thanks to Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath. However, the hidden history of the double whammy that hit the Texas Panhandle, with raging dust storms and the Great Depression making millions destitute, is less told. In research uncovered while writing the historical novel Unspoken, the story of those who stayed or coped was found to be less known and more compelling. The novel spans Texas from the Panhandle to Wichita Falls to Waco, presenting the impacts on families driven apart by disaster. Books will be available for purchase, if allowed.
Jann Alexander is the author of the historical novel Unspoken, set in the Texas Panhandle during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression eras, and the first book in The Dust Series. Jann writes on all things creative in the blog Pairings. A 20-year resident of central Texas, Jann is also the creator of the Vanishing Austin photography series. Jann’s lifelong storytelling habit and zeal for Texas history merged to become the historical Dust Series. Jann always brakes for historical markers. https://www.jannalexander.com/
October 8: NOTHING SCHEDULED YET
October 15: Jolly Tales of the History of Christmas – Dr. Jeffrey Mahan
Christmas began in the 3rd century as a minor Christian holiday. It rolled across Europe like a snowball, picking up yule logs and Christmas trees, paused in Queen Victoria’s England to become a celebration of family with commercial trappings, and arrives in your stocking as a messy collection of hopes and desires. Jeffrey Mahan unwraps the holiday and invites participants to try it on.
Jeffrey H. Mahan writes and speaks about religion, media, and popular culture. He is the Peck Professor Emeritus of Religion and Communication at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO, and a fan of Christmas in all its complexities. His books include Religion and Popular Culture in America and Media, Religion and Culture: An Introduction.
October 22: Understanding a Virus Hiding in Plain Site (Flu) – Dr. David Niesel
Influenza is a major source of disease in the US, with yearly epidemics resulting in over 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations. Effective vaccines are available to protect vulnerable populations, including children, people over 65 years old, and those with underlying medical conditions. There is a reasonable chance that the next pandemic could involve the flu virus. While some dispute the use of vaccines, they remain the most effective medical intervention known to prevent disease. A Q&A session will be offered.
David W. Niesel, Ph.D., joined the UTMB faculty in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in 1983. He was appointed chairman in 2000. Dr. Niesel received his Ph.D. in 1980 from North Carolina State University. In 1997, he was named Vice Dean for the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, becoming Dean in 2013 and the UTMB Chief Research Officer in 2015. He retired in 2021 and remains an Adjunct Professor. Dr. Niesel lives in Georgetown, TX.
October 29: TBA
November 5: TBA
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