Sam Gary Library

Somalia's history is a story of Colonialism yielding to authoritarianism dissolving into anarchy. Chaos has reigned since the early 1990's with rampant wars between rival clans, with no functional government.... Read More

From its heights as the dominant country in the world in the 16th century, Spain is now one of the European countries struggling with debt. Join Active Minds as we.... Read More

Twenty years after the death of Princess Diana, join Active Minds as we review her life and legacy. We will cover her rise to royalty, including her troubled marriage to.... Read More

The South China Sea is an incredibly strategic body of water located between China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. At stake is one of the busiest trade routes in.... Read More

The word “salary” comes from “salt” and indicates the historic value placed on this important commodity. Used as a method of trade and currency, the role of salt in the.... Read More

Join Active Minds for an in-depth look at the country of Iran. We will discuss the thorny issue of Iran's nuclear program, the relationship between Iran’s religious and political leadership,.... Read More

The Philippines is fighting a brutal war on drugs that some have termed “out of control.” Recently elected President Rodrigo Duterte campaigned on a promise to fight drugs in the country and is leading a bloody crackdown that many say is encouraging vigilante execution of drug dealers and addicts. Join Active Minds as we review.... Read More

From the bland diets of Europeans in the early 16th century to the myriad of culinary flavors available today, spices have had a huge impact in the world. Join Active Minds as we trace the rise of spices from colonialism and the spice trade to the hundreds of varieties that are commonly stocked in nearby.... Read More

Join Active Minds for a look at the United Nations. We will examine the origins and history of the U.N. as well as its current and future role in the.... Read More

Over the past couple years the price of oil has gone from over $100 per barrel to, at times, less than $30 per barrel. This has had profound effects all over the world. Join Active Minds as we explore the causes and consequences (positive and negative) of this dynamic. We will cover the role of.... Read More