Guerilla-Gartenarbeit

Hi everyone! Let’s take a walk along the Belgian coast to enjoy some fresh salty air and gaze at the horizon. We’re planning a walk of around 3 hours starting east of Ostende (Oosterover) passing De Haan and finishing in Wenduine or whenever we collectively decide to go back to the van by tram😊 Meeting point: Tournay-Solvaypark Entrance (Boitsfort Train Station) 💶 Contribution: €20 per person, which covers fuel, parking, as well as snacks and drinks along the way. Kindly complete your registration before signing up. Thank you. Yifei Yang BE12363234512492 Communication: your name+ event Group size: small and cozy — limited to 6 people ( 7 seats in the van) If you prefer to drive your own car or come by train/bus, you’re very welcome to join us as well (No need for payment) In this case, please contact the organizers.

**Whether you’re an avid knitter, crocheter, embroiderer, or simply curious to try something creative, join us for a cozy** **crafting meetup at** **Malina More Studio** **in Brussels 😊** Bring any ongoing fiber‑craft projects and enjoy creating together while chatting over tea or coffee. This event is free and open to all levels, but please note it is ***not* a formal lesson.** **Spots are limited, registration is required!** **Please register here:** https://luma.com/5u1ylug4 🧶 **What to bring** Your own materials: knitting needles, yarn, threads, hoops, etc. This is a self‑led social crafting meetup. 😊 **WHO** Friendly English‑speaking crafters of all genders and ages; open to all experience levels. ☕ **Food & Drinks** To make our gathering even cozier, to create a warm, shared atmosphere, you’re invited to bring something for the tea table : tea bags or loose tea, coffee capsules for a Nespresso machine, pads for a Senseo machine, snacks, sweets, or any small bites to share with others. 💗 **Contributions** If you prefer, you can contribute to the studio rent instead. Any amount starting from €5. Your support truly makes this event possible and helps us continue hosting such creative community gatherings in the future! Every little bit helps! 🧵 **Volunteers needed** This event will take place only if we have at least 3 volunteers to help beginners with knitting or embroidery. If you’d like to volunteer, please send a private message or email at **contact@malinamore.studio**. **IMPORTANT:** **✨** **Spots are limited.** Registration is required! If you register for the event, please make sure you attend! **If your plans change, update your status to “Not Going” as early as possible so we can offer your spot to someone else.** **✨** Please, don't be late! **✨** Follow the Malina More Studio on INSTAGRAM ☺️ [https://www.instagram.com/malinamore.studio/](https://www.instagram.com/malinamore.studio/) 🌷 Let’s have a ball (of yarn)! 💛

Ce samedi 18 avril 2026, au GECKO, WAVRE PLACE TO BE... **LA BELLE EPOQUE \| 80’s – 90’s\- 2000’s 🎉 Les Belges Jeuness \| ENTREE GRATUITE x Gecko** On te propose un voyage dans le temps \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- FREE ENTRANCE / ENTREE GRATUITE TOUTE LA NUIT \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 1. TON ENTREE GRATUITE > [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15745](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15745) 2. FB: [https://fb.me/e/6T1SZlyAb](https://fb.me/e/6T1SZlyAb) \>Le temps d'un soir et sur un thème musicale de la Belle époque avec de la musique qu'on aime écouter\, réécouter dans l'ambiance de ces années qu'on regarde derrière nous avec nostalgie\, nous vous ferons passer une soirée inoubliable au Gecko\. \>Nostalgique des années 80\,90 et 2000? \>Revivez cette période musicale légendaire avec nous le samedi 18 avril en compagnie des LBJ \(Les belges Jeunesses\) \>Rejoignez\-nous pour un voyage dans le temps direction les boys bands\, la pop et le R&B\! Préparez vous à danser sur des HITS de Nelly Furtado\, des Back Street Boys et Avril Lavigne \>N’oubliez pas votre tenue la plus stylée de LA BELLE EPOQUE époque et revivez les moments les plus marquants de votre jeunesse \! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Au programme: \- 17h à 22h \> Restaurant et bar à tapas \- 22h \- 03h00 \>The BIG PARTY\>Que les meilleurs HITS 80\-90\-2000 \- Tenue correcte exigée \- reservations / info@legecko\.bar / \+32 10 84 61 34 On vous attend nombreux pour cette soirée exceptionnelle, n’hésitez pas à confirmer votre présence et inviter vos amis \>Instagram : @lesbelgesjeunesses \>Facebook : https://www\.facebook\.com/belgesjeunesses \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- GECKO / https://www.facebook.com/geckobarwavre Chaussée des Collines 104, Wavre, Belgium

Come to our beaded jewel making workshop and prepare a jewellery for your loved one! :) Materials: fishing wire, different beads, faux leather, finishes and chains Method: we are going to prepare pieces of winter collections. Feel free to select the piece you would like to prepare from the webshop: https://www.tulipanedesign.eu/ Number of participants: maximum 7 persons Place : in our cosy atelier (1 Rue Pierre Theunis, sonette 81, 1030 Schaerbeek). Please note: we have a cat in the atelier. Registration: Click attend or email to tulipanedesign@gmail.com until 16 April 17h More info via phone: 0484329477 Price: 25 € TTC per person that includes the material, snacks and vouchers About the moderator Edit, founder of Tulipane Design. ‘Raised in the Hungarian countryside, I learned sewing, crochet and traditional bead weaving. Jewellery being my main interest, I especially liked bead weaving. This passion has always been with me. Since I have been living in Belgium, the African style fascinates me as much as the Hungarian folk style. With my work, which manifests itself under the brand name Tulipane Design, I would like to offer a delicate mixture of Eastern Europe and Africa. The designs are created and woven bead by bead. It is a work of patience and a kind of meditation: the beads take time to be woven. Through my childhood trauma with an abusive father, I realised that creating is a crucial activity to find my balance and well-being and I think I am not alone with this. That's why my goal is not only to share my creations with other women but also to contribute to a social impact. Tulipane Design contributes with 1€/jewel sold to the Domestic Violence Centre in Belgium.’ More information about Tulipane Design: Instagram or Facebook @tulipanedesign or at https://www.tulipanedesign.eu/

What's up Friends! 👋 
Ready for some bouldering fun? Boulder-what? 🤔 It’s climbing (FR: escalade, le bloc) up to 4.5m high without ropes—and in my case, without much hope! 😂✨ It’s a super fun indoor activity, but be warned: it does require a certain level of physical fitness and/or skill. Most importantly, though, it requires awesome company—which we’ve got! 😎
 The Idea: 📍 Meeting Point: For those arriving at 17:00, we’ll meet at the cafeteria (next to the billiards table). Feel free to start earlier or later—just drop me a message or write in the group chat so we can meet up. 💪 Stay & climb as long as you want - venue closes at midnight! 🥤 Recharge: If you’ve had enough climbing for the day (we usually do this after 2 hours of climbing), we may head back to the cafeteria (or to the rooftop if it's sunny🌤️) for snacks, drinks & games. Cafeteria closes at 22:00. Where: 📍Arkose: (Brussels Canal) Rue Willy de Bruyn Straat 52, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique 🔗 https://arkose.com/

Fees: 🤑Entry fee without shoes: - 18 eur (first-timers 10€ with online promo activated) - reduced rates: students, minors, job seekers, firefighters, military (proof required) 👟 Shoe Rental: 5€ (if you don’t have your own) 🎫 10-session pass: 150€
 Good to Know: ✍️ First-timers need to create an account (takes 5min) - do it in advance and pay online to pay less and avoid wasting time onsite 💦 Hydration is key! Bring a water bottle. 🔐 Lockers available, but bring your own padlock. 🚿 Changing rooms & showers on-site. 👕 Wear comfy sports clothes—it gets intense! 🧴 Only liquid magnesium is allowed (for grip) - in reality most people use powder🤫 👟 Thinking of going regularly? Bouldering shoes are a great investment! (Decathlon: ~45-65€ per pair.)

⚠️ Safety First! Bouldering is fun, but safety comes first! Stay alert, know your limits, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Enjoy responsibly! 💪 
📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing critical 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code:
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊
👉Can’t make it? Cancel or drop a message in the chat - helps running things smoothly! 👉 Don't show up if you are on the waiting list or show up at your own risk. 
See you at the walls folks😉

If you have a ball, please bring it... Let's gather at the Parc du Cinquantenaire close to the Tour de Tournai (https://goo.gl/maps/RsxFtTJydq92) and organize a *low-level* football match on the grass. Unless it rains badly as we're about to play, the game is on. Players of any age, weight, sex and size are allowed. Come as you are, at any time after 4pm. IMPORTANT REMINDER -- As Shitty Players, we don't bite or growl when someone misses the ball. We don't do penalties or yellow cards because we're so gentle we don't need them. We vaguely know of the existence of other rules like off-side but we'd rather ignore them than argue about them. We may or may not keep track of the score: this is a game where everyone wins. To help build the Team, come with 2 t-shirts white and black (or similar colors: light grey and dark blue etc). Beer session will follow on the grass, for those who survive till the end. You can also join the Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/176606662846112/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/b/3/600_460870931.jpeg

Join us for a fun and social **day trip to Parc Astérix**, one of France’s most famous theme parks, just outside Paris This is not just an amusement park visit — it’s also a dive into a **legendary part of French and Belgian culture**. -- ## 🏛️ What is Astérix & Obélix Astérix and Obélix are iconic comic book characters created in 1959 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. 👉 The story: a small Gaulish village resisting the Roman Empire thanks to a magic potion 👉 Themes: humor, friendship, satire of European culture 👉 Status: one of the most famous comics in Europe (especially France & Belgium) For many locals, this is **childhood nostalgia + cultural reference + humor all in one** Visiting Parc Astérix is like stepping inside that world. -- ## 🎢 What to expect • Thrilling roller coasters (like OzIris & Toutatis 🎢 • Fun water rides) • Live shows & themed village • A mix of adrenaline + chill + social vibe We’ll go as a group but keep flexibility inside the park so everyone can enjoy at their own pace. -- ## 🚆 Logistic **Departure:** Brussels (exact meeting point shared in WhatsApp group) **Destination:** Parc Astérix **Travel:** Train + shuttle or carpool (to be confirmed depending on group) **Return:** Same day in the evening. 👉 A WhatsApp group will be created for coordination -- ## 💰 Cost • 🎟️ Park ticket: approx. €55–€65 (depending on availability / group rate) • 🚆 Transport: approx. €30–€80 (train or carpool share) • 🍔 Food & drinks inside park: optional (~€15–€25 • 👥 Sunday Vacations organizing fee: 5€ -- ## 👥 Who is this for • Expats curious about local culture • Theme park lovers • Social explorers who enjoy group trip • Anyone who wants a fun, easy day escape from Brussel -- ## ✅ Important • This is a **members-only event** 👉 Membership starts from €5/year: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) • Please confirm your spot via the link (to be shared) • Ambassador & Voyager members can use their code to waive the organizing fee. -- ## ⚠️ Disclaimer Sunday Vacations / UJAMAA ASBL acts as a **community organizer only** Participants organize their transport and tickets individually -- ## ✨ Why join Because this is more than a theme park It’s a chance to • understand a key part of local culture • meet amazing people • and just have a fun day -- If you’ve been in Belgium or France for a while and never heard of Astérix, 👉 this is your moment.

Kick off your day with a refreshing sporty hike in the region around the beautiful Castle of Gaasbeek, one of the castles west of Brussels🌳🌾. Expect scenic trails through fields, countryside paths, and rolling landscapes — a perfect mix of nature and light challenge. Finish the fun in a great pub. **Important – please read before joining:** This is an **all-weather hike**. We go **rain, mud, or sunshine**. If you are likely to cancel because of weather, please do not RSVP. This group works because people show up as planned. Last-minute cancellations affect everyone (especially with car sharing). *** ### 🥾 The Plan * 3-hour hike at a **sporty pace** * Small group for a focused and great experience * Optional drink after the hike *** ### 🚗 Car Sharing (commitment required) We meet at a metro station and drive together to Sint-Pieters-Leeuw (15min drive) * Drivers are essential for the hike to happen * If you volunteer as a driver, you are **committing to the group** * Cancelling as a driver last-minute may prevent others from joining 💶 €10 per passenger (shared costs) 👉 When you RSVP, please clearly state: * “Driver (X seats)” **or** * “Passenger – needs a ride” *** ### ⚠️ Reliability rule * If you cancel last minute or no-show, you may be removed from future events * This keeps the group fair and enjoyable for everyone

Hello! This is a meet-up to play tennis from 2 pm to 4 pm on Sunday. Meeting is on the courts. The courts are booked under the name Jean-Marc. This event is for intermediate and advanced players and not organised for novice players or beginners. Please make sure to bring the exact sum of 10 € in cash. The event is non-commercial. This sum covers the cost of the courts reserved. The organizer is not there to make money out of you. Ladies are encouraged to join. If anyone wants to drop out, they should do it on Saturday morning, not on Sunday the day of the meetup, another wise it would be too late to find a replacement in time or to cancel a court in time with reimbursement. If you don't do this, you will be asked by the organizer to reimburse your participation fee. If this happens too late then those who have cancelled after Saturday morning will have to cover the extra cost for reserving the courts. In the past meetups, it happened too many times that we were an oneven number and because of that all those present had less fun to play. If you don't show up without giving a written excuse in time, the first future participation will be cancelled and you will be asked to reimburse the participation fee. If it happens too many times you will not be able to participate anymore. In case if we are an uneven number of players, then the last player (except the host of course who has to collect the money) can leave or persuade other players to play with him or her. Of course if the last player leaves, then he or she doesn't have to pay the participation fee. If this player leaves, he or she will be added on a future event by the host or organizer in the participation list if the player is far away in the waiting list. This is the advantage of leaving on a voluntary basis;-). We operate on the principle of Fair Play as we do not have umpires or referees. Any disputes or disagreements over line calls or scores should be resolved immediately on the court and, when agreement is not possible, the point or game should be replayed. To be able to replay the game, 3 players need to agree on that without manipulation of the one who disputes an entire game, anotherwise injustice could occur where in the end possibly the biggest cheater could win... This situation applies also, if the host or the organizer is involved. When one of the players still doesn't accept this compromise, then it should be reported (meetup message by preference) to the organizer or host of the meetup event. One of the consequences could be that the first upcoming event could be cancelled by the organizer for the player who doesn't comply with the compromise to play the point or the game again. If the same player does that again for a second time, then the person will see 4 of his next tennis meetups cancelled. If this happens a third time with the same player, then the player in question will be banned from all future tennis meetups with an exclusion as a final result. Whenever there is a big problem, it should be reported as well to the organizer of the group so he can, if necessary, take actions to improve the situation for all the players. Please also note that if you are the first on the waiting list, you will automatically be moved up to the attendance list if someone pulls out. So if you are on the waiting list and see that you cannot attend, please also change your status to not going. If you would like to organize a meet up either this week or next week please get in touch with me, my name is Jean-Marc. It will depend on your initiatives to create more tennis meetups per week.

Glad to organise a film meetup for this tender astonishing heart breaking yet at peace documentary by the Belgian director Caroline Guimbal. An extract from her description: « My mother Nathalie will die in two years. My son will be born in nine months. From the past remains a spiral of violence and precarity we still have to decipher. But also the strength of my mother, and the poetry in her way of being in the world. By filming her, I learn to see through her eyes. » This is in French with English subtitles. Let’s meet in front of the ticket office, inside though I recommend you buy the tickets online. Afterwards, let’s go for a drink to recover from the film :)

Igor will be leading our hike this Sunday 😌 The weather forecast looks nice, so our 10 km loop walk through the fields and forests of Villers la Ville should be pleasant 🌳 ☀️ After the hike , we can relax at the brasserie "Au Tracteur" where we shall start and finish the walk. Please park courteously , since the parking area for other visitors will be used from 1100. Check out their menu here and please let Igor know if you wish to eat or only have a drink. https://www.restaurant-au-tracteur.com/ For any questions, Igor: 0475/801026 See you on Sunday 😌

What's up Friends! 👋 If the weather behaves🤞let’s head out for a walk in nature together.🌳✨ If it looks rainy, we’ll have to call it off - so let’s hope the sun🌤️shows up! 🏞️ Where: This time we are off to explore the magical Halle forest🪻🌳! 📍Meeting Points: (check map on the event page) • Point H: 10:20 Halle Train Station (not shown on the map): from here, you can hop on the free shuttle or rent a bike to get to Point B. • Point A: 11:00 Parking 1a (Hogebermweg – 1500 Halle) - best spot if you're coming by car. • Point B: 11:00 Parking 2 (⚠️ Not accessible by car) Bosmuseum (Vlasmarktdreef 4, Halle) - best spot if you take the shuttle from the train station Point AB: around 12:00-12:30 - perfect spot to catch up with the group if you started the walk elsewhere • Point C: around 13:00-14:00 - picnic area: our recharge station. ‼️The main group will start from point A. Check the event page the day before just in case there are any changes! ⏱Timing Be at point A around 5-10 minutes in advance. We will be on the move at 11:00 sharp. And if you get there later… well, good luck finding us! 👀😜 We will picnic at point C around 13:00. 💡 The idea We will walk for about 2-3 km and enjoy the views and the fresh air. We'll hang around point AB for some time to allow others to join the main group. Once we reach the picnic area we will take a longer break and recharge with some snacks. 👉What to bring? Enough food 🥪 to keep your soul happy (snacks 🍪 to share with the group are of course welcome). Don't forget your comfy clothes 🧥, walking shoes 👟, and most impotantly enough water 💦 to stay hydrated. ☝️Good to Know: About the venue: https://www.hallerbos.be/en/ 📝Practical info: https://www.hallerbos.be/en/visitors-info/ 🤑 Access to the forest is free. Getting there: 🚘 By car: https://www.hallerbos.be/en/visitors-info/car/ 🅿️ Free parking is available however spots can be tough to get at peak hours. To be on the safe side, you can also park for free in Halle (Welkomstlaan) and take the free shuttle (see below). Parking 2 is not accessible by car. 🚌 Free shuttle bus, available on the day of the event (every 30 min) can take you from Halle station (Stationsplein) to Parking 2 (point B) 🚂 For other (paid) public transport options from Halle station check here 🔗 https://www.hallerbos.be/en/visitors-info/public-transport/ 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️ Bike rentals available at Halle station (about 5 km from the forest). 🔗 https://www.blue-bike.be/en/location-details/station-halle-e-lock-/ 🚦If you find yourself on the waiting list but you absolutely want to join or if you have any other question - feel free to contact me directly via the chat. 📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check 👀 the event page at least on the day before the event to avoid missing any critical 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code:
👉Respect nature 🚯♻️ & forest rules: https://www.hallerbos.be/en/visitors-info/bluebell-festival-2025/ 👉No formalities - just chill 😎
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊 👉Can’t make it? Cancel so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 🙏 👉 Don't show up if you are on the waitlist See you there folks😉

*🎟️ Ticket required to participate (QR code check-in)* Once a year… and only for a short moment… **Hallerbos turns into a surreal purple-blue carpet of wild flowers.** This is **one of the most beautiful natural sights in Belgium** — and we’re going to experience it together. 👉 Expect: nature, good vibes, great people, and a relaxed social atmosphere ⚠️ **This event happens only a few weeks per year and spots always fill fast** ## 🥾 The Plan - **12:30** – Optional brunch at *Time Off (Midi Station)* - **14:14** – Train from Brussels Midi - **14:24** – Arrival Halle + shuttle to Hallerbos - **Walk:** 7–9 km (easy & social pace) - **Duration:** ~2.5–3 hours (with photo & chill stops 📸) - Optional drink after 🍻 👉 You can also join directly at Hallerbos (details in WhatsApp group) ## 🌍 Who Joins? Our events bring together: - Expats 🌍 - Locals 🇧🇪 - Solo joiners (most people come alone!) 👉 **You don’t need to know anyone — you’ll meet people naturally** ## 💸 Participation **Not a member yet?** €10 Or join Sunday Vacations and save: - Explorer (starting at €5/year) → event price: €5 - Voyager (starting at €50/year) → Free - Ambassador (starting at €150/year) → Free 👉 Join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) ## ⚠️ Important - Stay on paths (bluebells are fragile 🌸) - Shoes may get muddy - Dress for Belgian weather 😄 ## 📲 WhatsApp Group Created before the event for: - live updates - exact meeting points - smooth coordination ## 🔥 Why You Should Join Because this is not just a walk. It’s one of those **“wow, I’m glad I came” moments** you remember… and the kind of people you meet make it even better. 👉 **Spots are limited — RSVP early to secure your place** **Sunday Vacations** Living the moment ✨

Last movie from the famous director Gus Van Sant with Bill Skarsgard, Drake Montgomery, Al Pacino. VO English with FR/NL subtitles STORY: In 1977, former real estate developer Tony Kiritsis puts a dead man's switch on himself and the mortgage banker who did him wrong, demanding $5 million and a personal apology. Rotten tomatoes: 92%

We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program) to enter this program. [https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program)

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

Join WQC on April 25th from 11am-1pm at Inniswood Metro Park for a Nature Photo Walk. All types of cameras welcome! Let's enjoy spring to the fullest... 🌻🌼🌷🐤