Barack Obama

We are delighted to introduce **Dasein Saturday Lunch Gathering**, born from our deep exploration of the sacred bond between food and spiritual practice. This is a weekly bilingual gathering for mindful connection, hosted in our private kitchen and exclusive lounge. Closed to the general public, each session is limited to just 15 seats to ensure an intimate atmosphere — and every plant-based meal is specially crafted by a **Michelin-starred chef**, blending nourishment with culinary artistry. Our guests are like-minded souls who pursue spiritual growth, inner awakening, and conscious living. Connection • Culture • Wellness • Awakening — these are our core values and shared purpose. ## Why Plant-Based? More people are moving away from animal products and embracing sustainable living—not as a passing trend, but as an inner awakening. Drawing on holistic wisdom from Dr. John Dingyi Young, Anthony William, Dr. Greger, Dr. Xu Jia, and the profound insights of *Man’s Higher Consciousness*, we journey from physical healing to expanded awareness. This is far more than “what we eat.” It is about honoring our bodies, respecting the planet, and cherishing the life in every bite. Our lunch gathering is a gateway: through mindful eating, we nourish the body, heal the soul, and awaken to a more conscious way of living. ## Event Details: **Time**: Saturday\, April 18 \| 12:00–14:00 **Location**: Kingboard Plaza, 269 Tongxie Road, Changning District, Shanghai **Language**: Bilingual (English & Chinese) **Fee**: No registration fee; minimum one plant-based set meal (¥158) per person **Capacity**: Limited to 15 guests **Register with Wechat：cizaiyingyu** Crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, this meal may well be the start of your new awakening.

Welcome to the Shanghai Pub Crawl! If you're someone who loves trying different drinks, making new friends, and exploring the nightlife of Shanghai, this group is made for you. **Our Events:** Join us at 9 PM for our exciting pub crawl events that give you a chance to discover the coolest nightlife spots in Shanghai. Here's what you can expect: * **Free shots** (one free shot at each bar) * **Free club entry ticket** (usually priced at 100CNY and up) * Bar-hopping (**3 Bars+1 Club, 4 hours tour**) * People from all over the world (Usually 15-25 people.) * Photos for attendees * Free taxi transfers between bars Who is this for? Everyone!!! Tourists / Expats / Locals / Students - Whether you're a night owl or just looking to try out different bars, all are welcome to join! 🔴 **Q&A** 1. **Q: Is it suitable for someone going alone?** **A:** Absolutely! In fact, 90% of our guests come by themselves. 2. **Q: How many people usually join the event?** **A:** On weekdays, around 15–25 people; on Saturdays, about 15–35 people. 3. **Q: Is there a dress code?** **A:** No dress code, just avoid wearing flip-flops. 4. **Q: Do I need to bring my passport?** **A:** No, it’s not necessary. 5. **Q: On which days do events take place?** **A:** Usually on Thursdays and Saturdays, but please check the schedule on Meetup. Make sure to contact the organizer first, or you might end up at the wrong place. 6. **Q: I don’t drink. Is this event suitable for me?** **A:** Of course! The event is all about socializing, not getting drunk. But the price is the same, and we can’t replace the free shots with drinks or anything else. 7. **Q: I saw that no one has signed up on the Meetup app. I was wondering if this is common until the day of the event, or if people usually don’t sign up there?** **A:** There will be enough people for the event, most people just don't sign up here 🔴 **Ticket**: 1. Online: ¥***150 RMB = $ 20*** (https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/4-hour-shanghai-pub-crawl-bar-hoppingnightlife-tour-tickets-1048633911257?aff=meetup0eventinfo) 2. Pay on arrival: ***¥180*** 🔴 **Contact**: (Please be sure to contact the organizer before you come) WeChat (ID): ***PubCrawl_Shanghai*** WhatsAPP: **8618101241515** Official website: https://shanghaipubcrawl.com **🔴** **Meeting location**: We will meet at a bar called “Side Bar,” which you can find on Google Maps. Chinese address: 上海市 黄浦区 茂名南路 56号 食尚谷1层 **🔴** **As long as the event is listed on Meetup, we will definitely organize it. Most people actually don’t sign up through Meetup**

Every Saturday night Cocktail Party Well, i don’t update the information due to too many platform that i’m posting So check the newest information From m 1. #小程序://快团团/KeQWRGFayeYtG2z 2. #小程序://快团团/ZS0pi1NMXk5arjo One of the two links are the newest

f you are looking to get most of your night I highly suggest you to join a Bar hopping tour where you will enjoy the night live and make new friends. Tour Details: Price: 199 RMB Duration: 3 hours Inclusions: English speaking guide, 2 free shots, 4-5 bars Meeting Point: Chicken&egg No291 fumin road Meeting time: 8PM Contact: Please add Wechat 13052007784 or call this number directly to book your tour. Bar crawls can be a fun and exciting way to explore a new city or nightlife scene, but they can also be challenging if you're not prepared. Here are some tips to help you survive a bar crawl: Read The Communication Beforehand: we will send out information to you via email before the Crawl to know where and when to go to check in and register. Arrive On Time: If you arrive late to registration you might miss out on some of the fun. Pace Yourself: It's essential to pace yourself and drink responsibly during a bar crawl. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help you stay hydrated and reduce the risk of a hangover the next day and help with your overconsumption of alcohol during the Crawl. Eat Beforehand: Eating a substantial meal before the bar crawl can help absorb alcohol and prevent you from getting too drunk too quickly. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that allows you to move freely and stay cool. Stay Safe: Stick together with your group, and make sure to have a designated driver or plan for transportation at the end of the night. Conclusion In summary, a bar crawl is an event where a group of people visit multiple bars or pubs in a single night. And it can be a great time as you travel from bar to bar. Now that you know what the bar crawl experience is all about, you can make your crawling experience even more fun by join us

▶️ What we do / 我们聊什么？ 我们不仅有AI活动 还有AI 茶话会 AI路演 还有复旦 大学创业 AI 项目展示 We meet to talk about AI and its impact on daily life and business（人工智能如何影响我们的生活和商业）. Instead of worrying about being replaced by AI，我们一起探索： How to benefit from AI, not be replaced by it （如何用好 AI，而不是被它取代） Fun side projects, startup ideas, and real use cases Tools, prompts, agents, automation… anything AI ▶️ Open, casual, for everyone / 轻松开放，欢迎所有人 Every Saturday 7:30pm, Anyone is welcome to: give a short talk or demo（欢迎闪电分享 / 小分享） share a story or idea about AI or just come, listen, and chat over coffee 无论你是开发者、创业者、学生、设计师、投资人，还是刚开始对 AI 好奇，这里都有适合你的位置。No prior AI background required. 🏠: 复旦科技园副楼一楼 📍Fudan science park ▶️location video guide： [https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8) 🎫：Early-bird: 35 RMB = 5$ 【set going before 】 normal 40 RMB = 6$ At the Door 50RMB = 7$【At the door buy 】 #公众号：说会英语 #视频号：说会英语 #小程序://互动吧/h1LX5oWSDmgO10v #小程序://微博/H1VOJN21MjI0Tjx #公众号：说会英语 #视频号：说会英语 #[小红书：说会英语](https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5f2ccb430000000001000244) WeChat：17317121983 【Please be sure to add us to get the latest information】 Language Exchange - YouTube 🔴Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/languageexchangeshanghai 🔴Whatsapp group which you can join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BRscBnmLynICxeOQycSvWq 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇳🇱🇦🇷🇬🇭🇿🇦🇧🇩🇫🇯🇦🇪🇷🇺🇵🇦🇯🇲🇵🇪🇵🇷🇹🇷🇬🇷🇺🇦🇦🇿🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳

### **Please contact me using WhatsApp or WeChat** ***My WhatsApp is +86 13917794769*** **My WeChat** gd-karen The meetup platform does not work well in China. **Hi, my name is Karen. I graduated from the University of Nottingham in England. I currently run a 3D printing workshop just minutes away from Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.** **If you are in the area and into 3D printing, you are very welcome to drop by to have a look. My friends and I also organize some of the most engaging and well-curated Meetup events in Shanghai, and we would be delighted to have you join us.** **Add my WhatsApp and let's connect!**

Please add my WeChat **GD-Karen. All final arrangements and event details are shared on WeChat. I will add you to a WeChat group. You can also scan the QR code above.** This is both a social and business networking opportunity. **Karen’s Saturday Social & Business Networking Meetup** 📍 **Location:** People’s Square, Shanghai 🗓️ **Time:** Saturday afternoon 💴 **Fee:** 50 RMB (includes unlimited beer & soft drinks) What to Expect: * Exchange ideas and pitch your projects or products * Build both professional and social connections * Grow your network in a relaxed, open setting Come for the opportunity. Stay for the conversations. Leave with new connections that spark future possibilities. 👉 **To join:** Please add Karen on WeChat at **GD-Karen** **All final arrangements and event details are shared on WeChat.**

Coffee chat? NO. Tea chat? NO. A 900-year-old latte chat! ☕️ Our first Explorer Session is here 🌿 In the Song Dynasty (around 1100 AD), Chinese people were already whisking tea powder into creamy foam. It was introduced to Japan and developed into Matcha. But the original? It's been in China this whole time. This time, we're not just reading about it. We're doing it. 🍵 Explorer Session Vol.1 — Song Dynasty Tea What we'll do: → Make tea with your own hands → Guided by a Dashi who lives this tradition → Drink tea, talk, connect You might be an Explorer if… → You tried TCM or tea before but wanted to go deeper → You're curious about Chinese culture beyond the tourist stuff → You enjoy conversations where different cultures meet at the same table 📍 Shanghai (venue shared after sign-up) ⏰ April 19 👥 8 Explorers only 💰 RMB150 🗣 EN/CN

Get ready creative writers! Inkwell is proud to announce Sunday Scribbles, our latest event for the Shanghai writing community. Sunday Scribbles is a low stress gathering for your Sunday afternoon creative writing. Join us to work, chat, and write to your heart's content. (Mostly write, though). Add Ryan (WechatID: texaswriter) to figure out where we are meeting this week and to ask any questions. I don't keep Meetup very up to date and everything Inkwell does is organized through wechat groups, so even if the number of attendees is low, there's likely an event still going on. Add Ryan, and you can join the wechat group where everything is happening. Some Frequently Asked Questions: What do we do here?: Mostly write and work quietly with some chatting What to bring?: Something to work on What we don't do?: Edit things for you, serve as writing consultants What does it cost?: Free, but please order something to support the venue. What is Inkwell?: There's a lot of information about the workshop located on the website: www.inkwell.asia. Meet Writing Workshop veterans and other Workshoppers for the latest info on writing prompts and activities. It's also the perfect chance to make the Sunday night deadline for that week's Writing Workshop. Sunday Scribbles is organized by Paula Willis who has been in Shanghai since early 2018 and a member of the writing group since fall 2019. Bring something to write with and we'll see you there!

Come run around, throw some frisbees, play board game , and see old friends and make new ones in expo park this wekkend. Cost: RMB15 including water, Please buy the sports insurance for this event yourself inadvanced. After sign up, Please add the host wechat via hawk_cn Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that is a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It's easy to learn, fast paced, and tons of fun! This is a game for people of all ages and skill/experience levels who want to play a friendly and non-competitive pickup frisbee game. We meet every Weekend afternoon in century park as long as weather is okay. We arrange warm up & practice. We'll work on some throws, passes, & catches. and utimate Frisbee Pickup Game of 7 vs 7 as well. All levels welcome even beginners! If you haven't played before or want to polish your skills, myself and a couple of the more experienced players will be there 30 minutes before to toss, explain the rules and run through a couple drills. We also prepare camping tarp and board games. Let's have fun by playing board games during Frisbee breakup. Please take metro line 2/7 to Century Park and the venue is entry from gate 6. (go straight 100m and the frisbee lawn is on your right side) General guidelines: Dress accordingly. Have plenty of water. Sunscreen on a sunny day. Stretch & warm up. Playing Ultimate is all about good sportsmanship, respect, and gracefulness on the field. Fun & having a good time is a must above anything else. Disclaimer： Each person who participates accepts responsibility for making their own determinations and for their own safety, conduct and well being; recognizes that possible attend outdoor activities and agrees to participate solely at their own risk. The organizer of this ultimate Frisbee event shall not be held liable for any inconvenience, accidents, rescues, injuries etc. Meetup Citywalk reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at the Walking tour. If you have problem with this, please contact the event organizer or tout leader. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! All those who sign up for the event will accept this declaration by default, so please read it carefully! 抛掉烦恼，接住快乐！以盘会友，飞你莫属！运动社交，快乐飞盘！掼蛋桌游，躲避球体验！ 费用：15元/人， 参与本活动务必领取活动保障，无活动当天有效保险者谢绝参与！ 友情提醒: 谢绝微商，保险，医美销售人员参与！ 活力重燃，世博文化公园飞盘桌游掼蛋派对！ 小伙伴们准备好流汗了嘛？！ 飞盘初体验，满满多巴胺\~ 周末欢乐飞盘为长期活动，活动时间安排在周末，为喜欢运动的青年朋友提供相遇的机会。 你的收获： 认识更多喜欢运动的朋友 体验极限飞盘这项运动带来的乐趣 锻炼身体，放松身心 小白友好，飞盘超容易上手，有领队飞盘入门教学。 活动流程： 01 初次见面，破冰互动 02 零基础教学，正反手传接盘练习 03 规则讲解，拉伸热身，分组对抗 04 集体合影，赛后交流 05 活动结束AA聚餐（可选） 遇见城市部落Meetup Citywalk为带社交属性的公益活动，让大家在愉快轻松的氛围中用脚步丈量和认知这个城市，以及通过羽毛球，保龄球，飞盘，骑行等活动认识新朋友。领队导游会对沿线的地标景观和历史建筑等做适度讲解，行程开始会有破冰互动和自我介绍，行程中安排小游戏，分组交谈互动，coffee break来加深了解, 帮内向的朋友放松融入团队，漫步活动结束视情况组织晚餐，增加大家的社交半径。活动参与者以8090后国内和海归名校毕业生，各行业精英为主。烦请带有不良企图和商业目的的参与者绕行 飞盘运动是一种老少咸宜的健身项目， 只要有一片空旷的场地就能开心的玩耍。飞盘的参与门槛很低。一身运动服、一双跑鞋、一片飞盘，就是全部的必要装备。 飞盘运动融合了橄榄球、足球、篮球等运动特色是一项无身体碰撞、男女差异小乐趣与竞技兼备的运动对新人友好、上手快、没有裁判不需要运动天赋 哪怕是不爱运动的小伙伴也很快可以参与其中并享受飞盘运动带来的畅爽与热血\~飞盘是少有的男女能够共同参加，需要相互配合，不容易出现身体冲撞和激烈对抗的竞技运动。进攻方通过传接飞盘推进，在得分区内接到盘得分，期间飞盘落地则攻防转换 在自己大汗淋漓 享受奔跑、跳跃 带来激情和自由的同时 也能感受到团队合作的魅力 抓盘、接盘、传盘 和队友齐心协力 体验“盘不落地，永不放弃！” 快来成为一名优秀的“操盘手”吧\~ 燃脂暴汗 比起室内的运动 户外的项目更能体验到 暴汗燃脂的畅快 为忙碌的身体放放风、充充电 和小伙伴们互相配合 制定战术、攻守兼备 通力合作最终取得胜利 玩过的小伙伴都说上瘾 “社恐星人”的社交利器： 团队运动游戏是最快打破尴尬的利器 飞盘游戏的团体意识强 每个人都需要在短时间内搭建信任和默契 直接打破圈层限制 认识更多有趣的朋友 “都市打工人”的解压利器：草坪上肆意奔跑、呐喊、欢呼不仅锻炼身体，还释放心中压力运动后荷尔蒙的飙升也使人降低防备在欢乐的氛围里更深层次的了解彼此、拉近距 “社恐星人”的社交利器： 团队运动游戏是最快打破尴尬的利器 飞盘游戏的团体意识强 每个人都需要在短时间内搭建信任和默契 直接打破圈层限制，认识更多有的朋 WFDF世界飞盘联合会将极限飞盘精神浓缩为“SOTG”图标，即熟知规则、避免身体接触、公平竞争、享受比赛、真诚沟通。独特的精神内核自这项运动诞生之日起，就蕴含其中。 飞盘绝对是让你大汗淋漓的有氧运动，因为比赛场地一般都是一整个足球场，全场人追着一个飞盘跑，享受多巴胺带来的快乐，当然它还可以满足身心愉悦的社交需求，他可以是一个人的快乐，也可以是一群人的快乐。通过飞盘场上队友双方一次又一次的飞盘抛接合作，促进了彼此之间的沟通交流。场上挥洒汗水，场下收获友谊，飞盘运动就是这么一项简单又有趣的社交运动。 燃脂，也是人们热爱大飞盘的一大原因：飞盘是一项特别好的有氧和无氧相结合的运动，一场飞盘下来就能消耗900多大卡。投接飞盘的手法千变万化。 历经20多年的变化与发展，已衍生出十余种正式的国际竞赛。参加飞盘运动的同学在锻炼身体的同时，可以结识伙伴，锻炼大脑，有益身心。即使没有一丝基础，你也可以在草地上玩得酣畅淋漓。因为飞盘上手快，是一种非常快乐的有氧运动！飞盘，是可以迅速激活全身肌肉的健身项目 ，男女同场竞技、门槛低、强社交、无身体碰撞......这些特点让任何人都能轻松上手。 Frisbee飞盘这是一项只有20多年发展历程的运动这是一项已有十余种正式国际竞赛的运动这是一项可以提高多种身体机能的运动: 眼手协调力 专注力 弹跳力 免责声明： 本活动为非盈利户外公益活动，可能存在其他风险因素。团队的任何一名队员都应本着：“尽力救助，风险自担”的原则参加这次活动，参与人员选择共同参与，属于自愿行为，双方不存在强制性约束力。并且明确知道此次活动不存在合同范畴的权利义务关系。 主办方负责对活动进行组织协调，如活动中发生意外事故，组织者有义务组织救援，但不承担任何法律和经济责任，特此申明！ 如活动中产生经济与身体损害，由受损害人和本组织声明依法解决，特此声明。凡报名参与此次活动，均视为已阅读并认可本声明，活动开始后本声明自动生效并表明你接受本声明，否则，请在活动开始前退出！参加活动请自行购买至少涵盖活动当日的意外险，未购买活动当日意外险的谢绝参与活动！ 照片说明：默认主办方拥有活动当天所有相关照片的使用权、传播权。如有异议，请提前与领队沟通，否则默认同意上述条款。 报名后请添加领队获取最新活动安排。

👉 **To join:** Please add Daisy on WeChat at **daisy00233** **We conduct all discussions over WeChat only.** Hello, my name is Daisy Wen. I studied English Literature as an undergraduate and later completed an LLB with the University of London. Beyond academics, I have a long-standing fascination with Chinese tea culture. In China, tea is far more than a beverage. It is deeply woven into history, daily life, etiquette, art, and philosophy. Even the Japanese tea ceremony traces its roots back to tea traditions of the Tang Dynasty. I am beginning to organize small, relaxed visits to tea farms for those who are genuinely curious about tea — how it is grown, harvested, processed, and appreciated. If you enjoy meaningful cultural experiences and good conversation over a proper cup of tea, I am forming a WeChat group for like-minded friends. Let us meet for a cuppa and see where the journey takes us.

Meet other local people interested in Language Exchange: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join our Shanghai Language Exchange group. Do you speak Spanish🇪🇸, French🇫🇷, German🇩🇪, Hebrew, Portuguese🇵🇹, Italian🇮🇹, Russian🇷🇺, Japanese🇯🇵, Korean🇰🇷, Chinese🇨🇳, Arabic🇦🇪 or English🇬🇧🇺🇸?Practice your Spanish, French, German, Hebrew, Portuguese, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, and English All language levels are welcome! Follow us for upcoming events! 📆Saturday 【周六】 🟢 International Students Talkspace留学生交流会🟢 🎟#小程序://互动吧/Sl7QHUqQbsY1pHC ⏰:19:00-22:00 【Saturday】 🏠: 复旦科技园副楼一楼 📍Fudan science park ▶️location video guide： [https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8) 🎫：Early-bird: 35 RMB = 5$ 【set going before 】 normal 40 RMB = 6$ At the Door 50RMB = 7$【At the door buy 】 #公众号：说会英语 #视频号：说会英语 #小程序://互动吧/h1LX5oWSDmgO10v #小程序://微博/H1VOJN21MjI0Tjx #公众号：说会英语 #视频号：说会英语 #[小红书：说会英语](https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5f2ccb430000000001000244) Talkspace help visitors, international friends, business professionals, and newcomers integrate into local life, explore local culture, and build language and emotional connections. Breaking language barriers · Creating spaces for dialogue. Through cultural exchange and interactive communities, we connect the world, helping people quickly integrate into new cities and experience authentic local culture. By combining linguistic, physical, and cultural spaces, we promote both cultural development and individual growth.

### **Please contact me using WhatsApp only** ***My WhatsApp is +86 13917794769*** Hi everyone! I’m Karen, and I run a small 3D printing studio right in the heart of People’s Square, Shanghai. Whether you're an entrepreneur, designer, engineer, hobbyist, or someone with a cool idea you’ve always wanted to turn into reality — let’s connect! I’m exploring **overseas collaboration opportunities**, especially with: * 🌐 **Foreigners living in Shanghai** * ✈️ **Foreigners abroad who want to test or produce small-batch items in China** ### **What we can discuss** • Feasibility of 3D-printing **industrial components**, prototypes, or personal-use products • Choosing suitable materials for strength, flexibility, or precision • Small-batch production for startups • How to **3D print in Shanghai and ship overseas**, or • Have your printed items carried back home by community members traveling abroad ### **Why join?** Shanghai is a global manufacturing hub — and 3D printing makes prototyping fast, flexible, and cost-effective. This meetup is a chance to share your ideas, ask questions, and see what's possible. No prior experience required — just curiosity! 📍 **Location:** People’s Square, Shanghai ⏰ **Time:** Flexible 💬 **Join us and chat about bringing your product ideas to life!**

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) $15 for One Class $20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space.

Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!

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!

The global Azure community is coming together again, and Columbus is officially on the map. View the session lineup and speakers at [Global Azure Columbus 2026](https://coazure.github.io/cbus-global-azure-2026/) On **Saturday, April 18, 2026**, the Azure Columbus Meetup, DevOps Meetup, and Code and Coffee Meetup are hosting our local edition of Global Azure 2026. This is a free, community-driven event packed with learning, networking, and all things Microsoft Azure. Whether you’re building modern cloud-native apps, experimenting with AI agents, deploying containers, automating infrastructure, or just beginning your Azure journey, this event is for you! **What to Expect** * Engaging technical sessions * Real-world Azure architecture & cloud-native patterns * AI, agents, automation, and modern DevOps * Food and drinks (because learning burns calories) * Time to connect with fellow engineers, architects, and cloud enthusiasts **Who Should Attend?** * Software engineers (any language, any stack) * Cloud architects * DevOps engineers * Data professionals * AI explorers * Platform builders * Anyone who loves solving hard problems with great tools If you build, deploy, automate, scale, monitor, or optimize in Azure, you’ll feel right at home. **Why Global Azure?** Global Azure is a worldwide community event where Azure user groups host learning sessions on the same day across the globe. It’s grassroots. It’s technical. It’s practical. And it’s powered by people who genuinely love sharing what they’ve learned. And yes, it’s free to attend!

Join us for a fun Dinner & a Movie event as we get together to see MICHAEL + Dinner at CAP City! The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) as the King of Pop! Early buzz is strong for what should be an excellent musical-biopic! Here are details, a trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: This biographical musical drama follows the life of Michael Jackson, from his time with the Jackson 5 to his early solo career! Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) stars in the title role alongside Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw) MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 3:35pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby between 3:10 and 3:20pm. Tickets already on sale and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event! DINNER PLAN: Dinner immediately following the movie (around 6pm) at nearby CAP City Fine Diner! Seating is limited for the dinner portion of this event, so separate RSVP required. If you plan to join for Dinner AND the movie, please be sure to RSVP in both places. CAP CITY FINE DINER: This upscale diner from Cameron Mitchell is known its “retro-cool” atmosphere, modern twists on classic comfort food and their “showstopper” desserts! The menu reimagines nostalgic dishes like meatloaf, beef stroganoff, and pot roast with gourmet twists. The menu also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options with lots of apps, cocktails, salads, sandwiches, burgers (including a black bean veggie burger), the most welcome return of their Veggie Plate (with Hummus) and more. Desserts include their 24K Carrot Cake, Coconut Cake and Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pie. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan