Mensa

Hi Everyone, Mark your calendar for the next **OpenSearch Project Dublin Meetup** at a **new location -Amazon Ireland.** **Agenda** 6.00 pm Start **6.15 pm First Speaker : Nils Bandener** **"Upcoming Changes for the OpenSearch Index Authorization Mechanisms."** 7.00 pm Break (Drinks and Snacks) **7.20 pm** **Second Speaker: Praveen Mohan Prasad** **"Cost-Effective Semantic Search with Neural Sparse Search"** 8.00 pm Networking 8.30 pm Close **Please remember bring a valid ID with you as you will need it to enter the venue.** We're looking forward to seeing you all there!

We are trying something new at Socrates Cafe Dublin. We are doing **trilogies** \- three back\-to\-back monthly topics that connect to tell a story\. Our next trilogy will be around the mystery of human flourishing\. For our first in the series we are going to ask: *What is beauty?* Then in May: *What role does 'home' play in our well-being?* Finally, in June, *what roles do nature and nurture play in our well-being?* We’ve all made the exclamation: “now, that is beautiful!” And life seems better, richer for it. What do we mean by ‘beauty’? What qualities does something require in order to be classified in such a way? What things can be given such label? Are there things that do not deserve to be called beautiful? Is beauty restricted to physicality? Is beauty merely subjective or does it have an objective framework? Is it a matter of the feminine side of life? Is it something internal or external? Come along next Tuesday evening at the lovely Third Space Cafe Smithfield for a facilitated discussion about beauty. Newcomers are welcome. NOTE: we ask for a 3 Euro donation to cover expenses. Pay on the evening by coin or Revolut. Socrates Cafe: a space where ideas and dialogue can flourish.

**Welcome to DSF Sandbox Sessions!** Top tech talks and masterclasses from the best in the industry. Every month, and completely free. The catch? There isn’t one. Just a monthly dose of epic content to power up your data passion! **Event details** 📆 **Date:** Tuesday 14th April 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 6:00 – 9:30 PM BST 💡 **Topic:** **Signals, Systems, and Scams: Deconstructing the Future of Financial Intelligence** 🗣️ **Speakers:** Kristjan Erik Liive, Volodymyr Panov, Baran Koseoglu, Zoltan Szopory, Vera Shishkina, Aaron Wilson, Mohammed Topiwalla [Sign up for this event by clicking here!](https://datasciencefestival.com/session/wise-sandbox-session/) As global financial platforms evolve, the “Trust Gap” becomes an engineering challenge. Scaling a product to millions of users requires more than just better models—it requires a fundamental shift from manual heuristics to automated, high-fidelity intelligence. Join Wise for an exclusive Sandbox Session designed for senior data scientists and engineers. We’re moving beyond the basics of model training to explore the “Last Mile” of production ML: the infrastructure of compliance, the democratisation of optimization, and the transition to foundational representation learning. Through three practitioner-led deep dives and a collaborative product-data science panel, we will deconstruct how Wise builds resilient financial infrastructure where performance and safety are never a zero-sum game. What we’ll explore: • The GenAI Reality Check: Moving LLM automations from “cool demo” to “compliant production” in highly regulated spaces. • Decoupling Optimization: How we built “Threshold UI” to empower non-experts to tune model performance across hundreds of cohorts without a single code change. • Beyond Velocity: Replacing hand-crafted features with User Event Transformers to capture the deep behavioral context that traditional tabular data misses. • The Co-Design Philosophy: Why the future of fraud prevention isn’t just a better algorithm, but a tighter feedback loop between Product and Data Science. Food, drinks, and networking with fellow practitioners will follow throughout the evening. Check out the full session details below! **Please note: Due to high demand and limited capacity, tickets for this event will be allocated via a random ballot. Submitting an application does not guarantee entry. Successful applicants will be notified throughout March and early April. If you have not received confirmation by April 9th, this means your ballot application was not selected on this occasion.** **Talk 1: Evolution of GenAI: Building Compliant LLM Automations at Wise** **Speakers:** Kristjan Erik Liive, Senior Data Scientist & Volodymyr Panov, Senior Data Scientist. **Abstract:** Evolution of GenAI applications in servicing tasks at Wise. We will share examples, discuss architectures and challenges of building LLM-based automations in compliance-heavy space. We will also present our vision and key opportunity areas in further augmentation and automation. **Key takeaways:** Practical examples of scoping and implementing LLM-based solutions. **Talk 2: On the Threshold of Greatness: Democratizing Model Optimization at Wise** **Speakers:** Baran Köseoğlu, Lead Data Scientist & Zoltán Szopory, Staff Software Engineer. **Abstract:** This session will talk about machine learning model threshold optimization across hundreds of customer cohorts. Traditionally, optimizing these thresholds has been a complex, time-consuming task, often relegated to highly technical experts. At Wise, we faced the challenge of managing diverse customer segments, each with unique risk profiles and compliance mandates and as a solution we developed Threshold UI we will talk about more in the session. **Key takeaways:** Boost your machine learning model performance without changing any configuration in your training pipeline. **Talk 3: More Than Meets the Eye: Transforming User Events into Deep Context** **Speaker:** Vera Shishkina, Staff Data Scientist. **Abstract:** Moving from purely manual feature engineering to representation learning. This session covers the technical POC of a User Events Transformer – a foundational model designed to produce customer embeddings that augment traditional tabular features. We will discuss the proposed architecture, the challenges of building temporal data pipelines, and our vision for using these embeddings to boost performance in domains like scam prediction. **Key takeaways:** How learned embeddings provide deep context that traditional “velocity” features often miss. **Talk 4: Panel Discussion – Mind & Machine: How Product and DS Co-Design the Future of Trust** **Panellists:** Aaron Wilson, Fraud and Victim Prevention Product Lead & Mohammed Topiwalla, Fraud and Victim Prevention Data Science Lead. **Abstract:** Fireside chat to understand how DS and Product work hand in hand to keep wise safe. **Key takeaways:** How do you find the middle ground between business growth and risk precision? What is the future of DS in fraud prevention? **Schedule:** **6:00 PM** – Doors open – networking with food and refreshments **6:45 PM** – Intro **6:50 PM** – Talk 1 (20 minutes + 5 minute Q&A) **7:15 PM** – Talk 2 (20 minutes + 5 minute Q&A) **7:40 PM** – Comfort break **7:50 PM** – Talk 3 (20 minutes + 5 minute Q&A) **8:15 PM** – Talk 4 (30 minutes) **8:45 PM** – Networking with refreshments **9:30 PM** – Event close **Registering for the event:** Click the 'Sign up here!' button on the specific event page following the link below. Once you have completed the registration form, you will be emailed a link to join the webinar. You will also receive a reminder link one week, one day and one hour prior to the event. **PLEASE NOTE: Clicking 'attend' on Meetup does not register you for the event. You will need to register for the event on the link provided below to receive a joining link. If you do not, you will not be able to join the event.** **[Click here to sign up for this specific event](https://datasciencefestival.com/session/wise-sandbox-session/)** Please note the time zone when you book this event.

😅 **I know I’m not supposed to… but I still do!** 🤦‍♂️ **I know I should… but somehow I just don’t.** 😬 **I want to be bolder… but I hold myself back.** 🧠 Is it even possible to **take control of my subconscious mind**? Think about how many opportunities you’ve missed or things you’ve held back from doing… all because of that weird feeling deep inside. Some folks call it **fear**, others say it’s an **inner voice**, or just a **strange vibe**. 🌫️ That feeling is really your **subconscious mind**—and it doesn’t exactly specialise in logical, well-thought-out decisions. 🤔 ### 🌌 **The Power of the Subconscious Mind** During our live presentation, you’ll get a **clear and down-to-earth** explanation of: * Exactly what your subconscious mind is * How it creates nagging, unwanted feelings * Why some people feel more stressed than others * What your subconscious is *really* trying to do to **you** This isn’t just another lecture where you sit quietly and listen. 🎤 It’s **interactive and live**, so you can ask any question at any time! 💬 And finally, we’ll tackle the biggest question of all: ✨ **How can you regain control of your subconscious mind?** ✨ 📅 **Reserve your seat today!** 🗓️ *Tuesday, 14 April 2026, 7PM* 📍 *Church of Scientology & Community Centre of Dublin* Firhouse Road, Dublin D24 CX39 ####

Join us for some casual games @ Corrigans. All levels welcome!

A lovely session of music and song in a relaxed and supportive environment. All levels of musician and singer welcome. You can come and sing or play one song or just come and listen to the other members. Great way to build up your playing skills and build up your confidence. We don't pay the bar for this session, so make sure you buy at least one drink. Charge €2.

**Buy your own ticket from the Stella in Rathmines** Come and join us at the luxurious Stella, Rathmines cinema for a showing of the classic '12 Angry Men' You will receive a glass of prosecco or a bottle of water on arrival. # 12 Angry Men 1 hr 35 min • 17/04/2026 In the definitive version of Reginald Rose's timeless script, an all-white jury decides the fate of a youth accused of murder. This tightly constructed searing expose of prejudice in the American legal system stars Henry Fonda and a pantheon of great character actors. DETAILS: 14:50 Meet in the Foyer of the Stella cinema 15:00 take our seats 16:35 Show ends Afterwards we will to to 'Voici' for snacks, coffee, tea or wine. **Buy your own ticket from the Stella in Rathmines**

**🔓 UNLOCK THE POWER OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION 🗣️** “I know what I should say, but it doesn't come out right.” “I want to fix my relationship, but I don't know where to start.” “When the time comes, I don't know what to say.” “I have so many ideas, but I'm too afraid to share them.” In every aspect of life—whether in relationships, family dynamics, business, or the workplace—**communication is the key** 🔑 Without it, progress is impossible. But with effective communication, the doors to success swing wide open. Learn the secrets of how to communicate to anyone, anywhere—whether you’re speaking to a small group, addressing a large audience, or having a one-on-one conversation. ## 🌟 THE POWER OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Poor communication is often overlooked as the root of problems in relationships, confidence, and work ability. In this workshop, we’ll cover the **formula of communication** and how to use it to improve every aspect of your life. ### ✅ Effective communication can handle: * Shyness and introversion * Business relationships and efficiency * Marriages and romantic relationships * Self-confidence and self-esteem * Everyday interactions This is not just a lecture where you sit quietly and listen - It’s **interactive and LIVE** so you can ask questions at any time and start practicing your newfound skills right away. ### 📅 **15 April 2026 – 7:00 PM**📍 ### Church of Scientology & Community Centre of Dublin, Firhouse Road, Dublin D24 CX39 🥤 Complimentary refreshments will be served ⚡ **Reserve your spot today!** Places are limited—sign up well in advance! 📝✨ I am looking forward to seeing you there! **Erik Smit** Dianetics & Scientology Life Coach

Welcome to our first\* semi-casual tournament! Tickets are available via [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chess-n-fun-in-dublin-tournament-tickets-1986633079018?aff=oddtdtcreator)! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chess-n-fun-in-dublin-tournament-tickets-1986633079018?aff=oddtdtcreator * The format will be Swiss format with 5 rounds. * 10 minute games * We're starting out at 20 players, In the future we could add more seats but this is dependent on boards and clocks available. If you want to spectate you're welcome to visit the pub.

📺 **The Office (US) Quiz – Two Rounds, 100 Questions** That’s what she said. A full night dedicated to *The Office (US)*. We’ll run **two independent quizzes of 50 questions each**: Round 1: 19:30–20:15 Round 2: 20:30–21:15 Join one or both. No repeated questions between rounds. ### ✨ **All-Seasons Challenge:** Explore every season of **The Office (US)**, testing your knowledge from the pilot in Scranton to the emotional finale. From Michael’s “That’s what she said” to Jim and Dwight’s pranks, this quiz ensures a comprehensive and engaging experience. 🔎 **Double-Points Sections:** * **Main Characters Round:** Delve into the traits, backstories, and key moments of the Dunder Mifflin team to earn double points. * **Quotes Round:** Prove your overall expertise about the quotes and reap double points. 🏆 **Sitcoms League 2026** Each time your team attends a sitcom quiz, your score is saved. Scores accumulate throughout the year, and the winning team receives: Custom jerseys for all members, featuring: • Team name • Team photo • Title: **“Sitcom Champions 2026”** **🤝 Teams & Format** • Groups of **4–6** form their own team • Groups of **1–3** are matched with others • Arrive by **19:00** for smooth team formation • Latecomers join the team with the lowest score • **Fries for every table** • **Top 3 teams** win prizes • The winning team gets **free entry to any upcoming quiz** **💸 Pricing** **Per Round:** €7 individual • €5 groups of 2–3 • €4 groups of 4–6 **Both rounds:** +€2 extra **💳 [Membership Options (Save € & unlock perks)](https://buymeacoffee.com/newindublin)** **🟡 Regular Membership (€12/mo)** ✔ Free: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ –50%: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ Extra perks **🔵 Theme Membership (€15/mo)** ✔ Free: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ –50%: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ Extra Perks **🟣 Complete Membership (€20/mo)** ✔ Free access to ALL events ✔ Extra Perks **📱 Stay Connected** 🔗 **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)**[ ](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)– full weekly calendar 💬 **[WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)**[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)– reminders & updates 📘 **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)**[ ](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)– photos & highlights 📸 **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)**[ ](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)– stories & behind-the-scenes 🌐 **[Website](https://newindublin.net/)**[ ](https://newindublin.net/)– all information about our events

IFSC Toastmasters will hold its next meeting on Weds 4th Mar at 6.30pm. It will take place in the CIE Boardroom in Connolly Station, North Dock, Dublin 1. Please ensure that you are up on the Station Concourse outside Tom Stanley newsagents by 6:15pm sharp as late arrivals will not be permitted access. [Connelly Station Concourse Locator](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ew5HA8BxgfoFyHm28) (Eircode: D01V6V6) [Meeting Point Picture](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bKQNl_6wEXY6WrcbKBfYsqbY1nkqnhHo/view?usp=drive_link) You can expect to receive a warm welcome and experience the different ways we help our members and guests achieve their public speaking goals. Our meetings have a variety of speaking opportunities ranging from spontaneous topic discussions to prepared speeches and more formal roles. You can sit back and absorb the meeting or get involved a little and introduce yourself. Either way you can be assured of a fun and interesting evening of personal development. We really hope to see you there!

Get ready to make your voice heard at the next meeting of **People's College Debating Club** on **15th April** Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or someone who’s never stood up to debate before, this is your chance to sharpen your arguments, challenge new ideas, and build confidence in a fun and supportive environment. We are asking everyone to along a motion to debate. It can be serious, political, philosophical, light-hearted, or completely creative. Whether it’s “This House Would Ban Social Media for Under 16s” or “This House Believes Pineapple Belongs on Pizza,” we want to hear your ideas! The more varied and imaginative the motions, the better the debates will be. We’ll be holding **1-on-1 debates for each motion** so every idea gets its spotlight, and every speaker gets the opportunity to go head-to-head in a focused, fast-paced exchange of arguments. This format is perfect for developing quick thinking, structured reasoning, and confident delivery. Debating isn’t just about winning arguments it’s about learning to express yourself clearly, think on your feet, and engage with ideas under pressure. These are skills that carry far beyond the room, helping with exams, interviews, applications, and everyday conversations. So start shaping your motion, build your case, and come prepared to challenge others and be challenged in return. Bring a friend, bring your ideas, and above all, bring your voice. We’re looking forward to seeing you on the 15th for an evening of lively discussion and competitive spirit at the People’s College Debating Club. €3 entry, payable at the door.

Welcome to the April'26 edition of PyData Ireland. This meetup is in association with Quantum Black, AI by McKinsey. Agenda for the day: * 17:30 – Arrival * 18:00 – Start of talks (Details below) * *Jitendra Gundaniya*: **Building Agentic GenAI Pipelines with Kedro Builder (Beginner-Friendly)** * *Dmitry Sorokin*: **Let AI Agents Manage Your ML & Data Pipelines** * 19:30 – Networking \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Talk 1:** Building Agentic GenAI Pipelines with Kedro Builder (Beginner Friendly) **Speaker Name and Designation:** Jitendra Gundaniya, Senior Software Engineer at QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey **Speaker LinkedIn:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jitu11](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jitu11) **Talk Description:** This talk shows how Kedro Builder, a visual drag-and-drop tool, can lower that barrier. We'll walk through building a simple agentic pipeline visually dragging LLM context nodes, connecting prompts and tools, and exporting a working Kedro project, all without writing boilerplate by hand. Think of it as a learning ramp: see the pipeline structure first, then dive into the code. **Key Takeaways:** * How a visual builder can make agentic pipeline patterns (LLM + prompts + tools → agent → output) more approachable for beginners * What `llm_context_node` is and how it simplifies GenAI pipeline creation in Kedro * A live walkthrough of building and exporting a GenAI pipeline using Kedro Builder * Where the visual approach helps (pipeline scaffolding, boilerplate) and where you still need code (agent logic, output schemas) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Talk 2:** Let AI Agents Manage Your ML & Data Pipelines **Speaker Name and Designation:** Dmitry Sorokin, Senior Machine Learning Engineer II at QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey **Speaker LinkedIn:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmd40in/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmd40in/) **Talk Description:** This talk explores how traditional data & ML pipeline frameworks can be wrapped with an MCP server, enabling AI agents (e.g. LangGraph, Claude Code) to connect and manage pipelines programmatically. We’ll look at how this approach combines the deterministic nature of production data & ML workflows with the flexibility and reasoning capabilities of modern AI agents. **Key Takeaways:** * How to expose data & ML pipelines through an MCP server * How AI agents can orchestrate and manage existing workflows * A practical pattern for combining deterministic pipelines with agentic flexibility

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

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!

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia