Intelligent Conversation

Springdales School, Al Quoz Strivers Saturday morning Intermediate badminton games Saturdays 9-11am Message Queueing Strivers on WhatsApp. [https://wa.me/971522554849](https://wa.me/971522554849) **Before joining first time please inform us your interest joining to the group coaching by above link or sending Whatsapp tel. +971 52 255 4849.** Join us for Saturday morning badminton games. Meet like-minded Intermediate badminton enthusiasts, expect a fun and competitive atmosphere in a friendly setting. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your game, make new friends, and enjoy a thrilling start of the weekend with badminton fellows. Sign up now and get ready to smash your way to victory!

​Step into a vibrant dining gathering where great people, exceptional cuisine, and effortless conversations come together in a stylish and welcoming setting. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)** ​Our dining socials are curated experiences bringing together ambitious, curious, and socially intelligent people. * ​Stylish setting designed for social energy. Room full of great and interesting people. Environment where connections happen effortlessly. ​Because the best nights happen when the right people come together. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)** ​Expect a diverse mix of interesting people including entrepreneurs, ambitious professionals, and creatives. ​👥 **Who you’ll meet** * ​People who enjoy meaningful conversations. Individuals open to meeting inspiring personalities. A socially intelligent and vibrant crowd. ​But more importantly, they share something in common: Curiosity, ambition, and great social energy. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Dining 😊

We’ll be listening to a selected podcast /talk beforehand and then gathering to discuss, dissect, and share insights with like-minded people about the episode. Whether you’re actively working on your listening skills, love learning through podcasts, or simply enjoy exploring topics around design thinking, productivity, art, and culture, we are more than happy to have you. In this session we will be breaking down the following podcast : [Robert Greene : Mastering your craft](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50BZQRT1dAg) \*Please note that RSVP’ing and listening to the podcast is mandatory before attending. Walk ins will not be allowed

Hello everyone. This event is just a meet & greet event. Just a space to sit together. No conditions. No expectations. No agenda. We come as we are. As we sit, questions may arise Or they may not. If nothing arises, perhaps silence is enough. Let us gently look within: What do I really want? Am I truly troubled, or is it something I have assumed? Am I being forced to exist, or am I at ease with being here, now? Life is constantly unfolding. Events happen, thoughts move, emotions come and go. In the midst of all that is happening around us, in the region and beyond: What can I actually control? What truly deserves my attention? What really matters—for myself and for those around me? Can I be more simple, more practical, more steady in the current situation? Does a calmer mind respond better than a restless one? Will concern help, or does it quietly drain clarity and action? How much of what I carry is necessary—and how much is imagined? And more quietly: What is the extent of “my” influence? Where does it begin… and where does it end? If clarity comes, let it come. If silence remains, let it remain. See you at La Brioche Dubai Hills Mall. https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7hXdnRNXM05VAZo92iH3T

**What this is about?** This is a meetup group focused on AI. We meet every Saturday at 7:30pm at DIFC. Usually there are up to 30 people from different backgrounds, such as AI programmers, rocket engineers, physicists, marketing, designers, investors... But it's also meant for people who have no background in AI and are looking for more insight. This is a very casual group for everyone, no presentations, you can pitch your AI business idea or discuss your favorite Terminator movie. We meet at the Stage Area (next to S&C Music, see directions https://imgur.com/a/QIvYOvT ) above the Carrefour market at DIFC, just look for a group of people there without board games (if you see board games, that's another group). The group is free and there is no requirement to buy anything. There is free wifi. 📣 WhatsApp group for event updates (only mods can post): [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JjrVIJyxHbe9fUWoGLaJsZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JjrVIJyxHbe9fUWoGLaJsZ) 📍To get there: 🚇 Metro Station: Financial Centre Metro Station, 5 minutes walk, look for the Financial Centre exit sign. 🚗 Parking Options: Gate Avenue Parking is unfortunately under construction. Other options: Gate District Building 2: free underground parking from 6 pm onwards. \* Street Parking near Ritz Carlton: This is a paid parking option, conveniently located. \* Gate Avenue Open Parking: Present a purchase receipt for 4 hours of complimentary parking. 💡 **Note**: *You might see a few other Meetup pages with similar names - this one’s run by the folks actually hosting the weekly meetups and building the in-person community you’ve seen at DIFC.* *PS: We occasionally take group photos to capture good vibes and community spirit, by attending you're comfortable with casual group photos - feel free to step aside if you don't wish to be in them*

**It is a paid event = Charges 50aed per player for 3 hrs of the game.** # 🎯 Welcome to Badminton Lovers Dubai! **The World's Highest-rated badminton community** from the heart of Dubai \(A perfect ⭐ 5 star rated ★ \| 5000\+ reviews\) – where fun\, fitness\, and friendship come together on court\! Whether you’re a **beginner eager to learn** or an **advanced player seeking competitive rallies**, you’ll enjoy: ✔ **3 hours** of structured, mix-and-match doubles games ✔ Professional world-class courts at Al Safa Sports hall ✔ A friendly, welcoming community of players of all levels ## ⭐ Why Join Us? ✔ Dubai’s **#1 rated sports & social group** ✔ Play with 5-6 players per court → **minimum waiting time** ✔ Separate courts for **advanced competitive matches** ✔ Beginner-friendly – guidance & support provided ✔ **Feather shuttles included** + limited rackets (first-come, first-serve) ✔ Exclusive **discounts at leading sports stores in Dubai** ✔ Social, fun, and a great way to meet new friends ## 📍 Event Details *⏳ **Duration:** **3 hours** of exciting non-stop badminton games - 🏸 **Venue:** Al Safa Sports hall *💵 **Fee:** 50 AED (includes feather shuttles) - 💳 **Payment:** Online (CareemPay/Bank Transfer – 0509001406). *Cash is only for approved regulars (+5 AED surcharge).* *🔄 **System:** Mix-and-match doubles for maximum variety ## 📱 New Players – Important At the time of RSVP, please WhatsApp the organiser: 📲 0509001406 Waqsi ## 💰 Payment & Cancellation Policy - **RSVP = Commitment** *Your RSVP is your commitment to attend. Please honour it. - Your RSVP blocks a spot, and you are responsible for payment unless you cancel on time. **Payment** *Payment is required **immediately at the time of RSVP** to secure your spot. - If you RSVP but do not pay **and** do not cancel within the allowed time, you are still liable for the session fee. **Cancellation by Players** *✅ Cancel **12+ hours before the event:** No charge. If already paid, the amount is credited towards a future session. - ❌ Cancel **less than 12 hours before** OR **No-show:** Full payment required, even if you have not yet paid. No credit/refund. **Unpaid RSVPs** *Unpaid RSVPs may be removed by organisers **before the 12-hour window.** - Within 12 hours of the event, all RSVPs (paid or unpaid) are treated as confirmed and subject to the cancellation/no-show policy. **Event Cancelled by Organisers** *If we cancel, you will receive a **full refund** or a **session credit** (your choice). **Non-Payment Consequences** - Players who fail to honour payment after a late cancellation or no-show may be restricted from RSVPing for future sessions until dues are cleared. ## 📸 Social Media Policy *Photos/videos may be used to promote badminton & our community - You can request removal in writing for future events *Past media cannot be deleted ## 👥 Guest Policy *Guests must be registered with **name & level** - RSVP holder is responsible for guest payment & cancellations ## 🏸 Safety Guidelines & Event Rules *(Badminton Lovers Dubai)* To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and well-organised experience for everyone, all participants are required to read and follow the guidelines below: ### 1️⃣ Personal Responsibility *All players participate **at their own risk**. - Please ensure you are **physically fit and medically able** to play badminton before joining the session. *Warm up properly and play within your personal limits. ### 2️⃣ On-Court Safety *Always be aware of **other players**, shuttle direction, and adjacent courts. - Avoid running into other courts or behind players during active rallies. *Stop play immediately if a shuttle or player enters your court unexpectedly. - Wear **appropriate non-marking sports shoes** to prevent slips and injuries. ### 3️⃣ Equipment & Attire *Use suitable badminton rackets and equipment in good condition. - Badminton Lovers Dubai is **not responsible** for any damage to personal equipment. ### 4️⃣ Personal Belongings *Players are fully responsible for their **own belongings**, including rackets, bags, wallets, phones, and valuables. - Please do not leave personal items unattended. *** The organisers are not liable** for any loss, theft, or damage to personal property. ### 5️⃣ Injuries & Medical Emergencies - In case of injury, please inform the organiser immediately. *First aid (if available at the venue) is provided as a courtesy only. - **The organisers, hosts, and venue are not liable** for any injuries, accidents, or medical conditions arising before, during, or after the event. ### 6️⃣ Conduct & Sportsmanship *Respect fellow players, organisers, and venue staff at all times. - Aggressive behaviour, unsafe play, or repeated rule violations may result in removal from the session without refund. *Follow organiser instructions regarding court rotation, timing, and player grouping. ### 7️⃣ Venue Rules *All participants must comply with the **venue’s rules and regulations**. - Any penalties imposed by the venue due to misconduct will be the responsibility of the individual involved. ### 8️⃣ Liability Disclaimer By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree that: - You voluntarily assume all risks associated with playing badminton. *** Badminton Lovers Dubai, its organisers, hosts, and volunteers are released from any liability**, claims, demands, or causes of action related to personal injury, loss, damage, or theft of belongings. - ## ✅ Ready to Play? Click RSVP, send us a WhatsApp to confirm, and get ready to smash your way into Dubai’s most exciting badminton community!

Ready for an evening where new faces, soulful beats, and big energy come together in one unforgettable vibe? 🌃 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)** Join us for the next edition of our social — a curated night to meet new people, spark real conversations, and enjoy the magic of connection. 💫 **​🌟 What to expect:** * ​Elegant lounge vibes with stunning views * ​Bold conversations, unexpected laughs, and surprising connections 💬 * ​Delicious drinks + an atmosphere made for authentic encounters 🍸 * ​A live DJ performance setting the mood with soulful melodies + feel-good beats 🎶 This isn’t just another night out. It’s a curated social experience designed for people who want more than small talk. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)** No apps. No pressure. Just a room full of amazing people who appreciate fun, spontaneity, and great vibes 🔥 **👀 The Experience:** * No apps. No pressure. Just good vibes ✨ * Come alone, leave with friends 👋 * Laughter, toasts & stories that last 🍷 * The perfect mix of music, drinks & energy 🎶 * More than a social — it’s an experience 💫 This isn’t just a night out! It’s an elevated experience where the city lights are your stage and every connection feels limitless. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)** 👋 So if you’re tired of ordinary nights out, come and see what happens when real connection meets party atmosphere. Join us for an evening where new faces, soulful beats, and big energy come together in one unforgettable vibe 🌃 **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Social 😊

Hi and welcome to our philosophy meetup!
Do you have a hunger for deeper understanding of yourself and the world? Do you value deep, honest and respectful dialogue?
If yes, then this meetup will be very interesting for you. You can also call/msg : [0503551536](https://wa.me/+971503551536) **What’s This Meetup About?** We explore big questions and share ideas to spark curiosity and broaden our thinking. The goal? To learn from each other’s perspectives—not to push our own views. This isn’t about quoting famous philosophers or winning debates; it’s about questioning, reflecting, and challenging our own assumptions in an open, respectful space. Success means leaving with more questions than answers! **What Do We Discuss?** At each meetup, we vote on a topic—anything from "What’s the purpose of life?" to "Do parallel universes exist?" No philosophy degree needed—just bring your curiosity and a love for thoughtful conversation. **Event flow** * Intro & icebreaker * One-on-one discussions * Group discussion * Mini activity **Who shows up?** Open-minded folks from all walks of life. Expect friendly debates, weird tangents, occasional cranks, and surprisingly smart convos. **Who is NOT invited?** * narrow-minded people (racists, sexists, judgmental, ...) * anyone trying to sell something * anyone looking for a hookup **FREE ENTRY :** This event is free to attend. However, if you enjoy our events, please consider supporting us by getting us a coffee [here](https://pay.ziina.com/dsh). Your support will make a meaningful difference and help us continue offering free events whenever possible. Thank you! <3 You can also call/msg : [0503551536](https://wa.me/+971503551536)

**It is a paid event. Charges 45aed for 2 hrs of the game per player.** # 🎯 Welcome to Badminton Lovers Dubai! **The World's Highest-rated badminton community** from the heart of Dubai \(A perfect ⭐ 5 star rated ★ \| 5000\+ reviews\) – where fun\, fitness\, and friendship come together on court\! Whether you’re a **beginner eager to learn** or an **advanced player seeking competitive rallies**, you’ll enjoy: ✔ 2 hours of structured, mix-and-match doubles games ✔ Professional world-class courts at **Danube Sports World** ✔ A friendly, welcoming community of players of all levels ## ⭐ Why Join Us? ✔ Dubai’s **#1 rated sports & social group** ✔ Play with 5-6 players per court → **minimum waiting time** ✔ Separate courts for **advanced competitive matches** ✔ Beginner-friendly – guidance & support provided ✔ **Feather shuttles included** + limited rackets (first-come, first-serve) ✔ Exclusive **discounts at leading sports stores in Dubai** ✔ Social, fun, and a great way to meet new friends ## 📍 Event Details *⏳ **Duration:** 2 hours of exciting badminton games - 🏸 **Venue:** Danube Sports World -* 💵 **Fee:** 45 AED (includes feather shuttles) - 💳 **Payment:** Online (CareemPay/Bank Transfer – 0509001406). *Cash is only for approved regulars (+5 AED surcharge).* *🔄 **System:** Mix-and-match doubles for maximum variety ## 📱 New Players – Important At the time of RSVP, please WhatsApp the organiser: 📲 0509001406 \| 0502480751 \(Waqsi\) [https://wa.me/971509001406](https://wa.me/971509001406) ## 💰 Payment & Cancellation Policy - **RSVP = Commitment** *Your RSVP is your commitment to attend. Please honour it. - Your RSVP blocks a spot, and you are responsible for payment unless you cancel on time. **Payment** *Payment is required **immediately at the time of RSVP** to secure your spot. - If you RSVP but do not pay **and** do not cancel within the allowed time, you are still liable for the session fee. **Cancellation by Players** *✅ Cancel **12+ hours before the event:** No charge. If already paid, the amount is credited towards a future session. - ❌ Cancel **less than 12 hours before** OR **No-show:** Full payment required, even if you have not yet paid. No credit/refund. **Unpaid RSVPs** *Unpaid RSVPs may be removed by organisers **before the 12-hour window.** - Within 12 hours of the event, all RSVPs (paid or unpaid) are treated as confirmed and subject to the cancellation/no-show policy. **Event Cancelled by Organisers** *If we cancel, you will receive a **full refund** or a **session credit** (your choice). **Non-Payment Consequences** - Players who fail to honour payment after a late cancellation or no-show may be restricted from RSVPing for future sessions until dues are cleared. ## 📸 Social Media Policy *Photos/videos may be used to promote badminton & our community - You can request removal in writing for future events *Past media cannot be deleted ## 👥 Guest Policy *Guests must be registered with **name & level** - RSVP holder is responsible for guest payment & cancellations ## 🏸 Safety Guidelines & Event Rules *(Badminton Lovers Dubai)* To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and well-organised experience for everyone, all participants are required to read and follow the guidelines below: ### 1️⃣ Personal Responsibility *All players participate **at their own risk**. - Please ensure you are **physically fit and medically able** to play badminton before joining the session. *Warm up properly and play within your personal limits. ### 2️⃣ On-Court Safety *Always be aware of **other players**, shuttle direction, and adjacent courts. - Avoid running into other courts or behind players during active rallies. *Stop play immediately if a shuttle or player enters your court unexpectedly. - Wear **appropriate non-marking sports shoes** to prevent slips and injuries. ### 3️⃣ Equipment & Attire *Use suitable badminton rackets and equipment in good condition. - Badminton Lovers Dubai is **not responsible** for any damage to personal equipment. ### 4️⃣ Personal Belongings *Players are fully responsible for their **own belongings**, including rackets, bags, wallets, phones, and valuables. - Please do not leave personal items unattended. *** The organisers are not liable** for any loss, theft, or damage to personal property. ### 5️⃣ Injuries & Medical Emergencies - In case of injury, please inform the organiser immediately. *First aid (if available at the venue) is provided as a courtesy only. - **The organisers, hosts, and venue are not liable** for any injuries, accidents, or medical conditions arising before, during, or after the event. ### 6️⃣ Conduct & Sportsmanship *Respect fellow players, organisers, and venue staff at all times. - Aggressive behaviour, unsafe play, or repeated rule violations may result in removal from the session without refund. *Follow organiser instructions regarding court rotation, timing, and player grouping. ### 7️⃣ Venue Rules *All participants must comply with the **venue’s rules and regulations**. - Any penalties imposed by the venue due to misconduct will be the responsibility of the individual involved. ### 8️⃣ Liability Disclaimer By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree that: - You voluntarily assume all risks associated with playing badminton. *** Badminton Lovers Dubai, its organisers, hosts, and volunteers are released from any liability**, claims, demands, or causes of action related to personal injury, loss, damage, or theft of belongings. ## ✅ Ready to Play? Click RSVP, send us a WhatsApp to confirm, and get ready to smash your way into Dubai’s most exciting badminton community!

Connect with like-minded, non-judgmental souls, experience a deeply calming group silent meditation, and exchange life wisdom in an atmosphere of presence and meaning. Do you: 1- Crave deep conversations and authentic friendships instead of surface-level small talk? 2- Prefer deep conversations about life, purpose, and feelings over small talk? 3- Care deeply about helping, inspiring, or connecting with people? If you answered “Yes”, welcome to the group 🤗 Meetup Location: Kite Beach # 3 (umm Suqeim Beach) What to bring: -a small matt to sit on. -a bottle of water. Meetup Agenda: 09:00pm Gathering. 09:10pm Silent Meditation. 09:20pm Barefoot Beach Walking. 09:30pm Ask & Answer Circle. How to reach the location of the event? 📍google maps: Kite Beach # 3 (umm Suqeim Beach) Between Tent Jumeira Restaurant, and Pink Beach Cafe Note: The meetup point will have an orange LED light to follow 🚌 Bus 🚌 From👉🏻Mashreq Metro Bus Stop To👉🏻Umm Suqeim Library 2

Thanks for joining the Money Minds meetup group. If you would like to be the first to know whenever a new event is announced, please join our whatsapp group using the link; [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DPbMfZndPooGHSxFCLCKHg](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DPbMfZndPooGHSxFCLCKHg) "The Richest Man in Babylon" by George S. Clason imparts timeless financial wisdom through parables set in ancient Babylon. It teaches saving, investing, and the importance of living within one's means to achieve wealth, encapsulated in stories like "The Five Laws of Gold."

Ever feel like you just need someone to talk to—someone who will truly listen without judgement? Whether you're going through something tough, feeling stuck, or simply want to share your thoughts with a kind and understanding soul, "A Friend in Need" is here for you. For 30 minutes, you’ll have a one-on-one chat with a warm and compassionate listener, who’s here to offer support, perspective, and meaningful conversation. No scripts, no pressure—just genuine human connection. 💬 **How it Works**: ✅ Only four spots available (first come, first served) ✅ Each session lasts 30 minutes ✅ Private and respectful—your thoughts are safe here ✅ Fee: AED 50 per session ✅ Arrive at the time appointed to you Need more time? If there’s room after all four sessions, extensions will be available for an additional AED 30 per 15 minutes. These extensions MAY happen online at a later time. ⚠️ **Important Disclaimer**: This event is NOT a substitute for therapy, counselling, or professional advice. It is simply a friendly conversation space for those who need someone to talk to. Reserve your spot now—sometimes, all we need is a friend in the moment. 💙 **Note: Please message me privately to book your slot. First come, first served!**

We’re bringing together **Dubai’s Web3 community** for an evening of **networking, conversations & opportunities** in the world of **blockchain, DeFi, NFTs & digital innovation** 🌐💡 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/wa-blockchain)** This isn’t just another social — it’s where **visionaries, developers, creatives & investors** collide to shape what’s next in the decentralized world. 🌟 **Why join?** * Network with crypto & AI visionaries 🤝 * Share insights on DeFi, NFTs & the metaverse 🔗 * Explore opportunities in digital finance 💡 * Build lasting connections in the Web3 space 🌐 Whether you’re building the next big protocol, exploring **tokenized assets**, collecting **NFTs**, or investing in **AI-powered blockchain solutions**, this night is for you 🔗📈 👥 **Who you’ll meet:** * Blockchain & Web3 developers 👨‍💻 * Crypto investors & traders 💹 * NFT creators & collectors 🎨 * Startup Founders & Innovators 🚀 * Legal & regulatory experts ⚖️ * Institutions exploring RWAs 🏦 * Anyone passionate about Web3 🌍 🥂 Imagine you’re in an **elegant lounge**, Dubai’s skyline glowing in the background. The vibe is set with smooth music, drinks in hand, and conversations flowing effortlessly. You turn, and there’s a **Web3 founder**, an **AI entrepreneur**, a **crypto investor**, and a **metaverse creator** — all ready to exchange insights, ideas, and possibilities. This is **where high-caliber minds meet high-energy vibes** 💬⚡ Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/wa-blockchain)** 🎶 Background music sets the mood while you mingle, network, and unlock new opportunities. 🥂 **What to expect:** * Elegant lounge vibes 🌆 * Background music + curated drinks 🎶🍸 * High-caliber conversations ⚡ * Views. Vibes. Vision. 💫 The next wave of **innovation, collaborations, and investments** is sparked in conversations like these. It’s not just networking — it’s **community-building with purpose**. So whether you’re here to share your project, scout for talent, find investors, or simply **connect with like-minded builders**, this night is your gateway to **new opportunities in Web3**. 💫 Drinks, music, people — and the chance to build the future together. 👉 Leave with new opportunities, valuable insights, and a stronger network. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/wa-blockchain) 👉 Mark your spot and be part of this **exclusive Web3 social evening**. Because the future isn’t coming — **we’re building it now**. 🚀🌐🔥 *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊

Marhaba! Dubai brings the world together — and so does our meetup. [[[Click this WhatsApp Groupchat Link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/I0OyqZO7w4r1sCwWwm4R0v) ]] Join us Saturdays at 7:30 PM for a mix of global minds, mostly in their 20s and 30s. If you’re craving culture, company, or conversation in any language, you’re home. We talk, we laugh, we learn — together.

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)

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!

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

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

Do you feel introverted when you are in a group setting? Are you shy? Do other people have more fun than you do? There are simple life hacks you can use to improve your connection to others and improve your social life. Talking is one thing. Truly connecting is altogether another. It's the whole experience of connecting with people and forming relationships. It includes the joy, understanding, and love formed among people. * In our meetings, you will learn: * A simple life hack to increase your liking and tolerance of other people, or even of yourself! * How to become more interested and enjoy conversations with people. * How to be comfortable in social settings. * How to be yourself * How to become more extroverted and, * How to make connections with people. Feeling lonely, isolated, or bored? This local meeting is exactly what you need! Come join us! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!