AI and Society

Come for a delicious Hawker style Vietnamese meal and settle in for a meaningful conversation on "Freedom". Bring your favourite celebratory chocolate to share. We start our exploration using short selections from the Bahá’í teachings and other inspirational sources. The aim is to uplift, inspire and motivate; the conversation will benefit from all participants’ viewpoints. Everyone is invited to positively contribute to elevated conversations, inquiry, consultation and learning. As we learn from one another we hope to build new connections, bridges of unity and respect for all humanity.

A ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is a combination of a party and night of traditional Scottish dancing. Join with the Brunswick Scottish Society and learn how to do fun dances, and have some BYO drinks. Don't worry if you don't know how to dance -- the lovely people will teach you. This is the best $5 night you'll ever have! This is like a big party in a hall with BYO drinks, BYO glass/cup, BYO food and lots of Scottish Dancing. Most of the dances are like square dances with everyone being told or shown what to do. A few of the dances are similar to those done at ballroom places such as the Pride of Erin Waltz, Parma Waltz, Charmain Foxtrot or Evening 3 Step. Don't worry if you don't know any, they teach you. It finishes early, about 11pm, which is good as it's cheap drinks (BYO) you are probably best to use Public Transport. The 96 Tram gets you back to the CBD quite quickly. Some of us pop around the corner after and go to the Lomond Hotel on Nicholson St. The Lomond Hotel normally has a good band and dancing with free entry. Note: The number 96 tram just outside the hotel is one of the trams that is now running all night. It is a family event so you can bring children who might enjoy learning to dance. There can be six or seven other children there or there may be none. FAQ: COST: Normally $5 tickets at the door but this March event is free TIME: 7:45pm for an 8pm start LOCATION: Fleming Park Hall, 104 Victoria St., Brunswick East (the building just east of the Brunswick Bowls Club - 96 tram, stop #26. Note: If you end up at the tram terminus you have gone one stop too far. FOOD: Normally we bring food for a shared dinner - such as pasta, a salad, or cupcakes. Due to covid we are currently not having a shared dinner but you can bring snacks for yourself or immediate group at your table. DRINKS: bring your own + bring glasses/cups WEAR: plaid/tartan if you have it. It's not required, it's just way more fun! AFTER: drinks at the Lomond Hotel on Nicholson Note: This is being placed on a number of meetup groups and similar. We feel that having around 50 people dancing is quite good for this hall but previously had months with it going towards double this. Consequently we're now setting maximum RSVP numbers with the maximum being shared between groups. We monitor the total RSVPs over all groups and when we get enough people we cut off each group's maximum so that further RSVPs go onto wait lists.

Update 17 April: Ticket sales have been happening mainly through Humanitix. We have 14 attendees so far and it looks like it will be a great night to have fun and meet new people 💕 What if trivia night… was a game show? Join us for a slightly chaotic, very fun night of questions, puzzles, music, and friendly competition. All wrapped up in a game show-style experience where every round plays a little differently. You can expect: ✨ A fast-paced “Chase” style opener to get your brain firing 💸 A *Price is Right* round where closest wins 🧩 A mini *Wheel of Fortune* puzzle round 😂 A *Family Feud* round full of surprisingly strong opinions 🎶 A *RockWiz*-inspired music round 💰 A final *Jeopardy* round where you can wager your points and change everything No trivia experience needed — just bring yourself (or a couple of friends) and we’ll sort the rest on the night. Teams will be formed when you arrive, so it’s a great way to meet new people in a low-pressure, actually-fun environment. *** #### **📍 Details** **Location:** Northcote Uniting Church **Date:** April 18th **Time:** Arrive from 6:45pm for a 7:00pm start **Tickets:** $10 BYO snacks and drinks (yes, including alcohol 🍷) *** Whether you’re here to win, to make new friends, or just to enjoy a night that’s a little different, you’re very welcome. Come along, take a seat, and let’s play.

Please join us this Sunday. It is an open social session where we will discuss any topics attendees are keen to discuss. I will also prepare some philosophical prompts for us. **We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **We kindly ask attendees to pay $5 to attend to help with MeetUp costs & venue costs. This is not mandatory, but if you are a regular member it would be appreciated. Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table. The venue also expects us to spend money as a group, so grateful if everyone could buy a drink from the venue.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted in the Philosophy Circle group. Hope to see you there!

**💖 Geelong Virtual Speed Dating – Hosted, Curated & on Zoom** This style intentionally swings wider in tone, rhythm, and length so outputs do not all feel cut from the same cloth. Genuine conversations with real locals — all from your living room. Each round is a brief one-on-one Zoom chat with a Geelong local paired by age and personality. A host keeps the pace comfortable. **Register under your age group:** - 🎯 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Geelong&groupurlname=society-local-singles-rapid-dating-meetup&ar=18-32&face_v=27.0) - 🚀 **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Geelong&groupurlname=society-local-singles-rapid-dating-meetup&ar=30-46&face_v=27.0) - 🔥 **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Geelong&groupurlname=society-local-singles-rapid-dating-meetup&ar=40-58&face_v=27.0) - ⚡ 🚀 **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Geelong&groupurlname=society-local-singles-rapid-dating-meetup&ar=55+&face_v=27.0) **⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't guarantee a place.** Click your age group link below, register, and take the personality quiz to lock in your spot. Limited places. --- 👥 **Best for:** - People re-entering the dating scene after a break - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - Busy professionals who don't want to waste evenings - Geelong locals after personality-matched dates 🧭 **How the session runs** 1. **Pick your age group** – Register through your link above. 2. **Take the personality quiz** – We use it to pair you with compatible Geelong singles. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Click the link, jump on, and the host handles the rest. 4. **Meet your matches** – Cycle through short chats with compatible Geelong singles. 📌 **What to know** - ⚡ **Format:** Hosted on Zoom – one-on-one video dates - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam - 🚀 **Host:** Professional host keeping the evening smooth and relaxed - 🔥 **Vibe:** Laid-back one-on-one chats with Geelong locals --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. � ✨ Quick version: this one gets straight to the point. Everything important, without the extra padding. ⚡ **Why this version feels different** - The community matters as much as the session itself - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum Different tone. Same event. Much less predictable.

Join us to see Melbourne Museum’s special exhibition ‘ROME: Empire, Power, People’ followed by lively discussion about the relevance of themes such as power and human dignity, over lunch in Lygon Street. Please scroll right through to end to see discussion points for lunch AND suggested prior reading link. Meet at museum: 11.45 am Exhibition: 12.00pm - 1.15pm Walk to restaurant: 10min Lunch: 1.30pm @ Il Gambero 166 Lygon Street Indicate in comments if you are coming to exhibition and / or lunch. ***New Members:*** New members are more than welcome, we are a good-natured bunch who value friendship and exploring the realm of next wave humanism. Interested? Come and join the conversation! ***Cost:*** $35 adult, $30 senior, $30 concession **PLEASE PURCHASE TICKET DIRECTLY ON MUSEUM WEBSITE FOR ROME: EMPIRE, POWER, PEOPLE FOR 12.00PM 19 APRIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT** [https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/tickets/](https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/tickets/) $5 CONTRIBUTION (IF YOU CAN) TOWARDS ONGOING OPERATIONAL COSTS ***About the exhibition:*** From the fall of Julius Caesar to the power and ambition of an Empire, the exhibition showcases the luxury of Imperial Rome, the spectacle of the gladiator arena, the bustling marketplaces and the everyday experiences of Romans. Explore Ancient Rome’s political, social and spiritual worlds through over 180 objects dating from the Imperial period 1st Century CE to the 3rd Century CE, with all of the objects on display in Melbourne for the first time ever. The splendour, drama and humanity of Rome is brought to life in detail with scenography and multimedia, giving visitors an immersive experience and vivid portrait of a civilisation that continues to shape our world today. ***Link with modern humanism and points for discussion over lunch:*** **🏛 Power, Citizenship, and Human Responsibility** Rome’s political system—centralised under the emperor yet still tied to republican ideals—invites reflection on **human agency**, **leadership**, and **ethical governance**. * The emperor’s authority shows how power can stabilise or destabilise societies, prompting questions about **justice**, **accountability**, and **the common good**. * The expansion of citizenship, culminating in the *Constitutio Antoniniana* (212 CE), highlights evolving ideas about **belonging**, **rights**, and **inclusion**. * The Senate, magistrates, and local elites demonstrate how communities negotiate **shared responsibility** and **public service**. Humanist connection: Studying these structures encourages us in the 21st Century to consider what fair leadership looks like, how societies might distribute power, and how individuals contribute to civic life. **🎨 Culture, Creativity, and the Value of Expression** Roman cultural life—its literature, architecture, philosophy, and public entertainment—reveals a civilisation deeply invested in **human creativity** and **shared cultural identity**. * Writers like Seneca, Pliny, and Juvenal explored moral questions, emotions, and the human condition. * Monumental architecture expressed collective values: memory, pride, identity, and aspiration. * Religious and philosophical traditions (Stoicism, mystery cults, local deities) show humans searching for meaning and ethical frameworks. Humanist connection: These cultural expressions affirm the humanist belief that creativity, reflection, and intellectual inquiry enrich both individuals and communities. **🏺 Social Life, Dignity, and the Human Condition** Roman society was hierarchical, unequal, and often harsh—especially for enslaved people, women, and the poor. Yet it also reveals universal human experiences: family, work, belonging, resilience, and aspiration. * The *familia* structure shows how people sought stability, identity, and continuity. * Urban life—baths, markets, forums—demonstrates the importance of **community spaces** where people meet, talk, and coexist. * The presence of slavery and inequality invites ethical reflection on **human dignity**, **freedom**, and **justice**. Humanist connection: By examining both the achievements and injustices of Roman society, we can reflect on the importance of empathy, moral reasoning, and an understanding of how societies can uphold—or violate—human dignity. **🌍 Why This Link Matters for Learning** Connecting Rome to humanist values helps us: * see history as a lens for understanding ethical questions; * recognise the continuity of human concerns across time; * reflect on how societies shape and are shaped by human choices; * develop critical thinking about power, culture, and identity; * understand that studying the past is ultimately about understanding people. It turns the Roman Empire from a distant civilisation into a mirror for thinking about what kind of world we want to build today. ***Suggested prior reading:*** In preparation for the exhibition it is recommended to read about the events of Rome during this time period of 1st Century CE to the 3rd Century CE, and the philosopher Seneca. [https://www.britannica.com/place/ancient-Rome/The-transformation-of-Rome-and-Italy-during-the-Middle-Republic](https://www.britannica.com/place/ancient-Rome/The-transformation-of-Rome-and-Italy-during-the-Middle-Republic) [https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/seneca/](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/seneca/)

**💞 East Melbourne Zoom Speed Dating – Personality & Age Matched** Some versions of this event read crisp and polished. Others come out louder, looser, and more playful. Ditch the apps. Meet East Melbourne singles face-to-face on Zoom tonight. Join from home, get paired with East Melbourne singles your age, and have real conversations on Zoom. A host manages everything so you can just relax and enjoy. **Pick your age group and sign up:** - 🌍 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=East%20Melbourne&groupurlname=society-local-singles-rapid-dating-meetup&ar=18-32&face_v=27.0) - 🌍 **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=East%20Melbourne&groupurlname=society-local-singles-rapid-dating-meetup&ar=30-46&face_v=27.0) - 🎉 **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=East%20Melbourne&groupurlname=society-local-singles-rapid-dating-meetup&ar=40-58&face_v=27.0) - 💡 **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=East%20Melbourne&groupurlname=society-local-singles-rapid-dating-meetup&ar=55+&face_v=27.0) **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To join, pick your age group below, sign up, and finish the personality quiz. Spots are limited. --- ✨ Register, take the quiz, and connect with East Melbourne locals tonight. 🫶 ✨ --- 🗂 **Quick details** **Frequently Asked Questions** **How long are the chats?** A few minutes each — just enough to get a sense of someone. **What's the personality quiz for?** It helps us match you with compatible people. - **Host:** Friendly host guiding every round - **Duration:** Around 1–1.5 hours - **Matches:** Mutual matches sent out after the event - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam - **Matching:** Driven by personality quiz results - **Vibe:** Great energy, real people, authentic conversation - **Format:** Hosted on Zoom – one-on-one video dates - **Privacy:** Contact info only shared when both match 👥 **Best for:** - Singles in East Melbourne who want to meet people from home - East Melbourne locals after personality-matched dates - Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face 🧭 **How the session runs** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Complete the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Log in** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 4. **Chat** – Quick timed rounds with East Melbourne singles paired to you. 5. **See your matches** – Discover who you clicked with after the event.

**"TechWalking" - Networking + Walking** Are you a tech professional looking to network beyond the screen? Look no further than my upcoming #TechWalking event! ‍♀️ Join us for a refreshing walk around the scenic Albert Park Lake. It’s the perfect chance to connect with industry peers while getting in some steps! I know many of you have been tuning in to my online events, but we've never had the opportunity to meet in person. Let's change that! Check out the video from the last event: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JOva9E3XYhE We'll kick things off at **10 am sharp** at the Albert Park Fitness Station. Please, don't be late! We're hitting the trail around the lake as soon as we gather. And trust me, you won't want to miss it – unless you're up for a bit of a sprint to catch up! (we're going anti-clockwise) This event is pet and kid-friendly, as long as your little ones and furry friends can manage a 5 km walk, they're more than welcome to join. Looking forward to meeting you all in real life! Join the TechWalking group on LinkedIn! [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14477058/](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14477058/) \*\*\* Follow me on LinkedIn for more information: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-martens/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-martens/) Just moved to Australia? Grab your FREE guide to land your tech job! [https://yanamartens.com/first-tech-job-in-australia/](https://yanamartens.com/first-tech-job-in-australia/) Subscribe to YouTube Channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@ITCareerinAustralia](https://www.youtube.com/@ITCareerinAustralia)

**💕 North Melbourne Virtual Speed Dating – Hosted, Curated & on Zoom** This variant is designed to sound less templated by changing structure, emphasis, and energy level more aggressively. Genuine conversations with real locals — all from your living room. Quick, hosted rounds on Zoom with North Melbourne singles paired to your age group and personality. No awkward pauses — just natural conversation. **Pick your age group and sign up:** - 🌍 🌍 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=society-local-singles-rapid-dating-meetup&ar=18-32&face_v=27.0) - ⚡ **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=society-local-singles-rapid-dating-meetup&ar=30-46&face_v=27.0) - 🎉 **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=society-local-singles-rapid-dating-meetup&ar=40-58&face_v=27.0) - ✨ **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=society-local-singles-rapid-dating-meetup&ar=55+&face_v=27.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** You need to register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- 🎯 **Especially useful for:** - Singles in North Melbourne who want to meet people from home - Busy professionals who don't want to waste evenings - 🔥 People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation - North Melbourne locals after personality-matched dates ⭐ *"So much better than apps. Actual conversations with real people."* – North Melbourne attendee 🔄 **What to expect** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Click the link, jump on, and the host handles the rest. 4. **Meet your matches** – Cycle through short chats with compatible North Melbourne singles. 📌 **What to know** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - **Location:** Wherever you're comfortable – no venue, no travel - **Host:** Experienced host steering the session - **Vibe:** Great energy, real people, authentic conversation 💡 **Tip:** Prepare a couple of questions — it keeps the conversation moving. --- ✨ Register, take the quiz, and connect with North Melbourne locals tonight. 💞 ✨ Lean version: fewer words, same core offer. Fast to read, easy to act on. ⚡ **Why this version feels different** - The community matters as much as the session itself - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly Different tone. Same event. Much less predictable.

**What's going to happen?** There are 4 activities to choose from: **Connection Carousel** (structured conversations), a **Board Game Table**, a **Choose Your Own Adventure** hangout area, and a **Quiet Retreat Space**. Refer to the [detailed plan here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nVbe9zl_dzniTTEavz97LWCWiHfefDZZILYXjVxrAMs/edit?usp=sharing). **Where is it?** It's in the Sandringham Library event space, a short walk from Sandringham railway station. Refer to the [visual directions here to find it](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nVbe9zl_dzniTTEavz97LWCWiHfefDZZILYXjVxrAMs/edit?usp=sharing). **Who's it for?** Whether you have Adult ADD/ADHD, ADHD, Autism, or identify with any other neurodivergent traits, this event is a safe space for open discussions and support. Connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and learn from each other's unique perspectives on living with neurodivergence. Our goal is to foster a community where everyone feels accepted, understood, and empowered. Come spice up your neurodivergent journey with us!

# ** E-Commerce Transformed: AI-Driven Success ** Envision your online store not just running, but *thriving* on the power of artificial intelligence. This intensive masterclass provides the roadmap to building and scaling a profitable e-commerce business from the ground up. Learn to leverage AI in every crucial aspect, from initial product discovery to fully automated marketing campaigns. [🚀 Reserve Your Spot - Register Here 🚀](https://remoteready.io/product/AIEcommerce?city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-professionals-mastering-ai-income&startgmtdatetime=2026-04-24T22:00:00Z) --- ## Discover What's Possible This is your chance to revolutionise how you approach online retail. ### Who Should Attend This session is designed for: * Ambitious individuals eager to enter the world of e-commerce. * Dropshipping professionals aiming to implement intelligent automations. * Marketing specialists seeking to automate ad generation and optimize campaigns. * Forward-thinking entrepreneurs prepared to apply AI in hands-on applications. * Seasoned e-commerce vendors wanting to streamline operations and accelerate expansion. ### Curriculum Highlights The masterclass will cover how to harness AI to: * Craft compelling, high-conversion copy for your product listings. * Automate your advertising efforts, maximizing ROI. * Effectively manage inventory and optimize your supply chain using AI insights. * Implement AI-driven customer support and foster long-term customer loyalty. * Fine-tune your store's initial setup for optimal performance. ## Real Results *"The speed at which I can create compelling ad copy now is unbelievable. It’s a game changer."* – E-commerce store owner. ## Important Note **Register through the provided link. An RSVP is not a confirmed ticket.** ✨ Embark on your AI-powered e-commerce adventure today! ✨

## Unlock AI Automation: OpenClaw Masterclass Imagine: An AI working for *you*, crushing tasks while you recharge. Browser-based automation is now within reach. ### Grab Your Front-Row Seat Spaces are limited. Secure your spot now. [🚀 REGISTER NOW 🚀](https://remoteready.io/product/OpenClawMasterclass?city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-professionals-mastering-ai-income&startgmtdatetime=2026-04-24T22:00:00Z) --- ### What's Inside? Craft, refine, and launch your own AI agent using OpenClaw. This framework turns your browser into a hub for autonomous task execution. Previous coding expertise? Not a deal-breaker! ### Inside the Curriculum Learn the secrets of: * Agent performance tracking & optimization * Crafting prompts for reliable, predictable behavior * Effortless OpenClaw setup directly in your browser ### Who Is This For? * Professionals eager to get hands-on with applied AI * Those dreaming of their own personalized AI assistant * Entrepreneurs ready to vanquish repetitive chores * Developers exploring the landscape of AI agent frameworks ### TL;DR: An AI Assistant – Yours A single masterclass stands between you and streamlined productivity. Don't wait, sign up today. 🤖

## Ready to Create an AI-Powered Influencer? They're partnering with big names, generating real income, and reshaping social media. Ready to get in on the virtual influencer wave? We're walking you through how to build your own. ### Get Your Spot Locked In! Reserving a spot here doesn't complete your registration. Jump over to the link below to ensure you are officially registered. ### [👉 GRAB YOUR MASTERCLASS TICKET 🎟️](https://remoteready.io/product/AiInfluencer?city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-professionals-mastering-ai-income&startgmtdatetime=2026-04-24T22:00:00Z) --- So, what exactly will you uncover in this masterclass? We'll be guiding you through the exact strategies top AI influencer creators employ daily. Expect to learn how to create a virtual persona that resonates, churn out killer content effortlessly, cultivate a loyal fan base, and, most importantly, turn those followers into sustainable income. Is this right for you? If any of these sound appealing, you're in the right place: * You're drawn to AI image and video creation. * You're intrigued by the growing world of virtual influencers. * You're a total newbie with zero previous influencer or social media experience. * You want to freshen your social media marketing through additional income. * You dream of generating influencer income without being on camera. Here's a sneak peek at what we will work on together. * Dominate platforms like Instagram and TikTok with your AI personality. * Content scheduling from start to finish alongside fully automated posting. * Dive into the cutting edge of AI tools to create stunning photorealistic visuals. * Pinpoint profitable niches and which ones earn the most in the AI landscape. Take the first step and let's start building! 🚀

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)

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** GitHub Copilot is powerful, but what if you could scale from a solo AI assistant to an entire team of specialized agents working in parallel? This session introduces Squad: an open-source framework for multi-agent orchestration that lets you define teams of AI agents with specific roles, responsibilities, and expertise. We'll progress from Copilot basics to the Copilot CLI, explore how Agents add autonomy, and see how Instructions and Skills let you customize agent behavior. Then, the climax: a live demo where a Squad team of 3 agents (Lead, Developer, Tester) stands up and builds a working application in real-time, showcasing true multi-agent collaboration. Whether you're new to AI or exploring how to scale your use of Copilot, this session will show you what's possible when agents work as a team. **YouTube Link** TBD

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 us for an engaging panel discussion on **AI Agentic Coding** and how autonomous AI systems are transforming the way software is built. Experts in AI, software engineering, and developer tools will share insights on how agentic AI—systems that can plan, reason, and execute coding tasks—is reshaping modern development workflows. The discussion will cover topics such as AI-assisted development, productivity gains, challenges around reliability and governance, and what the future of software engineering may look like with AI agents as collaborators. Whether you’re a developer, tech leader, or AI enthusiast, this session is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and explore how agentic AI is redefining coding