Alternative Investments

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 50+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Instagram** [https://www.instagram.com/frc_brussels](https://www.instagram.com/frc_brussels) **Global FRC**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

We will be walking through the forest for a little over 1 1/2 hours, silently, just noticing the world around us and inside us. The idea is to experience the magic of a different type of walking, The invitation is to slow down and notice what is going on inside you and around you. Very often people experience a closer connection with nature and with self, with sometimes surprising insights. *Please make sure you are fit enough to go the 4.5 km distance. We will be walking slowly, but we will not take any breaks.* We will be meeting at the Hermann Debroux Metro at **14h**. (Exit straight ahead after leaving the platform--on the Loxam side). If you RSVP as coming, please be on time. We will be starting our walk from there 5 min. after the hour sharp. There is the renovated Maison de Prieur at the exit of the forest where we could gather for a drink or a meal after our walk, depending on what you feel like. Looking forward to an inward adventure? Come and join us on **Saturday, June 20, at 14h** My phone number is 0472 92 11 76, in case you need to communicate with me.

Spend time in the company of other writers putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Work on your current project or start something new. If you are fresh out of inspiration a member of the Wordcraft Collective will be ready with a prompt to get you going. You can use that to unlock your creative brain before moving back to your own project or run with it. Who knows where the story will take you? Arrive when you like, leave when you like, or join us for a drink in the bar downstairs afterwards. Location: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles.

THIS SATURDAY\, 20 JUNE 2026 \| BXL MAIN EVENT \| 10:00 PM – 4:00 AM INTERNATIONAL PARTY – Madame Moustache \| 80’s 90’s 2000’s – Powered by Just A Night Facebook: [https://fb.me/e/20EUCkaNzB](https://fb.me/e/20EUCkaNzB) Skip the Line & Guarantee Pass: [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16585](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16585) Or tickets at the door +GREAT SUMMER TERRACE INTERNATIONAL PARTY BACK TO THE 80s 90s 2000s MADAME MOUSTACHE – Powered by Just A Night SPECIAL GUEST DJ: TBA XXL BRUSSELS PARTY \| INTERNATIONAL VIBES \| COSMOPOLITAN ENERGY Just A Night is landing at Madame Moustache for an exceptional edition! A must-attend roaming concept in Brussels, Just A Night has been bringing together nightlife lovers for over 10 years: Artists, DJs, models, party people, globe-trotters, expats, and cool crowds from all backgrounds! This time, get ready to dance to the best old-school hits from the 80s to the 2000s — remixed like never before. Retro vibes & atmosphere. A musical journey to experience with friends, right in the heart of the city’s nightlife. AT MADAME MOUSTACHE, WE’RE TURNING UP THE HEAT 😉 INFO & BOOKINGS info@justanight.net +32 478 58 60 39 (bookings & birthdays) Facebook: [https://fb.me/e/20EUCkaNzB](https://fb.me/e/20EUCkaNzB) Madame Moustache 5-7 Quai au Bois à Brûler, 1000 Brussels

Has it been just you and your phone lately? It’s easy to feel connected yet still feel alone. Digital interactions can’t replace the warmth of eye contact, real laughter, and meaningful conversations. True connection happens when we step away from our screens and show up as ourselves — present, open, and engaged. At Fast Friending, we create spaces where real relationships begin. - just genuine conversations and shared moments. Because nothing compares to meeting face-to-face, discovering common ground, and walking away with a connection that truly feels real. **You will need to buy a ticket for attending -** [https://brusselswise20.eventbrite.co.uk](https://brusselswise20.eventbrite.co.uk) \*You can use any debit or credit card to purchase your ticket at PayPal checkout. It will ask you for your email address but that is only to send you a receipt. You do not need a PayPal account. TICKETS:- Early Bird - €5 per person Regular Ticket - €10 per person Cash at Meetup - If you do not purchase tickets in advance then you can pay €15 cash to your host Tanya when you meet her at the event. \- We will meet at 7\.00 pm when you will be welcomed by your host Tanya\. She will manage the evening and also help you make connections\. If you are a bit shy or anxious then please come early. Tanya will help you meet other members in a small group and help you settle down and get comfortable. All attendees are also welcome to bring a lady friend along with them for free. This will make it a lot less stressful for you as you will always have your friend alongside. \- From 7\.30 to 8\.30 pm\, we will start 'Fast Friending' where our host will ask you to speak to a different attendee every 3 minutes\. You will be able to meet lots of ladies and gentlemen and not be limited to only those sitting or standing next you\. \- After 8\.30 pm you will have time to interact with those you have met as well as others\. \- We are not a close knit tight group\. Our evenings are warm and comfortable for members attending for the first time and those coming alone\. You will not feel alone\! \- We have many groups in this city\. Members of our other groups who RSVP are included as guests of the organisers in order to give you an indication of expected people\. \- This evening is for ladies and gents in the 21 to 40 age group\. While some will be at the younger end of this range there will also be others at the other end of the range and lots in\-between\! You will naturally gel with others of your own age range and so you will always find many attendees who fit your range\. \- We are not a 'dating' group\. We are focused on helping ladies and gents meet other like minded ladies and gents\. You will generally find a good gender balance \(maybe not perfect\) at all our events\. Why do we have tickets? 1. Cover our costs - Our host is compensated for their time and work. We also pay meetup and have dedicated staff to manage our events, hosts, venues and communication. 2. Group Safety - By securing your ticket we have a record and you contribute to a well organized evening where everyone is more committed and better behaved. 3. Management - Tickets help us better manage attendee group size, book suitable space and activity. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ABOUT [fastfriends.co.uk ](https://fastfriends.co.uk/)- We have connected members successfully for the past 10 years in over 30 cities (operating as Expatsclub, MeetConnectDevelop and fastfriends.co.uk). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- You can contact our founder Dan on +447715705005 with any questions or ideas. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Here are some videos which will give you some guidance and comfort to make your attendance more productive.** Secrets of socializing at our meetups - [http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing](http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing) How to make new friends - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs) How to make people like you at our socials -[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4guProkKrI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4guProkKrI) Why you should attend our evenings - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEjwGBXzJE8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEjwGBXzJE8) Member feedback -[ https://youtu.be/zHOPHMg_7es?si=kK2A-MjisVue-jdw](https://youtu.be/zHOPHMg_7es?si=kK2A-MjisVue-jdw)

**🃏 WHAT WE PLAY** We focus on **social interaction games** that are **fun, easy to learn, and engaging**. * **Thursdays** and Saturday nights are for **fun, social games** like Dixit, Coup, Skull, Codenames, Colt Express, Secret Hitler, Exploding Kittens, Bang and more!… Easy to learn, quick to laugh! * **Mondays** are for **deeper strategic games**, for players who love to plan and outthink opponents. Of course, these are just guidelines — you’re always welcome to bring and play whatever game you love! *** **🕖 SCHEDULE** * We meet at **7:00 PM**, with an **intro round at 7:15 PM**. * Arriving later? No problem! Just see a host — we’ll do our best to find you a seat. You might need to wait for a game to finish before joining the next one. **🎉 Good News! BFG is Free Again** As of July 1st, 2025, BFG is once again **free to join**, just like last year! The costs of running the group are now shared by the hosts. If you enjoy the events and want to say thanks, you're very welcome to **offer a drink (or two 😉) to a host** during the evening. A huge thank you to everyone who supported us financially earlier this year — you helped keep the group going, and we truly appreciate it. 🙏 *** **🎒 WHAT TO BRING** * Bring your favorite games and feel free to mention them in the comments. * If we’re meeting in a **park**, bring snacks, drinks, and something comfy to sit on — the grass can be damp even in summer! *** **☕ IF THE VENUE IS A CAFÉ** Please order **at least one drink** to support the venue, and pay directly at the bar. *** **✅ REGISTRATION** Please RSVP to help us plan for space and group sizes. **⌛ WAITLIST ETIQUETTE** * If you can’t make it, cancel **before 7 PM the day before** to give someone else a chance. * If you're **on the waitlist** and your plans change, cancel your RSVP so others aren't left hanging. *** **🤝 WANT TO HOST?** Interested in becoming a host or helping out? Let us know — we’d love to have you on board! *** **💬 FEEDBACK WELCOME** Suggestions or ideas? Drop us a message anytime — we’re always looking to make BFG even better. *** ### **🌟 Let’s have fun, discover great** **games, and build and make new friends** *** ###

**Somatic Movement** is a powerful method based on principles and wisdom from Eastern movement practices, such as yoga and Tai Chi, as well as Western techniques and insights from neuroscience, trauma therapy, and burnout recovery. The goal is to activate your body and brain by allowing energy to flow through your system without overloading the nervous system. This is achieved through gentle, intentional movements, stretches and exercises, but also by increasing awareness and sensory perception — both internally (within ourselves) and externally (of our surroundings). Combining tension-releasing stretches, easy flow-restoring exercises (using trees, branches, logs, stones, hills...), doing silent or touch meditations and playful authentic relating games, we're able to release a lot of stored tension and start to feel free, open-hearted, unassuming and adventurous again. The 2h-sessions focus on gradually increasing physical resilience, but include emotional and energetic aspects as well to restore balance in body, mind and spirit. There is no competitive stake, there are no extremes or high-intensity actions involved. But we do sometimes challenge our personal comfort zones a bit, sliding in and out, bumping into some limiting belief or conviction we might carry within. We learn by looking at things from different perspectives. The sessions are guided by seasoned therapist Ken. For more info on his practices, please visit: www.nieuwegrond.be **PRACTICAL** This is a free introduction session for you. But since this is a professional practice, where paying people might participate as well, we can only offer this once. If you wish to continue afterwards, you can talk to Ken personally or book through his website mentioned above. The session starts at 10h sharp and ends at 12h. Meeting and end-point is always Parking Forest Playground Everzwijnbad, Weertsedreef 16, Oud-Heverlee at the border of Meerdaelwoud. Please read the location description well, Google Maps can be a bit tricky. Since we're in the forest and will connect with trees, branches, soil etc, please make sure your clothes can handle this. If you wish, you can bring some water and small towel for comfort, but it's not a must. Please be aware that the organizer can not be held responsible for any damage or losses you might suffer. A safe environment is a priority for everyone. The event will be cancelled only when the weather really doesn't allow it. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask via personal message. We hope to see and connect with you there! Ken

How do we connect to people? What is so great about being different? Is love selfless? Should we be dreamers or realists? What values are we losing? When are we at our best? Does childhood ever end? Is morality a matter of convenience? What makes a person beautiful? Such questions, and many more, await you Sunday at Sister's Cafe (second floor) . After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations :-).

Meet up at the parking des enfants noyer. https://share.google/8lAn73Y8zJUk2VLKp We will start with a walk in the forest to find a suitable and quiet clearing for the group. Although walking is already a good warm up, we will also invite the body to warm up using Qi Gong flowing movements, before getting acquainted with some Qi Gong forms. We will then practise these beautiful natural movements in a meditative series and enjoy the energy of the forest. As a Qi Gong teacher and practitioner, I think Qi Gong in the forest is a wonderful experience, I hope to see you, everyone is welcome. Numbers limited to 10 so please reserve.

Looking for an easy Sunday outdoors with good company, fresh air, and a beautiful lakeside setting? Join Sunday Vacations for a community day trip to Hofstade, one of the most popular nature and recreation areas near Brussels. We'll spend the day enjoying nature, sharing a picnic, walking around the park, and relaxing by the lake. Whether you're new to Brussels, an expat looking to meet people, or simply looking for a refreshing Sunday outdoors, this is a great opportunity to slow down, connect, and enjoy the start of summer together. **Plan / Itinerary** 09:15 Meet in front of Starbucks at Brussels Central Station 09:32 Train departure to Hofstade 10:40 Arrival at Hofstade 10:45 – 12:30 Nature Walk Around the Park We'll begin the day with a relaxed walk around the beautiful Hofstade domain, taking in the lakeside scenery, nature trails, and summer atmosphere while getting to know fellow participants. 12:30 – 16:00 Picnic & Beach Time After the walk, we'll settle at the beach area by the lake for a community picnic. Bring your favourite food, snacks, and drinks and enjoy a relaxing afternoon together by the water. The afternoon is yours to enjoy: Relax on the beach Meet new people Enjoy the sunshine Swim in the lake if you wish Play games or simply unwind by the water Around 16:15 Departure from Hofstade Approximately 17:30 Arrival at Brussels Central Station **Price / Contribution** Participants are responsible for: Train tickets Ticket for the entrance in the beach area: 6 euro (my advice is to buy online in advance) Food and drinks for the picnic Personal expenses Become part of the Sunday Vacations community: 🔹 Explorer – from €5/year 🔹 Voyager – from €50/year 🔹 Ambassador – from €150/year Membership supports the growth of our community and helps us organise more social, cultural, and outdoor experiences throughout the year. **Who This Is For** This event is perfect for: International professionals Expats living in Belgium Locals interested in meeting international people Nature lovers Solo joiners Anyone looking for a relaxed and social Sunday outdoors No hiking experience required. **What To Bring** Picnic lunch Water bottle Comfortable walking shoes Sunscreen Swimwear and towel (optional) **Legal Disclaimer** Sunday Vacations is a community initiative operated by UJAMAA ASBL and acts solely as a community organiser. Transportation, food, beverages, entrance fees, and any third-party services are arranged and paid for individually by participants unless explicitly stated otherwise. Activities are organised by volunteers and covered under the COCOF volunteer insurance framework. VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code. Participation is voluntary and at your own responsibility. **Ready to Join?** Swap the city for nature, meet great people, and enjoy a summer Sunday by the lake. Reserve your spot and join us for a relaxed day of connection, fresh air, and good company. See you at Brussels Central Station! 🌞🏖️

Join us for a relaxed open water swimming session in Hofstade. 🏊‍♀️ June 21, we're heading to an open-water pool in Hofstade, the perfect bridge between pool and open water. You still have the safety of the pool, open sky, fresh air, and no chlorine. We’ll help you build confidence in the water, share open-water tips, support your technique, and you might just meet your next training buddy Tereza opens and closes the session with warm-up and cool-down on land. To join this session, you should be able to comfortably swim at least 200m continuously. Entry yours (€6 webshop / €8 door), everything else on us for this first session. Here you can get your [tickets](https://luwio.sport.vlaanderen/aanbod/aankopen/tickets/strandtoegang?fbclid=IwY2xjawSKKf9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFmNTRkZkZZTElJa2ZUWmc5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlJJQhS17IYNNo9_ukoCd1o2oibiJsffoPlLl58GdbeOiPVEJAsR2KxrgBj1_aem_jUZn3mlFu0Jf6iZj3N2XMg)! Follow [Swimay](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589530959449) on FB or [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/swimay.eu/) so you don't miss full details! The time of the event may change! We’ll share the final practical details during the week, including the exact meeting time and meeting point. Feel free to join us and invite other swimming or sport enthusiasts.

Enjoy weekly Vinyasa Flow classes and connect to your potential of strength, balance, flexibility, and stability. The flows are sequenced creatively to add variety to your practice. This 90 min class offers a wide range of postures combined with pranayama to contribute towards inner space and peaceful mind. Expect a playful and functional approach with grounding, soothing and energizing flows to create more strength, stability, mobility, and flexibility. All classes include pranayama, meditation and inspirational insights to strengthen your physical and spiritual practice. Classes are suitable for all levels, but a prior knowledge of the basics is appropriate (different options are presented). \- Prices: Trial = 12€\, Drop in = 20€\, 5\-pass card = 80€\, 10\-pass card = 150€ all valid for 6 months\. If you live in 1190 Forest, your first session with me is for free. Please carefully read the instructions before booking your class: \- This is not a standard yoga studio\, but a private venue \- Changing corner is available \- Online Registration for each class is mandatory because of the limited participants per class \- Payment with registration or cash on the spot \- Yoga Mats\, bolsters\, blocks\, straps\, blankets\, eye pillows are on the spot \- Herbal tea and positive vibes Style: Functional Vinyasa Yoga Flow I’m so excited to practice with you, X

Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at **Aksum Coffee House**, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony. This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors. ### 📍 Where? **Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert (Just a few steps from Grand Place) ### 🕚 When? **Saturday at 11:30 AM** Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle! ### 🍽️ What’s on the menu? ☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee 🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries 🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too) 🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter. ### 👋 Who’s joining? Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect. --- 🧡 **Limited spots** – RSVP early to secure your place at the table. By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

Hi WW's, This Sunday we shall walk along some of the WWII anti-tank canals in the Haacht area. The walk should look something like this : [https://www.komoot.com/tour/2923379742?ref=aso&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&share_token=ad5Q7OflBA0kWw3JD9eOh2WZfsNIKUBku8iefM9xg52WlThEpm](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2923379742?ref=aso&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&share_token=ad5Q7OflBA0kWw3JD9eOh2WZfsNIKUBku8iefM9xg52WlThEpm) The weather should be quite hot but a lot of the walk is in the shade. Bring enough drinks and nibbles to keep you going. After the walk , we shall relax in taverne Den Dijk where we can also have lunch. We plan to leave on time, so if you are late , then follow the map to catch us up. If you have any questions , you can call me on 0475 801026 See you on Sunday. Igor

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-columbus-online-tickets-1988563717610?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - +971504724873 ( WhatsApp Only)

**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group** This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy: [Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy): https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy [Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php): https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

**🌷 Cape Coral Singles Meet on Zoom: Live Speed Dating** Four quick rounds, real conversations, and Cape Coral singles matched to you by age and personality. All from your couch. **The format is simple:** - Register and take a short personality quiz - Jump on Zoom when the event starts - Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds - Get your mutual matches by email afterward **Choose your group and register:** → **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cape%20Coral&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=18-32&face_v=6.0) → **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cape%20Coral&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=30-46&face_v=6.0) → **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cape%20Coral&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=40-58&face_v=6.0) → **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cape%20Coral&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=55+&face_v=6.0) > Heads up: an RSVP here does not hold your seat. Register through your age link and finish the quiz. Spots are capped. See you on Zoom, Cape Coral. 😊

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle. **Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?** In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox. One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread. Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for. **Questions to wrestle with:** * Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving? * Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why? * If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming? * Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection? * And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species? * Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now? As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.