Detective Stories

\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\* Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing. \*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\* This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :) LOCATION: 5 Elements Cafe, basement level RSVP: Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case. SCHEDULE: 1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave. Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Come join us at the lovely, well-lit, and cozy Theatre Centre Cafe for an hour and a half of silent writing (on whatever writing projects you will)! After silent writing is done, feel free to stay and chat or go as you please. If you are late you are welcome to join us (quietly and not disruptively). Please note this is a casual event, and we will NOT be critiquing each other's work. Other Important Details: WiFi name/password: #TheTheatreCentre (no password, open access) Travel / Parking info: There is paid street parking as well as Green P underground parking located at 45 Abell St (2 mins walk from the venue) Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** The great British writer Charles Dickens will conduct this tour on the very anniversary of his first time to Toronto. And this special walking tour will explore Toronto in 1842 during his world tour. He loved Toronto. Think a Christmas Carol. There is a link! After visiting Toronto, the Scrooge character appeared in print to astonished readers. Several sites in the downtown core have a direct history and link to the writer, so come along on a magic voyage of discovery with Dickens himself and explore a world of literature and culture in old Toronto. From the American Hotel at the corner of Front and Yonge to the dining halls of the rich and famous, this tour will put a smile on your face. Ok so it's not exactly the happy tour, but it's very similar. We begin this walking adventure at the dog fountain at Berczy Park on the north side of the fountain, Wellington Street East. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00! per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** [torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com%2A%2A/) **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** [torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com%2A%2A/) On May 28, 1961 the celebrated entertainer Cupcake Cassidy appeared on stage at the Lux Theatre on College Street West at Brunswick Avenue to an adoring public. But it wasn't a happy situation for all. Just the thought of this type of activity in good old Toronto on a Sunday was disconcerting. What was the world coming to? People asked in the "City of Churches." Toronto wasn't into this type of entertainment, or was it? From the circus riot of 1855, to the "east end of downtown," brothels, and the Yonge Street Sin Strip of the 1960s and 1970s, Toronto wasn't exactly the type of city you would bring home to mother, or anyone for that matter. It was a city of exotic entertainment with an underground life, flair and danger. In 1968 two young men disappeared from two well known cafes on Yorkville avenue, their remains were found decades later and more cases are coming to light. Murder in old Toronto, how and why, was becoming the catch phrase! Drugs and crime haunted the streets of Yorkville and migrated south on Yonge Street to set up shop between Gerrard and Dundas Street known as The Strip! And we were called boring!!!!!!! With the tragic and heartbreaking murder of a 12 year old shoeshine boy the fun and danger loving city decided enough was enough, and the raids and closings started. But Toronto has a long history of underground activity, activity that one wouldn't even dream was circulating in the city of churches and Toronto the good. You could say it was Toronto the bad or even Toronto, the downright wicked. Sodom and Gomorrah of the north, well maybe that's a stretch. Or is it? hummmmmm! Points to Ponder indeed! With over 4 months of research this tour will open your eyes as to the real Toronto. A fascinating walk into the real dark side of this city. Please be advised this tour is not for children. Our walk begins at the dog fountain in Berczy Park at 35 Wellington Street East. We end at College and Yonge Street! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** [torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com%2A%2A/)

Hey Toronto! This is your weekly escape into global cultures. [[Click this WhatsApp Groupchat Link to join]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CwbMLIBsSY8DSwDzSPm3nZ) Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people in their 20s and 30s gather for a mix of language practice, travel stories, and community. Whether you’re new in town or born here, this is where world citizens connect. No judgment, no pressure — just pure, human interaction.

The next event will be a two parter, bringing back a fan favourite! On Saturday May 2, we will be doing our second Bookstore Crawl (think pub crawl but for books)! We'll meet at Trinity Bellwoods, at the intersection of Queen and Gore Vale (across Type Books) at 1PM, and then visit Type Books, Hopeless Romantic Books, Glad Day Lit, and then finally end at Danu Social House for our regular Silent Book Club event at 2:30PM (Note that you dont need to attend the Bookstore Crawl to join the event at Danu). Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately! To help cover the costs of meetup fees, we will be taking optional donations for this event. If you're inclined to, feel free to send any amount you're comfortable with to harresh.s@hotmail.com, or bring cash to the event. Please note that this is entirely optional and not required to join the event! All proceeds will go towards fees for this event and future events, as well as meetup fees.

Note: You may be removed from the attendance list if you've participated in the previous week's event. This allows for more people to experience this Meetup. Avengers put your costumes on and let’s go and save the world!
Well we can’t save the world (yet), but we aim to try to play a small part in the lives of those experiencing homelessness by making their day a bit better!
Description: Before the event the organizer will post a list in the comment section of the attendees and what they are responsible to bring (food/drink, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies). We normally ask each attending member to bring approximately $15-20 worth of ingredients/supplies to our event. We will use the items to prepare and serve food/drink at The Meeting Place.
Timeline: We will meet on location at 11:00 am, with lunch served between 12:30-1:00 pm.
Membership Dues: Membership dues are $2.00 for the calendar year. Membership dues go towards paying for food/supplies incurred by no-shows. Membership dues are due at the first meetup of the year that you attend.
No Shows/Late Un-RSVP: We’re relying on members who RSVP to bring key ingredients for recipes! Please try your best to show-up or alternatively change your RSVP early so another member may fill the empty spot.
\*\*\* If you are on the waitlist, keep checking as you may be moved into attendance to replace someone. We will try to message you to confirm your attendance in advance.
Donations will be assigned before the event.

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near **Dazzel Mi**. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host for Brunch at the Lunch Box, A walk through the Cherry Blossoms in High Park, and a beer afterwards where you can peruse the mug shots of the rich and famous. We will meet at the Lunchbox for Saturday Brunch. 1731 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1B2 - South of Keele station on line 1 [https://www.thelunchbox.ca/](https://www.thelunchbox.ca/) I will make a reservation as this place is small. At Noonish, we will walk to the North East entrance of High Park, where we will take a group shot before heading on the paved trails to Cherry Blossom park. [https://www.sakurainhighpark.com/](https://www.sakurainhighpark.com/) We will take in the blossoms followed by a walk in the Hill Side gardens overlooking Grenadier Pond. At 1 pmish, we will meet back at the North entrance of High Park, then we will head to The Mugshot Tavern for a well deserved pint of beer and a snack. If you are coming by car, the park is closed to vehicles on weekends, with street parking at a premium. If you want to continue to explore High Park... Colborne Lodge the summer time cottage of John and Jemima Howard, who donated this park in their estate. A Japanese art and poetry and creating your own haiku event will be on going. [https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/colborne-lodge/](https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/colborne-lodge/) Speaking about donations, if you want to help the Sakura Cherry Trees Project, which maintains the blossoms you enjoyed. [https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/partnerships-sponsorships-donations/donate/sakura-cherry-trees/](https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/partnerships-sponsorships-donations/donate/sakura-cherry-trees/) Lastly, my family enjoys the Shakespeare in the Park, during the summer. Not sure what show they will be putting on this year, though I may make it a weeknight meet-up. [https://www.canadianstage.com/plan-your-visit/venues-directions/high-park-amphitheatre](https://www.canadianstage.com/plan-your-visit/venues-directions/high-park-amphitheatre)

🎨🚶 **GRAFFITI ALLEY WALK – ART, RULES & THE STORIES ON THE WALLS** 🚶🎨 Street Art, Big Questions & A Different Way of Seeing the City Some people walk past graffiti and don’t think twice. Others stop and wonder… what am I actually looking at? Join us for a 45-minute walk through Graffiti Alley — one of the most vibrant, controversial, and constantly evolving art spaces in the city. This walk explores where graffiti and traditional art collide — and the bigger questions that come with it. Who gets to decide what counts as art? Who controls public space? And why does some work end up in galleries… while other work gets painted over overnight? We’ll look at the artists, the culture, and the unspoken rules that shape what you see on the walls — from layering and tagging to respect, territory, and style. This is not a formal lecture. It’s a walking conversation — part storytelling, part observation, and part seeing the city in a completely different way. 👉 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🧠 What We’ll Explore As we walk, we’ll touch on questions like: * Is graffiti vandalism… or art? * Who decides what counts as “real” art? * Where does art belong — galleries or the street? * Who decides what gets shown in galleries? * Who funds art — and how does that shape what we see? * How does graffiti challenge cultural norms? * Who defines history — and what gets left out? There are no right answers here — just better questions. *** 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll walk through key sections of Graffiti Alley between Portland and Spadina, stopping at different walls and installations to talk about what’s there — and what used to be there. This is a space that’s always changing, so every walk is a little different. We’ll take time to: ✔️ Look closely ✔️ Talk about what we’re seeing ✔️ Take photos ✔️ Ask questions We’ll end near Queen & Spadina, with the option to grab food together afterward. *** 🌆 What Is a Jane’s Walk? This walk is part of Jane's Walk — a global festival of free, community-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walks are about exploring neighbourhoods through stories, sharing perspectives, and connecting with others through conversation. They take place in hundreds of cities around the world and are volunteer-run and community-driven. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Outside Loblaws (585 Queen St W – Queen & Portland) 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 12:30 PM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. 👉 Please come say “hi” when you arrive so I can introduce you to the group. End Point: Queen & Spadina *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: FREE (Jane’s Walk event) *** 🎒 What to Bring Comfortable walking shoes Water Curiosity 👀 *** 🌈 Who Is This For? This is for anyone who: ✔️ Is curious about the city ✔️ Wants to see something familiar differently ✔️ Enjoys conversation and new perspectives No art background needed. *** REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com Come for the art. Stay for the questions. Leave seeing walls you’ve passed a hundred times… in a completely new way. 🎨✨

You don’t have to fly to Japan or Washington DC. Its right here at high park. Join us for a walk in high park to witness the cherry blossom! We’re heading to High Park for the annual cherry blossom bloom. Come for the beautiful views, stay for the "I can’t believe it’s finally spring" vibes. We promise it’ll be a blooming good time. Don’t leaf us hanging! We will see you at the high park’s north entrance. Wait for 15 mins and then start the walk. P.S. The moment you touch the leaves or the tree for that one Insta pic, we will disown you! (Not kidding here) 💵 Cost: $2 (cash or e-transfer to mech.mandeep@gmail.com) Who knew running a meetup costs money!!

\- Living On Video & DJ Lazarus presents \- **Sat May 2 - 80s & 90s Retro 'GUILTY' Pleasures Video Dance Party w/ PRINCE Spotlight** ADVANCED TICKETS ONLY $10: https://PrinceGuilty.eventbrite.ca 'GUILTY' brings the 80s & 90s back to life with the BIGGEST HITS and ONE HIT WONDERS of the time. \-\-\-\-\- You'll have a blast dancing with hundreds of people as 'GUILTY' has become one of the busiest retro events in Toronto. \-\-\-\-\- 'GUILTY' has 6 giant video screens playing the music videos you remember from Much Music and MTV. \-\-\-\-\- DJ Lazarus and 'BeKindRewind' spin a fun mix of big retro hits to keep you on the dance floor. Saturday May 2, 2026 Retro 'GUILTY' Pleasures Video Dance Party w/ PRINCE Spotlight BIGGEST HITS and ONE HIT WONDERS of the 80's & 90's Ground Control - 1279 Queen St West - Toronto Lounge 9pm - Mainroom 10pm - 19+ Event $10 Advanced Tix: https://PrinceGuilty.eventbrite.ca $15 at the door INVITE: www.facebook.com/events/826377719862694/ (please INVITE and SHARE with your friends) \-\-\-\-\- GUILTY is an unabashed night of HUGE RETRO HITS and ONE HIT WONDERS of the 80's & 90's. \-\-\-\-\- Hear and see popular artists like Madonna, Prince, Wham!, Culture Club, Cher, Spice Girls, Michael Jackson, Ace of Base, Van Halen, Huey Lewis, Britney Spears, Milli Vanilli, Cyndi Lauper, Backstreet Boys, and Pat Benetar, TLC, to one hit wonders such as Boys Don’t Cry, Phil Collins, Baltimora, Taco, Rick Astley, Aqua, Tiffany, and more. Facebook: http://facebook.com/groundcontroltoronto Facebook: http://facebook.com/djlazarusrocks Instagram: http://instagram.com/djlazarusrocks Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/panicretroparty

🎬 Let’s Go to the Movies (and Actually Talk… or Not) Whether you're a film nerd, popcorn enthusiast, or just looking for a chill night out with interesting people — this one's for you. We’re heading out to see a movie together, then grabbing food or drinks after. If the film's great (or terrible), we’ll probably talk about it forever. If it’s just okay, we’ll talk about it for 10 minutes and move on to everything else — books, dating apps, weird dreams, how Toronto keeps getting more expensive, etc. The vibe is relaxed, friendly, and not too serious. No film degree needed. No icebreakers. No pressure to “perform.” Just come enjoy the film, connect with some thoughtful people, and see where the night goes Click here to watch trailer! 🎞️ **Movie Title + Trailer:** [[Click here to watch trailer!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMd1at7OwiE)] 📖 **📖 Plot Summary:** Almost twenty years after making their iconic turns as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon that defined a generation. *** ### 🗓️ **Event Details** 📍 **Meetup Time:** 6:15 PM - I will only wait 5mins 🎬 **Movie Start Time:** 6:30pm in Regural ...NOT VIP! ⏱️ **Runtime:** 2hrs 📌 **Meetup Spot:** I will be waiting at the top of the escalators on the 4th floor and I will be wearing my moose hat. 🎟️ **Cost:** * **$11.50** for *CineClub* members * **$16.00** regular admission 👉 You are responsible for buying your own ticket. **🪑 Reserved Seating:** You must buy your ticket *before* signing up. You'll be asked where you're sitting so we can all sit together! However, members are welcome to sit anywhere that works for them. 🎫 Buy your ticket here: [https://www.cineplex.com](https://www.cineplex.com) 📍🪑 **Where I will be sitting:** I will be in ROW "F" SEAT "9" 🍿 **After the Movie:** Yes, we’re heading out after! It’s not just a movie night — it’s a social night. Let's talk, laugh, and dissect every plot twist. *** ### ✅ **Before You Sign Up** * Please **buy your ticket first** — seating is limited! * When signing up, let us know your **seat number** so we can try to group everyone together. * You can still sign up or just **show up on the day** if you’re not sure you can make it — we’re flexible! 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:** [Click here to join](#) 🎟️ **Join Cineplex’s CineClub for discounts**: [https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub](https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub) 🎁 **Get your SCENE Card** for free movies and points: [https://www.scene.ca](https://www.scene.ca) *** ### 🎥 **A Quick Word About Movie Etiquette** We love a great film experience. Please: * Turn off your phone * Don’t talk during the movie * Be respectful of others Repeat offenders will be removed from the group — we take our cinema seriously (but with snacks). *** ### 👥 **About the Group** This event is open to everyone — single, not single, shy, social, new in town or a long-time local. We're a group for people who love movies *and* making real connections. We also do walks, hikes, restaurants, arts & culture — come be part of it! 🎬 **Organized by:** Mathew 📧 Questions? Reach out: **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

Join us as we get together to see your choice of two VERY different movies – one sweet and wholesome – the other a terrifying folklore horror! Option 1 is the fun whodunnit-action-comedy-mystery led by Hugh Jackman, THE SHEEP DETECTIVES! Option 2 is the top-reviewed supernatural-horror-thriller starring Adam Scott, HOKUM! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: THE SHEEP DETECTIVES: Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it. The film is directed by Kyle Balda and take a look at this ensemble cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau and Emma Thompson and the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZI5oM6hWk HOKUM: In this film, a horror writer visits an Irish inn to scatter his parents' ashes, unaware the property is said to be haunted by a witch. It is written/directed by Damian McCarthy stars Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh and Austin Amelio. Hokum premiered to rave reviews at this year’s SXSW Festival and is being release by Neon. It is earning a stellar 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it, “A classic haunted house story enriched with atmospheric folklore and perfectly-timed shocks!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVCIK_MPyhc PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing of both films and will meet inside the theater lobby about 20 minutes before showtime. If the showtimes work out, we’ll try to get both groups together for a bite before the shows! Complete details and showtime will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches. * **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason. * **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes. ## Discussion Questions 1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie. 2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?** 3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome? 4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend? 5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles? 6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way? 7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time? 8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?

Posting this early because seemingly all Sundays in May are holidays or busy! I picked a shorter thriller that's hopefully a fast read/listen. [Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3458940) Location: Grandview Cafe, *1455 W. 3rd Ave*, Columbus, OH 43212 [Menu](https://www.grandviewcafe.com/menu) Book summary: Daniel leads a rich life in the university town of Athens, Georgia. He's got a couple close friends, a steady paycheck working for a regional airline, and of course, for a few glorious days each Fall, college football tailgates. He considers himself to be a mostly lucky guy -- despite the fact that he's suffered from a debilitating disease since he was a small child, one that has left him unable to speak or to move without a wheelchair. Largely confined to his home, Daniel spends the hours he's not online communicating with irate air travelers observing his neighborhood from his front porch. One young woman passes by so frequently that spotting her out the window has almost become part of his daily routine. Until the day he's almost sure he sees her being kidnapped.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*