Democracy for America

Hi there, Here are the books for the May 19th meetup. And remember, you don't have to read both books! Enjoy, and see you on the 19th of May! PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LOCATION HAS MOVED FROM THE BLEEDING HORSE TO JIMMY RABBITTE AT 87 LOWER CAMDEN STREET. Note: If these books are difficult to find in bookshops, try online (e.g.: Amazon.co.uk, kennys.ie, easons.com, bookdepository.com to name a few). AS THIS GROUP DOES NOT TAKE ONLINE PAYMENTS, EVERYONE WILL SHOW AS 'UNPAID'. PLEASE IGNORE. **1\. Empire of AI \- Karen Hao** An eye-opening account of the tech arms race shaping out planet, from an award-winning journalist and AI insider to the world of Sam Altman and OpenAI When longtime AI expert and journalist Karen Hao first began covering OpenAI in 2019, she thought they were the good guys. Founded as a nonprofit with safety enshrined as its core mission, it was meant, its leader Sam Altman told us, to act as a check against more purely market forces. But the core truth of this massively disruptive sector is that it requires an unprecedented amount of proprietary resources: the ‘compute’ power of scarce high-end chips, the sheer volume of data that needs to be amassed at scale, the humans on the ground ‘cleaning it up’ for sweatshop wages throughout the Global South, and a truly alarming spike in the need for energy and water underlying everything. We have entered a new, ominous age of empire with OpenAI setting a breakneck pace, as a small group of the most valuable companies in human history try to chase it down. In exhilarating prose and with unparalleled access to those closest to Sam Altman, Hao recounts the meteoric rise of OpenAI and shows us the sinister impact that this industry is having on society. **2\. Leonard and Hungry Paul – Ronan Hession** Leonard and Hungry Paul is the story of two friends who ordinarily would remain uncelebrated. It finds a value and specialness in them that is not immediately apparent and prompts the idea that maybe we could learn from the people that we overlook in life. Leonard and Hungry Paul change the world differently to the rest of us: we try and change it by effort and force; they change it by discovering the small things they can do well and offering them to others. Séamus

🎲 **Social Games Night at Board and Brewed – Every Tuesday!** Join us every Tuesday at Board and Brewed for an evening dedicated to board game nerds and newcomers alike. From 5 PM to 10 PM, immerse yourself in the world of strategy, creativity, and fun! * **📍 Location**: 75 York Road, Dún Laoghaire. * **🕔 Time**: 5 PM - 10 PM, every Tuesday. Arrive any time! * **🚉 Nearby Transit**: * **DART Stations**: 5-10 minute walk from both Dún Laoghaire and Salthill stations. * **Bus Routes**: 46A, 75, 75A, and 111 bus routes stop just outside. The 7 bus stop is just a 5-minute walk. * **🚗 Parking**: Conveniently park in the nearby underground car park (library Road) or find on-street parking outside. * **💰 Cost**: Just €5 for an entire evening of unlimited gaming. * **🎲 Games Galore**: Choose from over 300 games, with new additions each month. From classic favorites to the latest hits, there's a game for every taste and skill level. * **👥 Perfect for Everyone**: Whether you're a first-time player, looking to try new games, or an experienced strategist, our Social Games Night is designed for all. * **🍕 Delicious Bites**: Fuel your gaming with our gourmet pizzas and toasty sandwiches, perfect for sharing with new friends or enjoying solo. * **🤝 Make New Connections**: Arrive solo or with friends and connect with fellow game lovers in a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. * **🌟 Experienced Staff**: Our friendly team is always ready to recommend games and help with the rules, ensuring a great experience for all. * **🏆 Monthly Specials**: Keep an eye out for our themed gaming nights and special events! Social Games Night at Board and Brewed isn't just a gaming session; it's an opportunity to dive into new worlds, challenge your mind, and form lasting friendships. See you there for a night of laughter, strategy, and unforgettable memories! 🌟🎉🍹

## About this event ## **Temple Bar Toastmasters, in person meetings, will allow you to be a confident speaker, gain an edge in your career and communicate effectively.** **FREE to all first time guests!** Open to all members of the public. **The club meets every first & third Tuesday of the month.** * Bring a friend or come alone, all welcome- we are a friendly supportive group! **Benefits for you:​** be a confident speaker gain an edge in your career communicate effectively prepare for online job interviews become a confident public speaker **How we help you:** regular opportunities to speak a planned programme mentoring and coaching friendly supportive feedback practice on hosting a meeting different speaking situations ​ \* \* Entry fee of 5 euros applicable at the door (free for first time guests) \* \* **​**

Learn to Meditate - Free 10 Week Course - Starts Jan 13th 2026 - All Welcome - Join any week - Welcome to Sahaja Yoga Meditation, where experienced volunteers run all classes at no charge. We usually sit on chairs to achieve yoga effortlessly & spontaneously. So there is no need for mats and special clothing. All across the globe, many are seeking new sources of energy. Meanwhile, the most transformative energy of all is hiding in plain sight within us. It's natural, sustainable, and infinitely renewable. It's called inner kundalini energy. And everyone already has it — everyone! Our inner feminine, motherly energy automatically knows about us and what is needed to help us restore balance and harmony within our subtle being. It works spontaneously, effortlessly, and organically and cannot be paid for. The classes are designed to help those attending get into a genuine meditative state, which can be felt tangibly. It is pretty effortless and spontaneous. The free classes feature introductory talks, videos, practical workshops, and general question and answer opportunities, making them perfect for seekers trying to establish a state of yoga. Check our website for more free classes throughout Ireland. The idea is that you don't do yoga - you Achieve Yoga! Sahaja Yoga Meditation is a simple, time-honored technique. It helps those who enjoy it, reduce stress, and increase wellness. It brings better focus and helps people become more centered and better balanced. Anyone can do it. Founded by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, Sahaja Yoga Meditation is a worldwide movement for peace and self-awakening. All the meetings and classes are free of charge. Each week we go through simple meditation techniques, often with guided meditations, to help reduce stress and achieve the peace of true meditation. We share tips on how to help stay in balance during the day and how to meditate at home. The meditation is based on connecting with the inner chakras (energy centres) and balancing the subtle body. The tradition and aims of meditation are explained. In essence, to be in the present without mental activities or thoughts about the past or the future. It’s ultimately all about getting into ‘thoughtless awareness’, a natural state of being. Our website: www.freemeditation.ie Join us on Facebook and Twitter

We are organizing this games night **every Tuesday at 7.00pm, Wild Duck 🦆**, Temple Bar! **🎟️This event is ticketed at the gate.** **With a 10€ ticket you'll get a drink too. Card/Cash accepted** *Do you want to meet new people and also enjoy playing games? Then join us!* We usually play Social, quick and easy to learn games where you break the ice and have fun! You don't need to be a game expert, our games are easy and other attandees will explain you in few minutes if you have never played that game. We have lots of games here but You’re more than welcome to bring your own games. *(also some people may stay till midnight)* *See* *you there 🎲*

🐠First timers who are interested in doing their first Open Water Scuba dive 🐬course, please RSVP and I will send you the contact information about the scuba dive course and dive master's details. There will be other people on this course besides people from this meetup. There are different course dates, so RSVP and you can choose another date if you wish. The cost of this PADI Scuba Dive course is about 650 euros or so and it is a part time course. The duration is over about a month or so. https://www.padi.com/ https://youtu.be/kvmgy4XsqrU This (PADI) scuba dive course is also a legal qualification requirement for scuba divers. The first dives will be in a large swimming pool 5m deep. If you like you can also do a pool try dive to see how you go before you start your dive course. You will be shown how to use scuba diving equipment. This PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three main phases: * Knowledge Development (online, home study or in a classroom ) to understand basic principles of scuba diving (5 modules) * Confined Water Dives to learn basic scuba skills (5 pool training dives). * Open Water Dives to review your skills and explore (4 open water dives). * Once you become a PADI qualified scuba diver you can do open water boat dives and weekend Atlantic sea boat dives and or Fyords boat scuba dives trips will be avaliable to you around Ireland and overseas. ## **Course Schedule (3-Week Format)** ### **Week One** **7:00 pm – 9:00 pm:** Induction, equipment orientation, safety briefing **9:00 pm – 10:00 pm:** Confined Water Session 1 ### **Week Two** **7:00 pm – 9:00 pm:** Knowledge Development + skills briefing **9:00 pm – 10:00 pm:** Confined Water Session 2 ### **Week Three** **7:00 pm – 9:00 pm:** Knowledge Development + final review **9:00 pm – 10:00 pm:** Confined Water Session 3 ✅ After your pool training, you're ready for your **two open-water dives.** People use Sea swimming for its healing salt properties,it washes viruses, bacteria and cleanse your skin amongst other things due to the sea salt content. There has been a large increase in people going swimming these last years. Scuba diving also refreshes your mind like hiking to start a new fresh day and a new work week. Anyone thinking about doing scuba diving this would be a good starting point for you. As usual this is a sporting event, so when you RSVP and attend this course, every person is directly responsible for their own health and saftey and accept full responsibilty. To find out more, please RSVP and I will send you the Dive Master Contact Details.🐳🐬🐚

This group is all about hosting a monthly in-person book club right here in Dublin City! If you're into the book we're reading and want to chat about it with others, this is the perfect spot for you. We'll meet for about 1-2 hours, enjoy some drinks and/or food, and dive into the book of the month—sharing our thoughts, exploring themes, and swapping recommendations for future reads. We suggest a €2 voluntary contribution per person to help cover MeetUp fees (cash or Revolut works). See you there!

Outdoor Morning Yoga 🌿 Join me for a 40-minute Saturday session in nature. We’ll flow through yoga, breathwork, manifesting and facial yoga for a calm and energising start to the day. ✨ Open to all levels ✨ A soft self-care experience What to bring: • Yoga mat • Water • Your favourite lotion(optional because I have for everybody!) Come as you are and enjoy a peaceful moment together ❤️

Drink & Draw Ireland's paint party. Win Prizes. Paint a Pokemon inspsired piece and answer some questions for more chances to win prizes! This event is open to everyone, bring a loved one, a friend or come alone🎨 [Get your Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/drink-draw-pokemon-paint-quiz-tickets-1985528237407) No experience is needed and in under two hours you will create a painting of your very own Pokemon inspired masterpiece, all with the chance to win extra prizes with a Pokemon quiz! **What you get with your ticket?** ☀ 1 x Canvas to keep ☀ All the painting materials necessary ☀ Instructor to help guide you ☀ Custom playlist with feel good tunes ☀ Win prizes! **FAQs:** **I'M NO GOOD AT ART AND HAVEN'T PAINTED SINCE SCHOOL?** Drink & Draw is a super fun event designed so you can have a good time, we aren't about perfection we want you to relax and create. We have instructors who will help guide you to creating your own masterpiece. It doesn't matter if you can't paint this about relaxing. **WHAT IF I GET PAINT ON MY CLOTHES?** We use non-toxic paint that can be machine washed. **DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties. Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie **HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS?** Signup to our weekly newsletter [here](https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/ "https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/")

Join us every Sunday and tell a story as a group by playing a beginner-friendly roleplaying game. Every week we have 2-3 different games - you will choose which game you play on the day. All materials provided and rules are explained at the start of each game, you just need to bring your imagination. *** Details for the event (number of groups and games) will be published here or earlier on our [Discord server](https://tinyurl.com/indie-rpgs-dublin). Feel free to ask the organisers any questions you have (here or on Discord).

A weekly board game meet up in "Mc Mahon’s Bar and Eatery" which is a pub. We get our own section, it's wheelchair friendly and parking is free! 🙂 Whether you are new or a veteran player you are all are welcome! General guidelines are: 1. Avoid handing drinks to people OVER a game. 2. We cannot take responsibility in the event of theft so keep your valuables close to you. 3. Strictly over 18+ only. The "rules" would be: 1. Be respectful to each other. 2. Don't be a creep. 3. Be patient to players of all skill levels. Failure to be a decent human being\* will jeopardise your participation in future events. The pub owner is really nice and are letting us use the space so if you can - please buy a tea, coffee or a drink on the night to support them if you can but don't feel obligated to do so. They also do food so you won't go hungry! The event starts at 7 PM and everyone is free to play until 11 PM where we'll wrap it up for the cleaners. Feel free to bring your games, join in on a game if there's space or organise a game here for the upcoming event to get participants. We advertise the games we want to play ahead of time on our discord server, so feel free to check it out. https://discord.gg/xW8WryXmKu If you get lost or have any questions feel free to message me on WhatsApp at 0858405446. Just a note for those coming by car from Dublin: 1. I highly recommend using the motorway then driving into the pub. There's a slightly faster way with the back roads but unless you are from the area its not worth the 2 minutes saved since it's barely lit and the bends are somewhat hazardous. 2. Traffic from 5 - 6:30 is horrendous but the roads are clear enough after this time.

**📚 Join us for a special evening with Meena Kandasamy** as we celebrate her powerful new novel, *[Fieldwork as a Sex Object](https://www.waterstones.com/book/fieldwork-as-a-sex-object/meena-kandasamy/9781840919448)* — an incendiary and fearless work exploring deepfakes, online misogyny, political violence, race, and the chaos of digital life. Set between London and India, the novel follows a young woman whose life spirals after a deepfake video of her goes viral, opening urgent conversations around feminism, surveillance, shame, and resistance in the internet age. The Irish launch of the book will take place at The Bread and Roses Festival 2026, and we highly recommend attending the festival on 22nd and 23rd May — [tickets are still available](https://projectartscentre.ie/events/bread-and-roses-festival/)! [Meena Kandasamy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meena_Kandasamy) is one of the most [vital literary and political voices writing today](https://www.kandasamy.co.uk/) — a poet, novelist, translator, actor, and anti-caste activist whose work spans fiction, memoir, poetry, and essays. Her acclaimed books include *[When I Hit You](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_I_Hit_You:_Or,_A_Portrait_of_the_Writer_as_a_Young_Wife)*, shortlisted for the Women’s Prize, *The Gypsy Goddess*, *Exquisite Cadavers*, and the poetry collections *Ms Militancy* and *Tomorrow Someone Will Arrest You*. **Her translation of Salma's Novel Women Dreaming / Lux and was nominated for [Dublin Literary Award in 2022](https://dublinliteraryaward.ie/the-library/books/women-dreaming/). I**n 2022, she was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL). The same year, in November, she was also awarded the PEN Hermann Kesten Prize for her writing and work as a ‘fearless fighter for democracy, human rights and the free word.’ During the event, Meena Kandasamy will read from her work (around 3:30 PM), followed by an open and informal conversation with attendees about books, contemporary literature, activism, feminism, politics, and creative practice. This is a casual, warm conversation-style gathering similar to Books & Social, where everyone is welcome to participate, listen, and connect. Whether you are a long-time reader of her work or discovering her writing for the first time, we warmly invite you to join us for an evening of conversation, ideas, and community. See you all on Sunday! ✨

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~20 per person. Soft drink refills are 1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area. Parking can sometimes fill esrly. There is additional parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.

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

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

**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Karl Road Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.