Fair Tax

What does it mean for something - or someone - to be "strange"? What does it in fact mean for someone to be "a stranger"? Nowadays, can we truly ever experience any thing or person as _"strange"_ as our ancestors presumably did? What impact might our replacing the adjective "strange" and the noun "stranger" with new terms have on our collective social and political cultures? How would our attitudes towards other individuals or groups of people be if we removed all notions of "strangeness" from our assessments of them? Should the fact that we no longer truly experience strangeness be a sufficient reason for us to behave _very differently_ from how our ancestors did? Alien, foreign, unfamiliar, unknown, weird, bizarre, eccentric, inappropriate - or merely different - how are all these common perceptions and judgments interrelated? We can, and do, of course often find ourselves applying the description "strange" not only to people, but to things, ideas, experiences, phenomena... in fact potentially to anything and everything. If, however, nothing in our world and in our individual or collective life-experiences is any longer experienced _truly_ as strange, how is this impacting our relationships to the world, to others, to life, to knowledge, and to the unknown in general? How _big_ is our world actually? Even if we choose to systematically replace the word "strange" with "foreign", how foreign is anywhere or anyone in our world these days? "6° of separation" can also be framed as "6° of proximity"... The 6° phenomenon, moreover, observably applies not only to distances among people, but also to distances among _everything,_ including all our ideas, actions, languages, customs, beliefs, knowledge, etc. not to mention the propagation of toxicity and malevolence... The question then becomes no longer if, but _how_ are we each connected and related to any (and every) other particular person, thing and idea in the world? It can be mind-boggling just how much we do _not_ know (>99%?) about which shared people, places and experiences we in fact have in common with any one of the vast majority (<99%?) of the people we encounter in our daily lives... Just as in our collective culture we are becoming increasingly more demanding when it comes to being informed about what ingredients are in the foods we buy and what the supply chain has been of items we purchase, so too might we want to know more truly and clearly how any given person has ended up in our lives - and all of the hundreds, even thousands, of ways they are in fact connected to us without our realizing? This session will be a celebration of the phenomena of connections, friendships, threats, and, ultimately, of "strangeness". Recommended watching (33.17): https://youtu.be/CYlon2tvywA?si=vUrcibsjQM6cQeCZ Ideas explored in this video: 1) "Small world" problem/paradox/networks 2) Shortcut links 3) The strength of weak ties 4) Propagation of disease 4) Watts-Strogatz modelling 5) Barabási: hubs, natural growth, preferential attachment 6) Prisoner's Dilemma 7) The power of choice Further reading: https://plus.maths.org/content/six-degrees-separation It's A Small World: https://youtu.be/2rTZ9UndNeI?feature=shared Image: photo from kaleidoscopefightinglupus org modified according to my instructions by ChatGPT (requiring much pulling teeth and tons of patience 😬😅)

If you have a ball, please bring it... Let's gather at the Parc du Cinquantenaire close to the Tour de Tournai (https://goo.gl/maps/RsxFtTJydq92) and organize a *low-level* football match on the grass. Unless it rains badly as we're about to play, the game is on. Players of any age, weight, sex and size are allowed. Come as you are, at any time after 4pm. IMPORTANT REMINDER -- As Shitty Players, we don't bite or growl when someone misses the ball. We don't do penalties or yellow cards because we're so gentle we don't need them. We vaguely know of the existence of other rules like off-side but we'd rather ignore them than argue about them. We may or may not keep track of the score: this is a game where everyone wins. To help build the Team, come with 2 t-shirts white and black (or similar colors: light grey and dark blue etc). Beer session will follow on the grass, for those who survive till the end. You can also join the Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/176606662846112/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/b/3/600_460870931.jpeg

*IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership).* As the year reaches its darkest night, we gather in warmth and friendship to welcome the return of the light. Join **Sunday Vacations** on **Saturday, December 20th**, for a special **Winter Solstice Fondue Evening** in one of Brussels’ best hidden gems: **Secret Chalet**, a cozy Alpine refuge tucked above the Grand Place. 🍷 **What to expect** * A welcoming evening in chalet atmosphere, as if transported to the Swiss Alps. * A rich, authentic **Swiss cheese fondue** (or raclette), prepared with care by maître fromager Julien Hazard. * Stories of the **Winter Solstice** – a tradition older than Christmas, celebrated across Europe from Celtic bonfires to Alpine feasts, marking the turning of the seasons and the promise of light’s return. * Great company, laughter, and the warmest way to close the year together. 📍 **Location**: Secret Chalet, Grand Place 24-25, 1000 Brussels 🌍 In the spirit of Sunday Vacations, this is not just a dinner but a chance to connect, share, and celebrate traditions both ancient and modern — together, in the heart of Brussels. 👉 Places are limited — reserve early to secure your spot 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)

Hey Folks, Grands Carmes is hosting their 3rd annual winter queer Market this coming weekend. Whether you need a last minute gift for a loved one ( or for yourself) or just want to enjoy some crêpes come enjoy the holiday spirit and support queer artists and places that foster them ! Nb: I'll need to leave around 3:30 pm as I'm catching a train later that day, but you're very welcome to stay until 8pm See you soon, Janai

**20th December Nude Art Class – Drawing and/or Painting – Grand Hospice** Welcome to the fourth session of the nude drawing and painting classes, which will take place at Grand Hospice, in Brussels city centre, until June 2026! When: Saturday 20th December, **1.45 - 4.30 pm**. The class will focus on drawing and painting the human figure, using both previously seen and new live models. We will continue studying the human figure, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with multiple poses and different posing times, and objects integrated in the composition. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting, this art class is open to all skill levels! Two tickets possible: only with **drawing material**, or **drawing + painting** material. Limited "**pay 1 get 2"** tickets have been added: get them quickly! Please book via **this Eventbrite link**. Only Eventbrite tickets will count as participation, due to limited capacity: https://www.eventbrite.be/e/20th-december-nude-art-class-drawing-andor-painting-grand-hospice-tickets-1977762997365?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl Where: **Jardin Hospice**, **Rue du Grand Hospice 7**, 1000 **Bruxelles**. Meeting point: at the **main door** of Jardin Hospice, **at 1.45 pm**. The group will be guided upstairs. **The session will start at 2 pm o'clock**. If late, please contact Elio via WhatsApp: **+39 324 62 17 652**, in order to allow the other participants to start on time. Last but not least: here are all dates for the season, until June 2026, on Saturday, 13.45 – 4.30 pm: **31 Jan – 28 Feb – 28 Mar** – **25 Apr** – **30 May** - **27 June** Refreshments and finger food provided as usual. This time we will have some wine, too. See you there!

_IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here.](https://forms.gle/PsmYJ3vQKocXQCAY6)_ 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)

Things are going to get ugly... at our Ugly Sweater Edition! 'Tis the season to be tacky! Dust off that attic-bound, tinsel-covered, light-up masterpiece and join us for a night of festive fun and fashion faux pas. This is your chance to shine in the most outrageously bad holiday knitwear you can find! The goal is simple: the uglier the sweater, the better the party.We may be holding a vote with awards for the most creatively terrible creations. Categories include: "Ugliest Sweater Overall" (The ultimate bragging rights!) "Most Likely to Be a Fire Hazard" (For the brave souls with excessive lights) "Best DIY/Most Creative" (For the hot glue gun heroes) WHERE. ALOFT Schuman WHAT WE PLAY. We play social interaction games : Dixit, Codenames, Werewolf, Secret Hitler, Exploding Kittens, Bang...They are fun to play with and easy to learn. We gather on Mondays for strategic games, but you are free to play strategic games on Thursdays and Saturdays as well. SCHEDULE. We will gather at 7 PM and have the introduction round at 7:15 PM. If you want to come later, don't hesitate. See the host, who will try to arrange it so you can find a table. You may have to wait for a game to finish to join the next game. WHAT TO BRING. As usual, a good vibe ! we will play the games that people bring. Don't hesitate to mention them in the comments. When the location is in the park, you can also bring snacks and drinks and something to put under your royal buttocks because the lawn is sometimes a bit wet. DRINK AT THE BAR. You are encouraged to order at least one drink during the event and pay for it yourself at the bar. The meetup is Free, but the venues like Us more when they have some business😇 EVENT REGISTRATION. Please register for adequate venue planning and security measures. Don't forget to add it to your calendar, So you don't miss an event you registered for. WHEN THERE IS A WAITING LIST. Please, out of respect for people on the waiting list, don't cancel later than 7 PM the day before so they can plan their evening correctly. If you are on the waiting list, please cancel your attendance if you can no longer come for the same reason. SUGGESTIONS. Don't hesitate to write with comments or suggestions! Take care and see you soon!

Easy walk & talk of approx. 1,5 -2 hours starting at the music pavilion of Bois de la Cambre (see Google maps & photo in event info), thru' the park and thru' the Forêt de Soignes, and back. Coffee or snack at the buvette (somewhat confusingly also called "le kiosque"). https://maps.app.goo.gl/n251GsZhoY8aC3mv6 If you're more than 10 min. late, go to the following next point en route https://goo.gl/maps/ak8wL3ZLqgtvu8ER9 The parc has easy access by public transport, e.g. trams 8, 25 Solbosch stop, or by bicycle, car ...

Join us for some friendly Badminton games- all levels welcome! IMPORTANT- in order to secure your place you’ll need to both book a spot on Meetup AND pay €8 by Friday morning. This is to make sure we can cancel courts if demand isn’t there, and make sure we’re being fair to people on the waitlist. Refunds will only be people after Friday AM if another player is definitely able to take your spot Always worth joining our W’app group as well for faster, often better, updates! https://chat.whatsapp.com/Llj4cYv1PVE2LXv86WkXMC?mode=hqrt2

Hello! This is a meet-up to play tennis from 2 pm to 4 pm on Sunday. Meeting is on the courts. The courts are booked under the name Jean-Marc. This event is for intermediate and advanced players and not organised for novice players or beginners. Please make sure to bring the exact sum of 10 € in cash. The event is non-commercial. This sum covers the cost of the courts reserved. The organizer is not there to make money out of you. Ladies are encouraged to join. If anyone wants to drop out, they should do it on Saturday morning, not on Sunday the day of the meetup, another wise it would be too late to find a replacement in time or to cancel a court in time with reimbursement. If you don't do this, you will be asked by the organizer to reimburse your participation fee. If this happens too late then those who have cancelled after Saturday morning will have to cover the extra cost for reserving the courts. In the past meetups, it happened too many times that we were an oneven number and because of that all those present had less fun to play. If you don't show up without giving a written excuse in time, the first future participation will be cancelled and you will be asked to reimburse the participation fee. If it happens too many times you will not be able to participate anymore. In case if we are an uneven number of players, then the last player (except the host of course who has to collect the money) can leave or persuade other players to play with him or her. Of course if the last player leaves, then he or she doesn't have to pay the participation fee. If this player leaves, he or she will be added on a future event by the host or organizer in the participation list if the player is far away in the waiting list. This is the advantage of leaving on a voluntary basis;-). We operate on the principle of Fair Play as we do not have umpires or referees. Any disputes or disagreements over line calls or scores should be resolved immediately on the court and, when agreement is not possible, the point or game should be replayed. To be able to replay the game, 3 players need to agree on that without manipulation of the one who disputes an entire game, anotherwise injustice could occur where in the end possibly the biggest cheater could win... This situation applies also, if the host or the organizer is involved. When one of the players still doesn't accept this compromise, then it should be reported (meetup message by preference) to the organizer or host of the meetup event. One of the consequences could be that the first upcoming event could be cancelled by the organizer for the player who doesn't comply with the compromise to play the point or the game again. If the same player does that again for a second time, then the person will see 4 of his next tennis meetups cancelled. If this happens a third time with the same player, then the player in question will be banned from all future tennis meetups with an exclusion as a final result. Whenever there is a big problem, it should be reported as well to the organizer of the group so he can, if necessary, take actions to improve the situation for all the players. Please also note that if you are the first on the waiting list, you will automatically be moved up to the attendance list if someone pulls out. So if you are on the waiting list and see that you cannot attend, please also change your status to not going. If you would like to organize a meet up either this week or next week please get in touch with me, my name is Jean-Marc. It will depend on your initiatives to create more tennis meetups per week.

For those who are still in Brussels the last weekend before Christmas, I propose a somewhat different hike with not one, but two Christmas markets to visit! We will start the hike in the little town of Soignies, best known for its quarries where the famous "pierre bleue" is cut. After about 2 hours we will reach the Chateau de Thieusies, where this weekend the artisanal Christmas market "Chemins de Creation" is held. We will stop for about 1 to 1.5h, depending on how much there is to do. I assume there will also be food, but I can't guarantee, as I've never been there (i.e. bring something for lunch to be on the safe side). From there we'll continue the hike for about another 3 hours to Mons, with its Christmas market taking place on the Grand Place and some other locations, so plenty of opportunities for glühwein, food or whatever reward you feel you deserve at that point ;-) As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: **Wikilocs:** https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/soignies-mons-244040667 **Komoot**: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2704055934?share_token=aLqj7pOmFh44XD5yKgCnU9wcjeZ9EkTo5q0phzHp1u5yxt9oFe&ref=wtd ●●Meeting point: We meet at 9h30 in the main hall of Gare Central, in front of Starbucks, and take the train at 9.48 (IC3730 to Mons). We arrive in Soignies at 10.22. ●● Train tickets: BXL-Soignies 5.70€ (3.40€ with Train+), Mons-BXL 8.30€ (5.00€ with Train+) ●● Back to Brussels: From Mons there is a train back every hour, at XX.20 (53 min to Gare Central) ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 24 km Elevation gain: almost nothing Net walking time: ca 5 h Weather forecast: quite grey and cool, maybe some rain In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes (waterproof unless you don't mind wet feet) * rain gear * water and drink for the breaks * Compeed for blisters * some small money for drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Whether you're a seasoned Yogi or a complete beginner, come and join us every **SUNDAY MORNING - from 11:00 to 12:15 - for Queer Yoga in Brussels :)** No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes (mats are provided) and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * This is an "open event" - for everyone, LGBTQ people and their friends no matter their **gender, age, race, sexual orientation or level of fitness / practice**. * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * Ring bell "MERCI WELLNESS" - third floor ! * ⏰ 11:00 to 12:15 (doors will open at 10:40 - doors close at 10:55 as **class starts at 11:00 sharp** \- it is not possible to join late\)\. 💸 **Cost:** * First class: 10 euros 🌟 * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. **Come and this great group of Sunday Morning Yogis** \- to spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga\, from increased flexibility\, better posture\, a stronger body to a calmer mind\. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️✨ Edson P.S. Also, make sure to check out our new class **"Yoga for Men"** \- every Wednesday at 18:30 in the same location \- you can find the class list on our Meetup main page \!

Join us on the **Winter Solstice** \- the shortest day of the year \- for a spectacular light adventure\! We are heading to the **Luminexus Festival** in the beautiful domain of Terhills. ### **👇 How to Join** 1. Send a WhatsApp message "Your name + Lum" @+32 483 464 569 2. Buy your entry ticket online. **Let’s light up the darkest night of the year together! ✨**

**Alone for the holidays? We've got you!** Whether you're new to the city or simply have no one to spend the holiday season with, you probably don’t want to spend it alone. At this event, we’ll help you meet new people, with the hope that you’ll find a small group you feel comfortable with—maybe even to spend the holidays together. **You’ll:** * Meet new people in small groups (max 8 per group) * Be matched based on the answers you provided when signing up * Enjoy a completely offline, screen-free experience * Receive a little Christmas gift envelope from us This event is a **concept test of a revolutionary friendship app.** Always find your friends busy, or don’t know anyone in the city? Through the app, you’ll choose the date, time, and venue, and we take care of the rest. We match you with a group and send invites to people who fit your vibe. Just show up and enjoy. For this particular event, you won’t be using the app yet. However, **downloading the app is required to attend**, so if you like the concept, you can start using it immediately. And the best part? **It’s completely free.**

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

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

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

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

We will hike approx 4 miles looping through the gardens, boardwalk trail and chipmunk trail.