High School Alumni

**\*SIGN-UP ON LUMA\*** https://luma.com/u5kxljj6 Join us for a discussion of Rust in the Age of AI, with drinks and brunch! ​Following the [Rust Nation UK conference](https://www.rustnationuk.com/), [Fractile ](https://www.fractile.ai/)and [Red Badger](https://red-badger.com/) are excited to host a brunch discussion exploring how the Rust ecosystem is evolving to respond to rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence. ​We will be hosting a world-class panel discussion, with guest speakers: * ​[Jon Gjengset](https://www.youtube.com/c/JonGjengset) (Helsing) * ​[David Haig](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-haig-9185957/) (Fractile) * ​[Stuart Harris ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartharris4/)(Red Badger) * ​[Stephen Eckes](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-eckes/) (ai-coustics) ​Afterwards, we will host a networking session with food and drink for attendees. ​**Date and Time:** Friday, February 20th, from 11 AM to 1 PM ​*About Fractile* ​Fractile is building chips, systems and software to radically improve the speed and cost of running frontier AI inference. [They are currently hiring](https://job-boards.eu.greenhouse.io/fractile), including for a Senior Rust Software Engineer. ​*About Red Badger* ​Red Badger is the digital product transformation consultancy for blue chips and scale-ups. Location **Red Badger** **2 Old Street Yard, London EC1Y 8AF, UK**

**Friday - Lower Intermediate+ @ George Green's** Come and join our friendly badminton club for a fun and competitive doubles session at George Green’s School in Tower Hamlets! 🏸 **How it works** * Book your spot here on Meetup – spaces are limited. * Pay by bank transfer before the session – bank details are provided below. * Bring your own racket and non-marking indoor shoes. Feather shuttles are included. 🎯 **Level** This is a **Lower Intermediate+ session**. You should be able to play clears, smashes, drops, drives, and net shots consistently in games. All players **must be at the right level** for this session. Badminton levels vary between clubs, so we strongly recommend checking out our **Instagram page** to see what *we* class as **Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, and High Intermediate** before booking. We always use the **first game as a level check**. If it becomes clear during that game that the standard isn’t the right match for this session, **you won’t be able to continue beyond that point**. As a **small community club**, we’re unfortunately **unable to offer refunds** in these situations. 👉 Please **only book a session if you are happy to accept these conditions**. 💬 **Stay connected** We have a club WhatsApp group for updates, photos, and extra playing opportunities. Message Peter on **07561 100 413** after you've played at your first session and we’ll add you! 📍 **Venue** * Where: George Green’s School, 100 Manchester Road, E14 3DW (nearest tube: Island Gardens DLR). * On arrival: Let reception know you’re here for the Tower Hamlets Badminton Meetup. 💷 **Price** £12 per session, payable in advance. Bank transfer details: **Badminton Go Ltd** Sort code: 60-83-71 Account: 78644858 (Use your name + date as ref)

**Exclusive Singles Mixer & Speed Dating** Join us for an exciting evening of connections and conversation at the exclusive Conduit Club in Covent Garden on Friday evening. Whether you’re looking for love or simply expanding your social circle, this event promises a sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere for like-minded professionals. **Buy Tickets here:** [https://buytickets.at/cocktailsconversation/2026289/r/meetup](https://buytickets.at/cocktailsconversation/2026289/r/meetup) The event is hosted in partnership with Conduit Club, a renowned members’ club with a focus on sustainability and purpose-driven business. Their own members will also be joining the mixer, offering a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with interesting and influential individuals. Conduit Club provides an elegant and thought-provoking space, making it the perfect backdrop for an evening of connections, cocktails, and conversation. **Buy Tickets here:** [https://buytickets.at/cocktailsconversation/2026289/r/meetup](https://buytickets.at/cocktailsconversation/2026289/r/meetup) Please download the C&C app to participate in the speed dating and to receive a welcome drink: [📲 ](https://cocktailsandconversation.co.uk/download-the-app/)**[Download the Cocktails & Conversation App](https://cocktailsandconversation.co.uk/download-the-app/)**

Come and join us at this popular Friday evening meditation class, at the School of Meditation in West London. Meditations are accompanied by short, profound spiritual readings and discussion, and no experience is required. A wonderful way to start your weekend....we hope to see you there!

**This is a ticketed fundraising event! Get your ticket and make whatever donation you can here:** https://www.outsavvy.com/event/33294/aid-for-rojava-fundraising-night-wmovie-music-dancing All across the world, imperialism, neo-fascism and the capitalists that these forces ultimately serve have had a booming few years. From the genocide in Gaza, to Sudan, to Venezuela, Cuba, Iran, Greenland and many more, the powers of the world are making moves and burning bodies. It's enough to make your head spin and it's easy to burn out hearing about it all. It's especially discouraging to see what's happening to one of the more celebrated "bright spots" in global geopolitics of the past decade, namely the Rojava Revolution and, apparently, its imminent end under armed aggression by the Turkish military and the US/Israel-backed Al-Qaeda-turned-technocratic liberals of the HTS militia which currently rules Syria. At the start of January, a full-scale invasion of the Rojava region began. As of the 20th, a [shaky ceasefire](https://www.newsday.com/news/nation/syria-kobani-kurds-sdf-aid-convoy-q74640) is in effect. This fragile situation may be our one opportunity to raise vital funds for humanitarian support to the people of northeastern Syria, who desperately need resources for medical care, food, and transportation to safety. That's why LCC will be hosting a mega-night of fun and fundraising in partnership with The Bath House, Hackney Wick this February, raising money for the people of Rojava. There will be a film screening on the struggle between ISIS and the Rojava revolution at the [Battle of Tishrin Dam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tishrin_Dam_offensive), a Q&A with its director, as well as music and dancing with food and drink available at the bar. The ongoing offensive has resulted in significant casualties, including approximately 1,000 people killed, with at least 152 civilians reported dead and 322 injured as of January 18, 2026. The situation remains dire, particularly in the besieged town of Kobani, where ongoing attacks have led to civilian deaths, hunger, and a humanitarian crisis. What is, or was, the Rojava Revolution? Some resources can be found [here](https://riseup4rojava.org/en/rojava-people-in-arms/), but in a nutshell Rojava is an autonomous Kurdish territory in north-eastern Syria where a broad coalition of forces have, since the start of the Syrian Civil War till now, been attempting to practice directly-democratic, libertarian-communist, feminist, ecological emancipatory politics as part of a generations-long struggle for Kurdish national liberation. The leading force in Rojava, the Democratic Union Party and its armed wing the YPG, have in the past made common cause with the US to [defeat shared enemies like the so-called Islamic State](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/29/magazine/a-dream-of-utopia-in-hell.html). Recent events have shown, once again, that the west is always a false friend, with the [US and Israel reportedly having given the go-ahead](https://hannohauenstein.substack.com/p/rojava-is-the-red-line-its-being) to HTS and Turkey to launch their ongoing invasion of Rojava. The collapse of democratic, autonomous administration in Rojava is not the end of their revolution, which was always, from the beginning, internationalist. It demonstrates that, no matter how genuinely inspiring it is to see a small nation, with few resources, take on the world and build something we can barely dream of in the west, it is ultimately up to those of us living within the great imperialist core to take up that inspiration and put its principles into practice here and now, so that the next time the Kurdish people rise up in freedom, they will have friends to back them that are both powerful and true. In the meantime, we owe it to these comrades to give them every aid they need to survive the present danger, prepare for future ones, and make themselves able to fight on. Donations benefiting the Kurdish Red Crescent can be made to our fundraising page here or on the night via cash or card. The most generous donors will get a shout-out from the stage! Capacity is huge, so come one, come all, share this event and bring your friends!

**Address: 210-212 Southwark Park Road, London SE16 3RX** **Doors Open 11am Event starts 6pm-10pm** **Player Capacity: 36 players** Welcome to our **Magic: The Gathering** Friday Night Commander. We normally sell majority of the tickets, so please **buy tickets [here](https://www.thebrotherhoodgames.co.uk/magic-the-gathering-events)** as early as you can, as space tends to fill out. This is a beginner friendly event. So, if you are just starting, don't hesitate to come down and meet our lovely community of Magic players! If you haven't already, please join our Instagram, YouTube and Discord Server for news about upcoming events, announcements, and social interaction with your fellow players! *The Brotherhood Games Discord* https://discord.com/invite/SJaQXyeNXx

Ready to think clearer, reason better, and express with clarity? Join us for a practical wholesome philosophy practice where we learn essential thinking skills through hands-on group practice. Leave academics and theory at the door— this is a skills-building adventure for everyday life! 🧠✨ This event's focus: **Develop Thinking Habits** 🎯 a part of the Wholesome Philosophy series — that help you build a complete thinking toolkit. **See below** 👇🏽 **Why should you sign up?** ✅ Practical toolkit you can use immediately ✅ Small group practice ✅ Private, quiet venue for focus ✅ Standalone session - Previous parts help, but not required **What is Wholesome Philosophy?** Practical philosophy for everyday life - helping you build useful skills for thinking clearer and communicating better in work, relationships, and daily conversations. You'll learn through pair work, and group practice. 💬 spread across **different sessions:** * **Clear Thinking & Better Arguments** — How to reason * **Develop Thinking Habits** — Spotting biases and fallacies * **The Art of Dialogue** — Having productive disagreements * **Constructing Your Position** — Building solid viewpoints * **Decision-Making Frameworks** — Choosing wisely under uncertainty * **Self-Examination & Growth** — Questioning your own beliefs Each session works standalone — attend one, some, or all. ***Want to join all?*** Speak to the facilitator about discounted pricing for the full (6 parts) series ✅ **Who is it for?** * You want to think clearer and communicate better * You feel frustrated when your point doesn't land * You want to spot weak reasoning (including your own) * You enjoy learning through practice, not just theory * You crave thoughtful conversation with curious people * You want practical tools you can use tomorrow No philosophy background needed — just show up ready to practice. 🎉 **What's in it for you?** * Make your points stick (without fighting) 💡 * Think more clearly about any topic even complex ones 🧠 * Have disagreements that don't turn into arguments 🤝 * Understand the world better 🌍 * Connect with curious, thoughtful people ✨ * Gain confidence in your reasoning abilities 💪 **How does it work?** * Facilitated practice session (2 hours) with structured exercises ⏱ * Small group discussions (4-6 people) 💬 * Pair work for hands-on practice 🤝 * Individual reflection moments 🧘 * Whole group sharing (optional, not required) 🌟 Everything is timed and guided — you'll know exactly what to do at each stage 📝 **What to expect** Collaborative discovery, without competitive learning. Practicing together, without performing for each other. What happens in the room stays in the room. 🔒 * **Depth**: Beyond small talk, but it's not therapy — we're developing thinking skills 🧠 * **Safety**: Wholesome Agreement principles apply — respect, curiosity, no judgment 🤝 * **Practical**: You'll leave with tools, not just concepts — things you can actually use the next day 🛠️ * **Participation**: These are practice sessions — your active participation creates the learning environment 💬 **Ready to upgrade your thinking skills?** 🌊 Join us for a Wholesome Philosophy practice session and walk away with various thinking tools — it's for anyone who wants to navigate life with a sharper, kinder mind. 🌟 We really hope to see you there! 👋 **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centred around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. 🧠💡 * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. 🗣️💬 **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80)

Philosophy in the Park is a philosophical discussion group. Open to all. No previous philosophical experience necessary. We will meet in the Barbican Centre on Level Minus 1. Outside The Hall. Here's how it works: * At the start of each hour vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. The questions with the most votes are the questions we discuss. * We then break up into groups and each group does a different question. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and up end talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer you're welcome to sit back and enjoy the conversation. After an hour we all come back together, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So in 3 hours we go around 3 times. The aim is to have fun, meet new people, generate interesting and thought-provoking conversations, have your horizons expanded, challenge your preconceptions and who knows - you might even learn something? In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive for everyone as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Philosophy is about conceptual analysis. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the real world. It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas. To terms of the right attitude: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. No homework or prior knowledge or reading is necessary - simply come and enjoy the discussions. After the event finishes we have an area reserved in The Shakespeare pub which is just around the corner from the Barbican. You are very welcome to join us if you'd like. If you would like to submit a question please join the Whatsapp group. Question submissions take place on the Thursday before the meeting. We hope to see you there. Nice one. ... To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

**Saturday - Lower Intermediate+ @ George Green's** Come and join our friendly badminton club for a fun and competitive doubles session at George Green’s School in Tower Hamlets! 🏸 **How it works** * Book your spot here on Meetup – spaces are limited. * Pay by bank transfer before the session – bank details are provided below. * Bring your own racket and non-marking indoor shoes. Feather shuttles are included. 🎯 **Level** This is a **Lower Intermediate+ session**. You should be able to play clears, smashes, drops, drives, and net shots consistently in games. All players **must be at the right level** for this session. Badminton levels vary between clubs, so we strongly recommend checking out our **Instagram page** to see what *we* class as **Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, and High Intermediate** before booking. We always use the **first game as a level check**. If it becomes clear during that game that the standard isn’t the right match for this session, **you won’t be able to continue beyond that point**. As a **small community club**, we’re unfortunately **unable to offer refunds** in these situations. 👉 Please **only book a session if you are happy to accept these conditions**. 💬 **Stay connected** We have a club WhatsApp group for updates, photos, and extra playing opportunities. Message Peter on **07561 100 413** after you've played at your first session and we’ll add you! 📍 **Venue** * Where: George Green’s School, 100 Manchester Road, E14 3DW (nearest tube: Island Gardens DLR). * On arrival: Let reception know you’re here for the Tower Hamlets Badminton Meetup. 💷 **Price** £12 per session, payable in advance. Bank transfer details: **Badminton Go Ltd** Sort code: 60-83-71 Account: 78644858 (Use your name + date as ref)

*"Joseph Wright of Derby has been described as the first professional painter to express the spirit of the Industrial Revolution."* – Tate Britain **Join us at the National Gallery for the first major exhibition dedicated to Joseph Wright of Derby's legendary 'candlelight' paintings.** Working during the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution, Wright captured moments of discovery and wonder with a Caravaggio-like mastery of light and darkness. This exhibition reveals him as more than just a painter of scientific progress – his work explores death, melancholy, morality and the sublime. See his most famous painting 'An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump' alongside over twenty other works that continue to speak powerfully to contemporary audiences about what it means to observe, to learn, and to question. Read more here: [https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/wright-of-derby-from-the-shadows](https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/wright-of-derby-from-the-shadows) **MEET DETAILS:** **FROM 2.15pm: MEET IN Bar Giorgio Cafe** **(Optional)** Level 0 Sainsbury Wing Foyer, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN **3.00pm: ENTER THE EXHIBITION** The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN **4.30pm - Late: PUB SOCIAL (optional)** We'll head to a nearby pub for a social chit chat over drinks. *Location tbc in Event Comments 24 hours before the event.* **TICKETS:** Please book your ticket **[here](https://my.nationalgallery.org.uk/10552/10784).** Select the 3pm time slot (or around that time). * Standard admission: £10 (Sunday off-peak rate) * Art Pass holders: £5 * National Gallery Members: Free - no need to book **GETTING THERE:** Please see **[here](https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/plan-your-visit?utm_source=google&utm_medium=google_paid_aip&utm_campaign=aip-grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20156872443&gbraid=0AAAAADjwvWmrlcpoafVnxrzxUIX2NIOQ4&gclid=CjwKCAiAwNDMBhBfEiwAd7ti1L5DjMc-gZnFokiVy_SkfB-YDycoef5X7pFWQSyeFi8I7oYZn5-pcxoCxdoQAvD_BwE)** for more information. **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP** If you are on the 'Going' list, please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. The link will be shared in the Event Comments below at least 48 hours before the event. *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **PLEASE READ:** LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. This event has an attendee limit as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. If you RSVP but can no longer attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible, **otherwise you will be marked as a 'no show'.** We remove members from the group who: * repeatedly sign up for events then 'no show' * repeatedly change their RSVP to 'No' * are on the event waitlist or have not RSVPd but turn up anyway. Please see the **[About Us section](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-for-30s-40s/)** for more information about the group and how it works. Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ. 📸 **[Follow LoMAZ on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/londonmuseumsatoz?igsh=MTl5N3doNmJ6OXN1cA==)** Photo credit: Trafalgar Square, London by Benhard Cranach, 2014. Via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Host: Van \*This event is a collaboration with other meetup groups and social networks and it will be well attended \*To attend this event you need to buy a ticket from [https://www.fatsoma.com/e/snd3nnpd/singles-social-party-with-karaoke-access-complimentary-glass-of-prosecco-rooftop-terrace-happy-hour-all-ages](https://www.fatsoma.com/e/snd3nnpd/singles-social-party-with-karaoke-access-complimentary-glass-of-prosecco-rooftop-terrace-happy-hour-all-ages) Single people socialising and partying in the heart of London, while keeping their eyes open trying to spot that special one that will make their heart jump You are very welcome to attend alone or with friends. We will be there making introductions, helping break the ice,, and act as a glue in the group. We have a reserved area/table where we can mix and mingle, so that everybody can relax and feel comfortable and we get to know each other. and then we are going to move on the dance floor! Whether you are looking for a partner or just to meet and connect with other people who are at the same phase of life, this is the event for you! You never know who you are going meet in this evening and that is the beauty of it! You may find a friend forever, a party buddy, a partner in crime or a partner in life! Since this is a mix and mingle and not a speed dating there is no age range- in a social pool everybody is welcome and you can choose to speak to whoever you fancy. Connect with like minded people and open your social circle, enjoy chatting about anything and everything, with those you like, for as long as you like If you find somebody who you think you have a connection with, dare to ask their contact details right then and there... like the old times ;) Oh! and you don't need to ask the awkward question: 'so are you single?' because they all will be! Everyone arriving before 9pm receives a glass of prosecco (non alcoholic option available as well) Happy Hour till 8pm! Karaoke access after 11pm Dress code is smart/ elegant/ Smart Casual (smart dark jeans are fine but ripped jeans, sportswear, trainers/sportshoes and hats are not allowed). Zebrano Soho is a vibrant cocktail bar, restaurant, and nightclub in the beating heart of London’s most iconic entertainment district. Zebrano is more than just a venue – it’s a celebration of fun, flavour, and feel-good vibes. It offers amazing cocktails , great cuisine, multiple rooms and an outdoor rooftop terrace At Zebrano, we serve up delicious food, killer cocktails, and the best tunes in town – all in a space designed to make great nights unforgettable. Come for the vibe. Stay for the party. Leave with a story. For security reasons every guest must carry photographic ID with them (Driver’s License, European ID or Passport) independently of the age. Tickets are valid for entry till 11pm How to find us: When you arrive please ask to be directed to Marianna's Events area/ Van. Any issue on the night feel free to contact Van: 07587546857 For general inquires or difficulties with your ticket booking feel free to e- mail us at benetoupromotions@gmail.com or call Marianna on: 07949526733 How to connect with us: To see all our events please go to: [https://www.fatsoma.com/p/mariannas-events](https://www.fatsoma.com/p/mariannas-events) Like and follow our facebook page: [https://www.facebook.com/mariannaland](https://www.facebook.com/mariannaland) Join our facebook group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/453202104877514](https://www.facebook.com/groups/453202104877514) Follow us on twitter:@Mariannasevents

Join us for a special edition of Deeper Discussions, where we dive into thought-provoking **fiction** that challenges perspectives, sparks imagination, and opens doors to meaningful conversations. Whether you're a lifelong reader or rediscovering the joy of novels, this is a space to explore stories that stay with you long after the final page. 📖💭 **This Month's Book 📖 - *Never Let Me Go* by Kazuo Ishiguro 🌸** A haunting novel following a group of students whose seemingly ordinary upbringing slowly reveals deeper ethical and societal questions. Ishiguro's restrained, carefully controlled narrative explores memory, friendship, and moral responsibility—leaving you questioning what it means to be human long after you turn the final page. **How does it work? 📝** * Brief introductions and reflections on what struck you most 💡 * Moderated discussion exploring plot, themes, and characters 🎭 * Open conversation where different interpretations are welcomed 🗣️ * We wrap up by sharing insights and connections made 🌟 **What to Expect? 🔍** **📖 Close Reading:** We go beyond surface-level plot summary. Expect discussions that examine the author's choices, narrative techniques, and the questions left lingering in the silence between pages. **💬 Thoughtful Dialogue:** This isn't a race to share opinions—it's a space for genuine exploration. We listen, we reflect, we build on each other's insights. **🤝 Meaningful Connections:** Great fiction holds up a mirror to the human experience. Through discussing characters' choices and moral dilemmas, we often discover something about ourselves and each other. **How to get the most out of this event? 🌱** **📚 Finish the Book:** Please attend only if you've completed the book. Spoilers will flow freely, and the richest discussions come from those who've made the full journey. **📝 Ground it in the Text:** Bring your interpretations, but anchor them in what's actually on the page. Quote passages. Reference scenes. Let the author's words guide us. **🙏 Respect & Openness:** Every interpretation matters. Make space for quieter voices. Challenge ideas, not people. Stay curious rather than defensive. **Why a Fiction Book Club? 📚** **🪞 Explore the Human Condition:** Fiction lets us inhabit lives we'll never live, forcing us to confront questions about identity, morality, love, and loss. **🧠 Sharpen Your Thinking:** Close reading develops critical thinking—noticing what the author chose to include, exclude, and how the story is told matters as much as what happens. **💖 Deepen Connections:** Discussing characters' choices and moral dilemmas creates surprisingly intimate conversations with fellow readers. **Who is this event for? 🎯** * You find yourself thinking about books long after you've finished them 📖💭 * You want more from book discussions than "I liked it" or "I didn't" 🤔 * You're curious how others interpret the same story differently 🔄 * You value thoughtful dialogue over debate 🗣️✨ * You're looking for meaningful connections with fellow readers 🤝 **What's in it for you? 💡** * **Fresh Perspectives:** Discover interpretations you'd never have considered alone 🔄 * **Deeper Understanding:** Unpack themes and symbols that enrich your reading 📚 * **Genuine Connection:** Bond with others over shared literary experiences 💖 * **A Space to Think:** Slow down from the noise and engage with ideas that matter 🧘 **Ready to dive deeper into stories that matter? 🌊** Join us for an evening where fiction becomes a gateway to understanding ourselves and each other. 📚💬✨ **We really hope to see you there!** 👋 **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centred around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. 🧠💡 * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. 🗣️💬 **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80) **Keep This Event Free 💝** If this event brings you something meaningful, you can help others access the same transformational experience. Whether it's £5 or £15, every contribution keeps these events accessible to everyone in our community. You'll find a QR code on your conversation sheet during the event, or you can contribute here #SupportYourCommunity 👉🏽 [Ko-Fi](https://ko-fi.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [Buy Me A Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DDSNCCFCYUEB2)

**Welcome to the inaugural meeting of the International Relations / Foreign Policy Group Columbus!** This group brings together students, professionals, academics, and anyone interested in global affairs, diplomacy, and geopolitics. Our first meetup will be an informal discussion focused on current international developments and global trends. This is a great opportunity to: • Meet others interested in international relations and foreign policy • Discuss current global events and geopolitical developments • Exchange perspectives and ideas in a respectful environment • Build a network of globally minded individuals in Central Ohio (Columbus and periphery) **Discussion topics may include:** * Strategic planning for the group and the way forward * US foreign policy priorities in 2026 * Major geopolitical developments (Europe, Asia, Middle East) * Global security and strategic competition * International economic and diplomatic trends No prior expertise is required—everyone is welcome, whether you're a student, professional, or simply interested in world affairs. **This will be a casual, friendly, and intellectually engaging conversation.** I look forward to meeting everyone and building a strong international relations / foreign policy community in Central Ohio.

Join us at Losing Weight in Columbus at Bloc Garten on a Saturday afternoon. This will be an active and engaging day, in lieu of our weekly check in. Why climbing you may ask? Because that's what I know best, and also since its and indoor sport, its great for a winter time hobby! Join us and find out what it's all about! We'll also do a brief check in to see how everyone is doing. 🚨🚨 Day passes cost 23$ + 7$ shoe rental fee for a total of 30$ 🚨🚨 [https://5.life/bg/](https://5.life/bg/)

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Good Cafe](https://goodcafeeaston.com/)!

# The Ostrich Social #### 3408 Indianola Ave Dresden Stammtisch is a monthly social gathering for members and friends of Dresden Sister City, Inc. The event is free and open to the public. We speak German or English - it is largely up to you!

As you may or may not know--I didn't until late last year--Aristotle wrote extensively on "friendship" in the Nicomachean Ethics. After 69 years the concept of friendship still creates questions and uncertainty. I had close friends in high school and for a few years after high school but our interests diverged and people moved all over the country so it was hard to maintain connections. * So if I/you haven't talked with a friend for several years, are you still friends? Are we friends who meet at Drunken Philosophy or Omnipresent Atheists? * Can you be friends with someone with whom you have virulently divergent political views? Sartre and Camus could not. * Aristotle regarded friendship as essential to a good life, not merely an added "bonus." Do you agree? * In the Nicomachean Ethics (Books VIII and IX), he claims that wealth and power are meaningless without friends. Trump has wealth and power but seems to have no real friends, but wealth and power seem meaningful to him in perverted ways. Can you have meaning in your life without friends? * Do men and women view and maintain friendships in different ways? * Aristotle categorizes friendship into three types, based on what forms the bond: * **Utility**: Based on mutual benefit, but this type is fragile and ends when the usefulness ceases. * **Pleasure**: Based on shared enjoyment (e.g., humor, hobbies). Common among youth but fades as interests change. * **Virtue (The "Complete" Friendship)**: Based on mutual respect for each other's character and goodness. You wish good for the other for their sake, not yours. * **Key Principles of "True" (Virtuous) Friendship:** * **Permanence**: Virtuous friendships last a lifetime whereas those based on utility and pleasure are fleeting. * **Reciprocity**: Requires mutual goodwill; secret or unreciprocated affection does not qualify. * **The "Second Self"**: A true friend is "another self"—their virtue helps you understand and improve yourself. * **Time and Intimacy**: Deep ("complete") friendships are few, built on time and shared experiences. * **Self-Love and Friendship:** * Good friendship starts with being a friend to yourself. * They distinguish shallow egoism (chasing honors) from real self-love (pursuing virtue). * A virtuous person’s pleasant self-company allows them to be a stable, good friend to others. * Aristotle argues that one's social circle ultimately reflects one's character—a view with striking relevance today. Well--the Drunken Philosophy social circle certainly reflects good character!