Information Science

Hey, friend in Jakarta! Now that you joined JakFri... **are you a member of [Jakarta Creatives](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/) yet?** Want to see **pictures** of past events? **[Take a look here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/photos/)** And feel free to upload a few pictures you might take at the event 😊 JakFri and JakCre is **the** biggest, oldest, most active, and most inclusive MeetUp community in Jakarta... and we invite you to join us for **FREE BUS TOUR & dinner 🚌 in Central Jakarta!** Everyone is always welcome to join our events. Our community is all about creating authentic in-person connections in this urban jungle. Come as you are... it’s the best version of yourself. **ABOUT THE EVENT** Let's play tourists for a day. We're gonna hop on a Free Tour Bus (an EMoney or BCA Flazz card will be needed) and explore the sights around Jakarta City Central. This time **we're gonna explore Jakarta Historic Buildings**. It's a two-level bus. We'll begin our journey at Halte Juanda Istiqal. Let's gather there at 4 pm to catch the last bus of the day. From there, the bus will head to Chinatown. And then Kota Tua, before heading back to Halte Juanda Istiqal. The entire trip takes about an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Here the meeting point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/97rDo29FDRwfPkwu5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/97rDo29FDRwfPkwu5) If you want to join only for dinner at the venue (see below 👇🏽) it's possible but it's your responsibility to find the group and wait to have a free seat at the restaurant, etc. (the group cannot wait for you!) **We have organised this event before! Take a look here:** * [Let's be tourists for one day! Vol. I 🚌 SATURDAY CITY TOUR with Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/312589863) **ABOUT THE VENUE** After the bus tour, we'll stroll over to Pos Bloc (a roughly 10-minute walk) another historic building in Jakarta. Inside, they have several food stalls. But for now we'll try **Dunes Diner, a Lebanese - American Fusion Dinner**. See their social media presence here: [https://www.instagram.com/dunesdiner_jkt](https://www.instagram.com/dunesdiner_jkt?igsh=MThvNjNmZ3IzY2t4cw==) **ABOUT THE HOST** Your host for this event will be Gina, a seasoned local with a lot of knowledge about the city and eager to welcome new friends to our community. **HOW TO REGISTER TO THE EVENT?** To register, just click “Attend”! There are a few simple rules * We kindly ask attendees who cannot manage to join to **update RSVP at least 24 h before the event** as a courtesy to other attendees and event organisers. * Don't be late! We need to hop on the bus together * Come alone or with your best half, a friend, or family (you can bring a +1 for free) * People in the waitlist **cannot** attend, and are encouraged to check a few hours before the event to see if they got a spot * 3X no-show = removal from the group. * Attendess who bring a +1 need to make sure that the guest understands and agrees to our rule of mutual respect and inclusivity * Cancellations within 2 hours of the event are unfiendly to organisers, venues, and fellow attendees, and will be **considered as a no-show**. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! **WE HAVE A MEMBERSHIP FEE. HOW DOES IT WORK?** Our community has a **monthly membership fee** that can be paid through the app (**2 USD/month or about 33k IDR/month**). Membership can also be paid as a **yearly membership of 320k IDR** valid for 365 days after payment. Membership fee is offered with a **promo discount to first-timers**, who can become members for **240k IDR/year**. First-timers can decide to join with a **sneek peak price of 50k IDR & pay the remaining 270k IDR at the next event** they attend. Registered +1 can attend for free. Renewals (after 365 days) and upgrades (to join JakCre) are offered at a special rate. All this is aimed at encouraging people to sign up, and then to attend as many events as they like! Yearly membership can be paid at an event (cash/bank transfer/Gopay) or beforehand (bank transfer/Gopay). Text Corrado (+62 8211 489 3580) if you have any questions about membership. Membership to **both** Jakarta Friends and Jakarta Creatives is offered for **only** 390k IDR/year. Membership gives **access to all events** plus exclusive perks available only to paying members, like for example our [Give Away Birthday Celebrations with lucky draw](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/300470498) (Sept 2024) or [FREE pasta cooking (and eating 😉) workshop](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/304253623/) (Nov 2024) or [Museum visits with FREE GUIDED TOURS](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/301738408/) (Sept 2024). To most events, attendees can **bring a +1 for free**, and we have some events open to all (paid and unpaid) members. To all members we **guarantee** to keep organizing plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months. In the past 3 years we have organised up to 2-3 events per week (browse past event [of JakFri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/?type=past) and [of JakCre here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/?type=past)). That is, with your membership you can attend up to 5-10 events! We **guarantee** to keep organising plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months. **THE RULES OF OUR COMMUNITY** Our communities are: * **Jakarta Friends**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends) * **Jakarta Creatives**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/) Members often participate in events of both groups. Over the past two years, we held over 250 events with over 2,000 attendees. Attendees rate our events **very positively** and give wonderful feedback, with an average of **4.8**⭐ (out of 5⭐) afrom over 500 reviews ([take a look at our reviews here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/feedback-overview/)) We value diversity, inclusivity, respect, and authenticity. We **do not tolerate** harassment or discrimination of any kinds. * You are invited to join our WhatsApp group where we announce our events regularly: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx) * Feel free to tag us on Instagram, and we will repost! [www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives](http://www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives) * For questions about the event, please post a comment on the event page, or DM the event organisers

Halo Warga WordPress Tangsel! 👋 Apa kabar? Siap untuk upgrade skill di tahun 2026 ini? Industri teknologi bergerak sangat cepat. Kehadiran kecerdasan buatan (AI) bukan lagi sekadar tren, tapi sudah menjadi standar baru. Pertanyaannya: Sebagai pengguna atau pengembang WordPress, bagaimana kita memposisikan diri agar tidak tergerus, melainkan tumbuh bersama teknologi ini? Di Meetup ke-19 ini, kita akan merayakan Valentine dengan cara yang produktif! Kita akan belajar langsung dari Mas Satrio Subroto, CEO Technosatmedia. Beliau akan mengupas tuntas strategi meningkatkan nilai jual dan kapabilitas diri (skalabilitas) di tengah gempuran otomatisasi AI. **Apa yang akan kita bahas?** * 🚀 Tantangan dan peluang pengguna WordPress di lanskap teknologi 2026. * 🤖 Cara memanfaatkan AI untuk meningkatkan produktivitas, bukan menggantikan kreativitas. * 📈 *Mindset* skalabilitas: Dari sekadar "bikin web" menjadi "solusi teknologi". * 💡 Tips karir dan bisnis untuk bertahan di industri yang *AI-driven*. **Detail Acara:** * 📅 **Hari/Tanggal:** Sabtu, 14 Februari 2026 * ⏰ **Waktu:** 15:00 - 17:00 WIB * 📍 **Lokasi:** Oastia Cafe * 🗣️ **Pembicara:** Satrio Subroto (CEO Technosatmedia) Acara ini **GRATIS** dan terbuka untuk umum (Developer, Blogger, Agency Owner, atau Pemula). Yuk, ajak teman-temanmu untuk belajar dan *networking* bareng! Sampai jumpa di lokasi! Jangan lupa bawa *notes* dan pertanyaan terbaikmu. 😉

**Join us for an extraordinary journey through Indonesia's rich cultural tapestry at the prestigious National Museum of Indonesia, followed by a delightful evening hangout at Melly's Garden!** This Saturday afternoon-to-evening meetup promises to be an engaging blend of history, culture, dining, and social connection that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the archipelago's incredible heritage and Jakarta's vibrant social scene. **Part 1: Museum Vibes (Afternoon)** The National Museum of Indonesia, fondly known as "Museum Gajah" (Elephant Museum), houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Indonesian artifacts. From ancient Hindu-Buddhist sculptures to traditional textiles and archaeological treasures, this meetup will transform your typical museum visit into an interactive cultural expedition. **Part 2: Garden Nights (Evening)** After exploring Indonesia's fascinating history, we'll transition to the charming ambiance of Melly's Garden for dinner, drinks, and continued conversation. This cozy garden restaurant offers the perfect setting to unwind, share stories from the museum, and enjoy Jakarta's evening atmosphere with your new friends. This is a fun and social event, perfect for making new friends and connecting with the active and friendly Jakarta Social Community. Everyone is welcome! **Event Details:** **Date:** Saturday, 14th of February **Museum Time:** 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM **Location:** National Museum of Indonesia (Museum Nasional Indonesia) **Meeting Point:** Main entrance lobby by the elephant statue **Price:** 25,000 IDR. Pay at the door *** **Melly's Garden Time:** 7:00 PM onwards **Location:** Melly's Garden, **Cost:** Pay for your own food and drinks (various menu options available) *** **Optional:** Feel free to join us for just one part or stay for the complete experience! **📢 IMPORTANT: Attendance Reconfirmation Required** To ensure accurate headcounts and reduce no-shows, we're implementing an updated reconfirmation system for all events. **Here's how it works:** * All events start with unlimited RSVPs. * 4 days before each event, a reconfirmation form will be posted in the event comments and shared in the WhatsApp group. * You must reconfirm ASAP by submitting the form. Your spot is guaranteed only after you reconfirm. * The form closes once we reach the target attendance number. * Anyone who hasn’t reconfirmed when the form closes will be removed from the attendee list. * If you can’t attend, change your status to Not Going. **Two‑strike rule: If you don’t reconfirm and don’t change to Not Going three times, you will be removed from the group.** Thanks for helping us keep things running smoothly. Looking forward to seeing you all there. If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know here or join our friendly and active WhatsApp Group Chat: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FBQsf4Cv4yWACNs9gbiYNH](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FBQsf4Cv4yWACNs9gbiYNH) Instagram:[ https://www.instagram.com/jakartasocialgroup](https://www.instagram.com/jakartasocialgroup)

Your body can stand almost anything. It's your mind that you have to convince.

Hey, friend in Jakarta! Now that you joined JakFri... **are you a member of [Jakarta Creatives](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/) yet?** Want to see **pictures** of past events? **[Take a look here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/photos/)** And feel free to upload a few pictures you might take at the event 😊 JakFri and JakCre is **the** biggest, oldest, most active, and most inclusive MeetUp community in Jakarta... and we invite you to join us for **FREE BUS TOUR & dinner 🚌 in Central Jakarta!** Everyone is always welcome to join our events. Our community is all about creating authentic in-person connections in this urban jungle. Come as you are... it’s the best version of yourself. **ABOUT THE EVENT** Let's play tourists for a day. We're gonna hop on a Free Tour Bus (an EMoney or BCA Flazz card will be needed) and explore the sights around Jakarta City Central. This time **we're gonna explore Jakarta Historic Buildings**. It's a two-level bus. We'll begin our journey at Halte Juanda Istiqal. Let's gather there at 4 pm to catch the last bus of the day. From there, the bus will head to Chinatown. And then Kota Tua, before heading back to Halte Juanda Istiqal. The entire trip takes about an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Here the meeting point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/97rDo29FDRwfPkwu5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/97rDo29FDRwfPkwu5) If you want to join only for dinner at the venue (see below 👇🏽) it's possible but it's your responsibility to find the group and wait to have a free seat at the restaurant, etc. (the group cannot wait for you!) **We have organised this event before! Take a look here:** * [Let's be tourists for one day! Vol. I 🚌 SATURDAY CITY TOUR with Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/312589863) **ABOUT THE VENUE** After the bus tour, we'll stroll over to Pos Bloc (a roughly 10-minute walk) another historic building in Jakarta. Inside, they have several food stalls. But for now we'll try **Dunes Diner, a Lebanese - American Fusion Dinner**. See their social media presence here: [https://www.instagram.com/dunesdiner_jkt](https://www.instagram.com/dunesdiner_jkt?igsh=MThvNjNmZ3IzY2t4cw==) **ABOUT THE HOST** Your host for this event will be Gina, a seasoned local with a lot of knowledge about the city and eager to welcome new friends to our community. **HOW TO REGISTER TO THE EVENT?** To register, just click “Attend”! There are a few simple rules * We kindly ask attendees who cannot manage to join to **update RSVP at least 24 h before the event** as a courtesy to other attendees and event organisers. * Don't be late! We need to hop on the bus together * Come alone or with your best half, a friend, or family (you can bring a +1 for free) * People in the waitlist **cannot** attend, and are encouraged to check a few hours before the event to see if they got a spot * 3X no-show = removal from the group. * Attendess who bring a +1 need to make sure that the guest understands and agrees to our rule of mutual respect and inclusivity * Cancellations within 2 hours of the event are unfiendly to organisers, venues, and fellow attendees, and will be **considered as a no-show**. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! **WE HAVE A MEMBERSHIP FEE. HOW DOES IT WORK?** Our community has a **monthly membership fee** that can be paid through the app (**2 USD/month or about 33k IDR/month**). Membership can also be paid as a **yearly membership of 320k IDR** valid for 365 days after payment. Membership fee is offered with a **promo discount to first-timers**, who can become members for **240k IDR/year**. First-timers can decide to join with a **sneek peak price of 50k IDR & pay the remaining 270k IDR at the next event** they attend. Registered +1 can attend for free. Renewals (after 365 days) and upgrades (to join JakCre) are offered at a special rate. All this is aimed at encouraging people to sign up, and then to attend as many events as they like! Yearly membership can be paid at an event (cash/bank transfer/Gopay) or beforehand (bank transfer/Gopay). Text Corrado (+62 8211 489 3580) if you have any questions about membership. Membership to **both** Jakarta Friends and Jakarta Creatives is offered for **only** 390k IDR/year. Membership gives **access to all events** plus exclusive perks available only to paying members, like for example our [Give Away Birthday Celebrations with lucky draw](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/300470498) (Sept 2024) or [FREE pasta cooking (and eating 😉) workshop](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/304253623/) (Nov 2024) or [Museum visits with FREE GUIDED TOURS](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/301738408/) (Sept 2024). To most events, attendees can **bring a +1 for free**, and we have some events open to all (paid and unpaid) members. To all members we **guarantee** to keep organizing plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months. In the past 3 years we have organised up to 2-3 events per week (browse past event [of JakFri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/?type=past) and [of JakCre here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/?type=past)). That is, with your membership you can attend up to 5-10 events! We **guarantee** to keep organising plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months. **THE RULES OF OUR COMMUNITY** Our communities are: * **Jakarta Friends**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends) * **Jakarta Creatives**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/) Members often participate in events of both groups. Over the past two years, we held over 250 events with over 2,000 attendees. Attendees rate our events **very positively** and give wonderful feedback, with an average of **4.8**⭐ (out of 5⭐) afrom over 500 reviews ([take a look at our reviews here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/feedback-overview/)) We value diversity, inclusivity, respect, and authenticity. We **do not tolerate** harassment or discrimination of any kinds. * You are invited to join our WhatsApp group where we announce our events regularly: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx) * Feel free to tag us on Instagram, and we will repost! [www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives](http://www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives) * For questions about the event, please post a comment on the event page, or DM the event organisers

**MAD FOR LAUGHS presents: English Comedy Showcase – Valentine's x CNY Special ❤️🐎** Kick off the Lunar New Year with love and laughs. Enjoy an afternoon of English comedy featuring some of Jakarta’s funniest comedians—perfect for Valentine’s, CNY, or laughing off your past choices 😌 Coupled up, single, or in between—this February, this is the plan. 📍 **Feb 15, 2026,** Mad For Coffee, Cipete 🚪 Doors Open: 3:00 PM \| 🎤 Show Starts: 4:00 PM 🎟 **Tickets (incl. 1 drink):** Early Bird 125K \| Normal 150K | OTS 175K (Depends on Availability) 👉 Get yours at [bit.ly/mfl-valentines](bit.ly/mfl-valentines) via Megatix **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* (Meetup isn’t available for paid tickets) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **Special Feature - Tarot Reading** Curious about love, luck, or what the Year of the Horse has in store? Enjoy a tarot reading session and see what the cards have to say 🃏✨ Limited seats available — secure yours early and celebrate love, luck, and laughter with us! Follow us [@madforlaughs](https://www.instagram.com/madforlaughs/) for more information!

Halo Warga WordPress Tangsel! 👋 Apa kabar? Siap untuk upgrade skill di tahun 2026 ini? Industri teknologi bergerak sangat cepat. Kehadiran kecerdasan buatan (AI) bukan lagi sekadar tren, tapi sudah menjadi standar baru. Pertanyaannya: Sebagai pengguna atau pengembang WordPress, bagaimana kita memposisikan diri agar tidak tergerus, melainkan tumbuh bersama teknologi ini? Di Meetup ke-19 ini, kita akan merayakan Valentine dengan cara yang produktif! Kita akan belajar langsung dari Mas Satrio Subroto, CEO Technosatmedia. Beliau akan mengupas tuntas strategi meningkatkan nilai jual dan kapabilitas diri (skalabilitas) di tengah gempuran otomatisasi AI. **Apa yang akan kita bahas?** * 🚀 Tantangan dan peluang pengguna WordPress di lanskap teknologi 2026. * 🤖 Cara memanfaatkan AI untuk meningkatkan produktivitas, bukan menggantikan kreativitas. * 📈 *Mindset* skalabilitas: Dari sekadar "bikin web" menjadi "solusi teknologi". * 💡 Tips karir dan bisnis untuk bertahan di industri yang *AI-driven*. **Detail Acara:** * 📅 **Hari/Tanggal:** Sabtu, 14 Februari 2026 * ⏰ **Waktu:** 15:00 - 17:00 WIB * 📍 **Lokasi:** Oastia Cafe * 🗣️ **Pembicara:** Satrio Subroto (CEO Technosatmedia) Acara ini **GRATIS** dan terbuka untuk umum (Developer, Blogger, Agency Owner, atau Pemula). Yuk, ajak teman-temanmu untuk belajar dan *networking* bareng! Sampai jumpa di lokasi! Jangan lupa bawa *notes* dan pertanyaan terbaikmu. 😉

**Join us for an extraordinary journey through Indonesia's rich cultural tapestry at the prestigious National Museum of Indonesia, followed by a delightful evening hangout at Melly's Garden!** This Saturday afternoon-to-evening meetup promises to be an engaging blend of history, culture, dining, and social connection that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the archipelago's incredible heritage and Jakarta's vibrant social scene. **Part 1: Museum Vibes (Afternoon)** The National Museum of Indonesia, fondly known as "Museum Gajah" (Elephant Museum), houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Indonesian artifacts. From ancient Hindu-Buddhist sculptures to traditional textiles and archaeological treasures, this meetup will transform your typical museum visit into an interactive cultural expedition. **Part 2: Garden Nights (Evening)** After exploring Indonesia's fascinating history, we'll transition to the charming ambiance of Melly's Garden for dinner, drinks, and continued conversation. This cozy garden restaurant offers the perfect setting to unwind, share stories from the museum, and enjoy Jakarta's evening atmosphere with your new friends. This is a fun and social event, perfect for making new friends and connecting with the active and friendly Jakarta Social Community. Everyone is welcome! **Event Details:** **Date:** Saturday, 14th of February **Museum Time:** 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM **Location:** National Museum of Indonesia (Museum Nasional Indonesia) **Meeting Point:** Main entrance lobby by the elephant statue **Price:** 25,000 IDR. Pay at the door *** **Melly's Garden Time:** 7:00 PM onwards **Location:** Melly's Garden, **Cost:** Pay for your own food and drinks (various menu options available) *** **Optional:** Feel free to join us for just one part or stay for the complete experience! **📢 IMPORTANT: Attendance Reconfirmation Required** To ensure accurate headcounts and reduce no-shows, we're implementing an updated reconfirmation system for all events. **Here's how it works:** * All events start with unlimited RSVPs. * 4 days before each event, a reconfirmation form will be posted in the event comments and shared in the WhatsApp group. * You must reconfirm ASAP by submitting the form. Your spot is guaranteed only after you reconfirm. * The form closes once we reach the target attendance number. * Anyone who hasn’t reconfirmed when the form closes will be removed from the attendee list. * If you can’t attend, change your status to Not Going. **Two‑strike rule: If you don’t reconfirm and don’t change to Not Going three times, you will be removed from the group.** Thanks for helping us keep things running smoothly. Looking forward to seeing you all there. If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know here or join our friendly and active WhatsApp Group Chat: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FBQsf4Cv4yWACNs9gbiYNH](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FBQsf4Cv4yWACNs9gbiYNH) Instagram:[ https://www.instagram.com/jakartasocialgroup](https://www.instagram.com/jakartasocialgroup)

Your body can stand almost anything. It's your mind that you have to convince.

**New Dojo Location!** **Draft Day Columbus** 1130 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 **Abstract** TBD **YouTube Link** TBA

Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space. No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving. If you’d like to take the stage, message **Chris (the organizer)** with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

**Our February novel is: Julia by Sandra Newman** **This month is a classic, dystopian, fiction, literary fiction, women’s fiction, and science fiction novel. The book is 394 pages in print and 14 hours and 20 minutes on audiobook.** **An imaginative, feminist, and brilliantly relevant-to-today retelling of Orwell’s 1984, from the point of view of Winston Smith’s lover, Julia, by critically acclaimed novelist Sandra Newman.** Julia Worthing is a mechanic, working in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth. It’s 1984, and Britain (now called Airstrip One) has long been absorbed into the larger trans-Atlantic nation of Oceania. Oceania has been at war for as long as anyone can remember, and is ruled by an ultra-totalitarian Party, whose leader is a quasi-mythical figure called Big Brother. In short, everything about this world is as it is in Orwell’s 1984. All her life, Julia has known only Oceania, and, until she meets Winston Smith, she has never imagined anything else. She is an ideal citizen: cheerfully cynical, always ready with a bribe, piously repeating every political slogan while believing in nothing. She routinely breaks the rules, but also collaborates with the regime when necessary. Everyone likes Julia. Then one day she finds herself walking toward Winston Smith in a corridor and impulsively slips him a note, setting in motion the devastating, unforgettable events of the classic story. Julia takes us on a surprising journey through Orwell’s now-iconic dystopia, with twists that reveal unexpected sides not only to Julia, but to other familiar figures in the 1984 universe. This unique perspective lays bare our own world in haunting and provocative ways, just as the original did almost seventy-five years ago.