Life Writing

Life Nude Figure Drawing Workshop! It is suitable for all levels! You can use different media to draw or paint! Only one charge - all art materials / model fee / coffee / tea / snacks are included! So you don’t need to bring anything! This is an exclusive private workshop with limited number by invitation only! Therefore, please WhatsApp me +852 9332 0424 for my confirmation after signing up here. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/3/5/c/600_461994108.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/d/0/7/600_461808391.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/5/9/f/600_451457823.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/d/2/b/600_437084331.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/5/7/5/600_448945973.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/e/c/b/600_436696075.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/7/4/600_446583700.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/9/5/e/600_428958782.jpeg

Learn different techniques and different media (e.g. watercolour painting, sketching with pastel, charcoal...) for different subjects (still-life, landscape, portraiture…) of different themes to produce your own portfolios for DSE, IGCSE, GCSE / A-LeveL / IB, application for universities. Only one charge and all art materials will be provided! Please RSVP call or WhatsApp Win Davies +852 9332 0424. your own portfolios for all art exams, IB, application for universities. Only one charge and all art materials will be provided! Please RSVP call or WhatsApp Win Davies +852 9332 0424.

Get a great workout with a sweat-dripping dance cardio class combined with high-intensity interval training HIIT! Feel your heart rate pumping, while you jam to the beats and see yourself groove to fitness! Leave the class feeling super energised, challenged yet relaxed from a liberating dance fitness experience! WhatsApp 63344266 to book Prepayment required to secure booking www.deedreamlife.com/pricing-packages for fee info Download Dee Dream Life App for more info

我係 INFP + 3 號仔，嚮往自由自主嘅生活，同時渴望同真誠嘅人連結。 所以開咗呢個 Coffee Meetup Group——唔係 networking，唔係 speed dating，而係一個「用一杯咖啡，用心傾吓生命」嘅空間。 我哋做咩？ · 喺咖啡店見面（你揀地點，我嚟就你都得） · 每次 1-4 人，輕鬆、無硬性 agenda · 分享你最近諗緊嘅嘢：一個困擾、一個夢想、一個成長關口、或者只係一件小事 · 唔係心靈輔導，而係互相聆聽、交流、啟發 如果你都： · 覺得城市太嘈，想搵個地方慢落嚟 · 鍾意聽人哋嘅故事，亦唔介意打開自己 · 想搵到志同道合、願意一齊突破嘅朋友 歡迎你 join 我哋嘅聚會。 每一場 meetup 都係由我（group host）親自同你夾時間地點。 有興趣就 RSVP 或者 DM 我講一句：「我想約咖啡。」 等緊你嘅故事。☕️

🌿 Gratitude, Connection, and Inner Peace 🌿 In a world that encourages us to focus on ourselves, it's easy to forget how deeply interconnected we are. Every meal we eat, every skill we learn, every opportunity we receive exists because countless people have contributed to our lives. What happens when we pause to truly appreciate this? This Sunday, we'll begin with a mindful Chan Tea experience, creating a space to slow down, settle the mind, and reconnect with the present moment. We'll then explore a dialogue on gratitude, compassion, and the deeper connections that shape our lives. Together, we'll reflect on how appreciation can soften the heart, reduce inner restlessness, and cultivate a greater sense of meaning and belonging. ✨ A peaceful afternoon of tea, reflection, and meaningful conversation. 📅 Date: June 20 Saturday ⏰ Time: 15:00-17:00 📍 Address: Mingle with the Park, 143 Wan Chai Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong 🌏 Language: English (for English speakers and international friends in HK) Spaces are limited—this is an intimate gathering for those who wish to slow down, look inward, and connect meaningfully. ✨ Let's drink tea, read a little, and see what surfaces. 👉 Join for Free

**普及禪修課程 黃雅鑫老師主講** **「快樂人的精神習慣」** **每堂課為獨立單元，不需報名，歡迎大家參加。** 快樂無限制，但慣性的思維方式往往阻礙我們變得更快樂。這個實用的佛教禪修課程將會教授快樂人的精神習慣！ 我們將探索幾種能夠提升心靈的禪修和思維方式，並且如何在日常生活上，懷著覺照地加以運用。這樣，無論生活際遇如何，我們都能保持輕鬆快樂的態度。 20/6 謙卑 27/6 覺知無常 4/7 知足 11/7 安忍 黃雅鑫現為香港噶當巴禪修中心中環分舍的老師。於 2009年，初次接觸到噶當巴傳承的寶貴佛法，啓發他把佛陀的智慧融合並實踐於日常生活中 ，從實際的經驗去分享現代佛法是如何利益周遭每一個人。 歡迎大家隨喜功德，建議捐助：每課 $50。所有捐款均用於中心的運作及發展，為大眾提供學習珍貴佛法的機會。 詳情: [https://www.meditation.hk/2021/ccgp/](https://www.meditation.hk/2021/ccgp/) #現代佛法 #禪修課程

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/b/2/600_437702482.jpeg Life is hard for the young people in the society. we all need friends. We are all social animals. We all have problems in our life. http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/d/d/600_437702525.jpeg Matt and Victoria are from England. They led us to talk about dating cultures and education before. People learned a lot from them and enjoyed it very much. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/f/b/600_437702555.jpeg This time, there was a Italian friend name Nico joining us. And Kimmy, the host, led us to talk about the something i forgot. But i still remembered people enjoy it very much. http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/0/e/600_437702574.jpeg We talked in a very nice backyard of the cafe.

#近8年來在香港&在多個國家&有史以來全球總收入 票房最高的泰國電影。The highest worldwide grossing Thai-language film of all time, and broke box office records in several countries across Asia. 故事簡介：出生泰籍華裔潮州人家庭的年輕人M，為了繼承百萬遺產辭去工作照顧罹患癌症的的姥姥，並在過程中明白了許多道理。 M (Putthipong), a university dropout low on money, volunteers to take care of his terminally ill grandmother (Usha) in the hope of pocketing her inheritance. 《全職乖孫》*How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies* 片長[Length]: 127min; 級別[Class]: I 導演：湯薩蓬·逖提拿坎（ทศพล ทิพย์ทินกร）、帕特·波尼蒂帕特 監製：萬納魯迪·彭西提薩、吉拉·馬利坤 編劇：湯薩蓬·逖提拿坎（ทศพล ทิพย์ทินกร）、帕特·波尼蒂帕特 演員：Putthipong Assaratanakul (Billkin)、烏薩薩梅坎姆、Tu Tontawan Director: Pat Boonnitipat Writer: Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn, Pat Boonnitipat Stars: Putthipong Assaratanakul, Usha Seamkhum #《泰國導演協會獎》多個獎項(獲獎) [Thai Film Director Awards: Best Picture; Best Director; Best Actor; Best Actress; Best Screenplay; Best Original Score; Best Cinematography; Best Film Editing ##一針見血獎、Nine Entertain Awards、Kom Chad Luek Awards、Bangkok Critics Assembly Awards：最佳電影 [Best Movie] ##Thailand Box Office Awards 2024、Thai Film Director Awards、Kom Chad Luek Awards、Suphannahong National Film Awards：最佳男主角 [Best Actor] ###第18屆亞洲電影大獎：最佳新演員提名 [Asian Film Awards: Best Newcomer (Nominee)]。Etc… **日期：2026年6月21日(星期日)** **時間：7:30pm-9:45pm** **地點：青年廣場2樓Y劇場** 集合時間及地點：@7:15-7:20pm @Y劇場入口/電聯 名額：4人(同場另有公眾參與) 語言：泰語+潮州話對白,附中文字幕 座位: 自由劃位(本人會於7:15pm先排隊入場為大家獲取好座位) 主辦單位：青年廣場 **Date: 21 June, 2026 (Sunday)** **Time: 7:30pm-9:45pm** **Address: Y Studio, 2/F, Youth Square, Chai Wan** Assemble: @7:15-7:20pm @entrance of Y-Theatre/ by call Seat: 4 people limited (Other movie-watchers in event as well) Seating: No seating is set and seats are served on first-come-first-served basis (I will queue up for good seat at 7:15pm for members) Language: Thai +Teochew Min (Subtitle: Chinese)) Organization: Youth Square MeetUp費用：自由定價價值. 報名：按Attend-> 填寫1)聯絡電話號碼, 2)男/女, 3)你願意付出此次活動費用-> 確認入選活動-> 繳費(入帳恆生銀行號碼: 359-366101-882 (NG Y\*\* S\*\*\*)/ FPS/PayMe: 97419423)-> 再以閣下電話whatsapp(97419423)以下資料: 1)MeetUp名字, 2)過帳通知書. MeetUp fee: Free pricing as you value. Join: Click ‘Attend’-> Write down your 1)Contact number, 2)Male/Female, 3)Fee that you would pay for this event -> Get confirmation of being in the event-> Pay to Hang Seng Bank acc: 359-366101-882 (NG Y\*\* S\*\*\*)/ FPS/PayMe: 97419423-> Whatsapp 1)MeetUp name, 2)Payment notification \*\*\*a) Welcome foreigners. Please remark your language if you are foreigner. [歡迎外地本地人一同熱鬧.請外地人指明語言.] \*\*\*b) Participants are required to follow instruction of the venue. [參與者要遵守場地規則,違者則有可能被邀離開.] \*\*\*c) Late comer may be restricted to admit and continue in the activity. [主辦組織不作逾候,逾時者有可能不被參加,請預早抵達.] \*\*\*d) No refund or seat transfer after payment, unless is the cancellation of activity or by our group. [交費後若未能出席參與者,繳款不獲退回及轉讓.(除非活動取消而全數退款).] \*\*\*e) Photos taken by our group during activity will be as record and promotion. [活動如有拍照,以作記錄和宣傳用途.] \*\*\*f) When there are 3 No Show, we have the right to ban you out from our groups. [凡超過3次No Show者,本組有權將該組員移離本群組.]

Come learn how to dance in a sexy feminine way with our most professional and popular dance choreographer JM Justin Vergara! WhatsApp 63344266 to book Prepayment required to secure booking www.deedreamlife.com/pricing-packages for fee info Download Dee Dream Life App for more info

* **Date & Time**: 21 June, Sunday – Meet at 9:30 AM for the hike; dim sum lunch starts around 12PM * **Overall duration**: hike and chill: 1.5hours + dim sum: 1.5 hour + street food tasting 0.5 hour = around 3.5 hours * **Meeting Point & Venue**: \- Reachable by MTR easily in Hong Kong Island\. \- a less touristic viewing point with spectacular urban and coastal views \- The dim sum restaurant was opened in 1978 with traditional authentic dim sum options \*Detail will be shared in Whatsapp after RSVP and payment * **Hike Details**: Easy with steps 1.5/5⭐. Few minutes of mountain road is quite slippery. You may need to grab the tree branch. Around 30-minute trail to hike to the view point and half an hour to return — gentle paths with unbeatable city and sea vistas. A little bit of natural environment. Suitable for all fitness levels; bring water, sunscreen, and comfy shoes. * Cost: HK$150 including hiking tour + local area exploration + one type of street food (Excluding Dimsum lunch \~around HK$100 per person, pay as you eat — family-style sharing) by FPS 55073213 or Payme https://payme.hsbc/lincolncflam * **Dim Sum Highlights**: Beside the typical dim sum, there are a few rare traditional dim sum and dishes such as crispy fried chicken, scrambled egg white with milk, sugar egg puff doughnuts etc. * **Vibe**: Relaxed and social, blending outdoor fun with culinary delight. Ideal for expats, and locals to connect over nature and food **Why Join?** Beside the famous Victoria Peak, it is a less touristic viewing point with spectacular urban and coastal views without long trek. Pair it with dim sum in restaurant opened in 1978 with traditional dishes. This combo is the ultimate way to experience the city's blend of nature and culture! **Hey hikers, foodies, expats, locals, and adventure seekers!** Lace up your shoes for a quick, rewarding morning hike at a mountain near Eastern of HK, followed by a delicious dim sum lunch. This easy trail offers breath-taking panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the harbour—all in under 30 minutes of hiking. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a low-effort outing with high rewards. We'll wrap up with steaming baskets of dim sum classics to refuel and chat. #HongKongHikes #EasyHiking #SpectacularViews #HKEats #DimSumLovers #HongKongOutdoors #ExpatAdventures #LocalExperiences #FoodieHike **Photo Consent Notice**: By joining, you consent to photos/videos from the event being used for future promotions. If you'd rather opt out, just let me know!

Reading is important because it develops your mind and gives you excessive knowledge and lessons of life. 開卷有益！大家最近有冇讀到一啲好書呢？不如出黎分享下讀書心得呀？參加呢個讀書活動，分享好書，分享喜悅。😊 有興趣參加可以WhatsApp我：95182994

**Total beginners** **welcome!** A whole new movement, fitness & self defense cultural activity **outdoors!** Structured progressive practices for **Strength**, **Flexibility,** **Coordination** & **Self Defense** skills in a fun group environment! Totally NOT what you expect, **serious cardio**, **whole body movement** & **practical!** You will really be surprised by what WE do but even more by what YOU can do! Nothing like what you imagine about Kung Fu, No screaming, No rigidness, No mysticism & No getting hit… but YES, definitely a fun workout with great people! **Curious?** To get an ideal of what class is like, hear instructor & hear student testimonials go to [https://www.instagram.com/natural.style.kungfu](https://www.instagram.com/natural.style.kungfu) **FEE:** 1st time TRIAL fee of $100 HKD for residents. Please RSVP here or Whatsapp me. Non-Resident $150 HKD. After trial 10 class package is $1500 HKD or $200 HKD single class. **WEAR:** Workout clothing, sports shoes & bring bottle of water! **WHEN:** Sunday 5:45 pm NEW people, 6 pm students. Please be on time, warm up very important for your 1st class! **WHERE:** Inside Kowloon Park. Meet at McDonalds across from Indoor Swimming Pool entrance, next to Sports Center. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, or Austin. Link below: [Kowloon Park Swimming Pool](https://maps.apple.com/?address=22%20Austin%20Rd,%20Tsim%20Sha%20Tsui,%20Kowloon,%20Hong%20Kong%20SAR,%20China&auid=15054175802527892571&ll=22.301815,114.170365&lsp=9902&q=Kowloon%20Park%20Swimming%20Pool&_ext=CjIKBAgEEAUKBAgFEAMKBQgGEKcBCgQIChAACgQIUhADCgQIVRAQCgQIWRADCgUIpAEQARIkKSODum0jNjZAMWByPQiohFxAORGqqD1gZDZAQaw+9nwmkVxA&t=m) **WHY:** Out of shape? Gym BORING? More? You want to exercise & have fun building strength, flexibility, coordination & self-defense skills while cultivating patience, focus, confidence & yes… discipline! **HOW:** To get in touch with me, Whatsapp .9420.0360. or email through Meetup. For more info about my art, please visit NaturalStyleKungfu.com. **\- Book a Private 1\-on\-1 Kungfu Class\!** Learn at your own pace & prepare for later group classes, choose the day & time suitable to you! Private Class in Kowloon Park: 1.5 Hours $500, other locations $900 **-**

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

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

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle. **Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?** In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox. One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread. Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for. **Questions to wrestle with:** * Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving? * Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why? * If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming? * Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection? * And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species? * Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now? As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.