Literature

**Soirée débat — Cuba : l’échec du communisme ? Aux radical-chic européens ne reste-t-il que la Corée du Nord ?** Cette semaine, notre discussion porte sur Cuba. Depuis la révolution de 1959, l’île est gouvernée par une dictature communiste. Pendant des décennies, Cuba a survécu grâce au soutien économique de puissances alliées, d’abord l’Union soviétique, puis le Venezuela, l'Iran, la Chine. Aujourd’hui, l’économie cubaine traverse une crise profonde : pénuries alimentaires, coupures d’électricité, inflation, migration massive et dépendance énergétique. La fin du soutien pétrolier vénézuélien ont accentué une situation déjà dramatique. Dans le débat public occidental, Cuba est souvent présentée à travers des récits simplifiés : – soit comme un symbole romantique de résistance révolutionnaire – soit comme un exemple caricatural d’échec politique Notre objectif n’est pas de répéter ces récits. Notre objectif est de comprendre. *** ### **Topics We Cover** Nous analyserons la situation cubaine à travers plusieurs angles : **1\. Le système politique cubain** Comment un régime communiste à parti unique a-t-il maintenu le pouvoir pendant plus de six décennies ? **2\. L’économie cubaine et ses limites** Pourquoi l’économie planifiée cubaine produit-elle pénuries chroniques, dépendance énergétique et faible croissance ? **3\. Les sanctions américaines** Quel est l’impact réel de l’embargo américain ? Affaiblit-il le régime ou renforce-t-il sa légitimité politique ? **4\. La fin du soutien vénézuélien** Quel rôle le pétrole subventionné du Venezuela a-t-il joué dans la survie du modèle cubain — et que se passe-t-il lorsque ce soutien disparaît ? **5\. L’avenir de Cuba** Transition politique, réforme économique progressive ou stagnation durable ? *** ### **What Makes This Different** – Nous privilégions les témoignages de personnes originaires ou connaissant directement la région – Nous examinons ce que les médias simplifient ou ignorent – Nous encourageons les désaccords argumentés et les perspectives contradictoires – Nous analysons les intérêts, les rapports de force et les réalités économiques — pas les slogans Ce n’est pas un espace de propagande. C’est un espace de réflexion. *** ### **Why This Forum Exists** À Bruxelles, plusieurs initiatives proposent des débats structurés. Trop souvent, cependant, un petit cercle détermine les propositions et limite la diversité réelle des conclusions possibles. Il existe aussi des espaces où la géopolitique se réduit à des slogans anti-américains ou à des indignations partisanes. Ce forum n’est ni l’un ni l’autre. Nous accueillons une véritable diversité d’opinions et d’expériences. Personne ici ne sera exclu pour avoir remis en question un récit dominant. Les idées se confrontent librement. Les attaques personnelles ne sont pas tolérées. *** ### **Motions & Proposals Welcome** Nous encourageons les participants à proposer des motions de débat. Une motion doit être formulée avec sérieux : – une thèse claire – un minimum de contexte historique ou juridique – une compréhension des enjeux géopolitiques Les propositions destinées à stimuler la réflexion sont bienvenues. Les slogans et provocations faciles ne le sont pas. *** ### **Languages** La langue dépendra des participants présents. Les débats se déroulent généralement en anglais et en français, mais nous pouvons accueillir d’autres langues lorsque cela est possible. Langues actuellement possibles : – English – Français – Nederlands – Español – Italiano – Русский – Farsi L’objectif est la compréhension, pas la pureté linguistique. *** ### **What We Ask of Participants** – Venez pour comprendre, pas pour “gagner” un débat – Soyez ouverts à des perspectives qui contredisent les vôtres – Parlez avec des faits, du contexte et de l’histoire – Si vous proposez un sujet, venez préparé – Critiquez les idées, jamais les personnes – Pas de censure des opinions – Pas d’attaques personnelles – Pas de diffamation Le désaccord est normal. La paresse intellectuelle ne l’est pas. *** ### **This is not a dating meetup** Tous les espaces sociaux ne sont pas destinés à flirter ou à chercher des opportunités romantiques. Si vous considérez ce forum comme un terrain de drague ou que vous faites des avances non désirées, vous n’avez pas compris le but de ce groupe. La conversation vient d’abord. Les idées viennent d’abord. Le respect vient d’abord. *** ### **Location & RSVP** L’événement aura lieu à Ixelles, dans un bar public. Pour préserver la qualité et la sécurité de la discussion, le lieu exact est communiqué uniquement aux participants confirmés via notre groupe WhatsApp. 👉 Pour RSVP et recevoir le lieu : https://chat.whatsapp.com/LX7UkWGZ3UdLQWLBvNdezN L’objectif n’est pas l’exclusivité. L’objectif est une discussion sérieuse entre personnes capables de réfléchir librement. The goal is not exclusivity, but accountability and quality of discussion. If this format doesn’t suit you, this event may not be the right fit.

Every Thursday from 12/03 to 23/04, different sets of Brussels museums exceptionally open between 6PM-10PM. At 40+ unique museums, enjoy activities for only €5 (-26y) or €8 (+26y) per visit! (Free with Museum Pass). [Tickets](https://nocturnes.brussels/fr/museum/palais-du-coudenberg/) This Thursday we visit: The Coudenberg Palace is located beneath the Place Royale in the heart of Brussels. It is the former palace of Charles V, rediscovered during archaeological excavations. An underground tour awaits you, exploring the palace of Charles V. During your visit, you will discover the main buildings of the palace and stroll along the now-underground Rue Isabelle. Guided tour: Travel back in time to uncover the history and secrets of the palace. Let yourself be transported by the atmosphere of the era, punctuated by captivating tales. A vibrant journey awaits you! Languages: FR, NL Hours: Continuous from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Every Thursday from 12/03 to 23/04, different sets of Brussels museums exceptionally open between 6PM-10PM. At 40+ unique museums, enjoy activities for only €5 (-26y) or €8 (+26y) per visit! (Free with Museum Pass) [Tickets](https://nocturnes.brussels/fr/museum/palais-du-coudenberg/) This Thursday we visit: The **Coudenberg Palace** is located beneath the Place Royale in the heart of Brussels. It is the former palace of Charles V, rediscovered during archaeological excavations. An underground tour awaits you, exploring the palace of Charles V. During your visit, you will discover the main buildings of the palace and stroll along the now-underground Rue Isabelle. Guided tour: Travel back in time to uncover the history and secrets of the palace. Let yourself be transported by the atmosphere of the era, punctuated by captivating tales. A vibrant journey awaits you! Languages: FR, NL Hours: Continuous from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Hi, Let's meet up and practice Mandarin this Thursday at the Ratz Food Market, close to "Porte de Namur", from 19:30 to 21:00 (or more). We will have to order a drink ;-) Xavier

Socializing and Networking 🛜🆕 at PLUX on Thursday. Making new friends and drinking 🚰🎈🎉🚿🌊. Everybody Welocme, locals, expats or new 🆕 in town.

EN (FR en bas): We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!​ -step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html) -step 2: Show up! Schedule: [Monday to Thursday](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule) Fees : [All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees) Locations: -Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1: From base to the dancefloor! When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base. Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró! Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2: Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3: Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates) More info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project) \-\-\-\-\- FR: Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous ! -1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html) -2ème pas : Vient danser ! Horaire : [lundi à jeudi](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire) Les prix : [Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix) Endroits : -Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 : De la base à la piste de danse ! Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base. C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró ! Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs ! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 : Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 : Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi ! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires) Plus d’info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)

[This is a paid workshop and sign-up via the website is obligatory.](https://www.wordcraft-collective.eu/courses/the-poem-of-the-book) Do you have a favourite book you want to make the subject of a poem? This workshop will explore poems that are in dialogue with literature, and how poets bring in their favourite authors. From the classics to the contemporary, we'll look at how poets explore their relationship with the novel and their authors. Homage, dialogue or exploration, we'll see how prose becomes the subject of poetry and discuss the significance of particular novels for you. We'll use poems as prompts, poems that look at Woolf, Keats, Gide, Tolstoy, Cavafy, to see how poets and those closest to them have engaged with their literary heroes through poems. Please have a think in advance about the books and novels that have been important to you or to those around you, perhaps the characters in the novels you related to or reacted to, or your relationship with the novelists themselves. 📅Date and time: Saturday 28 March 11:00 to 13:00 📍Venue: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles 💰Price: €25 Eur (non-member) €20 Eur (Member).

We'll be discussing Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and choosing the next book.

For our first meeting, we’ll be discussing Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid — the book that took the #1 spot as readers’ favorite book of 2025 on Goodreads in the category of Historical Fiction. About the book: Joan Goodwin has been fascinated by the stars for as long as she can remember. When she sees an opportunity to apply for NASA’s Space Shuttle program in the summer of 1980, she decides to take the chance. Selected from thousands of applicants, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center alongside a group of brilliant and very different candidates. As they prepare for their first missions, Joan discovers a passion—and a love—she never expected, and begins to question everything she thought she knew about her place in the universe. But in December 1984, during mission STS-LR9, everything changes in an instant.

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Book Club Invitation: Hiroshima by John Hersey Hello thoughtful readers, history explorers, and reflective minds, This March, we turn to Hiroshima — John Hersey’s powerful and deeply human account of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, told through the lives of six survivors. First published in 1946, this short but extraordinary work of narrative journalism changed how the world understood nuclear war. Rather than focusing on strategy or politics, Hersey brings us into kitchens, hospitals, streets, and ordinary lives — just before, during, and after an unimaginable event. It is not a book of statistics. It is a book of people. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering: • What does technological power mean when it outpaces moral imagination? • How do ordinary individuals survive extraordinary catastrophe? • What does war look like when we strip away ideology and see only human consequences? • Can we truly understand history without listening to those who lived it? …then this discussion will offer space for depth, nuance, and reflection. Date: Saturday, 28 March ⏰ Time: 11:30 Venue: Carpe Diem, Avenue de Tervuren 13, 1040 Brussels Expect a thoughtful and grounded discussion about memory, responsibility, resilience, and the human cost of progress — in a relaxed atmosphere with good coffee and good company. As always, those who wish can stay on for lunch afterward and continue the conversation informally. Questions: 0474.60.83.70 Book Club Home Rules 1️⃣ You are welcome whether you read every page or focused on key sections. 2️⃣ We listen to understand, not to win. 3️⃣ Curiosity, respect, and openness are essential — especially when themes are heavy.

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

11 ANS DOKTOR JACK // Samedi 28 Mars // Entrée Gratuite < 00:00 ➥ Entrée GRATUITE AVANT 00h00 ➥TU TELECHARGES TA PLACE GRATUITE VALABLE AVANT 00h00 VIA EVENTBRITE : [https://www.eventbrite.be/e/billets-11-ans-doktor-jack-samedi-28-mars-entree-gratuite-0000-1985075939572?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.be/e/billets-11-ans-doktor-jack-samedi-28-mars-entree-gratuite-0000-1985075939572?aff=oddtdtcreator) ➥ [https://fb.me/e/8JVQ8XG8M](https://fb.me/e/8JVQ8XG8M) *** Le temps passe pour tout le monde… mais visiblement pas pour le Doktor Jack. 11 ans déjà qu’il ouvre ses portes aux noctambules, et pourtant pas une ride, pas une fatigue. À croire que les années hésitent à s’approcher de lui. Le samedi 28 mars, il célébrera son 11ᵉ anniversaire. Il refuse catégoriquement de vieillir… et, pour être honnête, rien ne prouve encore qu’il en soit capable. Dans son extrême bonté et parce que ses Jackeurs ne méritent jamais moins il offrira une nuit encore plus mémorable que la précédente. Une soirée dont on parlera encore au petit matin. Peut-être même plus tard. 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗦: *** ➥ Entrée GRATUITE AVANT 00h00 ➥TU TELECHARGES TA PLACE GRATUITE VALABLE AVANT 00h00 VIA EVENTBRITE : https://www.eventbrite.be/e/billets-11-ans-doktor-jack-samedi-28-mars-entree-gratuite-0000-1985075939572?aff=oddtdtcreator ➥ Après 00h00 -> entrée = 10€ ➥ Réservation de tables (WhatsApp) : 𝟎𝟒𝟗𝟔𝟐𝟔𝟕𝟐𝟔𝟓 ➥ **Clos Lamartine 5, 1420 Braine L'Alleud** ➥ Pour tous renseignements : info@drjack.be 18+ Tenue correcte exigée

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!

Join us as we get together for an Arthouse Movie Friday event to see the A24 dark comedy /romance / psychological-thriller, THE DRAMA! The film stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a happily engaged couple whose relationship is challenged when one discovers unsettling truths about the other. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a happily engaged couple whose relationship is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails. The film comes from A24, is written/directed by Kristoffer Borgli stars Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates and Zoë Winters. QUICK WORD OF WARNING: The film hasn’t screened for critics yet and most of the details are being kept tightly under wraps. But, early buzz (possibly promotional) says the film is a brilliant psychological thriller/romance but also provocative, twisty and some contains occasional uncomfortable viewing! I love the cast and trailer, so look forward to seeing for ourselves! ZENDAYA-PATTINSON TRIFECTA CHALLENGE: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya will star in THREE movies together this year, including THE DRAMA, Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY this Summer and Denis Villeneuve’s DUNE: PART THREE at Christmas! TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk) PLAN: We’ll plan for 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised. Possibly post-movie get-together at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Take care and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!