Literature

Want to feel more confident when speaking in public – in any language? Do you live in Brussels and speak Spanish, but often find yourself switching to English or French at work? **Armada Toastmasters** is the perfect place to practise expressing yourself clearly and confidently – whatever the language. We are a bilingual Toastmasters club where communication and leadership skills grow together – in a fun, supportive setting. Next meeting: Second Monday of the month 18:45 – 21:00 Shopping Linthout, Rue Bâtonnier Braffort 2, 1200 Brussels Why join Armada Toastmasters? ✔️ Practise public speaking with prepared speeches and impromptu exercises ✔️ Improve your communication and leadership skills ✔️ Receive constructive feedback in a positive environment ✔️ Meet a vibrant, multicultural community – many of us speak Spanish too! Meetings are in English – but we celebrate linguistic diversity. Whether you’re new to Toastmasters or a seasoned speaker, you’ll find space to grow at your own pace. Guests are always welcome – no pressure, just participation. Interested? RSVP on Meetup and come experience Toastmasters for yourself! **ESPAÑOL** ¿Hablas español y vives en Bruselas? ¿Te gustaría mejorar tu forma de hablar en público, también en inglés? En **Armada Toastmasters** te ayudamos a ganar confianza al hablar, ya sea para una reunión de trabajo, una entrevista o una presentación. Somos un club bilingüe donde podrás practicar habilidades de comunicación y liderazgo en un ambiente amistoso y multicultural. ¡Muchos de nosotros también hablamos español! Próxima reunión: segundo lunes del mes 18:45 – 21:00 Shopping Linthout, Rue Bâtonnier Braffort 2, 1200 Brussels ¿Por qué unirte a Armada Toastmasters? ✔️ Practica discursos preparados y ejercicios improvisados ✔️ Mejora tu expresión oral y tu capacidad de liderazgo ✔️ Recibe feedback constructivo y motivador ✔️ Conoce personas internacionales que, como tú, quieren crecer Las reuniones son en inglés, pero celebramos la diversidad lingüística. No importa si eres principiante o ya tienes experiencia: aquí puedes avanzar a tu ritmo. La entrada es gratuita para los invitados. ¿Te interesa? Apúntate en Meetup y acompáñanos en una próxima reunión.

Drinking & Networking in Brussels. For newcomers, temporary in town - couch surfers and regulars to meet & socialize. What a better day to start the week than drinking & socializing starting on Monday evening?

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](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](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)

BOUNCE BACK BREAKFAST – The Rebound Breakfast Series ✨ Every 2nd Monday of the month, Baob Brussels organizes a Bounce Back Breakfast: an inspiring moment to reconnect, learn, and grow together. Each session includes: ✔️ A specific monthly theme ✔️ A guest expert speaker ✔️ Experience sharing ✔️ Practical and actionable tools to help you bounce back after life challenges 📍 Monday, April 13 With Sarra, expert in Communication & Media Relations 👉 How to structure your message and collaborate with press and media? These breakfasts are designed for entrepreneurs, professionals, people impacted by long-term illness, particularly after cancer, as well as entrepreneurs, professionals, and caregivers seeking clarity, resilience, and strategy. 💛 All proceeds from the breakfasts directly support the mission of Baob Brussels: accompanying people affected by long-term illness after cancer, breaking isolation, and creating spaces for resources and empowerment. \*\*\*\* Tous les 2ᵉ lundis du mois, l’ASBL Baob Brussels organise un Bounce Back Breakfast : un moment inspirant pour se reconnecter, apprendre et rebondir ensemble. Chaque rencontre s’articule autour : ✔️ d’une thématique spécifique ✔️ d’un·e expert·e invité·e ✔️ d’un partage d’expériences ✔️ d’outils concrets et actionnables pour rebondir après une épreuve 📍 Lundi 13 avril Avec Sarra, experte en communication & relations médias 👉 Comment structurer son message et collaborer avec la presse et les médias ? Ces petits-déjeuners s’adressent aux entrepreneurs, professionnels personnes touchées par une maladie de longue durée, notamment après un cancer, mais aussi aux et aidants qui souhaitent avancer avec plus de clarté et de stratégie. 💛 Les bénéfices des petits-déjeuners sont entièrement réinvestis pour soutenir la mission de Baob Brussels : accompagner les personnes impactées par une maladie de longue durée suite au cancer, briser l’isolement et créer des espaces de ressources et de résilience. \*\*\* 🎟️ Réservez votre place dès maintenant : https://asbl-baob-brussels.s2.yapla.com/fr/event-105933

**LIMITED SEATS!!!** **🎶💃 Get Ready to Move, Groove & Feel Alive! 🕺🔥** **✨ Join Our LIVE workshop in Brussels on Bhangra Vaisakhi Special Edition – For All Ages! ✨** Feeling tired after work or school? Need a burst of energy and fun in your day? Our high-energy Bhangra dance classes are the perfect escape — full of music, movement, and pure joy, right from your home! **🌟 Why Join Me?** ✅ Easy-to-follow sessions ✅ Perfect for **kids, teens, and adults** ✅ Great way to stay **active, fit, and stress-free** ✅ Dance like a star – no experience needed! ✅ Learn iconic moves and upbeat routines Whether you're a student, a working professional, or a parent looking for a fun break — this class is for YOU! Let’s dance, laugh, and light up your day — **Bhangra style! 💥** ***P.S. - Planning a wedding or party?*** *If you're looking to **learn Indian dance for a special event**—be it a **wedding performance, sangeet choreography, or a fun group dance for a party**—we’ve got you covered! We offer tailored sessions to help you shine on your big day and create memories that last a lifetime.*

**Tango Classes Every Monday at Tangobar El Lunes!** Embark on a tango journey with our weekly classes guided by passionate and experienced instructors, Sandrina Dh and Daniele Galiazzo. * **Beginners Class (18:00-19:10):** Perfect for those intrigued by tango and eager to take their first steps into this beautiful dance form. * **Intermediate & Advanced Class (19:20-20:30):** Ideal for dancers seeking to perfect their movements, embellishments, and learn new sequences to enhance their dance. *Important:* Always arrive 10 minutes in advance for registration. *Pricing:* * Single lesson: €15 * 10 lessons (membership card\*): €125 (valid for 3 months), with a €10 discount on your next pass purchase (must be prior to the expiration of your current pass). Feel free to share this invitation with anyone interested in the authentic tango experience, Tango Rioplatense! See you in class on Monday night! *\*\*\*Join us at Tango Bar El Lunes, located at Dublin 13, 1050 Bruxelles.For more information, please contact us at info@detangosetrata.com or* *WhatsApp Sandrina +32 473 503405* *We look forward to seeing you at our Monday night milonga and tango classes!*

WHAT we play. As you know, we have two events, one more for social games on Thursday and another for **strategic games** on **Monday**. Depending on what people bring, we may play brainy games, not limited to chess and classic games. So, feel free to bring other ones. And this is only indicative. Some games like Decrypto fit both events, **and if people feel like playing a social game on Monday or a more strategic one on Thursday, they are free to do so.** WHERE. Because we have many strategic players on Monday and these games take longer, we moved to a café closing much later than the previous one. CHATBOX USE. In the event chatbox, you are invited to discuss the games you bring and want to play for this session. The idea is to gather people around game tables beforehand. Of course, it's also possible to show up and arrange this after the introduction round, which starts at 7h15. HOST. If you want to become a host and have your board game event for a specific game with a small group of people or in another place, Great! Let me know, and I'll help you set up your event with this group. Hosts don't pay fees. TIMING: Because strategy games are often longer, we start at 7 pm (instead of 8 pm on Thursdays). So, those who play long games can have 3 hours and 30 minutes for their game. You can come later, but you may have to wait before joining a game. WHERE. We play upstairs. Ask which room at the bar downstairs. DRINK. You have to order a drink at the bar, pay for it, and come up with it. **PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT, UNFORTUNATELY, THE AUTOBUS ACCEPTS CASH ONLY.** EVENT REGISTRATION. Please register to allow us adequate venue planning. IN CASE OF A WAITLIST. Please, out of respect for people on the waiting list, don't cancel later than 7 PM the day before so they can plan their evening correctly. If you are on the waiting list, please cancel your attendance if you change your mind and can no longer come. Don't hesitate to send me a message to comment or make suggestions! Take care and see you soon! Baudouin

Hey lovely people, Join us for another gathering of the **Queer Reads Collective**. Since we have been reading some quite heavy books lately, we decided to do a round of something lighter for the spring. Our April read will be the famous bestseller, *The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo* by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job. Summoned to Evelyn's luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love.

**We'll be discussing the book “One, none and a Hundred Thousand” by Luigi Pirandello and choosing the next book.**

Let's meet to write! Schedule : 18:00 - 18:30: Arrival & introduction tour. Share briefly with the group your project and the "goal of the day". 18:30 - 20:00 : Let's write! 20:00 : Closing tour. Did you achieve the "goal of the day" ? See you soon !

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 !

Spend time in the company of other writers putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Work on your current project or start something new. If you are fresh out of inspiration a member of the Wordcraft Collective will be ready with a prompt to get you going. You can use that to unlock your creative brain before moving back to your own project or run with it. Who knows where the story will take you? Arrive when you like, leave when you like, or join us for a drink in the bar downstairs afterwards. Location: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles.

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.

Meet and make new Friends after work.

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

Join WQC on April 25th from 11am-1pm at Inniswood Metro Park for a Nature Photo Walk. All types of cameras welcome! Let's enjoy spring to the fullest... 🌻🌼🌷🐤

In *City Lights*, Chaplin's Little Tramp meets a blind girl selling flowers who mistakes him for a wealthy man. When he learns that an operation may restore her sight, he sets off to earn the money she needs to have the surgery. He also befriends an alcoholic millionaire who only recognizes him when he is drunk. When the blind girl and her grandmother fall behind in the rent and face eviction, he tries working and even enters a boxing competition to raise the money they need. Regarded as Chaplin's masterpiece, *City Lights* has been ranked on more than seventeen "100 greatest movies of all time" lists. Orson Welles cited it as his favorite picture. *City Lights* is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBOMax, Tubi and PlutoTV. The Columbus Library lists three copies on blu-ray and eight copies on DVD. Watch the movie on your own, then join us upstairs at East Market to discuss the film.