Net Neutrality

**The spiritual party everyone is talking about, with loud sacred mantra music, wild dancing and a mouth-watering VEGAN/VEGGIE FEAST 🌱** Enjoy mantra music, a vibrant social scene and the best vegan cuisine from around the globe. Connect with like-minded people and jam to groovy mantra music that stirs the heart. The evening begins with some mantra music meditation, also known as kirtan, at 5PM, Followed by a talk on yoga **wisdom** and spirituality. Then we move into another kirtan. As the kirtan increases in intensity, we will open the **dance floor**. From rocking beats to vegan treats! It's time to indulge in a luxurious **all you can eat** VEGAN/VEGGIE feast. **Ticket Price** 🎟 (includes Dinner): Door price: General £17 \| *Student £14* Online \(Eventbrite\): General £14 \| *Student £10* **Where** 📍: 57 Theobalds Road, Holborn, WC1X 8SP **When** 📆: Every Sunday at 5pm (Doors open at 4.45pm) [Book online](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/studio-108-34126014551) or pay at the door🚪 [@studio108_ldn](https://www.instagram.com/studio108_ldn/) to stay up to date and find out more.

Welcome back ramblers, rovers, loungers and loafers and happy 2026! It's a new year, but we're picking where we left off, in the onetime capital of cockney London with its dockworkers and gangsters, the Isle of Dogs - which became the landing-pad for an invasion of alien Thatcherites in the 1980s with the construction of Canary Wharf, which now towers over the council estates and parklands of this misunderstood peninsula. From there we'll head west, looking eventually to end up in the Brutalist wonderland (featured in Kubrick's *Clockwork Orange*!) of Thamesmead, possibly by way of the free Woolwich Ferry service from north shore to south. Meet at Canary Wharf station, out in front of the big curved class canopy. Elizabeth Line services at Abbey Wood will get us home. See you there! Check planned TfL disruptions here - our day should be all clear for most everybody: https://content.tfl.gov.uk/planned-track-closures.pdf A little background on our City Drifting project here: **Now just wait a minute. What the hell is a drift ([dérive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9rive))?** A drift is any unplanned journey through the urban landscape in which participants practice a form of radical mindfulness, collectively exploring new ways of relating mentally, ideologically and materially to the "ordinary" urban environment we all think we know so well. First theorised publicly by Situationist thinker, artist and provocateur Guy Debord in his 1956 essay *[Theory of the Dérive](https://libcom.org/article/theory-derive-guy-debord)*, drifting is a sort of *critique of ideology* done by walking, looking, and feeling. **The urban environment of London is not a neutral space:** it is packed with surveillance equipment, anti-homeless architecture, consumerist [Gruen transfers,](https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/what-is-the-gruen-transfer.htm) crowd management systems and security perimeters, among a thousand other subtle and not-so-subtle methods of population control. Moreover, our everyday relationship to the city and its pathways is conditioned deeply by our habits of movement and our habitual perceptions: our commute to work, to school, our nips down to the shops, etc. **All these routines create what Marxists call a *reified* relationship with the urban environment: through over-familiarity it becomes something seemingly natural, "just there", ordinary, unchangeable - boring.** This boredom and familiarity kills the radical imagination, without which we're fucked. To be able to start to imagine how society could be transformed, we also need to imagine how spaces, buildings, their use, their whole purpose (and who these serve) could themselves be transformed. A necessary step in this process, according to Debord and the Situationists, is the drift. Like the 19th-century gentleman *[flâneur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fl%C3%A2neur),* by wandering the city with an attitude of "fresh eyes", we can shake loose our ingrained sense of what London and its streets are like. **As a collective, we will work to "estrange our senses" and see the streets, buildings and people differently, as if we were encountering them for the first time.** That is to say: these aren't just random walks around London - with the right frame of mind, they will be opportunities to turn the world upside down, if only for a moment! But don't take it from me - as Debord observed: *"In a dérive one or more persons during a certain period **drop their relations, their work and leisure activities, and all their other usual motives for movement and action, and let themselves be drawn by the attractions of the terrain and the encounters they find there.** Chance is a less important factor in this activity than one might think: from a dérive point of view cities have [psychogeographical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychogeography) contours, with constant currents, fixed points and vortexes that strongly discourage entry into or exit from certain zones."* See you on the streets comrades, and remember, as [Raoul Vaneigem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raoul_Vaneigem) once wrote: *"All space is occupied by the enemy. We are living under a permanent curfew. Not just the cops — the geometry".*

**PLEASE NOTE that we are now hosting our games on Sportas.** **BOOK HERE:** https://sportas.co.uk/organiser/east-village-basketball/games **Game Description:** Ready to hit the court, level up your game and meet fellow ballers? Join us at East Village Basketball 🏀 every Sunday, 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Harris Chobham Academy Sports Hall in Stratford, London. **👥 Stay Connected!** Join our WhatsApp group for updates, discounts, waitlist alerts and community banter: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KoCHcbG51YWKtTNgNblydH](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KoCHcbG51YWKtTNgNblydH) Any questions, feel free to WhatsApp me directly on +44 (seven) 365 804 810 **What to Expect:** ⚡ 2 hours of non-stop pickup games ⛹️ Half-court games (4x4) on both sides 💪 Friendly competition in a fun, positive environment 🥇 Open to mixed adults (18+) - whether you’re sharpening your skills or shaking off the rust! 🏀 Players should at least be familiar with basic offence, defence and basketball rules 🏆 Max 20 players per session (spots go fast, so book early) **Important Notes:** 🕔 Sports hall doors open at 5:20pm - head in, get changed and warm up 🏀 We aim to start games by 5:40pm, so please arrive by 5:20pm to be ready 🚫 If you’re feeling unwell or have COVID symptoms, please stay home 💧 Bring your own water bottle 🚨 Please don't arrive TOO early - the hall is used just before us and staff need time to prepare the court. **Getting Here:** 📍 Entrance: Corner of Celebration Avenue and Temple Mills Lane. Google Maps - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/AfCZZzEG734J9gko7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AfCZZzEG734J9gko7) 🅿️ Parking: Pay-and-display available across the road. 🚇 Nearest Tube Stations: Stratford, Stratford International (DLR) & Leyton **Safety** Participation is at your own risk. If you have any health concerns, consult a health professional before joining. **Rules** 4 x 4 half-court games on 2 half courts, with 4 teams of 5 players. Time: 5-min games (running clock) Scoring: 1s and 2s. Substitutions: One sub rotates in after each game. Fouls: Offence calls fouls. Disputed calls: For major disagreements, challenger shoots a 3-pointer to resolve the issue. See you Sunday! ✌️🏀

Step away from the screen and join us for our Offline Women Hangout at the Reading Room. We are meeting to unplug and enjoy a few hours of unstructured time together. There is no set agenda or forced socializing. We simply gather to exist in the same space, screen-free. The Reading Room inside the Wellcome Collection is a unique mix of a library and a gallery. It is filled with over a thousand books and curious historical objects. Unlike a standard library, this is a social space where talking is welcome. It is specifically designed for movement, conversation, and discovery. **What you can do** * **Explore**: Try out the various activities stationed around the room, from creative prompts to interactive displays. * **Read**: Pick up any book from the open shelves or bring your own. * **Create:** Bring your journal or sketchbook to capture thoughts (note: the library allows *pencils only* to protect the books). * **Relax:** Grab a beanbag on the stairs and just exist and people-watch. * **Socialize:** Engage in low-pressure conversation with other Offline Women in the social zones. Spots are limited to ensure the group remains small, intimate, and everyone has a great time connecting face-to-face.

**Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 3: Dorking to Merstham.** Join us for a day hike along the **North Downs Way**, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink! This hike is part of a **series of 12 day hikes**, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an **official finishers certificate**. What if you can’t make a section or two…no worries, just complete that section in your own time and log it on your preferred platform eg Garmin or Strava – if I see you’ve done it you can still get the finishers certificate! 😊 **IMPORTANT:** This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things; 1\. RSVP here \(this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person \- and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉\) 2\. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 [https://wemeet.weroad.com/event/2a9120d9-9ec5-4f58-9d2b-a7f848386fec](https://linkscan.io/scan/ux/aHR0cHM6Ly93ZW1lZXQud2Vyb2FkLmNvbS9ldmVudC8yYTkxMjBkOS05ZWM1LTRmNTgtOWQyYi1hN2Y4NDgzODZmZWM=/7DA6F6CBA072CD40CACFD77818572316B78EFA3B11AA20FCC11B6E75C8B01995?c=5&i=1&docs=1) (the link might not be available until closer to the time but don't worry if you forget - you'll be prompted to do this before the hike starts) 3\. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information: Trails & Ales Hiking Group community link: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwffvuKjSCLIcCDUQxytml](https://linkscan.io/scan/ux/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF0LndoYXRzYXBwLmNvbS9Ld2ZmdnVLalNDTEljQ0RVUXh5dG1s/A42ABEC437C09EA5B53D7A8060DE06FF433E0A4F9E0C77D232A5314E59800F07?c=5&i=1&docs=1) \- then just join the chat group related to the walk you're attending\! **Details** Enjoy a 18km hike across the Surrey Hills with unbeatable views and staggering sights. Start by hopping across the Stepping Stones at the River Mole and then tackle the famous climb at the Box Hill steps before heading out on a trek that’s rich in history. From industrial archaeology to military and social sites of significance, there are plenty of great spots to explore. * **MEET:** 09.10am, East Croydon. We'll catch the 09:23 train to Dorking (Deepdene) changing at Reigate. (09.05 from Victoria). I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals. * **STARTING POINT**: Dorking (Deepdene) Station 10.18 * **ENDING POINT**: Merstham Station (around 3.30-4pm) **What to bring Essentials:** 🥾Hiking shoes 🧥Warm layers 🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks 💊Any personal medication A basic kit list: · Hiking shoes/ boots · Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain) · Waterproof Jacket · Fleece · Base layer · Hiking trousers – no jeans! · Rucksack · Hat & Gloves · Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder · Head Torch · Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain) · Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!) Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics. **Transport** Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes. Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!

A Rabble session is 1 hour of fun and social team games. Each game disguises high-intensity intervals within the rules, giving you an effective, all-body workout without even realising it. We play a bunch of different games at each session (like British Bulldog, Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, Frisbee and many more), and every class is different. Sessions are open to all, no matter your sporting ability. Each game is explained before we start, so there's no need to have played any of the games before. Come solo or bring friends! And stay at the end for the social part! Who knew getting fit could be this fun? **TO BOOK**: It's essential that you book onto sessions via our website, using the link below; due to restrictions on games and preparation times we cannot accept walk-ins, or late arrivals. [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) Use the code **FREEPLAY** to get your first game free! *** We play every: * Monday in Finsbury Park (19:00 - 20:00) * Tuesday in Shoreditch (19:00 - 20:00) * Wednesdays in Elephant & Castle (19:00-20:00) * Saturday in Southwark Park (10:30 - 11:30) * Saturday in Finsbury Park (11:00 - 12:00) * Sunday in Clapham Common - Exact Location is here : https://what3words.com/drums.yards.early We hope to see you playing soon! PS. We've got a group of dedicated regulars, so numbers are often much higher than Meetup might suggest. Sign up at: [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) **Love Rabble**

PLEASE MAKE PAYMENT AT TIME OF BOOKING. PAYMENT BY BANK TRANSFER, DETAILS BELOW. NO CASH PAYMENTS. Your space is not guaranteed until payment is received. Thankyou to all those members old and new who continued to come and support and play fantastic games of badminton. We welcome you all back. **Please note moving forward the sessions will be pay before play, regardless of whether you pay online or cash in person** Join us for friendly, competition badminton with like-minded enthusiasts. We have sole use of four courts. Players do not have to attend for the entire duration however the price is the same. Please note we limit the amount of attendees to 24 so that everybody gets a fair number of games. Play is from 12.00pm to 2.30pm The cost is £13 per session, which includes feather shuttles. Please pay via bank transfer to the following account: L Samuels Sort code: 040004 Account number: 99854842 Please include your name as reference. If you do not show without notice we reserve the right to charge a full non-attendance fee and persistent offenders may be blocked from our club. So please be thoughtful and let us know in good time if you cannot attend. **Rules of attendance/Disclaimer**. Park View Badminton Club exists purely to offer an opportunity for like-minded players to exercise, play and socialise together and nothing more. All attendees should consider the club as an informal gathering of people who will train together in a loosely structured format. The club is operated and managed by a number of volunteers in their free time and these volunteers cannot accept any responsibility for any events that occur at the club. If you have any medical conditions that could affect you, it’s your responsibility to make the club aware of these. Neither the club nor Park View School will take responsibility for any injury, loss or damage that might arise as a result of participation in club activities. Effective warmup and stretches should be undertaken before play to avoid injury and appropriate clothing and footwear is to be worn whilst playing at all times. Every person attending the club must take full and complete responsibility for their own actions. Know your limits! The club does not discriminate against any attendees of ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs, sex or disability except as a necessary consequence of the requirements of safely training and participating in the required sport. All attendees are expected to behave with mutual respect and in a way that does not endanger others or bring the club into disrepute. Not complying with this may result in suspension or termination of attendance. Any matters of concern should be directed to the administrators via email (parkviewbclub@gmail.com).

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/42271 **Game Description:** Only sign up if you are an Advanced Level Player and Knowledgeable of 5:1 Rotations. You will be ask not to join the game if you do not qualify from the criteria stated. Organizer have the right not to refund your money. Its not personal though. Our goal is to have a good time, enjoy the company of friendly people and play some competitive games. Remember "Every Serve is a Point" **Rules** Only 12 Players ( 2 Teams) for Advanced Players only

Wyjście na kręgle🎳 🎳 Zapraszam do wspólnego spędzenia niedzielnego popołudnia:) Zagramy drużynowo, a na najlepszy zespół czekają nagrody. Spotykamy się o 15.30 w środku w All Star Lanes na Brick Lane. Program spotkania: 15:30 - zbiórka, wypożyczenie butów, zamawianie drinków/przekąsek 16.00-18.20 - dwie rozgrywki w kręgle 18.20-19.00 - oddanie butów, podliczenie punktów i rozdanie nagród Od 19.00 - dalsza integracja dla chętnych (zamykają 00.00) Osoby zdecydowane proszę o wpłacenie £26 do 28 stycznia 2026 na poniższe konto: Agnieszka Wojtarek Account 51503260 Sort code 30-98-36 Tytuł przelewu: Kręgle Ewentualnie moze być też Revolut. WAŻNE: 1. Weźcie ze sobą dokument tozsamości. 2. Jeśli chcesz być w drużynie z konkretną osobą daj znać wcześniej. W przeciwnym razie zostaniesz losowo dodany do któregoś z zespołów. 3. Zwrotów nie przewiduję, ale można odsprzedać swoje miejsce innej osobie. Mam nadzieję, że do zobaczenia!🥳🥳🎳🎳

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/41463 **Game Description:** Please be aware that our sessions are also on our own mobile app. Therefore, the number of participants you currently see may not reflect the total number of participants. Elevate your volleyball skills at our adult coaching sessions! Led by expert coaches, our sessions cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced players. Develop your technique, agility, and teamwork through drills and gameplay. Join our vibrant community and unleash your full potential on the court. Let's play, learn, and excel together. **Rules** By booking this session, you acknowledge and agree to comply with our terms and conditions, privacy policies, and cancellation policy, which can be found below. **Terms & Conditions at:** https://www.littlegiantsvc.com/terms-and-conditions **Privacy Policy at:** https://www.littlegiantsvc.com/privacy-policy

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/44644 **Game Description:** Come and play in a casual​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​,​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ friendly & social badminton session. The session is for mixed ability players. So please be respectful and kind towards less experienced players - we all have to start somewhere join our WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/K507zMefM5pItnjxbXEgNg?mode=ems_copy_t We use YONEX MAVIS 600 Nylon Shuttlecocks. We have 2 spare rackets, or you can rent rackets from the sports centre (I think it’s about £2.50, but not sure) Format: We play doubles for the whole time and keep rotating opponents/partners across courts so everyone plays each other. **Rules** Classic doubles rules - can be explained at the start of the session if you’re new to badminton or need a reminder.

**\*Please note we had to increase the session fees to £15 due to increase in court hire and shuttles.** Sunday Singles Badminton Date: 08 February 2025 Time: 10 am to 12 Noon Courts: 2 courts available Shuttles: Feather (quality feathers) Session Fee: £15 per person. TWO HOURS OF BADMINTON - £15, Venue: Somers Town Community Sports Centre 134 Chalton Street, London NW1 1RX Free Street Parking Available. This session is for those that are intermediate and above (strictly no beginners/ improvers/ Low Intermediates). PLEASE PAY BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE SESSION EITHER VIA BANK TRANSFER/ PAYPAL. IMPORTANT: OUR TERMS! Coronavirus: Stay Safe, Play Safe https://www.meetup.com/Central-London-Badminton-Club/boards/thread/52704882 Badminton Tactics: https://www.meetup.com/Central-London-Badminton-Club/messages/boards/thread/52043613 \*PLEASE NOTE: LATE CANCELLATIONS (AFTER 8PM ON SATURDAY) OR NO-SHOWS WILL INCUR A PENALTY CHARGE OF £15. YOU WILL NEED TO PAY THE PENALTY CHARGE BEFORE BEING ALLOWED TO RSVP AT THE NEXT AVAILABLE SESSION. • You are responsible for your own well-being and we and the sports facility representatives will not be responsible for any injury, stolen or damaged property or any other occurrences during our sessions. • Organisers: Mohammed (mr. nice guy), Vin (the merciless) and Moynul (the dark side of badminton)

**\*Please note we had to increase the session fees to £14 due to increase in court hire and shuttles.** Sunday Morning Badminton Date: 08 February 2026 Time: 10 am to 12 Noon Courts: 4 courts available Shuttles: Feather (quality feathers) Session Fee: £14 per person. TWO HOURS OF BADMINTON - £14, Venue: Somers Town Community Sports Centre 134 Chalton Street, London NW1 1RX Free Street Parking Available. This session is for those that are intermediate and above (strictly no beginners/ improvers/ Low Intermediates). We want to ensure the quality of play while controlling the standard of the club, this means that players who are not quite up to the standard may be asked politely to leave. PLEASE PAY BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE SESSION EITHER VIA BANK TRANSFER/ PAYPAL. IMPORTANT: OUR TERMS! Coronavirus: Stay Safe, Play Safe https://www.meetup.com/Central-London-Badminton-Club/boards/thread/52704882 Badminton Tactics: https://www.meetup.com/Central-London-Badminton-Club/messages/boards/thread/52043613 \*PLEASE NOTE: LATE CANCELLATIONS (AFTER 8PM ON SATURDAY) OR NO-SHOWS WILL INCUR A PENALTY CHARGE OF £14. YOU WILL NEED TO PAY THE PENALTY CHARGE BEFORE BEING ALLOWED TO RSVP AT THE NEXT AVAILABLE SESSION. • You are responsible for your own well-being and we and the sports facility representatives will not be responsible for any injury, stolen or damaged property or any other occurrences during our sessions. • Organisers: Mohammed (mr. nice guy), Vin (the merciless) and Moynul (the dark side of badminton)

**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

**People Analytics 101: Making Sense of Compensation Data** Compensation data is one of the most widely used and widely misunderstood forms of people analytics. The session will cover where compensation data comes from, including market pricing data, internal payroll data, and benchmarking sources, and how companies think about structuring and analyzing that information. We will explore how compensation data is leveraged to set salary ranges, manage internal equity, support hiring and retention, and align pay with business strategy. A portion of the session will address common data challenges and limitations, such as market noise, inconsistent job matching, and incomplete datasets, while keeping the primary focus on practical use rather than technical depth. The session will also look ahead at where the space is going, including the growing impact of pay transparency laws, expanding pay equity requirements, and emerging regulations in the US and Europe that require organizations to report on gender and pay gaps. The goal is to give attendees a clear mental model for how compensation analytics works today and why getting it right is becoming increasingly critical. (note: we are back at Rev1 this month!) **About Our Speaker** [Alex Moore](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexscottmoore/) is the founder of [Moore Cooperative](https://moorecooperative.com/), where he advises organizations on compensation strategy, pay equity, and people analytics. His work focuses on helping organizations like the Ohio Supreme Court design, analyze, and communicate compensation systems that are data-informed, defensible, and aligned with organizational goals. Alex lives in Granville, Ohio and has three little kiddos. More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

**When:** Saturday\, February 21 \| 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM **Where:** [1124 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206](https://twodollarradiohq.com/about-us) Looking for a night of meaningful connection and great vegan food? Join us at [Two Dollar Radio Headquarters](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgFEAI) for a special community gathering! **What’s on the menu?** While [2$R](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgGEAI) typically serves a selection of [house-made sandwiches](https://twodollarradiohq.com/weekly-food) and vegan pastries, they are creating a **special menu** specifically for our event. You can also grab a coffee, tea, or a drink from their [full bar](https://twodollarradiohq.com/) of cocktails and beer. **The Main Event:** * **Play:** Bring a favorite game from home to share or dive into the ones available at the shop. * **Connect:** Meet new and old friends in a space that values independent culture and plant-based living. * **Support:** Help us champion a local, family-owned vegan business that doubles as a powerhouse [indie book publisher](https://twodollarradio.com/pages/headquarters). **Parking Instructions:** * **Street Parking:** There is free public street parking available on both sides of Parsons Avenue and on the surrounding residential side streets. * **Lot Parking:** The [Columbus Metropolitan Library](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/126262ks5&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgKEAM) lot (1113 Parsons Ave) is located directly across the street and is available for guest use **only after the library has closed**. On Saturdays, the lot is typically available starting at 6:00 PM. * **Bike Parking:** For those cycling, there is a bike rack conveniently located at the corner of Cline and Parsons.

* Who Can Attend \* The Central Ohio .Net Developers Group meetings are free and open to the public! All developers; professional, student, and hobbyist are welcome and encouraged to attend. * When we meet \* The Central Ohio .Net Developers Group meets on the 4th Thursday of every month. * Where we meet \* Please check our Meetup group link below for the latest location details! * Join our Meetup Group \* https://www.meetup.com/Central-Ohio-NET-Developers-Group-CONDG/

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

If you would like to participate in a fun gift exchange please bring a wrapped $5 sweet treat 😋