Philanthropy

*“If children were brought into the world by an act of pure reason alone, would the human race continue to exist?"* Arthur Schopenhauer. Antinatalism asks an uncomfortable question: **Is it morally justified to bring a new person into existence?** In a world marked by suffering, uncertainty, inequality, and social fragility, some philosophers argue that *not being born* may be better than being born at all. This session explores antinatalism, through thinkers like Schopenhauer, and David Benatar. But this is no longer a purely philosophical question. Today, birth rates are collapsing across much of the world. States intervene through incentives, restrictions, and population engineering. Technology separates sex from pregnancy and reproduction from the human body itself. This session explores birth and antinatalism **at the intersection of philosophy, demography, politics, and technology**. **Introduction (15 minutes)** We start with a short introduction of the guests. **Questions to discuss: (1 hour and 45 minutes):** 1. Would you want to be born again? 2. Can it ever be ethical to impose life on someone **without their consent**? 3. Can we meaningfully say someone is “better or worse off” for never existing? 4. How much suffering is it enough to make life not worth starting? 5. Is it worse to risk suffering, or to deny existence entirely? 6. Does society pressure people into reproduction for economic or cultural survival? 7. If antinatalism is right, what follows? Adoption? Voluntary extinction? 8. Can creating a new life be a morally neutral act, or is it better continuing one that already exists? 9. Is having children an act of hope or an act of denial? 10. Can a society that stops reproducing still be a political community — or only an administrative one? is antinatalism politically destabilizing by definition? (Movie: The children of men, Hannah Arendt) 11. Would politics freeze without generational replacement? 12. Would immortality eliminate progress — or stabilize it? 13. Would immortal societies become conservative by default? 14. Is the “right to have a child” absolute—or should it be conditional? If adoption requires screening, why doesn’t biological parenthood? 15. What are the consequences if artificial wombs become viable? 16. What happens when reproduction becomes a technical process rather than a human one? (Recommended documentary: "The Man with 1000 Kids" on Netflix) 17. Was the One-Child Policy an ethical catastrophe — or a brutal but rational response to material limits? If overpopulation causes massive suffering, is coercive birth control ever morally defensible? 18. If parents screen embryos for severe diseases, is that eugenics — or responsibility? 19. Why is state-driven selection immoral, but market-driven selection acceptable? 20. Is the traditional nuclear family the only morally acceptable way to raise a child?

El objetivo de este encuentro es romper el hielo, hablar de las historias que nos gusta escribir, de por qué escribimos, de los libros que nos gusta leer, de qué dificultades encontramos al enfrentarnos al folio en blanco y de qué esperamos del grupo. En definitiva, se trata de conocernos como personas para entendernos como escritores. No importa si has escrito diez novelas, cuatro cuentos o el precioso título de un poema sin versos. Aquí todo aspirante a juntaletras es bienvenido.

*All the presentations are in Hungarian. Thanks for your understanding!* Miért rákkeltő az alkoholfogyasztás? És mi az univerzum két legnagyobb rejtélye? A márciusi Budapest Science Meetupon kiderül. **Az alkohol rákkeltő hatásának nyomában** *Szüts Dávid – HUN-REN TTK, Molekuláris Élettudományi Intézet, Genom Stabilitás Kutatócsoport* Az alkoholfogyasztás ismerten rákkeltő, de vajon miért? Kutatócsoportunk az etanol fő bomlástermékének, az acetaldehidnek a mutagenikus hatását vizsgálta sejttenyészetekben. Az általunk talált hatás enyhe, de egyértelmű: DNS-törésekre utaló genomi átrendeződéseket találtuk sejtvonalakon végzett kísérletekben, és ugyanilyen mutációk alkoholfogyasztással való asszociációját gyomorrák esetekben. Az eredmények alapján az acetaldehid DNS-töréseket előidézve okozhat olyan változásokat a testi sejtek génállományában, amelyek hozzájárulnak a tumorok kialakulásához. **Az univerzum két nagy rejtélye: a sötét energia és a Hubble-feszültség** *Raffai Péter – ELTE TTK Atomfizikai Tanszék* A fizikai kozmológia alapvetése, hogy a világegyetem nagy léptékben homogén. Einstein általános relativitáselmélete szerint egy ilyen univerzum tágul, vagyis a kozmikus távolságok -például a galaxisok között- mindenütt azonos ütemben nőnek. A növekedés mai üteme, a Hubble-állandó, a tágulástörténet kulcsparamétere - az univerzum korát is ő árulja el. A legkülönfélébb megfigyelésekhez a Lambda-CDM kozmológiai modell illeszkedik leginkább; eszerint a tágulás mintegy 5 milliárd éve lassulóból gyorsulóba váltott át, egy ismeretlen összetevő, a sötét energia hatására. A sötét energia mellett a kozmológia legégetőbb kihívásává a "Hubble-feszültség" vált: a Hubble-állandó különböző mérési módszerekkel kétféle értékűnek adódik. Vajon ez csak mérési hiba? Vagy forradalom előjele a kozmológiában? És lehet a két nagy rejtélynek közös feloldása?

**Join us for our next Ethereum Meetup in beautiful Budapest!** **What to expect** * Casual vibes * Networking & community activities * A mix of general and technical talks & discussions * Drinks & snacks **↗️ [Luma](https://luma.com/j77fxzdn)** *🧭 Make sure to check out "**How to Find Us**" in the Location section to get the exact instructions on how to access the space* 📑**Agenda** 🕡 **6:30 - 7:15 pm** * Arrivals * Introduction, community goals, Ethereum core development & ecosystem news - Eniko (EF) 🕢**7:15 pm - 7:45 pm** Ethereum's Scaling Roadmap - Péter Garamvölgyi⁩ (Scroll) 🕢**7:45 pm - 10:00 pm** * Open discussions, community activities and networking The agenda is subject to change. The event’s primary language is English to accommodate all. The events are always interactive and we encourage discussions. 💬 *Az elsődleges nyelv a Meetupon az angol, de természetesen próbálunk alkalmazkodni mindenkihez. Akinek az angol problémát jelent, van lehetőség kérdésre, vagy az előadások után diskurzusra.* **Organizers and sponsors** * Ethereum Everywhere (Ethereum Foundation) * Guild.xyz

Következő meetuponkon a Morgan Stanley lát minket vendégül. Agenda: 17:30 - 18:00 Regisztráció 18:00 Köszöntő: HUPPUG és Morgan Stanley Session 1: Copilot Studio in Practice: Agents That Simply Work - Jaray István Session 2: Can you make Citizen Development work? What I learned from my first Power Platform projects - Marcell Pörczi 19:15 - 20:00 Networking Ahogy eddig megszokhattátok, az esemény nem lesz közvetítve, illetve felvéve. A helyek limitáltak, így megkérnénk Titeket, ha nem tudnátok jönni, akkor szabadítsátok fel a helyeteket. A helyszínt és a cateringet a Morgan Stanley biztosítja! A helyek befoglalása megjelenés nélkül befolyásolhatja a következő eseményeinken való részvétel lehetőségét. 🇺🇸 At our next meetup, our host will be hosted Morgan Stanley. Agenda 17:30 – 18:00 Registration 18:00 Welcome: HUPPUG and Morgan Stanley Session 1: Copilot Studio in Practice: Agents That Simply Work – István Jaray Session 2: Can you Make Citizen Development Work? What I Learned from My First Power Platform Projects – Marcell Pörczi 19:15 – 20:00 Networking As you’ve come to expect, the event will not be streamed or recorded. Since the number of seats is limited, we kindly ask that if you cannot attend, please free up your spot. The venue and catering are provided by Morgan Stanley. Please note that reserving a seat and not attending may affect your ability to participate in our future events.

Please sign up in advance! Hot Paprika Presents: Budapest’s Best Pub Quiz! Register here: https://forms.gle/JKjGn4aGBr1r1dF48 Join us for the Hot Paprika Pub Quiz at A&O Hostel Budapest, kicking off at 8 PM! This isn’t your average trivia night—it's hosted by comedians, so expect uncomfortable laughs, unexpected twists, and an unforgettable time! What to Expect: Diverse Topics – From pop culture to history, no subject is off-limits! Comedian Hosts – The hilarious Tauseef Parvez & Fanni Pinter will keep you entertained. Big Prizes – Weekly winners score free comedy show tickets & bar discounts . Grand Prize – The season’s top team wins a 20,000 HUF bar tab! First Event: Donation-Based – Come, play, and support the show however you can! Gather your team, sharpen your wits, and let’s make trivia night legendary! Register now and don’t miss out!

Practice Buddhist meditation in the middle of Budapest! The meditation is suitable for beginners. Each regular meditation is guided and begins with a short introduction. (all together is about 30-40 minutes) Our regular Buddhist meditations have proven popular with people who want to integrate authentic Buddhist methods into their daily lives. For the modern lay person who is juggling work, relationships, and an active role in society, we teach a meditation that is easy to learn, and profound and powerful for experienced practitioners. The meditation originates from the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It has a cumulative effect on mind, leading to greater clarity and calmness. Fearlessness, joy, and active compassion are the result of regular practice of Buddhist meditation. * Do I need any special clothing? No special clothing needed. * Does the attendance cost anything? No, the meditation is free.

\*\*A photography experience for women in transition Limited to max. 3 participants \*\* [https://healingtalkswoman.com/healing-photoshoot--film](https://healingtalkswoman.com/healing-photoshoot--film) [https://www.instagram.com/her.soul____?igsh=MWYwbGMydTBieGZqZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/her.soul____?igsh=MWYwbGMydTBieGZqZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) Her Soul is an unique portrait photography experience, where images are created through presence, gentle movement, and attention. The focus is photography. The difference is that we don’t rush into it. What is Her Soul? Her Soul is designed for women who are in a transitional phase of life: closing a chapter entering something new letting go redefining themselves choosing themselves again The portraits are not about posing or performance. They are about arrival. Images are created from who you are in this moment from your presence, your movement, your silence. How the session works This is a small group format (maximum 3 women), but each participant receives her own individual portrait session. The process includes: a short arrival and grounding phase gentle, guided movement to connect with your body individual portrait photography calm, focused attention throughout the session You will not be asked to share personal stories unless you choose to. There is no group discussion requirement. What you receive (per participant) Individual portrait photography session Personal attention and direction during the shoot A curated selection of retouched digital images (high resolution) A calm, safe, non-performative environment Practical details 📍 Location: Budapest (details shared after registration) ⏳ Duration: approx. 90 minutes total 👥 Group size: max. 3 participants 💰 Price (per person): • 1 participant: 48,000 HUF / 125 EUR person • 2 participants: 42,000 HUF / 110 EUR person • 3 participants: 38,000 HUF / 99 EUR person **About the creator** The session is led by Ruttner Kata Alina, editor and documentary filmmaker, creator of Healing Talks. Her work focuses on women’s inner stories, presence, and lived experience — translated into images, not concepts. Registration Participation is registration-based. To join, please write to: 📩 [alinaruttner@gmail.com](mailto:alinaruttner@gmail.com) Places are limited.

Hello everyone, Take a break from your week, make progress on your reading in good company, then join a relaxed chat about what everyone's been reading. ️Schedule 10:30 \- 11:00 \| Arrival & Introduction round 11:00 \- 12:00 \| Silent Reading Hour 12:00 \- 13:00 \| Chat & Discussion Location Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Public Library, Boulevard Library It will take place in the event room. After you enter the library, turn right, cross the lounge, and go down the stairs at the far end. If you bring snacks, you can have them in the lounge area. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, you're welcome. See you there! **[Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1271292-budapest-silent-book-club)**[ ](https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1271292-budapest-silent-book-club)(monthly book club voting) **[Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/people/Budapest-Silent-Book-Club/61567388151835)** (previous books read in sessions) **[Silent Book Club](https://silentbook.club/pages/about-us)** (the idea itself, where did it come from?) **[Contribution Tracker](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1C_N9CN_pQO5aUYezqzQW4GS7pr8IfplchwG8-ruZ19g/edit?usp=sharing)** (spreadsheet for our private room experiment)

**Moderate level – adults and teenagers with hiking experience** **Sunday, March 15** **Preacher’s Throne** is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the **Pilis Mountains**, overlooking the famous **Danube Bend**. The route begins with a **long, steep climb** — the most challenging part of the hike. After that, the trail becomes easier. Along the way we will also visit the **Standing Stones** — impressive rock formations rising straight from the ground. It’s a truly **beautiful and rewarding route**. On the way we can prepare a **shared hot lunch**: grains, vegetables, cheese, and spices — simple but very tasty hiking food. And as always, we will include our **practice of silence**, learning to reconnect with nature and inner harmony. *** 🥾 **Distance:** 15.8 km ⬆️⬇️ Total ascent/descent: **693 m / 620 m** *** ## ⏱ Meeting point **08:20 – Újpest-Városkapu metro station** Last carriage from the city center, upstairs near the ticket offices. Return to **Batthyány tér** around **16:30–17:30**. *** ## 💶 Price Early payment (until Friday 20:00): **12,000 HUF** Until Saturday 14:00: **14,000 HUF** Standard: **16,000 HUF** 🥣 Optional hot lunch: Under 16 – **2000 HUF** Adults – **2500 HUF** *** ## Cancellation policy Less than **24 hours before the event** – 50% refund Less than **12 hours** – no refund *** ## 🎒 What to bring * Water 1,5 liter * Packed lunch **or** bowl and spoon + extra water if joining the group meal * Comfortable clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty * Warm layers * Wind / rain jacket * Tick repellent * Optional thermos with tea * Something sweet to share with tea (we usually share with the group) To sign up please contact me via **WhatsApp: https://wa.me/36305183643** +36305183643 **Or Telegram:** @Rudra_AM You can also pay to Revolut, Wise, by bank transfer.

**A RÉSZVÉTELHEZ KÉRJÜK, REGISZTRÁLJ ITT:** [https://cooltix.hu/event/69a7fe0e68a9c24e0a81174b](https://cooltix.hu/event/69a7fe0e68a9c24e0a81174b) Van egy startup ötleted, vagy már építed a vállalkozásod, de jól jönne néhány tapasztalt szakértő visszajelzése? 🤔 Március 13-án Expert Office Hourst szervezünk a Puzl CowOrKingben, ahol több innovációs ökoszisztéma-szereplővel együtt várunk benneteket. Az esemény során lehetőségetek lesz feltenni a kérdéseiteket, szakértői visszajelzést kérni a startupotok helyzetéről, vagy átbeszélni konkrét üzleti, jogi és tőkebevonási témákat. A megszokott office hours beszélgetések mellett egy rövid bemutatkozó blokkot is tartunk, ahol jobban is megismerhetitek szakértőinket. Akik velünk tartanak: 🔹 Dr. Szabó András: Startupokra specializálódott ügyvéd, aki rendszeresen segít az alapítóknak eligazodni a jogi kérdésekben, a cégalapítástól a befektetési megállapodásokig. 🔹 István Zsolt: Az Initium Venture Labs technológia transzfer mendezsere, több mint 25 év tapasztalattal K+F+I projektek vezetésében, aki akadémiai és ipari környezetben egyaránt dolgozott innovációs programok és ökoszisztémák fejlesztésén. 🔹 Szántó Károly: Az UniPrisma Venture Studio alapítója és vezérigazgatója, aki egyetemekkel és befektetőkkel együttműködve segít kutatási eredményekből befektetésre kész deep tech vállalkozásokat építeni. 📅 2026\. március 13\. \(péntek\) \| 9:30–13:00 📍 Puzl CowOrKing Budapest Ha kérdésetek van a startupotokkal, üzleti modellel vagy a következő lépésekkel kapcsolatban, érdemes csatlakozni. 😉

Are you tired of smalltalk? Do you prefer intellectual conversations to partying? Do you like art movies? Are you somewhat of an introvert? Hi guys, I'm more than happy to say that we'll have our very first Cinema&Discussions this Friday from 6 p.m. at Toldi Cinema. Trailer: [https://youtu.be/IuV6YHgRdzo?si=hZyPd__zbFHKVXUM](https://youtu.be/IuV6YHgRdzo?si=hZyPd__zbFHKVXUM&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExQWl4QU1tcFg5UGZSZ0ZMVHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4573ZkrbGCRcru6kYKKqNPLToGYQx3QVCRRR22rWD2_hnzT019wMlYF954WA_aem_mO_01hYoG9o0LWh1ualncA) Tickets: [https://toldi.bpfilm.hu/tid.asp?id=9bde62](https://toldi.bpfilm.hu/tid.asp?id=9bde62&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExQWl4QU1tcFg5UGZSZ0ZMVHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5mD58lyqzz5w2oBK9YDjYSlGv22RORvcfOVTOxtSS8lrRf9Av2Q6AMiCjmRQ_aem_06cMLzhS2klR9gv0TlKvAw) . English audio, Hungarian subtitles. We do not need to sit close to each other, feel free to buy your tickets wherever you wish to sit. Event structure: 5.15-5.45 is pre-movie mingling, talking and time to grab your popcorn if you wish to (optional) 5.45-6.00 watching advertisement before the movie starts haha 6.00-8.30 watching the movie 8.30-11.45 (or until you want to) discussion (main part of the event!) at the Turkish restaurant near Nyugati (Budapest, Teréz krt. 62, 1066) or any nearby place (I'll update this event at 8.30 if we move to any other place). Let me know if you know any more suitable place by Thursday. You can join us just for the discussion part, if you've seen the movie before or just want to get inspiration to watch it. The event is free, just grab your own cinema ticket and drink afterwards for the discussion. Feel free to come&go as you wish to English is the common language, so the discussion part will be in English.

Clicking Attend on Meetup ***does not guarantee*** you a ticket. Make sure to click below to confirm your spot :) ***️️ [️ Sign up here to grab your ticket](https://luma.com/ftstbudapest1) ️*** **RSVP ≠** **ticket**. A paid ticket is required to attend. On your phone and **can’t click**? Click the link in the comments! F\*ck the Small Talk has traveled the world from Berlin, London, Lisbon, to Buenos Aires, and is now in **Budapest!** ✨ **WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?** FTST is an out-of-the-box **social experience** where strangers come together for an afternoon of meaningful, fun, and deep conversation. It’s also a different & cool way of meeting new people by getting a bit out of your comfort zone and skipping the small talk! Join us for **games**, **talks**, and **connections** with **friends you haven’t met yet**. Join if you get annoyed after being asked what you do, where you are from, and how long you've been in Budapest every single time you meet someone. If you feel that there are better questions in life, this is the place for you. ✨ **HOW DOES IT WORK?** We start with a short & sweet intro talk followed by a few light-hearted group games to warm up. After that, we split you up into small groups and start with the conversation rounds (with 3-4 people). We'll have awesome question cards that will guide the flow of the conversation. You'll be guided by an experienced host (Keely, you'll love her!) who'll make sure everything goes smoothly. **✨ HOW TO JOIN?** **[Take 1 minute to sign up](https://luma.com/ftstbudapest1)** On your phone and can’t click? Click the link in the comments :) Our events are **limited to 30 handpicked guests** to ensure a cozy atmosphere. **Confirm your spot on the link above** to make it happen! We prioritize a balance of gender and age. If you're invited you'll receive a confirmation within 48 hours via Luma (our ticketing platform) NOTE: We won't validate your payment unless you've been accepted! (which you most likely will ❤️) **✨ HOW MUCH IS IT?** The cost to attend is HUF 5,900 (early bird) HUF 6,900 (general), and includes the following: 3 hours of facilitated and curated activities Light **snacks** to keep the energy going Access to the **Llamas** **in** **Budapest** WhatsApp group A space to meet **new** **people** in the least boring way possible Supporting our **mission** to slowly eliminate small talk around the world *( also includes those pesky **ticket fees**!)* **✨ WHERE IS IT?** We host our events in awesome bars across the city. We only **reveal the exact location** upon confirmation. **✨ WHAT THEY SAY** “This is the kind of activity **humanity needs every weekend**. Thank you for all.” *\- Sonya* “F\*ck the Small Talk changes the narrative from *"Where are you from?"* to *"When was the last time you laughed uncontrollably?"* and I think **that's beautiful.**” \- Monika "It’s a **wonderful** **experience**, it’s like being a kid again, when you were at the park, playing with other kids, and just decided you were going to be best friends for the next hours. Maybe you’ll never see those kids again. But that hour was amazing because you both opened up and trusted each other." \- Sara **[Read our 170+ Google reviews here](https://goo.gl/maps/TpZy77bfPFkGoikn7)** *(we ain't your typical meetup)* **✨ FAQ** **• Can I come alone?** Of course, everyone does! **• Can I be late?** Please don't! Late arrivals will disrupt the floooooooow. **• I signed up but never got an invite. Why?** We usually get a high volume of sign-ups, yet we like keeping it cozy & only invite around 30 people. Please try again next time if you do not receive an invite - no hard feelings **• Is this a networking or dating event?** Nope! Think of us as the *anti-networking* and *anti-speed dating* event. There’s no pressure, no pitches, and no cringy icebreakers. Instead, we create spaces where strangers can connect through fun & meaningful conversations. It’s all about authentic connection, no business cards or romantic expectations required. (doesn’t mean it *can’t* happen, it’s just not the intention!) \-\-\- \* Location is only revealed to ticket holders! \* Age guide, 22-39 years old (only a reference of what you expect, not a limit ) ***This event is a no-phone experience.*** We started in Berlin back in 2019 out of the frustration of being asked 'where are you from?' a million times at every single meetup! Now there are chapters in nearly 20 cities, including London, Lisbon, Buenos Aires, Zurich, and Vancouver! ️ We're part of the Epic Llama Universe. We design out-of-the-box experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and human connection. We're on a mission to make boring brilliant! \*\*\* Follow us on[ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/epic.llama/) Our [website](https://epicllama.com/fuckthesmalltalk)[ ](https://epicllama.com/)

Every Saturday at 8:00 PM, we gather in the city to share languages, cultures, and conversations. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CGM1Jm8JfNS291xA1zMobk) ] Our group is made up of friendly 20s–30s people — locals, expats, and travelers alike — who come together to meet new people and explore different ways of thinking. Whether you’re new to Budapest or call it home, this meetup is your chance to connect in a relaxed, open-minded space. Join us to swap stories, practice new languages, and build genuine friendships across cultures.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be a good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛

Join us as we get together for a CMG-favorite event, the OSCAR PARTY AND RED CARPET BASH at the Drexel Theatre! The highlight of the movie year live on the big screen always makes for a fun and memorable evening! Here are details for this event: WHAT TO EXPECT: This year’s ceremony will be hosted once again by Conan O’Brien. In addition to the Oscars on the big screen, your ticket includes a Meal Deal from the Drexel’s new food partner Newfangled Kitchen (I’m checking on vegetarian/vegan options) along with unlimited popcorn and sodas, a free box of candy, and your first beer, wine or specialty drink on the house! Also included: Oscar-themed trivia with prizes from local businesses, on-site paparazzi, and the Drexel's Oscar ballot contest with a chance to win a year of free Drexel movies! Plus, the BEST and most FUN way to watch the Oscars with fellow film fans and your CMG friends! ADVANCE TICKETS: General public tickets are $45 but Movie Group Members and their guests get in for just $35! Here’s how to purchase your tickets: \* Option 1 – In Person: You can purchase at the ticket counter anytime during operating hours. Just mention you are with the Columbus Movie Group for the discounted rate. \* Option 2 – Online: If you prefer to purchase online, you can do so by going to the link below and following these instructions: 1. Click the link below. 2. Click the little TICKETS box then click BUY TICKETS. 3. If you are a Drexel Member, you can log in here to receive the Member/Group rate, which is the same. If you are not a Drexel member, click “No” and the $40 Rate will pop up. But, don’t fret. It’s a little hard to find but there’s a “Promotion Code” section on the screen. Click the “Know a Promotion Code?” box, enter “CMG2026” (case sensitive) and submit. Select the appropriate number of tickets in the Discount Rate section and click “Add.” Next “Proceed to Checkout” then “Checkout” and enter your credit card info. There’s a $1.50 online service fee but it’ll save you a trip to the Drexel. (If you don’t already have one, you will need to sign in or create an account first.) Sellout possible so please purchase yours as soon as possible in advance! LINK FOR TICKETS (See Above Instructions): https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=373546\~e2e0a350-c626-4e33-bc63-27e983f4aecf&epguid=ab0b2f82-403c-4972-9998-5475e7dcfa0e&mdy=3/15/2026& DRESS: Dressing up for the occasion art of part of the fun! Dress up as much as you like – there will be everything from casual to formal at the event! Or you can go in character as one of this year’s nominated films! ARRIVAL: Doors open for CMG at 5:30pm so that’s when we’ll plan to meet! That’ll give us plenty of time to fill out our Oscar Ballots, pick up some free popcorn, candy, and something to drink, mix, mingle, take some photos, pick up your Newfangled Kitchen Meal Deal, grab a seat in our CMG Reserved Section, then settle in to enjoy the Academy Awards on the Big Screen! PICTURES: We’ll take pics throughout the evening and the Drexel Paparazzi will be on hand as well. We’ll also take a big group photo around 6:40 near the entrance before the show begins. If you happen to take some good shots yourself, be sure to upload them on the Oscar Party Meetup event! RESERVED SEATING: As you enter the theater, the roped off section to the right marked “Reserved” is reserved for you, your guest(s) and the Columbus Movie Group! VEGAN MEALS: As previously mentioned, the food vendor does NOT have a vegan option at this year’s Oscar Party. However, we DO have a solution! I have reached out to several individuals who are affected. If you are a vegan, plan to attend the Oscar Party and did not receive an e-mail from me, please reach out via private message post a note below. I’ll provide details off-line. And while there won’t be a vegan meal option this year, I think we do have a workable solution. And, all other plans are usiness-as-usual: popcorn, sodas, candy, on-site paparazzi, decorations, bar drinks (including your first drink on the house), the Drexel’s Annual Oscar ballot contest, along with the Big Show on the Big Screen and a fun group of Movie Group friends to watch ‘em with! BONUS LINKS: \* COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES: https://deadline.com/lists/2026-oscar-nominations-list/ \* INTERESTING ARTICLE ON RECORDS BROKEN, SUPRISING FACTS AND OSCAR FIRSTS: https://abc7.com/post/oscar-nominations-2026-surprising-facts-nominees-98th-oscars/18448908/ \* SHORT VIDEO MONTAGE OF THIS YEAR’S BEST PICTURE NOMINEES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3abMnrsaUA \* FUN VIDEO OF OSCAR NOMINEES HEARING THEIR NOMINATIONS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eY1yGQ2aU PARKING: Parking is available along Main Street in front of the theater, on Drexel Avenue, and other nearby side streets. Additional parking is available at the Bexley Municipal Parking Lot (two driveways west of the theatre). LINK: Should be a fun & festive evening and a terrific way to celebrate a great year of movies together! 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!

Join us as we get together to see Ryan Gosling and Sandra Huller in the highly anticipated sci-fi adventure, PROJECT HAIL MARY! The film is based on the best-selling novel of The Martian and follows a man who awakens on a spacecraft before realizing his mission to save Earth. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A science teacher wakes up on a spaceship, light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission to save the Earth. The film is directed by the filmmaking due Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (21 and 22 Jump Street, Into and Across the Spider-Verse) and is based on the 2021 novel by Andy Weir (The Martian). The film stars Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller (Anatomy of a Fall, The Zone of Interest), Lionel Boyce, Milana Vayntrub and Ken Leung. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VYsnngkS_U BUZZ AND REVIEWS: The buzz and reviews for PROJECT HAIL MARY are off-the-charts good! The film is earning a 95% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where critics call it an “old school blockbuster crowd-pleaser” and “a new sci-fi classic!” It’s “deeply hopeful,” well-acted,” funny,” “dramatic,” and “exceptionally rousing throughout!” Others call it “something truly magical” and one that “we’ll be talking about this one for decades to come!” And I believe Slashfilm says it best: “It will lift up and squeeze your heart, crack you up with laughter, and give you a sense of hope and wonder in a way that few movies have been able to inspire.” MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 2:30pm SuperScreen DLX showing and meet in the lobby area between 2:05 and 2:15pm! Tickets already on sale and will likely move fast for this hot ticket / opening weekend showing so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. As a head’s up, this is a longer movie at 2hrs 36mins. DINNER PLAN: Dinner immediately following the movie at 5:30pm at group favorite, FUGU SUSHI, located just next door! Separate RSVP required for the Dinner / Movie portions of this event. An RSVP here means you're signed up for the MOVIE! This portion will be open as long as seats remain. If you also plan to join for dinner, please also RSVP in the separate event listing for the dinner portion of this event. Should be a good one, Dan

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon