Poets

This time, we will have a slightly different meetup than usual, as we want to gather some feedback about how we should shape the future of PHPAmersfoort. Should we continue as a PHP meetup, or switch to a broader topic such as web development? Should we continue with monthly meetups, or reduce the frequency to bimonthly or quarterly meetups? **Nic Wortel** will open the evening with a short talk about **What's New in PHP 8.5**, and then we will have a group discussion about the future of PHPAmersfoort. Once again the kind people at Enrise are opening their doors for us. 19:00 - Doors open 19:30 - **What's New in PHP 8.5** \- Nic Wortel 20:00 - **The Future of PHPAmersfoort** 21:00 - Social

Donderdag **26 februari 2026** is het weer tijd voor onze **Techday**: hét vaste moment waarop we kennis delen, elkaar inspireren en nieuwe ideeën direct in de praktijk brengen. Deze editie komt een spreker van Onyx langs. Onyx is gespecialiseerd in cybersecurity. Tijdens deze techday worden theorie, praktijk en nabespreking gecombineerd met directe toepasbaarheid in jullie dagelijkse werkzaamheden. Tijdens de Techday duiken we hands-on in veelvoorkomende kwetsbaarheden en misconfiguraties binnen moderne softwareontwikkeling. Theorie, demo’s en realistische scenario’s wisselen elkaar af. Met de interactieve CTF‑opdrachten leer je niet alleen hoe deze problemen ontstaan en misbruikt worden, maar vooral hoe je ze direct kunt toepassen en voorkomen in je dagelijkse werk. **Wanneer:** Donderdag 26 februari 2026 **Wat:** Cybersecurity in de Praktijk: Hands-on met Onyx **Voor wie:** Iedereen die nieuwsgierig is en wil leren **Agenda** 14:45 - 15:00 - Inloop 15:00 - 18:00 - Opening en introductie Praktijkvoorbeelden: Wat zijn wij in het echt tegengekomen Security misconfiguration: Gezamelijke spot-de-fout met code-snippets CTF opdrachten 18:00 - 19:00 - Eten en napraten We zien je graag op de Techday!

**Um was geht es dieses mal?** Dieses Mal haben wir zwei Talks für euch! **KI in der BIG direkt gesund - Von der Vision zur Realität - Stephan Rex (BIG direkt gesund)** BIG direkt gesund zeigt in dieser Präsentation, wie die strategische Einführung von Künstlicher Intelligenz im Unternehmen umgesetzt wird. Im Fokus stehen die Rolle des KI-Boards, das Architektur-Zielbild und die ersten praktischen Anwendungsfälle. Die Inhalte geben Einblicke in Erfahrungen aus Pilotprojekten und verdeutlichen, welche Faktoren für eine erfolgreiche Implementierung entscheidend sind. **F\*ck Feature Branches - Felix Fischer (codecentric AG)** Direkt auf Main pushen – das klingt ziemlich gruselig. Wie sollen wir nur ohne PRs und asynchrone, ineffiziente Code Reviews Kontrolle über unsere Kollegen ausüben? In diesem Talk werden wir die Geheimnisse des Trunk-Based-Development lüften. Wir wollen herausfinden, warum die angestaubten Wege der Software-Entwicklung hoffnungslos veraltet sind. Lerne durch Feature Flags, Dark Launches, synchrone Code Reviews und Pair-/ Mob-Programming Dich vom Drama der Feature Branches zu verabschieden! **Hybrides Setup!** Wir freuen uns, euch bei uns in den Räumen der codecentric AG in Dortmund willkommen zu heißen. Vor Ort versorgen wir euch mit Snacks und Getränken und freuen uns gleichzeitig über interessante Diskussionen und einen guten Austausch. Für alle, die es nicht zu uns ins Office schaffen, werden wir das Meetup Hybrid durchführen. Der Stream beginnt ca. 10 Minuten später, damit wir vor Ort ausreichend Möglichkeit für persönliches Kennenlernen haben. Den Live-Stream findet ihr auf dem [YouTube-Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@codecentricAG) der codecentric AG. **Anreise**: Per Zug: Vom Dortmunder HBF sind es ca. 10 Minuten zu Fuß. Mit dem Auto: Rund um das Office gibt es einige Parkflächen, dazu befinden sich in dem Parkhaus der Thier-Galerie weitere Parkplätze.

**Welcome to our February UX Beers in Brussels!** This time, we will host our event on Tuesday the 10th of February at [Proximus](https://www.proximus.be/en/personal/) in Brussels. [Ariad](https://www.ariadgroup.com/) and [Creative Skills](https://www.creativeskills.be/) sponsor our events. 📺 Follow the event online? We stream live via [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBqyTDAyQBw) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***Spots for this event are limited to 45 people in person. We kindly ask you to confirm your attendance and to change your availability on Meetup in advance if you can’t make it, so your spot can be given to someone else.*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# UX TALKS **Talk 1: Lavender: One Year to Reimagine Design at Proximus** Julie Toussaint and Julien Bertholet from Design System team @Proximus This talk explores the journey of building a Design System from the ground up at Proximus. Julie and Julien will share the challenges they encountered, the design choices they made, and how they laid strong foundations through design tokens, variables, and scalable component libraries. Beyond the system itself, they will look at how they collaborated with multiple teams and supported designers after launch, introducing a new, more consistent way of working across the organization. **Talk 2: Panel discussion about design leadership** [Joana Silva](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanasf/), UX Design Manager @Lighthouse [Mathias Van Daele](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathias-van-daele/), Service Design Lead @Luminus [Adrien David](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidadrien/), UX/UI Design Lead @Proximus \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# SCHEDULE 18:00 - Doors open. Drinks & snacks 19.00 - 19.15 - Introduction to UX Belgium Meetup, announcements 19.15 - 19:45 - Talk #1 19:45 -20:15 - BREAK 20:15 - 20:45 - Talk #2 20:45 - 21:30 - Socialize \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# SLACK CHANNEL We have our own UX Belgium slack channel. [Come join us and say hi!](https://join.slack.com/t/ux-belgium/shared_invite/zt-1bjpnuiog-T4Di4flXYPWgbT9KrZ53CA) \*\*\* \#\#\# YOUTUBE CHANNEL All our livestreams and talks are recorded and available on our [UX Belgium youtube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCno7V18T-EglYXprgrUZQ7A). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# ABOUT UX BELGIUM UX Belgium is a growing community of User Experience (UX) professionals in and around Belgium. Look for these types of events: UX Beers Periodically, we gather at a different company, agency or venue to drink beers, network and listen to speakers on various themes in the world of UX and digital design. UX Antwerp: Each last Tuesday of the month UX Brussels: Each second Tuesday of the month, 4x per year UX Hasselt: 4x per year UX Workshops Now and then we organize events to dive deeper into specific skills and techniques in UX. These are smaller, hands-on workshops designed to boost your UX toolbox. \*\*\* The UX Belgium Meetup Team

**3D Workshop** * **Ontwerpen met Fusion360** * **Scannen in 3D** * **Het gebruik van 3D printers** **Je bent nu welkom in de nieuwe locatie NewTechPark** Je kunt ook online aan deze fysieke bijeenkomst deelnemen. De bijeenkomst is dan op de locatie te volgen. Als je [hier](w.j.put@hccnet.nl) vooraf een mailtje stuurt kun je dinsdagavond tussen 19.00 en 20.00 uur inloggen met Jitsi voor vragen, of ter kennismaking met hcc!3D. Online neem je deel aan de bijeenkomst met [https://wij.hcc.nl/3D](https://wij.hcc.nl/3D) [(Alleen toegang als je zichtbaar bent met voor- en achternaam. )](https://wij.hcc.nl/3d)

Every Tuesday, the group 024 Waalrunners goes for a run at a distance of between 5km - 10km. Everyone is welcome to join, you just need to turn up at 20:00 on Tuesday in front of Cafe De Hemel. There are different routes every time, and the group welcomes all new people to join them. After the run we usually stay for a drink at De Hemel. https://waalrunners.activedates.nl https://chat.whatsapp.com/CRXG7x9HQUw4Q1qCrNzXn4?mode=ems_copy_t https://www.facebook.com/024waalrunners-710731759317504

Join us for an evening of good vibes! Whether you’re a local or an expat, Mingle Mania is the perfect place to socialize and make friends or even to practice languages. 🤝🤼‍♂️💬🙋‍♂️🫂 👉 Join [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GopSuzuFKRBKeYVKQrX4pE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GopSuzuFKRBKeYVKQrX4pE) The group has many regular members, we intend to do various type of events, the goal is to build a strong community for all sorts of activities. If you have an event idea that you would like to see happen, let us know. We generally have about 20 participants, the age is between 20 and 60 averaging somewhere around 30, language exchange is not strictly enforced, culture exchange happens naturally. **mingle** (verb, intransitive): to move among people and talk to them, especially at a social event. 📍 **What We Are:** * A diverse group of locals and expats * ...going out at least every Tuesday 😊 🆓 **Event Details:** * It is free to join and operated on a voluntary basis! * Please honor the bar by ordering at least one drink.

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS] Travel / Parking info: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS]

Ha mannen! Weer een reguliere ManKracht meetup op de vrijdagavond in Amersfoort! Zoals altijd is de intentie voor onze meetups op locatie om een gemakkelijke, veilige en open atmosfeer te ervaren waarin we allemaal kunnen delen of inbrengen wat ons bezig houdt als man. Uiteraard zijn tijdens de ManKracht Avond nieuwe deelnemers welkom, we streven zoals altijd naar een groepsgrootte aan van 6 tot maximaal 10 man. Hier kort wat belangrijke info op een rijtje: * De offline meetup begint stipt om 20:00, vanaf dat moment zijn de 'deuren' gesloten. We vragen je dus om uiterlijk 5 minuten van te voren aan te komen. Je bent vanaf 19:30 welkom. * De avond duurt tot ongeveer 21:30. Voel je vrij om daarna het gesprek met andere deelnemers voort te zetten op een andere locatie (café/bar/kroeg). * Graag op tijd de RSVP in te vullen i.v.m. beperkte plaatsen. Mocht je op tijd weten dat je verhinderd bent, graag je RSVP aanpassen zodat mannen op de wachtlijst op tijd weten dat ze toch kunnen deelnemen. * Voel je vrij om een vriend mee te nemen, geef dit in dat geval ook even aan in de RSVP. Hopelijk zien we elkaar weer en mocht je nog vragen hebben dan hoor ik het graag natuurlijk. P.S. locatie is thuis bij Sam

We zien dat AI inmiddels door veel mensen en organisaties wordt gebruikt, vooral voor tekst, plannen en ideeën. Tegelijkertijd merken we dat dit gebruik vaak onzeker en oppervlakkig blijft. Mensen experimenteren, maar twijfelen: * Klopt dit wel? * Gebruik ik AI “goed”? * Haal ik er echt voordeel uit, of kost het vooral tijd? De kern van het probleem is niet een gebrek aan tools of kennis, maar een gebrek aan grip, overzicht en vertrouwen in het eigen oordeel bij het werken met AI. **Wat houdt deze workshop in?** We willen een kleinschalige pilot-workshop (halve dag) organiseren waarin we professionals helpen om: * AI anders te leren zien (als denkpartner, niet als antwoordmachine) * Bewuster vragen te stellen en context te geven * AI‑output te beoordelen in plaats van blind te volgen Het is nadrukkelijk geen technische training en geen overzicht van tools. Het is een leerervaring die zich richt op denken, beoordelen en professioneel gebruik. **Voor wie is dit bedoeld?** De Training richt zich op: * Niet-technische managers en professionals * Die veel werken met tekst, plannen en besluitvorming * Die AI al gebruiken (bijv. ChatGPT), maar daar nog te weinig zekerheid en rendement uit halen **Wat maakt deze aanpak anders?** * Interactief en herkenbaar: deelnemers werken met hun eigen praktijk en leren van elkaar * Beperkt en scherp: geen overload, maar drie kerninzichten * Veilig en menselijk: twijfel wordt genormaliseerd, niet weggepoetst Deelnemers weten na afloop wat ze “maandag anders doen” **Pilot2** Na een succesvolle eerste pilot op 16 januari hebben we weer verbeteringen aangebracht voor deze pilot. We verwachten dan ook eerlijke feedback om deze workshop nog gerichter in te kunnen zetten om professionals meer bewust te maken van de mogelijkheden en onmogelijkheden van AI. Deze workshop wordt verzorgd door Edgar Stormbroek en Ziryan Salayi 9:00 9:30 Inloop 9:30 - 12:00 AI in praktijk 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch 13:00 - 14:00 Vervolg AI in praktijk 14:00 - 14:30 Afronding en feedback Aanmelden op: https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/tickets-ai-essentials-for-non-it-professionals-1980623807124?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1r9ydzt%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AODU5MzQzMDcyLjE3NzAzNzU0ODI.%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AczE3NzAzNzU0ODIkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzAzNzU0ODIkajYwJGwwJGgw

## **Making Smart Money Decisions in Relationships** *Live expert discussion + facilitated breakout circles on 'Love & Money'* RSVP (**https://luma.com/b3dphgts)** Money is rarely just about numbers. It’s about who decides. Who carries responsibility. Who plans ahead — and who assumes things will work out. This Valentine’s FinFit Circle session is ***for women who want to build relationships — new or ongoing — that are loving, fair, and financially secure***, without being naïve, pessimistic, or afraid to ask real questions. Whether you’re dating, in a long-term commitment, separating, or starting again, this conversation helps you think clearly about money before emotions or circumstances decide for you. *** ## **What this session is really about** This live FinFit Circle session explores how money shapes relationships in practice — through everyday decisions and conversations. Together, we’ll look at: * **Where money decisions actually get made** (often earlier than we think) * **Which assumptions tend to create tension or imbalance over time** * **Which questions, financial and legal arrangements, and boundaries matter most across different stages of relationships**, while you still have room to choose differently *** ## **Three expert lenses, one grounded conversation** Money in relationships doesn’t sit in one domain — which is why this session brings together emotional, financial, and legal perspectives: * **[Stephanie Clifford-Kroon](https://clifford-kroon-coaching.lovable.app/about)**, Certified Relationship Coach * **[Nadam Schmidt](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadamschmidt/)**, Certified Financial Planner * **[Siham Maachi](https://silkadvocaten.nl/en/team/siham-maachi/)**, International Family Lawyer & Solicitor *** ## **What you’ll walk away with** * **Clarity on your money patterns** and how they show up in relationships * Key questions and **practical tips** **to discuss money constructively** with a (future) partner * ​Ways to think about **shared vs individual finances**, including what’s smart, why, and tradeoffs * **Legal realities** worth knowing early (agreements, rights, timing) * **Perspective and connection** from women navigating similar questions *** ## **How the session works** * **60-minute live fireside conversation** * **30-minute interactive breakout circles** (4–6 women) **Location:** FinFit Circle · Online *** ## **Contribution** This session is **€30**. If you’re able, you can **pay it forward** by sponsoring another woman’s place at the same introductory rate, helping keep these conversations accessible in the FinFit community. *** 👉 **Reserve your spot: https://luma.com/b3dphgts**

#This meetup is around a third-party organizer (Focus Filmtheater): you can either purchase your ticket online or right before the session# **Title**: No Other Choice **Language**: Korean **Subtitles**: English **Length**: 139 min **Director**: Park Chan-wook **More info**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-no-other-choice/ **Ticket link**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/tickets/141172/ **Synopsis**: *No Other Choice* is the new film by Park Chan-wook (*Oldboy*, *The Handmaiden*, *Decision to Leave*). The latest box office hit from South Korea combines black comedy and cinematic mastery in a sociopolitical thriller. After 25 years of loyal service, Man-su (Lee Byung Hun, Squid Game) loses his good job as supervisor of a paper factory when it falls into foreign hands. When finding a new job proves more difficult than expected, Man-su and his family are forced to drastically change their lifestyle. In a desperate attempt to come out on top at his next job interview, Man-su decides to eliminate the competition. How far will you go when there is no other choice? *No Other Choice* premiered at the Venice Film Festival and won the International Audience Award at the Toronto Film Festival. The Korean Oscar entry is on the shortlist for Best International Film. **How it works**: I will be at Focus around 18:30, where we can meet before the movie starts. You can message me to find us. Screening starts at 19:00. After the movie, we can have a drink together. Hope to see you soon!

A quiet writing and sharing space, Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

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 Sunday 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 noon on Sundays. 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: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. 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. 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 Sunday!

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!

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!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia