Postmodernism

We are moving to a new platform and will be only running the new platform in 2025. please signup here: [https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers](https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers) This is the time to write whatever it is you want to write. \-\-\-\-\-\> IMPORTANT <\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We ask for the Nook which is to your left as you go in, but it is not always available. Ask for the table under "Mat Clarke". Sometimes we do not have an official host, so please say hi to people as they arrive and make everyone feel welcome. Thanks. No limitations. Come along and bring your laptop or pen and paper and work on whatever you want. There are no rules :) You can write. You can chat and write. You can share your work. Or not share your work. (If you need silence to concentrate then headphones are a good idea considering it is in a cafe/bar.) Coffee, hot chocolate, etc., available to buy. Also food and drink. Please buy something to show our thanks for the space they give us free of charge. There are some people that will want to chat, but most will be writing. So bear that in mind. See you there :) \-\-\-\-\-\-Please only RSVP if you can make it\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \-\-\-\-\-\-Un\-RSVP if you need to cancel\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We're booking the area, so we will need you to turn up if you say you are coming. Thanks. Thank you, Melbourne Writers. Great Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters Website: www.worldwriterscollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelbCityWriters Blog: http://melbournewriters.wordpress.com **Help us by adding to these social pages and site**

Explore the Great Ocean Road in a small group of 10. Enjoy ethical wildlife, Chocolatery, the Twelve Apostles and Wildlife Park with snacks, a free drink, instant photo and carbon-offset tree planting This Great Ocean Road day tour is designed for travelers who want more than a standard sightseeing loop. With a maximum of 10 guests, the experience focuses on storytelling, ethical wildlife encounters, honest pricing, and responsible travel. By booking this tour, you support protected wildlife and nature through our tree-planting carbon offset program. Everything listed is included in the price — no hidden fees, no upgrades, and no pressure to spend more during the day. Instead of rushing between stops, the itinerary is carefully paced to allow time to explore, listen, and connect with the landscape. A journey with meaning Leaving Melbourne, the day begins with a relaxed stop at a local chocolaterie, giving everyone time to settle in and get to know the group. From there, the journey follows the iconic Great Ocean Road, where every stop is tied together with stories rather than scripts. At the Memorial Arch, learn why this road is considered the world’s largest war memorial, built by returned soldiers and shaped by resilience and history. Iconic coast, unhurried Feel the scale of the Southern Ocean as you descend the Gibson Steps to sea level. Spend quality time at the Twelve Apostles, with space to explore, photograph, and absorb the scenery without feeling rushed. Continue to Loch Ard Gorge, where dramatic cliffs frame one of the Great Ocean Road’s most powerful shipwreck stories. Designed routes, not repetition The tour travels along the coast on the way out and returns via an inland route, offering different landscapes and a more engaging journey rather than repeating the same road twice. Honest, all-inclusive experience There are no extra charges during the tour. Complimentary snacks, a free drink, and a printed Instax instant photo are included as personal touches. Lunch and dinner are not included by design, allowing flexibility for different dietary needs, preferences, and beliefs. To give back to the environment, trees are planted to offset the carbon emissions created by this tour, ensuring each journey contributes positively to the landscapes visited. **Why choose this tour** • Small group of maximum 11 guests • All prices included — no hidden fees • Ethical, expert-led wildlife experience • Complimentary drink, snacks & instant photo • Coastal drive out, inland return • Carbon-offset tree planting • Calm pace with meaningful storytelling Who this tour is for This experience is ideal for travelers who value quality over crowds, care about animal welfare and sustainability, and want a day that feels thoughtfully designed rather than mass-produced. **Highlights** * Small-group tour with a maximum of 11 guests for a relaxed pace * Visit Gibson Steps, Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge unhurried * All-inclusive pricing with snacks, drink and instant photo included * Carbon-offset touring with trees planted to balance tour emissions ### Inclusions Small-group transport (max 11 guests) Professional local guide Complimentary drink Snacks throughout the day Free instant printed photo (take-home souvenir) Carbon offset through tree planting All listed stops and experiences ### Exclusions Lunch and dinner are not included by design. This allows flexibility for you with different dietary needs, cultural preferences, and beliefs, without fixed menus or limitations. Food is available to purchase during the tour. ### Who is this activity not suitable for? Children under 7 years Wheelchair users

Step into the world of Federico Fellini for an afternoon of conversation centered on two of his most iconic films: La Dolce Vita and La Strada. This meetup is dedicated entirely to discussion—no screenings, just a deep dive into Fellini’s evolving vision of humanity, spirituality, and modern life. We’ll explore the contrast between the sprawling, decadent Rome of La Dolce Vita and the intimate, poetic journey of La Strada. How does Fellini move from the innocence and cruelty of Gelsomina’s world to the disillusionment and spectacle surrounding Marcello? What threads—emotional, philosophical, and visual—connect these seemingly different works? Whether you’re drawn to Fellini’s surreal imagery, his compassion for lost souls, or his critique of modern society, this session invites you to share interpretations, challenge ideas, and uncover new layers in two masterpieces of cinema. Come prepared with your thoughts, questions, and curiosities.

🌟 **Does Public Speaking Make You Nervous?** Join us at Wandin Toastmasters and discover how to grow your confidence, strengthen your communication, and develop leadership skills in a supportive environment. 🗓 **Saturday 9th May** 🕒 **Arrive 1:45 PM \| Start 2:00 PM – Finish 4:15 PM** 👥 Who is this for? We welcome people from all walks of life, including: * Professionals and business owners * Educators and care workers * Semi-retirees and retirees * Community members wanting to build confidence Whether you're early in your career or looking to **rediscover your voice and confidence**, you’ll feel right at home. 📍 **Wandin CFA Building, 434 Clegg Road, Wandin North** ### 💬 What to Expect * A warm, friendly welcome * The chance to observe or participate (completely optional) * Opportunities to practise speaking in a safe environment * Encouraging, constructive feedback to help you grow 💡 **Guests attend FREE – no pressure to speak** 🚗 Parking Available on the street or behind the hall next door (Please avoid parking on fire station grounds) Click **RSVP** and come along—we’d love to meet you. You can also connect with us here: Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/WandinToastmasters](https://www.facebook.com/WandinToastmasters)

莎士比亚的猫•读书会：《倾城之恋》（张爱玲） * 书籍类型：当代小说 * 日期：2026年5月9日，礼拜六 * 地点：墨尔本 Nunawading Community Hub * 联系方式：微信/邮件 作者简介： 张爱玲，生于上海，中国现代女作家。创作和发表了《沉香屑·第一炉香》《沉香屑·第二炉香》《茉莉香片》《倾城之恋》《红玫瑰与白玫瑰》等小说。张爱玲是中国现代文学史上一个独具魅力的作家，被誉为“中国近现代史上的20位杰出女性”。其小说创作是现代文学的巨大收获。其文学成就表现为拓展了女性批判新视野和女性文学的新天地，创造了写实小说的新高，形成了与众不同的艺术风格，是一位具有文学史意义的作家。 组织简介： 莎士比亚的猫文学社（原墨尔本中文文学读书会）。旨在为热爱中文文学的读者提供一个开放、包容且富有启发性的交流平台。通过共同阅读与讨论中文文学作品（包括中文原著及优秀中文译作），我们希望： 1. 激发成员的阅读兴趣与思考深度； 2. 促进文化与思想的交流； 3. 建立一个有温度、有连结的中文阅读社群。 4.

***Vibe out with your tribe, out. (No coding experience required or expected!)*** Join us for **Vibe Code & Chill: October Edition** on Sunday, October 5th, 2025. This isn’t your average meetup: no stuffy panels, no boring lectures. We’re here to vibe, imbibe, and make progress on our *projects-de-jour*: from AI experiments to Web3 hacks, AR side projects, or just messing around with next-gen tools. ***New to the crew?*** Expect a warm welcome and friendly face to greet you before introducing you around and helping you find your people. We keep it friendly, fun, and inclusive and with free snacks and drinks, you’re covered. Bring your laptop and your best coding mojo. **What to expect:** * **Chill coding & collaboration:** Bring your laptop and your current coding project. Find a spot in our comfortable booths or at tables with fellow coders. This is a space for hands-on work, casual discussions on the latest gizmos, and helping each other out. * **Free refreshments:** Stay fueled and hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks and a selection of snacks provided by the club. The pub has a great range of meals and drinks if you're looking for something more. * **Headphone-free zone (official hours):** You can code in your own world at home! We have a no-headphone policy for the first hour of the meetup. * **Flexible timing:** You're welcome to arrive early and get started before the official event kicks off at 2PM. and you're welcome to stay and vibe on as long as you like. No sweat if you can't stay the whole time, just pop in and join the fun for as long as you can! Come ready to laugh, learn, and grow with a community that's excited by design, tech, and innovation. This is your chance to make new friends, share ideas, and be inspired by fellow driven and generous minds.

Please join us this Sunday to discuss memory and dreams and their philosophical implications. **We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **Please note that the $5 attendance fee to help with Meetup costs is now mandatory and will be collected when people arrive. This is assist the group with covering costs and to ensure all attendees contribute. Payment can be in cash or bank transfer.** **Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted in the Socrates Cafe group. Some questions that may be covered during the session: * Is memory a record, a reconstruction or a story? * When should we trust our memory? Is vividness reliable? * Are you the same person as your teenage self? * Can you genuinely remember something that never happened? * Does memory make us the same person over time? * Is nostalgia a form of truth or distortion? * Can forgetting be a virtue? * What should societies remember, and what should they let go? * Would you choose to have perfect memory if it were offered to you? * When we wake from a dream, are we remembering an experience or partly constructing a story after the fact? * Are emotions in dreams real emotions or only simulations of emotions? Hope to see you there!

Please join us this Sunday to discuss memory and dreams and their philosophical implications. **We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **Please note that the $5 attendance fee to help with Meetup costs is now mandatory and will be collected when people arrive. This is assist the group with covering costs and to ensure all attendees contribute. Payment can be in cash or bank transfer.** **Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted in the Socrates Cafe group. Some questions that may be covered during the session: * Is memory a record, a reconstruction or a story? * When should we trust our memory? Is vividness reliable? * Are you the same person as your teenage self? * Can you genuinely remember something that never happened? * Does memory make us the same person over time? * Is nostalgia a form of truth or distortion? * Can forgetting be a virtue? * What should societies remember, and what should they let go? * Would you choose to have perfect memory if it were offered to you? * When we wake from a dream, are we remembering an experience or partly constructing a story after the fact? * Are emotions in dreams real emotions or only simulations of emotions? Hope to see you there!

**With 1000s of spontaneous cases with children** investigated and documented over the past 60+ years, the team at DOPS has accumulated a formidable body of evidence suggestive of reincarnation. The types of evidence include detailed memories of verified past lives, personal traits, skills, interests and phobias, etc. and among these the most compelling aspect is cases of birthmarks and birth defects that align with injuries sustained in the previous life, often at the time of death. **In this session, Russ Townsend** will lead a discussion around spontaneous past-life memories in children, how they are investigated and verified, common objections and refutations, and then a number of detailed case studies related to birthmarks and birth defects. At the conclusion, he will walk through the interpretations and theories about this phenomenon. **About Russ:** * Meetup Organiser * Lifelong interest in science, philosophy, and spirituality * Member of AIPR * Trainer / Facility * ex-radio show host * Wannabe Academic * Pretend intellectual, friends with some really smart PhD people * Author with permanent writers block The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further The three objects of The Theosophical Society: * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

**Who We are..... 🤝** Our journey to bring people together began in January of 2022. The group was started with a simple intention to gather and meet some likeminded people - connecting through the powerful act of meditation and sharing our genuine selves while sitting in a circle that represents equality, harmony and wholeness( *we believe everyone in the circle is a teacher and a student at the same time)*. And over the last 4 years of consistently coming together, we have fostered a beautiful, loving, dependable community where members from all walks of life have experienced a sacred space to sit in silence together and meditate, share their authentic selves, give presence to others and forge meaningful and long lasting connections. The Meditations are guided by Sana(co-founder and host), who is a Trained and certified meditation teacher by the Meditation Association of Australia, and has been guiding meditations for 3+ years in corporate and community settings. ✨ **Do you wish to....** * Experience a simple yet powerful meditation and breathing practice to find calm, relaxation and clarity * Connect with like-minded people in your local community and foster meaningful connections * Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others * Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn) Or maybe you just want to... ☮️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet new people? Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **5 min guided meditation** to land into the space and connect within * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$15 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue, meetup membership and other costs, provide valuable resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present. **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

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!

Join us for lunch/tea at Asterisk Supper Club to discuss our May book "Under the Oak Tree" by Suji Kim Lady Maximilian is the daughter of the powerful Duke Croyso, but she is rarely allowed outside her family’s sprawling castle for fear that her stutter will tarnish their noble name. When she is forced to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight caught in one of her father’s schemes, Maxi doesn’t dare hope for happiness, let alone love. Her stumbling communication and his gruff manner sour their relationship before it can begin, and Riftan leaves without a word the morning after their vows are exchanged. Now, three years after their disastrous wedding night, Riftan has returned as a war hero. To Maxi’s surprise, despite rumors that he was offered marriage to Princess Agnes, a beautiful and renowned sorceress, Riftan still wants Maxi for his wife. And when he comes to claim her, his longing becomes a desire that bewilders Maxi, even as she is overcome by the scorching heat that Riftan’s presence ignites within her. As she learns to navigate the intricacies of her new life, Maxi will find herself and her courage, and discover that she is anything but powerless.

When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches. * **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason. * **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes. ## Discussion Questions 1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie. 2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?** 3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome? 4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend? 5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles? 6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way? 7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time? 8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

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!