Swahili

KIZOMBA CLASSES in DC Welcome back to another Kizomba Progressive Sessions. Sessions Foundations: 7:00pm - 8:00pm Improvers/Intermediate 8:10pm - 9:10pm Cost: Foundations $90 (4 Sessions) Improver/Intermediate $$90 (4 Sessions) Combined Foundations + Improver $160 (Subject to teachers approval) Drop in rates are $25 per session or $40 if one takes both level 1&2 on the same day. * **Accepted forms of payment** Zelle: Ollovar.llc@gmail.com CashApp $oscarba20 Cash\, Credit\|Debit Cards accepted NO PAYPAL.

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Single Lesson,”** a debunking of myths and misconceptions about singlehood and a look at research and advocacy efforts focused on the unmarried, with Craig Wynne, a professor of English at the University of the District of Columbia and pioneer in the growing field of Singles Studies. All around us are messages that being “coupled up” is the norm. Shows like *The Bachelor*, 90-Day Fiancé, and *Indian Matchmaking* have people rooting and fawning for marriage. Yet, despite its supposed unpopularity, the rate of singlehood is increasing. By 2030, the Pew Research Center has projected, 25 percent of 45- to 54-year-old adults in the United States will never have married. What’s the real picture when it comes to singles? Is a growing share of the population missing out on marital bliss, or are single people on to something? Hear such questions tackled by Professor Craig Wynne, co-editor of *Singular Selves: An Introduction to Singles Studies* and author of *How to be a Happy Bachelor.* Dr. Wynne will discuss how stereotypes of singlehood are perpetuated in the media and how they influence laws, policies, and our daily social interactions in ways that harm not just single people but those who are married, cohabitating, or in a relationship. His talk will explore the concepts of “singlism,” the stereotyping and stigma around people who are not married or otherwise unpartnered; “matrimania,” over-the-top societal obsession with marriage and weddings; and “amatonormativity,” the assumption that a romantic relationship must be prioritized above all other kinds. Finally, Dr. Wynne will discuss the emergence of Singles Studies—a field devoted to granting singlehood validity in an academic context—and look at recent advocacy intended to secure single people equity in a world that still privileges being married or coupled. (Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Register here: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-the-single-lesson

An Assata Shakur Study Group on why people mobilize in moments of pressure and contradiction and why mobilization must be linked to durable. Crises produced by capitalism and imperialism repeatedly drive people into the streets—from mass protests against ICE raids to uprisings responding to police violence and war abroad. This session unpacks why people mobilize in moments of pressure and contradiction, what mobilization can and cannot accomplish on its own, and how these moments are often captured or redirected by political elites and counterinsurgent forces. Join **Pan-African Community Action (PACA)** tol examine concrete examples of recent mobilizations to assess what “winning” has looked like in practice and why many movements dissipate once the moment passes. The discussion will focus on why mobilization must be linked to durable organization in order to build real community power and sustain long-term struggles for liberation. *Food will be provided!* This is also a hybrid event with the option for on line participation. Please also register here https://frommobilizationtoorganization.eventbrite.com/

Cost: free Court Type: Outdoor Sand Level: Social (everyone is welcome) Transportation: Parking will be right in front of the courts. What to bring: a ball if you have one. This is a social volleyball which means as long as you played volleyball before and can keep some rally going you can attend. The point is to practice being a team player, have fun, be social, and make friends. We should try to have 2 passes before sending the ball over on most plays. Let's get everyone involved in the game.

**Advance reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx) ### Even if you've never danced before, learn to dance the Viennese Waltz as it is danced in Vienna, in time for our Austrian Embassy Viennese Ball. A partner or prior dance experience are not needed to sign up so join us on your own or with friends. Whether you plan to attend our Viennese Ball at Austrian Embassy or would simply like to learn how to dance the Viennese Waltz, don't miss this rare opportunity to learn to dance one of the most elegant and romantic dances of all time. The lessons will be taught on a wooden dance floor at the Austrian Embassy, one of the most magnificent embassies in Washington DC. During the lessons Austrian wine will be available for purchase at the cash bar. **Advance reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx) Join us on your own or with friends for Viennese Waltz lessons in time for our magical Viennese Ball. You are cordially invited to join us at the Embassy of Austria to indulge in an evening of Viennese Waltz lessons and learn to dance one of the most elegant and romantic dances of the world! The lessons are well-attended by both singles and couple alike so you are welcome to attend on your own or with friends. Prior dance experience is not needed to attend. Meet and socialize with diplomats, distinguished guests, and diverse professionals from DC and around the world. **Advance reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx) Please visit the **Viennese Ball Gala Webpage** for detailed information about the Viennese Ball: [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/specialevents/Viennese-Ball-washington-dc/Viennese-Ball.aspx](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/specialevents/Viennese-Ball-washington-dc/Viennese-Ball.aspx) Please visit the **Viennese Waltz Lessons Webpage** for detailed information about Viennese Waltz lessons presented on the day prior to the Viennese Ball at the Embassy of Austria: [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx) **Agenda** **6-8PM Viennese Waltz Session:** Arrive and check in at the Austrian Embassy at 6:00 PM and enjoy Austrian wine at the cash bar. Meet other attendees and prepare for the Viennese Waltz lesson that will start shortly after 6:15 PM. After the lesson practice dancing the Viennese Waltz to recorded music until 8PM. Event concludes at 8PM for the 6-8PM Session attendees. **7:30 PM to 10:00 PM Viennese Waltz Session:** Arrive and check in at the Austrian Embassy at 7:30 PM and enjoy Austrian wine at the cash bar. Meet other attendees and prepare for the Viennese Waltz lesson that will start shortly after 8:00 PM. After the lesson practice dancing the Viennese Waltz to recorded music until 10PM. Event concludes at 10PM for the 8-10PM Session attendees. **Advance reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx)

We had a recent meetup on how ontologies are constructed, and this is a discussion of one category of ontologies that has been gaining increased attention among philosophers today. Backing up, historically there were three main philosophic ontologies that were widely held: materialism (everything is matter), idealism (everything is mind) and dualism (there are two things, mind and matter, and they interact). In our ontology discussion, I noted how there are multiple other options besides these 3, and in the 20th and 21st centuries, there has been some tumult of other ontologies displacing the three classical views. Early in the 20th century, Einstein showed with E=mc^2 that matter is not fundamental, so materialism was refuted. But the overall success of materially focused science led to a growth of “near” materialism, which adopted the term physicalism – where the nature of what is fundamental is not yet known, but it is postulated to be whatever it is that physics studies. Physicalism became the overwhelmingly dominant worldview among philosophers in the middle of the 20th century. Over the subsequent 75 years, critiques of how physicalism denies abstract objects, causal consciousness, and emergence has nibbled away at that dominance. Today physicalism is still the most popular single worldview, with slightly over 50% of philosophers holding by it, but rival views have been undergoing somewhat of a resurgence. And in the last two decades, the fastest growing of these views are varieties of pan-psychism. Panpsychism is the view that awareness is not limited to animals, but is instead widely present in the universe. Most classical idealist philosophies are pan-psychist. Many versions of Hindu philosophy hold that most or all of the universe is aware, as do Taoism, and classical neo-Platonist philosophies. In the 20th century, Whitehead’s process philosophy and Aldous Huxley’s Perennial philosophy both postulate a universal mind or awareness of some non-agential kind, building on the Neo-platonist history of non-religious idealist pan psychism. Both remain active although small strands of philosophic thought today. Bertrand Russell’s neutral monism – where some OTHER material is assumed to be the ultimate source of both material and mental phenomena has had the greatest surge in interest, is of similar early 20th century vintage, but has been recently popularized by Phillip Goff. Several other of the later alternatives to physicalism tend to lead to a pan-psychist view. Parallelist property dualism, as for example proposed by David Chalmers, where matter has both mental and material properties, would lead to potentially all of matter having a mental component that operates in parallel to its material properties. Integrated Information Theory, a version of algorithmic identity theory which holds that algorithms have consciousness depending on both the complexity of the algorithm, and the nonreductive complexity of the substrate they run on – was originally developed to explain why our computers are not conscious, but we are. Under IIT, high substrate complexity, our Phi, like our neural nets which cannot be reduced based on structural similarity the way our highly repetitive computers are, are the reason we are conscious. But EVERYTHING does algorithms, and has non-zero Phi, so IIT holds that everything is conscious to at least a limited degree. Galen Strawson starts with monist materialism, rejects super strong emergence, and concludes that because consciousness and awareness is real, we must not yet understand physics as well as most materialists/physicalists think , and that somehow we will need to include consciousness/awareness in our physics algorithms. Strawson accepts a weaker form of strong emergence (higher consciousness must build on lower consciousness) and that consciousness is causal and so tuned by evolution. He considers himself a materialist/physicalist, but with a VERY different ideal of physicalism form pretty much every other physicalist. See: a summary here: [How a Materialist Philosopher Argued His Way to Panpsychism | Mind Matters](https://mindmatters.ai/2021/05/how-a-materialist-philosopher-argued-his-way-to-panpsychism/) and his own long form explanation here: [MBPP July 2015](https://philpapers.org/archive/STRMAB.pdf) OK I have mentioned the rise and partial decline of physicalism, ancient idealist panpsychism, and six more modern movements that constitute multiple secular ways to do pan-psychism. I would suggest for our discussions we initially focus on the modern pan psychisms, then go back to idealist pan-psychsim and then physicalism. So – what thoughts do people want to share or ask about on: * Why anyone cares about any of this? * Whitehead’s Process philosophy * Aldous Huxley’s Perennial Philosophy * Russelian Monism * Non-interactive parallelist property dualism * Integrated Information Theory * Strawson’s experiential physicalism Any thoughts to share on classical Greek, Indian, Chinese, or other panspychist idealism? And finally, are these credible rivals to physicalism? We meet in person and online. In person will be at the cafeteria of the applied physics lab. Snack and drinks are available for online purchase. Pizza will be provided as well at a price of $2/slice. Online will be: https://teams.live.com/meet/93583191724730?p=hY3jxVvnOciVl2aRn5 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-PS \-\- Wegman's has made an exception to their "no meetings" rule for us\. They ask us to be non\-disruptive\, and for most of us to purchase food or drink\. If someone asks\, we have been given permission to meet by Ayana Douglas\.

Zorba's Cafe on Thursdays! We will be on the 2nd floor, or if the weather allows, we will be sitting outside at a table in the street. If you don't see anyone on the 2nd floor and the weather is favorable, it means we're sitting at the table in the street. Уважаемые участники группы! Информация для тех, кто еще не посещал наши встречи - обычно подписывается меньше людей, чем приходит на встречу, "старожилы" привыкли к тому, что записываться необязательно, и просто приходят в любое удобное для них время с 5:30 до 8 часов. Так что не стесняйтесь, записывайтесь на встречу! Welcome to the old venue! Old - since we used to get together at Zorba's Cafe for many years. Come to the 2nd floor. 1612 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 This is very close to Metro Dupont Circle station. This is the same place where we got together every Thursday evening for many years before 2015. Everyone is welcome, but please keep conversation in Russian only. For many of us, this is our only chance to practice our Russian. There are happy hour prices available. Timing: Someone is usually there by 5:30, but it sometimes takes the organizers till 5:45 or so. If you get there first, please wait - we will be there! And people are usually there till at least 8. So if you can't make it right at the beginning, that is perfectly fine to arrive late! RSVP's: I encourage you to RSVP. But please know that many people don't RSVP. So it may seem like only 3 people are planning to attend, but have no fear, we usually have a good-sized fun group! (And we almost always have newcomers. So if you are planning on coming for the first time, you most likely won't be the only one.) Also, when the weather is nice we are frequently sitting outdoors. So if nobody is on the second floor, just look for the group speaking Russian at tables out on the street. And to say again - we have often had only 3 or 4 people RSVP but have 15 or so show up. So don't worry about that. See you there! Questions? Check our FAQ (http://www.meetup.com/russki-razgovor-dc/pages/Frequently_Asked_Questions/) page.

Come exchange Asian Languages that you speak! ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. We will assign tables for represented languages. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. As you all remember well, this event used to bring out hundreds of people every week. However, it was discontinued last year for obvious reasons and we couldn't gather that many people now, because of restrictions. Hence, we are downsizing and caping the number of attendees. We have super limited spots and advance ticket purchase is required. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. You ought to have register on Meetup for a free entry\. Otherwise\, you will be subject to a cover charge\. 11. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. 12.

**Meet at the trail head at the Sweetgum picnic area.** Come out and join us on the newly surfaced, rolling hills of Greenbelt National Park. This run through Greenbelt National Park consists of two loop that comes out to roughly 3 miles. With 3 hills (run twice), this is a great way to get hills in before breakfast. Both walkers and runners are welcome.

Let us meet up for a language exchange. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Hey folks! We had a blast on Singles Empowerment Day last year (which I changed from Singles Awareness Day) that I'd like to do it again. You can come by any time. I'll provide water, soda, and some snacks; you can bring a dish and anything else you want to drink. You can invite as many of your single friends as you want, including single parents. I'll be doing the same. The only rule: **I must have met you in person before, like at an event. So if you haven't been to one yet, come meet us at Upside on Moore (1/30) or the Single Lesson talk from Profs and Pints (2/12)** If you haven't been to a Meetup from this group and you think we've met, send me a private message telling me where and when. I'll send out the address closer to the date, but I'm in North Bethesda, a short walk away from the Red Line, and street parking is plentiful.

Let us speak Italian and grab a drink or two. GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well. We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't speak the other person's required language\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face language exchange event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we will greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your local languages\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to practice your languages\. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!

Ciao Amici! Let us speak Italian and grab a drink or two. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. Ci vediamo! ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't speak the other person's required language\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face language exchange event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we will greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your local languages\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to practice your languages\. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Join us for a vibrant gathering that honors the heart and hustle of local entrepreneurs. It Takes a Village is more than an event it’s a movement to uplift and spotlight small business owners who pour passion into their craft and creativity into our community. From authors and bakers to jewelry makers, t-shirt designers, candle crafters, and beyond. This is your chance to meet the makers, support their work and celebrate the spirit of collaboration. **_Expect_** * Local vendors showcasing handmade goods * Live demos and storytelling from featured creators * Food, music, and community vibes * Opportunities to shop, connect and be inspired * Celebrate the power of small businesses and we all rise

We will have lunch at Cap City Diner in Gahanna at 12:00 then walk over to the theater afterwards. The Movie Solo Mio starts at 1:20.It will be posted when tickets available to purchase probably the week before then we’ll post our seat number so we can all sit together 😎

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!

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Cup O Joe Coffee House](https://www.cupojoe.com/)!

✨ **Wicks & Sips: A Candle-Making Experience** ✨ Join us for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and calm. **Wicks & Sips** offers a beautifully curated candle-making experience designed for every woman who deserves a moment to unwind. 🕯️ **Two Experiences. One Elegant Vibe.** **Creative Experience** Create a custom, single-wick fragrant candle while enjoying light appetizers and cocktail-inspired mocktails in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. **Elevated Experience** *(limited availability)* Step into a more refined experience featuring designer-inspired decorative candle vessels, premium colors and fragrances, and guided instruction to bring your candle vision to life. Enjoy curated appetizers, desserts, cocktails, and cosmopolitan-inspired sips—plus a keepsake takeaway bag to remember the moment. [Purchase Tickets](https://www.thepastry-boutique.com/event-details/wicks-and-sips-a-candle-making-event-1)