TED

This meetup is your introduction to Dianetics, and you can have your questions answered. **[DIANETICS THE ALL-TIME CLASSIC ON THE HUMAN MIND](https://www.dianetics.org/about/films/what-is-dianetics.html)** For 75 years, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health has remained popular, with over 20 million copies sold across 206 nations. Why? Because it challenges everything you thought you knew-about yourself, your decisions, and the unseen influences affecting your life. You may not know what the reactive mind is-yet. But once you do, it will change your life forever. This hidden part of your mind stores painful experiences and uses them against you, altering your thoughts, emotions and behaviors in ways you don't even realize. Inside this handbook, you'll discover: • Why the same struggles keep repeating—and how you can break free • The real reason behind stress, unreasonable fears, and negative emotions • A clear step-by-step method to clear your mind and unlock your true potential This is not theory—it's a practical, one-on-one journey into your reactive mind and how you can get rid of it. You don't have to wait for change-you can start today. **Discover the Power of Your Mind** Join us for a relaxed, interactive **Dianetics Meetup**, where it's your chance to explore the groundbreaking discoveries in *Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health* and have all your questions answered. Come with your curiosity—leave with insight. Ask for Michel, Pam or Donovan. If the time and date do not suit you personally, you may reschedule, SMS Pam on: 0405 648 822 https://www.dianetics.org/about/films/what-is-dianetics.html

AWS re:Invent is Amazon Web Services’ flagship global technology conference, held annually in Las Vegas since 2012. Every year, the most critical updates and shifts around Kubernetes, Amazon EKS, and AI are first discussed, debated, validated, and refined at re:Invent — shaping technology decisions for years to come. This is not just another tech conference. It is where engineers, architects, and AWS core teams collectively define the future direction of cloud technology. Many AWS technologies are officially announced for the very first time at re:Invent. And just recently, AWS re:Invent has concluded in the US. From AWS re:Invent to Melbourne Bringing Global Cloud Insights to the Local Tech Community Shortly after re:Invent wrapped up, JR Academy is bringing first-hand insights from the global cloud stage directly to Melbourne. At this critical moment, JR Academy, together with KSUG, is hosting an in-person technical meetup to share real observations and discussions straight from the conference floor. This is not a replay or summary of re:Invent sessions. It’s a focused exchange that brings key global cloud judgments back to the local engineering community. Not a “Re-cap”, but a Deep Technical Exchange What engineers bring back from AWS re:Invent is rarely just slide decks. More often, it’s: Which EKS and AI directions were repeatedly discussed on-site Which technologies looked promising, yet sparked real debate among engineers How personal technical judgments and engineering thinking evolve after high-density information exposure These insights are difficult to fully capture through live streams, blogs, or recap articles — yet they are often the most valuable inputs for real-world technical decisions. JR Academy hopes to open these discussions to more engineers. **Event Focus** 🔹 First-hand perspectives from [AWS](https://aws.amazon.com) re:Invent Participants who attended re:Invent in person will share what they saw, heard, and felt — beyond what appeared in keynotes. 🔹 Amazon EKS & Kubernetes topics Exploring changes in platform capabilities, architecture design, and engineering practices, and discussing the next phase of Kubernetes within the AWS ecosystem. 🔹 AI insights & emerging trends Practical takeaways and new signals around AI from the conference. **Event Perks** 🎯 Food & drinks available from 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM (first come, first served) 🧃 Open networking & face-to-face technical discussions **Registration Notes** ⚠️ Amazon Office security requirements: Photo ID required (Passport or Driver’s License) Registration must be under your real name Thank you for your understanding. **Event Details** 📍 Location Amazon MEL12, Level 13 304/555 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 🕠 Time January 14, 2025 — 6:00 PM (Melbourne time) 🎯 How to Register Click “Attend” on the right to secure your spot. 📍 Technical Community Discussion After registration, please contact JR Academy (Xiao Hua) to join the group for deeper technical discussions. Why JR Academy Keeps Doing This At JR Academy, we believe the real gap between engineers is not just about mastering individual tools — but about building independent understanding and judgment at the very beginning of change. Not everyone can attend AWS re:Invent in person. But the key insights it generates deserve to be heard as early as possible. That’s exactly why we bring it to you. **🤝 Acknowledgements** AWS Melbourne Office — Venue support [KSUG](https://ksug.ai/) — Global AI & Cloud-Native Community

Today's meetup is about the book Dianetics the modern science of mental health. Dianetics is the original Drug Free **mental health phenomenon** that inspired the entire self-help movement. It has been positively and **permanently transforming millions of lives** for over six decades. Dianetics is indisputably the most widely read and influential book ever written about the human mind. Learn about the previously unknown source of nightmares, unreasonable fears, anxiety, upsets, and insecurities which enslave Man. Find out what it is that commands one to act irrationally against your own wishes and goals. Dianetics helps you to set and reach your goals. Dianetics will help you reveal to you the one person you've always wanted to know - YOU Ask for Pam or Donavan .

**Register now to attend! =>** [https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-01-14](https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-01-14) **<=** **Latest promotions** discovered by our community! * **30%** off [KubeCon Europe](https://ksug.ai/events/?ref=meet) 2026 using code **KSAI** * **30%** off [Linux Foundation](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet) Certs using code **30K8SUG** * Up to **30%** off popular [Books](https://ksug.ai/books/?ref=meet) and [Events](https://ksug.ai/events/?ref=meet) * **25%** off [THRIVE-ONE subscription](https://jf1.ksug.ai) We're excited to welcome you to the upcoming **KSUG.AI Australia Meetup** — happening both in-person at at Amazon and online via [Zoom](https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai)! 🎉 We're actively seeking more awesome AI topic speakers! 👉 [https://speaker.ksug.ai](https://speaker.ksug.ai) **Agenda and topics preview:** * Food, drinks and Socializing * Welcome / Introductions by the Organizers @**[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** * **Topic 1:** **AWS re:Invent re:Cap** by our panelists, **Dale** Orders, **Stephen** Sennet, **Matthew** Gillard, **Michael** Walmsley * **Topic 2:** **Amazon** **EKS update** by **Andrew** Jarrett from **AWS** * **Quiz time:** nice swags giveaways Food and drinks will be provided between **5.30 and 6 pm** on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a great opportunity to learn and network with our peers. Thanks to our sponsors @**[Amazon](https://aws.com/)**, @**[KodeKloud](https://kodekloud.com/k8sug)**! **[Register here](https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-01-14) to secure your spot!** See you all there! **Location:** Amazon MEL12, Level 13.304 [555 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kbi13GZqj2zDqDz2A) Join **[#Discord](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua)** for latest update 👉 [https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua) 🔖 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬: ☸ 30% OFF **[Kubernetes](https://lf.ksug.ai/)** Certs - Code: **30K8SUG** ☸ 37% OFF **[KodeKloud](https://ksug.ai/kk/?ref=meet)** Plans - Code: **K8SUGKK** 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐞 𝐃𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬: ✅ Learn 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⚡ ✅ Certify 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 💰 ✅ Grow 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 💪 𝟏𝟖𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎+ follow **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** 🔥 [linktr.ee/ksug.ai](https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai) *By registering, you consent to the management of your personal information in accordance with KSUG.AI Meetup's [Privacy Policy](https://k8sug.ai/privacy). Additionally, you agree that our sponsors may contact you.* **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** is an independent community and not affiliated with or endorsed by CNCF. Kubernetes, K8s, Kubestronaut are registered trademarks of The Linux Foundation.

Health, Wealth & Happiness (Success) Through Communication, Free Class! Perhaps unnoticed by ourselves but your Communication level is your Life's Most Valuable Skill. You learned how to talk..... but did you learn how to communicate? You need outstanding communication skills to have fulfilling relationships and truly get what you want out of life. Experts estimate that lack of communication is the leading cause of all failed relationships. Friendships, family, peers, professional and intimate relationships are all affected by the proficiency of your communication - The better the communication, the better the relationship. Communication is more then just speaking and listening - it is the foundation upon which every relationship in your life is build. Communication - real communication can take down invisible walls that block understanding and prevent happiness and success. Correct communication is integral to your prosperity (ability to earn and control money) and well-being (Health and Happiness). Today you will learn that there are 18 essential exact interpersonal communication skills needed to boom your self-confidence and life itself. The solvent for anyone's' problems is improved Communication. Therefore improving your knowledge about communication and improving your skills will transform your future. Free Parking, Coffee and Tea provided. Unable to attend our meetups? : Watch Scientology Network TV. go to : www.scientology.tv or www.twitter.com/scientologytv or www.facebook.com/scientologytv or Instagram.com/scientologytv or www.youtube.com/scientology This free class is open to all people of goodwill. Our meetup classes contain universal knowledge that is applicable to all of us and can be used by anyone of any faith as well as by those with no faith. It consist of practical tools that can be used straight away. Our meetups contain TOOLS for better living that will assist you in achieving your goals!

THESE Day time Events are for those Ready to gain more information about Spiritual Growth, THE JOURNEY. It has been slotted to run for 3 Hours, but anyone can stay the entire time or freely choose to leave early. I have DVD or CD recordings that help those interested get a far greater understanding about Jesus / Isa / Yoshua's Teachings (Same Brilliant Man/ Eternal Soul when on Earth and named Differently by 3 Different Religions - Christian - Jesus, Muslim - Isa and Jewish - Yoshua). There are also DVD or CD recordings from Joseph Campbell, Deepak Chopra, Mother Theresa, Stuart Wilde, David Hawkins, Esther Hicks, Dennis Waitley, Gregg Braden, Wayne Dyer and Other Smart Spiritual and Gifted Teachers of The Human Mind and Spirit. Topics that can be covered include: How "A Course in Miracles" came to be, Near Death Experiences, The Second Coming, The Evolution of Mankind's Spiritual Understanding, The Human Ego, Buddhism, The Christian Teachings EDITED FROM The Bible, Taoism, Ayurveda, Zen, Chi, The Bhagavad - Gita and Guided Meditations. We can workout on the Day what to watch, listen to or discuss to advance The Group Spiritually. There are Guided Meditations, The Entire - A Course in Miracles and many of The Current and Recently Departed Famous Spiritual Teachers on CD. There are also DVD's and CD's for learning how to control Emotions and Reduce Stress. NOTE: SPIRITUAL TRUTH can be stranger than what most humans call fiction on this planet, which has a long history of Hardship, War, Struggle with a sprinkle of Beauty, Excitement and Peace to attract us, give value and delay or purpose of rising above this dimension.

Join us every **Wednesday at 5 PM** at the Emporium food court (located behind Grill’d Burger Restaurant in the CBD, not near Melbourne Station) for a dynamic networking event tailored for filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts. Afterward, we continue the evening with Happy Hour drinks at a nearby bar and a chance to grab dinner together. Understanding that schedules vary, feel free to join at any time that suits you. Rain or shine, our community has gathered every week for the past year, maintaining a consistent and welcoming environment. Our group has grown remarkably, with a **weekly turnout of over 50 participants**, blending newcomers with regulars to create a vibrant, diverse community. Feel free to bring friends interested in filmmaking; it’s a great way to introduce new faces to our expanding network. Whether you’re a writer, actor, animator, or independent filmmaker, come share your experiences, discuss current projects, or chat about favorite films. This event fosters connections among like-minded individuals, encourages friendships, and opens doors for collaboration. At **7 PM**, we move to The Carlton Club, a five-minute walk away, where we continue networking in a more formal rooftop setting over drinks and food. This change of venue offers an ideal environment to keep conversations flowing. **RSVP** to help us gauge attendance and become part of a growing network of film professionals and enthusiasts. Though the event begins in the afternoon, the relationships you build here can last well into the night and beyond. **What to Expect:** *Our Wednesday meetup is primarily a large networking event for industry professionals. There’s no set theme, workshop, or speaker. It’s a relaxed gathering where filmmakers, actors, and creatives can connect, discuss projects, share needs, and learn from each other. Conversations flow freely around the table, fostering an environment of growth and camaraderie. Beyond Wednesdays, we also host exclusive events such as table reads, cinematography workshops with Panasonic, member screenings, and more. Each week brings fresh dialogues—some participants discuss their weekend shoots, others exchange insights with seasoned producers and directors, and a few engage in filmmaking exercises. It’s a space designed for creative engagement without strict structure or formal oversight.* *Note: Our community emphasizes collaboration, friendship, and goodwill rather than promotional activities. If you wish to promote a workshop, course, screening, or similar event, please contact the organizers first. Promotional privileges are generally reserved for trusted, long-standing members.

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive workshop - Become the charismatic leader Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Passion!!! 1\. Fast\-paced\, energized and exciting meets 2\. We practice **bold, confident** and **dynamic** leadership! 3. **Everyone talks** multiple times during super-interactive workshops every meet - Plus the chance to speak on the big stage for those that are keen 4. **FAST LEARNING** **Free parking** close-by: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing leadership & teamwork Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

Welcome to our first movie event for 2026, hosted by our new co-organizer for movies, Harris. We're watching RENTAL FAMILY starring Brendan Fraser. **Itinerary:** Meet at Kino Cinema at 4.15 for the 4.30pm screening. Get your ticket here: https://buy.palacecinemas.com.au/?cinema=300&session=265759 About the movie: https://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/rental-family We can sit together or separately (to be introvert-friendly). After the movie, there's an option to go out to dinner together if you'd like - and if your social battery can manage. **Getting There:** Kino Cinemas is at Collins Place, 45 Collins Street. Closest train station is Parliament. P.S. There is no organizer fee for this event. You just need to pay for your own ticket and any food and drinks you choose to purchase.

Where does your body end and your emotions begin? Are we ruled by our rational brains or our irrational emotions? Is it a bit of both, or something even more subtle? Affect theory explores human responses to life. * **[Introduction to Affect Theory: Brian Massumi & Eve Sedgwick (0-5.27 seconds)](youtube.com/watch?si=b0ekwCyHL23BmHEV&v=SeMS8QEYIQU&feature=youtu.be)** 1. What do you think “The affective turn” means ( mid-1990’s evolution of thought) 2. Do you think affect theory helps us understand the urges that humans have that they can’t explain? 3. Focussing on subjective feelings and responses is a contrast to trying to quantify and understand facts about events, how do you feel about that? 4. What do you think about the idea being of your body being something that “moves” and “feels”? * **[Spinoza’s Affect and Emotion “affect is a non-conscious experience of intensity” (Shouse, 2005)](youtube.com/watch?si=VohTy1V6AvPLhdm0&v=5bX-H7dYoP0&feature=youtu.be)** 1\. What do you think about Spinoza’s thought? 2\. What do you think about understanding the world through “emotion” instead of with our intellectual analysis? 3\. What emotions/affects do you think are driving some of the big things in culture? 4\. Does the mind connect to the body? How does emotion affect the body? * **[The Rise and Fall of the Main Stream Media From 1:04:28 – 1:11 ish](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iwOTyv1gyY&list=PLl3m0F1lodbNKr-4yIGBBU-HmPdHJQ2QF)** 1\. How much do you think “affect” has a role in changing the way people engage with media? 2\. What other forces do you think are involved? 3\. Has the splintering of MSM and the proliferations of new voices and platforms triggered “affects” or the other way around? 4\. Is populism a type of affect? Is it still rising? In force\, or on the wane? **Affect Theory vs. Jordan Peterson’s Worldview** | **Aspect** | **Affect Theory** | **Jordan Peterson’s Worldview** | | ------ | ------------- | --------------------------- | | **Classification** | Post-structuralist; interdisciplinary (philosophy, cultural theory, anthropology) | Modernist; rooted in psychology, Judeo-Christian ethics, evolutionary principles | | **Core Idea** | Focus on pre-conscious intensities, bodily sensations, and affective forces shaping experience | Humans need order, responsibility, and meaning to thrive | | **Epistemology** | Relational; skeptical of universal truths; emphasizes flows and emergent phenomena | Values objective truth, universal principles, hierarchical structures | | **View of Order** | Non-hierarchical; dynamic networks of relations | Hierarchical order is natural and necessary for stability | | **Goal** | Understand how affects circulate in culture, shaping identity and politics | Help individuals orient morally and psychologically in a complex world | **Extra Reading:** Shouse, E. (2005). Feeling, Emotion, Affect. M/C Journal, 8(6). [https://doi.org/10.5204/mcj.2443](https://journal.media-culture.org.au/index.php/mcjournal/article/view/2443)

With 2026 upon us, it’s the perfect timing for another Neurosparkles picnic & barbecue at Edinburgh Gardens in Fitzroy! Come down, enjoy the sunshine (fingers crossed 🤞!), meet new people and have some great food. ***BYO sausages, meats, vegan/vegetarian options and bread or a dish to share (encouraged but optional!). There is not much seating at Edinburgh Gardens so please bring your own picnic blankets or camping chairs.*** Pets are allowed if they're well-behaved ;) Though children are not as this is a Meetup group for adults. **When:** Saturday 17th January **Time:** 12:30pm to 4:30pm **(come and go anytime)** **Where:** Edinburgh Gardens, Alfred Crescent, North Fitzroy (we will be at the **northern end** of the park, closest to the North Fitzroy Library) If you have issues finding us feel free to comment below or message an event host via Meetup or post in our WhatsApp community. Location is here: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/8hFEh22CP6keWmqZ7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8hFEh22CP6keWmqZ7) What to bring (optional): * Picnic mats, foldable chairs, or blankets * **Sausages, meats, vegan/vegetarian options and bread** * A dish, snacks, or non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy or share * Games or cards if you’d like to keep things lively * Bug zapper to keep the pests away! Remember to stay hydrated, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen and insect repellent. In case of poor weather or extreme heat, we will reschedule the event. Nearest transport: * Route 11 tram (Stop 21 - Alfred Crescent) then 3 minute walk * Route 504 bus ***If at any point you have concerns or are made to feel uncomfortable by about group member, please notify one of the organisers.*** Disclaimer & Safety Notice By attending this Meetup, you agree: • Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. • Organisers are community volunteers, not medical or professional providers. • You are responsible for your own safety, choices, and belongings. • Organisers are not liable for injury, loss, or damage at any time. • If you have health or access needs, please make your own arrangements. • In an emergency, call 000 immediately. By joining, you accept full responsibility for your actions and well-being.

Ever wondered how humanity would respond to an asteroid heading for Earth? Or how the world might react to first contact with aliens? Welcome to **The Thought Experiment** — a new kind of meetup where we explore big *“What if…?”* scenarios in a fun but thoughtful way. Each session, we’ll pick one scenario (from global crises to wild sci-fi situations) and work together to imagine solutions, strategies, and possibilities. This is for **curious minds of all kinds** — students, professionals, creatives, or anyone who enjoys thinking differently. Some people might bring research, others just bring imagination. Either way, we’ll brainstorm together and see where the discussion takes us. [Thought Experiment Site](https://thoughtexperiment.au) **We ask everyone to Buy a drink at the venue** **You Need to have Conversational English.** **Format:** * Quick intro to the scenario * Small-group discussions * Share back with the group * Wrap up + (optional) post-discussion drinks For our first meetup, we’ll introduce the format, get to know each other, and jump into a scenario together. ***Story Arc: Apocalypse*** Keywords: Viral Outbreak, Halloween Encore, Zombies **Scenario: Containment Failure** Next Week in the Horrors of Consciousness Series. It began in a private research facility — a corporation working on a cure for everything. Disease. Aging. Even death itself. But something went wrong. A breach. Something escaped. Those exposed don’t die — they change. Cities are falling silent. Denial is policy. We are the last survivors — trapped, desperate, and running out of time. Will we trust each other… or turn on our own? And along the way… there will be twists. Join us this Saturday, 3–5 PM at Oxford Scholar. A small group. Big imagination. No right answers — just curiosity, debate & fun.

Join us for a relaxed networking drinks with other couples who value meaningful conversation, intentional living, and want to work on a business or a project together (or already are). This isn’t your average couples’ Meetup. 💡 **Please note:** This event is specifically for couples attending together. RSVPs without a +1 (partner) will be cancelled to keep the balance of the group. 📅 **il Mercato Centrale Melbourne** **📍 Limited to 10 couples** so grab your spot early 🍷**Happy Hour** drink specials from 5:00pm **💬 Conversation Starters** Each time we meet includes a few rotating topics to spark insight and great chats: * A habit that made your life better as a couple * A travel story with a twist (funny, unique, or unexpected) * Something you’re learning right now * A tip on how to work with your partner's personality and communication styles No need to prep, just come ready to connect. We’ll mix up seating halfway through so you meet more than just the couple beside you. **🧠 Who This Is For** * Couples into growth, learning, and intentional living * Those building something together, or who want to * People who want deeper connection, not surface-level chat This isn’t networking. It’s real people and real convos. Just bring yourselves, curiosity, and an open mind. We’ll take care of the rest. **👥 Hosted by Matt & Justine Stuckings** Matt & Justine are the kind of couple who live for deep chats over food, spontaneous adventures, and connecting with people who live life on purpose. Matt’s a 6’4 ex-photographer turned marketer and entrepreneur. He’s into Pickleball, boutique breweries, and discovering weird restaurants and books that make life (and business) better. If it helps him grow or gets him thinking differently, he’s probably already into it. Justine’s a connector at heart. She’s a uni teacher and entrepreneur who loves mentoring, dancing, dark hot chocolate, and surrounding herself with people who think big and care deeply. Together, they host events that feel relaxed but intentional, welcoming but meaningful. They started this event to find more of their people. Curious, kind, growth-minded couples who want more than just small talk.

“It is a story of family and relationships, of life’s inevitabilities, and the surprises we can nonetheless carve from those. Its gut-wrenching despair is matched by a strange optimism, a powerful embrace of the possibilities of life and love that stays with you long after the end credits roll.” “Buckley’s performance is ferocious and astounding, starting off strong and somehow picking up power as the movie goes along.” The New York Times. We will meet at the Nova Bar from 3:45 p.m. onwards, please book your tickets early. After the film we will meet downstairs for discussion, drinks and food. Stefan - 0437777522

2026 may be the last year many developers write code by hand. We need coding agents to solve complex problems in production codebases, but vibe coding alone won’t get us there. Vibe coding is all gas, no brakes. It burns up the context window until the agent slips on its own slop. You can go fast at first, but the more you stuff into the context window, the more tangled its outputs get. While the industry is rapidly increasing code generation speed, we still have to understand, review, merge, and maintain what gets shipped. This talk featuring Michael Geiger will outline how coding agents (Claude Code + Gas Town) work and a framework for orchestrating them to solve complicated problems in complex codebases. It’s about steering the model: doing the research to align intent, planning the approach up front, implementing in parallel steps, and breaking early. Human judgment still matters, but it should be spent on high-leverage decisions: what to build, what to forbid, and “what is quality?”, not cleaning up slop. Attendees will leave with a checklist to identify workflow and environment gaps that hold agents back, so you and your team can ship higher-quality software starting tomorrow.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Optional topic for this meet up: Is life a dream? Dreams feel real while they last. Could life work the same way? How do we know we’re awake, and what follows if we can’t be sure? Let’s kick that around over a around of drinks: • What makes something feel real: continuity, shared evidence, or meaning? • How would you tell you’re awake (reality checks, memory, other people)? • If life is dreamlike, what becomes of free will and responsibility? • Is identity a story we keep telling—who’s the narrator? • Are we author, actor, or audience in our dreams and how would you tell? • Does art/film reveal reality or replace it? No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it’s fun.

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 **Abstract** GitHub Copilot is rapidly changing how developers write, understand, and maintain code. Powered by generative AI and deeply integrated into modern development environments, Copilot acts as an intelligent coding assistant, helping developers move faster while maintaining quality and focus. In this session, we’ll explore what GitHub Copilot is, how it works, and where it fits into a real-world developer workflow. We’ll break down what Copilot can (and cannot) do, where it can be used, and how licensing differs for individuals and organizations. Most importantly, this talk goes beyond theory with a live, hands-on demo showcasing Copilot inside the IDE and on GitHub, demonstrating how it can assist with code generation, refactoring, learning new APIs, and accelerating day-to-day development tasks. Designed for developers, technical leads, and engineering managers, this session provides a practical introduction to AI-assisted development, highlights best practices for getting value from Copilot, and closes with guidance on how to continue learning and evolving alongside this rapidly advancing tool. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how GitHub Copilot can enhance productivity, improve developer experience, and fit into modern software teams today, not someday. **YouTube Link** TBA

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

Happy New Year Colleagues, The next Columbus Futurists public forum will be **Thursday January 15 at 12:00 pm noon** (eastern) [https://osu.zoom.us/j/93451873651?pwd=RXIyZ2t5RjRqRG02UGQ1aEFVQ1NFZz09](https://osu.zoom.us/j/93451873651?pwd=RXIyZ2t5RjRqRG02UGQ1aEFVQ1NFZz09) Please come prepared to offer your **"What if?" questions for 2026**. (I will offer seven to begin our conversation.) I also would like to announce the publication of my latest book: *[Anticipatory Biographies: Personal Histories of the Future](https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-08912-0)*, the tenth volume in the “Anticipation Science” series. Grounded in design fiction, futures research, anticipation science, and scenario writing, *Anticipatory Biographies* envisions how the world will be reshaped by artificial intelligence, technological automation, climate change, political disintegration, and the decline of higher education. This work of creative non-fiction bridges literary and scholarly forms, blending biography and design fiction with research-based insights to offer a narrative-based method for exploring futures. Ed Finn, Director of the Center for Science and the Imagination at Arizona State University says: “In this book **David Staley has invented a delightful new genre: the future biography.** He invites us to step into gritty, thrilling, and inspiring futures elbow-to-elbow with the characters living those stories. *Anticipatory Biographies* beautifully synthesizes Staley’s training as a historian, his expertise as a futurist, and his desire to ignite the imagination of his readers.” Hope you'll be able to read it, and hope to see you all on the 15th. D. David J. Staley, Ph.D. President, Columbus Futurists 614.316.1348 [columbus.futurists@gmail.com](mailto:columbus.futurists@gmail.com) [http://columbusfuturists.org](http://columbusfuturists.org/) [https://davidjstaley.substack.com/](https://davidjstaley.substack.com/) 

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