True Crime

**Hey fellow AWS enthusiasts! ✨** This April we welcome **[Philipp Hoyer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipp-hoyer-621555174/)**, Lead Engineer at Rackspace Technology. He'll walk us through a journey of AWS' popular containerization services Amazon ECS and Amazon EKS running on Fargate by discussing which fits best for which use case, where EKS can make you go nuts and when ECS might shines brighter - or vice versa. **📆 Tonight's Agenda** 19:00 - Welcoming **19:15 - Talk by Phillip** 20:15 - Networking Thanks to our friends at **[CodeCam:N](https://www.codecamp-n.com/)** who open their offices for us and sponsor food and drinks for this evening. Looking forward to seeing you 👋🏻 Nora & Frank \-\-\- The talk ⤵️ **An AWS Container Journey - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly featuring ECS and EKS** EKS on Fargate promises fully managed Kubernetes with zero node management—but the reality is often more complex than expected. This talk explores the journey of building a production workload on EKS Fargate, starting with the initial motivations and architectural decisions. It uncovers three non-obvious pitfalls that only surface during real-world implementation, including challenges with load balancing, EFS integration, and logging. For each case, the underlying issues and the required workarounds are dissected to reveal the hidden operational complexity behind the “serverless” promise. Based on these insights, the talk takes a critical look at whether ECS on Fargate would have been the simpler alternative. It provides a concise overview of ECS, highlights its own limitations, and delivers a direct comparison between ECS and EKS. The session concludes with clear, experience-driven guidance on when to choose which service—helping teams avoid costly assumptions and make better architectural decisions in AWS container environments. The speaker⤵️ Philipp is a Lead Engineer at Rackspace Technology who enjoys turning complex cloud architectures into solutions that actually work in practice. He started in software development, moved through the DevOps world of pipelines, containers, and Kubernetes, and eventually specialized in AWS. He has built and operated cloud solutions ranging from big data and streaming platforms to containerized and serverless workloads. With experience in both insurance and automotive, his focus today is on real-world cloud challenges—especially the ones that don’t show up in the docs. Get in contact with Philipp on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipp-hoyer-621555174/) \-\-\- **Please note:** At the event, photos and videos will be taken for marketing purposes both by our hosts and our location sponsors. We try to offer a hybrid experience by providing a video stream of the talk. There will be no recording published after the event. Please also keep in mind, that we try our best effort to provide a good streaming experience. We don't offer a professional stream, so delays, technical issues or other interference are a matter to be tolerated.

Moving to a new city is exciting at first — a fresh start, new opportunities, a new chapter. But once things settle, being new in town can feel lonely. You don’t know anyone yet, you’re unsure where to go to meet people, and everyone else seems to already have their circles. That’s where we come in. Our Fast Friending evenings are designed especially for those who are new in town and ready to build real friendships — creating welcoming spaces where conversations flow naturally and meaningful connections begin. **You will need to buy a ticket for attending -** [https://lux18thapril.eventbrite.co.uk](https://lux18thapril.eventbrite.co.uk) \*You can use any debit or credit card to purchase your ticket at PayPal checkout. It will ask you for your email address but that is only to send you a receipt. You do not need a PayPal account. TICKETS:- Early Bird - €5 / person Regular Ticket - €10 / person Cash at meetup: If you do not purchase a ticket in advance then you can pay Silvia cash of €15 when you attend. **Here’s how your evening will flow:-** **7:00 PM – Welcome** Arrive at 7:00 PM and be welcomed by your host, Silvia, who will guide the evening and help with introductions. Feeling shy? Come a little early and she’ll ease you into small-group conversations. You’re also welcome to bring a lady friend along for free. **7:30 – 8:30 PM \| Fast Friending** Chat with a new attendee every 3 minutes, ensuring you meet a variety of like-minded ladies and gentlemen. **After 8:30 PM \| Open Mingling** Reconnect with those you enjoyed speaking to and continue meaningful conversations at your own pace \- We are not a close knit tight group\. Our evenings are warm and comfortable for members attending for the first time and those coming alone\. You will not feel alone\! \- We have many groups in this city\. Members of our other groups who RSVP are included as guests of the organisers in order to give you an indication of expected people\. \- This evening is for ladies and gents in the 21 to 40 age group\. While some will be at the younger end of this range there will also be others at the other end of the range and lots in\-between\! You will naturally gel with others of your own age range and so you will always find many attendees who fit your range\. \- We are not a dating group\. Our events are not organised to manage your dating life\. Our group is created to help ladies and gents meet other like minded ladies and gents\. Please do not attend our event if a perfect gender balance is important for your enjoyment of our meet\-up\. Why do we have tickets? 1. Cover our costs - Our host is compensated for their time and work. We also pay meetup and have dedicated staff to manage our events, hosts, venues and communication. 2. Group Safety - By securing your ticket we have a record and you contribute to a well organized evening where everyone is more committed and better behaved. 3. Management - Tickets help us better manage attendee group size, book suitable space and activity. ABOUT [fastfriends.co.uk ](https://fastfriends.co.uk/)- We have connected members successfully for the past 10 years in over 30 cities (operating as Expatsclub, MeetConnectDevelop and fastfriends.co.uk). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- You can contact our founder Dan on +447715705005 with any questions or ideas. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Here are some videos which will give you some guidance and comfort to make your attendance more productive.** Secrets of socializing at our meetups - [http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing ](http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing) How to make new friends - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs)

**As the grand finale of Festrogen Festival, this all-star comedy showcase brings together five of the sharpest, funniest feminist voices from across Western Europe.** Expect a night of razor-sharp wit, bold punchlines, and unapologetic hilarity, all wrapped up in the festival’s signature feminist and fun vibe. Taking place in the cosy basement of Le Croque Bedaine, this is the perfect space to spend a memorable Saturday—with a packed house, roaring laughter, and a show you do not want to miss. Tickets cost €20 in advance €25 on the door. **[Book your tickets here.](https://fienta.com/time-of-the-year)** Please note that the venue is not wheelchair accessible. However, if you have other specific needs, we will do our best to accommodate them. Please just drop us a line to let us know how we can help (info@festrogenfestival.com). ## About the artists **HP Loveshaft** is a time-traveling mad-scientist who came eye-to-eye with the Cosmic Anus & comes bearing Bad News: no-one is coming to save us. We must save ourselves & perhaps then we may save each other. HP Loveshaft incarnated in the former Soviet Union & came of age in Hollyweird USA. His studies of sex, sushi, swing dancing, sociology, sadomasochism & astrophysics made him insufferable at parties, so he turned to drag, where he could monologue to a captive audience at leisure. When the Jewish transsexual diaspora brought him to Berlin, he was inspired to minister to his own spiritual needs in a characteristically indecent manner. To reduce reliance on billionare-owned social media platforms, he has a monthly newsletter. You can [sign up here](%5Bhttps://app.keila.io/forms/nfrm_LPRGjqVj%5D(https://app.keila.io/forms/nfrm_LPRGjqVj)) & read the archive at [patreon](%5Bhttps://www.patreon.com/hpLoveshaftDrag%5D(https://www.patreon.com/hpLoveshaftDrag)) **Erin Crouch** Erin Crouch is an American comedian based in Germany. In 2025, she was paid by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs to tell jokes about Germans. She has been featured in Germany's largest comedy festival, Cologne International Comedy Festival in 2024, Boom Chicago Amsterdam (2021 and July 2024) Utrecht International Comedy Festival (2022) and Summer Comedy Marathon festival in Ohrid, N. Macedonia (2023). [https://www.instagram.com/erin_hahahaboohoo/](https://www.instagram.com/erin_hahahaboohoo/) **Jess Bauldry** is a writer and comedian who claims to have quit being a people pleaser, but let’s be real—she’s still saying “yes” to things she hates. These days, she’s hard at work perfecting her resting bitch face—just kidding, she still smiles at strangers in grocery stores like a weirdo. When not performing around Europe, Jess is the author of Substack The Alternative Expat Guide to Luxembourg and likes to steal other people’s chips. [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/bauldryjess/) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/jess.bauldry.3/) **Sharon VS** spent many years suppressing her comedic talent inside a full time corporate HR career. Finally realising that she's terrible with people, in 2022, she co-wrote a stand-up show and took it to Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This completely changed her life. She now only works part time in HR. Off-stage you will find Sharon VS gathering more material by raising a teenager in Germany. Sharon VS is a co-producer of Festrogen, the Luxembourg-based comedy festival for feminists of all genders, and a co-founder of Random Things Comedy Cologne, an inclusive open mic. **Mari Volar** is a comedian, MC and event producer from Estonia. She can often be seen on stage in various cities across Europe, where she performs as an independent comedian, or hosting comedy events with her various comedy collectives. Mari proudly brings more feminism into her comedy and more comedy into her feminism, creating a over-the-top mix in both that simply cannot be missed. She is a co-founder of Festrogen. [Website](https://marivolar.com/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/marivolar/?hl=en) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/marivolarcomedy/) This event is organised by [Festrogen Festival](https://festrogenfestival.com/), a platform that aims to inspire and support women in comedy while levelling the playing field for performers from under-represented groups. The festival is organised with the support of the Luxembourg Culture Ministry. Have specific needs or questions? We'd love to help make this place as welcoming as possible. Drop an email to [info@festrogenfestival.com](mailto:info@festrogenfestival.com) and tell us how we can do that.

Casemates is one of Luxembourg's English-speaking Toastmasters clubs - here you’ll find a supportive and friendly environment which will allow you to develop your communication skills, become a confident leader and have fun! Each meeting is clearly structured with three parts: improvised speaking on various topics, prepared speeches by members, and an evaluation part where all the speakers receive feedback. Members are holding the various roles necessary for the organisation - a different one at each meeting. You can come as a guest and see how it works for yourself - we guarantee that you will feel welcomed and will have fun in our learn-by-doing environment!

Want to practise French 🇫🇷 German 🇩🇪 English 🇬🇧 Luxembourgish 🇱🇺 — or ANY language you can find a partner for? Then join our crew of friendly expats & locals for a night of chats, laughs & global energy 🎉 In Luxembourg, speaking multiple languages is basically a superpower 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ — but this meetup is all about connection, not perfection. Beginners, pros & “I understand but can’t speak” people — all welcome 😄 Don’t feel like practising a language? 😎 No worries — you’re STILL totally welcome! come hang out, meet people & enjoy the international vibes anyway 🥂✨ Come for the languages — stay for the laughter, friendships & drinks 🍹 ✨ What You’ll Find ✔ Super chill atmosphere 😌 ✔ Expats from everywhere 🌍 ✔ Zero pressure — just vibes ✨ ✔ “How do you say…?” moments 🤔😂 ✔ Old friends & new — ❤️ 🍹 AFTER-EXCHANGE APÉRO 🤩 Languages warm-up… Drinks cool-down… Balance restored 😌🍺 Most weeks we wander to another bar afterwards for beer, bites & bonus socialising. Just follow the organisers — they know the 🔥 hotspots 😉 🪧 HOW IT WORKS ➡️ Sit with the group for the language you want to practise ➡️ Look for the table signs 📍 ➡️ Switch groups anytime — totally chill ➡️ Rare language? Post in the group & find your match 💫 ➡️ Luxembourgish shows up too 🇱🇺 ⚠️ By attending, you agree organisers can’t be held liable for regulation violations (or accidental grammar crimes 😜)

**What we will do together** **1.** Cycle from Luxembourg gare **(front of Police station)** to Echternach lake (about 45km). **2.** Have a meal at Echternach youth hostel. Those who wish to do a shorter ride can take the **bus** from Echternach back to Lux gare. **3.** Cycle from Echternach lake to Diekirch gare (about 26km). If we maintain an average speed of about 18km/hour and have a total stop time of 90 minutes (including 1 hour dining at the lake), we can finish the ride in 5 hours and 30 minutes. **Getting home from finishing point (Diekirch gare)** There are trains from Diekirch to Luxembourg Gare every 30 minutes. Also, there are buses from Diekirch to other directions. **What to bring** 1\. Your bike in tip top condition\. 2\. Energy snacks\. 3\. Lots of fluids to stay hydrated\. 4. **Packed food** for the the meal at Echternach. **ALTERNATIVELY,** you can **order food** at Echternach Youth hostel. **Disclaimer** If you decide to participate in this event, you are responsible for your own property and health. This distance (71km) requires ***high exercise tolerance/endurance/fitness.*** The organizer will **NOT BE RESPONSIBLE** for damages to the property or the health (including cycling injuries) of the participants. The organizer will be responsible for navigating the cycle route from the start point to the finish point. **Weather conditions.** Updated on 10/04/2026 ([https://www.bbc.com/weather/2960316](https://www.bbc.com/weather/2960316)) 18 degree Celsius. Mostly sunny with **27**% chance of rain. Total rain forecast is **0**mm. **If the forecast becomes worse**, the organizer **may** cancel the event 6 hours before the start time or earlier. The **terrain is 99% tarmac** (paved), 56km of which is cycle path. **Komoot route: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2122720628?share_token=a3ldIIqAvshXO07oT2z3IfKFPJWlMwGzMKWDK05LdLxOOOSJwp&ref=wtd** Want to **join our WhatsApp group?** Use this link: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/LmB9eTUkPb918blGeGaqZy?mode=ac_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LmB9eTUkPb918blGeGaqZy?mode=ac_t) ###

Living in Luxembourg can feel intense — pressure, decisions, sometimes a quiet sense of being stuck. More about me: https://lindaburchi.com This is a small, informal coffee meetup to slow down, reflect, and get a bit more clarity on what’s going on in your life right now.

AFTERWORK COMEDY Get ready to unwind and laugh out loud at Bar Grand’Place Luxembourg! Join us every Wednesday at 19h30 (CET) for a chill afterwork comedy session. It’s the perfect way to kick back, enjoy some great jokes, and meet cool people. Don’t miss out on the fun and good vibes in the heart of Luxembourg! Get your free tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afterwork-comedy-tickets-1985050587744

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

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You’ll gain insights into: ✅ The true definition of the subconscious ✅ How it generates unwanted emotions ✅ Its real purpose and function ✅ What determines the pressure it exerts on you And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** But this isn’t just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It’s interactive and engaging—you can ask questions at any time. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

Join Neurospicy Columbus at the Stauff's for coffee and then a stroll through the Book Loft nearby! This will be a friendly chat for like minded individuals with Autism and/or ADHD (or somewhere on the Neurodiverse Spectra).

Dinner and dancing