Visual Effects
Meet other local people interested in Visual Effects: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Visual Effects group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out visual effects events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the visual effects events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find visual effects events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Visual Effects Events Today
Join in-person Visual Effects events happening right now
Weekend drink and mingle @ Calypso lounge
小酌消烦暑,人间正清欢
周末的时光,不应该空白!
炎炎夏日 | 微醺才是打开盛夏的正确方式
遇见·城市部落诚挚的邀请您参加:
和新老朋友一起假期小酌,邂逅漫时光。酒到微醺,开启夏日的时尚社交!
邀清风作陪,与明月对饮
这一刻,是独属于你的微醺!
时间:晚7:30-10点
地点:Calypso地中海酒廊
报名费含指定鸡尾酒或葡萄酒,啤酒一杯
Meetup Citywalk invite you to join our Holiday drink & mingle with fellows at Calypso Lounge this Saturday evening.
Meet and mingle with fellows, enjoy a drink or two and have fun! Don't be afraid to come alone. You'll make new friends quickly. See you there!
Ticket price RMB 68 including one drink(Cocktail or wine, beer)
Shanghai 3 hour bike tour with coffee break
Embark on an enriching bike tour through the dynamic city of Shanghai, blending adventure, culture, and relaxation. This tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city's vibrant neighborhoods, historical sites, and hidden gems.
Tour Highlights:
Exclusive small tour group with up to 6 person
Historical Landmarks and Modern Marvels:
Begin in central Shanghai, cycling through a mix of colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers. Visit the Bund and admire the contrasting architectural styles.
Bustling Markets and Serene Parks:
Navigate lively markets and tranquil parks, experiencing both the city's vibrant street life and peaceful green spaces.
Cultural Insights and Local Flavors:
Explore the Former French Concession, with its tree-lined avenues and historic mansions. Learn about local customs and Shanghai’s art scene.
Charming Coffee Break:
Take a break at a quaint local café, savoring freshly brewed coffee and pastries. Enjoy a moment of relaxation and engage with fellow travelers.
Hidden Gems and Scenic Routes:
Discover lesser-known neighborhoods and scenic routes, including hidden temples and vibrant street art, revealing Shanghai’s authentic spirit.
Tour Details:
Price: 300RMB/Person
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy (suitable for everybody)
Inclusions: Professional guide, bike rental
Flexibility: You can either choose to end the tour at the bund or back to meeting point
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, water bottle, camera
Meeting Point: Central location in Shanghai (details provided upon booking)
Contact: You can add me on wechat 13052007784 or call me directly with the same number to book your tour.
Why Choose This Tour:
Ideal for travelers seeking a unique, active way to explore Shanghai, this tour balances sightseeing, cultural immersion, and relaxation. Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and groups, it promises unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of Shanghai’s heritage and contemporary charm.
Experience the magic of Shanghai on this captivating bike tour with a coffee break, discovering the city one pedal at a time.
Weekend Drink & Mingle
晚7-9点 周末小酌@静安香格里拉Calypso地中海酒廊!
Meetup Citywalk invite you to join our weekend drink & Mixer event at Calypso lounge. Meet and mingle with fellows, enjoy a drink or two and have fun! Don't be afraid to come alone and you can make friends quickly here since most of us also come alone too. See you there!
周末的时光,不应该空白!
遇见·城市部落诚挚的邀请您一起来Calypso地中海酒廊参加after-work drink,和新老朋友一起小酌,邂逅漫时光。花看半开 酒到微醺,开启夏日时尚社交!
2026 Shanghai Pub Crawl (#1 Bar-hopping/night life) 15-30 people per event
Welcome to the Shanghai Pub Crawl! If you're someone who loves trying different drinks, making new friends, and exploring the nightlife of Shanghai, this group is made for you.
**Our Events:** Join us at 9 PM for our exciting pub crawl events that give you a chance to discover the coolest nightlife spots in Shanghai. Here's what you can expect:
* **Free shots** (one free shot at each bar)
* **Free club entry ticket** (usually priced at 100CNY and up)
* Bar-hopping (**3 Bars+1 Club, 4 hours tour**)
* People from all over the world (Usually 15-25 people.)
* Photos for attendees
* Free taxi transfers between bars
Who is this for? Everyone!!! Tourists / Expats / Locals / Students - Whether you're a night owl or just looking to try out different bars, all are welcome to join!
🔴 **Q&A**
1. **Q: Is it suitable for someone going alone?**
**A:** Absolutely! In fact, 90% of our guests come by themselves.
2. **Q: How many people usually join the event?**
**A:** On weekdays, around 15–25 people; on Saturdays, about 15–35 people.
3. **Q: Is there a dress code?**
**A:** No dress code, just avoid wearing flip-flops.
4. **Q: Do I need to bring my passport?**
**A:** No, it’s not necessary.
5. **Q: On which days do events take place?**
**A:** Usually on Thursdays and Saturdays, but please check the schedule on Meetup. Make sure to contact the organizer first, or you might end up at the wrong place.
6. **Q: I don’t drink. Is this event suitable for me?**
**A:** Of course! The event is all about socializing, not getting drunk. But the price is the same, and we can’t replace the free shots with drinks or anything else.
7. **Q: I saw that no one has signed up on the Meetup app. I was wondering if this is common until the day of the event, or if people usually don’t sign up there?**
**A:** There will be enough people for the event, most people just don't sign up here
🔴 **Ticket**:
1. Online: ¥***150 RMB = $ 20*** ([click to buy tickets here](https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/4-hour-shanghai-pub-crawl-bar-hoppingnightlife-tour-tickets-1048633911257?aff=meetup0eventinfo))
2. Pay on arrival: ***¥180***
🔴 **Contact**:
(Please be sure to contact the organizer before you come)
WeChat (ID): ***PubCrawl_Shanghai***
WhatsAPP: **8618101241515**
Official website: [https://shanghaipubcrawl.com](shanghaipubcrawl.com)
For official tickets, extra ticket options, and INS All-Access tickets, please visit our official website.
Official Instagram: [@](https://www.instagram.com/pubcrawl_shanghai/)**[pubcrawl_shanghai](https://www.instagram.com/pubcrawl_shanghai/)**
Check out photos from our past events and get a feel for the vibe.
**🔴** **Meeting location**: We will meet at a bar called “Side Bar,” which you can find on Google Maps.
Chinese address: 上海市 黄浦区 茂名南路 56号 食尚谷1层
[Click here to open on Google Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/FHoCNWVpSt6bo3tt9)
**🔴** **As long as the event is listed on Meetup, we will definitely organize it. Most people actually don’t sign up through Meetup**
ShanghAI AI — 参加 #1 上海最佳活动 — Join #1 Top Best Event Talkspace
▶️ What we do / 我们聊什么?
我们不仅有AI活动 还有AI 茶话会 AI路演 还有复旦 大学创业 AI 项目展示
We meet to talk about AI and its impact on daily life and business(人工智能如何影响我们的生活和商业).
Instead of worrying about being replaced by AI,我们一起探索:
How to benefit from AI, not be replaced by it (如何用好 AI,而不是被它取代)
Fun side projects, startup ideas, and real use cases
Tools, prompts, agents, automation… anything AI
▶️ Open, casual, for everyone / 轻松开放,欢迎所有人
Every Saturday 7:30pm, Anyone is welcome to:
give a short talk or demo(欢迎闪电分享 / 小分享)
share a story or idea about AI
or just come, listen, and chat over coffee
无论你是开发者、创业者、学生、设计师、投资人,还是刚开始对 AI 好奇,这里都有适合你的位置。No prior AI background required.
🏠: 复旦科技园副楼一楼
📍Fudan science park
▶️location video guide: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8)
🎫:Early-bird: 35 RMB = 5$ 【set going before 】
normal 40 RMB = 6$
At the Door 50RMB = 7$【At the door buy 】
#公众号:说会英语
#视频号:说会英语
#小程序://互动吧/h1LX5oWSDmgO10v
#小程序://微博/H1VOJN21MjI0Tjx
#公众号:说会英语
#视频号:说会英语
#[小红书:说会英语](https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5f2ccb430000000001000244)
WeChat:17317121983 【Please be sure to add us to get the latest information】
Language Exchange - YouTube
🔴Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/languageexchangeshanghai
🔴Whatsapp group which you can join here:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BRscBnmLynICxeOQycSvWq
🇬🇧🇺🇸🇳🇱🇦🇷🇬🇭🇿🇦🇧🇩🇫🇯🇦🇪🇷🇺🇵🇦🇯🇲🇵🇪🇵🇷🇹🇷🇬🇷🇺🇦🇦🇿🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳
AI 吃货群
**\*\*\*请勿通过Meetup联系我们。所有沟通必须通过微信进行\*\*\***
一起吃饭
聊AI
如果有兴趣, 加我 **微信: GTcanada**
我有一个 **微信** AI 吃货群
Visual Effects Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Shanghai Xuyan • 叙宴叙敦煌
Looking for a dining experience that goes beyond just food in Shanghai?
Step into a world where cuisine meets performance, and every dish tells a story.
At **Xu Yan (叙宴)**, dining becomes an immersive cultural journey — blending fine Chinese gastronomy with theatrical storytelling and stunning visuals.
More than just a restaurant, Xu Yan is a multi-sensory dining experience where tradition, art, and modern creativity come together on one stage.
**Time & Date:** Flexible booking (**1 day in advance**)
**Location:** No. 40 Wenshui Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China (上海市静安区汶水路40号).
**Access:** Metro Line 1, Wenshui Road Station (Exit 2).
**Hours:** Lunch 11:50 AM - 2:00 PM; Dinner 6:50 PM - 9:00 PM.
**Recommendations:** It is highly recommended to arrive 1–2 hours early if you have booked costume/makeup packages.
**Activity Duration:** 3 hours
**Shanghai Xuyan • Xu Dunhuang pricing:**
❤ Lunch:
SVIP Seats: 598/person (same price for all sizes).
VIP Seating: 498/person
General Admission: 398/person
❤Dinner:
SVIP Seats: 698/person (same price for all sizes).
VIP Seating: 598/person
General seating: 498/person.
❤ Attire: Makeup and hairstyle – 188/person, clothing – 100/person.
❤Child ticket:
1\. Height below 130 cm: 198/seat\. Options include VIP\+regular seating\.
2\. You must sit in the same area as an adult; you cannot be seated alone\.
3\. Child tickets do not include the option to select SVIP seating\.
**What's included**
* Meal
* Performance
* booking service fee
* Transportation
* All personal expenses and fees not mentioned in the inclusions.
Strings & Ink: A Journey into Chinese Aesthetics – Guqin and Shufa Experience
**📍Location:1st floor, Fumin Guild Hall,No. 69, Lane 197, Fumin Road 富民路197弄69号福民会馆一楼**
**Hi everyone,**
**We’re excited to host an intimate immersive workshop combining guqin (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) and calligraphy.**
**For more details, pls contact WeChat: _7conts7conts.**
**You will:**
**• Listen to live guqin performance, including the famous piece “High Mountain Flowing Water” (the same melody Macron heard in 2023)**
**• Learn calligraphy knowledge and experience hands-on writing**
**• Visit the on-site guqin exhibition**
**Date & Time: June 21 (Sunday), 3:00 PM**
**Duration: 120 minutes**
**Group size: Limited to 8-10 people**
**Location: Beautiful 100-year-old villa on Fumin Road, downtown Shanghai**
**Special for our new group**
**As this is a brand new group, I’m happy to offer the first 5 registrations completely free as a thank you to early members.**
**I hope this gives more friends the chance to experience this beautiful traditional culture together.**
**If you’re interested in joining the June 19 session, feel free to RSVP or send me a message. I’ll be happy to send you more details.**
**Looking forward to sharing this elegant tradition with you! 🎵🖋️**
**About Guqin**
**The Guqin is one of the oldest musical instruments in China, with a history of more than 3,000 years. In ancient China, both Guqin and calligraphy(Shufa) were essential skills for the upper elites.**
**They would often gather, listen to Guqin music, practice calligraphy, and enjoy refined conversations together — a classic way of socializing among cultured friends.**
**Therefore, it’s easy to understand why, during French President Macron’s visit to China in 2023, President Xi hosted him with a live performance of the famous Guqin piece “High Mountain Flowing Water”.**
(WP官方开源免费)上海江浙沪 WordPress Meetup第一次线下交流活动(上海对外经贸大学古北校区)近虹桥火车站
上海第一次 WordPress Meetup Shanghai 线下交流活动开始筹备啦!
**活动行页面**:[点击此处转至活动行](http://www.huodongxing.com/event/6861981614100?td=1875813084833)
如果你对 WordPress、建站、SEO、AI 工具、内容创作或开源社区感兴趣,欢迎来参加。
无论你是开发者、设计师、站长、SEO 从业者、小企业主,还是刚开始学习 WordPress 的新人,都欢迎加入。
这不是正式讲座,而是一次轻松的社区交流。我们希望通过这次活动,让上海本地的 WordPress 用户重新连接起来。
欢迎报名,一起聊聊 WordPress 的现在和未来。
## **适合参加的人**
这次活动适合:
* WordPress 用户
* 网站建设从业者
* 设计师
* 开发者
* SEO 从业者
* 博主 / 内容创作者
* 跨境电商从业者
* 小企业主
* 对开源社区感兴趣的朋友
不需要你是技术专家。只要你对 WordPress、网站或互联网项目感兴趣,都可以参加。
本次活动赞助:
活动赞助:[宝塔面板](bt.cn)
支持内容: 宝塔面板为本次活动提供了大量的 License 支持。
工具价值: 宝塔面板支持网站、数据库、SSL 与应用管理,是贴近我们 WordPress 用户服务器管理与部署真实需求的优秀配套工具
[SEOPress](https://www.seopress.org/)
支持内容:SEOPress为本次活动提供了SEOPress的插件证书
\- 1 SEOPress PRO\, unlimited sites license
\- 3 SEOPress PRO\, 1 site license
工具价值: SEOPress 是一款轻量高效、功能全面的 WordPress SEO 插件,提供免费版和 PRO 版,覆盖元数据管理、XML/HTML 站点地图、内容分析、结构化数据 Schema、站点审计、AI 辅助生成 SEO 标题与描述、Google Search Console 集成等核心功能,已拥有超过 35 万活跃安装。
Saturday Shanghai Board Games in Fudan University Science park
Connect with fun-loving, young-at-heart single players (ages 20–45) at a relaxed, board games-inspired evening.
Talkspace help visitors, international friends, business professionals, and newcomers integrate into local life, explore local culture, and build language and emotional connections.
Talkspace 帮助新到一个城市的旅游者、出差者、工作者能够更加快速的融入到这个新的城市和了解更加地道的当地文化。致力于帮助个人培养语言、沟通能力。建立人与人的语言链接与情感链接空间。
目前我们已经在中国6个城市 组织社群语言活动
🇳🇱🇦🇷🇬🇭🇿🇦🇧🇩🇫🇯🇦🇪🇷🇺🇵🇦🇯🇲🇵🇪🇵🇷🇹🇷🇬🇷🇺🇦🇦🇿
🍹🍻🥤🧉🍹🥤🥂🍇🍒
现场也会有一些零食和水果
There will also be some snacks and fruits available.
🎫:【All Tickets Includes One Drink】
STUDENT学生票¥30 【Show Us your Student Card or ID】
EARLY BIRD早鸟票¥40 = 6$ 【set going On meetup before is early bird 】
REGULAR 预售票¥50 = 7$
AT DOOR现场票¥60 = 8$【At the door buy 】
🍹🍻🥤🧉🍹🥤🥂🍇🍒
📆Saturday 【周六】Fudan Discount ticket特惠¥ 25 only tonight
🟢Talkspace International Students Language Exchange 复旦同济留学生交流会🟢
⏰:19:00-22:00 【Saturday】
🏠: 复旦科技园副楼一楼路演大厅
📍No 11, Guotai Road,Yangpu District, Shanghai
WeChat:17317121983
WhatsApp:+8617317121983
[https://wa.me/8617317121983](https://wa.me/8617317121983)
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8)
Let's meet up for beautiful french wines which made from independent winemakers!
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/2/2/2/600_423565122.jpeg
Dramamoves.com is dedicated in providing personal service to individuals and entrepreneurs in the area of Contemporary Life , Design and Art.
We hand pick the best product and import them from abroad .
We hold events in our invitation venue which is just located behind Plaza 66.
You are largely welcome to drop in our event or just come by to have a look.
For reservation,
Please call 021-62579568 to find out more !
or Wechat ID: DM_Hotline
Talk to you soon !
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/3/a/c/600_423569612.jpeg
ShanghAI AI — 参加 #1 上海最佳活动 — Join #1 Top Best Event
**Bringing Dubai AI weekly AI energy to ShanghAI (上海):** 我们每周六 19:30 线下聚会。 This is a casual, high-bandwidth gathering for AI programmers, founders, and the AI-curious (对 AI 好奇的朋友们). No prior background required—探索如何用好 AI,而不是被它取代。
📱 Stay Connected / 保持联系 Join our shared global community to stay synced on tools, locations, and updates:
* **X / WhatsApp (Global Community):** [https://x.com/i/chat/group_join/g2054363861009207629/6Bz8S3Q21T](https://x.com/i/chat/group_join/g2054363861009207629/6Bz8S3Q21T) (better)
[https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdRrL8QJd2xACL4CUs1NqX](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdRrL8QJd2xACL4CUs1NqX) Free :-)
[https://chat.whatsapp.com/CkoTEOTGPIxBSlX6h2Atp8](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CkoTEOTGPIxBSlX6h2Atp8) (full)
* **WeChat/QQ Group (Weekly Update):** [https://qm.qq.com/q/EEKnU4Sp7q](https://qm.qq.com/q/EEKnU4Sp7q)
* **Meetup Pages:** [https://www.meetup.com/shanghai-ai](https://www.meetup.com/shanghai-ai) [https://www.meetup.com/dubai-ai](https://www.meetup.com/dubai-ai)
### 📍 The Venue / 活动地点
We start with focused discussions and transition to the city's nightlife energy after the bookstore closes.
* **19:30 - 21:30:** Local Book Store (Check WeChat group for this week's specific hidden gem).
* **21:30+ After-Hours:** We move to **4 Heng Shan Lu, Xu Hui Qu (衡山路4号,徐汇区)**. This is a lively, expat-friendly bar street—perfect for "terrace" networking and neighborhood-style food.
* **Cost:** Free (Come as a regular customer).
### 🌍 Global Context / 全球联动
ShanghAI is a direct sister hub to the **Dubai AI (DIFC)** and **MumbAI AI** chapters. We are building a global “AI-agentic social marketplace” community—从上海到迪拜,从线下 meetup 到线上工具 ( GetPaidX.com / DubaiAI.vip ).
GetPaidX.com — Publish Your Professional 24/7 AI Workspaces, Get Funded.
***
Reply with a comment below or visit the scratchpad at **[https://dubaiai.vip/profile/dubai-ai-vip@outlook.com](https://dubaiai.vip/profile/dubai-ai-vip@outlook.com)** to add ideas for our next meeting:
* **How to get paid by fans & clients:** Discussions around app payments and global payouts. **Stripe API (US)** vs. **WeChat Pay/Alipay (China)** vs. **RazorPay (India)**. Navigating taxes and cross-border financial regulations.
* **How to get closer to creators & developers:** Insights into local Xuhui business networks, Shanghai co-working spaces, and regulated industries (Education/Healthcare). What products do local customers actually want?
* **How to share revenue with influencers:** Partnering with local creators on **Xiaohongshu (小红书)**, Instagram, or YouTube to distribute and market AI products.
* **How to save time via AI Agents:** Setting up **OpenAI Codex CLI**, **Google Gemini CLI**, **Anthropic Claude Code**, or **Google Antigravity** to delegate tasks directly from your terminal.
*Add your own ideas and discussion topics to the scratchpad link above...*
International Student Exchange Talkspace
Meet other local people interested in Language Exchange: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join our Shanghai Language Exchange group.
Do you speak Spanish🇪🇸, French🇫🇷, German🇩🇪, Hebrew, Portuguese🇵🇹, Italian🇮🇹, Russian🇷🇺, Japanese🇯🇵, Korean🇰🇷, Chinese🇨🇳, Arabic🇦🇪 or English🇬🇧🇺🇸?Practice your Spanish, French, German, Hebrew, Portuguese, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, and English
All language levels are welcome!
Follow us for upcoming events!
📆Saturday 【周六】
🟢 International Students Talkspace留学生交流会🟢
🎟#小程序://互动吧/Sl7QHUqQbsY1pHC
⏰:19:00-22:00 【Saturday】
🏠: 复旦科技园副楼一楼
📍Fudan science park
▶️location video guide: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8)
🎫:Early-bird: 35 RMB = 5$ 【set going before 】
normal 40 RMB = 6$
At the Door 50RMB = 7$【At the door buy 】
#公众号:说会英语
#视频号:说会英语
#小程序://互动吧/h1LX5oWSDmgO10v
#小程序://微博/H1VOJN21MjI0Tjx
#公众号:说会英语
#视频号:说会英语
#[小红书:说会英语](https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5f2ccb430000000001000244)
Talkspace help visitors, international friends, business professionals, and newcomers integrate into local life, explore local culture, and build language and emotional connections.
Breaking language barriers · Creating spaces for dialogue.
Through cultural exchange and interactive communities, we connect the world, helping people quickly integrate into new cities and experience authentic local culture. By combining linguistic, physical, and cultural spaces, we promote both cultural development and individual growth.
Visual Effects Events Near You
Connect with your local Visual Effects community
Customize the IDE: Building Extensions for Visual Studio Code - Alan Barber
**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
You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge.
**Abstract**
*Customize the IDE: Building Extensions for Visual Studio Code*
Visual Studio Code is one of the most widely used development environments today, and much of its flexibility comes from its extension ecosystem. Extensions allow developers to customize the editor with new features, integrations, and workflow improvements tailored to their needs.
In this session, we’ll cover what extensions are and the different types available, including full extensions written in TypeScript or JavaScript, along with lighter-weight extensions such as color themes, language packs, language support, code snippets, and keymaps. We’ll also look at practical reasons a developer might create an extension, from automating repetitive tasks to adding custom tooling.
The session includes a hands-on walkthrough of creating a new extension, testing it locally, and understanding the basic project structure. We’ll close with a brief overview of how extensions are packaged and published to the Visual Studio Marketplace and other distribution options.
**YouTube Link**
TBD
Drunken Philosophy: Where Is Everybody? The Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter
Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle.
**Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?**
In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox.
One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread.
Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for.
**Questions to wrestle with:**
* Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving?
* Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why?
* If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming?
* Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection?
* And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species?
* Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now?
As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.
Super Friday: SUPERGIRL at Cinemark Stoneridge!
Join us for an Opening Night showing of the super-hero action-adventure, SUPERGIRL! Get in early because this series is just getting started! Hot on the heels of last year’s excellent SUPERMAN comes what should be another fun adventure! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event:
DESCRIPTION: Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, joins forces with an unlikely companion on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice when an unexpected adversary strikes too close to home. The film is directed by Craig Gillespie, written by Ana Nogueira, and stars Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, David Corenswet and Jason Momoa.
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1-pfiVMKAs
PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet in the lobby area between 6:40 and 6:50pm! It’s in their largest theater on their biggest screen but advance ticket purchase is advised for this Opening Night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below. Possible pre-show bite. That part will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer.
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Casual Boardgames - make friends, then beat them in games
Welcome to Casual Boardgames, where we enjoy classic tabletop games and social deduction games while bonding over good food, drinks, and great conversations.
We started this group to meet new people and make new friends, and bonding over games in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to do that.
We currently meet near route 23 and Polaris Parkway, and this is close to areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Worthington, and parts of Westerville and Columbus.
Feel free to bring your own games or play one of the many games our members bring. If you are inexperienced, we will help you learn.
Here are just a few examples of the kind of games we play.
Tabletop/board games: Splendor, Catan, Azul, Dominion, 7 Wonders…
Social deduction games: Code Names, Chameleon, Werewords…
IMPORTANT:
1. While we love playing a variety of games and competing, we are not just about the games. We interact and talk while playing, and this leads to a lot of laughter and fun. If you just want to compete and focus solely on the game, then this is probably not the group you are looking for.
2. Many people join groups like this and never (or rarely) show up after weeks or months. If you join and never really come, we will eventually remove you from the group as a courtesy to our members. Why? Because limiting group conversations (on the app) to regular members makes communication and planning much easier. Also, while it may be rare, it protects members from people who join because they are interested in following a person instead of having a real interest in our group. If you get removed, it is just because you haven’t come, and we follow this protocol as a courtesy to our regular game players.
CAPA Summer Movie: PRETTY WOMAN at the Ohio Theatre!
Join us as we get together for a CAPA Summer Movie event to see the romantic, funny, heartwarming, feel-good classic, PRETTY WOMAN! Julia Roberts and Richard Gere star in this modern-day fairy-tale romance! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event:
DESCRIPTION: A wealthy corporate raider hires a Hollywood escort as his date for a week of high-society business events. But what starts as a business transaction blossoms into genuine love, challenging both of their lives and leading to an unexpected romance. The film is directed by Garry Marshall and stars Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Héctor Elizondo, Ralph Bellamy (in his final performance), Laura San Giacomo and Jason Alexander.
MINI TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JghOdhAwc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JghOdhAwc)
SHORT BONUS CLIP #1 - DIRECTOR GARRY MARSHALL Recalls Famous Scenes from the Film: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpIMOzieGPs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpIMOzieGPs)
SHORT BONUS CLIP #2 - RICHARD GERE on the Film’s Impact all these years later: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0T3O94dAA8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0T3O94dAA8)
SHORT BONUS CLIP #3 - JULIA ROBERTS Remembers a Gift from Director Garry Marshall: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4AZSjbMsA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4AZSjbMsA)
BUZZ & ACCLAIM: A huge box office hit at the time of its release, PRETTY WOMAN has since gone on to become a modern-day classic! The film catapulted Julia Roberts to superstardom and earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress and her first Oscar nomination! Critics praise Julia Roberts’ star-making performance, the undeniable chemistry between her and Richard Gere, and its warm, funny feel-good story about kindness, self-worth and transformation! The film’s “intelligence and wit,” “first-class performances” and “sharp, funny script” have made Pretty Woman a classic and truly “something special!”
THE OHIO THEATRE: The Ohio Theatre is located at 39 E. State Street, between 3rd and High Streets, across the street from the Ohio Statehouse. From classical music to modern dance, yearly family traditions to hot concerts, the world’s best artists come to the 2,791-seat, historic Ohio Theatre. The breathtaking details (including the 21-foot-high chandelier!) of its opulent, Spanish-Baroque architecture make any night at the Ohio Theater an event to remember!
PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT: Now celebrating his 33rd year as featured organist for the CAPA Summer Movie Series, Clark Wilson will again provide pre-show entertainment at the keyboards and controls of the Ohio Theatre’s treasured “Mighty Morton” theatre organ 30 minutes prior to each screening.
PARKING: Parking is available at Columbus Commons Parking Garage off 3rd or Rich Streets or in Statehouse Parking Garage off 3rd Street. You can find out more about parking in Downtown Columbus by visiting the Downtown Columbus website.
PLAN: Purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and we’ll meet outside the theater between 6:50 and 7:00pm. We’ll head in at 7pm to get good seats and enjoy the pre-show organ music!
TICKETS: Tickets just $6 adult / $5 senior! Parking is available under the Capital building, in the nearby garage, or on the nearby streets. You can purchase your ticket at the box office on the day of the event or online here: [https://www.capa.com/capa-summer-movie-series/](https://www.capa.com/capa-summer-movie-series/)
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Rays Of Light Spiritualist Church Service
Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel.
Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger.
Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life.
Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.
Discount Tuesday: DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD vs TOY STORY 5 at Marcus Crosswoods!
Join us for a Discount Tuesday / Choose Your Movie event to see your choice of the A24 thriller THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD or the latest animated adventure in the always great series, TOY STORY 5! Should be a winner either way! Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event:
THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD: This thriller from A24 is being called a dark adaptation of the 17th-century ballad Robin Hood's Death. It follows an aged Robin Hood in the hands of a mysterious woman after being critically injured as he grapples with his past life of crime and murder. The film is written / directed by Michael Sarnoski and stars Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett and Noah Jupe. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlSDDuWxO_0&t=1s
TOY STORY 5: The fifth installment of what is quite possibly the best animated series ever! With something for everyone, this animated adventure faces a new crisis as 8-year old Bonnie has become enamored with the new favorite plaything, a frog-like tablet named Lilypad! The film stars returning cast members Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Tony Hale, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, Annie Potts, Bonnie Hunt, Keanu Reeves, and Melissa Villaseñor, along with newcomers Greta Lee, Conan O'Brien, Craig Robinson, Matty Matheson, Jeff Bergman, Anna Vocino and Ernie Hudson. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c51ND9Hdbw0
PLAN: For those seeing TOY STORY 5, please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet in the bar area starting at 6:30pm! For those seeing THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD, please purchase your ticket for the 7:10pm showing and meet in the bar area starting at 6:30pm! Discount Tuesday ticket prices are $6 for ROBIN HOOD and $8 for TS5 (because it’s on their Ultra Screen) when you join Marcus Rewards and use the app. Marcus Rewards is FREE and also includes a FREE popcorn on Discount Tuesday showings. Tickets moving FAST so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event.
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan





















