World History

Players of all skill levels are welcome to join us at Marché Board Games Cafe in the CBD for a casual night of mahjong - Right in the CBD. We'll start around 6:00pm till we all need to go home :) Our typical session concludes usually around 10:00pm. Please change your RSVP to not going if you're no longer able to attend, 24 hours prior the event. For those that have a record of non attendance without communicating, you will be moved to the waiting list for future events and be contacted directly to confirm that you indeed intend to turn up, at which you will be allotted a spot subject to availability. For more details on the rules of the game, please refer to: http://mahjongtime.com/hong-kong-mahjong-rules.html Marche has been kind enough to offer us a deal to play in their cafe. **⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ Cost ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆** Attendees who have registered for the event on Meetup can play at discounted rates, with the following payments to be made: * **$6 in total per session” to cover cafe costs. Payment of $6 should be made to Marche at the front counter upon notification to the staff member that you are here for the scheduled meetup. There is now no minimum spend on items at the cafe as there were before. The cafes menu can be found here https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf .

Ever had an idea? Do you look at things and say "I can do that better"? If this is you then you will find our monthly inventor's meetings a great place to visit. For just $20 payable at the door you can attend a meeting from 7:15pm to 9:30pm at Mount Waverley Youth Centre, 45 Miller Crescent, Mount Waverley. See someone present their invention and learn how they did it, listen to an interesting guest speaker and pick up tips for your own inventions. Join 35+ other inventors for an interesting and informative meeting. Ends with great finger food and coffee. Members enjoy other services including invention evaluation, mentoring, Free patent searching tool, YouTube video of their product, product showcase webpage, "Inventor" name badge, inventing guide and more. Cost of membership is $200 with renewal each year of $80 and meeting evening cost of $5. Discount for country and tertiary student members. Need patenting information? Before each meeting there is a patent attorney answering questions from 6.30pm to 7.20pm (pay your visitor fee at the door first) who will help you understand patenting and other intellectual property options. Ask any question, learn about patenting costs, pitfalls, advantages. This also covers registered designs.

Let's have fun while watching the night view with our friends! 🏃‍♂️Training menu🏃‍♂️ Every Wednesday 6:00p.m~ Fed Square Assembly 【https://maps.app.goo.gl/zmPQ6U533pUDcNSA9?g_st=ic】 If you have luggage, please consider using the lockers at the station. 💥40~60 min Jog+Walk Pace: Easy pace, suitable for beginners. If you got tired, let's walk together. 【schedule】 6:00 p.m Gathering 6:10 p.m Start 7:00 p.m End of training Challengers we are waiting for you 😊

Join us for a relaxed evening at Joe’s Shoe Store to catch up, meet a few new faces, and unwind after the day. Come for one drink or stay longer, this is about showing up as you are and enjoying good company without expectation.

**Recharge Your Soul – Join Our Absolutely Free Guided Meditation** Feel like hitting pause on the chaos of everyday life? Join us for a powerful, in-person meditation session where calm meets connection. This isn’t just meditation—it’s a collective experience of peace, presence, and inner alignment. When we meditate together, something beautiful happens: we rise higher, feel deeper, and tap into the energy that connects us all. What to expect: • A peaceful space to disconnect from the digital and reconnect with yourself • A warm, welcoming group of like-minded souls • Guided meditation suitable for all levels • The kind of inner stillness that lasts long after you leave Come a few minutes early to settle in and meet others. You’ll leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected. It’s free, but space is limited—RSVP now and bring a friend! Let’s meet, breathe, and rise. Together.

Spice up your Wednesday night with a **FREE Salsa class** at **600 Little Collins St, Melbourne**! No experience or partner needed — just show up, and we’ll teach you everything from the first step to your first spin. You’ll laugh, move, and meet a great mix of new people who are all starting just like you. ✨ **Here’s what you’ll get:** * Step-by-step basics that anyone can learn * Fun, relaxed environment with great music * Meet new friends and feel amazing doing it! 📍 **Location:** The Salsa Foundation — 600 Little Collins St, Melbourne 🕕 **Time:** Wednesday 6 PM (arrive 5–10 mins early to check in) 🎟️ **Cost:** FREE — bookings are essential (spots fill fast!)

Hi everyone, Stella & Tarrant here 😃 It's board game and dinner time every 2nd Wednesdays! Everyone's welcome, new or experienced board gamer. Let's play board games together, meet new friends if you want, and also supporting local restaurant buying their food and drink, coz the event is free. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐒𝐕𝐏, 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐠𝐨 𝐬𝐨 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐜𝐨𝐳 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 Meetup will be in the separate room at the back of their venue! 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘: 6pm - 10pm (but the pub is open till later if you want to stay around) 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Meetup for dinner & drink while playing board games. Here's a one page PDF document explaining how it works - https://loom.ly/hTHo2cM. Basically, find some friends or make some new ones. 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: Bring your own games or play our growing board games library, teach others or join others games. We have flag system to help you find people to play with you. Here is the list of our growing games library, categories and with short description - https://loom.ly/fOKuaM4 𝗙𝗘𝗘: Zero. Nada. It's a casual get together, we're helping facilitating the meetup. All I asked is to please order food & drink from the venue, don't bring your own food and eat there, as the venue is a pub, they are providing the venue for free So please help local business 😃 𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗘: Feel free to post in the comment if you have games you want to bring and teach others, try to organise people to play. Or if you want to join other people's game. We have a group via Aftergame (app/website) where you can organise a game as well here - https://aftergame.app/groups/we-play-board-games-melbourne-meetup-by-meeple-university-1386 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘: Melbourne Central, level 3. Melbourne Central station underneath. There are various public carpark Wilson 300 LaTrobe and Secure Parking in the city. Or the Wilson carpark under Melbourne Central, entry is a set price after 5pm (at the time of writing). And then plenty of public transport in the city 🙂 To connect more to fellow board gamers, you can join the Facebook group that started the event here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/WePlayBoardGames Thank you and hope to see you all then! Stella & Tarrant

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: Horrors of Consciousness*** Keywords: Underwater, Decision, Paranoia **Scenario: Crimson Tide** Next Week in the Horrors of Consciousness Series. You are aboard a ballistic missile submarine. Deep. Silent. Unreachable. Weeks submerged. At 02:17 AM, the alert triggers. A launch order arrives. Authenticated. Valid. Encrypted. Incomplete. The confirmation phrase is missing. The secondary channel is silent. Sonar detects a contact. Intermittent. Unresolved. Enemy. Noise. Imagination. The captain orders the launch. Calm. Certain. Doctrine calls hesitation failure. If you comply, cities burn. Millions will die in the nuclear fire. If you refuse and the order is real, retaliation may already be in motion. No clarification will come. You are not choosing whether destruction happens. Only whether it happens by your hand. 📍 Oxford Scholar — Saturday, 3–5 PM Small group. Big imagination. No right answers — just curiosity, debate, and fun.

Experience the magic of kirtan in one unforgettable evening! Lose yourself in the sound. Enchanting Kirtan is a live sacred-music experience blending ancient mantra, soaring melody and rhythms, and heart-centered meditation. It’s an immersive, flowing sacred sound journey that moves from gentle stillness to joyful collective song & ecstatic dance. Think soft lighting, fusion world music, deep connection, and that indescribable feeling when the whole room is in harmony. Come solo or bring a friend! Everyone’s welcome in this beautiful, heart-opening experience that leaves you glowing from the inside out. Enchanting Kirtan: Sacred World Music & Meditation Experience Saturday 10th January 7pm - 9pm Darebin Arts Centre (Grevillea Room): 401 Bell St, Preston Free community event \| All welcome \| Donations appreciated Book in here: [https://events.humanitix.com/enchanting-kirtan-preston](https://events.humanitix.com/enchanting-kirtan-preston)

🍻Come to the language exchange in Melbourne! 🌍Practice your preferred language while making new friends and getting to know more about new cultures. THURSDAYS 👉🏻Where? DIESEL BAR, 202 Little Lonsdale St. ⏰What time? From 18:00 to 22:45 👨🏻‍🎓🍻The first 50 international students who register at the QR CODE entrance will get a free drink. 🤩5$ ENTRY + 1 free drink for non-students.

**The Progressive Atheists 16th Anniversary Celebration Lunch and Speaker** Topic: **Steven Pinker: The Prominent Atheist, Cognitive Psychologist and Author** Speaker: **John Perkins** \- Secular Party of Australia It is the Progressive Atheists Inc.'s 16th Anniversary. The PA Committee of Management has the pleasure to invite Atheists to join us and our hosts, the *Maroondah and Yarra Ranges Atheists*, to celebrate our sixteen years of working for the transformation of the community into a just society for all. This year we are having a pub lunch.. In our first 16 years, we have participated in many campaigns for equality and human rights and against religious privilege. Campaigns such as supporting the two chaplaincy challenges at the High Court; the right to same gender marriage; the campaign against religious instruction in public schools; the exposure of abuse by religion and many more. PA has also provided services to Atheists including assisting ex-Muslim asylum seekers. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **"Steven Pinker: The Prominent Atheist, Cognitive Psychologist and Author"** **Steven Pinker** will be the most prominent Atheist to tour Australia (when he tours in early February 2026) since **Richard Dawkins** toured two years ago. [https://au.thinkable.events/events/](https://au.thinkable.events/events/) **Steven Pinker** is a prominent scientist; specifically a highly influential cognitive psychologist, experimental psychologist, and linguist known for his research on language, mind, and human nature. The two books (of those authored by **Steven Pinker**) that are likely of most interest to Atheists are, '***The Better Angels of Our Nature***' and '***Enlightenment Now:*** *The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress*'. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Better_Angels_of_Our_Nature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Better_Angels_of_Our_Nature) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlightenment_Now](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlightenment_Now) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Our activism is all part of the long list of activities in which Progressive Atheists is involved. We are proud of the progress of the organisation. We have to shatter the power of religion which is based on the manipulation of governments with superstition, ignorance and associated control. You are invited. Come and join us. There will be great company and an open microphone. 2025's predictions will be opened and new predictions made. The predictions are of the world stage seen by Atheists Progressive Atheists Inc. came about after a series of workshops and discussions. The PA was founded on the 10th January 2010 by four Atheists to unite like-minded individuals (who wanted Atheists to contribute to a progressive society in Australia), into an organisation capable of carrying this agenda. [http://progressiveatheists.org/about-us/](http://progressiveatheists.org/about-us/) We hope to see you at The Coach hotel on the 10th January from 12 noon. **Please share and invite your Atheist friends in Melbourne.** https://www.facebook.com/events/ TBA [https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-atheists/events/312708287/](https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-atheists/events/312708287/)

## Details **🙋‍♀️**Welcome to our FRIDAY FREE Social + language ​exchange meetup. Meet people from many countries and make new friends. 👉This is a great opportunity to learn to speak English with native and non-native speakers. Many English speakers, Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and other Asians attend our fun and friendly party. 👉It is suitable for international students, working holiday people, professional ex-pats, and local Australians. 🍺: Discounted 15% house beers and wines 🍸: Extra cost for cocktails and spirit 🍲: Food available is to purchase at the bar with 15% discount on menu. 👉**Fee** of **$3.00** to be paid at the entrance is Waived so FREE but if you can buy something from the bar. THAT WOULD BE GREAT! No Limited numbers but RSVP is a must. 🆔 Please carry a Photo ID as you may be asked at the entrance. 👉**Location**: Diesel bar & Eatery. we book the whole Second floor, Capacity of 500 people. and the welcoming table is at the door entrance. No entry from Melbourne Central. only from 202 Little Lonsdale St.

Hi everyone, It's that time of year again where we get together to share some food and celebrate Hogwatch with other Discworld fans at our annual Hogwatch picnic. Don't forget to make your offerings to the weather gods\* When: Sunday, the 11th of January at 2:00 PM Where: Princes Gardens at the picnic tables near the playground, 318122A Little Chapel St, Prahran VIC 3181 Bring: Food and drinks, a picnic blanket, plates, cutlery, napkins, etc. Weather protection (sunscreen, umbrella, jacket). It's Melbourne any weather is possible. \*We will have a backup location nearby in case of bad weather.

## Details 📍 \[DIESEL BAR\] \| 🕖 Every Friday \| 🎟 FREE ENTRY \| ⏰ From 7PM till LATE Get ready to unleash your inner superstar at our **new weekly Friday Night Karaoke Open Mic**! Whether you sing in English, Spanish, Korean, Arabic, Japanese, French, Portuguese—or all of the above—this stage is yours! 🌍 **INTERNATIONAL SONG COLLECTION** We’ve got tracks in *multiple languages*, so bring your voice and represent your culture! 🎤 **OPEN MIC VIBES** Solo, duet, or group performance? It’s all welcome. Sign up on the night and grab the mic when your name is called. 💃🏽 **ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE** Meet international friends, cheer for new voices, and vibe with our amazing multicultural community. 🍹 **Special drink deals** all night 📸 Photo & video moments to remember 🎉 Surprises and sing-along moments guaranteed! **Tag your crew, warm up those vocal cords, and see you every Friday from 7PM till late!** ✨ *FREE ENTRY – Everyone welcome* ✨

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/) 

Inspired by the successful events like "Pot Luck in the Park" and "Saturday Mornings @ East Market," this meetup promises a fun and engaging atmosphere where like-minded individuals can connect over a shared love for languages and cultures. Whether you're a language learner, ESL student, or simply passionate about exploring new cultures, this event is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a diverse and welcoming community. Come join us for an enlightening evening of language, culture, food, of course, and connections! (Everyone will choose from the menu and pay individually)

This will be an open forum discussion of the book "Native American History."

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

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

The topic for January is "Chemistry" 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 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 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!

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Java Central Café and Roaster](https://javacentral.coffee/)**!**