We humans have always had a habit of thinking we are so very different from other animals on this planet of ours, and in some ways we are.  We can't survive without tools, we enjoy negative experiences (sometimes, under the right conditions), we use elaborate sounds to communicate with those around us.  Well, animals use sounds too, of course, but not to the extent that we do or with as much precision and variety.  Or so we have thought: https://thehumanevolutionblog.com/2015/08/18/a-career-studying-the-sophisticated-vocabulary-of-prairie-dogs/

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc4s09N3L2h2lYeVD6pmax3f7qiHxyq3k

Now, if animals can actually use language, couldn't we learn it like we learn other human languages?  Couldn't we teach animals to communicate more like we do?  It's certainly been tried, although as mentioned in the video series, it's never quite the triumph researchers are looking for: https://www.aaas.org/taxonomy/term/9/alex-parrots-final-experiment

https://bigthink.com/life/ape-sign-language/

It might be that we are hoping for genetic closeness to open doors of communication in the case of apes.  And as for birds, well, they do have a large capacity for noise, er, sound-making.  But we might be mistaken about who is the best equipped to communicate with us more or less on our level and in our way.  Who better than our loving companion animals?  The millennia spent with us has definitely had an impact on dogs, and although cats have spent less time with us, anyone who knows a cat knows they pay close attention.  Give these podcasts a listen and see if you aren't convinced your cat isn't thinking, "What a bunch of litterboxes!" half the time...and "Good humans" the other half.
https://www.theallusionist.org/allusionist/lexicat1

https://www.theallusionist.org/allusionist/lexicat2

Animal Communication

This is for those who have attended a Goal-Setting Session in Buddytree and would like to join an accountability group that meets at intervals during the year (the frequency might change but so far it's every 4-6 weeks for the weekday group). The intention for these sessions is to support each other with our goals. These sessions may include some time for questions on the goal-setting process, a tip or two for success on achieving goals and discussion in break-out groups to gain more clarity around what success looks like for you, understand what's getting in the way, determine next steps, and leverage our potential and brilliance! 

There will be optional pre-work. 

These sessions are open to anyone who has done a Buddytree goal-setting session. First-time accountability group people are welcome! 

It will likely be held on Zoom to allow for break-out groups, so check the comments before the session to get the Zoom link. If more than 7 join, it will automatically create "Room 2", initiated by the 8th person to join. Please join room 2 if room 1 is full; we will all be in the same session in Zoom.  

Hope to see you there! 

Accountability Group for Goal-Setters

Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBkJruA7nUk (20:35)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fm2Enespxc (20m)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8n0sB13m0k (16:34)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAPTkpjZNlM (10:51)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEOwNZFaVfk (15:55)

Long, but informative if you can stand it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxh3c5P8Meg (1:12:34)



Questions:

1. Can Europe create a joint military for its own defense?  How will each member state contribute?  How will leadership be decided?

2. Would a United Europe take autonomy away from its member states or maintain the current level?  Who will decide on the distribution of funding?  

3. Can Europe reinvigorate its industrial or manufacturing sectors to protect itself from excessive reliance on e.g. China?

4. Can Europeans begin to see themselves as members of a larger union than their own countries (or regions)?  

5. How can Europe as a whole deal with its demographic problems?  

6. If a United Europe can be formed, what relationship can the US expect to have with it?  What about China, Africa, South America?

The Future Of Europe

Note: This is the same format as the weeknight session, but is for those who can't make that time. You are welcome to come to both groups if you wish, or go back and forth between groups.

This is for those who have attended a Goal-Setting Session in Buddytree and would like to join an accountability group that meets at intervals during the year (the frequency will depend on what the group wants). The intention for these sessions is to support each other with our goals. These sessions will include:
- some time for questions on the goal-setting process
- a tip or two for success on achieving goals  
- discussion in break-out groups to gain more clarity around what success looks like for you, understand what's getting in your way, determine next steps, and leverage your potential and brilliance! 

There will be optional pre-work. 

These sessions are open to anyone who has done a Buddytree goal-setting session. First-timers are welcome, as are those who have attended the weekday evening Accountability sessions. Looking at your goals frequently can help move you forward so feel free to come to both the weeknight and the weekend sessions! 

It will be held on Zoom to allow for break-out groups, so check the comments before the session to get the Zoom link. It says the limit is 7 but if more than 7 join, it will automatically create "Room 2", initiated by the 8th person to join. Please join room 2 if room 1 is full; we will all be in the same session in Zoom.  

Hope to see you there! 

Accountability Group for Goal Setters (Sunday)

Videos:

​
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBmFx5rUglA   (12:46)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEBq_JMev_4  (6:14)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ostBhpOE3ms   (4:56)

4. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/trump-takes-steps-to-shutter-usaid-and-gives-musk-unprecedented-access-to-federal-systems  (8:45)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-L_oSjy-_s&amp;amp;amp;amp;t=19s  (8:52)

6.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEikQP8-es0  (7:15)

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8lq4ac_iq4  (22:30)

8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuPFELvMD90  (8:48)


Reading (optional):


1: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/doge-civil-servant-purge/681671/

2: https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2025/02/the-worlds-most-powerful-unelected-bureaucrat/681659/

3: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/02/elon-musk-bureaucratic-coup/681559/

4. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/11/21/the-opportunities-and-dangers-for-trumps-disrupter-in-chief



Spanish (optional):

1:  https://elpais.com/opinion/2025-01-21/la-temible-broligarquia.html


2: https://elpais.com/internacional/2025-02-11/donald-trump-aprueba-un-decreto-junto-a-elon-musk-para-acelerar-los-recortes-en-la-administracion.html



Italian (optional):

1: https://www.internazionale.it/magazine/timothy-snyder/2025/02/13/a-washington-e-in-corso-un-colpo-di-stato


2: https://www.internazionale.it/magazine/martine-orange/2024/11/14/il-potere-di-elon-musk



Questions:

1. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of having unelected leaders shape public policy?

2. How do the interests of government and business intersect, and what are the implications for democracy and the public good?

3. What are some strategies for holding powerful actors accountable, and how can citizens and civil society organizations influence policy debates?

4. Can technocratic or expert-led decision-making be compatible with democratic values, and if so, how?

5. How might the balance of power between government, business, and unelected leaders evolve in the future, and what are the implications for democracy and society?

6. Can alternative models of governance or economic organization, such as cooperatives or decentralized systems, provide more equitable and sustainable outcomes?

7. What are some key principles or values that should guide decision-making and policy outcomes in the face of shifting power dynamics and complex global challenges?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Longtime Member of Buddytree)


Unelected Leaders

***As always, please watch a few of the videos prior to the event***
https://www.buddytree.org/topic/self-awareness

This event is being promoted outside of Buddytree as well, so we expect to have at least 12 people attending.

That being said, there is limited seating so reserve your spot in advance by paying online using this link:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/meaningful-discussions-self-awareness-tickets-1265357822309

The format for these events consists of 5-6 people per table with discussion questions provided, then you will have the ability to mix and mingle with people at the other tables.

***Please be sure to arrive on time since latecomers are disruptive to the flow of the conversations.***

For more information about these events, visit:
https://www.meaningfuldiscussions.org

Glen Brauer
Founder, Meaningful Discussions

Meaningful Discussions: Self-awareness


Video:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMsgKnFfLcI&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=328s   (10:03)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqUM23OHKSo  (8:47)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHUGVEThmsg  (16:32)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7cH4FeDuow  (3:25)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V5H-a8ZiTc  (7:22)

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IuK6GjxT1o (2:39)

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8OR4ghw2cA (35:21)  - Matter of Opinion (NY Times Podcast)

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhJKJ7gFlwE (1:53:17) - PBS Frontline documentary


Reading (Optional):


1. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/briefing/joe-biden-legacy.html

2. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/us/politics/biden-presidential-legacy-trump.html

3. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/10/opinion/joe-biden-legacy-tragedy-pride.html

4. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/01/how-biden-destroyed-his-legacy/681342/

5. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2025/01/biden-middle-east-trump-israel/681401/


Spanish (Optional):

1. https://elpais.com/opinion/2025-01-17/el-legado-amargo-de-joe-biden.html

2. https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cednn0gn397o

3. https://www.realinstitutoelcano.org/comentarios/el-legado-de-biden-el-final-de-una-era/


Italian (Optional):

1. https://www.internazionale.it/notizie/alessio-marchionna/2024/09/02/joe-biden-eredita-presidente

2. https://politicamag.it/quattro-anni-di-presidenza-leredita-di-joe-biden/


Questions:


1. What are some of the notable domestic policy achievements of the Biden administration, and how have they impacted the country

2. What impact did the administration's investments have on the economy and job market?

3. What are some of the notable foreign policy achievements of the Biden administration, and how did they impact global relations?

4. How did the Biden administration address issues of racial justice and equity, and what were the results?

5. What will be the lasting legacy of the Biden administration, and how will it be remembered?

6. How will the administration's legacy shape the policy agenda of future Democratic administrations?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Longtime Member of Buddytree)



Biden's Legacy

Understanding Biden's Legacy

Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHXBacEH0qo (8:00)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xg7EEKrpL0 (2:36)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyQu40qPHrM (9:31)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ly7qiq0Zdo (13:39)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp4d5jAz-cY (5:10)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqOw_thqgag (14:19)

Words from the source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCSelmMUO0c (17:59)

Questions:

1. Does it seem to you that products and services are of lower quality than in the past?  How much do you think is your objective observation and how much is just nostalgia?

2. Is it fair for a company to gradually increase the cost of a satisfying product/service?

3. Is it believable that this is a conspiracy of capitalists/captains of industry?

4. How can we fight back against this process?  Is it even possible?

5. Would UBS be an effective weapon against some forms of enshittification?

6. Do you have any personal experiences with any of the services in the videos, or others, which you would like to share?  How have your experiences changed over the past 10-15 years?

Enshittification

As always, please watch a few of the videos prior to the event:
https://www.buddytree.org/topic/meaning-purpose-passion

This event is being promoted outside of Buddytree as well, so we expect to have at least 12 people attending.

That being said, there is limited seating so reserve your spot in advance by paying online using this link:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/meaningful-discussions-meaning-purpose-passion-tickets-1220226483259

The format for these events consists of 5-6 people per table with discussion questions provided, then you will have the ability to mix and mingle with people at the other tables.

Prior to the pandemic, these events took place in 11 countries and I'm excited to start hosting these events in my new neighbourhood in Kits!

We are charging a small fee to attend which covers the cost of booking the room.

Please be sure to arrive on time since latecomers are disruptive to the flow of the conversations.

For more information about Meaningful Discussions events, visit:
https://www.meaningfuldiscussions.org

Glen Brauer
Founder, Meaningful Discussions

Meaningful Discussions: Meaning, Purpose & Passion

(This event is being promoted on Facebook as well, so we should have at least 12 people in attendance) 

I’m excited to share that our Social Hour events on Tuesdays have been a great success and will continue! 🙂

So feel free to bring a game or just show up and have some fun.

Come join us, and feel free to pass this info along to anyone who might benefit from meeting new neighbours.

We’d love to see you there every Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the Lobby Room at Kitsilano Community Centre. (Just ask for the location at the front desk if you can't find it).

Expect good vibes and engaging connections. Complimentary snacks are on us!

Intro video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwKexdUa-dU

Glen Brauer
Founder of Buddytree, Meaningful Discussions & Friendship Bootcamp

Social Hour & Games Night

The question of self-determination vs cooperation is always present in a global world, and while we might accept that change happens inevitably, we don't prepare for change very well.  Leading countries come and go, in culture, in politics, in economic power, and everyone has to reassess where their attention goes - not to mention their money.

Europe has had a few remarkably calm decades, as history goes, but it seems that may be coming to an end.  The European Union theoretically represents a desire to work together into the future, for the good and the betterment of all, but it has long been criticized for not living up to expectations.  There are also doubts that the member states could form a defense for themselves if necessary, and there is little confidence that the EU could act as a peacekeeper in the world.  Hell, the UN doesn't always do it and that's its JOB!

So, will Europe raise the walls around itself, or will it try to keep contact with the world?  Will it form a closer union under pressure, or will the pressure shatter it like a chewed ice cube?  Can it act in its own economic and energy interests?  Can it afford to defend, educate and develop like it imagines on the posters?  https://next-generation-eu.europa.eu/index_en

Here is some more reading for you:
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/12/europe-us-unreliable-alliance-munich-00203886

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/could-europe-defend-itself-without-america/

https://apnews.com/article/greece-nato-russia-ukraine-trump-17e5587a8473d4446f87d4b413af53d6

https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/survival-online/2024/04/europe-without-america/

Think deeply and see you in Malasaña!

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A practical, heartfelt guide to the art of truly knowing another person in order to foster deeper connections at home, at work, and throughout our lives—from the author of The Road to Character and The Second Mountain

“More than a guide to better conversations, it’s a blueprint for a more connected and humane way of living. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their relationships and broaden their perspectives.”—Bill Gates, GatesNotes (Summer Reading Pick)


These are just food-for-thought questions. Of course, we don't have to stick to those questions strictly. We will just go with the flow since this is a book club hangout.

Video:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypRx0bigDVw  (7:29)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwENbKn3tqI (57:20)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc-Nw11Ul7I (2:21:16)




Questions:

1. What's your takeaway from this book?

2. Brooks argues that the way we think about identity and self is often superficial and transactional. How do you think this affects our relationships and society as a whole?

2. The author emphasizes the importance of moral habits and character traits in shaping who we are. Can you think of a time when someone's character traits had a significant impact on you?

3. Brooks critiques modern society's emphasis on individualism and self-reliance. Do you think this emphasis has benefits or drawbacks, and how do you think it affects our ability to form deep connections with others?

4. How do you think Brooks' ideas about the importance of community and shared moral values intersect with his critiques of individualism?

5. Brooks draws on various philosophical and religious traditions to inform his ideas about identity and self. Which of these traditions resonated with you the most, and why?

6. The author argues that we need to move beyond surface-level categories like demographics and socioeconomic status to truly understand others. What are some ways we can do this in our daily lives?

7. Brooks emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and openness in forming deep connections with others. Can you think of a time when being vulnerable with someone led to a meaningful connection?

8. How do you think technology has impacted our ability to form deep connections with others, and what are some potential solutions to mitigate any negative effects?

9. Brooks critiques the idea that we can simply "find ourselves" through self-reflection and exploration. What are some potential drawbacks to this approach, and how can we balance self-reflection with external influences and relationships?

10. Brooks argues that we need to cultivate a sense of humility and recognition of our own limitations to truly know others. How can we practice humility in our daily lives, and what are some potential benefits of doing so?

Book club hangout - How to Know a Person

It's still winter, although it hardly feels like it, and still time for cozy chats and delicious drinks.  Yes, sometimes Taproom is cozier than we might like, but you can't argue with the drinks!  ...Ok, except for no cappuccino.  Can't have everything, I guess.

There are still some topics that deserve attention - art, legacy, manipulation...and of course, whatever you have brewing in your brains.

Dredge up those ideas and see you at Taproom!

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/The-Movies-We-Love

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

The Movies We Love

This is for those who have attended a Goal-Setting Session in Buddytree and would like to join an accountability group that meets at intervals during the year (the frequency will be based on what the group is wanting). The intention for these sessions is to support each other with our goals. These sessions may include activities and discussion to gain more clarity around what success looks like, understand what's getting in the way, determine next steps, and leverage our potential and brilliance! 

There will be optional pre-work. 

The timing may work well for those who did the goal-setting session in January but it is open to those who set goals in February as well. 

It will likely be held on Zoom to allow for break-out groups, so check the comments the day before to get the Zoom link. If more than 7 join, it will automatically create "Room 2". Please join that room if room 1 is full; we will all be in the same session in Zoom.  

Please put any questions in the comments. Hope to see you there! 

I’m excited to share that our Social Hour events on Tuesdays have been a great success and will continue! 🙂

So feel free to bring a game or just show up and have some fun.

Come join us, and feel free to pass this info along to anyone who might benefit from meeting new neighbours.

We’d love to see you there every Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the Lobby Room at Kitsilano Community Centre. (Just ask for the location at the front desk if you can't find it).

Expect good vibes and engaging connections. Complimentary snacks are on us!

Intro video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwKexdUa-dU

(This event is being promoted on Facebook as well, so we should have at least 12 people in attendance) 

Glen Brauer
Founder of Buddytree, Meaningful Discussions & Friendship Bootcamp

Everybody loves a party!  And sometimes we see other people having parties that are better than the ones we came up with.  That's why such festivities as Christmas, Halloween and St. Patrick's are global phenomena, far from their geographic and cultural origins.

Or is it as simple as, "Hey, that looks like fun!"?

The worldwide traditions of Christmas and Halloween, not to mention Valentines Day and Thanksgiving's bastard siblings, are based more on consumerism and some big store's bottom line than on any interest or enjoyment on the part of the people.  There's no reason why you should avoid having fun and decorating your house and giving things to your loved ones if that's what you're inspired to do, but the blatant commercialization of holidays does give them a certain superficiality.  Most of us are happy enough to have Christmas anywhere in the world, but there are voices of dissent, angry that the "reason for the season" has been forgotten, or never even mentioned in the exporting.

On the other side of the coin, taking on traditions from less "mainstream" cultures runs the risk of being appropriation.  While Día de los Muertos has gained popularity in the US and other places through natural movement of people, the Disney movie it inspired also inspired the company to try to trademark the phrase.

So, where do we draw the line?  It might be easier to just discuss your favorite borrowed traditions, or which ones you wish would be borrowed more widely.  I like Halloween decor and Advent calanders myself.

https://hanabi.asij.ac.jp/features/japans-borrowed-holidays/

https://listverse.com/2007/10/04/15-holidays-and-their-origins/

https://medium.com/@pamelahaines1/cultural-appropriation-and-the-holidays-what-is-ours-to-claim-a6e452945762

Other People's Parties

Other Peoples' Parties

This session is to create your vision of success for 2025, and some goals to help make it happen!   

You may have set some goals already for 2025 -- if so, great! If not, and if you've been pondering what you want 2025 to look like for you, then this session might be of interest. It will be a somewhat structured set of steps whereby you think through and plan what you want for yourself this year.  

Here's how it will look:

Before the session, I will send you some (optional) reflective questions to help you prepare. This will include questions about what went well last year, what didn't go well, what roles you play, your values, etc. There is no expectation that you share any of your answers; it's just the beginning of a process to help you start thinking about what's important to you. It will be in the form of a Word document that you keep for yourself. 

In the session, I will ask you/the group some questions about the roles you play in your life, what you want each role to look like in the year ahead, where you are now in that progression, where you want to get to, etc. I'll share some examples to help the questions be clear.  After I ask a question, I'll then give you some time to type or journal your answers privately for yourself. You are free to turn your camera off during this time. This process of asking a question, and giving you time to type/journal your answers will happen multiple times. At certain intervals, I may put the larger group into small breakout groups of 2 or 3 so you can share if you wish and/or have a sounding board as you think something through. You may not have time to expand on all your goals but you will come away with a draft and the steps to complete it. At the end of it all, if you would like to get together online again at intervals to share how you are doing with your goals and find ways to celebrate - or get back on track - that is an option! 

Note: If you can't register because we hit the maximum of 7 that this app allows, please put your name in the comments and we'll make sure you can join us. I will use Zoom, so please make sure you check back for the Zoom link. 

I have been doing this process for myself for years and it's been very helpful. Please add any questions in the comments below and hope to see you there! 

Goal-Setting for 2025

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/Trust-Vulnerability

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Trust & Vulnerability

Join us for our biweekly writing group!

Goal: fun, connecting, supportive, creatively inspiring!

Authentic check in

Short timed-writing

Optional sharing

Non-critical reflections only 

No experience necessary!

Please bring a prompt for the group: short quote, image, short poem etc.

This event is held at a private home. If you are feeling sick or have been exposed to illness, please come next time out of respect for all!

Contacts:

Marn (organizer): 604-215-1202 (cell)

John (host): 778-237-8071

Please arrive on time. There is no doorbell, so please knock loudly + call if no one answers the door.

Writing-Group Hangout

I’m excited to share that our Social Hour events on Tuesdays have been a great success and will continue! 🙂

So feel free to bring a game or just show up and have some fun.

Come join us, and feel free to pass this info along to anyone who might benefit from meeting new neighbours.

We’d love to see you there every Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the Lobby Room at Kitsilano Community Centre. (Just ask for the location at the front desk if you can't find it).

Expect good vibes and engaging connections. Complimentary snacks are on us!

Intro video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwKexdUa-dU

Hosted by me, Glen Brauer, founder of:
https://friendlyvancouver.com 

(This event is being promoted on Facebook as well, so we should have at least 12 people in attendance) 

Well, Roll was a bust last Sunday, but Toast Malasaña is there to pick up the pieces.  There are Plan B.1 and .2 out there too.  Maybe that should be part of out planning this time.

But also, what to focus on for the first meeting of the month of chocolate (yeah, yeah, the OTHER month of chocolate) - art, animal intellect...legacies?

If we're lucky we won't have to compete with sports again, but that's another potential topic!

See you at Taproom!

Sunday Drinks Planning Session

Feel creative and curious?  Let's ponder some alternate history!

1. WHAT IF the USSR had survived until today?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tShnZFP2F04 (19:31)
By the way, who tf quotes Aznar??

2. WHAT IF the US had stayed neutral in WWI?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6sUEjmEFSQ (23:37)

3. For the language nerds among us - WHAT IF the Norman Conquest ended up wiping out the Anglo-Saxon language?
No videos about this? Inconceivable!

4. WHAT IF the Vinland colony survived?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EUkdfVNxQI (8:27)

5. WHAT IF we weren't the only hominid today?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHMOyFHu81Q (18:04)

6. WHAT IF horses never existed?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFF3nRKoLWg (11:43)

7. WHAT IF artificial intelligence was never invented?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvZM98arCis (2:58)
So, the original video was deleted, but this one is almost the same.  More concise.  Less obviously AI itself.

Alternate History

Join us for an inaugural Power-of-Fun hangout!

Please note that because this event is occurring at my home, for now, only men in my Buddytree may register, along with any woman. If you’re interested and not currently in my tree, please inquire!

Goal: Playful, connecting, supportive + inspiring!

Bringing more fun and joy into our lives enriches us and our communities, supports us in our work and boosts our health!

Come out and co-create a circle that embraces creativity, absurdity, laughter, play, learning, novelty, inclusivity + intentional conversation.

First hangout will include:

Guided visualization

Authentic check-in

Playful activity: *tarot card-play + our personal ghost-stories 

Inspiring conversation

Brainstorm for future hangouts

This will be held at a private home. For the sake of all: If you are sick or have been exposed, please come next time instead!

Please feel free to bring food for yourself, as this is held over the dinner hour.

I look forward to sharing a joyful evening with you!

Best,
Marn 

Ps I’m a facilitator of the creative process, a comedy-writer and a huge advocate of fun!

*tarot cards need not be used as fortune-telling mechanisms, but as insight-stimulators and a playful way to communicate with others about ourselves. 

Power-of-Fun Hangout

We already know that we are living in extremely polarized times, with few people willing to stand in the middle and get pelted by those on both sides.  There are numerous divisions between people: class, race, religion, geography, education...and, of course, sex.  The power of each category can be variable and context-driven, but the current time seems to be pushing a gap between men and women to the top of what separates us.  Despite the advances of the 20th century, we see societies actively stepping backwards.  We also see that some advances have been cosmetic and superficial rather than profound changes in social attitudes.  Some worry about the isolation this will bring to young people, but others argue that each of us is responsible for our own social development and connection.  Here are just a couple of thoughts on the topic:
https://www.nakedpolitics.co.uk/gender-z-the-growing-divide-between-young-men-and-women/

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/11/10/2284893/-The-4B-Movement-women-s-last-option-to-live-in-peace-and-safety

https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2025/01/18/why-are-fewer-men-going-to-college/

So, what are the driving factors behind the growing separation?  Is it as serious as we're being told, or is our perception being twisted by media hungry for fearful/outraged clicks?  What can we do to bring people back to the table, so to speak, to at least have a conversation with each other?  What will be the consequences if we don't?

It looks like our favorite place for serious talk might be open again, but keep an eye on the location.  If it turns out Roll isn't ready for us yet, we'll head over to Taproom Malasaña,

Join An Upcoming Hangout

Animal Communication

Accountability Group for Goal-Setters

The Future Of Europe

Accountability Group for Goal Setters (Sunday)

Unelected Leaders

Meaningful Discussions: Self-awareness

Recent Hangouts

Biden's Legacy

Enshittification

Meaningful Discussions: Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Social Hour & Games Night

The Future Of Europe

Book club hangout - How to Know a Person

Social Hour & Games Night

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

The Movies We Love

Accountability Group for Goal-Setters

Social Hour & Games Night

Other People's Parties

Goal-Setting for 2025

Trust & Vulnerability

Writing-Group Hangout

Social Hour & Games Night

Sunday Drinks Planning Session

Alternate History

Power-of-Fun Hangout

The Political Divide Between The Sexes

Some of our members

Join An Upcoming Hangout

Animal Communication

Accountability Group for Goal-Setters

The Future Of Europe

Accountability Group for Goal Setters (Sunday)

Unelected Leaders

Meaningful Discussions: Self-awareness

Recent Hangouts

Biden's Legacy

Enshittification

Meaningful Discussions: Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Social Hour & Games Night

The Future Of Europe

Book club hangout - How to Know a Person

Social Hour & Games Night

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

The Movies We Love

Accountability Group for Goal-Setters

Social Hour & Games Night

Other People's Parties

Goal-Setting for 2025

Trust & Vulnerability

Writing-Group Hangout

Social Hour & Games Night

Sunday Drinks Planning Session

Alternate History

Power-of-Fun Hangout

The Political Divide Between The Sexes

Some of our members