Videos:
Identity from philosophy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trqDnLNRuSc (8:32)

Is identity given or created?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tJKGZ_xSZ0 (12:15)

One view on creating identity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyyFfQAw9as (8:36)

Group identity (wait until we talk about polarization!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1SGYabxvPM (5:12)

Identity from interests, e.g. music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJTo7XFkuHQ (7:24)

Name, ethnicity, identity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aImfj1kKUNI (19:02)

Gender identity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6AqrKMZj4s (9:41)


Questions
1. What do you understand your identity to be?  How much of it comes from within yourself, and how much from external influences?

2. Here are some potential sources of identity: family; nationality; ethnicity; religion; name; geographic origin; hobbies/interests; politics; gender; job; (traumatic) life experiences
Are they all legitimate sources of identity?  How many of them apply to you?  Do you have other sources of identity?

3. How much conscious control do we really have over our identities?

4. Can identity have conflicting components?  How should we reconcile this?  Do we have the right or responsibility to point out others' identities in self-conflict?

5. What is the best way for children to explore all aspects of their identities?  Are there aspects of themselves that they should be shielded from until parents can't control them anymore?

6. How do you maintain your identity after suffering major life changes?

7. Is personal identity in modern society an advantage to human progress?  Or are we becoming bogged down in so many details of ourselves that we have stopped progressing?

Identity

Is it a cheap cop-out to have this topic on this date?  Unoriginal?  Precious?  Ahh, so what if it is, endings in life and dealing with them are always pressing topics, the things we can't stop talking about even if we wish we would stop thinking about them.  

Returning from the dead is very common for deities and mythological characters, often in a stronger or wiser form.  While most of us don't have literal resurrections, we can hit rock bottom and bounce back, or take a completely new path in life, almost becoming a new person.  It might feel like this is a modern fixation, with our quests for the perfect life of perfect happiness that we deserve, dammit!  However, societies of the past also had life transitions, primarily from childhood to adulthood, but some other less drastic ones as well - initiations, marriages, achievements in activities, etc.  In fact, we might be feeling a little lost in modern society, since we have left many of these celebrations behind, or at least removed some of the importance of participating in them to the status of someone in society.  We have a lot of freedom and flexibility, but without a more rigid structure there is less support.  Could this contribute to our fascination with radical reinventing?

https://www.livescience.com/3479-resurrection-history-myths.html

https://anthonygucciardi.com/ancestry/rebirth-and-reincarnation-as-a-metaphor-for-conscious-psychological-unfoldment/

https://tinybuddha.com/blog/5-steps-to-reinvent-yourself/

How different a person are you now compared to 20 years ago?  How different will you be in 20 years?  How often should people at least consider making major changes?  What kind of changes can't be backed out of if they don't turn out like you expect?

Speaking of changes, we'll be trying a new habitat this Sunday!  It's not a major change, but something a little different sometimes is fun.

Resurrection And Rebirth

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

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-the-art-science-of-friendship-tickets-1303996712269

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: The Art & Science of Friendship

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/the-art-of-letting-go

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 Art of Letting Go

Videos:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t44-uHyzvCw&t=161s   (11:04)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BAYWCXgSrE  (6:52)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BcqE-Ez1Lg   (2:37)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDeMzg31T2I&t=61s  (5:36)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyHLLzmNje0  (5:54)

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouDdiJ0ey00 (18:29)

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2au0B5j6ji8 (11:31)

8. https://www.pbs.org/video/high-tech-dystopia-and-utopia-d5nvyg/ (27:11)


Reading: 

1. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/08/when-utopia-looked-real/373460/

2. https://www.economist.com/prospero/2016/12/29/500-years-on-are-we-living-in-thomas-mores-utopia

3. https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2022/07/21/latin-american-politicians-yearn-for-utopia


Spanish (Optional):

1. https://elpais.com/eps/2022-06-25/ubicacion-exacta-de-la-utopia.html

2. https://elpais.com/cultura/2024-11-05/steven-pinker-entender-que-la-utopia-es-imposible-es-lo-que-permite-que-haya-tolerancia-y-democracia.html


Italian (Optional):

1. https://www.internazionale.it/notizie/h-g-wells/2024/01/22/wells-intervista-lenin

2. https://www.internazionale.it/reportage/drago-jancar/2021/08/30/fine-jugoslavia-slovenia



Questions:


1. How can we balance individual freedom with the need for social welfare and economic security?

2. How can we create a more inclusive and equitable society for marginalized communities?

3. How can we transition to a more sustainable and renewable energy-based economy?

4. What role can individual actions and collective movements play in promoting environmental sustainability.

5.  How can we ensure that technological advancements serve the public interest and promote social good?

6.  What would a Utopian society look like in practice, and how can we work towards achieving it?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Longtime Member of Buddytree)

Achieving Utopia

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 but so far it's every 4-6 weeks). The intention for these sessions is to support each other with making progress with our goals. 

These sessions will include:

1- some time to review your goals, adjust if needed, and ask any questions on the goal-setting process
2- a tip or two for success on achieving goals  
3- discussion in break-out groups (or as one group, depending on group size)  

Discussion Questions include:
a) where you've made progress and what's going well
b) where you thought you'd make progress but didn't (and it's OK if you've made no progress at all! We are human! No judgement - only support and encouragement!)
c) support if you wish to share/explore what's getting in your way and how to work around that
d) sharing what you want to commit to for your next steps

There will be a few questions for reflection sent out in advance so you can prepare. 

These sessions are open to anyone who has done a Buddytree goal-setting session. First-timers are welcome! 
*If you would like to do (or re-do) a goal-setting session, please indicate in the comments. I can schedule another one if a few people are interested. 

It will be held on Zoom to allow for break-out groups, so check the comments before the session to get the Zoom link. 

Hope to see you there! 

Accountability Group for Goal-Setters

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 but so far it's every 4-6 weeks). The intention for these sessions is to support each other with making progress with our goals. 

These sessions will include:

1- some time to review your goals, adjust if needed, and ask any questions on the goal-setting process
2- a tip or two for success on achieving goals  
3- the discussion questions below in a small group. 

Discussion Questions include:
a) where you've made progress and what's going well
b) where you thought you'd make progress but didn't 
c) support if you wish to share/explore what's getting in your way and how to work around that
d) sharing what you want to commit to for your next steps

NOTE: I will use the video that comes automatically with the Buddytree platform. 
The timing of this session is designed for those who cannot meet in the evening but all are welcome. 

Accountability Group for Goal Setters 

We're looking forward to a pleasant week, but it might be soggy again this weekend.  All the more reason to hunker down with some beverages.

There are current events to analyze, or avoid, and long-standing questions to ponder.  There are even some artistic bright spots that can distract us from the grim headlines that are oh so clickable.

So what's the verdict, friends?  Tariffs, art, music, good examples, shifting identities?

Taproom will shelter us and Tierra will feed if we so desire!

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Video:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nASLbAJsFK4  (2:37)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-71bx0-PyrU&amp;amp;amp;amp;t=2s  (18:46)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMZYKxgc9TE (8:55)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urNAyK4gpA8 (17:21)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-kKLy6uNc4  (22:36)

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-eHOSq3oqI (8:17)

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiUPD-z9DTg (14:58)

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ih7WJrcjWg  (37:10)

9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWZ91KzbPng&amp;amp;amp;amp;t=57s (27.09)


Reading: (Optional)

1. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/14/podcasts/the-daily/trump-europe-tarriff-trade-war.html

2.https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2025/02/trump-ukraine-postwar-world/681745/

3. https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/03/13/donald-trump-has-pushed-europe-back-into-whatever-it-takes-mode

4. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/04/trump-maga-national-interest-usaid-destruction/681735/

5. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2025/02/trump-new-world-order/681683/


Spanish: (Optional)

1. https://elpais.com/opinion/2025-02-16/nuevo-orden-mundial.html

2. https://elpais.com/ideas/2025-03-08/las-reglas-mafiosas-del-nuevo-orden-internacional.html

3. https://elordenmundial.com/imperialismo-trump-estados-unidos-rusia-china-geopolitica/


Italian: (Optional)

1. https://www.internazionale.it/opinione/pierre-haski/2025/03/13/ordine-mondiale-trump-stati-uniti

2. https://www.internazionale.it/opinione/pierre-haski/2025/01/20/donald-trump-visione-mondo

3. https://www.affarinternazionali.it/una-fase-senza-ordine-alcuno/

4. https://www.affarinternazionali.it/trump-e-la-partita-a-poker-della-nato/


Questions:

1. What are the implications of the current global power shift for the existing international order?

2. What are the key factors driving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and how can it be resolved?

3. What are the core values and interests that underpin the transatlantic alliance, and how have they evolved over time?

4. How has the alliance responded to recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the Ukraine conflict.

5. What are the implications of the conflict for global governance and the rules-based international order?

6. How can the international community work together to mitigate the economic impacts of the conflict and promote a stable and prosperous global economy?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Longtime Member of BuddyTree) 



New World Order

https://onlys.ky/looking-back-at-2025-an-ai-fever-dream/

Artificial Intelligence, the bane of modern content creators, can tell stories it seems.  It does follow the prompt pretty closely (the editor put it in the comments), but just reading it is very similar to reading other articles on the site.  There is an interesting thing about the content that caught my attention; I wonder if anybody else will be struck by it.  It also isn't really that mind-blowing, with another pandemic and a fight between the American co-presidents.

Another prediction is the disaster of a geomagnetic storm, something humans have been sounding alarms about for years.  For an electronic device, ChatGPT seems awfully sure that it, or other AIs, will survive and lead distressed humans back to order and security.

There is little optimism in this fantasy look-back, with nations teetering on the brink of war and internal unrest undermining old strengths.  The mentioned players are, again, unsurprising.

The conclusion could have been written by a great many tech writers in recent years...but remember it's ChatGPT "writing".  It seems to be speaking directly to us, passing a message that we expect to hear, although from a movie character rather than some piece of technology in our own lives.  Maybe what we should be keeping in mind is that AI, for all its apparent speed and brilliance, is our own creation.  It is still our reflection, more than its own entity.  But who knows what 2026 will bring?

AI Looks Back At 2025

Spring has truly sprung it seems, so there might be more room inside Taproom.  People like to be on the street in this town, even if it means being next to the street, with the cars.

Maybe brighter and warmer days will bring some ideas to the surface.  AI storytelling is on the list, art, history, whatever floats your boat!

See you at Taproom!

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/making-a-difference

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.

Making a Difference

***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

Architecture, like art and fashion, changes over time.  Sometimes styles are remembered and recreated with nostalgia, and sometimes they are ... not.  A particularly 20th century style is Brutalism, which sounds weirdly aggressive, but makes sense when one sees examples of it.  It came about for a number of reasons, including financial ones, and although not exactly elegant or eye-catching, examples can have a certain classical aura about them.  
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/what-is-brutalism-brutalist-architecture-art-1234730107/

Like other styles, it leaked into other areas of design and construction.  Here's a 10-year-old Slate article about Brutalist playgrounds: https://slate.com/human-interest/2015/06/the-hard-and-scary-playgrounds-of-yesterday-just-as-rooted-in-their-era-as-the-soft-padded-ones-of-today.html

The article argues that not only were the playgrounds relatively cheap to build, they encouraged children to use their imaginations and create games for themselves on the uninstructive space they had.  Some of us might just remember sharper angles and greater heights on playground equipment than can be seen today.  Of course, by the '80s or so, Brutalist playgrounds were not really acceptable, but maybe what we had was still a little too risky for today's (probably) single-child parent.

While primarily an exterior style, recently designers have been bringing the Brutalist aesthetic inside too.  It seems to appeal to a sense of minimalism, escape from over-refinement or excessive decoration.  Much like the playgrounds, the elements might not distract but I don't know if they're really the most comfortable things to have around you.  I guess it depends on how much you want to escape from the hardness of reality in your personal space.
https://sabiinadesign.com/brutalism-interior-design/

Architectural Brute(alist)s

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

It's not quite the feast day of the patron saint of drinking, but there's nothing wrong with having a celebration a little early!  What's that?  Not the patron of drinking? No such thing?

Oh well.

Maybe that should be what we put our heads together for in Taproom, besides considering art, psychology and history.  

No matter what we decide, or what day we celebrate, Taproom is there for us!

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:
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

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! 

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


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!

Join An Upcoming Hangout

Identity

Resurrection And Rebirth

Meaningful Discussions: The Art & Science of Friendship

The Art of Letting Go

Achieving Utopia

Recent Hangouts

Accountability Group for Goal-Setters

Accountability Group for Goal Setters

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

New World Order

AI Looks Back At 2025

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Making a Difference

Meaningful Discussions: Self-awareness

Architectural Brute(alist)s

Unelected Leaders

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Accountability Group for Goal Setters (Sunday)

The Future Of Europe

Accountability Group for Goal-Setters

Animal Communication

Biden's Legacy

Enshittification

Meaningful Discussions: Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Social Hour & Games Night

The Future Of Europe

Some of our members

Join An Upcoming Hangout

Identity

Resurrection And Rebirth

Meaningful Discussions: The Art & Science of Friendship

The Art of Letting Go

Achieving Utopia

Recent Hangouts

Accountability Group for Goal-Setters

Accountability Group for Goal Setters

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

New World Order

AI Looks Back At 2025

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Making a Difference

Meaningful Discussions: Self-awareness

Architectural Brute(alist)s

Unelected Leaders

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Accountability Group for Goal Setters (Sunday)

The Future Of Europe

Accountability Group for Goal-Setters

Animal Communication

Biden's Legacy

Enshittification

Meaningful Discussions: Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Social Hour & Games Night

The Future Of Europe

Some of our members