Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/The-Holiday-Season

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 Holiday Season

“ Being Piaf” a one woman show on the life of Edith Piaf. Please press on get tickets for more information . There's nothing quite like sharing a live performance and then chatting about it afterwards. At this the opening night you are invited to attend the after party for drinks and socializing with the cast and director.
Being Piaf has been hugely popular in Los Angeles and New York.  In 2024 it will be going to London, England.

Don't miss out on this amazing performance by Eleanora Owen, directed by Tim Byron   Owen.


Live Performance

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/a-world-without-war

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.

A World Without War

&lt;a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/realistic-chalk-blackboard_19380853.htm#query=school%20blackboard&amp;position=4&amp;from_view=keyword&amp;track=ais"&gt;Image by pikisuperstar&lt;/a&gt; on Freepik

Videos:

Old ideas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA4ITfF66ak&amp;pp=ygULc2Nob29sIDE5Mzk%3D

Old problems
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKmdlC-iCB8&amp;pp=ygUQY3Jvd2RlZCBvdXQgMTk1OA%3D%3D

Modern doubts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNQDp3v-VGE&amp;pp=ygUzZWxvbiBtdXNrIGluY3JlZGlibGUgc3BlZWNoIG9uIHRoZSBlZHVjYXRpb24gc3lzdGVt

Modern possibilities
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77_wbUXTE_A&amp;pp=ygUTYWx0ZXJuYXRpdmUgc2Nob29scw%3D%3D

Homeschool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzsZP9o7SlI

South Korea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpS2JJYfbZ8&amp;pp=ygUfaW4gaHlwZXJjb21wZXRpdGl2ZSBzb3V0aCBrb3JlYQ%3D%3D

Finland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xCe2m0kiSg&amp;pp=ygUgd2h5IGZpbmxhbmQncyBzY2hvb2xzIG91dHBlcmZvcm0%3D

France
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOwbdQts4c4&amp;pp=ygUvZnJlbmNoIGVkdWNhdGlvbiByZWludmVudGluZyB0aGUgaWRlYSBvZiBzY2hvb2w%3D

Reggio Emilia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n2hCebmT4c&amp;pp=ygUXcmVnZ2lvIGVtaWxpYSBlZHVjYXRpb24%3D

Future
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqK7V58sDAs&amp;pp=ygUZc2Nob29scyBvZiB0aGUgZnV0dXJlIGJiYw%3D%3D

1. What is the purpose of education?  Who is responsible for providing it?

2. What is the greatest strength of the education system where you live?  What is its greatest weakness?

3. What changes would you make to the education system, if you could?

4. What is your opinion of "alternative" education?  Should it be made more available to students everywhere?

5. Is homeschooling a viable option?  Why (not)?

6 . How much choice should teens get in their education?  What about younger children (and their parents)?

7. Is private education a benefit to society that should be encouraged/supported with public money?  Or would those funds be better invested in public education?

Alternative Education

Videos:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6oSJg6wuBg

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B19t4G0MSF4

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3vmvudzltc

4. https://www.ted.com/talks/oye_waddell_hustling_for_the_common_good

5. https://www.ted.com/talks/krista_tippett_reconnecting_with_compassion

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNLOdRMgaDY

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2XFfh6BDv8


Reading (highly recommended):

  "The Common Good" by Robert H. Reich



Questions: 

1. How do you define "the common good" in your country (United States, Canada, UK or other European countries)?

2. Do we have obligations to the nation in addition to paying taxes, serving on juries, and voting? If so, what are they?

3. Some say Americans are selfish and self-centered. Others point to acts of kindness and courage - first responders to emergencies, everyday acts of altruism. How would you describe our national character?

4. Has America's character changed over time - since your parents were children, for example? If so, how and why?

5. Do you trust the government to do the right thing most of the time? Do you believe in our system of government - the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, federalism, and the rule of law?

6. What role does a president play in setting the moral tone of the nation?

7. Does a democracy depend on a shared reality, or can a democracy function with people believing fundamentally different facts?

8. Do we have an obligation to break out of our self-made "bubbles" of friends, neighbors, and Internet algorithms that confirm everything we believe? If so, how can we do it? If not, can we still be effective participants in our democracy?

9. How do you think the common good can best be restored?

                                                                                                                                By courtesy of Robert B. Reich
                                            


Understanding the Common Good

(Original image by Cristina Spanò)

An article explaining different types of misleading information and what we might do to fight it:
https://onlysky.media/mclark/meet-the-fab-five-of-misleading-information/

Videos:

Disinformation, Misinformation, Malinformation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg3s6mQq3C0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD5MmuLDeFE

Why Do Conservatives Fall for Fake News?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISYL1WsuR78

How to Recognize Disinformation and How to Stop it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ubPQm63_7c

Malinformation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23uDpJnHKwQ&t=121s&pp=ygUXbWFsaW5mb3JtYXRpb24gdGltIHBvb2w%3D

Colbert and Post-Truth vs Truthiness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck0yqUoBY7M

Truth or Truthiness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm9AZb3jbBk

Just-So Stories
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U9Gz7Rl1kY

1. Can you give real life examples of the "Fab Five" from the article?  If you haven't read it, they are misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, truthiness and just-so stories.

2. Is mis/dis/malinformation a new problem?  Does it seem like people take it more seriously today than in the past?

3. How should education tackle identifying misleading information, if this skill should be included in education?

4. How much is modern media to blame for our confusion vs human nature being lazy?

5. Should social media platforms be held responsible for hosting misleading information?  How should misleading info be distinguished from unpopular or uninformed opinions?

6. What is your normal reaction when you come across misleading information?  Do you wish you would react differently?

7. At a time when creating fake news through deepfakes and AI is easy and cheap, what could the future of news and information be?  Will information exist as something universal and factual, or will it be personal and entertaining and/or serving merely as confirmation bias?

Misleading Information

*PLEASE NOTE: this hangout is exclusively for people living in the buildings at Yaletown Park Towers.*

Have you ever wondered how many people living in your building you actually know?

My name is Lily and I've been living at Yaletown Towers for the past five years. I think it would be great to get to know other people in my building. Unfortunately, our common room is unavailable at the moment (due to a flooding incident) so I've booked us the Board Room at the Roundhouse Community Centre which is only a 9 minute walk away.

My friend Glen Brauer will also be making a presentation about the new social networking platform that he's helped to develop called Buddytree. Here's a short video about this project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WKGu0DK1DQ

For more info about Glen you can check out his profile:
https://www.buddytree.org/people/cBLcUttq1U

Feel free to bring an appetizer, non-alcoholic drink or a dessert to add to the mix.

Please RSVP (on the top-right corner of this page) since there are limited spots available.

Also, the benefit of everyone RSVPing in advance is that everyone can see who else is coming! :)

Yaletown Park Towers - Meet & Greet Hangout

Join me at Eastside Atelier's Pre Culture Crawl Preview Art Show! 

• Bar sponsor Paradis Wine and Spirits
• Music by DJ Sepoys

Great alternative to Eastside Culture Crawl:
• less crowded
• more time to connect with artists
• best selection of art

Start with dinner (optional, I'll be there in spirit) followed by a short journey down to my studio for a brief, exclusive Buddytree talk about my recent work. Light refreshments will be served. Then, explore open art studios and chat with other artists in the same building! There are many new art collective members in the past several months!

5:30 pm Dinner Reservation at Britannia Sushi on Commercial
(optional... I can't attend as I'm in the event, yet will organize for you! Please confirm in the comments if you are coming to dinner portion by Thursday 8am or earlier.)

7:15pm Meet Studio 10B.
Brief art presentation, chat with Lindsay and I. Light refreshments will be served.

7:45pm Wine, music, self-guided tour. 
Enjoy wine from the main gallery bar. Vibe with DJ Sepoys! Then, explore more art studios.

--
I will be live painting periodically during the evening. Circle back to see my progress! :)

Pre-Crawl Preview Show

After a short break, once again I'll be hosting music and an art exhibition in my studio. This time, I've teamed up with Tiny House Concerts for our first collaboration! All the intimacy and magic you love about my concert series is now brought to you by a dedicated team of organizers, talent scouts and professional musicians!

We're thrilled to present Monica Lee as our showcased performer. I will be exhibiting art with my new studio mate, Lindsay MacMillan. Lindsay and I will be in attendance. This show will be held during "First Saturday,” an open event at Eastside Atelier (Vancouver’s second largest art collective) and beyond. View the work of multiple artists in the building before the show!

Let's grab a bite or a drink afterwards! I'm hosting 12-5pm and will be available from 5:15 onward to join friends in a post- First Saturday visit at nearby at Strange Fellows Brewing.

Monica Lee
A Vancouver multidisciplinary artist for more than twenty years, Monica is well known for her powerful songwriting and captivating performances performing in the roots, jazz and country traditions. Monica shares her eclectic style with solo performances, her band of beloved local musicians, her ever-charming Couch Choir, and as a children's performer and music educator. Monica will be sharing songs from her Farewell album, remimagined on a ukulele with an upright bass player. 

Listen to Monica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VrBzGps7LA&amp;list=OLAK5uy_lKIFpLCh71deU3eBOmZxvAT1qRzuu3mcQ

Joanne Probyn
Joanne is a contemporary artist best known for her acrylic abstract paintings and hand embroidery. She often explores themes of growth, the human condition and interconnection. Probyn’s creative pursuits have been exhibited and published widely including in Fun Size, an art book published by Jen Tough Gallery, New Mexico.

To reserve your seat, send an e-transfer with your donation ($10 - $30 per person suggested) to: tinyhouseconcerts@gmail.com. Please include how many seats you’re reserving in the message/memo.

Space is limited and will be first come first serve.

Art Viewing & Refreshments: 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Opening Set: 3:30pm – 4:00pm (ish)
Intermission: 4:00pm - 4:14pm
Monica Lee: 4:15pm - 500pm (ish)

Location:

Joanne Probyn Art Studio
Eastside Atelier
Studio 10B - 1310 William St. (2nd floor),
Vancouver, BC

Health & Safety: Masks are welcome, but not required. Please stay home if you or anyone in your household is ill or experiencing symptoms. Please note this is an old building with no elevator.



Monica Lee Concert at Joanne Probyn Art, First Saturday

Videos:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3XzlmwYnXE

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h77khc_6l6g

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsNj8DiJv-A&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=107s

4. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/nsc-spokesman-says-iran-complicit-in-hamas-terror-but-no-evidence-it-helped-plan-attack

5. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/israeli-and-palestinian-leaders-discuss-historic-escalation-of-violence-and-whats-next

6. https://www.democracynow.org/2023/10/10/haggai_matar_israel_reservists_palestine

7. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-the-escalating-palestinian-israeli-crisis-means-for-middle-east-relations

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt3PpqaLfxo (PBS)

9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h1XD7fQSfg

Reading (additional):
1. https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2023/10/12/a-short-history-of-gaza

2. https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2023/10/10/how-powerful-is-hamas

3. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2023/10/12/will-israels-agony-and-retribution-end-in-chaos-or-stability

4. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/09/opinion/israel-hamas-attack.html

5. https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2023/10/11/the-palestinian-cause-has-been-damaged-by-factionalism-argues-a-former-prime-minister

6. https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2023/10/12/nimrod-novik-on-the-false-premises-and-failure-of-vision-that-led-to-the-hamas-attacks

7. https://www.economist.com/briefing/2023/10/12/hamass-attack-was-the-bloodiest-in-israels-history

8. https://www.economist.com/briefing/2023/10/12/hamas-has-failed-to-rally-the-middle-east-to-its-cause

9. https://www.economist.com/briefing/2023/10/12/hamass-atrocities-and-israels-retaliation-will-change-both-sides-for-ever


Questions:
1. What intrigued you about this topic and what would you like to get out of this discussion?

2. Which of the videos/articles was the most interesting to you and why?

3. What kind of people are the people who commit violent acts of terrorism? Why do they do the things that they do?

4. Do you think the world is becoming more violent than in the past, or is it about the same as before? Why do you think so?

5.  How has not solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for so many years contributed to the atrocious acts that began over the weekend and the many other examples of violence leading up to these events? 

6. What do you think will happen in the days and weeks to come? How do you feel thinking about and seeing this level of violence?

7. In response to the attacks by Hamas, Israel has sent rockets into Gaza killing hundreds of civilians  with many more expected to die. Many other conflicts in world history have also gone unresolved for decades. Why do you think this is? Why has the Israeli-Palestinian conflict not been resolved in all of these decades? What do you think needs to happen? 

8. What do you think the international community should do to help reduce escalating tensions and avoid growing catastrophe in the region?



Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

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

I've organized many events over the years in this restaurant with the Meaningful Discussions group, so it's exciting to start things up again using Buddytree! :)

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.

I've reserved two tables of 6 people, and as usual, people will be able to mix and mingle after 90 minutes.

There is no $5 fee to attend this event if you RSVP via Buddytree, but the restaurant has asked that you spend at least $20 since we are using their space.

If this is your first time, feel free to view some testimonials here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVkt_Gnxe38


- Glen Brauer
Founder of The Meaningful Discussions Project
Buddytree & Friendship Bootcamp

Simpatico Event (Fear & Confidence)

Fear & Confidence

The best films of the past can make us think that they used to only make good stuff, while we make a little good stuff and a lot of trash.  In reality, the trash of the past has mostly been swept up.  We can be confident, then, that the classics have something to offer, even if we can't see them in the same way our peers of 100 years ago did.

The Horror Films of F. W. Murnau
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnMn8WoV7Uc

The Classics

Nosferatu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZmyxccQQWI

Faust
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_wG-xrOXfY

Dr. Caligari
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mumkt3I7dPA

The Golem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEd8t9EpmeM

Their Legacy

Nosferatu (1979)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdzHAKPV7dk

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU3t_9TdbE8

Shadow of the Vampire (2000)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5jZBcDev1s

1. Which stories were you familiar with before?  Have you seen these movies or other versions of the stories?

2. Why are films from this decade so memorable?  Are they better made than modern films, in spite of our advancing technology for special effects?

3. Do you know of modern films that were inspired by these classics?  Are they worthy successors? 

4. What can horror films say about the societies they are made in?

5. What do you enjoy most/least about horror films in general?  Are these classics good examples of that?

Faust, Nosferatu and Other Horrors

*The purpose of these home-based hangouts is to create a community of hosts and attendees to make Vancouver a friendlier city.*

Movie trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_62BeXxd_jo

Interview with Stephen Colbert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ9sQsH6270

Storyteller and Conceptual Magician Derek DelGaudio attempts to understand the illusory nature of identity and answer the deceptively simple question 'Who am I?'

---

I've seen this several times and it always seems to generate thoughtful discussions! :)

---
PLEASE NOTE:

As always, this will be an after-dinner potluck. So feel free to bring an appetizer, drink and/or dessert to add to the mix. 

Since this hangout is held in my home, I will be prioritizing requests to attend from people who have taken at least a bit of time to flesh out their Buddytree profiles. For example, if you are new member to the Buddytree community and nobody has vouched for you yet, then please edit your profile to include a link to your LinkedIn profile. 

Please consider in joining me to host your own home-based hangouts to grow our community, and feel free to email me with any questions you may have:
glenb@buddytree.org

If you need a bit of extra inspiration, feel free to check out my other project here:
https://friendshipbootcamp.com/


Sincerely,

Glen Brauer
Founder of Buddytree
The Meaningful Discussions Project 
Friendship Bootcamp

In & Of Itself (Film & Discussion)

In & Of Itself (movie hangout)

A new season is upon us. Who's up for a night of romance?

Most of you already know the score (see what I did there?) 
The talented West Coast Symphony is starting their new season on Oct 14th. 
The theme is 'Romantic Escape' 
In this performance my friend Louise will be not only performing as 1st Violin but will be concertmaster as well.  
For those new, the WSO is a group of highly talented volunteer musicians that are considered to be right next to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in terms of talent. 
http://westcoastsymphony.ca/history/
Their main venue of Christ Church Cathedral is a lovely venue and has excellent acoustics as well. 
This year due to my work schedule I will not be able to attend/host all their performances like last year but I will as many as I am able. 

Come join me on the 14th and listen to the itinerary of: 

Wagner: Lohengrin Prelude to Act 3
Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22*
Rachmoninoff: Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27

Bujar Llapaj, Conductor
Bryan Deans, Assistant Conductor

*Brian Feng Li, Piano Soloist

Here is the Spotify Playlist for the night direct from Louise herself:

https://open.spotify.com/track/4e5IlAPXk0tqlFe3RCcFUM?si=14df934d9fbf48e5

https://open.spotify.com/track/6wIZcmH0VvTraSfMd8l1m7?si=33997dcecc994ebe

https://open.spotify.com/track/2s9gMJCg9w6kLGzCZfkZzE?si=3865505276c04bcd

https://open.spotify.com/track/4oXp50ZsVvWB0CwX05ljs4?si=5e705ed9e316477f

https://open.spotify.com/album/4B5Gzemxj0Adg1LCMN9PVp?si=ZCwpm_0hQAeQy1Bu-beTmg

...and just for fun here is Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance'
https://youtu.be/qrO4YZeyl0I?si=76E1mExKJfVtfny8

Tix are by donation with a suggested amount of $30 but truly pay what you can is perfectly acceptable. 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/romantic-escape-tickets-698599749657?aff=odcleoeventsincollection&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;keep_tld=1




Romance!-West Coast Symphony Orchestra

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

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.

Understanding Depression

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

I've organized many events over the years in this restaurant with the Meaningful Discussions group, so it's exciting to start things up again using Buddytree! :)

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.

I've reserved two tables of 6 people, and as usual, people will be able to mix and mingle after 90 minutes.

There is no $5 fee to attend this event if you RSVP via Buddytree, but the restaurant has asked that you spend at least $20 since we are using their space.

If this is your first time, feel free to view some testimonials here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVkt_Gnxe38


- Glen Brauer
Founder of The Meaningful Discussions Project
Buddytree & Friendship Bootcamp

Understanding Love (dinner & discussion)

You are invited to join me for the Canadian premiere of the documentary, Robert Irwin: A Desert of Pure Feeling.

No artist calls attention to light and space like the legendary Robert Irwin, who has been singular to his minimalist vision for decades. Instilling a sense of the sublime, Irwin is known for his ability to reframe the ordinary into something awe-inspiring. Robert Irwin: A Desert of Pure Feeling provides rare views of the artist’s astonishing body of work, including paintings, installations, and site-specific environments. It likewise follows the creation of the artist’s latest piece, a revisiting of the ruins of a military hospital in Marfa, Texas. Elusive yet down to earth, Irwin is a true original, eschewing the art market and favouring simplicity in an age of excess. His art is ephemeral and experiential, it cannot be bought, sold, or hung on walls. Director Jennifer Lane has crafted a stunning portrait of one of the most important and influential contemporary artists of our age; the film features fascinating archival footage, and interviews with fellow artists and writers. A treat to the eye, and an inspiration to the mind.

Director: Jennifer Lane

Here is the link to purchase tickets - highly recommend to purchase in advance:

https://viff.org/whats-on/viff23-robert-irwin/book/KtDOH3CAeP/

******

The movie starts at 6 pm. It is general seating so I plan to be in the lineup for 5:15 pm.

 If anyone is interested we can go for drinks and/or grab a bite to eat after the movie If anyone has any suggestions of where to go in the area please let me know. 

VIFF Documentary - Robert Irwin: A Desert of Pure Feeling

Hello there! I'd like to invite you to join me in watching an international film as part of the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). The movie is scheduled to start at 1 pm, and since it's general seating, let's plan to meet at 12:30 pm at the entrance of the auditorium (inside the Cineplex on the 3rd floor). After the movie, we will go to a nearby café to hangout and chat about the movie. Looking forward to enjoying the film together!

About the film:
Director: Sierra Urich, Country of Origin: USA, Language: In English and Farsi with English subtitles

Joonam (a ubiquitous Persian term of endearment, literally, “My life/my dear”, which can be ascribed to anything touching, funny, sad or sweet) is a beautiful and intimate film about home and exile. Navigating barriers of language and culture, Sierra Urich embarks on a personal quest to make sense of her mixed-race, Iranian identity. While Sierra struggles with Farsi, her grandmother, Behjat, speaks in broken English. By translating, Sierra’s mother, Mitra, becomes the bridge between the two generations; she’s also representative of that generation of Iranian women who paid the price of revolution more than any other, and of those who immigrated for a better future for their children.  Urich’s delightful documentary paints a well-constructed, deeply moving and sometimes disarmingly humorous portrait of three generations of women and their complex relationship to an Iran of the past. Just like the word, Joonam is both simple and complex; it will make you laugh out loud and bring tears to your eyes.

This film is a part of the Focus Category: Woman, Life & Freedom. Read more here: https://viff.org/series/focus/

I suggest to buy your ticket in advance if you are planning to join. This category may sell out:  
https://viff.org/whats-on/viff23-joonam/book/leAeQCdxVc/

Movie Hangout-VIFF

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

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.

Self-awareness

I've organized many events over the years in this restaurant with the Meaningful Discussions group, so it's exciting to start things up again using Buddytree! :)

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

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.

I've reserved two tables of 6 people, and as usual, people will be able to mix and mingle after 90 minutes.

There is no $5 fee to attend this event if you RSVP via Buddytree, but the restaurant has asked that you spend at least $20 since we are using their space.

If this is your first time, feel free to view some testimonials here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVkt_Gnxe38


- Glen Brauer
Founder of The Meaningful Discussions Project
Buddytree & Friendship Bootcamp

Self-awareness (dinner & discussion)

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

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.

Meaningful Entertainment

I attended my first meeting with this group as a guest on Sept 11th. I enjoyed myself enough to want to come back, and I welcome you to join me! :)

The main activities happen between 7pm and 9pm, and then many of the members and guests meet up at the nearby King's Head pub afterwards.

Here's more info about their specific Toastmasters club:
https://www.tmclub59.com/

Location info:
The yacht club is located on the walking path below Point Grey Road.  The path can be accessed by taking the stairs directly below the point where Balsam Street meets Point Grey Road.  At the bottom of the stairs, walk west on the path 50 feet or so.  The yacht club is on the right past the chain link fence. Entrance to the club is on the east side of the building, through the gate in the chain link fence. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm.  If you arrive from 7:00 pm - 7:10 pm, please stand by the chain link fence.  A member will open the chain link fence door for you during this time and direct you to the meeting space.

Toastmasters Meeting (Kitsilano)

“Hope is a musical thing. From the makers of 'Hunger Games: The Musical' and 'Die Hard: The Musical-ish', comes an all new musical based on the classic prison drama, 'The Shawshank Redemption'. 

Follow Andy Dufresne as he navigates the Shawshank prison system along with Red and the gang, while singing parodies of the greatest hits from the incomparable Johnny Cash. Laugh, cry, and tap your feet as we respectfully ridicule the film that is still rated #1 on IMDb.com. Don't miss out!”

This is the closing night (afternoon!) for this event. It begins at 3:35pm but it’s general seating so we’ll want to arrive a bit early for good seats. Hope to see you there! 🙏 

Join An Upcoming Hangout

The Holiday Season

Live Performance

A World Without War

A World Without War

Recent Hangouts

Alternative Education

Understanding the Common Good

Misleading Information

Yaletown Park Towers - Meet & Greet Hangout

Pre-Crawl Preview Show

Monica Lee Concert at Joanne Probyn Art, First Saturday

Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Simpatico Event (Fear & Confidence)

Faust, Nosferatu and Other Horrors

In & Of Itself (Film & Discussion)

Romance!-West Coast Symphony Orchestra

Understanding Depression

Understanding Love (dinner & discussion)

VIFF Documentary - Robert Irwin: A Desert of Pure Feeling

Movie Hangout-VIFF

Self-awareness

Self-awareness (dinner & discussion)

Meaningful Entertainment

Toastmasters Meeting (Kitsilano)

Live Performance: Shawshank - The Musical

Some of our members

Join An Upcoming Hangout

The Holiday Season

Live Performance

A World Without War

A World Without War

Recent Hangouts

Alternative Education

Understanding the Common Good

Misleading Information

Yaletown Park Towers - Meet & Greet Hangout

Pre-Crawl Preview Show

Monica Lee Concert at Joanne Probyn Art, First Saturday

Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Simpatico Event (Fear & Confidence)

Faust, Nosferatu and Other Horrors

In & Of Itself (Film & Discussion)

Romance!-West Coast Symphony Orchestra

Understanding Depression

Understanding Love (dinner & discussion)

VIFF Documentary - Robert Irwin: A Desert of Pure Feeling

Movie Hangout-VIFF

Self-awareness

Self-awareness (dinner & discussion)

Meaningful Entertainment

Toastmasters Meeting (Kitsilano)

Live Performance: Shawshank - The Musical

Some of our members