Join us for a free evening of jazz in the park. We had a great time last year!

I thought we could gather around 6:00 to save our spot and if anyone wishes, we can have a picnic dinner. 

Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. 

It's not a huge area so we will be easy to find.

Jazz in Coal Harbour Park

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

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.

Fear & Confidence

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/Having-More-Fun

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.

Having More Fun

Video:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZwIavcB4Ck (3:21)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWLSUrlNpTk  (8:13)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR1kVRpIZG0  (17:46)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rUU-QO6leE  (9:29)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ugYcnKx5bo (5:15)

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74CnCdgQPp4 (6:43)

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdUmwX7CGzQ (44:39)


Reading (optional):

1. https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2022/08/26/is-america-entering-a-new-era-of-political-violence

2. https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2024/07/14/the-attempt-on-trumps-life-is-shocking-but-not-surprising

3. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/14/opinion/trump-rally-shooting-reagan.html

4. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/07/14/fortunately-donald-trumps-would-be-killer-failed-what-next

5. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/13/opinion/editorials/donald-trump-rally-shooting.html


Spanish (optional):

1. https://elpais.com/opinion/2024-07-15/en-que-fallamos-como-democracia.html

2. https://elpais.com/opinion/2024-07-15/violencia-contra-la-democracia.html

3. https://elpais.com/opinion/2024-07-18/ninguna-sorpresa-en-el-atentado-contra-trump.html


Questions:

1. Have you ever witnessed any political violence in your life?

2. What drives individuals or groups to resort to political violence, and how can we address these underlying factors?

3. How does the media's coverage of political violence influence public opinion and political discourse?

4. How can governments balance security concerns with individual rights and freedoms when responding to political Violence?

5. What is the impact of political Violence on marginalized communities and vulnerable populations?

6. What responsibility do governments bear for preventing political Violence and protecting their citizens?

7. How can technology and social media be leveraged to both perpetuate and prevent political Violence?

8. What lessons can we draw from historical examples of political Violence and assassination attempts to inform our responses today?

9. Do you have any further questions or feedback on this topic?



In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Member of Buddytree)

Understanding Political Violence

The Create! Eastside Arts Festival is hosting a Creative Moth and Butterfly Painting Workshop led by Cara Guri at Strange Fellows Brewery on the 23rd. Buddytree member Joanne Probyn is assisting.

Thought it sounded like fun so I've signed up! Wondered if anyone might like to join me? :)
We can sit together and chat about the experience, our learnings, and creativity in general!

" In this vibrant workshop suitable for all skill levels, you'll venture into the world of acrylic painting to create your very own stunning moth or butterfly masterpiece! Led by professional artist Cara Guri, you'll learn the essentials of paint handling, blending, shading, and some exciting techniques for adding expressive textures to your artwork. Get ready to unleash your creativity and bring your unique vision to life with expert guidance and support! "

TIME: 7:00PM - 8:30 PM PST

LENGTH: 1.5 hours

LOCATION: Strange Fellows Brewery, 1345 Clark Dr, Vancouver, BC

AGES: Adults (ages 19 and up), beginner & up

PRICE: $35 per person per workshop + fee + GST = $40.54

ACCESSIBILITY: Strange Fellows Brewery is wheelchair accessible. We will communicate verbally with members of the public using listening and spoken language in English. Seating in the brewery is varied, some may have chairs or stools at short height, counter, or bar height seating. Weight capacities of seating is unknown. Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs.

WHAT TO BRING: Participants are welcome to bring their own reference image or special brushes if they wish.

WHAT TO WEAR: Wear something you don't mind getting messy or bring a smock!

For more on Cara Guri, see https://www.caraguri.com/

For more on Joanne Probyn, see https://www.probynart.com/

For more on the Create! Eastside Arts Festival, see https://createartsfestival.ca/


Beer and butterflies! - Painting workshop hangout

We like to think that language, with its grammar and lexicon, is a truly human trait, innate to us, separating us from other animals.  It's such a deeply rooted part of us that most of us never think about it at all.  Not here, not today!

1.  Do you use an app or website to learn or improve a foreign language?  Which one?  Would you like to share an exercise or lesson with the group?

2.  What is the best way to learn a language?

3.  What are the most common problems in language learning today?

4.  Are some languages more sophisticated, or simple, than others?

5.  Can constructed languages be used to avoid cultural influence on international communication?

6.  How would you define "knowing" a language?  Being "bilingual"?

7.  How many languages should well-educated people be expected to speak?

Podcasts (about 40 minutes each)

One view on language learning:
https://lexiconvalley.substack.com/p/what-a-young-brain-can-do

One view on language differences:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zf5EALlGMPxw3ewMDBjT4

Videos (much shorter, you're welcome)
AI and language learning:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYwG8LmjmI8

On rating the importance of languages:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mHBmsoPRtg

Let's Talk Language!

Video:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SscQBrJbiN0  (4:06)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8zzL2aBo2M  (9:44)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mjVP09XqbM  (5:09)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnudgOC9D5Y   (6:18)

5.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhvEOtR71Gs  (8:55)

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl_kw3mNazY  (11:26)

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7dTDjRnBqU  (15:32)

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgRKaQVa5O4  (9:09)

9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfVLqfj7bbw  (9:42)

10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrUlRAoew_Q (24:40)


Reading (Optional):

1. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/04/opinion/china-us-world-order.html

2. https://www.economist.com/special-report/2022/10/10/china-wants-to-change-or-break-a-world-order-set-by-others

3. https://www.economist.com/special-report/2022/10/10/china-seeks-a-world-order-that-defers-to-states-and-their-rulers

4. https://www.economist.com/special-report/2022/10/10/china-is-exerting-greater-power-across-asia-and-beyond

5. https://www.economist.com/special-report/2022/10/10/china-has-chilling-plans-for-governing-taiwan

6. https://www.economist.com/special-report/2022/10/10/for-western-democracies-the-price-of-avoiding-a-clash-with-china-is-rising

7. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2018/07/26/chinas-belt-and-road-plans-are-to-be-welcomed-and-worried-about

8. https://www.economist.com/special-report/2020/02/06/how-the-belt-and-road-initiative-got-its-name

9. https://www.fairobserver.com/region/asia_pacific/daniel-wagner-china-global-rulebook-climate-military-economy-news-00191/


Spanish (Optional):


1. https://elpais.com/internacional/2023-05-18/como-tratar-con-china.html

2. https://elpais.com/internacional/2022-10-16/como-china-busca-cambiar-el-orden-mundial-poderio-economico-relativizacion-de-los-derechos-humanos-y-lazos-con-el-sur-global.html


Questions:

1.  What is your personal opinion about China? Are you concerned about the rise of China?

2. Why does China matter?

3. Is China a world power? What is your view on that issue?

4. Should the U.S. view China as a threat or an opportunity?

5. Will China surpass the U.S. as the world's superpower?

6. From your perspective, what are the implications of China's rising global influence on international relations and geopolitics?

7. How can other countries learn from China's development experience, and what are the potential risks and opportunities of engaging with a rising China?

8. If China invades Taiwan, should the United States go to war to protect Taiwan?

Extra questions (if time permits):

1. How might China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reshape global trade and infrastructure development, and what are the potential benefits and drawbacks?

2. To what extent can China's development model serve as a viable alternative to Western-style democracy and liberal economics for other countries, and what are the potential risks and benefits?


Understanding the Rise of China

Join us for a fun evening filled with a wide variety of funny videos and the chance to meet new and interesting people in Vancouver! :)

View our intro video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfu391d8YnQ

Please note: admission is half price ($5) if you RSVP to this event on both Buddytree AND Meetup:
https://www.meetup.com/comedy-laughter/events/301698765/

You can either pay cash at the door or send me an e-transfer to glenb@buddytree.org

Here's the agenda:

Part 1 - mix and mingle between 6:30pm and 6:45pm, with people ordering food and drinks.

Part 2 - a mixture of funny videos for about 30 minutes.

Part 3 - we'll mix up the people a bit and have another 30 min of videos.

Part 4 - mix and mingle.

If you have a funny video for us to show, then send me your YouTube link to:
glenb@buddytree.org

I look forward to seeing you there! :)

Glen Brauer
Founder, the Friendly Vancouver project
https://friendlyvancouver.com

Comedy & Laughter Socializer

There are two angles here - there's the thought experiment itself, and the enriching casual language/watering down technical language.  I would like to have time for both things, but we'll see what catches the most interest.

Videos:

The Famous Cat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjaAxUO6-Uw (4:37)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cuvTXCR9Pg (10:35)

Another application
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q31lpwkzeGk (15:16 - shortest one I could find)

Misuse of language...or language evolution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P30QlwSsUic (5min)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8G2mONnyU8 (3:59)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Ow2IfxODM (2:13)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kgRfTgHzcQ (2:58 - Schrodinger's asshole, both right and wrong?)

Questions:

1. What do you know about "Schrödinger's Cat"?  Do you often hear it used?  In what context?

2. Can you apply the common use of Schrodinger's X to another social situation or natural phenomenon?

3. Why are people drawn to use technical language to describe their everyday lives, in your opinion?

4. Are you bothered by the casual or colloquial use of technical terms?  Can you give more examples?

5. Why does it seem that conservatives tend to borrow the language of progressives more than vice versa?  Are they making a choice to connect with a potential audience, trying to manipulate, or are they unaware of what they are doing?

6. After discussion, do you agree that Schrödinger's Cat is a true metaphor for life?

Schrodinger's Whatever

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/joy-bliss-wonderment

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.

Joy, Bliss & Wonderment

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

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.

Life & Death

Video:

1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmHuvikWcqM (8:53)

2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGdRyPN3IRk (16:11)

3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYZuJ4HW3ek (6:02)

4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6VMaH-4dtg  (8:14)

5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYpmewVFACM (14:06)

6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uHdtcyfFTE  (10:17)

7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sr2wpO4b64 (11:50)


Reading:

1: https://hbr.org/2021/07/you-cant-sit-out-office-politics

2: https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/jobs/16career.html

3: https://www.usnews.com/careers/articles/what-is-a-toxic-work-environment-and-how-can-i-avoid-it#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%2022%25%20of%20workers,as%20somewhat%20or%20very%20toxic.


Spanish:

1: https://elpais.com/diario/2009/02/22/negocio/1235314054_850215.html

2: https://www.muyinteresante.com.mx/sociedad/1941.html

3: https://blog.prezi.com/es/como-navegar-por-las-politicas-de-la-oficina-en-los-lugares-de-trabajo-virtuales-con-nikhil-paul/



Questions:

1: What is your experience with office politics?

2: What problems have you had at work? What were the causes and how were they resolved?

3: How do you deal with challenging office politics?

4: When you have an idea that may be controversial, do you boldly voice it or do you stay quiet?

5:  Are office politics bad? Why or why not?

6: Is it possible to just go into work, do your job and stay out of office politics? If so, any tips on how to do that?

7. How do you handle a situation where a coworker is trying to undermine your ideas or credibility?

8. What are some effective communication techniques for addressing sensitive or political issues with your team or supervisor?

9. What are some ways to promote a culture of transparency, trust, and open communication in the workplace to minimize the negative impacts of office politics?

10.  Is there anything else you’d like to share with you on this topic?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Member of Buddytree) 

Dealing With Office Politics

Videos:

Ethics towards animals:
https://youtu.be/307gysA18_E?si=mwqNFYVwfJJPyW99&t=272

Weigh the arguments (potentially disturbing images):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS0F4WeG0eo

Marketing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcyPbgO21SQ

Human and environmental health:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwoL6hWd4l0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY0GKu-PM58

Some caveats, but light ones:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdnEbJZoNg8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSBz7kVDMNI

Questions:

1. Does a vegan diet attract you?  Why (not)?  If you already follow a vegan diet, what made you choose to do so?

2. What are the difficulties for vegans in our society?  Do you know if they are greater or lesser in other societies?

3. Is synthetic meat acceptable in a vegan diet?

4.  The Agriculture Industry is by far the greatest consumer of water in the modern world.  More vegans/vegetarians would necessarily mean more crops.  Although reducing the use of water for animal feed goes a long way, will new farming methods be able to balance food and water needs in the future?

5. Thought experiment: The pig that wants to be eaten - https://www.evphil.com/blog/thought-experiment-5-the-pig-that-wants-to-be-eaten

What is your answer to this hypothetical situation?

6. If it were proven that plants also suffer when harvested or damaged (e.g. by picking fruit or leaves), how would an ethical vegan reconcile this with their own survival?

Working Towards Veganism?

Join us for a fun evening filled with a wide variety of funny videos and the chance to meet new and interesting people in Vancouver! :)

View our intro video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfu391d8YnQ

Please note: admission is half price ($5) if you RSVP to this event on both Buddytree AND Meetup:
https://www.meetup.com/comedy-laughter/events/301004113

Here's the agenda:

Part 1 - mix and mingle between 6:30pm and 6:45pm

Part 2 - a mixture of funny videos for about an hour.

Part 3 - we'll divide everyone up into small tables with optional conversation cards to break the ice

Part 4 - move around to other tables to meet more people

If you have a funny video for us to show, then send me your YouTube link to:
glenb@friendshipbootcamp.com

I look forward to seeing you there! :)

Glen Brauer
Founder, the Friendly Vancouver project
https://friendlyvancouver.com

Video:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbPrIBENrXY&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=1s  (5.28)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGWeeIdr880&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=9s (12.28)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjDuZ7ge9nA&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=8s  (7.54)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJSehRlU34w&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=48s  (12:33)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6iABR5vdWc (9:08)

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi4GZmW-ePA  (7:22)

7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGVh2-Yw7GE (6:22)


Reading: 

1. https://news.northeastern.edu/2020/06/10/are-peaceful-protests-more-effective-than-violent-ones/

2. https://www.gq.com/story/why-violent-protests-work

3. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/05/01/should-american-universities-call-the-cops-on-protesting-students

4. https://www.economist.com/united-states/2024/04/30/escalating-protests-expose-three-fault-lines-on-american-campuses

5. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/29/opinion/student-protests-columbia-israel.html

6. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/24/learning/how-should-colleges-handle-student-protests.html

7. https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2024/05/02/what-campus-protesters-get-wrong-about-divestment

8. 
https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2024/04/30/what-are-the-rules-governing-protests-on-american-campuses


Spanish: (Optional)

1. https://elpais.com/opinion/2024-05-02/campus-contra-la-guerra-en-gaza.html

2. https://elpais.com/internacional/2024-04-29/la-protesta-por-gaza-en-las-universidades-de-ee-uu-ahonda-la-division-entre-los-democratas.html


Questions:

1: Have you ever participated in a protest or demonstration? If so, what was your experience like?

2. Do you believe that violent or non-violent protests are more effective at achieving goals of the movement?

3. What social issue is so important to you that you would be willing to participate in a protest? Why is it an important issue? 

4.What factors would contribute to go and what factors might prevent you from attending?

5. What are the steps that a social movement must take to become successful?

6. Do you believe that police departments should be present at protests in an effort to stop them or to ensure that people are allowed to express their view freely?

7. People praise Gandhi and MLK Jr. for their non-violent protest; however, would their campaigns have been successful without the background of violence they had?

8. Does aggressive or peaceful protest create more/better martyrs?

9. Do protesters against activities in foreign countries always understand what they are protesting? When they demand their governments cut trade connections/aid and force companies to     stop doing business, do they know what the outcome could be?



In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Member of Buddytree)

Aggressive vs. Peaceful Protest

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

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 & Science of Happiness

Art Party! at Vancouver Art Gallery. 

Do you remember 'FUSE' ? This is like the reincarnation of Fuse which ran for well over 10 years but has been no longer since the pandemic.

Let's enjoy a night together of art, live performances, dj's, lounges, drinks, and amazing time.

"Walk the red carpet in your most adventurous spring look, and experience an incredible evening like no other, featuring art, music, drinks and unexpected surprises throughout the Gallery. Don’t miss Vancouver’s hottest late-night art and live performance party!

Be the first to see the much-anticipated exhibition Copy Machine Manifestos: Artists Who Make Zines, coming to us from the Brooklyn Museum, and bid farewell to the exhibitions Rooted Here: Woven from the Land and J.E.H. MacDonald? A Tangled Garden. Alongside the art, experience cutting-edge contemporary performances, DJ sets and more"

https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/events/art-party-may-2024

https://youtu.be/HncC8PHUslU?si=mPMaHaPZb4_rZftv


Art Party! - Vancouver Art Gallery

Videos:
The essential-

  Quotes from the artist (4m.)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJjSfsun6Qs

  Art over wealth (5m.)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4WP1Ynwwc4

  Philosophy (7m.)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7LLwp8Mo58
  
  Impact (26m)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMD3casO_q4

  High praise (18m.)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5livdaGY0Kg

Interesting, but extra-

  Art before commerce (6m.)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zA7LrWcC-g

  Why did it end (20m)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sBVRM3Lv6Y

  More philosophy and impact (28m.)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIcYEPdKttw

  Global impact!  In Spanish, with no subtitles.  ¡A aprender por cojones, coñoooooo! (17m.)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TrXS764gCw

  Documentary by artistic fan (90m.)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoPEVvnPTjE

Questions:

1. Did you read Calvin and Hobbes during its original run?  Did you enjoy it then?  Do you see it differently now?

2. Some comics update republished strips to try to keep them relevant to readers.  Is it necessary/possible for Calvin and Hobbes to do so?

3. Although not political or explicitly topical, Calvin and Hobbes made many observations about society.  Do you think those strips are less funny than the strictly jokey strips?

4. Watterson used the strip's popularity to pressure newspapers into allowing him to use the formats he wanted for the large Sunday strips.  Was he protecting the integrity of his art and the art of his colleagues, or was he being a selfish prima donna?

5. Watterson never licensed his characters for merchandise, other than the comic collections.  Is this the mark of a true artist who lives by his work alone, or was he stupid to have given up the earnings in the face of so many bootlegs?

6. Is the fan-made sequel Hobbes and Bacon a loving tribute or a pale imitation of the original?

7. Watterson ended the strip after 10 years, still as a very popular comics feature.  Did he make the right decision as an artist?  Should he have allowed another artist to take over, if one was brave enough?

8. The documentary posits that Calvin and Hobbes is the only Universal Comic and Bill Watterson is the last Great Cartoonist.  Do you agree with this statement?

Transcendence in Comics - Bill Watterson and Calvin & Hobbes

Videos:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suu8mp03F8A (4:08)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emqx-To-Ang (2:59)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEZ1BnUbXS8 (1:13)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c2oPkCqHno (3:10)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHsBhmDimts  (12:35)

6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPEc9HC2oBY (11:21)

7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqe6VVdK4c8 (30:24)


Reading (Optional):

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutral_country

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-Aligned_Movement

3. https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/04/04/finland-sweden-nato-neutral-austria-ireland-switzerland-russia-war/



Questions:

1.  What comes to your mind when you hear the words "neutral countries"?

2. What defines a neutral country?

3. Is neutrality for the benefit of citizens or government?

4. Can a neutral country offer aid to one side of a conflict but not the other?

5. Should the United States stay neutral in any future conflicts?

6. Is neutrality obsolete in the 21st century?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Member of Buddytree)

To Be Neutral, Or Not To Be Neutral?

To be neutral, or not to be neutral?

Videos:

A little history:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR0YVsr8QhU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqTwDDTjb6g

Purpose:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWVfaANu2A0

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpa4UCd2v6s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exE-PuVduAI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdNAUJWJN08

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HndV87XpkWg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i6TrxzmEWc

Questions:

1. What is a "school"?

2. What is the basic curriculum that a primary school should have?

3. How many years of education should be mandatory?

4. How many times should a student be forced/allowed to repeat a grade or year before alternatives must be found?

5. What extra-curriculars should be available through the school - arts, sports, religion, etc.?

6. Should all schools be expected to have facilities for students with disabilities - physical, mental, learning or other?

7. What exemptions from schooling are acceptable?

8. After completing mandatory education, what should a person know about the world?  About themselves?

The Purpose Of Education

I'm planning on having dinner at one of my favourite restaurants in town, Chambar, followed by a special evening at the Vancouver Symphony with an amazing performance of Riopelle Symphonique on April 20th, 2024. I'm scheduling this event far in advance to give everyone interested a chance to get good seats. You can join us for dinner before and/or drinks afterwards if you're so inclined.

You will be responsible for purchasing your own Symphony tickets. See link below. I have already acquired seats for myself and a friend (balcony lower level, row 7, seats 139-140). Feel free to sit near us or wherever you like. If you desire to join us for dinner, please post in the comments so that I can correctly size our Chambar reservation.

From the VSO site:

Join the VSO to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Jean Paul Riopelle with Riopelle Symphonique presented by The Audain Foundation. For one night only, this stunning multimedia odyssey will take Vancouver audiences through the groundbreaking artist’s works and inspirations. Featuring original music by legendary singer songwriter Serge Fiori and composer Blair Thomson, the concert brings together the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Bach Choir, conducted by Adam Johnson onstage at the Orpheum in Vancouver.

VSO Show notes and tickets here:
https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/event/riopelle-symphonique/

Chambar website and menu here:
https://www.chambar.com/


Saturday Night on the town! VSO!

Videos:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uklyvd4pVAg  (0:58)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2ITDOBQiTI (7:00)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riLoIisDK3w   (10:07)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWtdpxxVy2A (2:09)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EggqmMixig (4:40)

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI8w2NLpJyk (1:47)

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azIXLOBrDuc  (2:00)

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFPB5qjhHgo (15:57)


Reading:

1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/11/opinion/data-humanitarian-aid.html

2. https://www.newstatesman.com/ideas/2024/01/death-humanitarianism

3. https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2023/11/14/the-difference-between-a-ceasefire-and-a-humanitarian-pause


Spanish (Optional):

1. https://elpais.com/planeta-futuro/2024-03-26/sudan-siete-claves-de-una-crisis-humanitaria-de-proporciones-epicas.html


Italian (Optional):

1. https://www.affarinternazionali.it/even-war-has-rules-il-diritto-umanitario-internazionale-e-la-guerra-di-israele-ad-hamas/



Questions: 

1. Have you ever participated in any humanitarian work or activities? If not, what has prevented you from doing so?

2. What is most necessary in humanitarian aid - money, food/water, materials, other?

3. How should we prioritize our aid giving?

4. From your perspective, how does the current immigration policy impact its humanitarian policy? Do you believe the U.S. policy treats illegal migrants with dignity?

5. Does humanitarian intervention violate state sovereignty? If so, what are the limitations of humanitarian intervention?

6. What can we do as an individual to promote and advance humanitarianism? 

7. Is your country doing enough to promote humanitarian cause?


In collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Buddytree member)

Rethinking Humanitarian Aid & Humanitarianism

Rethinking Humanitarianism

Healthy housing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxBe5rCKbH4

Well-intentioned housing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7kfL0-QhpM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up5liqCUArI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41VJudBdYXY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McGyONofhi4

Problematic housing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCpdRrCG3vk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9d-fwsQzbo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXb_zrHp4H8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJsu7Tv-fRY

Experts ponder:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKudSeqHSJk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8kyrIQCFXQ

Questions:
1. What should the bare minimum requirements be for a living space?

2. How do our houses/homes enhance our relationships?  How do they damage them?

3. Should McMansions and other large single-family houses be banned?  Should there be any controls over the number of people in a dwelling?

4. How should rental properties be legislated?  Are they a business (for individuals)?  Should empty rentals be penalized after a certain amount of time?

5. What do you think about 15 minute cities?

6.  What is the best structure for city living - homes (including condos, duplexes) apartment blocks (including SROs), co-living spaces, long-term and temporary hotels (also including SROs)?

7.  Why do you think people are homeless in your area?  Should authorities force people into shelters/residences/other facilities?  Should public benefits be dependent on having an official address?



Housing and Urban Development

Videos:


1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St4hkzk1rdw

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1A4Vsh5Qas

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

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU4rK9bAftw

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pcm00E-DEM

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

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhUOw0KidZg

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7R1fyRRGBQ



Reading:

1. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/07/opinion/school-dei-college-diversity.html

2. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/21/opinion/diversity-equity-inclusion-dei.html

3. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/01/11/how-to-cut-through-the-cacophony-over-dei

4. https://www.economist.com/united-states/2023/09/28/dei-initiatives-have-foundered-over-the-past-three-years-in-america

5.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion

Spanish (Optional):

1. https://cincodias.elpais.com/cincodias/2024/01/23/legal/1706023154_943175.html

2. https://elpais.com/ideas/2024-03-10/por-que-la-ola-woke-remueve-a-la-izquierda.html


Portuguese (Optional):

1. https://www.publico.pt/2021/01/28/impar/noticia/desejos-2021-diversidade-inclusao-equidade-1946272


Italian (Optional):

1. https://iari.site/2023/07/18/gli-stati-uniti-sempre-piu-divisi-quali-conseguenze-per-labolizione-dellaffirmative-action/



Questions:

1. Have you ever been discriminated against based on your gender or ethnicity when applying for a job or seeking career opportunities? If so, what was your experience like?

2. What are we losing when different groups aren't represented in educational spaces?

3. What should criteria be to choose when job candidates are equally qualified? How should we weight gender/ethnicity/disability if those factors should be considered?

4. Is equity easier or more difficult to achieve than equality? Which one is more important to strive for?

5. What do you think are the potential drawbacks of diversity, inclusion, and equity?

6. Should DEI training be mandatory or voluntary?

7. What are your thoughts on the end of affirmative action?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Member of Buddytree)



Join An Upcoming Hangout

Jazz in Coal Harbour Park

Fear & Confidence

Having More Fun

Understanding Political Violence

Recent Hangouts

Beer and butterflies! - Painting workshop hangout

Let's Talk Language!

Understanding the Rise of China

Comedy & Laughter Socializer

Schrodinger's Whatever

Joy, Bliss & Wonderment

Life & Death

Dealing With Office Politics

Working Towards Veganism?

Comedy & Laughter Socializer

Aggressive vs. Peaceful Protest

The Art & Science of Happiness

Art Party! - Vancouver Art Gallery

Transcendence in Comics - Bill Watterson and Calvin & Hobbes

To Be Neutral, Or Not To Be Neutral?

The Purpose Of Education

Saturday Night on the town! VSO!

Rethinking Humanitarian Aid & Humanitarianism

Housing and Urban Development

Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Some of our members

Join An Upcoming Hangout

Jazz in Coal Harbour Park

Fear & Confidence

Having More Fun

Understanding Political Violence

Recent Hangouts

Beer and butterflies! - Painting workshop hangout

Let's Talk Language!

Understanding the Rise of China

Comedy & Laughter Socializer

Schrodinger's Whatever

Joy, Bliss & Wonderment

Life & Death

Dealing With Office Politics

Working Towards Veganism?

Comedy & Laughter Socializer

Aggressive vs. Peaceful Protest

The Art & Science of Happiness

Art Party! - Vancouver Art Gallery

Transcendence in Comics - Bill Watterson and Calvin & Hobbes

To Be Neutral, Or Not To Be Neutral?

The Purpose Of Education

Saturday Night on the town! VSO!

Rethinking Humanitarian Aid & Humanitarianism

Housing and Urban Development

Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Some of our members