(Image by Sefira Lightstone)

Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_WkFG1KNHE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lkb7OSRdGE

Podcasts, why not

https://lexiconvalley.supportingcast.fm/listen/lexicon-valley-from-booksmart-studios-1/how-did-americans-talk-a-hundred-years-ago

https://lexiconvalley.supportingcast.fm/listen/lexicon-valley-from-booksmart-studios-1/is-social-media-changing-english

https://lexiconvalley.supportingcast.fm/listen/lexicon-valley-from-booksmart-studios-1/has-english-gotten-less-complex

Questions

1. Is there a general communication breakdown today?  If so, what might be the cause(s)?

2. Why do we often feel that people in the past communicated more successfully?

3. Do you agree with the impression that people in different social/political circles speak different languages?

4. Is public language today less efficient/correct/useful that it was in the past?

5. How bothered are you by imprecise language?  Do you enjoy "solving the mystery" or do you prefer things to be laid out clearly?  Or do you even notice the lack of precision?

6. How often have you been told that you misinterpreted someone?

7. Do you often feel misunderstood, or that people don't respond to what you actually say?  Who is responsible for the miscommunication in this case?

Communication Breakdown

The second month of the year has dawned.  What the hell is up with the passage of time??  There's a vague plan for an online discussion of that, maybe we should have our own attempt.  Not next Sunday, though, next Sunday is a day to unwind.  Possiblities are numerous and they deserve contemplation, so come with an open mind!

See you at Taproom!

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Videos:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIf6-5gHOCM   (7:33)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9FWSUOqGVw  (24:45)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVs1QmWYFmE (39:33)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVs1QmWYFmE  (5:37)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkt1Uzl_SXE (26:15)

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

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY23mow1RNk  (1:00:30)


Reading (Optional):

1. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/01/minneapolis-uprising/685755/

2. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/09/charlie-kirk-left-wing-terrorism/684323/

3. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/opinion/political-violence-minnesota.html

4. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/us/politics/minnesota-protests-insurgency.html


Spanish (Optional):

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoPbe2OKnwQ (45:52)

2. https://elpais.com/us/migracion/2026-01-27/abolish-ice-el-movimiento-que-busca-desmantelar-la-policia-migratoria-de-trump.html

3. https://elpais.com/ideas/2026-01-30/minnesota-como-punto-de-inflexion-para-frenar-a-trump.html


Italian (Optional):

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU-x6Rb9N8k (10:03)

2. https://www.internazionale.it/notizie/alessio-marchionna/2025/09/15/dove-porta-la-violenza-politica-negli-stati-uniti


Questions:

1. What is political violence, and how does it differ from other types of violence?

2. Who is most responsible for political violence?

3. Are the political forces the most appropriate body to deal with political violence?

4. Should political violence be considered a separate criminal category, along the lines of hate crimes?

5. Can political violence ever be justified, or is it always wrong?

6. How do media portrayals of political violence shape our perceptions and attitudes?

7. What are some potential solutions to reducing political violence, and how can we work towards them?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Longtime Member of Buddytree)

Rising Political Violence

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding Love

It's a truly bizarre timeline we are living in, although it's hardly showing us situations that have never happened before.  Empires fall, alliances shatter, fearful people propagate violence, even on their own group.  While many crimes are quietly being committed in many US cities, they are happening loudly in the Twin Cities, and those crimes are being loudly protested.  It might seem like an aberration that federal enforcement officers are shooting citizens of the majority group to death, but let us not allow Kent State to go the way of the Maine.  Although the protests concern ICE, we might note that the killers of Renee Good and Alex Pretti were members of CBP.  Perhaps a difference without a distinction.  All those acting in the service of the federal government at this time should be looked upon with suspicion and dealt with warily.  As mentioned in comments to several posts and articles, these agents of the "law" do not need more training; they are already doing exactly as trained.  Can the fire of outrage be sustained until the coming midterms?  Will there be bullets fired against the aggresors?  Is that exactly what the administration is hoping for, the excuse to remove all trappings of freedom and democracy?  Will other cities take note, or will Minneapolis stand alone (with its twin)?

https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2026/01/24/murdered-man-identified/

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2026/01/minnesota-community-fight-against-ice.html

https://san.com/cc/will-minnesotas-union-led-economic-blackout-break-ice-or-harm-local-business/

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/01/minneapolis-federal-agents-shooting-reactions-video/

https://onlys.ky/american-autocracy/

https://skepchick.org/2026/01/the-fascists-are-lying-about-ice-murdering-an-innocent-woman/

Minnesota N-ICE

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

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.

Online Dating

Videos:

"Traditional" theories:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efTwxXQUuuc (23:55)

Some recommendations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3JIRvP-7m8 (9:39)

Tiktok conspiracies!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxGhd0I8zws (25:19)

I hadn't heard about this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8uAB52XxGs (12:19)

And just so we always have to think twice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONAK-CQVXYE (15:38)

Some explanation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9xtpqXzyfA (5:25)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru4yrQFH1Uc (5:50)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZoXb1WDpls (9:48)

Questions:

1. What conspiracy theories are you familiar with?  How many of the theories in the videos have you heard of before?

2. Have you ever believed any conspiracy theories? If so, have you stopped? What made you stop?

3. Do you know any conspiracy theorists? What do you think makes them the way they are?

4. Are conspiracy theories inherently dangerous? Should we work harder to disprove them?

5. Have conspiracy theories become more common? Why do you think so (or not)?

6. Some conspiracies are true, even though we only find out years later. But some are proven definitely 
    false. Should we always reserve judgment until all possible information is available?

7. If you could send a conspiracy theory into the world, what would it be?

Conspiracy Theories 2.0

It's been a while since the last biographical meeting, and I did just see Wood's studio and gigantic window.  His name is not as famous as Da Vinci's or Van Gogh's, but Grant Wood's most famous painting is on the same level as their most famous works today.  They are even peers in terms of parody.  

The style Wood became famous for became known as Regionalism, a style that seems to revere the quiet countryside and small town life of the America of old, before the weight of the Industrial Revolution fully set in and the urbanization of the country was solidified, not to mention before the horrors of the "War to end all wars".  He was a small-town, Midwestern boy, but not much of an experienced farmer himself, his family leaving the farm after his father's early death for Cedar Rapids.  Wood had a lifelong ambition to become an artist, it seems, and he spent time in Europe, mainly France, studying and refining his techniques.  He also ran into a much more tolerant culture in Europe with regard to sexual orientation.  Wood's gayness was a carefully kept secret during his lifetime, and after, thanks to his sister.  Even today, his studio-museum shakes its head over the elitism of his colleagues at the University of Iowa, who wanted him fired over his "lack of formal study", despite his European studies and time spent at the Minneapolis School of Art and Design and the Chicago Art Institute.  It seems more likely that the other rumor, that there were suspicions about his "morality", is the real reason behind the push to have him fired.  

Is Wood's style attractive to you?  Do you find it charming, subtly sophisticated, naively nationalistic?  Do you have a favorite painting of his, or a favorite parody of American Gothic?  If Wood hadn't died at such a young age, would his work have evolved?  In what ways?  Would he have remained such an icon of an imaginary America if he had had the opportunity to get old and cynical, like many of us?

https://www.crma.org/grant-wood

https://glreview.org/article/grant-wood-left-tipoffs-all-over/

https://hyperallergic.com/why-most-people-dont-get-grant-wood/

https://grantwood.uiowa.edu/news/2016/11/time-machine-daughters-revolution-grant-wood-took-masterly-revenge-dar-snub

Art Of The People - Grant Wood

Video:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb1dkhFExIg  (8:02)
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdCMoGo8JH8 (7:12)
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-028QMrfE7A (19:57)
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UufaK3pQMg (8:08)
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijf7K_08YWk (13:19)
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ztx0Bch3h9s (24:10)
7.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CcQ4jKn8aE (10:12)
8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19bdf7RMv1w (11:31)
9.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jG5q1pdQYE (8:32)
10.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jG5q1pdQYE (13:00)
11.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9x8TvZld1s (21:25)


Reading (Optional):

1: https://www.economist.com/united-states/2025/10/30/could-donald-trump-become-president-again-in-2028
2: https://www.economist.com/topics/the-world-ahead-2026
3: https://www.cfr.org/expert-brief/unpacking-trump-twist-national-security-strategy#chapter-title-0-4


Spanish (Optional):

1.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXLXLqCHd2A&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=196s (11:32)
2:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB-d_fONoO4 (9:24)
3.https://es.gizmodo.com/2028-podria-cambiarlo-todo-el-umbral-invisible-que-amenaza-con-reescribir-nuestro-futuro-2000175350


Italian (Optional): 

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bi8kshe8g4 (21:02)
2.https://www.internazionale.it/notizie/marc-novicoff/2025/07/21/mondo-spopolamento-natalita
3. https://www.internazionale.it/magazine/anton-troianovski/2025/02/20/come-potrebbe-essere-un-accordo-sull-ucraina



Questions:


    Global Conflicts:

1. Will the U.S. be at war with Venezuela? Who else will be involved if this war breaks out?

2. How will the Russia-Ukraine conflict evolve by 2028? What implications will it have for global security?

3. What will be the state of relations between China and the United States in 2028, and how will it impact global trade and politics?

4. Will the Middle East experience increased stability or turmoil by 2028, and what factors will drive this outcome?


    Artificial Intelligence:

5. How will AI transform industries and societies by 2028, and what will be the most significant benefits and risks?


    Climate Crisis

6. What progress will have been made in reducing global carbon emissions by 2028, and will it be enough to meet Paris Agreement goals? How will climate impact global security, migration patterns, and conflict risk by 2028


    Dating Crisis:

7: How will the so-called dating crisis be addressed, if it is?


    Currency Landscape:

8: What will the currency landscape look like? Will there be more cryptocurrencies, or a few much more widely used?  Will governments be pushing harder for digital currency?


    Worst and Best Case Scenarios:

9: What are the most optimistic and pessimistic scenarios for the world in 2028?


In Collaboration with CEIT Hustedde (Longtime Member of Buddytree)

Forecasting the State of the World in 2028

A CBC expert on goal-setting recently said that most New Year’s resolutions fail - about 90%.  Having goals is great, but understanding *why* you want to make that change, and *how* to do it are factors that help make that meaningful and impactful change happen.  

This session invites you to set goals for yourself not for the year, but for the next 3 months. The larger intention is to help you gain greater clarity regarding: 1. what’s important to you right now, and 2. how you might want to organize your time, energy and attention to support that. 

Here's how it will look: 

Before the session:
I will send you a document to help you write out your goals (max 3) in preparation for the session. It will include questions about what goals you want to achieve in the next 3 months, why you want this goal, what actions you can take to achieve the goal, what obstacles exist, and how you can get around them. 
This pre-session work is to help you gain more clarity about what's important to you and what you want for yourself over the next 3 months. 
It will be a Word document that you keep for yourself but will be used to guide our session together. 

In our online session together: 
- We’ll discuss some of the questions that are in the document; I’ll share some example answers. 
- You'll have some time to review your answers privately in case you want to make any changes. 
- Depending on the group size, we might have some time in small breakout groups of 2 or 3 so you can share/discuss if you wish. 

By the end of the session, you will have a more thorough draft of at least one of your goals, including greater clarity on why it’s important, what actions to take, and how to overcome some obstacles. 

After the goal-setting session: 
Participants will have the option to join an accountability group that meets virtually approximately every 3-4 weeks (likely on a Monday evening, Vancouver time). These accountability sessions are to share how you are doing with your goals and get group support.  The intention is to create an encouraging, supportive judgement-free space. 

I will use Zoom, so please check back for the Zoom link in the comments. While the Buddytree app says the limit is 7, we can exceed that number on Zoom.  

Please add any questions in the comments below and hope to see you there!



Goal-Setting for January-March of 2026

The big holidays are behind us!  The time for reflection and change, resetting and commitment.  Local organization has kept things going in my absence, so it isn't a jolt to get back into the game.  

As a service to myself, I'm choosing to repeat the visit to Taproom; we all love it, the burritos are next door, hopefully things will be in a post-holiday tranquility.  

It's a new year, friends, there is much to discuss!

Return To Sunday Drinks!

There's nothing like some good, old-fashioned, fear-mongering propaganda!  And the best examples don't really lose relevance.

Content warning for graphic photos of mutilation at minutes 16, 23 and 53:30
https://www.filmpreservation.org/preserved-films/screening-room/anarchy-u-s-a-1966

A little more context
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5Xn9YOKPcQ

Questions:

1. What is the film's intended message?  How well does it convey it?  What message do you take away?

2. Compare the Watts Riots and recent disturbances in the US (or other places, if you see connection).  Has there been much social change in the past 60 years or so with regards to public demonstrations of dissatisfaction and reaction from authority?

3. What opinion do you have of the two people who had been affiliated with civil rights groups, and even the Communist Party in the US?  The "infiltrator" admits the problems the movement tries to address are real, but rejects all solutions with any hint of "communism".  Are there any solutions that don't have those hints?

4. Why are the only photos of violence from Algeria?

5.  Which of the three cases presented is closest to the US in the 1960s?  What about the US today?  Are any of them actually close enough to matter?

6. Can you think of any social movements that were not promoted by a minority group, at least at first?

7. Does the attitude of the John Birch Society remind you of any modern groups?  Is this evidence that our post-truth and personal-facts society started developing much earlier than the 21st century?

Propaganda Theater - Anarchy USA

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

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.

Goals and Motivation

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

Videos

What Is Emotional Labor?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95gqg3P4vE4 (10:46)

Hidden Work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0OHBgC11lA (5:25)

Socialist Viewpoint
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcH89vp4Sio (3:23)

The Silent Burden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V07Hf1790MQ (13:13)

Consequences
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOevG_l3DC8 (2:38)

The Myth Of Women's Work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJLawgDbn_E (13:37)


Questions

1. How easy is it for you to regulate your emotions?

2. Today many people value "honesty" or "authenticity".  Is there a conflict between these ideas and performing emotional labor?

3. What is different about emotional labor at home vs at work?

4. Do you contribute emotional labor to your relationships?  In what ways?

5. Are people being encouraged to do more emotional labor these days - or less?

6. Do you support the idea of emotional labor as a discrete category of psychological behavior?  Does it make more sense to think of it as a component of other social behaviors rather than an isolated behavior in itself?

7. Why has emotional labor become so gendered?

Emotional Labor

Oh my, how a year flies by!  It's already December and holidays are piling up, but that's no excuse to not sit down and ponder.  There are still serious topics to consider, and some not so serious ones, and of course our (my) beloved Christmas ghosts - when they sing they're the best, you won't convince me otherwise!  

We weren't shouted down by sports last time in Taproom, so we chance it again.  Will we be sorry?  Stop by and find out!

Videos:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6xyT6XUFz0 (3:32)
2.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTNacFxraoA (8:41)
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O12vuDtVkw0  (16:39)
4.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25nHLC6UbD8  (10:21)
5.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HpQyXBney8 (3:36)
6.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eEeYSo_bV8 (2:25)
7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pOQzujEgGY (3:33)
8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QrPxxIiwIs (38:27)

Reading (Optional): 

1. https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2025/06/17/as-the-un-turns-80-thant-myint-u-argues-it-should-be-retooled-for-a-less-internationalist-age

2. https://www.economist.com/international/2025/09/18/the-uns-grim-future

3. https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2025/06/24/the-uns-dysfunction-undermines-global-security-argue-ban-ki-moon-and-helen-clark

4. https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2025/06/24/the-uns-dysfunction-undermines-global-security-argue-ban-ki-moon-and-helen-clark

5. https://globalaffairs.org/commentary/analysis/un-turning-80-it-still-relevant

6. https://www.iisd.org/articles/explainer/unga80-what-un80-and-key-issues-watch


Spanish (Optional): 

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwo71aVKdYo  (24:15)

2. https://elpais.com/chile/2025-11-02/ochenta-anos-despues-el-multilateralismo-que-debemos-conducir.html

3.https://elpais.com/icon/2025-09-07/no-poder-dar-estos-servicios-es-un-crimen-dentro-de-la-onu-en-la-peor-crisis-de-su-historia.html


Italian (Optional):

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywmx5m65o-U   (21:02)

2.https://lavocedinewyork.com/onu/2025/10/24/onu-a-80-anni-tra-applausi-autocritica-e-richieste-urgenti-di-riforma/

3.https://unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/it/notizie/guterres-presenta-liniziativa-un80-per-la-modernizzazione-dellonu


Questions:

1. What are the most significant achievements of the United Nations in its 80 years of existence?

2. What reforms are necessary to ensure the UN remains effective and relevant in addressing global challenges?

3. What role should the UN play in promoting sustainable development and addressing climate change?

4. How can the UN balance national sovereignty with collective security and human rights?

5. What are the most pressing global challenges facing the UN in the next 10-20 years?

6. How can the UN promote greater diversity and representation within its own institutions?

7. What metrics or indicators can be used to measure the UN's effectiveness in achieving its goals?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Longtime Member of Buddytree)

The United Nations: Reform or Rupture?

Everyone has a question that’s been on their mind — big or small, serious or lighthearted. At this special Meaningful Discussions evening, each person will bring one question to pose to the group. Together we’ll explore ideas, share perspectives, and discover what sparks our curiosity. Come ready to listen, reflect, and connect in thoughtful conversation.

As always, our format includes approximately 6 people per table, and we will be using tables within the same room that we use for our regular Tuesday Social Hour & Games night.


NEED INSPIRATION?

Here are some examples to get ideas flowing:

- What’s the most interesting location you’ve ever travelled?
- What is something you really want to do before you die?
- What is something you’re interested or passionate about?
- What are you finding challenging these days?
- What gives you hope for the future?
- What is one thing you’d like to improve about yourself?
- What brings meaning or purpose to your life?

*Please note that there is no fee to attend but there are limited spots so you will need to RSVP on Buddytree.*

We are using Buddytree to manage the RSVPs because:
- people are much more likely to attend if they can see who else is coming
- it allows people to easily connect with each other after the event

More about Buddytree:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WKGu0DK1DQ

Please arrive on time out of respect for your fellow attendees.

I look forward to seeing you there! :)


Glen Brauer
Founder, Meaningful World
https://meaningfulworld.org

Meaningful Discussions: Curiosity Night

(Terry Gilliam's Brazil is not about cosmetic surgery, but those scenes sure were memorable)

Surgery has the image of being something only safe and reliable starting in the 21st century, but we know that there has been surgery to fix health problems and personal dissatisfactions for many, many centuries.  Some procedures have had cultural significance, often carrying some kind of belief that they improve quality of life with no real evidence of such.  Tattoos, removal of bits of skin, scarring, all have been used as markers of belonging and growth in a community.  Now in the developed world, they are mostly markers of self-expression (with a certain amount of belonging).  Plastic surgery to fit beauty standards is more sophisticated these days, but there have always been appearance tweaks done to make at least some improvement.  Possibly because of the sophistication, more and more can be done to more and more people, and there is more and more regret.
https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/body-modification

https://www.historyhit.com/body-modification-a-timeless-human-story/

https://fashionmagazine.com/beauty-grooming/bad-plastic-surgery-regrets/

https://www.prevention.com/beauty/a46284622/dolly-parton-cosmetic-surgery-botox/

Some procedures have not only gone out of fashion, but become controversial.  Circumcision was once the default for boys born in the US, with doctors and parents laboring under the impression that is was "healthier".  Now, there are organizations fighting against it as a normal procedure and promoting the idea of trauma to circumsized men.  This is somewhat different from many cosmetic or elective procedures done today in that it is typically performed on babies, so the recipient has no say in what is being done or how.  Even when young people are able to articulate what they want, while they are still minors many people are hesitant to support cosmetic surgeries for them, although weirdly it seems more acceptable for teens to get plastic surgery to be more attractive to others, but not simply to please themselves.  There are reasons to be hesitant, but shouldn't it be for all elective surgeries equally?  Anyway...
https://nypost.com/2024/11/28/lifestyle/catwoman-jocelyn-wildenstein-bizarrely-claims-she-never-had-any-plastic-surgery-report/

We can argue that it's a slippery slope to allow some cosmetic surgery at the patient's request, because at the end of the day nobody is hurt by a person having things done to themselves, even to the point of mutilation.  But if nobody is hurt, than why should we worry about the slope?  Yes, we can speak of protecting people from themselves, but the line is not clear at all.

Where are all those individual rights and liberties warriors when you need them?


Cosmetic Surgery

Spoiler: no, no he is not.  But who will he be after this historically rhyming victory?

Videos:
Plans:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2aeuEUccuE (10:52)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjVAnZwdq5s (5:13)

Victory speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOQT_4A1eb8 (23:22)

Mamdani vs Trump
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibxMTuSEgt0 (22:05)

Future of the Democratic Party
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibxMTuSEgt0 (14:35)

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/voters-cast-ballots-in-elections-that-could-signal-future-of-u-s-politics (3:14)

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/voters-sent-washington-a-message-to-put-everyday-americans-first-jeffries-says (6:46)

History's rhyme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqIkIVyik5w (55:26)


Reading
https://www.zohranfornyc.com/platform

(Francisco's recommendations, I haven't read them, can't vouch for them)

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/04/opinion/mayor-mamdani-new-york-election.html


https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/opinion/democrats-mamdani-sherrill-spanberger.html



https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/11/democrats-cost-of-living-affordability-platform/684847/


https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2025/11/democrats-election-problem/684854/

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2025/11/05/democrats-risk-drawing-the-wrong-lessons-from-one-good-day


https://www.economist.com/united-states/2025/11/05/a-night-of-big-wins-for-the-democrats

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2025/10/30/the-battle-for-new-york

https://www.economist.com/united-states/2025/08/24/zohran-mamdani-is-promising-lots-of-things-he-cant-actually-do

Questions:

1. What do you understand about the conditions that led to Mamdani's election?

2. Do you see his platform as viable?  Are there any problems he ignores, or problems he has created to campaign on?

3. Is it fair to compare early 21st century NYC to early 20th century Milwaukee?  What added challenges might Mamdani face in enacting his policies?  Does he have any advantages that the Sewer Socialists did not?

4. Mamdani's opponents have tried to make him the "real" face of the Democratic Party.  What does his victory mean for the future of the party?  Will there be meaningful changes in the overall policies and platforms, in the type of candidates that are supported and encouraged to run for office?

5. Mamdani is not the only significant winner in recent elections.  Do you see enough similarities in the other Democratic victories to truly point to changes in voters' expectations and politians' plans?

6. Would Democratic Socialists be better off running as their own party rather than as a subparty of the Democrats?  Would they be able to build enough voter support to be a national force, or will they be limited to city and state races?

7. Will future Republican candidates campaign differently based on the results of this past November 4th?  What changes do you see happening in that party?

Is Zohran Mamdani The Return Of Emil Seidel?

Videos:

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

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdBwca6-sSw&amp;amp;amp;t=52s (16:35)

3.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr14lscGkFA (6:46)

4.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksfF9ZNsupE (17:54)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj5QQySCF7s (7:49)


Reading (Optional):

1. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/us/politics/trump-drug-cartels-war.html

2. https://www.economist.com/united-states/2025/10/13/the-new-war-on-drugs

3. https://www.economist.com/united-states/2025/10/23/donald-trump-has-turned-the-war-on-drugs-into-a-real-war

4. https://www.economist.com/briefing/2025/10/16/the-traffickers-are-winning-the-war-on-drugs

5. https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/archive/2025/10/caribbean-drug-boat-strikes/684481/


Spanish (Optional):

1. https://elpais.com/internacional/2025-10-24/estados-unidos-anuncia-un-nuevo-ataque-con-seis-muertos-contra-una-narcolancha-en-el-caribe.html

2. https://elpais.com/america-colombia/2025-10-24/geopolitica-del-miedo-la-presencia-militar-estadounidense-sitia-latinoamerica.html

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FFT4dVHgWs&amp;amp;amp;t=1451s  (33:22)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aenC3WEciHs (40:38)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAG6NeAZZm8 (40:43)


Italian (Optional): 

1. https://www.internazionale.it/notizie/2025/09/09/trump-guerra-alla-droga-venezuela

2.https://lavocedinewyork.com/news/2025/10/24/trump-manda-una-portaerei-davanti-al-venezuela-dopo-il-decimo-attacco-contro-presunti-narcos/

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1gtZWQqLj0  (13:15)


Questions:

1. What are the root causes of the drug trade in the Pacific and Caribbean regions, and how can they be addressed?

2. What are the human costs of the war on drugs, including violence, displacement, and human rights abuses?

3. How can international cooperation and intelligence sharing be improved to combat drug trafficking?

4. What alternative approaches to drug policy have been successful in other regions or countries?

5. How can countries in the Pacific and Caribbean regions improve cooperation and coordination on drug control efforts?

6. How has the war on drugs impacted indigenous communities in the Pacific and Caribbean regions?

7. What alternative economic opportunities can be developed to reduce dependence on the drug trade?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Longtime Member of Buddytree) 

Fishing Expeditions in the Pacific and Caribbean Sea

Meet passionate, engaged people who are supporting causes, leading projects — or just starting out with an idea they want to explore.

Whether you're already active or looking for inspiration, this is a space for connection, insight, and encouragement.

Join a casual mingle at The Lobby Room at Kitsilano Community Centre — with snacks, meaningful conversation, and free parking available.

We’ll break into small groups to share:
• What you’re working on — or dreaming of starting
• The goals you’re aiming for
• Challenges you’re facing
• Recent wins worth celebrating

We’re using Buddytree to power this event — it allows:
✔️ You to see who else is attending ahead of time
✔️ Us to limit RSVPs 
✔️ Everyone to easily stay connected afterward

***Limited spots available***

Hosted by Glen Brauer and Bev McIntosh.

In association with Meaningful World:
https://meaningfulworld.org

Changemakers in Action

(Image from Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District website)

Well, now that a seemingly real socialist has been elected mayor of the biggest city in the US, we might stop to ask ourselves what that means for the future.  Not only for New York, but also for the Demoncratic party, the Republican party, and other assorted third parties with big ideas.  To be perfectly honest, I have not dug deep into Mamdani's platform (yet), but there do seem to be echoes of the early 20th century "Sewer Socialists" who made Milwaukee one of the best cities to live in at the time.
https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS428

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqIkIVyik5w (55:26)

Obviously, I'm not the only or the first person to see the connections, although not everyone is optimistic: https://www.slowboring.com/p/learning-from-milwaukees-sewer-socialists

I'm gratified to see Mamdani apparently hoping to follow in the footsteps of those Midwestern public servants who used government to serve the people, building up public infrastructure and the baseline of quality of life.  We can see his platform outlined on this campaign page: https://www.zohranfornyc.com/platform

But now that he's won, what will he be able to do?  While many people support the initiatives, there will be conflict in enacting them, which ones get precedence, which ones can wait, etc.  You can blithely predict that you'll simply collect more taxes from the most moneyed among your constituency, but how will you get a jump on closing the loopholes that they will surely find?  Affordable housing has been a real thorn in the side of America for ... ever, really.  But as the country urbanized it became more pressing to house greater numbers of people in a smaller area, or give them means of traveling to the places they need to go, be they work, school, shopping destinations or back home.  Housing projects do not have the best reputation among Americans, but what else can we do?  Contrary to what some right-wing kneejerks would say, the Milwaukee Sewer Socialists did not focus on controlling business to generate revenue, but cracked down on corruption in the government itself and its dealings with infrastructure.  What will Mamdani's relationship to NYC's business be?  His platform does mention labor protections and stimulus for small business and small owners.  Will he manage to achieve at least some of his stated goals, without complete blockage from the opposition?  Will there be a left-wing paradise established in NYC, a utopia for some, a dystopia for those who don't know the difference between socialism and communism (and fascism, let's just say it)?
https://www.gocomics.com/chipbok/2025/11/11

https://www.gocomics.com/eric-allie/2025/11/08

https://www.gocomics.com/garyvarvel/2025/11/05

https://www.gocomics.com/stevekelley/2025/11/12

Sewer Socialism


There is a topic Good and Evil, but this is another step deeper into one side of it.

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:

An introduction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AzNEG1GB-k (10:03)

JRR Tolkien and Evil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjE94hbxjLI (10:53)

Evil human nature
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-lLwQ_F8ko (4:08)

Have we all become evil?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVl5kMXz1vA (33:50)

The famous banality of evil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4la6DkldJyc (3:46)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LjAESuTW-U (8:20)

One woman stands against evil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCjUeNOGhgQ (17:39)

Reaction to "The Lucifer Effect" [Philip Zimbardo]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-4DwOauRGI (21:49)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ3WlWM0lGc (Pt 2) (24:25)            

A little reading, if you like
https://onlysky.media/alee/tolkien-never-solved-the-problem-of-evil/

1.  Does evil really exist?  Could it just be an unavoidable conflict of needs?

2.  If you think evil does exist, how do you define it?  Are there people who are truly evil?

3.  Do you think you could avoid committing evil?  How can you be sure?

4.  What should we do, as a society, with those who commit evil acts?  Are they at the same level as those who commit "normal" crimes, or should there be a separate authority to deal with them?

5.  Is there an essence or spirit of evil that exists outside of the material world, or is the experience of evil dependent on consciousness/observation?

6.  Are only humans evil?  Why (not)?



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.

Join An Upcoming Hangout

Communication Breakdown

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Rising Political Violence

Understanding Love

Recent Hangouts

Minnesota N-ICE

Online Dating

Conspiracy Theories 2.0

Art Of The People - Grant Wood

Forecasting the State of the World in 2028

Goal-Setting for January-March of 2026

Return To Sunday Drinks!

Propaganda Theater - Anarchy USA

Goals and Motivation

The Holiday Season

Emotional Labor

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

The United Nations: Reform or Rupture?

Meaningful Discussions: Curiosity Night

Cosmetic Surgery

Is Zohran Mamdani The Return Of Emil Seidel?

Fishing Expeditions in the Pacific and Caribbean Sea

Changemakers in Action

Sewer Socialism

The Problem Of Evil

Some of our members

Join An Upcoming Hangout

Communication Breakdown

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Rising Political Violence

Understanding Love

Recent Hangouts

Minnesota N-ICE

Online Dating

Conspiracy Theories 2.0

Art Of The People - Grant Wood

Forecasting the State of the World in 2028

Goal-Setting for January-March of 2026

Return To Sunday Drinks!

Propaganda Theater - Anarchy USA

Goals and Motivation

The Holiday Season

Emotional Labor

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

The United Nations: Reform or Rupture?

Meaningful Discussions: Curiosity Night

Cosmetic Surgery

Is Zohran Mamdani The Return Of Emil Seidel?

Fishing Expeditions in the Pacific and Caribbean Sea

Changemakers in Action

Sewer Socialism

The Problem Of Evil

Some of our members