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

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

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

Movie trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1VOZhwRvWo

Experimenter is based on the true story of famed social psychologist Stanley Milgram, who in 1961 conducted a series of radical behavior experiments that tested ordinary humans' willingness to obey by using electric shock. We follow Milgram, from meeting his wife Sasha through his controversial experiments that sparked public outcry.

---

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

---
PLEASE NOTE:

Normally I organize these hangouts as a potluck, but just to keep things simple this time please bring your own snacks or drinks if you like.

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

Experimenter (movie hangout)

Experimenter (Movie Hangout)

*The purpose of these home-based hangouts is to create a community of hosts and attendees in order 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:

Normally I organize these hangouts as a potluck, but just to keep things simple this time please bring your own snacks or drinks if you like.

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 (movie hangout)

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! 🙏 

Live Performance: Shawshank - The Musical

Videos and questions:

Science and consciousness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xetgy2tOo9g

Consciousness and reality
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYjnZCy_ZK4

An opinion on consciousness and internal monologue:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd1LG_2Fthk

Animal consciousness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlzY_KvGSZ4

Relating consciousness and awareness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6u0VBqNBQ8

Why is there consciousness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpRVvRpySkk

Plants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm5i53eiMkU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm6zfHzvqX4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf5Fjpm-GR4

1. What is your definition of consciousness?

2. Is there a difference between consciousness and awareness?  Can someone/thing be aware without being conscious, or vice versa?

3. What is the difference between human consciousness and animal consciousness?  Are there different categories of consciousness, or simply different levels?

4. Although consciousness is typically linked to the physical body, many people believe they have consciousness/awareness that does not depend on their physical senses - out-of-body experiences, near-death experiences, etc.  What is your opinion on these beliefs?

5. Many religious beliefs also rely on consciousness not being chained to the body, especially those that include an afterlife.  The first lesson of Krishna consciousness is, "You are not that body."  Do you agree that the self is not synonymous with consciousness, and therefore not part of our biology, but something spiritual?

6. Is consciousness connected to the soul?  If so, have unconscious people lost their souls?  If somebody is resuscitated after dying, could they have a new soul?  Does that mean they are actually a different person?

7. Are plants conscious?  If not, how do they react to stimuli, to the point of seeming to learn and remember experiences and make decisions?

8. Could machines become conscious?  What is missing for AI to be considered a conscious being?

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 Nature of Consciousness

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:

Videos:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7YdVFImoCc

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaIghx4QRN4

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

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6Wmap12xm0

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e11hrXtU4Tw

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr11DbfZHXE

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7HXh0OpCxI

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ7D6lbxhJ0

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

10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glw76YKuWCY


Reading (Optional):

1.  https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/10/opinion/ufos-government.html

2.  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/23/us/politics/pentagon-ufo-harry-reid-navy.html

3.  https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/28/opinions/ufo-testimony-aliens-congress-credulous-colavito/index.html

4. https://bigthink.com/hard-science/aliens-ai-not-little-green-men/


Questions: 

1. Does the idea of extraterrestrial life excite you or upset you?

2. Do you believe extraterrestrial life exists?  How do you imagine it?

3. If intelligent life exists on other planets, why don't we have any proof?  Why has there been no contact?

4. If we discovered life similar to terrestrial life on another planet, how should we treat it?

5. If intelligent extraterrestrials appeared on earth, what is the most sensible way to treat them?

6.  For hundreds of years, UFO sightings have been reported, but no aliens have ever tried to communicate with us. Why do you think they are interested only in studying us and not interested in communicating with us?

7. Do you think the U.S. government is hiding information about aliens?

8. If the U.S. government has contact with a species of alien, why do the aliens want to stay hidden from our (human) view? Why don't they want to be known publicly?

9. Do you think aliens are likely to be AI?





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.

UFOs & Aliens - Are They Real?

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:


1. https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ush22-soc-wim-nato/the-history-of-nato-why-it-matters/


2. https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mv15-soc-ush-yorktown2/yorktown-the-french-alliance/

3. https://www.britannica.com/video/72926/Europeans-fronts-war-1917

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1El1GVQVdc

5. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/nato-promises-long-term-military-aid-to-ukraine-but-no-timeline-for-membership

6. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/former-ambassador-on-what-was-and-wasnt-accomplished-at-nato-summit

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZGhP5qdO1k

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujeBkrQ1z0o

9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp87leGtaEs


Reading (Optional):

1. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/why-nato-has-become-flash-point-russia-ukraine

2. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/09/opinion/ukraine-nato.html

Questions:

1. What do you think are the positive and negative effects of military alliances?


2. Do you think the costs of sustaining military alliances outweigh the benefits? 


3. Do you think NATO has outlived its original purpose?


4. Though not a formal alliance, China and Russia have forged a friendship with "no limits", according to the leaders of both countries. Is it something we should be alarmed about? What do you think are the global implications of this unholy alliance?


5. NATO expansion has long been a bone of contention between the United States and Russia. Do you think it is a major stumbling block to rapprochement between the two countries?


6. How much and for how long do you think we should help Ukraine?  What will be the right scope and extent of the assistance?


7. Should Ukraine sit down at the negotiating table to find a diplomatic solution with Russia to avoid further bloodshed? Or do you think Ukraine should keep fighting to the last man whatever the cost?

8.  As things stand now, which country, if any, do you think is a major threat to world peace and security? 

9. From your perspective, should Ukraine be part of NATO?


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 Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Military Alliances

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

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

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

Have we all become evil?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVl5kMXz1vA&pp=ygUQdG9sa2llbiBhbmQgZXZpbA%3D%3D

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LjAESuTW-U

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

(Optional because he's long and rambly) Reaction to "The Lucifer Effect" [Philip Zimbardo]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-4DwOauRGI&t=653s (Pt 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ3WlWM0lGc (Pt 2)

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.

The Problem of Evil

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:


https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2023/03/19/woke-debate-conservative-author-struggles-to-define-ip-sot-vpx.cnn


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2pca_YYe-k


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adPXDTvADD0


https://www.wfdd.org/story/lets-talk-about-it-wading-woke-debate


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJdqJu-6ZPo


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHLd8de6nM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB1xaM6XE4I


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cA3D_GkNcc


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GELzbCDn74I&amp;t=463s




Additional reading material (Optional):


https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2021/11/young-people-college-grads-wokeness/620674/


https://medium.com/zulies-writing-challenge/questions-im-scared-to-ask-about-woke-culture-61d74f9939f9

https://www.sticktochange.org/post/the-debate-of-woke-culture


https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/29/opinion/woke-impeachment-trump.html?searchResultPosition=3


https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/opinion/wokeness-racism-progressivism-social-justice.html?searchResultPosition=1

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/10/opinion/wokeness-racism-politics.html?searchResultPosition=2


https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/24/upshot/woke-meaning-democrats-republicans.html


Questions:



1. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word "woke"?

2. Do you have any personal experience with "woke" people? If so, how was it? Would you say it was 
    positive or negative?

3.  What do you think are the pros and cons of "woke" culture?

4. Do you think people should stop using "woke"? Does it matter?

5. Should workplaces and schools be legally mandated to accommodate "woke" culture?

6. Do you think "woke" culture is a force for good or a threat to democracy?

7. Are you woke? Feel free to share your feelings and opinions.

8. What did you learn or find interesting from this discussion?





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.

Woke Culture

Join me for a mural tour!

If interested, buy your ticket ASAP! Only 1 ticket left and all other tours are sold out! First come first serve. Ticket required. I will monitor ticket availability.

Interested in grabbing a bite to eat first? Let me know and we can explore some options.

Details:

--

Discover Vancouver’s largest open-air mural gallery down by the North Arm of the Fraser River in the lively developing neighbourhood of River District. Get some sun and fresh air while you learn how over 20 artists explore gardens and forests as sources of imagination, myth, transformation, and knowledge.

We are proud and excited to be an official partner of the Vancouver Mural Festival again this year! 

Please be mindful when booking free tickets. Avoid booking groups or more than one tour happening at the same time and day. Kindly also avoid not showing up to the tour. Let us know in advance if you can’t make it so to allow other people to enjoy the tour for you! 🙂  

--

Suggested donation $20.00



River District Mural Gallery Tour

Come join me on an Indigenous curated exploration of the trees and plants of Stanley Park! The reviews (google, tripadvisor, etc) are glowing for this nature walk in which experienced and knowledgeable First Nations guides  share an experience that brings together plant science, culture and oral tradition.

"Each plant, each tree has its own special story. On this nature walking tour you will explore on foot Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park, and Beaver Lake while hearing the stories of how shíshálh (Sechelt) Coast Salish & Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) People have been utilizing the land for food, medicine and technology for thousands of years. Your [Indigenous] cultural ambassador interpretive guide is a member of a local nation, trained within our tribal cultural protocols prepared to share our ecological practices, ancient and contemporary history, stories, legends and Indigenous ways of living (knowing) with you."

Run by Talaysay Tours, this very special guided walk first created on the Sunshine Coast now comes to Vancouver:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1-XjflxLFs

Tickets are $75 per person.
1 1/2 hours.
Involves a little over 2km of leisurely-paced walking along Stanley Park paths.

More here:
https://www.talaysay.com/talking-trees


Talking Trees!

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
Sound familiar?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQvDRlKpek0

A well-known comparison:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZpO9t-33AA

Also sound familiar?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0Q4zPR4G7M

A try at optimism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCm9Ng0bbEQ&t=92s

Hooray today!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdzNKQwkp-Y

Where can we go
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l04wjIyYGp0

Where are we going
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqelUO9LhT0

Moving forward/backward
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEXXJjtUIyQ

What we thought was gone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ufWhpOyJ98

A little reading on moving backwards
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/04/child-labor-tycoons-19th-century-gilded-age.html

1. Do you think history has a trajectory, or is it merely a series of random ups and downs?

2. What do you define as progress?

3. How does progress happen? How much human intervention is necessary?

4. Are longtermerists being irresponsible when they encourage us to ignore current problems, or at least not worry much about them, or are those who focus on solving problems as fast as possible not seeing the forest for the trees?

5. What are the most important social advances of the last 100 years? The most important technical ones? Are they connected in any way? Have the consequences been worth it in your opinion?

6. What advances are most in danger of being reversed? How can we protect them?

7. What kind of progress do you most want to see in the future? Do you think it is achievable?

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 Age Of Regress

You are welcome to join me at Coal Harbour Park for the first of four free jazz concerts in August. The group Los Duendos will be performing.

The setting has a breathtaking view of the water and the North Shore to take in while listening to the performance. There is a large grassy area, so bring a chair, blanket or matt to sit on.

Jazz in Coal Harbour Park

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:


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


2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2ZBEC16yH4


3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL5OFXeXenA


4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_04Eus6sjV4


5. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/biden-meets-with-tech-leaders-to-discuss-future-and-regulation-of-artificial-intelligence


6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeZ76LQOiNY


7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wzPr4cUoMQ


8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5MutYFWsM8



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


10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dZ_lvDgevk&amp;amp;t=30s




Reading (Optional):


1. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/19/special-series/chatgpt-and-morality.html


2. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/31/technology/ai-chatbots-benefits-dangers.html




Questions:


1. Is the hype around the A.I. overblown or are we underrating its trajectory?
       
2. What is something about A.I. that you think most people don't realize?

       
3. Have you ever had an experience working with A.I. that surprised you?

4. When you see an A.I. seeming to display characteristics of what we would call creativity, what is 
     actually happening?

5. How should we think about the difference between what goes on inside an A.I. and within the human 
     mind?

6. Is there something about A.I. that keeps you up at night?

7. When you discuss A.I. in private with your friends and colleagues, what do you like to debate?

8. Paint a picture of a world where A.I. has fulfilled its current potential. Where is A.I. going to take us?






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.

Future of Artificial Intelligence

Present & Future of Artificial Intelligence

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:

Steven Pinker explains the science:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3yRVAw6nWU

George Carlin has an observation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ssJtD08vCc

US/UK comparison:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQQWftZ3x9E

Only UK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnLA583OqKM

You trust Nicolas Cage, right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XByiHpUvrj0

Or maybe a lexicographer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-GZljHliRU&t=376s

Double standards in swearing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M71eYmxRK8s

Children and swearing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VDIijx0dgk

The disgraced Louis CK has some opinions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fny-FCL-nyE

Euphemism:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpCTgNyA3DY&t=487s&pp=ygUKZXVwaGVtaXNtcw%3D%3D

1. How often do you swear?  What are the circumstances?

2. How offensive are swear words to you?  Are some categories acceptable in general while others are not?  What are the differences?

3. Does knowing the etymology of swear words make them less offensive?  How much does etymology matter to word usage in general?

4. Do you agree that people are swearing more now than in the past?  What does this say about society? Can this be changed, or should we ride out this social evolution and hope for the best in the future?

5. Are literal translations of foreign swear words (such as illnesses) offensive in context?

6. Are you uncomfortable with children swearing? Is it funnier when children swear in movies/on TV than when adults do?

7. Some euphemisms take on the taboo of the original words, those that label people in undesirable groups, eg "retarded".  Euphemisms for interjections or expressions of frustration (gosh darn it, shoot) do not become taboo in most cases.  Why do you think this difference exists?

8. Would the perfect language have no swear words?  Or would the perfect society not need to use them?

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.

Swearing and Taboo Language

Death Cafes are structured gatherings where a facilitator called a Death Doula, or Death Coach facilitates conversations that explore death, grief, dying, and other thoughts around mortality. You are welcome to  share and explore, or just listen, at whatever amount feels good for you on the day. This is not a support group or counselling session, so please arrive ready to share the space with others. You can learn more about the Death Café movement at https://deathcafe.com. 

I will be attending this session on Friday morning, but there is another one on Thursday night from 6-8pm if you would like to organize another hangout and invite others for that one. Either way, you must RSVP if you'd like to attend by emailing Maureen at hello@maureenelworthy.com. 

These two Death Cafes will take place at the Burnout Café in East Hastings, near Victoria St. There is a room off the main part of the café with tables where the conversations will take place. The events are free, and while there is no expectation to buy a coffee or treat, many people do, to support the Burnout Café. 

Death Cafe: Conversations about Death

Let's get together for this dance performance which promises "to unite people in laughter, beauty and shared joy."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pJNnPnpeNY

“In the hour that separates its rousingly cacophonous opening from its joyously freewheeling finale, choreographer Nova Bhattacharya’s new work “Svāhā!” takes audiences on an imaginative journey into the heart of dance as a transformative experience and a way of bringing people together.“
– Michael Crabb, Toronto Star

 “…a contemporary performance inspired by women, rituals of life and love, birth and death, and the way women come together to create community.”
– Aparita Bhandari, CBC

More here:
https://www.novadance.ca/svaha
https://dancehouse.ca/event/nova-dance/

The pre-show talk with the choreographer is at 7:15pm.
The performance is at 8pm, running 70 min. 

As tickets are for assigned seats, I propose to coordinate a grouped purchase so that we can sit together.
Seat prices range from $20 to $65. If you are interested in joining, please comment below or message me directly regarding any preferences on seats.


Vancouver Indian Summer Festival / Svāhā! Nova Dance : women, rituals and community

Vancouver Indian Summer Festival / Svāhā! Nova Dance on women, rituals and community

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

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

VIFF Documentary - Robert Irwin: A Desert of Pure Feeling

Understanding Depression

Experimenter (movie hangout)

In & Of Itself (movie hangout)

Recent Hangouts

Movie Hangout-VIFF

Self-awareness

Self-awareness (dinner & discussion)

Meaningful Entertainment

Toastmasters Meeting (Kitsilano)

Live Performance: Shawshank - The Musical

The Nature of Consciousness

UFOs & Aliens - Are They Real?

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Military Alliances

The Problem of Evil

Woke Culture

River District Mural Gallery Tour

Talking Trees!

The Age Of Regress

Jazz in Coal Harbour Park

Future of Artificial Intelligence

Swearing and Taboo Language

Death Cafe: Conversations about Death

Vancouver Indian Summer Festival / Svāhā! Nova Dance : women, rituals and community

Information Overload

Some of our members

Join An Upcoming Hangout

VIFF Documentary - Robert Irwin: A Desert of Pure Feeling

Understanding Depression

Experimenter (movie hangout)

In & Of Itself (movie hangout)

Recent Hangouts

Movie Hangout-VIFF

Self-awareness

Self-awareness (dinner & discussion)

Meaningful Entertainment

Toastmasters Meeting (Kitsilano)

Live Performance: Shawshank - The Musical

The Nature of Consciousness

UFOs & Aliens - Are They Real?

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Military Alliances

The Problem of Evil

Woke Culture

River District Mural Gallery Tour

Talking Trees!

The Age Of Regress

Jazz in Coal Harbour Park

Future of Artificial Intelligence

Swearing and Taboo Language

Death Cafe: Conversations about Death

Vancouver Indian Summer Festival / Svāhā! Nova Dance : women, rituals and community

Information Overload

Some of our members