Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/what-is-your-worldview

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.

What is Your Worldview?

Summertime, and don't we wish life was easier!  At least it's still easy to wander into Taproom and get a nice beer, or other beverage, to make it all better.  

In between serious talks, so anything goes, especially suggestions for the future!

See you at Taproom!

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

2-part podcast:
https://www.theallusionist.org/allusionist/lexicat1

https://www.theallusionist.org/allusionist/lexicat2

Videos:
Animal grammar playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc4s09N3L2h2lYeVD6pmax3f7qiHxyq3k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1FY5kL_zXU (4:54)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYWSXRUGxDQ (7:42)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8LepYR8v9A (3:37)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktIgM1qN4Lo (3:51)

Theory of Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTt-8QpWfJ4 (6:22)

Questions:
1. How would you define animal communication?  What distinguishes it from human communication?

2. How complex does a form of communication need to be before we can consider it a language?

3. Can animals understand human words with nuance and feeling?

4. Should it be easier for humans to learn simpler animal communication strategies than for animals to learn human vocabulary and, we imagine, syntax?  Is the use of sign language, word boards and speech human centered privilege that actually prevents us from understanding animals better?

5. Is Theory of Mind necessary for language?

6. Do you think the experiments with apes were useful, or do they seem unethical to you?  If they are unethical, are there any ways to ethically do experiments with animals?

7. Are there any animals, individuals or species, that you wish you could communicate with?  What kind of conversations do you wish you could have? 

Animal Communication

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

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 Wealth Gap

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/meaning-purpose-passion

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.

Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Videos:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Reading: 

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

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

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


Spanish (Optional):

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

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


Italian (Optional):

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

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



Questions:


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

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

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

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

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

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


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Longtime Member of Buddytree)

Achieving Utopia

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

This is for those who have attended a Goal-Setting Session* in Buddytree and would like to join an accountability group that meets at intervals during the year (the frequency is whatever the group wants but so far it's approximately every 4 weeks). The intention for these sessions is to support each other with making progress with our goals. 

These sessions will include:

1- some time to review your goals, adjust if needed, and ask any questions on the goal-setting process
2- sharing/exchanging tips for success on achieving goals throughout the session 
3- sharing how we are doing with our goals with the group   

Discussion topics may include:
a) where you've made progress and what helped you progress
b) where you hoped to make progress (but didn't) and what got in the way 
c) support if you wish to share/explore what's getting in your way and how to work around that
d) sharing what you want to commit to achieve by the next meeting

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

It will be held on Zoom so we have a chat feature and can share our screens if we wish. Please check the comments before the session to get the Zoom link. 

Hope to see you there! 

Goal-Setters Accountability Group

Ok, so I said "danger", and the first thing you might think of is misinformation or even fake news, but it's not really that.  I'm referring to the perceived danger felt by authority, and the real danger a cartoonist who offends authority might be in.  We might remember some unpleasantness a few years ago when a certain religious figure was put on paper.  We might not be aware of government silencing of cartoonists, particularly in Asia.  Most American cartoonists have only had to worry about losing their jobs, e.g. Ann Telnaes, although these days they probably receive death threats on the regular.  I have quite a few articles to share this time, so make some time in your schedule:
https://www.toonsmag.com/the-role-of-editorial-cartoons-in-shaping-history/

https://www.toonsmag.com/how-editorial-cartoons-have-evolved-over-time/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-s-so-funny/201712/political-humor-gone-wrong

https://thewire.in/world/when-cartoonists-are-censored-we-all-need-to-be-concerned

https://blog.cartoonmovement.com/2023/10/the-steve-bell-case-political-cartoons-versus-censorship-and-propaganda-a-lost-battle-.html

https://thediplomat.com/2021/08/red-lines-political-cartoons-and-the-struggle-against-censorship/

And the story that reminded me of this whole messy topic:
https://san.com/cc/turkey-arrests-cartoonist-over-alleged-depiction-of-muhammad-amid-protests/

There are many angles to look at: we have the censorship angle, of course; there's a respect and propriety angle; humor and its strengths and weaknesses; satire and caricature.  How far should comedy be allowed to go?  This applies not only to editorial cartoons, but stand-up, sitcoms, parodies, etc.  We all know that guy who says something offensive and tries to get away with it by claiming it's just a "joke".  There's no obligation to be tickled by everything, but are there topics that are simply not in the realm of acceptable jokes?  Are there figures that are simply to sacred or revered for a takedown?  What punishments, if any, are acceptable for cartoonists that break any of these rules (assuming we've established rules)?

The Danger Of Political Cartoons

(Not only does Fotor AI not know what the back seat of a car looks like, that's the least standard-looking knife I've ever seen)

Videos:
Performed explanation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVzbsNR-pJU (4:44)

Serious explanation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk9gQ7Wj18g (9:04)

Examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NniVSfFDoRA (19:02)

Examples...that are TRUE???
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4Qq1htzd_0 (19:34)

(Sorry, that was a little click-baity)

Explanation and purpose:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1X99UtXdbQ (8:46)


Questions:
1. What urban legends were popular when you were a child?  What urban legends are popular around you now?

2. How do you think urban legends get started?

3. What is the difference between an urban legend and a fairy tale/fable/conspiracy theory?

4. Why are urban legends popular even when debunked?  What psychological or social use do they have as stories that nobody really believes?

5. Do you believe any of the "true" urban legends from the video?  Do you know of any urban legends that you think must be true?  Can you name any that are too ridiculous for "normal" people (like, ahem, ourselves) to believe?

6. Can urban legends be dangerous?  Should they be challenged, especially when told by or to children, or should we let a child hold onto some fantasy while they can, and figure things out later for themselves?

Urban Legends

Video:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b07edOohIaA  (3:57)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DCGGVU9KK0 (8:27)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnsFGDhT9ek (7:57)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFr8X8Bc2S8 (13:24)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlr4iniMDV8(7:57)

6. https://www.youtube.com/live/56fMDWT-32Y (20:09)

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzJg19Z8nlg (12:43)

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYzE6VWupAU  (17:15)



Reading (Optional):

1. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2025/06/13/israel-has-taken-an-audacious-but-terrifying-gamble

2. https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/06/13/israel-launches-waves-of-devastating-strikes-on-iran

3. https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/06/13/irans-regime-has-a-huge-problem-how-to-retaliate

4. https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/06/13/was-iran-really-racing-for-nukes

5. https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/06/14/trump-is-urged-to-go-all-in-on-crushing-iran

6. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/14/world/middleeast/israel-iran-attacks.html


Spanish (Optional): 

1. https://elpais.com/opinion/2025-06-14/contener-la-escalada.html

2. https://elpais.com/internacional/2025-06-12/el-organismo-de-la-energia-atomica-aprueba-por-primera-vez-una-resolucion-contra-iran.html

3. https://elpais.com/internacional/2025-06-14/el-potente-golpe-de-israel-a-iran-y-la-respuesta-de-teheran-amenazan-con-incendiar-la-region.html


Italian (Optional): 

1.https://www.internazionale.it/ultime-notizie/2025/06/13/iran-nuovi-raid-israeliani

2. https://www.internazionale.it/opinione/pierre-haski/2025/06/13/israele-bombarda-iran

3. https://www.internazionale.it/ultime-notizie/2025/06/13/israele-bombarda-iran-nucleare



Questions:

1. What are the underlying reasons for the Israel-Iran Conflict?

2. How does Iran's nuclear program impact the conflict? 

3. How might the conflict affect regional stability in the Middle East? 

4. What role is the international community playing in attempting to resolve the conflict?

5. How might the conflict impact US-Israel relations?

6. What are the potential outcomes of the conflict?

7. What are the implications of the conflict for global non-proliferation efforts?


In collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Longtime Member of Buddytree)


The Israel-Iran Conflict

This is a word that gets flung around as an insult and a diagnosis, with long tales of degradation and rehabilitation behind it.  Normally, there's a connection with sex or sexuality, but perversion can simply be the corruption or bending of rules that are commonly followed in society.  Like other facets of our morals and ethics, things considered perverse have changed over time, although maybe the amount of perversions remains the same.  The window of acceptance shifts but is always the same size.

In some respects, we don't like to think about things being perversions, especially sexually, because we imagine we are forming an open and tolerant society.  There's no need to be judgmental about the majority of things people like to do in their private lives.  We feel justified in looking down on the moralists of the past - Victorians, religious nuts, Ancient Spartans to name a few - because they held opinions and performed acts that we might consider unnecessarily cruel.  We still have our hang-ups of course, but we have science to back us up, or at least that's what we tell ourselves.

How should we look at "perversions" of the past?  How should we judge the perversions of our current lives?  Should we be ashamed of our personal perversions, or proud of them?

Perversion

Videos:

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

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/loneliness-friendship-community

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.

Loneliness, Friendship & Community

Boy oh boy, are things ever happening in the world!  Mostly shitty things, let's not lie to ourselves, but there are certainly differently levels of shittiness around.  We happen to have the dullest and most unoriginal corruption here, but Spain has had assassinations and political violence in the past.  Most people are not nostalgic for it.  

We could talk current events, get some nerves to settle down, but we could also dive into great distraction.  Sure, distraction doesn't solve anything, but we aren't going to solve the world's problems from Taproom anyway.  At best, we can solve some of our own.

See you at Taproom, for discussions profound and not-so-much-so!

Video:

1.https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/national-guard-troops-arrive-in-los-angeles-on-trumps-orders-to-calm-protests  (5:00)

2. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/california-sues-trump-calling-national-guard-deployment-unconstitutional-and-immoral  (5:28)

3. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/trumps-deployment-in-california-sparks-debate-over-state-and-federal-authority  (6:01)

4. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/southern-california-officials-react-to-immigration-demonstrations-federal-response  (9:27)

5. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/troops-deployed-in-la-as-immigration-raids-stir-fear-and-protests
    (8:41)

6. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/retired-military-leaders-analyze-trumps-deployment-of-marines-and-national-guard-in-la  (8:20)

7. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/immigration-raid-protests-spread-to-more-cities-as-trump-threatens-additional-deployments  (7:33)

8. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-gop-lawmakers-are-reacting-to-immigration-raid-protests-and-trumps-response  (4:10)

9. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/la-mayor-says-military-national-guard-presence-provoke-the-population  (7:10)


Reading: (Optional)

1. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/06/stephen-miller-los-angeles-ice-protests/683138/

2. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/06/california-protests-ice-trump/683102/


3. https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2025/06/la-protests-ice-immigration-trump/683105/

4. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/06/trump-california-national-guard/683093/


5. https://www.economist.com/interactive/united-states/2025/06/11/donald-trump-can-call-in-the-troops


Spanish: (Optional)

1. https://elpais.com/opinion/2025-06-11/militares-contra-manifestantes.html

2. https://elpais.com/internacional/2025-06-10/trump-intensifica-la-presencia-militar-en-los-angeles-con-el-despliegue-de-marines-y-mas-guardias-nacionales.html

3. https://elpais.com/us/migracion/2025-06-10/cinco-claves-de-las-protestas-en-los-angeles-contra-las-redadas-migratorias-de-ice.html




Questions:

​​
1. Do you support President Trump´s decision to deploy the National Guard? Why or why not?


2. How do you think Governor Newsom's response to the protests compares to Trump's?  Should he have 
 handled it differently?


3. What are your thoughts on the potential lawsuit between Newsom and the Trump administration? Will it have any impact on the protests?


4. How do you think the protests are affecting the local community in LA?  Are there any unintended consequences?


5. How do you think the protests will impact national conversation around immigration?


6. How do you think the media is portraying the protests? Is the coverage biased?


7. How do you think the protests will impact the relationship between law enforcement and the community in LA? Are there any potential long-term consequences?


Battle of Los Angeles

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

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.

Good & Evil

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

Something came up with regards to our booking at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House and so I'm hosting the event at my place instead. I'd like to suggest that we make this an after-dinner potluck. So feel free to bring a drink, appetizer or dessert to share. 

There's limited seating so please RSVP for this hangout to reserve your spot.

Please be sure to arrive on time since latecomers are disruptive to the flow of the conversations, and we want to have no more than 6 people per table.

For more information about Meaningful Discussions events, visit:
https://www.meaningfuldiscussions.org/

Glen Brauer
Founder, Meaningful Discussions

Understanding Love (at Glen & Laura's place)

Understanding Love (at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House)

So, a busy time last weekend, and bleeding into next too.  That doesn't mean you don't stop for a drink!  Also, Taproom has A/C, so whatever the temperature on the street, we'll be comfortable.

This is the open discussion, so all topics are welcome, either to pick through on Sunday, or propose for a more thorough picking.

See you at Taproom!

Videos:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfreuhgkTYQ  (29:00)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTCPz1cSre8 (7:10)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GEz1_w-ZI8 (11: 34)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJbD0eiTKO0 (5:12)

5.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB6MZZkYR6c (2:24)

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULt3-6DlRcM (5:35)

7.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKyo29Gugo0 (8:43)

8. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/tensions-remain-high-in-india-and-pakistan-after-apparent-breaches-to-ceasefire  (5:16)

9. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/indias-u-s-ambassador-discusses-the-escalating-conflict-with-pakistan (7:11)

10. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/pakistani-ambassador-indian-advisor-share-perspectives-on-recent-attacks-and-retaliation (10:54)


Reading (Optional):

1. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2025/05/07/luck-stands-between-de-escalation-and-disaster-for-india-and-pakistan

2. https://www.economist.com/asia/2025/04/22/india-and-pakistan-could-come-to-blows-over-kashmir

3. https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2025/05/02/why-are-india-and-pakistan-fighting-over-water

4. https://www.economist.com/asia/2025/05/07/can-india-and-pakistan-control-a-new-cycle-of-escalation

5. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/07/world/asia/india-pakistan-conflict.html


Spanish (Optional):

1. https://elpais.com/internacional/2025-05-08/claves-la-india-y-pakistan-un-conflicto-de-raiz-colonial-con-epicentro-en-la-disputada-cachemira.html

2. https://elpais.com/opinion/2025-05-10/peligrosa-escalada-entre-india-y-pakistan.html

3. https://elpais.com/opinion/2025-05-10/cachemira-el-agua-que-fluye-por-la-yugular.html


Italian:

1.https://www.internazionale.it/magazine/m-ahmed/2025/05/08/fuoco-incrociato-nel-kashmir

2. https://www.affarinternazionali.it/lescalation-delle-tensioni-tra-india-e-pakistan/

3. https://www.internazionale.it/magazine/tarushi-aswani/2025/04/30/indiani-e-pachistani-sull-orlo-della-guerra-con-il-pakistan



Questions:

1. What comes to your mind when you think of Pakistan?  

2. How do the historical events of the partition of British India and the Kashmir conflict continue to shape India-Pakistan relations today?

3. How has the Kashmir conflict evolved over time, and what are the potential solutions to this longstanding dispute?

4. How do you think the international community including the United Nations should de-escalate the conflict between India and Pakistan?

5. What do you think might be some consequences if the conflict is not de-escalated?

6. How do India's and Pakistan's relationships with other countries, such as the US and China, influence their bilateral relations?

7. What are the implications of India's and Pakistan's nuclear capabilities for regional and global security?

8. What are the responsibilities of both countries in protecting human rights and preventing humanitarian crises?

9.  How can India and Pakistan promote greater understanding and empathy between their citizens?







India-Pakistan Relations

India & Pakistan Relations

Boy oh boy, does AI make some strange images based on very normal words.  Fotor doesn't seem to like to depict any kind of direct violence, so maybe that's where the surrealism comes from.

Let's talk about punching nazis.  A few years ago, a passer-by punched neo-Nazi Richard Spencer while he was giving a street interview.  Many decried the violence.  "That makes us the same as them," it was said.  But does it?  And even if it brings us closer, isn't violence sometimes necessary for progress?

We are in a time of changes that people thought would never be allowed.  Resistance was stifled in the beginning, because it was the beginning and not much was happening.  Even now, there is little will to resist or defend.  Perhaps because of the name-calling, people tend to look at European resistance to Nazi occupation and domination, and some of that was thanks to young people doing things that we think young people should never have to do.  Here's one example: https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2025/05/25/stop-punching-nazis/#comments

When is enough enough for you?  When will you stand up and fight?  When will you sneak up on your enemies and subdue them?  We are in interesting times, unfortunately.

Would You Fight

This is for those who have attended a Goal-Setting Session* in Buddytree and would like to join an accountability group that meets at intervals during the year (the frequency will depend on what the group wants but so far it's approximately every 4 weeks). The intention for these sessions is to support each other with making progress with our goals. 

These sessions will include:

1- some time to review your goals, adjust if needed, and ask any questions on the goal-setting process
2- sharing/exchanging tips for success on achieving goals throughout the session 
3- sharing how we are doing with our goals with the group   

Discussion topics include:
a) where you've made progress and what helped you progress
b) where you hoped to make progress (but didn't) and what got in the way 
c) support if you wish to share/explore what's getting in your way and how to work around that
d) sharing what you want to commit to achieve by the next meeting

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

It will be held on Zoom so we have a chat feature and can share our screens if we wish. Please check the comments before the session to get the Zoom link. 

Hope to see you there! 

We’ve got a simple sound system, a mic, and access to YouTube for all your favorite karaoke tracks. Come sing your heart out in a casual, low-pressure setting with a group of friendly, supportive folks. Being a “good” singer is definitely not a requirement. Just bring your voice, your enthusiasm, and whatever songs you love most. 

This event is alcohol-free and open to anyone who just wants to have a good time and connect through music.

Why join even if you're shy or think you “can’t sing”?
Singing—even imperfectly—has real benefits:

🎶 Reduces stress and boosts feel-good hormones like endorphins and oxytocin

🫁 Improves breathing and lung function through deep, mindful breathwork

🧠 Enhances memory and focus (especially when singing familiar songs)

🤝 Builds social connection—singing with others increases a sense of belonging

❤️ Lifts mood and confidence (you might even surprise yourself!)

🧘‍♀️ Encourages mindfulness and present-moment awareness

Whether you're belting out 90s ballads or just mouthing the chorus from your seat, you're welcome here. Come for the music, stay for the laughter and community.

Please note: A few attendees are joining from outside BuddyTree, so spaces are limited.

Afternoon Karaoke!

It's the end of the month, and there's a lot going on!  Beermad ends on the 25th, so some of us might have some pre-drinks in us.  German Films are about to start, so that's something to look forward to.  It's also plenty summery under the sun, which means Taproom can get a little crowded inside.  Who can resist A/C in a Madrid summer, though?

With a cool drink in hand, let's think about how serious we want to be.  There are lots of serious topics, safety, society, identity, preparedness...but we can also find ways to distract ourselves from the crushing solemness of everyday life.

See you at Taproom!

Video:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbwxQFuh3zQ&t=1320s (30:29)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEljoVCrImw (5:44)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9_vFEOI6wc (3:51)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJblOPc_TbQ (12:04)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAi-TFwt5z0 (2:31)

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJjsHbR9nNQ (14:11)

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHGNdlBFzX8 (3:51)

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFByYkBvFUo (32:59)

9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3JiNJ3AArk (21:40)


Reading (Optional):

1. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2025/04/24/how-canada-went-from-preachy-to-pragmatic

2. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/03/us-canada-relations-trump/682046/

3. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/29/opinion/canadian-election-trump-statehood-mark-carney.html


Spanish (Optional):

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvDlcpqqoSI (9:43)

2. https://elpais.com/eps/2025-04-26/una-bilioteca-que-tiene-una-puerta-en-canada-y-otra-en-estados-unidos-que-ahora-esta-cerrada.html

3. https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cm2j2d6nq36o


Italian (Optional):

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eqU2zoKOCg (10:16)

2. https://ilmanifesto.it/51esimo-stato-il-canada-reagisce-non-accadra-mai


Questions:

1. What comes to your mind when you think about Canada? (for non-Canadians)
    What comes to your mind when you think about the United States (for non-Americans)

2. What do you envy about Canada? (for non-Canadians)
     What do you envy about the United States? (for non-Americans)

3. How has the relationship between Canadian and US leaders evolved in recent years?

4. How do you think the Canada-US relationship might evolve in the next decade, considering global trends and shifting priorities?

5. What are the potential consequences of increased tensions between Canada and the United States?

6. Can Canada and the US work together to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

7. How might Canada assert its sovereignty in the face of US influence?

8. What factors allowed the US-Canadian border to remain undefended until today? What changes do you predict in border security?

9. Historically Canadian performers have been welcome and had success in the US. How will cultural exchange evolve going forward?

10. Are you hopeful about the future relations between the two countries? If so, why? If not, why not?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Longtime Member of Buddytree)


US-Canada Relations

As always, please watch a few of the videos prior to the event:
https://www.buddytree.org/topic/Trust-Vulnerability


***Please be sure to arrive on time since latecomers are disruptive to the flow of the conversations.***


The format for these events consists of 5-6 people per table with discussion questions provided, then you will have the ability to mix and mingle with people at the other tables.


Prior to the pandemic, these events took place in 11 countries and I'm excited to start hosting these events in my new neighbourhood in Kits!


There's limited seating so reserve your spot in advance by reserving your spot.


These events are part of my ongoing experiment to help build more community in Kitsilano. See video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwKexdUa-dU


For more information about Meaningful Discussions events, visit:
https://www.meaningfuldiscussions.org

Glen Brauer
Founder, Meaningful Discussions & Buddytree

Join An Upcoming Hangout

What is Your Worldview?

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Animal Communication

The Wealth Gap

Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Achieving Utopia

Fear & Confidence

Recent Hangouts

Goal-Setters Accountability Group

The Danger Of Political Cartoons

Urban Legends

The Israel-Iran Conflict

Perversion

Working Towards Veganism

Loneliness, Friendship & Community

Goal-Setters Accountability Group

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Battle of Los Angeles

Good & Evil

Understanding Love (at Glen & Laura's place)

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

India-Pakistan Relations

Would You Fight

Goal-Setters Accountability Group

Afternoon Karaoke!

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

US-Canada Relations

Trust & Vulnerability

Some of our members

Join An Upcoming Hangout

What is Your Worldview?

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Animal Communication

The Wealth Gap

Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Achieving Utopia

Fear & Confidence

Recent Hangouts

Goal-Setters Accountability Group

The Danger Of Political Cartoons

Urban Legends

The Israel-Iran Conflict

Perversion

Working Towards Veganism

Loneliness, Friendship & Community

Goal-Setters Accountability Group

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

Battle of Los Angeles

Good & Evil

Understanding Love (at Glen & Laura's place)

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

India-Pakistan Relations

Would You Fight

Goal-Setters Accountability Group

Afternoon Karaoke!

Sunday Drinks - Planning Session

US-Canada Relations

Trust & Vulnerability

Some of our members