Videos:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions:

1. What is a "school"?

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

3. How many years of education should be mandatory?

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

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

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

7. What exemptions from schooling are acceptable?

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

The Purpose Of Education

Videos:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Reading (Optional):

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

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

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



Questions:

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

2. What defines a neutral country?

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

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

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

6. Is neutrality obsolete in the 21st century?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Member of Buddytree)

To Be Neutral, Or Not To Be Neutral?

To be neutral, or not to be neutral?

Art Party! at Vancouver Art Gallery. 

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

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

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

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

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

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


Art Party! - Vancouver Art Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

The Art & Science of Happiness

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

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

From the VSO site:

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

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

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


Saturday Night on the town! VSO!

Videos:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Reading:

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

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

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


Spanish (Optional):

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


Italian (Optional):

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



Questions: 

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

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

3. How should we prioritize our aid giving?

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

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

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

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


In collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Buddytree member)

Rethinking Humanitarian Aid & Humanitarianism

Rethinking Humanitarianism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. What do you think about 15 minute cities?

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

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



Housing and Urban Development

Videos:


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Reading:

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

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

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

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

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

Spanish (Optional):

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

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


Portuguese (Optional):

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


Italian (Optional):

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



Questions:

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

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

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

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

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

6. Should DEI training be mandatory or voluntary?

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


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Member of Buddytree)



Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/the-power-of-humor

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 Power of Humor

Videos:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWc1V-56550

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE4-req-Hes

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sp-KTxf1So

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QAOdJKxnX4

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

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhZ3QdJ1xe0

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EocJm3Dry4E

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

9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWc1V-56550



Reading:

1. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/01/09/opinion/immigration-in-one-chart.html

2. https://www.economist.com/international/2023/11/09/why-migration-is-in-such-a-mess-once-more

3. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/16/opinion/europe-tunisia-migration.html

4. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/world/europe/refugee-crisis.html


Spanish (Optional)

1. https://elpais.com/planeta-futuro/2024-01-24/atrapados-en-guatemala-el-viaje-suspendido-de-los-migrantes-venezolanos.html

2. https://elpais.com/internacional/2024-02-15/la-frontera-da-un-respiro-a-biden-en-el-inicio-de-2024.html


Italian (Optional):

1. https://www.internazionale.it/magazine/cecile-debarge/2024/02/01/il-governo-non-aiuta-i-migranti-arrivati-a-trieste

2. https://www.internazionale.it/ultime-notizie/2023/12/05/ruanda-regno-unito-immigrazione

3. https://www.internazionale.it/notizie/annalisa-camilli/2023/12/18/naufragio-mediterraneo

4. https://www.internazionale.it/ultime-notizie/2023/12/07/finlandia-russia-confine-frontex


Portuguese (Optional):

1. https://ensina.rtp.pt/dossie/portugal-migrantes-e-refugiados/emigracao-portuguesa/

2. https://www.publico.pt/2024/02/18/mundo/noticia/retorno-migrantes-libia-ilegal-declara-supremo-tribunal-italiano-2080767

3. https://www.publico.pt/2023/12/17/sociedade/noticia/integracao-refugiados-imigrantes-portugal-mar-burocracia-2073999



Questions:

1. What is your ancestry? Can you share your immigration story with us? How did you end up where you are now? Would you be worse off if you/your ancestors had not immigrated?

 2. Is your country facing an immigration crisis now? If so, what are the main problems/pressing issues that need to be addressed? 

3. What should the criteria be to enter a country/acquire citizenship?

4. Should asylum seekers and refugees be given priority? Should they be allowed into the country while their cases are considered?

5. How should illegal entry be dealt with? Are deportation, prison or banning future entry the best options?

6. Once allowed to enter and settle, how should immigrants be expected to adapt or assimilate?

7. From your perspective, which country is the most immigration-friendly country? Why do you think so?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Member of Buddytree)

Understanding Immigration

The 2023 Oscar nominations are now out! I'd love to hear people's thoughts on what you saw that was nominated. Was it worthy of the nomination? Do you think it will win? Why? What do you think should win? What shouldn't win and why? What do you recommend we see? 

This is a chat-only thread; please click YES to join if you'd like to be notified of others' comments by email. The closing date of this thread is one week after the Academy Awards, which are scheduled for March 10. Please ignore the video link; this is for chat only. 

The nominees are in many places online. Here's one link: 
https://press.oscars.org/news/96th-oscarsr-nominations-announced


Oscar Nominations Chat! (from now to Academy Awards)

Oscar Nominations Chat! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Podcasts (about 40 minutes each)

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

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

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

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

Let's Talk Language!

Videos:

1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL2LMTRoWlA&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=41s

2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMZ6I_t_MPc&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=17s

3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hLjuVyIIrs&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=56s

4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt5F6QuY8lo&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=30s

5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQBW1aFQ_Vc&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=6s

6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-f-uGvKKSg

7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hI6AkHAHm0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=194s

8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG3JSWUhp_E&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=541s


Reading:

1: https://share.america.gov/civil-liberties-wartime/

2: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/15/us/police-traffic-stops.html

3: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/15/opinion/police-daunte-wright-traffic-stops.html

4: https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2022/04/30/el-salvadors-president-has-locked-up-19000-people-in-a-month


Spanish (Optional):

1. https://elpais.com/opinion/2024-02-06/deriva-autoritaria-en-el-salvador.html

2: https://www.elsalvador.com/noticias/nacional/mauricio-alarcon-ningun-pais-debe-sacrificar-sus-libertades-por-la-seguridad/1116733/2024/

3: https://elpais.com/elpais/2014/01/23/opinion/1390469506_388018.html

4:https://www.usc.es/export9/sites/webinstitucional/en/institutos/ceseg/descargas/segylibequilbrio.pdf


Italian (Optional):

1: https://www.corriere.it/esteri/21_aprile_13/sicurezza-contro-liberta-parola-falso-dilemma-dell-istruzione-superiore-97236026-9b77-11eb-a4a1-866c33c02647.shtml?refresh_ce-cp

2: https://www.proversi.it/discussioni/pro-contro/97-limiti-alla-liberta-di-espressione


Portuguese (Optional):

1: https://www.publico.pt/2023/04/20/opiniao/opiniao/macau-portugal-estar-lado-liberdade-2046912

2: https://www.publico.pt/2016/10/04/politica/noticia/nao-considero-que-a-seguranca-e-a-liberdade-sejam-conceitos-contraditorios-1746021


Questions:

1. Was there any moment in your life when you felt that your safety was at risk? If so, what was your experience like?

2. How do you feel about cameras in public areas? Do you feel more secure or more intruded on?

3. Does police presence at large gatherings - festivals, concerts, sports, etc - give you a sense of security?  Is police presence in the street without any special event different?

4. What is your opinion of airport security theater?

5.  What suspicions/proof should police have to stop people for questioning in public areas?

6. What is the right balance between security and personal freedom?  Would you rather live in a society where the government has unlimited power but promises to protect you, or live in a society where you are responsible for your safety?

7. Does your government do a good job of protecting its people?


By courtesy of Ceit Hustedde (Member of Buddytree)


Liberty vs. Security?

Hello All,

This is very short notice announcement. There is a live performance titled "Meow, Meow Pandemonium on Saturday, March 2, at 8 pm. It looks fun and entertaining. I have already booked a ticket for the event, front balcony, row 7 seat 133. I am bringing one friend with me, but I think, if anyone else would like to join, please feel free to join in. We could meet up for a bite to eat somewhere around Granville Street or Smithe. If you know of any good restaurant, please speak up.
 
There's nothing quite like sharing a live performance and then chatting about it afterwards in a nearby coffee shop or restaurant.

Meow Meow Pandemonium

A little history:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjEy2d0rrtM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9ZNgpb_NkM

Personalities:
Woody Guthrie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUclfv2u5f0

Lead Belly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIFP_wSY5sc

Pete Seeger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4wYiShPEyo

Joan Baez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQwQlPIn6LU

Utah Phillips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWMcFkQi1KE

Something less US-centric?  Violeta Parra (the Spanish captions can be auto-translated, but it's not perfect)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAPmZNdd2tg

Questions:
1. What are the necessary ingredients of folk music?  Does it have to be "traditional" (anonymous, murky origins)?  Should modern folk music be classified as its own genre?

2. What do you think fueled the folk revival of the mid-20th century?

3. How do you feel about people singing traditional songs that aren't from their culture?

4. Did you enjoy folk/traditional songs as a child?  Were you taught any in school or did you learn any from your family?  What was your musical experience in childhood?

5. Do you now enjoy jam sessions, sing-alongs or street performances?  Do you participate?

6. What place should traditional music have in modern culture?  Does it still have a role to play in social interactions or is it just a reenactment of the past, like milking by hand or plowing with draft animals, mostly experienced in living history exhibits?

7. Do you have a preference for other cultures' musical traditions over your own?  Which traditions do you appreciate the most?


Folk Music in America (and the world)

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

Let's get together Friday evening for another movie night!

I'm proposing an Oscar-themed short film evening, with VIFF lining up all 5 of the live action short film nominees:
- The After (Misan Harriman and Nicky Bentham, 18 min, UK)
- Red, White and Blue (Nazrin Choudhury and Sara McFarlane, 23 min, USA)
- Knight of Fortune (Lasse Lyskjær Noer and Christian Norlyk, 25 min, Denmark)
- Invincible (Vincent René-Lortie and Samuel Caron, 29 min, Canada)
- The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (Wes Anderson and Steven Rales, 37 min, USA/UK)

It is recommended to get your tickets ahead of time, as the screening is in the smaller Studio Theatre which does tend to sell out.
Tickets: https://viff.org/whats-on/oscar-shorts-2024-live-action/book/E38U31fIW1

After the screening, we'll find a spot nearby to get something to drink or eat and chat about the movies.

I hope you can make it! :)
James

Friday movies - Oscar nominees for Best Live Action Short Film

Is the nuclear family the real foundation of civilization?

An origin story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T6v3DhGhTc&pp=ygUnd2hlcmUgZG9lcyB0aGUgbnVjbGVhciBmYW1pbHkgY29tZSBmcm9t

Another origin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEaA8K5Qhis&pp=ygUsd2hlbiByaWNoIHBlb3BsZSBpbnZlbnRlZCB0aGUgbnVjbGVhciBmYW1pbHk%3D

One more origin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR8m5PWd-eo&pp=ygUod2h5IGRpZCBhbWVyY2EgY3JlYXRlIHRoZSBudWNsZWFyIGZhbWlseQ%3D%3D

An examination of a problem:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd9d5z7idyQ&pp=ygUnd2hlcmUgZG9lcyB0aGUgbnVjbGVhciBmYW1pbHkgY29tZSBmcm9t

A criticism:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2VHxzZ6CQg&pp=ygUsdGhlIHJpc2Ugb2YgdGhlIG51Y2xlYXIgZmFtaWx5IHdhcyBhIG1pc3Rha2U%3D

Long, sorry.  But the relevant information is only about 10 minutes (24:39-35:10):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RFFwhbVqeU&pp=ygUsd2hlbiByaWNoIHBlb3BsZSBpbnZlbnRlZCB0aGUgbnVjbGVhciBmYW1pbHk%3D

Also long, but worth the 48 minutes if you can spare them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmqNSCe0w2w&pp=ygURcmV0aGlua2luZyBmYW1pbHk%3D

Questions:
1. What makes a true family unit?

2. Does society have an obligation to support families, individuals or some other component of itself?

3. What are the obstacles facing families in developed countries today?  How do they differ in developing countries?

4. In your experience, are there more advantages to a nuclear family than an extended one, or vice versa?

5. Is it true that two parents are essential for proper child raising?  Two different gender models?

6. What did you admire about your own family growing up?  What were you envious of in other families?

7. How relevant are family ties in a mobile, global society?

The Hoax of the Nuclear Family

Videos:

1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGJ56lzX9wc

2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G21L5bvxARM

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

4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03WGZYyVIIw

5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6u33rS3TQ4

6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLPZy2wW-x8

7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPA-p6UUDl4

8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRLA_igud3g

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

10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MyJ1zvOYHw

11: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/alabama-carries-out-nations-first-execution-with-nitrogen-gas 

12: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inv89j3VYVc


Reading:

1: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/22/opinion/sunday/crime-and-different-punishments.html

2: https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2024/01/27/why-execution-by-nitrogen-gas-is-so-controversial

3: https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2021/06/features-restorative-justice

4: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/us/alabama-nitrogen-execution-kenneth-smith.html

5: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/us/execution-alabama-kenneth-smith.html


Spanish (Optional):

1: https://elpais.com/internacional/2024-01-26/alabama-mata-con-el-experimental-metodo-de-asfixia-con-nitrogeno-a-un-condenado-a-muerte-al-que-ya-trato-de-ejecutar-en-2022.html 

2: https://elpais.com/internacional/2023-11-05/en-el-corredor-de-la-muerte-con-keith-lamar-el-preso-al-que-el-jazz-le-devolvio-la-vida-no-estoy-listo-para-morir.html#?rel=mas


Questions: 

1: Do you know someone who has ever been incarcerated? If so, what was their experience like, and how did that impact your relationship with them?

2. From your perspective, is it more important for the law to provide order or justice?

3. Should prisons be our go-to punishment? How should they fulfill this function?
 
4. Do you support prisoners having access to education, even if they might never leave prison?
    
5. Is the death penalty ever an appropriate response to crime? If so, how much should we be concerned with the dignity or suffering of the condemned?

6. How should we deal with children or mentally incapacitated adults who commit serious crimes?

7: What do you think about our current criminal justice system? Is it working properly?


By courtesy of Ceit Hustedde (Member of Buddytree)

Crime & Punishment

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

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.

Family Challenges

Video:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8pa506BFk4

2.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVPc46GFq-4

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udRNgM4x2W4

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR1tTwaRxFk

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSbxMkRYb6o

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCFz7Zm2UjY

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vB59ZVTKdc

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J509AZl7bHY

9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vB59ZVTKdc


Reading: 

1. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/30/opinion/loneliness-epidemic-america.html

2. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/02/well/mind/loneliness-isolation-surgeon-general.html

3. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/14/opinion/treating-loneliness.html


Spanish (Optional):

1.  https://elpais.com/salud-y-bienestar/2023-01-11/la-soledad-un-problema-de-salud-publica-que-aumenta-el-riesgo-de-enfermar-y-morir.html

2.  https://elpais.com/elpais/2016/04/06/ciencia/1459949778_182740.html#?rel=mas


Questions:

1. a) When was the loneliest time of your life, and why? b)When was the least lonely time of your life, and why?

2. Do you believe there is a loneliness "epidemic" in modern society?  If so, what has caused it?

3. In an age of greater connection than ever through technology, why are human connections so difficult and unsatisfying?

4. There are a number of reasons why loneliness is so ubiquitous now. We're more mobile, for starters. And we also have more technology that can dilute or substitute higher-quality interactions. To what do you attribute the loneliness epidemic? How has mobility, technology, or something else impacted your ability to make durable connections? 

5. Some of Dr. Murthy's patients have shared that they don't have anyone who they can authentically talk to or feel seen by in their life. As one of Dr. Murthy's friends put it, "To be loved is not enough. You have to both be loved and to be known." Do you feel known?  What keeps you from opening up?

6. To address the loneliness epidemic, Dr. Murthy says we will have to ask deeper questions about life, its purpose, and our obligations to one another. What question do you think is part of the solution?

7.  Can we maintain our level of technological and scientific advancement and take care of our basic human emotional needs? Will we manage to balance things better in the future, or will we have to make some tough choices?


By courtesy of:

Ceit Hustedde (Member of Buddytree)
Erin S. Lane      (Author)
Glen Brauer      (Founder of Buddytree)

 

The Loneliness Epidemic

Let's get together Friday evening for a movie night!

I'm proposing a viewers' choice evening, from three well-rated movies/themes/cities....

Option 1: the love in Helsinki option
We could see "Fallen Leaves", the 2023 fiction from Aki Kaurismäki, starting 6:20pm at the VIFF Centre.
https://viff.org/whats-on/fallen-leaves/

Option 2: the compassion in Toronto option
Alternatively we could view "Someone Lives Here", the 2023 documentary from Zachary Russell, starting 6:40pm at the VIFF Centre.
https://viff.org/whats-on/someone-lives-here/

Option 3: the religion in New York option
Lastly, we  could rediscover pre-disneyfied Times Square in "The Gods of Times Square", the 1999 documentary from Richard Sandler (who will be present for a post-screening discussion), starting 7:00pm at the Cinematheque.
https://thecinematheque.ca/films/2023/the-gods-of-times-square

Food for thought. Join us if you can. Voice your movie preference in the comments below.

Movie choice, meeting time and place, to be confirmed Thursday based on prevailing opinion... 

After the screening, we'll find a spot nearby to get something to drink or eat and chat about the movie.

I hope you can make it! :)
James

Friday movies - love, compassion or religion?! - viewers' choice!!

Short notice but this looks and sounds fantastic. For those that know me, yes, this is my friend Louise playing violin in this performance. However, it is not the West Coast Orchestra as I've hosted previous.

The Allegra Chamber Orchestra will be playing with The IndigiDivas (wow, I luv it already!)

"Indigenous Stories and Operatic Hits
The IndigiDivas are Indigenous opera singers who breathe life into the works of First Nations and Métis composers from across Turtle Island, alongside opera’s greatest hits!
Melody Courage, Rebecca Cuddy, and Michelle Lafferty unite to combine their unique artistry in an unforgettable journey through song"

Tix are on a sliding scale from $20 inclusive and up. It looks like it is general admission so we should be able to sit together. I'll meet those interested in the lobby at the Smithe St. entrance at 1:15pm.

Here are some links for further info:

https://www.allegrachamberorchestra.com/the-indigidivas

https://www.allegrachamberorchestra.com/

https://www.vtixonline.com/the-indigidivas-/3950/

See you there :)



Join An Upcoming Hangout

The Purpose Of Education

To Be Neutral, Or Not To Be Neutral?

Art Party! - Vancouver Art Gallery

The Art & Science of Happiness

Recent Hangouts

Saturday Night on the town! VSO!

Rethinking Humanitarian Aid & Humanitarianism

Housing and Urban Development

Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The Power of Humor

Understanding Immigration

Understanding Immigration

Oscar Nominations Chat! (from now to Academy Awards)

Let's Talk Language!

Liberty vs. Security?

Meow Meow Pandemonium

Folk Music in America (and the world)

Goals and Motivation

Friday movies - Oscar nominees for Best Live Action Short Film

The Hoax of the Nuclear Family

Crime & Punishment

Family Challenges

The Loneliness Epidemic

Friday movies - love, compassion or religion?! - viewers' choice!!

Allegra Chamber Orchestra with The IndigiDivas!

Some of our members

Join An Upcoming Hangout

The Purpose Of Education

To Be Neutral, Or Not To Be Neutral?

Art Party! - Vancouver Art Gallery

The Art & Science of Happiness

Recent Hangouts

Saturday Night on the town! VSO!

Rethinking Humanitarian Aid & Humanitarianism

Housing and Urban Development

Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The Power of Humor

Understanding Immigration

Understanding Immigration

Oscar Nominations Chat! (from now to Academy Awards)

Let's Talk Language!

Liberty vs. Security?

Meow Meow Pandemonium

Folk Music in America (and the world)

Goals and Motivation

Friday movies - Oscar nominees for Best Live Action Short Film

The Hoax of the Nuclear Family

Crime & Punishment

Family Challenges

The Loneliness Epidemic

Friday movies - love, compassion or religion?! - viewers' choice!!

Allegra Chamber Orchestra with The IndigiDivas!

Some of our members