Agnostic Parents

We will discuss our reactions and interpretations of Flannery O'Connor's story about the post-segregationist South, readable online [here](https://jerrywbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Everything-that-rises-must-converge-OConner-Flannery.pdf). This is an unofficial continuation of our discussion of O'Connor's story we read last time, but if you weren't there you're still welcome to attend this one as there will be plenty to discuss regardless. I look forward to speaking about it with you!

**Event Summary** We are diving into how Everpure is redefining data - evolving beyond storage into a unified, intelligent platform. Expect real insights, practical demos, and a fresh take on how simple data management can be. **Talk 1: From Pure Storage to Everpure** **Speaker: [Paul Melmon](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmelmon/) \- Prague Site Lead / VP\, Engineering** Paul will unpack why Pure Storage became Everpure, a shift that reflects our move from storage to full-scale data management. You will see what’s changing, what remains core to our DNA and how the 1touch acquisition expands our capabilities into data intelligence. Paul willl also spotlight our Prague R&D hub, where much of this innovation is being built. **Talk 2: The Intelligent Control Plane** **Speaker: [Adam Mazouz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammazouz/) \- Principal Product Manager** Managing data doesn’t have to be complex. This session shows how we bring everything into one intelligent control layer. With Fusion, Pure1, and Purity working together, you get unified visibility, AI-driven insights and automated workflows. Adam will walk through how this evolves from siloed management to a truly intelligent, self-optimizing system. **Talk 3: The Unified Data Plane** **Speaker: [Bogusia Frese](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bogusia-frese-3780901b/) \- Consulting Field Solutions Architect** Say goodbye to silos - this is where block, file and object storage come together as one seamless data layer. Bogusia will show how a consistent platform spans on-prem, cloud and hybrid environments while supporting every workload from databases to AI. Built on Evergreen Architecture and designed for resilience, it keeps your data always available, protected, and ready to scale. **Time Agenda:** **17:30–18:00** – Doors open and registration with snacks and beer **18:00–18:20** – Talk 1 **18:25–18:45** – Talk 2 **18:50–19:10** – Talk 3 **19:10–20:00** – Networking time **20:30** – Doors close

An active guided dance journey for releasing restrictions around movement and deepening connection with yourself and others. This workshop is an invitation to move from intuition, breath, expression, and presence. Through dance, guided exploration, and consensual touch, participants are supported to soften control, free the body, and discover more authenticity in the way they move and relate. Part of the workshop includes clarifying personal and shared boundaries, and creating space for desires and intentions to be expressed with honesty and care. Participants are warmly welcome to attend with a partner, especially if they want to explore connection within an existing romantic bond, though the event is open to all genders and all levels of experience. Most of the workshop is body-oriented and shared through movement, breath, and different levels of consensual non-sexual touch. There will also be moments of group sharing. Who it’s for: Open to all genders, all levels of experience, couple-friendly, age 23+ Please bring comfortable clothes and a water bottle. There will be a shared altar in the centre of the room. If you feel called, you are welcome to bring a small offering or personal altar item in support of your process. Facilitated by Prabodh Prem, an experienced guide with over 16 years on a spiritual and healing path. His work draws from Rhythms of the Heart, Osho practices, Family Constellation, Holistic Counselling, and Shamanic Wisdom, with a focus on supporting people in becoming more deeply human and connected. 350 CZK, https://vev.co/atma-community-space-praha

Join us with Pohoda at their benefit concert to help set up and clean up, whilst enjoying a cold beer and great music! Pohoda is a charity that supports quality of life for mental disabilities in adults, including providing health and social services. Their benefit concerts engage their community and provide fundraising for their mission. If you have any questions, contact Julia +420 737 890 656

Čekání je u konce - jedeme dál! Po povedeném návratu se Research Tuesday vrací podruhé. Navazujeme přesně tam, kde jsme minule skončili: u sdílení zkušeností, otevřených diskusí a upřímného pohledu na naši práci bez příkras. **💡 Atmosféra: Bez kamer, jen diskuse** Jestli jsi tu poprvé, připomínáme naši „tajnou ingredienci“: meetupy nenahráváme ani nestreamujeme. Dává nám to svobodu mluvit otevřeně o tom, co fungovalo – i co ne. **🗺️ Téma měsíce: Když UX opustí obrazovku** Co když zákaznická cesta nezačíná ani nekončí v jednom rozhraní, ale vede přes digitální touchpointy do fyzického prostředí, a pak zase zpátky? Co když uživatel neřeší aplikaci, ale snaží se ve stresu a pod časovým tlakem najít správné dveře v nemocnici? **Michaela Holubec Birtusová** UX výzkumnice, facilitátorka a service designérka, která se pohybuje na pomezí digitálních a fyzických služeb. Dlouhodobě působí v organizaci Czechdesign, kde se věnuje především projektům ve veřejném sektoru, od municipalit po zdravotnictví. Kromě toho pracuje na volné noze pro další klienty, kterým pomáhá s výzkumem, facilitací a nastavováním služeb tak, aby odpovídaly reálným potřebám lidí. V posledních letech se intenzivně zaměřuje na výzkum orientace (wayfindingu) ve zdravotnických zařízeních. V rámci výzkumného projektu podpořeného TAČR se podílí na výzkumu, který kombinuje kvalitativní metody, testování v terénu, eye-tracking i VR, s cílem navrhovat navigační systémy, které skutečně fungují. Michaela nasdílí své zkušenosti z výzkumu orientace (wayfindingu) ve zdravotnických zařízeních. Otevře témata, která se v digitálu často neřeší – práci s fragmentovanou pozorností, kontextem, stresem nebo chybou. Probereme i to, jak důležitá je v tomto kontextu přístupnost a jak ji do výzkumu zahrnout co nejvíce. Michaela ukáže case study jako otevřený vhled do procesu: co fungovalo, kde si tým nebyl jistý a kde narážel. **Nové místo & káva:** Tentokrát se potkáme v útulném prostředí **kavárny Ruelto na Andělu**. Abychom podpořili majitele, kteří nám vyšli vstříc, nebudeme tentokrát zajišťovat externí catering. Na místě si ale můžete koupit jejich skvělou výběrovou kávu a lahodné koláčky. **🕒 Agenda:** * **09:00 AM** – Otevření dveří & ranní networking * **9:30 AM** – Úvodní blok: Když UX opustí obrazovku: Jak zkoumat orientaci ve fyzickém světě * **10:30 AM** – Otevřená diskuze * **11:30 PM** – Závěr & networking * **🧸 Hlídání dětí na vyžádání:** Research Tuesday stavíme na tom, že profesní rozvoj má být přístupný všem. Chceme podpořit i rodiče malých dětí, aby mohli zůstat v kontaktu s oborem a potkávat se bez zbytečných překážek. **Máte zájem o hlídání?** Rádi ho na místě zajistíme, ale potřebujeme vědět, jestli o něj bude zájem. Dejte nám vědět v komentářích nejpozději do pondělí do 8:00, jestli službu využijete a pro kolik dětí. Podle toho rozhodneme, jestli ji zajistíme. **🎟️ Důležité informace:** **Vstupenky:** Vstupné na Research Tuesday je dobrovolné. Kapacita je omezena na **35 míst**, abychom udrželi osobní a otevřenou atmosféru. **Rezervace:** Zarezervuj si místo včas. Pokud se ti plány změní, prosíme, uvolni místo ostatním. **Těšíme se na známé tváře i nové účastníky!** Ivana, Lucie, Martin

**3x3 Basketball** practice in **Gymnázium Na Pražačce** indoor basketball court. **Start at 19h00**. Everybody is welcome, no age, gender nor any restriction of any type to join. We got a full field, rotating with 3x3 matches on each side. Cost: **90 crowns**. Please send the money using the **QR Code** stored here: https://imgur.com/a/thtAJd0 In case of any Opt-out within 24h of the session, or no show, the payment will be due (you still can ask someone to come instead of you, as your spot will be booked)

**Python is often celebrated as the universal glue that can do anything, but what happens when your project scales, a trace breaks, or a lack of architecture becomes your biggest bottleneck?** Join us on **Tuesday, April 21,** for an evening focused on the realities of operating Python at scale. We're bringing together developers and engineering leads from Applifting, ROUVY, and DX Heroes to share hard-won lessons on everything from clean architecture to distributed systems Let's meet in the **Applifting meetup space**, both in person and online. **We’ll start at 18:00.** 👉 [Register here](https://applifting.io/events/python-crew-talk-it-scales-until-it-doesnt) 👈 **if you want to attend in person. Spaces are limited and our event planner Anetka would be sad if we had to turn you away at the door!** **Who’s speaking?** We will kick off with two lightning talks. First, **[Ondřej Doskočil](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ondrejdoskocil/)**, Python tech lead at Applifting, will challenge the mindset that clean architecture is "too Java" for Python and show how AI tools can help you adopt proper structure as your projects scale. **[Stanislav Gurník](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanleygurnik/)**, backend chapter lead at ROUVY, will follow up with hard-won lessons from the trenches of distributed systems, exploring what it takes to move event-driven Python services from "it works" to "it scales". Then, they will be joined for the panel discussion by **[Jiří Maňák](https://www.linkedin.com/in/manakjiri/)**, software engineering team lead at DX Heroes, and **Martin Jiřík**, senior DevOps engineer at ROUVY. **We look forward to meeting you!** **Schedule:** **17:30 – Doors open** * Get your ticket ready, say hello to others, and have a drink with us. 🥂 **18:00 – Introduction by Filip Kirschner** * Our co-founder Filip will give you a short welcome and introduce our speakers. **18:15 – Architecture in Python: Breaking the 'too Java' taboo with Ondřej Doskočil** * *Why a lack of structure becomes the real problem as projects scale, and how to successfully adopt clean architecture in Python.* **18:35 – Lessons learned from operating Python services in event-driven architecture with Stanislav Gurník** * *Distilling hard-won lessons on the architectural pivots that move event-driven Python services from "it works" to "it scales."* **18:50 – Short break** * *Time to stretch, refill drinks, and chat a bit.* **19:00 – Panel discussion with Ondřej Doskočil, Stanislav Gurník, Jiří Maňák, and Martin Jiřík** * *An open discussion on scaling Python and adopting clean architecture, exploring the realities of distributed systems, operations, and team collaboration.* **20:00** — **Q&A session** * *Your turn. We’re open to any questions or comments you have.* **20:30 – Networking, food & drinks 🍻** * Snacks and drinks, including draft beer, will be available for you all evening. Get ready to network with Applifters! **22:00 – Time to say goodbye!** * Some of us may move on to a pub, but the doors of Applifting are closing, and we'll look forward to seeing you next time! For capacity reasons, **please let us know if you will** [attend in person](https://applifting.io/events/python-crew-talk-it-scales-until-it-doesnt) or participate online. The presentations will be streamed, but we would love to see you there. We look forward to meeting you!

There is a wisdom that lives in the sea — in its depth, its movement, its light. In this three-part series, we begin each ceremony with cacao to root into the body, soften, and arrive. From there, breath becomes a doorway into the inner waters — into movement, feeling, release, and deeper contact with what lives within. Each ceremony explores a different quality of the inner ocean: Fluidity — trusting the flow of life Depth — the courage to feel Luminosity — the light beneath the surface You are welcome to join the full journey or come to any ceremony individually. Each session is a complete experience on its own, while also forming part of a deeper unfolding process. LUMINOSITY - This evening is an invitation to reconnect with your inner light and vitality, soften into presence, and experience a sense of expansion and aliveness. This practice includes intensive breathwork and cacao. It is not suitable for those who are pregnant or have epilepsy, glaucoma, serious heart conditions, severe cardiovascular disease, unmanaged severe hypertension, or acute psychiatric disorders. If you have any health concerns, please reach out in advance so the practice can be adapted safely. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, please also let us know beforehand. When: Thursdays 9/4, 16/4, 23/4 at 19:00 Price: 450 CZK per ceremony / 1100 CZK full cycle via atmaprague@gmail.com

## **What IdeaVerse is about** **We meet usually once a month to discuss some of the current challenges as well and perhaps come up with new ideas on how to overcome them. For those who came regularly, this next meetup would be slightly different. We will do a workshop on solving real world problems.** The problem we will attempt to solve is the dissolution of communities and spaces where people connect in person, and with it, our increased isolation and loneliness. There are many reasons why this is happening: \- replacement of religion with science as a beacon of meaning\, which seems to be much less great at inspiring connection; \- economic forces boosting our ego\, and make it easier to pay for random strangers for help then making lasting connections with people\. \- political polarization \- \(anti\)social media \(as I call it\) and now AI offering simulations of relationships\. \- climate change increasing our distrust in a better future and the importance of investing in life and people\. \- closing down of third spaces like churches\, malls and retail stores \(due to online shopping\)\, youth centers and increase in remote work\. These are all causes we'll explore, together with examples of how other people expressed they feel about this issue from research, reasons why this issue exists as well as examples of small victories against this tide. We'll work in small groups putting all this knowledge together with out imagination and attempt to find local solutions to similar problems here in Prague. This is is more than a discussion. It's an exploration of our ability to work together to effect change in ourselves and in our social circles. **Some suggested reading/watching:** 1. "Contrary to the perception that isolation and loneliness primarily affect older people in high-income countries, they impact the health and well-being of all age groups across the world. One in four older people experience social isolation and the rates are broadly similar in all regions. Among adolescents, between 5­­–15% experience loneliness, according to research findings." (3 minute read - [WHO launches commission to foster social connection](https://www.who.int/news/item/15-11-2023-who-launches-commission-to-foster-social-connection)) 2. "Many popular sitcoms center around what's known as a third place-- for example, Central Park in Friends or the Bull and Finch Pub from Cheers. Like the theme song goes, it's somewhere where everybody knows your name, where you can socialize in a place other than your home or work and build some community. But with the whole world accessible on your smartphone, it's kind of hard to resist the call of the couch. And it's hurting us more than we think." (10 minute Podcast [Third places’ may be the answer to America’s loneliness epidemic](https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/05/23/third-places-may-be-the-answer-to-americas-loneliness-epidemic)) 3. “These verdicts mark an unsurprising breaking point. Negative sentiment toward social media has been building for years, and now it’s finally boiled over,” said Mike Proulx, a director at Forrester, a market research company. (4 minute read - [How the landmark verdict against Meta and YouTube could hit their businesses](https://www.aol.com/finance/landmark-verdict-against-meta-youtube-100000070.html)) **The meeting is free to attend, but please buy a drink or two at our patron's place, to make them happy.**

🎉 **SATURDAY SOCIAL VIBES – LET’S CONNECT!** 🎉 Ready to kick off your weekend the right way? Join us this **Saturday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM** for an energizing social gathering where the goal is simple: **meet new people, spark real conversations, and turn strangers into friends.** Whether you come solo or with a crew, this is your space to relax, laugh, and vibe with great company. ✨ Expect: * Easygoing icebreakers & fun interactions * A welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere * Good energy and even better people And when the clock hits 9… we turn it up. 🔥 The night continues with an **open party session** — music, dancing, and pure weekend freedom. Stay as long as you like and let the good times roll. 💬 Because sometimes all you need is a little human connection to make your weekend unforgettable. Bring your smile. Bring your energy. We’ll take care of the rest. 😉 #SaturdayNight #MeetPeople #GoodVibesOnly #WeekendEnergy

Welcome! Our Prague event is a melting pot of cultures where Czech beer meets global chatter. [[[[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HDGj67uYMHt0RSC0s6GNdB)]] ] Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, locals, travelers, and expats (mostly in their 20s–30s) gather for fun and language exchange. Whether you're fluent or just learning "hello," you’re invited. It’s casual, cool, and genuinely Prague.

It's easy to get the idea that philosophy is largely an abstract and conceptual endeavor–studying theories that try to explain the universe, morality, or language, and then arguing until we either prove those we disagree with wrong or at least reach a smug sense of clarity. But is that all that philosophy has to offer? Back by popular demand, this month we'll be diving deeper into the reflections of **Pierre Hadot** by beginning his essay **Spiritual Exercises**. In this essay, Hadot argues that **ancient philosophers didn't just theorize about what a good life might be, but practiced it through disciplines of attention, meditation, and self-examination aimed at transforming how one sees and lives in the world**. The essay invites us to ask **whether philosophy might still serve that purpose today**. Hadot specialized in **ancient Greek and Roman philosophy--especially Stoicism, Neoplatonism, and early Christian thought**–as was known for his scholarship on **Marcus Aurelius, Plotinus, and ancient spiritual exercises**. His work has influenced many contemporary philosophers, classicists, and the modern revival of philosophy as a lived practice. As noted in the title, this will be the first of two sessions. We're splitting the text into two parts in order to give everyone a chance to fit the text into their busy lives, as well as to give us space to move more slowly through the text together. \*\*\* Below is a PDF copy of Hadot's book Philosophy as a Way of Life. This session will cover up to p.93 (ending at 3. Learning to Die). If you have trouble accessing it, send the host a message–extra copies are available. Link: [https://ia800203.us.archive.org/7/items/PierreHadotArnoldDavidsonPhilosophyAsAWayOfLifeSpiritualExercisesFromSocratesToFoucault1995/Pierre%20Hadot%2C%20Arnold%20Davidson%20Philosophy%20as%20a%20Way%20of%20Life%20Spiritual%20Exercises%20from%20Socrates%20to%20Foucault%20%201995.pdf](https://ia800203.us.archive.org/7/items/PierreHadotArnoldDavidsonPhilosophyAsAWayOfLifeSpiritualExercisesFromSocratesToFoucault1995/Pierre%20Hadot%2C%20Arnold%20Davidson%20Philosophy%20as%20a%20Way%20of%20Life%20Spiritual%20Exercises%20from%20Socrates%20to%20Foucault%20%201995.pdf) \*\*\* We’ll have tea and light snacks, but please feel free to bring any drink or snack you’d like to share! This event will be hosted in an apartment with a well-trained dog who will be happy to meet you. If anyone has concerns about dogs, let me know so I can be mindful about keeping her from bothering you. The buzzer is Everett and Mainous—we’re on the 5th floor, apartment 16. Meeting structure: We will start with a brief summary of the key ideas Hadot presents then move to open discussion. Please read the text in advance, make highlights, and note any thoughts or questions you find interesting and compelling.

Some people go to pubs. Some people conquer galaxies, build empires, trade spices, or outsmart dragons. Nerdy Fridays are our open board game nights for anyone who prefers strategy over small talk and dice over disco lights. Come solo or bring your crew. We’ll help you find a table, explain the rules, and match you with a game that fits your vibe. From light party games to deep strategic battles, the shelves are open. Entry fee: 100 CZK (includes access to games and rule explanation) Friday nights don’t have to be loud. They can be legendary. 🎲✨

This time, we will meet to discuss the unbelievable story of Gisèle Pelicot after reading her recent memoir, Hymn to Life. We will meet, as always, on the last Sunday of the month, this time at The Globe Café, for an interesting discussion from a feminist perspective.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.