Mycology

**Please click [https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B4KApPogK/](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B4KApPogK/) .** **For full trip details, please WhatsApp:** Kelvin- [https://wa.me/6593838649](https://wa.me/6593838649) Magdalene - [https://wa.me/6597914105](https://wa.me/6597914105) **For more adventure trips, please click** [https://linktr.ee/thetravellingbackpack](https://linktr.ee/thetravellingbackpack)

Dropping by to grab a drink and read at Shake Coffee before they close on 30 April 2026. This is a limited seats, small group event, so do try to update your RSVP early if your plans change! Thanks in advance! Nearest MRT: Rochor

**Novel Biological Aging Clocks** Prof. Jan Gruber from NUS will introduce aging clocks - research tools that estimate biological age rather than just calendar age. These clocks are built from measurable biological signals, such as patterns in DNA methylation, blood biomarkers, and metabolic data, that change in predictable ways over time. In this talk, he will explain how aging clocks are developed, what they can and cannot tell us about health and lifespan, and how scientists use them to study disease risk, lifestyle effects, and interventions that may influence the rate of aging. This talk is designed for everyone who wants to take their health into their own hands, making informed decisions. Opening remarks by: Dr. Hisham Badaruddin Kamil Pabis, MSc 23rd of April, 7 pm (please be on time) Location: TSquared Health, L9 SBF (level 9, rootftop) 160 Robinson Rd, #05-02 · 8749 5846 We thank [https://xandrolab.com](https://xandrolab.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopQnhnmh3hWOnQzwAg3j8t7Hemy0SWxXa6trkrGjnrnj9jJD4Ra) for the refreshments. Notes: Please remember that the venue has limited capacity and the event is first come first serve. For reference, our new venue is slightly larger than the last one.

come join us for unguided watercolor jamming session! watercolor, paper and paint brushes will be provided. we will follow photos and paint, i'll be able to assist very basic techniques!

Where does genuinely new stuff come from, and what does the answer obligate us to do? We are primates, evolved for the African Savana, with meat machines in our heads. These meat machines can do something curious: they can imagine. Even further, they can be “creative”; that is, they can imagine something “novel”. At first glance, imagination seems like a cute quirk. We can imagine fantasies, tell fun stories, paint pictures, make gadgets. Some of these stories we deem “creative” or “novel”. But what actually counts as “new/creative”? The commonly used notion for “creative” in various domains of study is the creation of something “novel” and “useful/appropriate”. “Novel” ensures the new idea/invention is not just a basic recombination of old things. “Useful/appropriate” ensures that the idea is meaningful, reveals something interesting, and is not just a random mess. Both of these terms are broad and contentious (intentionally so). Who defines what is “novel” or useful/appropriate”? Should it be defined by the individual who originated the idea, or by the social judgment of peers, or specifically by experts, or by history/those who come later? The **Systems Model** recognizes that “creativity” is not a property determined by individuals, but through an interaction between the domain/field of innovation, the social ecosystem (gatekeepers, institutions, etc.), and the innovation itself. Other views emphasize the **cognitive mechanisms** of creativity. New ideas do not emerge “de novo”, they emerge from a recombination of past ideas, with a novel “transformation of the problem space”. Hence, an individual needs to make the creative leap with regards to themselves (their past experiences, cultural knowledge, etc.); it is a mental operation. Even if their new idea might already be known to someone else/the public, if they themselves did not know it, it is still a novel creation for them. Thus the question: Is there a rigorous notion that can tell whether something is “truly novel”, or even quantify how much? And who decides? Beyond the domain of fiction and art, our meat sack brains can also imagine things like multiple dimensions, 4D space, invisible forces, and other notions that at the time were heavily criticized as fanciful thinking (imaginary numbers, non-euclidian geometry, microscopic germs). Our minds were shaped by natural selection to solve savanna-scale problems — predators, social hierarchies, thrown objects. There's no selection pressure for imagining or grasping 11-dimensional string theory or quantum field theory. Feynman himself suspected we might not be able to understand wavefunction collapse or superposition. And human working memory is sorely limited. It is surprising that these ideas turn out to be “*real”*. They explain the physical world and give us tremendous power over it. Sometimes, increasing our power over the physical world depends on creating ever more “novel” ideas/absurdities (e.g. Infinite dimensional vector spaces. Subatomic particles. Quantum phenomena. etc.) Outlandishness is not sufficient for scientific success, but those ideas that yielded the greatest increase in understanding/power were often the most outlandish. In other words, the degree of “creative novelty” in science is proportional to the degree of increased physical power we gain. Is there a limit to what our brains can conceive? Science and art are very different domains. But therein lies the puzzle: the process of creativity deployed in science seems no different from the process of creativity deployed in art; so perhaps the same process is generating novelty in both. This suggests a tantalizing unity of what it means to be “novel”. If the same process generates “novelty” in 2 (seemingly) different branches: art and science, and one branch leaves physical traces, then “novelty” might not be mere arbitrary social judgment. Discussion Questions: * What counts as “creative”/”novel”? Who judges this? Is it an individual or social or objective judgment? How do we know whether something is “new” or not? Are we just “doing whatever we do?” * Operationally, how does creativity work? How does creativity “create new things”? Where does the newness come from? * Is the process of creativity in art, social science, natural science, engineering, technology, all the same underlying process? * If it is the same underlying process, how does “novelty”/creativity in science relate to creativity in art? * What’s the difference between imagination, creativity, and knowledge? * Is society obligated to create the conditions necessary for people to engage their creativity? If we disable people’s creativity, is that a form of mind control?

**One Life, One Solo Adventure – Bhutan** Tired of waiting for the perfect travel companions? Escape the hustle of city life and find your peace in Bhutan’s tranquil beauty. It’s time to reconnect with nature, rediscover yourself & refresh your mind, body, & soul. Join our Bhutan tour and embark on a meaningful solo adventure, where you can meet like-minded travelers from all walks of life. This is more than just a trip – it’s an opportunity to share stories, make new friendships and expand your network while experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Bhutan. No matter your background, everyone is welcome to come together and create unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most happiest countries. **Why Bhutan trip?** Bhutan, often referred to as the **"Land of the Thunder Dragon,"** is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich Buddhist culture, and commitment to Gross National Happiness. Nestled in the Himalayas, it boasts breath taking views, traditional dzongs, and vibrant festivals that celebrate its unique heritage. With a focus on sustainable tourism, Bhutan offers an authentic experience, from trekking through pristine nature to exploring ancient monasteries, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of its people. This trip to Bhutan is perfect for everyone—whether you're traveling solo, with family, friends or as a couple, YOLO. **Tour Highlights** * Visit one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks **Tiger's Nest Monastery**, perched on a cliff **3,120 meters** above sea level. * Visit to **Punakha Dzong** the "**Palace of Great Happiness**" is a magnificent fortress at the confluence of the **Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu** rivers. * Enjoy authentic dinner/ lunch with a local family at a farm house. * Hoisting of prayer flags at **Dochula pass (3100 m)** which offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including the **108 memorial chortens** (stupas) built in honour of Bhutanese soldiers. * Meditation at **Dochula Caves** and **Buddha Dordenma** (the highest Buddha statue in the world). **Trip Details:** **Dates-:** **Every Sunday.** **Only need 5 days leave.** 2 nights Thimpu, 2 nights Punakha & 2 nights Paro. **Group Size:** Limited to 15 dream travelers (min 4 to go). Private tour option also available. **Flight:** Only one direct Drukair flight goes from Singapore to Paro. There are connecting flights to Paro either from Bangkok or New Delhi. We will help you to book your flight. **Early Bird Price:** **SGD 2188** (SGD 500 deposits thereafter the price is **SGD 2388**). **Refund Policy:** The deposit is refundable within 3 days after the trip confirmation mail sent to you. After that, it becomes non-refundable. Full amount refunded if we don’t meet minimum no of pax. **Inclusions:** * 3 Star hotel accommodations on twin/double sharing basis. * All Meals-: Daily breakfast, lunch & dinner. * Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to the Government of Bhutan * Bhutan Visa Fee * Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide for your entire stay. * All ground transportation * All entrance fees * All internal taxes and charges. * Mineral Water while traveling. **Exclusions:** * International flights and personal travel insurance * Personal expenses (shopping, optional activities like spa, massage, archery, horse riding, porter etc). * Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, etc. * Single room supplement, Child or adult in triple sharing room. * Other meals during the trip (other than stated above). **Note-: There will be a surcharge fee if travel date falls in any Bhutan major festivals, X-Mas, New Year period (hotels increase their cost during this period).** **REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT:** **1.** RSVP NOW **2.** Transfer a small Deposit of **$500** to grab our **Early Bird Offer** to: **Dream Valley Pte Ltd via:** **A)** PAYNOW to UEN: **202413187D** **B)** Through ATM/Online to: Dream Valley - Current Acct: **11352440801** Bank Name: ANEXT Bank Pte. Ltd. Bank Code: 9742 Bank Industry Code: ANTPSGSGXXX **3.** Once you've transferred, WhatsApp **Vinny (Hp. 85062629)** your proof of payment. **(IMPT: INDICATE THE EVENT & YOUR MEETUP NAME).** Your slot is now confirmed and you'll be invited to the Trip Briefing/ Q & A Session once RSVP closes. **4.** This is a "First to transfer, first to Confirm" basis. The sooner we can confirm this Trip, the more everyone saves. **Disclaimer, Indemnity and Terms of Participation:** **PLEASE READ FOLLOWING LINKS FOR OUR T&C’s BEFORE YOU RSVP:** [https://dreamvalleydestination.com/terms-and-conditions/](https://dreamvalleydestination.com/terms-and-conditions/) [https://dreamvalleydestination.com/privacy-policy/](https://dreamvalleydestination.com/privacy-policy/) By participation on this trip, I agree to & accept **Dream Valley’s** terms and conditions. We reserve the right without prejudice to return payment at any time and not permit participation - without the obligation to explain or give any reason. This Trip is organized by **Dream Valley Pte Ltd** **(TA License: 03794).** **Stay Connected: Follow our latest trips and updates:** Check out this Linktree! - https://linktr.ee/Dreamvalleydestination?utm_source=linktree_profile_share [https://dreamvalleydestination.com](https://dreamvalleydestination.com)

Yup, that's right... We're kicking off a mission in 2026: to hunt down and give our own honest seal of approval to Singapore's Michelin hawker stalls! Inspired by that infamous Tik-Toker who went on a quest to "expose" all the Michelin hawkers, we figured, why not make up our own minds? See for ourselves if the food really lives up to the hype or not. So come join us on this adventure – kill two birds with one stone: eat damn shiok food, enjoy solid meals together, and build community along the way. Who's in? Shiok ah! 🚀🍲 **Details:** 📅 **Date**: 25th April 2026 🕝 **Time**: 12:00pm - 5:00 pm 📍 **Location**: TBA I've curated some stores for selection based on their availability. Make your selection below or make a suggestion of your own by leaving down comments on our social media page :D https://tinyurl.com/cvcbc98p ^^ Above is the link to the slido poll page to make your selection. Polling will start from April 11th 2026 to April 17th 2026

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Free Communal Garden Class Series GROWING MUSHROOMS In this class, we will discuss how to raise mushrooms on logs outdoors as a way to raise food in parts of your yard that are usually too shady to grow vegetables or other crops. We will discuss what mushroom species can be cultivated, what tree species they can grow on, and demonstrate how to prepare and inoculate the logs. By following these steps, you can have your own bountiful mushroom harvest! APRIL 27 | 6:00-7:30 PM | WELLS BARN 1851 E BROAD ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205 INSTRUCTOR: MARC AMANTE Mare Amante is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Central State University who is also currently serving as CSU Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Program Leader. He has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms across the Midwest and currently owns and operates an urban farm here in Ohio where he raises microgreens, vegetables, raspberries, and log-grown mushrooms for sale to local markets and restaurants. Registerefor free here https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/cg-growing-mushrooms/

This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday April 21 from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

Watch movie trailer here: https://www.seedsthefilm.com/ SEEDS Documentary and Community Conversation Friday, April 24 | 5-9pm Locatjon: Ohio Dominican University | Matesich Theater in Erskine Hall 1216 Sunbury Rd Room 108, Columbus, OH 43219 Through dialogue and film, spend an evening explore the lives of Black generational farmers, the unjust history of land ownership, and local Black farmers creating new legacies today. Seeds Documentary and Community Conversation is the second event in Shepherd’s Corner Land Justice Series, where we welcome BIPOC artists, filmmakers, writers, and growers to teach us, through intentional programming, what it means to be on and part of the land. This event is sponsored with Ohio Dominican University and Ohio Dominican University’s Black Student Union. Click here to access a flyer to help spread the word about SEEDS Documentary and Community Conversation **ABOUT Seeds** Seeds is Director Brittany Shyne’s Sundance-winning lyrical documentary of Black farmers, legacy, and land. “Interweaving the stories of three Black generational farmers to create a collective and intimate portrait of farming today, Seeds is a moving and powerful exploration of their lives, joys and struggles as well as the fragility of legacy and owning land.” Seedsthefilm.com **PANEL DISCUSSION: LOCAL BLACK FARMERS CREATING NEW LEGACIES** * Moderator Holly Moten Fidler, M.A. in Social Justice & Public Theology (MASJ/MAPT) student at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO) and Seminary Hill Farm worker * Julialynne Walker, Food Sovereignty Advocate and Market Manager Bronzeville Growers Market * Minister Aaron Hopkins, Visionary Farmer Planner of South Side Family Farms and Executive Director of ICANDO Community Development * Jada Terry, Founder of Mizizi Farm and Fresh Roots 614 SCHEDULE * 5 pm: Doors Open + Refreshments served. Informal Meet and Greet with Panelists and Guests * 6 pm: Opening + Panel Discussion * 7 pm: SEEDS Screening Free Admission. Registration Required. Register for free here: https://shepherdscorner.org/seeds/

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)